#because ‘it’ll only be on one mc question if it’s there’

[lyss-draws-sometimes]

I have never been so deceived by a test as I was the ap calc ab exam

Raised my hopes, gave me faith that hey, I might actually do well on this!

Then absolutely obliterated them

[berryfairyluvr]

Hi! I love your writing and would like to request Caleb and princess treatment please 💝

caleb and his princess treatment

pairings: bf!caleb/husband!caleb x fem!reader

warnings: suggestive, slight hinting of jealousy?, mentions of pregnancy

a/n: you’re very sweet, thank you for the request!! i hope it’s to your liking <3

As far back as you could remember, Caleb had always treated you with the utmost care, tending to your needs in any way he could.

During your secondary school years, Caleb decided he would make not only his own lunch, but yours too. You’d always been a picky eater and he couldn’t trust you to feed yourself if the cafeteria didn’t have enough foods that interested you. After finally moving in together as a couple— he picked up the old habit and began making your lunches for work too.

Growing up, you and Caleb often took the public transportation to and from school or town. On extra crowded days when you could only find one empty seat he’d always give it to you.

He had always been the looming overprotective presence in your life, like the time he told the entirety of the school basketball team that you were “off limits.”

And of course he picks you up from the Association in his sports car, leaning against the sleek vehicle with a cheesy grin and deep dimples, aviator shades perched on his nose. “Well hello girlfriend..” which later became his personal favorite, “Hello wife..” Followed by wrapping a lengthy arm around your waist the other around your shoulders, kissing your flushed face.

Insists on carrying you if your feet hurt, you’re sleepy, or it’s even remotely inconvenient for you to walk. Bonus: bridal style all the time.

He talks about you like you’re his entire world (because you are)—casually, without shame. “Yeah, my girlfriend made this.” “MC said that once, it stuck with me.” “She’s smarter than me, actually.”

You try to help him clean up or fix something? He gently turns you around, plants you on the nearest seat, and kisses your forehead. “Let me take care of it, baby.” “Nuh-uh Pips, just sit here and look pretty for me, yeah?”

One of his love languages has always been acts of service— taking note of every little detail of your daily routines so he can find a way to make them easier for you without question.

His clothes? Pfft no, they’re our clothes. Whatever he owns he considers yours as well, emphasis on the clothing. He even buys things for himself based on how he pictures you in them eventually..

As cringey as it sounds, this man will hand feed you like a baby. Whether you’re working overtime from home or gaming he’s making sure you’re getting your meals.

Studying or working together proved to be challenging when he couldn’t tear his eyes off your figure or halt his lingering touches of affection which proved to be quite the distraction.

You're not just loved—you’re revered. He never lets you forget how special you are to him. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Let me prove it every day."

For some blissfully, wonderful, unknown reason, this man is always on his knees before you, for you. Whether it’s to tie your shoelaces or to praise his most favorite, sacred part of your- (whaaaatt ?? who said that ??)

You send ONE moderately risqué photo his way and he’s blowing up your phone like the dozens of ships he explodes with the fleet.

You knew him to be protective and caring before but when you’re expecting his first child it’s a different story. He spends the whole first month of your first trimester researching beneficial recipes for expecting mothers and their babies. “I’ll set aside time to meal prep each meal for you daily, it’ll be great Pips.”

When your newborn arrives, Caleb insists on waking up with you for each and every night shift of feedings and diaper changes. The dark circles under your eyes tug at his heart strings as he urges you back to bed as soon as you’re done with the baby. “My little copilot wants to be around mommy all the time too, hm?” He rocks your newborn back to sleep with a yawn of his own.

Gaming at his desk while you're dozing in and out of sleep from the couch he can't help but check on you, even if it's mid match. “You good, baby? Need anything? Water? Snack? A nap on me instead of the couch?” He's just glad to have you near and willing to do anything to keep you close.

He's always carrying your things for you, literally everything. When the two of you would walk home from school your backpack was always slung over his shoulder, it didn't matter that he had his own backpack and his basketball bag. That quickly became the norm for everything, shopping bags, leftovers from the hotpot place, your luggage when visiting him in Skyhaven.. The list goes on, you weren't allowed to carry anything on his watch. It was no use protesting anymore, you'd just be met with a dimpled smirk and kiss to your cheek.

Don't even try to leave or go to sleep without giving him his last kiss of the day. "EXCUSE ME. Where do you think you're going without my goodbye kiss?" He'd steal a few extra and say it was just for safety precautions.

