#wow i said INFO dump huh

[nightmarearian]

small doodle. ‘s ok.

I made both of them trans 🏳️‍⚧️ <3

Anyway, the ending “-re” is feminine, remove the “e” and it’s masculine so rn Arle’s name is Peruer

Peruere also means “to burn up, consume w/ fire, burn/scorch”

So conversely Wrio’s current name is “Pruina”, meaning rime/hoarfrost. Before that though, their birth parents (I’m going with part-Inazuman Wrio) named him Riko, meaning truth & honesty.

Wrio was a bit anxious/people pleaser for adults, between the slight abandonment issues and wanting to adopted/“a polite, proper, good kid”*, otherwise, they’re a usual cheery kid and a great older brother; They usually loses him anxiousness in front of adults when focusing on his siblings :)

*part grooming the children to be livestock; A good pet is obedient.

Arle is a pretty quiet & sorta solemn kid. Wrio attached to Arle in her first days cause she’s quiet (in case it’s just first few days at the orphanage) and Arle attaches to Wrio as she discovers his adult-anxiety + generally endears to her.

Eventually both of them particularly bond over their interests in psychology and then some other things ig lmao. Oh and Arle eventually gets her pet spider Bambi in the backyard 👍. Wrio doesn’t get it, but if it makes his sister happy :)

Wrio (and maybe Arle at the same time?) finds out the child trafficking, they’re also able to figure out, especially with Wrio’s age, he’s probably slated to be one of upcoming “adoptions”. Wrio doesn’t want Arle to, like, live on the streets or anything, and Arle eventually reluctantly agrees to stay, so Wrio escapes & lives homeless for a while (like a few months? At most a year. They’re hustling cause he wants to get back to Arle). Unfortunately in that time, the House of the Hearth/Crucabena picks Arle up, so when Wrio gets back Arle is gone.

Anyway, typical stuff backstory stuff w/ Arle & Wrio, they eventually meet after the 4.0 storyline (before when we see Arle & Neuvi exchange the gnosis) to wrap up stuff with her children, which is where they recognize each other.

Arle recognizes Wrio more than Wrio recognizes her, due to Arle’s more intense changes (black to white hair, dead eyes & crossed X eyes), but after a hot minute Wrio does recognize her.

They do… hesitantly breach from Wriothesley & Arlecchinno to Pruina & Peruere, though between schedule constraints and… everything, they really only leave it on a “we’ll meet again more in depth… at some point”.

Mostly Wrio & Arle are able to get closure (and mutual congratulations on the transition)

Wrio thought Arle was dead, and Arle, while able to eventually find out about Wrio’s murders (“Good job, brother,”) and conviction (“Hmph. Fontaine’s ‘justice’…”) wasn’t able to find anything else from there, due to the name change. (The Duke of Meropide is largely a hidden and unknown figure, after all)

Unfortunately, the most they can do is have the (verrrry) rare meet up and sparse letters. The letters are probably personally delivered by Fatui agents/Hearth children, for security’s sake btw.

Wrio understands, even if they both regret the scarcity of it. They allude to it verrry slightly, saying he discovered an old friend/sibling to Neuvi or another friend or smth, but that would be about it - doesn’t elaborate.

Though, I’d like to think at the end of the entire storyline, after the Harbingers are assumably finished w/ the Tsaritsa’s anti-Celestia(?) plot*, Wrio & Arle are able to properly meet & hang out. Maybe get some matching jewelry (slowly have Arle be able to transition back into Peruere), maybe find some of their other siblings.

*whether or not they stay in the harbingers is something different, I guess? I’m sure the main reason to have 11 very powerful commanders was for the Tsaritsa’s plan and everything, so I don’t know if all of them would stay afterwards. I’m sure it’s a “depends” thing.

Also, Wrio is so happy they’re an uncle lol :)

Lynette, Arle, & Wrio all have tea together 🍵

I want Arle & Wrio to be estranged siblings I’m begging please

[literaphobe]

i was wondering if you have a favorite mcc, or a favorite perspective/team from one. im sort of new to the dsmp stuff and ive been watching a lot of mcc streams but im not to sure where to start.

i haven’t seen all that many mcc streams tbh but my fave is mcc11!! w dream george sapnap n karl :D that was such a lovely team and they were all so sweet and positive n happy despite all the problems despite the fact that karl’s internet crashed n dream missed an entire game because he got. swatted???? n still ranked FIRST individually he was THAT cracked n like

i liked watching dream’s perspective despite the fact that there was a long afk period n a long period of him playing muted like when he absolutely DOMINATED in sky battle n when he DESTROYED everyone in parkour warrior the entire course he was the only one who finished it the organizers literally tried so hard to make the obstacle course impossible to beat so everyone had a super hard time but dream STILL beat it n the admin was so pissed he BLEW UP the obstacle course........ and dream’s reaction.... he was like “oh no :( he’s mad that i beat it :(“ but also he pulled through so hard for his team n sapnap got to like the final stage of the course n got 2nd right behind dream that was so cool...... it was so mesmerizing and comforting to watch :(

also them getting into the finals was so beautiful..... like george telling dream “i expect two for two, okay dream?” n dream GOT the two for two as instructed and they were all so happy.... and telling george he had to clutch if dream got eliminated because he would be targeted and george DID clutch he did SO well they were such a power duo in dodge bolt...... i feel like if dream n george get into the finals as a team it’s literally oVER like they already won they’re so cool

and also George’s perspective is definitely worth it n fun to watch like. when dream finally unmuted in the middle of mcc george was so happy he lit up n he was like YEAHHHH DREAMS BACK DREAMS BACK!!! also when george’s cat came into his room 🥺 n he HELD her and played w her n spoke to her in Baby n did the little. he held her n made her Bounce idk how to explain it. it was very endearing. n the cat started to Eat his wires n he freaked out n the game was about to start??? n karl was like throw [the cat] out???? that was SO funny n yeah it was just so soft n so FUNNY when they would be like WINNERS POV!!!! WINNERS POV!!!! n they actually won 🥺

like just. so many funny n happy vibes they were so supportive n patient w karl too. i love mcc11 i want it back so bad. can we get a dream george quackity team up next. idk who i REALLY want to be in the team but quackity usually doesn’t do super well in mcc so since dream is really good it feels like they’d be allowed to team together??? n they should??? quackity DESERVES to be an mcc winner ok

[itsclydebitches]

So RT said Winter apparently DID try to reach out to Whitley, but Jac stopped her (somehow) and told Whitley lies about his sisters. 4 things: 1. Not shown in the fucking show, as usual 2. It takes away any accountability Weiss and Winter had for leaving him 3. It takes away Whitley’s agency, because apparently he’s not allowed to have formed negative opinions about the “heroes” on his own accord because of mistakes they made 4. WHITLEY IS STILL SYMPATHETIC SO WHY ARE PEOPLE HATING HIM?!

The number of times I've heard some version of "This important bit of lore/motivation/characterization was discussed by the writers, but there's no indication of that in the text" is really amazing. Granted, the knowledge that Winter once tried to reach out to Whitley can't compare to something like, say, an entire semblance driving an antagonist's every action... but it's the trend that's the problem as much as the specific instances.

Even if Winter did try to reach out, that doesn’t sound like a solid excuse when we don’t know how Jacques “stopped her.” She clearly had access to Weiss, sneaking onto the Schnee property to spend a lot of time training her. Yeah, we can (again) come up with a number of headcanons like, “Oh, because Whitley is Jacques’ favorite he monitored his upbringing in a way he never did Weiss’. Weiss was another lost cause to his mind, so she was allowed to rebel like that” but again, not in the show. If we go by what we actually see on screen, Winter doesn’t even seem to know her brother exists. If we go by this little bit of supplementary info, Winter tried once and then… didn’t care enough to try again. Or try differently. Or try harder. It might sound harsh given that she was also an abuse victim and was pitting herself against both her personal and political enemy, but we have to remember that this is in the context of a) her helping Weiss so much and b) Weiss ignoring Willow’s direct request to assist her brother. The picture this paints is less than stellar, a picture in which the two older sisters really just didn’t care about their youngest sibling.

As for the lies, of course he lied! I fully agree that Whitley should be allowed to form his own opinions, but regardless it’s not at all surprising to me that Jacques would fill his head with nonsense. We do have evidence for that in canon, between Weiss believing lies about the faunus and Whitley believing lies about the barbarity of the huntsmen. “Jacques lies out his ass” is by no means a revolutionary concept, to us or the characters. Which just circles right back around to Winter and Weiss’ inability to apply their experiences to Whitley’s. They know their father taught them a bunch of nonsense because they lived through that too. Weiss had a whole arc at Beacon where she (rather rushed, but still) learned, “Wow, all that stuff Father said about the White Fang and the faunus and my intrinsic superiority needs to be reevaluated.” So when she, the older and now more experienced official huntress, appears on her childhood doorstep and sees her little brother spouting that same sort of rhetoric… don’t you think she would go, “Huh, I should probably teach Whitley what my team, my professors, my friends, and my sister helped teach me"? I personally can't imagine living through something that made me act out as a defense mechanism, emulating this learned behavior, and then seeing my sibling go through the exact same experience only to come to the conclusion, "Wow, they're just an asshole."

Instead of realizing that Whitley is a younger version of her, Weiss just argues with him, dumps punch on his head, ignores him, threatens him, sends him to his room, and then is interested once he proves that he’s got intellect and resources to share. Any one of these scenes wouldn’t be much of an issue (the punch bit in particular is, I think, a little blown out of proportion by the fandom. It’s not that embarrassing, it doesn’t hurt him, and they did need to find some way to inspect the house), but the pattern as a whole? It doesn’t imply that the Schnee sisters care.

And you know what? Let them not care! They’re human beings and we could have easily had a story where three abused kids turned away from each other rather than towards one another. Weiss could actually struggle to care about someone else while spending time in her hated home again, her father in the next room getting chummy with her boss. This could have been a more nuanced look at how people don’t always do The Right Thing when they’re working through their own troubles… but the story never cast a critical eye on Weiss’ choices in that manner. Or Winter’s. Instead, everything from Weiss hugging Whitley to Willow putting a hand on her shoulder is treated like an earned moment when, in fact, incredibly little (if any) work has been done to parse through these emotional problems. When we end the volume with Winter looking down at the mother she hasn’t reconciled with, the brother she ignored, the butler she’s never spent screen time with… I don’t feel anything. I think the show wants me to feel something — here's Maiden Winter #connecting with her family after the tragic death of her sister — but we just don't have the groundwork for that.

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

It’s been a long time since I’ve put fingers to keys. I’ve had some amazing cheerleaders here on Tumblr who have helped me get out of my writer’s block and actually put pen to paper. As always, feedback is most appreciated!

Warnings: cursing

Prompt: my neighbor’s at my door asking if everything is alright because it smells like something is burning and I was only trying to cook for once and this is embarrassing but they decided to help me fix this mess.

The fire alarm blared as he opened the open to check on the chicken. Smoke billowed out as a cuss word escaped his mouth. Between the blare of the alarm and the choking smoke, his heart beating loudly in his ears as the panic started to creep up his back.

Grabbing the pot holders, he reached into the oven, grabbed the glass pan, dropping it on the stovetop with a groan. “Great.” He muttered, shaking his head as he made his way over to the blaring smoke alarm.

Waving the pot holder in front of the blaring alarm, he sighed as silence enveloped the apartment.

The silence was interrupted by a hurried knock on his front door. Another groan escaped his mouth as he tried to figure out who could be on the other side. Mrs. Wilson was a crotchety old woman who lived two doors down from him and always tried to bring him stale cookies and always told him he could stand to “eat a bit more”. Or it could be the cute boy who moved in the month before. Albert didn’t want to get his hopes up but he was praying that it was the latter rather than Mrs. Wilson.

Walking over to the door, he hurriedly yanked it open as the cute stranger quickly lowered his arm. Albert pushed a sheepish grin onto his face as he leaned against the door jam. “Hi!”

“Everything okay?” The cute boy asked, raising an eyebrow in question. “It smells like something is burning and those fire alarms do tend to blare pretty loudly.”

“Just trying to attempt to cook dinner.” Albert scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “Sorry about the disturbance.”

The cute boy smirked. “I’ve seen food being delivered at all hours of the day. Why mess up the system you so clearly have down pat?”

“Do you have a name? I can’t keep calling you cute boy in my head. And for your info, I was told by a very important person to quit wasting my money on takeout and learn how to cook.” Albert shrugged. “Clearly it didn’t go well.”

The cute boy chuckled, shaking his head. “Cute boy, huh? It’s Thomas but all of my friends call me Finch. And for the love of everything holy, don’t quit your day job. Also, if you need help, I could help you - that’s kind of my job.” Finch rambled on as a smirk crossed Albert’s face. Finch grinned, shifting his weight to hold out his hand. “And cute neighbor boy, what’s your name?”

“Name is Albert, but a lot of my friends call me Red.” Reaching over, he put his hands in Finch’s, shaking it. “If you’re offering, I’d love some assistance.”

Pushing open the door wider, Albert waved his hand as Finch slipped past him. “So what were you attempting to cook that ended in this disaster?”

“Chicken - thought a nice meal of chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli. I wanted something that reminded me of home. Didn’t know this whole cooking thing would be so hard.” Albert groaned. “Why do you enjoy it so much?”

Finch chuckled, leaning against the cupboard. “It’s relaxing and you can create a good meal and afterwards appreciate your hard work.”

“Whatever you say.” Albert rolled his eyes as Finch rolled up his sleeves and quickly washed his hands before raising an eyebrow in Albert’s direction. “What are you in the mood for? I’d say your chicken isn’t salvageable.”

Hopping up to sit on the countertop, Albert smirked, giving him a challenging look. “What’s your favorite meal to make?”

Reaching to open the cupboard next to him, Finch chuckled. “Well, now I know why you like to order food in so frequently.”

“Grocery stores scare me. They’re overwhelming.” Albert shrugged. “And most of the time I don’t know where half the items I’m searching for are located within the store.”

Finch nodded, continuing his search for whatever was going on in his mind. “Make sense. That’s why I use a grocery app to get food delivered - problem solved. But you don’t have much here. Let me go grab some supplies from my place and I’ll be right back.”

Albert watched him walk out of his apartment with a shake of his head. He tried to figure out what the hell had just happened and if his life had just changed for the better. Before he could move, Finch was back with some items in his arms, dropping them on the counter to Albert’s right.

“Now where are your pots and a strainer?” Finch asked, looking over at Albert.

A wicked grin crossed Albert’s face. “Why do you assume I have pots and a strainer?”

“Well in my search, I found a zester so if you have that fancy piece of equipment, I’m assuming you have pots and a strainer, smartass.” Finch raised an eyebrow. “Now where do you keep them hidden?”

Pointing to the cupboard below his hip, Albert smirked watching Albert crouch down, ruffling through the cupboard for the requested items. “So . . . uhhh do you have a significant other?”

Filling the pot with water, Finch snorted. “That’s the best conversation starter you could come up with?”

“I mean, I hate awkward silence so yes.” Albert defended. “My brain is all mushy since you’ve taken over my kitchen. So . . .”

Finch put the pot on the stove with a nod of understanding. “Painfully single for the last three months. I had a bad breakup which left me searching for a place. You?”

“No, I haven't had one for a while. Constantly looking though.” Albert grinned, eyebrows raised. “So, what are you making me for dinner?”

Finch rummaged through the cupboard again, coming out victoriously with a grater. “Figured you can’t go wrong with mac and cheese . . . unless you’re allergic to cheese or wheat?”

“Nope and nope. You’re good there. But I am allergic to shellfish.” Albert grinned, as a phone dinged with an incoming text. They both moved to look at their phones. Albert groaned, letting his head hit the cupboard behind him.

“Duly noted. You okay over there?” Finch said adding some salt to the pot watching lazy bubbles bubbled in the water.

Albert threw his phone down on the counter with a sigh. “Big family to do this weekend that I’m slightly not looking forward to.”

“Big family?” Finch asked, opening the box of noodles before pouring them into the boiling water.

He nodded, flipping through the photos on his phone before stopping at a family photo, showing it to Finch. “Adopted family. Jack and Race are my older brothers. Romeo is my younger brother and Smalls is the only girl and my younger sister. Jack and Race’s significant others will be there as well. It’s pure mayhem and craziness.”

“Wow big family. Any nieces or nephews?” Finch asked, quickly stirring the noodles before turning the heat down slightly. “Also, make yourself useful and grate the cheese.”

Albert grabbed a plate from the drying rack before starting to do what he was told. “Jack and his wife Katherine have a little girl named Emmie and they’re pregnant with their second; they’re not finding out the gender because they want to be surprised.” Albert rolled his eyes. “Race and his husband Spot are in the process of adopting a little girl named Noelle. They’re hoping to finalize the adoption in the upcoming weeks. So it’s even more mayhem with littles around.”

“That’s gotta be fun. It’s just me and my younger sister so there’s not much mayhem when we all get together.” Finch shrugged, watching Albert for a second. “I don’t even want to ask but you do have butter in the fridge, right?”

Smirking, a chuckle escaped Albert’s mouth. “Yes, I have butter and milk as well for your info.”

“So when you referenced that a very important person told you to stop wasting your money on take out, who were you referring to?” Finch asked as he drained the noodles in the strainer before dumping them back into the pot. He quickly grabbed the milk and butter from the fridge before adding a bit of both to the pot as Albert dumped the cheese in.

“That would be my sister-in-law, Katherine.” Albert said with a roll of his eyes. “She stopped by last week and couldn’t believe all of the takeout containers in the trash and fridge. One hastily worded text message was sent to my momma and I got a strongly worded lecture on how I’m 25 and should be able to cook and fend for myself.”

Finch threw his head back laughing loudly, taking a brief pause from stirring the mac and cheese together. “Well, I’m 26 and I get the lecture all the time about dusting and vacuuming.”

“So you feel my pain.” Albert exclaimed with a grin. “But I’m thankful for all that momma has done and will happily take her strongly worded lectures on any given day, even if they’re a lil intense and leave me a little bit frightened for my life.”

Finch nodded, and with a final stir, he clapped his hand together. “Alright, I think this is ready. Bowls?”

Albert grabbed two from the drying rack. “Alright, here’s the truest test - fork or spoon?”

“Spoon, why kind of heathen do you think I am?” Finch exclaimed as Albert shook his head.

“The kind that uses a spoon in mac and cheese rather than a fork.” Albert deadpanned, giving him a look as he drew out both a spoon and a fork from the drawer. “You’re an absolute heathen and I’m almost ashamed to know you.”

Finch dished some up in each bowl with a smirk, handing one to him as he grabbed the spoon from Albert’s hand. “Almost ashamed? You mean our beautiful friendship might live to see another day?”

“I mean, we’ll see how you did with the mac and cheese but I’d say this could live to see many days, weeks, and possibly years.” Albert said, stabbing several noodles with his fork before putting them in his mouth. He wasn’t ashamed that the most ungodly moan escaped his mouth. “Holy shit, this is amazing.”

Finch laughed, spooning some into his own mouth. “Want to amend your words about keeping me around?”

“How about you go on a date with me first and we’ll see where things go from there?” Albert raised an eyebrow in a challenge.

Finch nodded. “That can be arranged. What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Apparently not getting take out and going out with you somewhere?” Albert bit back, before stabbing additional noodles and continuing to eat.

Finch grinned. “It’s a date.”

Thank you for reading! Many thanks to @cutesiewooren for being the ultimate cheerleader! So what did you think? If I was to continue this, what would you like to see? Any feedback would be lovely and would make my day!

[junmyeonning]

Touch me — 1

Type: Series

Pairing: Kim Junmyeon (EXO Suho) X Unnamed OFC

Rated: M (no smut yet)

Summary: He's the manager at the library. Smart, polite, and most obviously, incredibly sexy. She doesn't want the opportunity to pass so she teases the hell out of him. Until he breaks...

Previous: part 0.5

Warnings: a bit of an age gap (30 and early 20s)

Word count: 3.8k

Tags: @fightoh @suhotly @ctc95 @suhowifeuu @smolpeyy @lavellanfriendliness @eggsoyehet @ohsehunxv

—

Monday comes around.  Her classes were cut short for the day, so she and her friend decide to grab a bite and hang out.

"So how is it so far? I've heard that professor is no joke."

"Oh god don't get me started," she thinks back on all the crap that's been dumped onto her ever since starting the semester. "It's only week two and it's been hell... I don't know how I'm gonna pass this subject."

"Well unfortunately you know how it is.  And if I'm being honest, his tests are even harder." Her friend Jenna grimaces.

"Ugh you're kidding me..." she sighs in defeat, regretting how she didn't take up this general subject earlier and got it over with.  But now she has no choice. 

"-go back over notes after each class or you'll totally be screwed." She listens to the last part after unintentionally blocking out Jenna's voice, her eyes widening at that last statement.

"But I don't wannaa... not my style." She whines, taking a small bite from her sandwich. Jenna raises her brows at her friend's childish manners.

"...'Style'..."

