#but as far as i'm aware‚ this thing Kept Being Good | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

drinkingrumandcocacola · 20 hours ago

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I am home and ready to read. Cue me cracking my knuckles. Spoilers/ a wall of text under the cut ✨

Firstly, not Sunghoon and Luna getting put in the figurative get along shirt. The mental image has me giggling. And the wisteria rock? In my heart that soldier was Mingi (and I will scream if it was, because what in the Kyo and Tohru).

I don't know why I never considered the presence or lack thereof of Sunghoon's mom. I really am curious if she is aware of Luna's family (cough cough Lee cough cough) lineage. Speaking of Sunghoon, I really do wondering if he's just playing the long con. No one thinks twice about letting little things slip around idiots and/or inebriated people; I think it wouldn't be too far fetched to think that he's been gathering intel on his own. "You've got a lot of allies, and some of them are closer than you think." Now I'm wondering if Sunghoon is somehow working for the RV spies, or the Sirens, or some organization. Maybe he too was a pawn that decided they wanted to control the board.

Okay, I'm at the part where Seonghwa and Yunho are (rightfully) crashing out, and "Someone would still be making sure I make it out alive..." is making me think I might have been on to something with Sunghoon playing double agent. But that's just a theory, a Leaders theory 😉

"Daddy" Park reminiscing about President Han isn't giving me any vibes that she indeed his daughter...the opposite, actually. However, a new offshoot theory may be forming... I haven't thought it out, but I do wonder if it wasn't President Lee who asked Park to take Luna on....but perhaps President Han...hmmmm. We'll see if there's anything else to corroborate this. At this point, I ought to make a Charlie Day-esque theory board.

"Your...father..." OKAY ALRIGHT OKAY OKAY OKAY. THINGS ARE THINGING NOBODY PANIC.

So he....wants to make Luna his secretary....hmmmm... Obviously, that's not altruistic in nature. I also noticed that there was no mention of the photograph, which I only half expected to be on the desk. I know it was put up the last meeting we the audience were privy to, but I wouldn't have been surprised if he had kept it on his desk to fuck with Luna.

CHANNIE CHANNIE CHANNIE. I mean, I am completely normal about this. Obviously. Duh.

Your freaking MIND dude!!!! The code with just the drawing on the back of the business card? You are SO incredibly clever. And the way that you not only had Luna come up with it, but the way you had the boys figure it out? Your mind is an absolutely beautiful labyrinth.

Look at our girl, signaling and being sneaky, and running her mouth. I'm so proud of her.

OKAY I AM AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING WITH WENDY AND WHEN I TELL YOU I AM SCREAMING!!! Okay, reining it in. Taking a deep breath. Reading before I go insane. But before I do!!!! I hope you sat there and thought "Rennie is going to lose her shit".

I am....reeling, I think. I fucking knew ittttttttttttttt!!!!!! All the pieces, and the moving parts. You did SUCH a good job of sowing seeds without being too obvious. I am absolutely McShook, to be sure. Good googly moogly, I love love love your writing.

Ooooooh, a new player. I am absolutely thrilled. I grew up watching murder and non murder mysteries a like with my paternal grandfather and my mom. When I say I am eating this up with a spoon, I mean a big ol' soup spoon. I am loving watching this all unfold. I was already of a mind that fanfic authors are real authors, and every single time you post a new chapter, you reinforce that stance ten fold.

Oh my god please don't let the mole be Jaemin. I had a sneaky suspicion it could be Jaemin but I thought 'naur, that couldn't possibly be the case'. So if it IS the case, just know I'll be sending you the bill for all the tissues I'll use up from crying. Just in case, you know, you want to do any last minute plot revisions 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Okay, I'm officially done with this update, even though I'm gonna be spinning on it for a MINUTE. Thank you as always <3

The Leaders | Chapter XV

"lies, control, rules, numb, hatred, emptiness."

masterlist

ot8!ateez x f!reader, mafia au

chapter warnings: drinking, smoking, illegal businesses, mentions of war/military, drugs, gangs and corruption, mentions of assassination(s), anxiety.

chapter wc: 15.1k

chapter synopsis: you are now at the park mansion and sunghoon reveals that your allies are closer than you think. you officially meet president lee and he reveals his intentions regarding your position and asks you to prepare for a meeting with president kwon of halaland. trusting your allies, you subtly inform halaland’s president about foul play from president lee’s side. you send a message to the crescents regarding president kwon’s arrival, trusting that they arrange a meeting and sort things out. the crescents learn the truth about your background and the sirens from wendy. you receive your ring’s receipt from sunmi and the weight of the truth threatens to crush you.

prev chapter recap: you are a guest at the evening show with sunny at the eden channel where you introduce silver light, reveal its background and ties to the elites, and announce the analgesic that the crescent company has produced under the name sylunox. this creates a major shift in the political tide as the public starts to question if president lee and secretary park had kept this high quality analgesic from the common man. the crescents get together to celebrate and seonghwa reveals that assemblyman wi will be playing double agent. you go to edenary with jongho to follow-up on that and learn that the assemblyman’s family is under the president’s watch to keep him compliant. you offer him winter as someone who could protect his family and he decides to think over it. assemblyman wi reveals he found a photo of a baby in president lee’s belongings and the baby supposedly looks older than his late daughter. he will be looking into the possibility of another child. president lee makes a public broadcast announcing 15 spies caught who are to be executed publicly in the eden square but you learn from mr. ji that the 15 people are innocent and members of the sirens. it seems like only you have a chance of pulling some strings and saving them and you scramble to do so but realise that the only way is to accept secretary park’s orders and go back to him. still, you fail to protect the 15 lives and secretary park sympathises with you, finally taking off his mask and revealing he is as helpless as you, bound to compliance with a threat that he refuses to reveal. disturbed, you spend the night in jongho’s arms who eases your guilt. you go back to sector 1 to say your goodbyes and hongjoong comes to your apartment to check up on you. for the first time, you allow yourselves to be bare and vulnerable with each other.

Your room at the Park Mansion was just like you had left it.

It must have been cleaned out recently since it didn’t smell of dust and abandon. There was a faint scent of detergent in the air that was definitely coming from your sheets. They were the same old floral ones that you once loved.

You sat on the edge of your bed and ran your hands over the fabric, eyes darting around the room and stopping at the vanity. The perfume bottles had been arranged neatly with some new ones that you didn’t recognise– or perhaps, you didn’t remember. After all, it had been a solid seven years since you said your farewell to this space.

This room and this house had always been a cage. You were not allowed to leave the room in the presence of guests when you were young, and there were almost always guests in the Park Mansion. Sometimes, Sunghoon would lock you inside just to show you who was the boss. Sometimes, he would get locked inside with you when your father had enough of your squabbling.

Your room felt bigger than the last time you were here, though. Was it the passage of time that made it feel more spacious, or was it a newfound sense of liberty in you despite being caged here once again?

You sat on your vanity and checked your drawers, going through your old things– some jewellery, a few cosmetic products that you supposed were too old to be of use now, some random objects like stationery and letters, a few scribbles and sketches, and a few ornaments.

Something caught your eye, hidden in the strewn of objects in your drawer, a distant memory. You dug the small ornament out– pressed wisteria on a grey stone, polished over in protective resin. A smile tugged at your lips.

You received this during the war as a token of a soldier’s gratitude after you assisted in treating their injury. While you did not remember the soldier’s face anymore since it had been a day full of wounded soldiers, you carried this ornament around for the remainder of the war as if it were a good-luck charm.

You wanted to take it to Wonderland with you, but your departure had been so rushed. You missed it while packing your belongings and it was only after you saw the real wisterias in Wonderland that you felt a surge of relief. The ornament was not with you but perhaps, its luck found you in that foreign land.

One of the maids knocked at your door, alerting you of Secretary Park’s arrival. You were to join him for dinner so you gathered your wits and stepped out of your room. You had a role to play, and that was one of a prodigal child who had returned to repent.

In the dining room, Secretary Park was seated at the head of the table, his reading glasses perched on the tip of his nose and a concentrated frown gracing his forehead as he skimmed the newspaper. Sunghoon was at his left in his usual seat. Your spot awaited at his right.

You silently sat down, smoothening your clothes and ignoring the way your brother scoffed at the sight of you. You couldn’t blame him– you hadn’t shared a meal like this, as a family, in so long.

“Well,” Secretary Park removed his glasses and considered your presence. “Shall we begin dinner now?”

“Yes sir,” you answered and he began to fill his plate, you and Sunghoon following soon after. The scent of roasted potatoes and meat was nostalgic, helping ease the tension in your body as it settled into an old but familiar environment.

“Have you thought about how to proceed forward with your status in our future meetings?” Secretary Park inquired.

“I would like to keep going as Luna of The Crescent Company, since it's public knowledge that I’m a shareholder now,” you started. “As for my familial status, whatever you’d like.”

Secretary Park hummed in response. “Blood of mine working for a rival company is not a good look.”

“It’s not like anyone knows how we’re related,” you shrugged. “It’s all speculation.”

“People are no longer going to run on just speculations now,” the man said, swirling the red drink in his glass almost carelessly. “You’re not a child anymore. They are going to want to learn the truth.”

“Then tell them the truth,” you restrained a deep sigh. “If that is what you want.”

Secretary Park’s lips curled in a smirk. “The truth, huh?”

Silence settled over the table and Sunghoon grunted at the thick tension, muttering something about how all this talk was ruining his appetite.

“The truth is a strange thing, y/n,” Secretary Park said after finishing his meal. “Anything can pass as the truth as long as you cover your tracks and make it believable. You will continue to use the surname Jeon if anyone inquires about your background. Sunghoon’s maternal side has some Jeon-s. You’ll pass as a niece.”

“Right,” you muttered. Sunghoon’s mother. The poor soul would be tortured in a new way with your presence now, not that she was here to witness it. Apparently, after learning that you were returning, she decided that it was a good time to visit her family.

That, or Secretary Park had sent her away because he was afraid of her being loose-lipped. His wife had never done much regarding your case except express her dislike of the situation. Maybe it was out of love for her husband that she kept mum about you, or maybe she was threatened to. The latter didn’t seem unlikely now.

“We’ve got a lot to do in the upcoming days, but a formal introduction to President Lee is where we will begin since you’ll be accompanying me to the office sometimes,” Secretary Park said and your heart sank to your knees. “Be prepared tomorrow in the morning.”

“President Lee…” you swallowed the bitterness in your throat. “Is that really necessary?”

“It is, unfortunately,” Secretary Park sounded as bummed as you. “Just follow my lead and don’t speak too much. He’s… got a way with words. Don’t let it get to you.”

“Right,” you appreciated the heads-up. “Anything else?”

Secretary Park studied you for a few moments. “No. It’s good to have you back, though I wish the circumstances were… different.”

“You don’t have to lie,” you scoffed, unable to keep the resentment from your voice and Sunghoon chuckled at the exchange.

“She still gets riled up so easily, father. I’d love to hear how tomorrow’s meeting goes,” he wiped his hands and got up.

“Make her feel welcomed in the house, Sunghoon,” Secretary Park had the usual warning tone in his voice– a father’s voice. “You’re both grown up now, and I would appreciate it if you don’t quarrel like children anymore.”

“Yes sir,” you both replied simultaneously and Secretary Park left the room. You followed soon after, though Sunghoon was right behind your trail.

“The big meeting,” he mocked. “Our little girl is all grown up, going to see the president.”

You stopped in your tracks right in front of your room, turning and asking in the most nonchalant manner. “Is there something you need?”

“Is there something you need?” Sunghoon shifted his weight on one leg. “A dose of courage, a piece of luck? Maybe some dirt on the president?”

Well, that had your curiosity piqued. After his warning about Secretary Park seeing you soon came true, you were starting to take him a little seriously.

You silently opened the door for him and he entered, looking around in a habitual manner and poking at your stuff before finally taking a seat. You stood near the bed with folded arms.

“What do you have?”

“What do I get in return?” He asked, ever the businessman.

“What would you like?”

Sunghoon crossed his legs, mulling over your question. “Can I hold on to that?”

“As long as you don’t end up demanding something unreasonable, sure,” you shrugged. “Now, spill.”

“Hmm… Do you know why father only called you back now? After all this time, after letting you work under the Crescents and then with the Crescents?”

You shifted uncomfortably at his question. “I think the obvious answer is that so he could pull me out at my peak, like he did, in order to attempt to harm The Crescent Company? Or something along those lines?”

“That is the obvious answer, yes, but there’s more to it,” Sunghoon began, his eyes glinting in a manner that indicated that he was about to divulge forbidden knowledge. “What do you suppose that would be?”

“I really don’t know,” you said, unable to keep the exhaustion from your voice.

“He let you reach this point because he was aware that your Crescent boys will protect you.”

“That makes no sense,” you scoffed. “He tried to kill me multiple times. What was that? A test for the Crescents?”

“That was something else,” Sunghoon assured. “It wasn’t him– not always, and when it was, he didn’t mean to kill, just warn. Or test to see if the RV spies were still protecting you.”

So Sunghoon was aware of the spies. He seemed to be aware of a lot of things now and you were starting to wonder if that was the courtesy of Secretary Park or if he had been snooping around on his own.

“You’re saying that his big plan was to hope the Crescents would protect me when he calls me back?” You said, the statement sounding ridiculous to your own ears. “I’m here. The Crescents are back there, they won’t protect me.”

“We both know that’s a lie,” Sunghoon shook his head. “The Crescents are fiercely loyal. Father is aware that you’ll be playing spy during your tenure here, and he is perfectly fine with that. It would do you good to remember that, and to start looking at your situation from a different perspective. You’ve got a lot of allies, and some of them are closer than you think.”

Sunghoon got up and started to leave but you stopped him. There were too many questions at the tip of your tongue, but Sunghoon pushed your hand away in a very uncharacteristically gentle manner.

“Sleep over this. I can’t answer all of your questions.”

He left then and as you settled into your bed, you started to realise a few things.

In all those years spent apart, somewhere along the passage of time, Sunghoon had grown up. He was no longer the unpredictable angry son who switched between despising your presence or teaming up with you to revolt against your father. He was a true businessman now, exchanging information as long as he benefited in some way.

Was he finally acting like a brother? No, he was still the same. Back then, he had his moments where it felt like he did care just a wee bit, though your father made sure you kept your distance and his mother made sure you did not get along too much. Was this a carefully planned strategy for you to shoot yourself in the foot and get in everyone’s bad graces, which he would enjoy very much? It didn’t seem like the case this time. His claims had some depth to them.

The Crescents were protecting you. In sending you here, they had ensured your protection while they dealt with the President and the rest of their enemies in a true gangster fashion. They had taken things too far with the public executions, and the Crescents had taken upon themselves to restore order, even though they were the representation of contained chaos.

It was about a week ago when you sat in the office with Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Yunho to reveal that you had made your decision to join Secretary Park and to plan the next course of action.

For perhaps the first time, it was Hongjoong who understood why you had to go back. Seonghwa and Yunho were too frustrated and angry at the thought of letting you go back to think straight, and it took a lot of time and effort for the both of you to make them understand that this had to be done.

“I don’t support this,” Seonghwa announced. “President Lee is a dangerous man, Luna. Whatever he wields over your father, he has to comply. He could easily force you to take steps that you don’t want to take.”

Yunho agreed. “I can’t trust them to not do anything. If they just aim to damage our business, we’re fine with that– we can handle that. But they’ve gotten personal. We’re only lucky it was not us who were arrested and executed.”

“Secretary Park won’t let harm come to me, not like that,” you tried to reason and Seonghwa gave you a pointed look, the memory of the attack near the warehouse when you were still a bookkeeper still fresh. “If he needs me close to protect me and his family, I can cooperate. I owe him that much.”

“You don’t owe him anything–”

Yunho started but got interrupted by Seonghwa, “I personally wouldn’t believe a word that comes out of that man’s mouth.”

You looked at Hongjoong for help. You could tell that he could relate to his underboss and consigliere. He probably shared exactly the same sentiments.

“The decision is ultimately Luna’s,” Hongjoong said and the others agreed. “The RV spies always insisted that Secretary Park is not the real threat. If President Lee is the real threat, then that explains Secretary Park’s erratic behaviour.”

“But…” Seonghwa started, glancing at you and shifting almost uncomfortably. “Just because he’s family doesn’t mean he won’t attempt to harm her again.”

��I think I can handle that. Winter won’t be with me but I’m still under the protection of the RV spies, she claimed. Someone would still be making sure I make it out alive, for whatever reasons they’re protecting me,” you told them.

Winter and you had already come to an agreement. She would go to Sector 2 to protect General Wi’s family, and in return General Wi would cooperate fully with the Crescents and play the role of a double agent as best as he could. Winter ensured that the RV spies would be trying their best to protect you, even if you couldn’t see them. They had enough power to pull strings from anywhere, at any time.

“You will make it out alive, but will you be alright?” Yunho sighed deeply. “I’m worried about your well-being. You can go to protect your family, sure, but I won’t just sit back and let you suffer there on your own.”

You smiled earnestly at the man, always so willing to do anything for you. Always so willing to suffer for you. “You know that I’ll be doing everything in my power to protect you from there too. I guess we’re all going to be doing the same thing.”

“So it’s decided, then,” Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa. “Luna will go to the Park Mansion.”

“Your safety remains everyone’s top priority, including yours,” Seonghwa leaned forward, warning in his eyes. “If I hear that you’ve risked yourself to protect us, I will personally come to your house and set it on fire. I don’t care if Secretary Park or Sunghoon is inside.”

“Noted,” you said, stifling the urge to gulp.

“Don’t even think about contacting us,” Yunho said, his voice sounding forced. “If Secretary Park says no contact, that means no contact. We’ll keep an eye on you and we’ll proceed accordingly. If you’re caught making contact with us, it’ll be hard to protect you and you might… god, I can’t do this. Do you have to go?”

You nodded, understanding his frustrations. You squeezed his thigh in assurance and he covered your hand with his. “I won’t be writing letters or calling you. I’ll trust that the spies cooperate and you know everything you need to know. If there is something very important that needs to be conveyed… I’ll make sure it’s safe.”

“Please do,” Yunho rubbed his face, exhausted. “The boys are not going to like this.”

Silence settled over the room. You looked at Hongjoong and he nodded. There was nothing else that could be done. You all understood that you could not keep risking innocent lives anymore. You had already lost too many.

Even though you were here in Park Mansion now in order to protect your people, you could not forget the faces of those you could not protect. Since sleep was a blessing, it didn’t find you and you lay awake throughout the dark, lonely hours of the night without the warmth of one of the boys, or even the reassuring presence of your roommate Wendy nearby.

Never in your life did you think that you would one day step into the Eden Hall, office of the President and his team.

Situated inside the Eden Dome, a portion dedicated to the president and his team was referred to as the Eden Hall. It was the office of all the previous presidents after the monarchy was abolished about a century ago. The office was a myriad of teams accompanying their leaders with documents in their hands, in high spirits and trying their best to keep up. It was busy, but their liveliness improved the bleak appearance of the office.

Secretary Park was greeted at every corner. It was your first time accompanying him to the office so it was strange to see the young employees bow to him in respect, the elderly shaking hands and sharing brief hugs, acknowledging your presence in a warm manner too. You supposed that as a long-standing politician, he had probably guided and mentored a lot of people here.

The President’s Office was at the upper story, right underneath the blue dome. On the way to his office, you found the walls of the building decorated with frames of all the past presidents.

Right outside the President’s Office at the end of the corridor was the portrait of President Son Seokku, his 10 year tenure marked under it. Next to his portrait was President Han Hyojoo’s, a youthful face with a sense of immortality despite her short-lived era.

Secretary Park allowed you to observe the portrait for a few moments. You asked him if he was acquainted with President Han while she was alive.

“She was… a wonderful woman,” he admitted and you looked at him in surprise. It was unlike him to sound so genuine about someone, but perhaps, you had never cared to ask. “A great mind. She would have made great reformations to Eden if she were alive.”

“Isn’t President Lee supposed to be ‘fulfilling her legacy’ or something?” You quoted the term you had often seen the media and the president himself use.

“It’s all marketing,” he said matter-of-factly. “If President Han was alive to see what her husband has become… I’m glad she’s not.”

You had to agree. Straightening your gray plaid suit, you followed your father to the office, entering with a knock.

Secretary Im was already there, presenting a report to the man. Secretary Park steered you to the sitting area where the President was to join you in a few moments. You took in your surroundings– the room was all mahogany wooden carvings from the walls to the furniture, true to its royal background. The smell of jasmine lingered in the air.

When President Lee walked over, you got up and bowed in greeting. He gave you his trademark smile and urged you to sit down.

“So we finally meet,” he said, scanning you with great detail and extending his left hand. You thought that it was odd but you shook his hand with your own left hand. “Y/n.”

Secretary Park had told you that he was aware of your family background. It still didn’t help the queasiness that coursed through you as soon as your name spilled from his mouth.

And when he shifted your hand to inspect your pearl ring, grazing it with his thumb, your queasiness only worsened.

She looks just like her mother, he had said. Another man who knew of your mother’s identity and refused to reveal it.

“It’s an honour,” you said, even though those words tasted like bile.

“Your… father has been eager to have you back,” he looked towards Secretary Park who watched your exchange with an amused look of a man who knew too much. “I look forward to getting acquainted with you, y/n.”

“It’s Luna,” you corrected him.

“Luna of the Crescents, I’ve heard,” President Lee urged you to take your seat. “I don’t suppose you’ll be using that title for much longer. It doesn’t look good for either party if you do.”

“Well, the Crescents don’t mind my current… predicament,” you assured him, noting the darkness that flickered across his face. “Secretary Park doesn’t either.”

President Lee only smiled in response. “I’ve heard that you have quite the negotiation skills.”

“I suppose I have,” you nodded slowly, once again ticking the man off. He took a deep breath before he continued.

“I’ve talked with Secretary Park. I would like you to join us in our meeting with President Kwon of Halaland. It’s scheduled for the 24th of October.”

A moment of silence. “Is there a reason you’re asking me to join you? Because I don’t think my negotiation skills alone suffice or explain anything.”

President Lee considered that for a moment, taking a deep breath. “Hyung has been my secretary for five years now. It’s been… wonderful working with him. Our visions align and we’re able to see eye to eye on a lot of things.”

The audacity of this man to lie out of his teeth. You looked towards Secretary Park who was stifling a sarcastic grin, though his eyes betrayed him. After just learning from both your father and brother that the only reason Secretary Park was working under President Lee was because of something that bound them inevitably, forcing compliance, you were highly amused to hear the President lie about it now.

“I’m running for presidency again, as you must know,” he continued. “Considering the ratings, it is highly anticipated that I will be running for a second term, just like President Son did. I’m trying to keep my team in the office for this reason, but Secretary Park… would like to retire soon. I need a mind like his, someone who thinks like he does. Sunghoon would have been the only choice, but…”

But President Lee kept a close eye on you and realised that you were the better option.

President Lee was offering you to become his secretary once he wins the elections.

“I… I’m sure there is someone much more qualified than me who can fill in for Secretary Park, that is, if and when you win the elections,” you tried but President Lee looked sure of his choices.

