#and Victor is like. my height

[curriculum-corvidae]

I think you all know the drill by now— more Adam <3

This time it’s him at, and a little bit before the cabin.

[mariocki]

Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)

"Miriam? He really... isn't here, is he? Just now, I thought I heard... sometimes at night, when I wake up, it seems as if he really is here. Don't turn on the light. It's not real when it's light. It's only real when it's dark - dark and still."

[mirlyutera]

finally drew all the characters in my VTM campaign so far! disclaimer, some of these ocs belong to my friends, the ones that are mine are Azazil, Victor and Enoch ^__^

[victorluvsalice]

Welcome back to the Chill Valicer Save Honeymoon trip! We have reached Fall Monday, where, as you can see, it started fucking raining again. -.- I really did pick the absolute worst time of year for them to have their honeymoon in Sulani, didn't I?

Well, nothing to do but suck it up and try to make the best of things, at least for a little while! Smiler kept up their new foray into base game social media nonsense, checking through their timeline, while Victor and Alice had a little slow dance in the kitchen after waking up from their snooze. :) I decided Smiler should get in on this cuteness and had them get up to give Victor a nice embrace from behind -- haven't done that in a while! Victor and Alice then decamped to the living room, where, after a bit more flirting, Victor took a picture of Alice scratching herself as her werewolf instincts took over and painted it on his digital sketchpad. XD Look, I wanted him to do a portrait of her and accidentally clicked "paint from reference" at precisely the wrong moment, okay? :p Anyway, he finished that up and moved onto practicing some Untamed magic (almost immediately learning the "Dedeathify" spell that allows you to resurrect ghosts, nice), while Alice, starting to feel a bit of the Fury from said werewolf instincts, went to go calm herself down in the bedroom mirror before taking a nap on the floor --

And Smiler, of course, went outside and started showering in the rain. *sigh* Though, at least this time they did actually need the bath, so I let them finish up before directing them to do something a little more wholesome -- start another puzzle! A 250-piecer sci-fi "alien party"-themed one! Felt like that would kill a good amount of time!

They sat down to start still naked. *facepalm* Right, yes, Sims don't always immediately change back into their clothes when they shower in the rain... I corrected this situation, putting them in their Smiler hoodie outfit as it was actually a touch chilly outside, then -- once Alice woke up and got properly dressed herself -- sent her outside to help while I had Victor buy and read "Broomies," one of the new books that came with Realm Of Magic, so he could try and get some Spellcaster XP out of it. That didn't really seem to give him much, though, so I decided "hell with it, puzzling is a group activity with this lot" and sent him out to help as well. They all had a lovely time assembling the puzzle together (which appears to be of an alien with two lovely alien ladies on their arms), and Smiler even managed to get Logic level 5 out of it! Good for you, Smiler! :)

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 2

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR

🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

Read part 1: here!

【CHAPTER 5】

──

【Subbed Video】

────────

The pitter-patter of water in the shower ceases. I wipe my dripping wet hair as I walk to the mirror, raising my hand to clear away the damp mist from its surface.

During the movement, I inadvertently trigger a slight twinge in my sore shoulders. I let out a soft hiss and pick up my phone, intending to search for effective ways to alleviate weariness.

My peripheral vision falls upon the work group that has been silent for several days, causing me to pause mid-gaze.

I wonder if the layout of the remaining placement sites is too discreet; it seems like the progress in collecting the bracelets has hit a snag lately.

For several consecutive days, there hasn’t been anyone coming to the “Elven Emissaries” to register with their bracelets. The operations of all the other projects are running seamlessly, with no slip-ups requiring documentation.

My schedule has become increasingly free. Every day, I accompany Li Zeyan to explore the restaurants on the island, trying all kinds of dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

Alternatively, we also engage in activities such as diving, parasailing and so on, having a blast to our heart’s content before returning to our little cabin hand in hand, basking in the warmth of the evening breeze.

The relaxed ambiance has gradually allowed me to unwind from the intermittent stress that work brings, making me feel as if I’m truly on vacation.

I close the browser on my phone, lazily comb through my still-damp hair with my fingertips, and push the bathroom door open a crack.

MC: Li Zeyan, my waist is still sore.

MC: Not feeling up for vigorous activities today. How about we go for a spa treatment or a Thai massage to relax instead?

There is no response in my ears, but the intermittent sound of his voice can be faintly heard.

LZY (on the call): At this stage, if the bracelet is found, just directly… no need to…

LZY (on the call): As for the remaining progress, just wait for…

Progress, bracelet… Why does it sound like this is related to the collection task?

–

Without delay, I gently push the door ajar, finding Li Zeyan seated on the chair, his gaze lowered as he looks at his iPad.

With one hand supporting his Bluetooth headset, he occasionally swipes across the screen, appearing to be ruminating about something.

Upon hearing my voice, Li Zeyan lifts his head in my direction. I point at the screen for him, silently mouthing the words––

MC: [mouthing] Let– me– have– a– look– too––

I snuggle into his arms in the most familiar practice, intending to take a closer look at what he is up to.

However, Li Zeyan smoothly turns the iPad to face the other direction, his voice maintaining its composure as he continues to inquire through the earpiece.

LZY: [gives you a teasing glance before redirecting his gaze]  What’s the new development you mentioned?

Confused about what’s going on, I move myself to the side he has shifted the device to. But Li Zeyan, as if on purpose, raises his arm at an unhurried pace.

LZY: [tosses you another mischievous glance before withdrawing]  Continue.

It’s quite a rare sight to have him act in such a childish manner. I freeze for a moment, my initial curiosity now spiking to its maximum.

After thinking for a while, I resort to being a rascal and simply seat myself in Li Zeyan’s lap, attempting to suppress him in this manner.

Li Zeyan’s breath hitches for a moment. The body in contact with mine tenses briefly, halting all movement.

MC: Hehe, let’s see how you dodge now~

Thinking I have succeeded in my plan, I raise my eyebrows at Li Zeyan with an air of complacency, then lift my hand to climb up his arm.

Li Zeyan supports his headset with one hand, and there isn’t a single ripple in his expression as he watches me drawing closer to him. As I move, a few drops of water drip onto his face along the ends of my still-wet hair.

Splat.

He stares in my direction, the light in his eyes now dyed with moisture.  The next moment, the palm resting on the armrest suddenly lands on my waist.

LZY: [still on the call, while looking at you] Inform the others to proceed with the original plan as previously arranged. 

The force around my waist suddenly tightens with his words, clamping down on my provocative actions.

Just as I’m about to struggle, the tight body under my legs shifts slightly. Accompanied by the squeaking sound of the chair moving across the floor, Li Zeyan suddenly stands up from the armchair.

MC: …!

My body suddenly loses its fulcrum, and I cling tightly to his neck with both arms, desperately exerting every effort to suppress the exclamation that’s about to escape my throat, for fear that the person on the other end of the headphones might hear something.

But he effortlessly holds me up with one arm, a practice he couldn’t be more familiar with, then begins to walk at a leisurely pace, neither too fast nor too slow.

With each step he takes, my body collides uncontrollably with his again and again. And being restrained by his control, I’m also unable to create distance between us.

I bite my lips tightly, desperately, having no alternative but to tense up my body to endure it. Despite having only covered a few steps of distance, a thin layer of sweat has already formed on my cheeks––

Until the brief sensation of falling hits me, and I land heavily on the rumpled sheets. Li Zeyan tosses the headphones aside and sits leaning in towards me.

LZY: You’re becoming more and more unscrupulous.

His breath, carrying with it a burning warmth, teasingly caresses my face, keeping at a distance that is neither too close nor too far. His dressing gown has opened slightly during our earlier movements,  exposing the dark red marks on his shoulder.

My heart rate uncontrollably accelerates for a few beats.

MC: It’s all because you’ve been playing coy with me… Let me see what you’re up to!

MC: I’m a part of the staff; I won’t get in the way of you guys.

Li Zeyan doesn’t seem to pay heed to my words, casually picking up a grape from a nearby plate.

LZY: I’ve learned this from a certain someone.

LZY: When you don’t want to show me the drafts of your proposals, you are much more of a rascal than this.

As he says this, he peels off the grape skin at an unhurried pace and bites into its luscious pulp. A sheen of grape juice colors his thin lips, which he then raises his hand to wipe away.

Despite pouting at him, my curiosity still gets the better of me. I peel another grape and bring it to his lips, attempting to sound him out.

MC: Well, then, could you perhaps briefly reveal some information? Like, where do you plan to search next, or…

I’m still in the middle of speaking when a sudden burst of warmth is felt at my fingertips.

Li Zeyan bites into the grape I’ve held out, and seemingly inadvertently, his teeth graze my fingertips, sending a tingling sensation through me as if I were being electrified.

My fingertips involuntarily flinch, but my wrist is firmly caught in his grip.

My body, which was already slightly tilted, suddenly loses balance, and I tumble into his arms.

LZY: The benefits of just one grape are far from enough.

LZY: If you want to pry out information, I’ll need more sincere bargaining chips.

MC: Just the other day, I was perfectly fine with you watching me! And now, after getting my appetite whetted, you suddenly cut off any further information… you’re quite the rare being!

Li Zeyan hooks his finger on the sash of my bathrobe and slowly slides it outward.

As the fabric falls with a rustling sound, my body shivers momentarily from the cool air. Soon after, I am covered by his scorching body heat.

Gasping, I try to press my lips together, but his fingertips slip in. Unlike last time, they don’t penetrate as deep, just resting between my teeth and stopping my attempt to close my lips.

MC: W-Why are you doing this again…

LZY: Why can’t I?

A low, husky voice sounds from behind me. Though it’s a question, it carries an irresistible implication.

LZY: It’s just the two of us here now.

LZY: Don’t hold back. Let me hear you.

A layer of moisture clouds my vision. I moan uncontrollably, biting down on his finger.

MC: [dragging out between her moans] …And you point fingers at me… when clearly you’re the most unscrupulous person there is…

A loose laughter drifts from beside my ear, accompanied by a sudden penetrating weight.

LZY: [as he moves inside her x1]  I thought a certain someone already knew this about me.

LZY: [x2] …go on, “accuse” me a little more.

LZY: [x3]  Perhaps this way, I’d be willing to give you whatever you want. 

—

——————- p.s. Interval, and as you’ll see in the 2nd next sentence, god knows how many times they did it LMFAO  ——————-

— 

In the end, I still couldn’t coax any words out of Li Zeyan’s mouth.

Amidst the steaming afternoon heat, we’ve worn away the better part of the day once again until even our heads felt dizzy from satisfaction.

I lazily nestle in Li Zeyan’s arms, almost wanting to ignore everything else and simply “wasting” a whole day by his side.

Until the sound of a notification alert chimes from under the pillow.

MC: [reading the text] “Two more guests dropped by in the afternoon to submit their bracelets… Currently, we’re only one bracelet away from the completion of the collection task…”

…so, in other words, the conditions for unlocking the hidden surprise could be met at any time?

I close my eyes, silently running through a few minutes of mental preparation. I push myself up from the bed and sit upright until Li Zeyan’s arm loops around my waist from behind.

LZY: [poor man LOL, laughing softly]  Where are you off to now?

I instinctively want to tell him, but then remembering what he did earlier, I let out a soft “humph” instead.

MC: …I’m not telling you. But anyway, received a notification in the group, so I’m heading to the “Elves’ Home Bar” to see what’s going on.

I nudge his arm as I say this and hear him let out a sigh interspersed with a little helplessness.

LZY: [chuckles helplessly]  There are quite a few employees from LFG relaxing in the entertainment area there as well.

LZY: Come on, I’ll go with you.

—

The sports car parks outside the streamlined building, and I trail behind Li Zeyan as we make our way inside. [6]

Upon pushing open the sturdy wooden door, the sound of melodious music wafts towards us.

Warm-colored lights dance around the spacious space, illuminating the distant bar counter and the dazzling lineup of floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets.

The recessed seating arrangements create the outline of semi-enclosed spaces where the employees of LFG are gathered in small groups, chatting, laughing, or playing games. The atmosphere couldn’t be more relaxed.

Catching the sound at the entrance, Goldman inadvertently glances over and, upon seeing Li Zeyan and me, sets down the cards in his hand and stands up.

Goldman: CEO Li, you’re here too.

Goldman: We have something to report to you. I wonder if it would be convenient for you to talk now?

Goldman clears his throat, his expression as serious as ever. I nod at him in greeting and whisper to Li Zeyan.

MC: Why don’t you go ahead and check it out? I happen to have some things to attend to as well~

Upon finishing my sentence, I swiftly make my way to the back of the bar counter and find a staff member. I cast a quick glance towards Li Zeyan, then quietly inquire in a lowered voice.

MC: How’s the progress on the collection task now?

The staff behind the counter slides a glass of champagne over to me and answers in a similarly hushed tone.

Staff Member: The progress is still stuck where it was in the latest report, but something is a little off.

Staff Member: Clearly, we’re just one bracelet away from completion, but they seem to have lost their drive, and they’ve been here playing cards and board games… Could it be that the difficulty is too high and it’s affecting their motivation?

I take the champagne and ponder for a moment as I take a sip.

MC: But given the amount of countermeasures they came up with before, they won’t give up halfway… they must have some other plan.

MC: I’ll find another opportunity to look into the situation. If it’s really because of the design of the hiding spots being obstructive, I’ll have the staff controlling the lights make adjustments.

