#what do i doooooo please someone tell me

[notefromunderground]

.

[avid-adoxography]

you and sturm sound SO cute together,, i've not had the thought until i came across your blog but YES ABSOLUTELY sturm deserves so much love from someone who cares about him for who he is..... (please use this as an invitation to talk about your relationship with him i am DYING to hear more <3)

Man I. I don't know what to say... I'm flabbergasted. So uhm... What does one even say in this occasion?? Is there a manual, do I just pour my heart out, help what do I doooooo *howling*

Anyway!! I guess I just. I love Sturm. SO SO MUCH!!!! He showed up on my doorstep by pure chance and demanded love! It started almost like a joke and now we're here! Where I go he follows!! I know the turmoils of his mind by listening to his engine shifting and turning! He knows the weight of my soul by the sound of my voice and the drag of my steps! We can't fix each other, but we can break our respective cycle of abuse! Our love needs no words to speak to us! We want each other in the way of flesh wanting to knit itself together over a wound!! There is so much love in this story. Even in its most brutal end. How? Where? Here: here in me telling it to you, in spite of everything. Because of everything.

Together we make the pain of living worth it.

[winterrose527]

Jon and Robb trying to get a drunk Sansa and Myrcella home

K I didn't write this today, but wrote it like years ago and never posted it I don't think? Maybe I did, but nevertheless, enjoy!

***

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Jon said for the seventeenth time since they’d gotten into the taxi. “What did she say exactly?”

Robb sighed and tried to recount the conversation. It was a little tricky to follow what Sansa was saying, she’d definitely had too much to drink.

“She said that they got in a fight and that Ella left her,” Robb told him.

“But they don’t fight,” Jon argued vehemently.

Seriously, it was as though someone had told him that the earth, after all this time, was indeed flat. Like somebody told him the sky was actually red. He said it like he needed a damn Vicodin due the prospect of Sansa Stark and Myrcella Baratheon arguing.

In Jon’s defense, it did seem a little strange. The two had been inseparable since boarding school, and to Robb’s knowledge had never actually had an argument. There was that one incident on Ella’s last birthday when they both got really drunk and started arguing about who loved the other more - it got really emotional, a few other people started crying as well. Not him, of course, it was just really smoky in there.

The point was that it really didn’t make any sense. Even if Sansa and Ella did have their first fight as the most iconic non-couple-couple, Ella would never leave Sansa at a bar. Especially when she’d been drinking. But on the off chance something calamitous had actually happened, he wasn’t going to not go.

And if something calamitous hadn’t happened, he and Jon were happy for the excuse to seek them out.

The taxi pulled up in front of the pub Sansa had called from. The girls loved this place because they deemed the bartender swoon worthy and he obviously loved them because he always gave them free drinks.

They walked in and immediately started scanning the bar for his sister and Ella. The place was packed, but Robb just looked for where Daario was stationed and sure enough he saw Sansa’s auburn hair.

He tapped Jon on the chest and pointed and they made their way through. Sansa was facing away from them so he called to her. It really was too loud in here though and she looked like she was hanging on whatever it was that Daario was saying.

When he finally got to her, he was, well, not all that surprised to see Ella Baratheon sitting on the barstool next to her.

“Robb?,” she asked in that moneyed voice of hers.

Her cheeks were a little flushed but that could just be the alcohol. She was wearing a black and gold dress that was fitted through the waist and then flared out, her slender legs covered in black tights. Her hair was up and it revealed that little freckle on her swanlike neck and - fuck.

“Hey El,” he cleared his throat, “Sansa what the hell?”

“You’re a poet and you didn’t even know it but I doooooo,” Sansa giggled. “Quick make something up about Ella’s eyes.”

“Huh?,” he wondered.

“Just a little ditty,” Sansa promised, as though it was nothing really, “Come now, Robbert don’t be stingy with your gifts. I really think that you should - oh hello Jon.”

“H-hey Sansa…,” Jon breathed out.

For fuck’s sake. He was going to need a drink to get through this. He gestured to the bartender who ignored him.

Ella bit her lip to hide her smile, “Hey Daario?”

“Yeah darlin’?,” Daario asked immediately, leaning his forearms on the bar.

“Could we please have two Wight Gold Labels neat whenever you get a chance?,” she asked.

Daario glared at him which Robb felt wasn’t entirely called for and nodded, “Sure thing. And how about another martini, on me?”

Ella blushed and nodded, “Thanks.”

Jon muttered something about that being a terrible business model and Robb fought the urge to grin.

“So,” Ella asked, “Why are you guys here? You hate this place.”

“Sansa,” Robb noted, “Care to field this one?”

Sansa looked over at him and furrowed her brow, “Robb? When did you get here?”

They all turned to look at her in horror. Oh no. He had only seen that vacant look in her eyes once, the night of her college graduation.

“Daario cancel those please!,” Ella called, sliding off her bar stool and she took Sansa’s face gently between her hands. “Sansa, sweetie, did you take some shots without me?”

“I would never!,” Sansa argued vehemently taking Ella’s cheeks in her own, “Where I drinketh you drinketh babygirl. I only had like two tequilas and then some green thing.”

“Did that green thing taste like licorice?,” Jon asked.

Sansa turned and all but fluttered her eyelashes at him, “You’re so smart. Did you know that?,” and then as though she realised she had Ella’s face still in her hands turned back to her and said, “You’re smarter though. And you’re so pretty. You’re the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world, I’m so lucky we’re friends.”

“Trust me, I’m the lucky one,” Ella told her sweetly, “But now we have to go.”

“But Robb and Jon just got here!,” Sansa protested, then turned to look at him with watery eyes, “You came for me.”

Absinthe always made Sansa particularly grateful for everyone in her life. As far as drunks went it was one of the cutest he’d ever seen. And as a devoted big brother, who had had a couple of drinks himself, he was a complete sucker for it.

“Of course I did,” he told her, “I’d always come for you, you know that.”

“Keep it together Robb,” Jon told him.

“What?,” Robb asked then nodded, his cheeks warming, “Right yeah no um… Sansa you called me and told me that you and Ella got in a fight and she left you.”

“I would never do that,” Ella argued.

“But you did! Remember?”

“N-Sansa that was not an argument! I just told you that I liked Mr. Bingley more than Mr. Darcy and then went outside to take a phone call…”

“You were gone for a really long time.”

Ella picked up her phone and showed them all the call. It was with her brother Gendry and it lasted for… 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

“Sansa,” he chuckled.

“Look Robb maybe you just don’t understand the importance that Pride & Prejudice has had for GENERATIONS of women,” she noted.

“Well considering you made me read it I think I do fully understand,” he argued.

“Yeah,” Jon piped up, who had also been bullied into it, “I mean… I’m with you though Sansa. Mr. Darcy all the way.”

“Really?,” Sansa asked excitedly.

Jon nodded, “But um, I’m really just a sucker for Elizabeth…”

Sansa blushed. Jon might not know it but Sansa had always identified with Elizabeth Bennett. Though from the way he was blushing too, maybe he did. Especially considering Jon was exactly as brooding and aloof as Mr. Darcy.

“Sansa,” Ella said gently, “I think we should go.”

Sansa looked back at her, “Okay Jane.”

Ella giggled, “Sansa!”

“But you’re the prettiest girl in the county!,” Sansa cooed at her. “Tell her - tell her she’s the prettiest girl in the whoooooole country.”

“I thought it was county,” Ella protested.

“Dream big, baby!,” Sansa said and Ella giggled. “Robb tell her.”

“Sansa,” he sighed.

“Useless,” Sansa rolled her eyes and then turned to Jon, “You tell her.”

Jon nodded, “Top Two at least, in the whole world.”

“Top Two?,” Sansa raged, “Top TWO!? Take it back.”

“No,” Jon said.

Sansa took Ella’s chin in her hand and tugged it forward, not exactly gently, “Look at her.”

“Ow.”

“She’s the prettiest girl in the world, okay Dovey?,” he asked, both to appease Sansa and because he’d never get another organic opportunity to say it.

Sansa nodded brightly and Ella took the opportunity to ease her off of her bar stool. Unfortunately Sansa was in heels and landed on them wrong and fell directly into the arms of Jon Snow.

“Woooah, there,” Jon said softly, his arm wrapping around Sansa’s waist.

He chuckled lightly at her and brushed some hair out of her face.

“I’m sorry, Jon,” Sansa said sadly.

“You just had a bit too much fun, that’s all. Nothing to apologise for. Did you have a coat?”

“Here you go,” Ella said, handing it to him.

Jon wrapped her coat around her shoulders and Sansa pushed her arms through the sleeves.

“Can you walk?,” he asked her, his hands on her waist keeping her upright.

“If I say yes will you still hold onto me?,” Sansa asked flirtatiously, her hands on his shoulders.

Robb grimaced and looked away. He was alright with it, the two of them, but he wasn’t sure he needed to see it. He looked over at Ella who was pulling on her own coat trying to hide her grin.

“Course I will,” Jon said gruffly and started leading her out.

“You have everything?,” he asked Ella.

She nodded and he gestured for her to walk in front of him. It was a mistake. With Jon leading Sansa out everyone gave them a wide berth, but the bar was crowded and guys kept getting in Ella’s way to hit on her.

Finally he sighed and placed his hand on the small of her back, “Hope you don’t mind, but at this rate it could take hours getting out of here. Prettiest girl in the county and all.”

She looked up at him and chuckled, “I don’t mind.”

Her eyes smiled into his and he felt that warm molasses spread through his veins like he always did when she was nearby.

Sansa had it right when he called her Jane Bennet. On top of being beautiful and blonde, Ella was sweet, the sweetest person he’d ever met, and charming and loyal.

He’d always had a crush on Jane Bennett.

They stepped out into the cool fall air.

“We’ll never get a taxi here,” Ella said, “We should walk around to the Kingsroad.”

“Alright then,” Jon said and swooped Sansa up into his arms.

She giggled and cooed, “Jon Snowwwww what are you doing??”

“There’s no way you were making it to the Kingsroad.”

Sansa wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder, “Once more ‘round the park, Chauncy.”

Ella giggled and started leading the way so he fell into step beside her.

“Sorry we ruined your night,” she sighed, “I had no idea Sansa would call you. If you guys just put us in a taxi I’ll get her home and into bed.”

The girls shared a flat in the same cozy little hamlet across town where he and Jon lived. His father had only approved of it due to the proximity to his and Jon’s places, it was dead in between them, three blocks on either side.

“You could never ruin my night, you know that,” he said. At least… he hoped she knew that. “Don’t you?”

She looked up at him and he didn’t think he imagined her blush. But she playfully nudged her arm against his and said, “I know you’re too kind to tell me if we had.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes more. Jon had passed them, and Sansa was stroking his hair as he carried her up to the main street. He couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but he heard their quiet tones and hushed laughter, like everything between them was a wonderful secret.

“So Mr. Bingley, huh?,” he asked Ella.

“Does that surprise you?,” she wondered, “I’m not one much for broods. Except Jon.”

“No it’s just that… he reminds me of Grey Wind,” Robb shrugged, “He’s a dopey labrador.”

“Take that back,” Ella chided, “Grey Wind is not dopey.”

Robb chuckled and nodded in apology.

“And neither is Charles,” Ella went on.

“Charles?,” he teased, “You’re on a first name basis now?”

She giggled his favorite giggle. The surprised one, as though the laughter couldn’t help bubble out of her before she’d allowed it to.

“Oh things are very serious between us,” she joked, “But really I guess I’m just a fool for a fool in lo—ohhoww.”

Out of nowhere Ella had stumbled, and he was nearly bent over completely as he narrowly caught her from smacking onto the road.

“By the gods,” he said, pulling her back up, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Ella nodded and then her face fell, “No.”

He didn’t dare let go, and in truth he had no desire to. “Did you have too much absinthe too?,” he teased, trying to get her to smile.

She shook her head, “No it’s just these damn heels Sansa made me wear.”

He looked down and was surprised she hadn’t fallen earlier. The heels were as slim as needles, which was really sexy but definitely not appropriate for the cobblestone they found themselves on.

“Do you think you sprained it?,” he asked in concern.

“No I don’t think so,” she said holding onto him and trying to put her weight on it, “I think I’ll be okay.”

“Think, hmm?,” he asked, because he still hadn’t gotten her smile. He scooped her up into his arms, “Not good enough.”

She let out a giggle now, “Robb!”

“Those heels are more of a weapon than they are actual footwear,” he reasoned, trying not to think about how good she felt.

“I’m too heavy,” she said stupidly.

“Ha! You’re cute,” he guffawed as he started walking. She really did feel weightless in his arms, the warmth she was transferring to his body was the only confirmation that she was actually there. “I could carry you all the way back to your apartment.”

“You’re good at it, you know,” she told him.

“At what?,” he wondered. It didn’t take a particular set of skills to hold her and walk.

“The whole Knight in Shining Armour thing,” she explained. “It suits you, always has.”

“Well you’re welcome to my services anytime,” he told her then added, “Though you’ve never struck me as the kind of girl that needed saving.”

“Really?,” she grinned, “That’s so sweet. And present reality excluded, I’m not. It’s nice to know though, that if I ever did that well, that maybe -“

“Not maybe,” he told her in a serious tone. Holding her was so intimate, that he immediately understood the soft way Jon and Sansa were speaking. It felt like they were in their own little bubble, and for whatever reason it demanded honesty. “You have to know that.”

She placed her hands on his shoulders, propping herself up and she nodded. She let her forehead fall against his temple, “I do. Promise.”

He tightened his grip on her and fought the urge to nuzzle against her. Her arms went around his neck though and she laid her cheek on his shoulder.

“How’s that ankle?,” he asked her.

“Hmm?,” she asked dreamily, and then giggled, “Oh, oh it’s fine. You can put me down if you want.”

“We shouldn’t risk it,” he said stupidly and he could swear he felt her smile against him.

She wrapped her arms around him tighter and he felt her cold nose against his neck. He rubbed her arm because the coat she was wearing wasn’t nearly warm enough for the evening.

All of a sudden she started giggling, it tickled his neck.

“What’s so funny?,” he wondered.

“Does your mom still do your laundry?,” she asked.

He blushed and argued, “No! No of course not.”

Which was the truth. Except when he went home to Winterfell. But it wasn’t like he asked her to.

“Why do you ask?,” he wondered.

“You smell like the laundry detergent she uses,” she explained.

“Oh! Sorry,” he said.

She lifted her head off of him and smiled, “Don’t be sorry. You smell nice. Like home.”

Her eyes went wide like she couldn’t quite believe she had said that, and he certainly couldn’t believe that she’d said it either.

He didn’t know what to say. A thousand different possibilities raced through his mind. He could tell her that he liked the way she smelled too. Or that he loved that she associated Winterfell with home. He could tell her he wanted to make love to her on a pile of clean laundry. All of it would have been true, but he didn’t say any of it.

Instead he just stared at her, and she stared back.

The air got really thick around them and the edges of his vision took on a kind of shimmery quality and her green eyes were locked on his, her soft pink lips parted in an o of surprise.

He started leaning closer and he was pretty sure that she did too.

“Robby we got a taxi!,” Sansa called delightedly and he and Ella sprung apart as far as they were able considering that he was still holding her.

“We should um go,” he said.

“Yeah…we should,” Ella agreed. Then prompted, “But only one of us can walk right now so…”

“Oh! Oh right,” he nodded and started speed walking over to the taxi.

He deposited her into the backseat next to Sansa and then followed her in.

“Where to?,” the driver asked.

“Winterfell!,” Sansa cried.

“Dovey no,” Robb argued, “It’s the middle of the night and it’s a half hour outside the city…”

“Come on, Robb, they’ll be so happy to see us! Dad will make us pancakes in the morning and we can spend the rest of the weekend out there with the kids,” Sansa pleaded.

Jon turned around from the front seat, “It does sound kind of nice…,” though he was pretty sure Jon would have agreed to anything Sansa wanted in that moment, “And Rickon wanted us to look over that history essay anyway.”

He looked at Ella who very pointedly did not look at him, a small smile threatening her lips.

“Alright,” he sighed, “Let’s go home.”

[shraqsmuses]

M!A: Junko's weight shifts into her boobs.

"Hmm. They should be growing any time now. Don't tell me there's a way to circumvent my intervention. 297, 298, 299... Hmph. So much for a bombastic end. I guess I'm just gonna go back to being all sap-"

"WHOOOOOSH! LOOK OUT, LITTLE WITCHY! THE ZEPPELIN'S GONNA CRAAAASH!"

"What zeppe... Oh no."

Before I-No could look back, Junko's engorged, pale mammaries rammed right into her back, slamming her down to the floor and lifting her thin body in the air while her chest hung underneath her. Every single movement was met with a rocking motion, plunging her limbs further into her flesh before her nose dove right into it.

"Geez, I-No! There are better ways to tell me how much you love my breasts, you pervert!

"RRRGH, GHHHHGH, RAAAAGH! GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU PATHETIC RUNT!"

"But I can't! My milk bags are so huge and sloshy that I practically need someone to carry them around. If you wanted to be that someone, you should've just told me earlier but since you didn't, I guess I'm just gonna stay here and give you exactly what you want! Harumph!"

"GET OFF, GET OFF, GET. OFF! I'm gonna DIG my way outta here if you don't roll over to the side RIGHT now, you brainless imbecile!"

I-No's fingernails scratched through Junko's blubber, merely leaving an indented line across it before it plopped right back on her face. When her jittery hands came across two bloated bumps on Junko's chest, her fingernails squeezed them hard enough to elicit a yelp out of Junko's blushing cheeks before tears streamed down her eyes.

"Oh dear... I really wanna get off of you but all of your yelling and thrashing is scaring me. Even then, I'm too afraid to let you out because I'm afraid of what you might do to me if you do get out. Oh, what should I do, what should I doooooo?"

"Huff, huff, huff... Hrmph. Junko, as much as I know that you did this with the intent to get a 'funny reaction' out of me, once I get out of here, I'm not gonna hold this against you. This is just supposed to be a... 'Joke,' after all and I like to think that my sense of humour is large enough to find this funny. In hindsight, at least. With all of that said... Can you PLEASE... Get me out of here now?"

"Uuuuummmmmm...

"HECK YEAH, I'm gonna get you outta there!"

With a single roll, Junko's breasts rolled across the ground and hoisted themselves into the air, jiggling with the plastered body of the frail witch. Her body now sinking to the bottom of her cleavage, she scurried out of her lardy mountains until a thick tongue poked the tip of her nose.

"Gyahahahaha! How was it? Do you wanna barf all over my face right now?!"

"Guuuuhhhuhuh... I think I'm gonna just pass on that. I don't wanna vomit on the face of someone I actually care about."

"Pfffft! Laaaaaame! Go back to your wifey or whatever! Just know that you're gonna miss out on gettin' to play with a rocking pair of honkers!"

"Eh. That's fine. I like to think I'm more of a belly person anyway."

[savage-rhi]

Please give us more cute Higgs and Gene drabbles. Maybe one where they get drunk and cuddle. Thank you ♥️

 Alright, you asked for it darling :D Here’s more SOA bullshit coming right at ya!

Gene and Higgs had a lot to celebrate about. They escaped Homo Demens after leading them in a circle, got a revenge shot on MULEs that chased them down river and caused the two to nearly drown, and they scored a bunch of alcohol by raiding a camp that belonged to some Trackers–the equivalent of bounty hunters in their time. Some of the brands neither of them could pronounce, but it looked and smelled good enough to consume. 

Gene seldom drank unlike Higgs, and she forewarned they needed to take things easy, but two bottles of whiskey and three and a half bottles of wine later shared between them both, Gene was just as messed up as Higgs. They both swayed, bumping into each other while carrying scraps to their camp. At some point on the trip back, they started singing to keep themselves entertained. 

“This is ground control to major Tommmm, you’ve really made the graaaadeeeeee and the papers–pap–shut up– want to know whose shirts-shits–hehheh- you wear now–now-its the time–time to leave the cap-capsule if you dareeeeee.” They both sang in unison, correcting each other with their fingers and shushing one another between laughs when they started to screw up the lyrics. 

“Nah, it’s more like–like–this is major Tom to ground controllllllll I’m stepping through the dooorrrrr–” Higgs began and then Gene started nodding like an idiot and continued as she pointed at him. 

“And I’m floating in a most peculiar wayyyyy–”

“And the stars are looking very different–”

“Todaaaaaayyyyyyy!” They both exclaimed loudly, not caring if they were disturbing anyone nearby. It was probably stupid given they had so many enemies trying to find them to snatch up the BT plague Gene was on delivery for, but after a long time of running into one bad group after the next, it was nice to feel numb for a while. 

Higgs and Gene both continued to stumble over the lyrics, eventually skipping over a portion that their brains couldn’t make out to save their lives and once more were in sync with each other. 

“Planet Earth is blueeeee and there’s nothing I can doooooo–”

“Shut up!” A masculine voice called out in the dark as Gene and Higgs made it to their camp, seeing the fire was still going. Gene nearly jumped into Higgs’s arms as they both looked around rapidly like meerkats watching out for predators. 

“Gene, I think it’s a ghost…” Higgs whispered harshly as Gene held onto him and then cackled. 

“I’mma tell that ghost to shut up.”

“Gene–”

“Hey asshole, you shut up!” Gene yelled loudly, and Higgs shushed Gene and covered her mouth. It was hard to keep her laughter down along with his as they giggled. 

“It’s 3am! Fucking drunks!” The voice grumbled from afar. The logical part of Higgs’s brain that wasn’t entirely screwed up knew it had to have been a loner. Someone traveling much like they were. Higgs somewhat missed the days when BTs were all over the world and he didn’t have to bump into people. It was so strange how uncommon it used to be, now people were flourishing once again. 

“Alright, alright, we had our fun we better turn in before the fucking ghost man gets pissed at us.” Higgs said with a tired chuckle, leading Gene to their sleeping area with his hand still covering her mouth. She was muffling something against his palm, but Higgs ignored it as he sat down the material they collected, tossing some of it to the fire pit. Eventually, Gene was able to pry off Higgs’s fingers and let out a gasp. 

“Jesus I couldn’t breathe!” Gene said with a gasp as Higgs made a lame attempt at laughing. It came out in small bursts which got Gene giggling up a storm. 

“I don’t know why that’s funny but that’s funny.” Gene said as Higgs fell backwards, collapsing onto the sleeping mat. His eyes closed for a second as he licked his chapped lips and stared up at the stars.

“Hey, c’mere.” He said softly to Gene, gesturing with his hand for her to follow his lead. Gene crossed her arms over chest and fell backwards, making Higgs’s body jump up from the mat. 

“The fuck were you trying to do?” Higgs chuckled as Gene snickered. 

“I was trying to vampire myself like Dracula.” 

“Jesus you’re so weird when you’re drunk.” Higgs mused as Gene looked over at him. 

“Fuck youuuuu.” 

Higgs suddenly reached over and grabbed Gene. The two of them laughing hard as they started play fighting until Higgs overpowered Gene and pulled her to him. She squirmed, trying to break free but Higgs held her close in a cuddle. There were some curses thrown here and there, but as the alcohol started to make them both feel drowsy, they began to settle. 

Both their heads were pressed up against the others on the mat, Higgs holding Gene in his arms as they started looking for constellations and making up their own drunken stories behind each one. They both lost track of time, getting caught up in their own fun. 

“Higgs?”

“Hm?”

“After I make the delivery–what do you want to do next?” Gene asked, and Higgs sighed and shrugged. Truth be told, it was something that weighed heavily on his mind. He had been enjoying the trip with her so much he didn’t want to picture the ending. 

“I dunno. We can go wherever you want.” Higgs said gently as Gene smirked, keeping her eyes on the sky before pointing up at the moon. 

“Can we go up there?” She asked drunkenly as Higgs snorted. He found her question endearing and childlike. 

“That’s cute, but no. We can go up North like you want.” Higgs offered as Gene turned her head. They were both staring at each other, inches apart and able to smell the alcohol on each others breaths. Gene smiled as her forehead pressed against Higgs’s. 

“What would we do?” Gene asked as Higgs shrugged and smiled big. 

“Go swimming on an actual beach, none of that undead crap. Drink a lot of cheap beer. Share smokes. Pretty much what we’re doin’ but more epic. Just the two of us. No other people. No bullshit.”

Higgs said as he watched Gene’s mouth form into a grin, peering into his eyes like he was saying the most beautiful words she had heard in life. Higgs couldn’t help but mirror her actions as Gene started to speak up.

“You promise?” 

“Hmm hmm. Would I lie to you?” Higgs asked as Gene closed her eyes and sighed. 

“You have before.” 

“Only because I like teasing the hell outta you.” 

They both chuckled, and Higgs nuzzled his forehead back against Gene’s. He could feel his eyes wanting to drift off before Gene said something that nearly blew him wide awake. 

“I really want to kiss you right now.” Gene said quietly as Higgs could feel his head hurt trying to process it. He swallowed nervously. 

“Darlin’, you had too much to drink. You don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.” 

Before he could adjust or say anything further, Gene’s lips were on his. Higgs’s eyes went wide, heart thudding in his chest until her mouth sloppily moved downwards on his chin and she passed out. Higgs blinked a few times, wiping away Gene’s drool from his face as he sighed and readjusted. He was too tired and didn’t have the heart to move her fully away from him, so Higgs settled for them cuddled up together. He pulled the blanket nearby over them both and looked back up at the sky, getting lost in the stars as he drifted to sleep.

As much as he liked it, Higgs hoped that Gene would forget about what happened. 

**A link to my ko-fi account. If you enjoy my content and want to support me getting my monthly medication for fibromyalgia and arthritis, I would be eternally grateful. It is NOT a requirement however! All my work is free to read!**

[forgottenkanji]

Got tagged by the fantastic @thestarfishdancer. Thank you!

1) Have you had a good day so far?

Yes! I got to go to the farmer’s market, which was lovely, and it’s overall been pretty chill.

