#again Clover doesn't know what they were like but chooses to believe they were good

[profounddefendorcrusade-blog]

Clover's personality (in-depth)

This thing turned out way longer than intended. As promised, I wrote my opinions in regards to Clover's mbti; I also wanted to include the enneagram but figured it would be too much, so I'll do that separaretly. For those who wanna get straight to the point, just scroll to the end of the post for a pic of the functions I think Clover has. But if you want more details, read the whole thing. Probably not many people will wanna do that, but I had fun, lol. Please excuse me for nerding out

Analysis

Even before they got into the Underground, Clover thought to themselves "Ok, this is a dangerous mountain and I ain't coming back, I'm probably gonna die and therefore not live to see the rest of my life play out BUT I'm gonna follow my values anyway. They're worth the risk." To me, right off the bat, that's Fi over Ti (aka inner values and morals over inner facts and logic).

I've done some research on this stuff and found out how "Fi knows the value of something not by analyzing it but by feeling it deep inside themselves that it is how it should be" Ti has to be as objective as possible, Fi doesn't. So I sat down and thought about how exactly Clover approached situations.

I feel like their main reasoning for being in the Underground were their inner values and beliefs of finding out what happened to the children. That's why I'd say they're an introvert rather than an extrovert (it's not because they're quiet and reserved, although they are, but because Clover's inner world affects their outer world). Now, both Ti and Fi look inward, and those inner thoughts and feelings affect how they interact with the external world. The real question is: is Clover objective enough to be considered a dominant Ti user?

We can see in the Vengeance route that Clover is stubborn with their beliefs and refuses to look at things from a more... logical POV: "Asgore killed five humans. Is it fair to wipe out every other monster in my way who gives me even the slightest reason to do it?" Martlet was the only exception because she was the only one who had tried to be nice and understanding. Clover's dark side is that they're tunnel-visioned and see morality as black and white (don't look deeper as to WHY the monsters do what they do), and blindly follow their own beliefs over what objectively makes sense. Just like Ceroba, who I'm positive is a feeler (she only considers how she felt about Chujin and not how skilled of an engineer he actually was, even when there's clear proof he wasn't the best at his job). 

Objectively, it's not fair to kill so many monsters after only five humans were killed. If Clover wanted fair vengeance, they would have stopped after five monsters were killed. But no. According to Clover's own logic, everyone morally imperfect, everyone who's hurt them, who tried to hurt them, or messed up somehow, must die. So, Clover isn't thinking about what makes sense; they're thinking about what makes sense to THEM, and stubbornly hold onto that till the end (again, like Ceroba), even after Martlet's warnings. She says how the Royal Guard will be after them.

The logical (T) thing to do would be to STOP before things become even messier, but once again, no. Clover doesn't care about the consequences, only fulfilling their mission that is driven by their own set of values. No matter which route you choose, you will be presented with Clover's own version of what "justice" means. It's not the objective truth, it's not what's the logical thing to do; they follow their own framework based on their (our) choices.

"If unhealthy INFPs are dealing with threatened values or viewpoints that oppose their own, they can go the other way and imagine that others are all corrupt, thinking badly of them, and deluded. They may see themselves as the only people who see “the truth”, or the only people who really care to make a difference in the world. They can become especially harsh and critical of others and take on a martyr role, gradually secluding themselves from other people". - this feels like geno Clover; they thought they were the hero but they were playing the villain all along

Now that I think about it, the logical thing to do, the one that makes the most sense, would be never to have entered Mt. Ebott in the first place. And if vengeance was what Clover wanted to do, it is fair and makes objective sense to kill only five monsters (since that's how many humans died). But as explained, Clover didn't follow that logical conclusion, but rather their own twisted sense of justice. The same goes for neutral. It's Clover who chooses who gets to live and who gets to die based on their own beliefs and feelings, which are not backed up by facts. Everything they do they do because they themselves feel like it should be done. They are the one who decide who gets to live and who doesn't based on their own opinion/how severe they think the misdeed of the final boss is. This counts for the regular monsters who attack them, too; again, THEIR own subjective decision.

For example, they might see Dalv's actions as acceptable/forgiveable and spare him, but not Starlo's and kill him. Objectively, both characters are messy in their own way, but Clover gets to be the "judge" and decide their fate, not objectively looking at the situation, but subjectively. In short, according to them, Dalv may deserve to live, but not Starlo. 

And even if they're a dominant Ti user, which I don't think they are, Clover is more past and future-oriented than present-oriented (N over S). As mentioned, they thought about how much they'd risk by going down Mt. Ebott (potentially dying, and definitely never seeing the surface ever again, or their family) but they followed their heart's desires; to them, morals and ethics (their own morals and ethics) were more important than what the more logical thing to do was (stay on the surface where it's safe).

In other words, they could already "predict" what would happen in the future, while in the present moment (the beginning of the journey).

And right before sacrificing their soul in pacifist, they think about how their death would affect ALL the monsters in the future, whether they had directly met and befriended them or not, even though they wouldn't be there to see it.

Clover seems to be able to easily move between the past, present and future, unlike sensors, who are mainly in the present moment (this is what I've heard somewhere at some point and remembered it, dunno how true it is). They can easily recall the past, and what they remember are things that moved them on the inside.

I've heard some of my friends say that Clover's character arc was to become a kinder person (develop their Fe), which, honestly, I don't think is the case. They simply acted on their inner views of what justice truly means, without further analyzing whatever they believed justice to be.

In pacifist, they're naturally selfless and kind and forgiving: a bit of a prankster, but they're one of "the best souls" according to Martlet. Just look at the ACT options that they used to befriend monsters. Quietly listens to Decibat, offers Dalv a handshake (and friendship), easily forgives Martlet, Starlo, and even Ceroba (+ gives her a hug), endures so many hardships yet keeps their heart pure and selfless. 

They were always driven by something bigger than themselves (like Chujin, who I also think is a N user).

ISTPs are more adventurous and independent and flexible and focused on current problems in the present moment; Clover has been future-oriented from the start; they depended on Toriel to take care of them, and didn't try to immediately "adapt" to the monster world. Their 1st reaction was to stay safe and cozy. ESTJs (yeah, at some point I thought Clover could be one) are more "ruthless" in their pursuits, they "force" others to adopt their inner values. Clover doesn't do this in any route; they simply act upon their own beliefs, but aren't demanding that other monsters to have those same beliefs.

That's why I think they're an INFP.

Functions

Fi (dominant) – "If something goes against their moral code, they will not go through with it." It went against Clover’s moral code to spare monsters in genocide and abort the mission, so they didn’t, regardless of Martlet’s warnings.

