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Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Verdaux
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Verdaux Brokeback

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ALL OF SUNDAY NIGHT
to
4 AM MONDAY FREAKING MORNING

これは、
いくつかの良いたわごとである、
あなたは私を聞きます


Starring :

@Verdaux as Sabine D'Aramitz
@Shin as Natille Gerwulf or something
@Delta44 as Elvira Gorbakalashnistalmendelevovinev, because the V's gotta be in there somewhere.

"...I'm not looking for love; hell, my psychologist tells me I should spend some time at night with someone every once in a while, but I'm not really looking for that either."
-Some Edgy French Writer


Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Mateotis
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Mateotis The Guardian

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Jake & Nina || Jake's Safe Haven → Nina's Humble Abode

@Mateotis & @lovely complex





Jake’s House,
Morning After. (10:00)


The morning light gleamed in from the open curtained window of Jake Sharner’s bedroom. The walls were a pale, dull white, the ground was covered with ceramic tile, and the only furniture visible to the naked eye were his workplace adjacent to his closet door and his twin-sized bed. Nina’s long, brown hair curled at the ends and some of her strands were wild and untamed, her head rested in the crook of Jake’s right shoulder, while she held him like a girlfriend would. Before she opened her eyes, she took in the smell of her surroundings. Alcohol. Sweat. And a subtle pinch of metal. Odd. Why did her place smell like any of this? Where was the smell of fruit and pine? Wherever she was didn’t smell nearly as clean as her apartment. Maybe Lucky did something out of the ordinary again, which was his ordinary. No use in overthinking.

Opening her eyes gradually, Nina found herself resting on a… smaller man than her roommate. W-what? It’s not like her and Lucky have ever slept together but who- who was this man? Shooting up, her hair beautifully dangling to her sides, the light from the window giving her skin a softer undertone, the teacher looked around at her surroundings. Oh my… To say darling Nina was having an internal breakdown was an understatement. Why couldn’t she remember a thing from last night? Unintentionally, she growled out loud, “I’m going to kill him.” By him, she meant Lucky. Covering her mouth, hoping to the gods she didn’t wake this stranger up, Nina tried to slip out of the bed without ruining this green haired man’s slumber.

Tiptoeing, ever so quietly, EVER SO QUIETLY, the petite brunette walked past his workplace only to step on a screw. In response, she covered her mouth and hopped in silence, desperately holding in her pain. After a moment of death, she scurried her way to what she assumed was the bathroom, avoiding any other tiny daggers on the ground and placed her hands on his sink. Only for her blue eyes to widen at the sight of how she looked. What the hell did she do last night!? Set the alarms! All is lost and Nina may have slept with a complete stranger. Quickly turning on the water, she washed her face so that she could comprehend her morning. Grabbing a towel, the young poetry teacher dabbed her face dry before confronting her problem. The mature thing to do was to express her concerns, right? Right!

The bright sunlight was to Jake's half-opened eyelids as a whole can of water was to a small plant—far more than essential and entering the harmful territory. He closed them at once and turned to the other side, before turning right back with a sudden and shocking realisation. The sun should not be this bright. The early morning sun should be a gentle, inviting caress and not a slam to the face. That could mean one of two things: either the sun decided to surprise the scientist or it was not quite early morning.
Instinctively, he reached for his glasses on the nightstand, almost falling off the bed in the process—he lay closer to the edge than usually—and sluggishly sat up to look at the clock.

10:07

The scientist jumped out—or rather, would have jumped if his unusually numb limbs were cooperative. Instead however, he actually fell off his bed this time.
“Oof...!” he yelped, more from the shock than the pain. He reached over the bed with one hand, trying to pick himself back up. Stretching his head above the bed as well, he looked over, glasses maladjusted and hair messy, only to suddenly have a Nina pop into in his sight.

Clearing her throat, with her soft, silvery voice, Nina apologized, “Um… excuse me? I’m sorry about waking you up…

“Wha—?”
That was all he could utter before the woman, clearly wide awake and sober now, rushed back to the bathroom.

Her mind continued to realize how revealing she was, so she ran back into the bathroom to use the door as a shield, but poked her head to look at him, “H-hi. Um.” What the hell should she say in a situation like this?!

What… no, did we do anything?” she whispered. Her face beamed red from embarrassment and shame.

He finally managed to sit back on the bed and readjust his glasses.
“It could have been more...” He scratched his head, oblivious to just how bad he sounded with that. “I mean... No. I brought you here and—I mean, you could not tell me—then you wanted me to sleep with y—I mean, not like that!” He leaned back and forth on the edge of the bed, not even daring to look into Nina's eyes. He realised that she did not remember anything and he was going to come off horribly wrong whichever way he phrased the events of last night. “You...want to go home now, don't you?”

Innocently nodding, Nina frowned to her new acquaintance, “Last night… I’m sorry you had to deal with me. I- I don’t get out much. I haven’t even been here… in this town for too long. I’m so-so-sorry.” Gazing down at her outfit, Nina politely asked, “Do you know where my clothes are? And… you didn’t happen to see my roommate and um… nevermind. Probably not.” Her tone was nothing like the playful minx from the previous night. Everything about this Nina was modest, elegant, and ashamed of her late night actions as if this was the worst sin she’s ever committed.

“I think it'd be best if we just...forgot that. Or well…I just forgot that.”
He finally stood up and took a moment to stretch out his numbed arms and legs. He then went to pick up the clothes he left on the backrest of his workbench chair. He carried these with him all the way from the club so that Nina did not lose anything. Though, considering their current states, they were seldom fit for wearing.
"These were the ones you...took off at the club. I thought that you'd miss them if they were just...left there," he admitted. He was also only now realising the lengths he went for an almost total stranger. He just hoped she would not find it creepy—even if she had every reason to after his absolutely botched explanation. “You probably don't want to wear these...but I don't think I have much else for you...”

Her cheeks turned ghastly pale, “I did what?!” Reaching for the clothes, she gently tugged them to her and she examined the damage, “There’s no use in keeping these. Look at that rip.” she shook her head in disappointment in herself. To most women, they would find this situation to be dangerous and weird but to the naive teacher, she didn’t find any harm in his actions of bring her to safety. Her stare became deadly serious as she locked eyes with the scientist, “Can I borrow your clothes? I’ll wash it and return it today, I promise!

“Well you can't go out like this... If you can find something fitting, take it. Don't even need to return them! I have plenty, believe me.” He did not, but he could have. He had the money, but not the time nor the motivation to go clothes shopping. Unless he had to, of course... “I'll...get ready for myself as well.”

He left Nina behind to pick her own clothes from his wardrobe, something that could have taken a very long time as Jake had heard, while he himself went to the bathroom for a quick refresher. He hoped the cold tap water would chill not only his face, but his thoughts as well. He evaluated what happened so far—he still had many questions from the lady who seemed much more confused than he was, which was why he was unsure if he would actually receive any answers. As it is said though: ‘hope dies last’.

Once Nina found plain and comfortable attire (polo + khakis), she looked around his home for a pencil. She didn’t want to borrow anything that was precious to him. Luckily it seemed that he had many, so with a swift hand movement, the teacher wrapped and weaved her long hair around the pencil until it was up in a messy bun. When she had finished in less time than most individuals take to get ready, Nina gathered her things and waited for the gentleman on his couch. Even though she was quiet, she took these moments alone to observe his place and calm her nerves.

After fixing his hair with a little water and making sure his clothes were not too dirty or otherwise unfit—the smell was bearable—, Jake went back to the bedroom. Much to his surprise, Nina was already done and waiting. She wore a pair of his numerous green and similar coloured articles, in fact she even somewhat resembled him like this. He could not help but smile, for the first time in this stressful morning.
“I don't have a very varied wardrobe, but... Green looks good on you!” He gave a small compliment, trying to ease the atmosphere a little without falling on the other side of the spectrum. “If you're ready, we can leave at once!”

And leave was what what they did indeed. Jake showed Nina the Emu, the unsung hero of the chaotic story.
“Hopefully this time I won't have to take guesses.” He chuckled as they got in. “Where to?”
The little city car buzzed up happily as the two hit the road. It was Monday morning in Shine City, though it did not differ much from Monday mornings elsewhere: namely, there was traffic. Lots of traffic. Fortunately, the scientist was also free from any handicaps this time and drove carefully enough.

“So...” He broke the silence as they were sitting in front of a red light. “If I may ask...how did it all begin?”

Note: Their car conversation will be revealed in Nina and Jake’s next individual posts.




Finally home, wearing a green polo and khaki pants that fit on her form surprisingly nicely, Nina widely yawned while she entered her humble abode. She hadn’t taken a shower at Jake’s because she didn’t want to impose, plus she didn’t feel comfortable showering at a stranger’s home - even if she slept with him on the same bed. Throwing her clutch purse on a long wooden table within her main living area, she looked around to see if there were any signs of Lucky and his date. Peering into her former office, now Lucky’s bedroom, Nina didn’t see any sign the flamed haired idiot. Shrugging and assuming he was fine, knowing Lucky enough for her to trust he could handle whatever situation he got himself in, Nina opened the two, cream-colored double doors to her bedroom before freezing in place when she saw Lucky holding Tsubasa close to her, spooning her. His face nestled in her brown locks, he was shirtless, and they both were under her white quilts and flowery comforter. Too tired to deal with him right now, she entered the room silently grabbed a change of clothes (for work) and closed the door behind her. She needed to get ready for her day and make breakfast!
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by NuttsnBolts
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NuttsnBolts

Moderator Seen 10 days ago

☰ = - K I R S T Y W E B B - = ☰

The rumbling sound of a beat up skateboard resonated throughout the streets with Kristy lazily standing on the wooden deck, a steel bottle of Red Bull dangling within her fingertips, and the wind blowing past her hair causing it to sail behind her like a shredded flag. Her feet kicked the ground every few seconds in order to generate that little bit more push, to keep up the speed, to simply keep moving as fast as possible.

