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milk-addicc · 4 years

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I really liked that post you made about how Capcom feels about Narumitsu. And I'm wondering how do you think they feel about Narumayo? Personally to me it feels like they throw more hints at Narumitsu since with the other one if Takami wanted it to be canon he would of done it at the end of T&T. I also think the team could of made it more obvious in SoJ with Maya's big return but I never really saw the hints but I know I'm biased lol.

oh i’m glad you like my rambles haha;;

ahh... that ship,

well first, about the whole Takumi “wanting narumitsu to be canon” thing, its not exactly making them canon but have more fanservice leaning heavy towards narumitsu (which was declined by the director(?) who claimed, i sorta agree with, that the game did well even without the narumitsu hinting since in the first game they didn’t have that intention and it was pure coincidence that their relationship was just THAT deep and meaningful which is incredible lmao, Takumi and co managed to slip his warning and still put at least some of the hints in TT tho hhh-). so even then, i doubt the crew actually want the endgame to come so soon hh.

okay, back on topic. what i think about naru//mayo? yea, i’m not keen on that ship personally at all, actually i despise it. like, they first met in the office, in front of their dead loved one, Mia. Maya was 17, Phoenix was 24. you have Maya, who’s supposedly still in HIGH SCHOOL and Phoenix, who has GRADUATED COLLEGE, has a JOB, and most likely has PAID HIS OWN BILLS. from that point alone, it should already feel weird.

Maya’s an adolescence, a teenager, she just lost her sister and barely grew up, in a way she’s still innocent, notice how she tend to ask random questions and or say things that she thinks makes sense or amusing, she tends to be naive too. its kinda like.. a child.

and Phoenix on the other hand, is a grown man. heck even Maya says he’s an “old fart”, they’re legit aware of their own age gap in game and outright say it. if anything, they both act like self-aware best friends/brother-sister than romantically. even Maya said it herself, she wants to be a good big sister for Pearl and Nick.

now how about we ignore this obvious fact just for a little while and try to see it from only their interactions in-franchise. heres the kicker, you may not see it in game since they only lightly nudges about this ship (usually with Pearl, and was dismissed by Maya right after.), but in some of AA spin off mangas (and from what i heard, one of the stage shows), for some reason, this ship has their own hints despite being completely aware that Maya is a teenager.

but its okay now don’t hold your breaths,

their “hints” are more of a one-off ish thing, most of the time a gag and not taken seriously, and unlike other ship per say narumitsu, where it actually affects their lives and changed it forever IN-GAME. “i care about Maya and understands her” and “i became an attorney because of you, Edgeworth and i don’t have any regrets” are both literally incomparable, especially given Phoenix and Edgeworth’s history together in-game canon.

anyway, here’s some common arguments i’ve encountered about this particular ship :

“but Phoenix cares about Maya a lot! he literally went through a trial against a hitman and run through a burning bridge for her!”

“Phoenix blushed and goes red when Pearl says he’s Maya’s special someone and he stutters!”

“Well my parents had a huge age gap!"

“well, Maya is 18 in AA2″

“considering Maya is a christmas cake now, Nick better tap that”

“she’s an adult in AA6 tho”

now lets dissect each of these,

yes, Phoenix cares about Maya a lot he literally did cross a burning bridge for her but people seem to forget that this is the same man who turned his life around, abandon his dreams, study law for four years, and became an attorney to meet one man and willing to defend a girl who looks like his psychotic ex that nearly poisoned him in court. he literally would believe in his clients’s innocence no matter what, he’s by nature would sacrifice anything and even his life for someone. so its normal that he cares about Maya, but is it romantic? i doubt it, he cares about her safety and well being but does it have to be a romantic hint? no, of course not, he’s just very selfless for the people he cares about and Maya has no one to help her but Nick when she’s in trouble, he’s one of few adults she can trust and will help her out.

oh so blushing and stuttering due to embarrassment means having feelings now? and about the stuttering, he literally stutters around Edgeworth a lot lol. i’m starting to feel like people ships naru//mayo not because of their depth but because Pearl said so. Pearl finds them should be together and keep shoving the audience with Nick being “Mystic Maya’s special someone”, well if thats the case, they also explained why this happened, in-game. Pearl grew up very sheltered and among unhealthy marriages she just assumes a girl and a boy together means they’re dating and being “special someones”. she most likely just wants her cousin to be in a happy relationship unlike her parents where her father left both her and her mother but didn’t know any better because she was eight years old.

https://youtu.be/FGAqQkMEKNs?start=674&end=776

now about the parent thing and taking it personal, well my parents too had a huge age-gap of 7 years. but how come is it okay? its because they met when my mum was already a career woman at 26. she’s already an adult when my dad met her. what does this mean? it means my parents were both adults when they’re together, this is why i still like GumMaggey despite their age gap so wide, they first met when Maggey has already had a career, supposedly in her 20′s, she’s a young adult, she can buy alcohol by herself, already knows whats right and wrong and has live life independently, not a still hormonal teenager who depends on one adult figure. did your parents date when your mum is in highschool while your dad is like in his mid 20′s? sorry to hear that.

as for the last three arguments, i don’t even want to touch any of them with a five-foot pole. are you listening to yourself? do you not feel like you’re a creep typing that?

let me give you a benefit of the doubt. yes she’s older and legally an adult, but are you really discrediting the fact they met when Maya was still in highschool? they met and became friends when she’s 17 and he’s 24. sure they barely met during disbarment era, but should that change anything? why should it? how should it? like this?

“Oh this is Maya, i haven’t met her in years but boy she sure has grown up can’t wait to date her since she’s legal now.”

because thats what that argument sounds like, YIKES.

you know? if they met under a different circumstance and Maya was like 19, i’d let it go. but they didn’t, they met because of a horrible loss, Maya, still in training, 17 lost her big sister and Phoenix, a rookie, at 24 lost his mentor.

in conclusion, i don’t like naru//mayo at all

pairing them feels like pairing Edgeworth with Kay or Phoenix with Ema, just because they partnered in investigations, make playful jabs at each other, and saved each others’s lives before, people just think they like each other romantically despite their age-gap in first meetings (not to mention Kay sees Edgeworth as somewhat of a father figure, and she’s nearly 18 while Edgeworth is the same age as Phoenix). especially with how Maya, being a zoomer, calls Phoenix an “old fart” and just makes jokes about how so out-of-touch Phoenix is with the modern entertainment.

from observations, i have a huge hunch that almost all of them pair these two because :

1. Maya’s a girl protagonist so its a male protagonist x female protagonist type of deal and despise narumitsu because “yaoi”

2. AA6 she’s an adult so she’s legal which is damn creepy on its own, or last

3. because of Pearl shipping them in game despite being an eight year old and was so sheltered she thought a man and a woman being next to each other means they’re special someones.

either way, i only see them as best friends, sibling-like relationship with self awareness here and there since they tease the audience a lot with their gag “hints” in spin-off mangas and game.

not only that, it kinda showcase how all male/female bond don’t have to be romantic, they can be just friends or familial and still hang together. another plus for the franchise right after encouraging moving on from ex partners. *glancing at Phoenix//Iris*

and as to the people who pairs this for some odd reasons, sometimes i just want to ask these questions,

“how would you feel if you’re in Phoenix’s shoes? met your mentor’s little sister at age 17 while you’re 24, would you feel romantically interested in this high schooler?” because i don’t, to me anyone 3 years younger than me is like a baby, how would Phoenix feel when Maya’s 7 years younger?

“also... why even? narumitsu and other less questionable pairings are RIGHT THERE in the open!”

but oh well people can like and pair whatever hhh,

and there you have it, my even longer rambling hahaha sorry;;

Edit : To add the final nail to the coffin, Phoenix outright has said that Maya’s like his kid, like a niece.

Edit 2 : remember that this is simply my personal take, you can somewhat use this to make yourself feel better about your pair nor simply just to hate on the ship itself but do not use this to dictate actual people what to ship and not to ship.

please don’t be destructive towards others.

#NOT n*rumayo #notp #naru//mayo #can't ship them sorry #im almost 20 and everyone 3 years younger feels like a child #imagine being phoenix and knowing maya is like 7 years younger jfc #slight #narumitsu #encouragement lol #dont harrass the shippers of it please

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shintorikhazumi · 3 years

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I Have Two Sisters?! Chapter 2: The Eldest Sister, The Younger Sister, and The Youngest

A/N: This chapter is more on Diana and Claudine’s lives and backgrounds. I feel like most of the initial chap plans I have are. Weiss gets her background turn soon tho. She still has some thoughts from her point of view. Some observations. It’s kinda different for her since she’s actually been around Jacques as opposed to Claudine and Diana who have been away from the dude, practically not knowing him at all. Maybe around chapter 4-ish. Rubes, Akko, and Maya come in the next chapter, so I hope you all can hold out until then, haha.

I personally love this concept so much! Like really! I keep writing out plot lines and paragraphs ahead. This is clearly a self-indulgent fic, I apologize.

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

I Have Two Sisters?! Chapter 2: The Eldest Sister, The Younger Sister, and The Youngest

For how shitty he was as a father- and a person in general, Jacques Schnee sure had the devil’s luck. It made perfect sense as he was basically a demon at this point with all that he’s probably done, both known and hidden from the light.

How could someone acquire so much fortune? Riches, intelligence and cunning brought about by his insane amounts of greed, looks (Weiss gagged so hard thinking about it, though it was relatively true), charm that deceived women… or deceit masked as charm? Anyway. He had it all.

Plus, he had three gorgeous daughters to boot.

Had he exchanged his soul for this amount of good karma?

Well, it didn’t matter.

If the angel of death wanted nothing to do with him, then it probably wouldn’t mind if three angel-looking ladies took care of the job instead… right?

They were certainly angry enough to kill.

Or at least Weiss was.

Weiss had been brandishing her sword for the better half of the last two hours as she remained seated on the couch next to an equally fuming Claudine, exchanging opinions about their insufferable… sperm donor, or whatever.

Diana lay peacefully unaware, head on the golden-blonde’s lap, still unconscious since fainting at their front door. The other two…sisters- gosh, it was so weird thinking about it- didn’t quite know what to do with her, so they simply moved her over so she could rest more comfortably.

At first, they had planned on moving to the kitchen area to talk things out, and leave their other sibling to the peace of a quiet room, however, as if sensing the lack of presence, Diana had begun to toss and turn restlessly, hands and arms seeking out something. Upon grasping the edge of Claudine’s shirt, it seemed as though she had no plans of letting go, and thus, they ended up in the position they were in now, all squeezing together on their decently-sized couch.

“-And so, he told me I wasn’t old enough to live on my own, and I was wondering what he meant, because I am most certainly over eighteen! And then he implied something about Japan and that-! That was how I found out about being sent here and… we’re here now.” Weiss had just finished telling her side of this ridiculous story, pissed off being an understatement as to how she felt.

She didn’t want to be a criminal, but Jacques Schnee had a neck that just looked so perfect to slice in half.

Claudine would have laughed at how red Weiss’ face had become, but she refrained, breathing in, readying the words to her own tale. They had broached the topic of how they got here while talking about the house and their first meeting, and so they backtracked a bit to their own backgrounds and history prior to their father’s decision of sending them all to this place in Japan.

“I used to study here, actually. It’s only been a little over two years since I left.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. I studied at a music and arts academy and mainly dabbled in theatre.”

“You say, “dabbled”, but I wonder if it’s really just that.” Weiss chuckled, secretly studying her companion’s features. Something in the back of her mind told her that the name, ‘Claudine’ was one she’d heard of before, especially since it had involved music. But maybe she could look into it later. “Sorry, go on.” Weiss encouraged after realizing she had interrupted her sister’s story.

“I was offered a chance at an exchange program in the school that basically “made” my mother’s previous career. It was in Paris and…” Claudine looked like she had loved and regretted at the same time every inch of that experience.

“I get it.” Weiss whispered, not meeting the actress’ gaze. “The biggest opportunity of your life. It could change everything.” Weiss turned back to meet rose-red eyes in understanding. “But that change isn’t always the best.” Claudine nodded. “It’s kind of like that meme, the one that goes ‘but at what cost’.” They shared a light laugh at that, but it seemed as though their chatter was enough to rouse the bundle of British girl on Claudine’s lap.

“Hrrngghnmm… where…?” Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands, Diana blinked slowly, rising up to sit on the couch properly. She took in her surroundings, the unfamiliar interior, and the two people she could barely remember. She would have panicked and created as much distance between herself and the strangers, thinking she might have been kidnapped, but it was like she didn’t even have enough energy for that.

“Good morning to you as well.” Claudine jested, patting stray tufts of curly hair into place. “I hope you slept well, because we have a lot to talk about.”

Diana was still in the middle of processing everything in her drowsy state, so she could only nod in minimal understanding.

“Great. So Diana,” Weiss stole her attention.

“How did you-“

“Well, as you failed to introduce yourself to us right before fainting,” Diana visibly winced, and Claudine had chided Weiss on being a bit mean. The white-haired heiress rolled her eyes, but apologized anyway before continuing. “-we took the liberty of checking your pockets for any identification. Don’t worry, we didn’t take anything, and we didn’t snoop around important things that weren’t your ID. Rest assured. At least we respect privacy… unlike certain assholes…” She whispered the last part to herself.

A nod.

“Good, so. Now that introductions are out of the way,” Weiss stood up in front of the pair, hands on her hips. “It’s now time for some very important questions.”

“…such as?” Diana required some elaboration.

“Such as… whatever this thing is.” She stated, spinning her finger about in the air, gesturing to the three of them. “Between us.”

“But I thought…” Diana trailed off, instinctively looking to Claudine for support. The latter got the message.

“Aren’t we siblings? Sisters? Well… half-sisters, but,” she scratched the back of her head, feeling a little shy. “Sisters nonetheless.” Diana nodded in agreement, feeling a little warm deep down.

“Fine. So we’re sisters.” Weiss crossed her arms over her chest. “But there are certain things we have to agree on. After all, we don’t even know each other. Like, at all. How do we know who’s in charge in this house? Money concerns, I’m sure we all have individual banks and means. But things like property and document processes, who gives the rules and all that jazz… Or do we all just go on with our lives, each to their own.” She finished, awaiting the pair’s reply.

“I-…” Diana found herself lost for words once more. She couldn’t admit that she actually fancied the idea of having two new sisters, having wanted a family because she never really had one apart from her mother who had already long since passed. After that event, she had always been alone. She had been an only child, after all. She had always wondered what it would have been like had she had siblings, like her twin cousins. Her mother never married again, nor did she have the chance to as fate was so cruel. She was Diana’s only memory of family, along with a few of their servants who were loyal to them to the core.

But really, it was different when it was family that shared the same blood in their veins. Though quite a number would argue that some friends stuck closer than brothers, there were still instances where blood would prove to be thicker than water.

Even if it was diluted by half-built relationships.

Claudine noticed her distress. It was as though she always did. Placing a hand over Diana’s, she squeezed comfortingly before turning to Weiss.

“After speaking with you earlier, I’m sure we all need family of some sort. I don’t mind acting-“ Claudine caught herself, proceeding to shake her head. “-No, being sisters with you both. I think I’d actually like it. I’ve never had siblings as I was an only child. But then I did stay in a dorm in high school, and being around same-aged peers was truly a beneficial experience, living alongside people I grew to know and trust.”

Diana gave her a relieved smile, and the French responded in kind.

“I believe we could be the same if we tried.”

Weiss sighed, but she was smiling deep down. She had an older sister back home, and a younger brother as well, though they weren’t as close as she was with the eldest. Still, she knew they were all just struggling in their father’s grasp, forced to obey his whims. The two older sisters had managed to wriggle out one way or another, but Weiss sometimes regretted not helping Whitley be able to do the same. Maybe one day, she could introduce him to two sisters who looked like they had so much care and experience to share. Maybe they could all be a family together. Even if they all just consisted of siblings.

“I suppose I can be the eldest then.” It was neither proposition nor suggestion. Weiss was attempting to establish it as fact.

“Why you?” Claudine questioned with a brow raised.

Diana didn’t care who was in charge, she was happy enough to feel the inclusion in a family.

“Well, seeing as I’m the legitimate child here-“ It was like everything froze. There was a cut of silence in the air, kind of like those disc scratches you would hear often in videos when someone made a mistake, or a fumble and everyone realized. Yes, Weiss had suddenly realized what she had just said, and immediately regretted it.

And her string of apologies ensued.

“I’m… I’m so sorry. Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” Her eyes were panicked, flickering quickly between Diana and Claudine’s shocked ones, a bit too shaken to come up with a comment or response. “I’m so sorry. I really am. I apologize. I deeply apologize.” Weiss throat ran dry, it was like she was choking. Tears pricked at the edges of her eyes in her state of adrenaline with all the heightened emotions she had endured throughout the day.

She knew she had just crossed a horrible, horrible line. She bowed before them deeply, a perfect ninety degrees, not knowing what to do to salvage this situation. She didn’t know much of Diana’s story, but from what she’d gotten from Claudine’s side, as well as observing Diana through their interactions, she was fairly sure that they had been through so many bad things.

So many.

“I’m so sorry. Di-Diana… Claudine, I’m… I’m sorry.” She coughed out. “I can’t believe it… I’m just like… I’m just like that man.” She felt a tear slip out of her eyes, but before more could, a handkerchief was held out to her by a hand that slightly tremored.

“No. You’re not. You’re not like him.” Claudine was someone who was quite good at comforting others, Diana and Weiss realized. “We all aren’t.” All this time since they met, she had been the one to offer it. They had to be sure to thank her and express their appreciation later. They had all the time to. “We’ll do our best to reject his blood that runs through our veins.” She said with a conviction that the two could only agree to. But there was just something about that last bit,

“Pfft-“ Diana ended up cracking first. “I don’t think that’s possible,” She looked to Claudine, mirth in her gaze, something different from the clouds that had shrouded them this whole time. “but… we can at least deny his existence, if you’d like.”

The two blinked, Diana saying her first complete sentence, smooth sentence catching them unaware. It only took them a second to adjust to it however as they giggled along.

“Oh, I’d definitely like that.”

//-//-//-//-//

They ended up deciding who would be the “eldest” by asking each other’s ages and birthdates, something they should have done earlier, they now realized, sharing another laugh at their silliness.

They were all currently nineteen years of age, and about to enter their first year of university. At this revelation, they wondered why it was that their ages were so close to one another, particularly Diana and Weiss.

While the former was born in April, the latter’s birthday landed on the fifteenth of May. Claudine had the slightest gap from them, being born a few months later in august.

They tried to reason it out, Weiss trying to share bits and pieces of information she had uncovered after snooping around in her father’s office, as well as things she had heard during her mother’s many lamentations.

Over dinner, their talk led them to the deduction that on the particular year when they had been conceived, Jacques Schnee had a world-wide business operation going on, travelling from place to place constantly, checking on his various corporation branches almost monthly, staying for days to weeks on end in some countries.

Through the magical powers of the internet, they were able to dig up hidden articles that spoke of their biological parent’s notoriety for sleeping around in the many places he visited, and by the universe’s cruel plot, got the other two mothers pregnant around the time his wife was. Weiss had probably been conceived when he came back home from his visit to England which might explain why Diana was now the eldest.

“We should have him castrated.” Weiss proposed, and the other two only laughed nervously, knowing she was dead serious.

Despite this infuriating truth, they were somehow thankful that it allowed them to find each other. It was a mutual feeling that they believed they’d get along nicely.

Their dinner ended with them cleaning up the dishes and kitchen together before wishing one another a goodnight, separating into their individual rooms to unpack and get cleaned up to catch their repose from this stressful day.

Diana had finished quickly, now fresh from a warm bath and changed into comfortable sleeping attire. She fell onto the soft mattress that was a little too big for her taste. It was like the one back at home. Simply large and comfortable, but never comforting. Always so cold because Diana could never warm it all up. Or maybe that was just in her heart.

The peaceful rest she had wanted to attain did not come to her. Instead, she was plagued with nightmares of abuse. The abuse she had had to sustain while in the Cavendish manor, while in the branch house, everywhere that had the family’s eyes on her.

Cold blue eyes, freezing, burning. Yells and screams, screeches, insults, the pressured gazes, the false smiles of the peers and fans that surrounded her. The scrutiny and judgment. The rumors.

The emotional pains, the mental torture, the spiritual crushing, the social stress…

The whip that beat down on her legs, on her back, on her arms, and on her face at time.

And then-

Diana screamed.

In agony, in pain. A deep red gash on her hand never ceased in its bleeding. Her nerves stung, her eyes did too. The pain was searing, she couldn’t take it, it hurt so much. Her hands shook, they quivered, her body wretched and writhed, but still that unforgiving hand still raised the bloody tool for one more-

“I BEG YOU, PLEASE STOP-!”

“DIANA!” Claudine and Weiss had barged through the door, having heard the tormented cries of their housemate and had made a mad dash for her room.

“Diana?! Are you okay?” The said girl remained writhing, needily gasping for air. Claudine attempted to shake her awake. “Diana! Wake up!”

Eyelids flew open, revealing pained ceruleans, hazy from the dream and unfocused. Diana continued her sobbing, but now quieter as she slowly ran out of tears. Her sisters waited for her, understood that she was unable to speak, possibly for moments, possibly for the entire night.

They tried to get her back into bed, hoping she could get more rest at the very least. She must have been exhausted with whatever war she had in her dreams.

But Diana didn’t want to go back to sleep, clinging onto Claudine strongly. To her, it felt as though she was walking right back into the lion’s den, returning to torture’s waiting arms; but Claudine’s arms, she much more preferred. It felt of a motherly presence. When she realized this, Diana felt the embarrassment sinking in at the knowledge that Claudine was the youngest sister and she was the eldest.

And yet, here they are.

Still, she didn’t like being in the bed, she didn’t like how unfamiliar it was.

The girls agreed to move to the living room. While Claudine layed out a few extra foams and blankets for them to settle down into, Weiss prepared some warm, tea to help calm Diana down.

She wasn’t as good at Claudine when it came to dealing with people’s anxieties, Weiss admitted. But she wasn’t bad at it. So, offering Diana a cup gently, she tried to reassure her with a smile and a soft tone.

“It’s p-peppermint.” Damn stutters.

They sat in front of one another on a pile of warm blankets, no words, just the sounds of sipping and blowing of tea.