"Fi dominants are inclined to speak up against beliefs or actions that go against their personal values or express disapproval of certain behaviors." I can't find the screenshot, but in the Mines, if you interact with the character who's in the same room as one of the puzzles, Clover will find out how that character pulled a prank on that guy who later got a promotion in the pacifist end credits (I need to reply the game to find the screenshot). But basically Clover was upset that their own morals weren't met and gave them a "disapproving look" or smth

"Ti dominants most often feel compelled to speak out when people are acting inconsistent (ie: contradicting themselves) or when people are being illogical from the Ti user’s perspective." I think Clover reacted to the above situation as a Fi user

"Unlike Fe users, Fi users are very blunt and direct. Fi and Te creates a person who is brutally honest about their opinions and feelings. If they don’t like a person, they will let that person know." Not a person in this case, but an example of this are the options we get for Martlet's questionnaire. Clover will have no problem honestly giving her the lowest scores for both questions; we also also get the chance to honestly tell Ceroba that we're not into Starlo's training. There are these cases where they're direct as well:

...and blunt:

they would have given at least a smile or a thumbs up, but no, their honest opinion is their honest opinion

"They appear cold and withdrawn, but tend to warm up as they get to know a person."

Ne (auxiliary) – "Ne views a situation from multiple angles and motivations" I feel like this is best seen in pacifist; this is exactly why Clover decided to give up their soul in the end; they saw all the motivations of the monsters, from many different angles. On the flip side, in the vengeance route, it’s the complete opposite situation: Clover only looks at things from their own pov, completely disregarding others. That’s the thing about the INFP dark side: INFPs become "disillusioned or stuck in their ways." This 100% describes Clover at their worst: stuck in their ways is already explained, while we can say they were disillusioned when even Martlet turned against them/gave up on them (in Genocide). That was enough of a reason for Clover not to feel bad about finishing her off. They never liked her, but they definitely liked her more than anyone else, so I’d say it counts.

"Creative, open-minded, and able to think outside the box" We can say Clover’s creative when they build Axis’ robot companion, solved the two puzzles in the Mines, they’re also most likely into role-playing just like Starlo, based on their clothes (and they seemed into the whole larping thing with him), and how they seem to be into drawing; open-minded, definitely (Clover with everyone; the pacifist route in a nutshell); able to think outside the box (this goes hand in hand with them being creative: I forgot to mention the many creative ways they found to befriend monsters)

"Ne lives in the present like Se does but makes connections to past and future." Imo, this is exactly what Clover does (their sacrifice in the future, and all the things other monsters had said to them in the past; however, they DO interact with the present world at the same time. This is what I meant when I mentioned how they "jump from and connect all 3")

Si (tertiary) – "happy in their comfort zone" Is this Clover? Yeah. Initially, this was their "default" reaction/behavior: with Toriel. They subconsciously became more independent thanks to good old Flowey. As I said, their values led them to take the risk and come into the Underground in the first place, not adventure/excitement (the way I see it). Were they also seeking the truth? Yeah again, they wanted to know the truth behind the whole situation, but I think it had more to do with how they had found the fact that no other humans bothered to look for the kids immoral.

"Si users may draw on their past experiences to guide their present actions and decisions" Example, how the detailed lines they remembered everyone said in true pacifist, influenced them to make the decision to die in the present moment. Or when they asked Ceroba if she would date Starlo, after hearing and remembering Crestina mention his crush on her beforehand, wanting to set them up.

"Si users have a strong memory for past experiences and details" Yep, explained above. Also, dunno if this counts as noticing details, but we can make them beat the Shufflers’ game with ease.

"Si users are typically practical and realistic in their approach to solving problems" The Snowdin mini-quests come to mind (although they use past information here too to figure out what each character needs to be helped). Also, how they fixed the elevator by using a pickaxe (most practical & realistic choice). They’re also pretty rational while dealing with Guardener, and in general, while dealing with enemies.

Te (inferior) – I guess this is why I suspected they could be an ESTJ.

"seen as leaders" By everyone.

"Come up with ideas quickly" Pretty much throughout the game. They’re more low-key about this than ESTJs though.

"Ruthlss and domineering" This is them in vengeance route

"Extraverted Thinkers recognize the emotional content, but then they set it aside to focus on the facts" I feel like this inferior function of theirs is mostly seen in flawed pacifist. They recognized Ceroba’s emotional situation, but chose to be fair and just instead.

"Te users are logical" Recognizing the dangers of the Underground and deciding to stay with Toriel. We can also say it makes sense that Clover attacked those who attacked them first, and finished Ceroba off (Te is what is objective, but from the external world)

"Though they are generally free spirits, they like to have a certain order in their lives. They do enjoy structure, just as long as it does not intrude with their feelings/morals/ethics/etc. They like to be the ones to create the structure, not to have the structure to be created for them."  Vengeance route and Clover’s "mission" come to mind. Basically, the structure is that, whoever Clover sees as morally flawed, gets to die. And they stick to it

tl;dr this picture pretty much explains the way I see Clover's functions in a nutshell ↓

[puddlexdeep]

walking through the picturesque streets of cardinal hill, you find ( clover fields ), the ( 27 ) year old ( hustler & drug dealer ) originally from ( ontario, canada ). living alongside them in such a small town, you know that they're ( driven ) and ( impulsive ), but what you might not know is that they are a ( human? ), and that they’re hiding something…

quick facts

name: clover fields age: 27 gender: trans man sexuality: homoflexible (attracted to men, but a dollar's a dollar) occupation: hustler & drug dealer height: 5'7" weight: 140 pounds hair: brown, curly, kept shaggy eyes: blue languages: english time in cardinal hill: 3 months

bio

triggers: child abandonment, transphobia, sex work, drug use

if anyone ever wonders why clover is the way that he is, they need only look at the life he was born into. dropped at a fire station at only one week old, already malnourished and dirty. the only thing he'd been given was a name, lovingly embroidered on the baby blanket he was wrapped in: clover.

at the time, there was hope that his mother would be found. he was placed in a foster home while police searched. she was not, and when he was just over a year old he was moved to another foster home. his first foster parents hadn't expected a child to be with them for so long, and the needs of an infant proved too taxing for them. his second foster family was more prepared for him, but less affectionate for sure.

two years there, then that couple got pregnant. they moved their foster kids along to make space for the new baby, and clover was again put in a new place, with new foster parents and foster siblings. and at only four years old, it was determined that clover had a 'mean streak'. he didn't get along with other kids, he got violent in a way that scared his foster parents, and so he was moved along again. this time to a foster family who often handled the rougher kids. this could have been a good fit, had clover been older. as it was, he was too young for the repercussions this foster family imposed on him for his behaviors. he was there for three years, his longest stay yet, before breaking down to a teacher at school about the abuse he was suffering at home. that foster family faced serious consequences, and clover was shuffled along yet again.