2) What’s something you wish you could tell your younger self?

Keep up the dance/piano/etc lessons. They’re hard, but they’ll teach you how to learn more than classes will and give you some good skills.

3) If you could share one song with someone for them to understand you, what would it be?

I have absolutely no idea.

4) Do you have a song people wouldn’t expect you to like, but you do?

Not to my knowledge? I honestly like tons of different kinds of music so.

5) Describe your go-to pair of shoes.

TBH depends on the weather/situation. I have some comfy sandles for summer, mukluks for winter, black danskos for work, and a pair of sneakers and workboots for most of the rest of the time.

6) Do you have pictures/posters in your room? What of?

I think I might have a picture of my PA class at our White Coat ceremony, but mostly I have knickknacks more than posters/picture.

7) Fave software?

YNAB. I use it for my budgeting and its great. Otherwise, I don’t have a lot of specific software I think about (other than internet browsers/word/etc)

8) Do you own nail polish/what’s your favourite color?

I doooooo! I don’t get to wear it much ‘cause work, but I love deep colors and shimmery ones.

9) Do/can you lucid dream?

Nope

10) Summer or winter?

Neither. I prefer fall or spring, but if it came down to it, I’d probably pick winter (especially where I currently live as its so mild compared to MN)

11) If you could re-live a day in your life, would you? When?

Maybe? It would be hard to pick one because I am indecisive as hell, but it might be fun to re-live a day when I was much younger just to see what it was like compared to how I remember it.

12) Favourite historical era?

I mean, I was super into ancient Greece and ancient Egypt as a kid, does that count?

13) Common misunderstanding people seem to have about you?

I’m not sure. Maybe that I’m more put together than I really am? But honestly, I can’t think of something anyone has actually told me like this so idk.

Not tagging anyone, but please play if it looks fun!!

[wellntruly]

Babylon Berlin, Second Pass: Episode 11 [S2, Ep 3]

Hey you guys ever seen Wings (1927)

Fantastik.

Anyway series-wide spoilers and also ~dream analysis~ ahead, warning for.....both

Notizen 11

well Silver you should be sweating, because you’re going about this all wrong! a flashlight? nothing looks more suspicious than seeing a flashlight beam playing around in an otherwise dark building at night, just turn on a light buddy, it’s your own embassy. have a cover story ready and you’re fine. gosh does no one know how to sneak in this show!

okay you also can’t just take the whole files, as soon as someone looks for them you’re sunk. take PHOTOS and have your trusted chemist develop them. and you call yourself a shady diplomat...smh

Gereon’s entire relationship with streetwalkers is him just wishing, praying he could wear a big blinking sign that says OBVI.COP

is the boy literally offering makeouts as price tier one? do people go for that? I’d try to check the German subtitles through a dictionary but this had all better be dirty slang I won’t find because the English is insaaaaane. “peeling the banana” that sounds terrible!

lol all the lads just flocking around him like the Finding Nemo seagulls. “Mine!” “Mine!” “Mine mine!”

okay but a kind German-speaker please tell me what “seht zu, dass ihr land gewinnt” means, this HAS to be a pun or an idiom and please let it be as hilariously dorky as “make like a tree and leaf” because GOOD LORD

meanwhile, Benda, across town:

“oh my god— what if Gereon gets swarmed by male prostitutes. why didn’t I prepare for that.”

Gereon haaaates the ‘one hand is washed by the other’/‘I give so you give’ thing. Gereon doesn’t wanna give shit. his grumpy dislike of the political exchange trade is such a consistent and increasingly presh character trait.

love Lotte as one of this job’s operators. just love it. “Off we go, get out gentlemen.”

man why did they over-Anglicize the word order on that, “In Lipetsk there is” woulda been more true to the German AND sounds amazing in English

hey does the Black Reichswehr find out that the Soviet embassy betrayed them? I don’t recall

AH “loudspeaker” is a calque, I can tell just by looking at this label!

really unlike me not to have capped Tousled Headphones Gereon the first time round, I’ll make up for that

“traumatized front soldiers” combined with the light on the nape of his neck…. I feel that

absolutely wild. the Armenian tells you to listen to a radio program and it’s someone extolling the benefits of therapy. ABSOLUTELY WILD.

hell I just loooooove that last time I was trying to push all this into shape as the spectacularly avant-garde way Gangland is choosing to threaten Gereon, because what other interpretation would I come up with, that in truth Edgar is really just trying to steer Gereon into an experimental trauma treatment at the behest of his long-lost brother now living as a physician slash hypnotherapist in Weimar Berlin? L o l. but it’s so great that both I *and* Gereon were reflexively responding to it as some mysterious assault we don’t quite understand, because there is something perfect about people being like “hey: healthcare!” and Gereon just flailing away like “NYYAAAAA!”

Anxious pharmacist: “I feel a bit queer, is all.” Gereon: “Get well soon.” Pharmacist, sincere: “Yes, you too.” awww? gosh he’s so worried about his little Saint Gereon

Gereon is really frustrated when there aren’t consequences for crimes. doooooo we think this is a fixation linked to his buried guilt over not having faced consequences for what he’s done? we do! when Gereon breaks down at the end of Episode 16 it’s partly in relief.

Benda: [looks at Gereon] Gereon: “I’LL DO IT.” Everyone: “do what?” Benda: “fly to Moscow” Gereon: “--wait I’ll what”

Benda sends his boys into great danger, my word, doesn’t he just. I mean that’s a fascinating relationship I am OBSESSED with, because that’s a spy running a network of agents. selecting someone with promise, training them, developing a relationship with them, and all to risk their skin. your favorites, the best, are the ones you’ll have to endanger the most. what that does to a person. what kind of relationship that makes. I love it.

anyway August Benda is wearing two different sets of stripes and a plaid tie and he looks great.

wait I hadn’t noticed that Benda’s typist is Charlotte’s friend! her name is Doris and she calls her Lottchen! 💖

Lotte helps Doris because of course she does, Doris is in need and Lotte's all about that network of help, a middle finger to the fuckery of the world

Gräf, exasperated: “What does it say on the door?” Gräf, seeing it’s Gereon: “Oh.”

I just await with bated breath the adorable relationship development SURELY coming where the Inspector from Cologne *doesn't* destroy his photos and they're just like eeeyyy :)

he closes the door quickly like he’s hoping that will help, oh hun, it will not

noooo, Gräf was supposed to get breakfast with Stefan today noooooo :(( they were work friends I forgot :( :(

in a different show Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” starts playing very loudly over the end of this scene

how Lotte feels when people don’t listen to her

incidentally, also how I feel about the child Moritz

period-typical corporeal punishment, ✓

Helga is having THE BEST TIME in the capital!

@memory-for-trifles: oh Helga. I feel like she’s like one of those divorced gals who got married young and locked into a lot of responsibility that all of a sudden lets up in their 30s or whatever and they go on a bit of a second teenagerhood and sow the wild oats that were left unsown then. I think she’s really embracing the “everything once in Berlin” ethos. wellntruly: Omg yes, Helga at the shopping mall with Emmi, dragging her Weimar Claire’s

Moritz just passed Gereon a board of sausage and Grinch-smiled like he was hoping that would get him back in Gereon’s good graces. GOOD LUCK KID.

memory-for-trifles: “Has it gotten worse?” “No, just different” SureJan.gif wellntruly: “differently....worse”

I’m still EXTREMELY NOT OVER Gereon looking at the dark factory where Stefan last drew a terrified breath, and hearing his name being calling him for help. how dare!!!!

uuugh his pained tight swallow as he tries to push it all away again, leaning his forehead against Helga’s, hhhhhhhng

hey hey I have for you now some eerie ~parallels~ gifs for this nightmare moment made by @scatterbraineileen!!

YEAH, RIGHT?

Gereon my grim foolhardy butterfly maybe you shouldn’t have taken so much of the pharmacy grade barbiturates before bed, huh?

fascinating that his encounter with Saint Josef does start to come back to him when he’s on the drugs again. y’know your brain has better recall for things you’ve learned when you’re in the same environment as where you were taught it. like underwater, or, incidentally, on a bit of a substance. it doesn’t work if you’re like, blitzed, mind, which is why something else is going on here, probably some TELEVISION is going on I imagine, but there was once a basis in cognitive reality in there somewhere.

fucking NOPE. this startled the living daylights out of me the first time I saw it, and the second time! has the unsettling stark iconography of a creepy dream

memory-for-trifles: Uhhhhhh hey Moritz wtf? memory-for-trifles: Like did he just happen upon this kid’s weird midnight goings-on, or is [the child] Moritz afraid he’s going to hurt them? wellntruly: I definitely read it as the child Moritz just sneaks out at night to fondle large rifles and imagine himself shooting Frenchmen or whatever like His Noble Father SLASH of course function as a great honking metaphor for greater German male society as well as Gereon's own immediate family's disappointment and antipathy toward the "weak" and shellshocked yada yada yada. And he can take a flying leap about both!!!!

“The most modern thing in the air today.” Christ.

he just takes their parachutes away when he finds out they’ve never flown before, like “well there’s no way you’ll figure these out, so let’s just hope we stay in the air ja.” comforting.

Gereon and Benda holding trusting eye contact for a moment, god you two got way too attached to each other too quickly, oh no it hurts Gereon: “sacrifice me, dad!” Benda: “no my son, you are strong and will survive; I believe in you” Gereon: [tear]

moment to highlight German Interwar Pilot Beto O’Rourke by the way

I wanna give the sound editor some props for these plane noises. that sound like an old metal fan, yeah yeah

“it happens.” IT HAPPENS.

y’know I can’t beLIEVE they didn’t give Gereon and Gräf some shearling flight jackets though, for reasons of warmth and also to personally victimize me with the #look. I would have died!

Benda and the Minister (of what? we don’t remember) is a relationship that interests me, interesting sort of loyalty and trusted service and cozy cahoots

I so enjoy the history intrigue plots, that’s my kinda TONE. the tone of Foreshadowing For Neerrds

what language is Benda’s little proverb in that sounds sorta like German and yet the Minister translates it for us…… AHH IT’S YIDDISH!!! help

and the Minister’s wife is Jewish too, then

okaaaAYY, can’t wait to bore everyone including myself attempting to figure out what the fuck we even learn from Gereon’s loopy hypothermia-tinged reminiscing daymares!!! I do appreciate how confusing this dreamscape is because my dreams also have this everything-happening-simultaneously attitude toward time and a lot of weird dual perspective where you are the actor but you’re also watching yourself, but also this is infuriating when you’re just trying to figure out what hAPPENED. gahd.

ALRIGHT, so first we see Gereon in his flight suit watching young Gereon through the window, as his father gets a shave and talks about how men are not created equal, so for instance he shouldn’t strive for the same things as his brother, who is suited for leadership. this seems like a plausible belief system for Gereon’s mean old dad, and that he would have imparted it to his son. I chalk this memory-dream up as The Most Straightforward of the sequence.

and to spin this out a bit, because we’re here—appears Herr Rath is REAL into biological determinism and doing your duty to fulfill the role that is set out for you, which interestingly seems to have resulted in a kid who starts to slide into self-abnegation in his dedication to his position (“I work for the police”), just a broken machine who will do his best in his task at whatever cost to himself, while simultaneously saying “fuck that” to the strictures of a pre-set caste system for the people around him. as if this is the subtle way he rebels against his father’s idea, too late for him but not for others. so it’s 1929 and he’s using his role in the structure to elevate a queer man in the force, help a woman develop a career, throw his whole tiny body behind wherever his Jewish boss is going. how d’you like me now dad, following the letter but not the spirit of the law.

aaannnnd so now the next sequence, possibly raising more questions than it answers about the Anno/Helga/Gereon/[Moritz] timeline, woooooo (whhyyyy)

let’s start with what we know so far---hold on let me pull down a metaphorical chalkboard---

1. Moritz, comma The child known as, is 12 years old and believed by all & sundry to be Anno and Helga’s kid. it is May 1929, so Moritz was probably born in the first half of 1917. the Raths are of Cologne *society* and Catholic---they were married.

2. when Anno narrates Gereon’s life to him in the hypnosis session, he initially orients Gereon in “the summer before you were drafted,” and continues “There is the woman you love, but something keeps you apart from her,” as we see Helga marrying Anno (the ‘something’). for a 1917 birth, a summer 1916 wedding seems real plausible, especially as....

3. Gereon tells Bruno he joined the war in the latter part, following his brother to the defensive Siegfried Line, which was set up in: the winter of 1916, natch.

4. in a confession booth in 1929, Gereon tells a priest he loves his (missing) brother’s wife, and that for “over ten years now” they’ve been acting on that. this would put the affair beginning around 1919, after Anno was lost in the war; makes sense.

so thus far this had all tracked. NOW let’s throw in some new ambiguous information!!!

continuing on into another surreal, distressing mind journey in the cold, plane-jostled head of our dozing strung out Younger Rath, we see:

Gereon Prime watching another Gereon kissing Helga, asking why she left him. (me when I first watched this, yanking my chalkboard back down and frantically scanning it: “wait what?”)

at last Helga tells him, calmly, that she has fallen in love with his brother.

Other Gereon: “And now?” Gereon Prime, like he’s filling in commentary: “You have to make up your mind.”

she has made up her mind, Helga says, and steps away, suddenly very pregnant, drifting backward through all the dreamy curtains to a tall shadow of man in uniform—Anno

so, how to parse THIS

well for starters it definitely seems like a lot of things are layered together here, in the nature of dreams, Signs & Symbols and all that. something very terrible happened while Gereon and his brother were in uniform so of course they’d be in uniform when he dreams about Anno, everything’s gonna be tied up in that now. (plus it’s a convenient visual shorthand to distinguish them as figures in the “past” for your audience.) and I feel like Helga being pregnant has less to do with casting doubt on Moritz’s true parentage* and more that her pregnancy represents the full idea of a normal domestic life, the wife & kids etc, that his brother will get to have with her and he will not, so when she leaves she’s taking the promise of family with her as well.

*Moritz being Gereon’s would require one of two realities, both of which I find unlikely. 1) that in 1916 Helga up and switched brothers while already pregnant and had a shot-gun wedding that lasted just a few months but somehow no one doubts the kid is Anno’s, or 2) that she was secretly seeing/having an affair with Gereon while already with Anno, but that doesn’t follow from the sense of abandonment of her walking away, or him asking why she’s leaving so she’ll admit she’s in love with his brother. it would also require Gereon to have lied to the priest in confession, which, I am not Catholic, but I get the impression that kinda negates the point of that practice. and it took so long for him to get it out, I feel like we were meant to believe that was, if you’ll forgive me, god’s honest truth.

so INSTEAD, here’s the best story I’ve come up with based on everything we’ve seen: Helga met the Rath boys several years before the war, maybe even quite a bit who knows, and was either only dating Gereon OR flirting and dallying around with both of them at first (I’m actually leaning this way, don’t know why), but decided the one she was in love with and wanted to settle down with was Anno, the golden boy whom everyone loves best. so she left Gereon for good to be with Anno, marry him and have his children, while Gereon helplessly continued to love her from afar. this seems to fit the way Anno describes Gereon’s relationship to him and Helga, that Gereon feels he is kept apart from Helga by Anno, without whom she would still be with Gereon. and then, the war, and the possibility of a world without Anno after all..... this would then allow the ten years of indecent behavior to be true, a year or so of Helga mourning Anno and taking care of an infant and Gereon fiercely compartmentalizing what happened and trying to get a handle on his post-traumatic stress disorder (spoiler alert: he wouldn’t), before Helga looked up and saw that her second choice never stopped loving her. and so it worked out for Gereon. ““worked out.”” in fact he’d feel terrible, that she would still prefer Anno if she had the chance, and terrified that what they have is false, faulty, not truly his to have.

which brings me to my favorite ~interpretive~ layer of this dream: that it’s also a contemporary expression of the anxieties reeling through Gereon’s psyche after getting Anno’s official death certificate, a rendering pulled from past events of Gereon’s current guilt-poisoned fears that Anno will come back from the dead (a hazy figure in an army uniform hovering among pale curtains) and Helga will leave Gereon again. or that even just the memory of Anno, his glorious ghost, could be enough to pull Helga from him just when he thinks that finally they’re really together (Gereon Prime begging her to say it, just say that she loves Anno like he knows she does). 

alright we’ve GONE DEEP ON DAYMARES, thank u for your patience and I am sorry for being such a puzzler-over of things who ultimately likes the metaphor best.

oh shit wait there’s another sequence, fuck

alright this one has got to be all layered up too, because Gereon shows up in full uniform as if he has just stepped off the train from the front, but his mother is already dead and his father is talking about how the wrong son has returned as if the news of Anno going missing had somehow preceded Gereon’s arrival. incidentally this is when it finally occurs me that all of this is in vision-land so it’s possible his father wasn’t actually quite SO horrifyingly direct about how unsatisfactory Gereon is. like how in dreams people outright say what you fear they really think about you but only hint at in waking life.

but that said this clearly comes from somewhere, and as memory-for-trifles put it: “Hey why on earth do they hate their puny son so much?? Uncalled for. Do they hate him for his good dancing”

okay NOW we can leave all this in the fucking storm clouds, oh no, just trouble & tumult everywhere!!

these stoic flyboys, bless. all like “ignite it again, nope, alright, again? I’ll turn us into a nosedive because it either works or we die anyway.” lord.

they almost die in a plunging plane crash, they’re freezing cold, nauseous, tired, Gereon’s having a whole heap of a lot of weird thoughts, and now they’re flying over Russia and have to lean out the plane to take pictures of a clandestine German military base. there’s just A LOT GOING ON, AT PRESENT, for Gereon & Gräf

snapped it this time:

Pilot O’Rourke: “Don’t forget to hold on!” Gereon & Gräf:

air humor

Gräf has to let go of the plane and trust both hands to Gereon why that is some faith!!!! thank god he’s wiry

this whole near-death sequence renders me about as speechless as it does Gereon and Gräf. just…..exhaustingly stressful high-altitude absurdity. the most harrowing silent comedy.

Babylon Berlin Beblogging Masterpost

[vertiny-main]

BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7

Masterlist here.

Reactions under the ‘Keep Reading’ cut.

- “How could anyone stay made in a place like this?” You’ll see, Diego, you’ll see.

- Sean, it’s just breakfast. “But it’s the most important meal of the day, Sarah!” Yeah, I know, but I don’t eat breakfast and I’m doing fine.

- “Good call, MC. No need to get between a rock and a hard place.” Well, maybe not an actual one irl, but I’d love to get between this particular rock and a hard place, wink wink, nudge nudge… Yeah, it’s okay I hate myself too XD

- We gonna get drunk tonight!! I hope.

- Hey, Craig, for all you know I’m a boss ass bitch who can carry all the alcohol back, but sure.

- THERE’S A MAN WITH A LION MASK??? WHOMST THE FUCK???

- Last I read, Craig didn’t have his backpack, or even mentioned it, so how did he have it with him in the ballroom? SUSPICIOUSSSSSS

- Shouldn’t have drunk that much in the ballroom you idiots. For all I know, you could have piss poor alcohol tolerance.

- ‘Craig does a little dance. It is not impressive.’ I’m sorry oml, I read that in the most monotone depressed voice my head has XD

- I 1000% do not doubt that Craig actually has YOLO tattooed on his ass. And the sad thing is, he probably didn’t even lose a dare, he just wanted to.

- AND LO AND BEHOLD HE DOOOOOO!

- Well I’m glad you’re all self-aware drunks :’)

- ES MC is 100% an emotional drunk. Or the one who needs to tell all their friends how much they love them.

- God, what an Icon.

- I feel like when Craig gets drunk, his voice 100% turns into the stereotypical “frat boy” voice. Especially when he says “Let’s. Break. Down. This. Door!”

- Ooof, Zahra has the same humor as me, I love her even more.

- “Slap my ass and call me Snape, because I just worked some magic!” Alright, bring it here then XD (I haven’t had a lot of sleep so forgive me lmao)

- Imma say that the lone glass of whiskey was from Rourke.

- “I take my job as a booze brigadier very seriously.” Oh hush, this is probably the first time you’ve done this. But still, good job.

- ALRIGHT WHO THE HECK IN PB GAVE QUINN THE RIGHT TO BE SO GOSH DANG DARN CUTE???

- Well shit. “I’ve always said, there’s only two certain truths in the world… we’re all gonna die, and you can never have too many cupcakes.” I mean… She’s not wrong?

- PB pls. I thought I had my heart/eyes set on Sean, and now you’re doin’ this to me? Ahhhhhhh. “Only because you were so cute when you asked.” I’m that head over ass for all of them that they could pour soup in my lap and I’d thank them.

- “Would you personally bake every single one?” “For you? Absolutely.” Hi, if you manage to find Quinn, please get her to give me back my heart because holy s h i t.

- You best let me kiss her PB, or I will riot. Lemme be a Choices Thot XD

- YEEEEEEES BITCHES. I KISSED THE GIRL.

- If this moves to more than just making out in the KITCHEN, I’m out because that’s unsanitary as hell. Don’t disrespect Raj’s cooking and Quinn’s baking like that.

- Part of me is glad Raj came in, but at the same time… WHY RAJ? (Yes I’m indecisive leave me be XD)

- When Raj realizes what he almost walked in on, his reaction XD “OH! OH GOD! I DIDN’T REALIZE YOU TWO WERE… I DIDN’T MEAN TO… SORRY!” I am on the floor laughing legitimately send help!

- “I KNOW YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO COOK WITH LOVE, BUT I DON’T THINK THEY MEANT IT SO LITERALLY!”

- CAN I EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVE RAJ? BECAUSE IT’S A LOT.

- I love the fact that Raj just bounds over to MC, with no trace of awkwardness between the two. Oooof.

- I’m sure you’re a wonderful and lovely person Craig, but if you have to ask who the bully is, it’s probably you.

- Raj you are such a special precious bean. I will protect you with my life okay?

- Great, fuckin’ be mysterious PB. “You have a feeling that something… no… someone… is in the jungle… watching you.” SUCK A BIG OL’ BAG OF POP ROCKS.

[undiscoveredstory]

Ok so I know you’ve already answered questions about getting help for someone who isn’t sure, but like I still kinda need advice. My parents are 100% accepting of mental disorders and anxiety/depression run in my family. I’ve pretty much concluded I have some degree of social anxiety. (Not to the point I have panic attacks but it makes me feel so uncomfortable and nervous) My mom has know Ive had just anxiety in general because I’ve had it since I was little, but this is much more specific (1/2)

(2/2) and I seriously want to get some help for it and my anxiety about school but because it is SOCIAL anxiety I don’t know how to approach my mom about it even though I know I can tell her anything. I don’t want to go and get help and it turns out my anxiety isn’t that bad because then I feel stupid, but I want to seek help to help me feel less anxious all the time. And the letter thing just wouldn’t work because I need and instant response. What do I doooooo?

First of all, please never worry about your anxiety being “bad enough” or anything like that for therapy. You can enter therapy for ANYTHING and any degree of anxiety! It is affecting your life and you want that to stop–– you are the perfect candidate for therapy! The sooner you get help the better, since you could very well stop it from getting more severe. 

I have a similar relationship with my mom, and I know that approaching even the most loving and helpful of parents can be intimidating. I usually start with “you know how I have anxiety?” or something like that, and then just say it because that’s ultimately what you have to do. She knows anxiety is already an issue for you, and, like you said, she’ll be accepting and get you the help you need. 

The hardest part is always saying it, so practice it in your head. Know exactly what you want to say, and then force yourself to do it at the earliest opportunity. Remember it’ll be hard, but you can do it, and that it’s worth it because it will get you the help you need and deserve.

I hope this helps, and that you get help very soon, bby! Please keep me updated!

[crushsuggestions]

crush the asks!

ask: Man what to do when all your crushes are on the internet and you're half worried that their catfish in but the other half is how pretty they are

you could always try back searching the images with google? or! if you feel comfortable enough, you could ask to skype or talk through a voicechat, whatever gets you more comfortable that they’re okay with too!

ask: I kinda have a crush on this guy and we're just friends right now. But there is a rumor that at camp (our grade took a camping trip to a lake for a couple days the first of school to bond) I gave him a blowjob/we hooked up it varies (WE DIDNT BTW). It's only, like, the 3rd week of school and idk what to do. I kinda like him but ahhhh. I don't know who spread the rumor everyone says they just heard it from all over. Ugh idk what to do at all help

it’s not true, you’ve got nothing to worry about! i’m really sorry to hear that though, it must be stressful, especially since you think you might like them + people might judge you for it. but! if you can both verify that it’s not true and shut the rumour down, even go to a member of staff if it’s really distressing, that might help you out a little? hope you’re doing okay! <3

ask: Hello I've had a crush on my best friend and now we're dating just thought you'd like to know!

