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[lake-archive]

Our Choice

AO3 Link - Fling Posse Selfship / Yumeship Masterlist

Fandom: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Dice Arisugawa, Ann Wolff (OC)

Pairing: Diceann (Dice/Ann)

Summary: It all started by Ann confiscating Dice's winnings. At first it was simple teasing but eventually... It becomes a little more than that.

Words: 1,227

Oh they could be so cruel. So very cruel, much to Dice’s own dismay. Just when he had finally gotten some money to gamble away, having successfully managed to win some double, Ann was just around the corner and quickly snatched it out of his hands. And they would keep it for some time, making sure that he would see nothing from it.

“This is theft!” He shouted, trying to get through them that way yet they did not seem to think so. Oh, far from it. He was even growling a little bit, something he rarely did. All while trying to snatch the money back from them. And yet, they had it hidden from him, all too well. Oh where the hell was it!? Where did they store it!? This was insane! Taking a man’s winnings, just like that! He was not liking that, at all! Oh not in the slightest! And yet, any argument he was trying to throw at them got shot down in an instant. And by that he meant that he was completely ignored for one, them not even responding to anything he was saying. Even as he walked right beside them and trying to make his stance clear. 

“I won this fair ‘n square! Now gimme my money back!” He insisted, one of the few times where he had become nearly furious with them until they had suddenly stopped dead in their tracks, facing him… Unfazed by his current way of acting. 

“I’m not stealing it, I’m keeping it safe from you.” They explained. “After all, I can’t have my fiancée stay in so much debt.”

“Fia– For the last time, no one has proposed to anyone here!”

“Oh? But the time where you asked me to give you money or marry you—”

“I said I was sorry! Please let it go already!” Of course they would bring it up however. The rumor had spread like wildfire, even the other gambling dudes knew. 

“ Dice, you’re getting married? ”

“ Congrats! Maybe I should ask your cute, little wi— Ahem, spouse to help repay your debt. They seem to be the one with the leash after all. ”

“ Aren’t you two a little too young to marry? You’re 20 and they’re like what? A year younger than— Wait… They’re 22!? Damn, didn’t know ya liked ‘em older! But seriously, you two sound too young to marry. ”

They were all believing it. Each of them were buying it, thinking that Ann was seriously going to get married to Dice. And that was something he had mixed feelings on. Mainly because he knew that this was his punishment most likely and they were still mad about that time where he put them on the spot with a choice. Even with his countless apologies… Then again, none of that would bring back his money.

“Are you sure? You sounded very serious~” They teased him however, having a rather playful smile on their face. “After all, putting me on the spot by making me choose between two things I would refuse to do otherwise~”

“And… Ya picked marriage because…?”

“If there’s one thing I’d never do above all else, it is lending you money~” And they said it so shamelessly too, not even hesitating with their wording. 

It made him flinch, so much so that he was staggering a little backwards, as if his heart had been shot right then and there. He even faced the ground for a moment. “Th… That hurt…”

“Oh come on, you should be happier about it!” He heard them say as steps came closer, only to feel their hands grab onto both of his cheeks and make him lift his head up so he could face them directly, then pouting a little. “Shouldn’t a marriage be more worth than some money you borrowed?”

That… Was a surprising sentence to hear from Ann of all people. Very in fact. “Didn’t ya just say that ya didn’t want to get married?”

“Well, yeah. But if I had to pick between ever borrowing you money or getting married… Consider me fair game for marriage.”

That… Were they serious? “So you’d marry a person to not let them borrow your money?”

“No. I’d just marry you so I wouldn’t have to borrow you money.” They chuckled, at first glance it sounded like a joke. And yet, when hearing a little closely, there was a hint of seriousness in their voice. Not just that but the smile for a second did not match up. It felt a little… Too genuine? Was that a fitting way to phrase it? And yet, he could see from their expression… They… Meant it. By some twist maybe they meant it after all? Getting married… Or did they just like the idea? Either way, they didn’t seem to be… Against it. That’s the least he could conclude.

It had left him speechless for a good second, wanting to turn away yet the moment he tried he remembered that they had a tight grasp on his cheeks, not making his face move away from theirs. 

“Spending time with someone you love for eternity sounds better than money, doesn’t it?” They threw in at the end of it all, making him flush for a moment. It was one sentence which got him like this, all because it had caught him off guard.

“W… Well… I…” He had to think for a moment. Marriage… Maybe back then he would have refused, said no, but if he was allowed to choose who he would be bound to… “It doesn’t—”

Yet no chance to finish. Before he knew it he got a quick peck on his lips with their own before they had pulled away, letting go of his face. It was really short lived but enough to interrupt his answer. And he had just been ready to give them one too! 

“Hey, don’t worry about it. It was just a silly question.” They responded, taking a step backwards. “Who cares if we actually get married or not anyways? We don’t need something like that to spend time with each other for as long as possible, right?”

“But… You just said—”

“Haha, I know. But that’s how most people would describe it… I guess. What’d be the difference if we just called another husband and spouse without a ceremony? Ever thought about that?”

“Guess there wouldn’t be any di—” Yet then it shot through Dice’s mind. Wait, if he said anything wrong here then… “Hold on, that’s another trap of yours, ain’t it!?”

“A trap? What could you possibly mean~?” Oh their playful tone didn’t help, at all!

“Oh I know your tricks by now! I ain’t falling for that! Nah–ah! I ain’t listenin’!”

“Alright, fine. If you say so~ Guess you don’t want your money back then~” 

Ah–!? Right, they still had that! For crying out loud… “You were supposed to give it back to me! I won it!”

“Hmm… Ok, but only if you listen to me for the rest of the night and pay for drinks again~”

“Hah!? You’re playing unfair!”

“Then no—”

“Ok ok fine! Just give it back to me, please!

And even now they managed to play him like a fiddle… Then again, it’s not as if he hated it. At most he was just a little peeved but nothing more.

[lake-archive]

Track 2 - Frequent Visitors

AO3 Link

Characters (main): Doppo Kannonzaka, Reader (gender unspecified)

Pairing: Doppo/Reader

Synposis: At first it started as a few one off talks… Until the both of you became more and more used to each other and talk the evenings away. But did you ever introduce yourselves?

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The first meeting had taken place several days ago. Honestly, anyone had expected this to be a one and done deal. After all, you were a random worker who had met another at the bar. The two of you had decided to converse a little to dump the pain of your respective workplaces onto another. Nothing more and nothing less. An evening to complain about whatever came into your respective minds. It is not as if his boss would ever figure it out and neither would yours. This evening was fair game, wasn’t it? Yeah, one evening to remember but to also forget. That was what this was supposed to be – A throw–away evening. Nothing else. 

And yet, the two of you would meet each other again. And again. And there was another day where the two of you were meeting another to converse about the pains at work. Or rather the salaryman had been throwing in one thing after the other. And each time he was turning from a sulking, depressed individual into one filled with rage, boiling over from one moment to the next before exploding like a bomb and yelling through the entire bar. That or it had been the alcohol in his system making him act this way.

You were perhaps wondering how much he was going through on a daily basis. He had so much to say, so much to complain about, so much to shout from the top of his lungs. He would always insult his boss, even commenting on his bald appearance. All minor insults which could probably get him into trouble if not careful. 

But you understood, thus nodding along with each word you had heard. After all, the exhaustion can get to someone and the workplace is not kind to the simple everyday worker. You work your ass off, only to get the minimum salary. The smallest of missteps could result in a hefty cut or because your boss just felt like it. Honestly, the pain was more than understandable so you promised to never snitch… Your lips were sealed and it was all staying inside the four walls of this tiny, cramped bar. Then again, it was not as if you could snitch on him to begin with. Given that the both of you– 

“Ah– Erm… Wait… Did we ever…” You heard the salaryman mumble that day. It seemed that in this very moment the both of you had shared the exact same thought, or so was your guess perhaps. 

You decided to finish his sentence, mentioning the lack of a name. This got the redhead to lift his body up, at least a little bit and look at you all apologetic, at the brink of a panic attack perhaps. Yet before he could break out into anything like that you had managed to get a word in, just wanting him to stay calm. This wasn’t the biggest deal to you and it shouldn’t have been to him either. Besides, none of you two had asked the other before nor had even bothered with introductions to begin with so you were as much at fault as him, weren’t you?

He wanted to protest yet you would cut him off, somehow. If anything, wasn’t it the perfect timing now to introduce yourselves to each other right then and there? To make up for it?

Yeah, that's why your lips may not have hesitated to say it out loud, your name, your full name. You even reminded the salaryman to not worry about formalities, just referring to you by your first name. The two of you had gotten past the point where you two should be formal to another after all, weren’t you?

He nodded, though slowly and having been a little caught off guard. Was he not used to this? You could only guess. 

“I… It’s… Nice to get to know you.” He almost mumbled, as if trying to be overly careful with his wording. That and he was most likely tired as well, judging from the increasing bags under his eyes. He surely knew how to keep himself awake at the very least. “I… I am… Uh… Who am I again? Wait, no one forgets that! Hold on, wait! I got it! Where is it!?”

He was nervous beyond belief, wasn’t he? You wanted him to just calm down yet again yet before you could get a word out he had already pulled out a small card and shoved it into both of your hands. “H… Here!” He nearly squeaked as he faced down while having held his arms out, only to let them drop to the sides shortly after.

All you could do now was read the card he had given you, a plain business card. A name was written on it, one of the first lines. ‘Kannonzaka Doppo’. Ah, that was his name. And he works at– 

You took a look for a short moment as something had caught your eyes. What was it exactly? You dared not to word it, not seeing it as necessary. In the end all you did was give him his business card back without any further comment, only a smile gracing your face. Only the usual phrase during an introduction would come out of your mouth, something across the lines of ‘ Nice to meet you ’ or ‘ Let’s get along from now on. ’

Doppo had not expected your reaction in any way or he was simply not used to it. Though you could see him nod, an expression of relief washed over him. It was the first time you saw him making such a face. This was something you would have to get used to and yet you were as well relieved to see him like this. Less tense as well as not really on guard. If this just could happen more often… Well, maybe it will. You could give him the necessary push… Maybe. It would depend on what the future had in stock for the both of you.

“L… Likewise!” You heard him finally say alongside his more relaxed expression, with you nodding once more as reassurance. And even with all of that said there might be only one thing going through your head at that point… 

The world is a small place.

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[lake-archive]

Chapter 4 - The Rat Repellent

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Characters: Izumi Sena, Nyeli (OC by @watersofcamelot), Ritsu Sakuma, Leo Tsukinaga, Tsukasa Suou, Arashi Narukami

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When having seen this ‘thing’ the first time, it was easy to tell that Izumi had been somewhat shocked at the sight, though after a few more moments it turned into a not so pleased expression. What was he doing here of all things? The last one he needed to see or ever felt like seeing if he were completely honest. Not to mention he never expected this. He could only question and wonder why he had been here to begin with.

And it became even more annoying when hearing the thing say “Papa  Papa!” ever so loudly while deciding to hug tightly onto Kuma–Kun with the brightest grin on its face. It just didn’t sit right with him, this intruder having the nerve to show up. Not to mention that he got cozy with everyone else in Knights, including Leo. Ugh, is he going to have a rival here? No, that can’t be it… Still, it did not sit right with him, at all.

A small creature listening to the name ‘Nyeli’, a chibi one. Round face, nubs as arms and legs, the simplest version of a body one could find in some drawings and shows aimed at kids, also known as ‘anime’. Black, messy hair as well as cat ears and a cat tail. Big, round, brownish eyes and very simplistic clothes which were beyond messy, the dirt itself showing or collecting itself in a matter of seconds when running around. A wild cat, literally. A wild cat hanging around the likes of Knights. All because of Kuma–Kun.

“My my. Another ‘bring your kid to work day’?” Arashi spoke up the moment she had spotted it as well, even laughing along. It was as if she was admiring an ‘adorable sight’, typical. Adorable, really? Was she serious?

