#which is fun but the last time i did it my coworkers pants fully fell off while he was climbing above me so

[vamptastic]

teds caving adventure is so good. i think what a lot of non-caveheads think is ooky spooky about caving is the threat of getting stuck or lost and while i would prefer not to i find the call of the depths much more compelling. what i always liked about caving is the thrill of discovery- even if you've been to the same room in the same cave a bunch of times there's still new stuff to see and explore. here in florida we have a lot of clay in our caves and you can see the little statues other people made and left for the next person to see. ive only ever gone in a group and mostly to the same three caves which ive only gotten to see the difficult parts to access of a few times (im usually supervising a bunch of kids) and the prospect of caving alone or in a duo is terrifying to me not because im worried about getting lost, but because the temptation of going off on my own further and further into the depths is too strong.

[whyareyousittingathomeonthefloor]

Baby You’ve Got Me Tied Down

it’s finally here bitches

sub!harry

it’s been a long ass time coming and i love you all for being patient with me

i also love @gohometoacactus, @havethetimeofyourstyles and @tobe-sogolden for encouraging me and being the most wonderful betas. i love you all so much

this is 10.5k words of pure smut and if you squint just a hint of fluff at the end

feedback is of course welcome and encouraged as are rb’s!

enjoy!

Harry was in for it. Majorly in for it. He’d been insufferable all day. Sending you dirty texts, pictures that left little to the imagination and videos of him rutting against the bed, the desperate whimpers you loved so much escaping from his lips. All of these had been throughout the span of your work day, so you let him have his fun. Because tonight. You’d be having yours. 

You knew what he expected to come of this, he’d done it many times before. Torture you while you were at work and then when you came home, he’d devour you. But this time, you had something else in mind. You and Harry had a very active sex life. You guys kept things interesting, in fact just last night the two of you had ordered some special toys to try out. All of that being said, Harry was usually the one in charge. He called all the shots and you loved it. You loved how he made you so easily give up control, how easily he pulled noises you’d never heard yourself make from your mouth and how he gave your body feelings that could only be described as out of this world. Only on very rare occasions were you the one in charge. Very rarely did you get to see Harry squirm and writhe underneath you and very rarely did you pull whines and whimpers from his mouth that rivaled those of a pornstar’s. Tonight, you were hoping to do all that and more. By the end of the night, you wanted Harry completely and utterly fucked for you. And that’s exactly where he was going to be. 

You stand from the chair in your office, shutting down your computer and waving goodbye to your coworkers who were obviously staying late. As you’re walking to your car, your phone dings. You glance down and see the notification is from Harry. You bite your lip as you feel your core start to ache, only adding to the wetness that consumes your underwear. You walk quickly to your car and as soon as you’re inside, you open the message and your thighs involuntarily clench. 

It’s a video of your beautiful boyfriend stroking himself. You can tell he’s close by the way his hips buck into his hand as tugs at his shaft. 

“ Missin’ you.” He groans, throwing his head back against the pillow. You see his hand start to move faster and you know it’s only a matter of seconds until he releases. 

“ Fuck, fuck, fuck.” He pants, looking down at his painfully hard cock. “ Ugh, I’m gonna cum.” He announces to no one but himself and within seconds of his words, you see thick, white ribbons spill from him. He emits a long, drawn out groan as his orgasm consumes him and you watch him as he lay breathless on the bed sheets. A few seconds later, he lifts his head to the camera and locks eyes with you through the screen. 

“ Hurry home, baby.” He smirks and then the video ends. You lean your head against the head rest and take a deep breath to calm your raging hormones enough to make the fifteen minute drive back to you and Harry’s apartment. Once you’re calm enough, you type a response to your boyfriend who’s no doubt staring at his phone, waiting for a response that indicates how needy you are for him but he’s getting the exact opposite. 

“ On my way.” You type and hit send before starting the car. 

The car ride was excruciating, your thighs clenched every time you thought about the video you’d just seen and any other message you’d received throughout the day. You had half a mind to reach down and relieve yourself of just a little bit of the ache, but you were almost home so you kept your hands wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. It became almost impossibly difficult to ignore the ache between your thighs as Siri read aloud a text from Harry. 

 “ Be safe on the road, babe. Know you’re desperate to get home since I left you all in a bind this morning but that’s no reason to speed. I’ll be waiting (;.” The robotic voice reads and you roll your eyes because of the cocky tone he obviously meant his words to convey but you can’t help biting your lip because, yes. He had kept you waiting. Three times actually, ignoring every plea that fell from your mouth. 

“ Harry please! So close, oh my god!” You cried, gasping as your boyfriend slammed into you relentlessly, his hand wrapped around your throat as he whispered filthy things to you. 

“Yeah? You’re close angel?” He whispered hotly and you wrapped a hand around his wrist. nodding furiously. “ Can tell. Squeezing me so fucking tight. Dirty fucking slut.” He growled and you let out a noise you’d never heard yourself make. It was somewhere between a scream and whimper and it made you sound like a “desperate little whore” according to Harry. But that’s exactly what you were. He’d woken you up by licking into you and then had the audacity to edge you twice before this so of course you were desperate. You always needed to cum before work, it started your day off well and helped you not snap at the incompetent co workers you’d been cursed with. All of which Harry was aware of which is exactly why when your cry of “ gonna cum! gonna cum!” erupted from your lips, Harry ceased all of his movements. 

“ No!” You sobbed, feeling your third orgasm slip away and he just smirked before fully pulling out of you. 

“ Get dressed love, gonna be late.” He smiled and you flipped him off, wishing your legs had the ability to stand so you could slap the cheeky smile off of his face, but for now you’d settle for a mumble of “ asswipe” as you stood slowly from the bed because as much of a dick as he was, he was right. You were gonna be late. 

Now, as you pulled into the apartment complex, you couldn’t possibly be rushing to him any faster. You climbed the stairs two at a time and fumbled with the key to unlock the door, finally finding it, you took a deep breath to compose yourself and opened the door. You weren’t the least bit surprised at the sight in front of you. Harry was sitting on the couch, legs spread wide and arms spread out across the back of the couch in the most taunting and arrogant way, clad only in boxers. 

“ Welcome home, sweetheart.” He smirks and you smile back at him, dropping your bags to the hardwood floor and walking towards him. He follows your every move with hungry eyes and sits up when you’re standing right in front of his seated body. You lock eyes with him as you throw your legs to either side of his body, straddling him. He smiles as his hands move to rest on your waist. 

“ Knew you were needy but this a whole new level.” He taunts and you just smile. You push his fluffy, chocolate brown curls back from his face and he gives a confused look, trying to figure out how you’re so calm despite everything he’s done and sent you today. You look down into his mossy, green eyes and then down to his pink lips, studying his face. 

“ So beautiful, H.” You whisper and he smiles, reaching up and cupping your cheek. 

“ You too, baby.” He coos and you smile, rubbing your nose against his before pressing your lips to his. You cup his face and both of his hands go to your waist, squeezing lightly.You smile into the kiss and deepen it, licking over his bottom lip. He immediately parts his lips and you both moan as your tongues dance together. He leans back against the couch, hugging you closer to his chest and you put both hands on the wall above his head to brace yourself as he moves. You’re the first one to pull away from the kiss, bringing your lips lower down. You kiss up and down his neck, sucking softly in some places and biting harshly in others, feeding his pain kink. He moans softly, tilting his head back against the couch and squeezing your hips. As you continue to suck and kiss at his neck, you feel his hands start trying to move your hips against what is, no doubt, his rapidly growing bulge.You smile as you finish the hickey on his neck, running your tongue over it to soothe the burning. You pull back from his neck and almost laugh at the confused look on his face. 

“ What-.”  He goes to ask but is interrupted by the way his jaw drops as you remove his hands from your waist and place them above his head. “ Y/N. What are you-?” He pants but you cut him off. 

“ Upstairs.” You whisper, looking deep into his green eyes. He cocks his head to the side in confusion and he tries to pull his hands from your grasp but the evil glint in your eye warns him not to try that. He nods and you let go of his hands, climbing off of him to let him go where he needs to go. He doesn’t even give you a second glance as he makes his way up the stairs. You smile and turn to the bags you dropped when you walked in. You wanted to make him wait, make him squirm with anticipation of what was going to happen, because by now he knew he wasn’t going to be the one in charge this time and it made him excited but also slightly nervous. You took your sweet time putting everything where it needed to be and cleaning up just a little bit, he heard you downstairs and could tell you were teasing him. He huffed but knew he had no right to complain since he did it to you constantly. He’d tell you to go upstairs and then would clean the kitchen, maybe sweep a little bit, anything that made you wait long enough for your skin to crawl with nervousness and that’s exactly what you were trying to achieve with him now. 

And it was working. 

He sat on the edge of the bed, nervously rubbing his hands together and then running one through his hair. He had no idea what you had planned for him, but he knew it’d probably end with him in a fuzzy state. He was excited. Sure, he loved being in control, he loved wrapping his hand around your throat and telling you to moan for him and he loved pinning your hands above your head and fucking into you so hard it made you scream, but there was a part of him, a fairly large one that loved being controlled and he was so happy to have someone that shared his desires. He loved being completely at your mercy, he loved begging and he loved being in the state that only you could put him in. A state of complete and utter submission. He had so much stress to deal with and it was nice to be taken to a place where he physically could not think about those things and was solely focused on pleasing you. You guys didn’t do it often, but when you did he could only describe the things you made him feel as otherworldly, you pulled pleas out of his mouth like it was nothing, noises out of him that he’d never heard himself make before and he lived for it. He could already feel himself growing painfully hard, reminiscing the few times he’d been in this position before. And it was perfect timing, he looked up as he felt the room grow chillingly silent and saw you in the doorway. He took a deep breath, rubbing his sweaty palms on his thighs and locking eyes with you. 

“Hi, baby.” He whispers to you, his green eyes having a sort of doe like look to them. 

“ Hi, H.” You smile, but not your normal smile. More like a cunning one, one that tells him you have so much planned. He shivers and gives you a timid smile. 

“ Lay back for me.” You tell him, walking into the room and he does so immediately, laying flat on his back. You smile and walk towards him, you kneel down beside his body and you can feel his body tense as you lightly scratch up and down his torso. 

“ Relax, babe. It’s still me.” You remind him and he nods, swallowing thickly. 

“ What are you gonna do?” He whispers, watching as you drag your hand farther down his body. He jerks as your hand just barely grazes over the tent straining against his boxers. You chuckle and kiss just under his ear, smiling at the way he shivers. 

“ You’ll find out.” You whisper and you watch his Adam's apple bob as he gulps, but nods. You stand up from the floor and walk towards the closet. You make your way to the back of it, searching for the box of special toys you and Harry kept. You smile as you locate it, bending down to lift the top off. You rummage through the gags, plugs, blindfolds, and other toys to find what you’re looking for. Biting your lip, you take the toys in your hand and walk back to your boyfriend who has his eyes closed, breathing deeply. His eyes fly open when he feels your hand come up to caress the side of his face, pushing his curls out of his face. He looks up to see you smiling and he feels a shiver race through him at the look in your eyes. It’s the same look he gives you when he stands above your helpless, squirming body that’s usually restrained. Those nights always ended with you breathless and completely fucked for him. He knew that was where he’d be at the end of this, how he’d get there? Well, that was up to you. 

His eyes left yours and moved to the side table as he saw you set the things from the closet down on it. His eyes widened and he felt his heart rate pick up speed as he took in what lay on the wooden table. Handcuffs, a vibrator and a cock ring. He looks back up at you and you smile. You lean down, pressing your lips to his and you can feel his body relax under your hand that rests on top of his butterfly. You slip your tongue through his parted lips and he moans, lifting his hand to cup your face but you quickly take it and press it back to his side, shaking your head slightly into the kiss. 

“ No touching.” You whisper and he swallows again, nodding. “ Good boy.” You smile and he bites his lip, feeling his cock bloat at the rare praise. You smile and kiss him again before stepping back and beginning to strip. First is your blazer, you lock eyes with him as you begin to unbutton the piece of clothing on your body, after you've unbuttoned every button, you shrug it off your shoulders and you watch as his hungry eyes follow the thick fabric as it falls to the floor. Next, is your shirt, you lift the thin material over your head, tossing it to the side and smiling as Harry’s eyes follow it as it lands on the floor too. Lastly is your pants, you unbutton your jeans, keeping eye contact as you bend down to pull them off your legs. Once they’re at your ankles, you step out of them and kick them to the side, walking once again towards your touch starved boyfriend. You kneel on the bed, swinging one leg over his hips and then adjusting both at his sides so you’re straddling him comfortably, clad only in the lacy lavender set you’d slipped on this morning figuring Harry would pull a stunt like this. 

“ Shit, baby.” He breathes as he eyes your body up and down and you feel your body heat at his hungry gaze. His hands immediately come up to grab at your waist and you’re quick to pull them off of you, placing them back at his sides and then gripping his jaw in your hands. 

“ Can’t follow directions can you, baby?” You ask, his lips parted as his jaw is gripped tightly in your hand. “ Answer me.” You whisper as he stares blankly up at you and he shakes his head softly. You smile and push some curls from his face with your free hand. 

“ No?” You taunt and he shakes his head, eyes blown out in pleasure.  

“It’s a good thing that I have the perfect toy to fix that. Isn’t it, H?” You ask and he nods. You let go of his jaw and feel him start to pant under you as you reach over him, his hot breath hitting your breasts in short bursts as you grab the handcuffs from the side table. 

“ Hands up.” You tell him, as you resume your position on his hips. He lifts his hands above his head, spreading them so each of his wrists rest on the edge of the either hooks you both had installed onto the bed frame when you discovered both parties enjoyed being restrained. You hook the cuffs through each hook and then around his wrists. He takes a deep breath and tugs on them, making sure they’re tight on his wrists, nodding as he realizes there’s no way he’s getting out of these without your help. The thought excites both him and you. 

“ Remember your safe word?” You ask, running both of your hands up and down his torso and he nods. “ Don’t hesitate to use it if it gets too much for you.” You remind him and he nods again. 

“ I won’t.” He assures you and you smile. You lean down, pressing your lips to his once again and his lips immediately mold to yours. He licks over your bottom lip and your lips part, granting him this last bit of control. He moves his tongue in slow strokes against yours and it already has you melting into him. You moan and reach up to tug at his hair, earning you a small whimper that you greedily swallow. You pull away, traveling your kisses further down. You press, fast, wet kisses to his neck, sucking lightly on the protruding vein and he groans, titling his head back to give you more access. Your kisses move down his torso and you look up at him as you flick your tongue over his nipples, remembering how he’d once told you that they were a very sensitive spot. He moans as you nip softly at them and then soothe the burn with your tongue, hips bucking up trying to get any contact from you. You smile, pulling away from the kisses you were pressing to his lower stomach, wrapping your hand around his throat and squeezing softly. His eyes widen and he whimpers softly. 

“Thought you were gonna be a good boy for me, H?” You whisper, fake pouting and he groans. Your dominance and the hand around his throat sending arousal straight to his cock. 

“ I will, I will.” He tells you in rushed pants. “ I’m sorry.” 

“ Good.” You smile, releasing your grip on his neck. “ You’ll get what you want soon.” You tell him and he nods. You continue sponging kisses to his lower stomach, licking and sucking in some places, You revel in the way his body squirms helplessly under your touch, remembering a night not long ago where you found yourself in this exact position. Harry’s breathing starts to pick up as you press kisses along the waistband of his boxers. You pull back and smirk up at him as you completely ignore the bulge he’s sporting. 

“ No.” He breathes, head tilting back in frustration but you ignore him, kissing and nibbling on his inner thighs, causing his legs to jerk. You give one last kiss to each thigh before running your hands up his thighs and hooking your fingers inside the waistband of his boxers. His eyes fly open and he lifts his head to look at you. His breathing deepens as you pull the boxers down his thick thighs. You two maintain eye contact even as you pull the boxers down to his ankles and then fully off. You climb back up to his body, straddling his hips again. He’s panting audibly now as he looks up at you, desperately awaiting your next move. 

“ What do you want, H? Hm?” You ask, scratching lightly up his torso. 

“ Anything. Please.” He begs, tugging on the cuffs. You smile and cup his cheek, he sighs at the gentle touch. 

“ Desperate?” You ask and he nods with fervor. 

“ Yes. Yes, Y/N please.” He pants, body squirming under you. 

“ Okay, okay. Relax.” You tell him, running your thumb along his cheekbones. You swing one leg off of his body, the other following allowing you to kneel beside him on the bed. You take his rock hard cock in your hands and he lets out a long, drawn out moan, his body jerking at the slightest touch. You smile and bring your mouth to his tip, spitting directly on it and relishing in the whine that leaves his pink lips as you start stroking him. 

“ Need you to tell me when you’re gonna cum okay?” You ask him and he nods, looking down at his cock in your hand. 

“ Okay, okay I will.” He pants, hips starting to buck just slightly up into your hand. 

“ Good boy.” You tell him again, watching his eyes roll back in his head. You apply more pressure to his cock, squeezing it tighter and he groans. 

“ Fuck.” He breathes, biting his lip. He tugs just slightly on the cuffs, whining when they don’t budge. “ It’s good baby, it’s so good.” He groans, hips bucking faster up into your hand. 

“ Yeah? Missed my touch, H?” You tease and he nods, head tilted back and mouth agape as tiny whimpers fall from his lips. 

“ Yes, fuck missed it so much.” He confirms breathlessly. 

“ Bet you were thinking about me when you sent me all those videos weren’t you?” You tease even more and he moans. 

“ God yes. Only you.” He whimpers. You know he’s close. You can see it in the way he tugs harder at the cuffs and the way that the heavy pants falling from his lips are now within seconds of each other. 

“ What were you thinking about, baby?” You decide to spur him on, knowing this will only bring him closer to his release. “ Thinking about my hand? The way I know exactly how to touch you?” You ask, flicking your wrist as you stroke him the way you know he likes and focusing more on his tip since it’s the most sensitive part of his length and often the part that gets him off the quickest. His head is still tilted back towards the headboard and his face is pinched almost in discomfort but you know that means that he’s even closer. 

“ Or maybe you were thinking about my mouth.” You add. “ How good it feels around you.” You egg him on and you know it’s working because his hips are bucking up into your hand faster than you’ve seen them this whole time and hushed encouragements of “yes” fall from his parted lips in succession. 

“ Thinking about how I can take you all the way? Or about how you like to put me on my knees and-” You continue but are quickly cut off by his shout. 

“ Fuck! I’m there, I’m there.” He pants and you immediately pull your hand away. He whimpers and lets his head fall dramatically onto the pillow below him. “ Shit.” He breathes. 

“ Good?” You ask him and he nods. 

“ So good.” He whispers and you smile, leaning up to kiss him again. His tongue gives yours slow, deep strokes and you moan at the taste of him. You drag your knees behind you as you scoot closer to his face, fully submerging yourself into the kiss. You reach up to tug at his hair and greedily swallow the whimper that follows. You moan softly as he bites down on your lower lip and then pulls away, watching in awe as it snaps back into place. You smile and lean down to kiss the tip of his nose, giggling at the way it scrunches up after. You leave kisses on every inch of skin as you crawl back down his body, leaving him panting and squirming above you. As you sit beside him on the bed, you take his cock into your hand again, smiling at the way that he involuntarily moans and bucks up into your hand. You give him a few slow strokes, basking in his breathy moans and pants. You look up to see his head tilted back and his eyes screwed shut as he zeroes in on the pleasure that he’s sure will be taken from him soon. Or so he thinks. 

“ Gonna use my mouth now okay?” You tell him and he nods feverishly. 

“ Please.” He barely whispers. You crawl even further down his body and swing one leg over his calf while situating the other so that you’re sitting astride his legs. You give his length a few more tugs before lowering your mouth onto him. He releases a long whine as his eyes roll back in his head and he tugs at the cuffs. 

“ Fuck.” He breathes as you start bobbing your head up and down while your tongue skirts over his length. His cock feels heavy on your tongue and you moan around him, causing his legs to jerk. You look up at him and see his knuckles turning a ghostly white from how tight he’s tugging on the cuffs. You run your hands up his body and give a rough slap to his pecs, making him groan and buck up into your mouth. You pull back from his cock and start stroking him, the sounds of your hand against your spit are absolutely sinful. He moans and bucks up into your hand again. 

“ Feel good h?” You tease, already knowing the answer. He nods furiously. 

“ It’s so good.” He breathes, looking down at you with half open eyes. You smile and lick your lips, wrapping them back around the head of his cock, you give a few swirls of your tongue around his head before pushing him all the way down your throat. 

“ S-shit!” He gasps, tugging on the cuffs and arching his back. “ Oh my god.” He breathes, looking down at you. “ You’re so good, angel.” He pants and you moan around his cock.You pull off his cock with the most sinful sound and he whines, you continue stroking him to keep up the pleasure and he’s thrusting up into you. He tilts his head back and wraps his fingers around the wooden headboard. 

“ You’re close aren’t you baby?” You ask and his nod is accompanied by a long whine as you squeeze him particularly hard. You lean down again and wrap your lips around his cock, focusing more on the tip once again. He whines and starts panting heavily. 

“ Yes, yes, yes, yes.” He whispers, face pinched in pleasure as he feels the white hot heat travel up his spine. “ Fuck, gonna cum.” He whimpers and you pull off of him immediately. Watching him squirm and tug at the cuffs as his orgasm escapes him. He breathes deeply as he looks up at you. You wink at him and then kiss up and down his stomach, sucking and biting in some places. Once you reach his happy trail, you press kisses back up his torso, to his neck and eventually his lips. You connect your lips with his, biting softly on his bottom lip and watching as it snaps back into place. You reach over him and grab the vibe from the table. His eyes widen and he shakes his head feverishly. 

“ No, no, no. Won’t last with that. I can’t.” He begs and you smile, turning it on. 

“ Good thing you don’t have to then.” You tease. His eyes widen and you wink before pressing the vibe to the head of his cock. His back arches and he tugs at the cuffs, mouth open in a silent moan. 

“ Oh, f-fuck.” He sputters as his head tilts back in pleasure. You move the head of the vibe around his tip and his eyes roll back in his head. “ Oh my god.” He breathes, toes curling. You sneak a glance up at him as you move the vibe around his length. His head is thrown back against the headboard, his toned chest heaves as his body wracks with pleasure. His eyes are closed and his bottom lip is being tugged on relentlessly by his teeth, his normal raspberry color deepening.

You move the vibe down his rigid length, making sure to put extra pressure on the prominent vein that runs down it, knowing he’s sensitive there. Your attentiveness has it’s desired reaction when Harry lets out a cracked whine, his face pinching in utter pleasure. His lips part and heavy pants fall one after the other from them. He lifts his head from where it rests against the pillow and looks up at you and he has to force his eyes not to roll back so he can continue staring at the sight in front of him. 

You’re straddled atop his thighs, clad in only a lacy, lavender set that leaves little to the imagination. Your boobs spill out of the bra as you lean forward to move the vibe around his cock and the bottoms are so thin he can feel your wetness sticking to his thigh. Your hair creates the perfect shadow across your face as it dances in waves around your shoulders, swaying as you move with the vibe. He’s about to tell you just how delectable you look when he feels burning pleasure travel up his spine. You’ve moved the vibe back to his tip and the pleasure is ripping through him. He lets out a broken moan as you add more pressure to his slit with the vibe, his eyes rolling back in his head and hips involuntarily bucking. He tugs on the cuffs and throws his head back in ecstasy. 

“Shit.” He moans, his back arching off the bed slightly. “ I’m gonna cum.” He groans, pushing his forehead against the headboard. “ I’m gonna cum.” He says again and you smile. 

“ Cum for me, h. Want you to cum so fucking hard.” You say, adding a little whine to the end of your words knowing how much he loves to hear your sounds. He nods and his eyes roll back in his head once again as you reach down to fondle his balls as the vibe runs over his tip. His lips part in a silent shout and you find yourself wishing he had enough air to make the noise he’s holding back. You’ll just have to try harder. As you move the vibe around his slit, waiting for his release you take this time to really look at him. He looks so beautiful when he’s about cum. You don’t see it much because by the time he’s about to cum, you’ve already had 4 orgasms and physically don’t have the energy to open your eyes. But he’s gorgeous. A thin layer of sweat coats his toned body, shining on his pecs and his bulging biceps as he grips the chains for dear life. His chocolate brown curls are still slightly intact but getting messier the more he rolls around the pillow. His chest is littered with marks. Angry red scratches made by you as your orgasm overtakes you, your bouncing slowing from a hard, fast pace slam to a dull, barely there jump which is usually when Harry takes over. Wrapping you in his arms and thrusting up into you as he chases his release. His abdomen clenches, a clear sign that his release is only seconds away and you find yourself almost drooling at his lean, but muscular body as it lay sprawled out and tied up for you. 

Your daydream is interrupted by a soft whine of “fuck” that gradually increases in volume until you see his back arch off the bed, his jeweled hands tugging the cuffs downwards and thick, white ribbons of his release coating the vibe and your hand. You watch his body as his abdomen clenches and unclenches as the waves of his orgasm slowly start to subside. A pant falls from his lips as he leans his head back on the pillow, catching his breath. His chest heaves, making his pecs look even bigger and you have to stop a quiet whimper from escaping you. Once he whines and wiggles his legs as best he can with you straddling them, you turn the vibe off and set it on the side table, leaning down to swipe your tongue across his tip, collecting his cum on your tongue and basking in the way his legs jerk and a whimper falls from his lips. You smile and pull back, running your nails lightly up his torso as his high slowly fades. 

“ Christ, angel.” He breathes and you smile. 

“ Was it good?” You ask and he scoffs, opening his eyes. 

“ Bloody amazing.” He smiles. “ Gotta be honest though, dove. Not much of a punishment.” You smile and run your hand up his lean torso.

“ Sweet boy, you didn’t think that was it did you?” You ask and his eyes widen slightly.

“What do you mean?” He asks and you can tell he’s becoming increasingly nervous because he shifts awkwardly.

“I mean,” you say, reaching over him to grab the cock ring. “this night is far from over.” He follows your hand as it brings the ring in front of both of your faces.

“ Been such a fucking attention whore the whole day. Sending me videos, pictures, knowing i’m at work. That’s not a very good boy, h.” You smirk and you hear him suck in a breath.

“ B-but you already let me cum.” He whispers and you nod, a knowing smile plastered on your face.

“I know.” You say plainly and his next sentence is shaky.

“ So, what are you gonna-?” He starts and you look up at him, cocking an eyebrow. His eyes widen knowingly.

“ No. No, no y/n I can’t. You know I can’t. How many?” He asks and you just shrug.

“ However many I want.” You say, looking up at him then down at his cock. His eyes follow yours and he groans.

“M’still hard.” He whispers, eyes bright with both excitement and nervousness.

“ I see that.” You answer, toying with the ring. “What do you suggest we do?”

“ Make me cum again.” He breathes, bucking his hips towards you. You smile and run your hand up his thigh, gripping his sensitive cock in your hand, making him whimper in pleasure. You stroke his length gently, reveling in the way his hips jerk in sensitivity when you run your thumb over his slit.

“ Please.” He groans, tilting his head back. You land a harsh slap on his thigh and he whimpers.

“ Be patient.” You demand and he nods, a breathless “m’sorry” coming from his lips. You smile and lick your lips, staring almost hungrily at his cock. You take his length in your hand, setting the ring down on the bed before wrapping your lips around his tip. A broken moan falls from his lips at the unexpected warmth and his back arches.

“ Fucking christ.” He breathes, a long, drawn out moan attached to it as you give small, kitten licks to his slit. After a few moments, you pull off and he whines, kicking his feet. You look up at him and land a soft but firm slap to his cheek and he moans but stops his whining. You pick the ring up from the bed and turn it on and he sucks in a breath.

“ Ready?” You ask and he nods furiously.

“ Yes.” He groans and slip the ring onto his cock. His back arches and he tugs roughly on the cuffs. “ Jesus fucking-.” He gasps, back hitting the bed dramatically as the pleasure courses through him. You move up his body, kissing his stomach lightly and enjoying the way his abdomen clenches at the gentle touch. You trail sloppy, wet kisses over the laurels decorating his lower stomach, nosing slightly at his happy trail. The kisses make their way up his body, your tongue tracing the lines of his butterfly. You watch him as he looks down at you, his mouth agape with small pants falling from them, You make your way up his body, giving each nipple a small bite and he yelps, giggling. You smile up at him and lick your way up the rest of his body. When you get to his neck, you reach up and slightly grip his jaw, tilting his head up and to the side to grant you more access. He moans softly as you begin licking and sucking on different areas of his throat, turning the tan skin red which will soon fade to the purple he loves to admire in the mirror the morning after you guys’ activities. You waste no time in crashing your lips together as you reach his face. He sighs into the kiss and immediately deepens it, slipping his tongue into your mouth and giving it long strokes. You sigh contently and cup his face with one hand, using the other hand to tug gently at his chocolate brown curls. He moans softly into the kiss and tugs at the cuffs, showing he wants to touch you. You shake your head, never breaking from the kiss and he grumbles. 

“ Let me taste you.” He breathes, pulling back from the kiss. “ Can feel how wet you are from that set you’ve got on. angel. Let me make you cum.” He finishes, eyes searching yours. You bite your lip and nod, moving your body so that your center rests above his face. He looks up at you and tugs on the cuffs. “ Please.” He breathes. 

“ But y’look so pretty tied up like this baby.” You counter and he pouts. 

“ Just for right now, please Y/N.” He begs and you sigh, reaching up and taking the handcuffs off of his writs. You grip both his wrists before his hands have a chance to touch you. 

“ They’re going right back on after I cum okay?” You tell him and he nods, looking down at the wet spot growing bigger on the lavender bottoms. 

“ Yes, yes okay.” He rushes and you let go of his hands, watching the way his eyes light up as his hands drop to your hips. He dips his fingers into the waistband of your bottoms, tugging them as far down as he could. You lift your body from where it rests, just enough for him to get the underwear down your ankles. He wastes no time in running a finger over your folds when you place yourself over his face again. 

“ Fuck. You’re soaked for me, baby.” He whispers, eyes focused on your dripping core. You reach down and run your fingers through his hair, gripping it softly. 

“ Harry.” You whisper, hips thrusting towards him and he smiles, gripping your hips. He pulls you so that your center rests right above his mouth, his eyes free to look up at you as he devours you like his last meal. The first swipe of his tongue against your folds has your eyes rolling back and your hips jerking.

 “ Fuck.” You breathe, looking down at him.

“ Good?” He asks and you nod furiously.

“ Yes, God more. More Harry.” You beg and he nods, gripping your hips even tighter and licking over your folds once again, this time sucking your clit into his mouth and swirling his tongue around the bud. Your back arches above him and he moans as he sucks on your bundle of nerves. Small pants fall from your lips as you look down and begin to grind over his face. He assists you, using both hands to help you ride his face and you bite your lip, reaching down and tugging at his curls. 

“ Taste so good, sweetheart.” He moans, looking up at you with dilated pupils, confirming his hunger for you as if it wasn’t apparent in his every move. His praise sends a wave of pleasure up your spine causing a pitiful whine to fall from your lips. He soaks up your noises greedily, hand moving from your hip down to his hardened cock. He looks up at you and in your haze of pleasure you nod. He gives one tug to his shaft and his eyes roll back into his head, a long whine falling from his lips. He begins to nibble slightly on your clit and you yelp, looking down at him and smiling softly as you see the dorkiest look in his eyes.  