“Secretary Park and I go a long way back. We’ve done a lot together, and we have… a lot of secrets. We’d like to keep our circle as small as possible. Secretary Park will still be operating from the shadows even after he retires, and from the shadows, he can only control his own child. Is that not right?”

“So I’m to be the substitute for my father and my brother. You want me to become your secretary,” you concluded. “I must remind you that I’m a Crescent now.”

“I’m sure that will benefit us in the long run too,” President Lee clapped in conclusion. “Now, on to the important things.”

The men talked about the direction of their meeting with President Kwon of Halaland, the points they needed to address and clarify. You tried your best to focus, but all you could really think about was how dangerous it would be if President Lee managed to win the elections again. And to think that this was why President Lee wanted you close? Because you were Secretary Park’s daughter, wholly aware of everything regarding Strictland, fully aware of all his sins and perhaps the only person who could be forced to comply as well?

He was going to regret this decision, you would make sure of it.

People with power were usually deluded into believing that power and control went hand in hand. It was not easy to master both. You could have power and not have control over the things around you, however, if you possessed control, you possessed power.

Those were Wendy’s last words to you before you said your goodbyes. You thought she said those things out of nowhere as you sat huddled against each other on the rug in front of the fire, cups of coffee in your hands when you explained your situation as best as you could.

“Big words,” you said in response. “Did you learn all about power and control in that awful office of yours?”

“Absolutely,” Wendy grinned. “Wise words from my mentor.”

You missed Wendy terribly. She understood your situation and didn’t ask if you really had to go, however, she offered to help you. She claimed that she could step in and scare your father away, in a very Wendy-manner with a hot poker. It resulted in the two of you joking until your sides ached from laughter.

You were wishing that you had taken up on her offer. Now would be a nice time to stab the President of Eden with a hot poker.

President Lee’s election campaign was taking place at a farmhouse situated west of Edenary. Today, the President was going to formally address his nation for the first time after the Eden Square executions which had created a division in the public. Some sympathised with the executed, wondering if the President’s intel was legitimate.

However, most were driven into silence. Most agreed with the President. Even the Sirens seemed to have lost their spirits. The supposed traitors’ personal information had not been shared with the public but the Sirens were cautious for all the right reasons. They couldn’t risk the safety of more Strictland deserters.

That must have been why the President seemed so at ease, unafraid of protestors suddenly swarming to disrupt his address. No one dared to, not after the stunt that he had pulled recently. He assured the citizens of Eden that the military operation had been fruitful so far and was expected to bring better results in the future to make Eden peaceful once again.

The farmhouse was filled with politicians. Most of them were inside the single story structure to avoid the cold, just like you. It was moody inside despite the bright lamps around the hall. You spotted Assemblyman Wi in a corner, interacting with a group of people with a drink in his hands. He met your eyes but you both feigned ignorance, having agreed that you were strangers to each other now. Assemblyman Wi couldn’t risk his family any further, and you could not risk his position as a spy.

Assemblyman Kim was also present, dressed in a neat navy blue suit, greeting everyone with his trademark sweet smile. You decided to watch him, waiting until the crowd cleared and Secretary Park separated from you before joining him outside near the buffet table.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Assemblyman Kim frowned but shook your hand in greeting warmly. “Someone has dressed to impress.”

“Believe me when I tell you, as pretty as this dress is, I will never touch it again,” you shivered despite the warm fur coat draped on your shoulders. Secretary Park had personally delivered this teal sleeveless gown to you as a ‘gift’ from President Lee.

You were too conscious of that fact and each brush of the fabric of this dress against your skin felt like it burned.

The only man you had ever received such gifts from was Kim Hongjoong, and you would like to keep it that way, you thought.

“I don’t see any of your partners,” Assemblyman Kim looked around once again for good measure. “Alone this time?”

“Sadly, yes,” you admitted. “With Secretary Park.”

“Secretary Park,” Assemblyman Kim repeated, considering you for a moment. “Have you switched your loyalties? I’ve heard a strange rumour recently…”

“I’m still Luna of the Crescents,” you said sharply but the man looked amused. “Things happened. I’m currently aiding Secretary Park with his duties, yes.”

Assemblyman Kim hummed in thought. “That is not a good look for a Crescent. Certainly not someone who implied about the misuse of a certain drug not too long ago.”

“Well,” you started. “If you paid attention to my speech, I think I also implied that these people have power and will do anything to keep this from blowing out of proportion. I seem to be the collateral.”

“How unfortunate,” the Assemblyman didn’t sound convinced.

“There are things that are not under my control,” you grabbed a glass of whiskey from a waiter who steered near you. “Sometimes, you’ve got to step into the darkness to counter the darkness.”

“I hope you don’t get lost,” Assemblyman Kim said earnestly. “I have high expectations of you and your boys after what I’ve heard from Mr. Ji. It’s a pity what happened at Eden Square though.”

“It truly is,” you said through gritted teeth, nearly losing your footing. “Pray for the damned.”

“Every day,” he confirmed. “You’ve got eyes.”

You turned around, noticing a somewhat familiar face and your eyes widened when you recognised the unexpected guest, who took your expressions as a sign that he was welcomed, joining you when the Assemblyman excused himself.

“What is a Crescent doing here?” Chan of Wolfgang asked, taking your hand and pressing a kiss on your knuckles in greeting.

“Shouldn’t you be in the shadows, Mr. Bang?” You countered, amused at the way he welcomed you. “I think you were meant for the spotlight, though. You’re… quite the show stealer.”

“I aim to impress today, just like everyone else,” he said pointedly. He looked incredibly handsome in a black posh suit with adornments on the lapels of the coat. “I heard business is booming.”

“Hardly,” you muttered. “I wouldn’t be here if it was.”

“Still, the pharmaceutical line is impressive, I’ll admit only to you,” Chan stepped closer as if letting you in on a secret. “You’re the only Crescent I can tolerate.”

“How lucky am I?” You smiled. An idea formed in your head and you asked, “Tell me… will you be returning to Sector 1 soon?”

“Tomorrow in the evening,” he confirmed. “Need a ride?”

“Nay, I need a messenger,” you said. “Can you deliver?”

“Of course,” he pressed his hand on his chest.

“No more of the rivalry between gangs?” You teased.

“Come on, we’ve been cooperating ever since the weapons project was put to a pause,” he reminded you and you grinned, wholly aware of the shift in the relationship with the gang. Wooyoung had made some of the Wolfgang members’ acquaintances and he claimed that they were warming up to him. Even if they were not, which could hardly be the truth considering it was Wooyoung wooing them, there was certainly an alliance now.

“Can you deliver this message to one of the Crescents then?” You asked, digging in your purse and producing your father’s business card. Chan frowned in confusion, turning it around to find cherry trees sketched on the back. “It is of utmost importance that you deliver it as soon as possible.”

“Your wish is my command, but… that’s hardly a message,” he said, though he slid the card into his pocket.

“A message only the Crescents will understand,” you said.

“Are you… not able to reach them at the moment?”

Your smile must have betrayed you, but you shook your head anyway. “Just some things that can’t be said on call.”

Chan nodded, noticing a gathering of business figures and offering to join him as he went to acquaint himself. You took up his offer, switching between him and Secretary Park for the remainder of the meeting. He did not seem to mind you interacting with the Crescents’ rival gang leader one bit.

So the evening ended, a sense of accomplishment in your heart. You hoped it would help drown out everything else you had heard about yourself at the farmhouse, but the voices were too loud and with the loneliness wrapping around your heart, you once again found yourself unable to rest.

What is a Crescent doing here after publicly announcing their enmity to the elites?

Do they think they belong with us? Do they think they have the right to stand where we stand?

Secretary Park’s niece? I heard that’s his illegitimate daughter.

Were the Crescents betrayed then? It would be amazing if that was the case.

If a Crescent is working for Secretary Park, we’ll be okay.

Two days later, Chan personally went to deliver the business card at the Crescent Office in Sector 1. He found Seonghwa and Yunho in the office and they heard all about his encounter with you, making sure you were alright and safe.

After the Wolfgang leader left, they inspected the card and quickly connected the dots. The painting you had made was one of the paintings in the storage room that was hanging on the wall to hide the locker behind it. Your first task as a bookkeeper when Jihoon had told you the key to the locker and instructed you to flee with the contents in case of a raid.

The duo waited until Hongjoong arrived at the office to discuss what your message meant.

“I think she is informing us of a raid?” Seonghwa suggested. “To hide all important documents?”

“But we’ve already done that,” Yunho reminded him. “The locker is pretty much empty– anything the police find in case of a raid will be useless.”

“I think you’re missing the point,” Hongjoong mused. “You have to ask, why use Secretary Park’s business card?”

“Because the matter is related to him,” Seonghwa said and the boss nodded.

“And you have to look at the painting carefully,” Hongjoong passed the card to the underboss. “Last I remember, the painting down in the storage only has cherry trees. Why did she add apple trees in between? Did she think we would not notice?”

“Apple trees…” Yunho was the first to understand, always sharp-minded. “Apple trees signify Halaland. Our biggest trade with Halaland is apples.”

“Someone from Halaland visits Secretary Park’s mansion,” Seonghwa connected the dots. “When?”

“1024,” Yunho was unable to contain his smile, proud. “The key of the locker– 24th of October.”

“Brilliant,” Seonghwa exhaled, clapping. “No one but us could have cracked this code.”

Hongjoong nodded, inspecting the painting. “It must be President Kwon then. He’s bound to meet President Lee after all that’s happened recently.”

“We must inform President Son then, or Mr. Ji,” Seonghwa said. “They are the only people influential enough to request their own meeting with the president of Halaland.”

“Let’s get to it then,” Hongjoong announced. “Let’s not let Luna’s efforts go to waste.”

President Kwon Sangwoo of Halaland arrived on the 24th of October at the Eden Dome for a meeting with President Lee.

His arrival was top-secret. Secretary Park had worked with Mr. Jang of Eden News to make sure that no media outlet reported his arrival. The public were not to get even a whiff of this meeting. When Mr. Jang learned that you, a Crescent, was aware of the president’s arrival, he was sure to remind Secretary Park of the limitation of his network, given that his partner Mr. Ju Jihoon was found collaborating with the Crescents in recent months.

The President was humble enough to arrive with minimal but the best security, passing as just another politician or important figure. Hardly anyone looked twice in his direction and President Lee’s team was quick to surround him as they led him to the office.

Inside the office was President Lee, Secretary Park and yourself, anticipating the arrival and going over the terms once again. You were under strict orders to cooperate. You had little choice not to, and it felt like you were once again on the rooftop of the building watching the masked victims of the Eden Square execution get in line. How was President Kwon going to be any different from those victims? President Lee was planning to trap him from every corner, and you had no idea where President Kwon’s loyalties lied– with his nation Halaland, or with the elites of this continent who were vouching for the success of the Strictland nuclear programme.

President Lee greeted President Kwon and thanked Secretary Im for accompanying the Hala president here. She took a seat beside President Kwon’s secretary who was a middle-aged man.

The two leaders of their respective nations sat across from each other. Secretary Park was seated next to President Lee, sort of a middle-man and you were shadowing him.

Once the introductions were done and pleasantries were exchanged, President Kwon took the initiative and said, “I’ve been hearing about a certain major of my nation frequenting here a lot. Unofficial visits, even.”

“Major Sung,” Secretary Park replied. “We go way back, long before he was a major and I was a secretary. We’re making retirement plans. Perhaps, a vacation house by the sea to reminisce over our career.”

President Kwon didn’t sound convinced. You looked towards Secretary Im who remained with a stoic expression, her eyes betraying nothing.

You’ve got a lot of allies, and some of them are closer than you think, Sunghoon had said.

Taking a leap of faith in an unexpected someone, you subtly shook your head no, indicating that Secretary Park was lying. Secretary Im saw that and let it slide.

Since you were standing behind Secretary Park and President Lee, they didn’t notice anything amiss. However, President Kwon looked at you very casually, continuing with his conversation. “It does not look good for a Hala Major to frequent the Eden Presidential Office so often just to make retirement plans. I’m not unaware of the Strictland Nuclear Operation and your involvement in that region.”

“Well, as a nation that borders Strictland, it is only natural that we keep up with the happenings in the region,” President Lee spoke in a light tone. “Our involvement goes as far as keeping up with the times.”

“So you send your troops and station them at the border. Is that not a call for a fight?”

“Absolutely not,” President Lee assured, but you were quick to shake your head yes very slowly, very subtly. Though President Kwon didn’t meet your eyes this time, you were sure he noticed. “As you must know by now, we’ve been carrying out an operation. We fear that our people have betrayed us and are selling information to other nations. We’ve only stationed our troops to inspect the travellers.”

“You’re assuming the nation in question is Halaland,” President Kwon looked amused.

“It’s only natural of us to suspect Halaland, but we’ve stationed our troops at the Utopia and Wonderland borders too,” Secretary Park tried. “We don’t claim that Halaland is involved.”

“So those people you executed recently,” President Kwon asked. “Who were they selling information to? Or whose orders are they acting upon? Are you sure those people are from Eden?”

“That…” President Lee began after a moment of silence, “is confidential information, I’m afraid.”

President Kwon crossed his legs in satisfaction. His point had been made. You, however, took note of his last question.

“The Strictland Nuclear Operation is a programme that never should have begun,” you stepped in. “Strictland is a part of Halaland. It is your own people that started this operation under everyone’s noses. They are the ones who reached out to the ‘elites’ of this continent. What matters now is the stability of this continent. An aggressive approach from either side would do no good.”

“Is it not your president that means to rile us up? You cannot convince me that the troops stationed are not for infiltration into Strictland and to gain control of that territory. If there is a nuclear operation, it is Halaland who can announce it to the International Defence Court since Strictland is not a recognised nation.”

“Here is how it is going to be,” Secretary Park leaned forwards. “We could end up reporting this illegal activity to the International Defence Court ourselves. You can imagine the consequences– you will lose all power over the Strictland territory and all operations and personnel will be seized. Or you can let our troops march into Strictland without making any noise and we can share the goods.”

There was a stagnant pause in the air as President Kwon considered the secretary’s words.

“If you end up reporting to the IDC yourself, it’s going to be considered as Halaland violating the terms of the Treaty of the Eight Hills. You could end up losing everything you have worked for. If both the nations in question report to the IDC together, the Treaty of the Eight Hills itself would be dissolved since the treaty was created to solve our feuds in the first place.

“We could both be nuclear nations, the leaders of this continent. The IDC won’t attempt to stop us if we’re united on this front,” President Lee hummed in conclusion. “It’s pretty simple.”

President Kwon looked grim. “You have cornered me and there is only one way out. You want me to take that way out, but it will result in stripping me of the honour I have for myself, for my people. You’re claiming this is the only way?”

While Secretary Park and President Lee nodded in agreement, you shook your head no. President Kwon seemed to understand. He got up and straightened his clothes.

“I will get back to you in a few days. I need time to think over it, and the troops better remain stationary in the meanwhile.”

“Of course,” President Lee wore the smug smile of a man who had won.

You looked towards Secretary Im. She shared a subtle nod with you and you felt relief in your bones.

Secretary Im had approached you right before the meeting in the tea room and requested you to warn the President of Halaland in whatever way that you could.

“My options are limited,” you said. “I will risk exposing myself.”

“I think the risk is worth it,” Secretary Im replied. “As long as President Lee does not get a whiff of anything, you’ll be fine. He’s your only enemy.”

“What about Secretary Park?” You asked, baffled by her admission.

“It does not matter if he finds out. He has lost this war, but he’s making sure that I remain on the winning side,” Secretary Im smiled cryptically. “We’re relying on you tonight. Let’s see if you live up to your name, Luna of the Crescents.”

You would never have agreed to Secretary Im’s request were it not for Sunghoon’s constant loitering presence around you making sure you were ‘doing a good job replacing him’. Usually, you tried your best to lock him out of your room or call Mr. Butler on him, but sometimes the two of you would stay after dinner, after Secretary Park would call a night. An exchange of information never hurt anybody.

Sunghoon was somehow more than willing to divulge. You were not sure if he was trying to trick you or get into your good graces for some reason– and if that were the case, was he afraid of what the Crescents would do once you were able to leave?

He usually resorted to helping you sort your thoughts out and filling in the gaps about President Lee in a very uncensored manner since it was public knowledge about the demon of a man that he was, but in the previous two days, Sunghoon was slipping some hints about Secretary Im.

When Secretary Im approached you today, you were not surprised because you almost anticipated this. Sunghoon told you about how Secretary Im helped him with his drug addiction a lot, making sure he stayed out of trouble. You were aware that Secretary Park probably assigned some babysitting duties to the poor girl but you were starting to wonder if Secretary Im and Sunghoon had some… history.

Sunghoon knew far too much about the woman. While briefing and updating you about the President’s team, he told you the same thing– that Secretary Im liked to be on the winning side. He said that the moment she would realise that President Lee was going to lose, she would switch sides. She was loyal to no one but herself.

You could use that. She could make for another unexpected ally.

You just had to be sure that this was not yet another trap.

Nobody ever came to the apartment where Wendy lived for several reasons.

To anyone who was aware of Wendy’s identity as an RV spy, no one dared to interrupt her in her off-duty hours. They knew better.

To anyone unaware, it was hardly anyone other than the landlord. None of the two residents of this apartment knew many people in this town personally, so no one ever visited this apartment.

Except when the knock sounded in the late hours of the evening, an unexpected guest, Wendy paused in the middle of reading the newspaper, set her coffee down and went to the kitchen to get the gun that was taped under one of the base cabinets. She loaded it, making sure the magazine was full.

Tucking the gun behind her body, she opened the door just a crack, frowning to see not one but three of the Crescents standing at her doorstep with grim faces.

“I do not recall hosting a housewarming party,” Wendy said, opening the door and letting them inside. Better to get the job done in some privacy then outside for the landlord or another unexpected guest to see, though she supposed that if they wanted to kill her, they wouldn’t have done it here of all the places.

But a spy could never be too prepared, her mentor always told her.

“We’re not here to off you, you can put your gun back,” Yeosang almost lost his demeanour at the sight of Wendy’s tucked arm, a tinge of amusement in his voice.

“I’ll keep it with me, thank you very much,” she said, waiting until the men settled on the sofa. “I suppose you’ve finally connected… some dots?”

Seonghwa and Hongjoong looked at each other, exchanging an unspoken message just like spies did before Seonghwa spoke.

“We’ve just found out that the pearl ring Luna wears belongs to the Han family. It was purchased by Han Hyojoo’s grandmother and was passed down to the daughters in the family.”

Wendy restrained a smile. “There’s nothing strange about Luna wearing the ring.”

Hongjoong cursed under his breath. “If Luna is President Han’s daughter, who is the father?”

“Why, of course her husband. She was never an infidel.”

The men exchanged glances, their suspicions confirmed and the gravity of this revelation threatening to crush them. A lot of the things still did not make sense to them, and they were here to find the answers to their questions.

“It’s going to be a long night, boys,” Wendy finally put her gun down on the table and smiled at the stricken faces. “Tea?”

The boys didn’t respond but Wendy got up anyway and steered towards the kitchen to set the water boiling and think about how to break the background of their newly discovered truth to them. Since Wendy had been instructed to never reveal Luna’s family background, she was under no obligation to not clear the confusion of the Crescents given that they discovered her identity by themselves.

So Wendy got comfortable and opened the pandora of the secrets over some chamomile tea.

“y/n is the child who supposedly died back in 1942, a few months after her birth. When President Han gave premature birth to y/n, the mother and the baby were separated for treatment. It was a time when she showed a lot of political promise, and at that time, Lee Jinwook was just a businessman trying to weasel his way into politics. When he learned that his wife was entertaining the idea of leaving the political scene to focus on her family, something must have switched off in Lee Jinwook’s head. He made the monstrous decision to separate the child from the mother forever.”

“How could he do that?” Yeosang asked. “He had no power to make it happen back then.”

“He didn’t, but he had Major Sung backing him. At that time, the two had met up several times through Han Hyojoo and were already partnering to speed up the Strictland nuclear ops. He also had Secretary Park who made sure the act played out seamlessly. The baby was only a few months old. You could easily switch the baby– it wasn’t as if the mother would recognise her child when she hadn’t even had the chance to hold her baby in her arms.”

“That is…” Seonghwa sucked in a breath, flabbergasted by the revelation. “Cruel. Downright cruel.”

Wendy agreed. “All Lee Jinwook had to do was be a good actor, and we all know that he excels in that department. Hyojoo was too livid at the thought of losing her child that she loved so much. She could never have imagined what happened behind the scenes. Secretary Park and Major Sung made sure that anyone who could recognise the baby was silenced.”

“Why did they help Lee Jinwook?” Hongjoong asked. “He was just a man. It’s not like he could have threatened them or forced them–”

“Oh, but he did,” Wendy sighed. “Major Sung was his partner, but Secretary Park… most of his actions are forced compliance. Lee Jinwook had already come up with the blueprints of the future– in his vision, he was supposed to have his wife become the president of Eden. The Han family has political background and all the connections that he needed to become a great man. He intended to exploit them, to wring them dry, except that his plans were delayed when the birth did not go smoothly. He had assumed that his wife’s ambitions to make Eden a better place for the next generations would be fuelled after she had her own children, but motherhood changes a lot of things. When his plan started to crumble in front of his eyes… he had to get rid of the distractions.”

“He could have done something else, taken another route,” Hongjoong almost spat. “To pretend that his own child died…”

“He did what he thought worked the best for him. He would have killed his own child, I’m sure. It was Secretary Park who saved the little soul and convinced him to not actually kill her. Once he gave that idea, Lee Jinwook made sure that he carried it out. He was to raise his daughter under the pretense that she was his illegitimate child by an affair. If he didn’t cooperate, that monster along with Major Sung would have made sure to wipe Secretary Park and his family to erase all evidence of their foul play.”

Yeosang whistled. Was he supposed to sympathise with Secretary Park now? “So Secretary Park had to raise y/n. I guess it makes sense– if she was in an orphanage, she would have been out looking for answers in no time. This way, President Lee would have been at peace knowing his child was near. Why involve her in politics, though? Why not… I don’t know. Send her to a posh school and make a lady out of her like the elites do, have her learn to stitch and bake instead of how to kill and maim? She could have been married to another elite boy and be living a typical life.”

Wendy scoffed. “That was Secretary Park’s idea of revenge. To make Luna into a weapon who would eventually take her own father down.”

“Oh, heavens,” Seonghwa cried out. “He is one meticulous bastard.”

“He is,” Wendy shook her head. “He is the one who gave Luna the pearl ring, knowing that the RV spies are in debt to the Han family and are bound to protect them. Once we spotted her wearing the ring, we knew that we could intervene, only as much as to protect her from harm.”

“Why could you not expose the wrongdoers if you are bound to protect the Han family?” Hongjoong inquired. “Or does President Lee hold something over you lot too?”

Wendy shifted uncomfortably. “We weighed our options and decided that the peace of this continent, however flawed, mattered more than an incomplete revenge.”

“That’s a sugarcoated way to say that Lee Jinwook outsmarted the RV spies.”