by this time, he was tough as nails and fairly self-sufficient. he kept his bad attitude, wearing it as armor that nobody was really able to penetrate.

when he was eleven, he chopped off all of his hair and fought a school uniform issue. his fight actually made the news, though it didn't seem like many people were on his side. the thrilling conclusion of the fight at his school was that boys and girls could all choose to wear pants, girls would no longer be forced to wear skirts every day. and while it wasn't exactly what clover had been fighting for, it was still definitely a win. a bigger win than he'd even expected. all he'd really wanted was for the principal to acknowledge that he was a boy, and therefore he should be able to wear pants. what he got was equality between the genders at his school, more or less. his foster family was confused about him, didn't know how to handle him, but they hugged him good-bye when the dcfs agent came to pick him up.

at thirteen, he was beaten up in the boy's bathroom. for the most part, he'd avoided public bathrooms entirely. on this day it had been an emergency, and he'd panicked when faced with the choice of boys or girls room. thinking it would be empty anyway, he'd thrown open the boys room door and locked himself in a stall. by the time he was finished cleaning himself up, there were feet outside of the stall waiting for him. to this day, clover doesn't remember the bully's name. he just remembers the look on the bigger kid's face before the pipe fell from the ceiling and knocked him out. weird coincidence, and if clover believed in a higher power he would've thought he had some sort of guardian angel. when he'd staggered out of the bathroom, bleeding and sniffling, he'd gone straight home without telling anyone about the bully unconscious in a flooding bathroom (but the guy was fine, so it ended up not mattering).

that night he got in trouble for 'getting in a fight at school'. clover's foster father wouldn't accept that clover hadn't tried to get into a fight. he yelled at clover until clover cried, cowering in his dining table chair and running from the table when it was all said and done without even touching his plate. the fire that started next to his foster father's head, likely faulty wiring in the lamp on his bedside table, was also just coincidence. but clover was taken from that foster home again, anyway.

accidents like this seemed to follow him. kids that mocked him ended up injured or ill without explanation, though nobody could say that clover had ever laid a finger on them. foster parents that yelled or hit would be struck with inconvenience after inconvenience for the next day or two, sometimes getting them fired or arrested or in one case, divorced. and clover was bounced around between foster homes quicker than ever before.

by the time he was fifteen, he decided he was just unlucky.

one cool thing that happened, though, was he started hormone therapy, and at some point while switching schools he started being recognized as a boy. clover remembers the first school he went to where the first day nobody even questioned his gender, it was possibly the best day of his life. and weirdly enough, on his way home he found a twenty dollar bill on the ground.

at sixteen, he started smoking weed. then he was experimenting with whatever else was offered, having a grand time. he didn't think it mattered too much, it wasn't like he had some bright future ahead of him.

and like a self-fulfilling prophecy, at eighteen years old he was on his own. he didn't finish high school, only a few months short of graduating (if he could've even passed his classes). suddenly he was on his own in the world, dropped by any agency there to protect children because he was no longer a child, and he hadn't really been a priority even when he was. just another teen damaged by a system that couldn't take the time to give him what he needed. hell, most of the adults he'd dealt with more than once were downright afraid of him and the accidents that followed him.

clover sort of fell into sex work. it was easy. he knew what people liked, and while he didn't love how they fetishized the body he didn't even want to have, it made him the money he needed to support other habits. oh, and also to occasionally put a roof over his head, or have a bathroom with a tub he could fully submerse himself in.

most of the time he could zone out, let whatever was happening just happen, and make his buck. but sometimes it wasn't so easy. some of the clients made it hard to zone out. and in those cases, clover could either leave his body, or close his eyes and count to three hundred.

[redacted]

he fell into the drug dealing, too. too many ious to the wrong dealer, and suddenly clover was working for the guy. a sale here, a sale there, and more money going to his own dealer than was the usual split between a dealer and his middle man, but clover didn't care too much about it. he had his sex work, he had a little bit of cash from the dealing, and he had his own drugs to keep him warm at night. it's not a great life, but it's his life and he's learned to deal with it.

three months ago, clover found himself in cardinal hill. something about the place just sort of spoke to him. and since he's in the process of discovering himself, he figured he'd better listen. he doesn't really know what he's looking for, but he's looking for something.

personality:

clover is kind of an asshat, but he's kind of the lovable sort of asshat.

his sarcasm and snarky attitude is all just a defense mechanism. if he lets people get close, then he's learned he only gets disappointed when they end up abandoning him. and everyone eventually abandons him.

if he does let someone get close to him, he is as loyal as they come. he'll bite someone's head off for a friend.

you wanna party? hell yeah, he's down. he'll be your bestie for the night, no problem. you wanna sit down and have a serious conversation for once with him? absolutely not, get outta here.

more to come i'm sure!

[dreamwritesimagines]

It was so nice seeing them be so much more playful this chapter, she’s come such a long way from the beginning! (something that i am very cautious about btw because you’ve given me trust issues™️ and I fear this is some kind of calm before the storm, but I digress)

I love how they’ve basically become partners in crime, you know? Like there’s this complicity they share- I adore it. And Clover is slowly but surely starting to play into it. She could’ve chosen to go inside by herself rather than staying out with him but she chose to trust him whether she realized it or not. Albeit she could’ve seen it as choosing the lesser of two evils but I feel like for her character even that carries some meaning

Also, loved her aunt this chapter, she knows her niece well and is so supportive <3

So I do have a question, how was Clover so quick to spot and label Anthony’s actions as love? How were his feelings so obvious to her if “love doesn’t exist” to her? Or will watching Charlotte and Anthony play a part in her journey to realization that love does actually exist?

This was an amazing chapter, thank you!

Omg hi darliiiing! 🥰

Character development for Clover is comiiing ❤️

Wait, "trust issues"? I have no idea why you'd think that love 😈😏

I love how they’ve basically become partners in crime, you know? Like there’s this complicity they share- I adore it. Wait this is actually such a good point! ❤️

That will be such a huge part of their whole dynamic, and how their relationship will be different than other relationships around them ❤️ Of course it has also something to do with their own personalities, but Clover and Benedict found their perfect match in each other❤️

Clover has been limited by different figures her whole life, first it was her parents, her home life and now it's the ton and their expectations and rules of the high society. Even with her uncle and aunt, they love her so much and try to give her the space that she wants as much as they can, but that is up to a point because of the society. So all her life, she had to play by certain rules even if she hated those rules.

And Benedict lets her run free.

Considering the era, what Clover has been doing since the beginning of the story would be incredibly frowned upon and her being engaged would add to those limitations by the society; she would in a way have to be more responsible, softer, nicer and such, but Benedict provides that escape from the rules she so desperately wanted 😂He doesn't coddle her unlike others, (like Anthony is doing with Charlotte for example, but again that is more about their own personalities) and ensures that space she wanted but could never get.