“ Shit!” you giggle and you can see a smile spread across his face as he mouths away at your center. He continues tugging at his cock and the needy whimpers he emits travel straight to your dripping core. “Feel good baby?” you tease and he nods, pulling away from your core just enough to pant a few words. 

“Feels so good.” He breathes, “Fucking throbbing.” He groans.

“After I cum, gonna make you cum okay?” You ask and he nods, going back to mouthing over your folds. He pulls away only enough to slip his middle finger into his mouth, coating it in his spit before teasing your hole with it.

“Harry.” You breathe and he wastes no time in slowly pushing his finger into you, you gasp as your back arches and your hands tug even harder at his mess of curls. “Shit.” You pant, looking down at him, his smug face sending waves of pleasure down you spine as he starts siding his finger in and out of you.You reach down to grip his hair and he moans softly. He pushes his long, slender finger into you again, nudging your g-spot slightly and you whimper softly. He makes a come hither motion and it causes a wave of pleasure to ripple throughout your entire body and he revels in it. Basking in the broken moan that falls from your lips as he adds in a second finger. He tugs harder on his cock, your desperation for him only fueling his need. His eyes roll back in his head and his pink lips part as he runs a thumb over his slit, his cold ring sending a chilling wave of pleasure through his body. He kisses the part of your stomach he can reach, licking the area before softly biting it, causing you to jerk away from him and giggle. He smiles up at you and moves his mouth back to your core, lapping away at the wetness that’s pooled there since his fingers were added into the mix. He closes his eyes as he begins to devour you again, the loud moan you emit causing him to give his shaft a harsh tug. Shaky hands reach up to grip the headboard as you start to grind over his face, not even caring how desperate you sound because you just need him to get you there.

 Your release had been put off long enough, from him edging you three times this morning, to you getting interrupted right as you were about to topple over the edge in the break room and to you having to deny yourself of any relief on the fifteen minute drive to the apartment. You feel yourself clench around his fingers as you recount all those events and the whine that falls from his mouth sends vibrations up your spine, a small shiver coursing through you. 

“ Need to cum.” He whispers and you look down at him. His chest is heaving heavily and his mouth is open, head thrown back against the headboard as he strokes himself quickly. 

“ What did I tell you?” You ask him and he whines, hips bucking. 

“ You- you cum first, then me.” He pants and you smile. 

“ Good, h. That’s a good boy.” You praise and he smiles, beginning to mouth away at you again, faster this time. You groan and throw your head back, your nails digging into the wood of the headboard as you feel your orgasm approaching. 

“ Faster.” You moan and he immediately obliges, plunging his fingers in and out of you fast and hard. 

“ Fuck!” You cry out and he moans into your center. You feel his arm next you move faster and you know that he’s speeding up the tugs on his cock, chasing his release just as desperately as he’s chasing yours. He pulls back when you start riding his face desperately and lands a harsh slap to your center that has you crying out. 

“ Shit!” You squeak, looking down at him and biting your lip as his eyes roll back from the pent up pleasure. “ Again.” You moan and he wastes no time in landing another harsh slap to your clit, licking over it immediately after. He repeats that four more times before hearing your sharp cry of, “ I’m coming!” and he slips his fingers back into you, plunging them in and out at an almost inhuman speed that has you screaming his name. 

His name along with a string of curse words fall from your lips like a song as your orgasm hits you like a ton of bricks, causing your body to fall forward and go limp against the headboard, body shaking uncontrollably above your whining boyfriend. He fucks you through it, pushing his fingers in and out softly, marveling at the way your body spasms when the pad of his finger just barely grazes that spot inside of you. You take a deep breath, panting heavily as you come down from your high. You barely get any time to rest before his hips are bucking and he’s whining out. 

“ Me now. Please. M’so hard.” He begs and you sigh, jelly legs crawling down his body because you have nowhere near the amount of energy it would take to lift yourself up and off of him. Your reach down and move his hand off of his shaft replacing it with your own and he moans, gripping the sheets beside him. 

“ Off. I need it off y/n, please.” He whispers and you nod, slipping the ring off of his cock with some difficulty given how hard he was. You immediately wrap your lips around his shaft, wanting him to reach his release so he could finally be inside you and he gasps, head coming up to look at you only to drop back down to the pillow as he thrusts into your mouth. “ Fuck.” He moans, a shaky hand coming up to rest on the back of your head, gripping your hair slightly. You reach down and fondle his balls lightly and he nearly screams as he feels his orgasm hurtling towards him. You push him all the way down your throat and that sends him over the edge.

“ Shit, shit, shit.” He groans, hips bucking into your mouth, making you gag around his cock. “M’coming. M’coming!” He shouts and there’s barely five seconds in between his announcement and the first spurt of his release into your mouth. Desperate moans, whines and whimpers fall from his lips without any break as his second orgasm of the night consumes him. You pull back from his cock and swallow, wiping the remnants of his release from your chin and pressing the pad of your thumb to his tongue, watching him wrap his pink lips around your thumb, a tired look overtaking his green eyes. He pulls off your thumb with a pop and his head falls dramatically onto the pillow behind him. 

“ Fuck.” He whispers and you smile, kissing all over his face. 

“ How do you feel, my love?” You coo, brushing some of his sweaty curls back from his forehead. 

“ Sleepy.” He replies, pulling you up to him and nosing at your neck. You hum and kiss his temple. 

“ You think you can give me one more?” You ask and his eyes widen. 

“ M’tired.” He whines and you giggle. 

“ Know you are, sweet boy. But don’t you wanna be inside me?” You ask, your fingers raking through his curls as he closes his eyes. “ S’up to you, babyboy.” You remind him and he nods. 

“ Wanna be inside you.” He decides and you smile. “ But y’have to fuck me. Too tired.” He says and laugh softly before nodding. 

“ You weren’t gonna be on top any way silly.” You tell him and he pouts. You lean forward and kiss the pout off of his full lips and he moans softly when you bite his bottom lip gently. The next few minutes are spent like that, soft but passionate kisses, teasing and biting until you feel him start to stir slightly underneath you.

You look down to where his shaft rests on his stomach, kissing his pec lightly before making your way back down his body. He opens his eyes just slightly and gasps when your hand wraps around his cock. 

“ Sensitive.” He breathes and you nod.

“ I know, one more and then we’ll cuddle.” You say and he nods, dropping his head to the pillow. You lick over his slit once and he lets out a pained groan, gripping the headboard above him. You watch his hand move and realize that he’s still uncuffed. You crawl back up his body, straddling him and reaching for the cuffs. 

“ Hands up for me, bubba.” You tell him and he raises his hands limply above your head. You slip the cuffs on and secure them around his wrist before crawling back down his body and stroking at his cock again. He moans loudly and his face twists in pleasure, you can feel him beginning to harden again so you wrap your lips around his head and suckle lightly. He lets out a broken whine as sensitivity shoots through every nerve in his body, setting them all on fire. He tugs at the cuffs and opens his eyes to look down at you, moaning as your eyes meet his while you take more of him. His hips jerk when you reach down to fondle his balls, the tip of his cock meeting the back of your throat. He whimpers loudly as you gag around him, still lightly touching his balls and his long fingers wrap around the chain of the cuffs. You pull off his cock with the most sinful pop and waste no time in sucking one of his balls into your mouth, furiously stroking at his cock as you do so and his hips buck wildly into your hands. 

“ Fucking hell.” He groans, throwing his head back against the headboard. “ Full.” He gasps. “ W-wanna be full.” You pull off of him and smile. 

“ Yeah? Feeling empty bub?” You ask and he nods feverishly, looking down at you. 

“ Please.” He whispers, bucking his hips and you smile, planting a pert kiss to his slit and marveling at the way his eyes roll back before you walk to the closet. You pull out the drawer of toys you and him keep for when either of you are feeling for some fun, which is quite often. You sift through the plugs. vividly remembering the times they’d been used on either you or Harry. After searching through the drawer, you peek your head out of the closet and smile at him. 

“Which color, bubbie?” You ask and he bites his lip in thought. 

“ Want purple.” He smiles and you nod. 

“ The glittery one?” 

“Mhm.” He nods, shifting again as you pick up the plug and walk back to him. You kneel down beside him to grab the lube from his bedside drawer. 

“ Which one angel?” You ask and he looks between the two flavors of lube. 

“ Strawberry.” He decides and you laugh softly. 

“ How did I know?” You ask rhetorically. He loved the strawberry flavor, so much so that every time he saw it at the store, he picked one or two up. You two had hardly even touched the other bottle, it was the one you carried with you in your purse if you two were going out and you felt like teasing him even though that hardly ever happened, considering the fact that he was the one calling the shots most of the time. You slip the other lube back into the drawer and position yourself in front of his legs. 

“ Know what to do baby, c’mon.” You smile and he spreads his legs, bending them at the knees. 

“ There’s a good boy.” You coo and he blushes. You lean forward and brush your lips against his inner thigh and he shudders. “Gonna stretch you out first okay?” You tell him and he nods. You flip open the cap on the bottle, squirting a fair amount onto your finger considering it had been a while since Harry had been the one in this position. You rub the lube over him and he gasps, you look up at him and he giggles. 

“Cold.” He grins and you laugh softly, rolling your eyes. Once you deem him properly lubed, you squirt some more onto your finger, attempting to warm it as much as you can by rolling it in between your two fingers. You press the pad of your finger against his hole and he whines.

“Inside.” He breathes and you push your finger in slowly, causing him to tug harshly on the cuffs and his back to arch off the bed. “Shit.” He groans and you bite your lip as you watch your finger move slowly in and out of him.

“God H, fucking tight.” You whisper lowly and he whimpers, biting his lip. He lets out a low groan as your finger nudges his prostate and you watch the way his abdomen clenches. 

“ More. I can take it.” He breathes. 

“You sure?” 

“Mhm. Promise.” He nods and you oblige, slowly sliding another finger inside him. You bite your lip and watch in awe as his hole stretches deliciously, his lewd moans an added bonus. 

“Touch me. Please touch me.” He groans, bucking his hips slightly and you waste no time in wrapping your hand around his cock and pumping. His head falls back against the pillow and a pained groan falls from his lips as two of his most sensitive areas are worked by your hands. You stroke his cock, running your thumb over his sensitive slit at the same time your fingers brush against his prostate and his back arches almost completely off the bed, a strangled moan falling from his pink lips.

You continue stretching him out until he whines.

“Want the plug. M’good, I promise.” He tells you and you nod since you’d been stretching him out for at least 15 minutes at this point. You reach for the plug and without missing a beat, pull your fingers from his just as you press the tip of the plug to his puckered hole and push. He groans as the cold tip pushes into him, his abdomen clenching as the plug fills him. You go slower than normal seeing as this was the first time he’s been full in weeks but he protests.

“Faster.” He whines, pushing forward to try and take more of the plug and you slap his thigh, making him whimper.

“ Don’t wanna hurt you, H. Patience please.” And he whines again but you  ignore him and continue to ease the plug in. He moans lewdly when it’s fully in and you marvel at how pretty the flower at the bottom of the plug looks sticking out of him. You look up and see him biting his lip, his chest sweaty and heaving and biceps bulging from the grip he has on the cuffs. You had stopped stroking his cock while you pushed the plug into him and you feel it now, hardened again in your grip. You give him a few more strokes before rising from your position and sitting in between his bent knees. 

“Want me to fuck you?” You whisper and his response is immediate. A furious nod of his head and whispered, “yes please”. All of the other times you two were in this position, you’d made him beg for you. Beg to the point of tears filling his eyes and his breath coming out in short, frantic puffs. But now, you didn’t make him wait. You were far too ready to have him fill you up so you stroked him a few more times before lining him up with your center and sinking down on him. 

Both reactions are immediate. His is a gasp followed by a moan as his head lifts and drops back onto the pillow and yours is a loud whimper with your head thrown back as you bottom out. You let out a soft gasp as Harry’s hips buck up into you, his cock hitting the spot he knew like the back of his hand. 

“ Have to move angel, please.” He groans and you obey, lifting up once and the dropping back down, creating a rhythm that has you both whining. 

“ Fucking hell. So fucking tight.” He moans, eyes rolling back as he feels your walls clench around him. You moan as the words flow from his mouth your pace quickening. 

“ Shit.” You moan, throwing your head back. “Fucking huge baby.” You whine, your hands going to rest behind you as you leave the front of your body on full display for his hungry eyes. He moans at the praise and tries his best to thrust up into you, assuming he’s doing something right by the way your stomach clenches and the gasp that erupts from your throat. He does it again and you moan, leaning forward and putting your hands above his head to steady yourself. You press your forehead to his and he smiles, laughing breathlessly as you bounce even harder. He reaches up and presses his lips to yours and you kiss him back immediately, swiping your tongue against his bottom lip and moaning when he opens his mouth. The kiss is heated but slow and precise, his tongue stroking yours in slow, deliberate movements that have you moaning into his mouth so he can swallow them. You pull back after a little bit, your hands now moving to rest on his chest, digging in slightly to his pecs and watching him hiss. You quicken your pace, the sound of your skin slapping against his as you bounce resounding across the room and his noises are short, lewd moans as his orgasm approaches. You were glad that you had edged him twice and then made him cum twice because you knew that his next orgasm would be fast and considering how desperate you were, yours would be too. 

“ Feel so good, dove.” He groans. “So fucking warm and tight, Fucking christ.” He finishes with a whimper and you moan softly. Your bounces are desperate and sloppy now, you can feel the fire inside your belly growing every time his cock hits the spot only he can. He feels you squeeze around him as he hits that spot again and he whimpers. “M’gonna cum, fuck gonna cum.” And you waste no time in bouncing as hard and as fast as you can because you could feel your own orgasm fast approaching. 

“Cum for me, H. Wanna feel it.” You beg and he moans again as your core squeezes him, A pained whimper is the next thing you hear as his orgasm rips through him, his back arching ridiculously off the bed and the cuffs almost detaching from their place on the headboard. His faces pinches in pleasure and his teeth are on full display as loud whimpers of “ah” erupt one after the other from his mouth. Your eyes roll back in your head as you watch his face and his strained plea of “please god please” is what sends you over the edge. Your body shakes and your mouth falls open, a silent scream falling from between your parted lips. He groans both in pleasure and sensitivity as your walls clench again, milking every last drop from him. 

You collapse onto his chest, panting and he smiles breathlessly. 

“Holy shit.” He giggles and you roll your eyes playfully. You stay like that for a few more minutes before remembering the most important part of scenes. Aftercare. 

“Let’s get you cleaned up hm?” You tell him and he nods weakly. You lift off of him, wincing slightly as the empty feeling overtakes you and walk on wobbly legs to the bathroom. Wetting a towel with warm water, wiping yourself off first, dampening it again and then bringing it out to him. You clean his stomach and thighs from the first two orgasms and then lightly clean his cock, cooing to him when he hisses in sensitivity. Once he’s all cleaned up you toss the rag into a pile with your other clothes and reach up, undoing his cuffs. His hands fall limply to his sides and he takes a deep breath, exhaling dramatically. You giggle and walk over to your drawers, you pull out two shirts, one for him and one for you. You toss a shirt and a clean pair of boxers on the bed for him and strip of your own attire before slipping on the your shirt and a fresh pair of underwear. You walk over to him and comb your fingers through his hair.

“ Can you sit up for me bubba?” You ask softly and he nods, slowly sitting and then leaning his head against your tummy. You giggle and kiss the top of his head. “Gonna get your dressed and then we’ll go to sleep okay?” You ask and he nods, pulling back from your stomach. You thank him and pick up the shirt, slipping it over his head before gently pushing him down so you call pull the boxers up his legs. Before doing that, you gently remove the plug resulting in a whine and your explanation of why it’s not good to leave it in. He huffs and then finally agrees, letting you slide the boxers up his legs and lifting his hips so you can get it under his backside. You stand up from where you knelt in front of him and climb into bed, he moves over and buries his head in your neck, sighing happily.

“Thank you for tonight.” He whispers and you smile.

“Wasn’t too much was it?” You ask, concern lacing your voice and he shakes his head furiously.

“Nuh uh. Was perfect, I promise.” He smiles and you kiss him gently on the nose.

“Sleep now, sweet baby. You’re safe.” You tell him and he nods, drifting off with a mumbled “I love you”.

[kindofinprogress]

What. A. Git.

Harry Potter fell in love at 18.

At least, that’s how old he was when he realized he was in love. He’d felt quite at home in this state so surely it must have happened when he wasn’t looking. Perhaps it happened when he was 16 and playing quidditch with her in the back garden of her home or later that year when an untamed amount of anger filled him at the sight of another boy near her in all the ways he’d wish he could be. Maybe it happened after their historic first kiss in front of 50 of their peers or the subsequent, equally as historic (although much more private), “walk” after said kiss. Maybe it was later, when he was 17, sometime in the nine grueling months he had to spend away from her- where all he could do was try and not think about how much he missed her. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and all that, right? Or, it could have happened the second, the very mind-clouding moment, that he got to hold her in his arms again after those nine months and the battle that ended the war in which he lost so much. But not her. She managed to come out on the other side and he couldn’t thank enough deities about it if he tried.

Whenever it was- he was sure he was fully, irrevocably, assuredly, enduringly, and all of the other painfully cliche words one could come up with, in love exactly one month after she left on a train for her last year of schooling.

Harry Potter was pitiful. That’s the word that Ron used, anyway. Well, if not being able to stand missing Ginny, his Ginny after the longest, grueling month of his life then that was fine. Alright, perhaps it was possible he’d had worse months so maybe he could tone down the dramatics. But, Harry rationalized, last year he had countless “worst” months- one right after the other in what at the time seemed like an endless string. And even back then he would have given up the world to be able to drop everything and get one good look at her. And he could do that now- quite easily and with a lot less at stake.

Read on AO3

It was after dinner at the Burrow where Harry sat in a room eating a delicious plate made by a stern and loving woman who’s laugh and annoyed tuts reminded him of his Ginny, sat next to a man with his Ginny’s wonderful curiosity, and surrounded by her brothers who had a mischievous edge to their jokes which only his Ginny could rival that he decided he would do just that. Drop everything and go see her- no matter how pathetic that made him in the eyes of his best mate.

Dinner was a more quiet affair these days. Spirits had livened up just enough at the end of September to where everyone could joke and ask each other about their days with genuine interest because they didn’t always end up back at sorrow-filled points but not enough that not at least one persons’ eyes welled up with tears by the end of the night. Or that someone had to excuse themselves when they almost mentioned Fred. But tonight, it wasn’t the collective longing for Fred to fill his seat at the dinner table or the mention of Teddy and the painful reminder that a 60-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were now his main caretakers rather than his young and kind parents that created a knot in Harry’s throat. It was the mention of Ginny and the oh-how-busy-she-must-be fussing over her too-short letters home and her oh-so-important exams at the end of the year. After she came up Harry was in no mood to answer questions about his training, or if he and Ron would want the leftovers from tonights’ dinner, or to stay ‘round for after dinner drinks with the boys. Harry did stay, not from a lack of trying to leave though. Ron practically plucked him out of the floo and forced an ale into his palm. “Lighten up, we’ll see them at the end of October in Hogsmeade. No need to let a few miles soil our night.”

So, fine. Harry stayed and sulked over exactly one drink. He bid the clan of red-headed brothers goodnight while Ron went to the loo. Harry got home, put on his pajamas, washed his face and wrote a quick note to Ginny to meet him in the Shrieking Shack on the following night- October first. It was a Thursday and Harry figured it was too early in the year for any professors to be dishing out detentions to a castle full of grieving students and it wasn’t a special feast that night so the only thing that might get in his way would be Hermione’s time table.

The next morning, after about 5 more “you’re absolutely pitiful”’s from Ron, and a detailed description of exactly what he was to tell their training Auror his excuse for skiving off in the middle of a work week Harry set off for Hogwarts.

He arrived in town with enough time to stop by the Hog’s Head and grab dinner at the dusty bar and a quick conversation with the aloof Aberforth. The night’s air was well chilly as he made his way to the old, creaking shack and it wasn’t much better from inside. Harry made quick work to try and warm the place up with some charms but only managed to make it bearably stuffy before the door from the secret passage swung wide open and a red blur launched into his chest. Harry took in her flowery scent and dug his fingers into her hips bringing her as close as possible to him. Ginny looked up and met his eyes and Harry couldn’t help but bring his mouth to hers. The kiss was simple and all-consuming. It made his mind swirl. When he finally broke it and got a good look at her face he couldn’t help the soppy grin that overtook his features. It was so easy to let the world melt away and feel so happy with his Ginny around.

“Hey, you. You didn't just come all the way here to stare at me all night did you? We have pictures for that sort of thing you know.”

“Sorry.” He blurted. “No, that’s not what I came for. But it is quite fun. Be quiet and give me about another minute, would you?”

“Harry!” She giggled and swat at his arm. She leaned in and gave him a quick peck before untangling herself from him. “Why did you come? Is everything alright?” Her expression softened with concern in a way that made her look so absolutely endearing Harry swept her up and rightfully snogged her. When they broke apart, panting and out of breath minutes later he apologized again. “Sorry- couldn’t help it.”

He gave her a sheepish smile suddenly feeling just as pathetic as Ron had painted him to be. “I just. Er- I missed you. Is all. And I- I just wanted to see you. Is that okay? I’m sorry, you didn’t have anything important going on did you? Practice? I don’t even bloody know when you practice and I just made you drop everything because I’m a pathetic sop. I’m sor-”

Ginny shut him up with one of those small pecks that took his breath and all coherent thoughts away. “You silly man. Of course it’s alright, Harry. It’s more than alright. I’ve missed you too. I do have to admit you made me nervous with that note. It didn’t say anything!”

“Oh, bugger. I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s alright, it freaked Hermione out enough to let me off the hook from studying with her tonight. We’ve been going over the same bloody chapter all week, Harry! I know you warned me but Godric, Hermione is boring me to tears and I think she’s enjoying it!”

Harry laughed and they exchanged another small moment of pure bliss. She had a way of doing that, Harry noticed. Filling a moment with everything. Filling him to the brim with happiness in the most minute ways. In that moment Harry wondered if that’s what his father felt for his mother. Later, Harry would reason with himself that James must have- for if anything was worth falling in love and marrying a girl straight out of school in the middle of a war that that feeling -this feeling- must have been in.

“Please, do carry on about your wild school year full of studying and classes.”

“Oh, only if you promise to drone on about your stuffy old coworkers and shoes that pinch your toes.”

“Hey, I’m serious! I want to know everything. I know you don’t put it all in your letters. I can tell your hand gets cramped when your writing gets all crooked and starts leaning on its side- which happens in every letter so I know you haven’t included everything you’ve wanted to.”

So Ginny spent the next half hour telling Harry about everything she felt was too little to write in her letters. Truthfully, she thought they were too little to be mentioning now when they had such a short time together but he truly seemed to be enjoying the conversation so she kept on only so he would keep looking at her like that. Like she was enchanting and everything. Ginny got the sudden courage to do something she’d been terrified of for weeks. “I had my career meeting with McGonagall my first week.” Harry searched deep in his brain for something to say to that- try as he might he couldn’t think of any specifics to ask- surely she’d mentioned this to him before. It was one of the most important meetings 5th, 6th, and 7th years had yearly and Ginny must’ve- “I didn’t mention it before because what we talked about just kind of happened. I just blurted it out without meaning to and she encouraged me, Harry. Me! She really thinks I’m capable of it.” Ginny let anticipation hang in the air for a second- reveling in the way she had Harry’s undivided attention. “She’s getting scouts from all over to come watch me play! I’m going to play quidditch professionally, Harry! Well, maybe. I have to be impressive enough for them to actually offer anything but-”

“You’re going to be amazing, Gin. Those scouts won’t know what hit them.”

“Oh, Harry. I knew I was right to wait to tell you before anyone else.”

Harry’s heart swelled with pride. He felt like he’d won a prize at that. It was in that moment that Harry realized he needed this for the rest of his life. To be the first one she shared good news with, to never miss out on being her biggest supporter, to get to watch her smile like this. To be around for all things Ginny Weasley.

It was ridiculous, then, the thought that before this visit he hadn’t known he was in love with her. She was Ginny Weasley. Beautiful Ginny who had boys falling at her feet, kind Ginny who took care of everyone she came in contact with, brilliant Ginny who was quick as a whip, brave Ginny who fought in a war at age 16 and faced much darker still at age 11- his Ginny. His talented, talented Ginny who was going to be a professional athlete. How cool was that? She was so cool and brave- his Ginny. Just looking at her now, talking a mile a minute, blushing at the confession that she’d been worried about her family’s reaction to her decision- about his reaction, eliciting confidence- he knew he was head over heels in love. She deserved the world and Harry would do anything to be the one to personally hand it to her.

Harry spent a while celebrating with Ginny and reluctantly left her to go to bed -way past her curfew- after about her tenth yawn. With promises to write and see each other soon Harry left on his way home feeling much lighter than he had in weeks.

Harry had always thought when he felt love for the first time it would be a bit more climactic than this. But strangely, this felt much better than any notion of falling in love he’d built up in his head. This was easy… natural. Nothing dramatic or flashy just… just the sheer act of being with Ginny was enough. And he was so fine with that.

It wasn’t until much later- in the early hours of the morning when Harry was finally crawling into bed that he realized he hadn’t even told her he loved her. What. A. Git.

[galaxyofmyown]

Okay so I just tripped and fell and ate sidewalk so! Maybe reader is helping hotch train for another marathon and they eat shit on the pavement??

oh my god. oh my GOD. this request was so so so fun to write. it’s just so fresh and fluffy and yayyy. and i’m actually very proud of myself for this one. if i’m honest YES i did write me and my friend in as a cameo because we were in dc yesterday morning making fun of all the runners, so i felt it needed to be done. i hope you love it and i’m sorry that i know nothing about running.

warnings: language, cheesy-ass confession

aaron hotchner x reader - marathoners

“I have a theory.” You pant, huffing and puffing as you struggle to keep up with Aaron Hotchner, your boss and King of Quarter-Zips. 

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” He replies over his shoulder, and you resent how even his voice sounds after 6 miles. Six. Fucking. Miles.

“I think you’re evil. I think you’re an evil little man with evil little powers who magically coerced me into training for this stupid marathon with you.”

Hotch laughs, and your resentment grows. If you laughed right now you would probably pass out.

“And why, do you theorize, would I use my assuredly limited powers to make myself listen to you complain all morning, every morning?”

“Because you’re obsessed with me. You can’t get enough of me. You would hear me give a four hour lecture on my favorite sedimentary rock if it meant you could hear my sweet, sweet voice.” You tease, and Hotch looks at you, two-thirds amused, one-third… something else.

Your profiling game was off this morning.

“Whatever you say, (Y/L/N).” He retorts, and you groan.

“Can you please, please, please stop calling me by my last name? It makes me feel like a high school football player.”

“Fine, (Y/N).” He says cheekily, dragging your name out in a way that makes your stomach twirl.

“Okay, well, since you’re in such a compliant mood do you think we could stop running? And then also never run ever again?” Hotch laughs again, and his good mood lifts your spirits. It always does. He checks his watch graciously.

“Five minute break.” He says, and you immediately fall onto a nearby bench. Hotch joins you but doesn’t sit, taking this time to stretch a bit.

“(Y/N), you should also use this time to-”

“No.” You say with a smile, letting the light breeze cool your overheated face.

“But-”

“Hotch?”

“Yeah?”

“Shut. Up.”

He hits his foot against yours, more of a playful nudge than a kick, and you bask in the short moment of contact.

You secretly love running with Hotch. The actual running part is… eh. But the Hotch part is great. You can rarely convince him to spend time with the team outside of work, so you jumped at the opportunity when he offered to train with you for the next marathon. But it also made you wonder.

“Hotch?” You ask again, cracking your eyes open. His body is blocking most of the annoying morning sun shining onto you, and you fleetingly wonder if he was doing that on purpose.

Hotch nods to show he’s listening even as his fiddles with his fancy running watch.

“You know Morgan runs, right?” You ask casually, fiddling with the hem of the oversized t-shirt you wore with your favorite leggings. Hotch looks up.

“Uh, yeah. I think I remember him mentioning it. Why?” He says, uber casual. You shrug.

“I’m just wondering why you chose to train with me when I obviously slow you down.”

“You don’t slow me down-”

“Oh, please. Remember the day I had a cold and couldn’t get up that morning? I heard you telling JJ how much you ran. I can’t get close to that on my best day.”

“Well, that’s why. Challenging you challenges me.”

“That makes literally no sense, but alright big guy. I’m ready to keep going.” You say, standing up despite the pain in your legs.

“We don’t have to if you’re too tired.” Hotch’s voice sounds distant all of a sudden.

“No, I really don’t mind. As long as you buy me breakfast after. Let’s go. We’ll run to the Capitol building and then back around to the smoothie place you like.”

 You start off without him, focusing on the sound of your feet hitting the pavement. You hear him trailing after you, and you run the crosswalk to the National Mall, the sand and small rocks crunching under your feet as you brave the rectangle of pain.

Hotch, of course, passes you easily, and after a bit you’re back to lagging 20 feet behind him. It rained fairly hard last night, and the ground is slushy like half melted snow. As Hotch turns in front of the Capitol Building, you opt for the marble-esque surface that separates the grass from the sand in an attempt to cut a bit of the corner.

You regret your decision immediately. The damp toe of your running shoe catches on the white material and you slip, your body slamming into the ground not two seconds later. You break your fall with your forearms, but the sting of gravel digging into your skin makes you wince.

“(Y/N)!” You hear a voice call, and now you officially want to die. You had briefly forgotten about your boss, your crush, the witness to your awkward fall. But now he was right in front of you, squatting down to make sure you’re okay. So you do what you always do when you find yourself in a painfully awkward situation.

You laugh.

It’s loud, and some of the other 6 am joggers shoot you odd looks. But it seems to make some of Hotch’s worry dissolve.

“You okay?” He asks with a small smile. Grabbing your hand to help you up. You nod, still giggling, and ignore the way your hand feels like it’s been set ablaze.

“Yeah, I’m fi-”

Except you don’t get to finish your sentence. Hotch takes a step back as he pulls you up and his foot makes contact with the same demon marble from which you met your demise. He slips backwards, yanking you with him.

You fall back together, fortunately hitting the grass. Hotch is under you to break your fall, which is a good thing until you realize you’re on top of him, one leg slotted between his.

Hotch clearly had the breath knocked out of him, and he groans, which, okay. It is clearly not the time for a noise like that.

“Oops.” You say, moving to get off of him. As you adjust yourself, you find your face is positioned directly over his, just inches apart.

How cliche.

Hotch, regaining his bearings, looks right into your eyes. You stop breathing for a moment. It isn’t often you get a free opportunity to just look at Hotch, but both of you have stopped moving. You admire his dark eyes, his slightly flushed cheeks, his strong nose. You wonder if he’s admiring anything about you.

(He is.)

You snap out of your reverie and realize how uncomfortable you must be making your superior feel.

“Sorry, sorry,” You say, embarrassed, and roll over to the side as gracefully as you can manage. You’re off of him but your thigh is still pressed against his hip, so you go to scooch away. He gently grabs your wrist before you can, however. Your breath catches as he runs his thumb over the irritated skin where you arm hit the ground.

“You know why I really invited you to train with me?” He asks, seemingly resigned to just… being on the ground now. You twist towards him and adjust so you’re sitting cross-legged, curiosity piqued.

“Why?”

Hotch sighs and makes a face. It’s the same face he makes when he’s about to say something he really doesn’t want to say.

“I wanted to see you. Outside of work. I just… I never had an excuse.”

You frown, confused, “We always invite you out with us. You never come.” You say, not in a mean way, because it’s just the truth.

