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#got my jab today folks!
hushed-chorus · 2 months
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Hi folks! Thank you @alexalexinii for today’s tags, and for all the tags this past week. I’ve been distracted (find out in a happy update below the cut!)
Here–have a little nibble of an upcoming chapter of For All Intents and Purposes
“No, Simon,” Baz sighs. “He’s not a vampire.” I jab my finger again at the man who is leaning against a palm tree, illuminated by all the flashing colours of the Strip. “He is a vampire! He’s all cheek-boney and pale!” “Are you saying he’s a vampire or that he’s handsome?” “Do you think he’s handsome?” Baz rolls his eyes. “He’s not a vampire.” “If he’s not a vampire, then why is he staring at that woman like that? He’s thralled her!” Baz leans into me, murmuring, “Actually, she’s the vampire.” “See! I’m right!” I throw up my arms. “Vampires everywhere!”
Hello tags and update below the cut!
@artsyunderstudy @facewithoutheart @captain-aralias @raenestee @yeonjunenby @cutestkilla @ivelovedhimthroughworse @larkral @stitchyqueer @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @ileadacharmedlife @confused-bi-queer @aristocratic-otter @whogaveyoupermission @nightimedreamersworld @fatalfangirl @thewholelemon @onepintobean @shrekgogurt @theearlgreymage @martsonmars @blackberrysummerblog @orange-peony @palimpsessed @valeffelees @j-nipper-95 @rimeswithpurple @wellbelesbian @nausikaaa @imagineacoolusername @youarenevertooold @iamamythologicalcreature @supercutedinosaurs @bookish-bogwitch @cosmicalart @bazzybelle @theotherhufflepuff @that-disabled-princess @prettygoododds @mooncello
Last week, my husband and I got a puppy!
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Please meet our darling little Wilfy. He’s a chihuahua who likes eating hair, slaughtering toy bunnies and sleeping in a blanket burrito. He is a treasure and we love him. Also, a bit of a distraction from fandom xD I promise I will catch up soon
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giggly-squiggily · 1 year
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A Series Of Deductions (Moriarty The Patriot)
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Welp, here it is folks. I'm officially a William/Sherlock shipper! (is anyone surprised?)
Heyo everyone! I've been making good strides with Moriarty lately- both with the manga and anime- so much so that I've finally got the inspiration to finish this fic! Credit to a lovely friend of mine here that helped me bring this fic to life! I hope y'all like it as much as I did writing it!
CW: Drinking
Summary: Through a series of accidental turned intentional events, William finds himself in quite the peculiar situation
It wasn’t uncommon to find William James Moriarty among the common folk.
Despite being an aristocrat with the privilege to spend his time at the finest gentleman clubs, the young professor made it a point to frequent the smaller pubs and shops around town. 
Some would say they were simply convenience- most were walking distance from the university, perfect for a drink after those late nights grading. 
Others said he enjoyed the people- anywhere you looked he was chatting up the locals, sharing advice for their various problems and learning little bouts of gossip around town.
Both statements were true, along with other factors.
“Ah, late today, Professor? And here I was starting to think you’ve grown bored of our evening meetings.” Sherlock grinned around a cigarette as William sat beside him, a tad breathless from the run. “Winded too. That excited to see me?”
“Oh hush…I hadn’t intended it, but it seemed sleep got the better of me.” William confessed, a small blush staining his cheeks as he ordered his usual from the bartender. He needed to sleep more; how unprofessional would it be if one of his students found him passed out at his desk, ink staining his cheek?
Not to mention the dream he had while sleeping…a certain long haired detective invading his dreams like a virus.
“Pfft, you, sleeping at your desk? Oh man, I wish I was there!” Sherlock laughed  like a child, slapping a hand on the bar as he threw his head back in mirth. “Remind me to swing by the classroom one of these evenings- I just might catch you. Do you talk in your sleep? What secrets would you share, I wonder…”
“You’re dreaming yourself now, Mr. Holmes.” William shook his head with a small laugh, taking his drink. He was grateful for the large glass; he hoped it hid his mortification at the thought of Sherlock finding him in such a state. “Though if you’re interested in sitting in one of my lectures, you’re free to do so. I’ll be sure to adjust the lecture plan so you can keep up. Does basic addition sound good?”
“Cheeky, aren’t ya?” Sherlock huffed, reaching out without thinking. His finger jabbed William’s side, twisting some upon contact. “And after being late! I’d outta-”
“Heeh!”
Both men froze, Sherlock’s eyes wide in surprise as William’s face flushed a pretty shade of red.
“What was-”
“Nothing.”
“Certainly you’re not-”
“You’re imagining things.”
“Professor…” Sherlock started to grin once more, eyes dancing. “Don’t tell me, you’re ticklish aren’t you?”
William stared him down, debating on how he’d go about this. Denying it would only prompt further investigation, while admitting to it…well, that’d also lead to investigation.
My, he was- to put it in the most Moran-esque way possible- screwed.
His options limited, he finished his drink, slipping his pay plus a tip to the bartender as he smiled at the detective. Leaning against the bar casually, he told him only one thing.
“Catch me, if you can, Mr. Holmes.”
Sherlock’s shocked expression was a blur as he bolted from his seat, evading tables and flying out the door before anyone could react. Behind him was wind as he ran, a laugh breaking free from his voice as he heard Sherlock yell something inaudible after him. He felt like a child at that moment, running away like how he ran from Jack with his brothers when lessons proved to be slow. It was exhilarating.
It was only when he got halfway home did he realize he completely forgot about his schoolbag.
~~~
“William, we have a visitor.” Louis’ expression was grim, as if he encountered a rather large spider while tidying up the manor. “Or I should say, you have a visitor. I have a pest.”
“Ah, so Mr. Holmes learned of our address?” William struggled to fight down the laugh in his voice at his brother’s dismay. “I believe I know what business he has with me. I’ll meet him at the door, no need to set anything out.”
“If you’re worried I’d poison him, you shouldn’t. Imagine the mess that’d leave.” Louis tsked, shaking his head in disgust. “We’d never remove the stains.”
“Glad to know you're prioritizing the estate, brother.” William smiled as he stood, making his way towards the door. “We’d never survive without you.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’d find a way.” Louis waved him off, hiding the flattered smile on his lips with a turn of his face. “Go now before he decides to scale the windows.”
~~
When William arrived, Sherlock was standing alone at the door, William’s schoolbag in hand. “Morning, Professor.” He greeted with an easy grin, nodding at the man’s dressing robe. “Seems you’ve slept in today.”
“Oh this old thing? I prefer staying comfortable for as long as possible, that’s all. No need to dress up for grading.” William eyed his schoolbag curiously; there were no indications someone tried to pry it open, and everything seemed as intact as it was the other day. “You brought my bag?”
“Yeah, couldn’t just leave it there after you took off like a bat out of hell.” There was no resentment or anger in his voice. Sherlock sounded far too amused by the whole ordeal as he held up the bag, wiggling it some. “Come now, take it.”
“I really should apologize, Mr. Holmes. That was rather unsightly of me.” William shook his head as he walked over, taking the bag in question. “Not to mention rude. I’ll avoid leaving so abruptly in our future meetings.”
“Future meetings? You still want to meet up?” Sherlock sounded surprised. William couldn’t tell you why that oddly hurt.
“Apologies, I shouldn’t assume.” William smiled tightly as he stepped back, bag in hand. “Thank you for bringing this to me, Mr. Holmes. I’ll take my leave now-”
“Hold on, hold on! You’re as quick with your assumptions as you are with those feet.” Sherlock waved off his goodbye, making the blonde pause. “I’d still like to meet with you, evenings have never felt more fun, you know? Given Watson’s constant nagging of my habits and Miss Hudson going on about the rent or my latest experiment-which I’ll have you know went completely…” The detective cleared his throat when he realized he was rambling. “Point standing; I’d like to continue these evening meetings together…if you’ll have me.”
“My, bashful aren’t we?” William chuckled, even as that last bit of phrasing made something in his chest unravel. “Of course, Mr. Holmes. I’d like that.”
They stood in the hall for a moment more, quiet as they both looked for something to say. This was feeling less and less like a short meeting between men and more like two children declaring their love. William grasped at something to say, but came up blank. Instead, an idea he’d been nursing came to light.
“Well, I should be off then? Same spot at the bar as always, ol’ chap?” Sherlock nodded, turning to the door and heading out.
“Mr.Holmes, before you go. Answer me this?” William called out to him, making Sherlock turn. “Yesterday you inquired about my own sensitivities. I wanted to ask..are you perhaps ticklish?”
It was brief, but a flash of panic Sherlock’s eyes before melting back into a thoughtful expression. That was all William needed to confirm his suspicions. “Am I now? Well, Professor.” Sherlock grinned as he made his way out the door, eyes dancing. “You’ll just have to find out for yourself, won’t you?”
With that, the door clicked shut, leaving William standing there a tad breathless.
“Evenings with Sherlock Holmes?” Moran’s voice cut through his surprise, making him turn. “So that’s where you’ve been?”
“I’d give it a month.” Bonde nodded beside him, something knowing in their expression.
“Half of that, given how direct William is.” Moran shared a grin with his companion.
“If you two are so eager to snoop, might I inquire about your mission details?” William asked cooly, taking small satisfaction in the way they squirmed. “I take it you two haven’t actually gotten to it yet, have you?”
“Heading out now, Will!” Moran reassured, moving past the blonde with Bonde on his heels. “When you hear from us again, we’ll have information for days!”
“Yes. Oh, and William.” Bonde turned one last glance at him as they passed, eyes glittering. “He’s rather fond of brandy. Takes any immediate worries right off his mind. He’d be more focused on…important things.” They winked just as Moran dragged them out the door, leaving a wide eyed William standing by once again, this time his cheeks a tad pink.
~~~
It wasn’t long before the whole tickling thing became part of their evenings together.
Occasionally, without much warning, Sherlock would find ways to poke and prod William’s side whenever they sat at the bar together. It was never longlasting- short little jabs that briefly shocked him back to reality if he started to space out or grew lost in thought. The detective would giggle like a child whenever he did it, the soft sound unfairly charming.
Of course, William wasn’t the type to take such jabs without a fight. It hadn’t taken long before he started returning the favor, sneaking little prods and pokes into Sherlock’s ribs whenever he walked by towards his seat or on his way out. It never failed to get quite the reaction from him- Sherlock would all but fly out of his seat, cheeks dusting a bright pink before his glare melted away into something William couldn’t quite describe.
Their silly game didn’t remain at the bar. In cases they ended up taking together by chance or the impromptu meetup on trains or parties, they had found ways to subtly jab at each other. Never during important times of course, but rather during the quiet hours when stress was lingering. The blonde would be lying if he said he didn’t find the little pokes reminding him of Sherlock’s presence comforting. It was a nice way to step out of the Lord of Crimes mindset and into his own. Into “Liam” as Sherlock would put it.
Accidental meetings turned into more commonplace like the bar, and before long it wasn’t unlikely to see London’s most prominent detective side by side with the bewitching Mathematician; the two of them laughing about whatever as they wandered home, Sherlock pink from alcohol and William all but dragging him back to his home. If rumors existed regarding the details of their relationship, William didn’t know. He preferred not to think about that. It was bad enough his fellow crime consultants were wagging brows at him and tossing out offhanded advice regarding Holmes (and of course- Louis scowling at the name); the idea of the whole town whispering about it…
“Oi, you’ve gone quiet, Professor.” A poke to the ribs brought William right back to the dark streets of London, the smell of cigarettes and cologne floating beside him. “Tell me- what’s on your mind, ol chap?”
“You’re rather drunk, are you?” William asked with a laugh, steadying a swaying Sherlock with one hand. “I told you not to down that last Brandy.”
“Sorry, love. I’ll be sure to listen to the Misses next time.” Sherlock grinned, yelping on a laugh when the blonde shoved him. “Wow, you’re strong, Liam!”
“No, you’re just out of it.” He scanned the streets, creating a mental map in his mind. Without a carriage, the walk to Bakers’ street would take all night. Not to mention the earful they’d both get from Miss Hudson. Deciding to risk the wrath of his brother, William took Sherlock’s arm in his, pulling him along towards home. “Let’s go. You can sleep on the couch tonight.”
“The couch? Oo, I really pissed off the Misses tonight, huh?” Sherlock’s tipsy laugh filled the empty streets as they carried on.
~~~
“Huh. Nice place you’ve got.” Miraculously- Sherlock seemed to sober up almost immediately upon arriving at the Moriarty Estate. Lying across the offered couch, he snuggled in more with a content hum as William brought water and bread. “No surprise a nobleman such as yourself would be living in something so tasteful. Not a single foul odor in the air.”
“Thank you. My brother- along with our housemates- we take care of the place well.” William gestured for him to sit up, offering the water first. “I’d say drink this, but from what I’m seeing, you’re rather oriented.”
“Heh, don’t be fooled by a man’s cover, Liam. I’m definitely buzzed.” Sherlock took the glass, gulping down the contents with a single swig. The bread came and went nearly as fast. “Thank you- That should keep me going a while longer.”
“Right…I’ll bring you a sleep robe and a blanket.” William nodded, turning to go. “Stay put-” Arms suddenly came around him, pulling him back into a broad chest. “Whoa-Mr. Holmes, what are you doing?”
“Liam, I’ve told you. Call me Sherlock.” The brunette grinned in his ear, sending shivers down the blonde’s spine. “Why rush off to bed? You and I’ve got unfinished business.”
Dear lord he couldn’t mean-
“While I’m flattered by the offer, I’d rather we not do it here in the main room.” William started to gently undo the arms around him, a tad irritated when they didn’t budge. “Poor Fred- he tends to get rather hungry at this hour. I’d hate for him to witness something unsightly.”
“Oh I’m sure he’d witnessed this before. Unless you mean to tell me your companions never saw you so…vulnerable?” Sherlock teased, the hand around his waist moving to lie flat against his stomach, fingers poised. Only then William understood what he was intending.
“My word, you’re truly a boar, you know that, Mr. Holmes?” He shook his head with an embarrassed laugh, mentally scolding himself for thinking…why had he been thinking that? “I’m starting to understand now what he meant-” The fingers against his stomach curled, pressing inward and sending a sharp bolt of ticklish electricity up his core.
“I’ll have to ask who “he” is later. For now, our business.” Sherlock carried on clawing gently, deeply satisfied at the way William pressed his mouth flat, squirming in his arms. “You said, if I recall, “Catch me if you can, Mr. Holmes.” Now I have. Come on Liam, we both know you’re ticklish. Why bother hiding it?”
“It-It’s not a mahhahtter of thahaht!” William grunted, grabbing the wrist around his middle as Sherlock started tracing circles with his fingers. “Everyone’s asleheheep! Yoohohu’ll wake thehem up!”
“I won’t- I’m barely speaking over a whisper. You on the other hand.” At this, Sherlock brought his free hand up, gently squeezing against the spot on William’s waist he knew was ticklish. “Are rather loud when giggly. Try not to make too much noise now, dear Liam.”
“Yoohohohu scohoohoundral!” William swore, one hand pressed over his mouth to muffle the noise as his other batted at Sherlock’s. Squirming against his lap, he felt like a child again- Jack gathering him up when he refused to take a break and tickling him until he gave in. It was both comforting and embarrassing- he was so incredibly thankful said man wasn’t up right now. Who knows what little secrets Jack would let slip had he seen such a sight? “Shehhherlock, doohohohn’t!”
“Don’t what, Liam? Don’t stop tickling you? I suppose that’s what you want me to do, right?” Sherlock laughed softly against his back, hands carrying on their playful assault. “You know how I know this? Deduction. If you really wanted me to stop tickling you, you’d tell me so outright. Instead, you’re barely fighting me off. You and I both know I’m barely holding on to you. All you need to do is stand up, and it’ll be all over.