Claudine was fine with backrubs and handholds, and the like. But anything more than that felt like crossing a line, especially with strangers. Even if those strangers happened to be your family. Huh. This is what it was like to have awkward moments of being a family with strangers. She thought it was such a rare thing, usually portrayed only in books and television or in the plays she did.

But now it she was literally living that odd trope.

Huh.

And the silence continued. And continued. And continued… and still would have painfully continued, if Weiss could take the atmosphere still.

She couldn’t.

So what better way to break the ice than to talk about their horrible shared father?

“Ahh… My dad lied to me about a lot of things.” She began, stretching her arms up into the air, hand still holding her empty cup. That caught her siblings’ attention as they were taken into another conversation. “This place too. He said he had gotten me an apartment. I thought he was being pretty considerate to give me a place to live on my own- ah, not that I dislike staying with you both I just… didn’t foresee this development.”

“I doubt any of us did.” Claudine followed-up.

“This house… even if it’s smaller than the mansion where I grew up… It’s kinda big for just three girls, huh.” Weiss murmured, suddenly feeling the urge to apologize at mentioning wealth when she hadn’t a clue of the living situations her “sisters” had had to endure before this point.

They shook their heads, as if they read her thoughts, knowing.

Diana began murmuring coldly. “My mother’s family is very well-known.” Her younger sisters perked up at this, finally having the chance to hear the eldest’s background pre-incident. “We… were kicked out of the main house in England after, well… after me.” She hung her head low, as if she were shaed of her own existence. And she very likely was.

Diana jumped at the two warm touches on each of her hand, Claudine and Weiss taking one each, squeezing encouragingly.

Diana continued. “We lived in a traditional Japanese manor after moving to this country. A branch of our family used to live there, but at that time, it was unoccupied. It was fancy and large. Certainly made for the luxurious life. Though I never felt rich regardless.” The girls nodded in understanding, and Diana ended her piece.

Claudine then explained that while she understood their sentiments, she was rather satisfied with her life. She had everything she needed. Her adoptive father bought them a larger than average house, and they were a happy family together. Then she stopped.

This time, it was her who received the squeezes of comfort, Weiss now taking her free hand as they sat in this odd circle of angsty reminiscing.

“When he died, we sold the house, not solely for monetary need, but because maman couldn’t take the pain of being reminded of him.” Claudine finished. Weiss just had to comment, though.

“Maman…”

“M-mother!”

Everyone chuckled at that.

“Mothers. Fathers. Family, huh…” Diana tested the foreign words on her tongue. “I… I had my mother for a time, but after that…” She trailed off, a forlorn expression taking place on her features once more. “I’ve never had a family.”

“…”

“If you’ve never had a family, then we’ll be you family.” Weiss, ever the breaker of silence, declared.

“We will be your sisters, your mothers, your friends, and your fathers. We will be everything for you.” Claudine added, wanting to share these feelings, just like how her mom had made her feel when it was just the two of them remaining.

Those words were too good to be true. Too kind. Too rewarding a promise. Diana searched their eyes. She searched their body languages, their words, and their souls.

She searched and found their loyalty, sincerity, and truthfulness.

And she cried.

//-//-//-//-//

They woke up late the following morning, opting to have some toast with jam and hot milk. An easy fix from the things they found in their already stacked cupboards. While cleaning up after a filling meal, they heard a phone go off in one of the rooms.

Identifying it as hers, Claudine goes off to retrieve it, her sisters waving her off as they continued cleaning up.

A few quiet minutes passed, and then the actress came bounding down the hall. frantic in her running about. Once she reached her worried companions, she cries a heart-wrenching sob. The two elders asked what was wrong, and when Claudine says that she had received a call from the hospital, the two are willing to accompany her with no questions asked.

They soon learn of what Claudine had been unable to tell them the day before. Her mother who had been admitted in the hospital for a while, and had been the primary reason for the actress to return to Japan, had a critical attack that morning, and upon their arrival at the hospital, she now rested unconscious.

Diana and Weiss did not know how to comfort Claudine the way she did for them. When they met her, she was feisty, determined, willful, independent and strong. Able to stand on her own two feet, so to speak.

But now they realized she was only able to stand because she had someone behind her, supporting her always. Unconditionally.

And that support was now laying motionless on a hospital bed, the beeps of a machine eerily looming around their atmosphere, rousing such scary prospects.

Claudine sobbed hours upon hours straight, and the pair could only helplessly watch her do so.

They could do nothing, not while the girl’s mother was in such a critical state, no one knowing if she’d ever wake up again.

---

She woke up.

It was late in the afternoon, and Claudine had fallen asleep from all the crying, head rested on her arms on her mom’s bedside.

The woman blinked the sleep away, eyes scanning the room and landing on two strangers, two women who awkwardly bowed their introductions, trying to explain why they were in the room of someone they had just met today. “Hello, um.” They bowed slightly. “We are… well… we are S-Saijou-no… Claudine’s sisters.” One with streaks of mint in her blonde locks tried, scared of the older woman’s reaction to this news.

“I know.”

“What?!” Shocked, they listened to the giggling mother explain why.

She began to express her regrets with the man known as Jacques. It was a mistake. Everything involving him was.

It was a corporation party for a show she had performed in. And the man was one of the sponsors. She had been forced to drink, coerced, probably slipped something strange, and when she woke up…

Weiss face was contorted in disgusted anger. “That man should just get arrested already.” She seethed. They knew it would take a little more effort than just reporting it to police, however. Especially since it had been nineteen years ago. But hey, he had so many faults, couldn’t they just… get him for any of those?

And then she remembered why Diana and Claudine were claimed as his children in the first place. He always tried to look for loopholes out of prison. He just had so much undeserved power. Weiss hoped it would bite him in the ass one day.

They swapped stories until the orange sky turned dark blue, and visiting hours were almost coming to a close. Claudine was breathing softly, eyes puffy, body relaxed. Her mother petted through golden mane, leaning down to plant a kiss on the crown of her head. She then turned to her daughter’s sisters, rose-red eyes, making a life-time request, plea to them.

“Please… take care of her.” They saw her fist tighten for a moment, before relaxing again. “She is the love of my life.” If Weiss used to think that that title could only be applied to romantic partners, her perception was given a fresh wash.

Love of your life. To be able to call someone that, such a pure unadulterated love towards another human being... it was something special. And probably something she herself had yet to experience. Her younger sister truly was blessed, as she claimed. It was clear why she grew up, able to be satisfied with her family life. Claudine surely felt the same for her mother.

Maybe someday, they too…

They stayed a few more minutes, simply waiting until Claudine would wake up. She soon did, and they pushed her to spend the remaining time with her mom right until the last minute before visiting hours would officially be over.

They thought they would have to pry Claudine away from her mother as she had spent almost the entire time hugging her, speaking from time to time, but mostly just holding her wordlessly.

But the girl really was a mature, grounded lass. It was amazing, inspiring, and… a bit sad, they’d admit. What else had she been through to grow this resilient?

They walked home a slow pace. No one had said any word.

The nighttime breeze hit them coldly and they shivered. Then, each sister awkwardly took a hand, at the same time, as if they shared some form of telepathy. It made them feel warmer.

And so they continued their walk home together-

There was a collective growl of stomachs, along wlith blushing and chuckling.

And so they continued their walk to the nearest convenience store instead, grabbing a few chicken nuggets and hotdog buns, some juice, and a few chocolates. Then they went on home.

They learned a lot about each other today. However, it appeared as though there was even more to learn. There always was when it came to getting to know other people. And along with becoming familiar with each other, they’d discover many more of each other’s struggles and troubles.

They’d encounter their own as a family together as well.

But it really didn’t matter anymore, did it?

They could conquer anything. They really did believe they could conquer anything.

Together, they could.

A/N: It’s 2:15am and my brain is fried. I have to re-enroll for my second semester classes and make my mom’s modules haha. Anyway, The picture I have for this AU’s Diana is actually still reserved, but the soft kind around her sisters. She’ll be cold around other people tho. Kind of meek, in a sense, but that has to do with how bad she’s had it growing up. And although Claud is the youngest, she acts like the mother. Weiss, I can definitely see as the middle child haha. Weiss’ tsundere aspects and Claudine’s slightly prideful self make for a wonderful dynamic in interactions. I love it. Diana is like the regulator of their passionate bickering. It’s like icecream on a hot cookiebrowny. I think.

Comments, kudos, reblogs, let’s go? Please? I’m desperate for feedback haha.

~Shintori Khazumi

#fanfic #rwby x lwa x starira #rwby #starira #revue starlight #shoujo kageki revue starlight #lwa #Little Witch Academia #diana cavendish #weiss schnee #claudine saijou #saijou claudine #eventual pairings #family dynamics #crossover #au

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westcoastrry · 3 years

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Tracing The Stars Chapter 5

Harry's POV

When Coach Parker sent the official team list to the group chat, and I saw Gabe and I as Captains, I pretty much lost it.

During tryouts, I played the best I had ever played. If I didn't get that pep talk from Blair beforehand, I probably would have been worried about everything. But, I took Blair's advice, and I wasn't playing to please coach, my parents, or anyone else. I was playing for fun. I was playing for me.

"So you gonna tell me where the hell that beast came from today?" Gabe asks, snapping me out of my thoughts, passing me a beer.

"Dude, I wish I fucking knew."

"Two goals and three assists. Yeah, we are getting that Champion State win for sure."

"I'm nervous about Crestview," I reply. "Their team gets better and better every year, and I heard they got a brand new coach who used to play at Stanford."

Gabe says something in response, but I'm not paying the slightest bit of attention because all my eyes are on Blair, who just walked into the party with Megan.

A black lace shirt that makes her boobs looking fucking amazing. Her jeans hug her curves perfectly, and I'm trying to keep my eyes on her face, but her body is so alluringly distracting.

Blair was undeniably attractive. Everyone at this damn school knew it, and if they didn't know it before, they sure as hell were going to know it now.

Out of nowhere, Maya comes up behind Gabe and I startling both of us. "I want her pussy on my face."

I hit Megan's shoulder, while Gabe just stares at Maya with a wide mouth.

"Respectfully. I meant that in a very respectful manner," she corrects herself taking my beer out of her hand and chugging it down.

Gabe is still staring at Maya in complete shock.

"Please, don't tell me we are just gonna brush past that, right? I refuse to brush past this like we all did not hear what she just said."

"Looks like I just came out to you, bud," Maya exclaims before drunkenly strutting away.

Gabe looks at me with the same shocked expression on his face, and I just shrug my shoulders in response.

"You have got to be kidding me? You know Maya was my middle school crush, right? I lost my virginity to her!"

I laugh in response. "Yeah, I had a feeling she decided she was gonna explore her sexuality and then toss us to the side when she was done."

"So you and Maya aren't fucking?" He questions.

"Not since she came out to me this summer."

"Jesus, can you grab the stash of weed from my room? We gotta stop letting women use us like this man. It's degrading."

I get up to grab Gabe's stash, but turn around simultaneously to respond to him. "Who cares! I'm completely fine with it."

As I'm walking up the stairs to Gabe's room, I hear him yell, "Of course you are completely okay with it, you whore!"

Gabe's party is starting to get packed, which was normal since his parties are so popular. Gabe's Dad is super-rich and is always traveling with his girlfriend, who is probably a few years older than Gabe. It is quite obvious she is using Gabe's Dad for his money, but I don't think he cares. Gabe is usually home alone because of this, and I know it sucks for him. His mom died in middle school, and he hasn't been close with his Dad since. When I saw that Gabe was virtually living in a mansion by himself, I basically forced him to live with me when he wasn't throwing parties. He would come over for family dinners, and we basically shared a room.

Sometimes I think Gabe throws these parties not only to spite his Dad, who doesn't condone Gabe's partying addiction but because secretly, Gabe hates being alone. So the more people, the better.

I didn't blame him. We all have our demons. We just have to find a way to cope with them.

I finished rolling up some blunts for Gabe in his room. I was just about to leave when Blair stumbled through the door.

"Oh!" She squeaks. "Sorry, I was looking for the bathroom."

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine—just a little tipsy. I feel good, though. How were tryouts?" She eagerly asked, not seeming to be drunk where she is off the rails, but definitely tipsy enough to have a good time.

"Team captain, baby," I respond with a slight smirk on my face.

She squeals, running into me, pushing me back on Gabe's bed with her arms around my neck.

"I knew you could fucking do it!"

She slightly shifts on top of me, causing me to groan because of how she is situated on my lap, but she crawls beside me, not seeming to notice how she just gave me a full-on boner.

"Whose blunts are these? She asks curiously, picking one up."

"Gabe's. Do you want one?"

"Yes. God, a blunt right now sounds so good. How does Gabe get all this weed?"

"Usually me," I say without context, making Blair furrow her eyebrows. "I'm not a dealer or anything like that. I have a medical card for when I got into my accident. Sometimes when I'm at the shop, I pick up stuff for Gabe." I take the joint from her hands, light it up, and hand it back to her.

"I needed this," She said, hitting the blunt before passing it back to me. I decline, not really in the mood to smoke at the moment. "My anxiety was getting the best of me."

"Anxiety?"

"Yeah. People always have something to say, you know?" She continues her rant after taking a drag of the blunt and blowing out the smoke. "I think people are expecting me to take my top off and dance on Gabe's living room table like I did sophomore year."

I burst out laughing, distinctly remembering that memory from Gabe's fourth of July party.

"Plus, Megan keeps wanting me to hook up with a guy so I can get over my ex."

I frown at her words. "You definitely don't have to hook up with any guy if you don't want to."

"It's not that I don't want to," She says, almost finishing off the entire blunt. "It's just that I think my clit is broken."

The words tumble out of her mouth, almost as if she doesn't have a care in the world for what she is saying.

"Like there is no way my isn't clit is broken. Or my entire vagina, for that matter. I never get to finish, or at least I never have, and then the guy always walks off, and I'm left all hot and bothered."

"Have you tried to pleasure yourself?" I ask curiously.

"Haven't really figured that one out yet. Working on it, though."

I hum in response, watching her finish off the last bit of the blunt.

"Your clit isn't broken, by the way. You just gotta find a guy who is willing to give a fuck about your pleasure, not just his. Sex should be pleasurable for both parties anyway."

"You say my clit isn't broken now, but I promise you it is."

"I promise you it's not. You just have to learn your body and the things you like."

"Teach me."

#harry styles fic #harry styles fanfiction #harrystyles #harry styles smut #harry styles writing #harry styles fluff #harry styles writings #harry styles coming of age #coming of age #harry styles soft #TTS #Tracing The Stars

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askaceattorney · 4 years

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Dear askrikkaiandhyotei,

The...entire cast!?

Well, Turnabout Time Traveler happens to be favorite case anyway, so why not?

Our first guest is the crooked head servant, Mr. Dumas Gloomsbury. (Might as well get him out of the way first.)

Of course he isn’t. He’s just a disgruntled servant of the Sprocket family who secretly hates them all for what they’ve done to his reputation, even to the point of being willing to murder someone who would become the newest addition to the family, as well as destroying a prized possession designed by her groom-to-be.

So..........yeah. Very likable guy. Thankfully, he’s only on the scene for a brief moment before the titular “time travel” occurs.

That brings us to our next guest, Ms. Ellen Wyatt, soon to be Mrs. Ellen Sprocket, except for the fact that she’s been accused of murder. Like most defendants, she doesn’t seem like the type to kill someone -- she’s calm, mild-mannered, and well put together. Well...usually.

You didn’t expect 100% normalcy in a new character, did you? Heck, we’re lucky to get 50% in this series. Thankfully, the emotional Ms. Wyatt knows how to pull herself together in an instant.

Quite the enviable skill to have, isn’t it?

This beautiful bride-to-be wants nothing more than to be proven innocent so that she can be married to the one and only Sorin Sprocket of Sprocket Aviation. Instead of seeking help from the Wright Anything Agency on her own, however, she’s brought to them by someone else.

That brings us to an unexpected guest from yesteryear (and an uninvited one):

Before getting to know Ellen, we’re abruptly introduced to a brand new Larry Butz with a brand new look! ...And the same old smell, unfortunately.

He introduces “Elly” as his brand new fiance, much to Phoenix’s surprise (and everyone in the known universe’s), but it turns out to be another one of his usual romantic escapades. What is true is that he helped his beloved Elly escape the room she was confined in, and even shook off the police for her. Some might call this heroic...if they don’t know the Butz. As someone who does know him, Phoenix delivers a line from his former mentor:

On the plus side, Larry’s been doing more than chasing women since we last saw him -- he held onto the name he borrowed from his late mentor and became a picture book author.

Not exactly what I’d expect someone in that field to look like, but progress is progress, I guess.

Moving back to “Elly,” she claims to be as clean and pure as her pure-white dress, as well as something else -- something that’s a bit harder to believe.

Like I said, normalcy doesn’t seem to come naturally to new Ace Attorney characters, but her explanation of how she was almost killed, traveled back in time, and saw history rewritten takes the abnormal cake, especially coming from someone as sound-minded as Ellen. Or is she really as sound-minded as she looks?

We can only hope.

I love how she keeps everything she needs for housekeeping in one place, by the way, almost Mary Poppins-style.

Fast forwarding (no pun intended) through some re-introductions to Maya as our co-council and Edgeworth as the case’s prosecutor (something us long-time Ace Attorney fans can’t help but love), we’re eventually introduced to the master himself, Mr. Sorin Sprocket, who has his own personality quirks...or rather, a severe lack of personality.

Like many genius inventors, he isn’t very social (his preferred method of communication being the paper airplane message), and always seems to be lost in his thoughts until someone pulls him back into reality. Even stranger than that, he doesn’t seem the least bit worried about his fiance’s trial. In Phoenix’s his words, he isn’t the easiest guy to wrap your head around.

On top of that, he has his own thing to say about time travel:

He and Ellen apparently both believe in time travel, but apart from that, they don’t seem to have much in common. In fact, having met the two of them, one might think they’re polar opposites of each other, and...well, they’d be right, but as we learn later on, there’s more to Sorin’s silence than just an obsession with his work.

And speaking of obsession...

Our next guest, while also quite abnormal, is a bit more level-headed than the previous new characters. He’s well-mannered, detail-oriented, shrewd, and takes the utmost care of Sorin. Not to mention he's tech-savvy enough to fix a broken radio in a matter of seconds.

I’m surprised Phoenix and Maya didn’t consider the possibility of him being a machine himself, like they did with Lisa Basil.

He happens to have one of my favorite pun names, by the way. Besides being clever and describing him perfectly, it almost sounds like it could be a real person’s name.

While Mr. Nichody does a good job of being the least interesting character thus far, it turns out that he and his “expensive good luck charm” play one of the most important roles in this case. Not to mention he gives the biggest piece of foreshadowing in the episode:

Funny he should say that when there’s a spirit medium right in front of him, but I guess he doesn’t have time for unimportant details like that.

As the story goes on and the revelations start pouring in, we learn about Sorin’s older sister Selena, who was originally going to be the next president of Sprocket Aviation. This, unfortunately, was not to be...

The sudden loss of his sister provides an explanation for his closed-off attitude and interest in time machines, but the mysteries surrounding that tragic day are only beginning.

We also learn that Mr. Nichody believes Ellen is guilty of her alleged crime, and for that reason, he’s strongly opposed to letting her marry Sorin. Could he be right in doubting her, or is there something else behind is disapproval? Ellen doesn’t seem that bad, after all. Just a little...what’s the term?

There you go.

Then comes one of the bigger twists -- it turns out Sorin and his in-laws were responsible for Ellen’s supposed trip through time, which turned out to be an elaborate scheme to make her believe her near-death experience with Gloomsbury was only a dream. Or so says Nichody, at least.

But once again, this is only the beginning.

Even with the possibility of time travel ruled out, Ellen’s guilt hasn’t been disproved just yet. The only hope Phoenix has is the person she claims she saw attacking Gloombury before losing consciousness. Unfortunately, the only suspect he can come up with so far is her fiance, thus introducing the possibility of him having to take her place in prison.

Considering every case up until now has had some form of happy ending, it’d be quite the unusual turn of events for this happy couple to have to be separated whether we win or lose the case...but is it impossible?

As tragic as that possibility might be, it sets up a scene that happens to be one of my favorite kinds -- one where someone is compelled to give up something, even if it’s his or her own life, purely out of love for someone else.

Her words are touching, but soon after saying them, she’s forced to prove just how steadfast her love is for Sorin, even in a cruel twist of fate -- namely, his pointing the blame for Gloomsbury’s death in her direction.

That face alone is enough to break anyone’s heart, but thankfully, that’s where the plot twists just begin. The first one reveals that Sorin went to rescue his bride-to-be in the most bizarre way possible.

Then it turns out he really didn’t, or so he says. Then it turns out he was attacked by Gloomsbury along with Ellen. Then comes one that turns everything he’s said so far upside-down:

It turns out time travel is possible, but not in the way everyone was hoping, or in a way anyone would want -- due to his anterograde amnesia, Sorin “goes back in time” whenever he goes to sleep. This revelation sheds a lot of light on his personality, his compulsive note-taking, and his feelings toward Ellen. Not to mention, it turns out (sheesh, I keep saying that) he was responsible for the car crash that took his sister’s life. But luckily, that's not all his condition reveals.

Someone decided to take advantage of Sorin’s memory being dependent on what he writes in his notebook in order to paint him as Gloomsbury’s murder. Who might that someone be? Well, for anyone who’s read the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (or enough murder mysteries involving rich families), it should be pretty obvious -- the butler did it!

But what motive could a close friend and servant have for manipulating Sorin’s memories? Well, like many an Ace Attorney culprit, he’s not as level-headed as he appears to be.

The rogue butler in this case turns out to be the once-fiance of Sorin’s sister, as well as the one who operated on her after the car accident occurred...or, rather, who almost did.

After some impromptu x-rays and the testimony that wasn’t there, we finally learn the whole truth about Nichody, Gloomsbury, and the plot to exact their revenge on Sorin and his bride. It turns out Sorin wasn’t the only one stuck in the past.

In a beautiful yet tragic symbolism, Selena’s pocket watch stopped ticking on the same day her heart stopped beating, which, for Nichody, was the day time stopped.

This brings us to our final guest, one who could only be here in spirit -- Ms. Selena Sprocket. In Ellen’s words, Selena would’ve said, “Leave this ill will behind. Your time is yours to live.” To an inconsolable time traveler, these words hold no meaning, but just then...

Whether it’s a coincidence or a message from Selena from beyond (which might actually be believable in the Ace Attorney universe), Pierce is reminded that, sooner or later, time moves on.

