Obsessive Excessive.

Just some mediocre writing here! Some poetry and original stories, but mostly fanfiction for various fandoms. Battle Royale, Homestuck, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Smuggler, Orange Days, Moloka'i, etc. I love requests, so feel free to ask for anything! Hope you enjoy! <3

[inkspaz-blog]

"I Won't Leave"

Fanfiction: Homestuck

Karkat x Terezi

It's been three days, and Terezi hasn't come out of her hive even once.

Maybe it's not much of a surprise. What did you expect? That she'd be back to her normal chirpy self right away? She's a tough girl, there's never been any doubt about that, but she's just lost her sight, for fuck's sake.

Your stomach twists uncomfortably. You've only seen Terezi once since it happened, and at that point, she was mute as well as blind. A group of your friends all went to visit her, but she wouldn't say a word, not even to you. And even though you knew she'd just been through hell and would have to cope with it for the rest of her life, that hurt a little. Of course, you'd never admit it.

Today, it's time to try again.

Your own hive isn't far away from hers, so you don't mind walking. It's a trip you've made countless times before. In this aspect, you and Terezi are a lot luckier than, say, Sollux and Aradia, who have a lot more distance between them. But you push these two out of your mind for now. Thinking about what just happened to them might actually make you sick.

Oh, how you'd love to fucking kill Vriska Serket.

She'd gone too far this time. Not that she never had before, but now... Aradia dead, Sollux heartbroken, Tavros paralyzed, and Terezi blind... you pause, genuinely concerned that you might lose your lunch. It only takes you a moment to shake it off, though. You have to keep going. For her.

When Terezi's hive comes into view, you pick up your pace, and you're jogging by the time you reach it. You squint, something jagged catching your eye.

Huh. Looks like she managed to break a window, even in her sightless state. Fucking figures. You'd be amused if you weren't so damn worried.

You don't bother knocking. It's not like she'd respond, anyway. In the interest of not wasting time, you let yourself in, glancing around warily.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the place is trashed, but you sigh to yourself anyway.

"Terezi?" you call out cautiously. You don't receive an answer. Not that you expected one in the first place. You escort yourself down the hall, knowing it won't take long to find her. Her hive is as familiar to you as your own.

"Terezi, come on." Your voice sounds frustrated even to your own ears. "It's Karkat. It's just me... come on, just talk to me..."

You continue down the hall and turn right, acting on a hunch that proves to be correct. "Terezi," you say again, in relief this time.

She's lying facedown on the couch, a small space next to her head. You go ahead and take a seat there, knowing you won't be issued an invitation.

"Hey," you mutter, reaching out to tentatively stroke her hair. This is a mistake. Terezi lets out a strangled cry and retreats to the other corner of the couch, burying her face in her hands.

"Ah," you whisper. "I... uh, sorry." The pain in your voice is tangible.

Her head lifts up slightly -- not enough for you to see what's left of her eyes, but slightly. Maybe she could sense it, too.

"Karkat?" It's just one hoarse word, but it nearly breaks your heart.

You scoot closer to her carefully, not wanting to startle her. "Hey," you say for the second time. "Yeah... it's me." You hope it's a good sign that she doesn't move away again.

Four more words. "Why are you here?"

You're immediately on the defensive. "I wanted to see if you're okay!"

A small noise escapes her, and she slowly raises her head. You flinch at the sight that meets you, the gaping red holes where her eyes should be.

"Well, that's pretty stupid, don't you think?" Terezi whispers, her voice shaking. It grows in volume as she continues to speak. "Oh, I'm fucking blind, but everything's just fantastic! I've never been better! Now please feel free to leave me the hell alone!"

"You're out of your mind if you think I'm leaving," you tell her bluntly.

"Just get out!" She's practically screaming now. "Don't waste your time pitying the blind girl!" She raises one hand to point to the place where her eyes once were. "But before you go, take a nice fucking look. Actually, take two, because I can't!" Tears are pouring down her face now, though you're not sure how that's possible. You suppose her tearducts are still intact, but it would be insensitive to ask, and there's no doubt that you'll find another way to piss her off instead. Again, that is. You shake your head to clear it.

"You think this is pity?" you should back in disbelief. "You think that's why I'm here? Dammit, Terezi!"

Though you're sure it's a bad idea, you lunge sideways and encase her in your arms. Naturally, she isn't pleased.

"Let go!" she shrieks, struggling violently, but you refuse to budge. Terezi puts up a good fight, but she can't match your strength, and eventually she collapses, sinking into you like it's the most natural thing in the world. Then she really begins to sob, and you pull her in closer.

"Why?" she chokes, burying her face in your chest.

You groan quietly, wanting to be anywhere and nowhere else. It's as if her emotional pain hurts you physically, and you're not quite sure how to handle it.

You also don't know what to do about the crying girl in your arms. You're not exactly experienced with this. But since it's her, you have no choice but to try.

"Why couldn't I fight her off?" Terezi whispers. "Why wasn't I strong enough? All I had to do was not look up..."

You swallow, not used to seeing her show so much vulnerability. It hurts to listen to. You start to shake your head before remembering that she can't see it. "Don't you dare blame yourself," you say sternly. "Dont' even fucking consider it, you got that? It's not your fault."

She reaches up to wipe her face clumsily. "I just... don't understand... why she had to do all this. Not just me. Tavros, Sollux... Aradia..."

You shift subtly so you can get a better look at her. "I'm going to ask you something," you begin slowly, "and I want to you think about it very carefully." Terezi nods, understanding that you're serious. "Do you want me to kill Vriska? Because I'd be really fucking happy to."

It takes her a moment to respond, and you're glad that she isn't immediately dismissive of the offer. Even so, you can guess what her answer will be, and you're right.

"No," she says finally. "No... I don't want her dead." You reach down to take her hand, and she clutches yours tightly. "Say what you will, but I provoked her... blew up that stupid ball right in her fucking face, but only because of what she did to Tavros. And she got me back. Because she's Vriska and that's what she does." Terezi draws a shuddering breath. "But I'm not like her."

This girl never fails to amaze you.

You decide to change the subject, since she's clearly made up her mind. "So... I brought you something."

She frowns. "You did?"