“What of the attacks that Secretary Park orchestrated to harm Luna?” Seonghwa asked after shooting a warning glance at Hongjoong who was currently locked in a staredown with the spy.

“He never meant to kill her,” Wendy sighed, shifting her attention to the underboss. “Only to keep her attentive to him, and to make sure President Lee knew that he very well could end up killing his daughter if he wanted to. Secretary Park wasn’t meant to be a man who could be controlled. It was Lee Jinwook’s shortcoming to not have noticed that.”

Hongjoong nodded, carefully considering all the elements in this story. “He gave Luna the ring when Han Hyojoo was alive. Did he want her to find out?”

“I like to think that he did,” Wendy admitted grimly, a wistful smile creeping on her lips. “I think Luna must have mentioned the 1963 party at Park Mansion, right before she left for Wonderland when Hyojoo found her. A stranger with her ring on their hand– that’s who Luna was to Hyojoo. However, call it maternal instinct, she started to look into her. She wanted to ask about the ring, about her name, her identity. She did it secretly, of course. Not even trusting the RV spies– she called her cousin for this matter, and thus the foundations of the Sirens were laid.”

“Cousin,” Seonghwa repeated. “Ji Chang Wook is Han Hyojoo’s cousin?”

“Maternal cousin, yes,” Wendy confirmed. “They stay very much out of the political scene, but when Hyojoo shared her suspicions, Mr. Ji did what he could, except Jinwook got a whiff and had Hyojoo assassinated soon after. It was killing a few birds with one bullet. With his wife’s death, he made sure his image remained pristine. He easily won the elections, and he reminded Secretary Park of what would happen if he tried to expose his daughter’s identity like that.”

“Why not kill the Sirens then?” Yeosang asked. “Save himself from all the trouble that is brewing now?”

“If he killed Mr. Ji, he would have declared war on us,” Wendy reminded him. “Mr. Ji’s family may be out of the spotlight but they are still part of the Han family and we are bound to protect them from harm. We failed to protect Han Hyojoo, but that only made us more determined to protect the rest of the bloodline. Besides, the Sirens wouldn’t take the death of their leader lightly. To them, Mr. Ji is their saviour. You must know by now that the Sirens is mostly comprised of Strictland deserters. They already lost Hyojoo…”

“Did President Han know about Strictland too?” Seonghwa asked, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Is that what you are implying?”

“That is exactly what I’m saying. She initially contacted her cousin to help find his daughter but as she looked into her husband, she found out about Strictland. She could not ignore the forced labour that goes on in there. Some of the people forced to work in the Strictland Nuclear Base are from Eden too.”

“You said that Hyojoo initially formed this group to find her daughter,” Hongjoong regarded the spy with interest, waiting for an explanation.

“And Ji Chang Wook found her and knew of her since a while ago. Yet… the Sirens remain active without intervening on Luna’s behalf. Maybe Luna isn’t their primary focus now, yeah? Afterall, she is safe. She has been doing well.”

“So Mr. Ji is a revolutionary at heart. Interesting. What is the debt that you owe the Han family anyway?” Hongjoong asked.

“A blood debt… if you can call it that,” Wendy wasn’t going to reveal anything, that much was clear to Hongjoong. “Let’s just say they saved our mentor’s life, and she doesn't like to be indebted to anyone.”

Hongjoong nodded. “Now President Lee wants his daughter back?”

“He’s not going to tell her anytime soon. It’s Secretary Park who will slowly break the truth to her. He understands that the only person who can take down that monster is his own blood. He’s carefully laid out his big plan, made his moves and now he aims to surround the king of the board with his knight.”

The boys shifted uncomfortably at the thought. They could not imagine the devastation their partner would feel after learning the truth about her identity.

“Does anyone else know?”

Wendy shook her head. “I suppose you should confirm the facts with President Son and Mr. Ji. It would be easier to work together with no secrets among each other.”

“I expect you will cooperate with us then,” Yeosang began. “President Lee is a monster and will not hesitate to harm his own blood if the need arises. Luna needs to be back here, safe with us before she tries anything.”

“There are too many elements in question now,” Wendy bit the tip of her thumb in thought. “If we’re going to work together… let’s orchestrate a plan to bring the president of this nation down.”

Prosecutor Bae Doona always thought that her homeland Eden was corrupted at its very core, but the past few weeks really stressed the idea that something was very, very wrong with the people running this country.

As an avid reader of history and politics pre-democracy, she had extensively studied the laws of this country during the time of the monarchy. That was well about a hundred years ago and since then, a lot of alterations had been made to the law in order to accommodate the changing times. Every president of Eden after the monarchy made their own changes or manipulated the law to their advantage.

However, nothing could have prepared the prosecutor for the news of the publicly executed fifteen ‘traitors’ right at Eden Square.

While the prosecutor was not alive at the time of the monarchy, she was aware of the significance of Eden Square. The royalty had their family house in Sector 2 but the Eden Dome was where they resided. It was their house and their office.

The Eden Square had hosted a lot of festivities during their time. This was where the last princes and princesses of Eden grew up and played around the three-tiered white fountain that was now worn out with age. This was where their wedding parties were held, the square full of life and joy. This was the place where they were courted during open-air balls. This was also where the monarchy would interact with its people and listen to their woes and sorrows with stalls of fresh bread and ale to keep them fulfilled.

When Prosecutor Bae heard about the Eden Square as the chosen spot for the public executions of the alleged traitors, she thought that it was a joke. There was no way the young, somewhat promising president of Eden was going to taint the memory of that deeply historical site like this. If the execution was to take place here, this would be all that Eden Square would be remembered for in the coming times.

However, the execution took place. The blood of fifteen people tainted the memories of that site forever. Eden Square, once the symbol of life was now reduced to a place of death. It didn’t matter if the fifteen people were actually traitors. They could be worse, but Eden Square should not have been the spot for their public execution.

Heck, a broadcast execution was not necessary. They could have been dealt with in prison and the news of their execution would have been enough to scare whoever the president wanted scared.

“If you stare at your cup any longer, it might shatter,” Prosecutor Cho Yihyun finally commented after observing her superior for a few moments.

Prosecutor Bae blinked and looked up at her young assistant and then back at the newspaper that recounted the recent execution.

“I was reading,” she picked the edges of the newspaper between her fingers as she said.

“You’ve been memorising, more like,” Prosecutor Cho refrained from sighing. “Anything of interest? Any observations?”

“I was just thinking…” Prosecutor Bae shifted in her seat, facing the assistant who sat on her left across the room. “I was just thinking about how the Eden Crime Court must be handling the case of these spies. Surely, the President must be working with a team of prosecutors from the ECC. This could not have been a consequence of his private investigation… right?”

“I’m hearing that it is, in fact, very private,” Prosecutor Cho narrowed her eyes with interest. “Do you miss your time back at the head office?”

“Being an independent prosecutor is boring work. Just a handful of us here. It was always very lively there, I’ll give them that,” Prosecutor Bae said with a faint smile on her lips. “Though… it was hard being a person with some morality there, as is anywhere. There is a reason they won’t let me go, you see. I’m still their ace prosecutor.”

“It’s hard being a person with morality anywhere,” Prosecutor Cho did sigh this time, loud and clear. “Inspector Gong is a prime example of what happens to people with morality. Poor Inspector. Bet he was also an ace in his branch.”

“He is anything but poor,” Prosecutor Bae smiled knowingly. “He never stopped snooping around. I’m just waiting for him to reach his conclusion one day. Without my help.”

“Did you ever think about taking that case?” Prosecutor Cho asked. “President Han’s case, I mean.”

“I don’t like meddling in unwanted territories unlike the Inspector. Had someone reached out to me, I might have actually considered it.”

The sound of the door chime alerted the ladies who straightened and pretended to be busy with work instead of gossip. A routine habit now. Nobody wanted to walk into a private prosecutor office to find the said prosecutors with no cases.

“Good evening, prosecutors,” a young lady greeted them and Prosecutor Bae looked over her reading glasses to scan the oddly familiar woman. She appeared as refined as one could be, in a posh three-piece suit and an expensive looking golden wristwatch. The woman’s hair fell neatly over her shoulders. In her hand was a black file folder.

“Good evening,” the prosecutors greeted back and Prosecutor Cho urged the potential client to take a seat. The client took one of the empty seats in front of Prosecutor Bae and Prosecutor Cho joined them.

“I am Prosecutor Bae and this is my junior, Prosecutor Cho. Please introduce yourself.”

“Just the two of you here today?” the woman asked.

The prosecutors exchanged looks. Someone had done their checks. “Today, yes. Prosecutor Nam is on leave for a few days.”

“Perfect. The less the merrier,” the woman clasped her hands and smiled widely. “I’m Wendy from Sector 1.”

Prosecutor Bae made an impressed face at the lack of information that introduction held. Wendy recognised that look very well.

“Who I am does not matter,” she explained. “I’m merely a middleman of sorts for my actual client. Kim Hongjoong.”

“Kim Hongjoong,” Prosecutor Bae repeated. “Are you perhaps referring to Kim Hongjoong of The Crescent Company?”

“The one and only,” the woman smiled and something about the curl of her lips unnerved Prosecutor Bae. “I understand that you prioritise confidentiality in the utmost regard, hence why I revealed my client right away.”

“Otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere.”

“Right. Kim Hongjoong extends an invitation to meet with himself and his partner for this case, whose identity you will learn upon arrival. The location will remain undisclosed as well and I will be escorting you and your assistant to the site myself.”

“You’re assuming that I will accept without any explanation or understanding of this case,” Prosecutor Bae took off her glasses so the woman could properly see the frown gracing her features. “I am far too old for this drama. If Mr. Kim requires consultation, he can come here himself like a proper client. I do not discriminate among my clients.”

“I know that very well. The ace prosecutor of Eden Crime Court,” Wendy cocked her head and Prosecutor Cho concealed her smile with an awkward cough. “Well, what I can give you is that we’re waging war against the President of Eden with this case. Since most of the Eden Crime Court seems to be covering up the recent happenings, we reached out to the one person who would question these events.”

Prosecutor Bae watched Wendy slide the documents on her table away until the newspaper that she thought she had carefully concealed was in plain sight with a painfully large photo of the bloodied fountain in Eden Square. The Prosecutor narrowed her eyes. It couldn’t be…

“Do you accept the invitation? There is no going back once you do.”

“What say you, Yihyun?” Prosecutor Bae asked her assistant. “Up for an adventure?”

“I quite like the silence lately, but I reckon with someone of your standing, it can never be too quiet here,” Prosecutor Cho commented and Wendy lightly chuckled. Prosecutor Cho looked at the strange woman. “We’re still prosecutors from Eden Crime Court. If we get orders from our superiors to back out at any point, we will have no choice but to obey.”

“Your client– the undisclosed client– holds quite the high ranks himself. I’m sure your superiors from the court will not be allowed to meddle, that is, if they learn about this investigation in the first place.”

“You mean that we are to keep from reporting this to the headquarters?”

“Exactly,” Wendy said and got up, opening her folder and taking out a single page. “Confidentiality. I will require your signatures. Please make your decision right away so I can make further arrangements.”

“I don’t like this,” Prosecutor Bae took the paper and gave it a read, finding it a typical confidentiality agreement document. She shared a knowing look with Wendy and then reluctantly, but with no doubt in her heart that she was once again on the path of morality, she signed the document. Wendy smiled in farewell before she left.

“No clue about how to contact this woman and where to meet her… how strange,” Prosecutor Cho looked in Wendy’s direction until she disappeared. When she looked back at her senior, she found her smiling. “I know that smile. What was on that document?”

“Nothing at all, yet everything I needed to know,” Prosecutor Bae said. “Tell me… when people hear my name, they are usually aware that I was President Son’s legal advisor for most of his term, right?”

“Almost everyone, yes,” Prosecutor Cho agreed. She remembered hearing about Prosecutor Bae as a student. Her role model, the young female legal advisor in the presidential office was quite the topic back in her days. Now she had the honour to work with her.

“President Son is aware of how meticulous I am, especially about the details others would miss at first glance. He often joked about how I should be working in forensics,” Prosecutor Bae chuckled darkly. “I’m sure he would have known that I would recognise the very specific kind of paper, ink and font, the combination that only he uses. Didn’t even need a stamp.”

Prosecutor Cho frowned in confusion.

“Prepare for a meeting with President Son, dear,” Prosecutor Bae smiled, an unusual spark of life in her otherwise monotonous eyes. “It’s a former president against the current president. Inspector Gong would have been ecstatic to hear this.”

Prosecutor Bae did not think that Inspector Gong would be the very first person she would see at the meeting point with her latest clients. He looked far too happy to be here, an odd expression to wear when they were gathered to discuss something so grim. Prosecutor Bae glanced at her assistant who was staring at the inspector in disbelief.

“You were right,” Prosecutor Cho said. “Inspector Gong really is ecstatic to hear about this.”

Prosecutor Bae could not help the chuckle. Inspector Gong seemed to have been notified of her arrival since he walked rather pompously towards them, as if boasting the fact that he was here before them. That he knew more. He sauntered towards them and Prosecutor Bae clicked her tongue in mild annoyance.

“Is the Crime Court aware that one of its most revered prosecutors is on her way to solve a case against their sponsor?”

Prosecutor Bae extended her hand and he shook it, extending the greeting to Prosecutor Cho as well. Prosecutor Bae put her hands back in the pockets of her coat before responding.

“Is the sponsor– the President– aware that the very detective he demoted because he was meddling in his personal affairs, is now back for vengeance with the status of a mere inspector?”

Inspector Gong tried to shake the embarrassment off with a crooked grin. “Didn’t have to get personal like that.”

“You started it–”

“Oh, look,” Prosecutor Cho attempted to create a distraction. “That Wendy woman is here.”

That Wendy woman looked right at home in Lady Kim’s vacation house in Sector 3, to the point that Prosecutor Bae wondered if she was somehow related to Lady Kim or President Son. She was dressed too casually to be one of their house staff who seemed to have a dress code, and the Prosecutor did not miss the weapons belt that she wore on her waist and right over her boot. Upon asking, she learned that she was not anyone’s guard, which made the amount of weapons on her strange.

The prosecutors were led to the veranda where Kim Hongjoong and Park Seonghwa were already present, along with the hosts and a middle-aged man that Prosecutor Bae did not recognise.

Everyone exchanged greetings and settled down but it wasn’t until Assemblyman General Wi arrived in the room that the atmosphere shifted as he regarded the unknown man’s presence.

“Ji Chang Wook,” Assemblyman Wi called and Mr. Ji smiled at him. “What is the leader of a rebel party doing here?”

“It’s an odd combination of people here, I must admit,” Prosecutor Bae started and Prosecutor Cho, who was seated on her side, hummed in agreement. “Assemblyman Wi and President Son in one room with The Crescents and the Sirens. Who would’ve thought?”

“There are people, some alive and some dead, who are to be credited for gathering us like this,” Lady Kim smiled knowingly. “I trust you are aware that we are mainly gathered because of President Lee’s recent actions, or missteps as I would like to call them.”

It seemed like the people present in the room were familiar with Lady Kim’s judgement of Eden’s current president. Nobody seemed to be surprised to hear the former first lady speak so boldly of the current president. In fact, President Son was trying hard not to smile like a proud man in love. Lady Kim looked at her husband in warning and he straightened, pursing his lips and making the rest chuckle, helping the tension in the room dissolve.

“I am aware, yes,” Prosecutor Bae was thoroughly amused at the exchange. “I’m aware that there seems to be a deeper connection of the recent events with what’s been happening, especially involving the Sirens. How the Crescents or the Assemblyman are related to this case, I’m not quite sure.”

“Doona, as an old acquaintance and friend,” President Son began, leaning forward. “I require your help. President Lee aiming to annex Strictland and declare it a nuclear state is the crux of this matter. He’s done too much in the process of getting here, which includes the assassination of his own wife, though we have no evidence to prove that anymore, and… faking the death of his own child. As well as the recent execution of 15 innocent members of the Sirens.”

“Bold claims,” Prosecutor Bae exchanged a look with her assistant who seemed pale. “Faking the death of his child? Where’s the proof?”

“The child itself is the proof, alive and well,” President Son revealed. “You may recognise her as Luna of the Crescent Company.”

Prosecutor Cho grunted in discomfort as she tried to process the news while Prosecutor Bae met eyes with the Crescents who sat straight and unyielding. She had been following the news regarding the Crescents with much interest, and suddenly, some dots were starting to connect.

However, Assemblyman Wi and Inspector Gong looked perhaps as surprised as the prosecutors. Inspector Gong was clenching and unclenching his fist, looking as if he wanted to say something but kept holding back. The Assemblyman was muttering curses under his breath and asking for an explanation.

Wendy took the liberties of explaining in a sequential manner everything that President Lee had done to achieve his current status– from befriending the elites of this continent and joining the specific group that aimed to make Strictland an independent nuclear state, almost killing his own child until Secretary Park suggested that he take the child under his wing as his own, manipulating his wife and then eventually getting her killed after learning that she had created her own investigation group to find her daughter– the group that was now the Sirens Rebel Party– to managing to outsmart everyone and create distractions so he could betray the very elites he was once friends with to annex Strictland instead of helping it gain the status of an independent nation.

All so that he could be the most powerful man on this continent. With Strictland annexed, Eden would be the only nuclear state on this continent. All the neighbouring nations and the others would have to bow to Eden. Bow to President Lee. He was going to violate the international laws and break the Treaty of the Eight Hills in doing so, which was ensuring the peace between Halaland and Eden. President Kwon of Halaland had been informed of that and was waiting for an opportunity to help President Son sort this matter out.

Mr. Ji informed everyone about what the Sirens truly stood for. He candidly told everyone about his familial connection with President Han and how he went through a lot to look for her supposedly dead child and ended up coming across Strictland deserters. President Han had vowed to protect the people of Strictland after learning about what was going on at Strictland but she could not fulfill her promise as her life was cut short. The burden of keeping the promise naturally shifted to Mr. Ji and he was more than happy to work on it. However, he had just lost 15 of his people and he felt powerless for the first time in a while.

Assemblyman Wi provided his input by filling the gaps and revealing how he was playing the role of a spy himself now. With his family under threat and Luna being gracious enough to offer her own bodyguard for his family, he could now play the role of spy with a somewhat eased state of mind. The President was expecting the Assemblyman to fumble the election campaign by taking a military stance, thus ensuring President Lee’s win.

The Assemblyman said that he no longer cared about the elections, but Lady Kim was smart enough to point out that once President Lee was out of the picture, he might very well take the presidential seat. The Assemblyman General only smiled in response.

Inspector Gong revealed the details regarding his investigation and recent reinvestigation of President Han’s case. He had recently met up with Secretary Oh Jungse who was willing to share everything regarding President Han’s case. There was no tangible proof that President Lee had orchestrated the assassination on his wife but since Luna was alive and well, that was enough proof of President Lee’s misdeeds.

“Now you understand why I called upon you,” President Son sighed. “This case cannot be taken to Eden Crime Court directly. It will be covered up and there will be more blood. I need you to suggest a better route that we can take, if any. And I would like you to be the prosecutor who handles this case.”

“And here I was thinking about retiring,” Prosecutor Bae shook her head. She took a few moments to think. “Since President Lee likes media censorship so much, our best bet would be to expose him in public. You can pull strings and manipulate news but you cannot stop people from gossiping. I suppose the first election campaign would be a nice moment for that.”

“How would you attempt this?” Hongjoong asked. “I don’t think you can simply just walk there and make this happen.”

“Oh, but I can,” Prosecutor Bae smiled. “Once the presidential candidates are done addressing the audience and appealing for support, they invite the chief guest for the ending remarks. The chief guest for the next election campaign happens to be one of the judges from Eden Crime Court. I can request him to let me tag along. He would be happy to let me, unless he learns of my attendance here.”

“President Lee will try to stop you by any means,” Seonghwa warned. “He does not care about anyone but himself. If he needs to burn the whole building down to keep gossip from spreading, he will do exactly that.”

“I don’t need to say much, you see,” Prosecutor Bae informed. “All I will need to announce is that President Lee is under investigation for the reasons that we discussed and provide nothing more. That would be enough. It would take but two minutes, and can be achieved easily after the chief guest, the judge, is about to conclude the event.”

“Your presence might raise a warning flag,” Assemblyman Wi said. “We must be careful. Everyone knows of your repute and your love for honesty. You can’t be bought or silenced. President Lee might realise that you are attempting something.”

“Keeping him distracted is your job,” Prosecutor Bae looked towards everyone else. “I will simply be in the audience, in the dark. I’m not much of a public figure so not many will recognise me. My attendance would be a very normal happening to everyone who is unaware of what is going on. So, Inspector, and Assemblyman… and maybe you Crescents. Keep the President distracted. This seems to be our only shot, unless…”

“Unless?” President Son inquired.

“In the case that things go awry, I urge that you step into the spotlight and lead this case,” Prosecutor Bae requested and President Son shared a look with his wife. “You were a prosecutor yourself before you became the president. One last case for our late friend. Together, we will be able to take this to the International Defence Court once we have tangible and legal evidence of the happenings regarding Strictland.”

“Let’s hope it does not come to that,” President Son sighed deeply. “And let’s hope this stunt goes smoothly. Let’s all… all of us…”

The former president met eyes with everyone in the room. Wendy, the Crescents, Inspector Gong, the prosecutors, Mr. Ji and the Assemblyman, as well as his wife.

“Let’s all make it out alive. Your safety and your life is your utmost priority. Should anyone feel compromised or under threat, step back immediately.”

The air felt chill in the room, though the smiles shared warmed the hearts. Prosecutor Bae felt a shiver down her spine and Prosecutor Cho lent her hand to her senior, sharing unspoken words.

The gut feeling of prosecutors who had dealt with dangerous cases like these too many times. Prosecutor Bae had never liked President Lee but she was not aware of the magnitude of his wrongdoings. Though she had confidently announced her plan and even believed that it could work, she would have to be very, very careful moving forwards.

Still, she could not shake off the feeling that something was about to go very wrong.

Tea was served, biscuits and other treats were passed and the tension in the room dissipated. An almost casual exchange began with jokes and jabs thrown around. It was almost lovely to sit in the same room with such intellectual minds.

But she had a feeling that even though this was the first time the ten of them shared the same space, it would also be the last time.

The no-contact situation seemed ideal when you planned it with the boys, but now it was starting to feel like you had shot yourself in the foot.

At that time, you were not aware that Secretary Park was no longer your enemy. He wasn’t an ally now either, but he was not forcing your compliance like you thought that he would. Sure, he ordered you around– join him in his meetings and perform some tasks, but considering what Secretary Im had revealed a few days ago, you were starting to think that Secretary Park was the game master and you all were pieces on the chess board, including President Lee.

If President Lee was as meticulous as you had heard, he should have an idea that Secretary Park was not his obedient servant. That was what irked you. If Secretary Park was being forced into compliance regarding you, what did he hold over him to not let the man take utmost control of his life?