He only steps in when he is needed, when his role in the society would help her. He puts himself between her and the ton when they get caught, he tells people he will be there with her as a chaperone when she isn't allowed to be on her own, and even with the flowers she wasn't allowed to buy or smell, he buys them and sends them straight to her so that she can have that taste of freedom that she wants ❤️

So that partners in crime dynamic is there to stay and it'll be so fun! ❤️

So I do have a question, how was Clover so quick to spot and label Anthony’s actions as love? Because she has seen it before 😁

Clover doesn't believe in love in general, but she knows there are exceptions and she knows there is something people define as love ❤️ She has seen it with Josie and Bess, she sees it with her uncle and aunt, but she thinks she's just "too smart" to fall in love like that 😁 She's also in so much denial about love when it comes to her😂

Thank you so much for this! 🥰❤️

[starshiningsirius]

The most sweetest thing(Yandere Trey x reader)

Thank you to @swirly-writes for sending me yandere prompt from which I gained my inspiration

BAKERY BOIS BIRTHDAY! NO DENIAL IN SAYING HE'S MY FAVORITE IN HEARTSBYUL!😍🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

A new bakery opened up in town, it's popularity sky risen in a short amount of time. It was known for its sweets that taste like another food entirely. An astounding feet something that no one could understand how he did it, almost like magic.

Said baker and owner named Trey Clover was deemed a master at what he did. His smiles toward customers who would enter where his pearly white teeth would show had any girl fall for him instantly. He wouldn't pay them any mind though, he was only focused on making his bakery a success that was until he met someone that changed his goal.

It wasn't as crowded in the morning when he first opens the shop. No one would come in until about three hours later. That is until one day she did.

Her name was Y/n who was beautiful in looks standards but with an expression of apathy on her face you'd think she was nothing more than a doll. Trey had heard her enter with the bell above the door alerting him and immediately went to the counter to serve her.

At first he was surprised seeing such a beautiful young lady enter his shop, he couldn't even deny the blush that was visible on his face. Something about her seemed off though as he examined her for a quick second he noticed how empty she looked. He didn't know why but it did make him a bit curious.

When he caught himself staring for awhile he cleared his throat a little and put on his best smile.

"Hello, Ms. Is there something I can get you?"

"A slice of cake."

"And what would you like it to taste like?"

"Nothing the way it is would be just fine."

This answer actually surprised him seeing as people come here for desserts that taste like whole other foods. No one ever asks for the things he makes himself without the help of his magic.

His bewildered expression didn't go unnoticed by the female in front of him as she thought about how easily his expression changed with her order. She assumed he didn't get orders like hers often.

"Ah, coming right up Ms."

He wouldn't admit it but he was actually giddy for once like he wanted to be famous for his sweets in general, he did run a bakery after all. He served it to her and she ate it inside the small cafe like place.

He actually pretended to clean the counters while she indulged herself with the blank expression she came in with. He couldn't deny the anxiety pounding in his heart when he saw the fork come up to her lips as she took a bite.

That's when he saw it. A small smile grace her angelic features. He was sure it was real and rare at that, but he couldn't believe nor get it out of his head. From that day forward she started to come in around opening time and Trey would anticipate meeting with her. She would order different sweets all tasting how Trey would make it and bringing a smile to her face that Trey would long to see. Energizing him every morning and keeping him eager to see the sun rise on the next day.

After about the first five meetings with him she gave him her name, Y/n L/n. As nice as it sounded to roll off his tongue hearing her repeat his name was far more appealing. They would now exchange more conversations with one another in the mornings that was barren and empty with no other customers. She would wait for Trey to make a sweet she had asked for that he didn't have in stock already which left some time to conversate.

She actually brought up how he didn't mention her emotional detachment not once.

"Everyone has their reasons for who they are I wouldn't want you to have to explain yourself just for the sake of my curiosity."

"Th -thank you." That's the first time he heard her stutter before, he found it cute.

"To be honest I really like your sweets, they are divine, and I can't help but feel happy when I eat them." Her words offered Trey to chuckle a little seeing a small smile on Y/n's face he could feel his heart beat faster.

So he responded with,

"Keep smiling like that. It makes my heart happy."

🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳 .🥳🥳

Of course not all good things come to an end. Trey had gotten closer with Y/n and knew she was not the apathetic girl he first saw, he was able to decipher her feelings a lot better. She was shy, kind, polite, and virtually loved his sweets. With how she was raised by a high classed family that undermines women expressing themselves he could understand the general picture of why she had an apathetic look on her face half the time.

It did anger him to some extent but at the same time if he had seen her smile so often it wouldn't be so precious as when he had first met her. The fact that she likes his desserts for what they are also stood out to him as what made her different. There were so many things Trey could list in his head that would entail why he had fallen for the lovely lady that entered his shop every morning.

At this point he was head over heels for her awaiting to bake any treat the girl asked for the very next day. Until she didn't come one morning and that had him worried.

'What could possibly be holding her from coming here? She never misses a day.'

Questions and inquiries ran through Trey's head, running a hand through his green hair throughout the morning up until he heard the bell ring. It caught his attention except it wasn't her, it was just a normal group of customers that came a few hours after the store opened. He hadn't realized how long he had been standing there.

It was going to be a long day.

. 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 .🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 .🥳🥳🥳🥳

Finally the day was almost done, at least in Trey's head he praised being able to close the store. His mind was still running rampant on not seeing the sweet angel that would bless his morning with a ray of sunshine and motivate him to move on with the day.

He sighed with exhaustion seeing as everyone always ordered their dessert to taste different which meant no breaks on using his magic.

As he pushed up his glasses the little bell above the door leading in rang again. He took a breath and plastered on a fake smile to hide his exhaustion. It was a couple that came in, he couldn't hide his shock though when he saw the female paired with a man.

She didn't look happy as she did the previous morning with anticipation to try his sweets. Instead she had the expressionless face that she usually had except it looked more sad. Trey had gotten better at reading her emotions often over the course of their encounters. She was wearing an expensive dress which contrasted with her casual clothing. Of course Trey thought she looked stunning, but the look on her face wasn't making it very complete.

He didn't realize he was staring for a while as the couple had already stopped at the counter. The man cleared cleared his throat obnoxiously and Trey could already tell he was someone already unfavorable to him.

"What would you like sir?"

When he ordered Trey had to try hard not to let his smile falter, clenching his fists behind the counter in agitation. He took a quick glance over at Y/n who had avoided his gaze and looked as though she was repressing a frown for an empty look instead. It was like she was pretending not to know him which he couldn't deny did sting quite a bit. Trey being the calculating person he is went along with the charade as he deduced it had to do something with the man next to her.

