#TILT Holdings (CN)

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Sound Waves Mind's Quest (Pt. 2)

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]

Note: This date explores some very suggestive themes, so if you do not meet the game's required 17+ age rating, I'd suggest to avoid reading this date.

Read Part 1: HERE

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 4]

I don't know how much time passes before I am gently awoken by bright and warm sunshine.

I open my eyes and stare at the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window for a while. Then, I sleepily turn around and find Kiro no longer beside my pillow.

MC: ...Kiro?

No one responds to me, only the faint sounds of scratching come from nearby.

I prop myself up and look around, finding him lying in a corner of the attic with his back turned towards me, a large pair of headphones on his head, and a pen held in his hand, scribbling and writing something unknown.

With it being such a quiet morning, I am unable bring myself to disrupt such a scene. So I quietly sit against the wall and watch him.

Unconsciously, I catch a glimpse of the portable keyboard next to my feet. The black and white keys on it seem to jump on their own in the light and shadow, bringing to mind the melody and our gasps from last night.

Somehow, I pick up the keyboard and gently start to play it.

But for some reason, I am unable to restore that melody for a while.

As I carefully think about it, a sound comes from the side opposite me. I raise my head and find Kiro turning to face me.

The sunshine lovingly embraces him and he smiles at me.

Kiro: Your rhythm's a bit slow. It should sound like...

As he speaks, he taps his fingertips on the floor and hums softly.

I nod in enlightenment, but the melody that forms under my fingertips still doesn't match the beat in certain parts.

Kiro: [softly] A little faster again.

He continues to tap beats on the floor, but this time, he intentionally breaks them down, allowing me to understand them a lot more clearly.

I quickly grasp that motion and play again, and one by one, those notes smoothly play out again.

MC: ....!

My confidence suddenly increases significantly. Feeling exhilarated, I can't help but continue playing the notes.

MC: I seem to have learned a lot. Maybe in a few years, I can be called a music producer~

Kiro: ......

At this moment, all sounds seem to dissipate.

All Kiro sees is the large swath of sunlight embracing the girl and her white nightgown exuding a fuzzy glow.

She sits on the floor and casually plays, the sunshine leaping under her fingertips and shining brightly into her eyes.

He can't take his eyes off of her. All he can do is watch her like this.

For some reason, he suddenly remembers the days when he first formed the band.

At that time, he always heard stories of friendship or love one after another amongst his bandmates. Those people were able to get to know each other through their music and gradually get closer to each other.

He had also listened to music by a lot of other people. Those pure melodies and obsessions have also touched and influenced him.

But her music is different.

The simple and casual notes, her slightly messy bedhead, the shallow wrinkles in her nightgown, and her indulgent smile.

It's so simple and ordinary, yet it makes his heart swell.

He has never experienced this feeling before - like he's endlessly falling into her music, being constantly covered in her hugs and kisses.

MC: Kiro, can you teach me more?

The girl hugs her knees, tilts her head and smiles at him. But he doesn't speak, just stretches out his hand towards her.

Looking at Kiro's open palm, I smile knowingly, pick up the keyboard and walk towards him.

But as soon as I put the keyboard next to him, he suddenly grabs a hold of my wrist and pulls me, prompting me to sit directly on top of him.

MC: Wait. Do - do you want to teach like this?

His warm skin immediately presses against my thigh, causing my voice to stutter.

Kiro: [in a lazy seductive tone] When did I promise to teach you?

MC: Then what are you...?

He stares at me for a while. Then, intentionally or not, his fingertips brush up my skirt.

Every place he touches seems to burn, leaving me feeling hot and itchy.

Kiro: "Teacher Flower" is off work.

Kiro: This time belongs to Kiro now.

The sunlight seems to lean towards him, reflecting the tranquility and temptation in his eyes. His tight chest rises and falls under his half-lifted clothes, causing my breathing to unintentionally synchronize with his.

MC: Then... what does Kiro want to do?

Kiro: He wants to say...

He strokes my cheek and then slowly climbs up to my neck, letting me get closer and closer to him, until our breaths are only inches apart.

My face instantly catches fire, but he still grasps my lower back with ease and restrains me.

Kiro: [whispers passionately x1] I really like you.

Kiro: [x2] I really... like you a lot.

His voice lingers in my ears, as if coaxing me.

Kiro: [x3] I want to kiss you.

His bewitching voice instantly tingles my ears. He raises his chin and gently takes my lips into his mouth.

As if still unsatisfied, he grinds circles into me, then onto my neck and collarbone, leaving sinful traces on every inch of my skin. My brain melts to the point where I toss all of my remaining rationality to the back of my mind and instinctively latch onto him.

He kisses me with his head raised, his sometimes gentle and sometimes turbulent breaths falling all over my body, until the hand entwined around my waist squeezes hard and I let out a soft, defenseless moan.

It's like a stone finally cracking the icy surface, finally exposing all of those restrained and pent-up emotions.

The itch that spreads from the depths of my body occupies my entire being. I helplessly place my hand against his chest, sensing that all my feelings and desires are being controlled by him.

Kiro: [x4] I really want to get closer to you...

MC: Kiro, no more...

As he sits up, I feel his hot chest pressing up against me.

The world trembles and that powerful heart pounds violently against my own, as though it is my own heart.

Kiro: [gasping] I want you.

Kiro: [voice trembling with desire] I want the deepest part of your heart... to become my shadow.

My sight rises and falls, and everything blurs except for those pair of eyes that hold my reflection. They only grow clearer.

I can no longer hold back the urge to whisper his name and lace my fingers together with his, allowing him to continue eroding the deeper corners of my world.

-

After several twists and turns, I nestle into Kiro's arms, basking in the sun, while idly looking through the music sheets and signed photographs scattered around me.

The floor was obviously clean last night, so how did it get so messy overnight..?

Suddenly, I remember the scene I saw when I first opened my eyes, and am unable to keep myself from gently poking him in the chest.

MC: When I first woke up, I found you busy with something. You... you didn't sleep at all last night, did you?

Kiro: Pretty much... I signed a couple of autographs, synthesized the past few days' improvs and then posted them online.

MC: Huh?

Noting my rising tone of voice, he smiles nonchalantly.

Kiro: We are Twinkle, so of course more people need to hear such amazing music.

MC: Wait, wait a minute, where did you post it?

Seeing him point at the computer on the table, I quickly run over and find that there is indeed a recently released song called "Wonderful Night".

I scroll the scroll wheel in shock and horror. Not only does the number of views exceed 1,000, but the number of followers and comments also increases by several with every referesh.

After being left stunned for a while, I put on my headphones and press the play button--

The familiar melody flows out, but is also accompanied by a lot of synthesizer effects that Kiro added to it, making the entire song sexy and trendy.

MC: Kiro... you're so amazing.

I turn around in admiration and find the he has closed his eyes.

Noticing that his stomach is still exposed, I tiptoe to pick up the blanket, but he turns over and holds me in his arms.

I lean close to his ear and and drop my voice down extremely low.

MC: Kiro... did you know that "Wonderful Night" has 10,000 views?

Kiro: Just 10,000... There'll be more in a few days.

He automatically mutters, making me laugh out loud.

This person is way too confident in himself.

I cannot help but snuggle into his arms and close my eyes along with him.

MC: Then after some time, will we have another side job?

Kiro lazily tightens his grip on my hand and rubs his fluffy hair against me.

Kiro: Nope, we're just doing this for fun.

T/n: In the above dialogue, Kiro uses the phrase "用爱发电" which literally translates into "generating electricity for love" which is Chinese slang for "working for little / no reward".

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 5]

Due to how fast the internet changes, I had thought that our song would only stir up a splash and then die down again.

However, I never expected the "viral" spread of that short video would eventually make it top the platform's hot song list.

MC: "When you put your headphones on, you can't help but vibe to this."

MC: "I discovered an amazing band while doing my daily routine."

MC: "Have you ever noticed that the vocals of the lead singer and Kiro sound similar? But the lead singer's voice is bassier and more seductive~

I huddle into my computer chair and delightfully read the comments.

Kiro stands in front of the mirror and buttons up his shirt, giving me a smile through the mirror.

Kiro: Are you that happy? You've been reading the comments all afternoon.

MC: Yeah, because some people in the comments also praised me, saying that the backing vocalist and keyboard player are very soulful! But I know that it was actually you who secretly helped me adjust a lot~

Kiro: Be confident. All I did was put in the final touches.

Kiro walks over to me, leans over and gives me a kiss. Then he bends his right arm and motions for me to take it.

Kiro: Alright, tonight's jazz concert is about to start. Let's get going.

MC: Coming!

I pick up my clutch, loop my arm around his and together, we walk out.

-

Actually, a few days prior to going viral, the two of us had a serious discussion on whether Twinkle should take advantage of this rise in popularity and pursue this victory.

But unsurprisingly, we reached an agreement and decided to let nature take its course--

For us, life has always be full of hard work and seriousness.

So when we are free to be ourselves, we should feel free to be bold.

-

In the dimness of the bar, the melody of jazz flows through the air, sometimes clear, sometimes soft, making me immerse myself into it.

As I listen, I tilt my head and whisper to Kiro.

MC: The keyboardist is amazing... They must all be improvising, right?

After not getting a response for a long time, I turn around and find him staring at his phone, a flash of excitement in his eyes. Just as I am about to ask him about it, he takes hold of my hand and walks out.

-

After passing through one seat after another, we come to a hidden aisle.

MC: What's wrong?

Kiro takes a deep breath and is unable to stop himself from kissing my forehead in excitement.

Kiro: I knew you'd shine wherever you were.

He takes out his mobile phone and shows me an email page written in English. I quickly glance at it and find it to be an invitation.

MC: This is...?

Kiro: Ahem, to put it simply, the WMA committee has invited Twinkle to perform at the awards ceremony.

Kiro: At the same time, they're also hoping that we can participate in the outdoor music festival they're holding the following day, which is, of course, also a performance.

His summary is simple and clear, but I am still left bombarded by the explosive amount of information.

MC: W-what?!

MC: That's impossible. No matter the scale or various factors, there's no way they'd invite us, right?

MC: This is the WMAs! The cast list for that had been decided long ago. Is this some kind of prank?

Kiro: Pranks could never escape the eyes of Key. I've also confirmed it with the sender as to why they want us.

Kiro: They said that a new band was unable to make it due to force majeure, and they'd originally planned to cancel the performance entirely...

He pauses and lowers his voice to my ear.

Kiro: [softly] But one of the judges listened to our song and did not find it to be inferior to the nominated works in terms of style and arrangement.

Kiro: So he sent us a private message asking us if we're willing to take part in the performance.

Seeing the lack of jest in his eyes, I slowly accept this shocking revelation.

But at the same time, I also secretly lament Kiro's genius.

Being able to gain recognition from professionals in such a short amount of time is definitely not something ordinary people can hope to achieve.

Finding me a little distracted, he takes me into his arms and looks down at me earnestly.

Kiro: MC, do you want to go?

MC: Huh? No, no, you'll be at risk of public opinion.

I subconsciously shake my head and wildly wave my hands around.

MC: If everyone knew that a superstar suddenly formed a band, who knows what would happed.

MC: In the event that things don't work out, it could even involve audio copyright issues... commercial endorsements...

Kiro: I've already consulted Savin about that. Although it gave him a headache, he said that as long as it wasn't commercialized, there'd be no economic risk.

Kiro: Besides, Twinkle's true identity is shrouded in mystery. When the time comes, we'll just put on disguises.

Seeing Kiro speak so easily, I squeeze his palm.

MC: Wherever there's an airtight wall in this world, the truth behind it will be discovered sooner or later. We should just stay on the internet.

Kiro: So what if we really get discovered? None of that matters to me.

He pauses then leans down to be on eye level with me.

Kiro: While I am a singer and an actor, I'm also just me.

Kiro: So I know for a fact that this is what Kiro wants to do. What about you?

Kiro: Do you want to perform on stage with me?

MC: ....!

The melodies of dull and distant jazz music comes to my ears, and, as if in response to them, the sound of my heartbeat gradually becomes clear.

I very well know the weight of what he is saying. For him, this is no adventure, but a determination after careful consideration.

No one can resist the "dream" beckoning to him.

What's more is... this is Kiro's light.

All the blood in my body begins to surge. I stare at the person in front of me and respond to him with a kiss.

MC: I want to. Very much. I've wanted to stand by your side since a long time ago.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[Memory Silhouette]

Late at night, after spending the entire evening practicing the ensemble, the girl drowsily drops onto the sofa and falls asleep.

Seeing how peacefully she sleeps, Kiro leans over and kisses the corner of her mouth.

Initially, he would have collapsed onto the warm sofa with her, but he wasn't feeling the slightest bit sleepy.

So he walks over to the keyboard, puts on his monitoring headphones and starts playing the black and white keys with his hands.

Like a stream in the forest, the music that enters his ears is light and slow.

And then he looks out the windows and sees all the lights of the cafe at the street corner out, the boss pulling down the shutter and walking further and further away with the keys--

The long-lasting memories in his mind that were about to be sealed slowly overlap with what's in front of him.

He's seen this scene too many times.

Always sitting alone by the window and playing... always watching the number of pedestrians and vehicles dwindle, and always watching the cafe close for the day.

Until he was only one left on the street who was still awake.

--"I don't want innovation, art, or cutting-edge. I just want music that the public can understand and appreciate."

--"Because I'm not here to do charity. You're all capable and handsome young fellows, so give me something that'll let me gain a foothold in this industry."

As long as interests were involved, Mr. Lawrence's words would start to become "harsh".

He understood those principles very well, and had to respond and pay attention to them before he could reach the top.

But he wasn't willing to let his music have only excellent yet dull notes, without any traces of "Kiro" in them.

He wanted everyone to see him and remember him.

So he went on a crazy creation spree, trying desperately to find the critical value that balanced the two.

Thinking of this, Kiro speeds up his fingers, causing the stream to become turbulent.

It seems ambitious, as if wanting to break through all the silt and sand.

--Fortunately, he made it.

Although he wasn't 100% satisfied, at least he wasn't going to feel guilty towards himself.

And as for not being able to make the make the music that he liked... he'd just consider it a small regret from his youth.

Perhaps in the future, it would become an echoing treasure.

As if sensing the emotions in his heart, the music flowing from his headphones becomes softer and more sympathetic.

At that moment, he notices a bit of movement behind him, and the music in his earphones comes to a stop, and then pours out of the speakers again.

MC: Don't keep all the good music to yourself, let me listen to it too~

He turns around in surprise and finds the girl holding the plug of the other end of his earphones in her hand, looking at him with a smile.

All at once, Kiro is pulled back from the past.

And that little seed of "regret" now sprouts and blossoms in front of her.

Kiro can't help but let out a soft smile.

Kiro: I was afraid of waking you up. After all, Miss Chips is now a very popular keyboardist. She needs to recharge her batteries before the performance~

He pulls the girl to sit next to him, kisses her forehead with longing, and continues the melody from just now.

The girl leans on his shoulder and listens carefully.

After a long time, she asks him a question.

MC: Kiro... If I want to create music now, it's all because of you.

MC: Do you think I'm not pious or pure enough about music?

Kiro's fingertips pause slightly and he feels his blood surge uncontrollably.

He doesn't know how to respond for a while. All he does is stare at the girl.

But with that silence, the "uneasiness" in the girl's eyes grows more and more obvious. Unable to stop himself anymore, he laces his fingers with hers and kisses her with all the throbbing in his heart.

Kiro: [murmuring x1] I've asked myself similar questions before.

Amidst that scorching kiss, a very gentle and sincere sound pours out from between their lips.

Kiro: [x2] I'm all too honored to be an opportunity for your creation.

Kiro: [x3] Love is just a premise. The notes that follow will be the happiness that belongs only to you.

Kiro: [x4] I am very much willing to share this happiness with you.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 6]

Unsurprisingly, Kiro wins the Best Pop Vocal Album Award.

Facing a wave of applause, he calmly walks onto the stage and takes the trophy from the host.

Like a handsome nobleman adored by thousands, the bright lights favor only him, making him seem ostentatious without diminishing his grace.

He takes a step forward and leans over to hold the microphone, solemnly and swiftly thanking every person that accompanied him.

I sit in the audience, my gaze forever on him, until those eyes meet mine in the crowd.

Kiro: I'm still pretty lucky this year, to be able to chase my dreams without any hesitation, and to be able to hug the person most important to me when I get home from work.

Kiro: But I'm well aware that such luck is extremely precious.

Kiro: Sometimes one have to gamble on their love and everything else in order to get a chance to meet it.

He pauses for a bit and laughs.

Kiro: I'll continue working hard and use music to fill every corner of the world with miracles that make people happy and cheerful.

-

In the time after, the results of the awards are announced one by one, and the midfield performances also end one after another.

At this moment, Kiro, who is sitting to my side, squeezes my palm, indicating for me to start prepping for the performance.

When the lights dim, I discreetly leave my seat, put on the half-face mask I prepared and walk towards the backstage alone.

I have no idea how Kiro managed to negotiate with the committee, but the other party ended up respecting our choice to not show ourselves and fully cooperated with us.

In the darkness, I come to the backstage with a restless heart.

Seems like everything has been planned in advance. I don't see any staff members back here, only the sound of the host announcing the rise of the curtain.

Host: Next up is the latest and hottest new mystery band on the Internet - Twinkle!

As soon as my body tenses subconsciously, a warm palm holds me tightly from behind, making me instantly feel calm.

Host: Of course, there must be a lot of people out there who haven't heard about this band, but trust me, just listen to their music.

Host: You will definitely fall in love with them.

The next second, the lights in the entire venue go out, and Kiro's smiling voice falls into my ears.

I turn around and find him putting on a silver half-face mask, and the corners of his exposed lips are slightly raised.

Kiro: From now on, let's have fun.

As soon as he finishes speaking, a beam of light slowly lights up the center of the stage--

It's a "star" growing from the ground, as if it has only just arrived in this world, and curiously blinks its eyes.

Soon, more and more "stars" twinkle on the stage, like flowers that could bloom at any moment.

The next second, he grabs my hand and runs, not letting go until he reaches me to the keyboard. Only then does he release his hand and put the guitar on his back.

I had thought that there would be countless pairs of eyes watching us from the audience. But I see nothing, only the stars in the sky.

My wildly beating heart gradually slows down. I raise my hand and look sideways at Kiro.

This time, it's no longer a dream.

Kiro gently plucks the strings, like a lover whispering to their beloved.

I too gently lower my fingertips to the keys, lingering with the soft sounds of the strings, reminiscent of the times I've spent with him in the past days and nights.

The gentle and melodious ensemble continuously echoes through the stage, like a dense ocean wave with an endless sound.

At that moment, a tight sensation presses against my back, and Kiro leans against me gently while singing and laughing.

My heart suddenly softens and I turn my head to look at him.

In the past, I have always looked up at him from the audience, always chasing after that light.

And now, I am within that dazzling glow.

Slowly, our notes begin to slow down, and finally turn into a single soft note.

--My dream would have eventually ended, but fortunately, I've now turned it into a reality.

-

It's late at night and everything has come to an end.

I drive the car on the road at high speed and Kiro sits in the passenger seat, humming endlessly.

Considering the inconvenience of calling a driver, I deliberately avoided drinking at the after party so that I could safely take this superstar back after all of his socializing.

It isn't until I step on the brakes and stop in a deserted open space that Kiro lets out a confused "hmm?".

Kiro: This isn't the hotel, is it?

MC: Pfft... I thought you'd remember it. Guess that's just how it is with a directionally challenged superstar~

He blankly looks around again, and only after seeing the stage made of steel bars not far away, does he suddenly realize where we are.

Kiro: [laughs softly] ...Oh right. We're going to attend the music festival tomorrow.

MC: That's right. All the staff have already taken their leave. I just took another round and there's no one here~

MC: We have enough time to plan a well-hidden route to the stage.

As I say this, I get out of the car, but Kiro seems to be delayed by something. He sits and checks his phone, only half of his feet out the car door.

Perhaps it's the night casting a faint shadow under his eyelashes, but I still find him to be in a daze. I can't help but walk in front of him.

MC: What's wrong?

Kiro: ...Nothing. Pen just texted me out of the blue.

MC: What a coincidence. You just told me at the banquet that he couldn't make it because of something else. Seems like he misses you too~

MC: Did he congratulate you on winning the award?

Kiro: Yeah. He also said that he saw a shadow of my past in the lead singer of Twinkle, and that it's a bit of a pity.

MC: Pity?

His eyes stay hidden in the shadows, making it difficult for me to clearly see what his expression is at this moment.

Kiro: He believes that the band's style is too self-contained. That it will be difficult for them to get far in this industry.

As he speaks, eighteen-year-old Kiro appears before me again, humming with his guitar in his small practice room.

The afterglow of the setting sun grows darker and darker, quietly blotting out the loneliness in those eyes for a while.

Almost subconsciously, I gently take away his cell phone and put in the basket on the side. Then I bend down, hold his face in my hands and stare at him in all earnestness.

MC: What about you? Do you think it's a pity?

After a moment of silence, Kiro smiles.

Kiro: Of course not. Even if everyone forgets Twinkle tomorrow, I won't find it a pity.

Kiro: Because I'm no longer the Kiro I used to be.

Kiro: I'm now qualified and capable enough to pursue what I want to do.

Kiro: I don't need all those hesitations, concessions, and compromises.

Kiro's voice gets softer and softer. He hugs me tenderly, and is finally unable to keep himself from whisking me into a kiss.

As if facing the most precious treasure in the world, he gently runs his fingers through my hair, and every kiss is like feathers cascading down.

Kiro: All I have to do is hold onto everything I want, [chuckles] no matter what it is.

He stares at me deeply, his blazing fingertips caressing my skin, and unconsciously brushing off the coat on my body.

Pit-pat--

A touch of cold drops onto my skin and a thin curtain of rain melts into the night.

My breathing grows rapid, and I instinctively long to get close to him, touch him, and pour all of my thoughts and feelings into him.

MC: Mm, just do what you want to do most, Kiro...

MC: Hold on to everything you like and don't let go.

Kiro: I never thought about letting you go.

Kiro: You'll always be by my side, right?

His words seem to come from the depths of his soul, and his scorching lips continue to nibble and kiss my clavicle.

The overwhelming numbness causes me to press my fingers against the car door, and seeing that I've unconsciously opened a gap between us, a trace of "dissatisfaction" flashes in those yearning eyes.

The next second, the knees between my legs push up slightly and cause me to lose my balance and fall towards him.

Kiro: [gasping] Answer me.

MC: Of course, I'll always...

He doesn't even wait for me to finish my sentence. He kisses me passionately, his domineering breath completely snapping my string of reason, and prompting me to sink into the deep sea along with him.

The sound of the rain has long since been drowned out by the sound of our pants, and the "heat wave" lingering on our skins gradually causes the rain to evaporate, turning it into an ambiguous mist.

The world spins, and we move along with it.

It isn't until an electronic mechanical sound resounds that I vaguely discover that the open door of the car automatically closed at some point.

He stretches out his hand again and teases my lips, the rough touch of his fingers triggering a fine itch.

Kiro: [softly] I'm going to keep you a little longer.

Gazing into those pair of eyes that could get me addicted anytime anywhere, I climb up to his neck and slowly move our lips against each other.

MC: Just a little?

Kiro: [breathlessly x1] Forever.

That line of sight stops firmly in front of me, and subtly, I seem to sense the touch between my lips get a little bit hotter.

Kiro: [x2] Longer than forever.

[END]

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

Masterlist: Here

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC's Lucien Binding Knot Date English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Translation under the cut~

[Notes from Lux: Here's the CN video link if anyone want to follow along his Voice Acting. VERY recommended to re-read S1 chapter 9 and his Chinese Wedding SP Bound By Love/A Love Not in Vain because this date specifically references these two stories. AND perhaps Sacred Mountain Date regarding his belief in God(s)]

-

[Part 1]

Lucien: Today is Saturday. Didn't we agree not to work?

Lucien places a bowl of freshly washed blueberries on the coffee table and casually feeds me a few. I sit on the sofa, engrossed in the documents on my laptop.

MC: Kiki has sorted the photography registration form; I need to quickly finish reviewing it so that I can contact them earlier.

Recently, our company launched a charity project called "Taking Family Portraits for One Hundred Elderly People." After the announcement was made, we received dozens of registration forms in just two days.

MC: By the way, Lucien, if any professors from Loveland University are interested in this project, you can invite them as well.

MC: We've rented the best photography studio, and the photographers are top-notch, so you can rest assured about the photo quality.

Lucien: With so many people applying, I think we should try to avoid giving slots to people we know, right?

MC: Don't worry. Even though we're promoting it as a hundred people externally, we've discussed it internally and will try to accommodate as many as possible.

MC: We're willing to help strangers, let alone the people we know.

Lucien: In that case... I do have an idea.

Lucien points to the peace knot hanging on my wall- a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave, and it still hangs on one side of Lucien's bookshelf.

MC: Are you talking about Grandma Wen?