“But you won’t. You won’t because you're enjoying this. I can feel it, Liam. You’re far too relaxed to be someone who despises tickling, and you’ve even given me more spots to try.” Sherlock ran his hand up his side, giving William’s ribs a proper tap and earning a muffled squeak. “The out remains though. If at any point you grow uncomfortable, just say the word and I’ll retract my hands immediately.”
“Hohohohohohw thohoohoorough of yohoohohou wihihihth yohoohohur deheheheductions!” William gave up on trying to cover his mouth, both hands grabbing Sherlocks wrists as they wormed up and down his ribs, leaving little tickly presses at each pass. Soft giggles and squeaks whispered around the room, somehow still quiet enough not to alert anyone. “Hoohoohohohwehehehhver, yohohohohou fahhahahailed to fahahhahctor in soohoohohmething!” “Have I now? What would that be?” Sherlock asked with a grin.
“Yohooohohou’ve fohohohohoorgohohohohotten abohohohohut your ohohohohown wehhehehaknehehehehhess!” With that, he shot a hand down to Sherlock’s leg, squeezing only once.
“AH!” Sherlock squawked, slapping a hand over his mouth just as William slapped his own on top, creating a double layer of flesh. They looked around, waiting for a sound. When nothing came, they met eyes, William raising a finger to his lips.
Sherlock puffed against the hands, eyes squinting as he shook with laughter. William barely fought down his own mirth, ducking his head against his arm as Sherlock’s muffled giggles tickled his ears. “Whahat are wehehee, chihildren?” William gasped out as Sherlock howled in their hands, slapping his leg. This only made William laugh harder, covering his face with his free hand. “Stoohhop, stop- we’ll wake the hohohuse!”
“The house is already awake.” A new voice made them jump, twisting around to find a sour faced Louis glaring. His hair was a mess, and he wasn’t wearing his glasses, but it didn’t take long before an assumption crossed his face, turning his glare into a look of shock. “S-Sherlock Holmes?”
“Well, would you look at the time; I better head home now!” Said detective stood, nodding at the brothers politely. “Thank you so much for having me tonight, Liam. Louie.” The nickname earned him a scary look. “Your brother has been the most gracious host, but alas- it’s time for me to part-”
“It’s 2 in the morning.” Louis cut him off, his tone like ice. “No carriages run this late.”
“I’ll find a way.” Sherlock grinned, growing increasingly nervous. Louis cut his eyes to William once before turning back to the detective, shaking his head.
“The spare room is down the hall and to the left. Make yourself comfortable.” Sherlock seemed frozen by the offer, eyes wide and mouth gaping like a fish. “Breakfast is served at 8. If you’re hungry, stick around. If not, be gone by then.” He gestured, sending a nodding Sherlock on his way. Once he was out of the room, Louis turned to his brother. “Will.”
“Louis-” He began.
“Quiet.” He cut him off, shutting his brother up. It was rare for Louis to take on such a tone with him. Usually he reserved it for Moran. “Listen. You are my brother, and I love and respect you with my entire being. You know that will never change.”
“Louis, I don’t understand-”
“I am not some closed minded fool, Will. I know there are many types of love out there, and I’m happy you’re finding yours.” Louis carried on, pointedly ignoring his brother. “That said, Sherlock Holmes? Of all the men you could fancy, why him?”
“What…What, no, Louis!” William flushed as red as his eyes, mortified. “You got it all wrong-”
“Told you.” Moran smirked up at a just as amazed Bonde by the door. “Half a month.”
“That was three quarters at least.” They argued. “I win by default.”
“No way-”
“Can someone tell me why Sherlock Holmes is in our bathtub? Albert asked, understanding in his eyes as he looked at William. “Ah. Nevermind.”
“Who ate the last bread roll? I was hungry.” Fred appeared, rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Louis, do we have any scones left from this morning?”
“I’ll make some.” Jack called from the kitchen, earning a chorus of voices ranging from “Oh that won’t be necessary, Jack!” to “Don’t let that old man cook, he’ll poison us all!”
William only held his face in his hands, suddenly very tired.
What a night.
Thanks for reading!
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anywaymuahahahaha · 11 months
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。°✩ ⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆ ✩°。⋆ ⋆。°✩ ⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆ ✩°。
Chapter Four: Let Me Explain Everything About Magolor…
Elfilin and Magolor were getting closer to Kirby's house. Magolor cast an anxious glance over at Elfilin. He began to slow down, and then they came to a halt. Kirby’s house was just below.
“Hey… So, you know that stuff I said about Kirby back there? Let's uh… Let’s keep that to ourselves, okay?” Magolor said with a smile.
Elfilin grew anxious as he looked down. He seemed to have forgotten about the lies back in town. It might be difficult to explain to Kirby how they managed to bring back so much fruit.
“Magolor…You lied about Kirby...Why would you do that?”
Magolor took a deep breath then looked down below.
“Kirby has saved Planet Popstar many times. I’m sure you’re aware of that. You’ve seen Kirby in action; isn’t he amazing?…Well, that fool seems to have forgotten just how important he is. Kirby isn’t just some ordinary citizen. He’s a hero and he deserves to be treated as such! Wouldn’t you agree, Little Dude?”
“Well…yeah! Of course, I do! But…What will Kirby say when he finds we stole everything?” Elfilin asked.
“Kirby’s not going to find out!” Magolor winked.
“W-what do you mean by that? You’re gonna lie to Kirby?!”
“What!? Of course not! I'd never lie to my dearest friend!” Magolor said, almost outraged by the remark. “...Besides, he'll be so completely thrilled about all this food we’ve brought him that he won't care a bit where it came from!”
“But Magolor, stealing is just wrong!…I…I can’t go through with this. I’m sorry, but I’m taking everything back!” Elfilin turned around and prepared to fly back but Magolor quickly appeared right in front of him and held up his hand, preventing him from doing so.
“No way, Little Dude! Kirby’s waiting on us! We can’t let him down!” Elfilin anxiously tried to move past him, but Magolor wouldn’t budge.
“Calm down! To be honest…we technically didn’t steal anything because…Well, I’m gonna go back and pay for it all tomorrow!”
“…You are?”
“Of course!…I do it all the time.” He smirked.
“But…Aren’t you banned from that place?”
“…Oh… That obnoxious jerk has such a nasty temper. He’s never liked me, and I don't know why; I’ve never done a thing to him. He’s always blaming me when things go wrong for him because, well, he’s just bad at his job. It can’t be helped. He's a pathetic old fool.”
“Are you sure?…or is this another lie?” Elfilin asked.
“Okay…fine. I'll admit...I occasionally tell a little, white lie to some of the folks around here…but to Kirby? Or you? I don't lie to my friends anymore!” Magolor said, smiling and nodding.
Anymore?…
“Aw, don't give me that look.” Magolor said with a pout. “I only lied about Kirby like that because I was in a hurry! Normally, I wouldn’t do something that drastic, but I had no choice. He was taking way too long, you know?”
“I wonder if he’s okay after what happened with that Black Hole-”
“Like I said, Little Dude, it’s no big deal! No one got hurt! No harm done!” Magolor snickered. He seemed to have no regret at all for what they had done. He seemed like he might have enjoyed it even. He pointed below to Kirby’s house and smiled.
“Well, let’s go!” As Magolor tightened his grip on the hefty sack of fruit, he noticed Elfilin still appeared to be a bit hesitant to return. He jabbed him on the shoulder with a lighthearted punch.
“Remember, Little Dude! I’m going back tomorrow to pay for everything we took today…and then some, even!” He said with a wink.
Regardless of how horrible he felt about the situation, Elfilin couldn't help but believe Magolor. He just brimmed with sincerity. So kind and friendly. He certainly had a mischievous side, as Elfilin could see, but was it really such a bad thing? He clearly took a lot of pride in his friendship with Kirby and valued it above all else. Elfilin was impressed and inspired by his dedication to being such a good friend, but was also a little concerned and somewhat curious about the obscure and dark past he seemed to be hiding.
“Hmm. In fact, I'll throw in a little extra to help repair the damage caused by that nasty black hole!” Magolor continued.
“Really!? Wow…That’s very…cool of you!”
“What can I say? I’m a pretty cool dude…And so are you! Nice work back there!”
“You really think I’m cool!?” Elfilin exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.
“Of course, and you'll be even cooler if you remember what I said about keeping what happened back there a secret! Just follow my lead, Little Dude. Remember, we're not lying; We’re simply keeping it between us. I’ll handle everything and you won’t have to say a word! Now, let’s get down there and show Kirby all this delicious fruit! Last one there’s a rotten egg!”
Magolor sped off flying down below to Kirby’s house. Elfilin quickly caught up to him and even surpassed him. Just as he thought he would make it to Kirby’s door first, Magolor emerged directly in front of him. He twirled about, giggling.
“You almost beat me! Looks like you'll have to pick up your pace juuuust a bit, there, heeheehee!” Magolor winked. Elfilin blushed, humiliated at yet another defeat.
“Don't worry, I won't tell Kirby about it..heehee!” Magolor opened the door and they went inside to see Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee continuing their chess game from earlier.
“Yo! We’re back! We brought lots of good stuff too! I made sure to get plenty of apples, just as you wanted, Kirby!” Magolor tossed him a bright red apple.
“The most delicious apple in the universe!…Just for you!” He smiled.
Kirby's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the apple. Then he inhaled it all in one go.
“Wow, that was delicious! The best apple I’ve ever had! Thank you, Magolor! Thank you, Elfilin!” Kirby jumped around happily.
Magolor bounced around joyously with Kirby, while Elfilin chuckled nervously. Magolor then took both sacks of fruit and poured them out on the floor. Kirby's eyes grew wide as he gazed at the mountain of fruit surrounding them.
“Alright, Kirby! Dig in!” Magolor smiled. Kirby was practically drooling on himself from his excitement.
“Wow! Look at all of this!! Apples, peaches, and even strawberries! Imagine what we could do with all of this! We could make cobblers, pies, fruit tarts, even parfaits!! The possibilities are endless!!”
Kirby frantically rummaged through all of the fruit grabbing every piece he could possibly fit in his hands.
“That's right, Kirby! I made sure to get only the best! I know just how hungry you get, so we made sure to grab plenty!”
Magolor smiled as he sat down next to Kirby.
Bandana Waddle Dee was amazed by how much fruit they brought back. It almost seemed too good to be true that Magolor could bring back this much. Kirby, of course, was so eager to devour everything that he didn't seem to care where it all came from. He was just happy to eat. Bandana Waddle Dee then spotted Elfilin standing alone. He quietly took a few steps towards him.
“Pssst…Elfilin!” He called out. Elfilin turned to see Bandana Waddle Dee motioning for him to come closer. While Magolor and Kirby were preoccupied, they met in another corner of the room.
“Hey, Elfilin…how did it go?…” he asked, speaking softly.
Elfilin sighed and glanced down. He then turned towards Magolor, still beaming with happiness as he sat with Kirby.
“…It’s Magolor, isn’t it!? What did he do this time!?” Bandana Waddle Dee said angrily.
“I just knew he was up to no good! He did something horrible again didn’t he!?”
“What? No!” Elfilin said hastily. “Magolor is…Well, he’s great! He showed me the sights, introduced me to some new people, and helped get all this food for Kirby!”
“Yeah, about all this food…” Bandana Waddle Dee said as he looked around the room. “How did you guys pay for all this?…”
Elfilin froze in panic. He remembered Magolor’s plea to keep everything between them. He couldn’t tell Bandana Waddle Dee about what really happened. But he couldn’t lie either. He took another uneasy glimpse around.
“Well…you see…” Elfilin stammered. “Um…Magolor…”
Bandana Waddle Dee shook his head in defeat as Elfilin stumbled over his words.
“…He handled everything like a total pro! It’s all been taken care of! There’s no need to worry Bandana Waddle Dee!”
“Are you sure? You seem anxious…”
Elfilin was determined to keep his promise to Magolor but…he wasn’t quite as good at lying as Magolor seemed to be.
“…Yep!…he…” Elfilin sighed. “Paid for everything…”
“Oh, Elfilin…you can be honest with me. I won’t tell Magolor anything you say…It’s not like I ever wanna talk to him anyway.”
“I don’t know why you seem to hate him so much…He really is nice, you know? He’s awesome! Ooooh, and I think he wants to be my friend! Isn’t that cool!?”
Bandana Waddle Dee exhaled deeply. He was well aware of Magolor's ways. Using his charm to win over anybody he wants and get whatever he desires. He watched him do it to Kirby and now he was doing the same to Elfilin.
“Elfilin…” Bandana Waddle Dee said.
“Look, I know you seem to like Magolor a lot…and I really hate to have to tell you this…but he’s not this super cool guy you think he is.”
Elfilin frowned. Bandana Waddle Dee leaned in closer and spoke quietly.
“He tries really, REALLY hard to make you think he wants to be your friend…He plays it off like he’s a real nice guy…but the truth is..he’s a lying, backstabbing, TRAITOR!!”
“…A traitor?!” Elfilin was taken aback. “Magolor!? There’s no way!”
“He’s a liar and a wizard!! Believe me, Elfilin! Stay away from Magolor if you know what’s good for you!”
Elfilin glanced over at Magolor and Kirby. Still talking and laughing it up. Could he really be this lying, backstabbing traitor!? Elfilin couldn't picture Magolor doing such a thing to anyone, let alone Kirby.
“He might look friendly and nice now-but it’s all an act!- Listen! When he first arrived on Planet Popstar���He told us he was a lost traveler in need of help. Kirby, of course helped him. We all did! You know what happened after that!?”
“…What?”
“HE BETRAYED US! He betrayed Kirby!”
“He..betrayed Kirby??” Elfilin was in disbelief.
“Yep! And he’ll betray you too, Elfilin!…Once Magolor has you right where he wants you, that’s when he gets you! He tricked us into helping him steal something that didn’t belong to him and once he had it- he ATTACKED US!!”
“Magolor attacked you!?” Elfilin still couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He knew Magolor was hiding something…but he never imagined he was hiding something quite like this…
“Yeah! And that’s not all!…He put on this thing called the Master Crown which made him transform into a big hideous looking monster! He had piercing red eyes, long, scary horns and big, freaky hands!”
Hearing this left Elfilin in pure shock. Magolor, a monster who betrays his friends? The very same Magolor who has been so kind to him and Kirby…It couldn’t be true…
“Magolor…turned into a monster?”
“That’s right! After he attacked us, he abandoned us on a strange planet far away from home! We were lucky to make it out alive!”
“What happened after Magolor…attacked you?…”
“Well, we managed to catch up to him thanks to a dragon named Landia. But he was determined to get what he wanted and wasn’t going down without a fight. Kirby had no choice but to face him in battle.”
“You mean Kirby and Magolor actually fought each other?”
“Yeah... Magolor was strong and very powerful but Kirby put up a good fight and ultimately had the upper hand. It was a pretty intense battle but Kirby was able to take him down.”
“…Take him down? You mean like…”
“Yep. Kirby defeated him.”
Elfilin was rendered speechless. Magolor seemed friendly, funny..a bit of a liar maybe, but a monster?…He couldn’t wrap his head around it. And to think they once fought each other in a vicious battle…When you looked at the two of them now, it seemed unbelievable.
“What happened to him after that?”
“Well, he just sort of…vanished…and that was the end of it.”
Elfilin kept his gaze on Magolor as Bandana Waddle Dee spoke, still struggling to process everything he was hearing.
“Kirby took it pretty hard at first but…after a while he finally managed to moved on…Magolor was gone for a really long time but then…one day he just showed back up on Planet Popstar acting as if nothing ever happened. We were all a little confused…But Kirby was really happy to see him again. Magolor has been living here in Dream Land ever since. He claims he’s changed but he still causes all kinds of trouble around here and he’s still a big, fat, liar. I’ll never understand him. But…for some reason…he and Kirby are still friends…” Bandana Waddle Dee sighed.