:DDDDDD i’m so glad for you both!! thank you for telling me!!!!

ask: So... I think my crush is dating my ex? He told me he started dating someone but he won't tell me who and I think it's cause it's my ex. They've been hanging out a lot more and I see them together on snap sometimes. I don't wanna confront them cause it'd be awkward and I'm friends with them but it just is kinda weird what do I doooooo

if you’re friends with them, hopefully you’d feel comfortable enough to talk it out? especially if it’s something that’s really bothering you. i’m really sorry to hear that though, i hope you get some closure on it. lots of love to you. <3 <3

ask: I've liked this guy for almost a year and I just can't seem to get him out of my head. He's an amazing person, but I just don't know if he feels the same. We'll have phases where we'll talk everyday and he'll tell me personal things and we'll have inside jokes and he'll make me feel amazing and my heart just swells. Then we'll have phases where we don't talk for days or weeks and I feel like crumbling. I just don't know if he's worth it or if should really get over him once and for all. Advice?

the only way you’ll ever get across that you like them is to tell them. i know that’s always the most difficult option, but if you ask to see them for coffee/or simply ask them if they’d like to go on a date sometime, hopefully you’ll get the message across! since they’re on your mind so much, i think it’d be really good for you to find out what’s going on there. good luck to you, whatever happens!

ask: yesterday he asked me if he copied something down right but it was literally just one simple math question. not even the answer just an x + 3 kinda problem

they could be looking for an excuse to talk to you or simply think they copied it down wrong ‘:D no way of telling! you could get to know them more and see if they do really want to talk?

ask: I have a crush on this boy I play video games online w and I shouldn't have one and I don't know why I do but it happened and I just,, ugh. Idk what to do bc he isn't really my type and he lives a long way away and he most likely likes someone else?? and he's kind of afraid of being bi??? but I want?? To date him??? His laugh is cute and he's nice to me and calls me the right pronouns which I guess is the bare minimum but. I'm new to crushes and relationships too even though I'm 18 lol so help??

if you know them well enough, you could always talk these sort of feelings out with them? it might help start an open dialogue about how both of you feel, even if!! that’s the most difficult option sometimes. it does sound like there’s a lot obstructing you two, which really sucks?? it’s also okay to observe your feelings from a distance, to try and pick up if it’s romantic/friendshippy and a sudden romantic feeling vs a long term one, if that makes any sense?? i’m really glad you two get on so well though!! :D

ask: Can you give me advices to talk to my crush, pleeeeeeease

take a step back from them being your crush! observe them simply as any other person you really want to get to know and work from there! do they have any interests in common with you? any friends that could get you talking? that sort of thing!!

ask: Is it possible to have a crush on someone you've never met, but only know about?

personally, i’d say you have to know the person. whether that’s talking to them through text, through the phone or face to face! that’s just my opinion! and also, it depends on what you’d define a crush as! for instance, i would probably give my life for griffin mcelroy, but, i don’t have a long term romantic attraction to him because i haven’t talked or known him, if that makes any sense?

ask: 😖i like a guy but he is a lil bit older than me... and im hella anxious i dont even know him that well!!! Help please💕 what should i do?

hi!! as always, i’d say over 18/under 18 crushes and relationships are really!! strongly not advised here. but, if you’re both under or both over, it’s totally okay to get to know them! take a deep breath and try to serperate them from what you know to just get your own experience and view of them!! :D<3

[rubikluke]

Tagged by @im-crow (you little shit XD) 

1ST RULE: Tag 9 people you would like to know better Just do it if you really want to, I won’t pressure anyone to 2ND RULE: bold the statements that are true (I’ll be italicizing anything that’s PARTIALLY true)

APPEARANCE:

I am 5'7"  or taller (not by much) I wear glasses I have at least one tattoo I have at least one piercing I have blonde hair I have brown eyes (hazel?) I have short hair (it won’t be for too long, not getting a haircut until Noveeeeember) My abs are at least somewhat defined I have or have had braces

PERSONALITY: I love meeting new people (I’m terrified of just talking to people randomly, but if there’s something already going on then cool) People tell me that I’m funny (I mean... they don’t outright say it, but I get people to laugh occasionally?) Helping others with their problems is a big priority for me I enjoy physical challenges I enjoy mental challenges I’m playfully rude with people I know well I started saying something ironically and now I can’t stop saying it There is something I would change about my personality

ABILITY: I can sing well I can play an instrument (piano, percussion in middle school... kazoo?) I can do over 30 pushups without stopping I’m a fast runner I can draw well (I should... probably work on that?) I have a good memory (VERY debatable) I’m good at doing math in my head (unless we’re talking complex integrals or some crap) I can hold my breath underwater for over a minute (I hardly even remember how to SWIM) I have beaten at least 2 people in arm wrestling I know how to cook at least 3 meals from scratch I know how to throw a proper punch (and I hope I never HAVE to)

HOBBIES: I enjoy playing sports (unless we count esports, then I’m all for Sm4sh) I’m on a sports team at my school or somewhere else (even counting esports can’t save me here) I’m in an orchestra or choir at my school or somewhere else I have learned a new song in the past week I work out at least once a week (unless we count 10+ minute walks for each of my college classes) I’ve gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months I have drawn something in the past month (IIIIII should DOOOOOO somethiiiiiiiiing) I enjoy writing (I’M GETTING THERE PLEASE HOLD) FANDOMS ARE MY #1 PASSION (still figuring this kind of stuff out) I do or have done martial arts (unless we count karate parties when I was like 10)

EXPERIENCES: I have had my first kiss (assuming we’re discounting anyone blood-related) I have had alcohol (underage and honestly NO desire to) I have scored the winning goal in a sports game (counting video games hell ye) I have watched an entire season of a TV show in one sitting I have been at an overnight event I have been in a taxi I have been in the hospital or ER in the past year (not for ME, but I’ve BEEN there) I have beaten a video game in one day (Super Metroid, multiple times. And others, I guess) I have visited another country (not even a mile into Canada but it counts) I have been to one of my favorite band’s concerts

RELATIONSHIPS: I’m in a relationship I have a crush on a celebrity I have a crush on someone I know I have been in at least 3 relationships I have never been in a relationship I have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them I get crushes easily I have had a crush on someone for over a year I have been in a relationship for at least a year I have had feelings for a friend (emotions are complex and I’m still not quite sure what all happened)

MY LIFE: I have at least one person I consider a “best friend” I live close to my school (COLLEGE BOYYYYS) My parents are still together I have at least one sibling I live in the United States There is snow right now where I live (but I’m gonna get hit HARD in winter \o/) I have hung out with a friend in the past month I have a smartphone I have at least 15 CDs I share my room with someone (college dorm, obligatory roommate)

RANDOM SHIT: I have breakdanced I know a person named Jamie I have had a teacher with a last name that’s hard to pronounce I have dyed my hair I’m listening to one song on repeat right now (I got bored and turned on Piano Man, what excellent timing) I have punched someone in the past week I know someone who has gone to jail I have broken a bone I have eaten a waffle today I know what I want to do with my life (rough ideas but haaaaah not reeeaaaally) I speak at least 2 languages (broken, high-school level french?) I have made a new friend in the past year

[zolotayafeya]

Alright I was on my phone when I got tagged in this and then I forgot about it so here it is, three days late. Whoops. 

Tagged by @squatchland! I tag @bamboozledflirt, @fonsscientae, @eclair, @fan-kingdoms, @yuuriwithviktor, @phaytesworld, and anyone else who would like to do this! If you’re one of the latter, @ me so I can see :) 

rules: tell me your favourite character from 10 fictional works (shows, movies, novels, etc.) & tag people!

(These are in the order that I thought of them, not necessarily the order in which I’d rank them as favourites)

1. Yuri Plisetsky, Yuri!!! On Ice I identify the most with two characters from YOI: Phichit Chulanont and Otabek Altin. I think it is because of the latter that I like Yuri Plisetsky so much. I also find it very easy to put myself into Yuri’s mindset on life, which is both similar and very different from mine. Yuri’s prickly and offensive on the outuside, but there’s a lot of insecurity and fear of failure under all of that aggression… and I like that multidimensionality. 

2. Jack Zimmermann, Check, Please!  Jack, Jack, Jacques… His earnestness about his adoration for Bitty gets me good. He’s so in love that I have audibly squeed while reading new pages of OMGCP. Boy deserves to be happy and he is. He’s also a very complicated character, which delights me, especially seeing his progress as a character throughout the story. 

3. Cynthia and Natural Harmonia Gropius, Pokémon I’m too young to have been a first gen oldie. My first Pokémon game was Diamond. I shared it with my brother when we had one DS Lite. Then I got my own DS and my own Pokémon game, Platinum, and boy, did I fall in love with that game. Cynthia was my first Champion and the most compelling character I had encountered in my nine-year-old existence (and maybe when I should have realised I was just maybe a lil gay, but how was I supposed to know that when I was nine?)

I’ve cheated by adding N onto this because I love them equally. Unlike Cynthia, I wasn’t that impressed by N when I first played through White. He was kind of interesting, but didn’t really leave an impression… until I went back through and played it again. And wow, is N a perfect fit for what has been the pattern in my favourite male characters so far. He’s the initial antagonist/rival with a complicated personality and a tragic backstory who would tell a compelling story from his point of view. Also he’s hot. So. 

4. Patroclus, The Song of Achilles  This is my favourite book as of last September when I read it for the first time because Patroclus is someone with whom I can easily empathise, even if he narrates the way any young man from Ancient Greece would narrate a mythological tale. Ugh. I love him. And I hate him because that asshole is well aware that the story he’s telling is a tragedy, all the way through ;~;

5. Miyamuzu Mitsuha, Kimi no Na wa || Your Name.  I fell in love with Mitsuha’s character within the first few minutes of this movie. She’s a small town with dreams of exploring the world. She’s clever, resourceful, independent, and respectful of her roots even in the face of adversity. 

6. Bucky Barnes, MCU I was debating between picking between Bucky and Loki, but I realised that the Loki I liked so much was more a mix between fanon MCU Loki and Norse Mythology Loki, so Bucky’s the canon fave for me. He’s got an attitude, he’s incredibly loyal, and even after the WS ordeal he’s got heart. 

7. Daenerys Targaryen, A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones She’s been my favourite contender for the Iron Throne since the beginning, and she’s still alive, so. Also, dragons. Also, badass female character. 

8. Max Eisenhardt/Erik Lehnsherr, X-Men This goes for both the comics and the movies. Do I love me some Cherik? I doooooo! And do I have a soft spot for antiheroes? … Yes, yes I do. 

9. Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars Okay okay hold on. Hear me out on this one. The potential of Anakin Skywalker is my favourite character from this universe, not the canon portrayal (because we all know how much of a disaster that was). Think Clone Wars Anakin… that one’s much better. Here’s another character who, had he been written as less of a whiny bitch and more of a true antihero, would have been an incredibly compelling character. Fanfiction Anakin is a stellar character, y’all. 

10. Sergeant Olivia Benson, Law and Order: SVU I’ve been on an extended binge of SVU since it was first introduced to be and I have to say that Olivia is quite a gal. Single adoptive mother, badass cop extraordinaire, clever, and with a rigid moral code. I want to know her in real life. 

Bonus Honorable Mentions: Phichit Chulanont, Otabek Altin, and Viktor Nikiforov (YOI), Rey (SW), Loki (Fanon/Mythology), Gladion (Pokémon)

[eikatsukiyomi]

Marinette, Twice Exposed

(In response to prompt: “This is damaging to my self esteem. I hope you know.”  Submitted by howlwiththerain)

Marichat and Adrienette fluff

Rated T (for mild language and sensuality)

Notes from the author:  I fully intended for this to just be a drabble, but I got so invested in building the exposition that it turned into a full-fledged fic!  I’ll be posting this on FanFiction as well, since it’s about time I had more than one fic posted there!

Hope you enjoy!

Next Chapter >

Chapter 1: Cars, Pigeons, and A Chocolate Shop

There was nothing unusual about yesterday's fight against Hawk Moth’s latest supervillain...certainly nothing to suggest that Chat Noir and Ladybug’s partnership would be irrevocably changed that day.  

No matter how often he imagined how wonderful it would be if just one or two select things were different between them (the first being mutual feelings of love and the second being the sharing of each other's true identities), Chat Noir had been nothing but the best partner for Ladybug he could be.  Whatever she needed him to be or do at any given moment, he was there in a heartbeat to provide, be it another opinion, a distraction, the destroyer of an obstacle in her way, or to take a hit she couldn't afford to take... and all the while, since the day she unknowingly stole his heart away, he was content to wait forever for her to fall for him in return.

As much as he wanted to know who his lady was underneath that red and black-spotted mask, and to tell her who he was and how hopelessly in love he was, he understood that protecting their secrets was part of protecting each other, and the rest of the city of Paris.  But when the time was right...when there was no more reason to hide from Hawk Moth, maybe...he would know.  Because she loved and trusted him...

Not because he just happened to see her detransform behind the same parked car he had been about to hide behind.

To be clear, he had not been following her (he insisted as his Kwami, Plagg scolded and jeered at him while snacking on his third piece of Camembert that day at the same time)!  They had left the scene and gone their separate ways in almost opposite directions as they always did.  He had barely cleared the first rooftop when he realized he was heading straight towards the TV1 helicopter on its way back to the broadcasting station.  If they had seen him going anywhere in a hurry, they might have tried to follow him in the hope of capturing more footage, so he had abruptly turned around and started looking for the nearest safe hiding place in the opposite direction, completely forgetting that Ladybug had gone the same way.

He had dropped down in front of a chocolate shop, scattering a trio of pigeons on the sidewalk, and ducked down in between two cars parallel-parked by the sidewalk.  His Miraculous beeped one final time before his transformation dissolved and dropped a tired and grouchy Kwami into his hands.  Adrien was rifling through an inside pocket of his jacket for a piece of Camembert when he heard the whiz of Ladybug’s yo-yo and the soft thump of her feet touching down (scattering the pigeons again, from the sound of flapping and affronted coo-ing) right on the other side of the car he had his feet jammed up against.  He had frozen, alarm bells going off in his head, and stuffed Plagg in his jacket just has he heard the sound of what could only have been Ladybug detransforming less than two yards in front of him.  He held his breath, and then heard the sounds of her voice and soft footfalls coming down the sidewalk.

“Maybe this shop sells cookies?”

“Maybe,” said a tiny, tired-sounding voice.  “But it’s a chocolatier, not a bakery…”

“If they don't have anything for you, Tikki, you might have to wait until we get home.  Is that okay?”

“I’ll be fine!  Your parents’ chocolate chip cookies are worth waiting for!” replayed the tiny voice, sounding cheerful and reassuring in spite of its owner’s exhaustion.

Adrien could feel his heart pounding in his ears.

Please don't see me, please don't see me, just go on in and I’ll be on my merry way back to my own home...still not knowing who the love of my life is…

His heart actually throbbed painfully with longing at the thought.  Adrien shook his head and ran both hands through his hair absentmindedly, now hoping he wasn’t about to lose his mind over the internal conflict raging between the responsible and the romantic sides of his brain.

For better or worse, the decision was made for him two seconds later.

By the time he recognized the sudden but familiar sensation of a tickle in a runny nose, reflex had taken over and he let out a sneeze loud enough to send the pigeons flying into the air for the third time.  With no cars driving by in that moment, there was no way Ladybug hadn’t heard it less than three meters away.

“What was that?!” Ladybug’s voice demanded in a panicked squeak, just loud enough for Adrien to catch.  “Where did that come from?!”

A car came around the corner of the block and Adrien used the noise as cover to fling himself face-up on the ground, grab the underside of the bumper of the car behind his head, plant his feet, and, ignoring the gritty scrape of the pavement, shuffle himself backward under the car behind him.  He covered his nose and mouth with one hand to muffle the sound of his breathing and prayed to Mr. Pigeon that he wouldn’t inhale any more pigeon dandruff.  Eyes bugging out in panic, he eyed the sidewalk visible to his right and waited, straining his ears for any sound of footsteps.

With the sound of the passing car fading away at the end of the end of the block, Adrien was able to catch Ladybug’s voice murmuring, “I don’t see anybody...well, there’s a lady with a little girl in a stroller across the street, but that sneeze sounded male…maybe it came from around the corner?”

“I don’t see anybody looking at you funny or acting strange, do you?” asked the tiny voice.

“No…”

“Then it’s probably nothing we need to worry about…” the tiny voice mused, still sounding slightly concerned but clearly trying not to be paranoid and worry Ladybug.  “Nothing inherently dangerous about someone sneezing…”

“I guess, but…”  Ladybug’s voice, though still tinged with trepidation, sounded somewhat distant now...almost contemplative, like there was something else on her mind.  There was a moment of silence, broken only the sound of another car driving by, and then Adrien heard the soft scuff of hesitant footsteps...in his direction.

What is she doing?! Why?! Oh, crap, I’m so screwed...if I so much as move my head, she’ll hear me unless another car drives by!  What do I doooooo!?

He saw a pair of girl’s feet in pink ballet flats walking slowly and hesitantly towards him, and then stand on tip-toe with her weight on mostly one foot.  He guessed she was trying to see over the front of the car he was under, perhaps to see if there was someone else across the street that the parked car had blocked her view of.  As long as she didn’t think to crouch down and look under the car, maybe he could still get out of this…

Wait...did he recognize those shoes from somewhere…?  There was something undoubtedly familiar about them, though he couldn’t put his finger on why.  He could tell they weren’t nearly expensive enough to be Chloe’s shoes (Well, of course they aren’t Chloe’s shoes, there’s no way she could be Ladybug...I mean, I’d recognize her voice if she was! Adrien admonished himself).  Maybe it was someone in his class?  But then wouldn’t he have noticed her before?  

“I must have imagined it…” Ladybug’s voice muttered, jerking his attention back to the present.  She seemed to relax, coming down from tip-toe, and tracing the sidewalk back and forth in front of her.  Somehow it struck him as a very wavering, uncertain gesture, very unlike Ladybug’s usually confident and determined body language...except, he remembered she hadn’t felt fully confident and determined from the beginning: she had started out at least as awkward and fumbling as he had the first time he became a superhero with superpowers, and she had her moments from time to time when she felt unsure, even scared.  He couldn’t recall any specific instance when he had seen Ladybug make this gesture, but somehow it still didn’t clash with his image of her...even Adrien wasn’t sure why.

Somehow I never got around to wondering what kind of shoes Ladybug might wear day-to-day… Adrien mused, beginning to relax a little bit now that it seemed she wasn’t going to check under the cars for him.  I don’t know what I would have expected, but those are cute shoes...aww, I wonder if she likes the color pink...does she actually have a girly-girl style in everyday life?!  That’s...so cute!  I wonder if she’s more of a skirt or pants kind of girl…?  She’d probably look gorgeous in anything, honestly...or adorable!  Or both!

Adrien’s impromptu daydreaming jolted to a halt as the girl in pink flats who was Ladybug stepped back and started walking back the way she came, back toward the chocolate shop.  He waited to hear the clunk of a push-bar or the tinkle of a doorbell to indicate she had gone inside, when he heard the muffled sound of what sounded like a cell phone ringing.  He didn’t have his with him, so it must have been hers.

“Oh, crap!” Ladybug hissed.  “That’s probably Alya.  I gotta--Ack!”

Her phone--a plain white one with no case or charms--clattered to the sidewalk, and Adrien couldn’t help but wince (I’d bet my own phone that it’s broken now...hope she can get a new one…).  Adrien saw Ladybug kneel to pick it up, and he realized a split second too late that keeping his eyes on her feet had been a bad idea.

He could only see her legs from the knee down as she knelt down, but it was enough for him to see that she was wearing capris in bright pink stretch denim with turn-ups lined with white fabric patterned with pink dots.  An arm came into view, picking up the phone; there was no sleeve of any kind visible from his position, but it wasn’t necessary.  Adrien would recognize those pant legs anywhere.  His eyes widened and a soft gasp of shock escaped him (thankfully not giving away his position).  

Marinette…  

She stood up again, grumbling something about a protective case, but Adrien’s brain, which was currently functioning at about 40% its normal capacity, was refusing to process any sensory input.  

Marinette…!?  Marinette is...Ladybug…!?

Instead, his head was swimming with memories of moments spent with Ladybug, and with Marinette.  It wasn’t helping him process this revelation any better, just filling him with an absolute maelstrom of emotions that he didn’t have the presence of mind to separate and identify.

Ladybug’s been sitting behind me in class this whole time?!  I’ve been sitting in front of Ladybug this whole time?!  LADYBUG IS IN MY CLASS?!?!

A familiar, sulking voice piped up, sounding like it was coming from far away.

“Listen, kid…I get it.  You’ve just had a big shock...”  

While Adrien’s brain was slowly restoring its lost connections to his senses, Plagg’s voice basically failed to reach Adrien’s network before his request timed out.

I modeled a bowler hat that LADYBUG MADE!!

“But you’ve got plenty of time to freak out about it when you get home.  Right now, I have pressing needs that are more important!”

Oh my god, I’ve played Ultimate Mecha Strike III with Ladybug!!  IN HER ROOM!!  AND SHE GAVE ME HER LUCKY CHARM!!!

“Hey!  I’m hungry!  Gimme my Camembert!”

Adrien finally snapped out of his trance and awkwardly fished out the piece of cheese he had meant to give Plagg earlier.  Gently pushing Plagg back inside his jacket, Adrien started working his way out from under the car.  He realized as he finally stood up that his white jacket was stained dark grey on the elbows (and without a doubt all over the back and the seat of his jeans) from scuffing against the road.  He hoped he wouldn’t have to dodge any awkward questions from Nathalie or his father about it.

He turned toward the chocolate shop, where Marinette...Ladybug...had gone to find food for her kwami.  He stared at the window display, which prevented him from seeing inside, and just stood there, his mind entirely blank once again, except for visions of Ladybug...and Marinette.

“You gonna stand there until she comes back out?” Plagg asked pointedly from inside his jacket.

“Oh, shoot!”  Adrien jumped, remembering that that he was supposed to be at home until 2PM, when he was scheduled for a short photoshoot at the Trocadéro.  He had left his phone behind, so he would just have to hope he could still make it back in time.  “I gotta get back!”

“Yup,” Plagg grunted, unconcerned as always with Adrien’s responsibilities.  “I assume you’ll be transforming again, so just don’t forget to feed me again when you get back.”

Yeah, I know!  Don’t worry!”  Adrien assured Plagg hurriedly.  He turned and vaulted over the front of the parked car to crouch down right where he had hidden before. “Plagg, transform me!”

The trip back took him only ten minutes, but he was lucky not to have smacked into the side of a building in his distraction; his mind was filled with racing thoughts of both his partner and his classmate, who he now knew were one and the same person.

Adrien managed to get back and into his bedroom with a few minutes to spare.  He used this time to change clothes and make sure there was no incriminating dirt in his hair or on his face.   He got another piece of cheese for Plagg, but was called downstairs by Nathalie before he could eat lunch.  If his stomach growled during the shoot, it wouldn’t mess up the shots, at least, he thought.  But then, Adrien also knew that Plagg would have been just fine going without his cheese until after they got back from the photoshoot.

Adrien couldn’t remember a time when he was more distracted during a photoshoot.  His brain kept replaying the mind-blowing revelation from in front of the chocolate shop over and over and over, broken up by random flashbacks of moments fighting by Ladybug’s side, and moments spent in Marinette’s company, mostly at school.  He was trying to merge his internalized images of Ladybug and Marinette together, but he knew each of them from completely separately facets of his day-to-day life, each of which he lived as very different versions of himself!  Even in hindsight, he couldn’t think of anything that linked the two girls.  Sure, it was now clear as day that, in fact, they were the same person, and it actually explained a lot the longer he thought about it, but they still just seemed so different...it wasn’t that he couldn’t see Marinette as a superheroine, or that he couldn’t see Ladybug as a high school student with many creative talents; his brain just had too much trouble...fusing them?  He couldn’t even find the words to explain his thoughts to himself.

Maybe it was because his stream of thoughts were interrupted by the photographer so often; he would space out and stay in one pose for too long, requiring the photographer to recapture his attention.  Once in awhile, he didn’t hear what the photographer was telling him for how to alter his pose, and would have to ask him to repeat his instructions.  The photographer couldn’t exactly lecture Adrien for his lack of professionalism with Nathalie and his bodyguard standing right there, but it wasn’t hard to tell that he was annoyed and frustrated.  Adrien was truly sorry for making the photographer’s job harder--if Nathalie told his father about it, his disapproval would come back to bite both of them--but he couldn’t help it:  he had just learned his soulmate’s true identity!  His whole world had been flipped over!

He remained spacy, scatter-brained, and high-strung through the entire rest of the photoshoot and the entirety of the car ride home.  He almost completely bypassed his last chance to grab his lunch before the chef started preparing dinner.  As soon as he was alone in the dining room, he tossed aside his table manners and wolfed his food down in less than five minutes.  As soon as he made it back to his room and closed the door behind him, he let Plagg out from inside his jacket and started unloading everything on his kwami.

“Okay, Plagg!  What-am-I-gonna-do?  What-am-I-gonna-do-about-Ladybug?!  What-am-I-gonna-do-about-Marinette?!  Do-I-tell-them?!  I-mean-her?!  I-dunno-but-should-I-tell-them-I-know?!  I-mean-HER!  DO-I-TELL-HER-I’M-CHAT-NOIR?!  TELL ME WHAT TO DO, PLAGG!!”

“Okay, okay!  Slow down!  Stop talking!” Plagg snapped.  “One thing at a time!  First question:  Do you want to tell her you know her true identity?”

“Uh…”  Adrien was flapping his hands in indecision, trying to get his brain to slow down.  Did he want to tell her?  Tell her he had accidentally seen her detransform?  Or let her keep believing her secret was safe?

He immediately balked at the idea of leaving her in the dark; not telling each any personal information to keep their true identities secret was one thing, but now that he knew who she was, not telling her that he knew just seemed irresponsible, somehow.  Besides, it was her identity; she had the right to know.

“I...I don’t think I could not tell her.  It would eat at me until I blurted it out, or I let something slip that exposed me.  It’s her identity, so she has the right to know!  I feel like it’s just the right thing to do.  I sure am not looking forward to the conversation, ‘cause I don’t want to upset her with the news, but...I don’t want to keep secrets from her.”

He was finally starting to feel calmer.  He looked back up at Plagg, hoping the little kwami would help him figure this all out.

“Makes sense.”  Plagg shrugged, appearing unconcerned.  “Okay, next question--”

“That's it?!” Adrien squawked incredulously.  “You're not gonna--?!”

“Do you want to wait until you see Ladybug again to tell her?” Plagg plowed on, completely ignoring him.  “Or do you want to tell Marinette next time you see her?”