Grandma Wen is an elderly person who lives alone. Lucien and I have a close relationship with her. We've learned how to weave knots from her and even borrowed wedding attire. So, we visit her whenever we have free time.

She is also very hospitable to us, always arranging snacks for us to enjoy. She also advises us young people not to focus only on work but to remember to take care of ourselves.

MC: Actually, I did consider inviting her at first, but Grandma Wen's husband has already passed away, and having her take a family portrait alone might be a bit…

Lucien: Are you worried that it might make her uncomfortable?

Seeing me nod, Lucien leans back on the sofa, tilts his head, and smiles slightly.

Lucien: [chuckles] I think she won't mind at all.

Lucien: How about we ask her? One never knows.

After a lengthy discussion, we decided to call Grandma Wen. I carefully choose my words and extend the invitation, but Grandma Wen laughs heartily and readily accepts.

We finalize the shooting schedule. Lucien and I will pick her up together when the time comes.

However, Grandma Wen suggests she'd like to bring her cat, Baby, along for the photoshoot.

-

[Part 2]

On the agreed-upon morning, we arrive punctually at Grandma Wen's doorstep. While Lucien parks the car, I take the initiative to go and knock on the door.

The black-and-white spotted little cat lies under the eaves, rolling around playfully and occasionally pawing at something in the air, looking quite content.

MC: Baby~ Come here kitty for a hug~

But the little kitty pays no attention to me, completely engrossed in rolling on the ground. It rolls several times and ends up a meter away from me.

Lucien: (gently calls the kitty) Baby, come here.

Just as Lucien approaches, Baby suddenly gets up, takes two steps, and runs to Lucien's feet. It raises its paw and paw at the cuff of Lucien's pants, meowing incessantly.

MC: That's quite a contrast in treatment!

MC: Although I've played with it plenty of times before, it still prefers you. That's unfair!

Lucien lowers his gaze and sighs at the cat.

Lucien: [chuckles] You see, I didn't do anything, but she's angry just because you like me more.

Lucien: If you could talk, I'm sure you'd also think this is even more unfair to me, right?

Lucien crouches down and strokes the cat's head, using his fingers to rub its cheek gently.

Lucien: Please remember to be a little more coquettish with her later. Otherwise, I'll be in a tough spot.

MC: ...Hmph, you're not in a tough spot at all!

Lucien can't resist laughing and takes out a sealed bag of cat treats from his pocket, feeding them to Baby.

Lucien: Baby is actually relatively easy to please. Just give it some treats a few more times, and it will be circling around you.

Grandma Wen: MC, you're here…

I turn around and see that Grandma Wen is already standing at the door.

MC: Grandma! You look so beautiful today!

Grandma Wen is wearing a short jacket with a standing collar and a diagonal button today. It's evident at a glance that the craftsmanship is exquisite.

The satin fabric is smooth and lustrous, while the embroidery is lifelike with intricate stitching.

Grandma Wen sheepishly waves her hand.

Grandma Wen: These are old clothes I haven't worn in seven or eight years. It's rare that I've taken them out.

MC: Old clothes? I can't tell. They look just like new…

MC: Is the embroidery on the hem here the Lotus Pond? Each lotus is transitioned with several colors... It's really beautiful!

MC: Did you embroider this yourself, Grandma?

Grandma Wen touches the hem, smoothing the embroidered threads of the lotus leaves.

Grandma Wen: My husband made this for me when he was still alive.

Grandma Wen: From pattern drafting to embroidery, he did every step himself, insisting that his craftsmanship was better than mine.

Grandma Wen: These embroideries used to be even more beautiful, but unfortunately, the thread colors have faded over time.

MC: I can't tell that the thread colors have faded. I think it looks incredibly beautiful.

MC: Your complexion looks great today. When it's time for the photo shoot, we'll have a hairstylist do your hair. We must create a hairstyle that compliments this dress perfectly.

Lucien walks over carrying a cat carrier and lets Grandma Wen check Baby's condition.

Lucien: I used some cat treats to coax it into the carrier, and it didn't make any fuss and was very well-behaved.

Grandma Wen: Baby~ Baby, today we're going out for a photoshoot. After we get in the car, you must be good and not cause any trouble for your brothers and sisters, okay?

Grandma Wen claps her hands toward the cat inside the carrier, and Baby starts to scratch the carrier, about to meow. But Lucien offers a cat treat, and it immediately quiets down.

I give Lucien a thumbs up - only he can do it.

Lucien: How about you sit in the back with Grandma Wen later? If Baby wants to come out, you can feed it some cat treats.

MC: Mm, no problem~

Grandma Wen: Is it time to leave? Let me grab a few things.

Grandma Wen goes back inside and returns with a Chángshān covered in a dustproof cover. I have a vague idea of who the owner of this robe might be.

Grandma Wen: I made this Chángshān for my husband when I was young. It was his favorite outfit. I'll bring it along for the photoshoot. So, it's as if he's also accompanying me.

Lucien takes a half step forward, probably thinking that the gown in the bag is not light and wanting to help Grandma Wen get it into the car. However, when he catches my gaze, he takes a step back.

Lucien: Let's get in the car, Grandma.

Lucien opens both car doors, assists Grandma Wen into the car, helps her fasten the seatbelt, and then checks that the cat carrier on my lap is secure before closing the car doors.

-

[Part 3]

After arriving at the photography studio, the makeup artist has to apply makeup and do the hair for Grandma Wen.

I'm worried that Grandma Wen might hesitate to communicate her needs with the makeup artist, so I am constantly accompanying her, talking to her, and helping her with her makeup.

Lucien is responsible for taking care of Baby, who starts running around as soon as they enter the photography studio.

Grandma Wen: When we first found Baby in the wild, it was only as big as the palm of a human hand. I made a nest for it with a towel, and it slept under the dining table.

Grandma Wen: In the blink of an eye, it has grown so big.

Grandma Wen: When it was little, it wasn't this mischievous. It used to lie in the corner every day obediently and didn't let anyone approach. As soon as someone got close, it would run away.

Grandma Wen: Now, it plays with birds, teases dogs, and does all sorts of daring things. There's nothing it's afraid to do.

Grandma Wen gently squeezes my hand and says.

Grandma Wen: You should go outside and take a look. It's not easy for Professor Lucien to keep an eye on Baby all by himself. There are machines everywhere here. Don't let that smelly cat cause any trouble for you.

I nod and walk out of the makeup room.

In the living room of the photography studio, there is a bright lounge area. Lucien is holding a cat teaser toy, playing with Baby as it pounces back and forth on the sofa.

MC: You even brought a cat teaser wand?

Lucien: Not just that, I also have a cat jingle bell ball and a laser pointer in the trunk.

Lucien: I consulted my colleagues who have pets, and they said that if you want your pets to behave well for photos, you need to let them play for a good hour beforehand.

Lucien: Once they get tired from playing, they can cooperate more.

I walk over and sit down on the sofa, gently petting Baby's head. It doesn't resist and tilts its head up, allowing me to scratch its chin.

Lucien finds a moment to rest and casually picks up a book from the bookshelf, leaning back on the sofa.

MC: (smiles) It seems like this method is working. It's already behaving quite well now.

Lucien: It's probably just temporarily tired from playing. After a short rest, it will be jumping around again.

Lucien: After all, it's the most mischievous kitten I've ever seen.

Lucien gently taps the top of the Baby's head, and the kitten raises its front paw, quickly grabbing his finger.

Lucien: It climbs trees, catches birds, and even fights with stray cats... When it's full of energy, there's no stopping it.

I recall not too long ago when Baby went missing again. When we found it, it was in the middle of a fight with a stray cat outside, and its face was scratched up.

We were afraid that Grandma Wen would worry if she saw its condition, so we didn't return it directly. Instead, we told her that we were taking it to the hospital for a check-up and would bring it back once it recovered.

MC: (smiles softly) Do you remember what you said the last time we took Baby to the hospital?

Lucien: Hm?

MC: You said that despite its many escapades, Grandma Wen never considered keeping it indoors and always let it go out to play.

Lucien: I remember, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this little cat run wild everywhere.

I pick up the cat teaser toy and start playing with the little cat, swinging it on and off.

MC: As soon as we mentioned taking a family photo, Grandma Wen immediately thought of bringing the cat along.

MC: It's clear that in Grandma Wen's heart, it's her most important family member.

MC: That's how it is among family members. No matter how worried or concerned we are, we still want the other person to be happy and do what they want to do.

Lucien: ….Our Great Producer has something to say and found a good way to start the conversation.

Noticing that I had a hidden agenda, Lucien had already guessed what it was.

Lucien: Grandma Wen already told you, didn't she?

MC: Right before the makeup session, Grandma Wen pulled me aside in a corner to talk.

MC: She said that you've been to the Matchmaker's Temple alone several times before and also visited her along the way.

I sigh meaningfully.

MC: Professor Lucien, have you encountered a problem that materialism* can't solve?

-

[T/N: Materialism in this context is more of a philosophical belief that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained through the physical world and natural laws.]

-

Lucien leans back leisurely on the sofa, wearing only a light smile.

Baby rolls over under his palm, purring contentedly.

Lucien: Gods don't solve problems. I'm a researcher, and I still have to uphold certain principles.

Lucien: But when it comes to matters of the heart, it's just too complicated... variables abound, and there's no optimal solution.

Lucien: So, I often wonder if a certain little fool occasionally worries about me or gets angry for me. Is it because I haven't done well enough?

He lifts the corner of his eyebrows, seeming not to be troubled by this matter, just candidly sharing his feelings.

The unbridled sunlight streams through the curtains, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes with exceptional clarity.

Lucien: Questions without answers are better left to metaphysics.

Lucien: Even if the problem doesn't get solved, you can still find some comfort in it to some extent.

As Lucien speaks, he no longer plays with Baby. The cat feels neglected and keeps nudging Lucien's palm with its head.

I stroke its fluffy head and realize that it's been a very long time since the first time I saw this cat with Lucien in the wheat field.

Some things probably don't have answers in either science or metaphysics; the experiences of life are what will eventually reveal the truth.

MC: Lucien, do you know what Grandma Wen just said to me?

Lucien: Tell me.

MC: She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

MC: That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

MC: Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Lucien straightens up, seeing that there's no one around, and then suddenly leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.

The warm sunshine reflects in his eyes as he looks at me. He smiles a little and casually picks up the kitty, holding it in his arms as if nothing happened.

Lucien: Grandma Wen is right.

-

[Part 4]

After the lighting technician adjusts the lighting, Lucien and I stand in the corner of the photography studio.

Grandma Wen sits on the mahogany bench, spreading her husband's Chángshān flat across her lap. The photographer holds Baby and places it on the Chángshān.

The naturally mischievous cat is being incredibly well-behaved at this moment. No matter how the photographer handles it, it's willing to cooperate and even knows how to look at the camera.

Photographer: Grandma, please reach out your hand and gently touch the cat's head—yes, that's right, just a natural touch will do.

Photographer: This cat is so well-behaved, cooperative and calm.

Grandma Wen: Good Baby, I'll make you some fish to eat when we get back tonight.

Photographer: Grandma, let's maintain this pose and take two more shots.

Lucien gazes at the scene before him, momentarily lost in thought.

Lucien: From the first time we entered her house, I noticed that there were no photos of her and her husband displayed in her home.

Lucien: Upon careful inquiry, I discovered that they had indeed never taken any photos together.

Lucien: ...Two people spending a lifetime together is something worth commemorating. They should have had a photo together.

After he says that, he turns his head slightly and whispers in my ear.

Lucien: Thanks to the producer's help, at least Grandma Wen has a family portrait now, regardless of the circumstances.

For a moment, I'm unsure of what to say.

He's truly humble for someone who has doubted his understanding of love.

—--------------------------------------------------------

After the shoot, Lucien and I accompanied Grandma Wen back the same way we came.

Grandma Wen: Stay for dinner. You two don't be so polite…

Grandma Wen: I feel bad that both of you have been busy all day. Having a meal together is no big deal, just a few extra pairs of chopsticks.

We don't want her to have to deal with cooking after a long day of photoshoots, so we politely decline.

Lucien: Grandma, it's still early. MC and I plan to visit the Matchmaker Temple, so we won't stay.

Lucien: You've had a long day today. Remember to rest well.

MC: Yes, Grandma. After the photos are developed, I'll bring them to you right away. We'll have the meal you promised then.

Grandma Wen didn't insist on keeping us any longer, but she promised that the next time we visit, we must stay for a meal. We quickly nodded in agreement.

—--------------------------------------------------------

On the way to the Matchmaker Temple, the sun gradually sets, casting a beautiful array of evening colors between the trees and stone steps. It's hard for anyone walking through this scenery not to feel relaxed.

MC: It's quite rare for this place to be this peaceful.

Lucien: Festivals have yet to happen recently, so there are very few tourists. The Matchmaker God can take a break too.

MC: With no incense burning at the Matchmaker Temple, does it mean that everyone hasn't been facing relationship difficulties? It seems like a good thing, doesn't it?

Lucien: (shushes and whispers) Shhh... with a troubling view like that, you might upset the Matchmaker God. Be careful not to displease him.

I can't help but laugh at his teasing, and I also find his words reasonable. I quickly pull Lucien to pay respects to the Matchmaker and offer incense.

I hope that the Matchmaker is understanding and doesn't take my words to heart.

After offering incense and making a donation, Lucien and I found a couple of chairs inside the temple and sat down. We plan to watch the sunset for a while and leave when the temple closes.

The faint scent of sandalwood here blends with the natural aroma of the forest, creating a tranquil and enduring atmosphere that instantly soothes the heart. I lean closer to Lucien and ask softly.

MC: Lucien, what wishes did you make when you came here alone before? Have any of them come true?

Lucien bends slightly, brushing away a cluster of dandelion seeds that accidentally caught onto his shirt cuff. He then leisurely curves his lips into a smile.

Lucien: I don't even remember the specific wishes I made anymore.

Lucien: They were probably just about small things, like planning to meet up but then having something come up at the research institute, causing me to break the appointment.

Lucien: Another example is when I promise to sleep well, but then accidentally stay up for a few nights and get caught by you.

Lucien: (laughs softly)....

Lucien: Now that I think about it, they were indeed all trivial matters, and you've always been very understanding.

Lucien lifts his gaze, meeting my eyes.

Lucien: Although we quickly forget these minor disagreements.

Lucien: But occasionally, I do pay attention to these little disagreements that fill our lives. After all, even the smallest things have their own meaning.

I can't help but let my lips curl up slowly, and Lucien lifts his chin, revealing a somewhat helpless expression.

Lucien: It's evident that the Great Producer is very pleased with my introspection.

MC: …..Pfft, not exactly 'very'.

MC: I'm just marveling at how Professor Lucien sets such astonishingly high standards for himself.

MC: It seems like I don't reflect on my actions much when I make you angry... But from today on, I'll try to change that.

Lucien: [chuckles] It's okay.

Lucien changes the topic, and a smile spreads in his eyes.

Lucien: Now that I think about it, these little bumps and trivial matters aren't really that important.

He takes a knot from his pocket and hands it to me. The way the knot is tied resembles the peace knot that Grandma Wen had taught me before, but the weaving method seems more intricate.

Lucien: This is a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave as a special thank you for us.

Lucien: She also said that the name of this knot is yí shì yíjiā (宜室宜家).

Lucien: Today, it seems like I have a clearer understanding of the meaning of this word.

-

[T/N: 宜室宜家 is a Chinese idiom that means "live harmoniously; make a harmonious and orderly home." It is often used as a congratulatory message on a wedding. The idiom comes from a line in the poem "Tao Yao" in the Book of Songs, which reads, "之子于归，宜其室家" (the son is returning home, where he should live harmoniously with his wife and make a harmonious and orderly home). And it fits with the date theme of living harmoniously together for a lifetime despite all the small bumps🥺.]

-

Suddenly, my heart feels soft, and I take a small step closer to Lucien's shoulder. I pick up my phone and open the front camera.

I put both of us in the frame.

The setting sun casts a gentle glow behind us, and the breeze is light, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

MC: The sunset today looks beautiful. Let's take a photo together.

MC: 3, 2, 1–

My trailing voice fades away in the warm breath as Lucien lowers his head and kisses me.

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

[Bonus Call - "Family Portrait"]

Lucien: Hello, it's me. I have some good news to tell you.

MC: What is it?

Lucien: Didn't you put Grandma Wen's family portrait photo on the company's public social media account?

MC: Um... Grandma Wen said it was okay, so I posted it. What's the matter?

Lucien: A professor from the university recognized Grandma Wen's clothes and said he had seen the person in the photo before, right at the West Moon Street intersection.

Lucien: This professor was a photography enthusiast when he was younger, and at the time, he noticed Grandma Wen's well-dressed appearance and couldn't resist taking a photo.

Lucien: Later on, he always wanted to give the photo to Grandma Wen, but he went to West Moon Street a few times and never encountered them again.

MC: "Them?"

Lucien: Mm, that's the good news I wanted to share. The photo the professor took is a picture of Grandma Wen and her husband.

MC: That's quite a coincidence!

Lucien: There's an even greater coincidence.

Lucien: I just got my hands on this photo, and in it, Grandma Wen is holding a tiny kitten the size of her palm.

MC: Is it Baby?

Lucien: Judging by its patterns, it seems so.

Lucien: Although the photo is quite old, I've contacted a professional photo restoration expert, and if all goes well, it should be restored within about a week.

MC: So, we can bring this photo to Grandma Wen next weekend?

Lucien: Exactly. They're real family portraits, and I hope it can truly make up for her regrets.

MC: ...It's really amazing, it feels like there's something guiding us in all of this.

Lucien: Who knows, maybe it really is.

Lucien: Let's go together to get the photo restored later. I know you're eager to see it as soon as possible.

MC: Um—I'll finish up what I'm doing, and then I'll come find you right away!

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

[Lux's Short Rambles]

I didn't expect this date to be this good huhu. It's far better than last pet date where it feels like a plot that got way longer than it should 😂. It's also nice to see old NPCs getting mentioned again. The story of Grandma Wen with her husband is touching.

The theme of spending a lifetime together, despite how short life is, never fails got my heart clenched. And I love how this date highlights what a sensitive person Lucien is (in a good way, well, most of the time). He doesn't mind her getting angry at him because he knows that she does it because she cares about him. But he also genuinely fears that she might not be happy; so he goes to the Matchmaker's Temple alone and cares about these small conflicts, believing that they also have meaning :". But in the end, such trivial things and bumps on the road don't matter compared to being able to live their whole lives together, so rather than getting caught up in minor conflicts or trivial matters along the way it's better to priotize living together harmoniously for a lifetime.

He also noticed the smallest things, like how Grandma Wen and her husband never had their photo taken together since the very first time he and MC met Grandma Wen back in S1 Chapter 9. To quote MC, for someone who claimed he doesn't understand what love is, he's truly humble; perhaps back then, he already understands what love is in his heart by loving MC.

[philomenie]

KILLING ME SOFTLY

Hitman!Jolly fic

CN murder, violence, sex, organized crime, blood, angst, 18+

@jilliemiw86 @nojoyontheburn @reyadawn @dsireland86 @aubrey-melinoe

Sixteen

But before Jolly heads back to Olivia for good, he takes a little detour to place what he wanted from Doi.

This time he is careful NOT to be recorded by any security cameras. He turns them all off beforehand, deleting the suspicious footage.

Once he has finished everything, he considers his next move.

Grimly, he doesn't go to Olivia again, but instead pays Fedor a visit.

He throws his jacket on the back seat, prefers to put on his sweat jacket and his baseball cap, low on his face.

He rings the doorbell of the house Fedor lives in.

A woman with a baby in her arms opens the door, a toddler can be seen behind her looking curiously in his direction.

Jolly goes cold as ice, he hadn't expected that.

“Yes?” the woman wants to know.

Jolly has to swallow, “Um... Fedor?” he then croaks.

“He's ill, he's not feeling well.” she explains and looks at him.

“Jolly.... The Swede!” Jolly hurries to introduce herself.

The woman's eyes widen anxiously and she reaches for the door leaf.

“I just wanted to ask...... Um, if everything's all right... If Fedor needs anything, the doctor or anything... Kolja wants him to be looked after!” stammers Jolly.

“Thank you, but he needs rest more than anything!” nods the woman.

“Good.... Um, if he needs anything, let me know.... Yes?” Jolly tries to smile.

The woman nods silently and is about to close the door when she hears a thump from upstairs. Startled, she looks up and immediately starts moving, hurrying up the stairs.

Jolly stands indecisively in the doorway. The toddler is still looking at him curiously and suddenly holds out his car to him, “Take!”

Jolly is frozen.

“Take!” the little guy asks Jolly again, still holding out his bright red toy car.

As if in a trance, Jolly kneels down in front of the little boy. He estimates him to be about 2 years old.

“Take!” the boy declares again and holds out his car to Jolly.

Jolly takes the car with trembling hands.

The little boy tilts his head and points to Jolly's chapped lip, “Ouch?” he wants to know.

“Hmm” nods Jolly, ”Ouch!”

The little boy smiles, turns around and dashes to a basket where his toys are kept, pulls out another car and comes back to Jolly, who is still crouching in the doorway.

The boy tilts his head questioningly.

Jolly has to swallow again. The situation completely overwhelms him. Not only did he expect Fedor to have a family, he also didn't expect his young son to treat him with so much impartiality and trust.

Jolly feels bad, no, really bad, because he has actually only come to kill Fedor, to silence him forever so that he and, above all, Olivia don't get into trouble.

But this now? FUCK, he can't kill Fedor. Not now.... No matter what he knows.

Jolly has closed the door behind him and is now sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with Fedor's son and his cars, until he hears a startled voice from upstairs, “Nikolaj!”

He and the little boy look up. Fedor's wife stands pale by the stairs and looks down.

“Umm, sorry... I meant to be long gone... But...” Jolly shrugs his shoulder and nods to the boy next to him.

The woman hurries down the stairs and takes Nikolaj in her arms, who doesn't like this at all and protests loudly.

“Magda... my name is Magda!” she explains.

“Well, Magda, I'm going....” Jolly swallows and stands up. He towers over her by more than a head's length.

Anxious, but ready to defend her son and everyone else in her house, she returns his gaze.

“Listen Magda, you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't hurt you, your children or Fedor!” Jolly explains sternly.

Magda nods slowly, “Do you swear to me?” she asks quietly.

“Yes, on everything I hold sacred!” nods Jolly.

“On your girlfriend's life!” Magda demands.

Jolly flinches, narrows his eyes, “What do you know?” he growls dangerously quietly.

Magda's eyes widen in shock, she knows instantly that she has made a mistake. A dangerous mistake, if not a fatal mistake, because she knows WHO she's looking at.

The Swede, Semjon's and now Kolja's hitman. The man who makes unwelcome witnesses, opponents and people simply disappear or leave them for dead.

“I....” swallows Magda and takes a step backwards, ‘Please, the children!’ she pleads.

“I'm sure I won't hurt your children!” whispers Jolly harshly, ”But if YOU don't tell me what you know right now.....”

Magda looks at him in panic, “I don't actually know anything, nothing at all....” she swallows and keeps backing away. Jolly follows her.

“Don't lie to me, it's not advisable!” growls Jolly.

“Please... all I know is that Fedor was supposed to be watching you and your girlfriend is a doctor.....” swallows Magda.

Jolly's hand snaps forward and clasps her throat, making Magda gasp. Nikolaj begins to cry, writhing on her arm.

“WHAT do you know, WHAT does Fedor know? And who else knows about this?” Jolly is now completely still, his eyes glowing darkly in the soft light of the house.

“Please!” Magda pleads again and Jolly squeezes her throat shut. Magda drops Nikolaj to the floor, then grabs Jolly's hand, trying to loosen his grip.

Nikolaj runs away crying.

“Magda?” a breathless, croaking voice is heard from above.

“HELP ME!” Magda gasps breathlessly and tries to free herself from Jolly's grip, but he doesn't let go, instead reaching for his pistol in one smooth movement and drawing it. At the same time, he twists his arm so that Magda's back is now pressed against his chest. His merciless grip is still tight around her neck.

Magda sobs out in despair and Jolly points his gun upwards.

When Fedor appears at the stairs, Jolly sees that he is really sick, as he can barely stand on his legs and his hand, with which he is also holding a gun, is shaking like aspen leaves.

“Let go of her now!” he gasps, which is rewarded by a fit of coughing.

Fedor has to hold on to the railing.

“I just have these questions, WHAT do you know and WHO else knows!” Jolly explains coolly.

“Let her go first!” gasps Fedor, who has broken out in a sweat.

Jolly walks slowly up the stairs with Magda. When he reaches the top, he waves his gun in the direction of the bedroom.

“Get in there!” he demands.

“Don't hurt her!” swallows Fedor.

“That's up to you... and whether I get my answers!” declares Jolly coldly.

“It's okay.....” Fedor puts his gun on the floor and raises his hands in resignation, shuffling back into the bedroom and dropping onto the bed, getting another coughing fit.

“Please.... I have to help him!” begs Magda.

Jolly clenches his jaws and lets go, “Go!”

