#i am so sorry anya that i took an eternity to get this out!!!

[ticklygiggles]

Hiya sweetieeee can I request a spy x famiy fic please 😍😍😍 Some lee Loid with lers Yor and Anya if you want! Still not enough spy x family tickles around!!

Baaaabyyy ♥️♥️ thank you for sending this! I hope you enjoy it! It's my first time writing for this fandom! I loooove you ♥️ Nghh I hope they're not too ooc dkdkdk

"I'm home- oh?"

Sweet, childish giggles welcomed him back home. Gentle hands moving for Anya's tummy to her sides and then to her neck and to her ribs, making the little girl shriek with sweet laughter as she squirmed around on the couch. Her face was slightly pink and Bond was looking over her closely, his tail wagging, but making sure his Anya was going alright.

"Ah, Loid-san! Welcome home!"

"Pa-Pahahahapahaha! S-Sahahahave Anyahaha!" The girl giggled, trying to hold onto Yor's hands as she tickled her to pieces.

"No one can save you, Anya-san," Yor said gently, a big smile on her face. "This assassin- ah, I mean, this villainess has caught you for all eternity, hehe," she giggled shyly, trying to keep up their little game for Anya's entertainment.

It was something uncommon to see Yor being so playful with Anya, but Loid knew that she had a sweet spot for the girl. Anya had probably convinced Yor to play with her and it had turned out like this.

Hmm, would they get a noise complain?

"L-Lohohohoidmahahan! Sahahahave mehehe!"

Loid gasped, feeling his cheeks burning bright red as he closed the door behind him. No! Was she gonna make him do this?!

"Loidman will not save you this time, Anya-san!" Yor said, going after Anya's tummy, making her giggle brightly. "I told you, you will not ever escape!"

"Kyahahaha!"

Ugh, I can't simply ignore this. I could spoil the whole mission if I don't comply with Anya's wishes. A real father would actually do this, right?

"A reheheal pahahapa wohohould sahahave mehehe!" Anya giggled, taking a breath when Yor let her escape momentarily before catching her again. "I mehehean, Lohohoidmahahan!"

Dammit!

Loid stepped out of his shoes, left his suitcase aside and hung his hat and coat on the coat rack before making his way, cheeks still flushed, to Yor and Anya.

"D-Don't worry, Pri-Princess...," He said lowly, his voice stern and his every step stiff. "I'll s-save you..."

"Huhuhurry! The ahahassass- I mehehean, the vihihillainehehss wihihill kihihill me!"

Yor giggled, giving Anya another break as she looked up at Loid with a grin. Loid flinched.

"L-Loidman, don't think you'll be able to take Anya-san!"

He felt a little better noticing that Yor felt embarrassed too, however, at the same time it made him feel worse. At least now Yor wasn't drunk, so he didn't have to worry about her kicking him like that other time.

Loid saw that Anya had jumped off the couch in an attempted to run away from Yor, he reached for her, wanting to end this game as soon as possible, but he was surprised when Yor took his wrist, and with a swift move, he was thrown to the couch.

Loid widened his eyes, what had just happened?!

"Loidman!" Anya gasped, but she squeaked and took a step back when Yor moved to catch her again. "Loidman, escape! The villainess will get you!"

Loid gasped, "get... me...?"

"I'm sorry, Loid-san!" Yor whispered, but Loid could barely register it because he soon had her hands latched to his sides and embarrassing giggles threatened to pour out of his lips.

Nononono! This is bad! I am ticklish! Don't laugh, Twilight. Do not laugh!

"Y-Yor-s-san!" Loid gasped, trying to suppress any sound as he squirmed and tried to fight Yor's hands off. "S-Stop, I don't- eh? Ah! No, that's- ahahaha! N-Nohohoho!"

Don't tickle my ribs! I can't stop laughing!

"Hehe, you better come back here, Anya-san, or else I'll have to tickle Loidman until he admits defeat!" Yor said over Loid's laughter so Anya could hear from where she was hiding behind the couch with Bond. "I'm sorry, Loid-san, is it too bad? What about here?" Yor whispered with concern as her hands moved up to Loid's armpits.

Not there!

Loid's laughter grew louder, he arched his back and threw his head back with loud cackles.

"NOHOHO! It's wohohohorst!" He laughed, clamping his arms to his sides and trying not to kick Yor as he felt his body going a little weak.

This is so humiliating! Why did they have to play this stupid game?! Get a hold of yourself, Twilight! Get a hold- fuck!

"Yohohor-sahahan, plehehease not thehehere!"

Yor's cheeks flushed pink as her hands immediately stopped, "Aah! Loid-san, I'm sorry, I don't know-

"I'll save you, Loidman!" Anya said, running towards her parents.

Loid was thankful when Yor moved her attention back to Anya, he breathed heavily, trying to ignore the residual tingles under his arms as Anya's laughter ringed through the house once again.

"N-Nohohot so fahahahast!" She giggled and from God knows where, she pulled out a little toy pistol and shot at Yor.

Yor fell dramatically on the couch with a soft groan, her cheeks bright red as she faked to be dead. Loid looked at her as he was standing up again and barely caught Anya when she threw herself into his arms.

"You are welcome, Loidman," she said, smiling brightly at him. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes gleaming with happiness.

Loid chuckled, this whole situation was so embarrassing, but if Anya was happy... Well, it wasn't too bad after all.

#Spy x Family #Loid Forger #Anya Forger #Yor Forger #Ticklish!Loid #Ticklish!Anya #Tickle fic #Tickle drabble #mia's things #mia's drabbles

[levis-petras]

hi, sher! for the rivetra prompt (i promise this is not nsfw okay):

petra and levi cleaning an old room together and accidentally locking themselves inside 😚

hi Anya!! i am so sorry took so long but here you go! 💖✨This is set at that old castle in Wall Rose after Trost was invaded! 👀

Word Count: 993

Rating: T

* * * 

The sound of the door slamming shut echo around the room, and Petra jerks at her spot. The rags in her hand slap limply against the grimy windows, and she turns, blinking rapidly.

“What the fuck?”

“Captain?”

Captain Levi is glowering furiously at the door as he jams his knee agitatedly against the wooden boards. “This damn door is stuck.”

Petra tugs the kerchief down from her face. “Did you try the handle?”

Her captain throws her one of his filthiest glares. He curls his lip. “Yes, Ral. Of course, I tried the fucking handle.”

“Well, let me try,” she offers. “Maybe it needs a gentler touch.”

She ignores the scoffs her captain gives.

Dumping the sodden rags into the pail at her side, she makes her way across the room, sidestepping debris and rotten furniture to where her captain is waiting impatiently. 

She tugs at the bronze knob and jiggles it. When that doesn’t work, Petra pushes the full force of her weight against the heavy oak panels and twists the handle frantically.

The door still doesn’t budge.

“Oh.”

“Yes, oh,” Captain Levi snaps and crosses his arms. 

“We could wait?” Petra offers and pushes a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Or we could yell for help?”

“The windows face the forest. There’s no one out there for miles.” Captain Levi huffs and rolls his eyes heavenwards. “Trust Erwin to order us out to the middle of nowhere in this shitty-ass dump.”

Petra tries. She really does. But she isn’t able to stop the giggle from leaving her throat.

There is something utterly amusing to see her captain raving and ranting about the state of the dilapidated castle with his cleaning uniform on (that comprises his headscarf and kerchief around the lower portion of his face) and a feather duster in his hand.

“What?”

“Nothing, sir!”

His eyes shift, and he gives her a hard look. “I told you not to call me that.”

“What?” Petra grins. “Do you mean ‘sir’?”

“You know what I mean, Ral. Stop fucking around.”

She laughs, not missing the slight softening in his gaze or the way the tension bleeds from his form. 

“Okay, Levi.”

“Brat.”

Petra beams and moves up to adjust the skewed corners of his cravat. Her fingers smooth out the pristine white fabric with familiarity borne out of habit. “Well, at least you got stuck in a room with me and not someone like Oruo.”

Levi grunts. “I’ll push him out of the window if that happened.”

She snickers under her breath, enjoying the way his neck turns a dull shade of red when the tips of her fingers skim along the skin above his collar. With her task done, she moves on, trailing along the buttoned seams of his dress shirt, delighting in the way his chest heaves as his breathing stutters.

“Earlier, I heard what you said to Eren.”

Petra pauses. She looks up. Meeting Levi’s hooded grey eyes that are boring down at her with an intensity that makes her cheeks flush, she shuffles her feet. “What about it?”

He quirks a brow. “If you said anymore, that kid is gonna put two and two together.”

“No, he won’t,” she argues lightly and allows Levi to rest a cautionary palm on her hip. 

It has been months, and Levi is still hesitant to show his affections with casual touches and murmured verbal assurances. Petra is okay with that. She knows the man isn’t comfortable with such displays, and she loves him for trying.

“Oi, Petra, I mean it. It’s just a while longer,” he says gruffly into her ear, sliding the tip of his nose against her hair, breathing her in.

It isn’t often that they get times like this to be alone—to be together. Petra treasures them all the more for it. Closing her eyes, she presses closer, savouring this small intimate moment that they share. 

Like the rest, she tucks the memory of him—of being in his embrace, of the clean, sharp masculine smell of him in her senses, of the way his heart beats rhythmically beneath his ribs, and how loved and happy and she feels—right into the depths of her soul.

“I know,” Petra sighs and pulls away. 

She looks up and smiles softly, memorising the unguarded way he looks down at her. Captain Levi of the Scout Regiments might be a fearsome and awed soldier, but he is just a man to Petra. 

A man she loves and has willingly dedicated her heart to.

“I’ll be careful,” she promises, offering what she hopes to be a reassuring smile. Petra reaches up to card a hand through his hair, fingers brushing against the short bristles of his undercut. “I won’t do anything to mess this up. Though, you know I hate waiting.”

“Tch,” Levi grumbles something unintelligible, but she can see the bashfulness in his eyes. His grip on her hips tighten. “You’ll probably join Shitty Glasses, eh?” 

“That’s only if Squad Leader Hange wants me.”

“They would. Four Eyes would be fucking dumb if they turned you down.”

Compliments from Levi aren’t as rare anymore, but still, Petra doesn’t think she will ever tire of them. She beams and slings her arms around his neck. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re sweet?”

“Oi, get off. Your hands are filthy.”

She cracks a grin at that and releases him.

Levi clears his throat, looking oddly shy. “Hey, Ral, remember what I said. Keep it quiet. It’s only a while more.”

No more hiding.

The thought of no longer having to hide their relationship and being seen together with Levi like regular couples sends frissons of longing down her back. It feels as though there are a million butterflies taking flight in her gut.

Petra nods, her cheeks flushing. “I know. After the 57th expedition,” she gives him a cheeky grin. “You’re mine.

Levi offers a faint smile at that. “Yeah?”

“Yes. Promise.”

#rivetra #rivetra fic #rivetra fanfiction #levi x petra #my writing #prompt me #i am so sorry anya that i took an eternity to get this out!!! #but here we go I HOPE THIS IS OKAY #💖💖💖 #tho i think everyone is going to come up after me with knives now #knives out 2 but rivetra fandom style #i’m sorry if this is all over the place too like ahh my brain is dead as well asgsjsjis

[lucysometimeswrites]

Awards Season

sup! this is an idea i had that i just had to write. it’s more of the reader’s experience and her thought and her moment than tom, but i still hope you like it. feedback accepted and have a good day :)

Y/N is playing ciara bravo’s role in this, and yeah, enjoy! also lmk if u want a latina version of this or tom winning the award cuz i have it

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

“And here to present the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role we have previous winner of the very same award: Anne Hathaway!” the host announced. Anne appeared from the left side of the stage, expertly walking and smiling towards the microphone while everyone clapped and cheered for her.

“Thank you! Thank you, you are too kind” she said cheekily, earning a laugh from the audience. “Tonight, we are honoured with the presence of many talented and passionate actresses, and by that I mean me, of course,” she continued, the audience loving her humour more and more. Anne started her small speech about the characters the actresses nominated in the category portrayed, commenting that I portrayed a troubled character who becomes a drug addict for love. I felt a warmth touch my hand, and I turned to Tom, who was sitting right beside me. He gave me a reassuring smile and squeezed my hand, knowing that I felt a little anxious about this award. It was my first Oscar nomination, and after working my ass off for Cherry where I co-starred with Tom, even I thought I deserved it. I didn’t care much about winning, though, because I felt I won the moment I got nominated. Yes, it is very cliche and almost everyone says that, but now I can see how true it is. This is probably the biggest moment of my career yet, and I was loving every second of it.

Tom and I stared at each other with a smile for a bit longer, until we heard Anne say, “Here are the nominees for Best Actress in a Supporting Role”:

“Emma Stone, Him and Her,” Ooo I loved that film.

“Anya-Taylor Joy - Emma,” Her range is insane.

“Y/N Y/L - Cherry,” I gave a big smile and a wave to the camera as it focused on me, simultaneously squeezing Tom’s hand again because he knew how the cameras made me a little awkward and uncomfortable. “You did great.”  he whispered in my ear, and I gave him a small smile back.

“Jennifer Lawrence - Don’t Look Up,” My literal idol.

“Taraji P. Henson - At 38th Street,” She’s so talented.

“And the Oscar goes to...”

Those five seconds she took to open the envelope were the shortest and longest of my life. I felt as if the world had stopped, along with my breathing, and Tom and I were squeezing each other’s hands to the point where I was sure we’d cut each others circulation off. I loved how excited and nervous he was for me, and he’d made sure to tell me plenty of times before the show that he’d be there for me whether I won or not and that we would celebrate until we couldn’t feel our feet anymore. He had been my literal rock through--

“Y/N Y/L, Cherry!” Anne exclaimed.

...What?!

I looked up astonished to Anne, and even mouthed Me? to her. She happily nodded, and that’s when it clicked that the entire theatre was clapping for me. Shock and confusion and amazement ran through me, making me lose sense as to what to do next. I slowly rose from my seat, looking around and my eyes landed on Tom, who sported the biggest smile ever and helped pull me up. We stood in front of each other for a millisecond before he engulfed me in a big, strong hug and I, still in shock, slowly put my arms around his neck and reciprocated the affection.

“You did it, darling! You did it!” he proudly said in my ear.

“I did it...I can’t believe I did it. I’m so freaking shocked and confused I don’t know what to do” I answered and pulled back to look at him. He cupped my face in his hands and pressed a big kiss on my forehead. “Go get your award!” he laughed, giving me small push as a start.

I laughed, still in disbelief, and looked around again, spotting the Russo’s who went to give me a big hug.

“You did it Y/N! You deserve this so much” they each said, and I whispered a Thank you back.

I finally turned back and slowly made my way up the stage, constantly looking towards the audience so that I could really take the moment in and never forget it. Turning to Anne, she held the Oscar in her hands and gave my a big smile, hugging me and saying, “Ugh you did amazing Y/N, you deserve this so much honey, congratulations!”

“Thank you so much, oh my gosh, you’ve literally been one of my idols ever since I was a kid.” I told her breathless.

“Aw you’re so sweet,” she laughed, “Go! You have about a minute to thank everyone.”

I went to the microphone and looked across the audience, spotting many celebrities who were still standing up and clapping for me, even when we hadn’t worked together. My eyes dashed to Tom, who was also wooing and cheering for me, and gave me a thumbs up, silently saying You got this, as had said to me many times before.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe it” I laughed in disbelief again, everyone still clapping for me. Soon, they settled and I continued “I can’t even-- let me catch my breath for second.” I stepped back a little and put my hands on my knees as if I’d just finished running a marathon, making the audience laugh a little.

I went back up, “You guys have absolutely no idea how much this means to me,” holding the Oscar a little higher, “I dreamt of this ever since I started to really get into acting and to actually have it in my hands is a dream come true. I wanna thank the Academy for this incredible honor. I honestly felt I won the moment I got nominated alongside these amazing and talented women,” I gestured to my fellow nominees who I could spot in the front rows. “When I say that you all deserve this award just as much as I do, I’m not kidding. Jennifer you have been such an icon to me ever since The Hunger Games and ohmygoshicantbelievethisisreal,” I quickly said with my hand near my mouth, earning a laugh from her and the audience, me joining them. “Emma and Anya your performances were ridiculously good and Taraji P. Henson I absolutely adore you.” They laughed once again, sending me kisses and smiles.

“A minute is not nearly enough to be able to thank everyone I wanna thank but I’ll do my best. Thank you to my amazing and incomparable directors Joe and Anthony Russo,” a wave of cheering ensued for them, “Thank you for trusting me with bringing this story to life, for guiding me along the way and never giving up on me even on the days when I was unbearable” I said with a small laugh. “Thank you to the screenwriters Angela and Jessica for writing this beautiful piece of work and to Nico Walker for telling his story and allowing us to bring it to the cinemas--cinemas? Wow, sorry I’ve been spending a lot of time with Tom so I’m starting to turn a little British” I chuckled and turned to look at him to find him laughing as well.

“Tom,” here it goes, “I have no words to express how grateful I am for you. You have been my rock and my best friend throughout this entire journey and for that I love you so much. Thanks for putting up with me and my craziness and sharing the good and bad days with me. There is no one I would rather have shared the screen with and I love you so so so much.” I said, from the bottom of my heart, and saw him tearing up while sending me a million kisses with his hands and mouthing I love you more. The audience awed and clapped once more.

“I also wanna thank Victoria- you beautiful woman- for taking me in and always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself- aw you’re crying! Oop, sorry I’ll shut up, um-” I said as she waved her hand for me not to expose that she was crying, the theatre laughing at our banter, “Thank you Lizzie, Monica and all of my team, thank you to all of the cast and crew who made this happen.” I continued, moving to thank my family and more emotions hitting me like a truck again, feeling tears pool in my eyes. I shook my head and looked up so as to prevent them from falling.

“I- I’m not gonna cry, that’s stupid.” I said into the microphone but mostly to myself, everyone laughing and clapping once again in a comforting manner. “Sorry,” I laughed, “I’m gonna thank my family, but they unfortunately couldn’t make it here tonight so--” everyone awed in sadness, and I jokingly waved them off, “Oh shut up, whatever.” Another chorus of laughter, “I wanna thank my family all the way back home. You guys, you’re the best thing this life has given me and I’m eternally grateful for your support. Although, I did say that if I ever won an Oscar I wouldn’t thank you because you didn’t believe I could do this, l would not be able to forgive myself if I didn’t. Thank you for always being there for me and teaching me everything I know. For the unconditional love” my lip trembled, “and for showing me that you can do anything with hard work and passion. I love you--Please wrap up--sorry! Okay I’m going.” I nervously said. “I also wanna thank all of my friends for their support and finally I dedicate this award to all the girls out there with big dreams that scare you. Follow them, don’t let anyone stop you or tell you you’re not worthy because you sure as hell are destined for great things. Um, thank you so much!” I finished. The audience clapped and cheered and wooed once more and I gave them one final smile and amazed look, catching Tom’s eye and receiving a wink, then following Anne backstage where I would be taking pictures and answering questions.

I wonder how we’ll celebrate now that I’ve actually won...

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

disclaimer: these are all fake names and fake movie titles i made up for the purpose of the fic

#tom holland imagine #tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland blurb #tom holland oneshot #tom holland fanfic #tom holland x actress!reader #actress!reader #oscars #tom holland fluff

[nehmesis]

2020 Year in Review 🤍

I was tagged by @unefleurofferte, thank you darling! I hope 2021 will be wonderful for you❣

5 favorite films you watched in 2020:

i. The Prestige (2006), I usually get very distracted during movies but in this one oh boy. I couldn’t take my eyes away. It was so well structured, the actors gave such great performances... and I guess looking at Hugh Jackman helped haha

ii. Little Women (2019), I watched it at the premiere in my city and cried, it was so wholesome, so reminiscent of childhood

iii. Knives Out (2019), it was light-hearted yet still serious, top tier

iv. The Light Between Oceans (2016), Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender, my two major crushes. Need I say more?

v. The Favourite (2018), Olivia Colman in this.... Lanthimos went full-on with the atmosphere of this and I appreciate it.

5 favourite tv shows you watched in 2020:

i. Dark (well the last season anyway), it was literally very Dark and I enjoyed that

ii. The Queen’s Gambit, especially for Anya’s outfits

iii. The King: Eternal Monarch, this year I got into korean dramas, and this was the one that stood out to me

iv. The Haunting of Bly Manor

v. Broadchurch

5 favourite songs you listened to in 2020:

i. So Close by Olafur Arnalds

ii. Numbers by Daughter

iii. I Need My Girl by The National

iv. Miss YOU! by CORPSE (Sorry)

v. In Silence by Janet Suhh

Top 5 albums of 2020:

i. I Am Easy to Find by The National

ii. Broadchurch (Music from the Original TV Series)

iii. Faith by Hurts

iv. folklore by Taylor Swift

iv. Parasite (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Top 5 books you read in 2020:

i. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

ii. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

iii. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

iv. The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong

v. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

How did you spend your birthday this year?

If I remember correctly I stayed home and studied, and at night my parents surprised me with a strawberry tart and a chocolate one and candles on it. If I could go back in time now, I’d tell myself, go out for a drink, you idiot (it was before covid, in January).

What was your most memorable day this year?

In the summer I went to a tiny island with a friend for a couple of days; my most memorable day is one of these, when we sat on a bench and had a clear, magnificent view of the sky. There were so many stars, the moon was beautiful, and there were Saturn and Jupiter keeping it company. 

What was your most memorable meal you had this year?

The one on my name day in October, right before our second lockdown. I went out with friends and we had so much delicious food, a bottle of rose, and cheesecake for dessert. 

Did you find any new hobbies or interests in quarantine?

I tried my hand at cooking a little more, did some yoga, and took an interesting class online aside from those at university. I also started listening to music way more. 

What was the last big event/thing you remember doing BC (before covid)?

Going to the theatre to watch a play by Chekhov, and seeing The Phantom of the Opera live! Gosh, it was wonderful. 

5 good/positive things that happened to you in 2020:

I read more books than last year, began walking around a lot which helped strengthen my legs, listened to a lot new wonderful songs, realized that I should be thankful with what I have and what I am & not always expect more of me.

Biggest messages or lessons learnt from this year?

I have to step out of my boundaries, to do new things in order to progress or I will remain where I am forever. I need to sacrifice things to become who I want to. 

And what are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Traveling - seeing new places, meeting new people, trying new things. I will do it all this year.

I’ll tag @silk-fleur @melethrille @minyardy @jasminoir @odysscy @levrathan @zrobilem-herbate @achlless @xshayarsha @roseate-angel @elm-and-oak @athenaefilia 🖤🖤🖤

#tag games #2020

[ex-vengeancedemon]

Averting Disasters and Other Ways to Avoid Your Problems

Chapter 4

Characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Mentions of things that occurred in Angel: The Series season 5.

Main Pairing: Buffy x Spike

Characters: Buffy, Spike, Giles, Willow, Xander, Andrew, Faith, Dawn

Summary: Set in 2008, five years after Spike’s resurrection at Wolfram & Hart. Buffy is living in Cleveland guarding the hellmouth. Spike has left Angel and company and is hiding out in Chicago. The Scoobies are scattered. When something starts going wrong with the slayers around the world, it’s time to get the gang back together.

Masterlist & Chapter 1

"Well it's not like I'm thrilled to see you either!" Spike retorted. "Always buggerin' up the works! What are you gonna do? Whine the slayer's sane?"

"How? What? How?" Xander stammered, blinking rapidly.

Xander seemingly hadn't changed much in the past 5 years. He was still as incompetent and irritating as ever. Although - Spike would admit - both he and Willow did look a bit older. Some might even say a bit haggard, like they hadn't slept right in a year or two. One thing was certain, the ponce's wardrobe hadn't improved a lick. Even Andrew had him beat there. Sad really.

"I'm sure there'll be plenty of time for interrogate the Spike later," Spike replied, waving a hand at him. "Maybe when we're not, say, dealing with a wave of off their nut slayers?"

"You were dead," Xander continued, pointing a finger at him.

"Yeah. And now I'm not. Of all people, you lot really shouldn't be so surprised. It's bloody impossible to stay dead around here."

The shock factor had yet to wear off. A more generous part of Spike's mind knew he couldn't really blame him. The only other person to come back from the grave was, well, Buffy. And people had wanted her back.

"Xander, later," Willow told him. "We need all the help we can get. Especially since we can't ask any of the slayers. It's just us on this one."

"And the librarian," Spike drawled.

"Where is Giles?" Xander asked, finally composing himself a bit.

"On his way." Willow stood up and dropped a book in his hands. Xander coughed as a plume of dust puffed up in his face. "Well?" Willow pressed. "What are you waiting for? Research won't do itself."

Xander took a seat at the table next to Andrew, noticeably at the furthest point away from Spike. Unsurprising really. Git had always had a chip on his shoulder. But, if they had to make due with non-slayers, he supposed Xander might not be... the worst. Although his arrival did beg the question of the one missing party.

"So where's everyone's favorite little ex-demon, eh?" Spike asked. "Anya retire from the Scoobies? She always was the smart one."

The table froze, the rustling of pages coming to an abrupt halt. No one made as if to answer and a grim silence descended over the room. Spike no longer needed their answer. It was clear from their faces. Anya was dead. Gone. Six feet under or what all.

Spike's sardonic demeanor vanished.

"How'd it happen?" he asked quietly.

Andrew sniffled a bit, wiping at his eyes. "She um... she saved me. She died during the attack. You know, at Sunnydale. Same as you."

Xander and Willow remained dry-eyed. Willow's eyes were downcast and she carefully avoided looking at anyone or anything in particular. Xander's face was hard, an uncommon sobriety plaguing his normally lighthearted countenance.

Xander scoffed and shook his head, the frown lines deepening on his face. "In what world is it fair that you come back, and she doesn't?"

"Only the twisted kind," Spike mumbled under his breath. He didn't think Xander heard.

"Xander, that's not really fair," Willow replied softly.

"Yeah. It damn well isn't," Xander snapped back.

A tense pause persisted before Andrew's shudder broke the silence. He had his head in his hands and looked like he was still grieving her all these years later. Guilt will do that to a person.

"I'm sorry," Spike said louder. "She was... well she was one of the good ones."

"She was," Willow seconded with a terse nod.

The room fell back into that uncomfortable silence that had started when Spike mentioned Anya's name. A moment of silence for you, our dearly departed. Buried beneath the rubble of Sunnydale. Gal deserved better. Who the bloody hell didn't?

While the rest of the gang continued with the barrels of books and the magic of boredom, Spike perused the magic shop's other wares. He had no idea what half of the junk did, and he was a bit wary to find out. With his luck, he'd go poking around and wind up a toad. 

He picked up a small golden mirror and almost dropped it when he noticed his reflection staring back at him. Only it wasn't him. It was the face of a decaying corpse, rotted through almost to the bone with sickening tufts of hair jutting out at random from his skull. The reflection had no nose or eyes, just gaping holes into the abyss with tendrils of black smoke slowly curling out. He hurriedly put the mirror back face down. Windows to the soul my ass. No more magic mirrors for this vampire.

Spike shook off the disturbing image and made his way over to the cash register in search of a quick distraction. Sitting neatly next to the register was a leather-bound book labeled "Bills of Sale". Had to be a ledger of sorts. Spike flipped through it and spotted Willow's name pop up more than a few times. She'd been quite the little Wicca since he'd been away. Giles' name cropped up a couple times as well. 'Course it did. And then his finger stopped on Buffy. It seemed she had ordered a few things from the mystical multi-dimensional magic shop from hell. 

It listed her address. Right there in Cleveland. It couldn't even be that far. Maybe ten kilometers.  

Spike glanced up at the gang. They seemed engrossed with their books and chatted sporadically amongst themselves. Part catch-up, part theory, part shared anxiety.

Andrew got up to pull another book from the shelf and Spike slipped out from behind the counter. He made as if to casually pass by the table - as he had done multiple times before already - just as Andrew turned back from the shelf. Spike rammed into Andrew's shoulder, causing him to drop his book.

"Watch it Watcher!" Spike snapped. "You'd think a Watcher would be better at watching where the hell they're going."

Spike continued to mutter under his breath as he walked away from Andrew's somewhat confused apologies. Spike smiled as he gripped the keys in his pocket. A lifetime of delinquency came in handy every now and again. Who was he kidding? It came in handy all the damn time.

***

Spike parked Andrew's car on the curb just outside of Buffy's house. At least, it was the house the address at the magic shop had listed. Dusk was just falling and Spike was sure the Scoobies had noticed his absence by now. He had only circled the block six times. Just to be sure. Hard to tell sometimes with... addresses. With specific house numbers. Maybe that six should really be a nine. Who knows? Could happen.

The house was small. Spike supposed it didn't need to be big if it was just Buffy living there. Seemed odd. Buffy living alone. In a city with none of her old mates. A lot had changed since he died. He wondered if anything had stayed the same.

Lawn looked like it could use a mow. It was a bit unkempt and probably angered some suburban Homeowners Council or what all. But the rest of the house looked nice. All cookie-cutter with that early 90s retro-chic vibe. Bloody hell. Now he was just stalling, examining the bloody architecture.

Spike took a breath and opened the door of the car. The neighborhood wasn't busy and the streetlights had just come on. He made his way up the concrete walk to the front door. Moment of truth. 

He rapped on the door and waited for what felt like an eternity. Maybe she wasn't home. Then he heard a shuffling from behind the door. Finally, the door opened, and there she stood. Radiant.

"Buffy," Spike said, barely managing to get the name out.

Seeing her again, alive and standing in front of him, was so much better than revisiting the memories. It struck him that her face had started to fade from his memory the way a worn picture does when you carry it around in a wallet for years. And a picture is nothing compared to the real thing. A shadow of a person. Less than a flat, lifeless imitation.

She gave him a puzzled look, her brows furrowing together in a familiar way. "Spike. What the hell is going on?"

He finally noticed the blood that soaked the front of her shirt and the disarray of her hair. Mud coated her bare feet and a deep gash ran up her calf. Spike could smell the blood. It seemed old. Something was very wrong here.

"Come in," Buffy said, stepping aside to let him pass.

Spike hesitantly stepped across threshold. She pulled him the rest of the way inside and slammed the door shut behind him, immediately jumping over to the window and peaking out behind the curtains at the street as if she thought he might have been tailed. It wasn't exactly the reception he had been expecting.

"Spike, what's going on?" Buffy asked, whirling on him. "Where am I? How'd I get here?"

Spike glanced around, looking for any clues as to what might be causing this bout of frenzied panic. To no avail. The inside of the house looked just fine. Not very lived in. Bare bones. No overturned furniture, no broken glass. Some muddy footprints. But overall, fine.

"You're in Cleveland," Spike said slowly. "Remember?"

Buffy shook her head, becoming more agitated. "Why? Does this have something to do with The First? We need to get back to Sunnydale, now."

#btvs #buffy the vampire slayer #btvs fanfiction #buffy the vampire slayer fanfiction #spuffy fanfiction #spuffy #spike x buffy #averting disasters and other ways to avoid your problems #chapter 4

[fakeyellow]

Anya and Kamilah finally meet. 