Adrien shut his mouth and thought about it.  It was hard to imagine what Marinette's reaction would be to hearing that he knew she was Ladybug...she’d be shocked, of course--he knew he would be in that situation--and they would never see each other the same way again, though he admitted that this was probably inevitable no matter how he chose to break the news to her.  Marinette was a bit of a mystery to him overall in a way: she had a tendency to stumble over her own words whenever she spoke to him, but he couldn't figure out if it was just a tick of hers or if it had something to do with him personally.  He definitely noticed that she rarely had the same trouble when she spoke to Alya, or to Nino...or to their teachers, or to Chloe, or to Sabrina, or Rose, or Max, or Kim, or Mylene, or…

Maybe it was just him...but why?  It happened a lot with him, but not all the time: he thought it was fair enough to consider them good friends, because if she didn’t like him, she wouldn't waste her energy being friendly to him; she certainly didn't try to pretend she liked Chloe, and she didn't leave her first impression of him a mystery, either (maybe she had been a little too quick to jump to conclusions about him, but he could imagine how it might have looked to her).  She had been nothing but pleasant with him the day he accompanied her and her great-uncle to the cooking contest, and he got to see a whole new side of her during preparation for the Ultimate Mecha Strike III tournament…

Wait!  The tournament!  And whenever Chloe did...!

Suddenly, things finally started to fall into place: Marinette's confidence and bravado while she trounced Max at his favorite game; Marinette's righteous anger whenever she confronted Chloe; Marinette's calm bravery and sharp wits in the face of a supervillain with a grudge; that was the Ladybug he loved and admired, only it was never just Ladybug: it was there in Marinette the whole time.

“Hey...anyone home in there?”

And Ladybug…!  Newbie, self-proclaimed klutz Ladybug managing to fall right out of the sky, knock them both off his makeshift balance beam, tie them together, and leave them dangling on their first day as superheroes...Ladybug pulling disgusted faces whenever she was forced to spend more than two minutes in Chloe’s company...Ladybug’s ability to put the most random things together to create the perfect solution to a sticky situation...that was all Marinette, too!

Brave, smart, creative, determined, kind, selfless, and the fiercest, most loyal of friends...and she had been so close to him, all this time.  Oh, how much time had he wasted, not seeing her when she was right beside him?

“HELLO-OOO!”

Adrien yelped in surprise, jumping about a foot in the air.  If he was a cat, his fur would have been standing on end.

“Sorry, Plagg!” he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.  He could feel his cheeks glowing pink...how long had he had been blushing for?

Am I gonna be, like, blushing 24/7 now?  he wondered.  Between Ladybug and Marinette...Oh man, I’m in trouble…

“So, was any of that spacing-out productive?” Plagg asked dryly.  “Because If it wasn't, I’m done trying to help you think.”

“Yeah...yeah, it was,” replied Adrien faintly.  He was having a little trouble staying present; his head was still full of visions of ladybug spots, sky-blue eyes, and hair as black as midnight.

“So, you gonna talk to Marinette or Ladybug?” Plagg asked again.

Adrien frowned thoughtfully, trying to recover his train of thought.

I can never really know when I’ll see Ladybug next, he thought.  Unless we run into each other on patrol, it depends on when Hawk Moth akumatizes someone next…  Not for the first time (not by a long shot), Adrien wished he and Ladybug could meet without needing to fight a supervillain, even if it was just once in awhile.  Why did their relationship have to be business-only?  

Well, actually, now that I knew who she is, I guess now I technically know her outside of work, too, he thought.  Wait, he was supposed to be making a decision right now...what was it, again? Oh, right: which identity of hers should her talk to first?

Unless a supervillain pops up overnight, I’ll see Marinette sooner...at school, tomorrow...oh, god, I’m gonna see her at school tomorrow!  But, wait...if I go up to her as Adrien, I’m gonna have to explain to her that I’m Chat Noir before I can tell her I know she’s Ladybug...which, I mean...I’ll probably end up telling her anyway--if I know who she is, then I should at least offer to tell her who I am--but if there really is something about me that makes her super nervous, it’ll make the conversation even more stressful...so should I talk to Marinette...as Chat Noir?  Would that work?  How would that work…?

“Uh...I don’t think I can afford to wait until I see Ladybug, so I should probably talk to Marinette,” Adrien said slowly.  “But if I talk to her as Adrien, telling her I know she’s Ladybug is gonna seem like it’s coming out nowhere, and it’ll just freak her out even more unless I tell her I’m Chat Noir first.  But if I somehow find a way to talk to her as Chat Noir, she at least won’t freak out about her classmate suddenly knowing her secret identity...I mean, if she wants to know who I am, too, I’m totally okay with telling her, but...am I making sense?”

“Barely, but I got it,” Plagg replied, still acting as unconcerned as if they were planning a shopping trip.  “So, you’re gonna approach her as Chat Noir...where, and when?”

“Not at school, for sure; I’d probably draw a crowd,” said Adrien with a brief grin.  “But where else would I know when and where to find her…?”

Plagg slouched in midair, as if someone was dangling him by the scruff of his neck.  He suddenly looked like Adrien had said something really stupid.

“What?” Adrien demanded, confused and annoyed by Plagg’s dumbfounded stare.

“Where do you think she spends most of her time after school?” Plagg asked tonelessly.

“I don’t...oh.”  It clicked, and Adrien suddenly wanted to smack himself.  “Her house...I know where she lives…”  Oh my god, DUH!  Ladybug is Marinette, so she lives in Marinette’s house--her OWN house!!  Ugh, my head hurts…

“Yes, her house,” Plagg affirmed dryly.  “So, when are you gonna drop by?”

“Well, I can’t afford to have her parents walk in on us…” Adrien mused aloud, recalling with a small smile, how...inquisitive Marinette’s parents had been when while he had been training with her for the Ultimate Mecha Strike III tournament.  “So...either during peak business hours, when they’ll be busy with customers, or after they’ve gone to sleep.  They probably get busiest around breakfast and lunch, but Marinette will probably be eating with them during those times…”  Adrien sighed.  “I guess it’s gonna have to be...tonight.”  His heart started pounding from nerves as soon as he said this.  

“All right!  We finally have a plan,” Plagg said with a sigh of his own.  “Well, until it’s time to go, I’m gonna take a nap.  When you wake me up, you’d better have a piece of Camembert for me!”  And with that, Plagg flew over to Adrien’s desk and disappeared into the trash can (empty, as far as Adrien could remember).

“Uh...okay, then…” Adrien said, a little surprised to suddenly find the conversation finished.  “You...you do that.  And I’ll do...I’ll do the other that.  Yeah…”

He trudged over to his bed and flung himself onto it.  He reached over to pick up his cell phone where he had left it on the corner of his desk and woke it up to check the time:  5:34 PM.  In a half-hour, he’d be called down for dinner.  Since Marinette’s parents probably got up early every morning, he figured 7:30 would be his best chance at catching Marinette after her parents had (hopefully) gone to sleep but before Marinette had (hopefully!) gone to sleep herself.

He set an alarm for 7:25 PM on his phone, and then stuffed it in his pocket.  He sighed, tucking his hands behind his head, and lie there staring at the ceiling, his mind buzzing and his heart pounding.

Two hours from now, I’ll be seeing Ladybug...Marinette...in her room, and laying it all out into the open, he thought.  I just hope we’ll both be ready for it...

Next Chapter >

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 104

more monte cristo stuff and the agency gains a new member!

[[cont from part 103]]

 Francesca: *looking at photos on the walls* <...I see where you get your eyes.> *points to one photo of a child with Valentine's grandparents--who are also much younger in the photo*

valentine: ^///^; aww...

Francesca: *sad smile* <Sorry. I know you didn't...>

valentine: it's fine, fran, really.

Francesca: "..." *shudders, holding onto herself*

valentine:...fran? are you ok?

Francesca: *shakes her head* <I-I see how well you get along with them...and I miss him...>

valentine:....*hugs*

{*a little girl smiles as her father enters...he's in a military uniform*}

{Fran: <Daddy!>}

{fran's father: *hugs her* <hello, sunshine.> ^^}

{Fran: <Hee hee...Daddy hasn't shaved!>}

{fran's father: <oh my, seems i forgot> ^^; }

{Fran: <Go shave before Mommy gets upset!>}

{fran's father: <ok, sunshine, i will.>}

Francesca: <...> *holds onto Valentine*

-elsewhere-

Joker: *smoking on the roof, looking out at Amaterasu*

nana: .....

Joker: *points* "Don't go near that place..."

nana: ....someone died there, didnt they?

Joker: "..." *nods* "Lot of people..."

nana:.....do you remember your mom and dad?.....i only remember my mom....she left and never came back for me....it's because of what i am, wasnt it?

Joker: "...Beats me what happened to my parents. But given what I know of the Shadows, I wouldn't blame your mom...If she came back, the Shadows wouldn't let her have you."

nana:.......i wish she would....but i know she wont....

Joker: "...Sorry."

nana: ....if i wasnt born romani, i wouldnt be here....

Joker: "It's not fair, is it?"

nana: *sniff*

Joker: "..." *pat on shoulder* "I'm sorry, kid..."

nana: 7~7

Joker: "Just let it out..."

nana: *gross crying*

Joker: "..." *hug*

nana: !!!!

Joker: "I'm so sorry for what they put you through..."

nana: ........

Joker: "It can get better..."

nana: how?

Joker: "Find something you want to do to make this world better."

nana:....

-elsewhere-

stocking: *enters, looking exhausted*

Kid: "Welcome home...Tired?"

stocking: *walks past him and flops face first onto the bed, groaning into the mattress*

Kid: ._.; "..." *sits on the side of the bed, rubs her lower back gently*

stocking: *pleased groan*

Kid: "Rough day?"

stocking: *responsive grunt*

Kid: "I'm sorry...Just rest. Can I get you anything?"

stocking: i demand cuddles. =3=

Kid: "..." *lies down, holds her*

stocking: *purrs* can i lay my head on your lap?

Kid: ^^; *sits up, letting her head rest on his lap*

stocking: =///w///= *purrs*

Kid: *strokes her head* "So cute~"

stocking: hehe~<3 u/////u

Kid: *hums*

-elsewhere-

heloise: ......

Villeforte: <You took your time getting home...>

heloise: ...<traffic was terrible.>

Villeforte: *spots her shopping bag* <But not so bad to waste more money on cosmetics...>

heloise: <is that so wrong?>

Villeforte: <...Valentine is at her grandparents tonight. Did you put down Edourard for his nap?>

heloise: <of course i did!>

Villeforte: <?! ...Thank you. I have some work to finish...> *turns away on his cane*

heloise: ......*glares* *heading upstairs to her room* ......*unpacking her bag and looking at one bottle*

*it looks like a liquid...labeled 'brucide'*

heloise:....

{Fawkes: <Brucide?>

{heloise: <yes. i can offer you any ammount of money you'll take for it.>}

{Fawkes: <...What do I need money for? Besides, it's a common enough medicine--I'm sure a physician could write you a prescription...>}

{heloise: ..... }

{*behind Fawkes are different insects in glass cages*}

{heloise: !!! <what are those ghastly things?!> }

{Fawkes: <...Bugs. You know? Insects?>}

{*one seems to be on fire...*}

{heloise: ?! }

{Fawkes: *sighs* <These things--> *taps the glass* <--may clue us into why humans are blowing up.>

{heloise: <these?>}

{Fawkes: <Yes, these...Between you and me, I think they turn humans into those Infernals.>}

{heloise:.....<how dreadful...>}

{Fawkes: <Indeed...That's why we need to learn how they can cause that in humans...to stop it, of course...> *turns his back to her, while he adjusts something on the cages...*

{heloise:.... *glances at a bottle* }

{Fawkes: *still turned away from her...*}

{heloise:....*takes the bottle*}

{Fawkes: "..." *smiling while she's not able to see him*}

heloise: (im amazed how i managed to get away with it so easily... oh think of what i can do with that money. vacations in milan, penthouse in new york, and then....) *thinking about wilmore* =w= hehehehe.....

{Wilmore: *strokes her face* <Such soft skin...>}

heloise: *drooling*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *shudders*

marquis: ?? <is something wrong?>

Dumas: O~O; <...Did someone leave the window open? I felt a chill...>

-elsewhere-

Aizawa: "...This means keeping the location secret even more important..."

nezu: indeed.

Aizawa: "You briefed Kan yet?"

nezu: indeed i have. the buses will take different routes to the location.

Aizawa: "What did background checks on the bus drivers turn up?"

-elsewhere-

Twice: "Okay, so, according to the Internet, a typical human can lose 3 pints of blood before dying..."

himiko: take two pints, got it.

Dabi: -_-# "They only take _1 pint_ when you _donate it_..."

himiko:....one and a half pints, got it.

Twice: *slides the panel on the door* "Hello! Please put your arm through here!"

Queen: *curled up in the corner* "..."

himiko: queeeeeeeniiiiiiie~ we'll give you a cookie if you doooooo~

Queen: "..."

himiko: owo want me to come on in? OK! *goes in* wanna talk about crushes? OwO

Queen: *gets up, back to the wall, assuming a fighting pose*

himiko: aww, she wants to play! ^^

Dabi: "We're not supposed to cause undue harm..." *takes out a rag* "Let's just knock her out..."

-elsewhere-

Stevi: *still 'wearing' Reina's face* "No luck finding her...Damn...They hide in public, no one spotting them...Inside person...Spies...Whole plan they have going..." *mutter mutter...*

reina: ._.;;;;

Stevi: "...I made it awkward..." *reverts, to their faceless appearance* *their voice seems to come out of nowhere* <Is this better?>

reina: ^^;

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Wash up."

sonia: ok papa.

miyuri: ok! ....how do you wash dishes? owo;

Chuuya: "..." *gets the step-stool*

miyuri: *watching*

Chuuya: "First, use a fork or paper towel to brush the big food off into the trash can..."

miyuri: *nods*

Chuuya: "Then we take one drop of dish soap...to scrub the plate clean."

miyuri: ooooh!

sonia: ...*smile*

Chuuya: "Right...Make sure to scrub the rough greasy spot..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: "Be careful."

gin: we will.

Tachihara: "I promise, nothing bad will happen to me."

naoya: i got you guys covered. ^^

Akutagawa: *nods* "Thank you...Give them hell."

-elsewhere-

Mantis: -^- "At least he paid us...but that Church fiasco..."

nailfile: no shit.

izzy:....

Lust oni: "What's wrong, Izzy?"

izzy: just...still annoyed is all.

Lust oni: "D'aw, that's too bad, sweetie...That clown man bother you?"

izzy: not him....it's burns that's pissing me off....

Lust oni: "??? The Church?"

izzy: he went full name basis on me. and THEN he had to bring up those fucks from haijima. like, FUCK, let me live my damn life in peace already!

Lust oni: "You're right--it's not fair...Want to kidnap him?"

izzy: nah, it aint really worth it.

Lust: >w> "...Could I~?"

izzy: ....

-gunshots from outside-

izzy: the fuck?

Mantis: "?!" *grabs a knife...*

-silence-

-the door then is shot into the room at high force-

izzy: !??!

nailfile: what the hell?!

hirotsu: good evening. i hope you dont mind us dropping in.

Tachihara: "We're just in for the drink special..."

hirotsu: and i believe you're in our seats.

izzy: tch- _your_ seats? just who the hell are you anyway?

Tachihara: "The people who control this bar, this port--" *aims his pistol at Izzy's head* "--and soon this town..."

izzy: *whistle* well arent you cocky.

Tachihara: "I don't like to brag..." *wink*

Lust oni: o\\\w\\\o

Mantis: "Nuts to that! We're the Hell Blaze Gang!"

hirotsu: so we've heard. tell you what, we'll give you two options, the first being leave now without any troubles.

izzy: and if we refuse?

hirotsu: then it wont be pleasant for you.

Gin: "..."

Mantis: *bug hiss*

izzy: really....well then gramps....*holds up her dice* wanna gamble with fate?

Gin: "???"

izzy: *drops the dice, which releases a smoke screen*

Gin: -_-;

Tachihara: *covers his mouth...*

izzy: *PUNCH*

Tachihara: *knocked down* "OW, MY NOSE!"

Gin: "?!" *aims...tosses--*

Mantis: *catches*

Gin: "?!!"

Mantis: *throws--*

Gin: *dodges, leaps behind overturned table*

Waitress: "FUCK THIS! THE TIPS AREN'T WORTH IT!" >~<

Tachihara: *shooting at their table*

Mantis: *sneaking on Tachihara through the smoke...tackles Tachihara, dragging him into the smoke*

Tachihara: "SHIT!"

hirotsu: !!!

nailfile: *lunches*

hirotsu: *dodges and grabs her by the arm and throws her*

nailfile: GAH!

Gin: *pulls out something from her jacket*

naoya: BEHIND YOU!

Gin: *tosses the kunai over her shoulder, and the bomb at their table*

-FWSSHHHH-

Lust oni: *coughing* "Ugh!"

Gin: "Naoya, close the exit..."

naoya: got it!

Lust oni: *frowns* "Oh, no you don't!" *stiffens their body--which becomes engulfed in flames*

naoya: !!!!!

Lust oni: *runs at Naoya*

Gin: "Naoya!" *finds the extinguisher ball, tosses--*

-nice catch-

-TOSS-

*sonic vibrations shake around Lust, their flames going out as they cover their ears*

Izzy:  mantis, get in there!

*from the lingering smoke, Mantis's blade flies out--it pins Gin to the wall by her sleeve*

Gin "?!" *ripping at the sleeve*

*looks like Mantis is emerging from the smoke behind Izzy*

izzy: took you long enough-

*a sound of the safety being taken off a gun is heard, its muzzle at the back of Izzy's head, and a knife put in front of her neck from behind*

izzy: ?!?!

???: "Now, then...How 'bout giving us back our table?"

*Tachihara, wearing Mantis's clothes, stands behind Izzy*

izzy: you little shit...

Mantis: *punched, collapsed without his clothes on the floor* X~X

Tachihara: "Hee hee..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Zzz..."

stocking: *snuggles*

Kid: =w= *sleep snuggle*

stocking: love you kiddo~

Kid: "Love you, Stocking..."

-morning-

naho: =~=;;;

Sakuya: "What's wrong?"

naho: just got into a ship war with some person online last night. =3= kinda in a sour mood.

tsubaki: want us to call your friends over?

naho: *nods*

Sakuya: "That should be fun..."

Black Star: "..."

naho: yeah, i know maki's wisdom and naomin's open-mindedness will cheer me up!

Black Star: "Good attitude!"

-elsewhere-

Gin: "One torn sleeve...Not terrible."

higuchi: im just glad you didnt get hurt to bad. *sewing the sleeve*

Gin: "Likewise. Now to be ready for their inevitable counter-attack..."

higuchi: yeah....im still worried about the rats to be honest....

Gin: *nods* "Even with the pardon, they could be anywhere...We'll need new security."

higuchi: and allies...

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *doing push-ups*

kirako: *reading the paper*

-more ability users appearing from the woodwork! could it be the fallout of the death city mist incident?-

Tanizaki: "Scary stuff..."

kirako: i guess those abilities had to go _somewhere_ if not to their original owners...

Lucy: *finishes* *pants* "But...could you imagine that? Like, if my Anne went to someone else? Or if Tanizaki's did?"

Tanizaki: "..." ("Or if I got mine...")

kirako: it would be quite scary.

Lucy: "Y-Yeah..."

Tanizaki: *looking dour*

yosano: or if i got some other ability entirely.

Dazai: "Good morning, everyone--" *he's in a furry tiger suit*

kirako: .....

ranpo: cool pjs.

Tanizaki: O_O;

Dazai: "Thankee!"

atsushi:....im gonna take a nap in the clinical room now.

Lucy: -_-# "I find this offensive and will kick your butt down the street..."

Kunikida: *hears Lucy* "..." *single tear*

fukuzawa: before you do that, we got a case.

Tanizaki: "O-Oh?"

fukuzawa: it seems a middle aged man in the suburbs has recently awakened an ability and refuses to leave his room. his wife contacted us in hopes we could convince him to leave the building.

Lucy: "Oh, like Mr. Katai?"

kenji: i'll help!

Tanizaki: "I'll go, too."

atsushi: same here.

kenji: ^^

Lucy: "Have fun!"

Kunikida: "Don't screw up."

-elsewhere-

valentine: <thanks for having us over.> *hugs*

Mrs. Saint-Merand: ^^ *hug* <You're always welcomed.>

Mr. Saint-Merand: >_>;

Francesca: "..."

valentine: <see you soon.> *waves*

Mr. Saint-Merand: <D-Don't be a stranger...> >_>;;

Francesca: ^^; ("How sweet...")

-elsewhere-

maki: ^^

naomi: thanks for inviting us out today.

naho: ^^

Master: "Orders are on their way...Here are your drinks."

naho: thanks!

Sakuya: *sips on his cola* "How've things been at the Fire Company?"

maki: we did get some new recruits. ^^

Tsubaki: "That's exciting. How are they getting along? They becoming new friends?"

maki: yeah. petra's a bit stubborn, but rita's really sweet.

Sakuya: "Those are the nuns, right?"

maki: mmhmm. ^^

Tsubaki: "Anything special the Agency is doing for summer, Naomi?"

naomi: still thinking on that.

Tsubaki: "Same, I'm afraid. It's been surprisingly busy..."

naomi: yeah, especially since the mist incident.

Sakuya: "What was that, anyway?"

naomi: i still dont know. bro's still shook up about it...

Sakuya: "Sorry."

Tsubaki: *nods* "That's too bad...He's still at work?"

naomi: yeah, he's actually working a case today.

Sakuya: "Hope it goes well.

naho: *nods*

Tsubaki: "..." *smiles* "How about a get-together? We could cook something for him."

naho: yeah, that's great! it'd be like sebby cooking for ciel! >w<

naomi: i know! >w<

maki: ^w^

Tsubaki: "...Um...Yes." ^^;

Sakuya: *sips*

naho: now that i mention it, i should probably bring up what's bothering me. you know 'youkai gakuen' right?

naomi: um, YEAH! the anime announcement just came up and im so excited!

naho: yeah! takagi and shima-kun are so OTP!

naomi: totes!

maki: you mentioned a ship war, please dont tell me you got into the TakaShi vs TakaMoto drama.

naomi: i wont judge, im a multishipper anyway, gotta keep an open mind. ^

naho: it's not that, this person ships TakaShi too...

naomi: but you said-

Tsubaki: O_O; *whispers to Sakuya* "What is--"

Sakuya: -_-; "Just listen sympathetically..."

naho: the PROBLEM IS THEY SAID SHIMA IS AN UKE AND TAKAGI IS A SEME! THEY'RE WRONG! IT'S TOTES THE OTHER WAY AROUND! SHIMA-KUN IS THE SEME AND _TAKAGI_ IS THE UKE!

naomi + maki:............*FALLING OUT OF THEIR SEATS*

Master: *looks up* "???"

Sakuya: "?!"

Tsubaki: ._.;

naomi: is...is that so. ^^;

naho: *nods*

naomi: i can understand where you're coming from, it's one of my switch ships.

naho: really?

Tsubaki: ("...Is that...a transformer? A 'switch ship' into another vessel, like a plane or--") @_@

maki: you're probably confused. allow me to explain, a switch ship, AKA Riba ship, is a pairing in which the positions of seme, the top partner, and uke, the bottom partner, can be easily interchanged.

naho:...naomin...maki....Q~Q you're so wise.

Sakuya: -__-;;

Tsubaki: .\\\\. "...Oh..."

naomi: oh, the food's here!

-elsewhere-

Tanizaki: "Just around the corner..."

kenji: here it is! ^^

-it's a small two-story house in a suburb, a middle aged woman is on the lawn, concerned-

Tanizaki: "Hello, ma'am. We're from the Armed Detective Agency..."

woman: yes, thank you. my husband's in our room, and he's refusing to leave. he developed this ability to shoot blasts of ice a few days ago...

Tanizaki: "Hmm...I promise, we'll do our best."

kenji: *heading in and knocks on the door*

???: d-dont come in! please! s-stay away!

Tanizaki: "It's okay, sir. We're ability users, too, from the Armed Detective Agency--"

-ICE BLAST-

kenji: woah!

Tanizaki: *falls back, just dodging icicles* "Damn!" O_O;

???: "STAY AWAY!"

kenji: wow, that was pretty strong, sir! i bet you'll be able to keep really cool during the summer!

???: "ARE YOU NOT LISTENING TO ME, CHILD?! I DON'T WANT THIS ABILITY! JUST--JUST--" *sobbing*

kenji: it's ok, mister. you're still the same person you were, right? you just have powers now is all.

???: "I don't want them! I'm a freak, and I'm scared I'm going to get someone killed!"

kenji: we know a place you can get help. the agency building also has a consultation office you can talk to.

???: Q_Q "I can't leave here!"

kenji: dont worry, i'll carry you there! *opens the door and lifts him up*

???: "EEEK!" *swinging his arms*

Tanizaki: ._.; "...I-I'll just make a cover?"

kenji: when i first developed my ability, it was scary, but i soon got used to it, and now i have so many new friends. ^^

???: "Why would I want friends?! I just want to not screw this up!" *crying...ice*

woman: *hugs* there there, you're still the same person you were.

???: "!!!! I-I don't want to freeze you!"

kenji: dont worry, the consultation office can help you to understand your ability and try to control it.

???: T~T "F-Fine...Just don't let the neighbors see me..."

-elsewhere-

marquis: <crepes anyone?>

Dumas: -_-; <This is a bad idea...We're supposed to be incognito...>

marquis: <we are!>

Dumas: *he's just in a hoodie* >_>; "..." <My other disguises are being washed...>

boy: *bump*

Dumas: "???" *looks*

Cervantes: ^W^ <Pardon, little one.>

boy: *running*

Dumas: "Hmph." <Must be in a hurry...Fine...Let me buy some crepes--> *pats himself* "..." *pats himself more* "... ... ..." *frantically patting himself*

boy: *sprinting*

Cervantes: *cackling* <You got pickpocketed! The brilliant tactician and strongman got his stuff stolen--> *pats his side--and notices his rapier is missing* "... ... ..." *fierce frown* “FIND THAT CHILD, AND SEND HIM TO HELL!”

boy: Q~Q *runs into an alley* WAAAAH!!!