Magda rushes to the bed and pulls Fedor into her arms, holding him tightly.

“So.... What's wrong now?” growls Jolly, who is not unaffected by the scene in front of him. That's exactly how Olivia held him when Semjon beat him up. FUCK, Karlsson, pull yourself together and don't let your fucking feelings get the better of you, he tells himself.

“I.... I only told Magda about it... I tell her everything.....” Fedor gasps.

“That's stupid. Incredibly stupid!” spits out Jolly, ”You're making her a confidant and endangering her in the process!”

“She knows how it works.... It doesn't matter if she knows what she knows.... If she dies, anyway!” Fedor gasps and closes his eyes.

“Who else knew?” Jolly grumbles.

“Nobody... Artur only told me, Yevgeny and Mikhail.... No one else..... I swear to you, on the lives of my children! Please....,” Fedor presses out.

“Kolja?” Jolly wants to know.

“No... I just told him that we should keep an eye on you, nothing more....” Fedor swears.

“And I'm supposed to believe you....” Jolly shakes his head.

“Really... please... I won't tell Kolja anything... Nothing about the doctor.....” Fedor pleads.

Jolly's face instantly stiffens, “What do you know about her?” he hisses.

“Nothing... nothing more... just that you spent every spare minute at the hospital until she went home.... That she lives in the same house as you.....” swallows Fedor.

Jolly doesn't know what to do. If he lets Fedor and Magda live, his and, even worse, Olivia's lives are in danger. If he kills them both, he orphans two innocent children... FUCK what an absolutely shitty day again, Jolly curses everything in his mind.

“Please...!” Magda pleads now too.

Jolly slowly lowers his pistol, he just can't manage to shoot them both.

He is just about to put the pistol back in its holster when Magda nimbly reaches under a cushion with one hand, pulls out a pistol and shoots at Jolly.

The first bullet narrowly misses his head, the next hits him in the shoulder. He doesn't risk a third.

He calmly and routinely takes aim and pulls the trigger. Magda collapses, followed by Fedor.

Both their blood streams onto the white sheet and the white pillows.

FUCK!!!

Only now does Jolly realize the pulsating pain in his shoulder and the blood running inexorably down his arm.

FUCK!!!

Olivia is going to kill me, he thinks. He suddenly realizes this, too, as he looks at the bodies of the two of them.

FUCK!!!

Why did that fucking woman have to pull out a gun and shoot him.

FUCK!!!

How is he supposed to explain this? Explain it to Kolja?

FUCK!!!

As he presses his hand to the wound, he becomes aware of another sound. The sound of a baby crying.

FUCK!!!

The children... what is he supposed to do with the children? He's sick to his stomach, and it's not because of the bullet wound.

God in heaven, he just orphaned two little kids.

FUCK!!!

He can't just leave them here. Who knows what will happen to them! He wouldn't wish the same fate as his on any child.

Jolly's mind is racing...

FUCK!!!

Without giving it a second thought, he tears open all the drawers, throws the contents on the floor and does the same with the contents of the closet. Then he rushes into the other rooms, trashing them as best he can.

Run downstairs and throw things around so that it looks like a robbery. As if the house had been ransacked.

He looks around feverishly, then grabs the baby carrier and hurries back upstairs.

He clumsily gets the screaming baby out of its crib, “Shh, shh....” he tries to calm it down, which has absolutely no effect.

FUCK!!!

Somehow he manages to secure the baby in the car seat.

He runs downstairs with the screaming baby in the infant carrier.

“Nikolaj?” he calls and looks around. He puts the infant carrier on the floor and sets off in search of the little boy.

He finds what he is looking for in the kitchen when he hears the boy sobbing. The little guy has hidden under the sink, the door of the kitchen cupboard still slightly open.

Jolly gets down on his knees and opens it carefully.

“Hey, Nikolaj!” he whispers gently and reaches out his hand to the boy.

Everything about this scene reminds him of over 30 years ago, when he was in Nikolaj's place.... Scared, shocked, alone....

Jolly is determined that he will not abandon Nikolaj and his sibling to this fate. He will do everything in his power to ensure that they grow up in safety, far away from the Russian mafia. He doesn't yet know how he is going to achieve this, but he will certainly think of something.... Somehow....

FUCK!!!

Nikolaj doesn't move, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Come on, Nikolaj. It's all right!” whispers Jolly harshly.

“Mom?” cries Nikolai.

Jolly feels sick to his stomach, but he smiles, “Your mom's asleep....” he swallows, “Come on, I'll take you....” he thinks feverishly, “I'll take you to a friend!”

God, Olivia WILL kill him, that's as sure as the Amen in the church!

Somehow, Jolly manages to bring Nikolaj out of hiding.

With the child in his arms, he grabs the baby carrier - the baby has fallen asleep from exhaustion, which Jolly welcomes in the current situation - and heads outside. When he looks around, there is no one to be seen.

He walks grimly to his car, which is parked around the corner, and opens it.

He puts Nikolaj in the back seat and the baby seat next to it.

FUCK.... Somehow the thing has to be fastened... but how?

Jolly fiddles around with the belt until the seat is reasonably secure, or so he hopes.

Then he straps Nikolaj in. He grabs his jacket and wraps it around the boy so that he doesn't get any colder.

As he starts the car, he breathes in and out deeply.

FUCK... this day has the potential to be the worst day of his life and he hasn't even met Olivia yet....

FUCK!!!

The baby is still sleeping when Jolly steps out of the elevator with him and Nikolaj in his arms.

He's dizzy and nauseous. The damn gunshot wound is still bleeding.

Jolly drags himself to Olivia's door and leans against it.

Then, with trembling fingers, he takes his key out of his trouser pocket and unlocks the door. The door opens just a crack.

Olivia has listened to his request and pushed the bolts forward.

“Liv!” he croaks.

When he receives no reply, he shouts louder, “LIV!”

From inside, he can now hear a slight banging and swearing, as if someone got up hastily and ran into something.

The door is pushed shut again from the inside and he can hear Olivia releasing the bolts.

Shocked, she stares at him as she opens the door.

“Can you take him?” croaks Jolly, shoving Nikolaj into Olivia's arms before he collapses unconscious.

When he regains consciousness, he is lying on Olivia's fluffy living room carpet, a soft pillow under his head and his legs on the stool.

There is a needle in his arm with an IV hanging from it, the bleeding has stopped, as he realizes with a flick of his wrist.

Olivia must have torn open his clothes, at least that's what their condition suggests, as his sleeve is missing and a bandage is wrapped around his shoulder.

“Fuck.....” moans Jolly, trying to get up.

“YOU STAY DOWN!” Olivia suddenly stands next to him like an avenging angel, the baby in her arms, and glares at him angrily, ”DON'T YOU EVER MOVE!”

Jolly meekly sinks back down and blinks at her.

Speechless, she shakes her head, “Can you please explain THIS to me?” she waves her hand over him and at the baby.

“What happened to you? And where did the baby and the toddler come from?”

“Nikolaj... the little boy's name is Nikolaj!” Jolly closes his eyes.

“Nikolaj.... Uhum!” Olivia nods, stunned, ”And his parents? Where are they?”

“Dead....” swallows Jolly harshly.

“Dead....” Olivia turns pale.

“Hmm” grumbles Jolly.

“LORD GOD AGAIN... TALK TO ME!” hisses Olivia at him.

“It's complicated....” gulps Jolly.

“OH?? REALLY?” hisses Olivia.

“Liv.... I...” Jolly breaks off and he notices a tear running down his cheek.

Olivia sits down next to him and gently brushes it away, “What happened, my darling?” she asks him quietly.

Jolly shakes his head, “I... it all got out of hand... first with Kolja, then with Fedor.... Kolja got ticked off because I called the mortician for Inga, then he wanted to hit Hanna, his girlfriend, and when I intervened, he said Fedor had told him that Artur had me under surveillance.....”

“That's why you got another laceration?” Olivia swallows and gently strokes his battered lip.

“Hmm” nods Jolly.

“Who shot you?” Olivia wants to know quietly.

“Magda!” sighs Jolly and sees Olivia looking at him questioningly.

“Fedor's wife... I drove by Fedor's because I had to know what he knew, who he told all this to... and then that damn woman opens the door with the baby in her arms!” Jolly presses out.

Olivia turns pale.

“Fedor, that fucking asshole told her everything... But actually I didn't want to shoot her... neither her nor him.... They were parents, damn it... Nikolaj, the baby... they're both so fucking little!” Jolly swallows and more tears run down his cheeks, ”But then she pulled out that gun and started shooting at me... I just reacted.... Like I always do when I get shot at... I shot her... both of them!”

“God, Joakim....” Olivia chokes out in horror.

“I had no choice!” Jolly looks at her pleadingly, reaching for her hand.

“You didn't have to go....” Olivia whispers.

“He knew, Liv. So did she. They both knew about you, about us... I couldn't help it, I had to go!” gulps Jolly.

“Their life for ours......” Olivia whispers tonelessly.

Jolly nods, “Their life for ours!” he confirms.

“God, how am I supposed to deal with this?” Olivia breathes in and out frantically.

“Min Liv... I.... I'm so sorry...” swallows Jolly in dismay.

“The children? What's going to happen to them now?” Olivia chokes out.

“I don't know... but I couldn't leave them there.... Leave them to their fate... They can't grow up like me.... That's why I just took them with me!” gulps Jolly.

“But you can't just keep them!” Olivia shakes her head, ”I'm sure they have relatives!”

“Liv, they CAN'T grow up like me!” Jolly chokes out.

Olivia looks at him for a long time, then brushes a strand of hair out of his face, “I know!” she whispers, “But then where are they supposed to go?”

“I don't know....” Jolly shrugs his shoulder helplessly.

Again Olivia looks at him for a long time, then at the baby in her arms, who is fast asleep, “We'll find a solution!” she nods, leans over to Jolly and kisses him on the forehead, “They won't grow up like you!”

Relieved, Jolly sinks back.

“I'll put the little one to bed with her brother! Then I'll come back!” whispers Olivia tenderly.

“A girl?” gulps Jolly.

“Hmm, a girl!” nods Olivia, ”Do you know what her name is?”

“No” swallows Jolly and notices how the lump in his throat gets bigger again and more tears sting his eyes.

“We should ask Nikolaj tomorrow....” suggests Olivia.

Jolly nods and the tears run down his cheeks.

Olivia cuddles up to Jolly's side, “Your shoulder... a straight through. You were lucky...” she whispers in a trembling voice, suddenly shaken by fits of crying. Jolly puts his arm around her and pulls her close.

“Shh... min Liv.... It's all right!” he whispers.

“No... it's not good... nothing at all is good... you could have been dead instead of this parents.... God Joakim... I could have lost you today...” Olivia cries.

“No... min Liv. You know I'll ALWAYS come back to you... To my North Star, the love of my life!” whispers Jolly tenderly.

“Damn it!” Olivia cries unrestrainedly and buries her face in his healthy shoulder.

“Excuse me?” Doi wants to know again, as he has the feeling he must have misheard.

“I need more papers, for a boy about two years old and a little girl, Liv reckons she's about 9 months!” Jolly explains again.

“And you also want me to take care of the parents' bodies....” adds Doi.

“Yeah!” growls Jolly, who is getting impatient, ”The last of Artur's assholes who could have caused trouble! That asshole told his wife everything!”

“Good... I'll take care of it!” sighs Doi, ‘And Kolja?’ he then wants to know.

“I've got everything ready!” explains Jolly, ”It's just a matter of time. Nadja wants to talk to you, by the way!”

“Ahh, I'm glad to hear that!” smiles Doi, ”But what do you actually want to do with the children? Take them with you?”

“I don't know yet....” sighs Jolly, rubbing his face, ”But leaving them here is out of the question! They deserve a better future!”

“You never cease to amaze me...” snorts Doi in amusement, ”Alright, I'll take care of everything and expect you here as soon as it's all over!”

Olivia, waited until Jolly hung up, “Zoja, I think her name is Zoja. At least that's what Nikolaj calls her!”

“Hmm” nods Jolly, ”Zoja is a Russian name!”

“And now what? What do we do with the two little ones?” Olivia wants to know.

“I don't know.....” sighs Jolly and looks at Nikolaj who is sitting on the carpet playing.

“Joakim...” Olivia sits down next to him and Jolly holds out his finger to Zoja, who immediately grabs it, which makes him smile.

“You like children.....” Olivia states tenderly.

“Hmm,” Jolly shrugs his shoulder, ”I never thought about that....”

Olivia lifts Zoja from her lap and pushes her into Jolly's arms, who immediately takes her and cradles her in his arms.

“You like children!” smiles Olivia and stands up.

“Where are you going?” Jolly asks in a slight panic.

“Just to get her bottle... she's getting hungry!” smiles Olivia and disappears into the kitchen.

FUCK... Jolly has to be honest with himself, it's true, he's taken a shine to the two little ones, even though they've only been here less than a day. It's also the case that he would prefer to keep them. To make sure they have a happy, carefree childhood. Free from violence, fear and crime.

“Here!” Olivia holds the bottle out to him, “Feed her!”

“How?” Jolly looks at her helplessly.

“She already knows how!” Olivia smiles and presses the bottle into his hand. Jolly holds it uncertainly in front of Zoja's mouth, who immediately grabs it greedily and sucks it in.

“I have to go to the clinic for a minute!” Olivia suddenly explains.

Jolly turns white as lime, “WHAT? No... no, that's out of the question...”

“I have to, Joakim. I really will be right back. An hour at most, if that!” explains Olivia.

“It's too dangerous!” Jolly chokes out, ”Besides, the kids.... I mean.....”

“You'll do it!” Olivia beams at him and is out the door faster than Jolly can protest again.

FUCK, he gets up with the baby in his arms and goes after Olivia, only just seeing her disappear into the elevator.

Jesus Christ, Jolly curses to himself as he walks back into the apartment.

He looks somewhat helplessly from Zoja to Nikolaj, who is still playing on the floor.

“OK... let's hope Liv comes back soon.....” he explains to the two little ones, more to encourage himself.

When Olivia returns home, she has to pause at the picture that appears before her.

Jolly is sitting on the floor with his back against the couch. Nikolaj has snuggled up to him, his head resting on his thigh. Zoja is asleep on his chest. Jolly has also closed his eyes and seems to be asleep, just like the two small children.

This sight does something to Olivia, even more than Jolly's mere presence does. Her heart is just overflowing with love for this man in front of her.

Even though he's a merciless killer and Olivia knows what he's doing is absolutely wrong. Nevertheless, she can't help but love him, because what she sees here is the real him. Loving, caring, vulnerable.... She is absolutely certain that giving up everything for him and starting a new life with him is the right thing to do. If there were any doubts left, they are now all wiped away.

She quietly puts her things aside and carefully picks Nikolaj up, carries him into the bedroom and puts him to bed. When she gently lifts Zoya from Jolly's chest, he wakes up startled, immediately holds the baby tighter and automatically reaches to his side as if to draw his gun.

Irritated, he looks at Olivia's face.

“It's all right!” she smiles and strokes his cheek, picking Zoja up, ”I'll just put her to bed quickly!”

Jolly relaxes and nods to her.

When Olivia returns, he is sitting on the couch and she drops down next to him. Jolly immediately puts his arms around her and pulls her close.

“Good to have you back!” he murmurs.

“Was it that exhausting?” she smiles.

“Hmm, no, not really... I'm just glad you're back. That's all!” he whispers huskily and kisses her neck, leaving it unspoken that he's just as scared for her when he's not with her as Olivia is for him.

Olivia carefully helps him into his shirt, then buttons it up.

“The gun holster....” Jolly doesn't dare look up when he asks Olivia for it.

Motionless, she grabs it and helps him with it too, seeing how he stows his pistols in it. Then she helps him with his jacket.

“He'll notice that your shoulder's not right!” she whispers harshly.

“Hmm, that's not said!” Jolly waves her off, puts his hand on Olivia's shoulder, ‘Look at me, min Liv!’ he asks her and Olivia looks him in the face.

“I'll keep a low profile, don't tease him, and make sure I can get out of here as quickly as possible. But I MUST go to him when he calls me!” he explains gently.

Olivia nods, “I know!” she sighs, saving herself from verbalizing her fears because they are both aware of how dangerous the situation is right now.

“I'm here.....” she smiles instead, ”I'll set up the cribs with Nikolaj!”

“I'm sure you'll do a great job!” smiles Jolly, kissing her tenderly.

Neither of them talked any more about what to do with the children or where to put them. They both know that they will keep them, even though an addition, a family, was not really at the top of their plans.

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

So, there is now only one chapter left….

[alterchaos]

SONIC'S SCREAM TEAM

Not so long ago in a spooky haunted castle there was a group of friends out to enjoy the...movie set? Wait...CUT! Cut! Let's roll that back! Ghosts surely aren't real, except, maybe the ones haunting our past mistakes...

inspired by: SONIC X EPISODE 19

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

NEXT CHAPTER: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

(cn: part of this chapter was drawn before being finished in written format)

Amy breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of their approaching friend, “Oooh…She’s just running away from some ghosts…

...

Wait.”

The boy and the hedgehog joined their friend, screaming as they worked to flee the terrifying spirits chasing them from behind. After a few moments, Amy took note of a side room they could duck in quickly approaching.

“Quick! This way!”

The trio of friends threw themselves to the side just as the ghosts attempted to swipe. They tumbled down a few steps before landing on the stone, cold floor of the castle’s inner chamber. The three of them gasped for air a few moments until all fell quiet. Chris pushed himself up onto his feet, regaining his stamina.

“Phew! I think…I think we finally lost them…”

The girl with the fluffy, golden hair flipped onto her back, gasping in shock as her eyes focused on the strange sight above her, “G-G-Guys…I-I think we have bigger things to worry about!!!”

The older of the Thorndyke siblings followed his sister’s frightened gaze, equally shocked as his eyes fell upon the sight of their friends and family trapped between some dark, purple barrier and the ceiling above. He locked eyes with his worried mother a moment before shifting his gaze to meet Sonic’s, equally as worried for their predicament.

So that was where they’d all ended up.

“H-How did they get up THERE!?”

“That’s easy…”

The Thorndyke siblings watched in horror as their pink friend turned her head, her eyes now reflecting those of the psychotic ghosts who’d stolen their friends. Her mouth cracked into an equally unsettling smile as she tilted her head in a creepy and unnatural fashion, her quills turning upward slightly as large, dark claws broke through the tips of her gloves.

“WE PHASED THEM INTO THE WALLS THE SAME AS US!!!!”

Amy dropped her hammer as the siblings screamed.

“EVE, WE HAVE TO MOVE!!!” Chris tried to pull his sister off the floor and away from the possessed hedgehog but it was no use.

“YOU…”

The little girl froze, unable to will herself to move as her precious friend lunged at her. Claws stretched wide, she grabbed the small girl by the collar of her dress, paying no mind to the boy next to her as she dragged her along in malice. Her back hit the far wall with a loud crash, as the possessed hedgehog continued to pin her there with her elbow.

“CEASE IT!!! CEASE IT AT ONCE!!!”

The small, winded girl continued to stare at her friend with wide, terrified eyes, confused at what the spirit within meant.

“A-A-Amy…?”

She threw the girl to the side in one, swift motion. Eve tumbled a few feet backward, skidding to a halt near the far wall. Apart from a few bruises and scrapes, she was uninjured, though she didn’t know how long that would last as her friend approached her once more, cornering her like prey. Amy’s body knelt down, the pink in her now-rounded irises glowing with hatred and a thirst for vengeance.

“STOP PERSISTING!!! CEASE IT!!! CEASE THAT BLINDING LIGHT!!! YOU AND YOUR LIGHT SHOULD SIMPLY CEASE TO EXIST!!!”

Eve brought up an arm, shielding herself as the spirit laughed menacingly, preparing to strike.

“DROWN IN THE SHADOWS OF DARKNESS!!!”

“EVE!!!”

Just as her hand went to strike, Chris grabbed hold of it, using its momentum to throw off her attack. He tumbled on top of his friend, his wrist bending unnaturally as the ghost fought back, wrangling Amy’s hand free.

“GNH!!!”

“CHRIS!!!!”

He didn’t give up though, continuing to wrestle against the hedgehog’s immense strength despite his sprained wrist. Whether through sheer willpower or Amy somehow fighting back against the spirit, Chris managed to force his way between her and his sister, their hands locked in struggle as they stared each other down.

“Enough…You want to hurt my little sister?”

Chris threw his arms up with all his strength before letting go of her hands, throwing Amy’s body off guard. Though it felt wrong, he took the opportunity to punch Amy in the face, knocking her backwards and giving him the chance to rise to his feet. The ghost jumped onto the hedgehog’s feet, crouching down like an animal ready to pounce. Chris took a readied stance, pointing to himself with a thumbs up for a moment as he stared the spirit down with fury and determination.

“THEN YOU’LL HAVE TO GO THROUGH ME!!!”

Though worried for his friends’ safety, the blue hedgehog couldn’t help but smile proudly from above as he watched his dear friend stand strong, fearlessly defending his little sister without hesitation. The blonde woman next to him watched the hedgehog a moment before looking back to her son with wide eyes.

He’d grown so much in such a short time.

How had she missed it?

Amy’s body continued to lunge in a similar fashion, though now targeting the boy who had landed a hit on her. She would have to take him out first if she wanted to reach the small girl who was now running to the large hammer on the ground. She grabbed the handle, attempting to lift it to no avail and resorting to dragging it along the ground slightly with each tug.

“C-Come on! If only…If only I could throw it up there…”

She continued to tug, useless to the battle at hand.

“...I could break the wall and release everyone!”

But she was weak.

Amy landed a slash on Chris’s right arm, causing him to stumble and cry out in pain. She then grabbed him and threw him into the far wall, his forearm meeting the full force of the impact under his weight with a loud crack.

“GAAAAH!!!”

“CHRIIIISS!!!!”

Her body turned back to the frightened girl and began approaching, a sinister series of cackles escaping her. She paused, however, as the figure of a bruised, spiky-haired boy slid into her path once more, now holding his fractured arm with care.

“F-Family…is supposed to BE THERE for each other!!! A-And I…I REFUSE TO KEEP ABANDONING MINE!!!”

plip

plip

The girl clutched the hammer close as tears began falling from her eyes, her mother above watching in a similar fashion as she recalled the disappointment in her daughter’s voice over the phone.

So…

That was why he’d been so upset…

Lindsey clenched her fists in frustration, guilt crossing her expression.

Of course she’d missed it.

She’d always missed it.

Even now as she tried to include them both following the world-wide discovery of Sonic after his fight with the evil Dr. Eggman…

The girl continued to clutch the hammer for support as she watched her brother fight tirelessly to protect her with wet eyes.

“C-Chris…”

plip

plip

Both Thorndyke kids’ eyes widened at the sight of their possessed friend, trembling as a few tears fell from her eyes. She suddenly gripped her head as she stumbled away from them a few steps.

“GRRRR!!! NO!!! YOU ARE UNDER OUR CONTROL!!!”

“Amy!!”

She continued fighting it another moment before throwing Chris aside and lunging at Eve in a swift motion. There was nothing the girl with the golden hair could do but shut her eyes as she prepared to meet her fate.

This…was the end…

…

…

The girl slowly opened her aqua eyes just in time to feel the hammer be yanked from her grasp. She looked to Amy, a sincere yet still-creepy grin crossing her muzzle as she momentarily regained control. The sight made the girl’s skin crawl though she listened at the hedgehog’s painfully forced words.

“...Q-Quick! Take…cover!!”

Eve ducked and covered her head as Amy used the last of her consciousness and momentum to launch her hammer at the ceiling barrier. She smiled weakly before losing herself once more.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”

But it was too late.

CRASH!!!

The ghost fled his vessel as it attempted to save the barrier, Amy falling to the floor unconscious as a result. Everyone who was captured fell the short distance, bracing for impact.

All, that is, except Sonic.

The spirit barely had a chance to react before the hedgehog’s emerald gaze locked on in fury, revving into a spindash and attacking over and over with his unrelenting wrath. The ghost screamed with each rapid strike, unable to maintain its physical form for much longer against such power.

However…

The ghost smiled.

Finally…

The perfect vessel.

It entered the hedgehog’s mind, ready to consume such raw strength as its own.

Darkness surrounded the spirit…

It should have been comforting…

And yet…

Glowing eyes pierced the spirit, shaking it to its core.

This…

This…is…

The ghost fled the hedgehog’s body before he even had a chance to process its entry. He continued to attack, the spirit relenting and disappearing from the scene. Sonic landed with a resounding huff, quelling the boiling rage within him as the ghost’s presence vanished. He quickly turned to the direction of the unconscious hedgehog with panic.

“AMY!!!”

“CHRIS!!!”

The famous actress ran to her injured son, embracing him much to his dismay, though he was too exhausted to fight against it.

“I know…I’m sorry…I won’t act so recklessly again…”

“I’m proud of you, son.”

Chris’s eyes widened.

“W-What? You aren’t upset with me?”