Summary: Kamilah and co. win the war against Gaius but at great personal cost. Fifty years have passed since their pyrrhic victory when a stranger, looking exactly like the woman they lost, enters their lives.  Part 1. Part 2. Part 4.

“Kamilah’s expecting you. Don’t worry. She liked you enough to offer you a job without so much as an interview and she’s a woman of her word. She’ll just want to make sure you’re as impressive as your resume says you are,” Gabriel said reassuringly before he left and Anya took a moment to compose herself before she pushed the door and stepped into the office.

Normally, Anya would have been drawn to the myriad of seemingly authentic Egyptian artefacts and weapons decorating the room: the curved khopesh of the New Kingdom sitting innocently on a shelf next to a golden mask of Bast, the ornate fan-axe mounted on the wall… It was a collection that wouldn’t have seemed out of place in a museum.

But she took one step into the office, making eye contact with the woman sitting at the head of the desk, and Anya was simultaneously lost and found in a single, breathless moment.

When she’d landed in New York, she had been consumed with a sense of complete rightness that had quieted the restlessness she’d carried with her for the past five years. 

Her chest thrummed with that feeling now amplified, as if things had finally fallen into their right place, as if at long last, she was finally where she was supposed to be. 

And then the moment passed and Anya was left to make her way to the desk, still shaken by the intensity of her emotions. There was no mistaking it: this was the woman she’d seen on the streets of London a week ago but why had she evoked such a visceral response?

“Ms. Sayeed,” Anya said with a smile, holding her hand out with a confidence she didn’t feel, “I wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity to work for you. 

The woman stared at her offered hand and after a second during which Anya feared she had been too forward, she shook it.

“Ms. Altomare,” she spoke, her voice elegant and husky.  

“Please, call me Anya,” Anya quickly said, causing Kamilah’s eyes to flicker up to hers and then all Anya could see and hear was Kamilah, Kamilah, Kamilah. 

She snapped out of her brief reverie, dropping the woman’s hand and Anya tried to ignore how her heart clenched at the loss of their contact, the warm, velvety feel of her skin. She settled into the chair and tried to regain her composure, appreciating the vast window across her that let her feel the familiar warmth of the sun’s rays on her face.

It surely had only been a few seconds but it felt like an eternity before Kamilah finally broke the silence, each word spoken with precision.

“Anya, I am a private woman,” she said and Anya nodded (she hadn’t been able to find a single picture of the CEO online), “And my collection is of great personal value to me. I was very impressed by your resume and references but I want to be sure of your skills before I give you access to my collection.”

“Of course,” Anya said emphatically and she leaned forward with excitement as Kamilah displayed three artefacts on her desk: a jewel-encrusted scarab, a golden ankh, and a wooden horse.

“I’ve brought some items from my collection and I’d like to hear your ideas if you were to create an exhibit centred on these,” Kamilah said, her eyes focused intensely on Anya. 

But Anya was blind to the attention, overwhelmed with awe as she took in the sight of the precious items in front of her, her head moving around to see all of their angles. She was visibly bubbling with excitement as she restrained her hands from reaching out to touch them

“Oh wow. Ptolemaic Dynasty... and they’re all in such exquisite condition,” she breathed and then as if a switch had been turned off in her, Anya straightened in her seat, “Well, it depends on your purpose. What are you trying to convey, who is your target audience?”

“Let’s say it’s only for me. What would an exhibit catered solely to me look like?” 

Anya furrowed her brows in thought before answering. 

“Well, I would center the exhibit around this ankh. As the symbol of life and the natural force that interconnects all living things, it would serve as the centrepiece and multi-faceted theme of the exhibit. And the scarab would be one of the focal points of the exhibit. It’s beautiful, it’s opulent, it’s dripping in jewels. While it was used primarily as a fashion statement, it’s also a symbol of rebirth and I’d surround it with other such objects. Now, this horse would serve as the counterpoint to the scarab, not a symbol of rebirth but of life as it is in the moment, moments that become precious memories later on. It’s wooden, much simpler than the jewelled scarab, but it’s been extremely well preserved and it’s no less precious. This horse is filled with the joy of the children who played with it, their love, their happiness…” Anya’s eyes turned starry as she envisioned the exhibit, “The displays could be in rooms that are connected via intertwining hallways to embody the nature Ankh, and there could be warm-toned lights…”

“Of course, I just came up with this and if you were to give me more time and information, I’d be able to come up with a more well-developed plan,” Anya finished, trying not to be nervous at the strange look on Kamilah’s face.

“No, I liked it,” Kamilah reassured Anya but there remained something off about her, as if she was shaken and unable to recover.

“Yes, that’ll be fine. I’ll set up your access to my collection soon,” Kamilah dismissed her distractedly and Anya made her way to the door when Kamilah suddenly called out again.

“Anya?”

She turned around, trying to quell her uneasiness- surely she wouldn’t be fired. Not when she hadn’t even had a proper first day of work. But Kamilah only scanned over her with those intense, brown eyes of hers.

“Never mind.”

—-

Anya closed the door behind her, letting out a sigh as if she was trying to expel all of her tension and anxiety. She hadn’t known what to expect from her first meeting with her new boss in New York but she certainly hadn’t expected the maelstrom of emotions that currently swirled inside her. 

Kamilah Sayeed…

She wanted to know so much more about her.

Still deep in thought, Anya continued on her way to the elevators when suddenly, she bumped into a solid wall of muscle. She stepped back, more alarmed than anything.

“Sorry-” “I- Laia?!”

“Excuse me?” Anya asked at the man’s exclamation. He was dressed professionally in a well-tailored suit but he stared at her with unabashed shock. He seemed to notice her growing discomfort when he shook his head and offered her a lopsided smile.

“I’m sorry. You reminded me of someone I knew,” he said and Anya smiled back at him.

“I get that a lot. I guess I just have one of those faces,” she joked and he laughed, even as he didn’t take his eyes off of her.

“Adrian Raines,” he offered his hand and Anya shook it.

“Anya Altomare.”

“Well, it was nice bumping into you Anya,” he said and Anya politely nodded before hurrying away into the elevator as he stared after her. 

—-

Could she truly not be Laia?

Kamilah had watched the woman closely, had picked the three items specifically because of Laia’s connection to them. But there hadn’t been a single sign of recognition in Anya’s face, only a reverential awe at the old artefacts. 

And yet if she weren’t Laia, how could she have so keenly discerned the value of the items, their meanings to her? How could she have reached so deeply to Kamilah’s core?

Kamilah sighed deeply, rubbing her temples in frustration when Adrian burst into the room.

“Who is she?” he exclaimed but Kamilah merely gestured at him to sit across her.  

“I-she said her name was Anya but she looked and sounded exactly like Laia,” he said agitatedly, running a hand through his hair. 

“Did Laia somehow Turn?” Adrian asked before he finally seemed to see Kamilah’s face, see how she was only barely keeping herself together, “I’m sorry. I know this must be difficult for you.”

Kamilah pulled out a decanter of gin and two glasses, pouring him a generous amount of liquor and herself an even more generous amount. She took a slow sip of the liquid, half-wishing that vampires weren’t so immune to the effects of alcohol.

“She’s not a vampire,” she declared definitively and Adrian made to interrupt her when she continued, “I turned off the window shade so she sat with the sun directly on her for fifteen minutes. She wasn’t affected at all. Even Gaius would have shown some sign of irritation after that much exposure.” 

Adrian slumped down in his chair, “I just don’t understand. Is it possible that a random woman could look so much like her?”

Perhaps, if they had still been close like they’d been 50 years ago, Kamilah might have mentioned the empty casket, the doubts and suspicions and questions that incessantly plagued her mind. She might have mentioned how it was killing her to be so close to a woman who looked, talked, smelled like Laia, how her heart couldn’t help but hope against hope that the gods had somehow brought Laia back to her, how she couldn’t bear to entertain these thoughts because if she ended up not being Laia, she’d fall apart...

But they had grown distant from each other after her desperate ploy with Gaius and so Kamilah merely said, 

“I don’t know.”

—-

A/N: Thanks for all of the support! I hope you’ll continue to read although this was a bit of a slow chapter. There’ll be 2 more parts and I’m excited for the upcoming revelations. If you haven’t seen it, here’s a short Kamilah x MC drabble that takes place during the 50 years to tide you over.

I ended up doing a lot of unnecessary research for the weapons in Kamilah’s office. If you’re interested: the khopesh was out of use by Kamilah’s time period but I don’t know what else the curved sword in her office could be. The fan axe has only been seen in hieroglyphics, and they’ve never unearthed an actual axe, but PB decided to put it in her office so whatever. And I wasn’t sure what the golden mask was so I just said it was a mask of Bast. For the exhibit, I had no idea what I was doing so lol my bad.

I’m saying Kamilah has high tech shade thingies on her window that she can control so they either block the sun or let the sun in. She turned it off for Anya, got distracted, had Anya turn around so she could confirm Anya wasn’t affected by the sun, and then turned it on so Adrian wouldn’t be affected when he came in.

#bloodbound #kamilah x mc #kamilah sayeed #adrian raines #playchoices #my writing

[sturdybackbone]

aubade to things long since past

plum-hued eyes and a misty morning balcony

I. “What are you cooking?” You ask, voice high and light, scratchy and half-raw in that way that young children’s voices are. You are four. Your hands are on the countertop, and your feet, buried in the slippers everyone wears inside the house, are standing on their tiptoes. You are not a tall child. You have never been, nor ever will be. Your mother flinches, as if struck. Her fingers still. She is cutting green onions, the knife gone still and dead at your little piping voice. Knives are fascinating things. Sharp and glinting and something like half-alive, at times, gliding and cutting and then being stowed away like a coveted, precious thing. Her great big white eyes stare down at you, and you blink up at her. And then, you shift on the spot, uncomfortable in your own brown slippers. Once upon a time, Sveta had clued paper eyes and ears scribbed brown onto them, to make it seem like you were wearing little bears. All that remained of that was the marks left by hot wax. “…You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna.” You say, eyes drooping and drooping down until they cling to the pale floorboards. She stares. Her fingers, pale and skinny and bony, tighten around the knife. She speaks, now. Translated to English, the words are too harsh to be ‘Go away’, but are too soft to be ‘Fuck off’. Mother never swears, not like Father does, and never will. But the intention is still the same. The firmness is still there. The shaking fear there too would have made a creature smarter and older than you pause and think. But you are a little child. And when your mother spits at you in a cruel tone, all you can do is stare up at her with big wet eyes and a trembling lip, and then stagger away, into the arms of someone who can grant you comfort. The problem was, Mother was your comfort. And when you stagger to Sveta, her shoulders draw up tight, up to her ears, and even though you crawl and writhe onto her little lap, fishing for attention as you feel heat and wetness on your cheeks, all she can do is stare into the empty room, fingers tight around her dolls, and say nothing even as her own eyes shine. You wring your arms around her neck and you taste snot and salt on your lips, as you open your mouth, about to wail something out, in the needy and high tones of a child scarcely grown from infanthood. And then your face burns, and your bum and your back is on the wooden floor, and you are blinking up at your red haired, red faced sister. Who looks down at you, eyes wide and white in horror, and as your face scrunches up and your hands move to rub at your sore spots, you find her pudgy, childish hands joining them. She pulls you close, a girl of eight, and she speaks into your feathery black hair. The same hair as your father, your brother. “I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry—” She chants into your scalp and you clasp around her like the little monkey you are, and weep into her chest, tears startlingly hot on your face. “Dad told me Dad told me and Mom and I’m sorry I’m so sorry I’m so sorry—” You are a young boy of four. You do not know what cruelty is. What pain is, beyond a bleeding booboo you get at the playground that makes Mom pour iodine into your wound. Later on, you would pinpoint this moment, this memory, as the moment you realized that life would not be the same. That you floating out of that countryside chasm, by nothing but some secret power hidden in you all your life, would not bring along miracles and happiness and goodness. No.  But at the time, all you could do was cry and wail, wanting nothing more than for Mom’s hand soothing your hair, for Dad’s hand firm and solid on your shoulder. Instead, all Dad does, a few rooms over, is growl at the rumbling tv with beer bottles strewn all around him. All Mom does is gaze down at the knife in her hands with wide white eyes, and think how easy, how easy, how easy it would be. II. You are six. You are much, much, much wiser, and smarter, than the you that has been. But you are still a stupid little child. So monstrously stupid, that looking back, you faintly wonder how you didn’t drop dead from sheer stupidity. Two years. It has been two years, since you survived falling into a great hole which was meant to be your grave.  A lot can, and has, happened in two years. There was a time, once upon a time, when your Mother meant home, meant safety. When Father was a great big allmighty tree of endless knowledge. When life was still hard, but simpler. Better. You scarcely remember it. Six-year-olds are not famed for their memory, after all.

Mother is in the hospital. Little Maxim, still slumbering in her belly, was far too eager to claw his way out of her womb. Mother is just barely eight months pregnant, and yet, she’s in labour. Not like you really knew the finer details, like these, back then. All you knew was that mother was in the hospital, in a furious fight with your unborn little brother. There’s a small degree of satisfaction, there. Of not being the littlest male in the family anymore. That is, if your brother survives. But such a thought did not run through your head then. It was unthinkable, even as you read about all sorts of tales and books with deaths and heroics in them.   There had been a point, just a week ago, where you gloated about reading a hundred page book about the Greeks and Romans. You had been mighty proud of yourself. Like all children wishing to gloat, you took the book, pressed it to your chest, and toddled to your home. And stopped dead in your tracks, dirty sneakers poorly protecting you from the hot May asphalt of Moscow’s streets. And you turned back, face burning with the memory of what happened last time you did such a thing. Seeking Father in such a time. Paying back for the book, which had torn into so many little fluttering pieces under Father’s fingers, had taken an eternity. And had made the librarian’s eyes go from tender and soft to hard and averting.

LIttle you had not been truly looking to gloat. But to have a parent look down upon you, and be proud. To approve of you. To see worth in you. But in Father’s eyes, seeking approval and gloating were one and the same.

The last shrieking crimson baby in your family was Anya, but she had grown, and was now was a three-year-old girl with great bright eyes and thick red hair that was quite a few shades lighter than Sveta’s, almost shockingly bright. Her hair was the talk of all of the cooing adults. Sometimes, you wondered how you would look like with her hair. And shuddered at the mental results. The buds of sarcasm were just that, at this stage of your life. But they would not remain as such for long, bless little you. You’re avoiding it, you know? Avoiding this memory. Because what else am I to do? Let’s cut to the chase. This isn’t nearly the most traumatic memory you have, after all. There’s no need to simper about such a thing. Six is the age when Father hits you for the first time. Perhaps it is the stress of his wife being caught in a great labour, and him being stricken with worry. But if that was truly the case, he could have been there, in the hospital, holding her hand and soothing her hair away from her face. But he’s here. At home. Like some grey, pasty ghost, sitting on the floor in his dusty pants, a bottle of mostly empty vodka held like a lifeline in his hands. He stands, at some point, hand on the wall, supporting him as he staggers out in the cramped grey corridors of the apartment. You aren’t around to witness this, but you would presume that’s the case. You’ve seen it enough, after all. You’re huddled with Andrei and Sveta, who’s holding little Anya. Andrei has puffed his chest out, trying to soothe all of your worries, even as Anya frets and worries into Sveta’s shoulder, who provides her with quiet comfort. They are a comfortable trio, all on a squalid couch on their own. You, an outsider, sit on a sofa, leaning into them almost horizontal like. You’re not sitting on Father’s seat, of course, but on the guest seat. Uncle Vladimir’s. Sveta never sits on it. Neither will you, soon enough. They’re whispering and then Anya’s eyes grow shiny with tears as Andrei lets slip that, sometimes, sometimes, women don’t survive childbirth. And she wails. And Father, who had been having a very loud piss, hollars from across the apartment. You all still. Even Andrei, as much as he is his father’s favourite. And then the sound of Father shambling across the halls come, and as the door bursts open, Andrei and Sveta clench around Anya, and Andrei hisses, eyes shining with something that is not quite malice nor tears, “Artur did it!” Father’s bloodshot eyes shoot towards to the sofa where your little body sits. Instantly, your muscles tense, and your legs pull towards your body. Father looks worse than almost any other time you’ve seen him. He is all blotchy and pale and eyes both lined red and bloodshot. His lips are red, having been worried by his teeth so much. His nose is red. His hair has not been brushed or tended to in days. Andrei might be Father’s favourite. But everyone, from Mother to distant grandmothers to even yourself know that out of all of Nikoli Kalinkalovsky’s massive brood, you look the most like him. It is something you will hate hate hate hate in years to come. It will not be the only or first thing you hate about yourself, and nor will it be the last.

His eyes shine out of something that is not quite malice nor tears, though massively leaning towards the former, and he stomps to you, even as you see Andrei ease in your peripherals. Andrei is a vicious idiot, above everything else. But he still covets his normal family. And for you, so abnormal that you might not even family? Something not wholly different from delight shines in his eyes as he sees Father cross the distance.

Things happen quick. Father is hungover.  He is stressed. Fear has gripped his belly and wracked him raw with the powerlessness that comes when there is nothing you can do but wait and utterly rely on someone else. And, above all other things, the thing that Father loathed most was powerlessness. Even so young, you half-understand this concept already. A hand lunges for you, to try to grip your t-shirt and drag you up into the air. But, tragically, fight and willfulness has not yet been beaten out of you. And so you duck, and slide from under his left side. And find a wall against your back, and a brawny arm latching around your waist. You are just a touch slower than him. Trying to flee was your mistake. And you are rewarded by being shoved against the wall, and then pain blooms in your nose. There is a long, long, long moment where you do not know what has just happened. And all you are aware of is a pain that is almost acidic, seeping down into your bones, and causing your face to swell in pill-bitter pain. Warmth slides down your lips, and you taste tangy iron, and blood. Father, somehow, looks more surprised than you. His features are, somehow, more white, more wide, and it seems like his vicious hangover is cured, for a few moments. Even Andrei, the vicious idiot he is, is struck mute and still at the sight of your nose blooming with blood, and you squinting up at your father with confusion written all over your face. And then Father’s senses return to you. He hauls you by the front of your shirt, peers over at his other spawn, barks a “What?!?” Which makes all three of them flinch, and look down at the floor. Father tosses you onto the balcony, locking the door behind him. You don’t know what happens next. If he yells at your siblings, or immediately stomps away, or what. Because for the next several moments, all you can do is stare at the wall, even as the blood starts sliding towards your ear, and all you can feel, at the moment, is a bright hot betrayal that turns your innards cold and solid and gelid. Your throat burns. The corners of your eyes itch. You curl up, on old baskets and onions and old kitchen rags, your hands curled into fists at your eyes, and you bawl, face twisted up and little mewls slipping out of you. What is the point of crying, if no one will come to your aid, you wonder, as you nonetheless continue to weep.   Ah, so young, and already a philosopher. You wipe away blood and snot and tears with old rags and bundle them up and tuck them in your pocket to wash later. Your nose, when it dries, itches. You make the mistake of scratching it, and not only are you rewarded with more pain but fresh blood, too. Father develops a taste for smearing your face with blood very, very quickly. It’s the catharsis, the power, he’s been looking for this entire time, you suppose. Or maybe he’s simply bored. Mother comes back two weeks later. In her absence, Sveta, the oldest girl, and you, the one entrusted with a good few simple chores, have systematically burned and butchered your way through many meals which made Andrei cough soot and Father’s fists grow itchy. You wonder, faintly, how long he’s been waiting to strike you. Mom is wan and more skinny and haggard than ever before, and, behind her, Father cradles Maxim with something like horror in his expression. He had a similar expression when Anya was born, you think, but you can’t really recall. Fatherhood does not suit him. Mother stumbles into the house, all but dropping out of her coat and shoes, and she turns to her children. One of them sports a great purple bruise on his face, and a nose that’s still a bit red and fragile to the touch. She pauses and looks and looks and looks, her expression unreadable, as Father, behind her, shifts from foot to foot, clearly uncomfortable with holding such a vulnerable little creature in his arms. Maxim, in turn, does not seem comfortable in being held by his darling sire. Mother sniffles. Her head raises. Her jaw tenses, and then relaxes. There is a moment, here. A moment, in which, things could have gone so, so, so differently. There was steel, in her gaze, for a moment. You are not accustomed to seeing anything less but mewling patheticness in her. There is a moment in which a world bloomed in front of you, a world where you are happy. But Father clears his throat behind her, and she tenses and she jumps and she instantly dots on little Maxim, and then fusses about the state of the apartment, where Father replies that it’s like this because she wasn’t here to tend to it. When her eyes wander back over to you, your eyes are shiny, and you are biting your lip to keep it still. Her eyes are blank. And blank forever more.

#self para #drabble #//so hEYYY guess who like. a month ago decided to write for the family challenge and planned out like 7 parts which were all. long. as fuck #//i've written like... 3 of them #//and since then have had them sitting in my drafts doing fuck all #//i spent so much time on this i thought 'i should puBLICH THEM' but since i didnt do them all i decided to send them out in parts #//so yE. this is. part 1 and part 2 of 'bleary eyes' because i'm shit at names #//original theme was like '6 times artur cried and one time he didn't' or smth and then i changed it to his mom and now there's no theme #//this is just an excuse to write angst #//angst of several years ago but still #blood tw #bruises tw #domestic abuse tw #child abuse tw #knives tw #child neglect tw #//violence tw #//this is not a good drabble tho things arent expliciet or anything #//my style is more focused on character reactions than actual events going on. hence. why my writing style is slow AF #//i did most of these parts i think like really late hence the BAD #//tldr for part 1: mom mean. baby artur cry. go to big sis sveta who is also mean but then is nice. things are. not okay #//tldr for part 2: mom's going in labour leaving the kids and the man alone. man is stressed. accidently hurts artur. aaaand there begins th #//e several years of physical abuse. mom came this close to growing a spine but. but she didn't #//btw the au where she did grow a spine and took her kids and LEFT is the best au. has momma kalinkalovsky and piper's mom be friends. #//piper grows up with the whole kalinkalovsky squad as friends #//lox and andrei are nasty boys together tho in the 'spit in your hands and slick back your hair to make yourself look cool before talking t #//'o girls' kinda nasty not the nasty andrei's gonna be v soon #//at this point in the drabbles the kalinkalovsky kids are.. just that. no genuine malice just. trying to survive. and thats most of them fo #//r most of their lives here but. it's gonna change. in time. not that much since they're all still kids in an abusive envoirnment but. they #//the other parts are better. also aYY there's a tag lIMIT and i fouND IT

[casscl]

❝  i’ve been a devil, i've been a saint. ❞

WHO: lucien dyer & anya cassel. ( @luciendyer ) WHERE: lucien’s bedchambers.  WHAT: anya pleads for lucien not to go to battle. lucien admits his true feelings. lucien learns of pyros’ feelings for anya. somewhat fluff. angst. my heart breaking into a million pieces. nbd.

anya: as the battle was quickly approaching, there was a tightness in the pit of her stomach that made her uneasy. she was worried about many people who she knew would fight in battle: nicolette, derrek, pyros and lucien, definitely. it wasn't that she thought they couldn't take care of themselves, she had no doubts about their abilities in combat. but anything could happen. as she approached his door, she knocked lightly. "lucien ?" she called through the door, knocking a little softer.

lucien: the knock didn’t wake him; he hadn’t been able to sleep in the first place. stupid not to sleep before battle, but lucien had a habit of doing stupid things. the fact that it wasn’t so out of the ordinary did much to soothe him. he got up and crossed to the door. “hello, anya.” he smiled. “good to see you. are you well ?” the thought that she might be coming to him with a problem crossed his mind, and he frowned. “is everything all right ?”

anya: as lucien opens the door, she momentarily forgets her worries and a bright smile forms on her lips. but anya is quick to regain her angry resolve. with a hand on his chest, she pushes him slightly, forcing herself into his bed chambers. "no, lucien, everything is far from alright." she waited some for him to close the door. "you cannot go to battle." the nurse pouts her lips in distraught before plopping on his bed.

lucien: he lets himself be pushed back into the room, concern now plain on his face. “it isn’t ?” he shuts the door behind them and turns to her. “what ? i-- i can’t just not go into battle, anya. i am a knight. i have a duty to ironhaven.” then confusion catches up with him. “why can’t i, anyway ?”

anya: "you are a knight, yes. but someone might seriously hurt you," she points out, her pout gradually growing. her arms crossed over her chest and she did her best to avoid lucien's eyes. she didn't want him to see how much fear she had in her eyes. there was no promise of tomorrow that hung in the air, not this time. her anger flares up again at that fact, to which she throws her fear to the wind, standing toe to toe with the knight. "you are not to go out there tomorrow !"

lucien: “that’s part of being a knight. i can’t cower in corners just because-- because you think i might get hurt. the kingdom matters more than me, anya; can’t you see that ?” he runs a hand through his hair in a show of whatever frantic emotion lies between exasperation and sympathy. “i will go. neither you nor i can do anything about it. it is the way things must be. i’m-- i’m sorry that you’re worried. the last thing i want is to worry you, anya.”

anya: she knows he's right. she has no right to say what he can and can't do. but her heart begs for him to stay where its safe, where she is. "you can't !" she cried, despite his protests, her hands grabbed his quickly, hoping that her small touch could convince him to stay. "just stay here, with me ? we shan't even leave this room tomorrow. i ask this of you, lucien. do me this one favor ?"

lucien: he wishes desperately for the ability to give her what she’s asking of him. it is with a broken expression that he looks down at her, holding her hands in his, and shakes his head. “i would if i could, anya. i love you. you must know that.” he fights to explain how he feels. “but... to fight is my purpose. it’s all i have. and this is a worthy cause; the men we’re up against are villains. you’ve seen the evils they’re capable of firsthand. you’ve suffered because of them. if i cower in a corner instead of fight tomorrow...” if he does, he will be unforgivable, in his eyes and, he is sure, in the eyes of others, and unworthy of anything.

anya: her hand immediately drops his at his confession. of course, she'd heard him say it before. ( or rather "me too" during her time with the other ironhaven residents. ) but now, as she stood not just mere inches from him, it felt all too real. she was alone, he was speaking to no one else but her. was there truth behind his words ? "you love me ?" she blinks in confusion, not sure how to take it. anya shakes her head, trying to regather herself so she could listen to his argument. "i want not for death to take you, lucien. i am scared."

lucien: he smiles sadly. “i’m afraid so. sorry to spring it on you like this -- i don’t know why i...” he shrugs. “if you do not want me dead, then i will do my best not to die,” he tells her, and prays that it is enough, because it is all he has. “i would hate to disappoint you.” he can’t promise her anything, of course, doesn’t dare say the words ‘i promise’. ironhaven will come first, must come first. still, he hates the thought of leaving her alone. not that she would be alone, he reminds himself. it calms him. she has nico, and derrek, and, he’s sure, a multitude of other people who care for her, because it would be difficult not to love anya cassel. “you shouldn’t be scared for me anyway,” he tells her softly. “don’t worry for soldiers; you’ll drive yourself mad. it’s not worth it.”

anya: the words seemed to have escape her as he elaborates. she feels queasy, almost as if she might faint at this new information. what is she to do? she spaces off, wondering how it had come to this. how had he developed such feelings for her in such a time ? "first pyros, now you.." she mumbles to herself but the proximity between the two is close enough for lucien to hear her as well. she puckers her lips, pondering on what her next actions should be. she cannot deny the feelings she holds for lucien ( or for pyros, for that matter. ) but the fear of tomorrow has her silent. "i will always worry for you, lucien. always. -- if i hear that you have died tomorrow..." her voice trails off as her vision blurs with tears. she quickly wipes them away before they can fall. "you will not die tomorrow, lucien dyer. d'you hear me ?"

lucien: pyros? lucien hears the name and forgets everything, because why would pyros’ name be on her lips ? he stares at her, confused, a little bit horrified, and says: “what do you mean, first pyros ? what-- i didn’t even know you knew that bloody-- he’s a terrible person, anya.” he’s seized by fear, suddenly, and it is this fear that has him staring at her face, expression one of shock. “did he hurt you ? i’ll kill him if he did.”

anya: her head tilts to the side, her own confusion reflecting his. how did lucien know of pyros ? "well," she started, doing her best to remember the details. but is quickly jumping to the duke's defense at lucien's accusations. "no, no, lu ! of course not, he would never do such a thing." anya hums for some seconds, regathering her thoughts of that night. "i am unsure if it was a dream or.. if it was real. --i drank far too much ale that night. he found me and took me back to his room.." as she trailed off, she realized how it sounded. "we did nothing ! he just-- he admitted to caring very deeply for me. though i am sure ‘twas just a dream. how do you know of him ?"

lucien: lucien is speechless. he looks pointedly at a wall for what feels like an eternity before finally attempting speech. “you can’t be-- anya, you can’t be sure he wouldn’t hurt you. that is so... so naive. and you were with him while you were drunk ? gods. you’re sure he didn’t hurt you ? completely sure ? and he told you he cared for you ? i don’t believe this. i really don’t.” he’s angry, not at anya, of course, never at anya, but at pyros. he curls his hands into fists but does not move from where he stands. “i know he is a terrible man. you should never have so much as glanced at him.”

anya: she flinches back at his harangue. anya never knew that lucien was capable of holding such hatred for someone. she makes sure to distance herself from him, waiting until his anger was out. though she felt a bit of anger herself for the lies lucien was spitting. sure, pyros wasn't deemed the best man in all the land but surely he would never lay a hand on anya ? "it was but a dream, lucien !" or perhaps a drunken memory that she remembers as a blur. her own tiny fists curl at her side before taking another step closer to him. "he is not a bad man ! he is kind to me. you should not say such awful things of him." the nurse pounds a tiny fist on his chest, hoping it will cause him some pain. "why are you like this ? what has he ever done to you ??"

lucien: he’d like very much to rant against pyros, and is gearing up to do just that when anya’s close proximity stills him. her fist hits his chest, and he realizes that he’s let his anger get the best of him. he needs to leave. needs to blow off some steam. perhaps he’ll find a drink; dulling his mind a bit will help. or maybe he’ll simply wander for a while. he certainly isn’t sleeping now, not after this. “please. i don’t trust him, anya. especially not around you.” for the second time that night, he runs his hand through his hair, agitated. “i have to go. i’m sorry.”

anya: the animosity between them is great, something anya would not have expected if you were to ask her about her relationship with lucien several days prior. she is stunned to see that lucien is parting in such a hurry, without so much as trying to fix their argument. she knows not of where he is off to or with whom instead, she calls it a night and settles into his bed. pulling the covers over her, she lets out a muffled scream of frustration into the pillow. when did her life become so difficult ?