Why?

She was late to her new job.

Two days in Shine City, two days and Kristy was already back into the old habits of staying up all night. She didn't even remember why she was up at some ungodly hour but her hazy mind was bringing back memories of how the blue haired female was unpacking all her stuff when she arrived at her apartment on Saturday night. It wasn't a big place, second floor of a 2 storey block of flats. The place felt like a re-purposed motel that went out of business and instead was converted into a cheap housing area. With it's own limited parking and walls thin enough to hear the neighbours at night, it was a dream come true. Still, that was Saturdays experience and it didn't explain Sunday. All her clothes were still stored away in their boxes and whatever furniture she owned was already placed within the desired rooms. There was the bed, an old couch, a cheap, home depot table along with it's non-matching chair, and her TV... The TV.

The penny dropped on the drowsy individual. Her TV was broken and she must have spent the entire Sunday trying to fix it. No... it was longer than that. She spent the entire day and 'night' trying to fix the device, and if her memory served her correctly it was all because of her former room mate. A wild farewell party in her previous home that left Kristy waking up feeling like she had been hit by a cement truck, but nothing compared to the girl that apparently couldn't remember knocking the TV off it's stand.

Heh, she always was the wild type... the unhappy thought Kristy's mind. She already didn't have enough cash to simply go out and buy a new one, and trying to fix this one was proving to be difficult without the needed parts.

The girl popped off the skateboards she was approaching a set of steps and stamped on the end, forcing the board to spring up into her grip. Too early in the morning to attempt any kind of stunts, and with the steps that were just in front of her the last thing she wanted to do was walk into work on the first day and announce, "Hey boss! I just dislocated my shoulder, might need to take some time off for that."

Kristy made her way down the stairs and pulled her phone out of the jacket pocket to order to check out the time; five minutes to spare. She was relieved. The hasty scramble out of bed and throw-on-the-clothes dance that she performed paid off. She could see the Arcade signage plastered around the place with stickers under the stair treads and big painted directional signs on the concrete ground. Everything about it was acting as a publicity magnet for those unlucky souls that hoped to pass without the temptation of entering for a few moments of fun. She walked up to the entrance, and sleepily accepted what the day would have to offer.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Chao
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Chao Resident Space Cowboy

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Cameron Blackwood




*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

"Ugh..." Cameron proclaimed as he slowly sat up, his eyes barely opened as he tried to pry them. They felt like they were welded together. He sniffed, and wiped his nose. He felt like total crap.

Cameron's eyes had shot open, looking around where he was. What the hell happened, he thought? That party must've been that good. Did he get roofied? No, no.. he's in his own place, so that wouldn't make sense. Did he get wasted, probably. "Yikes." Cameron spoke to himself, he climbed out of his bed to see that. Yesterday was Sunday, as he recalled. Wait a second...

It's the school week, which means.... THE ACADEMY! "...Oh shit!" He sputtered. Cameron looked at his alarm clock, and luckily it wasn't too late for him to get there in time. He instantly got up and ran to the shower.

The shower felt quite amazing, considering Cameron had felt cold when he woke up. The shower was like a warm rain coming down on him, but he couldn't enjoy it for super long. He washed himself as fast as he could, while panicking. As soon as he was done, he turned off the shower and practically dove out of it. He pulled a yellow T-shirt, which was his favorite color because it matched his hair, and grabbed dark blue jeans. He grabbed his red sneakers, and practically yanked them on.

Cameron swore to himself quietly as he ran out of his house with his things he needed for the Academy. If he was late, Cameron would be in so much trouble. "Please, if there is a God. I'll be there before it's too late!" He said as he ran as fast as he could to his yellow and black GT Mustang, it was a rather older version, but it was something he was able to buy. Cameron got in and drove off to the Academy.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by LovelyAnastasia
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LovelyAnastasia Miss Bloody Cute Chaos

Member Seen 7 yrs ago


Dal Yoon Suk




'Fijoshi'....'Otaku'....'Fangirl'.... These were words with a biting meaning to them. Words, that in all reality, should slice through the heart and cut down pride. But there were a few, so lost in the deep forests of daydreams, the wore them like badges of honor. Used them as tools to defend and help wall up all vulnerability and all temptations that could lead to a crushed heart.

She'd never let someone break her heart. So instead she loved people who only existed on screens and in the mind. Dal Yoon, or Dallie as some called her, wore her cat ears like one might wear armor in battle. The world was cruel and so she distanced herself as much as she could, till she was someone who lived and loved only in dreams and fantasy.

With a hum on those full blossoming lips, she walked with a bounce, tilting her head from side to side, her little tune guiding her down the street. She was on the shorter side for a young woman in her twenties, her dyed blonde hair a short and wild bob with bangs than almost hid her eyes. And those eyes. They were brown and yet they seemed to change color slightly, with her ever changing moods. Right now they were on the honey-gold side, gleaming and glistening with her contentment. But beware whoever saw those eyes of her turn a deep ambered red, for even a sweet little thing like her could get angry.

On her way to work, the arcade, she let her short skirt flutter about her thighs. She was in her usual schoolgirl inspired getup. And with such a cherub youthful face, she could easily pass for a high schooler... If not for her tendency to pursed those lips and fluttered those eyes in mischievous flirtation.

Something was missing.

The day should be a happy one. She liked her work. She liked walking to her work. And she certainly liked that the newest otome game character storyline (Hikaru Dokomiru from LoveME High Host Club) was being updated today at precisely 9:45pm. So today, what with work and her walk and her date tonight at 9:45pm, she should be over joyed.

But something was always missing, wasn't it?

It had been missing, whatever it was, since she had turned sixteen. Something about that awful age just changed people from happy children to age-mutants that craved intense emotion. Neither child nor adult, they thirsted for intensity like a ecchi-maid thirsted for her master's compliments. Running a hand through the tendrils of her hair, she contemplated getting another new game on her way home from work. That might cheer her up. Or maybe she could start a new K-Drama. That always lifted her spirits, especially when she paired it with some nice kimchi and a fizzy Pike's Hard Lemonade.

Yes! She'd have to do all three now! Just thinking about it lifted her spirits and she practically skipped down the sidewalk. But just as she was giggling giddily to herself about her clever plan, crossing the street, a speeding car screamed at her, racing right at her. @Chaotic Chao Eyes open wide, but not yet comprehending what was happening, all she could do was stare at the Mustang that sped straight for her, like a blood-thirsty predator with a prey in its sights.

Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Chao
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Chao Resident Space Cowboy

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Cameron Blackwood



*SSSKKKKKRRRR!*

"Oh fu-!" Cameron stopped the car as it had almost flipped over and hit the person. (@LovelyAnastasia) The car had nearly flipped over, but unfortunately Cameron didn't put his seat belt on, ad he slammed his head into the window on the left side of him in the interior of the car. Cameron grunted, and practically bounced back from the hit. The window wasn't broken, and Cameron wasn't bleeding, but Cameron's vision almost doubled at the impact of it.

He stared at the girl who was in the way for a second. What the heck? He thought, she saw the car didn't she? She should've moved! Cameron groaned, as he opened the window open with the simple press of the button. He thought of something to say, without being impolite. But right now, he wanted to scream at her. No words. Just a simple loud terrifying scream would do enough to show how angry he was.

But it was probably his fault as well, considering he was going faster than he should have been. Cameron sighed, and bit his lip. "Um? Sorry, err... person." Cameron said.

It was just some girl. She seemed teenage by the looks of it, probably around the late teen years. "Hi." Cameron said in an awkward manner, he didn't really know what to say to the kid. If he didn't stop right there, he would've trampled her, how can someone just easily apologize about something like that?

"You ..uh... okay?"
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by LovelyAnastasia
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LovelyAnastasia Miss Bloody Cute Chaos

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Dal Yoon Suk
AND
Cameron Blackwood






Dallie was on her butt, staring right at the predator of a Mustang in front of her. It had just barely stopped in time. Staring with wide eyes, it felt like she had been frozen over
in her sudden fear. What... What had just happened? One minute she had been walking like normal, the next she was on the ground staring at the hood of a car. SHE HAD ALMOST DIED!

Getting to her feet she looked at the car, her face pale and eyes wide in the cold confusion that had frozen all thought. Her heart was pumping, but if she was suppose to feel pain, she couldn't. She just felt cold. Looking through the window, then into the face of the person behind the wheel, all she could do was stare at them with wide eyes.

"Ehm, you look traumatized." Cameron said, rubbing the side of his head and brushing his blonde hair out of his face. He was sure he had scared the life out of the teenage girl, and he felt bad. But it was a little bit her fault for just standing there. It's like in horror movies when the girl that we all know will die just stands there in 'shock' while she is brutally murdered with a sledgehammer. Except this time it's with an GT Mustang.

Cameron would've made a joke about this, but he just nearly turned her into ground up human bones and meat, which is sounds very horrible, now that he thinks about. He parks his car slowly to the side, and gets out, walking over to her. She was probably going to try to murder him for this, this hasn't the first time Cameron nearly was strangled by an angry teenage girl. Ah, back when he was 18.

As Cameron held the back his head, he then started to feel sort of a cold liquid. Which means only one thing, and he guessed correctly. It was a tad bit of a puddle, a red puddle that had a strong smell of iron even though it wasn't that big.

The guy was talking to her, but all those words past through her muddled head and she just stared at him. Her eyes were still as big as saucers and her face had hardly any color to it, but now she was shaking. And as she shook she stared and the color of her eyes slowly tinted to a red amber. Her brows fell from their perches of surprised and dove down into the depths of anger. Her opened mouth closed slowly, teeth clenching. He had almost killed her!

"This is the part where you swear me out, and call me a dirty dumb blonde?" Cameron scratched his chin, and groaned. "And before you do that, respect your elders. I'm 23, you're a kid." He said.

