#And if you can believe it I am Still getting used to drawing Sans' face pftbltl

[lovedazai]

1:04 P.M.

ft. jouno + gn!reader, hunting dog!reader

p.s.! this has been in my drafts forever omg…happy hunting dogs debut day to everyone with good taste !! kissing u hugging u etc etc !! ty to my love essie for helping me @haithamuse <3 stealing u from jouno for a sec, muah!

“who do you think you’re fooling?” jouno sighs, chin falling to the palm of his hand as his eyebrows furrow. “i can tell you’re exhausted.”

“i’m fine. i just haven’t had time to rest lately.” he can hear the pout in your voice and the light sound of wood hitting together from across the table; you’re fidgeting with your chopsticks.

“what about right now?” his hand falls to his lap as he straightens his posture, all too aware of the opportunity presenting itself. “it’s not like we have a mission.”

you and jouno were sharing lunch in the briefing room, consisting of only a large conference table and stiff office chairs. it wasn’t the best place to sleep, but he can’t ignore the sound of your muffled yawns anymore. you were so cute, trying to hide it from him, like he couldn’t see through your every movement.

“i don’t know…what if the captain sees?”

“i’ll keep watch,” he abandons his food to move to the seat next to yours, ignoring the stall in your heartbeat as he rests his hand on your head, urging you to relax against his shoulder. “stop making excuses and just go to sleep already.”

it’s quiet for a few moments as you sit still against him before you let out a little laugh, the sound pretty and soft in his ears.

“you’re being nice today, jouno.”

“i’m always nice,” he huffs, pushing the brim of your hat down, trying to ignore the feeling of you hugging his arm to your chest as you get comfortable. “i just don’t want you to…hold us back by passing out during training.”

it doesn’t take longer than a couple of minutes for your heart to slow down to a relaxed, steady beat, and he knows you’re asleep. just as he expected, you were exhausted.

he sighs, trying to remember the last time someone was so calm around him. the fact it’s you of all people makes something unfamiliar stir inside his chest. he’s so used to reveling in the agony of others, he almost can’t believe how much he’s enjoying this.

he’s always been a little more gentle with you, but he can’t help it. enveloped by the feelings and sounds grating on his senses everyday, you were always the one he sought out for a moment of relief.

he remembers the sarcastic “aww, how sweet,” you’d given him when he explained that you were simply less irritating to be around than everyone else, his way of complimenting you. the memory draws a small smile onto his face.

he wants to indulge in this moment and ingrain it into his mind forever. he doesn’t know when he’ll get the honor of being so close to you again. he wants to be greedy and stretch it out for as long as he possibly can.

except he can’t, because the door opens.

“oh, you’re here, jouno-san,” jouno digs his nails into his palms. of course, it would be tecchou of all people to interrupt this moment. “and…y/n-san, too?”

“don’t.” he grumbles through gritted teeth. he strains his ears, making sure you were still asleep, even if it meant tecchou’s annoying breathing was amplified too.

“don’t what?”

“don’t talk, don’t breatheーjust don’t be here! they’re sleeping. even you standing there is too noisy.”

he can sense the bothersome presence in the doorway trying to decide if he should get what he came for or leave. somehow, tecchou manages to make his mood worse by leaving; he closes the door a little too hard, and jouno frowns as he feels you startle against him.

“everything’s fine,” he says before you can ask. he pushes your head back to his shoulder with as much gentleness as he can conjure. “you can go back to sleep. there’s still a few more minutes before lunch is over.”

“mm,” you nuzzle into the fabric of his uniform. “‘m glad ‘cause you’re really comfy.”

“oh, am i?”

unfortunately, you’re already back asleep before he can milk anymore compliments out of you. comfy. no one has ever called him that before. he doesn’t know why anyone would’ve until now, but it makes his stomach flutter pleasantly nonetheless. if it came from anybody else, he probably would’ve scoffed.

he doesn’t know how long he sits there, simply basking in the feeling of being next to you. listening to the sound of your breathing and the blood in your veins felt so intimate, he didn’t even mind that you were drooling on his sleeve.

he’s so engrossed in you, he loses track of time. certainly the two of you will be late for training now, but he still can’t find it in himself to wake you.

he decides to wait until he hears the approaching footsteps of his co-workers when they inevitably search for the two of you to rouse you from your little nap. for now, he allows himself to savor the moment for a little longer. and maybe a little longer after that, too.

BSD MASTERLIST

[sirianasims]

It was Saturday night. We had ordered room service, watched an old cult classic in bed. Paul hadn’t felt like going out. A reporter had cornered him in the airport yesterday and questioned him about his frequent visits to San Myshuno, asked if he was seeing someone.

He’d denied it.

Despite the fame, Paul was an intensely private person, always guarding his personal space against a world that kept demanding more. I respected that, even though I was more used to the opposite. My personal life was part of my online brand, but I’d followed his lead and kept our relationship secret.

Paul’s arms were wrapped around me, his chest firm and reassuring against my back. The rhythmic cadence of his breathing was like a soft lullaby, but I was nowhere close to falling asleep.

“Julia? Is something wrong? Are you still thinking about the reporter?”

“It’s just… all this secrecy.”

“You don’t think I denied seeing anyone because I’m ashamed of you, do you?”

I took a deep breath.

“Seventeen years, Paul. It’s not just the number, it’s the experience. I’m proud of what I do, I really am, but compared to you, drawing and sewing in front of a tiny camera by myself seems… trivial. You have this glamorous life, you know all these famous people, you’ve traveled the world. I haven’t done anything. Sometimes I’m afraid that I might not be, well, sophisticated or interesting enough for you. That I might never be someone you’d want to show off in public.”

“Listen to me, Julia. You are more than enough for anyone. Definitely for me. But if people find out about us, I’m not worried about myself. An older actor dating a younger woman? That’s not a scandal, that’s a cliché. But you… I really don’t want you facing the kind of judgment this would get you.”

“Wait, you’re saying you’re concerned about my reputation?”

“In a way. I don’t care what people say about me any more. I’ve been in this industry long enough to develop a thick skin. But you deserve so much better. And while it isn’t fair, the world is much more likely to judge you, and that’s the last thing I want.”

I cupped his face in my hands.

“Paul, I don’t care. What could they possibly say?”

He looked away, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

“Oh, you have no idea. They’ll say that you callously seduced me to further your own career or that you’re too dumb to be anything more than arm candy. Probably somehow both. They’ll accuse you of being a gold-digger. Men will hate you because they can’t have you, women will hate you because they can’t be you. People will be cruel and unforgiving and pick apart everything you are. They will criticise your work, your looks, the way you walk and talk. And it never ends. The peak of my fame was almost a decade ago, but they’re still following me into airports and asking about my love life.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond. Paul looked at me earnestly.

“Julia, I believe in you. Your work is great, especially your own designs, and I’ve seen a lot of costumes. I want you to be famous for being incredibly talented, not just for being Paul Romeo’s girlfriend.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Oh, so I am your girlfriend, then?”

He laughed.

“That’s your takeaway from this conversation? Of course you are, what do you think we’ve been doing for the last few months?”

“Well, what do I know, I’m just the dumb arm candy of Paul Romeo. I should probably be pestering you to buy me a sports car made of diamonds or a platinum ladder so I can social-climb in style.”

Paul chuckled.

“That sounds impractical. And you’re definitely not dumb, but you’re pretty terrible at being a gold-digger. All joking aside, I don’t like keeping you a secret either, but I know the dark side of fame, how toxic it can be. It can really poison a relationship. I’ve seen it happen to friends and colleagues over and over again, and I just want to protect you from that. Protect us.”

I respected Paul for his noble intentions, for looking out for me. Still, a part of me, that stubborn – and probably naive – part, wanted to stand tall and shout it from the rooftops, consequences be damned.

But I also knew that he was right.

Those consequences would hurt me way more than they would hurt him.

beginning / previous / next

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers CHAOS LINEAGE ー Violet Prologue

ー The scene starts inside the Church

Laito: Gotcha, Eve.

Yui: Kyah...!

( He’s embracing me...! )

Kou: Score! Way to go, Laito-kun!

Reiji: Kuh! So I was bested. I lost Eve to another House...

Ayato: You better not think it’ll be that easy!

*CLANG*

Kou: I won’t let you get in the way. We’ll be taking Eve after all!

*CLANG*

Ayato: Damnit!

Kou: Come on, Laito-kun! Now’s your chance!

Laito: No need to remind me. Well then, Eve. Allow me to show you the way to our manor.

ー Reiji draws his sword once more

Reiji: Not so fast?

Kou: Aah, geez! You guys don’t know when to give up!

Ayato: Of course! We’re not lettin’ you have her!

Yui: ( It turned into a stare-off...All of them are standing perfectly still, awaiting the others’ next move. )

( The atmosphere is tense. I’m afraid I might get cut to shreds the second they start moving... )

ー They hear approaching footsteps

???: What are you doing?

Yui: ...!

Ayato: Wha...!? Who showed up this time!?

Long-haired man: Laito, Kou, how long are you going to keep me waiting?

Laito: What’s this? You didn’t need to bother coming all the way here, Carla.

Yui: ( Carla...san...? This person’s incredibly intimidating... )

Carla: I came to check up on you since you were taking an awful long time to get back. 

Laito: Oh come on, don’t put it like that. We’re trying our very hardest, you see.

Kou: Ahーah. I thought the two of us would be able to pull it off by ourselves...However, it’s clear who has the most power on their side now.

Laito: Exactly. Even if Ayato and Reiji were to team up, they’d still have no chance at winning. 

Ayato: What did you just say!? I could take you bastards on by myseーー

Carla: Watch your words. 

Ayato: Guh...

Yui: ( Things are even more on edge than before.  If I were to go against these people... )

( He has such an intimidating aura...I can’t believe such a person exists... )

Reiji: Perhaps I underestimated the situation somewhat. I should have expected that you would show up sooner or later.

I have to agree that it does not seem very wise to fight right here, right now.

Carla: You are quick to understand.

ー Carla approaches Yui

Yui: ( He looked my way...My breath’s being taken away... )

Carla: Well then, come with me. 

Yui: T-That’s easy for you to say...Besides, who exactly are youーー

Carla: I never asked for your opinion. This is fate which nobody can go against. 

Yui: ( Powerful words and a piercing gaze... ) 

...O-Okay. I shall...come with you guys...

Carla: Hmph. You cannot even fight back. This proves that I am fit to become the Supreme Overlord.

It would be rather troublesome to have you trying anything funny on the way there. So I shall have you take a nap for a while. 

Yui: Eh...?

ー He knocks her unconscious

*Thud* 

Yui: Uu...!

( My consciousness is fading... ) 

*THUD*

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the inside of the dungeon

Yui: Nn, nnh...

( Huh...? Where am I...? )

( These are iron bars...Am I inside a prison cell, perhaps!? )

( I was knocked out cold and locked up afterwards? )

What did I do to deserve this...?

( Oh no, I suddenly grew weak-hearted... Especially since I don’t seem to remember anything. )

( The only thing I’m certain about is that my name is ‘Eve’. I don’t know anything else. )

( Whenever I try to recall the past, my memory becomes foggy... )

( What should I do now? )

( No, I have to calm down. )

( Anyway, I’m positive it was those people who took me away. In which case, if I can talk to them at least... )

ー People approach her cell

Yui: ( ...Somebody’s coming? A group of people, it seems... )

ー The door opens

Carla: Seems like you have awoken. 

Yui: Ugh...

( T-This guy, he’s the one who knocked me unconscious... )

Kou: Aha! She’s terrified. 

Man with a scar on his face: Sorry...for locking you up in such a narrow space...But please don’t hold it against us...

You simply must keep anything precious...carefully locked away after all...

Laito: To be honest, I wouldn’t have minded tying you up with ropes or chains either? Nfu~ 

Yui: ( It’s not just the people I met at the Church. There are two more people. Who exactly are these guys....? )

Angry-looking man: So this is the Eve who was asleep at the Church? She’s completely different from what I imagined. 

Laito: What’s that, Subaru-kun~? I wonder what kind of fantasies have been running wild inside your mind?

Subaru: Aah? Leave me alone! Do you want me to fuckin’ destroy you? 

Yui: E-Excuse me...Who are you people...?

Carla: I am Carla. I am the oldest of this family, of the Violet House.

Yui: The eldest brother? Could it be that you’re all siblings?

Kou: Yupー Don’t worry, we’re well aware that we don’t look alike at all.

Yui: ( So they’re self-aware...It’s true that they look completely different... )

Uhm, why did you bring me here?

Carla: Because you are Eve, obviously. So we can abuse your power and I can rise as the Supreme Overlord of this World.

Yui: Supreme Overlord...? 

Man with a scar on his face: Eve...You don’t know what a Supreme Overlord is either...

I’m Azusa...The second oldest of this house...

I want Carla to become the Supreme Overlord...That’s why...I hope you will work with us...

Kou: Yup, exactly! Because Carla is the most fitting for the title.

Ah, I’m Kou! The third son, right in the middle!

I’m basically the ‘idol’ of the family. Nice to meet you~

Laito: Oh? Are we introducing ourselves now? I’m the fourth son, Laito.

I’d love to get to know you better. In various ways...Do you understand? 

Yui: N-Nice to meet you...

( They’re just casually talking to me. All while I’m still locked behind bars... )

Laito: That being said, I guess that leaves our baby brother’s self-introduction?

Subaru: Che. ...I’m Subaru.

Kou: Eh? That’s it?

Subaru: Shut up! I don’t have anything else to tell her.

Azusa: Subaru never changes, does he...?

Yui: ( I want to ask why they’ve locked me up, but I can’t find the right timing to do so. )

( Besides, this should be my first time meeting these people, so why does something feel off...? )

Monologue

The majestic Carla-san,

and his loyal follower Azusa-kun.

While Kou-san and Laito-san appear to be on good terms with each other,

the youngest son Subaru-kun,

seems to be keeping his distance from the others somewhat.

I got a pretty good feel of each of their personalities. 

...However, inside my heart, something seemed terribly off. 

There is something strange about this. 

Yes, it isn’t quite right. I mean, in realityーー

Yui: ...!

( It’s no use...My head starts to hurt if I try to put any more thought into it... )

Azusa: Eve, what’s wrong? Are you in pain...?

Yui: I-I’m fine...It’s just that I can’t seem to recover my memories...

I can’t remember anything except my name being Eve...

Carla: So you’ve forgotten about the Supreme Overlord as well...huh?

Yui: Eh...?

ー Carla approaches her

*Rustle* 

Yui: Kyah!?

( He’s gripping onto my arm so tightly...I-It hurts... )

Carla: You will not gain anything from keeping it a secret from us. Tell me everything you know about the Supreme Overlord.

