#I love her character so much and I am very relieved with how much personality and drive they gave her in the show

[gumm1defloor]

There is a theory out there on the internet of Velvette secretly being Carmilla’s third daughter whom she had a fallout with and separated from, which is why they don’t see eye to eye with each other in the present. And while I’m still personally on the fence about this particular interpretation, it does make every previous fanon about Velvett's found family dynamic with the other Vee's infinitely funnier.

Like Vel really just said fuck you mom actually I'm gonna move out and go live with my two shitty drunk, gay college roommates who don’t pay rent and they will be my new family we're GONNA BE RICH TOGETHER AND I’M NEVER COMING BACK like wow ok-

[somewhereincairparavel]

okay. So I've finished book 1 of keeper of the lost cities for the first time. And I'm loving this keefe dude already?? Like I never thought I'd like a fictional character so quickly. All it took was like one page for me to fall for him, I am aware that keefe is one of the most loved characters in the fandom, and I can see why (correct me if I'm wrong).

Also the book is a solid 9.5/10, the only thing I was frustrated about was probably the slight info dumping about the whole blackswan thing towards the end? because it took me like 3 reads to understand the whole situation, of course, we could just narrow it down to me being slow too, lol. But I'm VERY excited to continue reading the rest. So while we're at it, I'll put in my first impressions of the characters, so I can look back on it after I've read all the books, to see how much my perception has changed of them.

Sophie- i like her, she's really mature for her age, I keep forgetting that she's like 12 lmao. But she's well written, her emotions seem very raw and natural. Of course, she may seem overpowered but, I think that's the whole point of the story, she is supposed to be overpowered, so I don't mind and i wouldn't call her a Mary sue. Overall great protagonist, my girlie deserves a break tho, she got dumped in the hospital atleast 6 times lol.

Fitz- i actually think he's cool. I liked him better in the beginning of the story tho, I feel like afterwards, the dude kinda just disappeared a little? Keefe and Sophie seemed to have more private interaction than those two, and keefe literally only came by in the middle. But yeah, I feel like he had more of a personality in the start. Keefe and Dex, in my opinion had more personality in 5 minutes than fitz did the whole book, but I wouldn't judge so quickly, it's only the first book after all, Hopefully he'd have more page time in the later books. I still like him tho, just not as much as keefe.

Dex- Yeah he is such a typical best friend, I love him. His beef w the vackers is so funny lol I was relieved when Sophie stuck with him even after she became popular tho, also, he seems to have a crush on sophie right? It's kinda obvious, but overall friendship goals 10/10. I vocally "AWW-ed" after he said "are you kidding, i can't wait to tell everyone that you're my first friend" like I need a guy bestie like him :(

Alden- honestly, my heart warmed so much with his father-like dynamic with sophie tbh. He seemed to genuinely care about her well being, but I don't want to get too attached to him tho, just in case becomes a traitor or some shit later on, you can literally never tell with the adults lol. I've read enough books to back that up. But yeah, i really like him and della, the amount of reassuring hugs he gives sophie really heals me :(, They're like sophies 2nd (well, in her case, 3rd) parents. The amount of effort and lengths Alden put to get her out of trouble is actually sweet.

Elwin- This guy is such a W. He is like an adult keefe tbh. He is probably my favorite adult so far lol.

Cassius- I'm sorry, but Mr jerk face over here reminds me SO much of Lucius Malfoy??? Like ?? I feel so bad for Keefe, like poor baby leave him alone smh. I really wanna deck his royal highness in the face tbh.

Biana- absolutely loathed her in the beginning, she gave off such bad snob vibes lol but I love her now. I like the trope of two people forced to be friends w eachother by someone actually end up becoming friends. It's rather uncommon as far as I've read, atleast.

Grady and Edaline- is it bad that i thought they were going to be evil? Yeah I have so much trust issues, it's concerning. But yeah, they're both big W's, their backstory, their temporary contemplation to reject sophies adoption, everything aligned well with their backstory. Greatly written characters.

And last but not least, the king himself, Keefe- okay, he's like added to my list of fictional crushes now lol (along with Percy Jackson, Jason grace, Steve Harrington, chat noir, Eugene fitzherbert, edmund pevensie and Ravi singh ofc). How does sophie not have a fat crush on him, like- ma'am if you don't want him, I'll take him. But jokes aside, he feels like the most authentic character out of them all, tbh. Epitome of great writing. He was inserted to the story as this random dude that sophie runs into, and becomes an og in like 5 minutes. He is like a mix of Eugene from tangled, Kristoff from Frozen and chat noir from mlb all at the same time?? I cannot wait to see more of him and his backstory, especially with his parents. I know alot of people dislike the humorous guy with depression trope since it's overused, but I like how it played out on keefe, he uses school as an escape, which is very relatable.

Also, bonus, i LOVE the world building, the light leaping and all, very creative. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2

[bengiyo]

She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat 2 Eps 17-20 (Finale)

Last week gave me everything I wanted and more. The whole squad went over to Yako's place for a curry party and everyone had a great time. Later, Nagumo got a diagnosis for her condition and got to have personal time with Yako. Kasuga and Nomoto continued to work on their communication and making sure they aren't trampling over each other. They're continuing to work on this move. Seriously, we had a curry party and a s'mores party last week. We planted strawberries together. Let's finish this.

Episode 17

Looking for housing is so stressful. I was wondering if we'd get into housing discrimination in this.

Red beans in Japan are different from what we eat here. Theirs carry a naturally sweet profile that doesn't mesh well with creole cooking.

I feel like those beans needed to boil longer, but that's me thinking in my home cooking terms.

Yes, ladies, tell each other how happy you are to see each other.

@furritsubs thank you for the note about Azuki beans.

I'm really enjoying the way they're handling this situation. The realtor wasn't trying to be homophobic, but the systems he was upholding with the landlord references reinforces the status of same sex households. I also like that they acknowledged how circumstances closet people in ways that hurt them. This is good payoff from the news bit we saw earlier in season with Kasuga.

Getting a tasty treat in before going back into the fray is so valid.

Kasuga being even more affectionate about Nomoto's food now that they're dating is exactly what I wanted.

Episode 18

Oh fuck yeah, let's continue to unpack how structural homophobia makes people scared to share something that should be a joyous occasion.

Amused that Yako is the primary person using Nomoto's given name.

Are we going to have a takoyaki party next??

COME THROUGH, YAKO!!! You gotta help your folks get through this bullshit, but never let them forget that it's bullshit!!

I am relieved that we checked in with Ms. Fujita about divorcing her husband at the same time as we're working through LGBT housing issues. Single divorced women likely also face huge challenges in housing when marriage is the goal we're being pushed into.

Wow, Sayama, you are in contention for the Yihwa Best Girl Award this year. You are an ally. Love the way she examined how what she said might have been hurtful.

Feeling like you somehow failed because you didn't get married in your 20s is so real. I sometimes struggle with this in my 30s.

This show uses its characters to illustrate its political points in a way that feels gentle and accessible, but also carries a sense of urgency. Women are facing extreme reproductive pressure right now, and it's clearly not making those who don't already want husbands and children happier. Hell, it's making them resentful to the point of divorce as they get older.

Hold on. Gotta cry a bit about Nomoto telling Kasuga that being told outright that hiding who they are upset her made her feel better got me.

Episode 19

Takoyaki Party let's goooooo!!!

A party where you cook together like this is always so much fun. We had fun with some friends' kids a few weeks ago teaching them how to make pancakes and letting them add their own toppings before, during, and after cooking.

Nagumo managed to enjoy a bite of food with them. Hold on. Crying again.

We've seen takoyaki a few times lately, and I am very impressed with this cooker.

Yako, tactful as always, is gonna check on Nagumo. I love her.

This is so important. Couple formation does affect the friends around them, and I'm really glad Yako let Nagumo voice that she supports her friends even as she knows she's going to miss the dynamic they've had. Yako is so right to point out that a change doesn't mean it's over, and their friendship will last if we all continue to reach out.

This realtor scene is so good. I like how politely she asked for them to disclose their relationship with the express purpose of securing ideal housing, and we're getting into how the financing of housing can affect people's privacy. She's also owning that landlords can discriminate against couples. I also appreciate that their meeting room was private.

I'm ready for the moving in party!

Episode 20

They got the house!!

A crab cream croquette party!!!

Wait, where's Nagumo? I wanted her to try a croquette too!

We are on the bed together. This is not a drill.

Yes, let's acknowledge that they have liked each other since season 1.

The intimacy question is on the floor!

They are finally hugging!

NOW KISS!!!

That was very sweet, and felt right for them. I'm glad they had that moment in the old place before they moved.

Cried because of Ms. Fujita and Nagumo possibly getting hired.

So glad Yako and Nagumo are still hanging out! That's really how some friends groups will be. Two people will just gel at a party and grow close.

Oh hell yeah we're at casual intimacy now.

I'm so excited to see where the TV goes next season!!

Oh my goodness Kasuga is wearing a lighter sweater!!!!!!

Final Verdict: 10, Go Watch This Immediately and Then Show it to a Friend. Seriously, do not make excuses for yourself. You owe it to yourself to watch this show. Between this, Ossan's Love Returns, and What Did You Eat Yesterday? coming back, we cannot stop supporting our shows about older people getting together and forming their own forms of family. This show built on the foundation of its first season and made every little detail feel so potent and impactful. I did not expect the pen pal to grow into a trusted confidant and core member of this friend group, nor was I expecting the women at the supermarket to help Kasuga as much as they did. This season was excellent, and will be joining WDYEY on my comfort watch rotation.

Big thanks to @furritsubs and friends for making this watch possible.

[tennessoui]

more hunger games au anyone?

(first snippet) (1.6k) (dark. hunger games. canon typical violence for both sw and thg) The cannon rings out over the arena. It’s a sound Anakin has heard so many times before that he hardly even registers it now.

The Anakin on the television screen does not recognize the sound either nor does he seem to understand what it means. From an outsider’s perspective, he looks wild, eyes flashing, nostrils flared from his heavy breathing as he stabs the hunting knife again and again into the chest of the tribute from District Two, long past the time he has died. 

So long in fact, that even members of the Capitol audience turn away during this replay, looking vaguely sick. 

Anakin watches though. Anakin knows what’s coming. 

Anakin had not lost his mind at all, but from an outsider’s perspective, he can see how this must have looked as though he had. 

But everything had been calculated. Every stab had been with intent. Anakin had been in control the entire time.

He wonders if that would make the citizens of the Capitol more scared of him, if they knew that. If they knew how in control Anakin was then and is now. 

On the screen, a girl screams for the fallen Tribute. Anakin makes sure to deaden his eyes, to straighten his posture, to flinch at the noise. 

On the screen, the girl reaches out to clasp at Anakin’s shoulder. She probably thought she could out-manipulate him. She probably thought he would never kill her outright. After all, his entire strategy had been to convince everyone he was hopelessly in love with her. He couldn’t just kill her after weeks of loving her. Hell, maybe she even bought his act. Maybe she thought he really loved her. 

She should have just stabbed him in the back.

On the stage, the couch, Anakin watches as the girl’s hand falls onto his shoulder. He watches as the Anakin in the Games turns around and stabs her in the throat. 

The hunting knife goes clean through. She is dead in seconds. 

The audience sobs as one. There are screams, though this is just a rerun. Anakin wonders about their reactions during the live showing. Did they faint? Did they care? Did they care so much they thought they would die? Was he a tragic character? Was he a villain? 

After all, they just watched him kill the love of his life.

Obviously, he had not meant to. Anakin on the screen recoils in horror. He pulls out the knife and watchs his fellow district 4 tribute drop to the ground.

Dead. 

The cannon goes off at the same time he begins to scream, eyes wide and mouth wider, bloody hands scrabbling useless at her open throat. He is still screaming, dry sobs leaving his parted lips as he tries to repair what can never be fixed.

Anakin on the victor’s couch watches his breakdown dispassionately. He should have cried, he decides. And right as he puts his face down to muzzle into her hair, the cameras pick up a hint of a smile.

Amateurish.

“Anakin,” the host says, as the screen fades to black. His tone is commiserating, sympathetic, pitying. He leans across the space between his seat and Anakin’s couch and puts a hand on his knee. Anakin does not have to pretend to flinch away. He is sick of people touching him. There is only one person in the entire world he wants touching him right now, and that man is in the audience watching. 

Anakin wonders suddenly if Obi-Wan had screamed when he watched him kill the girl. If he had cried out. If he had been relieved.

Anakin had been relieved, but he makes sure to hide that relief now. 

“Anakin,” the host says again. “I am so very sorry that I had to show that to you.”

Anakin turns his head away. He clenches and unclenches his jaw. He makes fists with his hands and then uncurls his fingers. “You watch it,” he says. “I have to live with it.”

The audience makes appropriate noises of sympathy. There are a few jeers, some boos. The girl from his district had been some people’s favorites to win. He knows this now. 

He bites back the urge to call them all idiots. Every last one of them who thought she could win. She never could have. Not when Anakin was there. Not when Obi-Wan told him shakily, that last night before the arena, lips pressed to his forehead and face wet: come home to me.

“What was going through your mind, Anakin?” The host asks, still in that same sympathetic tone. “You’d just killed your sixteenth tribute. It was just you and Robin remaining as soon as Diamond died. We were all so worried for the pair of you, weren’t we?”

He turns to the audience and the audience screams back. Anakin sits there. Anakin thinks. 

“I know more than a few of us were hoping the Gamemakers would create a rule change, just for the two of you. What I would have given, to see you and your beloved go home together.” The host shakes his head, hand on his chest. His eyes remind Anakin of the sea predators he pulled from the ocean in his district. He has shark eyes.

Anakin has killed and gutted a hundred sharks. Anakin is still in control.

What the host does not know is that he will go home with his beloved. And no one in the Capitol will ever bother them again.

“I wasn’t thinking,” Anakin says emotionlessly. “It was instinct. It—”

He swallows and shifts on the couch. From the pocket of his pants, he pulls out a thin slip of paper. It’s dotted in blood. It had come to him in a silver parachute, folded neatly within a thick blanket: his only gift from his mentor.

ROBIN. is all it says. 

But it’s in Obi-Wan’s handwriting. And Anakin knows what it means. He’d pulled it out countless times during his days in the arena, rubbing his thumb over the ink. To an outsider, it must have looked like he was worrying over the girl’s name, a token of his affections, visible proof of who he was thinking about at night when he stared out into the manufactured desert instead of sleeping.

Only he and Obi-Wan knew who he was really thinking of. Only Obi-Wan knew he would forget the girl’s name without a concrete reminder in his hands.

He runs his thumb over the word in Obi-Wan’s handwriting once more. He must get this right. They are so close to being able to live forever happily undisturbed. He just needs to lie for another few hours. Then he will get his reward.

“It changes you, the arena,” he says quietly. “I felt…entirely like a different person. And I was always on my guard. I had no allies—” he had killed all his allies— “and I was alone. I cared only for one thing. One person.” This isn’t a lie. “And then—it’s so hard to keep count. When—” he glances down at the paper in his hand. “Robin touched me, I thought I had counted wrong. That there was another tribute, not her and not me. It was…instinct. I thought I was eliminating a threat.”

“I am so sorry,” the host says with his cold, dead eyes. “I cannot imagine killing the love of your life.” Neither can Anakin, of course. He’d chew off his own arm before he hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi. Instead of saying this, he looks down. He needs to cry, but the tears won’t come.

“It feels like it was someone else,” he mutters. The microphone attached to him will pick it up. “Someone else’s hands.” “But they were yours,” the host presses against the perceived bruise in what Anakin can only describe as restrained glee. “They were your hands.”

“Yes,” Anakin agrees. He looks out into the audience. He cannot see Obi-Wan, but he knows the man is there. He had been the first to hug him once he exited the arena. He had hardly been more than five steps away from him since then.

He keeps shooting Anakin looks, as if afraid that he will suddenly collapse into tears and shatter apart. After all, he just killed seventeen people in the span of one week. Obi-Wan had made it through his games with only three kills under his belt, and each one haunted him to this day.

But Anakin is fine. Anakin won. Anakin was back. Anakin had Obi-Wan, and so Anakin is fine. 

His hands start to shake when he thinks about losing Obi-Wan, and tears of fury gather in the corners of his eyes. He would burn the world down if they were to try and take Obi-Wan away from him. Seventeen people would be nothing.

“And what do you have to say to the people who think you planned to always kill Robin?” the host asks. “That you never wanted her to win the Games?”

Anakin shakes his head and then rubs at his eyes, brushing the tears away. “I loved her,” he lies. His thumb rubs over Obi-Wan’s handwriting once more, the swoop of the ‘o’, the slant of the ‘b’. “When you love someone the way I loved her, you’d do anything for them. It makes you crazy. To love like that. You’d do anything for them.”

“Are you saying you thought that you would die in the arena so she could live?” the host prompts, hands folded neatly into his lap.

Anakin shakes his head and then nods. And then he shakes his head again. The host takes pity on him. “Now that you’ve won your Games, Anakin, what will you do?”

Anakin’s thumb swipes once more over the writing on the paper. “I just want to go home,” he says. And this time, it’s the truth. 