You wished you could send a letter to one of the boys– maybe Seonghwa could have helped you sort your thoughts out. Perhaps, if Wooyoung was near, you could have talked it out over drinks. He would have gloated about being right in thinking that President Lee was suspicious, but he would have come up with something to help you.

Or perhaps, you needed the comfort of Jongho’s arms who understood why you had to be here the most. Maybe you just wished you were cocooned between Yunho and Yeosang. They would have calmed you down and helped you get a good night’s sleep.

Even a drunken night’s sleep would be much welcomed now, but you were refraining from drinking. It wasn’t as if you were allowed to go to bars here on your own, not with the current sensitive situation. You were not sure you would like going to the bars here anyway– it would just remind you of your drinking sessions with San when everything was much, much better. When ignorance was bliss. Or even the late night drinks with Wooyoung and Mingi back at the warehouse when you could complain about anything and everything.

You were weary from holding it all inside when you had gotten so used to sharing everything candidly with the boys. There was a time when you could not do that, before you met the boys, and it was an ugly period of life. Wendy came and made it better, but she did not know everything. Still, her presence was as comforting as the boys. You missed her immensely. Heck, you even missed Winter. She never talked but she understood your misery.

It felt suffocating now. The walls of your room felt like they were closing in on you and even the open window letting in the cool winter breeze made you gasp for air at times.

Being in open spaces felt just as overwhelming. You were under the cloudy afternoon sky at yet another gathering at a golf club where the President was meeting potential allies and sponsors for his election campaigns. You were wary of the people talking about you. Some were bold enough to ask about your position– if you were a Crescent who had implied that the current establishment itself was hindering medical advancements, why were you a part of the said establishment now?

All you could do in response was smile and subtly make a jab about how you were an Edenary citizen at heart and it was in your nature to keep your enemies closer. Sometimes, it came off as a joke but when it did not, you earned a warning glare from your father who would always be watching from a distance.

These meetings were exhausting. If you were instructed to mingle, you had to pose as a part of the President team and earn him some allies and sponsors. You could not slack– President Lee expected favourable outcomes and Secretary Park had warned you that he was serious about his results. Your situation would only get worse if you did not bring in results.

It felt like you were letting go of your honour and dignity when you pitched for President Lee. It was Hongjoong’s words that kept you going, words that you repeated to yourself like a prayer.

You are a Crescent, and nothing will change that. You are a Leader. You are ours, just like we are yours.

You were a Crescent, but you no longer felt like one. Not in your clothes, so different from what you wore in Sector 1. Not even in your own skin. You wrapped your arms around yourself, watching the golf cart in the distance carry a group of people towards the dining area. You looked around, wondering if there was a spot that you could hide in and take a breather–

A familiar voice called your name and your lips curled in a pleasant smile for the first time this afternoon, heart warming at the sight of the owner of Maddox and Co. jewellery store. Sunmi hugged you in greeting, holding your hands and squeezing them.

“It’s really good to see you,” she smiled earnestly. “I was hoping to catch you tonight.”

“Oh? Did you know I was going to be here?”

She nodded. “I was in Edenary for a couple of weeks. I met up with the designer of your bracelet,” she caressed the cuff on your wrist.

Hongjoong.

There were so many questions that you wanted to ask, but this was not the place. You only managed a smile and said, “How lovely.”

Sunmi steered you towards the drinks, aware that she was being watched. She had done enough observing tonight to know that you were being watched by not one but two parties. The spies and the president himself.

After what she had found out about your lineage, she supposed the watchful observation was warranted.

The two of you made small talk for a while. It was nice to talk about something else other than politics, and her revelations about her recent customers and designs entertained you a lot. When Secretary Park motioned for you to join him, you began to excuse yourself from perhaps your only friend here.

“I hope you take care of yourself,” Sunmi hugged you in farewell and when she held your hands again, you felt a piece of paper being wedged inside your palm. You managed to keep a straight face. “Your friends send you a message.”

“I understand,” you said and grabbed your purse, slipping the piece of paper inside through the crack, joining Secretary Park as if nothing had happened.

Once in the privacy of your room, you found the piece of paper which looked like a receipt and read it once, twice and thrice before going to your vanity and sticking it to the back of your wisteria ornament– the only thing you would be taking back when you leave.

You did not know how long you sat there with your head between your hands, the truth you had searched for finally right in front of your eyes yet threatening to crush you under its weight.

That night, you took off your pearl ring before you went to sleep. Its weight was a reminder, and you did not need that right now. However, another date scribbled on the back of the receipt has you rolling around in your bed, wondering what was going to take place in five days’ time.

Elsewhere, a young man stood receiving instructions from another man who was not his boss. The young man listened to his orders intently, obeying his head with the submission of a man who fell too hard after flying too high. With nothing to give except a ‘yes, sir’, he shut his eyes when he got reminded of what was at stake.

For him. For these people. For his people. For this nation.

He should have been satisfied with what he had, he thought. He should have come clean when he still had the chance, but it looked like all doors of mercy were closed now and he had no choice but to become the grim reaper and take a life that was not meant to be taken.

“Remember. You cannot fail. You’ve only got one shot at this, quite literally. I trust it hits the mark, aite?”

The young man nodded and when he received the instructions to leave the premises, he took heavy footsteps away from the warehouse. Not the warehouse that he was so used to frequenting back at Sector 1, but another in Edenary that belonged to a man with too much power. The same man who held an invisible noose over his neck now.

“Oi! You, there!”

The young man stopped in his tracks, bracing himself. He never knew what was next– another order that tainted his soul with the guilt of betrayal, another reprimand or threat to make sure that he would bend to their will, but–

“Aren’t you one of the Crescents’ watchdogs?”

But this was perhaps what he dreaded the most. The young man made sure that his mask was intact on his face before he turned away and left the premises without answering.

And that was an answer enough.

next chapter

taglist pt 1:

@lorensonebraincell @sungbeam @waywardstaytiny @lluvia1415 @woohwababes @jjaemasung @fruithoughts @fancypeacepersona @propinquitypsithurism @kyomiingi @ateezswonderland @janetsarttrove @thenopekid @justconniez @daniela-f-uwu @hwasbestlover @vcutparis @missbangtangirl @zaynsfl4m3s @beabatiny @slowitdownmakeitb0uncy @alliethequeen @lavishloving @haowonbins @franbowesax @klllerwaifu @katerade23 @selfishw4ltz @paramedicnerd004 @atzlordz @curse-of-art @meowmeeps @intowxnderland @faeriehwa @staytiny-yaps @ishz @dumplingsyum @bunnychui @kandy108 @chanst1ddies @softsanglix @yongility @sang-09 @sweetinsaniiity @a-teez-4-exo @omgsuperstarg @saintriots @bihwabi @pshwifey @emotionallyanaemic

#atz #ot8 #rec #the leaders #moots 🫶#i am so excited to see ur thoughts on my thoughts

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softbutch-diary · 2 months ago

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ꨄ︎ A Needy Princess Who Couldn't Wait ꨄ︎

Mommy Butch ¦ Princess Femme Somno ¦ Degradation ¦ Rough sex ¦ Breeding

This Story is About Lesbian Sex Men DNI

The afternoon sun spills through the blinds, painting lazy stripes of light across the living room. I feel it first—the warmth of her, the soft rocking against my thigh, before I even open my eyes. A low, needy moan pulls me out of sleep. I blink into awareness, my princess perched on me. Her hips grinding slow and desperate, her breath stuttering with each sharp, needy inhale. My boxers cling to my skin as her warmth seeps into the fabric. The couch creaks faintly beneath us.

I shift, groggy, still piecing it together. She's not like this—not usually. My princess is obedient and patient, always waiting for me to take the lead. Just a few hours ago, I bred her for the first time, pinning her beneath me until she was trembling and spent. Afterward, I'd been too tired to keep going, even when she'd begged with those big, pleading eyes. "Mommy needs a nap," I said, pulling her close. She pouted, her lips jutting out, but she loved our cuddles too much to argue. We drifted off tangled together—me in my boxers and sports bra, her in that oversized T-shirt and panties.

Now, here she is, breaking the rules we've set. She's got toys—plenty of them—but she's always insisted I be the one to make her feel good. It's a promise that swells my chest with pride, a quiet vow between us. Seeing her like this, flushed and frantic, chasing relief against my thigh while I slept—it's a shock. And damn, it's hot. Her needs spilled over, too big to contain, and she's chosen me even in her desperation.

I haven't moved yet. I Just watch as her T-shirt rucked up around her waist, showing off the soft curve of her hips and the damp spot on her panties. Her eyes are half-shut, lashes fluttering, cheeks glowing pink. She hasn't noticed I'm awake, too lost in her rhythm. My throat tightens with a mix of love and hunger. She's mine, and she's breaking our rules, but it only makes me want her more.

I remember a talk we had weeks back, curled up in bed. She'd confessed to wanting to try something rougher, dirtier. Up till now, we'd kept things soft, intimate—vanilla, mostly. Being bred must have pulled her needy side out, making her practically beg without words.

I sit up sharp, hands finding her waist. She gasps, eyes snapping wide as I lift her off my thigh. Her hips twitch, chasing the friction even as I hold her steady. "I'm sorry, Mommy," she whispers, thick with shame and want, her cheeks flushing deeper as she avoids my gaze. "I needed more." Her breath catches, and I feel her tremble under my grip, her thighs slick and quivering.

I don't answer right away. Instead, I toss her gently to the far end of the couch, letting her sprawl out where I can see her—really see her. She's a mess, beautiful and fragile, her panties dark with a spot that's spread wide. Her legs fall open just a little, instinctive, and she grips the cushion like it's the only thing keeping her from jumping back on me. "Please," she pleads, eyes glassy with need. "I know I was bad, but…"

I lean forward, locking my gaze on hers, firm but warm. "You want to be my little toy, is that it?" her face lights up, a spark cutting through the haze. She nods, a tiny "mhm" slipping out as she squirms, her body screaming what her words can't. That hungry look in her eyes—it's new, raw, and it hits me hard.

I reach down, grabbing her ankles and yanking her toward me. She yelps, soft and surprised, as I flip her over, lifting her ass up high. She moves like she's been waiting for it. She spreads her legs wide and buries her face in the cushion, hands scrabbling at the fabric. I hook a finger under her panties, tugging them aside, and slide my hand between her folds. She's drenched, hot, and slippery, and she moans into the couch as my fingers graze her.

I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. "You sure?" I ask, voice low and steady, laced with all the affection I've got for her. She nods, "Yes, Mommy," spilling out into the cushion, half plea, half whimper. Her embarrassment's there, but it's tangled up with how bad she wants this.

"Such a perfect little toy, aren't you?" I tease, letting the tip of my cock nudge against her entrance. She's so wet it's obscene.

"Yours," she mumbles, breath hitching as I push inside. Her body gives away, quivering around me, and I feel her pulse with every inch. She's dripping, her juices trailing down her skin, and I can't hold back the groan that rumbles out of me.

I grab a fistful of her hair, tugging gently at first, pulling her head back so I can hear her moans spill-free—soft and sweet. I start thrusting, letting her feel every bit of it. "You okay?" I ask between strokes, keeping myself in check.

"Ye—more," she begs, voice cracking, needy and wrecked.

That's all it takes. I let go, thrusting harder, pulling her hair tighter. Her moans turn raw and wild, bouncing off the living room walls. It's pushing me too—too fast, too close. "Can I…" she gasps, her body tightening around me like a vise.

"Not yet," I growl, feeling her clench harder at the command.

"Fuck, I'm close, baby," I admit, my control slipping as she writhes beneath me.

"Breed me," she pleads, desperate and broken.

"Cum for me," I respond, and she does—instantly. Her thighs quake, her whole body shuddering as she unravels, and I let go, too, filling her up until we're both trembling. We collapse onto the couch, a sweaty, tangled heap, and I pull her into my arms, her head tucked under my chin.

She's quiet for a moment, then I hear it—soft sniffles, her breath hitching again. I nudge her gently, turning her to face me. "Are those happy or sad tears, love?" I ask, brushing a thumb across her cheek.

"Happy," she whispers, pressing her face back into my chest. "Thank you." Her voice softens as she drifts off, her body growing heavy and relaxed in my arms. I run my fingers through her hair, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breathing against me.

A small smile tugs at my lips as I think back to earlier—her bold, needy little rebellion. "Too desperate to wait, hmm?"

She stirs just a little, and a sleepy hum slips from her lips.

"I think I can forgive you this time," I continue, my tone indulgent and light. "Next time, though, there will be consequences," I whisper, a playful edge sneaking into my voice.

She nuzzles closer, her body curling into mine as if seeking more of my warmth. A faint smile curves as her breathing evens out. I wrap my arms tighter around her, savoring the way she melts into me, and let myself drift off, too.

#Em Writes #inspired by a mutual 🤭#lesbian #wlw #sapphic #wlw nsft #lesbian nsft #sapphic nsft #wlw smut #wlw yearning #femme bait

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thesilmarillionblog · 10 months ago

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𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 ── Part 2

Click here to read the first part.

Summary: In the hopes that things would improve between you, you choose to lose your virginity to your friend Dean Winchester because you have been in love with him madly for a long time. However, he doesn't feel the same about you.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x F!Reader

Warnings: +18! (Minors DNI),smut, unrequited love, angst, reader gets hurt, arguments, jealousy

Word Count: 5896

A/N: English is not my first language.

Dean hung out on the second floor with his new girlfriend while you and Sam watched TV. There were no audible voices. Well, you couldn't hear anything that far away, at least. You couldn't stop your mind from concentrating on them, even if you didn't want to. Your head hurt from the mix of the TV's sounds and the rain. Actually, the pain was in your soul.

You waited for regret to surface so you could condemn and despise yourself for opening yourself to Dean, your friend. But despite your best efforts, you were unable to sense remorse. You knew that you would do it again if you had a chance, taking back all that happened. How could you refuse him? You wished to memorize every moment of that night by being able to see every expression on his face. It was ridiculous that something so basic could no longer be made possible. The moments you spent with him are now only vague memories in your mind. All you could recall was the touch—his touch. It was still lingering on your skin. That would be enough.

It was clear to you from the way he laughed with her moments ago that the moment you had spent with him days before meant nothing. It was simply another hookup for Dean. Though you didn't think you'd reveal the truth from your side, you wondered what Sam would say about it. Sam was a good man, but you really weren't supposed to reveal to him that you slept with his brother since it would be too embarrassing. Additionally, you had given your virginity to his brother, whom you referred to as a "friend." There was no way you could tell him this.

You couldn't even recall the name of the show that was on TV. From time to time, Sam cracked up at the jokes. At least one person was feeling good. You looked at him attentively and observed that he had his attention on the show while he ate his popcorn.

He turned to face you, seeing your serious expression as he observed how you were reacting to the joke. In your arms, you held a pillow.

He said, “What's that look?”

“Seems like someone is enjoying, huh?”

“Why not? We all deserve a little relaxation after working so hard as hunters, don't you think?” He remarked, grinning, and turned down the TV. The instant the room was silent, you realized how much the noise had hurt your head.

“Like your brother?” Compared to what you had anticipated, you sounded more serious.

“Dean being Dean, you know.” Sam sighed and made a quick statement. Yes, you were aware of it.

“How is your arm, by the way?” you said with a troubled look on your face. You've been feeling terrible for Sam because he kept you protected throughout the hunt and then ended up hurting himself. He was always considerate and cautious of you and Dean. It was in his nature.

Sam smiled reassuringly and said, “It's fine. You know, things go wrong, and as long as you save the day, it's alright to get a little bit hurt.”

Stating, “I didn't want to get distracted that easily. I'm not sure what's wrong with me these days, but I promise I'll get better.” The claim that you were acting in this way without knowing why wasn't true. You were certainly aware of the exact cause of your growing distraction.

If only Sam could read your mind and understand. Otherwise, there was no way for you to tell him straight what happened between you and Dean that night. You had any, yet deep down you needed to talk to someone. But you were very, really embarrassed. It's not like you were teens; you and Dean are grown ups. Reasonable ones, obviously. On the other hand, exposing your situation to him would be the same as declaring your love for him and would reveal your feelings for him.

“Really, Y/N, it's all right. What is done is done.” Sam looked at you, totally shutting off the TV. “Ignore what Dean said. You know how protective he is all the time. If you were the one who was harmed by me, he would say the same things. Though he may have come off as tougher, his intentions were good.”

"I'm afraid that's not true, Sammy. I mean, I know his intentions were good, of course, but I guess I touched his nerves this time for real.”

You attempted a smile, but it did not reach your lips before you realized Sam was trying to soothe you.

Sam replied awkwardly, “He cares way too much about the people he really cares about.” At these meaningless remarks, you both halted for a little period of time. “Well, it wasn't the best way to put it, but you get the idea. You might understand if you were raised by an older brother. He's not a bad person; there are just moments when I don't understand him.”

“Of course not,” you cut him off right away. “You don't even have to say it. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying anything negative about him. I would never.”

“I know, I know...” Sam spoke quickly. “Still, I'm simply advising you not to think too much about what he said previously, all right? We've been hunting for more than a year; it's not that he doesn't like you. Remember that a year ago, it was he who offered the invitation for you to join that team?”

You ultimately nodded as Sam attempted to convince you that Dean didn't mean to hurt you.

“Yes,” you murmured to yourself. “Considering how often you two sustain injuries, a nurse would be beneficial. I wonder if Dean was looking for a nurse for himself and his little brother, or if he was looking for someone with hunting abilities.”

“Let's say you're just talented enough to take a part in that very humble team,” Sam laughed. “And you're being a nurse is just another plus.”

You sighed and then gave him a genuine smile, saying, “Fine, if you say so.” You had finally been somewhat diverted from your thoughts about Dean and his girlfriend by a brief conversation with Sam.

Curious, you said, “How about you and Ruby, by the way? It seems that you two have become a very good couple, haven't you?”

“We're looking for something…to work out. But it's okay for now,” Sam remarked hesitantly. You found it amusing that he was so forthright about everything else than relationships.

“You seem to be very much in love.” Not knowing how to present the matter to Dean without taking any suspicion, you offered an innocent glance to Sam. Sam was smart in every other way. Sometimes he observed and gazed at people as though he could see right through them.

“She's like no one I've ever met,” Sam said timidly. “I think it will take some more time to work it out, but it's fine so far.”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

“How about you?”

You hesitantly replied, “What?” as he sent you one of his suspicious stares.

“I've been thinking about lately and come to know... that it has been a year and I didn't even see you with anyone. That seems a little odd, don't you think?” Sam arched an eyebrow. “Are you not seeing anyone, or are you keeping it as a secret or something?”

You shifted on the seat and hugged the pillow against your arms a bit extra to help you unwind. In the end, he knew nothing about Dean or you. There was no reason to be anxious. It was only chitchat.

“No, of course not!” You stopped him off before he started asking his questions. “It isn't... I'm not interested in anyone right now.”

“Really?” With a look of suspicion, Sam inquired. “We met other men throughout the cases, and they seemed to be interested in you. How can you tell whether you're interested in one of them if you don't give it a shot?”

“Sam, I don't like hookups. Something like that is not what I want.” However, you've turned into Dean's one hookup. The thought briefly ripped through your soul, given how little you've been talking recently, as if there were an unambiguous wall between you that you could not break down no matter how hard you tried.

“That's not what I'm saying. I'm just trying to get the point that you should give people a chance to win you over. How in the world would you know if you liked someone or not without that?”

“I don't want to,” you interrupted, concentrating solely on Dean. It would be simpler to get Sam to understand you if you could tell him how you feel about Dean.

Sam groaned and said, “Fine. It was just an advice.”

“I know, thanks,” you responded, putting on a timid grin. “Will you continue to watch TV for a while? It's growing late.”

Sam said, “I think I will,” as he looked at his watch. “Are you leaving?”

You said quietly, “Yeah,” as you peered out the window to see the weather. It was pouring. You would have hated sunny days even more if you had gotten intimate with Dean on a sunny day. Rainy weather used to be something you enjoyed, but now it just hurt.

“I think it's better if you stay though,” Sam said, taking a deep breath and using one of his fingers to show you the pouring rain. “You're not the best driver.”

With a harsh tone, you said, suddenly tossing the pillow over his face. “Did you just insult me?”

“That's not insulting,” Sam shot it back at you. “I'm just saying that you're no Hamilton.”

You said, “You have no idea,” and you couldn't help but smile as you recalled the day Dean forbade you from driving on rainy days after you nearly had an accident. Dean continued to get anxious when it started to rain while you were driving because of that day. His Baby was more important than anything.

“Will you be watching TV or?” Taking back the remote control, Sam asked.

“No, thanks; enjoy yourself.” Setting the pillow down next to the coach and stretching your arms, you yawned.

You couldn't help but notice the agonizing heavy feeling in your chest as it began to flare up again like tiny needles as you made your way upstairs. Even though you didn't want to hear anything, you were listening for any sounds coming from Dean's room. As you passed, your movements almost seemed to slow down, but you quickly realized what was going on, and you entered the dark room where you would be spending the night, as if your brain didn't want to hear anything.

You had been repeatedly asked to leave the same house by Dean and Sam and start to live with them, but for whatever reason you were unaware of, you had refused. If they repeated the offer, you would most likely take it immediately. God, even if you just lived in the same house, you would probably fall even more in love with Dean. During hunts, it was even sufficient to see him for a few hours. Your heart ached to think about his face, his grin, and every joke he ever told.

Has the night some weeks ago caused you to ruin what you had? You didn't feel any regret, but as you noticed that Dean was becoming more aloof, regret started to consume you.

You'd just gotten out of the shower when your hands found one of Dean's t-shirts. You desired to wear it like you had some weeks prior. Back then, it wasn't a big deal; instead of complaining, he would just make jokes about how little and amusing you looked in them. But things were different today, and you knew it wouldn't be proper to wear it while he had a girlfriend.

If he truly had affections for someone, you didn't want to spoil things for him.

They laughed a little too loudly as you lay down on the bed and pressed his t-shirt against your chest as if it would bring him further closer. Dean's laughter mixed with Jo's. You tried, devastated, to focus on the soothing sounds of the falling rain and on the absurd or hazardous situations that had transpired during the hunts. It was useless.

That was the moment you became aware of how really alone you were. Perhaps Sam was correct about telling you to pursue a romantic connection. However, how could it be possible when you were already deeply in love with someone? Anytime Dean was around, your heart felt like it was going to explode. You had no idea how to handle things like that.

You set his shirt down and let it fall to the ground, acting as if doing so could shield you from the overwhelming feelings that Dean had given you. God, how could you possibly let go of your feelings for him when you couldn't even let go of a single piece of fabric with ease?

You were so miserable and pathetic that you were unable to stop crying this time. You dreamed of something you could never have as the tears flowed down your cheeks and onto the bed. You will always cherish the beautiful memory the night gave you, but at what cost?

You were sobbing, but you weren't sure if it was from the noises Dean and Jo were making or from the dreams that could only have come true in your head.

Your impulse to pick up Dean's t-shirt from the floor gradually vanished as your tears dropped to the bed and the pain consumed your entire being. Until today, you had no idea how much you actually loved him.