You pull the small case out of your pocket. "It's not much, but..." You trail off and open it for her, removing the object inside. You lift her hand, the one you're already holding, and help her trace the object until she figures out what it is.

"Glasses? Karkat, you know I'm blind, right?"

"I know you don't like the idea of... how it looks now." Fuck, you hope that doesn't offend her.

To your bewilderment, she lifts them up to her nose and inhales. "They... smell good."

You blink once and shake your head, chuckling quietly. "There she is." You can tell she's coming back around already. Confusing you, like always.

It looks like a smile crosses Terezi's face, but you're not completely sure. You help her slide the glasses onto her face and lean back slightly to get a better look. They seem to fit. "How do I look?"

You want to tell her she looks beautiful. Unfortunately, you're also a fucking coward. "You look... like yourself."

She definitely tries to smile this time, but she's having a hard time with it. "Thanks."

"Have you talked to your lusus?" you inquire. Terezi shakes her head. "You really should, you know... maybe she could help you."

She shrugs hopelessly. "She can't give me my sight back... she can't give me the light or the colors... she can't help me see you again."

You flinch, and you're actually glad she can't see it. "Terezi... do you wan't me to stay for a little while?"

You don't expect her to nod, but you're glad when she does. You pull her back into your arms, prepared and willing to stay for as long as she needs you.

You're in no hurry to leave.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Guessing Game"

Fanfiction: Homestuck

Karkat x Terezi

gallowsCallibrator [GC] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]

GC: H3Y K4RK4T GC: W4NT TO PL4Y 4 G4M3? CG: NOT REALLY GC: >:[ GC: COM3 ON, YOU KNOW YOU W4NT TO! CG: I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I DO NOT. CG: BUT SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO, I GUESS I COULD HUMOR YOU. GC: Y4Y! >:] CG: WHAT KIND OF GAME, ANYWAY? GC: 4 GU3SS1NG G4M3! CG: OH, BOY. GC: K4RK4T GC: B3 N1C3 GC: 1M JUST TRY1NG TO HAV3 SOM3 FUN! CG: WE'VE ALWAYS HAD VERY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF FUN. CG: SITTING HERE AND TRYING TO GUESS WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND IS NOT MY IDEA OF FUN. CG: ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M ALREADY IN A BAD MOOD, UNFATHOMABLE IDEA THOUGH THAT MAY BE. CG: SO I'M SURE YOU'LL UNDERSTAND IF I'M NOT TERRIBLY EXCITED BY THE IDEA OF LETTING YOU TAUNT ME BY MAKING ME GUESS SOMETHING THAT WILL UNDOUBTABLY END UP BEING MUCH LESS INTERESTING THAN YOU'D LIKE ME TO BELIEVE. CG: I'M NOT REALLY UP FOR MIND GAMES RIGHT NOW. ESPECIALLY WITH YOU. CG: ... CG: TEREZI? GC: WH4T CG: OH. I WASN'T SURE IF YOU WERE STILL HERE. GC: L1K3 YOU C4R3 CG: OH, COME ON. GC: WH4T GC: YOU S41D YOU D1DNT W4NT TO PL4Y GC: 3SP3C14LLY WITH M3 GC: SO GC: F1NE GC: FORG3T 1T CG: TEREZI... GC: WH4T CG: DAMMIT, I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT. GC: SUR3 YOU D1DNT GC: 4ND 1 W4S 1N SUCH 4 GOOD MOOD GC: 1 W4S SO 3XC1T3D TO PL4Y 4 FUN G4M3 W1TH YOU BUT YOU RU1N3D 1T GC: TH4NKS 4 LOT K4RK4T, YOU RU1N3D MY MOOD CG: OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE. CG: LET'S PLAY THE GAME, THEN. GC: NO CG: WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN, NO. CG: YOU SAID YOU WANTED TO PLAY A GAME, SO LET'S PLAY A GAME. GC: YOUR3 JUST S4Y1NG TH4T GC: YOU DONT 4CTU4LLY W4NT TO PL4Y GC: SO 1TS NO FUN CG: LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT CG: YOU WANT ME TO WANT TO PLAY, OR IT'S POINTLESS? GC: Y3S CG: THAT IS THE STUPIDEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD. GC: >:/ CG: BUT FINE CG: IF YOU REALLY WANT ME TO PLAY, THEN I WANT TO PLAY. GC: R34LLY? CG: EVEN THOUGHT IT SEEMS LIKE NEPETA OR TAVROS MIGHT HAVE MORE FUN WITH THIS. GC: NO, 1T H4S TO B3 YOU GC: 4R3 YOU R34DY? CG: YEAH, SURE GC: Y4Y! GC: F1RST QU3ST1ON... GC: GU3SS WHO 1 TALK3D TO L4ST N1GHT CG: I DON'T KNOW, WHO? GC: >:[ GC: K4RK4T, YOUR3 SUPPOS3D TO GU3SS! CG: OH, RIGHT CG: SOLLUX? FEFERI? GC: NOP3 CG: ARADIA? KANAYA? IT WASN'T VRISKA, WAS IT? GC: NO, NO, 4ND NO GC: YOU 4R3 R34LLY T3RRIBL3 4T TH1S GC: 1 W1LL 4DD 4NOTH3R QU3ST1ON TO M4K3 1T 34S13R FOR YOU CG: HOW THE HELL WOULD THAT MAKE IT EASIER? GC: GU3SS WH4T H3 W4S DR1NK1NG CG: OH CG: GAMZEE, THEN. AND THAT DISGUSTING FAYGO OF HIS. GC: GOOD! GC: N3XT GC: GU3SS WH4T H3 W4S DO1NG CG: DRINKING FAYGO, YOU JUST TOLD ME. GC: NO, WH4T 3LS3 CG: HOW THE HELL SHOULD I KNOW? CG: IT'S  FUCKING GAMZEE, THE GUY IS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE. CG: WELL, EXCEPT FOR THE FAYGO. GC: OK4Y, 1 GU3S TH4T W4S 4 H4RD ON3 GC: H3 W4S T4LK1NG GC: 4 LOT GC: GU3SS WH4T H3 W4S T4LK1NG 4BOUT CG: MIRACLES CG: HUH CG: ACTUALLY, NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT, HE'S VERY PREDICTABLE. CG: SHIT, THIS IS GROUNDBREAKING. CG: K4RK4T, FOCUS >:[ CG: OKAY, OKAY. CG: MY ATTENTION IS YOURS, PRINCESS PYROPE. GC: >:? GC: MY T34L BLOOD B3GS TO D1FF3R GC: BUT TH4TS N1C3 OF YOU >:] GC: 4NYW4Y YOU W3R3 WRONG, H3 W4S T4LK1NG 4BOUT YOU 4CTU4LLY GC: WH1CH 1S WHY 1 H4D TO PL4Y TH3 G4M3 W1TH YOU 4ND NOT SOM3ON3 3LS3 CG: WHOA, WHAT THE FUCK. CG: WHY WAS GAMZEE TALKING ABOUT ME. CG: WHAT DID THAT DUMBASS SAY. CG: DAMMIT, AM I GONNA NEED TO HAVE A CHAT WITH HIM? CG: I'M REALLY NOT IN THE MOOD FOR THAT. GC: R3L4X, 1T W4SNT 4NYTH1NG B4D GC: BUT L3TS R3M3MB3R 1M SUPPOS3D TO B3 TH3 ON3 4SK1NG TH3 QU3ST1ONS CG: WE NEVER ACTUALLY SAID THAT. CG: BESIDES, I'M GETTING THE FEELING YOU JUST WANT TO TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED. GC: YOUR3 R1GHT GC: OK4Y GC: B4S1C4LLY H3 W4S JUST T3LL1NG M3 TH4T H3 W4S F33L1NG R34LLY W31RD TH3 OTH3R D4Y GC: W31RD3R TH4N USU4L 1 M34N GC: 4ND TH4T YOU C4LM3D H1M DOWN 4ND SORT OF T4LK3D H1M OUT OF 1T GC: H3 S41D H3 W4S R34LLY GR4T3FUL CG: OH. THAT. CG: IT WAS NO BIG DEAL. CG: BUT WHY DID YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT? GC: B3C4US3 GC: 1 THOUGHT 1T W4S R34LLY SW33T GC: AND 1 W4NT3D TO T3LL YOU TH4T >:] CG: YOU MADE ME GO THROUGH THIS WHOLE GAME, NOT TO MENTION A RIDICULOUS ARGUMENT, SO YOU COULD TELL ME I DID SOMETHING SWEET? GC: Y3S CG: ... CG: YOU ARE SO WEIRD SOMETIMES. CG: SCRATCH THAT. I MEANT ALL THE TIME. GC: >:] GC: YOU KNOW YOU LOV3 M3 4NYW4Y CG: IF YOU SAY SO. CG: ... CG: HEY CG: BEFORE I LOSE MY NERVE CG: IT'S MY TURN GC: >:? CG: TO MAKE YOU GUESS SOMETHING. GC: OK4Y CG: GUESS WHO MY FAVORITE PERSON IS. GC: >:O GC: 4WWW. CG: YOU DIDN'T EVEN GUESS GC: 1 DONT H4V3 TO GC: <3 CG: OH GC: OH M4N TH1S 1S B4D T1M1NG GC: BUT 1 H4V3 TO GO GC: 1TS 4R4D14, 1LL 3XPL41N L4T3R CG: OKAY GC: OH, 4ND K4RK4T GC: YOUR3 MY F4VOR1T3 P3RSON TOO >:] GC: BY3 <3 CG: BYE TEREZI CG: ... CG: <3