"Kid?" she whispered slowly, her angry face clouding over with even more rage, "KID?! Listen up dude..." She poked a finger into his chest, her other hand on her hip, her face as close to his as possible from her short stature. "I am twenty two, first of all! Second of all, speedy, pedestrians have the frickin' right away!" Fuming she brought that baby face of hers right up to his, standing on her tip toes, hands on her hips. Her narrow eyes almost looked red. "You could have kill me and yourself driving like that!"

To be honest, the only thing Cameron was hearing, was the adult sounds from Charlie Brown, until she poked him in his chest. That's when he gave her the meanest glare he could give, "Yeah, I know I'm crazy and I know I almost flattened you like a worn out tire. No pun intended. Yada yada. -- Wait, you're not...?!"

"Also, sorry? I woke up late, trying to get to the Academy. No one was walking down the road, I look in the back of my car because I heard a thump, next thing I know. A WOMAN!" He said, with his arms crossed.

"Oh, well that just excuses you from everything, now doesn't it?" she fumed, hands on her hips, "How old are you? Nineteen? Twenty? Driving like that, I'd think you were fifteen and late to the goddamn prom!"

"I'm twenty three. And I do look younger than my age, thanks." Cameron's deep but also light voice sounded like he wanted to laugh and cry from nearly killing someone at the same time. As much as he seems okay about this, he nearly murdered someone random woman. Cameron winced, as the air went into his very tiny head wound. He touched it, and there was now dried blood a little on his hand.

"Oh holy mother of doujinshi," her anger was gone as she noticed his wound, eyes wide and full of concern, "You knocked your head! Do you feel dizzy?! How many fingers am I holding up?!" She held up two on her right hand and three on her left, but she was trembling too much to be any good help. And as quickly as she had put her hands up, she dropped them. "I'm calling an ambulance! You need to go to the hospital! You could have a concussion! If you feel sleepy, you better keep those eyes open or I will start pinching and smackin you, got it?" She took out her cellphone quickly, shaking hands trying to get past the password on the lock of her Lime 5 phone.

"Ehm. Two, three?" Cameron said, he scratched his side. "I'm fine! I'm fine! Don't worry about it! My head is fine. It's just an scrape or something." Cameron said, leaning on his car. Cameron waved his hands left and right, his eyes widened. This was nothing! All he needed was a bandaid!

Cameron motioned for her to not call the ambulance, they weren't needed! Besides, if they learn he nearly killed her, he can seriously get in trouble! Ugh, like waking up from a hangover just wasn't enough.

"B-But...you're bleeding!" she felt woozy just glancing up at that blood, her face pale and eyes wavering in and out of focus, "If my phone would just o-open..." She was trying so hard but her hands just wouldn't stop shaking. She had to get it open. She had to call the ambulance. He was hurt. He might die! Why couldn't she remember how to unlock her phone? Or remember how to breathe correctly? Her breathing was coming in short shallow rasps now.

Cameron sort of smiled, "Don't worry about me. After all, I am a 'Speedy'." He said, as he grabbed his car's door and was about to get in. He then turned to see how worried she was, and he seemed concerned for her. He walked over to her, and used his rather calm voice. "Hey, I'm okay, ... whatever your name is.." Cameron said.

"Dal Yoon..." she shivered and trembled, wondering why the screen of her phone just wouldn't cooperate, "Dallie... My name's Dallie. Oh god, I might have killed you." She looked up at the stranger who had almost hit her with his car and instead of anger, all that was there was a trembling bottom lip and eyes filled with big fat tears ready to spill down flushed cheeks.

Holy... She really thought he was hurt. Cameron slowly grabbed her hands. "If I was dead, how am I holding your hands? I can't bleed out from this either, see the blood stopped." He asked, softly. Cameron smiled and seriously hoped she wasn't seriously thinking he was about to die from a simple scratch around the sideburns on his head.

"Y...Yeah...." she blinked hard over and over, her icy hands still shaking a bit, even when holding the phone, "That... That makes sense..." His hands were on hers and she finally was able to feel them. They felt too hot on her cold skin. Wait, why was she cold? Oh right, that's what happened after something as shocking as almost being run over by a car. She was no doctor, but she had seen enough yaoi plots based around 'I'm in shock, warm me up with your body'. They were always kind of boring... She liked the monster kind better. More funny. Wait, where was her mind going with this again? Right. In shock. Got it.

"You... You still have to get to class," she swallowed hard, trying to steel her voice, "And I have to get to work. The mid shift at the arcade starts soon..." She forced a very pale and unbelievable smile onto her face, slipping her hands out from his. "Nice to meet you, Guy-Who-Almost-Ran-Me-Over. Gotta get to gettin'."

"I think I deserve a day off, after all this is my last day and this might actually need stitches." Cameron said, holding the side of his head, rubbing the area. "I'm Cameron. You can uhh, call me Cammy or Cam." He said with a smile, he yawned and walked slowly back. "I could drive you to the Arcade, if needed." He offered, in a totally platonic way.

Dal Yoon's plaster smile faltered a bit, like ill constructed siding on the face of an ancient building. She was still rather pale, her eyes were red-rimmed and she had to clasp both hands around her phone to keep from shaking too much. Guess it really was starting to sink. Holy Lord Seme of Sin, she had almost died. And if that had happened.... Well, she'd be dead! Not that there was much of anyone to notice really. Well, maybe her work. And her virtual otome game husbandos. Wow, talk about BLEAK. She looked down at her hands, which held her life with white knuckles.

"R-Right... N-Nice to meet you..." good, that sounded normal and polite, very good, now continue, "Yes, th-that would be kind of you. Th-Thank you." Very well done. If not for the robotic voice, she'd sound completely and totally normal! Very well done.

Cameron noticed the way she stuttered she seemed like a very shy person. Cameron nodded, and opened the shotgun seat of his GT Mustang for her to walk in. He got in the driver's seat. Then again, she just mouthed off at him. What's up with her? One moment she cares for him, one she's shy, and another she mouths off at him.

....

What type of person is he letting in his car?


Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by SkeankySnack
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SkeankySnack Uncle Dr. Beast

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Kyle, Ashton, & Amaya || Ashton & Amaya’s Apartment

@BeastofDestiny, @Silver Fox, & @Knight of Doom





Bright sunlight managed to hit the sleeping female right on her closed eyelids. Her conscious began to surface from deep sleep. Amaya slowly turned to her side, trying to hide her face from the uncomfortable light. She brought her arm up to cover her eyes as well. A moment passed before she came to the realization that she was not going back to sleep. A soft groan left her lips, cracking from the lack of use. Slightly annoyed at not being asleep, the blonde sat up. She looked around the bedroom to find her clothes from last night strewn on the floor. Amaya got up to throw them in the basket filled with other dirty laundry. She glanced at the clock, to realized that she still had a surprising amount of time before she even went to orientation at the college. That is, if she even decided to go.

Feeling more relaxed, the sleepy girl headed towards the bathroom to brush her teeth and straighten out her messy hair. For a moment, she stared at herself in the mirror. She still wore her pajamas which consisted of a large white t-shirt and underwear. Her blue eyes looked back at her, bleary from the odd sleeping schedule. It dawned upon her that she had actually gotten a date last night. A smile broke out on her face despite her will, and her mind instantly became awake. Amaya began getting herself presentable as she thought over last night’s event and tonight’s plans. What was she going to wear? Was this a more formal date or simply a ‘hangout’ date? What if she misinterpreted his meaning of date? Now restless, the blonde had finished her morning maintenance and headed to the kitchen to get herself some breakfast.

Striding along, Ashton’s eyes excitedly looked around. Amethyst gaze flicking about as she tried pinpointing their destination. Course, with the helpful assistance of Kyle’s smartphone, they managed to make it the area she did recognize. In which case was in front of her house. It was a small but cozy little home. Roomie enough for a few people, a nice garden displayed in the front for all to gaze upon their beauty. The tall blonde of course dashed to the door, cheerfully rummaging through her pocket to dig out a pair of keys. Cheerfully unlocking the door before opening it. Of course, before she stepped through it, her left hand raised up to the door and loudly knocked her knuckles against the firm wood. Indicating that she was home so she didn’t scare her roommate or anything. Ashton was fairly sure Amaya probably would be home, but she couldn’t be quite sure. Girls often went hanging out right? Was that a thing? Still though, she stepped inside and glanced to Kyle with a cheerful smile, gently bowing in appreciation of being guided safely home.

Their journey to Ashton’s house wasn’t a long one, and though it took a while, they finally came upon a place she recognized. He walked the tall blonde to her front door and as Ashton bowed in thanks, Kyle reciprocated. ”It’s not a big deal Ash,” he smiled, ”I’m just glad we found your way back home, would’ve bothered me if I just left you to your own devices. I suppose I’ll see you arou-” A loud buzz emitted from his phone and he went to check it. An email from the landlord? Opening the message and reading it his face visibly soured. Turned out that the water was off in his building, some kind of leakage and apologies for the inconvenience. Kyle groaned a little, it wasn’t like his building was run down or anything, but that definitely dampered his plans of getting clean, how else was he going to wash off the soot? He paused for a moment before looking back to Ashton, would he dare ask? ”Hey um...I hate to ask since you’ve already done so much for me but...my building’s water is off...any chance I could use your bathroom or sink? You should use it first but…” He was obviously uncomfortable asking this, but he wasn’t really sure who else to go to.

Tilting her head the side as Kyle smiled in return before answering his phone as it made a buzzing sound. Her smile slightly turned into a frown as he seemed to get a bit down for some reason. Awe, she didn’t want him to be down or anything! He had to be happy! For that date of his! Somehow she’d have to find a way to cheer him up with whatever problem he had. Kyle soon gave a solution though as he seemed to uncomfortably request to use her bathroom. The tall boyish blonde of course gleefully nodded, grabbing his arm before eagerly dragging him through the door and into the house. Apparently still very eager to help this new friend she just met not too long ago. Amethyst eyes blinked and flicked toward a sound in the kitchen, and noticed Amaya. Simply beaming at the sight of her roommate, Ashton moved behind Kyle and pushed him towards the bathroom door. Making a shooing motion with her hands, indicating it was fine he went first. Ashton was used to being dirty. It was almost a 24/7 thing that came with the job. Soon she thundered over to Amaya, smiling happily as she held out the bouquet of white lilies to the much prettier blonde. Hoping the girl loved them.