Hotch falters and props himself up on his elbows. He isn’t looking at you anymore, his eyes steadily trained on the building before us.

“I don’t want to see you in a crowded bar surrounded by our coworkers. I wanted- I wanted to be alone with you.” He confesses, and you freeze. 

“What do you mean?” You say quietly. Because you think you know what he means. But you need him to tell you what he means because if he doesn’t mean what you think he means you’ll fling yourself into the Tidal Basin.

“(Y/N), I know you aren’t oblivious, and I know I’m not subtle. I’ve liked you since you first walked in the door to the BAU.” He says, finally, and you want to cry and dance and-

and kiss him. 

Which you should probably do, since Hotch has obviously taken your silence as rejection and looks like a kicked puppy. 

So you pull him in by the collar of his quarter-zip, kissing him enthusiastically on the mouth. He responds after a moment of brain failure, placing one hand on your thigh and the other on your waist. You know it must look ridiculous for two fully grown FBI agents to be making out like teenagers on the lawn of the National Mall before 7 a.m., but you couldn’t care less. Because it was you and Hotch, a glowing light after all these years of pain and loss and longing. You pull away after a long while, both of you giddy and smiley and bright-eyed.

“You too?” He asks like he can hardly believe it.

“Of course me too, always me too,” you respond, “even when you make me run.”

He laughs, kissing you again, to which you respond enthusiastically. Hotch pulls away and moves his mouth close to your ear.

“We have some onlookers at three o’clock.” He murmurs, and you slowly turn your head to see two girls, not older than 20, trying to enjoy their picnic barely 15 feet away. One of the girls scoffs.

“And people think we’re weird.” She says. The other girl nods, and they go back to eating their breakfast. You laugh.

“Okay, yeah, maybe they have a point.” You say, getting up and brushing the grass off the back of your t-shirt. Hotch does the same.

“Okay, so what do you say, two more miles before the smoothie place?” He asks, and you laugh in disbelief.

“You never learn, do you? No. We’re walking, let’s go.” You say, grabbing his hand because you can now. He surrenders, entwining your fingers and swing you arm slightly as you stroll. 

“Aaron?” You ask, trying on the unfamiliar name for size.

“Yes, (Y/N?)”

“Now that you don’t need an excuse to see me, do we still have to do the marathon?” You ask, tone casual. Hotch laughs and bumps his shoulder against yours. 

“(Y/N), (Y/N). Have you no shame? Actually, don’t answer that.” He says.

“I”m not hearing a no.” You say. 

“We’ll talk about it. Later.” But he kisses you on the forehead, so you take it as a win either way. 

(You end up agreeing to run the marathon. It’s awful and hot and long but when it’s over Hotch is still there with you, kissing you and smiling and promising that you never have to run again in your life. So you think it’s worth it.)

[kingluvsyou]

He was doubting himself. Was this even the right building? Would they even like his work? God, what if someone gave him issues because he hated mess. His grip on the leather steering wheel tightened though it made no difference with the fabric enclosing his slender hands. While resting his head on the steering wheel, he left out a quiet sigh that quickly devolved into a noise of frustration. He sat up,

"You're a grown man, Tomo. You can do this. Are you really going to let the possibility of mess affect you?"

He knew talking to himself was weird but it didn't matter. At last, he got out of the speckless car with his bag in one hand and phone in the other.

He tried to tune out any excessive noise, only hearing his own footsteps until the increasingly loud clicks of heels could be heard from behind him. Tomo slowed down, intending to turn around but the small woman ran passed him. A faint saint of roses intruded his nose. He quickly recognised her as his next door neighbour. She slowed down and swung open the glass door quickly but was polite enough to keep it open for the tall Japanese man behind her. He said nothing, sure that if he did, it wouldn't be acknowledged. However, he did get to hear the tail end of the receptionist greeting the young woman.

"...Duckie!"

Was all that he heard. So that was her name? It suited her though. It seemed that she hadn't gotten a car yet, instead walking to make up for the difference though this time she had been sprinting - showing through her clothes and hair being ruffled. It was his turn to talk to the receptionist,

"H-hey"

Damn it. He stuttered. Clearing his throat, he tried again,

"Hello, I'm Tomo Suzuki. I was hired here recently, is there somewhere Im supposed to be specifically?"

All he got in return was a blank stare from the woman in front of him. Pressing his lips together briefly, almost ready to speak once more but he was interrupted by her finally speaking.

"Ah.. New hire from Japan?"

She asked then nodded, seemingly answering her own question. Even if she sounded bored, he took no offence. Silence fell between the pair before she said something.

"Third floor. Door with the director on the name plate, should have your boss inside."

The loud clacks of her lengthy nails hitting the keyboard started up. Her unenthusiastic tone suited to bleak reception area. There wasn't much too it, a desk for her to work at, a couple couches that looked rather uncomfortable and firm.

He took a step back then stopped, staring at the double doors leading to the staircase then at the elevator. Which was cleaner? Elevators or stairs? Checking the stairs first resulted in the man scrunching up his nose. There were more overflowing rubbish bins that made him visibly cringe. The smell unsettled him too. Elevator it was, it seemed.

It was definitely smaller than he had expected but at least it he didn't have to slouch so much to avoid hitting the top of his head. Tomo fiddled with the hem of his silk glove again, repeating a small mantra for himself.

"Things are okay. I am okay. I have gloves. Things are okay. I am okay. I have gloves."

He muttered under his breath up until he heard the last ding, indicating that he arrived at the third floor. He stopped fiddling with the glove and let his hand drop to his side. Tomo fixed up his posture as he got out of the elevator, hoping that he hadn't just embarrassed himself by ending on the wrong floor. Despite it taking a while due to his constant hesitance, it didn't take him long to knock on the wooden door.

By the second knock, the door swung open. Tomo was met with a large black man, slightly shorter than he is with long locs tied back. He looked like the epitome of kindness despite his face being aged by stress. Tomo couldn't figure out his age but it's not like he was going to ask regardless. That would've been rude of him especially if he was his boss.

The room was somewhat cramped but fit in two mahogany desks, a midsized bookshelf and various drawers seemingly filled with various physical files. One desk was littered with flower themed stationery. The other desk was quite plain, not much taking up the space aside from the black stationary and a couple small family photos. Sitting at the flower desk was Duckie.

'Hm. Coincidence'

He thought to himself then turned his attention back to the man in front of him.

"Salutations!"

The black man first said. His voice was deep and sounded friendly too. It made him relax slightly but it wasn't visible.

"You're Mr Suzuki, yes? I remember your interview"

He held out his calloused hand for Tomo to shake. Hesitance filled him again but he shook his hand anyway. He was wearing gloves, it should be fine, right? The man had a firm grip, opposing his gentle smile. Lucio! That was his name. It was buried deep in his mind, seemingly buried underneath the piles of things he stressed over. The name on the plate helped too, with the mans first and last name.

"This is Ti-"

Lucio was cut off by the intense stare coming from Duckie.

"Duckie. My apologies"

"I've been here for as long as you have, Luci, and you still can't ge-"

It was her turn to be cut off but it was cut off by her short squeak as her head fell towards.

"-Get it right"

She continued. Her head tilted to the side as she got back to what she was doing.

"As I was saying, this is Duckie. We'll both be your boss but she won't always be in this room. It's temporary until the person she is replacing is completely gone"

Lucio explained. A noise of disgust came from Duckie,

"Replacing sounds mean. I didn't do it intentionally"

"T- Duckie. You gave him flowers as an apology"

She rolled her eyes. It wasn't one of her tics and Lucio could tell.

"Don't roll your eyes at me. We may be at the same level but I am still older than you"

Lucio scolded. He headed out with Tomo, taking him to his new desk. Lucio went through what he had to do to get set up properly, going on about training videos that he could access and where he could go for help.

The walk to his desk wasn't long but the tall duo manage to lengthen it with Lucio taking the time to explain things. The desk was bare aside from the basics; a computer with a keyboard, pot of pencils and a company notebook.

"Have fun!"

Lucio said and patted his back. Tomo suppressed expressing his cringe from the touch to try not offend his new boss. He could hear the man retreating to his office. After briefly staring at his other coworkers, he spent a couple minutes to sanitise his area then pushed the notebook into one of the equally bare drawers underneath his desk to collect dust. The minutes he spent lightly cleaning garnered a couple stares from his colleagues.

Work wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Aside from his constant rearrangement of his desk, wanting to keep it speckless like he tried to keep everything else. Throughout the hours up until his lunch hour, he hadn't been bothered by anyone and he hadn't bothered others. Tomo was fully prepared to skip out on eating at lunch to avoid the massive crowd but that plan fell through when he heard the familiar sound of the Duckie's boots come towards him. He stared at her, saying nothing.

"You're my neighbour, aren't you? I remember seeing you three this morning, with your girls. They're both cute"

Duckie started out, earning a quiet thanks from him. Her hand hit the side of her hip then her collarbone.

"Well, want to have lunch with me? It'll be fun to be friends with a neighbour!"

The blonde offered.

'Miki did say I needed friends... hopefully this is a good start'

He thought then nodded in response. Tomo got out of his seat, easily towering over the girl.

"Dios mio, eres alto"

She stared up at him in surprise. They hadn't gotten so close to each other to really understand the difference between them. The midsized woman turned on her heel and headed towards the cafeteria, making sure he was coming with. Tomo had to slow down repeatedly after overtaking the woman.

The cafeteria was crowded, definitely more than he could handle. He should've brought his mask with him. His body tensed up at the thought of being so close to so many people at once, especially since they were all strangers.

"I'll pay! What would you like?"

She chirped before walking confidently into the crowd. He opened up his mouth to say something but she was gone as soon as her sentence finished. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he mustered up the courage to head into the mass to get her. He gingerly took small steps which eventually lead to the woman who was happily chatting away with a coworker like she hadn't essentially ditched him. It really didn't take her long to be spotted with her fruity blouse and black blindfold that matched her high waisted black pants and boots. Even if it wasn't his intention, he had intimidated the coworker into cutting their conversation short and leaving.

"There you are! Why didn't you come with me?"

She spun around to face the Japanese man.

"I.. don't like crowds"

He admitted with a mild blush dusting his cheeks. It was almost unnoticeable, enough that she didn't mention it. Confusion etched itself onto her face before it turned into recognition.

"Oh! Are you a germaphobe?"

She asked, earning a shrug from him. Tomo changed the subject and picked out some food for himself. He didn't want to pick too much i. case it turned out to be expensive.

"Wait over by the entrance. I'll meet you there"

She directed after counting her money in Spanish. Tomo felt relieved that he could finally escape from the lines. Too many people for him. 10 minutes later, Duckie joined him and handed the food over. She took the lead again to find a quiet spot for them to eat at. The pair ended up by a wooden bench with various flower beds along the bath. There was the occasional passer by that neither acknowledged.

"Is this place okay?"

He simply nodded.

"A man of few words, hm? That's fine!"

Tomo let her talk. It was easier than doing it himself. While he was eating, he mostly listened to her talk about flowers. It was rather interesting even if he wasn't going to use the information. Maybe his kids will like the facts?

Duckie was frequently interrupted by her squeaks or the sound of her hand hitting parts of her body. He was certainly curious but he couldn't tell what to ask in case it was too rude. Thankfully, she noticed the blatant staring.

"Is it about what I'm doing?"

"Yes. Are you sick?"

"I'm not sick.. probably. It's just tics but no proper diagnosis. To be honest, I'm afraid of going in case I get immediately dismissed by the specialist."

"What are tics?"

"Hmm.."

She started, trying to figure out how to explain it.

"Chronic, involuntary movements or noises. I think that's part of the definition. I've had it since I was 14 so many years of this"

She shrugged and threw her rubbish away.

Lunch wasn't long but it was enough for Duckie to consider him a friend. Tomo didn't often contribute to the conversation but he did listen.

"Thanks for staying with me!"

She happily exclaimed, followed up by a squeak.

"We should hang out outside of work! There's a cafe I like going to, it's not too crowded during the morning and afternoon"

He stared at her in return as she got up, heading off to wherever she was needed. Duckie seemed to speed walk wherever she wanted to go. Tomo didn't rush, not like he needed to anyway with his long legs. He threw away his trash in the emptiest bin he could find to avoid touching anything he deemed gross.

He was a little late when he got back to his desk. A minute or two at most. He wasn't as tense as he was this morning but there seemed to be no change in how he carried himself.

It was inching closer to the end of his daughters' school and the start of an after school club each joined. They were used to doing after school activities and they wanted to keep it up but Tomo let them choose the club this time. Kyoko chose for them, picking the ones that gave them the best option to be out of the house the longest. It meant nothing since Tomo had to pick them up to come home to an empty home and missing cash.

Once he checked the time, he stood up - fast enough for the chair to roll back a metre or two. He apologised and moved the chair back then collected his things. He notified his bosses anyway, even if he had talked about it during the online interview. He was more than thankful that the job was flexible with his timings.

The drive over to the school wasn't too far and he managed to arrive on time. Tomo decided on parking further away to avoid any crowd. His kids were understanding enough to not question him about it yet. He joined the group of parents, talking in between themselves as they waited for their kids to come out. Aoi came first since her club was shorter.

"Hi daddy! My teacher is really nice! I like the club. I think I made a friend too!'

She started to talk, lightly tugging on his pant leg. It usually meant that she wanted a piggy back. Tomo crouched down and let her climb up while holding onto her bag in his hand. Aoi continued to talk about her day while they waited for Miki to come. The next club was let out, his other daughter in the crowd of children. She was quiet and held out her hand, wanting it to be held. His concern wasn't too obvious though it did start to grow when she stood close by with her grip on his hand tightening. Miki usually wasn't that affectionate in public while Aoi was the complete opposite. Aoi's talking filled up the silence on the walk back to the car. It was nice to hear her happy chatter instead of silence from her.

He carefully placed them down and made sure they were both buckled up before he was starting to drive home.

"Do either of you have homework to do?"

A 'No' came from the both of them.

"Mmm, wanna help daddy cook tonight?"

Another no.

"Can we play hair dresser?"

Miki meekly asked. Tomo thought for a moment then nodded. He was going to move any sharp objects further from them so neither child decided to give him a physical haircut. Despite his hatred of messes, it was common to see him putting up with it for the sake of having fun with his kids.

[nerdtrashextraordinaire]

Knife Boy Plays Nurse (FULL)

Pairing: Diego Hargreeves x Reader

Genre: Just a fluff fest

((I’m going to take the 100 notes mark to mean that you all liked what I had thus far and I appreciate the love! So, as promised, here’s the rest of the fic))

There was a reason you didn’t call him back. The same reason you had hoped he would take that to mean you were busy and wouldn’t try to appear at your apartment unexpected.

But he was Diego, and he always knew when something was off. If you actually were busy, you knew he’d be at his place winding down from a night of patrolling. You’d receive a message here or there, just letting you know that he was awake or where he was going to be if you needed to reach him (since he had accidentally broken another phone, something you had stopped asking how it happened three phones ago). From there it’d probably just end up with him at your place once again, sharing a meal as the two of you talked about what had happened during the time you were apart.

That was how your day should’ve gone. Instead you were curled up in bed, barely able to sit up let alone open your eyes as pain radiated from your temples on top of a fever and a full body ache. It had to be the flu that was being spread between your coworkers, even though you had taken every precaution to avoid falling victim to it. That became more apparent as you heard a key turn the lock on your front door and couldn’t even force a brave face to show Diego that it wasn’t as bad as it looked. You felt like a bus had run you over and then backed up, which you knew without a doubt meant the flu.

“Y/N?” Diego announced as he stepped into your dimly lit apartment, knife in one hand while the other closed the door behind him. The heavy thumping of his boots, which should’ve been intimidating, brought a sense of calm over you even though you really didn’t want him to come over.  

Before you had the chance to answer, your bedroom door was open while Diego’s silhouette stood in the entryway. The rising sunlight that was beginning to fill your apartment highlighted his form, and in your feverish state you almost swore he was an angel even though that was always the pet name he used for you.

“Don’t come any closer,” you warned, albeit a bit dramatically as you threw your arm over your eyes to block out any sort of light. “I’m sick. Really fucking sick. And I have a fever so I’m contagious.”

All you heard at first was a softer approach than when he had first entered your place, then the squeak of your bed frame as you felt your mattress dip beside you. His fingers pressed against your forehead, which felt cool against your flushed skin when they were normally so warm and inviting. “Who told you I was sick?” you mumbled after pulling your blanket over your mouth.

“Your boss. I had a feeling something wasn’t right, so I was going to go see you for the peace of mind. Except when I got there, you weren’t and I was told you had called in sick,” he explained as he got off the bed and wandered into your bathroom to get a cool, wet washcloth which he draped across your forehead. “Why didn’t you just tell me? I can’t promise I’ll be the best nurse but I can give it a shot.”

The fact that he thought it was about his caretaking capabilities brought a faint smile to your face as you dropped your arm so you could open your eyes slightly to look up at him. “I didn’t want to get you sick, stupid. I feel like ass and the last thing I want is for you to feel like this,” you explained, adjusting the cool compress with a soft groan. “Besides, no one has taken care of me since I moved out of my parents’ house. I got this.”

“Oh, yeah? Then why don’t you see me out?” he suggested, a challenging tone to his voice as he stood and gestured for you to do the same.

Glancing at his hand then back up at his smug expression, you considered actually trying just to see if you could prove him wrong but decided against it as another wave of aches washed over you. “Okay, I can’t. But I can still take care of myself. Go home, get some rest, and I’ll talk to you tonight.”

Diego snickered, not so much at your predicament, more so it was just his natural reaction when proving someone wrong. Normally the sound led to you jumping him out of frustration at his cockiness, but the thought of any sort of movement at that moment made you sick to your stomach. “I’m not going anywhere, and here’s why,” he began as he kicked his boots off and crawled into bed with you, just draping his arm around your frame to keep from jostling you too much. “If I were this sick, holed up in my apartment, would you listen to me if I told you to go home? That I could take care of myself?” “No. Of course I wouldn’t,” you reply with a heavy sigh, thankful that there was no laughter from him this time.

“Alright. Then I’m going to run to the drugstore, get whatever looks like it’ll help, and I’ll be right back,” he assured you as he pulled away from you once more, bringing an involuntary pout to your face while he pulled his boots back on. “It’ll just be for a few minutes, angel. Then I’m all yours until you’re feeling better.”

“I thought you were going to patrol tonight,” you countered, not that you’d ever complain about him not going out and putting himself in harm’s way.

“Not until I’m sure you don’t have the plague,” he reaffirmed, giving you that heart melting smirk before lifting the cloth on your forehead for a moment to kiss it. “Be right back.”

                                                      *****

Not long after Diego left you fell asleep once again, unable to keep your eyes open for long which inevitably led to more rest which you weren’t going to argue that you needed. After some time, you began to blink awake to the sound of movement coming from outside your bedroom door. Although you knew who it was, you still felt compelled to call out to him.

“Diego?” you croaked out, clearing your throat after once you heard how hoarse your voice was.

“Good morning again, princess,” Diego answered as he entered your bedroom, now wearing a t-shirt and sweats compared to his full crime-fighting get-up. You had been reassuring him for awhile that it was okay for him to leave some things at your place, and though you only worked him down to the clothes he slept in, you took it as a start. “How’re you feeling?”

“Still horrible,” you replied as you rolled over to face him with a slight wince, something that brought a subtle frown to his features as he sat on the edge of the mattress. “What did you get at the drugstore?” “I got you some sports drink so you don’t get too dehydrated, a fever reducer, some crackers so you can get some food in you,” he began listing as the back of his hand felt your forehead again before flipping it over to gently stroke your hair back.

“Wow. Not bad for a guy who only has a bottle of expired alcohol and gauze pads in his medicine cabinet,” you quip, managing a slight grin.

“That’s because I treat my body right, and I don’t need all that other stuff,” he replied with a shrug, a chuckle escaping before he nudged you. “Besides, I followed my mom around a lot growing up. I’m not as good at this as her, but I did pick some things up.”

You could practically feel your heart flutter whenever you were reminded how much he adored his mother, and mentally thanked Grace considering you could see how much she influenced him in moments like these. So much of his gentle, caring nature stemmed from her and you were thankful that Reginald didn’t fully shape who he was. Because this wasn’t Number Two or The Kraken. He was just a man caring for someone he loved, putting the fate of the city on hold for once.

“I’ll get you some medicine and something to drink, then you better make room for me up here,” Diego explained, pulling you from your thoughts before he was up and making his way to the kitchen. When he returned, he had a bottle of the drink in the crook of his arm along with a small box with the medicine just like he said.

“How did I get so lucky to get such a competent and good-looking caretaker?” you asked as you tried to push yourself up some, letting out a long groan after doing so as pain shot through your skull at the movement.

“Keep it in your pants until you can move without hurting,” he instructed as he rejoined your side, placing the medicine in your hand before offering you the opened bottle.

Taking the pill with a swig of the drink, you grumbled as you handed the bottle back and began cuddling into his side. “This is what I needed,” you mumbled into his waist as you sunk down and draped your arm over his torso.

“So you’re playing hooky for some Diego love. Now it makes sense. You never get sick,” he teased as you felt his strong arms circle around you and keep you close to him.

“Yep. You’ve discovered my dastardly plot. Take me away, officer,” you mumbled, eyes already closed again while his familiar scent began to lull you as it always did.

“I think this one can stay between us. I’m certainly not complaining,” he hummed as the hand on your back began to stroke up and down slowly, the other one traveling to your thigh to pull your leg to drape over his.

“You know you don’t have to stay the whole time. I’m probably just going to be sleeping for awhile, not much fun,” you pointed out, tilting her head up to blink up at him to look for any signs on his face that told you that could be the route he wanted to take. Of course you wanted him to stay, but you didn’t want him to stick around just because he felt obligated to.

But his face was relaxed, almost in a daze as he smiled down at you and placed his hand on your flushed cheek to stroke with his thumb. “Some rest sounds great. You know I can’t sleep for shit without you,” he told you simply before leaning down to kiss your forehead again, only letting this one linger before he settled back into the pillows. “Like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”

You had to smile as you hugged your pillow tighter and settled in, letting his even breathing and the luring smell of his laundry detergent lull you back to sleep just as you heard him begin to hum to you softly. If you had the choice to not be sick, you’d take it in a heartbeat. But there were worse ways to spend a day off than falling asleep in the arms of the man you loved.

[noahhernandez]

12/20/2018

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? lol,, Janett, no she’s gay and I’m gay 2. You talked to an ex today, correct? fuck no 3. Have you taken someones virginity? no 4. Is trust a big issue for you? Sort of kind of but not really.  5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? I don’t really like anyone!  6. What are you excited for? Nothing!! Getting my cardigan from my Aunt on Christmas because I want to wear it.  7. What happened tonight? I went to my dad’s house, visited with him, my grandparents, my older brother and his partner, and my brother and I played super smash brothers, where I was superior 8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? Hell no!! Let’s have fun 9. Is confidence cute? Depending on what said person is confident about. 10. What is the last beverage you had? I just finished a vanilla coke, other than that I had two iced vanilla lattes 11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? A lot. 12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? I think I only own skinny jeans 13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? I am not sure, I am opening at work, so I may see my mother.  14. What are you going to spend money on next? Probably an iced coffee. 15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? No.  16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Three months?? Maybe but probably still going to be a mega bitch 17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? Michelle, Keith, and Brianna 18. The last time you felt broken? Back in May when I wanted to kill myself. 19. Have you had sex today? Nope 20. Are you starting to realize anything? That my dad is kind of a dick to my grandparents 21. Are you in a good mood? I just finished watching Halloween (2018) so yes 22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? In a cage lol 23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Yes, dark brown. 24. What do you want right this second? A VENTI ICED VANILLA SOY LATTE WITH AN EXTRA SHOT 25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? I do not like anyone 26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Yes, black. 27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? I don’t even want to be around people who don’t make me laugh 28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? hmm .. When I was playing SSB and King K. Rool literally flew off the stage and kill himself, making me victorious  29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? I miss Michelle, Peter, and Faith 30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? After my very shitty relationship came to an end, I realized that people do not deserve a second chance. Because I gave this person a lot of chances and where was the benefit of that? ?  31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? My brother? Fuck no! 32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? another one of these 33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? I drink soda often, mostly just coffee 34. Listening to? Dance to This x Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande 35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Every other monday at work when I am doing my inventory. 36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? At home idk 37. Do you believe in love at first sight? no 38. Who did you last call? I think it was ... Maybe Leann.  39. Who was the last person you danced with? I feel like I danced recently??? but nobody 40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Because I was drunk and bored 41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? Ew i hate cupcakes probably a long time ago 42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? No 43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? probably 44. Do you tan in the nude? Heck no 45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Does not matter to me 46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? I do that a lot 47. Who was the last person to call you? my coworker, Leann 48. Do you sing in the shower? No :( 49. Do you dance in the car? wiggle wiggle wiggle do dod odoo doododo 50. Ever used a bow and arrow? from the walmart 51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? When I was 17 getting my senior photos taken 52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? fucking hate musicals 53. Is Christmas stressful? No because I don’t get anyone anything 54. Ever eat a pierogi? looks like it says pigeon  55. Favorite type of fruit pie? apple pie 56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a lawyer 57. Do you believe in ghosts? No sure 58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? No 59. Take a vitamin daily? Vitamin? 60. Wear slippers? Don’t even own a pair 61. Wear a bath robe? Don’t own that either 62. What do you wear to bed? I wear sweat pants and a t shirt 63. First concert? Motley Crue is the first one I attended and I jammed the fuck out of Papa Roach, and MY first concert was Iggy Azalea  64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Walmart 65. Nike or Adidas? Does not matter both are expensive and I own both 66. Cheetos Or Fritos?  HOT cheetos 67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? neither 68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? um bad blood w kendrick lamar 69. Ever take dance lessons? no! 70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? being rich 71. Can you curl your tongue? yes 72. Ever won a spelling bee? No i can not spill disease  73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? not to my knowledge 74. What is your favorite book? I haven’t read in forever. I can not think of one right now.  75. Do you study better with or without music? with out 76. Regularly burn incense? no 77. Ever been in love? Sadly. 78. Who would you like to see in concert? As much as I do not like looking at his face, Troye Sivan. 79. What was the last concert you saw? Lil Debbie 80. Hot tea or cold tea? Iced 81. Tea or coffee? COFFEE 82. Favorite type of cookie? Oatmeal Raisin 83. Can you swim well? no lol 84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? yes i am not a pussy bitch 85. Are you patient? depending on what for; 86. DJ or band, at a wedding? DJ!!! 87. Ever won a contest? no :/// 88. Ever have plastic surgery? no! 89. Which are better black or green olives? black olives!!!! 90. Opinions on sex before marriage? I was mostly focused on not having sex before I found like “love” or whatever and I am still like about that. I do not want to get married 91. Best room for a fireplce? a living room 92. Do you want to get married no lol, I do not want to get married. 

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 97

from school plays, to plant priests

 Asher: "So, where we going again?"

izumi: festival square.

Asher: "..." *starts walking in the opposite direction--*

izumi: *drags them by the hoodie* come on, it'll be fun!

Asher: *dragged, their shoes along the sidewalk* =___=; "There better be something I can beat with a stick..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: "W-Will you be there?"

soul: of course i will. *head pat*

Damon: QwQ *hug*

soul: *hugs*

becky: *hugs*

Hyde: *wipes a tear* "So precious."

soul: ^^;

Damon: "??? Uncle Hyde? Are you coming?"

Hyde: "Well, how many tickets?"

soul: we'll save you and licht seats.

Hyde: "Goodie! I promise not to be too harsh in my review."

Damon: "... 'Review'?"

Hyde: *holds up a press pass*

becky: -_-; how many jobs do you have?!

Hyde: OWO "I NEVER SLEEP!!!"

Damon: Q___Q *hides behind Soul*

soul: -_-;

-elsewhere-

zhanna: *looking through paperwork*

Coworker: <Busy day?>

zhanna: <yeah.> *sigh*

Coworker: <??? You slept at all?>

zhanna: <of course i did, why wouldnt i have?>

Coworker: ._.; <I was just going to say sleep helps to get through the kind of fully scheduled days you tend to have...> ^^;

zhanna: <right.>

coworker 2: <hey, zhannya, you got a phone call from the states!>

zhanna: ?? <oh?>

Caller: <Hello? Miss Pushkin? Death City Insider here...>

zhanna: <yes, hello. what did you want to ask me?>

Caller: <I was reading about your work in Golden Cockrel. Our viewers would love to hear more!>

zhanna: <oh, w-why thank you.>

Coworker: <Don't accept! Ask that they fly you in!>

zhanna: <i'm sure it'll be fine, i wouldnt mind that.>

Coworker: -3-

Caller: <Um...Did you want to come to the States?>

zhanna: <of course, i wouldnt mind.>

Caller: <Let me check with my boss, and we'll let you know which dates and times are available for your flight. I look forward to meeting you in person!>

-elsewhere-

Ogun: *hands a box to Nozomi* <That's the last of it. I think we're ready to get back on the road!>

nozomi: ^^

fang-hua: *waves*

Mr. Huo: *waves*

Ling: <Come back soon, Sister!>

shinra: ^^

Takeru: <Onward to the Renewed Land of Potatoes!>

Pan: *shifts gears on the van*

-elsewhere-

felisia: *looking around*

Patient 1: *looking uncomfortable, eyes darting around the room*

felisia:.... *looks down*

Patient 2: *reading a magazine* "Hmm..."

felisia: *cough* mm-mm....

Patient 2: "??? Oh dear--you okay?"

felisia: j-just nervous is all ^^;

Patient: "First time?"

felisia: it's....complicated.

Patient 2: "Oh...Sorry. But how are you?"

felisia: nervous, excited. not sure if i'll do a good job...

Patient 2: "Then I think you're feeling what most new moms do." *smiles*

felisia: y-yeah......

Patient 2: *looks at Felisia's fingers* "You knit?"

felisia: ah, y-yes. i do a lot of sewing and dressmaking too.

Patient 2: "D'aw! Imagine the outfits you'll make for your little...um...Boy or girl?"

felisia: a boy.

Patient 2: "A nice suit, then?"

felisia: i suppose.

Patient 2: "...Who's waiting to take you home, dear?"

felisia: well, my family. *smiles*

Patient 2: *nods* "Good! They excited?"

felisia: *she nods*

Patient 2: "...I think my kids are jealous..." ^^;

felisia: oh? how old are they?

Patient 2: "6 and 4."

felisia: oh that's nice. ^^

Patient 2: "Their aunt is watching them. What's your name?"

felisia: felisia.

Patient 2: "Helen."

felisia: *smiles* so do you know what you're having?

Helen: "A girl."

felisia: have you picked out a name?

Helen: ^^; "Not sure. Keep looking through those books. I'm so desperate I'm going to Tolkien."

felisia: ^^; i've already chosen a name for him, but it's a secret for now.

Helen: "Oh? Not even your family?"

felisia: not just yet.

-elsewhere-

Meme: *wipes sweat off her forehead* "One more log to chop."

mio: *in weapon form* *panting*

Meme: "??? Okay, break time..."

Enrique: *squeezing berries for juice*

mio: *changes back* *phew* im dead. *collapses onto the ground* =A=;

Enrique: *offers a cup of berry juice*

mio: *sips* ahh... thanks enrique.

Enrique: "Goh!" ^w^

Tezca: *in a horse mask* "Okay, I'll shoe the next one."

Horse: O_O;

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *grinding herbs*

younger witch: i'm back.

Older Witch: "Welcome. You retrieve them?"

younger witch: got them right here.