#luciendyer. #♔ » ❝ ᵗʰᵉ ᵉᶰᵉᵐʸ ᵒᶠ ᵐʸ ᵉᶰᵉᵐʸ ᶤˢ ᵐʸ ᶠʳᶤᵉᶰᵈˑ ❞ | ᶤᶰᵗᵉʳᵃᶜᵗᶤᵒᶰˢˑ #✧ — ❝ ᵐʸ ᵖᵉᵗᵃˡˢˑˑˑ ᵗʰᵉʸ ᵇˡᵒᵒᵐ ᶠᵒʳ ʸᵒᵘˑ ❞ | ˡᵘᶜᶤᵉᶰ ᵈʸᵉʳˑ

[stillgeekingout]

I mean the name is still the ultimate aaron milverton crossover fic no matter what but this is a straight up zoe and rachel chapter (it’s really long. as usual.)

previous:  1 here, 2 here, 3 here, 4 here, 5 here, 6 here, 7 here, 8 here, 9 here, 10 here

------

They got back to St. Augustine in the late afternoon. Luckily, Rachel and Aaron’s cars hadn’t been towed. Aaron thanked all of them profusely for helping him. He hugged Zoe, shook hands with Alex, and even bowed to Blair a few times. He had insisted on exchanging contact information with Rachel. (“I don’t have enough friends in Orlando! We should totally chill,” he’d said, and she hadn’t hated the thought of it.) And then next thing Rachel knew, Blair and Alex had mysteriously walked away and she found herself suddenly alone with Zoe for the first time since the road trip began.

“Hey, I guess I--” she started to say, just as Zoe started to say, “So, I wanted to--”

“Go ahead,” said Rachel.

“I just wanted to ask you… I mean… I’m sure you want to spend Thanksgiving with your family, but I’m in town until Sunday and if there’s any way you could maybe come back so we could… I don’t know, I just feel like we didn’t really get to hang out as much as I-- I mean, we did just spend like a full day in a car together but you know what I mean…”

She could have cut Zoe off as soon as she figured out what she was trying to say, but it was frustratingly cute to watch her trip over her words. Zoe really wasn’t helping her confusion about her feelings.

“I’d love to come back to hang out,” she finally said. “Saturday?”

“Saturday sounds great!” Zoe said, looking grateful to be able to stop talking. “Um. Can I get your number?”

------

“Alex, I need your advice,” Zoe said, hovering over the last of the apple pie. The guests had all gone home. Her mom and Blair were having a conversation in the other room-- which made her slightly nervous, but she didn’t think she wanted to be there for it.

“Eat it,” Alex said. “Blair has had enough already.” That was true. It was a wonder there was any left.

“Oh I will,” she said, “but I wasn’t asking about the pie. I mean about Rachel.”

“Oh… what about her?”

“Did I do the right thing in telling her to come back? I barely know her and she lives like seven states away. I probably shouldn’t be trying to hang out with her at this point, right?”

“Why did you ask her to come back?” Alex said, coming to get some pie themself.

“Because I like her,” Zoe admitted, splitting the remaining pie and putting half of it on a plate for Alex. “She’s cute and funny and really smart and clearly down for adventure…”

“Then it sounds like you’re doing the right thing to me.”

“But the distance thing.” She pulled herself up to sit on the kitchen counter and dug into her pie, not bothering to take it out of the dish. “It just doesn’t seem like there’s a point in getting attached to something that’s destined to end.”

“Everything ends though, doesn’t it?” Alex asked, leaning on the counter next to her. “Maybe you should just enjoy it for what it is while it lasts. Should I avoid befriending humans because I know their existence is temporary?”

Zoe stared at them. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about it before, the fact that Blair and Alex would outlive her and she would eventually just be a blip in their unending histories, but Alex had a way of putting things so bluntly sometimes.

“Is that what I am, Alex? A weekend fling in the grand scheme of your eternal life?” The look on their face made her immediately regret saying it-- of course she knew they hadn’t meant it like that. “Wow, I see how it is,” she said, hoping sarcasm would save her, but Alex’s face was still serious.

“Of course not,” they said, giving her an intense look. “Zoe, you are so important to me.”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

“I would never forget about you, I promise.”

“I mean, how could you,” she joked, flipping her hair. Alex laughed. She went back to her pie, realizing she hadn’t really gotten an answer to her Rachel dilemma.

Alex must’ve thought the same, because after a minute they said, “You know, I’ve met quite a few humans in the past few years and I don’t think very many of them would get in a car overnight with a bunch of strangers just for the sake of it. I don’t think I’ll be forgetting about her anytime soon either.”

Zoe looked at them, trying to decide how to respond.

“I should go check on Blair.” And with that, they walked away, leaving Zoe alone with her thoughts.

------

Rachel’s parents walked a delicate line between wanting to give her space and wanting to make sure she was safe. They’d never really been worriers, but something about all of her friends dying within the span of a month made them just a little more protective than before. Rachel didn’t usually go anywhere or do anything worthy of worrying about, though, so when she told them she was going to St. Augustine for the day, she had a feeling they were more relieved about her getting out of the house than anything else.

When the road trip began, she had texted them to say she’d run into one of her old friends (“No connection to Ham. You don’t know her”) and wanted to stay the night at her house. She didn’t mention the Miami part-- which, in retrospect, could’ve been very bad, considering that at the beginning of the trip, none of the people she was traveling with knew her real name.

So when her parents asked how it went, she felt guilty lying to them, but how would she tell them the truth? “Hey, so, I actually only met this girl once before, I just had a good feeling about her that I haven’t had about anyone in a long time so I got in the back of her van without asking questions”? Obviously not. She essentially said, “it was fun! I’m going back to see her again this weekend before she leaves” and left it at that. Honestly, they seemed happy to see her socializing for once.

She drove to St. Augustine early Saturday afternoon, nervous but excited to see Zoe again.

“You wore the jacket!” Zoe exclaimed upon seeing her. “It looks great.”

“Thank you, thank you,” Rachel said, grabbing the corners of her pink ladies jacket and twirling around. “It’s not going to last long, though, because I’m probably going to get too hot right away.”

“One thing I do not miss about Florida,” Zoe said, pulling a little cooler out of her car. “So, ready for a picnic?”

They had agreed to meet at Anastasia State Park, which was just south of historic St. Augustine. It had been Zoe’s idea. “Normally my idea of hanging out is just like driving around listening to music, but I think we’ve done enough driving this week,” she’d said.

They walked down to the beach and set up a blanket. “I always thought this beach was cooler than other Floridian beaches,” Rachel said. “Because you can like climb on the rocks and stuff.”

“I mean plus it has the same name as the greatest animated film of all time,” Zoe said, opening the cooler and pulling out some PB&Js. “I hope you’re not allergic to peanut butter.”

“Nope,” Rachel said, reaching for a sandwich. “And I didn’t know you liked Anastasia! I love that movie.”

“Listen, that was my absolute favorite movie growing up. I have a plastic ‘together in Paris’ necklace from when I was little and went to see Anastasia On Ice with my mom. The only reason I don’t own her music box is it’s like 75 dollars and the necklace doesn’t even open it so what’s the point?”

Rachel laughed. “Did you ever see the stage musical?”

“No, but I heard it was disappointing. No matter what, I can’t forgive them for cutting Rasputin.” Zoe bit into her sandwich.

“I had a crush on Anya as a kid,” Rachel said. “She was spunky.”

“I had a crush on both of them,” Zoe said. “Her and Dimitri. But it took me a while to realize that. Yay heteronormativity.”

“The best,” Rachel said, rolling her eyes. So there was that-- undeniable confirmation that Zoe liked girls. (Not that Zoe hadn’t been flirting with her all along, but that still fell under the possibility that she was just really friendly and really oblivious.) Suddenly, she felt a lot more like they were on a date. Was it a date? She still didn’t know if their trip to the Castillo had been a date. Did she want it to be?

She lives in DC, she told herself again and again as their conversation continued. She lives in DC she lives in DC she--

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Zoe asked. Rachel had zoned out so much that she didn’t notice Zoe stand up.

“Sure!” Rachel said. Zoe held out her hand. Rachel looked at it, swallowed, and took it, letting Zoe help her up. Then she stooped down to grab her jacket, awkwardly turning away to brush off the sand.

As they walked along the beach, she stood just far enough from Zoe that their hands had no chance of accidentally hitting each other. She still couldn’t decide if she wanted to acknowledge the date-ish-ness of it all.

“The beach is probably what I miss the most about Florida, besides my mom,” Zoe said. “The bay is fine, but it’s not the same, you know?”

“Zoe, is this a date?”

“What?” Zoe stopped walking.

Rachel regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth, but there was no backpedaling now. “I just… are we hanging out, or is this a date?”

“Do you… want it to be a date?”

“I don’t know! Sort of? I mean, I live in Orlando and you--”

“Yeah,” Zoe said. “I would absolutely want it to be a date if not for that whole distance thing. I really like you, Rachel.”

“Full disclosure, I’m kind of in a weird place when it comes to relationships,” Rachel said. “That’s why I was so weird the first time we hung out. But I like you too.” The last time she had told someone her romantic feelings had been Hamlet, right as she was dying. Which was a really fun mental image to deal with in the middle of this conversation. Look at the water, she told herself. Think about the ocean, and the pretty girl you’re maybe on a date with.

“So… what do we do? I mean I’m not saying we should start a relationship or something, I barely know you,” Zoe said.

“Yeah, I don’t know,” Rachel agreed. “It’s all weird.”

“Ok, hear me out,” Zoe said, walking again. Rachel skipped to catch up. “What if we call it a date, but like, with no obligation to turn into anything else? Like we just… hold hands and go on a date and then at the end of the weekend I go home and we either keep in touch or don’t but we’ll always have the memory of how we dated a cute girl for a weekend? I mean, we’re already here.”

“So like, just do it for the sake of the story?”

“Why not?” Zoe asked. “All the fun with none of the pressure. No relationship stuff, no long distance, just a nice afternoon.” Rachel had to admit it sounded nice. She could push all her baggage to the back of her brain to enjoy one date, right?

She stopped walking and grabbed Zoe’s hand. “Zoe, will you go on a date with me?”

“I’d love to,” Zoe said.

------

“Do you want to go haunt some ghost tours?”

They had been hanging out all day. After the beach, they walked around the outskirts of the touristy part of town, looking at weird houses and making up stories about the kinds of people who lived in them. Then they had gotten pizza and gelato at a little Italian place in the historic district and walked around the shops. Pretty much an ideal date, in Zoe’s opinion. But night came, and she didn’t want Rachel to go home yet, so she suggested an activity she used to do with her friends.

“What do you mean?” Rachel asked.

“Well if you actually go on the tour, you have to pay for it, but if you camp out in locations you know they’re going to stop by and try to scare them when they come up, it’s free and a lot more fun. If you want to.”

“As long as we don’t actually see any ghosts,” Rachel joked.

“If I were a ghost, I don’t think I’d hang out in places I knew tourists would hit up every night,” Zoe said.

“Very true,” said Rachel. “So where to?”

They hid in some bushes for a while, making eerie noises at tour groups that passed by. It was fun, but Zoe had an ulterior motive-- the hiding put them in close quarters to each other. If Rachel minded, she didn’t say anything.

“Have you ever been on one of the tours for real?” Rachel whispered.

“Yeah, a while ago. The one I did was no good. You couldn’t actually go in anywhere. We did a lot of looking into the cemetery from outside the fence, trying to ‘detect’ something with the little devices they gave us.”

“I think I like your version better,” said Rachel, then she jerked back. “Incoming!”

“Whooooooooo,” Zoe said ominously, just loud enough for the passing group to hear.

“I think I hear something!” someone in the group said. “Over there!” The person started approaching with one of the little devices Zoe had just mentioned. She could hear the tour guide trying to rein the person back into the group, but they had wrangled some friends to investigate. Zoe fell silent as the group crept toward her and Rachel’s hiding place. Her plan was to make another noise as they walked away. She tried not to move, not wanting to be discovered. The group moved closer… closer…

“BOO!” Rachel yelled, popping out of the bush. The tourists screamed, running back towards their tour group. Zoe leapt up, grabbing Rachel’s hand.

“Run!” she yelled, picking a direction and dragging Rachel behind her. They ran until they were far away from any groups, then leaned on a wall, panting.

“That… was… amazing,” Zoe said, looking at Rachel. So much for not getting attached, she thought.

------

Rachel was having the most fun, relaxing day she’d had since-- well, since a few days before, the last time she hung out with Zoe. She almost regretted the temporary agreement they had struck on the beach, if only because it was temporary. Why did Zoe have to live so far away? Why couldn’t anything ever be simple?

They were back at the beach, lying on Zoe’s picnic blanket. It was dark enough that they could actually see stars. Zoe was pointing out some constellations that she knew. Most of them were Greek mythology related, which was fine. Rachel had always been interested in mythology.

It was a little bit too perfect. Rachel felt a nagging thought at the back of her brain-- if she wanted whatever this was to go beyond this one bubble of a week, she would eventually have to tell Zoe about her past. Zoe seemed the type to look her up on the internet, and she didn’t want her finding out through the videos. She’d never look at Rachel the same way again.

“I still can’t believe the look on those people’s faces,” Zoe said. “That was amazing. Blair would’ve loved it, she loves pranks.” She turned to Rachel, still smiling. Even in the dark, Rachel was struck by how pretty she was. Her face must’ve been strange, because Zoe noticed. “What’s wrong?”

“Um, I have to tell you something,” Rachel said. “About myself and um… there’s just a big thing you don’t know about me.” Zoe’s face totally changed. She turned away.

“Honestly, me too,” she said. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to bring it up, because it’s kind of a big deal, but I feel like you should know.”

“Oh,” Rachel said, thinking whatever Zoe had to say couldn’t possibly top her thing, “um, you first, I guess.”

“You brought it up,” Zoe said.

“No, it’s ok. I want to know.”

“You have to promise not to laugh,” Zoe said. “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

“I’m sure I won’t.”

“Ok, um, you remember Blair and Alex?”

“Of course.” Rachel wasn’t sure where she was going.

“They’re… gods.”

“What?”

“Like, they are actual gods. From Olympus. Greek mythology is real, and Blair’s dad is Zeus, and Alex’s dad is Apollo.”

Rachel blinked. “What?”

“Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have started with that…” Rachel wanted to laugh, but Zoe looked so serious, and she had promised she wouldn’t. “I didn’t believe it at first either,” Zoe went on. “I met them because Blair hired me to promote her so she could get worshippers… it’s a long story… anyway, you probably think I’m crazy now.”

Rachel thought back to Blair and Alex’s odd behavior, and the way Aaron and Chad seemed to literally worship Blair. And how she called them all “humans”. Zoe seemed pretty stable. After everything that had happened in the past few days, Rachel couldn’t help but believe her. After all, she already knew ghosts were real. Gods weren’t that much more of a leap. (It still didn’t explain Blair’s uncanny resemblance to Laura O’Ness, but she’d have to put a pin in that one.)

“I believe you,” Rachel said.

“Wait, you do? Really?”

“Yeah. And you know, I think I might’ve heard something about her, now that you say that.” She vaguely remembered a meme that had gone around a couple years ago about “#saveblair” and wondered if it had been Zoe’s doing. “That’s not at all what I was expecting you to say,” she said, and they both laughed. “But it does explain a lot.”

Zoe explained how Blair had been banished. “I think Zeus was tired of her being such a brat. Which is totally hypocritical, if you ask me, but I’m glad he did it.”

“Sounds very Rick Riordan,” Rachel said.

“Don’t bring him up around Blair, she hates him,” Zoe said. “She thinks he believes the things he’s writing and is purposefully painting a false picture of the gods in order to make humans seem cooler than we are.” She laughed. “Maybe I could get him to throw Blair into some of his books at some point and then she’d shut up about it. I’ve never actually read them.”

“You should, they’re cute.” She had been reading them since she was a kid, and was thrilled when he started adding more diversity. “Though wildly inaccurate, I’m sure,” she added, grinning.

Zoe went on to explain how Chad had started B4B, and how Blair couldn’t stand the members. “I think they’re growing on her, though,” she said. “She’s grown a lot. Anyway, that’s why we were in Orlando the first time. Aaron was hosting B4B con.”

“So what happened with Chad and Aaron?”

Zoe explained how Alex always changed forms, and the trick they had played on the con-goers. “I feel a little bad about it now,” she said. “But it all worked out in the end.”

“Wait, so was that Alex with you the first time you came to my store?”

“Yep. I was lucky I got them to stay in one human form throughout the whole roadtrip.”

“So Blair was banished, but why is Alex here? They just love humans?”

“Well, that’s why they’re still here, but they were originally banished too,” she said. “Way before Blair.”

“Were they a brat, too?”

“No, um.” She paused. Rachel realized she had hit a sore spot.

“You don’t have to tell me,” she said. “You’ve already told me a lot.” More than you’ve told her, said the voice in the back of her head.

“No, it’s ok,” Zoe said. She explained how Alex and Blair had accidentally started the Great Fire of London, and how Blair had let Alex take all the blame.

“Wow,” said Rachel.

“I know,” Zoe said. “I almost couldn’t face her again after I found that out. I mean, it sounds weird, but I basically can forgive her for the people who died, you know? I know it wasn’t really her fault and everything spun out of control. But how she treated Alex was really shitty.”

Rachel blinked. That sounded… familiar. She didn’t know what to say.

“It’s ok though,” Zoe went on. “She’s since apologized, and she doesn’t kill people anymore. And I made her bring back the ones she vaporized when she first got here.”

Rachel had forgotten about her own stuff for a few minutes, but now she couldn’t snap out of it. But she definitely couldn’t follow Zoe’s “my friends are immortal” with “my friends are all dead”. It was too morbid.

“Oh, you were going to say something before!” Zoe said. It must have shown on her face again.

“It’s not important,” she said.

“Come on,” Zoe said. “You dealt with my super weird thing really well. I can handle it.”

Rachel knew it wasn’t the time. “Um, I believe in ghosts,” she said. “Real ones. I saw one once in a parking garage.”

“Oooh, really? What did it look like?”

“Well for one thing, you didn’t need one of those little devices to see it.” Rachel used the opportunity to steer the conversation quickly back to the ghost tour, hoping Zoe wouldn’t question it. As the night got later, they held hands again, ignoring the dew that was rapidly making their clothes and blanket wet. And when they ran out of things to talk about, they fell asleep next to each other. The last thing Rachel saw was the stars, and she didn’t have a single dream.

------

Zoe woke up just as the sun peeked over the water. Her clothes were ridiculously damp. She wished she had brought a jacket, but she knew it would be wet too. She looked out at the sun coming over the horizon. Her mom was always trying to get her to come see it, but she had never been enough of a morning person to make it to the beach before sunrise. She wondered if she’d see any dolphins-- she had heard they were active early in the morning.

She looked over at Rachel, who was still asleep, wondering if this whole temporary date idea had been a mistake. How could she think she wouldn’t get attached? She’d never been in a serious relationship before, but she was pretty sure starting one with someone in a totally different city was a definitively bad idea, even if her friends were gods who could transport her back and forth. She was glad Rachel was asleep, because she was definitely staring. She was just so pretty, and Zoe didn’t have a lot of time left to see her in person. (After a minute she felt a little creepy, so she looked back out at the sunrise.)

Eventually the colors got so pretty that she felt it would be a crime to let Rachel sleep through it, so she nudged her gently on the shoulder. “Rachel,” she whispered. “Look at the sunrise.”

Rachel opened her eyes, then closed them again, groaning. “It’s too bright,” she said, putting an arm over her face. It was ridiculously cute, and Zoe couldn’t help but think that if they were dating she could witness it more often. Stop that, she scolded herself.

“Al amanecer,” Rachel said.

“What?”

“Sunrise. Like In the Heights. Al amaaaanecer.” She still had the crook of her arm over her eyes.

“Oh yeah! Sunriiiise,” Zoe sang. She couldn’t help but think how romantic that song was. Promise me you’ll stay beyond the sunrise. She shook the thoughts from her head.

“So, breakfast?” she asked, and Rachel groaned again, reaching over to pull her jacket over her face.

-----

As Rachel drove home that afternoon, all she could think about was Zoe. Her face, her laugh, her singing voice, the feeling of holding her hand… the fact that they might never see each other again…

What have I done? she thought.

