#woah that turned out kinda gloomy-

[hannyoontify]

my lighthouse - yoon jeonghan

member | jeonghan x reader genre | fluff. hurt/comfort word count | 1.9k  synopsis | on your darkest, most gloomy days at sea, jeonghan becomes your lighthouse warnings | reader is feeling very big (bad) feelings, allusions to a depressive episode, reader is kinda mean to jeonghan BUT for good reason (i think) but jeonghan is very understanding (bless his soul) notes | completely absolutely self indulgent. i’m not even embarrassed about it anymore. not proofread

Today marked the fifth consecutive rainy day. The highways were jam packed and the dull concrete sidewalks were flooded, preventing any unlucky pedestrian from being able to trek across the muted, gray city. The streets warbled an unfamiliar melody and thunder rumbled like a choir of grand pianos falling downstairs. 

You love the rain. The peace and serenity that came along with the dark clouds had always been a favorite for you. Rain meant a hot cup of chamomile tea in your special Snoopy mug that you had set aside just for days like these. It meant sitting on your special chair, your arm resting on the windowsill as you stare out the window that was opened just enough for you to smell the crisp air and enjoy the sound of rain, as you wait for your tea to cool down. Rainy days meant enjoying the gentle aroma of chamomile surrounding you and your eyes fluttering shut as the steam from your drink floated and danced around you. It meant breathing harshly against the glass until it fogged up, then drawing silly cartoons as fast as you could before the condensation on the cold surface disappeared.

But you just couldn’t do it anymore. Drinking hot chamomile tea and drawing the same initials ‘YJH + Y/F/N’ for four days straight became a bore. The constant sound of rain against your window roof became a bother and you hated the traffic that came along with it.

Jeonghan’s ears perked up at the sound of a low thump on the floor, followed by a string of low mumbling as you shuffled through the entryway and into the kitchen. He sat up from where he laid on the couch and watched as you grumpily sauntered to the kitchen while shrugging off your wet coat, trailing it behind you.

“Baby?” Jeonghan called out. You let out a loud huff and continue to mumble something under your breath as you set down a pack of ramen very aggressively on the marble counter. Scared for your safety (and the ramen’s), Jeonghan pushed to his feet with a quiet groan and made his way towards your side. His sock-covered feet padded along the hardwood floor.

He silently stood by your side and took the second pack of ramen from your hands before you absolutely demolished it on the counter, similar to its kin that now probably laid in pieces on your kitchen island.

You grumbled and angrily threw a frozen pack of meat into the sink. “Woah, woah, baby. Let’s calm down.” Jeonghan reached over and gently grabbed your hands, his thumbs gently rubbing over your wrists as his eyes searched your angry, teary ones. 

Wait, tears?

“Angel, what’s wrong?” Jeonghan asked. Your pupils shook and you bit down on your bottom lip, but he still noticed the slight quivering that you failed to hide. Your hair was wet and it was sticking to your forehead and he noticed a slight shiver in your body as your wet clothes annoyingly plastered themselves onto your shaking skin. Jeonghan reached out and rubbed his hands up and down your arms, trying his best to warm you up. “Did something happen?”

You pushed his hands off of you and grabbed your wet coat that still laid on the floor before storming off into your bedroom. All with wet, red eyes. “It’s nothing.”

Jeonghan watched you disappear and sighed when the door slammed shut. Deciding to give you some time, he turned around and began to put away the rest of the groceries, handling them with much more gentleness and care than what you were doing before. 

After putting the groceries away, Jeonghan pulled out your special Snoopy mug that you always set aside for rainy and snowy days and reached for the teabags only to find the chamomile portion completely empty. Jeonghan frowned. That wasn’t possible, since chamomile was both of your favorite teas, and he had accompanied you to buy a whole new pack of tea bags just last week after you heard about the rain forecast. You had gleefully grabbed his hand and dragged him through the tea and coffee aisle with a bright, child-like grin on your face the entire time.

Thinking of your smiling face made Jeonghan even more upset that you weren’t in a good mood, and he peered into the trash can to spit out his gum when he noticed a mound of unopened chamomile tea bags dumped inside, along with wadded up napkins and Cheeto bags. Jeonghan’s frown only deepened as he tried to connect the dots.

It was raining, your favorite kind of weather and yet, you were in a bad mood. You threw away all the chamomile tea bags you had left, although they were your favorite. You were being aggressive and you were never aggressive when you were-

He heard a strangled yell from your shared bedroom and Jeonghan looked up at the closed door with a worried look in his eyes. Against his better judgment, Jeonghan walked over and opened the door and took a peek inside. You were sitting on the closet floor with your back towards him, your knees propping your arms and your head buried in between your legs as you quietly sobbed. From behind, Jeonghan could see your silent sobs wracking your body in small waves. 

Jeonghan felt like someone had just stabbed him in the gut and twisted the knife. He silently watched for a few more seconds before he closed the door, physically unable to watch you cry anymore. He desperately wanted to join you by your side and comfort you, but Jeonghan knew that that wasn’t what you needed as of now. Right now, he knew you needed space.

When you came back out of the bedroom in a pair of baggy sweats and an oversized shirt (that was probably Jeonghan’s) with red, swollen eyes and a sniffly nose, Jeonghan didn’t say anything and simply pushed your special Snoopy mug in your direction, across the kitchen island counter.

Seeing that ceramic cup made something in your stomach twist, and you were ready to push it off the counter and let it shatter along the hardwood floor when you noticed a new sweet aroma permeating your senses.

“Noticed you threw away all the chamomile we had, so I opted for something sweeter. I hope that’s okay,” Jeonghan said gently. He distanced himself from you, watching you intently with gentle eyes as you nursed the cup of hot chocolate in your cold hands. “If you don’t like the cup, I can put it in another one and-”

“N-no,” You quietly interrupted. “It’s okay… Thank you.”

Jeonghan smiled and watched as you lifted the mug to your lips and took a sip. The sweet drink was the perfect temperature, not too hot but not too cold. The taste was dark, rich and the thick consistency coats your tongue before it flows down your throat, leaving a warm, tingly sensation throughout your entire body. The top is swirled with white whipped cream and spotted with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. You choke back another sob before you take another sip and you’re transported back to your childhood. 

You suddenly remember one rainy day in second grade, you and your siblings huddled up in front of the hearth. The fireplace crackles as you and your siblings push and shove as you're seeking enough warmth from the small fire that burned in front of you. Your mother approaches you, her arms full with a tray with steaming hot chocolate and all the children cheer. You’re clapping your hands together in glee as your mother makes a big show out of counting the big marshmallows out loud and dropping them into each mug. Two for each, it’s always been like that.

You set down the cup and Jeonghan panics when he sees tears silently streaming down your face. He circles around the kitchen island hurriedly and still slightly unsure of whether he should approach you or not, Jeonghan stands in front of you and awkwardly pats your shoulder until you glare at him. Through your tears, you manage to hiccup out, “Just hug me, you- *hic* -idiot.”

“I’m your idiot.” One teary-eyed look from you and he shuts his mouth, but your idiot was happy to comply.

Jeonghan wrapped his long arms around your shoulders and let you cry into his shoulder like a baby. He made soft soothing noises as he rubbed his hands on your back, slightly rocking you back and forth on your feet. You pressed your face further into him, as if burying yourself within your love would somehow prevent the pain you were feeling. When you had finally pulled away, the entire shoulder of his shirt was damp, but Jeonghan didn’t mind.

He looked into your eyes. They were glassy and bloodshot, glistening and glinting in the dim light of your kitchen light as you hiccupped to try and catch your breath. Jeonghan cupped your face with his hands and wiped a stray tear away with his thumb.

Jeonghan rested his forehead on yours. “How are you feeling, love? Do you need anything?” He whispered. From where he stood, he could see a stray tear lingering on your lashes that streamed down your face once you blinked.

“Can you please hold me?” You asked in the meekest voice Jeonghan’s ever heard from you. “I just… had a really bad day and-” You let out a shaky breath and your boyfriend quickly pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“I understand, angel. Do you want to talk about it?” Jeonghan gently guided you to the couch, the cup of chocolate in one hand, his other hand guiding your waist. 

You settled down into the couch, your body melting into the comfortable mold of soft pillows and pressed your face into Jeonghan’s chest, inhaling the homely scent of him and you swore you felt yourself relaxing just through his smell. “No… I think, I just need to be with you right now.” You muttered. 

Jeonghan didn’t say anything in response. He simply wrapped an arm around your shoulder to bring you closer, resting his lips atop of your head. His other hand traced small, unintelligible shapes on your thigh as you sat alone with your thoughts.

“You don’t have to do that, you know,” Jeonghan mumbled into your hair.

“Do what?”

“All that thinking by yourself. If there’s anything you want to talk about or need to get off your chest, you can always tell me. Is there someone you want to cuss out? We can cuss them out together.”

You felt another sob clawing its way up your throat and your eyes burned. 

“Thank you, for everything.”

Jeonghan was your lighthouse. He stood tall and strong at the end of a lonely pier, shining his bright light into the dark and empty abyss of an ocean called the world. His beacon of light was sometimes the only thing that got you through the rough waves of life that often tried to tug and pull you under into the cold, harsh oceanic waters. His bright light pierces through the rainy night and offers you refuge after a long, horrible day. Jeonghan’s words of encouragement, his selfless acts of service, and his constant reminders of why you deserved to be loved was what helped you stay afloat. He was your safe place, your home. 

And you were so so grateful to have him in your life. 

reblogs and feedback is always appreciated ^-^

[vwiivizx]

Day.... 2....eughhjjj......no colors.........

Anywyas

Storyline : nene is the sun, the center of the solar system were in. But, a few days ago, the moon wasn't found anywhere.

Nene has never shined the same, sure her sun still has some light. But the sun shined brighter when the moon was still there.

The sun sits still in her place, wondering if she could've seen the moon at least one more time. A star was walking around, finding the sun alone.

He finds interest in the sun, now is trying to talk with her. She's still sad, I wonder if he can cheer her up?

Ok guys quick act like hanako

You were trying to go through multiple planets and learning them, you've always been a space-kinda-guy. You always see planets brighter when you step foot near their territory, you're quite a bright star, aren't you?

Floating through the space, you find a star that shined brighter than any stars you've ever seen.

" Woah.. " You muttered, seeing her makes your heart beat faster, I wonder why? " What is this feeling, " you ask.

She seems pretty.. Gloomy, the other planets looked worried at her. Why can't they do something? Well, if they can't then you should probably do something.

You took a few steps closer to her, her head turns upward. She's crying, she doesn't say anything. " Uhm.. Hey ! ! " You smiled, " Are you.. you alright? The other planets seem worried about you. "

... It's been a few moments, her mouth stays shut. Seems like you've bothered her or something.. Well, you tried, " I'm alright.. " She replies, you don't know if she wants you to stay or not.

" Hey! ! You can tell me what happened, I'm sure I can listen. " You took a few steps closer, sitting down beside her. Your eyes seem to gaze around her beauty, her voice, her light, everything about her just seems perfect. Maybe you could see her smile?

" .... I lost someone.. really special to me. " She whispered, her voice was really small. You could barely hear it, at least you still understand her words. Her tears were bright, they shined just as bright as your stars.

Oh yeah, you should say something about her loss, " Awh, uhh... I'm sorry that happened to you. I hope she.. or he or whatever pronouns they use, I hope you can meet them again maybe. " You couldn't find words that fit best to comfort her, she seems to be a bit confused. She wiped her tears and lifted her head up a bit. " I wish I could see them again, they aren't dead or anything.. Hopefully not. They're lost and.. " Her voice cracked, doesn't seem like she can speak anymore words.

You hear a soft sorrow from her, you try to think of what could entertain her. " Hey, how about you and I go around the galaxy? " You invited, " No, I can't. This is my place, if I move anywhere from here, then everyone else will collapse. " She declined your offer.

" Well.. If you can't move out of this place then, I'll stay here with you! "

" No, go back to your own home. It's better that you continue exploring, do your own thing. " She wanted the best for you.

You sigh, " Listen, I haven't known you for a long time or anything. But if I had to see the outside world without your shine, I think I'd rather stay in my own bubble. " You replied, she seems pretty.. Intrigued by your reply. You know she doesn't want to feel lonely, but she wants the best for you too. She doesn't want to decline your offer again, worrying it might make you sad. " Fine, stay here. But you can leave whenever you want. "

You immediately smiled, she seems to find you really interesting. You feel a warm presence coming from her now, though you couldn't see her smile, at least you've probably made her happy now.

You both sit eternally together, a few talks, compliments, and a few other activities.

You don't complain about this life choice, being with her makes you happy. She seems to be happy about it too, " Hey, please don't leave me.. Please..? " She asked.

"Of course I won't, darling. You are everything to me, I will always be there for you. Even if my body wouldn't be here anymore, my mind will always find a way to your heart. "

Both of you are happy together.

It's okay, you won't die before her. Hopefully.

Live laugh hananene (and mitsukou)

Was supposed to add angst at the end but I'm kind 💞 (hanakos gonna die and nenes gonna be alone AGAIN ok bye)

[ohii-san]

UNKNOWN HOLY NIGHT AND NIGHTHEAD - PROLOGUE

( One day, in mid-November )

Tomoya: O~i, Hinata. I’m thinking of making some coffee, do you want some too? Look, there’s a note here that says you’re free to help yourself.

Hinata: Huh. Will you make mine too? Thanks, Tomo-kun!

Tomo-kun’s reeeally thoughtful, isn’t he~?

Usually I’m the older brother type and I never really thought anyone else would take care of me, but when I’m with Tomo-kun, I get really spoiled.

Tomoya: Ahaha, what’s that? You’re making a pretty big deal out of me making coffee.

When it comes to Ra*bits, Hajime usually makes the coffee for me, and it’s really good. So I wanted to try it for myself.

Well, I guess all you have to do is set up the cup of coffee and turn it on…

Okay, it’s brewed. Thanks for being patient; it’s hot though, so be careful! I can’t even joke about burning yourself before the performance…

Hinata: U~waaa ♪ Thank you!

Well, I’m still wondering when the actual performance is gonna be~...

Tomoya: Yeah, for sure. This is the first time I’ve felt so pressured by work. 

Hinata: Me too, me too. But it seems like it was some random trouble with the equipment, so it’s not like it was anyone’s fault.

Tomoya: But, waiting for so long is kinda exhausting… I don’t even really feel excited for work anymore.

Hinata: Nn~... I’ve been waiting for so long that I’m getting sleepy…, The sofa here in the dressing room is so hard~

Tomoya: Hey, you're relaxing too much. If you lay down, your clothes will get all wrinkled, and your hair will come undone, won’t it~?

You went through all the trouble of getting your hair and makeup done all handsomely… Come on, get up, get up!

Hinata: Ugh… Seems like Tomo-niichan’s actually kinda strict.

( Ping )

Tomoya: Nn? Was that your smartphone, Hinata?

Hinata: Mm~? Lemme see— Nope. Doesn’t seem like it was mine.

Tomoya: Ah, sorry, it was me. I’ve got a message on HoldHands.

Since it’s HoldHands, I assume it’s business-related? I wonder what it is.

Tomoya: Erm— It’s a message concerning “Shuffle Unit”...