Older Witch: "Were you seen?"

younger witch: i dont think so.

Older Witch: "Good...Good work. Did you see anyone?"

younger witch:....those shibusen brats are still hanging around.

Older Witch: "...Tch. Tourists." *tosses down herbs*

-elsewhere-

Yosano: <Well, you seem to be doing well.>

leo: thank you, doctor. *smiles*

Yosano: "You're welcome. Did the medicine help?"

leo: yes.

Yosano: *nods* "How are your ankles?"

leo: ?? my ankles?

Yosano: "Sometimes the weight gain can affect the lower extremities."

leo: really? well, not that you mention it, it has been harder to get my shoes on.

Yosano: "A little swelling...I'll pick you up some shoes." *flashes credit card* "I needed a shopping trip~"

leo: oh, i wouldnt want to trouble you-

*The credit card says D. Kunikida*

Yosano: "It's a business expense."

leo: ._.;

Gin: *pops in* "Please pick us up new socks."

Tachihara: "And soda."

leo: ._.;;; oh. oh goodness....

Yosano: "Excuse me, are either of you pregnant?"

Gin: "No."

Tachihara: "...I don't think?"

Yosano: ^^# "Then leave. Now."

leo: ._.;;;;;;;;

Gin: -_-;

Tachihara: Q_Q *backs away*

Yosano: ^^ "Leo, how's your back? We can get you more pillows, too."

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looking out the window* "What's the first thing you'll do when we get back to Death City?"

shinra: give rel and iris the biggest hug.

Ogun: "D'aw..."

Takeru: "Give these fruits to Patty to try!"

fang-hua: i'll check in with how the 7th's been surviving.

Viktor: *still reviewing notes* "Determine why pi was in the Shintai..."

Arthur: "...Now when you say 'surviving'--"

Ogun: "How about you, Juria?"

juria: eh, same old.

Ogun: "Property damage?"

juria: perhaps.

Arthur: "And you, Nozomi?"

nozomi: research.

Ogun: "It'll certainly keep you busy..."

nozomi: yeah, no kidding. ^^;

Ogun: ^^; "And you, Tamaki?"

tamaki: im gonna practice my nun training.

Takeru: "Your fighting technique was incredible, too! I owe you my life..."

tamaki: ^^

Takeru: "And almost no bad luck or embarrassment!"

Arthur: "..."

Ogun: "..." *facepalm*

tamaki: ....dont jinx it, please.

*The van hits a bump in the road*

tamaki: ACK! *she fell out of the truck*

Ogun: O_O; "...YOU SEE?!"

Arthur: "Oh, no...Captain, Tamaki fell out!"

-elsewhere-

Helen: *looking uncomfortable*

felisia: are you alright?

Helen: "I-I think you better get the doctor here now..."

felisia: o-oh goodness. ._.;;; u-um, d-doctor?

Doctor John: "??? Oh, Helen! Let's get you to the room..."

Helen: "Y-YEAH! About time--AH!"

felisia: ._.;;;;;;;;;

Helen: *looks at Felisia* "I-I'm fine! It's going to be okay..." *weak smile*

felisia: *gulps*

Doctor John: "Nurse, prep the bed."

nurse: on it!

Helen: *panting, breathing*

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *looking at the contest list* " 'Fashion show'?"

naho: i'm totes gonna enter.

Sakuya: "Ideas what to wear?"

naho: there's different categories for the show, so i'm gonna enter the 'cute' category!

Sakuya: "I see..." *taps her nose* "Gonna need the best dress to accentuate your cuteness."

naho: ^^

Sakuya: "Something in your closet, or something new to buy?"

naho: i have a few things~ ^^

Sakuya: "I bet..."

-elsewhere-

Mr. Noto: *raking the ground* "Phew!" *wipes his brow, looks at the setting sun* "...???"

-there is a truck in the distance-

Mr. Noto: "!!!" <They're back!>

Takeru: *outside the window, waving* <Hello!>

Pan: -_-# "Get back in the truck before your height hits a tree branch..."

mrs noto: !!! takeru!

Takeru: *laughing happily* <We solved the great potato case--> *falls out the window, landing on the ground, while the truck keeps moving forward*

mrs noto: D8> <my baby!!>

Mr. Noto: O_O;

Takeru: *sits up* <I'm okay.> ^w^ *he has a small nosebleed*

mrs noto: *HUGS*

Ogun: <Hello, again, Mr. and Mrs. Noto.> ^^;

Pan: *unpacking a tent from the truck*

fang-hua: <it's nice to meet you again.>

Mr. Noto: ^^; <Thank you for watching our son. Are you all okay?>

mrs noto: <please, come on in, dears. i was just about to get dinner ready!>

shinra: <more or less, yeah.>

Pan: *drops a box--picks it up, pockets it*

Mr. Noto: <Well, you'll need to eat up. How long you staying?>

fang-hua: <we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow.>

Mr. Noto: <Make yourselves at home. Fang-Hua, you visited your family?>

fang-hua: <yes. they're doing well.> ^^

Cow: *confused 'Moo?'*

Mr. Noto: -_-; <Please ask your friend to stop.>

-elsewhere-

Damon: *practicing his lines to himself again*

becky: *waits for him to finish before entering the room*

Damon: *stops* "..."

becky: *opens the door* hey, dad made pizza rolls.

Damon: "!!! O-Oh? Thanks..." ^^

-elsewhere-

Anya: "And how did you come to join the DWMA?"

kirara: it's a long story.

Anya: "...Oh." -^- "I suppose I can relate to that."

esther: ah yes, it was such a long time ago, i barely remember it, fufufu~ well, i met kirara at the DWMA japanese branch and we've been best friends since. we're practically like sisters~

Anya: "Awwwww! And what was the Japanese branch like?"

kirara: it was busy work. eventually we were asked to become teachers at the DWMA.

Anya: "Which subjects do you like to teach?"

esther: i teach battle strategy and kirara teaches mythology and japanese history.

Anya: "Oh. Ms. Mortes, could we review some strategies?"

esther: of course~

-elsewhere-

Konro: "So..."

Benimaru: "..." *nods*

kabuki: congratulations!

Benimaru: -\\\-;

Konro: *bear hug* TwT "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!"

kirei: ^^;

Benimaru: -\\\\\-### "Let go."

Tsukiyo: T~T "D'aw..."

-elsewhere-

Nurse 1: *checking vitals*

baby: *crying*

Helen: TwT "There, there..."

Dr. John: "Your baby is healthy--and loud." ^^;

Helen: "Runs in our family."

nurse: have you picked a name?

Helen: *nods* "Kayla..."

nurse: what a sweet name. ^^

Dr. John: "I hope our other patients won't be too disruptive--we ran out of beds, so--"

Shotaro: *bandaged* ^^; "But Mana, I won two quarters!"

mana: -_-;

Helen: "I'm sure it'll be fine. Has my sister shown up yet?"

*Tiny footsteps are heard in the hallway*

???: "You're going the wrong way!"

mana: ?? *pokes her head out*

???: "I SAID I KNOW WHICH WAY TO GO! They said Room 417! *walking right past Room 417--and spots Mana* "?!! Mana?!"

mana: bryn?!

*BEAR HUG*

Bryn: "WHEN DID YOU HAVE A KID AT YOUR YOUNG AGE?!"

mana: >.<; i didnt! im here because my friend fell off an ice pillar and hurt himself.

Bryn: "..." *All Might laugh* "HA HA HA! Oh, the passion of youth..."

Shotaro: "Mama Mana! Mama Mana!"

mana: -_-; so what brings you?

Bryn: "This woman!" *hugs Helen* >W<

Helen: ^^; "Sis, please..."

kayla: gu?

ellie: auntie! *HUG*

Bryn: "And these little rugrats needed a 'sitter..."

Micah: "..." *pokes Shotaro's bandaged arm*

Shotaro: "OUCHIE!"

-elsewhere-

Takeru: "--and then they traded the potatoes they took with these delicious fruits!"

mrs noto: <oh my.>

Takeru: <But no one will be stealing from our farm again!>

Arthur: *whispers* <Except fire scorpions...>

shinra: *elbows him*

Arthur: >_<#

-elsewhere-

Meme: "That berry pie smells great, Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: thanks!

Meme: "Care for some, Any--"

Anya: O_O;;;;;;;

mio: um...anya? you ok?

Anya: "B-Battle strategies...Scary..."

-elsewhere-

Duncan: "So, what do you say? Be my meister~?"

girl: *MANIC LAUGHTER* no.

Duncan: QwQ "B-B-But I told you how awesome I am!"

girl: doesnt mean im impressed.

Duncan: "W-Well, you should be! Just wait--I'm going to show what an awesome weapon I am! And then you and every other girl in this academy will be around the block just begging me to be their partner--and I'll laugh in your face!" >_<

girl: *already talking to someone else*

Duncan: D : < "Nuts to this!" *turns, walks--into a wall*

genny:.....so lame. *nom*

Kanin: ^^; "It's hard not to feel some sympathy..."

lei-lei: ^^

Kazue: "..." *snore*

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: "..." *crumbles up a sheet of paper, tosses it* "...Damn it."

preston: mah, mah, you seem rathuh troubled.

Yafeu: "...Writing to someone."

preston: oh?

Yafeu: "...Orphanage, if you want to know!"

preston: ah, ah see.

Yafeu: "I just have trouble putting words on paper--SO IT'S REALLY HARD!" *slams his fist onto the table*

preston: perhaps trah typin' it on ah typewritah?

Yafeu: "It's the words giving me problems, not the device!"

preston: maybe get tutorin?

Yafeu: "... ... That's not a bad idea. Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "How is she?"

stocking: nervous.

Kid: *nods* "Have they induced labor?"

stocking: not yet.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *rests her head on his shoulder*

Kid: *strokes her head*

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *holds her hand*

felisia: *breathing hard*

Dr. John: "Time between contractions is narrowing...Get her to the room."

felisia: Q_Q;;;;

Mephisto: "It's going to be okay, darling--this is how to make sure our baby is delivered healthily..."

felisia: o-o-ok...

Dr. John: "Sir, you'll need to put on scrubs. Nurse, take him while we bring Felisia to the room..."

-elsewhere-

Emine: "Here, I brought you these." *hands Shotaro flowers* "I stole them from a patient who fell asleep."

Shotaro: "D'aw!"

Bryn: "Ha ha ha! You have some wacky friends." *nudges Mana*

mana: ..... *sweatdrop*

Bryn: "So, which one's your boyfriend?"

mana: *SPITTAKE*

Emine: "..." *points at Shotaro*

Shotaro: ^^; "Well, I am a boy and a friend."

Bryn: "Wonderful!" *grabs Shotaro's hands--and squeezes hard* "IF YOU BREAK HER HEART BEFORE OUR FIGHT, I'LL RIP OUT YOUR SPINAL CORD AND STAB YOU IN THE HEART WITH IT." ^^#

Emine: ("Hmm...Three bad deeds in one day. I'm doing quite well.")

mana: *covers her face* oh my gooooood....

Shotaro: OwO; "...I bite on bones so not to die from such injuries?"

Bryn: "??? Is this some young-people talk?"

Emine: *snaps a pic of Mana with his phone*

mana: it's....a long story.

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *rolls out his sleeping bag in the barn* "I will sleep here in the dragon's den."

Cow: O_O

shinra: ... *sweatdrop* classic arthur.

Takeru: Q_Q <Please don't upset her...>

nozomi: ^^;

Ogun: *finishes the tent* "All set here!"

tamaki: awesome!

Pan: *passes out sleeping bags*

juria: zzzzz

Takeru: "???" *sets sleeping bag down over her*

juria: *snort snore*

Takeru: ^^;

Pan: "We'll be up early to help around the farm."

-elsewhere-

Joker: *points at the map* "They keep their fortress out in the open so they can see anyone coming in..."

izzy: what a bunch of pompous assholes.

Joker: "Well, it is a religion that sees itself as above all other religions..."

izzy: someone needs to knock them down several thousand pegs.

Joker: "That's why I am seeking help. This is not a one-person job." *points to the underground* "Unfortunately, getting there underground is nearly impossible, especially after the Kishin attack years ago."

lust oni: darn, that limits our options...

Joker: "How many of you would be needed to knock down the door?"

izzy: well, we have a few powerhouses in our ranks.

Joker: "Hmm...Good. I think we'll grab someone else, too."

-elsewhere-

{*There's a boy sitting in an alley*}

{child: hey kid, you're on our turf.}

{???: "..."}

{child: what are you, stupid or something? this ally belongs to the sheep, now buzz off!}

{???: *mutters* "Shut up..."}

{child: eh? *grabs him by the neck* the hell did you say to me?!}

{Child 2: "Hey! Easy!" *pats his arm* "Just let the kid down easily, okay?"}

{child:... tch-}

{???: *silent* "..."}

{girl: what's your name?}

{???: "...Chuuya."}

{girl: nice to meet you, chuuya. my name's may. ^^ are you lost?}

{Chuuya: "...Don't know..."}

{may: ?? do you have parents?}

{Chuuya: "..." *shrug*}

{may:.....}

{child 3: where did you come from?}

{Chuuya: "I don't know."}

{may:....why dont you come with us?}

{Chuuya: "..." *grunts*}

{may: it's ok, we wont hurt you. *smiles*}

{Chuuya: >_>; "...Where?"}

{may: to the sheep's base.}

Chuuya: "..." *pulls up something on his phone: 'Sheep'*

mito: *asleep on his lap*

Chuuya: *it's just images of sheep* "..." *pets Mito, as he searches 'death city sheep'*

-nothing-

Chuuya: *sigh* "Damn it."

mito: *soft purring*

Chuuya: *strokes her* ("What happened to them...Are any left?")

-elsewhere, in the woods-

-there is a colony of large tents-

girl: we're back! and we brought supplies!

Boy: *holds up a paper bag* "Here..."

riko: alright, let's see. batteries, snacks, duct tape, bottled water. nice job guys.

Boy: *nods* "We tried..."

riko: hey, any supplies is good supplies.

Boy: "..." *nods*

riko: bring it to levy's tent so he can take stock on it, ok?

Boy: " 'Kay..." *moves to a tent* "Hello?"

???: "State your name!"

girl: albert hemmingsworth pendleton the third.

Boy: ._.; "...Zack?"

???: *throws open the tent* "I know those are not real!"

girl: hey, cut us some slack, levy, you know i have to tell a lie every day as my condition.

Levy: -^-; "It hardly makes you trustworthy...What did you bring?"

girl: *hands him the bag*

Levy: *checks* "Batteries, bottled water...Where's what I asked for?"

girl: what did you ask for?

Levy: "My tin of meat!"

girl: it's in the bottom.

Levy: *pulls it out--and rubs his cheek against it* ^w^

girl: weirdo.

Levy: *taps the tin* *makes lip noises* "Come here, sweetie! Dinner's here..."

Boy: "...How come he gets to adopt a stray, Hachi?"

hachi: i dunno.

*One of the boxes in the tent shakes--as a cat with one eye pops up*

hachi: hey miskit.

Miskit: *meow* *starts sniffing the can*

-elsewhere-

juria: *walking back to the farm with a stray dog following her*

Pan: "... ... ...What is that?"

juria: >->;;;;;; present for the notos.

Pan: "...'Present for the Notos'? How is that a present?"

juria: WHAT DID YOU WANT ME TO DO, LET IT BE SLAUGHTERED?! D8<

Pan: "Who would be killing a dog?! You expect that story to fly?"

juria: *GIVES HIM A LOOK*

mrs noto: ........^^; <we'll see if we can find him a home.>

juria: thanks. gonna hit the sack, lates. *walks off*

dog: o^o~?

Pan: "Of all the nerve..." <I'm sorry for her behavior...>

mrs noto: <it's fine.>

-elsewhere-

Patty: *walks into the waiting room, drops a pile of snacks* "...I may have broken the vending machine."

liz: -_-;

Kid: ^^; "It's the thought that counts..."

-SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM-

stocking: OxO;

Kid: O_O;

Patty: "??? Did someone pass a watermelon?"

stocking: .w.;;;; that's natural, that's natural, that's natural... *shaking*

Kid: *holding her* "It's okay. Your mom is safe."

stocking: right, right. owo;;;

Patty: "Maybe take the drugs when they offer them..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *pulls up another blanket* "Brr! Even though it's warmer weather than winter, the insulation in old buildings sucks..."

mio: *SNEEZE* =~=;;

Meme: "..." *hug*

mio: mmmmm *nuzzle*

Meme: *smooch*

mio: =///////=

Meme: "Same...I love you."

mio: love you too, meme... *nuzzles into her breasts* =/////= im so glad boobs are a thing.

Meme: O\\\\O "...Y-Yeah...Soft, huh?" ^\\\^;

mio: *purrs*

Meme: *strokes her head, hums lightly*

-elsewhere-

naho: *looking through her wardrobe*

Magaki: "...Anything?"

naho: almost got it. in fashion competitions, it's important to know what kind of theme your outfit will have, and to coordinate the proper accessories and color scheme.

Magaki: "And what theme is this outfit?"

naho: still working on it.

Magaki: "Hmm...Something 'cute'?"

naho: yep! the contest as a few different categories; cute, elegant, sexy, gothic, and costume.

Magaki: "...You're a bit too young to go for the 'sexy' category, young lady."

naho: >3< i'm older than i look, you know! i'm only 20!

Magaki: "...You look younger."

naho: i became a vampire when i was 18, so i guess so.

Magaki: "Hmm..." *looks at their hands, then at mirror--and sees nothing* "..."

naho:....hmmm....

Magaki: "Yes, well...Have you asked Lavender?"

naho: she said she'd do it too. ^^ i bet she'll look so cool on the stage! ^^

Magaki: "Sounds like fun...Do you think Tsubaki will?"

naho: i havent asked her yet.

-elsewhere, early morning-

baby: *crying*

felisia: *smiles*

Mephisto: TwT "Hello, little one~"

felisia: *strokes the baby's head* happy birthday, shion.

shion: *opens his eyes*

felisia: he has your eyes.

Mephisto: "And your cheeks..."

shion: ??

felisia: ^^

Mephisto: *strokes Shion's head*

stocking: *enters* we came in as fast as we could.

felisia: stocking, say hello to your brother, shion.

shion: ah?

stocking: *smiles* hey little guy. i'm your big sister. ^^

Kid: *watching* QwQ

-elsewhere-

Meme: *yawns* "Morning, everyone..."

tsugumi: morning!

Anya: O_O

Meme: "Everyone sleep well?"

ao: yes, though i did hear some odd noises in the night.

Tezca: *brushing his teeth...on the mask...while his mask has a cucumber mask* *pretending his voice is muffled by brushing* "Oh? What kind of noises?"

ao: like howls and scratches.

kirara: hmm..

Meme: "A squirrel got inside?"

Anya: "What squirrel howls?!"

tsugumi: hmm, lets take a nature walk!

Meme: "Yes!"

Tezca: "Watch out for bears."

kirara: -_-;

Anya: "Please tell me someone brought bug repellent...and bear repellent..." T~T

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *raking* <Here's where the new seeds can go!>

shinra: ah. *planting*

Ogun: *playing with the dog*

nozomi: hehe. ^^

Ogun: *tosses a ball* "Fetch!"

dog: 8D

Ogun: ^^ "Good pupper..."

-elsewhere-

Eijiro: "Here you go, little one!" *moving a ladybug outside on his finger*

Bakugo: -_-# "Is it gone yet?"

sero: yeah, it's out. you know, ladybugs are actually a sign of good luck.

Eijiro: ^w^ "Then maybe we'll have good luck at summer training!"

-elsewhere-

Dabi: "..." *chuckles*

twice: think up a good joke, fam?

Dabi: "Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to the next mission."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: <--and then the animals paid us back with these fruits, and this kitsune appeared, and Shinra was empowered by a woman in a black cloak-->

fang-hua: *covers takeru's mouth*

Takeru: OxO "Hmm?!"

mrs noto: <sounds like quite the adventure> ^^

Pan: <We're happy to have gotten through it unscathed.>

-elsewhere-

Kid: *packing the bag*

liz: you two gonna be ok?

stocking: *she nods* it'll just be for a while.

Kid: "And we'll be able to help around the house."

Patty: "??? ...I thought that was what maids are for--"

-chop-

Patty: >~< "OWIE!"

ellen: -_-#

Kid: ^^; "We'll be helping Stocking's parents, as well as the new baby."

lord death: should give you some more practice for when you have lil kiddos of your own one day.

Kid: .\\\\\.;;;;;

stocking: ^///^;;

Yumi: "Don't tease them..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *holds up a leaf* "And look at this specimen!" *it has a butterfly on it*

children: wooow!

Motojiro: "Soon this one will set eggs down, which hatch into--what's the answer?"

philip: cat-a-pillers?

sonia: actually it starts out as larvae.

philip: oh. ^^;

Motojiro: "Correct!" *puts a star stamp onto Sonia's worksheet*

sonia: ...thank you.

Motojiro: ^^ "You're welcome."

sonia: *nods and listens silently* ....

Motojiro: "And what butterflies consume for sustenance?"

sonia: *looks at one of the other kids*

Jakob: *yaaawn*

tom: flowers?

Motojiro: "More specifically, their nectar!"

maggie: ah.

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "All set?"

felisia: i think so...how long do i need to recover?

Dr. John: "You'll be fine to move around after 2 weeks, but your perineum will need 6 weeks. We have your next appointment in four days."

felisia: i see.

Dr. John: "Just remember, my medical opinion is based on human physiology, so I may be over- or under-estimating. But call if you need anything or have any questions."

felisia: *she nods* ok.

Mephisto: *knocks on the door* "Your ride awaits~" *brings in a wheelchair*

felisia: ^^;

Dr. John: "Um, Mr. Pheles? Our hospital staff is the only one permitted to operate the wheelchair to guide Felisia out..."

Mephisto: Q_Q "...But it's custom!" *presses a button on the chair--and 'La Cucaracha' starts playing*

felisia: *trying to suppress laughter*

Dr. John: ^^; "Heh...Well, that'll be useful--around your own house. For now, Miss Blair and Mrs. Albarn--I mean, Sachiko will help."

felisia: thank you.

sachiko: ^^;

Blair: "Let's do this!" *grabs the wheelchair handles*

felisia: OwO;

Dr. John: -_-; "Blair. Go slow, especially around the corners."

Blair: -3-

-elsewhere-

-dazai's phone rings-

Dazai: *answers* "Hoi hoi."

???: you're osamu dazai, yes?

Dazai: "...Is this about a pretty woman? Please say yes."

???: .....i've been told you're good at getting information, correct?

Dazai: ^\\\^; "Well, I don't mean to brag..."

???: let me just get to the point. i have information on something big that's about to happen in death city. but i'm going to need you to help me in return.

Dazai: "...Yeah, this is boring me. Goodbye--" *moves to hang up*

???: shibusawa and dostoyevsky are about to make a move on death city.

Dazai: "..." *takes back the phone* "Those names again, please."

???: tatsuhiko shibusawa and fyodor dostoyevsky.

Dazai: "...What do you need?"

???: ...help me find my mother.

-elsewhere-

Belkia: "Aren't you all spruced up~!"

naho: *she's in a cute green and brown themed dress with matching ribbons and shoes* thanks. i decided to go for a mint chocolate chip theme.

Sakuya: *thumbs up* "Adorable."

naho: ^^

lavender: good luck today. ^^

Higan: "We'll be cheering you on."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Hello?" *walks inside*

maid: welcome.

stocking: *waves*

Kid: "Greetings." *sets down luggage* "We are here to help the new parents."

maid: glad to hear. you'll both be staying in the young madam's room.

stocking: oh sweet. ^^ my old room.

Kid: "Excellent!" *follows Stocking*

stocking: *opens the door to her room* *inhales* ah...

Kid: "Good memories?"

stocking: i suppose. *lays down on her bed*

Kid: *closes the door behind him, lies down as well*

stocking: ....

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: mmm.... u////u

Kid: "??? Stocking?"

stocking: hm?

Kid: "..." *nuzzles*

stocking: mmm... it's funny. thinking about how far our lives have come...

Kid: ^\\\^ "Heh...I was so nervous to talk to you..."

stocking: yeah....*hugs*

Kid: *hug, pat pat*

stocking:...*crying slightly*

Kid: "Stocking?"

stocking: j-just memories of the past...

Kid: "..." *nods* "I think I understand that..."

stocking: ......private school was a bad time for me.....

Kid: *nods* "Yes...And you're here now."

stocking: right...right......

Kid: "...Do you feel safer?"

stocking: *she nods*

Kid: "...Are there any regrets?"

stocking: .....when we were just children, i shouldnt have gotten mad at you back then...i would have loved to have been childhood friends with you...

Kid: "So would I...and I wasn't very, well, easy to deal with back then..."

stocking: i guess. *chuckles* but i find it more endearing now than i did.

Kid: ^\\\^; "Maybe with age, better qualities make themselves more obvious?"

stocking: i suppose, hehe.

Kid: "For example, your kindness only grows more every day."

stocking: aww. u///w///u

Kid: "I know everyone appreciates you...and so will your new brother."

-elsewhere-

Bryn: "I'm staying with my sister's family. You live near the hospital?"

mana: actually, we live in the kasamino district.

Bryn: "Oh? What's that like? I don't know the area..."

Emine: *mutters* "Given how lost she got..."

mana: *elbows emine* it's nice.

Emine: >_<#

Bryn: "Just you three?"

mana: there's lots of people, like yohei, chie, tuhl, saki, lin, medea, nea-

Bryn: O_O; "...Girl, how many kids you have?"

mana: they arent my kids! if anything _we're_ the kids... it's kind of like a boarding house in a way where we live.

Shotaro: "Like 'Hey Arnold'!"

mana: sort of like that.

Bryn: "I love that show! I put it on for the fam all the time! And you work 'round here?"

mana: mostly odd-jobs here and there.

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "Fashion show? Sounds trendy!" ^w^

Asher: *eyeroll*

lukas: 7///7;

Saria: *pat pat* "I'm sure it'll be fine..."

Duncan: "Ha! Like any of you would even win a competition like that." *bishie pose* "Not like me...I've done professional modeling!"

Zeke: "So, want to try out?"

Asher: "Hell no." *they are ignoring Duncan*

Duncan: D : <

Yafeu: "THAT KILIK RUNG GUY DID MODELING BEFORE! I HEARD HE DONATED THE MONEY TO CHARITY!"

axel: i thought is was lunge?

hibiki: eh. *shrug*

Yafeu: >\\\\<####

Duncan: *spots the sign up sheet* "..." *light bulb, devil horns* *smiles wickedly*

lukas: ??

Duncan: *writes onto it, sets it back, walks away whistling*

lukas: ??? *looks*

*Looks like certain NOT students just got signed up*

lukas: D8>

hibiki: huh.

Asher: "Oh, hell no! Grab it--"

*Someone on staff grabs it*

lukas: AHHHHHHHHH!!!! D8>

Saria: Q___Q

Zeke: "...Huh?"

axel: what just happened?

Zeke: "We're going clothes shopping, bro!"

axel: aw sweet!

-elsewhere-

Mantis: *obsessively rubbing the back of his hand along his face*

izzy: calm down, would ya? you're giving me the jeebies.

Mantis: "I'm grooming! I groom before missions, fights, and bed!"

izzy: okay then?

Mantis: *grunts, looks around* "And the rest of you all should get ready, too!"

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *opens the door*

stocking: welcome back, guys.

felisia: *nods*

shion: zzzz

maid: KYA~! SO ADORABLE! >w<

felisia: shh!

Kid: ^^; "Can you blame them?"

felisia: ^^;

shion: ?? =A=

Mephisto: *whispers* "Hello, Shion~"

shion: *yaaaawn*

felisia: ^^

Kid: "He's so small..."

stocking: he kind of looks like a mini you, dad. (i fear for him.)

Mephisto: ^^ "You think so?!"

stocking: yeah, same eye-shape and all.

shion: =A=

Mephisto: "D'aw, I'm blushing~"

Kid: *looking at Shion* "???"

stocking: *sweatdrop*

Mephisto: "What do you think, Shion? Do we look alike?"

shion: ah.

Mephisto: "See? He agrees!"

stocking: whatever you say, dad. *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: "I look forward to getting home. It'll be a welcomed return."

shinra: yeah. *yaaawn*

fang-hua: *packing*

Ogun: "Need any help, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: sure, if anyone wants to help, feel free.

tamaki: will do!

-elsewhere-

Kuro: *sipping the broth out of the ramen* "Ah." *holds up bowl* "More."

waitress: coming right up.

mahiru: TTwTT;

Kuro: *burp* "How's your money?"

mahiru: i may have to bury my wallet...

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *holding up Toru* "How's his outfit look?"

chie: he looks so handsome, dont you lil guy?

toru: rawr! *in a little dino costume*

Yohei: ^^ "Big dino!"

chie: ^^

Tool: "Good look, kiddo. What brings this on?"

chie: thought we'd get him dressed for the parade today. ^^

Tool: "Neat. I think I heard Kepuri saying something--"

Kepuri: "Out of my way!"

chie: OxO;

toru: ??

Kepuri: *in a bug-themed dress* "I got a competition to kill!"

akaderu: knock 'em out, babe.

nea: wait up for me! >3<

Shinoda: "You'll do great!"

Kepuri: "Then pick up your feet! I'm driving!"

nea: QvQ;;;

Tool: "..."

Yohei: "Relax. I put speed controls on the car..."

Kepuri: "I DISABLED THEM!"

Yohei: "..." *covers Toru's ears* "No need to hear Daddy's language..."

toru: ah?

nea: ....shinoda, hunny~ would you please drive us~? *puppy eyes*

Shinoda: "Of course~" ^\\\^

Kepuri: -_-###

chie: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *falls onto a couch* =w=

leo: <busy day, motovya?>

Motojiro: *nod nod* <They learn so much...I hope.>

leo: *smiles and pats his head*

Motojiro: =w= <And how are you two?>

leo: <doing well, trying to take it easy...>

Motojiro: <That is valuable...> *sits up* <How may I help?>

leo: hmmm. <i suppose later down the line, you and the others could help with housework? i apologize if this is a lot to ask of you->

Motojiro: *suddenly full of vigor* <I would love to.> *smiles*

leo: oh, um t-thank you. ^^;

Motojiro: "Of course--you're welcome! Shall I begin with dusting?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Wow, that's unfortunate."

Kazue: *grunts*

hibiki: should be fun, though, i guess

Zeke: *holds up bowties* "Which one, bro? I'm going for an Eleventh look."

Asher: T~T

axel: hmm, go with the red in that case.

izumi: asher? you ok?

Asher: "...How the fuck am I supposed to afford a fucking outfit?"

Zeke: "But which red, bro? Cherry, brick, or scarlet?"

izumi: how about i get you something?

Asher: "I don't need your charity..."

izumi: its not about being charitable, dummy! it's because i'm your partner, and partners look out for each other!

Asher: "...Tch. Stop with the 'power of teamwork' crap, okay...Let's just get this over with...Like I even know what to wear..."

izumi: then we'll help you find out. ^^

Asher: *grumbles* "What a shit-show--"

Yafeu: "ENOUGH LANGUAGE! LET'S GO!" *picks up Asher over his shoulders and carries them*

hibiki: off to the mall we go.

axel: woot woot!

Zeke: "Awesome!"

Kanin: ^^; "It's nice how close they are, huh--"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

lei-lei: it's so sweet~<3

genny: it's nice. *taking notes*

Duncan: D : < *Grinch face* "THAT'S NOT HOW THIS PLAN WAS TO WORK! They should be at each other's throats!"

genny: duncan. you're a dick. fuck off.

hibiki: you know we can hear you dude, right?