gallowsCallibrator [GC] ceased trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]

[inkspaz-blog]

"Fly Away"

I despise planes. Everything about them gives me the creeps, and it has been this way since I was a child. I hate being confined to such a small space for any amount of time, and the constant ear popping is enough to drive anyone insane. The engine noise in unbearable, and the sickening smell is nearly powerful enough to cause me to lose my lunch the moment I step on board. Add a fear of heights coupled with the curse of being unable to fall asleep even briefly while up in the air, and it's a miracle I'm able to drag myself here willingly.

It has to be willingly, because there's no one to force me to go. This, shockingly, was all my idea.

This notion becomes even more unfathomable paired with the fact that the flight ahead of me is scheduled to last over fourteen hours. I find consolation by reminding myself that this will be a one-way trip.

Maybe I'll be faced with obligatory visits home every now and then, but thanks to distance, that will be nowhere in the near future. I can prolong my return for quite a while, if I so choose. Coming up with excuses has always been a strength of mine.

As the plane begins its journey down the runway, the twist in my gut I've come to associate with flying is noticeably absent. How interesting. It must be the circumstances.

My stomach does lurch as we leave the ground, but I pay it no mind. Time to entertain myself for a while. Good thing I'm prepared.

I spare the scene outside my window one last glance as the plane rises. "Bye," I mutter, smiling wryly.

From here one out, I'm on my own.

The thing is, I couldn't be happier.

I reach out and pull the shade down over the window, ready to leave everything behind me.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Look Away"

Fleeting glances Across the room Almost afraid To look at you

Wondering if I'll meet your eyes For a moment Loneliness dies

Secret smiles To last the day Yet somehow I'm Still not okay

Wishing, thinking These bitter thoughts Aware that they Will come to naught

Secret smiles Won't last the day Your gaze drops so I look away

[inkspaz-blog]

"Hoops and Hurt Feelings"

Fanfiction: Battle Royale

Shuya x Shinji

Whoosh.

"Beat that, Nanahara," Shinji called out, grinning as Shuya leapt after the basketball. Shinji sauntered forward from his spot in the middle of the court to stand by his friend.

"I think I'll pass on the half-court shot," Shuya told him, rolling his eyes. "That's old. How about a blind one?" Shuya positioned himself in front of the net and squeezed his eyes shut, tossing the ball in the air. It missed the basket by a mile.

Shinji clapped slowly. "Ladies and gentlemen, Wild Seven does it again," he said sarcastically.

Shuya opened his eyes and elbowed him in the ribs. "Oh, shut up."

Shinji smirked and went to pick up the ball, returning to stand in Shuya's place. He closed his eyes and took a shot, and the ball swished effortlessly through the net.

"Show-off," Shuya mumbled.

Shrugging, Shinji grinned. "If you say so. You can still kick my ass on the track, though, and everyone knows it."

"Fair," Shuya conceded, grinning back at him.