Ahh. This is that inter-office P-Association project I’ve heard about.

Hinata: Woah! It’s finally Tomo-kun’s turn!

Tomoya: Yeah, yeah. Mitsuru and Nii-chan were already chosen for theirs, so I’ve been looking forward to mine~

It’s a project where various idols cross the boundaries of their agencies and form a temporary unit together, right?

Hinata: Yeah, somethin’ like that. C’mon, what is it? Show me!

Wow, it is! How nice~, I still have yet to get mine…

I’m really looking forward to forming a temporary unit with a bunch of different members from the agencies.

Doesn’t it kinda remind you of back at Yumenosaki, with our seniors around? Back then, we also worked with lots of different people.

Tomoya: Now that you mention it… I’ve been taking on so much ES work lately that I forgot about that.

Hinata: We got to get to know others through work… And it happened pretty often, too. So that’s why I’m looking forward to this.

Tomoya: Personally, I prefer teams with members that I’m close to... I'm no good at talking with people I don't know, it makes me really nervous. Especially if they’re my senior.

Hinata: Really? Well, they say communication can be carried out just with a smile and some gesturing!

Tomoya: You’re as optimistic as ever. The same goes for Mitsuru, too.

Hinata: Fufufu. There’s no point in being gloomy about things, y’know.

Anyway, Tomo-kun. Who are the members of that Shuffle Unit after all? I’m pretty sure it’s written in that message.

Tomoya: Ahh, that’s right. I forgot to check…! I need to look at it properly.

Ehh, the members…

Tomoya: What?! Hajime?! And Himemiya, Harukawa, and Shiratori… Is this for real?!

It’s not a mistake or prank, right? Right?!

Hinata: No way?! Really?!

Ahh, how per~fect! Look Tomo-kun, it’s a circle of friends for you! Isn’t this kinda cheating?!

Tomoya: Yeah, yeah! I didn’t expect it to be such an easy group to work with either!

Hehe… Actually, I was really a little worried~ I feel like if I had been grouped with a bunch of seniors, I’d end up having to be overly mindful.

Tomoya: I doubt there’ll be any problems this way. I think we can work together to make this Shuffle project a success ♪

[cc-genshin]

#TravelingwithWrio Day 1 Part 2:

Quietly, the Duke walks out of Opera Epiclese with the Traveler. When they stepped outside, he took a deep breath before facing his companion.

"Nice weather today, isn't it?" Wriothesley prompted. "The day of my trial, it was raining. Funny, it was my birthday too at that time." He looks away, turning his gaze towards the empty streets.

"From now on, we'll celebrate your birthdays together. It won't be dark and gloomy ever again." The traveler spoke gently, gandering at the Duke's handsome face.

The corners of Wriothesley's lips curved into a smile, "I'll hold onto you with that promise," He winked playfully and walked forward.

Together, they stood before the Fountain of Lucine.

"They say all the water in the world comes back right here, in this place." Wriothesley observed the everlasting fountain. "Sounds kinda cheesy, but hey, at least they return right where they came from." He shrugged and faced the traveler.

"Have you ever thought about going back to where you came from...?" The traveler asked with eyes laced by curiosity.

Wriothesley shook his head. "No," firmly, he replied. "I am fine right where I am now." He continued, gazing intensely into the traveler's golden eyes.

The traveler smiles, a sense of relief washing away their worries. In a way, they're just like Wriothesley — both used to have a "place" to return to... But found a better place to call their "home."

Continuing their tour around Opera Epiclese...

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: Oh, there's a lot of rainbow roses around here.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Yep, these flowers are quite common here and well, popular.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: I thought so... Lyney gave me one back then.

Their comment seemed to pique the Duke's interest.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Oh really? That little guy did? Huh, sly man.

The traveler narrows their eyes at Wriothesley's playful remark, making the Duke laugh.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Hey chill, I didn't mean anything bad about that.

He reassures his companion, putting on a gentle smile to keep the mood light.

"It's a shame that we can't grow flowers in the Fortress. But hey, that makes the sight of flowers more precious, doesn't it?" Wriothesley prompted while gazing at the rainbow roses growing around the Opera.

The traveler nods in agreement. "Sometimes people appreciate things more when they don't always have them."

Wriothesley sighs and looks up to the sky. "Well, it's about time we start being grateful for whatever we have. Too bad not everyone realizes that."

"Unfortunately........" The traveler sighed with him. "But I agree. And I'm grateful for every day of my life." They smiled at Wriothesley, brightening up the mood.

Wriothesley walks on, urging the traveler to follow.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: Look at these two dancing mechas.

Wriothesley turns his gaze at the wide open stage, observing the way two mechas danced under the moonlight.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Elegant, isn't it? I imagine they're made just for Lady Furina's aesthetics.

The traveler suddenly grabs Wriothesley by his arm, pulling him onto the stage. The Duke resists out of confusion, wondering what his companion is up to.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: What are you doing?

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: Let's dance with them, come on.

With a bright smile on their face, the traveler asked Wriothesley, who seemed perplexed.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Woah, I don't really know how to.

The traveler jokingly pouts and decides to insist.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: Just hold my hand like this... and put your hand around my waist, like that.

As they guided Wriothesley's hands, the Duke stood still, trying to keep up with the traveler's instructions. Together, they danced.

Though they started out of sync, Wriothesley was quick to learn. He observed the way the mechas danced and copied their movements, impressing his companion.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Huh, that was surprisingly easier than I thought.

The Duke laughs, filling the traveler's heart with joy. Seeing him have a good time was all they ever asked for.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫: See? It's fun, right? I'm glad we tried this out, right before we take the Aquabus.

Without warning, Wriothesley took the lead in their dance. He pulled the traveler close by grabbing their waist and lowered their body to the ground, an elegant finishing act.

Surprised, the traveler's heart beats faster. They locked eyes with Wriothesley, who was smirking at them, enjoying the way he caught the traveler off guard.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆: Oops, looks like Mr. Magician isn't the only man with tricks up his sleeves.

The Duke's words made the traveler smile, it was something they didn't expect. But nevertheless, it was a pleasant surprise.

Wriothesley helps the traveler get back on their feet, while the two mechas bowed before them. And that was the end of their quick dancing session before leaving Opera Epiclese.

"Look at these flowers! They're shaped like hearts." The traveler pointed at the lumidouce bells, admiring their form. Wriothesley follows them around, as if he's the one touring them. "Wow, you're right." Wriothesley nodded in agreement, impressed by the traveler's observation skills. "Guess you notice everything as an adventurer, huh? You'll be a great help to me if you work in the Fortress." He laughed as the thought came to his mind. The traveler chuckles at his idea. "I don't mind that, working for you sounds fun." They responded with a cheery tone. "Quick, let's take a photo in front of this heart-shaped flower." Without warning, the traveler took out their camera and snapped a photo with the Duke.

Eventually, it was time for them to leave the Opera. As they strolled leisurely all the way to the Aquabus station...

Wriothesley carefully takes the traveler's hand, helping them step onto the Aquabus. "Careful now, if you fall into the water I'd have to freeze you dry." The Duke jokingly said. "Well I would pull you down with me." The traveler returned the playful attitude and got onto the bus. Together, they gazed back at the Opera Epiclese. They sat in silence, adoring the scenery around them. All while the cool breeze of Fontaine mountains danced around them

[magician-kitty]

Coming Home



"Muahahahah! Button mash all you want Mk; you'll never beat my 'Ancient Galloping Fury Power'” Mei smugly boasts as she calmy pressed the controls while Mk looked panicked and pressing the buttons furiously. She and MK were playing Monkey Mech besides Pigsy's shop with Sandy watching them.

"Up smash, up smash!"

Sandy instructed enthusiastically which just makes Mk feel anxious and panicked. "I'm trying Sandy! Okay? I'm trying, I'm trying."

Mk babbled anxiously while Mei laughed has her avatar relentlessly kicking her avatar. "No one can defeat me!" She cackles, about to win, until her phone rings. She pulls out her phone and sees the image of a woman calling her.

"Oh boy."

Mei sighed has she moves away to answer the call. "Hi, Mom..." And after she had her back turned, MK wore a sly smile on her face then snickers mischievously has she continues to play the game.

"Yes, of course. N-No I- yes, mother."

"Something wrong?" Sandy asked Mei.

"My parents..." Mei's voice says, MK's attention, "They want me to housesit."

"And, that's a bad thing?" Sandy asked, confused.

"No!" Mei quickly answered, chuckling nervously. "Me and my parents, we --"

The whole screen when grey, indicating that it's been paused. MK cleared her throat before speaking.

"Okay, I've known Mei my whole life and let's say her parents are kinda a..sore subject. Mei comes from a whole generation of dragons. Awesome? Oh wait! I know how to cheer her up!"

"Uh, did Mei say sleepover at her house?" MK interrupted her which made her blush in embarrassment.

Mei try to correct her best friend. "What? No. My parents would want-" But she was interrupted yet again when MK kept enthusiastically cheering.

"Sleepover!!"

She turned around and rubbed her hands with a grin on her face. "I've always wanted to visit your house full of secret dragon stuff." Then she stood in front of Mei with big puppy dog eyes

"Come on, please? Please, Mei-Mei, please~?"

Mei stared at her for a moment before huffing with a pout. "Oh alright, Sleepover it is."

What they were unaware of that someone was watching them from afar, listening in on their conversation....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The legendary Dragon Blade."

Princess Iron Fan chuckles with a smirk has she receives the transmission from the clone. "That blade is amongst the most powerful artifacts in history." With a wave of her hand, holographic versions of various artifacts appeared, including the weapons that belong to the pilgrims and her fan.

"I do love powerful things." She admitted with a smile. "Go, bring it to me." She ordered the bull clone. With a nod, the bull clone ended the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mei, MK, and Sandy soon arrived to Mei's house.

Sandy and MK looked around in amazement with stars in their eyes. "It's even better than I thought!" She exclaimed in amazement, Sandy nodded in agreement.

However, Mei, who had a gloomy expression on her face wasn't all that thrilled.

"Growing up here must have been great!" MK said excitedly.

"Uh, yeah I guess," Mei laughs then she moves to face the wall, memories of her childhood flowed into her head. "I don't know. When I was growing up, I just wanted to be rough and tumble. Break stuff, look at bugs, you know, have fun just like normal girl stuff. But when your house is pretty much a museum and you come from a long line of ancient, noble dragons. That's kind of frowned on."

MK placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving her a sweet smile. "Hey, it's okay. I still care about you, Mei-Mei."

"Thanks girl," She smiled back, "Anyway, onwards, to the definitely-not-going-to-be-terrible sleepover!"

MK takes Mei's and Sandy's hand then excitedly dashed away, Sandy and MK skidded to a stop when they stood in front of the large front doors.

"Woah."

They stared at the large dragon above the door. It's eyes glowed and scanned them, soon the both of them gasped in fear when the dragon head opens its mouth to reveal an energy cannon has various weapons surround the mortal boy and water demon.

"Eek!" MK shrieked, jumped into Sandy's arms trembling.

Mei smiled apologetically at them. "Yeah, my parents are a bit serious about the old security thing."

The doors opened automatically and an electronic voice greeted them. Soon they were standing in the hallways filled with ancient dragon paraphernalia.

MK and Sandy had sparkles in their eyes has they looked around the room. Armors, statues, paintings, and all various trinkets can be seen.

"This is amazing!"

"Woah, what is all this stuff?"

"Eh, you know," Mei shrugs looking bored. "Gifts, artifacts, offerings, just stuff that's been in my family for – guys, wait!" She exclaimed in surprise when she sees Sandy and MK messing around with the items in the room.

Mei was running around, trying to calm down while trying to make sure they didn't accidentally break anything but she starting to lose her cool.

"Guys, w-wait..." Then she eventually snapped. "STOP!! HANDS. IN POCKETS. NOW!"

Both MK and Sandy froze and stopped messing around has they frigidly straightened up. Mei grumbled has she walked passed them with her back hunched. "Follow me."

She shows them the rest of her house.

"This is the garage filled with all the awesome things that I am not allowed to drive, this is one of our many long hallways, we also have the Celestial Jade Garden, the room with the thirty centuries of antiques, Pool of a Thousand Tears, tea and snack room, and my bedroom."

Mei droned has she shows her fraround her house and soon, they were all walking passed another room. "And this is the Dragon Claw Chamber."

"Hm?" Something caught MK's eye has she walks back towards the chamber. "So, what's the dealio with this dealy, yo?"

"Oh, that's the sword of my great-great-great times a thousand great-grandfather, the Dragon of the West." Mei explained has she looks at the tapestry of said ancestor.

"Legends say that my grandfather imbued it with unimaginable power so that our clan would always have the strength of the dragon to protect them. Its true power will only show itself to those deemed worthy. A true member of our clan who's proven themselves strong enough to protect our family from the forces of evil."

MK and Sandy stared at the sword astounded by the story.

"Unfortunately I'm not allowed to touch it," She mumbled then it changed to a smile. "Hey, anyone want to see the game room?"

Both MK and Sandy cheered has they ran out of the room. Mei hesitantly looks up at the tapestries of members of her family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Shut. Up. A Pinball Machine!?" MK squealed joy has she stares at the pinball machine with sparkling eyes. "I've always wanted to try one of these!"

"Awesome!" Sandy also squealed in joy.

Mei laughs and smiles widely. "All right, you two boot up the old TV. I will go get some sn-n-n-nacks!"

"I'll go with you." MK said. Mei smiled and spoke. "Okay, don't break anything while we're gone!"

"Alright!" Sandy called out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do we have everything?"

"Hold on...." Mei said has both she and MK were carrying various snacks and games has they head back to the game room.

"Let's see; board games, snacks, Bull clone-wait!"

The girls backtracked into the Dragon Claw chamber and stared at the robotic bull with wide eyes has it stares back at them.

"Eeek!"

"It's a bull clone!" Mei exclaimed. Ironclad kicks the green pedestal towards Mei and it hits her on the face.

"Mei!" MK yelled, MK then chases the bull clone with Mei following behind. "Get back here!" They chased the clone through the hallways has it destroys the artifacts which slowed them down has they tried to catch the undamaged ones.

"It's getting away!”

"Not for long!" Mei whistles and her bike bursts through the wall behind them and she conjures up her racing outfit has she got on the bike, MK hopped right on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Sandy and Mo was in the middle of a chess game. "So move.." Sandy said, Mo swiped a chess piece with his paw, he carefully slid one--making his move.

"Meow!"

"That's a good move," The river demon mumbled. "I can't believe it, I'm loosing to a kitty."

He wondered what was keeping the girls?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back with the girls, they still on hot pursuit of Ironclad, has they raced across the hallways. The Bull clone used the blade to cut down the pillars, Mei gasped and managed to dodged some of the debris but her bike was hit and a few parts fell out.

"Me!" MK shouted has she and Mei slammed onto the wall, thankfully no one was hurt.

"Ow..." Mei groaned in pain, rubbing her head. She looked to see the Dragon Blade imbedded itself on the wall, She slowly took the sword out of the wall and stared at it.

"The Dragon Blade?"

Then, her dragon ancestors appeared has they circled around her. Their voices echoed and overlap with one another has they stared at her in judgment.

"Disappointment"

"You call yourself a lady?"