As I say this, my gaze drifts towards those people chatting and laughing relaxedly in the distance, and I inadvertently lock eyes with Li Zeyan.

The person next to him seems to have just finished a game, and a ripple of laughter passes from the group. Another person sorts out the deck of cards and asks Li Zeyan if he is interested in joining.

Li Zeyan sets down his wine glass and suddenly looks in my direction.

My heart skips a beat as I hear him speaking in a calm voice.

LZY: I will fancy a game, actually––

LZY: ––If the “Elven Emissary” over there is willing to accept my challenge.

──────────────

[Tidbits]:

[6] ! NERDING ALERT LOL. The architectural name of the building design is more popularly known as “Streamline Moderne.” Though the geometric shapes and curves make these structures look futuristic, these designs actually emerged in the 1920s and reached their peak in the 1930s-40s, and are known to be timeless. I do want to applaud Li Zeyan’s content team b/c this was such a little detail effortlessly tied with his car model- the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (produced from 1954-57). Widely known to be another timeless classic and a groundbreaking car for its time– kudos to his team for never failing to incorporate such subtle details, though unfortunately, I can’t gush about each and every one of them b/c that will turn bigger than the MQ translation itself ahah. also, not LZY being the only guy who got his car drawn into the event special background arts LMAO 💸😂

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CHAPTER 5, INTERWOVEN EMOTIONS】

[Tidbits]: This is a bonus chapter (equivalent to the memory silhouette in SP MQs), described in the narrator’s POV, comprising moments before Chapter 6~ 🥺

────────

Set against melodious background music, a rather ostentatious scene unfolds on the movie screen.

The protagonist’s eyes shimmer with tears as they are about to deliver a passionate confession of love, and just at this moment, several indistinct murmurs sound from beside him.

Li Zeyan turns his head to look at the girl sleeping soundly next to him and chuckles softly.

The movie being screened at the island’s movie theater today is a classic example of a crowd-pleaser but lacking substance–– a grand setting with overly dramatic plotlines.

Despite the fact that this genre of film isn’t the girl’s cup of tea, she was the one who spontaneously suggested coming here. And sure enough, she nodded off halfway through.

LZY: [smiles helplessly] …

He sighs almost inaudibly, his gaze fixed on the gentle play of light dancing through the girl’s long eyelashes, casting a subtle shadow under her eyes.

These days, she often has to juggle work responsibilities now and then, and she clearly hasn’t let herself relax properly.

 At the moment, the person really basking in the enjoyment of his vacation is just him alone.

Li Zeyan lowers his gaze and picks up the blanket nearby, draping it over the girl so that she can sleep more soundly.

Buzz—

His phone’s notification suddenly rings out for a moment, only to be silenced as he swiftly presses the mute button.

Li Zeyan walks out of the screening room with light footsteps and closes the door behind him before answering the call. Goldman’s voice sounds on the other end.

Goldman: CEO, we’ve got a handle on the locations of the remaining bracelets. It’s only the whereabouts of the last one we haven’t been able to track down, as of now.

Goldman: Would you want to consider mobilizing the rest of the employees and get them to participate as well?

LZY: No need. They’re all on vacation now. Let everyone who wants to unwind enjoy their time off peacefully.

LZY: Those who are interested can continue exploring in their leisure time, but do not put any pressure on them either.

LZY: Inform them using your account. Just updating the group with the clues that have been found will suffice. I’ll keep up the search.

Upon receiving a response from the other end of the line, Li Zeyan ends the call and walks in the direction of the screening room at an unhurried pace.

The project area along the coast and the highly popular tourist spots have been searched and ruled out one by one over the past few days… The location of the last bracelet seems to be a little too discreet.

Li Zeyan’s fingertips absentmindedly trace the phone’s surface, the sound of the girl’s expectant voice playing in his mind.

“‘The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.’… I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the surprise.~”

LZY: [laughs helplessly] …The difficulty level is set rather too high for a vacation experience.

Even as Li Zeyan murmurs his discontent under his breath, there is a touch of gentleness in his eyes.

He has closely witnessed the hard work the girl put into this project in recent days. And if he can help it, he doesn’t want her dedication to go in vain.

And even though she hasn’t said anything directly on purpose, she’s been occasionally dropping hints that “she wants this task to be realized as soon as possible”— whether it’s through her words or through deliberate or inadvertent actions…

Li Zeyan’s steps come to an abrupt stop.

The screening schedule for the theater is arranged early in the morning. She should have already known from the outset that the content of this film wasn’t something she’d be interested in.

Given that, why was she insistent on bringing him here?

After contemplating for a moment, Li Zeyan lifts his foot and changes his direction. He doesn’t enter the screening room and instead returns along the path he had taken with the girl.

Before long, he comes to a stop on the stairs of the theater.

LZY: [extremely helplessly and indulgently] Dummy.

Li Zeyan says softly, his voice tinged with the gentle hint of a smile.

A beaded coconut shell bracelet hangs quietly on the railing above, a lustrous sheen haloing it.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CHAPTER 6】

After only a brief moment of contemplation, I stand up and take a seat at the other end of the round table where Li Zeyan is sitting, ready to hear the rules––

First, both parties will receive five cards each, which will remain undisclosed. Upon obtaining the cards, each party can choose to propose to exchange some of their cards with a third party or keep them as they are. Then, they will proceed with placing the bets.

Once everything is finalized, the cards will be revealed, and victory will be determined by comparing the ranks of the card combination.

The rules don’t sound that complicated, so I nod to Goldman, signaling that we can begin.

The shimmering yellow glow of the light dances on the marble table top. After a brief shuffle, five cards are respectively placed in front of me and Li Zeyan.

MC: You know, we haven’t yet decided what the wager should be.

In order to test the waters, I intentionally speak up, watching as he calmly flips his cards over, shooting me a glance.

LZY: How about a wish?

LZY: Even if it doesn’t comply with the “rules” of this island, we still have to fulfill for the other person.

Whether intentionally or otherwise, his pronunciation of the word “rules” seems to carry extra emphasis. I blink, and a realization suddenly strikes me.

The progress of the bracelet collection task has currently hit a snag… Perhaps Li Zeyan wants to gain clues through this method?

MC: Yeah, sure thing. 

Saying this, I glance at my own cards, my heart pounding in my chest. To my surprise, luck has favored me this round–– I have Two Pair among the five cards.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him intermittently tapping his fingertips on the table. Displaying such subtle gestures of contemplation likely means his cards aren’t as good.

I have to seize this opportunity and compromise a little bit.

MC: I want to swap cards.

LZY: [simultaneously]  I want to swap cards.

As the deep, heavy hum of the music interweaves, our voices coincidentally collide with each other. Li Zeyan and I hold each other’s gaze for a moment before he calmly takes out three cards to exchange with Goldman.

I also trade my Two Pair with Goldman, acquiring a few new cards in return. Then, following Goldman’s cue, I spread out my cards on the table.

And just like that, the game is settled in a moment–– Li Zeyan’s Joker with a four-flush clearly outmatches my high cards.

Even as I’m trying to maintain my composure, I still breathe a sigh of relief, my eyes crinkling into a smile as I turn to Li Zeyan.

MC: CEO Li’s move to swap the poor cards for such an amazing hand was rather wise, I must say.

Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and only arches an eyebrow, while Goldman beside him clears his throat with a cough.

Goldman: Actually, CEO Li’s original hand was a straight, so it wasn’t bad either.

A straight… that’s still better than my original Two Pair, isn’t it?

MC: …Then why did you take the risk of changing cards?

LZY: [chuckles softly]  Just to be cautious.

LZY: After all, judging from a certain someone’s subtle cues, her hand must have been pretty good.

LZY: Since the Joker was already in my possession, there was a high chance the new cards would either form a flush or above, so it was worth the gamble.

Calculating the probability in mind from his description, I can’t help but widen my slightly as I look at Li Zeyan.

The interval was only about ten seconds or so, and this man calculated everything so fast even within that window!

MC: [mumbling to herself]  Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have gone easy. At least, I could’ve lost with some dignity…

I mutter under my breath in a voice only I can hear, watching as Li Zeyan rises from the seat and addresses me.

LZY: [and he still hears it LMAO, ofc he does]  A bet’s a bet.

LZY: Now, you should accompany me to fulfill my wish.

─

───────

[Tidbits]: Just in case it eludes anyone, they are actually playing their version of exclusive poker. I’m not gonna explain the specific terms or the game b/c it’d be a long ass explanation. But just wanted to point out that while MC was playing to have Li Zeyan win the game, the man just really wanted to win LMAO– and why, you’ll find out in a bit~ 🥺

────────

We take our leave from the entertainment room. The nearby and distant buildings are already veiled by the gathering darkness of the night.

The streamlined sports car zooms through the night, racing towards the highest point of the island, and it soon pulls into a secluded parking garage.

Keeping an intermediate distance, the sports car comes to a slow stop by the food-to-ceiling windows. Lights from the surroundings spill a surfeit of light through the glass, making it so that it seems we’re almost close enough to touch by just reaching out.

…What a coincidence, this is the best spot for enjoying the “hidden scenery”!

Everything seems to have fallen perfectly in place, and my heartbeat instantly quickens a little. Li Zeyan turns his head sideways and casts me a casual glance.

LZY: Come on, let’s enjoy the night scenery first.

The door on the driver’s side opens silently, and Li Zeyan seems about to rise from his seat and get out.

MC: Hang on, you haven’t yet told me, what’s the wish you want me to fulfill for you~

I grab his sleeve at flying speed, but he still maintains his calm and composed demeanor.

LZY: I don’t think there’s any need to rush it at the moment.

MC: …but this is a task that must be done eventually! If you don’t tell me, I won’t be able to set my mind at ease~

With my hopeful gaze fixed on him, Li Zeyan ponders for a moment.

LZY: [YOU CAN’T SEE ME BUT I’M PRACTICALLY IN TEARS RN]  Well then, from this moment onwards, leave all your time for me and me alone.

MC: [confused] …?

I find myself momentarily doubting if I’ve heard him wrong.

MC: Are you sure you want something so simple? You know you could take this opportunity to get your hands on some even more “impossible” terms!

I subtly stress the word “impossible,” but Li Zeyan seems to have missed my hint and simply gives me a nod.

MC: …Li Zeyan, you’re really a dummy!

I straddle his lap and punch him on the shoulder, feeling a little depressed.

MC: You clearly said yourself, that you wanted to realize the collection task! Then why not seize this opportunity and ask me––

LZY: Ask you about the location to activate this surprise?

And just like that, my hidden thoughts are exposed by him. I stare into his eyes, finding myself a little astonished.

Li Zeyan lifts his hand and runs his finger down my chin, signaling me to pull myself together.

LZY: You’re looking in the wrong direction, turn your head.

I follow the direction his finger points at and, somewhat perpexedly, look out the floor-to-ceiling window.

In the next second, it’s as if an invisible switch has been pressed, and the outline of the entire island is suddenly illuminated by magnificent lights.

The resplendent yet gentle lights, akin to a cascade of stars falling from the vast expanse of the night sky, delineate the long and winding curves of the coastline.

And just like that, the scene I have seen repeatedly in the design drafts and renderings suddenly unfolds before my eyes without warning. My lips part, and my heart suddenly skips a few beats.

…During this whole time, as I spent monitoring the progress, I imagined countless times how Li Zeyan would react when he saw it.

He would probably smile, wouldn’t he? Or perhaps, he wouldn’t even be able to take his eyes off of it.

Harboring such anticipation in mind, I always wanted to achieve the completion of this task as soon as possible, so that he could enjoy this perfect surprise.

Yet, as this scene suddenly materializes before me, I find myself becoming the one who can’t tear her eyes away.

—

────────

[Tidbits]: Sorry to break the flow, but just a little refresher/ reminder as to why MC’s surprise is so significant and emotional (p.s. the BGM here is the 3rd anniv. theme btw 😭)– in S1 CH11, Li Zeyan first told MC how looking at the city lights from a height would quell his anxiety and worries. From then on, it has become one of LZY’s most prominent themes (night, city lights, and meteors). We also saw the reversal of it in the winter world (Only Tonight SP), where MC told Li Zeyan how looking at the city lights would remind her of her special person, and it calmed her down, too. Aside from the little scattered ones, some major moments where we’ve seen the significance of this reference– S1 CH 37 farewell scene, S2 CH 4 re-bonding scene (at the hospital again), S2 CH 40 memory returning, LZY’s 5th birthday etc. This is why MC’s own surprise apparently takes her aback just as much here, too~ ꒦ິ꒳꒦ິ🙏

────────────

A soft chuckle rings in my ears, and I finally snap out of my daze.

Only to find that Li Zeyan’s gaze is fixed intently on me, and I see countless lights and myself mirrored in his eyes.

MC: You had already guessed what the hidden scenery was, didn’t you?

Li Zeyan responds with a soft hum, his palm gently caressing my wrist.

LZY: After all, a certain someone did say it was something worth appreciating with someone you hold dear.

LZY: Since every single element of it was designed by you, I reckoned my preferences were taken into account subconsciously.

LZY: During my morning runs these past few days, I scouted for locations on the island that would offer a breathtaking view. And, combined with the information gathered from the group, I did indeed make this discovery.

His voice carries a sense of ease, and interlaced with it is a confidence of calmly accepting love. A soft “hmph” escapes my lips, and I can’t resist pressing on for more details.

MC: Had I known earlier… I should have chosen my words more carefully when making the introduction.