Shinji picked the ball back up and dribbled to the edge. "Anyway, what's new with you lately?" He threw the ball in Shuya's direction.

It smacked into Shuya's hands. "Not a whole lot. You?" He took another shot, making this one.

Shinji ignored the question. "How's Nakagawa?"

"Nakagawa?" Shuya repeated. "Noriko or Yuka?"

"Noriko," Shinji clarified. "Have you asked her out yet, or what?"

Shuya raised his eyebrows. "What makes you say that?"

Shinji shrugged. "Everyone knows it's going to happen sooner or later. Why not now?"

"Asshole," Shuya muttered, picking up the basketball and lobbing it none to gently at Shinji, who caught it with ease. "So I'm obligated to ask her out because everyone thinks I will? Nice."

"No," Shinji corrected him. "You're obligated to ask her out because you want to."

"Says who?" Shuya spluttered indignantly, feeling his cheeks warm up.

"Says that blush," Shinji said smartly, snickering. "Ae you going to do it, or what?"

Shuya gave him an exasperated look, trying to cover his embarrassment. "I doubt it. Too many reasons not to."

Shinji sighed and walked over to the side of the gym, taking a seat on the bench and gesturing for Shuya to join him. Shuya grudgingly obliged. It was about time they took a break, anyway. They'd been shooting hoops for the past hour.

"And what are these reasons, exactly?" Shinji inquired.

Shuya looked at him doubtfully. "There are too many to count."

"Sure," Shinji scoffed.

Stung, Shuya replied, "Pretty sure I could find a better person to get advice about this from, Mim."

Shinji laughed outright at this. "Yeah, right."

"I'm serious," Shuya said flatly. "Listening to the guy who goes through girls faster than he changes clothes might not actually be in my best interest. Not when it comes to Noriko."

This silenced the Third Man for a moment. He was fully aware of the fact that Shuya disapproved of his rapport with girls. Maybe he was right, but Shinji had no immediate plans to change.

"Right," he replied sharply. "How silly of me to forget."

Shuya looked a little guilty, but he didn't apologize. "You never know what might happen if you actually try to find a nice girl, Shinji."

Shinji smiled bitterly. "Believe me, Shuya, I know exactly how that would go down." He rose to his feet and picked up the basketball, making his way back to the middle of the court.

Shuya sighed and stood to follow him, ending the conversation they'd had a thousand times before.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Bound to Happen"

twofacedmoon said: "one between Mitsuko and Kawada's genderbends"

Kaito Souma wasn't sure why he was at the park again. He didn't even particularly like it here -- there wasn't much to do, and the place was always flooded with kids. And yet, for the past several weeks, he'd felt drawn here, as if some invisible force had tied a rope around his waist and was constantly tugging at him. Kaito wasn't superstitious, so this sounded like nonsense even inside his own head. But he saw no reason not to go along with it -- he had nothing better to do.

He found himself sitting on a lone bench in between a couple of trees, watching the many kids scamper around. Kaito sighed listlessly. He'd never cared for children. They were loud an obnoxious and rarely seemed inclined to do as they were told. No, he didn't like kids at all.

Not that adults are always much better, he mused, taking note of an old woman several yards away scolding a tiny child harshly. Maybe it's not just kids that are the problem. Maybe people in general need to get their shit together. No, there was no doubt about that. Kaito had yet to meet a person who struck him as being truly good.

"Not that my standards are easy to fill," he muttered to himself.

Kaito leaned back and stretched his legs out in front of him, exhaling loudly. He had no good reason to be here, so why didn't he just leave? Because I've got nothing else to do, he thought sullenly. As usual.

He sat in disgruntled silence for another few minutes, barely taking notice as a girl took a seat next to him on the bench. He needed a hobby... or a job... or something. A light breeze brought goosebumps to his skin, and he looked up, crossing his arms and finally sparing the girl next to him a glance.

She was pretty, which Kaito became very aware of right off the bat. She was bent over a book he couldn't see the title of, and she had to keep pushing her thick, dark hair out of her eyes. Kaito leaned forward, interested.

"Good book?"

The girl's eyes jumped to him, her head turning slightly. "It's okay," she said simply, offering no further information. Kaito frowned as she met his eyes. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but this girl suddenly seemed very familiar.

He tried again. "What's your name?"

She looked suspicious for a moment, but then she tersely replied, "Kawada."

"Oh, shit," Kaito mumbled, his eyes widening. There it was.

The girl raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Nothing." Kaito shook his head quickly. "Um, your first name?"

"Tsukiko." Both of them let the word hang in the air for a moment before Tsukiko asked, somewhat hesitantly, "And you?"

"Souma," Kaito said carefully, searching Tsukiko's eyes for any hint of recognition. "My first name is Kaito."

Sure enough, Tsukiko's lips parted in shock. "Souma... so that means..."

Kaito nodded, smiling wryly. "I think you've met my sister, Mitsuko?"

"And you've met Shogo," Tsukiko said incredulously. "But we've never actually..."

"Met each other," Kaito finished for her, a grin starting to spread across his face. "This is a bit overdue, don't you think?"

Tsukiko hesitated. "Maybe," she allowed. "Then again, maybe it was safer before. I heard you clashed with my brother when you met."

There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, and Kaito wasn't sure if she was teasing or not. "You'll have to forgive me for that," he said flatly. "In my defense, he did kiss my sister right in front of me."

A small smile flashed across Tsukiko's face before she concealed it. "Overprotective, much? I would've thought you'd be a little more mature."

Kaito shrugged. "What can I say? He started it."

Tsukiko laughed. "I'll bet he did."

"You're pretty different from him," Kaito observed. "Not what I would've expected."

Tsukiko's face grew solemn. "Well, I haven't been through the things he has," she said quietly.

Kaito nodded slowly. "Yeah... I know what you mean. It's like that for Mitsuko and me, too. It took us a while to figure it out. Everyone else's... counterpart..." He paused, not liking the word, though it was technically more accurate than calling Mitsuko his sister. "They all seemed so alike. I think that the two of us were born the same, but after all the shit she went through..." He sighed deeply. "It caused a bit of a rift," he finished, laughing humorlessly.

Tsukiko gave him a sympathetic smile. "It does make sense, but it's a hell of a twist, don't you think?"