"And for you Ms.?" As soon as the man had finished he glanced over at Y/n and secretly winked at her.

"Ah, for her just a dark coffee is fine. You've look like you've been gaining more weight recently which is unbecoming of you my dear fiancee. So make it taste like a salad please."

Trey couldn't help but looked toward Y/n who looked like she wanted to speak but shut her mouth immediately after opening. It definitely rubbed him the wrong way, not only was this guy arrogant and rude, he blatantly insulted his angel on her weight of all things when she looked as though she hadn't gained anything. Not only that but he was going to be married to her! The world was unfair and hell had frozen over with such a man like that Trey could only imagine how miserable Y/n already was by the look on her face. She always loved his sweets and only ordered that when she came, and he would always adore the smile adorned on her face that would shine light brighter than a sunrise in the Afterglow Savanna.. He decided to at least try and speak up for her.

"Excuse me sir but that doesn't look like what your fiancee wanted to order." The venom in his voice when he mentioned her partnership with the man was clear as day.

"I don't recall asking for your opinion sir, I choose what's best for my future wife she is one of a kind in her looks and I want to keep it that way." Trey's entire body flinched seething with rage as he stayed in his place and smile visibly twitched into a frown.

He did learn to keep his mouth shut and have patience, if serving under the former dorm leader back in his NRC school years taught him anything it was that first and foremost losing your cool wouldn't do any good.

He apologized maintaining a cool facade before going to the kitchen. Where he could quietly say a few profanities to himself. As he did almost finished the order with all that was left being to change the taste with his magic, he considered changing the flavor the man had ordered on her coffee.

With a wave of his pen it tasted just like the cakes she'd ask for on the usual mornings. Serving their food to them both he kept his golden eyes on her reaction when she tasted it.

Her eyes did in fact widen with shock not expecting sweetness to touch her tongue afterall. It caught the attention of the young man who had asked her what was wrong. She quickly fixed the look on her face to go back to expressionless.

"Nothing it just amazes, the amount of talent this baker has. It really does taste different." Her words were enough to send his heart up in the air like fireworks.

He could see the light coming back in her eyes again. It gave him life he cherished it and begun to crave it.

🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳

Over the next couple of days the same routine occurred. She'd come in with her husband to be and he'd ask for different things. All at different times of the day though, that part wasn't consistent. Trey believed he was hoping for Y/n to gain more interest in eating healthier even though Y/n told him when she came to the bakery it was her first time eating sweets.

He did notice over the pass few days even with him secretly changing the taste to something sweet her eyes were getting duller. She no longer smiled like she once did before.

So once he heard yelling outside his shop before closing time after yet another day, he took a peek through the glass windows near the entrance. It was Y/n and that man with not a single soul to be seen. Except her eyes were beyond what is considered life like.

It was emotionless and still empty would be a better definition. The man was yelling at her, he couldn't hear why but it didn't matter. She heard a few brief words about her not wanting to marry him and the situation was easily pieced together in Trey's mind.

He saw the man's rage and his own was overflowing. Not to mention when he came inside and he finally saw her. Still in a beautiful dress, but with a bruise on her cheek. He was about a second from killing the man across from him.

Trey was a gentleman meaning he'd never hit a lady even if they cheated or whatever the case. He didn't have to do any of that because she denied his marriage. More than likely she was quiet and shy when she told the man.

Lucky for Trey he was just given even more of a reason to kill him. Pretending everything to be fine when he ordered. As Trey went in the kitchen yet again he changed up his usual ingredients for a few more deadlier ones.

It didn't take long for the one of the two to fall asleep peacefully and the other to have a face full of cake taking his last bite of anything he'll ever eat again. Might as well make good use of all NRC has taught him afterall.

🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳 . 🥳🥳🥳 .

"Oh, I see your up." A pleased smile came on to his face as he walked into the upstairs room of the bakery.

She sat up from the bed she was resting in still feeling her mind hazy and the bruise on her cheek aching.

"Trey? What happened where's Dylan and-" She was already wide awake and asking for information on what had occurred.

"Whoa, whoa, calm down I talked to him and he said he'll cut off the marriage. Okay? I managed to convince him since he loves to come here to eat so much I gave him a recipe he wouldn't forget. 'He was going to make millions off of it', so he said. He had no need for your families riches anymore."

"Wha? But that doesn't make much sense." She was trying hard to process the information but the headache she had made it hard.

"Hey it's okay, it's okay. I know it's a lot to process you passed out from the shock so I kept you here overnight." He said trying to take her mind off the situation.

"I know this isn't the best time but here I know how much you wanted another slice." Before he could hand it to her she hugged him tightly to where he almost fell and dropped the cake while he was at it.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you Trey! Your the most sweetest person to do something like this just for me." She even had tears in her eyes. She really didn't like Dylan apparently. That made him happy at the very least.

"Don't mention it, I'm just happy to see your okay. Why don't you stay here for the day all the shock must have drained you. Not to mention that bruise has got to heal. You can have sweets anytime of the day you want." His heart was hammering in his chest and his face had turned up the heat like an oven. This reaction was far more than he expected but he wasn't unhappy about it.

He saw the sparkles of life in her eyes when he mentioned sweets. Chuckling to himself he handed her the slice of cake.

Seeing her take a bite of it always did bring him hapiness. He would have to give her a sedative toward dinner time and reexplain the all the false information again since her and her former husband to be was considered missing. They were supposed to come into the bakery but Trey feigned innocence when the authorities asked if they had come in. It would be fine though. He made a whole bunch of different treats with drug inducing forgetfulness just for her.

All he cared about now was protecting her smile. He admired her smile from afar seeing it as the most sweetest thing he'd never get tired of.

Masterlist

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Three Hearts, One Nest 🪶🍀🏹

(Context: An AU where Clover is alive, and Qrow is in an open relationship with him and Robyn. The three of them have been in Vacuo together for over a month now.)

Robyn was suspicious as she entered Clover's quarters up in Shade Academy.

Clover was sitting at his desk. Upon seeing her enter, he stood and cordially greeted her.

Formalities over, Clover got right to the point.

Clover: There's something we have to discuss.

Robyn: (arms crossed) Really? Never would have guessed.

Clover sighed and rolled his eyes.

Clover: It's about Qrow.

Robyn: (defensive) This again? I thought we came to an agreement last time? You change your mind about letting him date me or something!?

Clover: (sternly) No, it's not that.

Clover: I'm thinking... (mopes) maybe I should stop. Break up with Qrow.

Robyn was shocked to silence for a second, then immediate concern flared up...

Robyn: ....what?! Why?