Upon hearing the knock, Amaya began to dry her hands on a nearby towel. She had been making pancakes, so her hands had been a bit sticky. However, by the time she got done with that, the front door opened. It seemed as though it was just Ashton returning home. Realizing that she wasn’t needed to open the door, the blonde turned back towards her cooking, hoping to get done soon, so her roommate could eat some as well. As she was cooking, though, she couldn’t help but hear another voice. Was there someone else here as well? That would mean that she’d have to cook even more pancakes. Amaya had to grab another bowl to make another batch of pancakes. It was probably for the best though since Ashton tended to eat a lot after work. It wasn’t until she caught a plume of white in her peripheral vision that she turned to see the bouquet of flowers that were presented to her. The shorter girl looked up to see her roommate beaming at her. She wasn’t exactly sure what the flowers were for though. Maybe to decorate the apartment? “Those are very pretty, did you get them for decoration?” She flashed a smile before checking to see if the pancake was ready to flip.

If this was an anime, there would probably be sparkles or hearts floating around the firefighters head, only to drop to the floor with a thunk at the question. It reminded her, that not talking did have its limitations. It was difficult to explain the reason without saying anything. Thinking for a moment, the firefighter gingerly parted her lips, as if to try and say something. But she only felt her throat clench tightly and she just ended up cover her mouth her free arm and coughed. Deciding not to try any further, the tall blonde still gave her cheery smiled and shuffled her feet in a shy manner and shook her head. Gingerly pointing them at her, but Ashton did set the bouquet in a empty vase on the kitchen table. Despite wanting to say things like ‘For being a lovely roommate’ or ‘A great friend’ or ‘I’m glad we met’ or just ‘thank you so much! You are beautiful in more ways than one!’ Ashton still couldn’t unless she wrote it out. If she did that though, it didn’t really feel as special. So she just left it that. Soon her amethyst eyes did eye the pancakes, sparkling and dazzling. Obviously, she was hungry. And she couldn’t deny she ate a lot. Either due to her size or just because she burnt so many calories on a daily basis. Still, she smiled happily and hopefully, face beaming like a puppy asking ‘can I have some too?’

It took a moment before Amaya finally realized what Ashton was trying to convey. Her demeanor seemed a bit dejected at the question, and she shook her head. So obviously her guess was wrong. It wasn’t until she pointed at her did the oblivious girl realize that the flowers were for her. “For me?” She asked a bit incredulously. Had she done something to earn such a gift? There was nothing that really came to mind, but perhaps she had forgotten it or done something unconsciously. “Thank you!” Amaya said genuinely. If her hands weren’t so occupied and dirty, she would have hugged the taller girl. She just might have to later. Ashton seemed to have eyed the pancakes and was now looking at her with doe-like amethyst eyes. It didn’t take a genius to interpret that. “You have to wait until it’s all done. By the way, didn’t you have a guest? Where did they go? I started to make extra for them.” Amaya looked around to see no one in the kitchen with them. She was a bit confused. It was possible that the guest hadn’t come in, but then she would have make the extra pancakes for nothing.

Kyle was, quite forcibly, dragged into the house with Ashton and it took all his concentration and willpower to not drop the freaking flowers on the floor or stairs. As they entered the upstairs Kyle couldn’t help but note the amazing smell wafting in from the kitchen, was someone else here? Whoever it was would have to wait though as something got the tall blonde really excited as he was shoved into the bathroom before the giant woman gleefully made her way into the kitchen. Confused, but appreciative he closed the bathroom door behind him and gingerly set the bouquet down on the bathroom sink. Immediately he turned on the water using his clean hand, nothing too warm, nothing too cold. He first washed his hands, letting the black soot flow down the drain and soaping up his hands to get them clean, hm...lavender. He shrugged to himself then got to cleaning the dirt off his face, splashing water into it before he realized, ’Crap! I forgot my glasses.’ The thought permeated through his mind, the young male suddenly remembering that he dropped them when Ashton pulled him into a bear hug on the bench earlier. Sighing, he wasn’t truly bothered by it, it wasn’t like that was his only pair and working in an optical shop had its perks. What could one do?

Turning off the water and towelling off his face, he gave himself a once over to make sure at least his skin was clean; his clothes would have to wait until he got home. Satisfied with his appearance he grabbed the bouquet as he exited the bathroom, making his way towards the kitchen, ”Hey Ashton, thanks again for letting me use your bathroom I really appreciate i-” As soon as he entered the kitchen, he was greeted with not just Ashton, but the same beautiful blonde he met just hours earlier. Unlike the athletic wear she was in before, she was wearing an oversized t-shirt that just barely covered her lower half and yielded towards her long, slender and pale legs. His eyes couldn’t help but linger before they moved back up again, his face visibly reddening, ”H-h-hey, Amaya.” he laughed somewhat nervously.

Smiling slightly as Amaya questioned if the flowers were for her, Ashton responded with a nod before beaming as the smaller blonde seemed to beam with happiness.Mission accomplished! Make Amaya happy this morning! Ashton probably would have hugged her roomie, if she wasn’t covered head to toe with ash and soot. That and she managed to have enough self control to remember that fact. Giving a soft pout as Amaya explained that the firefighter would have to wait, but perked back up when questioned over a possible guest. Smiling cheerfully, Ashton nodded and gave a thumbs up. Confirming that there was indeed a guest and to make more pancakes. Plus… Ashton was always up for extra…

Hearing Kyle’s voice, Ashton turned to look at the boy as he began to thank her for the use of the bathroom. Although, he seemed to suddenly freeze in place for some reason. Wonder why? At least he looked cleaner now. He then greeted Amaya like he knew her, and he laughed softly in a nervous manner. Tilting her head to the side questionably, Ashton seemed minorly confused over the situation. Oh they knew one another? Wow what a coincidence! This was great! The circle of friends intensifies!

Giving a silent laugh, the tall blonde waved to them both before bounding to the bathroom to take a shower. Shutting the door and cheerfully stripping off her filthy uniform, before turning on the shower and jumping in. Allowing the two to have a chat and get know each other better. She couldn’t help but wonder how those two knew one another. Mhmm…. Well she supposed she didn’t know much about Amaya’s friends. As she scrubbed her muscled tan body, scars littering the skin, she came to a sudden realization. Could it be? Naaaah that would be something straight out of a shoujo manga or something.

Amaya was shocked to see Kyle emerge from the bathroom. He had been the guest? Not that it was a bad thing, it was just unexpected. She noticed him flush red and was a bit confused as to why. So many question flooded the blonde’s head. It didn’t take her too long to realize that she was still in her pajamas and was revealing a little more than what was comfortable in the presence of someone of the opposite gender. This time it was her turn to turn red. She wanted to run to her bedroom to change desperately, but a pancake browned on the pan next to her. “Oh, uh, hello Kyle!” She smiled trying to pass off as though everything was fine. It wasn’t too big of a deal, right? It’s not like she was showing off anything that wouldn’t be showing if she were wearing a swimsuit. “If you’d like you can have a seat at the table. I’m just finishing these pancakes. You can have some if you’d like.” Amaya turned towards the stove. Her face felt hot and she knew it wasn’t just the heat from the pan. “So, um, you and Ashton know each other?” She tried to make some sort of small talk while trying to answer some of the many questions in her head. One particularly nagging thought was the idea that perhaps the two of them were together and she had mistaken his idea of a date for her idea of a date.

Kyle gripped on the bouquet a little tighter and turned to the side a bit, trying to keep his posture as casual as possible. It’s not like she wasn’t wearing anything that wasn’t acceptable, she just looked...really, really cute. ’I have a date with her tonight...wow,’ a small smile appeared, the redness in his face a combination of nerves and anxiety more than embarrassment now. Upon her question, he glanced her way, ”No, not really, we met this morning. I found her asleep outside the academy and helped her find her way back here. Um...is there anything I can do to help prepare? Maybe set out plates and silverware?” His eyes wandered the kitchen, looking at everything but the gorgeous girl until his eyes fell on the bouquet that Ashton had picked out. Suddenly remembering his own bouquet he approached Amaya and said, ”I had intended on giving you these tonight, but...well I guess I met up with you earlier than expected.” He chuckled nervously.

What an odd way to meet. It seems as though the two had a chance meeting which was quite the coincidence since Kyle and Amaya had a date later on in the day. Overall, everything was just a big ball of convenient happenings. It was kinda funny now that she thought about it. Since her biggest concern was mostly cleared up, Amaya felt better. At first when Kyle asked to help, she wanted to decline and tell him to simply sit down. However, she had a moment to think about it and knew that some people just wanted something to do when they were uncomfortable. Also, it wasn’t like it was a very demanding task, so she decided to let him set up the table. “The silverware is over here,” She explained, opening a drawer quickly to show the contents, “And the plates are up here,” She had to reach up in order to pull the cabinet door open. Unfortunately, there were some things high up that Amaya was unable to reach, so in the past months, she has had to jump onto the counter to reach the plates. Realizing that by reaching up, her t-shirt had risen as well revealing her underwear, which was something she was not entirely comfortable with. Quickly, she brought her arm down and tugged on the hem of the shirt. The blonde then moved on to show him where the cups were in the cupboard next to the plates.