Elfilin could clearly see the two of them had a very special bond. He could tell they really enjoyed each other's company. Elfilin knew Kirby wouldn’t forgive someone who wasn’t deserving of it. If he was willing to forgive Magolor even after all that, it had to mean something, right?
“Bandana Waddle Dee…maybe you’re being a little too hard on Magolor…” Elfilin said softly. “If Kirby is willing to forgive him, then…maybe you could too.”
Bandana Waddle Dee was admittedly, a little shocked at Elfilin’s remark.
“Elfilin…you heard what I said, right? He turned into a MONSTER!”
While Elfilin could obviously see that Magolor was far from perfect, the more he learned about him the more sympathy he felt for him. While Elfilin’s circumstances might have been a little different he found himself relating more and more to his seemingly tragic past.
“Magolor doesn’t seem like a monster to me…In fact, he is one of coolest people I’ve ever met. I know I don’t know him as well as you and Kirby do, but if he says he’s changed then I think he means it! He just wants to be a good friend! Look at all this fruit he got for Kirby! Don’t you see how happy they are! You really ought to give Magolor another chance, Bandana Waddle Dee. Once you get to know him, he’s really a pretty nice guy!”
“NICE!? Elfilin…are you sure we’re talking about the same guy here?-“
“Yo, Little Dude!” Magolor suddenly appeared right in front of him, his attention to Elfilin. He was beaming with delight. He pulled out a bright red apple and handed it to Elfilin.
“I promised to give Kirby the best apple, but here’s the SECOND best apple…just for you! Heehee!”
Magolor bounced with excitement as he awaited Elfilin to take it. Elfilin was still slightly caught off guard by Magolor’s sudden appearances but still found himself completely starstruck when he had his full attention. Bandana Waddle Dee watched with slight frustration as Elfilin was completely frozen in awe of Magolor’s presence, his eyes sparkling as if he were about to cry.
Oh, give me a break!…
“Go on, take it!” Magolor handed over the apple to Elfilin. He took a careful look at it. It was much larger than all the others ones and noticeably redder too. It looked delicious! Elfilin held it tightly and smiled at Magolor.
“You’re giving this to me!?” He said, choking back tears.
“Of course! It’s the least I can do! You were so incredibly helpful back there! I couldn’t have done it without you!” Magolor said with a wink.
“Thank you, Magolor! Wow! It looks delicious! Are you sure I can have this?”
“Yep! It’s all yours, my friend! Enjoy it!” Magolor said with a nod. “In fact, why don’t the two of you come over here and sit with us! We were just discussing all the fun we’re going to have tonight!”
“Sure!” Elfilin spun around joyously and floated over to where Kirby was sitting. As Bandana Waddle Dee prepared to follow, he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
“Oh, and Bandana Waddle Dee…” Magolor began, his voice low.
He leaned in closer to Bandana Waddle Dee, who was frozen in fear.
“You should know it’s very rude to talk about people behind their back…” he whispered. He took a few steps forward then turned his face slightly towards him.
“Especially when the person you’re talking about hasn’t had a chance to tell their side of the story.”
Magolor smirked at Bandana Waddle Dee for a moment before returning to Kirby and Elfilin, leaving him completely stunned.
Did…Did he hear everything?….
Bandana Waddle Dee nervously approached them. Magolor intensely looked him in the eye as he headed over. He happily pat his hand on the ground next to him.
“Yo! There’s an open seat right next to me, Bandana Waddle Dee!” He giggled.
Bandana Waddle Dee hesitated for a moment. Kirby gave him a puzzled look.
“What’s wrong?” He said.
“Yeah, what’s wrong?” Magolor said slightly giggling.
“N-nothing…sorry…” Bandana Waddle Dee slowly sat down next to Magolor. He gave him a cheeky smile and scooted slightly closer to him.
“You know, We really should talk more, Bandana Waddle Dee.” He said giggling.
Bandana Waddle Dee sighed and turned away from him.
“Alright, then!” Kirby announced with a beaming smile. “Now that Magolor and Elfilin are back, what do you say we-“
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!!
The room went silent at the sound of a loud knocking at Kirby’s door.
“Oh, another visitor!? I wonder who it could be!!”
Magolor and Elfilin froze in panic. Elfilin began to tremble anxiously as Kirby approached the door. He looked across to Magolor, who was looking around the room frantically, and then disappeared with his dimensional vanish. Elfilin hunched down and covered his face with his big ears. Bandana Waddle Dee observed them with perplexity.
Kirby opened the door and smiled big.
“Meta Knight! You made it, after all!”
Meta Knight, the mysterious, masked swordsman and longtime friend to Kirby had shown up.
“Good afternoon, Kirby. Can I come in?”
“Of course! Hey, everyone! Meta Knights here for the party!”
“Party?…” Meta Knight looked around the messy room and noticed Bandana Waddle Dee and Elfilin sitting together. Finally Magolor returned from his dimensional vanish appearing next to Kirby. He looked at Meta Knight and groaned.
“Oh, it’s just you. Now the real fun can start. Yippie…” Magolor sulked over to Elfilin and plopped down next to him. Elfilin stared in awe at Meta Knight, his eyes shining brightly.
“Oh, Magolor. You’re here as well.” Meta Knight said.
Magolor gave him an unenthusiastic hand wave.
“Well, I suppose that answers my first question…” He said glaring at him.
“Hey, Meta Knight!” Bandana Waddle Dee said cheerfully.
“Bandana Waddle Dee.” Meta Knight greeted him with a nod.
“It’s great you were able to make it considering Magolor stole your invitat-“
Magolor quickly jabbed Bandana Waddle Dee in the gut, cutting him off before he could finish his sentence.
“Meta Knight! We’re so happy you made it to the party! We’re gonna have lots of fun! Come on, come on!!” Kirby took Meta Knights hand and led him over to where Elfilin was sitting.
“Kirby, I’m not here for any party-“
“Meta Knight, you remember Elfilin, right?”
Elfilin was suddenly face to face with Meta Knight.
“Elfilin. It’s been a while, how have you been?” Meta Knight extended his hand out to Elfilin for a handshake.
“M-Meta Knight!” He stuttered. “Wow! It’s great to see you again!” Elfilin said happily shaking his hand.
“Likewise.” Meta Knight nodded at him then turned his attention to Kirby.
“I apologize for the intrusion but I am not here to hang out. I’m sorry to interrupt the…party, but I just need a quick word then I’ll be on my way.”
“Is everything all right, Meta Knight?” Kirby asked.
“Kirby…I was just in the village and there seemed to be a disturbance at the Farmers Market. Magolor…you were just there. Would you know anything about that?”
Magolor turned away from him, ignoring his question.
Meta Knight then turned to Elfilin. He began to tremble anxiously.
“Elfilin, I believe you were there with Magolor, correct?”
“Y-yes.” Elfilin stammered.
“Did you see anything…strange happen while you were there?”
Elfilin glanced over at Magolor, who was eyeing him intensely. Magolor very subtly shook his head ‘no’ and gave a small ‘thumbs up’ gesture with his hand.
“No, sir. I didn’t see anything strange…it must have happened after we left!”
Bandana Waddle Dee shook his head in anguish.
Oh, Elfilin. Not you, too…
Meta Knight nodded at Elfilin then took a few steps toward Magolor.
“Kirby, the shopkeeper who runs the Fruit Stand was robbed today.”
“What!? Robbed!?” Kirby said with a gasp.
“What happened!? Is anyone hurt!?”
“No one is hurt, thankfully. But it could have gotten ugly had I not been there to clean up the mess after the culprits fled the scene.” He glared angrily at Magolor. 
Elfilin sunk lower and lower with every word.
“Oh, when I find out who’s responsible for this!…they’re gonna be sorry!” Kirby said, viciously punching the air.
“Magolor…” Meta Knight began, his voice stern.
“Two sacks of fruit were stolen today. Curious…How many sacks did you take off with, again? It was quite difficult to see, given how fast the two of you were going.”
Magolor continued to ignore him. Kirby approached him angrily.
“Magolor…Don’t tell me you stole everything!” He said.
Elfilin panicked.
“Magolor, I know we’ve discussed this before but if you wish to continue living here in Dream Land you must behave yourself.”
Kirby frowned and glared disappointingly at Magolor. He looked over at Elfilin.
“And don’t be getting Elfilin here caught up in your antics either.”
“Elfilin, is it true? Did you guys steal everything?” Kirby asked.
Elfilin found himself in the hot seat. He swallowed nervously and attempted to speak.
“Kirby, don’t bother questioning Elfilin.” Meta Knight said. “This was all Magolor’s doing... As for the stolen fruit… I took care of the bill.”
He shot Magolor a disapproving look.
“You can pay back me back later.”
“Didn’t you just say you were leaving?” Magolor remarked.
Wow…Magolor and Meta Knight sure don’t seem to like each other very much…
Elfilin observed the tension between the two of them.
In fact…A lot of the folks around here don’t seem to get along with him…Was Bandana Waddle Dee right about him after all?…
Kirby sighed deeply and shook his head in remorse.
“Magolor…Why would you do this?! And to drag Elfilin into it?…”
“It’s not like anyone got hurt. That shopkeeper is such a crybaby. Listen, the only reason why I took off with everything was because I simply forgot my money! I was gonna go back and pay for it, tomorrow! I’ve done it before. He knows I’m good for it.”
“Magolor, if I’m not mistaken the shopkeeper has made it very clear that you are forbidden from his stand.” Meta Knight continued. “Perhaps I could show you the poster in case you’ve forgotten-”
“Hey! Magolor promised to pay for everything, right!? Um… You’re sorry, right? You didn’t mean to do it, did you, Magolor?” Elfilin chimed in.
“That’s right! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Kirby, you know I am always, ALWAYS, more than happy to clean up whatever messes I make. I was gonna tell you the truth eventually…but sadly, I wasn’t given the chance! Thanks, Meta Knight.”
“Oh, You’re quite welcome…And I’ll be seeing you soon to collect what you owe me.” Meta Knight nodded at Magolor and then to Kirby.
“Again, sorry for the interruption, Kirby. I’ll be on my way now so you can return to your party.” Meta Knight approached the door. He turned around once more.
“It was good to see you again, Elfilin. Enjoy your stay here in Dream Land. Magolor…” his voice took on a more serious tone. “Behave yourself.”
Magolor smirked, floated over to him and gently nudged him closer to the door.
“Well, here’s the door, my friend. You’re certainly a busy dude, right?” Magolor opened the front door and smiled. Bandana Waddle Dee, Elfilin and Kirby ran up to the door and waved goodbye.
“See ya around, Meta Knight!” Bandana Waddle Dee called out.
“Thanks for dropping by Meta Knight! Sorry again for all the trouble Magolor caused…” Kirby shot him a look of disdain once again.
Meta Knight approached the door but then stopped again and turned towards Kirby.
“Oh, Kirby…One last thing before I go…”
Magolor groaned in annoyance.
“Tell me…How are you feeling?…” Meta Knight asked.
“Me?…Oh, well…I feel just fine! Why do you ask?”
Meta Knight eyed Magolor.
“No reason. Well, I’ll be on my way then. Enjoy your party.” Meta Knight waved goodbye one last time and walked out the door.
“Bye, Meta Knight!” Elfilin waved.
“Yes, good-BYE!” Magolor slammed the front door shut.
Kirby stomped over to Magolor in a furious rage. To Elfilin's surprise, Magolor sank low onto the ground hiding his face behind hands.
“Magolor! How could you?! What were you thinking doing something like that!?” Kirby yelled.
Magolor peeked one watery eye out from behind his hands.
“Kirby, please forgive me! I promise I meant no harm by any of it! You know me! I wouldn’t just steal something if it wasn’t for a good reason!”
“There’s never a good reason to steal anything, Magolor!”
“Sure, there is! Truth be told, he deserved it. You should have heard the lies he told about you.”
“Oh, knock it off already!” Bandana Waddle Dee said angrily. “You’ve done nothing but cause problems since you got here! Kirby, just make him leave already!”
“No!” Elfilin yelled rushing to Magolor’s side.
“Kirby! He said he’s sorry! Please don’t make him leave!”
Magolor smiled at Elfilin who returned a friendly nod at him.
“Magolor…you can stay…but please, don’t cause any more trouble! We’re just trying to have fun! Promise me you’ll behave yourself?”
“Of course, Kirby! In fact, I’ll be so good, you’ll forget I’m even here. Heeheehee!” He winked.
Of course Kirby’s giving him another chance…
Bandana Waddle Dee sighed.
Elfilin smiled at Magolor and twirled around joyfully.
“That was a close one, huh?!” Elfilin whispered.
“Too close…Thanks for having my back, Little Dude!” Magolor held up his fist. Elfilin looked at it in confusion.
“Come on, don’t leave me hanging!” Magolor took Elfilin’s hand and demonstrated to him how to do a proper “fist-bump”.
“Got it? Now, let’s try it again.” Magolor once again held up his fist. Elfilin smiled and bumped fists with him.
Bandana Waddle Dee shook his head in disappointment.
Oh, Elfilin…I hope you don’t find out who Magolor really is the hard way…
Kirby frantically rummaged around the room, seeming eager to move on to the next activity.
“Well, Kirby, what’s next!?” Magolor said happily.
“Well, it looks like we’ll have to stick around here for the night! But I have a great idea! Why don’t we go for a swim in the lake right outside!” Kirby gathered a bunch of pool toys and excitedly rushed to the door.
Bandana Waddle Dee was slightly irritated that Magolor’s misdeeds in town were seemingly so easily forgiven, but he was also relieved to finally move on from the situation.
Magolor didn’t seem very thrilled at Kirby’s suggestion. Elfilin noticed his apprehension as everyone rushed out the door.
“What’s wrong, Magolor?” He asked.
“Oh, I’m fine. Just…lost in thought, that’s all.” he stared nervously out of Kirby’s window at the lake.
“Well, are you coming?” Elfilin said as he waited at the door for him.
Magolor took a breath breath and turned to him with a big smile.
“Of course! Let’s go!”
Magolor floated happily towards Elfilin, and together, the two of them set out for the lake with Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee.
。°✩ ⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆ ✩°。⋆ ⋆。°✩ ⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆ ✩°。
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[table of contents]
[next chapter]
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epickiya722 · 5 months
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KIYA REACTS!
BNHA OVA - UA BATTLE HEROES
Haven't done this in... a while! I'll be real with you, folks I forgot about the OVA coming. Like completely until today.
Okay! So, be aware of spoilers (of course). Genuine reactions and most of the time, it's jokes! Given this is an OVA, there is no doubt there's going to be jokes.
Also, don't be that person to take this seriously. Don't take the fun out of this. Don't reply or reblog on this and be like "but actually..." or any other condescending attitude. Don't even come be like "I know you said to not comment but...", don't even do that if you're gonna follow up with being a jerk.
With that being said, ONWARD!!
Battle Heroes... that reminds me of Judai Yuki. Wait... Battle Heroes... DUEL MONSTERS!!
"We can play more card games." Didn't I just make a YGO reference?
Kaminari with his hair pinned back, adorable!
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Yaomomo and Iida coming in like "just find something to do, we can't leave the campus". Like, go outside and build a snowman! Or nap! Or watch TV!!
It's moments like these is why I'm glad Yaomomo and Iida are the vice class representative and the class representative.
Tokoyami's expression is killing me here. Too cute!!
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Midoriya explaining the games just gives me flashbacks to the New Year's Tournament arc in Nanbaka. Funny enough, Justin Briner (Midoriya's dub VA) voices Nico, another crazy strong, green haired adorable fanboy.
"MOCHI!" Uraraka, please, sweetie! Stop being so cute!!!
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I love it when Midoriya gets all passionate when he goes into a ramble about something.