"Fine okay, whatever I guess. Let's talk about something else." She shrugs it off, changing the topic for now. It stays at the back of her mind though, wondering in what ways can she make this situation a bit more tolerable. She has other classes after all, a shit ton of assignments, and it can be depressing to her if she forces herself and she knows it... that's just the way she is. Maybe a change of scenery while studying?

She thinks back on different places she's been recently, places with a calming atmosphere, possibly quiet...

All of a sudden she's reminded of the library and that one encounter with its attractive manager.  It has almost slipped her mind, but now looking back at it she feels more eager to revise today's lecture.

She makes up her mind to stop by the place before heading home.

—

She enters it once again, getting butterflies in her stomach when recalling what happened the last time she was here.

Technically nothing really happened... but she saw this insanely cute guy.  And he smiled.  And waved.  That's something right? To her longer than admitted relationship-less life, it is actually considered something.

She doesn't see him at first glance, so she tells herself to stop acting like a teenager.  Later, time to study now.  She promises herself.

She takes a seat at the same place as her previous visit, settling down and pulling out her book and notes in front of her. She can't stop herself as she raises her head a little to look, and it's not too hard to find him this time while he's standing by the shelves talking to a customer.

Their eyes meet by chance, and he flashes her that gorgeous smile yet again. She notices how extra warm he's looking today, wearing a sweater this time with some shirt under it. And of course, those damn glasses.

She smiles back 'casually', an exact opposite from what she feels on the inside. Why is her heart jumping like this? She blames his cute looks and that attractive gentleman aura of his.

She forcefully peels her eyes away from him, telling herself to seriously calm the fuck down. 

Five minutes go by, nothing changes. Then ten minutes. Then fifteen. She's re-reading the same lines yet to no avail, her mind refusing to absorb any kind of information for the time being.

She feels frustrated when she looks up again, this time not finding him anywhere in sight. She looks right and left, wondering where he had disappeared when suddenly someone from behind her speaks.

"Looking for something ?" She almost jumps when she hears his voice.  He comes into view and grins at her reaction.

"Huh? No nothing, I'm studying." She laughs it off, pointing at her displayed papers.

"Ah okay then. Good luck!" He gives her a cute little thumbs up in encouragement then turns to leave.  She feels disappointed, knowing this could've went on for a little longer, but no unfortunately it's time to focus back again on her school work.

Fifteen more minutes pass by, and she starts to feel irritated with her lack of accomplishment. She's basically wasting her time doing nothing, and the library itself is so boring and empty, so she decides to just leave. She can't stay here when her mind is this occupied, it might've been a not so good idea in the first place.

On her way out she passes by him leaning against the front desk holding his phone. He has a surprised look on his face when he sees her.

"Oh, finished already ?"

"Well to be honest," she hesitates on telling him what's bothering her, but whatever. "I was trying to go over what I've taken today but I'm just so out of focus. I guess i'll go home and look it up or something."

"Hm..." he locks his phone and puts it away, giving her all his attention. "Maybe I can pull you out a book in here that'll help explain better ?" he offers.

"Sure, if you have anything on this." She shows him her book, making him raise his brows in acknowledgment as he takes it in.

"Ohh." He lets out a laugh, clearly amused. She's confused and he sees it, so he explains.

"I remember studying this subject back in college." He chuckles.  She makes an 'oh' face in realisation, and that's when it clicks in her mind.  Let's give it a shot.

"Ooh, how was it for you?"

"Hmm, I was pretty good at it actually." Perfect.

"What if... you help me out a little then? I don't think more reading will do me anything at this point." She subconsciously gives him a cute puppy face, and it's not hard to convince him to agree to her.

"Sure. As you can clearly tell," he gestures with his hands around him at the deserted library. "It's a very busy day today."

She giggles at his sarcasm. Wow he's a joker too.

"Hey watch over the place a little, I'm just gonna be over there helping her." He instructs his co-worker, then turns around and heads in front of her to where she was sitting earlier.  She skips behind him, mentally cheering herself for her successful plan.

He goes over the pages for a little, quickly getting reminded of the topic before starting to point and explain some key points.

His voice is gentle and his tone is so calm, speaking like he knows what he's saying and putting it into words perfectly.  One minute into it and she feels like she's in a trance, the only thing she's focusing on is him.

Then her eyes start wandering, looking down at his lips while they're moving and forming words.  She doesn't understand what he's saying at this point, just nodding along mindlessly and agreeing with whatever he's talking about.  Until he asks her a question on the topic.

"...Huh?"

"What I just explained now."

"Oh yeah yeah! That..." she thinks for a second, having zero idea on what he just said.  He notices and closes his eyes in disappointment.

"Was I not clear or..." he wonders genuinely, in which she quickly starts denying with wide eyes.

"No no no! It's actually the opposite, you're so good," she stumbles, not knowing how to say it. "I guess your way of explaining is..."

"Yeah?" He replies in a lower, more careful tone, and she almost melts under his gaze.

"Um," she laughs lightly, almost nervous, but she dares say it. "...distracting maybe?"

She feels time go by so slowly at that second, waiting for his reaction.

"Oh... I'm sorry then," he rubs his neck in embarrassment and looks down at the book. "Then our time was just wasted."

What? She's shocked that this is just what he understood from her.  After throwing all these hints and signals towards him, he's apologising?

"Hey, manager Kim you were literally perfect. I'm the one who should apologise here I told you I'm having trouble focusing today," she feels bad for putting him in this situation, she's the one who wasted his time, just because of her silly crush. "I'm sorry."

"No it's okay, don't worry about it." He gives her a reassuring smile, and her heart does that weird jump again. For the love of god stop being so cute. She says in her head.

"Okay, see you later?" She smiles back at him. He nods and they both get up, she starts putting her stuff away.

"Wait, what is your name?"

"Oh, it's Junmyeon." She tells him her own name, then leaves her things for a second to wrap her arms around him in a hug.

"Thank you Junmyeon." He staggers a little in surprise, standing there taken aback with his hands still in the air. He reacts then and pats her back with a laugh.

"No problem, I was entertained actually." She steps back from him and looks up in confusion.

"Huh? What's so entertaining about teaching."

"Uhm," he glances away with a small smile, before chuckling and shaking his head. "It just kind of reminded me of my college days."

She giggles at the way he's acting like a grandpa, when in reality he looks exactly like a cute little bunny with those cheeks of his.

"Stop I bet it's not that far."

"Oh but it is."

"How far?" She asks him and he takes a moment to think back on it.

"Hmm I don't know, nine years maybe?" She couldn't help herself from gasping, making him laugh in response. "Wow I look that young huh."

"So you're like thirty? Is that right?"

"Yep." She's struggling with keeping her thoughts in her head, her mind running a million thoughts per second. Something about this new info of him being in his thirties makes him more appealing to her, she doesn't know why but she feels even more attracted to him now.

"Thirty is still young by the way." She comments on what he said, and he shrugs it off with a 'sure whatever'.  They share smiles and laughs during the whole exchange.

She takes her bag and waves him goodbye, heading back home while her stomach is still feeling all jittery.

She can't stop thinking about him even when she's unlocking the door to her apartment, having spent all the ride home recalling their now second encounter. She remembers how sweet he was to agree help her (even if she was a little shit who kept staring at his mouth), and how gentle and mature he sounds when he talks, and the way he has smiled at her multiple times by now. Seriously? Those precious looking smiles directed at her? What is the intention, to melt her heart into a little puddle at his feet?

She bites her lip from smiling too big, feeling like a complete idiot just standing there in front of her wardrobe still in her day clothes.

Her mind is telling her she needs to see more of that cute library manager.

—

Unfortunately for a week or so, that didn't exactly happen.

Of course life got in the way, and for the past few days she couldn't even think of anything else with how busy she's gotten. Now with an important quiz coming up, she's extra nervous about it and studied it to hell and back.

She leaves all her papers and gets up, wanting to get a breather and just get the hell out for a little bit. It's nighttime, she's still in her pyjamas, she doesn't even know where she's going, hut all she's thinking is fuck it as she grabs her phone and keys. It is kind of reckless to just leave like this, but in her head she says maybe she'll just go to her close-by usual café or whatever.

Just as she arrives at that spot, she looks a little down the street at the familiar place she hasn't thought of these days.  What has he been up to? Did he think of me at all? She wonders.

She figures seeing him will instantly make her mood better, so she crosses out her initial plan and heads to the library.

She pushes the door open, looking around and seeing it practically empty again at this hour.  What if he's not on his shift? She clearly didn't think it through, but she ignores the voice in her head and gives it a try as she struts around casually.

She passes the aisles one by one, until she finally lays eyes on what she was looking for.  Or more specifically, who she was looking for.  She wants to sigh in relief, he might just be the highlight in her otherwise miserable week.

"Oh, manager Kim!" She walks up to him as he was apparently arranging some books.  He looks up when hearing his name, quickly recognising her and smiling in her way.

"Oh hey," he continues his work on the shelf. "Haven't seen you for a while."

Damn you, heart. Calm. Down.

"Yeah you know, college, life," she stands beside him, attempting at any sort of conversation. "What are you doing there ?"

"Stocking some new books, almost done with my shift now," he puts up another one. "Did you come here to talk to me or to actually study ?"

He says it jokingly without even looking, so she decides to muster up and just say some of the truth.

"Umm, both I guess?" He pauses and looks at her now. She smiles innocently at him, biting her lip subtly, which in return makes him glance down at her lips before looking back into her eyes.  He clears his throat awkwardly and looks away, putting up the last book in his hand.

"So you want something from here or can we just..." he means to leave but she quickly comes up with a lie.

"Wait, uh I need a book from there actually." She points at a place behind him randomly. He turns around to look, then looks back to her confused.

"Where?"

"Oh right there I think..." he goes along with her and walks over to where she pointed, somewhere farther behind aisles close to a corner.

"What exactly-" he spins back to face her, only to find her directly standing in front of him. He laughs in surprise. "When did you follow me this fast ?"

"I walked up right behind you." She smiles, now very much close to cornering him against the wall of books.

"Are you sure you meant a book..." he laughs it off, looking visibly more nervous now.

"Yeah, what else ?" She casually pulls out a random book from beside him. "Found it."

She opens it and stares a little, pretending to have interest in whatever the hell she just pulled out on a whim. He furrows his brows as he takes the book from her hand, looking at the title and stifling a laugh.

"10th grade physics. Interesting."

"Does it matter ?" She lets out a little laugh, taking it back from his hands and throwing it to the side.

She's getting more serious now as comes closer to him, looking up into his eyes and giving him that look.  Her bottled up feelings are coming up and she just can't stop them, her mind clouded and her frustrations from everything in her life right now is making her act out more than usual.

"Junmyeon..." he looks back at her, not saying a word as she comes closer and closer.

Their faces are so near from each other now, her eyes darting down to his lips then back up, her intentions very clear.

"What are you doing..." he whispers just as their lips almost connect, eyes closed by now.

"Isn't it obvious?" She whispers back, and finally goes in for it.

Their lips touch softly, staying still for a few seconds. She begins moving her mouth so slowly, kissing him and testing the waters. Before realising he still hasn't moved a centimetre.

She pulls back a little, looking up at him while his eyes are still closed. She calls his name in a careful tone to see his response, and he opens his eyes and looks down at her.

"...you shouldn't have done that." Her heart sinks a little.

"Why not ?" She gets closer again, their breaths hitting each other's faces as she tilts her head up to the side, waiting for him to make the move this time.  Their lips are so close, all he has to do is press his down onto hers like she did earlier

But he doesn't.  He's not pulling away, but he doesn't move in for it either.

When she sees he's not initiating anything, she moves back away from his personal space and looks at him with disappointment.

"What is it?"

"You know... it doesn't work." He looks at her with pleading eyes.

"What doesn't work? Give me a reason." She presses. He seemed into her enough to not pull away, and she caught him a few times eyeing her, specifically her lips, it doesn't make sense that he backs off this way.

"I... you're too young." He murmurs, not making any eye contact whatsoever. She crosses her arms.

"I'm twenty one... if that's your reasoning, remember we're both of age here and we're free to make our own choices." He looks conflicted, like he agrees with what she's saying but still holding himself back. She holds both his hands in hers, leaning in close to him once again and tilting her head.

“Come on, do it," she whispers. "Kiss me..."

Time is moving so slow as he leans down his head finally, getting his lips closer to hers.  It is clear that he wants her too, and she awaits the moment that their lips touch once again, but he just stops there.

"I-I'm not sure..."

"Okay then hear me out," she stands back away from him, sighing as she gives it a thought. "Let's go on a date.  If you're still unsure, we'll leave it at that for good."

The eye contact feels too strong, and he takes a few second to make a decision as he nods slowly.

"Okay ?"

"Yes, okay."

They exchange numbers and go to part ways, but not before her giving him a sweet smile in reassurance as she's leaving.  The corners of his mouth lift up slightly as he smiles back at her, growing more and more convinced in his decision of agreeing to go on this date with her.

In his mind, he has never went for women who aren't within his age range, so this is definitely very new for him.  He knows nine years isn't really the smallest number, but like she said it won't hurt to give it a chance since they're both adults here.

He is still looking at where she left with a small smile, shaking his head as he can't believe what had just happened.  She knows what she wants... and it's damn hot.  He admits to himself.

Finally snapping out of it, he attempts to push all thoughts of her out of his mind for the time being.  It's way too early to try and guess what's going to happen on their date...

He continues to pack some stuff up and close the place for the night, with her still lingering at the back of his head against his own will.  He might just enjoy their time together more than he initially thought, and he can't help but look forward to it.

So being the person that he is, as soon as he enters his home he types her up a text.

'Hey there, did you get home safely?

Just wanted to say that even though I wasn't sure at first- you shouldn't worry about anything now.  I actually can't wait to see you again.'

He looks at it and frowns.  Too wordy, very unnecessary over-explanations.  Why the sudden nerves?

'Hey there, did you get home safely?'

He goes with just that for now, leaving his phone on the bed as he starts changing into something more comfortable for the night.  Just when he pulls off his shirt, he hears the familiar new message sound making him leave his closet open and go check her reply.

'Yup.' He reads her simple answer.  He starts typing again but she beats him to it, a picture of her suddenly popping up in a message bubble.

She's lying down on her bed in the dim lights of her room, holding up a peace sign while flashing him her pearly whites in a cute smile.  He catches himself smiling back instinctively, quickly typing up a reply.

'Good.'

Send.

'Just wanted to check in on you.'

Send.

He locks his phone momentarily and throws it back on the bed, taking off his pants now and deciding to wear just some sweatpants to sleep.  His duvet is pretty thick so he didn't bother.

He lies down finally, checking his phone again to see two new messages from none other than her.

'Aw seriously?'

'Well let me check in on you too... where's my cute pic :('

He laughs out loud at that.  That little...

He looks down at himself, very topless, and that gets his mind going.

'Sorry, can't do cute pics atm.'

'Can I ask why, mister?'

'...sure you wanna see ?'

Over at her home she's reading his text once more, her heartbeat accelerating when she thinks on the possible meanings behind what he's saying.  He's flirting back, holy shit-

'Bring it on, manager Kim.' And send.

She picks at her nails as she waits in anticipation, and that damn 'ding' rings in her ear as she quickly opens his newly sent photo.

He's mimicking her own picture, lying down on his back as well and holding up a peace sign.  But what's very different is his obvious naked upper half, the covers coming up at just below his chest. His chest to her surprise looking muscular and very toned.

Her eyes also take in his shoulders and arms, feeling herself about to drool with this rather suggestive picture. She already found him pretty sexy before in all these baggy sweaters and shirts, but now knowing all of this is underneath takes it to a whole new level.

Her hands start to sweat as she ponders what to say next, feeling her body getting hot overall.

'Saved. ✅'

He smirks to himself at her response, having noticed how long it took for her to type it.  Oh well she asked for it.

Time goes by unnoticed as they continue this playful/flirty texting back and forth, feeling more at ease with each other and for him a lot less tense.

Later on they find themselves going to sleep that night with a clichéd smile across their faces, the instant click between them being something of a pleasant surprise. The start of a beautiful and exciting thing perhaps.

—

(A/N): obviously I apologise for how late I posted this. I swear i have commitment problems to projects… dw it’s because we haven’t got to the good stuff 😈 can’t wait to show you what i have in mind

Comment if you wanna be tagged in all future parts! ♥️

Thanks everyone! Xx

[voiceless-terror]

Can you do 11 truth or dare confessions for jonmartin please?

Hey there, anon! Here you go. Another one of my prompts that quickly got away from me. This isn’t so much confessions as it is hijinks, and I saw ‘drunk confessions’ right below it and it turned into this.  Hope you enjoy!

Jon chooses truth. Martin chooses dare. The team goes out after work and discoveries are made.

“I love everyone in this bar!” Tim shouted to a loud cheer. It was a Wednesday night.

Wednesday.

Sasha had no idea how Tim had managed to get all of them, including one Jonathan Sims, out on the town. Something about a spider and a book and several cups of tea. Sasha hadn’t been listening.

And here they were, at Tim’s favorite Friday night haunt, downing shots and eating greasy food even though they had to report back to the institute at nine in the morning tomorrow. For Jon it was most likely closer to seven.

Jon, however, seemed completely unaware of this.

They were sitting at the bar for easy drink access. Ergo, Jon had gotten his drink refilled several times without any of them noticing. And this wasn’t including the rounds the rest of them had already bought. He must have some stress to work through, Sasha mused. He was currently hanging half-off the bar stool, staring dreamily at the lights on the dance floor as if entranced. It’d be cute if he wasn’t almost cross-eyed.

Martin definitely found it cute. He wasn’t as drunk as his boss, no, but he was well on his way. He’d done nothing but stare at him all night, nodding eagerly at his many info-dumps and pushing several plates of fried food at him that Jon refused to eat. Sasha and Tim both knew he had it bad, but this was too much to watch. 

Sasha would have to intervene and put the plan in motion. It was the perfect time- Martin wasn’t nervous or stuttering, and Jon was mellowed out on liquor, swaying gently to the music pounding through the speakers. It was now or never. She slammed her hand down on the counter, startling her companions.

“I propose a little game of truth or dare!” She gave Tim a sly smirk and his look of surprise soon changed to a mischievous smirk.

“Oh ho ho, Sasha. What a great idea.”

“We’re at a bar,” Martin argued, taking a slurp of his drink. “How is that even going to work?”

“Oh I’ll make it work, Martin,” Tim replied rather threateningly. “We’re doing this to help you. Boss, you in?”

Jon’s gaze slid over to them, clearly disinterested in their current conversation. “Hnn?” he questioned intelligently.

“Shots, boss! You in?” Tim gestured and the shots materialized as if by magic. Jon threw one back without so much as a flinch. It was a wonder to behold. Martin looked as if he were drooling. He probably was.

“Tim!” Sasha shouted, back to the matter at hand. “Truth or dare?” 

“Let’s start off easy,” he rubbed his hands together in glee. “Truth.”

“Boo,” she jeered, teasing. “Riddle me this: who is your most shameful lay from our esteemed institute?” Martin began sputtering, and Jon looked to be tuning them out.

Tim tilted his head in consideration, suddenly very serious. “Well, it depends on your criteria. Are we talking in terms of looks? Personality? General grossness?”

“Hm, let me rephrase,” Sasha didn’t want to be too mean, though she was excited to get any gossip she could. “Who is the unlikeliest one? Someone we wouldn’t guess at all.”

“Oh,” Tim leered, clearly ready to divulge something juicy. “You want me to go through the ol’ rolodex, find the needle in the sex stack.”

“Disgusting,” Jon slurred, shoving a fry in his mouth. Martin nodded in agreement, though he was hanging on every word.

“Y’know Hannah?”

Sasha searched her memory. “From Artefact Storage?”

Martin shook his head. “No, from the library.”

“You’re both wrong,” Tim raised his eyebrows suggestively. “From research.”

Martin and Sasha froze. Even Jon joined in, swiveling his head to face Tim with a look of shock. “Egg-salad Hannah?”

“The one and only,” Tim answered as the rest of the table broke out into exaggerated gagging and looks of disgust.

“Seriously, Tim? Did she brush her teeth, at least?” Martin took another swig of his drink, still in disbelief.

“Did she offer you half her sandwich when you were done?” Sasha and Martin broke out into giggles. Tim was silent.

“Oh you didn’t-”

“Fuck you, it was actually good-”

“This is why you shouldn’t have sex,” Jon nodded sagely. “It always ends in egg salad.”

“Precisely!” Martin slammed his hand down on the counter in agreement. “Wait, what?”

“Moving on!” Tim made a sweeping gesture with his hand, ending it with a point at Jon. “Boss-man! Truth or dare?”

Jon squinted his eyes. Sasha did not know if this was in concentration or confusion.

“Boss?”

“I don’t want to participate,” He took a demure sip of his whiskey and coke. “Truth.”

“Alright, alright! What is…” Tim tapped his chin thoughtfully, considering his options. “Hmm. What is something we’d be shocked to know about you? Like proper shocked, mate. What’s your weirdest secret?” He leaned in close, a patented Tim Stoker Seduction Move, complete with half-lidded eyes and a smirk. Martin shoved him off the bar in a surprising move of aggression and Sasha barked out a laugh.