Dumas: *in pursuit* <YES, HIDE IN THE SHADOWS--THEY MAKE ME ALL THE STRONGER!>

Cervantes: <I'LL USE HIS BONES AS MY NEW SWORDS!>

boy: *crying*

-DOUBLE CHOP-

marquis: <now both of you stop it! cant you see he's scared senseless?>

boy: <p-please, i-*hic* i'll gi-give your stuff ba-ack..>

Dumas: >_<# <What the hell did you steal our stuff for anyway?!>

Cervantes: X_X

boy: <pl-please, my mama and uncle, we're poor and dont have much!>

marquis: ...

Dumas: -^- <And that makes it right to rob us?>

boy: Q~Q <w-wha-what else can i do, huh??>

marquis: *hug* <there there, it's ok. we'll help you.>

boy: <r-really?>

Dumas: "..." <What?>

marquis: *nods* ^^

boy: *sniff* <t-thank you...>

marquis: <anytime. what's your name, sweetie?>

boy: <b-benedetto..b-but my friends call me 'benny'!>

Cervantes: *gets up* <How blessed!>

Dumas: -_-; <We're not adopting kids...How are we supposed to walk around town with him?>

marquis: <well......does wilmore have kids~?>

Dumas: "... ... ..." *sneers at Benedetto*

benedetto:... *gulp*

-elsewhere-

Lust oni: -3- "How humiliating..."

izzy: damn, they dont fuck around, do they?

Mantis: "I SAY WE GET BACK AT THEM!" *he's covered in a blanket*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *evil chuckle*

benedetto: *disguised as a girl* =~=;

marquis: <oh, you look absolutely adorable!>

Cervantes: <What should we name our child?>

benedetto: >n<

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "How was school?"

sonia: it went well.

Chuuya: "I know it's another big adjustment..."

sonia: yeah, but mr cavendish is nice enough.

Chuuya: *smiles* "That's good...How much homework tonight?"

sonia: just a bit. im gonna go do that now.

Chuuya: "Okay. Miyuri was lying down earlier..."

miyuri: *busy doodling upstairs*

Chuuya: "I'll make some snacks..."

-elsewhere-

eiko: so, i hear you're looking for information, eh?

Kurogiri: "Yes. We could use some muscle..."

eiko: i see. well, i did make up some profiles from reports and photos i've taken. *hands him a folder*

Kurogiri: *takes it, opens one file* "Hmm...The locations of some of these are not known...What about this one?"

eiko: oh, taken an interest in muscular, eh? from what i've heard, he's currently on the run. from what i hear, he was supposedly last seen somewhere in yellowstone park.

Kurogiri: "...How convenient. We had some other business there..."

eiko: is that so now?

Kurogiri: "Well, around there...Having Muscular would make the labor easier."

eiko: i see. i wish you the best of luck in your search then.

Kurogiri: "And I'll trust you to keep us up to date on locations of people of interest."

eiko: as always. my camera is always ready for a snapshot~

Kurogiri: *nods* *takes the file*

-elsewhere-

Shinoda: *prepping something in the kitchen*

nea: =w=

Shinoda: "And you want a cherry on top?" *scoops more ice cream*

nea: yes please~<3

{little nea: *walking through the hallways* ^^ }

{Mafioso: *standing upright against a wall, holding a gun*}

{little nea: <hello~ is papa in?>}

{Mafioso: <Yes. He is meeting someone...>}

{little nea: =3= <im bored.>}

{Mafioso 2: ^^; <...Want to play a game?>}

{little nea: *nods* ^^}

{Mafioso 2: <Okay, what're you up for? A puzzle? Tag?>}

{little nea: <boss practice!>}

{Mafioso 2: OwO; <...'Kay...Um, 'Boss,' what are your orders?>}

{little nea: <get me ice cream! chop chop!>}

{Mafioso 2: TwT <Okay...I think we have vanilla, chocolate-->}

nea: hehe ^^

-elsewhere-

Wilhelm: "You can't catch me!" >w<

jakob: *laughing*

Kafka: -^-; ("Stuck babysitting...again. Typical...")

{gretchen: *playing with her doll*}

{Franz: *reading* *looks up* <Having fun?>}

{gretchen: *nods* <claudia seems to like her new dress.>}

{Franz: <That's good. You'll need to keep it clean--it was pricy.>}

{gretchen: <i will!>}

{Franz: *nods* *looks out the window* <...They still aren't home...>}

{gretchen: .....}

{Franz: "..." *sighs* <Should I start dinner?>}

hans: kafka, kids, dinner's about ready now!

Kafka: *still sitting, motionless*

hans:...kafka?

Kafka: *wipes his face* "I-I heard you..."

-elsewhere-

maki: im back!

Takehisa: "Welcome back. I'm setting the table now."

maki: sweet? what're we having?

Takehisa: *stares at her* "..."

{Takehisa: *sitting at a curry stand, with a satchel of his belongings* "..."}

{maki: ...?? *salutes* sir? }

{Takehisa: "..." *salutes* "Private Oze...What are you doing here?" *he's not in his uniform...*}

{maki: just on a patrol run, you off duty?}

{Takehisa: "...Off duty, permanently."}

{maki: !!! oh no! you werent discharged, were you? D8> }

{Takehisa: "..." *nods* "Dereliction of duty, defying protocol, interfering with rescue and recovery--"}

{maki: yikes...}

{Takehisa: "...Can I be blunt with you? I know I'm no longer your superior, but I have some advice."}

{maki: what is it?}

{Takehisa: "You're soft."}

{maki: excuse me?}

{Takehisa: "You're soft. Now, I am not referring to your physical abilities--I have monitored your training regiment, your endurance is admirable. But emotionally, you're too soft to be a soldier. And this military has no place for soft people: your commanders will stomp on you to ascend higher in the ranks, and you'll be nothing more than a sacrificial lamb in any military engagement."

{maki: ...well _that's_ depressing...}

{Takehisa: "You should quit."}

{maki: i would, but my dad would flip...}

{Takehisa: "Yes, he would...Do you like being in the military?"}

{maki: hm....}

{Takehisa: "..." *pours a drink* "I think your talents are better elsewhere."}

{maki: like where?}

{Takehisa: "...How good are you with fire?"}

Takehisa: *sets down her plate*

maki: thanks for the food!

Takehisa: "You're welcome." *sits with her* "How is your friend doing?"

maki: she's doing better now.

Takehisa: "...That was kind of you."

maki: ^^

Takehisa: "..." *small smile, eats*

-elsewhere-

Daisy: *slams down her beer mug* "Another!"

Jordan: ^^; "Good to catch up..."

owl eyes: indeed.

Daisy: "Yo, Erina--you need a refill on your drink?!"

Allison: ^^;;;

erina: im fine, thanks. ^^;

Jordan: *pats her hand*

Daisy: "Then Owl Eyes! You can't just keep being a tea total--tea total--a sober guy!" *hic*

owl eyes: -)_(- someone has to be the designated driver here.

Daisy: -3- "Fiiiiiiiiiiine."

Allison: "So, your boss still all rich and stuff?"

owl eyes: yes, pretty much.

Jordan: "He's going to Italy!"

erina: wow!

Daisy: "Shhhhh...It's a secret!" >_<

-elsewhere-

Joker: *checks on Nana's room*

nana: *asleep, holding something under her pillow*

Joker: "???" *sneaks in...*

nana: *jumps onto him, holding a butter knife up to his throat*

Joker: "..." ._x; "...No, see, you want to aim here where the jugular is--"

nana: =n= dont go startling me then.

Joker: "I was checking to make sure you were sleeping well and not suffocating on your pillow!"

nana: for your information, im a light sleeper.

Joker: "Milk usually helps. Or a hot bath. Or pills--"

scarlet: *ahem*

Joker: "??? Yes, Red--you got an idea?"

scarlet: im about to head home for the night, and i have a spare room-

nana: *hug*

Joker: "Super! I'll pack an overnight--"

nana: *HISSSSS*

Joker: Q_X "You're so mean tonight..."

-elsewhere-

{???:....<traitor....>}

{Fernand: "?!"}

{-a corpse like man grabs fernand by the neck-}

{???: <you killed me!>}

{Fernand: <L-Let go! Who the hell are you?!>}

{???: <you killed me! you killed me!>}

{Fernand: *growls* <Then I'll have to kill you again!>}

???: <fernand?>

Fernand: *screams*

mercedes: <fernand! please, calm down!>

Fernand: *panting...hugs her*

mercedes: !!!.....*pat pat*

Fernand: *shaking* "..." <Sorry for waking you...>

mercedes: <bad dream?> ^^;

Fernand: "..." *nods*

mercedes: <need something to drink?>

Fernand: *nods*

-morning-

hermine:.......*looking out the window*

*there's a garden outside...looks like the spring saplings are growing well...*

{hermine: *rubs her stomach*}

{*knock on the door*}

{hermine: !! }

{*a man walks into the room*}

{???: <Pardon. Your maid let me in...>}

{hermine: !!! <you...> }

{???: "..." *nods* <...I had not seen you at the last fundraiser party...> *sits across from her*}

{hermine:..<why are you here? if->}

{???: <...I had heard you and your husband were expecting...>}

{hermine:.........*shakes*}

{???: <...He doesn't know, does he?>}

{hermine:....*whisper* <it's not his...>}

{???: <...You don't mean...?>}

{hermine:...*she nods*}

{???: <...Oh.>}

{hermine: <im scared.....>}

{???: <Hey...> *holds her hand*}

{hermine: .....}

{???: <You know what would happen if your husband learned...or what would happen to you...or to my career.>}

{hermine: ...<what should i do?>}

{???: <Let him think it's his.>}

hermine:.....

Eugenie: <Mama!> ^w^

hermine: !!! <oh, gigi, you startled me...>

Eugenie: *rests her head on her lap* <I'm sorry...You look sad.>

hermine:...<would you like a snack?>

Eugenie: *nods*

hermine: *smile* <how about pudding?>

Eugenie: <Yes!>

-elsewhere-

Nurse: <I put him down...> -_-; <What a cranky old man...>

noirtier:....

{Villefort: *opens the door* <You!> *he's holding some files*}

{noirtier: hm?}

{Villefort: *slams down a file* <Another lie, Father?! When does it ever stop with you?! Now I find out you're...you were...>}

{noirtier: <-part of mimic? the only thing they did wrong was to be decieved by the government.>}

{Villefort: <...When _exactly_ had you planned on telling me, your son, who is _part of this government as one of its top prosecutors_?!>}

{noirtier: <i think you have more pressing matters to worry about...such as that woman...>}

{Villefort: <?! ...I have no idea what you mean...>}

{noirtier: <that look on your face says otherwise...>}

{Villefort: <...Are you attempting to blackmail me? You're a traitor--that's far worse than whatever you think you're accusing me...>}

{noirtier: <says the man who has an affair with a married woman. and so soon after his own wife's death...>}

{Villefort: <!!! You bastard...>}

{noirtier: *chuckles* <will you really turn in your own father, gerard? after all i've done to put a roof over your head?>}

{Villefort: <...If I did...the knowledge I was the son of a terrorist would have me expelled from my position in the court...What would you suggest? This man was trafficking in Mimic materials to be delivered--to you!>}

{noirtier: <asking me for advice are you? figure it out yourself!>}

{Villefort: <...> *spots his cigars* <...> *takes two, offers one to him*}

noirtier:...heh...

-elsewhere-

peppino: *looking around* <mr vampa, remember when you saved my life?>

Vampa: *packing his suitcase* <Hmm...>

peppino: <it was a while back, and you saved me from some nasties who were trying to beat me to a pulp! and all for being myself! >3< >

Vampa: "..." *sighs* <I did what anyone would do...And it was on my way. And I hate elitist jerks. And-->

peppino: <i still appreciate it.>

Vampa: <...Any time...At least we paid them back in kind...>

-elsewhere-

francesca: <i can take the next person in line now!>

*a priest walks up*

francesca: <yes, can i help you?>

Busoni: <Taking these out...> *look to be European history books*

francesca: <ah, i see....>

Busoni: <Sorry--our church lacks such resources to reunite families...>

francesca: .......<families...right....>

Busoni: <After the casualties of Mimic, we've been trying to locate remains...>

francesca:........... <my father was killed in a battle with mimic....>

Busoni: <Sorry. You're probably too young to remember...>

francesca: <i'm nineteen.> -_-;

Busoni: <That's still practically a kid...At least you didn't have to read about these wars...>

francesca:.....

Busoni: <...Wait...Did you lose someone in the war?>

francesca: <i just said, my father was killed in a battle with mimic.>

Busoni: <What was his name?>

francesca: <monsiour d'epiany.>

Busoni: <Ah, I saw his record...Shocking that it's only know that we discovered that he-- ...Sorry, I ramble.>

francesca: <what, discovered what?>

Busoni: <...You know how he died--those injuries. At least, that's the official record, since they found him in that bombing, but...Well, a bomb that size would've been spotted on radar, enough time to escape.>

francesca:.....

Busoni: <...> *sighs* <I suppose I should tell you...The church requested some additional tests on remains and found a high concentration of sulfur in the remains. Now, sulfur is what you smell when a corpse decomposing, but the record showed the concentration higher than I expected, so when I checked on various poisons-->

francesca: <are you-....> *whisper* <are you saying my father was murdered?>

Busoni: <In war, all are murdered...and I don't think it was a bomb that killed your father.>

francesca:.....

Busoni: <...I can look into this more if you-->

francesca: <i just...need a moment....>

Busoni: <...> *takes his books*

francesca:....

-elsewhere-

Dabi: *looking at a map*

himiko: hehehe...hello froggy~

frog: 0-0

Twice: "That something else you gonna kiss to turn into a prince?"

himiko: maaaaaybe.

frog: 0_0;;;;;;;;

banshee: please dont disturb the wildlife.

Dabi: *checking nearby caves* "..." *gets down on all fours, looking at the ground*

himiko: owo~?

Dabi: "...Okay. See that mark? Something was killed here..."

himiko: ooooh.

Dabi: "..." *sniffs the ground* "...Deer. He must've pulled it into the cave to eat..." *follows a path* "And be quiet--I don't feel like dying today."

Twice: "...Were you raised by wolves?"

banshee:....

Dabi: *leads them to a cave* "..." *gestures for them to stand around the exit...* "..." *summons flames along the cave's interior walls*

himiko: ^u^

*something roars inside...*

himiko: hiya!

*it's still roaring, as thumping steps are heard from inside...*

banshee: ...

Dabi: "...We're not here to fight, just to talk..."

Twice: "The whole fire thing was his idea, BT-dubs!"

???: *from above the trees* "Then you mis-aimed..."

Dabi: "?!" *looks up*

banshee: !!!

*a muscular man lounges in the trees*

Muscular: *smiles* "Now...for some bloodshed..."

*out of the cave comes out a bear, running at the Villains*

Twice: O_O; "Dabi...YOU DONE FUCKED UP!"

Dabi: "Shut up and run!"

himiko: WHEEEE! ^o^

Muscular: "HA HA HA! I'm going to enjoy this! Seeing you ripped limb from limb--"

banshee: *inhales* *SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

Bear: Q___Q *gets down on all fours, trying to cover its ears*

Muscular: "?!"

*the sound knocks the bear into the tree--*

Msucular: *falls out of the tree--slamming onto Twice*

Twice: "..." *muffled* "Ow."

banshee:....too much?

Dabi: *hanging from another tree* "You knocked out two birds...I'd say that's enough..." *leaps down, walks to Muscular...slams his foot onto his head*

Muscular: "Ow! Watch the eye..."

himiko: hi mr muscle man! ^w^

Muscular: "Who the hell are you freaks?!"

banshee: part of the league of villains.

Muscular: "...So you want me? Hmph. I know you're all pumped up on what people say about you, but I don't just join up with some team because I'm asked nicely...I need some proof you deserve me."

banshee: we can provide you shelter and protection from the authorities.

Muscular: "Lady, I can provide for myself just fine, so I don't think you understand what I'm saying..."

Dabi: "..."

Muscular: "You see what you did to that bear? That's what I want...I want to see what you got..."

himiko:....i think he's asking you out, banshee!

banshee:.......*facepalm*

Dabi: -_-;

himiko: *whispers* i ship iiiit....

Muscular: "Nah--I'm asking to fight you..." *smirks, as he grabs Twice up from the ground by his ankles, as his body mass increases* "And if you survive...I'll join your group...what's left of it."

Twice: X_X "Fire my remains into the sun..."

banshee: !!!!

Dabi: *charges flames...*

Muscular: *cackles...as his body starts to get bigger, his muscles seeming to rip apart his skin...*

himiko: *shiny eyes and takes out her knife*

-SLICE-

Muscular: "Ha! That tickles..." *tosses Twice at Banshee and swings his fist at Himiko*

himiko: *giggles and stabs*

Muscular: "Really, this is getting cliche..." *his fist gets bigger, as he clutches Himiko by her neck*

himiko: GRK-

banshee: !!!!

Dabi: "Let go of her!" *leaps onto his back, slamming his flaming palm onto his back--*

Muscular: *muscle forms along his back*

Dabi: "?!"

Muscular: *slams into the tree behind him, crushing Dabi*

Dabi: *coughs up blood*

banshee: !!!!! *SHRIEKS*

Muscular: "?!!!" *lets go of Himiko, covering his ears*

himiko: *throws a rock at him*

Muscular: "URK!" *swings, missing Himiko*

Twice: *shiny eyes* "Now it's my turn..." *his ears are bleeding* "RAAAAAAAWR" *kicks Muscular in the head*

Dabi: X____X *collapses*

Muscular: *K.O.*

himiko: we did it! *hugs dabi* and dabi! you _do_ like me!

banshee: *coughing* ugh...

Dabi: X___X

Twice: *shouting* "He can't hear you! I think he's dead!" *his ears are still bleeding*

Muscular: *grumbles, gets up* "Ugh...Well, 3 out of 4 of you are losers..."

himiko: =3= meeeeean.

Muscular: *sits up, leans against a tree, laughs* "One question...Do I get to kill some people?"

himiko:....*griiiiins*

-elsewhere-

Fernand: *walking...enters a bar*

peppino: OwO;;

Vampa: "..." *smiles* <Mr. Mondego.>

Fernand: *his hand is in his pocket* <...Bartender. Three bottles of Crown Ambassador.>

Vampa: <Oooo, expensive...This our last drink?>

peppino: Q~Q;;;;;;

Fernand: <...>

Bartender: *serves the drinks...*

Fernand: *pays...* *sips his beer*

Vampa: "..." *picks up a beer, sips too*

peppino:.... TT~TT <I DONT WANT TO DIIIIIE!> *sobs*

Fernand: <Could you shut up for 1 minute--you're drawing attention, you stupid bastard.>

peppino: TT~TT

Vampa: <Don't fucking call her a stupid bastard.> *paps Peppino* <Relax. If this dumb bastard wanted to kill us, he'd have done it already...>

peppino: *sniff*

Fernand: -_-; <Don't call me a dumb bastard--I'm not the one who kidnapped my child in broad daylight.>

peppino: .~.;;;;;;

Vampa: <Yeah, that doesn't make sense...> *puts out his cigarette* <Why would _you_ kidnap _your own kid_? Your phrasing made no sense. Also, it's kind of hard to kidnap a kid from your house at night, so we figured during the day-->

Fernand: *HARD GLARE* <ARE YOU SERIOUSLY STILL NOT AFRAID WHAT I CAN DO TO YOU?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE DONE TO PEOPLE LESS THAN YOU-->

peppino: >~<;;;;

Vampa: *holds up a hand* <Calm down...We'll be out of your hair...>

Fernand: "..." *pulls his hand out of his pocket--*

peppino: !!!!

Fernand: *slams down--an envelope*

peppino: ._.

Fernand: <Take it and get out of here. If you're not gone by sundown, you're dead. That is what happens to anyone who touches my family.>

peppino: Q~Q;;;;;; *gulps*

Vampa: "..." <Is there white powder in this thing that'll kill us?>

Fernand: <When you die, it'll be to your face, not poison like some coward.> *leaves a tip, walks away...*

Vampa: "... ..." <Peppino...> Q____Q <THAT WAS SO FREAKING FRIGHTENING!>

peppino: *hug* <hold me> QAQ;;;;;

-elsewhere-

Danglars: -_-; <He's late again...>

-knocks-

lucian: <yes?>

'andrea': =n=;

Wilmore: ^^; <Sorry--my daughter took forever to get dressed.>

andrea: 7n7

Danglars: -_-; <I am not here for babysitting--go have her play in the backyard.>

eugenie: *peeks*

Danglars: <???> *points at Eugenie* <You. Go take this girl to the backyard and play.>

eugenie: <yay! new friend!> *takes andrea's hand and heads to the yard*

andrea: 0_0;;;;; *shoots a glare at wilmore*

Wilmore: ^^ <Have fun, sweetie! Daddy loves you!>

andrea: >n<

Wilmore: <Children really are incredible, aren't they? They have such potential...It's important to foster it while they hold onto such hope, isn't it?>

Danglars: <Hmm? Oh, yes, of course...That's why I hire only the best help.>

Wilmore: ^^; *sits, gestures to his assistant* <Please show Mr. Danglars the stock prices...>

lucian: *sweatdrop*

marquis: <of course, sir~>

Danglars: *looks* <Hmm...You've had a downturn in your stocks.>

Wilmore: <Keen eye. I'm afraid we have had a set-back on our Paris orders. My company fell behind on a deadline to get the next product out, as we're finishing the new scents for your upcoming international shipment. I may have to expedite the local orders first before we can proceed with your order-->

Danglars: <?! Unacceptable! Your contract promised me that shipment on time!>

Wilmore: OwO; <...I-I'm so sorry! But we're pressed for time without extra labor to meet the deadline, and I already invested so much into your shipment-->

Danglars: <Too bad! You have your commitment to me first!> *stands up* <Lucian, kick them out so they can hurry up with their work>

lucian: <sir, they came all this way->

Danglars: <And they can go all the way back! A man who is not of his word-->

Wilmore: <--is not worth living at all.>

Danglars: <Yes, exactly! ...> *does a double-take* <...>

lucian: ._.;

-in the garden-

andrea: .....

Eugenie: <I never get to see other kids around home--this is so neat!> >w< *SQUEE!*

andrea: mhmm...*looks at a spot on the ground*......*looks up at the window*

Eugenie: "..." <Oh. We're not supposed to play there--Mama says not to...>

andrea:....*wipes eyes*

Eugenie: <??? Hey? What's wrong?>

andrea: !!! *cough* *ahem* ^-^;;

Eugenie: <...I cry sometimes, too.> *hug*

andrea: !!!! >->;;;

Eugenie: <Let's be friends! And make sure the other doesn't cry! Want to play with my dollies? I'm okay sharing...>

andrea: ....*makes an 'ok' sound*

Eugenie: ^^ <And it's okay to be shy...> *whispers, points to a doll* <Mrs. Bonacieux is rather standoffish...>

Mrs. Bonacieux: O^O

andrea: ._.;;;

Eugenie: *sits in the grass* ^w^

-inside-

Wilmore: <So, I can't afford to lose _both_ of these excellent opportunities! I turned to Danglars Shipment because I knew they were the best at meeting their deadlines, and you are absolutely correct, I have to meet my own...But an adult also knows when to ask for help...I need more money to pay for them. If you could invest-->

Danglars: <Investment? As in...own part of you? And your company?> *smirks*

Wilmore: <Yes. I'm willing to sell shares in my company-->

Danglars: <49 percent.>

Wilmore: <?! Sir, that is quite a lot-->

Danglars: <Then we're done. Lucian, kick them out.>

Wilmore: D: <F-Fine, sir! 49 percent! I'll need my lawyer to complete the paperwork for your review...>

Danglars: *smirks* <Very well. Please send them to my attorney...>

Wilmore: *gulps* <Y-Yes, sir...>

marquis: OwO;;;

Danglars: <If that is all, I'll see you for the tour of the ship next week...Goodbye.>

Wilmore: *sad face* <R-Right...Let's go...> *turns to exit...smirking*

-elsewhere-

Bon: =_= "It all smells...It's all dirty...And I don't know what I'm reading any more..."

lewin: find anything interesting yet?

Bon: *sighs* "I made a list of former Blue Cross exorcists..."

lewin: that's a start!

Bon: *stretches* "So, what do we do? Call these people?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *reading notes* "Okay..." *jots something down* "So, different things screw up soul energy, like lack of sleep..."

cassidy: hint hint.

Asher: =_=; "Sleep is for the privileged..." *yawns*

-elsewhere-

Simon: *trying to type on a laptop--and cringes from neck pain in his brace* >_T *searching on villains*

peter: find anything?

Simon: *nods* "Yes...Medical report on a UA student who encountered them...Lost his eyes..."

peter: yikes....

Simon: "...All the more reason we need to get Queen back, now...I've been trying to contact these UA students and...Um..." >_>;

peter: yes?

Simon: "...'Go die.'"

peter: ._.;

Simon: ^^; "I did contact some others, so maybe they will be friendlier than..." *squints* " 'Kacchan'? ...Huh. Odd name."

-elsewhere-

hitoshi: *feeding stray cats*

???: *sounds like fast footsteps*

hitoshi: ??

???: "Gotta get back to the lab to finish it before I forget the design--OH, LOOK, KITTIES!"

hitoshi: *takes out whiteboard and writes* [hi mei]

Mei: ^w^ "Hi, Fluffy! How are the felines holding up?"

hitoshi: *writes* [doing well]

Mei: *drops a satchel of parts--with a loud metallic THUD* "Great!" *holds out a hand to one*

cat: *sniffs the bag*

hitoshi: *writes* [bought more parts from the scrapyards?]

Mei: "I'm building new goggles! And voice changers! And wrist guards! And a catapult!" *nodding*

hitoshi: [i see.]

