#what were they even doing I forgot (probably on their way to pester Ray)

[emmaspolaroid]

their serious little faces!!

[ahgaseda]

aura | one

driving me crazy, look in my eyes, follow me, come here, dance with me now, I’m gonna make you feel like that...

summary : back again at a camp for kids that can’t behave, you are still brokenhearted over your ill-fated romance with Jaebeom, until your friend Jackson offers to help make your ex jealous in exchange for helping him land the most unattainable girl at camp.

warnings : strong profanity, explicit dialogue, recurring alcohol or recreational drug use, graphic sexual content, brief mentions of illegal activities, potentially triggering elements involving toxic relationships and emotional manipulation, etc.

miniseries chapters : one / two / three / four / five / six / seven

The sun was too bright. Rays pierced the gossamer curtains and shone into your eyes. You vaguely recollected your mother bursting in and throwing the windows open, ordering you to get up. Now, the sun had risen and you were cutting it close.

With a grumble, you threw the blanket over your head and rolled over, eager to sleep the day away. And maybe tomorrow, too.

Being in a constant state of denial and dread was exhausting.

Slowly, you drifted back into a dream. Well, maybe less a dream and more a memory. Perhaps it was all a fantasy at this point, the way you recounted it, lingering on only the good parts.

You remembered every insignificant detail of that night - the night you reached your greatest high and deepest low in the span of an hour. The moon had been full and the crickets were singing. The air had cooled from its typical summer heat, but the dirt was warm beneath your bare toes.

Sneaking off in the middle of the night with a boy. You would have never in your wildest dreams done something so reckless.

But he said he wanted to watch the stars and kiss you beneath the moonlight. Endlessly. You escaped with him down the beaten path, his hand wrapped tightly around yours. Then, he backed you against a tree and kissed you like he had completely run out of patience.

You remembered smiling against his mouth, giggling when his tongue teased your bottom lip. Your hands were on his shoulders while he cradled your face. At some point, you broke away and he stared at the sparkles in your eyes.

“I love you,” was all he said. The first of many lies.

You followed him. It didn’t matter where he went, you were ready to follow him off the edge of the earth if he asked. Jaebeom held you so tenderly, yet tight and secure. You had no hesitations and certainly no regrets when he laid you on your back, kissing you restlessly.

But it was a lie.

You moaned his name when Jaebeom pressed his lips to your neck. You could still remember how your heart thundered uncontrollably whilst he tongued his way between your breasts. You had never wanted someone as badly as you wanted Jaebeom. The boy who made you fall in love with him.

But it was all a lie.

Even the way you whimpered when he took you was a persistent echo in your mind. The noises he had drawn from you were carnal, to say the least. His skin was hot beneath your fingertips, his hair damp when you tangled your hand through his strands, and his naked body heavy on top of yours. He kissed you with such gentle affection when he buried himself inside you.

But it was still a lie.

You truly believed he was making love to you, every last inch of you. He was all you knew in that moment. With Jaebeom, you lived like there was no tomorrow. And you would never forget the way his face tensed with ecstasy, how he groaned your name when he filled you. All you cared about in that moment was his pleasure - his love. It was all you ever wanted.

But it was his biggest lie.

You opened your eyes, tears escaping down your cheeks, and forced away the bitter memories. Every beautiful moment spent with Jaebeom kept coming back and you wanted to set them all aflame until you forgot every single fucking detail.

You remembered how he smelled, how he felt. How his arms flexed around you when he hugged you close. How he smiled when he made you laugh. How he kissed your hand at the most random of times. How he whispered his love into the sensitive skin beneath your ear.

Your heart couldn’t take it anymore. What was once sugar on your tongue turned to ash and dust in your mouth. You didn’t think you were capable of this much pain.

Jaebeom had taught you a very hard lesson. And yet, though you would never admit it to anyone, you still loved him.

Suddenly, the door to your bedroom burst open and a familiar voice announced, “Rise and shine, dear!”

It belonged to your best friend, your childhood rival, and most inconveniently, your next door neighbor.

“Jackson,” you groaned, muffled against your pillow. “Not now. Go away.”

“Baby, you know we on a schedule,” he chirped with the speed of a man who had already ingested too much coffee, grabbing your comforter and ripping it off the bed without mercy.

You cried out at the unexpected cold on your bare legs, curling into the fetal position to try and trap some warmth to your body. You then bounced lightly on the mattress as Jackson leapt into the air and landed on your bed in the most spectacular fashion.

His face moved predictably before yours, inches away, and he was sporting a grin that could be filed under Jackson’s trademarked twisted delight. “It’s camp day,” he said excitedly.

You blinked. “I know.”

Jackson sat up and reached over to smack your butt. “Get up,” he yelled, sidling off your bed. “Breakfast will get cold.”

You huffed profanities under your breath and clambered after him.

Downstairs, your mother and stepfather sat at the kitchen table. Maids attended to them, waiting on their every move. Such was commonplace in the penthouses of preternaturally wealthy people.

“Ah, I knew you could handle it, Jackson,” your mother crooned.

Jackson plopped down at one end of the table, opposite your stepfather with his nose buried in a newspaper. You finished tying the knot of your fluffy bathrobe and took the empty seat across from your mother.

“Everything is packed and loaded in the car,” she informed, her tone a little harsher where you were concerned.

“I promise, Mom,” you began, eyes cast downward. “I won’t go back there again.”

It was true. You were so caught up in negative ways of coping that by the time you realized you were going to get yourself sent back to the one place you would be forced to see Jaebeom again, it was too late.

“Well, if only you had found that resolve last year,” she chided, stabbing a piece of melon with her fork.

You clocked a glance at your friend. Jackson happily stuffed his face, eating everything in sight. Despite living in the penthouse next to yours, with his equally wealthy parents, Jackson opted to eat at your table more often than not.

Preferably so he wouldn’t have to listen to his parents fighting.

“Can we expect the same promise from you, Jackson?” your mother asked, as if she were speaking to her favorite puppy.

She always did love Jackson. He was like the son she never had. Although, in her defense, it wasn’t hard to love Jackson. He was the golden child that every mother’s wet dream was made of.

“Absolutely not,” he retorted politely, grinning from ear to ear. “Some of my closest friends are at that camp.”

Your mother chuckled, having expected as much.

Your stepfather finally lowered the corner of his paper and called your name sternly, as if oblivious - or uncaring - to the conversation taking place.

You glanced up.

“Eat your food. It’s a long drive and I’ll hear nothing of you getting faint on your first day.”

Jackson and your mother both looked to you expectantly.

You flashed him a soft smile and said, “Yes, sir.”

Stepfather number three, despite having more money than God, was surprisingly kind and considered you one of his own. There was a time you overheard him say you were the daughter he always wanted. His three sons had far surpassed mischief and landed in deviance, always on the hunt for his money.

The maid offered sweetly to make you some breakfast, whatever you would like, and you accepted. Jackson swiftly reached over and pinched your cheek in approval.

Most respectable parents would never be so lenient toward a friendship between a girl and a boy, but you knew your mother was hoping you and Jackson would get together. It would be a fine match in high society, given the status of your fathers.

Matter of fact, when she walked in on the two of you eating chocolate and watching movies while cuddled in bed, she was thoroughly disappointed you weren’t having sex.

When you finished eating, you dragged your feet upstairs to your room to get dressed for the trip. Jackson took a few extra minutes to clear his plate and then joined you.

Standing in front of three full panel mirrors in your bra and underwear, you alternated holding skirts up to yourself in the reflection. Jackson folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe.

“What does one wear for total humiliation?” you asked dryly, meeting his eyes in the mirror.

“Plaid probably,” he quipped, uncrossing his arms and slipping into your closet.

You turned, brow furrowed, and waited for him to come back.

When Jackson finally emerged, he tossed you a t-shirt and jeans. Casual at its finest.

You caught the clothes and surveyed them in surprise. “Really?”

“Put ‘em on,” he said, clapping his hands. “Let’s blow this town.”

You pulled the extra tight jeans on, fastening them with a huff, and pestered, “Do you have to be this excited?”

Jackson came close, taking your face between his hands and pushing your cheeks together. “The sooner we get there, the faster we can get drunk.”

You snickered, rolling your eyes.

The two of you came thundering down the stairs, reminiscent of times you and Jackson slid down the banisters as noisy kids. Your mother waited stiffly at the door, almost cracking a smile when you galloped into the kitchen and pressed a kiss in farewell to your stepfather’s cheek.

She may have been after his money like a cat on a mouse, but she inadvertently found a decent father for her only daughter.

Jackson said his hurried, loud goodbyes and slipped through the open door. You slowed down long enough to take your jacket from your mother’s waiting hand and endure one last scrutinizing gaze.

“Is he seeing someone?” she asked softly.

“Nope,” you chuckled, having expected some backhanded remark about your outfit.

Your mother spoke like she read a whimsical poem, “The two of you would make the most perfect couple this side of the Hudson.”

“Love you, too, Mom,” you teased, pecking a kiss on her cheek and trotting out the door.

The limousine rolled out onto the busy streets of New York City and you peered through the tinted windows. You watched as the looming skyscrapers turned to towering green trees.

As the drive went on, your nerves only grew.

With misplaced optimism, you turned to Jackson and said, “Maybe he won’t be there this year.”

Jackson didn’t even look up from his magazine and droned, “He’s been there every year since he was seven.”

You slumped in your seat, defeated. Clapping a hand on your forehead in self-chastisement, you groaned, “I should have been better, not worse.”

Jackson shifted, leaning back against you and resting his head on your chest. “I’ve never seen you so out of control,” he exclaimed, turning a page in the magazine. “And that says a lot.”

It said plenty. Jackson had warned you about Jaebeom many, many times. Though you held his opinion in high regard, you didn’t listen. You were blinded by love and had no one to blame but yourself.

You grabbed a handful of his brown hair and tugged playfully, earning a tiny whine. “Yeah, well,” you murmured, acerbic. “He stole all of the goodness out of me.”

Jackson scoffed and his tone became stern, “Don’t give him so much credit. And don’t put all of your goodness on your virginity, for fuck’s sake.”

You sighed loudly, thinking about Jaebeom and how he made your pulse race, how he sent fire racing down your spine. The thought of him made you want to cry and you quickly clenched your jaws.

“It’s true though, isn’t it? I’m a bad girl now,” you countered, draping your arm over his chest. “I surrendered my virtuous flower to a boy who added another notch to his bed post.”

Of your memories with Jaebeom, and they were countless, among the stolen kisses and soft touches and sweet words, one stood out above all the rest. The last time you saw him - when he told you it was all a lie, just a game.

That he never loved you.

Jackson sat up, setting down his magazine and facing you. He could feel where your thoughts had wandered, screaming at him to ease the pain despite no words leaving your mouth. Meeting your eyes, Jackson wanted you to hear him even though the two of you had been over it many times already.

“You loved him,” he said, sympathetic but firm. “And he made it a good experience for you. Take that away from it.”

“You’re right,” you replied with a nod, holding back the tears and the quivering of your lip. “I need to let it go.”

Jackson cocked his head and pressed, “But?”

He knew you too well.

“But I can’t,” you whispered, lowering your head to hide your face in shame. “I can’t get over being in love with someone who never - not even for a moment - loved me back.”

Jackson balled his hands into fists. It had taken every inch of his goddamn restraint not to hop a plane, show up at Lim Jaebeom’s house, and beat the living shit out of him. You and his mother were the only people he was willing to go to jail for.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you wiped away the one tear that had escaped. You hated Jackson having to see you like this, staring at you like his precious wounded puppy. With a shrug, you gave a scoff and said, “I wonder who he will have his eyes on this year.”

Jackson frowned and settled back into his seat, shaking his head where the likes of Jaebeom was concerned. He knew three months of unadulterated fun for him were going to be total misery for you. For days he racked his brain over what he could do to help you get over Jaebeom.

Then, the metaphorical light bulb clicked over his head. Who would Jaebeom be pursuing this year? With you crossed off his list, there were simply no more challenges to be had.

Jackson smirked. The solution to this problem was clear as day. He would have to make Jaebeom chase you again.

“I have an idea,” Jackson muttered under his breath, eyes gleaming with devilish intent.

“Oh, boy,” you laughed, recognizing his telltale mischief.

Jackson faced you, propping himself on hands positioned at either side of your legs. “You help me bag Yeona and I will help you make Jaebeom jealous,” he said, letting his tongue linger at the corner of his mouth.

Your expression registered nothing but surprise. Yeona was the bane of Jackson’s romantic skills and the eye of his conquests for years. She was the only girl at camp not the least bit impressed with him and that drove him crazy.

At that thought you realized the similar dynamic. “Do you think that would work?” you asked curiously, piqued.

Relieved to see your approval, Jackson nodded. “He’s like me. He wants what he can’t have.”

To some degree, Jackson added in his head. He and Jaebeom had totally different motivations for stealing hearts.

You questioned in disbelief, “So… what? We just walk around making out all the time?”

Jackson snorted. “Within moderation, obviously. Don’t want to completely turn off either of our targets.”

One of the main reasons you never hooked up with Jackson (on more than one occasion you had been tempted) was to spite your insufferable mother after what she had put you through. That being said, you had kissed him more than once. Usually when dared to do so at parties or during sleepovers when you bared your deepest, darkest secrets to each other. It was always innocent, but this felt forbidden and impure.

You loved the idea.

“Hm, okay,” you said, noncommittal. “At this point, I’ll do anything to make him as miserable as I am.”

Jackson grinned and chuckled. “Take my word for it. There is nothing more miserable than blue balls.”

You pursed your lips, mulling, “He’s already had me. He won’t want me again.”

“I’ll convince him you’re worth having,” Jackson replied, his voice a deep rumble in his throat. “And you’ll do the same to Yeona about me.”

“What makes you think Yeona will be that hard to get? You’ve never really pursued her before.”

Jackson slid to the edge of the seat and reached for a bottle of alcohol currently sitting on ice. “She doesn’t believe in sex before marriage.”

That explained why he threw in the towel so quickly. You cocked a brow and chuckled, “Really?”

Jackson nodded, popping open the bottle of champagne and grabbing two glasses. “Yeah, even wears a promise ring.”

“Wow, that’s commitment,” you smarted, taking the flute of bubbly he extended to you.

Jackson glanced up briefly before pouring his own glass, hair falling in his eyes, and said, “Don’t wallow in self-pity again.”

You rolled your eyes and quickly defended, “No, I’m not. It’s just… I wasn’t saving myself for marriage, but I was saving myself for someone that loved me.”

Jackson exhaled loudly.

You hated hearing his disappointment and ranted irritably, “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. It wasn’t even good. There was no leg shaking orgasm. It was messy and uncomfortable and whatever.”

“That’s because it was your first time,” Jackson said, putting the glass to his lips.

You took a sip. “Yeah, I guess.”

Jackson leaned on his side, sizing you up. His eyes drifted up and down your body. He hated seeing you bent out of shape over a boy, least of all hot garbage like Lim Jaebeom.

After a pause, the following words dripped like honey off his tongue, “We could fool around, you know.”

You almost choked on your champagne, wondering if you heard him clearly or if it was a figment of your imagination. You exclaimed, “What?”

“You and me,” Jackson continued, sidling closer. “I could show you what all the fuss is about.”

He sounded so smug when he said that, his voice even deeper. You swallowed at the offer and asked, “Would that be awkward?”

“No, it would just be sex. No strings attached.”

The knife in your heart twisted and you peered at him. “Could you make me forget about Jaebeom?”

Jackson leaned in. “Baby, I could make you see stars.”

Heat flushed behind your cheeks and you glanced away, faltering under the sudden tension in the limousine. “I’ll think about it,” you finally told him.

Satisfied, Jackson grinned and made himself comfortable, opening the magazine again and proceeding to read.

You surveyed Jackson out of the corner of your eye, lingering on his thick thighs. Years of fencing had built him strong, sturdy. When Jackson said he could make you see stars, you were inclined to believe him.

Especially since the vast majority of his exes tended to brag about how good he was in bed.