“You don’t have to answer that, Jon-” Martin began to assure him.

“Yes he does!” Tim argued, leaning back in his seat and rubbing at the elbow Martin had shoved. “That’s the point of the game.”

“We shouldn’t force him to answer-”

Sasha tried to interrupt. “No one’s forcing-”

“Not yet-”

“Here,” Jon shoved his phone into Tim’s hands; it was loaded to a YouTube video of a grainy performance of some band.

“What is this?” Sasha leaned in to look along with Martin, squinting at the screen. “Is this some concert you went to?”

“You could say that,” Jon replied, oddly coy.

“Is this like steampunk?” Martin questioned, leaning in even further. “They’re all dressed-”

“Wack as hell,” Tim finished, though he was smiling. “I dunno, I kinda like them. Lead singer’s hot.”  Jon let out a drunken giggle, and this is when the video zoomed in, losing focus for just a moment before-

“Jon is that you?” 

“Don’t be daft, Martin, that’s- holy fuck that's Jonathan Sims.”

“It’s me!” Jon drunkenly whispered, almost sliding off of his seat. Sasha stared at the figure on the screen. It was Jon. Hair down, younger, and covered in makeup, but she’d recognize that voice anywhere. She looked back to her boss, glasses askew and sweater vest wrinkled. What the fuck happened to you?

He was surely going to regret this night come tomorrow.

Tim couldn’t take his eyes off the screen, currently holding it a few centimeters from his face. Martin had an intense look at odds with his loose inebriation. He turned to her, strangely serious.

“Dare.” he said, no room in his voice for argument.

“It’s- it’s not your turn, Martin,” she stuttered. “It would be Jon’s, technically-”

“I. Pick. Dare.”

Well, alright. Now or never. Jon’s revelation had forced her hand.

“I dare you…” Sasha looked over to find both Martin and Jon staring at each other, their gazes oddly charged. Martin looked like a man on a mission, while Jon seemed to be openly challenging him, eyebrows raised. Am I missing something?

“...to kiss the most attractive person in this bar!” The words had not been spoken for more than two seconds before Martin had taken Jon in his arms in a sweeping kiss, like something out of a fairytale. If fairytales involved Archivists and their assistants and took place in dingy bars on Wednesday nights. Jon’s arms immediately wrapped around Martin’s neck, dragging him deeper into the kiss.

“Finally!” Tim whooped. He’d stopped watching the video in order to document the event, phone set to record. Jon’s leg had somehow wound itself around Martin’s waist and Sasha was beginning to feel like an intruder in this very public bar. She turned to Tim.

“Wait, finally?” Sasha asked, confused. She hadn’t planned for it to go this far, or for Jon to even reciprocate. She thought she’d help Martin get a kiss on the cheek or something equally as innocent, not whatever...this was. “What do you know that I don’t?”

“Wow Sash, I thought you were the observant one,” he stopped recording, slipping his phone back into his pocket. God, when are they going to come up for air? “They’ve been playing footsie all night. It was disgustingly cute.”

“I-Jon likes him back?” she stared at the two, who had stopped kissing but were still entangled, Jon whispering something in Martin’s ear that he giggled at. “When the fuck did this happen?”

“This afternoon, I think,” Tim took a sip of his drink and threw an arm around her shoulders. “Well, I don’t know how long Jon’s had feelings. But God, you should’ve seen them today. Jon screaming about this spider and Martin just fucking smashes it with a book, decimated it-”

“But Martin loves spiders!”

“I know! But not as much as he loves Jon, apparently. Took one look at his scared little face and just destroyed the thing. I thought Jon was going to propose right then and there. Completely love-struck.”

Sasha pouted. “You know how much I hate being left out! You should’ve told me, we could’ve changed up the plan-”

Tim shook his head. “And miss out on Jon’s secret past? Perish the thought!”

“Huh,” Sasha tilted her head. “I almost forgot about that. What with all the kissing and such.” Martin and Jon were still lost in their own little world. Hopefully they’d remember it come morning, but if not-well, there’s always Tim’s video. She leaned into his side, yawning.

Tim gave her a sly smile. “Say, how’s about me and you-”

Sasha laughed, shoving his arm away. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about egg-salad Hannah-”

“That was one fucking time!”

[leverage-ot3]

notable moments from The Three Days of The Hunter Job

leverage 2.05

hunt for the truth = fox news

you can’t change my mind, sorry

- - - - -

Nate: Here's what we can do. We can probably get you enough money to save the house and pay for medical bills--

Sarah: We aren't interested in money, Mr. Ford. This woman took my father's self-esteem. She took his reputation. She took his good name. That's what he needs back.

someone needs to make a compilation of their clients being noble as hell

- - - - -

Sophie: I wanna take the lead on this one. I wanna do what you do.

Nate: Yeah, listen, I know breakups can be very difficult, Sophie.

Sophie: Whoa. No, that's not what this is about.

Nate: I know that you have this need to be in control right now, you know.

Sophie: I don't have any such need.

Nate: But you can't project that onto the con.

Sophie: Excuse me? This, coming from the man who spent an entire year drunk, working out his obsessive vengeance on every dimwit in a suit who happened to cross our line of vision.

Nate: Hey, you put some thought into that one, didn't you?

Sophie: You know, I'm not tryin' to control the universe just because some guy dumped me. I-I appreciate the concern. I just, I need a new challenge.

Nate: Okay. (hands Sophie the files) This is your job.

Sophie: Thanks. Now, let's go get this bitch. (walks away)

Nate: Oh, boy

fucking get rekt nate you’re the literal last one to talk

- - - - -

huh nate is wearing flannel in this one

- - - - -

Sophie: Exactly. And then to protect themselves, they issue an apology to Mr. Pennington and then they throw Monica Hunter into the jaws of the very media machine that she bent to her own malicious will.

Parker: Wow. I gotta say, Sophie's briefings are much more dramatic.

Eliot: And poetic.

parker and eliot are cute

- - - - -

Sophie: But we can sell a story that commands respect. A story that she's gonna chase to get the respect she craves. Hm? Pack your bags, everyone. We're going to D.C. to make news.

(everyone continues sitting, looking uncomfortable)

Nate: That's when you wanna...

Sophie: I wanna do that bit again. Pack your bags, everyone. We're going to D.C. to make news. (leaves room)

Nate: She's walking into the closet

SOPHIE ITS OKAY YOU DONT NEED TO GO IN THE CLOSET

- - - - -

Parker: I got the pass. Easy.

Sophie: Parker, we went over this.

[Exterior Studio]

Sophie: You're not supposed to take it. Get caught with it.

Parker: I don't know how to get caught.

Sophie: Yeah, I know it's difficult to steal badly. Just, just try

- - - - -

Monica (grabs Parker): Hey. Hey. I will have you arrested for trespassing if you do not tell me what you are doing here.

Parker: Technically, you can't have me arrested for trespassing because you don't own the station.

Sophie: Parker, tell her the story

parker: TRY ME BITCH

- - - - -

hardison doing crazy tinfoil hat guy is iconic

+ parker and hardison’s high five and “that’s what I’m talkin about!” ADORABLE

- - - - -

Parker: Eliot, these conspiracies aren't real, right?

Eliot: What do you mean?

Parker: Like that one over there that says all the major wars of the past 50 years were ordered by members of The Council.

Eliot: Parker, I'm not at liberty to discuss that with you. (walks away)

Parker: You're not a member of The Council, are you? Eliot? Is he?

Nate: Oh, I don't know. (walks away)

Parker: Huh? Uh, Nate, is he?

parker looked so vulnerable asking it and eliot’s just like,,, imma fuck with her LMFAO

also this is another chaotic ot3 scene that I’d die for

- - - - -

eliot taking the general’s id with his pencil and handing it off to hardison? SMOOTH AS FUCK

- - - - -

Parker: But what if he won't talk to us?

Monica: Then we celebrate.

Parker: Celebrate?

Monica: Denial means guilt. Refusal means more guilt. Punch out my cameraman, and I'll kiss you on the mouth.

Camera Man: Mm-hm.

parker: 👀👀👀

- - - - -

parker gets hit with a car ,,, how many times in this series does she get hit with a car ??

- - - - -

monica’s face when she sees parker get hit by a car is LITERALLY the exact same as the surprised pikachu face

+

bruh imagine you see this happening ,,, like a girl get hit by a car, a suit running out, grabbing stuff of her body, then running away ???

her playing dead on the ground for a hot minute before “waking up”, dusting herself off and walking away ???

- - - - -

Hardison: Move. Don't stop. Come on.

Monica: They ran her over.

Hardison: I know, but we gotta go. Security cameras, the ATM cameras, the traffic cameras. We're always being watched. Just put your head down. Act natural.

Monica: Why are you dressed like a mailman?

Hardison: Invisible man, mailman, nobody notices the mailman. He blends right in. Just like a circus clown.

- - - - -

Parker: We totally went to the moon.

Eliot: Movie sets. I've seen 'em. They're outside of Albuquerque.

Parker: Why would there still be sets there?

Eliot: Because they're gonna reuse 'em for the Mars mission. Repaint it all red.

her bumping shoulders with eliot and leaning on him? the casual intimacy that nourishes my S O U L

- - - - -

Sophie: She has to have corroboration from her own sources. She has to craft the narrative. Monica Hunter has to be the author of her own personal nightmare.

Nate: Do I sound that creepy when I...?

Eliot: Hell yes.

Parker: Mm-hm.

Nate: Really?

Eliot: You do

- - - - -

Sophie: The only question is whether Hardison guessed her sources right.

Hardison: G-guess? Guess?

Sophie: Well, you know.

Hardison: Woman, my name Alec Hardison. I do not guess, OK? Look, journalists, they're lazy. They always go back to the same sources. I compared Monica Hunter's stories for the last ten years and created a heuristic model based on her sources. I-I filtered by story type, priority and evidentiary chain. Look, (pulls up info on laptop) sex scandal: 87 percent chance she goes to these sources. Serial killer scare: 90 percent she contacts these sources for confirmation. Government secrets and health scare intersects: Ninety-five percent chance she goes to these sources. Look, look. Right there. She's emailing them right now. Look.

- - - - -

Hardison: Get me out of here.

Sophie: Yeah, I'm working on it.

Parker (comes out of back room pulling on jacket): I'm on it.

Sophie: No, no, no, no, no, you cannot go. You're dead. Monica Hunter sees you and the whole con is blown.

Parker: Right

PARKER WAS R E A D Y TO GO IN AFTER HIM WE LOVE A PROTECTIVE OT3

- - - - -

Hardison: Damn the con. I'm a black man caught on an Army base with a video camera. I am going to jail forever.

the realest part of the show

- - - - -

Hardison: Eliot, get me everything you can on a Lieutenant Abbot.

[Apartment]

Hardison: Just-just do what I taught you.

Eliot (typing on laptop): Now, the "http" thing comes before—

[Interrogation Room 2]

Eliot: --the "www-dot," right?

Hardison: Eliot!

[Apartment]

Eliot: Which one's the forward slash?

Sophie: Oh, come on.

[Interrogation Room 2]

Hardison: It ain't the time, Eliot. It ain't the time.

[Apartment]

Eliot: It's not fun when you're hanging out there in the wind and there's a dude behind a laptop cracking jokes, is there?

Parker: (holding a gas mask over her face before looking over it) I like it when we switch jobs. It's exciting

someone PLEASE make an eliot-being-bad-at-technology compilation I’m begging

also it’s officially canon that hardison tries teaching eliot about technology

- - - - -

Eliot: No, that's everything on this guy.

Lieutenant: Sir, I need to know why you're on this base.

Hardison: Yes. Why am I on this base?

Lieutenant: I'm asking you.

Hardison: No, I'm asking you. Why am I on this base? Why am I in this room?

Lieutenant: So I can ask you questions.

Hardison: Or maybe it's so I can ask you questions, Lieutenant Kyle Abbot, Social Security 823-24-6270?

Lieutenant: I don't know what you're up to.

Hardison: Maybe you’re not cleared to know. Two disciplinary actions? That one in Germany? Maybe you're just too much of a security risk.

(lieutenant goes to leave and Hardison slams his fist on the table)

Hardison: Did I say you could leave?

(lieutenant swallows nervously)

T H I S

S C E N E

T H O

- - - - -

[Army Base Gate]

Nate: Not gonna work.

Eliot: It's all in the salute, man.

[Apartment]

Sophie: Just work the stars and bars. Nobody wants to--

[Army Base Gate]

(a soldier moves to the side of the car and leans in, saluting Nate)

Sophie: --look a general in the eye.

Nate: Uh, good form soldier. As you were.

Soldier: Clear.

(the gate goes up and Nate pulls into the base, parking near a building. He gets out of the car and walks toward the door)

- - - - -

Nate: We hunt for the truth through many dark places. (approaches Monica menacingly) I am a patriot, Ms. Hunter. I'm sorry. (to Eliot) Earl.

(Monica takes a can of pepper spray from her purse and sprays it in Nate’s face, driving him back. She runs out the door as he groans in pain. Eliot goes to pat his back)

Eliot: Good thing Parker switched that with water.

Nate: Didn't! Didn't switch. (they both start coughing)

LMFAO

- - - - -

Monica: My friends, this is the enemy. Our water has been poisoned.

(an aide spits out a mouthful of water)

JFNSKDKEJWJNFJ

- - - - -

(Eliot is cutting vegetables while Nate opens a bottle of wine and Hardison swirls orange soda in a wine glass)

hardison is literally swirling his neon orange soda in a wine glass as eliot cooks actual food for the fam I CANNOT

- - - - -

Parker (holds up photo): Loch Ness Monster.

Hardison: Loch Ness submarine.

Parker: No!

Eliot: Scottish waters are cold and deep. It's a perfect place to test.

Parker (holds up photo): Area 51.

Eliot: True.

Hardison: False.

Eliot: That's true.

Hardison: False. She said Area 51, 51.

Eliot: I'm sorry. False. Area 52.

Hardison: Been there.

Eliot: Yep

I’m crying the ot3 was top tier chaotic this entire episode and parker was having A Time™ with all these conspiracies

someone make a compilation of these scenes overlayed with the wii music. pls.

[silvia7272]

8 ~ The Blog-Off

I thought it would be time to meet some of the secondary characters I haven’t introduced yet. Also, I think this might be the third to last one before Piper is introduced to the gang? Maybe, just soon, I hope. And I think it’ll feel like a massive info dump but oh well, I wanted more people than just the class.

Also, I want to give these characters some actual personality traits, hope you like them.

Since I’ve made it that Timetagger isn’t canon in my storyline then I’ll have to add that Alix’s watch is just a unique watch and not a Miraculous since she’s a part of the class salt. Hopefully, that makes sense. Also, the episode Feast hasn’t happened either.

Word Count: 5698

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me​ @luleck​, @themotherofhogwarts​, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

.

Ok, so I just checked on the fanon website information for Miraculous Ladybug and it says Juleka and Alix are 15, how? And why couldn’t they just make it simple so they’re all 13 at the start? I really don’t get it, could someone explain it to me, it just seems so odd to only have 2 people at different ages, (Just saw that Kagami is 15 as well)? For now, they first became heroes at 13, Adrien 14 because his birthday was in the bubbler. Including those 3 cause it makes more sense, because if Juleka really is 15 it's said that Luka is 2 years older than her so that means he’s 17 and that makes me extremely iffy about him liking a 13-year-old Marinette. Yikes, I like Luka leave him alone damn it.

So, the second year of Miraculous Ladybug, they’re all 14-15.

***

It was a particularly sunny day at Collège Françoise Dupont. There hadn’t been any Akuma’s for a while. Leaving everyone a chance to relax.

Well, most could relax.

“Aurore I’m sure its fine, you don’t need to stress so much” Her friend Mireille tried to calm her friend down to no avail. She was still staring at her phone.

“Y-Yeah cheer up. It's only been a day. Maybe people just haven’t l-looked under that tag yet?” But that response only made the blonde glare.

“How could they not. Its an actual Akuma battle I was able to get hold of and nothing? Unbelievable!” The video itself was of the Akuma SleepSis, Aurore was able to get some footage, shaky, but she was able to upload that battle.

Unluckily for her, it seemed that no one was interested but a few people. She couldn’t understand, it had Ladybug and Chat Noir as well as that new hero everyone wanted to know. But because she was new no one paid any attention to it.

“Hey, it's only the first video. Maybe if you make more people will see you.” Mireille suggested, she didn’t want to see her friend upset, they had started to become closer after their rocky start and she didn’t want her to be Akumatized because of this.

“It's so not fair, my video is the latest Akuma fight and nothing has come of it, meanwhile little miss blogger gets all the attention and she hardly does any posts about Akuma’s anymore, it's all about this Lila girl, who by the way is completely fake. Nothing on Akuma’s, more about Ladybug’s love life, why should we give a damn about that-” And here we had a completely wild Aurore, she was ranting while her friends were trying to calm her down. Marc already knew Lila was lying when Marinette told him after… Certain events happened. And Mireille was a good friend, believing Marc and Aurore right away, they had come at separate times and besides, after hearing the girl, all Mireille could see was fakery everywhere.

“Excuse me? Can we sit here?” A voice spoke, breaking the three out of their conversation.

“Huh? Marinette! How are you?” Aurore stood to hug the bluenette who was overjoyed with the fact they saw each other again. Their class schedules were so spread out, this had been the first time, before Rosina joined in fact, that she could see them.

And boy did they change.

“Err Marinette I don’t want to tell you this but Chloé is behind you, extremely close behind you” She pointed to the blonde who didn’t seem amused at all.

“Geez blondie, don’t talk about someone who’s in-ear reach!”

“Well maybe if you weren’t so close to us you wouldn’t hear!” They glared at each other so hard you could see the literal spark in their eyes.

This was going to be a long day.

***

“Sooo you two are friends now?” Mireille concluded after hearing this whole story.

“I find that extremely hard to believe” Aurore spoke, her eyes still not breaking away from Chloé.

“Well, no one's forcing you!” She retaliated.

“Eheh… So where is this miracle worker?” Marc but in, he found it better that Chloé was trying to mend her old ways, and try to redeem herself. It seemed to be working at least, she wasn’t insulting everyone at the table, only Aurore.

“She said she was coming later, she wanted to go explore something” Marinette explained, oblivious of Chloé’s horrified expression.

“And you let her!? You know she needs to be kept in check, what if she’s halfway across Paris by no-” Arms appeared around the girl's shoulders.

“Mari! Chlo! Hiya” It said.

“Ahhh! Don’t scare me like that!” Chloé hit her head, she was too surprised to realise who it was, but she wasn’t sorry, no one should scare someone and expect nothing to happen to them.

“Hey, no fair, it was only as they say a jest” Marinette held an embarrassed smile. Taking Rosina’s arm as they sat down at the table.

“Anyway Rosina, these are the friends I was talking about. Aurore, Mireille and Marc” She pointed to them as Rosina excitedly waved.

“H-Hi-” Marc couldn’t finish that sentence.

“Wow, I love your pigtails they look so cool. Aww, you look so cute in that outfit, like a cute little panda. Wow, I love your t-shirt I so want one for myself.” They all seemed confused. Why was this girl flattering them?

“Don’t worry she does that to everyone,” Marinette clarified.

“Yep, I read if you want to make a good impression you must compliment to provide a friendship with them, now that we’re friends what should we do?” She smiled an enormously large smile, she looked cute and happy, like they could feel the positivity radiating of the girl.

“You’ll get used to this as well, she’s always this happy.”

It was silent after that. No one really seemed to talk, because there was still a big elephant in the room. And it was all pointing to a specific blonde.

“Ugh fine I get it. I’ll go and leave you all in peace” Chloé got up and started to walk away. But two hands pulled her back.

“Wait Chloé it's fine. You seem like you’re really trying so I’ll give you a second chance.” Mireille said.

“Mmhmm, yeah Chloé you’re getting so much better, she even got me a phone” She held it up, her charm still intact, she wanted to take good care of it.

“Wow really?” Marc was surprised, Chloé actually gave someone a present? Was she an imposter? No, it didn’t seem like an Akuma.

“Yeah wanna see?” The redhead excitedly showed off her first-ever phone to the boy. Even explaining things Marc knew but didn’t have the heart to tell her.

“Mhmm buying your way into friendship now?” Aurore so wasn’t convinced at all; sure, people could change but she wasn’t about to forgive Chloé after all the years of her bullying her.

“For your information, Rosina was in need of a phone because she’s never had one. So, it was a gift” She retorted, arms crossed as Marinette put her hand to her forehead. Her and Mireille had given up trying to hold them back, it was obvious they weren’t going to like each other, it might take more time for them to get along.

“As if I’ll fall for that trick. I’ll see you crack under the pressure real soon Chloé Bourgeois.” She huffed as her head turned, refusing to look at her anymore.

“Whatever Aurore Beauréal” The other four were paying attention to Rosina as she was showing all her new apps.

“Err, R-Rosina I can’t understand any of it, what language is it in?” It wasn’t in French that was for sure.