And on that note, Ellen and Sorin are finally able to move on from this rough patch in their lives and experience their “First Startup of Love.”

Speaking of the happy couple, the one thing that stuck with me about this episode more than Nichody’s epiphany is how devoted Ellen is to Sorin from beginning to end.

With the knowledge that he might forget everything about her, himself, their wedding, and any other experiences they might share together, her devotion to him is ultimately proven to be the real deal. His willingness to risk his life for her also proves that this devotion goes both ways. In the end, there’s nothing, past, present, or future, that can keep them apart. Why, you ask?

And hey, even Larry found it in himself to move on! How about that?

Thus ends a beautiful story, a beautiful reunion of the original characters, and a beautiful finale(?) to the Ace Attorney series. Sure, there was tragedy along the way, but after an ending like that, I’d like to see each of these characters, new and old, take a bow.

Just...don’t throw them any flowers.

-The Co-Mod

#askrikkaiandhyotei #Mod Post #Co Mod #Character Essay #Dumas Gloomsbury #Ellen Wyatt #Sorin Sprocket #Pierce Nichody #Selena Sprocket #Mod Commentary #Been a while hasn't it?

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magsrome · 4 years

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mags , summer before berlin !! || @gallaghertasks

summary: mags is picked up by her mom, stays with her parents at d.c. for a week and then travels down to new inverness, georgia to see some more family. and sisa. also she goes blonde before berlin.

notes: i just wanted to look up more cow pics and use more blonde paris sjkdf i did this 2 myself!

location: roseville, virginia.

even if she was just a tad bit hangover ( read: a lot ) after the party, mags had to force herself to wake up when her phone started to ring. her mom was on her way - fifteen minutes tops - and mags wasn’t even done packing. so she pushes herself off to take a quick shower and put some undereye masks on, to temporarily remedy what she assumed was a face that had been through hell and back for the past 24 hours. she did her best to put her clothes in one suitcase and one duffel bag she had packed, plus her journals and supplies in her backpack. after finishing her packing and making sure she didn't leave anything behind, she bid isabel ( @oofisabel ) and willow ( @willoww-est ) goodbye with tight hugs and tears that she’ll deny, promising to keep in touch before they all see each other again in berlin. as she trudges through sakamoto floor, she heaves a heavy sigh, still not quite believing that her first year at gallagher was truly over. after all the tragedies and the moments she'll never forget in between, it was over just like that. it wasn’t until she had finished putting her bags up in the trunk of her mother’s SUV that mags felt tired once again. perhaps a combination of both the cocktail of emotions she’s feeling and the amount of cocktails and drinks she was able to procure the night before, thanks to ria ( @riaflicke ) and she sits in the passenger seat to see her mom lovingly staring at the other students packing it up and roaming around. turning back to her, felicia romero - fbi special agent, former gallagher girl, and all around badass - raised her sunglasses for a bit with a knowing smile. “good old-fashioned code red, huh?” a wistful sigh. “those were the days.” and as the sunglasses slid back on top of her nose and she turns the car back on. a smirk was the only thing that could tell mags that she wasn’t gonna be sleeping for most of this car ride back to d.c. “so is it like when you went to that new year’s party, hmm?” she tweaked her daughter’s nose, her tone playful. felicia was happy to see her daughter just having a regular life, besides the backdrop of danger and espionage. “bad girl, mags.” location: washington d.c. thankfully by the time they get back to their house, mags’ eyes were not as shot as they were that morning. not to mention the teabags her mother gave her from the earl grey the older woman had in her thermos which surely helped. a splash of perfume and some mints and mags showed almost no sign of having been trashed the night before. her father welcomed them at the door of their home. small and not a barn, but since the romeros returned as special agents, it was enough for them to call home. that week, the three took the opportunity together to walk around d.c. and eat out and just be a regular, normal family. at least during the daytime. during nights, mags became magdalena, the only child and overprotected yet again, and she recounted her year to both of them ( though, only felicia gets to hear the juicy details like the dances and the cutest students she took note of and how to fend off really bad hangovers ). miguel almost wanted to reconsider it, seeing just how close his daughter had been to the many things they’ve heard about, and how sad mags truly was that she had lost someone that she actually knew like amelia. but the two of them knew that the world outside of gallagher was far more ruthless, and protecting her so much could only do her harm, so they recant and they let her rant about some classes that she had that weren’t so nice ( though she passed! ) and celebrated her little victories, like passing the foreign language classes with flying colors.

even if felicia gets to be the one that knows the more normal, a little wild side of her year, miguel gets to have his talk with her, too. her father pulls her aside one night and the two of them talk. they talk about loss, and they talk about danger. topics that weren’t anything new, but even if they’ve discussed it before, there will always be new things to talk about. amelia’s death, the lockdown, the loss of an artifact, and the realization that someone who you thought was on your side turns out to be against you after all. miguel, ever the pragmatic, tells her the opposite of what the administration has told her all year: to always worry and to never leave it alone. above all, he tells her to follow her instincts. because while the system may seem stable, he didn’t want her to depend on such thing. because as her parents have known, the system won’t always protect you. and while she knows it to be true, it would take a while before it would sink in. not because she’s stubborn, but because there was still a part of her that wanted to cling to the softer things the universe has to offer. she wasn’t quite ready to be as hardy as her father is. location: new inverness, georgia. for the drive down to georgia, miguel accompanies mags. felicia promises to catch up in a few days after finishing up some work-related things. the drive down was full of stories and jokes and playing the license plate game, which was needed after a whole year of mags not being able to be with her parents. it doesn't take that long before miguel confronts her about the same things she shared with her mom - namely, the drinking, the partying, and potentially hooking up with people. especially since they both know she'll be away in berlin in less than a month in almost the same exact situation, with minimal supervision. "it's not that i don't trust you, i do. and i know you know how to handle yourself. but .. you have to know your limits. and trust your instincts. always. if someone seems off, chances are: they are. not judging the book's cover, but feeling it out." she blinks, lips pursed as she waits for judgment or something related. "you're growing up now, and i want you to know that whatever happens, we have your back. do you understand?" wordlessly, she nods her head. "you know, there are people that might take advantage or think that you know less than they do but you don't. in fact, i am confident that you know more than they do. it's why they are threatened, and it's why they'll try and break you." "pa, i'm fine. no one's doing that--" "maybe not now, but they will." he takes a glance at her before looking back ahead, as they drove down the highway. "you have..you have a soft heart, magdalena. your lola rina, she'll tell you this too but I'll tell you now that she means it with love. but you..you are kind. you look at people and you see hope and you have hope. and i know you are smart enough to surround yourself with people that provide it but there are those that will twist what you have and turn it sour." a pause, "and maybe it'll drive you down a path that you didn't see coming, but..what i want to say is, your mom and i will always love you." another pause, before mags squeaked out. "do you think i will?" miguel sighed, "i sure do hope not, but..we like to keep things covered. and so that you won't shun us in the future. we just wanna be part of your life still." as the exit leading into their family land comes into view, mags felt relief. she'd rather get her cheeks pinched by her lola instead of this. location: romero estate, hacienda guinoo @ new inverness, georgia. it was a rather large piece of land, legally known as the romero estate. amongst the actual family members though, and it's known as hacienda guinoo, a name her lolo had picked in memory of a friend. and at the highest balcony of hacienda guinoo stood severina romero, all of ninety years old, a small telescope observing the car ( 'clunky ford truck, hay nako* miguel, get it fixed!' ) as it entered the driveway into their garage. for years, mags and her cousin nikki were always so curious about how lola rina even got the hacienda, besides having her name in the title along with lolo ignacio. because besides this land, they didn't have much wealth to speak of. it was just acre after acre of plants and farm animals, all tended to by lola rina's employees and caretakers. was it a gift? did lolo ignacio kill someone for this land? ( although, that one they wouldn't joke about too much, seeing as he had fought in the war before. he's seen and done things, for sure. ) for the rest of the month, tita maya and cousin nikki comes in to stay with them as well. nikki, almost the same age, had just gotten off her first year studying journalism at stanford university. tita maya was cia, and while nikki wasn't in the business, she had ties, so her ears were open when mags tells of the witsec students and how most of them left with gallagher's secrets. "couldn't be me. i'm too much of a blabbermouth." nikki joked. "excuse me, you have not told anyone of our parents working for the government." mags retorted. nikki waved her off. "yeah, because mom would kill me if i told. that's a spy thing, maggie! i'd tell you but then i'd have to kill you? yeah. cliche." and mags shakes her head, but for a moment, she feels lucky to have nikki to talk to. since the sloanes - her mother's family - weren't all knowledgable about the world of espionage. when she's not with nikki ( or even when she is! ) mags spends time with sisa and tries not to leave her side. after the health scare that brought her back to this place months ago faded away, there was no day that went by that mags didn't worry about her. she tells sisa stories of her year, the good and the bad. nikki listens in, and even though stanford could barely equip her like gallagher could when it came to the deeper stuff, she encourages mags to work out with her on the farm. from helping the caretakers out in the field to taking on chloe ting and cassey ho workouts inside the house. "journalists have to be prepared too, y'know!" before berlin, she keeps in touch with her friends. messaging almost every day, videochatting every now and then. they'd probably have received at least two photos of sisa and the other animals on the farm at some point. maybe a selfie or two with her cousin nikki, as well. nikki teases her about the number of ridiculously attractive people at gallagher as they scroll through mags' phone gallery which was half-filled with slightly blurry shots of people like her friends and just random snapshots from the many opportunities she's had at gallagher and the weekends out at roseville, "lucky bitch. all we have at stanford are some Zuckerberg wannabes. it's a trash heap." and points at some of the photos where some of the upperclassmen were present. "her, i'd date. her too." she declares, half-joking, as she points at willow and ria in snapshots she took during the end-of-the-year dance. she fake-gasped, "don't date my best friends, nix. that is not girl code!" her cousin also helps her out when it came to packing. "can't let lola do this with you. she'll give you like, long-sleeves or something so the boys don't get distracted." mags snorts in response, "she's not like that." "you say that now, i mean, we could always call her in here and--" "no, no, please. you help me. i-it's fine!" and nikki laughs as she places a cute sundress from her own wardrobe into mags' suitcase. "also, nix..can i ask for a favor?" she squeaked, looking at her cousin with a hopeful expression. nikki raised a brow, though she nodded. mags hardly ever asked for favors from her, though the same was not said for herself. "of course. anything." and when time came for her to fly to berlin, her parents, her aunt, nikki, and her grandmother saw her off at the airport. mags was a little scared, naturally, and twirled her now half-blonde hair. to everyone's surprise, it was lola rina who bid her goodbye last, her still deft fingers slipping in something in her pockets. "your greatest weapon is yourself." her lola had muttered in her ear as the two embraced, calmly adding, "mag-iingat ka magdalena. wag ka basta-basta na lang maniniwala sa kung anu-ano.**", which sent chills to her spine. her paternal grandmother was already a chilling woman, but her words didn't do much to alleviate the internal worries she had of going to another country all by herself, even though she'd be under the umbrella supervision of gallagher and the berlin agency that had taken them in. "i will, lola." and off she went, looking forward to a hopefully productive internship at berlin and rooming with max ( @brandtmax ) and spending the rest of the summer with friends and colleagues alike !! * "oh my god, miguel." ** "take care of yourself magdalena. don't believe in just about everything."

#mine #tasks.#summer.#dev.#me: mags luvs her parents #also me: the only valid romero is SISA #also me: stan cousin nikki shes the coolest #also she went blonde before berlin :v:#is this the longest thing ive done??? gd the patience i have is astounding

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dacreskars · 5 years

Text

It’s Complicated

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Trevante Rhodes x Reader

A/N: FUCKING FINALLY!!! I finally wrote something after months of having nothing. I hope you guys like it though I don’t really think it’s that good but I promise the rest of the story will get better lol. This is the first part of the series it’s mostly about the reader though (sorry).

“I love you guys! Thank you so much for your help.” You say to your dad and your brother as they finished helping you unpack.

“You’re welcome baby girl! Just promise you’ll come visit us whenever you get a chance.” Your dad said hugging you and giving you a kiss on the cheek before grabbing his bag.

“I promise I will.” You smile and walk towards your brother giving him a hug as you walk to the door. Your older brother Darius wasn’t one to show affection but you knew he would miss having you around.

You say your goodbyes once again as your dad and Darius leave. After they were gone you sat in the couch and looked around your new apartment to taking in your new surroundings. Moving from Texas was a really big step for you being that you’d never been out of state. But when you got one of the biggest opportunity of you life you had to make a choice. You never thought in a million years you would be living in Los Angeles but here you were. In two days you were starting a new job at one of the biggest fashion magazines in the country. You were nervous as hell but ready for what was to come.

3 Months Later

“Girl I’m telling you this bitch is crazy.” You laugh as you talked on the phone with one of your best friends Ty. “She’s like a black Miranda Priestly insane.” You tell her.

You’d been at you job for about 3 months now and as much as you appreciated the opportunities that you got to be apart of you couldn’t stand your boss Ava. You felt like she was making your job more complicated than it needed to be but the job paid really well and you got to travel so you figured you would deal with it and gather some experience before you decided whether or not to leave.

“See that’s what you get for leaving me now your miserable.” Ty joked.

“Shut up.” You laugh. “Anyways when are you coming to visit.” You ask.

“Soon hopefully. I got to go but I’ll call you tomorrow. Love ya.” Ty says.

“Love ya too.” You say before hanging up and getting ready for bed.

The next day at work you sat at your desk talking to your coworker Maya. Out of everyone you worked with you and Maya seemed to get along the most. She was the only friend you had in LA so whenever the two of you weren’t working you were hanging out.

“I know you told me not to do it but I set you up a blind date.” Maya laughed nervously.

“Maya seriously!” You say rolling your eyes.

“I know, I know you can hate me all you want I just thought it would be a good idea and I told him that you’d be up for it so can you please just to it for me.” Maya begged. “He’s fine as hell and he’s a friend of my boyfriend. Just trust me please.” Maya added.

“Fine I’ll go just know I hate you right now.” You say.

“You’ll get over it and you’re not gonna be saying that when you meet him.” Maya smiles. “I give him your number and tell him that you’re down so he can send you the details.” Maya says excitedly.

Its been a year since your last relationship which ended horribly and you didn’t what to jump into anything too soon but you decided to go along with the date.

Grabbing your things you prepared to go to leave when you heard Ava calling for Maya to come into her office. You and Maya exchanged looks as she waved bye to you and walked into Ava’s office.

You returned home and made yourself comfortable before making dinner. As you waited for your food to finish you got a call from your dad checking up on you to see how you were doing. After your phone call you made yourself a plate, sat down on the couch and turn on the TV. Halfway into How To Get Away With Murder you received a text from a number you didn’t know.

“Hey it’s Roman! Maya gave me your number.”

You read the message and contemplated if you should text back or not. You put your phone down and pick it back up to text back.

“Hi!” You text back.

“So about our date is tomorrow okay?” Roman messaged you.

“Tomorrow’s perfect.” You reply.

“Great tomorrow night at 8 at the LA Sky Bar! See you soon!” Roman replies back.

You read the message and take a deep breath, as much as you didn’t want to go on this date you felt like maybe something good would come from it.

Tonight was the night of your date with Roman as you wait for your Uber you finished getting ready. A few minutes later the Uber arrived to take you to the bar. Once you got there you walked in and someone escorted you upstairs to the rooftop. You sat at an empty table and waited for Roman to show up. You were a little early so you ordered a drink and went through your phone as you waited. While you were on your phone you could feel someone staring at you. You nonchalantly looked up and spotted a man at the bar you thought that maybe it could be Roman. Not wanting to look stupid you decide to text him to let him know where you were.

After a few minutes you didn’t receive anything from Roman, it was now 8:45 and still nothing. You ordered another drink and decided to wait a little longer, you figured maybe he was stuck in traffic since LA traffic is horrible. It was now 9:30 and you still hadn’t received a text or call.

“Since I’m out I might as well make the best of it.” You say to yourself. Realizing that you’d been stood up you get up and go to the bar.

Before you could order anything the bartender hands you a drink. You were about to tell him you didn’t order it until you saw a familiar face. The guy from earlier looked at you and raised his glass before walking towards you.

“Let me guess, you were stood up?” He says looking at you.

“Yuuuup! How did you know?” You say looking up from your drink.

“There’s no way a woman as beautiful as you would willingly be at a place like this alone...unless you were looking for trouble.” He smiles. You laugh as he holds his hand out to introduce himself.

“I’m Trevante.” He says as you hold you hand out to shake his.

“Y/N.” You say before you take a sip of your drink.

“Soooo Trevante what do you do for a living? If you don’t mind me asking.” You say.

“I’m a lawyer. What about you!” He asks.

“I’m an art director for Blaq Magazine.” You tell him.

“That’s dope.” He says taking a sip of his drink.

“Yeah it’s pretty cool.” You say. “You already know my excuse for being here alone so what’s yours?” You smile.

“I’m actually not alone I’m with some coworkers.” He says pointing across from you two.

“If you’re here with people then why are you wasting your time with me.” You question.

“You look like you needed the company and plus I don’t really like my coworkers. I’d rather be here talking with you.” Trevante says.

You smile at him and this time you actually take in all his features. You realize how muscular he was and not only that he was fine as hell.

You and Trevante spent all night talking about your lives growing up and what lead to both of you coming to LA. The two of you were the only ones left at the bar other than the workers so you decided to head home. Trevante walking you out front and waited for your Uber with you.

“I was thinking maybe we can do this again.” Trevante says to you.

“Ummm yeah! I would love to!” You smile.

You exchange numbers as your Uber pulls up Trevante walks to the door and opens it for you.

“Thank you.” You say turning to him. You pause for a second and kiss him on the lips. He kisses you back and you get in the car.

“It was nice meeting you.” You say.

“You too! I’ll talk to you later.” He says closing the door as you wave.

On the drive home you couldn’t help but think about the last few hours spent with Tre and how none of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t been stood up. You started to think Roman not showing up was probably the best thing to happened. The few hours spent with Trevante was the most fun you’d had since you’d moved to LA.

“Maybe staying here won’t be so bad.” You think to yourself.

Taglist: @kangchalla @yaachtynoboat711 @desireatatyana

If you want to be added to the taglist just let me know.

#trevante fic #trevante rhodes #trevante rhodes x reader

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somerandomwriter1234 · 5 years

Text

Riley and Maya: Complicated Parenthood - Chapter 2 (A Person With Purpose)

Summary: In the ultimate twist of irony, former student rebel: Maya now finds herself as a teacher of sorts and has to plan her first field trip for her students. But will the field trip be a good one, and more importantly: what important life lesson will the students learn at the end of the trip?

Scene 1:

-In a classroom, Grace sat amongst many other students while they all did a writing assignment. As Grace attempted to write, she saw sitting just two seats away from her was a young boy named Connor sitting in a wheelchair whose head was tilted to the side and was very slowly using his right hand to move a pencil across the paper. Suddenly Connor dropped his pencil on the ground. Connor who could barely move his waist or shoulders, moved a hand up as he made a loud sound.

Connor: Paaaah! Paaah!

-A female teacher named Miss Amy walked over to Connor and picked up the pencil.

Miss Amy: Calm down Connor. I'll get your pencil.

Connor: Paaaah!

-An annoyed looking Grace glanced over at Connor and then Grace put one finger near her lips.

Grace: Shhh!

Miss Amy: Sorry. He's sorry. I'm sorry. Here's your pencil Connor.

-Connor made a smile as he was handed his pencil. Grace rolled her eyes away from Connor's direction as she went back to her writing assignment.

Scene 2:

-In the before/after care auditorium, many children were working on various activities and games as Maya and Farkle stood in a corner of the room talking to one another.

Maya: Farkle, I'm not an expert at setting up field trips.

Farkle: Well become one. Look. The other staff and I have other part time jobs we do during the day and we both already pull our weight around here quite a bit. Since this is your only job and I've kept your responsibilities rather minimal up until now, it only seems fair that you set up the next half day field trip we take the students on.

Maya: What about Smackle? Can't she set up this next field trip?

-Suddenly the two's thoughts were interrupted by Smackle's voice on the other side of the room being very loud. Farkle and Maya both turned their heads in Smackle's direction as she spoke.

Smackle: Gather around me now children! And I shall present to you all my conclusive evidence as to how the great Jedi Master: Yoda's ancestor was indeed Kermit the Frog!

-Farkle then turned his head to look right at a shocked looking Maya.

Maya: What the heck has happened to Smackle!?

Farkle: This job has… changed her. Trust me. It's better if we just let her do what she does. But look. If it'll make you feel any better: we'll all be present with you on the day of the field trip and will carry out the majority of things that need to be done. But I need you to choose the location we travel to, what we'll be doing there, and basically anything that needs to be done before the day of the trip. I know you won't let me down Maya.

-Farkle then walked away as Maya walked over to a table and sat down. Maya sighed and then turned her head to see Grace was right near her.

Maya: Oh. Hey there Grace.

Grace: Hey Miss Maya.

Maya: So… how's school been?

Grace: Okay. Although during writing time today, this one boy: Connor kept making a lot of noise because he kept dropping his pencil over and over.

Maya: How does dropping a pencil cause someone to make a lot of noise?

Grace: Because Connor can't move his body well and he doesn't really say any words. He has to sit in a wheelchair all day and have a teacher do most of his stuff for him.

Maya: Oh. I see.

Grace: Seriously. Why does he even come to our school anyway? He doesn't do any real reading, writing, math, or even talking. What good is he even gonna do for the world as he gets older? Having him around school is just a waste of time.

Maya: Grace, I… I… I think I just came up with an idea for our next field trip. If you excuse me, I have to go talk to Mr. Farkle about something important.

Scene 3:

-In a small theater like room, many children sat in chairs as they watched a group of teenagers and young adults finishing up a bit of singing. Some of the teenagers and young adults were sitting in wheelchairs, while others had hands and arms stuck in certain positions. When the singing ended, the children clapped. Some of the teenagers and young adults gave a bow and then left the stage they were on. Farkle then stood up and began to speak to all of the children.

Farkle: Thank you to all of my young friends that sat so well behaved through the show. Thank you to my actor friends who put on a great play. And of course thank you to Miss Maya for suggesting we bring everyone from after care to see what I do at my other job. I never would've thought to bring you all here to see the kind of work I do with individuals with disabilities until she suggested it. Plus, she put in a lot of work to arrange for our transportation on such short notice. So let's also give a quick clap for Miss Maya.