MC: Come to think of it, the bracelets should have all been collected a while back… You were simply keeping it under wraps so that you could unveil it now, weren’t you?

Li Zeyan doesn’t deny it, leaning back into a relaxed posture.

LZY: Had you known in advance, you wouldn’t have felt the surprise.

I blink my eyes and speak subconsciously.

MC: But this surprise wasn’t prepared for me in the first place––

LZY: [cuts her off] Why can’t it be for you?

As he says this, the touch of resigned laughter colors his baritone voice.

LZY: [lets out the most helpless, gentlest of chuckles] When you persuaded me to come, you clearly said we’d be on vacation together.

LZY: Why is that after “tricking” me into coming here, more often than not, you seem to be so on edge and distracted by all sorts of work related matters?

As he speaks, his fingertips brush my head, causally removing my headwear.

—

The delicate ornament lands soundlessly onto the carpeted floor of the car. A few strands of hair by my cheeks trail downward, causing a slight tickling sensation.

I lower my gaze and belatedly piece together the way I’ve had an increasing amount of free time these past few days, as well as the bet he cleverly orchestrated and won. Suddenly, a realization dawns on me.

MC: …So, everything that happened the past few days was part of your plan?

LZY: After all, a certain someone didn’t have that awareness.

LZY: So, I could only use my ways to bring you out to escape the confines of rules and identities.

As I gaze into that pair of serene eyes, I feel as if a flower is blooming within me, my innermost being silently overflowing with an exquisite sweetness.

The corners of my lips involuntarily curve upward as I lean in, resting my forehead against his. I feel enfolded by the warmth and breath of the person in front of me, and he hems me in completely, not leaving even the slightest gap between us.

MC: So, you’ve been planning this all along, step by step… guess this falls under Teacher Li’s “aesthetics of delay,” doesn’t it? [7]

LZY: Of course. Moreover, the one who gets to immerse in the enjoyment shouldn’t be just me alone.

Our warm breaths intertwine, and I can almost see my own reflection mirrored in his eyes.

A soft laugh escapes me as I lean in towards him.

MC: Well, now it’s time for me, the “dummy student,” to be proactive and respond.

────────

[Tidbits]:

[7] Putting the note here before we get into the intense™ scene again LOL– the “aesthetics of delay” part is a throw-back to Li Zeyan’s top-up SP card– “Exuberant Fruits of Patience” (aka When Love Matures in EN). I’d highly recommend re/reading that to find out the significance of the throwback here~ 😉

────────

—

I plant a kiss on his lips as I say this. The palm supporting my hips suddenly tightens.

His lips wrap around mine, neither too fast nor too slow, stealing all my oxygen away at a leisurely pace.

Amidst our entwined breaths, even the air lingering between us burns hot. I nibble on his lips, only to be answered with an even more intensified demand.

Sapped of all my strength, it’s not until I give a push on his shoulder that I manage to catch a sliver of space to breathe.

The night air, carrying with it a slight chill, embraces our fiery body heat. I shiver involuntarily and reach out, yearning to steady myself on his chest, but the progressive intensity of the thrusts leaves me swaying back and forth.

MC: Li Zeyan, please let me lean on you a little more…

Allow me to find a mast to rely on and continue to meet the deeper waves.

I’m not sure if I’ve actually said these words aloud, but the panting in my ears suddenly grows heavier. At the same time, my wrists are held captive by a palm soaked with moisture.

Accompanied by the rustling sound of a tie twining around, my wrists are bound and looped around his neck.

MC: [moaning] Li Zeyan…

Murmuring, I turn my head to the side and bite Li Zeyan’s equally damp shoulder.

He doesn’t speak and only releases a restrained pant, holding me even tighter in his arms.

The magnificent lights, the shimmering reflections… the colors on the car window sway, gradually becoming blurred in my vision––

–– Until, akin to fireworks, everything converges into a burst of white light and explodes in my mind.

I take a deep breath, and in the all-consuming embrace of our entangled bodies, lift my hand and run my fingers through the wet tips of his hair.

MC: Li Zeyan, do you still find this delayed surprise to your satisfaction?

With those profound eyes staring fixedly at me, he leans his head in and gently plants a kiss on the inside of my arm.

LZY: Of course… I find it even more satisfactory than you could imagine.

LZY: And I also find myself to be even more addicted (to you).

His lingering kisses wreathe upwards, charged with a passion that can set everything ablaze.

I almost forget how to breathe, as I feel even the last spark of my consciousness grow burning hot and melt into the flowing night.

The world fades into distance and obscurity, leaving only the fiery and violent pounding of our tightly pressed hearts.

And so, I close my eyes, sinking into his temperature once more.

──────────────────────────────────────────

[knight-a3]

Humanformers: Decepticons

Megatron: Victor Morrigan

Lugnut: Logan Graves

Shockwave: Shaun Whaley

Longarm: Aaron Langford or Liam Armstead?

Blitzwing: Gunther Arnold Kriegsler (aka Blitz or Blitzer)

Notes under the cut

Yes, Megatron's human design was inspired by the villain from Disney's Atlantis.

TFA Megatron is more level-headed than other iterations (I'm looking at you and your drugs tfp). While others rely on brute force, tfa Megatron is calculating and collected, but still has the strength to back up his authority. It's my favorite interpretation of his character.

So he gave me mob boss vibes. He'd dress nice, smoke cigars, and drink wine.

Lugnut has a semi-official human design. It was made by the art director for the show, the late Derrick J Wyatt. But because Lugnut technically has more eyes than most of the other characters, I didn't like the eyepatch he had. So I tweaked the design a bit. I really wanted to emphasize his sheer bulk.

For Shockwave, I wasn't sure how supernatural I wanted to go. So I opted not to just give him shape-shifting powers, and instead used the costuming to alter his appearance. As Longarm, he's more nerdy and his loose clothing hides his body and helps him look smaller and less threatening. As Shockwave, his clothes are more form fitting and helps emphasize his height so he can loom over others.

I've shared Blitzwing's before, but I didn't want to leave him out of this, so here he is again.

[frankingsteinery]

there are many interpretations on just what the “nervous fever, which confined me for several months” that victor experienced was, but i don’t think anyone has yet put forward the idea that it was based on hypochondriasis. (in general i will refer to this source, a practical treatise of hypochondriasis written by john hill in 1766, in regard to just what hypochondriasis is–it’s a very interesting read and i would recommend it!)

hypochondriasis (which now carries a different meaning–i am not referring to hypochondria i.e. abnormal anxiety/fear about one’s health) was a non-specific condition that encompassed many varieties of the “nervous illnesses” of the 18th century. the concept was derived from theories of bodily humors and was once considered a special form of melancholy resulting from an excess of black bile, or alternatively that it was an obstruction in the body caused by high emotion, among many other explanations–but in hypochondriasis, and in the 17-18th century in general, the idea that the health of the mind and the body were inherently linked was HUGE. while it’s not readily definable it was generally seen as the masculine equivalent to hysteria in females, which is thematically important in ways i’ll get into later.

in short, hypochondriasis: 

is caused by grief and/or “fatigue of the mind” i.e. intense, prolonged study or focus on one thing, particularly night studies

those who are educated, studious, isolated, sedate and inactive (not among nature), are more susceptible

typically begins and reoccurs in autumn months

results in self-isolation, depression, a “disrelish of amusements,” wild thoughts or overthinking on one subject, and a sense of oppression in the body

physically, it causes low appetite, heart palpitations, dizziness, confusion, night sweats, emaciation, convulsions, etc

fits of high emotion, excessive exercise, and shock can cause relapses, even months or years after the first event

is said to be cured by mild medicine, but no chemistry; but above all, it is cured by the study of nature, and hypochondriac people should get frequent air and exercise

the parallels to victor are rather blatant. the study of natural philosophy becomes victor’s “sole occupation,” and he describes being “animated by an almost supernatural enthusiasm.” in the treatise, those subject to the disease are said to be those who have “greatly exerted [the mind’s] powers” and have ”determined resolution…intent upon their object [of attention]”. It’s also noted that “whatever tends to the ennobling of the soul has equal share in bringing on this weakness of the body.” 

it is this focus on creating new life, and later, this self-isolation, that results in his “cheek becom[ing] pale with study,” and his “person had become emaciated with confinement” and he “seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit.” it is to the extent that his eyes become “insensible to the charms of nature” and he neglects correspondence with his friends and family. he becomes “oppressed by a slow fever…and nervous to a most painful degree” and, like those with hypochondriasis, believes that “exercise and amusement would then drive away incipient disease.”

it’s also notable that the height of victor’s illness–directly after the creature’s creation–occurs, like in hypochondriasis, in autumn. during it, he describes many of the physical symptoms attributed to hypochondriasis: weakness, heart palpitations, dizziness, wild thoughts and paranoia, convulsions, etc. it’s only after henry’s care that he is able to recover, and in particular, after viewing a scene of nature:

I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared, and that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that shaded my window. It was a divine spring; and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion.

throughout the novel, these symptoms will reoccur (relapse) in times of high emotion, shock and stress–justine’s trial, the confrontation at the alps, during the creation of the female creature, etc. overall he meets the marks of hypochondriasis nearly down to a T.

and, returning to the idea that hypochondriasis is essentially the male equivalent of hysteria, which was only attributed to females at the time, this is relevant because frankenstein is a female narrative synthesized through a male narrator. by extension victor also meets many of the marks of hysteria. in general, the creature’s creation feminizes victor: victor remarks that he becomes “as timid as a love-sick girl” during his illness and describes his fever as “painfully nervous” and alternating between “tremor” and “passionate ardour.” during and after the creation process, victor exhibits what was then perceived as “feminine” emotional freedom–anxiety, weakness, self-doubt, fear, etcetera. considering this in-context that 1) victor’s labors allude to mary shelley’s own traumatic experiences with childbirth 2) this was written in a turning point in history where high-class men who had "nervous" senses/feelings were beginning to be seen as effete instead of stylish (they used to be thought fashionable because they were more in-touch with their senses than the lower classes or something to that effect), this all seems very intentional.

now, what do i think victor actually had (since humorism has, obviously, since been disproved)? a 2-for-1 psychotic disorder + whatever concoction of germs he acquired from sticking his hands in corpses for weeks on end combo. but that’s for another day!

[kurishiri]

00 . . . “ the hunter and the cursed ones’ medical records ”

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties for characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— this story is told from Roger’s point of view. it’s recommended, but not necessarily required, to read the second prologue before reading this.

— cw: none.

At an unexpected time, a pure white evil had descended upon England.

The castle had since suddenly become more noisy, but the one who had to pay attention especially——was someone like myself.

Alfons: I’m coming in, Roger. Victor entrusted me to hand you this book...

A: I must say, this is quite a sight to behold.

Documents were scattered everywhere in the room, leaving no room to maneuver or step around, and Al, seeing this, furrowed his brows.

Alfons: I can’t help but wonder if you’ve made a sore blunder and just up and left in the middle of the night?

A: All that said, I do hold my doubts on whether it’s even possible to run away with that big body of yours...

Roger: Trying to start up another argument as always, huh.

R: I was just thinking I should sort out all these different types of research documents.

Alfons: And why is that?

Roger: ‘Cause of Vogel.

R: Not like I know if they’ve got some ulterior motive hidden up their sleeve, but in those cases there’s no such thing as exercising too much caution.

Alfons: Seldom comes a time when I do agree with you, but it seems we do see eye to eye in this matter.

Al picked up one of the documents from the floor with his fingers.

Alfons: Well, I’ll be, this is our medical records [1], no?

Roger: That it is, it’s highly confidential too.

Alfons: Height, weight, medical history...

A: Dear me, to have this written as well. It’s as though the notion of privacy is nonexistent!

Roger: Don’t go taking my tenacity so lightly now?

R: Well, all that said, it’s not like I don’t know where you’re coming from. To know everything about someone else is basically the same as grasping their weaknesses.

R: But, on the flip side, you could also say that if I’m the one holding onto such information, I could save you guys’ lives.

Alfons: Hah. I suppose it is a case of the same coin having two sides.

Roger: Pretty interesting stuff, right? See, for example, Jude—

Alfons: .........

A: Just how long do you plan on continuing this?

While playing with the document with his fingers as though having little interest in them,

ashy gray eyes looked my way.

(I’ve never talked about the real reason I’ve joined Crown.)

(That is, aside from this person before me, who’s an old acquaintance of mine, though begrudgingly so.)

Roger: What, you want me to pay more attention to you?

Alfons: Most definitely not. So by all means, do continue your unproductive research.

A: Well then, I’ve done what I needed to do here, so I will take my leave.

Roger: Wait, Al.

Alfons: What is it?

I waved Al’s medical record as I read it aloud.

Roger: Alfons Sylvatica. Bearer of the Mirror Curse.

R: Sound for someone who’s regularly unsystematic. Has a stomach that rivals that of a beast.

R: And...

R: A friend from the old times, whom I’d like to get along better with me.

Alfons: And that is exactly why Jude calls you a ‘quack of a doctor.’

That was all he said before he closed the door, the sound cold and robotic.

Roger: Haha, he’s cold as always.

Now alone in the room, silence fell upon me as I looked out the window.

Rays of sun that penetrated through the leaves of trees came through, giving the medical records a streak of light.

(All I said was that I had an interest in the Cursed ones, so I was doing research on them.)

(But, that)

——was a complete lie.

There was no way I would choose not to succeed my family, instead joining an organization who specialized in assassination just because I was ‘interested.’

The reason I joined Crown, was because it was a place where Cursed ones gathered.