"Understatement," Kaito scoffed teasingly, and they both felt the mood lighten.

"It's all really, really bizarre when you stop to think about it," Tsukiko mused. "That there's a whole different world we never knew about..."

"But not all that different, at the same time," Kaito cut in. "Hey, if our counterparts over there are... together, or whatever, do you think that means we're...?"

"I figured you'd ask that sooner or later," Tsukiko said, rolling her eyes. "I really don't know. Like we were just saying, we're not the same as they are."

Kaito considered that. "Good point," he conceded, his spirits sinking slightly. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything about it. "Still, though... I'd like to get to know you better... if you're not too opposed to the idea."

Tsukiko seemed to mull it over. "I think that could be arranged," she agreed, offering him a small smile.

Kaito grinned. "Glad to hear it."

Neither one of them knew what the future held, but somehow, they both began to look forward to it.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Snow"

Fanfiction Drabble: Battle Royale

Kayoko x Mitsuko

Prompt: Our characters in the snow together.

“Kotohiki, I’m going back inside.”

Kayoko glanced over her shoulder, and her lips slipped into a pout. “Oh, come on, Mitsuko,” she pleaded. “Don’t you like the snow?”

“No.” Mitsuko could barely speak, her face was so numb. “And why I let you drag me out here, I’m still not sure.”

A pair of wide eyes stared at her wordlessly.

“Nothing, huh?” Mitsuko muttered. What a waste of a free period. She turned to leave, making it halfway back up the school steps before something cold and wet hit her on the back.

Mitsuko turned back around slowly, a dangerous glint in her eyes. A small smile was playing on Kayoko’s lips.

“You’re dead.”

Mitsuko dropped to the ground and picked up a handful of snow, the sensation barely registering in her already numb hands. She lobbed it in Kayoko’s direction, and it hit her square in the chest. Kayoko let out a squeal.

The smaller girl made a move as if planning to retaliate, but Mitsuko spun on her heel and ran, not back inside, but around the school. She heard Kayoko’s light footsteps behind her, and a pile of snow whizzed past her ear.

She paused and turned back around, her breath forming a cloud in the cold air in front of her. She scooped up more snow and threw it, this time catching Kayoko right in the face.

Mitsuko laughed, deciding that maybe this wasn’t a bad way to pass the time after all.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Defend"

Fanfiction Drabble: Battle Royale

Kayoko x Mitsuko

Prompt: I’ll write a drabble of my character protecting yours.

“Fakest?”

“Utsumi.”

“Bitchiest?”

“Chigusa.”

Mitsuko watched listlessly as Hirono and Yoshimi went back and forth in a favorite game of theirs. She had tired of it quickly, but it seemed that it never grew old for these two.

“Freakiest?”

“Inada.”

“Most irritating?”

“Kotohiki.”

Mitsuko made a face. “Kotohiki?” she repeated. “That’s the best you can come up with?” She shook her head, as if disappointed.

Yoshimi shrugged. “She’s annoying. Acting so innocent and naive all the time…”

“Please.” Mitsuko rolled her eyes again. “There are plenty of people more irritating than Kotohiki. Noda… Minami… Iijima… Eto… Motobuchi… just to name a few.”

Hirono looked at Mitsuko quizzically. “I thought you hated Kotohiki.

Mitsuko brushed off a prickle of annoyance. “I never said I didn’t. I just think Yoshimi had a lot of better options for that category. Kotohiki isn’t all that bad. Usually, anyway.”

Hirono and Yoshimi exchanged a bewildered glance. “If you say so,” Yoshimi said uncertainly.

After nodding once, Mitsuko rested her head on her hand and looked between her two friends. “Well, don’t let me spoil your fun,” she said lightly. “Go on.”

A pause followed, but only a short one.

“Dumbest?”

“Akamatsu.”

“Most pathetic?”

“Numai.”

[inkspaz-blog]

"Scream II"

Fanfiction Drabble: Battle Royale

Kazuo x Mitsuko

Prompt: My character has caused yours to scream out for some reason.

Why Mitsuko was holding a cat, Kazuo wasn’t sure.

He eyed the demon suspiciously. She knew how much he despised them, so what was the deal? Unless, of course, that was the whole point. He’d probably done something to unknowingly piss her off, as was routine, and this was her bizarre form of revenge.

“Souma,” he began cautiously. “Why?”

Mitsuko raised an eyebrow coyly. “What?”

“You know what,” Kazuo said tersely.

Mitsuko looked down at the cat in her arms. “Oh, this,” she said, as if surprised. “Cute, right?

“Demon spawn,” Kazuo muttered. “Why the fuck do you have a cat?” he asked, a bit louder.

She shrugged. “Well, why not? Here, do you want to hold him?”

“No,” Kazuo said quickly. His eyes were trained on the cat. It looked nothing like the other demon Mitsuko had once housed. This one was jet black with unblinking green eyes.

Mitsuko tilted her head thoughtfully. “Actually… I think you do,” she disagreed. A wicked smile spread across her face. “Here, catch.”

Kazuo let out a high-pitched yelp as a cloud of fur came flying at him. He held up his arms to shield his face and squeezed his eyes shut, but the scratching and biting he’d expected did not ensue. Instead, the cat hit him and proceeded to fall to the ground limply, where it did not move.

Kazuo looked down. It was a stuffed animal.

Granted, it was the most realistic one he’d ever seen, which was obviously carefully planned by the girl sitting across from him. But the fact remained that he’d been scared still by a fake cat.

“Bitch,” he scowled, looking back up.

Mitsuko only smirked at him. “Thanks. Now quit leaving knives over here, it’s creepy.”

Kazuo glared. She didn’t like finding knives in her house?

Fine. Next time, he’d leave his Uzi. 

[inkspaz-blog]

Love the fanfiction! -Proud follower! <3

Oh my gosh, thank you so much, I'm really glad you like it! That means a lot!

[inkspaz-blog]

"Graveyard"

Fanfiction Drabble: Battle Royale

Mitsuko x Setsuko

Prompt: My character will visit your character’s grave.

It was the best and worst time of the week.

Best, because Mitsuko was visiting Setsuko.

Worst, because Setsuko was gone.