[yuyu1024]

I think... I love you

Pairings: Yunho × y/n x Mingi

Genre/tags: arrange marriaged, love triangle,

Warning: 🔞🔞🔞📢 cheating (don't do this) smut/angst, cursing, pet names, a hint of family relationship issue but not much, smoking, fetish/kinks, jealousy

~~~ [lmk if i miss anything]

Words: 4.2k

Disclaimer:

- this story is just made up

- english is not my first language, please be nice 😊

Note: continutation of 'Won't you regret it?' I hope its a good part 2 for you guys

-- also question... if you are the FL... who would you chose?

Likes and reblogs are much appreciated 😊

****

"Are you alright?"

Yunho enters our bedroom bathroom where I am standing in front of the mirror, zoning out. He is busy undoing all the buttons of his white shirt.

"Since we came back from my parent's house... you've been quiet."

Usually when we are together, I nag. Just a tiny bit. Or maybe not nag but you know chat. I rarely talk to anybody since I got married so, I talk whenever he is arround.

I always tell him what I did during the times he was gone like updating him since he have no clue what the heck is going on with me coz he is not the type to chat with you when he is away. He just text. Though very seldom.

"Yunho..." my eyes darts at him, through the mirror

"Hmm?" He answers while he's facing away and undressing.

"Can we have sex tonight?"

(I know what you may think. That sex is just my main purpose in life but i swear its not. I just... idk... find it... my go to when i dont know what to do? Plus how can I not want it if I have Yunho as my guy?)

He pauses unbuckling his belt and turns around, "do you really want to?"

I sigh as I face him as well. "I want sex. I miss sex." Then I look down at my dirty skirt. "I missed.... you... I guess..." I trail off, a whisper.

This is very out of my character. I admit I do ask him for sex when I want and need it. But saying I miss him outloud... thats new from me.

And yes he always ask me if I really want to. He always wants me to confirm what I want and need. He always makes sure that I am completely 100% okay with it. Because Yunho, well I did mention that he is amazing at sex right? Or if I haven't. HE IS. and If i also forgot to say that boy have kinks and fetishes, He does have. Also even though He looks like an angel, he does rough sex as well especially when he's really in his momentum.

I was stunned when we had our first rough sex during our honeymoon. I almost didn't recognized him. But that was fun. It was an experienced I never had before. (Don't worry it's not too extreme. Just a little spank, choking and tying my hands sort of thing. And this man loves biting my neck and shoulder)

"What did you say?" He asks. His eyes are wide and looks lost

I roll my eyes and turn my back to him. "Nothing..." he didn't heard me.

I guess I am a bit relieved he didn't heard me say I miss him. Because how dare me utter those words after what I did today? I let his friend, his bestfriend, eat me out and even agreed to have sex the next time we meet.

I am evil. I always tag myself as the poor girl who got married to a guy who I don't love, the girl her parent's threw under the bus and the girl who have nothing besides be a wife to him. The fuck? I am the worst person ever. Between the two of us, I am the devil.

"Well... do you want to have sex or not?" I ask again

He's now behind me. He snakes his arms around my waist as he watches me through the mirror.

"Don't you miss having sex with me?" I spat

"What do you mean?"

I turn again to face him, looking up. "Whenever you're home. I always ask you for sex. While.... You never do."

He crunches his brows "I do."

He does but of course the emotional girl in me feels like I ask for sex more than him.

"Not as many as I do."

"Does that matter?" He smiles

"Yes!" Not really. Maybe I just want more of him wanting me and needing me.

"Hmm?" He takes a step back, confused but still smiling. He's not offended by my drama

"Well... It makes me think that when you're away you must ha--" I pause for a second. I was supposed to add more drama by asking if he fucks other chicks than me but I saw something. "What is that?" I panic a little. It's bandage on his lower abdomen. Almost hidding on the hem of his pants. It's not big but still. "What happened?"

"Oh. It's just a small cut."

"Just a small cut? From where? How?" I look closer. "It's new..." I glance up at him, worried. "Yuyu... what happened...?"

"It's nothing..."

"Are you sure?"

He nods. "Yes... don't worry..."

Fuck. He is smiling. I guess it's not a big deal?

I sigh heavily. But it's not a relieved exhale. I know this has something to do with his work. He can always lie but I know. I am not that stupid.

We have been having sex coz... duh we are married. So we see each other naked. I've seen a few scars from his back and arms already. He might think because they are not big so its not that noticable. However I do see it. How can I not see it? I drool just gazing at his figure. I see everything.

"Hey..." he moves closer again and this time, super close that I could feel his boner through my skirt. "Don't frown... I just got back. And I want to see you smiling... not like that..." he softly says.

He cups my face with his one hand and plants the most delicate kiss I have ever received from him on the corner of my lips.

"I missed you too..." he adds before a smile creeps back in over his lips. "And... Yuyu...?" He suddenly says.

Oh crap he heard? Both? And now He's fucking teasing me! Wait. Did I really called him Yuyu outloud? Shit! That nickname is supposed to be for me only. Crap!

"Where did that came from?" He leans lower, making me arch my body to give him access and starts to kiss me on my neck. "Can you... Say it again..." he says in between kisses on my skin

"No..." I whine as I close my eyes

"Please... say it again..." he is talking so delicately all of a sudden. Sounding like a whine but a seductive request. "Say it..." his hands then gropes my boobs. My weakness.

"If I say it again... will you fuck me?"

My mouth then drops as his one hand goes straight to my core. He is caressing it and rubbing his palm on it, making me feel his fingers through my panties.

"Still on birth control?" He asks

I nod as we both look at each others eyes.

"Good."

He lifted me up, positioned me where I could sit comfotably on the top of our marble sink and spread my legs apart.

"You have no plans tomorrow.. right?" He tears up my panties making me gasp. "Coz... It will be a long night..." he snarls while he puts his pants and underwear down in one go.

I shake my head, answering no. I can't speak. I am... I am losing my mind.

He holds onto his length, aligning it with my folds and. "Answer me." He growls before he eases himself in. Full and strong.

"No!" I squeal. "I.. I have... I have no..." I put my arms around his nape, grabbing for dear life. "I have no plans..." I am breathing heavily.

My toes curls as he thrusts. Holy shit!

"Yunho! Ah!"

He is aggressive. This is different but good. Did he really meant it when he said he missed me too? Miss me how? Just for sex or miss ME?

"FUCK!" I hug him as he pounces me.

We both ruined our masters bathroom. It got messy. I need to personally rearrange our sink as I every beauty product, perfumes, body lotions and etc  got thrown on the floor. Plus the towels  oh god our towels. Hmm. We need to buy new ones.

****

After spending time together last night, in my surprise he didn't leave the following day. He actually fucking stayed and I woke up afterwards, still embraced by him. He's sleeping so peacefuly beside me. I finally saw him again, looking like a baby and dreaming.

This is what I want. This is what I need. This is what will make me fall in love with him. The in between the sex. Him being there, present and us having morning talks and etc. Yes sex is part of anyone's life (as long as you want it of course) but the beauty of having someone beside you, always is different.

Maybe I am selfish to wish something from a man who married me for business but I hope I could atleast get this from him. I am not asking and wishing for him to love me (if ever I get to truly learn to love him through out this marriage) I just want him to be a partner to me. I want to have and experience what my parents didn't gave me growing up. Spending time with me, giving me the attention I need even without asking and care. That's all. I know not everyone can love me but atleast just those three. Just.... that. It's not an impossible wish right?

But then again, do I even have a right to wish these from him?

****

I have been zoning out a lot these past few days. I have been contemplating and thinking about me and Yunho. Mostly about me, about my random emotions, my needs and wants.

I am definitely at lost. I may be an adult but my brain can't handle this type of adulting called the "Feelings". Especially when it gets complicated like this because of my shit descisions. Meaning hooking up with Mingi.

Why did I even did it? Like what had gotten into me? I am not like this. I know I value people's feelings. Why did I break when Mingi had his hands on my boobs that day. Why did I spread my legs for him? Why? Why?!

Am I that hungry for sex from Yunho that core just said hello to the next guy that's had the same length as my husband even though its different type of dish?

Fuck. Now I am thinking about these men as food. I am CRAZY!

"Hello baby girl..."

I jump on my seat as Mingi shows up, kissing me on the cheek.

"What the fuck?" I hiss at him, glaring even. "Why did you kiss me?" I look around and could see Mrs. Jeong and Mrs. Song from afar busy looking at the set of jewelries on the table.

Fuck. I almost had a heart attack. Glad they are busy and focused on the sparkles.

"It's just a kiss on a cheek baby." He says in his low voice, a whisper.

"Still...." I exhale, exasperated

"You are not responding to my texts lately." He says as he sits down at the chair across me.

"I got busy."

"Busy?" He repeats, sounding a bit amused. "We had a deal..."

"I am doing it... the painting... I mean."

He chuckles, leaning forward resting his elbows on his knees. "Baby girl... that's not the only canvas we planned to paint... remember?" I see his eyes scanning me from my chest down to the thing between my legs. "I was promised a sex... you gave me little taste of what heaven feels like and you're suddenly backing out?"

"I'm...."

"Well...?"

I look away and try to focus on Yunho's mother picking jewelries she would like to wear for the ball.

"Can we talk about the painting later?" I say a bit louder so the others could hear.

He chuckles and lay his back, resting. "Fine."

"Is everything alright?" Mrs. Jeong asks

"Yes." I answer smiling.

"I see." She then goes to sit down beside me and shows me this amazing diamiond tear drop earrings. "This would really go well with the black heart neckline gown of yours.. for the ball."

I look at it and my jaw drop how pretty it is. "It will... but..."

"But?" Mrs. Song butts in. "What you mean but? That's one heck of an expensive earring darling... don't you like it?"

"Oh gosh... I do... I do, Mrs. Song.. " I hold her hands and thanked her for the jewelries she brought for us to check and chose from. However...

"Did Yunho said, you two will not go to the ball?" Mrs. Jeong asks

I press my lips together. Not responding to the question. But of course, Yunho's mom knows it already.

"That boy and socializing..." she sighs

"Your son is not going again? But he said he will. He said he will atleast try once he gets married. And now he is married with this wonderful woman.. why is he not coming again?" Mrs. Song says

"Yunho really can't keep promises. What's new?" Mingi stands up and goes to stand near the open window. He's going to smoke again.

"Even if he promised to his mother?" Mrs. Song is bothered and sad.

She was expecting to see me and Yunho to the ball she will be hosting for this halloween season. It's for charity and also her favorite time of the year so she's very excited. She wants everyone to be present and to have fun.

"Even to me... his godmother?" She pouts

"We all know he's like that... work is important to him than us..." he puffs a smoke out. "Sorry Mrs. Jeong..." he adds

"It's okay dear. I know it already so..." Mrs. Jeong puts the earrings back to its case and just smiles at me. "Anyways... we can still hope for next time."

"Yeah... we can." I mumble

So, it's not only me who have issues with Yunho keeping promises and being present.

"So," Mrs. Jeong stands up, hands together and smiling. "We will go now and do more meetings with the coordinators for the ball. Final run downs of the flow of the party, theme and set designs... how about you two?"

"I'll stay." Mingi answers immediately. "We have to talk about commission..."

"Commission?" Both of the ladies repeat

"He requested for me to paint a portrait of him..."

"Really?" Mrs. Song sound surprise

"Money will go to charity." I add

"That's good then!" Mrs. Song is happy to hear the word charity. "Looking forward for the painting... we can display it at the house when its done."

"Sure will." Mingi answers.

The moment everyone left the room and silence fills up the emptiness, Mingi chuckles as he sees how frozen I got onto my seat.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He says

"I know." I look down at my knotted fingers on my lap.

Yes. Mingi may look like he'd beat anyone up but he is gentle with me. Nice with me. I never once feel like he means any harm. Well except on our first meeting months ago. We argued yes but he is still sweet to me.

"Are you thinking about Yunho? On why he does not want to go to the ball?"

I look up at him and nod.

His snorts a laugh. "It's been awhile since you two got married. Don't you guys had any getting to know each other talks? Or its always sex when you two are together?"

My eyes twitching at his claims. (Though he is right)

"Anyways... don't care about your sex life with him." He walks back to the chair from earlier and puts off his cigarette on the ash tray.

"So?" I ask

"You should ask your husband about it...not me..."

"I did. He just said he's busy that day."

"That's lie. Every one's schedule of each families that are invited for that day, are all clear. It had been agreed on for years now. It has been a tradition for decades now. So... ask him again.

"Oh..." my back finally touches the foam of the chair I am sitting on.

Oh Yunho. Why is it so hard for him to talk to me? Be open with me? Did I not give him enough reason to trust me and to feel safe around me?

I had shared my life with him. The stories from my mother and the stories from me, He knows a lot about me more than anyone. My first crush, the first time I got my heart broken, the insight about my feelings about my parents and relatives. Even stories about my struggles with relationship with people. I showed him vulnerability. And yet, it is still one sided.

Yes he did tell stories about him too. His life when he was a kid, during his university days and his hobbies. But those are common knowledge (I think). All of that are also known by his family and friends. He never shared his own thoughts and feelings to me. He never let his guard down with me. It's always positive. Everything is okay and good.

Maybe for him, whatever we have, will remain a contract. Just a signed piece of paper for him no matter.

I think, I should just stop thinking about him. I should stop overthinking about us and whatever feelings I am slowling building for him. I will only get hurt at the end. I am just someone for him to have sex with when he's home.

I know, I know he did say he missed me too. Twice. But maybe he just says that because he miss sex. Not actually me.

"You're frowning..."

"Hmm?"

I glance up and see Mingi standing infront of me, leaning in as he lightly flicks me on the forehead.

"You're not listening to me..."

"What? Did you say something? Sorry... I was--" I stop. I could not tell him what I was thinking.

"Was what?"

"Nothing." I mumble before I get off my seat. "I'm just gonna go..."

"You're going? Just like that?" He says as I walk pass him. "You are in my house..."

"So...?"

"So?" He repeats, "Baby girl, didn't I made you feel good? Didn't you like my tongue in your pussy?" Here we go again. He is teasing me again. He always ask this whenever we meet.

I glare at him. "Stop." Hushing him as someone might hear him.

"Don't worry... everyone is gone. This is my house."

"What you mean gone?" I look around

"I don't have anyone here... I'm alone."

"That can't be."

"Oh yes... it can. My staff only comes here during the weekdays and they don't stay pass 6pm. I like my privacy."

"So you mean..."

"Yes." He slowly comes closer and closer. "It's a Saturday too... the staff you saw with my mother are hers. And they left with her already so..."

My back then hits a wall from whatever room we are in.

"We can do what was promised to me months ago and no one will know." He smirks as his body finally reaches mine.

"We can't..." I say quietly

"Why not?" He whispers, lowering his head and kissing me on the cheek. "I know you liked what we did last time..."

"I did." I can't lie about that.

"So what's holding you back?" His hand roams around my curves until it reaches the buttons of my blouse. "You like this right? You like it when I play around your nipples..."

He hasn't finished opening my blouse, he just slid in his fingers in so it could touch my laced covered tip. He's teasing me. He wants me to react.

"Stop..." I say

"You tell me to stop... but baby girl... if you could only see how aroused you look right now..." he grabs my face with both hands and tilt it up so I could look up at him. "I just touched you and your eyes are already dreaming for more..."

"We can't do this... It was a mistake..."

"It maybe a mistake for you baby girl. But for me..." he finally kisses me. His tongue invades my mouth until a moan carries my soul out of my body. "You are my heaven right now."

That's it. I am gone. I didn't even fight the urge. This officially makes me a whore.

Mingi carries me with while we kiss. He sits back down at the chair from earlier but now I am with him. No, actually, on top of him. I am riding him.

"Ugh!" He throws his head back, hands gripping on my hips. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!"

This is so wrong. Why don't I have a backbone to say no to Mingi? What the hell is wrong with me?

"Ahh!" I cry as I bounce faster and made him go deeper in me. "It's so good..." my voice is shaky

"You take me so well." He say breathing heavily. His brows creases and mouth in an O. "Fuck!"

After a few more strokes, both of us came together. I collapse onto him. I drained all my energy squating on him.

"That was amazing..." he says

I could hear his heart beating so fast as my head rests on his chest.

"Y/n..." he calls my name

"Hmm...?"

"If ever..."

"If ever what...?" I ask closing my eyes.

"If ever you decided to end thing with Yunho... I want you to know... that I'll be here waiting for you."

My eyes flings open, "What did you say?" I got up so fast

"I am willing to marry you... if you and Yunho don't work out."

"M-marry? What the fuck are you saying? Your dick is still inside me and you go on saying if I get divorce one day.. you will... marry me?"

"Yes." He answers it like its nothing yet he looks so darn serious.

"You think... he will divorce me?"

"No... he will not... which sucks. Because who will divorce someone like you...?" He caresses my cheek and smile. "I am just laying it out to you... the other option you have if it does happen... I am not wishing any harm into your marriage baby girl... well besides more sex with you I guess..." he smiles and then winks

"You are crazy." I roll my eyes at him

"I am. I know that." Then he grunts as he slowly moves his hips again. "Crazy as I am offering and willing to be your lover even just behind closed doors."

I could feel him get harder again in me. He's aroused again. I haven't recovered from the high yet and here he goes again. I'm still hugging his length.

"You're blushing reacting to my dick moving in you." He teases

"S-shut up." I moan the words out as my inside tenses up again with him rocking me on him.

"Baby girl..." he hugs me and breathe in my scent. "Ahhh..." he is moaning along with me.

Fuck what is this. We just had sex just a few minutes ago and now we are doing it again. I am not complaining though coz holy shit it was good. A different good. However this one, this second one... feels different.

"Y/n..." he says my name again. His hands around my body and his face resting on my chest. "Y/n..."

All of a sudden, the bad boy, aggressive and blunt Mingi becomes tame and yearning.