“What happened?” With a big smile on her face, Jo placed her fingers around Dean's face and inquired in between laughter. She teased this thick neck with a quick, playful kiss. On his lap, she became still.

Dean's fingers raised her skirt and were ready to push her underwear aside. Jo continued moving on Dean's lap, making herself wetter by rubbing herself over Dean's boxer, her hands lingering on his wide and bare chest with desire.

“Nothing,” a rough-voiced Dean said. From the room where you were staying, he thought he heard something. He had heard you took the upstairs before he'd gone to the bathroom. You most likely made the decision to stay since it was pouring rain outside. You definitely didn't know how to drive in such conditions. He shuddered, remembering when you nearly crushed his baby and sent it to his sweet vehicle burial.

Jo touched Dean's naked chest and paused her palm at his abs, saying, “You seem to be like thinking something else.”

“I wasn't,” Dean lied. It was not significant at all, so there was no need to provide details.

“I was just thinking though,” Jo said, attempting to find the right words to say.

“About?”

“I think we'd be a great team, you know.” With a sly smile, Jo continued to stroke Dean's abs with the tips of her fingers. “As you are aware, Sam, you, and I would make an excellent team since we are now somewhat of a family, since I am also a hunter. Do you not think?”

Dean moved slightly on the bed, thinking of you, irritated at Jo's disregard for you, as if the details weren't even important. You were a member of the team. He was the one who initially made the offer to you in fact. Besides, they weren't even paired up. He said nothing about it so as not to hurt her feelings or make her feel humiliated if she brought it up.

“How about Y/N?” In an attempt to lighten the mood and soften the air, Dean attempted to smile at her, but his smile did not reach his lips.

“She's a nurse,” Jo said, as if it were an insult. Dean felt uncomfortable and uneasy because Jo was attempting to push out the details of what she truly wanted to say about you. Despite her best efforts to seem polite, she came out as cunning and bitter. That was something Dean did not appreciate.

“So?” Dean arched an eyebrow in questioning. “She is the only one still alive due to the terrible things that went wrong; her family was full of hunters just like ours. She doesn't even need to, yet she still has passion. That's very encouraging, in my opinion. I mean, continuing to work in the family business while also doing her professional job responsibilities. That requires guts.”

“Are you defending her?”

“I am,” Dean said in a firm and harsh manner. Jo was still on top of him, trying to get him to say nasty things about you, and he didn't enjoy her attempts at distracting him with handiwork. Dean felt unease and a strong sense of aggressiveness.

He never explicitly expressed his admiration for you for persevering through everything and for having the guts to face your fears. Jo recognized how much he genuinely admired you in his heart when he explained how excellent you were at what you did. Even though you occasionally were easily sidetracked, you were a professional.

Jo sighed, but she didn't give a damn about Dean's opinion of you. In the end, you posed no threat. For nothing at all.

“I don't think your dad raised you and Sam for doing some charity to the orphan hunters and helping them to find a belonging,” Jo said. Although she made an effort not to seem cruel, it was the reality for her. “I am aware of the danger she took for Sam when you all were hunting last time. It is a weakness to be easily sidetracked in this.”

Dean's eyes grew enraged as Jo carried on speaking in a sinuous manner. She was aware of his dislike of others discussing the persons they cared about in this way. Particularly about the people he respected and gave enough thought to.

Dean whispered, “Jo,” but it seemed more like he was threatening her. “Stop this fucking nonsense now. I'm serious.”

“Do you have a soft spot for her or something?” Jo inquired once again. She also bit her lips invitingly while gently raising her skirt to reveal her pussy to Dean's gaze in an attempt to divert his focus elsewhere.

Her eyes were full of promise. In particular, Dean found it amusing when ladies looked at him with such passion.

Dean immediately felt a sense of relaxation as his hands moved to her hips. He sighed and refused to answer. “Are we just going to talk?” he asked. She began removing her clothes rapidly while he licked his lips and observed.

“Hopefully not,” Jo laughed in response. She was relieved that she and Dean had stopped talking about you. “Let our bodies talk in their very own, divine language.”

Dean switched the positions before she could say anything more. Now that he was on top of Jo, he was urgently kissing her while his mind was racing with ideas he wanted to put down for the night.

Dean roughly spread Jo's legs wider and pulled her underwear aside, freeing himself from his boxer. With a single forceful shove that caused them both to moan loudly, he gave his firm cock a few strokes and pushed himself in Jo beforehand. That was an excellent way to get some real comfort now.

Jo hadn't kept it low at all, so Dean put his hands on her mouth to silence her, causing her to sigh into his hands without intending to wake anyone. He picked up his speed and began to push into her rough and fast enough to satisfy both of them, knowing that she enjoyed being fucked raw and fast and that Dean also wanted to find his release.

While he continued to fuck her, Dean warned her to "keep it low," suppressing his own groans.

She was, however, loudly groaning in Dean's hands, locking her legs around his hips, matching his speed as she raised her hips, as if she wanted everyone to know that she was getting fucked by Dean. Dean warned her to turn down the volume once more, but it didn't help.

In an attempt to find his release, Dean thrust into her more quickly, giving the impression that he was being forced to come—as if this were a mission or one of his hunts. He was striving to find his pleasure when he felt nervousness take over his body. He wasn't accustomed to feeling this way, especially around women.

His other hand tightened on Jo's tits, and he ran his fingers through her ass to help himself. His movements were forceful and impatient. All he wanted was for her to be somewhat silent so that he could focus more easily. It wasn't like Dean liked to be all crazy harsh on ladies or anything; he just needed to experience the closeness of a true, sincere touch, which was difficult to find at the moment.

He was on the verge of getting there, but he was unable to seize the ideal moment of pleasure and find relief.

Though it wasn't appropriate to think about it right now, Dean's thoughts began to form around the moment he and you had shared weeks earlier as he continued to stroke his hardness into Jo's warm pussy while muttering under his breath. It was as though his body had a mind of its own and knew when it was best for him to get what he was looking for.

His thoughts were hopelessly consumed by the sensation of your tightness and those moments of adorable small sounds that you attempted to hide from him. Dean attempted to concentrate on the woman who he was actually fucking into, not feeling proud of how he thought about you while he fucked Jo into the covers. Thinking about how he fucked you wasn't fair to no one at all. But his own body, which was attempting to steal what it desired by using Jo's body, was not under his control.

Him fucking Jo was becoming a battle between Dean's body and mind. Pleasure and reason; soul and mind.

Jo began to quiver instead of groan loudly, and as Dean withdrew his fingers from her lips, she cried out, “Will you come inside?”

Dean instantly said, “No,” realizing that he hadn't been wearing a condom throughout his frantic sex with her. “Stay still.”

With a hint of rage, Dean sank his fingers into Jo's flesh and his head into her sweating neck, fiercely shutting his eyes. He was going insane as he struggled with his own thoughts, which were attempting to recall every little detail about your body and how you responded and tightened around his member. He didn't want to go back in time mentally and get pleasure thinking about the night with you while he was inside someone else. It wasn't fair for any.

It was just an impulse decision made in the heat of the moment. Still, Dean's mind continued seeing the body underneath him to be yours, making him picture every single detail of how he took you and how you immediately clenched around him the moment he entered you. He was taken aback by how tight you were; you were like anyone he had ever fucked.

As the fantasies overtook his thoughts, Dean became aware of his surroundings as Jo began to speak dirty to him, telling him how much she enjoyed it when he gave her such an aggressive fuck. Dean wasn't aware of himself till now that he started to fuck into her pussy quicker and harder.

Dean's body tensed as his eyes opened. He was pushing his cock in and out of Jo without intending to get off as he thought about you. He was a little caught by what had transpired in a split second.

Jo gasped and said, “Why did you stop?” To regain his attention, she raised her hips higher.

“Nothing,” Dean said, losing his temper and collapsing to his side as he felt his cock gradually soften.

Jo was bewildered, but she became enraged when Dean abruptly quit fucking her and left her feeling unsatisfied.

She sighed and said, “You want me to get on top?” although she sounded more like she was frustrated.

“No.”

“What the hell is your problem?” she said, nailing Dean's chest. “Come on-”

“I said, 'no.' Alright?” In an attempt to disassociate himself from Jo, Dean stated. Even though he knew it was just about him, he tried to keep his cool down despite feeling like rage was taking him.

When she realized Dean wasn't in the mood and was most likely experiencing some sort of dysfunctional erection, she simply remarked, “Anyways,” without caring about it at all. “I promised to go out with some friends tonight, you know,” she said, putting on her clothes again.

“Alright. It's pouring outside though.”

“Yeah, and?”

With a sigh, Dean said, “Nevermind,” understanding that you were the only on who found driving in such weather difficult.

Dean quickly showered right after Jo departed the house, then jerked off just after he entered the bathroom. Even if things started to seem strange with Jo, his body still wanted some release to ease the tension. He was horny and furious at the same time. Though he was a man of action and he wasn't the biggest fan of taking himself in hand in the shower like a teenager, it worked this time. It felt good enough.

Dean gasped in frustration, picturing your gentle touches and the way he felt within you while he fucked Jo and how he thought about you while. The easiest way for him to regain control of his body was to stop. That was all—him and you were simply pals who took pleasure from each other for one night. You were lovely, so it wasn't that he wouldn't want to fuck you again, but it would just be weird. That was not Dean's type of thing.

With one arm folded behind his head, Dean lay on the bed and tried not to think too much. Perhaps he was simply too exhausted.

Even though you were exhausted, your body woke up in the middle of the night due to a headache and a dry throat. You walked silently downstairs to the kitchen so as not to wake Sam, Dean, or his girlfriend.

You cursed yourself for being so emotional and sensitive, crying your eyes out till you went to sleep. Perhaps you were about to have your monthly period very soon. You were forced to put on your headphones by Dean and his companion in order to block out the noises they created all night.

What a waste, you thought. Believing that once you committed yourself to Dean, things would improve between you two. The situation became worse because of it. There was now such a strong and lengthy barrier between you that, despite your best attempts to remain composed, you were unable to climb it at all without being exhausted. If you were more courageous than this, you would have let everything pass by, turned your back to the team, and concentrated on your actual work.

After turning on the light and rubbing your swollen eyes, you sipped your water and sat down next to the window. You couldn't even get enough sleep, and you had to work all day. You required a long vacation.

As soon as you placed the glass down on the kitchen sink, you turned around and saw Dean staring back at you. He was half nude, wearing just sweatpants; his broad chest was all naked. You jumped and gasped in fear because you didn't hear him approaching.

Dean seemed a little confused for a moment when he saw your ruined hair and swollen eyes, but he said nothing.

He stated, “You're so jumpy,” in a low voice as if another person may hear them.

You paused in front of Dean and said, "I didn't hear you coming," but all you did was stand there and remain still, your heart racing.

Ignoring him and returning to your room was difficult. Though your soul ached and yearned for more time with him, your mind knew that nothing would happen between you.

“Why are you still awake?”

You suddenly snapped, “Why are you questioning me?” but then you added, “I was thirsty.”

He said, “It makes us two,” and grabbed a glass of water for himself.

Can't help but notice how you looked, he remarked, “Your eyes appear somewhat swollen.” He couldn't help making a comment this time, a sense of concern overwhelming him.

Trying to sound convincing enough, you said in a hushed voice, “I just woke up. Couldn’t sleep properly.”

“You're going to work tomorrow, aren't you?” Dean inquired as if attempting to strike up a conversation after such a lengthy period. You haven't been speaking properly recently for the obvious reason.

You answered, “Um, yeah,” and lightly stroked your hand to see whether it hurt. It no longer did. Thank goodness you weren't seriously injured. You've also taken plenty of time off from work. It would be best if you started working right away to take your mind off of Dean and all that was going on. There was a lot to take in.

“But can you work though? Is your hand okay, by the way?”

“Yes, I suppose there's nothing to worry about. It's stopped hurting. Actually, I missed my job. It's been too long since I took a break.”

You took a deep breath and went to head back to your room, saying a quiet, "Good night," but Dean stopped you by grasping your arm after he finished his drink. “Wait,” he quietly whispered.

He released his hold on you and gently caressed your skin in an attempt to apologize for being a little too harsh on you. You turned to face him, perplexed. “Yes?” you said as you awaited his next words.

He seemed unable to find the right words to say, so he said, “Whatever happened during the hunting... It wasn't just your fault.” The moment he brought that case back, your heart pounded.

You took a deep breath to keep yourself from being upset as you thought back to what he had said to you, his hurtful remarks, and how annoyed Dean was as a result of your distraction.

You managed to stutter, “It's okay,” and try to smile sympathetically at him. “You are right in every way. I should have exercised more caution. After all, he's your brother.”

“No, I'm not right about everything.” Dean took a deep breath and held your still-healing hand. “I was responsible as much as you were. After all, I am the team's oldest member.” He attempted to lighten the situation with a smile, but for some reason neither of you felt like it.

Dead had told you, just to your face, that Sam was extremely important to him, as if you had someone in your life to worry about. He hated himself for not being more compassionate after realizing he was simply being harsh.

“It was just... in the heat of the moment,” Dean made an effort to explain his behavior. But the way your eyes met, it seemed like he meant something very different.

“I know."

“I only wanted you to be more cautious; I didn't want to hurt you.” He looked into your reddened eyes and added, “Not just for me or Sam, but especially for your own good,” with such genuineness that it seemed he could see what a wreck you were on the inside. How messy you were.

“You did not hurt me at all. I will proceed with greater caution, as I had said previously.” You let his hands lightly brush across yours. Your heart had melted at such a simple, one-time gesture. Though you knew you couldn't, your body was aching to get closer to him.

He finally released your hand after a little while. However, if he hadn't taken it in the first place, it would have hurt less.

You hoped with all of your heart that this moment in the kitchen with Dean had gone differently. You wanted to be closer, cuddling, laughing, or doing anything else that would be tender and intimate. But you two were farther apart than before. Your eyes would have said everything about how much you wanted him if they could communicate.

“I honestly didn't intend any of the things I said to you before or later. I want you to understand this.”

“I do, Dean.”

Dean said, “I know things are a little awkward between us, but I don't want it to be like this,” before you could say anything more. “I hope that you continue to feel at ease with me. I suppose we haven't discussed it appropriately so far about this.”

Your cheeks suddenly flushed scarlet at the mention of your circumstance, and fear shot through your veins “It's really okay,” you nodded to him and replied in a hurry. “Everything's alright.”

You felt burdened with the thought that he could be concerned that you might tell Jo. Should that be his worry, you might reassure and soothe him. In a whisper, you said, “I wouldn't...tell Jo.”

Dean opened his mouth to say something, then scowled instead. His expression showed signs of uncertainty. Given how often they had been hooking up only, he wasn't really sure if he and Jo were a thing at all.

He felt a little guilty as well as responsible for initiating the kiss that night since he was aware it was him.

“You know, I don't want you to feel awkward. Don't let anything go to waste or let this ruin what we have.”

Your heart raced with hopelessness again as Dean blatantly said that he wanted nothing to change and that you should move on from the past. At this point, you couldn't tell if he was genuinely unaware of your emotions. It was better if he hadn't even opened his mouth in the first place and stayed silent.

Since you believed you were trying your best to keep things calm between you and him and maintain whatever relationship you had with him, you wanted to ask him if there was anything you could have done to make him feel that way about you or did you make him feel uncomfortable around you. It wasn't like you were still holding out hope. You were not anticipating this any longer.

Despite his repeated promises not to hurt you, he continued to do so without even realizing it.

You nodded to him quickly and answered, “Of course, I don't want this either,” with a heavy heart. “I would not want to ruin.”

You gave him a little smile and a mumble of "good night," then turned back toward your room. You would have found the strength to cry a little bit more if your eyes weren't sore from crying so much hours before. But at that moment, all you wanted to do was sleep, without really considering anything.

Next Chapter

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A/N: Please, let me know what you think about this one. Comments and reblogs are very appreciated! ^^

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ineedpaigebuckets · 3 months ago

Text

ALWAYS YOU

chapter 2

synopsis: azzi cracks and paige lets her, the need for eachother gets deeper but so does the confusion

an: next chapter will be good... i hope just like lock in

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they didn’t talk about sleeping in the same bed every night.

azzi told herself it was just easier, paige didn’t like sleeping alone. she never had. and azzi was used to sharing hotel rooms, buses, twin beds in dorms. this wasn’t that different. they were friends. really close friends. so close it felt like her chest cracked open when paige left the room for too long. but that was normal… right?

paige never asked permission when she climbed into bed. she just flopped down next to azzi, tugged the blanket up to her chin, and sighed like this was the only place she ever wanted to be. sometimes she’d lay her head on azzi's stomach and scroll her phone with her feet kicking in the air like she wasn’t aware of what it did to azzi's ability to breathe.

sometimes she’d talk. late at night, when the lights were off and the house was quiet.

that's when it got dangerous.

“i think you saved me,” paige said once. her voice was quiet and soft and impossibly close.

azzi blinked, frozen in the dark. “what?”

“i don’t know. this year sucked. everything felt like it was falling apart. but being here? with you? it makes it okay.” paige shifted, her arm slinging over azzi's waist like it belonged there. “you make it okay."

azzi didn’t know how to answer. /!2 barely whispered, “i'm glad you’re here too.”

and that was the thing. she meant it. all of it. she'd never felt more like herself than when paige was around. but she didn’t know what kind of feeling it was. was it love? friendship? something in between?

they weren’t hooking up. they weren’t dating. but paige kissed her cheek like it meant something, and azzi let it happen. paige held her hand when they were alone. paige looked at her like she wanted something more. and azzi kept pretending she didn’t notice, because if she noticed, she’d have to admit what she was doing too.

around azzi's family, they were careful. paige never pushed things too far. she still hugged her from behind in the kitchen and let azzi sit in her lap when they were on the couch, but they didn’t say the things they said at night. they didn’t look at each other like that.

and still, azzi's mom watched them sometimes with raised eyebrows.

“you and paige seem to be getting closer and closer everyday,” she said one afternoon.

azzi shrugged, careful to keep her tone even. “we've always been close.”

her mom didn’t push. but azzi spent the rest of the day obsessively watching herself, wondering if she was being too obvious.

later that night, paige grabbed her hand under the blanket during a movie. azzi didn’t pull away.

paige didn’t think she was confused, at least, not about how she felt.

she knew she loved azzi. not just in a “you’re my best friend” kind of way, but in a “you’re the only person i want to be around all the time, and I literally feel sick when i think about losing you” kind of way.

she didn’t know when it shifted. maybe it had always been like this and she was only now old enough to recognize it.

azzi made her feel warm and stupid and safe. paige would have done anything for her. and honestly? she didn’t really care what they were. she didn’t need a label. she just wanted azzi to want her back.

but it was so hard to tell if she did.

azzi was affectionate, always had been. but paige never knew if it meant what she wanted it to mean. like when she traced circles on paige's wrist under the table. or when she leaned her head on paige's shoulder and stayed there for hours.

one night, paige looked over at her in bed- azzi was already half-asleep, and whispered, “do you ever think about us? like, how we're different from everyone else?”

azzi's eyes stayed closed. “sometimes.”

“and?”

azzi sighed, her voice barely a breath. “i don’t know. i get scared thinking about it.”

that should’ve been enough. But paige wanted more. “scared of what?”

azzi opened her eyes then, slow and serious. “of messing it up, and making it real.”

paige nodded. she didn’t say anything else. she just rolled onto her side and wrapped her arm tighter around azzi's waist, her lips pressing gently to the back of her neck. not a kiss. not really. just a promise.

i got you. even if we never figure it out.

they just kept sharing beds, and sneaking glances, and pretending not to notice when things got too intimate. rhey kept it quiet around azzi's family. they didn’t talk about how paige's hand would slide across the small of azzi's back at night like muscle memory.

rhey didn’t talk about how azzi didn’t stop her anymore.

they didn’t talk about the moments paige whispered something soft and flirtatious into azzi's ear and azzi laughed a little too hard, cheeks flushed like she knew she should be hiding it.

they didn’t talk about the weight building in the air every time they were alone.

but it was there. waiting.

and at some point, one of them was going to have to say something. and that's just what azzi did.

that night felt heavier than the rest.

paige could tell something was off the second azzi didn’t curl into her the exact same way she normally did. she just laid there, eyes on the ceiling, fingers picking at her sleeves.

“talk to me,” paige said gently.

azzi didn’t answer right away. she just breathed, slow, deliberate, like she was trying to calm something inside her. eventually, she whispered, “don't hate me."

paige sat up halfway, already shaking her head. “i could never hate you.”

azzi blinked hard. she looked like she was holding in everything.

“sometimes i don’t know how to let you love me,” she said, voice so quiet paige barely heard it. “like… i know you do. i know how much you love me. and i feel it, i really do. but i think there’s something wrong with me because i don’t know how to let it all in.”

paige’s heart cracked. she didn’t say anything. she just reached over and tucked a piece of azzi’s hair behind her ear.

“and it makes me feel like shit,” azzi went on, her voice shaking now. “because you give so much. and you’re always so open. and i never want you to think i don’t see that, or that i don’t care. i just… sometimes i feel like i’m standing behind glass watching you love me and i don’t know how to reach out and touch you.”

a tear slipped down azzi’s cheek and paige caught it with her thumb.

“i never want you to think you’re too much,” azzi added, her eyes closing tight. “you’re perfect. i just don’t know how to be… enough for you.”

paige didn’t let her spiral another second.

she cupped azzi’s face and pulled her in, resting their foreheads together. “you are enough. more than enough. and i don’t need you to be perfect. i just need you to let me be here.”

azzi’s breathing hitched.

“you don’t have to know how to let me love you,” paige whispered, brushing her nose against azzi’s. “you just have to let me try. i want you exactly as you are. even the messy, scared, confused parts.”

“you make it look so easy,” azzi said, her voice cracking again. “loving me- loving a girl.”

“it is easy,” paige said. “you make it easy. and i don’t need you to be where i am yet. i just need to know you’re not pushing me away because you don’t want me.”

azzi shook her head instantly. “i don’t want to push you away.”

“then don’t.” paige kissed her forehead. “i got you, okay? even when it’s hard. especially when it’s hard.”

azzi finally leaned in, arms wrapping around paige’s waist as she pressed her face into her neck.

“i’m trying- i'm gonna keep trying, for you.” she mumbled.

“i know, baby,” paige said, kissing the side of her head. “that means the world to me."

and they stayed like that. tangled up in the dark. not fixing anything. but not running either.

and that was enough for now.

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spitdrunken · 3 months ago

Note

Uhm— so this is my first time requesting Pokephilia, and ngl im kinda nervous.

Ive been thinking about male Lopunny x fem reader who is a famous idol or coordinator. Hope thats okay?? That That Buneary definitely evolved into Lopunny because of how close he is to his trainer... And not in a friendship way exactly🙏🏻

No need to be nervous :D!! I'm glad that you sent this in, it took a while but I really liked this idea, genuinely. Thanks for sending it in! :3

notes: Pokephilia, semi-public sex

"How did you manage to become the best Coordinator in the region with your Lopunny? What's your secret?" The reporter, wearing a smile as practiced as your own, holds the microphone close. "The two of you are just so close, so perfectly in sync! I'd hesitate to pick out another pairing quite like you two on the scene at the moment.