The flowers that Kyle was holding were quite pretty. When he explained that they were for her, she was baffled. Two flower bouquets in the span of one day was a new record. He was so considerate, especially since this was for the date! The dark haired male seemed a bit nervous, but he looked so cute. She was struck with the urge to hug him, so she grabbed the bouquet and wrapped her arms around his torso. It was brief, but meaningful. “Thank you so much!” Amaya exclaimed, not really caring that she had gotten dirty.

Once getting herself finally clean, Ashton stepped out of the shower, taking one of the towels hanging off a rack ruffled it against her body. Once she felt satisfied in drying herself, she ruffled the towel against her hair before wrapping the white fabric around her body. It was a beach towel, as most towels were too small for her to do this.The top came just above her flat chest, while the bottom rested at her thighs. Taking a pin from the pile in a cup, she pinned the fabric to assist in keeping it together, since she didn’t have the chest most girls had to help with that.

Really, she should remember to bring clothes in here. Rolling her shoulders, she felt them slightly crack, causing her to twitch a little. Stiffer than she thought. Still, she took her toothbrush and started brushing her teeth. Looking at her scared face within the mirror in front of her. Each time she looked at it, she felt a little dissatisfied. Or to be specific, just deflated as a couple memories poked at her brain. Trying to remind her of the birth of these scars and the story they told. Still, she shook the thoughts away, accepting their message and just continued on with her daily life.
Washing out her mouth, she walked out of the bathroom and just headed straight to the kitchen. Oblvious to her current condition and how in natural society this wasn’t what one did in front of other people. The tall blonde opened the fridge, reaching inside and taking a little plastic container of apple juice. Like the ones children would get with their school lunch. Plastic straw taped to the side, awaiting to be ripped open and used to puncture the silver covered opening at the top. Closing the fridge, she did just that and sipped on the joyous liquid. Her amethyst gaze flicked to her two companions curiously, wondering how they were doing.

They seemed to be having fun at least!

They were even hugging! Awe! Ashton smiled brightly moving over to the now dirty pair, gingerly wrapping her arms around their heads to give them a little hug. Feeling like she was missing out on the warm display. Before she innocently waved and headed back to her room to change into a clean pair of clothes. Ashton admitted that she wasn’t a fashionable person, she mostly threw together whatever. Though Marine often tried to pick out outfits for her and threatened that if she messed them up or didn’t wear them, she’d punch Ashton in the face. So the tall blonde finally settled on a outfit Marine had chosen for her. Nothing girly or anything and loose enough to move in. She did ditch the hat though, as she didn’t usually wear them unless it was really hot to the point it felt like her hair was on fire. The sunglasses gingerly on top of her head, nestled within the blonde hair near her forehead.

Walking out her room, she walked back to the kitchen and took a seat after tossing her now empty apple juice in the garbage. Amethyst eyes beaming at the others with her usual cheery attitude, and curiosity.

Kyle certainly got an eyeful of Amaya, more than he would have anticipated when being shown where the dishes were. Her underwear was simple enough and her behind was certainly ample and round, Kyle tore his eyes away before she noticed. As he presented the bouquet though, he breathed a sigh of relief. She liked them, and before he realized it, the young male was suddenly engulfed in a hug. Though surprised he liked this warm feeling and his own arms wrapped around the blonde beauty’s tiny frame, ”Don’t mention it.” Suddenly he felt a third person wrap their arms around both their heads, it was light hug, and as Kyle turned his head to see the culprit, all he saw was skin and fluffy cotton. Looking up, it seemed Ashton had snuck up on the two of them in their conversing and decided to give them a hug...in nothing but her towel. Red in the face again Kyle silently watched as Ashton retreated to what he assumed was her bedroom, now releasing Amaya from the embrace. Turning back to her he looked at her, then at himself before back to her, realizing he had actually dirtied her with his clothes. The sight and scene felt like deja vu and once again, Kyle found himself laughing, ”I’m so sorry, hahahaha, I didn’t mean to get your shirt dirty,” in between his fits of giggling he said, ”Let me go set the table.”

As he gathered the plates, setting the silverware and cups atop them, Kyle reflected what had just gone on in the last several hours. He had found some really nice company, quaint people whom he felt like he could just be around. Amaya he wanted to get to know better, but she seemed nice and considerate from what time he had spent with her. As for Ashton, she seemed so innocent and childlike, a young girl in a giant’s body, whose kindness and affection seemed to know no bounds. Turning around he found Ashton had returned to the kitchen in some casual attire, she looked nice in blue. Smiling he began to set the plates on the table, arranging it so the forks were on the left, knives to the right, cups in the top right. Looking up he noticed that Ashton was wearing a pair of glasses….on top of her head… Cringing internally he playfully scolded the giant, ”Ash, don’t wear those on your head, you’ll stretch them out,” work mode suddenly activated he reached over and snagged the glasses from her, inspecting the frames; sure enough they were stretched out. ”Hold on,” a look of concentration on his face Kyle began to press the corners of the frames into the countertops, making sure to bend the frame back into shape. After a couple of attempts he felt satisfied and rinsed the lenses off in the sink, wiping them down with a towel and handed them back to Ashton. ”There, good as new.” Turning back to Amaya he asked, ”Do you girls want milk or OJ? And do you have syrup?”

Amaya was a bit surprised when Ashton joined the two. She hadn’t really expected her to. However, as much as it was confusing, it was quick. Not that Amaya didn’t appreciate it. The taller female retreated back to her room with a wave leaving the other two in the kitchen. After the smaller girl removed herself from the embrace, she returned to the sizzling pancakes. They were just about done. She kinda sat back and finished the pancakes while Kyle set the table. It almost seemed as though they all lived together. Laughing to herself, Amaya flipped the last pancake onto one of the two stacks. She then turned the stove off and put a couple of things away before grabbing the two plates of fluffy pancakes and setting them on the table. She noticed Kyle fiddling with Ash’s sunglasses. She had noticed the that he didn't have glasses on like when she had first bumped into him.

“I’ll take milk. Also the syrup is in the second cupboard from the fridge.” Amaya called out. “I'll be right back, I'm going to go change,” With the pancakes done, she finally had the freedom to change. She slipped into her bedroom and changed into something more decent.

Blinking a little as her new friend Kyle lightly scolded her over her sunglasses, she tilted her head to the side as he took them before working his magic on them in order to fix their bent up condition. Taking them back, her amethyst eyes curiously looked them over before gingerly folding them and hooking one of the legs into the top of her shirt. So it just hung around her chest, giving a innocent triumphant thumbs up. Nodding quickly just after Amaya requested milk, indicating that the giant probably wanted milk as well. Before her eyes sparkled at the plate of heavenly pancakes. She looked like she’d just cry with heavenly joy at breakfast food. It had been so long… to have pancakes at home. Of course Ashton has attempted to cook them before but….

Well it just didn’t end well, to put it mildly.
Thank you to all of stars in the universe Amaya! Thank you so much! Was Ashton’s thoughts as she smiled brightly. Gingerly cutting her pancakes into square pieces after smearing it with butter, she forked one of them and plopped them in her mouth. Unable to wait for the syrup and just wanting to have a taste. It was amazing. And the tall blonde chewed happily, contented with life.

Kyle opened the fridge, looking around as he grabbed the jug of milk...half empty...he’d have to buy some more as thanks for the pancakes later. He walked over to the table and poured a glass for all three of them, effectively emptying the gallon before heading to the sink to rinse it out. Placing it on the counter, unsure of where the recycling was he grabbed the maple syrup from the cupboard and poured himself some of the golden delicious liquid. Somehow he was reminded of home, and breakfast with his family as he sat with Ashton and soon enough Amaya. He started cutting into the pancakes before looking to Ashton with a small smile on his lips, ”It’s kind of funny, I wasn’t expecting my date tonight to be your roommate, what a weird coincidence, am I right? Suddenly meeting you only a few hours after I met her, I wasn’t expecting to see her place until at least after the third date.” He chuckled a little, nomming down on the fluffy pastry, relishing its sweet and savory flavor.

Cheerily brightening as Kyle poured a glass of milk for the lot of them, she smacked her hands in front of her face and gave a little bow in thanks before happily sipping at her glass of milk. Setting the glass down, she drew her tongue along her upper milk to rid of some leftover liquid that clung to it before continuing stuffing her face and filling her ever growing hungry belly. It did feel nice… to eat at a table at home with people. It really did feel like having a family, and it was a nice feeling. A feeling she missed. So she’d savor it like she will savor the flavor of these delicious pancakes. Because she didn’t want her selfish desires to rise to the forefront of her mind.

Perking up as Kyle spoke, Ashton turned her amethyst gaze towards Kyle to see him smiling and seeming to find this odd coincidence amusing. The tall blonde smiled and nodded in agreement. Honestly, she could hardly believe it. It was quite lucky and amazing. Amaya and Kyle… they looked like they’d be cute together. Ashton tried to imagine the scenario of their date, in probably the most flowery mushy date one could think of. A bright excited smile crossed her lips, hoping the two enjoyed themselves. There was something Marine warned her about back when Amaya first moved in. Something about, reading signals and leaving the house for some time for whatever reason for Amaya to have ‘fun’ time. The firefighter didn’t particularly understand. Oh! Maybe to have a candlelight dinner and litter the place with pretty rose petals? Maybe sit on the couch and watch a romantic movie and cuddle together? Maybe with some sweet kisses?

Looking to Kyle questionly, Ashton tilted her head curiously as she tried to think before smiling. Placing her silverware down on her now empty plate, wiped her hands on a napkin before grasping the boogie board hanging from her neck. Taking the little writing tool and started to scribble on it. She didn’t know how to ask this question so she resorted to her trusty tool. The boogie board. She turned and showed it to him, eyes sparkling with curiosity. ‘What do you plan for your date?’