Mitsuko never came here without flowers. She felt that even in death, Setsuko should always be surrounded by beauty. The flowers were always a wide variety of colors, and there were enough of them to surround the grave completely. It was as if by placing them, she thought that she could erase some of the overwhelming sadness.

This, of course, was not the case.

She knelt down and bowed her head. “Hey, Setsuko,” she whispered, her eyes already beginning to sting. “I hope you’re doing alright, wherever you are… I’m sure it’s somewhere nice. You deserve that.” Mitsuko raised a hand to wipe away the wetness on her face. “I just wish I could be there, too.”

Mitsuko cursed her own immortal body. She wanted to die — for real, this time, without coming back. It had been over eighty years since she’d met her honorary sister, and physically, she hadn’t aged a day.

“I miss you.” Mitsuko’s voice was trembling. “I miss you so much. I wish you were here, but I’m glad you got to move on. But it’s not the same without you.”

She was weeping freely now, as she did every time she visited this place. She knew it was selfish to want Setsuko back. The girl had lived a great life to a very old age, and then she had died — that was how it was supposed to work. For that, Mitsuko loved her, hated her, and envied her — but mostly, she just missed her.

She reached out to brush her friend’s tombstone. Mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Setsuko had no biological siblings, but her honorary ones loved her just as dearly as anyone else could have.

“You’ll always be my sister,” Mitsuko choked. She was silent for the rest of her visit.

She mourned, she cried, and most of all, she remembered.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Scream"

Fanfiction Drabble: Battle Royale

Mitsuko x Setsuko

Prompt: My character has caused yours to scream out for some reason.

It was the third time this week that Mitsuko had found herself in this position, and though she knew she shouldn’t, she kept coming back.

She was leaning against the kitchen counter, turning the sharp knife over in her hands. She’d spent far too much time wondering what the blade might feel like as it bit into her flesh, how the blood would look running down her arm. Would it be enough of a distraction?

She knew that most people used razors for this sort of thing, but there was something appealing to her about a knife. It was symbolic, almost, for a reason she wasn’t quite certain of.

Mitsuko had no intention of actually cutting herself. She knew she’d be put through hell when certain people found out, and though she loathed herself for it, she knew she didn’t have the courage. She was no masochist.

Still, she pressed the edge of the blade at an angle against her wrist, feeling the cool metal against her skin and wondering, just wondering.

She didn’t hear the quiet footsteps approaching her, but she certainly heard the scream that followed.

Mitsuko jerked violently at the sudden noise, her hand slipping and allowing the knife to make a shallow cut on her wrist before falling to the floor with a clatter. She let out a small cry, her whole arm stinging. Then she looked up slowly to meet Setsuko’s horrified eyes.

“You promised you wouldn’t,” Setsuko whispered, seemingly unable to move.

Mitsuko’s heart was in her throat. “I wasn’t going to,” she said desperately. “I wasn’t. I was just holding it… and you came in, and… it slipped,” she finished feebly, her face burning with shame.

Setsuko stared at her for a moment longer, and then she seemed to thaw out of her frozen state. She walked over to Mitsuko and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m hiding the knives, you hear? We’ll live on soup for as long as we have to.”

Mitsuko knew better than to argue. “Okay,” she whispered, just grateful that she wasn’t being yelled at.

She squeezed her eyes shut and hugged Setsuko tightly, willing herself not to cry.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Jily and Lames"

Fanfiction: Harry Potter

Lily x James

Through all her years at Hogwarts, Lily Evans had detested the group of fangirls who worshipped James Potter as if he were a saint. Her disgust had only multiplied after she and James started dating -- what sort of person actively pursued someone in a relationship? Granted, most of them had backed off considerably at that point, but one girl made it her mission, it seemed, to torment Lily.

"I don't understand why he's still with her," Jessica Wiley whispered loudly to her pack of friends. "I mean, Merlin, she looks like a Christmas tree!"

Lily rolled her eyes at the girl's stage whisper and turned to the next page of her Transfiguration textbook. She was used to Jessica's attempts at nettling her and didn't feel any need to get worked up over it. She was in her favorite chair in the common room, curled up comfortably after a pleasant weekend, and was in no mood for an argument. Besides, she had studying to do.

Jessica's whiny voice was growing louder, beginning to carry across the room. "James could do so much better. It's such a waste of a good thing," she sighed sadly. "Well, I'm sure they won't last, anyway."

Lily grinned to herself, her bright green eyes sparkling in amusement. The poor girl was clueless. Things between Lily and James had been progressing splendidly over the past few months, and neither of them had shown any signs of boredom or wanting to end things. In fact, Lily had begun to think that she might be in this for the long haul.

"They're just not a good match," Jessica was now informing her friends. She turned to look directly at Lily now, her lips curving upwards in a malicious smile. "Think about it. The proof is even in their names, if you look closely enough. Put them together and you get Lames."

A chorus of laughter broke out among Jessica, who smirked. Lily sighed loudly. She shouldn't let the comments get to her -- but this was becoming ridiculous.

She shut her book and turned to the girl, scowling. "Alright, enough," she said flatly. "You've made your point. Now, if you're satisfied with the attention you've received after seeking it so actively, kindly quit acting like a first year so some of us can actually get our work done."

Jessica arched an eyebrow at her. "All I'm doing is telling you what you're afraid to hear."

"Rubbish," Lily said dismissively. "You're being a child. I'm literally rubbing my face in exasperation right now." It was true -- her hand was against her forehead, eyes wide in disbelief. "Now either drop it, or I'll give you detention."

"Go ahead and try," Jessica challenged.

Just as Lily was about to stand up, pondering over what the appropriate punishment for causing a scene in the common room should be, she found that a new party had made its way across the room to stand beside her chair.

"What's going on?" James asked angrily.

Lily shot him a glance. "Just someone looking for trouble. Nothing I can't handle."

"I don't doubt that." James looked at Jessica and frowned. "Again, Wiley?"

A full pout emerged on Jessica's lips. "James..."

"Save it," he said shortly. He turned to Lily. "What was it this time?"

Lily shrugged. "Nothing new. Christmas tree, imminent breakup, the usual." This conversation had practically become routine. "It just got on my nerves since I was trying to study." James glared at Jessica, who shrank back. "Oh, and she also called us Lames," Lily recalled, snorting quietly.