And that cat was everywhere, literally. Before knowing it, sometimes he just peeked out of Ritsu’s bag during training and watching. At least Izumi spotted him from the corner when glancing to the side for a moment. And at random times that cat just jumped out of the bag to dash over while yelling: ‘Papa!’, always interrupting the training sessions. Ugh, so annoying… And the sight… It was just—

“Haha, looks like Rittsu brought our mascot yet again!” Leo joked with a wide grin, seeming to be in a rather joyful mood when just seeing this cat, watching it nuzzle against Ritsu’s leg and purring non stop.

“Ritsu–Senpai, didn’t we talk about this?” Kasa–Kun intervened before this could boil over it seems, shaking his head. “As much as we all appreciate Nyeli here, you can’t just—”

“I didn’t.” The one addressed interrupted while picking up this thing which continued to nuzzle in Kuma–Kun’s embrace. “I was sure that I left him with Ann–Chan today. She must be worried sick…”

Ah, that’s right, both of them may as well be that tiny thing’s ‘parents’. Even if the cat referred to the ‘woman’ as ‘Sisnya’... A word sending shivers down Izumi’s spine.

“Nyeli, we talked about this… No sneaking off when you’re supposed to be with Ann–Chan.” The soft voice scolded, though lightly. It didn’t terrify the pet it seemed though, only looking up with curiosity while tilting its head even letting out a soft: “Nye?”

“We’re a little busy here… Hey, mind if I go upstairs for a moment?”

“Aww, why? He’s not hurting anybody~” Naru–Chan responded instead, her smile not fading as she had walked up herself to pat the small creature on its head which made it purr in response. “Why not let him watch for a little while? Maybe he can learn a few things.”

“Yes yes! He can dance with us if he wants!” Leo dared to suggest, making Izumi growl in silence. What is this guy thinking!? “We have to prepare him for the big stage when we finally introduce him as our mascot!”

“Leo–San… Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself here?” Kasa–Kun threw in. “I know he’s cute but—”

“It’s fine, it's fine! Didn’t Rittsu tell us before that he wants to perform with us one day?”

“Yeah, I did.” Kuma–Kun nodded, not even arguing against it. That thing, on stage with them!? They got to be joking.

“Then even more reason to let him join us. Right, Nyeli–Chan~?” Arashi chuckled, starting to scratch behind the cat’s ears. The cat purred, even nuzzling itself against the woman with the utmost affection. It was always like this, day in and out. The cat had to appear everytime, from Kuma–Kun’s bag and interfere in the training. And instead of scolding that thing they just pampered him for the most part! It is so unbearable to witness, he couldn’t stand it. Why them? Izumi never knew what  exactly overcame him in these moments but it was unbearable to watch. He hated it. He hated it so goddamn much. It was just so… So…

“Bring the rat repellent upstairs.” He finally opened his mouth, throwing it in rather coldly. The rest of the group went silent from one moment to the next, even the purring stopped and they all turned right to Izumi, staring at him in disbelief.

“Rat repellent!? Izumi–Chan!” Arashi was the first one to speak up, nearly shouting. “Our little Nyeli has a name! Can you please use that!?”

“Are you seriously going to–”

“Yes, I am! What’s your problem with him anyway!? What did he ever do to you!?”

“I just don’t get how you can treat a disturbance like this! Let Kuma–Kun bring him back to that other thing!”

“Stop avoiding the topic at hand! I asked you something!”

“Something which isn’t your goddamn business!” He hissed right back, catching himself almost getting a little defensive before suddenly suggesting: “If you won’t do it, I will. Give the rat repellent here.”

“I don’t think so…” Ritsu responded rather bluntly before gesturing down to the cat in question. This one seemed to have started clinging onto its ‘Papa’s’ arm, shivering lightly as its ears had dropped from one moment to the next. However, the eyes were still wide open, the life gone which Nyeli had shown before. It happened when Izumi spoke up about him. One of the few times the cat seemed like an empty vessel. The only thing keeping it together was Ritsu’s presence most likely. “It’d be a bad idea Secchan.”

“Someone has to do it, you know!”

The black haired male sighed. “Then I will do it… It would be a bad idea if you were to touch him I think.”

“Now look at what you did! Great going Izumi–Chan!” Naru narrowed her eyes while glaring at Izumi, almost deadly, yet he only rolled his eyes at this. This woman will never understand. No one in this room will ever understand. And he had no intention of explaining it to them, ever. They didn’t need to know. If Nyeli hates him, then so be it.

“Sena, you need to keep it down. Having Nyeli here isn’t so bad.” Leo tried to argue but Izumi was stubborn in his belief, with no intention of backing out from his words.

“Practice is practice, don’t you get it? We don’t need a cat here!”

“Well… While I agree that Nyeli’s presence is distracting, it is not appropriate to refer to him as ‘rat repellent’ either…” Kasa–Kun would try to argue as well. “How about you apologize first?”

“Are you trying to tell me what to do?”

“What!? I just—”

“It’s fine… I’ll just bring Nyeli upstairs to Ann–Chan… It might be for the best…” And after those words Ritsu left the room with Nyeli in hand. Izumi couldn’t help but watch them depart, his own glare right at them from behind. He knew that Arashi was glaring at him and would be ready to kill him for all those words but honestly, this cat had to know his place. It was the only way… It was the best way.

Well… Some things are better forgotten. He has no intention to open up about this to anyone, ever. Not back then, not now and not in any future. He will shove it aside, whatever it takes.

Izumi cannot stand this. Every single time he is forced to witness this, it was just… Too much. It was too much, yes. Too much of what? He would rather keep that to himself. It was not like him to talk down on a cat like that, they usually never did anything wrong. But… This was different. Very different. Nyeli is another case entirely. He knew that, he was more than aware. Why?

Besides… Nyeli seems to be more than happy with Ritsu and Ann, his ‘fyamily’.

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[lake-archive]

Chapter 3 - Besties!(?)

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Characters: Izumi Sena, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC), Leo Tsukinaga

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Whenever spotting the two Leo cannot help but wonder why they were arguing this time. Sena and the new translator, Miss Ghost! Well, not literally a ghost but Ann–Chan was like a ghost. Not many get to see her! Unless it was one of her arguments with Sena! Then one can hear them up to down the halls, right to the main lobby sometimes. Just follow the screaming and there they are, just shouting at each other as if there is no tomorrow… Literally! They are soo loud they may as well fill up the halls!

And whenever they screamed Leo couldn’t help but grow curious. It was a few times he even got inspired and started scribbling, their voices serving as his background noise. It was insightful sometimes and some of his latest compositions were based on just them quarreling. Others might be annoyed but he finds it funny and it also makes him somewhat happy. In his eyes, Sena finally found someone who he can be on such open terms with. Even if the relationship is bad, being so honest with each other takes a lot. One might call it naivety but to Leo this was just common sense. If you butt heads so much, you had to be close! Only those close can be so open with one another. There was more going on than everyone would realize! It is simple logic in the composer’s point of view, a logic so flawed for many but to him it made somewhat sense. And besides, one of the employees does not seem to disagree with him either from what he heard! Maybe it was some kind of sixth sense at the time but the way the two argued was different from the tension building up between the members of Knights sometimes. It was such an honest clash of emotions, he couldn’t help but translate their screams and cries into notes, a piece of music, a memory of the moment. It helped him understand it all the better if he were completely honest and that is how he drew the following conclusions.

“Hey Sena, Ann–Chan! You’re getting along as greatly as ever!” Leo laughed shortly after having walked up to the office, peeking through the door with a wide grin on his face. He was in an awfully good mood at the time and why wouldn’t he be?

Even when the two snapped their heads while turning and looking at the composer with a rather unpleasant reaction he couldn’t help but laugh. “And in sync too! You’re quite the duo of besties!”

“Besties!?” Both responded, the shouting all too clear. Leo only nodded with the widest grin he could muster while entering the room.

“Yes yes! Besties! You should look at yourselves sometimes!”

“That again?” Sena sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Does this look like—”

“Yeees! It totally does!” The boy interrupted with a laugh. He was set on this idea, almost like a stubborn, little kid. “I never saw you getting this heated Sena! And Miss Ghost seems to like your presence too!”

“L… Like?” The woman in question repeated, a little irritated to say the least. “Erm… Leo–San… No. Also that nickname?”

“Mhm! Easy to remember! And it suits you too!” He nodded to the second half of her sentence before continuing. “But yeah! You do this nearly everyday. You have to like it!”

“Hah!? Don’t make me shut you up by force!” Izumi scoffed, seeming to not like this assumption, at all. “They bumped into me for no reason and refuse to apologize!”

“I bumped!? Du Arsch ! You bumped me!”

“It’s into me.” He responded, almost smug for that short moment before continuing with a less pleased tone. “And besides, you were the one who didn’t watch themselves. So you have to apologize.”

“Rather die than saying you ’sorry’ in ways!” She grumbled like a literal wolf. How funny this was. Yes yes, very funny actually.

“Ahaha! You two are as lively as ever!” Leo couldn’t help but comment, the smile on his face growing wider. “You’re giving me ideas too! Keep going, keep going!” “Is this funny to you!?” The fellow unit member shot a sharp glance at Leo while crossing his arms. “I’m trying to teach them a lesson here!”

“Or whine…” Ann only added off–handedly.

“Shut up! I wasn’t talking to you!”

“Hmmm… I wouldn’t say it's funny.” The composer decided to answer, though thinking midway through. “I’m just… Happy for you I think? That you two became such close friends.”

“Again, we’re not friends. You’ll catch me dead before I have anything to do with them!”

“Feed me to the sharks if we’re friends. Ever.” Miss Ghost seemed to agree, shaking their head at the same time. None of them truly hesitated though.

“Aww, come on! Wouldn’t you miss each other?” Leo asked them yet was met with a loud and clear: “No.” from both of their mouths. Talk about tricky…

“Then how come you two never get tired of arguing?” He threw in, crossing his arms while putting on his thinking expression. “No, seriously… If you were to dislike each other, you would reserve your energy, wouldn’t you? But here you are, talking to each other. You get me?”

“No, not really…” The brunette responded, a moment of doubt on her very own face.

“It’s Leo’s usual nonsense. Pay no mind to it.” Izumi decided to give her a word of advice instead. “We don’t enjoy each other’s presence and that’s that. They just happen to bump into me or not do their job properly.  That’s all.”

“My fault now!?”

“Who else!?”

“ Scheißkerl !”

“Is that all you can do? Throw insults at me I don’t even understand?”

“ Warte nur ab, dann kriegst du noch dein Fett weg.”

“Aaand back to being air, of course~” Leo laughed, though not seeming to mind this at all. It was kind of fun in some odd way. He didn’t know what it was but seeing them butt heads made him almost believe that the two knew each other for a great majority of their lifetime. There was no stopping them, there never was. You could only stop them for a moment before they would just continue with their daily routine. Maybe this was odd to enjoy and honestly, Leo found it a little odd himself. But he just couldn’t help it. They give off some feeling to him… Some odd nostalgia maybe. Or wait… Was it them feeling nostalgic? Hmm… He would have to look at the sheets of paper again. It was the way he came to understand their fights and grew less annoyed by them. Arguing about the smallest things… That’s only something true friends can do!

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[lake-archive]

Chapter 2 - Useless!

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Characters: Izumi Sena, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC), Ritsu Sakuma, Unnamed Male Character

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Talk about a waste of space as well as a waste of money! Seriously, what was the agency paying them for if they couldn’t even do their own job correctly! One look at this goddamn paper and it was just stacked with so many mistakes. So many grammatical errors, let alone the wrong use of kanji sometimes. Or the basic hiragana and katakana! This thing is just unbelievable! What do they think they are doing!? They’re not paid for half assed work! No, even half assed work was better!

Of course Izumi had a right to complain about this. A translator’s job is supposed to be providing a proper translation no matter what! And this just so happened to be important for an interview he would have with a magazine from overseas. He needed the questions translated to properly prepare. But apparently this little translator hired from off the streets doesn’t have the basic qualifications! It is a mess, an utter mess! He could barely understand a thing! He was better off with the questions as they are!

Of course he would not let this slide, why would he? This was the sixteenth time! This moron cannot do the job right, even if they tried! So he saw it as his duty to give them a loud earful and he had been trying to do so for quite a while. However, they had ignored him. He may as well have been yelling at a brick wall. Oh wait, even a mere brick would know how to communicate better because this idiot didn’t even know how to form a straight sentence! Whenever he was talking to them it was long pauses or stutter, or a revert back into German. Who do they think they are!? They’re just some piece of work!