Aw, Sero hyping Sato was just so wholesome. I love 1A interactions like that!
Ain't no way Mirio just hopped his ass in here IN A SNOWMAN STILL INTACT!! 🤣🤣🤣
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BRO WAS JUST IN HIS UNDERWEAR!! MIRIO!!!
Oh! I know what the big eyes are referencing !!
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THIS IS JUST YUGIOH!! PLACING A CARD DOWN AND A HOLOGRAPH COMES UP?! IT'S YUGIOH!!
Hatsume Mei cameo! Aaayyeee!!!
I just realized Bakugou hasn't shown up. Hm.
Hatsume is a savage for using the match between her and Iida back from the Sports Fest as an example on how to play the game. 😆
Midoriya VS Ojiro, my two fave 1A boys!!
OMG, Battle Hero Jiro didn't have to do Battle Hero Sato like that! 😆
BH Kaminari didn't have to do BH Jiro like that!! Ojiro really wanted his get back!
BH KAMINARI GOT OBLITERATED BY NAVAL LASER!! WELL DAMN!!
Ojiro using himself to push BH Aoyama out of bounds in the most gentle way will always be funny to me! 🤣 Just a gentle tap from his tail!
BH Todoroki freezing BH Ojiro making a callback to their first battles is just... I love callbacks.
DON'T TRUST ANYTHING MINETA SAYS!! DON'T DO IT!!
This is the second OVA in which Mt. Lady crushes Sero...
"Because you deserve it. 😁" Ashido, have I told you how much of a queen you are?
THE GIRLS WON!! HELL YES!!
The girls are really kicking the boys' asses! I love to see it!
Present Mic cameo as a Battle Hero!!
BH Koda, you wrong!! 😆
Oh, it's Bakugou!
"Which card is the strongest in the deck!" You must never seen YGO. Strongest cards aren't always the best cards, my guy.
Honestly, I feel like it's a jab at the whole joke about how "it's a card game, don't take it too seriously" in the YGO fandom... this whole episode is just a whole YGO reference, isn't it?
I'm on Team Midoriya!!
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Of course, it's a tie!!
Bakugou didn't just put All Might on the field!!
Midoriya pulls a dog... oh, wait. BH All Might is... yep... he did it... Bakugou, you're not a true AM fan. He would have known that All Might wouldn't punch a dog!!
Overall, I liked it! Obviously, the OVA was made to be a "feel good, wholesome, funny" segment and I like it! With everything going on with the manga right, yeah, needed that.
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lavenderbexlatte · 2 years
Text
day 22 - face sitting
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twice 1.1k words gender neutral reader insert Reader x Park Jihyo NSFW
🖤 warnings: a distracting workplace environment, very indulgent descriptions of oral haha oops, oral sex 🖤
kinktober masterlist
connect with me! / masterlist
Usually you're smart and in control enough to not tease her at work, but today is not one of those days.
It's your manager's fault for putting you and Jihyo on the same shift so many days a week. How anyone expects to get coffees made and pastries nuked in the convection oven and customer service prioritized with your girlfriend around is beyond you.
Stronger folks than you could probably have resisted swatting at her ass when she bends over for syrup under the counter, nudging her in the tits more times than is necessary when reaching for cups. But you're not strong like that, and it's so much fun to mess with her. Not so much that she messes up at work or gets in trouble or anything. Just enough.
Jihyo is fun, though, and she returns your jabs with glee. Overturning the ice tray in front of you was dirty pool, but you started it, so you can't be mad that she's returning the same energy.
No customers have complained, so it's fine.
She comes in for her break, much later in the day, right as you're finishing yours. There's one long bench against the back wall, uncomfortable and usually half-covered in boxes of supplies, and you're sitting on the free end, scrolling on your phone, when she walks in with her brown-bagged lunch and an unimpressed look.
"Lemme sit."
"Your seat's right here," you say, gesturing to your lap, without looking up from the phone.
"Ha, ha. Scoot," she deadpans.
"Oh, my bad. Your seat's right here."
You gesture at your face this time, and Jihyo's expression of utter exasperation is worth the workplace sexual harassment risk (not that she would report you, and not that she minds, she'd kick your ass and call it a day).
"I'm gonna do it and I'm gonna suffocate you," she grumbles, moving you bodily to one side so she can sit down, too.
"You can't threaten me with that, it's the ideal way to die."
Because, see, Jihyo is basically the hottest girl you've ever met, and the best and coolest and funniest, and the idea of spending your last moments beneath her is kind of sexy, in a morbid way.
"It's not a threat, 's a promise," Jihyo says.
As she starts in on her meal, you wander unhappily to clock back in. Jihyo makes sure to kick you squarely on the back of the knee as you pass her, deadlegging you like a schoolyard champion. You deserved that one, you can't deny it, as you hobble and whine your way back to the service counter.
That night, at her apartment, you're really hoping that it was a joke. Just the killing-you part. You'd rather not die tonight, before you've washed the sour-milk smell out of your hair.
But the face-sitting part? You've been looking forward to that part all day.
That's why you're tugging a naked and tousle-haired Jihyo off your lap and up toward your head, where you're laying comfortably among her throw pillows.
"C'mon," you say, hooking your arms around her knees to pull her better.
"You don't have to," she says.
She's laughing, though, and letting you maneuver her, so you figure her protests are all politeness.
"I absolutely do."
Facing the headboard, she's got something to hold onto, which is good because you don't intend on coming up again until you absolutely have to. You finally get her situated, one of her strong thighs on either side of your head, knees dimpling the pillows.
"Tell me if I'm hurting you," she says dubiously.
"You're not."
"I haven't moved, of course I'm not."
"You won't," you amend. "Please, I'm dying. Starving, even."
"You're gross."
"I know. And yet, here you are."
Jihyo mumbles something else about you being a pain, but she does lower herself slightly, just within reach of your mouth.
Heaven.
You're sure that she doesn't get exactly how much you wanted this or why, but that's fine, because here she is, for you to extend you tongue and lave tentatively over her folds, to feel her out. She's wet with anticipation, not dripping but interested, ready to play. Perfect. You'll get to take your time, work her up at your pace.
It might have been a joke at work, but there was truth in it. You love this.
"You're hovering," you say.
She shivers over you at the feeling of your breath as you talk. "I don't wanna hurt you."
"I said already, you won't."
"What if I break your neck or something?"
"That is a price I'm willing to pay," you say soberly. "Also, you won't."
She's light, even if she doesn't think so, and her legs are still supporting her if she sits down fully. You can handle it. You tilt your head to one side to peer up at her face.
God, Jihyo's beautiful. Even with her brow furrowed uncertainly, chewing on her lower lip, she's stunning. Her short hair falls around her face as she looks down at you, her hands planted on the wall to help support herself.
There is nothing you need more in the world right now than to make this beautiful girl feel good.
"Come on," you coax, arms still around her thighs, urging her down.
Finally, she sits.
"There we go," you mumble against her.
There's not really time or space to say anything else, not when she's so firmly against you. The position nestles her against your nose bridge and your mouth, all perfect access and zero effort. A dream. Eyes closed, surrounded by just scent taste soft skin everything Jihyo, you have nothing left to do except to follow your instincts.
Which are pretty good, luckily for you, after lots and lots of practice. It's not like math or strategy help as much as basic bodily geography and enthusiasm do, in matters like this. You lose track of how much time passes, as you lick her out, short ripples over her clit, broad stokes over her entrance, down the length of her, that taste of just musk and girl-
After more of that indistinguishable time, Jihyo begins grinding down on your face, just slightly, like she's still afraid of hurting you.
Fucking finally.
You can tell that she's searching out different sensations, different spots. When you're focused downward, your nose nudges her clit, and she keens, hips rocking into it.
It's hard to fathom that there's anything in the world but her, right now.
You're not gonna suffocate, no matter what her worries might be. But you wouldn't really be complaining either way.  
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the-clay-quarters · 6 months
Text
Afternoon's Investigations
Following a lead on your current case lands you a disappointing jaunt through the docks, advice from feisty urchins, and a lecture on fabric choices.
Written for @facingfearbuildingfuture as part of @fallenlondonficswap's secret swap, with the prompt of detective work and urchins! Also ft. my oc :D
1.3k words, 2nd person pov, and available on ao3
You’ve been contacted by the residents of a recently-robbed town house, tasked with tracking down the culprit. Your current best lead points toward a man seen frequenting parts of Wolfstack docks.
There is a lead in Watchmaker’s hill and the menace department but, if he does work there, that would mean trying to find a monster hunter at work. Might as well start searching the entire zee at that point, or sitting around the department for hours on the off chance he shows up.
As you get to the docks, it becomes pretty clear that most of the residents aren't very keen on prying detectives. You do learn a few things, but none are
particularly useful; plenty of folks call him "kid", so he must be decently young; he's supposedly married but nobody seems to know his spouse, and they definitely haven't been seen together; he's a fan of vests, bowler hats, the colour green... Nothing that actually tells you where he could be.
Sitting on a stray ship crate to organise your notes after being rebuffed by yet another docker, you're approached by a pair of urchins. One stands in front of you with her arms crossed and chest puffed out, the other hovering over her shoulder. They both look about what you'd expect, grubby and tattered, but you can't help but notice that some of the more egregious holes in their outfits have been neatly patched with a striking green fabric.
"Oi, mate, we've been sein' you 'round the docks today. Right miserable sight, that's for sure." She shakes her head for emphasis, "We've got the scoop on your guy, so figured we'd lend a 'and... Well, I don' give a damn but Tom insisted-" She's quickly interrupted by a swift smack on the back of the head by her quiet friend -- Tom -- who continues for her.
"I don' care, it's only pity. We can still help, though it'll cost ya." He dodges a jabbing elbow and a glare from his partner as he finishes, looking at you expectantly. As you fish through your pockets to give them something, the two start squabbling, arguing about too many things to get a full point across. You get their attention before they can devolve into an actual fist fight, forking over a few pieces of rostygold that are fought over for a moment before settling in Tom's hands. "Edith you can' have 'em you don' know your numbers yet."
Edith grumbles at him before turning back to you with a huff. "You're lookin' for mista Pembroke and you won' find him here, he's off in the marshes doin' who knows what. Might come 'round here when he's done but that won' be for a few days. You're better off lookin' for his spot up in Veilgarden, maybe a chat with his missus. I'll tell ya where they're at but you gotta promise to be nice to her. She's real good with us, y'see, can' be gettin' her in trouble." Tom nods behind her, having counted and pocketed their payment.
Veilgarden, huh? Certainly not what you expected. Most of the people here would rather avoid that area unless they're drunk, maybe his wife got to pick the house? And if she's supposed to be there, you might have to change your tactic to something more subtle or she'd get defensive. You think it over for a moment before agreeing to the kids' terms, promising to leave her be. Edith beams and starts rattling off directions that involve too many scaled walls and rooftops for your liking. Tom rolls his eyes and grabs your pen, scribbling the address at the bottom of your page instead. The two bicker some more as they leave, it's not until they're long gone that you realise you didn't get your pen back.
---
It doesn't take too long to get to the provided address, though you did have to ask for directions twice, blasted lack of maps and twisted alleys. What you find there isn't a house, in fact, but a tailors' shop. The front window shows off a set of outfits, moderately expensive looking with moon-pearl accents. It's hard to see much of the inside past the display but it does look to be an honest store, display shelves and rolls of fabric lining the visible wall. A couple exits the store with cheerful goodbyes to the shopkeep as you stand there.
This really doesn't feel like the right place -- were those urchins just advertising? -- but it wouldn't hurt to try. It can't be more of a waste of time than the docks, though you may end up with a new jacket you don't need by the end of it. You sigh and push the door open, stepping into the store as a small bell above your head signals your entry.
The interior is brightly lit from gas lamps on the walls. There's more displays than you could see from outside, showing off everything from bonnets and brooches to full ensembles. The range of price tags seems quite wide, too, with practical work clothes next to elaborate suits. Towards the back of the room is a messy desk, covered in half finished garments and fabric cuttings; that's where you find the shopkeep herself, adding to the stack.
She looks up from her attempt at reorganising, offering a warm smile and a greeting before quickly getting distracted by a pile of cloth threatening to slide to the floor. She seems an alright lady; average height, hair loose around her shoulders in a way you're sure is out of fashion, and a modestly cut dress in a muted green.
After restabilising the precariously balanced collection, she finally turns to you. "So," she starts, "how can I help you? I'm sure I have plenty of options in your size, certainly something that would suit you better."
Sidestepping the subtle insult to your current garb, you instead ask about her and her work. "Cordelia Pembroke, tailor and seamstress," she smiles proudly. "This is my little business, selling things I've made or fixing up what people bring me. There's plenty going on, folks go through clothes quicker than you'd expect these days." You nod, watching as she wanders through the store messing with various displays.
You idly thumb through a selection of fabric, faking casual interest. Does she have anyone else working here, family perhaps? "No, no, it's just me. Sometimes I'll have the local urchins running errands in exchange for patching them up, but all the actual work here is just myself." That'll explain the two urchins from earlier, then, but what sort of errand would send them to the docks? "Oh, did you meet Edith and Thomas? Lovely pair, when they can work together. I sent them to pick up fish offcuts for my husband. He deals with errant monsters, see, and his current quarry seems to need some convincing."
There it is, her husband, that's the line of conversation you need. "Oh, are you looking for him?" She gives you a curious look, a suspicious squint that borders on a glare. "I'm afraid he's quite busy at the moment, but I can leave a message if you'd like." You feign innocence, citing mere professional curiosity. She glares at you for a moment more then sighs, turning back to her displays. "My dear Theo works with the menace department, is all. Perfectly good work if you've got the energy, and he has plenty."
Directing the conversation back to her work, you let her ramble about fashion and fabric as you consider your options. It's unlikely you'll get anything direct about your case from her if the simple mention of her husband puts her on edge... But that level of caution does lead to believe she knows something, or maybe she's just protective? The little things she says about him does line up with what you had before, so at least you know you have the right person. You resign yourself to learning no more today, returning home with the scant progress you've made.
You do end up buying something before you leave; a small coat pin with a very round fabric flower, apparently a dahlia. You must admit, it is quite pretty, even if the green is a tad too vibrant for your tastes.
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jake-g-lockley · 2 years
Text
The Light of My Knight | Moon Knight x Desi!Reader | Chapter 7: Divine Couples
Warnings: Racism, harassment, alcohol Word Count: 3.5 k
Taglist: @brekkers-desigirl @wordacadabra @paymeinkash @ahookedheroespureheart @sodonuthideout @obsessedwadonis @local-mr-frog @swiggy-needs-mental-help
Chapter 6 | Chapter 8
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Your POV
“Alright, gather around folks! Welcome to the British Museum! My name is Y/N and I will be your tour guide for today.” 
The rush that you get from saying those lines never gets old. Being a tour guide just makes you feel so in control. You love sharing your knowledge with those who are willing to listen. Giving your tour group a big smile, you usher them to the first artifact. Today your group was a mix between a family of four and a group of school students. 
“To my left is a carving of the Goddess Durga amma and the demon Mahisha. The sculpture is dated to be circa 1200 C.E. and was taken from Odisha, India.”
The father in the family of four scoffed and rolled his eyes. 
You pretended not to notice the overtly obvious gesture and continue with your explanation, clearing your throat. 
“The Goddess is depicted here to be slaying the demon. She is manifesting her supreme power as the dispeller of evil and is represented by her multi-armed form. If you take a close look at the carvings, you can notice that the Goddess is welding multiple weapons such as a broad blade sword, Lord Shiva’s trident and Lord Vishnu’s discus.”
Throughout the tour, the father kept throwing snide remarks about the artifacts in front of them, testing your patience. Nevertheless, you kept your cool and kept your chin up, answering the questions that the student had and clarifying minor elements of the history surrounding these artifacts. 