James furrowed his eyebrows. "Lames?"

"Lames," Lily confirmed, nodding matter-of-factly. "Apparently, that's the result of combining our names."

"Lames," James repeated, as if testing out the word. He seemed to mull it over for a moment before shaking his head and looking down at Jessica. "That's a bit rude, don't you think?"

"It's the truth," Jessica muttered, not making eye contact.

"Are we really discussing this?" Lily asked, exasperated.

James ignored her, his expression becoming thoughtful. Lily rose to her feet warily. Nothing good ever came from that look.

After several seconds came the word, "Jily."

Lily looked at him, puzzled. "Bless you."

"Our names," he clarified. "Jily sounds a lot better than Lames, don't you think?"

Catching on, Lily pretended to consider it, trying not to laugh at the frustration on Jessica's face. "I suppose it does," she conceded.

"You should name your future daughter that," a voice called from across the room. James looked back to smirk at Sirius Black.

"Good idea, mate," he replied. "No way she'd hate me for that, is there?"

Sirius winked. "Then she'd love me best."

"Right," James scoffed. Then he seemed to remember what he was supposed to be doing, and he turned back to Jessica. "Anyway, you need to knock it the hell off," he said pointedly.

"Whatever," Jessica snapped. Lily resisted the urge to roll her eyes again. How mature.

"And," James considered, sounding inspired, "if you insist on combing names, you will refer to us as Jily from now on. If I hear about Lames again, it's detention for you!"

Jessica's jaw dropped, and she looked incredulous. "Are you serious?"

"No," James deadpanned. "He's by the fireplace." Sirius waved cheerfully.

"You've got to be kidding me," Jessica whined.

"I am," James assured her. "That would just be stupid. Really, though, leave Lily alone. If I've told you once, I've told you a million times -- it won't get you anywhere, and honestly, it's bloody annoying. Keep it up, and there will be very unfortunate consequences for you." He turned subtly so that his Head Boy badge caught the light.

Jessica's eyes looked a little watery, but she stood up quickly and stalked out of the common room without looking back once.

Lily, who had been standing at James's side in confusion, turned to him. "That was... a very roundabout way of taking care of things," she said slowly, feeling a headache coming on.

James shrugged. "Confusing people is fun." He offered no elaboration, and Lily grinned, deciding not to push it.

"Alright, then. I'm just going to go study a little more..."

"Have fun." James gave her a quick hug, eyes twinkling, and rejoined Sirius on the opposite side of the room.

Lily sat back down and smiled to herself.

Sure, she could've easily taken care of the situation on her own, but there was something nice about being stood up for every now and then.

Even better, she had a feeling that there would be no more trouble from Jessica Wiley.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Click"

Fanfiction: Orange Days

Shohei x Akane

"I really don't know about this..."

Shohei rolled his eyes. Akane was dead set against the idea of being photographed, and it had taken weeks to talk her into this small shoot. "You're making this a bigger deal than it needs to be," Shohei drawled as the two walked towards the open field.

"I'm not photogenic," Akane protested.

"I need the practice," Shohei reminded her, holding up his camera. "And I need a pretty girl to practice on. It's either this or I'm stuck taking pictures of Keita... are you really going to make me suffer through that?"

Akane let out a reluctant giggle. "I suppose not."

Shohei nodded, satisfied, and let her over to where he'd set up his equipment. "You sit here," he instructed her, gesturing to a small space a few yards away from the tripod stand. Akane slowly lowered herself onto the ground, and Shohei helped position her before retreating behind his camera.

He peered through the lens. "Good... on three, okay? One... two..." He paused when her expression didn't change. "Akane-chan, you're supposed to smile."

She fidgeted. "I told you this wouldn't go well."

Shohei sighed quietly and walked over, kneeling down. Akane's eyes were full of uncertainty.

"Can you smile for me now?" he asked her seriously. A natural smile spread easily across her face -- ah, so it was just the camera that intimidated her. He winked. "Perfect. Now hold that."

He jogged back into place, fearful that the smile might fade, and quickly snapped several photos. "You're doing great."

"Shohei-kun," Akane laughed after a few minutes. "Enough already. The flash is hurting my eyes."

Shohei took one last picture, catching her mid-laugh. "I'm done," he called out, an dhe looked down at the screen to see the picture.

She was, as always, beautiful.

[inkspaz-blog]

"A New Beginning"

Fanfiction: Moloka'i

Rachel x Kenji

Kenji had everything ready. The ring was in his pocket, the bouquet of plumerias clenched tightly in his left hand, and he was scheduled to meet Rachel right here on the beach in just a few minutes. There was just one thing he hadn't prepared for.

He was nervous, and it was a feeling he was completely unaccustomed to.

This was a day he'd been planning for months. It hadn't taken long for Kenji to be sure that he wanted to spend the rest of his life, however short it may be, with Rachel, but there was plenty to do once he'd reached that decision. Obtaining a ring on Kalaupapa was no easy feat, nor was it a quick process. There was also the fact that Rachel had no family on Moloka'i, so who was he to ask for permission? It would have felt odd to speak with Sister Catherine about it, for though Rachel always spoke highly of her, Kenji himself did not know her very well. In the end, he'd just made the choice to act on his own, realizing that it probably wouldn't matter much to Rachel whether he'd asked permission or not.

Then there was the matter of coming to terms with the fact that his own family would most likely not be attending the wedding, but Kenji found that this was easier to accept than he would have guessed.

Of course, none of this would matter unless Rachel said yes.

He could see her approaching now, her long hair being picked up by the light breeze as she walked towards him. Surely she could sense that something was going on. Kenji had done his best to keep up a normal demeanor this past week, and though he thought he'd done a good job, maybe she had seen through the act. She was perceptive, after all.

But she smiled as she reached him, and Kenji's worries evaporated.

He tried to clear his throat, which was dry, without her noticing. "Rachel."

"Kenji," she responded lightly.

"Why don't we walk for a bit?" Kenji suggested. Rachel nodded, and the two began making their way down the long stretch of sand.

Rachel was burning with curiosity, and she had to restrain herself from asking Kenji what this was all about. It wasn't the first time he'd asked her to meet him on the beach -- the two spent a lot of time there -- but something in his voice yesterday had clued Rachel in. This was big.