If you obey me, I promise that I shall treat you with care, even if you are nothing but a pawn.

Yui: I’m sorry...I truly don’t know...!

Carla: ...So you still won’t fess up? Seems like you will not speak up unless you are taught a lesson. 

Yui: Eek...!? 

( He bit me!? Eh? But, hold up one second...! )

F-Fangs...!? 

Kou: Huh? You had no idea that we’re Vampires? 

Yui: Vampires!? You mean, those Demons who suck blood...?

Subaru: What else?

Yui: No way...Then, all of you...

Azusa: We’re all Vampires...It’s not just us either.

Ayato-san and Reiji-san too, the other people living at the other Houses, all of them as well...

Yui: W-What about the other humans? The ones besides me...!

Laito: The others, you ask? It’s just us thirteen Vampires and you living here, Eve-chan. You even forgot such a basic fact?

Yui: Eh? N-No way...

( We’re the only ones here? It feels like my head is splitting in two... )

( Aah...But now that he mentions it, it’s true. there’s nobody else but us. )

( It only makes sense. Perhaps I was just a little confused due to losing my memories. )

Carla: ...I see. 

*Rustle rustle*

Yui: ( Ah, he let go of my arm... )

Carla: It does not appear to me that you are lying. It would seem that you are truly suffering from amnesia.

Once Eve is within your grasp, the path to becoming the Supreme Overlord will open up...However, it seems like it will not be that easy. 

Yui: E-Excuse me...What exactly is this ‘Supreme Overlord’ you are speaking of? 

Carla: The Supreme Overlord is the one who reigns over everything and everyone. A unique individual who was chosen for said role.

And you are the key to becoming the Supreme Overlord.

Yui: Me...?

Subaru: It’s some bullshit legend. The story of Eve, which everyone knows.

It’s said that if you want to become the Supreme Overlord, you’ve gotta make Eve - who sleeps at the Church - yours. 

However, we were never able to set foot inside the Church ‘cause of some mysterious power. But the other day, this spell was suddenly broken. 

Laito: If the legend is true, the Sleeping Beauty Eve-chan should be at the Church~

Subaru: That’s why the others all crowded together there. ...Bullshit.

Yui: ( I am necessary for someone to become the Supreme Overlord...These people kidnapped me because they believe said legend to be true... )

Azusa: Listen, Eve...

Us thirteen Vampires are divided amongst three Houses each consisting of a different family.

This is one of those, the ‘Violet House’.

The other houses each have four Vampires each, but there’s five of us...We have one extra sibling...

Yui: I-I see.

Azusa: Yeah, so...It doesn’t matter that we have one more person living at this house now...Just make yourself at home, okay?

I’m sure the others will try to come and claim you as well...

Kou: As if we’d ever let them. I mean, it will be Carla-kun who becomes the Supreme Overlord after all.

Laito: But we can have a little sip of whatever’s left over as well, right? She seems scrumptious after all!

Yui: ...!

Carla: ...Laito.

Laito: Oh geez, don’t glare at me like that! I’m obviously just joking!

Subaru: So? What are we gonna do now? If this chick doesn’t know anythin’ either, we’ve hit a wall.

Carla: Even if we cannot gain any new information right now, we can simply take our time to look into it.

As long as Eve is within our possession, the other Houses should not be able to get a lead on us.

Kou: No need to worry as long as we keep her locked up in here!

Yui: Eh!? Y-You won’t let me out?

Kou: Why do you think we put you in here in the first place? So you can’t escape, and to ensure that the guys from the other houses can’t steal you away.

Yui: ( I-I wouldn’t run though... )

Subaru: Oi, who’s gonna look after her if we’re gonna leave her in here?

Laito: Aah, good question. She’d need to be supervised as well. Should we put someone in charge of that?

Yui: ( No way. They won’t just lock me up, but supervise me as well...? )

Azusa: ...Hey, in that case, let’s have Eve choose.

Yui: Eh?

Azusa: I believe it should be someone...she wouldn’t mind spending time with.

Yui: ( Someone I’d want to spend time with...As if I’d ever want a Vampire by my side. )

( ...Huh? No, but for some reason, this one guy has caught my attention this whole time... )

Carla: Very well. You can choose the person who shall be in charge of looking after and supervising you. 

I shall give you time until tomorrow. Make sure you have an answer ready by then.

Yui: W-wait, please! You’re kind of catching me off guard with this...

Carla: Do not disobey me. All you need to do is listen to me.

Yui ーー !

( My body’s frozen. I can’t seem to defy him no matter what... )

O-Okay...I understand...I shall choose someone to watch over me...

Kou: I guess that’s everything for today? Let’s go back upstairs, guys.

Subaru:  We’re finally done?

Laito: Hey, Subaru-kun. Want to play a game of chess? We can use the board in the living room.

Subaru: Not a chance. We don’t even have enough pieces to play the game...

Laito: Just kidding~ Let’s kill time some other way then.

Kou: See you~ I know your cell’s narrow and barren, but we’ll make sure to provide you with food at least.

Carla: Humans are so inconvenient with how you have to feed them.

Azusa: See you later...Eve...

ー All of them leave

Yui: ( What now? I can’t believe I’ve been kidnapped and imprisoned by Vampires... )

( Still, I wonder why it feels like this isn’t the first time that this has happened...? )

Anyway, I should call it a day...I have to get some rest...

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: Pwaah...I managed to get more sleep than I thought...

( I wonder what kind of person I am to be able to sleep soundly inside a prison cell...? I have no clue since I can’t remember. )

*Thud* 

Yui: ( Ah, the door opened... )

Kou: Good morning, Eve! Were you able to sleep well last night?

Laito: Of course not. This isn’t the sort of place where a girl would be able to sleep comfortably. 

Yui: ( Uu...I can’t say that I slept soundly. )

Azusa: Good morning, Eve...

Subaru: Hmph...

Carla: Well then, time has come. I want to hear from your mouth who you have chosen as your caretaker. 

Yui: ( The one person I will spend time with from here on out. I have already come up with my answer. )

Yes. Iーー

[LAITO] [SUBARU] [KOU] [AZUSA] [CARLA]

[weministertomonsters]

Gone Rogue - 2

The Isharin was right. The heat is going to kill you. You fled from the ruins of your home with nothing but the clothes on your backs. There was nothing to take anyway.

You have walked only a few miles, but the sun is baking your back and the air seems to be dancing. You understand why you must put some distance between you and the Isharin, and you wish to the gods that the sun will go down quickly. You never cared much for the gods of either of your parents, but you pray to both of them now, Minrūn for protection and Vorqa for endurance.

If you're up there, help us.

Kalen is a few strides ahead of you, looking out for danger. The rocky walls seem to draw closer and closer, and your eyebrows furrow. This is why the passage to the desert is called the Canyon of Pain, you realize as you slip on the loose stones.

Travelers have to pass through the canyon to reach the deserts and vice versa, and your parents capitalized on that and built their home near the mouth of the canyon. They became very wealthy from trading with the Tariq, the clan that lives in the desert beyond.

"Kalen," you gasp, leaning back against the crumbling rock. "Can we stop for a rest?"

He doesn't say yes, but he doesn't say no either. As you sink into a puddle on the floor he paces like a caged lion, craning his head up to look at the rocky overhang. Besides being a natural death trap, the Cayon of Pain gives bandits a way to ambush travelers from above.

"I'm sorry," you say, gulping down a sip of precious water from the waterskin and wiping the sweat from your upper lip. "I'm slowing you down."

"My Lady, I'm here to protect you. I am not running to save my own head."

"But you could. You still can," you protest. "You know I won't stop you."

Kalen crouches down in front of you and the seriousness on his face is almost scary.

"You forget the oath I took," he says. "I consumed your blood and I am bound to you, as you are bound to me. If we die, we will go together."

You scrunch up your nose to try and hide the fact that tears just rushed into your eyes. For a person to give their life up is no small matter, and you feel like you certainly aren't worthy of that.

"Um," you say, standing up quickly. "We should continue."

"Do you want me to carry you?" Kalen asks, and that makes you laugh.

"You're underestimating me, Kalen Talath."

"Very well," he replies, and the journey continues.

You're determined to push until you get out of this damned canyon, so even when your legs beg for rest and your feet prickle with pain, you forge on. Thank the gods your nails are clipped short, otherwise they'd be broken and chipped with the way you have to keep reaching to the rocky walls to catch yourself.

Kalen isn't struggling at all, you think as you glance at him through the corner of your eye.

His back is straight and his eyes alert, sharpening at even the slightest movement of a dry tumbleweed. If he is weary, it doesn't show. Then again, he is from the Tariq clan. The desert is like a home to his people and he is used to physical toil due to being a bodyguard. He took his job seriously even though there were little to no threats to your safety. There were many nights that you stayed up to secretly watch him practice his swordsmanship.

"This canyon," you ask to fill the silence, "was it always like this?"

"If we are to believe the legends, then we are walking on the bottom of the biggest river that ever was," Kalen replies. "When gods still roamed the earth, one of them grew so thirsty that he leaned down to have a drink and emptied the river. A goddess passing through many moons later languished of thirst and found the river was drained. In spite, she cursed the land with an everlasting drought and it has been so since."

"That came straight from Bella san Adenai. One of my history books," you laugh. "I have it memorized."

"So do I, at this point," Kalen says, and you pause and turn to look at him.

"How? If you don't mind me asking," you add hastily.

"I am present in the room with you in your studies, am I not?" He replies. "I listen."

"You really are something," you say. "I have known noblemen less driven to gaining knowledge than you."

"I have nothing better to do with my life, My Lady." Kalen laughs.

"Are you never getting married, then?" You ask cautiously.

"No." His answer is so short that you bite your lip and drop it.

Don't start now, you warn yourself.

It's none of your business, even though you want it to be. The silence is a little awkward after that. It feels like your prayers have been answered when the Canyon of Pain ends as abruptly as it began, spitting you out into an ocean of dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. It's so open and empty, not a tree in sight. There are a few rocky outcrops that provide shade, but even the closest of them is still far away. The wind hisses around your ankles and the air shimmers.

"Wow," you murmur.

"We'll wait here until the sun goes down," Kalen says. "At least we have the shade of the rock walls. And then we walk by night and until take shelter so that we can weather the worst of the day."

"Very well." You sit down- on the ground since there is no other option- and pull off your shoes.

"My Lady!" Kalen says in that gruff tone that indicates displeasure.

"It just looks bad," you say sheepishly, studying your feet.

"You are not used to walking such long distances on rough terrain. I should have given you rest," he sighs.

"I'm fine! Really, I don't even feel the pain."

Kalen crouches and takes your foot by the ankle propping it up on his knee, examining it. He frowns.

"You will soon. You should listen to your body, My Lady."

Despite the heat, your cheeks warm.

"I-I think I am?" You stammer. "Listening, that is. Um."

He ignores your fumbling and reaches into one of his pockets and brings out a small jar. It is filled with a light green paste.

"What is that?" You ask.

"A soothing balm," he says, scooping some out and gently applying it to the soles of your feet and your ankles.

"You will rest until we have to walk again," he says. "Perhaps I will carry you."

You don't protest this time, because while his touch is gentle, it wakes up your nerves, so you're feeling the pain now, just like he predicted.

You lean back against the rocky wall and sigh. You'd be anything for a bath, but you're not even going to entertain the thought. You'd be lucky just to find enough water for drinking. You hold out the waterskin to Kalen and when he refuses you scowl and say,

"You need to drink. I don't want you fainting of thirst."

His lips twitch, but he takes it and drinks a little. Then he too sits down, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He doesn't seem to get tired of holding his back so straight. You fidget, then take your hair down and braid it up again so the loose strands don't tickle the nape of your neck.

The dots of paint on your fingers are beginning to flake and with a start, you remember you were going to be attending the Nin festival in Denara with your parents. You had been so excited as you went to buy the paint to prepare yourself for the festival, only to return and find black smoke billowing from the pile of rubble your house used to be.

"Kalen?" You whisper, but he doesn't respond.

He's probably meditating. You use the collar of your dress to awkwardly wipe at the stray tears on your face and try to close your eyes and rest as well. You trust Kalen to keep you safe.

What feels like hours later, you wake up to a sudden noise. The sky is orange, growing darker as the sun falls below the horizon. You've been sleeping with Kalen's coat bundled under your head as a makeshift pillow. And as you prop yourself up on your elbows, you see the entrance to the Canyon of Pain in the distance.

He must have carried you here, to the shade of one of the rocky outcrops. You hadn't woken up when he carried you and you're rather ashamed about that. Only a few hours of journey is enough to do you in like that.

Then you remember that something woke you. You turn your head, expecting to see Kalen, but instead you're staring at the bony knees of a shriveled old man. He's crouched beside you and has his head tipped back, guzzling down the last of your precious water.

You let out a startled shriek and grab the waterskin from him, which knocks him off balance. He makes pitiful sounds and throws an arm up, clearly expecting you to hit him. You were considering it, but now you lower the waterskin and stare warily at him. Maybe it's just age, but he's rather funny-looking. He has no hair on his head but sports a full, bristly white mustache that pokes over his wet pink lips.

His skin is the color of cocoa, so wrinkled that it resembles dried fruit. He's also very short, coming no higher than your hip, wearing a loincloth and nothing more, which makes you wonder how he's surviving the heat. Maybe that's why his skin looks the way it does.

Once it's obvious you're not going to hurt him he smiles at you with the few teeth he has left and turns to a dusty pack lying on the sand and digs into it. He brings what looks like a piece of cactus out. The spikes have been cleaned off and the part where he snapped it off from a larger piece of cactus is leaking clear water-like liquid.

He wants you to take it. You hesitate, clutching the waterskin and staring warily at him.

Kalen appears around the rock. "My Lady, we can begin walking now-"

He pauses for just a moment to take in the scene and then lunges forward, drawing his sword. The old man yelps and drops onto his knees, clasping his hands together.

"Alone!" He cries out. "Alone!"

Kalen stops short looks around for any others. There are none. He points the sword at the old man's neck, then uses the flat side of the blade to force him to look up. The old man grins sheepishly, transforming his face into a sea of wrinkles and yellow, squinting eyes.

"You," Kalen says with a scoff.

The old man shakes his clasped hands in a begging gesture.

"Old friend," he says. "Old friend yes?"

You glance at Kalen. "Do you two know each other?"

[akihabaradivision]

ARB Birthday Special: Keiko Yumi

~~ December 22nd ~~

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story."

Login Lines:

*Sighs* "Finally done! Hopefully once I send these in, my publisher will get off my back for the next month or so. ...And in record time too! Once I drop these off I can head to work and see what assignments Nemu-san has for me. ...Hmm? A message from... Nemu-san? 'Work is canceled. Enjoy your birthday.' My... birthday?!"