-Many of the children clapped as Maya sat behind all of the students and gave a quick wave. Once the clapping ended, Farkle spoke again.

Farkle: And of course the play couldn't have been done without the help from my amazing assistant director and friend: Leena Robins. Come on out Leena!

-From nearby, an adult female whose mouth was stuck in a partial smile came out and stood near Farkle.

Leena: Hiiiiiiiiiii everyone!

Farkle: Leena, thanks for taking care of all of the work backstage. I always appreciate it. I'll see you later tonight. Okay?

Leena: Okay. Biiiiiiiiiiiye.

-Leena walked away as Farkle looked at the children again.

Farkle: As you all know, everyone you saw performing and working on the stage crew today has some form of disability. From the kinds that are physical to ones in the mind. But from what I've learned as I've gotten to know Leena and everyone else here over the years is that God makes everyone with a purpose. We all were put on this Earth for a reason. And I've found that you start to really see the beauty in all people when you try to discover what reasons those around you are on this Earth for. And trust me when I say: even though there are many things the individuals that come here can't do, the few things they can do will really amaze you. Speaking of which, we even teach individuals here how to cook. And wait'll you all see the special meal they've prepared for you all in the dining room. Which is where we'll be headed next.

Scene 4:

-In a large dining room, many children sat at tables eating food. At one table sitting together were Maya, Farkle, and Grace.

Farkle: Mmm. Alvin must have prepared these biscuits. They are amazing! I'm gonna go get some seconds.

-Farkle then got up leaving Maya and Grace alone. As they sat together, Grace looked at Maya and spoke.

Grace: Miss Maya…

Maya: Yeah?

Grace: Why do so many people have to have disabilities?

Maya: Well… I don't know. But… if you really think about it… we all have disabilities in a way. Or maybe another word is disadvantages. We all have things we wish we had in our lives. Things that we know having around would make everything better. But sometimes… we just don't get to have or get to keep what we wanted.

Farkle: Well said.

-Maya and Grace turned their heads as they saw Farkle sit back down next to them.

Farkle: I never thought about it like that but Maya makes a good point Grace. Almost anyone could make the argument that they're deprived of something important. But even if you don't have that thing you wish you had or that ability you wish you had; that doesn't make you any less of a person. And that doesn't mean there isn't some kind of way you can contribute back to society.

Grace: Hmm.

-From nearby Leena walked over to the three and sat down with them.

Leena: Hiiiiii.

Farkle: And here she is. The girl that can never stop smiling. Grace, would you like to ask anything or say anything to Leena.

Grace: Uh…. hi Leena. Um… you do a good job following your teacher Mr. Farkle's directions.

Farkle: Oh, I'm not her teacher Grace. Like I said in the auditorium, Leena is an assistant. Not just in stage plays, but in everything that happens here. Leena's full time job is working in this building.

Grace: What? Really?

Leena: I work at desk. I clean up. I smiiiiiiiile at people. They feel better.

Farkle: Leena doesn't do phone calls or lead meetings. But she's actually an expert at keeping our paperwork and computer records organized. Plus she does great work cleaning up at night, and being a greeter when people come in during the day. When we use this building for our weekly blood drive, she's actually always the first person people see when they come in.

Grace: Wow. That's… interesting.

Leena: I hiiiiide cookies. You want one?

Grace: Uh, sure. Can I really?

Farkle: Yeah. They're the ones we give out at the blood drive. Go ahead. They're right near that table over there. But you only get one bag.

-Grace and Leena then got up and walked away together. Farkle made a small smile and then looked at Maya.

Farkle: I know that wasn't easy Maya.

Maya: Huh?

Farkle: When you said to Grace: we all have things we wish we had in our lives. Things that we know having around would make everything better.

Maya: Well… it's true.

Farkle: Yeah. So… listen… I know it still hurts inside considering everything that…

Maya: Yeah. It does.

Farkle: But… I'm glad that despite whatever you're feeling… that you've made time for these kids every day. I appreciate it. You've really made their lives a little better with each passing day.

-Maya then turned her head as she watched Grace and Leena getting a bag of cookies from the other side of the room.

Maya: Yeah… maybe.

Scene 5:

-In a school cafeteria, Grace walked into the room with a lunch tray looking for a place to sit. She saw most tables were taken. However there was a great deal of space at a table where Connor was at. Connor was sitting in his wheelchair holding a large pencil as the teacher: Miss Amy was sitting next to him. Grace then walked over to Connor and sat near him.

Grace: Hi. You mind if I sit here?

Miss Amy: Go ahead. Connor already finished eating earlier though. So he's just gonna draw near you if that's okay. Is it okay if she sits here Connor?

Connor: Aaaooooooo.

-Grace moved her head a bit to look at the paper in front of Connor. Suddenly Grace realized the picture was of a landscape with many brightly colored green trees and animals around them. Grace's face became very surprised.

Grace: Did Connor draw this?

Miss Amy: Yes he did. Most people are surprised when they see his work. But they forget: just because someone can't talk or get up, doesn't mean they can't do some amazing things with their hands.

Grace: I think I recognize this style. Are some of those pictures I saw hanging in the library his too?

Miss Amy: Yes they are. Connor is quite the busy artist. If he had never come to this school, people would've missed out on the opportunity to be touched and inspired by his amazing work.

Grace: Yeah. I guess so… Um… hey Connor. I draw too. You wanna see some of my work?

Connor: Aha! Aha!

Miss Amy: That usually means yes.

Grace: Okay. Well… let me you show you what I have.

-Grace then got out of her backpack several drawings. She then began to hold them out for Connor to see as the lunch period continued.

END OF CHAPTER 2

Upcoming Chapters For the Series:

-Chapter 3: Amazing Talents (Coming 4/27)

-Chapter 4: The Field Trip (Coming 4/30)

-Chapter 5: Shining Your Way (Coming 5/3)

*Note - To read the entire series in one convenient location, click here - https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13266909/

#girl meets world #girl meets world fanfiction #gmw fanfic #riley and maya #riley x maya #rilaya #rilaya married

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momentumgo · 5 years

Text

Jennifer Schlichting

Animator + Illustrator https://www.jenniferschlichting.com/ Seattle, WA Age 32 She/Her

How did you get your start in motion design, animation, or whatever it is that you do?

I always knew I wanted to do something with computers and art. I've always loved drawing but didn't know how to marry the two. When I was 8, Toy Story came out and it immediately captured my imagination. As I grew older and realized what it took to create something like that I dreamed about working at Pixar one day. Long story short, I went to The Art Institutes of Minnesota and got a Bachelor's in Media Arts & Animation (which is now closed it was such a joke of a school). While I was there from 2007-2009 we had a few classes that dabbled in 3D Studio Max and Maya. I got to dive into 3D which was great, but it was such a painful user experience it put a huge damper on my desire to create 3D animation work of any kind.

After graduating in 2009 I moved back to my hometown in Iowa and had a hard time finding creative work of almost any kind (shocker, it's IOWA haha). I took a job as a bank teller to pay the bills and married my "high school sweetheart." A few years later I landed a job at one of Nordstrom's photo studios as a photo retoucher and lived in Photoshop all day making models and clothes look impossibly perfect. I also took the odd business card or logo design gig that came my way and fed my soul creatively by taking up painting with watercolor.

After six years in an abusive marriage, living paycheck to paycheck, having a toxic work environment, and my creative soul dying more every day I finally got up the guts to put an end to all of it. I divorced my husband, quit my job, and took everything that could fit in my SUV (including my cat) on a three day road trip across the country to move out to Seattle. I only knew a handful of people and had no job lined up, but I had a place to live for free for two months while I figured out what the heck I was going to do with my life next. That was enough for me.

I landed a contract job at Amazon doing basic graphic design work for the next 7 months and the pay was (just barely) enough to land my first studio apartment in Seattle. Knowing my contract would be coming to an end soon I was keeping my eye out for my next gig the entire time. Not knowing many people in Seattle (let alone the motion design community) made it really difficult to get in anywhere at first. I found a local Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D meetup group and started going every month to meet some of the community and pick their brains on how to break in. I started doing YouTube tutorials in my free time and revamping my portfolio.

One of the art directors at Amazon heard I was looking for my next gig and after she went through my portfolio with me she suggested that I read The 2 Hour Job Search. It gave great advice on how to get out of the black hole of submitting your job application online and never getting anywhere. I started going directly to people. My LinkedIn search began and the emails were flying out the door. I made a spreadsheet of all the studios in the greater Seattle area, what kind of work they did, the contacts I was making, what kind of jobs they were posting for, and got to work creating projects to put into my first reel since 2009.

People were slowly starting to respond to my emails and accepting my offers to buy them coffee. I met so many lovely and helpful people (and a couple oddballs too haha). I asked what kind of work they were doing, how long their contracts usually were, what it was like to do animation work all day every day, what they were getting paid, and how tailoring their reel got them in the door doing the work they want to do.

One guy I met up with in particular (while I didn't know at the beginning of the conversation) was looking for a motion design intern to bring onto their small but mighty agency. By the end of our conversation he offered me the position! He had a passion for teaching and he could tell I was hungry to learn. While it didn't pay much, and was only a couple days a week I was able to put "motion design intern" on my resume while also working part-time doing graphic design work for a shoe and apparel company. I had just turned 30 and accepted an intern position, but was so thankful for company that didn't discriminate against age!

A few months later I heard back from a corporate telecommunications company I had applied to several months prior. They were interested in starting up an internal studio instead of outsourcing out all their work to agencies in town. I would be the first full-time creative on the team and had to be a unicorn. I knew a little video editing, some storyboarding, some motion design, some graphic design, and that was enough for them to offer me the position.

Fast forward two years and the team has grown to 20+ people and I've done everything from t-shirt design, graphic design, motion design, video editing, storyboarding, and deck design for massive conferences. It's not always fun or exciting animation work, but it pays the bills and afforded me a house in the crazy Seattle market.

How do you balance your work with your personal life? How do the two influence each other?

There have definitely been times when there are late nights at work but they seem to be fewer and farther between now that the studio is more established and they are working through better processes. I'm in by 9am and leave by 5pm most days. Weekend work is rare. We get two weeks paid vacation each year (and more the longer you stay with the company) as well. There is definitely more fun animation work in Seattle than what I'm doing currently but it's nice to have a steady paycheck and have time for personal projects on the side.

State your privilege – What circumstances may have helped or hindered you along the way?

I'm a white female born into a Midwest middle class family in the United States. I have a Bachelor's degree which was paid for in-part by my parents but I carried student debt until 2018 (thanks to my abusive first marriage-my ex refused to work for several years and insisted his "business ideas" would make us millions one day). I got out of debt myself by pulling myself up by my own bootstraps. The college I went to was not a great one and have learned so much more on my own since graduating than I ever did in college. I went to college full-time and year-round to graduate faster while also holding down three part-time jobs to help pay for college. It also saved me a ton of money every month after moving in with my now husband and paying only partial rent in Seattle.

I've always had gumption and a stubborn, never-give-up attitude. I was taught at a young age that I had to take responsibility for myself and my future and took that seriously. My parents weren't thrilled I wanted to go to an art college (and they had two more kids to put through college as well) but made a deal if I wanted to go I had to pay my own way. They took out the loan for me, but I paid it all back. I didn't have any scholarships but I made it work. I think it helped that I attended community college for two years before I transferred to The Art Institute and that lowered the tuition bill because of all the general education classes I took beforehand.

If you are a caretaker, how do you arrange your life so that you can achieve your professional goals while being responsible for others, (parents, children, etc.)?

My husband was a package deal and came with twin 9-year-old boys. We have them for a full week every other week. I'm not going to lie – it's a lot, even having them for an entire week haha! My husband and I both work full time but he has more flexibility when it comes to start/end times for his day and working from home. He drops the boys off and picks them up from school/daycare/camps/appointments/swim lessons/ etc.

The weeks we don't have the boys we spend our nights and weekends taking care of housework and building our portfolios (he's a creative as well). We are also trying to be more aware of how we spend our time and shift more of it towards self-care and doing more fun things together vs. the never-ending "to-do" list all the time.

How have you learned to practice self-care? What do you do to take care of yourself?

This is something I'm still working on, haha! My husband does a great job reminding me to take time for myself, and we love to go out to eat, go to the beach, go for a hike, get massages, or paint and draw together. I've also recently swapped my hour+ commute to work where I would drive myself through Seattle traffic with now taking a corporate shuttle in. This has given me so much of my time back where I can read, draw on my iPad, or catch up on my favorite YouTubers.

I also love painting in my downtime (http://www.jenniferelizabethstudios.com/) which gives me a wonderful break from all the screen time and let's my hands do something tactile. There's no undo button with watercolors and I've accepted that and turned it into a more "zen-like experience" where I try not to control everything haha.

Just getting outside and into nature can be so refreshing. Even if it's a ten minute walk outside on my lunch break can do wonders for my mood. That, and getting 7-8 hrs of sleep/night! Oh, and making sure to take lunch breaks AWAY FROM MY DESK.

And snuggling with my purring cat never fails to make me feel better no matter what's going on in my life.

How do you define success? What would success look like for you?

Being happy and fulfilled with the life you're living. I've always liked the quote "Create a life you don't need a vacation from." Which, may be difficult to do but I think it's definitely something to aim towards.

Success isn't all dollar signs, but getting paid what I'm worth is definitely a win for me. Plus it's always nice being able to take people out to dinner and buy them nice Christmas presents. :)

On another note, I always feel successful when other people reach out wanting to chat and hear about my experience thus far. Whether it's people looking to shift gears slightly or change career tracks entirely it always makes me feel happy and successful when I can help someone out with any lessons or things I've learned along the way.

What advice do you have for those just starting out?

Take advantage of all the resources online! There was almost none of that ten years ago when I was starting out.

Don't be afraid to reach out to people. You never know where it'll lead. :)

Leave your ego at the door and don't be a jerk. Nobody wants to work with a jerk.

Never stop learning.

Look for jobs with titles other than "motion designer." Currently my title is "Communication Design Manager". LOL . Read the job descriptions to see if there will be animation work involved! Sometimes companies don't know what to call us.

Some great inspirational and informational resources to check out:

-Design for Motion: Fundamentals and Techniques of Motion Design by Austin Shaw

-The Freelance Manifesto: A Field Guide for the Modern Motion Designer

-The 2-Hour Job Search

-Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins

-Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

-Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in that order) by Bridget Quinn

-The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

-In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney

-Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

-Creative Pep Talk by Andy Miller

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queen-of-hearts92 · 6 years

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Revue Starlight Theory: The Tower of Venus.

My theorizing normally goes in my write ups, and I have talked about this a bit in my episode 10 one but I. I gotta post this separately. I gotta let everyone know, that I think I know where the stage came from. Cause I think the show has been hinting at it and the proof is mounting up. I’m about to lose my fucking mind in the best way possible so just gotta share this theory!

We’ve seeing these Venus De Milo statues every time we are on campus and while yes they are used to represent Maya, there can be more than one meaning to an object or symbol. So, there is one Venus De Milo placement I’ve thought was very weird. In episode 7, during the after party for the Starlight play, we see a Venus De Milo right in front of the Star Tower prop.

But, this statue isn’t featured in the Starlight play at all. Nor is said love goddess present. So, why the fuck is it grouped with the other two props? I was stumped on this for quite awhile until episode 9 when we see the book Starlight is based on, the passage below caught my eye.

It says here that the Star Tower is on another planet. After learning this, I slowly realized why that Venus De Milo was there. Hell why they are here in the first place. And theres so much that points to this conclusion that I must share it! This is gonna sound kinda nuts but, here it goes.

Theory: The underground stage, and in turn the giraffe, is from outer space. Specifically the planet Venus, and the show has been foreshadowing that it’s from Venus this the entire time.

I know! I know! That sounds wild, like a space giraffe? Really? But ohh boy there is just so much shit related to Venus in this show I can’t help but think that this theory is fucking possible! So, all my proof has been gathered here in this post!

Note: If you have read any of my meta before then you’ll probably see repeated information (or just wholeass taking my info from my previous posts) but I gotta put it in here for clarity sake. Plus it’s a good reminder anyways.

Let’s take a look!

>The stage’s connection to Starlight

-First off we know that the stage is closely connected with the Starlight play. The stage is connected to it due to the constant presence of the Star Tower. The tower that holds the star is in the London stage even though the Starlight play isn’t being performed at that school so we can assume that it’s present in all the auditions that happen here. And the tower in the Starlight play itself and it looks the same as the one in the underground stage. Therefore the Starlight story probably really happened and now the Star Tower is here in this stage.

Note: I’m very positive the stage is alive so I will be treating it like it is a living creature with wants and desires, just to let you know.

>Aphrodite’s symbols

I swear I’ve went over these several times, but! I shall do it again. Let’s go over all of Aphrodite’s symbols that appear in the show one more time so we all know what they are. And of course this involves Maya and a reason why she has this connection with the goddess in the first place.

-Aphrodite/Venus is the greek/roman goddess of love, passion, and beauty. Of course she’s associated with the planet named after her. The biggest show of her symbolism is during Maya and Karen’s duel in episode 3. Most of her symbols have been heavily associated with Maya in particular. Maya’s stage is covered in greek/roman architecture for starters, and also birds. Particularly swans, the swan are one of Aphrodite’s symbols. Maya descends from the ceiling riding a fucking swan, and there is ancient art of Aphrodite doing just that. Maya chucks Karen into a huge swan at the bottom of the stairs, there's also a curled up swan right here before Maya opens up the stage. The smaller birds on the stairs and one as a gold statue could indicate two different bird symbols, either sparrows or doves. I’m leaning towards doves since we see white birds earlier in Maya’s room. Doves are also one of Aphrodite’s symbols.

-Another symbol is the white myrtle flower, Maya has a white flower in her hair during the flashback. While its not the same type of flower the fact that it’s a white one indicates to me that it was meant to represent the myrtle flower. The statue(s) we’ve seen all around the school is Venus de Milo, and in episode 3 Maya stands right next to in the similar pose increasing her connection with the goddess. Additionally we have seen the statue more when an episode more heavily involves Maya in some way, we see that in episode 7. Funny we don’t see the statue in episode 10 yeah? I’ll get to why in a bit.

-Aphrodite/Venus is also associated with water since she was born rising out of the sea, there is water all over the stage and the series in general. On Maya’s stage, there is a fountain by the golden dove during the duel. Speaking of gold, Ode to Aphrodite is the only full poem that Sappho wrote that survives to this day. The word “chryse” in Greek means golden and it’s used in the poem to describe the goddess. The dove on the stage is golden, also Sappho is a very famous lesbian so there is that.

-So, why does Maya have all of these symbols? Maya has the Aphrodite symbolism because she herself was a symbol for the stage. She’s everything the stage could want for a Top Star including accepting the loneliness that comes with the position. But, we all know by now that she isn’t really ok with that. Maya very much doesn’t want to be alone at the top, especially since she has fallen in love with Claudine.

When Maya made the choice in episode 10 to not be alone at the top, she lost favor with the stage and it dropped her as a symbol since she no longer fits what it wants. Hence we see less of Aphrodite’s symbols around her. Hell in the 2 vs 2 duel the only prop that belongs to Maya that appears is the stairs, nothing else.

-Also it’s not just Maya that has an Aphrodite symbol around her, Nana has one too! Frogs! The Greeks and Romans associated frogs with fertility and harmony. And with Aphrodite because frogs were associated with licentiousness aka being promiscuous. Uh, yeah it’s not a perfect fit but the presence of frogs I think is still notable.

Let’s go on to the next goddess shall we?

>Inanna’s symbols

-Inanna has her symbolism all over the place too and she shares some things with Aphrodite/Venus. Both of them are associated with doves and of course love and passion. Inanna is also a goddess of the sky, war, and combat. The connection to Inanna and Aphrodite/Venus is pretty intense, which is because Aphrodite/Venus is a descendant of sorts of Inanna. The planet Inanna is associated with is Venus, and this association leads to a primary symbol of Inanna. It’s an eight pointed star called the Star of Ishtar/Inanna, also called the Star of Venus. The star is in the show itself! It’s in Karen’s gem on the hilt of her sword. This gives her and Karen a connection.

-The most they have in common besides the star is a parallel with Inanna’s famous decent into the underworld. In the myth, Inanna goes to the underworld to rescue her husband. She has to strip off her clothing to get through the seven gates of the underworld but gains her clothes back when she leaves much later. Inanna’s trip ended up being a failure though, her older sister is the queen of the underworld and she said no fuck you and skinned her and hung her body on a wall. Yup. Luckily her sister in law bailed her and her husband out so it’s fine.

In Karen’s story, she descended into an underground theater and falls below to rescue her love Hikari, and she also loses her clothes and gets new clothes. And as of episode 11 Karen is doing it again but going up instead of down this time. Also, in the Starlight play. Claire and Flora also have to pass through seven gates to get to their goal, just like Inanna did.

>Hikari and the Morning Star

-Hikari’s gem symbol in her weapon is the Morning Star, which is another name for the planet Venus. I say this because in artwork (if you can’t see it, look at the top by his arm) the Morning Star is portrayed like the symbol in her knife, usually in paintings regarding the greek god Phosphorus. He is the god of the Morning Star. And yes I know Lucifer is the other name for the Morning Star, Phosphorus also has that as one of his names. The Morning Star here resembles the greek/roman version of Lucifer, not the christian one. Mmmkay? Anyways, Hikari’s name even has a connection here! Hikari’s name means light and Phosphorus/Lucifer means light bringer. What are the odds eh?

-Karen and Hikari have the Star of Inanna and the Morning Star respectively because I think thats the stage’s way of marking them as the couple to act out the tragedy it wants. The stage does provide them with their weapons after all. Hikari’s weapon didn’t have the star there during her first audition and none of the other girls have clear symbols in their weapons like they do (trust me, I checked a lot gdi). And yes Karen and Hikari are the main pairing in the show but I don’t think thats why they have them. These two have these symbols that are the same star, and that is very significant in a show where a couple wants to be stars together and share the same stage.

So we have not one, not two, but three gods that are associated with the planet Venus that have their symbols in the show. That many references to this fucking planet indicates to me that the planet Venus is important here. And, it’s not just mythos that are indicated here.

>The planet Venus in real life.

Aspects that the real planet Venus has ties in with shit we’ve seen in the show too!