You thought about Jaebeom. You wanted him to go crazy at the sight of you in Jackson’s arms. You craved revenge, to serve him a taste of his own medicine, no matter what it cost.

The car eventually came to a stop on the gravel road. Attendants were ready to unload your luggage and transport it to your respective rooms. It may have been a camp for unruly brats, but said brats came from very affluent parents.

An older woman stood by the gate, black hair glistening a little too fiercely in the sunlight. Clearly she had sprayed dye on her graying roots.

“Ah, you two again,” she grimaced at yours and Jackson’s approach.

You took the keys from her outstretched hand and continued on your way without a word. Jackson on the other hand, leaned in with puckered lips and jeered, “Always a pleasure, Miss Hamm.”

“Hmph.”

You continued on the path with your best friend in tow. Your cabin was in sight, on the bluff beside the lake. Jackson’s was adjacent, slightly lower down. Your parents made sure you had the same spots each year, always furnished and equipped with everything you needed.

Some of the campers lived in bunkhouses with other roommates, but not you. Your first year, you swore to your mother if you were forced to bunk with other girls you would not stop until you got yourself sent home. It was an easy compromise to make. She loved traveling during the summer with stepfather number two.

You stopped and pivoted to Jackson, saying, “I’m gonna go freshen up.”

“Alright,” he replied. “Meet at the mess hall?”

Naturally his mind was on food, you mused. “Of course.”

Jackson looped an arm around your waist and pulled you in for a hug, whispering in your ear, “Don’t hide in there from him. Remember - I got your back.”

You nodded, leaning in to kiss his cheek in gratitude.

The two of you broke away at the fork in the road, taking opposite paths to your cabins.

Dropping your purse, you plopped down on the brand new mattress, gripping the sides and looking down at your shoes. The air conditioning had been turned on, the cabin had already cooled off. You would never know how hot it was outside whilst inside your pink-themed prison.

The camp was meant to reform. It didn’t matter that you were a legal adult, you still belonged to a rich and influential family in high society. It was like the parents knew their spoiled, entitled children would indulge in bad behaviors, therefore it was best they did so in controlled environments.

You already imagined the endless nights of booze and debauchery awaiting you for the next three months. Maybe it was time you embraced the darker side of life like you used to, rather than wasting away and pining over a boy.

Rising from the bed, you approached the nearby bathroom and braced your hands on the sink. Studying your reflection, you wanted to curse. You looked like a shadow of your former self.

The girl you knew was confident, vivacious, and a rebel to the core. You were quieter now, tempered. An experience like last summer had opened your eyes to how cruel the world really was.

Still, you were ready to buck up. Jackson had a plan and you were willing to execute if it meant you would have some kind of absolution. Splashing water on your face, you dabbed your cheeks with a cloth and headed outside.

The largest of the buildings, the mess hall was loud and chaotic. The majority of kids went straight to the line for food, hungry after a long trip. The place was alive with a hundred different conversations, varying levels of chatter. Friends reunited dramatically in the aisleways.

You searched for a friendly face, desperate to avoid Jaebeom for now, and spotted a head of platinum hair. Approaching the scrawny boy, you grabbed a handful of blond locks and teased, “Bam, I thought you were gonna let your poor scalp breathe?”

Bambam didn’t flinch at the brief tug on his head and turned to meet your grin with one of his own. “Hey, beautiful,” he exclaimed, leaping up to envelope you in a warm hug. “Thought you were gonna try and avoid this place for once?”

“Yeah, well,” you said coolly with a shrug. “Bad behaviors are hard to break.”

“You’re telling me,” huffed Bambam as he lowered back onto the row with you at his side. “I landed myself back here in the first week of the semester.”

You laughed, smoothing down where you had disrupted his hair. “I expect nothing less.” Looking across the table, you met eyes with Bambam’s best friend and partner in crime, Yugyeom, and greeted, “Hey, Yugy.”

“Hi. I’m glad you came back! Well, not glad, obviously, but…,” Yugyeom rambled, cheeks reddening. “Happy you’re here. You know, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Thanks,” you replied shyly.

“Any sign of Jackson?” Bambam asked, glancing around. “Don’t you always come together?”

Yugyeom kindly pushed his plate of fruit in your direction and you thanked him. “Yeah, we did. He was supposed to meet me here,” you answered, popping a grape in your mouth.

“Probably sneaking a smoke with Mark,” Bambam grumbled quietly under his breath.

Yugyeom cleared his throat loudly, looking at something behind you.

Just as you turned around, brows stitched, someone sat at your side.

It was Jaebeom.

He didn’t face the table like the rest of you, he straddled the seat, squarely in your direction.

“Hi, baby girl. Imagine my surprise when I heard about all the trouble you got yourself into,” Jaebeom taunted, clicking his tongue in feigned reproach. His fingertips came to your temple, slipping through your loose hair and tucking it behind your ear.

You couldn’t breathe and you certainly couldn’t think. Your heart was pounding in your chest. He smelled so good. The mere touch of his fingers made you freeze in place. You wanted nothing more than to throw your arms around him and bury your face in the crook of his neck.

“I…,” you trailed, hesitating, lost for words. What the hell were you supposed to say?

I love you, but I hate you.

“What’s the matter, baby?” Jaebeom cooed, stroking a finger over your cheek. “Cat got your tongue?”

You could feel the tears gathering in your eyes. Even Yugyeom seethed at how Jaebeom was toying with you.

This was the humiliation you had been anticipating and dreading. You knew Jaebeom wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to remind you that he stole your heart and your virginity and left you with nothing.

The whole camp knew that you had given it up. That you had been such a fool to believe for a second that Jaebeom loved you.

Blind. Blind. Blind, you chanted in your head.

Jackson appeared out of thin air, grabbing Jaebeom’s wrist and pulling him from you. “Can I help you find something?” your best friend snapped.

Jaebeom rose, agitated at being challenged. “The fuck are you doing, Wang?”

Jackson drifted closer to Jaebeom, aggressive. “Keep your hands off my girl.”

Jaebeom’s eyes widened. “Your girl?”

“You heard me,” Jackson hissed, turning to you.

You remembered the game. Jackson’s eyes were expectant.

Finding your voice, you took a breath. “I’m so sorry to break the news to you, Jaebeom,” you began softly, rising from your seat and backing into Jackson, who didn’t miss a beat in wrapping his arms possessively around you. “I’ve moved onto bigger and better things. And I mean much, much bigger.”

Bambam beat his fist on the table, cackling wildly.

Jaebeom scowled, but there was skepticism bold in his eyes. Jackson promptly wiggled his brows and stroked his hands on your waist, intentionally making your shirt ride up.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us,” you sang, interlacing your fingers with Jackson’s underneath the hem of your shirt. “We’re gonna go make out in the hallway. Seeing Daddy get territorial really does it for me.”

Jackson wagged his tongue at Jaebeom, gladly laughing at his expense, as you squeezed his hand and proceeded to drag your best friend behind you into the hallway.

Jaebeom watched you go, eyes narrowed. Something didn’t sit right with him. He had known you for years, Jackson too. He couldn’t imagine driving you into Jackson’s arms. Not with how fierce and loyal your friendship was.

He didn’t believe it for a second.

Once in the clear, you backed against the wall and giggled. “Oh my god, did you see his face?” you exclaimed, covering your mouth as you chuckled.

Jackson tickled your sides and joked, “Look at your little sick and twisted self. I’m so proud.”

The door next to you opened and like clockwork, Jaebeom stepped out.

The grin vanished from your face in an instant and you quickly grabbed Jackson by the collar, yanking him forward. Jackson collided into you none too gently and grunted, silenced only by your lips suddenly on his.

Jaebeom could hardly believe his eyes. There you were, swept up in Jackson’s arms with your tongue down his throat. He was green with fucking envy. It had taken him a whole summer to open you up and now you were throwing yourself at Jackson of all people.

Jackson slipped his hands beneath your shirt and roamed his hands up your sides, giving Jaebeom a glimpse of your soft skin. You overlapped your arms around his head, making little noises in the heat of his kisses.

Jaebeom felt a twitch in his pants at the sounds you made. That was supposed to be him. You were supposed to be in his arms, kissing him like he was all you had thought about every day since he ripped your heart out and crushed it in his hand for all to see.

“Pfft,” Jaebeom snorted, hiding his jealousy. “Glad I could break her in for you, Jacks.”

Neither of you heard him, which was lucky for Jaebeom because Jackson would not have hesitated to beat him to a bloody pulp.

Jaebeom cleared out. He couldn’t stand to watch anymore. Not when he had spent every day wondering if you would forgive him. Jaebeom shook his head as he continued down the hall, reminded what a stupid fucking mistake he had made.

Kissing Jackson made you forget what you were doing, where you were, and basically any and all information you were meant to be processing at the moment. Finally a sense of clarity hit you, though you had no earthly clue where it had come from.

Breaking away, you panted, “Okay, if we’re gonna do this, we have to lay down some ground rules.”

Jackson kneaded your waist and nipped at your lips, ever flirtatious. His voice came out a rasp when he said, “Give ‘em to me.”

“No sleeping around,” you told him sternly. “I’ve never had a sexually transmitted disease and I’m not starting now.”

Jackson bobbed his head, eager to kiss you again. “Deal.”

“When you get Yeona or I get Jaebeom, what’s between us is done.”

“Agreed.”

You softened, pulling him close for a brief, innocent peck on the lips. It wasn’t the first time you had kissed Jackson and it wouldn’t be the last.

But you realized when you were kissing Jackson, you forgot about Jaebeom and your feelings.

And that was dangerous.

“You’re my best friend,” you whispered delicately, tracing hair from his brow lightly with your fingers. “If either of us starts getting feelings, we shut this down.”

Jackson studied you a moment. He knew he loved you. He had loved you a long time. But it was an innocent love, not a complicated one. You were the only person he trusted with his heart. The only person he knew would never hurt him.

He wouldn’t catch feelings for you, would he? It wasn’t in his nature. He didn’t allow himself to get attached romantically. He hated the idea of commitment or monogamy, after seeing what his parents’ marriage had devolved into.

“Got it,” Jackson finally said, offering a gentle smile.

You swallowed, putting a hand on his chest and pushing him back. Jaebeom was gone. There was no one to convince anymore.

Jackson let his hands slip from your body. “We should go back.”

You nodded. “Yeah, just give me a second.”

Jackson noted the heat on your face, the glistening of your lips and the twinkles in your eyes. Forget making you see stars, Jackson knew in that moment he could absolutely ruin you.

He gathered you back in his arms, pulling you flush against him, and as you peered up at him confusedly, Jackson growled, “Let’s go to my cabin.”

A long, heavy silence wrapped around you and him. The weight of what you were doing landed squarely on your shoulders. And despite that, you found yourself not giving a damn.

Lips tugging in a smile, you purred, “Show me what I’ve been missing.”

But even as Jackson led you by the hand out of the mess hall, you glanced over your shoulder, looking for Jaebeom.

Wanting him to see. Wanting it to hurt him. Wanting to make him crazy.

But mostly, just wanting him to love you.

next chapter →

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[kaetastic]

TROUBLE

pairing: Isaiah Jesus x Shelby!Reader

summary: The infamous trio of Isaiah Jesus, Michael Gray and the second youngest Shelby pay a visit to a bar, except, few unhappy passer-bys ruined the day.

word count: 2.6k

warning: mentions of blood, violence, 1920 racism, slightly nsfw at the end, invisble indirect mentions of sex

note: the racism in this story is used for writing purpose only. i do not advocate such acts. thank you for understanding.

Easiness twirled a ribbon in the air. A silk, delicate cloth of pounds and dim like the backdrop of the stars. The recent sinking of the sun had painted the sky a blur of black once the flashing orange blended in smoothly. Caressing exasperatedly against the canvas, the brush sitting in the painters’ grip danced over the abyss of colours. The moon tugged on the strings beneath the water body as if a puppet, causing crest to migrate, hurling waves; clashing into one another in a milling crowd. With an arm draped over her shoulder which felt nonexistent, Y/N let out an echoing cackle in the bustling night that was kept alive by overworked factory workers. Lips curling up at his success, Isaiah wore his signature charming smirk.

Dangling between Michael’s nimble fingers was a huffing cigarette whose strands of smoke had been engulfed by the exhaling wind. Since the pair had been pacing at their own pace which was way too slow for the man, Michael sauntered past, leaving them alone while he neared the bar they had desired to spend time at.

“Fuck, that’s hot.” Isaiah’s warm lips brushed over Y/N’s ear-shells before yanking his head away, keeping a non-gossiping distance (despite his arm around her). Even though her infamous older brothers had been at London for a vital business meeting, it would take a pathetic fool to dare lie their lives on the quivering string. Even if they were hundreds of kilometres away, prodding eyes might linger to only whisper of the scandal sight of a Peaky Blinder and a Shelby.

The grip around his wrist faltered, her fingers unfurled to stuff her chilling hands in the warm pockets of her coat. The piercing edges of her nails hooked onto bulging looped strings, a tugging war between the article of clothing and her fingers. Isaiah’s eyes did not waver from her, still in shock as to what just happened. A giggle fell off her lips at his gawking eyes. The string of smoke she had just stolen from his cig breezed in the air, flying off to dance in the cloud.

“That’s why I do it.” Glancing down at her teeth chomping down on her bottom lip, Isaiah’s tongue poked to run over his lips. Despite his attempt to smear moisture, the chilly night was not merciful.

With a few more strides and transferred giggles, the pair neared towards the Gray who stood in front of the bar. From the inside, golden rays smeared onto the window panes of the French door. The hazy object obstructed passerby to glance a peek, only offering a puppet show of moving limbs over the light rays. Michael tapped his polished shoes onto the drenched valleys that seeped through the rivers between the stone-bricked roads, impatient to how slow the pair was, “You fuckers done fucking each other’s ears?”

Y/N rolled her eyes at her cousin. Michael had recently been not so easy to tolerate. With Gray blood swimming in his veins, it wasn’t simple to tug anything out of his head or whatever secret that lied deep in his chained up heart. A trait his mother had definitely passed down. However, Y/N believed the reason to his horrible mood for the week was caused by a woman they had come across not too long ago at the exact bar they were currently pacing towards (most likely to why they were even visiting it again).

Although Y/N was the one who insisted that he shouldn’t approach the girl since glancing at the diamonds anchoring the female to the ground connected all the doubtful dots in the Shelby’s head, she couldn’t help but to feel bad when Michael had been stranded alone as soon as he leaned against the bar, the targeted girl fleeing from the scene as if offended. Alone and filty rich. A combination a gang member would approach for only a night’s fun since a whole relationship was not guaranteed, though, the statement was an exception for Thomas Shelby.

“Keep babbling, cousin. You’re just mad no one sucked your dick in a week.” Isaiah threw his head back at her words. Straying pass the Gray, he patted on Michael’s rigid shoulder which had been tensed, stuffed with clenched muscles.

“She’s right, Mikey. Loosen up, no one’s ridin’ a horse.” As the pair faded into the warm glow of the pub, Michael flicked his cig that was once breathing. The clothing of the stick became drenched in a mixture of rain water and the liquid seeping out from the mysterious hole in the brick wall. Oh, how he’s going to prove them wrong.

Chatters swirled in with clinking of glasses. While a group of highly intoxicated men in the corner let out a rowdy, boisterous cowboy yell, the pair of women in the opposite corner sat with frowns on their faces, eyes darting at their empty fingers. Isaiah’s eyes grazed over the room, arm pulling the second youngest Shelby closer to rest her body onto his.

“Possessive now, are we?” He shook his head while a grin lingered on his lips. Making way through the weaving strands of people, his fingers drummed onto the wooden counter at a beat while he waited for the bartender to notice their presence.

“Three whiskeys.” Isaiah raised his cigarette in the air while he leaned his back on the prodding bar counter. The bartender’s tongue was ready to slice through the air, to kick in some sense in the mere boy who was demanding a drink without payement. When his eyes caressed over the accompanying lady who had been in his arm, the bartender froze on his spot. A Shelby. Without any opposition, he began to prepare the desired drinks. Shrugging off her heating coat which began to become a nuisance in the warm walls of the pub, Y/N rested the cloth onto the counter.