#idek why I bother tagging these anymore but yaknow #blairgp #hamdam #mine

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 36

more of dem vampire feels

Kid: *holding wrapped boxes* "I think I have what I needed to pick up today...How about you?" liz: yep. should be everything. Patty: *pissed* "..." stocking: its ok.. ^^; Patty: "Santa's not going to give me one thing I asked for...And his beard was fake, too." liz: what is that? Patty: "??? Um...It's a secret..." liz: ah. Patty: -\\\\\- Kid: *smiles* "I can't wait for Christmas~" stocking: yeah. Kid: "...Oh...Um, Stocking? Is your father...still going to send fruitcake?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "..." *slight forced smile* "Great." stocking: i bet we could kill an evil human with it. Kid: "...Truly, the most powerful weapon..." *small laugh* "Sorry." liz:...patti...PATTI NO! -elsewhere- Anya: *packing* ao: *staaaare* Anya: *not even turning around to look* -___- "What is it, Ao?" ao: visiting family? Anya: "Yes. And what will you be doing during the break?" ao: the same. tending to the family shrine. Anya: "They needed extra hands?" ao: perhaps....maybe its just homesickness... Anya: "...Yes, that is understandable..." *struggling to shut her suitcase* ao: could i be of assistance? Anya: "...I suppose." Anya: "I just can't get it to shut..." -elsewhere- Crona: *eating a gingerbread cookie* mami: *has the radio on as she is making dinner* Crona: *smiles* "The gingerbread is very good--not too sweet, not too spicy." mami: *she smiles* Crona: "...May I help with dinner?" mami: of course. Crona: *smiles* "O-Okay...What should I do first?" -elsewhere- naho: so cold oooout... Shamrock: "Then you should have bundled up." *adjusts his scarf* naho: XP Mr. Tsubaki: *removes his jacket, drapes it onto Naho's shoulders* "Here you go~" naho: thanks. ^^ Shamrock: D: Mr. Tsubaki: *POOFs into fox form, leaps into Naho's arms* naho: ^^ so fwuffy~ Mr. Tsubaki: "Why, thank you--I make sure my shampoo and regimental brushing keeps my fur in this form so soft~" Shamrock: Q~Q naho: =w= ~<3 Mr. Tsubaki: "...So, Naho, how are things at the school? I had some recommended courses for you to take..." naho: they're doing good. Mr. Tsubaki: "First, for the dance ahead of us, I want you to take some dance classes. And second, I think you would benefit from a course in audio-visual technologies." naho: *writing down notes* Mr. Tsubaki: *smirk* "It may help you with those videos you keep recording..." naho: OwO;;;;; Shamrock: D: "Wh-What?!!!" Mr. Tsubaki: "Fu-fu-fu-fu~" naho: >3>;; Mr. Tsubaki: "You are so transparent, Naho..." *nuzzles against her* "Such a troublesome peer..." naho: OwO;;;;;;;;;;;; eh? sakuya: hey lila, want to go for a walk? *drags him off* lilac: e-eh?? Mr. Tsubaki: "Why do you record me when I am disrobing?" naho: >3>;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; lavender: have you even looked in her journals? naho: LAV!! >/////////< Mr. Tsubaki: "...Well, I guess Naho is getting doujinshi for Christmas..." naho: thank you! OwO belkia: *looking at the journals* dayum. Shamrock: "???" *looks over belkia’s shoulder...and his jaw drops* -TOO LEWD TO SHOW- lavender: nice. Higan: "Hmmm...The syntax is poor, but the descriptions are quite vivid...May we borrow these ideas?" Shamrock: D: D: D: D: "...I need something to wipe these memories from my mind..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "999...1000! Okay, I'm done..." *covered in sweat from his push-ups* "Need the bathroom? I was thinking of taking a bath." tsubaki: im good. *reading under the kotatsu* Black Star: "...Alright. Keeping warm? Got some good reading?" *takes off his sweat-covered shirt* tsubaki: yeah....very good.....*staring* Black Star: "... ??? Something wrong?" *he's now just in boxers* tsubaki: >////////////> Black Star: *concerned voice* "...Um...Maybe you should get out of the kotatsu for a bit. You look hot." tsubaki: im ok! Black Star: "Okay, okay, sheesh! Just checking...Maybe you need a bath, too." -elsewhere- Arthur: *holds up empty plate* "Seconds, please!" mrs kenshimono: you sure worked up an appetite today, huh? Arthur: -\\\\- "Your cooking is great..." ("Especially after some less-than-stellar brigade meals.") Hiro: "Yes, thank you! How is your meal, Eternal Feather?" ef: it's delicious, thank you ^^ Arthur: "Dessert should be tasty, too. Always really good ones here..." *looks at his phone* "..." hime: *she nods* dad got cookie making supplies today, so that should be fun. Hiro: "??? Arthur? Put your phone away--we're still having dinner." Arthur: *sighs* "Yeah, yeah..." -elsewhere- Yumi: *hugs Lord Death from behind* lord death: ^////^ Yumi: *kiss on the cheek* "All set with the children's gifts?" lord death: mmhmm! Yumi: "Good...because I finished wrapping your gifts...most of them." lord death: oh~? Stein: *yawn* aya: *she hands him a pillow* Stein: "Thanks..." *puts it under his head, lies down...* LK: -elsewhere- belkia: duuuude im gonna backflip right offa dis bitch bar, lol! Mr. Tsubaki: "N-Now thassssss...That's stupid..." belkia: imma do it for the vine! Shamrock: "Oh, let him jump." *downs another shot* "Woo..." sakuya: -_-; *is designated driver* Higan: *holds up phone* "Ssssss'okay...I got it...I'm recording...and...go!" belkia: OKAY HERE I GOOOO! *slam* oooow...im good! im immertal like eye of the tiger haha! Shamrock: "...You're eye is dangling out of its socket, 'tiger'..." Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *LOUD LAUGHTER* "...I'm so lonely..." belkia: oh shit. someone get me water? i need to wash the dirt off! Higan: *covers his mouth, starts running for the bathroom* Shamrock: "...Waiter! We need water! Our colleague has his eye out of his head!" sakuya: -_-; waitress: *SCREAMS* Mr. Tsubaki: *covers his ears* "Not so loud...Some of us have sensitive hearing..." Shamrock: "H-Hang on...I think I can put the eye back in..." otogiri: -_-; maybe we should go now. Higan: *collapsed on the men's room floor* "Ugh...Just like junior high school..." Mr. Tsubaki: "N-Nah-uh! We can't go yet! No one has taken their shirt off yet..." Shamrock: "Is it back in yet?" Mr. Tsubaki: "...That's what she said!" *loud laughter* -gun shots are heard as a black vehicle drives past being chased by a white van with the C3 logo on it- gil: DRIVE MAN! FUCKIN DRIVE! ray: DRIVING AS FAST AS IT CAN GO! Mr. Tsubaki: "...The fuck?!" Shamrock: ._. "...Shouldn't a secret organization not have its name on the side of the vehicle?" sakuya: oh fuck- guys, we need to bail! yumikage: DAMMIT TSURUGI LET ME OR JUN DRIVE! Mr. Tsubaki: "W-Wait! Where's Higan?" Shamrock: -_-;;;; sakuya: i'll get him, head out the back! Mr. Tsubaki: *picks up Belkia* "Right! Shamrock, get my credit card!" *runs off* Shamrock: "..." *looks at waitress* "...Could we get his credit card back, please?" waitress: here you go sir. o-o; Shamrock: *nods* "Thank you." *hands her $200* "Your tip. Good night." *runs after Mr. Tsubaki* -on the road- yumikage: OI! WRATH AND SUBCLASS BASTARDS! THAT IS A STOLEN VEHICLE! PULL THE FUCK OVER! gil: SCREW YOU <SCUM SUCKERS> THEY WERE GONNA SCRAP THIS BEAUTY! LIKE HELL WE WERE GONNA LET THEM DO THAT! Jun: -_-;;;; "Can't this vehicle go any more quickly?" yumikage: WE'RE DOING 79! Jun: *sigh* "Which weapons are in here...?" *tosses random items in the van...* the mother: gil, was the car really worth it? -_-; gil: uh, DOI! this is a classic 1920s cadillac! and in mint condition! Tsurugi: "Jeez, you are all so petulant about this! Just drive faster! How hard is that?! Do I have to take the wheel?!!" Ray: "...I have to agree with Gil: these are indeed <scum suckers>." yumikage: YOU CANT EVEN DRIVE! Tsurugi: "I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO!" Jun: -____- "Stop. Yelling." gil: *drifts into a parking garage, hoping to lose them* -a female with green hair yawns in the back of the vehicle- ???: eh? whats going on? Ray: "Hello..." gil: !! UNA! my sweet lovely darling! did i startle you?! una: oh, hey gil. ^^ Ray: "Um...Gil? The road? Driving?" gil: <OH SHIT RIGHT!> phew, that was close. una: ^^; Ray: "...So, sleep well?" una: zzzzz.... the mother: and out she goes again. Ray: -_-;;; "No kidding...So, any idea how to avoid those weirdos?" the mother: seems we're going to have to lay low somewhere. last i heard, old child was in a hot springs someplace, all of love was in alisuin mansion, and doubt doubt was awol. Ray: *sigh* "Great...Where you want to go, then?" the mother: old child and all of love are our best options currently. una: a hot spring sounds lovely. gil: HOT SPRINGS IT IS! which one? -elsewhere- Benimaru: "Zzz..." kirei: how is he? Konro: "Today took a lot out of him. He will need his sleep." kirei:...i'll be returning to the shrine. rest well. Benimaru: "Zzz..." Konro: *smiles, nods* -early morning- Takehisa: *already with a cup of coffee, looking at the sunrise* misora: !!! *sneaks back into the firefly* Takehisa: *doesn't notice...* ("A lot quieter with people on break...") misora:..... -elsewhere- Hugh: -_-;;;;; the mother: and that's what all happened. misono: then that means 7 out of 8 servamps are in death city... Lily: "Quite a family reunion..." Hugh: -____- "Why are you staying here?" the mother: like i said, we're on the lam because SOMEONE...stole an antique car. gil: QwQ; Lily: "...That's rather...avaricious. Fu-fu-fu~" the mother: speaking of which, you said lawless was in death city as well? mahiru: yeah...its been...difficult to work with him, to say the least *sweatdrop* Hugh: "His temper has evened out--but his sense of humor is as awful as ever." the mother: at least he is in good spirits....after.....*she shakes her head* nevermind, it's none of my business. Hugh: "..." Lily: *nods* "Yes...Well...Will you be needing anything? We will be running errands..." the mother: just a roof over our heads until C3 gets off our backs. uzuki: scary... the mother: im not mad, this is just how my face looks.....does anyone want to hear any of my farming stories? -elsewhere- Kid: *yawns, hugs Stocking in bed* stocking: mmmm~ Kid: "Morning, Cupcake..." *smooch* stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: "Sleep well?" stocking: yeah. Kid: *nods* "Same..." *holds her hand* "Christmas break starts today..." stocking: yeah, christmas break. *kiss* im not gonna leave you, ok? Kid: "..." *hugs her* "Thank you...Could we...meet your parents, though?" stocking: sure. -elsewhere- otogiri: that was too risky last night...... belkia: on the plus side, my eye's back to normal! Mr. Tsubaki: *groaning, sipping black coffee* "Yes, please, lecture us--that's what my hangover needs, Otogiri..." Shamrock: -_-;;; "Lucky you..." Higan: *passed out on the floor* saku:..... <pitiful> lavender: so what's the next move? Mr. Tsubaki: *stands up too quickly* "Prepare for the dance~! ..." *collapses* "Oh, my head..." otogiri: how bothersome. -_-; Higan: *talking in his sleep* "Mmmm...I came to class naked again...I guess I'm stuck as the nude model...Get me from all angles." sakuya: *hurk* naho: *disgusted face* that's gross old man. Shamrock: "He could not control his drinking or smoking. It is amazing he is able to speak..." Mr. Tsubaki: *lying on the couch* "How will I dance like this?" saku: ....... -elsewhere- Black Star: *snoring* tsubaki: *making breakfast* *phone rings* hmm? Black Star: *tosses over in bed, putting the pillow over his head to block out the phone* tsubaki: yes? who is it? Lily: "Tsubaki, sweetie! It's me, Lily! How are you?" tsubaki: doing good. Lily: "Excellent! Um...Maybe sit down, because I have some major news: some new vampire allies are in town!" tsubaki: thats great! Lily: "Now, this new vampire who arrived may seem...um...angry. She looks angry. Like, all the time. So...Yeah." tsubaki: noted. Lily: "How are you and Black Star doing, sweetie?" tsubaki: doing well. -elsewhere- PlushFix: *asleep, clutching the TV remote* -at the hot spring- misono: zzzzz....*yawn* morning already...? Hugh: *poke poke* "Why are you still sleeping here?" misono: *mumbling* -lily's phone rings- Lily: "Bonjour~" dodo: hey, its dodo, big news; mr alisuin going to be coming back to death city soon for the holidays. Lily: o_o "Oh...I should let Misono know then..." dodo: yeah. also, when he gets back, he wants to discuss something with misono... Lily: "...Any hint of what they'll discuss?" dodo: all i got was that it's urgent. Lily: "Yes...I will let Misono know. Thank you." dodo: and you should meet these two new maids, they are hella sexy!- Lily: "...Um...Okay?" -SLAP on the other side- ???: ignore him, he's an idiot. Lily: o____o; "Um...To whom am I speaking?" ???: its me, mitsuki? we live in the same estate? -_-; Lily: "Oh! ...You sound different on the phone..." -elsewhere- belkia: we got our eyes on the inside, and soon its gonna be showtime!! hehehehehe~ Shamrock: "Yes...If only some of us kept their eyes in their heads..." Mr. Tsubaki: *practicing his dance steps with his Tsubaki plushie* "One two three...One two three..." sakuya: ....... belkia: im just glad i got those maid costumes prior!....for reasons >w>; Shamrock: *unrolls a map of the DWMA...* "Yes, we are all so pleased that you have maid outfits..." *eyeroll* belkia: with lav and girioto handling the alisuin place, _we_ will crash the dance! hell yeah! Higan: -\\\\\\- "Let's save the outfit...for some modeling for my next painting...and sculpture..." sakuya: *muttering* next porno film. Shamrock: -_- "Don't give him ideas..." Mr. Tsubaki: -_-;;;; "So disgusting, fascinating about people in maid outfits...Now, a kimono..." *fantasizes about Tsubaki* saku: ........................ Shamrock: *studying Saku* "Um..." saku: what? Shamrock: "N-Nothing!" saku:.... -elsewhere- Relan: *adjusting his tie...* shinra: ok. *inhales* im ready. Relan: *nods...knocks* mrs koizumi: relan honey, welcome home! *she hugs him* this must be shinra, what a pleasure to meet you~ ^^ Relan: o\\\\\o "H-Hi..." shinra: HELLO MRS KOIZUMI! *nervous smile* mrs koizumi: do come in sweeties. shinra: (thinking: ok, so far so good) Relan: *inching into the room* "W-Where is...um...?" mrs koizumi: *she looks at him* papa is upstairs sleeping. *she looks at shinra* my hubby works very hard and needs his rest. please dont disturb him~ -her tone is almost forced- Relan: o________o;;;;;;;; "Oh..." shinra: ok then...*looks at relan* .... mrs koizumi: do you boys need anything~? Relan: "W-W-W-W-W-Water?" shinra: same. mrs koizumi: coming right up~ *she goes to get some* shinra:..... Relan: ._. *looks at Shinra* shinra: *looks at him like 'do you want me to help you?'* Relan: *whispers* "Mother is...insistent, about things." shinra: *nods and looks upstairs* (thinking: the atmosphere here just got really foreboding....) Relan: *whispering* "Whatever she says, just nod..." shinra: ok.... Relan: "...Be kind to Father." -elsewhere- Benimaru: *sipping tea, slowly* kabuki: did you sleep ok last night? Benimaru: *shakes his head 'no'* "Another one..." kabuki:........ Benimaru: "...How are preparations for the memorial?" kabuki: just about finished... Benimaru: *nods* "I appreciate your work on this, especially during this break..." -elsewhere- Meme: *pokes Mio's arm* mio: *snert* nyeh? *yaaawn* Meme: "We're going to land soon. Better get your seat belt back on." mio: ah, right. Meme: "..." *holds her hand* "Hey..." mio: *blush* ?? Meme: "You okay with this?" mio: yeah. Meme: *smiles* "Me too." Meme: "Thanks for letting me come along." mio: *she smiles a bit* Meme: "...Anything I should know before we get to your family's?" mio: i have pretty much all the consoles. as for my parents and brother, they're pretty chill for the most part. Meme: *giggles* "Well, glad to hear that about the game systems...Um...Have you...I mean, what does your family know about me?" mio: ./////. w-what i've told them, basically.... Meme: -\\\\- "Ha ha..." *pats Mio's hand* "Thanks..." -elsewhere- Kuro: *playing with a ball* sayaka: hehe, how cute~ mahiru: ^^; Kuro: -_-; "This is simply for hand-eye coordination, nothing more..." mahiru:.....misono didnt come back today..... madoka: maybe he's sick? Kuro: "?!!" sayaka: maybe we could check on him? Kuro: "...Yes. Mahiru, we should go..." Kuro: "What do you know about Misono's household?" mahiru: it's a big mansion, we were there, remember? Kuro: "But who else lives there...?" -someone is knocking at the door- sayaka: hmm? julie: *faints as the door is open* nnnh.... the mother: !!! get her inside, now! Kuro: "!!!" *helps to support her, walk her inside...* the mother: is she nuts? doesnt she realize how drastically a subclass' stamina drops in direct sunlight? it could have easily killed her... Kuro: "Then she'll bring an umbrella next time...Hey, you? Can you hear me?" julie: *breathing, but needs to recharge* mahiru: she's...one of lily's subclass....why would she come here? Kuro: "...Because Lily is in trouble?" julie: *waking up* mi...sono...trouble.... Kuro: "!!! Where? The mansion?" julie: misono...he's trapped. his father wont let him leave. Kuro: "...How do we get into the mansion?" sayaka: we can take my scooter! i think i remember the address! Kuro: *hops onto Sayaka's head* "Okay...Someone carry me there..." sayaka: there's room in my backpack! -and so- sayaka: there it is. julie: is it safe? mahiru: i think so. Kuro: *looking around to see who is at the mansion...* dodo: julie! there you are. you know its dangerous to go alone. sayaka: hey mr chauffeur guy! mahiru: is misono in? dodo: yeah, but he kinda got sick all the sudden, cant let anyone in, could be contagious. mahiru: .... Kuro: "...Sounds suspicious..." sayaka: i have to give him something. *pulls out a bag of caramels* i was gonna save them for later, but i think he'd like this as a token of kindness! ^^ Kuro: Q~Q "...May I have one?" dodo: ...sorry, boss' orders. now...wait, did i leave the back gate locked? sayaka: *NYOOM* mahiru: SAYAKA WAIT UP! D: Kuro: *holding on for dear life* o___O -inside- sayaka: MISONOOOOO- Mikado: "???" sayaka: oof! oh my gosh im so sorry! mahiru: *pant pant* jeez, you run fast.... mitsuki: who are you two? why are you here? dodo: sorry, they kinda slipped in. ^^; mitsuki: -_-#; honestly dodo.... -some of the subclass kids surround them- child: mahimahi! child 2: sawaka! Kuro: "...What?" child 3: kitty! hehe~ Mikado: "...Who are you all? And did that cat just talk?" Kuro: "...Feed me treats. Now." mahiru: um, i can explain- Mikado: *stares intently at Mahiru* "...Are you here for my child, Misono?" *glares* mahiru: um... sayaka: we're friends of his! OwO;; -elsewhere- Patty: *appears behind Liz* "...TICKLE ATTACK!!!" liz: GAH! HAHAHA STOP! XD Patty: *tackle onto the couch* "Tickle tickle tickle!!!" stocking: they seem to be in a good mood. Kid: *smiles* "A lot of changes..." stocking: *she nods* Patty: "SIS! That tickles! Ha ha ha ha!" Kid: *holds Stocking's hand* "We're...all much older now." stocking: yeah... hard to believe.... Patty: *taps Stocking's arm* "I'm tagging out! Your turn to do the tickle attack--ON KIDDO!" Kid: o__o -elsewhere- Shotaro: *stringing popcorn chains for the Christmas tree* -elsewhere- metsu: thank you for your patronage...*once the customers exit, she closes up shop* Jeje: "..." Faustus: *humming* metsu: *she looks upstairs, to where mikuni's room is*....he's been awfully quiet. Jeje: "Hmm...Has Misono not contacted him?" metsu: i dont believe so....from what i recall, doesnt misono despise him? Jeje: *nods* "...Someone should talk with him." Faustus: "...Don't look at me. I'm very busy." *holds up a shrunken head* "Say hello to my new friend, Alphonse!" metsu: ......well, when mikuni does come out of his room, he has a telegram from dr shuuhei... -elsewhere- Hibana: *knees wobbling* >_< "How does anyone stay on these skiis?!" -elsewhere- akane: i still dont see how fighting ghost thingies will help anyone... mitsuba: they're called 'jinn' dummy...right mr jun? Jun: *nods* "Yeah, yeah, jinn...And we are here to contain them." *stares at Akane* "That's how they help people." akane: .... shinoa: while we may not be 'eves', per say, but the weapons we were given might help make them easier to shake off people. akane: then what? yumikage: we contain them with these bad boys! *shows off jinn vaccum* mitsuba: what is this, ghost busters?! Jun: "Agreed on the weapons. But you'll need more practice with them, not just on the scene but here." *holds up a jar that says 'Fake Jinn'* "Hence this little exercise..." akane: *sword drawn* alright, its takedown time! -elsewhere- sayaka: thanks for the meal~ *nom nom nom* mahiru: misono isnt joining us for dinner? Mikado: "...Misono is busy. Recovering." sayaka: so you're misono and mikuni's dad? children: mikuni?............who is that? sayaka: O-O;;;;; Kuro: *nom nomming on candy* "Hmm?" Mikado: "...'Mikuni'?" sayaka:....uh- yamame: there is no one by that name who lives here. the only servamp living here is snow lily...misono is the only son. mahiru: ??? (thinking: they really dont know who mikuni is? whats going on?) Lily: *overhearing from the shadows...* Kuro: "..." *swallows another cookie* sayaka:....excuse me! nature calls! *exits*........*notices misono outside the window and makes her way to the door* misono:......... sayaka: hey misono! misono: !!! good god miki, dont sneak up on me like that! sayaka: we came to bail you out! misono:...what? sayaka: mahiru and i are here and we're gonna help you escape! misono: why are you even doing that? you're going to get in serious trouble with my father. sayaka: why? its because thats what friends do for each other. they look out for each other.....caramel? misono:......*takes some and puts them in his pocket* thanks....i think.... sayaka: hehe, now come on, lets blow this fancy popcicle stand! misono:............... \misono please....you're the only family i have left\ misono: im sorry. but i cant.....my father...im his only family. he'd worry- sayaka: thats not true, what about your brother mikuni?....come to think of it, why does no one here know who he is? its weird. misono: ...i- dodo: there you are! jeez your fast....come on, time for you to head home. sayaka: but i- mitsuki: *drags her off* sayaka: call you tomorrow! misono:....... -elsewhere- sayaka: that could have gone better... Q.Q; mahiru: at least it was something. Kuro: -w- *tummy full of sweets* mahiru: so what now? sayaka: all we do now is wait.... -elsewhere- misono: the backdoor key....it should be in mikuni's room....its such a mess here....what is it they...dont...want me....to.......*he passes out* Lily: *catches Misono* "...Time for you to rest... Misono....I hope you can forgive me for doing this....” -two maids watch from a distance- maid 1:....*she smirks* maid 2:....how bothersome. -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *sips his tea...smirks* belkia: any updates? Mr. Tsubaki: "Quite. Our informant has kept a close eye..." -phone buzzes- Mr. Tsubaki: "???" lavender: [seems lust is hiding something from the alisuin kid. may prove useful 2 our cause >:) ] lavender: [also turns out limo driver boy has a thing for big boobs. also useful info for me 2 use 2 my advantage <3 >8) ] otogiri: [ignore that last comment. -_-; ] Mr. Tsubaki: [too late -_-; keep us updated] otogiri: [understood] Mr. Tsubaki: "...Belkia? I think I'll take a poll online." belkia: neat! for what? Mr. Tsubaki: "Which are better: maids outfits or kimonos?" belkia: maid for the win! sakuya: are you kidding me? -_-# saku: <to each their own> Higan: "NURSE OUTFITS NURSE OUTFITS NURSEOUTFITS--" *foaming at the mouth* Shamrock: -_-;;;;; lilac:.....im confused. o-o; ame: ?????? naho: i'll go for anything that's cute, to be honest. Mr. Tsubaki: *drooling* "My camellia..." sakuya: so shameless.... -_-; Mr. Tsubaki: *wipes the drool* "Now, then...Let's review the best ways for infiltrating the Academy..." -elsewhere- Emine: *dressed as an elf* "...I hate you all." lin: ^^ Shotaro: *also in an elf outfit* "But it helps the kids--and Santa! You don't want to disappoint Santa, do you?" Emine: "...Do you really want to imagine what I want to do to Santa?" mana: *glare* Emine: "!!!" *hides behind Lin* "That snow-monster looks upset..." -3 days later- Lily: "Hello, Misono..." misono: ??? *yawns* lily? how long was i out? *rubbing his eyes* Lily: "...You must be hungry. Let me bring you something~" misono: that didnt answer my question, but ok..... -misono got up and went to the dining hall- maid: morning young master~ ^^ maid 2: up early i see. misono: morning. -the two maids depart, looking back for a moment, with the first maid smirking slightly- Mikado: *seated at the table* misono: ...good morning father, how was england? Mikado: *shiny eyes* "Misono! Cheerio, good chap! Come here--" *holds out his arms for a hug* misono: oh uh *hugged* o-o; mitsuki: you were more excited when he got back, so much so that you passed out. dodo: not as excited as you and your idol sho- mitsuki: YOU JUST KEEP QUIET! >////< Mikado: *nods* TWT "Papa missed you!" -the day goes on as normal, perhaps a bit too normally- -the phone rings- misono: damn, how do i answer this thing? Lily: "!!! M-Maybe I should answer..." misono: seems like a good option. Lily: *answers* "Hello?" sayaka: *on the other end* heyo~ how's it going~? Lily: *answers* "Hello?" Lily: "Oh! Hello! How are you?" sayaka: great. is misono there? Lily: .w.;;;; "...No?" misono: im right here! T-T; sayaka: thats a bummer, we agreed to talk a few days ago, but he didnt pick up. well, let him know to call us back when he can, ok? Lily: .w.;;;;;;;;; "R-Right! Of course! Thank you! Toodles!" misono: what was that just now? Lily: "Um...Telemarketer?" misono:..... -later that evening- misono: *gets into bed....but he feels something soft in his pockets* ?!?! what the- *he pulls it out* ....caramel?....!! *remembering sayaka offering some to him* !!! what? *he steps out into the hall and catches a glimpse of lily* lily? *he follows* otogiri:.... "Lily": "..." misono: lily wait! -he follows till he loses track of him, but ends up at the door of the tea room- ???: he's going to find out eventually... misono: *listening* .... (thinking: find out?) ???: "There has to be a way...Perhaps I could..." misono: *he peeks inside* Lily: "...change them again." misono: !!! *he feels like his heart dropped into his stomach* (thinking: change what again?!) otogiri: young master? you're up rather late. misono: !!!! *he stumbles into the room* mitsuki: m-misono! lavender:... Lily: "...Oh no...Misono...I..." misono: whats...whats going on? what did you talk about changin-.....the caramels......*he pulls them out of his pocket* sayaka....she was here a few days ago, wasnt she?? Lily: "Misono...I'm sorry. Can we just...sit down and talk?" misono: then i went to get the key when-.....what is it you're trying to hide from me?! Lily: "..." *tries to hug Misono* Lily: "I'm sorry..." misono: *backing away* if you wont answer me...ill just find the answer on my own! *he storms to mikuni's room* lavender:.... mitsuki: miso- *slammed into the wall by otogiri's strings* grk- Lily: "?!!!" *looks around for the antagonist...* otogiri: *sends the doll to attack lily* seems the bond is weakening....how bothersome....well....bothersome for you. dodo: what?! mitsuki: there was a mole?! otogiri: *she removes her wig* remember me...all of love? from the hotel? dodo:.... .///.; mitsuki: DODO! D:< Lily: "!!! Everyone, get back! I'll--" otogiri: you'll what? let misono learn the truth of what you're hiding from him? Lily: "..." *glares* "Ma'am...I cannot let this attack on anyone in this household stand." *battle pose* "Leave, while you still can." dodo: we'll handle her! go get misono! yamame: *pin sword in hand* Lily: "Right!" *chases after Misono* dodo: *pulls out gun* alright, lets dance. lavender: say, i know this is out of nowhere, but...you're kinda cute~ dodo: um... .///. mitsuki: DODO! D:< lavender: let me ask....you have a thing for big breasts, dont you~? <3 *pressing herself against him* dodo: O/////O mitsuki: DODO!! D8< lavender: thought so~ *kisses him below the ear* dodo: O//////O ...!!! i...i cant move?! lavender: *takes the gun* i'll be taking this thanks~ *she chases after lily* mitsuki: WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE IM KILLING YOU UNTIL YOU DIE!!! Lily: ("Where is he?") misono: *running to where mikuni's room was* Lily: "!!! Misono, stop!" misono: stay away from me! .....i always hated mikuni.....but i dont know why.....why are you manipulating my own memories? what is it that you dont want me to know?! Lily: "Misono...I can't have you hating...hating..." misono: JUST TELL ME THE TRUTH ALREADY! if you're so insistent....then....how can i even trust you?! Lily: "...I don't want you to hate m--" -BANG- misono: !!! lavender: *smirks* -shatter- Lily: "..." *bleeds from his mouth...feelings Jinn release from the wound...* "M-Mi-Misono...G-Get back..." *collapses to his knees, crying* misono: !!! LILY!!! -at the dance- Kid: *glaring at one decoration* "...This snowflake is off..." tsubaki: ^^; stocking: want to dance? Kid: *instant smile* "Of course~" Black Star: -\\\\- tsubaki:....you've been practicing... stocking: hehe~<3 Black Star: "Y-Yeah...It's kinda like fighting in battle. Only without punching...You dance great, Tsubaki." Kid: *smiles at Stocking* tsubaki: ^^ Patty: *holds up a gingerbread man to Takeru* takeru:...*nom* t-thank you ^^ belkia: *staring from across the room* i wanna punch that guy so muuuch! >n< Mr. Tsubaki: *frowning* "No kidding." Shamrock: x_-; "Calm yourselves...Please." Patty: "Hee hee hee...You got a crumb..." *kisses his cheek* lilac: .......*looking around, awkwardly* takeru: >/////////< Crona: "H-Hi, Lilac..." lilac: !!! oh...h-h-hi! mami: glad to see you're ok. *she smiles* lilac: t-thank you! Crona: "...Enjoying the dance?" lilac: y-yeah....d-dad decided to chaperone... Crona: *looks at Shamrock* "...He looks upset." lilac: y-yeah.... sakuya: *dancing* Jacqueline: *watching Sakuya* "Hmm...He isn't dancing with anyone?" kim: doesnt look like it, neither are those new kids..... mitsuba: this is so dumb. -_-; yumikage: its no picnic for us either, princess. mitsuba: why you- shinoa: oh my. a little lovers spat i see? mitsuba + yumikage: HELL NO! Jun: "Be quiet, and have some cake..." akane: she's way too chill....freaking rich kids, am i right? Jacqueline: "...I am familiar with people concerned with money..." akane: and you are? Jacqueline: "Jacqueline O'Lantern Dupré." kim: you can call me Kim. you new here? akane:....yeah. names Akane Hyakuya. the blonde girl is Mitsuba, and the purple haired girl is Shinoa. we're transfer students. Jacqueline: "Well, a party is certainly a good way to be introduced to your new classmates." akane: i guess so.... so the DWMA really is a school of the elites, huh? Jacqueline: "Well...It does attract some of the most powerful meisters, weapons, warriors..." akane: ah... Jacqueline: "Are you a weapon?" akane: not really.....i-....its complicated. tsubaki: *goes out to get some fresh air* Jacqueline: "..." *nods* "It's okay..." *smiles* "The Academy is supposed to be welcoming to all students..." kim: yeah, we get new people every day. Jacqueline: "You can always find activities here..." Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *stands back from her...* tsubaki:.........*a bit tense* (thinking: something.....doesnt feel right....) Mr. Tsubaki: *opens his mouth...* Mr. Tsubaki: "Hello." tsubaki: !!! *she turns to face him*.....why are you here? Mr. Tsubaki: *small, innocent smile* "Am I not invited?" tsubaki:.... -mr tsubaki's phone rings- Mr. Tsubaki: -_-; "Sorry..." *looks at the phone* otogiri: all of love has been taken out. Mr. Tsubaki: "...Thank you. What comes next, then?" -noises are heard on the other end- lavender: kyan~<3 mahiru: OHMYGODIMSORRY! Mr. Tsubaki: -____- "...What is going on?" otogiri:.... -_-; mahiru shirota arrived. do you wish to speak with him? Mr. Tsubaki: "Oh! Yes, very much so~" mahiru: *takes the phone* hello? Mr. Tsubaki: "Hello, there! How are you~?" mahiru: what's going on?! what did you do to lily? why is there jinn- Mr. Tsubaki: "Well, when a vampire is injured, all that jinn just floats on up out of them. Perhaps it has something to do with all those misdeeds us naughty sins are up to..." tsubaki: ?!?! mahiru: what?! Mr. Tsubaki: "Best not get too close to it...But maybe you should get used to seeing it..." tsubaki: w-what's going on?? mahiru: what? Mr. Tsubaki: "Are you familiar with C3? Surprising people. Very interesting. But they are such a nuisance. So I thought, 'Why not spread some of that jinn around?' How do you think the world would look, with that darkness hanging over them?" tsubaki: !!!!!! mahiru: !!!!! Mr. Tsubaki: *smirks...until he sees Tsubaki staring at him...he frowns, seriously, as if he is talking to both Mahiru and her...* Mr. Tsubaki: "...Do you know what it is like, to feel melancholia hanging over you?" tsubaki: ........ mahiru: *he runs for lily* otogiri:.....we should go now. lavender: good call... *she and otogiri exit* Lily: *crying, on the floor, wreathing* "Stay back..." Mr. Tsubaki: "..." tsubaki:.....tsubaki.....what did you do....? Mr. Tsubaki: "..._I_ did nothing...technically." -back at the mansion- mahiru: lily! snap out of it! misono: ....... Lily: *crying* "M-Misono..." misono: LILY! *he runs over to him* mahiru: MISONO NO! Lily: "..." *looks up, with pure animalistic rage, as he screams at Misono, leaping at him* misono: !!!!! *shuts his eyes tightly* Lily: *slashes at Misono, as if pulling Misono towards him...and into him...