And it was also a place directly under Her Majesty the Queen, so it was a perfect place to gather information.

“The Cursed ones”——it was an absurd fate, bestowed by the whims of God.

(And I——want to rid the world of Curses.)

(That was the reason I turned to Crown,)

(and it was my ambition for a long time now.)

And the medical records of Crown showed that very ambition,

as I’ve made meticulous records on every member.

——No, every member but one.

(The Queen’s Aide, Victor.)

(On his record, and his alone, there is not a single piece of useful information written down.)

As I stared at his medical record, I felt myself returning to a memory from the past.

When I first met Victor, it was at the hideout a serial killer was residing in.

By the time I arrived at the scene, the criminal had already drew his last breath, and only long, jet black hair flowed in the wind.

That man turned around, not uttering a sound.

When our eyes met, the man with eyes like jewels gave me a lax smile.

Victor: Good evening to you. The full moon tonight is quite beautiful, isn’t it.

first. next →

full masterlist 📄

NOTES:

[1] the apparent pronunciation (furigana) for this is [カルテ] (karute). It’s a Japanese loan word from the German word ‘Karte,’ which I believe translates to ‘card.’ In Japanese, though, it means a medical or clinical record for a patient. Anyway, any time you see ‘medical record,’ it is pronounced as karute.

[lonely-cowboy]

in memoriam ↠ coriolanus snow masterlist. main masterlist.

pairing: coriolanus snow x f!reader (brief coriolanus snow x lucy gray baird) summary: after being caught cheating in the hunger games, coryo comes to you for comfort. it's only then that you realize he may not be the best person for you. word count: 2.3k warnings: kinda manipulative and bitchy coryo :/ we are NOT hating on lucy gray here it's not her fault it's his

author's note: can y'all tell i've been listening to good luck babe! by chappell roan on repeat? anyway! i wanted to do this with lucy gray but decided she was too sweet (HAHA hozier reference) to do this to reader so now we get mean coryo rip

You were the first person Coriolanus had run to once his cheating in the 10th Hunger Games had been discovered. Dean Highbottom had confronted him with a choice: serve twenty years as a Peacekeeper or have this scandal revealed to the public. He chose the former, of course; to have such disreputable knowledge revealed to the public would only tarnish his efforts at presidency. So a Peacekeeper it was.

Distraught over being caught, Coriolanus sought immediate comfort: you. He didn’t run to you because your love was the only thing that could put him at ease. Of course not, he didn’t love you the same way you did him. Though that wasn’t to say he didn’t care for you. In his own twisted and possessive way, Coriolanus cared for you more than he could any other human being. But the reality– one that you refused to believe– stood that Coriolanus did not see a future with you. You were merely someone who gave him the attention he relished. You were a reminder that he could be adored by the people, a reminder that he deserved everything good in the world. A reminder that Snow lands on top.

And so it was you he sought comfort from, knowing you would not shame him and instead find some overly optimistic, symbolic meaning behind it all. It would help him understand the hardships of presidency, you would say. You would remind him that “President Snow” was not just a childish dream but a truth that could be seen in the near future.

Alone in your family’s penthouse, you were startled by the sound of an authoritative knock. When you opened the door, there stood Coriolanus with his intense gaze already locked on your own. To anyone else, Coriolanus might have looked like his usual self. His shoulders were back, adding height to his already towering frame. His chin was raised in a way that, even to someone taller than he, it seemed as if he was looking down at you. 

But you knew better. You could see the way he slouched just the tiniest bit, the way his seemingly relaxed fingers were tense with the desire to curl into fists. And that look in his icy stare… like he loved nothing in this awful world that had betrayed him so cruelly.

“Coryo, why–?”

“They’re sending me to the districts,” Coryo interrupted, slipping passed you and into your penthouse.

“Who?” you questioned with a furrowed brow. 

You ignored the irritation that bubbled deep in your chest at Coryo’s pompous behavior. Since the Reaping, it had been something you felt a lot around him, though you remained in denial. Surely you could never be annoyed with Coryo, that boy you loved so deeply you would continue to be by his side, even when he didn’t want you.

“Highbottom, Gaul, all of them,” he growled as he clenched and unclenched his fists.

Seeing Coryo in such disarray, you were quick to turn to your nurturing nature. With a hand resting lightly on his shoulder, you guided Coryo to sit beside you on the couch. You kept your hand on his shoulder, the other on his knee to rub soothing circles. 

“Why?” you asked with obvious confusion, finding it weird that a victor should be celebrated by going to the districts.

“Highbottom…,” Coryo paused as he gathered the right words, lip pursed slightly in that calculative manner of his. “Didn’t appreciate my methods to win. He’s sending me away to serve twenty years as a Peacekeeper.”

You didn’t question what Coryo meant by his “methods.” You couldn’t comprehend his elusive answers, and you didn’t much care. Not when he was leaving the Capitol for twenty years.

“Twenty years, Coryo…” you murmured in disbelief, eyes glazing over as you processed what this could mean for you and him. “When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow,” Coryo whispered, his jaw clenched so tightly you feared it might snap off. “Twenty years away from home… away from you…”

Your eyes focused on Coryo again, a small smile gracing your lips. To hear he was saddened over leaving you… there was something achingly heartwarming in that. You only hoped it meant he would think of you while he was away, every day.

“I’ll be here when you return,” you promised.

Coryo glanced at you then, his smile matching yours. There was a wicked glint in his eyes, feeling satisfied that, no matter what, you would always belong to him. He could marry another, but you would still be his. Maybe even you would marry another, but you would still be his. Though Coryo’s possessiveness would never allow you to marry another. You would always be his. Funny, that is: you were his, yet you could never have him.

Coryo turned to face you fully, his hand covering yours as it sat on his knee. His other hand slowly snaked its way up your arm to cradle your face. His face was so close, you could feel his warm breath on your lips.

“You’ll wait for me?” he asked.

“Of course,” you answered breathlessly.

A sly smirk crossed Coryo’s lips as he inched forward. His lips brushed against your own, but you dared not move.

“Good girl,” he murmured.

Coryo breached the distance between you, his lips finding yours in a soft kiss. His kiss was uncharacteristically sweet, mouth moving slowly and lovingly against yours. But his hold on your face was tight, keeping you pressed close to him. You were his and his alone. 

When Coryo pulled back, he kept his forehead resting against yours. His grip remained firm; always such a powerful hold.

“I’ll miss you,” Coryo continued in that sweet voice, one he used so rarely. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you… Write to me, won’t you?”

“Of course, Coryo,” you mumbled with a nod. “I’d write to you every day if you asked me to.”

A breath of a laugh escaped Coryo’s lips. “Then write to me every day.”

You nodded again as a comfortable silence settled over the two of you, both smiling with warmth as you held each other tightly. It was a distraction to you both. Held in each other’s arms, you didn’t have to think of the next twenty long years that awaited.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do in District 12, but I’ll–”

“District 12?” you interrupted, pulling back so suddenly that it surprised Coriolanus, leaving him with a creased brow. “How do you already know your assignment? Peacekeepers aren’t given their assignments until the day of their deployment.”

Coriolanus paused for no more than a second, but it was enough. He was never one to pause. The few times he had given pause had always been in times where he was caught in a lie.

“Highbottom told me–”

“No, he didn’t,” you dismissed, shaking your head slowly as you studied Coriolanus suspiciously. “You don’t know your assignment. Why did you say District 12?”

Your heart was pounding furiously in your chest, not out of fear for his answer, but because you already knew it.

No matter how greatly Dean Highbottom hated Coriolanus, he had no control over his assignment. And no one in their right mind– unless they were interested in a public shaming– would choose to send someone as high-standing and self-righteous as Coriolanus to District 12, especially not after he was so widely celebrated as Victor of the Games. There was only one way Coriolanus could find himself in District 12: he chose to go.

At least, that was his plan. Tomorrow, you surmised, he would head to the train station where he would be assigned his district of deployment. It was unlikely he would get District 12, but if he asked oh-so-sweetly, he was sure to get what he wanted. Because Coriolanus Snow always got what he wanted. And what he wanted was Lucy Gray.

He was going to follow Lucy Gray to District 12.

You pulled further away from Coriolanus as the realization set in. There it was again, that bubbling anger in the pit of your stomach. 

Coriolanus didn’t care about you, nor did he care about Lucy Gray. He deluded himself into thinking he cared, but you knew it wasn’t true. If he really cared, he wouldn’t be following Lucy Gray all the way across Panem. If he really cared, he wouldn’t be pursuing the both of you.

You looked at Coriolanus with horror as you were consumed by anger and disappointment, at both him and yourself.

Coriolanus read the look on your face with ease. It was obvious you knew his plan now, there was no point in hiding it. He released a steady sigh, jaw twitching with frustration that he had been confronted with his failures twice in one day.

“Is this all some kind of game to you, Coriolanus?” you asked. Your voice was quiet and without malice, your disappointment outweighing any fury you felt. “What am I to you? Your pet?”

“Darling, you know I don’t think of you like that,” Coriolanus said firmly, reaching for your hand.

You yanked your hand back quickly as the anger began to boil over, standing quickly to put distance between the two of you. Coriolanus groaned in annoyance as he too stood, slowly and without much interest.

“Then how do you think of me?” you demanded. “Because you refuse to call me your girlfriend, but then you kiss me like… like that and expect me to think of this as only casual?”

Coriolanus grumbled your name, his patience obviously wearing thin. “I care about you, I always have. This is more than casual to me.”

“No, it’s not! You’re leaving me and following Lucy Gray to 12!”

Coriolanus stiffened at the sound of Lucy Gray’s name, his shoulders squaring and spine straightening. His lips were pressed thin, looking down his nose at you. That ever-present air of superiority.

“Go to Lucy Gray, Coriolanus,” you growled. “I pray to any god who will listen that she escapes you as I have. And if she is unlucky not to, I pray that my memory will haunt you instead. Every time you kiss her, think of my lips. Every time you hold her, think of my warmth. Every night, you’ll wake up with her beside you, but it won’t be her you think of. It’ll be me.”

Coriolanus said nothing as he watched you with those bright blue eyes. You met his stare with a hard gaze, allowing that boiling frustration to take over. Maybe you would regret your outburst the second he walked out the door, maybe you wouldn’t. Right now, you were too angry to worried about that.

“Alright then,” Coriolanus sighed nonchalantly, dusting off his coat. “I’ll take my leave. I hope to see you again, but it appears as though I won’t. I can only wish you the best.”

Coriolanus turned and strode toward the door, his presence drastically different from when he first came knocking on your door.

“I can only wish that you rot in hell for all you put me through,” you answered smugly. “Thank God for Lucy Gray. If it wasn’t for her, I’d be stuck with your manipulative ass forever.”

Pausing in the doorway, Coriolanus glanced at you over his shoulder. He looked troubled as though he had never expected such a response from you. Now was usually the time you would come running back into his arms, sobbing over how you could never live without him. But not this time.

“Goodbye, my dear.”

You said nothing.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

It was a hot summer evening, the kind of heat that made you inexplicably lethargic and sleepy. The Covey had journeyed to the lake for an afternoon swim, picking berries and eating them with their toes dipped in the cool water. The day was long, but fun was limited. There were still chores to be done in town. 

When the Covey began their trek home, Lucy Gray was napping soundly in Coriolanus’s arms, her pink patterned dress sprawled across the thin blanket. Not wanting to disturb her from her sleep, Coriolanus urged the Covey to continue home without them, they would catch up in time.

But as the August heat eased any of Coriolanus’s worries, he too was overtaken by sleep. Together, he laid with Lucy Gray with nothing but the crickets and mockingjays for company. It was a peaceful evening.

With a sleepy hum, Coriolanus turned so that he fully enveloped your frame. He buried his nose in your soft hair, inhaling your scent slowly. Another hum left his lips as he squeezed you tighter against his body, your warm skin sending an affectionate tingle down his spine.

He murmured your name in his languid state, the sound so sweet on his lips that it was clear he was nothing more than a boy in love.

Coriolanus’s eyes snapped open as his mind awakened, finding himself wrapped around Lucy Gray’s slender frame. He inhaled with a start as he quickly pried himself from Lucy Gray who made a drowsy sound of protest. She turned and reached for him in her sleep, though she did not wake. Coriolanus pulled himself further from her grasp, his jaw tensing.

The image of you still danced across his vision. He rubbed his eyes furiously in an attempt to make you leave, but you would not. You filled his every thought, his every breath. He could not escape you no matter how hard he tried. Coriolanus’s head fell into his hands as he let out a silent, strangled cry.

Oh, how he missed you. That girl with lips so sweet and skin so soft. That girl with the laugh of an angel and a touch so warm it eased all tension. That girl who he loved so dearly and had let escape from his grasp. That girl who would never again be his.

Forever, he was yours, yet he could never have you.

[fantomas0]

He's Psychotic | Feyd-Rautha

fandom: Dune: Part Two (2024)

pairing: feyd-rautha harkonnen x irulan corrino

description: He’s psychotic, Irulan was sure of it. And she was about to marry him.

word count: 4k

warnings!: smut, wedding night, loss of virginity, rough sex, knifeplay 🔪, bloodplay🩸, where's my wife?, who did this to you?, concubines, blood and injury, praise kink, marriage.

He was psychotic, Irulan was sure of it. An animal, a beast, a sort of soulless creature no living woman could bear to stand.

And Irulan was about to marry him.