When Michael finally made his way to the pair, he rummaged through his pocket to pull out a crumpled sheet of paper he had yanked in the warm storage place. It was an impulsive decision. What could he have done? He was to complete the rechecking of the documents he had already jotted down the day before. Y/N’s eyebrows clashed at the amusing sight. Had he gone mental?

Seeing Michael indulge himself in scribbled numbers and smudged letters, Y/N let out a huff before she snatched the paper away, “Dear cousin, I know your balls are probably blue, but would you not? The night is still young, go find someone to fuck.”

Michael grumbled at her jest. Even though they were only a few years apart, she reminded him of a pestering child who was not able to zip their mouth shut for a mere second. Annoyed at her words, his eyes hurled a glance on the arm that were still weighed on her shoulders, “Yeah? Why are you so annoying lately? He’s not rough enough?”

Isaiah took a drag of his cigarette, a faint whistle seeped through his lips, “Low blow, Mikey, low blow. You know you don’t talk bad ‘bout another man’s fucking.” The Gray rolled his eyes before snatching the paper back as if it wasn’t critical for his task in the office, stuffing it back in his pocket without darting a glance of care. His reaction was uncanny when a teared piece off paper with scribbled numbers had been handed to him by a mysterious lady.

“Fine,” Michael scowled. Once the drinks sat in front of them, he downed the rock-glass worth of whiskey in one gulp as if he had been left to die. With a thump, the glass was slammed back onto the counter. “See there? I’m going to fuck them and when I come back, you better buy me a fucking bottle. Alright? Happy?”

Before the pair had a chance to hurl back a reply, the frustrated man stomped towards the sorrowful table of women. The grey smeared corner of the pub was dim, the absence of light played shadows on the pair of gloomy women.

Shrugging her shoulders at her cousin’s unexpected burst of emotions, Y/N threw her focus back to the cup. Taking faint sips, her eyes caressed over the bottles of liquor suspended for display. Isaiah shifted closer towards her, his hips resting on hers while an arm snaked around her waist. In silence, he wondered.

“Am I really not rough?”

Y/N rolled her eyes at his possible method of fishing for something to smirk or be smug about. Putting the glass on the surface after taking a sip, she turned her body to face the man, “Was the morning not enough evidence for you?”

The exhilarating and exhausting activity they both participated in seeped through his head once he rewounded the tape. The corners of his lips twirled up at the reminder of her cramped legs and her quivering knees. Sipping the rest of the brown liquid, he shot an eyebrow up as if in contemplation. His elbow rested on the bar, chest facing her while his other hand splayed on her waist, under her coat, thumb caressing the warmth radiated by the skin.

“I forgot about it, want to remind me?” Y/N chuckled, fingers brushing his smooth tie. Before she had the chance to throw back a coquettish flirt; tug on his tie so he was on her, a whistle echoed through the silent room which had died down of chattering.

Craning her head towards the man, her fingers furled against Isaiah’s chest, she blinked as she tried to figure out who he possibly was, “This darkie botherin’ you sweetie?”

Just a few thrown glances, Y/N was sure the man was not from Birmingham. The rough smeared accent and velvet suit was the cover that gave everything away. The mood of the room died down from the prominent presence of the trio of men. Hurling her attention back to her whiskey, she turned her back towards the man. To only give him satisfaction, “Fuck me, look at that ass, boys.”

Isaiah’s jaw clenched. Killing the cig within a push, he nudged himself off of the bar to stand in front of the taunting man, “Fuck off.”

“Isaiah...” Y/N mumbled, fingers gripped around his wrist. With a soft tug, she wished he would back away once she noticed the two accompanies at the back cracking their fingers which echoed sounds of bones snapping in fragments, however, his feet had been attached to the ground, ready to spring into action.

The smirk on the man intensified, the curl of his lips pointed a peak to the corner of his eyes, running up the scar that ran from the side of his face to weave to end at the droop of his orbs, “What did you just say to me?”

“I said, fuck off.”

Letting out a loud, amused cackle, he turned his head towards the two other men, who returned with the same hyena crying, “Hear that boys? The black’s telling us what to do,” Noticing the silent from the man much younger than the three was, he proceeded. “Why you with this dog, miss? Hm?”

Y/N pressed her lips, eyes darting to the back of Isaiah’s head. Her brothers were in London. To risk fighting in their absence doesn’t place good luck on their side. Even though a paper of their appearances could lead to mysterious death on papers, Y/N didn’t want to nudge another leaf onto Tommy’s plate, “Isaiah, let’s just go to the Garrison.”

“We just got our drinks, Y/N. I like it here. We’re staying.” Faltering into a tight line, Y/N’s fingers didn’t pull away from his coat, her fingers still pinching it as if a lost child.

“The darkie still talking?” The man chuckled. “I can’t understand what you barkin’ on ‘bout.”

There was one reason the three was going out tonight even though Michael had babbled on about a busy week. Y/N had managed to drag her cousin out of his working cave to drink. And she succeeded. Although she had considered no trouble for the night, her success deserved a celebration. No one was going to ruin that celebration, “Get the fuck out.”

With an amused twinkle in his eyes, he quirked an eyebrow, “You protectin’ this mutt?”

“No, I’m just tryna protect your face.”

His mouth creaked open, the sword rested on the tip of his tongue, ready to be flicked out. Except, a stinging pain tremored on his face. Like a rock had been rammed on his cheeks, he stumbled back from the great force. Oh, the night would’ve been long as she wanted it to be. Except, it wasn’t filled with fucking and drinking. Just blood and punches.

Isaiah’s purple smeared eyes creased at the faint pout sported on her lips. A hiss seeped through the cracks of his sparkly teeth when the taut bruised muscles around his eyes had been tugged too tightly. Y/N glanced up from his hands that were engulfed in hers, her thumb halted in the dipping bump of his knuckles. The strings of branching lines plastered on the scorching red line of hills had been thoroughly washed with water, the first thing Y/N did as soon as they entered the house.

“You’re poutin’. That bad huh?” His hands pulled out of her grip to tug her waist to stand between his legs. Y/N hummed. As her fingers caressed the purple smears on his face, she rested her forearms on his shoulders.

“They ruined your face.” Isaiah let out a chuckle.

“That’s the only thing you care ‘bout?” The words caused her teeth to slide out of the cave, pressing onto her bottom lip.

“That was an bonus point,” Resting her forehead onto his, she gazed deep into his eyes, noticing the plastered sparkles across the abyss. “Glad they didn’t take your cock.”

Without any more words, Isaiah hoped off the table with a creak. Despite the fresh streaks of red on his knuckles, he threw her on before making himself a place between her opened legs. Her mouth gaped open, soft moans trickling into the air in surges that tested his endurance. Isaiah’s lips brushed against the hollow column of her throat before placing a smacking kiss on her humming skin. With her fingers weaved through his hair, she tugged on the locks once he rolled his hips at an agonizing pace.

“‘saiah...” Y/N stammered, teeth chewing on her bottom lip. He let out a chuckle, muffled by the crook of her neck when her legs quivered, hips pressing against him for more friction. His pelvis sat in between her wide open thighs which gave him the best position for his bulging tent to prod against her clothed heat. A hum trickled down his throat while his fingers slithered up her dress to glide over her thighs. Hovering over the radiating barrier that blocked his fingers from her drenched

“For fuck’s sake!” John grumbled. The force he had exerted on barging the door open caused splints of wood to trip over, covering a bedding on the floor as if a neutral-coloured carpet. Y/N didn’t think twice before shoving Isaiah off who let out an ‘oof’ before she sprung off the surface.

Mumbling a a sorry under her breath, she turned towards her older brother, cheeks painted red, flushed from the disturbance, “John!” Y/N yelled, slightly annoyed.

With an irritated pace, Thomas stood by the door, a cig dangling between his fingers. The suspense trickled up her arms while he took his time to huff a drag, “We leave for two fucking days and you lot found yourself in trouble. Fucking unbelievable.” 

[growntolovesecrecyfic]

Grown to Love Secrecy - Chapter One (Petekey)

Can be read here.

Summary:  Mikey Way hates Oscar Wilde but Pete Wentz convinces him to read The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Chapter One: All Art is Quite Useless

--

“Let’s fall in love for the summer.”

Mikey chokes on his spit and goes into a fit of coughs managing to squeak out a measly “What?” in between coughs.

Pete hands Mikey a can of Coke before responding, “Stop loving me in September.” Pete looks around before he pats and rubs Mikey’s back to ease the coughing a bit.

Mikey nods, taking a sip from Pete’s soda. His coughing calmed, he sucks in a deep breathe before saying, “I know what you said.” He stops for a moment to think, looking through the fence that separated the bands and the rest of Warped Tour. Admiring the orange and pink hue the sunset paints the field they’re in. He forgot which town they’re in and it’s only the fourth day.

He looks back at Pete who was picking at his lip while staring off into the distance. It’s a bad habit, they both know this, but they have worse habits to deal with.

Mikey sighs, grabbing Pete’s hand, “Hey, stop that.” Pushing his hand away from his mouth, his fingers quickly wrapping around Pete’s palm. Pete scans the area, giving Mikey’s hand a quick squeeze before placing a small peck to his lips. Mikey smiles, looking at the ground before back at Pete again.

“Yeah. Sure, I’m down,” His smile falters, looking away from Pete for a moment, “Only for the summer?” His eyes are back on Pete who’s now smiling, “Of course!” Pete pulls Mikey in a bit closer, indulging in Mikey and drinking in his scent of sweat and a hint of cologne before asking, “Why would it be longer?” He inspects the area once more before he uses his free hand to push Mikey’s hair out of his face, cupping his cheek and pulling Mikey in for a kiss.

Later that night, Mikey was deep in thought in his bunk on the My Chem tour bus, skimming through the pages of an old book he brought with him. He fingers the small tears at the corners of the hardcover book, the maroon cover with gold lettering was all too familiar yet the contents inside remained unread. He turns the book and reads the cover, his fingers feeling the golden indents on the leather.

The Picture of Dorian Gray.

He stole the book from his old job at Barnes and Noble. They weren’t fond of him asking for weeks off when performing across the East Coast with his band and their friends from Midtown. Fired after two years but at least he has this and their band name as a memory.

Not that he read the book or anything. He worked in the music section; books weren’t really his thing but something about this one caught his attention. Gerard had an Oscar Wilde phase during his last year of high school after reading The Canterville Ghost, so Mikey is somewhat familiar with the author.

He opens a random page and reads briefly before stopping and setting the book aside, letting out a long sigh. He curls up in himself, hugging his knees and staring at the page before his train of thought was interrupted by a light tapping on the wall outside his bunk beyond the thin, navy blue curtain.

He remains silent before a small voice spoke out, “Hey, Mikes? Are you there?”

It’s Gerard.

Mikey leans forward and pulls open the curtain, revealing his brother behind the navy shield.

“Can I come in?” Gerard asks and before Mikey could answer, he crawled in, making himself at home. Sitting against the wall next to Mikey, mimicking his position.

“Sure.” Mikey responds faintly in hopes of filling the silence that plagued the bunk and that part of the bus. The rest of the guys were probably out goofing off with Cortez or maybe at the front of the bus playing video games. Mikey didn’t know and frankly, didn’t care either.

The pair sit there for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company before Mikey notices Gerard’s gaze, silently cursing himself upon the realization that he’s reading the page that Mikey left off.

Gerard would constantly pester him to read the book and he never got around to it, ultimately convincing himself that at the age of 23 Oscar Wilde isn’t worth reading.

“Live. Live the wonderful life that is in you.” Gerard reads out loud, seemingly towards Mikey. Mikey just holds himself tighter, looking away from Gerard and the book.

He remains silent as Gerard reads him the rest of the passage.

“Be afraid of nothing,” Gerard finishes. Gerard grabs the book and closes it, looking over at Mikey. “What are you afraid of, Mikes?”

Mikey is suddenly filled with annoyance. He knows his brother means well but he really doesn’t want to answer, and he knows if he doesn’t Gerard will start asking questions. Ask him about where he was all day, why he’s so quiet, why is he finally reading Oscar Wilde after officially declaring his personal beef with the dead author while drunk after one of their shows a couple of years ago.

“The water and cutesy animated films.” Mikey answers and Gerard replies with an annoyed sigh. Mikey rolls his eyes, turning to meet the eyes of his brother for the first time since he got into the bunk.

“Where were you all day?” Gerard asks, “I know you’re old enough to watch over yourself, but I haven’t seen you since after our set.” Mikey looks away, he knows what’s coming next.

“Is it a girl?” Gerard asks his brother, gingerly placing a hand on Mikey’s shoulder.

Mikey frowned.

He knew his brother was the feminist type, often advocating for women’s rights on stage and in person. He always admired that about his brother, his courage. Just like how he wore makeup for the first time when him and his parents left to go to blockbuster when Gerard was 16, or how he would wear drag to school just for the hell of it or how Gerard would kiss Bert for the Taste of Chaos tour. That was a riot. Pissed off a lot of dudes from the scene but Gerard didn’t care.

He always knew his brother was brave like that, kissing and hugging dudes and holding them close and not being weird about it. He wishes he didn’t spend his first two years sleeping with every girl he could find to make up for the fact that he was questioning his sexuality.

The way he dressed and carried himself didn’t help either.

After the few incidents he was faced while on the bus, he decided that it’d be best if Gerard was his personal chauffeur rather than being asked by some older dude if he’d like to have a “good time” with him and some of his buddies at some shady club.

But that’s beside the point.

“No.” He answered coldly.

He was close with Gerard, yes, but he hadn’t talked to Gerard about his sexuality crisis. He knew that Gerard would understand but he’s not sure if he’s comfortable enough to talk about it himself. He didn’t want to push the responsibility on Gerard for him to deal with and then run off to whatever new problem or crisis is in his life.

“Then what is it?” Gerard’s voice was tight, and he was closer now.

Here goes nothing.

“It’s not a girl.”

Gerard was about to ask another question before Mikey cut him off.

“I was spending the day with Pete.” He started to stammer, “And uhm, He uh, he asked me if I could… uh.” Mikey was having some second thoughts, unsure if he could finish his sentence then Bob interrupted their conversation and Mikey thanked the God that he no longer believes in.

“Hey, Toro and Frank are wondering if you guys wanna stop at a 7/11 for some slurpees. We have the entire day tomorrow before we need to be at Dallas.” He asked the pair, his hands occupied with poker chips in one and Ray’s blue DS in another.

Mikey was quick to answer, “Sure.” Quickly getting up and out of the bunk, leaving Gerard behind with Bob.

“Tell me something, Frank,” Gerard asks his best friend who’s occupied with stuffing candy bars in a slurpee cup.

“Mmm, something.”

Gerard grumbles and Frank snickers at his annoyance.

“Ugh, no. I was talking to Mikey earlier and he was talking to me about Pete and how he asked him to do something, but Bob interrupted us before he could say anything.” Gerard crossed his arms, carefully watching his brother and the other bassist fuck with the nacho cheese machine, laughing amongst themselves and Gerard swore that there was a moment between them. He knew he had to get to the bottom of it.

“Well, I mean, do you think it’s anything important?” Frank asked as he attempted to shove another bag of skittles in the cup, completely oblivious to the pair that Gerard is watching.

“I think so. He was stressed earlier, and I didn’t think we wanted to tell me anything in the first place.” His eyes were off Mikey and Pete now as he didn’t want to be accused of anything later.

“Then don’t bother him.” Frank says bluntly, grabbing another cup for an actual slurpee while Gerard follows him to the machine.

“Why? He obviously seems bothered. Do you think Pete’s bothering him?” Gerard looks back at the pair who were now in the chip aisle, Pete picking for them both it seems.

Frank turns to look at Gerard, “Dude, he’s not 19 anymore and even if he was, you have to stop treating him like a child. Him and Pete seem perfectly fine. Maybe Pete asked him to play a show for them or something and was nervous to ask you if he could practice with them instead? And even if it wasn’t that. It’s totally fine. You know Mikey, he doesn’t get hurt easily.”