* misono: *he opens his eyes*.... ???? where.....am i? ???: "...You are not supposed to be here~" misono: ??? *A small child emerges from the shadows...Easter eggs are around them* misono: are you...part of lily? Child!Lily: *nods* "Uh huh! I never thought I'd see you in here, Misono!" misono: whats going on? (thinking: is this like what mahiru....) Child!Lily: "...I got hurt. Badly. And I...I...did something wrong, didn't I?" misono:......the only one to blame here is me....its my own arrogance that got you hurt....i just...wanted to know the truth... Child!Lily: "...You should not. The truth...will change things." misono: what do you mean? Child!Lily: "...I can't...You'll hate me...you'll hate yourself." misono:....even then, i just want closure. cant you at least let me have that? being happy all the time....its not realistic. we have bad days too... Child!Lily: "Misono...How can you have life...without love in it? Please...Don't..." misono: i'll be ok...i promise. Child!Lily: "But...What if I'm not there to be with you?" *The Easter Eggs start shattering, sinking into the water around them...* misono: !!! *lily's memories flood his head* Memory!Lily: "...I promise: he will not remember what has transpired." memory!mikuni: hey little guy, im your big brother. Memory!Mikado: "What have you done?!!" misono: are these....!!! memory!mary: *she weakly reaches her hand out* Memory!Mikado: "He must never know. He is my son--and I don't want him to be hurt." memory!mikage: to think im a father...its amazing. Memory!Lily: *looking at Mikage's pocket watch, smiles* "Time flies, does it not, my friend?" memory!misono: please stay with us, snow lily. misono: *he opens his eyes...he is now in his bed* mitsuki: he's awake! Mikado: "...Son?" misono: father? Mikado: Q~Q "MY BABY!!!" misono: ah! t-too tight! ???: misono! misono:.... !!!! madoka: *waves* misono: W-WHY IS SHE HERE?! Rin: "!!! Um...We want to check up on you, dude? You had a pretty nasty time, huh?" misono:....lily is he- mitsuki: he's alive...albiet a bit lethargic....he hasnt spoken to anyone since he woke up. he hasnt even tried to strip. Rin: "...Tried to what?" mitsuki:.....long story. madoka: *sweatdrop* misono: are mahiru and the others- Mikado: "My baby needs rest! Please, don't worry your pretty little head..." yamame: they're helping out....dodo is injured, the subclass fell ill... misono:....... Mikado: *stares at Yamame* -_-; misono: .....i need to use the bathroom Rin: *looking around* "Um..." ("I don't see a bedpan...Can he even stand up?") Mikado: "Of course. Would you like me to carry you there?" misono: i can walk thanks. tetsu: i'll walk him there. Mikado: "CLEAR THE WAY! MY SON NEEDS TO TINKLE!" misono: FATHER PLEASE! -tetsu and misono exit.....outside- misono: why are you- tetsu: just thought you needed help. misono:.....thanks..... *he goes inside* -The library has numerous volumes, as well as a desk covered with Mikado's files, books, and letters- misono: *looking around* -One book is a journal, opened to a page with a word standing out: Mikuni- misono: *he looks at a photo of his family*......*he looks at the journal*...... misono:....!!!! w-what....? Mikado's journal: "...but I was too late: Mikuni had killed her." misono: .....oh....that's right..... misono: why...why did he kill our mother?....*looks at more journals* there has to be some......thing..... *his eyes widen and his pupils shrink* journal: the truth is, misono was born from an affair. misono: *he feels his heart drop again* -he continues to read how mikuni's mother murdered misono's birth mother, how he was taken in, how mrs alisuin tried to kill him before mikuni killed her then left- misono:...no....nonononono......*he feels like he is about to scream....but nothing came out but silence* misono: *whimpering* im sorry....im sorry.....im sorry....lily....mother....father....mikuni......this is my fault....if i had just died then- -Misono's hand knocks into a book...- misono: ??? w-what? -Letters fall out of the book- misono: *he reads them*..... letter: dear mikado, thank you for the letter you sent. misono and i are doing well. do you like the name? i named him after you to an extent. he's already beginning to speak and he's always smiling. -misono continues to read the letter- misono: *tears begin to fall* -a watch is contained in the letter, as well as a photo of misono and his mother. misono:....i really...do take after her..... -inside the mansion- Lily: "..." yamane: lily? misono wants to speak with you. misono:......i know the truth now. Lily: "...I hurt you, didn't I?" misono:....you arent the one to blame here....no one is really.....it hurt a lot....but....i think im ready to accept it....my mother would have wanted me to....im not mad at you. Lily: "...Misono...Your mother..." misono: i know. Lily: "...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...for all of this." misono: ....i forgive you....*he hands him the watch* i know its early but, merry Christmas, snow lily. Lily: "...Merry Christmas, Misono..." *accepts the watch* misono:....*extends an arm* here....you're probably hungry.... Lily: "...No, I'm--" *stomach growl* o\\\\o "...Okay, a little." misono: *smiles* Lily: "..." *opens his mouth, as he leans towards Misono's arm...* -later- sayaka: there, how does that look? mitsuki: looks good. Mikado: "???" sayaka: *putting up decorations* oh, thanks for letting us help out, mr alisuin! Mikado: "It is...helpful. It has been so long since hanging up these decorations..." *examines one ornament...* sayaka: *she looks* *The ornament says "Mikuni's 4th Christmas* sayaka: so you do remember him? Mikado: "...This is a family that, for so long, has wanted one thing: to forget...Maybe..." sayaka:.....is this mrs alisuin.....wait a second...misono doesnt look like either of you. *GASP* is he *whispers* adopted? Mikado: "N-No...It's...a family concern." misono: father...may i speak with you? in private? Mikado: *chipper* "Of course, my son~" *gently sets the ornament onto the tree, in a prominent spot* "..." *follows Misono* -in the study- misono: i know the truth now. about my mother....my real mother. Mikado: "..." *nods* "I...did not want you to...You were so young and...I didn't..." misono: .....even then, i would learn eventually....but im not angry with you...if i held it against you, i wouldnt get anywhere....you really loved her, didnt you? both of them? Mikado: "...Yes. I am...awful." misono: you.....did something wrong....but that doesnt make you a terrible person. i appreciate that you looked out for me. but i think im ready to face things on my own. no....im not on my own...i have friends by my side. Mikado: "...I can't just let you out there. You are a child. You need family to be with you--" -chessboard chairs appear- Mikado: "?!!! What on Earth...?" misono: i am young, yes, but that doesnt mean im not mature. im not going to leave my family, i can always come home. but im ready to find my own path. Mikado: "...'Your own path'..." *smiles* "Interesting...I think that path may take you somewhere...May I ask you something?" misono: yes, but first i must ask something as well. i know this will come off as harsh, but it needs to be said, would my mother have wanted me to be locked up forever? Mikado: "...No." -the board and chairs dissipate- misono: now...what did you want to ask me? Mikado: *sighs* "...If you see your brother...I want you to pass on this message from me." misono:......what is it? Mikado: " 'Son...Come home.'" misono:....ok. i will. -elsewhere- metsu: rummaging through mikuni's mail _again_, doctor? Faustus: "...What? I like the free perfume samples." *sniffs the mail* "Aaaaaah~ Lavender!" metsu: -.-; .... ??? *she notices something; an invitation to the alisuin mansion christmas party* oh? Jeje: "..." Faustus: "...Oh, that invitation? Yeah, junk mail. Can I use it for scrap paper?" metsu: .....*she goes upstairs* mikuni? you have a letter. Mikuni: *holds up a puppet, speaking through it with a high pitch* "What's that, buddy?" metsu:....here. *she sticks the letter in the puppets mouth and goes back downstairs* Mikuni: *smiles, waves...Picks the invitation out of the mouth...and recognizes the handwriting* "...No..." Mikuni: "..." *leaves it on his desk...* "Wh-Why now...?" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmm..." *staring at seven candles, around one large candle...he put out one candle* "One down..." Lavender: and then there were 6... -elsewhere- Hibana: *frowning, her leg in a cast* gabriella: *kiss* its ok. we can still cozy up to the fire place~ Hibana: *pouts, blushing from the kiss* "I can't believe I break my leg going down the children's slope..." -elsewhere- mitsuba: HYAAAH! *slicing jinn away* take that! akane: where did it all come from in one night? Jun: "Something bad..." tinker: no kidding. these readings are off the charts! Jun: "Contain it, and mark the locations. We can track them to their origin..." tinker: right! shuuhei, how's everything at your end? Shuuhei: *grumbles* "So dirty...It's everywhere..." -elsewhere- Relan: "...Are there any updates?" ryuuko: nothing currently. Relan: "Oh...Okay...H-How are you?" ryuuko: well. mikami and i were invited to a christmas party. Some of the more prestigious families in the area will be attending. Relan: *smiles* "That should be nice." ryuuko: *she nods* Relan: *picks up Buttons* "A lot of fun happening..." buttons: ^o^ Relan: "So cute!" *smiles happily* "Wait 'til you see the new toys you get for Christmas, Buttons..." -and so, the next night- kilik: wow, fancy party. sayaka: sure is! Wes: *looking around* "Impressive architecture." norio: mikado. a pleasure to see you. *he nods* Mikado: "Oh! Greetings." *offers his hand* norio: *shakes hand* i'd like you to meet my wife, Chikami, and my daughter, Mikami. mikami: h-hello... ._.; Mikado: "A pleasure..." ("A name that starts with an 'M'..." *plotting* ) ryuuko: ... Mikado: *looks at Ryuuko* "Hello!" norio: and this is my daughter's friend, Ryuuko Houo. they're both members of the 3rd special fire brigade. Mikado: "Oh...Is that the brigade with the head of Hajima Industries?" norio: no that would be. Mr Helvitz: actually, that would be the 6th brigade. also its head of haijima's european branch. vivian: ^^ Mikado: "Oh...Well, welcome!" -on the balcony- madoka: you're a really good dancer, rin. Rin: *small embarrassed laugh* "I had a lot of practice...Dad always had me do that..." madoka:....is he...feeling any better? Rin: "...Some days are better than others..." madoka:....*she hugs him* Rin: *holds her close* "I'm sorry for bringing it up..." madoka: its ok. *she kisses him on the nose* Rin: -\\\\- "Aaaah..." madoka: hehe~ so cute. Rin: "Um, I mean, you're cuter..." misono:......*walking away, somewhat heartbroken*....*sighs* -bump- misono: !!! shinoa: oh, pardon me. i guess i wasnt paying attention~ misono: ..... shinoa: something wrong? misono: nothing..... shinoa: ....say, want to dance? misono: w-wha? shinoa: ah, introductions. im Shinoa Hiiragi. *extends a hand* misono:.... 7///7; Misono Alisuin. Lily: *peeks from around the corner* :3 misono:...f-fine. shinoa: hehe, come on~ *she takes him back to the ballroom* Lily: *squee* -elsewhere- Kid: *smiles* stocking: such a nice night out... Kid: *nods* "Glad to see one..." *holds her hand* ("Especially after such curfews...") stocking: *admiring the lights* Kid: *points to one light* "Excellent display..." stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "...When I was tiny, my father took me out to see the light displays...and I...I..." stocking: ?? Kid: -\\\\- "I had thought about taking my _own_ children to see such light displays..." stocking: *blush* that would be lovely. Kid: *nods...small squeeze of her hand* "Stocking...I love you." stocking: i love you too kid. *she kisses him* Kid: *kisses back...smiles* -elsewhere- Black Star: "...I keep checking around here, making sure the windows are all secured." tsubaki: ..... Black Star: "...Hey. You're going to be alright." tsubaki: i know....it's lily im worried about... Black Star: *nods* "...Any update?" tsubaki:...he's...better....but still weakened.... Black Star: "..." *puts his hand over Tsubaki's* "He's a tenacious guy: he's going to get better." tsubaki:....*she nods* Black Star: "...Would you like to go visit him?" tsubaki: i would like that...i think there's a formal party there.... Black Star: "I could get dressed up, right now!" -and so- Black Star: o_o "...You keep figuring out new ways to look classy." tsubaki: thanks ^^; *she is in an asian inspired outfit with her hair done up* Black Star: *in a suit, actually looking presentable* *offers his arm to lead her inside* soul:...*spots them* dont i know you from somewhere? *he speaks in a joking tone* Black Star: *smirks* "Yeah, the row behind you in class." soul: yeah i know, haha! surprised to see you guys here. tsubaki: ^^ Black Star: "...You see Lily around?" soul: hmm? oh, you mean the person with the, uh... *puts two fingers on his head to mimic lily's antennae* Black Star: "Yeah. Also, he may be stripping." soul:.......uhhhh... mahiru: he's in the kid's room. soul: O______O mahiru: HE'S NOT DOING ANYTHING TO THEM! Black Star: "Awesome--thanks, Mahiru! Tsubaki, you want to talk with him on your own, or...?" tsubaki: *she nods and goes to the kid's room* mary: miss tsubaki! *hug* julie: tsutsu! Lily: "???" *looks to see Tsubaki, smiles* "Hello." tsubaki: hello. feeling any better? Lily: "...A bit. Slowly." tsubaki: at least its something.....and how is misono doing? Lily: "...He is...encountering some major changes in his life." *smiles* "But I think he is ready to face them...He _has_ been ready, for some time." tsubaki: *she nods* misono: -//////- honestly, that girl.... Lily: "How are you, sweetie?" *glances at Misono...* tsubaki: well...oh, hey misono. misono: *he nods* Lily: "Misono, want to sit and chat with Tsubaki and me for a bit?" misono: um. sure. Lily: *smiles* "Tsubaki, are you okay?" tsubaki: *she nods* yeah. -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "..." naho: something wrong? Mr. Tsubaki: "...I am torn, in two directions, by what my goal is...and what my heart desires." naho: *listening* Mr. Tsubaki: "I want to make a point to these other sins...but I fear, should I move forward with this plan, I will shut off another option...another path towards happiness, towards her." naho: ...... Mr. Tsubaki: "...I am stuck having to wait and see what comes next." -outside- lilac:......*sniff* saku:...what is it? lilac:..... saku: is this because of what greed did? lilac:.....*tearing up* saku:......your friends....they died because they were weak. lilac: *tenses* saku: in this world, only the strongest survive...remember that. lilac:...... Shamrock: "...Is there a problem here?" saku: its nothing....*walking away* lilac:....... Shamrock: "...Lilac. Don't listen to her..." *pats Lilac's shoulder* lilac:...... Shamrock: "...Let's get some tea..." lilac:..... -elsewhere- Yohei: "Zzzz..." chie: *tucking him in* hehe~ -christmas morning- Patty: *peeks over Liz's bed* :3 liz: merry christmas sis! Patty: "Awwww, I was going to wake you up!" *crawls into bed, hugs Liz* "Merry Christmas!" liz: hehe... Patty: "Can we head down and open gifts now?" liz: sure thing! -in kid and stocking's room- Kid: o\\\\o stocking: well~? *in a cute wintery nightgown* Kid: "That looks great on you..." stocking: hehe~ Kid: "..." *holds up a small wrapped box for her* "Merry Christmas, Stocking." stocking: *she opens it* !!! kid... *The jewelry looks like a candy necklace, only thinner and with more subdued colors* Kid: "..." stocking: its beautiful. *she kisses him* Kid: -\\\\- "It seemed to suit you..." stocking: hehe~ -elsewhere- Akitaru: *giddy* "New weights! Thanks!" shinra: *he smiles* Takehisa: *looking at his present* "..." tamaki: its not going to eat you. Arthur: "I hope not...I once thought there was a Griffin in my Christmas gift, but it was only socks..." *unwraps...* "!!!" -it was a custom pen sword- Arthur: "...Glorious...THANK YOU!" tamaki: no problem. Arthur: -\\\\\- "Here is your gift..." tamaki: thanks. *she opened it up* *It is a cat themed bracelet and a set of game cards for her mobile video game* tamaki: *shiny eyes* this is great! thanks! *hug* Arthur: "Heh. I'm glad you like them..." -elsewhere- Emine: "...Why is this box wrapped in paper decorated with dancing penguins?" mana: it's called 'gift wrap' Emine: "...That one penguin looks mischievous..." *carefully unwraps...* -its a nice scarf- Emine: "...I like this color." lin: ^^ i worked extra hard on it! Emine: *smooch* "Thank you." lin: >////////< -elsewhere- Hibana: "I had a surprise for you, before this broken leg..." gabriella: oh? Hibana: -////- "Yeah...but I did get you another surprise..." *hands her a new phone* gabriella: aww, thank you! *smooch* Hibana: *hug* "I tried to get the best I could, for the best woman..." gabriella: >///////////< Hibana: "I love you so much..." -elsewhere- lilac:......... Mr. Tsubaki: "Lilac?" lilac: ?? Mr. Tsubaki: "What troubles you?" lilac:.....nothing... Mr. Tsubaki: "...When something is on my mind, I look to the sky. I never got to see many stars when I was younger. Too many clouds out..." lilac:...... Mr. Tsubaki: "Gives perspective, on where we are in this universe." lilac:......... belkia: *downing a whole thing of egg nog* Shamrock: *sips* "Really, you will have a terrible hangover..." lavender: CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! belkia: MUSCLE TUFF! *slams bottle to the ground* HOO HOO!! Higan: "Yay, booze!" sakuya: -_-; Shamrock: "So embarrassing..." saku:..... <idiots.> Mr. Tsubaki: "Now, now, enough drinking...We have additional gifts..." -elsewhere- the mother: i say we find this little 'tsubaki' prick and give him a good what for. *cracks knuckles* Hugh: "He is quite powerful..." soul: if we all ambush the guy, then we can get some answers. tsubaki:..... Black Star: "We'd do better if we separated him from his clique... mahiru: then we'll have to bait him out somehow.... Kuro: "...Tsubaki?" tetsu: isnt that what we're discussing? Kuro: "No, I was speaking to _our_ Tsubaki. She can be our bait." tsubaki:.... Black Star: "What?! After what has happened?!!" mahiru: it does sound risky... Hugh: "Yet he seems to let his guard down around her..." tsubaki:...i'll do it. if it helps. Black Star: "...Can we be your backup?" tsubaki: .... romina: i think i have a plan. guildenstern, you got spare whale suits? Guil: *whale noise* "...I mean, yes." sayaka: THE WHALE FREAKING TALKS?! Guildenstern: "I CAN SAY MANY THINGS." Black Star: "...I remember when talking cats were weirdest thing I saw..." romina: the whale suit's actually a costume. sayaka: oh, ok. Guildenstern: "But what do you need an extra whale suit for?" -romina explains her plan of hiding tsubaki in one of 5 whale suits, while 4 others, including guildenstern and romina, hide in the other suits- Black Star: "...So, Mr. Tsubaki won't attack or risk hurting her..." the mother: it sounds crazy enough to work. Hugh: "Or just crazy..." romina: i say we take a call of hands. all in favor. Kuro: "..." *reverts to cat form, buries himself in Mahiru's arms* mahiru: *exits the room with kuro* Hugh: -_-;;; "Yes, I agree...but no more votes..." the mother: i think we should give it a shot. Black Star: "..." (pats Tsubaki's hand) the mother:......oh...right.... tsubaki:...*she nods* romina: so that's me and guildenstern in two suits. any volunteers for the other suits? Black Star: "Right here!" una:....those whale suits look so fluffy....i wouldnt mind sleeping on one -.- Guildenstern: -_-;;; "The outfits are comfortable..." una: does it make a good bed or pillow? ray *sweatdrop* (thinking: she certainly lives in her own world, doesnt she?) Guildenstern: "...Likely." una: yaaay. -w- ray: gil? what do you think? Gil: "I wanna shove a harpoon up this Tsubaki jerkoff's butt!" *cackles, before turning calmly to Ray* "Is that okay?" ray: sounds good. una: whale shish-kabobs?.....sounds yummy –w Guildenstern: "I will not be shishkabobbed!" Black Star: o-o "...I hope he meant the Tsubaki we don't like..." ray: he did. Black Star: "Good..." una: can we get yakitori afterwards? Gil: "Whatever you wish~" ray: *sweatdrop* the mother: *sweatdrops* Black Star: "...In any case, how will Tsubaki and another person move in those suits?" -elsewhere- Kishiri: [text: okay trip with family?] vivian: [yeah. europe is nice, but i miss u *sad face*] Kishiri: [same. Wish I could be there. Anything u want me to do while you're away?] -elsewhere- Kid: *smiles* stocking: *smooooch* you're just the sweetest~<3 Kid: "You're doubly sweet~ Did you like your gifts?" stocking: very much so. Kid: "...That's not all..." stocking: oh? Kid: *holds up a blindfold* stocking: oh my~ *she puts it on* Kid: *small kiss on her cheeks* "These clothes won't do, though..." stocking: ah... Kid: "carefully takes off her dress, leaving her in her underwear* "I'm going to walk you just over here...You're still in our bedroom, the door is locked...Do you trust me?" stocking: yes, of course i do. Kid: "Okay..." *he is behind her, guiding her to sit down...she can feel something hard against her leg* stocking: ahh.... Kid: *slides her panties to the side* "I'm going to slide this new toy in, okay?" stocking: o-ok... *She feels it slide into her...It is long..She is sitting on something with a dildo going into her* Kid: "And now, to turn it on..." stocking: ahhhh.... *Kid guides her hands to clutch the base of the device on which she is seated...Then he turns it on, sending light, slow pulses into her* stocking: *she moans loudly* k-kid! Kid: *he clutches her breasts from behind* "I control the switch...Should I decrease the speed?" stocking: m-more...please... Kid: *on set of fingers release the snaps on her bra, while his other hand turns up the speed...* "Enjoy..." -elsewhere- Yohei: *cuddles* chie: hehe~<3 Yohei: "Imagine our baby's first Christmas..." chie: >w< Yohei: "Little snowman outfit..." chie: *squeeee* Yohei: "Children's books...stuffed toys...advanced robotics manuals..." chie: ^^; Yohei: "I'm kidding! ...A little" chie: sure babe. *smooch* Yohei: >\\\\< "I'm just excited.. " chie: i am too. Yohei: "I hope he has your smile.. " -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "..." *crying silently* kabuki: ??? are you ok miss usada? Tsukiyo: "K-Kabuki?!" *wipes tears, puts on fake smile* "How's it hanging?" kabuki:...alright...but you seemed upset... Tsukiyo: (fake smile falls) "...I barely heard from family..." kabuki:...*soft hug* Tsukiyo: "..." *holds onto him, cries* kabuki: shhh... its ok. Tsukiyo: *calms down...* "Thank you...I'm sorry." kabuki: it's quite alright. Tsukiyo: *still holding onto him...eyes droop...then...* "Zzzzz..." -elsewhere- Wes: "Comfy?" liz: yeah. Wes: *slides under the blanket and next to her* "Good...I was worried you were chilly..." liz: not with you. Wes: "Hee hee..." *hugs her, kisses her cheek* liz: i love you. Wes: "...I love you, too..." *cuddles* -elsewhere- Black Star: "You sure about this?" tsubaki: *she nods* i have no intention of killing him. if i can resolve this peacefully, i will. Black Star: "Will he try to hurt you?" tsubaki: i dont believe he will. Black Star: "...I'll back you up to make sure that doesn't happen." tsubaki: *she nods* Black Star: *holds her hand* "I love you." tsubaki: *she hugs him* i love you too. Black Star: *hug* "..." soul:....*he looks over at lawless* Lawless: "..." *stands to exit* licht: where are you doing? Lawless: "Nothing..." romina:..... Lawless: "I shall depart to get some air..." romina:..... Lawless: "...WHAT?" romina: i didnt say anything. Lawless: "Then cease with your stares! Look inward at thyself rather than upon my visage!" soul: huh? Lawless: "...Just stop looking at me. I'm sensitive to that." soul: sorry, jeez. Lawless: *marches away* soul: should we go after him. licht: why should we care? soul: you know, you have some fucking nerve todoroki. he's your partner! sure you may disagree a lot, but you're both in this together dammit! *drags him along* Black Star: "..." *loud applause* romina:...... ray: so that just happened. Gil: "Fuck yeah, it did! Really loud rant there!" misono: now to put the plan in motion...thankfully i had lily write down the phone number while we still had that old man's phone. Black Star: "So, you're calling the guy himself?" misono: ........would someone call him? mahiru: are you ever going to learn how to use a phone? -_-; Black Star: "Just one of you dial that creep!" tsubaki: i'll do it. *she dials the number* Mr. Tsubaki: "???" *answers* "Hello?" tsubaki: hello. Mr. Tsubaki: "...Camelia Blossom?" tsubaki: *sweatdrop* yes, its me. Mr. Tsubaki: "Well, hello~ To what do I owe this pleasure?" tsubaki:.....*she looks at black*star. she had a plan* i surrender. Black Star: "??!!" Mr. Tsubaki: 0///0 "Surrender what?" tsubaki: i'll surrender myself. Mr. Tsubaki: "...To...me? Why?" tsubaki: on one condition; if i surrender, you wont send your subclass to harm the other servamps. Mr. Tsubaki: "...With you by my side, I will have no reason to...Where shall we meet? I can send a subclass--" tsubaki: ....i want to see you. face to face. Mr. Tsubaki: "As you wish. The park?" tsubaki: in the wooded area, yes. Mr. Tsubaki: "I look forward to seeing you. I promise, I will do whatever to make your time with me the happiest in your life." tsubaki:.... -at the hotel- belkia: what was that call for? Mr. Tsubaki: *starts dancing with Belkia* "I have a date with destiny!" lavender: huh, i think i worked with a girl by that name way back when. otogiri: it's a figure of speech. -_-; Mr. Tsubaki: *twirls Belkia* "I am off to bring our new mommy home: the Camelia Blossom herself!" Shamrock: D: naho: *JAWDROP* Mr. Tsubaki: "Toodles!" *starts skipping to the exit* Shamrock: "B-Bu-But--Someone stop him!" belkia: question! should we have this be a traditional japanese style wedding, or a western style? Mr. Tsubaki: *calls back* "Two weddings, then! Two days of weddings! Four days! Oh, make everyday a new wedding for me and my blossom!" lavender + sakuya + otogiri: -A-; (thinking: he's way beyond salvation at this point...) Mr. Tsubaki: *departs for the elevator, humming the wedding march* -elsewhere- licht: fuck, he runs fast for shit rat. soul: no kidding....OI! LAWLESS! WHERE DID YA GO?! Lawless: *hidden amongst the bushes...* soul: ....... (thinking: maka, if you were here, you could find him....) *Wind brushes by Soul...from a direction that seems to draw with it a familiar wavelength...* Lawless: *feels wind blow by him* "?!!!" ("When did it get all warm all of a sudden?") soul: hey. Lawless: "?!!! 'Swounds! How did you spot me?!!" soul: call it divine intervention. licht: come on idiot, lets go already. Lawless: "No! Don't you get it? We have a gorgeous opportunity to stop the Sin of Melancholy once and for all!" soul: but tsubaki...she wants to resolve this peacefully, and that's what we're going to do. Lawless: "No! I will not let that happen! I will not let someone give themselves up to secure peace. I WILL NOT LOSE HER AGAIN!" soul: !!!! licht: ?? Lawless: "...Nothing. It is zero, a space, the 'o' in...in her name. Forget it. Be like Lavinia and cut off your tongues than speak of what I am about to do! I will kill Melancholia, save your Tsubaki, and this war can end..." licht: *KICKS HIM ACROSS THE FACE* you talk too much. soul: h-hey! what the hell?! licht: im going to knock some fucking sense into him....because *pose* im an angel. soul: THIS ISNT THE TIME FOR THAT D:< Lawless: "If you intend to block my path...THEN PREPARE TO DIE!" soul: !!! licht: say that shit to my face. Lawless: *rushes at him* "No words, just force!" soul: !!!! *blocks the sword with a scythe arm* Lawless: "Back, shark! Or you will be meat for my stew!" soul: what the hell is wrong with you? Lawless: "Why is she doing this?!" *slices at Soul* "No one should have to sacrifice themselves, especially not her!" licht: she's doing it of her own volition, why should it matter to you? Lawless: "Because this does not have to happen! It should not happen!" soul: well, it kind of is, no changing it now. Lawless: "...Then I will stop her!" (Tries to make a run for it...) licht: *summons piano barrier* she knows what she's doing. Lawless: "NO, SHE DOES NOT!" *shrieks and howls, as the reality around him ripples* soul + licht: !!!!! -the area around them resembles a theater- voice: everyone take your seats. the show is about to begin. soul: ??? *Lawless appears, in Renaissance garb, before a statue, its features hidden in shadows* soul: ??? (thinking: isnt...that the same statue from history class?) Lawless: *steps into the spotlight* "...This is the tale of a woman too pure for this damned world." licht: ... *Light shines onto a setting of a city on the other side of the stage...Two groups, one wearing blue and the other wearing green, quarrel* Mob: "Sacrifice!" "We demand blood!" "Bring us the sacrifice!" soul: ?? Lawless: "..." *smirks* "But, I am telling the story out of order. Let's start earlier..." *The set moves away, taking the mob with it, their screams of bloodlust fading as sunshine falls onto the stage, revealing a castle in the distance, a forest in front of it...Lawless seems to have vanished from the stage* ~The Tragedy Of Ophelia~ ???: "Ophelia!" *A hedgehog runs through the forest* Lawless: "Ophelia!" ???: just a little further now... -a young lady picks a fruit from the top of a tree- ???: got it! -upon grabbing the fruit, the young lady fell out from the canopy- ???: ah- Lawless: "Ophelia!" *transforms into human, leaps, catches her...* ophelia: hehe, nice catch. girl: princess! are you ok? ophelia: im fine. look. i got the largest one on the tree. boy: wow! Lawless: *still holding her, pouts* ophelia: thanks for catching me.....lawless, you can put me down now ^^; Lawless: "You should not be picking fruit for others. Why can't you leave this work to someone else?" ophelia: *sigh* puck's going to be a big brother soon, we were gathering fruits to celebrate. girl: mr lawless, lets make flower crowns! -when sunset came, the two returned to the palace- ophelia:...its nice isnt it? the families of this country are growing more each day. Lawless: -_- "Yeah...Speaking of growing, you're getting harder to carry...and catch when you fall..." ophelia: *she pouts* mean. im not a little girl anymore, haha. *Lawless is wearing a flower crown* ophelia: hehe, its a cute look for you. -time passed on for the two, until one day....- ophelia: *in an ornate gown* i'll be getting married soon. Lawless: "What?! Why?!" ophelia: ....the skirmishes with the neighboring country have gotten worse. if it escalates further, a war will break out... Lawless: "But...But I...I..." ophelia: ?? Lawless: "...I don't want you to throw away your independence like this." ("Why can't I speak the truth to her...?") ophelia: ....*soft smile* im not looking for freedom, what i want...is peace for this country. i want to become an icon of peace, and tie the knot between both our countries. -and so, with the union of the prince and princess, the two countries were brought together, and peace was attained. however... such peace, did not last long- soldier: that attack was a declaration of war! soldier 2: the've gone two far this time! solider 3: i saw we put their beloved princess to death! that should teach them a lesson! Lawless: (overhearing in hedgehog mode) Lawless: (runs to Ophelia's room) ophelia: hmm? what is it? Lawless: "We have to escape! You have to escape! The military intends a coup, intends to kill you!" ophelia: !!..... Lawless: (takes her hand) "We can run away! To safety! Where you won't be hurt!" ophelia:....im sorry. but im staying here. Lawless: "...What?" ophelia: *she chuckles* this is the second time now that you suggested we run away...but its like i said before, i dont want to run away. what i want is peace, for not only my country, but both countries. heh, i guess that is rather avaricous of me, huh? if i must die for self-realization, then so be it. Lawless: "...Ophelia...You...You can't...I...I..." ophelia: its ok...no matter what happens, even after im gone, i hope...you can find happiness somewhere. -soon, the day of her execution came- Lawless: (pale, eyes sunken) "..." ophelia: how mane ages hence? shall this, our lofty scene be acted over? in states unborn and accents unknown? this will be my final sacrifice for peace, this is not the beginning of a war, but the end of one. people of both countries, heed my words. i was not forced to come here, i am here of my own accord. if you were to ask why, the answer is quite simple. it is because i loved peace, as much as i could love it. ophelia: people of both countries. i hope that you will plant a flower of peace... all of you. whom i loved. -those....were her final words- -slice- -The stage fades to black...and the sun rises. The scaffold and its blade are gone, replaced with a statue...