"Weakest link."

Mei's eyes shadowed as she started whimpering, clutching the sword in her hands.

"You know what? F*** this. I am part of this family. I am Mei. Descendant of the great Dragon of the West Sea. This is mine, and this is my house!"

A surge of green energy erupted out of her has it shot up towards the sky and when the smoke clears, the bull clone gasped in fear has he looked up at Mei.

Her body was surrounded by green energy has a huge dragon appeared behind her. She glared down at the bull clone and pointed the tip of her sword at it.

"Get the hell outta my house!!!" She and the dragon avatar roared has she aimed a huge beam of green energy straight towards the clone, sending the clone flying.

"Ohohoh yeah! Way to go, girl!" MK cheered, she ran up to her and hugged her. "I always knew you were a badass!"

Mei smiled. "Thanks girl!"

"Hey guys, me and Mo were wondering if- Woah!" Sandy's jaw dropped when he saw the destroyed hallway. "What happened here!?"

"One of Red Son's Bull clones tried to make off with her family's dragon blade, luckily our girl here handled it." She showed him the sword and Sandy and Mo had stars in their eyes.

"Woah~"

"What is going on here?" They turned around to see Mei's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dragon standing at the destroyed front door.

"Uh oh..." MK gulped.

"Mom, Dad! You're back." Mei said nervously as she tried to hide the sword behind her back.

"We were on our way when we realized somebody forgot our luggage." Mrs Dragon gave her husband the side eye which made him rub his arm in discomfort.

"I said I was sorry, geez woman." Her dad mumbled.

Mei walked towards her parents has she explains. "I can explain. Someone tried to steal the sword. I didn't let them. And I used this." Then she kneels in front of them and presents them the sword. "I'm sorry."

"We know, saw the whole thing," Her dad spoke before smiling. "And we're so proud of you!"

"Huh?" Mei blinked in confusion. She expected them to be angry with her for being careless.

"The Dragon Blade is the pride of our family heritage. Its power only shows itself to those that embrace their history. Their family."

Mrs. Dragon kneels down towards her daughter, "Mei dear, We may not always see eye-to-eye, and your little...girlfriend and friends are more unique than we expected," She turned her gaze towards MK, who was cuddling Mo in her arms.

Wait, what??

Mei's face went three shades of red of what she just said. "W-What? No, Xiaotian isn't my-"

"But you are a part of this family. And it is part of you. We love you my child."

"But-But-" She sighed, Mei looks at her mother and a huge smile on her face. "I love you too, Mom. Dad." They all embraced in a hug, Which MK joined in too.

"Sorry about the house, though."

"What's important is that you're okay. Objects can be replaced." Mrs Dragon said and then her father added. "Well, Everything except my prized pinball machine. That is irreplaceable."

Oh well, Looks like everything worked out in the end.

“Wait, they think we’re dating!?”

[aeoki]

High and Low: Epilogue 2

Location: High and Low Stage Characters: Tetora, Hajime, Tomoya, Hinata, Midori, Touri, Mitsuru & Sora

Season: Autumn Writer: Akira

Midori: Ahh~ I’m tired… I tried to be all energetic but now I’m exhausted.

Tetora: That’s so fast! You’ve gotta train more, Midori-kun~

If you trained, people will probably stop being disappointed with you and won’t say there’s less than meets the eye! Hard work and muscles will never betray you!

Midori: That’s such a pain… They’ll just make me do all sorts of stuff if they think I’m “someone capable”, so I’m fine just doing a moderate amount.

Tetora: It feels like you’ve been pretty gloomy this whole time, Midori-kun. You were pretty cheerful when you came to save us.

Midori: That’s the whole reason why I’m so tired… It’s all your fault so I won’t let you complain, Tetora-kun. Don’t make me do something that’ll take a lot of time and effort.

Tetora: Osu. Sorry. I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again in the future.

Midori: You say that but you're repeating the same mistakes over and over… I can’t trust you. It’s like you didn’t grow at all.

Tetora: I have a bit! You just can’t see it!

Here’s proof – Look, tadaa ♪

Midori: ………!?

Tetora: I might be someone experienced who’s not that smart but I’ve learnt a thing or two after repeating those mistakes. In order to make you motivated, gathering a whole bunch of cute things is the best method.

How about it? There’s this plushie? Stuck on the tree over there so I’ll take it off and give it you as a present ♪

Now, you’ll definitely feel motivated ♪

Midori: Ko-Ko-Ko…

Tetora: Ko-Ko-Ko?

Midori: It’s a koalaaaaaa ☆

Tetora: Woah, you scared me! What? Koala?

Is that a koala? This is really Australia, huh. They’re just hanging out over there.

Midori: No, this is just a decoration. It’s wearing clothes.

I’ve seen real koalas but they weren’t anything special… I was so excited to go and touch them but they got angry and scratched me.

Tetora: I see. I’m, uh, sorry that happened to you.

Midori: It’s okay. If it’s something given to me by a cute animal, then pain and scratches are more than welcome…♪

Tetora: Osu! You understand that too, huh, Midori-kun! Scratches are medals in the eyes of a man!

Tetora & Midori: “♪~♪~♪”

Hinata: Uh, I feel like what you guys are talking about doesn’t really make sense.

Touri: Well, they both look like they’re happy so it’s probably fine?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Exactly~! Everyone’s shape of happiness is different so it’s something no one has the right to deny!

If Tetora-chan and Mido-chan are smiling happily then that’s fine! It’s a happy ending~♪

Touri: …We still have a mountain of problems, though.

Like, what will happen to Kurone-san.

Hinata: Knowing Anzu-san, she’ll probably forgive him even after betraying her trust and causing all that trouble.

Anzu-san really loves everyone, after all.

Tomoya: Yeah. It seems “High and Low” will end in success too, although it was kinda forced that way.

We reached our destination, met up with Hajime and the others in one piece, and we’re now rounding it off with a performance.

There were some unexpected things that happened with the TV show but it’ll still be completed as planned.

You could say we’re in a favourable position since we managed to stand out with our weird trip, for better or worse.

They’ll edit the footage we filmed and there are some parts that weren’t filmed too. The people who watch it will have no idea what we were caught up in.

Their understanding of the show would probably be one where they see we’re forced to take part in a weird low-budget travel show and things turned out to be a mess.

It was the same for us during the “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival” but this time, we got to touch the thing that exists at the bottom of the idol industry.

The thing that Kurone is confronting.

He’s got some sort of goal and he’s definitely headed in a bad direction.

This time, he caused all that trouble for Anzu-senpai and us, and even went as far as doing something that would make us hate him…

Maybe he did it so we wouldn’t have to come in contact with that bad thing. Maybe he thought if we hated him, we would distance ourselves from him and we wouldn’t be involved.

Hinata: Ahh, the thing that our upperclassmen often do at Yumenosaki?

Tomoya: Yeah. But we’re used to that so we can’t hate him the way he wished.

He caused a lot of trouble for us but he helped us too. He’s also one of our colleagues, a “producer”.

I’d like to do something for him if that something exists.

Just what can we powerless children do?

Mitsuru: Baam ☆

Tomoya: Gyaaaaaah!?

Mitsuru: Tomo-chan! Don’t just stand there and talk. We’re idols so let’s get to work. Let’s sing and dance and have fun~☆

Let’s give our thanks to Australia for giving us such a fun time!

Hajime: He’s right, Tomoya-kun! After all that time thinking I wouldn’t be able to meet up with you!

A small miracle happened so let’s be happy! Together!

Let’s show the world how happy we are~♪

Tomoya: You’re so laid-back, you guys… I’m sure ignorance is bliss for Hajime but how are you so cheerful after going through all that awful stuff, Mitsuru?

Mitsuru: Heheh, that’s “Ra*bits” for you, y’know~!

Even if we experience something horrible, we’ll have the time of our lives with a smile on our faces! If other people see us like that then they’ll automatically be happy too!

Tomoya: Yeah… You’re right. That’s “Ra*bits”.

I’m the leader of “Ra*bits” on paper so that makes me the most distinguished.

But I’m still inexperienced and there’s so much I have to learn from you guys.

Tetora: Osu. I feel the same. I learnt a lot from Midori-kun this time.

A school trip is all about learning new things…! We had a blast so we’re probably the ones who got the most out of this school trip!

Midori: Yeah… It feels almost silly to think I was worried about all that stuff before we even came.

Oddly enough, you don’t really have to worry about every little thing that happens in life.

Preparing for a trip is the most fun but at the same, it’s also the most stressful.

Midori: But nothing will change unless you actually set out on a journey.

We still have no idea what the future has in store for us.

But if you make up your mind and dive right in, you’ll be surprised to see that things might just work itself out on its own.

“♪~♪~♪”

← Previous Chapter

[nuitveuve-blog]

☔

@ryujinoken.

rain meme.

There is peace in rain. 

Like in classic movies, what follows after a tragedy or an emotional moment is a sudden change of weather in the form of a heavy rain. Assumingly, it serves as a way to soothe the heart, wash away the sorrow. 

What is the use to a person who is a stranger to emotions though? Whose heart beats loud only during the thrill of the battle? 

So many pointless questions to torture the mind and yet, they never come no matter how much time she wastes in the comfort of solitude. It just does not work on her, like so many, basic things. 

Not even the cold can reach her skin, yet alone the sudden appearance of a person who according to Talon’s paper, is of a great danger. Not totday. Perhaps, she can give it a break for mere moments.

“ My … the world could always more … gentlement. “ A classic line, stolen and laced with harmless irony. Just like that, her mind discards anything else but just one new found question. 

Why is he doing such courtesy? Is it the safety of the fact that no one dares to settle eyes on a small alley like this one? 

[makerofmadness]

Kirby: Deciding Match! Battle Royale!! Chapter ☆10: Kirby and Waddle Dee

“Well then, let’s begin the award ceremony!” Reporter Waddle Dee shouted. “The winner of the first ever Cake Royale is… Team Pink Kirby & Bandana Waddle Dee!”

Surrounded by lively applause, Kirby and Waddle Dee got up on the platform.

“Now, a testimonial from our great King Dedede… well, I thought the great king was going to give one, but he seems kinda unhappy right now, so I’ll read it out instead! Pink Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee, since you two are the overall winners of the first ever Cake Royale, the prize is all yours!”

“Congratulations, Kirby!”

“You too, Waddle Dee! You were so cool out there!”

Loud applause came from the audience.

Tron and Cron were sitting in the guest’s seats. Tron was resting his chin in his hand with a gloomy face, while Cron was watching the winners’ podium with a smile on his face.

“Now, to the victors go the spoils! Specially made by the one and only Chef Kawasaki, the Deluxe Mountain Cake!”

The cake was slowly transported in a wagon. Loud cheers came from the stands.

“W-Wow! It’s huge! Plus, that fresh cream looks delicious!”

“As the name says, it’s big as a mountain! With fruits and chocolate piled on top!” Chef Kawasaki explained proudly. “I used only the most top-of-the-line ingredients out there! Now, take your time when eating, savor it!”

A helper Waddle Dee held a big knife in his hand.

“Now, time to cut the cake. Cut it into two halves-”

“Now!” Bandana Waddle Dee said. “ I can’t eat it like this. I’m gonna be full after two bites. I’ll give all that’s left to Kirby!”

“Really?”

Kirby was surprised.

“Only two bites? Are you really fine with that, Waddle Dee?”

“Yeah! Really, that’ll be enough to fill me up.”

The helper Waddle Dee cut enough cake for two bites and put it on Waddle Dee’s plate.

“I’m fine with this. And Kirby gets the rest-”

Before Waddle Dee could finish, Kirby was already getting in his “inhale” position.

“Wooooooo! Time to chow doooooown!”

“I knew Kirby would like it,” Chef Kawasaki explained with a smile on his face, “I stayed up all night for three days straight just to make this cake. First things first, on the top I placed some wonderful fruits that only grow once every ten years, with some of the finest quality syrup out there… Woah!!”

WOOSH!

Like a strong gust of wind, the Deluxe Mountain Cake was sucked into Kirby’s mouth, all in one go.

Chef Kawasaki, Bandana Waddle Dee, Reporter Waddle Dee, all the audience members, everyone tried to stand firm so as to not get sucked up.

Kirby swallowed the entire cake whole with a gulp.

“Mwah! That was delicious! Thank you, Chef Kawasaki!”

“...well, can’t say I didn’t see it coming,” Chef Kawasaki said with a stiff face, “I knew this was gonna happen. I spent three full days without sleep making this top-of-the-line cake…”

“It was delicious! Just as I’d expect from Chef Kawasaki!”

Kirby licked his lips.

“Can I have seconds please?”

“No!!”

“But it was so good!” Kirby said, skipping about. “If this is what the prize is gonna be, then I wanna have a tournament every day. I’d win every time!”

“I’ve already had enough of tournaments!! Never again!! This is the first and last time!!” King Dedede shouted.

Still in the guest’s seat, Cron’s face went stiff.

“S-Startling… What tremendous power!...”

“See? I told you so,” Tron grumbled, “if I had scattered copies of that guy, all of Dream Land’s food would’ve been eaten up, and I would’ve been rich!... if you hadn’t stopped me. Aw shucks.”

“Tron, that wouldn’t have been how things would’ve turned out,” Cron whispered in a shaky voice, “i-if such horrifying creatures had been scattered everywhere, it would’ve been a galaxy-wide crisis, not contained to Dream Land! It would’ve been far from an effective money-making scheme, your fields would’ve been annihilated in the blink of an eye!”

“...huh? Really?”

“The destruction of the printer was really a good thing!  I’ll never create such a terrible machine ever again. Come on, my dear brother, let’s go home.”

“Oh, I just thought of something. Using that power, you could invent a vacuum cleaner that could suck up anything and make tons of money-”

“LET’S GO HOME.”

Cron dragged his brother along with him out of the Battle Castle.

King Dedede commanded his Waddle Dees:

“C’mon, the tournament’s over now. It’s time to tear down the Battle Castle. Waddle Dees, demolish the assembly hall!”

“Yes, Great King!” the Waddle Dees all said together.

~

And so, the Battle Castle was demolished, and the curtains were closed on the enthusiasm and excitement brought by Dedede’s Cake Royale.

With the increase in Waddle Dees, Castle Dedede became a lot more lively. King Dedede seemed satisfied with having more hard-working subordinates.

However…

“C’mon, don’t be slow, Waddle Dee! We’ve gotta hurry, or lunch time’s gonna be over! Chef Kawasaki’s Deluxe Lunch with a special dessert is available today!”

“Kirby, please, wait up!”

Kirby’s friend Waddle Dee was one of a kind.

The two were happily playing around as they always had, without the king knowing...

Previous Chapter

Table of Contents

[sunny6677]

Title: Friends

Chapter 2: The Random Invite

----------------

As the gentle yellow light of the studio glowed on the corridors, Wally swept and swept away. He sweeped multiple floors, he emptied people's garbage, and so on. However, he noticed.. the random garbage that people left on the floors were mostly gone. Dust was the only thing that remained.

He was confused. He didn't know why all the trash on the floor was suddenly now just.. gone. Still, he kept sweeping, he didn't have much else to do in this hot of a studio.