"Let me be your lover." He mumbles. "I don't think I can't move on from you after this...." he then trails kisses on my chest up to my neck. "I want to be with you... even just like this... to pleasure you..."

My body then reacts to his words. I know it did. I felt him clench onto me when I felt something in me dwells up a strong emotion.

"Fuck..." he breathes burrying his face on my neck. "Please... y/n...ahhh... please... Say yes... say yes to me. I-I need you..."

I am crying. This is my first time hearing someone say they want to be with me. I know he might be just saying it out of his sex high but hearing the words... and him getting vulnerable because of me.

What did I do to him to make him want me? We only saw each a few times after the first meeting. Most of it was us talking about the painting and him doing poses for me for inspirations. Yes it were more than a handful of lunch dates, still related to the painting and all but... he got feelings for me?

Is it because my brain is so messed up thinking about me and Yunho, our complicated relationship that I missed the part that Mingi and I got a connection? That we got to know each other more than I realized?

But this is wrong. I am married. Fuck, I'm so confused.

"Oh, Mingi..." I moan his name as he sensually bites my earlobe.

"Say yes....I beg you." He lifts me up and move us both to the sofa. He's now on top of me and finally sees the tears coming out of my eyes. "Don't cry..." he kisses my damp cheek. "I promise, I'll make you happy and safe..."

"But..."

"As I said... I don't give a fuck about your sex life with Yunho. I don't give a damn fuck about your marriage. I want you. I need you." He leans in to kiss me again. "And I think... I love you."

[betheckart]

Solomon Sallow Theory

Hello !

First post, I'm going to heat things up regarding a game that a lot of people love and about a character that many hate.

Solomon Sallow in Hogwart Legacy.

This theory about him has been running through my head for some time, because of his behavior and his past and present actions, there is something that bothers me, that disturbs my Ravenclaw instinct.

So, let's update the character's situation. A retired auror, the latter finds himself forced to take under his guardianship the children of his brother who died in an unfortunate accident, Anne and Sebastian. We do not know much about the period that follows until the children's schooling where his burden is increased by a little extra in the person of Ominis Gaunt.

Then comes the famous incident and the situation escalates to the point of unforgivability.

I know, Solomon is not very popular among the Hogwart Legacy audience. Rightly so, many find him to be an idiot, a gruff and inflexible character but I keep telling myself that there is something wrong with this story, something illogical about his behavior as a as an adult having to watch over the well-being of his nephew and his niece in addition to that of their best friend who still comes from a prestigious wizarding family.

So let’s get back to the beginning…

I would like to point out that, as despicable as the Gaunts' reputation is, I don't think they would have left one of their children to an incapable person. I know that the little we hear about them is hardly glorious however, Ominis remains an heir of Slytherin, which is far from being a forgetable detail, and the Gaunts protect their blood so he would never have left a child to a man for whom they would not have a minimum of confidence, at least that is what I suppose. Naturally, we can also suspect them of having preferred to leave him with the Sallows to relieve themselves financially.

However, bare in mind that Solomon must share the core traits of his family - he is far from stupid, he knows what sport the Gaunt family plays and he must well suspect that Ominis was obliged to use an unforgivable curse. Simply, like us, he put things aside, Ominis was only a child whose actions were dictated by fear and who was consumed with guilt unlike Sebastian who did not have the slightest regret and who would have used any other spell. However, he did not hesitate to accept this possibly problematic kid under his roof even though he only had limited means. Sorry for his detractors but it must be admitted that it is an act of great benevolence, nothing obliged him to take the heir of Slytherin under his wing but he did it, only to preserve him from the dark traditions of his family , he saw the pure being that is our favorite blondie. (And clearly, given the Sallow house, the Gaunts didn't give it a damn!)

I would like now to point out something about the brilliant Sebastian Sallow. At Hogwarts his talent as a duelist is more than recognized, everyone knows it and everyone puts the emphasis again and again on how surprising our victory over him is. But I think his talent is in no way natural. I would like to point out that the rare times we get to see Anne who remains under her curse, she fights with a similar talent and it is the same with Ominis who spent his summers with them. I think these three are doing so well for one reason and that is Solomon Sallow.

Let me explain, as a former Auror, I would not be surprised if when the children began to learn magic, he was naturally able to assist them in the use of defense spells against the dark arts. Remember, the training dummies are behind the Sallow house, I don't think that's a coincidence. During the holidays I am convinced that he helped the three children develop their skills. Of course, some might object to the ban on using magic outside of school, but didn't Ominis use magic outside of school well before and without consequences? In my opinion the ministry was much more flexible on this subject at the time, in fact it was not even a subject.

So …

From the few things we got to see Anne is gifted, even under the influence of a curse. She defends herself admirably and from as little as we know about this whole thing, Ominis manages excellently despite his disability. However, without adequate training, he would never have reached such a level even with the academic support that Hogwarts offers. Sebastian is very talented, of course, but I think his uncle was very harsh with him because he is precisely a boy, the one who had to protect his sister with him. Solomon is the patriarch and naturally Sebastian would one day take over, so he had to prepare him properly. Sebastian's hard work with his uncle will have paid off - coming back to Hogwarts would have given him a certain arrogance.

Then came the incident and Anne's curse.

And, ladies and gents, here comes my theory.

Solomon is a good wizard, by that I mean a good fighter. Certainly, the condition of his niece was quite worrying but nothing would have stopped him from capturing a goblin and extracting information from him to find out who had cursed her and cure her. However, he did nothing. Why ? Why didn't he do anything? He raised his brother's children, protected Ominis and did nothing to help Anne even though he had the ability to do so? What gives ?!

Why would he act like that ? Unless… he knew the truth?

Solomon Sallow is a former Auror, which definitely means he knows how to lead an investigation and like the rest of his family  knows how to use his brain. I think he searched for the person responsible for his niece’s curse and unfortunately found the answer. Victor Rockwood, a formidable bandit of unprecedented danger. A man who would not hesitate to kill him. Naturally, he had to quietly try to bring justice by keeping his nephew and niece out of the public eye. As he points out to our character, it is no use giving hope when it is useless . As long as he could not guarantee Anne's recovery, it was better not to let the truth be known.

Unfortunately and you know it, Rockwood emphasized it very well during his dialogues with Ranrock, he has connections, friends very high up in the ministry and this is largely proven by the inaction of the ministry concerning the misdeeds of the scoundrel In the region. There is no justice, Victor Rockwood is protected, unreachable and far too dangerous. And Solomon Sallow saw himself being powerless in the face of the corruption of the magical world -  unable to face these dangerous people. Certainly, some might point out a certain cowardice but put yourself or walk a mile in his shoes! He was all that remained for Anne, Sebastian and also Ominis, the only adult who could protect them, watch over them! They don't have anyone else!

Solomon was therefore forced to make a terrible choice. The problem at hand being none other than his nephew. Sebastian. As he pointed out, he is his father's son but also his uncle's nephew. He grew up with his brother and raised Sebastian, he knows him by heart whether he likes it or not. Sebastian's intelligence becoming a danger, the elder Sallow would then have manipulated his nephew to make him focus on a single problem. How to cure Anne rather than the real curse caster. Just imagine for a split second :  if Sebastian had known the truth, he would have launched a guerrilla war against Rockwood, certainly Ominis going with him, which would have been a disaster. The two boys would have thrown themselves headlong into the battle when they were only fourteen years old and they could have been seriously injured, died or worse! Expelled! (Oh wait...)

 In short, by diverting Sebastian's attention, he protected him and by manipulating him to dissuade him from continuing his quest, he tried to keep him away from the truth so that he would not put himself in danger. We all know though that Sebastian is quite the stubborn kind and that he would definitely dive into anything he’s told not to.

Anne's curse was manageable at first, so he may have thought she would be able to live with it, but we know the situation only got worse. Anne was forced to drop out of school and return to Feldcroft. The guilt that Solomon would have developed would have pushed him to overprotect Anne. Unable to help him and knowing the truth, he would have unconsciously harbored anger towards Sebastian who naively tried to find a solution to something that did not exist. Managing him was certainly complex but at least, in a way, he was guided in a relatively wise way and Ominis was there to watch. In the game, the students talk about Sebastian but ultimately only the heir of Slytherin is considered his friend, a true friend.

But something disrupted his plan.

Us.

Many have highlighted his behavior towards our character. Let’s face it, we were the disruption. Without our presence, Ominis would never have given in for the Scriptorium, Sebastian would never have had access to Salazar Slytherin's book and he would never have been able to cross the catacombs to find the relic. Solomon had given him a quest with no outcome but our character provided assistance to which Sebastian should not have had access. When we think about this, we can understand pretty easily why - from our first dialogue ever with him - Solomon tries to impose his opinion on us regarding Anne's healing. Why he wanted us to dissuade his nephew from venturing down a dark path and unfortunately, we’ve been the downfall of them both.

When Sebastian finally uses the Imperio, Solomon understands that our presence has affected his nephew's quest and worse, it has encouraged him to cross lines he did not want him to cross. While the talented Slytherin is on the verge of becoming a man, the former Auror had just witnessed an act that he could not accept. It was proof of his failure, of his inability to protect his brother's son, that he had failed to keep him away from black magic. His hasty decision to leave Feldcroft would then have been a last-ditch move to desperately try to protect the twins.

By moving Anne away from Sebastian, the latter would no longer have to witness the deterioration of her condition and Anne would have been able to benefit from a healthy, stress-free environment which would have brought her a certain peace of mind. Everything he wanted and to offer her - offer them indeed. Solomon would have feared that beyond his quest for a cure and with the assistance of our character, his nephew would have ended up getting closer to the castle and that he would have made the connection, discovered the truth and launched this war that the Auror feared so much. He couldn't endanger the lives of his family and the new student.

I know, it's a bit exaggerated given our strike force in the game but Solomon doesn't know that. All he sees is another teenager putting themself in danger and worse, dragging his nephew along on their journey. Worse for our case, we have just started manipulating magic, how can such a character be trusted ?

In short, one can agree that if my theory is correct, it would explain a lot of things about Solomon Sallow's behavior.

I am now waiting for your opinions, hoping that I have managed to express myself well.

Théorie en version française !

Bonjour !

Première publication, je vais faire chauffer les choses concernant un jeu que pas mal de gens aiment et sur un personnage que beaucoup déteste.

Solomon Sallow dans Hogwart Legacy.

Cette théorie le concernant me trotte dans la tête depuis un certain temps, du fait de son comportement et de ses actions passées et présentes, il y a un truc qui me chagrine, qui trouble mon instinct de Serdaigle.

Donc, mettons la situation du personnage à jour. Ancien auror à la retraite, ce dernier se retrouve contraint de prendre sous sa tutelle les enfants de son frère décédé dans un malheureux accident, Anne et Sebastian. On ne sait pas grand-chose de la période qui suit jusqu’à la scolarité des enfants où sa charge s’alourdit d’un petit supplément en la personne d’Ominis Gaunt.

Vient ensuite le fameux incident et la situation dégénère jusqu’à l’impardonnable.

Je sais, Solomon n’est pas très aimé parmi le public de Hogwart Legacy. A juste titre, beaucoup trouve que c’est un con, un personnage bourru et inflexible mais je n’arrête pas de me dire qu’il y a quelque chose qui cloche dans cette histoire, quelque chose d’illogique concernant son comportement en tant qu’adulte devant veiller aux bien-être de son neveu et de sa nièce en plus de celui de leur meilleur ami tout de même issu d’une prestigieuse famille de sorcier.

Donc commençons par le commencement…

J’aimerais souligner, qu’aussi ignoble que soit la réputation des Gaunt, je ne pense pas qu’ils auraient laissé l’un de leur enfant à une personne incapable. Je sais que le peu qu’on entend à leur sujet n’est guère glorieux cependant, Ominis reste un héritier de Serpentard, ce n’est pas rien et les Gaunt protègent leur sang donc jamais ils n’auraient laissé un enfant à un homme pour lequel ils n’auraient pas un minimum de confiance, tout du moins c’est ce que je suppose. Naturellement, on peut aussi les suspecter d’avoir préféré le laisser avec les Sallow pour se soulager financièrement.

Pour autant, notons que Solomon doit être dans la même ligne que sa famille. Il est loin d’être idiot, il sait quel sport pratique la famille Gaunt et il doit bien se douter que Ominis ait été dans l’obligation de faire usage d’un sort impardonnable. Simplement, comme nous-même, il a fait la part des choses, Ominis n’était qu’un enfant dicté par la peur et qui est rongé de culpabilité contrairement à Sebastian qui n’a pas eu le moindre regret et qui aurait pu faire usage de n’importe quel autre sort. Pour autant, il n’a pas hésité à accepter ce gosse possiblement problématique sous son toit alors qu’il n’avait que des moyens limités. Navré pour ses détracteurs mais il faut avouer que c’est un acte de grande bienveillance, rien ne l’obligeait à prendre l’héritier de Serpentard sous son aile mais il l’a fait, uniquement pour le préserver des sombres traditions de sa famille, il a vu l’être pur qu’est notre petit blond favori. (Et clairement, vu la maison des Sallow, les Gaunt ne lui ont pas donné un rond !)

J’aimerais maintenant souligner un fait concernant le si brillant Sebastian Sallow. A Poudlard son talent de duelliste est plus que reconnu, tout le monde le sait et tous soulignent encore et encore à quel point notre victoire sur lui est surprenante. Mais je pense que son talent n’est en rien naturel. J’aimerais souligner que les rares fois où nous pouvons voir Anne qui reste sous le coup de sa malédiction, elle se bat avec un talent similaire et il en est de même avec Ominis qui a passé ses étés avec eux. Je pense que si ces trois-là se débrouillent aussi bien c’est pour une seule et unique raison, Solomon Sallow.

Je m’explique, en tant qu’ancien auror, je ne serais pas surprise que lorsque les enfants ont commencé à apprendre la magie, il a naturellement pu les assister dans l’usage des sorts de défense contre les forces du mal. Souvenez-vous, les mannequins d’entraînement sont derrière la maison des Sallow, je ne pense pas que ce soit un hasard. Durant les vacances je suis persuadé qu’il a aidé les trois enfants à développer leurs compétences. Certes, certains pourraient rebondir sur l’interdictions de faire usage de la magie en dehors de l’école mais Ominis n’a-t-il pas fait usage de la magie en dehors de l’école bien avant et sans conséquences ? A mon avis le ministère était bien plus souple à ce sujet à l’époque, voire ce n’était même pas un sujet.

Bref…

Du peu que nous avons pu voir, Anne est douée, même sous le coup d’une malédiction, elle se défend admirablement et du peu que nous avons pu voir, Ominis se débrouiller excellement malgré son handicap, sans un entraiment adéquat, il n’aurait jamais atteint un tel niveau même avec l’encadrement scolaire qu’offre Poudlard. En parallèle, Sebastian est très talentueux, certes, mais je pense que son oncle a été très sévère avec lui parce qu’il est justement un garçon, celui qui devait avec lui protéger sa sœur. Solomon est le patriarche et naturellement Sebastian reprendrait un jour le relai, de ce fait, il devait le préparer convenablement. Le travail acharné de Sebastian avec son oncle aura fini par payer et en revenant à Poudlard, tout cela lui aurait donné une certaine arrogance.

Puis vint l’incident et la malédiction d’Anne.

Et là, vient ma théorie.

Solomon est un bon sorcier, je veux dire un bon combattant. Certes, l’état de sa nièce était des plus préoccupant mais rien ne l’aurait empêché de capturer un gobelin et lui soustraire des informations pour savoir qui l’avait maudite et la guérir. Pourtant, il n’en a rien fait. Pourquoi ? Pourquoi il n’a rien fait ? Il a élevé les enfants de son frère, protégé Ominis et il n’a rien fait pour aider Anne alors qu’il en avait la capacité ? Pourquoi ?!

Pourquoi ? Si ce n’est qu’il savait la vérité ?

Solomon Sallow est un ancien auror, il sait mener une enquête et à l’image de sa famille, il sait faire usage de son cerveau. Je pense qu’il a cherché qui avait maudit sa nièce et que malheureusement, il a trouvé la réponse. Victor Rockwood, un bandit redoutable d’une dangerosité sans précédent. Un homme qui n’hésiterait pas à le tuer. Naturellement, il a dû tenter de faire discrètement justice en gardant son neveu et sa nièce dans l’ignorance. Comme il le souligne à notre personnage, il n’est pas utile de donner de l’espoir lorsque c’est inutile et tant qu’il ne pouvait pas garantir la guérison d’Anne, il ne valait mieux pas faire savoir la vérité.

Malheureusement et vous le savez, Rockwood l’a très bien souligné lors de ses dialogues avec Ranrock, il a des connexions, des amis très haut-placés dans le ministère et cela est largement prouvé par l’inaction du ministère concernant les méfaits du gredin dans la région. Il n’y a pas de justice, Victor Rockwood est protégé, inatteignable et bien trop dangereux. Et Solomon Sallow s’est vu impuissant face à la corruption du monde magique, incapable de faire face à ce dangereux personnages. Certes, certains pourrait souligner une certaine lâcheté mais mettez-vous à sa place ! Il était tout ce qu’il restait à Anne, Sebastian et aussi Ominis, le seul adulte pouvant les protéger, veiller sur eux ! Ils n’ont personne d’autre !

Solomon s’est donc vu dans l’obligation de faire un choix terrible. Le problème se posant n’étant rien d’autre que son neveu. Sebastian. Comme il l’a souligné, il est le fils de son père mais aussi le neveu de son oncle. Il a grandi avec son frère et a élevé Sebastian, il le connait par cœur que cela plaise ou non à ce dernier. L’intelligence de Sebastian devenant un danger, le doyen des Sallow aurait alors manipulé son neveu pour le centrer sur un seul problème. Comment guérir Anne plutôt que sur le réel lanceur de malédiction. Imaginez ! Si Sebastian avait su la vérité, il aurait lancé une guérilla contre Rockwood en embarquant Ominis. Les deux garçons se seraient lancés à corps perdu dans la bataille alors qu’ils n’avaient que quatorze ans et ils auraient pu se blesser gravement, mourir voire pire ! Être expulsé ! Attendez… Bref, en détournant l’attention de Sebastian, il l’aurait protégé et en le manipulant pour le dissuader de continuer sa quête, l’aurait détourné de la vérité pour qu’il ne se mette pas en danger. Et Sebastian est un adolescent têtu à qui il suffit d’interdire de faire quelque chose pour garantir qu’il y plongera à pied joint sans jamais s’en détourner.