“See see, since I’m still getting used to the French, so I’ve put it in Arabic since it's easier, that way whenever I text my friends they won’t get confused if I get anything wrong.” She gleamed as she put it back in her bag.

“It's fine Rosy, we can help you just tell us ok?”

They continued to talk as they had 1 hour of a free period left. And a previous topic came back to relevance.

“So, you’re a blogger as well?” Rosina was told what a blogger was after Alya overheard her uncertainty. She was dragged off by the girl as she explained. She showed all of her videos to her. Rosina was amazed by the fact one could capture motion and replay it. She had heard about a blog before but had yet to see it. Chloé and Marinette were able to steal her away after causing a distraction.

“A beginner, I was kinda inspired by Alya’s, but it slowly derailed into fake news, so I wanted to make one myself, for Ladybug. She’s been amazing for us and she deserves to be respected. Not pry about her love life or identity” Marinette was beaming on the inside, finally, someone wanting facts and information, plus she knew Lila was bs anyway. She couldn’t be more relieved.

“But… No one seems to want to watch it” Her confidence wavered, Marinette felt dejected, how could she help her she wondered?

“Can we see it? I wanna see what it's about” Aurore beamed with joy, she happily showed her, watching for any change in the girl's faces.

But before the redhead could state her opinions, the blonde beat her to it.

“There's nothing special about it”

“What! H-” She held up her hand, she so wasn’t done.

“It looks like a video that Césaire girl could do, hell I could do that with my eyes closed. There isn’t anything special here” Aurore had enough, how dare she walk in here and disrespect her like this. The pigtailed girl was so close to being done.

“Chloé’s right”

“Rosina you can’t just say it like that!” Marinette was concerned, please don’t make her have to face off Stormy Weather again!

“No wait- I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry Aurore, I just think you can change it, that’s all” She frantically waved her hands around as Aurore blinked.

“Huh?”

“I just mean, Chloé is right that it does look like Alya’s, so maybe you can make different err- what's the word… Content yeah that. Make different content, like an analysis of Akuma, and their powers and weapons.” Marinette shot up, ideas filling her mind.

“Maybe you could interview the heroes about questions regarding Akuma’s? I know people would feel better having their queries answered.” Mireille then joined in.

“You could include tips on how to stay safe during an Akuma attack? That could be useful.”

“I-If you want a script to use, I could help with that?” Marc piped up.

“And since I’m feeling generous, I guess I could lend you some space to use for your videos. Anywhere else would be barbaric” Aurore would’ve glared at her, but she couldn’t make herself do that. They were all encouraging her to continue, to make it unique, to make it her own.

She smiled.

“Thanks, you guys. I’ll be sure to remember this. And you too Chloé” Said blonde smirked.

“What? Sorry I didn’t hear that” She became irritated.

“Chloé please stop teasing her, that’s not a very nice thing to do” Rosina grabbed onto her arm, trying to stop the inevitable argument.

“Ugh fine, it wasn’t any fun anyway” Now they felt shocked. Chloé willingly giving up her teasing? That was unheard of- maybe Rosina really was a good influence after all.

***

[This is great, love the special guests]

[Thanks so much for the advice!]

[Thank you, sweetie, I’m sharing this with everyone xxx]

Hundreds of comments like these appeared within minutes of her second video. Amazingly Ladybug had somehow heard of what Aurore wanted to do and brought Crisono along for the ride as well. Because it was a quiet night, they were able to gain so much information, and Aurore was able to stop fangirling and have a proper conversation with them. They got so many recordings done in a single night Aurore was able to go to sleep feeling peaceful.

Her second video consisted of self-defence demonstrated by Ladybug, it held a serious yet comedic approach as Ladybug demonstrated what would happen if someone, Akuma or not, attacked you using Crisono. Ladybug playing the hero while Crisono played the villain, and what a funny villain she was. It was a huge hit and the viewers wanted more, wanted to know more about Crisono.

Luckily her third video would consist of who exactly Crisono Tassa was? They knew she didn’t hold a Miraculous, so the mysteries surrounding her were endless.

She was so happy by the boost she couldn’t help her locking onto Rosina the minute she spotted her at school.

“Thank you thank you thank you! They love it, and Ladybug and Crisono came to help me. Rosina, you’re the best” Rosina could only pat the girl on her back as her limbs were constricted from moving.

“I didn’t do anything really. But I’m so glad you’re happy Aurore, I mean I know my acting wasn’t the best bu-”

“What?” Mireille asked, what acting was she talking about?

“In the v-” Marinette clamped a hand over the redhead's mouth.

“Well I think I heard the bell go, and you know how Mlle Bustier can be with tardiness so byeeee!” Once they were out of earshot of the three new friends Rosina had made Marinette gave a glare to Rosina.

“You can’t keep doing that?” Rosina tilted her head.

“Doing what?”

“Revealing your identity to people Rosina. It was fine with Marinette because she’s Ladybug, and there were circumstances with Chloé but you can’t do it with other people it can be really dangerous” Tikki came out lightly reprimand the girl, Tikki had long ago deemed Rosina safe to be around as well as hold a secret, and came to care for the girl just like Marinette, she only wanted to protect her.

“But it's fine, it doesn’t matter if people know it's me” She tried to reason. But the bluenette shook her head.

“Yes, it does Rosina. Your friends and family could get hurt if Hawkmoth ever finds out your identity. Please Rosy. Don’t reveal yourself to anyone else”

“But Mari, I only have you, Chloé, Kagami, Adrian, Chat, Aurore, Mireille and Marc as my friends” Marinette would’ve winced at the mention of the blonds but now wasn’t the time.

“Yes but-”

“Plus, I have no family, so he can’t use them to get to me”

.

.

.

“W-What?”

“I don’t have a family, I only have 8 people to protect, so that’s why I’ll strive to protect all of my friends.”

“B-But what about-”

Riiiiiiiiiiing

“Well class should be starting soon, c’mon Mari, we don’t want to be late ok” Before the bluenette could answer she was already being dragged off, she couldn’t stop her as the words went around in her head.

I don’t have a family

‘How can she say that so casually? And what about Franchezca, what about her?’

These questions whirled around the girl’s head so much she couldn’t pay that much attention to the lesson. Not like Bustier called on her. She was glad for that.

Maybe she could ask later?

***

“Rosina?”

“Yep,” A voice spoke, popping the ‘P’. They were walking around the city; they were meant to be meeting everyone as they had planned to all hang out later but Marinette was able to convince Rosina to go earlier. And Marinette felt it was a good enough time to ask Rosina what she meant beforehand.

“You said you don’t have any family to protect. But you also call Mlle Franchezca Aunt? So, if it’s not too much trouble, could you explain?” She stopped walking.

“I mean you only want- I mean, only if you want to. I don’t want to force you or anything” She really hoped she hadn’t offended her.

“Its fine Marinette, I just don’t know where to begin”

She placed her hand under her chin, looking to reminisce on something.

“Let’s see, how did Aunty say it again?”

~

In the middle of a desert, an older woman with a cane walked.

She was searching for that damn forth Trinklet and it was nowhere. But she needed to find it fast, if not then it would crack.

And she really didn’t want to spend any more time in this stupid desert than she had to.

But then she saw a glow.

‘Perfect’ She thought, making her way towards it, believing that would be the end of it.

But it was only the beginning.

As she came closer to the glow, she saw a bundle of blankets next to it. She was surprised about that discovery.

But that was nothing, because then she heard a cry.

“What the-?”

She rushed to the blanket, if it was what she thought it was then she had to move quickly.

And like she was able to predict… It was.

A baby.

“Who would leave a kid all the way out here?” Franchezca decided that she would try and find out who the baby belonged to. Of course, she wasn’t going to get attached to her.

No, of course not.

That would be absurd.

~

“She always blamed my smile was the reason she couldn’t give me up” Rosina had finished her story as Marinette stood there.

“So, you really don’t have any other family members?”

“Nope, I don’t know anyone related to me. And Aunty always told me to call her Aunty cause she didn’t want to be called Grandma.” She laughed as she remembered the embarrassed look she gave when the Silver-eyed girl said Grandma once.

“You were just… Left alone?”

“Yeah, she told me this poncho was the only thing I had on me. That’s why I wear it everywhere. But it's alright. Aunty took care of me for all that time, and then I got the chance to train to fight all the Trinklets in the world. It's great” She raised her arms in the air to exclaim she wasn’t even sad.

Swish.

“I didn’t know you wanted a hug, Mari?”

‘She doesn’t seem bothered at all; I want to feel sorry for her but… Should I?’

“You do have family”

“Mari I-” She was about to repeat herself but Marinette jumped to cut her off.

“You have me and Maman and Papa. We’re your family. All of our friends are family and your Aunt. That’s why you can’t reveal yourself to anyone” Rosina paused. She wasn’t expecting… That.

“Really?” It was barely audible but Marinette heard it. And it was so sincere.

“Yeah, so please promise me you’ll stop doing that”

“…Ok. But if I can’t transform in time you can’t blame me if anyone sees” She cheekily replied her usual self-returning.

“Fine, but that’s only if, ok?” She shot back; Rosina nodded before they continued on their walk. Apparently, there was someone she wanted Rosina to meet. All she knew was that he didn’t attend Collège Françoise Dupont.

***

“Rosina, this is Luka. Luka this is Rosina.” They had arrived at *Pont des Arts the meeting place Marinette had organised earlier, all of her friends arriving later gave Rosina enough time to get along with the newcomer, everyone else knew him, it was only fair if Rosina got some time too.

“Pleased to mee-”

“Wow, your hair looks so cool, were you born with it or did you dye it? Wait, are you by any chance related to Juleka? Wow you look so cool” She repeated as he stood back just a bit, he had predicted her melody to be calm and slightly childish, now it had just changed dramatically… He needed a moment to adjust.

“Sorry Luka, I should’ve warned you she was hyper.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, it’s good to see you so happy, Rosina seems to have drowned out that melancholy you had” That caused Marinette to blush before she looked back at Rosina. They continued to have a small conversation, at least before everyone else arrived anyway, although it did surprise Marinette when Luka kept looking around and checking his watch, was he waiting for someone? Was he just biding time before leaving them? Was it going to be his girlfri-

“Hayo, Luka long time no see? It’s been like sooo long” A girl who looked like the same age as Luka approached the gang of 3. And she looked so pretty.

She had green hair that complimented her dark skin, her orange jacket looked of high quality and red trousers, was this who Luka was waiting for? Was this his gir-?

“Noémie, it’s been a while, I should have asked before, but I was wondering if my friend could hang out with us?” Marinette was slightly put off, ever since the Lila situation she’s been ever so slightly apprehensive of new people, but she guessed since she’s a friend of Luka’s she would soon be a friend of hers.

“-Gasps- Luka is this the Marinette ya keep talking and gushing about? Oh, my life. She is the cutest little thing ever. Selfie child” Before Marinette could respond she’d already taken a selfie.

“You look even cuter on camera, oh stop ya gonna kill me smols” Noémie’s hand was then grabbed by someone else, it wasn’t forceful at all, but she did lookup.

“Hiya Miss, I just wanted to say that I love your green hairstyle, it looks super cool on you”

.

.

.

‘Is that a tear-’

“Oh my god these two smols are so like adorable, I’m officially adopting you two, my precious little babies.” Marinette would soon learn she would never be able to finish another thought around the green-haired girl. Ever again.

And adopting?

“Eheh no thanks, I have a Mother and one is more than enough” She tried to get out of the hold but couldn’t.

“What’s adopting?”

“I’ll… Tell you later” Mari sighed, this seemed to become a long day.

“I was going to tell you that she can be a bit extreme, but she beat me to it.” Luka sent an apologetic smile towards the two, more to the bluenette since Rosina seemed to be enjoying the affection. It wasn’t like Noémie was doing anything harmful, but he knew she could be a bit… Overbearing at times.

“Selfie time”

“But you just took one?”

“Like girl, ya can never have too many selfies with smols like ya. All these photos can stay online forever. All these memories we can have and keep and look back on is like sooooooo cool. Now say cheese!” her monologue was filled with so much passion for selfies Marinette was able to giggle.

Ok, she liked her, she seemed really quirky.

Whether it was luck or not the others arrived not too long after, unluckily Noémie tried to use that same trick on Chloé because she was apparently a fan of the Mayor’s Daughter…

Yeah, that didn’t turn out well.

But she got over it when they both started taking selfies.

To the extreme.

It was a selfie war at this point.

The 6 were put on edge, but they decided to stay with them, so it was their fault.

Although there was one thought a young blonde had since the day they met.

And it was starting to get to her. And considering they were at the mall anyway she could enact on her plan.

“Rosina let’s get you a new outfit. My treat” She had to try and slowly ease her into it. If not, it would sound mean, and she couldn’t possibly do that to the redhead.

But said redhead couldn’t reply before a new blonde nuisance had to but in.

“Why? What's the occasion Chloé, you wouldn’t happen to be buying more ‘gifts’ to keep your friends, would you? Or could it be that you simply don’t like Rosina’s fashion sense?” She wrapped her arms around the redhead, her new innocent friend who didn’t deserve to be tricked by anyone, even if she knew Chloé was trying to be better.

“Aurore” Mireille tried to ease the tension, but she knew it was to no avail.

“No, I just thought we could all go on a shopping spree. But of course, you wouldn’t know anything about fashion to begin with.” She shot back, two could play at that game and so far, she was winning.

“Chloé” Marinette was now trying to keep the piece as Luka squeezed her shoulder in support. He knew they were just teasing, and it was kinda fun to watch.

Marinette.exe has stopped working.

While everyone else was concerned over a passed out Marinette, Rosina started smiling. The two blondes grew confused before their hands were grabbed.

“Ok, let’s go shopping. I’ve never shopped for clothes before so let’s go” They were dragged off with a bouncing Noémie following as the others were preoccupied.

Chloé and Aurore both wanted to drag the girl off to separate stores but unfortunately, they found out if you start pulling on a person, it will eventually hurt. Marinette had to pry them off her before scolding the two, the others either laughing or taking photos, although I think you know who was taking photos, with the caption: new Mum of the group.

Rosina’s first pick from Chloé was a lovely white knee-length dress, black leggings and a light blue jacket. It seemed lovely before Aurore gave her own pick. A floral pattern navy blue dress with white leggings. Of course, the two bickered which one was better as Marinette gave her own pick. And she looked so cute.

A blue tank top with a matching skirt with a teal bodysuit underneath.

“Wow, this is so stretchy, look look I can do the splits in these.” That earned her a clap as she excitedly bounced up and down. And Chloé couldn’t help the feeling of happiness in her gut. It never happened before with Sabrina or Adrien, was it because she wasn’t just bossing them around?

Yeah, that might be it.

“Hey, I could probably sew something onto it to make it stand out if you want?”

“Really? That would be so cool Mari, thank you bestie?” They hugged before Mireille and Marc chose a new outfit as well.

Did she deserve this? After everything she’s done? Did she really deserve this?

Did she-?

“Hey, your friends are trying to help you Chloé, you are included blondie, don’t screw it up” She nudged her shoulder gently.

Huh, she must’ve been able to tell what she was thinking?

But Chloé wasn’t about to admit that. Especially not to Aurore of all people.

“Whatever, I know I’m their best friend, something you could only dream of having” She gave a playful smirk back, they were starting to get along without even knowing it.

“Hayo guys, let’s take a selfie to mark the beginning of this beautiful like friendship with all of you smols. Hope we all hang out some more” Holding out a camera for the 8 people there, posing for the camera, Noémie planning to tag them all later.

“C’mon Chloé! I wanna buy you something too” they were all dragged off to continue their shopping spree. So many clothes were brought, including the ones that the blondes had chosen, Rosina really loved them as well.

They all ended up getting some really cool shades as well, as well as the fact Chloé was able to spot a jacket that had the words ice queen written on the back. She so had to get one for her and Marinette to wear at school for kicks.

Rosina got everyone a bracelet with some colourful charms on. She got one for 3 others, but they weren’t there. They all beamed with glee as the girl was tackled with a hug by them all.

Marinette felt as if she could finally relax around them. They didn’t just hang out with her to try and make a plan for how to get her together with Adrien, they didn’t just hang out with her to just talk about her crush on Adrien, they actually all just wanted to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Something she never got the chance to do before Lila came in… Not like she thought she’d be able to do, no doubt the topic would soon go towards Adrien eventually.

But she was able to take in the calm atmosphere around the group of 7.

She knew deep down in her heart that they would all soon be the best of friends.

***

The weekend had ended, and boy was a lot packed into that.

A lot.

Not only did everyone have tons of bags pack with new clothes and various items, but they also decided to dine out in Chloé’s hotel. Friends discount was applied here.

And amazingly Kagami was there along with her Mother. Rosina and Tomoe surprisingly had a conversation about fencing, Kagami was still apprehensive considering her Mother’s opinion about friends but it seemed to dissipate once Tomoe heard her Daughter laugh for the first time in a long time.

Tomoe also heard how fond Kagami was of Rosina after hearing about their fencing match, she wished to challenge Rosina to a match of her own to which Rosina happily agreed, much to everyone's surprise.

But they knew the girl could handle herself, 3 more so than the others but it was fine.

Also, remarkably, Rosina was able to convince Kagami and Tomoe to attend more get-togethers with the rest of the group. It might have something to do with Rosina speaking to her in Japanese and found Rosina to be a good influence.

So that’s how the group of 8 became 9.

The next day Rosina had finally started her contract with the Agreste’s. Rosina would start to be Adrien’s “bodyguard” at school, at fencing lessons as well as at photoshoots. On Sundays, she would be a language tutor for him as Saturdays would most likely be a day off, unplanned photoshoot or more piano lessons.

Adrien was ecstatic once this was all sorted. Finally, he wouldn’t be alone anymore, yeah, he wouldn’t be able to talk to Plagg as often, but as long as Plagg had his cheese he was sure he’d be alright. Besides, since Rosina was actually Crisono, he didn’t have to give a reason for his disappearances.

It did give him more of a reason why secret identities shouldn’t be so secret, but he knew he couldn’t reveal himself for his Lady and Master Fū.

The girls, however,

They were less than impressed with Rosina’s decision considering they told her they weren’t friends with Adrien anymore, but, it was Rosina’s choice and they couldn’t tell her not too.

Besides, it was who Rosina was. If she thought of Adrien as a friend, they couldn’t stop her, they may not like it but if they forced her to deny any interactions with him, they would be as bad as Lila.

So they had to learn to accept it and slowly, it didn’t faze them, sure they couldn’t hang out as much, but when you have a girl full of energy you find that they can and will spend as much time as possible with them.

So, when they arrived at school, they weren’t surprised to see Adrien hug Rosina.

“Thanks for agreeing Rosina” The latter nodded as they headed inside. Even if the blonde still hadn’t accepted it fully, the bluenette was there to help.

But then they heard something that made them both smirk.

“Alya are you alright, that new blog just skyrocketed up, it's halfway to the number of followers you have” Mylène seemed devastated but to that Alya waved her hand around, not the least bit interested.

“Oh please, that blog isn’t half as good as mine, where’s the pizazz? Its soo boring to look at I got tired after that first video.” Rose and Juleka didn’t look convinced.

“But her other videos are so much better. They even have that new hero no one knows about on it.” That perked the girl's interest.

“WHAT! How in the world did she get an interview with Crisono?” She soon watched that video and was furious to find Ladybug there as well.

“She’s even provided tips and other stuff with Akuma’s” Juleka joined in as Alya furiously search through the contents of the Let’sBugOut page. It somehow featured Ladybug in most of them, whether it was by video call or in person.

“So, she doesn’t accept interviews from me but from some amateur! How could she?” Alya didn’t know what she had done to receive the cold shoulder from Ladybug but she supposed that maybe she didn’t want her to be in any danger, that maybe if they stopped talking, Akuma’s wouldn’t be so interested to pick her as a target.

At least… That’s how Lila put it when she had come to the girl for help.

“Very easily, don’t you think? At least Aurore doesn’t pry about unnecessary details about Ladybug’s life. And she actually provides facts, something the LadyBlog is really missing.” Chloé retorted, returning to the desk at the back, everyone glaring at her she had become accustomed to it.

“Chloé how could you say that about Alya? Is this just because you aren’t Queen Bee anymore? And you're taking out your frustration on Alya. If you want, I could always ask Ladybug for advice on how you could improve and be a better person?” The girls swarmed around Lila appeared to be shocked while the other two were annoyed, how dare she sully Ladybug’s name!

“Girl there's no need to help someone like her, I know you're extremely kind, but you don’t need to extend it to the likes of her” Alya replied, that girl had a heart of gold.

“Are you sure, I wouldn’t want Chloé to become too upset at being rejected by Ladybug, I couldn’t imagine the shame she must be feeling now.” The duo was able to see that obvious jab made towards the blonde. How no one else could was a definite mystery?

Marinette paused, how Chloé decided to answer may decide on her future prospects of being a hero, what would she say?

“I wasn’t rejected by Ladybug, and how dare you lie about being friends with someone way out of your league.” The girls were quick to retort but Chloé paid them no mind.