Gerard was a bit stunned by Frank’s response and just stared at Frank as he filled his cup with cherry-flavored slurpee. He knows he’s right, but he can’t help but worry about Mikey sometimes. He is a bit reckless but an adult. If he needs help, he’ll ask.

The two bands meet up at the cash register, their bassists in the back of the group while the others talk. Their chatter filling a mostly empty 7/11 while Pete and Mikey stand close together, their pinkies locked as they drink their slurpees feeling like the only people in the world.

[chikoriita]

On My Mind

Here is my contribution for SoKai Day 2019! Also dedicated to @floralianspiderboynova​, who requested this a while ago (sorry it’s so late!)

Read on AO3.org

--

Ah, Radiant Garden. Her one last chance at refuge. Kairi only hoped that this was her safe harbor. In the last 12 hours, she was cornered at home and run out of her own house on Destiny Islands. Then, they chased her to Twilight Town and beyond.They would not let her live in peace, would they? She hurried along the outer edges of the borough. The others might not be able to find her here. With the reconstruction of the neighborhoods, Radiant Garden was a sprawling metropolis. If only for a few moments, she could rest easy.

This was, as usual, Sora’s fault. He had to open his big mouth and tell his brothers and sister about the bet. She never should have taken the dare in the first place. How was she to know that Sora could swim farther than her now? If she knew, then maybe she wouldn’t have taken such a silly forfeit. It was supposed to end with Sora dying his hair pink. Instead now, she had to do the unthinkable.

Kairi would have to ride a horse. Not just any horse, but a Pegaslick. Riku, who had been their judge for their contest, said that it had wings. So now, because of her shortsightedness, lest she go back on her word, she was doomed to ride a horse, the one animal in the worlds she could not stand.

Then he had to get the others involved; the others being Roxas, Xion, and Naminé.

“You know Kairi,” Naminéstarted at lunch the other day. “It’s not good to go back on your word. Sora won the bet fair and square, according to Riku. Just fulfill the forfeit, and we can move on.”

Kairi’s jaw dropped. Her own sister was betraying her. “Naminé!” She gasped. “You were once a part of me, and you’re taking his side?”

She shrugged. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Yeah!” A voice piped up from outside the window. Kairi peeked her head outside to find Roxas and Xion crouching in the bushes.

“What are you two doing spying on our conversation?” Kairi was both confused and frustrated.

Xion waved sheepishly. “Sora wanted to remind you that you have until tonight to pay up.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“But he was too scared to tell you, so we decided to help,” Roxas said.

Kairi let out a small growl. “I am not going to let the three of you pester me into the forfeit.” She fled her parents home, leaving the three former Nobodies running after her. She ran until she reached her Gummiship. It was far beyond her old rowboat, and for that she was thankful. Her little boat wouldn’t get her beyond their reach.

And so the three had followed her to Twilight Town, the Mysterious Tower, and even Disney Castle! She thought that King Mickey would at least take her side, but he apparently did not judge in matters of wagers and bets.

“Kairi, you should always pay your debts,” he said softly to her during her stolen hour at the castle. She resisted making a face as she escaped (and not a moment too soon as Roxas’s Gummi landed as hers departed).

All the running and fleeing brought her here of all places. Radiant Garden, the same place Sora asked her to meet him. He requested at the Bastion steps for the ride. He said he would wait until the end of day for her, which meant she had a at least an hour or two to think about her decision. She sat on the perch of one of the fountains and closed her eyes. This was as good a place as any to think.

The ring of her Gummiphone knocked her out of her reverie. Riku’s name flashed on the screen. She quickly accepted the call and pasted on a wide smile.

“Riku!” She saw his Gummiship cockpit. He probably had the phone docked on his ship controls.

“Why did I get a call from the King to check up on you?” He asked. “Is everything okay?”

Oh that mouse, Kairi thought. She was going to have a talk with the Queen about his meddling. “The kids will not leave me alone! They keep pestering me about the bet.” She jumped off her perch and walked toward the Bastion. Not because she accepted her defeat. She just wanted to stretch her legs.

He raised an eyebrow at her. “You mean this is all about the bet? The one that you lost?”

“You don’t have to remind me,” she sulked.

“What do you have against horses anyway?”

“I once saw a horse beat a clown.”

Riku made a face. “Really?”

Kairi shrugged. “It was probably a man in a costume, now that I think about it. Still, I just don’t like them.”

“That’s a shame. Sora really got close to his Pegaslick when we were in the Sleeping Worlds.”

“They are killing machines, and you know it.”

He laughed heartily. “This coming from the girl that jumped into a swarm of Heartless to save Sora.”

A harsh chuckle came from off screen. “Is that Kairi? Tell her to pay up! My brother is waiting.” She heard Vanitas’s voice chime in.

Kairi rolled her eyes. “Tell him to stuff it.”

“Okay, I gotta go. See you soon, Kai.” Riku waved her off and ended the call.

“See you soon?” Kairi repeated. What did he mean by that? She looked up from the screen to find herself at the bottom of the steps. After focusing, she saw Sora waving down at her from the top.

“Eep!” She spun around to avoid looking at him. True to his promise, he had the Pegaslick with him. The winged horse was bright and awash with various colors and stood vividly against the bricks of the castle. She didn’t have to look at Sora to know that he didn’t expect anything from her. Even if she did owe him the forfeit, he would never force her to do anything. She knew that in her heart, and maybe that is why she took the first step up towards him. The remaining steps did not register as they were only a means to get to Sora.

Kairi stopped a bit short of Sora and hesitated. “Hi,” she finally said with a small wave.

“You made it!” He exclaimed, then sobered. “I’m sorry for all of our siblings’ nuisances. You didn’t have to put up with them.”

Truth be told, though it was annoying during the moment, Kairi appreciated the feeling of having pesky family members today. After all, didn’t it mean that they cared about them? Even crotchety old Vanitas wanted to help in his own way.

She reached out to take his hand. “I was the stubborn one. I should’ve just faced my fears.” She threaded her fingers with his.

“I just thought it would be…” He trailed off quietly and turned his head.

Kairi pulls it back toward her. “Would be what?”

“Romantic.” He blushed. Blush was an understatement, truly. His entire face was red. “It’s our anniversary, you know.”

“Our what?” Kairi nearly squawked as he tugged her closer.

His lips lifted into a sly smirk. “Don’t tell me you forgot,” He teased. “One year ago, we shared the paopu fruit.”

Had it really been a year since that moment in the sunset? “It’s been a hectic year.”

“You said you wanted to be part of my life no matter what. It worked; you’re always on my mind. Without you, I don’t think I could have faced my fears, then or now. Tonight, I wanted to help you face one of yours.” Sora petted the Pegaslick with his free hand. “Want to face it together?”

Kairi looked at their joined hands and thought about it. No matter how small of a matter it may seem, this Dream Eater was part of Sora’s life as well. Contrary to how she acted these last few days, Kairi did not go back on her word. No matter what. “Let’s do it.”

Sora’s eyes met hers. “Really?!” He said gleefully.

“Do not push your luck, Sora.” She moved closer to the Pegaslick. “How do we do this?”

He grabbed her by the waist (don’t blush Kairi, do not blush!) and placed her on the makeshift saddle he arranged. “Hold on,” he instructed as he climbed on behind her. Sora placed her hands on the reins and closed his left hand around hers.

“Are you ready?” He whispered.

She scrunched her eyes closed and nodded.With his right arm tightened like a bar against her waist, he gave a small kick, and they lifted off.

Kairi felt the air rushing past her ears as they ascended into the sky. After a few moments, they slowed down and stabilized. She cracked one eye open and gasped. When she opened both eyes, she saw the second most beautiful sunset of her life. They glided above pink and orange clouds, seemingly in their own world.

“How majestic,” she whispered, settling back against Sora’s chest.

He let out a deep breath, one he must have held since they took off moments before. “I promised myself that one day I would take you flying with me. Granted, it’s not the same as pixie dust-” She interrupted him. “It’s even better.” The serenity of experiencing twilight with him was incomparable, whether or not they needed help flying.

“Even though we are on a horse?” Sora asked in a slight tease. She nudged him with her elbow. The Pegaslick wasn’t as bad as she imagined. It was a serene creature, neighing periodically.

Kairi didn’t answer him, and instead, focused on the rays of sunset fading into the horizon. Night would soon follow. Sora circled the castle’s highest parapet three times before beginning their descent.

“We’re done already?”

He chuckled. “Just one more surprise.” He maneuvered the Pegaslick onto a balcony on the parapet where a picnic blanket awaited them. He slid off the Dream Eater and lifted Kairi off deftly.

“Now admire the view from up here while I explain a few things.” Kairi leaned against the balcony railing and watched as the neighborhoods below transitioned into the evening. During twilight’s final moments, street lamps lit the streets snaking through the city. Night markets began trading their wares. Radiant Garden was once again the booming world it once was.

“I’ve told you about Rapunzel right?” Kairi nodded slightly. Her story hit very close to home. The only difference was that Rapunzel’s parents looked for her for all these years while Kairi’s family was nowhere to be found.

“Well, they found her by sending out lanterns every year on her birthday. She found her way back to them by following the light.” Sora came to her side with a glowing paper lantern in his hands.

“Sora…” Kairi didn’t know what to say.

“We’ve been separated so many times in our lives. We didn’t need lanterns to find each other before. But maybe, we could spin the tradition our own way.” He placed the lantern in her hand. “This lantern will be our reminder that there is always a light in the darkness to guide us. You already did it for me. Now let me be your light.”

A tear streamed down her cheek. “Oh, Sora. You already are.” With both their hands, they lifted the lone lantern into the night sky. For a single moment, it bounced against the breeze and lit up against the darkness. In the next moment, a second lantern lifted up from another part of the castle. Kairi looked down to see Roxas, Xion, and Naminé on a balcony. Another lantern floated up from their left. Was that Riku’s silver hair she spied on another balcony? She couldn’t trust her eyes because it seemed like he had both Ventus and Vanitas lifting up lanterns together. Before she knew it, hundreds of glowing lanterns lifted up from the city below them.

“What is all of this?” Kairi asked softly.

Sora lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “Our destinies are intertwined and with them, our family. They all helped me pull off this night.”

“Ah, so you are to blame for their pestering!” She poked him on the cheek.

He grinned. “Guilty.”

“Well, you’re simply lucky that I like them.” She looped her arms around his neck and placed a small kiss on his nose. “And I really like you.”

[hedgiwithapen]

Killervibe week day 1

Fake dating

Cisco frowned at his deskspace, reaching up to rub his eyes, trying to fight off what promised to be a monster headache. Something was off.  Not the pile of papers,  and it didn’t look like anyone had gotten into his redvines jar or disturbed any of the other tools and trinkets, but still.  Maybe he just needed more coffee--even if Caitlin and Iris both agreed that he Really Didn’t. He reached for the cup and blinked. “Caitlin?” “Mm?” Caitlin poked her head out of the medbay that adjoined the cortex. “What’s wrong?” “Can you tell me how long I’ve had this?” he held up the blue mug, with the TARDIS outlined in darker blue and white. The coffee in it was still warm. “You got the coffee ten minutes ago, Cisco, are you feeling ok? Wait, did you hit your head in that last fight? You  told me you were fine, and if we need to have another talk about lying to your doctor--” “Not the coffee, and no, I didn’t hit my head. I don’t think. The mug. Since when?” “Last month. The station gave it to you after you fixed their coffee machine again. What do you mean, ‘you don’t think,’ Cisco, it’s a yes-or-no question.” Cisco thunked his head down on the desk with a louder bang than he’d intended. The mug was wrong, he usually kept just a regular STAR labs mug, or  the Star Trek mug the Steins had gotten him for his birthday at the lab, and this one looked familiar, but...differrent.  So how--- looking up, the light that glimmered on the edge of the mug and the glass wall as Caitlin passed it shone blue, and Cisco thunked his head down again.

“I’m going to kill him.” “Be more specific,” Caitlin advised. “And look up, I need to see if you have a concussion.” “Where’s Barry?” Cisco asked by way of reply. “It’s not a concussion--” “You just slammed your head against your desk so I’ll be the judge of that. I’m not sure, probably with Iris. Or running down a lead for dealing with  our newest friend.” She jerked a thumb at the display screen with all the information on the latest supervillain threat. Cisco grumbled, but let Caitlin cup his cheek with one hand and shine a light at his face with the other, wincing a little at the brightness.  “Better question, when is Barry.” Caitlin’s eyebrows rose for a fraction of a second before furrowing. “What do you mean--wait--that’s what the mug’s about?”

Cisco nodded. “Used to be different. Not sure if the whole story changed or if I just… brought this one to STAR or something.. It could be something small…” “Frost says he better be now, and she’s--saying things I won’t be repeating she can say them to his face later.” Caitlin sighed. “He promised he’d stop messing with time, at least without warning us.” “I’m going to see if I can figure out what else he changed. God. Remind me to pester Ray for an update for Gideon so she can do this instead of me.” Caitlin nodded. “Want me to call Iris?” “Nah. Let’s make sure this wasn’t like the first time he time traveled. Or the… third? If it was an honest mistake that  happened because he was outrunning a, a--” “A tidal wave, or a magical explosion that vaporized the rest of us, yeah. Frost still wants a word with him.” “She can get in line.” Cisco leaned back, trying to concentrate, finding the threads of energy that wove through him and into  the larger picture; trying to trace those threads to the place the blue turned to gold.  Images flickered, a montage of clips, like evidence stacking up in a crime drama during a detective’s voice over, or Wally speedwatching an entire season of masterchef, but  nothing major seemed to be highlighted, nothing felt too off or wrong-- Something drew his internal gaze deeper. A crime scene, from a few months ago,  two images trying to compete for memory space. Blue versus full color, they were almost identical: the Flash standing on a rooftop, the costumed villain standing a few feet away, crackling with green fire. One thing was different. A blue-tinted body lay to one side of the two. That wasn’t right. The fight had just been a fight, no one had gotten seriously hurt (Barry’s broken arm had healed in half an hour, that didn’t count as serious.)

He drew back from the vibe. “ I… think I found it? The thing that changed. Someone died in that fight with Witchfyre.”

Caitlin shook her head “No, no one was up there, the nightguard--oh. Well, that’s… something. We can still be mad at him though.” “Oh absolutely. I mean, seriously, this is what we call in the legends for.” Cisco grumbled. “I’m going to have headaches the next two times we fight Witchfyre, I swear to God.”

“Two?” Caitlin asked. “We locked them up.” “Yeah they’re still alive, so statistically speaking--”

Caitlin muffled some laughter. “You sit those out then. Barry can deal with them himself.”

“That’s right.” Cisco took a redvine. “You know, he never bothers to figure out exactly what happened  in the time he changes, he just goes along with it. Be nice to pull a surprise on him. One that, you know, wasn’t shitty for us.” Caitlin nodded. “If we get Iris in on it we could swap McSnurtle for an alligator lizard or something.” Cisco frowned. “She’s really bad at lying, though… hmm… not enough time to paint the cortex…I’m not cutting my hair.what does that leave?”

“How far back did he go?” Caitlin asked, stealing a redvine. 

“Two months and three days,” Cisco said. “So that limits things a little....” “Gives us enough time for today to be our two month aniversary and he promised to be on watch at STAR while we went out to that new Italian place,” Caitlin offered after a moment. “He’s going to get that deer-in-headlights look,” Cisco agreed. “Oh man, that’s genius.” “Who’s going to what?” Barry asked, catching some of the papers that went flying as he skidded in. “Finally,”  Caitlin said, making a show of checking her watch. “I was about to call.  Did you hit your head in that last fight?” “...no? Why?” “So you just forgot Caitlin and I had our date tonight?” Cisco asked, hoping he could pass off his tripping over ‘date’ as mild indignance. “Your wha-- I mean,” Barry’s face matched the red of his suit and just as quickly went dead white. “ Um.. that was… today?” “Yes,” said Caitlin, grabbing her coat. “You know the drill, text if there’s an emergency, don’t blow anything up, set the alarm when you leave--” “--And don’t fuck with time,” Cisco said with her as they left.