Duncan: "... ... ..." *runs--into a wall*

Kanin: ._.; "..." *takes out a first-aid kit*

-elsewhere-

Meme: *watching birds* "That's another!" *marks it on her bingo card* "What a fun nature walk!"

tsugumi: ^^ *looking around for footprints or scratches on the trees*

Anya: *adjusts her bonnet, looking up through the trees* "Really bright out..."

ao: indeed.

tsugumi:... ??

Anya: "Oh? What?"

-seems to be some footprints-

Meme: "Human?"

tsugumi: seems more beast-like.

Meme: "Hmm..." *checking a guidebook*

tsugumi: maybe the source of the footprint is the same as the one making those noises??

Meme: "Hmm...Looks canine to me..."

ao: well, there are wolves in the area from what i've heard.

Meme: "Maybe that's what has gotten around, clawing up things at all hours of the night--"

Anya: Q_________Q

-elsewhere-

Iida: "I have made sure to pack only the essentials--yet I am struggling to locate an adequate first-aid kit."

bee maid: would you like some assistance?

Iida: "That would be appreciated--thank you!"

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "So 1B is going too?"

sero: seems so.

Bakugo: "Shit...Like we need more extras there..."

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *rocking the baby to sleep*

shion: zzz

Mephisto: =w= *yawn*

felisia: *resting her head on his shoulder*

Mephisto: *nuzzle*

-elsewhere-

*He opens his apartment door...*

girl: *groans*

Man: "..." *sets down a knapsack*

rosemary: fa.....the....r....

Man: "I'm here..." *sits before*

rosemary: *tries to look at him*

Man: *smiles weakly*

rosemary: .....

Man: "I'm almost ready. Just wait a little longer..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *unlocks apartment door*

mrs blythe: *asleep on the couch* *snoring*

Asher: "..." *quietly carries their bags to their room*

mrs blythe: *snort snore*

Asher: "?!" *looks back*

-still sleeping...-

Asher: *frowns, continues into their room*

-everything seems to be as it was that morning-

Asher: "???" ("Sis must be at work...")

-elsewhere-

sonia: *hiding in a blanket fort, reading*

Chuuya: "???"

sonia: hi papa.

Chuuya: "Hi. What an impressive structure!"

sonia: thanks...

Chuuya: "What are you reading?"

sonia: the hungry caterpillar.

Chuuya: "How is it?"

sonia: it's nice......*sigh*

Chuuya: "...You okay?"

sonia: still having trouble relating to the other kids.

Chuuya: "...I'm sorry. Did you have lunch with them today?"

sonia: *nod* i dont mean to sound vain when i say this, but i think i might be ahead of the other kids, academically? does that make me weird to them?

Chuuya: "No, not at all. Do they treat you as 'weird'?"

sonia: i dont think so, but i feel like i am...

Chuuya: "...I know this may not be encouraging to hear 'everyone goes through this,' and I won't pretend that what you've experienced is...typical. But I do know one thing..."

sonia: ...

Chuuya: "You're smart, compassionate, and caring. And those traits will give you all you deserve and want..."

sonia: hmm.....

Chuuya: "...You're so much like your mother..."

sonia:....want to come in?

Chuuya: *smiles* *nods* "I hope I'm not too tall to-- ... ... ..." TwT

sonia:....*rests her head on his lap*

mito: *mii*

Chuuya: *pets Mito, strokes Sonia's head*

sonia: love you, papa...

Chuuya: "I love you too, Sonia."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *snoring*

Arthur: "Zzz..."

Ogun: "..."

fang-hua: ....

juria: zzzzzz.....

tamaki: finally, we'll be home soon...

Ogun: "It'll be good--but it'll mean getting to work with this new info--"

Pan: "And being careful who learns it."

Viktor: "..."

nozomi: ...

Ogun: "...Yes, sir. But when people learn about this, how will they react?"

Pan: "We'll have to anticipate that..."

nozomi: *nods*

Viktor: "..." *writes on his pad*

Ogun: "How you think your commander will react to your return, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: well, if a bit grumpy as he tends to be.

Ogun: ^^; "My sympathies..."

-elsewhere-

naho: the first day of the fashion contest was a success!

Sakuya: "Great work out there!"

lavender: congrats in making it to the next round. ^^

Black Star: "When's Round 2?"

naho: this weekend, for my next outfit, i'm thinking of doing a sailor type outfit.

-elsewhere-

Konro: *knitting*

Tsukiyo: "...I'm just...Wow, sir."

kabuki: ^u^

Konro: "Best to be prepared..."

Tsukiyo: "It's like 17 onesies, sir..." >_>;

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *tossing in bed* "..." *sits up* =_= *gets up, walks to the kitchen*

atsushi: zzzzz

sylvia: *sleeping on the couch*

Kyoka: "Hmm..." *opens the fridge* ("Please let there be leftovers...")

-seems there is-

demon snow: ~seems you're in luck~

Kyoka: *takes out tofu, opens the microwave door*

sylvia: nnh....

Kyoka: *starts heating it, turns to check on Sylvia*

sylvia: ....

Kyoka: *sits by the couch while waiting for the tofu* "..."

sylvia: mm....miss- k-kyouka?

Kyoka: "Hello. Sorry. Did I wake you?"

sylvia: i-its ok...

Microwave: *ding*

Kyoka: "...Hungry?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Well, feel free to share..." *takes out the tofu and some soy sauce* "Sleep okay?"

sylvia: i guess.....

Kyoka: "That's good...Couch okay?"

sylvia: i-its much more comfortable than the floor was...

Kyoka: "...Oh..." *sets down the plate* "Maybe we can find a bed already..."

sylvia: i-it's fine, i-i wouldnt want to trouble y-

Kyoka: "It's only a little effort. We'll see what is available and affordable. I'm sure we can buy something. Any preferences?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Not even a waterbed?"

sylvia: n-no.

Kyoka: "Ah. I'm sure Yosano knows a bargain. And Kunikida can take some money out of Ranpo's snack budget..."

ranpo: *from his room* dont you muthafuckin dare

Fukuzawa: "Language."

Kyoka: "….We'll make it work."

sylvia: ...

Kyoka: "...Do you need more blankets, or..."

sylvia: i-i'll be ok...*tries to smile*

Kyoka: "...You need and deserve a good bed for good sleep."

sylvia:....c-can i...

Kyoka: "...?"

sylvia: s-sleep in....y-your bed? >///< s-s-sorry i-if that's t-too we-weird to ask-

Kyoka: "Yes, you may."

sylvia: O////O r-r-really??

Kyoka: "It's only fair: you need your sleep..."

sylvia: o-o-o-o-k-kay t-t-then....

Kyoka: "..." *finishes her meal, sets the plate into the sink* "..." *walks to her bedroom, leads Sylvia*

sylvia: *gulps, sweating*

Kyoka: *sets another pillow onto her bed, pulls back the blanket, lies down* "...Is there enough room?"

sylvia: *plops in* .////////////.

Kyoka: "..." >\\\> *pulls up blanket* "Warm enough?"

sylvia: *nod nod*

Kyoka: "Good..." *turns off the light* "Sleep well, okay?"

-morning-

Kunikida: *preparing breakfast*

aya: so, any plans for golden week?

atsushi: golden week?

Kyoka: "Japanese holidays also observed in Death City." *sips tea*

atsushi: ...i've never actually celebrated golden week before. ^^; but i do know my birthday is around the end of golden week.

Kyoka: "Then we can combine the two..."

atsushi: i guess.

aya: when is your birthday, even?

atsushi: may 5.

aya: you were born on children's day? lucky you!

Kyoka: *nods*

atsushi: ^^;

Kunikida: "Just because it is Golden Week does not mean our office will be any less busy." *sets down breakfast*

atsushi: *nods*

Kyoka: "Hmph. As long as it doesn't get in the way of Greenery Day..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "May we get you anything?"

felisia: we'll need extra diapers and baby powder, also what kind of food would be best for him to eat? should it be organic??

stocking: easy mom, easy.

Mephisto: ^^; "I put in an order for diapers, and I'm reading a delightful book on food preparation--"

*The book is titled 'Making Babies with Excal--'*

Kid: *tosses the book out the window*

felisia: ._.;;;;;

shion: =A=;

Kid: -_-#

Mephisto: =3= “Rude.”

stocking: ^^;;

???: *a voice outside* "Ow...A book."

stocking: sorry 'bout that!

felisia: amaimon?

Amaimon: "That's me. Where have you been? I came here days ago..."

felisia: hospital.

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "??? ...Who is that?"

felisia: your nephew. ^^

Amaimon: "...Huh. Does it have all its limbs?"

stocking: of course he does. -_-;

Amaimon: "Hello, spawn. I am Amaimon."

shion: ama.

felisia: i guess that's your way of saying hello, isnt it, shion?

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "Hello, Shion. What are your abilities?" *starts typing on his phone*

stocking: uncle. he was literally born yesterday.

Amaimon: "Shh. I have to share this online..."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: *smiles* "You must be excited...The Festival."

michelle: *she nods*

Neuhaus: "I'll be ready in another minute. Best get your jacket..."

michelle:...*nods*

Neuhaus: *grabs his own* "I hope the weather holds out..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: *walks up to the stage*

soul + becky: *watching in the audience*

Hyde: *holding up a sign: "YOU CAN DO IT, DEMAN!" *the "E" and "A" are crossed out to fix the spelling*

licht: *in disguise*

Damon: O_O; "..." *looks at 'Dorothy'* "Of course, I don't know, but I think it'l get darker before it gets lighter..."

girl: do you suppose we'll meet any wild animals?

"Tin Man": "M-Maybe?"

girl: oh.

Damon: O_O "Animals that...eat straw?"

"Tin Man": "Some--most likely tigers--er, lions, tigers, and bears."

Hyde: *whispers* "Bullshit. Lions don't eat straw--"

Becky: shh!

-elsewhere-

sachiko: *looking at files*

Blair: "How're the patients?"

sachiko: fairly well.

Blair: "I just got the little ones to sleep..." *yawns* "Cat nap..."

sachiko: ^^

Blair: "I'm going on break. Can you cover?"

sachiko: sure thing.

*POOF*

Blair: *in cat form on Sachiko's lap* =w= "Zzz..."

sachiko: *sweatdrop*

Dr. John: "Oh, how cute!"

sachiko: one of those death city things, i suppose.

Dr. John: "Weird town..." *sits* "Speaking of, the festival's going on..."

sachiko: yeah.

Dr. John: "Is Izumi going?"

sachiko: i think so. *smiles*

Dr. John: "That'll be good--can't have her studying without a little fun."

sachiko: i think..this has been good for her.

Dr. John: "She's enjoying her lessons?"

sachiko: *she nods*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *adjusts collar* =^=

izumi: it looks nice on you. ^^

Yafeu: *devil-horn hand pose* "ROCK ON!"

lukas: *hiding*

Saria: *in a pink sweater, black skirt, and a scarf* "It's okay, Lukas..."

lukas: *steps out.....in a skimpy maid costume* TT~TT

Saria: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

axel: dang.

Zeke: "Bro, we got our work cut out for us..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: ^^; "H-How was it?"

becky: you did great!!

soul: way to go, little man! *head pats*

Damon: T\\\w\\\T "Th-Thanks..." *hug*

becky: ^^

Hyde: *writing notes* "I think the scenery needed work, the musical score sounded like it was played off of someone's cell phone--"

becky: to be fair, it _is_ an elementary school play.

Hyde: "THE THEATRE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS! We need to hold every actor to a high standard!" *looks at 'Tin Man'* "You got at least 9 lines wrong--"

"Tin Man": Q_Q "..." *punches Hyde in the balls*

director: have you considered helping out with the school arts department?

Hyde: Q~Q *clutching his crotch, high-pitched voice* "Oh? Is there an opening?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *wiping the floor*

felisia: l-like this? *attempting to breastfeed*

stocking: *nods* give the head plenty of support.

felisia: right.

shion: *suckling*

Mephisto: *in the kitchen, prepping snacks*

felisia: you hungry, baby?

shion: *lets go* ma!

Kid: *hearing outside* "Oh? Did Shion already say his first word?"

felisia: i-i dont really know yet. ^^;

Kid: "Well, sounded like 'Ma' to me...I'm just about done cleaning the hall and--UMPH!" *it sounds like he fell*

stocking: kid?! *runs out to check on him*

Kid: -_-# *he tripped over Amaimon, who is sitting in the hall, reading comics with 3 empty or half-empty cans of soda*

Amaimon: "...When are snacks?"

stocking: *helps kid up* -_-# if you're going to loiter, do it in your room, NOT IN THE HALL.

Amaimon: *whines* "But it's so far away..."

stocking: *picks them both up and carries them*

Kid: .\\\.

Amaimon: "???"

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *reviewing worksheets* "Hmm..."

ayako: *fiddling with a fidget spinner*

Motojiro: "Students are doing well with this lesson...How is the 'project' coming along?"

ayako: lookin' good.

Motojiro: *grins* "Marvelous."

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "Hmm..."

kirei:....?? *notices someone approaching*

*It looks to be a set of priests?*

Benimaru: "..."

Konro: "Oh...Church of the Sun?"

reimi: hello, may we help you?

Apostle: *smiles...it looks fake* "Greetings. We are here to speak with Benimaru Shinmon."

reimi: any particular reason?

Apostle: "Regarding your shrine...and our Church."

reimi: ...

kirei: *looks at benimaru*

Benimaru: "..."

Apostle: "You see, um...heh, 'Sister,' we wish to preach the word of our savior to your people."

reimi: with all due respect, we already have-

Apostle: "No, you don't. What you have is an affront to our lord...and we want to show you the light..."

reimi: *sweating* i-i can take you to the shrine head-

Apostle: *smiles* "How lovely. I suppose it is true what they say about shrine maidens here: they will obey..."

reimi: ....

Benimaru: *watches* "..."

Apostle: "Now, be a good girl--" *puts a hand on Reimi's shoulder*

kabuki: is there a problem here? ^^#

Apostle: "??? Oh? Why would you say that...Are you from around here?"

Benimaru: "..."

kabuki: i'm a captain of the 7th.

Apostle: "Ah, well, this is a religious matter, not one for those engaged in low combat practices..."

kabuki: and that gives you the right to touch the young lady without her permission?

Apostle: *removes his hand, smiles* "It meant nothing! I'm just being friendly. Was I not friendly, Sister?"

reimi: *she doesnt say anything*

Apostle: *sneers* "See? She's fine. Now let her lead me to the shrine, and mind your own business: your appearance offends me."

kabuki: how so?

Apostle: "Are you even a real man?"

Benimaru: "..." *he's gripping the porch...and it's starting to splinter...*

kabuki: 100% XY chromosomes.

Apostle: "Ha! I find that hard to believe--"

*BOOM*

reimi: !!!

*Where the Apostle stood is now a line in the sand--before a loud crash is heard, and an outline of his body in the wall of someone's house*

Benimaru: *still sitting on the porch...his fist is flaming*

kirei: are you alright, reimi?

reimi: i-i think so...*shaking*

*Inside the house, the Apostle is collapsed, unconscious*

Apostle: X_X

Baby: *in high chair* "...Goo?" *flings food from spoon at the Apostle*

apostle 2: *picks the first apostle up and flees* this isnt over yet!

Benimaru: -_-#

mother: *hitting them with a spoon* <GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! OUT! OUT!> D8<

apostle: >~<;;

Baby: ^w^ "Ha ha ha!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: here we are, home sweet home!

fang-hua: i cant wait to get back to asakusa and take a long na-

*GLOMP*

fang-hua: AH!

Tsukiyo: *nuzzle* "I missed you!" >w<

fang-hua: ^^; hello fang-hua.

iris: *waves*

shinra: rel! iris! *HUG*

Relan: ^\\\\^ "Hey, there!" *hug*

shinra: i really misses you two a lot.

tamaki: how's everything on the homefront?

iris: we actually got two new recruits.

Relan: "We did, too...The 8th needed more power while you were out...But we got more help now."

shinra: oh sweet!

Patty: "TAAAAAAAAAAAAKEEEEEEEERUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!"

Takeru: OWO;

*CRASH*

nozomi: ^^;

karin: hey kiddo! *waves*

Ogun: "Heh--they're happy."

nozomi: auntie! *hugs*

Vulcan: *waves* "Yo."

karin: ^^

Ogun: "??? Um..."

nozomi: right, ogun, this is vulcan, he's also with the 8th.

karin: and you know who i am, right?

Ogun: "Right, Doctor--we met before." ^^

Vulcan: "??? 'Ogun'? Like the god of smithing?"

Ogun: "Yeah...Nice tats."

karin: so, how're things with you and my niece then~?

Ogun: "..." .\\\\.

nozomi: auntie! >///<;

karin: smells like a good sign to me~

Vulcan: "??? Doc, maybe don't tease them..."

Viktor: "..."

tamaki:... ?! kana?!

misery: hello~ kana wanted to greet you on your return.

Kana: *hug*

tamaki:.........................*hugs kana and sobs* TT~TT

Kana: >~< "I missed you, Big Sis."

Arthur: "..." *small smile*

???: "THERE YOU ARE, MY BOY!"

Takeru: *holding Patty in his arms* "!!! C-Commander!"

Honda: *bear hugs Takeru and Patty* "THERE YOU ARE! WELCOME BACK!"

hito: *salutes* welcome back.

Pan: "..."

Takeru: *awkward salute*

Honda: "OH, CAPTAIN PAN! Good to see you as well."

Pan: *salute* "Sir."

juria: tch-

Honda: "??? Oh! The ill-tempered one! What was your name, cadet?"

juria: your mom's ass-

tamaki: she's Juria Itagaki.

Honda: "Hello, Momsass Juria Itagaki!" *salutes* "A pleasure to meet you!"

juria:..................

tamaki: ... *sweatdrop*

Ogun: "..." *stifling a laugh*

-elsewhere-

Anya: "Then there's this mushroom..."

tsugumi: *nods nods*

ao: any signs of anything suspicious?

mio: so far none that i've seen

kirara: ...

Tezca: "Avoid the mushrooms that make you see fairies and elves..."

esther: and dont step on any fairy circles.

Anya: "???"

Tezca: "...I mean, you _could_, but you'd need a flyswatter--"

kirara: tezca no.

Tezca: =3=; "You don't let me do anything."

esther: ^^

kirara: i'm just making sure you dont get yourself hurt or arrested. again.

Tezca: "Joke's on you! I got this!" *pulls out a Monopoly card*

kirara:.......*sigh* -_-;

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *writing notes at the judge table*

Announcer: "Next in the Elegant category...ZEKE CALLAHAN!"

axel: you got this bro!

Zeke: *adjusts his tie, walks* ^^;

Boy in the audience: *claps*

uwabami: oh my, he's really rocking it out there.

Zeke: *poses*

Hibana: "Hmm...Seems to be trying too hard. A little nerdy..."

Girl in the audience: "Woo!"

Saria: *looking at the stage* "He's doing really well." *has tissue up her nose*

hibiki: not bad at all.

Zeke: *walks back to the backstage, gets beyond the curtains...and falls to his knees* "Oh, man, bro! I was so nervous, bro!"

axel: you were on point AF! *thumbs up*

Zeke: QwQ *fist bump*

hibiki: want a capri sun?

Zeke: *nod nod* "Thanks, Hibiki..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "Welcome home, son."

shinra: *hug*

Akitaru: *pat pat* "How're you doing?"

shinra: exhausted. have lots to tell you about what happened.

Akitaru: "I look forward to it--so how about you take a nap first."

Petra: *adjusting glasses* -^-

shinra: will do... oh, you must be the new recruits! my name's shinra.

rita: *signing* <it's nice to meet you.>

Petra: "Rita has said 'It's nice to meet you.' I am Petra, and I suggest you deal with your jet lag by napping for no more than 6 hours so as to adjust yourself to the time zone change..." *checks her pocket watch*

shinra: um....okaaaay?

Akitaru: ^^; "Sister Petra is like clockwork when it comes to time..."

Petra: *signing for Rita, while staring intensely at Shinra* O^O

shinra:..riiight.. ^^;

Petra: "Hmph."

Ogun: *RAMBLE RAMBLE* "--talking animals!"

Vulcan: "SERIOUSLY?! Oh, man, I wish I was there! What about *RAMBLE RAMBLE blacksmithing talk*--"

Pan: *seated on a couch, holding a suitcase* ._.;

lisa: they seem to be getting along well. ^^;

miwa: oh hey! you're back!

sayu: BIG BRO SHINRA! *tackle hug* WELCOME BACK! ^u^

Pan: "Indeed. Ogun has a flexible personality to speak to many..."

Petra: "!!!" *dodges the tackle hug*

nozomi: *smiles*

Petra: "How large _is_ this division?"

tamaki: well, miwa and sayu are part of the mercenary fire brigade, squad 0.

Petra: "I see..." *looks at Tamaki* "A nun?"

tamaki: yes, i also work as a soldier. so i guess i'm like a battle sister. ^^

Petra: "Hmph. That explains the missing habit." *glances at Arthur* "..."

-elsewhere-

leo: *URK*

pushkin: *holding leo's hair out of the way*

Gin: "Easy..."

leo: *panting*

katya: yeah, i'd had mornings spent praying to the porcelain deities. but in my case, it was from being drunk as all hell.

Gin: "...Charming. Shall we call the doctor?"

leo: *cough* *pants*

katya: may as well.

pushkin: *holding leo up* steady now lev, we got ya.

leo: t-thank you...

Gin: *dials*

leo: *laying down*.........*crying*

Gin: "...Oh dear."

kouyou: *pats her back* there there.

leo: *sniff*

Motojiro: *walks in--and--* "!!!" <Leo?>

leo: *sniff* i-im ok...i-i think it's just the hormones...*smile*

Motojiro: *nods* "Please, rest...We'll have the doctor here soon..."

pushkin: *getting water*

Gin: *on the phone* "Yes...Okay. See you in a bit." *hangs up*

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: OwO; *spots the damaged house* "...What did Commander Hottie do while we were out?"

fang-hua: ...i'm back, everyone!

kirei: oh, fang-hua, welcome.

kabuki: how's your family?

fang-hua: they're well.

reimi: glad to hear...*sipping tea, her hands shaking*

fang-hua:...?? reimi? are you ok?

Konro: "...An unfortunate encounter." *smiles* "We're glad to have you home. We'll need you here now."

fang-hua: understood. i'll do my very best.

kirei: although for now, i suggest sleeping. you did have a long journey, after all.

fang-hua: isnt _that_ the truth...

Tsukiyo: ^w^ "Let's get you tucked in..."

fang-hua:.....*smile* (it was nice seeing my family again...but i think i'm home now.)

Benimaru: *walking by*

fang-hua: *nods* i'm back, commander.

Benimaru: "..." *small smile* "Kohana."

fang-hua: ^^; guess some things dont change.

Benimaru: "...Can I speak with you?"

fang-hua: of course, what's up?

Benimaru: "...For the time being, avoid the other brigades."

fang-hua: sir?

Benimaru: "The Church of the Sun encroached on Asakusa. We do not need more prying eyes while...while a lot is about to change here."

fang-hua: ...

Benimaru: "You saw the damage to the Ito residence? You can blame the Church for that."

fang-hua: ?! commander...what all happened here while i was gone?

Benimaru: "I don't know why, but the Church has increased its interest in us, I anticipate to proselytze."

fang-hua: hmmm....

-elsewhere-

juria: *mumbling*

*It sounds like a whine nearby*

juria: ?! (dafuq?) *glances*

*There's something shaking in a cardboard box in an alley*

juria: .___.;;;; (oh....oh fuck no.)

*There's a puppy inside, shaking, looking underfed*

juria: *sweats* oh no, dont you fucking dare try to make me feel bad for you. >////>;;;

Puppy: *saddest eyes--coughs*

juria: well what the hell do you expect me to do?! im not in a fucking position to be bringing a dog back to the ba-

Puppy: *nuzzles against her leg*

juria:.......... *picks up the puppy and runs* FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

-at the 6th-

-LOUD KNOCKS-

Asako: "???" *answers*

juria: hey four-eyes, you got anyone where with dog allergies?

Asako: "?! 'F-Four-eyes'? I-I don't know--"

juria: *shoves the dog into her face* HERE! IT'S YOUR PROBLEM! DONT LOOK AT ME! *RUNS*

Asako: O_O; "..." *looks at the puppy*

Puppy: *shivers...licks Asako's face*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "He seems happy--and he looks adorable."

shion: zzzz

Kid: ^^ *tucks him in*

-elsewhere-

Bryn: *prepping dinner*

Helen: "Zzz..."

mr renouf: thanks again for coming over, bryn.

Bryn: "You're welcome--and she's my sister, and I get some frequent flyer points for this trip..."

mr renouf: glad to hear.

Bryn: "More travel for more competitions...How's work treating you?" *sets down two cups of decaf*

mr renouf: pretty well. i do have one frequent customer who gets really estatic when her packages arrive. i guess the mail is really important for some people, and i'm glad for that.

Bryn: "Good to be excited about your work--and people depend on the mail for good news."

-elsewhere-

Saria: OWO;;; "..." *awkward penguin walk on the fashion show stage*

Kanin: *in the audience, polite clap* ^^;

Duncan: >_>; "This is hardly as funny a prank as I thought it'd be..."

Hibana: *jotting notes*

saria's dad: you're doing amazing, sweetheart!

saria's father: YEAH! THAT'S OUR BUGBEAR! ^u^

Saria: ^W^;;; *awkward wave*

Hibana: "...Hm. Well, she has the 'cute' routine down..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *sets down his suitcases...puts a long box on his bookshelf*

4th captain: welcome back, pan.

Pan: *nods* "Hello. Good to be back. Has the Commander requested my presence?"

4th captain: if you have anything to report back to him, then go on ahead. ^^

Pan: "I will..." *looks back at the box before departing for Commander Arg's office* *knock knock*

arg: come in.

Pan: "Captain Pan Ko Paat, returned from Qingdao, sir." *salutes*

arg: ah, welcome back. i take it the mission was a success?

Pan: "I hope. We have found new information that may lead us to answers regarding...Adora."

arg: !!! *right in his face* please. tell me. e v e r y t h i n g.

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: *drying her hair, setting down 2 cups of milk* "--and then with the Commander and the Mrs. getting pregnant--well, that's just shocking."

fang-hua: wow, congratulations to them. *smiles*

Tsukiyo: -3- "Yeah, yeah--but don't act like you aren't jealous, too."

fang-hua: why would i be jealous?

Tsukiyo: "You were crushing on the Commander, too, right?"

fang-hua: no! it wasnt like that!

Tsukiyo: *eyebrow raised* "For real?"

fang-hua: to be honest, i always considered the commander to be like an older brother.

Tsukiyo: "...Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to misinterpret..." *sips milk*

fang-hua: it's fine, some people just view things in certain ways i guess. *side glance*

Tsukiyo: "...Yeah..." *smiles* "Did you change your hair again?"

fang-hua: i just let it down since i'm going to bed soon.

Tsukiyo: "Ah..." *finishes drying her hair* "Hope sleep will help you--you must've been exhausted..." *sits by her*

fang-hua: yeah.

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sips water*

hans: i'm back with groceries!

Chuuya: "Let me help..." *takes some* "How was it?"

hans: it went well. got some more wine for johann, too.

Chuuya: "He packs it away, huh?"

hans: yes, we do have a wine cellar here, after all.

Chuuya: "... ... ..." *shaking*

hans: sir?

Chuuya: "IT'S FINE!" *clears his throat* "F-Fine..."

hans: o...kay then.

Chuuya: "Does our benefactor ever...share his wine?"

hans: hm? well, we have had drinks together. 7//7

Chuuya: "Would he be interested in sharing some with me?"

hans: oh? i could ask him to consider it. would you be interested in talking to him? i cant guarantee anything, such as him even being awake at the moment 7-7;

Chuuya: "I can try, thank you..." *gets up, walks to Goethe's room* *knocks*

goethe: the door's open.

Chuuya: "Excuse me, Mr. Goethe?"

goethe: hmm? oh you, you're...nalahara, right?

Chuuya: "Yes, 'Chuuya Nakahara.' Hello...So...Um...Wine."

goethe: you a fellow connoisseur?

Chuuya: "Incredibly so." *sits*

goethe: well, i just so happen to have a bottle of merlot in my stock.

Chuuya: "...May I sample just a bit?"

goethe: by all means, i am a generous hedonist, after all, hoho!

Chuuya: ^^; *uncorks the bottle, sniffs* "Ahh..." =w= "So fragrant~"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *comes off the runway* =\\\\\=;;;;

izumi: you did really good, asher!

Asher: "Th-Thanks...That was mortifying. They were whistling..."

lukas: ._.;;;

Saria: *still stiff, shell-shocked* OwO;;;; "Uh...Uh..."

lukas: is it too late for me to bail out?

Zeke: " 'Fraid not, bro-seph."

Saria: >\\\< "YOU CAN DO IT--I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

lukas: *gulp*

Announcer: "Next on stage in the Sexy category--Lukas Hollinger!"

lukas: *steps out* TT~TT;;;

Girl 1, Girl 2, Boy 1, Boy 2: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

lukas: (KILL ME)

Hibana: "Wow, boy..."

uwabami: he certainly pulls the look off quite nicely.

Hibana: "You can say that, although 'boys in maid outfits' seems cliche. You should see the Eighth--it's like their alternative uniform."

judge 3: still his shy demeanor does add a layer of charm.

Hibana: "True enough..." *writes her score*

Yafeu: "YEAH, LUKAS!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: =\\\\= "It's okay, Lukas..."

-elsewhere-

Man: *adjusting flower on his lapel*

-people seem to be enjoying themselves-

Man: *adjusts his tie, sweating a bit* *sighs*

woman: sir?

Man: "F-Fine...A bit thirsty, I'm afraid. W-Water?"

woman: there's a drinking fountain just a little ways down the path.

Man: "Thank you..." *nods, walks...* *takes out an empty bottle*

woman: *nods and walks off*

Man: *at the bottom of the bottle look to be seeds and some moss...he fills water into the bottle*

-elsewhere-

Bon: "Yo, Shiemi--got your drink."

shiemi: thank you, bon. ^^

Shima: "And thank you, Bon, for--" *reaches--and there's no drink with his name on it in the tray* OwO; "...Where's mine?"

Bon: "..." *sips long on his drink*

Shima: QWQ

unagi: you can have mine.

Shima: "...Thanks?" ._.;;;;

Bon: *judgmental look at Shima*

izumo: -_-;

Bon: "Oh, and yours..." *hands one to Izumo*

izumo: thanks. *sips*

Shima: "Tch...Happy couple."

izumo: we're not a couple! >_<#

Bon: "WHAT SHE SAID!"

Shima: *whistles innocently*

konekomaru: ^^;

Shima: "I don't know, man--I can feel the ground shaking under my feet~"

-rumble rumble-

Bon: "Wait...I can too--"

*BOOM*

izumo: ?!

shiemi: ???

-screams from outside-

Shima: "What the hell?!"

*It looks like...vines?"

madoka: !!! come on!

sayaka: *following*

Rin: *gripping his sword, running* "Can't we just have fun for once?!"

-outside, there are plant monsters-

Zeke: O_O; "...Bro, all those times we didn't eat our vegetables have come back to haunt us..."

hibiki: welp, guess it's our first official battle. axel, zeke!

axel: sweet! henshin-a-gogo, baby! *kunai mode*

Zeke: "What he said!"

hibiki: *runs out*

izumi: ...lets go, asher!

Asher: -_-# "Don't damage the clothes--we'll have to give up the deposit we made..." *transforms*

lukas: !!! s-saria!