Clover: (sigh) I'm always so busy with my work, I'm afraid I'm neglecting him. I don't want to pull Qrow along like that...

Robyn's face gained a 'Seriously?' expression.

Robyn: Oh come on. Qrow's not a puppy, Clover. He understands how important being the leader of the Ace Ops is.

Clover: Fair, but here's my counter-point--

Clover puts a hand behind his back and points with the other as if he was giving a briefing.

Clover: I've seen you two together. You get along extremely well. Qrow doesn't seem to have the same walls with you that he does with me. Why should I get in the way of what is obviously a much healthier relationship?

Robyn processed that... then had her own turn to sigh.

Robyn: (shaking head) Oh Clover... You couldn't be more wrong.

Robyn looked Clover in the eyes sincerely.

Robyn: Sure Qrow and I get along great, but... I could never replace what you are to him.

Clover: (caught off guard) And what exactly is that?

Robyn: The man who changed his life. The one he can always depend on. The one he sees his future with. I may be a friend with benefits, but you're... husband material.

Clover soaked in her words, feeling his heart flutter a bit.

Clover: I... see.

He came down from his high with a contemplative expression.

Clover: But then... why doesn't he...?

Robyn: He's afraid.

Robyn: Don't you get it? He cares so much about you, he doesn't want to scare you away. After what happened with Tyrian... he doesn't want to lose you.

Clover rubbed at the scars on his arms left behind from the grisly murder attempt. He nodded solemnly.

He looked back up at Robyn.

Her eyes glistened... he could see the emotions she was holding back.

Clover: ...you're conflicted about how you feel?

Robyn: I just want the same thing you do... for Qrow to be happy.

Clover: And you think he'd be happier with me...?

Robyn choked up at that.

Robyn: I--

"CAW"

The two froze.

From the corner of the ceiling came a flapping sound, followed by a mystical *pwoof*.... and there he was.

Qrow stood cross-armed next to them.

Qrow: I can't BELIEVE you two.

Clover: How long have you been...?!

Qrow: You're seriously asking Robyn how to break up instead of just COMMUNICATING with me?!

Robyn: The entire conversation, apparently.

Clover: I was just trying to get advice on my next course of action... I didn't want to cause unnecessary harm.

Qrow: (hissing) Well it's too late now!

Clover fell silent at that, looking down with guilt.

Qrow: Seriously, you thought I'd be okay with you just-?!

But he stopped himself.

Qrow took a moment to breathe and reel in his temper. He knew his heightened emotional state could activate Misfortune and make this a whole lot worse.

Qrow: (groans) Look-

Qrow: You love me, right Clover?

Clover stood attention, his eyes lighting up,

Clover: Of course.

Qrow: (seething) Oh really?! Because if you DID-!!

Clover braced himself.

Qrow: ...you'd know that you're so charming is almost makes me sick.

Clover got a surprised look at that, tension leaving him. '...what?'

Qrow: I LOVE talking with you, Clover. All those missions up on Atlas, the card games- your words of reassurance made me forget everything that brought me down.

Clover melted a bit at that, smiling softly.

Qrow: I'm sorry I'm not as open as you'd like me to be. I really DO want to be vulnerable with you... and for you to share your secrets with me, too.

Robyn: (blurts) SEE! I told you-!

Qrow: (cutting her off) ROBYN.

She goes immediately silent, locking eyes with him.

Qrow: You love me too, right?

Robyn: Of course, Qrow. I'd never lie to you about my feelings.

Qrow: Then what the hell is with this 'friends with benefits' crap?!

Robyn: I... thought that was all we were?

Qrow: WERE, but you should KNOW it's so much more than that now!

Qrow: Robyn, if being stuck in prison and traveling all the way to Vacuo with you has taught me anything... it's that I could spend every waking moment of my day with you and never get bored.

Now it was Robyn's turn to be sheepishly heart-warmed.

Qrow: Your honesty, your passion... if I could kiss you and hold you in my arms for the rest of my life, I'd be the happiest man on Remnant.

Robyn blushed at that... then blushed deeper from embarrassment at the smug look Clover was giving her.

Clover: So then?

Qrow: SO THEN you two better cut this out! I said it last time this was brought up, and I'll say it again!!

Qrow takes either of their hands in his.

Qrow: I love you... BOTH of you! For wildly different reasons, but with the same amount of passion.

Qrow: Do I make myself clear?

The green glow of her semblance reflected off of Robyn's face.

Robyn: Crystal.

But Clover was silent. Their hands unlocked...

Qrow: ...Clover?

Clover: Qrow... You're going to have to choose eventually.

Qrow glared at him.

Qrow: Why?

Clover fell silent again. Robyn stared awkwardly between him and Qrow.

Qrow: ...well?

Clover was conflicted... growing up, he'd always been a man of tradition... following the rules of Atlesian society because that's what was 'right'. Monogamy was the only solution that presented itself to him.

Qrow: ...I'm waiting?!

Clover looked over at Robyn. She was the most trustworthy person he had ever met, and she was fine with this. He thought about how far he'd come, how he'd rebelled against Ironwood... He looked back and met eyes with Qrow.

Qrow... all he wanted was to love him, and to earn Qrow's love in return. If Robyn meant so much to him... then Clover didn't see a need to stop this.

Qrow: (anxiously laughs) What- Are The Brothers going to strike me down if I don't settle?

Clover smiled at that, chuckling.

Clover: ...probably not.

Robyn sighed with relief as the tension left the room.

Qrow: Good. Then as long as both of you are okay with this... I'm okay with this.

Clover: (loving smile) Of course.

Robyn: (smirk) So ménage à trois then~?

Clover and Qrow both give her looks.

She bursts out laughing, the guys following suit.

Everything was going to be all right~

💚❤️💛

[kuronanox]

A new beginning - Ichigo Kurosaki

It was another raining day in Karakura town for Ichigo, life was moving by slowly. He was thankful because it made him feel less old than he really was. The shinigami work was slow because the young rookies did most of the work and the hollows weren't big threats to the town.  

It's been about 3 years since he had gotten into a divorce, when he heard that rukia had moved on with her life he decided maybe it was his turn also. It's not that Orihime was a bad wife it's just that the love wasn't there for him anymore. Of course he would always love her but not into the intimate way. He didn't take custody of kazui so his son lived with Orihime while he stayed back at the same place he grew up at. Although they both agreed there would be no bad blood between the two they both provide kazui with love and care.

Ichigo and Kazui were at the park when it started to poor cats and dogs outside, he remembered checking the weather and it was suppose to be sunny all day. He didn't bring an umbrella so they made a run for it and stopped by the nearest cafe to wait the storm out.