“No. You’ve grown up so fast and I…I can’t wait to see how you continue to grow…both of you…I know I’ve missed so much but I…I hope I can-”

“Of course you can…” Chris smiled, releasing a few tears, “...Mom.”

Eve smiled happily as Ella placed a tender and knowing hand on her shoulder.

Chartreuse eyes slowly blinked open, meeting those of an emerald hue.

“S-Sonic…?”

The blue hedgehog quickly hugged her in a trembling embrace, his typically cool demeanor slipping as panic overtook his voice.

“Amy, thank goodness you’re okay…”

The pink hedgehog blushed, having never seen such a side to him before. Sonic equally realized his slipup, his face turning bright red as he frantically scooped the pink hedgehog into his arms like any other friend and smiled comically.

“UUUUH! Y-You did great out there, Ames! You really showed that ghost who was boss! Heh heh heh!”

“Y-Yeah…” She looked to the bruised and battered Thorndyke siblings, a deep and unsettling wave of guilt washing over her.

Sonic noticed her shift in demeanor, “Amy?”

She continued to stare at Chris, watching as he winced in pain from the small fracture in his arm, “I-I…” She fought back a few tears.

Sonic followed her gaze, smiling gently when he realized what had to be going through her mind, “Hey…Chin up, Ames. He’ll be okay.” The boy in question turned to face the duo, having realized he was being stared at, “Chris is super strong, after all.” He offered the pained boy a wink, Chris returning one of his own with a sincere smile. Amy smiled tiredly before shifting her gaze from his and turning back towards Sonic’s chest to hide her face.

“Okay…”

Sonic turned to the group, offering his most-joyful demeanor to help lighten the mood, “Come on, gang! Let’s head back! I’m starved for more of Ella’s world-class chilidogs after all that!”

Ella chuckled before offering a flashy smile, “As soon as I find some staff and get these kids bandaged up, let’s have ourselves a real family meal made by yours truly!” She looked to the closer-than-ever siblings with a warm smile as they checked each other over for injuries, “I think we’ve earned it…”

“Oh! I would love to help, Ella!” The actress's eyes sparkled in anticipation, “I can make the kids’ favorites just like I used to!”

Chris and Eve began to sweat, preferring not to remember how their “favorites” turned out last time.

Ella knew better as well, “Er…yes…well…You can be my official assistant! Every great chef needs one, Lindsey! Ha ha ha!”

Lindsey gasped, “You. Are. Absolutely right, Ella! It’ll be just like when we were kids!” Her eyes sparkled more.

The Thorndyke siblings wiped the sweat from their brows, safe for now.

Tails began to drool just thinking about it, “Man, I could really go for some more of your mints…”

“...We’ve gotta work on your diet, Lil’ Bro…” The pair of brothers took up the rear as the group exited the castle chamber.

The young fox blushed, “I-I eat other things too!”

“Yeah…a small meal and five empty mint tins is not what I would call ‘healthy’...”

“Oh and like ten chilidogs is?”

“Hey! At least it’s actually food!”

The human girl helping her brother along up head giggled at their banter, none of them aware of the ghosts appearing behind them as they left.

“Fools…ghosts. Don’t. DIE.”

The malevolent spirits laughed, though none ever dared to challenge the hedgehog or his comrades ever again.

CHAPTER END

[jaejoongs-nipple-piercing]

CN Boo: Spooky #1

You never realized something so beautiful could be so damn cold.

He had you almost face down in the snow, nipples grazing against it. Your ass was facing him, and he had his tongue so far inside you that it couldn’t be a human tongue.

He hit a spot and you twitched with pleasure, oh that felt so good. You were just about to come and he took his tongue away.

“Uuh, Jungshiiin!! I was so close!”

“Hold on a bit babe, I’ll make you come so hard.”

He gets you ready, making sure you’re wet enough for him. Then he slowly inserts himself . He grunts, and moans. He waits a while for you to adjust to him.

“Y-you’re so big. But I’m ready for you to move now.”

He slowly and carefully starts thrusting, but he’s already starting to lose control because your pussy is so deliciously tight. He hastens his pace, his thrusts getting rougher and he reaches around to grope one of your breasts. He bends over to lick up your back, stopping at your neck to leave a mark. He sucks and bites the same spot repeatedly, leaving a hickey you’ll be able to see for weeks.

You feel Jungshin get bigger inside you and you know he’s close. He thrusts into you further and then stills.

“Why did you stop? I was gonna come!”

“Don’t worry, you’ll still come!”

But it didn’t quite sound like Jungshin this time.

He suddenly forced your head down into the snow-covered ground, making you gasp for air at the shock.

He pushed himself in even more, and you felt a little pain. There was something at the base of his dick, but you didn’t know what it was. He pushes the bulb-like object into your warmth and then keeps going until he has completely bottomed out.

You’re horny and confused, but you say nothing because you want to climax so bad. Jungshin starts thrusting again, like some kind of horny animal. You’re getting close again, you just know it. Jungshin thrusts into your pussy so fast you think it’ll rip apart from the sheer force, but it holds up.

The clouds overhead start to clear away, revealing a full moon. You move your head to the side to look, and to see your surroundings better in the moonlight.

You hear a growl coming from behind you while Jungshin is thrusting sporadically, getting hotter and even bigger inside you.

“Mmh! Juunggshiinnn!”

Jungshin is more turned on now due to your moaning and he knows he’s close to orgasming. He thrusts as long as he can, and then stops all the way inside. His monster cock is so far up you think it will have to be surgically removed.

The moon is brighter now than it was a short while ago, and Jungshin begins to shake. He can’t hold back anymore. He tilts his head up to look at the moon, and seeing that it’s a full moon he starts howling. Not long after he climaxes, letting his thick sperm out inside. You squirm and twitch with surprise and pleasure. This is the best sex you’ve ever had. You can’t stop cumming and neither can Jungshin. It’s so good you squirt onto the snow. You collapse of exhaustion and Jungshin tenderly picks you up and wraps his shirt around you, walking you back to the cabin you had rented.

Hopefully you didn’t realize he’d been bitten by a werewolf.

[joylinda-hawks]

This time, among many ZZH photos from this event, I chose this one. It is compositionally beautiful, firstly because it is not positioned by the photographer, and secondly because the shining sun created an extraordinary effect. In July 2021, ZZH participated in the celebration of the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Many of the photos taken by ZZH at that time were like that, taken without much preparation, as if the photographer wanted to capture the natural behavior of the person he was photographing. That's why we can admire many fantastic shots of ZZH. These photos are very important not only for the ceremony itself, but also for ZZH itself. He was certainly proud to have been chosen to participate in such an important ceremony. We know that ZZH is a great patriot, loves his country and believes in justice, trusts that the party to which his mother and father belong will help him on this difficult path in the fight to regain his good name. When selecting participants, the organizer of this event had to be guided by their impeccable opinion. ZZH enjoys an impeccable reputation and was raised in a patriotic spirit by both parents. He would never do anything to damage the image of his homeland. ZZH knows that the only way to return to the stage and continue his career is to regain his good name in court. Until he does so, there will be no risk of his name being misused. He will never stoop to the level of begging fans for attention and funds for any business. He is a young man with a strong moral core and strict principles. He decided to oppose the powerful organization and not break his principles. People like ZZH do not change, unpleasant experiences only make them stronger, which is why he is definitely fighting for his good name with great determination. Coming back to the photo, ZZH is dressed in a simple outfit: a white shirt and black pants. He has a red scarf tied around his neck. In his hand he holds a microphone and a small CN flag. ZZH's pose is extremely cute, he stands straight, but tilts his head slightly to the right, probably listening to what the person standing next to him is saying. This gentle movement of the head and the falling sunlight create an amazing lighting effect on his face. It looks as if the sun's rays were wrapping and caressing his face, revealing his nose, forehead and cheek. The simple hairstyle is perfect for this occasion, the sun's rays also play a big role here, because although ZZH's hair looks darker than it actually is, the reflections of light emphasize the slightly brown color of his hair. ZZH, with that gentle smile on his face, looks very innocent in this photo, like a young boy happy to be invited to an important celebration. This is what real ZZH looks like.

[niennandil-me-writes]

Goretober 1: Lacerations

cn: suggestive

Tenderly, the metal ghosts over your skin. You tremble, expecting the worst, and you are right to expect it. His face, split by a wide grin, is hovering over you; his teeth are bared, eyes glazed over, manic. Maybe you are wondering why he doesn’t make a quick job of you, hack you to bloody pieces with that axe of his, now that he has knocked you to the ground, at his mercy. But that is because you don’t yet understand what he gets out of this.

In another life, he might have talked to you, gotten to know you, laughed with you over a glass of whiskey. Not anymore. This is how he gets close to you now, close to your skin and then under it. This is what he wants, what he needs, what he craves.

You gasp and scream and cry and beg and he chuckles, knowing you haven’t felt the worst yet. He takes his time with you. Cuts you open from neck to pelvis, just deep enough to draw blood and to hurt, just a bit. Precise work like this isn’t easy with a greataxe, but it is worth it, and so he holds it steady. He can be gentle if he wants to.

He sets the steel to your skin again, cuts deeper this time, dragging the blade painfully and painfully slowly through your flesh. After inflicting lacerations on your legs and arms and torso like this, he shoulders the axe for a moment, looks down on you, head tilted to the side.

Then one hand reaches down to touch you. You flinch, and he laughs. You can feel his big, scarred fingers brush over your skin. They are tracing the edges of each cut tenderly. His eyes, those mad eyes with different sized pupils, wander over your body and then arrive at your face as he says: “You bleed so beautifully.” Fingers slick with your blood smear symbols of something that might have been affection, a long time ago.

Another plea for mercy gets swallowed up by a scream as he pushes a finger into the cut. He reaches deeper, feels your fading pulse from within. With his other hand, he grips Dex’ haft close to the axe head, so he can keep cutting into you, a bit more clumsily now that he’s holding him one-handed.

He sinks within you, in your blood and screams and pain and death, so he can forget that this isn’t what he truly craves, that he will never truly feel alive again, no matter how many he kills. But right now, it’s enough to just feel this. And he’s glad he can take his time.

Hacking you to pieces would have been a quick fuck. This is a kiss.

[whump-captain]

No. 18 - ALT: Dazed and confused

1300 words | OC: Ghost Ambulance

Taglist (feel free to ask to be added/removed!): @thatsgonnaleaveamark

a new storyline? when ive already got so much stuff to write??? why not! the setup for this one is a high-society-style party held for London's ghost hunters, which goes terribly wrong when the socialite host reveals she plans to sacrifice everyone attending to a godlike entity. the ghost ambulance crew is of course invited and has to try and escape the mansion before the ritual comes to a close. there's a new character too, an american combat-oriented huntress called Pearl, who loves guns and lolita fashion. i haven't even introduced her yet lmao

---

CN: manhandling, bleeding, concussion

---

They've had to split up. The mansion is so sprawling that searching even one floor is taking them more time than they have, so Joy has gone with Elaine and Cutter has stayed with Pearl. But still, the warmly lit, red-carpeted corridors seem to have no end and after doubling down through turns and intersections, they have been forced to separate again.

Cutter is meant to meet Pearl back at the staircase. They're both pretty sure this floor wraps around in a loop, so they will run into each other sooner or later. In the meantime, he's looking. Scanning every wood-panelled wall, tilting every painting, opening every desk drawer. Elaine has said there must be a sigil somewhere that holds together whatever it is that keeps the doors shut - she suspects there is something sentient bound inside the walls that can be controlled like that, but Cutter doesn't understand all the details. For his part, he also keeps an eye out for smart home control panels that could have a remote override for the house's locks.

There's commotion in the distance; shouting voices of the dozens of hunters locked in the ballroom downstairs. So Cutter doesn't hear the footsteps.

He just looks up and there are two men in suits running straight at him. Security guards.

"Oi!" the shorter one shouts. "You're not supposed to be here!"

"Get back to the ballroom," barks the other one in a Welsh accent.

Cutter has a split second. He sees the tension on the Welshman's face; the slight hesitation in the shorter one's step as he comes to a halt. They're both unarmed, but the Welshman's hand hovers over his belt as if he's used to finding a weapon there - and he's even more on edge for its absence. It's clear that neither of them wants to be there.

Which is good news.

Cutter throws his hands up. "I can't go back there," he says, letting the unease he feels leak into his voice. "Everyone's freaking out and-"

"Move," the Welshman interrupts. "Now."

"They'll kill me," Cutter says quickly and the man's eyebrows shoot up. There's his opening. "One of these people wants me dead," he continues, "and she's losing her mind in there. I barely got away from her."

"I don't care, mate," the Welshman replies. "Get the hell back to-"

"It's going to be chaos." Cutter doesn't let him finish. The shorter man looks suspicious, but they're both still; both listening. "People are already at each other's throats and the second one person snaps, it's all going to go to shit. I don't want to be there for that, I don't-" he stammers, pretends to hide it. "I don't want to get trampled."

The two guards exchange glances. Each deferring to the other; nobody has clear authority. Cutter's heart is pounding double-time. He needs to lead them on further, shift their focus away from himself. If he can convince them that the crowd in the ballroom is on the verge of a riot, they'll see him as a lesser threat - but if he goes too far, they will want to avoid a confrontation that big and they'll stick with the single guy they can easily deal with.

Maybe he can use the weight of the decision against them. If one of them leaves to consult a superior, Cutter can single out the other one and try to convince him - or failing that, distract him and sneak or run away.

He has options. He can get out of this.

Eventually the shorter man says: "Maybe we can lock him somewhere."

"Yes," Cutter blurts out. He can work with that. Wherever they leave him, he can find a way to get out, he's sure. "Honestly, yes, I prefer that. As long as it's far away from-"

The man raises his hand abruptly. "Wait."

He touches his ear and frowns. Listening to an earpiece, Cutter realizes. That's one of his plans shot down. But he's still fine, he's still got them here and listening. Everything is going to be fine.

The man lowers his hand, his expression disbelieving. "She's saying we're go, right now," he says.

"What?" the Welshman snaps.

"She's ready."

"Well, we fucking aren't!" he bites back. "People are about to start murdering each other, there's another runner on the third floor, and-"

"She's saying go," his companion repeats helplessly and the Welshman heaves a groan of frustration. Cutter glances quickly between them; he has to push down a surge of panic. It's fine, he thinks. It's a new unknown, but not necessarily a problem. Nothing's out of control yet. Calm down. It's fine.

"She just needs one more person," says the shorter man.

All of their gazes cross as they both turn to Cutter.

Okay, now it's a problem.

"For fuck's sake," mutters the Welshman. "Unlucky day, mate. You're coming with us."

In a blink, he grabs Cutter's shoulder and spins him around. Cutter cries out as the man wrenches his arms back. Cold snaps around his wrists with a click and then a whirr; the handcuffs bite into his skin.

"Wait!" he shouts as the man pushes him forward. "You're making a mistake! You won't have time to finish the ritual."

He's guessing. The tension in his voice is real now, his pulse races.

"What are you talking about?" the shorter man demands. Cutter presses on:

"These people down there are pissed off." Not a lie. He gains confidence as he continues, but lets his words remain shaky: "They're already starting to sneak out- I mean, I did, and I saw at least one more guy. They're searching the house, they're gonna catch up to you and-" A hard shove almost makes him lose his balance.

"Let's go," the Welshman says to the other guard. "Claudia will kill us if we fuck this up."

"She won't be happy if an angry mob breaks down her door mid-ritual either," Cutter interjects. The guards are stressed, jumpy; their own plans have just gone to hell, too. He can get to them. He just has to ignore the strain of his shoulders, the dryness in his throat. He's still fine. "She's not going to care that you couldn't have done anything to stop them. Best thing you can do is to get out of here before all hell breaks loose."

The shorter guard is considering it. Cutter sees it in his face, in the way he angles himself away and back. The grip on Cutter's arms also shifts and loses just a fraction of its force.

Then it tightens again.

"Right, that's enough." the Welshman snaps. "Knock him out."

"What?" the other guard starts. "I'm not going to do that!"

"Yeah, good call," Cutter pipes up. His throat locks tight, almost strangles his voice. "Especially if she wants me alive. Ever knocked someone out before?" He tries to sound casual. Not a threat. I'm not a threat to you. "It's not as easy as it sounds."

"I said enough!" the Welshman shouts.

He grabs Cutter's hair and slams his head into the wall. Hot white explodes in his vision, pain blinds him for a second. The world tilts and then dissolves; everything blurs into swaying colour. Sound muffles into biting static.

He gasps. He's forgotten to breathe. There's motion before him, something red reels and wobbles. His body moves too, but outside of his awareness. It's like falling, but he can't tell if he's hit the ground. Everything is distant and foreign as if enveloped in smoke.

Where is he?

He tries to call out, but only a quiet groan comes out of his mouth. Something tastes like copper.

He's vaguely aware of force against his straining shoulders. The Welshman heaves him up, ignoring the blood pouring from his nose and down onto the carpet. Cutter's eyes are glazed over, roving unseeingly as the second guard grabs him under the other arm.

He's too dazed to protest as they drag him away.

[cranky-kyrati]

Hey. I'm not sure if you're still doing requests but if you are could I get a Pagan Min foc with an autistic reader? If you have questions feel free to pm me.

Dude I am SO SORRY, I dropped the ball on this one - I've had the first part of this written for a while and wanted to write more before i published it, but i figure something is better than nothing at this point. There's a continuation in my head, fingers crossed I'll be able to put it into writing soon!

Anyway here goes, Pagan rescuing Reader from bullies ^^;

Pagan Min x GN Autistic Reader CN: bullying

“Hey! Weirdo! What you listening to, weirdo?”

You keep your head down. You always do, it’s safer that way. The less you look at people, the less they tend to notice you, and everyone’s happier that way. But it doesn’t work this time. The soldiers have closed in on you, trapping you in a corner of the palace courtyard you were trying to cross.

“The way you’re always humming along it’s gotta be some good shit right?” they laugh as they snatch at your headphones.

Your attempts to evade them are fruitless. Your shitty old headphones are ripped off your head, your shitty old phone torn from your hand, and now you’re staring at the soldiers as they pass the headphones around.

“The fuck is this, this is just noise!”

They’re roaring with laughter, but there’s an edge to it; like fear. Like anger. Men like that don’t like things they don’t understand. Their eyes stab at you and you have to look down again.

“Hello? Excuse me?”

That voice you know well, even though it has never spoken to you directly. Everyone knows the king’s voice. Right now, it sounds faintly amused, as its owner strolls over to join the gaggle of guards surrounding you. You swallow and take a step back, your heel nudging into the white-washed wall behind you. You lean into it, press your palms against it, focusing on your breathing.

“What’s the big to-do, hm?” Pagan Min asks, just as his shoes come into your field of view. Red crocodile leather, polished to a high sheen.

The soldiers have all straightened to salute him. Now they shift slightly, probably exchanging glances.

“Uh. Sir. Uh. Just having a joke with weirdo, here,” one of them ventures. “All in good fun. We’re buddies. Aren’t we, kid?”

You should probably nod, but you can’t quite seem to move.

“Oh. Huh,” Pagan says.

It sounds like a verbal shrug. Somehow, you manage to tear your eyes off the ground long enough to dart a quick glance at his face. He’s watching you, and when he catches you looking at him, his mouth quirks the tiniest of smiles. And if you didn’t know better … you could swear he winks at you.

“Well!” he continues, “Last I checked, all my staff have names, and I’m pretty sure your friend here isn’t called ‘Weirdo’. I’m also pretty sure you are supposed to be in the barracks for a briefing that started, oh—” he checks his watch, “—five minutes ago. Now, far be it from me to tell you how to do your job, but you know how temperamental my commander-in-chief tends to get…”

There is a moment of stillness, and then one of the soldiers hisses a curse, and they all salute the king again and scramble off towards the barracks. The one who had been holding your phone drops it. You hear yourself cry out softly and you dive for it as it hits the flagstones. You collect your headphones, hands shaking slightly. They don’t seem to have broken any worse than they already were, so that’s something. The phone screen is cracked quite badly, but perhaps it still works—

The red shoes are still there. Why hasn’t he gone yet?

You tilt your head back before you think better of it. The king is watching the army men disappear around a corner, hands in the pockets of immaculate black trousers. “Soldiers always seem to have the absolute worst sense of humour,” he muses. “I wonder why that is.” Then he glances at you, and his lips split in a grin. “But I’m sure they’ll appreciate my little joke at their expense. Hm! That briefing takes place over in the gulag.”

And then he winks again, and saunters off.

[marahuyos]

@okaeri-doktah​ asked: Hiya! 💞 It's me again sbsjhs 👉👈!!

Tysm again for that Executor piece you wrote in reply to my request a lil while back aaa I really can't say ty enough 😭💕

Anywho, I was hoping to request more Executor again sgshhs?

(Since the Guiding Light event on CN kind of officially showed that Laterano and Sanktas are all about guns and sweets lolol) Could I request something with Executor and a reader s/o who has a huge sweet tooth and really wants him to bake Laterano sweets for them aaa 🥺??

And I hope you're doing good 🥰

- Exe 💕

executor x doctor!reader

mara’s words: im back babeyyy!! here’s your request and ty for being patient!

tw: really flirty reader lol i couldn’t help myself

• You would think that a stoic man such as Executor would equally like boring and stoic things, right? Well, it was a surprise towards non-Laterano Operators that Executor was holding a plate with a slice of angel’s food cake. Now they won’t ask why Exusiai says ‘Apple pie!’ each time she activates her skill because literally any other Sankta will relate to having a sweet-tooth.

• He is adept at the kitchen as well as his job. He’s a fierce contender with Matterhorn when it comes to baking sweet treats. The younger Operators couldn’t help but make contests on which one could make the ‘bestest, sweetest, tastiest treat!’ or so says Ceobe. Executor doesn’t mind, after all, this is sort of a mission for him.

• So why the hell are you here, judging alongside Ceobe, Bubble, and Popukar?!

• His fish eyes stared at your spot, eagerly waiting for the finished product. It’s like you don’t have any shame, sitting alongside the children as you bade Executor good luck as he whipped the cream. As much as he appreciates your support, having you here, instead of looking over the newest Operators to train, was something of concern for him.

• But he has to focus. This is how he was able to survive for so long. He will see this sugary mission through.

• When both Operators presented they’re final dish to the panel of judges, he made a passing glance at you, he bit back a sigh when you winked at him, complete with a tiny finger heart. He didn’t know why he expected too much of this ‘judging’. Especially when the children gouged upon the desserts as if there were no tomorrow as you took a bit of Executor’s piece.

• Since you’re the only one capable of judging, you raised your hand up towards Executor and grinned. “Executor is the winner! And as the winner, you get to be my honorary dessert-maker until I see fit!”

• This isn’t what he signed up for. The Sankta balked, not noticing the pat on the back Matterhorn gave him before inching away from the scene. As you saddled up to Executor, head on his shoulder as you grinned up at him, he can’t help the upwards tilt of his lips.

“So this was all planned, Doctor. How devious, to have you orchestrate this entire mission just for me to succeed.”

“Although... I do not find it within me to hate it.”

• As he is Executor, he makes sure to see your mission through. Even if he has to bear the gap moe of a ruthless angel with a shotgun as an angel with a whisk.

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Long Journey Date

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 长旅之约, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

[ This date was released on 8 July 2021 ]

Deers rest peacefully beside me, and birds caw from the branches.

All of a sudden, a rustling sound of flapping wings disrupts the peace in the forest.

Smiling subconsciously while tilting my head upwards, a gigantic griffin descends from the sky.

MC: Welcome back, Griffy! Have you been eating and sleeping well?

I walk up to it, burying my face in the griffin’s fluffy chest fur, letting out a happy sigh.

??: You’re only welcoming it?

The voice I’m most familiar with drifts from the griffin’s back. After that, a figure leaps down smoothly.

MC: Gavin, welcome home!

With a turn of my face, I smile while giving him a wave.

Gavin is wearing simple and informal clothes. However, the extraordinary way he carries himself and the exquisite crown on his forehead could only belong to a prince.

He bows before me in a teasing manner, handing me a small bag. Even without opening it, I can smell the fragrance of pastries.

Gavin: Goddess of Nature, I bring you this round of offerings. But stop sharing them with these animals. They’ve put on weight again.

MC: They’re only cute when they’re round and plump.

I retort, unconvinced. Even so, I pinch the squirrel on my shoulder, placing it back onto the tree.

MC: I have also mentioned that you don’t have to bring me any offerings. The person who made the agreement with me was your mother, and I've already accepted sufficient offerings from her.

Despite what I said, I open the little bag that Gavin gave me, grinning while taking out the pastries.

As a deity, I’m basically adept in everything within my own forest. However, I lack the skills and abilities to bake such snacks.

As such, I’m exceptionally happy whenever he brings me such food.

While eating, I continue speaking with unclear articulation.

MC: When your mother came to the forest that year with a jewel which had been passed down from generation to generation, as well as her crown your deity father once gave her...

Gavin: With those items as offerings, she hoped that you’d become my guardian deity who would keep me safe and train me till I became a passable king.

When deities accept human offerings, they reciprocate by bestowing blessings onto humans. This way, a wonderful transactional relationship is formed.