"How foolish can I get? I've been so busy with work I neglected to notice today was the day of my birth! I messaged Nemu-san back thanking her, though canceling work was unnecessary. ...She didn't message me back, but I assume it was because she was busy with work of her own. ...But still, what am I going to do with this free time I have?"

Voice Lines:

"I received a lot of 'happy birthdays' and such from the people of Akihabara, which is nice. ...You know, it's funny. Back when I was younger, nobody really paid me any attention. I was just another face in the crowd, so to speak. And if they did pay me attention, it was usually always negative. I can't count the number of times I got bullied back in high school. I definitely don't miss those days."

"...I don't believe it. Otome-sama, herself, sent me a 'happy birthday'! I don't believe it! I always figured that I wasn't worthy enough to be in the Prime Minister's shadow. That I was just one of the many people working under her. I mean, not that I don't mind working for Chuohku, but... too be recognized by the Prime Minister, herself. This is an honor I don't take for granted!"

"What the...? Where did all these gifts come from?! Are these all for me? Most of them are from my friends at school. ...Ha. Like I mentioned earlier, when I was younger I was used to being ignored or bullied. But now, I'm adored. I don't know if its because of my manga or just because I'm in the D.R.B. ...One thing is for sure, I definitely don't miss high school. Uni beats that place any day."

"Sheesh, it's going to take a while to get through all of these gifts. Here's a fancy one! It says it's from... my mom. Tch, great. What did that hag have the audacity to send me for my birthday? ...Some cash for my birthday? How original. And what's this now? ...A photo of my high school graduation? ...Tch, I won't ask how she managed to take a photo of me like this. Probably asked grandma for it. The nerve of her! She thinks me so soft sending me this will make me forgive her?! To hell with that, and her!" *Throws the present in the garbage, not giving it a second thought*

"Criss? What are you doing here? I mean, not that I'm not glad you're here, but I thought you mentioned in your last letter you were stranded on Hokkaido exploring a haunted hospital or something. ...You hitched a ride with someone? How many times do I have to tell you that's not safe? There are a lot of dangerous people out there, Criss. Any one of them could do something to you if you're not careful." *Sighs* "Well, I suppose the important thing is you're back home and safe. But please be more mindful next time."

"...You got me a birthday gift? Not that's it not unappreciated, but how? I thought you were out of money? ...Ah, that explains it, I guess. So, what is it? ...A hoodie? Oh, and it features a manga artist on it. Cute. It looks really nice. Plus, you got it in pink, my favorite color. Thanks Criss. This was really sweet."

"Nikki? You're here? Wow, someone alert the papers! The recluse actually left her room, for my birthday, no less! I'll definitely have to mark this date down on calendar! ...Haha! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But really, I'm glad to see you've gotten out of your room, at least, once this week."

"Anyway, are you here to wish me a 'happy birthday' too or... A gift? From you? ...Wow, I'm definitely going to have mark this day down. ...A drawing tablet? ...Wait, this is a Wicom Cintiq Pro, isn't it? Do you know how expensive these things are, Nikki?!" *Sighs* "Fine, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. But I really find it disgusting that you earn more than I do when you work far less. ...Yeah, whatever."

Criss Lines:

"Hey Keiko! Happy birthday! ...I was stranded, but thankfully, I managed to hitch a ride with some nice gentlemen who gave me a lift back to Tokyo! Oh, come on, Keiko! They were really nice gentlemen! Trust me, I have an inkling if I feel someone is dangerous or not. ...Alright, I'll be more mindful, but I'm really okay, as you can see."

"Anyway, here's your birthday gift! ...Oh, my check came in from my YouTube videos! It wasn't as much as usual, but it was enough to get you a gift. Ta-da! It's a mangaka hoodie! I saw it on the way here, and thought it would really suit you! ...Thanks Keiko! Glad you like it. Promise me you'll wear it, okay?"

Nikki Lines:

"Hey Keiko. ...Are you quite finished? ...You know, if you're going to act like this, then I'll just leave. I don't have to stand here and be ridiculed for my life choices. ...Whatever. Anyway, here's your birthday gift. ...Yes, it's a drawing tablet, one of the most expensive ones on the market, FYI. The guy I ordered it from said this would help with artists who draw digitally. ...Look, if you don't want it, I can always return it and get my money back. ...What can I say? Video games are my bread and butter and they earn me money."

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Ace, Epel: Heart of the Cards

… Yes, I made. Yu-Gu-Oh reference in the name of this piece—

I’m mildly annoyed at Ace for telling us that his birthday is actually tomorrow (which is true for some parts of the world) and then laughing at us when we believe him 🙃 If it wasn’t his birthday, I’d put him in the time out corner for being cheeky.

chisbsebdke one of Ace’s homescreen lines mentions that Leona gave him a salad 🥗??? I bet it’s something Ruggie slapped on Leona’s plate that he’s just giving away (especially since Leona gave a pen without ink to Vil for his first birthday).

A Boy in Bloom, and his Flowering Future.

“What do you do on your days off?”

“Nothin’ much! I usually play video games, but sometimes I’ll go to town and check out what’s new.” Ace’s eyes were as bright as glossy cherries. “Oh yeah, there’s this sweet hamburger place there!”

“Hamburger place?” Epel carefully combed through his thoughts, retrieving a foggy memory of thin cardboard crowns and fries cut into slender sword shapes. “You mean Burger Prince? The one past Muffin Man Bakery on Dreary Lane?”

“Yup, that’s the one!” Ace snapped with both hands, his fingers ending in positions that pointed toward his interviewer. “It’s a chain. There’s also one in my hometown, so I went there all the time as a kid.”

“Wow! We don’t have anything like that in Harveston. Erm... since we’re in the middle of nowhere. The first Burger Prince I ever saw was here after starting at NRC. I want to try it, but...” Epel bit his lip. “Vil-san doesn’t like it when we eat things with our hands.”

“Seriously? You’ve been missing out! Tell you what, you should come with next time!” Ace insisted, wrapping an arm around his friend’s shoulder. He thrusted his broom upward. “You and me, Epel! We’ll take the town together!”

Then, a wink. 

“Screw Vil-senpai, it’ll be our little secret!”

“E-Eh? Really?” It took Epel a few moments to gather himself—but when he did, he managed a soft laugh. “Alright, I’m holding you to your word. You’ll have to give me recommendations though. I don’t know the menu at all.”

“Everything’s pretty good, so just pick what you’ll like!” Ace paused, reconsidering his words. “But don’t get the kid’s meal, cuz there’s waaay less food in it. I used to get that all the time when I was little just cuz I wanted the free toy that came with it, but we’re not exactly little anymore.”

“No,” Epel agreed with a mischievous grin, “we’re not, are we? But I’m surprised that your parents took you to eat burgers that much. My ma and pa would’ve just said we already have food at home. Plenty of apples to go around.”

“Nah, it was my big bro that took me.”

“Your big bro...? Is that the same one you said graduated from NRC?”

“That’s him.” Ace rotated his broom by the handle, watching the flowers flounce and the moonlight bouncing off of the shiny red wrapping paper adorning them. His face was thoughtful. “Now he’s got a job and all that adult junk to deal with. We can’t hang out as much as we did before.”

He’s all set in life. He’s already got everything figured out. Compared to that… I’m still here with no idea where I want to go.

Epel eyed his expression. “… Do you miss him?”

“What?! No, I don’t!” Ace snapped (perhaps a little too quickly). “I’m not a baby, I can totally handle myself, by myself! I’m…”

No longer a kid, but not quite yet an adult. Too old for fast food toys but too young to be taken seriously by the world.

The birthday boy stopped himself and started over. “… Look—My dad, he can’t use magic, but he can do card tricks. Sleight of hand stuff. Once, he made this house of cards.”

Ace indicated with a hand, drawing it well above his head. Epel’s eyes followed him.

“It was huge. You need some serious skill to place the cards. The smallest thing can mess it up and cause the whole thing to come crashing down. The next card being laid out depends on the cards that came before to support it.

“I knew that dad would keep building it up, but I didn’t know what came after it was done. That’s kinda where I am right now: not knowing what comes after. But people are expecting me to have it all together, and I think… ‘Do I need to have it all sorted out now?’”

“Man.” Ace threw his head back and groaned in exasperation. “Ahhhh, all this ‘growing up’ stuff hurts my head to think about! I just wanna learn cool spells, not worry about this!”

There were too many possible choices, and no formula for the right one, no answers to copy or to imitate.

“Then don’t.”

Ace stared at Epel, whose big eyes glittered defiantly.

“Don’t,” Epel repeated, his mouth quirking into a smirk. “Just be your own man.

“There’s still lots of time for you—for us—to figure out what kind of people we want to be. We’re still nowhere close to the top of that house of cards. So I guess what I’m saying is…” He paused, letting his polite facade drop. “… have a lil’ more faith in yerself, wouldja?”

“Hah?! Dude, what kinda pep talk is that supposed to be?” Ace pouted sulkily—though his cheeks flared. “You’re being all mushy and it’s really weirding me out. Did Rook-senpai finally start getting to you?”

“Eheheh. You’re embarrassed.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am NOT!!”

“Are too. You’re just too afraid to admit it.”

“I’m NOT afraid of anything!”

“Yeah?” Epel stepped back and cheekily pointed up. “Then prove it. Take the first step forward. Make like the branches of an apple tree and reach for the sky. None of that little baby flying drill stuff. Show me the real deal.”

“Heh, easy!” Ace angled his broom and straddled it with a confidant, cocky grin. “Just watch this—I’ll show you just how fast and how far I can go!”

“I bet you can’t outdo me,” Epel said proudly, his head held high, “the best flier in the first year.”

Ace’s smile morphed into a smirk. “Bet.”

He winked, and shot off into the bitterly crisp night.

[chockmatsu]

Hello Chockie! Do you have a head cannon that seems outlandish to many, but you 100% believe in and have made an extended essay to prove?

hello anon! i don't know if this is outlandish to many, but as some may be aware, i am one of the champions of the karamatsu assner movement and the brand ambassador of karamatsu's ass. my credentials are that you can google "karamatsu ass" and me and my art are consistently one of the top recurring results. this all stems from my steadfast belief that karamatsu has a delightfully fat ass, and my headcanon is that he (and the staff of osomatsu-san) make a very deliberate effort to cultivate its fatness. allow me to explain.

it's true all of the matsus get naked pretty frequently in the show for laughs, and several of them have shown their ass up front and center in detail, such as ichimatsu (ESP kitty) and todomatsu (hide and seek). however, none of them have consistently had as much ass screentime as karamatsu in all three seasons and the movie, whose ass when it appears as the central focal point of a shot is always drawn with great care and detail.

fig. 1: [1:06:54] karamatsu pulling his pants down to expose his ass in briefs. eiga no osomatsu-san (2019)

an addendum point to this is that his outfits almost always serve to emphasize his fine buttocks. the mt. takao outfit from season 3 as seen in fig. 2 demonstrates a common sight in karamatsu's outfits- booty shorts, which frame his ass flatteringly and draws even more attention to it.

fig. 2: [13:23] karamatsu shaking his ass. osomatsu-san S3E08 - mt. takao (2020)

this particular instance doubles as an example of both this deliberate ass-highlighting design as well as proof of the detail the staff have painstakingly put into drawing it. for example, you can even see a hint of his bulge nestled between his cheeks and the Y-shaped shading under his tailbone to indicate the distinct cheeks, which were completely unecessary yet is included nonetheless, a testament to their efforts. additionally, please note the soft shine and reflective sparkle which give extra depth, softness, plushness, and roundness to what would otherwise be a cute, but fairly unassuming ass.

fig. 3: [14:31] karamatsu playing hide and seek. osomatsu-san S3E22 - hide and seek (2021)

fig. 3 is another example of great ass detail that was technically unecessary yet still included by the staff to emphasize how fat karamatsu's ass is, again using a soft airbrush and highlights to indicate soft plumpness. though some may argue that karamatsu's sweatpants are not clothing designed to emphasize the ass, he clearly picked tight-fitting enough ones to showcase a pantyline, showing a deliberate attempt on his part to cultivate his ass fatness.

as a final major example showcasing his fat assness, i would like to do a frame-by-frame breakdown of this scene demonstrated in fig. 4a - 4f from the skit "voice function", from season 3, episode 7 of osomatsu-san (2020). this scene in particular was in fact the source of the great karamatsu ass twitter discourse of 2020 [1], an event which in fact formed the basis of the karamatsu assner movement. i include this example because i believe it represents the crux of this headcanon's existence as "outlandish"- there were many instances of users who refused to believe that karamatsu's ass was just that fat. using the media player mpv, which allows users to scrub frame by frame on a standard 24fps basis, we can look at the exact frames at the center of the great karamatsu ass discourse controversy.

fig. 4a: we can see here already that the cheeks are very clearly defined as round. 

fig. 4b: this is where the point of contention begins. detractors of karamatsu’s fat ass claimed that rather than him getting up ass first, then his back folding up along with it to stand up, that he was in fact facing forwards, and what we see as his ass in fig. 4c through fig. 4f is in fact one of his legs held up and bent. however, in this frame, we can see going off the curves of the silhouette visible that there is no way for this to be him facing forwards as we already know his ass is definitively curvy and round from fig. 4a. 

fig. 4c: here we can see the natural progression from the previous frame as he stands up. if this is, as the counterargument suggests, him facing forward with his leg rather than his ass, then it would make no anatomical sense for his heda to be thrust so far back from his shoulders like this. 

fig. 4d - 4f: it is in these 3 frames that we see karamatsu’s ass so fat it is jutting out at 90 degrees like a shelf. with this frame by frame analysis we have definitively proved that there is absolutely no way anatomically that karamatsu could have pivoted himself in the span of 4 frames (less than a sixth of a second) to be lifting his leg, rather than sticking his ass out, from the previous frames. QED.

i would lastly like to address two common counterargument to my claim: the depiction of his ass in some scenes that make it seem less fat than it appears. one counter example that may be raised is in season 2, episode 5, summer kamen (2017). now, this counterargument can already be disregarded from the get-go as there is no conclusive confirmation that summer kamen is related to, or indeed is karamatsu, as he is in fact a “mysterious entity” with no attributed name (osmt fandom wiki, n.d). however, even supposing that the hypothetical and unproven notion summer kamen is karamatsu is true, we can still dispel this counterargument. there are several shots in which summer kamen can be seen from a distance with a less than impressive ass that looks flat, as in fig. 5a and 5b. 

fig. 5a: summer kamen in the middle of his walk cycle, legs together, from behind

fig. 5b: summer kamen standing from the side, full body. 

these can be disproved as simply stances that are unflattering to the size of one’s ass, as in fig. 6a and fig. 6b which are only a few frames after fig. 5b, demonstrates the roundness of his ass relative to the rest of his body, especially the size of his thighs. 

fig. 6a: summer kamen posing.

fig. 6b: the same summer kamen pose, but from a skewed 3/4s angle showing the plump shape of his ass even more clearly.

the other common counterargument i would like to address is that occasionally karamatsu’s ass can be seen with jagged lines drawn in the cheeks, making the ass look bony and sunken in- the opposite of plump and fat ass.

fig. 7: summer kamen as seen in season 2, episode 5 (2017), with the ass lines.

fig. 8: karamatsu as seen in season 3, episode 8 (2020), with the ass lines visible through his shorts. 

however, on the contrary, i believe that this is in itself further proof of not only karamatsu’s ass fatness, but his deliberate efforts to cultivate it further. given the copious previous examples of how fat and soft it is much more often than it is shown as “bony”, it would make no sense for this to be his default state of ass. the much more likely explanation is that, as in the cases of fig. 7 and fig. 8, these are instances of karamatsu tightening and flexing his glutes for a dramatic pose, instead of being bony. furthermore, the fact that he can flex them so hard and create such definition that it is visible through his shorts is proof that he surely must do ample ass-exercise such as squats to tone the muscle that much- in other words, he has worked hard to cultivate dat ass, and this is proof.

in conclusion, karamatsu ass fat yum yum eat-a-dakimasu thank you for coming to my ted talk

[notinmyvocab]

All odd number questions!