"Ichigo?" (Your Name) called out from behind the counter, he looks back with widen eyes to see an old friend. Someone he never expected to see. "(Your Name)." He says and smiles, it has been probably 8 or more years since she last saw him.

"I can't believe it's you!" She says and runs to give him a big hug. "What are you doing back in japan?!" He says with a big grin on his face as Kazui stares at his dad in confusion. He's never seen his dad hug a girl before besides his mother so the little boy looks at (Your Name) and takes in her features. She was medium height, and her hair was lightly curled with the light of the store shining on her hair she looked pretty. Kazui blushed as she then looks at him.

"Is this your son?" She asks happily and extends her hands out to grab the smaller ones. Kazui shyly hides behind Ichigo and Ichigo cooly just scratches the back of his head and nods. "Yeah this is my son."

"Oh! How's Orihime! I came back to japan 3 years ago and I lost everyone's contacts so I've been basically alone since." (Your Name) recalls as she seats them down and plates a few deserts for the two.

"Well, me and Orihime are no longer together." He says laughing to break the tension and looks at his son who was to busy throwing down the macaroons in his mouth to pay any attention. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that." She says smiling lightly so she could keep the atmosphere more light.

"Um well, it's nice to finally get to see you again!" (Your Name) says and takes a seat with the two. "This is my cafe by the way."

Ichigo takes a look at the surroundings, it was cute. He guessed this was her place because it brought him back to high school when they were really close. The place was artsy like she was.

"So you haven't seen anyone since you got back from America?" He starts the conversation again as she leans onto her elbows and nods.

"Yeah it's been so long, I decided to come back because I didn't like America as much as I thought I would. After you defeated ywach and everyone got married I decided to make a new life somewhere else but as years passed I didn't really meet anyone significant so I decided to come back to Japan."

Ichigo looks out the window and could only agree, he often wonder if he rushed into marriage or falling in love and wondering why it fell apart fast. "How's rukia? Still like her?" She jokingly asks whispering so the little boy next to them wouldn't hear.

"Oi shut it will you!" Ichigo sighs and rolls his eyes. "Don't lie! I miss her sometimes too."

(Your Name) smiles sadly and recalled when they were all so young. When Ichigo found out the Rukia and Renji were going to be wed he asked out Orihime. (Your Name) had fought side by side with them for the years that the world was threaten and never once she ever showed any interest on Ichigo because she knew that Orihime already claimed him hers so she stayed in the shadows and then the two got married so she left for a better life.

"How old is your son now?"

"He's 10, the little shit is growing fast." He smiles and ruffles the kids hair as (Your Name) smiles.

"I guess I've been gone for a long time."

"Yeah, I've miss you sometimes." Ichigo admitted as she looks at him. He was definitely older and more mature, the boyish haircut was gone now and he had very faint wrinkles around his eyes whenever he smiled.

"Me too. Sometimes I wish I didn't leave japan but I can't say that. I enjoyed America too."

They talked for hours till it was night and Kazui had fell asleep. "I can drive the two of you home, it's dark outside." She offered even though Ichigo refused a few times till he gave in and she closed the cafe down for the day.

"Still living at the same house? I forgot where it was."

"Yeah I'll show you the direction."

After the drive they bid a farewell. "(Your Name) can I have you new number?" He asks before she drove off. "Of course, here!"

He smiles and waved her off.

Overtime Ichigo would come visit the cafe and would just chill there. He would read there, study there or even help around when he was free. (Your Name) was happy she had some company, she missed everyone especially her friends in soul society.

It was a Friday afternoon and she was teaching Ichigo how to ice a cake. "I don't remember you good at baking back then?" He teased as he watched carefully and she rolled her eyes and threw some at him. "You know people change over time."

"I'm just saying!" He laughs as she carefully finishes the top and add the last bit of the topping. "So mister what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Have you changed?" She asks as Ichigo dumbfounded tilted his head and hesitantly tried to answer. He never really tried to think about it, has he changed over the year? Maybe his feelings have but him personally.

"My feelings have, but not really me." He answers blandly as she sets the cake in the fridge and makes her way to espresso machine to make a cup.

"I don't know, you seem like you changed to me. You seem less happy." She answers to him truthfully as he quietly stares at her and she gives him a small smile.

"Maybe we both are lonely but choose not to acknowledge the change."

Ichigo doesn't say a word and stares at her for a long time as she just keeps managing the business. "Well?" She asks him trying to hint that maybe it's time to move on from the past and move forward.

"I know how much it hurt when Rukia married Renji and when you basically decided to choose Orihime as your significant other without actually taking time to find out what you really wanna love, I'm not saying you don't love her but I'm saying the love is different." (Your Name) continues as she finishes the expresso off with some cream and powder.

"I guess kinda like me, I moved on from the past and came back stronger. Maybe that's what you need Ichigo, a fresh new start."

Ichigo sighs he was lost for words. Lost for words because she was right. After losing his powers for those two years he was miserable and after defeating ywach it felt like this was the last of his adventures and then everyone started to settle down and moving on.

"Yeah maybe you are right." He mumbles to her and she smiles and gives him a small hug. "You know I'm always here for you. Don't feel alone. I know I can't replace some stuff but I can help patch some pieces."

It had been several months after that conversation and he was learning how to heal himself and find self happiness and Ichigo was feeling lighter. On both their days they would go to the library and read poetry. Well Ichigo would try to analyze Shakespeares poem and (Your Name) would read besides him as they quietly enjoyed each other company.

A few times (Your Name) would go over and cook dinner for Ichigo since sometimes he would work late hours and forget about his meals. It was welcoming to see Yuzu, Karin and Isshin again. Today was different though, Isshin was off on a business trip and the twins were off to a friends sleep over.

"Are you sure it's okay? Wouldn't it be rude?" She asks Ichigo as they closed the cafe together and he nodded his head a big smile. "Yeah! Let's eat out tonight. You are always cooking, I guess this my way for treating you."

They picked a nice restaurant that served ramen because it was a cold night and she wanted something warm in her. As the months progressed she notice Ichigo was looking better and even talking more about himself since they were making up from all the lost time.

"How's Orihime?"

"Inoue? Awe her and Ishida are together!" He happily says and she smiles too. "Finally glasses dude told her his real feelings."

"That's great, I always knew he liked her."

"Yeah I told him to tell her actually." Ichigo sheepishly says and slurps up his ramen. "Really! Wow, so weird." (Your Name) laughs as Ichigo just laughs with her. "I won't let anything go in vain everyone deserves to be happy." He finally says.

After dinner they were going to part ways again but he grab her hands and asks for her to stay with him for the night. "U-um not like that." He says blushing like a High school boy, like he was 15 again. Ichigo thought she was going to refuse but surprisingly she agreed to.

"Yeah I'll stay."