“And I am still Queen Bee, in or out of costume. I don’t need it to define me. I’m more of a hero than you’ll ever be” She smirked at the last line before grabbing Rosina from Adrien, who was talking about schedules by the way, and promptly sitting down with Marinette. The blue-haired girl impressed by the blue-eyed girl's words. She didn’t spill the fact that technically she was still Queen Bee, just changed.

Chloé was learning.

She just wished the others would as well.

***

*Pont des Arts = A Pedestrian Bridge In Paris.

I hope you enjoy my new OC I put out. I just thought I wanted Luka to have more friends so here we go.

After making that outfit for Rosina I couldn’t stand it and knew I needed to change it, so I thought why not throw some Chloé sugar in there as I’m at it. Also, I think it’s reasonable for not everyone to believe or accept Chloé’s redemption since not everyone is so ready to forgive, right?

And with that, Rosina has kinda met all of the Marinette Protection Squad members (Minus Felix, he’s gonna be a special case)

1 more chapter till Piper, I really can’t wait for it, the next one will contain some unexpected salt towards a certain bluenette. Hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as me, I just think it’ll be great and clarify stuff.

Also, could someone help me with Rosina’s backstory? Or be willing to read and see if it's alright? Since she was found in a desert I was going to put her birthplace as Egypt, but with Franchezca travelling around she doesn’t really know anything about it, but later she learnt Arabic after her Aunt told her the story of how and where she was found.

Is that alright. I’m not offending anyone with that am I? do I need to change anything with that?

Sorry if it sounds stupid, I just want to make sure it's not insulting anyone.

Also, maybe some help with accents? Her first language was Spanish, but her favourite is Arabic, so what sort of accent would she have?

Anyway, I hope you liked this part can’t wait for the next it will be shorter, maybe haven’t planned it all out yet, but I hope that’s alright.

Note: Updated the pictures. Also, I keep updating Noemié’s design because of the artist in me, haha. hope you like hers.

[abyssmalice]

// genshin spoilers !!

ft. flower reminds you all why her signature has been set to THIS since day hecking 1 of me playing this godforsaken game:

(tl;dr - a messy changelog for the numerous khaenri’ah and abyss-related headcanons applied to this blog because WOW THAT NEW ARCHON QUEST SURE WAS A TIME HUH??????? my god, my god,)

.

so! to be to the point - the new lore from the archon quest actually does not change much of the headcanons that i have applied to Tonia. 

rather, the new info either confirms or integrates into said headcanons to some extent which im super pleased about bc 1) im lazy 2) wouldve been a headache to do an overhaul of the AU premise so that it can still function according to canon worldbuilding.

anyway, here is a short (edit: im sorry this is not short at all) list of changes and expanded worldbuilding points that this blog will operate on from here on:

abyss-related hcs:

what the Order calls the ‘Abyss’ has existed for a long, long, long, long long long long long long long long long time. Tonia in this AU had to fall somewhere.

Celestia is aware of the Abyss, and has been aware for an equally long time.

prior to the current iteration of Teyvat, the Abyss was an eldritch place of unspeakable horrors and forces - but the dangers that dwelt there were too chaotic to take proper aim at Celestia or Teyvat. proper in the sense that any damage done couldn’t be resolved with minimal effort.

as such, in Tonia’s time, Celestia viewed the Abyss as a dumping ground.

problems? throw into the abyss. eyesores? throw into the abyss. trash? throw into the abyss. need to mete out eternal, insufferable punishment to someone? throw them into the fucking abyss apparently!

the day that Tonia fell into the Abyss occurred from the same modus operandi. Celestia wanted an unnecessary person gone, and set a trap for them to fall into the Abyss. Tonia just happened to be the very, very unfortunate person to accidentally step into that trap before the intended target came along.

khaenri’ah-related hcs:

i have mentioned this prior as a personal headcanon that wasn’t being applied for rp, but in light of the new archon quest, i have decided this will be a part of the blog canon now - the people of Khaenri’ah are ideologically divided in their response to Celestia.

while the Abyss Order is filled with Khaenri’ahn people, the Order is but a part of the current surviving population. the rest are scattered—a rare few in Teyvat, but otherwise in the Abyss, having either fallen there along with the remains of the capital city or having fled there some time after their nation’s destruction. 

of those in the Abyss, excluding the Order, the current population can be divided into a majority that have taken to rebuilding a safer, quieter community that simply tries its best to adjust to their new residence—this community and the small city they have built is what this blog and Tonia will refer to as “Khaenri’ah” in certain contexts, unless indicated otherwise—while a rare minority have taken to wandering the Abyss for their own reasons.

not all of the survivors of Khaenri’ah’s destruction were cursed into monstrous forms resembling the rank and file of the Abyss Order. some retained human appearances, and it is these survivors that banded together to rebuild a more peaceful Khaenri’ah in the Abyss. with time, it welcomed other survivors—refugees who similarly escaped being cursed, as well as those were indeed cursed but refused to align themselves with the Order for whatever reason. presently, the population of this small city has an even split of intermingling human and non-human residents.

at first, Tonia had assisted the early survivors with settling into the Abyss. she provided basic information about its terrain, its wilderness, its dangers, and watched over their fledgling community from a distance. (she could have done more, but she knew it would not truly help them - they had to prove themselves capable of surviving in the Abyss in much the same way that she did.) 

in turn, the survivors offered her information as well—the knowledge and the sciences that caused their civilization to advance as much as it did, as well as a fairly detailed timeline of history up to Khaenri’ah’s fall.

however, as these survivors grew in number—factions began to appear among them. some calling for revenge, others desiring peace, an insane handful believing that the only thing they should pursue is the gods’ forgiveness. it was inevitable that these factions would go their own ways - creating the Abyss Order, rebuilding Khaenri’ah, or meandering through the dark with their own unique goals that aligned with none of the other factions.

it is around this time, while opinions were flaring through the newest residents of the Abyss, that Tonia began to retreat back into isolation. she wanted nothing to do with the Order, whose goals had a fair chance of destroying Teyvat along with Celestia, and those rebuilding Khaenri’ah already had the tools to do so, so she simply didn’t see a continued need for her own presence among them.

that being said, she is nonetheless remembered for her cold brand of generosity in the early days, thus sparking the various stories about her that continue to be passed down in Khaenri’ah, along with the occasional tone-deaf invitation she receives to join the Order. 

misc. hcs:

as Tonia is aware of the situation around Khaenri’ah’s fall and the Abyss Order, combined with her personal experiences relating to the destruction of her own world, her viewpoint regarding the gods - is the same as Dainsleif’s, lol

Tonia detests but also fears the gods for being cruel and destructive to innocent people and the things they treasure. if she were more angry, she would be inclined to agree with the Abyss Order that their thrones ought to be toppled no matter the cost - but unfortunately, even now, she remains more in mourning over such senseless devastation. 

as such, while she mistrusts the gods, she also does Not want their attention - much less their retribution for any perceivable slight - whatsoever. Enough has been lost to the gods’ whims, and she is much too aware of how powerless she is at the moment. Perhaps, then, she could obtain more power to defeat them—but what will the price be? Will it be worth it? Will she even be able to pay it in full? Such reasoning is why she has chosen not to fight them—only to wait, to watch, to perhaps save what little she can from their burning hands and their killing gaze.

[aeondeug]

There’s a lot of things that I felt while reading the end of the comic. The one thing that really hit me hardest in the emotional feels though was Ichigo managing this sort of perfect mix of his power sets and combining them together. And when Orihime looks at him and is scared because of the like whole Vasto Lorde stabbed Uryu incident he tells her that it’s ok. He is still him. And then he proceeds to go on this explanation of like. How the powers come from his specific family backgrounds and he wasn’t able to meld them together before but now he can. He isn’t great at it yet, he admits that too. But he can mix them and all and isn’t afraid of them.

I’m mixed. Specifically I fall into that lovely european hell stew thing on one half and then the other half it’s Mexican. I grew up and still live in an environment where it is regularly told to me that Mexicans aren’t really people. That we’re somehow monstrous or animalistic. We show up as drug dealers, gang members, overly sexualized women who are seductive as hell and down to fuck in media. When we’re talked about by papers, writers use words like “hunt” when talking about us. And casually people just talk about how we’re stupid, angry, sexist, and so on and so forth. Just like as casual ass conversation.

This is a very easy environment to grow like a sense of intense self loathing in. And a violent denial of what one is. I read a story recently written by Kim Sa-Ryang recently for a class called Into the Light. Kim Sa-Ryang being a Zainichi, a Korean living in Japan, writer. In it there’s this kid named Haruo. His mom’s Zainichi. His dad, people think, mainland Japanese. When she gets in the hospital people talk about that. Just talk loudly about the fact that his mom’s Korean. The kid starts crying and shouts “That’s a lie! My mom’s not Korean!” and he turns to his teacher, also Korean, and begs him “I’m not Korean! I’m not! Tell him, Mr. Minami!” And that just hits me. Really hard. Because that’s what I was like as a kid. That sort of self hatred and denial.

Which takes us back to Bleach. Bleach we’ve got like. Ichigo being nervous about or in denial about the whole hollow inside him thing. It’s a tough topic. A thing he kind of hates. Which makes sense. It’s very spooky and this whole time hollows have kind of like been things he’s fighting and they’re like angry and violent. They’re not evil. They’re people who need help and he helps them. But they’re still emotions just run absolutely rampant. And he has to take time getting over this. Incorporating it. And even at the end of Arrancar he hasn’t perfectly figured it out. And we learn that this all comes from his father and the soul realer half of his family. And this is a thing he only learns in his teens.

But then he learns another thing. He’s also in his late teens when he learns that his mother was a Quincy. Literally no one told him about this. It’s just a thing he learns later. He knew about the like trauma that the Quincies have as a whole and the genocide they went through because of Uryu. But it’s been a sort of distant thing. And now he’s learning oh actually you’re a Quincy too and like your mom has this complicated thing going on with how she was raised. Because of what she is. This all just kind of being dumped in an arc where the ancestral father of the Quincies has gone “Oh yeah I like rule all Quincies and have weird blood based mind control basically yo”.

I said, again. That I’m mixed. The rest is a european stew and most of that is like something I am extremely disconnected from. With one exception. And that one is the Ukrainian side of the family. Growing up I didn’t really know about this much. The word “Ukrainian” was used but was never talked in any more detail than like “Oh we’re part Scottish, family is from Nova Scotia too”. But like in terms of things that we’ve got foodwise. A lot of it’s Ukrainian foods. Things like pierogi, cabbage rolls, etc. We had weird things about food. We always had more food than anyone else. We had a particular love of imperishables in specific and hoarded those. There was a strong emphasis on not wasting any food. Extremely strong. And we’re always eating. Always. Think Kyoko from Madoka levels of constantly snacking. We also hated Russia and communists. This I didn’t think much of because most Americans do. But like. My family had and still has a particularly strong hatred for it. One that when I compare it to like general worries burns far, far hotter.

I learned, in my teens, that my family went to Canada. I learned when they did. And I was able to finally piece two and two together with that whole Holodomor thing. The Ukrainian genocide by the USSR. No one told me about this. That we were refugees. It was just a thing I learned much later on in life. Just like oh wow huh. We’ve got like this generational trauma thing that literally no one talked about. Something that’s just dropped in my lap later on in life and I have to figure out how to cope with this sudden new info of like “Oh yeah by the way we were almost murdered by a genocidal regime that happened and that’s why we collect cans of food.”

So we have this moment of Ichigo perfectly synthesizing those two halves. The spooky, scary monster but it isn’t actually monstrous half from his father. The suddenly learned in your late teens that your family were victims of a genocide side from his mother. And he combines them together. He admits that he’s still not too good at things. That he’s still figuring things out. But he’s able to look at them both head on. He’s able to figure out how they interact. How to combine them together. Because he’s both. He’s both and he’s still him and being both is part of why he’s him and why he’s still him.

Given like my life. My experience. This hits really hard. It means a lot. I do get why people go “Oh well it’s just bullshit. Ichigo is just all these things already and then he learns that he’s also a Quincy? What the fuck!” Because like, yes, it does seem very “Oh look how special he is” and it does get used to give him special super powers. But I look at it and I just see me. The person having to untangle weird fucked up self hatred towards one part of me. The person having to untangle that so much of my behavior draws back to this trauma no one felt I had any need to know about. And the person who has to find out how to meld that all together and to accept it all.

At some point I’d like to look into this more formally. Less personally. Grabbing stuff from the comic. Pointing out how Ichigo just assumed he was like just Japanese. Talking about that with quotes and stuff and bringing other works and writers and what not. But for now I suppose this will do. Ichigo’s a mixed kid. And one whose ultimate power comes from untangling that all and melding it together. That means things to me.

[slytherinbangchan]

F*ckboy!Changbin!

Blog’s masterlist

Warnings: Smut.

Last member of this series

Word count: 2.2k

-There's this guy at work.

-He's very nice and cute.

-And handsome.

-Voice deeper than the sea.

-And you have no idea how to approach him.

-You're also kinda scared he's like his friends.

-They come visit him very often.

-You have the weirdest ice cream flavours in town in the shop.

-But they always ask for strawberry, plain chocolate or stuff like that.

-But that's not the part you're afraid of.

-You've never seen them with the same girl more than once.

-They love playing with girls and each one of them has their own way.

-Like a rol.

-Jisung is the cute one, innocent looking. Actually not innocent at all.

-Bangchang, well... Rumour has it if you have a daddy kink this is your guy.

-Hyunjin, this guy. He just knows everything about playing. You'll be on his bed before you even notice.

-Minho, he will make you beg for it. At least hat's what your friends say.

-Then there's Changbin.

-Nobody knows a lot about Changbin.

-He never spends more than half a day at most with the same girl.

-So not a lot of info comes out of them.

-You've watched him for a while now.

-Cause he's always coming to the counter to talk to Felix when the guys visit the ice cream shop.

-And that's weird.

-Cause he would stay there talking to him while the others go find a table.

-And you're the one obsessed with Felix, not him.

-Right?

-Anyway, if Felix is even a bit like his friends you'll lose your interest.

-But you don't know yet.

-You're not a shy person.

-But the minute Felix is in front of you, listening to what you have to say. You become one.

-Is not that you don't have experience at all with guys.

-You've dated a fair amount.

-He's just so handsome.

-It's not fair cause even knowing how his friends are.

-You don't feel intimidated by any of them.

-That's why, these last weeks you've been thinking about something.

-And maybe now it's the time.

-The guys are there.

-Changbin is waiting for Felix to come back from taking some trash out or something.

-Not your first option but...

-He's a little intimidating honestly. Still you feel like you are able to speak in front of him.

-So that should do the trick.

-'Hey' you say.

-He almost drop his ice cream and you laugh.

-'You okay?' you ask.

-'You scared me'.

-'Yeah, I saw.'

-'What do you want?' He's looking at his phone instead of you.

-'Well, I'm just gonna be blunt'. You say. 'I need your help'.

-'My help?'

-'Yeah. My shift is over in 10 minutes. Can we talk privately then?'

-He's looking at you now. 'I guess'.

-'Great'

-You see Felix and Changbin talking about... You probably cause Changbin is pointing at your direction.

-You're leaving the apron and everything at the back when you see Felix walking towards you.

-Your only wish right now is not to blush in front of him.

-But probb you already did.

-'Hey, Changbin told me you're meeting him now? I didn't know you like him'.

-'What? Omg I don't'. You chuckle. 'I just wanted to ask him something'.

-'You don't? Are you sure? He's a great guy'.

-Is he tho?

-You laugh uneasily.

-'Well, go, don't make him wait'.

-You walk with Changbing to a park.

-He's not saying a lot even when you're trying to know him a little before asking him for the favour.

-'Can we sit somewhere?' He asks.

-'Sure...'

-He sits on a bench and you just stand in front of him. 'Anyway... About what I wanted to ask...'

-'You like Felix'.

-'Huh?' you're blushing.

-'He told me he thinks you like me but it's him, right?

-'Well, yeah...'

-'And what am I supossed to do about it?'

-He sounds kinda harsh.

-'I was thinking maybe you could tell me some things about him?'

-'Like what?'

-'What kind of person would he date? Would he think about me like that at all?'

-He chuckles. ' Why don't you just ask him out? You look nice'.

-'Ugh I can't. I get so nervous in front of him. I don't understand why. Never happened to me before.'.

-'Never? That's weird. Try talking to me like I was him'

-'What? No way. That's embarrassing'.

-'Who cares? There's only me here'.

-You look at him in silence for a minute.

-'y/n?'

-'I can't'.

-He laughs. 'That's amazing'.

-'No, it's not! What am I gonna dooo?'

-He laughs again. 'Nothing I guess. Is not like you're going to practice with me untill you can speak in front of him'.

-You look at him as you actually think about it.

-He frowns. 'What?'

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

-So, you spend every evening of the next week with Changbin.

-And it's so much more fun than you expected.

-He's nice, and cute.

-And so patient with you.

-You don't understand how this same guy is the one your friends talk about.

-With the dark aura.

-That guy who can't stand another human being besides his friends for more than 6hours or so.

-The guy who would dump any girl right away after he's got what he wanted.

-But anyway.

-It's monday now and Changbin appears at the end of your shift once again.

-You hear Felix asking him if you two are dating.

-He laughs and says you're not his type at all.

-Then Felix says he thinks you're cute.

-Why are you annoyed tho?

-You don't mention it anyway.

-Just go home with Changbin so you can practice one more time.

-But you can't stand looking at him right now.

-How could he say you're not his type at all? With that voice he made?

-So mean.

-'Something is wrong'. He says.

-'What? Nonsense'.

-'What is it? Did Felix ask you again about us dating?

-'I told you nothing's wrong'. You go to the kitchen and grab a couple glasses and some red wine.

-'What's that for?' He asks.

-'Here'. You hand him one of the glasses and pour the wine. 'I need it for today's rehearsal'.

-'Okay...' He takes a sip.

-You sit on the tea table in front of him sipping nonstop.

-'Hey, easy'.

-But you don't say a word, neither you stop drinking.

-You're just watching him watching you.

-And there's a ton of thoughts travelling inside your head right now.

-You just can't forget about what he said earlier to Felix.

-You're pissed about it.

-Maybe you are drinking too quickly.

-That wine going to your head so fast. 'Ok, let's start'. You say, standing up.

-He stays there seated.

-'Great'. He leaves the cup on the table and looks at you. 'Hey y/n g'day mate'.

-That makes you smile a little. 'Hey, Felix'.

-'Wow, what are you doing here in my house half naked y/n?'

-He always jokes like that at first.

-He did it the first time to break the ice and now he does it every time you start the convo.

-And it may be the wine, may be the fact that you're still annoyed and need to prove yourself something.

-But you take off your shoes and your pants.

-Now you're just on your underwear and shirt.

-He's blushing. 'What are you doing?' he asks.

-You say no word about it, just crawl on top of him.

-Straddling him.

-Your face getting closer to his.

-'y/n...' He sounds serious.

-You sigh. 'Sorry. I thought we could practice some other situations too'.

-'I think you're kinda drunk' He chuckles.

-'Sure'. You stand up and go put on your pants again. 'maybe we should call it off for tonight'. You say.

-'Oh, ok. See you tomorrow then?'

-You nod.

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

-You didn't sleep at all last night.

-Just coudn't stop cringing at yourself.

-Now you're cleaning around at the shop.

-'y/n?'

-'Huh?' You turn to look at Felix who has been calling you for a while'.

-'Changbin is here' he says. 'Don't you wanna go say hi?'

-'Ah, nah. It's okay'. You say as you keep with the cleaning.

-'Did you guys fight or something?

-You look at him. 'Nah... Seriously it's nothing Felix. Thank you for worrying anyway'.

-Awesome. The first time you can actually talk to him and you’re in such a shitty mood.

-Your shift ends.

-You don't even know why you're going home with Changbin again.

-He's trying to keep a conversation but the words won't let your mouth even if you'd like to.

-As soon as you enter your house he speaks again.

-This time your words won't be having any trouble to leave.

-He sighs.

-'I'm sorry I didn't play along when you wanted to practice that other situation yesterday'.

-'No, I understand. It must be disgusting'.

-'What?'

-'You know, since 'I'm not your type at all'.

-'You heard that?'

-'Yeah!'

-'Okay, so? It was Felix asking me, I thought you wouldn't want him to think there was something between us'.

-'Sure'

-'What? You don't believe me?

-'It sounded pretty honest to me'.

-He scoffs. 'Well. Why do you care anyway?'

-'I don't'.

-'Doesn't sound like you don't'.

-You let out a frustrated sigh. 'Yeah I know that. I don't understand it either'.

-He sighs again. 'Look, I'm sorry. I just wanted and want to help you. But you were drunk and I thought you may regret it'.

-'I know...'

-'So let me help you now if you'd still like that'. He sits again. Same place as the night before. 'Come here. Let's try that thing you wanted'.

-You blush.

-You didn't want to practice anything the night before.

-You just wanted to see if he actually hated the idea of dating you that bad.

-'We don't have to do that anymore'. You say. 'I just wanted to check something'.