Saria: "R-Right!" *transforms*

preston: yafeu, if ya'll'd be so kahind. [translator’s node; kind]

Yafeu: "IT'S NOT ABOUT 'KINDNESS'--IT'S ABOUT KICKING SOME PLANT ASS!" *transforms*

genny: i think i'll wait this one out.

lei-lei: *already running into battle*

Kanin: O_O; "Duncan! Let's go!"

Duncan: "?!!! M-Me?! Bu-But I can't do this! This is dangerous and--"

Kanin: "And your weapon form sucks."

Duncan: >_< "HOW DARE YOU--"

Kanin: *grabs Duncan by the ankles, running* "Let's go..."

Duncan: O_____O "H-H-Hey!"

genny: *slips out* (cant have my camera getting damaged, i need it for references!)

Duncan: *still getting dragged along the ground* "OW OW OW OW--"

Kanin: "Please transform already, please!"

Duncan: >~< *whines--as he turns into...a yoyo*

lei-lei: *punching and kicking away plant monsters* HIYA!

Kazue: *still sleeping in a row of seats* "Zzz..."

Plant Monster 1: *ROAR--*

Kazue: *sleep punch, knocking the Monster away*

-outside-

Rin: *slicing, as vines wrap around his ankles* "Darn weeds!" *slicing*

madoka: *shooting arrows at the vines*

Plant Monsters: *stack up on each other shoulders, rushing at bystanders*

Rin: "CRAP! Madoka, give me cover!" *rushes at the tower*

madoka: on it!

sayaka: *defending civilians from the monsters*

Rin: *swings at all targets--but gets pinned* "UMPH!"

Plant Monsters: *slobbering on Rin*

madoka: *shoots arrow at the monster*

Plant Monsters: *arrowed-up, slowed down, but not down yet--*

Rin: "You jerk!" *charges up his sword--*

???: "Naberius!"

*CRUSH*

*Plant Monsters are being decimated now*

Rin: "..." O_O;

*Standing behind the monsters is...Neuhaus*

madoka: mr neuhaus!

plant monster: *SCREEEE*

large spider: *attacking the plant monster*

Rin: "... ... ..." O______O;;;

michelle: is everything alright with you two?

madoka: we're ok, i think.

Rin: "Y-Yeah?"

Neuhaus: "What a disappointing student, Okumura. No better than your introductory courses."

Rin: >_<#

kyouko: *CHOP* you've been getting sloppy, rin.

Naberius: *petting Rin* "SOWRRY, YOUR HIGHNESS..."

Rin: T~T

michelle: ^^;

jorogumo: *returning to inside michelle's eye socket*

kyouko:....that's so horrifying.

michelle: i've gotten used to it now.

Neuhaus: *taps his own eyepatch* "Agreed."

kyouko: no time to stall now, we got more weeds to take care of.

Neuhaus: "Naberius! The plants only, no mortals!"

Naberius: "AY!" *picks up Rin, runs* "ONWARD, YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Rin: Q___Q;

madoka: *follows*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "On your left!"

hibiki: *SLICE* how do you like that?

axel: hell yeah!

Zeke: "Bueno, Hibiki!" ^^

izumi: *looking* alright, hibiki and preston have the ones to the left and behind, and lukas is dealing with the one to the right-

lukas: *tied in vines* TT~TT;;

Saria: O\\\\O;;;

Asher: "...Define 'dealing'..."

izumi: ...so that means we deal with the one's ahead-

*STOMP STOMP STOMP*

Asher: "!!! Izumi!"

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *slams into Izumi*

izumi: *knocked back* AH!

Asher: *knocked out of her hand*

izumi: ngh...ow...

hibiki: izumi!

Zeke: "Hibiki! Incoming!"

hibiki: !!! *SLICE*

izumi: (come on, get up) *trying to get back up*

Plant Monster: *lunging for Izumi's head*

izumi: !!

Asher: "SHIT!" *reverts to human form, turns their arms into tonfas, blocking the attack* "GET UP, IZUMI, DAMN IT!"

izumi: *getting back up* ....

Asher: "Now do something!" *swings the tonfas, knocking back the Monster before reverting to weapon form into Izumi's hands*

izumi: !!!! (come on izumi, do something! please!) *tears falling as she screams and tries to attack*

Plant Monster: *swings an arm, easily knocking her away*

izumi: grk- dammit, god dammit just go DOWN ALREADY!!!

Asher: "That's not going to convince it! Get back before--"

Plant Monster: *swings vines at Izumi*

izumi: !!!

Asher: "!!! Oh God--"

-BANG BANG-

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *ripped apart*

preston: mah, mah, what a beastie.

Yafeu: "EASY TARGET, THOUGH! NOW SHOOT THE NEXT ONE!"

Asher: "..." *disgusted groan*

izumi: ...

-elsewhere-

Kanin: OwO; "...So...What do I do with you?"

Duncan: -____-;;; "I don't know. I'm a yoyo, so unless you have a strong soul--"

Kanin: >w>;;;; "Um..."

*Suddenly spikes form along the yoyo*

Duncan: O_O;;;

lei-lei: that's new.

Kanin: "Please, stay back. This may get spiky..." *swings the yoyo in a variety of tricks--ripping apart plant monsters* ^^;

lei-lei: that's quite impressive.

Duncan: "...Hang on...Are you--"

Kanin: *knocks down the Plant Monsters* ^W^; "Th-Thanks...Just a little thing I--"

*CRACK, SPLASH, SPLURT*

Duncan: *knocked away...with blood on himself* "..." *screams*

Kanin: OwO;;; "..." *his arm and shoulder were ripped off*

lei-lei: !!!!!!! KANIN!

-from the rooftop, there is someone watching-

girl: hmmm...

-back on the ground-

Kanin: "...Oh, um...Oh no! Um...Ah!" *bad acting* "I've lost an arm! I'm...Um... ..." *sad sigh* "..." *takes off his shirt* "Well, this is ruined..." *tosses it down*

Duncan: "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING-FUCKETY-FUCK ARE YOU, YOU FREAK?!"

Kanin: "..." *frowns, takes off his glasses, hands them to Lei-Lei* "Hold these..."

lei-lei: oh, um…

Kanin: *looks up at the Moon* "..." *inhales*

lei-lei: !!! you're...

Kanin: *panting, until it starts to sound like--* *HOWLS, as his arm regrows from his socket--but hairier, as his face elongates, revealing him to be a werewolf*

genny: *looks*.... .///.

Kanin: *rushing on all fours, tearing plant monsters in his path*

Duncan: "Gross! Th-They let that-that _thing_ into this school?!!"

plant monster: *ROAR*

Kanin: *stops--and roars louder*

plant monster: OxO;

Kanin: *rushes through the path, knocking the plant monsters out of his way*

-elsewhere-

Plant Monster: *subdued by Nee, just looking up at them* ._.;

nee: nii! ^^

*Something is rumbling...as it looks like a blossom is forming up underneath the fashion show stage*

Hibana: "Ah, heck! What even is this town anymore...Pretty, though."

uwabami: ?!

shiemi: ???

???: "It is rebirth."

rosemary: *SCREEEEAM*

Hibana: *looks behind her--to spot the Man with the water bottle* "...That's not cryptic in the least. And who are you?"

*He removes his tie and shirt, revealing a reverend's collar underneath*

shiemi: !!!

Hibana: -_-# "Great...Someone else to bastardize 'god.' And what do they call you? Father Limp Dick--"

*A vine swings--knocking back Hibana*

Man: "Father Thorne. And I have my own mission..." *walks up to the blossom, guiding the girl*

Hibana: *crashes into the chairs, but conscious* "Ow...Okay, now I'm pissed!" *but gets tied down by vines before she can summon a flame*

uwabami: *attacking the vines with her head snakes*

???: X-SLASH!

-two flame slashes attack the vines-

Hibana: *gasps, finally able to move a hand to summon a flower, burning away the rest* "Thank goodness...'Bout time..."

mikami: are you alright, commander?

Hibana: *adjusts herself, brushing away leaves* "No. This was a new coat..." *tosses the coat away, pulling a fan out from the sleeve* "Good work, Mikami. Follow me...Girl! Stop that priest!"

shiemi: right! *follows*

Thorne: *still guiding Rosemary to the blossom, which is opening* "Rest in there...Just sit down and--"

shiemi: hey!

Thorne: *sighs* *looks back* "Please, this will only be a moment--"

shiemi: why are you doing this?

Thorne: "As I said...rebirth." *holds Rosemary close with paternal protectiveness*

rosemary: *groan*

shiemi: but why cause all this chaos? why hurt these innocent people who havent done a thing to you?

Thorne: "My child...To give her the life she deserves, it is not enough to cure the body, but to allow an utter rebirth from the soul. The production of these demons, for the sake of creating her new body, is an unfortunate but necessary byproduct."

shiemi: how do you know this will actually help her?

Thorne: "...Because I have the power to make it work." *snaps his fingers, summoning more demons*

shiemi: ...nii, we need nonoka!

*A flytrap springs out of Nii*

Thorne: "!!!"

-elsewhere-

*The plant demons persist, but it looks like their numbers have dwindled for now*

Rin: "Yeah, you better run!"

kyouko: *panting*....!!! oh boy.

Rin: *looks up* "...Ah, shiitake..."

*it's a giant mushroom*

madoka: *battle stance*

Rin: *grins, giggling madly* "Oh, this is great...I can't wait to make a dinner of this..."

Mushroom: "..." *lets out a 'purring' noise*

kyouko: i dont think it's too edible...

Rin: "What? Of course it's edible! It's a mushroom!"

Mushroom: *falls over...and rolls along its 'back'*

kyouko: !!!

sayaka: KATAMARI DAMACY!!!

Rin: "Ah, hell!" *runs, as the mushroom rolls down the street*

Mushroom: =w=

kyouko: got any plans?

Rin: "Do what Mario does--JUMP!"

kyouko: *jumps up*

sayaka: *follows* woo-hoo!

Rin: *slices his sword into an elevated bridge* "Hang on!"

*The mushroom, still purring, is rolling at them*

kyouko: *grabs one leg*

sayaka: *grabs the other*

Rin: *grunts, as he pulls up on the sword--and the mushroom misses them, continuing down the road*

sayaka: ok, so now what?

Rin: *pulling up* "Get up on this bridge...and find the source of this veggie madness..."

kyouko: right.

-elsewhere-

Shima: *swinging his staff, knocking back plants* "This area is clear!"

konekomaru: alright.

unagi: *panting*

Bon: "Hang in there, Unagi..."

Mike: *shaking the remains of a plant demon like a ragdoll*

-elsewhere-

'nonoka': *biting at the demons*

Thorne: "Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

shiemi: i wont let you hurt innocent people like this!

Thorne: "God already did that!" *a vine shoots out of his sleeve at Shiemi*

shiemi: *dodge*

Thorne: "I want my daughter back!"

rosemary: *groan*

Thorne: "...She was 14 when it happened..."

{rosemary: f-father...}

{Thorne: *holds her hand, kneeling his head, praying* "Lord, protect the soul of this child..."}

{rosemary: *vomiting* i think...something's wrong with me....}

{Thorne: "Please, Rose...Just hang on a little longer..."}

{rosemary: i'm scared....am i going to end up like mother?}

{Thorne: "..." *shakes his head* "No...No, I will make sure of that."}

{doctor: ...*sigh*}

{Thorne: "This can't be..."}

{doctor: we've done the best we could, but i dont think it will be enough for her...she might have a few years left, at most...}

{Thorne: "That is not sufficient!"}

{doctor: i really am sorry, all i can suggest now is just to be there for her...}

{Thorne: "..." *sets down his Bible, picks up another book* "I assure you, I will..."}

Thorne: "This demonology...It allows for the reconstruction of the body, starting from the soul itself."

shiemi: is this...what she would have wanted?

Thorne: "...What? Of course it--"

shiemi: look at her! how do you think she feels about all this, in this state?

Thorne: "A state that will end in her rebirth! That is what I want for her! What I...want..."

shiemi: you didnt even think about what she wanted, did you?

Thorne: "...No..."

shiemi:....

Thorne: "...I had tried to resurrect her...I want her to live..."

shiemi: ...i can understand you want that for her, but for her to live like this?...

Thorne: "...I can't just let her die..."

shiemi: ...flowers are beautiful, but they dont live forever, and eventually, they wilt away. but they do leave behind seeds, and the cycle begins again. even if it's cruel, there's still hope for something beautiful to be born again.

Thorne: "..." *weeps*

rosemary: fa...the....r....

Thorne: "..." *holds her* "My child..."

rosemary:....*she closes her eyes* ....

Thorne: *crying* "...'Ego dimittere te'..."

rosemary: *she smiles as her body wilts into dead vines* *there are a few seeds left behind*

Thorne: *falls to his knees*

shiemi:...*she pats his back* i think...she forgives you.

Thorne: "Rose..."

shiemi: *she looks at the seeds* maybe you should plant these.

Thorne: "..." *scoops them up*

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Get back heeeeeere!"

Mushroom: Q_Q *rolling away*

kyouko: *running along the rooftops* ok, it's heading to an intersection! if you can stop it there, then we're golden!

Rin: *aims his sword* "Let do it!" *leaps* "AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Mushroom: Q_____Q *loud shriek*

kyouko: NOW!

Rin: *flames on*

*SLICE, FA-WOOM!*

Mushroom: X___X *sliced apart*

kyouko: guess there's not mush-room for this demon here, huh?

Rin: "...Ha!" *cooks a slice*

kyouko: you sure you want to eat it?

Rin: "Why not? What harm could it do to a demon?"

sayaka: i'll try it. *takes a bite*...................

Rin: "How is it?"

sayaka:.........*she's tearing up*

Rin: "???"

sayaka: *opens her mouth- she's breathing fire*

kyouko: ._______. holy shit.

Rin: "?!!!!" *leaps back*

sayaka: TT~TT my mouth tastes like burning.

Rin: "..." *sets the mushroom slice down* "Jeez...We could bottle this stuff as a new hot sauce..."

sayaka: it tastes like a ghost pepper from the center of the sun!

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *hugging Axel* "Bro, I was so scared, bro!" T~T

axel: did you see that shit just now!? that was so awesome! hibiki was like- SLASH SLASH VREEN! and preston was like- BANG BANG!

izumi: .....

Asher: "..." *sitting with her* "How's your head?"

izumi:...could have been worse...

Asher: "...What happened back there?"

izumi: ....*sigh* my first actual battle, and i screwed it up... *hides her face in her lap*

Asher: "..." *carefully pats her head and shoulder* "You're okay...That's the first step..."

izumi: i guess.....i was trying to be strategic, and it ended up screwing me over...i feel like such an idiot...

Asher: "So, strategy more than instinct?"

izumi:.....*sigh* guess i need to practice more, huh?

Asher: *nods* "Both of us."

izumi:...are you ok?

Asher: "..." *looks at stain on their outfit* "...I'll live."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Get me a report of what happened here! Get clean up teams on 1st, 3rd, and 5th! And--" *looks* "...What the heck?"

Kanin: *still in werewolf form* OwO; "...Hello, Mr. Barett." *wave*

nygus: huh, well i'll be.

Sid: "...Kanin. I think you've not been entirely honest with us."

Kanin: ^w^; "I suppose not, sir..."

Duncan: -_-#

marie: still, we've had stranger things happen. so a werewolf student isnt too odd, but it is rather rare.

Kanin: "I-I didn't feel comfortable sharing it, given how others would...look at me." *awkwardly shifting*

lei-lei: i dont think it's too weird.

genny: i dont think it's weird either... 7///7;

Kanin: "..." >\\\\> "C-Could I get a shirt? Turning back to human without one is kind of embarrassing..."

nygus: here.

Kanin: *slips it on--while turning back to human* "Th-Thank you, Miss Nygus..." ^\\\^;

marie: but in less fortunate news, the 3rd round of the fashion show will need to be on hold until the stage is rebuilt.

Sid: "Well, that's a shame. Hope the judges aren't too mad."

-morning-

kirako: *in the hospital room*

Dazai: "..."

Dr. John: "Well, well...Looks to be--Oh, wait, did you want to know?"

kirako: ...sure.

Dazai: *nods*

Dr. John: "Looks to be a boy."

kirako: *smiles*

Dazai: "That's great!" *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *hug* "I was so worried!"

izumi: *hugs*

Spirit: "How are you? Do you need to go back to the infirmary?"

izumi: ....can i stay home today? i dont...feel too well...

Spirit: "Of course. Want me to bring anything?"

izumi:...can i have some cake?

Spirit: ^^ "Of course...I can pick some up in a few minutes."

izumi: ok...

-elsewhere-

Asher: *trying to get out of the apartment* "I'm going out!"

cassidy: *pulling them back* no you're not! you need to rest!

Asher: >~< "I can rest at the arcade!"

cassidy: you can go to the arcade _AFTER_ you get some more rest!

Asher: *grumbles, whines* "This sucks..."

cassidy: ....*sigh* i'm just worried for you.

Asher: "..." *nods* "Sorry. Just felt locked up. Even makes me want to go to school..."

cassidy: i know...want to watch one of our DVDs?

Asher: "..." *nods* " 'Jedi'?"

cassidy: sure thing. *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Dad, I'm fine, really..." ^^;

saria's dad: *HUGGING HER* oh we were so scared! i'm just so glad you're alright!! TT~TT

saria's father: ^^; babe, you're gonna crush her. ^^;;;

Saria: O~O "Ow, ow, ow..."

saria's dad: oh my gosh i'm so sorry! D8>

Saria: "It-It's fine..." ^^;;;;

-elsewhere-

shiemi: and that's what happened.

Mephisto: "I see...It sounds like you de-escalated the situation well enough."

shiemi: *she nods* what will happen to mr thorne, then?

Mephisto: "That pending an investigation regarding the amount of damage and injuries his demon summoning caused...I'm sure a good word put in for him may help."

shiemi: *she nods*

Amaimon: "I expected nothing better from my wife." *in a tuxedo*

stocking: *PUNCH* behave you. *drags him away by his hair spike*

shiemi: ._.;

Mephisto: "Please excuse my rude sibling--he is a bit jumpy since my newborn came into this world..."

shiemi: oh, i've heard about that! would it be inappropriate to ask to see him? ^^;;

-elsewhere-

shura: …

chelsea applebee: it's gotten that bad already?

shura: damn, i dont think we were prepared for this...

seiya: it's like theres no end to them...

chelsea applebee: but you have to admit...

-on their phones, thousands upon thousands of baby pictures of shion, sent by mephisto-

chelsea applebee: he's sooooo cute! >w<

shura: =_=; i swear, my phone's gonna just explode if this keeps up.

Yukio: "I know how to solve this..."

shura: oh?

Yukio: *holds up a hammer* "I blessed this to remove all baby photos sent through the magical telecommunications network!"

shura: you're not smashing my phone!

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sitting in a cell* "..."

stocking: ....tea?

Thorne: "O-Okay..."

stocking: *hands him a cup* it's chamomile, hope you dont mind.

Thorne: "...I like chamomile...She liked it...I think...I don't know anymore."

stocking: ....

Thorne: *he's holding his satchel of seeds*

stocking:....where do you think you'll plant them?

Thorne: "I don't know...Will I even have a chance to?"

stocking: ...if you arent able to leave, then one of us will plant them for you, would that be ok?

Thorne: "..." *nods* "I'm just afraid of trust...How do I know to trust you here?"

stocking: ....*sigh* do you need more time to think on it?

Thorne: "...Could you come back when you know where you'll plant...and can assure me that she'll...that they'll be protected?"

stocking: i will.

Thorne: *nods* "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: Q~Q "I swear, we're fine! See? No bruises!" *holds up arm to the webcam*

mrs callahan: seems you two had quite a busy night. ^^

axel: oh you should have seen us, mom! we kicked major plant ass! it was so epic!

Zeke: ^^; "We did alright, Mom..."

mrs callahan: *she smiles* you two are growing up now, and we're so proud of you.

Zeke: QwQ "Aw, Mom..."

-elsewhere-

Petra: *looking at her watch* "..." *sighs* *pulls out a musical triangle--and starts beating it*

Arthur: *bolts up in bed* "H-Huh?! Siren's calls!" *swings a plastic sword he slept with*

shinra: zzzzzzzzzzz.........

Petra: "..." *sets down the triangle, walks to Shinra's door--and puts a mecha arm over her own* "Aim..."

shinra: *leg twitch* *snores*

Petra: -_-## *signs* "Hand me the blowhorn..."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Man--what a mess. When're they going to get the show back on?"

naho: when the stage gets fixed up, but it does give me a change to better coordinate my next outfit!

Belkia: "Yay! A plant theme could be...appealing!"

naho: nah, too soon for that. but i do have something in mind, and belbel said he'd help me with it too!

Belkia: ^w^ "Ready to help!"

-elsewhere-

Burns: "We've received a report." *puts it down on the table: it's a folder labeled '7'*

dia: *examining*

*Looks to be a dossier from the Church of the Sun on Benimaru*

dia: ...

Burns: "Stay on alert, be careful when interacting with anyone from Asakusa."

dia: understood, sir.

Burns: *nods* "Any update on our monitors following those returning from China?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *gobbling eggplants and tofu* *holds up an empty plate* "Another dish, please!"

lei-lei: more rice, please!

waiter: coming right up.

genny: *looking at her pudding* ...

Duncan: *having a glass of sparkling water--with a curly straw* *siiiiiiip*

Kazue: "...So, what did I miss while sleeping?"

lei-lei: plant battles mostly.

genny: *nod nod*

Kazue: "Neat. And you figured out Kanin was a wolf?"

Kanin: *gag* OWO;

lei-lei: OwO

genny: .....INEEDTOUSETHERESTROOM! *flees to the bathroom*

Duncan: "...Who even let you into this school? Your kind are wanted by Lord Death."

Kanin: ._.; "...One reason I hid it..." *looks down at his plate*

lei-lei: i can understand why you'd be worried. one of my friends is actually a witch. and besides, death city is a place of second chances.

Kanin: *nods* "A-And I wanted to be here, to learn how to use my skills to help others. I don't want people to get hurt..."

Duncan: >_>;

lei-lei: we believe in you, kanin! you can do it!

Kazue: *nods*

Kanin: ^\\\\^; "Th-Thanks..."

Duncan: "..."

genny: b-back… 7////7;;;;

Duncan: "What the hell were you doing in there--"

lei-lei: *CHOP*

Kazue: *holds up a kunai threateningly*

Duncan: X~X

Kanin: ._.;;;

-elsewhere-

Anya: *reading* "--and the likelihood that those executed were really witches remains in doubt."

tsugumi: ...

Meme: "M-Maybe we can focus on the immediate task--like how we still can't find the source of those scratches?"

ao: perhaps the culprit is nocturnal.

Anya: "Oh, a late night stake-out?"

Meme: "??? With Dew?"

mio: *gulp*

Meme: "..." *holds her hand*

mio: r-right. .//.;

Meme: ^^

Anya: "Let's find a spot for the evening..."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *holding up fruit* "PLEASE ACCEPT THESE FRUITS AS A GIFT AND ITS SEEDS, MR. AND MRS. DEATH!" *bows, holds out the fruit*

Patty: ^w^

Yumi: ._.;

lord death: why thank you, takeru. ^^;

Takeru: OwO *nod nod nod* "Plant them, and let me know how they taste!"

-elsewhere-

Falcon Witch: *stirring a bowl--then drops a ladle of soup into smaller bowls* "Eat up."

squirrel witch: thanks for the meal!

Falcon Witch: *nods* "Fill up--you'll need it."

Squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "Any progress on your reading?"

squirrel witch: i think we have a lead to where they were buried.

Falcon Witch: *stops* "...Map it for me as soon as we finish."

squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "..." *shivers*

-elsewhere-

Asako: ^^; "I almost have 'house training' done..."

kayako: have you thought of a name for you new friend?

Asako: "I wasn't sure yet...They are our golden lab for the lab." ^^;

kayako: hmm, well, i'm sure you'll think of something soon.

Asako: " 'Goldie'?"

kayako: it does fit.

Asako: ^^ "Goldie, it is."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: "Feel better?"

michelle: i think so...

Neuhaus: "...You helped a lot of people."

michelle:...*smiles*

Neuhaus: *smiles back* "...Hungry?"

michelle: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sipping dark coffee* "Ah..." *rubs his head*

naoya: rough hangover?

Chuuya: ^^; "Maaaaaaay have over-done it."

sonia: *putting jam on a slice of toast* want one, papa?

Chuuya: "That would be delicious, Sonia."

sonia: any flavor in mind you want?

Chuuya: "Strawberry, if you have it."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Welcome back to class, Izumi. How are you?"

izumi: doing a bit better, i guess.

Sid: "Well, I've re-scheduled 3rd period for study hall for class, so just go at your pace today."

izumi: thank you sir.....

Asher: *seated in fourth row* "..." *waves*

izumi: *waves*

Zeke: *looking around* "???"

Yafeu: "MAN, CLASS IS GOING TO BE SO BORING AFTER A FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: "It's okay...It happens to the best of us...I think." ^^;;;

Sid: "Okay, settle down. We have a new student today."

izumi: oh?

Asher: "..."

Kanin: "?"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

Duncan: "..." *whispers* "She's short."

girl: hello, my name is Amelia Lowell. please take good care of me. *she bows*

Sid: "Welcome, Amelia. Please have a seat."

amelia: *nods and sits in a corner seat*

Sid: "We'll start today reviewing last week's test, so take notes and open your textbooks to review which pages to re-read..."

Saria: "She seems a little shy..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "One clean blanket for you." *hands it to Felisia*

felisia: thank you, kid. ^^ .....how do i wrap it again? ^^;;

Kid: "I think you start by folding one corner of the blanket down about the length of your hand..."

felisia: ok.

Kid: "... ... ... Actually, maybe a little straighter--" *trying to fix the fold* "No, still not quite..."

felisia: um... ._.;;

stocking: kid, breathe.

Kid: OwO;;; "...Right! Sorry. um, set him down now onto the blanket..."

felisia: *doing so*

Kid: "Oh, wait, do it diagonally..."

felisia: ._.;;;;

stocking: *pats kid's shoulders- both of them* easy kid, easy.

Kid: *inhales, sighs* "R-Right...It is to be diagonal, though..." *tenses* "Fold the right side first to cover him."

stocking: want me to help her, kid?

Kid: *nod nod nod* *covers his eyes*

stocking: ok, fold it like this.

felisia: *following along*

-after a few moments-

stocking: there you go.

felisia: *smiles* thank you both, so much.

Kid: *nods* "Y-You're welcome."

stocking: need anything else?

felisia: i think i'm ok for now.

stocking: ok. we'll just be around then. ^^

Kid: *nods* "Anyone need a drink?"

felisia: some water would be fine, or should i have milk?

Kid: "Both are good, as is fruit juice."

felisia: right, i just want to know what will help the baby be healthy.

Kid: *smiles* "How about a platter with options?"

felisia: i suppose i'll go with that. ^^;

Kid: *nods* "Okay...Be right back."

stocking: *follows* you ok, kiddo?

Kid: "J-Just...annoyed with how I am..."

stocking: *she rubs his back* you're trying your best, and i'm proud of you for that.

Kid: *sniffs* "R-Really?"

stocking: *she smiles and nods* i'm here for you, whenever you need me to be.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *kiss*

Kid: ^\\\^ "Th-Thanks..." *smooch*

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "What a hot mess...Can't even have fashion shows without dumb fights."

gabriella: at least it was against plant monsters and not among the competitors. ^^;

Hibana: "True--I don't need a repeat of Milan 6 years ago..." *looks at her nails* "Can't afford to break another..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *has set up multiple soda bottles* "Let's discuss sucrose!"

children: oooooh!

wilhelm: are we gonna do the mentos thing?!

Motojiro: "..." *slowly holds up a tube of Mentos* ^w^

wilhelm: *eyes light up* yesssss!

Kafka: *watching from afar* *cringe*

Walter: "Ah, let them have their fun!"

Motojiro: *opens each bottle* "Put on your rain slickers, kids!"

hans: bad memories of the twins releasing a mentos bomb in your office that one time?

Kafka: "DAYS! OF WINDOW CLEANER!!!"

hans: ^^;

Motojiro: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" *drops the Mentos in*

*BOOM*

children: *cheering*

Walter: *looking up* "It's so pretty! Like sugar and colors and a water show all in one!"

etta: neato!

Kafka: *grunts*

*A strong wind blows...*

leroux: i guess you could call that a real soda fountain.

etta: *giggles* good one, roro! ^^

Kafka: "..."

Walter: "Ha!"

Kafka: "Of all the--"

Motojiro: OwO; "Um...At that velocity, the soda stream may--"

*SPLAT*

Kafka: *drenched*

leroux: oh dear.

etta: .w.;

Kafka: -~-; "..." *licks his lips* T~T "Delicious...and so sticky."

-all the kids (sans sonia) are laughing at kafka-

Kafka: *covers his face, trying to rub away the soda*

Motojiro: ^^; "Maybe don't laugh at the adult, children...Let's now discuss why the reaction took place..."

Walter: *hunting for tissues* "I got nothin'..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *drops off a bag* "Time to make late night snacks!"

tsugumi: awesome!

Anya: "Some fruit cups, perhaps?"

Meme: "I found great berries along a path..."

ao: ooh. *checks guidebook*

Anya: "So what's our plan?"

tsugumi: keep our eyes and ears peeled for anything out of place.

Meme: *looks around* "We'll have a good vantage point here."

mio: ok.

Anya: "Anyone want to hazard a guess what we'll find?" *smashing berries*

tsugumi: a monster?

Meme: "A bear?"

mio: wolves?

Anya: "All good guesses...We'll need to be armed." *pulls out a tranquilizer blow-pipe*

mio: >-> tsugumi, she does remember the two of us are weapons, right?

tsugumi: ^^;

Anya: *puffs her cheeks* "Can either of you knock someone unconscious?"

mio: .....well, i think if i use my hammer- *hammer arm*

Meme: "Just don't shatter the bear's head."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "...This news is troubling. You think it's accurate?"

shinra:...*solemn nod*

Akitaru: *sighs* "Okay...This is some earth-shattering info, son."

shinra: i'm really trying not to break down and cry like always. i really, really am....

Akitaru: "Hey, none of that right now..." *pats his shoulder* "This is some tough information to hear..."

shinra: ....

Akitaru: "Unfortunately, we can't verify it just on what you heard in the Link: we need more evidence."

shinra: *nod*

Akitaru: *sigh* "It's going to make going to church feel more uncomfortable...If we tell them what you found, I don't know how they'll respond."

shinra: .....

Akitaru: "...Give me a few days to figure this out, see whether there's someone at the Church I can ask on the, um...DL?"

shinra: ok. i'm still trying to wrap my head around it too...

Akitaru: *nods* "Could you go see Squad 0 about something?"

shinra: sure thing.

Akitaru: *nods* "Let the squad leader know. I'm going to talk to the nuns..."

shinra: ok then.

Akitaru: *nods, walks to the living room*

-elsewhere-

Konro: "How was your rest?" *passes a cup of tea to Fang-Hua*

fang-hua: great, very much needed...*sips*

Konro: "That's good. Ready for patrols?"

fang-hua: yep.

Konro: *walks* "Has much changed while you were out?"

fang-hua: *glances at some building repairs* i take it the commander's been busy as always?

Konro: ^^; "Wouldn't be normal if he wasn't...Although, there's something different this time."

fang-hua: ?? how so?