-Venus is extremely hot temperature wise, so much so that we can’t land anything on the planet for very long if at all cause it will melt. It’s covered with volcanos and boy does it have a lot of fire there. In Rev Star, the scenes with the literal giant stage hands in episode 8 were very much on fire. Kirins are also associated with fire, and would you look at that theres a Kirin being a spokes animal of sorts for the stage. And ofc there is the golden bird statue in episode 3, it shot fire out of its back to invoke the image of a phoenix. Which is another being associated with fire.

-The reason why Venus is pretty much on fire all the time is due to the greenhouse effect. The gas that surrounds the planet is so damn thick that heat can’t escape into space, just like how greenhouses trap in warmth for plants to grow. In Rev Star we’ve seen plant life growing indoors and underground, so you could say it’s like a greenhouse housing plants to grow.

-Venus wasn’t always a fiery hell scape, it used to be a water planet. Lots of oceans and shit like that. That would match up to all the water we’ve been seeing in the show, maybe the stage took the water with it lol.

-You know that symbol on Claire and Flora’s outfits and on the giraffe logo? I think I finally figured it out! It’s a phase of Venus, but flipped so it isn’t on it’s side. And it’s orange in the play because the planet itself (and its surface) is colored orange.

-The Star Tower has a strong association with the color pink, Venus does too in terms of its planetary symbol being one that also is used to mean a female person and pink is very strongly associated with those who consider themselves female.

-Venus is the brightest star in the sky, its why theres so many mythos surrounding it. The star in the tower is also extremely bright and brilliance/shining has been a consistent theme in this show. Shine bright like the planet Venus!

>Space theme is already there.

Rev Star involving things like stars and starlight gives it an automatic association with space so we do already have a space theme. Here are two examples of it’s space theme meaning the stage is from the planet Venus.

-Looking at the giraffe logo you can see that the giraffe’s neck has stars on it. If this is the logo for all the revues then this could indicate that this is a space giraffe. Yup.

-The ending theme is Fly me to the Star, note how star is not plural. That’s a little weird isn’t it? Specially since in the Starlight play there are two stars not one. But! There is only one star in the Star Tower. So, the star that we are really flying to is the Morning Star aka the planet Venus. WE GOING TO SPACE MOTHERFUCKERS!

>IN CONCLUSION!

As you can see, theres a TON of things associated with the planet Venus in this series. Hence I think this is all foreshadowing to where the Star Tower and the stage is from, motherfucking outer space! But there is still the question of how it got here and why it ended up here in the first place. I’m very curious to learn more. In the meantime, I gotta say if I’m right, I hope we fight the giraffe in space. Thanks for reading! Let’s see if I’m right or not! \ouo/

#revue starlight #shoujo kageki revue starlight #moo watches revue starlight #my 11 write up will come later! I just needed to get this one out first #like im fuckin flipping I cant believe the giraffe might be an alien geez #Venus now haunts my life its EVERYWHERE in this show #im flippin but im so excited sdjkh

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yuniesan · 6 years

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Girl Meets Season 6 - Episode Fourteen – Girl Meets Spring Semester

Girl Meets Season 6

Synopsis: The Journey from High School and into College will test everything Riley knew about her life, her friendships and her love. What life lessons will she learn in her first year of college?

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

A/N: the reason this took so long to post (outside of my real life problems) after my one-shot (which was probably a precursor to another one-shot) was because I heard a song, now hear me out, so the new Backstreet Boys song Chances, inspired me to go back and look at a one-shot I wrote last year, and from that I actually started writing another long fic, because obviously I had to write it after hearing the song. Although that story is going to be RUCAS centric, the other couple will exist yes, but the one shot in question is Love among the stars from Rucas fanfic week, and it has them going to different schools from everyone and all of that. I added a couple of twists, including a secret relationship storyline, because no one can stop me when I want to write something. I'm deciding on a posting schedule for this story, that story, and my Holiday Bingo stories, because I finished my writing sample for my MFA applications (they're being proofed as we speak), so I'm going to trying and write more, which means I want to write everything at once. Once I'm done with one of these things, I'm going back to the superhero AU, and possibly start plotting out season 7 for next year. Hopefully if I get into the MFA program I want to go to, I'll have time to keep writing what I want to write. This next chapter after this one is connected to this chapter, I'm still writing it right now, because I had started writing the first chapter of the other story first... sue me I really wanted to write this secret relationship AU.

Episode Fourteen – Girl Meets Spring Semester

There was a mad dash to get coffee before they left to go back to Maya’s school, Josh just wanted the morning with the two of them alone, since he knew that with his school year ramping up, he wouldn’t have the chance to visit as often as possible. They needed to schedule their lives around one another again and he wasn’t really excited at the prospect. He liked their weekends together, their dates, their lives, but he knew that Maya needed more time with Riley since they had a weird start to college so he wanted to give them that.

“I don’t wanna go,” Maya said slumping next to him on the couch at Topanga’s, “Too tired, want to go to sleep.”

He couldn’t help but laugh at the way she was acting because it was adorable to him, nearly two years together and he kept finding things he would think were dumb but were actually adorable. “I know Maya but you have to go, you’re a good student and you don’t want to fall behind,” he said before pulling her closer and letting her slump over on him to the point where he was sure that she would fall asleep if he didn’t give her coffee.

“I wish we could be like Riley and Lucas,” she mumbled to him before burrowing her face into his scarf. “They get all of this time together, and we have to commute for our dates, it’s not fair.”

“I don’t think it’s that bad, plus soon I’ll be up there with you and you’ll get sick of having me around all of the time,” he pulled off his scarf and put it around her neck, she would at least be warm.

Maya’s mother walked over to them smiling, “She giving you any trouble there?” the older woman said.

Josh shook his head and smiled, “Not a bit, she just needs some coffee and she’ll be alright.”

“That’s why I’m here,” she said as she placed their cups in front of them. “Take care of her on the way up to the school, I would love to go but Shawn is taking me somewhere so I can’t.”

“Don’t worry mom,” Maya mumbled through the scarf. “I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah I know, just be good baby girl,” Maya’s mother walked over giving Maya a kiss, then squeezing Josh’s shoulder before going back to the counter and working on stocking the display.

Josh handed Maya her coffee, getting a smile from her before she pulled down his scarf and taking a sip. She sighed once she finished, and smiled at the cup like it was the elixir of life.

“Feeling better,” he said once she put the cup back down.

“Yeah, would feel way better if you were with me at school though,” she sighed before leaning back into him. “I was serious, about wishing for what Riley and Lucas have, they sleepover in each other’s rooms, they have lunch dates, and all of that, and I want it.”

“Riley and Lucas get to have sleepovers because they go to the same school, while we don’t, we do have things that they don’t,” he said trying to bring forward the Brightside of their relationship.

“Yeah but I never get to see you like that, it’s just I guess it’s something I want.”

“Maya do you want to live with me? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Maybe, I guess it’s just that I’m a little jealous that they get all of that and we don’t.”

“Maya, my sweet, sweet girlfriend, just because Riley and Lucas have sleepovers doesn’t mean that we can’t...”

Josh was going to say more but a cup shattered behind them causing the two of them to jump, before seeing his brother standing behind them. His eyes wide as he looked between Maya and Josh, which means he heard some of their conversation, and Josh knew that they were in for it soon. Before he could stop Cory, his older brother moved so fast he hadn’t had the chance to grab him. He knew that Riley and Lucas were going to be in the middle of a storm the moment her father reached them, and Josh felt a little guilty, and from the look Maya had on her face so did she. The two of them sighed and got up, moving towards the exit, Josh texting his sister in law, who was probably asleep, on the way to his car.

Riley wondered why there was such a long time between semesters in college, it was five weeks of being at home, five weeks of going out with her friends, hanging out with her family, and of course getting sick. Now that the new semester was starting, she felt as if she had done nothing notable during the break even though she had gone out constantly. The break wasn’t as important as getting internships during the summer months, but it still felt weird not doing anything that would benefit her future. Now the spring semester was going to start and she wasn’t sure how she would be able to pay for things with the little money she did have saved up.

“You know sugar,” Zay said as he helped her with her bags. “You could have packed a little less, I mean you didn’t even take this much with you when you left.”

“Not my fault,” she said with a smile while carrying her laundry bag which was filled with extra pillows and blankets. “I didn’t know I needed all of this until I didn’t have it with me,” which was true, especially since people were always in her room hanging out, more so now that Maya, Josh, Farkle, and Smackle were feeling more comfortable with coming over and not living in their own little lovey dovey world. Which Riley thought it was cute, that they were all so in love, but she had missed her friends.

Zay sighed, before Charlie walked up and grabbed the other end of Riley’s suitcase and helping Zay up the stairs with it. She really hadn’t thought about bringing so much with her, but with Lucas always hanging out in her room, and now that her and Maya were going to figure out how to hang out more. There was a need to have things around, clothes to share, or more pillows so that Lucas wouldn’t sacrifice his arm to her. Even though she liked the feeling of his arms around her when they were watching movies, it only became a problem when they fell asleep and she ended up with his arm as a pillow.

“Oh, Riley,” Maya said as she rushed up towards her, “Josh said to tell you that he’s sorry.”

“Sorry about what?” Riley asked wondering what her Uncle could feel sorry about, they hadn’t seen much of each other since he had gone with Maya to Philly the week before the semester started. She knew that he was nearby too, because he had been helping Maya with her bags not too long ago, so now he was hiding from her too.

“Um well,” she said not looking her in the eye, “He may or may not have accidentally told your dad about Lucas staying over in your room a lot.”

“What?” Riley yelled out dropping the bag she had been holding, watching it as it rolled down the stairs. “What do you mean he accidentally told my dad, Maya my dad shouldn’t know things like that.”

“Well it was an accident, we were talking at the café, before we came back up here, and I was telling Josh about how I wish he could sleep over at my dorm with me like you and Lucas do and Josh was saying that maybe on a few weekends, that way we could all hang out more, and your dad had been standing behind us the entire time... so... yeah that happened,” she said and Riley knew it was an accident but what she was afraid of was her father showing up and ruining one of the good things that had kept her grounded during the first semester away from home.

“Maya, I need my Lucas time, we’re all so busy and it’s going to get busier and oh god my father is going to be in my room the minute I get up there isn’t he,” she said as the realization dawned on her. There’s only so much her mother could do to stop him, but if she didn’t know that he was coming up here with the pretext of knowing something then she wouldn’t stop him.

“Hey Riley,” Sam said as she was walking towards them, “your dad is in our room, and he’s doing something weird.”

Riley left the laundry bag and ran to her room just as Zay and Charlie were dropping off her stuff, watching as her father tapped up her window with a sheet, she noticed that some of her drawers had been opened as if he had been looking for something.

“Dad,” she yelled out looking at her room in horror. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Boys, I’m trying to keep boys away,” he said a nervous hitch in his voice. “No boys, boys bad, boys will take away my little girl’s innocence.”

Without even thinking she walked in and pulled him away from her window, forcing him to look her in the eye, “This is going too far,” she said to him her voice hard with anger. “I’m eighteen years old, I’m allowed to grow up, nothing is happening between me and Lucas that you don’t already know about.”

“But sex,” he started but before he could say anything, she put her hand up to stop him.

“No,” she said to him. “This is an invasion of privacy, I’m not living at home, you had no right to do this,” she could feel anger rolling through her, when she was growing up, she thought it was nice to have him worry, but now it was going too far. “Lucas and I only sleep in the same bed, and mostly it’s because we’re watching movies, his clothes which you have thrown all over this room are only here because I tend to steal them from his room, it’s a thing, girl’s steal their boyfriend’s sweaters all of the time.”

“That’s true Matthews,” Maya said from the door, she was actually wearing Josh’s NYU hoodie which long enough to be a dress on her, especially with how tall Josh was compared to the blonde.

“Now take all of that off the window, and get out before I call mom and tell her what you did,” she said knowing that her father’s Achilles heel was her mother, even after all of these years he was still afraid of making her angry.

Her father mumbled a fine, before undoing all of his work, Riley got to work on picking up what he had taken out of her drawers, looking for who knows what, while Zay brought in her laundry bag which had been left at the bottom of the stairs. Hiding behind him was Lucas, who didn’t dare go into the room, or let it be known that he was standing there. Rushing off she went to greet him, pulling him away from the door.

“Do I want to know what happened?” he asked once they were in the student kitchen on the other end of the hallway.

“Maya and Josh were talking about us,” she said looking up at him. “About how we tend to sleep on top of one another when we watch movies, and how she wished she could have that with Josh and well...”

“Your dad heard,” he said finishing what she was saying, before running his hand through his hair. “Will this change anything about how we are? Is he going to get crazy about me seeing you again, because I can’t afford to lose my shoes right now.”

Riley sighed, they were both in need of jobs, or at least work study, they didn’t have money most of the time, and the money they did have they saved up for when they wanted take out. Most of their dates since starting college had been to school events or just sitting in their rooms and eating what they had. They didn’t want to ask for help, it was oddly freeing for the both of them to try and make it on what they could, it was an experience for them all. But for the two of them, it was about finding ways to be together and not having to spend so money, they were trying to see how to live without relying on their families for help.

“I know,” she said to him as she put her arms around his waist and pulled him close. “I’m sorry that my dad is crazy.”

“We’ve known this for years,” he said as he kissed her hair. “Should I go to your room, or should I run.”

“I’m thinking we both could run, but that would only cause more problems, since it would leave my dad with Maya, Zay, Charlie, and Sam, and we don’t want to leave them with that level of crazy. But you can run if you want, I won’t hold it against you.”

Lucas shook his head, he wouldn’t leave her to deal with this, if anything, he would want to show her dad how much it didn’t affect them or their relationship. “If you have to deal with it so do I,” he said smiling at her before pulling away. “It’s what I signed up for when we started dating.”

“Okay but I’m going to protect you and your shoes from him today.”

“It would be an honor to have you protect me,” he smiled at her, and it still made her giddy just seeing him smile, it was strange feeling as if she could have someone just giving her butterflies for this long.

The two held hands walking back to Riley’s room, she held onto him comforting him, she didn’t want her dad to find a way to separate them. They wanted to be united in the fact that they wanted to have their little dates, and their sleepovers, where nothing happened.

Much to her surprise, her mother was standing in her room quietly yelling at her father, which only made Riley giggle, because if her mother was quiet when she was angry at you then that meant that she was really angry. Her mom smiled at her before dragging her father out into the hallway, “Seriously Cory,” she said.

Riley heard her mother telling her father about how when they were in college, they did the same things, and how there was the time where he was asking for more and she flashed him her butt, which only made Riley snort. “Honestly, those two sleeping in the same bed is still vanilla compared to how you and Shawn acted when you were in college. And yes, I know she’s your little girl Cory, but she’s technically an adult now and you had no right to come here and do that to her room.”

“But his clothes are all over the place,” he father practically squealed, which made Riley laugh harder.

“Cory, I’ve seen them, and honestly she wears Lucas’s sweaters all of the time, why is it a problem now? She probably steals them which is normal for a girl her age, it reminds me of when we were that young, but now you’re so preoccupied with making sure she doesn’t grow up I feel like you’re neglecting our relationship,” she said before turning around and winking at Riley. Her mother was up to something, and it was nice that she was using this as a teaching moment against her father.

She watched as her mother walked away, smiling, but acting like her husband wasn’t paying attention to her, Riley watched the woman who had raised her convince her husband that he didn’t care about her. Riley knew her father loved her mother, he was just overprotective, but it was interesting to watch. Instead of following her mother, her father watched her, before saying a quick goodbye to Riley and walking off. She knew that they would make up by the end of the day, her mother was just trying to make him feel guilty for ruining the beginning of the semester for Riley.

When she walked into her room, she was greeted by her friends all sitting around, Charlie and Zay on the floor with the extra pillows Riley brought with her, Maya and Josh sitting on one side of her bed, while Sam, Farkle and Smackle were on Sam’s bed.

“Well that was exciting,” Sam said making everyone laugh, it was the first time that Sam had truly been exposed to her father’s meddling, “But I think we should just relax for the rest of the day, because classes start tomorrow, and that was too much drama for the first day back.”

“Here, here,” Farkle said smiling at Smackle.

“I still don’t understand why your father is like that,” Smackle said, but there was no real answer for it. Farkle just took her hand and kissed it before turning back to the room.

“Let's just hope that he’s not going to do it again for a while,” she said before sitting on her bed with Lucas at her back. “Nope no more drama, so how about we get some food and watch a movie and we can talk about tomorrow.”

“Already ordered,” Farkle said with a smile. “We did it while your parents were fighting, or at least it looked like fighting.”

“More like her mother was plotting,” Maya said smiling at the group.

“I’m sure that Topanga is going to read him the riot act when they get back to the city, and then they’re going to do exactly what we’re all doing,” Josh said looking over at Riley. “Your mom is scary,” he added.

“That she is,” Riley said snuggling into Lucas before yawning, it really was her favorite place to be, he was always so warm.

Riley ended up falling asleep ten minutes into the movie, the fell of Lucas at her back, and the smell of his soap in her nose lulled her to sleep. No one had really noticed until the food arrived and Maya jumped off the bed so that Josh could help the guys bring up the pizza boxes, and everything else they had ordered. The bed moving made Riley wake up, but Lucas had held onto her so that she wouldn’t fall to the floor. It was a strange feel, being so comfortable around so many people that she could fall asleep without worrying about something happening.

“Have a nice nap?” he said kissing her temple. She relaxed into his arms, nodding before yawning.

“I don’t know why I’m so tired,” she said to him, the rest of the group had left them alone in the room.

“Too much excitement, I mean you and Maya have a class together this semester, we’ve scheduled our lives around each other, it’s our own little family, and you want to make sure that everyone is involved and happy.”

“It’s a good feeling,” she said to him. “Plus, it’s a little less stressful than my dad constantly being... well you know.”

“Trust me we all know, but hopefully he’s going to calm down a little after today, Josh was right about your mom being scary, and I wouldn’t want to cross her on any level.”

When the group came back into the group Maya leapt on top of Riley and Lucas, landing right on Riley’s legs, before turning and making herself comfortable on Riley’s legs, while putting her own on Josh’s. The food was spread out in front of them, everyone smiling at one another, it was weird, even with all of the time they had spent together over the break, this was more normal than anything else. She liked this more than going out and doing a million things because at least this way they would have the chance to sit and talk about things. It felt like having their little family together, which would only make her father sad, but she wanted to grow up and if it meant that the only version of family, she had around was her friends it was okay with her.

She didn’t love her own family any less, it was just a way for her to extend her family, make it grow into something bigger. This was the long game, this was life, you bring people in and make them a part of your world, and you hold on tight to those who matter to you. Her parents had embraced her friends before, and she knew that they would embrace them now as they are, because they were an extension of her. The only difference now was that her father had to learn to accept that she was growing up, she wasn’t going to stay a little girl, and while it scared him, she knew that her mother would show him that it wasn’t all that bad.

#rucas #rucas fanfic #riley matthews #lucas friar #liley #liley fanfic #yuniesan #gmw #gmw fanfic #rucas fanfiction #rileyxlucas #joshaya #smarkle #liley fanfiction #girl meets season 6

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atlas-of-a-human-soul · 6 years

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T&L part 3: Oh, brother

Word count:1859

Part four

I do not believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.

- Maya Angelou

Arya’s POV

I’m standing on the beach again. I can feel someone watching me. Turning towards the tree line, I can see something lurking in the shadows but I’m not scared. Walking in the direction of the unknown creature, curiosity pulling me to walk faster, the creature fled before I even reached the green covers of the forest and all I see is a big blur of dark silver fur.

Instead of running in the opposite direction, I started running after it. Weaving though the trees as if I had roamed these woodlands since a young age, with branches occasionally hitting my face as I was gaining on the creature, until my damn clumsiness decided to step in and I tripped on a root and falling face first onto a dense patch of leaves which still hurt like a bitch, then rolling freely down a small hill. Touching my head blood marks stained my hands, I could see my ankle was probably bruised and the creature was nowhere to be found. Looking around, all I could see was darkness descending upon me, making me weary about how would I get out of the now foreign woods.

The trees were much thicker in the area I found myself in, under the cloak of darkness surrounding me, wind whistling through the woods and cold air licking at my face, creeping under my clothes spreading across my skin as an icy tidal wave, teeth chattering and breath turning into vapor, quickly numbing me. I tried walking in any direction, hoping to stumble upon something familiar, but it was of no use.

Suddenly I heard a sinister laugh echoing around me bringing a different kind of chill down my spine. Spinning around trying to locate the source of the laugh my senses heightened in the darkness, my heart beating faster and adrenaline already coursing through my veins urging my body to choose the flight instead of fight response as if it knows that this foe is undefeatable.

Hearing crunching of the twigs and dead leaves on the cold hard ground I started running. I ran faster then I thought possible, my mind racing faster then my legs, lungs burning with each breath, jumping over logs while praying to God I get out of the woods alive. Looking back I could see the trees swiftly closing the path behind me almost protectively so the evil entity wouldn’t be able to catch me. As I turned to look ahead I slammed into a hard, almost concrete….wall?….no way.

Figuring it was a tree, I groaned on the floor, but then I heard it again. That laugh. Looking up all I could see was flash of red eyes coming at me at an alarmingly high speed. As I screamed I could hear a distant, painful howl.

„Arya, wake up! Wake up! It’s just a dream sis, it’s just a dream!“

Opening my eyes I found myself in my new room, I was sweating buckets, still screaming and shaking, my ears ringing. I could feel someone shaking me, calling my name. Looking up I could see Sam inspecting me, giving me a once-over to make sure I’m okay.

„It was just a dream Arya, I’m here, you’re safe. Just breathe. Slowly inhale…now exhale. Inhale….and exhale. Good.“

After a few minutes, I finally calmed down, Emily brought up a glass of water I downed in seconds. And I gave them a puzzled look after I saw a lamp on my bed.

„Thank you Emily, and thank you Sam but I am sorry for waking you up this early and probably scaring you half to death.“

Emily laughed, „ It’s okay sweetie, plus you should have seen Sam, he thought someone got into your room and he planned on using our lamp as a weapon for the rescue. He just ripped it from the nightstand and ran like crazy almost crashing into a wall on his way here. Funniest thing I’ve ever seen him do.“

„Hey, not fair, I was sleeping. It’s a miracle I was able to grab anything at all considering I just woke up and you know I’m NOT a morning person. I guess the thought of my sister being murdered got me on my own TWO feet in mere seconds.“ He smiles with a glint in his eye.