"Ah.. da, da, da.. i'll be your angel.." Wally gently sang the song he knew all too well. Ever since Alice Angel(a new characters)'s debut episode was released, he had been hearing that song everywhere. Susie(her voice provider) did a pretty nice job by the looks of it.

"Mhmmm..mm.. just one for you to love.." He softly sang, swinging the broom around as he slightly danced. He was getting a little into the dance when-

"Nice moves, man!"

Wally's eyes widened upon hearing.. whichever voice just talked to him. He turned to the source of the noise and realized.. it was Andrew. It was the guy he met yesterday.

He internally groaned. He didn't know why, but this guy irritated him a little too much. "Aww, come on! It was just gettin' good! Oh! Your singings good too though! I love how soft your voice sounds!" Rambled Andrew.

But only then did he notice the items in Andrew's arms. It was.. random scrapped looking items. Crumpled papers, empty food bags, empty plates and all that. 'Has he been the one pickin' up all the trash around here?', Wally wondered.

"Oh! Yeah, that's right!" Andrew's eyes lightened up like he just realized something, "I kinda felt bad for you, seeing all the random shit lying around! So I'm picking it up! And that means you won't have to work for long! Or have to clean for long! Isn't that exciting?!" There were practically stars in his eyes as he shoved himself closer.

Wally backed up a little on instinct, holding one hand up to prevent him from getting a little too close. "J-Jeez, calm down! I.. I guess it's excitin' but.. but.." Wally trailed off, but wasn't able to finish his sentence when Andrew suddenly grabbed his shoulders, dropping all the garbage.

"Why should I calm down?! This means you get the Jon done easier and i-" Andrew just realized that he had dropped all that he was holding. "Oh, come on!" Andrew griped, and immediately bent down to pick it all up. He was practically shoving it inside his arms as fast as he could.

Wally chuckled slightly, "Heheh! You blew your wig so hard ya dropped everythin'!" Wally grinned. "Oh, shush! You can't blame me! I get happy when I make people's lives easier! And especially make them happy!" Andrew added that last part, visibly excited.

Wallys face distorted into amusement. "Heh," He laughed, "you may be probably the only person I've seen around here who isn't so gloomy all the time!" He grinned. Andrew stood up after collecting what he had dropped, "Eh? No one here's gloomy. Usually they tell me how right I am and 'Mhm'.. 'Sure, whatever'.. 'wow, so cool'.." Andrew listed.

'This guy's REALLY oblivious..' Wally thought to himself.

"Oh! Ooooh! I have an idea!" The stars in his eyes reappeared, but he also almost dropped all the things he was holding again. He managed to not drop them though, catching them quickly. After a few seconds, he continued. "Anyway, we should go hang out sometime! It'll be fun!" Andrew grinned, towering over Wally.

Wally nervously cowered. "Woah, woah, relax! We just met a day ago-" Wally was interrupted by Andrew's monologue. "Well hey! Just because we just became friends doesn't mean we can't hang out!" Andrew said.

"Friends?.." Wally raised an eyebrow. He didn't ever think of them as friends. He didn't exactly think he would hang out with him either. "I-" "Dont worry, Walls!" Andrew cut him off once again, "I'll find some place fun for us!" He promised.

"O-Okay but-" "Woo-hoo! Let's go! New friend, new friend, new frieeeennnnd!" Andrew cheered as he promptly ran out of the area they were in. After a bit of silence, Andrew poked his head back inside the door. "Meet me outside the studio at 6:00.." He whispered, before slowly vanishing.

Wally stood still, not exactly knowing how to react to the random invite he just got. "Heh, I guess I'm hangin' out with some guy I barely know.." He tried to make light of the situation.

"Hah.." He sighed, "How did I get myself wrapped into this?" He asked himself aloud.

[mrslittletall]

And now because I have nothing better to do, I am going to rate all the Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons winter themes:

SNES -> Very melancholy and gloomy. It makes absolute sense for the theme to be like this, because the season in game is very harsh and you can run out of money or food for your livestock quickly.

GBC -> It is pretty much the same as in SNES, but on the Gameboy sound font. The melody is fine, I guess, but we have to admit, Game Boy music is VERY grating to listen to, so yikes.

64 -> It legits sounds like a remix of the SNES winter theme. It has some of this “shing shing” sounds winter music is so fond of, which makes it a little more cheery, but it is overall still a pretty melancholy song that makes you think of a harsh winter.

GBC2 -> Like GBC, suffers from the Game Boy sound font, but the tune is generally nice and it sounds a bit like a christmas jingle. Certainly makes me think of winter. 

BTN -> The first Youtube comment went “Funeral music for my crops” and that is literally how the song sounds like! BTN’s winter theme is EXTREMELY slow, sad and melancholic, consisting of pretty much only string instruments.

GBC3 -> Sadly I can’t find a video that points out which one is the winter theme. But listening to the overall OST, it must be pretty terrible. 

AWL -> While this game lacks traditional season songs, one of the records is called “Quiet Winter”. This one will fit. It is a very soothing and relaxing song, I actually enjoy listening to it a lot. I want to sway to it while watering my crops.

FomT -> It is the same as the BTN song, but with the GBA sound font. It actually makes it sound even MORE melancholic. 

STH -> The song is very slow and melancholic, but for some reason, it doesn’t really gets stuck in the ear. Which is a shame, because STH OST normally is amazing. The winter theme is an expection.

However, there is a different winter theme, the one for the town! Different to the farm theme, the town theme is cheerful and almost christmassy, using the “shing shing shing” again in the background. 

MM -> A cheerful winter tune. It is fun to listen to, but I must admit, the instruments feel a bit chaotic, the song doesn’t have much coherence, so I don’t really know what to expect from it. It feels like several songs got played over each other.

HoLV -> Wha?! Isn’t that the Kakariko theme from Ocarina of Time?! The song really sounds like this from the background tunes ^^ It turns into an original song soon enough though and it is a good one, it is relaxing, feels like it might snow, but overall is one of the more cheery winter tunes. It has a pretty cool key change in the middle.

DS -> A very wintery theme, but one that doesn’t sound christmassy. Kinda mixes the melancholy with the joyful part and makes it a pretty solid song, but the background tune is a bit too repetitive.

ToT -> It starts pretty calm and relaxing, certainly makes you think of winter, then has a key change with a very charming melody before repeating. The song is very coherent and sounds like winter. A good song.

The song also has a night theme, but this one sounds downright haunted. Woah!

IoH -> Now THAT’S a cheery tune! It screams winter joy and a fun snow day to me. The only downside is that it is really short. 

AP -> It starts out almost gloomy before changing into a major key sounding song that just screams winter and star gazing time at me. The beginning notes are a trap, this song wants to slap, but it wants to let you think that it goes the melancholy route first. In a sense, it has a bit of melancholy into it even.

The night version of this song uses the same melody as the day theme, but with different instruments. Let me just say, they are equally AMAZING. I know why I think that AP has one of the best HM OSTs of all times. 

SI -> I have mixed thoughts on this one... as a winter theme, it is alright I guess, but like with MM, it is kind of not coherent? It also has this strange howling wind sounds in the background, which take away from the song imo.

GB -> This one literally starts out with the “shing shing shing”, makes you think winter right away. The main melody is cheerful, though played with a low sounding instrument, but adds some bells or whatever, making the song more cheerful again. It then has a key change and turns into something greater. 

ToTT -> What?! That is a winter theme? It sounds very very different, there is barely any winter to hear in there. Disappointing, because ToTT generally has a pretty solid OST. 

ANB -> This must be one of the BEST winter themes in the entire series. It starts with a really solid opening and then the main melody kicks in, which just screams “christmas” or “fun snow day” to me. I want to sway to it once the second part of the song begins. The melody rises more and more until it culminates into a slower pace only to do a perfect repeat. It is a pure joy to listen to. 

TLV -> While a solid song, that theme suffers from a BIG problem. The first ingame year you are pretty much stuck in winter, so you have to listen to this theme for almost an ENTIRE year. While the theme sounds pretty magical and wintery, I can’t like it anymore after having been forced to listen to it for far too long.

The night version is a little better, but still a bit grating because of the problem described up there.

SoS -> This winter theme is something special. It follows a certain event and it actually sounds like it accompanies this event and the sadness and melancholy of our farmer while they grieve. This theme sounds more like it could be a character theme instead of a seasonal theme, because it certainly tells a story. The slow and staccated melody played throughout the theme just cements this even more.

SV -> I can only find one winter theme for this game and I think it might be the night theme. It is a very slow theme, but also kind of nice.

3oT -> Similar to ANB, this is a very cheerful winter theme, which just wants to make you sway while you enjoy a snow day (or sweat your head off when you visit Lulukoko). It is very cheery and christmassy and overall very fun to listen to. I could never get enough of the theme.

LoH -> Hmmm... the song goes for a slower pace, but it sounds a bit off, like someone tried too hard. It has a keychange in the middle though and while it still sounds a bit offkey, it is nice enough, but there are better themes.

SoS FoMT -> Ah yes, our favourite, the BTN winter theme that just is TOO melancholy. They try to make it a BIT more cheery, but playing it in major key, but that, uh, doesn’t really work.

This one also comes in an alternate version that plays on weekends and festival days, but it is super QUIET. I barely can hear it when I play the game, so these days always felt like they had no music.

It is a somber piano tune, which very much makes it feel like winter, but still too melancholy. 

I REALLY hope that I didn’t forget a game! Tell me if I did! 

[jensungf]

𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃𝐒 ☁ 𝐩.𝐣𝐬

summary: park jisung was supposed to be more than a passing cloud, than a fleeting moment. 

↳ (adj) describing something that doesn’t last as long as you’d like.

pairing: reader + park jisung genre: high school!au, angst word count: 2.4k warnings: language

author’s note: this was supposed to be a blurb but it kind of turned into a really long drabble or oneshot, whatever you wanna call it hehe. it’s been about two or three years since i last written something so i’m quite rusty but please enjoy and let me know what you think!

“hey jisung, we’re still on for tonight right?” you chirped cheerily, not bothering to hide the cheeky smile adorning your face. you had been looking forward to this all week, and it was really hard not to show it. you skipped over to his side of the room, taking a seat besides him. 

you had been harboring a crush on your friend for god-knows how long (about a year actually) and had jokingly suggested that he owed you a movie date days ago during your weekly study session with him. to your pleasant surprise, he had agreed without any hesitation, and you had taken that as a sign that maybe — just maybe, he saw you as more than just a friend. maybe.

you frowned when you realized you hadn’t gotten a response and looked up to see jisung’s fluffy brown hair engrossed in his video game on his tablet. “hey! jisung!” you called out again across the desk. 

no reaction. 

you rolled your eyes and sighed before grabbing a pencil and lightly throwing it to get his attention. it hit his shoulder, causing him to finally glance up. he scowled and barked out a “what do you want?” before returning his concentration on his game.

“woah, sorry...” you felt awkward now realizing how annoyed he was. “i just wanted to ask if we were still on for tonight.”

he looked up again, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “what’s tonight?” 

before you even realize it, a deep scowl marred your face. how could he forget? you had been mentioning it all week now.

“you know, the movie...? the one you promised we’d watch together?” you asked eagerly, hoping his brain would get off of whatever game he was playing and return back to reality.

“oh. that.” his tone was indifferent and you couldn’t help but tense up in annoyance. he really forgot? “yeah, sure...” before quietly mumbling, “if i’m free.” 

you wanted to scoff at his dryness, but chose to be considerate and give him the benefit of the doubt. maybe he just wasn’t having a good day and he wanted to be left alone for now. maybe if you gave him some space he’d be in a better mood tonight. hopefully, you thought.

“i’m going to go, but i’ll text you, ‘kay?” you tried your best to smile despite the butterflies swirling in your stomach (the bad ones, the ones that looked pretty but were actually poisonous), but jisung doesn’t even bother to lift his head from the screen before muttering something that sounded vaguely like a bye. you sigh, and turn on your heel quickly. 

hopefully all would go well tonight.

you spoke too soon.

 ☁ 

you had texted jisung an hour or two before the designated time you both were supposed to meet each other at the movie theater, asking if he was free later to confirm that your plans and he had simply responded with “probably.” you would be lying to say that his offhandedness about this entire situation wasn’t bothering you at all but you had been so excited for this opportunity to finally spend some quality time with him that you were willing to overlook his odd behavior. 

you had decided to leave the house about thirty minutes before you were supposed to be at the movie theater, and quickly took your phone out to text him.

to: pwark jwisung♥︎ [6:04pm]

➤  hey i’m about to leave the house!  ➤ don’t forget to bring an umbrella. it looks kind of rainy outside

you peered outside the window, looking at the gloomy skies. however, you were determined that nothing was going to ruin tonight for you, not even some threatening grey clouds. by the time you arrived, you checked your phone again. you bit your lip in exasperation to see no notifications pop up, unlocking your phone only to see that jisung hadn’t even read your messages. maybe he was busy and simply saw it without opening the chat.

obviously, jisung wasn’t the most punctual person in the world, but you had specifically told him to come earlier than you days ago for that very matter. the weather outside seemed to be an omen, but you remained adamant. no stormy weather was going to ruin your time as long as you had jisung by your side. he was going to be here soon and you would have a good time, like you had hoped. 

to: pwark jwisung♥︎ [6:21pm]

➤  im here! are you here yet or are you on your way?

[6:30pm]

➤ ji?

you decided after nervously waiting outside the doors, watching the skies slowly get darker and darker (as if it was a sign of impending doom), that maybe it would be a good to finally call him. you had scrolled on your social media to pass time, and saw he was online. maybe something had happened?  

you tapped on your phone, letting the call ring only to wait for an automated voicemail of “hey it’s jisung, i’m probably busy rig— hey! jaemin! give me my phone back! oh my god, stop it, i’m trying to record a voicema—“

you felt your chest constrict as you took in a deep breath and exhaled shakily. there’s no way he forgot... right? you had just talked to him today about it. maybe his phone died or he was playing another silly prank on you and hiding somewhere. 

[6:43pm]

➤ hey idiot responddddd ➤ if this is some funny prank, come out! you win :(  

[6:57pm]

➤ come on ji, im actually going to get mad if you don’t show up soon >:( ➤ you were just on instagram like 15 minutes ago...? is something wrong? please let me know.

the number of strangers who passed by you who eyed you curiously increased, and you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with anxiety. you hated waiting alone, especially in public. it was nerve wracking and jisung knew it. your feelings of doubt and unease were creeping up behind you. maybe this was all just a bad nightmare and you’d wake up from it soon. 

the skies began to drizzle as you stood beneath the awning of the movie theater. your body was clammy and shivering. it was cold and you had forgotten your jacket and umbrella, despite even reminding jisung to bring himself an umbrella. just your luck.

you glanced at the clock ticking by, and you knew the showing of the movie had started long ago. however there was another showtime, so you tried your best not to fret. if he showed up soon, you could still watch the movie. if not, any other movie would’ve been okay with you. where is he? why isn’t he showing up?

you decide after waiting for almost 45 minutes that you should give him another call. it went straight to voicemail again. you felt tears finally begin to prickle in your eyes as you angrily typed out a message to him.