Mei: ^w^ "..." >w> "..." <w< *glances back and forth, whispers* "I know a secret~"

hitoshi: ??

Mei: "...TOILETS."

hitoshi:...........*blink*

Mei: "See, I was hard at work in the lab--"

{Mei: *asleep on blueprints*}

{Nezu: "...Um...Cementoss? Could you wake her? We need those..."}

{power loader: *nudge nudge* um, miss hatsume?}

{Mei: *grumbles, rolls over off the table--falling onto the floor* "...Owie..."}

{Nezu: ^^; "We are almost done designing the new facility...But we'll need to customize some locations--"}

{Mei: *bounces up* "Like the elevators to handle the varying weights of students, the different door dimensions, making sure the individual bathrooms are customized--"}

{power loader: mei! focus!}

{Mei: "BUT YOU NEED TOILETS! Some of your students have dimensions not accommodated by these small facilities. Please consider the size limitations!"}

{Nezu: "... ... ..." *FLASHBACKS OF BAD TIMES* Q_Q "Yes, size considerations are vital...Please get to work on them...I need to lie down now..."}

{Mei: ^w^ *offers a pillow*}

Mei: "DORMS. STUDENT. FRICKIN'. DORMS!"

hitoshi: .....huh....

Mei: OWO *freezes*

hitoshi: !!! .-.;;; *CHOP*

Mei: *awakens* "FLAMING SWORD TO SLICE THROUGH WALLS BY REVERSING THE POLARITY OF THE ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AT VARIABLE RATES! ...Thanks."

hitoshi: *writes* [sorry]

Mei: "It happens to me all the time--I go off on tangents then freeze anyway! But imagine it--DORMS! And they don't look like those icky boys' dorms the DWMA students use." -3-

hitoshi: [as opposed to the girl's dorms?]... *writes* [not that'd i'd know.]

Mei: "Me neither--but I heard the girls' dorms had expensive plates, sun room, bath--" *frowns* "--but no toolshed..."

-elsewhere-

Kamui: *looking from atop a roof* "..." *into incom* "Nothing in Sector 4-3. See anyone on your end? Over."

mt lady: all clear here, so laaaame... =3=

*someone walks past her, mumbling to himself...he's carrying groceries*

???: "Having to shop for this crap...What a joke..."

mt lady: ??

*looks to be a pretty average looking guy...*

???: "She said 'I need paper,' I said, 'I'll give you paper!' BUT THE CHARCOAL LOOKED NICE-- Shut up!" *keeps walking towards a bar...*

mt lady:...*shrug*

*inside the bar*

Kurogiri: "Welcome back. Did you get everything--"

???: *shaking* "I did it--I WAS REALLY SMART TO SAVE MONEY BY TAKING HERS--Shut up! Why am I here?!"

Kurogiri: "Oh dear...Someone, get the mask back on this one..."

magne: *masks him there you go. ^^

???: *pants...steadies himself...then does a dramatic pose* "Thanks, sweetie~<3 !" ^^

Kurogiri: *checking GPS mapping*

magne: anytime. ^^

???: "So...How's other me doing?"

-elsewhere-

Twice: X___X "I need medical..."

Dabi: *ice on his head at a motel* "Shut up..."

banshee: *patching them up*

Muscular: *bouncing on the bed he's seated on* "Where's your next stop?"

himiko: aboooout.....*points to a map* here!

Muscular: "What's there?"

himiko: we're gonna find out!

Dabi: "Something called 'Orion.' May be a weapon, may be a person..."

Muscular: "...If you're looking for a belt, I'm going to strangle you at the end of this."

Twice: "Your big-boy pants look like they need a new one--"

Muscular: "...Yo, school girl. Get me something to drink."

himiko: you got it!

banshee: ...

Dabi: *groans* "Where'd you learn medical?"

banshee: someone has to know these things.

Dabi: "No kidding...And given what we're facing next, we needed the muscle...and ruthlessness..."

Muscular: "..." *sick grin*

-elsewhere-

Hyde: *checking the register at the grocery* "...?! Oh, for Pete's sake..." *checking the bills* "Who the hell still writes on money nowadays?" *rubs the ink off his hands* " 'Queen'? Feh. Lord Death's not a queen--Wait, do you elect Lord Deaths, or are they installed?"

ochako: i always figured it was handed down through generations, but then again, he _is_ like, super duper old.

Hyde: "...Well, going by 'queen' is progressive...Not bad doodle, either..." *another bill shows some girl on it with a grim face* *snaps a pic* "And...go viral!" *send*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: <And now, the dumb oaf will be paying us for shares in a company that doesn't exist...Perfect.>

Cervantes: "?!" <B-But the catalogue shows such excellent fragrances! Can't we go into this business?>

Dumas: -_-;

benedetto: ....

marquis: <is everything ok, benny?>

benedetto:...<i think...i dunno...>

Cervantes: <Is it the dress? We can buy a new one.>

benedetto: <no. that garden....it feels...familiar, i guess...>

Dumas: <??? Did you steal from the Danglars before?>

benedetto: <...my uncle said to stay away from that place...>

Dumas: "..." -_-; <You were going to tell us _when_?>

marquis: <dumas, dont yell at him.> =3=

Dumas: <I'm not yelling--I'm asking a fair question...Why did he say not to go there?>

benedetto: <i dunno, he just told me not to.>

Dumas: <...Where's your parents?>

benedetto:............

marquis:....<you dont have parents, do you?>

benedetto: .....<i have an uncle..>

marquis:...*hug* <it's ok. i dont have my parents either...>

benedetto: !!

Dumas: >_>;

Cervantes: Q_Q *hug*

benedetto: !!

Dumas: ("Of all the corny--")

Cervantes: *pulls him in for the group hug* <We'll be your family!> T~T

benedetto: ._.;;

Dumas: -_-; <You're making this uncomfortable, you weirdos...>

-elsewhere-

lewin: *whistling*

*a slight bell sound is heard...but only by Lewin*

lewin: well, what have we here?

???: *someone is watching him, but can't be seen, even by Lewin--*

lewin: come on out. i know you're there...

*??? steps up, revealing...*

Shima: "How did you know?"

lewin: i marked you with a sylph bell, i have sylph spies all over the place.

Shima: -_-; "Tch. Am I that untrustworthy?"

lewin: they're not the best with communicating, but when you return from their base, then i'll have a vague idea of where it is!

Shima: "?! You mean you're tracking me back to the Illuminati?"

lewin: bingo!

Shima: D:< "They'll kill me!"

lewin: do you really think you can become a spy and still die a peaceful death?

Shima: "...Honestly? I was hoping when I die it would be resting in the lap of a beautiful woman."

lewin: talk about straight forwards.

Shima: "So, I might as well lay the cards out...What're your intentions with Bon?"

lewin: hm?

Shima: "If you're using him to get to me, you should know better: he's too proud, serious, and pure-hearted to fall for that shit."

lewin: aw, you do care!

Shima: O_O; "Hey! Don't undermine my moment!"

lewin: no worries, i just admire his talent is all...

Shima: -^- "As well you should...Just warning you, if you cause trouble, Sir Pheles will know..." *fades into the shadows*

lewin:...

-elsewhere-

Valentine: *knocks* <Heloise? Can I get the keys to take Edouard for a drive?>

heloise: <they're on the table!>

Valentine: <?! ...Thanks...Keeping busy?> ^^;

heloise: <yes, yes.>

Valentine: <...Well, if you need anything, I'll have my phone...> *walks away* ("Jeez, what a cranky old person...")

{heloise: *looking at a smaller valentine* ...}

{Valentine: "..." <Your tummy is big.>}

{heloise: <that's because i'm having a baby.>}

{Valentine: <Ooooh...With Daddy?>}

{heloise:...<yes>}

{Valentine: <Daddy used to have other women visit after Mommy died.>}

{heloise: ?! <....is that so...?>}

{Valentine: *nods* <Some used to stay in the guest room, or come over for breakfast.>}

{heloise: ......}

Villefort: *knocks* <May I come in?>

heloise: !! <i'm changing!>

Villefort: -_-; <Oh, like there's any surprise there...We got tickets to a fundraiser. We're going.>

-elsewhere-

Max: *carrying a box* T~T <So heavy...>

fawkes: <need a hand there?>

Max: *shiver up his spine* QwQ *shakes his head* <I-I'm fine! Just working out that muscle...>

-elsewhere-

francesca: <-and that's why i'm here...>

Beauchamp: <That was quite a while ago...>

francesca: <please...i just...need to know the truth.>

Beauchamp: *sighs* <This kind of work will take time. If governments from more than 3 nations haven't routed out every last bit of Mimic, I don't know what you can expect from me...500 Euros, upfront.>

-elsewhere-

Daisy: =_= "Still nothing new learned about that Danglars creep..." *yawns* "Why is the boss having us do this?"

jordan: free trip.

Daisy: "...I am getting drunk on the beach every last day."

-elsewhere-

Ice Person: "Th-Thanks..." *sips his tea--then frowns* -_-; "I was hoping it'd be hot..."

frances: it was. ^^ a small side effect.

Ice Person: "...Well, that's just worse..." T_T

frances: it shouldnt be too awful, mr o'neill.

O'Neill: "I didn't ask for this ability...I just woke up with it, and it's awful..."

frances: you're afraid, that's normal for such things as this.

O'Neill: "Normal when reacting to something so stu-stu-stu--AH-CHOO!" *sneezes--an icicle, which strikes--*

???: "?! MY HAT"

frances: oh dear.

barrie: ._.;

London: "That's some no-good rootin' tootin' mess right there!"

O'Neill: Q_Q; "I'm so sorry!"

bierce: 'least yer skull didnt get iced, mate.

London: "..." *shrugs* "Good point..." *pulling the icicle out of his hat*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *drawing on a tablet* "..."

miyuri: *napping*

Chuuya: *looks out the window at the tree* "..." *holds up the tablet to the tree*

miyuri: *yaaaaawn* whacha doin?

Chuuya: "?!" *puts down the tablet* ^^; "Drawing..."

miyuri: oooh, is sonia home yet?

Chuuya: "Soon--her bus should arrive."

miyuri: she promised to tell miyuri stories about school.

Chuuya: "I'm sure she will...You're excited to hear them?"

miyuri: *nods* miyuri's learning soooo muuuuuch! the world is super big!

Chuuya: ^^; "Kajii been talking to you about that?"

miyuri: *nods* miyuri heard of something called a 'zoo' with lots of animals! can we see one? can we?

Chuuya: "Well, this weekend would be best..."

miyuri: YAAAAAAY! ^o^

sonia: im home.

Chuuya: "Welcome back."

sonia: .....*sits down*

Chuuya: "How was your day?"

sonia: next week the kids are doing a performance for their families...

Chuuya: "Oh?"

sonia: there'll probably be a lot of mommies...

Chuuya: "...Ah..."

miyuri:....*huuuug* i can draw mama for a bit if you want.

Chuuya: "..."

sonia: thank you, but i'm fine for now.

Chuuya: "...I'm sorry. But we'll be there..."

sonia: ok.

Chuuya: "...So...What kind of performance were you planning?"

sonia: i havent decided.

Chuuya: "Well, I'm happy to help..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *walking through the Port District...*

Mantis: *watching from binoculars* "...Following him..."

izzy: good.

lucy: *walking home with groceries*

Mantis: "??? Wait...I see someone else...He's approaching her..."

Akutagawa: O^O

lucy: oh....7_7 hello.

Akutagawa: "Why are you here?"

lucy: im buying ingredients for a dinner party this weekend.

Akutagawa: "...With the Tiger?"

lucy: with the whole agency, so yes, it includes atsushi...

Akutagawa: "...How nice for you. Are you now part of the Agency?"

Mantis: *watching, but can't hear* "Wait...He's talking with someone...Looks kinda scrawny..."

lucy: not officially, mind you. but sort of an honorary member.

Akutagawa: "Hmph. Congratulations. I hope you're happy with them." >_>;

Mantis: "I could probably knock her off, but then that'd alert him and he'd be off and running...Any advice?"

lucy: ???

Akutagawa: "...I don't know why he welcomes you back. Your Guild tried to destroy the city."

lucy: well, people can change.

Akutagawa: "...Well, that's obvious."

Mantis: "...Eh, screw it..." *aims a knife...and tosses--*

*the knife comes towards Akutagawa...*

-SLICE-

lucy: MY BRAID! D8>

Akutagawa: *clutching his ear* "Damn it!"

Mantis: "Shit! He moved..."

lucy: *turns* !!!

Akutagawa: "Get moving, fool!" *grabs her arm, pulling her away*

lucy: *runs*

pixie: aww, where ya going~?

Akutagawa: "...The hell..."

nailfile: *flame claws*

izzy: well well well, look what we found, the black hound of the port mafia. and his little red-head friend.

Akutagawa: " 'Friend' is rather loosely used--"

lucy: im an innocent bystander in this!

*the heat feels like it's coming from the wall behind them*

Akutagawa: "?!"

lucy: ?!?!

*BOOM*

lucy: AH!!

*the brick wall explodes, revealing a half-Infernal*

Lust oni: "D'aw, aren't they just precious~?"

lucy: wha-what the....

Akutagawa: *trying to shield with Rashomon, but fire is still on it...*

Lust oni: *leans down over Lucy* "We need the Hound, but probably not her~"

lucy: !!! *bites lip and punches*

Lust oni: *direct hit to the jaw, which is not on fire* "OUCH!"

Mantis: ._.; "...Well, shit..."

lucy: skunky, do something!!

Akutagawa: *roars, aims--then stops* "...Right. No killing--" *swings at the Gang, knocking them into the wall--*

lucy: come on, run!

Mantis: "UMPH!" *knocked into the wall*

izzy: grk- after them!

Akutagawa: "I know!" *follows* *looking around the alleys* "It's a labyrinth...Use it to our advantage..."

Mants: X_X

Lust oni: "Oh, of course~" *chases*

lucy: *looking around*

Akutagawa: *spots a dumpster* "..."

lucy: that's too obvious...

Akutagawa: "True...But this isn't..." *picks it up with Rashomon--and tosses it at the direction where they came*

lucy: OxO

Lust oni: "?!" *dodges under it, still in pursuit*

Akutagawa: *sighs* *picks up Lucy*

lucy: h-hey!

Akutagawa: *tosses her up, while he uses Rashomon to try to pierce at Lust*

lucy: *SCREAM*

nailfile: *jumps in and slashes*

lucy: !!! skunky!

Akutagawa: *Rashomon is sliced* "You stupid bastard--"

Lust: "Heh heh~" *and Lust burns Rashomon off his back, lighting his back on fire*

Akutagawa: "?!!!" *rips off his shirt, rolling on the ground*

lucy: *falls* *scream*

-OOF-

*She lands atop Akutagawa's burnt back, who is already face-down on the pavement*

Lust: OwO "~<3"

lucy: why you....*grabs lust oni's arm and with all her might, flings them to the ground*

Lust: *SCREAMS--and slams into Mantis*

Mantis: *MUFFLED SCREAMS OF PAIN*

Akutagawa: X_X

lucy: *picks up akutagawa and runs*

Lust: O_O; "...Well...This is embarrassing..." >w< "But so hot~!"

Mantis: X__X

Akutagawa: *grumbling*

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *hanging up streamers*

demon snow: *rearranging furniture*

Kunikida: "Be sure to vacuum under the rugs, too...Where are the others?"

-phone buzzes-

Kunikida: *answers* "Hello?"

lucy: hey, sorry im late, ran into a little trouble on the way.

Kunikida: "Hmph. That's not being on time. Get here ASAP. Did you get everything on the list?"

lucy: of course i did! it's safe in anne's room!

Kunikida: "...Well, that is efficient to avoid carrying a heavy load..."

lucy: impressed, right? and due to some circumstances that i'll explain when i get there, im bringing something else too....just...promise not to get mad.

Kunikida: "...WHAT."

lucy: um.....^-^ it's a surprise?

Kunikida: -_-; "The last 'surprise' had me in prison."

lucy: ._.;;;;;;;;;

-and so-

atsushi: .______________.

Kyoka: "?! Oh no..."

naomi: .....

Kunikida: "...I repeat...WHAT."

Akutagawa: *passed out*

lucy: *explaining everything*

Tanizaki: "..."

yosano:...*cracks knuckles* leave him to me.

Kyoka: "Is he technically _near death_ yet?"

yosano:.....*smirks*

Tanizaki: "...DO IT."

Kyoka: ._.;

naomi: ._.;;;;

Kunikida: *glares at Lucy* "Brat...DO YOU KNOW HOW BIG A MESS THIS NOW PRESENTS TO US?!"

lucy: look, im sorry, ok, but what else could i have done, huh?

Kunikida: "I don't know--the hospital?! Now the Mafia is going to think we did this--"

*explosions are heard blocks away*

Tanizaki: O_O; "Oh no...They're starting early..."

lucy: i dont think that's them.

Kyoka: "It's those gangsters...Well, if you could take out two of them, this can't be too difficult..."

Tanizaki: T_T "I'll get ready..."

Dazai: "Have fun!" *dipping chips into the guacamole--*

lucy: no. i already brought enough trouble for you, im going to handle this myself so you dont get involved too.

Kunikida: "...Noble, although rather stupid, since if you get injured, the doctor will already be busy with one patient..."

*the window breaks*

sylvia: *screams*

Kyoka: *shields Sylvia*

*it's a knife with a message attached to it...*

kenji: *looks*

*it's horribly written but seems to want Lucy, with the line "We want the redhead!"*

lucy:....

Mantis: *on the rooftop across from the Agency* -_x "In one week, I've lost my clothes, my pride...and now my back is killing me!"

Lust: *shouting* "WE WANT THE REDHEAD~!"

izzy: they heard you!

Kunikida: "..." *sighs* "If you get killed, I'm not tolerating Atsushi's whining."

lucy:....im going out there. *hands them the groceries and turns*

Kyoka: "..."

Tanizaki: "..."

Dazai: "Have fun!"

atsushi: lucy wait! *holds her hand* .... *kiss* at least...let me be able to do that.

lucy:....dont worry. i have a plan.

-and so-

Mantis: *tapping his foot* >_X "Get your ass out here!"

Lust: *filing nails*

lucy: hey, jerkheads! come get me!

Lust: "??? No! How about you come here--"

Mantis: "RAWR!" *runs towards her*

pixie: *flies in*

lucy:....

Lust: "..." *shrugs* *follows*

-the other hell blaze members rush at her-

lucy:....*wicked smile and snaps her fingers*

-they appear to be in...a doll room?-

Mantis: *leaps at her--and falls onto a giant plushie* "..."

izzy: the hell?!

Lust: "..." *looks around* "..." -3- "Oh, this won't do..."

lucy: hello hello everyone~! welcome to anne's room! shall we play a game of tag~?

Mantis: "..." *muffled screams, as he starts slicing up the plushie* "YOU STUPID ASSHOLE! I DON'T WANT TO PLAY TAG! I WANT TO STAB YOU--REPEATEDLY!"

Lust: "Now, hang on--tag can be fun~"

lucy: now, that's not nice! emengarde hasnt done a thing to you. anne, show him the door~

Mantis: "WHO THE FUCK IS ANNE?!"

-something grabs him and the lust oni-

Lust: *looks up* OwO "..."

anne: owo

Mantis: *SCREAMS*

Lust: "OOOOOOOOH~" =w=

-arms reach from the dark room and grab them, pulling them in-

izzy: !!!!

Mantis: *biting Anne's hand* "BURN THIS THING!"

nailfile: what the fuck is that thing?!

Lust: "I'm trying!" *lighting up--but Anne keeps extinguishing...*

lucy: two down, several more to go~

Blaze Gangster 1: Q_Q "...Have I mentioned I have a phobia about dolls?"

nailfile: <oh fuck this shit!> *turns to run, but something has grabbed her leg* ?!?!?

-small dolls are climbing up her-

nailfile: *SCREAMING*

Blaze Gangster 2: *shrieks, running from toy soldiers*

izzy: motherfuck, what the hell are you?!

lucy: just an ability user, that's all. and i have a little favor to ask 💗

izzy: you want a favor?

lucy: leave the agency alone, and i'll let you all go.

Mantis: "WHAT THE FUCK IS THE AGENCY?!"

Lust: =w= "I'm in no--AH!--rush~"

izzy: *puts her hands up* we dont have a beef with you, girly, we just want the mafia dog, and we'll leave.

lucy: *glares*

Mantis: *SCREAMS, as Anne tightens her grip*

Lust: "AAAAAAAAH~!"

lucy: then i guess we'll be trapped here forever and ever then~

nailfile: *on the verge of panic*

Gangster 2: *climbing a giant tea set to escape toy soldiers*

izzy: ....tch-, fine then, we'll go, for now.

lucy: promise?

izzy: ...deal.

lucy:...*snaps fingers*

-back to reality-

nailfile: gross....

izzy:....let's go.

Mantis: *face-down on the pavement*

Lust: =o= "I-I need a moment..."

Gangster 1: *holding onto Gangster 2* Q_Q

Mantis: *grumbles* "Just let me stab her once..."

izzy: *holds hand up* we're going now.

lucy: and dont let me see your mugs around here again or else!

Lust: *gestures "Call me"*

Mantis: *gestures a knife along her throat*

lucy: *flips them off*

Lust: ._.;

Mantis: *MANTIS NOISES*

lucy:.....

fukuzawa: ........

Kunikida: "...Sir?"

lucy: !!! m-mr fukuzawa!

fukuzawa: miss montgomery. what you just pulled was reckless, foolish, and could have potentially killed you.

lucy: i-i know, but-

fukuzawa: and even so, you risked your life to protect us...

lucy:.....

fukuzawa: now, having said that, let me be the first to say.....*head pats* welcome to the armed detective agency.

lucy: ?!?!

Kyoka: "..." *tosses confetti* "Yay."

atsushi: lucy! *tackle hug* congrats!

naomi: *clapping*

sylvia:...*small smile*

kenji: you did it!

lucy:...ah....*tearing up* uu...*hugs atsushi, sobbing*

Kunikida: "..." ("I suppose I can keep my lecture to her for later, after she's done sobbing...")

kirako: oh, that's wonderful news!

Dazai: *mouth full of chips* "Yay!"

yosano: well, the patient's been taken care of, did i miss anything?

ranpo: new member.

yosano: !!

Tanizaki: "So I guess this is now a welcome party."

ranpo: here here!

-elsewhere-

Meme: *in the Deathbucks outfit* "Welcome! How many for your table?"

Izuku: "4. We may have 1 more."

mio: hey meme. .///.

Rin: *at another table, staring at notes* Q_Q

fani: =~=

Meme: ^^; *waves* "Hello!"

shinra: yo!

Rin: T_T "Hello...I'm going to fail my test..."

Izuku: "...Well, that's no good..."

shinra: im sure we can help you out.

Izuku: *nods* "What's the test for?"

Rin: "Exorcism stuff..."

???: well, allow me to assist.

-a wild annabelle warren appears-

annabelle: ta-dah~!

rui: *waves*

Rin: >~< "SAVE ME!"

-elsewhere-

Valentine: *pulls over* <Ready, kiddo?>

edouard: *responsive noise*

Valentine: "..." *sad smile, opens the door, gets to his side, opens the door for him and unbuckles the belt* <Want to feed the ducks?>

-elsewhere-

Danglars: *eating dinner* "..." <So, I'm going to have near-majority holdings in a cosmetics company.>

hermine: ...<that's nice...>

Danglars: <Yep! Imagine--me, selling those fruity perfumes and makeups! Ha! Never thought that'd be me...>

hermine: ....

Danglars: <Ha! Maybe I could get you a discount! ...> *looks at Eugenie* <Hey. Did you upset your mom or something?>

eugenie: <i didnt do anything. i was just playing with andrea in the yard today.> =3=

Danglars: <And you better treat that girl well--lot of money now riding on her.>

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "How you feeling now?"

naho: much better. also kinda hungry.

Sakuya: "What you hungry for?"

naho:...crepes.

Sakuya: *nods* "Let's do this."

-elsewhere-

Gin: *checking her phone* "..."

higuchi: still nothing?

Gin: "No..." *pulls up a GPS app on her phone*

-elsewhere-

Mantis: Q~Q "Well, I can now add 'dolls' to the list of nightmare fuel..."

Lust: =w= "Same."

izzy: hmm....

Mantis: >_<# "Let's find the rest and kill them!"

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *lying on the surgical table, looking up* O_O;;;

*sounds like fun outside...*

Akutagawa: "..." *gets up* *looks at the chair...there's a shirt there*

-it’s a pink shit that has a kitten hanging from a branch that reads ‘hang in there’-

Akutagawa: *picks it up* "..." =_=#

-outside-

Kunikida: "--and if you ever do something that foolhardy again that makes this organization look bad--!"

lucy: yes sir. -_-;

Kyoka: *slaps Ranpo's hand* "Hands off my cake."

ranpo: >3<

atsushi: never a dull day, huh?

Dazai: ^w^ "Nope..." *looks* "Is it going to be awkward?"

atsushi: what do you mean?

Dazai: "Which part: the awkwardness of working with someone you're dating, or the awkwardness that one of my former proteges is in the medical ward recovering from getting saved by your girlfriend, which is likely only to make things more awkward for all of us and Lucy?"

atsushi:.... .w.;;;

*the door opens*

Akutagawa: "..."

lucy: um... hey sku-

Akutagawa: *GLARE* "...Thank you for not letting me die."

lucy:.... ^^; no problem.

Akutagawa: *GETS UP IN HER FACE* "I do not like being in someone's debt."

lucy: ._.;;;;;

Akutagawa: *points at Dazai, still staring at Lucy* "DAZAI! I have managed not to kill, not for you, but to grow as my own person!"

Dazai: ^^ "And that's just grand--but I think you meant to say that to Atsushi..." *nudges him*

atsushi: .w.;;;;;;

Akutagawa: *turns, looks at Atsushi* "...Hello."

atsushi: *ahem* hello.