This wasn’t the plan, of course. She was supposed to marry Paul Atreides, Duke of Arrakis, but fate had different plans. Her fate took an unexpected turn the moment Paul’s lifeless body fell to the floor, with his enemy’s blade deep in his guts. In that moment, Feyd-Rotha’s black eyes bore into her and the smile of his was just as black.

Her father said, “You’ve won. What would you like in return for this victory?”

She shuddered, unable to take her eyes off the man before her as he walked back to Paul’s body, ripped out the blade from it and pointed the sharp tip towards her, the blood still dripping from it—drip, drip, drip.

“Had the Duke won, he would’ve gotten the princess. Now, as the victor, I have the right to her. I want your daughter.”

Her father didn’t oppose. Perhaps he wanted to but had nothing else to offer. Alas, Irulan was the thing he could give, in his mind, he had already given her up to Paul Atreides.

And so, three days later, she was dressed in traditional bridal garments: the ivory dress of the finest silk, a modest scoop neckline adorned with beading, with long fitted sleeves cascading down her arms with sheer panels, the skirt flowing out from the waist in a graceful line. To finish off, she wore a dramatic veil that framed her entire form and was held up by an ornate headpiece.

She was to be sacrificed to a demon.

Irulan walked down the isle, surrounded by a flood of the same harkonnean faces, all of them bald and pale and muscular, neither of them familiar, only one, at the very end, waiting for her, watching her every step, even the slightest movement of flesh underneath her garments – Feyd-Rautha’s eyes on her were like a hawk’s. She shuddered.

The road to her future husband in this hall at Giedi Prime. She walked, and walked, alone and exposed, and it seemed that the distance between him and her remained the same. But no, she was getting closer, because now she could see him better. His robes were of tight shiny leather with silver lining, they clung to his body like a glove. He stood tall and regal, a neutral expression on his face. Except for his eyes, of course. He held his hands in front of himself as if he was imprisoning his own body in one spot, as if he was trying to stop himself from eating away at the distance between them himself, as if he had to keep his hands from reaching out for her.

Irulan finally stood in front of him and, while the Reverend Mother spoke words of matrimony she couldn’t understand (she could understand the language, undoubtedly, only in that moment she wasn’t capable of understanding the meaning behind them), she watched Feyd-Rautha in all his glory. His dark gaze demanded attention. The only comfort was the veil that covered her face from him.

Sometime in the middle of the ceremony, Irulan heard a strange hissing sound. She turned her head very slightly to see three women standing behind her soon-to-be husband. All three of them looked the same—bald heads, black eyes, blackened teeth and pure hatred, addressed to her—different only in height. It took a few moments for Irulan’s frightened mind to realize that these were Feyd-Rautha’s concubines who were hissing at her. No one else, besides Irulan, paid them any attention, so she learned to ignore the hissing too.

However, Irulan was so focused on the concubines, she didn’t understand that the Reverend Mother spoke the last words of the matrimonial ceremony until Feyd-Rautha lifted his hands and unveiled her. She flinched, caught off guard, feeling small and vulnerable before him. His face moved closer to hers very slowly, as if he didn’t want to frighten her. The initial moment of his kiss felt like a butterfly’s touch to her lips—soft, tender, barely there. When her mouth opened to him in surprise, he explored it with his tongue, and the kiss soon turned passionate, wild all-consuming. It lasted far longer than a dutiful wedding kiss should’ve lasted and it left Irulan breathless once it ended.

She stared at his lips, now red from the kiss, even more so in contrast with his paper-white skin. His breathing was just as heavy as hers, their chests heaving in tandem, but he soon regained his wits, reaching out his hand for her, which she wasn’t cautious enough not to take.

He started walking her out of the hall and down the dark empty corridors, leaving the Harkonnens and the rest of Giedi Prime behind them. He led her to a spacious minimally furnished room but she could tell every single item there must’ve cost a fortune.

Feyd-Rautha let go of her hand only when she was standing in front of a canopy bed. Then he disappeared from her sight, and she was too nervous to turn around. He’s psychotic, she had to remind herself. One wrong move and he might attack like an animal.

She felt her headpiece being lifted from her head together with the veil. She saw his pale hands put it aside carefully. She turned her head slightly only to see he had taken off his top garments, and she saw his naked chest, tattooed with thick black lines. He watched her face as she peered into his nether region, then grabbed her chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at him.

“Are you scared of me, princess?” he asked.

Irulan looked into his eyes, searching for madness there, or for empathy. She found neither.

Swallowing thickly, she held his gaze.

“No.”

She couldn’t let him know how frightened she truly was.

Feyd-Rautha’s and moved to the back of his bottoms and he took out a knife, ornate and beautiful, like a piece of art. Irulan’s eyes widened in fear, her body shivered violently outside of her control. Her reaction put a smile on his face. As Feyd-Rautha moved his knife to the fabric of her dress, she closed her eyes, daring herself to get through whatever pain he was about to inflict on her. Most importantly, she couldn’t show panic.

She scrunched her nose, waiting to get stabbed, waiting for the blade to pierce her skin, then dig into her flesh, she waited for him to draw her blood, make her scream—until she heard fabric ripping in half. Irulan opened her eyes, drawing in a lungful of air like a man lost in dessert, breathing in oxygen for the first time. she felt the dress fall of her body before she saw her own nakedness, blushing from shame. She noticed Feyd-Rautha’s eyes on her even if she didn’t see him, she felt his hot breath on her exposed skin. Her nerves were akin to violin strings—tout and resonant—as he stood behind her like a looming threat.

As Irulan tried to calm her respiration, Feyd-Rautha’s fingers dug into her scalp, kneading at her hair and messing up the fancy braids that formed a bun, until her hair was freed, falling down her back in waves. She felt his fingers brush through her locks—once, twice—and then, to Irulan’s grave horror, he brought the knife to her neck, his other arm holding her down by her waist, pulling her bottom into his groin. She gasped at the cold sharp blade on her delicate skin there.

“Still not scared, princess?” he spoke lavishly into her ear.

This was a trick. He wanted a reaction out of her. But he wasn’t going to truly hurt her, otherwise he would’ve done so already. She wouldn’t let him trick her.

“No,” she repeated, although a slight tremor in her voice betrayed the truth.

He pulled the blade away from her, grabbing her by the throat with his other hand. His lips touched her jaw tenderly and she closed her eyes at the feeling.

“Good girl,” he whispered.

His hands guided her to get on the bed, slowly and barely pushing her as she complied. She lied on the bed on her back, feeling her hair fall around her like the sun. Feyd-Rautha’s widened eyes roamed over her body possessively, taking their time to appreciate the curve of her neck, her shoulders, her round breasts, her flat belly, until they landed on her apex. His gaze was hungry, wild, untamed, which she took as a compliment.

Still holding the knife in one hand, he unbuttoned his bottoms with the other and took them off. His cock caught Irulan’s attention immediately—long, thick, and veiny, monstrous just like its’ owner. Seeing where her gaze had landed, Feyd-Rautha smirked, kneeling on the bed as she moved away to give him space, but he grabbed her thighs, pulling her close. He spread her thighs, putting her ankles onto his shoulders, his black gaze boring into her sex. His lips parted as if he was trying to imagine how she would taste down there.

Irulan was hot, so very hot, and the way he stared at her, the way he handled her body was of no help at all.

It was the moment his fingers touched her burning center that she realized how sensitive and wet she truly was. Feyd-Rautha hissed, realizing that very same thing. He began playing with her flesh as if he was a boy with a toy, and she heart the sounds of her own sex dripping and parting for him whichever way he wished.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, making her even wetter. This was affecting him too, it appeared—his cock was so hard and aching it was slowly turning red.

But of course, he couldn’t leave his knife behind. As he brought the knife closer to her core, Irulan panicked, kicking at him and trying to get away, but his grip on her thigh was like vice, she couldn’t move.

“Shhh,” he said, caressing her thigh. “There’ll be nothing but pleasure, wife.”

Irulan was certain that his definition of pleasure differed from hers, so she kept squirming. Only slightly annoyed, Feyd-Rautha gripped his knife tightly by the blade and pushed the handle past her nether lips.

Irulan released a prolonged moan when his thumb found her clitoris and began rubbing circles while simulteneously thrusting the handle of his knife in and out of her.

“That’s it, wife,” he groaned, watching the way her face furrowed in pleasure. “Take my knife like a good girl.”

And she did. His moves grew aggressive, but even the sight of his blood as the sharp blade tore the skin of his palm where he gripped it did not deter her—she was too focused moving her hips in tandem with his thrusts, chasing her pleasure.

Only when she was at the precipice of her own release did he stop abruptly, pulling out the knife out of her and throwing it on the ground. Irulan was irrationally angry and disappointed, but that feeling soon ceased as Feyd-Rautha fondled her body, mostly her breasts and bottom, with his hands, leaving a bloody trail wherever he touched her.

Once finished, he began stroking his now-turned-blue cock, watching her soiled body as a mesmerizing painting. He then lined the head of his cock with her entrance and she tensed without meaning to. He put only the tip in, but Irulan tensed furthermore. He towered over her with his entire body, but not threateningly, it was more like a promise to keep her safe. Feyd-Rautha caressed her cheek, pushing in more, and she hissed from the pain that not even his tender movements helped soothe.

He was patient with her that night, but he wasn’t that patient, so after a few minutes of trying to slowly push into her, Feyd-Rautha thrust all of himself into her while kissing her at the same time, catching the pained scream that tore out of her with his mouth. He kept kissing her and moving inside of her until he was sure she wasn’t going to scream and that the pain eased a little. He pulled away slightly just to watch her breasts move at the rhythm his hips had set.

“Such a good wife I have,” he praised. “Taking me so well.” Irulan whimpered when the pain in her lower abdomen was slowly replaced with pleasure. “That’s it,” he said, moving his face closer to hers. “I want you to look at me as you come on my cock, princess.”

She did.

Irulan woke up. Her body ached and she felt disoriented, reaching out for the warm body that kept her close the whole night. She found the other side of the bed empty.

She washed off the blood from her thighs—her blood—and his blood from all the other places. It was foolish of her to expect Feyd-Rautha to stay until morning as a loving husband, but the abandonment still hurt.

She found a dress to put on and then sat down to brush her hair when a knock came.

“Princess Irulan, na-Baron is calling for you,” a servant said.

“Tell him I’m preoccupied with something.”

“I’m afraid this isn’t an offer, princess.”

And so, two minutes later, she was following the servant down the clinically sterile yet dark corridors, until he led her to a door, saying, “Na-Baron is already waiting for her.”

Na-Baron was actually not waiting for her at all, if his physical state was any sign of that. When Irulan got into the room, she found Feyd-Rautha in no need of any more attentions from another woman. He lied sprawled on a divan while his three concubines attended to his needs: two of them were sucking on his cock as if it were a candy while the third one kissed, but and nibbled on the skin of his chest, neck and shoulders. However, his cock, no matter what they did, remained flaccid.

Irulan reddened at the sight but more than anything she was furious. She would’ve turned on her heel and left right then, if Feyd-Rautha hadn’t already caught her with his eyes.

“There you are, wife,” he spoke to her. “After the magical night I spent with you, my concubines seem to be unable to satisfy me properly. I thought it would help the mattes at hand if you joined them. So, princess, care to join?” he motioned at the tow women sucking his cock. None of the three of them paid her any mind but she felt wrath emanating from them all the same.

Irulan didn’t move a single muscle. “I am your wife, not one of your whores, Feyd-Rautha,” she said coldly and tightly.

Feyd-Rautha merely chuckled at her defiance. She stayed in place like a tree grown into the ground, undeterred by his charming laughter.

“Of course not,” he said, still smiling. Then, in a voice that was firm and commanding, “All of you, leave.”

 The concubines obeyed immediately, pulling away from him. The one who had his cock in her mouth took it out with a loud pop. They hissed as they passed her, and Irulan waited from them to leave from out the door, not foolish enough to have her back to them. But, just as she was about to leave, she heard, “Not you, wife. They are only pets. You are not one of them.”

Irulan turned back to him, regaining her composure.

He smirked at her. She noticed his cock was beginning to harden.

He beckoned her closer, “Come.”

She took slow steps toward him as he watched her every move with unblinking eyes. Irulan came to stand in front of him, raising her chin. “What do you want from me, Feyd-Rautha?” she demanded.

His grin only widened. “I want you to satisfy your husband. You didn’t like seeing me with my concubines? Then you do the job. Let me have all of you. Let me ruin you.”

Irulan stared down at him, seemingly unaffected by his words, although her insides were burning. However, he seemed to be seeing right through her. Neither of them said another word, both staring at one another, waiting for who will star first.

Irulan couldn’t handle it any longer, not when his cock was now as hard as ever and her own arousal was practically running down her inner thighs.

She leaned down and lifted her skirt just enough so she could straddle him. She didn’t sit on top of his cock, only the outside of their nether regions was touching. As she wore no undergarments, she could feel that his flesh was hotter than hers, almost feverish.

The smile disappeared from Feyd-Rautha’s face, giving space for a deeply focused expression. She moved her hips to tease his swollen cock and he hissed from the stimulation, grabbing her hips instinctively and hoisted your skirt enough to have her bared for his eyes only.