The Dinner was nice. Caitlin hadn’t been out for Italian in ages, but it was a quiet enough place with good food.  Cisco held up his phone. “ Evidence selfie?” Caitlin laughed, and leaned her head against his. His hair was soft, and she took a moment before pulling away, after the picture was taken. Her phone beeped, and she glanced at it. “Uh oh.” “What’s wrong?” Cisco asked. “....we forgot something.” “What did we forget? Dessert?” he reached up absently, checking for his vibe goggles,but no, he’d stored them safely. “Iris just texted.” “....and she didn’t timeline hop. Right.” Cisco sighed, crestfallen. “Also we forgot to order dessert,” Caitlin continued. “Wanna split a Tiramisu?” “What about…” “I think we can get Iris in on this,” Caitlin said, sliding the phone away before Cisco could see the text in question. From Iris, 7:52 It’s about time! details!? Cisco grinned. “In that case, absolutely. How long do you think it’ll take Barry to realize?” Caitlin thought for a moment “Not until the holidays at least.” “There’s always something big then,” Cisco nodded. “ I say, next May.”

“Loser buys cake and ice cream for a week.”

In the end, Barry only figured it out when their one year anniversary was a few months off from when he was sure it was.

[whumpingwithirondad]

Tony is so-not a Dad

Do you want to see more posts like this? Comment down below!

So, this began when we were talking what we like and don’t like about fics. I could not cut this into parts so yeah, this is a bit long :D 

wordscorrupt

I love Peter calling tony mister stark or sir I don’t know I don’t try to get him to call him dad unless some requests it. There’s just something so endearing about it lol and I love the way he says it in the movies it’s adorable

irondadgroupie

Yes! I think Mr Stark is kind of an endearing nickname and usually when people call Tony it, the man is nonchalant but when Peter call him that...the boy has him wrapped around his finger.

I think if Peter thinks of the word Dad, he thinks of his biological father and traces of Ben and Tony. He is so confused so he refuses to call anyone Dad. Plus I think if Peter ever started calling Tony dad, the man would be terrified :D

wordscorrupt

tony's heart skips a few beats from excitement anytime he hears peter say his name. omg tony would be pulling out a cross if peter ever called him dad out of the blue. the only time i could understand is if hes delirious and tony would play along but otherwise tonys calling a priest bc his kid is possessed

irondadgroupie

That is a great idea! Like the enemy knows Tony and Peter are close, he is like a father to the boy so they if there is like a shape shifter as Peter who calls Tony dad, Tony immediately puts the thing into chokehold because his kid does not call him that.

wordscorrupt

omg just the mental image of that. it happens in front of happy or rhodey too and they are like WTF TONY DONT HURT THE BBY

irondadgroupie

But yeah, I like the idea of Peter being out of it, like has a high fever and is barely in the real world, then Tony would be like "Yes, Dad is here, kiddo." And when Peter gets better and hears about it he is so embarrassed.

irondadgroupie

I just had the though that if someone stole Peter's phone and tried to have a conversation with Tony (I don't know, maybe to humiliate Peter) and they wrote the word Dad, Tony is immediately going "Okay, who is this, why do you have my kid's phone?"

wordscorrupt

yesss exactly and tony just never mentions it too. he hears about from bruce or one of the other doctors that took care of him as well

irondadgroupie

Like Tony's motto is: "Yes, he is my kid but I am not his dad"

wordscorrupt

tonys like; yes i take care of him, provide for him, clothe him (too many iron dad pajamas to count), feed him (he eats me out of a house), protect him but im not his dad.

wordscorrupt

peter gets kidnapped by a group of people who think he's tony secret son or something and tony sends a text like "hey bud wondered what you wanted for dinner tonight we're ordering in" and one of the guys texts back "anythings good with me dad" and tony basically fucking smashes through the walls like ten seconds later

irondadgroupie

Yes! And others are like: "Tony, you are such a dad.""I am not, we don't share blood!" Like Tony pays for Peter's school (what the financial aid doesn't cover), makes sure he visits doctor and dentist regularly, keeps his schedule on his phone, buys him new shoes and jackets for winter (he hates Peter's style but the kid likes it so yeah, why not), helps him revise for exams (I can just imagine Tony driving and saying a verb Peter needs to conjugate )

irondadgroupie

Yes! They make sure the style of writing is similar, check few previous messages so they wouldn't be caught, they send the message and are like "yeah, now we can have fun" and ten seconds later a cannon blows up a wall and Tony flies in. "Pretty good job, fellas but you forgot one thing, I am not his dad!"

wordscorrupt

yes! domestic tony is my everything. he definitely pays for peter's school and donates to the programs/clubs that peter is involved in as well. helps him with his college essays and applications. tony got the best doctor and dentist for peter as well and calls in to make his appointments for him. one of tonys favorite pastimes is shopping for clothes for peter online and he always make s sure to throw in one of those dumb science joke shirts everytime. tony making sure that peter is getting his daily nutrition in becuase he was not gonna have the kid pass out on him again because he blood sugar was low.

peters just in the corner, mouth taped shut with duct tape and chained up and he just nods his head like 'duh'

irondadgroupie

Aww! The image of Tony in online shops and occasionally asking Pepper: "You think Peter would like that color?" "Tony, he has like 10 jackets already!" "He could do with a new one, he's a growing boy."

irondadgroupie

I don't think Tony makes the appointments until it is absolutely necessary. Like once Peter complains about neck ache and Tony says: "It might be wisdom tooth, I'll give you a number to a dentist. She works with enhanced individuals." Then he pesters Peter for weeks "Did you make the appointment yet?" But yeah, Peter's mind is like swiss cheese, he never remembers. One day Tony calls him "You have dentist today at 3, I'll pick you up from school." "Mr Stark, I can make my own appointments!" "Yeah, clearly."

wordscorrupt

tony stresses shops but instead of shopping for himself he shops for peter instead

i like to think the reason that peter doesn't make the appointments is because he hates going to the dentist/doctor so he thinks he can just lie about actually going

irondadgroupie

Tony is a trophy!wife inside. He buys Peter vitamins and when he is over, makes sure the boy eats a good breakfast (even if they are running late because you don't fucking skip breakfast!). But yeah, Peter is an idiot and if Tony is not there to remind him, Peter forgets to eat. Once Tony was on a week long business trip and when he came back, Peter fainted into a hug. Like Tony can't even remember how many times he had had to hold Peter's feet up because the boy felt dizzy after a work-out

irondadgroupie

Oh, why is the image of Peter being chained up so adorable? :D He watches as Tony captures the bad guys and then kneels next to him and rips of the tape. "Idiots," Peter calls to the bad guys as Tony just chuckles while working on the chains.

irondadgroupie

And Pepper returns like half the packages that arrive :D Otherwise Peter's room would have no space for the boy

irondadgroupie

Oh yeah, Peter afraid of dentists. Like the boy tries to get out of the appointment claiming he is not feeling well but Tony puts a hand to his forehead and goes "Yeah, sorry, kiddo, you are going." And then Tony guesses what the problem is "I hate dentists too. In my days, they were terrible, not gentle at all, left me with some deep rooted fears. But this lady is so nice and patient and if you are a good boy, she will give you a candy bar after you are done."

wordscorrupt

yes vitamins and protein shakes and everything else to keep peter from passing out every five minutes. loads his backpack with all kinds of snacks to keep him going throughout the day at school. oh my god the image of peter kind of just fainting into tony's arms when trying to go for a hug instead and tony just grabbing him like its not big deal. he knew the kid was going to forget about keeping his diet up.

wordscorrupt

pepper lets tony have the fun then has to return half the things for sure and tony buys so much he doesn't even remmember what he actually all got so he never catches on

wordscorrupt

peter just grumbles as tony bribes him into going to the dentist. thats the one thing tony is not above. he gets that peter hates going and tony doesn't blame him at all but he has to get the kid there one way or another

wordscorrupt

its great that the doctor tony chooses for him works at the compound which makes the most sense. peter is a terrible patient when he's sick or injured, trying to fight off the doctor and attach himself to tony instead. hes probably more terrible when he's alert and forced to go down for a checkup and just grumbling the entire time and glaring at tony for making him do this in the first place

irondadgroupie

Yeah, Tony orders a bunch of all kind of protein products, there are cardboard boxes of them in nearly every room, even in bathroom because one time Peter fainted when getting out of the bath and had Tony not heard the splash, the boy most certainly would have drowned.

irondadgroupie

Tony catches Peter like: "Wow, wow, buddy, let's get you lying down." And he sets the kid on the floor and pats his face while Pepper gets fruit juice. Yeah, opening the packages is like second Christmas. Tony is always surprised what he ordered :D I also think Tony spends time on online auctions, getting movie memorabilia and such for his boy

irondadgroupie

AWW Peter pouting and looking so adorable Tony takes a million pictures. The dentist is very understanding and explains beforehand each procedure. But Peter still grips the handles of the chair because he is nervous.

"You are doing so well, sweetie," the woman says and Peter relaxes a bit. "You have beautiful teeth, they need just a little cleaning up."

wordscorrupt

Peter nearly tears the leather from the chair from gripping it to hard. Tony eventually reaches out to hold one of his hands and Peter instantly relaxes

he thinks he's in the clear once his cleaning is done and he's helped up from the chair until the dentist says they need to talk about his x-rays and how it looks like his wisdom teeth are impacted

irondadgroupie

"Helped up from the chair" makes it sound like Peter suffered from a dizzy spell and had to lay down for a while. Happened to me after my wisdom teeth operation :D In Finland, we don't get anesthesia when taking out wisdom teeth (unless the person has severe fear or the operation is large), it's just pain killers and numbing the area with drugs

"It's so embarrassing," Peter muttered as he accepted the cup of water Tony offered.

irondadgroupie

I think Peter would be doing a stress test and the heart monitor goes crazy with something abnormal and the boy just collapses. Maybe his heart starts beating too fast and they have to use cardioversion

wordscorrupt

Oh man he’s terrified the entire time not knowing what’s going on. Is he dying??

irondadgroupie

Or maybe they are sparring and suddenly Peter gets out of breath and grabs his chest and collapses on the ground.

Tony is certain he killed the boy

wordscorrupt

Tony’s thinking Peter just fainted from stress but then why would he grab his chest. He’s asking Friday if 15 year olds can have heart attack’s at the same time he’s racing to the medbay with Peter in his arms

irondadgroupie

Just think of the surgery day, Tony might be more nervous than Peter because they need to stop the kid's heart to repair it

"Don't worry, I'll be okay," Peter tells him and May with a brave smile.

irondadgroupie

Yeah, Peter fainting from stress is common because he tended to run himself down. Tony had gotten very skilled in reviving the kid, usually pouring cold water on his face was enough. But now he debated whether chest compression were needed.

irondadgroupie

You know, one idea has been flying in my head. Peter's blood sugar dropping dangerously low that Tony has to feed him jam or something with lots of sugar to bring him back around. Like Peter would lie on his lap and Tony had to feed him the stuff with a spoon. Like with a diabetic patient, he rubs the jam to the boy's mouth, gums and under his tongue

wordscorrupt

oh lord tony thinking about the fact that peter could technically be dead while in the operating room. lets not even mention post surgery, where peter has a long scar down  his chest and has about a million tubes coming from his chest. ive seen patients in the cardiac icu and its freaking ridiculous how many machines and lines they are hooked up to.

yes tony trying to hold peter up at the same time trying to force (gently!) food down his throat to get his blood sugar back up and peters kind of just out of it

one time peter passes out on stage during a decathalon competition

irondadgroupie

Tony has to practically massage the boy

irondadgroupie

's throat to make him swallow the food and Peter just doesn't answer, just moans or mumbles when Tony shoves another spoonful of jam into his mouth.

Can you imagine Peter's blood sugar dropping during the night and Tony literally can't wake the kid up in the morning.

wordscorrupt

oh my god that would be terrifying. for a second he thinks the kid has died in his sleep but once he kind of gets his mind straight, he checks his pulse and he still has one

tony has to carry around of those machines that checks a persons blood sugar levels

irondadgroupie

Yes! It was during the last question. Tony was watching and he saw the signs that yeah, Peter is going down soon. But he was too far and couldn't get to the stage to catch the boy.

wordscorrupt

the entire audience gasps of course but then imagine their reaction when tony stark of all people is rushing up to the stage. peter hits his head pretty hard on the podium as well and by the time tony gets to him, he's bleeding from his headsterday a

irondadgroupie

Yeah, Peter's alarm went off several times and Tony finally comes to the room. "Kiddo," he shakes his shoulder. "Come on, up you get, you'll be late for school." But Peter just lies on the bed and he is completely limp. Tony nearly has a heart attack when the boy doesn't open his eyes. I can just imagine him starting to shake Peter's shoulders "This isn't funny, kid! Wake up!"

irondadgroupie

Oh, Peter definitely hits his head. Tony immediately kneels beside the boy. "Peter," he taps his face. "Hey, kiddo, wake up!" But the boy doesn't react and Tony take of his jacket to press it against the wound

wordscorrupt

Tony rushes peter down To the medbay because while peter still has a pulse he’s not waking up. Bruce is there as tony runs in a wild look on his face

Tony demands that they bring down the curtains on stage to give them privacy and then starts ordering people around one of them to grab any kind of sugary food they can find

irondadgroupie

Bruce takes Peter's blood pressure and checks sugar levels and immediately starts setting an IV. "He is fine, Tony, it's just his metabolism screwing with him again." He gives Peter a shot of glucose (the kind they use to treat diabetes patients or people who have alcohol poisoning) and it doesn't take long until Peter is opening his eyes, still loopy and confused why Tony immediately smothers him into a hug.

irondadgroupie

"Don't worry, he is okay, this happens all the time," Tony says and lifts Peter's eyelid to check his pupils. He quickly checked the boy's neck for possible breaks and when he deems it safe, moves Pete's head a bit so that airways stay open. "He just needs something sugary to drink and eat."

irondadgroupie

"I have this," A girl from the opposing team offered a bag of fruit shaped candy that was coated in sugar. Tony smiled: "That is just perfect." Tony crouches lower and opens the boy's mouth until he can place one piece in there.

irondadgroupie

But honestly, since Peter has a head injury, the more realistic alternative is that they bring a cold compress to hold on his forehead

[fuchsiagrasshopper]

Fragments of a Fractured Mind (Ch 1)

Benjamin Poindexter x OC                                                                  Wordcount: 1.3k | No Warnings                                                   

AN: First chapter of an ongoing story, let me know your thoughts!

Where did it all go so wrong? That was the first thing festering in Dex's mind when he was halfway between consciousness and the abyss on that cold slab of metal. He wasn't a toe-tag stiff yet, but he was far from feeling alive. All he could recall was the numbness left in the wake of Fisk's rampage, followed by fear. It would have been funny for him to think of it as paralyzed by fear, but that was where the true horror stemmed. To lose all sensation and function of his body, one of the few aspects he'd honed his skills to have complete control over, would hardly be a life worth living.

It was too difficult to discern his body's state at present. Nothing felt as if it belonged to him, and the blackness was beginning to swirl behind his eyes. The voices of his past were circling his mind, pestering him at his moment of weakness.

Julie, Fisk, Dr. Mercer, Ray, Murdock, Karen Page, Hattley, Vanessa…Zoe.

Her voice called out amongst the rest and then became lost in the white noise of the others. He no longer knew who his enemies were, not in the vastness of his hate. They were fragmentary pieces in his fractured mind.

In the distance, a drill began to sing, or perhaps it was another infernal medical device. When it made contact with his back, Dex's face twisted from agony, then fell lax to the dark.

It was a Tuesday morning. Hattley had herded everyone into the conference room that first hour of the day over a matter of little importance. A member of HR, whose name Dex had disregarded immediately after the man had mentioned it, was wheezing on at the head of the room about the changes being made to their health plans.

Dex had already receded into himself when it got to the part about dependents coverage. The only other matter he was partially aware of in the room was the empty chair between himself and Alvarez. Zoe was late once again. Not that she was missing out on anything dire. In a way, he judged himself for not having the sense to arrive late on a day like today. But that could never happen. He wouldn't risk the unrest that would come from a break in routine.