“Ah, here is another carving from Odisha, circa 1200 C.E. It displays the divine couple, Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati amma. The sage Bhringi had neglected worshiping Parvati amma when worshiping Lord Shiva and so to place emphasis on their unity to the sage, she sat on Lord Shiva’s lap.”  
Speaking of divine couples, you watch a dark mass of curls pop up from the back of the gift shop counter, a distance away, handing a customer their purchase.
He catches your eye and winks, giving you a cheeky smirk and you shake your head, turning your attention back to Lord Shiva and Parvati amma. You weren’t familiar yet with the difference between Jake and Marc, but the way he furrows his brows makes you gauge that Marc was the one fronting today. 
You still hadn’t had a chance to talk to them properly yet, only a small “Hi, darling,” in the morning as Steven rushed into his meeting with Donna. Over the weekend, you read up about DID and your stomach churned at the thought that Marc had to endure some sort of trauma that got him to this point. 
You’ve made up your mind not to trigger anything out of them, but instead just continue living with them in your life as if you’ve always known. You figured that it wouldn’t be such a task to act casual about the whole situation. 
A gruff, annoyed voice interrupts your thoughts. “There is no way that these carvings are that old, you’re lying.” 
“I'm afraid that I’m not, sir. These artifacts have been dated years ago by well-known archeologists.” you answer as you try to keep your emotions in check. 
“A barbaric culture such as this could not have made this much of an advancement so early on. You savages could not have made something like this. Like I said, you’re lying. And you keep using the words ‘taken.’ Are you implying that the British stole these artifacts?” he said, stepping closer to you, despite his wife’s protests. 
“Excuse me?” your jaw twitched, but you didn’t move, standing your ground.
After all, what could go wrong? 
“You heard me, you're lying. You have done nothing else but lied to us the entirety of this tour, you curry munching bitch.” he spat. 
“I would request for you to take a step back, please.” you say trying to keep your voice steady. 
“How dare you spread toxic lies to my children? You have the audacity to come into my country and contaminate it with your presence?” He took another step closer. 
You could feel the whole atmosphere around you and your tour group tilt. Turning, you tried to call security but before you could do so, you felt a hard slap across your face and you fell to your knees, clutching your face. You heard your clipboard drop out your grasp and skid away from you. You felt distraught, confused, humiliated, and you didn’t want to move. 
You didn’t know how long you knelt there but soon, you felt strong arms lifting you up to your feet, picking up your clipboard, holding you close. Three security guards swarmed the scene and you let yourself be escorted away, as you caught a glimpse of the man who had just slapped you being tackled to the ground. You felt your tears drip down your chin, and you struggled to stay upright, your face still smarting, ears ringing. 
The strong arms pull you into the dark break room and you feel yourself being pulled into a soft embrace, rocking you back and forth, one arm around you and one hand at the nape of your neck, supporting your head. You fist their shirt and lean into them breathing in their familiar cologne and focus on the masculine scent, breathing in and out, clinging to them like a lost koala bear. 
“That’s it baby, breathe. You’re ok, you’re safe, sweetheart.” Marc's voice cut through the ringing in your ears. 
Marc pulled away just enough to look at your face. His hand gently stroked the side of your face that was aching. His eyes were clouded with an emotion that you've never seen on the boys’ face but when his eyes met yours, they softened and it only made you sob even more. You ducked your head into his chest and continued to cry, as he strokes your hair, muttering softly. 
After what seemed like hours, you hear the door of the breakroom opening, followed by JB’s muffled voice. 
“Steven, the police are here to take Y/N’s statement. They’re in the HR office.”  
You feel Marc tense against you.
“Give us a second, yea?” Steven’s English accent resonated through his chest. 
The door closes again and you look up at Steven, sniffing. He grabs a handful of tissues from the counter on your right and hands it to you, letting you blow your nose and wipe your eyes. 
“Whenever you’re ready, darling. I'll be there beside you, yea?” Steven said, taking your hand, his voice lower than usual.
You nodded, gripping his arm with your free hand. He leads you outside and away from the main museum arena, into the office areas of the museum. The normally quiet HR office was packed, two police officers, Donna, JB, your tour group and Joshua, the head of HR. You caught a glimpse of the family in your tour group, the mother’s eyes were bloodshot and the children were crying.
Donna and Joshua led you, Steven and the police to a separate conference room, where you slowly told them what happened, still not believing it yourself. The police asked some questions and when they were done, they left the room. Donna and Joshua made you sign a few papers. 
“The Museum will handle all legal elements, Y/N, you’ll just probably have to go to court. We will be providing you with a lawyer.” Donna said, reassuringly. “You can go home and rest today, yea? Stevie, can you take the Egyptology tour while I find a replacement for the Asian Gallery?”  
Steven hesitates, turning to look at you. 
“You go on Steven, I’ll be fine, I’ll take a cab home.” you say, wiping your eyes, trying to convince Steven. 
“Alright.”  
When Donna leaves the room, Steven presses a soft kiss on your forehead. He looked terribly worried and clearly didn’t want to let you go on your own. 
“Let’s get your stuff and a cab, shall we?” he sighed.
 ☾ .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Moon Boys’ POV
Steven found it extremely hard to concentrate on leading a crowd of people around the museum, especially when his own thoughts were clouded between a mix of unbridled rage, heart wrenching sadness and two men yelling at each other.
“YOU SHOULD HAVE LET ME RIP HIS FACE APART!” Jake yelled. 
“And then what, huh? We go to jail for killing a man in broad daylight?” Marc hissed back, his tone slightly more controlled. 
“You think I fucking care? The racist hijo de puta had it coming! Marc, he touched our girl!” Jake growled. 
He touched our girl.
Steven had never felt more angry and helpless in his entire life. He kept seeing flashes of what happened, how the man started to argue with her, how Marc jumped over the counter to run over to her, how the man continued to yell racial slurs at Y/N as he pulled her away from the chaos. He couldn’t get the image of her crying out of his mind, it haunted and pained him. But Steven smiled and continued his tour, trying to keep the whole process as smooth as he possibly could. 
As much as he wanted to ruin the racist’s life, Steven was pretty rational and he knew that the racist had already ruined his own life. He knew that JB had sent the CCTV recordings to the police, there was concrete proof that could help Y/N win the case, easily. He also saw the man’s wife and kids, how traumatized they were. But Steven was more concerned about Y/N and how she was doing at the moment. 
The second the shift had ended, Steven gave Jake control of the body, only after making him promise that he wouldn’t do anything rash or stupid. Jake had calmed down a smidge but he was still on the verge of committing a homicide. His boys told him to keep calm, keep calm for her. 
He arrived at Y/N’s flat in less than 10 minutes, with a box of donuts. The donuts were Steven’s idea, but even Steven knew that the donuts were not going to fix the pain that she was going through at the moment. Jake knocked the door softly, pressing his ear to the door to hear any signs of movement. 
“Y/N, rosa, it’s us.” Jake said, loud enough for her to hear him.
He heard some shuffling and the door clicking open. He slipped inside the flat and collided with a bundle of blankets. A hand shot out of the bundle and grabbed his shirt, pulling him close. He sighed, setting the box of donuts aside and hugged the bundle, sinking onto the floor, pulling the bundle onto his lap.   
They sat there in silence for a good while as Jake held her. Jake slowly moved his hand to the top of the bundle and pulled at where her head would be, exposing her beautiful, sad face. Jake was supposed to be the strong one, the one that kept them out of danger, the one who was scared of nothing, but seeing her face like this absolutely shattered something in him. 
“Talk to me, rosa.”
“It all happened so fast, Jake.” she whispered. “I didn’t do anything, I swear.”
A tear runs down her face and Jake quickly swipes it away quickly, cupping her face in his rough hands. “I know you didn’t do anything, mi corazón, no one saw this coming.”  
She turned and leaned into his chest, ear to his heart. Jake watched as she held his hand open and traced each line slowly. 
“I don’t know why I’m so upset about this. I mean, sure, I didn’t expect to be slapped, but I should be used to the racial slurs that I’ve been getting over the years, living here.” she sniffed.
Jake was taken aback. “Amor, no one should get ‘used to’ racial slurs. Thats a stupid idea. What that asshole did today was wrong. You don’t deserve any of the shit that happened to you today.” 
She stayed silent, still tracing his hand. The blanket slipped away from her shoulder and Jake saw that she was still in her work clothes. 
“You need to shower and change, rosa, get into something more comfortable, okay?” he said softly into her ear and she nodded slowly, getting off his lap. 
While she showered, Marc took over and busied himself with finding some food for her to eat. Marc is relatively relieved that Jake had calmed down significantly when he saw Y/N. Steven was right, there was nothing that they could do, no matter how angry they were about this, except be there for Y/N. He heated some leftover rice and palak paneer that he found in the fridge. 
Just as he plated up the food, Y/N stepped out of the bathroom and padded her way to the kitchen, now clad in a pair of shorts and an oversized t-shirt with a towel wrapping her hair. She frowned at the food in front of her and shook her head. Marc raised an eyebrow at her and she sighed. 
“I’m not hungry, Marc.” 
“You’re getting really good at telling us apart.” Marc’s heart swelled at the recognition. 
“Flattery won’t make me eat the food, Spector.” she grumbled but Marc saw a small smile appear on her face.
“Please?” Marc said, hoping the magic word would do the trick. 
She sighed and reluctantly sat at her dining table and gestured for Marc to do the same. Marc watched as she slowly ate, pushing small amounts of rice and paneer into her mouth using her hand. Suddenly, she turned a handful of food to Marc and he blinked back at her, confused. 
“Sapdu. Or I won’t finish the food.” she pouted, moving her hand towards his mouth. 
Dumbfounded, Marc opened his mouth and she pushed the morsel of food into his mouth with her thumb. He chewed and swallowed, still perplexed as to what had just happened, his eyes wide. 
Y/N giggled at his reaction, the smile that curved on her face triggered the army of butterflies that he thought were killed off during his days as a mercenary, making him involuntarily gasp. He hid it with a cough
“You’re cute when you’re confused.” she said, pushing a glass of water to him. “Thank you for caring about me enough to come here.”
“I- it's nothing, don’t worry about it.” he stuttered, sipping the water. 
She quickly finished the last few mouthfuls. “I’m done, happy?”
“Very.” Marc laughed as she got up to wash her plate.
She walked towards the drying line at her balcony and pulled the towel off her head, scrunching the ends of her hair and then flinging it over the line.
Turning to look at him, she suddenly says “I think we need to talk.”
Marc nodded, not understanding what she meant. She walks back to the kitchen and opens a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of vodka and two shot glasses. 
“You drink vodka?” she asks. 
“Not at this hour?” Marc said hesitantly, raising an eyebrow at her. 
“Hmm, I need a lil liquid luck after today's fucking shit show.” she said, pouring two shots. 
Marc watched open-mouthed as she downed the two shots, not breaking eye contact with him. She tilted her head up, swallowed, and grimaced. Marc would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little turned on. In his slight daze, an alarmed Steven took over the body “Y/N, love? Why the alcohol?” 
“Oh goody! Hi, Steven.” she said, stepping between Steven’s legs. They were nose to nose now and Steven nervously chuckled.
“Steven, my cellam boy, will you clear a small confusion in my head?” she whispered, her hands on his thighs. 
“Anything, s-sure.”
“What did our kiss at the aquarium mean?” she said, so softly that it was almost incoherent. Steven’s eyes widened, he knew this question would come but he didn’t expect that to be now. The boys were silent so he took a deep breath and seized the moment. 
“Y/N, from the second we- I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful being that graced this horrible Earth. You are that one constant that has been in our lives for months now and you help me feel grounded and happy. I can’t go a second without thinking about you and your beautiful face, how you laugh, the way you talk to me about things you love, the way you listen to me! I don’t think there is any bloody word in this world that could help describe how I feel about you, but I guess the simplification of all of this is that, I really, really like you. Like, ugh, bollocks, more than friends.” Steven rambles, avoiding your eyes. 
She tilts his face up by his chin and Steven finds that there is a beautiful smile gracing her face and he gives her a shy, dopey smile in return. 
“I think I like you too, Steven Grant. I think I like all of you. More than a friend.” she whispers. 
“Really?” Steven whispered in disbelief. 
“I didn’t kiss you for funsies, dumbass.”  she says, pouting her bottom lip at him. 
Steven laughs, a breath of relief escapes his lungs as he pulls her closer to him by the edge of her oversized t-shirt. He kisses her, her hand cupping his jaw, her soft pillowy lips making him feel soft and giddy. 
“Wait, all of me? As in…?” he pulls away, tilting his head.
“Yep, the other two. They are an extension of you, and you them. Of course I like them too. Besides, Marc and Jake are not slick. They can’t and won’t escape my wrath.” she says, smirking. 
“Not slick, huh?” Marc fronted and without warning, dipped his head to Y/N’s neck, trailing small kisses that made her whimper. She gripped his thigh to steady herself. 
“Marc…” 
“Hmm, not so vocal now?” He murmurs into her neck, lifting his head, grazing the soft skin with his nose. A content sigh emits from her, twisting his insides and making him laugh. He leaves the warmth of her neck and looks her in the eyes, which are now half lidded. 
“I like you too, Y/N. I like every single thing about you. I could sit here for hours and hours and tell you everything I like about you. You are a goddess.” he sighed. 
Y/N giggled and planted a soft kiss on Marc’s forehead.
“Can I speak to Jake for a second?” 
“Nuh uh, tell her I’m not there, hermano.” Jake said in the headspace.
“Jake? Umm, Jake’s not here at the moment, baby.” Marc says, his brows furrowing. 
“Mmm, lemme guess, he told you to say that, raja?” she says lowly into his ear, sending a shiver down his spine. Marc could tell that the effects of the alcohol was slowly kicking in and giving her some new found confidence. 
“Cobarde.” she whispers, the smugness evident in her voice. 
Jake fronted with such force that almost made him fall off the chair. 
“No soy un cobarde.” He growled. 
He twists her and pulls her onto his lap causing her to gasp and throw her arms around his neck.
“Hey, Lockley.” she smiles after regaining her balance on his lap. 
“If I had a heart, it would have been lost to your smile ages ago.” he sighs.
Y/N drags one of her arms down from his neck and places a hand on his chest “Looks like it's still here, you cheesy sod.” she says blandly.
Jake chuckles but soon becomes serious again. 
“Women like you aren’t made to like. You are made for love. Y el amor es malo para mi salud.” he says.
“Says the man who gushes about her as if he would turn into a human door mat for her.” Khonshu says pompously, earning a glare from Jake. 
“Good gods, ni oru tengga da.” she says, her nose scrunching. “I can promise you that if you get sick, I’ll be the one here to take care of you.” she punched him softly.
He shakes his head and holds on to her, just like he did on the floor about an hour ago. He can feel her wet hair damping his arm and her t-shirt. 
“Tú también me gustas, mi rosa.” he finally whispers. “You’re driving me nuts, mami.”
She kisses his jaw and tightens her grip on his shirt. 
“So, does this mean you’re our girlfriend now?” Jake says, looking down at her.
“Mmm, ‘our girlfriend,’ I like the sound of that, boyfriends.” she says giggling. 