- -decades passed, and a lonely, heartbroken stayed by the statue built in memory of the princess- -Rain falls onto Lawless and the statue- ???: this is why we dont fall in love with humans. -a young boy, no, the servamp of pride, approached the young man- Lawless: "...What can I say...I desire..." -the 7 silblings of sin discussed an important matter...however, this is a story we already heard, is it not? ignoring the repetitive details, when the man returned, all that remained of that country...was rubble- Lawless: "...What the devil...happened...?" -the statue of peace was left in shatters, the head barely remained....but as the statue shattered....so did the young man's mind- Lawless: "...Hee...Hee...HA HA HA HA!!!" (Tears falling down his face) -life...love...such a pitiful thing....such a pitiful man....pitiful...pitiful meaningless life- -its time for the final curtain call and final bows everyone~- Lawless: "All for naught! All for naught!" soul:...... licht:..... Lawless: -approaches stage...bows.. - licht: ok. enough is enough... *he stands up* puppet!romina: backstage passes only~ Lawless: "???" licht: *kicks the doll aside* out of the way, shit doll. Lawless: 'Sorry, no encores..." licht: mind if we give you some critique? the soundtrack needs improving. *he gets onto the stage, soul follows* Lawless: "Hey! This is my story!" soul: lets hear him out for a moment. licht: *begins playing fur elise* i can see it now...the faces of those moved to tears by my performance. i can hear their tears dripping onto their hands. Lawless: "...Stop that, you bastard...You know I despise sad songs..." soul: its not the song that's sad....its, all open to interpretation, right? Lawless: "And that is what I see and hear. The world is depressing. That is all I sense from it." soul: ....isnt is just _you_ who's depressed?.....after what happened, its reasonable to be sad.....but you cant just spend your life being miserable. Lawless: "...A lifetime cannot change what I did wrong...I should have told her..." soul: .....i think i know what you mean......i lost someone i loved too. sure, we squabbled often, but in the end, we always made up....she really did...bring out the better parts of me......when she was killed, i was ready to just give everything up....but, i had friends there, to help me overcome the pain......if im remembering correctly, ophelia wanted you to be happy, didnt she? Lawless: "...I...can't imagine happiness." licht: of course you can. soul: *he then begins to play; tsubasa wo kudasai* licht: just think of it....you are a small child....you are an elderly woman....you are flowers....you are the universe. what is it you want in life? imagine it with all your heart and soul. -what are you?- Lawless: "!!!" ("...I never wanted anything greater in this world...But then I heard Licht's music, and it was like nothing I heard before. And I wanted to be with it, hear it...and I want to hear this music...hear so much more music...") -what is it that you wanted to become?- -ophelia's image smiles warmly- Lawless: (clutches something around his neck) "...I want to be the man she loved." -its ok for you to miss her. its understandable. as long as you remember her, then she's never truly gone- licht: do you want to be someone who just withers and dies? left to be forgotten? Lawless: "Ophelia...I didn't tell you I loved you. I didn't ask you to leave with me to make your global peace a reality. But now...I will bring this peace to this world, and I will make sure this is a world where love and peace can thrive.” licht: then get out there.... licht + soul: AND LIVE YOUR DAMN LIFE TO THE FULLEST!! Lawless: (sneers) "Such coarse language...but it's loud and clear!" -they are back on the sidewalk- licht:...come on hyde. lets go home. Lawless: "Tch. Home? Don't you think we'd still be more helpful backing up the young lady against Melancholia?" licht: *kick* i meant home base, dumbass -_-; soul: ^^; i guess the more things change, the more they stay the same....hey, lawless.....there's gonna be days when you feel like shit....if you need someone to talk to, you can talk to me, ok? Lawless: "Ouch! How mean!...And sure, whatever, talk...Um...thanks." soul: no probs. Lawless: "...Hey, how do you even have teeth like that?" -elsewhere, in the woods- Mr. Tsubaki: "..." (internal screaming of glee) ??? hey. -WHAAAAAALE- Mr. Tsubaki: "...What?" (Dodges) -5 whales are standing before you. whale 1: yo. Mr. Tsubaki: "Oh, my! Such silly designs and inappropriate voices! Hee hee hee! What is this?" whale 1: the person you are looking for is in one of these suits. can you guess which one it is? Mr. Tsubaki: "...Camelia Blossom? You're into...whale cosplay. Hmmm...That is surprising, but I suppose I could get used to it..." whale 1: .....YOU GONNA TRY FINDIN HER OR NOT?! Mr. Tsubaki: "If it gets me closer to her--" (flash step until he is next to one whale..and hugs them) "Blossom Flower!" whale 2: O-O;; (ray: *SCREAMING INTERNALLY*) Mr. Tsubaki: "...Wait...I CAN'T TELL WHO IS IN HERE! Too much padding!" whale 3: *CHARGES AT HIM* Mr. Tsubaki: "...Not interesting at all.. " (dodges) "I'll just have to take the outfit off of each of you until I find my Camelia inside..." whale 1: O-O; (romina: im gonna whup his ass.) Mr. Tsubaki: (leaps at Whale 1) whale 3: *HEADBUTT* SCATTER!!! -the whales run in different directions- Mr. Tsubaki: "Umph! Wait! Come back, my love!” *Chases one whale* -elsewhere- Black Star: "..." misono: looks like we're going to infultrate again...i got better disguises this time, so hopefully this works. mahiru: quick question....why are half of us going dressed as girls? misono: since our group is mostly guys, they wont expect it! it's called strategy! sayaka: i think you guys look so cuuuute! Lily: "Strike a pose!" the mother: it's a nice look. madoka: so convincing. Black Star: "Then keep the parts up so not to bring suspicion..." tetsu: ok. *dressed as a butler* Hugh: ): "I hate this baby look..." sayaka: i think it's really cute! i just wanna take you home! >w< uzuki: it's amazing i still had some doll clothes that fit you. Hugh: D: -and so- Lily: (waves to everyone as they enter) "Excellent dress! Oh, you are rocking those shoes! Cool shades!" clerk: may i help you. misono: *higher voice* yes, we're looking for 'carmine entertainers' to audition? Hugh: (nods) clerk: ah yes, the top floor. *hands them a key* Lily: "Wonderful! Thank you so much..." -on the elevator- mahiru: you guys ready? misono: yeah. tetsu: *nods* Hugh: (nods) Lily: "Yes...Can't wait to try battling in this number..." misono: try to take it easy. you still lost a lot of jinn... Lily: "...Of course..." -top floor- Shamrock: "...Where is the master? What is taking him so long?" belkia: izayoin's still isnt back either. -ding- otogiri: ?? Shamrock: (opens the door) misono: guess who. Shamrock: "...Who are you young ladies with these familiar looking young men?" misono: O-O; sakuya: what's going o-....m...mahiru?! mahiru: O-O;;;; Lily: "...So much for the plan..." tetsu: *throws a coffin at shamrock* Shamrock: (coffin to the head) "OUCHIE!" -elsewhere, mr tsubaki's phone rings- belkia: WE GOTS A PROBLEM! Mr. Tsubaki: "So do I! These whale suits are practically glued to their skin!" belkia: WE GOT PLAYED LIKE A FIDDLE MAN! THOSE BRATS AMBUSHED US! Mr. Tsubaki: "...WHAT?!!" *rip!* "...Nope, you definitely are not my Blossom. Nice undies, though." Guildenstern: D: ray: im officially scarred for life. Mr. Tsubaki: "...My Blossom lied to me!!! She's not here at all, is she?!" ray: maybe she is maybe she isnt. romina: schrodinger's flower. Mr. Tsubaki: "...Belkia, capture the interlopers but do not kill them. I have whales to strip..." belkia: you got it! Mr. Tsubaki: (war cry) "I will find you, my beloved! I hope you are presentable!" -back at the hotel- Hugh: "Behind you!" tetsu: !! *dodge* lavender: you know, you're kinda cute. a shame you arent a bit older. otogiri: you're shameless. belkia: SHISHKABOBING TIME! Lily: (dodging, barely) misono: this is bad. Shamrock: "How dare you trick us with deceptive albeit fashionable attire!" mahiru: kuro! belkia: jeez, where's izayoin when you need her? Kuro: "...I don't want to. I hate this outfit." (Dressed like Hello Kitty) Shamrock: (tackles Tetsu) tetsu: !!! Shamrock: (chokehold) misono: *jumps onto shamrock's back and tries prying him off* GET OFF HIM! Shamrock: "Get this elf off my back!" -someone throws him into a wall- saku:..... Kuro: "!!!" (Leaps at Saku) Hello Kitten Klaws!" saku: *blocks them with her sword*....how annoying. Kuro: (sliced) "Aah!" (Growls) mahiru: KURO!! *runs over to him* Shamrock: "...This tall one is down..." Hugh: (bat form to fly away) lavender: not bad sakun~ saku: shut your damn mouth. lavender: ?! what the hell got into you? saku:....retribution...for what you all did. ~Tale of the bamboo cutter~ -SLASH- -lavender is sliced in two- lavender: ah-..... Hugh: "!!!" Shamrock: "What on earth?! Why did you do that?!" saku: *picks up lavender's top half and throws it though the door* im....not pleased. Shamrock: "Neither are we, but that is against the young master's wishes..." lavender: *too shocked to even make a sound* Kuro: "...Insane..." saku: you misunderstood....im not pleased with you. that old man...he defeated me.....i want to make him...all of you pay. Shamrock: "...Higan?" saku: *grips the sword tighter* Shamrock: "!!! Then take it out on him, not us!" saku: i have...a plan in mind. Shamrock: 0-0 lavender: ah....... *SCREAMING* Shamrock: "!!!" belkia: HOLY SHIT! OI! OLD MAN WE COULD USE BACK UP PRONTO!! lavender: YOU FUCKING BITCH I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!! Higan: (yawn) "What---?" belkia: HOW ARE YOU SLEEPING THROUGH THIS WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!! lavender: SAKU YOU C*NT I WILL FUCKING CLAW YOUR MOTHERFUCKIN EYES OUT FOR THIS!! Higan: "Well, see, last night, Lav did this thing with her tongue that sapped the energy all out of me--" (notices the battle...) ".. All right! Cat fight!" sakuya: NOW?! OF ALL TIMES?! SHE'S CUT IN HALF YOU ASS!! lavender: oh really? i didnt notice, except, oh i dunno. MY LOWER HALF IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HALLWAY! Higan: "...I have so many jokes to make, but first--" (summons flames) "While you're crazy hot, Saku, I am not afraid to fight a woman...So how about you surrender now?" saku: just die already. *charges at him* i have no intention of losing a second time... Higan: "Burn." -Flames explode at her, aimed for her eyes, chest, and limbs- saku: .... saku: *SCREAMS* d-damn! *burns on parts of her face* Higan: "...Such beautiful colors..." saku: *charging and slashing at him again* i refuse to lose. those who lose are weak... Higan: (pulls back his fist) Higan: --knees her-- "Right in the babymaker..." saku: !!! d-dammit.....*she looks out the window and smirks* right on time... Shamrock: "???" yumikage: yo. belkia: awwww shit. Shamrock: "You're with them?!" saku: not quite. yumikage: she just told us where you were. lavender: YOU'RE THE FUCKING WORST!! Higan: "Why do a thing like that? They'll hurt you, too--" Jun: "Take this!" (Knees Shamrock in the balls) Shamrock: >< yumikage: we made kind of a deal with her. she tells us where tsubaki is, and we let her live. fair enough. Higan: "...Yeah, no. You need to leave--" mahiru: !! Higan: "Be gone, while you still have legs on which to run..." yumikage: ....tch- damn, where the hell is tsurugi when you need him? Tsurugi: "GUYS!" (Calling from another room) "I can't find Tsubaki...just a plush doll he was dancing with..." mahiru: O-O;; misono: creepy. Hugh: "...Disgusting..." Shamrock: "We can obsess about Young Master's proclivities another time...Belkia! Attack!" belkia: *swords in hand* ALRIGHT STABBY TIME! >8D Tsurugi: "...Do I still get paid?" -in the woods- ray: good thing there's overcast today... Mr. Tsubaki: (giggling) "Get back here~" tsubaki: O-O;;;;;; Guildenstern: (pursuing Mr. Tsubaki...in only his boxers) "Get back here, you foolish vampire!" romina: -_-; (thinking: at least i have clothes on under the suit. and not just undies.) Mr. Tsubaki: (dodges) "Nice orca design on your undies, buddy! Now, where is my Blossom..." (sniff) "...I. Smell. You!" romina: AW HELL NAH! Mr. Tsubaki: "??? Move aside, you." romina: D8 tsubaki: O-O;;;;; *in the yellow whale suit* Mr. Tsubaki: "I have my beautiful flower to find..." (tries to walk by Romina towards Yellow Whale...) tsubaki: O-O;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Mr Tsubaki: (approaches Yellow Whale..smiles) "I am ready to go home, with you." tsubaki: O____________O;;;; Mr. Tsubaki: "...Why did you pull me away from my family, Tsubaki? So that your friends could hurt them?" tsubaki:..... Mr. Tsubaki: "Was this all some ruse? Tsubaki...Don't hurt my family..." tsubaki:...*trembling* after you hurt mine? Mr. Tsubaki: "...I...didn't...Tsubaki, they aren't..." tsubaki: arent what? Mr. Tsubaki: "...They aren't your family, are they? They aren't someone for whom you gave up so much...to give them life..." tsubaki:.......even so, i want to protect them. Mr. Tsubaki: "...And I want to protect my family, as you do your own...So, we are at an impasse. What do we do?" -the phone rings again- Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *answers* "Yes?" belkia: shit got really bad...the brats left, but turns out izayoin sold us out to C3...we chased them off, but lavs hurt really bad, izayoin fled.... Mr. Tsubaki: "!!! I'm on my way!" *looks at Tsubaki* "...Did you send C3 after us?" tsubaki: C3? *confused* i dont...i didnt send them. Mr. Tsubaki: "...I know you didn't. I just wanted to hear you say it. I have to go..." tsubaki:.... -later- lavender:..... *healed, but asleep* Higan: "..." *sitting by her bed, holding her hand* lavender: mmn....ma....im sorry mama..... Higan: "??? Shh...It's okay..." lavender: ....*calming down a bit* Higan: "...I'm here. Not going anywhere. Not again." -elsewhere- Lawless: "Yo...Um...Is the Tsubaki girl back? What's going on?" romina: it's....complicated, to say the least. Lawless: "!!! What happened? Is she okay?!" romina: she's alive and well. the incident ended in stalemate... julian: wrath's subclass and guildenstern are still a bit worn out though... Guildenstern: (bandaged, without his whale suit, and wearing a shirt that said ‘oh whale’) -_-;; ray: on the plus side, casualties were kept to a minimum. Lawless: "...Which suggests there _were_ casualties?" ray: just two suits. Guildenstern: T_T "MY BABIES!" tsubaki: it's ok... *pat pat* Lawless: "...What about you, Tsubaki? How are you holding up?" tsubaki:...im ok...what about you? you kind of ran off... Lawless: "...I'm...conflicted. But I'm here now." tsubaki: *she nods* -a few days later- Mr. Tsubaki: "How are you, Lavender?" lavender: better...least im not dead, haha... Mr. Tsubaki: (smiles) "Good...Ready for a mission, or need a bit more rest?" lavender: still recovering, so im just gonna rest a bit. sakuya: we're gonna need a new base... Mr. Tsubaki: "I have an idea--" Shamrock: "No, sir, we are not moving in next door to your beloved." Mr. Tsubaki: D: lilac: w-where can we go then? Higan: "There are some deserted locations..." Shamrock: "Museums, hotels, mansions..." otogiri: hmmm... Hirano estate. an abandoned eastern style mansion whos residents suddenly left without a trace... Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmmm...Sounds rich, but it could use a flower theme name...I'll think of something after we move in. Shamrock, purchase it." Shamrock: 'It is abandoned, so not too difficult." belkia: it looks like the kinda place that has creepy little girls crawling out of the well. Higan: "Yeah, really...Hey, Lilac, you're shaking..." lilac: i-i-im ok... naho: its ok lila, sakuya and i will protect ya ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: "Such rumors are just superstition anyway." -elsewhere- Kid: "It's so sad removing the Christmas decorations each year..." stocking: yeah. Kid: *carefully placing ornaments into wrapping, then into storage* "...Do you think..." stocking: hmm? Kid: "...Sorry. I was just imagining future Christmases." *holds up an ornament: "Kiddo's First Christmas." It has a photo in it of Kid holding a zebra stuffed toy* stocking: awww. Kid: "Heh..." *wraps it carefully, places it into the box* "...You know, maybe we should have an ornament, together..." stocking: *blush* Kid: "Could always make one..." -elsewhere- Relan: "Thanks for inviting me to lunch..." shinra: it's not a problem. iris: ^^ Relan: (smiles at Iris) "How was your break, Iris?" iris: it was nice. sister's leg is getting better a little bit. Relan: "Yeah, I saw her post online. It's kind of you to visit her." ^^ -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Zzzz..." fang-hua: so that's what all happened, commander? Benimaru: (nods) "It is horrifying..." fang-hua: if i'd just been here, then- Benimaru: "No, it's not...I mean, you couldn't have known..." fang-hua: ..... Benimaru: (pats her hand) fang-hua:.....*she nods* Benimaru: "We will have to follow this evidence. I'm going to need your help." fang-hua: right. Benimaru: (smiles) "It's good to have you back..." fang-hua: glad to be back... Tsukiyo: (yawn) "Hey, why are there people in my--!!! Fang-Hua!!!” fang-hua: hey tsukiyo, im back. Tsukiyo: (GLOMP) fang-hua: haha.. ^^; Tsukiyo: "Did you miss me?" fang-hua: yeah, i missed all of you. -peeeeeeek- hikage + hinata: big sis kohana's back! *hug* Benimaru: (smiles) "That's sweet..." kirei: miss huo. its good to see you *she smiles* fang-hua: good to see you too, sister. Benimaru: "..." -/////- hikage + hinata: ... 83 Benimaru: "...Well, you'll be busy catching up. I'll start my patrol..." -elsewhere- PlushFix: (sharpening claws) hina: found ourselves some new recruits. PlushFix: "Cool, cool...How they look?" hina:....quiet. saku:..... PlushFix: "...Still hot, though." saku: *draws her sword at him* mimeca: *looks at akua* PlushFix: (flashes his claws) "I got blades, too..." -elsewhere- Kepuri: (drying her hair) nea: ahh, nice and refreshed~ Kepuri: "Yeah, we ladies needed a break..." chie: mmhmm. medea: -.- *swimming through the onsen* Kepuri: "So calming..." chie: it sure is, right toru, honey? *rubs her stomach* Kepuri: "...May I feel?" chie: i dont mind. Kepuri: (puts hand on her belly...) "!!! He kicked!" chie: *squeeees* Kepuri: "Medea! Want to feel the kick?" medea:....i'll pass thank you. Kepuri: (pouts) "Whatever...Nea?" nea: yeah? Kepuri: "Want to feel the baby kick?" nea: i guess... Kepuri: (squee...then goes into onsen with Medea) "What's up with you?" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: (sigh) "Ahhh..." kim: zzzzz.... Jacqueline: "..." (looks at Kim) ("She looks so peaceful...") kim: *sleepy tanuki noises* Jacqueline: (small laugh..."Cute...") -at the onsen- soul: *stirring awake*....what the? Lawless: "Zzzz..." soul: O-O;; (thinking: i have no idea how to feel about this...) Lawless: (sleep talking) "I missed you, my Juliet..." soul: O__________O;;; Lawless: (hand strokes Soul's chest) "Hmmm...Your breasts feel smaller..." soul: O/////////////////////O *SCREAMS INTERNALLY* Lawless: "Mmm...Let me take a look..." (reaches under Soul's shirt) soul: <____>;;; Lawless: (light kiss on Soul's chest...) "Wait...You never had a scar there..." soul: gnh- >///o;; Lawless: (wakes up) "...Soul? What the devil...?" soul: dude.....what the shit?...... O-O; why do you have an erection right now?! Lawless: "...Um..." soul: O-O;;;; Lawless: "...Cold shower?" soul: im good.......this incident never happened. Lawless: "...Okay. But if it did happen--" soul: dude. Lawless: "I'm just saying! We all get lonely now and then--" soul: .... Lawless: "...Yeah, maybe I need a cold shower. Excuse me..." *stands up* -elsewhere- Emine: -_-;;; "Shotaro, stop splashing water at me..." Shotaro: *splash splash splash* "Hee hee..." akaderu: *slumped in the water* what a drag... Tool: "Stop whining and just relax..." *dunks head under water, swimming* Yohei: *sipping tea* "Ahhhh~" Assi: *can't really see because he doesn't have his glasses on...* "Where's the soap?" Zuno: "..." *hands it to him* "Here." Assi: "Thanks!" -elsewhere- Black Star: *shudders* tsubaki: everything ok? Black Star: "Yeah, just a weird feeling I got...after..." tsubaki:....*she hugs him* Black Star: *hugs back* "I'm glad he...he didn't hurt you." tsubaki: *she smiles* Black Star: *lies his head against her chest...* "...You're brave." -at the shop- metsu: mikuni, package for you. Mikuni: "??? What d'ya think is in it?" metsu: i dont bother looking through mail that isnt mine...unlike certain _other_ people. *pokerface glare at johannes* Johannes: "..." *wearing a pair of boxers on his head that are labeled "Jeje's"* "...What?" Jeje: *removes the boxers from Johannes's head--and slugs him in the jaw* Mikuni: *opens the box* "...!!! A dollie!!!" metsu: *reading the note* 'dearest miku, i found this on a raid, and i know how much you love dollies, so i sent you this. plz send money, tsurugi.'....he also drew a kissy face on the letter... Mikuni: "..." *sigh* "What money? I spend it all on dolls--he knows that..." -elsewhere- Kid: *cuddle* stocking: hehe~ *circles her finger along his chest* Kid: *shudders excitedly* "I hope I haven't been too rough on you, with the new toys..." stocking: its fine, you know i like it rough~<3 Kid: "...Really, now?" *holds one of her wrists, massaging it* -at the hotel- Mr. Tsubaki: "Ready to move?" belkia: yeppers! naho: all set~ otogiri: have everything? lilac: *nods* ame: *nod* Shamrock: "Aye." Higan: "Here, let me help you, Lavender..." lavender: im good, im recovering, but im not completely helpless, haha. Higan: "Then maybe I just want to be close to you...cop a feel..." Sakuya: gross. -_-' Higan: -_-;;;; "Grow up." otogiri:.... anyway that should be everythi- Shamrock: "DON'T OPEN THAT BOX, BELKIA!" belkia: ??? *The box has items belonging to Mr. Tsubaki, as well as photos, illustrations, poems* belkia:....... o_o Shamrock: *closes box, grabs Belkia by the throat* "Not a word to young master, or your head will be shoved into a furnace!" belkia: *choked voice* ok ok! Shamrock: "Good." *releases Belkia onto the floor, picks up his box, and walks into the living room* "Ready to depart, young master~" Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmm...Where is Lilac?" lavender: hallway i think....he's been rather quiet lately....*concerned* Mr. Tsubaki: "...I'll get them..." *approaches Lilac in the hallway...* lilac:....*looking up, clutching his fox plushie* Mr. Tsubaki: "We're about ready to move..." lilac:....*nods and puts the plushie back into his backpack* Mr. Tsubaki: *offers a hand, smiles* "It'll be okay..." lilac:....o-ok.... Mr. Tsubaki: "You'll like your room." lilac:.... Mr. Tsubaki: "And you'll be in another neighborhood...Maybe make new friends there?" lilac:......*slight trembling* (saku: your friends.....they died because they were weak.) Mr. Tsubaki: "...Lilac? Did something happen?" lilac: i...im ok... Mr. Tsubaki: "...If something _did_ happen, I hope you will tell me..." -morning- soul: ....... sayaka: so what's our next step? Lawless: "Wouldn't mind finding Mr. Tsubaki's new location and take the fight to him..." mahiru: perhaps we should recruit mikuni? misono:........ Kuro: "He seems a bit...off." mahiru: but he seems to know a lot of stuff about servamps and such...he could be a useful ally. misono:.....*sigh* fine. but im not going to enjoy it. Lily: "...It may go better than expected...I hope." sayaka: i'll just hold down the fort ^^;;;; -and so- sayaka: *hiding in the coffin* why Q-Q mahiru: here it is. misono:... tetsu: *knocks on the door* sayaka: O___O;;;; metsu: come on in. -the group enters- misono:.... Jeje: *stares at Misono* misono: *cold chill* mahiru:....*AHEM* is mikuni in? metsu: oh, he's upstairs. *Faustus appears around the corner* Faustus: "HELLO!!!" misono: ACK! sayaka: O-O;;;;;;;;;;;; licht: the fuck? tetsu:....hi. Faustus: *looks at Tetsu for a moment* "...Damn, they are making them tall nowadays...Where is Teddy Bear?" tetsu:...there's some over there on the shelf. Faustus: "Huh? No, I mean your friend, Sayaka?" tetsu: oh. she's in the coffin. Faustus: "...Fun." sayaka: TETSU YOU ARENT SUPPOSED TO TELL HIM!! tetsu: hold on a sec. *he opens it up, and sayaka stumbles out onto the floor...on her face* sayaka:....ow Q.Q Faustus: "Rubber Ducky! Hang on, I'll get you bandages, an ice pack, and ointment!" *runs off* sayaka:....tetsu why? tetsu:....was i not supposed to say anything? licht:....(thinking:....what the hell is going on here?!) Lawless: *stares at Jeje* "..." Jeje: *stares back* Kuro: (playing with a ball of yarn) metsu:....*goes back to stocking shelves* tsubaki:...*notices the doll*.... O-O;;;;;; Black Star: "...Oh, fuck no, that ain't right..." Mikuni: *in his room, hosting a tea party* "I told you: three cupcakes is my limit!" misono:....*ACHOO!* stupid dust. Mikuni: *tenses* "I...recognize that sneeze..." sayaka: aww, you sneeze like a kitty. misono: i do not! shut up! >3< Mikuni: *peeks over the stairway...* misono: *tenses* (thinking: i feel a familiar presense. a presence i have not felt since....) Mikuni: "..." ("I can't talk to him...What would I even say--") *his hat falls off his hat, down the stairway* o_____o;;; misono: ...SEEMS HE'S NOT HERE! LETS JUST LEAVE! O-O; sayaka: but we just got he- -the hat landed on misono's head- misono: O-O;;; Mikuni: D: "MY HAT!" *covers his mouth* misono: oh goddammit... Mikuni: "...Um...Hello, brother. Brother's friend." misono:....mikuni. sayaka: hey mikuni. *wave* Mikuni: "...MISONO!!!!" *leaps over the bannister, arms out, to be caught by Misono* -due to misono's small stature, he got squished- misono: get....off...me.... Mikuni: "Oh...Sorry." *gets off him, picks him up* "...I thought you'd be taller." misono: T_T; sayaka: well, he is the younger brother... misono: no one asked you. sayaka: q.q Mikuni: "..." *takes back his hat...which is flattened* "So...Um...How are you?" misono: ....had some stuff go down in my life. but surviving... Johannes: *holding up bandages* "I'm back! Sayaka, why don't we give these two some privacy?" sayaka: i just remembered! i have work! later! *she opens the door.....its a blizzard* D8 ....(thinking: i am at the mercy of a cruel god.) Johannes: "...D'aw..." Mikuni: "...You...are here, Misono..." sayaka:....seems im stranded here now until the storm passes...... QwQ;; misono:...yeah.... metsu: shall i get you all something to drink? Kuro: "...Milk." Lily: "Tea~" Mikuni: "..." Johannes: "Soda! How about you, Wet Goose?" soul: O_O; sayaka:....some ramune if you have any QwQ Black Star: "Yo, one right here, too." Jeje: "Blood...I mean, water." metsu: i can get you blood if you want. *holds up syringe* mikuni, hold still. Mikuni: *pouts* "Fine...Just clean the spot first..." metsu: very well. -and so- tsubaki: that's basically what's been happening. Mikuni: *looks at Misono, then back at Tsubaki* "So...You think we can help?" mahiru: you guys seem to know a lot about vampires, so you might just be able to help us. sayaka: *trembling* soul: you ok sayaka? you've been on edge since we got here. sayaka: imokreally. Johannes: *leering at Soul* "So...You are one of Sayaka's friends, too, huh...?" soul: yeah, i guess i've known her since she started attending school at the academy. Johannes: *towers over Soul* "Are you treating her well~?" soul: of course, why do you ask O.O; Johannes: *smiling but creepy, angry voice* "Because if you ever hurt her, I will hunt you down and show you your own lower intestines~" soul: O_O; why would you care? sayaka: >__>;;;;; Johannes: "Just. Being. Cautious. You hear me?" Mikuni: -__-;;; "Someone, please hit him." metsu: *CHOP* stop that. sayaka: thank you metsu! Black Star: "...Man, I thought the people we hang around are weird..." soul: something seems familiar Mikuni: "...Misono?" misono: what? Mikuni: "...You know, don't you?" misono:........yeah. Mikuni: "...I am...I did something awful." misono:......if you didnt...then i-......t-thanks.....i guess... Mikuni: "...I am happy you are alive." misono:.....father...wants to see you. Mikuni: "...Oh. That is surprising." tsubaki: about this doll...*she holds it up* Mikuni: "..." *looks at the doll...then Tsubaki...* "Oh my God! Someone figured out how to turn dolls into flesh and blood humans?! Neato! Can you turn my Veronica doll into a flesh and blood human? Or my unicorn doll?" metsu: one of mikuni's former partners in C3 sent it to him. mahiru: EH?! Mikuni: *nods* "Yes--I think they got it on a mission?" Mikuni: "I think it was at a hotel?" tsubaki:....i think i'll purchase it. Black Star: o______o;;;; Jeje: "Good purchase." metsu: come downstairs, and i'll ring you up. tsubaki: thank you. Mikuni: "...When did Father expect me? I did receive an invitation from him..." misono: he will be heading to europe after the new year... Mikuni: "...I guess I better get there soon. Today?" tsubaki: there's so many dolls here... Lawless: *looking around at dolls* "No kidding...Jeez, who collects them all?" metsu: that would be mikuni. -_-; Lawless: "Man, expensive hobby. But a fool and his money are soon parted--" licht: how much for this one? *holds up a doll with angel wings* it's so adorable. Lawless: -____-;;;; "You damn nerd." tsubaki: do they all have names? Lawless: "I see some labels on them...'Angelica,' 'Beatrice'..." soul: 'Lilian', 'Christine', 'Emilia', 'Jeanette', 'Oph-'...oh.....oh shit. Lawless: "???" *spots it* "..." Q_______Q soul:...*comforting awkward hug* easy buddy. licht:.... Lawless: "...I-I-I...Is that...doll available?" licht: ...? Lawless: "May I buy that doll?" metsu: why do you ask? Lawless: "Sentimental value. Maybe I need a hobby, dress up dolls or something..." -elsewhere- Shotaro: "Man, Mana--you're really good at ping pong!" mana: *griiiins* Emine: *sipping milk* "Hmm...Never been to an onsen. It was nice. Too much time around naked people, though." -elsewhere- Kishiri: "So, when is the boss going to be off the crutches?" officer: soon hopefully...but at least im not getting stepped on, my spine cant take much more... Kishiri: "...Oh, don't even act like you didn't like that." -_-;;; officer: D8 Hibana: *walking on crutches towards them* "You! Officer! You still have paperwork not finished!!! Gabriella, release the dogs!" Kishiri: -____-;;; "Don't I deal with enough dogs..." -elsewhere- Relan: "That was a good meal--thanks!" iris: ^^ Relan: *stretches* "The Commander has been running us ragged, so this was a great break..." shinra: ah. Relan: "...Was it this hard for you, to do the basic physical training?" shinra: a little bit...did you want to train together sometime? Relan: *nods* "Training with people strong like those in the 8th would help..." *winks at Shinra and Iris* shinra: daww… *blush* iris: ^^ Relan: "How is everyone else at the brigade? Your commander okay?" shinra: yeah. he's doing well. Takehisa: *emerges from around the corner* "...Hide me..." shinra: !! Takehisa: *dives behind sofa* Relan: "...That sofa is not big enough for your tallness, sir..." iris: uhhh.... O-O; Takehisa: "I think I have upset Maki. HIDE ME." -elsewhere- PlushFix: *looks at Akua* "So, what's your story?" akua:....not much money...family were druggies....but i found salvation. *pulls up pant leg to show a marking of 3 eyes on their ankle* PlushFix: "...Huh. Didn't that weird M&M kid have that mark on his fancy mask?" akua: i felt there was some kind of link between him and the kishin....i wanted to think there was....the madness....numbed the pain. PlushFix: "Heh heh...Madness is kind of fun like that." akua: it...doesnt hurt anymore.... PlushFix: "Ha ha ha! That's good, then, right? Pain is no good--not unless you're into that kind of thing. But I don't feel pain now! Watch!" *slams his plush body against the wall, each time making a loud squeak* "See? No pain!" mimeca: *giggling motion* PlushFix: "See? Mimeca's laughing! So why don't you laugh, too, Emo Buddy?" -elsewhere- Konro: "And that's what has transpired, Fang-Hua." fang-hua: ...... Konro: "...I'm sorry. I know this is a lot to take in." fang-hua: ..im....just glad everyone is ok... Konro: *nods* "This...has been a difficult time, especially for Young Master." fang-hua:...is there anything i can do? Konro: "Just be there for him--that's all you can do." fang-hua: right. Konro: "...You care deeply for Benimaru, don't you?" fang-hua: of course i do. Konro: *nods* "Yes, that is obvious. And I know he cares for you as well." fang-hua:...*she smiles a bit* Konro: *pats her back* "Keep doing what you're doing. But always take care of yourself, first." fang-hua: right. Benimaru: *knocks* "May I enter?" fang-hua: !! oh, of course. Konro: "...I think I have to go on patrol..." *exits* Benimaru: "...Hello, Kohana." fang-hua: *ahem* commander. *she nods* Benimaru: *sits across from her* "...You okay?" fang-hua: yeah.....things have....really been hectic here, huh? Benimaru: *nods* "Frightening. I think people here will need some time to calm down. Opportunities to relax..." fang-hua: *she nods* Benimaru: "...Sorry. I was rambling. I just have no idea how to calm the divisiveness that has torn our community apart." fang-hua:.... Benimaru: "Kohana, when you are troubled, what are things you do to distract your mind?" -elsewhere- Patty: *half of her hair is dyed pink, half purple* Kid: *glare* kirika: *snickers* Patty: "What? I thought this hairstyle is very fashionable! Right, Takeru?" takeru: it's really colorful. Patty: "Hee hee..." *smooch* Kid: *growls, slowly pulls out an electric hair clipper...* stocking: easy kiddo. *hug* Kid: -\\\\\\- *small kitten growl* stocking: hehe~<3 Patty: *hugs Takeru* <3 -elsewhere- Shotaro: *yawn* "We all had a lot of fun at the baths, Mom..." setsuna: that's good. *rubbing his head* Shotaro: "Hee hee..." Emine: "You still lost to Mana in the game of pong-pinging." setsuna: you tried your best. Shotaro: "I know!" *huggy* Emine: *frowns* "In any case, that was a new experience, but now it is time to sleep. Good night, Shotaro...Mother." -elsewhere- Shamrock: *swipes finger along fireplace* "Hmm...Dusty." otogiri: it's surprisingly well intact...on the inside at least. Higan: "Will need to do some repairs on some areas. The chandelier could be refurbished." Mr. Tsubaki: *nods* belkia: we need to get some cable in here stat! Shamrock: "I will place that call..." Mr. Tsubaki: *looks around for Lilac* lilac: *asleep on one of the futons* Mr. Tsubaki: *smiles, pulls a blanket out and plays it down over Lilac* naho: is he gonna be ok? Mr. Tsubaki: *nods* "I have confidence Lilac will be fine." naho: ..... sakuya:..... Mr. Tsubaki: "...I think we could all use some sleep..." Higan: *looks at Lavender* lavender: yeah, good call. i've been feeling kind of out of it lately... Higan: "I already assembled your bed and put down the sheets. It should be comfortable for you." lavender: thanks. Mr. Tsubaki: "Which other rooms have their beds set up? Or sleeping bags?" otogiri: we got you a futon like you'd asked. belkia and sham have beds as well. ame also was given a room with a bed. Mr. Tsubaki: *claps his hands* "Yay, futon!" ame: *asleep* Mr. Tsubaki: "Turn in, all. We have a busy day in the morning for additional repairs...and to initiate the next step in my plan..." *sneer* -elsewhere- Black Star: *light kiss on Tsubaki's neck* tsubaki: >/////< Black Star: "S-Sorry. Too much?" tsubaki: i-its fine. Black Star: "...Hey..." *hugs her* "You okay?" tsubaki: yeah, you? Black Star: *nods* "I just...Um..." tsubaki: hmm? Black Star: "..." *closes his eyes, his lips leaning towards hers* tsubaki: *surprise, but kisses back* Black Star: *kisses her...his tongue passes along her bottom lip* tsubaki: a-ahh~! Black Star: *holds her close* "Too much?" tsubaki: just...still getting used to it... Black Star: *nods* "Okay. Let's take our time...Want to cuddle?" tsubaki: yeah. Black Star: *lies back in bed, hugging Tsubaki* "...I'm happy you're here." tsubaki: *she smiles and nuzzles into him* Black Star: *holds her* "...You've gotten more beautiful since I first met you. Taller..." tsubaki: you too... .