His vague thoughts ceased when the door to the conference room was flung open. The metal handle made a horrible crash against the wall, and tucked up against the door was Zoe. She was holding a tray of coffee cups close to her person. A fifth cup was stacked precariously on top of the other four, the last likely being for herself.

“Sorry about that,” She said, with no effort of keeping her voice down in shame. “The handle slipped.”

She started into the room, unfazed at all the eyes of the room on her while she passed. Her jacket was still on, and she had a light dusting of snow scattered throughout her auburn hair. She stumbled a moment, her large glasses becoming askew on her nose. Her heeled boot had caught on the projector cord, causing it to come unplugged. The man from HR made a sound of grievance as his presentation shut off.

“Oh excuse me,” said Zoe, looking over her shoulder a moment before continuing to her seat.

She began handing out the drinks she had purchased. One to Ray, who gave her a smile backed up by pity. Next was to Alvarez, who nodded in appreciation. Hattley's brow was stern when it came to her getting her coffee. She indicated to Zoe that she already had one, but the drink was plunked down before her nevertheless.

Dex got his last, and he scowled as he saw his name scrawled in black felt across the side. Benjamin. She must have felt the heat of his glare because she turned to him as soon as she finished folding her coat over the back of her chair.

“It’s cream with no sugar,” She said with a flutter of her eyes.

He'd enforced his preference to be called Dex with her a number of times. She either ignored the request or forgot entirely, and he honestly leaned towards the latter.

“Benjamin?” He huffed.

“Oh,” she breathed a laugh. “Do you prefer Ben?”

Dex turned away with a roll of his shoulder. “Not really.”

She looked as if a question was forming on her lips, but Dex never got to hear what it was. The man from HR had given up on his battle of making the projector work. He returned to the head of the room, quickly shooting an irritated frown at Zoe.

“I can't get the presentation to load. You'll just have to read the rest of the information yourselves in the email and pamphlets I sent out. Any other questions can be forwarded to my office.”

As he began packing up, everyone else stood in relief. Zoe's clumsiness had saved them another ass-numbing hour in those chairs. In fact, she was the only one still seated, a face marred in obliviousness at the favor she had just paid to her colleagues.

“McClung,” Hattley called. “In my office, please.”

Zoe leaped to attention when being addressed. “Yes, ma'am.”

As soon as Hattley was gone from the room, Zoe's shoulders sank. “One of these days, she's going to have me transferred.”

“I wouldn't worry about it,” said Nadeem in passing. “You haven't even been here a full year, she's got to give you your chance to pay your dues first.”

To Zoe, those words appeared to be of little comfort. “I suppose,” she replied, her voice small.

The room was nearly empty as everyone walked away without a second glance at Zoe. Dex was close to the door when he remembered his coffee. As he turned back around, she already had the cup in her hand, offering it to him with her arm outstretched.

The aloof look on her face from earlier had been replaced by a more severe manner that he had seen her wear when she was at her desk or out on an operation. Despite her carefree, almost bizarre personality, she was not to be mistaken for someone who was remiss at her job. Her efforts seemed to go unnoticed by Hattley, who would not give her the time of day.

Dex nodded cordially as he took the cup from her. She gave a smile back. Their fingers had touched, and hers had still held a chill from the cold outside.

“Guess I'd better go see what the damage is.” She started to pack up her things, brushing by him in a warm rush of air. The tension in her was palpable.

“McClung,” Dex called, and for a moment he was surprised it was his voice that had spoken.

She stood at the door jamb, watching him curiously. All of the things he should have been saying to ease her worries weren't coming to mind. The stretch of silence was lasting so long that he was desperate to latch on to anything clever to say. It wasn't like when he was volunteering at the hotline. Reality didn't give him a script to read off from.

He put his head down and gave a defeated sigh under his breath. “Thanks for the coffee.”

Her face turned quizzical, but the tightness in her shoulders slackened. “You're alright Poindexter. Next time you can return the favor if only to give me the excuse to keep talking to you.”

He wanted to ask why she'd want to do that, but she had already gone from the room. It was probably better for her not to keep Hattley waiting any longer anyway.

Dex headed for his own desk, sipping at his drink. He frowned from the bitter taste, wondering idly how Zoe had managed to guess he didn't take sugar in his coffee. She was perceptive, and he couldn't decide if that was good or bad for him. Only time would tell.

[black-strike-otp]

part 92

I forgot how to english so I’ll just post I guess??? What are words.

Novastrike regarded the duo with fascination. She’d never seen a femme who, in every way, appeared like a queen of raw, powerful beauty. Blackout’s friend too was interesting; something about him made her intuition feel on edge but he seemed intense. She had to appreciate his dedication to an old friendship. After overhearing bits and pieces of their conversation, Nova could tell that the pair had history.

She looked up to meet Blackout’s gaze. He smiled at her adoringly, turned his faceplate to the couple standing a few yards away talking to each other quietly, and looked back down to her.

“I’m sorry if Barricade agitated you at all,” he stated quietly. “He means well.”

“Yeah, I can tell,” she noted with a slight smile. “He cares about you. Looking out for you. Making sure I’m not a witch trying to hypnotize you and draw you under my spell.”

“Hmm. You’re not a witch, darling, but I can attest you do offer a lethal dose of cute and sweet,” Blackout surmised with a thoughtful grin.

Giggling softly, the small femme reached out to his leg. Her digits strayed fondly over the solid frame of his armor with intimate gentleness. As the tips brushed over him, she could feel a responsive shiver move through his frame.

“Bewitching me with your charm once more?” Blackout joked softly.

“Heh, I’m sorry you’re so susceptible,” Nova teased, tilting her helm towards the other ‘Cons. “So, how did you come to know Venus?”

A curious hum escaped Blackout as he looked to her. His helm cocked to the side slightly as he folded his arms in front of his chassis with a massive grin planted on his faceplate.

“Not jealous, are you dear?”

“Not in the slightest, but if you don’t with to divulge my curiosities, that’s fine.”

“I never had any interest in the femme, if you were wondering,” he chuckled. “Venus is charming, and she’s good at her particular line of work, but she’s not my taste of highgrade if you understand where I’m coming from.”

“Okay, not what I meant,” she insisted with a false smile. “But you could enlighten me on what you taste of highgrade is then- small, feeble, femmes with armor in polar opposite of your own?”

“I would say more along the lines of a package of whoopaft who could bring me to my knees in under three-hundred nanokliks if she so desired, with a generous spark, an essence of pure good, lots of compassion, the most ethereal appearance I’ve ever seen and a smile that could make even the most foul of sinners see a ray of sunshine in the darkest of shadows.”

“I’d say I could bring you to your knees in less than one nanokliks if given the opportunity,” Nova disagreed with a seductive purr as her luminous optics glanced over him.

“We’re in the presence of company, Nova,” Blackout reminded her swiftly.

“They can’t hear us,” she stated, jutting a thumb digit over to the twosome. “But Scorp can. Sorry, buddy.”

To Blackout’s left, the minicon scorpion gave a sickened warble. He grumpily shoved his helm between his arms and offlined his optics. One could assume the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ images of bots had been conjured by a similar situation or pose.

“As for your inquiry, I met Venus through Barricade naturally,” Blackout proclaimed with a nod of his helm in their direction. “He’d met her in some academy they attended together, the details are a bit vague in my processor, I probably wasn’t listening to him fully when he explained it all to me. When I was paired with Barricade I didn’t care for him at first, and his insufferable need to fill the voids and gapes of quiet time with talking drove me insane.”

“But he told me all about this femme he so fondly idolized. Talked about how her armor was glossy and silken, from the highest quality ores Primus could craft he said. Went on and on about how beautiful and illustrious she was. They had their ups and downs, but he never stopped talking about how she was the only femme for him.”

“When times got tough and their missions had them separated for years, he tried to move on,” he explained. “No femme stuck to him though. Kept bringing her up. When she was reassigned to our units, I hadn’t seen him so elated in such a long time.”

Shifting his optics, the light of red in Blackout’s gaze grew more vivid. His small smile only grew as his lips pulled up like he couldn’t resist himself. Novastrike felt her spark beat give an erratic pulse. It felt like it was flipping around inside of her chassis just looking at him.

“I was always so pestered by his nonsense, I don’t even think I honestly realized how resentful I had secretly became of him,” the giant mech scoffed softly. “He had the one thing I didn’t at the time. Venus was close; easily accessible, in the same faction as himself. And there I was, thinking I was frustrated by his antics and lack of professionalism when really I was just hungry for that same chance with a femme far too breath-taking and alluring to be caught with a monster like me.”

Heat crept through Novastrike’s veins as she turned her optics briefly away from Blackout’s. The glow from her audio stacks was radiating off so powerfully that she could see the reflection of light bouncing off nearby metal around them. It gave off bands of bluish-silver that crisscrossed this way and that way at random, pooling around her and against Blackout’s armor.

Releasing a powerful breath, she offered a sentimental smile up to the towering figure of dismal abyss. His optics drew her in; twin fires of beckoning light that brought her home. She looked at the curve of his mouth and the joy written in his face that echoed her own.

“You told Barricade you didn’t even realize you had feelings for me until I pulled you from your untimely ‘death’ floating in space,” she quietly reminded him.

“Were you listening in on our private conversation?”

“Of course I was. Well, some of it. Most of it accidentally. Ears the size of a satellite, hello?”

“They’re not that large,” Blackout laughed quietly. “That was neither a lie nor the truth. It’s difficult to explain where the feelings began and when I simply discovered what they were. But I was always intrigued, and always left longing to see you again, and know that you were still out there.”

“I had you crushing on me hard,” she sniffed proudly, raising her helm up a bit higher.

“I guess you did,” he agreed quietly, grinning.

Letting out a curious ‘hmm’ in the back of her throat, Novastrike raised and dropped her shoulders with a sigh. She felt herself smiling like an idiotic fool, but couldn’t seem to stop herself.

“If you’re interested in knowing, I was intrigued about you for a long time as well,” Novastrike reminisced fondly. “I had to keep telling myself that my interests weren’t any different to you than anyone else because I simply cared for just about any bot I came across. But I knew you were different. The way I couldn’t shake you from my thoughts, the feelings you elicited in me...”

Raising an optic ridge, Blackout growled playfully as he shifted an arm enough to wave his servo to her.

“No no, please do go on. I want to know all about those feelings.”

“You giant dork,” Nova hissed, lightly whacking his leg. “You already know now. I guess I should have been the one to open up to you first; maybe it wouldn’t have taken so long otherwise.”

“I don’t know. I was a pretty stubborn aft,” he mused.

“Was?”

Blackout gave a slight shrug in response, and she snorted trying to hold back her laughter.

“Maybe Scorponok was right about one thing. Maybe I should have went through with... the intimacy we were sharing on Giohizmut,” Blackout muttered. “But it wouldn’t have been right in the end. It wouldn’t have been what you deserved-”

“What, you mean the almost-frag we nearly shared?” Nova bluntly stated, raising an optic ridge. “It’s history now, love. Don’t hold it over yourself that you didn’t bang my processor out that night. You’ve gotten to make up for that already. Multiple, wonderful times I might add.”

Scorponok gave a low groan by Blackout’s pede.

“I was referring to the idea that maybe it would have kickstarted the relationship off a lot sooner... I wasn’t specifically incling towards the fragging. Though the fragging is good!” he hurriedly expressed, watching as she raised her optic ridge a bit higher.

“You didn’t know what you wanted then,” Nova stated with a shrug. “I can’t fault you for that.”

“No, but I know that it hurt you for me to simply run out like that. And I am truly sorry it occurred that way,” he rumbled shamefully, bowing his helm. “I was honestly under the impression that I was only invested in a fling with you, because as Barricade pointed out and as I have informed you before, I never held a great interest in relationships. Friends, lovers, you name it, it never mattered much to me. I wanted to achieve my goals, and then even that no longer mattered at some point as Megatron’s goals became my own goals and all I wanted was to fuel the fires and bring chaos raining down.”

Smiling gently, the small femme patted his leg lightly as she whispered, “Well, you can stop beating yourself up over the past now, because no one’s holding it against you. You found your way back to me- or, fell half offline in my lap and I had to fix you up one way or another. You’ve even gotten lucky enough to rediscover a bot that you can call your best friend. That’s huge.”

“One of my best friends,” he corrected her.

“Okay, right, one of your best friends,” she agreed with a smile.

Shuttering his optic in a wink, Blackout chuckled that profoundly deep laugh that was both frightening as it was sensual.

Nova hitched her breath a moment, before playing it off with a slight cough, waving at the air as if dust had caught in her ventilation system. She looked embarrassingly off to the side, and then back up to her mech’s coy expression.

Hesitating a moment, Nova offhandedly dove into her curiosity as she murmured, “That reminds me... is your friend okay?”

“Why do you ask?” Blackout asked, obviously avoiding the question.

She shrugged slightly in response. “I don’t know, he seems off to me. If he doesn’t know, you might want to ask him to see if he’s sick. He smells... odd.”

“Odd like...?”

“Just, I don’t know, like he’s dead or something. It’s really weird. I’ve never picked up on such an odd scent from someone, especially a bot that’s alive. It’s a mix between that rusty, metallic, tangy, sharp, bitter scent left behind by a bot when they’ve been gone for a while and a pungently sweet odor masking it.”

Nodding slowly, Blackout produced a slight grimace. “I don’t think talking to him about it will help.”

“Why not?” she inquired, bringing one of her audios down slightly with interest.

“Because he probably can’t solve that problem,” he vented. “Barricade’s has a condition. He had it prior to me getting to know him. He’s never told me how it happened, and I never tried to ask him because it makes him so uncomfortable, but he’s not exactly fully alive.”

“Um... explain?”

“He’s got a Terrorcon-like infection. Previously, it didn’t cause him many problems. If he wasn’t refueling regularly, he would grow pretty weak and would have to fight off the urge to get energon from any source to keep himself from fully offlining. Even from comrades.”

“But apparently Shockwave had persuaded him to stay on Cybertron during the exodus, or Megatron demanded it of him,” he went on with a snarl. “Shockwave must have done some nasty experiments in the time he had ‘Cade with him prior to Venus rescuing him. Now he’s... a bit more akin to the more feral Insecticons. Only with a bit more bite.”

“That’s... worrisome. Yeah, worrisome is the word I’ll go with. And a bit queasy on the tanks,” Novastrike whispered quietly.

“You’ve nothing to be afraid of,” the ebony mech spoke gently and with a small smile. “He won’t hurt any of us. I trust him. And I’m asking you to extend the same gesture.”

Looking at the warm smile on Blackout’s face, the pleading light in his gaze, it was enough to just about melt Nova’s spark. He looked so genuinely worried about her reaction. From the shift in his pedes, the tightening of his arms against his chassis, she could tell he was tense and unsure.

Giving a faint impression of a smile, she offered a nod of her helm. “I’ll do my best. I don’t know him yet, but I hope to. Because if he’s important to you, he’s important to me too, and I’d like to meet one of the only bots you’ve ever actually befriended.”

“He didn’t give me much of a choice,” Blackout recalled with a snicker.

Beaming up to the handsome devil, Novastrike’s audios swiveled over to the pair of bots as she heard their pedes shuffle. As she turned her helm to the couple Blackout followed her gesture and did the same, with Scorponok finally begrudgingly raising his helm up and onlining his optics once more as vibrations captured his attention to their approach.

“We’ve been talking about your offer, and your inquiry about this intergalactic transmitter you’re searching for,” Barricade stated as he stepped closer, placing a servo against Venus’ lower back. “We’d be happy to help you in any way we can Blackout, you know that.”

“And we think we might know where to get a lot of the parts you’d be requiring to build a transmitter of the magnitude you’d be looking for,” Venus spoke up in a soothing tone.

“The only problem is-” ‘Cade began.

“-the materials would be in Shockwave’s lair,” Venus finished in a sharp voice, more cutting than a sharp scalpel.

“That would present a problem,” Blackout agreed slowly, nodding his helm.