Akutagawa: "...She saved me. But I could've handled them fine." >_>;

Dazai: ("Wow. High praise.")

atsushi: ^^; yep, that's lucy for ya.

lucy: =///3///=;

Akutagawa: "Hmm...Well, good for both of you. I need to leave before the Mafia tracks my GPS chip back here and assumes you all kidnapped me."

Kyoka: ._.; "...They're doing _that_ again?"

naomi: ^^;

Tanizaki: *glare*

Akutagawa: "...Oh. Hello. How are you?"

Tanizaki: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

-elsewhere-

beauchamp: hmmm....

???: *cough cough sniff* <Hey, mister--mister! You got a smoke?>

beauchamp: <oh, sorry, i dont smoke.>

???: *pulls out a lighter, illuminating his own face, revealing a scraggily man with missing teeth* <Good for you!>

beauchamp: !!

???: *chuckles* <What's wrong? You wanted to see me, didn't ya?>

beauchamp: .....

???: *coughs, wipes his face* <Mosqueton, as your service!> *holds out his hand...it looks unappealing*

beauchamp: .... <likewise. call me beauchamp>

Mosqueton: <And a good chap you are!> *loud laughter* *wheezes* <...Okay, enough pleasantries. So, you were looking into the Mimic war?>

beauchamp: *looks around* <yes>

Mosqueton: *whispers* <Didn't the history books give you enough info?> *smirks*

beauchamp: ......

Mosqueton: <But you know you can't believe everything you read there...After all, think about the people Mimic must have still hanging about...In your neighborhood...at your local police station...in the president's office...>

beauchamp: .... <what do you know?>

Mosqueton: <I know a few members of our fine society who have been working in the background for Mimic...You ever look into the kidnapping of Alexandre Dumas?>

beauchamp: <kidnapping?>

Mosqueton: -_-; <Work with me here, my fine gentleman...Look him up. He was 'arrested' for being a courier for Mimic. Now, who was the recipient for the mail he was delivering?>

beauchamp: *listening*

Mosqueton: <There's no evidence left--because the prosecutor on the case burned it up.>

beauchamp: !!!

Mosqueton: <As for Dumas, the lad was sent to some black ops prison--the entire case isn't even on public record--they disappeared! That prosecutor did...>

beauchamp: <but why?>

Mosqueton: <Aren't you listening to me? Mimic has its people everywhere--so that prosecutor must have some connection to them. I only know the package Dumas delivered was listed as a recipient at Artagnan Plaza--some chemist--the addressee was listed as 'Colbey' or something...Dumas probably knew something he shouldn't have, so--> *imitates a beheading*

beauchap: .... *gulp*

Mosqueton: <You sure you want to go down this path, my fine sir? If you do, no telling what you'll find--or who will be gunning after you.>

beauchamp:.... <i'm already in this deep...>

Mosqueton: <Yes...You are. Now, about my payment--> *opens a switchblade*

beauchamp: !!!

Mosqueton: <I'll take my payment, now.>

-elsewhere-

valentine: <hey max> ^^

Max: <!!! H-Hey, Valentine!> ^^; <How are you?>

valentine: <just brought my brother to the park for a bit.>

Max: *looks* <He looks like he's having fun...>

valentine: <yeah. how was work for you?>

Max: "..." <Odd.>

valentine: ??

Max: <...You see your step-mom around?>

valentine: <she's at home. why?>

Max: <...I saw her at work.>

valentine: <really?>

Max: *nods* <...And she didn't recognize me.> -_-;

valentine: ^^;

Max: <Any idea what she would be doing there?>

valentine: hmmm...

Max: <I'm not sure, either--we haven't done anything special aside from the relic collection and whatever Mr. Fawkes is up to.>

-elsewhere-

Fernand: "..." *steps away from the phone, enters the living room...*

mercedes: *asleep on the couch*

Albert: *snoozing with her*

Fernand: "..." *sits beside them* "..."

mercedes: zzzz....

Fernand: *tucks a blanket over them*

-elsewhere-

marquis: <you can sleep here if you want.>

Benny: -^-; <...Better than the floor...>

marquis: ^^

Benny: "..." >_>; "..." <Do you know any stories?

marquis: <i do know one.>

Benny: *pulls the blankets around himself, listens*

marquis: <a long time ago, there was a prince. he was very small, and very lonely, as his mama and papa were always elsewhere...>

Benny: <...>

marquis: <one day, the prince left his home, in hopes of finding somewhere he could be loved. at first, he thought he had found it, with a large man in a mansion in the woods. but the man didnt love him the way he hoped, but he pretended to be happy anyway...>

Benny: <Why pretend? Why not leave?>

marquis: *sad smile* <because the prince was so desperate for any kind of love at that point, that he stayed. then, two men came and rescued the prince, and he's been happy ever since.>

Benny: <...> *curls up* <Okay...So, running away was good for the Prince?>

marquis: <in a way. he had finally found a place to call home, and people to call family.>

Benny: <Hmm...Does this family love him?>

marquis: .... <i think so.> *smile*

Benny: <...Okay...> *yawns* *lies, down, closes his eyes*

marquis:....*gets up, rubbing his eyes and exits the room*

Cervantes: *whispers* <Hello! He's asleep?>

marquis: *nods* *sniff* ^^

Cervantes: *concerned look* <You okay?>

marquis: *hug*

Cervantes: <!!!> *pat pat*

marquis:....<thanks>

Cervantes: ^^ <Any time...Want a drink?>

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Feel more relaxed?"

stocking: ^^

Kid: *smiles, rubs her shoulders*

stocking: =w=

Kid: *kisses the back of her neck*

stocking: ah~<3

Kid: *continues massaging* "So cute~"

stocking: =///=

Kid: *hugs her from behind* "I love you..."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *drawing...yawns* *looks out the window at the city at night*

mito: *resting by his feet*

Chuuya: "...Mito...Rain..."

mito: *meeew*

Chuuya: *pet pet stroke*

mito: *purrs*

Chuuya: *sad sigh*

-upstairs, the girls are asleep-

sonia: *sleeping peacefully*

miyuri: *sprawled out on the floor* zzzzz

Chuuya: "..." *picks up Mito, walks upstairs*

mito: *mii?*

Chuuya: *goes to the girls' room...sets down Mito*

mito: *walks over to miyuri, licks her cheek*

miyuri: hehehe... =w=

Chuuya: *small smile...picks up Miyuri*

miyuri: zzzzz....

Chuuya: *sets her in bed, tucks her in*

miyuri: =w=

Chuuya: *strokes her head...looks at Sonia*

sonia: mmn....*holding her teddy*

Chuuya: *tucks her and the teddy in*

sonia: *she seems happy*

Chuuya: *sighs* ("...I wish you could see this...")

-silence-

Chuuya: "..." *wipes his face*

-early morning-

Archivist: <Court cases?>

beauchamp: <yes>

Archivist: <Which year?>

-beauchamp explained-

Archivist: <Hmmm...I'm not familiar...Let me open the files for 6 years ago...>

-elsewhere-

Villefort: *sipping tea* <I will be reviewing cases for next week, so I can't be interrupted...>

Valentine: *sighs*

heloise: <im going to be running errands.>

Valentine: <I think I'll call up Francesca...>

Villefort: -_-;

-elsewhere-

Jeje: "Wake up."

mikuni: zzzzzz.... =w=

Jeje: "..." *picks him up...*

mikuni: mmn, that feels nice, darlin'...zzz....

Jeje: -_-; *slams Mikuni into the ceiling*

mikuni: YEOWCH!

Jeje: "Work is starting."

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *snoring*

{Dumas: *his wrists are chained to the interrogation table...he's in a prison jumpsuit...the laces are removed from his shoes* <LET ME OUT, DAMN IT! I DEMAND TO KNOW THE CHARGES!>}

{villefort: *entering*}

{Dumas: *stares, trying to recognize the person...* ("Prosecutor?") <...Who are you?>}

{villefort: <gerard de villefort, as the prosecution.>}

{Dumas: <...Monsieur, I was taken out of my home--it's my wedding day. I don't even know whether she knows I'm here! No one is explaining to me what I'm charged with!>}

{villefort: *examines the envelope*.... !!!!!!!}

{Dumas: <What? It was what my captain asked me to deliver-->}

{villefort: ....<we will investigate this matter immediately.>}

{Dumas: "..." *nods* <When can I be presented to the judge to post bail?>}

{-...-}

{villefort: <as you can see, this man's knowledge of mimic's actions makes him a liability. it makes him a dangerous man. i find it is only fitting to lock him away where his knowledge is unable to harm anyone.>}

{Dumas: <You can't do this! I'm innocent! I don't even know what I had! Please, your honor-->}

{Judge: <I'm inclined to agree. Officers, please escort the prisoner-->}

{Dumas: !!! *shakes*}

{juror: !!! <w-what is that?!>}

{Dumas: *dark energy is around him--as he snaps the handcuffs offs and throws the table into the ceiling lights, knocking them out*}

{-there is panic and screaming-}

{villefort: !!!! <what the devil-->}

{Dumas: *in the dark, he grows only more powerful, before he grabs Villefort by the throat* <YOU LIED TO ME! I HATE BEING LIED TO!>}

{villefort: !!! <GU-GUARDS!>}

{Guard: <Shoot!> *fires a tranq*}

{*the tranquilizers hit Dumas...he's still moving*}

Dumas: *shaking in bed* <No...NO!> *slams his fist onto the bed--smashing its frame*

marquis: <dumas? is everything ok-.... ._.;;; >

Dumas: <...> *sits up* =_=# "..." <What?! YOU'VE NEVER SEEN SOMEONE BREAK THEIR BED?!>

marquis: eep! >^<; <b-breakfast is ready!>

Dumas: <FINE! THANK YOU! IS THERE ORANGE JUICE?!> *pushes the broken bed to the wall*

marquis: <please, dont shout? ^^; >

Dumas: O^O *angry whispering* <WHY NOT?>

marquis: <you'll upset the neighbors.>

Dumas: <...> =_=; <Fine. Good point...> *buries his head under the pillow*

-elsewhere-

Max: <I'm heading out...>

morrel: <take care.> *smiles* .........*sigh*

Max: <...I'll be home at 4. Call me if you need anything...> *sad smile*

-elsewhere-

Izumo: -_-; ("I finished sweeping the apartment, so just need to find food...") *checking cupcakes at the grocery* ("How did I get talked into a 'sleepover'?")

-phone ringing-

Izumo: "???" *answers* "Hello?"

shiemi: hi izumo! when are you coming over?

Izumo: "I'm on my way--I'm just picking up some items." -_-; "...Should I be bringing anything?"

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: "--then she buried the cleaver into me, nearly killing me, before activating her ability to heal all injuries." *sips tea* "...Hm. This is quite good."

lucy:.....*awkward laughter*

Akutagawa: "...My fatal injuries amuse you?"

lucy: oh no, i didnt mean it that way!

Akutagawa: "In what way, then? What was funny?"

atsushi: anyone want cupcakes? ^^;;

Akutagawa: "...Fine." *takes one* "Who made them?"

atsushi: kyouka did.

Akutagawa: "...Have you been taking good care of her?"

atsushi: of course.

sylvia: *peeks* .~.;;;

Akutagawa: "...And who is that person?"

atsushi: that's sylvia, she's a new member as well.

sylvia: >~<;; *ducks behind the wall*

Akutagawa: "...These are your recruits? In the Mafia, we focus on power..."

atsushi: well, lucy has proven herself willing to give her life for the sake of the agency, just like i did.

Akutagawa: -^- "I could've saved myself--I was busy not killing them and making sure she didn't get killed..."

lucy: and i appreciate that

Akutagawa: "...You're welcome." *bites into the cupcake--gets frosting on his nose*

atsushi: um...you got something on your- *points to his nose*

Akutagawa: "Yes? ..." *looks* "..." *wipes with a napkin* "...Thank you." >\\\\>;

atsushi: ^^;

-CRASH-

atsushi: ?!

lucy: ???

sylvia: EEP! >~<;;

Akutagawa: *already aiming Rashomon* "!!!"

???: "Now, calm down--we're not here to--" *suddenly, his voice goes up in pitch* "OW!" *Tachihara collapses into the room*

Akutagawa: "???"

gin: GIVE RYU BACK!

hirotsu: gin, i understand you're upset, but we need to be diplomatic about this.

gin: diplomatic my ass! *runs into the room and hugs akutagawa* WHY DIDNT YOU ANSWER?!

Akutagawa: O\\\\O; "...I was busy, recuperating from injuries. Also, there were cupcakes."

gin: *glares at atsushi*

atsushi: ._.;;;

lucy: ._.;;;;

Akutagawa: "...Wait, you don't think they injured me, do you?"

hirotsu: *ahem* greetings, armed detective agency, we're just here to recover one of our members.

yosano: he was injured before he got here....granted i helped, but that was to heal him.

Akutagawa: *nods* "Granted, I was first attacked by some fire-users--the same that took the Mafia's bar."

gin: !!!

Akutagawa: "They followed me back here, attempting to destroy the Armed Detective Agency as well."

hirotsu: hmm...

Kyoka: *walks in with more tea* "And obviously we were not destroyed--and Lucy sent the Hell Blaze Gang away."

lucy: *beaming*

Akutagawa: >_>; *opens his mouth to repeat his point--then stops* -_-;

Tachihara: T~T "Who the hell is Lucy?"

lucy: .... that would be me. -_-;

Tachihara: "??? You mean ‘carrots’ over there?"

Akutagawa: *stifling himself*

lucy: *PUNCH* WHO DO YOU THINK YOU'RE CALLING 'CARROTS'?!

gin: -_-; ignore him, he's a moron.

Tachihara: X___X

Akutagawa: "..." *pokes* "He's not dead, so no need to treat him..." *picks him up* "...Thank you for the shirt."

atsushi:...right... *sweatdrop*

lucy: er-...sorry about your coat.

Akutagawa: "It's fine..." *takes hers*

lucy: D8

Akutagawa: "Let's go home."

gin:....*nods*

-elsewhere-

Joker: "Welcome back!" >w<

nana: =A=;

Joker: "How did you like staying over with Aunt Red?"

nana: it was nice.

Joker: "Does she have nice furniture?"

nana: yeah, it was fancy. we ordered pizza.

Joker: "Oh..." *looks up* "I guess I owe you for that..." *opens wallet*

nana: ??

scarlet: it's fine.

Joker: "Well, owe you for the pizza..." *hands her a $20 bill*

scarlet: um...thanks, i guess.

Joker: "So, when can we have a slumber party?"

scarlet: ... -_-;

-elsewhere-

-knocks-

mrs saint-merand: ?? *opens the door* <oh, heloise, what a surprise!> ^^

Mr. Saint-Merand: -_-; <Hmph.>

Heloise: <Hello.> *smiles* *holds up a box* <I brought tea.>

mrs saint-merand: <oh, how lovely!> ^^

Heloise: <I was hoping we could catch up...> *adjusts her pearl necklace*

mrs saint-merand: <why of course, dear.>

Mr. Saint Merand: *stares at her necklace* "..." ("Familiar...")

Heloise: <Shall I brew?>

mrs saint merand: <are you sure dear, we dont mind->

Heloise: <It would be my pleasure...>

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: -_-; "I appreciate your concern, but I think this is going too far--"

gin: im seriously not letting you out of my sight for a week!

Akutagawa: "YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" >_<# "I WAS DOING JUST FINE!"

gin: DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS?! WE ALREADY HAD YOU GO MISSING ONCE! *hug* i cant....i cant let it happen again...*shaking*

Akutagawa: "..." T~T *hug* "I'm sorry."

gin: *sniff* you're a real jerk sometimes, ryu...

Akutagawa: "I love you, too..."

gin:.....

Higuchi: Q_Q *watching from around the corner*

Akutagawa: "...Can we just have lunch already..."

gin: ..r-right.

Q: i want omurice! ^o^

Higuchi: "!!" *runs back to the kitchen*

Akutagawa: -_-; ("Q gets kidnapped all the time--why do I get in trouble when I do...")

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Okay, so there are the tools, the wood planks--"

Motojiro: "The death laser--"

Chuuya: "..." *STARE*

ayako: OwO

Chuuya: "...How...How about instead a kaleidoscope in the treehouse?" ^^;

Motojiro: "Hmm...Colorful...I suppose.............."

leo: perhaps a light show for the reception would be nice?

Motojiro: "...YES...We shall build it!"

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "Let's not rest on our laurels--you're now in this Agency, so now you're going to start with the grunt work."

lucy: yes sir.

Kunikida: "Good. You're on Ranpo duty."

lucy: *sigh* i figured.

-elsewhere-

Lord Wilmore: <Don't fall behind, sweetie...>

andrea: =~=

Lord Wilmore: *knocks on the door* ^^

lucian: <yes? ah, lord wilmore, please, come in>

Lord Wilmore: <Hello, Lucian--a pleasure to see you again. I am here to leave paperwork for Monsieur Danglars to review...>

lucian: <right this way>

Lord Wilmore: *follows* <Maybe Andrea would like to play with her new friend?>

eugenie: <andrea!> *hug*

andrea: !!!

Lord Wilmore: <Have fun, you two!> *smug wave at Andrea*

Danglars: *in his office, muttering over financial records*

-elsewhere-

Izumo: "Hello? Anyone here?" *looking at the garden*

shiemi: oh, you're here! ^^

Izumo: "Hi..." *holds up bag* "I brought some snacks..."

shiemi: oh how nice! come on, my room is in the garden storehouse.

Izumo: "The storehouse?" *follows* *looking at the garden*

-it's quite a lovely garden-

Izumo: "...It must take you a lot of work to tend to all of this..."

shiemi: it does, but it's worth it. *opens the door*

-inside is quite cozy-

Izumo: "...Um...This isn't bad..." >\\\>; "...Where should I put these?" *holds up the bag*

-elsewhere-

*knock on the 8th's door*

shinra: ??

Ogun: *waves* "Hey."

shinra: ogun! great to see you!

Ogun: "Same!" *hug* "How you holding up?"

shinra: pretty well. *calls out* hey guys! ogun's here!

Arthur: "Finally--pleasant company."

Ogun: ^^;

karin: OwO nozomiiiin~ someone's heeeere~

Petra: "..." *whispers* "I have no idea who he is."

iris: he's a friend.

Petra: "Hmm...I hope he's more dependable than some people..."

rita: ^^;

maki: so what's new with you?

Ogun: "...Is Commander Obi here?" *he's holding some files*

maki: yeah, he's out training in the garden.

Ogun: *nods* "I can wait...I think you, Dr. Itou, and Vulcan may need to hear this...You too, Shinra."

shinra: what is it?

karin: ...

Ogun: "I overheard Commander Huang and Captain Arg visiting Commander Arg...They sounded really upset about what happened to some patients they had...The 6th and multiple hospitals have been transferring burn victims..."

karin: oh jeez...

shinra: ....

Ogun: "The Captain wanted me to tell Obi, especially given where the burn victims have been transferred..."

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "...Son of a gun." *kicks a garbage can*

sachiko: !!

Dr. John: *she's looking at empty beds* "Burn victims...in comas, moved against my orders...How dare they..."

-there is murmurs amongst the hospital staff-

nurse: how strange...

nurse 2: what about the moriyama girl?

Dr. John: "Everyone, listen up! Do not let another patient be transferred--not until I give Haijima Industries a piece of my mind!" *rolls up a sleeve* "Or my fist!"

-elsewhere-

Scientist: *looking out the window* *sighs* "Get another bed ready..."

*a child lies motionless behind the glass on the stone floor...*

???: right away.

???: "..." *walks up to the glass, staring at both scientists...bangs a fist on the glass*

scientist 2: !!!

???: *muffled through the glass* "Bring me another."

Scientist 1: ^^; *speaks into the microphone* "Take an hour break--you earned it, champ--"

???: *bangs on the glass again* "Another."

Scientist 1: OwO; "..." *looks at Scientist 2* "Get another kid."

???: now come on, they're kids for cripe's sake.

???: *looks at ???, glaring*

Scientist 1: >3< "SHHHHH! Do you want to get killed?!"

scientist 2: always the moral one, eh fujimi?

kahono: well _someone_ here has to.

Scientist 1: -_-; "Then you convince him..." *hands Kahono the microphone*

kahono: kurono, quit being a dingus and take a break for an hour, you'll burn yourself out otherwise!

Kurono: "Hmph...I don't have a lot of time, and a break is just wasting time..." *clenches his fist* "...Get a doctor in here to check on this..."

kahono: *entering and checks on the child*

Kurono: "..."

Child: *knocked out, barely breathing*

kahono:...im so sorry for this, kiddo. *picks them up*

Kurono: "Weakling."

kahono:…

-elsewhere-

Heloise: *walking up the steps, one at a time* "..."

{Heloise: *sets down the tea* <Such lovely cups you have...>}

{mrs saint-merand: <why thank you.> ^^}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: <Hmph.> *sniffs the tea* <What is it?>}

{Heloise: <Hibiscus.> *looks* <Where are your servants?>}

{mrs saint-merand: <oh, we dont have any.>}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: <Yes. You've been here before, haven't you?> *sips*}

{Heloise: "..." *smiles* <Sorry. I'm so forgetful...>}

{mrs saint-merand: *sips hers*}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: "..." <That necklace looks familiar...>}

{Heloise: <...Oh? Does it?> *knowing smile*}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: <...What the hell...?>}

{mrs saint-merand: .... !!! *coughing*}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: *his hand is shaking* <Wh-What...WHAT DID YOU DO?!>}

{Heloise: *keeps sipping her tea*}

{mrs saint-merand: *collapses*}

{Heloise: *smirks* <Well, that settles--GRK!>}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: *strangling Heloise, his hands shaking from the poisoning*}

{Heloise: *desperately swinging her arms at him*}

{Mr. Saint-Merand: *his grip loosens...as he clutches her pearls, ripping them off, scattering them on the floor*}

{Heloise: "?!" *coughing...settles herself, noticing he's convulsing but motionless* "..." *picks up the string of pearls and the ones that fell off* ("That's all of them...") "..." *kicks Mr. Saint-Merand...he's not moving...* *smiles, coughs...* ("Now to wipe the tea set...Well, _my_ tea set...")}

{*she doesn't notice something shining from under Mrs. Saint-Merand's couch...*}

Heloise: *walks into her room, sits on the edge of her bed* "..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: =_= "Why are you doing this to me?" *staring at a roller coaster*

Kanin: *eating cotton candy*

izumi: we thought it'd be a nice change of pace.

lei-lei: yeah!

Saria: "If you don't want the coaster, we can try something else, like bumper cars--"

Asher: "Done. Enjoy getting heart attacks." *walks to bumper cars*

izumi:.. ^^;

Axel: "I'm not scared. The Hell-Scarer 8000 isn't as bad as the Hell-Scarer 9000. I heard this one only had 4 injuries this week--"

zeke: true, true.

Yafeu: *AGGRESSIVE NOMMING ON CANDY APPLE* "LET'S DO THIS!"

-elsewhere-

Shamrock: *vacuuming...lifts the couch up and--* "...TSUBAKI. THEY'RE DIGGING TUNNELS AGAIN!"

Belkia: *pops up, wearing a miner's hat* "We'll get to Asakusa in less than a month!"

otogiri: -_-;

Black Star: "GET OUT OF THERE!" *pulls Belkia up by the neck* "NOW WE GOT TO FILL THIS HOLE!"

Shamrock: "Hmm...Maybe just lay a rug for now..." *sets the rug*

Sakuya: *walks in* "What's all the noise--" *falls through the rug into the tunnel*

Black Star: D8

Shamrock: X_O;

Belkia: "..." *snort laugh*

naho: D8 SAKKUUUUN!!

Black Star: O_O; "We're all so dead..."

Belkia: "What, again?"

Shamrock: X~T

Sakuya: @~@ "Please...Beat the shit out of them for me..."

-elsewhere-

*knock knock on the Agency door*

lucy: ??

*someone outside carrying a futon*

lucy oh, mr katai!

Katai: O~O "H-H-Hello, Lucy...Visiting today?"

lucy: oh, i actually work here now.

Katai: "Oh, I see..." ^^ "...HUH?!"

-atsushi explains what all happened-

Katai: Q_Q "I'm glad I avoided that...After the last time I met Mr. Akutagawa, he got angry with me..."

kirako: oh, katai! please, come on in.

Katai: *walks inside, sits down* "H-Hello. How's the baby?"

kirako: coming along.

yosano: so what's up?

Katai: =_= "I was kept up all night by loud noises..."

yosano: loud noises?

Katai: *nods* "I heard some scuffle outside my window, like someone was stealing from someone. I looked up but didn't put on my glasses in time before the potential thief and the potential victim ran off..."

yosano: hmm...

Katai: "M-M-Maybe someone could do a stake-out--"

Ranpo: "SLEEPOVER."

aya: yeah!

Katai: O_O; "Not what I had in mind--"

Kyoka: "We'll need to order pizza."

-elsewhere-

Izumo: *pointing at the books* "That's the name of this technique, so memorize it--no cutesy nicknames for it."

shiemi: oh... *looks*...... ._.

Izumo: -_-; "Okay, look, your nicknames are a way for you to memorize. So how about we use that to our advantage..." *holds up the book, showing a plant* "This is the osha plant. It is used to ward away spirits. So, what do you nickname this?"

shiemi: kumako-chan.

Izumo: ._.; "...Where did you get that name?"

shiemi: they call it bear medicine, right? kuma means bear in japanese, hence, kumako-chan.

Izumo: "...That...is actually impressive. Okay, so now you need to remember the actual name, so, um, maybe..." *doodles a bear* "This is, um, 'Osha the Bear'?"