He loves complimenting you all day, everyday. He loves the reactions you give him, would do just about anything for them.

read zayne’s version here

read sylus' version here

requests open ❤︎

[softlyopulent-if]

What To Expect Going Forward:

Rewrite: First and foremost, I’m going to be rewriting Softly, Opulent. I have much improved in the time since that first demo dropped, and I’m going to rewrite it to show it. Along with the rewrite, some things in the story will be tweaked:

Characters: Some characters are going through a rework. I had an idea for their stories that’s changing now. The ROs will be tweaked just a bit too—but don't worry, they’ll keep those basic traits that they have already.

Magic System: This won’t be a drastic change with what I have in the demo. But there is some mention of Dalia having magic in chapter one. It’s very brief, but I’m taking it away. There is also an option in the intro post to learn magic but that’s not going to be an option anymore. Magic will still exist in the world, but be much more restricted and only a few select characters will use it. That’s because all magic comes with a price, in the words of Rumpelstiltskin and all that.

Rating: The story is going to be 18+ now. It’s not a really big change, but the reasons for this is simple: there will be sexually explicit content and more in this rewrite, while the plan was only suggestive content before.

Redesign: The itch.io page will be going through an update, and so will the intro post here on tumbler. I will make an updated intro post with the updated info soon. More importantly, the UI of the story itself is going through a rework too.

Pronouns: I want the MC to be more grounded in the world. Gender roles will be more prominent. I’m adding a transgender option instead, if that’s something that people aren’t against. I’m not sure about the non-binary option. I wanted to remove the option to have that choice in the very beginning. Let me know if it’s something you guys want to have as a choice later on (when MC is in a healthier environment), as it’ll take into account whether MC is AFAB or AMAB. (If this makes sense.)

A. I’m on the fence about making A’s gender the opposite of MC no matter what. Let me know if everyone would hate that. I'm only considering this because I wanted to have homophobia be a factor in some stories. But I’m willing to do away with that if everyone wants A’s gender to be their choice.

I think I’ve covered roughly everything. I know this is a lot to take in and I hope it isn’t a deal breaker for some people. The foundation of the story will remain the same!

[vendetta-if]

Would any of the characters (ROs + Luke, Viktor, Yvette) kill MC for the better good?? Are they more of a “I’ll burn the world for you” or “I’ll burn you for the world” type of person??

Oohhh 👀 In general, the Morozovs all would burn the world for each other (including Jackal, who would specifically burn the world for Luka).

But if we’re talking strictly about MC then it’ll go:

Ash

Would (literally) burn the world for MC, no questions asked.

Rin

Would burn the world (except for their family 🥺) for MC.

Santana

Depends on whether they’ll end up still being idealistic or becoming more cynical.

Idealistic Santana would probably burn MC to save the world; although I don’t think they’ll ever recover mentally from doing that.

Cynical Santana would let the world burn for MC; the world has not been particularly kind to them and their family, why should they sacrifice someone they love for said world?

Skylar

They’ll sacrifice MC for the good of the world, although not before trying everything, anything, other than that.

The act of doing that would definitely change Skylar as a person forever though. They probably would not be the cheerful and easy-going person they were after that.

Probably would’ve even stopped becoming a Superhero, still seeing that act of sacrificing MC as a failure on their part.

Viktor

They’ll sooner burn the whole world than to harm or let harm come to MC (and that includes his own family too 😢). Everything he’s done ever since having MC is for MC’s well-being and better future.

Luka

They’ll also burn the world for MC, except I don’t think he’ll be able to do so if he had to kill or grievously harm other people he loves and cares about… Which at this point in the story, the only people left other than MC are Grandpa, Ash, and Jackal. Considering most of them would most likely be on his side, I don’t think that’ll be a problem.

Yvette

Now, this is a spicy one… 👀 It’ll be such a moral dilemma for her. It’s true that she’s a superhero… But at the same time, she’s also a selfish person.

And it’s also true that she’s technically MC’s birth mother… But she also hasn’t had a specifically close relationship with MC. In addition, it also depends on whether MC chose to give her a second chance to reconnect or not because if not, then they’ll end up still being technically closer to strangers than family.

If MC reconnected with her, then there’s bigger chance she would help the Morozovs to burn the world for MC (I don’t think she’ll start it by herself). If not, then she’ll simply stay by the side and let the Morozovs do it; she won’t actively intervene as a superhero.

[temis-de-leon]

The brothers reunite with Trans!MC - Part 2

Main Masterlist

Part 1

C/W: MC previously had she/her pronouns, but it's only mentioned once. MC now has facial hair, again only mentioned once, and has changed names.