Buckle up lads, it's a long one!

What font do you write in? Do you actually care or is that just the default setting? -Usually whatever the default font is, though sometimes I'll use the Comic Sans trick if I'm stuck. Sometimes i'll get fancy and use a typewriter font.

3. What is your writing ritual and why is it cursed? -the fact that I don't have one. Very cursed.

5. Do you have any writing superstitions? What are they and why are they 100% true? -that if I talk about my current work in too much detail with someone, I lose the motivation to write it because now the idea exists outside of my head. So if I'm really passionate about a piece, I won't say much about it.

7. . What is your deepest joy about writing? -putting that guy in situations. And the milfs

9. Do you believe in ghosts? This isn’t about writing I just wanna know -hell fucking yeah I do.

11. Do you believe in the old advice to “kill your darlings?” Are you a ruthless darling assassin? What happens to the darlings you murder? Do you have a darling graveyard? Do you grieve? -I don't grieve, but I am pretty ruthless.

13. What is a subject matter that is incredibly difficult for you write about? What is easy? -smut. Some people think I'm good at it and when I'm drunk, it comes easily but mostly I can't just write smut. Bloody imagery comes really easily though.

15. Do you write in the margins of your books? Dog-ear your pages? Read in the bath? Why or why not? Do you judge people who do these things? Can we still be friends? -sometimes I'll write in the margins of pages. I don't dog ear them because a lot of my books are old and doing that will rip the paper. I used to judge people who did these things but now I see it as a sign of love.

17. Talk to me about the minutiae of your current WIP. Tell me about the lore, the history, the detail, the things that won’t make it in the text. -oh god. Gonna do Woe Begets Misery (so @yourlocaldisneyvillain here's a little present!). Um, let's see... Isabel Noble lives in a haunted house in Los Angeles, though we won't be seeing it in this installment. She was adopted and her birth mother was clairvoyant. Her birth father was named Lawrence and was driven to madness both by the haunted house and Isabel's mother (girl power). She has had her heart broken a million times and will never learn from it. Her adoptive father, Derek Noble, has a face claim: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. He was a good dad, but his death wreaks havoc on Isabel's mind.

19. Tell me a story about your writing journey. When did you start? Why did you start? Were there bumps along the way? Where are you now and where are you going? -I started writing when I was veryyyyy little. I wrote a diary when I was six but it was fictitious, so that was the start. Lot of bumps. Finally got into playwriting.

21. Could you ever quit writing? Do you ever wish you could? Why or why not? -Nope could never quit writing. My mind is too full.

23. Describe the physical environment in which you write. Be as detailed as possible. Tell me what’s around you as you work. Paint me a picture. -My thoughts are around me. I tune out everything. It's just me and a blur. And a hot drink.

25. What is a weird, hyper-specific detail you know about one of your characters that is completely irrelevant to the story? Isabel Noble had braces and wore a retainer.

27. Who is the most stressful character you’ve ever written? Why? Gregory House. He's complex and I tend to soften him more than he is.

29. Where do you draw your inspiration? What do you do when the inspiration well runs dry? Life. My own horniness.

33. Do you practice any other art besides writing? Does that art ever tie into your writing, or is it entirely separate? I do some painting, but keep it separate

31. Write a short love letter to your readers.

Dear beloveds,

You are genuinely the reason I keep going.

35. What’s your favorite writing rule to smash into smithereens? Incomplete sentences. Sometimes the cadence calls for it.

37. If you were to be remembered only by the words you’ve put on the page, what would future historians think of you? "Get this girl some therapy... I hope she found a milf to love her."

39. What keeps you writing when you feel like giving up? My ideas.

[teenageread]

Review: The Tyrant's Tomb

Synopsis:

It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo's aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperor's Apollo has already faced.

Plot:

Apollo is kind of getting the hang of being mortal. In which, being mortal, he feels the guilt and sadness for getting Jason Grace killed. As he was the one that got Jason to leave his some-what mortal life, to enter the battlefield again, only this time, he did not walk out. Determined to take Jason’s body back to Camp Jupiter, Apollo wanted a better entrance than running for his, and Meg’s, life, carrying the coffin between them. It was Hazel who found them and it was Hazel who told Reyna what happened, who set up a proper Roman funeral for their former Praetor. During one of those demigod dreams, Apollo realized what was in store for the fate of Camp Jupiter, and when Doomsday was going to happen: April 8th, Lester’s birthday. With the camp in preparation to go to war, Apollo is being extremely awkward around Reyna due to advice he was given during his god days but he needed her for a mission. Apollo, Reyna, and Meg were sent on a quest to silence the silent god, another shame from Apollo’s past that he now has to deal with. As Doomsday draws nearer for our heroes, Apollo time as a mortal is running out, and he has to begin to believe in himself as Lester to save his friends. 

Thoughts: 

Rick Riordan is developing the Camp Half-Blood series longer than I even think he intended. Taking us back to Camp Jupiter, Riordan lets us see what happens to the camp after Hazel and Frank get back, and Jason leaves. Reyna is still Praetor, alongside Frank now, new characters are introduced, and our once thriving camp and city that Percy got to see is now just a shell of its former self. I am becoming an un-fan of the series as if I did not start this series, a debate I had, I would still think of Camp Jupiter as proof demigods can grow old, Jason was still alive, and he was still with Piper. Yet Riordan is now changing that narrative as Apollo enters the lives of these characters, only Riordan is not giving out as many good things compared to the good things he's been changing. Still, this book, along with the series, has a steady plot that drives it along, Apollo is getting more "human", as he realizes the meaning behind mortal life, especially with watching everyone grieve over Jason. Meg, you can either like her or not, as her character development has been zero for the past few books, except for her random kindness towards Apollo. With the final bit of plot revealed, the last book of the series is the big battle of Apollo against Nero, in which hopefully we get to see some character development from Meg, and Apollo either returns to his godly form or dies as Lester.

Read more reviews: Goodreads

Buy the book: Amazon

[underjumble]

A bunch of questions that weren't big enough to be their own (so I'm putting them together)

3. I realize you said HAS a bad haircut, but I came up with two scenarios that are tertiary canon (I came up with definition of the term so I am sure I'm using it wrong. What I'm saying is it has no effect on the canon so you can take it or leave it.)

The first is Asriel and Chara as kids, where they cut each other's hair for fun without their parents permission. Just being silly. The next is Temmie (without permission but does she ever get permission for anything she does) deciding she's bored and actually a salonist. No one except for other tems actually got their hair cut there while it was open. It got shut down real quick-- because surprisingly, hair everywhere isn't very sanitary for restaurants-- but the customers enjoyed their awful cuts so who's to judge?

4. They would grow up and take their place as the rulers, although Papyrus would be the only one really doing anything. Papyrus would try to overwork him like his dad did, but Sans wouldn't let him take too much on. The reason why the King Papyrus ending was so bad was because the brothers were forced to rule over a broken and hopeless kingdom without warning, but since Papyrus always was meant to be king and the underground is fine.

They're not as respectable as Gaster was, but they're still good, despite Papyrus being very, very eccentric. I think by the time they're adults in this timeline, Sans and Papyrus would be virtually indistinguishable personality wise from the original. Sans would be happier and not worried about the timelines because that hasn't happened unlike the original, but really the reason underjumble has them different is due to the fact they never got to grow up and let go of anything.

Unless Papyrus perfectly times when he has a kid, Papyrus would eventually outlive his brother. He'd be distraught at first, but as time goes by, he'll look back to Sans and smile fondly. He still misses him, but it wouldn't be a stab in the heart to remember him, it would be bittersweet. He came in Papyrus' life and left, but he still brought so much joy. This is assuming Sans' life isn't cut short for whatever reason.

They would probably collect human souls, but only after the human dies of natural causes, because the soul is just there, why not use it? Or you could take the route that humans with the souls together can break the barrier, since the magicians didn't die due to the barrier. Whichever you think of, the point is the underground would be happier.

5. Frisk wears a hoodie!! They're more reclusive and shy, hunching over and wearing the hoodie more. Other than that the outfit is basically the same.

6. Assuming you mean in game, Doggo doesn't really have hopes or dreams. He wants to feel and to have Sans back, but he's given up on the possibility for the most part. Sans just wants to take everything back, but knows it's impossible. Post game he just wants his brother to be able to be at peace.

Asriel's hope is that Gaster's plan won't work, that one day monsters will make peace with humans, and to see his family again. Chara's hopes are to make up with their family and free monsters. Napstablook doesn't really have a dream, and Mettaton wants to be famous. Toriel wants there to be a peaceful solution, the gays want to see each other and date and Gaster wants to take back what he believes is rightfully his.

Okay so headcanon. A lot of people take all the amalgamates at face value, the only ones. I don't think that's true. Alphys asked for all monsters that have fallen down. Of course not everyone would hand them over but I think it's quite possibly like. 15-30 fallen down monsters she got? My point is I don't think there's just five. Here are the canon five (but not all) amalgamates that you fight. I was going to draw them but I'm bad at drawing so I'll try to describe it. They don't have names yet so I'll just put a line of dialogue

smells like slush - Dess, Pyrope, and Madjick. Has melty ropes binding them and Dess' head and Madjick's melted orbs.

what a catastrophe! - probably not really using that line. Sans doesn't make puns in really serious situations. A handful of temmies and a final froggit. This one looks less like one whole and more like almost a pile. Not completely ofc but since most amalgamates have melted to the point it just looks like one creature.

I don't have any actual quotes I just wanted to show off the slush one and trapped myself - One from the jerry species, an ice cap and a chilldrake

- Gyfttrot, Knight Knight, Monster Kid's father

- Memory head with misgospel movements of eyes.

Underjumble Blooky canonically wears headphones the entire game so yeah! They just like me fr

13. Assuming we're not talking about with any souls or LOVE, Sans and Doggo is, I'm just gonna say it, they're like the weakest ones. Sans can't even interact with the physical world, or if he can it's very limited, and Doggo is a plush. There's a reason why he watches from afar and doesn't let himself get in stabbing distance until he feels like you can't hurt him. Just putting this out there so it's known I'm not including them. I would say Gaster. Undyne is strong as hell but she's not a boss monster, and none of the monster Dreemurrs really have a reason to have practiced and been skilled much.

14. I think he would be awful at names but not in the sense Asgore is. Bro would look at a place and name it a long scientific term. I've never actually thought about that idea though :0 I have thought about it a bit and I think Asgore still named the areas, since Gaster wasn't focused on that and he was close with Asgore, he got the privileges to.

15. It was from unnatural ways, I can tell you that. I haven't decided on how exactly, but basically yeah he did make Paps. Although I love that headcanon. "here's that tiny guy you ordered. hope it's okay if i fucked around with his genetic code a bit." Maybe that's why he can just float

16. Before she fell I assume you mean. Basically!!! She's a little silly hehehe. They'd interact like how the ogs would interact. They're still close, even though Maddie doesn't-- I guess i should say didn't-- live in the same house.

17. That's cool!!!!!

19. He uses long words and uncommon(?) terms that most people don't use in every day speech, and doesn't use contractions very often. I like to think he just uses some words wrong but he's been through countless timelines so that's not likely

[tbhchoi]

proud of you

pairing: san x reader (gn but see warnings for use of pet names!)

genre: established relationship, minor angst (reader is upset at the beginning), fluff

synopsis: y/n is going through a tough time but luckily their boyfriend san is there to comfort and reassure them

warnings?: terms such as 'love' and 'baby' are used

word count: 1k

i really wanted to make a short story like this since i know many people find comfort in the members, i may make one for every member, always remember ateez loves you and are always proud of you, everything will be okay <3

the sound of your front door opening and closing brings you out of your thoughts for a second. you're aware it's just your boyfriend san coming home but still a small amount of worry rises in you. you have always hated him seeing you this way, you've always tried to hide your worries and insecurities in fear of him seeing you differently and being seen as a burden.

you know it's a senseless worry, san isn't like that and wouldn't think of you like that, anytime he has seen you when you weren't okay, he was right by your side comforting you

"y/n i'm back!" you hear him shout through the house, after hearing no reply from you, you hear him come down the hall looking for you

"love, are you here?" he asks as he slowly opens the door to your room

you do your best to act like you're fine, you put on a strong face determined not to let him see you broken

"i'm sorry, i was zoned out," you tell him, doing your best to fake smile

he gives you a look as if he didn't believe you but you brushed him off. he comes in the room and sits next to you on your bed

"baby," he says soothingly while placing his arm around your shoulders bringing you into him

you let out a noise of acknowledgment towards him

"what's wrong? you know you can talk to me," he says

"i'm fine"

"ah, but you're not," he disagrees, "you seem to forget how well i know you"

you don't say anything to him yet, your thoughts still aren't all together for you to be able to. after a few moments of silence he sense you aren't going to say anything and continues

"you can always talk to me about anything," he says while drawing circles on your arm

"it's hard," is all you can manage to say

"i know baby, i know. i believe in you though, if you want to talk about it i'm all ears my love," he encourages you while kissing your temple

and you know that if you really didn't want to talk about it, he'd respect that and drop it but some how that action was enough for everything to spill out. you're telling him everything, all your insecurities within yourself, your stress from school and work. before you know it tears are about to fall out

"sometimes it just gets so hard you know. sometimes i just need a break, i'm one person. my mental health is going down and i'm trying to swim but i'm drowning in late school work and extra work shifts," you rush out taking a deep breath

the whole time san has been so intently listening to you, letting you get everything out. you'd forget he was there if it wasn't for his hand rubbing up and down your arm soothingly

"baby, you're okay, you're okay," he says reassuringly, trying to calm you down

he gives you a kiss on your temple

"i know how hard it is love, you've always been such a hard worker," he continues, "you're doing so well, i'm so proud of you, i always am. but sometimes you really do need to take time to yourself, even if it's just a day"

"do you have a shift tomorrow?" he asks you

you nod

"baby, let's call out, i'll stay with you, we can have a relaxing day doing anything you want, even if that's catching up on school work, i'll help you with it," he tells you

"i don't know if i can san"

"it's okay to take time off, it's okay to take a mental health day, we all need them, even if we seem like we don't," he reassures

you think about it for a second, you really do need the time off, "okay, okay i'll call out,"

"good"

"but you really think you can help me with my school work?" you jokingly question him

"hey, i'm smarter than you think," he jokes

you let out a small laugh, "i love you," you mumble

"i love you more than anything," he tells you

he continues, "and really, i am proud of you. you're doing well even if you don't think you or you don't see it, so many people see how hard you're working"

"thank you san, really," you tell him wiping your nose

"thank you so much for telling me, you can come to me, you know? don't hold things in"

you nod at him, "i'm sorry"

"don't apologize," he tells you, "i know you're going through a lot"

"just remember, even on your worst days, i love you and believe in you"

him telling you all these sweet and reassuring words continues on for awhile but the whole time all you can think about is how thankful you are for him. you really don't know where you'd be without him. you're also punching yourself for not coming to him earlier

"is that good baby?" he asks breaking you out of your trance

"i'm sorry, what?" you ask

"i'll order us some take out and make us both milkshakes and then we can watch our favorite show together? just have a relaxing night in?"