Eventually the model would have enough, slamming his hands right on the desk with all his might. He nearly flinched but wouldn’t let it get to himself. He had yelled his lungs out at that point, his throat all dry, but still nothing except for clacking sounds. That’s it! That little bitch!

“Hey! You’re supposed to listen when I’m talking to ‘you’!” He said in a mocking yet furious tone, only reluctantly referring to them by ‘you’. They may as well not be a person in his eyes, a thing. They were for sure no woman though. Yeah, their body was built like one but that? A woman? They didn’t even know how to get dressed properly, always showing up with a messy buttoned up shirt and some pants, not even hiding their literal fat. How no one else noticed or bothered was beyond him. Plus the bags under their eyes they did not even hide, not even with their glasses on… Oh god and don’t get him started about the mess of a hair! How could he see that as a woman!?

Either way, his mind was getting side tracked. He simply glared at them, waiting for their response yet could wait minutes for that. So once more he shouted: “Hey! Get the fuck off your computer already and listen up when I’m talking to a thing like you!”

It seems that may have made them snap all of a sudden, the clicking suddenly stopping. He spotted them letting out a sigh before turning right at him, their green–ish gaze glaring at the idol with utter annoyance. Oh what do they have to be so pissed about!?

“It’s ‘Anja’ Izumi–Kun…” Was their only response. Oh the nerve…

“Who gave you permission to call me by my first name?” He hissed right back at Ann, still not pleased by that. Yeah, they got some guts… So much he just wished to cut them open right then and there.

“Can not be saying Arschloch , right?” They responded, not even hesitating. And it sounded as broken as ever. “Not when working. I want to keep  this work.”

Izumi only rolled his own eyes at this. “Then learn how to do your job properly!”

“I’m doing properly.”

“Oh no, you’re not!” He countered while holding up the sheet of the paperstack he had been complaining about. “What is this!? Huh!? You call this ‘proper work’!? Even a donkey could do a better job than you could!”

“Odd… You only complain.” They shrugged, as if unbothered by his words to begin with. They even stared at him blankly… And it was pissing him off even more. Talk about a shithead!

“Because you’re being paid for work like this! You’re not even a third class translator! Do you even deserve to be paid for shit like this!?”

“Not paid enough to be keeping up with Arschloch .” That word again. Was that their only counter!?

“And that excuses your horrible result, how exactly?”

“Your excuse to be an Arsch ?”

Ugh, he really, really hates this thing! He could feel the tension rising, his blood boiling… He was about to punch them in their guts. It was what they deserved honestly! “You’re not answering my question!”

They only shrugged, their face as blank as it was before. “And?”

“And!? You mean ‘so what’, don’t you!?”

“Whatever.”

“Don’t you whatever me and explain it this instant! Or else—”

“Shut up. I’m working.” They responded as their gaze became even sharper, yet so did his. There may as well be sparks flying right between their very own gazes. “First you have to explain yourself for such a lousy service.”

“Service? Not doing a ‘service’ Arschloch .”

“Watch your tongue before I cut it out of your mouth.”

They suddenly got up, hands leaning against the table as they shoved their head forward, coming face to face with Izumi from very close up, a little too close for comfort even. “Try it.”

“Heh, you got some balls for an idiot.”

They only pulled out their tongue, as if waiting for it and mocking him even further. Oh, that’s how they want to play? Hah, then they can have it! Not like he’s gonna care! Cut their tongue out, rip it out— Where’s the difference? They dared him to now and they deserved it. If it makes them shut up, then so be it. Maybe they’ll be bearable if silenced by force. And if not their pain would be a delight to witness.

So he reached one of his hands out, about to grab the tongue with great force, just wanting to tug on it until it was literally ripped out their pathetic little mouth yet they would get interrupted from one sudden voice, an unfamiliar yet also unimportant one.

“See what I mean? They’re totally got something going on.”

“I don’t know about that… Secchan is about to try something horrible on Ann–Chan…”

“No no no. You don’t understand! They’re so into it! They won’t notice us!”

A quick sigh from the soft sounding voice. “I mean… I guess the image would be funny. Hmm…”

Though the two voices made the arguing duo turn their heads as Ann hid their very own tongue, staring at the door frame to spot a random employee of no importance as well as… Kuma–Kun!? What’s his business here!? Could it be—

“Eh!? R… Ritsu–San!?” Ann shrieked from one moment to the next and when Izumi’s gaze shifted towards Ann for a moment he saw them all flustered from one moment to the next, a little embarrassed even. ‘Ritsu’? First name basis? They aren’t friends, are they?

“Hello~” This one in question would only reply, as if half asleep while waving with one of his hands. 

“Ey, and I’m ignored!? I got business with you too!” The random male employee interrupted, rather early, and even huffed. Before Izumi himself got a word out Ann spoke up: “Ah– R.. Right! I’m sorry!”

It was as if their attitude had shifted from one moment to the next, going from the deadpan, cold, good–for–nothing big mouth to this young, soft spoken, nervous, shy employee who could do no wrong. And it was so annoying… They had this switch which pissed them off even more for some reason. But no matter… Why would it?

“Haha, it’s all good. Are you done flirting now?” This employee then joked, only to be met with two sharp glares at once.

“We’re not flirting you idiot!” The model yelled in pure anger. What the hell was this guy’s deal? The two were clearly fighting over here! How can anyone even think this is flirting, let alone joke about it!?

“Right right Secchan… We totally get it.” Ritsu threw in, waving the topic off rather quickly however. “Anyway, I’ll be gone soon. Just wanted to ask you something Ann–Chan.”

Their gaze calmed down instantly when turning to Kuma–Kun, then asking with a light head tilt: “Yes? What?”

“Nothing major… Just if I can drop Nyeli off for a little while. I got work.”

“Ah, sure. You can do that.”

Great… Of course the two talk about him again… That tiny cat creature. More like a small chibi with cat ears and a cat tail both are very, very close to. And this cat seems to love them too, always hopping up and down or hugging them on the spot. Kuma–Kun is his ‘Papa’ upon sight while Ann is called ‘Sisnya’ for some reason… Just the thought could make Izumi grind his own teeth. It didn’t sit right with him, perhaps making him almost envious. But he chose to ignore it all the same, maybe this was for the best…

“Great~ Thank you~” Ritsu nodded with a light smile before turning to his fellow unit member, then adding: “Secchan, don’t kill her now. I still need a babysitter.” “You sound as if I want their blood even on me…” He scoffed. Last thing he needed to come in touch with: Idiot blood.

“There’s still a risk you choke her y’know.” He even shook his head while saying that. “Just don’t kill her, alright? It’d be problematic if you did.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” Izumi scoffed while folding his arms, his gaze all the more annoyed. Even if murder were legal, he’d not waste more of his precious energy on them.

“Just making sure~”

“Yeah yeah. Whatever.”

“Even if Izumi–Kun tried… Fail~” A snicker came out of the moron’s mouth, making one of his own eyelids twitch when hearing it. “Watch your mouth!”

“Uh… Just don’t kill each other while I’m gone…” Ritsu threw in, though still half asleep, making it impossible to tell if he was being serious or not.

“Oh, and don’t do that at work!” The employee of course had to say. “If you know what I mean~  Do it while we’re all go–”

“Shut up we won’t!” The two arguing said in perfect sync, the only thing they may agree on for their entire life.

Ugh… Why does Izumi have to keep up with a moron like Ann? Apparently the encounter at the airport wasn’t enough… This had to happen. Does fate hate him so much?

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Chapter 1 - Welcome Back! ... Or Not

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Characters: Izumi Sena, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC)

Masterlist - Next Chapter

Why had Ann been taking the Producer up on this favor? It was an emergency she said, something had come up on a very short notice. And thus she needed a replacement to pick up someone for her. One of the top idols at ES, one of the best idols around. Who was the idol in question? From what they were told his name is Izumi Sena, one of Knights members. And it was up to Ann to pick  that guy up.

The name was not one they were unfamiliar with either, far from it. They had heard of him in passing as he had been away in Florence. And what the coworkers told them about this guy… Apparently he was a pain to be around. A literal pain in the ass, a piece of work if you may. He would complain non stop and if he saw just one flaw in you, which was almost anyone honestly, he would put you down on the spot. He would not hold back if he found something to complain about. And he will find something, it was rather guaranteed, to say the least.

But it was also important to keep an open mind. Ann was told to ‘tread carefully’ but they just wanted to keep an open mind. Surely he wasn’t that bad, was he? In fact, he was probably just a little stressed if anything. Having a jetpack constantly does horrible things. They experienced jetlag the moment they were headed to Japan after all so they wouldn’t blame him if they were completely honest. A bit grumpy, anyone could handle that! Surely! Yeah, a grumpy guy is not the worst thing in the world!

“So… Sena–San… Sena–San…” Ann mumbled to themselves as they were just wandering around the airport, keeping their own eyes out. They were ‘people browsing’ at that point. Did they have any idea what the idol looked like though? Well, sorta. They could just barely remember his face but they had seen it here and there. Wait, actually… Some pictures were on their phone thanks to their mother. She had seen this ‘good looking model’ and had to tell their kid all about it, even saying things like the following:

'Doesn’t he look like the perfect type for a mother–in–law?’

‘He looks really good. Girls at your age would give anything for a guy like that.’

'Say, isn’t he your type too? He has to be!’

‘Dear, do you think this outfit looks good on him? I mean, you should be the best judge since you are in the same age group as he is.’

Each time they responded to those texts in a rather neutral manner they would say.

‘Mom, you don’t expect me to date a model, do you?’

‘Why not? Listen dear, I read up on him and it says that he works at the same place you are working at.’

‘I’m not going to Japan to manhunt!’

‘Just throwing it out there.’

‘Firstly, he’s also working as an idol. Idols are not like western artists! Secondly, I’m just going to be his coworker at most! Thirdly, I’m still not interested!’

‘Then it’s about time.’

‘Don’t push it Mom!’

‘Haha, I’m just messing with you dear.’

‘You’re embarrassing me sometimes…’

But that much was true. They were not interested, and even if they were… The two of them would just be coworkers at most. Nothing personal, no relationship of any kind. Just neutral coworkers… If you can call it that. Nothing more, nothing else. Just existing at the same workplace.

Ahem…Long story short, they had a pretty good idea of what his face should look like at the very least. Their Mom had sent quite a few to them, it may as well be burned into their mind. With that they just kept on searching and searching, their legs carrying them around the airport. Though it became a little hopeless. What if he went already ahead? It was a possibility. Or what if they walked past him without noticing!? Talk about bad luck damn it… Drat! They would have to run around the airport once more and—

“Hah!? What do you mean you can’t come pick me up!?” A voice suddenly echoed right in their very own ears, making them come to a sudden halt. It was a loud one, having a rather angry tone, to say the least, and being anything but pleased. And even that was an understatement.

“Are you kidding me!? Some meetings take great priority!? What kind of Producer are you!?”

The male voice then let out a sigh after a few moments, then continued to talk: “Ugh… great…  Alright, who did you send? ‘Wolff’? Who the hell’s that!?”

Their name! They heard their last name! Wait, was that—

“Never heard it before. Whatever, they’re not on time anyway! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been standing here, waiting for someone to show up!? I’ll give them an earful!”

A moment of silence yet again as they turned though for some reason their stomach turned. Something was up here, kind of… But they decided to not let it bother them.

“ ‘Go easy on them!?’ Ok ok fine, since you told them on short notice. This is your fault too. Whatever, I see you when I see you.”

A quick beep could be heard shortly after and they spotted the silver haired male putting his communication device away. They had been staring and listening in for quite some time, deciding to let him finish his conversation.They could already tell from the side profile who this was… Izumi Sena, the one they had been looking for. Thus they took a step forward finally, to make themselves known while saying rather softly: “Uhm… Excuse me… Sena…San?”

The young male turned around, right into the direction of the voice with a narrowed gaze, looking like anything but amused, to say the least. “What!?” He even hissed right at them, making them stop dead in their tracks yet also holding back to not flinch from this sudden reaction.