Once Amaya finished changing into a nicer outfit, she headed back to the kitchen. It seemed as though both Kyle and Ash were enjoying the breakfast she had made. She sat down with the two to grab a couple of pancakes. They had turned out very well in her own opinion. However, she didn't really have too much time to enjoy them. She had to go to Shine Academy. Classes were starting up soon, so she'd have to make a new routine to go around them. Usually today was just an orientation day for new students, but Amaya wanted to get a head start on the school year. She found that it was always best to butter up her professors and get on their good side. Today was a good day for that since it was easy to bond over complaining about freshman. Not that she was particularly fond of doing so, but many teachers did and appreciated her company during orientation. At least she knew what she was doing.

After finishing her pancakes in a bit of a hurry, the shorter blonde set her dishes in the sink and went back to her room to grab her purse. “Sorry, I have to go so soon, but I have some things I have to do at the academy,” She said upon arriving back to the dining room. “See you later, Ashton. And I'll see you tonight, Kyle.” Amaya left the apartment with a wave, and walked the familiar path to Shine Academy.

As Kyle ate breakfast he noticed that Ashton was writing something down, and that’s when the question came out, ‘what did he have planned for their date tonight?’ ”Uhhh…” and of course Amaya came out at just that moment to consume her fill before rushing off towards the door, ”Yea! See you tonight!” He waved enthusiastically, though as the door closed he started somewhat panicking. ”God Ash, I hadn’t even thought of that, what are we going to do? Last night was just such a spontaneous encounter and question, that I hadn’t even thought that far ahead.” Wracking his brain together, he tried to think of simple things the two could do, but all the ideas that came to him seemed almost...too trivial, he really didn’t know anything about this woman. That’s when his brain clicked, ”Ash! You’re her roommate! What does she like to do, or rather...what do you think we should do?” His eyes were somewhat pleading, it had been so long since he’d asked anyone to do anything, and his first date with… her wasn’t even planned, it was spontaneous and coincidental, just like now.

Perking up as Amaya ate then said that she had to go, the taller blonde smiled brightly, waving her left arm above her head in a cheerful farewell to her roommate. Soon turning her amethyst gaze to her new friend of the day, the firefighter tilted her head curiously. It would seem, that he did not have any plan on what to do on this date with Amaya. Crossing her arms thoughtfully, she rubbed her right hand against her chin in a ‘mhmm’ fashion before snapping her fingers as a lightbulb went off in her head. Snapping her fingers, Ashton smacked her hands on the table excitedly, smiling excitedly as she gave thumbs up before pointing between herself and Kyle. Grabbing the Boogie Board around her neck, she erased the message and scribbled something down on it. Before turning it around to show Kyle what she meant. ‘Practice date’ is what it read, and she was sure she could help Kyle make it as perfect as possible.

A...practice date? Somehow that seemed like a really bad idea, but it also seemed like Ashton had every good intention in her bone to help him out... What the hell, why not? What could go wrong?
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by SrslyAnArtist
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SrslyAnArtist Badass Bitch / Struggling to live

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Rue & Theo


He wasn't sure how much time had passed since the tall blond and Kyle had been in. Having merely gone back to doing little jobs in between dealing with customers. Which like most Mondays recently seemed to pretty quiet leaving Theo go about his little jobs at his own pace. Feeling a little more awake and in a pretty decent mood thanks Kyle and large blonde. Who Theo realized soon after she left he had forgotten to get her name again. It annoyed Theo that the chance had slipped him twice but quickly got over it. Confidant the chance would reappear, failing that he had his nickname which she didn't seem to mind.

It didn't matter much now as he had focus on dealing with another customer. This one being the one that ordered the Rainbow Roses. This customer was a man being them for his wife. Who apparently loved them. The customer apparently interested in talking Theo's ear off as he collected his order. Theo wished the customer would just leave, as his conversation quickly what Theo though was to be boring as crap as kept going on about how his wife liked flowers. Theo more then happy when the customer said he had to leave, taking his order with him. The young man sighing as he was once left alone behind the counter. Theo having little else to do figured he'd sweep the floor for the third time this morning.

Rue hummed as he entered the Enchanted Florist, Ange laying across his shoulders as usual. He had a few pots of Baby's Breath and a few other thing such as ferns and some bundles of Sweet Williams. He quickly put out his white sage cigarette and smiled at the young man behind the counter, recognizing him from the other night.

"Hello, Theo," he said. "Do you work here?"

Theo was about to leave the counter to fetch the broom when he heard someone enter the shop. The bell rung as whoever it was entered. The deciding to wait and see who it was before doing anything. Theo frowning at the man who did recognize but failed to recall the name of had cigarette. The frown faded, seeing the offending item it was quickly put out Theo given a slight bow to of the head in thanks. Looking at the man from last night Theo was quick to notice the cat and few pots and bundles of a few different plants. Theo quickly thinking the man, whose name he was still failing to recall. Must have been here to sell them.
"This might be interesting, Theo thought smiling at the man has he said hello and asked if he worked her.

"Hello ... ... ah Rue. I hope to you are having a pleasant day. To answer your question, yes I do work here. So I bid you welcome to the Enchanted Florist. How may I assist you today?" Theo stated looking at the cat.

"Good Morning to you as well Ange, Theo said wishing he could pet the cat. Looking at Ange had to remember he was at work so getting little excited over someone's cat wasn't not acceptable.

Rue smiled as Ange hopped from his shoulder to jump onto the counter butting her soft head against Theo's chest. Rue walked over to the counter and set the pots down.

"I came by to drop these off," Rue said. "I connected with the owner of this shop before moving here and asked if she would like some when I finally came down and she said yes, but It seems that she's not here today." He sighed and smiled at Ange who was rubbing up against Theo. His little angel liked him a lot, it seemed. But then she usually liked everyone. However, she hadn't liked his last girlfriend.

But he soon knew why when he found out that she had been cheating on him, and stealing from him. He kicked her right out of his life after that and swore to never again doubt Ange's judgement.

"don't be afraid to pet her, Theo," the Frenchman smiled.

Watching Ange jump onto the counter Theo tried not frown. Really hopping right now another customer didn't come in and see the cat. The giving the cat a small smile as she headbutted him. Theo more then aware it was sign of affection from the animal. The young man more then pleased his first impression on the cat was positive one. Theo wanting to pet the cat more as it headbutted him. For now Theo was able to ignore the animal more interested in the pots Rue set on the counter. Saying he'd already talked to the boss and merely here to drop the pots of.

"Alright. Did you and the boss agree on a price or payment of some sort?" Theo questioned not having been made aware of this little drop off. The owner forgetting to leave him a note about it. An event not uncommon as it was like the owners way of keeping her workers on their toes. Sadly most of them didn't always handle the unexpected well.

When Rue said it was okay for Theo to pet Ange, he couldn't fight his urge to pet the cat. Theo giving a cat a several strokes followed by a quick scratch of the head and chin. Feeling pretty content Theo stopped turning back to Rue.

"Thank you. Have to maintain professionalism, boss would eat me alive if I went gaga over a cat."

"She said that the price depended on how many of each that I brought," Rue replied, smiling as the feline got the attention that she had wanted. "Right now, for all of it, I would say around $150 to $180. But I don't need to be paid today. You could just leave a note for her, stating that I gave you a price range, and I'll leave my phone number with you, as well."

When Theo said that his boss would eat him alive, Rue chuckled. "Don't let her," he replied, amused. "Just tell her that it's all my fault for bringing Ange in the first place. To be fair, though, Ange goes where I go. Believe me, I've tried leaving her at home. It never worked. She always manages to find me." He gave his companion a stern look, to which she replied with one of those feline smiles.

Rue broke down and joined Theo in petting her. He could never stay mad at her, no matter what she did.

Hearing Rue say the boss hadn't given an exact price, Theo sighed. It was always a pain when the boss did something like this. Sadly it happened more often Theo would have liked.

"Thank you. I'll have chat with her and contact you with a price ASAP," Theo stated. Looking at the pots. Reaching under the bench he pulled out a stack of sticky notes and a pen. Making a quick note. Sticking it to the side of the register alongside to other notes. As Rue said simply don't tell the boss about the cat. Theo merely pointed camera the was directly above them aim right at the counter.

"There now I wont forget. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Theo said giving a small laugh as Rue said to blame it on him and simply not to let her.

"That is sadly easier said then done. Once the boss get on the war path that's it nothing can stop here. I doubt she'll care to much. Since your cat hasn't tried to eat anything. So, since I wont be paying you know. Your free to take you plants with you or you can leave them here. It's up to you?"

[color=seagreen]"It's no problem, Theo,"[color] Rue replied, smiling as he gathered up his friendly feline. "I'll just leave them here. That way I don't have to lug them back to my loft." he headed for the door, waving to the friendly shop worker. "Have a good day, mon ami."

Hear Rue say he'd leave the pots, Theo nodded. Trying to think of where he could put them as Rue headed towards the door.
"Have a nice day Rue," He stated in reply to Rue saying what he thought was goodbye in what he thought was French .
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Delta44
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Delta44 Back In The Game. / Mostly.

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BEEEE-

Click~!

A lazy hand had reached out and silenced the demon before it could cause serious harm to the ears of the insomniac. Awake, alive and little bit anxious, the eldest Mochizukki member quickly read through her work upon the bed in which she'd known for so many years, although not the one she was particularly comfortable in.

... OK, that was a lie, but she rather the constant buzz of her apartment bedroom over that of the mansion in which she presently resided for the moment, as she was just about ready to pass out. Ryoki, who had been working all night on a song to present for the local school, Shine Academy, and to meet deadlines for her fans, was on the verge of collapsing. She'd been putting off this latest track due to diversions and events getting in the way, and when things finally cleared up, she had but a night to churn out a song for the world, as well as for the kids at the academy.

The academy. She smiled at the memory of that place.

Although she only spent a year there, she found the place incredibly pleasant. The friends she made had followed her well into her years, and although many of them may now live far away, they all still managed to remain connected via social media and video games, music projects and writing works, and even in person occasionally.

In fact, one such friend would be making her appearance again, today:

Elvira Fukuhara.