Back then, a queen had brought her son of around fourteen or fifteen years of age to my forest.

That elegant and dignified lady was smiling, but there was faint worry in her eyes.

She told me that her days were numbered, and that she wouldn’t be able to watch her son grow up.

The child’s father was a high-ranking deity who was busy maintaining the earth's order and rarely showed himself.

As such, she gave me offerings, hoping that I'd become her son’s guardian deity, and to protect this small prince.

Gavin does a stretch, then removes the saddle on Griffy.

Gavin: You’ve said it many times, and I remember it all. 

Gavin: Instead of these things, why don’t you eat quickly? I specially bought the basket which just came out from the stove, then rushed Griffy over. The pastries won’t taste good if they get cold.

Gavin draws out his tone, but a smile remains on his lips.

I turn my head towards Gavin, who is helping me manage the medicinal plants with a practised hand. I can’t help but ponder softly in my heart.

This person doesn’t let me protect him much...

Although this half deity obtained the added protection from the Goddess of Nature, he has never asked for assistance aside from guidance.

He has always strived for the things he wanted, and would persist through failure until he reaches his goal.

Later on, this prince who excels in both learning and military skills, and can even control wind, is the one who helps me out.

He always brings me all sorts of human food and small trinkets, calling them offerings.

Gavin: Why are the medicinal plants here turning bare again... did I water them too much?

I can’t help but laugh secretly while walking over to his side. Holding up those medicinal plants, I restore them to life.

Till this day, he only lets me help him in this area.

I think about how despite not having been coronated king, Gavin has long since been able to run a country.

As a guardian deity, I haven’t neglected my duties, have I?

MC: Come to think of it... Gavin, why haven’t you held a coronation ceremony?

Gavin pauses in his movements.

Gavin: Do you want me to become king?

MC: Of course.

Gavin: But if I become king, it means that you’d no longer be my guardian deity.

MC: That... is correct.

Gavin averts his line of sight, and he doesn’t seem to be in a good mood.

This seems to be the case every time I broach this topic with him.

Clearing my throat, I attempt to change the topic to break the awkward atmosphere.

MC: Oh yes, how many days will you be staying this time?

Gavin doesn’t respond. As though he has finally made a certain decision, he sighs deeply and lifts his head, meeting my eyes directly.

Gavin: The reason why I came this time is because there’s something important I needed to tell you. I’ve decided to succeed to the throne.

The overly abrupt news leaves me dumbfounded on the spot.

Gavin doesn’t elaborate further, and continues.

Gavin: Before that, I intend to follow the ancient text and collect the rumoured offerings that deities cannot refuse. That will allow a strong deity to become my new guardian deity, to protect me, and to protect this country.

Hearing his resolute words, my heart feels slightly upset.

Although completing my agreement is a good thing, why does my heart feel empty?

He even said he was going to find a new guardian deity...

I blink a few times, unable to comprehend the feelings churning in my heart.

Gavin: But right now, you’re my guardian deity. Which is why I hope you can accompany me on this journey. Is that okay?

Gavin looks straight at me, his eyes as transparently clear as a cloudless amber sky.

Facing such a him, I can only nod.

-

Despite not yet rationalising my emotions, I reluctantly embark on this journey with him.

The first stop of this journey is the forest in which fairies live.

Looking at the first treasure recorded in the ancient text, I heave a long sigh.

MC: A crystal which can counteract all sorts of curses. It only grows at the tip of the World Tree...

Gavin: What’s wrong? Deities don’t like it?

MC: It’s the opposite. No deities have refused such an offering. To be honest, even I want it. But...

I lift my head. Looking at the giant tree which plunges into the sky, I have a bad feeling.

MC: You have to know that even though I’m a deity, I was born from nature, and the source of my strength comes from the forest and the land. Which also means...

I’m not good at flying.

Likely hearing the implication of my words, Gavin doesn’t hold back, chuckling softly.

MC: Gavin! Don’t laugh! At that height, even a griffin would have difficulties flying up there. Furthermore, people are good at different-

Gavin: Get on.

Gavin leaps onto the griffin, lowering his head to look at me.

The griffin releases an excited caw, its wings flapping up and down.

Faint morning light caresses the side of his face, the gorgeous rosy glow wilfully painting the azure sky.

His hair and indigo cloak roll up with the air currents, the crown on his head reflecting arc lights.

And on his face, there’s a heroic valiance even clearer and more radiant than any jewel.

For a moment, I’m left slightly dazed.

As compared to any other moment, I can clearly sense that he is no longer that little child who had his brows tightly furrowed back then.

The person before me has shed off his childishness, is sufficiently intelligent, and sufficiently mature - a person who is about to become a young king.

I always knew that he was someone worth having faith in.

But there seems to be something else in his eyes that causes my heartbeat to accelerate uncontrollably.

Likely seeing that I haven’t moved in a long time, Gavin leans over, pulling me in front of him steadily, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.

Gavin: Let’s go.

With this soft statement, the griffin, which had been anticipating this for a very long time, flaps its wings, soaring towards the azure sky.

At the same time, a powerful gale whizzes under Gavin’s beckoning.

Using the wind as wings, we fly very, very high.

Gavin: I wanted to take you flying like this since a very long time ago. But I wasn’t able to find a suitable chance.

His words land on my ears amidst the fluttering sound of wind - high-spirited, clear, and without restraint.

I can hear the throbbing of my own heart, reminiscent of the bits of feathers in the air, drifting along with the breeze.

With Gavin around, Griffy doesn’t have to exert much effort, landing at the crown of the World Tree.

There is a rich display of light and colours on the dense and green treetop. Amidst the various lights, a cluster of dazzling crystals emit a tender and dream-like colour.

Gavin: Looks like this is it.

He plucks a crystal deftly, storing it in the travelling bag he carried along.

Seizing this chance, I take several deep breaths to calm the inexplicable throbbing in my chest.

MC: Since we’ve successfully obtained the first item, are we heading to the next destination? Or are we resting here for the night?

Gavin: We’ll set off straightaway. But give me a moment.

Gavin reaches out to pluck a few smaller crystals. Using a few branches around us, he weaves a simple bracelet, then clasps it around my wrist gently.

Gavin: Since you like it, bring a few more back.

Just as he finishes speaking, a few fairies who were grinning among the leaves earlier rush out towards us.

Fairy A: Congratulations! May the fruits of the World Tree protect the two of you forever!

Fairy B: Congratulations on your marriage! I wish you two everlasting sweetness!

MC: Huh?

Watching as the fairies start to sprinkle flower petals over our heads, my face burns with a “whoosh”.

MC: [blushing] What nonsense are you saying?

The fairy grins while speaking once again.

Fairy B: Firstly, don’t the two of you play together often, and like each other more than others?

Very few humans enter my forest. Aside from the small animals, the only one who visits me frequently, chats with me, and has fun with me is Gavin.

As compared to those small animals which aren’t able to talk or bring me snacks, it’s true that I like Gavin a little more.

With this thought in mind, I nod.

At the side, Gavin nods too. But for some reason, the tips of his ears are slightly red.

Fairy A: Secondly, didn’t the two of you make a unique agreement with each other?

Not knowing where this is heading, I nod again. After all, I’m Gavin’s guardian deity.

At the side, Gavin does a similar action.

Fairy A: Lastly, he made a bracelet for you using the crystals of the World Tree, then put it on for you personally. Doesn’t that symbolise that you’re destined for each other?

The fairy says this matter-of-factly, and the surrounding fairies agree in succession.

MC: Wait wait wait wait, this is a misunderstanding! We’re...

The words are at my lips, but I pause.

It seems that I’ve never considered how to define my relationship with Gavin.

I’m his guardian deity, but I can vaguely sense that it goes further than that.

In the end, Gavin takes half a step forward, blocking me from the celebrating fairies.

Gavin: That’s just the tradition of fairies. Humans and deities don’t have such rules. She’s a guardian deity belonging only to me.

-

The heating stove is bright red, and the sound of forging is unceasing.

??: Drink quickly, drink quickly! There are many more barrels!

The dizzying fragrance of alcohol permeates the air. Even if it’s dispelled by the breeze, it lingers for a long time.

??: You’ll only enjoy yourself to the fullest by accompanying it with the best quality cheese! Want a chunk of smoked meat too?

The bustling marketplace is rife with people hawking their wares, cheese, smoked meat, fruits and perfume. The dazzling lineup leaves one overwhelmed.

??: I didn’t expect that humans could drink as well as us! Not bad!

??: After all, he’s a half deity!

A circular table is in the middle of the lively marketplace, surrounded by dwarves who are adept in iron casting.

Aromatic mead courses through the crevices of the crowd and the small path, being sent to the table in a continuous stream.

MC: Gavin, are you sure you can still drink?

This is the first time I’m seeing Gavin drink this much. He wobbles a little while standing beside the table. Fortunately, his eyes are still sober and clear.

Gavin: I’m fine. 

Gavin: [to the dwarves] We agreed that as long as I can outdrink all of you, you’d give the rarest treasure of the dwarves to me - a golden belt praised by all the deities.

Dwarf A: We never lie!

Dwarf B: Goddess, try some! 

Before I can refuse politely, Gavin has already pulled over the wine cup offered to me, drinking it in one mouthful.

Gavin: I’m the one competing against all of you.

Whether it’s due to the mead or the nearby heating stove, my face grows slightly warm.

Another barrel of mead is finished, and the alcohol-loving dwarves at the table have already collapsed.

Gavin presses the wooden wine cup onto the table heavily. Arching a brow, he raises his volume slightly.

Gavin: You’ve lost.

Dwarf A: Fine, you win! The belt belongs to you! But...!

The dwarf stands up wobbly and burps. In front of Gavin, he pats his own chest.

Dwarf A: There’s... there’s something even more... important that I must do! Axe! I want to make an axe - the best axe - and give it to my beloved lady!

While saying this, he runs and staggers towards the forging stove. The dwarves in the surroundings cheer him on and whistle.

MC: What’s happening this time...

The dwarf is inebriated, but his limbs remain deft. He holds up a hammer and picks a chunk of steel which has been scorched red. Then, he begins hammering it with clanking sounds.

Dwarf A: Half Deity! Come here!

Dwarf B: Come and make something too!

The dwarves are rowdy, and they bring Gavin over to a forging stove, teaching him how to forge weapons.

I head over curiously. Gavin seems to think of something. He glances at me, a smile surfacing on his lips.

Then, he holds up a chunk of mithril and gives it a detailed look, as though visualising the shape he wants to carve it into.

After a while, Gavin picks up the iron hammer, hammering in a decisive manner.

Sparks dance in the air, and the flames from the stove are exuberant. The clamour and sounds of hammering are incessant, bringing the celebration of the marketplace to a climax.

Dwarf A: Done!

Cheers erupt from amongst the crowd. That drunk dwarf raises the axe he had forged, then runs towards a small stall in the marketplace.

Dwarf A: This axe is for you, my beautiful woman! Please marry me!

Even from across the marketplace, the loud voice of the dwarf drifts over clearly.

Dwarf B: Hahahaha! Not bad!

The dwarf at the side chuckles so hard that he isn’t able to straighten up. He takes several deep breaths to calm himself down, then turns around to speak to Gavin.

Dwarf B: Half Deity Lad, you too. Your skills are pretty good for a beginner! If you have a beloved lady, don’t hesitate. Just propose directly!

At the other side of the marketplace, the proposal succeeds. A brand new celebration and banquet has already begun.

I don’t bother about the joy which is about to drown us. I simply look at Gavin.

Perhaps he’s drunk a little too much. Right now, he’s staring fixedly at the short staff he forged, a look of contemplation on his face.

What the dwarf said earlier echos in my ears, akin to a mystical magic spell.

Looking at Gavin, I find myself wondering if he’d give that short staff to me.

Would he smile while looking straight into my eyes, or would he avert his gaze in embarrassment?

I’m left dumbfounded by these inexplicable thoughts.

Perhaps I’ve also drunk a little too much.

-

Early the second day, we bid farewell to the dwarves, preparing to continue the journey.

MC: I didn’t think we’d witness a wedding. It’s a pity that we couldn’t hear more about how they met and got to know each other.

Gavin: Mm. I’m also really curious.

MC: It’s rare to see you interested in such topics.

Gavin: After all, meetings are special things to me. Meetings and keeping each other company are very beautiful things.

Gavin’s tone is gentle, as though he’s recollecting his most treasured memories. Pale gold sunlight illuminates his eyes, which are even more dazzling than the most expensive jewels.

In this short trance, a fleeting yet unrealistic thought burrows into my mind without notice.

I shake my head forcefully, and decide to say something to distract myself.

My gaze quickly sweeps around the surroundings, then locks on a target.

MC: Gavin, do you still remember how we met Griffy?

As though he didn’t expect my sudden question, Gavin blinks a few times, then strokes the grown-up Griffy, chuckling as he speaks.

Gavin: Of course I remember.

Gavin: Back then, my mother had already passed on for a few years. And that deity father never appeared. 

Gavin: Perhaps because of those things, I had a pretty bad attitude towards you during that time. Sorry.

Till this day, I can still remember that period of time.

His amber eyes, which always sparkle and shine, were dyed with a heavy grey. Even his hair, which always sticks up, had drooped listlessly.

But it’s precisely because I was always by his side that I understood the heartbreak and struggles he faced during that period of time.

And I rejoiced that at the very least, I was there to keep him company.

I walk towards him, reaching out to tousle his hair. Gavin leans down and comes slightly closer to me, a peaceful smile on his face.

Gavin: In short, I came to the forest one day.

Gavin: It was raining that day. I walked to the vicinity of your small house, and discovered that you were taking care of a small, stray griffin which had wandered here from somewhere.

Gavin: You’re a goddess, but you didn’t care about yourself, and only cared about shielding the griffin from the rain.

Gavin: You treated its wounds and fed it, while getting drenched by the rain yourself.

Along with his depiction, memories surge into my heart, and they are dyed with a hazy colour of rain.

MC: I recall how you shielded me from the rain with a large leaf. Back then, I was thinking about how rare it was to see such gentle moments from you.

Gavin: Since then, I...

Gavin’s voice grows softer and softer. He turns his face away a little unnaturally.

MC: Since then?

Gavin ignores my question. He simply clears his throat and hands me something.

Gavin: MC, this is for you.

Accepting it subconsciously, the cold and smooth texture of metal causes me to hold my breath.

It’s the short staff he had personally forged yesterday.

His emblem is carved on the body of the staff, and a quality gem is mounted at the tip.

MC: This is...

Before I can say anything, Gavin hurriedly explains.

Gavin: I’m a human, so I don’t follow the traditions of dwarves. In the culture of humans, giving a handmade gift to someone is a form of etiquette to express gratitude. So... this is a thank you gift. Thank you for teaching me so much, and for taking such good care of me.

MC: I... I see!

Gavin speaks calmly and appears utterly composed.

Accepting the short staff, I turn around to pack my items. Recalling the image that surfaced in my mind earlier, my face burns again.

Clearing my throat, I ask Gavin a question tentatively.

MC: Gavin, according to your customs, what would you give to your bride?

Gavin: I’d craft a ring personally.

While saying this, he takes my travelling bag and fixes it onto Griffy’s back. Then, he picks up the ancient text to confirm our next destination.

MC: When that time comes, I’ll definitely pluck the most beautiful flowers in the forest and make a wedding bouquet for your bride.

Holding a wedding and having a partner - these are things worthy to be happy about.

But when I said this, I found that I couldn’t bring myself to smile.

It’s as though my heart is drowned in deep water. It feels acrid, and there’s also a tightening in my chest.

I’ve lived for a very long time on this land, witnessed the construction and destruction of many kingdoms, and experienced battles and peace since the ancient times till today.

Yet, I’m unable to understand the feelings I’m currently experiencing, and what they signify.

-

After that, we head to many other places together.

We cross the dessert, fly over the ocean, scale the highest mountain peak, and head to the deepest abyss.

We dance in a sea of flowers along with the odes of travelling bards, and bargain with a gigantic, greedy dragon.

The treasures in the travelling bag increase in number. Every treasure obtained makes it increasingly clearer that this dream-like journey is about to come to an end.

On an unknown empty island, Gavin and I sit side by side on the shore, watching as the waves at our feet lap against the rocks.

Looking at the pearl head ornament Gavin just gave me, my voice comes out hoarser than expected.

MC: What will you do once you become king?

Gavin: Quite a number of races are interested in humans. Perhaps I could try broadening trade. I also have to revolutionise the senate.

He talks about his responsibilities earnestly - from commerce to ruling the country, from art to food.

Gavin’s dead seriousness tickles me to laughter.

I console myself with the thought that even after he becomes king and I’m no longer his guardian deity, our relationship wouldn’t change that much. 

Gavin suddenly stops mid-speech, as though deliberating something.

I turn my head, only to see the reddened tips of his ears.

Gavin: Also... I want to marry the lady I like and make her my queen. This way, I can always be with her.

Gavin looks afar off, his gaze gentle, as though he can see his desired future.

For some reason, I want to rush towards that future with him.

And I suddenly realise what that acrid feeling twirling around in my heart is.

Without realising it, my feelings for Gavin have been intertwined and encased by a sense of possessiveness.

I don’t want him to have another guardian deity, nor do I want him to give these treasures we’ve collected together to another deity.

Most of all, I don’t want him to put a personally crafted ring on the finger of another lady.

The sea breeze rolls up tiny, light blue flowers on the beach. They dance in the air, floating towards the ocean.

At this moment, all the clamorous emotions and feelings quieten down, and are crowned a name and definition -

All of this is called “liking”.

-

The journey is about to end.

Griffy returns us to the ground.

Looking at my forest and at my little courtyard, I feel as though everything happened a lifetime ago.

Gavin: It’s nice to be home.

Gavin retrieves the travelling bag, then pats the fence at the door.

Gavin: Wait. Why do the medicinal plants look even healthier than before I left...

I tug onto Gavin before he can check on the medicinal plants.

MC: The journey has already ended, and you’ve collected sufficient treasures. Are you going to succeed to the throne after this? Looks like my agreement with your mother has been fulfilled.

Gavin: That’s right. But aren’t you going to let me rest at your place and have a drink of water?

MC: You have quite a number of things to handle after this. These treasures need to be offered to the deity. And you also have to... marry the lady you like. You should take action quickly and settle these things at one go!

I give him a stern expression, trying to conceal the childish impetuousness in my heart.

Gavin: Do you think the deity will really like these?

Gavin doesn’t leave. He stands in place, his words bringing with them a smile.

Looking at the full and bulging travelling bag, I feel tremendously envious.

MC: Of course. Who was the one who picked them with you? All right, go and offer them to your new deity. Who are you looking for? I could put in a good word for you so he or she would give you a little more blessings.

My voice grows softer and softer, and my gaze flits around.

Gavin: If she’ll like them, I can put my mind at ease. 

Gavin speaks softly, but doesn’t respond to my question. He takes the travelling bag, placing the treasures we’ve collected on the grass before me.

The crystal from the top of the World Tree, the golden belt crafted by the dwarves, the unwilting flower from the deepest part of the desert, the coral from the deepest oceanic trench...

Aside from the recorded treasures, there’s also cheese from the dwarves’ marketplace, a headscarf from sea nymphs, sun-dried jerky from the giants, and other miscellaneous items.

These items were brought along with Gavin because I liked them.

After setting down the last item, he takes half a step back.

Then, he gets down on one knee, tilting his head upwards to look at me.

Gavin: Goddess of Nature, I give you all of these offerings. Please bestow blessings upon me, protect my country, and crown me.

Gavin: And please make a long-lasting agreement with me, to become my queen, and to keep me company.

Gavin: Till death do us part.

Gavin looks at me, his sentiments and tenderness condensing into honey coloured amber.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, landing on his face like a kiss, making his eyes bright and glittering.

MC: [blushing] I...

Before I can respond, Griffy caws happily, giving me a nudge from behind, causing me to fall into Gavin’s arms.

MC: [blushing] Griffy! I didn’t raise you to be this big so you could do that!

I grumble, pretending to be stern. Then, I close my eyes defeatedly, burying my head in Gavin’s arms, not wanting him to have a clear view of my blushing face.

Gavin’s soft chuckle and his breaths land on my ears, akin to the first tender breeze in early summer.

Gavin: I used to worry that the reason for our interactions was due to that prior agreement. 

Gavin: Once the agreement ended, you would no longer have a connection to me. 

Gavin: I was troubled by this for a while, and also tried to delay that day from arriving. 

Gavin: But one day, I made a decision. 

Gavin: Instead of holding on to that past agreement, why don’t I make a new vow instead.

Gavin tilts his chin towards those treasures.

Gavin: But I don’t want you to simply be a goddess who responds to my prayers.

Gavin: This journey was meant for you to understand that my feelings for you aren’t simply the dependence humans have towards their guardian deities.

Gavin: I just don’t know how effective it was...

Gavins speaks, averting his gaze.

Recalling the hints and occasional bashfulness during the journey, I finally understand everything, and my face turns incomparably red.

MC: [blushing] Right from the beginning, you already...

Gavin coughs softly.

Gavin: So, are you willing?

Watching as his eyes draw increasingly nearer to me, it’s as though a pot of honey has been overturned in my heart, and all the flowers seem to be blooming at the same time.

I lift my hand.

MC: I’m the deity who controls the land, forests, and all the animals.

MC: I hereby make an agreement with you-

The forest seems to respond to my words. Birds outstretch their wings, trees rustle, and the land releases a faint humming sound.

Light flickers at my fingertips, akin to a sprouting bud as it flows and spreads over Gavin’s crown.

MC: I will always protect your kingdom. May your land be forever fertile, and may your kingdom forever be peaceful.

My power weaves my words into an unbreakable vow between us.

As a goddess, these are the strongest blessings I can give to him.

With a small smile, I continue speaking. Softly, I give him the blessings from me as MC, and also my response.

MC: I will also share my life with you, and my power.

MC: I will accompany you for a long time, until the destruction of the earth.

A light blooms, encasing us within it.

Gavin doesn’t speak, and simply looks at me.

I recall the day we saw the sea together, and recall the fluttering light blue petals, and the gaze he had when he stared afar off.

I’m guessing that his gaze has finally found a dwelling place.

The rays of light around us gradually recede, and the vow is established.

This isn’t a lengthy ceremony, nor does it involve complicated steps.

But we have cast a connection different from before - one which is unique in the world.

Having used my powers, I lean into Gavin’s arms, looking at the same sky together.

MC: Aren’t you going to say something?

Gavin: Erm... you really looked like a goddess earlier.

There doesn’t seem to be a change in or relationship. However, there’s a certain sweetness in our dialogue.

MC: I am a goddess! Wait, that’s not what I was referring to. May I invite Your Majesty, who has obtained the goddess’ blessings through his own strength, share his thoughts with us?

Gavin pretends to ponder over this seriously.

Gavin: I just remembered that there’s one thing I haven’t done. I plan to make another trip to the dwarves’ nation.

MC: Did you forget something?

Gavin pulls me up, and we stand together. He pats Griffy, getting it ready to set out.

Gavin: I mentioned before that I’d personally craft a ring for my queen.

Gavin: You also promised that you’d pluck the most beautiful flowers in the forest to make a wedding bouquet.

Gavin: I look forward to seeing it when I return.

🐦 MOMENTS 🐦

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: Would a griffin’s fur feel like a bird’s or a lion’s?

Gavin: ...I have never thought about this question.

-

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: If only we could rear one!

Gavin: We might need a larger courtyard to let it build a nest.

-

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: I really want to bury my face in it...

Gavin: Even though we don’t have a griffin, we could ask Flyer if its willing.

🐦 Calls: First ll Second

🐦 Support the cafe by dropping by the tip jar!

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Sacred Mountain date + calls + moments translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

'I know that there must be things in the world that are unknowable.'

'I never set my heart on those illusory protections and blessings, only hoping for those silent bystanders to witness our smooth and winding journey through life.'

'But if there truly is something that can hear the sound of prayers, I hope they can give her a miracle.'

[Pre-Evolve phone call- All path is fortunate]

(T/N: IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO HEAR THIS CALL FIRST so the date will make more sense)

[Date – Video ver]

(T/N: As always, I always recommend watching the video for a more comprehensive experience. Personally, I really like how tender and affectionate he sounds in this one and the bgm choice is good to set the mood~ Don’t forget to turn on CC!

If the direct video doesn't work - [Use this link]

(Besides, tumblr doesn't allow us to use an old text editor anymore so I can't add up more than 30 pics in this post. Tumblr post alone won't capture the change in background and sprite as usual(for reference I always have like 60+ pic in one post LOL))

[Date – Transcript ver]

[Part 1]

Lucien: MC, how are you?

The whole world is incredibly dizzy; waves of nausea and headaches erode my will, making breathing a little uncomfortable.

I lie in bed in a daze, trying to lift the corners of my mouth under his worried gaze, and I accept the medicine he hands me.

MC: It's just a little bit uncomfortable, but resting for a while should make it better.