-elsewhere-

Beauchamp: =_= *yawns* ("I can't find anything on this 'Dumas'...It's like he really was wiped from public records, not even a birth certificate...") *opens a web page for Judge Villefort...*

-there is a photo of himself, a young blonde woman, and a young blonde girl-

Beauchamp: *reads the caption* " 'Mr. Villefort is seen here with...'" *tries to read the names* "Hmm..." *searches for the name of his wife* <Deceased...> *pulls up family records* ("A few of them are dead--his wife, his dad...That's troubling...") *pulls up a file on Noirtier Villefort...*

-confirmed MIA, assumed to be deceased-

Beauchamp: *pulls up a photo and--* "!!!" *hunts through his photographs of Villefort from following him around town--* "?!" ("That old man in the chair...That's him! Who is he...") *searches the nursing home...* "...COLBY?!"

Librarian: -A- "SHHH!"

Beauchamp: O_O; <Sorry...>

francesca: ._.;;;

Beauchamp: "?!" *whispers* <Hello...>

francesca: <hey.>

Beauchamp: <...This is something big...>

francesca: ??

Beauchamp: <I was given a clue to follow the person in communication with someone involved in Mimic--and I think he knows something about poisoning people during the war...>

francesca: .........

Beauchamp: <And this man is a chemical technician, retired, who I think was the person involved with mimic--Villefort, assumed dead in the war but still alive!>

francesca: !!!!!!!! <y-you dont think....>

Beauchamp: <I do. I think Judge Villefort is involved with Mimic, and when he found out the person he was prosecuting could out his dad's involvement, too, he had the man killed and put his dad into hiding...>

francesca: *shaking*

Beauchamp: <This is big...We can't even go to the cops with this...Hey, you okay?>

francesca: <he.....noirtier....he's my girlfriend's grandfather....>

Beauchamp: <...Oh no...>

francesca:...<i have to know...if he really did kill my father...>

Beauchamp: <...What, we talk to him?>

francesca: hmmm....

Beauchamp: <...> *texting* <I know someone--hang on...>

-elsewhere-

Dabi: *pulls over* "We're here..."

himiko: *looks*

*looks to be a dusty ghost town with a railroad near it...the sign says 'Orion'*

himiko: ooooh.

Twice: "Ooooo..." *snaps a pic on his phone--*

Dabi: *slaps his hand* "Stop. We can't be tracked here..."

Twice: -3-

banshee: ....

Muscular: "What's supposed to be here? It's just sage brush and dust."

Dabi: "Appearances can be deceptive..." *tosses a shovel* "Start digging."

-elsewhere-

Steinbeck: *on the phone* "Sir, I really don't understand what you're--...Okay. Okay! We'll be on the look out...Right...Right..." -_-; "Sir, we don't work for free--" *shouting heard on the phone* >_<# "..." *hands the phone to Emily*

emily: ._. um. h-hello?

???: "--and I said this is important to these kids! How would you like it if you were kidnapped or if I put my boot up your--...Oh, Ms. Dickinson. Hi. This is Salinger."

emily: mr salinger, hello!

Salinger: ^^ "Hello, dear. Spencer, say hello to Ms. Dickinson!"

*a dog barking is heard*

emily: ^^ so, what's the occasion?

Salinger: "I'm afraid I have some bad news--a kid in my neighborhood's friend was kidnapped, and he thinks she's in your area."

emily: oh goodness!

Salinger: "Could you look out for her? I could mail you a news clipping, but that'll take a long time--maybe there's something on the World Wide Web on your computer?"

-elsewhere-

Lord Wilmore: <A pleasure, sir...> *takes the signed paperwork, shakes Danglars's hand*

Danglars: <Yes! I can't believe I get to own your stuff now!>

Lord Wilmore: ^^; <49%, sir...>

-upstairs-

andrea: *staring at the teaset* ...

Eugenie: <It's pretty, isn't it? Mama tells me to be careful so not to break it because she wants it for when friends are over...But she never has anyone over...>

andrea: ......

Eugenie: <...> *smiles* <Maybe you could be Mama's friend, too!>

andrea: !!! .///.;;;

Eugenie: <Mama? Meet my new friend!> *takes Andrea's hands*

andrea: ._.;;;

hermine: ??

Eugenie: <This is Andrea!> *whispers* <She's really shy...>

hermine: ...<h-how do you do?>

andrea: .~.;;;

Eugenie: ^w^ <May we have snacks?>

hermine:...<of course> *heads downstairs*

-elsewhere-

Duncan: *struggling to pick up the 'strong man' mallet to hit the weight to strike the bell* *huffs, puffs* "Hang on...Hang on..."

Axel: "Bro, this is just sad."

zeke: *shakes head*

hibiki: i might die from second hand embarrassment.

Duncan: >3< *swings--and hits the weight's countermeasure--and the weight barely goes up*

Hyde: "Aaaaaaaaaand you got 2 out of 100..."

Asher: "That sucks." *their hair is blown back*

amelia: may i give it a go?

Duncan: "Pfft! Like you can even lift it--"

amelia: *takes the hammer* *intense look* *SHA-WING!*

Kanin: *watches*

-she just knocked the bell off-

amelia:....................oops.

Duncan: Q_Q

Axel: 0_0

zeke: ....bruh.

Kanin: O_O

Hyde: -_-; "...I got to stop running this in Death City..."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sawing*

naoya: *streeeetch*

Chuuya: "...Think they'll like it?"

naoya: hell yeah!

Chuuya: ^^; "Thanks...I just want this to be perfect...Maybe paint some of it with animals..."

naoya: good idea.

Chuuya: "And Kajii and Leo are working on the kaleidoscope...You know what would be cool? Maybe some playground here..."

naoya: maybe a pool?

Chuuya: "Yeah! Wait..." ._.; "I don't know whether Miyuri can swim..."

naoya: i'd suggest starting with an inflatable pool.

Chuuya: "Sounds good--I'll add it to the shopping list..."

-elsewhere-

Heloise: *rubbing her neck*

edouard: <mama?>

Heloise: *quickly turns...nervous smile* <Oh, Eddy...You startled me...>

edouard: <are you ok?>

Heloise: "..." *nods* <Yes...> *picks him up* <Much better...>

edouard: ^^

Heloise: <Hee hee...> *forehead kiss* <Let's make snacks.>

-elsewhere-

Lord Wilmore: <Andrea? Time to go home...>

andrea:...*nods*

Lord Wilmore: <...You okay?>

andrea: *nods nods* ...

Lord Wilmore: <Okay...Wave bye-bye to your friend...> *looks at Mrs. Danglars and Eugenie*

andrea: *wave*

Eugenie: ^w^ *happy wave*

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "Jeez...This is pretty serious, folks..."

Ogun: *nods*

karin: ......

Vulcan: "I think we're also forgetting something big--this isn't the first time Haijima has been up to some shit. My family, Giovanni's connection to the Hoods, what they did to Lisa--even the 5th's commander was up to sneaky stuff."

shinra: yeeeah... >->;

Akitaru: "And something that's been obvious for a bit...that Viktor was put here by Haijima to keep an eye on us."

Ogun: "...Huh. That...makes a lot of sense."

Takehisa: "Obviously."

Vulcan: "No duh."

Arthur: "Totally."

karin: i fucking knew it.

Relan: ._. ("...I didn't...")

nozomi: !!

iris: ._.

rita: ????

Petra: -_-; *signing* <The Viktor boy is a spy for Haijima--because of course.>

rita: <oh.> .... <wait, is haijima the enemy or no?>

Petra: *signing while talking* <So, now that you know Haijima is the actual threat, when do we treat them like you treated the Church?"

shinra: *looks to oubi*

Akitaru: "..." *looks to Karin* "I don't suppose you could find some floor plans for their buildings?"

karin: just leave it to me!

Vulcan: "I also may have some jamming equipment to see if we can listen into their security guards' PA system."

-elsewhere-

Noirtier: *sitting by his window* "..."

-two nurses enter-

francesca:...

Noirtier: "..." *smirks* <You're new...>

Beauchamp: "..."

francesca: <do you need anything?>

Noirtier: <Yes...Do you intend to kill me here, or kidnap me first?>

francesca: ._.; <erm...>

Noirtier: <Oh, come now--you're so transparent. Do you know how long I've waited for this? Just--Just pour the water already, and let's chat...>

francesca: .......

Noirtier: <Now, then, what did you want to ask me?>

francesca:.... *shaking*

Beauchamp: <Mr. Colby...or, should I say, Mr. Noirtier...>

Noirtier: *smiles* <Who told you?> *looks at Francesca* <Oh, come off it--are you a welp or an adult? Just spit it out!>

francesca: <monsiour d'epinay, did you kill him?>

Noirtier: <D'Epinay? Oh, I was stationed with him...Heh...He convulsed for minutes...>

francesca: !!!!!!!

Beauchamp: <Sir! You killed this woman's father?!>

Noirtier: <I killed them all.>

francesca:......*she collapses*

Beauchamp: <!!!> *picks her up, supports her head*

Noirtier: <Pity...Where's a nurse when you need one...>

francesca: <why you->

Noirtier: <Why? Have you seen this nation, this continent?> *coughs* <After the horrors I've seen, I'd rather see it all burn, so something else could be built...>

francesca: <shut up...>

Noirtier: *smirks* <Or what? I've been running my mouth longer than you've been alive-->

-PUNCH-

Noirtier: *knocked out of his wheelchair*

francesca: <YOU SON OF A BITCH!> *kicks*

Noirtier: *collapsed, wheezing* <St-Stop! Help me!>

Beauchamp: *too stunned to do anything...*

francesca: *tries to strangle him*

Nurse: *breaks down the door* <Stop! You'll kill him!> *grabs Francesca*

francesca: <let go of me!>

Nurse 2: *grabs Francesca by the hair*

Nurse 1: *pulling away Francesca's arms*

Noirtier: *coughing* <Get her away!>

-elsewhere-

sonia: *writing*

Chuuya: *wipes his brow* *looks*

sonia: *looks up, wave*

Chuuya: *smiles, waves...walks into the school, looking at the halls' walls*

-there are several posters and drawings by the kids-

Chuuya: *smiles, laughs a bit* ("Where's Sonia's...")

-the is one with a drawing of a girl in a sundress in a field of sunflowers-

Chuuya: "???"

-it has sonia's name on it-

Chuuya: "Wow..."

teacher: quite amazing, isnt she?

Chuuya: "Hmm? ...Yes, she is. Thank you."

teacher: ^^ its quite remarkable, she's so mature for her age group.

Chuuya: ^^; "I keep telling her that..."

teacher: *chuckle* ^^

Chuuya: "I was just here to pick her up..."

teacher: ah.

Chuuya: "How is she? Is she getting along okay?"

teacher: she seems to be doing well.

Chuuya: "...Good. It's been a big adjustment again for her..."

teacher: i've heard...

Chuuya: >_>; "I'm kind of worried whether she's making friends..."

teacher: she does talk to her classmates, but spends more time talking with the teachers.

Chuuya: *nods* "Yes, she tends to get along better with some adults..."

teacher: truth be told, we're considering having her skip ahead a few grades.

Chuuya: "Oh? That would be a big change..."

teacher: it would indeed.

Chuuya: "I think I'll talk with her, too..."

teacher: *knocks* sonia, your father's here.

sonia: ok. *collects her belongings and exits into the hall*

Chuuya: "Hi, Sonia. How are you?"

sonia: good. *hug*

Chuuya: ^^ *hug*

-elsewhere-

Kuro: *paws at cupcake*

mahiru: ok, now we need three eggs.

Kuro: =_= *picks up eggs* "Here. Where do I put them?"

mahiru: crack them open and put them into the bowl.

Kuro: "I was kidding..." *tosses the shells* "Stir now, or..."

mahiru: *nods*

Kuro: *stirs* "What flavor will these be, when can we eat them, and where's the frosting?"

mahiru: it's a strawberry cake for the school bake sale.

Kuro: "...That doesn't answer 'when can we eat'..."

mahiru: we'll have the second cake later.

Kuro: =_= "Fine...I'll help bake these for your bake sale..." *stirs more slowly*

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *rolling up a sleeping bag* "We'll also need soda."

sylvia: *nod nod*

tamaki: oh, hey kyouka!

Kyoka: *shiny eyes* "Tamaki." *hug*

tamaki: ^^

sylvia: um...h-hi...

Kyoka: "Sylvia, this is Tamaki. She saved me at the Sports Festival."

sylvia: n-nice to...m-meet you... .~.;;;

tamaki: shy?

sylvia: eep! >~<

Kyoka: "Yes. Her ability has not been a lucky one."

tamaki: i can relate. too well. *excalibur face*

Kyoka: *sympathetic pat* "We were getting ready for a stake-out / sleepover."

tamaki: oh, sounds fun.

Kyoka: *nods* "This will be a first for Sylvia since joining the Agency." *whispers* "We're worried about organized crime around a friend's apartment."

tamaki: jeez.

Kyoka: "So be careful...We already had the Hell Blaze Gang attack us. And some weird fire woman with an eye mask..."

tamaki: !!!!!! what did her eye mask look like?

Kyoka: "??? Like a Burger King crown? It was in the Nether months ago--"

tamaki: holy-..*shakes* y-you were lucky to get away, that person, she's....*looks around and whispers* she's part of a group called the knights of the ashen flame. all im gonna say is that they're bad news.

Kyoka: "I know. They ripped my friend Atsushi to bits, then burned the bits, then burned him alive again. Twice."

tamaki: D8

Kyoka: "He got better. He can regenerate."

tamaki:.....bruh...just....bruh.

Kyoka: "He's also the weretiger, so he also has a cat theme."

tamaki: ....riiight. ^^;

sylvia: .~.;;

Kyoka: "It's better now. We have more recruits now, and we put a fundamentalist extremist into prison."

tamaki: wow, you've been busy. we've been busy too, but that's classified info, sadly.

Kyoka: "I understand. Good luck with confidential work."

-elsewhere-

Hyde: "Here you go..." *hands a neon glow-stick necklace*

izumi: thanks hyde! ^^

Hyde: "Don't mention it. Say hi to Soul for me!"

Axel: *wearing a balloon hat* "Need the bathroom before fireworks. Bro, I entrust this to you..." *hands off the balloon hat*

zeke: *salutes*

hibiki: *looking for a good spot*

*looks to be an open spot on the hill...*

hibiki: how about there?

Duncan: "Allow me to roll out the blankets..." T~T

izumi: ^^

Asher: *their face is painted* ._.

Saria: ^^ *sits on the blanket, pats a spot next to her*

lukas: *takes a seat*

Kanin: "Here you go, Amelia."

amelia: *noms on cotton candy*

Kanin: ^^

Yafeu: *putting on 'fireworks glasses' "KALEIDOSCOPIC!"

lei-lei: ^^

*the PA system turns on*

???: "Is this thing on? Hello?"

???: "You're already pressing the button, Lord Death..."

lord death: ah yes, welcome to the festival everyone! how's everybody doing tonight?

Sid: -_-; ("They can't respond--")

Audience: "YAY!"

lord death: are you ready for some fireworks?

Audience: "YES!"

lord death: alrighty! let's get this party started!!

*WHEEP* *something fires into the sky before exploding into a firework*

amelia: wow!

Axel: *runs up* "Crap! What have I missed?"

*another shoots off to form a skull head*

-clapping-

-elsewhere-

valentine: *knocks*

*no answer*

valentine: <grandma? grandpa? it's me!>

*no answer still*

valentine: ... (maybe they're asleep...) *tries the door*

*it opens...*

valentine: !!! *coughing* *dialing 112*

Dispatcher: <112, what's your emergency?>

valentine: <there's a gas leak in my grandparent's home!>

Dispatcher: <Please give me the address to send emergency.>

-she explains the situation-

Dispatcher: <Emergency is on its way. Are your grandparents in the house?>

valentine: <i dont know, should i check? i tried to call them but they wont answer!>

Dispatcher: <You should not be in there to breathe--you need to leave to let emergency provide oxygen to your grandparents...>

-elsewhere-

Heloise: "..." *knocks on Villefort's bedroom door before walking in*

villefort: <it's open.>

Heloise: *already inside...locks the door behind her* <...Gerard...> *walks up to him...*

villefort: *turns-*

Heloise: *holds onto him in a hug*

villefort: !!!!!

Heloise: *kisses his cheek down to his lips*

villefort: <ah- what's gotten into you?>

Heloise: *downcast eyes* <Gerard...I was so lonely...I just want to be close to you...>

villefort: .....

Heloise: *rubs a hand over his chest, leans against him* <I'm sorry for being so cold...Gerard...I love you...>

-elsewhere-

francesca: ......

Beauchamp: *sitting in a jail cell* =_= <Well, I can add this to my resume...>

Jailer: <Hey, are you Beauchamp and d'Épinay?>

francesca:....<what about it?>

Jailer: *opens the door* <Bail posted.>

francesca: <wait, really?>

Beauchamp: ._.;

Jailer: <He's outside for you...>

francesca: *looks*

Lord Wilmore: *waves*

francesca: ....

Beauchamp: <Um...Thank you, sir-->

Lord Wilmore: <Lord Wilmore.>

-elsewhere-

Kid: *crawls into bed*

shiori: *peek*

stocking: oh, seems we have a visitor.

Kid: *smiles* "Hey, Shiori..." *waves*

shiori: *crawls into bed with a picture book* story book!

stocking: want us to read to you??

shiori: *nods*

Kid: *takes the book, opens it up* "Pretty drawings, aren't they?"

shiori: *nods and points*

Kid: *looks*

-seems to be a book of fairy tales-

Kid: "Any particular tale to start?"

shiori: dat one.

Kid: " 'Beauty and the Beast,' huh? Sure! 'Once upon a time, in a castle far away...'"

-elsewhere-

Katai: >_<; "It's kind of cramped in here..."

aya: *noms on taiyaki*

Kyoka: *sitting under the kotatsu* =w=

Ranpo: *sipping ramune* "What's with all the cat toys? You adopted one now?"

sylvia: ._.

Katai: O\\\\\\O "..." *looks out the window* "L-Let's just look for those loud crooks..."

atsushi: ....

[namonakirei]

Children who die at a young age are given a very special role in the afterlife: they become Invisible Friends, assigned to other children who need them back in the living realm. One Invisible Friend is just about to be reassigned from their first ever assignment.

"It'll be ok...." I brush her hair, sighing a bit, "It'll be okay, Sara."

She's crying into her pillow, in the dead of night. It breaks my heart to see Sarah like that... sadly, it's gotten more common lately. And at the worst time...

She sobs once more, but softly, and I smile at her a little, "Hey Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaara?" I poke her, "Sara, Sara, Sara, Sara!"

"Wh-What?!" She asks, finally lifting her head off the pillow. I give her my silliest grin, and stick out my tongue,

"Bet 'cha can't do what I doooooo!" I start tickling her. She yelps, then starts giggling slowly,

"S-s-stooooop! Eeeee! Hahaha, I can't... Eee! I can't tickle you!" She giggles, trying to wrest my arms away. After a while, she does manage to push me away through force of will, but now her tears are contrasting with a smile. I motion to wipe her tears, and she follws with her thumb. I sigh a little, sitting next to her on the bed. "...Thanks..." She smiles at me. "I don't know what I'd do without you..." She sighs, laying back down on the bed. That one really tugs at my heartsrings so hard I think I might die again.

See, I died when I was eight. And when you're a little spirit, they have you come back to help other kids. They see us the way they want us to be, more or less, and they can hear us and feel us around. Sara's my first friend, and she's turning twelve. She's really big now! I met her when she was three, and she babbled about random stuff all day, it was hard to keep up! Now she's all grown up, drawing things and taking pictures. She's gotten super good at it, too! But... she's almost a teenager. And that means I have to go. I don't want to leave Sara alone... overall not after all the bad stuff that's happened to her... but it's how it works. When she turns thirteen, she won't be able to see me anymore, and I'll get tasked with helping someone else. Whether I want to or not.

It sucks. I want to keep helping Sara... I want to see her grown up, and happy... I don't wanna' leave my friend yet. She's my best friend...

"Sara... do you remember when we met?" I ask quietly. She beams,

"Yeah! Well, sorta'. I was super little..." She sighs, "What was I doing?"

"You were crawling under a tree." I grin. "You told your parents there was treasure there, 'cause you'd seen something shiny. But it was just a candy wrapper..."

"Yeah! The real treasure was you!" She giggles a bit. That's our little story. She had just grabbed at the shiny and seen it was a candy wrapper, and she was starting to cry, when I popped in and blew a raspberry at her, yelling 'surprise!'. She calls me her treasure because of that, sometimes. She sits up, grabbing her pillow and putting it in her lap, "Remember Maria?" She grins at me. I laugh. I remember Maria. She was a jerk, and we sure gave her a spook.

Sara used to get bullied when she was little because her mom cleaned houses back then. Maria was the meanest jerk bothering her around. But she didn't bug Sara anymore after the class went on that one field trip. We hid in the bushes, 'cause Sara is stealthy, and the other kids were all scared from the spooky stories the guide guy was telling about werewolves and stuff. Maria said she bet Sara was hiding 'cause she was such a coward, but when she stepped in front of our bush, I told Sara and she grabbed her by the ankle. Maria shrieked super loud and ran and climbed up the guide, screeching about the mean wolf out to get her. Sara couldn't even get out of the bush, she was laughing so hard! And since then she was Sneaky Sara to her class.

"Of course I remember Maria! Sneaky Sara to the rescue." I laugh, "You sure showed her who the coward was."

She grins proudly, then looks more... like... melancholic. "...That was fun... going out used to be so much fun..." She sighs. Sara has trouble going outside now. She just stays inside, drawing and taking snaps from her bedroom window. When she's with me, I can get her out to play, but sometimes she won't set a foot out of the house. It's been worrying me a lot, though I get what happened scares her a ton.

"I know... but... but it can be fun again, Sara." I think real hard until I stumble into something that might work, "Hey! Hey Sara! Go draw outside!" I beam, "You can draw cool stuff! You keep saying how your trees suck! So go outside and draw a tree! Go under the tree and draw it! Get on top of it and draw it! That's gonna' be great!"

Sara looks hesitant, bringing her knees to her chest and putting the pillow over them, "...you think?" She asks, voice a little muffled.

"Yeah! I think!" I beam. "You're gonna' be the best drawer ever, Sara!" I hug her. She giggles a bit,

"It's artist, silly!" She says, "A drawer is where you put your stuff. An artist is a person who does art."

I pout. I knew that! But I made her laugh... that's the important bit! I grin and ruffle her curly black hair. "...so... are you volunteering again this weekend?"

"Yeah! I wanna' do that every week." Sara nods firmly. "I like helping out there." I smile. I'm so proud of Sara! She volunteers at her grandma's church's soup kitchen. She just does dishes and stuff for now, and chats with people, but she loves to help. She gets so happy when she makes people smile. ...I'm going to miss that smile so much.

Sara frowns at me, "...Hey Mi?" She pokes my face lightly, and I turn to look at her, "...are you ok? You look super... super sad sometimes, lately." She says, quietly. I flinch.

"I..." I look away, "I... I gotta' go, Sara, go to sleep..." I turn away, and I'm about to leave when I hear a sniffle.

"...Did... did I do something wrong?" Sara sniffs, "Am.. am I boring you? I-I'm sorry I said you were silly! That was mean of me! But please don't go... I-I'm sorry I was mean..."

She looks like she's going to cry again. I flinch again... I'm messing it all up! That's wrong!

"Sara... no, I'm sorry Sara! You didn't do anything!" I say. "I... I just..."

We both sit quietly on the bed for a bit, until she prods gently, "What's wrong, Mi?"

"...you're gonna' be thirteen in a couple months..." I mumble. Sara frowns, looking at me for a long while. It feels like forever.

"...Oh..." She says quietly. "...oh." She buries her face in the pillow again. I knew she'd get it. Sara's smart, and she knows lots of stuff that start or end when you are a teen. Her grandma's taught her a lot about that stuff.

We're quiet for even longer, but when she lifts her face, Sara's determined, "...can you visit sometimes? Even if I can't see you?"

"Yeah!" I smile a bit, "...I... I'll have to help someone else... but... I'll always visit" I hug her as hard as I can, and she hugs me back.

"You better! I-I'll become the best artist! And I'll draw outside! And... and... and..." She looks at me, "I'll draw you! I'll draw you, before you go! You-you gotta' pose for me, ok, Mi?"

I nod, grinning a bit, "Yeah! O-okay! I'd... I'd really like that, Sara..." I smile, tears streaming down my face now. I sob a bit, and hug her, "...I don't wanna' go..." I whisper to her. "You're my best friend... the first... person I've helped..."

"...Mi..." Sara hugs me back. It takes willpower to hug one of us, and I can tell she's focusing completely just on giving me a squeeze. "You're my best friend too... b-but I'll be ok! I h-have mom and dad, and my new friends at school, a-and I have grandma, and God's going to help, too! I'll be... I'll be ok..." She sobs quietly. We both do.

We're really sad. But we both know it'll get better... and knowing Sara's so determined to be ok helps me too.

-

When I have to go, it's night time. Sara was born at like 3 a.m., so she turns thirteen at 3 a.m. too.

I was told it's not usual that us Invisible Friends stay for so long, but that it's a bit more usual with your first kid. We usually leave when they're like, eleven, or twelve, because that's when they stop wanting us around. But... Sara's special. She loves me, and I love her, 'cause we're best friends. I want to stay here forever... but I can't. I know Sara's going to be ok though. She's super strong! And she's been working so hard lately. She's been going into the brush to draw, and she's been getting better. She's been going out more with her friends at school and made a couple in the neighbourhood.

She tried to stay up with me until I had to go, but she conked out sometime past midnight. It's ok though. I ruffle her hair one last time and give her a last hug. I take a deep breath, and get up. I take a good look at Sara one last time, and then I go.

Atop her desk, there's a picture of two kids. One has black, curly hair, a wide smile, and a mint-colored T-shirt and grey cargo shorts. The other has strawy hair, and freckles, and wears a striped blue shirt and shorts. I'll always be smiling at Sara from there. And that's enough. @writing-prompt-s