„Hey, another thing we have in common! I am not a morning person either.“ I said with a wide grin which he returned and nodded while Emily was shaking her head trying to suppress a smile. But then, they both got serious and cast a worried look my way.

„Arya, what was the dream about? What scared you so much?“ he asked.

As I was explaining my dream to them, I saw they exchanged a few weird glances when I mentioned the big, dark silver furry creature, but when I mentioned the red eyes and a howl at the end Emily’s eyes were wide and Sam was practically shaking while gripping my sheets so tight I though he would rip them to shreds.

„Sounds scary, but like I said, it’s nothing but a dream. And I’d never let you walk around the forest alone like that anyways. I just got you and I’m not gonna let anything happen to you, remember? Big brother always comes to your rescue, at least it’s what google said. I’m going for a run, I’ll be back later. Do you need anything?“ he asked with tension in his voice.

„No, thanks. I have that interview at the Forks hospital, I should get ready, it would look bad if I was late. See you later I guess. And hey, Sam,“ i look at him with a soft smile, „you’re doing pretty well as a big brother so far.“

He left, Emily following close behind so I’d have some privacy to freshen up and get dressed.

After breakfast and a few encouraging words and instructions on how to get to the hospital from Emily I got in my car and blasted some music to ease my nerves. Although I’m more of a Fall Out Boy, Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park or Tame Impala kind of a girl, I truly enjoy all types of music.

Gotta have a song for every mood I’m in, so this time I started by blasting „Power“ by Kat Graham followed by Taylor Swift and Beyonce’s hits ending on a badass note with „Seven Nation Army“ by The White Stripes as I found parking on the lot in front of my future workplace.

Walking in I decided it would be easier to just head straight to the Information Center so I don’t spend time walking around looking for my mentor. I was painfully shy at times, so asking for info from a complete stranger was making me uneasy and shaky, but I had to do it, I couldn’t be late.

„Excuse me. I’m Darya Johnson and I am here for an interview for an opening in the trauma department. I was wondering if you could show me where to find my mentor. They didn’t really tell me his name so I’m kinda hoping you knew who it is.“

God, my voice was pitchy and annoying when I was nervous.

The woman glanced at me, „wait just a moment“ and then she made a call, but I couldn’t really understand what she was talking.

„Your mentor will be right here in a few.“

„Thank you so much“ I politely, and a bit too enthusiastically responded.

And just as promised, a few minutes later someone cleared their voice behind me. I turned around at the sound, but was at a loss for words as my mouth fell open. The man standing before me was maybe only a few years older then me, he was young, a lot taller then me, he was blond, but not a regular blonde looking type, it was almost golden… and he was more handsome than any movie star I’d seen. He was very pale, though, and tired-looking, with circles under his eyes which was often a side effect of working as a doctor since you get minimum of sleep. His eyes were gentle and…golden? No wait….. yup golden. I’ve never seen this kind of a mutation before and it had me even more in awe. This man was like an embodiment of Apollo himself.

„Hello Darya, I’m doctor Carlisle Cullen, follow me please.“

Focus, damn it! Your mentor is so hot your brain is melting, so what?! You’re a professional, get over it! I never go for the obvious drop dead gorgeous guys anyways, not that I had a boyfriend to compare him to. Buried in my thoughts, trying to pull myself together I failed to notice he stopped walking and like a clutz that I am I ran right into a wall. No, scratch that, into Carlisle. How defined was this guy?! I mean seriously, give me a damn break!

„Sorry, I got a bit distracted.“ I mussed up an excuse while he just smiled like he knew just how mushed my brain was since the second I met him. Of course he knew, there’s no way he didn’t considering his looks.

„I said we’re right in front of my office, come in so we can start the interview which we both know is merely a formality. I just want to meet my resident.“

„Oh, you know I’m just going to be coming in few days a week? I’m going to be more like a little extra help if things get too hectic around here.“

He nods, but his soft smile never falters.

Entering his office I could tell he was an old fashioned guy since most doctors decorate and make their office look like a millionaire’s mansion. His office was simple with a big bookcase, a wooden table with neatly folded papers on the smooth surface, two chairs and a small couch in the corner of the room which was meant for naps during long nights.

He asked me a few questions about where I was born and about my achievements. We had mutual love for nature so he told me about a trip he took with his wife (bummer, of course he was already taken, he was out of my league anyways) and adoptive kids to Machu Pichu. I gushed to him about my trip to Hawaii (since it’s the only place I’ve ever traveled to with vacation in mind). After a while he told me I’d have my own pager in case of big traumas and showed me my schedule which showed I was working early shifts from 6 am to 2 pm, and told me I start next week.

With a smile I drove back to La Push, grabbed snacks and a few pizzas on my way back not knowing that when I get back I was in for a big surprise.

#twilight #twilight fanfiction #sam uley #emily young #nightmare #wolf #wolfpack #vampire #red eyes #forest #woods #er #trauma center #forks #carlisle #carlisle cullen #doctor #paul lahote x reader #carlisle cullen x reader

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rpchive · 6 years

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Ninety Sixth Encounter-- Knowledge and Power

this is the 0 to 60 rhianna warned you about

The door to Daedalus' room swings open and the man himself casually steps out into the hall, shutting the door behind him. He rolls his neck and shoulders around a couple of times to stretch them out and lets out a small groan. Sliding his sunglasses back over his eyes, Daedalus makes his way down the hall while stretching his arms out in front of himself. He passes through the console room and steps inside the kitchen, glancing around for something as he scratches the back of his head. Though it's not even noon, Maya is already drinking what is presumably her second bottle of some type of alcohol. There's no visible proof that she's even eaten anything for breakfast. She glances over to Daedalus when he enters, but doesn't greet him. Daedalus briefly glances at Maya as he heads toward a cabinet before doing a sudden double take. A moment passes before he speaks. "Uh... You seem new." Maya: Oh really now? Didn't think you could even see me since you're wearing fuckin' sunglasses indoors... Daedalus: Hey, I've made 'em work. Besides, I think your taste in breakfast is more questionable than my outfit. Maya: Didn't I see you yesterday? How'd you forget my name already? You guys kinda saved my life, after all. Guess you're used to fishing girls out of boxes in space, huh? Daedalus: Wh- Oh. No, wrong skinny tall guy. I'm his... twin. Maya: Oh, cool; I thought I was just seeing double 'cause of the vodka. Right; well; my name's Maya; I almost died in a box in space, but your robot decided to loot a spacecraft that was torn in half, so now I'm on your ship. Daedalus: Well, I've heard weirder reasons for being on this thing, so welcome to the club I guess.

He turns back to one of the cabinets and pulls out a thing of coffee grounds. He starts the brew and then turns back to Maya again while it runs, leaning against the counter. "Seriously though, what's up with the drinking? It's like... well, I don't have a watch, but it's pretty damn early to be hitting the hard stuff." Maya: The corporation that basically kidnapped me about...10 years ago? Shot me and all my friends into space in an attempt to kill us all along with one of the monsters we were charged with overseeing. If it hadn't killed us, they were planning on shooting the survivors with a laser they had trained on the ship from the moment we left. And that's just yesterday's mistake. Daedalus: ... Shit, alright, I'll give you a pass for now. This wasn't another alternate universe version of Aperture, was it? Maya: It's a place called Lobotomy Corporation. Believe it or not, they export energy; but that's about all they provide uptop. The coffee machine finishes brewing finally, prompting Daedalus to grab a mug and pour some of the pot for himself. "Energy? So what, kidnapping and babysitting monsters are just hobbies or something to them?" Maya: Oh no, that's where they /got it/ from. Interactions with these monsters somehow release energy that can be harnessed and refined into tons of other stuff. Us employees were allowed to use excess to create armor and weapons to defend ourselves with like some kind of sick joke; doesn't make a damn bit of a difference when you're in the wrong corner. Daedalus: Shit... I'll be honest, the whole "monster energy" thing sounds neat, but I know all too well what being trapped in a facility is like. Not sure what'd be worse though, that or solitary confinement. Hell, maybe it's just two sides of a shitty, shitty coin. Maya: ...So you guys came from something like Lobotomy? Daedalus: Ehh, vaguely, and not all of us.

He takes a sip of the coffee, flinches slightly, and sets it back down with an angry scowl. "Tch, too damn hot... Anyway, only me, Collin, and Fawkes came from that place, although I guess I technically wasn't physically present. Point is, Collin and I spent a good couple years or so in this place called Aperture Science, which was a facility designed to test different inventions and whatnot. The problem is that it was taken over by the world's most complex and sadistic AI who wanted nothing more than to test shit, regardless of the cost." Maya: Oh, believe me, I've met AIs like that. Angela was the same way. Then again, she had some weird thing for the Corporation I never really understood; moreso than all the others... Daedalus: Damn, you just had everything back there, huh? Still, at least you had other people around. Getting so desperate for interaction that you befriend a box isn't a good place to be, I promise. Maya: Hey, at least a box won't die on you. Daedalus: No, you'll just be forced to incinerate it in order to move on to the next test. Maya: Anyone who says they're looking to better the world through any sort of business is full of bullshit. Science for the greater good isn't a fuckin' thing; people only care about themselves... Daedalus: I'd be inclined to agree, but the other people on this ship seem pretty damned and determined to prove otherwise. And hey, not all science is bad. Cavemen didn't have coffee machines, after all.

He takes another sip, looking more pleased with the result this time. "Thank God, finally left the lava threshold..." Maya: Maybe not; but I've still yet to see anyone swearing they're gonna fix somethin' big with science do a damn thing good with that promise. It's only ever ended in blood and tears. Daedalus: Well, can't argue otherwise there. But hey, to hell with those people. They've got no hold here on this little soda machine of ours. Maya: ...I don't know shit about any of you; but I get the feeling you guys can make a real change...but you're rough around the edges; disorganized as hell...you people would fall apart in a heartbeat if you ran into something you couldn't handle; I can see it in all of you. You're close friends, that's for sure, but in a pinch, you'd all die in an instant. I've seen it dozens of times in my employees...but the right guns; the right clothes; your close friendships; they won't save you from something all-powerful, or something smarter... Daedalus levels a steady glare at her for a few seconds while he takes a longer swig from his mug. He smacks his lips a couple of times and then lifts the mug slightly in her direction. "Thanks for the encouragement, coach." Maya shakes her head slowly, letting out a sigh as she sets her bottle down.

"You can be sour; but I'm right; you people need help. I asked some of your friends to tell me about the stuff you guys do; what you get into and the like. That Jay kid and your twin are magnets for disaster; everybody in this box is a damn kid; most of you don't even know what you're capable of, let alone what you can do in cooperation with each other...everything you do unfolds in front of you; you've never been prepared for a single incident, and it will cost you in the long run." Daedalus: I didn't say you were wrong, y'know. Your delivery could use some work though. Plus, you don't seem that much older than any of the rest of the people here, and I'm damn sure they're not gonna take kindly to being called "kid". Maya: ...Maybe so. I just don't want to watch this fall apart. You guys could really fix things if you just...knew how to work better. All I'm saying is that it really shows that you guys just kinda...picked up some weapons and started kicking shit around if only to stay alive. Coincidentally, this led to you fighting for greater causes...but it also puts you in more danger. Looks like you're putting the cart before the horse, really. Daedalus: Well, it's not like all of this started deliberately; it was a pretty frantic scramble for survival at the start of it all. Hell, I've only been alive again for a few weeks now, so it's not like I had any input in all of this. Maya: ...Okay, I'm a little tipsy, but you said you were a twin, right? Daedalus: It's a very loose term for a much weirder situation. Maya: I'll chalk it up to clone shenanigans and move on; okay. At the very least, you guys have a medic, and specialists in the recurring fields of...shenanigans that surround your lives. That's a start; probably how you've made it so far. Right, well, once I'm sober again I can probably try to figure out how to help you punks pull your shit together. In the meantime, your medic has the right idea; reliable communication in any situation is invaluable in your situation. Daedalus: I can give you a detailed story if you ever want it, but sure, clone shit. Guess I'll get out of your hair while you try and make your lesson plan or whatever it is you're planning on doing. Maya: Again, when I'm sober, for sure. But alright; you do you, pal. Daedalus starts to walk back out but stops after a few steps. He turns back to the counter and pours a new mug of coffee before setting it down on the table next to Maya's glass. "Should help you sober up. I think."

Not waiting for a response, he heads out of the kitchen.

I think those two could be friends if he can get past Maya’s...extra

[Meanwhile]

Collin casually knocks on XL's door and takes a step back. Silky answers the door instead. "Oh, Collin! Need something?"

Collin: Oh, hey Silky. I was just wondering if XL had finished working on those communicator things after that incident on the island. Never know when we're gonna need those things again, after all. Silky: Thanks to Rio, yeah, we've got a more functional build going this time. They're still kinda big, but they look a lot less like toys. She's still trying to make one for everybody though; but there's several that are ready now. Collin: Ah, nice. What've we got now, then? Silky goes back into the room and retrieves another one of the hockey puck sized commuincators; the colors now a darker shade of blue, nearly black, with lighted ring around a small touch screen in the center. The ring at the moment is glowing white.

"The light has multiple functions; it can change colors; you can turn it off; it can shift to a blacklight; but mostly it's just to tell the commuincators apart. They're waterproof to absurd depths, mostly for my sake; heat resistant to extreme temperatures, mostly for XL's sake; in all likelihood they're cold resistant, but we weren't able to test that past the freezer since Firefly was so busy...there's trackers, but they can be disabled; a recording function; obviously a camera and mic, but both can be disabled individually..." XL: We mostly made this with the idea of one of you getting kidnapped or running off in mind; if anything weird happens; we'll be able to find you; hear you; or see what's going on. All these functions can be voluntarily disabled, but only by the owner themself.

that’s gonna be useful considering their history, lol. half of holding off on this was making the design, the other half was that it would make doing dumb shit harder. but it could also make things more interesting!

Collin: Wow, that is... one hell of an overhaul you've done here, XL. No wonder you've only got a few ready. XL: ...Oh, you bet. With you guys, we need to be prepared for anything and everything; our equipment should be no exception. Collin: So uh... how do you fly this thing, exactly? XL: It's a touch screen, but there's also a pair of buttons on the bottom; both on the front and the back; either of these will turn it on. Perfectly silent; the backlight can be dimmed to illuminations essentially entirely invisible in darkness. From there, it's just a menu and some icons; easy and fast to navigate. Collin: Faaair enough? I can probably figure it out. I can work a portal gun, so this can't be much harder, right? XL: Oh, this'll be a piece of...it'll be easy as pie, ahaha... Collin's expression changes to his "must've missed a joke" face for a moment. "Well, should I come back when they're all done, or...?" XL: Unless you'd rather pass out the finished products.

Collin: Hmm, well, maybe we should hang on until they're all done actually. It'd be kinda weird trying to pick out who should get one now that I'm thinking about it. XL: Suit yourself; you know where to look if you need them sooner, though. Collin: Alrighty, I'll leave you to it then. Got a guess on how long it'll be? XL: Maybe a few more days; week and a half tops. Collin: Kinda figured. I'm gonna head to the kitchen if you need me for some reason. Silky: We'll keep it in mind! Collin gives a small wave and leaves down the hall, passing through the console room on his way to the kitchen. Maya is at the console, arguing with Nydins about something.

Nydins: We can't just 'drop everything and hold a meeting;' people are working on important things!

Maya: Oh yeah, you look really busy, sweetheart. Look, I really need to talk to everybody I can; but if you feel like you don't need to hear it, that's perfectly fine, you can drop me off wherever you land that isn't Earth; I'm perfectly fine with not helping you people if you're unwilling. Collin: Is uh, something wrong? Rio: Maya's saying that we need to have some kind of big, serious group meeting about how we do things around here, but, well, Nydins doesn't think that's worth interrupting XL and Firefly over... Collin: I mean, I know XL's busy working on those communicator things, but what's Firefly up to? Nydins: I'm...not sure, but she said it was important, so I believe her!

Maya: Aaaand that's exactly why I want to have this talk. Collin: Alright, alright, if it's really that important, we can at least go ask them if they can put it on hold for a bit, right? Maya: Trust me, it won't take too long.

Nydins: ...Fine; where do you want everyone to meet? Here?

Maya: The practice room.

Nydins: B-but there's nothing in there!

Maya: Exactly; it's huge and empty, perfect for all of you to have an unobstructed view. Collin: View of what? Maya: What I'm gonna talk about. I'll meet you there; get your buddies.

With that, she walks off.

Nydins: I just can't read her...she feels like a tight spring just waiting for something, but she doesn't feel bad... Collin: I know exactly what you mean. Still, she seems pretty serious about whatever this is, so I guess I'll go bug Firefly first and see if I can get her out. Rio: Alright...I guess we'll see you in the room? Collin: Sounds good. Try and round up whoever you can too while you're on your way. With that being said, Collin leaves the console room and heads over to Firefly's door, which he knocks on a few times. After a few moments, Firefly comes to the door and opens it slightly, though she seems distracted.

"Is something happening?" Collin: Kinda, yeah. That person that Fawkes saved, Maya, seems really set on getting us all together about something. Can you walk away from whatever you're doing for a few minutes? Firefly: ...Yeah, sure. Just uhh...give me a little bit, I'll meet up with you once I sort this out. Collin: ... Do you need help in there? Is everything alright? Firefly: I'm fine; I'm just looking over some stuff while we're coasting. Collin: You seem a little too distracted to just be reading a book, honestly... Firefly: I didn't say it was a book. Collin: Well, what is it then? Firefly: The flower petals that were in the compartment of the casket Maya was in. They're not right... Collin: Somehow I'm not surprised by that. Well, don't wait too long, alright? She seemed pretty serious about talking to everyone. Firefly: Yeah, I know... Collin leaves Firefly and heads back to his room to get Jay and whoever else might be inside.

I’m sure that Maya mentioned the ship got ate in half, but that won’t stop Firefly from trying to figure out what ate it

As the group assembles in the training room, Maya stands patiently by herself, nodding in approval once she sees everybody in one place.

"About time; thought you guys were gonna keep me waiting forever."

Collin: Sorry, it takes a little bit to get everyone together. Walking around the front of the group, Maya continues to look everyone over carefully.

"Yeah, I understand that. Used to run an entire sector of the Corporation; organization kinda had to be my jam. Do you know why I called you all here?" Daedalus raises his hand. "Oh, oh, pick me!" Maya: Yes, you; the smug, sarcastic stunt double in the shades; what's your answer? Daedalus: You're gonna tell us to get our shit together so we don't die horrible, horrible deaths, right? Maya: In a nutshell, yes. Kind of had a broader explanation, but you know.

Nydins: W-we don't need you to tell us how to do our jobs!

Maya turns, locks eyes with Nydins, draws a gun, and fires six rounds directly at Jay's chest. Every round, however, was a blank of some sort, doing no physical damage to him whatsoever. This, however, does not change the fact that he looks like he wants to vomit on the spot, shakily backing away from Maya before she speaks again.

Maya: You didn't fact check me at all, you know. I told you this morning that I'd talked with your friends to learn about you; that was a lie, I asked your ship to show me everything you'd ever done the instant I got here since you left me alone and unguarded; I stayed up all night learning everything there is to know about every single one of you, then I used your ship to make all kinds of weapons that could've had you all dead in 5 minutes tops; which you also didn't notice. The only things left in my room now are Hal and my suits, but my point still stands: you trust too quickly. Collin: What the fuck?

Collin's hands erupt with energy, crackling with barely contained power. "What kind of fucking stunt are you trying to pull here?" Maya: Look, these guns aren't loaded; check them yourself. Check my whole suit if you want; hell, I'll let you search me too if you want to. My point is that you found me, a sole survivor, on a stranded ship in the middle of space- a ship that was destroyed; torn in half; everybody else bled to death or killed themselves; and you didn't wonder why I was like that? You never thought that maybe I dragged that body over to my casket; that maybe I lied about making friends; you didn't once think that maybe I killed that entire ship and you let me onto yours? Unguarded?! If I were a villain, you'd all be dead. Fawkes' visor blinks for a few seconds "No live ammunition detected. She's telling the truth about that, at least." Rio: There's better ways to tell us these things...!!

Maya: But would you do anything about it? I watched those two kids get kidnapped; tortured; dismembered; and stolen from several times; and they didn't do anything about it! Jay's heart is still exposed; Collin still let me stay alone without question; not a damn one of you even questioned why I had guns in my casket if I was supposed to die in it; you idiots are asking to be taken advantage of, and the universe has obliged over, and over, and over again. I'm cutting you off; you're too soft, and you need an intervention; you wanna be fucking superman; you need to address your kryptonite first. Collin: Call me an idiot ONE MORE FUCKING TIME. Maya: What, you wanna hit me over this? You're mad and scared, right? You should be. You should've been yesterday. I didn't change; you just started seeing me as a threat because I spelled it out for you; because I needed to spell it out for you; and I just gotta ask you, do you really feel safe? You're only two years into this gig and you're still making day one mistakes; I'm just trying to help here. Collin: Oh yeah, because pretending to shoot my fucking boyfriend really sets the fucking mood, doesn't it? Maya: I feel like we're getting off on the wrong foot here; mind giving me a hand in this whole heart to heart thing you have going on?

Nydins: THAT'S ENOUGH!!

Maya: Oh no, I was just getting started.

Demo: The only thing you're starting is a fight! Just shut up; you're making this worse!

Maya gives a shrug as she puts her gun away. "Mad as we are; I'm right."

Maya’s...good at her job. she won’t quit doing it just because she’s not at Lob Corp anymore

Collin struggles to bring his breathing back down to a normal speed and gradually dissipates the energy around his hands. "....Fine. So what do you even want, then?" Maya: I'm not asking you to get paranoid about every stranger you run into that happens to have combat experience; I'm not even asking you to question each other; but clearly the way you've been doing things isn't good enough. Like I said, you need to figure out your weaknesses and learn how to make up for them, or it's gonna bite you big time. Daedalus: Well that's all well and good, but do you have any ideas for that, or is that just the next part of our grand personal adventure that we have to figure out? Maya: Oh, that's gonna be my personal mission with you guys; I figure since you trusted me enough to unload 6 rounds without clocking me into the Nth dimension, the least I can do is figure out what your weak points are and try to help you fix them. Just don't come into my room unless you just really wanna see all the stuff you went through condensed into a few movies; feel like that'd be a bit much. Fawkes: Actually, that brings me to a question I have about all this. How exactly did you figure out how to use the IT for all of those things so quickly? Maya: It makes rooms and food; it can make anything, right? So I asked for clothes; then my suits; my old weapons; ammo; then I realized there weren't any limits. Everything functioned like it did in Lobotomy, but all of it was fabricated from the ship. So I asked for dangerous things; I asked if you had weaknesses, and it literally handed them to me with no problems at all. I figured if it could do something so dangerous, it could tell me about you; so I asked again. I expected a book or something; this damn thing showed me everything from the moment that Jay built it; then from his perspective, all the way up until you found me. Daedalus: Amazing. This stupid soda machine would sell us all out at the drop of a hat. What a comforting thought, huh guys? Demo: It accommodates anyone we let on board. It helped her because we told it she was okay.