La malédiction d’Anne étant gérable dans un premier temps, il a peut-être cru qu’elle parviendrait à vivre avec mais nous le savons la situation n’a fait que s’empirer. Anne a été contrainte à se déscolariser et revenir à Feldcroft. La culpabilité que Solomon aurait développée l’aurait poussé à surprotéger Anne. Incapable de l’aider et en sachant la vérité, il aurait inconsciemment nourri une colère envers Sebastian qui naïvement essayait de trouver une solution à quelque chose qui n’existait pas. Le gérer était certes complexe mais au moins, d’une certaine façon, il était encadré dans une voie relativement sage et Ominis était là pour veiller. Dans le jeu, les élèves parlent de Sebastian mais finalement seul l’héritier de Serpentard est considéré comme son ami, un vrai ami.

Mais quelque chose à perturbé son plan.

Nous.

Beaucoup ont souligné son comportement vis-à-vis de notre personnage. Avouons-le, nous étions la perturbation. Sans notre présence, jamais Ominis n’aurait cédé pour le Scriptorium, jamais Sebastian n’aurait eu accès au livre de Salazar Serpentard et jamais il n’aurait pu franchir les catacombes pour y trouver la relique. Solomon lui avait donné une quête sans issus mais notre personnage a apporté une assistance à laquelle Sebastian n’aurait pas dû avoir accès. Quand on réfléchit à cela, on comprend alors pourquoi dès notre premier dialogue, Solomon tente de nous imposer son avis concernant la guérison d’Anne, pourquoi il voulait que nous dissuadions son neveu de s’aventurer sur un chemin obscur et malheureusement, nous avons été leur perte à tous les deux.

Lorsque finalement Sebastian fait usage de l’Imperio, Solomon comprend que notre présence a affecté la quête de son neveu et pire que cela l’a encouragé à franchir des lignes qu’il ne souhaitait pas le voir franchir. Alors que le talentueux Serpentard est en passe de devenir un homme, l’ancien auror venait d’être témoin d’un acte qu’il ne pouvait accepter. C’était la preuve de son échec, de son incapacité à protéger le fils de son frère, qu’il n’avait pas réussi à le tenir hors de la magie noire. Sa décision précipitée de quitter Feldcroft aurait alors été un dernier geste pour désespérément essayer de protéger les jumeaux.

En éloignant Anne de Sebastian, ce dernier n’aurait plus été témoin de la dégradation de son état et Anne aurait pu bénéficier d’un environnement sain et sans stress qui lui aurait apporté une certaine quiétude. Tout ce qu’il souhaitait et pouvait lui offrir, leur offrir. Solomon aurait craint qu’au-delà de sa quête d’un remède et avec l’assistance de notre personnage, son neveu aurait fini par se rapprocher du château et qu’il aurait fait le lien, découvert la vérité et lancé cette guerre que l’auror craignait tant. Il ne pouvait mettre en danger la vie de sa famille et du nouvel élève.

Je sais, c’est un peu exagéré au vu de notre force de frappe dans le jeu mais ça, Solomon l’ignore. Tout ce qu’il voit, c’est un autre adolescent qui se met en danger et pire qui entraîne son neveu dans ses périples. Pire pour notre cas, nous venons de commencer à manipuler la magie, comment avoir confiance en un tel personnage ?

Bref, je trouve que si ma théorie est juste, elle expliquerait bien des choses sur le comportement de Solomon Sallow.

J’attend vos avis en espérant avoir réussi à bien m’exprimer.

[hannahssimblr]

Night descends upon us and yet, as usual, the stars don’t shine brightly the way that they did last summer when our bonfire roared under clear, sparkling skies. I think of that night now as I sit on a patch of cool earth in the dunes above Dollymount Strand surrounded by rusting cans and the sun-bleached wrappers of discontinued chocolate bars.

I remember the balmy air of late July, how I didn't even heed it until now when the night is still too cold to sit out in yet we all pretend it isn't. Anyway, it’s too late to point it out to the crowd that's already gathered here, drinking and playing music from a speaker that crackles every time the bass gets too loud, so I sit as close as I can to the flames without climbing into the pit with them, and let their heat lick over my skin. 

I share a few beers with a big, severe looking boy next to me for a while. He's got silver spikes protruding from his lip, and high cheek bones that make his face look kind of gaunt and hollow like a Tim Burtonesque character. We called him Lurch at school, because he’s also about six foot five and rake thin, but tonight I learn that Lurch’s real name is Rob, and actually, Rob is a very nice person.

He talks to me about music for ages, about his drum kit and how the neighbours keep complaining to his parents about the noise. I tell him that I’ve always wished I was musical but I have absolutely no sense of rhythm. I’m kind of a loser like that, despite my dreams of being that guy with the guitar who impresses all the girls, but I have long since accepted that I will settle to be a humble music-recommender instead. Jen still keeps all of the silly mix tape CDs I made for her in primary school in her room, and it gives me an inexplicable sense of worthiness whenever I spot them.

Never once during my conversation with Rob do I tell him about the Lurch thing, though it crosses my mind several times. What seemed so funny once in the confines of my little group seems kind of obviously mean now, but I suppose I never took the time to think about it before.

Katie is nice too, the girl with a stammer who snorts when she laughs, which is often once she joins in our conversation, because she seems to think my stories are very funny, as does Rob, and I have to tell them not to laugh so hard because it only encourages me to put myself in more situations that might be entertaining to retell later on. They think that's funny too, but actually, I am being serious.

Still, I know they’ll love that one about the time I was using the desert as a toilet and a military helicopter flew overhead, convincing me that my great aunt’s busybody neighbour had called the FBI to report me for public urination, so I make sure to tell it in the most energetic way I can. It’s easier and way more fun to reveal embarrassing things about myself when I’m drinking, and by the time I have finished telling it, I toss my empty bottle to my feet where four others already lie. I hadn’t even realised I had drunk that much, but who cares when I feel this good.

“Jesus, you’re so funny,” Katie says once her giggles have subsided, “I can’t believe we all thought you were an arsehole.”

“You thought that?”

“Not really,” Rob assures me, “We just thought you were… like, a bit…”

“...of an arsehole,” I finish, and he’s clearly being polite so he denies it, but he shouldn’t bother, really, because I already know how I am. I'm aware of the things I’ve said and done to other kids for the sake of relieving my crushing, constant boredom, never really thinking about the consequences beyond ‘it will be funny’. Maybe I should say I’m sorry. 

“Nah you’re right, I’m kind of a horrible bastard,” and I laugh at myself, which gives them permission to do so too, albeit awkwardly.

“You’re not, you’re not,” Rob assures me, “You definitely weren’t the worst of the guys in our year…”

I want to ask him who is the worst, purely for the satisfaction of hearing him say that it’s Fitzy, or Murphy or Breener or any of those other awful, rugby wanks, but I don’t because someone coming through the grass has derailed my train of thought. 

“What’s she doing here?” 

I have interrupted Rob and now he’s blinking in surprise as he turns to where Leah, fucking Leah, is approaching us. 

“Uh, she comes to talk to Evan sometimes,” he explains, “just for like, a few minutes usually and then she heads off. Do you know her?”

“Yeah.”

I watch with a clenched jaw as she and Evan disappear into the darkness for a few minutes, and pop open a brand new beer bottle as Rob and Katie chat as I sit between them having lost all of my sense of fun in an instant. I’m also drunk, if not very much getting there judging by the slightly blurry flames that dance exotically in front of my eyes. I have a dim thought that it’s probably a good idea to stop drinking if I plan on seeing Jen later. I doubt Michelle’s parents will be too pleased if I show up steaming drunk at their door…

“Oh my God, Jude, I didn’t expect to see you here!” Leah is back and standing right over me. I don’t even bother to look up at her face, and instead just stare at her ratty Vans that I’m almost certain are the same pair she wore when we used to hang out two years ago, and they were ratty back then.

“Yep,” I say. She sits down so closely to me in the sand that I can smell her distinct, Leah smell. She doesn’t smell bad, just like an unpleasant sensory memory. 

“How are you?”

I clear my throat, “Are you buying drugs from teenagers now? Is that what it’s come to?”

“Oh, I thought you already knew how Evan and I knew each other.”

“No.”

“Well, mister policeman, it’s just weed,” she pulls the baggie I saw earlier out of her jacket pocket, “We can even smoke some together now if you like.”

“Weed makes me sick.”

“I remember that! Ha!” She offers it to Rob and Katie who both decline and exchange alarmed looks over our heads.

“Are you going to sit here all night?” I ask her, and even to my own ears it’s unbelievable how rude I am to her, but I don’t care, she deserves it, and it’s not like she even seems to register my tone anyway, she’s always been completely oblivious to what people think about her. She’s that person who hangs around at the party for way too long and keeps bringing up conversations that everyone stopped talking about ages ago. 

“Jude and I go way back,” Leah explains to Katie beside her, “I met him when he was, what,” a nudge to my arm, “thirteen?”

“Twelve.”

“We used to be friends, back when he was fun.”

I scowl and she drapes herself over my shoulder with an effortless laugh as though she somehow believes this is our usual banter, “I’m joking, he’s still so fun! And cute!” She tries to grab my face and I shake her off insistently so she settles for fisting a hand in the front of my sweatshirt to hold me hostage instead, “Isn’t he, though?” she presses poor, sheepish Katie who explodes in a ferocious blush. “Would you say he’s the cutest boy at school?”

“I- I don’t know,” Katie stutters. 

“Well guess what! I got to be the lucky girl who took his virginity!”

I rip her off me but she comes back at me with more grabbing hands and tickling fingers, “Ooh! It’s true, isn’t it? Isn’t it Judie? Oh, isn’t it?”

I wrench her off me with finality and clamber to my feet, my heart beating, my stomach queasy, “Leave me alone, okay?” I bend down to swipe my beer bottle out of the hollow I made for it in the sand and even then she tries to touch my hair. It infuriates me. “I’m serious! Piss off!” I spit.

“Oh God, mister grumpy!” She says as I stagger around the bonfire to get away from her and everything that she represents. I’m definitely drunk now, it's in my sluggish movements, the way my eyes drift unfocussed from person to person, but being drunk is preferable to remembering Leah as vividly as I would if I were perfectly sober. Right now, it is just snippets of an evening three years ago that play through my mind. The week I turned fourteen, and the hard, frozen November ground by a swing set. The things I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to do but thought knew I should by then, and Leah, and the heat of her skin, the smell of her sweat, the hyper fixation I had on that piece of bark mulch I felt tangled in her hair which somehow became the strongest memory of all, something that I still associate with her when I feel the sharp dig of something in my palm.

When I don't see her I don't think of these things, so I circle the bonfire until she is invisible, obscured by the roaring flames and swallowed by the darkness.

Beginning // Prev // Next

[satantica]

someone hitting on you - with haikyu boys pt.3

characters: stalker!suna rintarou, employee!tsukishima kei, tutor!sugawara koushi

cw: fem!reader

tw: stalking, mentioning of violence

————————————————————————

stalker!suna

Suna wasn’t that kind of guy who would go straightforward for something he desires. Especially if that’s you. He’d like to play games as long as it entertains him. Rintarou would go everywhere you go just to explore the expressions of yours he’d seen before. Keeping his admiration for you in secret was like a drug. It was never enough. Every new shade of emotion, every new reaction would make him want more of you.

Suna would scroll your page late at night to see if there’s something he never noticed. He would go to the same places as you but make sure you wouldn’t see him. Even slightly. Rintarou loved being your shadow.

That one day you posted something about going to the casino night with friends of yours. That day Rintarou decided to make a game a little more spicy. Just add one more player to the game he adored so much.

That night you looked flawlessly gorgeous. Suna was craving for the moment he gives a slightest idea of something that only you could’ve known. To see not a fear in your eyes but a little note of innocent confusion. He knew it was going to be the most beautiful and precious thing he had ever seen.

And yet Rintarou saw you nervously smiling to a stranger. A guy he didn’t know. Why would he? You just bumped into this man and now politely trying to get rid of him. You didn’t see girls around. You were helpless. The dude was almost twice your height grabbing your hand to make you go with him.

Suna was thinking of how he was going to rip him apart. He had waited so much for you feeling not worth to even talk to you. And this motherfucker dares to touch you? No one could treat his desire like that.

But Rintarou also couldn’t manage to let some freak end his game like this. Suna quickly moved to the closest person to him and asked the name of the moron next to you.

“Hey, Troy, this chick bought you a drink.” Rintarou said it loud enough so he would hear. Fortunately, you didn’t look in his direction and rushed to meet your girls. Rintarou was relieved.

Troy approached Suna to see his drink. Rintarou grabbed his shirt and nailed him to the bar counter. Suna looked at his clothes surprised how he wasn’t ashamed to breathe the same air with you.

“See the suit i’m wearing? You know how much it costs? The amount that your mind can’t even comprehend. Tonight is very special. And i am not letting someone like you ruin this for me. Now take a hint and get fucking lost until I smash your face. Next time watch your fucking hands while you still have them” Rintarou growled.

employee!tsukishima

Almost every third man in the office tried his way of flirting with you. The more strict you got the more hot they thought you got. If you could you would fire every single one. But this option leaves like two-thirds of the employees. Things got better when you gave the cue that every inappropriate comment would dock the pay of the horny bastard that made it. But it never stopped people from discussing their hot boss behind her back.

Tsukishima wasn’t blind and knew that whispers weren’t even nearly describing your beauty in the way you deserved. He never crossed the line with you despite his desperate wish to do that. He always stayed formal and tried to do every task you gave. But every time Kei left your office he wasn’t able to get out of his head the way you bit your lips while being focused on filling out all the papers. Tsukishima would nervously take his glasses off and start to wipe it, helplessly trying to think of something else. It was hella cute. “If only she saw what she’s doing to me.” Kei wouldn’t let this thought go further.

Tsukishima was sitting in the break room pretending to be enjoying his lunch but actually listening to shit that some employee was talking about you. His coworker was saying how short and tight your skirt was, how needy you were if you had been wearing a skirt like this and how you would let just anybody to fulfill your needs. This passionate monologue of his led to the conclusion that he should ask you out. You wouldn’t say no anyway.

Kei was disgusted by every his word but tried to keep it to himself until this jerk started talking about actually asking you out. “It would be such a pity to see you go. You’ve served this company so well. Did this speech also came out of the wish for serving the company, especially manager of it? Then I actually think you should get a promotion. Firing you wouldn’t really be a good gesture of appreciation of your selfless sacrifice” Tsukishima smirked.

tutor!sugawara

Let’s be honest, yes, Suga was tutoring you because he wanted to help you but he also desperately wanted to spend time with you. He wasn’t sure how you felt about him so every time he told you a little flirty joke and you laughed at it, his heart would melt right away. After that he would keep convincing himself that it was nothing cause he obviously didn’t deserve you.

Koushi was sitting in the library impatiently checking his phone every 10 seconds. You were late and he was afraid that you changed your mind. “I am just her tutor.” Suga repeated it several times to calm down. Was he though?

You were actually running to the library. Just the image of Sugawara sitting there all alone was breaking your heart. But there was it. Finally, the library. You were so excited to see Koushi that you didn’t really see anything but the doors of the library. You suddenly bumped into someone.

“Hey, easy there. You almost killed me” a guy said. You felt really guilty and quickly looked at him “Oh, sorry. You alright?”. The boy smiled “No, really hot girl hit me with her cuteness.” You started to feel uncomfortable “Thanks, but I’m kinda in a rush.” The guy didn’t want to get it “What for?” You wanted to say something really mean but you promised you were going to be at your best behavior today cause, come on, it is Koushi we’re talking about.

Suga was worried that you weren’t replying his texts and decided to meet you halfway. He just left the library and saw you next to some guy. As soon as Suga was ready to get upset, you blurted out “There you are.” The tone of your voice brought him back to reality. His blood was racing with the thought that you were waiting for him. Not to just help you to get away from this guy but to actually see him.

“Sorry to interrupt. I’m sure you’re a great guy but I’d like you to give me my date back. “ Koushi proudly took your hand.

[host-club-hq]

Indeed: ~Kyoya's Unwitting Irritation!~

➼ pairing: kyoya ootori x reader

➼ summary: kasanoda is your first customer as an unofficial host, and you can't wait to show off what you've learned by merely observing. kyoya isn't a fan of that, but he isn't keen on letting it show

➼ word count: 6.6k

➼ what to expect: "Now that you've seen her naked, are you in love?" 

➼ warnings: very very slight angst, harsh language

➼ chapter navigation

➼ talk to my characters!

➼ betas. gotta love em. 💜

"l/n? I'm sorry about the-" Kasanoda appears in the doorway and that's the last person you wanted to walk in at this moment... well, maybe except the twins. Or Honey. 

In your shock, the clasp becomes loose and falls, but you're quick to clutch the bra to your chest and nothing is exposed but your back. You squeak, "F-Fuck! Get out!" You cave in on yourself. 

"M-m-MA!" 

Kyoya's Unwitting Irritation!

Neither you nor Kasanoda gather your wits enough to move away from each other's sight. You're entirely far too conscious about the open bra clasp behind you, pressing your bunched-up shirt to your chest as a last resort. 

"Why are you still here?!" You squeak finally. 

"Uh. My bad." Kasanoda bursts out of the door behind him, slamming himself onto the surface, shaking breaths heaving through his chest, head leaned against the door with eyes shut. 

The moment he opens his eyes, Hikaru and Kaoru are towering over him with glowing, fury-filled eyes, "PEEPING TOM~!" 

Kasanoda screams, bent legs trembling with fearful tremors. 

"You saw her-"

"- didn't you, Bossa Nova?" 

Kasanoda is quick to deny, "No! I didn't see! I mean, I caught a glance, yeah, but it was all so fast that I didn't- It was just an accident! I swear to you that I am not a pervert!" 