You laugh, almost bashfully. "The answer is really simple, actually… Maybe a little too cliche?" You hold out your hand and Lopunny nuzzles his nose into your palm, ears twitching. His fur always has a shine to it.

"It's a lot of care and attention, mostly. The majority of Pokémon can't express themselves in the same way humans can, so you need to keep a close eye to make sure all their needs are being met! Mutual respect and understanding, I'd say that would be the secret to any idol that can do their job well."

It's a basic answer that you've rehearsed many, many times. To be fair, there is a modicum of truth to it. It really is important to know your Pokémon partner well, to be aware of what they're thinking and how to respond to their feelings. Being so caring and considerate will always foster truth between a human and Pokémon, regardless of their relationship.

That's all true. You just don't think it would be a good look on live television that your relationship has vastly improved by you taking care of his sexual needs. That you jack off your Lopunny before shows. That you sometimes let him do even more than that. Being aware of a Pokémon's sexual needs isn't that strange. The Lopunny line is even well-known, more like infamous, for being high maintenance in that area. But most people would send them to a specialised Daycare for them to relieve their urges, rather than to take care of it with their own body. Only perverts like you would do such a thing.

Even before this very interview, your hands had been tugging on Lopunny's fur. You're seated on the little couch in your personal changing room with your legs spread. His cock is driving inside you at a pace fast enough to jostle around your whole body, the legs of the couch scraping over the floor. Combined with your barely muffled breathy gasps, anyone passing by would ask questions.

"Lopunny!" You hiss out. Even with your hands clamped over your mouth to muffle your sounds, he can still pick up on everything you say with his excelling hearing. You don't want to think about what kind of scandal it'd create if you were caught fucking your own Pokémon. "Too fast, too loud— Please, just a little…!"

The head of his cock hits that special spot inside of you and the rest of your complaints melt on the tip of your tongue. As you kept being hit over there again and again, your coherent thoughts are reduced to a horny slush.

It feels good, you start to think to yourself instead, Who cares that your career might be ruined because of this, this is the only reason you got so far in the first place! Maybe you could make your living making videos of Lopunny fucking you instead. Maybe you'd make even more, with everyone watching you get absolutely debauched.

When Lopunny cums inside you, nuzzling his wet nose against your collarbone, you pet his head as you bring yourself over the edge with your other hand. With your legs twitching, your fingers stuffed into your mouth, you think that you don't want your relationship to be anything else.

As the reporter smiles and asks the next question, you can feel your partner's cum leak into your panties.

#pokefilia #pokephillia #cw.pokephilia #lopunny x reader

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emidescent · 4 months ago

Text

Anti Capitalism Cone

A HDG Microfic. Featuring Forcefem, and a ward who just needs a little push.

“...you're evil"

“Oh petal, it's really not that bad. It makes you look cute!"

“It makes me look like a girl"

“Do I need to say it for you or~"

“All the stories were true"

“Only the fun ones~"

“Just send me to the mines"

“You want another Minecraft playdate with Lacy?

"... Yes. But that's not the point!”

I gestured to the floor length skirt I had woken up in.

"WHYAMIINADRESS!”

Espirina, my ‘warden’ shrugged, her vines subtly adjusting the pleats of the skirt.

"You kept trying to pay for things, it's a symptom of capitalism poisoning.

So we had to put you in a cone so you couldn't reach for any theoretical wallets."

“A CONE!?!? LIKE A PE~

I stopped myself before I said something I couldn't take back. I slipped off the edge of the bed and paced around the room.

“A plausible excuse. But as I'm sure you're aware, I'm not wearing pants."

I stared at her, hoping looks could kill. Or at least maim. Wilt?

“Well you're already wearing the cone. And it's rather fashionable, why wear pants as well?"

“And the matching shirt?"

“Ward or not, I refuse to have anyone under my care look bad”

"You also did something to my hair, I can feel it”

She smirked and looked away.

"I did, but you'll have to find a mirror to see what I changed.”

"Well I would.”

I gestured around the room

"But somebody turned all the mirrors off.”

I said, as dry as I could muster.

"Petal… you kept flinching and wincing every time you looked in one, it's for your own good…"

She looked down at me with a sad look in her eyes.

It was my turn to look away, It was true.

But she didn't have to say it out loud.

"So… what's today's agenda?”

She perked up, taking my hand and leading me out into the main room of the hab. Was she always this tall?

“We're going to be testing out the cone by taking you to a cafe. Also, I need you to take this pill"

She held out a hand, revealing a small flower shaped pill in the centre.”

" What is i~”

"Open~”

My mouth dropped open obediently, and she quickly slipped the pill in my mouth. It dissolved on my tongue.

It was sweet.

Tingly.

I…

I….

I don't know what happened there.

My cheeks felt warm.

Before I could compose myself I was being dragged outside.

Down the path outside my warden's hab and onto the street.

The cafe wasn't exactly far.

But I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of walking so far in heels.

Wait…

Heels?

I looked down, but couldn't see past the hem of the skirt, and whenever I tried to stick my foot out the skirt followed.

I grabbed at the fabric, trying to pull it up. But it kept slipping out of my hands.

"Sweetie, I know you're desperate to show off.

But I don't think public exposure is the ideal first step.”

My cheeks burned harder.

" S-shut up, I'll make you p…”

My words faltered on my lips.

“I-ill make you pa…”

The word felt weird on my tongue.

" Wha-”

Before I could finish the thought I was plucked off my feet and held by my warden.

I yelped and grabbed at the vines making up her chest.

"Espirina!”

The soft fabric of the skirt pressed up against my legs, and I noticed something for the first time.

"Did you shave my legs!?”

I squeaked out, shivering at the unfamiliar feeling. Deciding the burning feeling on my cheeks was from the embarrassment and NOT because I was being bridal carried by a very pretty plant.

“Yes"

She looked down at me in her arms.

A new look in her eyes.

A dangerous look.

“Would you like an itemized list? Or would you prefer they keep being surprises~"

I couldn't speak, she interpreted that into an answer and began carrying me to the cafe.

Before long I was the focus of every passing affini.

I hid from their stares and delighted coos in Espirina’s chest. It felt… Comforting somehow…

Fortunately the destination wasn't too far away.

And I found myself placed at the counter. Staring into the eyes of the floret on the other side.

… She was shorter than me last time we were here. What was going on.

Before I could question my warden the floret squealed in delight and began jumping up and down.

I backed up into Espirina, unsure what was happening.

A vine shot out of a doorway in the back and jabbed the girl in the thigh.

She slowly settled down from squealing with joy to vibrating with excitement.

“Haha-ha-ha… sorry, I don't often see such a CUTIE! come by. Especially one I haven't seen before.

But… we only saw each other like… a day ago.

Wha-

I looked up at my warden, who shrugged innocently.

“We’ll have my usual mineral blend water and a hot chocolate.”

Oh right, the cafe.

I tried to reach for my wallet, but was met with fabric.

The other side?

Nothing there either.

This thing had to have pockets somewhere. This was the compact for stars sake. I tried pulling the dress up to get underneath it.

But it just slipped out of my hands again.

“Oh, my stars"

The waitress gasped.

“Are you trying to curtsey?!"

“N-no! I-i’m trying to p-”

I tried to defend myself.

“I want to p-”

The words got stuck on my tongue.

I froze, my face burning so hard I was certain it was never going back to normal.

I didn't know what to do.

Fortunately Espirina picked me up and carried me over to a booth. Placing me down inside it and sitting opposite.

I still struggled to think clearly until the cup of hot chocolate was placed under my nose.

I blinked a few times. Looking up at Espirina, and the drink she held out to me

I took it gratefully, taking a long sip.

I felt the warmth spread through me.

At least… I had Espirina. She was nice, and very helpful.

Maybe after my wardship ends we could still remain friends.

That would be nice.

I kept slowly sipping at my tea, looking out the window.

My eyes caught someone else's just on the other side of the window.

She was so pretty, curly hair, a cute blouse.

I smiled at her, and she smiled back.

Stars she really was pretty.

Maybe I could-

No, Affini medicine was amazing, but there was no way it could do that to me.

I took another sip.

She did the same.

Haha, what timing.

She giggled when I did.

Wow, we really were in sync.

We…

Oh.

I looked at Espirina in alarm.

“Tha- wha- who- huh- me???”

I looked back between the window and her.

My reflection following me perfectly.

“Yes dear?”

“Really?!”

“Yes dear~”

“you made me look like a gir?l"

“Do I need to say it for you or~"

“All the stories were true~"

“Only the fun ones~"

“Does that mean…”

“If you'd like to”

“I would… Mistress”

#hdg #floretposting #microfiction

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thewalrusespublicist · 3 months ago

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Paul and Linda Interview from Hellllllll

@slenderfire-blog as the patron saint of good sources sent me this interview and I thought I would write it up as it gives a worrying insight into the famed idyllic marriage and Paul’s mental state at the time.

Reader, it was not idyllic and he was not doing well.

Disclaimer: For context, this interview is in his Broadstreet era aka the grief/midlife crisis/I cant have a meltdown if I’m making a film period. I fully believe that Paul was having an extended emotional crisis/breakdown post John's death/successive unresolved and badly handled traumas. (As I was saying to @slenderfire-blog, let's just say if he feels like crying every damn day about John in 2021, imagine how it was in 1985.) So yeah Paul is having a time and I look forward to McCartney Vol 3. for potential confirmation and illumination on this.

At the same time JESUS FUCK PAUL THIS IS TERRIBLE.

Like so bad, bad to the point I now feel like contemporaneous Peter Cox account is 1000% more credible as this is essentially the PR version of what he said. So let's get into the greatest hits:

The happy, definitely-not-in-trouble couple

They do seem to adore each others company, be locked in with each other and Paul does rely on her a lot for support and approval:

As they talk, Paul constantly squeezes Linda’s arm reassuringly, strokes her hand or looks to her for approval or agreement whenever he makes a point. The two are inclined to talk at once or to finish each other’s sentences. At times, the link is so tight, they seem almost like different aspects of one person.

Though at the same time they both describe the relationship as 'rather volatile' and full of arguments where they go and sulk in different rooms. They lightly play it off but then Linda says a bit too seriously that shes usually the one who gives in first :/.

Paul built the house they live in and are sort of obsessed with cosplaying living the 'peasant' lifestyle with no help save one housekeeper Rose who is from Paul's bachelor days and the occasional babysitter (as far as I'm aware this is true).

The marrying thing in 68 was so intense he even asked lil HEATHER to marry him what the hellllll (of course he wasn't serious but it does feel like another way of indirectly pressuring Linda to commit). He also kept asking Linda until she gave in.

Random swipe in the baby name department at Zowie Bowie, lmao not friends with the Bowies then (good thing Duncan Jones happens to agree).

They romanticise the bickering and volatility as being like passionate young lovers

“My parents were married for 25 years and they were like young lovers,” says Linda. “Paul’s parents were the same. If you’re lucky, you get that in life. You see, those are the kinds of things that matter to me—not the diamond necklace.”

Paul:

Paul is clearly not okay and seems to be regressing by trying to recapture his childhood through his current situation. Throughout the interview Paul keeps going back to his parents marriage and his childhood as the ideal frame of reference. This is pretty standard but Paul takes it to the extreme of this meaning no friends, family only and the wife do all of the labour.

This (save the misogyny) is a far cry from his 60s revolutionary kick but I can see how this happened in the wake of the Beatles split, the trauma and complex grief from John's death and the press. In response and defense to the criticism and hurt, Paul seems to have retreated wholly within himself and his family sphere and is coercing Linda into fulfilling the role of the wife within that. Take for example, his portrayal of the housework and why Linda should like to do it:

“Linda really doesn’t like housework,” Paul explains, “because when she grew up, her family had maids and she wasn’t taught to do anything. But it’s something I’ve tried to tell Linda about because in the kind of family I’m from, housework is considered a pleasure—the smell of ironing and the laundry. Where I’m from, once a week, the women would sort of get the laundry out and smell the washing and feel it and see it and iron it all, and they’d be chatting or listening to the radio. It was like a peasant thing. It was an event, like treading on the grapes.

It's bonkers and infuriating and at first I was like I DONT KNOW PAUL IF YOU WANT THE PLEASURE OF SMELLING DETERGENT SO BAD YOU CAN DO THE BLOODY LAUNDRY. But then you realise how Paul connects it with comfort, especially with comfort after a bereavement:

“Growing up in Liverpool, that was always there for me. Even after my mum died, my aunties came around religiously every week and cooked and cleaned the house and did the laundry and provided that kind of atmosphere for us.”

It's romanticising the poverty he grew up in but also signifies to me how much it's a coping mechanism. He wants Linda to do the laundry and have that idealised maternal domestic atmosphere as in his head if you have that then you can carry on even in the face of cataclysmic loss.

Denny Lane's comments about Linda being like a mother to Paul feel really pertinent here. Reading all this has kind of reinforced to me this idea I've had for a while that Linda's maternal attributes was one of the foundational pillars of Paul's attraction to her and an essential part of their marriage. In another interview I'll post another time, he says they never went on holiday without the kids, with them taking tiny Heather on their honeymoon. It wasn't just tours, the kids really did go everywhere with them when they could and they made sure the children's bedrooms were just next door to theirs so they could be there all the time. It's great, wonderful parenting but also with the genesis of their relationship it's really hard not to see Linda and the promised family as the replacement to fill the hole from the Beatles. Not saying that he didn't go on to adore them and them be the pinnacle joy of his life but yh ... once you see it it's hard not to unsee. (Also the thing I've always been too scared to say/wild speculation again I don't know these people ... but I think they would have always had these problems until Paul actually reckoned with his mothers death/other traumas.)

Thinking about it all as well, it must be so hard to essentially cosplay the culture and background you grew up in with wealth and class separating you from everything you used to intimately know

Aggressive optimist Paul telling a very different story here (is he more honest here, more depressed, or maybe somewhere in the middle?)

“I’ve got all these contingency plans. I tend to look at the worst side of things. I’ll say, ‘If they turn us down, we’re going to do this.’ If anything hurts me, I want to fight it—so it doesn’t hurt me again.”

Nothing to add just ... ouch.

Reinforcement of John refusing to let Paul hold Sean because Paul 'didn't know him' ... which yh that is some bullshit its a baby. Paul goes onto mention how John wasn't great with babies as he had no experience whilst he had and somehow makes it borderline a competition lmao.

HALFWAY THROUGH I REALISED THIS WAS THE INFAMOUS PLAYGIRL 'JOHN SAID JEALOUS GUY WAS ABOUT ME' INTERVIEW. I NEVER REALISED LINDA WAS THERE.

Not him essentially saying 'in hindsight maybe Linda needed a lot of lessons' for Wings and admitting he just wanted her there. They both seem to accept it as something that wasn't fair to expect of Linda with no training.

He does this embarrassed little giggle like 'oh I may be a chauvinist YES YES YOU ARE SORT YOURSELF OUT.

Linda ohh my GOD Linda girl

She has rings around her eyes from exhaustion

Gets up at 7am to do the breakfast every morning despite going to bed late

Said she didn’t want to get married again initially as she had been controlled by men all her life until then

Says her kids are her best friends and that she never had a friend until she moved to Arizona later on (this is interesting to me that both Paul and Linda both saw themselves as 'loners' in childhood even though interviews from people in Paul's childhood repeat that he was popular. Maybe this was a narrative in their marriage or maybe Paul always felt internally lonely).

Qualifier here: I also don't think the best friend thing is true, there are a few people that pop up over the years who say they were very close to Linda and one did a lovely interview with Paul post Linda's death. I think the whole 'family is all you need schtick was part cope and part PR.

From apparent tradition Paul says that he doesen't tell her how much he's worth and their money situation as 'his dad didn't tell his mum' (even though his mum was integral to financially supporting the family may I remind you Paul). Linda girl listen I can make you happy I can give you a good life and treat you to nice things come with me Linda-

Theres one point where Linda PANICS because Paul mentions the supposed socialist uprising potentially taking all their money because HE WON'T TELL HER WHAT THE FINANCIALS LOOK LIKE. THIS FUCKER (also socialists Paul you're a northern liberal get a grip you class traitor)

They both romanticise living frugally with Linda not buying any nice fancy things ... its hard not to remember Peter Cox's account of Linda asking to borrow money when reading this :(((((

Linda's idea of a luxury holiday is not having to cook and clean and she can have fun :( Paul then interjects with 'yh that's great for a bit but not all the time as isn't it nice to have the family all in the kitchen!!' I'm sure Linda would agree if you actually helped Paul.

In summation: he needs help and a slap, she deserves a statue but would probably prefer a sit-down. Thank god there’s a lot to suggest that Paul has improved massively when it comes to his view on women and labour (wouldn’t have married a working businesswoman if they hadn’t) but this is still a difficult window into how things were in the 80s and the life that campaigners like Yoko were fighting against.

#Paul and Linda #Couples counselling would have helped them so much #Linda girl you deserved so much better here #John and Yoko I’m on my knees trying to rescue them from each other #This situation I’m just here for Linda girl I can get you out of here #The 80s were Paul’s equivalent of John late 70s #interview #Linda #To be clear I don’t think these two were the same level of intrinsically incompatible and dysfunctional #They just needed help and he needed counselling

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ethereacals · 1 year ago

Text

10 Things I HATE About: You.

summary: James is starting to get desperate when Lily continues to reject his attempts to date her, as she reveals she's not allowed to date until her completely opposite twin sister does. which seems highly unlikely, (thats why its such a good rule). so James comes up with a grand plan to get Sirius to date her, what could go wrong?

(literally just the story of 10tihay)

wc: 1,585

pairings: evans!slytherin!reader (jeezus thats a mouthful) x sirius black

tropes: grumpy x sunshine, because of a bet

contents: angst? (if that's what we call it) to comfort, happy ending, james doesn't think before he does something, mulciber is sexist (but what’s new)

a/n: this will come in two maybe three parts so stay tuned!

Pt.1-3

(ON INDEFINITE HIETUS)

TO PUT THINGS LIGHTLY: you didn't give a damn about your bad reputation.

Lily on the other hand? did, very much so.

Which is one key reason she didn't appreciate James Potter chasing her around like a lost puppy dog 24/7 365.

Yet she was (unfortunately) falling for James, but couldn't do anything about it since she was forbidden to date by her father until you did, her twin sister.

you guys were insanely different, like night and day.

Lily was a goody-two-shoes, good grades, kept her mouth shut, a clean record.

You on the other hand- while you had also good grades, your record was not clean.

but between having shouting matches with Lucius and Severus about their sexist tendencies or muggleborn rights:

you'd been in detention quite a few times.

but people always seemed to think you were a scary, bitch of a slytherin.

but it's not like many of the slytherin's liked you always, you were a muggleborn after all.

not to mention; relationships made you want to hurl.

and Lily detested you for that.

"Can't you just be a normal person with normal person interests for once!?"

"now, where's the fun in that?" You reasoned from your spot on the library's couch.

"Y/n, Please? You know I like him." Lily begged, her bottom lip jutted out in a stupid pout.

"And? You shouldn't, Lils. He's actually daft." She groaned irritatingly.

"Where are you from? Planet Loser?"

"As apposed to Planet 'Look At Me, Look At Me!'"

"Sirius, Sirius- Please!" James pleaded from his position below Sirius, up on top his knees.

"James, you are quite literally asking me to do the impossible."

"Sirius- She can't date, until Y/N does... and- and you, you my handsome friend- can date her- so I can date Lily!"

James had his hands holding desperately onto Sirius'.

"500 Galleons." Sirius ripped his hands away from James, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Deal."

They shook on it.

You found it quite odd, how it seemed like you were being stalked all of the time.

You were at quidditch practice when a boy with medium length, raven hair came up to you.

you knew exactly who this was.

"Hi, love." he took your sweaty hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.

"Sirius, Sirius Black." he flashed that 'Sirius Black Grin'.

"I'm well aware." You smiled begrudgingly.

"You don't seem incredibly happy to see me, Evans." He just kept on grinning, grinning like he won the Quidditch World Cup or something.

"I'm not, Black. Please leave me alone." You gathered up your things quickly, wanting to get out of his sight.

Sirius seemed a bit put down, nobody had ever been this insistent to get away from him.

usually girls would through themselves at him.

not you though.

he liked that.

very much so.

He cleared his throat. "So, Friday then?"

you stopped walking, turning your head back to him.

"Friday? what about Friday?" You scoffed.

"I'll pick you up on Friday to go on a date."

Damn, that was smooth, even you had to admit it.

"No thank you." you weren't sure what emotion to feel at that moment- embarrassment, annoyance, irritation.

but so far, his plan wasn't working.

but it will.

you had walked off long before he left the pitch, before returning to James in the courtyard.

He slumped against a tree, sighing with annoyance.

"We're screwed." He groaned pessimistically.

"Come on, Pads. Be a bit optimistic."

"We're screwed!" He cheered sarcastically.

The days following were odd, and more annoying then usual.

Sirius Black wouldn’t cease following you around.

Slytherin had a Quidditch Game that day, and you really couldn’t stand Mulciber and Avery’s constant berating of the fact a girl was Slytherins seeker.

“You know— Mulciber, L/N is actually one of the best seekers we’ve had at Hogwarts in years.” Sirius explained proudly.

“but it seems that you can’t wrap your utterly sexist brain around that.” He cooed, Mulciber turned as red as lava.

“She’s only there for eye candy, Black. you understand she’s a filthy mud blood, right?” Mulciber barked, Sirius then wondered; with all this barking he’s doing, maybe he’d like me to throw a stick?

“and what has that got to do with absolutely anything?”

“come on, Black. don’t act like you are this muggles rights activist, you’re a Black.”

Sirius hated being reminded of that fact, he had ran away over a year ago.

“and— besides, L/n is only on the Quidditch Team because she has good tits.”

Sirius clenched his fists, before he shot towards Mulciber in an angry rage.

only he was allowed to say you had good tits.

the punches flew as Avery stood at his spot by the wall, his face not having any color what so ever. he looked like he had seen a ghost.

obviously, all good things must come to an end. as McGonagall stormed out of her office to take points away from both houses, and to instruct Avery to take Mulciber to the hospital wing and then to Detention along with Sirius.

in Sirius’ book, it was worth it.

“he got detention? for you?” Dorcas repeated for about the seventh time in the past three minutes.

“Yes, Dorcas.” You were disgusted by what Mulciber had said about you.

“come on, sugar. everyone here knows you have lovely tits.” Barty mentioned from his place shoved (lovingly) into Evan’s armpit while gnawing on his bicep.

“okay— yeah, whatever. but i certainly don’t need to hear about it from Mulciber and his pet rat.”

You bid farewell to your friends before returning to your dorm.

and you couldn’t wait to plop down on your bed and watch a movie, that was your ideal thursday night.

until something was in the way, and by something i mean a giant bouquet of flowers and by in the way i mean they were right smack in front of your door.

“You have to be fucking kidding me.”

you held a tiny note in your hand, having plucked it from the flowers seconds earlier.