Konro: "Aside from the pressures of impending fatherhood? ..." *slaps his hands on his cheeks, shifts* "Oh my God, they're going to have a cute little baby!" >w<

fang-hua: *steps back a bit* ._.;;; (the commander and kirei's child...) *imagine spot of a small kid with an inferno behind them and glowing eyes* (oh jeez...)

Konro: "..." *clears his throat* "So, the pressures of increased responsibility have affected his aim and the intensity of his power..."

fang-hua: mm, mm...(maybe they'll inherit kirei's kindness?) *same imagine spot with the kid now having a gentle expression* (THAT DIDNT HELP MATTERS AT ALL!!!)

Konro: "??? Fang-Hua? What's wrong?"

fang-hua: ?? oh, n-nothing at all, captain. ^^;;;;

Konro: "Okay...Well, take it slow getting back into work. I'm sure your report will be fascinating when I get to read it."

-elsewhere-

shibusawa: *reading, humming to themselves* ......

Nox: "..." *clears their throat*

lux: *peeeeek* whacha reeeading~?

Nox: -_-

shibusawa: just a novel.

lux: you read that one a lot, is it good?

shibusawa:...i suppose. i already know how it ends of course.

Nox: "As to be expected. So why return to it?"

shibusawa: perhaps because it's an interesting story...*sigh*

lux: you've had to have read everything in this study by now, master shibusawa. you need new reading material =3=

shibusawa: perhaps, but i'll likely figure how it ends based on what all i've seen before.

lux: =3= .... *lunges*

shibusawa: *dodge*

lux: =~= ... >~< NO FAIR! i can never surprise you!

Nox: "Lux, please." *sets down a tea tray*

shibusawa: chamomile and biscuits again? thank you. *nom* and i take you brought the child her dinner as well?

Nox: "Of course."

shibusawa: good. *sips* ....i wonder if death city will truly have what i'm searching for.

Nox: "All in good time, I'm sure. Yes, Lux?"

lux: indeed big bro indeed! ^u^

Nox: "..." *small smile*

shibusawa: *sighs and sets the book down* (i think i did have that something briefly, but it's gone now...and _she_ is what's left of that)

-elsewhere-

Asher: *puts notebook back into backpack* *yawns* "Well, that was surprisingly informative for once..."

Zeke: *folding paper* "Yeah! And we had a study break to kick back!"

amelia: *still taking notes*

Kanin: "???" ("Must be dedicated...")

lei-lei: you ok?

amelia: *still note taking* just fine. how about you?

Kanin: ^^; "Class did end a few minutes ago, so okay..."

Duncan: *eyeroll*

amelia: that's nice.

izumi:.....so.....

Yafeu: "WHAT ARE WE DOING AFTER SCHOOL?!"

Asher: -_-# ("Loud...") "...Food."

izumi: where to? wendy's? pizza hut?

genny: i cant have gluten.

Kanin: "Vegetarian, please."

Saria: "Hmm...Well, there's one place Dad goes to..."

amelia: ?

Saria: "It's small but has a range of dining options." *smiles*

lei-lei: sounds great!

amelia: shall i join you?

Duncan: *muttering* "Tch. I could find something better..."

Saria: "The more the merrier!" ^^

-elsewhere-

Shima: "Woo, that was some battle out there at the Fashion Show. I'd love to tell you all about it over a drink~"

izumo: *drags him off by the ear* =_=#

Shima: Q__Q

Bon: *sighs* "Cleaning up is the real pain..."

unagi: *trimming*

Rin: "Good job, Unagi." *picks up plant trimmers*

unagi: thank you.

shiemi: *smiles*

Rin: "Although, I think we could have a great topiary here..." *imagines a Rin topiary* -w- "Hee hee hee..."

unagi: ..... *imagines a princely shima topiary* =///=

Shima: "???"

Bon: "Knowing our luck, it'd be Sir Pheles designing one..."

izumo: .......*excalibur face*

Shima: "..." *imagines a sexy Mephisto topiary* "..." D : < *strangles Bon* "WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!"

Izumo: *CHOP*

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "So, that's the report I received from Tamaki and the others. This information is not to leave the Eighth until I say so."

rita: ....

maki: understood.

Petra: *looks like she's fuming*

iris: sister petr-

Petra: "You think for a second there is any truth to this malarkey?!"

iris: ...

Petra: "We're supposed to accept some story by, what, some sort of Vulcan mind-meld?!"

Vulcan: *sneezes*

Akitaru: ._.;;; "..." *looks at Iris and Tamaki*

tamaki: well it's better than having no information at all, right?

Akitaru: "And we know looks can be deceiving. Many of us are members of the Church and don't want to jump to conclusions..."

Vulcan: -_-; "The Church doesn't even give my family credit for the Amaterasu..."

rita: <then what do we do?>

Akitaru: *nods to Petra to sign for him* "I'm having Squad 0 start their own investigation, keeping an eye on the Church to see whether there is some information that could corroborate the China story."

rita:.....*nods* <i believe you.>

Akitaru: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Everyone has their order ready?" *sets down her menu*

Asher: *looking around*

Yafeu: "THIS PLACE LOOKS NICE."

Zeke: *grabs more free breadsticks*

izumi: *looking at her menu*

*the menu includes pastas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers for individuals or groups*

Kanin: *tapping a finger along vegetarian options*

amelia: i'll take chicken salad.

Zeke: "The house burger--hold the onions, please."

axel: bacon fries please!

Yafeu: "STEAK!"

hitomi: ok, coming right up. ^^

Asher: "...So, where're you from, Amelia?"

amelia: ...out of town.

Asher: "..."

Duncan: "Gee, that's helpful."

amelia: sorry, i'm not one for small talk.

Asher: *shrug* "Same for some of us..."

izumi: ^^;;

Zeke: "I'm kinda bummed we didn't get skipped a few grades for that fight, though. We survived and all--or maybe get a medal..."

hibiki: we're still just learning the basics. you dont just become a pro overnight.

Zeke: "Yeah, but I kinda think we learned some basics. Y'know, like when those Quirk kids fought supervillains?"

axel: oh yeah, that was some tight shit!

Asher: "Yeah, if you're looking forward to dying."

amelia: ...

Zeke: "Hey, come on..." ^^;

izumi: ^^; asher, do you want some of my fries?

Asher: "..." *nom*

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *listening outside* "..."

squirrel witch: *bringing meat out to a shed*

Older Witch: "Be careful..."

squirrel witch:....*leaves the basket of meat by the door and backs away*

*growling is heard*

squirrel witch: din-din time!

*A claw reaches out, grabbing the food*

squirrel witch: *steps back in the house* *phew*

Older Witch: "Hmm...Faster reaction time."

-elsewhere-

Cementoss: *laying down more cement at the old fashion show stage*

worker: thanks again for helping us.

Cementoss: "Heroes are always happy to lend a hand." *thumbs up*

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sits in his cell*

shura: brought you tea and a visitor.

shiemi: ...

Thorne: "...Ah. The shopkeeper."

shiemi: you can call me shiemi.

Thorne: *nods* "Shiemi..."

shiemi: ...so how are things here?

Thorne: "...Given the circumstances, hardly as bad as everything else."

shiemi: hmm...

Thorne: *clutching his satchel*

shiemi: you havent planted them yet?

Thorne: *shakes his head* "Still debating the best location...Not even sure how to plant someon--...something like this."

shiemi: well, it's important that they get a good amount of soil, water, and sunshine.

Thorne: *nods* "Yes...I was more focused on planting those blossoms in the Nether, where there was no light..."

shiemi: im not sure that would be wise. if these plants are from her, then maybe plant them somewhere she likes?

Thorne: "...When she was young..."

shiemi: *listening*

Thorne: "...the garden she loved..."

shiemi: that sounds perfect. ^^

Thorne: *smiles...crying*

shiemi: *offers tissue*

Thorne: "Th-Thanks..." *wipes his eyes*

shiemi: no problem. *smile* *she looks so much like her...*

Thorne: "..." *stares*

shiemi: ?? mr thorne?

Thorne: "?! S-Sorry..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *exits the Commander's office* .______.;;;;

captain: how was it?

Pan: "...I need to sit for a bit..." *shudders*

captain:...........that bad?

Pan: "The Commander is still on a tear about 'Adora.' This trip has only excited him."

captain: yeowza.

Pan: *sighs* "I think I'll get a drink..."

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *groans* "I'm so full...I couldn't have another bite..."

Zeke: "Oh, the dessert menu--"

Yafeu: "I HAVE A SIXTH STOMACH FOR ICE CREAM!"

Asher: "..." -_-;

genny: i'll pass.

Kanin: ^^; "Wouldn't hurt...Amelia?"

amelia: chocolate parfait.

Saria: "Ooo, good choice! Hmm...Lukas, want to split a cookie?"

lukas: um... sure.

Saria: ^^ "Allergic to peanuts, or would a snickerdoodle be okay?"

lukas: just a sugar cookie please.

Saria: "That sounds delicious."

Duncan: "Velvet cake."

Kazue: "Zzz..." *holds up a sign: 'Slice of lemon pie'*

hibiki: maybe some macarons.

Asher: "...Izumi?"

izumi: i'll go with some ice cream.

Asher: "Ah."

Kanin: *waves for the waitress*

hitomi: all set for dessert? ^^

Kanin: "I think so...And a slice of carrot cake, please."

-elsewhere-

Anya: *holding binoculars*

tsugumi: *stretching*

Meme: "Zzz..."

-ROOOOAR-

Anya: "!!!!"

Meme: *falls over* "Wh-Wha?"

mio: *gulp*

tsugumi: welp, we found our culprit, l-let's go!

kirara: not without us you dont!

Tezca: *has a smoking cigarette hanging out of his bear mask, dressed like Rambo, holding a water gun* "Let's do this..."

kirara: *sweatdrop*

esther: fufu, do you really thing we were going to let you girls have all the fun~? ^^

Meme: "Oh, well that should be helpful." ^^

Anya: O_O;

ao: shall we be off now~? ^^

Tezca: "Onward! Let's do this, Enrique!"

enrique: gao! >u<

Meme: *follows them through the woods towards the noise* "Mio, transform!"

mio: right! *hammer-axe mode*

Anya: "Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: right! halberd form up! *weapon mode*

mio:....WHAT WAS THAT?!

tsugumi: thought i'd try something new. ^^;

Anya: "...Uuuuuum...Okay?"

-elsewhere-

Nayumi: "Fun. But how do we make sure the Church isn't noticing us?"

miwa: we could use disguises!

Nayumi: "..." *looks at her own outfit* "I guess I would stand out, even like this..." ^^; "What kind of disguises?"

miwa: that would be a work in progress.

misora: i volunteer~! ^u^

Nayumi: "Yay."

sayu: yippie! ^w^

Nayumi: "Maybe civilian attire..."

serina: sounds good.

Padma: "Just don't go overboard..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *trying to steady her breath, looking around*

-something is visible not far off-

Anya: *gulp*

kirara: *waiting*

*growl*

ao: here it comes!

Meme: *tightens her grip* "Be ready...We need to just disable it, unless..."

Anya: *nods*

-the figure moves slowly towards them-

*it sounds like something slithering through the leaves*

mio: !!! look out!

Meme: "?!!"

*Meme's ankle is caught, knocking her onto her back*

mio: meme!

???: *roar*

*it sounds like a claw is coming for Kirara's head*

kirara: *dodges and tosses an ofuda*

*RIP*

*the ofuda is tattered, landing on Kirara's face*

kirara: !!!!

*a claw grabs Kirara's throat*

kirara: GRK-

esther: !!!

Anya: *slices*

???: *shrieks*

kirara: *cough* thank you, anya.

Anya: *smiles, but shaking* "Of course...We need to contain this beast..."

*the figure hides in the shadows, but its snorting can still be heard*

Meme: *back on her feet, checking her ankle* "I-I think I got scratched..."

mio: are you going to be ok?

Meme: "I-I think so..." *stands, her leg wobbling* "Yeah."

mio: *changes back, holding her up*

Meme: "Mio, what if it comes back?"

mio: i'll protect you. even if i'm scared, im more scared of losing you.

Meme: "...Mio..."

*Something wet drips down*

Meme: *her eyes widen* "..." *looks up*

tsugumi: !!!! anya!

*It's saliva...coming off the horns sticking out of the beast's mouth*

Anya: "!!! Tsugumi! The branches!" *leaps swinging the weapon* "Mio! Run!"

mio: *helps meme to get away*

Meme: *limping with Mio*

Anya: *slices through the branch*

???: *ROARS, falling down and landing in the bushes*

ao: tsugumi!

tsugumi: got it! *scythe blade enhance*

ao: HA! *SLICE*

*SPLURT*

*the beast is bleeding*

ao: *phew*

???: *growling, clawing at the floor...it is revealed in the moonlight, looking like the back and tusks of a boar, a long tail with a tip at the end, and the claws and mane of a lion*

tsugumi: ....

Beast: *howls at the Moon*

tsugumi: um...what....exactly are you?

???: *choking out words* "Chi..."

tsugumi: !!!

ao: kae?

Anya: " 'Kae'?"

???: "Chi...mera..."

kirara: !!!

esther: and here i thought chimeras were extinct.

Anya: "??? What's a chimera?"

esther: a being that is several animals fused into one being.

Meme: "Who would do such a thing? Did those animals die?"

tsugumi: can you tell us who did this to you?

???: *growls* "No..."

tsugumi: .....

Anya: "Can't, or won't?"

???: *grunts*

Meme: "Hey, we're sorry to attack you. But we just wanted to not get killed...We may have to restrain them so they can't hurt anyone--"

Anya: O_O;

esther: allow me~ *iron maiden arms holds the beast in place*

Beast: O_O *confused grunt*

esther: *her eyes widen with excitement*

Anya: ._.; *hides behind Ao*

ao: ....do you know who made you like this?

Beast: "W-W-Witches..."

tsugumi: ....

Anya: "From the old times?"

Beast: "..." *looks away*

esther: *tightening her grip*

Beast: *gasps* "STOP!"

kirara: *places an ofuda on esther* sai-na-men-go san-nee-o!

esther: *faints*

Beast: O_O;;; "...What?"

tsugumi:...so...what now?

Meme: "...Maybe ask more nicely which witches?" *slaps hands together* "Pretty please~" ^w^;

-elsewhere-

Rin: *knocks on Pheles Manor door*

maid: yes?

Rin: "Yo! Is the new mom here?"

maid: yes, but she's resting at the moment.

Rin: "Ah. Well, I brought someone eager to help!"

maid: oh?

Rin: *points to Ukobach, who is on his shoulder*

maid: ah, i see. *she nods* right this way.

Ukobach: *tugs on Rin's ear*

Rin: "Ow! I heard her!" *follows* -3-

-elsewhere-

[lilmissmousey]

Denial (AKA: this is soooo not a date. Prompt 92)

AU: this is the prompt given to me by the delightful @marcella-duchamp Enjoy my dear!

—

Candlelight flickered across the table, the dim light casting dark shadows across Vegeta’s sharp features. His dark brows were pulled together, fingers drumming restlessly on the wooden dinner table. The waiter had long since kept his distance, especially after he’d asked Vegeta if he was ready to order for the fourth time. If looks could burn holes the waiter would probably be nothing more than a pile of ash. He was waiting for his business associate. She was late. As always. Of course.

Punctuality was not Bulma Briefs strong suit. She was the most gorgeous thing on two legs (and he’d be damned if he EVER admitted that out loud) but hell did he hate how she always kept him waiting. They had an important business dealing to discuss and already forty minutes had been wasted. Growling, he pulled out his smart phone to see if she’d returned his last text. She hadn’t.

“Woman, I swear on everything in me I will go to your house and drag you out screaming and naked.”

He’d thought it at least made his point. Surprisingly, as he was watching the screen the response icon appeared, the tiny bubbles of her incoming text taunting him. The phone pinged with its arrival, and her answer made him roll his eyes:

“Is that a promise hot stuff? ;)”

Vegeta groaned. He HATED when she did that. He furiously text back, “Damnit Briefs you’re almost an hour late. I’ve got shit to do tonight.”

“Oh really, like what?”

His fingers stilled over the screen. She had him there. He lived alone and truth be told he would probably just watch tv and head to bed after jacking off. Bulma didn’t need to know that though. “Since when is my personal life any of your business? Just get your late ass here already. I’m fucking starving.”

“Rude. I’m speak-texting from my cars bluetooth. I’m parking right now. Order me a drink okay?”

“Gin and tonic, extra lemon.”

“You know me so well ;)”

Vegeta was slightly unnerved that he knew her favorite drink by heart. He told himself it was because that’s all she ever ordered; but that was far from the truth. Over the past year that they’d worked together, he found himself paying far much attention to her. More than he had any woman. He’d been hired as Capsule Corps private lawyer, and over the past year had worked pretty much solely with Dr. Briefs and his pesky daughter. Dr. Briefs was planning on retiring within the coming year and wanted to make sure that all of the I’s were dotted and T’s were crossed. Bulma was to be his successor and she’d be a damn good one in Vegeta’s opinion.

That is if she could be on time for once in her life.

He waved the waiter back over, the young man turning a shade of green at finally being addressed by the dark haired stranger at the corner table.

“Gin and tonic, extra lemon,” Vegeta muttered, “and make sure it’s here within the next three minutes.”

“I-I’ll see what I can do-”

A twenty dollar bill was shoved into the waiters sweaty hand, “Three. Minutes.” Vegeta punctuated, “Times ticking.”

The poor server was practically trembling, “A-anything else for you sir?”

Vegeta pondered a moment, “Whiskey, on the rocks. There’ll be another twenty if you can get those here in the two minutes and thirty-four seconds you have left.”

Quicker than Vegeta had seen anyone move, the young man dashed towards the bar, nearly running into the blue haired woman who had just walked in the door.

Blue hair…

He would tell himself it was because he stood up to quick that his heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t the tight fitting, knee length red dress she was wearing. It also wasn’t the black shawl with fur lined hood framing her face. It wasn’t the way she was shaking off her wet umbrella. And it CERTAINLY wasn’t the way she looked around the restaurant, finally catching his eyes and grinning at him.

Nope. Not those things at all.

He put on his best scowl as she approached him, the gawking stares of other men in the restaurant unabashedly watching her rear end sway with every step she took in her black heels. To his secret, guilty pleasure however she paid them no mind. She was walking towards him alone. Her sky blue eyes locked on his black, full lips still smiling just for him-

“Bout fucking time.” He snapped.

And the spell was broken.

Bulma’s face fell, that tiny line he adored appearing between her eyebrows, “Well hello to you too, grouchy.”

Inwardly he cursed himself. Having no filter was often more a curse than it was a blessing. Even though she was still frowning at him he edged around her to pull out her chair, “Was there traffic?” He asked gruffly.

“Some,” she said, removing her shawl. Vegeta took it from her and laid it on top of his coat, “I got caught up in the lab earlier. And then I wanted to make sure I looked nice for our date.”

Vegeta froze, mouth slacking. Bulma however was far more interested in the drink being placed in front of her, “Thank you!” She smiled at the server.

The whiskey was slid over to Vegeta, the waiter looking like he’d just run a marathon, “Sorry it’s a minute late sir-”

Suddenly, Vegeta could hear again. He blinked, mumbled a few choice words and handed the man another twenty dollar bill.

Bulma sucked on the lemon wedge garnishing her glass, watching the exchange with great interest. After their server was gone, she raised a brow and asked “What was that about?”

“Just making sure we got the drinks quickly.” Vegeta could feel his cheeks flushing, “Look, I’m sorry but did you call our business meeting a date?”

“Mmmhmmm,” she mumbled around the lemon wedge she was still sucking on.

Suddenly Vegeta’s neck felt hot, “Look Briefs, I don’t known how you’ve deluded yourself into thinking this was anything but a meeting between two coworkers, but this is so not a date.”

He was never quite sure how she did it, but Bulma always had this way of looking right through him. Being a good lawyer meant having a good poker face, and Vegeta always had believed his was the best in the business. It’s how he acquired his own law firm at 25 and had been successful ever since. But this infuriating woman could see through him as easy as a pane on glass.

She removed the lemon wedge from her lips, smirk causing the corner of her mouth to turn up, “Really?”

“Yes woman,” Vegeta hissed, “not every single man in the world has to fall at your feet. Your imagination is almost as big as your ego.”

Frowning, Bulma dropped the drained lemon wedge on her napkin, “Hey no need to get nasty. Usually when you call me to a business meeting it’s at the lab. Not some swanky restaurant. Forgive me for assuming this was supposed to be something else.” She dropped her eyes back to the table, grabbing a complimentary piece of bread from the basket.

Vegeta exhaled through his nose. He and his big mouth. She had him there. When he needed to talk to her about something he would usually catch her in the lab. He wasn’t lying when he said he had business things to discuss, but well…

He sighed, then reached out and grabbed the back support of her dinner chair, dragging the whole piece of furniture and Bulma closer to him. It made an obnoxious scraping noise, but he really didn’t care. When she was within whispering range, he leaned over and muttered, “Sorry.”

Her eyelashes were so long he realized as they blinked at him, the crinkles beside her eyes betraying her smile, “It’s alright tough guy.”

Vegeta allowed himself a small lip twitch. That is until a shaky voice on the other side of the table asked, “Are you ready to order-”

It was Bulma who spoke when she realized Vegeta’s jaw muscle had tensed, “Just get us whatever the specials are tonight; he will have a beef item, rare and I’ll have chicken if it’s available.”

The waiter, as if sensing his impending doom slowly backed away, not fully turning until he’d reached the kitchen.

Bulma pinched Vegeta’s cheek, “Could you please try and not eat the wait staff? Poor guy looks like he’s about to pee his pants.”

Vegeta pulled his face away from her fingers, “it would serve that obnoxious little shit right. He’s worse than a flea.”

“Vegeta,” she warned, “please be nice. For once?”

“Tch.” He scowled and pulled out his phone, pulling up the business documents he needed to go over with her, “Whatever.”

Bulma sighed, and then took a sip of her gin and tonic, “In any case, you look nice. I like you in navy. I’ve never seen that sweater before; is it new? Sure this isn’t a date?”

Vegeta felt his blood pressure rising, the sweater was in fact new, “Woman please…”

“Just saying, you invite me to dinner which you’ve never done before…”

“Briefs I swear-”

“And you’re dressed like a GQ model with that tight navy sweater and black pants…”

“Please stop talking now-”

“And you took my shawl for me…”

“I am never being nice to you again.”

“You even know my favorite drink,”

“It’s all you ever have when you drink alcohol.”

“Pretty good memory if you ask me.”

Vegeta scowled, cheeks burning bright red, “Anyways, here are the documents your father wanted you to look over.” He slid his phone to her, “when you stop talking maybe we can actually get some work done.”

Bulma sighed, then picked up the phone, “Fine, fine. Maybe you should start drinking. You’d be more fun then.”

Eyes narrowed, Vegeta picked up his highball and took a sip. Bulma’s gaze danced across the screen of his phone, finger brushing up so she could read the rest of the document. They were both silent for several minutes when he saw Bulma’s eyes widen.

“What?” He asked.

She flipped the phone around, and Vegeta was horrified to see she was in his pictures folder. The image now on the screen was her, bent over in the lab studying a blueprint. Her long blue hair piled on top of her head and held in place with a pen, face concentrated on whatever she was looking at.

Vegeta paled. He’d taken that the other day and obviously without her consent. She’d called him to say she’d bought him a sandwich and invited him down to eat. Vegeta never turned down food, or a chance to be with her whenever possible. She’d soon forgotten her own sandwich, getting wrapped up in her own brilliant mind and began redesigning a space pod. He watched her in content silence and thought she’d never looked more beautiful. So he secretly took a picture, obviously never imagining she would see it.

And now Bulma was staring at him with a confused expression and he guilty snatched the phone from her hand, shoving it in his pocket and looking away, “We’re done here.”

“Vegeta-”

He made a movement to get up, but stilled momentarily when he felt her grab his hand, “Vegeta, stop it.” She insisted, “Can you quit trying to run away and talk to me?” The fingers on his hand tightened, and he slowly felt his resolve waning. What was he supposed to say? What did she want him to say? That she was right? Because she was, partly. He’d wanted to impress her, not necessarily on purpose but he figured having her alone for once might help. However, he was just a lawyer and former street kid. He’d brought himself up from nothing; had survived by the skin of his teeth doing less than legal things and the only thing that spurred him on was his pride.

She was the complete opposite. Bulma’s family was wealthy and she was used to the best things in life. She could have anyone she wanted. What chance did he have with her? Why was he even trying? Eyes closed tightly, he made the hardest decision of his life and snatched his hand away and stormed out the door as Bulma looked on, hurt; the food just being brought out and laid onto the table.

-

The channels on the television flipped robotically, Vegeta not really watching anything. It had been a bad night. Already stripped out of that new sweater, he sat on the couch shirtless and in sweat pants. How could he face her in the morning? He’d already drafted a resignation letter, more than prepared to walk in and slam it down on her desk right when he walked through Capsule Corps door.

Temper flaring, he pitched the remote into the wall. The flimsy plastic broke apart, batteries flying across the room. He was such an idiot. He’d just ruined the best thing in his life in less than an hour. Vegeta supposed he could easily open his firms doors again and pray his reputation wouldn’t be too soiled, but the promise of a paycheck was the furthest thing from his mind. All he really wanted was her, pressed up against his side as the two of them watched television together. His damn pride was his biggest asset and hinderance sometimes.

A light knock came on his front door.

His head turned slightly, brows furrowing. Who the hell would be knocking on his door at ten o clock at night? Beside him, his phone buzzed, the preview of a text flashing across he lock screen:

“Hey, open the door.”

It was Bulma’s name. His jaw tightened, hand twitching as he fought the urge to reply.

Bzz: “VEGETA, come on. Please?”

He exhaled through his nose and stormed to the door, throwing it open. There she was. Still in her red dress and shawl, a takeout bag in hand and his coat draped over her arm. She blinked, eyes roaming over his heavily muscled bare chest, “Oh, uh, hi.”

Forearm pressed against the doorframe, he sighed, “What is it Briefs?”

Bulma cleared her throat, trying in vain to take her eyes off his muscles, “Uh, you forgot your jacket. And I got the food to go. Maybe we can eat it here and talk?”

“About what?”

Scowling, Bulma pushed past him and into the living room, “Please, can we not play this game anymore? It’s getting old.”

Vegeta rolled his eyes, but followed her to the couch where she had already started laying out the food on his coffee table, “Woman, this really isn’t neces-”

“I didn’t know you did jujitsu!” She interrupted, skittering off to look at a picture on his wall, “Wow! That explains the muscles. It looks like your standing with a big trophy! But who’s that spikey haired guy with the bigger trophy -”

“Bulma,” Vegeta hissed, “what the fuck are you doing here? It’s late. I’m tired. And we have work in the morning.”

She turned, hands on her hips, “You should have thought about that before you ran away from our date!”

“For the love of…Bulma it wasn’t a date.”

“Who do you think you’re fooling?” Within a few steps she was in front of him, blue eyes burning into him, “Why would you invite me out to dinner? Why would you buy a new sweater? It still had the price tag on the back collar, so don’t even pretend like you’ve had it forever. And why was there a picture of me in your phone?”

“Why the fuck were you going through my pictures anyway?” He growled, “You’re looking far into it Briefs.”

Bulma’s sighed, “You’re hopeless. You know that right?”

“It’s for the best.” He said coldly, “I have nothing to offer you anyway.”

“You.”

“What?”

Small tears were beginning to brim in Bulma’s eyes, “There’s you. You’re smart, and cunning and even funny in you’re own weird way. I see when we’re in public places and you look only at me. And when we’re in crowds you put your hand on the small of my back because you know I’ll get lost.”

Vegeta swallowed, suddenly feeling a stirring within himself. An uncomfortable, ripped open sensation.

Bulma continued, reaching out and touching Vegeta’s sharp cheekbone, “I know how much work you have, but still you come visit me in the lab. You let me drunk text you and you always answer, even at three in the morning. Even if it’s snarky I don’t care, because it’s you. I wish you could see what I see when you look at me. Because it’s wonderful; you’re wonderful.”

Vegeta stood frozen, mind playing catch up with what she was saying, “So, you…think I’m tolerable?”

Choking out a laugh, Bulma nodded, “More often than not. But even when your an asshole I like you.”

“You, like me?”

“Yes.”

Vegeta blinked, “So…”

Bulma rolled her eyes, “Geeze Vegeta, do I have to spell it out for you?”

“Spell what?”

Bulma wrapped both arms arms around his neck, and dragged his face down to meet hers.

[afoolsingenuity]

The Upside of Unrequited // It’s So Fluffy!

The Upside of Unrequited – Becky Albertalli

Published: 11th April 2017 Source: Netgalley Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult My Rating:

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love-she's lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can't stomach the idea of rejection. So she's careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

  Then a cute new girl enters Cassie's orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly's cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly's totally not dying of loneliness-except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie's new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny, flirtatious, and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she'll get her first kiss and she'll get her twin back.

There's only one problem: Molly's coworker, Reid. He's an awkward Tolkien superfan, and there's absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

I have been wanting to read this book ever since I first heard about it and so I was majorly daunted by it when I got approved on Netgalley. I mean, I’ve hyped it up majorly in my mind so I was scared to read! Luckily, I saw Nick review it and she enjoyed it so I decided to put my big girl pants on just getting reading. Good thing I have Nick around to tell me what to read, isn’t it?

If I had to describe my immediate feelings for this book upon finishing in a single gif it would be this:

This book was freaking adorable. I mean, there was lots of teen drama and stuff happening but it was also the cutest!

It's strange, it sort of began with Molly being cute and meeting a quirky girl in the toilet (Mina) and the inevitable making friends in toilets (this always happens in clubs and I love it). It then had the greatest meet cute for Mina and Cassie (Molly’s sister) with the awkward merge of friends which always occurs. It then turned into an awkward teenage angst thing as Cassie became invested in her relationship with Mina leaving Milly to feel alone. It had Molly doing the ‘will they, won't they’ thing with Will and Reid and then the book turned back to a teenage cute-fest that is Molly and Reid.

As I said, it felt a bit strange.

I mean, the book stayed cute all the way through but there was a slight change in tone as Molly fell into that pit of obsessing which happens when you start overthinking things and know you are and simply cannot stop yourself no matter how much you try. She became anxious within the book and definitely had some self-esteem issues to deal with but it all felt so very genuine.

I think that's what I really loved about this book. Albertalli really knew how to describe the thought process of a slightly obsessive, anxious person. I cannot claim to suffer from anxiety but I am an anxious person when I let myself be and so I could totally understand Molly's entire thought process in this book. Even when she was being totally crazy and you wanted to stop her all I could think is ‘I've been there’. That feeling of reality within the book is what made me fall in love. That and the really amazing characters.

The characters were the best. I loved Molly with every fibre of my being. She was quirky and creative without even realising it. She basically lived the Pinterest life and you just know you would never be able to recreate the cool things she makes because no one can. Pinterest fail is a thing. Molly was sassy, though. She was freaking hilarious. I loved her with her sarcasm and awesomeness. And her twin, Cassie was awesome. Sure, she could be selfish at times. Who isn’t at seventeen? But she was there for her family and friends when needed ready to cut a bitch who was giving anyone the side eye. And those two together, sure they fought and argued but they were such brilliant sisters who were close and figuring out how to stay close as they grew up and had new people in their lives who were as important as family. I mean, that is a difficult thing to learn.

And Reid whose cheeks and I want to smush and I just want to take him everywhere in my pocket because the boy be cute. Just, ugh, I am fully in love with Reid. I am not convinced boys like that existed when I was at school but there should have been because I would have loved him.