You groan to yourself from inside of the prep room, quickly clipping your bra back into place and quickly locating your spare change of clothes. God, you can only imagine the furious look on the club's faces right now. If one thing's for sure, it's that the club can be silly and entirely moronic... but when it comes to either you or Haruhi, things get a little more intense. 

You fumble with your button down, quickly slipping each button into its respective slot and stringing a new tie around your neck and hurrying to loop it into a knot. 

Meanwhile, Honey's expression is unrecognizable in Kasanoda's eyes, "Of course you would say that. Sure sign of a guilty conscience." He says, shifting his stance to instill terror.

Kasanoda's voice trembles in terror and a knock comes to the door, "Senpai? Are you in there? Do you need help?"

You're relieved to hear Haruhi's sweet voice ringing in your ears, "Yes, Haruhi, come in, but be quick about it!" You urge, groaning as you incorrectly tie your tie for at least the third time. 

She opens the door a crack and slips in, slamming it behind her, "Let me help." She rushes to your open bag and pulls out your blazer, unfolding it. 

"S-So…Um, what're all the bruises on l/n's back about?"

"Oh shit." Your heart sinks, hands flying up to grasp aimlessly at your back and you spin around helplessly. Haruhi quickly steadies you. 

"Whoa, whoa, Senpai, hold on." She pulls your shirt down over your back and grimaces, "Do they hurt?" 

"Not so much anymore." You whine, shrugging your button down back onto your shoulders and finally looping your tie through the intended opening and tightening it around your collar. 

"Red alert. He's sticking his nose where it shouldn't be stuck." Kaoru folds his arms behind his back, mirroring his brother, "That's not good." 

"If he thinks Honey-Senpai is scary," You allow Haruhi to slip your blazer onto your shoulders, "he should wait until Kyoya gets a chance to talk." 

Haruhi snickers, "Oh, boy, that'll be something." 

"So, let's hear it." Hikaru demands. 

"How much of her maidenliness did you actually see?" Kaoru inquires. 

"Oh, God, we have to get out here." You button your blazer and adjust your sleeves. 

"Well... she was changing so I saw her underwear... although her bra was kind of falling off-?" 

"Don't say that." You hiss in a whisper, dusting off your lap. 

"YOU SAW Y/N'S UNDERWEAR?!!!"

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" You whimper, pulling your hair out of your blazer and fluffing it along your shoulders. 

"So what do we do?!" Kaoru growls. 

"There's only one thing to do: we have to induce amnesia." 

Kaoru leaps behind Kasanoda and holds him steady as Hikaru pulls out a concealed bat, "Hold him." Hikaru swirls his bat, one leg hiked and ready to swing. 

Kyoya raises a calm hand, "That's enough, you two. Leave assault and battery to the professionals." 

Kaoru groans, "What are you, made of ice?! How can you be so calm about this?!" He implies certain committed relationship circumstances. 

Tamaki leans close to Kyoya's ear, whispering for only him to hear, "Kyoya! He practically saw your girlfriend nude, aren't you even a little bit upset?"

Although the notion irks Kyoya, he knows that by no means should he blame you for the incident. He takes a subtle breath in and out, mentally shrugging off the rush of different, angry emotions flooding his system. 

"Well, now that certain events have transpired... let's talk." Kyoya adjusts his glasses with his index and middle finger, eyes becoming hooded in an intimidating narrowed glare. 

Kasanoda gulps.

"What you've seen here today is not to be verbally shared or under any circumstances discussed with anyone outside of this group for y/n's own safety and privacy. While we can't physically force you to cooperate exactly, there is something I would like for you to bear in mind. Coming from the sort of family you do, I'm certain you hear all sorts of juicy little rumors. Enough to know what is true and what is not. Take the Ootori Family's private police force, the Black Onion Squad. It is said that they can be mobilized against our enemies in the blink of an eye."

Kyoya's intimidating glare relents, his head tilting upward to relinquish the glare making his glasses shine and his malicious smirk is replaced with a polite smile, "You have heard of them, right?"  

You're quick to throw open the door as soon as you can, catching an almost visible glance of Kyoya's glowing aura of evil exuding from his person. 

"Be reasonable, stop scaring Kasanoda. I'm sorry about them." You adjust your tie one last time as Haruhi follows you carefully. 

"Hey, l/n..." Kasanoda's voice trembles. 

"While I would appreciate your confidentiality... you don't have to listen to any of them." You throw a pointed glare in Kyoya's direction, whose gaze flips a switch from enraged to confused in a matter of seconds. 

For whatever reason, a faint flush floods Kasanoda's cheeks and the bridge of his nose, painting his face a gentle red. 

"Well, well, Bossa Nova." Hikaru all but growls with malicious intent. 

"Now that you've seen her naked, are you in love?" 

That possibility never made it into Kyoya's churning mind until it comes out of Kaoru's mouth. He can tell he's going to have a rough upcoming day. 

♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡

The Host Club is now open for business

The next day, contrary to popular belief, has been entirely uneventful thus far. When it comes to activities pertaining to the Host Club, no extravagant theme has been prepared for today. It feels as though you've been bombarding the guests with far too many things to become invested in lately that you feel that you and the club should give them a break. Taking things back to the basics for at least a few days per week as always been part of the routine. 

Amid the gentle chatter, you swing back and forth between tables, fulfilling beverage requests and offering refills to those who haven't made any requests. 

When most of the guests' heads begin to glance upward, soft gasps of shock falling between parted lips, it prompts your own head to crane toward the door to see what all the fuss is about. 

An all too familiar figure stands in the doorway, hands shoved in his pockets in an intimidating fashion.

"It's Kasanoda, from class D." A guest observes aloud. 

"I heard he made himself Mori's apprentice."

"I wonder if that means he's training to be a host, too."

Kasanoda pays them no mind and wanders over to an empty sofa. He sits directly in the middle, hands propped on his spread knees and eyes cast to the floor.

"I'd... like to request l/n." 

Most girls spring from their seats with shocked squeals and a number of questioning gasps. 

"What is this?" 

"Is he for real? She's not even a host!"

It would be an understatement to say that you're utterly confused. Is this another one of your dreams? If that's the case, your mind has gotten much more skilled in projecting realistic images. 

The ground trembles under the sheer force of the powerful motor that raises Renge on her iconic platform, her shrill laugh reaching all ears. 

"The genuine article. At long last!"

"Renge, is it true? Is he really-?"

"Could he really be-?"

You quickly spin on your heel, scurrying back to where the hosts reside and all but slamming your tray of teacups onto a nearby table. You dust off your uniform, adjusting your hair in the reflection of a teapot. 

"What are you doing?" Kyoya appears behind you, arms crossed. You spin around to face him with a wide smile. 

"I have my first guest! I have to look presentable." You ready a fresh tea set, dipping a new tea bag into boiling water and setting it aside to diffuse while you place new teacups onto a tray, along with a porcelain container of sugar. 

"First guest?" Kyoya turns over his shoulder and spots Kasanoda, sitting on an empty sofa and patient awaiting the service of his girlfriend. 

"Well, not guest... but he wants me! He wants me to go over there and act like a host!" You giggle gleefully, finally facing him head on with a giddy expression. 

"But you're not a host, he can't just-" Kyoya gestures indignantly at Kasanoda. 

"Please, Kyoya? Just this once? He just wants to talk, you don't have to charge him as an actual guest! Just let me do this... please?"

Your expression seems so hopeful that it actually wrecks Kyoya inside to turn you down. His shoulders slouch and he exhales heavily through his nose. 

Kasanoda... isn't a real guest, Kyoya tells himself. You won't have to dote on him the way Tamaki would dote on one of his guests. He's just a visiting friend that has requested your company.

So why does Kyoya feel dread eating away at his soul?

"Fine. Go ahead." Despite his internal conflict... Kyoya revels in the squeal you let out when you scoop the tray into your arms and practically skip in Kasanoda's direction. 

Tamaki is quick to approach Kyoya when you're out of earshot, "Are you really going to let her do this? Bossa Nova has no idea she's taken." He cautions as gently as he can. 

Kyoya purses his lips, "I don't own her."

Tamaki nods. Kyoya makes an excellent point. You don't belong to Kyoya as a person, and if a guest requests you... it would be exceedingly rude to deny said guest in front of the remaining guests. 

The notion of your debt briefly enters Kyoya's thoughts. But, you're not leaving the Host Club, so he has absolutely no right to hold that over you in this context. He simply has to sit idly by and watch you try and woo another man. 

"Welcome, Kasanoda." You approach him with a cheerful smile, posture straight. You do your best to ignore the onlookers' watchful gazes as you take your seat beside him. 

"So you're our guest today?" You inquire curiously, setting the tea tray onto the coffee table, arranging the teacups and their respective saucers. 

Kasanoda does his best to keep a respectful distance, "Uh, that's right."

He observes you carefully, eyes trained on your side profile as you work quickly to prepare him and yourself a beverage. 

Kyoya rolls his eyes; the nervous expression on Kasanoda's face is unmistakable. He's visibly struggling to keep his composure, jaw tight and teeth clenched. If Kyoya looks closely enough, he can see Kasanoda's legs trembling with earthquake like intensity.

"Care for tea? Do you take sugar?" You wait patiently for a response before moving to pour the tea. 

Kyoya grimaces at your sweet, angelic voice that could enrapture the strongest-willed men and bring them to their knees at your will. 

"Here, uh, let me help." Kasanoda reaches for the teapot. You pull away just in time, "Now, what kind of unofficial host would I be if I let you pour your own tea?" You tip the pot over and let the steaming tea fill the cup. 

"So... l/n... you're looking pretty today."

Keeping your own composure, you feign a smile of pure innocence, "That's so cheesy! You're funny, Kasanoda." Might not be the best way to dodge flirting... but it is certainly a way. 

Kasanoda's heart pulses, legs continuing to tremble under the shelter of the low table and away from your line of sight. 

The twins glare a searing hole through Kyoya as he sits (seemingly) unbothered at an empty table, typing away at his laptop, "Hey, don't just sit there, Kyoya-Senpai. Get him out of here!" Kaoru pleads angrily, turning away from watching you interact sweetly with Kasanoda.

"If he's getting along with his goons so well now, why does he need to be here in the first place?" Hikaru bitterly shoves his hands in his pockets. 

Heaving a sigh, Kyoya does not spare them a glance from his laptop monitor, "He's just like any other guest. He doesn't seem to be showing any outward signs of misbehavior, so I see no reason to eject him."

"He saw your girlfriend naked, for crying out loud!" Hikaru reminds. 

"He's probably sitting there imagining it." Kaoru directs Kyoya's attention to Kasanoda's well-trained gaze on your figure as you pour him another cup of tea. 

Kasanoda does seem incredibly tense, eyes not able to linger on you for too long and his muscles seem like they're under heavy restraint. 

"Would you idiots mind your own business?" Kyoya sneers grumpily, fingers becoming much more violent when tapping his keyboard. 

"But the other guests are afraid!" The twins resort to. A blatant lie. 

"Oh, no, I think not."

One would have to be clinically deaf to not overhear the incessant conversation transpiring among the guests.

The twins turn over their shoulders to where Kyoya points; their guests are infatuated with the scene before them, unable to tear their prying eyes away from the pair, much to everyone's dismay. 

"The look on his face is just priceless."

"I've never seen someone so in love before!"

Renge squeals, "Hello, Sumire? Forget about your stupid violin lesson and hightail it to the Host Club! I'm telling you, this is a one-in-a-million chance to witness something truly amazing!"

"Hello, Kurakano? You've got to get to the Host Club right now! If all goes well, we might have Kyoya's attention fully on the Host Club!" 

The guests' intentions make themselves fully clear to Hikaru, Kaoru, and Kyoya. It's painfully obvious that you and Kyoya seem to harbor some sort of... feelings for each other, whether they know of your relationship or not. Clearly, the guests want Kyoya's attention back on them... and that means you need to be taken off the market. They hope to the listening stars above that Kasanoda manages to capture your attention. 

Little do they know that you're already enraptured with a certain raven haired host... but they needn't know that. 

"See? We're just fine." The twins would be fools to not be able to detect the strain in Kyoya's words. 

"You money-grubbing enabler!" They curse, shaking their fists. 

"Need a refill? Let me get on that!" You beam. 

"Uh... thank you." Kasanoda's voice is considerably quiet and stiff. 

"Oh, no. She's giving him the adorable smile-" Hikaru's voice trembles in fear. 

"- the one which no man can resist!" 

Kyoya knows exactly what Kaoru is referring to. There isn't a host that can ignore your infamous pleading simper. It's the same smile that convinced him to let you do what you're doing now- which he wholeheartedly regrets. 

Honey giggles, "Wow. Usually you guys wouldn't waste any time interrupting the two of them." He observes expertly.

Hikaru sighs, "Yeah, but our hands are tied."

"y/n-Senpai would never forgive us if we screwed up her first attempt at hosting..." It's not secret how badly you want to be a member of the Host Club... not just work for the Host Club. 

"Hey, Kyoya-Senpai, are you done pretending this isn't bothering you yet?" 

"Yeah, we could really use your shadow king intimidation right now." Kaoru grumbles bitterly. 

"I don't know what you're talking about. She's entertaining a guest, isn't that what we do here?" Kyoya shrugs. Though it comes difficultly with the heavy weight of dread on his shoulders. 

"You're always the one telling her she can't be a host, Kyo-chan." Honey reminds with wide, innocent irises. Kyoya purses his lips. 

"That's because-"

"Because you can't stand to see her with another man like that?" 

Kyoya's voice of reason doesn't often come from the mouth of his blonde haired moron of a best friend. From where he's seated, Tamaki towers over him, head tilted in question. 

Kyoya lets out an airy groan as he stands, shutting his laptop and tucking it under his arm, "I need y/n's input on this." 

It's unclear as to what 'this' refers to, but none of the hosts have any time to inquire as Kyoya swiftly moves on, striding over to you and Kasanoda. 

He approaches quietly, poorly hiding his irritated expression with the glare of light against his glasses, hand shoved in his pocket and brows slightly creased. 

"Kyoya?" You tilt your head as he approaches. Kasanoda follows your line of sight, looking entirely unamused at the new presence, "Hm?"

"I was going over our next cosplay plans and realized that I lack your input, y/n." Kyoya pretends to flip through the empty pages of his notebook while glaring down at you, begging and pleading with his eyes that you'll take a hint.

"... can it wait? I'm in the middle of something." You cock a brow in genuine confusion. 

Tamaki rests his forehead in his palm, watching from afar alongside the rest of the club, "Just say it, Kyoya..." He groans to himself. 

Kyoya nearly huffs, "Considering there's much work to be done, I wouldn't say that it can." He musters up the most casual voice that he can. 

You shrug, "Fine, then you can sit here and go over it. Anyways, as I was saying-"

Kyoya's heart drops to his stomach when he realizes that you're completely (unintentionally) overlooking his worries. He was hoping to speak with you alone and voice his discomfort but... he hadn't expected that response. 

That's possibly worse than you insisting that he wait until later. The last thing Kyoya wants to do is literally sit idly by as you entertain a man who has seen the back of your bare upper body. Of course, Kyoya has been with you much more intimately. You've never... kissed Kasanoda or... you know, sat perched in his lap, tangling your fingers through his hair as you moved your lips so passionately against his-

Kyoya physically shakes his head, cheeks tinting slightly, but not noticeably. Nonetheless, Kyoya has never seen that much of your bare body, and he doesn't feel the need to ask you to show him... but it irks him that someone else has, accidentally or not. 

Kyoya is shaken from his trance at the sound of your laugh, waving Kasanoda off as he's just said the funniest thing in the world. Kasanoda's blush deepens and Kyoya can practically read his thoughts by staring unwaveringly at his forehead. He's absolutely head over heels for you. That feeling is quite familiar to Kyoya. 

"Good grief... why is he just sitting there doing nothing?" Hikaru crosses his arms, eyes trained on Kyoya's figure that writes in his notebook. 

"I know he thinks he's smart and all... but he's kind of an idiot." Kaoru grumbles disappointingly. 

"You've got that right." Tamaki assumes a similar position, leaning his weight against a nearby column as he watches Kyoya flounder internally. 

"I didn't take Kyoya-Senpai for the jealous type." Haruhi appears at Tamaki's side, hands folded behind her back and peering up at Tamaki with curious eyes. 

"I didn't take Kyoya for the dating type." Tamaki chuckles. 

Haruhi nods slowly, processing the notion in her own way. 

"I can't watch this much longer-"

"- it's getting painful." The twins nearly whine, peeking from their eavesdropping spot behind a separate column. 

"And it's not helping that y/n-Senpai is so oblivious to his discomfort..." Haruhi grimaces. 

"So, y/n..." Kasanoda's voice reaches your ears and you turn cheerily, adorning a smile and humming in acknowledgement. 

"What's that scent you're wearing? It smells... nice." His voice trembles. 

You grin widely, "Oh, thank you! I think it's Good Girl by Caroline Herrera... I really like it, it's very sweet but kind of spicy." 

Kyoya nearly chokes. Where is the y/n that wouldn't tolerate a comment like that from the twins or Tamaki? His irritation is getting increasingly out of hand every time Kasanoda opens his mouth. 

If this is Host y/n, his opinion toward letting you become one deteriorates all the more. He doesn't think he can handle Host y/n. 

Kyoya thought that establishing a relationship with you would have prevented anything like the Karuizawa incident from happening. He can't let himself repeat that scene... he remembers the look on your face every time he would leave you stranded and he doesn't want to be the cause of that expression again. 

"I wanna ask you something." Kasanoda interjects into Kyoya's thoughts indirectly. Although he's directing his inquiry to you, Kyoya's ears perk as he listens. 

"Ask away." You encourage. 

"Are... you into guys like me?"

You quirk a brow, "Huh?"

"Uh, oh..." Kaoru hisses, hidden mostly from sight. 

"Kyoya-Senpai can't ignore that..." Hikaru purses his lips. 

As if on cue, Kyoya's notebook shuts between his fingers with a loud snap! that gains both your and Kasanoda's attention. He stands to tower over the pair of you, glasses shining frighteningly as he adjusts them, notebook tucked under his arm.  

"I'm not sure you understand what it means to be a guest here at the Host Club, Kasanoda." 

"Oh, boy." You occupy yourself with pushing the teacups around on the tray pointlessly, lip tucked nervously between your teeth as Kyoya addresses Kasanoda coldly. 

"What?" Kasanoda stands to meet Kyoya's height, although non-threateningly. 