“Don’t tease me, princess,” he groaned. That was enough for Irulan. She lifted her hips and sank down onto him, eliciting a prolonged moan from the both of them. She was still sore and he was huge, but she soon found a comfortable rhythm that brought waves of pleasure to her core. Feyd-Rautha watched her intensely with his black eyes, but when your thighs began to give out and the strain on your muscles seemed like too much, he took over, thrusting into her from below, grabbing her by the back of her neck to bring her lips to his. He kissed her like a starved man, all the while untwining the braid she had quickly put together before running off to him. When her hair was freed, he sunk his fingers into it—she remembered him giving special attention to her hair last night too. It must’ve been one of the things his concubines couldn’t give him.

Whereas Irulan’s moves were slow and sensual, Feyd-Rautha set a vicious pace, one she couldn’t catch up with, so she let him grab her arms by the wrists and pull them behind her, taking full control of her entire body. She moaned and mewled on top of him, her breathing growing labored. She was on the edge of her climax, but stopped herself from coming, watching as Feyd-Rautha’s expression grew violent as he neared his own end. And just as he was about to come, she told him, “You won’t lie with your concubines anymore. They won’t entertain you and you won’t give them special treatment. If you want release, you will come to me and me only, is that clear, Feyd-Rautha?”

His face twisted from pleasure and Irulan leaned in closer, touching his forehead with her own as he thrust into her the last few times.

“Yes, yes, anything you want, my wife…” he answered breathlessly.

Satisfied with her work yet careful not to show him, Irulan pulled away from him and his cock, standing back up and fixing her skirt. Feyd-Rautha, still heaving, reached out his head as if to touch the fabric of her dress or the ends of her hair, but she had already found her way to the door, leaving him all alone.

As she walked down the dark corridors, Irulan was lost in thoughts of the scene that just passed between them, and so she didn’t notice someone lurking for her in the shadows. Three figures then stood in her way, and even though it was dark, the three concubines of Feyd-Rautha were hard to miss. They were hissing at her, fury evident in their abnormal features as they lunged at her, baring their black teeth. Before Irulan managed to scream or shout for help, one of them forced her mouth shut with her hand, the other grabbed her by the hair and held her hands down, and the third gripped her right hadn’t, exposing her forehearm. Irulan saw the sharp silver blade glinting in the low light. Her eyes widened and she squirmed, trying to free herself, but to no avail.

The concubine brought the blade to Irulan’s veins and spat in her face, “Na-Baron is ours,” before slicing her flesh.

Unimaginable pain reddened Irulans’s vision. She screamed and thrashed until all strength abandoned her, and, sensing that, the concubines released her, letting her fall to the ground. When her head hit the ground, Irulan was drowned in darkness.

Irulan regained consciousness in an unfamiliar room with an never-before-seen face in front her and a dull ache in her arm.

She blinked awake and tried to sit up in bed, but the man before her held her down softly. “Easy, princess. You’re very hurt.”

Irulan then noticed that the man was slicing a needle through her already mutilated flesh. The white thread that sealed her wound contrasted with the red-brown blood. She was sleepy and her mind was working very slowly, but all sleepiness evaded her once she heard a voice outside the room shout, “Where’s my wife!”

No one was there to answer Feyd-Rautha’s command, and they needn’t be—a moment later, he burst through the door like a sandstorm.

His eyes found her lying form immediately as he strode forward until he was right beside her. There was no smile on his face, nothing but ferocious outrage. His black gaze eyed the wound in her arm.

“Who did this to you?” he demanded, his voice low with rage.

She scoffed. “I won’t tell you. I don’t have a death wish.”

“Who,” he repeated.

Irulan narrowed her eyes at him. “They must have been listening behind the door as we… spoke.”

That was enough for him. After another moment of intense eyeing, Feyd-Rautha turned around and left. No sooner had the man that must’ve been her healer finished stitching up her wound that her husband was back.

“Come with me,” he said, reaching out his hand for her to take. “It won’t be far.”

She took it, despite how tired she felt.

Feyd-Rautha led her to a room with black walls and floor, and she noticed the three women lined up with their heads bowed low, their white skin glinting in the black darkness like fog. He made Irulan stand in front of them as he took his knife from the table besides and then came back to her.

“Which one of them hurt you?” he asked.

Irulan swallowed. “If I tell you, next time they will surely kill me.”

Without taking his eyes off her, without even moving—Irulan only saw his right hand slice the air swiftly—but it didn’t slice air, it slid the first concubine’s throat. Blood poured from the wound as the woman grasped at her throat in panic, trying to desperately stop the bleeding. She fell to the ground with a thud—the same way Irulan had mere hours ago.

“Was it this one?” Feyd-Rautha asked, never letting his eyes leave her.

Irulan shook her head. “She held my mouth shut.”

The other two bowed their heads even lower, visibly shivering.

The fury that overcame him was more visible by the way his muscles twitched under his skin. The second kill was just as smooth and barely visible, the same scenario repeating itself—Feyd-Rautha sliced the throat of the concubine and she fell dead.

“This one?”

“She grabbed me by my hair,” Irulan said.

He took a step toward the last of his pets, not sparing her a single glance, and the woman fell to her knees before him, “Na-Baron, I did nothing wrong, I’m begging you, she’s lying!”

Feyd-Rautha looked down at his concubine with nothing but wrath in his eyes. Then looked back up at Irulan.

“Did this one draw your blood?”

She swallowed, then nodded, watching with wide eyes as Feyd-Rautha’s blade sank into the left eye of the concubine. She screamed as blood poured from it, trying to stop the flow just like the other two before her. He pulled the blade out and repeated the process on the other eye. Then, more driven by a wish to end this as soon as possible rather than a sentimental feeling of mercy, he slit her throat, ending the third life.

Irulan watched in awe at the three bodies at her feet but Feyd-Rautha’s presence was the only one that demanded attention.

She looked up at him. He stepped closer, taking her face in his palm while the other hand held the bloody knife.

“I promised you, wife,” he said. “Anything you want.”

THE END

[reflectismo]

Annette Tapper’s (Phil Spector’s ex-wife) recollection of meeting the Beatles:

I met them in March 1965, during the height of Beatlemania. A friend invited me to the Bahamas for the filming of the beach scenes in Help. After we arrived, I was told to contact Victor Spinetti, which I did. We met and he took me to a sandy beach where a scene was being filmed. All four Beatles were there and they were on a break. Spinetti said, 'I’d like you to meet somebody; this is Annette Spector, Phil Spector's ex-wife.'

John Lennon turned around, smiled at the other three, started conducting and counted '1-2-3-4.' Then they all sang (to the tune of "Happy Birthday"):

'Happy Mrs. Spector to you, Happy Mrs. Spector to you, Happy Mrs. Spector to you, Happy Mrs. Spector to you.' After they finished, I shook each one's hand, saying how nice it was to meet them and we all stood talking for awhile.

There were very friendly and cordial, but above all, so harmonious with each other. They were like brothers and didn't seem on guard either with each other or with me. Besides exuding warmth, they were very funny and humorous, exactly like in the film. The only other people around were the crew preparing a boat for the next scene. None of the Beatles' wives or girlfriends had come to the Bahamas.

Later that day, I went with Mal Evans, the Beatles' bodyguard, to buy cigarettes for them and then we went to a cabin where all the Beatles were resting. When we walked in, the room was very quiet; then George Harrison screamed hello and I didn't know if that was a welcome or a 'get away.' But I went in and sat down next to John Lennon, who was very quiet. Paul McCartney was on the phone having an argument with his girlfriend, Jane Asher. She was upset that he had been away so long and he was promising to call once or twice a day. I congratulated Ringo Starr, who had recently gotten married. George Harrison was playing the guitar. I noticed that they were called 'the boys' by everyone associated with them.

After awhile everyone went to another shooting location. A camera man was filming George swimming in an underground pool. John was joking around, pointing his index finger at different people and saying 'bop, bop, bop.' It was done in a funny way, not as if he had a gun. Then he made a motion signifying somebody is crazy (he'd make a circle around his ear with his index finger and then he'd point to a particular person). He put his finger on my stomach and poked me playfully.

That night there was a party and I danced with Ringo Starr. When the record 'Help' was played he said, 'Excuse me, I can't do this. I can't dance to my own music.' Paul McCartney was also there, surrounded by many women.

I saw them one more time, the next day, when I rode out on a bus with the entire entourage to another of the sets. The Beatles were all singing as we drove along and I felt, once again, the wonderful humor and harmony that they generated.

— Interviewed in 1990.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Chapter 6

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there.

Kate and co.’s lively voices could be heard throughout Crown’s castle’s garden.

There, two figures slink about unnoticed.

Nica: Oh, sounds like they’re having fun. Crown’s closer than I thought. They’re like a “family”.

Ring: …

Nica: What’s wrong, Ring? Do you want to be their friend?

Ring: Ah, well…

Nica: You can’t. You know we’re not here to make friends.

Ring: I know that. I’ll only follow what you and Dari tell me to do.

Nica: I don’t want to control you like a puppet, Ring. But if that’s what you want, then I will.

Eyes peek through a blue-grey gap before landing on Roger.

Nica: Roger Barel. Apparently he’s conducting research on Cursed Ones.

Ring: Research on Cursed Ones? That guy…what does he want to do?

Nica: Who knows. Maybe it’s research that’ll interfere with our ambitions. The kind that will shake the meaning of our existence.

Ring: …Should we eliminate him? No one will notice if I take care of it.

Nica: What are you talking about, Ring? We’re here as goodwill ambassadors. We have to stay white and clean for now. Besides, that guy can be both poison and medicine for Vogel, so let’s let him go for now.

Ring: But— 

Suddenly, his lips curled into a ferocious smile.

Nica: The nail that sticks out gets the hammer* and beautiful flowers get plucked. Let’s just hope no one else notices him and makes him disappear.

--

—Meanwhile.

Within the palace, “Her Majesty the Queen’s Privy Council” is full of frustration.

Privy Council Lord: A few days ago, “Vogel”, an organization under German rule, arrived as goodwill ambassadors. Why don’t the chief of Vogel and his subordinates show any interest in us? Instead, they’re only interested in “Crown”...

One member spat out words full of hatred, and the others joined in on cursing Crown.

Privy Council Lord: With strange powers called curses, they do whatever they want under Her Majesty the Queen. This stain on our country must be erased!

Privy Council member: Her Majesty must be out of her mind, keeping these cursed monsters as pets.

Privy Council Lord: As the Privy Council, we must protect Her Majesty before Crown’s existence becomes known to the public.

Privy Council member: Crown must be dissolved then.

This was what “Her Majesty the Queen’s Privy Council” wanted.

Privy Council member: …But to object to an organization directly under Her Majesty’s control, you must know a weakness.  

Privy Council Lord: Let’s look for a weakness immediately. The best kind to take Crown down.

Little did they know that darkness was about to creep back into “Crown”...

--

Kate: *sigh*...I’m finally done.

Finally free from my self-defense class, I trudged up the stairs with wounds all over.

(I need to work my legs out more…)

Exhausted, I rubbed my weary legs that wouldn’t even let me climb up the stairs.

Concealed under my skirt was a garter belt holding a gun wrapped around a leg.

The gun was a gift from Roger.

~~ Flashback ~~

Roger: Kate, I got something for you. The best from Victor’s armory.

Kate: A…gun?

Roger: Give it here. I’ll teach you how to shoot.

When I handed the gun back to Roger, he immediately fired at a distant target.

(Amazing…)

Roger: The height you hold the barrel depends on the opponent’s feet. In close range, point it down. Long range, horizontal. If you’re in a room, on a train, or some place with obstacles, you can point it up. But keeping it steady takes practice. If the muzzle’s shaking, you have a higher chance of hitting a comrade so the basic rule is to aim down.

Roger explains while demonstrating with the gun.

Roger: That’s about it. Now we just have to practice.

Kate: I’ll give it a shot…

The gun was placed back into my hand and I held it up like I was instructed.

Roger: Grip it like this. Yeah, good. Keep your finger on the trigger…no, don’t squeeze it. Loosen up.

Kate: Okay.

Roger: Relax. Just pull it back.

Roger’s hand slowly moves away from the gun and I pull the trigger.

—There was a dry sound and a bullet grazed the target.

Roger: A little more to the left. Fire them all.

Kate: …

I repositioned my arm and fired in rapid succession.

Roger: Out of 6 rounds, 1 was a hit. 2 grazed the target. Not bad for a first time. I’ll add this to your training so you better start doing push-ups every day. Also— Kate, use this as a last resort. Got it?

~~ Flashback end ~~

(At the time, Roger looked a little scared…no, he looked serious)

My breath shuddered at the memory and I heard the sound of a piano coming from somewhere…

(It sounds beautiful. Who’s…?)

I followed the sound and opened the door.

William: …

There sat William playing the piano.

He glanced at me, raised his fingers high and then continued playing dramatically.

The song eventually comes to an end with a decrescendo and as the final note fades, I give a generous round of applause.

Kate: So it was William playing the piano so beautifully.

William: Thank you for the praise, Kate.

In response to my applause, William gracefully placed his hand on his chest and then suddenly lowered his gaze.

William: Ah…He gave you a gun. Robin with a gun is quite the image.

Kate: H-how did you know? It’s concealed under my skirt.

William: I could tell from the way you walked. When going undercover, be careful not to let others notice.

Kate: The way I walked…I hadn’t considered that.

William: However, it looks like you’re growing well. The “robin growth map” was it?

(Ugh…it’s embarrassing hearing it said to you)

William’s smiling, blood-red eyes held a subdued power that seemed to see through everything.

(William’s a curious person)

(It’s like he knows everything, but I’m not uncomfortable)

William: Kate, do you know why Roger uses a hunting rifle?