Kenji kept his gaze lowered, eyes trained on his bare feet as they left creases in the soft blanket of sand. How to start...

They were close to the water now, and every few seconds brought a wave that would soak their feet. The water was colder than usual, and Rachel jumped a bit as its iciness caught her off guard.

Kenji reached out and took Rachel's hand, pulling her to a stop. She raised an eyebrow, and he told her, "There are some things I need to say to you." Rachel nodded wordlessly, and Kenji cupped her face with one hand. "I love you."

Pleased but puzzled, Rachel smiled and responded, "I love you, too."

Kenji chuckled. "No, I wasn't finished." Rachel raised her eyebrows, and Kenji moved his hand down to take hers. "It'll make sense in a minute," he promised.

Quietly, he took a deep breath.

"Rachel... I was a mess when I came to Kalaupapa," he began. "You know that much. When I wasn't eating or sleeping, most of my time was split between getting in fights and trying to escape." He let out a short laugh, as did Rachel, as they both fondly recalled the first time they'd met.

Kenji's expression grew more serious as he continued. "I was certain that I had lost everything. My job was taken from me, my education was wasted, skills useless. I was taken from my home... we both know what it's like to lose everything you love." The ache in his voice matched the one in Rachel's heart.

"But the hardest part was leaving my family." Kenji sighed deeply. "I've explained to you how these things are for the Japanese... the shame I forced upon my parents, my brother, was unforgivable. The moment I was brought to Kalihi, I knew I'd never see them again. I thought any chance I'd had at happiness was gone." He paused. "Until I met you."

The corners of Rachel's lips curved upwards, but she waited to speak until Kenji had finished.

"I love you," he repeated, "more than anything else in the world, Rachel. I thought this disease had taken everything from me. And in a way, it did, but it also gave me more than I ever could have imagined. It gave me you." He paused again. "You are my family. You're the one who turned all this around. I don't know how long my life will be... but I do know that I want to spend the rest of it with you." He dropped her hand and sank down onto one knee, reaching into his pocket. "I can only hope that you feel the same way."

Rachel's hand flew to cover her mouth, and tears began to pool in her eyes as Kenji opened the small box to display a simple but beautiful ring. He looked up at her earnestly and asked at last, "Will you marry me?"

At first, Rachel couldn't speak, as hard as she tried. You have to tell him yes, you fool! she scolded herself. But all she could do was nod, her hand still clasped over her mouth as she now cried freely, until she finally found her voice.

"Yes," she choked. "Yes."

She fell to her knees in front of Kenji, beaming even as the tears continued to fall. He slipped the ring onto her finger, and she leaned forward and kissed him, feeling that all was right in the world as his arms encircled her.

Seconds later, they were interrupted as a wave crashed directly on top of them.

Rachel's jaw dropped in disbelief as she wiped the water from her face and watched Kenji do the same. His eyes were sparkling in quiet amusement. "I guess the tide's rising."

Rachel let out a joyous laugh and rose to her feet, pulling her new fiancé up with her. "There's a lot to do now," she said in realization. "I'll have to go talk to Francine... and Sister Catherine..." And I have a letter to write, she added to herself, thinking of her father and how happy he'd be.

Kenji nodded seriously. "Lots of planning, too." He squeezed her hand.

Rachel looked into his eyes and saw her future. His expression held relief, and even some anxiety, but these were both overshadowed by pure happiness. The following months would be hectic, but she was certain that with Kenji by her side, nothing could faze her.

Oh, how she looked forward to the day she could sign her name as Rachel Aouli Kalama Utagawa.

[inkspaz-blog]

"One More Day"

He stares at me with wide eyes, pleading wordlessly, terrified to return to the scene of the massacre.

"I don't want to go back to school," he whispers, his voice trembling.

I kneel down in front of the child and gather him in my arms. "I know." I fight to keep my own voice steady, but it wavers a little nonetheless. "You used to love going to school, remember? Don't you want to go see your friends again? And your teachers? I'm sure they've missed you."

The boy leans against me and sniffles quietly. "But Jake won't be there."

Jake, his best friend. Jake, caught in the wrong place at the worst possible time. Jake, who couldn't be saved. Jake, buried two weeks ago.

I cup the child's face in my hands. "I know you miss Jake," I say gently. "I know you miss the others, too. But you have to go back someday."

A tear makes its way from his left eye down to his chin, tracing a perfect arc across his cheek. My resolve isn't just tested -- it's shattered.

Surely there's no harm in one more day at home.

[inkspaz-blog]

"Fearing the Consequences"

Fanfiction: Battle Royale

Shinji x Chisato

Shinji had never woken up in this position before.

He opened his eyes, dazed, and they were immediately drawn to the girl lying next to him. Chisato appeared to still be asleep. Her eyes were closed, her lips slightly parted, and the rise and fall of her shoulders was slow and steady.

His memories of the previous night were still fuzzy, but Shinji was now alert enough to be surprised at his own position. One arm was draped over Chisato's slim figure, the other lying between them next to both of hers, and he realize that their legs were intertwined as well.

"Damn," he muttered to himself. This was certainly... different. As was the sudden thumping of his heart, but he did his best to ignore that, not wanting to think about what it might mean.

He absently stroked Chisato's long hair, which his hand had been resting on. She was different than most of the girls he knew -- her face had a quality that suggested innocence, and that was only reinforced by her quiet nature. Shinji had now seen a new side of her, of course, but there was still something about this girl that stood out to him.

He noticed an eyelash on her cheek and brushed it away softly. She stirred, and he removed his hand quickly, not wanting to wake her. He didn't know what he would have to face when he did. Would she be angry? Guilty? Resentful? Would she regret the whole thing?

The last thought made Shinji sigh deeply, and he found himself dreading having to face a conscious Chisato. He wasn't sure why the idea bothered him so much, so he pushed the feeling away, deciding that he'd deal with that issue when he had to, and no sooner.

I'll just see if I can go back to sleep. There. A course of action that he could stick to. Form a plan and execute it -- a routine he was familiar and comfortable with. He'd take that over dealing with emotions any day.

After he closed his eyes, he puled Chisato just a tiny bit closer to him.

Of course, that meant he missed the small smile the gesture brought to her face.

Shinji wasn't the only one lying awake, after all.