"Since y/n is too naive to tell you herself, I will." Kyoya opens his notebook with a professional tone. 

"Finally, he's doing something about it." 

"It states here in our rules that courting a host is strictly prohibited. Any attempts by a guest to court a host will be shut down immediately and said guest will be asked to leave, unable to return until further notice by the club's directive." With snap!, Kyoya closes his notebook again and tucks it under his arm, suppressing a smug smile. 

"Go get 'em, Senpai!" Hikaru cheers from the sideline. 

"Wait... what?" Kasanoda quirks a brow upward.

"I didn't think l/n was a host. Isn't she your manager?" 

Silence. Kyoya internally falters, "She is our active manager, yes." He can only respond with the truth. 

"That means she's not a host... right?" Kasanoda pushes further. 

"No, I'm afraid not." Kyoya reluctantly admits. 

"So what's wrong with trying to court her?"

Silence, once again. Kyoya bites his tongue behind his lips, teeth grinding and jaw working. 

He adjusts his glasses, "Even so, I cannot allow you to pursue her in this way." 

"Aren't the two of you just friends? Why do you care?" 

"Oh, no." Hikaru sighs, frowning. 

"He's painted him into a corner..." Kaoru whines. 

If Kyoya admits that he's already taken you off the market by him in particular, the eavesdropping guests would be absolutely furious and would most likely plunge them into the depths of bankruptcy. You know that. Kyoya knows that. The entire Host Club knows that. 

"Please excuse me."

As Kyoya turns on his heel to return to the remaining hosts, you feel the immense weight of guilt drop onto your shoulders and you frown, wanting so badly to call after him but you can't draw any more attention or suspicion to anything going on between the two of you. 

"Senpai, that was rough-"

"- are you okay?" The twins are the first to cautiously approach Kyoya as he returns, soundly beaten. 

Kyoya pinches the bridge of his nose, "I'm fine. He's right. To everyone else, we're simply friends, therefore I should outwardly have no problem with someone else pursuing her." He all but stumbles into an empty seat and props open his laptop, despite the club crowded around him. 

Tamaki frowns, "I could tell y/n to ask him to leave..." He suggests, pity lacing his voice. Kyoya waves him off. 

"No need, he's a paying guest after all." Kyoya opens a spreadsheet and begins diligent work. 

Meanwhile, both you and Kasanoda peek over the back of the sofa, watching as the club gathers around Kyoya in his laptop corner as he pretends to work. 

"You think everything's alright over there? I mean, I didn't say anything to set him off, did I?" Kasanoda worries, nervous sweat beading at his brow. 

You chuckle apprehensively, "I don't think so." A blatant lie. 

As the both of you return to your previous positions, Kasanoda speaks up yet again. 

"l/n. Um." He leans toward you hopefully, "Do you think that we could maybe do this more often?"

You purse your lips at the question yet to come, tensing with dread. 

"Because, I was just thinking, since you work for this club all day long it might kind of give you a break from all that. You know, if I came around."

Your eyes dart to the left, heart pulsing with sympathy at his concern for your well-being. You really think of Kasanoda as a sweet, considerate guy with good intentions... it's going to be difficult to reject his offer when the time comes. 

"I mean if- if you want that, that is." He casts his eyes to the floor, occasionally sneaking glances at you from his peripheral vision. 

You pull another innocent smile, eyes closing, "Sure thing! That way we could get to know each other better." You struggle with the acceptance, knowing that he isn't asking for anything too rash. 

"Here it comes!" Renge shrieks, pupils shaped like hearts as she and the other guests wait patiently for Kasanoda's next words. 

The Host Club waits on the edge of their seats as well, all uncharacteristically silent as they watch Kasanoda shake and fumble. 

He leans closer to you still, "l/n, I-" Kasanoda stops mid sentence, heart beating strongly in his chest, lips unable to form words as he stares deep into your soul. 

You squirm uncomfortably, gnawing on your lip and impatiently awaiting his next proclamation. The air encircling you both is tense, the atmosphere is sufficiently awkward. 

Kasanoda grips the fabric of his pant leg with trembling fingers, deep in thought. He swallows hard as if preparing for the most frightening moment of his life, "I, uh, have something to say." 

With every moment that he doesn't just spit out what he wants to say, another five or so years is taken off your life. You nod gently, encouraging him to just tell you whatever the hell he wants to tell you... and you have an intuitive thought as to what it is. 

Watching intensely from the sidelines, Kyoya anticipates your response. Although he knows it's going to be along the lines of 'I don't have feelings for you,' he's still anxious as to how you're going to say it. 

"I just wanted to tell you..." Kasanoda wonders if you can hear the intense beating of his heart through his chest. The tension grows thicker with the notion that everyone present in the room is watching carefully. 

"I just wanted to tell you. That I'm-"

Oh, God, he's actually going to say it right here in front of everyone. Your mouth rushes to say something before your brain can catch up, squeaking out a semi-coherent interjection, "T-that you're glad to finally have someone to talk to!" 

Trying your best to ignore the multitude of appalled faces that stem from your hurried response, you rise to your feet and slide a hand over the back of your neck, "I don't get many opportunities to practice being a host like this. We're going to be great friends."

You know the word sends a dagger straight through Kasanoda's fragile heart if his unmoving reaction is anything to go by. 

"Uh, oh. Hung out to try." Renge grumbles, brows furrowed. 

"He totally just got shot down!"

"He didn't even get a chance to profess his love!"

"Oh. The friends thing. That really stings!"

"I bet that rejection haunts him for the rest of his life."

"Aw, the poor guy."

"It's so tragic!" 

Blow after blow on Kasanoda's pride and your guilty conscience in turn. 

He turns from you, "Of course the two of us are going to be friends! Best of friends! Forever!" His voice strains considerably, as do his fingers on his knees. 

You hum with a nod, allowing a relieved smile to tug at your lips with your hands folded behind your back. 

Kyoya can't help the fond smirk that befalls his features, his shoulders slouching at the lack of tension in them, head tilting almost smugly. 

"Bossa Nova!" Hikaru, Kaoru, and Honey burst into tears. 

"Kasanoda!" The guests react similarly. 

"Casanova!" Renge sniffles, whimpering, "How lovely! How absolutely beautiful!" 

"You've moved us to tears!"

You can't say that you quite understand their reactions- perhaps it was simply mistaken by an act of bravery on Kasanoda's part. Nonetheless, you keep your distance from the swarming crowd of guests and hosts alike that begins to form around Kasanoda. 

"We'll be your friends!"

"That was breathtaking!" 

"Do it again!" 

The twins shove their faces closely to Kasanoda's, "We want to be friends with you, too, Bossa Nova!" Hikaru sobs.

"Let's play kick the can!" Kaoru produces an empty can from God knows where.

"I know I'm your senpai, but I'll still be your friend! You can even hold Usa-chan!" Honey shoves Usa-chan against Kasanoda's cheek. 

Renge's platform lowers back into the floor as she dabs her flowing tears, "Adieu, brave one!" 

Meanwhile, Kyoya can't help but let out a laugh, returning haphazardly to his notebook with the shake of his head. 

"What's so funny, Kyoya?" Tamaki teases, leaning his weight on Kyoya's shoulder with a knowing smile. 

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am." Kyoya offers him a small simper. 

"How so?" Tamaki prys further. 

"I could have easily suffered the same fate as Kasanoda when I was telling y/n how I felt." Kyoya shrugs. 

Tamaki chuckles, "Ah, not so easily, my friend. I wholeheartedly believe that in any parallel universe, the two of you would have ended up together one way or another." 

"You think so?" Kyoya's gaze falls onto you standing in the midst of the crowd around Kasanoda, looking so utterly confused that he has to smile for your sake. 

"I wonder if something really big is gonna happen before we graduate."

"You never know."

♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡

Another painfully long day at the Host Club results in Kyoya resting as well as he can in the comfort of his own room, legs propped up along the length of his pristinely white sofa with a book perched in one hand, his temple resting in the other with the help of the back of the sofa. 

The calming silence despite the occasional gust of wind outside lulls him into a relaxed state of mind, his eyes hooded tiredly as he can barely keep up with each word he reads over. 

Just as he's going to pick up his bookmark, "Special delivery." A quiet knock comes from the entryway. 

Kyoya hums, shocked to find you standing in his doorway with your knuckles against the wall, your other arm supporting a decently sized and neatly wrapped box. 

"Are you still mad... about the host thing?" You bite your lip anxiously. 

Kyoya quirks a brow, "Mad?" He maintains his iconic monotone, turning from you almost bitterly, intrigued into how you believe he's mad will play out in the moment. 

Mad would be a grand overstatement, as he's not upset with you in the slightest. But if there's one thing Kyoya enjoys, it's teasing you. 

"I know I'm not a host and I shouldn't have acted like one... or blatantly overlooked your displeasure with Kasanoda being my guest."

Kyoya does not reply, eyes trained on one page in his book, no longer skimming over the words. He patiently awaits your next move. 

"So I brought you a gift of sorts... as an apology." You gently place the box at the end of his sofa, heart leaping into your chest when he peers over his open book at it. 

Kyoya sighs, bookmarking his page and swinging his legs onto the floor, reaching for the box, when, "Careful... it's fragile." You warn cautiously, wincing in anticipation. 

Even more confused, Kyoya notices several minuscule holes poked into the top of the box. The weight inside shifts across his lap without Kyoya even touching it. Something is moving. 

"What the hell did you put in the box?" Is his first response. 

"Just open it." You sigh irritatedly, propping an impatient hand on your hip and shifting your weight. 

Kyoya pulls the ribbon, watching it unravel before lifting the lid from the box, peering cautiously inside. 

He nearly recoils when something blinks back up at him, green orbs with narrow black slits gazing into his soul as a short, stubby black tail wraps itself around the length of a huddled, darkly colored body. 

Kyoya recalls this creature with a bow tied carefully around its neck as the kitten you placed in his arms before all hell broke loose for two days. Without much of a thought, Kyoya reaches into the box and takes the quiet kitten by its scruff, supporting its bottom with his remaining hand and inspecting it as if he were a veterinarian himself, brows furrowed in utter confusion. 

Meanwhile, you're going to gnaw your bottom lip off at this rate, "She needs a home and my father is allergic to anything with fur so... my next thought was to give her to you."

As you speak, Kyoya cradles the delicate feline in his arms and she takes to him immediately, her body rumbling with a comfortable purr as she nuzzles into the crook of his elbow. 

"You strike me as a cat person. N-Not like a cat person with dozens upon dozens of cats but... you know, just one." 

Kyoya hums appreciatively, "Does she have a name?" He notices the lack of a collar around her neck. 

"No, I've just been calling her little one. Seeing as she's the runt, and all."

When the little one gazes up at him with her widely innocent eyes, Kyoya can only see his own reflection in her irises, heart thumping dully but noticeably. 

"So now you have another girl in your life for me to be jealous of."

Kyoya lifts his head, meeting your gaze for the first time since you appeared in his doorway with a box containing a live animal. He snickers-- an unexpected response. 

"Is this your way of evening the score?" His tone is filled with amusement, resulting in a scoff from you. 

"Well... sort of." You grumble, crossing your arms defensively, watching him pet the little one over her back as she turns upside down in his arms, letting out a squeak. 

"Well, she certainly is adorable." Kyoya lifts her at arms length, holding her just under her arms, seemingly in thought. 

"She looks like a Noel to me." He tilts his head ever so slightly, earning a similar response from the newly named feline. 

"Noel it is then." You voice beside him. Noel squirms, resulting in Kyoya setting her on her feet on the sofa beside him and watching her wander about before she curls up into a ball of nothing but jet black fluff and settling in for a nap. 

"So... do you like her? Do you forgive me?" You meet his gaze cautiously. 

At your pleading question, Kyoya's irritated facade comes crumbling down and he stands, dipping down just slightly to steal your lips in a firm kiss and settling his arms gently around your waist. 

"Indeed." He nudges your nose with his own, relishing in your glazed-over eyes as you register your surroundings. 

"You had me worried there." You secure your arms behind his neck and bury your face into the junction where his shoulder meets his neck, standing on the tips of your toes to reach it. 

"What kind of couple would be we be if we didn't worry each other?"  Kyoya teases. 

"A healthy, less stressed couple." You grumble, slightly muffled.

Kyoya rolls his eyes, bending at his knees as he scoops your off your feet, hauling you over his back and smirking at your squeal. 

"Put me down!" You kick your feet, gripping onto the black of his blazer for dear life. 

"Come on, we've got to look at pet supplies."

"You mean you have to look at pet supplies." You correct quickly, giving up in your endeavors to escape and dangling limply over his back as Kyoya carries you around the sofa and toward the stairs leading to his bed. 

"Ah, I see what your intentions were now- you're dumping her off on me." He teases 

"No! She was an…apology." Your voice grows weaker as more blood rushes to your head, your eyes growing significantly hooded, "I think I'm going to pass out." You warn. 

Kyoya quickly maneuvers you from draping over his back like a rag doll to lying gracefully in his arms bridal style. 

"Better?" He raises a playful brow. 

Dizzily, you uncross your eyes, "Much." 

🎵I run and run a thousand miles, and I am barely breathing. Only the fuel of a passionate heart keeps this body strong and moving forward.

Could it be I found a place to rest? How far until I’m OK?

Trees of the town reveal the time has come once again to shift our shade and colors. 🎵

🎵The world always changes around us but weakness will always remain;

Through all the pain, believe in who we are right here and now! 🎵

🎵Raise one hand to the sky; raise them both lift them high!!

And you’ll cut through the darkness make it go!

The time to start is now! And I can show you how.

Start with me, and the world will be even bigger than ever before. 🎵

♡Next time, on Indeed...♡

And so we learn just how y/n l/n ended up working for the infamous Host Club, with the addition of how you and Kyoya definitely could have worked things out differently. But, you know Kyoya. When are things ever going to be easy?

♡We'll see you then!! ♡

want to read more? here's my ouran masterlist 🌹

and here's my bts blog💜

want me to write something you want to see? request something💌

have any questions? talk to my characters!🙏🏻

Adieu~ 🌹🌹🌹

[rose-riot-johnson]

May I please request a fic for Seto Kaiba having a passionate, short-lived love affair with a female duelist during the Battle City tournament and when he reunites with her a few years later, he discovers that she had his child?

I definitely will see about writing this request, then😁👍Anyways I'm assuming that the female duelist is the reader, so hopefully I'm correct about the assumption of this when I do complete this fanfic😃👍

🩵Am I The Father Of Your Child?🩵(Seto Kaiba x Female Duelist Reader)

Genres: Character Discovers Reader and Reader's Child (Warning⚠️: A Short Lived Affair and Mentions of pregnancy)

When Seto Kaiba first met you, it was during the Battle City tournament. He watched you dual against another duelist and not only he thought your beautiful, however he believes that you're an amazing duelist. So, after you defeated another duelist in a dual and he defeated his opponent in a duel, he had a chat with you about his first impression of you and how much an amazing dualist you are. You thanked him and admitted that you've been a fan of him for a long time.

Later that night the both of you realized despite of different backgrounds and upbringings, you both have alot in common and felt close to eachother right away, especially to the point of the both had a passionate affair (which neither of you were aware would be short lived). Next day, you lost a duel against an opponent who obviously more cunning and a total jerk. Hours later after he won his duel against his other opponent he defeated, he went to look for you, then overheard security guards talking to eachother that you seem to feel sick where you had to go to a hospital, then you would have to go straight to your home after you get your discharge from the hospital.

Kaiba was torn to overhear what was happening to you. He knows it's too early for him to feel like he dies, however aside from his younger brother, Mokuba, you're the first person he has ever cared about and has been precious to him otherwise, so he vowed for revenge against the duelist who was a total jerk to you and extremely cunning at you and to find you, someday... No matter what it takes!

A few years after Kaiba defeated the duelist vowed for revenge against, he went to the mall, as he began to realize that his search for you was over. However when he finally saw you again, he also saw this child who has a very similar face, as him. He asked you some questions about how you've been and talked to you about how bad he felt for you, and other stuff he talked to you about, then he asked, "Anyways, (female reader name)... Am I the father of your child?". You then happily replied, "Ofcourse Kaiba... This is your child (reader's choice of her child's name)... I really wanted to tell you about (him/her), so after our (son/daughter) was born, I took him with me and searched for you for a long time... I take it you were searching for me, as well?". You then turned your child and told (him/her), "(reader's choice of her child's name)... This your father, Seto Kaiba... Your father is a very nice man who has been very nice to mommy... Since, we all found eachother, everything will be alright now..."

The next thing that happened was Kaiba said, "That day you lost your duel, I overheard security guards talking about you needing to go to the hospital, because you seem sick, then you have to go straight home after you get discharged from the hospital. I take it the pregnancy was the reason why you seemed to not feel well?". You replied, "I believe so... The doctor and nurse asked me to take a pregnancy test after they couldn't find out why I wasn't feeling well, for safety reasons, then I found out I was pregnant... I kept to myself who I was with that night, because besides dueling, the only thing that I love is you...". Kaiba was then relieved to find out the truth about what really happened to you and the child he had with you is safe.

After your conversation with Kaiba, not only he had you and your child live with him, you and Kaiba also started fresh with eachother and to actually have a relationship together for real this time. Your child has also bonded with (his/her) father, Kaiba very easily like ((s)he did with you. It's like you, Kaiba, and your child (reader's choice of her child's name) have became (not only a rich family, however also) a happy family, as well.

🩵The End🩵

I hope you had as much fun reading this Kaiba fanfic, as much as I had fun writing this fanfic, my Tumblr Peeps😃👍As for you, @sacredwarrior88 I hope I did well with writing the requested Kaiba fanfic as well😃👍I enjoyed writing that particular fanfic😃👍I mostly mentioned the "character discovers reader and reader's child" for the genre, because I'm really not sure what genre I could choose to describe the fanfic, so this is all I could come up with for genres😅