 ☾ .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Translations: 
Amma: Mother
Hijo de puta: Son of a bitch
Rosa: Rose
Mi corazón: My heart
Amor: Love
Sapdu: Eat
Cellam: Sweetie
Raja: King
Cobarde: Coward
No soy un cobarde: I am not a coward
Y el amor es malo para mi salud: And love is bad for my health
Ni oru tengga da: You are a coconut dude
Tú también me gustas, mi rosa: I like you too, my rose
Mami: mommy? sorry. mommy? Ee (affectionately not sexually, yet or actually you never know with Jake Lockley hah)
Chapter 6 | Chapter 8
Reblogs are appreciated <3 love you all so much xxx
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saltysaccharin · 9 months
Text
Happiness
— [ELYSIUM] {SEMI-CANON}
• characters :: ryouga atsumu ft. the other ryougas
• content :: the family‼️, angst, sibling shenanigans, atsumu being lonely on his 22nd birthday because he's just like that
• warnings :: no comfort (kinda?)
prompt / synopsis :: a birthday
word count :: 1.1k
a/n :: THIS IS LATE ACTUALLY his birthday was on the 3rd but i fucking forgot like the dumbass i am but it's okay because i churned out this thing last night and am still working on art thing so HOORAY ATSUMU BDAY WEEK (accidental)‼️
HAPPY NEW YEAR‼️‼️
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"Ugh, Atsu-nii, what's the matter with you?" Kairo huffed, propping his head up onto his palm, "Don't you ever stop working?"
Atsumu scoffed jovially and rolled his eyes, skimming over the stack of papers he held. "I started working when you were two, like hell I'd give up my momentum now— Hey! Teruko!"
Atsumu's frown went ignored by the young woman who'd snatched the documents out of her older brother's hands, simply sticking her tongue out childishly at him as she brandished her winnings.
"I need those. Give them back." The doctor glowered from the kitchen bar.
"Nope. You shouldn't be working today, and you won't be," Teruko replied with a sneer, "I'll give them back tomorrow! Don't be mad at me!" She hummed before sashaying away with the files.
The twitch of Atsumu's eye got a snicker from Kairo, further vexing the former. "Oh, fuck off. You guys have been in cahoots since forever."
Kairo shrugged, "So sorry, doctor, but I do hope you won't be using such vulgar language around Mama later." He jabbed, settling down not long after. After a moment, he tapped his fingers along the quartz finish of the table in thought as he turned back to Atsumu, "D'you think Dad'll come?" His voice significantly lowered in volume with the question.
With a heavy sigh, Atsumu rubbed his temples to dramatically emphasize his stance on the subject. "Who knows? Old man's too busy doing.. whatever he does to have time for his family. Guess I got that part right, at least," His jest fell a bit flat, only getting a disheartened nod from the brother. Atsumu shook his head, quickly changing the subject. "Where did the twins and Mito go off to? I haven't seen them since you five showed up on my doorstep."
"Oh, they went to the local minimart to get a couple things. Y'know, since you city folks have some real good stuff over here—"
"They went where? Kai, this building already has its own convenience store on the first floor."
"I knew that— Well..." An anxious chuckle left Kairo's lips as he scratched the back of his head, "I'm not sure if they did..."
Luckily for him, Teruko waltzed back into the kitchen, inadvertently saving her younger brother from the older's exasperation.
"Hey, Atsu-nii," She called out, pointing her thumb over her shoulder toward the corridor leading to the bedrooms, "Saw your room, saw the guest rooms — they're too good to be true by the way — but whose is the, uh..." Teruko trailed off, gently knocking on her forehead a few times to reorganize her thoughts. She snapped her fingers, "The room with the geeky stuff and the dog bed."
Kairo snorted, "The room with the geeky stuff?" He repeated in disbelief, straightening up in his seat before hopping off of the chair, "This, I've got to see!"
"HEY, NO NO NO—" Atsumu flushed, instantly chasing after his two siblings down the hall while they giggled mischievously. "That's not mine, stay out of there! Tch, you two never change!" He groaned, slowing down once they had already slipped past the door frame.
He put his hands on his hips in an attempt to look disappointed, imitating their mother subconsciously. The stupid grins on his sister and brother's faces warranted an irritated huff to come out of his nose.
"I didn't know you had a roommate," Kairo questioned, facing Atsumu suspiciously, "You definitely don't seem like the type..."
Meanwhile, Teruko deadpanned, "It is a mess in here. But Kairo's right; how come you've never let us stay for more than a couple weeks but then suddenly you just let some person actually live with you? Favoritism."
Rolling his eyes, Atsumu ushered them out of the room. "No need to be jealous of a complete stranger, my irreplaceable little sister," He muttered sarcastically, closing the door behind them, "Today, I've been reserved for my blood-related family, and so you guys will unfortunately not be meeting my boyfriend until much later. Thank you for understanding."
"Your HUH?" Both Teruko and Kairo exclaimed loudly, Atsumu making a displeased face in response.
"Jeez, if I didn't know any better I'd say you two were the twins in this family..."
As if speaking of the devils would summon them, the penthouse elevator dinged before the doors parted to reveal a duo of identical teenage girls with a smaller boy in tow. Behind them stood a woman well into her forties, her dark brown hair the closest shade to Atsumu's than those of the other Ryouga children.
One of the twins cheered, lifting a plastic bag to the air in celebration, "Guess who we ran into in the lobby!"
"You're back," Teruko observed, before lighting up upon seeing her mother accompanying them. "Ah, Mama! You made it!" She chirped merrily, skipping over to the group by the elevator, soon followed by Kairo.
Atsumu lagged behind, however, making no move to greet the rest of his family. He looked on with a soft, lopsided smile — they really did appear to be just an ordinary, happy.. well, family.
Eventually, the older woman approached him, an undeniable gentleness in her aura as she reached out to pat his head. Atsumu was taller than her, but he felt like a child in her bearings. He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye for some reason, despite not having done anything worth a reprimanding.
The woman hummed, giving him a closed-eye smile, "Don't have anything to say to your mother, Atsumu?" Her question playful in nature.
"...Hi, Mama." Atsumu spoke, uncharacteristically timid.
"Unhappy to see me?"
"No, nothing like that, I'm just," He stammered, "Mm. Yeah."
His mother giggled, ruffling his hair. Normally, he'd snap and whine and do his best to salvage what little style was left of it, but he found himself to be suddenly eleven again. He did not spare a quiet groan, though, a smile creeping up toward his face.
"Happy birthday, my little doctor," She sighed contentedly, taking her son into a tender hug, "You did such a good job for yourself."
Ryouga blinked away the fantasy, shaking his head to rid of any leftover thoughts. The sigh he let out was nearly inaudible, yet the air still disturbed the small flame on the wick of a small candle placed into a small cupcake.
He hovered over it, a blank look in his eyes. What to wish for, he mused half-heartedly. It was rather absurd how he insisted on genuinely mulling it over, even though all of his wishes had already come true.
Well, a new one wouldn't hurt, right?
A single blow put out the only light in his ever-empty penthouse without much of a struggle.
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buniyaad · 2 months
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No. We "struggle with accepting clark is destined to be a failure of a father" for the simple reason that SUPERMAN OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE A BAD FATHER. To say that he would be a bad dad because he has responsibilities as a superhero is utter bullcrap and frankly offensive to any working parent.
i am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're just high on emotions, but cousin - listen to me. my observation is in no way a jab at what superman is SUPPOSED to stand for, but of what's actually happening in canon as a result of narrative choices that are not always in the best interest of the original concept and the running canon. also, get a grip. superman hasn't been a working class representative in decades. in this season of dc, he and the wifey literally have a penthouse, and he's gotta corporation and she's got the editor job. they don't need to put their grown son to work to make ends meet like, ding ding ding, working class parents who often need their kids to contribute so they can make ends meet. they can actually afford to house and feed three children in this era, but like the americana of today, they are makin money and savin lives and writing truths, but just BARELY raising them daggon kids.
i know you're in love with the concept of superman, but unfortunately, nearly a hundred years of canon has its issues. it's ok not to like what i said, but im not taking it back. clois destined to be shitty parents until we can get them BACK to being representatives of working class america who are dedicated to truth, justice, and a better tomorrow. they CAN'T be that right now, because they've got issues i've already listed, and the very real character traits of being insecure folks bc of their myriad of reasons. i hope one day they can be better people, but right now i will take joy in knowing they're failed parents because editorial will not let them BE parents bc they think it gets in the way of them being lois and clark. maybe in another ten years when ppl are not afraid to give lois and clark gray hair and stick to it. for now, they are lois and clark who failed jon, are likely gonna fail the twins, and failed chris by sheer force of editorial menace.
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iamthecomet · 5 months
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-slides in and sets down a cup of herbal tea-
To your post about a regular saying, "You're sharp for your age!" my friend, who is, coincidentally, also working in a library (she's a youth services librarian) gets mistaken for being younger quite a lot, and for much the same reason she gets told similar things, because too often people associate age with wisdom/intelligence.
I also get mistaken for being younger by customers due to my looks, even some people I've known for years are shocked to learn I'm not, like, sixteen.
Sometimes it feels like a jab or a backhanded compliment, and, in some ways it is, even if not intentionally so, and it takes a lot of my energy not to be bothered by it.
And other times I find a way to work it into the conversation that, no, actually, I am an adult and have been for years.
Then there's the folks that keep telling me, "Don't get old" because "things start to hurt", and I'm over here, having had to deal with chronic pain/illness since I was a child, and who didn't think I'd make it this far, and that's the stuff that really gets to me.
But, like, looping back, it's always strange the things strangers/patrons will say to you sometimes.
Weird assumptions or out of the blue questions/statements that have you going, "What?" the rest of the day.
Anyway, on a completely different note, when I got to work today, there were a bunch of cops in the back parking lot while I was unlocking the shop, and they were still there when I came out to tend to the animals, and I thought I felt one of them looking at me.
And, yeah, yeah they were, because they were watching me water the ducks.
So I'm standing there with a hose, trying not to make eye contact with them while I talk to the ducks like, "Yes, yes, here is your water, do you want a bug bath today, Duck Duck?"
This is the second time I've walked up on a... a herd? a herd of cops in the parking lot that suddenly turned to look at me.
-leaves some extra cookies-
*sits down with my tea and a cookie* I moved back to the town I grew up in as an adult and it has been a wild experience. Mostly because of exactly this. These people have known me my whole life but still picture me as a teenager so therefore I must still be a teenager right?
The other great part of the whole interaction was she asked me, like five minutes before that comment, how old I was going to be on my birthday (because it came up in conversation that my birthday is this week), and I told her. And she went--in a baby voice-- "oh you're just a babbyyy" I'm sorry that you also have to deal with this shit on the regular, but also I'm kind of glad that we can at least commiserate about it. As a semi side note, I don't get the "don't get older" thing. What would you prefer I do? Die? Like I know it's a saying and I get it but it's stupid and we should stop saying it. And why do you keep running into herds of cops? That's honestly one of the scariest things you can run into in the wild. They're so fucking creepy. God, I'm glad they left you alone (except for the staring at you part, wtf?) and let you water the ducks in (sort of) peace.
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raelhbishop · 10 months
Text
The False Vimalakirti
Chapter I
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CITY CENTER MUSICOM, 05:52 local time
Musicom is quiet in the wee hours of the morning, and its City Center isn't any different. Containing most of the city's amenities - a stadium, a convention center, customs, the town hall, a bowling alley, just to name a few - it's about the only place folks visit in this backwater town.  
As the sun rises, a man eagerly struts into the City Center, scanning a press pass and taking in the sites. He's an amateur journalist, satchel in one hand and outdated camera in the other. 
He prowls the wide, grey corridors with a mischievous smile on his face - and a strange ring on his finger.
Taking a seat on a bench, he looks around, eying the few people that walk past. He spots an athlete walking slowly into a bathroom.
The journalist opens his satchel and thumbs through prints. He finds one with the athletes' profile on it, and smiles. 
He follows the athlete inside. He waits for the athlete to wash up, then approaches him. 
“Are you K-Sage?”
The athlete nods. “Indeed, I am.”
“Well, it’s an honor running into you here! Say, I’m with the press for a local news crew-"
“Sorry, can’t take any interviews right now.” He motions his hand to the journalist. “Contract policy. Got a busy day ahead of me.”
“Oh, alright then...” As K-Sage heads to the door, the journalist asks, “...but do you think you sign a photo for me? My sister’s a big fan, and she would just love an autograph.”
K-Sage thinks on it for a second. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” He smiles. “But keep it a secret, OK? I’m not allowed to give these out for free.”
Pen in hand, K-Sage signs the photo. While doing so, the journalist presses a concealed button on his ring. Spikes appear, breaking the skin and sending a pulse of electricity through his hand.
The journalist pulls out his camera and hits it. As the camera flashes, the journalist kicks K-Sage in the groin, knocking the athlete to the ground. Reflexively, he throws a blow with unnatural strength, hitting the camera and shattering it to pieces. The journalist manages to duck in time, before jabbing the spiked ring onto the side of K-Sage's forehead. 
A surge of electricity passes through both of them. K-Sage and the journalist are frozen for a few seconds. Time itself seems to freeze for them.
Then, the journalist passes out in the bathroom. He lies on the floor, completely unconscious. 
K-Sage rips the ring off his hand and pockets it. He takes the journalist and props him up in a stall, satchel in hand. The deed being done, K-Sage walks out of the stall, striding with the journalist’s mischievous smile on his face. 
He begins plotting where to go next: take K’s ebike, drive into Port, get a hotel room on the way... use a hotel attendant and travel further into the city... wreak havoc at the casino, escape through a janitor... wreak havoc at the beach, escape through an unsuspecting touris-
“K! Where have you been?" 
Lost in though, he bumps into his coach - a short, but intimidating man who emanates "no nonsense." 
"The warm-up starts in an hour, we need you at your station!” 
K-Sage is taken off-guard and stutters, before remembering who he’s in. “Oh, right, sorry. I just, uh, went for a walk this morning, to clear my head, y’know?” 
The coach shakes his head. “You’re going to be doing plenty of that today! You’ve got the all-linker triathalon to attend, for crying out loud!”
K-Sage puts his hand behind his neck. “Y’know, coach, I’m just not feeling all that great right now. Do you think we could, uh, call it off?”
“Call it off?” The coach is baffled. “What’s the matter with you, K? You were fine passing through customs an hour ago!” 
The photo slips out of K-Sage’s attire and hits the floor. The coach picks it up, inspects it, and gives K-Sage a steely look.
“It’s... uh... for a girl I’m dating. A gift.”
“Since when did you stop being gay?”
“Since, uh, since five minutes ago. I’m bi now. Yeah! Bi! I mean, why just try one flavor of ice cream, y���know?”
The coach's face contorts into that of pure bewilderment. 
He looks at the time and groans.
He puts a hand on the athlete's shoulder and walks him to the locker room. “Look, I don’t know what’s gotten into you this morning, but we’ve got a lot riding on this game. I’ll give you some time alone after the game, but you’ve gotta go out there and do it. This is your only chance out of Podunk, kid.”
With a firm push, K-Sage enters the locker room. “Now go out there and kick some dust!” 
K-Sage gulps. 
========
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BUBBLING BROOK, 14:47 local time
In the midday sun, a delirious prospector stumbles towards a small town. She is dying of dehydration, clothes drenched in sweat, and mumbling incoherently.
A few yards away, a girl paces frustratedly on the outskirts of town. Her mind is a maelstrom of anger, disappointment, wasted time, and broken promises, further fueled by the unbearable desert sun. 
Watching from the distance, a man of metal stands underneath a water tower. The shadows conceal his otherwise blinding shine.
The prospector and the girl cross paths. The prospector calls out to the girl but can barely speak. The girl, caught in her thoughts, ignores her. She yells out again, but gets no response. Desperate, she walks right up and tries to stop her. The girl loses it, and cold-cocks the prospector in her tracks.
She's taken aback by the force of her own throw. The figure in-front of her is unassuming; heavyset, blue shirt, grey pants. She has no idea who this person is.
She has no idea who this person is. She looks at her fist, then at the prospector, then back at her fist. It feels cathartic. It feels good. Without thinking, she leans over and prepares to take another shot, when her arm is seized in the air. 