“Venus, the excellent beauty and discreet collector of things useful, still has what remains of Shockwave’s lab collected in a partially filled out map she created herself and with information received in bargaining tips to save me,” ‘Cade explained.

“The real problem is that it’s only partly filled in though,” the black and magenta toned femme musically added on. “I can continue gathering intel, but that would take time and there’s no guarantee how much more I can pick up. Bots might be desperate, but most aren’t stupid enough to backstab a bot as powerful as Shockwave.”

“We have time,” Blackout muttered unhappily. “Just not the patience.”

“Other than guess work, is there any defining qualities that make you think Shockwave has all the stuff we need?” Nova inquired.

Venus gave a small alluring laugh. “Shockwave’s a hoarder worse than any bot I’ve ever seen. He thinks anything can be salvaged and manufactured into one of his creations later. Trust me, he’ll have what we’re looking for. If memory serves, I do believe I noticed he had the most important part of a transmitter in his call room; a rather large capacitor.”

“Call room?” Nova piped in once more.

“Shockwave has a direct video feed room specifically used for making calls,” Barricade explained. “He used it during the war, but it’s ineffective now. Bots stick solely to private comm channels. It’s too risky and frankly, useless to have call stations now when there’s so few bots on Cybertron now, even less with access to call stations, less still who would even want to bother ringing each other up when they’re just trying to live off the land.”

“Thank Primus it’s that type of call room,” Nova muttered.

“We’ll appreciate any help you can give us,” Blackout loudly spoke up, ignoring the snickering from Barricade.

“Always happy to assist a friend,” Venus chimed sweetly, nudging her counterpart lightly in the side.

Barricade could only nod in agreement, snorting and huffing as he tried to contain himself from busting a seam laughing.

Looking to Blackout, Novastrike offered him a slight nod as he caught her optic. He returned the gesture with a slight gesture of his helm. She turned her helm back to the twosome and cleared her vocalizer.

“We actually have a current residence with some rogue bots. We know we don’t know your current boarding situation-”

“Wherever it doesn’t leak anything on us,” ‘Cade interrupted.

“Where there’s preferably no rust,” Venus tacked on.

“Alright,” Nova exhaled softly. “Although the uh- bots are supposedly supposed to vote you in through some system they have, we’ve sorta won them over with energon gradually over time. So, Blackout and I were wondering if you’d do us the honor in coming with us and we’ll see if we can’t bring you into the fold so there’s less hassle in seeking each other out to exchange information, items, materials... allow Blackout and you two to catch up.”

“I’d certainly be down with that,” Venus eagerly stated, smiling gently down to Nova. “It’d be lovely to get you know you better as well, Nova.”

Sheepishly, the small femme rubbed the back of her helm as she grinned with embarrassment.

Shrugging, ‘Cade gave a slight nod of his helm. “Works for me too. Don’t really want to let your big aft out of my sights again anyway Blackout. Seems you need someone close to make sure you don’t get disassembled again.”

“Gee, thanks,” Blackout drawled sarcastically.

The quadruplets of other bots laughed merrily at the poor largest bot’s irked faceplate. He passed them each a slightly displeased look, grumbling.

“Do you need any help gathering your stock?” Blackout muttered after the others began to quiet themselves.

“No, we can pick up what little we have,” ‘Cade stated with a wide grin. “Where do you want us to meet you?”

“Near Maccadam’s Oil House,” Blackout stated, much to the surprise on the couple’s faceplate. “We’ll show you the way in to the rogue hiding area not far off from there.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Venus chimed in with a nod of her helm.

~

Helping to unload Blackout’s alt-mod of what meager rations of energon they’d picked up after leaving Barricade and Venus, Novastrike slid the shards into the cargo compartment they’d hidden for the time being not far from the rogue base. It had been Blackout’s idea to keep their pile away from the group of bots, just in case anyone got too greedy and went after their loot uninvited or they decided to make a getaway without notice.

Lifting up the energon cubes, Blackout shoved them into their hiding spot as well before closing up all the containers. After securing all the items down, he began camouflaging the area once more with the debris they had been using once again.

“Dear, you left a few energon cubes out,” Nova piped up.

“I know. They were left out for a reason,” he responded.

Shrugging, the little femme went to stand guard beside the valuable product while Blackout busily rearranged the array of metal to make it appear ‘naturally�� messy and not set up. Her optics scanned the horizon, spotting the forms of a sleek black and pink grounder that had all the looks of a racer and the dark-armored police vehicle.

Placing the last of the macabre twisted sculpture together, Blackout walked over to join her just as the pair transformed and walked the last steps over to meet them.

“I haven’t been over here in ages,” Barricade stated with longing as he looked up to the old Oil House. “Man, I wish this place was still up and running.”

“Maybe some day it will again,” Blackout stated. “The great Maccadam, honorary member of the Thirteen Primes, may still live.”

“You never believed in any of those stories,” ‘Cade accused with a flash of derma.

“Neither did you,” Blackout reminded him.

The purple-toned dark charcoal small mech gave a shrug of his shoulders. There was no disagreeing with that one.

“Novastrike will lead the way,” Blackout stated with a nod down to her. “I’ll come up from behind.”

“Must be awfully secretive,” Venus noted quietly.

“They’re a bit finicky about new bots,” Novastrike offered. “But even more finicky about large groups entering at the same time.”

“Five’s a large group?” ‘Cade questioned with a shake of his helm.

“Physically four, with Scorponok docked,” Blackout reminded him. “And yes.”

The bad cop shrugged. “Lead the way, shortie.”

“Shortie,” Novastrike hissed quietly, lashing her tail slightly as she turned away. “You haven’t looked in a mirror recently.”

Quietly, the white-armored femme led the group through the weaving deconstructed city. Most of it had been left in ruins from the warring. She climbed through and under structures that the rest had to step or climb over as they tracked her through the area.

Coming up upon the entrance, in a grotto overhang Clawfist spotted them coming and flung his arms out wildly.

“Halt! No trespassers! What are ye? More Decepticons? We ain’t buyin anything ye be selling! Be gone!”

“They’re not solicitors, Clawfist,” Novastrike sighed heavily. “They’re our guests.”

“Ye not even part of the club! Ye can’t just go makin calls, bringing ye dirty crooked friends here,” fumed the rogue mech.

Coming up from the rear, Blackout was balancing energon cubes carefully in his grasp. He pulled one carefully off of the top, and shoved it over to Clawfist.

The mech ripped it from the titan’s grip in a matter of nanokliks and put it to his maw desperately.

Walking past the cranky bot, Novastrike’s ears flicked back to him as he cried out after them, “Ye ain’t going to get by so easily with the others!”

“Just drink your energon, Clawfist,” she cried back.

“Stay out of our business, and we’ll remain out of yours,” Blackout offered back as well. “Enjoy the energon we so thoughtfully brought back for you.”

Sneering, the older mech stared after the bots with squinted optics. He looked down at his energon then, and decided at the moment he couldn’t be troubled to care. So he went back to chugging down his energon. Ignorance was bliss.

[lesbianlametron]

Kagehina Day 4

((A VERY late day 4...I didn’t want to half-ass this one so I took extra time on it. I’ll try to have both day 5 & 6 later on today as it’s now Friday here. RIP my always behind self))

Title: As Long As You’ll Let Me

Prompt: Favorite AU/Kisses

Rating: T

Summary: It’s the last day of summer holidays and the couple is stuck inside while Kageyama finishes his summer homework. It doesn’t take long for Hinata to get antsy and started begging for attention. A bit annoyed with his boyfriend, Kageyama sends him out on an errand, promising kisses when returns. (This one get a bit angsty...so you’re warned)

             It was the last day of their summer break and there was a tense silence in the room. Okay, maybe not for Kageyama, but Hinata was tense. They were going back school after today and they were going to be busy. They should be spending it outside or on a date or something. The last day and Kageyama was sitting beside him on his bed, doing school work. No part of him was even touching Hinata. Just like a rock breaking the surface of a lake, Hinata promptly, and loudly, broke the silence. “Tobiooooo.” Hinata whined, stretching himself across his lap, scattering all of Kageyama’s papers.

             “Shoyo! I’m in the middle of something, dumbass!” Kageyama tried to push him off, but was completely unsuccessful. Hinata wrapped his arms around Kageyama’s hips, hanging on for dear life.

             “Tobio, pay attention to me. Come on, this our last day of freedom. The least you can do is spend right now with me.”

             “I told you to wait. If I don’t do my summer homework now, I’ll be screwed. I’m almost done.”

             “You said that twenty minutes ago, can’t you just finish it later?” Hinata pouted up at him, trying to make his lips as appealing as possible.

             “And I told you not come over until 4. You got here at 3, you loser.” Kageyama grumbled, but his resolve was slipping a little. Hinata was too cute sometimes, and Kageyama couldn’t resist him for much longer, and Hinata fucking knew it.

             “I got excited.”

             “So, unlike you.” Kageyama deadpanned. “Why don’t you go to the convenience store and get us ice cream or drinks?” He pulled his wallet out of pocket, with great difficultly since Hinata had not loosened his grip one bit. Out of spite, he dropped it on Hinata’s face. “I’ll be done by the time you get back, dumbass. If you keep distracting me, this will only take longer.”

             “Ow. You’re so mean.” Hinata was forced to let go to grab the wallet and he reluctantly sat up. “Kiss me before I go.”

             “You’re such a pain.” Kageyama leaned in but stopped short, “no. I’ll reward you after your errand, not before.”

             “Maybe I won’t go then.” Hinata crossed his arms and pouted like a child who hadn’t got their way. He tried to close the space between them, but Kageyama clapped his hand over Hinata’s lips, splaying his fingers over his face.

             “No kisses then.” Kageyama glared at him, not backing down one bit, although he did let go of his face. Smirking, he bent over to pick up his scattered papers.

             “Then I’ll just kiss your cheek instead.” Hinata leaned in, but his lips own met a waxy, paper material. He opened his eyes and saw he was kissing Kageyama’s blue history folder. It had gone up as a barrier in between them. Hinata didn’t have to see Kageyama’s face to know he was stifling his laughter with a giant smirk on his face.

             “I said no. Go little errand boy.”

             “I hate you.”

             “It’s even my treat, you baby.”

             “That’s not the point! I want my hello and goodbye kisses from you!”

             “You’re coming right back. Don’t be so dramatic. It’s exhausting.” Kageyama rolled his eyes, “besides you’re forgetting that I’m giving you kisses when you get back.”

             “Ugh…fine!” Hinata groaned loudly and got off the bed as slowly as possible, glaring at Kageyama the entire time.

             “Why aren’t you doing your homework last minute anyway? Don’t tell me you’re being a dumbass and not doing it.”

             “I did it last week with Yama and Tsukki. We invited you, remember?” Hinata flatten his hair against head, and put on his best uninterested Kageyama face. “‘I’ll do it later, we’ve got plenty of time.’ Remember you said that?”

             “I keep forgetting that Saltyshima lets you study with them now that you and Freckles are friends.”

             “You could call them by their real names, you know.”

             “Nah. Now go get the snacks.” Kageyama waved him off, reminding him that he did not forgot them.

             “Fine. You better give me a bunch of kisses when I come back.”

             Kageyama purposefully ignored him and was pretending to focus on his work. Hinata rolled his eyes and blew, very sarcastic, kisses at the top of Kageyama’s head. “Love you too, rude-y-yama”

             It only took Kageyama another 30 minutes to finish his homework. The convenience store was close by and Hinata had his bike so he should be back soon. Kageyama sent him a quick text to tell him to hurry up and then started playing a random game on his phone.

             He looked at his clock a bit later, 45 minutes since Hinata had left. Maybe there was just a long line or something.

             An hour had passed and Kageyama started to worry. He hurriedly dialed Hinata’s number, but the phone only rang once before it went to voice mail. Now he was really worried. Hinata wouldn’t have turned his phone off and he never ignored Kageyama phone calls. Even when they were in fight or annoyed at each other, Hinata always picked up the phone. In those instances, Hinata would tell him he was not talking to Kageyama and then hang up. On rare occasions, he absolutely couldn’t answer a call, he would at least send a text. This was bad. Kageyama felt in the pit of stomach and dread was growing inside him like a weed. Prickly and completely unwanted. He was about to get up to go search for Hinata when he ran into his mother in the doorway.

             Her face was pale and Kageyama’s stomach dropped. “Tobio, honey, I just got off the phone with Shoyo’s mother. He was on his way back here from the store. Someone ran a red light and hit him while he was crossing the street on his bike.”

             Kageyama dropped his phone and felt ice cold and burning hot at the same time. He’d been so mean to Hinata…what if that was the last time…? NO. I can’t think about that right now. “I-is he going to be all right?”

             “They don’t know yet. I’ll drive you to hospital, let’s go.” Kageyama nodded numbly and followed after her like a zombie. They were silent on the way the hospital, but Kageyama’s head was anything but quiet. This was all his fault. He was a bit frustrated with the way Hinata had been pestering him. He forced him to go to the store. He refused to kiss him.

Kageyama’s mother kept giving him worried glances, but didn’t say anything. She could tell Kageyama was still processing everything. She also knew that Hinata was Kageyama’s first friend that cared about him outside of his volleyball skills. Hinata meant the world to him and she was so happy for her son when the two of had started dating. Hinata seemed to bring out the best in her son. Her heart was breaking for him, but from the look on his face, he didn’t even register that she was next to him.

Kageyama’s fists were clenched so tensely and tightly in his lap that he was sure his nails were leaving half-moon indents in his palms. Every breath he took was shallow and shuddering. His world was collapsing in on him and there was nothing he could do about it. He had very few friends because of his attitude, but that never mattered to him. Hinata had been different. He was never just his friend. Hinata took all of his anger, frustration, insults and awkward praises and gave them right back to him. Never did Hinata accept other people’s opinions of him. He made his own. He accepted all of Kageyama’s personality and loved him. Kageyama wasn’t sure he was ever going to find that again if something happened to Hinata.

NO. Stop that! I can’t think like that. Hinata would stay positive. He’s so damn good at that.

Kageyama barely registered it when the pulled up to the hospital. He relied on his muscle memory and followed his mother in like he was on autopilot. He had completely shut down. His mother went over to talk with Mrs. Hinata, but he didn’t try to listen in. Yes, he did want to know Hinata’s state, but he was too numb. He got Hinata into this, he didn’t deserve to know.

“Tobio?” Hinata’s mom sat down in the chair next to him. “I’m so glad you’re here. He’ll need you when he wakes up. I know you’re blaming yourself right now, but it’s not your fault. He won’t see it that way either. I promise.”

Hinata’s mother was just like him, a bright ray of sunshine and positivity. Kageyama hadn’t even thought about what Hinata would say to him. What if he did blame Kageyama for the accident? What if he cast Kageyama out of his life? Kageyama loved being a setter so much more when he was setting for Hinata. He couldn’t bare it if they were at odds. He didn’t want to break up, far from it. Deep down, he was desperate and needy for Hinata. Until the day Hinata decided to part ways, Kageyama would cling to his side. Everyone would say the opposite, that Hinata was the clingy one. That without Kageyama, Hinata wouldn’t that great of a volleyball player, but it was really the other way around. Kageyama didn’t discount his talent as a setter, but he wouldn’t have come this far without Hinata.

“The doctors just spoke with us before you got here. Shoyo is going to be fine. He’s just in surgery right now. It’s minor, just to fix a fracture in his leg. Everything else is pretty minor as well, just cuts in scrapes, but he does have a pretty severe concussion. Our Shoyo got lucky.” She tried to be encouraging and gave a little smile. She, like his mother, was very supportive of their relationship. She had treated Kageyama like family since day one. She knew Hinata’s feelings probably before Hinata even did. Mrs. Hinata swallowed thickly before continuing. This was the start of the bad news.  

“He’ll probably miss the first week of school…and be out of volleyball for a while.” It was then that Mrs. Hinata’s voice grew weaker and her tone was dripping with despair.