"that sounds amazing right now," you tell him

he stands up from the bed, "good, i'll get everything ordered, come down whenever you're ready, okay love?"

you tell him yes and he gives you a peck before leaving to order the take out

now you're alone again, but this time instead of negative thoughts drilling at you, you're more at peace. of course not everything is solved and you know you'll have more stress to come, but you know with san by your side, you'll be okay. everything will okay in time, you got this

—

© tbhchoi. all rights reserved. all reposts, along with translations are prohibited.

[osakaso5]

IDOLiSH7 6th Anniversary Special Story: Full of Heart...

Chapter 3: Eternal Memories

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

Riku Nanase: Ah, I was planning to use this picture, too! Here, look.

Tenn Kujo: Good thing we set up this meeting, then.

Iori Izumi: It's all thanks to my guidance. The two of you should be grateful.

Tenn & Riku: Thank you.

Iori Izumi: Still, I can't believe you'd both choose the exact same photo, out of all the ones you have.

Iori Izumi: Was it just a coincidence? Or do you have some kind of twin superpowers?

Tenn Kujo: I wouldn't exactly call it a superpower, but we have always had a tendency to pick the same things.

Riku Nanase: Yeah! Like at a restaurant, we'd always order the same thing.

Iori Izumi: Perhaps it's not as unusual for you to have matching tastes and interests as I made it out to be, considering you were raised together.

Tenn & Riku: Right.

Iori Izumi: Which park is this? Do you remember where it is?

Tenn Kujo: Near our old house. We went there for a picnic, since Riku was feeling well that day.

Riku Nanase: We brought canteens and lunchboxes. It wasn't our first visit to that park, but eating lunch there made it feel like an adventure.

Tenn Kujo: You have a nice smile in this picture, Riku. Why don't you use this one? I can pick something else.

Riku Nanase: Are you sure? I think you look really cute here too, Tenn-nii. You've got this kind of composed look on your face.

Riku Nanase: I think your fans would be happy to see you like this.

Tenn Kujo: And your fans would like to see the way you look here, too. Hmm, this is a tough decision.

Tenn Kujo: Your thoughts, Iori Izumi?

Iori Izumi: You're asking me?

Tenn Kujo: I thought I'd leave this up to outside judgement.

Riku Nanase: Which one of us do you think should use this picture for the show?

Iori Izumi: ......... Nanase-san.

Riku Nanase: Oh! How come?

Iori Izumi: Because we might not have the time to reach out to Kujo-san a second time if you're the one who needs to reselect his picture.

Iori Izumi: I trust in his ability to choose an appropriate photo much more than I trust yours.

Tenn Kujo: Makes sense.

Riku Nanase: So it has nothing to do with the photo itself?

Iori Izumi: Although if you select something from the pictures we looked at last night, perhaps Kujo-san could also use this one.

Iori Izumi: Why not the one you showed me, where your face is covered in ketchup...

Riku Nanase: The one where I'm eating omurice?

Iori Izumi: Yes. You looked so innocent and cu... Ahem. I just thought it would make for a good conversation piece.

Riku Nanase: I guess I'll go with that one, then!

Tenn Kujo: What about your picture, Iori Izumi? Which one did you pick?

Iori Izumi: ........ Mine is... nothing unusual... Just a perfectly normal childhood picture...

Tenn Kujo: Based on your reluctance to go into any more detail, I highly doubt that.

Riku Nanase: We can show you! Apparently Mitsuki chose the picture, and Iori looks totally adorable in it!

Iori Izumi: ........ It... It really isn't anything worth showing to people...

Tenn Kujo: It's not worth showing to people, so you decided to display it on national television?

Riku Nanase: C'mon, Iori. Even Tenn-nii wants to see it!

Tenn Kujo: Pretty please.

Iori Izumi: Please stop it with the innocent act...

Iori Izumi: ...Fine. Here it is, since you insist...

Tenn Kujo: Wow, you look cute. A plushie in your arms, a happy little smile on your face...

Riku Nanase: Isn't it precious!?

Iori Izumi: That's enough. I don't need your flattery...

Riku Nanase: We're not just saying that, you know! I even wanted to pretend like I was the one that gave you that plushie.

Iori Izumi: I don't know why you feel this much of a need to usurp your twin.

Riku Nanase: I mean it! There's not a single person who wouldn't be happy if their present was received like how you received that plushie.

Riku Nanase: God, Santa Claus, whoever. I think it'd make just about anyone feel on top of the world.

Iori Izumi: You're the one who's always smiling like that, anyway.

Riku Nanase: Huh?

Iori Izumi: Nothing. I was just thinking out loud.

Iori Izumi: Still, not even I expected my younger self to smile so earnestly.

Tenn Kujo: What made you look so sour all the time?

Iori Izumi: I don't look like this all the time. Just very often, especially around your younger brother.

Tenn Kujo: I don't know. You seem to give me plenty of sour looks, too.

Iori Izumi: Only when the cameras are off and you're acting like your usual, standoffish self.

Tenn Kujo: I'm not standoffish. I just take things seriously.

Tenn Kujo: So, how old were you exactly? When you stopped sleeping with this cutesy teddy bear, I mean.

Iori Izumi: ...How do you know I used to sleep with it!? Did my brother tell you?

Tenn Kujo: Most little kids like to sleep with a stuffed toy or two. Especially one that looks this fluffy.

Iori Izumi: I did enjoy that, myself...

Tenn Kujo: Riku never could've done that, though. His selection of bedtime toys was limited, so he didn't have attacks at night.

Riku Nanase: True.

Iori Izumi: Ah... I see... And you even seem like you'd have enjoyed these kind of fluffy toys...

Riku Nanase: Are you sure you're not just talking about yourself..?

Tenn Kujo: Riku. Were you lonely without plushies to keep you company?

Riku Nanase: Of course not. I had you, Tenn-nii.

Riku Nanase: I never felt lonely, even though I never got to go to school, or pet any cats or dogs.

Riku Nanase: When you were around, I was always happy and having fun. And I'm really grateful for that.

Tenn Kujo: Riku...

Riku & Iori: Tenn-nii...

Tenn & Riku: ........!?

Riku Nanase: W-what was that!? Why did you call him Tenn-nii, too!?

Iori Izumi: Because I knew that's what you were going to say. What do you think of my ability to predict you?

Tenn Kujo: You can be very strange, for someone so smart.

Iori Izumi: I could say the same about you. Don't you think you're being unusually soft on Nanase-san today?

Tenn Kujo: I guess so... I guess nostalgia's gotten the best of me.

Tenn Kujo: That'll happen when you reminisce about your childhood.

Riku Nanase: Maybe... I should just stick one of our childhood pictures on my face all the time...

Iori Izumi: You're an idol, so please don't start trying to censor your own face.

Riku Nanase: But I want Tenn-nii to be nice to me!

Iori Izumi: Of course yo do... Ah, by the way. Are you sure that picture you showed me at the dorm wouldn't be the best pick for you?

Iori Izumi: You know, the one where you're holding a Rabitty-kun doll. I think it'd work nicely, especially from a sponsor standpoint.

Riku Nanase: Yeah, maybe!

Tenn Kujo: I'm glad Rabitty-kun made a comeback. Toi Toi Toi was on the verge of bankruptcy before then.

Riku Nanase: They were?

Tenn Kujo: Yep. They released some low quality Rabitty-kun products, and were dealing with tons of customer complaints.

Tenn Kujo: It was damaging enough to their reputation that they had to sell the main office building and the CEO's house.

Iori Izumi: I see... I think the Rabitty-kun we had might've been one of the defective ones.

Iori Izumi: It made strange noises sometimes...

Riku Nanase: Yeah, I can kind of see why people would complain about their children's toys making creepy noises. They probably made lots of kids cry.

Iori Izumi: Still, it's incredible that they were able to bounce back and resume sales six years ago.

Riku Nanase: Wow... That company's sure had some big ups and downs.

Riku Nanase: Kind of like us!

Iori Izumi: Right... I do hope we can help them have a good anniversary.

Tenn Kujo: Yeah.

Iori Izumi: What sort of games did you two play when you were little?

Tenn Kujo: We played normally enough. Drawing, card games, things like that.

Riku Nanase: I couldn't get out of bed or move around much, so Tenn-nii would sing and dance for me.

Riku Nanase: We came up with lots of games where I sat still, while he moved around.

Riku Nanase: Like the Tenn-nii Robot!

Iori Izumi: The "Tenn-nii Robot"?

Tenn Kujo: Ah, I remember that one.

Iori Izumi: What kind of game was it?

Riku Nanase: I used this controller we made out of milk cartons to order Tenn-nii around.

Riku Nanase: And he'd do as I told him to. It was a lot of fun!

Tenn Kujo: Sure was.

Riku Nanase: Tenn-nii Robot, fire missiles!

Tenn Kujo: Boom!

Riku Nanase: Tenn-nii Robot, fire your machine gun!

Tenn Kujo: Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat.

Riku Nanase: Tenn-nii Robot, equip your lazer sword!

Tenn Kujo: Kwishuuuu, clink!

Tenn & Riku: It was so much fun!

Iori Izumi: Kujo-san...

Tenn Kujo: What?

Iori Izumi: You taught an innocent young child the joys of having Tenn Kujo at his beck and call? That should be a criminal offense.

Tenn Kujo: What are you talking about..?

Iori Izumi: You're exactly the reason why Nanase-san grew up to be so inhumanly naive and spoiled.

Tenn Kujo: Are you spoiled, Riku?

Riku Nanase: No! Hey, Iori..! Since when am I spoiled!?

Iori Izumi: Do you really have to ask? Today, you slept in so late that I had to help you pack.

Riku Nanase: How is that spoiled!? I just asked you for help! And you agreed to help me with my clothes, too!

Iori Izumi: I was worried we'd be even more late if I let you try and fail to decide on what to wear. You have no right to complain here.

Riku Nanase: I guess not, but...

Tenn Kujo: So, Iori Izumi's your stylist for today.

Riku Nanase: Do I look good?

Tenn Kujo: Sure.

Riku Nanase: Ehehe! You hear that, Iori!?

Iori Izumi: Of course you look good, with a producer like me. You should have more self-confidence.

Tenn Kujo: You two sure are close.

Riku Nanase: Yeah, we are!

Iori Izumi: How, exactly?

Riku Nanase: There you go again. Tenn-nii Robot, attack Iori!

Tenn Kujo: Kwishuuuu, clink...  

Iori Izumi: Urgh..! ...Please, do NOT try to stab me!

Tenn Kujo: Beep beep beep. Mission complete.

Iori Izumi: You of all people should know better than to indulge him!

Riku Nanase: Ahahaha! 

To be continued...

[atinymonster]

tears and kisses

ateez 9th member.

when jiyu and sunwoo are given the chance to make up with one another.

the way i sort of got carried away but hehe it’s okay 🥺

➴ taglist: @banhmi07, @jiyeons-closet, @jaeminpeachy, @mochibabycakes, @euphoriamingi, @marsophilia, @goddessofdestructionbeast, @studioreader, @dkdlwhs12

➴ masterlist

"Wait, this is a horrible idea, Eric.”

“No it’s not, calm down Sunwoo. You look like you’re about to puke,” Eric rolled his eyes at his friend’s dramatics.  

“Because I am!” Sunwoo whisper-shouted as to not distract their manager who was currently driving them. 

A week had passed with no signs of reconciliation between Jiyu and Sunwoo. Which meant a week of Eric and the other boys dealing with a sulking and brooding Sunwoo who scrambled for his phone at every notification that he received. Even during the live broadcast for Kingdom, his members could tell how much he wanted to approach Jiyu, but his hesitance held him back. 

Eventually, he decided enough was enough for the sake of not only Jiyu and Sunwoo, but for the sanity of everyone else who so desperately wanted the two to make up. 

“Alright guys, we have a plan!” Eric and Haknyeon suddenly declared in the middle of their dorm living room. 

“What plan?” Hyunjae asked before a lightbulb went off in his head. “Oh, for our brooding rapper over there?”

Eric nodded. “Precisely.”

Sunwoo rolled his eyes, yet he couldn’t ignore the small spark of hope that ignited in his chest. He had been wracking his brain all day for the past week on how to apologize to Jiyu, but he was afraid she was still angry with him despite her small smiles and encouragement towards him during the recent Kingdom live broadcast. 

“I texted Wooyoung, and he said everyone else was willing to help us. Without Jiyu’s knowledge of course.”

“What if she’s still angry at me?” Sunwoo groaned, burying his head into his hands. The closer they were to arriving at KQ, Sunwoo felt the stress and anxiousness weighing down on him even more. 

Eric stifled his chuckles. According to Wooyoung, Jiyu worried about the exact same thing, which was the main reason why neither of them were able to make the first move to reconcile. “Wooyoung told us Jiyu wasn’t angry anymore. He said she was feeling regretful if anything.