[7:12pm]

➤ jisung... if you were busy you could’ve just told me.  ➤ this really isn’t a funny joke at all. i’m actually pretty upset.  ➤ the last showtime is in 15 minutes, please text or call back.

frustration and betrayal overcame your body as you began trembling, trying your best to hold in your tears. the number of people entering had diminished, but you refused to let yourself cry in public. this was already humiliating enough as it was.

you decided as a last resort to call one of his friends, and you scrolled through your contacts before dialing na jaemin’s number. 

after a few rings, he picked up to your great surprise.

“hey (y/n)! what’s up?” 

“um, hey.. i-i was just wondering, if... jisung was with you by any chance...?”

you heard some shuffling around before he spoke up again. “uh yeah, he is actually. is something wrong...? you don’t sound okay.”

you bit your lip, holding in a sigh of relief because jisung was okay and alive before realizing that your tears were about to burst. you swallowed your tears and let out another shaky breath before answering.

“c-can i just talk to jisung please? he hasn’t been picking up my calls.” you sniffled, voice cracking as you gripped your phone tightly. 

jaemin frowned on the other end of the call before, managing to sense your urgency and emotion in your voice. “okay, give me a second,“  as he went to find the younger boy. 

“hey jisung, (y/n)‘s on the phone,” you could some hear yelling in the back before you heard some more shuffling and screaming. jaemin tried to cover his phone’s mic but you managed to pick up bits of the conversation anyways.

“what is it jaemin? i’m in the middle of a game right now,” jisung’s deep voice spoke in an irked tone. you would recognize his voice anywhere — what you once deemed to be soothing no longer brought the sense of comfort you needed right now.

“jisung, she called me saying ... hadn’t been picking up ... calls! tell hyuck.. play for you and talk ... now!” you could hear some groaning through the crackly audio, before jisung’s voice piped up on the line.

“um, hey (y/n) what’s up? why’d you call me... i’m kinda busy right now.”

your lips quivered along, feeling your heart fall before the dam actually broke. you croaked out, “park jisung.. don’t you remember what tonight was? i’ve been waiting for an hour and a half now! i thought you were dying or something.” 

jisung’s eyes widened before he sighed, “uh, shoot sorry. i’m busy with the boys right now and kinda forgot.” your tears dripped down your face as the raining outside ironically began to pour down harder at that very moment. you almost dropped your phone in shock. that was his reason for not making it? you felt as if your heart was being crushed, suffocated by jisung’s hands. how could he be so.. callous? 

“jisung, we’ve talked about this all week and you promised! i asked you this morning, and afternoon and i even texted you!” sobs began to wrack through your body as you could no longer contain it anymore. you tried to wipe the tears away as quickly as you could, not wanting anyone to witness your meltdown, yet to no avail. “how could you forget?”

jisung rolled his eyes and sighed. he didn’t know why you were just attacking him like this and interrupting him in the middle of a game. he retorted with irritation piercing his voice, “look (y/n), i don’t know why you’re being so dramatic but like it’s not that big of a deal. it’s just another dumb movie anyways, and i didn’t even really think these were definite plans. i said probably and things change, you know that.”

embarrassment flushed through your body, before anger replaced it. 

you swallowed harshly, feeling all self-restraint leave your body, all your anger and bitterness clouding your thoughts leaving you dizzy and breathless. “i can’t believe you... i waited for you because i thought.. that you were excited for this chance too.”

“my friends always come first, you know that! i thought i made that perfectly clear so why are you so upset?” jisung barked out, clenching his fists. he knew he was wrong but he was stubborn and irritated, wanting nothing more but to go back and claim his victory instead of wasting his time arguing with you.

you couldn’t believe your ears, your heart shattering as you took in every word he was saying. was this the same park jisung you knew and fell in love with? how could it be? you were an idiot for believing he actually liked you back, that you had a chance with him. he had always seemed untouchable, and now you were seeing his true colors. this clearly didn’t mean as much to him as it did to you and you had gotten your answer. 

“i have every right to be upset! you made a promise and you broke it. you left me hanging and blew me off, for what? games? there’s more to life than just playing video games with your friends jisung!” you bit your tongue, before continuing, your emotions blowing through the roof as they overtook your body. 

“i’m not just some girl you decided to blow off because you didn’t know. i never expected you to choose between me or your friends because i’m also your friend too. i thought we were friends but this shows how much you really care about our friendship. i waited here for you. i don’t want your bullshit excuse anymore, you can go play whatever games you want as long as they’re not with me. i’m not your toy jisung or a game, and you can’t win me like this. have a nice life.”

“wait (y/n)—“ you ended the call hastily,  not wanting to hear another word come out of his mouth. 

you shut your eyes as you tightly to hold in the tears. if your whole world had been torn away to unveil a big, fat ugly lie in the end. this wasn’t the park jisung you knew. this was park jisung, the boy who you had fallen utterly and hopelessly for. the boy who made your heart flutter with his shameless laugh,  who spent hours awake at ungodly hours of night watching anime with you when no one else would. who would make fun of you but spend hours trying to teach you play video games or take you out to eat ice cream whenever he knew you were feeling down.who managed to lift up your mood with his incessant teasing that you grew to learn was just his way of caring, so effortlessly.

how could you be so foolish to work yourself up just to be devastated in the very end? you wished for this to be a nightmare. your hopes of fulfilling your dream date with the boy you had been pining after for the last year or so had been had been crushed. you looked up into the drizzling rain and grey clouds wondering where you had gone wrong. the clouds passed by fleetingly. you could’t help but laugh at how cliché this was. this was how you would remember your heartbreak, under a grey sky full of rain. and there was nothing else you could do about it.

he was nothing but a fleeting cloud passing by in your life.

+ bonus blurb!

+ the sequel!

[the-starless-sky]

BAE x The Cat’s Whiskers / “PRIDE” voice drama track 1

Mob A: Ahh, that was sooo great! So this is the legendary CLUB paradox's live...!

Mob B: The music was good, but the phantom was amazing, wasn't it!? Aah~ it feels like I'm still in a dream!

Mob C: Hey, which one did you vote for?

Mob D: Honestly, I was so lost! Hey, let's come again next time!

Mob C: For sure! We're not heads if we miss this!

_

Yohei: Seriously! I can't accept this. What's so good about that nothing but loud bunch?

Saimon: A loss is a loss. We have to accept it with our mind and body.

Yohei: Hah. You don't even think so yourself.

Ryuu: Don't fight, Boss, Master!

Yohei: It ain't a fight!

Ryuu: Master~ your face’s scary!

Yohei: Shut up.

Ryuu: And Shiki, too! Don’t be sad and gloomy [1]!

Shiki: S-sorry...

Ryuu: Muu... no helping it. At times like this... that’s right! Calisthenics, Shiki!

Shiki: Eh!?

Ryuu: Let’s go~! 1, 2, 3, 4... Come now, Shiki, you have to twist it more!

Shiki: Ouch, ouch, ouch! I can’t do more than this, Ryuu-kun!

Ryuu: Hmm...~ That’s weird... Hmm... If this joint bent here, then...!

Shiki: Stop it, Ryuu-kun! That’s...!

(Shiki bends one of Ryuu’s joints.)

Shiki: Ahh!

Yohei: Oi, oi, don’t break Shiki!

Saimon: Ryuu, it’s not good to force Shiki. Stop it right there.

Ryuu: Eeh~!? Even though it’d feel good after this...!

(Someone knocks the door.)

Saimon: Who is it? Please come in.

(Door opens.)

Anne: Good day, Saimon-sensei! Tonight, too, you’re extremely cool! You were wonderful~

Saimon: Faulkner-kun! And Sugasano-kun, and Yeon-kun. You guys came.

Allen: Yes. Today, we came as B.A.E. Well... it’s something like a courtesy call...

Hajun: Inspecting enemy movements, you can say.

Yohei: Hah! You said it. And? How was our stage?

Hajun: Fufu. Behind the times, it was.

Yohei: Ha? Oi, say that once again.

Hajun: Sigh... don’t make me say it numerous times. I said that it was behind the times, you guys’ music.

Allen: Wha－Hajun!

Anne: You don’t say that when you come to greet someone.

Hajun: I’ll say it clearly, Saimon-sensei... no, Kotonoha and God summer-san. I heard that Quadra-X [2] was a team that even got invited by an overseas fest, but... that was just a story of the past, after all, huh. How unfortunate.

Yohei: Bastard...! Just ‘cause I let a brat like you talk...

Saimon: Yohei. Indeed, that was in the past. In reality, Quadra-X has broken up, after all. However, now that we’ve reunited, there’s also Ryuu and Shiki. Our will and style towards music haven’t changed, but please understand that we’re already a different team.

Ryuu: Yeah, yeah! After all, there’s Sparkly Ryuu-kun and Gloomy Shiki now!

Shiki: I’m... gloomy...?

Yohei: And? Dissin’ us being stale, what about you guys? Just jumping at trends and thinking of yourselves as cutting-edge... ain’t that just child’s play?

Allen: Huh!? What’s with that!?

Anne: Wh－ Allen, not you too! Stop it.

Yohei: Hah! Not even having your own figure and style... there’s no meaning in doing rootless hip hop. Well-bred young masters and ladies should just sing ballads and get spoiled by others.

Allen: You said ‘style’, but isn’t saying ‘fuck off’ to bothersome stuff like customs, standards, and common sense’s what hip hop is!? We’re just spinning the sound we think is cool. The vibes that exists here and now... if you can express it, no matter how it is, we don’t care. We’ll just swallow it, drain it, and make it our sound!

Hajun: You say good things sometimes too, don’t you, Allen. If you only adhere to your own style, losing sight of discourses [3] and fear change and evolution, that’s just fossil music. It’s better to put it in a museum, is it not?

Saimon: Good grief... this is pretty harsh. They’ve got us there, didn’t they, Yohei?

Yohei: Tch.

Anne: Jeez... Both Allen and Hajun is so immature.

Ryuu: Sniff, sniff, sniff!

Anne: Ah.

Ryuu: Hmm~? Mm~? Sniff, sniff.

Anne: Whー what!?

Shiki: R-Ryuu-kun! It’s impolite to suddenly smell people like that!

Ryuu: Sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff! You with long hair, and you with spiky red hair...

Allen: Wh-what?

Ryuu: You guys have the same smell.

Allen: Ahh, that’s Anne’s perfume. He always uses so much it’sー

Anne: Grr!

(Anne punches Allen.)

Allen: It hurts!!! Suddenly punching me like that...! I’m against violence!

Anne: It’s because you’re saying rude stuff.

Ryuu: Sniff, sniff... But, you with mushroom head...

Hajun: Hm? What is it?

Ryuu: You’re being left out, aren’t you.

Hajun: Ha?

Ryuu: Ahh, but it’s not like you’re being bullied or anything. The one who left you out... is yourself, after all.

Hajun: What are you sayingー

Ryuu: Sniffsniffsniffsniffsniff!

Hajun: Oof! Could you please get away from me? You’re a bit close...

Ryuu: Sniff, sniff, sniff... That’s weird... I can’t smell ‘true scent’ coming from you.

Hajun: True scent...?

Ryuu: That’s right. You’re always inside a transparent box... Ah! I see! You don’t want to show anyone anything but your ‘clean self’, do you!

Hajun: ...!

Ryuu: Aha! You’re like a mushroom stuffed in packaging! Ahahaha, ehehehe!

Shiki: Sorry!! Ryuu-kun’s a somewhat peculiar child, so...

Hajun: Ah, no...

Shiki: Come on, Ryuu-kun. Get away from him...!

Ryuu: I wonder why~? But, if you don’t come out of there yourself... one day, you’ll rot... and become an unneeded child.

Hajun: ...Stop screwing around...

Ryuu: Hmm?

Hajun: Stop screwing around!

Ryuu: Uwooah!?

Yohei: Bastard, what are you doing suddenly!?

Ryuu: Ou-ou-ouch, ouch, ouch...!

Shiki: Are you okay, Ryuu-kun...?

Hajun: You... take back your words just now. [4]

Shiki: Words...? What do you mean?

Hajun: Don’t play dumb!! You said it, didn’t you!? That I’m a... ugh...

Allen: Stop it, Hajun! What are youー

Hajun: Shut up!!!

Allen: Ha... jun...?

Hajun: Damn it!*

Anne: Hajun!

(Hajun walks out, smashes the door close.)

Allen: He’s...

Anne: Yeah... he was seriously angry just now, wasn’t he?

Saimon: I’m sorry. Even though you guys took the time to come, somehow it turned into something serious.

Anne: Saimon-sensei...

Saimon: Don’t worry about us, go and run after him quickly.

Anne: Yes. We’re going, Allen.

Allen: Yeah...

(Allen and Anne leaves.)

(Ryuu’s stomach growls.)

Ryuu: Aa~aah, Ryuu-kun’s hungry! Heey, let’s eat Raimen-tei’s char siu ramen without the noodles and go home!

Yohei: This one’s carefree, huh? Oi, Ryuu.

Ryuu: Huh?

Yohei: What did you say to him just then?

_

(Tinging sound of ice in a glass.)

Saimon: Sigh. “Behind the times”... we just received quite a severe preemptive punch, didn’t we.

Yohei: Shit... ‘cause of that, I can’t get drunk at all.

(Yohei pours more drink into his glass.)

Saimon: It’s better to stop there. Trap reactions get more intense if you drink heavily, after all.

Yohei: I know.

Saimon: Shiki... has started, hasn’t he.

Yohei: Yeah. I laid him on the bed at the second floor. Ryuu’s more or less looking after him, but... Honestly, I can’t stand seeing Shiki’s ‘that’.

Saimon: Trap reaction... I wonder, just what is it that Shiki’s fighting?

Yohei: That kinda thing... nobody would want to let anyone touch the wounds in the deepest part of themselves.

Saimon: Yeah... but...

Yohei: Even so, Shiki chose the path to do it [5] with us. It’s his own resolution.

Saimon: Yeah.

Yohei: All of us is like that. If we use our metals, one day we might lose everything and die. Even so, if we don’t do it, we’ll die. Haha, jeez, what unfortunate livin’ beings. [6]

_

Shiki: Ah, ah...!! Ahh!! I’m sorry, I’m sorry...!! Aah...!! AAAH...!!!

Ryuu: Shiki, today too you seem in max pain...~ ‘Til how many hours left will this continue?

Shiki: Ah... it’s my fault, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry...!!

(Shiki clutches Ryuu’s hand.)

Ryuu: O-o-ouch!! If you grip Ryuu-kun’s hand with such monstrous strength, it’ll fall off!!!

Shiki: Ah...! Ryuu-kun...?

Ryuu: Oh!! You noticed!

Shiki: Ah... I-I’m sorry... I, again... When I saw the nightmare... did you keep holding my hand?

Ryuu: Yeah~! If not, Shiki’ll scream out ‘waah, waah!’ after all~

Shiki: Sorry... I’m always troubling you, don’t I?

Ryuu: It’s okay, ‘cause it’s interesting!

Shiki: Huh? Interesting?

Ryuu: After all, no matter how much Ryuu-kun uses his medal, he’s never had trap reaction, right?

Shiki: You have special constitution, after all. Honestly, I’m a bit jealous...

Ryuu: It’s boring.

Shiki: Eh?

Ryuu: After all, Ryuu-kun’s the only one left out.

Shiki: Ah... that’s not...