MC: As expected, I shouldn't take flights directly next time. A train would be a better option even if it's slower…

After swallowing the medicine, I comfortingly tilt my head against him, feeling his warm fingertips brush against my cheeks and spine, guiding me as I slowly lay back down.

Lucien: (with a trace of guilt in his tone)…I'm very sorry.

MC: What are you sorry for?

MC: This was a decision and journey we both made together. I won't accept you shouldering all the responsibility on your own.

=Flashback Start=

MC: Hehe, this little pig looks even cuter than in the picture!

A month ago, I enthusiastically helped Lucien replace the phone case with a new one I bought for him.

After putting it on, I happily picked up my own phone, leaning against the side of the cabinet, and showed it off to Lucien who was washing dishes.

The two pink and chubby PUPU piglets are symmetrically posed, looking adorable and charming.

Lucien: (chuckle) Your taste has always been quite good.

MC: But if your colleagues see Professor Lucien using such a cute phone case, won't they think you're childish?

MC: Will I ruin your image?

Lucien: Whether it's childish or not, I don't think it can be reflected in a small phone case.

Lucien: Besides, their judgment doesn't hold much significance to me either.

Lucien: Forming the same scenery with another 'little piglet' appears to bring more happiness.

MC: Then let our brilliant Professor Lucien accompany me to be a 'happy little piglet' for a few months~

I couldn't help but laugh and noticed that Lucien's phone suddenly vibrated. A work approval notification popped up on the screen.

MC: It says that your colleague has arrived... take a look.

Lucien: Just go ahead and take a look for me.

He spoke casually, skillfully squeezing some dishwashing detergent onto a dishcloth, and then picking up a plate next to it to continue washing.

Receiving the "instructions," I naturally tapped open the message on the screen.

MC: It seems like a researcher named... Luo Ke wants to apply for a two-day vacation, saying he wants to travel to Tibet…

Lucien: Please approve it for me.

Seeing his familiar attitude, I didn't ask further questions. I simply pressed the "approve request" button silently.

Meanwhile, Lucien blinked slightly, his hand movements slowing down as he seemed to be contemplating something as well.

MC: You're not going to ask a few more questions about such a distant trip?

Lucien: This isn't his first time going there; he must have been there at least... more than ten times.

Lucien: Every time he's waiting for particularly important experimental results or article review feedback, he runs over there.

The last plate was placed in the dish rack, and Lucien wiped his hands. He took the phone and opened someone's social media feed for me.

Over the past few years, there were only a few posts, but almost all of them were various types of snowy mountain landscapes.

Lucien: It's evident that the place must have quite an appealing charm.

Lucien: It's probably indeed a miraculous place…

He paused, his tone tinged with a curiosity born from long-term observation.

MC: So, after he goes there, does he always have positive outcomes?

Lucien: Not necessarily.

Lucien: Moreover, I believe those favorable outcomes within the expected range reflect his dedicated and meticulous work ethic, which significantly reduces errors.

Lucien: However... (chuckle) Many times, science does indeed encounter unforeseeable things.

Hearing him say that, I also became curious.

Our gazes met, and we captured remarkably similar emotions in each other's eyes.

MC: How about we go there too—!

=Flashback End=

MC: But I've been exercising so diligently, taking the oral solution as prescribed, and yet I still got altitude sickness. It's frustrating.

MC: I saved time by taking a plane, only to spend it all on the bed…

Lucien: (chuckle) It's alright, we're not in a hurry to leave. Let's rest a bit more.

He adjusts the pillow, making me lie more comfortably, then leans down to gently kiss the corner of my mouth.

Lucien: Don't worry, I can always be your "oxygen" whenever you need it.

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

[Part 2]

MC: I'm revived—!

After a night of rest, I feel much more refreshed the next day.

Lucien: Don't push yourself too hard. If you're feeling uncomfortable anywhere, make sure to let me know promptly.

MC: Got it. Once I get in the car, I'll cling to the oxygen tank.

I smile and sit in the passenger seat of the off-road vehicle that Lucien had rented in advance. Holding a small oxygen concentrator, I playfully shake my head at him.

Lucien also smiles, and we officially embark on our impromptu journey of curiosity.

Because of our unique random drawing system, we aren't heading to various popular attractions.

One of the destinations is Namtso Lake, where Luo Ke often goes, and the other is a snowy mountain selected by me through a random number selection.

The straight highway stretches forward, piercing through the distant expanse of blue sky.

The vast wilderness extends, and large masses of cumulus clouds join the surging herd of cattle, painting an exceptionally magnificent "Running Bulls".

The distant snow-covered mountains gradually impress upon the retina, resembling a distant and graceful maiden. The staggered peaks have been carved with fine craftsmanship, creating soft and graceful diagonal lines.

The deep and light sapphire blue blends from beneath the mountain peaks to above the sky, mingling in the middle and accentuating the pure white with a sense of sanctity.

I can't help but take a breath, letting this indescribable beauty fill my entire field of vision.

MC: When I was watching the video, I could probably guess why someone would choose to come here so many times.

MC: But now I completely feel it.

MC: The scenery on the way to Namtso Lake is also incredibly beautiful!

Lucien: Perhaps I should remind this classmate that our journey has only just begun.

He lightly presses the accelerator, and the vast land in the uninhabited area gradually sheds all its splendor, revealing its simple exterior.

And a vast expanse of blue quickly appears before my eyes.

MC: Are we almost there?

The vast world brings everything close as if it was always this near.

Lucien: Don't rush, there's still some distance to go.

Lucien: The place Luo Ke visited before is now closed, so we need to find another convenient place to stay.

The winding road leads us along the snow-capped mountains, revealing their magnificence even more. We drive alongside them, receiving a sense of being overlooked quietly.

After going through a somewhat bumpy road, Lucien temporarily parks the car on the side of the road and opens the carried drone.

And I carefully step out of the car, the cool and thin air making me slightly breathless, but it doesn't diminish my enthusiasm in the slightest.

While adjusting the frequency of my breaths, I take a few steps toward the vast bay of the lake.

Layer upon layer of mountains stands above the sea of blue, towering into the clouds.

The world seems to have turned into a sacred palette, where the Creator has reserved the purest colors for this place, bringing serenity to all things.

It's an exceptionally wonderful feeling, everything in front of me seems so distant and immense.

And my small self becomes like a grain of sand on a tidal flat, a drop of water in the lake, gazing up and silently embraced within it.

I unconsciously slowed down my breath. I turn my head and notice that Lucien had appeared by my side at some point.

His gaze is distant, reaching toward the far horizon. The subtle snowy backdrop frames him as if it's also blending him into this pure scenery.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Lucien turns his face and looks into my eyes.

For a moment, neither of us speaks, as if words are the least significant part of our gaze.

His fingertips gently stroke up, like delicately traced kisses.

I don't know if it's because of this ethereal world, but I feel a certain piousness in his touch.

MC: Being able to come here with you and see these landscapes, there's nothing better than this.

Lucien: I should say, it's you who brought this unparalleled beauty to me.

MC: So your sleeping bag is for sleeping directly in the car?

MC: I thought you were only going to use it for a quick nap in the car.

As the sky darkens, after Lucien finds a place to park the car, I watch in surprise as he takes out a spare coat and sleeping bag, then folds down the back seats of the off-road vehicle.

Lucien: (chuckle) That was the original plan. I just changed my mind suddenly.

Lucien: Don't worry, its thickness is enough to keep both of us warm.

MC: I'm not worried about that at all. I was just wondering why Professor Lucien suddenly wanted to change the plan.

He simply smiles and hugs me, both of us slipping into the sleeping bag together.

Lucien: Although we came here out of curiosity, this journey belongs to us.

Lucien: I also want to be with you, to see more of the extraordinary beauty together.

MC: But it's not easy to see the scenery.

The air is chilly, and in the pitch-black darkness, I can't help but snuggle closer into Lucien's embrace.

Lucien: (chuckles) I suppose all beautiful things require sufficient time and effort to gradually form.

Lucien: Regardless, it's a pity that you didn't get to see the sunset at Namtso Lake, and even the stars have hidden themselves.

There's a rare touch of regret in his tone. Thick clouds obscure most of the sky, hastening the arrival of the night.

Outside the car window, there's an absolute silence. The heavy darkness fills the entire scene, not even a single starlight is visible.

It's as if everything has been gathered within this car, with the only exception being the gentle, faint interplay of light and shadows emanating from the car's display screen. The world outside has shut itself off, closing its windows to our view.

MC: But I did get to see such a unique night.

I lift my head from his shoulder with a smile, gazing into the hidden depths of his eyes.

MC: Spending the night like this in the wilderness is quite special too.

Lucien: I'm also glad to share such a miraculous experience with you.

Lucien: Although I've seen many landscapes, this kind of darkness appears especially beautiful.

MC: You're exaggerating. Professor Lucien can come here on his own too, right?

Lucien: (chuckles then speaks in a coquettish tone) It won't be the same.

He hugs me even tighter as if we too have melded together like the night.

Lucien: You have given them real significance, making them a sort of destiny.

Lucien: (softly) I think, there's nothing better than experiencing all of this together with you.

Even though everything is incredibly dark, I seem to see him more clearly, and he seems to see right through me as well.

MC: So many good things have happened around us. Maybe we've been blessed all along.

MC: Do you believe that?

Lucien: There's a possibility for the existence of everything that can't be proven, just as there's a possibility for their nonexistence.

MC: As expected of the rigorous Professor Lucien.

I smile and bury myself deeper into his embrace, feeling his familiar body temperature warming me amid this boundless cold.

MC: Then I hope I can see the miraculous "Golden Mountain" with you tomorrow morning.

MC: I hope that while we whisper our wishes, the snowy mountains can hear them and allow us to witness even more beauty together.

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

But the snowy mountains seem to only want to listen to our whispers.

The thick clouds densely conceal the endless expanse of snowy white behind them, and the morning air is bone-chillingly cold.

The thin air forces me to hold onto the small portable oxygen device, shivering while stubbornly keeping my eyes wide open.

The scene in my field of vision is gradually brightening, but it's still a vast expanse of emptiness.

Amidst that magnificent landscape, we haven't witnessed a more wondrous scene.

Many times, the world is simply unreasonable.

MC: What a pity. If we had witnessed the "Golden Mountain" by the shores of Lake Namtso, it would have surely made us feel incredibly lucky.

MC: However, even though Professor Luo Ke has come so many times, he only caught a glimpse of it. And his experimental results still seem to be quite good.

MC: (smiles) So it's no problem, it's not that we have bad luck, we just don't have luck that's good enough.

On the road back, symptoms of altitude sickness paid me another visit.

After taking pain relievers, I lie a little bit dizzily in the passenger seat, my mouth couldn't help but mutter.

Lucien: This kind of randomness is quite interesting too, isn't it?

Lucien: We don't know when or in what circumstances we will encounter the most beautiful scenery.

Lucien smiled and there was no regret in his tone.

In the receding scenery, he looks so serene.

Lucien: The world would seem to be a much less interesting place if human beings could achieve their goals every time they beat their brains out.

MC: But even if not everything goes as planned, wouldn't you feel regret if most of your expectations couldn't be met?

Lucien: For me what's intriguing is the unknown.

Lucien: The outcome is merely a stepping stone toward the next unknown.

Lucien: Moreover... if most expectations aren't met, I believe there are more important things to consider than just feeling regret.

MC: Um?

He turns his head seemingly seriously, there’s a faint teasing glint in his eyes.

Lucien: Perhaps I should consider whether I need to change my job.

Lucien: Because unexpectedly, most of the outcomes have been failures.

I can't help but laugh, and all the unseen regrets are diluted at this moment.

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

We chat and laugh all the way, the endless road carrying boundless conversations, accompanied by the clouds floating in the sky.

And I gradually relaxed, enjoying this journey with Lucien more peacefully.

Back at the hotel, we had a good night's sleep. The next day, we woke up early, full of energy, and drove to the next destination.

The number of cars on the road decreases as we go, and the journey becomes bumpier. We are like solitary yet content explorers, walking on a path that belongs only to us.

MC: …Strange, according to the map, the sacred mountain should be nearby, right? Did we take a wrong turn?

After navigating numerous twists and turns, I still haven't spotted our destination outside the window.

Lucien: MC, look up.

MC: Um?

I instinctively lift my head, and a blanket of pure white emerges in grandeur after a turn, suddenly filling the entire horizon.

Snow and clouds shroud the mysterious pyramid-like structure, while the clear sky-blue reflects on the mountain's contours, rendering it incredibly serene and sacred.

But that was just a blink of an eye in our journey.

When the car finally comes to a stop at the base of the outer lake, the world suddenly changes its complexion. Fine snowflakes are whisked into the air between the mountains, swiftly guiding us into a nearby guesthouse.

The room is relatively simple, but it's enough to shelter us from the wind and snow.

There aren't many other guests besides us, and the owner warmly welcomes us, bringing us warm milk.

I lean against the window, and the snow-capped mountains outside are already submerged in clouds and the feather-like flurry, making it impossible to see any features.

Lucien: (chuckle) This classmate might turn into a little snowman.

A gentle touch of fingertips brushes against my brow, smoothing out the creases there.

Afterward, a piece of clothing wraps around me, creating a barrier against the lingering cold air in the room.

MC: If I turn into a little snowman, can I reason with the snowy mountains then?

Lucien: The snowy mountains might not have control over the weather either.

He smiles, wearing a similar ethnic attire that he just gave to me, and nestles beside me.

MC: What is this?

Lucien: The weather grew colder. Although our clothes were warm enough, I borrowed two more pieces of clothing from the owner.

Lucien: Because I hope to be more than just a "guest" here with you.

He brushes aside my hair and helps me fasten the robe and belt.

Lucien: (chuckle) Let me accompany you in becoming a little snowman here.

Lucien: Blizzard or sunshine, it doesn't matter.

Lucien: They are all just a part of our life.

His voice is gentle, falling softly like the snow.

I understand what Lucien means, so I gaze at him for a moment and then immediately raise the corners of my mouth, affectionately tidying his clothes.

Suddenly, I remembered something and took out a ribbon from my backpack.

MC: Then we should try to blend in more with the local customs!

Lucien: When did you secretly buy this?

Lucien: (chuckle) I thought you were resting well the whole time, except when you were with me.

MC: Hehe, since you can take care of renting the car and various matters, it's okay for me to buy a little gift, right?

I smile and ask him to turn around. I gently stroke the soft hair at the nape of his neck.

Strands of silky hair twine around my fingertips, gleaming with a beautiful luster against the snowy backdrop.

MC: Your hair has grown quite long.

Lucien: I hope this little travel preparation will also make you happy.

MC: (laughs) So Professor Lucien even planned for this.

MC: But my preparation is on point too. I specifically learned braiding techniques for this region online.

The ribbon is woven through the small braids at the ends of his hair, and the end of each braid is adorned with a neat little knot tied with beads.

I place the headband on his forehead and hold his cheeks, looking at him repeatedly with a little smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

Lucien: (chuckles and smiles with curved eyes) Are you satisfied?

MC: Couldn't be more satisfied!

It's as if my smile has infected him too. He then takes out a particularly unique headpiece and ribbons from his own backpack.

MC: How did you…?

Lucien: I can only say that our tacit understanding has always been like this.

He turns my body around, lifting my hair and slipping his fingers through it.

In the distance, the sacred mountain stands serenely, while snowflakes continue to drift down.

Lucien quietly holds and touches my hair.

At this moment, I can't see his face, but there's an incomparably sincere feeling of being touched tenderly and devoutly.

MC: I hope tomorrow will be good weather.

MC: And I can see the special "Golden Mountain" with you.

Lucien: This classmate seems to be more persistent than I imagined.

MC: Because... I want to see all the miraculous things in this world with you.

I lower my head, playing with the crimson bead strings, and surprisingly, I don't feel any urgency. Instead, a sense of tranquility fills me.

MC: Because this is something that only requires luck, just like the Northern Lights we witnessed together back then.

MC: A koi fish, a wonder... it's as if encountering these brings a bit of good luck.

MC: I hope the koi fish always jumps into your arms, and all the good luck can favor you.

MC: Even things that cannot be proven, may they stand by your side.

A pair of arms encircle my waist, gently pulling me back and drawing me into his embrace.

Lucien: (chuckles tenderly) Silly girl.

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

The snow and wind continue unabated.

The next day the sky is still filled with snow, and the possibility of seeing a sunrise is unlikely.

My heart is filled with regret, but I still muster my energy and get up. As I consider today's plans, I search for Lucien's figure.

MC: Lucien?

As I push open the door, in this world of pure white, everything comes rushing towards me—

Falling snowflakes, fluttering prayer flags, and the tinkling bells hanging from the yak's neck fill all of my senses all at once.

I stand there in a daze, gazing at those eyes that are as silent as this world, coming towards me from within the snow.

The incessant heavy snow falls onto his Tibetan robe, and he, like a figure from a painting, pulls the reins as the wind blows.

The swaying bells ring melodiously and echo in the mountains as if they are the melody of wind and snow.

Thin golden light bathes the mountain peaks, outlining the continuous undulating contours of the landscape in varying shades.

Like a divine oracle, pointing toward the end of the world.

Lucien: I seem to have heard you calling me.

At that moment, I felt a sense of relief, as if it didn't matter whether I saw the "Golden Mountain" or not.

Because I have already seen the God that came upon my call.

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

[Part 4]

So it turns out Lucien went to explore the path ahead while the snow was lighter.

Lucien: I went to the side of the outer lake to take a look, but I still couldn't see much.

MC: It's okay, I think this is fine too.

Watching the swirling snow, I know that there probably won't be much of a chance today, but my mood is particularly relaxed.

MC: Isn't it nice to walk under the snow-capped mountains like this, accompanied by the light snowfall?

MC: And today is also the Qixi Festival. It feels like we're doing something particularly dreamy.

Lucien: I think what's really dreamy is something else.

He smiles and takes my hand, stepping on the light snow, and slowly walking in the mountains.

The world is covered by a layer of white dust, flying, quietly settling, gathering, and extending far into the pure white depths.

Between heaven and earth, there is no constraint in looking up or down.

Round and round, we finally return to the foot of the sacred mountain by the outer lake.

The lake is profound and unfathomable, holding sediments for countless years.

The wind stirs layers of ripples as we gaze across the lake, looking at the mountain hidden in clouds and mist as if looking at the gods hidden behind.

Countless ineffable emotions surge within my heart, leaving me only able to silently experience this brilliance and grandeur.

MC: Indeed, a lot of scenery is best experienced firsthand.

Lucien: I suppose this is probably the essence of traveling.

MC: We'll definitely come back here again in the future, right?

Lucien: Definitely.

Upon hearing his resolute response, I laughed softly.

I reverently place my hands together, raising them to my chest.

At this moment, my heart is tranquil. As I subconsciously pray, Lucien's name naturally appears in my heart.

I hope everything goes smoothly for him, his health remains strong, and he is safe and worry-free.

I hope he will never lose his curiosity about this world.

I hope he will knock on the doors to truth and reach even farther places.

I silently express in my heart; if there are truly unspeakable things in the world, I hope they can hear my wishes in this closest place to them.

Until suddenly, I feel a pair of warm palms covering the back of my hand.

I don't open my eyes, but for some reason, I know he is doing the same thing with me.

Even though I know he doesn't believe in anything, he has also made wishes with me countless times.

But now, will you still pray with me?

What will you pray to them for?

At this moment, everything seems to be quiet, as if wishing to carry the sounds of the world to even more distant realms.

But Lucien doesn't consider himself a believer in prayer.

The world is full of countless mysteries waiting to be explored and answered, and until accurate answers are found, he cares not the names humans bestow upon them.

Gods, heavens, destiny…

Even so, he's not sure of the reason, but there's always an incredibly real feeling of being touched gently and reverently by the girl.

As if cradled within the softness of her heart, embraced in her current prayer.

He feels that he is being blessed and protected.

An immensely heavy emotion burgeons within him at this moment, spreading to every part of his body, making him feel warm all over.

He can't help but close his eyes and press his forehead against the top of her head.

'I know that there must be things in the world that are unknowable.'

'I never set my heart on those illusory protections and blessings, only hoping for those silent bystanders to witness our smooth and winding journey through life.'

'But if there truly is something that can hear the sound of prayers, I hope they can give her a miracle.'

At that moment, he couldn't help but pray.

I slowly open my eyes, meeting Lucien's gaze, and we both break into laughter together.

MC: Lucien, just now the gods have already promised me that they will bless and protect you well.

Lucien: But I feel like I'm already being well blessed and protected by you.

MC: Then you just keep moving forward, you will definitely reach the place you hope for.

A tender kiss lands on my lips, devout and affectionate.

A fleeting moment can be engraved as if it were a thousand years, frozen in the gaze of the snow mountains.

At some point, the wind and snow stopped, and a subtle red tinted the area behind Lucien.

MC: How come the snow has turned red because of you…

As soon as my words fall, both Lucien and I suddenly freeze in place.

As Lucien turns around to reveal a vast expanse of vision, we witness a miracle.

Threads of golden light spill down, burning into the clouds and landing on the finally unveiled mountaintop.

As rows of clouds surge, that magnificent glow spreads across the mountain peak, turning red and then bright, casting a solemn aura over the sacred summit.

That touch of favor from the sun and the divine now fully rests before us.

The golden mountain is so vast, so bright, and even the floating clouds seem to bow their heads in reverence, offering all their respect, leaving only its radiance in the expanse of the sky.

I lost all words, only able to stare blankly at everything before me.

My gaze unintentionally becomes blurred, watching that intense deep red gradually transform into soft red, then quietly fade away.

Until that red light disappears, and the world falls silent once again.

The moment just now felt like a miracle.

MC: Lucien…

I excitedly throw myself onto him. Even though that scene was fleeting, it was enough to make me feel happy.

MC: We've seen it! We've seen the golden mountain!

MC: Something good is definitely going to happen!

He looks towards the mountain peak that has once again disappeared from sight, then looks at me.

He uses his fingertip to gently wipe away the tears in my eyes, then bends down to kiss my cheek, again and again.

In those deep eyes, I see the same emotions.

Sudden travel, random choices, silent scenery... Countless coincidences link together to become some kind of destiny.

Lucien: Probably since a long time ago…

Lucien: You've become my miracle itself.

-

[Post-Evolve phone call- Lab Koi]

-

[Karma Bonus Moments- Boundless]

Lucien's post: The magic of the world lies in the fact that amidst doubt and disappointment, anything is possible.

MC's reply: So, is it really possible that there's a "god" who can hear all our prayers?

Lucien: Perhaps there is some kind of "rule" that if two people love each other enough, all their wishes can come true.

-

Lucien's post: The magic of the world lies in the fact that amidst doubt and disappointment, anything is possible.

MC's reply: But what if nothing happens at all?

Lucien: Then it's just one of the many faces it's showing us.

-

Lucien's post: The magic of the world lies in the fact that amidst doubt and disappointment, anything is possible.

MC's reply: I hope that the direction it happens to be in is just the way you expect.

Lucien: I think that even if the world doesn't always align with our wishes, I'll remember your words and calmly navigate through every failure.

-

[Lux’s Rambling Corner]

What a very touching date🥺 I literally cried the first time I read them lmao. Both the art and writing of this date are truly exceptional, exceeding all my expectations. Perhaps it’s true that love has the power to create miracles and shape destinies.

I think the date tackle some heavy themes and questions. Are things like Gods or Heavens exist? and whether it's meaningful to pray for them without concrete proof. It also delves into the concept of human insignificance in the vast universe and the limits of our understanding. I believe this date provides satisfying and respectful approach to these questions. Although we can't know the absolute truth about such mysteries, it's perfectly fine to explore various possibilities. Praying or believing in such thing is okay because there's nothing wrong with taking more possibilities with your hand. While our time in this world is short and we might feel insignificant in the universe, it's comforting to follow your heart and make the most of every fleeting moment. Even a fleeting moment can be engraved as if it were a thousand years.

Regarding their interactions and dynamic in this date, the aspect that really struck me was how they view each other as something beyond humans, yet also manage to protect and care for one another in a very human way by praying. MC’s prayer is really touching, because you just can feel how much she just wishes to protect him and make him happy, his prayer even includes her wish for him to continue his curiosity; to find what he’s searching for; and, it’s just- very special you know? Because it shows how much she understands him and loves everything that makes him ‘Lucien’. And against rationality and logic, Lucien prays for her simply because he believes that she deserves all the good things in the world. What she wishes for, if there truly is god in the world, he hopes that god will realize her wish.

Still, the object of his devotion isn't the divine but his beloved. Because in his eyes, it’s her love that’s been blessing and protecting him all this time. This devotion is mutual, and it can be said that they’re each other's 'God' and believer. For her, Lucien is a 'God' that came upon her call, came from the snow and led her to see the golden mountain through wind and snow. While for Lucien, she is his cherished 'God', blessing him and letting him see color, allowing him to appreciate the beauty of the world in its fullest, and his ‘connection’ to the world.