-He smiles. 'I know that'.

-You blush even harder.

-'You know?'

-He nods and offers his hand so you would sit astride him again.

-You can't look at him in the eyes once you're on his lap.

-'I think you were leaning over me' He says.

-You slowly lean over.

-Your heart beating faster.

-He's just letting you doing whatever.

-Not moving at all.

-Your lips so close to his.

-Finally you look at him in the eyes, like asking for permission.

-He smiles and end up with the little distance left.

-Such a soft and sweet kiss.

-You pull away slowly, not taking your eyes off his.

-He puts away a lock of your hair as he looks at you too.

-'I don't think I like Felix anymore'. You say.

-He smiles sweetely. 'Good'. He carresses your face with the back of his hand. 'I hope you like me tho'.

-You laugh and kiss him again.

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

-You talked till you fell asleep on his arms last night.

-And you're seeing him tonight aswell.

-Felix has been poking you the whole day.

-You kinda feel relieved you can talk to him normally now.

-Like he's really a good guy.

-It's nice being able to do that without blushing and shaking.

-Changbin comes pick you up just in time.

-You almost climb the counter to kiss him.

-And he's just smiling all the time.

-'I thought she wasn't your type' Felix jokes.

-Changbin laughs. 'Maybe you heard wrong and I said she was totally my type'.

-'Yeah, that must be it'. He laughs too.

-It's time to go home now.

-You'll eat something and kiss till you fall asleep again probably.

-Next day you go to his house.

-You're kissing.

-Your hands on his hair.

-It's been three days where you've been building up some sexual tension.

-You start grinding on him almost unconsciously.

-A sweet bite on his neck.

-He's so hard.

-You can feel it perfectly from there.

-He let's out a little moan and tries to stop you from moving anymore.

-'y/n, wait'.

-'Did I hurt you or something?' you ask.

-'No, it's not that'

-You keep moving your hips, grinding on him.

-'Fuck' he throws back his head as his hands grasp on your thighs.

-A moan scaping his lips once again.

-He's blushing. 'Fuck. y/n I'm sorry'.

-You look at him wondering what he's talking about.

-Then he looks down and you follow him.

-A dark patch on his pants.

-You cup his face and kiss him.

-'Ok, Changbin, tell me the truth. Are you a virgin?' You ask and he laughs.

-'I'm not, I'm sorry. It's just... It's been a long time'.

-You tilt your head like a confused puppy.

-'But you're a fuckboy'.

-What?? No, I'm not?' He laughs again. 'Bangchan and the others are. I'm just there, like Felix. That's why I talk to him the most.

-'But you date a lot of girls'.

-'Well, yeah but I don't fuck them... If they're not interesting to me I just end it'.

-'That actually explains a lot' you laugh.

-'I'm glad you got your answers' he smiles and you can't help but kiss him.

-'Anyway' I guess there's no case. We'll have to fuck countless times till you're all trained again.

-He chuckles and kisses you. 'Well, I'm getting hard already just having you here.

-You smile as he moves you around a little.

-He leaves a tiny bite on your lower lip. 'So, where were we?'

-F*ckboy Jisung 

-Fuckboy!Hyunjin

-Fuckboy!Bangchan

-Fuckboy!Minho

[goose1083]

These are my notes for the second episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I’m so sorry these are so long this time. I had a lot of questions and long comments. Also, if you haven’t checked out the first one of these, go do that. I explain some basic things that would seem weird otherwise.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Notes

First | Previous | Next

Season 1, Episode 2: “The Harvest”

There goes the narrator again

Great teamwork, guys

Oh, RIP Jesse. F’s in chat for him, guys

Title still hasn’t changed to the iconic look we know

Quick question: everyone headbands to the theme song as much as I do, right? Cause like, this time, I feared I’d hit my head against the wall when I did it, so I just need to validate my actions

I feel that instead of having that depressed gothic teen, they just have Giles instead

Buffy, was that suppose to make them feel better, cause it didn’t really seem like it

Also, Buffy stole the words out of my brain, Willow you are sitting

Thanks Giles, that made complete sense

So I talked to my dad about Darla and he said that it seemed like they wanted Darla to be a teenager but then made her an adult instead unless that came from group chat I can’t remember

I totally thought the Master was going to say House of Mouse

Okay, but cutting back and forth for info dumps are really effective, especially for me, an adhd person who can lose focus fairly quickly

That right, Xander, don’t be stereotypical. Don’t assume vampires turn to bats. Dracula’s the exception, not the norm

Look at everyone contributing a little to finding the vampires location. See, Xander’s not all dumb, just somewhat

If Scooby-Doo taught me anything, it’s that being bait is just as bad as being food

Also, what’s this advanced technology in the 1990s

Also, thanks Joss for saying mentally challenged. There are so many worse words you could’ve put in but you didn’t👏👏👏👏

Now there’s the reality of public schools

But seriously, who’s he kidding? I bet kids leave campus all the time, they did at my high school

Also, why is the gate open if it’s a closed campus? Why was it left open? Is it so close to the beginning of the day that the custodians hadn’t quite gotten around to closing it yet, and if it’s not, then that raises so many more questions

I thinks it’s cool how Xander’s character develops over time. Like, I can see him struggling with the idea that a man is supposed to be doing the hard work and saving, but later, he’s very content with staying on the sideline for the most part and letting Buffy do all the work

Hi Angel

They already set up the tension between the two, don’t they?

Again, Buffy, do you really think no one is going to notice the door?

I think Angel had friends once but once he got turned, he lost them through fear and time

Ah, of course, the harvest is going to start right under the school

Awww, he already cares so much about her

Wait, did Xander hear the conversation between Buffy and Angel, including his good luck?

Also, how was Xander able to leave but not Buffy? I smell sexism in this thing....and also the fact that Xander has been to the school for a year or two at this point

Also, what was the interaction between Angel and Xander like if Xander followed her?

Xander, don’t you dare disrespect chem class! Chem is the best science out of all of them, excluding computer science. Chem and computer are tied for the sciences

Interesting bonding moment between Buffy and Xander

Hi me

Omg they’re programming and in Linux no less!! Which makes sense cause they didn’t have much in the 90s

Okay, but she wasn’t screaming, the only one who screamed was me

I love how the guy just randomly joined in

Weren’t you just asking your friend to find out what Willow was doing, also she wasn’t talking at all???

Why is other me the complete opposite of actual me. She can’t code, doesn’t know what keys mean versus I can code kind of complicated things, knows how to do basic things like save, etc.

Also, my soul hurt so much watching her hit that delete key smh😔

That’s morbid, Buffy

Round of applause to my boy Jesse who feigned death to get a surprise attack on future attacker, though it didn’t quite work

Yes, I sure someone heard that

Why do their eyes and claws grow in the dark?

Oh, Jesse, you did suck her blood

Why is closing the door so hard for her? She’s supposed to be super strong

Don’t leave the door, Xander, you wait till the escape is ready

Of course, they end up at the power plant

Tbh that whole tunnel segment was pretty underwhelming. You’d think there would be a big fight but no, just some vent crawling

I know that Colin wasn’t gonna go by unscathed but damn, finger to the eye and no response to it. That a strong vampire. Also, thanks for sparing us the image of a finger to the eye. I can handle some gore but it still unsettles me, and many other people are more sensitive than I, so yeah

Only Giles would think murder is great

I rather wish it wasn’t coming together, either

🎵I can see what’s happening, and they don’t have a clue🎵

I’m sorry but isn’t that kind of cannibalism

Hey look, it’s Rafiki putting the blood on simba’s forehead, right? That’s how it goes in the movie?

Xander, don’t take it out on the recycling bin next to the copier/printer(?)

Also, Willow seems pretty non-phased hearing Jesse’s gone. Guess she didn’t really see him as a friend

Really, we’re already doing the end-of-the-world thing?

He has a fidget spinner on his head that or a bad ninja star, seeing as those have 4 points

Of course, the one good place in town, just where I’m gonna be, and all the action and drama is going to take place there, perfect

Oh look, it’s the leather jacket or at least a leather jacket. I mean with her lifestyle, I’m sure she went through multiple of those

But Joyce, it’s literally the end of the world

Is the word I’m looking for “je ne sais quoi–” oh no, it’s cars

Hey, this is kind of a good song

I love how vampirism give you an ultimate swag, even if you didn’t have it before

Hey, this song is also really good

Oh god, the slow mo walk

Apparently, vampirism also gives you the desire for theatratics

See, you can not tell me that was overly dramatic

Why is he groping her while he feeds

Come on, let him have me

How did no one hear the glass?

Buffy’s so cool with those backflips and roundhouses and all of it

Giles, how could you lose that easily to a girl? Granted, he didn’t know she was there but still

Shouldn’t Darla be dead and like not look as pretty in the future cause of that holy water?

Wow, they really just gave Jesse the accidental death, huh?

Nice deception, Buffy

Nice power shot, Buffy

Aww, Angel’s impressed

Is it just me, or is the wrap up of the fight lacking something? maybe singing

You’re right, Xander, nothing’s ever gonna be the– oh okay just cut to a perfectly normal day at school. That’s fine

Why does Willow sound kind of off here? Like, it’s not her voice or they had to redub her lines cause it didn’t pick up right when they recorded I don’t know it’s just seems weird to me

Yup, Giles is the gothic depressed teen

I love these ways of getting kicked out

Omg the mummy! Did they not have that in the first one or is it just me

No, they did. I went back. I guess I just missed it or just didn’t react to it the first time

Taglist:

@highonbandcandy @calraisin @really-really-slowly @towersofsong @morespinach @therealmadblonde @bothersome-bitch

[theshatteredrose]

Turquoise Lotus Father (Treasure Seekers Saga 2) - Chapter 7 - Etrian Odyssey 5 Fanfiction

AN: Another chapter done and dusted! A bit of an info-dump, perhaps, but the next chapters should be fun :3c Anyway, hope you enjoy and do let me know what you think~

EDIT: Added a title banner to make things look fancy and add to the illusion that I am a professional.

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFNet

Chapter 7:

Drayce sat at his grandfather's desk. Rather, his desk now, and cast an eye over an assortment of scrolls and maps. They were quite old, the most of them. Perhaps from the era of the Legendary War. They appear to indicate the labyrinth, but they couldn't be blindly trusted. After all, the Legendary War occurred over a thousand years ago. Thing change, new paths created while old ones were overtaken by nature.

There were a few oddities that garnered a closer look. But, unfortunately, there was only so much he could do in his office. In order to ensure the legitimacy of a map, he had to get out into the field. And he couldn’t exactly do that yet.

If nothing else, he was reassured that there were more than three floors to the labyrinth.

The door to the office suddenly creaked open and a certain green-haired fusspot stood on the threshold, his hand upon the door handle. “There you are.”

“Hey, Ash,” Drayce greeted as Ashton walked further into the room and stood before him on the other side of the desk.

“You certainly move quickly, don’t you?” he commented as he motioned to the scrolls and parchments scattered across the lengthen of the desk.

Drayce laughed as he rolled up a map idly in his hands. “It was just mere coincidence that we bumped into them.”

Ashton folded his arms across his chest. Though his expression was passive, the tightness of his lips indicated something else. “Coincidence, huh?”

Drayce stilled to study the other man for a moment. “…You sound suspicious,” he pointed out as he swivelled in his chair to face him completely. “Tokala and Salim are perfectly benign.”

“Oh, it’s not them I’m worried about,” Ashton returned swiftly. He, however, uttered a sigh quickly after and shook his head. “There’s nothing that can be helped now. Just be careful, alright?”

Good ol’ Ash. Always worrying and fussing.

“I’ll be careful,” Drayce promised in an attempt to pacify the dedicated caretaker. “Now shoo, go check on Shashi.”

Ashton dropped his arms from his chest and moved toward the door. He paused, however, and turned to regard him once more. “I’ll check in on you later, too.” He then turned and walked out the door, leaving it ajar behind him.

…Why did that sound like a threat?

Drayce just shook his head as he leaned back in his chair. Ashton had always been overly cautious, especially when that concern was directed to Drayce and his family. But he felt that Ashton had the right to be more cautious than usual.

He couldn’t help but think back to those bandits. Especially that Keane person. Something about him…was unsettling. He gave off a rather predatory vibe. The guy was likely an opportunist. Striking at any sign of weakness.

Drayce was pulled from his musings by the sound of a soft knock at his office door. Huh? Another visitor? Man, he was popular at the moment.

The door creaked open a second later and Zohar appeared much like Ashton had done moments before. “Sorry for the intrusion.”

“Zohar, hey,” Drayce greeted with a smile as he leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on the desk. “Nah, you’re not intruding. Just milling about thinking.”

“Yes,” Zohar said as he offered him a small smile and stepped into the room. He allowed the door to slip close behind him as he approached the desk. “Remarkable that you discovered another treasure to search for so quickly.”

“It is,” Drayce quickly agreed before he fell silent for a moment. And sighed as he pushed himself to his feet. “…You’re suspicious, too, huh?”

Zohar didn’t seem surprised by the response. “Ah, you’ve had this talk?”

Drayce walked out from behind his desk, leaving the parchments and scrolls alone for the time being. “Sort of. Ashton doesn’t believe in coincidences.”

“Everything that we’ve encountered feels perfectly benevolent,” Zohar stated before a frown tugged at his lips. “And yet there is this underlying sense that we might not be alone in this discovery.”

Drayce paused in front of his guildmate. “…You felt someone else watching?”

“Faintly.”

“Bandits?”

Zohar uttered a short sigh and a shake of his head, disappointed. “I do not know.”

Drayce felt a little bit of disappointment, too. Not toward Zohar, though. Of course not. Just…disappointed that they may have someone following them through their latest hunt, and they didn’t know who they could be.

“I see.”

Zohar took a short step forward and lifted his hand, to gently take Drayce’s chin in his hand. He tilted Drayce’s head back ever so slightly so that he could look down upon him and Drayce to look up toward him. Having such eye contact should be awkward, and yet…it wasn’t. Neither was their physical proximity to each other.

“You best be careful.”

Drayce offered a small smile, honestly heartened by his concern for him. “I don’t think I’m the one they’re after.”

“Why focus on one when you can have both?” Zohar unexpectedly returned as his eyes narrowed slightly.

That caught Drayce off guard. “Huh?”

Zohar just shook his head as he trailed his fingers along Drayce’s jawline before he allowed his hand to fall limply by his side. “Just take care.”

“I will,” Drayce immediately returned. As if in an attempt to reassure the other so he would not worry for him.

Zohar offered a small smile. “I’ll leave you be, then.”

“Ah, sure,” Drayce said simply and watched as Zohar turned around and walked to the door. He opened it and the door surprisingly quiet. Or perhaps he couldn’t hear it because of his heart unexpectedly pulsating in his ears.

He stayed rooted to the spot as the door closed before him. He subconsciously lifted his hand to touch his jawline, where Zohar had trailed his fingertips across so gently. He had a habit of taking a hold of Drayce’s chin like that. He didn’t dislike it. It startled him when it first happened, but that wasn’t a negative thing. He just…couldn’t help but feel that there was something else to it.

What that was, he didn’t know.

He had…quite the gentle touch.

Though…there was something else that actually bothered him. What did Zohar mean by having both? Tokala’s necklace was what was needed to open the chest and Salim himself admitted that the necklace had drawn the attention of a few less than honourable type.

Drayce shook his head to clear it. There was…there was no point in wondering about it for the time being.

There was also little more he could do in both his office and drawing room. His best bet was to head to the library to see how their research was holding up.

Promising to himself that he would tidy up his desk later, Drayce walked out of his office and out onto the third floor of his guildhouse. As the door fell shut behind him, he heard the sound of footsteps. He turned to his left to find Fiorello trotting up the stairs. When his gaze fell upon Drayce in return, an impish smile appeared on his lips.

“Well, this is something,” he said as he paced over to Drayce, his hands folded casually behind his back. “I decide to leave you alone in the labyrinth for one day and you come home with two newcomers and a potential treasure.”

Drayce laughed and sent the botanist a smile. “Yup. Treasure hunter to the very core.”

Fiorello nodded his head idly as his gaze shifted over to the doors of the library. They were both open fully and they could see a few of the others milling about. In particular, they could see a certain redheaded Masurao.

“Well, Caelem certainly seems excited about it all,” Fiorello commented, that cheeky smile of his in place.

Drayce just had to smile warmly. “He’s coming out of his shell, isn’t he? It’s good to see.”

“So is Zohar,” Fiorello unexpectedly added with a light sense of pride in his voice. “I’m actually relieved.”

Drayce’s cheeks tingled unexpectedly at the thought of the necromancer, but he brushed it aside. “I…am, too.”

Fiorello chuckled to himself and patted Drayce on the leg before he folded his hands behind his back and made to move toward the library. “You’re a good kid. I’m glad that Zohar was able to meet someone like you.”

For some reason, Drayce abruptly remembered Salim uttering something about an odd guy. And he couldn’t help but feel that he was talking about him. “…Fio, am I really that much of an oddity?” he found himself asking before he could reconsider.

Fiorello immediately stopped and turned around to face him. “Now, there’s nothing wrong with being a little odd.”

Drayce shook his head. “That’s not-”

“You really are a good kid,” Fiorello interrupted, his tone somehow light yet serious. “Don’t change.” With that, he turned around and headed toward the library once more.

“Ah, ok?” Drayce muttered lamely in return.

Thankfully, Drayce didn’t have time to ponder on that train of thought. The sound of someone marching up the stairs caught his attention and he turned around in time to spy Blayke. With Nashoba by his side like a good little wolf, Blayke appeared slightly antsy but relaxed all the same.

“Hey, Blayke,” Drayce greeted as the fencer reached the top step. “How’s things outside?”

“Quiet for the most part,” Blayke answered and motioned toward the calm white wolf next to him. “Nashoba hadn’t reacted.”

Ah, good. Nashoba was sure to react to anything that made him uneasy.

“How’s things in the library?” Blayke asked as his gaze immediately darted in the direction of said room.

“Just heading there myself,” Drayce said as he began to walk, Blayke immediately falling in step with him. “Been in the office going through some old maps. Man, I really need to get my butt into gear and clean the drawing room. Scrolls and maps are literally everywhere.”

Blayke snorted. “It’s a room for treasure hunters. Of course it is.”

Drayce chuckled. Wow, rude. It was likely true, but still rude.

“Hey guys!” Drayce both greeted and announced.

Caelem responded first by practically bounding over to him, excitement clearly seen in his voice, face, and mannerisms. “Drayce! W-we might have found something.”

“Wow, really?” Drayce returned, both surprised yet not so much. If there was a book that would be of use in the library, Shashi was sure to find it.

“Yes, a bit of information on the Turquoise Lotus Father himself,” Shashi explained as he stood before the table that was once against covered in books and tomes. Hopefully that piece of furniture had sturdy legs on it.

“I’m all ears,” Drayce said as he walked over to the table.

“Very well.” Shashi picked up a rather large but old book and rested it in the crook of his arm as he carefully flipped through the pages with his hand. “It seems that the Turquoise Lotus Father was a young therian who, by his own admission, had no intention of becoming a masurao warrior. He was content to live the life of a rover but was pulled into the Legendary War for a reason that is currently unclear. He took up the blade in order to rescue someone. Who that person was is also unclear. But from the mentioning of Blade Brothers, another title referred to the Turquoise Lotus Father, indicates that he may have had a sibling.”

“Brother…?” Drayce felt a sharp pain in the centre of his chest and his hand instinctively shot up to grasp at the material of his shirt. Where the pain suddenly hit him. He quickly forced his hand back down to his side, however, and ignored that increasingly familiar feeling of…longing whenever the word “brother” was mentioned.

He didn’t…he didn’t understand why that word hurt so much…

“There’s more,” Caelem continued, thankfully not noticing when Drayce flinched. “It seems that the reason why he was called the Turquoise Lotus Father was because his blade, the Shining Lotus as it was called, held a turquoise crystal and glowed with a light that was a turquoise in colour.”

“So, his symbol was a turquoise lotus?” Blayke questioned. “Then why was Tokala’s pendent a red stone?”

“That is a good question,” Shashi said as he idly flipped through the pages of the book. It appeared as that question had occurred to him before, too. “This is just speculation at the moment but it may symbolise his brother.”

Caelem’s ear flicked as a frown marred his features. “In my village I’ve never heard anything about a brother though…”

There were likely a few reasons why that was so. “Maybe the brother didn’t want to be known?”

Caelem immediately perked up. “Like with Aura?”

“Exactly,” Drayce grinned at Caelem before he turned his attention back to Shashi. “What of the parchment?”

Shashi placed the book down upon the desk and motioned toward another table. A smaller one where the parchment, along with the treasure chest and the red lotus pendant, sat securely within the centre. “We are still searching for ways to reveal the mana hidden inside.”

Drayce walked over to the table to glance down at the contents. “Tokala’s necklace opened it. Could it also be the key to revealing the hidden messages?”

“We’ve tried that and unfortunately there was only a slight reaction,” Shashi answered with a sense of disappointment and mild annoyance in his voice. “Not enough to reveal anything.”