He was alive, but they both knew volleyball was Hinata’s world. No one loved volleyball as much as Hinata. Except for maybe Kageyama, but he only played to such extremes when practicing with Hinata. Everything was always better when they were together. No understood him the way Hinata did and he wouldn’t want them to. Karasuno were just coming off championship, all eyes were going to be on them this year. They couldn’t afford to lose their best decoy. Tanaka would kill him when he found out. He was still adjusting the captain position as it is.

Kageyama got up and stalked off down a random hallway. He needed to be alone for a bit. Everything was messed up. Kageyama walked until he hit a dead end, staring down a shitty coffee machine and sparse vending machine. A frustrated, heartbroken scream ripped its way out of Kageyama’s throat. He slammed his fist in the wall, not hard enough to do damage to it, but to at least feel it. Clenching his teeth together, he tried to stop the tears that threatened to spill over, but the pain demanded to be felt. Kageyama slid down against the wall and curled in on himself, trying to take up as little space as possible. Once the tears and sobs started, they were impossible to stop. It was like opening flood gates or a raging storm, it would pour until it was over.

Shoyo…FUCK! What do I even say to you? I will never let you fucking leave again without a kiss. How could I be so stupid? I can’t be a good senpai to the new first years without you. I’ll blow up at everyone. You’ll probably miss out on half the season because of me. What if your leg doesn’t heal right and you can’t jump in the same way? …what if you don’t want anything to do with me after this? I’m so selfish, that would be the worst thing in all of that. I know…I know without you I’m just a setter with a shitty attitude. I thought maybe we’d go to university together or something.

The longer Kageyama stewed in his state of despair, the more irrational his thoughts became. He feared more than anything about regressing to the person he used to be in middle school. The one who’s whole team abandoned. He owed everything to Karasuno. To Hinata.

             “Tobio. Oh, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

             Kageyama looked up at the sound of his mother’s voice. The tears had long since dried on his face, but his eyes were still puffy and red. “I needed to be alone.” Kageyama’s voice came out raspy and barely more than a whisper.

             “I know. He’s okay, honey. He’s asking for you.”

             Kageyama nodded and slowly stood up, following after his mother. His stride was slow and jumpy, as if he was ready to run the minute Hinata rejected him. He froze in the door way the moment his eyes landed on Hinata. His leg was wrapped in a white cast that extended from his mid-thigh to cover his whole foot. Only his toes were visible. His arms were covered in bruises and random stark white bandages, stained slightly with bright red blood. Hinata looked a bit better than he anticipated, but not by much. Kageyama barely registered his mother giving his arm a reassuring squeeze before leaving them alone.

             Hinata smiled at him the minute their eyes connected. It made Kageyama’s heart ache in his chest. He didn’t deserve to be looked at like that. “Tobio~ why are you standing all the way over there? Don’t I deserve my reward kisses? I didn’t finish the errand, but—”

             “Don’t fuck with me. Aren’t you mad at me? This is my fault!” Kageyama didn’t want to yell at Hinata. It was the last thing his beautiful, sunny boyfriend deserved, but he couldn’t help it. There was just no way Hinata wouldn’t hate him.

             Hinata tilted his head in the way he always did when he was confused. The way that Kageyama found so endearing. “What? It’s not like you ran me over with a car. I came over before I was supposed to. I was bothering you. Maybe you could have been nicer,” he paused to stick his tongue out at Kageyama, “but I’m not mad.”

             “But you wouldn’t have gone to the store if I hadn’t made you!” Kageyama ran his fingers through his hair, completely exasperated at Hinata’s responses. “You broke your leg, dumbass. Your LEG! The main part of your volleyball game. You’ll be out of volleyball for weeks!”

             Hinata deflated and nodded sullenly. “Ugh. Don’t remind me! But, I’ll be able to make a full recovery with physical therapy.” Hinata pouted at him, “I’m injured, Tobi, please come here.” He patted the bed, beckoning him over with his eyes.

             Kageyama sighed and finally gave in and crept over to the bed. He sat perched on the edge, still not fully relaxed or convinced that he should be forgiven so easily. “Sho. I’m so sorry.” Kageyama mumbled, still too afraid to face his boyfriend.

             “Tobi, it’s not your fault. It’s not my fault. It’s the asshole, who ran a red light’s fault.” Hinata reached over and took Kageyama’s hand. He laced their fingers together and pressed Kageyama’s up to his lips kissing them gently. “I was so scared and do you know what I thought before I passed out?” He waited and Kageyama slowly shook his head. “How melted your ice cream would be when I got it back to you.”

             “You did not.”

             “I did. You were working so hard on your summer homework despite me distracting you. I just wanted your attention. I always want your attention, Tobio.” Hinata yanked a bit on Kageyama’s arm, trying to get him to turn around. “Now will you look at me? You had to have finished your homework by now.”

             Kageyama let out a breath through his nose that was halfway between a sigh of relief and a laugh. Finally, he turned around and looked Hinata in the eye. “I love you, dumbass. I don’t know why you’re not mad at me, but I’ll take it.”

             “I love you. That’s why.”

             “You do.” Kageyama leaned in and gave Hinata a slow, gentle kiss.

             “More. I deserve so much more than that.”

             “So needy.” Kageyama teased but leaned in again for a deeper, slightly desperate kiss. Hinata placed a hand on Kageyama’s face and stroked his cheek as they kissed. It was perfect and Kageyama didn’t like it at all. He loved it. I’ll never be able to give you enough kisses for what you deserve, but I can try. I’ll kiss your dumb, soft lips as long as you’ll let me.

             Hinata pulled away first and stared at Kageyama, still cupping his face. “You better come over every day after school the days that I’m absent.”

             “Fine.”

             “Will you be the first to sign my cast?” Hinata nodded to the brand-new pack of permanent markers on the bedside table. “Mom bought them.”

             Kageyama smiled and pulled the blue marker out of the pack. It was Hinata’s favorite color and he knew Hinata would appreciate it. It was sappy and stupid, but Kageyama knew Hinata’s favorite color was blue because of his eyes. It was stupid and cheesy, but then again Kageyama’s favorite color was orange because of Hinata’s hair. He didn’t even hesitate before he wrote it. As long as I’m here you’re invincible…dumbass. It made Hinata laugh a little and Kageyama couldn’t help but smile as he signed his name underneath.

             “My mom will be upset that you wrote a swear on my cast.”

             “I had to. It’s kind of our thing now.”

             Hinata rolled his eyes, but smiled anyway. “It is.”

((Yes, Hinata makes a fully recovery to volleyball in time for their second year Spring playoffs :P))

[drink-n-watch]

Genre :  Fantasy, drama, yaoi, catboys, almostmullets

Length: 30-50 years

Studio: Nitro+ Chiral  

It seems the Ribika (a race that evolved from cats) have just about reached the end of their rope. Not only has a terrible epidemic killed most of their females, bringing their species to the brink of extinction, but some type of terrible calamity is making their world itself reject them. Little by little, the world is being taken over by the Void, making great swaths of territory lethal to the Ribika and cutting off their resources. In these bleak times, the best a cat can hope for is to lead a quiet life and die a painless death. And that’s exactly what Konoe was planning to do but it seems he’s at the center of something bigger than he could ever imagine. As he finds himself swept away by an adventure full of danger, demons and ancient magic, can he find the strength within himself to save the world. Luckily, a lot of pretty pretty catboys are happy to help.

It says something about me that my autocorrect doesn’t even pick up the word “catboy” anymore. Something along the lines: Irina is awesome, you should be her friend!

How you doin’

I actually have quite a history with Lamento. I had been a fan of Nitro+ for a while. Their 5pb studio has produced some of my favorite Visual Novels in general, the main studio is responsible for such titles as the flawed but still worthwhile Saya no Uta and Hanachirasu, and of course they collaborated with Type-Moon on the massively popular Fate franchise. Point is, Nitroplus knows how to craft a Visual Novel. It’s no surprise that eventually I got curious about their BL imprint Nitro+Chiral.

My very first encounter with Yaoi in general was the Visual Novel Dramatical Murders. An experience I found so amusing that I quickly decided to try something else from the studio. True Blood looked a little too standard and while Sweet Pool seemed to be a bottomless pit of wtf, I couldn’t find a version I could play. This left Lamento which wasn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, the cover art and description were exactly suited to my tastes and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

oh no…I forgot to move my mouse…

What followed was a study in ambivalence. Right off the bat I really liked Lamento. I loved the high fantasy setting and deep lore. This being a Nitro+ game of course, the production was irreproachable, with a large fully voiced cast, even extras get their own actors, and all of them are very good. The music plays an important role in the story and has obviously been given a lot of special attention. The art is beautiful, and a huge collection of sprites and transition effects, give the impression of animation.

crowds can get loud

Even by today’s standards, this is a high quality visual novel. There aren’t too many choices to make and most are obvious, but some are still rather intriguing, and I did feel some interactivity. The way the story branches out and then intertwines in the various routes, makes second playthroughs much more engaging than in some other titles.

Nad for all that, I couldn’t finish it. Not even a single route. I played for a bit then sort of abandoned it for close to a year. By the time I decided to pick it up again, I had forgotten most of it and started over. I played for a few weeks and didn’t catch up to my first playthrough. You see, that 30-50 years length time isn’t a typo. This game is soooooo long.

painfully long

It feels as if an excellent team of writers put it together, but they had no money left over for editors. It’s full of description and little side events that, while well written, bring nothing to the story overall. I think that you could have taken out about half the script without really affecting the substance in any way. The pacing is just terrible.

And because of this, it takes a while to truly get into it. You have to read through hours of exposition and establishing text, remember dozens of characters, before you get any meaningful development that would cause you to empathize with anyone. Except Bardo – Bardo is the best from minute one but of course he only shows many hours into the game and you’ll need a few more before you can get on his route and actually get to know the character at all.

the best I tell you!

Of course, once you’ve finished one route, you can skip previously read text in subsequent playthroughs but, as this is an older game, you don’t have an autoskip button. You have to hold down the shift key (at least on my version). There are a few around this, like playing in window mode, holding down shift then bringing a different window in front (like Youtube for instance), then you can let go of shift and it will go on skipping (which is really just fastforwading) on it’s on. It’s still a bit of a hassle. Without exaggeration, I believe my second playthrough consisted of at least 30 minutes of skipping. That should give you an idea of the gargantuan size of this thing.

bigger isn’t always better

So time and time again, despite liking every single element of Lamento, I ended up getting discouraged and dropping it before it truly got the chance to start. For some reason, after finishing a few VNs and Otomes in a row, I decided to give it another go a few weeks ago. I figured I would control my completionist tendencies and skip over bits I remembered and concentrate only on scenes I had zero recollection of. This helped a bit. It still took a while but, possibly having gained patience with age (Ha!) I stuck it out, and boy am I glad I did.

Nitro+ knows how to put together a visual novel. A few days in, I had caught up to my first playthrough and was firmly on adorably idiot Asato’s route. It took me another week to finish the game mind you, I know, cause I didn’t sleep for 5 days… Catboys…

who’s the cute kitty

The story is classic fantasy stuff, a few routes seem to have some plot holes and you will need to play everything to get the whole picture but it’s decent. I would like to see an anime version of this. I enjoyed how fleshed out and interesting all the supporting characters were, even minor ones. The dramatic aspect of the story is undercut by frequent humorous interactions and the devils are always good for a laugh.

Although explicit consent is a little iffy, there no actual rape scenes (except two of the very bad endings) and at most suitors will pester Konoe into romantic situations but never force him. Probably one of the most respectful BL games I’ve played in that regard.

there was a lot more trust building than snuggling…

The power dynamics are excellent as well, and different in every route but consistent with the characters’ personalities. As for the sexy times, they are pretty sexy indeed. Just ridiculous enough.

As an aside, there’s frequent touches of cat behavior – i.e. grooming, purring, playing with grass blades or chasing mice, that are just adorkably hilarious.

unfortunately I have no screencaps of those – so you get a hug

I’m not going to put a full playthrough here, but if you’re interested in that I refer you to domshiki’s fantastic, marvelous, I wish they would start posting again but that’s probably not happening blog. Warning, very NSFW and spoilers (duh).

I will however give you a taste of those fine catboys that have made my local coffee shop a fortune:

Konoe

That’s me! Nice huh. It could be you too! Konoe is a BL game protagonist. He’s pleasant and down to earth. Usually the straight man…um, well, you know what I mean…. He was however a bit more tsundere and prone to lashing out that the average, a trait majorly brought out in Bardo’s route. Konoe is in way over his head but he’s pretty rational and doesn’t play the damsel in distress much. In every route the characters sort of take turns helping each other out and I really like this. I enjoyed being Konoe quite a bit.

Rai

I think he’s the main route. His is the longest in any case and has the most CGs. (And they were almost all naughty, that’s why you guys get these…) I remember hating this guy the first times I played. Again, I’m not sure what happened in the last few months, but I really didn’t mind him this time around, at least at first.

He’s the stoic, super arrogant, cold type and it takes him forever to warm up but when he does, it’s pretty gaaahhhh. He’s not abusive though, just very distant. Oddly, I found him more annoying towards the end of the route when his arrogance seemed to go up yet one more level. It was already too high.

Konoe is the closest to a stereotypical MC in this route. Strong headed but still generally submissive and hopelessly devoted to his partner. This said, he does put Rai back in his place a few times and make fun of him, so not entirely hopeless. At the start of the game (for the first 2871443825t86 hours) I thought this would be the one route I have to drag myself through for the sake of completion, but I did end up enjoying quite a bit of it. Not just the CGs… I mean they didn’t hurt…

Asato

Asato is a big ol puppy dog in kitty form. He has some serious trauma in his past which I suspect involves getting dropped on his head a lot. He’s a little slow but brimming with good will and madly in love with Konoe. His voice actor does a tremendous job really bringing out both the slow and the love.

Since he’s nothing but a big ball of adorableness, Konoe can’t help but to get a bit protective of him in this route and you end up taking a more dominant, leading role. For some time, Asato is obviously much more interested but Konoe eventually starts sharing the affection and the natural development of their relationship is really very sweet.

Both characters go through a huge amount of growth and this would be my favorite route except..

Bardo

I loves me a troll. Always have.

Bardo is the dirty ol man with the big mouth. He’s super easygoing and endlessly teases, well pretty much everybody, but Konoe in particular. As the older more experienced one he tends to take the lead in situations and seems to relish in embarrassing Konoe as much as possible. Which makes the younger kitten lash out every two seconds.

This is by far the funniest route for the most part but of course we eventually get a strong dose of dark and troubled past! This is sort of the opposite of Rai, as Bardo seems to have fallen deeply for Konoe while the latter tends to ignore and push him away for the most of the run. However, it’s also the only time we get any hint of jealousy out of Konoe which was fun.

Bardo mixes all the playfulness with a good amount of comforting and he is by far the most reliable partner for Konoe. In quieter scenes, when his voice actor went for a tired or worried tone, he was so delightfully attentive, it actually comforted ME.

As I said there are a ton of fantastic side characters, antagonists and demons, all of which are really just a delightful.

See even my post for this game went on FOREVER.

TL:DR Lamento is a very good game with very bad pacing. If it weren’t for the length, it would probably be one of my favorite Visual Novels. I miss my catboys already.

Favorite character: Firi (I didn’t even get to talk about Firi…) and Bardo

What this VN taught me: PATIENCE

Suggested drink: a Devil’s Cat

Every time Konoe gets snappy – take a sip

Every time Asato says Konoe – take a sip

Every time a Devil makes an appearance – take a sip

Every time kuims are mentioned – get a snack

Every time Rai tchs – get some water

Every time Froud or Verg laugh – take a sip

Every time Firi makes an appearance – raise your glass

Every time Leaks is mentioned – take a sip

Every time we see the poet – take a sip

Every sexy time– put the glass down, you don’t wanna spill

And here are all the screencaps I couldn’t even fit in this monster post!

Lamento Beyond the Void or How to Ruin Your Sleep Schedule with Catboys Genre :  Fantasy, drama, yaoi, catboys, almostmullets Length: 30-50 years Studio: Nitro+ Chiral   It seems the Ribika (a race that evolved from cats) have just about reached the end of their rope.