“S… Sorry… I…Here to…” They continued stuttering yet he interrupted them from one moment to the next, having raised his own voice: “Speak up, would you!? And how about you try to speak in full sentences! This is pathetic to listen to!”

Hearing this made them nearly grumble. Something rubbed them the wrong way. What the hell was this guy thinking? This was as bad as they heard so far. And it has not even been a minute! Oh great…

They felt one of their hands forming a fist yet they tried to not to let it get to them. Maybe it was just a… Terrible first impression.

“Uhm… I… Can’t talk… Much Japanese…” They responded, very slowly, trying to keep their composure the best way they possibly can.

At most they only got one of his eyebrows rising,  him then scoffing: “Talk? Don’t you mean ‘speak’?” It wouldn’t be something they would usually take offense to but the way he said it, so mockingly… It made their blood boil, almost literally. Especially once he took a closer look, to say the least. He then added however: “Wait… You’re not from here, are you?”

“Yeah.” They nodded yet with somewhat visible annoyance. Yet he decided to ignore it or had not noticed.

“Ok fine, I won’t pick on your poor choice of words.”Oh how generous… “But quit the stuttering, will you? It’s annoying.”

Wha— Less stuttering? Less stuttering!? How!? They had to think about their words here! This guy is an inconsiderate shithead alright!? They made on attempt in hiding it at that point, being beyond furious at that point. “Ugh… If so, how about English?”

Though they would not even wait for an answer, adding: “Hah, no. Whatever. Picking up! You!”

“Huh? Picking me u—” He was about to repeat though would then come to a realization. “Hey, you’re that ‘Wolff’ person, aren’t you?”

They nodded, though somewhat forcefully. “Yeah. I’m Anja–Sophie Wolff. And I—”

“I didn’t ask for your name, did I?”

“Well… No, but—”

A sudden glare from the dimwit in front of them. “I’ve got a bone to pick with you then! Do you know how long I waited here!? Did you even try looking!?”

A grumble escaped their very own lips, more audible than before. They then glared back, massively annoyed. They are getting more and more pissed at this point. Not furious, pissed.

“If you wanna walk and sweat, please. I’ll drive with not you.”

They said it sharp and bluntly, not even resisting by then. No, he is not as bad as they said… He’s worse than they said! That Arschloch!

Regardless, that seemed to have silenced him for a short moment, Izumi’s face being rather surprised. taken aback even. As if asking ‘How dare they?’ Well, they dared and there was nothing this sorryass could do about it. However, he gave in at the very least, or so it seemed at first. “Ugh, fine. Whatever.”

That prick isn’t apologizing though.

“Just keep your distance, will you? I don’t want to be seen with someone like you.”

“Hah!? What for!?” What the—

“Ugh, what even is this!?” He responded fairly quickly, pointing at everything he was talking about at that very moment, with a rather disgusted expression right on his own face. “Your hair is an utter, unacceptable mess! Did you pick these clothes out with your eyes closed!? It’s not just out of season, it also looks old! Are you going to work or for a jog!? And even then, I can clearly see the fat building up. How much do you weigh!? A ton!? Either way, pick wider clothes for crying out loud!”

Ann’s own eyelids twitched at his comments, this guy has the audacity to point out these things! No shame, no sugarcoating. None of that! “Sorry for being a uni student…”

“Uni student!? I thought you were some random hobo! At least try to look decent!”

“None of your business, is it?”

“It is! I have to walk next to you! Good grief…”

Ok, enough is enough. Suddenly they just turned away, about to just walk off. Driving that guy around? No fucking way! “Fine. Walk to the office. Be like that.”

“Wha– Hold it right there!” From one moment to the next he grabbed one of their arms as tightly as possible, though instead of hurting them it was more annoying, to say the least. “You’ve been told to pick me up! No backing out now!”

The brunette huffed. “Don’t wanna! Arroganter Schnösel! ”

A glance to the side revealed one of his eyelids twitching, not pleased. “Did you just call me by a name!?”

“Not telling! Vollhonk! ”

“Why you little…”

“ Verpiss dich einfach. Ich habe Wichtigeres zu tun, als einen Idioten zum Gebäude zu fahren. ”

They were about to take their leave after this, not wanting to bother with this guy any longer. Annoying piece of shit with a ‘pretty face’, ugh… This goddamn guy. Can rot for all they cared.

Yeah, no way they’d even want to get closer to that shithead.However, they got grabbed yet again, as if not allowed to escape.

“Ugh, fine! Just do your job. I’ll shut up. Not like I want to talk to you to begin with.” Izumi grumbled, being very reluctant about this. But it was for the better. “Fine. You shut it. I shut it. Simple.”

“Fine!”

And then silence kicked in, the two just walking to the car and drive in utter silence, annoyed by another’s presence. It was not worth acknowledging him to begin with.

Though that had been only the first encounter between them and the biggest Arschloch in the whole wide world… Izumi Sena. At the time they prayed that it would be the first and last time… But of course fate is a cruel Mistress.

Masterlist - Next Chapter

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Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Old Love Never Dies

Izuann Masterlist (!!-Era)

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Characters (main): Izumi Sena, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC), Nyeli (OC by @watersofcamelot), Izumi Sena's Mother

Character (side): Leo Tsukinaga, Ritsu Sakuma, Arashi Narukami, Ritsu Sakuma, Tsukasa Suou, Mikagehira, Natsume Sakasaki, Sora Harukawa, Unnamed Male Character

Relationship: Izuann (Izumi/Ann)

Summary: When starting their job at the Ensemble Square Ann expected things to go rather peacefully, perhaps uneventful. But of course, life isn't like that. Enter Izumi Sena, the local man who knows how to be a pain in the ass. He's gotta be one of the worst men she has ever met! However, it is thanks to him that things are not exactly what they seem to be…

Tags: Love/Hate, Hate to Love, Enemies to Lovers, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Friends, Developing Relationship, Developing Friendships, Character Development, Love Confessions, Friendship/Love, Childhood Friends, Childhood Memories, Childhood, Romance, Slow Romance, Platonic Relationships, Platonic Female/Male Relationships, Platonic Male/Male Relationships, Male-Female Friendship, Awkward Tension, Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Drama, Drama & Romance, POV Third Person, POV Third Person Limited, POV Female Character, POV Multiple, Gender-Neutral Pronouns, Major Original Character(s), Minor Original Character(s), Insults, Deutsch | German, First Dates, Awkward Dates, Tsunderes, Hanging Out, Shopping, Makeover, Slow Burn, Slow Build, Tags Contain Spoilers, Separate Childhoods, Sena Izumi-centric (Ensemble Stars!), POV Sena Izumi (Ensemble Stars!), Tsundere Sena Izumi (Ensemble Stars!), Self-Discovery

Words: 81,971

Status: Complete

Original Run: 22nd July 2023 - 24th Septembr 2023

AO3 Link

Chapter List

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4

Part I

Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18 - Chapter 19 - Chapter 20 - Chapter 21 - Chapter 22 - Chapter 23

Part II

Chapter 24 - Chapter 25 - Chapter 26 - Chapter 27 - Chapter 28 - Chapter 29 - Chapter 30 - Chapter 31 - Chapter 32 - Chapter 33 - Chapter 34 - Chapter 35 - Chapter 36 - Chapter 37 - Chapter 36 - Chapter 37 - Chapter 38 - Chapter 39 - Chapter 40 - Chapter 41- Chapter 42 - Chapter 43 - Chapter 44 - Chapter 45 - Chapter 46 - Chapter 47 - Chapter 48 - Chapter 49 - Chapter 50 - Chapter 51 -

Epilogue

Chapter 52

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Ich habe nie aufgehört, dich zu lieben

Izuann (Izumi/Ann) - Selfship/Yumeship/ OC x Canon Masterlist

!!-Era

AO3 Link

Characters (main): Izumi Sena, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC), Nyeli (OC by @watersofcamelot), Ritsu Sakuma, Leo Tsukinaga, Arashi Narukami, Tsukasa Suou (list will update)

Pairing: Izuann (Izumi/Ann) (romantic)

Description: A tale of how hatred slowly formed into undying affection... The meeting which took an unexpected turn. Fate can be a little strange sometimes.

Or... Two idiots who go from hating each other to loving each other and are experiencing the ups and downs of a relationship. Well, it's not just that, given they are right in the middle of a found family all the same.

Words: 105,356

Works: 17

Complete?: No

Works below cut!

Note that some works still have to be ported back here so please excuse incomplete Masterlists for the time being.

Part 0

Play Date

Part 1

Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht (Longfic)

Careless Toasting

First Kiss

A Cat In The Bag

Gifts

'Do You Love Me?'

Cuddling

Izumi Sena Birthday Special (2023)

The Mother Of Nightmares

Little Boys Grow!

Fear Of Loneliness

Playground

A Declaration

Secret Note

A Shopping Trip

A Nyauntie's Power

Sweets (coming soon)

Part 2

Der Weg Zum Erfolg (Longfic - coming soon)

More coming soon

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Annoying Chuunibyou

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Ein schlafender Ritter und die Liebe

Characters: Ritsu Sakuma, Mao Isara, Mao Hara (OC)

Summary: A transfer student has entered the idol course and usually Ritsu wouldn’t care… But this girl is a little too close to Maa–Kun.

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Only recently Yumenosaki had its doors opened for female students outside of the transfer student who had transferred last year of course. Any of the new female students had joined this year and even then they were still few in numbers compared to the male students and most of them were first years anyway. Well, emphasis is on most. Because there was one Ritsu knew about who was also a third year student… A rather infamous one at that. First he had heard of her by Maa–Kun. And the name sounded very similar to Maa–Kun’s, something which had rubbed him the wrong way a little but nothing he thought too deeply into in the end. After all, at first it was just a name. ‘Mao Hara’, not just that she and Maa–Kun shared their names but the surnames sounded awfully similar. But again, not much to it, it made it easy to remember. 

Plus, she looked nothing like Maa–Kun to begin with: With her long, dark–green hair which had two small yet round ponytails at the sides (if one could call them ponytails but whatever) and her different colored eyes, one blueish and the other greenish. Basically she had heterochromia like Mikarin, just less visible from afar. Other than that, there was nothing too particular about the girl. She wore her uniform neatly and her hair was brushed with care. Just your regular student at Yumenosaki… Oh how looks could be deceiving. 

The reason Maa–Kun addressed her sometimes was her behavior. Apparently she was an oddball, often talking about demons and being some ‘overlord descendant’, whatever that means… That was apparently not the worst because she seemed to cause problems for Maa–Kun in particular: Skipping classes, acting out of line, performing unauthorized as an ‘idol in training’... Sounds like a pain to be honest. Ritsu would not even dare to be a literal pain in the ass for his friend. He still wanted to be on his good side after all, though of course there was always more than that behind it. 

This girl just sounded nuts however from what he had overheard eventually from other students. 

“Have you seen that circle on the tracking field? Hara–San was standing right in it and said it was necessary to ‘recharge her demonic energy’.”

“Where did I get my blue eye from you asked!? Oh it’s that new student! She threw a table right into my direction and punched me in the face! Even said it’s my fault for entering the ‘empty classroom while she was taming her demonic rage’! And here I thought that giant first year student couldn’t be topped… Guess what!? At least he isn’t a total nutjob!”

“Did you hear that screaming outside? That was Hara–San, about to have another ‘demonic performance’. Good thing the student council was nearby and dragged her away… I hope the student council president gives her an earful!”

“No wonder this girl got suspended from her old school… She’s the worst this school has ever seen! … Or one of the worst at least.”

Needless to say, the rumors were anything but flattery yet something Ritsu could look past. None of his business. 

That was until that day where he wanted to mind his own business… And yet, something didn’t feel right when he had seen this Hara girl… Worst of all, it was right next to Maa–Kun! Not to mention that she seemed to cling onto him, right onto the arm where Ritsu’s spot would be. The sight made the boy feel several things, most of them being envy and rage. Oh he wanted to tackle the girl away and claim that arm as his but he shouldn’t, that would cause an unnecessary scene. That and he didn’t really have the energy to do that. It rubbed him the wrong way regardless. Was she playing needy too? That was his role! She should get another if she wants to get closer to Maa–Kun that badly! Ugh, there is just so much he could say right now, so much which had been going through his mind at this very moment. Yet it would be a bad move to solely act on emotion. He had an odd pride as a strategist all the same. If he were to best her he should first know who he is up against.