This mutual devotion also shows through the repeated use of the term虔诚 (which translates to 'devout' or 'reverent' or ‘pious’) to describe their touches and I just- *died* everytime PG uses it. In other instances they also humanize the other, grounding them in the reality that they’re also humans that might experience failures and setbacks from time to time, but it’s totally okay of course, after all those are perhaps what makes life interesting. Anyway, this dynamic of humanizing and divinizing each other is a truly special aspect of their relationship and I can’t help but love them more for it.

Besides the aspect that I mentioned above, Lucien taking care of sick MC and their constant setbacks also add more bittersweet touch to this date. Lucien taking care of MC in particular, kind of gives me flashbacks of Distant Similarity UR. Lucien initially takes all of the responsibilities himself and MC reminds him again that he shouldn’t shoulder everything himself never fails to hurt me :”. And their constant setbacks… albeit a bit cliche, it’s also their brand to have angst with a happy ending right- That part when they accept that perhaps it’s simply not their luck to see the golden mountain is really melancholic yet also hopeful. Things might not go as planned, but it’s okay. Because as long as they have each other everything is good and there will always be the chance to try it again next time.

Other than those scenes, their interactions in this date are definitely brimming with sweetness and tenderness, from Lucien being certified love brain™ by letting her to change his phone case into something cute and childish while not caring what his colleagues think, ‘oxygen tank’ lucien (heh-), being two little snowmen together and my little fav scene when they have tacit understanding, it's as if they have this soul-deep connection and are able to communicate heart to heart, when Lucien somehow knows that she will do that and deliberately grow mullet for her to braid. Their mutual gift of headpieces and ribbon... when they braid each other hair, there's this magical feeling when they do that. It's as if they have this soul-deep connection and be able to communicate through heart 🥹.

Truly 10/10 date. I would put it on S tier with no second thought. If you read until this far- thank you so much for reading ahah. Hopefully y'all enjoy this date as much as I do~

[cloverque]

msby w/ a partner that’s afraid of thunderstorms

ft. main msby bj

cn: (average to severe) astraphobia, comfort, fluff, comebacks, cuddles, hcs with drabbles, gn! reader, the boys are unaware of their partner’s phobia + how they react to it

note: where are my men when i’m scared of thunder. also this gets progressively longer as i write... /slaps myself/ reblogs appreciated!

hinata shōyō

he came home one day to find you hiding under the ridiculously large kontatsu in the living room

at first, he panicked from being unable to locate you, despite your shoes at the entrance

“(y/n)? are you home? (y/n)?” he peered into the bathroom, kitchen, and even in the store room

the young man was one step away from searching for you outside when he thought he heard whimpering

after calling your name a bajillion times and checking every crook and cranny, he finally found you under the heating table

when hinata lifted the covers, he found you with your hands over your ears, eyes screwed shut and trembling.

“what’re you doing there, (y/n)?” his smile was soft yet concerned. he half-heartedly joked, “it’s not even winter.”

your eyelids flew open at the sound of your lover’s voice, “s-shōyō—”

you were cut off by a hair raising thunderclap that reverberated in the room. you whined and curled into a tighter ball, confusing the orange head more.

“are you scared of thunder?” he asked softly, his voice a semitone higher.

a bolt of lightning lit up the living room just as a single tear trailed down your cheeks. you barely nodded when your boyfriend crawled under the table.

shōyō laid on his side behind you and wrapped his arms round your waist. the outside hitter pulled you flush to his chest, hugging you from behind with his face buried in the crook of your neck.

“it’s gonna be okay, sunshine. the storm won’t last forever.”

his hot breath tickled, raising goosebumps on your skin. yet you couldn’t find it in you to push him away. you closed your eyes and interlaced your fingers with his, the warmth from his chest spreading across your back.

if it had been an ordinary kontatsu, this would have been impossible. but now, under this once silly, oversized kontatsu, you suddenly felt glad that it was as it is.

miya atsumu

tsumu was playing a game with his friends when lightning flashed and thunder crackled, then the lights went out

monitor dead, he was annoyed about the sudden power shortage and stumbled out of the room to find you

“babe, where’s the circuit board again?” he groaned as he almost tripped over a wire cord

the faux blonde remembered you were previously on the sofa, reading something on your phone, so he decided to find you first

his eyes had adjusted by the time he reached you and he realised you were lying on your side, unresponsive, so he thought you fell asleep

atsumu was about to leave until he felt the harsh tug on his sleeve. he peered over his shoulder to see you half seated up and staring at him with wide eyes.

“tsumu, don’t go,” you breathed, your voice barely above the rain’s persistent thumps against the balcony doors. a bolt of lightning lit up the night sky, flashing the room with enough light to expose your terrified expression.

atsumu gingerly took your hand in his, “what’s the matter?” he innocently asked with raised brows.

you opened your mouth to speak again when another crash of thunder rattled the house. you gripped atsumu’s hand in yours and yanked him towards you.

a sound between shock and pain escaped his lips when he crashed into you, his body awkwardly squishing you against the sofa.

“w-wha—?” his arms were awkwardly placed beside your body as you hid your face in his chest and wound your arms around him.

thunder crashed and you shivered, and realisation dawned upon the setter. “babe, are yer scared of thunder?”

“just shut up and hug me, dumbass,” you muttered into his hoodie, making atsumu sigh. even when you were scared, you always found a way to bite back.

“‘s nothin’ to be ashamed of, silly.”

he muttered, but before you could make an excuse, the blonde flipped you over so that you were laid on top of him.

you glimpsed at him before nuzzling into your boyfriend’s warm, solid chest. with atsumu’s arms wrapped securely around you, you listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart.

bokuto kōtarō

bo went out to get groceries because you weren’t feeling too well (the two of you usually went together)

so he was stoked to be home, even though he had to fight the storm during his drive home, that when he arrived, he practically crashed through the door

“i’m home!!” his voice could compete with the ruckus outside, and after stashing away the goods, he made a bee line to the bedroom

he found you under the covers, curled up and shivering, so he did what he normally would do

“baby, i missed you so much!” he groaned as he wormed his way under the covers. the bi colour haired man pulled you close. “you won’t believe what i saw at the store just now. i—”

he stopped when he realised you were trembling and pulled back immediately. “what’s wrong? are you cold?” his amber orbs tried to make out your face under the blankets.

when he noticed the tears streaking down your puffy cheeks, he gasped. instinctively, bokuto cupped your cheeks and began searching for answers.

“did something happen while i was gone?” he raised his brows when you shook your head. “did someone say something mean?”

“no...” you sighed as you placed a hand over his. your eyelids fall shut slowly, “it’s just... very scary right now.”

as much as a person could tilt their head when on bed, he tilted his head. just then, a flash of light filled the room and a thunder followed suit.

you winced and curled into your partner’s body. bokuto’s eyes softened at the sight. he placed a soft kiss on your head before tenderly stroking your tresses.

“hey, don’t be scared. i’m here now.”

you glanced up at him at those words, and he gave you a grin, the one he always shown you when you needed reassurance.

putting an arm over your body, he tangled his limbs with yours as the two of you breathed into each other’s scent. all the while the rain knocked on the windows of your shared bedroom.

sakusa kiyoomi

he had planned a home date with you weeks prior, so he wasn’t too disappointed when the rain pelted the windows of his apartment

you were in the showers and he was waiting when a thunderclap roared, and then he heard a scream

the man bolted out his room when he heard you, and he had to mentally calm himself before knocking on the door

“are you alright?” he asked, and when you didn’t respond, he knocked again, “can i come in?”

“i’m not decent– ahh!” you screamed when thunder crashed again. sakusa hesitated for a second before turning the doorknob.

the spiker peered into the bathroom anxiously. as much as he hated to intrude, he had to know that you were safe. inside the toilet, he spotted you under the running shower head, squatting whilst holding your head in your hands.

rivulets ran down your back as he approached you. turning off the shower, he enquired, “are you okay? did you hurt yourself?”

his inky orbs raked your naked body before you stuttered, “no— i-i’m fine yoomi—” but a reoccurring thunderclap made your shoulders jump, and omi took a towel and draped it over you.

he squatted in front of you, eyes locked with yours, “are you sure?” despite the sobriety in his expression, his voice was laced with concern. “you shouldn’t hide your problems.”

“it’s not like that, it’s just...” you slowly pried your hands away from your head, lowering your gaze. tears blurred your vision as you stared at the wet tiles.

sakusa silently waited whilst the bathroom shook from another blunt of the thunderstorm. when you screwed your eyes shut, he had an inkling of the problem.

“love, you’re safe and nothing’s gonna happen.”

languidly, he tucked a few strands of damp hair behind your ears. a small smile was offered as he got to his feet. when he held out his hand, you smiled back and took his hand in yours.

text © myoyachi 2021. please do not plagiarise, edit or repost. characters belong to haikyū!! by furudate haruichi.

[haru-luo]

[CN Translation] Victor’s Capture (捕捉SR) <Record date>

!Spoiler warning! : The followings contain contents for dates of Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice/Love and Producer that are yet to be released in Global server. If you do not wish to be spoiled then please refrain from going undercut.

Karma Quote : “The time you're looking forward to, of course I'll make it special enough."