[ashessonfire]

hey if your headcanon requests are still pen, could you do something with nina x reader who has chronic pain?

Nina Zenick x (Chronically ill) Reader - Headcanons <3

- Pairing : Nina Zenick x Chronically ill! Reader

A/N - Hello loves! I am back, and I have so many works almost ready to be shared, so please wait for me! Hopefully this does Nina justice since it's my first time interpreting her character in my writing. (feel free to let me know how I did ) I will be trying to post as much as I can before I move into uni, so get your requests in soon or it may be a long time before i get to them XD

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Although Nina's Grisha abilities do not mainly lie in healing, her heartrender skills are exceptionally welcomed to combat your chronic pain

Early on in your blossoming relationship, your condition is brought up during the start of a flare up

Nina is relieved, somewhat, to know she can soothe an ache, or lift a sharp note of pain with her powers

Running her fingers along your tender skin, she would ease out as much as your discomfort as possible, strings of soothing words distracting you from the process

Nina is not a healer however, and as much as she wishes it, she cannot remain by your side constantly

So, she comes up with small solutions to brighten your day, and distract you from the discomfort your condition brings you

Evidently, Nina loves her food, and would always cook or bake whatever your heart desired when your body began to throb

"I know you only asked for the soup, but look at the crust on that bread huh?"

I can just picture her serving up heaps of steaming meals and snacks, catering to your every need in an attempt to steal your attention

Another method I can picture the brunette adopting is talking

It is well known within the crows, and the entirety of the Dregs, that Nina loves to talk

On several critical heists, she had been bruised by Kaz's cane thumping against her legs to quieten her chatter

So I don't think it would come as a surprise that she would try to talk your pain away

Some days, she would huddle close to you under a mountain of blankets, arms wrapped around your body as her powers numbed the pains into dull aches

Leaning towards your ear, she would recite tales from Ravka, twisting beautiful folk tales into iridescent pictures in your mind

Depending on your mood, she could talk for hours about her childhood, Ravkan folk tales, her training as a Grisha, and occasionally an hour or two of foreign languages

Although her tales could not physically extract your pain, her love and care would be more than enough to distract you from the worst of it

Nina would go to the ends of the earth to bring you as much comfort as she can, and facing the wrath of Kaz Brekker was nothing in comparison to your needs

No matter the time of month or day a flare up came, Nina would storm into his office and demand a cut of her paycheck, just so she could buy you the best medicines available

After this became more than a regular occurrence, Kaz began to set aside sums of Nina's money just to stop her visits to his office

Knowing that you would have the very best pain medication whilst she was absent gave her some peace of mind, although being by your side always calmed her more

Nina often feels guilty that she cannot do more, but with her warm embraces, and gentle love, it gets easier to deal with the struggles of your pain <3

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P.S : As a chronically ill person myself, I just wanted to say that my requests will always be open for ideas like this, and my private messages are open for anything. If anyone is experiencing any form of chronic illness and needs someone to talk to, I am here for you!! It can be super isolating and difficult, especially when those around you cannot understand your struggles. Hopefully this post can find all my spoonie crow fans!! <333

[amethystina]

Hi hi <3

I've been rewatching TDJ and rereading the fic (yes I'm on a marathon) and I was seriously wondering how I would feel about the The Trial Live Show (I think that's the name?? I forgot) if I was inside the drama universe. And I admit that despite wanting to believe that I would have a critical opinion about this whole situation, honestly with all the injustice in the world I would probably just be relieved that someone had a effective attitude and influence on everything that was happening.

What would it be your opinion if this all happened irl?

P.S (not related but I saw your other post about how some people have been pressuring – intentionally or not – for you to release the new chapter and complaining that is taking long. I just want to say that your only obligation is to take care of yourself and do what you want to do in your own time and limit. You've already given to us, readers, everything that you can and we appreciate all the effort and love that is put into your works. Thank you very very much.)

Hi! Now that's an interesting question! And it depends a lot on the context, I'd say.

Like, my view on the Live Court Show as the person I am right now is probably very different from how I'd view it if I'd actually grown up in that world. And the difference is a little too big for me to be able to account for all the nuances — and not only because I assume I'd have to change nationality, first of all? xD Which is a pretty big thing since the culture one grows up in can colour one's understanding of the world to a very big extent. My values and experiences would most likely be pretty different.

So while the me right now, in this world, can say that I would be VERY critical of the Live Court Show, I'm not sure I'd feel the same if I was actually IN that world. Me now am concerned not only about the popularity contest aspect that Lawyer Ko pointed out — which would only grow worse and worse the longer the show kept going. Like, people would form a bond with the people they saw the most — i.e. the judges — and not the people involved in the actual trials, who are literal strangers and not as interesting. Aside from the beauty and charm factor that Jin Joo mentions, most people would just end up siding with the familiar players they've formed a relationship with, regardless of the facts presented. If the judges were leaning in one direction, the majority of the public probably would as well.

I mean, just look at Judge Judy. Most people watch it for Judge Judy, not the people who come to her courtroom. They're side characters in her show, even if it's their lives that are being judged (literally).

And, adding to that, the general public aren't experts at law and don't really understand what a lot of the terms mean — or the repercussions of their choices. Their judgement is based almost solely on emotion. And there's a reason why jury members are sometimes excluded because they're seen as too partial, coloured by what the media have been saying or their own beliefs. It wouldn't be a fair and neutral trial. But here you have an entire population who have no such restrictions, nor do they have the time to fully study each piece of evidence or understand what is actually being said. They're asked to make a decision based solely on a couple of colourful PowerPoint presentations — within a couple of minutes, no less.

Like, I'm a librarian, yeah? (though I don't work at a library right now) And trust me when I say that the last thing we'd want is for the patrons to start putting the books back on the shelves on their own. They mean well, but sometimes there's stuff you have to do with the books before they can be reshelved, not to mention that most patrons don't actually understand the classification system. That's the librarian's job. So if the patrons were the ones to put the books back, a lot of them would end up in the wrong place and it'd be a complete mess within a couple of weeks. No one would find anything. And the librarians would now have to spend a significant amount of time reorganising and moving misplaced books, which is just terribly inefficient. Having patrons involved in the process actually makes it harder than if we'd just done it ourselves from the beginning.

And there's a danger of something similar happening with a court where the entire population can be on the jury. What if they make a mistake? Because they misjudged the situation? Or they couldn't be given all the evidence during the show's runtime? Also, while the drama never mentioned it, appeals are a thing. Do you really think that Ju Il Do didn't hire someone to start on his appeal as soon as he calmed down from the shock of the verdict in that first episode? Would the Live Court Show handle appeals, too? Or would that be dumped into the laps of other courts? And just how much weight would the people's judgement have in comparison to a regular court, which spends a lot more time scrutinising the evidence?

(I might be thinking too much about this, I know xD)

BUT, at the same time, it's easy for me — the person I am right now — to say that, because I'm privileged as fuck. I grew up poor, sure, (and perhaps have more accumulated trauma than average) but I'm comfortably middle class now. Adding to that, I'm white, living in Sweden, and am pretty comfortable with the gender I was assigned at birth. The worst forms of oppression I've faced are misogyny, some casual fatphobia, and the fear of homophobia (with me being married to another woman and all). But do note that I say "fear of homophobia," not actual homophobia. So, really, I'm not in a position to judge, ESPECIALLY not the ones living in the world they portray in The Devil Judge.

In fact, that's something I kept telling my wife as I explained the drama to her. My morals right now are not applicable to a world like that. I think the Live Court Show has a lot of flaws and Yo Han's actions shouldn't be condoned (cool motive — still murder) but if I had gone through the economic crisis they were experiencing? And the oppression they face every day? And probably wouldn't have been able to marry my wife since it seems to be a pretty conservative society?

I can't promise I wouldn't have been queueing up to join Yo Han xD

I DO think I'd still be hesitant to fully support the Live Court Show, though, and see the flaws I mentioned above (plus all the others I don't have time to get into right now) BUT my feeling of helplessness might just overpower that, had I grown up like Jin Joo or Ga On. That's not to say that I'd necessarily think it was okay (especially the outright illegal parts), but I could maybe look the other way, just because I was so frustrated.

So it's difficult to say for sure, but I'm fairly confident my stance would be different if I had grown up in a world like that. Right now, I have so much privilege that it's easy for me to take the high road and promote the morally upright solution, but if I had suffered through what they have? Not sure I would be as forgiving. And I think that's natural. There's only so much injustice we humans can endure before we start gathering up the pitchforks.

That said, I think it's still important to be aware of what is morally right and wrong. We might not always be able to follow what we know is the right path — that's human, especially when we are oppressed — just don't forget your way back.

So yeah. I hope that's a somewhat satisfying reply xD

And thank you so much for your kind words 💜 I know all that on an intellectual level, but it's not always easy to remember. Especially when I would genuinely love to be able to post more often and it frustrates me that I can't. I'm just as bummed out as you readers, believe me on that.

But, on that subject, I'm actually looking into decreasing my hours at work, at least temporarily, to hopefully make me less exhausted (which is another way I'm incredibly privileged — I can actually ASK for something like that (though I need a doctor's approval first)). So, maybe, I'll get some room to breathe and rest soon. Fingers crossed!

[reitheist]

bucchigiri ep 9 thoughts:

taken over huh... is that also what senya is doing to arajin maybe? like with the magic trampstamp (words i never expected to write...)

shindo is a bitch and pathetic but i enjoy his character unfortunately (in my defense, my interpretation of him threatening to do That to mahoro was just to make arajin pissed and get him to reveal senya. i think it was kind of narrative low-hanging fruit honestly.)

'is that a yes or no' take a wild fucking guess buddy

zabuuuuuu you are such a good friend

senya hitting people as a show of affection lol

matakara gathering money, presumably he was saving to get an apartment with his brother. what's he planning to use it for?

oh my godddd the cat boy drama 💀 this side gag is so stupid but so funny i love it. i imagine jasmine as as a pure white long hair cat and pu'er as a classic brown tabby. also cat boy getting way too invested in his personal life is *chefs kiss*

arajin is trying his absolute best to convince himself he doesn't care about matakara

the dynamic between komao, zabu, and ara is really funny. i think in other shows they might just sideline the friend characters but they really have an awkward 'friend of a friend' dynamic i like. komao isn't really socially aware enough to be mean to ara despite being him being mean to matakara, and zabu is more hostile but puts most of that aside for matakara's sake. it's like your friends scoping out your awful crush lmao

THE LIFE SIZED NAKED MARITO DOLL? EXCUSE ME??? there is so much wrong with mahoro oml

wait is the life sized naked marito doll marito's? that's somehow weirder.

mahoro, is that concern for a person who isn't your brother? wow

matakara :(

so is the 'monster' literal or metaphorical? interesting

ichiya you're hot as hell but stop telling matakara to draw away from his friends you bitch

'one person would've wanted it' stopppppp 😭 arajin is realizing he liked having matakara around while matakara is being turned against his friends by ichiya. the dramatic irony is killing me

the fact that this 'love forever stone' is a lake blue stone wrapped specifically in a blue cloth as well... that thing is definitely going to be given to matakara by the end, right? pretty gay if you ask me.

ohhhh my god mahoro character growth. plus her relating to him specifically through their shared brother idolization is a good touch. very sweet

mahoro's basically saying like "dude how are you only focused on yourself and me right now. how have you not noticed your childhood friend is depressed and crazy in love with you. like seriously he has not been subtle. at all." lmao i love herrrrrrr

mahoro deserves her own show

also relieved to have ara's interpretation of matakara and mahoro's relationship as romantic to be kind of trivialized again in this scene. i think their dynamic is more interesting as two very different personalities which share just enough to relate with each other. she only wants ara to get his shit together for matakara's sake. i want them to be besties please

arajin is The Worst with emotions huh. he can't read other's feelings and he's somehow worse at reading his own. he needs to stop being relatable right this second

yknow at this point i think i can say i truly and properly enjoy arajin as a character. he's mostly an asshole and deeply emotionally unintelligent but i like him regardless and because of it

ah senya ichiya and arajin matakara parallels as i expected

so does senya=matakara and ichiya=arajin kind of?

i really wasn't joking about them being exes huh

stoppppp ichiya gave him his name? senya was and continues to be so ridiculously down bad

'he meant absolutely everything to me.' dude.

senya is trying to get ara and matakara together bc he couldn't do that for him and ichiya

i am so gd curious what happened to drive them apart

matakara losing sight why he wanted to become a honki person in the first place (ara) and trying to destroy it

'what senya wants is your body' context needed.

i'm thinking maybe ichiya is willing to fully take over bodies and senya isn't, thus why he hasn't done it to arajin already. that or he was planning to in the beginning but got too attached

ohhh this is gonna make for a good dramatic fight

ughhhh another really good episode. i think the story's finally full found its stride. very hyped for the last 3 episodes. i think next episode will probably deal with betrayal between senya and ara, leading senya to explain exactly what happened between him and ichiya. matakara will trying to fight ara and ara will have to run away, frustrating matakara even more. mahoro might focus on trying to help matakara

[natasha-in-space]

Hey ive a small request. I just thought of yoosung route with an mc who....actually knew him for a long time and had secretly crushed on him and admired him when both of them were in school. It is pretty canon that yoosung was a popular kid at his school and had many girls crushing on him. One of the girls happened to be mc who cant help but admire him from afar. Back in the day yoosung was the first guy who had been kind and sweet towards her and that stuck with her for the rest of her life. She never confessed her feelings, thinking that she might be "too weird" for him (since she was one of the "weird girls" of the class because of her shyness).

She however never found out about his grief regarding rika, she has a faint memory of him appearing sad on the day of graduation and she has no idea why...it just felt very unusual of him from her perspective. She mustered up some courage to ask him why he is sad but he pushed her away by plastering a fake smile and saying "im actually fine dont worry", she knew he was lying but that day she couldnt ask him more and force him to talk. Few days later she moves out to a different country with her family

Fast forward to current time she ends up being stuck in the apartment because she could not say no to an obviously shady man and finds the same guy she had once admired.

Because the mc here is a very socially awkward person, I am pretty sure she would end up only inviting a handful of people so its going to be the normal ending instead of good ending (which basically means that she would meet him at the hospital and not at the party)

So how do you think the reunion will be. I love your writings very much i want to see your take on this

Life can be so peculiar.

You can meet people by who's side you will end up spending the rest life with, by pure chance. Or, you can lose the one person you thought understood you more than anyone else could. It's unpredictable. And that's a thought that is both terrifying and relieving to ponder over late in the night, when there is nothing else fot you to do but just lay there and stare at the ceiling of your bedroom, deep in thought.

It was unexpected to meet Yoosung again, to say the least. It seems like such cliche story, ripped straight from some generic k-drama and not real life, doesn't it? A shy, closed off kid meeting their popular high school crush further down the line, when they are both now established adults with their own individual lives. But, then again, maybe it wasn't as strange. It's not like you went through some mind-boggling 'glow-up' in these few years, like characters in k-dramas usually do. You were still the same introverted and kind of nerdy dork you were in high school, just a bit more capable of putting up a somewhat acceptable front in public.

Yoosung, though? He was almost an entirely different person.

Well, not entirely, but he was still a far cry from the popular and academic boy you knew back in high school. Not in a bad way, per se... But, it still shocked you quite a bit once you got to know him fully. Then again, it's not like you have really known him at all until now. That doesn't mean your past crush on him was superficial by any means, but it was still rather innocent and puppy-like on your end. You wanted to get to know him better, to see sides of him you couldn't see when he was in public... but, you were far too insecure and skittish to be so bold.

Alas, life had other plans for you.

His hair was not the same neatly styled brunette you remembered. In its place, was a new bright blonde hue that fit him surprisingly well, layered in an adorably casual look that made your heart skip a beat the moment you saw his selfie in the chat, when you first joined. His choice of clothing was more free-spirited, less classy and uptight. The type that made you wonder how his shirts would look and feel on you if you were to borrow them. And his overall attitude seemed to have become a bit more carefree and lighthearted. These major changes surprised you. But, they weren't unwelcome by any means. They intrigued you. Made you want to talk to him, and learn all the ways that he has changed in these couple of years.