Thus he decided to observe a little, even if he started to wish that he didn’t. This was just… She was just too close! That was the problem. But Maa–Kun was the nice one here. He would not tell her that probably, never ever. Even if he looked a little confused, unsure how he should react to that perhaps. 

“Hara–San, do you always have to latch onto me like that?” He asked, as if trying to keep calm. This was met with a sudden nod.

“Yes, it is of utmost importance Mortal!” She even had the audacity to speak like that to Maa–Kun! She was not even ashamed of either! Ugh, that brat… 

“And why is that?” However, Maa–Kun seemed to keep his cool, as always. That or he was just literally unfazed. Regardless, it was impressive how he could handle this girl so calmly. Ritsu would have already snapped if he was any feet closer than the current distance he had from the duo.

“Hmph! Not just any mortal can keep my demonic rage in check solely by being present! You should feel honored!”

“R… Right…”

“Don’t look at me like that! Not just anyone can tame an overlord’s daughter like that!”

“I… I take your word on it but… Hara–San… If you cling onto me like that, other students might get the wrong idea.”

“Wrong idea? Like what?” 

Does someone really have to spell it out for that dummy!? Was she oblivious or something like that!? But of course Maa–Kun would not bring it over himself to just shove her off or something like that…. Ritsu would be plenty happy for him if needed. He certainly had an itch doing so the longer he was just observing the two Maos conversing. 

“It would start unnecessary rumors. Plus… It’s hard to walk like that. Would you please get off my arm?” Maa–Kun was too polite for his own good sometimes, even smiling at her, even if it was rather nervous. 

This was met with a pout from the girl but she gave in, letting finally go off his arm in the end yet crossing her very own arms in return. 

“Fine, have it your way Mortal! I suppose it would be damaging if seen with you like that.” Whyever she was saying that but as long as she wasn’t— No, she had already been too close so whatever. “I’m not going to leave your side though!” Ey, now she’s just copying Ritsu’s lines!

“Feel free to do so then.” Maa–Kun agreed… A little too easily here for Ritsu’s taste! Oh he would punch a hole in the wall if it was not taking up too much of his energy he had to preserve! “At least until class is in session.”

“Class?” 

“You… Don’t plan on skipping again, do you?” He sighed, sounding as if he was in disbelief. 

“Ah— W… Well…” It seemed that he was just putting her on the spot now, her fumbling around all of a sudden. “I… Erm…”

“Please, just go to class… If I have to drag you one more time—”

“Fine fine! I’ll go to this class thingy! Yeesh! No need to remind me.”

“Thank you… That makes everything easier…”

Ritsu had only seen this once and yet… Ugh, Mao Hara… Something was just annoying him about her and the answer was obvious— She was getting cozy with Maa–Kun here, a little too cozy… And he couldn’t let that happen! He has to act, fast, or she might do something Ritsu will forever regret! 

That’s what was bugging him about this sight, wasn’t it? Yeah, that had to be it. Oh he’s going to show her who is closer to Maa–Kun. And it’s Ritsu, not this Chuunibyou brat!

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An Unfair Game

AO3 Link - A Shared Love Between Our Posse (Masterlist)

Fandom: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Ramuda Amemura , Ann Wolff (OC)

Synposis: Ramuda and Ann were playing a board game. However, someone just keeps on winning and Ramuda doesn't seem to like it.

Words: 612

“This isn’t fair! You’re cheating Ann–Chan!” Ramuda would complain with a huff, crossing his arms. And all Ann could do was look at the guy, letting out a sigh. They should have seen it coming… 

“No. I’m not.” They said and they really weren’t. And yet… 

“Liar liar pants on fire!” He was acting like a child about this, wasn’t he? And honestly, it wasn’t even that serious. And yet, it is exactly like Ramuda in the end… Or something like that. But why would he even act like this? 

To keep a long story short, it was about a board game. Honestly, it had caught Ann a little off guard, having had Ramuda suggest it out of nowhere. “ Let’s play to pass the time~ ” and with them not having anything better to do, they agreed. 

And since then, hours had passed, one after the other, and thus also each round of said board game. And with each round Ramuda was only puffing up his cheeks more and more, letting out his more childish side… Or something like that. Why? Because with each round he was the one losing and they just kept on winning. And it seems after a few more rounds he has had it and was now at the peak of his kid–like behavior. One may as well call him a sore loser… Who knew Ramuda had such a side as well.

“No, seriously. I didn’t–”

“Nah–ah! You can be very unfair!” 

Was this seriously going to turn into an argument? The thought of it only made them roll their eyes on the spot. ‘ This again… ’ It was the only thing which had gone through their head for this moment. And not to mention that they were expecting a tangent anytime now. A non stop tangent on how Ann could be a ‘mean cheater’. Maybe he really was just a sore loser. That or… Was he hoping for something? If anyone knew how to play dirty of the two, it would be Ramuda. Hmm… Hard to say… 

And so as their boyfriend was complaining and whining while sitting on the sofa they got up, right out of the armchair. Did he notice? Probably not, given how busy he was talking. 

So they just walked over, right to the sofa and got seated. His complaints were now right in one of their ears yet not for long. “Hey, Ramuda. Can you be quiet for a moment?” They suddenly interrupted him while turning their head to him, seeing his confused and baffled expression right close up. 

“But I’m not even done!” He tried to tell them.

“Just for a moment, it won’t take long.”

“Hah… Alright, what is it? But don’t think this–”

Yet before he could see it coming they grabbed both of his cheeks with their hands, tilting his head up as their own shot down. It was a short lived moment, a quick kiss. And it was over before anyone knew, Ann pulling back almost as quickly as they had kissed him at that moment. They then let go of his face, their hands dropping down and then they just stared at him.

He sat there, face all red and eyes wide. His body was swaying from one side to the other, as if just having been overwhelmed… Before suddenly dropping down on his back, right onto the sofa. 

D… Did that seriously knock him out? Ramuda should be used to this… Right? And yet, Ann let out a shrug shortly after. In the end it got him all quiet, didn’t it? And besides… It was a little amusing.

“I should do this more often~”

[lake-archive]

A Mirror

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Series: Ein schlafender Ritter und die Liebe

Characters: Ritsu Sakuma, Eli (OC by @watersofcamelot), Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC) (mentioned), Nyeli (OC by @watersofcamelot)

Summary: Similar… Eli at first doesn’t believe it. No way he and this Sakuma guy are that close. He decides to observe… But the day passes and Eli couldn't help but wonder about one thing…

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“Yes, you and Ritsu! At first I thought it was just your looks! But the more I think about it, the more I can see it!”

That had been Ann's words a few days ago and they kept rubbing Eli the wrong way. She talked about how similar they are… And he hated it. It was like being compared and she wanted to see who had been the better one of the two. Now, he was sure that his sis meant nothing by it. She wasn't that type of person. But that didn't change the sour aftertaste in his mouth. She's got something in her eyes and ears! He was convinced of that! He and Ritsu, similar? No… There's no way in hell this was true! As if!

But Eli hated the mere thought. The only thing he could not deny was their appearance. One good luck and he knew this much was true… That dude looked almost like him, the only differences being their heights, obviously, and their eye colors. Other than that, pair them side by side and you'd believe Eli is that Sakuma guy's older brother despite being younger than him. Aren't they similar enough? What does it even mean that they act similar!? Ugh… It was a little frustrating, to say the least…

Still, some odd feeling in his stomach that there might be something to it… Might, a very slim chance. What if Ann was right? It was always lingering somewhere deep inside… After all, according to her she and Ritsu hit it off pretty much right away and outside of Eli these two seem to talk a lot. It was… Weird to think about.

Ann wasn't someone who got along with just anyone, he learnt that fairly quickly. Even when just texting back in the day she always kept quiet in group chats and even now she had barely any friends to hang out with. Work and assignments may as well be the only friends she has, given how much time she spends on each. Or the keyboards she tends to type on. So if some rando got her attention and was close to her, it meant something at least.

However, the reason being a sense of familiarity because of Eli? He didn't buy it, or at the very least he refused to believe it. 'No way' he told himself and tried to ignore it for the past few days. It succeeded, kind of, yet it creeped up every so often. During class, in the hallway, while pulling someone by their pants for fun or at home playing games. It always came back up one way or another and he hated it!

So he saw no other choice but to dig deeper into Ann's claims. And how would he do that? Oh, that was easy. By stalking the upperclassman in question. How else? By talking to him and getting to know him? Pff, that's boring and honestly, Eli didn't have the energy or patience for that. Stalking someone on school grounds is way easier. Besides, the teachers are always relieved whenever he skips class. So it's a win–win. He didn't have to go through boring ass lectures and he couldn't be a pain in the neck during their classes. Surely no one will mind this.

And thus the tall boy had been hanging around the school gates rather early, just so that he could spot his target. And he did not too long after arriving, spotting a yawning Ritsu making his way through the school gates. It made Eli stare from the hiding spot he was at, or as much of hiding as he could manage due to his sheer size alone, and observe the guy.

Nothing out of the ordinary, not even that sleepy face yet he came to a sudden halt when hearing some noises coming from his back as well as a… 'Nye'? What's 'nye'?

Ritsu seemed to be all too familiar with it at the very least when sighing. "Not again…" He mumbled out loud before opening the school bag where the face of a tiny chibi–like cat creature peeked out. It looked close to Eli himself, with the exception of the cat ears and his blue eye color. Even the clothes are close to what Eli himself would wear in his free time: A blue hoodie with some black trousers, a little dirty as well. 

Though the presence explained a lot, Eli knew this cat. Much to his own embarrassment and surprise Ann had named the cat 'Nyeli'. As a kid she just thought the name sounded cute since he says 'nye' a lot… What are the chances of her meeting Eli years later after taking the abandoned cat home? It was… Something, to say the least…

And now Nyeli was located in Ritsu's school bag, the two seeming to be close. Then again, Eli remembered that much. From what he heard even Nyeli took a very quick liking to the guy ever since first seeing him and has refused to leave ever since.

"Hey, weren't you supposed to stay with your sisnya today?" Ritsu asked while facing Nyeli. Said cat was looking up at the guy with wide eyes, ears wagging, as if confused.

"I'll have to call her I think… She's going to be worried sick…"

This was met with a sudden pout from the cat as well as constant head shaking. "Nye nye Papa nye!" The kitty even protested while tugging onto the sleeve of the male's jacket with his tiny nubs. "Nye nye nye!"

"I know you want to stay but—" Ritsu was about to reason yet the cat climbed out of the bag, right onto the arm and nuzzled against it while pouting, shaking his head profusely.

"Nye!"

"Oi, listen for one—"

"Nye!" The cat refused, of course he did. Taking no as an answer? Not going to happen. The kitty is stubborn beyond belief and was having none of it. He refused by every sense of the word, not allowing anything of that sort. So as much as that Sakuma guy tried to reason he had to give in, visibly sighing.

"Alright alright. You can stay." He said, his hand having moved to the top of the cat's head the pet it, makimg the kitty nuzzle and purr right away. "But you have to promise to keep on the low, alright?"

The cat nodded eagerly, enjoying the pets some more before sliding back into the bag, then the guy procceded to walk into the buioding. It was… Unusual yet not necessarily something Eli hated to see. It was rare to see Nyeli to grow attached to someone by this much, to the poimt he was called a 'Papa'. Maybe he wasn't so bad…

That was about the only moment though as the rest of the day Eli spent observing Ritsu… Sleeping. Either in class or during break time. One time he also got up when spotting the student council president, just hogging onto him while being like a clingy child, resembling Nyeli in that regard. He even called that guy by a nickname. 'Maa–Kun', was it? And then begging to take care of him or at least carry Ritsu back to class… Talk about handful! It was… Something else. Eli had no words whatsoever, seeing more of the cat than him. And yet Ann insisted that the two were similar, very similar. He didn't see it though, far from it… And when spotting all of that lazy, clingy behavior Eli only had one question in mind while observing Ritsu Sakuma…

"Is that how Sis sees me?"