And he was right. Despite Jiyu’s attempts to try and act like her normal, everyone could tell her mind was elsewhere with the amount of spacing out she’s done.

The recent offline fansign they had was the hardest for her, having adorable comments about Sunwoo being thrown at her so often. All she could do was smile as a response, even if all she wanted to do was break down and cry. The boys all took turns looking out for her, and they felt a pang of guilt whenever they overheard an ATINY talk to her about Sunwoo.

But what could they do? Nothing. Jiyu had told them numerous times that she didn’t want to raise any suspicions, and that she didn’t want to bring the mood down since it was their first time seeing ATINY in person after a whole year.

The boys hated seeing her so lifeless and saddened when they didn’t have any schedules, so when Wooyoung received a text from Haknyeon asking for their cooperation in getting the two together again, he wasted no time informing the others (minus Jiyu) and gaining their approval.

“So what choreography are we learning today?” Jiyu asked, plopping down onto the floor while waiting for Wooyoung to choose a song on the practice room monitor.

Every so often on their free days, the two would take the time to learn another group’s dance together for fun and to keep their dance skills sharp. Not that Jiyu minded; dance was an escape for her, and she could really use a dance session at the moment to clear her head. 

Wooyoung knew that, so he used the dance session as a way to try and lift her spirits, as well as a way to keep her in the room so she didn’t bump into Sunwoo prematurely.

“I’ll teach you Don’t Call Me! I need a buddy to dance with and we can record it to show ATINY later,” he answered, peeking at his phone every so often to keep an eye out for a text from one of the others to let him know when Sunwoo would arrive.

[hongjoong] is everything okay so far?

[wooyoung] yep! she’s still with me in the dance room :)

[san] great! now let’s all pray the two of them make up soon...i don’t like seeing baby monster so sad :(

[yeosang] yeah, it’s weird when she’s all frowning and not her usual bubbly self

[hongjoong] i know, it’s weird not having her voice resonate through the dorm everyday...

[hongjoong] anyways, we’ll direct sunwoo to practice studio 2, so send jiyu there too when we text you again later

“Who are you texting?”

Wooyoung felt his heart stop the moment he looked up and saw that she was about to peer over and read the text messages. Turning off his phone, his mind was scrambling for a valid excuse. 

“Nothing, San just started spamming me with messages again,” he chuckled, letting out a discreet sigh of relief when she believed him. “Come one, let’s start!”

Jiyu’s ability to quickly pick up choreography was both a blessing and a curse. This was one of the rare times where Wooyoung found it a curse. She was able to learn the first verse all in ten minutes, and Wooyoung only learned up to the end of first chorus to teach her. At this rate, they were most likely going to finish before Sunwoo even arrived.

“Okay, let’s take a break? I’m sure your body still hurts from practicing for Kingdom.” Wooyoung said, trying to mask how frantic he was. Luckily, she agreed, sliding down the wall and resting her head in his shoulder before letting out a sigh.

“Feeling okay?” he asked, patting her head.

“If I’m being honest, not really. I just...miss him,” she quietly admitted, her chest tightening as various emotions began to overtake her mind. She never talked to any of the boys about how she was really feeling, not wanting to burden them with her personal problem. While she was extremely grateful that they tried everything within their power to cheer her up, she didn’t want them to feel obligated to stick with her every second of the day just to make sure she was okay. 

Wooyoung bit his lip. He felt a sense of guilt for not being able to tell her that Sunwoo was on his way over as they spoke. “Do you want to talk to him?” 

Jiyu touched her now-empty wrist, missing the weight of the bracelet that she had thoughtlessly left behind at Sunwoo’s studio. “I won’t lie, I do want to talk to him again...but does he want to talk to me is the real question.”

Before he could reply, he heard his phone’s ringtone go off—his cue to send Jiyu to meet Sunwoo. His heart started to pound in anticipation for the moment they’ve all been waiting for. Fishing out his phone from his jacket pocket, he couldn’t stop the small smile that spread across his face, a smile that didn’t go unnoticed by Jiyu.

“San again?” she giggled, completely unaware of who and what was waiting for her just down and around the corner of the hall.

“No, uh, Seonghwa hyung wanted to do a VLIVE, but the wifi connection’s acting up again. Can you run over to practice studio 2 and help him out?” he asked, mentally apologizing to Seonghwa for hinting that he was an old man for not knowing how to fix a simple wifi connection (when in reality, he most likely knew how).

He must’ve been blessed with luck for the day because Jiyu agreed without hesitation or suspicion, mumbling about how she swore she showed him how to reset it a few weeks ago. 

A few minutes after she left, the practice room door opened and the others, along with Eric, quietly filed into the room to join Wooyoung in anxiously waiting for the outcome of their little plan. 

“Mission accomplished!” Yunho whisper shouted with a little grin. 

“We can’t say that yet. Not until we know if they made up or not,” Seonghwa reminded. Deep down, he was worried for Jiyu. Should the outcome be one that they weren’t hoping for, he knew Jiyu would be strong, accept the results, and push through. But how would she really feel deep down?

It was a mutual concern of their’s. They knew Jiyu would never want to worry them, they knew she’d just keep how she really felt to herself if things went downhill, so they really hoped with all their heart that everything would turn out alright for her. She couldn’t lose another person she loved, it wouldn’t be fair for her.

While the boys were waiting in the practice room, Jiyu made her way down to the studio. It was odd, Seonghwa never mentioned anything about a VLIVE today, but given how often she’s spaced out the past few days, she wouldn’t be surprised if his notification went in one ear and out the other.

“Seonghwa? I thought I showed you how to reset the wifi—”

The words died in her throat when she opened the door and instead of seeing Seonghwa, she saw the one person she’s been missing like crazy. She was convinced it was a hallucination that her mind had conjured, or that she was dreaming. 

“No, no, shut up mind, you’re not doing this to me right now,” she mumbled to herself with her eyes closed, about to close the door and open it again in hopes that she’d see Seonghwa instead of Sunwoo sitting at the monitor table. 

“Hey, hey.”

Before she could close the door, Sunwoo held it open before pulling her inside and closing the door. 

And that’s when it hit her that he wasn’t a hallucination. She felt the warmth of his hand on her’s when he pulled her in, and she felt his body’s warmth and his breath on her shoulder when he pulled her in for a hug the second the door closed. 

Sunwoo noticed how she tensed when he brought her into his arms, and a pang of sadness shook within his chest. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, feeling his eyes water. He tightened his hold on her, afraid that she would disappear if he loosened his grip. 

Feeling his body tremble, her arms moved on their own, gingerly wrapping themselves around him and her hands drawing small, comforting circles on his back. Tears pricked at her own eyes but she refused to let them fall. 

Basking in the warmth of each other’s arms, no words were exchanged. They just silently rocked side-to-side as Jiyu tried to comfort the boy in her arms. 

Despite her calm exterior, she was a mess on the inside. Her heart was pounding in her chest from having the presence and warmth of her beloved back while her mind tried to find the words to say. 

“I’m sorry, too,” she managed to say even though her voice started to crack from trying to keep her tears in. There were so many things she wanted to say, but she couldn’t bring herself to.

Lifting his head from her shoulder, tearily chuckled before bumping foreheads with her. “Hey, don’t cry.” he mumbled, feeling his heart break at the sight of her crying. He’d never seen her cry before, not even on the night of their fight. 

But his words seemed to only encourage her tears and before she realized, she felt the tears slipping down her cheeks and the small sobs wracking through her body. She felt relief crash into her; relief that this all wasn’t a hallucination or a dream, and relief that he wasn’t there to break up with her.

Sunwoo sniffled before stroking her cheek to wipe away the river of tears, all while gently shushing her and whispering words of comfort. Once he felt her breath start to even out again, he guided her to the chairs and sat her down in one while he sat on the other. Jiyu couldn’t look at him, but the tight grip of her hands on his conveyed everything.

“I’m sorry for that night,” he quietly said, rubbing circles on the back of her hand with his thumbs, “I should’ve just asked you about it rather than assume and take out my anger on you like that. And—” 

He paused, feeling his throat tighten as he remember all the horrible words he said. “I’m sorry for accusing you of being unfaithful. I really don’t think of you like that, I swear.”

Jiyu cupped his face in her hands and raised his head so he was looking at her. His bambi eyes were now filled with tears again, and it sent ripple of sadness throughout her chest. “It’s okay, I forgive you,” she cooed, using her thumbs to wipe away the stray tears that escaped his eyes.

“And I’m sorry for lashing out at you, too...and for saying things would’ve been better if we broke up.”

Sunwoo didn’t respond, but the way he nuzzled his face further into her hands answered for him, and she let out a little giggle. He felt the corners of his lips tug upwards at the sound of her laughter; he had terribly missed the sound. 

Another moment of silence passed before Jiyu started to speak again. “My brother’s my only family left.”

Sunwoo’s eyes widened before they wandered to find her own. Taking her hands away from his face and resting them on his own again, she took a deep breath before continuing. “My parents died in an accident when I was three. Jiyong and I were the only survivors so we were sent to Guangzhou to live with our grandparents. That’s why we’re so affectionate with each other...we’re all we have left here in Korea.”

No matter how many times she spoke of her family, it never got easier. There was still the stinging pain in her chest, the guilt she carried around for years always started to resurface, and the anxious feeling that the person would think less of her when they found out about her broken family.

But Sunwoo just brought her in for the tightest hug he’s ever given her and buried his face into the crook of her neck. He knew she didn’t tell him that to make him feel worse about himself, but it still broke his heart when he realized he had accused her of cheating when in reality, she was with the only family she had left. 

Countless apologies left his lips as Jiyu carded her fingers through his curly hair. No matter how many times he heard her whisper that it was okay, it didn’t ease the guilt that consumed his mind.

“I told you because I trust you. You didn’t even know, so please don’t blame yourself.”

It took a few minutes for her to soothe him, but she didn’t mind. She missed hugging him, she missed feeling his body against her’s, she just missed him. Too busy caught up in her thoughts, she missed how he fumbled around for something in his pocket before feeling a cold sensation wrap around her wrist. Looking down, she couldn’t control the smile that grew on her face when she saw the familiar white bracelet. 

“I think this belongs to you, lovebug” he chuckled, satisfied when he saw a genuine smile instead of the forced ones she gave him during the live broadcast.

Her heart swelled with happiness at the nickname that she thought she’d never be able to hear again. “Thank you, sunshine,” she returned the nickname, an indirect reassurance that they were okay, that everything was okay. 

With him still hugging onto her, she leaned down to place a quick kiss on his cheek, laughter rumbling from her chest when he started pouting and claiming she missed.

“I don’t think I missed, Woo—” 

Before she could even finish, she felt him swiftly readjust their position so that he was pressing her against the chair, his hands firmly pressed onto the armrests to keep himself up. “I think you did, love,” he smirked before leaning down and pressing his lips against her’s.

It wasn’t their first kiss, but she still felt the volcano of butterflies erupting, fluttering around in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around his neck when one of his hands gently grabbed onto the side of her neck. 

Pulling away, Sunwoo placed one last kiss onto her forehead before getting up and offering his hand out to her. “Come on, let’s go tell everyone the good news,” he giggled. It always threw her in for a loop at how he could switch from looking like he wanted to devour her back to an adorable puppy in a few seconds, (although Sunwoo could say the same about her). 

Taking his hand and letting him hoist her up, she held him back before he could walk towards the door. Looking back and cocking his head to the side, he swore his heart almost stopped when she smiled up at him. 

“I love you, sunshine,” she said, her aura resembling a puppy that had it’s tail happily wagging.

Eyes filled with adoration and affection, he smiled before leaning down to peck her lips one last time. “I love you, too lovebug.”

[harveywritings92]

BNHA vampire soulmate scenario: you see them again/ they introduce themselves.

 They find you and don't leave you alone.

--------------------------------------------------

Dabi: It had been almost a month since the 7/11 incident, Dabi kept his distance watching and protecting you from the shadows, That all change today, he was watching your house from the old abandoned grocery store-across the road from your bar (your house is on top of the bar). He noticed you haven't step outside for almost two days, Dabi frowned as he step out of his hideout and as soon as he got close enough to your home his nose scrunched up as he was hit by a fowl stench: he made a disgusted noise... it was like mix of rotten milk and cantaloupe...

You were sick! but that wouldn't explain your lack of activity...unless- Dabi felt his stomach drop into his feet he checked the gargoyle you keep by the door for your spare key, he unlocked the door and walked inside your house and found you passed out on the floor at the bottom of your stairs! he rush over crouched down to check on you... he put his hand on your neck, Fuck your skin was like a furnace. "What the fuck do I do?" he hissed picking you up of the floor and putting you on the couch in your living room.

You wheezed in protest feeling your body being lifted away from the nice cold floor, your eyes opened straining to see who had moved you? but all you could see was a black and purple blob looking down at you; before moving away from sight as your overheated mind tried to comprehend what was happening, Who was that? How did they get in... but soon you drifted back into unconsciousness, and felt something cold on the back of your head...

You woke up disoriented and very confuse you looked around and you were still in your Livingroom... with half melted bag of frozen carrots resting behind your neck and another bag of frozen corn shoved down your shirt, which bewildered you the last thing you remembered was trying to crawl upstairs and go to your room, than nothing. You heard someone clear their throat and looked next to you to find a man who looked like a ragdoll was sitting in your recliner watching you...

"Who the fuc-" you croaked only for the guy to thrust a yellow pill and a glass of water towards you. "Take this first.." he muttered as you eyed the pill suspiciously "patchy" rolled his eyes at your wariness. "It's just Tylenol." he put the glass on the coffee table and showed you the box, "If I wanted to hurt you, wouldn't I have done it already?" he stated as you hesitantly took the pill and the water from him and swallowed it trying not to gag as it went down your throat. "Who are you?" you hissed voice still hoarse trying not to show fear, which was in vain as Patchy's cerulean eyes lit up in amusement seeing through your bluff. "I have several names, but these days I go by Dabi." he said waiting for your reaction but, to his utter astonishment you clearly had no idea who he was... "ok..."Dabi" How did you get into my house?" you huffed as Dabi gave you this unimpressed look. 

"Y'know the whole reason for hiding a key, is to not make it obvious."

"What are you talking about? What key?"

"Yeah, good one...the key under the gargoyle."

"...I don't keep a key under my gargoyle."

You say watching Dabi's expression shift to confusion as the scarred man pulled the the duplicate key from his pocket, he showed it to you and your stomach felt like it was full of rocks... that was definitely your house key!... But, it looked newer, shinier then the one in your purse. "You don't recognize this?" Dabi asked feeling your fear which caused his instincts go haywire wanting to remove whatever caused the distress, as you shook your head insisting you've never owned a spare key!