Ryuu: Sometimes, Ryuu-kun thinks... not having a trap reaction definitely means I couldn’t build a connection with anyone.

Shiki: Ryuu-kun...

Ryuu: Ah! You still have a fever? You do, right!?

Shiki: Ah, yeah...

Ryuu: Then, here!

Shiki: Ah!! What is it!?

Ryuu: A live octopus! If you put it on your forehead, it’s cold and feels good, right!?

Shiki: W-woah... it felt like it moved just now...!?

Ryuu: Yeah, it’s still alive, after all.

Shiki: Alive...!? Gross, take it off me quickly...!! A-ah, it hurts!

Ryuu: That’s no good, no good! You have to put it on your forehead, or your fever won’t go down~! Even though I bought it for you...

Shiki: But...!! It smells fishy... and it’s slimy... it’s gross...!!

Ryuu: Do your best, Octopus!! Such out Shiki’s fever!! If you can’t do it, I’ll eat you~!! Oh, I’ll still eat you even if you could, though, ahahaha!!

Shiki: Uhh... sobs...

_

(Yohei plays “Faith” intro on the piano.)

Saimon: That song... in the past, Tsubaki used to play it there a lot, didn’t she?

Yohei: Yeah... for some reason, I wanted to play it in a while.

Saimon: What do you think of B.A.E?

Yohei: They’re cheeky brats.

Saimon: Haha. But when I see them, somehow I’m reminded of the past.

Yohei: Pft.

Saimon: Yohei, Tsubaki, and I... that time when we were young, fearless, and just rushed towards our ideal music.

Yohei: Well, that young lady’s a nice woman. 

(Yohei plays “Faith” intro again.)

Yohei: She’s kinda similar to Tsubaki-san, isn’t she? Their appearance’s entirely different, but like... the atmosphere, you know.

Saimon: That’s... true. But, Faulkner-kun’s not a woman, you know?

(Yohei stops playing the piano.)

Yohei: Eh...? He’s... a man?

Saimon: Fufu. Did I disappoint you?

Yohei: No way. As long as I have hip hop, it’s enough.

Saimon: Connecting people with music... do you think we can do that?

Yohei: We have no other choice, for that person who fell midway in chasing after her dream... [7] that’s the only atonement we, the people left behind, could ever do.

Saimon: Atonement... huh. I’m glad you’re here, Yohei.

Yohei: Huh?

Saimon: After I lost Tsubaki and ran to university, Yohei, you stayed in this shop and played the piano whilst waiting for me.

Yohei: It’s just that unlike you, I don’t have anywhere else to go to.

Saimon: Thank you, for doing music with me.

Yohei: W-what are you saying, after such a long time!? Disgusting!

Saimon: That’s my true feelings, though.

Yohei: Plus, there’s Ryuu and Shiki now. Quadra-X’s broke up already. The Cat’s Whiskers are us nowー

Ryuu: Hey, hey!!! Do we have a takoyaki maker!?

Yohei: Are you stupid? We’re a jazz bar! There’s no way we have that in hereー

Saimon: We do.

Yohei: We do!?

Ryuu: Yaaaaay!!! Well then, after Shiki’s fever go down and Boss and Master’s trap reaction ends, let’s have a takoyaki party!! Takoyaki party!!

Yohei: Pft. So bothersome.

Saimon: Haha.

Ryuu: Delicious takoyaki made together with everyone ♪ Run after it ‘till the ends of the takoyaki galaxy, with an aftertaste  ♪ Crunchy outside, and fluffy inside, and steam coming out of your mouth  ♪ Yeah, it’s done! ♪

Notes

[1] Jimejime also means damp and humid.

[2] クアドラエックス (kuadora ekkusu) - Quadra-X seems to be Yohei and Saimon (and probably also Tsubaki’s) unit in the past. I don’t know the stylization though, so I just go by what I think it is.

[3] Honestly not so sure what he meant, but probably it’s like not wanting to question tradition and stuff like that?

[4] Hajun’s always using the proper and formal ‘anata’, but here he uses the informal and pretty rude ‘omae’!!

[5] ‘Do it’, as in form a unit and perform with a phantometal.

[6] Inga na ikimon - as in living creatures with unfortunate fate/destiny.

[7] Yohei actually didn’t specify who (he just said ‘that person’ and ‘in the middle of dream’), but from the flow of the conversation, feels like it can’t be anyone else but Tsubaki...

*Thank you @spooderhearts22 for the input! 

[kuronanox]

Childhood promises - Hisagi Shuhei

"Shuhei wake up! It's snowing!" (Your Name) says putting on her torn up shoes while running outside. Rukongai in the winter was harsh and they were poor but it didn't mean they weren't happy.

"I'm coming!" He calls out putting on his robe and touching the white floor.

She was playing with the snow and smiling. He shyly watched. "Come on!" She yelled out and grabbed his hand.

"Ahh!" He protested and stood next to her and she smiled.

"Let's make something!"

They made a snowman and laughed as it fell apart from their poor attempt of it.

"I'm hungry (Your Name)." He says clutching his stomach.

With a worried face she walks back into their house and looks at what they had left. "Here eat this."

It was the last of their rice balls they had.

"But you won't be able to have any."

(Your Name) smiles and gives it to Shuhei anyways. "It's okay eat it."

Looking at the rice ball he broke it in half.

"Thanks." She smiles and eats it in one bite.

Shuhei zones out in the office and smiles sadly to himself. He had missed (Your Name) deeply and regret being a weak friend at the time.

He remembered he thought of her as family, they had no one. Although she was 5 years older than him (Your Name) worked hard for them.

Shuhei remember she worked at a small stall in rukongai and she made enough money for them to live enough to survive. Although they starved from time to time they were happy.

Kensei walks in with papers and places them on Shuhei desk. "Need these done by tomorrow."

"Okay Captain."

Kensei stares at Shuhei and walks out the office. He noticed that his Vice Captain had been spacing out recently but he didn't want to push any matters that were unnecessary.

"Are you okay (Your Name)?" Shuhei asks with teary eyes as he watched her wrapped a cut she got from work that day. "I'm okay thanks."

She smiles and sets down some hot soup she warmed up, although there was no rice today.

"What did you do while I was gone?"

"I played out in the fields with some friends."

"Fun, I'm glad you made it back safe."

"Actually... we were almost killed by a hollow."

"What?! Shuhei you could have gotten killed!"

He looks down and starts to cry. "I know, I'm sorry I was so scared. I couldn't do nothing. It was so big and strong. I didn't want to leave you either."

(Your Name) pulls him to an embrace like a mother would and kissed his head. "It's okay you are safe now."

"I met a Captain, and he saved my life. It made me realize that I wanna be a Shinigami when I'm older. I can take care of us and get strong!"

(Your Name) laughs and ruffle his messy hair. "Okay one day, promise me."

"I promise!"

The next morning they were rudely awakened when their door was knocked down and a group of men came in.

Shuhei eyes frighten as (Your Name) became alert and pulled him behind her.

"Your the bitch that sold us the fake metal." One said and grabbed her harshly.

"(Your Name)!" Shuhei yells and runs after her but she stops him.

"Don't come after me!"

He panics and watches as she struggles to get off the grip of the men. They were dragging her somewhere unknown.

"Leave her alone!" Shuhei screams and grabs the stick to hit the men.

Shuhei was sent flying a few feet in the air as they punched him and his nose bleed. He wanted to cry but he was losing (Your Name).

As they dragged her off Shuhei was left with one other dude as he beat Shuhei black and purple.

Lying on the floor (Your Name) was out of sight as he cried and ran to find her.

He screamed and fell to the ground.

Shuhei grips his hand in a fist as he laid in bed looking at the ceiling. He thought about (Your Name) wondering if she ever survived.

Rubbing his eyes he pushed the tears threatening to fall. She had sacrificed everything for them and he couldn't even save her that day.

The next morning Shuhei walked into the publishing office and greeted everyone with a smile. It was a new day and new opportunities waited for him.

"Me and Renji are giving some rookies a tour of Soul Society wanna join me?" Kira asks him as Shuhei had to pass. "Um nah seems kinda boring but good luck though!"

(Your Name) ended up stuck with a group of new comers like her as they toured the place, the blonde dude was kinda bland and gloomy but he showed everyone the important stuff which was the only thing that mattered.

"What squad do you wanna join?" A girl as her as she looked around amazed at the place.

"I'm not sure yet! I guess any that accepts me!"

Passing all the barracks Kira goes into the editing room. "And this is where we publish all the paper work, stories and headlines. The head of editor and chief is Lieutenant of Squad 9."

Shuhei greets everyone and smiles talking about how fun and hard working the publishers are.

(Your Name) looks at him with confusion. He didn't state his name but he looked familiar to her. "My name is Hisagi Shuhei! I can't wait to see what squad everyone joins!"

"What a minute? That's!"

"Okay everyone follow me." Kira boringly says and walks them out as she turns to find Shuhei but he was already gone talking to a few coworkers.

"I guess I'll catch up to him at another time. He's so grown now."

She smiles knowing that he successfully took care of himself. Although the scar and 69 was new.

"(Your Name)?" Shuhei calls out as she washes the rice for them that night.

"Yes?"

"Will you ever leave me for someone else?"

She tilted her head in confusion and laughs. "What do you mean?"

"Like if a guy came and you liked him."

"No silly, we have each other."

"Promise?"

"I promise! Trust me when you get older all the ladies will swoon for you."

"He's so hot!" A few girls giggled to themselves as they continued the tour.

By night time came they entered a dorm place for all new comers. Tomorrow was the day that they picked their squad whether they wanted to be in it or not.

(Your Name) was placed under the 6th squad, which to her seem pretty good because her Captain was a noble and everyone seemed fairly strong. Although she wasn't nearly as good as a seated officer she didn't mind working her way up.

"Abarai Fukutaicho?" She calls out one day as he turns to her. "Um? Do you know where I can talk to Shuhei?"

"Uh?? You mean like the Lieutenant from squad 9? Are y'all close like that?"

"Yes, I'm his childhood friend. We lost contact a long time ago but I just found him."

Renji was bewildered, he didn't know much about Shuhei past but it sounded a lot like him and Rukia so he couldn't reject her.

"Yeah I'll let him know."

Shuhei was in the middle of a rush when Renji walked in. "Yo! Someone was asking for you!"

"Not now! I'm kinda busy." Shuhei states skimming through the papers rangiku messed up on.

"It's (Your Name) she really wants to see you." Renji says as Shuhei drops the papers and looks up shocked. "You mean it?!"

"Yes, like she's in my squad and everything."

"Where?! Where is she!" Shuhei yells with a big smile on his face as he gets up from his desk.

"Woah woah calm down!" She's over at the fields training-" without letting Renji finish his sentence he made a run for it.

Renji smiles and scoffs. He was happy knowing that the reunion was going to be a good one.

Shuhei saw her with her sword training hard as she sweated and concentrated on her spiritual energy. "(Your Name)!" He yells out as she turns to him.

She smiles and ran towards him as they pull each other in a embrace.

"Shuhei! You're so grown now!" She says and he crushes her with his inhuman strength now. "Well you're so tiny!"

They let go as they both couldn't stop smiling. "How?" He says as she sat on the grass as he took a seat next to her.

"Remember when they took me, I managed to escape but we were so far away I couldn't find the way back home."

Shuhei groans and looks down. "If only I was strong back then, I would have saved you."

"It's fine, you were a kid. I don't blame you."

He smiles softly as she touches his face and he starts to blush. "What happen to your face?" She asks with concern.

"Don't worry, just battles and the 69 is something I got from the man that saved my life. He's actually my captain now."

She laughs and lets go. "Well you succeeded, now you can protect me from now on."

2 years later

"Why don't you tell her!" Hinamori pouts at Shuhei trying to push him into the restaurant.

"Be-because it's weird! She was like an older sister to me."

"But you like her right?" Rangiku jumps in unintentionally popping her breast out as Shuhei looks away in awkwardness.

"Better tell her before someone else beats you to it." Kira adds looking into the restaurant spotting (Your Name) dressed in a nice kimono waiting for a certain childhood friend.

"Come on! Renji even asked Kuchiki Taicho to reserve the best restaurant in Seireitei right now!" Hinamori says making Shuhei feel a bit guilty that Renji made the effort to beg his captain.

"Oh fine fine fine! I was going to do it my own pace but since everyone is telling me to."

Shuhei takes a deep breath and enters the restaurant.

"Shuhei!" She calls and waves him over.

"Sorry I'm late, how was your day?"

"It was good! I can't believe you got a place like this for us!"

Shuhei sweats a bit and drinks some water before answering. "Yeah me too."

"Ahh little Shuhei is so handsome now." (Your Name) smiles and push the messy part front of his hair away from his eyes.

He blushes and grabs her hands with his. "You've grown to a fine lady also... but you kept your promise."

"What promise?"

"Remember when we were little, I didn't want you to leave me for another man."

(Your Name) laughs and covers her mouth with her free hand and tighten her grip with his hand.

"Of course, why would I want anyone else?"

"I wouldn't want anyone else but you (Your Name)." Shuhei confesses as she drops her smile.

They had been through so much she could see a life with him and he could see a future with her. A future with laughter and happiness where they no longer starved or lived poor.

"I'm making enough money for us and I'm strong enough to protect you now. That means I'm the man I told you I wanted to be and the man you deserve to have."

She chuckles and set their hands down on the table as she rubs it softly.

"Always, I don't see why we wouldn't work out. The future tied us back together."

Shuhei grins like the child he once use to be and boldly kisses her from across the table.

"I've been waiting for this for years, our first kiss."

"And many to come." (Your Name) adds with a blush.

[atlasfreak]

hell is hot from your mistakes

chapter three; Tumblr edition

The afterlife is a mess of time and space.

Dream got the brunt end of that mess, of time, and bad luck follows Tommy even in death.

Dream is mere seconds too late reviving him.

Tommy wakes up in a familiar, unfamiliar world in a familiar, unfamiliar body that looks so much like an old friend of his, and yet he remembers everything when really, he shouldn't. His brother's voice guides him, the Nether is blistering heat and dust and his hands are hoofed.

ArchiveOfOurOwn Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30073104/ or THIS

Tommy spends the next day on high alert.

They don't leave the cave, to Wilbur's annoyance; Come on, it'll help things. You- you always took walks when you were upset back before exile, didn't you? His voice floats around distantly - as though he wasn't really back at Tommy's side yet - but Tommy can hear him well enough to be pissed.

"We're not going outside, Wil. We went out fucking yesterday - less than a day ago! And someone fucking died. We stay in here. I wouldn't be allowed to go, anyway."

Fine. Fine. But we should head outside. I have t- I'm rather bored.

"Wilbur, I swear to Philza fuckin' Minecraft-"

Truth is, Tommy did want to go out - he wanted to roam the red fields and forests, counting shroomlights and watching zombified piglins growl at each other. He can't stand it, being cooped up in a cave too empty, space next to him too cold.

But it'll be a long, long while yet before his piglin mother even considers letting him leave the safe sanctuary of the cave.