The translation is undercut. You have been warned about spoilers.

~~~

If you see any “---” sign then it simply indicates change of scenes in the place.

________

记录之约 {Record date}

Preview : "I proposed to "contract"/undertake half of the date with Victor alone to accomplish what I want to do with each other. I brought Victor to the Mr. Kitty exhibition hall and let him experience my childhood favorite cartoon exhibition. When the dusk came, what he most wanted to do was....."

Part 1 :

Today is a "special rest day" with Victor that we agreed early in the morning.

In order to make the rest time more meaningful, I suggest that both of parties "contract" one half of the dating time to accomplish the thing that they most want to do with each other.

Originally I just suggested it as a whim but Victor unexpectedly agreed. Right now, I have exactly six hours left on my part.

I stood in front of Victor breathlessly and he glanced at his watch.

Victor : "Five minutes late."

Victor : "You have five hours and fifty five minutes left."

MC : "Do you want to keep the time rule so strictly...."

I mumbled in protest, Victor said lightly,

Victor : "Six hours per person, this is certain someone's own rule."

Victor : "I'm just implementing it seriously."

After Victor finished speaking, he put a hand on his pocket diagonally, raised his eyebrows and asked.

Victor : "But is this street your chosen destination?"

MC : "Of course not, just follow me."

MC : "Mr. Victor, please."

I pretended to lean slightly then took Victor's arm and strode forward.

-----

After crossing a street, the center exhibition hall appeared in front of us, there was a big title "Mr. Kitty Theme Exhibition" that was eye-catching at the door.

In addition to the colorful balloons, there is also a giant "Mr. Kitty" doll squatting at the door. Many young girls are happily surrounding the doll.

Victor : "Is this what you wanted to do the most today?"

I pulled out the admission ticket and proudly raised it.

MC : "That's right!"

However, the expected frown did not appear. What greeted me was Victor's calm eyes. I realized something later.

MC : "Victor, you wouldn't have guessed it long ago, did you?"

Victor sighed lightly but the corner of his lips were pulled imperceptibly.

Victor : "There were billboards for themed exhibition all the way to here, so one doesn't even have to bother to guess."

Victor : "And as for this plush doll and it's arms crossed shaped."

Victor : "It indeed fits someone's usual preference."

Part 2

Although Victor guessed the answer in advance, it did not affect my interest in the least.

Entering the exhibition hall and looking at the familiar and various "Mr. Kitty" dolls in front of me, my mood also relaxes.

MC : "This was my favorite foreign cartoon when I was a kid. It tells the story of Mr. Kitty and his friends on the planet "Meow".

With that said, I walked to the waiting doll and made a greeting gesture to Victor, then deliberately said in a low voice similar to the tone of Mr. Kitty.

MC : "I'm the famous Mr. Kitty, welcome to my cozy little nest."

MC : "Here, take pictures of your friends to your heart's content!"

Victor looked at me, folded his arms across his chest.

Victor : "Let's talk about it then, just how "famous" is it?"

It's rare for Victor to cooperate so well so I quickly introduced this "childhood friend" while the iron was hot.

MC : "In the entire planet "Meow", Mr. Kitty is the most capable."

MC : "It not only knows a lot of knowledge but also often takes adventures with friends."

I squeezed my fist while talking.

MC : "Whenever an enemy strikes, its spacecraft will rush to the front to drive away the enemy and defend the planet "Meow".

MC : "Don't look at Mr. Kitty's always unsmiling side. In fact, it is very soft at heart."

Seeing me ramble, Victor raised his eyebrows.

Victor : "It seems that you really like it."

Victor : "But I haven't heard you mention it before."

MC : "After all, it was when I was young."

MC : "This is Mr. Kitty's first exhibition in LoveLand City. I will tour you here to get to know it for the first time~"

Victor looked around for a while, took my hand and walked in.

Victor : "Don't you want to take pictures "as much as you want"?"

Victor : "You can't come back at the doorstep to fulfill your wish again."

After passing through an arch, the exhibition hall inside is really bigger and the dolls on display are also richer in looks.

In addition to Mr. Kitty, there are Skull Mouse dolls wearing skirts, Fairy Elf dolls with wide eyed eyes and several cute models of spaceships.

MC : "And this is Mr. Kitty's most trusted friend, Mr. Elf and this is Miss farmer mouse who always loves and kills." [T/N : If I'm not wrong, "loves and kills"/"相爱相杀是" means a "love but full of quarrels relationship"]

At this time, a shape of Mr. Kitty wearing an apron and holding a dinner plate suddenly broke into my eyes.

Although it has no expression on its face, the movements in its hands reveal a sense of seriousness. I tilted my head and took another look then suddenly laughed.

MC : "Victor, doesn't this look like you when you make pudding in Souvenir?"

MC : "How about I take a photo of it with you?"

Victor : "I'm giving you one minute to reorganize your words."

I raised the camera and shook it with a smile.

MC : "Happy movements must be recorded in order to have a lasting double happiness, right~"

Victor : "Give it to me."

As soon as I finished speaking, Victor reached out and took my camera.

Victor : "Rather offering me to, it is better if you walk over and stand there yourself."

MC : "Then I'll trouble Mr. Victor."

I stood next to Mr. Kitty with two steps and grinned at Victor.

"CLICK!"

The picture freezes on the camera and Victor's eyes slide across the screen calmly but the slight smile in his eyes reveals his good mood at the moment.

Victor : "....Such a stupid smile."

-------

Part 3

After taking enough photos and playing a lot of small games, Victor and I went to the innermost part of exhibition hall. There were four striking characters on the wall.

MC : "Spaceship Pursuit?"

At the same time, the small screen on the wall sounded a melody of the promo.

Screen Broadcast : "Using high-tech projection technology, everyone can take Mr. Kitty's spacecraft, explore the universe with it and defeat the enemy!"

Screen Broadcast : "And in the process of PK with the enemy, there will be cameras to capture everyone's heroic moments!"

I subconsciously looked at Victor. He did not respond immediately but raised his wrist.

Victor : "As a reminder, you have one hour left."

MC : "......"

Victor : "Don't bother if you want to play."

Boarding the "spaceship", Victor and I sat down near the corner.

Soon, a clear picture of adventure lit up in the pitch-black spaceship at the same time as if the real universe was shrouded in the sky.

At the same, the ground under my feet suddenly began to jolting and shaking slightly---and the spacecraft set off!

I got back to my senses and I was about to raise the small "pistol" but when I turned my head, I saw Victor's slightly disgusted expression.

In his hand, the cat-shaped plastic gun seemed to be less than the size of his palm.

Under the cover of the dark light, I turned my face away and couldn't help but curl the corners of my mouth.

After a while, as the spacecraft sailed, the enemies who were also driving the spacecraft gradually appeared appeared in the field of vision and I quietly pointed them to Victor.

MC : "The mushroom head in the middle is our worst enemy and the one on the left is also a threat."

MC : "But if you are optimistic, we'll be able to successfully drive them away later!"

I pulled the trigger of the small pistol but several rounds in a row were quickly avoided by the mushroom head.

I adjusted my strategy and planned to shoot from another direction but at this moment I saw from the corner of my eye, a figure sitting upright next to me.

Although, Victor was very disgusted just now, but right now, he was holding the small pistol very seriously, as if he was not in front of the game screen but before the usual report materials.

MC : "Pff!"

Among the excited crowd, Victor looked different in a suit and a serious look alone.

I wanted to ask him to relax a little bit but then I gave up after thinking about it. Such a rare scene should be appreciated for a while.

Perceiving my peeking and secret joy, Victor gave me a constant look.

Victor : "Who was the one who just said to chase away the enemy and now gave up so quickly?"

MC : "No, I was just changing my posture."

Victor turned his head without comment.

The projected colored spots reflected light on his face. Looking at Victor, who was a little more vivid and childlike than usual, I suddenly became playful.

I turned my head and looked around and I saw a flashing red spot not far away, it should be the camera lens of the rocker arm.

My body is so close that I want to shoot from behind Victor, in fact I secretly stretched my hand to the top of his head and made a "V".

Victor : "If you want to make a face of me, just be fair."

Hearing the sound, I rolled my eyes.

MC : "It's not often that you play games so seriously."

MC : "If it happens to be captured, it will add a bit of fun to your photos."

Victor : "According to you, would I still say "thank you" for this?"

Hearing the helplessness and ridicule in his words, I stuck out my tongue.

Now that I was caught, I no longer concealed my intentions. I quickly squeezed Victor's face with my hands and squinted at the camera.

MC : "Victor, look at the camera quickly!"

The rocker lens quickly passed overhead. Victor turned his head and looked at me with a smile.

Victor : "Happy now?"

I said frankly.

MC : "It's okay I guess, you just said to be more honest."

Another red projection reflected on Victor's face and his lips slightly curled up.

Victor : "Childish."

Part 4

When coming out of the game hall, the brilliance of the setting sun had already fallen in front of him.

After playing for so long, I couldn't help but feel tired. I ordered an ice cream from the surrounding shops and Victor and I sat down in the rest area.

After all, it was the first ever exhibition of Mr. Kitty in LoveLand City. It was the first time I ate an ice cream shaped like Mr. Kitty. In a novel way, I had a "wipe" when I raised my camera.

Preparing to put the camera away, Victor's figure advertently moved up facing the camera suddenly appearing in the frame.

The adorable ice cream is right in front of him and while wearing a suit and leather shoes, he picks up a small spoon seemingly not knowing where to start.

I couldn't help but laugh softly.

Victor raised his head and glanced at me holding the camera.

Behind the camera, I sighed slyly.

MC : "It turned out that even Mr. Victor would make a fuss and it's rare."

MC : "Come to think of it, I have collected a lot of "The other side of Mr. Victor", It shouldn't be too bad to take another one."

After speaking, I quickly pressed the shutter. As expected, Victor hadn't had time to react so, I captured the slightly dazed expression in the photo.

Putting down the camera contentedly, I dug a scoop of Mr. Kitty's ice cream and tasted it. the refreshing and non-too sweet taste made my eyes bright.

MC : "This is delicious, try it!"

Victor : "Don't change the subject in a hurry."

Victor : "I think "surprise" is your focus for today, right?"

After taking another big mouthful ice cream, I rolled my eyes and squinted with a smile.

MC : "You can't say that. No matter what you are, it was originally a very important part of today's record."

Victor paused for a moment and a slight upward arc leaked from the corner of his mouth.

Victor : "Strong words are unreasonable."

We just ate Mr. Kitty's ice cream one by one. After a while, the waiter brought another ice cream cone.

Victor : "Why did you order two?"

Lifting the cone to Victor, I smiled and winked.

MC : "If you look closely, this is a unique "elf" cone."

MC : "Do you remember the fairy..."

Victor : "Is the Mr. Kitty's most trusted friend."

Victor took my words unhurriedly and then raised his eyebrows.

Victor : "Isn't that right?"

MC : "So, since we're here, it's worthwhile to try all the special things!"

The sun slanting westward fell on Victor's shoulders and hair, he gave a soft smile, his mouth seemed to have the aftertaste of summer.

Victor : "I can see it's just like someone's own taste."

At this moment, the staff of the game hall sent the photos captured by the camera. On the screen, I happened to pinch Victor's face and smile triumphantly.

Unexpectedly, that moment was actually captured. Seeing Victor's helpless look in the photo, I suppressed a chuckle.

Victor : "Seeing certain someone's silly look, she seems to be very satisfied for a long time."

I tried to narrow the corners of my mouth and pretended not to say so unequivocally.

MC : "It's almost thanks to Mr. Victor's cooperation."

A soft look flashed in Victor's eyes, he raised his writs and took a look then raised his eyebrows.

Victor : "That being said, the rest of the time is mine."

----

After all, it is the first time in a while such a "special day off" has been agreed and I can't wait to look forward to the next arrangement.

Stepping on the shadow of the setting sun, I curiously followed Victor. However, as I walked, the scenery in front of me became more and more familiar.

I hesitate for a second and then asked him my doubts.

MC : "Victor, are we on our way back to you home?"

Victor gave a low "Hm".

Victor : "What do you want to eat later?"

Victor : "Fried salmon?"

Although I always rely on Victor to "extravagant food and drinks", after I happily took him to the childhood cartoon exhibition, his arrangement was unexpected.

I pressed my lips together and the emotion of expecting bubbles fell.

MC : "...Is this what you want to do most today?"

Victor lowered his head, his eyes touched my somewhat stunned expression, he reached out his hand and tapped my forehead.

Victor : "What are you thinking about again?"

MC : "Oh...no..."

On the other side of the road where the lights were lit, Victor fixed his eyes firmly on me and the corners of his lips were slightly raised.

Victor : "About what you wanted to do, I had already expected ‘lively’."

Victor : "And the result is indeed the case."

Victor's voice was very low and so clear. He paused the smiled softly.

Victor : "But during the rare rest days, what I want to have is your and my private space."

Victor : "The idea of going home for dinner may not considered special in the general sense."

Victor : "But for me, if every three o'clock and three meals a day can have some dummy chirping by my side..."

Victor : "That is the time I'm most looking forward to."

When the voice fell, the low and doubts that had been quietly surging in my heart before were all filled with heat and warmth now.

Looking at the person in front of me who made me feel at ease, I subconsciously stretched out my arms around him.

The skin-to-skin heat surges up, as if converging into a special invisible camera in my heart.

Recording the moment that belongs only to us forever in my heart.

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

DATE CLEARED~

🍮Victor’s Moments 1 & 2 :  Ice-Cream and Pretend

🍮Victor’s Texts : Escape from the heat

[marvelous-harry]

CN you do a scene of Erica n Harry where he goes back to work and she wants to train him while they’re apart, and he really doesn’t want to but he agrees

Just a Screen Away Harry/OC!Erica Words: 2.6k Warnings: Sub!Harry, Dom!OC!Erica, Edging Summary: Harry is away on tour and during one of their facetime talks Erica decides it's time for some training. Harry reluctantly agrees.

Erica was in the middle of her lunch when the familiar sound of someone requesting a facetime call filled the living room. Muting the TV, she took another bite of her sandwich as she accepted the call, waving as Harry appeared.

“Hello!” Harry said excitedly as he waved at the screen, sticking his hand out from the blankets covering him as he sat leaning against the headboard of the bed.

Erica swallowed her bite and smiled. “Hi, baby! I’m so glad you called, I was thinking about you earlier,” she told him as she took a sip of her soda before grabbing the laptop and getting comfy with it resting on her knees.

“Where are you now anyway? Still in Germany?” Erica asked, looking carefully at Harry, trying to see how he was doing. He didn’t look super tired or exhausted. He looked healthy.

“Mhm! We’re traveling to France tonight and the show is in the evening after that,” Harry explained as he scratched at his neck.

“How’re the shows going?” Erica asked before taking another sip of her soda.

Harry grinned. “It’s going well. There haven’t been any major hiccups or anything, and the crowds have been amazing. The only problem is that you’re not here,” Harry started off very excited but ended with a sigh.

“I miss you,” He whimpered, furrowing his eyebrows and looking down at the keyboard, before bringing his hands up to his eyes.

“Oh, baby,” Erica said, her heart breaking as she watched Harry. “I miss you too. But you’re going to be back in the UK in just a couple of days and in just four days I’ll be coming to see you. We’re going to have so much fun, have brilliant dinners, have all the cuddles and all the sex. I can’t wait to cheer you on as you perform, baby,”

“That sounds nice,” Harry replied and looked up at the screen again. “Especially the cuddles and the sex part,” he smiled.

Erica laughed and gave him a grin. “I figured,” she said, wriggling her eyebrows at him. “So, what’s your plan for today, sweet boy?”

“Ermm, just dinner with Jeff before we have to get to the airport. Probably just going to relax before then,” Harry shrugged. “What about you?”

“I might go into the garden for a bit. Mow the lawn and tidy up the flower beds. Check on the vegetable garden,” Erica told him as she picked up her soda, biting her lip slightly as she thought.

“I think we should take advantage of the free time we both have now,” Erica mused as she looked at Harry, who nodded quickly.

“We could play!” He suggested eagerly, putting his laptop on top of a pillow so he could move more freely.

“I think we should train and work on your time, baby,” Erica said as she finished her drink and looked at him.

“Noo,” Harry whined, shaking his head and pouting at the camera. “I don’t want to,” he said quietly and brought his knees up, hugging them close to his chest.

“I know you don’t want to but we’re going to do it anyway. You want to be a good boy don’t you?” Erica asked, her voice firm as she stared at him. She could see him duck his head down while hugging his legs tightly.

“Yeah but I can be a good boy in other ways! I can play with myself or fuck myself with a dildo or something,” Harry suggested and glanced up at her, a hopeful look in his eyes.

“These all sound like ideas which benefit your pleasure a lot and don’t really do much for me,” Erica replied with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk as she picked up the laptop and walked up the stairs to their bedroom.

“But I don’t want to train! It’s too hard when you’re not here!” Harry complained, pouting at the screen.

“Well, sweet boy, you being hard is the point of it all,” Erica grinned as she sat down on the bed and got comfy. “I know you can do it so you’re going to listen to me and be a good boy right?” Erica told him pointedly.

Harry whined as he threw his head back for a moment before doing the tiniest of nods. “Gonna listen, miss,” he said quietly.

“That’s good, put your legs down, please. Want to see your cock, baby,” Erica told him.

Harry put his legs down, blushing as his half-hard cock was on full display for her.

“Remind me how long it’s been since you got to cum last,” Erica asked as she put the laptop down on the bed before she started taking off her clothes, deciding to join in on the fun.

Harry licked his lips as he watched transfixed as she got naked, his cock growing and he had to clasp his hands together to resist touching himself. Erica hadn’t said he could yet. “Umm, eight days. It’s been eight days. Miss, you’re so pretty. Can I touch myself, please?” he asked.

Erica rooted through her nightstand drawer till her fingers closed around her vibrating wand. Sitting back down on the bed, she put the wand down on the bed for now before looking at Harry.

“Thank you, sweet boy. You look delicious as well. And eight days hu? You must be quite eager to cum then,” She teased, ignoring his question on if he could touch himself.

“Yes, Erica. Jeff joked that he was going to fly you out cause I’ve been a little snippy sometimes,” Harry blushed, his cock now fully hard and resting against his stomach. “I was tempted to become more snippy to see if he’d do it but I knew you wouldn’t like it if I was rude,”

“I absolutely would not like if you were rude to Jeff or anyone else just cause you hadn’t cum for a bit,” Erica chuckled. “You got a bottle of lube?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Yes, in my bag,” Harry replied. “Go get it, please,” Erica had barely finished speaking when Harry jumped out of bed and was running over to his bag, searching his bag for the bottle of lube.

Harry was clutching the bottle of lube in his hand as he got back into his spot. “I got it,” he said and looked expectantly at Erica.

“Good boy, you can pour a little onto your hand and touch yourself slowly,” Erica said as she put her hand between her legs, teasing herself with her fingertips.

Harry opened the lube and got some out before grabbing his cock firmly, moaning as he moved his hand to spread the lube around. “I can’t see where your touching,” he complained as he looked at the screen.

“Don’t worry yourself about that, move your hand slower,” Erica told him as she tilted her screen back, cutting off Harry’s view even more.

Whining, Harry slowed down his hand. “Please, want to see you, please,” he begged.

“You want to see me touch myself, baby? Want to see how wet I am?” Erica asked as she kept stroking her palm over her clit.

“Fuck, please. Yes!” Harry moaned, his finger tightening around his cock as he moved his hand faster up and down. “Miss your pussy so bad, want to taste you,”

“Can’t wait to have you between my legs again. Going to keep you there for hours and hours,” Erica smirked. “Stop,” she ordered while she reached for her vibrator.

Harry yanked his hand away and grabbed onto the sheets tightly as he closed his eyes.

“Open your eyes, baby,” Erica said softly as she tilted the screen so that her pussy was just about in frame. “Keep watching and don’t touch yourself,”

Forcing his eyes open, Harry took a deep breath as he watched Erica turn on the vibrating wand and hold it against her clit.

Letting out a long, loud moan, Erica rolled her hips up against the vibrator. “Fuck, that’s nice,” she hissed. “I’ve missed having an audience,” she smiled before biting her lip as rubbed her clit against the wand at just the right spot.

“Please,” Harry begged quietly, grasping the bedsheets as tight as he could. “Please, let me touch,”

“Oh god, fuck, fuck, shit,” Erica gasped as she cummed, a warm, lovely feeling spreading through her body. Switching off the wand, she let it fall between her legs while she caught her breath. “Mmmm, that was so good,”

Harry whimpered and squeezed his eyes close as he tried to think of anything but his own cock, Erica, or what they were doing.

“How you doing, sweet boy?” Erica asked as she eyed him curiously.

“Can I cum, please?” He asked pleadingly. “Please, I can’t. Feels too good and you. Fuck, you’re so pretty. Please!” he begged.

Erica smirked as she watched Harry. “You’re going to take a few deep breaths then you’re going to take your left hand and hold on to your cock,”

“I can’t! I’ll cum! Please,” Harry shook his head quickly.

“You won’t cum till I say you can. Left hand on cock now,” Erica said, her voice firm.

Harry blinked his eyes a few times quickly as he opened them again and shot her a look of desperation but Erica just stared at him firmly back. As he unclenched his left fist, Harry flexed his fingers, they were aching from grasping the bedsheets so tightly.

Slowly, he wrapped his fingers around his cock, just barely touching it as he focused on taking deep breaths.

“That’s a good boy. Now I need you to tighten your hold a bit and move your hand up and down,” Erica praised Harry, tremendously turned on by how wrecked Harry looked.

Harry’s mouth fell slightly open as he moaned. He tightened his grip on his cock and took a second before he slowly started to move his hand up and down. His movements weren’t as smooth as they usually were.

“See, I knew you could do it,” Erica grinned. “Can’t wait to tie you down, ride you till I cum, and then move on up to your mouth so you can taste yourself, make me cum again, and clean me up,”

“Fuck! Erica, please! Need to cum! Please, can I cum?” Harry begged loudly as he took his hand away, thrusting into the air, so close to cumming.

“You like that idea, baby?” Erica asked with a big smirk. “Get your hand back on your cock, I didn’t say you could stop,” she reminded him.

“Please! I need to cum!” Harry cried as he put his hand on his stomach, fingers millimeters away from touching himself.

“I’m not going to tell you if you can cum or not till your hand is on your cock and stroking it,” Erica said simply, grabbing the vibrator again. Turning it on a low setting, she sighed happily as she let it rest against her clit.

“Fuck,” Harry groaned, tilting his head back as he took a deep breath. Steeling himself, Harry grabbed his cock, with his right hand this time, whining as he stroked it as slowly as he could. “I can’t hold back much longer, miss. Please can I cum?” Harry asked so prettily.

“You can cum after I’ve cummed again. Do you understand? After. And you have to keep touching yourself and looking at me the whole time or you’re not cumming until I see you next,” Erica said between little moans.

Harry nodded quickly, keeping his eyes on her and his hand moving. “Yes, miss,”

Circling her clit with the vibrator, Erica dug her heels into the mattress as she moaned. She moved at a slow pace, wanting to draw it out, wanting to see how far she could push Harry before he either safeworded, cummed without permission, backed off, or if he was able to do as she’d said.

She could see how tense he was. The veins on his arms popping from grasping the sheets and controlling the speed and grip of his right hand. How clenched and tight his stomach and chest were from holding back his orgasm. Then there were the delicious little whimpers that kept escaping him as he fought to be a good boy and listen to her.

Turning the vibrator to the highest setting, Erica pressed the vibrator against her clit. Letting out a little scream, she trembled as her climax rushed through her for the second time that day. “Fuck!” She moaned as she turned the vibrator off and moved away from her sensitive clit.

“Please, can I cum? Please, please? Need to cum, please,” Harry was begging as he was barely hanging on.

“Go on, baby. Been so good. Cum for me, sweet boy,” Erica said as she picked up the laptop and held it closer.

Harry grasped the bottom of his cock, tightened his fingers, and dragged them up as he started cumming all over his chest. He was silent, eyes closed as he finally was allowed to cum. A mix between whimpers and whines coming from him as he sank down on the bed.

“My beautiful boy, I’m so proud of you. Listening to your Miss like that. Such a good boy,” Erica said softly while smiling at the screen.

Harry grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly, not caring about the cum all over his chest, shivering slightly. “Why aren’t you here?” he asked with a sniffle as he pulled the laptop over to his head so he could see her.

“I’m just a screen away, and I’ll be there to hold you very soon,” Erica reminded him. “Pull some blankets on, baby, you’re shivering,” she knew it was most likely from adrenaline and him climaxing and not from actually being cold.

Harry, ever so obedient and good, pulled the blankets up to his chest before hugging the pillow again. “Can you bring some new hoodies with you when you come? None of those I have smells like you anymore,” he mumbled as he looked at her.

“Of course I can. We can have a hoodie trade,” She grinned as she laid down too, getting comfy while looking at him.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Harry said as he wiggled his finger in front of the camera.

“Look at you how exactly?!” Erica chuckled, looking at the moving image of Harry curiously.

“Like you won the battle and the war,” Harry replied as he pulled the blankets up a bit more, tucking them under his chin.

Laughing loudly, Erica threw her head back as she kept laughing as she heard Harry’s offended little “Heyyy,” coming through her speakers. “Seeing as I got to cum several times while watching you edge yourself even though you didn’t want to but you did do it cause I said so, I can assure you, sweet boy, I won all the battles and all the wars,” Erica said very pleased with her self.

Looking at each other as a comfortable silence fell over them, Erica smiled as the moment was broken by Harry’s phone ringing.

“I’ll let you go be fancy musician man and we can talk later baby,” she said as she saw Harry checking the phone for who it was. “I miss you and I love you,” Harry looked at Erica with a small sad smile.

“I love you and miss you very much too. Talk to you soon,” Erica replied and moved her cursor over to the end call button, her smile only dropping from her face once the call had been dropped. Closing the laptop, she pulled the blankets over herself trying to remind herself she’d be seeing him soon. Just four more days.

Masterlist

[itsagrimm]

Imperial Tech 5

CN: soldier life in a fascist state, getting observed and recorded, violence, drug abuse, getting drugged without explicit consent, memory loss, forbidden relationship, getting carried + lifted up, tech & ONCE doing a lot of selfreflecting

Summary: The scenario plays out with Techs and not Crosshairs inhibitor chip working. Y/N is part of the elite squad working under commander Tech. Y/N gets called ES-01 or ONCE by their team somethimes. Previously, they killed senator Tarr, took the Syndullas into custody and are now on the hunt for Hera. (Basically everything just like in the show except for Tech in charge instead of Crosshair)

Imperial Tech X They Them Reader

Part 4

XXXXXX

Ryloth was starting to become Techs least favourite planet to been on. The planet had a challenging terrain, Admiral Rampart was continuously holding him back, but most importantly the dust forced Tech to clean his glasses several times per rotation.

But even with the dirt gone from the lenses the screens showing surveillance data from all Ryloth gave no clue to Hera Syndullas whereabouts.

Tech leaned back. He just needed to be patient. Hera would turn up sooner or later. Children had a high dependency and emotional connection to their caretakers and were unlikely to leave them behind even it was the most rational decision to ensure their own survival.

A part of his mind kept observing and evaluating the data. Another part wandered off. This morning Y/N had cried. Tech had wanted to keep Y/N close so that he could keep the one person calming him down safe, but he had failed. His miscalculation and lack of information about Y/N inner workings had come with the cost of Y/N breaking down into his arms. The regret of carrying out a killing order was too much for Y/N. His command was the direct cause for their pain. And yet Y/N only had whispered about the Empire and service to it itself as root for their misery. A grand and dangerous claim, still Tech could see some causality between the Empire existing and Y/N’s suffering.

But he still hated himself.

Tech had scrambled the recording in Y/N’s helmet to keep this treasonous confession off the records. And he had sedated Y/N to buy them some time to collect themselves. Extrapolating from the way the former clone force 99 had been treated the Empire would never allow a soldier like Y/N to feel regret or be critical and would punish every kind of perceived treason or weakness. And so, his report noted a minor concussion. As a trained medic and commander no one had questioned his claims. For now, he had at least in some way kept his ONCE safe even it was just picking up the pieces of his previous mistake. Another wave of self-loathing washed over Tech.

But at the same time, he felt pride swelling up his chest. The feeling of him carrying Y/N into the security of the LAAT. Their head resting on his shoulder. Half-closed eyes searching for answers from him and lips whispering Tech.

He grinned.

Oh yes, he could get used to that.

The memory was intoxicating. His overclocked mind stuttered at the thought of Y/N’s body in his arms. Like always Y/N calmed and slowed his thought process like nothing ever before.

Tech breathed in and took another look at the data before him. Still no sign of Hera Syndulla. The comm was silent as well. Surprisingly pleased he took a sip of caf before devoting his main attention to Y/N again.

Tech had arrived at the conclusion that he cared for ES-01. He wanted to know everything about them. A part of his brain spiralled around with a constant loop of thoughts about them and their well-being. And just the thought of Y/N’s physical presence near him gave him a calm he had never known before even with his brothers.

He knew that his attachment to his subordinate was forbidden. And he knew that whatever his feelings and basically needfor Y/N in his life were likely not reciprocated. He was just a clone even with his desirable mutations. And he was their commander. Any kind of romantic interaction - not even including physical interaction - was unlikely, overreaching and a danger for them both.

All he had for himself was a little mental box of lovely little memories and even lovelier fantasies of Y/N that kept him occupied in the refresher. That had to be enough.

Another sip from the caf and glance at the monitors. No Hera Syndulla to be found. Nothing of particular interest to note. He checked the comm chatter for news about the Empire or his brothers but there was nothing as well.

But it was fine to ask if Y/N was fine, right? He was their commander and he had given the order to give them some rest, so he was his duty to require report, right?

Tech thought about his brothers. They would know what to do now. Wrecker would support and reassure him no matter what he did. Echo would keep his opinion to himself until asked or in severe disagreement. Hunter would sit down next to Tech, pat him on the shoulder and tilt his head for 12,4 degrees right before giving advice. And Crosshair would just grumble about Tech overthinking again and then just pointing out the most straight forward action.

Crosshair decision making was the easiest to replicate for Tech now.

So that is what he did.

“ES-01?”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The bunk room on Ryloth was dark. Someone must have pulled down the blinds. The other members of the elite squad and commander Tech were gone. Y/N checked their comm. Apparently the team was on the hunt for the little Twi’lek girl, that had escaped. Y/N was expected to rest.

What happened?

Their memory was still foggy. The last thing Y/N remembered was being at the canyon, the overwhelming feeling of regret, of breaking down and of commander Tech.

He had…

Y/N checked their arm. A little puncture was visible there.

Yes, a part of their memory slowly returned.

Tech had sedated Y/N. He had drugged them. He had carried them and-

Y/N pulled back the thin blanket. He had removed their armour. Y/N blushed. The memory of his long fingers with little scars carefully peeling Y/N out of the plastoid was rising from the depth of their mind like a lazy fish breaking surface of a deep dark pond.

The door to the bunk room opened. Y/N looked up expecting to see one of the returning elite squad members. Instead, Captain Howzer, clone commander of all the regular troopers on Ryloth, entered. Y/N rose and saluted. He was not in charge of the elite squad, but he outranked Y/N immensely. Howzer just waved them to stand comfortably.

“ES-01, there is no need for such formalities. I hope I am not disturbing you?”

“Not at all. I was left to recover from the last mission. But I am well enough now. How can I help you, sir?”

Howzer smiled. It was a friendly smile, honest and a bit sad.

“They call you ONCE, right? And your squat uses they/them for you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Mind if I do that too? Numbers and assignments are a bit impractical sometimes so us clones use monikers, but I don’t know too much about naturally born’s and their naming traditions.”

Howzers smile turned a bit shy.

“Not at all, captain. It’s alright.”

Howzer sat down on one of the bunks in front of ONCE. ONCE followed his lead and fell back on their bunk. Now they sat in the small room, their knees nearly touching and smiling like young cadets in polite anticipation.

An awkward second none of them spoke.

“I appreciate you checking on me. But I am sure you are not only here to ask about my health, sir.”

Howzer looked away like he got caught pranking.

“Well… I do think it is my job to make sure everyone on my base is fine. Even if you are not under my command and it isn’t technically my base anymore.” He cleared his throat. “But I do actually need something else from you as well.”

ONCE studies his face. He was a high-ranking officer, an experienced soldier and - like all clones - a warrior. And despite the harsh realities of war that shaped all the clone trooper’s life’s, Howzer had maintained youthfulness in his demeanour. Even now, he looked at ONCE with an open and careful expression.

“What can I do for you, captain?” ONCE finally answered and hinted at the helmet and the build-in listening device as a careful reminder that their conversation wasn’t confidential.

“ONCE, I need to know what happened up there in the canyon.”

“Sir, I am sure I can’t add to what you already know from the reports.” ONCE replied defensively. Whatever Y/N might feel about their life as a soldier, talking openly about their work was a luxury they could not afford. Especially when Y/N was still working through the fragmented memories of being carried and stripped out of their armour by commander Tech.

“The reports do not mention anyone up the canyon.” Howzer continued. “And yet I know that commander Tech had carried you nearly unconscious and a sniper rifle with you both to an LAAT ship that picked you up. And I know that the Twi’lek senator Tarr got hit by a precise blast coming from somewhere of the top of the canyon. I was there. I know what I saw. And I can add all these information together. You need to tell me why it happened.”

Howzers voice had become demanding and intimidating.

And yet he still had the expression of a young man in disbelieve of the atrocities happening in plain sight. ONCE felt hopelessness and regret rising again. Howzer just wanted to understand but it was impossible to explain the banalities of evil at work. The Empire was power hungry. The Twi’leks were resistant. And Tarr had died because he outlived his usefulness as a pawn in this power struggle, killed by ONCE. They remembered that much. But with the listening device in their helmet close by ONCE was in no position to confess without getting court martialled afterwards - if they were lucky.

There was nothing ONCE could say.

“I am sorry, captain. I can only recall very little. But it seems you already know what happened. I am sure you will understand why it happened and that I had no pleasure in following command. But I am a soldier -maybe a bit like you. We are expected to follow orders whatever the costs and then continue on like nothing happened.”

ONCE smiled, hoping he would understand.

Howzer nodded, his expression now nothing but hopeless and lost like a little boy without his family.

ONCE took his gloved hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

It was a familiar gesture between two equally helpless hostages not in control of their life’s.

A desperate look crossed Howzer before he silently formed a word with his lips, carefully hiding his message from the listening device.

Hera

It was the Twi’lek kids name that got away. The kid, that the elite squat was hunting down.

ONCE shook their head.

No, they don’t have her. Yet.

Y/N’s comm lighted up – the Commander calling in.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Commander Tech was in the observation room. Various monitors displayed a never-ending racing flow of surveillance data in aurebesh, numbers and holo transmissions.

Most of it was in in Basic, some wasn’t.

Staring at it with a cup of caf in his hands was the commander.

“How are you feeling?” He asked without looking away from the screens.

“Better.”

In the blue tinted electronic light coming from the holo screens Y/N could see Tech raising an eyebrow.

“I am not only your commander but also your medic. Are you sure you are fine and therefore fit for duty?”

Y/N considered the underlying question. Do you want to return to being a soldier?

“Sir, as long as I am well enough to perform, I am expected to serve.” I don’t have a choice but to return. I can walk steady on both my feet and hold a gun therefore I am good enough to be cannon fodder again. That’s what I signed up for.

Tech tilted his head and took a sip from his cup.

“That is valid point you’re making. As you can see, I am a bit busy with searching the run-away Hera Syndulla. Officially, I can’t examine and clear you fit for duty right now. But I will take your word under the condition you stay close to me in case something happens. Is that alright with you?”

ONCE considered. The commander was asking for a favour. He wasn’t ordering. And he had not only covered for them once but was concerned about their safety. In the oddest way possible and considering the circumstances ONCE was tempted to call this romantic.

“Yes, sir. It is.”

Y/N sat down next to Tech.

“Do you remember everything from this morning, ONCE?”

His tone was casual. But there was more to it.

“I…yes, I think I remember everything.” ONCE paused looking at Tech. His face was unmoved and impression-less. His eyes hidden behind the lenses, blue by the mirroring screens. “Sir, I am very thankful for your… actions.”

Still, nothing. Maybe all his kindness and patience with ONCE was imagined. Maybe he was just their commander and his reasons from saving ONCE from military questioning and punishment was purely practical.

ONCE felt like an utter fool.

“Fascinating.”

“I am sorry, sir?” Confused they looked at the commander.

“Comm the squad and get your full gear. We are getting attacked.”

An alarm went off.

ONCE saw several alarms popping up on the screens.

A feeling of dread and terror rose in ONCE. Returning to duty was one thing. Entering a fight was another.

Tech grabbed them at the arm, pulling them closer and forcing them to look up to his towering dark height. “Remember, stay close to me.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Y/N left Tech with a look of anxiety and confusion in their eyes.

*crack*

He grimaced painfully. He had broken the cup in his hands, caf dripping down on his armoured leg now. Maybe hiding everything about himself from Y/N would be harder than he thought it would be.

He sighted and allowed himself to linger a bit more on the thought of Y/N and before devoting himself to the tasks ahead.

Someone had attacked the refinery.

What an odd choice. Was it a coincidence with the Syndullas in custody here on the base? Or was there a plan and connection between those facts?

His eyes squinted to see better. Damn Ryloth and its dust. His googles were dirty again.

The Surveillance data showed the leaving troopers going to the refinery. Quiet a lot of them.

If all those troopers left, who would guard the prisoners?

Tech leant back. Caf dripping down his leg, glasses dirty and surrounded by idiots. What was he doing here?

Movement on the screens made Tech face the wall of monitors again.

The surveillance camera transmitted a stream from the refinery with two clones running over the fortified walls.

Echo.

Hunter.

His brothers were here. Tech felt his body respond with a rush of endorphins he quickly tried to ignore.

Think Tech! Don’t let these traitors distract you! What does their presence mean?

He was sure now. Directly attacking the refinery was too simple. Even without him the strategies of his brothers always were absurdly chaotic and erratic. The straight attack just had to be a distraction.

He opened a comm channel to his elite squat.

“Commander speaking. Come to the base shipyard as soon as possible.”

“Sir, isn’t the attack on the refinery?”

“I know, ES-04. Just follow your orders.”

“But sir-“

Tech ended his connection and rolled his eyes. His brothers never had reacted like that. They always knew he had reasons behind his actions.

Frustrated he threw away the broken cup and put on his helmet.

The shipyard was nearly empty. Most LAAT’s and smaller ship were off to the refinery. The attack had drawn nearly all forces away.

ONCE and the Elite squat waited for commander Tech. A couple of regs were with them.

“Who are those?” Tech required.

“Sir, the regular troopers were off duty. I called them in for back up.”, ONCE replied. As always, they were the only one thinking and getting what he had already figured out.

“Good. Get into position before the main gate. Facing inward.”

“The enemy is inside already?”

“Likely. And this is their way out.”

“They? Who is our enemy?”

“Clone force 99.”

The door opened.

Both troopers and elite squad raised arms. But instead of prisoners or the bad batch, Howzer stepped outside.

“Oh.” Tech stated flatly. He hadn’t considered the inner emotional workings at play. Again.

“Brothers!” Howzer call out to the troopers. “What are we doing? We came her to free Ryloth from separatist control. And we succeeded. But look around you. Now we are being ordered to target the very people we sworn to protect! And I will not be a part of it any longer.”

The captain threw down his weapon.

“Who is with me?”

For a short second no one moved. Tech felt his head running at high speed, calculating every option for further action. ONCE, standing next to him, started shaking.

He went cold.

If ONCE threw down their weapons now, they were dead. Tech could do nothing to save them from the empire. Admiral Rampart or whoever imperial was in charge would court martial them. Y/N would be dead. He didn’t need to calculate the chances for that, to know their survival rate were slim.

Please don’t leave me. Tech, suddenly ready to pray to whoever gods were willing to listen to his pleas, leant towards Y/N, unable to stop himself.

They stopped shaking the moment his armour touched theirs.

Some of the regs laid down their weapons. ONCE kept their rifle, unmovable. Relief washed over Tech.

“Arrest those traitors.” He ordered, thinking of anything else but the one person he truly wanted to be saved right now. Even if he had to sacrifice a battalion of regs for that to draw attention away from Y/N.

The elite squad and the loyal troopers moved in. Tech felt detached from what was happening. Nothing mattered. Not even the shuttle with his brothers lifting off somewhere.

He wanted Y/N, wanted to hold them and whisper sweet words and promises he damn well intended on keeping just to make sure that they would be fine and safe. He looked up to see his Y/N putting hand cuffs on Howzer, sneaking a small blade into his boot. His brain registered it but did not care. As far as he was concerned ONCE could commit every act of treason and he would still be ready to commit mass murder just to cover their tracks. Whatever Tech had thought he could keep to himself was brought bare before him the moment Y/N had been in mortal danger, his need for Y/N unable to be hidden.

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Part 6