Maya: You handed me your history the moment you left me alone.

she does raise good points, even if I’ve never actually thought about making somebody ruin the IT from the inside out

Collin: ... Fucking Christ... Maya: If you want my face value observations; you're making a right step with getting some communication going; separation usually cripples you guys pretty badly. Taking whatever Jay is out to hunt more of what he is has had an 80% backfire rate, though; so if I were you, I'd find a way to block your chest off, or do what Demo does and find a way to distance yourself from your...whatever it is now. Can't say much about the rest of you; you're all working on your individual issues yourselves. Daedalus: Damn, the kleivenn always get the easy bits. Maya: You in particular; you're the one I wanna find out about the most. For somebody that literally came from nothing, you're also nothing to shake a stick at; but it's pretty apparent that you've got about as much of a clue as to what you're capable of as everybody else, and that's pretty...well, it's something to think about. Daedalus: Oh believe me, I've been working on it. Not saying I've made much progress, but I'm fully aware I've got some weird shit going on now. Maya: For what it's worth, Big Red over there might be able to help you out as much as your..."twin." Between the two of them, you'll at least have some idea of what it is you're dealing with, even if you don't figure out what you're capable of. Daedalus: We'll see about that, I guess. The nice thing is that I can work as my own welder now, at least. Maya: I'll probably try to regroup you guys once I have more to say, but for now, I think you get the point.

alienrabitt: ...Just...promise you won't bring guns next time...?

Maya: Guns; swords; flamethrowers; no weapons; promise. Sensing that the meeting is over, Collin turns around and practically storms out of the training room and down the hall. The crowd disperses; Jay going off on his own somewhere, while Zenith and Rio hang back and quietly discuss if they should try to comfort their friends. Rolling her eyes, Maya elevates one of the training room obstacles to use as a seat while she pulls out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

Maya: Class is dismissed; you guys can run too, y'know... Daedalus: Oh I know, I'll be out of here in a sec. I'm still just sorta marveling at just how fast you managed to make Collin jump from zero to a thousand. Maya: Guess that's the fear of god people are always talking about, huh? Daedalus: Probably could've been worse. Pretty sure he was more scared than angry still, so at least that went in your favor.

yeah, that’s what she meant by “fear of god;” she made him scared, didn’t she? :P

well, demigod but Y’Know

Blowing out smoke, Maya glances off towards a wall.

"If he's expecting an apology, it's not happening. I'm not expecting a thanks either." Daedalus: Oh hell no, neither of those things are happening- Well, that may be a lie, but we'll have to see. Personally I don't think you're wrong in the slightest, but that's beside the point. Anyway, you enjoy your smoke break, I need to get back to work. With another sigh, Maya looks back to Daedalus.

"...I didn't used to be this harsh, y'know. I spent half the night that I was watching those videos debating on if I should actually address you guys like this or not. In the end, I saw my team in your friends, and I couldn't let it happen twice, y'know? So you're right about that, I'm not sorry." Daedalus: Hey, justify it however you want. I'm in no position to judge. Just be careful about Collin for a little while, you've miraculously landed on his bad side through a combination of timing and pressing two of his very few buttons. Maya: You've got it, blues brother. Daedalus: .... Oh, the sunglasses. Har har, good one. Anyway, I'm out.

Daedalus waves once over his shoulder and leaves the training room. After a while of slinking around in the shadows, Azreldeh finally finds the room Collin is in, slipping under the door and appearing on the other side.

"Slow down, tiger; that much thunder's gonna have lightning too close to home." As Azreldeh reforms inside, she notices that the fountains and the water wall have completely frozen over. The hot tub jets have stopped, leaving the room eerily quiet aside from the quiet crackling of the ice. Collin stops pacing in a circle around the tub and turns to face her, struggling to pull his expression away from a burning anger. "What are you doing here?" Azreldeh: I was worried about you? I've never seen you get that mad at somebody before. Collin: I'm not mad at her. Not anymore, at least. Azreldeh: Then what are you mad about? Collin: Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that I could've gotten every single person I care about killed in a matter of hours? Azreldeh: I mean, feel free to feel mad, but anger won't fix the problem. Guilt; fear; those things you can learn from or something; but anger? What's there to gain from being mad when there's nobody to punish? The only one who gets hurt by that is you, and the guy who took six hypothetical rounds to the chest and hasn't left the bathroom since. Collin: You think I'm not feeling all of that at the same fucking time? Jay could've died right then and there, and there wouldn't have been /anything/ I could've done to stop it. How the fuck can I say that I care about Jay and everyone else when I almost let that happen? Azreldeh rolls her eyes. "First of all, normal bullets wouldn't kill Jay. It'd shatter his heart, but he'd survive. Secondly, even if you had no idea who the hell this chick was, you also couldn't have prepared for a damn thing she was capable of. If you let it happen, that means that, on some level, you knew something was wrong, but you didn't say or do anything. But that's not what happened, right?" Collin: Well no, but that doesn't change the fact that she could've theoretically wiped us out anyway. Azreldeh: Lots of people could've done that. Hell, half the people in the IT could do that at any given moment at time, but you don't see them doing it. She definitely had a point; you guys are a little too quick to be welcoming; but you can't just be paranoid and heartless either. She just doesn't want you getting your kindness taken advantage of. Collin takes a breath and then rubs his eyes with the palms of his hands. "God... I just don't know what to do now. I feel so stupid looking back on how easily we just let people in here." Azreldeh: ...I mean, what else is there to do? You can't do much to actively take her advice in the moment; clearly everyone else here is trustworthy considering you've been living with them since you got free...unless you mean long term. Collin: I /do/ mean long term. It's kind of inevitable we'll pick up someone at some point in the near future, or at least the opportunity to. Azreldeh: On the honest, straight fly? Not much. I mean, you don't really have a reputation to keep up, so theoretically you could just...leave people that are blatantly desperate or whatever, but then you'd wind up abandoning actually helpless people with people that want to hurt you...ultimately, there's not much you can do besides let people in anyway and just...keep an eye on 'em? Maybe don't straight up guard their room and stuff, but y'know, look for weird things. Collin: Yeah, like the IT manufacturing them weapons specifically tailored to kill each of us... Azreldeh: Maybe your first order of business is making your ship less accommodating. She couldn't hurt anybody if she couldn't do that. Collin: I guess. I just didn't think the IT could do something like that. I mean furniture and clothes are one thing, but being able to figure out how to make something to kill a specific person? Azreldeh: I don't think you understand the limits of what you're dealing with. Do you even know anything about what's powering this place? Collin: Well yeah, it's a chunk of the green sun from SBURB. I knew the IT was intelligent to some degree, but not like that. Azreldeh: Who says it's because the ship is smart? You don't know much about how that chunk of sun works besides being a power source, right? Maybe that's why Maya could make all that stuff. Collin: I... guess. I really don't know. Azreldeh: But Demo and Jay would know, right? Getting to know how your ship works is the first step to knowing how to stop it from doing things you don't want. Just telling it not to might not be enough if someone manages to do something weird with that sun chunk by itself. Collin: Maybe so. God, alright, I should probably go see if I can get Jay out of the bathroom then. Azreldeh: You sure you're gonna be alright? Collin: I have to be. Especially if Jay's locking himself in a bathroom like that. He did get shot at, after all. Azreldeh: Don't talk like that. How you feel; how you're handling this; that's important too. You shouldn't be your own last priority. Collin: It's a hard habit to shake. I've lived through worse though. I did lose a leg once, y'know. Azreldeh: Maybe so; but just because it's smaller doesn't mean it's not important. Little things pile up. Collin: I know that, but... I really don't have the time to uncork all of that right now. Azreldeh: Just don't let it wait; I know how Demo got here, after all. Collin: Daedalus is already here, so at least I got resurrecting my doppleganger out of the way already. Azreldeh: Heheh, yeah. Just...be careful, okay? Collin: I'll try my best, for whatever it's worth.

He glances around at the room. "God, I'm going to have to fix this at some point." Azreldeh: Oh, don't you worry; I've got no problem heating things up. Collin: You don't have to do that. It's my mess after all. I didn't even mean for it to happen, it just sorta... did. Azreldeh: It's whatever. You just worry about your boyfriend; you can worry about me later~.

you’ve hit on somebody in every single log you’ve been in, haven’t you?

Collin: Wh- Good grief, alright, I'm out then.

He makes his way out of the room and heads toward the bathroom. As promised, the door is locked, though the only proof that the room is even occupied is Demo sitting with her back against the door. Collin: Uh... Jay, you okay in there? Demo: He's...fine. He just keeps freaking out; I tried to get him to talk to me, but once he heard me, he quit talking altogether. He hasn't come out or said anything since. Collin: Well hell. Jay, can you please say something to me? "...-on't want to..." Collin: Is there anything I can do to help? Demo: Look, the door's gonna open eventually; there's only one bathroom on the IT unless there's an emergency, so you can't stay locked in there forever, asshole. Besides, it's not like you haven't been shot at before; suck it up. Collin: Demo, that's really not helping. Besides, your girlfriend hid in here for like two days or something once. Demo: She came out when she had to... Collin: Just let me handle this for now. Jay, would you mind letting me in, or would you rather I stay out here for now? Demo slides away from the door as she feels Jay begin to open it, though he seems to be hiding behind the door. Collin steps inside and closes the door back behind him. Jay has stuffed a bunch of towels in the bathtub and has been sitting in it, facing the door the entire time Demo was there. He has blatantly been crying, and will not meet Collin's eyes. Collin puts the lid down on the toilet and sits on it like a chair. "... Want to talk about it yet, or do you still need a few minutes?" alienrabitt: ...Do you think we made the right call letting people on the IT? Collin: ... I do. That much I still don't doubt. Do you not think so now? alienrabitt: ...I don't know. After Oz got taken care of, I stopped having dreams or nightmares about stuff that could happen, but ever since that weird...thing took Demo, I can't stop seeing things. Even the things around me don't feel right; and when Maya pulled out that gun... Collin: ... Did it play into whatever weird thing you were feeling? alienrabitt: It felt like reality had fragmented; in that moment, I saw every possibility in that situation; I couldn't handle it; I watched her shoot me; I watched her kill everybody; I watched her fire blanks; I watched her fire them at Rio too; but only one of those actually happened here; but I don't care which one happened! Collin: That's... Jesus, okay, that's new. I was wondering why this was hitting you so hard, honestly... alienrabitt: I wasn't scared of her, I just...something is wrong. Somebody shouldn't be here; or we ran into somebody weird, but something is very, very wrong... Collin: Okay, it's okay, just calm down for now. I believe you, I'm just not sure what's going on. alienrabitt: ...I don't know either....I'm not sure I want to... Collin: Well, it probably has to do with whatever that thing was with Demo, right? alienrabitt: ...Maybe so. I've just never had this serious of a reaction; not even to... Collin: Not even to...? alienrabitt: ...No. This is something worse than unpreventable; this thing could ruin everything we have. This doesn't just have the capacity to hurt us, whatever's messing with us could bring an end to absolutely everything we care about; I can feel it.

I can’t remember what he was talking about; wanna say it might’ve been uhh...not being able to predict the whole Dez thing

Collin: ... Alright, well I'm definitely scared now. What is it, though? alienrabitt: That's the thing, I don't know! I'm supposed to be able to see what's capable of separating us, but this time I can see everything except for what's causing this! Collin: Maybe it has something to do with that thing that took Demo? I mean, this all started after you ran into it, right? alienrabitt: M-maybe, but I don't know where it is now... Collin: Well, it'd have to be back in Silky and XL's universe, right? alienrabitt: Yeah, but where? Are we sure it's a good idea to track this thing down? Collin: I'm... not sure, about either of those things. I'd say we could go ask someone else about this first, but who would we even go to? alienrabitt: It was working with Lana, right? Maybe it still is...? Collin: And Nuru is probably looking for her too, so at least we wouldn't be alone? alienrabitt: We just need to stop it. Whatever it is, it can't go free. Collin: Especially if just being near it is messing with you this badly. Everyone's okay though, I promise. alienrabitt: ...S-so...what did you decide to do about what happened? Collin: What do you mean? alienrabitt: Are you gonna do something to Maya? Or the IT? You looked really upset, but I...I couldn't go after you...not like that... Collin: Not to Maya, no. Her way of communicating might be fucking horrible, but she had a point. The IT though, we're definitely gonna have to figure out soon. alienrabitt: ...What do you need to do? Or know...? Collin: I'm... not sure. I mean, I guess we need to know what it's really capable of, and if we can stop people from doing all that stuff Maya did. alienrabitt: It's capable of just about anything we ask it. The power that I had as Demonstrator was all due to my connection with the green sun; being able to access that power allows the IT to provide anything, reasonable or not. It's how it can be so much bigger on the inside. Collin: Well, can we put some sort of limit on that? I mean, she was able to have it make weapons to kill each one of us specifically. That seems a little terrifying, don't you think? alienrabitt: Weapons don't mean a damn thing if the person using them doesn't know how...I have to wonder how much of what she said is bullshit. Collin: I'm... not really sure. I guess we'll have to talk that out some more, but let's worry about that later. Are you gonna be okay? alienrabitt: ...Yeah. I'll be fine as long as nobody pulls any stunts like that again. We just need to find that damn thing... Collin: I'm sure we can manage that. It's pretty easy to get into trouble with us, after all. alienrabitt: Let's find Nuru first. If she finds Lana, that thing won't be far... Collin: That's what I was thinking. Wanna get out of this bathroom, then? alienrabitt: Y-yeah... Collin: Alrighty. Hug first? Letting out a relieved, yet tired sigh, Jay hugs Collin. "...Thanks..." Collin returns the hug, gently kissing him on the top of his head. "Anytime, my love."

get a room

uhh, the next log is Intense if it’s the one I think it is, but we’ll be confronting Lana!

#[S4]

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wellhellsbelles · 6 years

Text

There Goes Our Love Again

this is my fave chapter i wrote for this fic. i hope you enjoy it just as much as i do!

ao3 link here.

xii. Fall Back Into Place

“Do you have to leave?”

“I’ve got to meet Maya for lunch. You know that,” Farkle told Naomi as he pulled on his boots, tying them securely. “You know, you will have to meet my friends at some point.”

“I know, I know,” she sighed in her bed next to him. “I just—I like the bubble. I like us just being us right now.” He smiled at her, reaching over to grab her hand, pressing his lips to her knuckles.

“I feel the same way. I’m just going to get a headache if I have to hear Zay badger me about it again,” Farkle rolled his eyes. “Anyway, I’ve gotta get going. See you later?” Naomi nodded her head at him, grinning as he gave her a chaste peck on the lips before grabbing his wallet, phone, and keys off her nightstand.

“Bye!” she waved to him as he exited the room and then her front door, turning on his phone to check it once he hit the hallway. His phone vibrated immediately, alerting him to a barrage of texts from Maya.

Maya ♥: Farkle

Maya ♥: Faaaaaaaaarkleeeeeeeee

Maya ♥: DOCTOR FARKLESTEIN

Maya ♥: Whatever you’re doing better be good since you’re obviously IGNORING ME

Maya ♥: You’re lame Minkus!!

Farkle snorted, typing out a quick response.

Farkle: Why do you beckon me so, Maya?

. . .

Maya ♥: FINALLY

Maya ♥: What took you so damn long?

Farkle: I was otherwise preoccupied

Farkle: But I’m on my way to meet you now, no worries!

Maya ♥: That’s fine and dandy, but I was just going to tell you to meet me at my apartment.

Maya ♥: I got held up and need to do something in the house before we go

Maya ♥: So just get your ass over here and quite ignoring me!

Farkle: Yes ma’am!

Farkle stuck his phone back into his pocket and hailed a taxi once he got to the sidewalk. He got in and told the driver Maya’s address, playing mindlessly with his phone and looking out the window until he arrived.

The sun’s rays billowed over the city, cascading it in a halo of light. Farkle was glad the weather was changing—not quite as cold as it had been the month prior, but still cold enough that he had to wear one of his fleece hoodies while he was out. His leg bobbed up and down—it had been one of his nervous habits ever since he could remember. He had reason to be anxious, too, even though he was just meeting up with Maya; she told him they had to talk, which was why they planned to meet up for lunch.

No matter what, whenever someone said they had to “talk”, it never meant anything good. That was a rule of thumb, for sure.

The taxi finally paused when they reached Maya and Lucas’ apartment complex and Farkle handed the man a five-dollar bill and then exited the cab, shutting the door and walking up to the front doors of the building. At the panel by the door, he hit the button to apartment number 305, the buzzer going off right away.

“Come on up!” Maya’s voice came from the intercom, the doors allowing him entrance inside. He walked in and up a few flights of stairs until he reached her floor, making a beeline for the right side until he found apartment 305. He knocked on the door and Maya answered it, appearing to him at once, pretty as ever.

“Hey! Come on inside!” she waved him in quickly, closing the door behind him. “Can you do me a favor and wait on the balcony? I know it’s a weird request, but don’t ask,” she added. Farkle shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, of course. Weirdo,” he added under his breath as he made his way to the balcony, making sure it was loud enough for Maya to hear it.

“I heard that! Quit sassing me, Minkus!” she shouted, but Farkle only laughed, taking a step onto the balcony and shutting the door behind him. And when he stepped out there, he realized just exactly why Maya had insisted they “talk”, why Maya made him come over to her house before, why Maya had him wait on the balcony. And judging by his counterpart’s expression, she had been bamboozled, as well.

“Farkle?” Riley called out to him when she noticed he was there. She had been waiting patiently by the brick enclosure surrounding the balcony, looking over the city. The slight breeze the weather had promised played at the locks of her hair, which had been cropped short recently by the looks of it.

“Riley,” he said breathlessly, his fight-or-flight response kicking in heavily. He reached towards the doorknob to see if he could escape, but it was no use. Maya was already standing by the glass of the door, shaking her head.

She locked it.

Farkle turned back toward Riley, sighing heavily as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying his best to maintain as little eye-contact with her as possible.

“. . . You cut your hair,” he said, pointing to her new bob. She nodded slightly, just as shy to interact as he was as she tucked a strand behind her ear.

“Yeah. I thought I needed a change,” she told Farkle, hugging her arms against her chest. She was wearing a spaghetti-strap dress and he figured she must have left her own jacket inside. He slid out of his own and offered it over, not bothering to take no for an answer. Riley grabbed it gently from him, offering a soft, “Thank you,” in return as she pulled it over herself, embracing the warmth it gave her once it was on.

They stood there quietly again, Farkle joining her by the brick fence to look out over the city. As the rush of cars bustled below and the wind blew in and out of existence, Farkle couldn’t ever remember feeling younger than he did in this moment.

It was easy to forget that they were much older now, after being friends for practically their entire lives. It was like the world around them grew, but they were still those two young kids at that Halloween party, and he was quickly there at her side to rescue her.

He guessed he was doomed from the first day he met her.

“Farkle,” Riley interrupted their bout of silence, turning to face him. There was a hesitancy in her gaze that he couldn’t fault her for, but so much of it he really couldn’t read, and that frightened him. “I’m sorry.” Farkle was floored.

She was sorry? What did she have to be sorry for? He was the one that fucked everything up.

“Riley,” he pressed, “What in the world are you sorry for?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t get into contact with you, it’s just . . . I didn’t know how to deal, and you said you wanted time apart and I thought . . . I miss you,” she blurted out. “I miss my best friend so much.”

“Riley, this isn’t your fault, it’s mine. I could’ve contacted you, too, I was just—”

“Scared?” Riley finished the thought for him. Farkle nodded.

“I thought I ruined everything. I miss you, too, more than anything. My life is terrible without you in it.” Riley eyed him a moment before a sly smile played at the corner of her mouth, her expression coy.

“You still have your necklace I gave you back at Christmas?” she asked.

“Duh, you dork,” Farkle rolled his eyes, tugging the chain out from under his shirt. “I haven’t taken this damn thing off since the moment you gave it to me.”

“I had to check!” she said before pulling her own out from underneath the sweatshirt. “I got these made for us because we’re Mars and Pluto, the two best planets out there and the two best friends out there. I don’t want you to think anything could ever change that, okay? You’re my best friend until the end, no stipulations required. I need you in my life just as much.” Farkle smiled at her.

“I guess that makes sense,” he teased, earning a light punch on the arm from Riley.

“Alright, Farkley, I think you can make up all this time apart to me. You want to grab dinner tonight?” she asked. Farkle stopped a moment, biting his tongue on accident.

“Merde,” he muttered under his breath before telling her, “Actually, I can’t.”

“Can’t?” she tilted her head at him. Farkle breathed, realizing he had to tell her the thing he was sure he wanted to tell her at all.

“Uh, yeah. I have a girlfriend now,” he explained quickly, adding, “And I promised I’d have dinner with her tonight.” Riley fell silent again, and he tried his best to gauge her reaction. He almost thought he saw something, a hint of . . . shock, maybe? But it disappeared in a flash, her expression settling as she grinned at him, only slight.

“That’s okay, we can have dinner another night,” she rebounded. “But you’re going to have to introduce us at some point, mister,” she poked him in the arm.

“Can do. You’re not the only one who’s been bugging me about it.”

“And . . . I have a better way you can make it up to me.”

“What’s that?” Farkle wondered.

“Bill invited me to his wedding, and as stupid as it was of me, I said yes. But I knew I couldn’t alone, so I added a “plus one” to my R.S.V.P., and I was going to ask Maya, but I’d rather have you be my plus one, if that’s alright. Can you do it?” Farkle understood how hard it was for her to go through this, watching her ex get married so soon after dumping her after three years of commitment. He very well couldn’t say no to her.