The two had been out of contact for a good year or two, with them both having some serious... troubles facing them. Elvira the rock, and Ryoki the hard place. Still, Ryoki assumed that if Elvira had the courage to move back to Shine City, then she was likely one heck of a woman by now. Of course, Ryoki already knew Elvira was rather tough compared to the other girls, but emotionally she could be fragile, something like a glass cannon: powerful at dealing, horrible at taking. Although not the best of friends, the two were something of sisters when they got along. Horrible sisters, sure, but sisters nonetheless.

With a sigh, the Raven got up, leaving her notes on the bed. "Agh! I really hope those kids like my song... It's gonna be horrible if they hate it! But I'm sure they'll be able to connect, at least! ... I hope." She really wasn't too sure where she was getting her source material for this song from. With as little school experience she had, Ryoki was hard-pressed for lyrics. Not even a lot of anime painted a good enough picture to accurately portray what she was trying to convey. In the end, she just had to write about her own experiences, which she really didn't want to do.

"Ahhh this is going to be so embarrassing!" Sulked the woman with a cry of pittance for herself. "Oh gosh, I really hope they don't get any lovey-dovey things from these lyrics somehow! I know school has a lot to do with romance and I'm horrible in that department andohmygoshIjustcannotbecauseifYutarowasthereIwouldjustscream!"

... Knock knock~!

She grabbed a pillow and screamed. "Kimasu I swear to god-!"

"Your beautiful face is as charming as ever; please, don't hide it behind a pillow like that. Same for that wondrous voice of yours."

Kimasu Mochizukki: twin brother to Mokyu, and Ryoki's younger adopted brother. He is something of a flirt, and practices in the art of swooning the ladies with such great smooth talk, even lesbians begin questioning their sexuality. "Don't worry, I didn't hear a thing. You're in the clear, Ryukin."

From behind the pillow mutters: "You're saying my name like that again."

The pillow fell at her lap, and Kimasu set the tea upon Ryoki's bedside table, after having to make room to get passed the layers upon layers of pages. "Seriously, this room is looking like you're a teen again. You can keep your apartment clean, but not home? Mother isn't your slave anymore, Ryukin." Having set the tea down, he also shows off another item: his trusty video camera. "Yes, don't worry - once again, my camera is yours. Have you ever considered buying your own, by the way? They're not exactly expensive for us."

"I would, buuuuuuuuut I like your one." Ryoki countered with a smirk.

"Oh? And for what reason is that? Are those admittance of long lost feelings for your brother? Ahh, just like in those incest cartoons you watch, I see."

"I hate you."

The two laugh, sharing a drink, one tea, one tea-flavoured coffee. "Ready for the performance today?" Quizzed tea-bearer Kimasu, who sips with one leg folded over the other, sitting in Ryoki's computer chair. Ryoki simply shakes her head. "Got the whole thing memorised?"

"Nope."

"All your instruments tuned and ready."

"Of course not!"

"And no form of practice whatsoever?"

Ryoki paused. "Well, maybe a little practice."

"So you'll be fine!" Kimasu laughed with a charming grin, as he often did. "You have a tendency to pull through miraculously in times where you're struggling. I would consider it your superpower, but I think it's fair to say it's more of a curse." With another chuckle, he sips his tea, and Ryoki hers quite greedily. "Any hot professors you have your eye on? Who was that one man you were raving about? Shou? He going to be there?"

From pale to cherry, the Raven's cheeks went as her blush flushed red. "Sh-shut up. He might be there, might not. Either way, that was in the past! We're totally friends now! I have my eyes set on someone for real now!"

"Oooh, this is news to me! Come, spill! We have time before we leave!"

... This would be a looooooooooong morning...





The awakening was oddly calm for a woman of many nightmares. The breeze was subtle, but piercing, the sunlight dim, but radiating. A ceiling foreign to her, it took Elvira a moment to get a grasp on whether or not this was all but a dream, or odd new reality...

... Then the regrets came flooding back...

She could remember everything from last night clearly, even with all the alcohol she managed to down: the nightmare, the bar, the alcohol, the women, the taxi ride, the night, the women again...

A night of regret... Not overly unpleasant, but regretful.

The sleeping souls beside her only served to confirm the woman's memory. Lying with little more than a sheet to cover them, with some areas of the body being an exception, were the two woman she'd slept with. If memory served correct, they were Nat and Sabine, or at least that's what her mind told her. Could her brain be believed at a time like this? Elvira wasn't sure, however she didn't exactly have the time to find out. Why? She had no idea, just that she was forgetting something very import-

'Oh. Oh no.'

The school ceremony was today! If she missed this she was screwed!

... The nearby alarm clock proved to not be a friend, either. The harsh reality of sleeping in on the first day became unpleasantly apparent, and Elvira quickly -- albeit quietly -- got out of bed, grabbed her things, and began to dress. There wasn't any time for a shower, unfortunately, so the Fukuhara woman had to pray away the overbearing stench of excitement from the previous night as she dressed, borrowing some perfume of Sabine's to try and mask said stench. Didn't help an awful lot, but at least she didn't reek of the night before.

Writing out a quick note of apology with regards to her disappearance and last night, Elvira was off, using her phone's GPS to find the quickest route to Shine Academy from here. She didn't have the money for a taxi at the moment so she had to settle for running. As she ran, she couldn't help but feel like she forgot something else, too. Like she'd forgotten something very important...

... She was also feeling unnaturally breezy...

'I hope I forget all of today... All of it.'
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Mateotis
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Mateotis The Guardian

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Jacob ‘Jake’ Sharner

First part in collaboration with @lovely complex


At the redlight, Nina had folded her hands and laid them on top of her lap. Her back was straight, unlike how relaxed she was the night prior, her head was held high, like a woman molded to be a lady since she was a child, and her expression was soft, gentle, and reserved. She was someone who always watched how she came across to the public eye. Last night was a rare occurrence for her (blame it all on Lucky) and the man driving her home met her at her WORST. Internally, she was still freaking out. How would she salvage her terrible, first impression? Her reputation would forever be tainted and it was all thanks to her drunk self! When he broke the silence and asked her ‘how it all began’, Nina took a deep breath in. Nervous. Anxious. Hopeful. This was her chance to fix her mistakes and apologize more than she had already did already. After giving herself some mental encouragement, her icy orbs glanced over to her new companion watching him carefully as he drove.

Clearing her throat, she softly answered with her melodious voice, “Let me give you, um, a... prelude first.” Fiddling with her hands now, she turned her head to look straight ahead before she just let it all out, “I’ve been a resident here for almost two weeks now. I’m from America… probably no brainer with my accent. I took a risk… for change.

She paused to bring her right hand up to hold her necklace charm and twirl it within her grasp, “The first person I met was a self employed mechanic named Lucky McIntire. Fiery red hair and undeniable Southern American roots. I don’t know if you’ve ever met him. He helped me get a car, since I’m not the most… savvy in things like that. Found out he was living in his car for god who knows how long and as much as he isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, he is a very genuine man.” She nodded to herself, partially convincing herself that letting this impulsive, aggressive, shameless man into her humble abode wasn’t a mistake, “So. I offered him to stay at my place until he gets his life back on track.” She bit her bottom lip, knowing that could come off a bit odd for a woman to let a random stranger stay at her home… alone with her. Calmly laughing (with a hint of anxiety) at the very thought of this strange action she did, she directed him to where her condo was (unlike the night before) “At the stop sign, you’ll take a right. I live at Center Pointe. Sorry I was… unable to tell you that last night. I’m obviously a lightweight. Anyways, where was I?

Nina opened up surprisingly quickly, leaving behind all the shame and awkwardness both of them got an extra size portion of last night and even in the morning after to an extent. Jake acknowledged this with silent admiration, knowing full well that he himself would have spent a good five minutes with barely coherent blabbering before even getting to the ‘explanation’ or the ‘apology’ part. Thankfully—and this was the rarer case—, in this situation he was the receiver, the listener. And that also gave him a much needed sense of calm as he made sure to divide his attention towards her and the road ahead equally. It would have been unwise not to, anyways—her story was quite an intriguing one.

“I just hope I wasn't too bad myself...” He shivered for a moment at the wheel. Though he had a, considering the circumstances, decent recollection of the events, he was still almost sure a couple long-forgotten details would come back to haunt him in the future. No more clubbing for now, he promised himself. “This...Lucky. How does he come into the picture?” he reminded her. He knew that this man played an important part in the grand scheme as he recalled one or two drunk remarks from Nina regarding a certain ‘Clucky’. Now it turned out that, much to Jake's relief, the being in question was not any type of poultry.

Mm.” Nina gave him a nod as a ‘thank you’ for reminding me where I left off from, “Lucky, my roommate, decided to… help me live a little. He doesn’t think I get out nearly as much as I should, but I haven’t even been here for that long!” She started moving her hands along with her words (a woman of vibrant expressions and gestures), “And… I like to read, at home, where I have peace and quiet. I’m almost thirty, why do I need to go clubbing?” Her words turned into a slight hiss. She would give that manchild hell the next time she saw him, “All personal feelings aside, he took me out. Not really telling me where ‘out’ would be. He even decided to pick up this sweet girl… oh man, I need to check to see if she’s okay. I hope that idiot didn’t abandon her like he did me.” Her rants were turning into rambles, but even with her bitterness, there was no hatred toward her roommate. It came off more like an older sister wanting to reprimand her annoying, baby brother. “One thing led to another and… I got really drunk. How did I run into you again?… I think…” Her eyes narrowed as she tried to recall the events prior to clashing into the scientist.

Jake could only reinforce his previous thoughts about the woman, his admiration slowly turning into bewilderment as she just went on and on, not sparing the scientist any details. He did not mind too much though, the road was not particularly eventful, he had nothing to do but follow the signs to the rather large and well-known Center Pointe. Besides, as Nina continued speaking, he found that he could relate more and more to her situation. He also had a friend—and colleague—who nagged him to do something ‘different’ from time to time. This would have been the perfect story to tell that friend—if he was not so embarrassed about the whole scene.