Speaking of - she's curled in on herself, watching him with a hawk's eye, red from tough Nether tears; tears sapped of all water, tears leaving saline stains along her cheeks. All day she's been torn between getting lost in her awful, awful grief and caring for him, watching over him, protecting him. If not for Tommy, she'd probably sleep the day away in her pain. So Tommy spends the afternoon in the red red cave, trying to entertain his guests and keep his mother from mourning... too heavily. Right now, that means running all around and jumping over her and over the soul soil patch and over the edge of the far side of the cave, where it leads down into a second one.

He's trying, anyway. Wilbur isn't making this any easier. At all.

He sounds in Tommy's left ear. Tommy, if I scout ahead do you- and then he's too quiet for Tommy to hear, -forest? How about that?

"You cut out, Wil," Tommy murmurs, crouching down and bunching his haunches to jump. Mama piglin sprawls out, giving him less of a challenge.

What? You're not just trying to get me to shut up, are you? Wilbur pauses, I'm- I'm cutting out?

"I dunno. You just sound really far away."

I- how long have I sounded far away for?

"A day or so," Tommy mumbles, springing up and landing on all fours on the netherrack behind his mother. She purrs and he feels her tail whip his arm as it wags. Approval. "Ever since you left."

Left?

"To go take brother piglin to the dead zone, right?" Tommy asks. "You know. You went silent. And you were back when I woke up."

Oh! Oh, yes. Yes, I took the piglin to the - how do you call it? The Death Zone, so you could be reunite when you die, Tommy. Lemme tell you, he did not want to leave you guys alone.

"Oh. He's safe then?"

Yes. He's safe - he's with a friend.

The former blonde laughs. "A friend? Yeah, he'll either love or hate Mexican Dream, I think."

Oh, he loved Mexican Dream, Wilbur smiles. Very entertaining fellow, M.D.

Wilbur's voice grows no louder, no closer as they talk; still it sounds far off, distant. Tommy brushes it off and glances to his side. Mama piglin is laying over on her side now, eyes closed.

Tommy rumbles gently at her. Wilbur pauses in what he's saying to stare as Tommy goes to lay beside her -she deserves rest.

Is your mother asleep? Wilbur asks quietly, as if she could hear him.

"Yes," Tommy whispers. "She would've growled back otherwise, even if she's sad."

Good. Come on, let's go.

Tommy glances over, like he'll find Wilbur; like Wilbur will be standing beside him. "What?"

Let's go. Y'know, outside. Come on, Toms, we're going to the forest.

Tommy feels panic flare up in his stomach. "No, nonononono, no. I'm not just leaving her, Wilbur!"

We'll come back, don't worry, Wilbur insists. I'll make sure you don't get jumped. Come on. We need to find- I need to show you something.

Tommy hesitates. He's not.. sure about this. About following Wilbur again. Trust only goes so far when you're TommyInnit, post death.

He voices his hesitation.

Theseus fuckin' Innit, I won't let anything happen to you out there, Wilbur declares. Come on. I'll protect you.

"How're you gonna 'protect me' if you're a fucking voice?"

I'll spec. I'll warn you and scout- it's called ghosting for a reason. It's ok, Toms. I have your back.

"You're sure," Tommy mumbles, casting one last look at his mother. "And nothing- nothing bad will happen?"

Nothing bad will happen. I swear on my life- well. My death.

Tommy swallows and he weighs his options and he makes a decision.

He follows Wilbur's voice out of the cave.

Wilbur does keep his promise, though; whispering Not there, there's a pack of piglins or Watch out to the right, there's a hoglin over there whenever he senses movement. Tommy's head shoots up at every creak or murmur or whistle, jumpier than a chicken on Christmas Eve. Wilbur chuckles.

"Wil, where- where are we going?"

It's somewhere. I don't know exactly.

"Wh- I thought you had a plan!"

I- I kinda do, I don't bloody know!

"Wilbur!" Tommy shouts, "Why'd you lead me out here if you didn't have a plan?"

Keep your voice down. You don't wanna end up like m- mister piglin brother.

"Low ass fuckin' blow," Tommy snarls, but he lowers his volume. "If I die out here, Mama won't even find my body. The hogs will eat it. I don't wanna die again, Wil, I really, really don't."

You won't die, Wilbur says, voice confident as a dying man - take that how you will. If you die, I've failed. You won't die.

"You're so fuckin' weird," Tommy growls as they continue walking - just a little piglin and his disembodied voice of a brother, wandering through the brush. "You're so fuckin' weird today."

Hey, Tommy - look. What's that? Wilbur suddenly asks. His voice is clearer, closer than it's been in hours. Tommy glances over. A little stream of lava falls from the Nether roof and spills across the netherrack floor. Two little red creations bathe in its fiery warmth.

"That's a strider, innit?" Tommy mutters. "You ride 'em cross lava."

Tommy, go up to it, Wilbur whispers. It's friendly.

"How'd'you bloody know that it's friendly?" Tommy grumbles, but he approaches the lava anyway. The nearer strider turns at his footsteps - it sees his hooves one step too close to the heat and it rushes to knock him away at the same time that Wilbur screams Not THAT close!

The strider shivers when it drags itself out of the lava to stand with Tommy - it's young, and Tommy is taller just barely. He moves a hand up to pet it. "Wil, go look for little blue and orange mushrooms. I wanna take the strider home."

I don't see anything, Wilbur says after a moment, but maybe it'll follow anyway.

The purple critter makes a noise akin to a fire crackling and Tommy plays with the frills on the side of its head. "Aw."

Tommy listens to the creak and chattering of his new friend and Wilbur is silent for a moment, then We should keep going.

"We found a strider. We can just head back. No need for all this, it'll keep us entertained for awhile. Little pet strider! I'll name it Shitass."

Wilbur sighs. Awful name. I hate it. What's it gonna speedrun - death? No, and that's not the only reason I lead you out here. There's something else I want you to see.

"Not the only- you wanted me to find a- you're so fuckin' sus today, I swear. Whatever." Tommy rubs his eyes with a groan. "Just tell me what you're looking for. We'll go find it some fuckin- some other day."

Fine.

Tommy blinks.

Then he falls to his knees. His head explodes with hundreds and thousands of voices, all screaming at him, all shrieking at him, all loud, too too loud, too fucking loud-

Wilbur is sus! Aww, Wilbro! Can you name the strider after me? What the fuck is that? Can you say hi to my friend? You missed diamonds. You need blue fungi to lead a strider! Kill it for string. Boat with legs!

Tommy clamps his hands over his ears.

Chat.

"Tommy."

He looks up.

Wilbur is visible.

He's visible! Translucent, yes, but he's there, sitting atop the strider, wearing the dirty old trenchcoat from Pogtopia, hair tangled and eyes gloomy. He points into the distance, across the Nether - the crimson forest ends in a cliff and leads into the wastelands.

"There." he says. His voice is clear as ever - real, not just in Tommy's head. "Over there is a fortress with intact blaze spawners and unlooted chests. It's just over that crest."

"What?" Tommy manages through the mind-wrecking chorus in his ears. He doesn't see anything- no stormy red-black bricks anywhere in sight, just black fuzz creeping into his vision with every new voice, shattering his eardrums. "A- a fortress?"

"You have to learn to fight like this - as a piglin," Wilbur instructs. He tilts his head up. "And you need to get blaze rods. Then- then you can go back."

Woah! DUDUDU! E. Dude just find the smp portal hub, 4head!.Go get them rods, you can take a blaze or two!

Tommy whips around to stare at Wilbur. "I thought you didn't want me to go back."

"I don't," Wilbur sighs. "I really don't. But- but it's not as safe here as I thought it was. I.. you need to get back to the Overworld. Not the DreamSMP specifically, but the Overworld. So.. I'll help you. There's a fortress across the Wastelands, completely untouched. You can get blaze rods and maybe obsidian and gear from it."

Tommy is silent.

Wilbur hops down, but his hand never leaves the strider's head. "That's a long time from now. Prove to me that you can survive it, I'll take you there."

"Why are you so incitement that I can't die?" Tommy demands. "I'll respawn, won't I?"

"Insistent, not incitement," Wilbur corrects with a shake of his head. It's so odd - Tommy still isn't used to seeing him. "You're a mob. You have one life and one life only and Tommy, listen to me. You can't lose it. You can't lose that life. You can't die."

"Wilbur, you're scaring me."

Suddenly, chat is gone. Tommy peaks open his eyes, his head is still aching like a bitch.

Wilbur's gone, too. There's only open space where he had just stood, the strider blinks at him slowly. Must be confused, poor thing. There's no trace that Wilbur had ever been corporeal - just empty air.

Good, Wilbur says; back to a lonely voice, back to being chat. Good.

Tommy swallows.

"Come- come on, Shitass," Tommy whispers after a moment. "Let's.. let's go home."

It's quieter than late nights in the van, quieter than the blanketing silence of L'manburg in chunk-error ruins. Wilbur doesn't speak, but Tommy can hear his breathing. It comforts him; Wilbur hasn't gotten tired of him, hasn't left him behind. The strider follows them without the encouragement of food, and Tommy is grateful. He doesn't want to have to search this place for a single speck of blue just to have a friend that's not a disembodied voice.

"Why don't you do that more often?" Tommy murmurs as they walk. He still isn't heavy enough to leave tracks like his mother, Tommy notes.

Do what?

"Become.. real. Ghostbur."

Other people can hear me, and see me. It's not safe.

"Chat gets really fuckin' loud when you do it," Tommy comments. "It hurts like hell. You're chat, usually, but like... a moving chat. Like you're real, just not visible. When you became see-able, chat came back. Are you blocking them?"

I should be more careful with that first bit, Wilbur hums. But now I want to go ghost less. If it hurts you and there's no point to doing it, why should I?

"Be more careful with w- wait, 'go ghost?'"

It's a reference.

"What to?"

This thing called Da-

Tommy freezes. He feels ice sink through his veins, weighing down his legs. A new sound, a sound neither Wil nor Tommy have ever heard before - it echoes through the Nether, loud and piercing. It hits his ears with the force of a sledgehammer on a bell. The strider pauses and Wilbur shuts his mouth. It's almost like a scream, a cry, a call. A desperate one.

Shit.

"Mama! Mama, it's ok, it's ok!" Tommy can't describe his voice as anything other than frantic, desperate. "Mama, I'm right here, I'm right here, I'm safe!" he shrieks, running through the brush, stumbling over roots and thorns and bushes. The strider follows slowly.

He tries to match her scream, tries to tip her off - I'm right here, I'm right here! - but he doesn't hear her come to him, doesn't see her relieved white eyes. Wilbur is in his ear, whispering warnings and observations and-

"I don't care if there are hoglins, fucking- find her! Find her, you useless fucking ghost!" Tommy screams at Wilbur.

There's just a beat, a single heartbeat of stunned silence. Tommy pants, a mixture of exhaustion and fury trying its hardest to escape him. Wilbur's voice echoes in his mind as he whips around, looking desperately.

If you go forward a bit, there's a cliffside. Below is a very tall tree, far left of the cave. She's standing beneath it.

Tommy runs. He runs faster than he ever had with hooves, maybe faster than he had with feet. His mother glances up as he scrabbles down the cliffside, slipping down jagged rock. He feels hot, wet pain run down his leg but he doesn't slow to check, just tumbles to the ground with a yelp. She shuts her mouth and scruffs him immediately, sniffing his head and checking, reassuring herself, please be alive please be alive please be alive despite the very real squirming and very alive "Mama, please calm down, please, I'm fine."

She collapses when she realises he's safe and fine and alive and she's not childless and she holds him close.

If it were anyone else, Tommy would squeal and try to wiggle out, away, but it's his mother. He lets her hold him, forcing a purr. See? I'm fine.

Wilbur's voice rings out, distant. Tommy, what about the strider?

Tommy doesn't respond. He just lays in his mother's arms, eyes closed.

Nevermind, got it! Tommy turns around to see the strider hit the ground right in front of them with a distressed crackle and an OW THAT MUST'VE HURT out of Wil.

His mother has it dead in seconds.

GOD DAMMIT! Wilbur screeches. I JUST GOT THAT B- I JUST GOT THAT DOWN!

Tommy flattens his ears. His mother snarls as the strider falls apart in a cloud of smoke and dust and string.

Wilbur sighs. Tommy raises an eyebrow. "Can't you just bring one back by yourself? You can- you can 'go ghost', you literally didn't need me."

There's no response.

"Wilbur?"

Not even soft breathing. Tommy's tail falls limp. His mother hugs him closer, as if the lack of wagging meant he was about to drop dead, evaporate like the strider had.

Wil's gone. Tommy can only hope he's going to come back, like he did when his brother died.

Maybe Wilbur just doesn't like death.

Tommy leans into his mother's soft fluff.

"I'm sorry for leaving."

She huffs.

"Please never - fuckin' - please never scream like that again."

Her response is a low snort. You made me afraid. I was afraid. Never run away like that, and I will never scream, Tommy understands.

"Ok, Piglin Mama," Tommy murmurs. "Ok."

Wilbur runs his hands through his hair - real hair. Real, physical, human hair. Living hands, real hair.

He's furious. He won't let it show.

"What's this?" He asks, calm and collected and cool. With a soft smile and curious eyes - he's used to playing a mellow role, an innocent role. "What've you done?"

Dream narrows his eyes. "Why now did it work? Why couldn't I bring you back before, Wilbur?"

Wilbur ignores him, instead digging through his trenchcoat pockets. "Oh, I still have my deck!" he chirps. "Wanna play solitaire?"

"Is it why I can't bring back Tommy?"

"Or are you more of a poker guy? What about war? That's easy enough for you, I think."

"Wilbur," Dream hisses. "Listen to me."

"We could play Uno - queen can be pick up two, king can be pick up four, joker can be skip! Or reverse-"

"WILBUR!"

Wil smiles. "Yes, Dream?"

"Why can't I ressurect Tommy?"

"Do you not like card games? I'm afraid I've only got cards." Dream stands and Wilbur raises an eyebrow. "Aw, do you really have to look up to make eye contact with me?"

"It's because you're wearing tall boots. I'm not wearing shoes," Dream insists. "Sam took them," he adds quietly.

"Sure it's the boots, Dream," Wil snickers. "Sure."

Dream blinks. "Don't distract me."

"I didn't do anything."

"Listen up, Wilbur Soot," Dream snarls.

"Bit formal, what with the whole full name bit, but I'm listening. I'm listening, go ahead, Dream." Wilbur tilts his head, insufferably smug.

"You will tell me how to revive Tommy - you'll tell me what you did, you'll stop tampering - or I will kill you. Do you hear me, Wilbur? Do you understand me? I will kill you."

Wilbur sorts through his deck, counting cards and yawning. Unimpressed.

"I will kill you and bring you back and kill you again. Over and over and over, as long as it takes. Every minute of every hour of every day of every month of every year until. You. Spill. Your. Secrets. Now do you want to listen to me, and do it the easy, easy, easiest way, or d-"

"Actually, I'm a bit - little itty bitty bit, tiny bit - tired of of this whole living thing, love," Wilbur interrupts. Dream stutters as Wilbur runs past Dream, spins round to face him and fall back, arms spread like a bird and wearing a shit eating grin. Wilbur Soot throws himself at burning, starving lava with a silly salute and bright eyes.

"BYE, DREAM!"