////.' Black Star: .\\\\. "Y-Yeah...I've gotten bigger..." -elsewhere- misono: *asleep* Lily: *keeping an eye on Misono* mitsuki: how is he? Lily: "Recovering...This is so much to accept." mitsuki: .....he's a strong kid. Lily: "Very...I just did not see that..." mitsuki: ....sooo, has he been making friends? Lily: "Quite a number~ Close compatriots of varying temperaments that help him stretch as a person, to learn more about different people." mitsuki: that's good..... >->;; does he have any special someone's in his life? n-not that im prying or anything! j-just curious. Lily: "...Mitsuki, I am Lust itself. I can see through you~ And...Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it? I do think he has someone in mind..." mitsuki: oh really? Lily: "Yes, but it is complicated: she's already spoken for." mitsuki: oh. that's a bummer. Lily: *nods* "I don't know how to advise him..." mitsuki: .... Lily: "There was also another girl, as the Christmas party..." mitsuki: *perks up* Lily: "A girl named Shinoa. A little peculiar..." mitsuki: shinoa, eh? i think i heard the name... Lily: "Oh? She was at the dance. What do you know of her? I think her last name was Hiragi?" mitsuki: Hiragii! i hear the hiragi family is a really prestigious family in japan. if what i heard is true, they have strong connections to the IDPC Lily: "...Is that a bad thing?" mitsuki: i dont think so, but it is something i figured you might want to know. Lily: *nods* "Better to have this information now than be caught with my pants down...so to speak." mitsuki: -_-; Lily: *giggles* "Just a slip of the tongue...so to speak." mitsuki: hey! phrasing! Lily: "Sorry! When I'm on a roll, I just can't stop myself until I get off this kick!" -elsewhere- Kid: "Aaaaah..." stocking: *panting and shuddering* f-fuuuck... Kid: "You are so amazing..." *slaps her bottom* stocking: o-oh~! harder kiddo! Kid: "You asked for it~" *spank spank spank* stocking: ah~! that feels so good! Kid: "You know what else feels good..." *grabs her breast, pinches her nipple* stocking: ah! >/////o Kid: *turns her around, puts his mouth against her breast* "Mmmm..." -elsewhere- Takehisa: *tied in bandages, hanging by his ankles from the ceiling* tamaki:....*drinking her orange juice*...so anyway... Arthur: "...Difficulty sleeping, too?" tamaki: yeah. Arthur: "...Yeah. I...had some dreams." tamaki: mm... Arthur: "...Does OJ help you sleep?" tamaki: i was just thirsty. Arthur: "Ah..." *smirk* "I thought you'd prefer milk." tamaki: oh shush. -early morning- mahiru: happy birthday kuro. *gives him a scarf* Kuro: "...This will keep me warm. Thank you." mahiru: *he smiles* Lily: *holds up a ball of yarn* Kuro: -____- the mother: i got you this. *it's a t-shirt with an 8-bit link on it* i heard you like video games, so i thought this would work. Kuro: ._. "...Thank you so much." *small squee* soul:....oi, law, didnt you get him anything? Lawless: "...Yeah, I did...Let me just reach into my pocket..." *shoves his hand into his pocket* "Aaaaaand..." *pulls out his hand--giving the finger at Kuro* Kuro: -____- soul: -__-; Lawless: "BWA HA HA HA HA!!!" soul: (thinking: this guy is one tough egg to crack...) Lawless: "..." *sigh* "Fine." *tosses a 3DS Nintendo Awards card at Kuro* "Here, try not to choke on it." -elsewhere- Black Star: *washing his hair* "Awww..." tsubaki: *making breakfast* Black Star: *finishes in the shower, exits in towel* "All done in there!" tsubaki: good to know....*she smiles* Black Star: *sniffs* "Hmm...That breakfast smells GOOD!" *walks over, grabs a slice of bread* "Something to hold me over before I get dressed..." tsubaki: hehe~ Black Star: *leans over to grab some butter for his bread...* Black Star: *holds his towel, as he walks to his room* "You go shower, I'll dress and eat..." -elsewhere- Kid: *soft rub on her bottom* "I'm sorry..." stocking: *wince* its fine. im not dying. Kid: *small kiss on her bottom* "Let's get some ice..." stocking: nng...yeah. Kid: *puts on his robe* "I'll be back shortly..." *blows a kiss to her as he opens the door and exits* -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *hugging his pillow, sleep talking* "Why, yes, I do want to shop for new linens, my love..." sakuya: *couldnt sleep* Shamrock: -_-; "Belkia, stop spooning with me." belkia: *drooling* naho: *watching intently* lavender: *covering herself with the bedsheet* fuck, that was great. Higan: *relieved sigh* "Y-Yeah...I think you're back to 110 percent health..." *soft spank* lavender: ah~ *she smiles* thanks. i really needed that last night. Higan: "Same..." *strokes her cheek* "I needed something, too...To know you recovered..." lavender: t-thanks. 7///7 Higan: "..." *strokes down her cheek...to her chest* "...These are marvelous...A work of art...I would love to draw you like this..." -in another room- ame: *yaaawns and knocks on a door* lilac: *waking up* ??? ame: cant sleep. *lays on top of the futon* Mr. Tsubaki: *stretches on his bed...spots the full-size Tsubaki Nakatsukasa doll* -_-;;; "Why, Belkia?" *exits, walks into hallway, looks into Lilac and Ame's room...* "???" lilac: *not sure what to do* ame: zzzzz.... Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *waves at Lilac as he enters, whispers* "How about I take her to her bed? Or she can sleep in mind, since I'm awake anyway..." lilac: m-maybe her room... -in ame's room are a few crayon drawings. including a girl with a polka-dot dress and braids with the word 'me' written next to her- Mr. Tsubaki: *lays her in her bed, puts the sheets over her...sits by her bed, looking around the room* -there is drawings of the other subclass, as well as ame's parents- Mr. Tsubaki: *small laugh* ("She made my nose too big in that drawing...") -in one drawing is the whole group, plus her parents that says 'i wish mr soobaky will invite mommy and daddy to live with us. i miss them ): - Mr. Tsubaki: "..." TT_TT -elsewhere- uzuki: um, im not sure how to yell you this but...you're subclass is asleep in the washing machine. the mother: ...where is that? uzuki: come on. una: zzzzz... *asleep inside the washing machine* ray: ....no comment. uzuki: does she...usually fall asleep in weird places like this? the mother: this is nothing compared to other places we found her dozing off. ray: HEY GIL! WE FOUND HER! SHE WAS IN THE WASHING MACHINE! Gil: "AGAIN?!!!" *runs to the room* "Oh, darn it!" *opens the door...* una: zzzzzz =w= Gil: "She's all wet again!" ray: i'll get the towels. una: *cute kitty yaaaawn* oh..hey gil. Gil: -\\\\- "Hello...You were asleep in the washing machine. We have to get these wet clothes off of you." -chop- the mother: i'll get her into a change of clothes thank you -_-; Gil: o___o;;; "I didn't mean anything like that!" una: zzzzz..... Gil: "J-Just...Just get her changed, please." the mother: alright. -later- Hugh: -_-; "The washing machine is not a place for bathing, the drier is not a place for getting warm--AND WHO IS NOT CLEANING THE DISHES?!" mahiru: need us to help out? Hugh: "..." *gets on his hands and knees* "I'M BEGGING YOU! It's been so hard with these crazy people here!" Q~Q mahiru: ok then. una: zzzzz... *in a nice floral print dress* the mother: it was nice of your sister to lend her that dress. tetsu: no problem. Gil: o\\\\\o una: zzzzz *leaning against gil* Gil: *steam comes out of his ears* "G'aw..." ray: cute. Gil: "Ray...Help me! What do I do?" ray: just roll with it? i dont know. Gil: "...* repositions Una so her head rests on his lap* "???" una: zzzzz.... -elsewhere- Hibana: "I should be out of this cast soon...and when I do, I want a row of men on which to step." gabriella: understood! *salutes* Kishiri: Q~Q [texts Vivian: hibana wants to step on my back. help me] -elsewhere- belkia: we're gonna need an epic gift for tsubakyun's birthday. any ideas guys? Shamrock: "A complete set of encyclopedia!" Higan: "A sculpture in his honor!" naho: new sandals! sakuya: a less shitty attitude? belkia: let's kidnap that girl! >8D otogiri: .......*makes belkia slap himself* belkia: OW! that was mean girioto Q.Q Shamrock: "Hmm...Sandals are doable and useful. Now we need something a bit more expensive and unnecessary, and something he really wants." Higan: "...Kidnapping the young lady may not be a bad idea--" otogiri: O_O sakuya: D8 lavender: if it gets him to stop whining, then sure. otogiri: D:< Shamrock: "I protest this plan!!!" belkia: all in favor? *raises hand* lavender: im in. ame: *raises hand* Higan: *raises hand* belkia: those against it? *sakuya and otogiri raise their hands* Shamrock: *raises both hands* belkia: that's 3 against 4 then. lilac? lilac:.....uhhhhhhhh........... Shamrock: *intense glare at Lilac* Higan: "Come on, Lilac--you know Tsubaki needs some relief..." lilac:....*tearing up* c-can i be left out of this? naho: yeah, leave him alone, he's stressed enough!....im just gonna be neutral. Higan: *smirks at Shamrock* Shamrock: D:< belkia: two neutral, 3 saying no, and 4 saying yes. the i's have it! >8D Higan: "Alright...Then let's figure out how to get Tsubaki's beloved here...Maybe in a stripper cake..." otogiri: *CHOP* too far. naho: gross, old man. Higan: Q_Q Shamrock: "...This will blow up in our faces..." belkia: never know until ya try! Shamrock: "Hmph...How do you even propose luring her? Kidnapping? How?" belkia:....hmmmmm....how about having ame bring her here? Higan: "Sure! Ame, you can do that, right?" ame: ok! whaddo i have to do? Higan: "How about you tell her that you are lost and need help getting home?" ame: ok. Higan: *smiles* "Good." lavender: i'll keep an eye on her. Shamrock: *grumble* *grumble* -elsewhere- Takehisa: *cut down, but still tied up* "...I said I was sorry." maki:...*sigh* its fine. Takehisa: "I simply meant that--" Akitaru: "Maki! Good to see you up and awake! I'll untie Takehisa, while you lead today's morning exercise routine, 'kay? Great!" *picks up Takehisa, runs* Takehisa: o_o; -elsewhere- Shinoda: *offers a bowl of ice cream to Nea* nea: *nom nom* mmmm~! ^^ Shinoda: "Oh, Medea!" medea: yes? Shotaro: *holds up a crude drawing of her* "For you!" medea: um....thank you. i suppose. Shotaro: "Hee hee..." -elsewhere- Kid: "Feel better?" stocking: much~ Kid: "That's good. You always heal so quickly..." stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "How may I make it up to you?" stocking: however you feel~ Kid: "Maybe candy...Or a bath? Or..." -elsewhere- Medusa: "Easy there...I'm here, it's okay." neian: *sniffle* Medusa: "You'll feel better...Just need to finish your medicine and get some more sleep..." neian: *hic* Medusa: "Shh..." *starts singing..." neian: ......zzzzz Medusa: *smiles, kisses her forehead, places her back into her crib* Ponera: Q~Q -elsewhere- Wes: *hands coffee to Liz* "Just how you like it..." liz: thanks. Wes: "Feel better?" liz: yeah. Wes: "That's good...About the New Year..." liz: hmm? Wes: *hugs her, pulls a blanket over them* "What would you like to do? Any place you want to travel to?" -elsewhere- tsubaki: *out on a walk* ???: *in a baseball cap, collar pulled up, whispers into collar* "Target spotted." ame: *sniff sniff* tsubaki: ?? ame: bi-big sis...where did you go? tsubaki: aww, its ok. i'll help you find your sister. ame: r-really? ???: *watching, smirks...* *stands up, approaching near Ame and Tsubaki...* lavender: ah! there you are! jeez, you really shouldnt wander off like that kiddo. ame: sorry. lavender: *kneels down and pats her head* its fine...*looks at tsubaki* i hope my kid sister wasnt too much trouble for you. tsubaki: not at all. lavender: *she nods* say, how about you come over for lunch? tsubaki: i wouldnt want to intrude- lavender: its fine, really. ???: *stays back, watching from afar...* < > Let Lavender lead her < > Intervene to knock out Tsubaki < > Kidnap Tsubaki themselves ame: pleeeease? ???: *observing, overhearing...* tsubaki: well, i guess i wouldnt mind. ???: *follows Tsubaki, Lavender, and Ame* -they arrive at the front of the estate- tsubaki:.....(thinking: something seems....off.) Shamrock: *inside, in disguise, wearing shades, a wig, a modified butler's outfit...and a fake goatee* lavender: we're home~! ame: we're back! Shamrock: *effected voice* "Welcome. It is good to have you home." tsubaki: it's....very clean on the inside. Shamrock: "Oh, a guest." *forced smile* "Thank you for the compliment. I do try to keep things nice and tidy..." tsubaki: may i sit down? *leaving her shoes at the door* Shamrock: "Of course...Let me lead you to the den..." tsubaki: *follows* -in another room- belkia: the eagle is in the nest! tsubakyun's gonna be so happy! otogiri: i think he's out right now...said something about 'adding a few more subclass' *Knock knock* belkia: ?? Higan: *through door* "It's me. Open up." belkia: hey higano! how'd it go? Higan: *smiles* "Tsubaki's gift has arrived~" otogiri:..... sakuya: now what? Higan: "Well, to best present her to Tsubaki, I have some wonderful outfits she could try on--" otogiri: *chop* -_-; naho: gross, old man. Higan: "Ow! Jeez...Fine. (Then you can keep the nurse outfit...) So, we just keep her busy until Tsubaki returns..." lavender: i think i might have an idea~ Higan: o\\\\o "Oh?" lavender: given his fondness for eastern style things, we could have her in a white yukata that i got. i even got a red sash to go with it. Higan: o\\\\\\\\\\\\o "...If I were Tsubaki, I'd love that." otogiri: at least it's something modest. -_-; Higan: "Well, I guess we should get to work fitting her for it--" otogiri: *CHOP* leave that to me and lavender. -_-# Higan: *head slammed against the floor* “So young….so cruel.” -outside- tsubaki: ...... Shamrock: "More tea, ma'am?" tsubaki: sure. i really hope im not intruding at all. Shamrock: "Not at all. We enjoy any company we receive." *still forced smile* tsubaki: ^^; *drinking her tea* i hope this isnt rude, but the estate looked....kind of abandoned. im amazed people are living here still. Shamrock: "Oh, yes: this old home has seen better days. But we have been at work with refurbishing." tsubaki: ah....so the estate's owner.... Shamrock: "Very busy, I'm afraid, but they will be returning shortly--" tsubaki: ah.....*her head is growing fuzzy* (thinking: my head....i...!!!) *she tries to get up and exit, but falls to the floor* w-what? Shamrock: "Hmph. Took long enough..." tsubaki: *tries to send a distress text* Shamrock: "Stop that..." *kicks the phone away from her hand* "Can't have you do that..." tsubaki: ah.... *she passes out* Shamrock: "Hmph...Better if we just eliminated her." belkia: you know we cant do that. Shamrock: "Yes, yes..." Shamrock: "So, what happens now?" otogiri: *lifts her up with puppet strings and brings her to another room* .....im sorry for this... lavender: we'll handle things from here~ otogiri: *locks the door behind her* no. peeping. Shamrock: "???" Higan: *still bleeding in the other room* "Damn it..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "?!!!!" mahiru: !!! soul: shit, this is bad! misono: any idea where she is? Kuro: "GPS coordinates?" misono:....how do i even do that? Kuro: *sighs* "I'm not a hacker--I'm just tossing out ideas. We'd need someone who knows tech better, and my knowledge extends to homebrew video game systems..." licht: maybe check the school's computer lab? Black Star: "Something there has to be able to find her! And someone who can read souls, too! Come on! Let's go!" -later, elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "...How do you feel?" ame's father: we-we did what you asked, now please...just tell us our daughter is ok! Mr. Tsubaki: "Shh...Not so loud. I don't like loudness...She's fine, I assure you..." ame's mother: ...... Mr. Tsubaki: "Given her...current condition, she is not exactly in a position to be out and about." ame's mother: .....*trembling* Mr. Tsubaki: "People don't take kindly to...my kind. Her best bet is to remain under my protection." ame's mother: then...can we at least see her? i just...want to see my baby again...please... Mr. Tsubaki: "..." Mr. Tsubaki: "I could have you visit us, but we need time to keep people from locating us. I know it is difficult, to want to see your child again...Could you please wait just two more days?" ame's father:....if she gets hurt- Mr. Tsubaki: "She will not: I give you my word." -elsewhere- ???: *texting* [location found. looks like they lured someone inside. seen her around before] tsuyuki: .... [any further details?] ???: [no idea how many persons inside. quiet from out here. the girl hasn't left the house yet--she may already be dead] tsuyuki:.... [keep an eye on things. i have my doubts tsubaki would kill her] ???: [ok] tsuyuki: [C3 has her as a 'POI' for a reason.] ???: [why exactly?] tsuyuki: [seems tsubaki has taken a liking to this girl.] ???: [...gross] tsuyuki: [she may be our key to containing him.] ???: [yeah, can only hope. alright. i'll text the address. want pics of building?] -elsewhere- Black Star: "WHERE IS SHE?!!!!" students: *staring at him* Black Star: "...WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?! IF YOU'RE SOMEONE WHO CAN SENSE SOULS OR HACK A CELL PHONE, GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE! THE REST OF YOU, GET MOVING BEFORE I SMASH MY FIST THROUGH YOUR FACE!" kyouko: what the hell has gotten into you? madoka: ??? Black Star: "Tsubaki is in trouble--because of those goddamn vampires!" madoka: !! kyouko: vampires? Black Star: "Yeah! Real stupid but dangerous ones! And we can't find where they took Tsubaki!" kyouko: so what do you want _us_ to do? Black Star: *clutches Kyouko by the shoulders* "Can you find her soul?! Or hack a GPS phone?! OR DO SOMETHING USEFUL?!!!" kyouko: first off, GET OFFA ME! second, i heard rumors of a genius who spends her time in the metal shop classroom. Black Star: *picks Kyouko up over his head* "LEAD THE WAY TO THIS NERD!" kyouko: PUTMEDOWN!! DX< -elsewhere- Shamrock: "Hurry--Young Master will be back soon!" belkia: the display is set up. nice! got your gifts ready everyone? we save the big one for last! sakuya: his birthday isnt even until tomorrow. belkia:...every party needs a pooper thats why they invited yoooou~! Shamrock: -_-;;;; "I'd say this party has more than one pooper--" Higan: "HA HA HA! You called yourself 'sh*t'!" Shamrock: >_< otogiri: here he comes. *The door opens, as Mr. Tsubaki enters the foyer and locks the front door behind him* Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmph...Shamrock isn't here to tend to me upon entering..." Shamrock: D: lavender: *snickering* Mr. Tsubaki: "???" *hears Lavender, but can't identify the sound* "Hello? Is anyone home?" (Slight panic, as he remember Ame...) belkia: SURPRISE!!! Mr. Tsubaki: "???? What?! What happened?! Is everyone okay?!! Lilac? Ame?" group: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! otogiri: even if it's a day early. Mr. Tsubaki: "...Oh." *smiles* "Well, that is a surprise, to have a birthday party a day early. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!" -elsewhere- mei: just a little more aaaaand. there we go! should be easy to track her location. but since this an emergency tracker, it's only going to last 24 hours. Black Star: "Then I'll get it done in less than a day! Thanks! Now, to find where those fuckers took Tsubaki!" mei: good luck! -elsewhere- belkia: and now, the megalodon gift! the creame of the crop! the- sakuya: get on with it! Mr. Tsubaki: *face full of cake* "Huh?" -thud- belkia: what wazzat? -in the room- tsubaki: *trying to undo the ribbons binding her wrists and ankles* come on...come ooon... Mr. Tsubaki: "...Um...You said there was a megalodon gift. Where is it?" belkia: it should be in there. *points to the room* Mr. Tsubaki: "??? Um, okay?" *gets up, starts walking towards the room...* Mr. Tsubaki: *opens the door* tsubaki: !!!! Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" *voice grows quiet, shocked* "...Tsubaki?" tsubaki: *paralyzed with fear* Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *looks out into the hallway, smiles widely* "Could I have all of my subclasses line up? I would like to thank you for this most gracious gift~" belkia: no probs~! lav and ame lured her here! Mr. Tsubaki: *smiles* "Really? How interesting..." *lines them up...then has Ame and Lilac take a step back* "Then let me show you my thanks..." *Mr. Tsubaki pulls back his hand, and does a long slap across all of their faces (except Ame and Lilac) in one fluid motion* sakuya: DX belkia: OW! tsubaki: WHAT THE FUCK?! otogiri: that was warrented. Shamrock: Q~Q "Young Master! I-I didn't approve of this! I voted against it!" Higan: *holding his cheek* "Ow...I now wear this red mark on my face..." Mr. Tsubaki: *smiles at Lilac and Ame* "Lilac, please take Ame to play in her room for a bit, please~" lilac: uh, o-ok. ame: ok! *Once Lilac and Ame leave...* Mr. Tsubaki: *glaring at his family, pointing behind him to Tsubaki* "I did not ask you to kidnap her. I did not want her harmed. And what is worse, you could have endangered us! You could have hurt Ame! What do you have to say in defense of this insanely stupid action?!" lavender:....oops. sakuya: shit. belkia: Q-Q; Shamrock: *shudders* Higan: "Oh..." otogiri:...im sorry. Mr. Tsubaki: "Yes. 'Oh.'" *pinches the brow of his nose* "Okay. Step one, we untie Tsubaki. Step two...Um...I have no idea what Step Two is." otogiri: right away. Mr. Tsubaki: *looks as Tsubaki is untied* "...You have no reason to believe I had nothing to do with this..." tsubaki:...... Mr. Tsubaki: "...When we let you go, you will inform others of our location, won't you?" tsubaki:........do you want me to tell them? Mr. Tsubaki: "No. We are vampires. There are people who would rather see us dead. And Ame..." tsubaki:....then i wont say anything. Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *nods* "I believe you." *looks to the others* "We are letting her go." tsubaki: i wont lie, you've done terrible, terrible things.....but i dont think you're completely evil. you or your family. Mr. Tsubaki: *ashamed...fox ears pop up on his head, folding down, like an embarrassed dog* "I have...but...I didn't do this to you. Did they...hurt you?" lavender: otogiri and i changed her clothes, and sham drugged her, but that's all we did. Mr. Tsubaki: "DRUGGED HER?! ..." o\\\\\o "Changed her?" *finally notices Tsubaki's outfit...slight nosebleed* Shamrock: *tries to run away* tsubaki:.... *flustered* Mr. Tsubaki: "...Um, well, let her change back into her clothes..." o\\\\o *still standing, not leaving the room...* tsubaki: *takes her clothes* i'll....change at home. thanks. 7///7; Mr. Tsubaki: "W-We don't want to inconvenience you..." *reaches an arm out--to grab the escaping Shamrock by the neck* "And Shamrock owes you an apology. Would you like to beat it out of him?" *holds up a baseball bat* "It is my birthday party--he can be our pinata..." Shamrock: *choked* tsubaki: n-no thanks. i think since its the new year tomorrow, we should start fresh. so for that reason, i'll pardon everything that happened today. lavender: for real? tsubaki: *she smiles and nods* Mr. Tsubaki: o\\\\\o "YOU ARE AN ANGEL!" *drops Shamrock to the floor, gets on his knees, bowing to Tsubaki* "Thank you!" Shamrock: *wheezing from being choked* tsubaki: ^^; Mr. Tsubaki: *kisses her feet* tsubaki: ./////.; Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *backs up, stands* "S-Sorry. I was groveling--I got carried away..." tsubaki: ^^; Mr. Tsubaki: *ahem* "W-We will, um, step back and let you exit...Goodbye, Tsubaki." *picks up Shamrock by the collars, leads the subclasses away to the second floor...* tsubaki:....!! wait....i know it's not much but. *she gives him a scarf* happy birthday. Mr. Tsubaki: o\\\\\\o "...I...don't know what to say..." tsubaki: *she smiles and exits* -Elsewhere- Black Star: "A-Are you sure you're okay?" tsubaki: *she nods* it went better than expected. Black Star: "...Given how bad I expected things would go, that's not exactly reassuring." tsubaki: ...im here now, huh? Black Star: "..." *nods* tsubaki: *she hugs him* Black Star: *hugs back* "...I'm getting worried." tsubaki:....i know. -elsewhere- naho: Q.Q Mr. Tsubaki: *wearing the red scarf* "..." *hugs Naho* naho: eh? Mr. Tsubaki: "I am still upset with what you all did..." *pulls back, smiles* "But I cannot be upset with my family." naho:.... Q_Q belkia: awwww. Mr. Tsubaki: *glares at Belkia* "You, however, could use some time to calm down...What were you thinking?" sakuya:... (thinking: ever since she gave him that scarf, he's had a flowery aura...) belkia: GAME TI-......we dont have a TV.... Mr. Tsubaki: -____-;;; "Then perhaps you all should have chipped in to buy a television rather than KIDNAPPING MY BELOVED AND DRUGGING HER!" *sniffs his scarf* "Aw~" belkia: OwO;;;;; Shamrock: *reviewing paperwork* "We can buy a new television tomorrow..." *looks nervously at Mr. Tsubaki* Mr. Tsubaki: *frowns at Shamrock* "...I should have Naho punish you." Shamrock: o___o;;; naho:...... me? owo; Mr. Tsubaki: "Any ideas in mind?" naho: i have no idea. *muttering* if it's with you he'd be really submissive but he looks like he'd be hard dom with anyone else and i've seen his reading habits so i have no idea what i should do he'd probably do really intense things to a cute girl like me *mutter mutter* sakuya:........ (thinking: how can such an innocent looking face have such an x-rated mind?) Mr. Tsubaki: *nods* "Yes, submissive to me..." Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmm...You already have video of him and me...Anything else you wanted?" naho: eh? hmmmmmmmm... i dunno~ Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *whispers* "Are you interested in intense things with Shamrock?" naho: eh? OwO;;;; sakuya: *mortified* otogiri: *judgmental look* Shamrock: D: Mr. Tsubaki: "...What? I am asking the question, to be direct..." naho: owo............ OwO............ O//////////w//////////O *vibrating* lavender:...i think you broke her. Mr. Tsubaki: "Hmm...Indeed. I'll put her to bed." Shamrock: D: D: D: D: Mr. Tsubaki: -_-; "Not like that..." belkia:...sham...did you need to 'vent' again? Shamrock: *meek nod* Mr. Tsubaki: *sets Naho in bed* "Will you be okay?" naho: O///////w///////O belkia: same place? lavender: dont go breaking peoples legs this time! Higan: -_-;;;; "How about we _not_ take Shamrock out into public again and just get him a video?" Mr. Tsubaki: "...Naho, talk to me. This isn't appropriate to keep it bottled in." naho: *blink blink* what? belkia: yeesh.....or should we just bring someone here then eat them? Mr. Tsubaki: "You are a young woman, with sexual desires. And bottling them up is not healthy." Shamrock: *stomach growls* o\\\\\o "...I think Mr. Tsubaki is already on edge. Would he want us to?" naho: *flustered* i never really thought about my own love life..... Mr. Tsubaki: "Well, it doesn't have to be _love_. But sex is helpful for some people--" belkia: HEY TSUBAKYUN! CAN WE CALL SHAM A PROSTITUTE? Mr. Tsubaki: *hears the yell* -_-;;;; "...Naho? What do you think? Sham deserves some punishment, and I'm...just not in the mood to kill a random human right now." naho: but he broke someone in half last time! >^< Mr. Tsubaki: *sighs* "Good point..." *calls back* "No, Belkia! He can deal with simply a porno and pig's blood!" *looks at Naho* "..." *lies beside her in bed* naho: !!!! i-i cant do that with you! i-i'd just be weird! Mr. Tsubaki: "Okay...That is what I wanted to hear. But it that is the case, why is that weird but not you filming me?" naho: O///w///O;;; ummm.... sakuya: you realize she's a textbook fujoshi, right? naho: WHAT HE SAID! Mr. Tsubaki: "...What's that?" sakuya: it means she likes to see two guys doing it. -_-; Mr. Tsubaki: "...That can work, Naho, but not without trust. And you haven't earned that when you spy on people." naho:.....*teary eyed* im sorry....am i a bad person? Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *hugs her* "I forgive you...but I think you need to apologize to Shamrock." naho: ok...*knock knock* sham? c-may i come in? Shamrock: "Yes, what is it, Naho?" naho:...im sorry for filming you guys. Q.Q Shamrock: "..." *nods* "I am happy to finally hear you say that directly. Thank you." naho:...i just wanted you to be happy.... Shamrock: "...You are still young, and may not realize that you may fail at making someone happy if you embarrass them. How would you have felt in my situation?" naho: ........Q~Q Shamrock: "...The look on your face says it all." *sigh* "Naho, don't you think you need a more healthy outlet? I mean, even reading porn would be better..." naho:...do yaoi doujins count? Shamrock: "Yes, they do." naho: ok ^^ Shamrock: "Just...Just don't spy on me anymore, please?" naho: i'll behave. Shamrock: *nods* Mr. Tsubaki: *overhearing, smiles* Shamrock: "...What was that thing you were muttering earlier?" naho: OwO;;;; what? Shamrock: "What. Were. You. Muttering?" naho: *sweats* Shamrock: "..." -she tells him- Shamrock: "...Really?" naho: .////w////.;;; Shamrock: "...May I ask you two personal questions?" naho: O.O what? Shamrock: "First, when did you last masturbate?" naho: >//////>;;; Shamrock: "You violated my privacy, so I asked you a question..." naho:....i dont know. .////.; Shamrock: *nods* "And my second question...are you a virgin?" naho: O//////////////O y....yeah. .//////////.;;;; Shamrock: "...If you could have that fantasy of yours made a reality--what you muttered about 'intense things'...Would you want me to do that to you?" naho: O/////////////////O i-id probably break in half! Shamrock: "...I promise, I would be gentle. I could use a toy instead..." Shamrock: "...So..." naho: well....you swear you wont break my legs? Shamrock: *hand over his heart* "I promise, I will not break your legs, or any part of you..." *small smirk* "Well, except maybe your hymen." naho: .////////.;; Shamrock: *walks to the door, locks it...* "...You have seen me naked, so I think turnabout is fair play...Please, remove your clothes..." naho: *gulps and strips down* Shamrock: *smirk* "My, my..." *gets on his knees, staring at her panties* "Those are quite cute..." naho: *flustered* Shamrock: "...Little bunny rabbit..." *kisses lightly on her hip, his hand gently resting on her leg* naho: *squeak* >/////<;; Shamrock: "Heh heh...You make adorable noises, you know that?" *kisses up her side until he reaches just under her bra...small lick where her bra meets her skin* naho: >///////////<; Shamrock: "Does this feel alright?" naho: f-feels weird.... 7////7;; Shamrock: "...Would you feel more comfortable if you weren't the only one in their underwear?" *starts unbuttoning his shirt* naho: are you...ok with this? what about mr tsubaki? Shamrock: "Mr. Tsubaki is not here right now...and I do not mind trying a different experience..." *lays a finger on her chin* "...You are beautiful." naho: >////< nu-uh, im cute, dangit! Shamrock: *lifts her chin up...* "...You indeed are cute..." *closes his eye, leans towards her face...* naho: *biting her lip* Shamrock: *his lips meet hers, just lightly brushing along her upper lip and teeth...* naho: *her breath is caught in her throat* >/////<;; Shamrock: "...Was that your first kiss?" naho:.....*she looks down and nods, embarrassed* Shamrock: "...Oh...It felt nice. You have very soft lips." naho:.....*she doesnt say anything* Shamrock: "Naho...Is this okay?" naho: ... *whimpering* t-this is all wrong...this isnt...how i wanted it to be... Shamrock: "!!! Oh, Naho...I'm sorry." *tentative hug* naho: im so stupid....i was about to give myself to someone much older than me....it wouldnt be right....i wanted it...to be with someone who honestly cared about me.. Shamrock: *nods* "That is for the best...Let's just forget this, okay?" naho: o-ok....*hic* Shamrock: *rubs her back* "It's okay..." *drapes his shirt around her shoulders* naho: *sniffle* Shamrock: *seats her on edge of his bed, sitting with her and a box of tissues to let her let it all out* -she just whimpers- Shamrock: "It's going to be okay, Naho...You'll find the right time, with the right person..." naho: b-but...what if i dont? Shamrock: "..." *smile* "Then you'll be okay. Because that is okay." naho: *hic* Shamrock: "...I'm sorry." -elsewhere- Kid: *shudders* stocking: mmmmn~ that was great... Kid: *smiles* "Y-Yeah..." stocking: hehe~ happy new year kiddo. Kid: *smiles* "Happy new year, love...We brought it in with a bang..." stocking: yeah, hehe ^^ Kid: *strokes her side* "I know one thing that could make this better..." stocking: oh~? Kid: *reaches under the bed...and a rush of cold air is felt* "I put a small icebox under here..." *pulls out two Popsicles* stocking: ooh. thanks! *nom* ^^ Kid: *licks his* "Mmmmm~" -morning- ~BEGINNING OF Y5~