Kate: No…Now that I think about it, Roger’s the only one that uses one.

(Everyone else uses either swords or pistols…)

Roger’s hunting rifle stood out and as an amateur, I thought it looked difficult to use.

Kate: I was under the impression that hunting rifles were used by people with good eyesight. So initially I wondered why.

William: One reason is that he used to go hunting with his father, so he’s familiar with it. The other is because of his “abnormal hearing”.

My eyes widened at the unexpected answer.

Kate: Ah, Roger can tell where a target is by listening out for them!

William: That’s right. Rather than risk injuries at close range, he can shoot from a distance. It’s very like Roger to value efficiency. However, those are the reasons he gives. I’m sure there are others.

Kate: Other reasons…?

William: Did you know, Robin.

William spoke softly.

It was like he was telling a fairy tale.

William: In war, 80% of those given guns wouldn’t “dare” to shoot the enemy.

Kate: …I didn’t know that.

The percentage is a lot higher than I expected.

Kate: Even when faced with the enemy, it might be too much pressure to shoot another person…

William: What if it’s a hunting rifle? A hunting rifle’s original purpose is to hunt beasts, not people. It would be an undeniable evil for a former doctor to kill someone, even if it’s to condemn them.

At that moment, I remembered—Roger’s serious expression when he was teaching me how to use a gun.

William: I heard from Victor that when Roger joined Crown, he chose the hunting rifle.

Kate: He chose the hunting rifle on purpose…?

William’s smile was an affirmation.

Roger willingly chose the hunting rifle to kill people and condemn them of their evil, while also having the skills to save lives.

Roger had more knowledge about medicine than anyone else, yet called himself a former doctor and lived in darkness.

(...The more I learn about Roger, the more questions I have)

Why did Roger decide to live on with Crown?

It wasn’t just out of curiosity—that is obvious…

(Would I be able to ask him why?)

(And William…)

Kate: Um, why did you give me this information about Roger? 

William: Hm?

Kate: You don’t seem like the kind of person that says things without a reason.

William: I see…

William frowned in thought.

William: Perhaps it’s because humans are creatures who meet people and gain wisdom at the right time.

Like the scriptures in the Bible, his words weren’t immediately understood.

But it felt like I received some sort of “guidance”. 

Kate: I don’t really understand, but..thank you.

William: You’re welcome.

Kate: Ah, that’s right. William!

(There was something I wanted to ask him)

Kate: I was told that the palace library has books on medicine.

William: Books on medicine?

Kate: Um…Since I’m going to be around Roger, I thought it’d be good to gain some knowledge.

William: Wouldn’t it be easier to ask Roger?

Kate: I can’t.

William: Why?

I want to make him happy with my growth

I want to beat him

It’s a secret surprise +4 +4

Kate: I want to keep it a secret and surprise Roger later.

William: So it’s a special surprise.

William chuckled when he heard about my plan.

William: In that case, I’ll show you the way. Of course, I’ll keep it a secret from Roger.

--

—That night, Roger and I were summoned to Victor’s office at the palace.

Victor: Her Majesty has entrusted Roger and his exclusive Fairytale Keeper with a mission.

(Our next mission…)

Since Roger started teaching me a lot of things, I’ve felt myself grow every day.

Realizing that it was time to put my abilities to the test, I straightened up.

Victor: There's a village out in the countryside. It may be small, but it’s a special place where the people live by their own rules.

Roger: Hmm, is that what they call village customs? What’s wrong with it?

Victor: The other day, skeletons were found in the mountain by the village. There were a lot of them.

I came to the realization that the previous mission to infiltrate the “death party” was a lot simpler than the usual missions.

I quietly swallowed down the fear rising from my chest and mentally organized the mission.

Kate: But burials are normal in this country, and if it’s the village’s custom, then— 

Victor: I had thought so too. So I did some research. Police sent to investigate the village never returned.

(Even the police…that can only mean something’s happened in the village)

Victor: And I found something else. There is a village chief who they call the spirit god. Supposedly this man can ward off illness.

(Spirit god…? The heck…)

Roger and Kate: That’s really suspicious!

Grimacing, we both said it at the same time.

Roger: I see. If illnesses are involved, then I’m the right guy. It’s possible this man’s a new Cursed One…

Kate: New Cursed One?

Roger: It’s nothing.

(What are you talking about?)

While I tilted my head in confusion, Roger spoke enthusiastically.

Roger: Alright. Kate and I will go undercover at the village. And we’ll expose the evil spread in the sandbox. Right, Kate?

(This time I’ll help out with the mission and not be a burden as Fairytale Keeper!)

Kate: Right, leave it to us.

Victor: Thank you. Liam, with his power to disappear, will sneak into the village first and gather intelligence. Once you’re in the village, make contact with him without getting noticed.

Victor turned toward us— 

Victor: Roger, Kate. Don’t get hurt. Now, let’s pledge allegiance to evil.

He sent us off with a few words that were very “Crown-like”.

-

*Idiom meaning those that stand out are forced to conform

[miyamoratsumuu]

WELCOME BACK, Y/N!

We are currently booting up your PC! Kindly wait for a moment. {...} {...} {...} COMPLETE ! running default application now . . .

➢ WARNING!!! video contains flashing lights & bright colors

PUSH AND PULL TEASER: THE SELECTION

PUSH AND PULL

➢ for a while now, she's had feelings for the online friend she met months ago through similar preferences in music. they get along well, and he seems to take interest in her too. until she caught the attention of her favorite band's drummer, katsuki bakugou. who would be the victor of her heart in the end?

PUSH AND PULL masterlist 〣 mha masterlist

➢ taglist: open!!

@kovu-bunnbunn @loveelylacey @ac333s @sepptember @iloveroblox48

@captainshindo @sweetadonisbutbetter @sukunasbottomlefteyeball @sourbbyxo

➢ images, sound effects, clips, and music used in the video and character profiles above are not mine!! only the edits and character profiles themselves were made by me.

➢ the "origin" of each character is where they met/meet y/n in the series!

a/n: had to crack my knuckles and dig deep down in my knowledge of website coding for this one HAHSUAHAH I thought of just editing it as a video fully but I know all too well it would take me a whole year before I could finish this if I did that</3 the quality of the video is killing me though why is it so blurry 😞

the music that played when their profile was clicked is and are going to be the vibes the character will give off for the whole series in a way

ALSO I MESSED UP ON KATSUKI'S PROFILE IN THE VIDEO AGHHHH that's supposed to be 5'8" u guys 😞 and like technically all characters in this series are adults and/or grown up, but yes, I used Katsuki's first year stats bc I don't want to think of a random height or weight I'm sorry ☹️ pls excuse my terrible editing skills in the video as well tyvm<33

[victorluvsalice]

...where it was fucking RAINING. *facepalm* Yeah, uh, I looked at the in-game calendar, and as it turned out, for their three-day honeymoon (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), only Sunday was forecast to have decent weather -- Saturday and Monday both had "Monsoons" listed. *grumbles* If I wanted them to have to deal with thunderstorms, game, I would have had them stay home!

Well, anyway, welcome to KP Beach Cottage, aka my edited version of "Beach Cottage Rental" by SprattyWasHere! I was intrigued by it because it was a build that only used Cottage Living and Island Living, which Spratty designed for a Sim who was trying to catch all the different fish available in Sulani. Given my trio's whole deal as "cottagecore occults," it felt like an appropriate honeymoon location for them, so I slapped it down on the Key Point private island lot and made a few alterations (including recoloring some items, like the kitchen counters, to be more colorful; swapping out some of the CL furnishings for IL ones -- notably the beds and everything in the bathroom (except the toilet, as there IS no Island Living toilet for some reason O.o); making the whole house just ever so slightly bigger to accommodate both the shower AND the tub in the bathroom; replacing the back porch dining table with a games table and putting a new bigger dining table under the little awning thing; putting out some beach towels; and trading all the fish traps in the water for fun floaties (there was also supposed to be a boat, but I think NPCs stole it)) before letting my Sims book it. I thought it would be a lovely island getaway, especially with those cool custom pictures Spratty included! I wasn't planning on rain!

*sigh* Ah well -- there was nothing to do but suck it up and hope for some better weather moving forward. I had everybody get inside, where Alice settled in for a nap on one of the couches while Victor let Smiler get a snack from his wrist. Victor then made some chips with salsa for his and Alice's own morning meal while Smiler got on upgrading the big double bed -- hey, there was nothing better for them to do, and they might as well guarantee that Victor and Alice have as comfortable a time sleeping here as they do at home! Alice woke up just in time to chow down on the finished chips, then it was Victor's turn for a nap while Smiler kept upgrading and Alice --

Started a puzzle! There weren't really any other good entertainment options available, and I've been meaning to try out Sims puzzles for a bit anyway. After briefly playing around with the idea of doing a puzzle from reference (but not having any really good shots to use in Alice's immediate area), I had Alice start on a cute cat-and-dog puzzle as the gang waited out the rain. Smiler completed the bed upgrades just in time to help her finish up the 100-piecer -- I know it looks like they didn't enjoy the finished product in that final picture, but that's just them being Erratic. :p I personally think it's very cute, aw. :) Not how I INTENDED them to spend their island vacation, but honestly not that bad a start, either.

[moonlit-imagines]

You’ve Got the Wrong Guy!

Roman Sionis/Victor Zsasz x adoptive!reader

warnings: blood/gore. u know. BOP movie icky stuff

a/n: silly little gif

prompt: @jokekinsjoke505: “Hey I need a new adoptive father's Roman and victor because I think this will be a good idea where either they kidnapped the wrong kid and it ended up with Roman and victor adopted the reader or that one day that the reader walks in while victor is peeling off a face and Roman are eating popcorn watching it happened but they just says ' I'm to tired for this shit' before walking out again and then acted like it never happened.”

“Who does this child belong to?” Asked Roman to his mercenary and dear friend, Victor. In front of him was Victor holding you, a small child, calm in demeanor despite being taken from the comfort of your own home and family.

“Maroni.” Victor replied without a single doubt. “That’s who you told me to grab and I grabbed the kid. Just like you asked. One cool kid if you ask me.” Victor continued, noticing Roman getting visibly upset. “I don’t get it, what’s the problem?”

“That!” Roman shouted, startling you enough to start struggling from Victor’s grasp. He gently set you down as Roman tore him a new one. “That’s the problem, you don’t even see your failure!” You stood behind the bleach-blonde man, trying to understand what was happening, you were just waiting for the ice cream you were promised, you were so hungry. “That’s not Maroni’s kid. I don’t even know who that is? Did you take some random child off the street?”

“I, uh, I don’t know. I could’ve sworn this is the kid.” Zsasz answered.

“I’m hungry.” You quietly mumbled, just loud enough for them to hear you.

“Yeah, I’ll get you something in just a second.” Zsasz assured you, patting your head gently as Roman kneeled down to your height. You flinched and backed up a step, remembering his blind anger from just moments before. “It’s alright, he’s a good guy.”

“Who are you, dear?” Roman asked you in such a kind manner that you completely forgot how scary he was.

“Y/N.” You simply stated.

“Where are your parents, y/n?” Roman questioned further.

“I don’t know…” You sighed. “I didn’t see them for a few days.” Roman looked up to Victor with worry in his eyes, and was surprised to see a smile on his face.

“Can we keep them?” Victor giggled a bit, even more when you grabbed his leg. “Please?”

“Y/N, would you want to stay with us instead of your parents?” Roman had asked you a very heavy question for a young child, but you had no idea what he would really be asking of you. Of course, you didn’t come from a happy life and this already seemed better. You just wanted a sense of belonging.

“Can I get ice cream?” You innocently requested of them.

“Of course, dear! What kind?”

“Uhhh…chocolate!”

“Victor, go get y/n some chocolate ice cream!” He commanded and Victor ran to fulfill your wish. “So, you’ll stay here?” He asked you once more.

“Yeah!” You exclaimed and hugged him around the neck. He felt his heart melt at your embrace and hugged you back, lifting you up to take you with him to the kitchen. “So, who are you?” You asked him.

“I’m Roman. And my partner over there is Victor.” He smiled to himself. In a matter of moments, he’d created a family. One he’d kill for.

Once you were given your bowl of ice cream, you were sold on this new life. Truth be told, you didn’t have the greatest parents. They were absent and neglectful, which was the exact reason Victor found you all alone. It was still unknown why he mistook you for the child of a notorious mobster. Roman had his suspicions that Victor had planned this, but he laid them aside knowing this was good for them. For you all.

The two of them scrambled to make you a room, promising to buy you anything you would ever want when tomorrow rolled around. You were thrilled to be taken in by these two strange men, forgiving both of them in your young, impressionable mind. Roman, for his anger, and Victor, for kidnapping and misleading you.

“Victor.” Roman lowly said after you were tucked in. “I do apologize for raising my voice at you.”

“It’s okay, I understand.” Victor looked down at the table, then felt a hand wrap around his.

“No, I shouldn’t have done it. Especially when you’ve improved our lives so much.” Roman sat beside him. “I don’t even care about that Maroni kid anymore. This is what I care about now. You and y/n.”

“You mean that?” Victor smiled and relaxed his tense body, worried that his mistake would be unforgivable. But Roman always forgave Victor, that was what made them so special. Now they had a new challenge to tackle together: fatherhood.