So, they got themselves another stubborn piece of parchment, huh?

Drayce held his chin as he mused to himself for a moment, idly eying off the necklace. “A reaction, huh? Maybe it needs an energy boost. If this is connected to a time before and during the Legendary War then it’s quite old.”

Shashi took a second or two to consider that. “Very true. I’ll have Ashton and Kamali search the archives for more information,” he mused aloud. “Any luck in the drawing room?”

“Afraid not,” Drayce answered honestly as he turned to face the sigil expert. “I did find a half-completed map of the second floor. Its dimensions seemed skewed to me, though. Not sure if it’s reliable for how the floor is at present. There is something of interest though. I’ll keep studying it.”

Shashi nodded his head before he turned on his heel to venture back toward the overflowing bookcases. Where Ashton and Kamali already dwelled, shifting through the mountains of books. “We’ll return to our research as well.”

Drayce was about so say something about not working too hard and remembering to take breaks every now and again, but he knew it would fall on deaf ears. And, well, it wasn’t like he followed his own advice, right?

Drayce turned to venture back to his office when his gaze fell upon their two new guests. He honestly forgot they were there for a moment. Though, it probably shouldn’t be that much of a surprise? Blayke and Ashton wouldn’t be surprised. They’d probably have some kind of sassy, sarcastic quip about it.

“Man,” Salim muttered as he leaned back in his chair located close to the doors and folded his arms behind his head. “There’s a whole lot of doing nothing when it comes to treasure hunting, huh?”

“There’s a lot going on here,” Drayce tisked and walked over to him. “It’s called treasure hunting for a reason.”

On the edge of the chair next to Salim, Tokala appeared alert and energetic. “I think this is all really interesting.”

Salim stretched his legs out in front of him. “Not me. I’m getting bored here.”

Drayce couldn’t really blame him. And he understood the need to do always be doing something. “Why don’t you head into the basement for some training? Heck, visit the back garden. You might find a rabid acorn or two out there.”

Salim gave him a sceptical look, though made no attempt to move. “Eh? Seriously?”

“There’s also a fishing pond so feel free to go fishing.”

That got Salim moving. “Now you’re talking,” he said with eagerness as he pushed himself to his feet.

Drayce was somewhat surprised. “Hm? You’re a fisher? You don’t seem the type.”

Salim sent him a toothy grin as he idly stretched and flexed the muscles in his arms. “Don’t get me wrong, sitting around and doing nothing does my head in. But if the end result is food that Tokala cooks, then I’m all for it!”

Tokala laughed as he, too, sprung to his feet. “Speaking of cooking; can I see your kitchen? I love cooking.”

“Sure, go ahead. I’ll get Blayke to show Salim the garden and Faelen can show Tokala around the kitchen.”

As Drayce called over to both Blayke and Faelen, he couldn’t help but notice that Tokala and Salim seemed a lot more relaxed then they were when they first arrived. It was good to see, honestly. Dayce didn’t like leaving others feeling stressed or anxious.

As the four (well, five since Nashoba trotted along with Faelen) left the room, Drayce moved to leave, too. However, as he stepped just beyond the threshold of the library, a hand on his shoulder pulled him to a stop.

“Drayce.”

Drayce felt a bubble of concern unexpectedly settle in his chest upon hearing the voice. It wasn’t the owner of the voice that bothered him, rather the tone of the voice; soft but urgent.

“Zohar?” he questioned.

“Let’s speak in your office,” Zohar replied quickly. “I have information that might be useful also. But I didn’t wish to speak it in front of the others.”

That was a little bit concerning.

“Sure, ok,” Drayce immediately replied.

Noting that the others were still busy and distracted in the library, Drayce led the way to the office. He stopped just to let Zohar step in first out of curtesy, but Zohar placed his hand against his back and ushered him in before him.

“What’s wrong?” Drayce asked in concern the moment Zohar closed the door behind them.

Zohar turned to face him. Though his expression was stoic, Drayce could, well, feel that he was worried about something. “The name Shining Lotus is familiar to me.”

“You know what it is?” Drayce asked.

“Not completely certain,” Zohar answered with a shake of his head. “But I do know, from my previous research, that it had an opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

Zohar sighed before he explained. “The blade Shining Lotus was believed to be able to cut through all darkness, bringing light to all, cutting them from their ties to their past. But another was jealous of the blade’s beauty and power so tried to create another blade that was grander in every way. However, due to the sword master’s jealousy and lower vibrational energies, the blade instead become filled with darkness and spite. The exact opposite of what the Shining Lotus was believed to be.”

Drayce drew in a sharp breath. “That’s…”

Zohar gave another shake of his head. A frown that was a mixture of frustration and disappointment marred his lips. “I’m afraid I do not know anything more than that.”

“I see.” It took Drayce a little while to allow everything he had learnt to sink in and he, too, felt a light sense of worry. Though he didn’t have all that much information, or even a name for the blade, but it was Zohar’s reaction that concerned him the most.

“Do…do you think there’s a chance that if we locate more information on the Turquoise Lotus Father or even the Shining Lotus, we’ll discover information on this…dark blade, too?”

Zohar paused for a moment. “Possibly. From what I remember the blade is exceptionally dangerous. And was wielded by someone who fought alongside the Despot.”

“Oh.”

That was why he was so worried. Unexpectedly stumbling across the dark blade rather than the holier Shining Lotus was something they needed to avoid at all costs. Not to mention, not letting anyone else find it either.

“The Despot had generals, didn’t he?” Drayce winced. “I understand why you didn’t want to say that in front of Caelem and Tokala. Shashi would want to know, though.”

“I will speak with him and Ashton later,” Zohar promised.

“Yes, please do,” Drayce immediately replied and offered the necromancer a grateful smile. “And thanks for telling me. If you remember anything else let me know immediately, ok?”

“Of course.” Zohar offered him a small smile, clearly relieved to get it off of his chest.

As he turned to leave, however, Drayce felt the unexpected urge to have him stay with him for a few moments longer.

“Ah, before you go,” Drayce called out before he paused, his mind attempting to find an excuse or something. “You, ah, you’ve gathered materials from the second floor, right? What can we get from there?”

Zohar regarded him curiously for a moment before he offered him another small, gentle smile. “Brown tubber, lotus fruit, and skunk cabbage from what I can remember.”

“Lotus fruit, huh?”

“It does match the theme,” Zohar returned with a light sense of dry amusement in his voice.

Drayce uttered a laugh. “It does. It might be useful. If not, Fiorello was sure to make something useful from it.”

“Ah, so we’ll be returning to the labyrinth tomorrow?” Zohar questioned.

“I would like to, yes.” Drayce sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Shashi and Ashton are the researchers of the guild while we’re the explorers. I’m sure the others are already feeling antsy about not being able to do anything.”

“Very well,” Zohar agreed.

“So, ah, until then; want to help me with cleaning the drawing room?” Drayce awkwardly asked.

Zohar looked honestly surprised for a moment before an unreadable expression flickered across his face. Drayce thought, no rather feared he would say no, but Zohar offered him a small smile.

“Of course.”

And that brought a relieved smile to Drayce’s lips.

[hamletandthegang]

France- Part 3

A dark figure walked towards Horatio in the dark underground corridor. The old green-tinted light attached to the ceiling caste a chilling glare onto everything in the tunnel. Horatio jumped, startled, and his back hit the back of the step he was sitting on. 

“Hello,” A dark alto voice said. “Who are you?”

“Hi, uh, hi,” Horatio stood up awkwardly and met her gaze. It was sharp, and cut through him. “Where- um- Where did you come from?”

“I’ve been watching you for a few minutes from over there,” she jerked her thumb back where there was a scooping indent in the tunnel, but it had been so dark he hadn’t noticed her there. “Who are you?” She repeated.

“Uh, yeah, sorry, I’m Horatio Gilbert. Who are you?”

She pushed a piece of her bushy black hair out of her face, “I’m Maggie.”

“Cool,” Horatio said, starting to get weirded out about the random person talking to him. “Well, nice meeting you, but I think I’ll-”

“Not many people come down here,” She interrupted. “Not unless they’re hiding from something. What are you hiding from?”

Horatio was taken back by the question. “I dunno. The world, I guess.”

“Huh,” Maggie looked him over scrutinizingly. She finished her scan of him, and said, “Do you have a place to stay? It’s getting late.”

“Uh, not really. I thought I’d probably get a place at a hotel or something.” Horatio knew that was a lie- he had no money on him at all. He’d had nothing but his phone when he woke up that morning.

“Hotels are expensive around here,” Maggie mused, seeming to have read his mind. “I’ve got a little place where me and some friends are staying, if you wanna come stay for the night. There’s an extra bathtub waiting for you.” She sounded like she was joking, but there really was no way of telling. 

Horatio knew that he’d typically be appalled at the thought of staying at a random person’s house that he’d never met before, but in that moment, he had nothing. No roof, no food, no money, nothing. And he felt as though he could pass out. Maggie was offering at least a place to stay the night, before he could find somewhere else to go. 

Horatio agreed, and Maggie led him up to the street. She walked quickly, and since there was more light due to the streetlamps and shop lights, Horatio was able to get a better look at her. She was wearing black ripped up jeans, and a black leather jacket. She had on chunky tennis shoes, and had a small bag slung on her back. She had a dark complexion, with curly black hair that circled her head like a crown. She also had a silver nose piercing of a silver spike, and long glossy nails.

Horatio was still wearing the uniform that Laertes had given him back at the base. Somewhere along the way, he had lost his helmet. But he didn’t really care. He just hoped that Maggie didn’t know he was the reason the fire in Notre Dame was raging. Maybe she knew, and that was why she was taking him to her place. Maybe she would turn him in and he’d be dead. 

Maybe he deserved that. Maybe he should be.

He tried to stop thinking about that. This was his only hope of having a roof over his head. He had to take it. 

After a few minutes of walking, Maggie stopped and turned to look at Horatio. She was standing in front of a fancier hotel, and motioning toward the alley that led down the side of the building. Horatio pushed the red flags away and followed her. She hefted a large dumpster out of the way, behind which a ragged tarp was hiding a short door. Maggie held the tarp up over Horatio as he went inside, and she followed after. He stood up and looked around.

Horatio was standing in a compact room with shelves lining the room. The shelves were packed with cardboard boxes, and in the center of the room, a card table and a few foldable chairs stood. A woman with dark skin and pink braids was sitting in one of the chairs on her phone. As she turned towards him, he realized with a shock that he recognized her. She was the leader of the acting troupe, the one who had attacked Hamlet! Then it hit him. Were the rest of the rebels here too? Then who was Maggie? 

For the time being, Horatio was forced to pretend that he didn’t know the acting troupe leader. There were two doors, one he assumed led out to the hotel, and the second was sitting open, exposing the disgusting bathroom inside. The door to the bathroom had a considerable chunk hanging out of the wood. It looked kind of like a gunshot. Horatio peered inside, where a sink, toilet, shower curtain (he assumed that behind that was the tub he’d been promised to sleep in), and dirty rug, all bathed in a sickly greenish orange light. Both the tile on the floor and the mirror had multiple cracks and hunks taken out of them. Maybe he should have slept in the tunnel instead. 

“The bathtub’s in there,” Maggie grunted, noticing Horatio’s appalled stare. 

“Right,” Horatio made for the door, but the leader of the troupe (Monica, he remembered), jumped up suddenly. 

“Oh, sorry, lemme grab some stuff out of there.” She quickly closed the bathroom door and shuffled around. Horatio couldn’t exactly see through the hole in the door, but she seemed like she was taking a bunch of large objects from the tub. She opened the door, and Horatio stepped back to see that she was holding many large guns, pistols, and rifles. She was holding a small revolver in her teeth that she couldn’t hold. 

Monica dumped the weapons in an empty box in the corner, and Horatio glanced at Maggie with wide eyes.

“Well did you wanna sleep on them?” She asked sarcastically. “In the morning we can reevaluate and probably set you up with some food or something, but for right now that’s all we got.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Horatio made for the door once again, but Maggie stopped him and threw a lumpy pillow at his head.

“Head’s up.” Horatio caught it and closed the bathroom door behind him. He took a breath and let it out slowly. At least he was alive.

Horatio spread out a little bit, placed the pillow in the bathtub, and sat down in it. Scrolling on his phone, he realized that Hamlet had texted him and he hadn’t felt it buzz.

Where in Paris are you?

He quickly typed out, Staying the night in the backroom of a hotel. I think I might’ve gotten picked up by the rebels.

Hamlet immediately shot back, Wow, small world. Which hotel? It isn’t La Masquerade by any chance?

Actually yeah, I think that might’ve been the name.

I’ll see you soon, gotta backtrack a bit

Horatio put his phone away, and tried to keep from crying. He was so happy Hamlet was coming. He was going to be with someone who wasn’t going to hurt him. He was so overjoyed, he passed out in the tub.

~~~

Hamlet was walking down the sidewalk, and had been for a few minutes. Far behind him was the train he had taken. And now it was dark, so the streetlamps and glow of the restaurants and shops lit his way.

Hamlet had texted Horatio a while ago before he had gotten off of the train, but he hadn’t responded. He didn’t want to open his phone, for fear of the flood of texts from Ophelia who was no doubt mad he had left without telling her. He silenced his phone. No news was coming in, unless it was from Horatio.

Hamlet sat down on a little green metal bench. He was tired from the sudden trip, and didn’t even know where he was going. He looked up to see a tall hotel called the La Masquerade. The moon was bright and blue tinted, and cast a pleasant light over everything. 

After a moment, Hamlet stood up and continued walking aimlessly down the sidewalk. 

It was over half an hour before Hamlet’s phone signaled that Horatio had messaged him. He opened it, and saw that he had responded to his text. He was staying in a hotel with the rebels apparently. He asked, and found that it was in fact the La Masquerade, the hotel he had passed a while earlier. He turned around, and started back down the other way, when he saw a newsreel being played on a screen. It was showing the same articles he had seen on the train and before he left, mostly just pictures of Horatio and Claudius and the French ambassadors talking. Then something else flashed onto the screen. FIRE OF NOTRE DAME LESSENED; ONE PERSON FOUND DEAD AND ANOTHER RESCUED. MORE INFO AT TEN. The screen flashed two big pictures of Ben and Marc. Ben was gone.

Hamlet stumbled and sat back down on the bench. 

~~~

Horatio was jolted away in the middle of the night by the sound of something hard hitting the floor. He heard a soft scraping sound from the room behind the bathroom door, and then the door that led to the hotel opened. He sat up and peered through the hole in the door, and through the darkness he thought he saw a familiar face.

“...Hamlet?” He whispered, perfectly audible in the quiet room. The head jerked to the side, and the person opened the door to the bathroom. Horatio held his breath as the door swung open.

Hamlet stood in the doorway. His eyes lit up as he saw who it was, and Hamlet rushed to the bathtub, and dropped to his knees. He wrapped Horatio in a hug over the white rim of the tub. 

Horatio broke down. He had lived a year in the few days since he had seen Hamlet, and he had been hurt in so many ways. Hamlet allowed him to, and hugged him harder. 

“It’s okay,” He whispered. “I’m here.”

Monica and Maggie seemed to still be in the other room, sleeping presumably. So the two of them stayed quiet, and tried to communicate as softly as possible.

After Horatio had collected himself, he told Hamlet the whole story. How he had woken up that morning in terrible pain, and Laertes had given him a uniform and his phone, and driven him to Notre Dame cathedral. He told Hamlet how he had been roped into watching for spies with the other people in Laertes’ team, and how the fire had started. He told him about what Laertes had said, and about meeting Maggie. And he told Hamlet how everything was his fault. The fire was his fault, and he was so, so sorry, and he hoped that Hamlet and the rest of his friends would forgive him someday, and that he understood if Hamlet didn’t want him to be around him anymore, and how-

Horatio stopped spiraling when Hamlet hugged him again. 

“I would never do that,” Hamlet said. “I would never push you away. You are the one thing keeping our group together sometimes. We won’t make it without you. Well, I won’t make it without you.”

Horatio and Hamlet stayed in the bathroom, talking until morning.

[distractedhistotech]

Before MSA + 1: Halloween

Arthur had managed to put together something that acted like a diaper but which fitted into his pocket instead of around the hamster.  “It takes a little bit to put them together though…”

Cadence seemed happy with the pocket diaper considering how much time she was spending in Arthur’s shirt and coat pockets.

“I wonder if you could incorporate it into your Halloween costume,” mused Vivi.

“Uh…What’s Halloween?” asked Arthur.

Sydney and Lewis gave Arthur startled looks.  “You don’t know what Halloween is?!”

Arthur panicked a bit as he realized this was something everyone was supposed to know about. “My parents were super religious,” he said quickly.  Sydney and Lewis seemed to accept it.

“Halloween evolved from the Celtic celebration of Samhain,” explained Vivi.  “It was the ending of the year at sun down, but the new year didn’t start until the sun rose.  Being outside of time as it were meant that ghosts and the like had an easier time manifesting. It probably makes magic easier and stronger too.  At some point, people started wearing scary outfits to try and blend in or scare away the spirits.  That ritual eventually became putting on costumes for fun and, in the case of kids, going around to houses and asking for treats.”

The other kids were staring at her in surprise at the info dump, while Arthur was wondering if this meant Halloween was technically a pagan holiday.

“Actually, the Catholic church took a lot of pagan holidays and incorporated them into their religion.  Christmas takes place in December because that’s when a big festival called Saturnalia took place in the Roman empire.  Evidence suggests that Jesus was actually born in Spring,” continued Vivi as if she’d predicted Arthur’s thoughts.

The more Arthur learned the more he wondered if the adults in his early life knew what they were doing.

“Anyway…My dad makes cosplay as a side job so if you want he can make you guys costumes too,” said Sydney.

Lewis nodded. “He always makes costumes for us.”

Vivi perked up.  “Really?”

Sydney nodded. “But nothing super complicated, okay? He’s gotta budget.”

“What’s cosplay?” asked Arthur.

“Costume play,” explained Lewis.  “People dress up like characters from anime or videogames that they love.  Some of the outfits are really complicated or accurate.”

“We usually do a theme for Halloween,” continued Sydney.

“We did Sailor Moon for a couple of years,” said Lewis.

“Another time we were Ed and Al Elric,” said Sydney.  “I’m not sure what we could do with four people.”

“Power Rangers?” suggested Vivi.

“There’s usually five of ‘em though,” said Sydney.

“Is that a big deal?” asked Arthur.

“Not really,” said Lewis.  “It would just seem a little weird to be short a ranger.”

“So, we need a group of four people,” muttered Sydney.  “All I can think of are Transformers, but that might be too complicated.”

“All I can think of is the Scooby Doo gang,” said Vivi.

Silence.  The kids turned to stare at Ben.  “Would Ben let us dye his fur?” asked Lewis.

“I have no idea,” admitted Vivi.  “Would the dye be safe?”

“I have no idea,” repeated Sydney.  “Dad knows a bit about hair dye…”

“I think you could get away with leaving him white and black,” said Arthur.

“So, who would be who?” asked Lewis.

Vivi and Sydney promptly pointed at Lewis.  “Fred.” Then they pointed towards Arthur. “Shaggy.”

“You do have the muscle tone going on,” agreed Arthur.

And Lewis blushed because he was somehow the biggest one there despite (probably) being the youngest.  “W-well, who’s gonna be Velma and Daphne?”

Sydney and Vivi exchanged looks.  That was…less obvious.  Both wore glasses, had relatively short statures, and were fairly tomboyish.

“You’re shorter,” said Vivi.

Sydney pouted. “Yeah, I am.  Guess that makes me Velma…What kind of name is Velma?”

“I dunno.”

“Will we need a van?”

“None of us can drive,” pointed out Arthur.

“Maybe a toy or something,” suggested Lewis.

“Oh, yeah, that makes more sense,” admitted Arthur.

The four kids (and dog and hamster) just lay there for several minutes.  It hadn’t been a particularly odd conversation, but something in the air seemed heavy, as if something life changing had just happened.

Then Ben started licking Arthur’s face, ending the moment.  Arthur let out a laugh.  “H-hey! Stop!  Stop!”

Vivi grinned. “You’re saying ‘stop’, but you’re laughing.”  Ben decided to switch targets and started licking Vivi instead.  She giggled.  “Ben!”

“We should teach him how to talk!”  Ben turned his attention to Sydney.  “Hey! Ew!  Your breath smells like fish!  Why does it smell like fish?  You’re not a cat!”

“Ben’ll eat anything if you give him the chance,” said Vivi.

Lewis pulled a bag of chips out from somewhere and grinned.  “Like this?”  He popped the bag open.  He was immediately tackled by the dog.  “Ack!” Ben quickly stuck his head in the bag and quickly snapped up the contents before transferring his ministrations to Lewis.  “Oh yuck! Your breath really does smell like fish!”

“Hold him for me,” said Vivi.  “I’ll brush his teeth!”

The whole thing devolved into a wrestling match.  No teeth were cleaned.  Everyone needed a bath afterwards.

 Sydney had been right about the Scooby Doo costumes being fairly simple to make.  She hadn’t stopped to think about make-up and hairstyling though.