The freckled man can't do anything but stare as Wilbur's face contorts in awful, horrible pain for just a moment, then gone. Fully, completely gone - nothing but a swirl of smoke. The scent of burnt flesh stains the air and Dream feels like he's going to vomit. A charred sleeve falls to the ground in front of him - embroidered patches display old flags.

Dream picks up the cloth.

Green and white and pink, blue and purple with a white... sun? And-

He clenches his hand around the scrap.

Half a black circle, a fine yellow border and a bold yellow x. A line of blue runs along the top, and red along the bottom, and white cuts through the center with two more crosses.

The flag of a fallen nation.

Dream holds the patch with shaking hands, fury racing through his veins like hot fire, the fire that ravaged fur and ravaged flesh. He lifts the chunk of fabric to the lava, flinching as the fire swallows it eagerly and licks at his skin with a flash of searing, searing pain. Tears prick at his eyes as he holds a scorched, damaged hand to his chest, breathing like sailer too close to the sea and its sirens. Dreams turns and he swipes the water off his face and he throws it to the ground, to the ring of red blood (his own, his own blood, his own horrible horrible red blood) and a single glove, a single fingerless glove taken from his own hands, a glove with just traces, traces, traces of a dead man, miniscule little skin cells, gloves he had borrowed long ago from hands stained gray with gunpowder, and he waits for the blood to lighten and glow and he waits for Wilbur to appear again with the same cold, cold eyes.

Wilbur doesn't respond.

Dream punches the wall. "STOP TAMPERING! STOP TAMPERING!"

He almost hears the mocking laughter.

Then stop trying.

Far, far away, a small piglin opens his eyes. He's tucked against a bigger piglin, a sow who had never let him sleep beside her before.

There's a baby strider sleeping in front of him an a kind voice in his ears.

Good morning, Tommy.

"Oh, Wilbur! Wil, you're back! Wil. Wil. Wil. Wil, where were you?"

Off. Visited an old friend, brought a new one. Sorry about- about yesterday.

"It's ok, I think. And, by the way?"

Hm?

"Thank you, Wilbur."

For the strider?

"For... everything, really. Everything here."

Oh.

Tommy doesn't hear Wilbur's quiet ...Don't thank me yet.

[maddestzoomer]

dirty blonde

request from anonymous - hi! can you write fem!billy with steve harrington? steve going to the pool just to see her and they hook up in the lockers. thank you!! (just billy is gender-bent, steve is still steve)

warnings - general smut, unprotected sex (if you're going to have sex, please do it safely for both you and your partners safety!), low-key public sex, slight angst, cursing

word count - 1.7k

a.n. - well this was fun to write haha

i usually don't write smutty stuff, so forgive me for how poorly written this is. plus, ive never written fem!billy before, so like- forgive me for that too lmao. i feel like my writing when it comes to smut is like- generally kinda shit, so if you have any tips or helpful critiques, please! share! them!

.`.

The smell of cocoa butter and tropical sunscreen lingered in the air, mixed into a cocktail with the smell of chlorine. The pool wasn't too busy today, mostly thanks to the gloomy, rain-filled sky above.

A storm was coming, and Billie could feel it. Just by the electricity and humidity in the air- the way it stuck to her skin.

Perched on the lifeguard tower, she watched as that boy walked in. The one who's lips tasted of honey and who's skin smelled of pine.

Steve Harrington.

The simple sight of him was enough to make a smirk pull to her lips. Glancing to her watch, she saw it was time to switch with Heather. Thank God.

 She knew why he was here, why he sent a glance her way, even if he wouldn't admit to it.

Coming down from her chair, she watched him slip away into the locker room. Already, she could feel excitement building. Even though she didn't want to admit to it- didn't want to admit to the fact Steve Harrington had a hold on her in some way- there wasn't any denying it.

She past Heather, not even bothering to send the girl a glance. She was on a mission.

Walking into the lockers, she saw him. She closed the door behind her but didn't bother locking it. She liked the risk. The possibility.

"Woah there, Harrington, you're getting undressed already?" She greeted teasingly with that husky voice of hers, a smirk playing at her lips. He had already taken his shirt off, showing his simply gorgeous body.

Steve looked over at her, smiling. "I didn't think you'd come." He said- well, lied. He knew she'd show. She couldn't help herself. Already, he could feel his cock twitching to life.

"Oh, please." Billie said with a simple roll of her eyes. "That's such bullshit and you know it." She walked closer to him with that damn look in her eyes. The one that made her baby blues look so much darker- so much more intimidating. They were the eyes of a predator- perhaps a wolf. Something wild and dangerous. Something like Billie.

Steve pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he watched the dirty blonde walk towards him.

She was truly something to behold. Long tanned legs and a mane of unruly hair, pink lips pulled to a smirk. That fucking smirk. The smirk so many guys and girls had fallen for. She grabbed at the straps of her one-piece with her cherry-painted fingertips, tugging them down until they sat at her shoulders. Still, her chest had yet to be completely revealed.

Billie stopped before him, tilting her head to the side as she looked up to him. She was tall- at least 5'8- so she was close to his height. She liked it that way, too. She liked the eye contact she could make with him, strong and unbreaking.

"What is it, Steve?" She asked, reaching out and gently tugging at a strand of his hair, twirling it around a long finger. She moved closer to him, putting her face into his. His senses were almost overwhelmed with the smell of her coconut sunscreen, with the way he could feel her chest pressing against his. "Cat got your tongue?"

He licked his bottom lip, shaking his head. "This is dumb, Billie. We can't do it here," He softly murmured

"Can't do what?" She asked, glancing at his lips. "Can't have fun?" She smirked as she saw him bite the inside of his cheek. He was trying to control himself.

She pressed her lips to his, pushing her hand deeper into his hair until she had a solid handful. Her lips were just as soft and sweet as he'd remembered. That simple action was enough to make him grow harder, to make a soft and quick moan escape his lips.

Steve pulled away, looking down at her with searching brown eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"You're hilarious, Cave Boy." She responded, which was her odd way of saying yes.

She kissed him again, this time with more passion. With more need. She bit down on his bottom lip as he put his hand to her hips, pulling her closer.

Steve took this as his chance to push her up against the locker, a soft gasp cutting into their kiss as her back pressed against the cold metal. He knew they couldn't take too long, given the risk of someone walking in and the fact Billie would be expected to be back outside at some point.

"Fuck, Steve-" She breathed, lips already growing reddened. Steve could only manage to smirk softly, tugging her suit down until her breasts were exposed. He immediately put a hand to one, rubbing her nipple between two fingers.

His other hand trailed down her leg, were goosebumps were already being made. He put a hand between her thighs, causing her hand to tighten in his hair.

He began kissing her jaw, gentle and soft. Pulling her swimsuit to the side, he rubbed her clit, causing her to toss her head back until it pressed against the locker. She pulled her lip between her teeth, skin feeling simply electric

Her other hand went to his shoulder, steadying herself. Her nails lightly dug into his skin, earning a groan from against her neck, then a gentle, teasing nip

Billie could feel his cock pressing against her leg, which only made her clit feel somehow more sensitive. Her blood pounded in her ear, her heart wildly thudding against her ribcage.

He pulled his hand away, using it to pull his pants down.

"You ready?" He softly breathed against her ear, causing her to smirk slightly.

"Fuck yeah," She purred in response, hand raking deeper in his hair. She's in absolute bliss. Although she wouldn't admit it- especially not to Steve. She truly did like him, but she also liked him thinking she only tolerated him.

Steve smiled as he hiked her up some against the locker, causing her long legs to wrap themselves around his waist to prevent from falling. She could feel him aligning himself with her entrance, which earned a quick moan, hiss, and whine to fall from her lips all at once. She could feel how hard he was, especially as he gently pressed into her

A moan strangled itself in Steve's throat, causing a smirk to pull to Billie's lips. She loved hearing his reactions- what she could cause him to do or sound like.

She further sunk down onto his cock, making Billie's back arch and her hips buck sharply into his. Her chest was closer to his face now, allowing for him to nip and suck at the tender skin. Surely, there would be marks left on both of them when they were finished.

There was a hunger in them both, one that made for his hips to move faster, deeper, more desperately. She looked up to the ceiling, brows knitting together as she tried her damn best not to yell out. Already, she could feel something stirring deep inside- gears beginning to turn.

His breath was hot and sweet against her skin, making for her to simply feel more. Alertness. Clarity. And fuck, he had to admit. Feeling her around him was absolutely incredible. Awakening, even.

When Billie was with Steve, whether fucking or kissing or simply staring each other down- the world felt different. Like it was stuttering on its axis. Something simply powerful.

"Fuck-," Billie spoke, voice throaty and hot.

Steve reached his hand down between them, gently rubbing her clit in circles which earned him her hand tightening in his hair, a pleasure-filled moan breaking from between her lips. Steve, like Billie, adored reactions. Throaty moans and reddened cheeks made sex simply more.

"Do you like that?" Steve asked against her skin, causing her to smile. Not slyly smirk- but to smile. Genuinely, too.

"Yes," She choked out quickly, far faster than she'd intended.

Already, Steve felt a bundle of energy building in his lower abdomen- one that twisted and turned sharply, becoming more powerful with each thrust.  

A few more deep thrusts later, he saw bright green and yellow as his eyes flickered shut, that bundle of energy in his stomach now being released all throughout his body, causing him to roughly buck his hips even deeper.

His deep thrusts combined with her clit being stimulated resulted in a fucking supernova for Billie. A loud gasp for air, moaning Steve's name, plus feeling an absolute hurricane of gratification resulted in Billie digging her nails into Steve's shoulder (Not that he'd mind. A little pain made the pleasure even more powerful.)

When their orgasm was finished, Billie allowed Steve to gently set her down on slightly shaking legs, muscles tense and cheeks bright red. Her chest rose and fell dramatically as she panted for air.

Steve's still twitching cock slipped from inside her, causing the very smallest of smirks already playing at her lips. She looked up to him, eyes lovely and sweet. Having sex with Steve was always a fun experience.

"You okay?" Steve softly asked, his voice somehow throatier than before.

Billie was taken a bit off guard by the question. Concern expressed after sex from her partner wasn't exactly something she was used to... but she would be lying to herself if she didn't admit she liked it.

"You amaze me, Cave Boy."

[loki-lover84]

Could Be Worse Part III

Warning: Implication of noncon/ rape nothing graphic in the slightest I just thought it would be better to put a warning just in case though.

There was a roof over my head when I woke up I was in a spacious not exactly tidy but not necessarily untidy room. It was relatively dark as the only light source was from a small window by the door allowing the gloomy daylight into cabin. My head was pounding ind my vision was blurred as I tried to adjust to my new environment, I gently placed my hand to my head before frantically scanning the room.

“You’re alive.” A man says lightheartedly as he approaches me with his arms folded, “How are you feeling?”

“Where is she?” My chest was tight, breathing was almost unbearable I needed her I needed Y/d/n she’s my everything I need her with me at all times. I clenched my fist and pulled it to my chest as I began to hyperventilate.

“Woah calm down deep breaths you’ll be no good to her if you die. She’s fine though, she’s with Chuck and Cas although I hear she’s been giving them hell.” The man smirked as he slightly shook his head at the idea.

“Please give her back, the moment you do we’ll be out of your hair forever I promise.” I pleaded as I tugged at the chained restraint around my right wrist that connected me to the bed.

“You’ve already made that promise to me.” He stated causing my brow to furrow.

“I highly doubt that!” I reply harshly, “Can’t we just leave? I appreciate you saving us back there but-”

“The gas station a few weeks back.” He responded. “Also neither of you are leaving until you’re fully healed.”

“You aren’t responsible for us, so why are you-” 

I was cut off by the door bursting open and two shorter bearded men entering the room one of which was holding my precious little girl in response the other man’s demeanour changed to a darker authoritative one. She was repeatedly punching one of the men’s chest with her tiny fists whilst furiously shaking her head.

“You’ve gotta take her, Chuck’s got to do an inventory check and I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” The man held Y/d/n out to the man that was seemingly in charge, to my surprise she calmed down and hugged the man as he accepted her.

“You’ve become so dramatic since this started Cas.” He said to the tallest of the bearded men. In response he huffed and left with the other man as quickly as they could.

I stared dumbfoundedly at my daughter she’d never warmed up to a stranger that quickly before but not only that the pair of them just seemed to fit together perfectly.

“You should be honoured,I’ve never seen her like this with anyone other than me.” I teased halfheartedly even though my heart glowed with warmth at the sight.

Upon hearing my voice Y/d/n faced me and made a grabby motion towards me before calling to me.

“Mummy...mummy!” The man placed her onto the bed next to me before he reached over and uncuffed my wrist so that I could fully embrace my daughter. “Missed you mummy!” She cheered as she hugged me.

“Bit young to be a mother aren’t ya?” The man asked.

“Had her when I was 18, one night I was feeling rebellious and hooked up with some guy one night I’m glad though because I got the most amazing person in the whole world out of it!” I cooed smiling brightly whilst nuzzling my head against hers not realizing I’d opened up to the stranger.

“You seem to have done a good job by yourself especially given the circumstances.” His face softened slightly and his tone matched.

“Yeah well, she is my motivation for everything, has been since I found out I was pregnant.”

“How are you feeling now?”

“I should be back to normal in a day or two and then-”

“Yeah I get it you’ll be out of my hair? Why are you so eager to leave, it’s safe here.”

My body tensed up at his question, I had been with a group around the beginning of this outbreak unfortunately though they had a larger male population as the weeks went by they gradually forgot what the word no meant I fled not long after that in fear of what would happen to my daughter if I’d continued my attempts of resistance. We’ve been alone together ever since. Yeah because that sounds like an excellent conversation to have with the guy that is essentially offering me and my girl a home.

“I don’t trust easily.” I responded to him before changing the topic. “Ya’know you kinda look familiar.”

“I thought that about you at first but I highly doubt it other than the gas station I don’t think we’ve ever encountered one another before.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I replied shaking the thought out of my head, “So, you the boss around here?”

“I suppose you could say that, I get things done, originally taught the first bunch how to defend themselves properly, everyone relies on me to make decisions and for some reason some of them look up to me.”

“Dean!” Y/d/n cheered as she raised her arms up.

“Yes Sweetheart?” Dean replied crouching down to eye level with her, and showing her a gentle smile.

“Mummy!” She giggled just as excitedly as before only this time pointing at me.

Dean seemed completely different when he was alone with us his face wasn’t as hard, his tone wasn’t as gruff and he seemed more relaxed.

“So do you have any kids of your own Dean?” I asked as I gently played with my daughters h/c hair.

“No, that lifestyle has never been an option for my lifestyle before this or presently. Would be nice though one day maybe.” He muttered the last part under his breath but I caught every word. “Anyway, you know my name thanks to little Y/d/n here, what’s yours?”

“I’m Y/n. Is there anything I can help out with whilst we’re here I don’t want us to burden your community by just expecting everything until we’re better.”

“Take a day to rest and maybe explore, I’m sure Chuck would be able to find you a task to do.” Dean said as he turned to leave.

“Hey Dean,” He stopped walking away his back facing us but turned his head to us slightly, “thank you.” I smiled to him before he left our temporary home.

“Like him mummy!” Y/d/n said excitedly, her gorgeous green eyes shining the brightest I’ve ever seen.