#death city days

[wyvernswingwriting]

In My Time

~ 1 ~

My first memory here is of the leaves. As everything comes into focus I remember the yellows and oranges and reds and how they all spun together into the beautiful rainbow of fall. The dying and dead leaves stand out so starkly against the flat gray sky. The longer I stare up at that overcast sky the more my eyes burn from its brightness, despite its monochromatic tone. I squinch my eyes shut and push myself up out of the leaf pile I’m laying in. They crush under my hands, making that satisfying swishing noise that dead leaves make when they are moved.

I push myself to my feet and survey my surroundings. Other than the colorful leaves, the trees in these woods are unlike any I’ve ever seen. Part of my brain recognizes that these twisted sculptures are in fact trees, but something deeper whispers this is not what trees should to look like. The wood is twisted into fantastical shapes, like those of dragons, or cages, or bird houses that have grown straight from the tree rather than being nailed there.

There are houses scattered at odd intervals throughout what I have realized is a timbered forest. They’re all ramshackle and and reminiscent of cabins. Most look like they were built first with one room, then rooms and roofs added onto the sides in a very disorganized fashion; as though the architect didn’t take time to think the buildings through. Maybe they were preoccupied with other matters and decided that appearance simply wasn’t important.

Though I can see at least five houses within my current view, I see no people. I soon realize why, as a great shrieking roar sounds from overhead. The wind stirs up and leaves cascade from the trees like a great fiery rain, when I realize the wind is artificial. The noise of wing beats follows the roar. I look up for the source of both and see a pale, white shape soar across the gray sky. So close in color they are I almost miss the shape, but once I see it it’s unmistakable. A dragon.

The dragon roars again, continuing to circle overhead, it’s great scaly wings blowing more and more of the leaves to the ground. I back up against the tree, doing my best to hide myself beneath the foliage. Leaves fall onto me, landing on my shoulders and in my hair but I don’t bother to brush them off. The leaves and my red cloak help camouflage me, though my dark hair would easily give me away. I quickly pull up my hood and draw the cloak around myself, hiding the darker clothes that are under it.

A few seconds later I hear the dragon roar again, but he sounds farther away. A few more minutes later, he’s farther still. After what feels like an eternity I can no longer hear his wing beats or his roars. I’ve escaped for now.

Slowly, I walk out from under the tree and towards the closest house, hoping to get my bearings. As I get closer I see people within and people in the distance exiting their houses and going back into their yards. Few notice me, and those who do don’t give me a second glance.

As I get closer I notice that, in a similar style to the house itself, the house’s decorations are haphazard and seemingly without reason. Glancing around, the other houses are the same way, thought the people aren’t. They’re all dressed, how I would consider, normally, not patchwork menageries like their homes and decorations.

Now that the threat is past, children come bouncing out of their homes, laughing and playing with the toys scattered throughout this place. They play in the leaf piles and smile at me as I pass, and I smile back, which makes them smile even more. Maybe I’ll play with them if I have time, and the parents are okay with it.

I’ve been distracted and walked way past the house I was shooting for, so I alter my course and hop up the nearest porch stairs. I go to the swinging screen door, which cloaks a door of cracked oak. I pull the screen door open, bracing it with my left hand, and knock on the splintering door with my right. Shuffling noises can be heard from inside and before long a young girl comes to the door. She barely spares me a glance before calling back into the house, “Mom, there’s a lady at the door!” She then proceeds to stare past me at her friends playing outdoors. Her faces turns sullen. Not allowed outside, I suppose.

Her mother reaches the door and looks me up and down. Through the slightly open door I can see that the inside of her home looks much the same as the outside, just with fewer leaves strewn about.

“Yes?” she questions.

When I look up into her eyes her face seems almost blurry, like a slightly out of focus picture that was taken while the subject was in motion. I focus harder and her face becomes crisp. I shake off my confusion. “The trees,” I say. “What makes them that way?”

“What do you mean? How else would they be?” She seems genuinely perplexed at my question. I don’t know where I am, but clearly this is how the trees are here.

“Sorry, they’re different where I’m from. They’re not formed in such interesting shapes.”

She nods in a perplexed kind of understanding and extends her hand. “I’m Anya.”

“Lostei,” I introduce myself. “It’s nice to meet you. Now… where is this place?”

Her confusion deepens at the sound of my name. “Your name… that’s the name of our town.”

I join her in confusion, breaking eye contact to look more closely at the world I know find myself in. Everything looks unfocused around the edges, like an old photograph. Everyone’s faces have that same blurry quality unless I stare at them for long enough. I don’t feel dizzy or off, this appears to just be how this place looks. Why didn’t I notice this before? I don’t feel dizzy, but this strange perspective is making my eyes hurt. I squinch them shut, rubbing at them for a bit. When I open them back up everything is perfectly clear. I blink a few more times but my sight remains clear.

“Miss?”

I snap back to reality and turn back to face the woman I was talking to. “Sorry, got distracted.”

“Did you need anything else?” Her eyes flick urgently between me and the inside of her house, where her daughter is yelling something about the cat falling in the bathtub.

“No, thank you,” I smile. “Go help your daughter with the cat.”

She gives me a look of thanks and relief and rushes back into her house, closing the oak door behind her. I let the screen door spring back to it’s natural position. Looking again at the strange world I find myself in, I’m no less confused. What is going on?

~ 2 ~

White walls. Sterile floors. Standard office chairs. Constant chatter, doors swinging, the TV newscaster’s droning, teleprompted speech. I’ve been staring at that TV for the past… I don’t even know how long. It feels like it’s been hours that I’ve been sitting in this uncomfortable waiting room chair, but it also feels like it’s been only minutes since I arrived.

Some fire has broken out somewhere and the death toll climbs by the minute. There’s no use fighting the fire, apparently. The only hope for the people of Somewhere is to evacuate. I gathered this from the scrolling bar along the bottom of the screen declaring,

EVACUATION IN PROGRESS      FIRE REMAINS UNCONTAINED         SO MUC

Yeah, yeah a lot of property has been destroyed. People are dying. People have lost their homes. I don’t care. I don’t care. I don’t care. That doesn’t feel real. Nothing feels real. I feel like a dense fog has wrapped itself around my brain and feelings and emotions can’t get in or out. Even words and thoughts are having trouble.

The story has switched to some hero cat that saved his owner from a robber. Updates of the fire still scroll along the bottom. Just to remind us that while there’s some good in the world, there’s still a whole lot of bad. I don’t care about the cat. I don’t care about the alarm that sounds as if it’s reaching my ears from somewhere above surface of the lake I’m drowning in. The running footsteps and shouts elicit no response from me. I don’t feel anything for whoever just took a turn for the worse. I don’t care. I don’t care. I. Don’t. Care.

Have I eaten today? Wait, what day even is it? My phone screen says it’s still Saturday but that seems impossible; I’ve been sitting here for at least five days. I think I ate breakfast this morning before I was called in. Yeah, I had oatmeal, or was it cereal? Doesn’t matter. I don’t care. Nurses and orderlies have tried to offer me food and water, leaving it on the table in front of me. There’s a sandwich in a plastic box placed there. And in another few hours another nurse will take away the now soggy and wasted sandwich and replace it with something else. Pretzels seem to be popular, I’ve gotten probably three of those so far. They never take the water though. I have four cups of tepid water on the table, and one slightly cooler cup, since it was recently delivered. A headache is building, probably from the dehydration, but I don’t move. My unfocused eyes watching the bright colors flick past on the screen. I don’t care. I don’t care. I don’t care.

~ 3 ~

I’ve been wandering through this strange town in this strange forest for the better part of an hour now. The people are friendly enough, if wary, though they have every right to be. I longer I stare at the strange, sculpted trees the more lifelike they appear. I could’ve sworn that dragon blinked at me, and I heard bird song from the direction of one of the tree cages, but when I turned around to investigate closer both had returned to lifeless wood. I remember telling that woman I spoke to earlier that this isn’t how trees are where I’m from, but then why can’t I remember how they are supposed to be? Where am I from anyway? People don’t just appear in the woods, there’s a way humans come into being. I don’t remember how, but I know it’s not spontaneous. And why does the town have the same name as me? How do I only seem to remember my name? Wandering through the trees has yielded no answers and, in fact, just more questions. So, I meander back to the town.

While the adults are wary of me, the children have no such inhibitions. On my return they immediately try to draw me into their games, saying they need someone big to be the dragon and none of the other adults will volunteer. They are all knights of course, come to slay the dragon. They have sticks and various other things as “weapons” and a few are using trash can lids as shields. Who comes to collect trash out here (wherever “here” is) I have no idea.

They’re all so excited about their gear, but to my trained eye it looks slightly pitiful. They’d probably be so much more excited if it was better…

The instant I finish my thought, the army of children in front of me now wears chain shirts, somehow light enough for them to carry, and miniature swords (more like daggers really) that I can tell are dulled along the edges. The children stare at themselves in wonder and then turn to me, grins on all their faces.

“Now do you!” a little girl exclaims.

The confusion must be evident on my face, because their smiles fall.

“Didn’t you do this?” another child inquires. “‘Cause no one here can do magic like that.”

“Maybe?” I say, not at all certain of myself. “If I did, I don’t know how.”

The same child replies. “Oh. Oh! Maybe it’s like wishing! If you wish for something to happen it’ll happen!”

I didn’t want to tell the excitable boy how silly that sounded, especially when it then dawned on me that he could be right. I told them I’d try wishing again and they all cheered, telling me to make myself a dragon for them to fight.

So I did. I willed myself to be a dragon, red and small enough for the children to not be scared. The change was freeing. I could fly, I could breathe fire (though I didn’t, even though they begged me to, that would be far too dangerous), and above all this change told me that I could be anything I wanted. In this strange world, I could finally be all the things I dreamed of.

My excitement was inevitably cut short by the shouting of terrified parents who saw their children playing with a very real, albeit small, dragon. The children vouched for me, and I returned to the shape they recognized. I was quite sternly told off, but now that they realized there was no danger everyone had calmed down considerably. Although, it was nearing night at this point so the parents decided playtime was over and everyone had to come inside. The children of course made objections but they fell on unswayed ears.

In a matter of moments I was alone near the edge of town. But I felt no fear. I threw my head back and laughed, the most sincere happiness coursing through my veins. I took off in a sprint, not worrying about the slippery leaves and how they didn’t appear to be so slick anymore. I unlatch my cloak and let it float to the ground behind me. I run even faster. Towards a gap in the canopy I had found earlier. I reached the edge and lept to the sky, manifesting glorious, black, feathered wings the instant I left the ground, beating them and rocketing myself into the sky. As I climbed higher and higher my oil-colored wings caught the moonlight, rainbows reflecting in the black feathers. My long hair streamed around me, and I let out another cry of joy, riding the air currents and going wherever the wind takes me. I’m free.

~ 4 ~

My foot taps idly, yet quickly, on the tile floor, the rhythmic noise the only thing keeping me tethered to the real world and not drifting again to some fantasy land of magic and miracles. I’ve been sitting here for over eight hours now (I actually checked with a nurse to confirm the correct amount of time) and have long since given up on miracles, but still won’t stop hoping for one.

It’s hard not to blame yourself for actions your friends take. You always wonder if you played some part in their choices, and if that choice goes south you feel eternally guilty, even if they say it’s not your fault. No one has told me it’s not my fault. No one has told me anything except, “Get some rest, dear,” or “You should really eat and drink something,” or, “I’m sorry, I don’t know when visitors will be allowed. It might be minutes, it might be hours, it might be days. It just depends.” Well, I’m prepared to wait here until then, I don’t care how long it takes.

A faint voice of common sense pipes up, telling me that by not eating, or drinking, or sleeping I’m slowly killing myself. That I’m no use if I’m dead. I stifle that voice. I stifle everything except the tapping of my shoe on the tile floor.

My eyes are unfocused but from the warm colors displayed on the TV screen I can guess that the “fire from hell” (ironic, yet also kind of accurate) is still raging over in Somewhere. I wonder how the hero cat is doing. Did he get a medal as a reward? Maybe he just got some extra cat food. Cats have all the luck. They don’t have to go to school, scratching and biting those who annoy them is seen as normal behavior, they get to sleep all day, and they don’t have the brain capacity to want to commit suicide, unlike humans. Unlike my best friend. My best friend who has been under near constant medical watch for the past eight hours. She’s been watched since she was brought in. I think it was an ambulance that brought her here, a normal car wouldn’t have been fast enough. Though I drove like a condemned witch trying to escape her trial. Similarly, if I’d been stopped and caught, I would have died. Because I wasn’t stopping for anything, not even the police, not for God themself.

An ambulance brought her here, but it was her mom who found her. She’d just gotten home from work and went to check on her elder daughter, only to be greeted with an envelope, an empty pill bottle, and her daughter lying still on the bed.

The doctors were able to make her breathe again, and make her heart beat, but she still hasn’t woken up. I think it’s up to the family if they want to keep her in this state or pull the plug, but I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been given much information. I’m not family. Well, not family by blood, which is the important kind. But our lack of blood relation doesn’t make that girl any less of my sister, my sister by choice. I was closer to her than anyone else, and I didn’t see the signs. Rather, I did see the signs, I just didn’t take them as seriously as I should have. I hope that Lostei will forgive me.

~ 5 ~

I have never felt so free. The higher I climb the more the world opens up beneath me. The houses are obscured from all the way up here, but I’m sure they look like little more than toys. I shift the horizon with my thoughts. I bend this world to my will and there’s no limit to what I can do. An elegant castle sits on a far off cliff, backlit by the rising sun. The city around it is waking up, readying for the faire that will be later that day, in the good Queen’s honor. The townspeople wave to me as I glide above them on the calm winds, and I give a guard a good fright as I zip right over his head. This is what pure, unadulterated joy feels like. Nothing can go wrong unless I will it to.

Then, of course, something goes wrong. A roar sounds from nearby, drowning out the chatter of the peasants. Though they all get louder, and shriller, as they point to something on the horizon. A shape I can’t quite make out because of the blinding morning sun. And all too quickly he is upon us; the dragon. He is white, as I remember him being, with eyes and horns of deep blue. He breathes fire down upon the villagers. Panicked voices turn to screams as the beast immolates my people. I try to will both the fire and the dragon away, but the fire remains uncontained and the dragon keeps coming closer. I have no effect on him, and he knows it. He gives me what would probably be considered the draconic equivalent of a sneer as he rushes towards me. I will myself into a red dragon again (much larger this time) and meet him in midair.

We collide and our wicked claws hook into the other’s hide. Blood runs from me, but he seems utterly unfazed and uninjured. Searing pain courses through me, a burning in my veins.

He poisoned me. I think to myself. His very essence is poison. Let’s see if poison burns. I surround him in white-hot flame. I feel his claws release, though the poison still burns through my body. And when the smoke clears I notice he’s… melted? His neck and chest, which took the full brunt of my flame, have somewhat dissolved. Despite this, he’s still very much alive and is furious.

He breathes a cloud of blue poison in my face and I only barely manage to close my eyes in time. The burning pain is immediate. My eyes shut tighter against the stinging and I can’t get them back open. The skin on my face burns beneath the scales and I can feel blood leaking down my face from the chemical burns. How unfair that he gets two breath weapons.

A weight slams into me, knocking the wind out of me, and knocking me out of the sky. He lands on top of me, claws pinning me to the ground. Through watering eyes I can see him lower his jaws to my neck. No. I’m not ready to give up. I’m not ready to give this world up.

I kick my hind claws into his unprotected stomach, shredding it open. The wounded parts of him just dissolve away. He has no guts to eviscerate. He can’t be killed like any normal beast. I have to literally tear him to shreds.

He has wheeled back since my last attack but is again coming for my throat. When he gets close enough I slash one of my front feet into the side of his face, tearing my sharp claws through his snout. Parts of his face break apart in my palm, the ash-like substance burning all the skin it touches. I can feel my blood pooling on the ground, leaking from the various burns and cuts. I can feel myself getting weaker, eyes swimming not just from the stinging poison making them water.

My claws are still holding his face away from my throat, so he swipes at my stomach with his claws. I manage to twist out of the way, but one of his legs still catches me in the side and rips off scales and flesh.

‘You don’t survive this,’ a small voice in my head says. ‘You’re too wounded. Give up. Or make yourself small and escape. Hm, that’s an idea.’

I try to will myself back into my small human form, in which is would be much easier to escape his grasp. But nothing changes. I try to will myself to heal instead. Nothing. His poison negates my powers. I’m helpless.

My concentration has slipped and he’s freed himself from my grasp and is again lunging for my neck. I try to move but he just pushes me even harder into the ground. There’s no way out.

As his mouth grabs my throat, I go limp, defeated, but he doesn’t bite down.

“Remember,” his voice is a low growl. “This is what you chose. You’re here because of no one but yourself. I’m just doing my job.”

In his moment of pause I rake my talons through his throat, all but severing it from his body, and kick him off of me using the last of my strength and I watch as he hits the ground and dissolves into dust. I breathe a shaky breath of relief.

I can no longer feel the burning of the poison, or the stinging of my wounds. I can’t hear the roaring of the fire or the cries of the townspeople. Everything seems so far away. Like I’m not really there. Is this death? I don’t know. All I know is that the darkness looks so inviting, and that bright white beyond looks so safe.

~ 6 ~

White walls. Sterile floors. Standard office chairs. Constant chatter, doors swinging, the steady beeping of her heart monitor as I finally sit by her side. I hold her pale, limp hand in mine, watching her peaceful face for any sort of sign. I don’t believe in miracles, and I’ve given up hoping for them. But I still want my friend back. But it seems improbable that I’ll get my wish.

Her heart monitor speeds up, the significance of which I don’t understand. I think maybe she’s finally letting go. I yell for a nurse, a doctor, anyone who knows what’s going on. The fog is lifting from around my mind, pulling me to harsh reality. This is real. This is happening. Lostei tried to kill herself and I don’t think I’ll ever speak to her again. A team of nurses rush in and surround her bed, for some reason not asking me to move. They flit around her like butterflies, speaking in medical terms I don’t understand.

“Will someone please tell me what’s going on!” My voice is shrill and panicked.

No one responds, too fixated on what’s happening in front of them, acting as if I’m not even there. I try to calm myself, just watching her face, trying to keep myself grounded. I squeeze her lifeless hand, still warm but colder than it should be. I think of her gorgeous, deep brown eyes that I won’t get to see again.

At least, that’s what I thought until those two eyes opened. They’re not as bright as I remember, dulled and sunken from her brush with death, but they’re still there. She weakly squeezes my hand before I’m ushered out of the room so the nurses and doctors can make sure she’s actually going to be okay.

I reclaim my uncomfortable waiting room seat and gulp down all the cups of water that are in front of me, punctuating them with bites of the soft pretzel that replaced the soggy sandwich. I only just now feel the sharp pains of hunger and thirst. I watch the TV anxiously, still not paying that close of attention, my mind running at the speed of light trying to process all my thoughts. I sit there for hours, or maybe it was only minutes, or maybe seconds, before the doctor beckons me inside. He informs me that her family is on their way, but I don’t care. I try to keep myself calm as I walk to her side. She’s awake, but looks exhausted. My own exhaustion hits me, threatening to drag me down into the darkness, but I make myself stay awake. There will be time for sleep later.

Avoiding all the tubes and IVs I fling myself at her and envelope her in a gentle hug. She weakly returns it. When I pull back she’s smiling at me, and I smile back, there will be time for questions and hurt later, but right now I’m just glad that she’s back. I’m glad that she failed.

“Anya,” she rasps, her throat dry. “I had the strangest dream. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. And, I’m sorry.”

“There will be time for sorrys later, Lost. For now, we both need food and rest.”

She nods. “The world was so beautiful there. Everything was perfect…”

“Please don’t go back.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

#short story #tw: sucide mention #in my time

[gillywulf]

do not stand at my grave and cry; i am not there. i did not die.

AO3

Summary: Lexa learns what “death is not the end” really means.

~~~

As it comes with thinking of death as often as she did, Lexa liked to imagine the afterlife. That, and it was inescapable.

She thought it might be a place where she would be forced to endure punishment from the lives she’d taken during her own, both as a warrior and a leader. She pictured the scores of fighters and innocent civilians caught in her crossfire and what they might say and do to her. There wasn’t much they could have done in life, but in death, there was nothing to stop them. 

Her surprise was clearly warranted when that was not what awaited her.

When Lexa opened her eyes after closing them for the last time, it was to the clearest skies she’d ever seen and tall swaying grass that proved there was a breeze before her skin ever felt it. It was literally impossible. Her hands patted frantically at her stomach only to feel nothing. It was almost a full minute before her situation sunk in.

This was death. Decent weather and a pretty view.

She walked until she found a matching picturesque forest where light filtered through the canopy and lit up the forest floor in patches. The way it fell on to her skin warmed her more than she thought it ought to. Then, after walking for hours, she came upon a small network of huts. Wary as she was, she took a chance. 

“Hello?” she called out. She positioned herself to be ready for anything, to fight, to flee, to talk. The nearest door opened and she didn’t know which of those options was more appropriate.

“Lexa,” Costia gasped, marching across the distance with urgency, “what are you doing here?” Lexa could barely breathe.

“What?” Costia threw her arms around Lexa’s next and squeezed for the years they had and lost together. Instinctively, Lexa reciprocated. Costia was her first everything and to hold her again was...incredible.

“You shouldn’t be here, not yet” Costia murmured into her neck. Her warm breath tickled Lexa’s skin and it felt too real. Her arms tightened again.

“I swear to fucking- are you kidding me?!” A new voice broke them apart just in time for Lexa to catch a fist to her jaw. She stumbled to the ground, and with a hand to the wound, she gaped up at her attacker. Anya’s eyes had uncharacteristic tears flowing from them. “Why the fuck are you dead?” Oh. Yes. That was why they were upset to see her. “You ungrateful-” Her mentor heaved her off of her ass, “completely stupid-” pulled her into another forceful hug, “idiotic goufa”

“It wasn’t intentional” Lexa argued lightly, allowing herself to feel the relief of seeing her mentor again. Soon enough, Gustus, her parents, and two other Natblidas from her conclave - Oten and Lyt - came out of their huts to admonish her and hold her tightly. It was overwhelming.

She’d been only a few years old when her natblida status had removed her from her parents custody. She’d attempted to find them again once she’d been made Heda only to discover they’d been killed in a bandit raid five years prior. It made her unsure of how to act around them, as with the other natblidas and Gustus, seeing as she had been the one to kill them. All of them assured her as they sat in her parents hut catching up that they harbored no ill will against her. But Lexa still cried and apologized. Only in her death could she have all of the people she loved in one place.

“How did you die?” her mother asked in the contented silence after dinner. All of them watched Lexa expectantly. She was suddenly aware that they must all have been expecting some glorious death fit for Heda of the twelve clans, founder of the Coalition.

“I was shot in the stomach by Fleimkepa Titus. It was an accident,” she admitted softly, “I was not the intended target”

“Who was?” Gustus’s fury was evident in his sharp tone and incensed expression.

Even softer than before; “Clarke” The word was met with silence until Gustus slammed his fists on the table and rose to his feet, quickly turning away. “She is not to blame. Titus is the one who held the weapon and made the decision to shoot-”

“Because of her!” Gustus snapped. “I told you she would kill you!”

Anya tried to step in. “Gus, she may be-”

“No! I will not have this rationalized! Who is Heda now?! A child?!”

“Enough!” Lexa let her authority bleed into the room, causing her most trusted body guard to freeze. “Clarke was leaving Polis at great personal cost. Titus prevented her from leaving and no doubt caused a larger mess than if she were to have left. She was never, and will never be to blame for what happened to me” Her gaze bore into Gustus’s, challenging him.

“You sound awfully sure of this girl” Oten raised a suspicious eyebrow. Hyper-aware of Costia’s presence at the end of the table, Lexa nodded.

“I am”

~

Months passed and Lexa slowly relearned her loved ones, not as Heda or as a potential Heda, but as Lexa the girl. She let herself smile and joke and to feel their love. It was fantastic.

Her father did the same sword twirl that she did, her mother made them same face of annoyance. Oten and Lyt’s maturity had grown beyond their outward appearances to match the man and woman they would have become. Gustus showed her his whittling hobby and the many small animals he spent his day making. Anya demanded to spar with her at every opportunity and still corrected her even when Lexa won most of them. Costia spoke with her about the event that ended her life and let Lexa cry until she was certain she felt no grief for it.

She settled in her own hut just out of eyesight from the others and found another small cluster of huts on the opposite side of hers with a nice eyed middle aged man who called himself Jake and a boy who called himself Wells. Lexa knew instantly who they were and began having regular lunches with them, trying her best not to reveal who she was.

It was the happiest she’d ever been in her life and the irony didn’t escape her.

On almost a year to the day she’d arrived, Lexa wandered over to Jake and Wells’s huts for a lunch. Like usual, it was a perfectly sunny day with a perfectly balanced breeze. After the healing she felt getting reacquainted with her family, Lexa found the days that much more beautiful and relished each breath she took (though she was well aware there was no expiration date this time, which made her feel all the more ridiculous for not wanting to take it all for granted).

Something was different the moment she stepped from the tree line. Usually, one of her two new friends would be there to greet her, eager to catch up with her, but there was no one there. With a frown, she pushed on. Their huts weren’t a far distance from the tree line so it wasn’t long before Lexa pressed her back to the side of Jake’s hut. Cautiously, she peered around the corner. 

In the center of the small cluster was what seemed to be a group hug. She could see Wells, Jake, the woman who had been introduced to Lexa as Wells’s mother, and another couple she’d met. All of them were huddled around someone with blonde hair.

Her heart stopped. Of course Jake chose that moment to turn around.

“Lexa! I’m so sorry neither of us met you,” he wiped tears from his eyes and she finally got a good view of the blonde in his arms.

Clarke. Clarke.

“Lexa” the love of her life mumbled in disbelief. She disentangled herself from her friends and family and sprinted towards Lexa. She looked good was the first thing that came to Lexa’s mind. In all fairness, she never thought anything less of Clarke, but to see her in person, there was no way she could think anything else.

She caught Clarke around the waist and tugged her close, her hands stroking at her hair and back like she’d never done it before. She smelled like the most fragrant flower, the ocean in the morning, a fruit after the first bite. If Lexa had nothing but this for the rest of eternity, she would be okay with that. Clarke pulled back enough to look her square in the eyes and oh that ocean analogy was certainly apt. Clarke’s eyes seemed brighter by the perfect sunlight and the tears shining in them.

“So we met again” she couldn’t help but say. Though Clarke’s laugh was garbled by the sob, she still leaned forward to kiss her. It was desperate and rough, but Lexa kept it in mind that they would have eternity for softness and gentleness. She brushed her thumb over Clarke’s skin just to feel her. When they felt that pesky need to breathe, they pulled apart and Clarke dropped her forehead to Lexa’s collarbone.

“I watched you die” It was barely above a whisper, but it rattled Lexa’s very bones. She could see how much it destroyed Clarke as it happened - the tears and screaming and frantic hands trying fruitlessly to save her - and she had already endured the deaths of people she cared about. Lexa never wanted to be among them.

“And now we get to live” she promised.

~

Lexa and Clarke woke up to each other every morning. They made breakfast and prepared for the day before splitting their time between their families, Lexa’s mother doted and Clarke and Jake nearly burst into tears when the pair of them told him their story. Anya seemed less than excited to see Clarke, but she was happy to realize that she hadn’t been shot in the back for nothing (Lexa, learning of the fact for the first time was alarmed, but they both assured her they hadn’t known it was coming).

Some days they would spend only in the comfort of one another. Lexa may have spent the day teaching Clarke to fight, or Clarke may have drawn as Lexa napped in her lap. but the most amazing thing was that it all happened without the burden of others. Neither were worrying about the impact of their choices or the choices of others.

This was death; in love and at peace.

#clexa #fanfiction #the 1oo #mine #im aware of the readability of this