Not that he wanted to.

“Of course, Riley. I’d be honored to accompany you to his trash wedding,” he winked at her. Riley snorted.

“I’m glad to have the solidarity. Now do you want to see if Maya will let us off her balcony?” she offered her arm. Farkle looped his arm with hers, joining her.

“I happily oblige,” he answered, ecstatic to have his best friend back in his life once again.

#riarkle #riley x farkle #gmw fanfiction #riarkle fanfiction #riarkle fanfic #bella writes

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atlafan · 7 years

Text

The Game: Part Four

Rucas au multi-fic. Lucas and Riley have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They finally tell each other how they feel, and are able to get together, but some friction occurs when Riley’s Uncle Shawn introduces everyone to his new wife and daughter.

Part One Part Two Part Three After school, which was only a half day, Riley, Lucas, Smackle, and Farkle all go to Topanga’s for the smoothies that they agreed upon getting earlier that day. They all order, grab their drinks, and sit in their usual spots. Lucas and Riley on one loveseat, and Farkle and Smackle on the other.

“To Lucas and Riley, we’re so happy the two of you figured out your feelings for each other, and we wish you all the happiness in the world.” Farkle says, all raise their cups, and take a sip.

“Thanks Farkle, that’s very sweet of you.” Riley says. “You know, it’s a beautiful day, we shouldn’t waste it by staying inside.”

“Farkle and I are going on my parents boat in an hour, you two are welcome to join.”

“You know what’s funny, I can ride a horse just fine, but get me on a boat, and I will puke. But thanks for the offer Smackle.” Lucas says.

“Of course. We better get going. My mother would like us to grab a case of water on our way.”

Smackle and Farkle leave. Now it’s just Lucas and Riley.

“Okay, so what do you wanna do? A walk in the park? You know it’s too bad your apartment building doesn’t have a pool in the back.”

“Well there’s a tiny indoor one, but that defeats the purpose of wanting to do something outside.”

“I could set up the slip and slide in my backyard, that could be fun.”

“I don’t really feel like getting wet, but I definitely wouldn’t mind getting into your hammock for a while, and listen to some music.”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

Just as the two get up, Maya walks in. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and has an apron in her hand.

“Hey, is your mom or some type of manager here?”

“Um, yeah Pam is in the back, why?”

“I work here now.”

“Oh, good for you.”

“Do you ever work here?”

“Sometimes, on weekends, or just when my mom needs extra help. I’m really supposed to focus on my grades during the school year.”

“Must be nice to have that luxury.”

“Hey, Riley is the hardest worker I know, just because she doesn’t need to work a paid job to help out a little doesn’t make her any less of a person than you. Besides, I thought jobs were supposed to fix attitudes.”

“Are you saying you don’t like my attitude, pretty boy?”

“I’m saying, no one around here needs any drama. Come on Riley, we have plans.”

Lucas grabs Riley’s hand and they leave in a huff. On their walk, Riley speaks up.

“Lucas, you didn’t have to do that. I mean it was nice of you to defend me and all, but you know I don’t like it when you get worked up.”

“I wouldn’t really call that getting worked up. I didn’t yell at her or anything, I left the situation. She thinks she knows you, and she doesn’t. Plus, all things considered, you were really nice to her today.”

“Yeah, a little too nice if you ask me. I just hated seeing her sit alone. She made some friends by lunch, I saw her sitting with some of the other art kids.”

“See, even though you can’t stand her, you’re stilling looking out for her.”

“I think she and I got off to a bad start. I could still see us being friends, but at the same time, she pisses me off and I’m not sure what to do about it.”

They get to Lucas’ house, go right to the backyard, and get right into the hammock.

“You don’t know how lucky you are, having a home, a yard, quiet.”

“My mom was adamant about not being stuck in the city. I like where you live, there’s always something happening.” He puts an arm around her, and she snuggles into him. “But, this is nice too.”

Lucas plays music from his phone, while to two lay there, rocking back and forth in the hammock, just relaxing. This was something that Riley wished they could have done a while ago.

“I know I said this the other day, but I’m really happy this feels natural. I thought I’d be so nervous being this close to you.”

“You? I thought I’d be the one that was the nervous wreck. You’re always the collected one.”

“Not always. There’s plenty of times I’ve felt nervous around you. Like, at junior prom. We were dancing pretty close, and, you’ll probably hate me for say this, but I thought that would be the moment that I would finally kiss you, but at the last second-”

“You hugged me. We held each other close for like five minutes in this embrace. That was only like four months ago, can you believe it?”

“Four months ago that we should have been together. I’ll never forget walking in your apartment, and being stunned by how beautiful you looked.”

“Lucas?”

“Yeah?”

“How long have you had feelings for me?”

“Well, I’ve always had feelings for you.”

“No, I mean like real, wanting to be with me feelings.”

“I don’t want to say.”

“Why not?”

“Because if it doesn’t match how long you've had feelings for me, then you’re gonna get mad. We’re together now, what does it matter?”

“Well, I suppose it shouldn’t matter, but...any time we start talking about the things we used to do, or how one of us should have spoken up sooner makes me upset. I mean I would have loved if we had gotten together, way sooner.”

“How much sooner?”

“The minute I fell into your lap sooner.”

“Riley.”

“Okay, maybe not that soon, but still, a couple of years ago would have been nice. I mean sure, did I love having you as a best friend, and love knowing that no matter what we’d always be friends? Of course. But I always wanted something more.”

“I think deep down I did too, but I was too afraid of the change. I didn’t want us to date, and then break up and have everything be different.”

“You’re not afraid of us breaking up anymore?”

“Nope. In fact, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna end up married with a couple of kids someday.”

“Um, -”

“Riley, of course I know that we could break up, but I’m not afraid of losing what we have anymore. We have so much history together, I know we could work through anything.”

“Oh, so that married with kids thing was you being sarcastic.”

“Yeah, did you think I was being serious right now? I’m eighteen, we’re eighteen, let’s just be eighteen, okay?”

“Technically you’re nineteen.”

“Yes, I’m aware, thank you.”

“You know what I was kind of impressed with about Maya today?”

“What?”

“The fact that she already knows she wants to attend Mass Art. I still haven’t narrowed down my search.”

“Neither have I. Do you think you want to leave New York for a little bit?”

“I don’t know, it depends on what some of the other schools offer. No sense of me going to Boston. Why leave one city for another?”

“Boston is completely different from New York, but I see your point.”

“Something about going to a college town kind of excites me. I wouldn’t mind going a little rural.”

“Not too many vet schools on the east coast. Although, I could do a lot of the pre reqs here, and then go.”

“No way, don’t waste the time, sometimes those credits don’t even carry over. Aren’t there a couple of schools further south you were looking into?”

“Yeah, but they’re way more competitive.”

“Lucas, you’re so smart, and you chose all the right classes this year, I bet you could go wherever you wanted. At least you know what you want to go for.”

“No wonder you can’t pick a school, you don’t even know what you want to go to school for.”

“Being undecided isn’t a big deal. It’s more like there are too many things that I want to do.”

“Why don’t you combine your love of photography, and love of writing and become like a photo journalist, or a blogger?”

“Yeah, that’ll really pay the bills.”

“It shouldn’t be about money, it should be about waking up every morning loving what you do.”

“You know I was thinking if I did go to school here, I’d try to work for some magazine company. I could write columns, and I bet I’d be good at the digital stuff, since more people read things online.”

“I could definitely see you doing that.”

The two talked for almost two hours. Lucas’ parents were at work since it was still the middle of the day. Riley’s stomach started to grumble.

“I guess that smoothie didn’t hold me over like I thought it would.”

“We have stuff to make sandwiches inside, you interested?”

“Definitely.”

The two go inside. Riley sits at the kitchen island while Lucas grabs everything from the fridge. Riley makes herself a small turkey sandwich, and Lucas makes himself a roast beef. They both eat quickly, realizing just how hungry they were.

“So what do you feel like doing now?” Lucas asks her after cleaning up their plates.

“In all honesty, I could go for a nap. Getting up at six this morning was really unpleasant.”

“Alright, so let’s take a nap. I’ll set an alarm for around four, that way we’re awake in plenty of time before my parents get home.”

“What would that matter if we’re on the couch?”

“I was thinking we could get cozy upstairs.”

Riley gave Lucas a concerned look. What exactly were his intentions?

“We can really stretch out and get comfortable. If it makes you feel weird, we can stay down here.”

“No, let’s give it a try.”

Riley was only allowed in Lucas’ room when there was an adult home. She followed him upstairs. She loved his room, it was so different from hers. He had a full sized bed in the center, with a side table on each side. He had a small monitor hooked up to an PS3, and two bean bag chairs at the foot of his bed. He kept it exceptionally clean for a teenage boy.

They both lay down, and Riley snuggles up to him. She could feel his heart beating fast. She took a little bit of comfort in knowing that he was nervous too.

They both drifted off.

“Oh this is just too good!”

A voice woke them both up after only an hour of napping. It was Lucas’ older sister Jenna.

“What are you doing here?” Said Lucas, jolting up.

“Um, I live here?”

“No, you live at school.”

“Oh relax, I just came by to do some laundry. Laundromats in the city are expensive. What are you two doing? Taking friendly naps together now?”

“No, well not as friends anyways.”

“You didn’t tell your sister?” Riley aks.

“I haven’t had time, I’m sorry. Jenna, Riley and I are dating now.”

“Well it’s about damn time. All you two were doing was trying to take a quick snooze right?”

“Yes, and we have like another couple of hours so-”

“Say no more, I’ll leave. Just remember I’m home, so no funny business.”

“Wasn’t planning on it. Please close the door.” Lucas says as Jenna leaves. “Sorry about that, you know how protective she can get.”

“Yeah I do know. Can you believe she’s almost done with college?”

“Definitely crazy. I’m totally awake now.”

“I don’t know, I feel like I could sleep a little longer.”

“Would you mind if I turn the TV on? I have Netflix hooked up.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Lucas puts on The Office while Riley snuggles up to the crook of his neck. She watches him watch the TV. Lucas had the post beautiful jawline she had ever seen. In this moment, Riley imagined herself a few years down the line with her love. She could see them both going to college in the same city, and eventually getting an apartment together. She could see them crawling into bed together after a long day, and doing exactly what they were doing in this moment.

Lucas looks down and makes eye contact with Riley.

“What are you thinking about?” He asks.

“Oh, nothing special.”

#rucas #liley #rucas fanfic #liley fanfic #rucas au #riley x lucas #lucas x riley #riley and lucas #lucas and riley #gmw

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storm278 · 7 years

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Home is where the heart is CHAPTER 5

10 years after college, Riley has gained a reputation of being a flight risk. Her friends and family have tried to stop her from taking off but truthfully there is only one person that can make her stay for good. what happens when riley sees said person for the first time in 14 years. Rucas centric

Rated T

Cross posted to Fanfiction.net here

Prologue Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4

"Are you sure you guys didn't take this too far, she bought the freaking pent house and it didn't come cheap" Josh said with utmost concern for his baby sister. Him and his wife were hosting movie night for their friends while their son was spending time with his grandparents Cory and Topanga. Darby, Yogi, Farkle, Isadora, Zay and Vanessa were present at Josh and Maya's house.

"I get your concern Josh I really do" Farkle said "I mean the plan at first was for her to rent but she buying the place only makes it so much better because now it wouldn't be easy for her to just move somewhere else, they need this push trust me it's been fifteen plus years, there has to be a reason the both of them haven't found their other halves"

Josh understood were the genius was coming from but that doesn't mean he still wasn't concerned for his sister. She tends to react to certain situations in the worst ways behaviour and health wise. This little plan of theirs, even though it came from a place of love definitely fell into the category of situations that his sister never handled properly. He just wished their group would leave her to figure this out on her own.

"My concern with this plan is what if it doesn't work and it blows up in our faces, what if Lucas gets mad, I mean we're older now but he still scares me" Yogi muttered

"Oh common honey, the man knows better now he won't even hurt a fly" Darby tried to comfort her husband and put his mind at ease.

"Yea tell that to the hole he made on the wall of his office when he found out about Nathan" Zay just dropped a bomb on the group without even realizing what he had done.

"for the life of me I still can't understand why they went so long apart when it's so clear they still love each other, she loves him, he loves her so why drag the drama on for so long gees happiness is not that hard" Vanessa exclaimed while Zay smiled and threw his arms around her.

Obviously Riles is going to be pissed at first because she knows we go to his place all the time and then out of nowhere Farkle suddenly suggests the house right next door from him" Darby said while sipping her wine

Maya was more worried about her best friend's reaction to this whole plan fiasco "I'm still a little scared, I've known the girl my whole life, when she gets pissed she could take drastic actions, what if she decides to sell the home and move"

"She wouldn't do that Maya it would be too obvious she is moving because of him, she already admitted to all of us she loves that place. She's still bubbles after all; she would never want to hurt him like that. Even if they haven't seen each other" Isadora explained. Then everyone turns to Zay as he is tearing through a turkey leg

"what are y'all staring at me for, I agree with the Mr. & Mrs. Genius here" he huffs seeing some of the members of group still in doubt, then he moves to drops the turkey leg down on his plate "common guys its Lucas and Riley we're talking of here, we've seen this play out before it's not rocket science people. What those two have I can't even begin to explain it, just being in close proximity and they can't stop talking to each other. It's a little freaky if you asked me" Zay said earning him a smack in the head from his new fiancé

"and that's how they bond with each other" Farkle added and it was as if a light bulb went off in this head "You guys that's what happened, that's why they refused to see themselves"

Maya caught on "because they knew one of them was going to cave in and then they would start speaking again, that's why Lucas leaves when Riley comes home but why didn't he leave this time"

"Duh because he wants his girl back, Jesus, what part of Lucas loves this woman don't you people understand" Zay said in frustration leaving everyone dumbfounded.

Josh was particularly shocked with these new bombshells Zay has been dropping all night, because to be honest he never thought the alleged plan would work, he always figured if they were ever going to get back together it wouldn't be because of people meddling, it would be Riley and Lucas figuring things out themselves. Josh knew parts of the story that no one present knew, so he was particularly thrilled to hear Lucas wanted Riley back for the sake of his sister's happiness. Then he turned his attention to Zay "did he tell you this? Like with actual words? What happens to Nathan then?"

"When last did Lucas stay in New York for a whole year plus" Zay asked with raised eye brows "he has more than enough doctors to take care of his clinic here, he could have gone back to Texas if he wanted to. Riley has been back for what over a month now and he still shows no sign of going anywhere. He doesn't need to tell me he wants the girl back; his actions show it"

"and Josh, who cares what happens to Nathan" Darby spat "I mean he's a good guy and all but we all know that relationship doesn't hold a candle to Rucas" Maya smiled at this remembering when they use to tease the couple with the ship name back in high school.

"That's true I haven't even considered the Nathan factor in this equation" Farkle said

"Bubbles wouldn't want to hurt Nathan either hmm" Isadora thought for a minute and looked to her husband "Dearest it would appear we skipped out on that variable, so what do we do now, Nathan is a threat to our desired outcome but there are ways to eliminate him from said equation though" Smackle smirked

"SMACKLE!" everyone yelled

Zay looked at both of them as if they were crazy "hey! Mr. & Mrs. Genius, Lucas and Riley aren't equations from a textbook, like I said this isn't rocket science, we have succeeded in getting them to see each other again that's good so now just sit back and watch the magic happen"

"In a weird way I agree with Zay on this. I don't think there's any magic to it but they definitely have some kind of pull to each other" Josh said

All through their conversations, Maya was still confused in thoughts with all of this because she never understood why, why were things happening this way for those two. Lucas had once said Riley was his favorite person in the world to talk to, and that was one of the most honest things Maya had ever heard him say. One look into his eyes you could tell he meant every word of it and he proved it all through their high school years. The two would constantly sneak off to God knows where just to be alone with each other. Once Riley told her they drove out of the city at night just for the sake of the adventure of it and of course more of an excuse for them to be together.

So why would they be so willing to go so long without wanting to see each other, Riley didn't cheat Maya was sure of that, Lord knows Missy as hot and sexy as she looked tried to get Lucas but he wouldn't budge, it wasn't their spark; those two made fireworks just by linking pinkies, they didn't stop loving each other, nope very far from that, then it hit Maya like a ton of bricks. Their first real fight started after Riley got sick once at the beginning of senior year, she kept to herself for a while after falling sick. Riley had told Maya that her asthma was acting up so she had to stay away from school for a while, Maya knew it wasn't the whole truth but she decided to not push it because she figured Riley would come to her when she was ready to talk but Riley never did and she shrugged it off because Riley got better but her friend's relationship never did. So she decided to test her theory

"Sweetie remember when Riles got sick at the beginning of senior year" everyone turned their attention to Maya wondering what that had to do with anything "do you remember what happened to her" Maya asked Josh

Josh was alarmed by this question because this was not his secret to tell and he knew the hell his mother would raise on him if he spilled anything to anybody so he panicked and said the first thing that came to his head "Oh um yea I remember, she had this flu that wouldn't go away"

Lies! Why would Josh lie to me Maya thought to herself she said it was her asthma, so something did happen to Riley. Oh God something happened to Riley! Maya began to internally panic How could I not see this? She didn't tell Lucas and it must have been huge since it caused them to split up and Josh is lying to me over it. Maya got up from the table with haste to leave "I have to go see her"

Josh followed behind her outside of their home to get away from the rest "Babe it's late we have guests, Riley's fine trust me the flu has definitely passed"

"Sweetie please I have to go see her right now, something's not adding up"

"I assure you she's fine Maya; you can ask her about it tomorrow" Josh pleaded, he could sense Maya knew he lied

"If I don't go it's going to bug me and then I'm going to have to bug you all night" Maya was determined to get answers, something happened to her sister and her husband was trying to keep her away from finding out. This only made the wheels in her head spin faster

"Maya she is probably exhausted from moving today, she and Nathan are probably having some alone time for themselves and they wouldn't appreciate you busting in asking for answers to something that happened years ago plus I already told you what happened"

"You told me something alright but you and I know that's not what happened, I know you're covering for her or you feel like it's not your position to tell so I'll respect that tonight for the sake of the people in our house but tomorrow you bet your ass I'm getting my answers" Josh shoulders visibly relaxed themselves as he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He was more than relieved that his wife was dropping the issue for this night because now he would be able to give his sister the heads up that her spit fire best friend knew something was up.

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

"Riley?" His eyes widen in panic "Oh my gosh Riles where is your inhaler" He rushed to her side again and put his strong muscular arms around her. Lucas didn't need to be told what was happening to her, he had been there with her when she badly struggled with it in high school.

She slid to sit on the floor of the elevator to create some kind of distance from him. His heart broke a little seeing her like this. Seeing that the doors to the elevator already closed shot and they had started moving, her heart beats sped up. Her breaths were only getting shorter so she pointed to the small cardboard box she dropped while she tripped. He didn't even think twice about it, he ripped the top off and saw a bunch of inhalers still in their packaging. He quickly tore one open, shook it and put it in her mouth so she could take the puffs. She sat calmly to relax for a few seconds before the doors opened to their floor.

Lucas squatted beside her "are you okay, Riley please talk to me, do I need to take you to the hospital" she shook her head slowly still staring at his emerald orbs that had tiny flecks of gold around them. She felt like she was in high school all over again, seeing Lucas take care of her when she use to have attacks back then. She kept staring at him as if she was looking at a ghost, her mind was running a million miles per second and her pounding heart did not help her current daze. She tried to get up but Lucas held on to her from the side to support her, she was shocked by his actions and furrowed her eyes at him but that didn't stop all the butterflies that were on a rampage in her stomach.

"Luke I'm going to be fine I'll just go home and lay down for a bit" she picked up the box to live. While Lucas was still stunned at what just happened, she called him Luke that's something he hadn't heard in years; he saw her and not in his dreams or imaginations and he physically touched her; he spoke to her; she still looked as amazing he remembered, her pictures never did her justice he always knew that but this was just mind blowing for him; she had grown so much more than his brain could currently comprehend and he didn't miss her blown out curves and long legs that did things to his insides. He paused for a minute to collect his thoughts on his way back to his house, did he just see her walk into the house right next to his, she said she was going to go 'home' where was her home, was Riley his new neighbour. He went into his place to go process what just happened.

Meanwhile on Riley's end she couldn't reach her home fast enough. She entered and slammed the door behind her then rested her back on it to take small breaths what is he doing here, how did he find me, why is this happening now, I'm happy with Nathan right? I love him right?

"Riley?" Nathan called from on top of the stairs "where do you need these to go" he said holding up two lamps

"Natan!" Riley called and ran up to him before he could say anything she wrapped her hand around his neck and kissed him. The kiss wasn't just for endearment sake, it was more of desperation, she deepened the kiss sliding her tongue into his mouth while he graciously accepted it, she held on to him so tightly for dear life and ran her hands through his brown hair. She pulled away looking into his eyes as if searching for something she was so sure for the past seven months she finally had.

"whoa, babe what was that for, I mean not that I'll ever complain but wow."

She huffed while her hands were still around his neck and forced a smile "I just wanted to say thanks, you know for helping me move, and being here with me"

"well if this is the treatment I get for helping you move, you just call me whenever you need a mover, you can call me mover man" he said with his hands on his waist pretending to be a superhero which made Riley giggle.

They got most of the boxes unpacked that day and after a light dinner of pizza and wine, both were too tired to do anything else. So they decided to call it a night. Nathan passed out immediately his head touched the pillows. Riley laid next to him but couldn't bring herself to sleep. Her mind was still on the events of the elevator; her brain had managed to memorize every detail of him. He looked so much better than he what he looked like the last time she saw him; he was much taller, her head barley reached his shoulders; and his arms only got bigger from his muscles. Her hands moved to the spot on her arms that he held, she remembered the moment he held her so vividly it was like she could still feel his arms around her. She turned on the bed to her sleeping boyfriend and felt guilt run through her, this man sleeping right next to her; a man who loved and adored her and has constantly showed her how much he cares about her, but here she was practically drooling over someone she hasn't seen or spoken to since she graduated 12th grade. She tossed when she heard her phone vibrate from the night stand

Text messages

Josh

Hey baby sis, how did the move go, I'll stop by tomorrow to check on you. Love you

p.s Maya has a hunch about your senior year if you know what I mean. I was able to hold her off for today but she's coming to get answers from you tomorrow so yea heads up on that.

#gmw #rucas fanfic

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