Molly and Cassie's moms! Honestly, they were parent life goals. It’s so fun to see parents I recognise in books because they are similar to my own. I may not have two moms but their general attitude to parenting is so like my mom and stepdad. I love it. They were involved and they were ready to call Cassie and Molly out on things but they were never too involved and controlling. They allowed them both to make their mistakes because parents should let their children make the mistakes and learn because how else will they learn?

Basically, in my slightly spoilerish flailing I have to say I loved it. I loved the writing. I loved the book and I am sat here questioning why the hell I've not read Albertalli's first book? My fear of reading was unfounded and crazy and I will undoubtedly be reading this again in the future.

Have you read this, what did you think? What was the last brilliantly fluffy book that you simply had to tell everyone about repeatedly?

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[asksansweredpdf]

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? my best friend from when i was 4? no thanks! she’s deeeeefinitely more like a sister to me. it’d be weird

 2. You talked to an ex today, correct? nope

 3. Have you taken someones virginity? nope

 4. Is trust a big issue for you? honestly, it never used to be. but it definitely is becoming one as i get older

 5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? i don’t like anyone romantically. but i do have a favourite work friend who i saw recently

 6. What are you excited for? after i graduate next week (not the exciting part) i get to finally watch endgame 

 7. What happened tonight? i went for a walk with my parents, and now im doing this

 8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? fuck no. drunk girls are so cute

 9. Is confidence cute? absolutely 100% wholeheartedly!

 10. What is the last beverage you had? alcohol

 11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? maybe 2

 12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? yeah man

 13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? well, that was yesterday. and i got drunk and started singing and then worked on this story i’ve been trying to figure out for the last 5 years. it’s finally coming together. next saturday? i don’t know. i might write something here about being graduated. maybe i’ll have more motivation to get my life in check. but most likely, i’ll be reblogging memes about endgame. and probably crying

 14. What are you going to spend money on next? 3 tickets to see endgame + the booking fee

 15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? haha nooo. he kissed me and i wasn’t at all into it. but now he has a really cool gf who i love. so it worked out well

 16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? yeah definitely! i plan to get a motorbike within that time period. and that means i won’t be stuck at home as often as i am. i plan on volunteering at places as well as working at my job. going out more means that i will probably feel more awake and alive. 

 17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? honestly? i think one of my coworkers. she’s intimidating and can be a bit scary. but i think that’s why i’d be able to talk to her about anything. because she’s not at all fake! you know exactly what she thinks of what you’re saying. and she will tell you what you need to know, instead of what you want to hear. 

 18. The last time you felt broken? having to move back in to my parent’s houe

 19. Have you had sex today? nah

 20. Are you starting to realize anything? not really hey. i’m trying to figure things out and realise things. but if im being honest, i just feel really lost. 

 21. Are you in a good mood? yeah i am! a quiet, and introspective one, but i think that’s because the alcohol’s wearing off

 22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? i don’t really have strong feelings about it either way. if i was in the mood and it was free then yeah maybe

 23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? yeah they are. mine are a slightly lighter shade though. 

 24. What do you want right this second? to turn off the light in the bathroom in front of me. it’s too intense and it’s making my eyes hurt

 25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? well i don’t like anyone. but if i did, i probably wouldn’t tell them. but i’d definitely tell them i was happy for them! even if i wasnt. 

 26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color?  yeah

 27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? honestly? i don’t think so hey. maybe it’s because of my gemini venus, but being funny is so important to me. 

 28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? i went to the trouble of writing a whole paragraph describing this video before realising i could just link it

 29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? hmmm sometimes i miss this best friend i had for 10 years. i said before how important it is to me to have someone who can make me laugh. and no one has ever been able to make me laugh like she did. i miss that a lot. and i miss how close we were. i tried to re-create that with other people (only for it to backfire). but yeah. i miss her a lot lately. not sure why that is

 30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? yes, but not for the same mistakes

 31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? it was either 1 of 2 people, and i dont hate either of them 

 32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? i don’t have feeling for anyone

 33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? yes! fizzy drink is from the devil

 34. Listening to? sunburn - muse

 35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? no

 36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? i think he lives in queensland?

 37. Do you believe in love at first sight? absolutely not

 38. Who did you last call? my mum, to tell her i was finished at work

 39. Who was the last person you danced with? as in dance party, probably my old roommates. ballroom dance? then it’d be either my baby sister or my old best friend

 40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? i just wanted a cuddle and he asked if he could kiss me. i didn’t want it to be awkward or hurt his feelings so i said yes safkdjhfdlsjkf

 41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? i think like a week ago. when i was watching civil war

 42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? ew no

 43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? hahahahaha yes absolutely. 

 44. Do you tan in the nude? nah man i don’t tan on purpose

 45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? yeah probably. although, the last person i kissed was the best friend of this other guy that i liked at the time. and i maaaaaybe more or less potentially kissed that guy to make the guy i liked jealous. i’m a good person though i swear

 46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? god no. i hate doing that. i love my sleep

 47. Who was the last person to call you? my manager to ask me to come in

 48. Do you sing in the shower? nah. just dance

 49. Do you dance in the car? yes! 

 50. Ever used a bow and arrow? yeah actually. we had an archery thing at a few school camps. it was fun.

 51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? school pictures? no wait, uni ID i guess

 52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? yes and i love them

 53. Is Christmas stressful? fuck no. christmas is so healing! everywhere is beautifully decorated, they play sweet and uplifting christmas carols. you get to buy presents for the people you love. and at work, all i have to do is serve customers which is the best part of my job

 54. Ever eat a pierogi? nope

 55. Favorite type of fruit pie? apple!

 56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? to be an astronaut! i am, however, deathly afraid of heights to the point that they will induce panic attacks (and have done so, multiple times). and i’m also terrible at maths.

 57. Do you believe in ghosts? nah

 58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? nope

 59. Take a vitamin daily? yeah i do! that actually reminds me to take mine today. i forgot to yesterday

 60. Wear slippers? in the winter! they’re the best

 61. Wear a bath robe? nah

 62. What do you wear to bed? whatever the fuck. in summer it can be nothing but underwear, then in winter it’s track pants. i love a good nighty

 63. First concert? pink

 64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? target. kmarts lights make my eyes hurt. and we dont have walmart in australia

 65. Nike or Adidas? adidas

 66. Cheetos Or Fritos? cheetos. we dont have fritos in australia

 67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? peanuts

 68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? n/a

 69. Ever take dance lessons? yeah! i did ballet for like 8 years

 70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? not really, no. but i don’t think about my future spouse much since it’s not really a plan for my life

 71. Can you curl your tongue? yep

 72. Ever won a spelling bee? no sadly

 73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? of course! i used to feel my feelings very intensely

 74. What is your favorite book? at the moment it’s either the martian or the hunger games. but i’m sure as i read more, i’ll find a better one

 75. Do you study better with or without music? with music! i do everything with music playing all the time

 76. Regularly burn incense? only when i’m doing a witchy cleanse

 77. Ever been in love? not where the other person also loves me back

 78. Who would you like to see in concert? i would love to see freddie mercury in concert. sadly, not possible, so i’ll get back to you on that one

 79. What was the last concert you saw? i had to take my sister to see lana del rey

 80. Hot tea or cold tea? hot

 81. Tea or coffee? tea. coffee tastes like shit

 82. Favorite type of cookie? choc chip where all the chocolate bits are warm and melted. or anzac cookies

 83. Can you swim well? nope

 84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? yeah dude

 85. Are you patient? i act patient, but on the inside i am screaming eternally

 86. DJ or band, at a wedding? i’ve never really thought much about my wedding, let alone these details. i guess i’d say band?

 87. Ever won a contest? nah

 88. Ever have plastic surgery? nope

 89. Which are better black or green olives? black

 90. Opinions on sex before marriage? sure man. i dont believe in god but if i did, then fuck that guy

 91. Best room for a fireplace? omgggggg yes i love fireplaces so much! lounge room or bedroom

 92. Do you want to get married? not really. i have so much i want to do and so many friends i want to make. if someone comes along and i love them, then i hold no objections to marriage. but it’s not really a dream of mine or anything

[jamericanbabyxo]

A Reflection of 2018

What a whirlwind 2018 was. This time last year I was in a new place, new state, with new people around me. It was my 3rd day at Treehaven in Lubbock, TX. I was bringing in the New Year with people I had no connection with. I was in a place unfamiliar to me trying to fit in. I didn’t talk much, but deep down I wanted to feel like I belonged.  

January: a month of PHP and IOP. I remember I was in PHP alone which was low key awkward because it was just me and the therapists and I wasn’t much of a talker yet, so it basically was a staring contest of who would talk first. I did learn a bit about addiction and recovery in those sessions but I didn’t really know what was going on. I was still stuck on my obsession of cocaine. I didn’t think I was an addict I just thought I misused it and could go back to it, but I also thought if you put a bag of cocaine in front of me, that I could just push it away and not take it. I started going to meetings at the hub and it was weird for me because people smoked inside the building. I never saw that before. I was four months clean. 

February: IOP and job searches. I started meeting people in IOP and getting close to them. From Treehaven and from Treehouse. I started to be - what a good friend once told me - unapologetically me. I had an interview for chick-fil-a and was 98% sure I didn’t get the job because I showed clevage. LOL. We started this ceramic project in IOP that took a couple of weeks. We never ended up finishing it but the piece that I made I really enjoyed. Friday’s were art therapy day and we were typically separated by boys and girls but we did this project together as a whole. A lot of breaking plates and gluing plate pieces on plies of would and lots of painting. I also started going to the rec and taking workout classes. It only lasted for a little bit but it was worth it while I did it. One day I went to the pancake festival with some people from Treehaven and treehouse. It wasn’t that amazing but it was an interesting thing to experience. I got a job at firehouse subs and lasted for a week. I applied for cashier and then ended up slicing meats and onions and cheese. It was miserable. I quit the job on a Friday because I was having a panic attack. She asked if I wanted to be cashier instead and I just told her I couldn’t do this anymore and left. A week later I picked up my check and it was so uncomfortable. i then got a job at Hungry Howies and lasted there for 3 weeks. I was 5 months sober. 

March: jobs and life.  March 1, 2018 I got my 6 months clean. It was a thing that I never believed that would happen. I was so blessed and so happy that I came that far in my recovery. The weather started to get a little warmer and my tanning season was on the verge of starting. I started buying LOTS of bathing suits to the point I became a brand ambassador for a lot of online swim suit boutiques. Some of the girls and I would tan out in the backyard and we did a lot of ass out tanning days. I had so much fun during this month with the girls in the house. There was a lot of bonding between us. I left Hungry Howies by calling in sick, then later quitting that same day because it caused me to have schizophrenic episodes. I was not a fan. I worked at Pasta Warehouse for one shift and then had an interview at Genghis Grill and got the job on the spot and quit Pasta Warehouse on a Saturday without getting restriction because I had a secure job. Then I went on a bowling outing with the girls in the house. It was so worth it.

April: Experiences. Easter was one April 1 this year. I attended a BBQ that my coworkers were hosting at their place. I had a lot of fun. This was my first time at an event though that had alcohol since I’ve been sober and it wasn’t that hard to handle. I just drank my monsters while everyone else drank and my coworkers kept me accountable to not drink as well. I last only until like 10 pm because I was SO tired. Another thing I did in April was that I impulsively got two tattoos, but they were tattoos that I have wanted for a long time. I got the gemini sign on my left wrist and a small elephant on my right hip. That one rubbed off a little bit from wearing pants every day to work. I went to the Thomas Rhett Concert with a girl in the house and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been too, and it was a new experience to be at a concert sober and actually remember everything that happened. This month I also picked up a desire chip for my sex and love addiction, which was a major step for me because during this time and previous months I was seeking male attention, sending in appropriate things, posting a lot of thirst traps. Just anyway to get negative male attention. I would even push myself on men in recovery to get them to fill this void. I moved into the apartment across the driveway and I thought this was going to be a good decision to have my own space and everything, but I just fell into a deep pit of isolation. I had the worst cravings and I wanted to die. It was so bad I only went to the house for the wifi and barely connected with the girls in the house. It took a long time for me to reconnect with the girls that I lived with. I also graduated from IOP this month and had my own car, so there was no reason for me to see the girls. So I stayed cooped up in the apartment away from everyone as long as I could and fall into self pity. I was 7 months sober.

May: Birthday Month. I was still working at Genghis Grill, but I got a second job at Urban Bricks. I wanted two jobs for the summer. I mainly just worked a lot this month. At the end of the month, Morgan and her friend Michael were driving across the US from North Carolina to Colorado. On the way they picked my up to take me to Colorado for a 5 day trip to be home for my birthday and Morgan and my dad’s birthdays too. On the way home we stopped at Palo Duro Canyon and made our own little hike off trail. It was beautiful. We stopped at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, which was a beautiful sight to see. After that we went home. I got to spend my birthday with my family and Mariah. When I was home my mom, Morgan and I went on a hike, I forget where, but I remember that I was sucking wind. I ended up going to the Haim concert with my siblings at Red Rocks. It was such a cold night, BUT the concert was amazing. I loved every second of it. I went to orientation for Texas Tech on the 31st because I was starting school in the summer.

June: Summer school. June 1, 2018 I got 9 months sober. It felt great to have that much time clean. I started summer school and took a drawing class. I thought I was good at drawing until I took that class. Well I still am good at drawing, but the class took the enjoyment out of drawing for me. It was very frustrating when I thought I was done with a piece and then my professor would tell me how I needed to fix the piece. I ended up loving the pieces that I made in that class. One time while working at Genghis Grill and old man was hitting on me and left his number and a note on his receipt for me. Little to say but it was the most uncomfortable situation because he originally thought I was like 15. The outings in the house every week was us going to Joyland. A sketchy amusement park in Lubbock, but for some reason the girls in the house loved it that we went like 3 weeks in a row. I started getting really close to some of the girls in the house again. I quit Genghis Grill towards the middle of June. I did it properly this time though. I put my two weeks in and my managers were trying to hype me up the my customers to get me to stay. It wasn’t going to work, but I left on a good note. I continued to work at Urban Bricks.

July: Hurt. The major thing that I remembered happening in July was that for the few previous months I was talking to this guy. We started off as friends and went on a couple of dates and hung out when we could because we both were working two jobs so it was hard to see each other. But we made it work. Until on the 4th of July he just ghosted the fuck out of me. I didn’t see it coming. I thought things were good between us. It blew my mind. I was in shock. I was hurt. I had the biggest resentment over it. It took me the entire month to fully get over it. Now I think I have ghosted people before in addiction, but not in recovery. I felt every emotion. I did not like it at all. One good thing that did happen this month was that after 2 months of working at Urban Bricks I got a 50 cent raise. I was 10 months sober.

August: School. I moved into the sober dorms and my mom came down to help me move in. I met my roommates who I now love, but it was so awkward at first in how we interacted with each other. I remember going to the rec pool with some guys i knew from treehouse and my roommates and I just chilled in the lazy river for like hours. First day of classes was a success. At this time I thought I would enjoy my apparel design major. Little did I know. I was 11 months sober.

September: 1 year clean and class changes. September 1, 2018 I got 1 year clean. I had to pick up my chip at celebration and CA. I was nervous for both. Celebration was MUCH easier than CA. At celebration i just said what I posted on Facebook. For CA I had 2 energy drinks before and went in to a 2 hour long panic attack and just said random shit up at the podium when it was my turn. I was shaking so much and almost cried of embarrassment. Thank God I had Emily and Gowri there with me or else I think I would have DIED. I went to my first Texas Tech sober tailgate and football game with my roommate. It was such an experience to have. I was a little weary about it, but I had so much fun. In the past I was always drinking at tailgates, but being sober was a better experience. I was talking to a guy in recovery and i thought it was something good, but he ended things and he told me he was getting with me for points that his friends put together. Since I was black and in the center he got 2 points for getting with me. It hurt that I was just part of a game that he was playing. But it showed me that I deserved better. I had a mental breakdown 2 weeks into the semester about classes. I emailed Vince about changing courses and he told me I couldn’t . So I went to the center and cried and Dr. Tom and Anna helped me along with my advisor. I switched out of all my apparel classes and joined math, history, and cfas. Apparel design stressed me out so much that I physically couldn’t go to the classes. I am so grateful for the center helping me out during that hard time.

October: TCU, Family Weekend, Halloween. A LOT happened in October. I went on the center trip to TCU with 15 other people in the center. I loved this trip. I had Emily by my side for the trip and I connected with a lot of other people that I normally wouldn’t have talked to originally. We went to the TCU v. Tech game and crashed the wrong tailgate, lol. We went to the 24 Hour Club and got to learn about the place. We went thrift shopping and I dropped $94. It was a fun time. During the trip, I was talking to this guy named Travis and we planned to get coffee when I got back. I met with him to get coffee and he was running late and I was sitting outside in the cold for about 7 minutes and he apologized for having me wait. We got coffee in the English Building and there was only decaf coffee left, which was okay, I just don’t really drink decaf lol. We talked about a lot over all different topics that you probably wouldn’t talk about on a first date, but it was refreshing. Family weekend was amazing. My parents came down for it. They got to meet my friends and other parents and the staff in the center. We got to connect a lot and go out to eat and shop and go bowling. I really loved spending that time with them. Oh I can’t forget how awkward it was when Travis met my parents and completely diverted them when he first saw them, LOL. I went to the Aspire Halloween party with all my friends - Audrey, Erin, Emily, Gowri, Taylor, and Gracie. We all basically dressed as football players. It was a good time because I had good people around me and I talked to some people there that I didn’t normally talk to. I was 13 months sober.

November: Thanksgiving, God. This time of year was so busy in school. I had midterms and projects and tests and so much to do. It was so stressful. I missed some school, but I pushed myself to do better. I also focused more on my faith with God. I did this throughout the previous two months too, but this month I really focused on it. I started praying more and giving up my problems and control over to god. I started spending more time with Travis, which I enjoyed. He made it official this month, which seems quick to some, but it just felt right. I went home for thanksgiving which was nice because last thanksgiving I was in rehab, so it was nice to be with family. I went Black Friday shopping with my dad and got a new pair of kicks from Nike. My car had been acting up for the previous 4 months and when I got back to Lubbock my car stalled on me and I refused to drive it. It had been jolting like crazy, making me super paranoid and anxious to drive it to work and other places. I started ubering after it stalled. I was 14 months clean.

December: Finals, Winter Break. Finals season, the worst season. Although one of my finals got cancelled due to snow and then I had to take it online. Some of my finals were hard and others were easy. But my final grades came in and i got 1 A, 3 Bs and an F. The F was in history and I knew going into the final that I was going to fail the class. I’m retaking it over the summer. I decided to wait a little bit before I go home for break so I spent the first week in Lubbock and I didn’t realize how lonely it would be. But I was working and I hung out with Travis a lot and Emily as well. It helped being around people. Then on the 20th I went home. I’m glad I got to go home to be with family for Christmas, because like Thanksgiving, last year for Christmas I was in rehab. I got to see Mariah on the 27th and then Kayce on the 28th. It was good to see them both. I really enjoyed it. But I’ve mostly been sitting at home doing nothing. I am 15 months clean.

So much has happened this year, and I am truly grateful for all of it. Some ups and some downs, but overall I am just happy that I am alive and sober. Thank you to y’all who participated in my life thus far.

[wm-ta-d-blog]

Why I quit my daycare job...

Story #1: Why I quit my daycare:

Hi guys, what’s up? I’m sorry it’s been so long since I got in contact again. I remember mentioning in my very first entry that I wanted to talk to you guys about the reasons why I wound up quitting a job that I really loved. I don’t know if anyone will ever look at these, but just remember that everything I say is super honest and every time I write these stories it’s more of a relaxing therapeutic exercise than anything else.

So before I get started, a little background on me and where I used to work: I live in Phoenix, Arizona, I was born in Michigan and raised in Kentucky. Although I never lived in the city before, I actually enjoy it a lot. I love being surrounded by people that don’t talk to me just because of the fact that I have social anxiety and I consider a slight wave to be human interaction… which is sad. There are things about me that are like inner demons that I battle, this relates to this story in particular because there are some of them that include being too sensitive, or judgmental, but the biggest that trumps them all is when someone gets in my face and tries to be mean to me and I don’t stand up for myself.

This guy is the biggest of them all because I was bullied in school like crazy. From about 6-9th grade I was this annoying little girl who was weak, over sensitive, dramatic, and awkward. I remember the years before that I was always the first one to volunteer myself to do things, I sang in front of anyone at any time, I would dance and laugh and play sports but that was robbed from me in my teenage years. One day I might go into that aspect of my life, but just know that when someone is mean to me and I don’t stand up for myself, it bothers me for years because it’s like a trigger of some sort. I go from being this beautiful and wonderful woman back to that little dork who everyone thought was ugly with glasses.

So now a little bit about my job that I just quit. I was an assistant teacher for children ages 12-35 months. Within my first week of working there I bonded with all of the kids. I remember being incapable of being sad when they were around me because I just loved them so much. There was this one little boy though, and his name was Mani (this is a nickname, I don’t want to say what his name really is but if you can guess it based on what I gave you, good for you.) Mani was so young but he was crazy. He was only about a year and a half old but one of those kids, where he needed a fully functioning staffed daycare just for himself. Because of his recklessness (that his mother was fully aware of) his shoes and socks were constantly pulled off, he was the one to climb tables, and chairs and open doors and escape, and he would scream in my students faces and hit, punch, bite, and kick (he was mostly known for stealing food and making kids cry in general.) I remember once in particular, his mother picked him up from school and she literally got sucker punched in the face for telling him not to bite students anymore. So with all this being said, excuse me for not liking him in particular.

Now, within my last weeks of working at the daycare, I was put on a new schedule where I would work only three days a week but 12 hours each day. So, the whole mess with Mani started when we got a new “experienced” employee for the one year old class, (I put quotations because she fucking sucks, which I’ll talk about why later) This employee in particular, we’ll name her Carry (nickname), was very mean to the kids. In fact, if they didn’t listen to her, they wouldn’t get snack. She was also known for pushing and pulling and being too rough. I worked Wednesday-Friday and on Wednesday instead of working at 06:00, they had me come in at 14:30, apparently earlier that morning Mani had an accident report which I knew nothing about. After repeated asking, I found out that Carry was outside WITH OUR DIRECTOR and Mani threw a fit over not receiving a bike, he apparently abruptly threw himself onto the concrete and tripped over his jacket and busted his lip. (Likely story, right?) so, Carry of course leaves early and I’m faced with his angry mother a few hours later. What really got to me and his mother both is that although APPARENTLY he bled very little, Carry changed his shirt AND pants. So, of course this mother comes at me agitated:

“Oh my God, what the Hell is going on here? He is changed in different clothes and his lip is busted? How did that happen?” she said with frustration and a hint of sarcasm that I was incredibly sympathetic and understanding about.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what happened exactly but from what I understand he was playing and he fell onto the concrete. I know how frustrated you must be but I promise it won’t happen anymore.” Was close to my response to her statement.

She rolled her eyes at me, said whatever, and scooped up her child who was actually fighting her and screaming because I guess he didn’t want to leave.

So, it was one of those situations where I wiped the sweat off of my brow and said “phew” aloud. My boss is this woman who speaks little English and is from India, so she has trouble understanding what people are trying to say to her, so when she approached me after Mani left, she was quite overwhelmed and panicked. I assured her that day that I, personally, would spent an extra amount of effort to ensure that he was safe under my care. Now that I think about it, it was quite stressful because at the time I was dealing with bad grades in school as well.

Nonetheless, I held up my share of safety, but I can’t say that for anyone else, really.

So, the next day was Friday and Mani was already in school. I was at work by seven in the morning and thankful that I didn’t have to deal with his mother again. Before I continue with the story, I would like to list some of my coworkers who are important: Anna and Sonta.

Anna is this girl who is a year older than me, she has a son named Josiah and I admire her for being the way she is. She’s an amazing mother and she’s always down for whatever shift she gets at our daycare. She’s reliable, sweet and really fun to work with. I have this really big crush on her and this is a little embarrassing to say, but to me she was like this Latin princess kind of girl with really pretty black hair. For some reason my boss and director hated her and because of that she felt like she wanted to quit, I would always try to steer her away from that train of thought because I loved both her and her son and if she wasn’t there, who would I stare at all day?

Sonta, on the other hand, is like one of my very first black friends, haha. She was my partner in crime and my teaching buddy for the one year olds. I respected and loved her because she was a year younger than me, but she is focused and about as wise as they come. She was the first nineteen year old girl that I knew who sincerely had her life together while also being really fun and easy going. She was also a crucial friend in my life who constantly supported me, told me she loved me, and hugged me when I cried.

Although I hated the majority of my coworkers… that wasn’t the case for these two.

So, back to the story… I had Mani in my one year old class. The ratio is 6:1 but I began to realize that at about 8:30, we were at 7:1 and then 8:1 and then 12:1 and then 14:1. I was on the verge of tears in my room trying to control all of these kids at once. Sonta wasn’t expected to show up until 14:00 and all of the teachers called out besides me and another insignificant employee named Jess. As it was, she had two year olds but she had like 18. My boss walked into my chaos and I begged her to call Anna to come in but she refused. So, in frustration I texted my director to send Anna in. She did immediately, and Jess came into my class and we handled like 25 kids together (ratio 12:2) at this point (around 13:00), I was quite impressed because Mr. Mani Monster was still unharmed and quite frankly just chilling out. So, fast forward a couple hours, Jess went home and Sonta was with me and we were losing more and more kids because it was about two hours from closing time. I was having a really good day, despite the chaos and Mani was still doing really well, (although I had to save him quite a few times)

They go outside for an hour every day to play while their parents pick the majority of them up to go home. At this point in time, Sonta and I had the one year olds and Anna had Mani with the two year olds (which isn’t okay, but our daycare was known for doing that because Mani was too rough with most of the kids his age) Sonta and I are playing with the kids, having races and really enjoying the nice day when all of a sudden Anna let’s all of her kids into our playground and I see Mani actually covered in blood trying to escape. So apparently what happened in the 15 minutes this kid was away from me was Anna was up on the playground doing “slide control” when Mani slid on his belly while Anna wasn’t looking and kind of got air off the slide before he landed on his stomach and ultimately recut his lip.

Sonta didn’t understand why I was immediately panicked but I got this real life sinking feeling in my stomach that today wouldn’t be so nice anymore. Anna was reluctant to write an accident report because she was scared she would get fired but I talked her into it because it needed to be done. I remember Anna passing it to our director who instantly blamed everyone but herself (even though it was her wishes to send Mani on the more dangerous playground) and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Anna. Once the director called Mani’s mother she said nothing and hung up the phone. Our director began to show restlessness as she raised her voice at us for sitting at the playground (although no one was sitting) As a half hour passed by, my frustration and nervousness grew because I knew that I went above and beyond to keep him safe that day. I even went as far as putting a child I was changing on the ground to quickly scoop him up from trying to jump off of a table. I began to blame my management because 25 kids were in one room all together whose intended occupancy was about 15.

And even when we brought him back inside to wait for his mother, he had to stay on my lap because he was still being reckless and trying to bite and kick. I couldn’t help but think that she had to understand what happened; she had to understand that her son was kicked out of three daycares before this one and that he’s a wild child. I mean, how couldn’t she? On the bright side, I didn’t expect her to come until later and I was about five minutes away from leaving. I didn’t want to leave Sonta with this big mess, but my anxiety was already raging and I knew a panic attack would come soon if my heart didn’t stop beating so heavily.

My thoughts were interrupted with the baby room teacher opening our door and yelling, “Oh man, you guys, Mani’s mom is here.” Just my luck. With that being said, it was go time and I felt as though I was preparing for some kind of war. I had him in my arms and I got his daily log and art together. I started to calm down a little when I saw Sonta in the corner with the kids, I knew that I had to be brave and I knew she had my back. (I know all of this sounds so dramatic but it really was, I was so angry at myself for not being as brave as I wanted, but I later realized there was nothing I could do to help the situation.)

This woman literally busted through our door seconds after I calmed myself down. Every one of my little crazy one year olds were too afraid to move. Mani didn’t even want his mother so that he could go home at this point.

She shouted, “What the fuck happened here, his goddamn clothes are changed again. What’s up with you stupid bitches not watching him?”

My heart jumped in my throat as I tried to walk towards this furious woman and hand her, her child who protested and tried to stay with me. I replied, “Here, I promise we did try to watch him all day.” As I was walking back to get his paper, it was like something in her brain caught fire and she was more furious than I ever saw anyone.

“Here? HERE? You have attitude with me, you little bitch. Why are you not apologizing to me? What the fuck is up with all of you stupid bitches, are you incapable of watching children? Are you all stupid? What do you do all day? Don’t you have a kid, you irresponsible little fuck?”

When I gave her his paper and she ripped it out of my hand and crumpled it, throwing it to the ground it is like all the bravery was swept from my mind. I thought that this woman, who was waiting for me to reply, was going to punch me in the face. I looked at Mani who was trying to get away from his mother and saw a fear in him that made me so sad. The children behind me began to whimper and one of the parents were hiding in the doorway, waiting to pick up his child but too horrified to move.

A new circuit went off in my brain, and it was one where I continuously said I was sorry and tried to convince her that we weren’t watching him because he was in a different playground when this occurred… I wanted to tell her how hard I tried to keep her shitty little kid safe, I wanted to tell her how much I prayed she never came back, I wanted to tell her that she was scaring our kids, I wanted to tell her to stop being so trashy, I wanted to tell her that she was only embarrassing herself, but all that came out was “I’m sorry, but I’m sorry but I’m sorry but I’m sorry but we weren’t there for the incident.”

I finally walked back to the changing table on the verge of tears when Sonta said “you’re yelling at the wrong teachers. He doesn’t get hurt with Kylie and I” (oh my god, I admired her for her bravery at this point. My sweet Sonta who was younger than me, telling her how it is. Saving my butt.)

But the mother didn’t want to know who did what. Even when Anna was brave enough to face the mother and tell her it was her fault that Mani got hurt, I was still her target. I was still the stupid little bitch. Eventually, my director came out from her hiding place and decided to diffuse the situation. She told her that she wasn’t being productive and she was basically dragged out of the daycare, still trying to yell at me for something I didn’t do.

I went home and cried about this situation for three days. This woman set off a trigger in me and it was like it couldn’t be turned off. I didn’t want to work there anymore, and I dreaded being around the children even though I loved them before, I felt like I was weak and stupid and the more I thought about it, the more outraged I became at my director for not having our backs. She allowed this woman to come in and almost fight me for something I tried all day to avoid.

I know that Mani’s mom had the right to be angry in general but I wish the director would have at least helped us to some degree. Would have had my back like Sonta had mine. The director proved how weak she was that day to me. And I could never have respect for her ever again. (I found out that she only came out because she heard the mother call us bitches repeatedly from the other side of the daycare)

Apparently the mother walked out of the daycare crying. I feel sorry for her for exploding the way she did and I don’t care if mothers come on here and try to justify what she did because it wasn’t right. There is no justifying cursing around children and calling the teachers who worked extra hard to keep your child safe, stupid bitches…

I can finally go to sleep knowing that this situation wasn’t my fault and that I will handle people being explosively angry with me with more grace.

Mani never came back and I’ll never know if it was because of him getting bad childcare (which he wasn’t) or her being embarrassed or a mix of them all. I just hope she understands that this will happen at any daycare she tries to go to until she decides to parent him differently.

A one year old should never exhibit abusive behavior like punching his own mother in the face for trying to discipline.

There are a lot of daycare things that I can deal with, but that was not one of them.

The end.