Dabi took a sharp breath through his nose, taking it in all the scents around the house before picking up faint traces of a another male... Dabi let out a low inhuman growl as he relaxed against into the recliner. "Good news doll, you gotta a new roommate." Your mouth opened to protest, but something in the deep crevices of your soul was telling you to trust the scarred man as he played around with the duplicate key. with a feral glint in his eye. "Bad news is... It's gonna suck for whoever the hell pissed me off." his purred flashing his fangs at you.  

---------------------------------

Hawks: You were at work it had been to weeks since Hawks showed up on your doorstep, let's just it didn't go so well... It was like in the movies you opened the door saw the blond vampire standing there, you gasped, screamed and fainted scaring the crap out of the poor guy! At the moment he was currently loitering outside the gym you were teaching at, he could hear some of your students parents talking about you.

"It's waste I tell you, someone with her Quirk should've gone pro!" A woman said in a snarky tone the man next to her nodded. " I agree. if I had a Quirk like L/n-san I would be saving lives and kicking ass, instead of teaching kids how to dog paddle!" Keigo growled looking up from his phone and spoke up. 

"Yeah...She could've gone pro, but instead she's here teaching your kids not to drown..." 

Both adults froze and saw the number 2 hero glowering at them his wings slightly puffed and raised making him look bigger, They sheepishly apologized and scurried off, Just as you walked out, with an unreadable expression it was obvious you had heard everything just now, but were relucted to say anything as the two of you started the routine of walking home together, you were still on the ropes about Hawks. 

When he first showed up (after you woke up) you freaked out thinking he was there to to silence you and keep his secret, however after calming you down, he started going on about soulmates, blood-bonds and you being his other half, you were very reluctant to believe him after all... the first time you saw him, he was covered in blood feeding off a woman who looked half dead! Hawks seemed genuinely remorseful about you seeing that, it wasn't his intention to scare you, he explained how the woman was fine. 

She wasn't dead like Y/n had thought! he just used his venom to put her into a state of ecstasy... she likely has no idea the winged blond had been drinking her blood, She was at home most likely believing she had a wild night with the number 2 hero. He even showed you the girl's social media account to prove it; There she was doing a bathroom selfie bragging about the wicked "hickey" Hawks had given her...

Now here you are a month later and the vampire hasn't left your side since! Well... Except for when he has to go on patrol, then he has one of his feathers following you, and you have this sinking suspicion that Hawks has been sleeping on your roof at night...though you're never sure, you could hear something rolling around up there but whatever it is, is usually gone by the time you go check it out, later that night Hawks texted you inviting you to dinner, you read the restaurant's name... Dang that's pretty swanky place, you didn't even know if you had a dress or whatever to wear! luckily in the far reaches of your closet you found an old black dress that seemed suitable enough for the job... and sighed. " I only wore this once, to a funeral..." you muttered before getting ready.

You wished you had taken a shot of whiskey before you left the house, you were a ball of shaking anxiety as you entered the restaurant, the hostess eyed you with a unpleasant sneer. "Can I help you?" she said in fake sweet tone. "Y-Y/n L/n, I-I'm here to meet a Mr. T.K.?" you stammered the hostess scrunched her nose as she gave you a once over snorted. 

"I don't know how you found out about his reservation... but I can assure you the number 2 hero doesn't associate with your type." she with sneer your face would would've been flushed with anger if you weren't holding back every fiber in your body to slap that smug smile off that bitch's face. "Well can you go check?" you snapped standing up to your full height which threw the hostess off, she curt nod and walked off into the back...

(Hawks knew you were here he could smell you the second you walked in, his eyes briefly skimmed over the menu as he herd hostess approach, without you... "Sorry about that Hawks." the redhead cooed as the blonde looked at her bemused she snorted. "Some fake (h/c) slut tried to say you were waiting on her-" she continued talking as Keigo talked over her. " I am waiting for Y/n." he stated firmly as the hostess finished what she was saying. "Just let me ask my boss to let me off and we ca..." she trailed off and blinked not believing what she just heard.

"w-What?" she chortled thinking this was a joke as Hawks deadpanned repeating what he said. "I am waiting for Y/n, go get her." it wasn't request the hostess looked like a fish as she stared at the No. 2 slack-jawed. "Bu...You.. I- what about me?!" she sputtered lip quivering like a child who'd been denied candy, the winged man just eyed her incredulously making it clear he doesn't know her. "What are you talking about?" Hostess didn't answer she just stomped away to go get you.)    

A few minutes later she came back all red in the face. "Please follow me ma'am." she huffed now it was your turn to be smug. "Oh?... But I thought the No. 2 hero didn’t associate with my type?" you hissed as she snapped her head up to look at you eyes her brown eyes filled with jealous rage and you realized....It was her. The girl from the park. "My apologies ma'am." she said with a forced cheery tone as she led you to a private booth where Hawks was waiting his wings stood up at full attention as you sat down.

"Hey did you have any trouble?" he asked nodded towards the front desk where the hostess was giving both of of you the stink-eye. "You don't recognize her?" you whispered as Keigo's brow furrowed as he tried to piece it together.... had.. they slept together?...Hmm no, signed her tits? that was a possibility, He hummed scratching his beard You could tell he was drawing blanks. "She's the woman from the night...when we met?" His gold eyes widened.

 "Oh... the blood that tasted like charcoal and moldy bread." he grimaced in disgusted as he finally pieced it together you tilted your head as him bemused. "That’s what smoker's blood taste like...to me anyways, other Vamps have told me it varies." he stated you hummed nodding your head both intrigue and worried that you were getting use to this odd situation.

While you two were going over the menu, Keigo couldn't help but notice how off you were acting, you were fidgeting and looking around almost like you were...scared. why would you scared? all the other girls he'd brough.... Then it hit Keigo like ton of bricks. 

He was treating you like one of his fans! and not his...hopefully soon to be lover, Dammit! He didn't even think about your comfort zones or asked if you wanted to go out and where did you want to go, he just assumed you would jump at the chance, because what girl doesn't want to go on a date with the number two hero?

After a few moments Keigo put the menu down. "Hey...wanna get out of here?" You were about to protest but the blond put his hand up. "Let me rephrase that; Do you want go somewhere else?" you shyly nodded Keigo called the waiter paid for the drink he had earlier and the two of you went on a very simple and impromptu park date involving pizza and an outdoor movie theater that Keigo had no idea existed; all in all he actually had fun! 

And so did you given the joy and admiration he was sensing coming off you in waves. as opposed the fear and defensiveness you usually gave off around him, which made Hawks hopeful for the future... but for now he'll just settle on being friends, He smiled staring at the spare key you gave him, the blond let out a tiny churr feeling giddy as he fell asleep on your couch, as you caught him outside earlier.  

…..Yes, he was totally sleeping on your roof.

[mackeydoodledoo]

Melted Ice

Pairing: Kanroji Mitsuri x (Fem!)Hashira Reader

Summary: You’re the very first Ice Breathing Hashira. You’re often seen as the one with the ‘Ice Cold Heart’ among the Corps. However one Love Hashira accompanies you on a mission, melting the icy outer layer just to reach your heart.

Warnings: Near-death, Mitsuri’s dream is SMUT, Mega-Fluff at the end

A/N: Hi, I love Mitsuri with all of my heart (Sorry not sorry Obanai) Nekoma Ryuuga is my OC for Demon Slayer. Some of the Forms of Ice Breathing I found on a Fanon Wiki and some I made myself. 

“心のスポーツ” - Perfume

---------------------------------------------------------------------

You depart from headquarters onto a mission. Originally, it was meant to me a solo mission. However, Mitsuri had to butt in and persuade the master to go with you. 

“Mater, please let me accompany Nekoma~Chan on this mission!” Mitsuri suggests

“Kanroji-san!” Obanai blurts out

You look at her in utter disbilief.

“Very well Mitsuri,” Ubuyashiki says

You look at him in disbelief.

“Master, I don’t think that’s-”

Before Obanai could interject, Mitsuri was already pulling you by the arm for departure. You were kind of close with Mitsuri, not as close as she is with Obanai. Yet, you like her. But, here she is; accompanying you on a mission.

“Ryuuga~Chan,” Mitsuri tries to get your attention, “Try this mochi I packed for us.”

She tries to hold it up into your face, trying to get you to open your mouth. Blushing, you turn away. You really wanted to try the mochi, but you believed it would be better off for her to eat it.

“Not hungry Mitsuri,” You say, slightly lying, “Save them for yourself okay?”

You tried to sound polite as possible. Although you were seen with an ‘Ice Cold Heart’, you could never really be that way around Mitsuri. Even though the both of you never really went on missions together. Obanai would always be against the idea. 

The way she politely declined. She’s as ice cold as ever! It sends chills up my spine! She’s so cool!

As the both of you reached town, the sun was about to go down so there was no time to settle down in the slightest. However, you couldn’t help but notice Mitsuri gazing at the sunset.

“Ryuuga~Chan! Look at the sunset!!” She smiles, gesturing to the sky

And wouldn’t you know it, the sky turned a brilliant pink.

“If you think about it, it matches your hair,” You slightly smile

Her eyes grow wide when she also makes the realization. 

“You’re right Ryuuga~Chan!” She turns to gaze at you

You couldn’t help but crack a small smile on your face. Mitsuri holds your hand as the both of you gaze through the town, hoping to find the demon that was terrorizing the town.

Ryuuga~Chan’s smile is so cute... It melts my heart!

The both of you decided to have dinner and you were kind of surprised by Mitsuri’s apetite. But, you weren’t bothered by it at all. You really found it cute.

“How did your mark show up again?” You ask

To be honest, you heard it when you were in the Hashira meeting but you became attracted to the Love Hashira just how she described her experience. 

“Eh??? Why that question all of a sudden Ryuuga~Chan?” She asks, blushing

“Why not?” You smile slightly, “I’m intrigued by how you explain it.”

She blushes and turns away.

Ryuuga~Chan is intrigued by me? Oh, my Heart is beating fast!

“My ears were like ‘SCREEEEE’ and then my heart was like ‘BABUM! BABUM!’ and my fingers went like ‘TINKLE TANKLE’,” She explains once more

You couldn’t help but blush as her enthusiasm, despite living in a world of demons, you admired her optimism and happiness through it all. If it weren’t for Mitsuri, you wouldn’t have become a Hashira. Once you look back up at her, you couldn’t help but notice how there was hair in her mouth. She didn’t seem to notice until you began reaching your arm out towards her.

Ryuuga~Chan... What-what are you doing?! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!

As you move the hair out of her mouth, your fingers gently trace her jawline. Noticing her overly blushing. When you draw your fingers back towards you she looks away and then down at her thighs. You couldn’t help but let out a light-heartening laugh.

“What’s-What’s so funny?!” Mitsuri stutters

“You’re really cute when you blush,” You smile

She looks up and notices how your smile is from ear to ear. After the both of you had eaten, you managed to find somewhere to stay for the night. However, there was one small problem...

“They... Only gave us... One... Bed??” You ask, in shock

Am I going to get to share a bed with Ryuuga~Chan?!

“Well, one of us needs to keep watch,” You finally conclude

Eh?!!?!? But, Perhaps she’s right...

“I’ll take first watch,” You suggest, “You get your rest Mitsuri..”

After awhile you began feeling the dread of the lack of sleep beginning to hit you however, you could hear the sheets behind you rustling. So you turn over and notice Mitsuri tossing and turning. Her face wasn’t relaxed however; brows furrowed, her eyes tightly shut.

“No... No... Please...” She whines in her sleep

A nightmare? No, doesn’t sound like it... But, What is she-

“Ryuuga~Chan...” She gently moans your name

Your cheek begin flushing to a deep red. You have no idea what the dream is about however, it was the way way she said your name in her sleep.

Mitsuri’s Dream She was back at her estate at Headquarters. She was in the kitchen with you. You were in one of those wrap bras, showing off your muscles and in your uniform pants that were rolled up to your knees. Mitsuri was standing in front of the counter; with her back to you. 

“Mitsuri~Chan,” You seductively call out to her

Your fingers trail up her curves and stop at her hips. Your nose gently 

“You smell like honey,” You smile, “My favorite...”

You turn Mitsuri so that the both of You prop Mitsuri up on the counter and wrap her legs around your midsection. Your face was buried in the crook of her neck. Mitsuri fights the urge to hold in her moans.

“Mitsuri~Chan,” You whisper seductively into her ear, making her shiver to her bones

“Ryuuga~Chan, I-I- no-no more,” She whines, “P-please...”

“Oh?” You ask, still seductively whispering into her ear, “But, why pull me in if you want no more? You must be enjoying it aren’t you?”

“I-I am but-but the others...” She continues whining

“Then you should learn to keep your mouth shut,” You almost growl before shoving your face down at the base of her neck

Before she could even let out a yelp, you undo the top button to her uniform and your mouth latches onto the front of her neck, sucking on it. You could hear her letting out strangled whines, whimpers and moans, it was practically music to your ears.

“Ryuuga~Ch-Chan,” Mitsuri moans

One of your hands reach under her skirt and squeeze her round bottom in your hand. She yelps however, you lift your head and you smash your lips against her soft ones. They both mold perfectly together .

“Ryuuga~Ch-AH!” Mitsuri squeals before being silenced by your lips

“Would Mitsuri~Chan like it better if I kept my hand here?” You ask, giving her bottom one last squeeze, “Or here?”

Your finger tips gently caress Mitsuri’s thigh before two of your fingers slipped between the both of her thighs. You could feel how wet Mitsuri was already.

“Hou,” You whisper into her ear, “You’re this wet for me?”

Mitsuri nods as you begin playing with her sensitive bud, watching her squirm under you.

Back in the Real World You sit there, not helping but listen to Mitsuri talk in her sleep... You were thankful she was asleep or else she would have seen your cherry red face. However, it dies down so you remain right next to a sound-asleep Mitsuri, sword within your grasp, being fully aware of your surroundings. However, you were about to doze off to sleep at an ungodly time of night when you heard a crashing noise. Without waking the sleeping beauty, you decide to venture out alone. That was the biggest mistake of your life. As soon as you stepped out, you immediately drew your sword; deflecting an attack however, you felt your body being dragged out of the place you were staying in.

“Mitsu-” 

You tried to call out to the Love Hashira however, a giant hand covered your mouth, leaving you to deal with the demon alone. However, you only had hoped that Mitsuri wasn’t a heavy sleeper. 

Can’t be helped... I have to deal with him myself for right now... Mitsuri please wake up soon...

氷の呼吸… 壱ノ型… [Breath of Ice... First Form...]

you inhale the cold night air...

砕氷船! [Icebreaker!]

“Hou,” The demon taunts, “You’re the first Ice breather... Way to make my record kid!”

You ignore his words and charge at him, blade raised. He manages to dodge your attack however, you only land a scratch with the tip of your blade.