A hand grasps her arm, made of cold metal. She turns to look at the body it came from – an equally metallic figure, slender and humanoid, with a visor for eyes emitting a soft red light. It’s the figure of a robot ranger, one of hundreds of machines created to “keep the peace” in this lawless land. To her, it’s nothing more than a soulless bureaucrat, a force to make life harder than it needs to be.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” the ranger says matter-of-factly, “my name is Ranger Atticus, and I would like to know why-“
“Ex-CUSE me, did you just call me a ‘ma’am’?” The girl is seething.
“Affirmative, my apologies. I didn’t mean to cause offense-“
“Who gave you the right to call me a ‘ma’am’? Do I look like a ‘ma’am’ to you?” She retracts her hand from the ranger’s clutches.
“It’s merely common courtesy where I’m from.“
“How old do you think I am? Huh? Do you know who I am?”
“No, I am afraid not.“
“Listen you bag of bolts, you have NO idea what kind of day I’ve been through-“
“Ma’am, if you would please-”
“HERE YOU GO WITH THIS ‘MA’AM’ STUFF AGAIN!” She screams and flails her hands in the air.
“I need you to calm down, miss.”
“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT KIND OF-”
“Miss, I need you to calm down."
“-DAY I’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH? OF COURSE NOT, YOU-“
“Miss, if you won’t co-operate, I’m afraid I’ll have to-“
“WOULDN’T UNDERSTAND, YOU PENICL-PUSHING, HIERARCHY ENFORCING TITANIUM LOAD OF BULL-“
He smashes her hands together and puts them into a handcuff.
“…detain you.”
She refuses this condition, screaming obscenities. “You can’t do this to me! I’ve done nothing wrong!”
“You punched a civilian in broad daylight, unprovoked.”
She hesitates. “You can’t prove that!”
His visor changes to display a recording of his sights. The prospector can be seen sluggishly approaching her, running up, and getting clobbered. Even the moment a devilish grin crosses the girl’s face can be seen, as Atticus gets closer. The girl couldn’t believe she was that same woman in the recording… but then again…
“Well, I mean, she was probably just some drunk wandering around. Look at her! Clumsy, a real klutz! Drenched in sweat! Nobody just walks up to someone unprovoked, unless you’re a con-artist or a drunk or robber or some other slime!”
During her defense attempt, the ranger walks over to the downed woman and checks her vitals. He pulls out a flaskfull of water from an anterior compartment and pours it onto their face, then down her throat. He recognizes the face from before, but scans for ID just to be sure. 
“Why are you even saving that bozo, anyways? If anything, you should be applauding me! Hah! Yeah." With some effort, the girl crosses her handcuffed arms, smiling smugly. "Scum like them shouldn’t be attacking our townspeople.”
As she talks, the ranger notices her hands move rather fluidly. Too fluidly, in fact, for most humans. 
He brushes his hands (a preprogrammed anti-static measure) and heads back to the girl. “Even if that were the case, that’s assault, and we don’t tolerate that here in Zone AR-1. But that wasn’t 'some drunk'.” 
He displays the prospector’s ID card on his visor, and the girl turns pallid. 
“That was Mackenzie Schuster, a head prospector in this area. If I know her, she’s likely on a water-hunting excursion.” 
She knows the implications of such an assault. Even on high-tech worlds, that’s a crime with a hefty bail she can’t afford. She tries defending herself, lying her way out, only to end up where she was beforehand: defeated. 
“What’s your name, miss?”
“Mitra”, she says deflated, “Mitra Aldegreen.”
He scans for ID, and finds it matches the name. Though he conceals it, reading her profile gives him a surprise. He motions for Mitra to follow him over to Mackenzie, and takes them indoors. Mackenzie slowly comes to her senses, and Atticus explains the happenings. 
“Prospector, may I ask how you ended up that close to death to begin with?”
Mackenzie tries to regain her thoughts. “Well... I was out in the wastes with my bike and some light divining equipment. Then in the distance I see someone, hooded, on a flashy bike, driving toward me going probably... a hundred, hundred-and-fifty kilos an hour." 
She stops to regain composure. "They pulled over and shot my own bike out, then robbed me blind. They shot my PDA too. The first thing they headed for was my canteen, which they chugged vigorously and pocketed. So there I was, stranded, unable to call for help and unable to guide myself. I remembered seeing the town on the map a bit west from here, so I decided to head over and try and get help.”
Atticus listens intently. Mitra stares blankly, though bits and pieces of Mackenzie’s story trickle into her head.
“Tell me, Mac”, Atticus asks, “could you tell if they were a linker?”
Mackenzie thinks on it for a minute. “I can’t say for certain... Come to think of it, they did try stabbing me with a ring at first.”
Atticus’ visor lights up, signaling interest.
“You don’t think it’s them, do you?”
He rubs his hands together. “It just might be. You two stay here, where it’s nice and cool.” He hands Mackenzie a spare PDA. “You said this was due west of here?”
She nods. Atticus gives a two-fingered salute and heads off into the wastes. He finds Mackenzie’s muddled footsteps. Fusing his mechanical legs into a cycle, he rides off into the distance, gliding across its contours and calculating its twists and turns.
========
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idiopath-fic-smile · 2 years
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oh, I love your music so much. My favorite is almost certainly Stay Safe, but I'd actually most love to hear commentary on the capsongs project! I’m Obsessed with the "real people writing fictional blog posts about fictional blog posts about real songs about fictional people" aspect of it, and the balance you struck with the low key academia vibe of it. You shared the last song but never wrote up a fake blog post for it (as far as I know), and I’m curious about if you'd had plans for what the history of that song would have been. Also just super curious in general how that specific context affected the songwriting itself!
aw thanks! and oh my goddd, i would love to chat about this!
so for anyone who doesn't know, in 2014, back when i was firmly on my Steve Rogers Bullshit, i got a little obsessed with the idea of Captain America as a contemporary symbol from World War 2 onward, the notion of how his story would be constantly framed and reframed and reframed as the story of America itself continued to be messy and contradictory. i wound up writing four and a half songs about it, and each song came with an elaborate backstory situating it at a particular historical moment. you can listen to the songs and read the lyrics here. (i didn't do anything to preserve the meta surrounding the songs because i started to feel like maybe it was a bit Much. your mileage may vary!)
"Take Up Your Shield, Steve Rogers!" (1952) was my attempt at a Woody Guthrie-style folk song, very much in the vein of "This Land is Your Land" where it's got a patriotic feel to it but if you pay attention to all the verses you realize A Criticism Has Been Made. In that case, the notion was a criticism of the Red Scare, with an added little jab at segregationists (the part noting that the Howling Commandos were integrated and everyone got equal pay). i very deliberately ended with the concept that someone else needs to pick up the shield, on an in-story level like "you should do it" and on a meta level, foreshadowing that Sam Wilson would ultimately pick up the mantle.
"Let Him Sleep" (1967) was going for, well, more of a sixties folk sound, and it played directly off a line in the previous song ("If he could see the things we’re doin’ in his name today / I think that boy would rather stay asleep") In fact I think writing that line was what made me realize this was gonna be a series, and not just a Woody Guthrie homage. in my mind, it's got killer harmonies but my writing brain doesn't generally work that way. Maybe obviously—it's criticizing the war in Vietnam.
"For the Crows" (1985) was my stab at Reagan-era paranoia, the notion that the government has been involved in something profoundly unsavory and the truth may fundamentally be unknowable. i grew up listening to Jackson Browne's 1986 album For America and that may be part of why i associate the 80's with conspiracy and political rage. I invented two fake bands for this one, I think, but I don't remember what they were. I think my notion was queer activists would be upset at the possibility that Steve Rogers was queer and the government had suppressed it. Or at the very least, that Steve Rogers' mainstream legacy had been sanitized and whitewashed to the point of incomprehensibility.
Finally, the song you actually asked about, "The Restless of New York" (2007). you're right, i don't think i ever did write any meta about this one. I wanted to write a more modern folk song but still set well before Steve Rogers was retrieved from the ice. The inspirations here were the band The Gaslight Anthem, the fact that at least some of the historic docks of NYC were literally torn down to build an IKEA, and gentrification. I imagined a tourist industry rising up around seeing "Steve Roger's New York" and how sad and almost ghoulish that would feel to people sensitive to the fact that we're talking about a real guy who died young, and one among many. I think it was also kind of me gently pushing at the whole concept of doing this in the first place—why do some stories get told over and over until they're unrecognizable, while some are never even recorded?
the line i am proudest of in this song is "that ain't how gone works."
(pretty sure i made the observation that steve rogers couldn't afford to live in modern brooklyn before marvel did but don't quote me on that.)
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wildgirlcinna · 2 years
Text
FFXIVWRITE 2022:  Prompt #11(ish) - Found
(I got my days mixed up, forgot to check @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast‘s page this afternoon, and thought someone else’s wild-card prompt from yesterday (#11) was today’s (#12).  So this won’t be an official entry, but it came out cute, and I figured folks would like it!)
"What the fook!"
Cinna's Void senses pinged a mere instant before her mother's surprised exclamation, followed by the sound of a coffee mug crashing to the stone floor. Cinna spun around from her post at the kitchen worktable, where she’d been chopping peppers to help with dinner, to find the Midlander woman staring in awe at the mess at her feet.  But it wasn't the ceramic shards that held her attention; it was the kitten-sized ball of midnight-black fluff that rested amongst the debris.  And anyone without Void sight might have said it was an actual kitten, but for the wisps of dark purple smoke that rose from the creature.
"Is that...?" Adeline asked, crouching down to get a closer look at the fluff, while still keeping a safe distance.  Her daughter had related plenty of stories about Voidsent who looked adorable, only to take large bites out of unsuspecting would-be petters.
"Twelve have mercy, Mom, that's a Void dragon!" Cinna kept her voice down, trying not to attract further attention from folks in the common room, which there were fortunately few at this hour before the evening meal.  Leaving her knife by the peppers, she knelt down beside her mother, weaving a protective dome-shaped shield around the critter, at the same time examining it further with her aether senses.  "He's young, barely out of the shell... how did he get in here?"
"Gods only know," Addy answered. "He was curled up in a coffee mug. Good thing I thought to look before I started pouring.”
Stunned, the creature stayed motionless for a few seconds, then began shaking out its tiny limbs – two arms, two legs, and finally a pair of leathery wings – before rising unsteadily, looking around the room in surprise.  It blinked at Addy for a couple seconds before turning its eyes upon Cinna and letting out an adorable roar (which was admittedly more of a squeaky growl) along with a tiny jet of purple flame.
“Does he like you, or was that a roar of annoyance?” Addy asked with a chuckle.
“He’s a bit off-kilter, but he’s definitely drawn to me.”  Tentatively, Cinna extended a hand; the little dragon sniffed it, gave a lick with a tiny forked tongue, then climbed up on the miqo’te’s palm. “Whatcha think, lil’ guy?  Do I smell familiar?”  With a happy little heated sneeze that warmed the skin on her hand, her new friend proceeded to claw his way up her arm – leaving minuscule pinpricks that burned like little jabs of fire – and perch on her shoulder. Fortunately he seemed to keep his balance well, with no further claw-aided steadiness required.
Cinna sighed with amused resignation as she rose to her feet.  “I suppose I’ll be looking after him now.”  Her new pet nuzzled against her cheek with more warm contented snorts.  “I’m glad I was here when he showed up; he’s cute and all, but you know how quickly things can go south with Voidsent.”
Addy nodded soberly, standing up also.  “I… forgot about this until now, but your father found a Voidsnake in the stables last month.  All snarly and nasty, black as tar with grey stripes, dripping with who knows what. Fortunately he was able to kill it before it got to the chocos.”
“Mom!  Why didn’t you tell me!?” Cinna protested.  “What if a guest had come across it instead of Dad?”
Now it was Addy’s turn to sigh, running a hand through her long blond hair.  “You are absolutely right, of course.  We should have sent for you immediately.  But I know how busy you are, and I never want to bother you.”
“These things are literally my job,” Cinna replied, reaching up with a hand to steady the dragonet, who had decided to crawl up on her head and nestle in her fluffy hair.  “I’ve told you before, you and Dad and the inn will always be my first priority, so never feel reluctant to buzz me on the linkpearl.  Have either of you found anything else you forgot about?”
“No, just the snake,” Addy replied, grabbing the broom and dustpan to sweep up the shards of the coffee mug. “But now with this little guy showing up, I wonder if a pattern may be emerging.  We’ll keep a closer eye out.”
“Good.”  Cinna smiled at her mother, then leaned in to give her a warm hug.  “My new dragon hat and I are gonna take a quick circuit of the grounds, see if I can sense anything.  Might put up a ward or two just in case.  Then I’ll be back to help with dinner!”
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passerine-writes · 3 months
Text
Silent Sparks - Volt 82
Warnings: It's a small filler chapter cause next chapter is the start of the raid!! Word count: 1946
Notes: Italics - Tsukare signing Bold italics - Family member/friend signing 'Italics with apostrophes' - Thoughts
Masterlist
Volt 81 | Volt 83
My first day back to class was uneventful. Dad and I sparred in front of most of the class. I used my inhaler once during the entire match, but he deemed he felt comfortable with me going on the mission.
The call came the next day in the middle of the night.
My phone buzzed on my chest, Denki sound asleep on my laptop and I rushed to get my shoes on. Midoriya and I left our rooms at the same time and only gave each other a nod while we rushed to the elevator. Kirishima, Uraraka and Tsu standing in the commons with their phones.
"Alright. You too?" Kirishima asked us.
"We got it." Tsu confirmed.
"It's happening." Midoriya said.
"Hey, you okay? Did you sleep last night?" Denki asked as I came down to the commons to eat breakfast.
"Yeah, I got a little bit of sleep in." I told him lackadaisically.
"What's going on?" He asked gently, careful not to draw anyone's attention to us.
"I'll explain later, I promise. I can't talk about it right now." I told him softly while looking into his eyes. He took a breath but nodded and dropped it.
Kirishima, Midoriya, Uraraka, Tsu and I sat in silence, all of us mentally preparing for today. I gave my brother a hug and Denki a quick kiss and soon left with the others to Nighteye's agency.
"They're keeping this Eri girl in their stronghold?" Rock Lock asked incredulously.
"And by stronghold, you mean..." Fat Gum trailed off.
"The headquarters of the Hassaikai. It's their leader's residence." Ryukyu confirmed.
"So you're tellin' me all that time we spent investigating was for nothing then?" Rock Lock jabbed.
"Not at all, we gained plenty of new information as well." Nighteye corrected.
"How'd you confirm she was there?" Fat Gum asked quickly. I bit back my laughter as Nighteye pulled out Gung-Ho! Glitter Squad 10! box.
"A member of the Hassaikai visited a nearby department store the other day. He purchased a toy favored by young girls." Nighteye stated casually.
"What?"
"That's pretty sparkly." Rock Lock said.
"Listen, maybe the guy just likes cutesy stuff. Different strokes for different folks, Nighteye." Fat jumped in. "You wanna tell us what you're doin' with one, though?"
"Yes. I was there when he made the purchase and overheard his conversation with the store clerk." He explained how he used his foresight on the guy and saw Eri.
"You ended up using Foresight anyway?" Rock Lock jabbed.
"If you recall, I said I'd use it when our path was more certain." Nighteye stated calmly.
"Whatever, this means we've got the data we need, right?" Fat Gum interjected.
"Yes. And we know for sure when they'll be there thanks to our stakeouts." Centipeder confirmed.
"We also worked with the police and already got a warrant to search the place!" Bubble Girl told us happily. "Next step..."
"... is to barge in there!" Fat Gum exclaimed.
"So what's the deal with ginger back here?" Rock Lock asked, turning around from the front to look at me.
"And that means?" I replied dully.
"Last time you went out and these guys were involved, they almost killed you." I sighed at the statement while everyone turned to me in silence.