After settling down for the night they sat on the couch side by side and scrolled through shows on tv. "Why is it so cold today." She says and shutters grabbing the blanket next to her. "Well we live pretty north." He answers as she rolls her eyes and lean into him for warmth. He hesitantly tensed up from the gesture but slowly loosen up and cuddled up next to her.

"Let's watch black clover."

"Sure, seems interesting." He answers her and she hums and watches in silence. Ichigo was so into the show that hours past by and he saw she was fast asleep under him.

"(Your Name)." He calls out and she turned the other way trying to get comfortable. Ichigo chuckles and picks her up before setting her down on the bed. "Good night."

The next morning she groans and covers her eyes from the shining light, it was still really early but the sound of birds woke her up and a heavy body next to her. Ichigo was sound asleep with his arm wrapped around her waist as she started to blush. "I feel like a teenager again." She mumbles as she study his facial features. Even after years passed by she still thought Ichigo was still handsome.

Ichigo eyes open as she yelps but he refrains her from leaving the bed. "Shh, it's so early." He mumbles in a deeper voice than normal and pulls her closer. "Ichigo, what are you doing?"

"I'm not stupid (Your Name) I'm making both our happiness come true." He sheepishly says and looks up to her. "W-What?"

"Rukia told me." He bluntly says and sits up the bed now. "Rukia? When? Where?" She says sadden that the smaller shinigami didn't visit her.

"A few months ago, she told me that you've loved me."

"Oh." She responds and looks down.

"I'm sorry, I guess I was to obsessed about what was going on I didn't notice that you were there for me, it's my fault. We've could have been together and you didn't have to move to America all by yourself."

"It's okay, you know stuff happens for a reason."

Ichigo smiles and pulls her in a embrace and hides his face in the neck. "Let's just start over. Both of us together. I don't mind."

(Your Name) looks up to his smiling face and also smiles

"I don't mind starting over either."

[edanablack]

Current MagiReco event - See You Tomorrow

All right, now, I know we're not finished with the event, but here's my current rundown with it. I'll probably end up updating this if the next part is totally tubular.

All right, so, right off the bat, I was judging some of these girls. You know which one, she forgot her pants. I had decided that I didn't like her design, and wouldn't want her. I have decided against only one other girl in this game. Seika (the blue one) also came under suspicion for a bit, when I saw some forum posts taking about how her vest was transparent. I have come to the conclusion that it is not, it's merely tight. Still a bit odd, but moving on.

Okay, now, going into it with these biases and notions, it made it hard to appreciate the story. The other event I did like this was "And So, The Azaleas Bloom", which I immediately loved all the designs for, so it was easy to get into it. It felt like a good story, and I really liked it. Now, putting aside the girls for a second, I did eventually stop viewing this event through the lens of the things I disliked. Upon taking a second to think about it, I could see the story they were telling. (This is just a personal interpretation.) Okay, three girls, all of whom believe themselves to be weird, are attempting to interact with the world. One of them has a problem with saying no, or even speaking up at all, and she kind of hates herself for this. Another girl is awkward and has problems expressing herself, which leads to her being thought of as mean, so she shuts herself off. The third girl (who took me the longest to figure out) is an "airhead", which I took to mean that she has a learning disability, or some other problem. Now, let's stem off on her for a second.

Mito is easily the best designed girl, and she looks cute. Now, when I first started her sections of the story, I was confused by how internally she took every comment (all the girls do, but the things they said about Mito didn't seem that harsh). The generic bully girls would bully her for humming or for talking about a four-leaf clover, which are not really odd things. However, when I thought about it, this is only a moment of their lives. And looking at it that way, it seemed more likely that this happened every day she saw these girls, and they were bullying her however they could, claiming it was because she was acting odd, but actually because they're ableist assholes. Mito is afraid to speak up, because she doesn't want to get in trouble. She doesn't want to tell her mom, because she doesn't want to move, which is happening anyway, unfortunately. Thinking about it this way, it became much more visceral and upsetting to think of them bullying this girl. What were weak jabs, even for generic bullies, became repeated attacks at a person not able to defend themselves. Now, Mito doesn't have to have autism. She could just be a forgetful girl, and the story is still as strong. But for me, it explains a little bit of the story.

Now, here's a few things that I still don't really get. They throw the word "abnormal" around like it's a scarlet letter, like they have no idea what it means. Being an English speaker only, I don't think the word fits. Abnormal, in my mind, is something that is not normal to do. Being shy is normal, even being mean. Being a magical girl is abnormal. Liking four-leaf clovers is normal. My sister mentioned that there is a word/phrase in Japanese that is likely being misused here, which is used to identify and point out odd or unique behavior. Japan, as far as I have read in stories, is a culture that does not like people to be too different. You could argue that America is similar, but that's not for this post. I can get what they're aiming for, but it doesn't make much sense at times. Also, the mothers. I get having problems with your mom, believe me. And Mito's mom seems to be a very strict woman, possibly enabling the fear of uniqueness in her daughter. (I do not recall much of Seika's mother.) But Leila's mother does not seem like a bad person! She has expressed worry and concern for her daughter, despite not taking any seriously, and even though she doesn't seem happy where she is, she seems to be doing her best. For Leila to avoid asking her for help or doing something is ridiculous, which leads into my next problem. Okay, "ASTAB" (last event) had Bad Ends, which were essentially meant to show, imo, how fragile the lives and trust of the orphan girls actually were. They explained that, when you chose to side with the wrong person, there were consequences and it gave you a scary Bad End sign. A little bit unnecessary, yes, but it fit. In this event, you'll be faced with similar dilemmas, but if you ever choose the choice that is a little more sane, you chose the wrong one. Don't ask your friend what's going on, they'll just lie. Don't go for a walk in the park, go up on the roof. Again, ridiculous, but if that's the story they want to tell, fine. However, we get an End sign, without any explanation of what happened. Ex: Leila will decide to stay in and do her homework, believing that she can talk to her friend tomorrow and figure things out, instead of heading to an abandoned mall. Because of this, she doesn't see her friend as a magical girl, and cannot confront her about it. Now, I understand that. There is a narrative. But, tell me that because she didn't go to the mall, Seika got in an "accident", or that Leila exhausted herself doing homework and wandered into traffic. Just because a character made one differing choice, the entire story ends. Whoops, we don't have a work around. I guess that's the end. It's frustrating, especially because I'm getting invested in these poor lonely girls, who just want to fit in. They don't want to be weird, they just want to be happy like everyone else seems entitled to be. In this story, the girls' own fear is what's leading them down a dark path.

That's all I've got for now. I learned to love Leila, but she needs pants. Or a skirt. Or shorts. Or more covering underpants. Too late now, I suppose. Oh well.