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[lake-archive]

Last Day

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Pairing: Ritsann (Ritsu/Ann)

Characters: Ritsu Sakuma, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC)

Summary: The last day of work has approached, they will leave soon. All the people, all the memories… And yet, it is too early to say goodbye!

Words: 1,281

The year is already over? Aww, it has been fun working with you!”

“Just when I got used to having you around… What a shame.”

“Good luck in the near future! You can do it! Fight on!”

“Make sure to contact us sometimes, alright? Can’t go and disappear on us outta nowhere, ya hear?”

All of these words were meant to be kind words towards her, towards Ann. And yet they were all a painful reminder… A very painful one. One he had wished to escape and drag out.

Ritsu knew that the time together had been limited, that this would not last forever. For a while the two will have to go their separate ways. They will have to spend the time far apart, unable to see each other face to face. And the thought of that… It irked him. A lot. So much to that he wanted to punch a wall one way or another, a hole right into it. Grind his teeth out of frustration. He wasn’t upset per se, he understood. But because he understood wouldn’t mean that he had to like it. He doesn’t like it, at all. And he will never like the idea.

It was a painful thought. He knew that this wasn’t forever, only for a short time. And their paths will cross again. And yet… Yet… Just the thought of being apart like that… No, he couldn’t handle it! At all! He had to do something, anything. Even if it won’t work he at least didn’t go down without a fight!

And so, out of nowhere he grabbed her, suddenly holding onto her ever so tightly. Everyone eyed the pair in surprise, all the eyes were on them. But when did Ritsu ever care? It didn’t matter to him, at all. When did he ever care to be honest? It might be selfish but he had to let his feelings be known!

His eyes caught a glimpse of her expression, eyes wide and clearly caught off guard. A quick gasp had even escaped her lips, disappearing into thin air shortly after. She was about to say something yet he didn’t want to hear it. He wanted to speak first and had to let it all known. After all, being left alone…

“Don’t go…” Ritsu said as he pushed Ann closer to his body, right against himself, her back against his chest. His arms were around her waist, grasping ever so tightly. All he heard was a quick ‘Huh?’ It was safe to assume that she didn’t hear so he said it one more time, softer yet also louder. “Don’t go.”

“Don’t… Go?” She repeated, puzzled.

He nodded. “Yeah, don’t go.” And the grip became even tighter. Just the thought of it… 

“B… But…”

“Please… Just when I believed that we could spend more time together…” He suddenly whispered, his mouth close to her ear, the pain audible. “I graduated after all, when the both of us could spend some more time together…”

No response, he could feel how their body went tense, the confusion perhaps being all in it as well? Hard to say. All he knew was that she was tense…Very, frozen in place.

“Don’t leave… Not right now… Just a little longer…” He begged, continuing to do so for some time… And yet… And yet… It had hit him all at once. The reality, from one moment to the next

“Uhm… Ritsu… You do know that…” She began, stuttering a little, maybe from the embarrassment? After all, everyone was just staring at the pair.

“That?”

“Well… I… I’m not going to Germany back!” And a sudden smack into the face. Or so it would seem. The year had passed, the two were going to separate… Right?

Hah, no. Wrong. It wasn’t going to be that way. It was supposed to be that way but things have changed. Long story short, someone got lucky, their script having been picked up for a movie and thus Ann was assisting. The director recommended her by the end of it, of all ups and downs, and she had been busy studying for a good while. 

Not just theory she would be tested on she was also studying Japanese, to understand everything and to communicate. Well, not like she had to in the end but no one informed her of that. And yet, she was doing better now, the mistakes becoming smaller and smaller each time. There were still some but… It was all visible now, how she had improved over time. 

Oh, and as for the entrance exam… Despite all the worrying, all the praying, all the pacing back and forth, panicking beyond belief… She made it. She had gotten the letter, making it. She was told so and yet the doubt had been eating her up all this time, consuming her, to the point it was just unbearable to look at. One would want to smack her across the head. But that meant an even bigger relief once seeing that she made it, thus becoming a student and being able to stay here, in Japan. 

So, good news for everyone at the end of the day. Ann managed to work on her career, one she would want to pursue, and Ritsu was going to be happy that she was staying here and not leaving him. Happy End.

So what was that earlier? Hmm… Nothing, really. He just wanted to have some fun for a moment. And he was sure not done messing around, far from it.

“Yeah, but you will be busy studying and working… Sob sob…” He said, making one of his cheeks press against one of hers, nuzzling against her with a light pout, rubbing up and down slightly. “I’ll be lonely~”

“L… Lonely!? C… Come on now! You also… Well… Working…” She responded, all flustered.

Though he only chuckled as a result. “True. But we won’t have that much time together and that makes me said. Don’t be so cold~”

“Eh!? H… Hey, don’t act as if… The both of us…”

“You know… You could still change your mind.”

“Hah!? I… I won’t! Don’t even be joking!”

“Yees, sorry~” Of course he was joking. After all, he would not ask for her to throw her dreams away, a dream she has to work hard for now. He understands. Well, he will still demand the necessary attention of course~

And with that he couldn’t hold back his grin, chuckling right into her ear in the end, still holding onto her. “But really, I’m just happy that you’re staying here Ann–Chan. I’m not going to lose my comfy pillow~”

“Ah– H… hey, that—”

“I’ll look forward to another year~”

And that was the truth. Another year meant more fun. And besides, it was soon going to be their— Well, that had still time. He should focus on the here and now… Even if it meant to be reminded of the prying eyes.

“Uh… Do you two need some privacy or—” One of the small crowd asked, slightly annoyed.

“No, we’ll be having plenty of private time later. Right, Ann–Chan~?”

“Ah— D… Don’t phrase it like that!”

A quick chuckle. “Am I wrong?”

“Uh… N… No but…” She wanted to reason and yet couldn’t. Cat got her tongue it seemed. How cute~ “Nevermind…”

One would think that this was it. And yet, he swore that he could see a light smile on her face as well, chuckling as well and grabbing the arms which had been wrapped around her. “I… I’m going to look forward to another year with you as well…” Yeah, that feeling was defiantly mutual.

Happy End

[lake-archive]

Slumbering Moments

AO3 Link

Fandom: Ensemble Stars

Pairing: Ritsann (Ritsu/Ann)

Characters: Ritsu Sakuma, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC)

Summary: A moment where Ritsu is asleep... So, the usual really... And yet, things have changed all the same, haven't they?

Words: 910

A rare sight to take in! Actually no, that in itself was not a rare sight. Ritsu with his eyes closed was all too common, let alone the light snores he would let out of his very own mouth. And yet, when was the last time where Ann had gotten a good look at his face close up? The last time they were not dragged right onto the floor and made to lie right next to him, forced to close their own eyes as his tight grip would just not let go of them. A regular interaction to be honest, it had become all too common. It would surprise no one to spot the both of them in all sorts of napping positions, with Ann becoming Ritsu’s pillow.

But right now, things are different. Very different in fact. They were able to spot him right in front of them on the ground, holding onto a pillow in his arms. A somewhat big, black pillow. He had pressed it tightly against his body, in front of his torso, and refused to let go. All while he had been laying on their lap, head only shifting ever so slightly. Needless to say he looked so peaceful at this very moment. It was hard to resist to not look at his sleeping face. 

Hard to believe that the first time they had ever seen him sleep they thought that he was a mere corpse… No, literally. Ritsu had just been laying in the hallway and seemed to have snoozed away… Well, he was, more or less. The slumber was more than apparent after all. And yet, given how quiet the snoring was and how he didn’t seem to move one would only assume otherwise. In fact it was a shock which led to their body standing still, panicking on what to do internally. Their head had been racing thought after thought, unsure what to say, let alone do. Then again, it was obvious in the end. Call the police, obviously. Report a dead body, simple as that. And yet just when they had been about to, they had felt their leg grabbed at the time, unable to move, all while hearing: “ Hey, who are you? Did you wake me up? ” All half–asleep yet at the same time terrifying, as if angry beyond belief. One gaze down and they had noticed his head having tilted upwards at them slowly, almost uncomfortably to look at, and his red eyes seemed to have glown at the time. A face devoid of any emotion yet at the same time it made them not sure what to think, let alone say. Needless to say, they had been shaken to the core at the time and were screaming out of nowhere after having held their breath for several seconds. Talk about interesting first impressions.

Yeah, nowadays this was all but a distant memory to them. Back then they firmly believed that they were looking at a zombie. No, a demon of some kind, perhaps even a vampire. Regardless, he was scary. Very scary. At least back then, when looking like a mere corpse to them. But now?

Nowadays it was obviously the opposite and it was hard to resist a light yet quiet chuckle, their lips curling into a small smile. Yeah, nowadays they would say that he was adorable like this. Ritsu in his slumber, relaxing, resting and recharging. A mere contrast these days.  

All of that led them to move one of their hands down, right to his face, then stretch out one of their fingers to softly poke him. Ritsu’s cheeks… They were a little cold yet soft, squishy even. A feeling they were all too familiar with. Thus they kept on squishing his cheek, over and over, yet softly enough that he would not shoot his eyes open from one moment to the next and glare right at them with his blood–red eyes. As soft as his expression was usually towards them, he could look terrifying for even a split second like that. So they were careful to not wake him in any way.

Squish. Squish. And another squish. It was almost addicting and thus Ann just kept going. Yeah, this was oddly peaceful. Enough for them to want to just keep going. And yet they had to stop. They knew, they should. So it was best to pull their hand back and let him sleep..Or at the very least, that was their plan.

Because the moment they were trying to pull said hand back they felt their wrist softly grasping, their palm forced onto the cheek they had poked and softly cupping it. A light hum escaped Ritsu’s lips the moment he felt their skin against his. 

“Warm~” Was the only word which had escaped his mouth, drowsy sounding, before his arm dropped back down, holding tightly onto the pillow and continuing to hug it as tightly as possible. “I love you, Ann–Chan~”

And a sudden confession, making them almost flinch in response. Even with all these months having passed and the two having been even more intimate than that, that sentence caught them a little off guard. Every single time. But they managed to stay still at the very least, keeping somewhat calm. After all, this was a peaceful moment between them and no one else. There was no need to ruin it.

“I… I love you too, Ritsu.”

[lake-archive]

Operation #1 - Bumpy Bump!

AO3 Link - The Love Antics Of Dark Mages Masterlist

Fandom: Puyo Puyo

Characters: Schezo Wegey, Minako (OC), Nyeli (by @watersofcamelot)

Words: 1,348

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Weeks of research, reading the ancient texts of dating wisdom… Having studied them like the scholars before! All for the sake of one mission, one operation! The operation of operations, one which cannot fail by any means! Because if it does then trouble shall befall the lands and his tears shall drown the entire world and no one may be left alive!

Or long story short: If Sisnya won’t be happy with Wedgy then Nyeli will be very sad and not stop crying. Because he could not have that. He wants to help her for once. After all, Sisnya does a lot for him. Like picking out his clothes, washing him and his clothes (even if water was ever so yucky, Nyeli had to keep himself clean), working jobs to provide food, always giving Nyeli the leftovers and Minnya sometimes not eating for days! Why? 

“ You see, you come first. You need it to stay alive, don’t you? So don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. ” And she was so stubborn to not take ‘no’ for an answer, even the pouts did not work.

Regardless, Sisnya works ever so tirelessly for his sake! She always made sure that he was having enough to eat as well as a place to sleep. He remembers one time where she was ready to sleep on the floor, solely so he could get the bed all to himself. He had to stop her and beg her to sleep on it because she did not deserve to sleep on the cold floor. In fact, the cold floor was never a pleasant place, ever! However, in today’s plan… Oh please forgive this kitty for what he had been thinking of! Though it had happened not just once but several times… More than once and many more to count. 

But what did this little kitty do? Well… You know of the scenes in the black and white books of wisdom? Where one character would be running, only to bump into their crush or something like that? Apparently that causes heart pounding and blushing and much, much more! Eyes wide and staring in awe! And even more when being helped up and taking the other’s hand. It was supposed to be very exciting! So it should help to keep things rolling… Right? Right!? 