“Are you almost done?” asked Sydney Jr.

“Almost…Just one more pin…and done!”  Sydney Sr stepped back to admire how Sydney looked with the brown bob wig in addition to the rest of her costume.  “The shape of the glasses aren’t the same, but I don’t think anyone will care.”

Sydney Jr. twirled and did a hop-skip over to Vivi, who was messing with her noticeably longer orange wig.  “How ‘bout you?”

“I prefer shorter hair.  Hair this long just…gets in the way,” said Vivi as she glared distastefully at a lock of orange hair.

Sydney nodded. “I hear ya.  I just want it long enough to ponytail it.”  She glanced at the boys.  “How ‘bout you two?”

Unlike the girls, the boys weren’t wearing wigs.  They’d just had their hair styled into a close approximation of their chosen characters. Sydney Sr claimed this was because the wigs would look too bulky unless the boys were willing to shave their hair. They weren’t.

Arthur fingered his hair.  “This doesn’t feel too different from usual besides the colors.”  He was wearing green and red.  He was coming to prefer bright colors like orange and yellow.

Lewis was happily studying his reflection.  “I kind of like this hairstyle.”  He turned to Sydney Sr.  “Will you teach me how to do this?”

Sydney Sr gave him a grin.  “Sure! I’ll get you some decent hair mousse. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna go change into my costume.”  On his way out, he ran into Hiro.  “So, how’d Ben like the vegetable dye?”

“He tolerated it.” That was a lie.  Ben had taken one look at the dye, snorted, and changed his fur color to the proper brown color.

“I’m leaving you alone with Noelle and the kids for a bit.  Behave now.”  And Sydney Sr hurried down the hallway.

Hiro raised an eyebrow.  The Sydneys were pretty darn odd.  Still, they got along with the rest of the family and friends, and Hiro did like them…in reasonable amounts.

He walked Ben over to the kids, who all started petting him.  “Wow, this dye is really realistic,” said Lewis.

Sydney nodded. “My dad knows what he’s doing.”

“How you holding up boy?” asked Vivi.  Ben licked her in response.  “Good to know.”

“Oh, you kids look so cute like that,” said Noelle.  “Let me get my camera!”

Hiro let the kids pose for the camera for several moments before clearing his throat. “Now, I don’t know how much you know about the holiday, but it is easier to come into contact with the supernatural starting tonight and lasting until November 2.  It’s most intense on Halloween though.  So, Mr. Scoville and I will be escorting you tonight.  I have tools prepared to chase off anything that may take an untoward interest in your group, and you will all be spending the night here.  Mr. Scoville also has some sort of repelling ability, so I’d imagine this is one of the safest places in the county.”

Arthur let out a sigh of relief.  “That’s a relief.”

“Had some bad experiences?” asked Vivi.

Arthur nodded. “I just knew they were at the end of October.  I didn’t know about the Halloween thing.  Why does it get so much worse anyway?”

“That’s not something with a simple answer,” said Hiro.  “Something makes…magic for lack of a better word more potent during these days, which makes it easier for people to see ghosts and for ghosts, along with other normally invisible entities, to become visible to people.  It’s a good time for them to be heard if there’s something they want to get across to the mundane, living population.”  Hiro glowered.  “Although I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a tradition among the supernatural to have fun and try to scare humans.  It’s what people are expecting to happen after all.”

Ben gave a barely noticeable shrug.  Hiro wasn’t wrong, but it was more of a ‘teenagers messing around and doing things their parents won’t necessarily approve of’ sort of thing.

Arthur crossed his arms.  “Well, I don’t like it, whatever it is…”

Vivi turned to Sydney and Lewis.  “Have you guys ever noticed anything weird around this time of year?”

“I haven’t ever noticed anything,” said Sydney.  “Lewis says there are ghosts all over the place though.”

Lewis nodded. “Yeah, some are pretty scary. It’s a lot more active in the cemetery and house.  Sydney always spends the night since some of them look pretty scary.”  Lewis made a face as something suddenly occurred to him. “Uh, this is the first Halloween we haven’t slept over at my house.  Do you think Mom and Dad and Belle will be okay?”

“I put some ofudas up at your house that should keep away most dangerous entities,” reassured Hiro. “Honestly, you probably attract half of the activity so just spending time away from them will put a stop to a portion of the paranormal activity.”

“Huh, really?  I had no idea,” said Lewis.

“Oh, yes, once ghosts figure out someone can see them word spreads very quickly.”

“Wait.  I can’t see ghosts, so why do they keep following me around?” asked Arthur.

Hiro shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure why, but you…leak energy.  Being around you is like it being Halloween all the time,” said Hiro.  “You also have an aura that the supernatural find pleasing, like how kids will gravitate to a kitchen where cookies have just been cooked.”

“I could go for some cookies,” said Vivi.

“You’re going to be getting plenty of candy tonight,” said Noelle.  “You can see about having cookies after you finish off the candy.”

Vivi grinned. “Challenge accepted.”

“No,” said Hiro.

“Aw…but-”

“No, you remember what happened last time,” said Hiro.

“Ooh, what happened last time?” asked Sydney.

“When she was five she ate all of her Halloween candy at once and didn’t sleep for three days,” explained Hiro.  “She tried to feed Ben chocolate.  Dogs can’t eat chocolate.”

Ben huffed because he could eat chocolate, thank you very much.  Stupid need to hold up the illusion all the time.  He couldn’t wait until Vivi was mature enough to know what he really was so he could relax at home.  Not to mention it would be easier to snatch some of whatever that was Noelle was cooking.

Lewis must have noticed how Ben was staring longingly towards the kitchen because he grabbed a treat out of his pocket.  “Would you like a Scooby Snack?”

Eh, it’ll do. Ben snapped it up and gave Lewis a lick of thanks.

“What’s taking your dad so long?” asked Vivi.  “He said he was going to be a zombie.  It can’t take that long to put on some torn clothing and fake blood.”

Sydney grinned. “Dad put in way more effort than that. There’s latex and make-up and contact lenses…”

“Mr. Scoville’s costumes are really complicated,” agreed Lewis.

Any further conversation was interrupted by a groaning sound.  Everyone turned to see…a zombie.  It was covered in bite marks, half rotten, had clouded over eyes, and dirty, torn clothing.  It was completely unrecognizable as Sydney Sr.

“…Okay, that is a convincing zombie costume,” admitted Vivi.

“Thank you,” said Sydney Sr, briefly breaking character before going back to groaning.

“You look like a dead body!” said Arthur.  “Which I guess is the point, but it’s creepy.”

Sydney Scoville groaned again.  He sure was taking the zombie thing seriously.

“So…”  Sydney Jr held up her treat bag.  “Can we go trick-or-treating now?”

“Unnngh!”

“Taking that as a yes!”

Thankfully, the other adults decided to agree with the translation so the kids were able to head out. “There are a lot of costumes,” commented Arthur.

Vivi nodded. “Yep, it’s a popular holiday.”

“What a cute baby!” cooed Lewis at a young couple and their baby, all of them dressed like dinosaurs.

“Thank you!”

“But most of them seem to be younger than us,” continued Arthur.

“That guy’s older than us,” pointing at a guy dressed like a robot.

“People just prefer to go to parties once they get older.  I don’t know why.  They’re sooo boring,” complained Vivi.  “Where’s the darkness?  Where’s the creepy shadows?  Where’s the questioning of if there’s a ghost around the corner or if that’s a really good werewolf costume or some werewolf decided to go to the store to pick up milk?”

“There are some ghosts following us,” commented Lewis.

Arthur tensed up. “Why?”

Lewis glanced towards the ghosts.  “Are you sure he’s not a zombie?  He looks pretty dead.”

“It’s Halloween. It’s obviously a very good costume.”

“He smells like a zombie though.”

“We’re ghosts! We can’t smell!”

“Oh yeah.”

“Besides, wasn’t there a Scooby-Doo movie with zombies?”

“Since when are there Scooby-Doo movies?”

“Mr. Scoville’s costume is really convincing,” said Lewis.

“Unngh!”

“Are zombies real?” asked Sydney.

“Yes,” said Hiro. “Under very specific circumstances. It takes one of a few specific rituals. It’s very dangerous and is not something that should ever be done unless you have prior permission from the subject of interest.  Even then, it’s not recommended because of the possible side effects.”  He paused.  “Actually, this is a very complicated subject.  Let’s talk about it when we have more time.”

“I don’t wanna talk about it at all,” muttered Arthur as they walked up to a house.

They took a moment to ring the doorbell, ask for treats, and thank the woman handing out the treats. Ben tried to beg for treats.  This wasn’t allowed, and the group went on their way.

“Do ghost hunters have a lot of work on Halloween?” asked Sydney.

“Paranormal investigators,” corrected Hiro.  “While we do look for ghosts, calling us ‘hunters’ suggests we intend to hurt ghosts in some way.  That’s a last resort in cases where the ghosts in question seek to harm the living and cannot be convinced otherwise.  And whether an investigator works on Halloween or not varies.  Most will take the time off because they might get false positives.  Some like working on Halloween though since they might get results they wouldn’t usually come by.”

“That doesn’t sound very professional,” muttered Arthur.

“I agree,” said Hiro. “Personally, I feel that circumstances that modify magical strengths can be dangerous, even if it’s something to your advantage.”

“Wouldn’t that make things easier?” asked Sydney.

“Yes, which might be good in an emergency, but it can make you under or overestimate a situation.”

“How is overestimating bad?” questioned Arthur.

Hiro took a minute to think about how to describe what he was thinking.  “It’s like using a hand grenade to make a hole when a drill will suffice.”

Vivi, Lewis, both Sydneys, and even Arthur laughed.  Hiro had to admit it wasn’t the best analogy, but it’s what he came up with on short notice.

“It’s like you thought the corn was sweet so you put in the wrong amount of salt,” said Lewis.

“That’s a better analogy,” admitted Hiro.  “Anyway, once you outgrow trick-or-treating, you should find some way to spend Halloween that doesn’t involve the supernatural.  Maybe go to a party or stay home and watch movies.”

“Watching movies would be nice,” said Arthur.

“Ooh!  We could watch the Nightmare Before Christmas again!” said Vivi.

“You will not. It’s a school night,” said Hiro.  “As it is the only reason you’re spending the night together is for safety’s sake.”  He looked to Sydney Sr.  “I’m trusting you and Mrs. Scoville to get the children to sleep and awake on time.”

“Nggggh!”

“That means yes,” said Sydney Jr.

“I still wish we could spend the night at Lewis’ house,” said Vivi.  “There’s a lot more space, and it seems more fitting to spend Halloween in a haunted house.”

“Belle sometimes cries at night.  She might wake you up,” said Lewis.

“Or we might wake her up,” countered Arthur.

“I don’t wanna wake Baby Belle up!” agreed Sydney Jr.  “She’s cute when she’s sleeping.”

The subject of conversation rapidly changed to siblings and sleepovers.  Hiro watched them absentmindedly before feeling something brush against his side.

It was just Ben, who gave him a smile unseen by anyone else.  Hiro found himself smiling back.  It was nice…seeing the children all so happy like this.

It would be nice if it would last forever.

[ongfreestyle]

Coffee and College

A Jaehyun college coffee bullet au that ZERO people asked for

So anyway, you're in your second year of college and you're in the groove of things (kinda) and all is well

You're on your way to your 9am French I class on the first day and you feel your phone vibrating

It's your bf and you smile thinking "aaww it's our 3yr anniversary n he's calling already to say good morning"

More like... goodbye

Yep. 8:45am he calls you to dump you in the driest most uncool way

"listen. I just ... I know this is random, but....I don't wanna do this anymore."

"oh. Uh. What? Sorry I didn't hear you?"

"I'm sorry, I just can't do this anymore I want to break up with you. I'm sorry."

"oh. Ok. Fine. Sure. Umm...if you wanna talk about it later. Then...yeah..I have French class now bye."

End of call and start of class

Yep you're third row from the back and you plan to pay attention to the syllabus talk and following lesson but

You're definitely tearing up

Like literally WHO DOES THAT?? Just dumps you at 8am no explanation??

So anyways there are teardrops on your notes now and ink isn't tear proof so...rip

Anyways thirty minutes in and your head in kinda just down and you're kinda just crying quietly

And then this kid slides into the seat next to you

He's v late

And v cute even through the tears

And he's smiling really big even though the teacher just scolded him

He sets his coffee down and looks at you wiping snot and tears away and he hands you a napkin from his bag

You take it and mutter a "thanks"

And a moment later he slides his coffee to you too

"I didn't drink it yet"

"it's an espresso, extra caffeine"

"I made it myself"

And he's back to taking notes

And you're still kinda pouting, but it's been 45+ mins so you try to at least write down the homework assignment

And you decide to sip the stupid espresso it's actually pretty good

The next day you find yourself at the school cafeteria and guess who it is??

Espresso boy!!

And it turns out that he's even cuter in uniform!

You go to order some food and he greets you with a big smile

"feeling better today?"

"kinda"

"rough day yesterday, huh?"

"yeah. Can I have a breakfast burrito?"

"no coffee?"

"no, but thanks for the free coffee yesterday. It helped. I owe you one"

"no you don't, it's on the house. And so the one I'm about to make you next. It's today's special!"

Who are you to deny another free coffee? So you take his offer and a few minutes later you're at your table eating your breakfast and doing your French homework

And the special coffee is really good

Then one of your friends comes by and is giving you a weird look

"are you drinking the nasty coffee from the cafeteria??"

"yep. Its actually really good"

And your friend's like ??? "It's usually bitter and gross tho ?? Like 10 times outta 10"

And you shrug and get back to work and your friend grabs some food and starts doing their work too

The day goes on and finally you get some time to yourself to think about yesterday

Your ex hasn't called or texted. Nothing. And it just hits you like wow. I'm. Single.

Cool.

Except not cool because you got no closure or explanation and ouch.

So you hate it but just like yesterday, you're crying again. Just. Uglier crying.

And your roommate comes back and is like "awww sweetie, fuck him"

And she says if you wipe your face she'll take you out for ice cream

So fuck the snot and tears, you want some damn ice cream

And out you go!!

Free ice cream you two stop at a park on campus and there's a basket game going on

And your roommate is like SKSSKDJS "LOOK IT'S JOHNNY SKSJDJ"

English??

"that means holy shit it's the hottest tallest nicest guy in school and he's playing basketball look at his ARMS BITCH"

So guess who's watching a pickup game of bball while eating ice cream?

You two!

Oh and guess who else is playing and is red and sweaty and had a nice jump shot?

Coffee boy.

Yup and you might not be interested in the Score, but dammit the view was nice

The game ends and Johnny is the first to come over to the side lines n greet your roommate

She's batting her eyelashes and telling him he did amazing even tho they lost

And he's smiling and chugging water as he goes on talking and coffee boy and a few of his friends are on the sidelines now looking at you

Coffee Boy is the first to say hi and all you can do is say hi back

And thank him for the coffee again

He shrugs, "no problem. Coffee fixes almost everything in college"

Almost everything. And there's an awkward silence

"see you around." He says and he walks away

Like that you never find out his name and life moves on

French class is going well and you sit in the front now and coffee boy is always late and sits in the back

You really don't do anything except exchange glances

Then midterms are coming up and you are a bit panicked bc u definitely neglected French studies

So like any good college student you cram like hell

In the library at midnight you're trying to learn vocabulary, conjugations, grammar points

You look insane by 1am bit you can't stop then you hear someone coming I'm the library

It's (literally if you can guess by now) coffee boy

And he's got 4 coffee cups in a holder with him and a huge backpack

He spots you and waves

"mind if I sit with you?"

"mind if I claim two of the coffees?"

"there all yours" and he sits next to you and slides the holder to you just like when you first met

"I made them myself"

"so you make these awesome brews?"

"yeah the schools coffee recipe is shitty."

"well maybe you should major in business and open a coffee shop. They're really good."

"maybe I will"

And you two study quietly and you peek over to see him going over French vocab

"let's quiz each other?"

"sure"

And it's 2am and you guys realize you're both fukced

Like. No vocab is sticking and the coffee had you two literally SHAKING

And by 3am you guys are just cracking up

"I never learned your name coffee boy"

"Jaehyun. Jung Jaehyun."

"well. Good luck with the test tomorrow because I. Give. Up."

And you get up to leave and he offers to walk you home and you accept for safety reasons

"I'm glad to see you so happy. You're pretty like that."

"I'm an ugly crier, huh"

"kinda."

"okay, not the gentleman answer, but I admire your honesty"

"thanks. I hope you have a good night"

Yeah the walk back was not long at all. Too bad because you really were enjoying your time

But 9am French !!!

Midterms are over after a week and it's back to the daily grind

But days are way better when you have French now bc Jaehyun sits next to you (when he's on time and the seats open) and you guys joke around alot during speaking practice

He's brings you a new coffee everyday and asks you how it tastes and what he should add or take away

And you kinda hang out at the cafeteria now so you can talk to him while he's working

Ooppsss you have developed a small™ crush on Jaehyun and it's not going away anytime soon

You even open up to him about why you crying the day you met (tho u vowed to NVR speak of it again)

Yeah now the crush is nvr dying :)))

Bc your friends notice that you always go watch him play b-ball even tho it's not a REAL game

And he always has a coffee for you

And you two are always studying French

But like...you guys are making questionable grades...so...what's up??

NOTHING

French I finals are coming and you and Jaehyun are at your usual spot in the library, except this time YOU bought HIM coffee

"what brand ?"

"gross school brand that you didn't make, but is LOADED with caffeine"

"gross. Hand me one"

"cheers!"

And it's study time

But he's not focused

Like he never is and neither are you, but it's really off now

"is it that bad?"

"the coffee? Yeah. And my French grade? It's even worse. I won't make French 2."

And you're like WTF WTF NO FRENCH 2 WITH JAEHYUN YOUR CRUSH WHO LITERALLY GOT YOU THRU THIS SEMESTER ????

"Jaehyun. We are going to fix your grade with this final. I SWEAR."

You're like REAL STUDY MODE: ON

And he has this small smile on his face.

Sly....

"what?"

"you WANT me in your French 2 class don't you?"

"uuhhh-duhh free coffee to keep me up during le snooze fest"

"you know it's not free. It comes outta my pay check"

"okay, then I owe it to you to get you to pass this class and get to French 2"

"I guess."

Yeah. You're DRILLING info into ur heads ,,,, but Jaehyun is like ____ blank.

So you kinda snap

"yo do u wanna fail??? At least TRY!"

"I can't focus. I'm confused about something."

"past tense conjugations?"

"you."

Pause.

"I can't tell if you're over your ex. You took it hard and I'm trying to wait, but..."

???????????

"my ex? My ex is my ex...I'm over that"

"you never really brought it up much. I wouldn't know."

"Past tense."

"and also. The coffee."

"your coffee is good! I'm serious, Jaehyun!"

"yeah, but do like me...? Or my coffee?"

"both?"

Jaehyun is not making this easy for you okay

"I mean, if I didn't bring you coffee, would you still hang with me? Teach me French n stuff?"

"of course."

"so you...........like......me?"

HELL YES, but you settle for a simple yep

Then he just looks at you seriously

"you LIKE me LIKE me..like....LIKE LIKE?"

"uuhh...if I understood all of the likes right, then....yeah. I do like you."

OH AND THAT DOES IT

He is so reeeeeedddd

Like this boy GONE

You. His crush. Likes. Him. Wtf

Yeah he cannot quit grinning

And when you move on from the topic he can't focus on a single word you're saying

Finals day comes and you feel okay about your score and Jaehyun said he wants to leave it in the past

And you two go hang out at the cafeteria

And he's looking at you across the table

Randomly he just smiles at you

"I..wanna be your boyfriend...."

bc y'all nvr because s/o's officially soooo

Your heart rate

Lemme draw it

/\/\/\/\_______💀

Wow

He said it so cutely

Damn that's crazy bc you would love if he was your bf

And when you say that!!

Reference to drawing

After becoming official you two are like the cutest couple ever

And you go to French 2 and he's back in French 1

He got a 58 on the final :/

But OH WELL you're his tutor now

And you guys actually study

And he doesn't feel like he has to bribe you with coffee to make you like him

So with some hard work you both kick your caffeine addictions

And you guys spend the days making stupid jokes and playing basketball together

Cramming for French while high on 4 coffees each

(old habits die hard)

And you two tease each other so much

It's a miracle you get any work done really

Jaehyun passes his French 1 class with an A+ and he literally runs to your dorm to tell you

You crash into each other

He holds you to steady you

And hes like "babe I passed"

"that's great!"

"it's all thanks to you I could kiss you, but I have coffee breath and-"

"that's nothing new"

Okay and cue the totally cheesy kiss

Where Jaehyun's like "you're right, but our first kiss should be special"

Valentine Boy is a ROMANTIC okay

But it doesn't matter

You can't resist leaning in

And he lets out a fake groan like he hasn't been dying to kiss you since he first saw u snotting all over your notes

Yep he liked you then.

And the lean in was so slow, but when your lips met it was worth it

And the coffee taste.... wasn't so bad anyway