"Yeah, they almost killed me. Had Fat Gum radio the school so I could say my goodbyes and everything. I don't believe that was just the Hassaikai though. They're working with the League, we can assume that much. As we are all well aware, the League has an interest in me. My bet is they persuaded the Hassaikai to help trap me or take me out, especially since Kirishima and I caught the guy who shot Sun Eater. For what reason, I'm not sure. But I can almost guarantee that the news coverage pissed off the League a lot." Rock Lock took a few steps forward, arms crossed over his chest.
"What makes you say that, Shortstack."
"Shigaraki is a power hungry, egotistical maniac with a loathing for heroes. He wants attention. He functions much like a toddler having a tantrum, that doesn't mean we should underestimate him though. So if he was behind that, or had anything to do with it, the fact that he got zero recognition, it would send him into a frenzy. He thrives off of chaos, whether it be in society or the chaos he makes. I'm aware of the risks, I'm not daft, but my only concern at this moment is getting that girl out of there. And it's Sonus, not Shortstack." Rock Lock licked his lips and nodded, dropping the issue right then and there.
I stood off to the side as Mirio worked on cheering up and pep talking with my classmates, Amajiki looking at him lovingly.
'They're cute together.' I thought to myself, mostly focusing on keeping my heart rate calm.
I followed everyone to the men's locker room, my suit having been repaired fully since the last time. I felt stray eyes on my back, and I already knew who they belonged to without looking up as I got in my costume.
"What?" I asked dryly.
"I- How did you..." Rock Lock trailed off.
"Just because I don't have my glasses on doesn't mean I don't have eyes in the back of my head. What do you need?" I asked again, my tone colder.
"I just wanted to say, it was nothin' personal back there." I scoffed under my breath and popped my glasses on.
"Sure it wasn't." He looked taken aback by my comment. "You don't feel like you can trust me cause I'm a kid. Personally, I couldn't care less who you are. I don't care about your age, your fighting style, who you like, what you look like, what your quirk is, none of it. As long as I know at the end of the day you're gonna have my back out there, couldn't care less about any of that. You saw my scars in person, so what? Now you're convinced I'll have your back and you feel the need to tell me because you felt bad?" He sighed and hung his head for a moment, waiting until I turned to face him.
"You're a good kid, you have a good head on your shoulders. You got morals and I can respect that. So, Sonus, next time work studies come around, I'd be proud if you reached out to me." He said, handing out a card to me. I let a small smile slip as I grabbed it and tucked it into my hero costume.
"Glad to know you aren't rescinding your offer from the Sports Festival." I told him, the two of us starting to walk out of the locker room.
"You saw that I sent you an offer? I'm sure you got loads."
"Almost four thousand to be more precise." He looked at me baffled.
"And through all those, you remembered mine?" He asked in arrogant disbelief. I sent him a cheeky smile and tapped my temple with my index finger.
"Don't forget, high IQ, gotta use it for something." He sighed and shook his head.
"Well played."
"Now then. Let's begin." Nighteye said before we all left, gathering in front of the police station at 8 am.
"As you know, Nighteye was able to use his quirk on a Hassaikai member. Through it, he saw underground facilities, and we believe them to be this Yakuza group's headquarters." The lead officer on the case started, briefing us and all of the cops behind him. "We were also able to confirm that the girl we're trying to rescue is currently being held in one of the rooms there. Although we were unable to map out the entire layout of the underground hallways, we believe the man Sir Nighteye saw took the shortest route to our target. This is the best intel we have at the moment concerning the Hassaikai's stronghold. It's the basis of this mission. Stay smart. These guys are dangerous, and we can expect them to bring their quirks against us, full force. We're passing around a list of current Hassaikai members and their quirks according to our registration databases. Commit this to memory."
"It's solid information to have on hand. Thank you for this." One of the heroes in the front said, an officer handing me a paper. I gazed over it, remembering the key points as best as I could.
"We don't wanna give them time to hide." The detective stated. "Our aim is to identify and apprehend all members as quickly as possible while securing our target."
"Things are moving fast now, huh?" Kirishima asked excitedly.
"Yeah, just remember to stay more focused than me and you'll be alright." I told him.
"You two are energetic, considering how early it is." Amajiki commented.
"Bold of you to assume I slept after we got the message this morning." I said sarcastically.
"I'm getting nervous." Uraraka expressed.
"No joke, first detective work, and now we're cooperating with the police. There's so much I don't know. Onryo seems to be the only one in our class who understands all of this." Tsu said, a finger pushing into her cheek nervously.
"I've dealt with the police too many times and after being a victim in a hero raid that needed to be rescued, it really tends to clear things up. Y'know, like looking at things in a different perspective." I rationed, seeing my Dad behind me look at me curiously.
"All the pros seem like they're pretty chill, huh?" Kirishima asked Midoriya and I as we walked away from the girls studying with Ryukyu. "So brave!" He cheered.
"Hey. I haven't seen Gran Torino around here this morning. You know where he is?" Izuku asked hesitantly.
"Apparently he won't be joining us today." Sir Nighteye said as he walked up.
"Tsukauchi's been keeping an eye on the League. According to him, it looks like they're on the move. Fortunately, we have plenty of heroes here, so we can afford to send Gran Torino." The detective said, walking up beside Nighteye.
"I was wondering where Tsukauchi was, but that answers my question." I told him blandly.
"Maybe we can take down the Hassaikai and the League of Villains at the same time!" Kirishima cheered.
"Oh, yeah!" Izuku returned with excitement.
"Whaddya think Tsukabro?"
"That's the hope, and I'm not trying to be a pessimist, but I won't hold my breath on taking down both groups today." I said in a colder tone.
"Let's do this." Midoriya said, more to himself than anyone.
"Not yet." My Dad said as he walked up to us.
"Ah! Mr. Eraser Head, sir!" My green haired best friend exclaimed in shock.
"I'm teaming up with Nighteye Agency for this. Do you understand me?" He asked.
"Yes, sir!"
"And Sonus. I'm watching you, too. Make me proud." He said before walking off. I swallowed the lump in my throat, my nerves starting to climb.
"Now! Heroes!" The detective called. "Things could get violent quickly out there. If you encounter even a hint of suspicious behavior or resistance, call for help immediately! We're up against gangsters who've avoided capture until now. It is imperative that each of you carry out your respective assignments. And stay sharp in there! We will commence the operation at 0830 hours. Heroes, move out!" He said while him and the rest of the cops saluted us.
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Note
📝for the wip game?
📝Share a snippet of an unposted WIP, with or without context.
(WIP game!!)
oh you'd like that, wouldn't you. 😏 pushes up sleeves. let's see what's in my files
looks like we got some -adjacent here, folks!!! YEEHAW
===
Harry smiled as he stroked James’s hair. 
“You beautiful man,” he told him so quietly. “Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to love you?”
His unbelievably exquisite, cherished green eyes opened to slits, then directed his heavy-lidded gaze up to his partner. “I can hazard a guess.”
Harry smirked and ruffled his hair. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was. I actually woke up a little while ago.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Just wanted to cuddle?”
“Yeah.”
He fixed the golden mop of hair. “You’re cute. I guess.” James grunted and tucked his head in to the crevice of Harry’s side and the blanket. 
A moment later they both got a little surprise. Harry placed his hand on his girth and James’s head rose from its would-be resting place, transfixed on his husband’s large belly. 
“It kicked.”
“Yeah, I know. It kicked me in the head.” He glanced at Harry when he laughed. 
“Aw, they were just saying h— oh. Feisty today. — hey!”
James settled his hand on the last place the tiny foot had complained. To his delight, his palm was met by another jab; he rubbed the spot with utmost affection. “Hi, little one.”
===
:3c!!!!!!
ok and now for some diversity: fnaf security breach ft. my own designs for Moon :)
===
YEAH CAN I GET A UHHHHHHHHH HOLIDAY BARBIE // SRY BARBIE MACHINE BROKE // FUCK U MONTY (<- literally what it's called in Notes lmao)
“For the second time, I’ll give you the watch if—“
“For the second time, what?! C’mon, Moonman! I can’t hear ya; either get closer, or speak up.”
“I can’t turn up my volume, Gator - I’m at max. You need your hearing sensitivity fixed.”
“Then lower your line a little more, I can’t make hide or hair. We gotta do this every time?”
“You heard me say that, so what’s the problem?”
“I heard half of it, which was enough to know what you were yappin’ about. We have this talk all the time, we might as well have it prerecorded!”
“Feh. If you promise not to grab or yank me, I’ll get closer.”
“When have I ever yanked you?”
“Oh, you’re going to play innocent, now, are you? You want footage, Monty? I’ve got f—“
“Wouldja get down here so we can have a normal conversation? For once??”
“.. fine. Prima donna..”
The robotic alligator standing on the floor watched elegance donned in purple climb the strong curtains to the top. Soon after, the spidery mass of fabric and glow came easing, belly-down in its red silk sling again, lower and lower until their faces were inches from each other. Monty snorted a cold burst of dense, hydraulic hair through his immobile metal nostrils directly into his colleague’s sculpted plate and drape of his regal, violet hood. 
“Hi.”
“Hi. Is this better for you, my liege?”
“It’ll do, jester. Now, what were you sayin’ about a watch?”
“I’ve got a ‘63 Rolex with your name on it if you can give me the Holiday Barbie you found the other day.”
His mechanical mug seemed to frown. “What Holiday Barbie?”
The partially obscured, crescent-moon face didn’t move, but the droop of a charcoal grey eyelid over the purple galaxy swirl the robot had for an eye made his displeasure known. “You twit. What did you do with the Holiday Barbie?”
“What Holiday Barbie?!” Monty asked again, spreading his arms. “Barbies are Barbies, Moonman! They all look the same to me.”
The light-projected eye rolled in its LED screen socket. “She had on a burgundy and gold dress, bore red hair, and wore candy cane stockings,” Moony described, impatiently. “She’s the Holiday Barbie from four years ago. Do you still have her?”
Monty thoughtfully perched his bulky, taloned fingers on his stout jaw. “Hrm, she rings a bell.. Iiiiii dunno, though. Lemme see the watch, first - maybe it’ll help me remember if I still got ‘er.”
The hanging animatronic’s slim, dark-lit arms folded in the air beneath his chest. “Work with me, Monty.”
“You don’t even have the watch on ya, do ya?”
“You don’t have the Barbie on you, do you? No - you don’t. We’re working on honor right now.”
“Eeeehh..” Monty grumbled, sneaking a look over his shoulder to check for his wandering band members. Coast was still clear. He peered sidelong at the Daycare Attendant past the gold-rimmed frame of his star-shaped sunglasses. “What condition is it in?”
“Upper scale of ‘great’; seemed whoever had it, took good care of it.”
“Does it work?”
It was incredible how a partially-obscured, immobile face and one color-swirled eye could call him stupid, but that’s what it did - and it did it VERY loudly. “Yes, Monty,” replied the patronizing whisper of the Plex’s nap time overseer. “It works great.”
===
and last but not least (sorry idk how to follow directions)....... whatever the fuck this is (actually i know whatever the fuck it is but do NOT--)
===
He enjoyed the walk quite immensely. It was refreshing; better yet, no one seemed to be about. All the better! When he arrived to the cafe, the atmosphere was quaint and sleepy, and his coffee was retrieved quick. Dobie found himself a wonderful spot beneath a tree, half in the sun, with its shade being ideal for the passing hours. Placing his book and coffee down on the little wrought iron table, Dobie scraped the matching chair over, sat down, and propped his feet up on the table’s ornate iron rungs. Crossing his ankles and snuggling in, he then plucked the pen from its nest in his hair, opened his book, and thumbed to the page awaiting his genius. 
The coffee steamed. Its aromatic vapors danced and swayed chiffon ribbons in the weather like fog rising off a black lake in the white ceramic mug, gradually cooling to a temperature his tongue could handle. 
Everything was great. 
He got down to work. 
“Heya, Dobie!”
The old man blinked, then squinted up at the newcomer that hadn’t been invited. A white wolf, senior in age (with possibly an upwards of eight years on the lifespan of his own), stood at the other side of the table, beaming bright. Dobie frowned. 
Oh, great. Dobie groaned a low ‘ooohhhmm’ under his breath, and glanced at his coffee. He’d forgotten all about it until now. Since he was interrupted from The Zone anyway, he picked it up and took a sip. It was lukewarm, but Dobie didn’t mind; he was a fan of coffee, whether the drink be hot or cooled. He gulped, and sighed.
“Hi, Frank.”
===
:|
listen,
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your-good-pal-chevy · 2 years
Text
The Beggar’s Lesson
“It is my heartfelt belief that any man can learn to become a swordsman. Any man can pick up a blade of any sort and, through careful cultivation, become a respected duelist.
I do not believe the same about soldiering. Dueling is a skill that can be taught. You can memorize forms and stances, and ideally with a tutor, you can become someone that will be written about.
To become a soldier is to become a dead man. It is not something goodly folk can or should do. It is a shape that one must be beaten into, much as the smith beats upon his anvil to create a sword.
I have nothing but respect for the soldiers of my empire. Nothing, that is, except guilt and fear.”
Kaiser Gairovald Verner IV, His Imperial Majesty’s Second Treatise on the Art of Fighting With Swords
Lionel could only see stars. He could only taste his own blood. He could only feel the numbness, like a blanket laid over his entire body, save for the dull throb of the many blows he had taken.
“Up.”
Lionel struggled to find his hands, that he might manage to force himself to his feet. His vision swam, the world returning to him. He was dizzy and battered.
“Again.”
The Beggar Knight held Lionel’s waster out. The hilt of the wooden sword seemed to be miles away. Lionel struggled to focus.
“Again.”
It was more insistent this time. Lionel reached across those miles of dizzy earth to grab the hilt that was right in front of him. The hilt was the only thing that felt real, felt right. He focused.
“You think a bandit is going to give you time to catch your breath? Take your stance.”
The Beggar Knight threw a lazy cut in Lionel’s direction, forcing him to jolt upright to avoid the blow. Lionel steadied himself, as best as he could, and put his blade between himself and his tutor.
“Better. Again.”
Lionel grit his teeth, anticipating taking another blow. He lunged forward, waster in hand, throwing out a shallow cut in an effort to force the Beggar Knight onto his back foot.
The knight blocked the cut with ease. Waster clashed against waster, rattling Lionel’s hands. He nearly lost his grip, so exhausted and injured was he.
The knight stepped inward rapidly, bringing his shoulder into Lionel’s chest. Lionel was knocked back, throwing one arm out for stability. The knight pressed his advantage and swung his blade upward, catching Lionel hard under his sword arm.
“Dead! Again!”
Lionel’s sword flew away from him, but he did not fall.
“Not dead! Just maimed!” Catching his balance, he lunged forward and caught the knight’s chin with his forehead. The knight, stunned, stumbled backward amid a flurry of curses in several languages.
This time, Lionel stepped in, swinging his entire left arm at the knight’s head. The knight, recovering quickly, brought his waster up to connect hard with Lionel’s elbow.
Lionel cried out in equal parts frustration and pain, falling to his knees and clutching his elbow. “Mother’s sake, you old bastard,” he said, “That hurts!”
The knight stepped forward, offering his waterskin. “Then you’re feeling it again. Good. That’s enough for today, I think.”
“You’re just mad I got a hit in.” Lionel took the water gingerly, but did not drink.
“Please. Good hustle, though. Remember that.”
“Remember what?”
“Not dead, just maimed.” He jabbed a finger in Lionel’s direction. “You’re sort of terrible at this whole fighting thing. You’re going to take a bad hit one of these days.”
Lionel reached up and touched the scar on his lip.
“Remember what you did there,” the Beggar Knight said, “Remember to fight through whatever pain and injury you suffer. You’re a terrible fighter, but you’re a natural born killer. Most men aren’t.”
Lionel took a swig from the skin. “Not sure I like being called a killer.”
The knight shrugged. “Lots of people fight. Not a lot of people kill. One of those is a more valuable skill to someone fighting in a shadow war. Keep that in mind.”
“Right.”
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