Honestly, Nyeli had hoped for it. The outcome was obvious, wasn’t it? He had sent Minya on a goosechase on purpose honestly! Well, or rather that he wanted to take a jog with her and thus had to wake her up early. Said jog was also part of the knight training regime! What did Wedgy say?

“ Uhm… Uh… Right! Knights always have to keep fit and… Stuff. So every morning, run around for a little while to get into shape! Don’t overdo it as well of course… ” As a knight in training now Nyeli had to listen to it and he would! He did his laps just like any other knight probably would! It is his duty to stay in shape after all! 

So, for the plan to work, Nyeli had woken up Mina a few times as well, when she was able to wake up. Though she was extra grouchy each morning, looking at the kitty with her red eyes, life drained from them. And her silver–y white, long hair was all messy as well. She was not amused to say the least. She never was. And yet, as scary as she looked each morning, she managed not to yell at him, luckily. Though she would look peeved every single time. Yet with a bit of begging he got her out of bed and both were jogging, with Nyeli in front of course! Sisnya could barely follow it seems though… How easily was she out of breath sometimes?

The route was always the same, timed as greatly as possible. A jog around the forest, near the cave Wedgy lived at! Why? Well, he had his own morning regime, it seemed, from Nyeli’s past research. It was always around this time where Wedgy was outside, doing his own things. What exactly varied as he was always out for a short period of time at the very least. But there was enough time to—

BAM! – No need to explain, watch for yourself. Who knew that Sisnya being sleepy in the morning had its advantages.

It was almost routine at this point, with Nyeli stopping once he heard the loud bumpy noise from behind. It was his cue to stop and turn around, though hopping in place and watching the scene unfold from afar.

The next sight his eyes got were Sisnya and Wedgy. Sisnya sitting on the grass a little forcefully rubbing her head while Wedgy was… Well, the first few times he had been surprised but now not anymore. His face did not change its expression at all and he managed to keep himself on his very own feet by now. A quick look down and he even sighed. “You again.” He said, almost having Nyeli freeze in place as well just hearing it. Wedgy was cool… Sometimes literally.

Either way, a bit of head rubbing later and Sisnya lifted her head up, a quick gasp escaping her lips before she took a deep breath and was trying so hard to suppress her crushy–crushy expression. She nearly puffed both of her cheeks like a hamster would! “I’m not doing this on purpose…” She explained though was visibly embarrassed. Uh… Did Nyeli fail again?

“Let me guess… You’re out jogging again?”

“Listen, Nyeli asked me to, alright? If he didn’t I’d still be in bed sleeping…” Oh what a sad truth… Mina was literally someone who would sleep until afternoon and stay up until the next morning, then go to bed. Not very healthy… 

“You should watch your step.”

“I… I’m trying, really!”

The two were talking a lot though… Hmm… This is not going as planned. Has the scroll been wrong or did Nyeli miss a step in his preparations? This is the… Uh… He didn’t count honestly but it has been many times!

“And yet it happens over and over again…”

“I said I was sorry!”

A moment of silence, the moment of truth… Uhh… What did he do wrong? What did he—

“Whatever.” By now Wedgy was shrugging it all off it seems, being all too used to it in the end. “Do you need help up?”

Oh! There it was! Nyeli could see it! Wedgy was about to offer his hand, wasn’t he!? The moment of truth, having even Nyeli at the edge of his seat! He even stopped moving, only standing there watching, ears wagging eagerly! This is it right? Right!? This has to be—

“No! I’m good!” Sisnya responded quickly however, jumping up from one moment to the next. It made Nyeli’s ears droop and sigh in defeat… Almost but not quiet. At least there has been some progress? Still, a bummer. This plan isn’t working. Maybe there is a secret requirement: the wise book with its pictures has not told him or he couldn’t read it. Or… Maybe hand holding was a little too much this early on? Yeah, maybe that’s it! So the kitty has to think of a different plan then! 

And yet, Sisnya seemed to try too hard to seem fine… Given her red cheeks and all as well as her stuttering. “See? All fine! I don’t need help to get up! No one’s, haha! Take that!”

Wedgy only stared at Sisnya blankly and honestly… So did Nyeli from afar. “I… This wasn’t a—” He was about to say in fact yet sighed at the end, crossing his arms and shaking his head. “Nevermind… Go back to your jog already, will you? I have something I have to attend to myself so I don’t have time for this right now.”

Operation failed and thus the battle has been lost! Yeah, this battle has been lost… But this fight is not over! Nyeli will make sure that Minya and Wedgy get closer, no matter what!

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[lake-archive]

Gambling Buddy

AO3 Link - CATZ Discography - Fling Posse Selfship / Yumeship Masterlist

Fandom: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Dice Arisugawa, Ann Wolff (OC)

Synopsis: A special occasion calls for a special surprise! Well, or so Dice likes to claim…

Tags: Original Character(s), Major Original Character(s), Pre-Second Division Rap Battle (Hypnosis Mic), Post-First Division Rap Battle (Hypnosis Mic), Gambling, First Dates, Developing Relationship, Established Relationship, Developing Friendships, POV Third Person, POV Third Person Limited

Words: 1,583

It had only been one meeting before this one yet Dice couldn’t help himself. When having spotted his buddy’s ‘sis’ he originally just wanted to walk up to them and greet them. Mainly because he could and the two were buddies by default, weren’t they? And yet… One good look from afar and he could already see that their mood was… Anything but pleasant. In fact they seemed to be a little… Nervous, if that was the right word. 

And even if not one could clearly see that they were agitated, one way or another. He had seen them pacing back and forth, looking around all over the place and being easily startled by the tiniest of sounds. Heck, they even flinched when having bumped into someone by accident.

“ Hey, be more careful! ” 

“ S… Sorry! ”

They were doing anything but peachy. Didn’t take a genius to figure it out to be honest. One would usually just shrug it off however and let that person cool down. But not Dice! Honestly, he had only seen it for five seconds and was already a little irritated, one way or another. And thus he had not even thought about it twice when approaching the person, walking over while being right behind them before placing an arm onto one of their shoulders.

“Yo Ann!” Were the first two words he said to them. And yet maybe that had not been the best approach. He felt them jump, right in place, and let out a quick high pitched shriek, as if scared to their very bones. Their face turned quickly, their eyes as if indicating that they had seen and or expected a ghost right behind them… Yet seemed to drop all the same when seeing the face of the gambler right then and there. 

“D… Dice… It’s you…” They said, then letting out a quick, soft sigh of relief. “Don’t startle me like that.”

“Startle? This? Didn’t know ya were such a scaredy cat.” He joked, even letting out a quick laughter for a moment. “But that’s ‘sides the point. You up to somethin’?”

They only looked at him for a moment, as if trying to find the right words or something like that. The tense expression was still all there however, not fading away anytime soon. And yet they tried to come off as calm all the same, making their entire posture just awkward to look at. No, almost painful. “M… Me!? N… No! Nothing at all! Haha!” They even answered, forcing it literally out of their mouth. “Why do you ask!? Huh!?”

Something was up here, wasn’t it? “Just curious. ‘cuz you look… Uh… How do I say this?” Yeah, how was he going to explain this!? He could just say it flatout but that might get him in hot water. Besides, they would just deny it or something, wouldn’t they? It would help no one in the long run. They would still remain as tense as ever, wouldn’t they? Hmm… Ah, wait! “Nevermind that actually. You said you’re free, right?”

“Huh? W… Well… I didn’t say exactly that but… Kind of. Why—”

And before they could finish he just suddenly grabbed them by the arm and dragging them off, a wide grin on his face as he did so. “Alright! Let's hit the next best parlor! I’ve kinda missed havin’ a gambling buddy with me!” All so upbeat and he was just thinking about it honestly.

“Eh!? Gambling buddy!? But I’ve never— Hey! I didn’t agree to anything! Dice? Are you listening!? Dice!? Ey!” And yet, even with their attempts to escape they couldn’t. In the end they were just dragged along after all.

Once there the objective was more than simple, have fun betting everything away! For sure, the big jackpot today! Well… So he says but… Nothing has happened as of yet. Instead, he was losing over and over again. And over and over and— 

It was getting frustrating really fast, enough for Dice to bang his head against the slot machine he had been sitting in front of for some time, visibly defeated. Talk about robbing all of his motivation… No, literally. This was infuriating, to say the least. And Dice was so certain, enough that he had ignored the warnings of the person right behind him.

“Are you ready to give up now?” Ann asked him, their tone a little dry. Dice glanced a little to the side to see their matching blank expression to that, only leaving him to groan for a second. 

“Give up? Never. Not when I’m so close!”

“Close? I… Wouldn’t call that close but—” 

“If I give up now I might miss out y’know!” He protested, lifting his head back up and shooting his gaze right at them, first looking more than determined yet shortly after he dropped his head yet again. “If I had the money that is…”

“You spend it all on a slot machine?” They asked him, sounding anything but impressed.

And all he did was nod. “Yeah… Hey, ya got—”

“I won’t let you borrow any money of mine.” A cut and dry answer made him lift his head up and freeze right in his seat for a second.

“You’re cold…”

“A student can only earn so much, especially with a cat to take care of.”

“N… Not even a small amount?”

“No, not even a small amount.”

It left Dice to let out a sigh. Ann was hard to bargain with it seemed. A very stubborn person overall huh… Well, if they won’t let him borrow anything…

He got up all of a sudden, shortly after calming down from the sudden shock, then rubbing the back of his head. “Guess I’ll call it a day then.” He said, though was clearly annoyed. Damn it, seriously… Just damn it. “You wanna give it a shot then?”

“Huh? Me?” They asked, tilting their head for a short moment. “Uhm… No thanks. I got nothing on me anyway.”

“Wait, for real? Say so earlier!” Was that why they didn’t let him borrow money!? … No, they probably wouldn’t have done so anyways.

“I… Never carry around much. Only enough for a few coffees maybe.” They admitted, as if sounding embarrassed now. “And I never need more than that if I go out. So—”

Yet as they explained it one way or another they were interrupted with a sudden stomach grumble… And then it kicked all back in, Dice remembering the past few days. And once he noticed he had to hold onto his stomach and he also dropped onto his knees, all weak. Damn, this felt like a kick in the guts! And he wasn’t even kicked to begin with! 

It was apparently enough to get their attention, judging from their voice. “Hey! What’s wrong!? Did you eat something wrong!?”

“I wish…” He responded… Anything between his teeth sounded good just about now. “It’s empty.”

“Empty? Wha— Wait, are you saying that you ate nothing for a while?”

“W… Well… I was hoping to win enough for a feast but…”

He could almost hear that head shake in that voice. “You ate nothing but decide to gamble the money you had from somewhere away. Seriously?”

“Ey, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

“You’re serious too… It can’t be helped then, even if Ole doesn’t like strangers inside the house.”

“Eh? What do you—”

“Get up, you’re coming home with me. Eli should have leftovers in the fridge from last dinner. Said I could take them with me tomorrow but you might need it more than me…”

Hearing that made him tilt his head up in one swoop, eyes wide and mouth already drooling. Hearing the sound of that, a master chef’s cooking… And he could have it!? “Y… You sure? I—”

“Yeah, I’m sure… Even if you technically dragged me—”

But no chance to finish that! It overcame him from one moment to the next yet Dice shot right back up onto his feet and just took Ann in his arms. There was not much of a meaning behind it, he was just overjoyed hearing that. It just overcame him, to say the least. “You’re a lifesaver! Did anyone tell ya that!?”

He could feel them struggle for a moment, perhaps overwhelmed by it, yet he had them basically squished against him, their face against his chest in fact so he could not see their expression to begin with. “D… Dice… This…” They even tried to say something yet seemed to have given up in the end. “N… Nevermind just… Let’s get going, please. Before anyone gets the wrong idea.”

“Wrong idea?” He first asked yet then noticed, quickly letting go. But he was not embarrassed, not really at least. “Whoops! Sorry ‘bout that!”

“I… It’s fine… Yeesh, a tight grip for a starving man.”

“Oi, I couldn’t help it y’know. Force of habit.”

They only looked at him, a little skeptical yet decided not to question it further it seemed. “Nevermind. Let’s just get going.”