陸ノ型… [Sixth Form...] 吹雪! [Blizzard!]

You jump into the air and begin twisting and turning your body in ways you haven’t turned them before, creating winds piercingly cold. This manages to land you a deep gash on the demon however, your blade becomes stuck in his body that has now been regenerated.

“What?!” You ask, “My Blade!- It won’t come out?!”

“You really think this was going to be easy kid?” He asks, punching you in the gut

You cough out blood, however, quickly regain your consciousness and yank out your blade. You stumble backward and kneel on one knee, trying to regain your breathing. 

“I didn’t think life was going to be easy to be honest with you,” You groan, standing up, “But, one thing’s for sure, you aren’t going to devour any humans here tonight! I will decapitate you and send you back to hell!”

You charge at him once more, but with less charge than how you started the fight. 

Mitsuri wake up...

氷の呼吸… 肆ノ型… [Breath of Ice... Fourth Form...] 雪漂流! [Snow Drifts!]

Despite having a damaged gut and possibly ribcage, it didn’t stop you from twisting and turning your body in a way the icy tundra winds would move. You manage to slice off an arm however, it was no good due to the demons’ regeneration abilities. 

“You’re a fool thinking you can do this alone!” He laughs

A flash of pink appears in front of your eyes and the next thing you feel is being swept off your feet. Quite literally.

“Sorry I’m late Ryuuga~Chan,” Mitsuri smiles, “Why didn’t you wake me?!”

“You looked peaceful sleeping and this idiot over there threw me out of the complex before I could call for you,” You yell at the demon

“What the hell are you looking at me for?! I need flesh for sustenance!” He yells back

“Innocent people is not the way to go buddy!” You say

You were about to go charge yourself back at him before you realized that Mitsuri is still holding onto you.

“Mitsuri... You can let go of me now,” You say gently tapping her shoulder

She blushes as she does so. 

“If you two are finished, I’d like to chow down on some fle-”

Before you let him finish, ice forms at your feet and you basically ice skate and make a slice along his jaw.

The way Ryuuga~Chan glides along the ice... And the way her body twists and turns... Oh my god...

“Mitsuri!” You call out to her

She immediately snaps out of her daze and follows you.

恋の型! 壱ノ型 [Breath of Love! First Form] 初恋のわかない!!! [Shivers of First Love!!!]

You look over and notice Mitsuri initiating her first form. However, with her sword being extremely flexible, it was also sharp. You immediately duck out of the way, dodging her blade. However, he grips the blade, regardless if he was getting himself cut by her blade. 

Eh?! He’s not letting go?!!

The demon yanks on her blade, resulting her being lifted into the air.

Let go!!

Before Mitsuri could use another form, she feels your arm being snaked around her. She sits in your arm as her arms wrap around your shoulders.

氷の呼吸…参ノ型‼ [Breath of Ice... Third Form!!] 圧延 凍原!!! [Rolling Tundra!!!]

Like the snow rolling through the tundra, you create a disorienting image in front of the demon. Only, you had Mitsuri in your arm so it was slightly more difficult than how you do it alone. But, you still manage to execute many cuts before he lets out a blood curdling scream, making you fall back, accidentally letting go of Mitsuri in the process.

“Ryuuga~Chan,” Mitsuri crawls over to you, “Wake up!!”

You sit up and begin to gather your vision and your bearings. 

“Blood demon art; Piercing Blood!” The demon says, finally regenerating his jaw

“Ryuuga~Chan!” Mitsuri yells, getting up

Mitsuri begins pushing the both of you out of the way. Your eyes grow wide as she takes the attack for you. You could hear her let out a scream of pain. She falls into your arms and you begin holding onto her for dear life, gripping on different parts of her haori.

“Mitsuri! Mitsuri!!” You try to wake her

To no avail, you were thankful that she was still breathing and the attack didn’t reach too deep into Mitsur’s body, however, you take off your own haori and attempt to use it as a bandage wrap. You were freaking out. Not only Obanai would have your head, but you would be losing Mitsuri if you didn’t act fast. Or think fast. Something in you snapped when you hear the demon laughing.

“I guess it’s the end of the line for the both of you!” The demon laughs, “You both are the weakest Hashira around Especially that Pinky... What was her name?.. Was it... Mitsuri” 

Before he could gouge the both of you with his morphed arm, in a flash, his arm is sliced clean off. The part of his arm that is still attached to his body began frosting; his skin beginning to turn into a bright blue, slightly matching the ice that’s also beginning to form along the arm.

Huh? My arm isn’t regenerating?!

He looks over and realizes the floor that was once green and lush, became ice. He looks out and initiates himself to charge at you however, he doesn’t budge.

What?! My legs are.. Stuck?!?! Who is this kid?!

氷の呼吸… 玖ノ型… [Breath of Ice... Ninth Form...] 氷の床! [Ice Floor!]

Holding Mitsuri in your arms, using the backhand technique, the tip of your blade makes contact with the ground. Although you lift your blade away from the ground, the ice floor remains.

“Thank you Mitsuri~Chan, you’ve done more than enough to get me here,” You whisper into her ear, “It’s my turn to show you my power as the Ice Dragon!”

You place Mitsuri down behind you and turn yourself back to the demon. 

Don’t die on me Mitsuri~Chan... Not before we get married! I love you Mitsuri... I’m not losing you here!!

“You dare touch Mitsuri~Chan... You will be shown the power of the Ice Breather!” You scream, the cold, icy winds beginning to form around you,  “Kanroji Mitsuri is not weak! She is better than most Hashira... Brave, Strong, Compassionate... She uses all of that to her advantage in battle. If you can’t see that in her than you don’t deserve to tarnish her name!!”

Unbeknownst to you, Mitsuri opens her eyes slightly when she heard her name in your mouth. 

Ryuuga~Chan... I love you... I really love you!!

You felt your temperature drop and frost beginning to settle onto your face however, it doesn’t phase you as you jump higher into the air.

Total Concentration Breathing...

氷の呼吸… 拾壱ノ型… [Breath of Ice... Eleventh Form...] 氷の龍!!! [Ice Dragon!!!]

Within the cold particles around you, a dragon becomes visible. The Demon looks up and sees you mirroring the movements of the dragon in mid-air.

That mark on her neck... She really is a Strong Hashira... “What a beautiful sight...” He gazes as you come in closer to his range, “This wouldn’t be a bad way to go out... I’ve always wanted to see a dragon when I was a kid...” See a dragon when I was a kid? Where did that come out all of a sudden?

His vision begins blurring once he realized he had been decapitated.

Were those my memories? It’s always been fuzzy... 

You watch the sun rise as the demon begins turning to dust. Once the ice you had created melted, you turn to Mitsuri; eyes still halfway open. 

“Mitsuri~Chan!” You yell, breaking out into a run

You heaved and huffed from your damaged ribcage, falling right in front of Mitsuri’s face. 

“Ryuuga~Chan,” She smiles, placing a hand onto her cheek

Mustering up any energy you had left you pick up Mitsuri bridal style and make your way back to Headquarters, hoping Aoi-san is ready for the both of you for treatment.

“Ryuuga~Chan?” Mitsuri calls, “You’re... Really cold...”

But you don’t answer.

I want to say something Mitsuri, I really do. But, if I waver even in the slightest, I’m going to falter and drop you. I have to concentrate on my breathing... 

Once you reach the Butterfly Estate, You help Aoi-san put Mitsuri in a hospital bed as you begin standing back. However, your vision begins blurring.

“Aoi-san?” You call out weakly before falling onto the cold, hardwood floor

The next you open your eyes you’re lying in a soft bed other than the floor you remember crashing on.

“You’re awake,” A familiar voice says

You slowly look over and it’s Obanai. You almost freak out but if it weren’t for your damaged ribcage, you just wince in pain.

“You almost got Kanroji-san killed,” He says, grimacing at you

He wasn’t wrong though... But, you also saved her if it wasn’t for that thing snapping in you when the demon called Mitsuri weak...

“Mitsuri’s in her estate and asked me to look after you,” He sighs, leaning back into the seat he was sitting upon

“If it was any other Hashira, I would have just said no.” He says, monotonous, “But, I see the way Kanroji-san looks at you... So, do me one favor... You look after her or I kill you...”

You nod, not being able to form words. 

“Don’t.. Tell her I’m awake yet.. Obanai,” You manage to say, “I want her to know that when I’m fully healed.”

“Fine,” He hisses gently, “Also, since when did you get that mark on your neck?”

He pulls out a mirror for you and low and behold; A snowflake-like pattern has appeared on your neck...

“I... Has that always been there?” You ask him

“As long as I’ve been watching over you,” He says

“I don’t know... I only realize this now,” You say

“How did you get it?” He asks

Then it hit you... That temperature drop... It made your Eleventh form a lot more fluid than the times you’ve used them on previous missions... When the demon called Mitsuri weak... That’s when your mark may have appeared. However, the key points you should note is when you willingly dropped the temperature drastically and how that made your skill much more quicker and fluid.

“Forget I asked, it’ll probably be asked at the Hashira meeting later,” He says as he leaves

But... I can’t even go to the Hashira meeting...

You were unable to attend the Hashira meeting due to your ribcage still in its healing process. However, a couple of weeks later, you were finally out of the Butterfly estate and found yourself at the Kanroji Estate. Obanai had given you word that Mitsuri was waiting for you at her estate, so you beelined for it.

“Mitsuri~Chan?” You called out, opening its front doors

“Ryuuga~Chan?” She appears from the other end of the estate

Tears forming into your eyes, you break out into a run towards her and vice versa. You almost trip over your own feet but regain them as you continue your way towards Mitsuri. The both of you crash into each others’ arms, nearly falling onto the floor.

“ただいま,” You say, resting your forehead against hers, your hand cupping her cheek and the other snaking around her waist [I’m Home]

“おかえり,” She replies [Welcome Back]

Her hands run through your hair as the both of you finally share a kiss Mitsuri had always dreamed of having with you. Although you were the Ice Breathing Hashira, you were expected to have a ‘Ice Cold Heart’. But, when Mitsuri came around, she melted that Ice to reach your heart.

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Kyoka-Roku - Conversation in the Rain v2 - Kazama

my first translation of the year... and I suppose it’s typical of me to do things out of order for kyoka-roku again.... ahahaha -.- i still havent made any progress in that game so this content is still locked (meaning no images).... I suppose I’ll speedrun through the game when I have everything from this story translated? also i like being harmlessly horrible hahaha (just a bit!)

eventually?

Hakuoki Kyoka-Roku - Conversation in the Rain v2 - Kazama

Translation by KumoriYami

Selecting [Find an umbrella]

The rain continued to fall, and I had no idea when it would stop.

I quickly stopped thinking that the rain would stop soon, and opened my mouth to speak.

Yukimura: Even if we wait here like this, we have no idea of when the rain will stop...

Yukimura: Since that's the case, what do you two think about borrowing an umbrella from someone’s home?

Souji: Yes, that method is quite reliable/that's a safe way to go.

Rather, apart from this method [idea], I wasn't able to think of anything else [reword later?].

As I looked at the two of them, I lightly nodded towards them.

Heisuke: Let's do it, Chizuru. The two of us will go and look for an umbrella, so can you wait here for a bit?

Yukimura: Eh…? In the case, I can go too...

Heisuke: We'll just be walking to the nearby houses. You should stay here since you'll get wet.

Souji: It won't take long, so be a good kid and stay here.

Yukimura: Ah……

I watched the two rush [disappear] into the rain, and leaned my body against a tree trunk.

Okita-san and Heisuke-kun had left, and I suddenly felt bored.

As I watched the heavy rain fall, since there wasn't even anyone on the [nearby] road, just as I wondered about what to do.

???:——I didn't expect to see you here in such a place, windswept and battered by the rain.

Yukimura: Ka-Kazama.....Chikage....!?

I didn't even realize when suddenly Kazama-san appeared with an umbrella before me.

Kazama: Since you're like this, it seems as if you've been troubled by the rain [check game].

Kazama; It's impossible for you to to have run away by yourself. Where have that group of stray dogs who think/believe of themselves as guards disappear to?

Yukimura: O-Okita-san and Heisuke-kun will be coming back soon.

In the face of this unexpected intruder [word I have is "guest"] I placed my hand on my kodachi as I bluffed with my words to hold him back.

But Kazama-san did not draw his sword, and he didn't even put his umbrella down...

It was as if he hadn't noticed even noticed that I was ready to draw my sword, and indifferently continued to move closer.

Kazama: Heh...To actually let a woman of considerable value out their sight [check jp mtl].

Kazama: As expected, I am unable to entrust those stray dogs with you...

——Kazama Chikage.

He is one of the Shinsengumi's enemies, a member of the Satsuma domain  /someone associated with the Satsuma domain......

Claiming to be an oni, I don't know why he has repeatedly asked for the Shinsengumi to hand me over.

Anyway, I couldn't trust him. But...

Kazama:.....Come. I will allow you to use my umbrella to take shelter from the rain.

Yukimura: Eh....!?

Although I didn't want to go with him at all, I was however speechless at the moment.

What is this person saying?

Kazama: Are you not bothered by the rain?

Yukimura: That's right/That's not wrong...

The look in Kazama-san's eyes had surpassed the level of being serious, and could even be described as sincere.

It seemed like he was worried about me...

However, after a while, he let out an impatient and soft sigh.

Kazama:...Forget it. I know that you will not obediently follow me [check jp mtl. possibly "come with me" instead?]

Kazama: However, this trend/direction is fairly good. You weren't able to react for a while, which shows that you've already begun to lower your guard against me.

Yukimura: Ho-How is that possible/can that be...

As if to break the moment of silence, there was a voice in the distance.

Heisuke: Chizuru——! We borrowed an umbrella!

Kazama: Ah. The wild group of stray dogs are coming back.

Kazama: How unfortunate. It seems I will need to find another opportunity to invite you to share an umbrella with me.

Kazama-san seemed to be a bit reluctant as he shrugged his shoulders, slowly handing the umbrella to me.

What does he want to do...?

Then, I watched him in a daze as he pulled my hand, forcing me to take the umbrella.  

Kazama: Don't get wet on your way back.

Yukimura: This, please wait.......In the end..... what is……

He quickly turned around, and in the blink of an eye, vanished like smoke in the rain.

I was dumbfounded as I held the umbrella.

Kazama-san gave me this umbrella...

Telling me not to get wet, did this mean he was concerned for me? [says 'care' but unless I have context to when this is I think 'concerned' is more appropriate]

But, why did Kazama-san...?

Yukimura:....Even if I began guessing/speculating further, it would be impossible to understand.

With doubt in my stomach, I greeted Heisuke-kun and Okita-san who had rushed over [check jp mtl].

-end-