—————

Years after you’d been adopted by the pair of criminals with high status in the underworld, you’d grown quite accustomed to their behavior. It wasn’t unusual to find Roman frantic or angry, or a bit violent at times. But never toward you, he wouldn’t dare lay a hand on you or raise his voice to you. You could do no wrong.

You could also find Victor coming home from a late night, covered in blood—be it his own from a mark or someone else’s from a job—and being very nonchalant about it. It was always, “y/n! I’m glad you’re up! Would you like some ice cream?” They never left the freezer understocked, even if ice cream wasn’t your favorite anymore.

But there was one “normal” you’d never really get used to, even if you were used to their brutality. Roman was a well-respected crime boss, and to keep that respect intact, he had to do some rather gruesome things.

Well, he didn’t have to. It was a personal choice for him, you could almost consider it a hobby at this point.

You’d been looking for your fathers for going on an hour now, needing some permission slip signed for school. You wandered all their possible routes hoping to catch them across one, asking around to any lackey you managed to catch. No one had an answer for you, so you continued on until you stumbled onto a horrible scene.

One father held a segment of his victim’s hanging skin from their face as they shrieked at the top of their lungs. The sound pierced your eardrums and you winced momentarily. Then you saw the other leaned back in his seat with a bag of popcorn in hand, yelling words of encouragement to Roman, as if he needed them.

“You guys are really something.” Your voice startled them both, so much that you nearly had a gun pulled on you.

“Y/N! You scared us, I’m sorry!” Victor jumped up and ran to give you a comforting hug. “I wouldn’t have shot you, I promise.” You patted him on the back.

“I believe you, Dad.” You mumbled into his shoulder. “Can you just sign this thing real quick? Make sure there isn’t any blood on your hands.” Victor pulled away and wiped his hands on his shirt.

“Of course, of course. Roman, are you almost done with that? We should take our dear y/n out for a nice dinner soon, they deserve it.” Victor explained as he grabbed the pen and paper from your hands.

“Sure, that sounds nice. I should be done in a few minutes. Don’t rush me.” Roman continued dragging the knife under his chained victim’s skin and you shook your head at the sight. By now, this didn’t even faze you, it was just another day in your life. Well, maybe the first few times you had nightmares, but you weren’t a little kid anymore. Now, you could care less what your fathers did for work. So long as they gave you the world and their love, life was good.

taglist: @locke-writes // @captainshazamerica // @ravenmoore14 // @randomfandomimagine // @summersimmerus // @bad4amficideas // @xoxobabydolls // @evilcr0ne // @amirahiddleston // @sydknee624 // @thedarkqueenofavalon // @elenavampire21 //

[aishangotome]

Roger Barel: Chapter 6

Chapter 5

♡———♡

The courtyard of Crown Castle echoed with the lively voices of Kate and the others.

There, two shadows lurked unnoticed---.

Nika: Hmm, looks fun. The Crown is more friendly and "family-like" than I imagined.

Ring: .............

Nika: What is it, Ring? Do you perhaps want to be friends?

Nika: No way. You know we didn't come here to make friends.

Ring: I know. I will only obey Dari and you.

Nika: I don't intend to make you a puppet, but if that's what you want, do as you please.

His eyes, peeking through the gaps in his ash-blue hair, eventually focus on Roger.

Nika: Roger Barrel. It seems he's doing research related to the curse bearers.

Ring: Research on the curse bearers? What is he... trying to do?

Nika: Who knows? Maybe it's research that will hinder our ambitions.

Nika: It could even shake the very meaning of our existence.

Ring: ... Should we eliminate him?

Ring: I'll take care of him without anyone noticing.

Nika: What are you saying, Ring? We're here as goodwill ambassadors.

Nika: We need to be white and clean, for now.

Nika: Besides, he's a man who could be either poison or medicine for Vogel. It's best to let him swim for now.

Nika: But...

A ferocious smile suddenly appears on his lips.

Nika: The nail that sticks out gets hammered down, the beautiful flower gets plucked.

Nika: It would be nice if someone other than us noticed him and eliminated him.

---At the same time.

The "Her Majesty's Most Honorable Privy Council" in the palace was filled with irritation.

Privy Councilor: It's been several days since the "Vogel," a direct organization under the German Emperor, arrived as goodwill ambassadors.

Privy Councilor: How dare the Vogel Director and his subordinates show no interest in us.

Privy Councilor: They only show interest in "Crown"...

As one spat out with hatred, the other councilors also began to curse the Crown viciously.

Privy Councilor: Crown, with their strange power of curse bearers, doing as they please in Her Majesty's presence...

Privy Councilor: They should be erased, a stain on our country!

Privy Council Member: Her Majesty must be out of her mind to keep those cursed monsters.

Privy Councilor: Before the existence of the Crown is exposed to the public, we, the Privy Council, must protect Her Majesty.

Privy Council Member: To do that, we must force Crown to disband.

That is what the "Her Majesty's Most Honorable Privy Council" desires.

Privy Council Member: ... But, to speak out against an organization directly under Her Majesty, we need to find their weaknesses.

Privy Councilor: Let's immediately look for weaknesses. The best material to force Crown to disband.

Unaware that darkness is once again creeping up on the "Crown"...

-

Kate: Sigh... Finally, it's over.

Finally released from the self-defense class, I was climbing the stairs, feeling completely exhausted.

(I need to train my legs and core more...)

Exhausted, I rubbed my tired legs, barely able to climb the stairs.

On these legs - under my skirt, a garter belt is wrapped around, and there's a hidden gun.

The gun was a gift from Roger.

*earlier*

Roger: Kate, I'm giving this to you. I got a good one from Victor's armory.

Kate: A gun...?

Roger: Hand it over. I'll teach you how to shoot.

I returned the gun to Roger, and a few seconds after he took aim, he shot the distant target without a single miss.

(Amazing...)

Roger: The height of the muzzle is determined based on the opponent's feet. If it's close range, the muzzle should be pointed downwards, and if it's long range, it should be horizontal.

Roger: In spaces with obstacles like rooms or trains, you might point it upwards, but that requires considerable training to stabilize.

Roger: If the muzzle wavers, the chances of hitting your allies increase, so remember that the basics are to point it downwards.

Roger explained while actually demonstrating how to hold the gun.

Roger: That's about it. The rest is just practice.

Kate: I'll try...

The gun was returned to my hand, and I held it as instructed, with Roger moving behind me.

Roger: Grip it like this. Yeah, that's good.

Roger: Put your finger on the trigger... No, don't grip it deeply with your finger. Just lightly.

Kate: Yes.

Roger: Relax... Now pull it straight back.

Roger's hand slowly moved away, and I focused my strength only on the finger on the trigger.

--A dry sound echoed, and the bullet slightly hit the target.

Roger: A little more to the left. Shoot all the bullets.

Kate: ...

My arm position was corrected, and I pulled the trigger repeatedly.

Roger: 1 hit out of 6 shots, 2 bullets grazed the target. Not bad for your first time.

Roger: We'll incorporate this into your training, so make sure to do push-ups every day from now on.

Roger: And...

Roger: Kate, think of this as your last resort weapon, only for self-defense. Okay?

*back to present*

(Roger looked a bit scary back then... No, he had a serious expression.)

As I remembered and my breath trembled slightly, I heard the sound of a piano from somewhere...

(A beautiful melody. Who is it...?)

As if drawn by the melody, I followed the sound and opened the door.

William: ...........

There, I saw William playing the piano.

William glanced at me, then continued his dramatic playing, raising his fingertips high.

The piece gradually approached its end with a decrescendo, and as the faint afterglow of the final note dissolved into the air, I offered generous applause.

Kate: It was you playing the piano, William. It was a wonderful performance.

William: Thank you for your kind words, Kate.

William, who gracefully placed his hand on his chest in response to the applause, suddenly lowered his gaze.

William: Ah... you were given a gun. A robin carrying a gun, quite a picturesque image.

Kate: How did you know? It's hidden under my skirt.

William: Your gait. When conducting undercover investigations, be careful not to let your surroundings notice.

Kate: My gait... I haven't thought that far yet.

William: But it seems you're growing quite a bit. Was it the "Robin Growth Map"?

(Ugh... It's embarrassing to hear that directly.)

William's blood-colored eyes, smiling, held a gentle power that seemed to see through everything.

(William is a mysterious person.)

(I feel like he understands everything, but I don't find it unpleasant.)

William: Kate, do you know why Roger uses a shotgun?

Kate: No... Come to think of it, Roger is the only one who uses a shotgun.

(While most members use swords or pistols...)

The shotgun Roger carries is large and conspicuous, and as an amateur, I think it would be very difficult to handle and not very convenient to use.

Kate: I have the image that shotguns are originally weapons used by people with good eyesight.

Kate: So at first, I wondered why, but...

William: One reason is that he often went hunting with his father and was familiar with it. The other is because of his "abnormal hearing."

I opened my eyes wide, receiving an unexpected answer.

Kate: Ah, because Roger can figure out where the target is by listening to the sound!

William: Exactly. Rather than risk getting injured at close range, shooting from a distance allows him to avoid that.

William: It's very Roger-like, prioritizing efficiency.

William: But that's the official reason, and I think there's another reason.

Kate: Another reason...?

William: Do you know, Robin?

William spoke gently.

As if telling a gentle fairy tale.

William: It's said that 80% of those who are forced to hold a gun in war "deliberately" don't shoot the enemy.

Kate: ... I didn't know that.

That number was much higher than I imagined.

Kate: Even if they are enemies, I guess shooting a person takes that much of a toll...

William: What about in the case of a shotgun?

William: A shotgun is originally a tool for hunting animals, not for shooting people.

William: Using it to kill people, even for the sake of judgment, would be an undeniable evil for him, from the standpoint of a former doctor.

At that moment, I remembered Roger's serious face when he taught me how to use a gun.

William: I heard from Victor that Roger himself chose the shotgun when he joined the Crown.

Kate: You mean he deliberately chose the shotgun...?

William's smile indicated affirmation.

Roger, who deliberately chose a shotgun and kills people to judge evil despite having the skills to save lives.

Roger, who has more medical knowledge than anyone else, yet calls himself a former doctor and lives in this darkness.

(... The more I get to know Roger, the deeper my questions become.)

I wonder "why" Roger decided to live in Crown.

It's not just intellectual curiosity - that much is clear...

(I wonder if I'll ever be able to ask him the reason.)

(Still, William is...)

Kate: Um, why did you tell me about Roger?

William: Hmm?

Kate: You don't seem like the type to talk about people without a reason.

William: ... That's true.

William furrowed his brow thoughtfully.

William: Perhaps because people should meet others when they need to, and be given wisdom when they need it.

Like a precept written in the Bible, its meaning cannot be understood at once.

But I felt like I had found some kind of "guidance."

Kate: It's a little difficult to understand, but... thank you.

William: You're welcome.

Kate: Ah, that's right, William!

(There was something I wanted to ask.)

Kate: I heard that there are medical books in the palace library.

William: Medical books?

Kate: Well... since I'm by Roger's side, I thought I should have some knowledge in my head.

William: Then wouldn't it be faster to ask Roger?

Kate: That's not possible.

William: Why not?

--CHOICES--

I want to grow and make him happy

I want to make him eat his words

I want to keep it a secret and surprise him

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

Kate: I want to keep it a secret from Roger and surprise him later.

William: A special surprise, I see.

William chuckled upon hearing my plan.

William: In that case, I'll guide you. Of course, it'll be a secret from Roger.

-

That night, Roger and I were called to Victor's office in the palace.

Victor: Roger, and your personal Fairytale Keeper, Kate- Her Majesty has a mission for you.

(Another mission...)

Since Roger started teaching me various things, I've been feeling my daily growth.

Thinking that the time had come to test my abilities, my back naturally straightened.

Victor: There's a certain village in the rural farmland outside the city.

Victor: It's a small village, but it's a special place where they live by their own unique rules.

Roger: Hmm, you mean a village with traditional customs. So, what happened there?

Victor: A few days ago, skeletal remains were found in the mountains near that village. A large number of them.

It was a reminder that the previous infiltration mission to the "Death Party" was easier than usual.

I swallowed the fear rising in my chest and organized the mission details in my head.

Kate: But burial is common in this country, and if it's a unique funeral custom of that village...

Victor: I thought so too. So, as we investigated further, we found out...

Victor: The police officers who went to investigate haven't returned since they went to the village.

(Even the police...? That can only mean something happened in the village.)

Victor: And, there's one more thing we found out.

Victor: It seems there's a leader called the Spirit God in that village. They say this man can cure diseases.

(Spirit God...? What's that...?)

Roger: That's incredibly suspicious! | Kate: That's so incredibly suspicious!

We frowned and spoke out at the same time.

Roger: I see, if it's related to diseases, then I'm the right person for the job.

Roger: Besides, there's a possibility that this man is a new curse bearer...

Kate: A new curse bearer?

Roger: No, it's something else.

(What is it?)

As I tilted my head, Roger declared triumphantly.

Roger: Alright, Kate and I will infiltrate that village.

Roger: And we'll expose whatever evil is lurking in that miniature garden. Right, Kate?

(This time, I'll make sure to fulfill the mission without being a burden as a Fairytale Keeper!)

Kate: Yes, leave it to me.

Victor: Thank you. Liam, who can disappear, has already infiltrated and is gathering information.

Victor: Once you enter the village, contact him discreetly so as not to be noticed.

Victor turned to us and said,

Victor: Roger, Kate. Be careful not to get hurt. Now, be loyal to your own evil.

He sent us off with words befitting the "Crown."

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Chapter 7

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