“Dear Y/n.”

“don’t listen to Mulciber, he’s harmless. (and jealous that you actually made the quidditch team.) i siriusly (haha, get it?) want to take you out on the finest of dates tomorrow night, would you please accept?”

(: -sirius b. ps. you looked very nice today.

a smile cracked from your lips, before shaking it off and picking the flowers up off the floor.

a date? with you?

why would he want a date with you? where was this obsession coming from?

you supposed you could do it as an act of public service, (to yourself that is) since it would probably not be enjoyable enough for the both of you.

and he did just beat someone up for you.

so why not indulge in him for an evening?

Friday Night had rolled around and you were nervous, he’d only been talking to you since monday and you weren’t sure if you shared the feelings.

but after that night, everything changed.

Sirius was sweet, lovable, and overall not how he seemed.

On the outside, you perceived him as this immature, prankster of a boy who hadn’t gotten enough attention as a child so he felt the need to beg for it everywhere he went.

but on the inside? he was soft, kind, and on top of that he was a gentlemen (which was very unexpected).

“I’m sorry.” you noted.

“sorry for what, dollface?” he chuckled.

“I misjudged you.” Sirius’ brain clogged with worry.

“how did you perceive me before?”

“well— i thought you were immature.” you began, not easing his worries one bit.

“and… i thought this was all a big prank.”

“it’s not.” he quickly answered, but it was, he was lying.

it wasn’t a prank per say, but it was a bet.

which may have been worse.

"Pads!" James yelped, sprinting towards him once he came back from your date.

"Prongs." Sirius greeted him cordially.

"So? How'd it go?" He sat down like he was the best friend character in a 2000s movie hearing about the main characters date with her crush.

"Good, She seems like a nice person."

"Pads, you seem all down in the dumps." James frowned, wrapping an arm casually around his best friend's shoulders.

"What's got your mind going?" Remus did the same as the former, leaning onto him gently.

"well- I'm not sure about this, I may be a bastard but I don't want to hurt her. She thinks I'm being serious."

The worst part about this was: that Sirius was already feeling serious about it, as Serious as Sirius could be.

Seriouser then he's ever Sirius'd.

but you didn't deserve this.

and boy, did he feel shit about it.

#fem!reader #marauders era #remus lupin #sirius black #james potter #marauders #fanfiction #sirius black x reader #dead gay wizards #10 things i hate about you

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spicycinnabun · 5 months ago

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SO excited for the results of this make me write. It was so hard to decide and I wish I could do them all but I think I will ask for 🤖🤖🤖 or ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 whichever you get less of 🥰

I've got about six other beep boop asks in the queue lol, so I'm going to go with ❤️‍🩹! Let's rewind to before the break-up. c:

♡

They were cuddling on Tommy’s couch. Tommy was behind him, hands resting protectively on Buck’s belly. He had been doing that a lot lately—holding him there, touching him there. Buck wasn’t sure if Tommy was aware he kept doing it.

Buck hadn't said anything. He didn’t want to call attention to it and risk having Tommy stop. Because he liked it. Okay, more than just liked it. His body was sending him strong signals about what the Alpha wanted, and it was making him a little stupid with need.

His heart sped up.

Of course, Tommy noticed. One of his hands started rubbing in a hypnotic, circular motion. “What's up?”

“I-I’ve been thinking,” Buck started, trying not to get distracted by the petting. His eyes closed. “I’d like to spend my next heat with you.”

“Oh?” Tommy said, after a small intake of breath Buck couldn’t really decipher.

He didn't say anything else, waiting for Buck to elaborate on his thoughts.

Buck had never enjoyed his heats. Dreaded them because of how desperate they made him, among other undesirable attributes, but maybe it would be different with Tommy. Every time they’d gotten hot and heavy with each other, it was so good, an intense burn that kept building.

Buck was used to being a service omega, but with Tommy, he hadn't fallen into that role. He didn't feel like a wind-up toy, only good for one use, one purpose. His world had been shaken and turned upside down. He actually felt kind of giddy, for once.

“Y-you said I could set the pace, but I also don’t want to pressure you,” Buck continued. “If you’re not ready yet or don’t want to, that’s totally fine. Or if we get to the middle of things and you decide it’s too much—t-that I’m too much—you don’t have to stay.”

That already went unspoken, but Buck wanted to assure Tommy that he had an out. He wasn’t stuck with Buck if he got too whiny, too needy, too clingy. Like he always did.

Tommy’s grip on him had gone slack. He was silent for so long Buck had to sit up and turn around. Tommy looked… kind of horrified, actually.

Buck’s stomach twisted. That was definitely not the reaction he’d been hoping for.

He backtracked. “O-or! Secret third option: We can forget this conversation ever happened and go on a fun date after my cycle is over. I was looking at this new sushi place the other day that has—”

“No.” Tommy let out a slow breath, eyes wide. “I’m sorry, I’m just still trying to process what you said. You think I would leave you in the middle of your heat? That's ludicrous, Evan. Even if, for whatever reason, I couldn’t continue, I wouldn’t abandon any omega like that.” Tommy tilted Buck's chin up gently, eyes filled with sincerity. “Especially not my omega. Have past partners done that to you?”

“Uh.” Buck swallowed hard, feeling suddenly very off-kilter and overwhelmed. “Yes? I’m… you know, a l-lot to handle. D-difficult. E-e-exhausting. It’s okay.”

“Oh, it is so far from okay,” Tommy said. His scent had changed, no longer relaxed. Filling the air with an edge of bitter anger he was trying to keep at bay.

Buck didn’t know what to do, so he followed his instincts and hugged his Alpha. Tommy's tension released. He hugged Buck back. They nuzzled each other, Buck focusing on Tommy's scent gland.

“And now you’re comforting me,” Tommy added with a weak chuckle of disbelief.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Buck murmured, burying his nose in Tommy’s shoulder and kissing it.

“I’m upset for you, Evan. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way. You're none of those things.” Buck made an involuntary sound, and Tommy squeezed him. “I’m going to take care of you, okay? I’m going to show you what a heat is supposed to be like.”

♡

tag list: @chococara25 @lemon-drop151 @bidisasterevankinard @cannibalhellhound @theallyandhisbeast @loulou-land @harmonic-intervention @manifestingchaoticvibes @notacyborg @tedious-waffle @ginny-lala @figuringitoutaloud @monstertrucksactually @eliotwaughdeservesbetter @know1udno @styxhuntress @all-the-feels @perfectlyhopefulruins @espressopatronum454

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catboysooyoung · 4 months ago

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Why I Find Soleum & Saheon Fucking Hilarious: a yapfest

I talked about this with my good friend Carrot today, who mentioned how it's a bit silly how Saheon, someone who's supposed to be dangerous, is utterly terrified of this harmless guy. Meanwhile Soleum, despite being a self proclaimed coward who is fully aware of how dangerous this guy could be, has so far, still remained coolly in control.

And I said that it's because they're having the funniest standoff ever, that it's like I'm watching a nature documentary whenever I see them.

Kim Soleum, the clever, benevolent "prey"

Kim Soleum constantly acts like he's a cornered prey animal inside, but he's someone who is naturally quite levelheaded, and is someone who makes it a habit to take several steps back, internalize and rationalize things a lot before acting. Combine this with his near-encyclopedic knowledge of the Darkness Exploration Records and Baek Saheon's character settings, and you basically get a wild animal wrangler (the wild animal being BSH haha).

Kim Soleum fully knows of how dangerous this guy gets (after all, he was called Viper for a reason), has seen it firsthand, and knows that is barely the tip of the iceberg, but he also knows of Baek Saheon's mentality and is familiar with his behavior. He's even mentioned this before, in chapter 92, mentioning how he was starting to "miss" Baek Saheon, because at least the guy was very predictable. Lmao

Thus, BSH here is a danger he could easily "handle" and confidently contain, perhaps even going so far as taming and keeping him on a leash for his own use. And all he needed to do here, is to give him a taste of his own medicine, which is to act even more unhinged than Saheon, that is, to out-freak the guy, convince Baek Saheon that he is, in fact:

A threat (stronger and/or more capable than him)

Someone who cannot be reasoned with (due to his posturing as a "deranged dopamine junkie")

In short, you could say that Soleum is a "prey" with Bayesian Mimicry. He makes himself seem more dangerous than he really is, in order to fool the "predator" to avoid being eaten.

Of course, he naturally succeeded, rendering the "viper" into a simple garden snake, taming and containing him. And this is precisely because of how Baek Saheon operates.

Baek Saheon, the not-so gutsy predator

Baek Saheon, unlike Kim Soleum, seemed to have been reared to be a natural, opportunistic predator. He may not be at the very top, but he's the type to slither around, waiting for the most opportune moment to strike at his prey. He's got incredible survival instincts. (Not just anyone would think of knocking out somebody's eyeball to survive, let alone have the ferocity to do it.)

Saheon is someone who acts on these very instincts. They are what have kept him alive so far, after all. (And had Soleum not intervened, or even shown off that spare eyeball, he would've walked out of that Darkness, assured that he's done the best he could to survive that, and it would've bolstered his confidence enough to surpass everyone else and earned him the top recruit position.)

To Saheon, it was natural to rely on them. This is not to say that he's incapable of thinking more thoroughly, but more of... The fact that Saheon has a more... Hands on approach than Kim Soleum. He relies on his senses and experiences and he's always on edge and in survival mode. What's more, he doesn't have all the background knowledge like KSE.

You know how people say, if you see a snake where it shouldn't be, you should always just assume that it's venomous and maintain proper distance? Because even on the off chance that it wasn't venomous, you'd inevitably react with more caution and would not approach it so recklessly. So in Saheon's POV, it doesn't matter that there's an off chance that KSE isn't really the freak he's made himself out to be. There's still a huge chance that he really was, and as Saheon (subjectively) had not had any evidence to prove otherwise, he would remain thoroughly cautious of Kim Soleum, branding the guy as "someone dangerous" in his mind. He wouldn't risk it. Much. It was natural to submit to stronger people, at least to a certain point, you can't really fight them head on.

Granted, this doesn't mean he's been completely tamed/cowed. Like I said, BSH is like a snake in the grass. In contrast to Kim Soleum, he adopts a more aggressive mimicry, where he feigns meekness and weakness in order to let his "prey's" guard down, aiming to strike when they're down. To be clear, he doesn't do that to just KSE, but everybody. In fact, he's done it since episode 2. He's not as meticulous in performing it though, seeing that he's already clocked by Go Yeongeun and Lee Seonghae.

And the moments he tried to "strike" KSE down, were when he was convinced that KSE was in a 'vulnerable' enough of a state to be retaliated against. Baek Saheon is not too reckless, he just acts on instinct and calculates the risks and rewards of each action, then he charges forward immediately.

#talk #gsgw #괴담출근 #just yapping #they're like tom and jerry with extra steps #kim soleum #baek saheon

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ravenstargames · 14 days ago

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hello, i just wanted to say that i love the game, it's so beautifully written/drawn/programmed and i cannot wait to play the full version.

i've been following for a while and only realized now that you have a tumblr so i wanted to ask a question i have. i read the most recent ask, at the time of writing this, and it really reminded me just how much power the li's have compared to the mc. as far as i'm aware, the mc is pretty much human or human adjacent.

knowing myself, i would not be able to rest dating someone who could literally kill me if they felt like it cause i would have panic attacks every day worrying about if i upset them or if i'm too comfortable (still playing all the romance routes though lol).

which leads me to my question, would we have the option in game to show our apprehensiveness towards the li's for our own safety? would they say anything if we were trusting one day then ignore them the next? pretty much a hot and cold relationship where we do love them but our fear of them outweighs that love at times.

and also (this could be really heading into spoiler territory so feel free to not answer), is there a chance of the mc ever being able to stand their own in a fight with any of them? thank you for reading, enjoy your day.

HELLO LOVE!! 💜

First of all, thank you so much for trying our demo! AND FOR LIKING IT!!

Alright, your ask is ✨packed✨ (in a good way) so I'll try to answer this avoiding spoilers. Keep in mind this is me replying as the writer, through my perspective. Y'all can disagree, and y'all can choose to explore things differently for your character! In fact, I think this would be something really cool to explore in fanfic :^)

Before we start, I hope I word my thoughts correctly and feel free to point it out otherwise! Sometimes the spanish brain gets too excited :^)

BEWARE OF THE YAPPING BELOW THE LINE!

Second of all! I think this ask would benefit from answering some other questions that are in our inbox rn.

So, I feel like it's necessary to make a distinction between the MC (or a regular human that's not the MC) and a Limbanian.

A Limbanian is born knowing gods exist. At least their gods. They're born in a world where superior beings help rule that world. Someone else asked whether their true forms are kept a secret—and the answer is no. Limbanians know the Sovereigns take on familiar forms to fit in, not only for their people but for themselves, too. Fitting in is an instinct and/or basic need they also experience.

Also, their true forms are not, for a lack of a better word, something you can objectively perceive. Limbo's history has various records and representations of the Sovereigns' forms. They look like what people think they look like, and that's also how they see themselves.

For example, it's "known" Gael's form is the biggest (we're not considering Pride here. its complicated). We talked in another ask about how their powers and therefore their size depends on the faith of their followers. However, some books talk about Gael's form having many arms, and others say he literally looks like a bookshelf. If you think of it, there's no truth. There's only perspective.

Thing is, people regularly interact with them. You can easily forget they're not "human". They do forget they're not "human" themselves. They speak, feel, and look like one. The concern is absolutely valid and they know this; that's why they take responsibility of the power they have in their own ways and don't judge people who don't trust them—generally. They're flawed and are driven by the same emotions as us. That they understand doesn't mean they feel good when they're reminded they're not like everybody else, or are treated / thought as monsters. The two can co-exist!

The power dynamics the Sovereigns have with their people are not the same power dynamics the MC has with them. The MC wasn't born in Limbo and has no ties to Limbo; they owe nothing to the Sovereigns, and so on. They have a choice in that regard. Obviously if Amon decided to torn the MC apart he could. Would he? No. He'd rather die.

Mind-wise, I think that difference is critical. More than being subjected to the power of an individual, Limbanians face the power of a system (or of a natural order of things, even) that is greater than themselves. They don't necessarily fear their monster form; they fear what it implies (and also a bit of lovecraftian mindbreak because it's cool. im not immune to the power of coolness).

would we have the option in game to show our apprehensiveness towards the li's for our own safety?

You can already show disagreement / hostility / mistrust to them during the demo (I hope it felt that way at least, it was my intention lol) and you can keep making that obvious during the initial beats of the story. The extended demo will also improve this, by the way! However, I can't say that will be a regular or central topic for various reasons:

Not all LIs will appear in their true form during their routes or even during the game

For me, as the writer, it's not something I see relevant for all the LIs or something I want to explore at length above other ideas

A matter of script length

River is not a blank slate

That doesn't mean it will never be brought up! In some routes it will, in some it will not—sometimes it will be obvious, sometimes it will be subtle. Sometimes we'll need players to fill in the blanks or assume River has talked this out with the LIs.

i would not be able to rest dating someone who could literally kill me if they felt like it cause

In regards to this (and I hope this doesn't come across as me challenging your thoughts but as me using your ask to address good points or perspectives others may have, which is what I'm trying to do!!) violence is a choice*. Anyone could kill you if they wanted to. I know it's not the same! I know where the thought of being scared of your safety steams from. It may sound like a crazy comparison, and maybe it is, but it's the base in which the whole game rests. That at the end of the day, human or not, the connection the MC builds with the LIs is irrevocably human.

*violence is not always a choice and this has many nuances but let's generalize for the sake of not writing a thesis paper

The LIs cannot choose what they are; they can only choose what they do with it. And you of course have the choice whether that's something you're comfortable with or not. Of course, you don't have to believe they're "universally good" (they're not)—as I said, the MC questions this several times, but eventually grows to trust them and love them like they would anyone else.

In addition—the LIs themselves wouldn't be able to date someone who fears them to this level. That they're not "human" doesn't mean they wouldn't feel a certain way when being presented of a fear of what they are. And this leads me to another ask we got today! The sender wasn't anonymous but just in case she doesn't want me to tag her, I won't reveal it!

Let's say the MC saw the true form of the LI's and now is very wary/uneasy with them (MC not average, they don't go mad :<). How would the LI's handle the situation/try to help the MC?

They know that shit can be scary, better than anyone. They'd be understanding, supportive and reassuring. If further boundaries need to be set, so be it. Of course none of them would be happy at having unsettled the MC, and taking in their true form is not something they do happily or just because.

AND YOUR LAST QUESTION! Jeez, I'm sorry I yap this much!!

and also (this could be really heading into spoiler territory so feel free to not answer), is there a chance of the mc ever being able to stand their own in a fight with any of them?

To answer this without spoiling stuff; an ant can't fight a bear. There's no fight because there can't be. Both contendants are fundamentally in different planes. But the LIs wouldn't fight the MC, ever, and much less in their true form. At least willingly.

That'd be against them. Fighting alongside them—yeah! That happens in the game. And it's cool af! The MC can stand their ground perfectly fine, in different ways :^)

I hope I actually answered your questions! And of course, in case I have to say it again, it's completely valid to feel that way. Feel free to send as many asks as you want, too! We discuss a lot of things in the discord server, so I encourage anyone who enjoys talking about this stuff to join us there!

#lost in limbo #visual novel #otome #indiedev #about the game #about the lis #about the world of limbo #about everything really

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mieczyslawsravenclaw · 1 year ago

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Good Morning, Mr Reid... - Spencer Reid

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pairing - Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Rating - 18+, Minors DNI - Smut - NSFW!!!

Summary / Prompt - When you wake up sweet Spencer with your wet dream, he can’t help but need to make your dreams a reality.

Warnings / Content - smutty smut smut lmao, being woken up by sexy times but that’s about it I think? (Nope also piv unprotected and nutting inside, I'm shit at proofreading the first time >_<)

Word Count - 900-ish

Author’s Note(s) - Bit shorter than my usual but this idea popped into my head and I wanted to try writing from Spence’s pov so here this is! Hopefully my fellow Horny-For-Reid girlies enjoy~

Additional Tags - Spencer is needy for you, smart boy is dumb for the meow-meow, consent is STILL IMPORTANT BABES

Spencer Reid was no stranger to being woken up by a myriad of things - his job was usually the top culprit. But this morning, it was you that pulled his focus into being. At first, he thought something might be wrong from the noises you were making. But after a moment of watching you, clearing his sleep-bleary eyes, he realized that was hardly the case.

“Spence…” It was a breathy sigh, almost tricking him into thinking you were awake. Were you? No, he decided; Apart from the fact that your breathing was more suited for someone in the throes of unconsciousness, your eyes were shut and you didn’t respond when he softly murmured your name. Dreaming, then.

About him, from the continued speaking of his name. It was a crime, really, to look that pretty when you weren’t even aware of it. Spencer was just enthralled with watching the way your face scrunched, he almost missed the way your hands were moving down to- oh. It was that kind of dream, then.

His eyes widened, already feeling the familiar tension of his cock straining against his boxers as you touched yourself, so unaware and still so pretty. Your voice a whine, begging him, please Spence please - he could think of nothing he wanted more than to give you whatever you wanted. You’d talked before about this sort of thing - it had never come about, until now. Waking you up with his touch, his cock to fill you up as the first thing you felt during the day.

He’d been cautious, as consent was a serious subject - but you’d assured him that, if ever there were a time that it called to him, he was more than welcome to do so. He was grateful for his eidetic memory, the echoing of those words in his mind now to settle where this was going.

But he wanted to watch a little longer, whether that was selfish or not, he didn’t know- and didn’t really care. Seeing your chest rise and fall while you messed with your bundle of nerves, still quietly begging him for something, anything, was enough to spur him into reaching for himself. The slow pumping of his fist and the sight before him pulled a low groan from Spencer; he tried to keep quiet, but it was a challenge. With you in front of him, doing that…really, could you blame him?

“Baby…” He sighed, eyes darting between your face and your hands, to the thin fabrics that kept you from him, for now. “Wanna be inside you. Can I be inside you?”

Your eyes fluttered a bit, but nothing more in response. Spencer was almost desperate, he needed to feel you wrap around him, so tight and warm-

“Baby,” He tried again, more of a whine than anything else. His free hand pulled you closer, nuzzling his face into the soft skin of your neck. “I need you, need you so bad-“

“Mmm…Spence…”

He rutted up against you; the brushing of your wetness against him, coupled with the way your arms instinctively moved to wrap around him, just made him need it even more. His hands slid your panties to the side, far too dire of a need to even bother with removing them completely. He took a moment to line himself up and pushed into you, letting out a deep moan that lilted into your name at the end.

“Fuck, so tight, baby,” He groaned, kissing your neck. He felt you rustle beneath him, a little groan escaping you.

“Morning to you, too,” You murmured back, a small laugh caught up in the way he felt pressing against your walls. “Thought I was dreaming there for second.”

“For a second, you were.” He amended, pulling back to give you a kiss. “I thought this could be a perfect time to test out that idea you had.”

“I’m certainly not complaining,” You gripped his shoulders as he thrusted deeper, earning noises from the both of you. “Couldn’t even wait long enough to get me naked, huh?”

Your teasing made him flush. “I- well, I just-“

“IQ of 187, and it all folds and disappears for me.” You smirked, and were quickly distracted again once he pushed further inside of you. “Fuck, Spence-“

“Not just me, huh?” He huffed, lifting your leg up to hit further back. “Not my fault you’re so pretty, I just wanna fill you up.”

“Please, do.”

“Say it for me.”

“Please, Spence, fill me up,” You cried out as he hit the spongy spot in tandem with rubbing against your clit, just how he knew you liked. “Fuck, I want you to cum in me, please-“

“Wanna see you cum first,” He groaned, rolling you over so he could lift both your legs to his shoulders. His own orgasm was impending, threatening to spill over, but he needed it to be you first.

“Don’t stop, Spence-“ Your nails dug crescents into his back before falling to the sheets, white knuckled as you told him, “Just a few more- I’m so close, I’m so-oh!”

Your release triggered Spencer’s own, no more willpower to hold back from it once he felt you shake and tighten around him. “Fuck,” he whimpered, “Me too, baby, me too,” and with your gentle praises he spilled over into you with a deeply pleasured moan.

You laid there together for a bit, not bothering to detach from one another until Spencer mentioned the need for cleaning you up.

“Well, are we going to shower, or are we going to fuck in the shower?” You smirked.

He was already getting hard again at the thought.

#spencer reid smut #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid

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mirai-e-jump · 10 months ago

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Uchusen Vol.186 (Autumn 2024) Kamen Rider Gavv | Detail of Heroes ft. Main Cast Interviews (other pages and translations below)

Publication: October 1, 2024 (between episode 5-6)

Chinen Hidekazu (Shouma)

"Which shows from the Kamen Rider series have you seen?"

Chinen: From my generation, I watched "Kamen Rider W," "OOO," "Fourze," and "Wizard." I've been watching "Kamen Rider Zero-One," a masterpiece by Director Sugihara, who also directed the pilot of Gavv, and recently I watched "Kamen Rider Den-O" for the sake of studying.