“I was kind of like a people magnet that night. Not in the good way.” He gulped as the memories flooded back. The metaphorical hammer has struck the poor scientist one too many times indeed.

...I want to say I felt really uncomfortable, since club goers can be very… touchy. Knowing me, I most definitely ran. Drunk, running me means accidents are bound to happen! And that’s when I met you.” A bright smile graced her face, as she turned to look at him. Nina felt fortunate to have met such a kind man, who didn’t take advantage of her while she was wild and free (regrets, so many regrets).

As with most other things, Nina held a more positive look on the matter and Jake could not help but respond to her hearty smile with a hurried and humble one of his own. It did not quite reflect what he felt deep down, but perhaps it was better if she did not see that...as he himself was unsure.
Either way, heartstorms aside, they were getting pretty close to their goal.
“We should be there any minute now!” he announced.

As the Emu slowly rolled into the parking area of the condominium complex, Jake turned to Nina.
“Here we are.”
Doing something gentlemanly like opening the door for her did cross his mind briefly, but he decided against it in the end and just waited for her to bid her farewell and go on her own way after all was said and done.

Oh! Before I forget, can I have your number? Um, if that’s okay with you.” Nina watched as her condo came into view. Turning her body toward him, her face as genuine and honest as ever, she apologetically smiled, “I’m still sorry for putting you through all that. I don’t want this to be the last time I see you… it’s just really nice to know someone who doesn’t want to get drunk everyday, y’know? Like… someone my age, or well near.” Her cheeks leaked pink, before adding, “I talk too much…

Though he had gotten rather good at suppressing his sudden, often panicky, initial feelings, he could not hide the small glint of shock in his amber eyes when the woman asked for his phone number out of the blue. Truth be told, he was not exactly sure how common this was amongst people to do this after such little time ‘together’...on the other hand though, their encounter was anything but common.
“Oh, of course! Give me a second...”
He reached for his phone and promptly read out his number—which he did not find worth memorising—to her, receiving her digits in exchange.

“No... T-thank you,” he spoke up when he saw how abashed she was. “For being honest and open with me after everything. I...appreciate that. Let's meet again sometimes, shall we?” He gave her a sweet smile before she finally stepped out of the car and headed off into her apartment.

Before putting a foot on the pedal again, Jake took a moment and pulled up his phone again. The Contacts menu was still open, with the number input but not saved. He slowly typed in ‘Nina’ in the name field before finally pressing the save button. He looked at the screen for a couple seconds more, deep in thoughts, before finally getting his mind back on track and pulling out of the parking area, ready to travel back home.

————

Jake's apartment was exactly how he left it when he finally arrived back home. The bed was still messy: the comforter was tossed aside and the large and cushy pillow has not been straightened out yet. The bolts, screws, springs and dozens of other small parts still lay on the workbench in the position from last night—should he gave it a little more time, the composition could almost be called ‘art’. A couple other small details like a shirt poking out of the closed wardrobe or the bathroom door being wide open did not even bother the scientist as he sat down on the bed for a few brief minutes to recompose himself.

Nina, while she caused quite a storm, left as sudden as she came. Yes, he had her number and some knowledge about who she really was and how she got by in this city, but this was all pretty basic and he knew that about plenty others—which was why he found his apparent...fascination with her strange, by all means. Perhaps it was the very, very unorthodox, way they met each other. Their frantic adventure right afterwards was quite the...bonding experience too, literally speaking. Maybe the fact how extremely different the teacher's drunk and sober states were was what intrigued Jake. He could not answer for himself, no matter how much he wanted to. One thing was sure though: he had a gut feeling that their saga was not over just yet.

He would have gladly continued wondering about the promising future had his idle gaze not found the small clock once more. But it had and the thoughts of pleasant anticipation quickly turned into heedless panic: he was late from the Institute. Incredibly late. While scientists usually had a flexible and varying work schedule, Jake has mostly stuck to an easily-remembered morning to afternoon schedule, not reluctant to pull overtime if the ongoing project interested him enough. It was arduous work, sure, but he did it with passion. As a bonus, the pay was very good too—not like he ever spent too much at once—, so he really could not complain about his situation in Shine City.

After the realisation hit in, he wasted no time in getting a quick shower—which was only to compensate for the missed one yesterday night, it was not in his habit otherwise—and changing into a more fitting set of clothes. Leaving behind his workbench once again and with only his ID and other documents in pocket as usual, he left the apartment. The late morning actually seemed more relaxed activity-wise, with visibly less traffic and people roaming the streets. Most citizens have already sought out their place and occupation for today. Some would have found the atmosphere calm and soothing, but it only reminded the flustered scientist of how he should also be one of those citizens by now.

There was a silver lining, of course, there always was, else this mundane life would have also gotten depressing very quickly. With less mad drivers and unlucky red light timings to fight, the bus Jake was taking also arrived almost exactly on time. ‘Opposite night’ was over—while he certainly enjoyed taking the Emu for a ride, it was back to regularly scheduled programming now and that included the glorious public transport system. The Institute was about a ten minute bus travel away in the outskirts of the city, Jake might have even thought of taking a walk if he was not so horribly late. After flashing his special, Institute-provided pass to the driver that allowed him to take this line whenever he wanted, he sat down and impatiently waited for the lumbering vehicle to get on its way. Looking out the window, he remembered a case that happened a while ago: he forgot his pass at home and, being the kind of person who only had the bare minimum of money on him at all times, did not even have enough to buy a standard ticket. As a last ditch effort, he opted for a student's discount.

Nobody questioned him.

The scientist shot out of the bus like a small rocket—or a firework, without the explosion—, doing his best Olympic walking impression as he made his way to the employee entrance at the side of the massive Institute building. It spared him any possibility of socialising so he could get to work immediately and cut his losses as much as possible. Upon finally checking in and getting his lab coat, he entered the massive hub area which was connected to many science division sections and other various rooms. His hasty steps quickly came to a halt though...

...as the hub was almost empty.

Or well, way emptier than Jake was used to. Usual Shine City logic did not apply here—the time of day did not matter. This place was always busy. Researchers running around papers in hand or ideas in mind, the staff hauling crates and other equipment, technicians being on the phone all the time...or just people casually chatting or taking a well-earned break from their work. The hub was the heart of the Institute—and yet today, it seemed to be barely beating.
“Where is...everyone?” he muttered, desperately trying to seek out at least a couple familiar faces from the usual crowd.

“Jake!”
The scientist froze for a brief moment as he thought it was his professor calling out to him. As he turned to face the source of the voice though, he suddenly did not know how his guess could be so off. Approaching him with a wide smile was Zuiko Raina, a Research Associate in the field of Zoology and a good friend to the scientist. Although their divisions rarely crossed paths, they both held a mutual respect and fascination towards the other's work.
“Didn't think I'd see you here today... Congrats on completing the project! I heard you guys pulled a lot of overtime for that one...”
Jake inadvertently blushed upon the small praise.
“T-thanks! We did, yeah...but it was worth it in the end, really!”
“I bet it was! It's already making rounds all over the Institute and these people are usually hard to impress!” She chuckled. “What are you doing here now though?”
The short-lived pleasant feelings soon disappeared from him.
“Ah, I know! I should've been in the lab ages ago. I was just wondering—nevermind. I'll be on my way!”
He was already turning to leave when Zuiko's words made him stop for a moment.
“Oh Jake, you workaholic... What do you want to do in that lab all by yourself?”
“All by...myself?”
“The last I've heard, the entire Robotics team was given paid leave until the convention. Professor Seishiro himself announced it!”
“Oh...oohh...”
Suddenly everything clicked into place for the scientist. There was a reason he and the rest of the division worked into the night on a Sunday. They had a mutual agreement, looking to make one final rush to finish the long-awaited project as soon as possible. They succeeded and now had no other work scheduled for the next week—and so, Nagato managed to set the whole team up for a well-deserved late summer vacation.

Which Jake completely forgot about, of course.

“That...that explains some of it, I guess...” he eventually blurted out, trying not to sound overly clueless.
“Explains what?” Zuiko asked with folded arms and a curious expression.
“Why this place is so...dead.”
Jake shrugged. It was not like it was only the two of them in the expansive hub. There were still plenty of people around, coated and not, most of them quite preoccupied. It was just...relatively dead, he corrected himself in his head.
“Well, it's the first day at the Academy.” Unlike the scientist, Zuiko seemed to be absolutely in the loop. He once again thanked the heavens for their friendship. “Many of us are part-time teachers or lecturers there. You and I are not, but I know a few from my division that will only come in the afternoon. Plus, today is orientation, so everyone has to be there. I bet we'll see the usual buzz return a couple hours later!”
“Right.”

Well, what now?
Jake fell out of the frying pan and into the fire. No longer having to worry about being late, he now he had to figure out what to do this day and all the others until the museum convention at the end of the week. For a man who tried his best to carefully organise his life and enjoyed the stability his work provided, this was one heck of a challenge.

“...what are you doing today, Zuiko?” he eventually asked sheepishly.
“I'm busy most of the day, I'm afraid. Our professor likes to work in these calmer conditions. We've also gotten some new specimens!” She laughed, ever cheerful. “You could take a visit at the Academy though.”
“But I'm not a teacher!”
“There are no classes on the first day, don't worry. You can just check out the place itself, meet with some teachers and students...that sort of thing! Anyways, I have to jet now. See you around, Jake!” She picked up her papers from the nearby seat and hurried away. Before getting too far though, she turned back for a moment to say: “Who knows, you may even find someone who...interests you!”

After bidding a meek farewell himself, Jake turned around to leave the building he only entered like ten minutes ago. He did not walk with the same purpose now as he did before, though he knew damn well what Zuiko implied.

“Someone...”
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