Thankfully, you were a bit more chatty behind the safety of your phone.

With chatting, you could take your time and make sure your wordings are correct. You didn't have to just say the first thing that came to mind and then follow through with it. You could express yourself accurately. And you would use that lucky opportunity to its full potential.

Yoosung's apparent active neglect of his studies was surprising to you. The straight-A student you knew back in high school was completely different from this older Yoosung. Maybe you should have been put off by this particular negative change of his, but it only made you grow concerned for him. The more you talked, the less... happy he appeared to you. Sure, his attitude was cheery and carefree on the surface. But, sometimes, you would read upon a phrase or two that would make you pause, your brows furrowing in concern and your heart clenching in your chest, despite it being passed around like a light joke or something.

I don't really know what my talents are.

I don't really know what I want to do.

I just play games to get rid of stress or feel less lonely.

Trying to find what you're interested in itself is a luxury.

It felt like... he just gave up on himself. On his future, and, subsequently, his own happiness. That thought was gnawing at you. It's like he didn't... believe he was capable of finding fulfillment in life, so he gave up on trying altogether. It wasn't right.

Although he may have neglected his studies, he remained the same passionate and lively person you fell for in back in high school. His drive was still there, but it was almost like it got fizzled out due to something you couldn't quite figure out yet. You did remember him seeming rather... downcast back at your graduation. No, he looked downright crushed.

You have a distinct memory of wanting to approach him and inquire about his wellbeing. Maybe you could have offered for him to come and spend some time with you. Yet, as always, you were far too big of a scaredy cat to do so.

Things had changed since then. You may be shy and timid, but you weren't going to let your fears and insecurities hold you back from doing something you knew in your heart was right. Not when life has given you a second chance like this.

And so, that's how you got here. You finally got to see him face to face after eleven days of complete and utter rollercoaster of emotions. Meeting Yoosung in the hospital ward wasn't how you planned it... but, you were just glad to see him smiling and safe.

Furthermore, his smile was meant for you. An observation that left you reeling as you walked sheepishly into his hospital ward, knowing that everyone has left to give you some alone time. It was just you and him now.

"...Hi."

He smiles wider, as if he's excited to finally hear your voice in person, no longer muffled by his speaker phone. You can see him straining a little bit to sit upright, but ultimately deciding against it. "Hi."

So much to say, yet so little time... You find yourself just staring at him for a few moments, before deciding to just go for it. Considering everything that happened during these eleven days between you two, there was no need for you to be cautious or distant. He was pretty straightforward with you about his feelings. Much more upfront than you could ever be. And, some part of you was still in disbelief that he has actually come to love you in such a short amount of time.

It was too good to be true.

You reach his bedside and sit on the chair placed neatly next to it. Without thinking much about it, you reach out and place a gentle hand on his palm, his skin soft and warm under your touch. It makes you smile almost inadvertently. "It's... so good to finally see you. Are you alright? We were all so shocked when Seven..."

"-I'm okay. You don't have to worry." Yoosung cuts you off in a soft tone, his smile turning a bit bashful, and you feel his fingers cautiously intertwining with yours, almost like he was testing the waters, wanting to see if you will pull away from his touch. Of course, you didn't. He sighs, seeming to be enjoying the comfortable silence for a brief moment, before continuing, his thumb warmly brushing the back of your hand. "I promise I'll tell you everything a bit later. There will be no secrets between us. I just... I want this moment to be about us, you know?"

Your heart flutters in your chest as you nod in response to such sweet words. You knew what he meant, though. You really did. He was brave enough to say it openly while you weren't. "What... do you want to talk about?"

You opt to give him the initiative here. To see where this would go. He hums softly, pondering for a few moments before replying, his eye always fixed on you. Not like you could blame him. Finally talking to him face to face and not having to imagine what he actually looks like, was having the same effect on you. You two might be more similar than you think.

"...I just... I can't help but think that this was fate, you know? That Rika really did bring you to me. To help me find what I have lost back when she left us. To help me move forward with my life." He licks his lips, and you give him an encouraging nod, letting him know that you are indeed listening. Rushing this was not necessary. He seemed to appreciate your gesture, with an adorably sweet smile tugging at the corners of his mouth that made your heart swell. "It's funny... I was so popular back in high school, I had so many people I called my friends, and yet, I barely have seen them since then. Yet, the one who made their way back into my life like a hurricane was... you."

You can't help but chuckle and shake your head a little bit. "I would say it was the other way around... but, I am flattered to hear that."

You sway in your seat, unsure if you should mention it or not. In the end, you make the decision to be truthful. You two are technically a couple now, after all. It's only right to be honest with him. And... a huge part of you was always longing for a chance to tell him what you were far too scared to tell all those years ago.

So, you go for it.

"...How surprised would you be, if I told you that I actually had a huge crush on you back in high school?"

You watch his eyes widen and his mouth fall open as he just stares at you for a few moments, completely taken aback by your revelation. It was both endearing and a bit embarrassing to witness. You chuckle nervously, feeling your cheeks grow warm as you look down at your hands locked together, suddenly far too shy to look him in the eye.

"You just seemed so out of my league back then... You were the popular guy - one everyone liked. And, I mean... who was I? Just an anxious mess always sitting in the back of the class. Invisible and weird. So, I... never really approached you about it." You pause, your expression growing a bit somber as you call back to the day of your graduation. An event that was meant to be a moment of triumph and joy. A celebration of the start of your future. Yet, for you two, it wasn't anything like that. "What I always regretted the most, though... was not talking to you back at our graduation. I could tell that something was wrong, but I was too much of a chicken to actually do anything about it. So, I... when I walked into that apartment, and realized it was actually you... I don't know. I just felt like life has given me a second chance. To make things right this time."

There are a few minutes of silence between you two, nothing but the muffled noises of the hospital bustling with life on the other side of the door, and your shared breathing. Despite this, it's not suffocating or uncomfortable at all. It's oddly peaceful. You know he's processing all that you just told him, and you feel strangely calm as you give him all the time he needs before he responds.

Yoosung gently tugs your hand, a silent request for you to look up at him, and you grant him that request without any reservations on your part. His rosy eye is soft as he looks at you, and his brows slightly knit together, but it is not an expression of displeasure or unhappiness. Rather, it's a look of curiosity and disbelief that makes your breath catch in your throat. You remain silent, though, just waiting for him to come up with his piece.

You told your truth. Now, it was his turn.

"All this time... All this time you were right there, by my side, and I didn't even know it. You really are my blessing, aren't you, Y/N?"

His voice shakes as he speaks, his throat bobbing as he clearly attempts to swallow his emotions. It doesn't seem to work, though, as you can see his eye glistening slightly with unshed tears. So much for not getting emotional. As you gently squeeze his hand, you feel yourself becoming quite choked up too. A small laugh escapes you: a natural response to a rather emotional exchange happening between you. "I wouldn't call it that... I was too much of an anxious mess to do anything for the majority of that time. I'm still that awkward, scared kid, to be quite honest. Just a little bit more mature now."

Yoosung shakes his head, and an adorable pout takes its place on his cheeks. He almost seems offended when he hears you talk about yourself in this manner. "You are so much more than that."

"Yeah?" You smile, finding his insistence rather cute.

"Your words, your encouragements, your trust in me - it all gave me strength to let go of my grief and move forward with my life. Before you came along, I... I was just adrift. After Rika passed, I... I honestly felt like a big part of me died with her. I no longer knew who I was, or what I was meant to do, or if there was any point to what I do, if all my efforts could be just ripped away from so cruelly. I gave up on myself. Truth is, deep down, I didn't believe I could be happy. But, you..." he squeezes your hand, laying his other palm atop of it now as well. "You came along, and you believed in me, when no one else did. You encouraged me and told me that it's never too late to seek out that happiness I thought I lost. You never judged me, never made fun of me. You just... listened. Listened and accepted me for who I was. No, you saw things no one else saw, not even me. I can finally say that I am proud of who I am, and that's because of the way your words have motivated and encouraged me. You are the most brave and amazing person I know. And I'll be damned if I don't tell you that every single day from now on."

You're at a loss for words when faced with such a heartfelt speech. It's just too much. In the best way possible. You are pretty sure you can feel a couple of tears sliding down your cheeks now, as a tiny laugh slips from your lips. You wipe your eyes with your free hand, sniffing.

"...I forgot how great you are at giving motivational speeches."

Your blunt response makes you both laugh, a new lightness filling your chest as you suddenly feel all your nerves fade from your mind. Yoosung didn't make you nervous. Not at all. You knew you were safe with him. Just like you always took his problems and struggles seriously, he would do the same for you.

"I wasn't the class president for nothing, you know."

"That you weren't."

[dangermousie]

For a drama that was clearly filmed on a shoestring budget, they have some really pretty shots - the way QL is shot looking at Ling snap and then come out of it, is gorgeous.

And it's so telling that her main reaction is not fear of him but worry for him. In many another set-up, I'd call her naive but for her, with her issues, it is normal people that is terrified of and also while she has never snapped the way he does, she can understand going after a tormentor because that is what she wishes she could have done. His violence is not off putting for her because she wishes she could be like that.

One of the things I like about Mars is what they do with Qing Mei, who'd be the insane secondary girl in many a drama - she tried and she snapped and then she got over it. And here she is giving QL Ling's address. She is CAPABLE OF MOVING ON.

Ling's hovel is definitely a hovel and it's an unpretty dump. I love that it's almost aggressively ugly - more shows should do that for their broke characters. But also, here is QL who started the show literally flinching from anyone in any proximity, feeling safe enough to wait for Ling as he showers right there. It's both progress for her character (we earlier saw her stand up to girls in school) and because she feels safe with him.

Oooofff! This is a convo they have where he says his father never lifted a hand to him/lost his temper at him and she comments he's a good man and Ling responds that is not the case, he's just afraid of him and QL is incredulous, how can a man be afraid of his own son. I really really like that they both have severe trauma but it's a very different one and that is why they react differently and their triggers are different. And then they come to the crux of it. This is the MOST vulnerability and honesty we've seen him show anyone by a factor of a 100:

And then being himself, he tries to go "psych!"

And you can see her be relieved "what kind of parent would treat their kid that way" and the thing is, he could have just left it at that but he cannot. She is past all his shields and he's rather desperate.

God, I love this! And it makes so much sense, as I mentioned before, that she's afraid of "normal," not of someone genuinely out there because she's been abused over and over by normal. (And she doesn't mention her stepfather but she clearly wants to, and he's smart enough to catch she's omitting something.)

OK, I don't remember stuff about his mom that well but if I remember correctly, she tried to kill him at some point. And it's so interesting that Ling doesn't remember that (between his age and suppressing the trauma), but his subconscious does somehow...

Notice something - he leans in, she is uncomfortable and suggests going for a walk and he just pulls back, no hesitation or word of complaint. The violent kid who was involuntarily committed respected her boundaries the way all those praiseworthy members of community did not.

Watching them on a date is such a delight. They don't just talk out issues, they genuinely have so much fun together.

This is only barely related to the above but I wanted to talk about it - I love that always in their relationship, they meet each other where the other person is at, they don't try to change the other person, they just decide if they can live with it or not - sometimes they can't (when she decides to agree to live with her abuser, he goes "I am out,") but they don't really try to change each other - they do change each other and for each other, but this is organic and voluntary. They grow tremendously, but they never force the other to do so.

It really comes to a head with Ling's choice of being a motorcycle racer - it's an insanely dangerous profession. His bio father died from it. The whole story opens with his visiting a mentor who just lost a leg doing so. QL is very much aware how dangerous this is. And for her, Ling is her whole life - her family are dead or monsters. When he almost dies (from other stuff), she loses it. And yet, she never not once asks him to quit or even thinks about how good it would be if it was. Her father even posits it to her and she rejects it. She could get him to quit for her - I mean later on, he agrees to his father's demands in order to save her, and that wasn't even her asking. And she knows that but she won't. Because she loves him the way he is and she wants him to do what makes him happy, not to constrain himself for her. He set her free and she cannot constrain him as a return. They are both their best and their freest and their truest to themselves with each other and I love it so.

God, I love them so so so much!

[swallowerofdharma]

Berserk, chapter 054 Reunion in the Abyss (深淵の再会, Shin'en no Saikai)

"Crying for other people and thinking about other people. That might just be a fantasy. But if it's a person with a heart like that, even if that person is a demon or a human, I'll accept that person." Miki Makimura in Devilman Crybaby 2018.

Remember when Guts said to Rickert “you could never really hate Griffith”? I felt called out completely.

As a reader, I am empathetic to the pain Guts carries, and I recognize his ambivalent emotions, the ways he has to make himself a certain way, how he can’t make himself forget the eclipse.

And I find myself very close to Casca - one of the most unbearable moments for me reading was to see her point of view in the dream sequence, the moment her heart and mind broke.

And I can never hate Griffith. And that’s why this story keeps me on my toes so much more than others, makes me think and think and feel so much.

Hate is such not the point. If you read a story and your point is hate, or to assign roles such as heroes and villains, then I don’t think Berserk is for you. (There’s an infinite amount of fantasy out there built precisely for that). Or you are missing out certain ideas Miura was painstakingly building and, if we are going to see the ending he had envisioned, you probably won’t be happy with it.

Berserk is a fantasy story written against the idea of evil, against the naïve point of view on giving judgment and punishment, against those common and institutionalized conservative practices born to maintain order and status quo and to relieve people from the burden of reflecting too much. These habits have enormous consequences in the way we prioritize condemnation, punishment and exclusion instead of forms of critique, understanding, acceptance and inclusion, to find, prevent and fight against the circumstances that drive people to make bad choices.

So yes, I can never hate Griffith because I looked at what Miura showed me with a non-conventional and non-conservative understanding of the possibilities of framing characters and stories.

Misunderstanding someone and that someone ending being alone, not being seen as deserving of empathy, love and acceptance, shunning people, people being rendered incapable of expression or communication, not being able to ask for help, not being able to face suffering and sorrow in others, isolation and loneliness are investigated so much in Berserk, together with all the possible ways and consequences of child abuse and neglect, it is really hard to not believe that Miura was making a point. The idea of evil is making us blind to the very real and common things that are going to facilitate our weaker behaviors and more basic instincts.

How many of us would have let Nina be herself, weak, desperate and scared and constantly making selfish decisions and still would have accepted her time and time again like Luca does? How many writers would have discarded her? But Miura included her in the story in a way that isn’t for comic relief or to ridicule her. There are so many examples, this is just an easy one.

I’d like to write down more of my impressions. But it is going to be a slow process and I will do it only if I can find pleasure in it. So these drafts are probably going to be done at whim and out of order.

Let’s go back to the scene above from chapter 54 for now.

Guts is taking in Griffith’s conditions after a year of imprisonment and torture. When he says his name, Griffith opens his eyes and stares sharply and a little crazed at Guts, lifting his arm to try and strangle him. Guts doesn’t even register the gesture as menacing, hugging him and starting to cry. Griffith observes his face and lowers his hand, his expression changes completely. But he isn’t able to cry. His tearless eyes are another detail that adds so much depth to this scene, where the one expressing extreme emotions and pain is Guts. Griffith can’t cry even now and this is one of the rarest instances when someone else does it for him, only it took him being destroyed for that to happen. I am amazed at how much depth Miura is able to communicate with gestures and expressions alone.

I am also glad that, immediately after, we see also Charlotte’s and Casca’s reactions. The princess has tears in her eyes too, even without fully understanding the situation. Casca is in a cold sweat, trembling because she is more attuned to darkness and she is intuitively aware of the horrors of that place. I really like Charlotte’s character and I think she plays a big role in the story that gets overlooked. Since the moment she is introduced, there are four main characters, not three, on the stage of the romantic drama. So I really want to talk about her soon.