"Who would your all time favorite Rider be?"

Chinen: Including OOO, I like alot of them, but lately I've been particularly fond of Den-O. It was really amazing to see each of the Imagin's personalities being performed by Satoh Takeru-san, the lead actor. The theme song is good too. I listen to the OP every episode without skipping it.

"Please tell us about the time of your audition for Gavv."

Chinen: We were put into pairs, one would play a role reminiscent of the food lover Shouma, and the other played a cool role similar to Hanto. During the first audition, I made a mistake. When I was supposed to do a performance where I entered the room from outside, I mistook the door for an outward opening one instead of an inward one, so I kept trying to pull it when I should've been pushing, and it ended up making alot of noise. I also heard the Producers laughing because I was having trouble getting in, but when I finally did, I continued the performance as if nothing had happened. Thinking about it now……I guess maybe that feeling of disconnect was also linked to Shouma's.

"We're sure you must've been quite flustered at that time"

Chinen: I was really flustered because of that (laughs). I was panicking quite abit because it wasn't an act, I really made a mistake. Still, I thought, "I've come this far, so let's do this!," so it might've been a good thing that I was able to accept it and give an earnest performance.

"How were you informed that you had been chosen?

Chinen: One day, my manager called me and said, "I need you to come to the office after work." I went to the office thinking, "Maybe they're upset at me for failing something?," but they said, "We have a report. We're disappointed to tell you that the final audition for Kamen Rider is no longer available." I was frustrated because I thought I had been rejected, but I still said, "I understand, I'll do my best next time." At that exact moment, the staff came through the door and shot off party poppers. That's when I asked my manager, "This isn't a dream, is it?" I pinched myself just to be sure (laughs). Even though it hurt, I couldn't believe it, and when I finally became aware of it, I felt like, "I'm the happiest guy in the world right now!"

"How did you inform your family?"

Chinen: I immediately called my mother about it. She said, "Hide, will you be okay with having the lead role?" Ever since I was little, I always said I wanted to one day play the main character in Kamen Rider. Both my mother and father supported this dream and saw me off to Tokyo. However, I really didn't think it would come true, and I think I was more worried about whether I'd be able to play the main character in such a big title before I was happy.

"Please tell us your impressions when you learned that Gavv was a Kamen Rider with a sweets motif."

Chinen: I received the proposal at the same time I was chosen to play the lead role, so that was the first time I learned about it. My first thoughts were, "A sweets Kamen Rider?" and "What will the gummies be like?" I didn't immediately understand the concept. It was the same kind of impact I felt when I first saw the orange and armor motif of "Kamen Rider Gaim." Still, when I read the proposal, it was very original and interesting. I could really feel the passion of the creators in wanting to create such a hero needed in the era we live in. I thought, "I want to be that kind of hero, and I also want to do my best!" I was impressed by the way the Rider's design incorporated gummies and potato chips, and I thought, "The person who thought this up is a genius."

"What's your absolute favorite form?"

Chinen: As of right now, it's Zakuzaku Chips. I'm a big fan of dual wielding swords, as I often use dual wielding characters in games. Also, I like the jagged potato chips on its eyes. From a distance, doesn't it look like Kamen Rider OOO? I like that about it too.

"Due to the complicated background of the character, we feel that Shouma, who you're playing, requires difficult performances. What kind of orders did the Director give you?"

Chinen: Director Sugihara said, "While he is a young man, I want him to retain a part of his innocence," and that, "He's friendly, but there seems to be a wall between his heart." He said, "He has a bright side and a dark side that he doesn't show others. I hope you can show us how well you can switch between those two personalities."

"Shouma's upbringing is one thing, but it's also cruel that the enemies he's fighting against are his family."

Chinen: Yeah, I personally think it's so cruel, that I pity Shouma. It's a harsh story for a show that's meant for small children to watch. I personally feel like it's mentally draining to play the role of blood related brothers fighting against each other as enemies. What's more, there's no escape from that fate. However, while the story and Shouma's circumstances are hard, the eating of sweets and poppin scenes help soften the situation. The gap between those scenes gives more depth to the hard story. I also try to be conscious of this when I act differently.

"It seems to strike a good balance between the poppin imagery and the hard content."

Chinen: Some fans predicted, "Is it going to be a show like Gaim?," when they saw the official announcement before the show aired. Kamen Rider productions that start out appealing to the "pop" part tend to have harsher developments (laughs). I myself don't want it to be too serious, so through trial and error, I'm still trying to figure out how to make the "pop" in Gavv stand out.

"The role sounds like a pretty high hurdle to clear."

Chinen: Still, I think it was the same for my seniors who performed in previous Riders. I believe that it's Kamen Riders who overcome their troubles, conflicts, and ordeals.

"How was filming for the transformation pose?"

Chinen: The pose was decided on three or four days before we started filming. We agreed on it through discussions among myself, Action Director Fujita-san, and Director Sugihara. In the first episode, there was no proper pose, as the transformation was done during a pinch, so the pose wasn't done until episode 2, but the transformation scene in the first episode was also very cool. Shouma's body slowly changes, and at the end, we get a closeup of his face and Gavv's mask, but he doesn't change all at once, leaving the eyes unchanged. It was very cool, and I was trembling by the way they showed the expression in my eyes until the very end! This is a special version that's only found in the first episode, so I hope you'll watch it again.

"We think that there'll also be action scenes before the transformation, but what about you?"

Chinen: The action is alot of fun……that being said though, I struggle with it quite abit. Action isn't just about being good at punching and kicking. I have to make the action visually appealing. Despite all that, I of course have to put my feelings into it. Fujita-san was by my side the whole time, and Gavv's Suit Actor Nawata Yuya-san was also always near the cameras, and he was very helpful and gave me advice like, "You did it this way before, but why don't you try it this way?" Also, I practice kyokushin karate, so that might be why I was praised for my kicks. So, when it came to direction, we also had an increase in kicking scenes. Over the next year, I'd like to improve my action skills more.

"How was post recording?"

Chinen: It was my first time, so it was much more difficult than filming. Director Sugihara spent alot of time with me for episodes 1 and 2 in particular, since they're the ones the viewers would see for the first time. After that, Director Sugihara gave me some advice. Shouts like "Hah!" and "Tah!" tend to become monotonous as it goes on, so he said, "I want to see some variation." He recommended the game "Street Fighter" as a good reference. I wrote down the shouts I thought were good in a memo and did them my own way. Naturally, I also referred to the shouts of my senior Riders.

"What's been your most passionate scene so far?"

Chinen: It would have to be the transformation scene in the first episode. Until then, the wind had been blowing so strongly, that it was like a cloud of dust, but it stopped right as it came time to do my performance. Thanks to this, we were able to shoot the cut where the wind makes Shouma's hair rise up and reveals his eyes. I also talked with Director Sugihara about it, saying, "It's a scene where the wind was on our side."

"How's the teamwork with your costars, Hino Yusuke-san and Miyabe Nozomi-san?"

Chinen: Both of them are usually friendly, but when they get in front of the cameras, they quickly switch into their roles. They're the type of people who can clearly switch on and off. Not just for Shouma, they're also my own reassuring friends.

"We were told that among the three of you, Chinen-san's plays the role of the funny guy, while Hino-san's the straight man."

Chinen: Sometimes I'll derail the conversation or make bombshell statements (laughs). Each time, Hino-san puts us back on the right track. Miyabe-san watches from a slightly removed position, but will sometimes react.

"By the way, Chinen-san, what's your favorite sweet?"

Chinen: It's gummies, naturally! However, since I'm from Okinawa, I'd also like to promote "chinsukou" and "sata andagi" (laughs).

"We'd also love to see those two appear as Gochizou."

Chinen: Will they appear?! It seems like they'd be limited to Okinawa. Of course, I'd be happy if they come out, but for now I'll just hope for it within my heart.

"Finally, please give a message directed to all the fans of Gavv."

Chinen: The story of Kamen Rider Gavv began with a young man coming from another world to the human world. I hope that you'll pay attention to how Shouma meets unique friends in the human world and grows. Especially the bond he has with his mother, family bonds is one of the themes, so if possible, I'd like you to watch it with your loved ones. If you watch it, you'll definitely want to show your love and respect to your parents. I'd like to make this a show that you can support throughout the year. I hope you'll pay attention to and enjoy the activities of not only our cast, but also the Gochizou. I look forward to your support throughout the next year!

Hino Yusuke (Hanto)

"Have you watched the Kamen Rider series?"

Hino: I have an older brother, so we had alot of transformation belts from "Kamen Rider Kuuga" and other early Heisei series at home. In terms of my generation though, it would've been "Kamen Rider Den-O." After that, I watched "Kamen Rider Kiva" and "Kamen Rider Decade."

"Who's your all time favorite Rider?"

Hino: I watched it with enthusiasm, so it'd have to be Den-O. When I was in elementary school, I commuted to school by train and was once stopped by a station attendant when I tried to walk through the ticket gate with the pass for the transformation belt (laughs).

"Did you play the role of Hanto during the audition?"

Hino: I also played the role of who I later found out was the main character, but in the end, I was frequently assigned the role of Hanto. Still, I thought his character had a cool position when they explained him to me, so I wasn't sure if he'd fit with my everyday self.

"How was it when you learned that you had been chosen?"

Hino: I was shocked because I wasn't expecting to be picked. The way my agency informed me also startled me abit. I was so happy and shocked, that I was in a state where I couldn't think straight for about five minutes.

"Did you contact your family right away?"

Hino: I was told it was okay to contact my parents as soon as I could. My mother cried and was delighted. Hearing my mother's tearful voice on the other end of the phone caused me to cry as well. My father never seemed very interested in my work, but when I told him that I had passed the audition, he exclaimed "seriously?!" in the loudest voice I had ever heard (laughs). It made me really happy when I heard that. My father's always worrying about me. I started this work when I was in high school, but was told, "You're a student, so your priority is your studies and to then go to college." However, my work became so busy, that it became difficult for me to attend college, and my parents were constantly worried about me. That's why I think I was finally able to reassure them by passing this audition, and it's a new starting point for me as well. In this day and age, TV dramas that run for a year are rare, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in one, and I'll do my best this year without forgetting to keep my mind fresh.

"What was your first impression when you read the script?"

Hino: When I first heard about the motif, I thought, "What would a sweets Rider be like?" I think everyone's first guess would be a poppin, cute hero. So, while yes, the designs give off a cool, cute and modern feel, the story is very dramatic. The lives of Shouma and Hanto, who I play, will gradually overlap, and many other appealing characters appear, which always makes me wonder what will happen next. I myself look forward to the next script whenever I receive one. How will Hanto become a Kamen Rider, and how will he relate to Shouma after becoming one? I hope that you'll look forward to that.

"Did the Director give you any orders regarding your performance?"

Hino: I was told, "It's good to be more flexible." There's the way he approaches people with his fake smile when he's a freelance writer, and his "I'll crush you" anger when he confronts a Granute. It didn't matter what others would think, he told me, "I'd rather you vary his strengths and weaknesses so that he looks like a different person." At first, I thought Hanto was a cool character. It certainly looks that way when compared to Shouma and Sachika, but there are surprisingly few scenes resembling that in the show, it's more like he's clumsy around people. The Director raised the mood of my first appearance scene, up to the point where it felt like a silly older brother had appeared. That part changed the impression I had when I first received the script considerably.

"We have the impression that freelance writers are prone to being disliked, as they're always snooping around and are persistent in pestering the main character."

Hino: While I can't speak for myself, Hanto himself is a character who's teased during the show, so he's the most lovable character. He acts with conviction, and I think that's what makes him so cool, but he sometimes ends up getting nowhere, so he gets teased. And yet, when he's teased, he'll get angry and say, "Don't screw with me!," but he doesn't deny it (laughs). The reason Hanto's slowly becoming more like that may be due to the fact that my own character is starting to come out. In this sense, I feel that the synchronization with the role has risen. This way, Hanto's character has a wide range, so I'm able to play him rather freely.

"After this, Hanto reaches a major turning point when he becomes a Kamen Rider, so did you switch up your performance there?"

Hino: For Hanto, it's not so much a situation where his fate has taken a turn for the worse, it's more like his connection from the past has further unfolded. That's why rather than switching between before and after he becomes a Kamen Rider, I tried to separate his role as a freelance writer from his desire for revenge against the Granutes. To tell you the truth, after I learned about Hanto's early life, I tried to avoid "seeing" his family as much as possible in order to understand his loneliness alittle better. That's why when he confronts the Granutes, I think his eyes are pretty much burning with anger. It is of big help for him that he's surrounded by cheerful characters like the Gochizou and Sachika.

"How was the first transformation scene?"

Hino: Before his first transformation, another major event happens to Hanto which leads to him becoming a Kamen Rider. With the power he's acquired for the first time, Hanto's first transformation is a scene where he shows the anger and hatred he's been holding onto for such a long time towards the Granute. Trying to convey those emotions through my performance was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I think that Valen's transformation itself was also unrefined, unlike the image of a perfect hero with overwhelming strength. Still, he's unrefined but works as hard as he can, so I'd be happy if everyone who watches the show can feel that there's a cool feel to him. In a scene where "tears" are an important point in the direction, I was so emotional, that tears genuinely ran down my face as well. I still remember this because it was a moment when my emotions and my performance matched up.

"As Hanto, did you feel like he reached the climax from the earliest stage?"

Hino: No, no! This isn't the end of his story! (laughs). I'm sure there'll be many more climaxes from now on, and I'm personally looking forward to them.

"What did you think of Kamen Rider Valen's design?"

Hino: There was more chocolate than I expected (laughs). Despite that, it's cool. I also like that Valen is a "helmet type," while Gavv is a "mask type."

"By the way, Hino-san, what's your favorite sweet?"

Hino: Chocolate of course!

"Do you have a favorite secondary Rider from previous Riders?"

Hino: It's Kamen Rider Zeronos from Den-O. I love his "I'm pretty strong!" catchphrase! In terms of actors, I like Yoshizawa Ryo-san, who played Kamen Rider Meteor in "Kamen Rider Fourze." When you're that cool at giving a performance, you can't be beat. Director Kamihoriuchi previously told me that when Yoshizawa-san was told to "do something like this," he instantly made it his own performance instead of following instructions. He also said, "His ability to adapt was exceptional." It made me want to be an actor like him. He's a respectable person.

"We'd like to see a catchphrase from Valen as well."

Hino: Yeah. He currently doesn't have any lines that he's always saying, but I'll try to bring out Hanto's human appeal while standing beside Shouma, the hero from another world.

"Do you want to film some action of yourself before transforming?"

Hino: Action is fun! I do voluntary training on a daily basis together with Valen's Suit Actor Kaji Kotaro-san, Gavv's Nawata Yuya-san, and everyone else on the Action Team. The day before an action scene is set to be filmed, they would assist me in practicing for it. With the exception of impossible scenes, I've been challenging myself to not use a stand in.

"How's the teamwork with your co stars, Chinen-san and Miyabe-san?"

Hino: We get along very well. They're both really adorable, but they're professional actors who are reliable on set. In a good way, we're rivals and friends. I hope I can build a better relationship with them from now on.

"Not long ago you said, "It might be his own fault that Hanto's become a character who's teased," but is Hino-san himself a character who's being teased?"

Hino: Basically, I play the role of responding to Chinen-kun's jokes (laughs). However, including Miyabe-san, when the three of us are together, I sometimes play the role of a fool, and will often be the one saying, "Hey, cut it out~." That's the way things usually go. Just so you're aware, I am the oldest (laughs).

"And now finally, please give a message to all fans of Gavv."

Hino: For me, Kamen Riders are the heroes I've dreamed of being since I was a child, so I'm very happy that I'm able to be involved in this historic series. Over the next year, I'll do my best to meet and exceed everyone's expectations with sincerity, and without forgetting my original intention. I look forward to your support!

Miyabe Nozomi (Sachika)

"First, please tell us about the time of your audition for Gavv."

Miyabe: I'll be honest, the audition was a disaster. The audition script contained several assignments, each being individually numbered. At that time, act 2 was a fainting performance and act 3 was a conversation between two people, and even though I thought, "I absolutely have to pass!," I was so incredibly nervous, that I ended up doing a fainting performance for act 3. The other actor spoke to me according to the script, and that's when I realized, "This is wrong!," but it was too late. The final audition didn't go well either. The Director told me, "Act like an aunt from Osaka," but I wasn't confident that I could pull it off, and that's when I became depressed and thought, "This is a lost cause." In spite of all that, I was surprised that I was chosen.

"How did you receive the report that you had been chosen?"

Miyabe: After the audition, my manager called me to come to Ginza. As I headed there and thought, "I wonder if they're upset about something?," they messaged me with, "Take a selfie with your phone." I didn't understand what they meant and was like, "Eh? Did I gain weight or something?" but then I got a message saying, "You passed the audition." It seems that the selfie was to document me going from freaked out to smiling. I had never been so emotionally moved as I was at that moment. This video captures a memorable moment in time, so I hope to be able to release it in some form someday (laughs).

"Have you watched the Kamen Rider series?"

Miyabe: I have a younger brother who's eight years younger than me, so we watched "Kamen Rider Drive," "Ghost," and "Ex-Aid" together. After I passed the audition, I watched "Kamen Rider Gotchard" in order to study.

"We're sure your brother was happy to know that his sister was going to play a role in Kamen Rider."

Miyabe: I still haven't told my brother yet (at the time of this interview). I was given the okay to talk to them about it, so I did contact my parents right away. I plan on surprising my brother by not telling him until the official announcement.

"What were your impressions of Gavv from reading the script?"

Miyabe: Each and every character has a story to tell, so I thought it was a production that'll keep you interested even early on. That's why I can never wait for the next script. I'm sure all the viewers feel the same way.

"Did the Director give you any orders regarding your role?"

Miyabe: Along with Shouma's Chinen-kun, Director Sugihara gave us acting lessons even before filming began. Each time, I was told, "Cheerful, cheerful." It was required at the auditions, so I always try to have the cheerfulness of an Osakan aunt and the kindness that seems to embrace everyone. Sachika is a gyaru president, but I've personally lived a life with no connection to gyarus. I also wasn't the type to stand out in class. That's why after I was chosen for this role, I learned to be more like a gyaru by listening to songs with a cheerful tempo, reading gyaru magazines, and watching official Youtube channels and TikToks.

"What does Miyabe-san think a gyarus mind is?"

Miyabe: I wonder…….No matter how difficult a situation may be, you can always think, "Well, I'll figure it out!," and in a positive sense, I think it's important not to "overthink" things. A friend of mine often says, "Keep a gyaru in your heart,” and I thought it was a very good saying. Thanks to those words, I'm now able to have a gyaru named Amane Sachika reside in my heart.

"Playing the role of Amane Sachika is also a "transformation" for Miyabe-san."

Miyabe: You're right! There's quite a gap between myself and Sachika, so I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it's a transformation for me. I've never played a role so different from my own self before, so it's fun (laughs). It's not just acting that I enjoy, but also doing alot of research for the role.

"Did you also make your hair blonde for the role of Sachika?"

Miyabe: I did. I've always had black hair, but I bleached it three times to make it blonde. At first, every time I looked in the mirror, I was like, "Who are you?" (laughs). Still, once I got used to looking at it, I started to see myself in photos as a different person from who I used to see when I had black hair. Sachika also wears heavy makeup, so you might not even notice me when I walk down the street during my private time. That's why I'm thinking of wearing colored contacts and false eyelashes in my private time so people will notice me (laughs).

"Sachika isn't a fighter, but are there any plans for action scenes?"

Miyabe: There are no particular scenes set for me, but I was once allowed to participate in an action session. I didn't do very well at the time, but I'd be happy if they could prepare some action scenes for Sachika too! Since I went through great lengths to appear in Kamen Rider, I'd like to try my hand at action.

"Would you like to transform into a Kamen Rider like Shouma and Hanto?"

Miyabe: I'd like to do that too! Recent series always have female Kamen Riders, and my dream is to be one of them. However, Sachika's a woman with a strong heart, so even if she can't transform, I'd like to use the strength of her feelings as her "weapon."

"Miyabe-san, which Rider do you like more, Gavv or Valen?"

Miyabe: That's a tough question! (laughs). Gavv's a Rider from another world, so he's incredibly strong, but when he's alone he usually ends up in a pinch. And since Valen's the one who helps him, it's like they're one and the same. So, I guess I'd go with both.

"Have you ever directly seen the Kamen Riders on set?"

Miyabe: They're so cool! Being able to see those forms up close and personal will definitely motivate me for the next year. Before I entered this set, I thought the camera work was what made the action so powerful. Naturally, there are scenes like that, but the action itself is very powerful. When I watched episodes 1 and 2, I was surprised to see that the scenes that were already powerful without CG were even more powerful with CG.

"Were there any other spectacles unique to tokusatsu heroes?"

Miyabe: The Gochizou are made by using both props and CG, so during filming of the CG scenes, Chinen-kun talks to Gochizou that aren't there. I thought that kind of performance was difficult. Still, Sachika doesn't know that the Gochizou exists. She also doesn't know about the Granutes, or that Shouma and Hanto are Kamen Riders. They're so close, yet she only knows about Kamen Riders through gossip. I can only imagine what would happen to Sachika if she knew of the Granute's existence. She might want to try to get along with them instead of fighting. Of course, she'd become angry if someone she cared about got hurt by them.

"What's been the most impressive scene up to episode 5?"

Miyabe: Sachika runs a general store, so she and Shouma do alot of jobs together. I enjoyed the scene where they were handing out flyers to advertise the ramen shop. I'm looking forward to seeing what other jobs they do in the future. I also like the scene in episode 3, where Hanto comes to Hapipare and Sachika pokes him with a toy. I thought it was a good representation of their relationship. It's not that Sachika can't read the room, as when she has to do something, she'll do it, but the mood of the place comes first (laughs).

"Hino-san himself said that Hanto's a character that everyone teases."

Miyabe: Hino-kun himself often makes the set feel more relaxed when he's teased. I also mess around with him alot (laughs). It's kind of easy to tease him, almost like there's a sense of security and that it's okay to tease him. He's the oldest out of the three of us (laughs). Chinen-kun lightens up the mood with his interesting remarks, like when he says, "That's one way of thinking about it!" Once Hino-kun gets into it, it becomes really noisy. We screw around when it's time to screw around, but we're very serious when we have to face our roles. They'll suggest things like, "Let's try this here," or "Let's practice this alittle." I'm glad that the three of us will be together on this set for a year.

"Miyabe-san, what kind of sweets do you like?"

Miyabe: I like plum types of sweets, like crunchy plums and dried plums. On days when we have filming, I'll stop by a convenience store and buy one of those before heading to the set. However, the makeup artist pointed out to me that I should be careful not to eat too much, otherwise my face might puff up (laughs).

"And now finally, please give a message to the fans of Gavv."

Miyabe: Kamen Rider Gavv is poppin and cute, and I think it's a show that'll be easy for all kinds of people to relate to. I really hope that people of all ages will watch it. Since I'm also "armed" with a gyarus mindset, I'll do my best to cheer up tons of people. I look forward to your support over the next year!

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