It sure took a different turn than expected, to say the least. And yet, maybe it worked in its own right. After all, Ann seemed less agitated, more relaxed overall. So those turns of events may have helped them out more than expected. 

Thus the plan was a success and Dice himself was getting something out of it! It may not be the jackpot he had hoped for but a win is a win… Right?

[lake-archive]

The Traveler With No Past

AO3 Link

Fandom: Miitopia

Character: Ann (OC) (Traveler, Miitopia Protagonist)

Summary: No past, no present and perhaps no future... A face with no name, so they gave themself one... And yet is it really their name?

Words: 1,098

“Where are you going?”

“Oh, wherever the wind takes me.”

That was their standard response and yet it had been true all their life. As far as they knew, they had nowhere to go, nowhere to be, nowhere to belong. Even in the small, secluded village they had always felt out of place. 

At most they had only watched the other kids playing, always on the sidelines. Even when having been invited to play with them, like jump rope, catch or hide–and–seek… It always felt off. It felt more as if the other kids had to, not because they wanted to. As if their parents had pointed at the kid from afar watching them and said: “ Look at that girl over there. Why don’t you invite her over sometime? ”

Maybe back then they had minded, being so alone as a kid. But honestly…  Over time they had accepted it. They got used to it. Being a face everyone would rather forget, kids their age did not seem to care. But it had not been just them, no. 

Even the adults didn’t seem to care all that much. Sure, when they were buying groceries for the old woman they were living with at the time who may as well had been forced to take the kid in or did any other type of errand the townspeople were nice… But the smiles felt empty. All of them felt shallow. Conversations were few and far between, barely a word had been exchanged. They were not wanted, they knew. This had never been an imagination. That was the truth as far as they were concerned. 

The old lady mentioned before… She didn’t care either. She did enough so they would be educated, though only in the basics. She wasn’t heartless and had said so herself. “I won’t let a little girl starve in the slums. You will have a roof under your head.” But wasn’t that just the basic thing to do? It felt more like a chore, didn’t it? No, it was. 

Everyone in their home village was just so distant yet they didn’t know why. It was all so cold. The words were all said with a smile but there was no meaning behind them. It was all shallow, letters meaning absolutely nothing being pushed together to form a word. And those words became a phrase. A generic phrase devoid of any meaning.

Could they name them? No. They didn’t know any type of names. No one had introduced themselves to the kid or teenager or young adult. For a while not even they were sure if they had a name to begin with. No, they didn’t. They were nameless. They have never been addressed by a name so they didn’t care. And they weren’t even sure if their current name was a small piece of their memory or if it was completely made up, because they had to remember something. So their brain had come up with the first best thing. Yet it sounded right so they were hoping… 

Anyways, all of this led them to slowly forget everyone. Their faces in particular. If they were to return to their hometown, they could not recall who any of them were. They were certain of it. And no one would recognize them. Or they would but the townsfolk would just treat them as politely cold as ever. 

“Hey, do you remember me?” One of them would probably ask and the traveler coming back would have to lie. 

“Sure, I remember you!” But they didn’t.

Remember… 

Remember… 

Remember…

Honestly, they remembered nothing really. Where did they even come from? Where were their parents? Did they even have parents to begin with? They didn’t know and the old lady back in the village had never told them. Well, outside of the following: “ Of course you have parents, silly. Everyone has parents! ”

“ Then where are mine? ”

Silence. No answer. And when they tried to remember something, anything, nothing would come up. It was all pitch black. Their head was drawing blanks. They didn’t know a thing. They didn’t know where they came from nor who they are.  They had a face but that face had no name nor history attached to it. Essentially, it was all just meaningless. 

Right, they had no worth in this world. They are a nobody, literally. No past to speak of, nothing to remember. No connections, no name, no identity. They are literally nothing. Who are they? Would they ever get that answer?

No, they wouldn’t. Probably not. They knew that they had forgotten something but it has been over two decades now. They had not remembered back then and they were certainly not going to remember now. It was a fate they had to learn how to accept. Their very own fate. They are meaningless. 

And so, they decided to wander the world once of age, going wherever the wind takes them. If they do not belong somewhere then surely they can be an observer, couldn’t they? Someone who travels around and sees things unfold, people thrive and listen to their stories. They had even noted some down, immortalizing whoever they came across.

And that is all they could do. That may as well be their only worth in this world – Listen to other’s stories and pass them on for generations to come, that the deeds of someone may never be forgotten. Never. 

Yeah, that is what they were. A wandering writer. Nothing else. They are devoid of a meaning, a being. So yes, they noted down everything with an amount of jealousy perhaps. So many people with their own tales to pass on… Something they will never have. A face with a name attached. Unlike them…

“Ah, by the way Miss—”

“Haha, please, don’t call me a Miss. I ain’t that at all~” It feels wrong to hear. 

“Uhm… If not Miss then what am I supposed to call you?”

“Hm? Call me?”

“Well, you haven’t introduced yourself…”

Oh, right… “Hmm… Introduce. Like a name?”

“Y… Yes? What else?”

A name… The very first time… Asked for a name… What to be called… “Hmm… Let’s see…” They had swayed back and forth, as if pretending to think. And yet, they actually had to think, come up with something. Anything really. A name… Hmm… Then… “Ann.”

“Ann?”

“Yes. Just call me Ann~”  Yeah, that felt right. Ann… It made them have a grin on their face. And yet, that grin may as well have been an act. They couldn’t tell themself… “Nice to meet ya!”

[lake-archive]

The Start Of Their Story

AO3 Link - CATZ Discography - A Shared Love Between Our Posse (Masterlist)

Fandom: Hypnosis Mic

Characters: Gentaro Yumeno, Ann Wolff (OC)

Summary: Gentaro manages to bump into Ann at the usual café. And needless to say they seem rather… Agitated if anything. And even then things lean into a little more than expected.

Tags: Yumeno Gentaro-centric, POV Yumeno Gentaro, Original Character(s), Major Original Character(s), Conversations, One Shot, Short One Shot, Series, No Spoilers, Canon Era, During Canon, Pre-Second Division Rap Battle (Hypnosis Mic), Post-First Division Rap Battle (Hypnosis Mic), POV Third Person, POV Third Person Limited

Words: 1,378

When someone leaves an impression it is hard to forget them… Gentaro should know by now, given that he had bumped into someone who was of said interest. An unusual writer, one who could outdo anyone in amount alone. Someone who had a never ending flow of inspiration, managing to put it all down on paper with no issues whatsoever, as if a writing machine. And yet the one behind it is not a machine but a human. Needless to say, anyone would be baffled, speechless and even terrified. He sure was, especially as a fellow writer. Was this even a reality or had he dreamed this up all along? He had been wondering and yet when seeing them a few times from afar it was less of a dream. They were not a fragment of their imagination, they were real. Very much so.  And it was always getting to him. Though he had slowly started to accept that fact as well as their existence. The more he had bumped into them, the less surreal it became and he managed for reality to settle in. He had finally gotten to accept it, even if it took a little while.

And yet, meeting a person who may as well be a writing factory was hard to accept. Not just that but also studying the field of literature… That alone had caught Gentaro’s attention. An unusual writer… That was what he remembered Ann for, at least for the time being. An eager writer but that might have been an understatement. 

He had encountered them a few more times and they were always eager to present him the progress or latest ideas they had… Which meant eyeing document after document, character sheet after character sheet. Or skimming through pages while listening through the thought out progress. Truly, this was a lot to take in each time. The potential was there and they would be doing this day in and out, even if for them it was a quick progress. He was at least slightly envious, watching them do all of this with ease. But all the same he wanted to get it out there, help them get out there. It would be a shame if their work got buried after all, would it not? And perhaps he might have already accepted defeat… 

In any case, he first had to wait for the opportunity to make such an offer. For his luck, the offer would be made earlier than expected. Because when he had sat inside the café one day he spotted the student in question, waving them over. It took them a bit to register yet they had turned to him soon enough. And once they did he could see how exhausted they looked which had him a little curious. This was an unusual sight. No, not unusual. The two were not that close nor had they known each other for that long. So rather it was a first sight for him, even if they tried to mask it. Even once sitting down.

“Hello Yumeno–Sensei. What a surprise.” They greeted him as they sat down on the chair, right across the table. “I did not expect to meet you here today.”

“I shall say the same for thee.” He responded calmly. “It is unusual for thou to show up at this time. Has something happened?”

He could see them flinch for a split second, then fumbling around in their seat. They hesitated to answer, telling him all he needed. They really needed to not say a word and he would know that something had happened… Something they probably wished to hide. And yet they were doing anything but that right now. Even the biggest of fools would be able to see right through them. And even then, they still tried to cover it up with a sudden smile while turning back to face him, shaking their head.

“No. Nothing happened at all.” It’s a lie.

“Really? Thank goodness.” Another lie. He had just decided to not ask them about it. And honestly, it was probably none of his business to begin with. After all, the two were not that close. 

“Although you suddenly called me here. Is there something you need from me?” 

Of course, he should have expected that question. After all, there always was a reason, wasn’t there? Or maybe there always had to be a reason for them. But it is not as if he had no reason to approach them. In fact, this was perfect timing… For him, he was not sure about them right now. “There is but… It can wait, if thou art not feeling—” 

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m here now, aren’t I? Fill me in!” They interrupted, almost insisting. For a moment Gentaro himself had doubt, if this was really the time. And yet…

“Art thou certain?”

“Yeah. So if you got something, tell me.” They nodded, trying to keep their body calm, making no sudden movements. And yet, they were gazing around all the same, sometimes towards the window nearby, as if looking for someone. They were agitated, to say the least. He could tell.

“Art thou certain?”

“Y… Yeah! Yes yes! Totally! Go on! Please!” 

And yet, he was reconsidering it in the end. Sure, he had an offer for them to make and yet… No, it would just be wrong, wouldn’t it? One had to be literally blind and or oblivious to notice that this was not the time. They wouldn’t listen to begin with, given that their mind seemed occupied with something else. The question was what exactly? He was curious… But alas, it would remain unanswered for some time.

“Nevermind. Thou art not concentrating.” He mentioned with a sigh, making their head turn to him in one swoop.

“Huh!? But I am! Don’t leave me hanging like this now!”

“I shouldn’t. Apologies. Maybe another time.”

“S… So I’ll have to live without figuring this out now?” 

No, that had not been– Hah, he’s not good at dealing with people sometimes, he had to admit. A chance ruined perhaps… But… “No, I intend to inform thee, when the time is right. Thou just seem… How shall I put this? Stressed.”

A quick flinch in their seat, almost at the brink of sweating. “W… Well… Uh… Maybe… Student life is getting to me… Haha…” A terrible liar. 

“Of course it would be stressful. Though I have little experience in that regard.” He said, a light chuckle to somewhat lighten the mood and keep up a polite appearance, raising no suspicion in any regard. They didn’t need to know that he was not believing a word coming out of their mouth. And yet, that had gotten him a little more interested… Just what was this normal student hiding from him? And besides, they were not the only one holding a secret here but this was a detail only he had been aware of at the time. “Perhaps we should hold this meeting at a different time, when thou feel less stressed maybe.”

“Huh? But I ju—”

“There is no rush. I do not mind waiting.” He interrupted. “Thou may contact me when it is most convenient for thee. I can make room.”

“Contact? Wait… Are you asking for my number or something?”

“No, I ask for thy homing pigeon.”

“Homing pigeon!? Hold on I don’t—”

“That was a lie.”

And a moment of silence. What a naive response. He thought that the joke here was more than obvious. And yet, it had left them speechless it seemed, at least a little. “R… Right… My number it is.” 

“Oh, if thou do not want to—”

“It’s fine! I don’t mind! I just… Never expected this to happen. After all, exchanging contacts with a well known author… Sounds surreal.”

“Oh please, we are both just people. There is nothing unusual about this.” Or there shouldn’t be. 

“M… Maybe, just… Ah, nevermind! Let’s just get this over with, alright? I… Will contact you once I have time then. Heh…”

An underwhelming ending for this chapter yet this is not the end of their shared story. No, far from it… Because Gentaro had a feeling that this story between them had just started taking shape.