A/N: it may look like I lost interest by the end, but that's not true. I'm just tired af and my writing got a little sloppy; please forgive me for it. Also, please tell me if I need to change anything. I know nothing about the trans experience.

.

It’s all chaotic and almost scary.

As you may understand, Satan isn’t keen on being used as a cushion, let alone by a stranger, and it so happens that a human man is comfortably sitting right on top of his stomach.

At the assembly hall.

In the middle of a council student’s reunion.

You swear you’ve never seen him change into his demon form so quickly, his bright eyes staring at you with a poison-like intent and his tail swishing behind him like a rattlesnake’s.

You also swear you’ve never stumbled on your feet so awkwardly, tripping over nothing and falling again, thankfully on the carpet this time.

They’re all aggravated for a moment, provoked by the presence of an intruder landing right on top of their brother, but… there’s something about you that makes them reconsider.

Maybe it’s the colour of your eyes? The shape of your face, familiar yet unknown? If they took the sharp edges and smoothed them down, making them rounder, or shaved the facial hair to reveal the base of your features…

There’s a spark of recognition in their eyes, and Mammon murmurs your old name with uncertainty. Hearing it out of his lips stings for a second, and you spare no time correcting him, but that doesn’t make things better.

If not MC, then are you her brother? They didn’t know you existed. Should they know you exist? Did you have a falling out with MC? Should they be mad at you?

All it takes for their rambling to stop is for you to roll up your sleeves, lift the hem of your shirt a little and show the pact marks you share with them. They never changed, and the surgeries and hormones never altered their appearance; they actually adapted to the new shape of your body.

You always found comfort in its symbolism. Now, you just had to make it a reality.

Explaining is way simpler than you thought it would be, and you can’t help but slightly berate yourself for thinking it would be hard.

They’re demons, after all! Gender and self-expression aren’t viewed the same in the Devildom as it is in the human realm. Asmo regularly dances around the line of femininity, and the rest of the guys have dressed as women before, after all.

They can’t understand what the big deal is at first, but if you tell them all the social and psychological complications, they will be deeply sympathetic.

They won’t mind if you still want to keep some things private and will be there to listen if you want to talk, but either way, you aren’t getting away from them. At the end of the day, they missed you, and you’re finally back.

Plus, it’s not like you’re just reuniting. They’re meeting you again.

Lucifer says he doesn’t mind how you look, but he isn’t being entirely sincere. Because he knows about masks, you see? And it pains him to learn that you had to wear one for most of your life. He acknowledges your bravery in recognizing what you wanted and in pursuing the correct path despite adversities. It sounds corny and expected from him, but what can he say? He’s proud of you.

Will he tell you that, though? Not with those exact words… Actually, not with words at all, but he’ll let you see. It’ll be obvious in the way he accepts whatever you throw at him without questioning and acts like that was the truth the whole time. Your name, your appearance, your new confidence… Everything.

Mammon doesn’t know how to feel. It’s not like he has a problem with you, obviously; that would never happen as long as he breathes. Still, he can’t help but feel a bit hurt. Didn’t you trust him to confide in him? To share your troubles and your doubts and the weight of your insecurities? He would’ve been there for you the whole time and maybe even tried to sneak into the human realm to keep you company when you needed it the most. The thought of you just lying there on a hospital bed is going to keep him awake at night.

At the same time, which is the worst part of all, he has guilt eating him alive. When you left after your first year, he printed pictures from your outings: little dates and hangouts you had here and there, together and with the rest of the family, and hung them on the walls of his room, hoping to relive the memories each time your absence hurt too much. Should he now throw them away and leave that part of you behind? Start anew?

Deep down, what he worries about the most is the possibility of having lost the person he fell for. Tell him your heart hasn’t changed and that it’s okay to remember the past fondly, and you’ll have him trailing behind you in no time.

Levi, in a similar note to his older brother, also has concerns about the idea of losing his Henry. It is an existing trope in media, after all: leaving old things behind to embrace your new self and start a better life. So, what if he is part of those old things? What if you no longer need him? What if he reminds you of stuff you don’t want to remember? He’d literally die if the price of your happiness implied abandoning him.

Thankfully, though, in his case, you won’t need to intervene and coax him into a calm state; he’ll actually rant in a circle and walk himself back to relaxation. You are his best friend, and the connection between you is genuine and strong, resilient against all kinds of changes.

Besides, a hero isn’t defined by his armour. It’s still you underneath, and he admires you to no end; he always has and always will.

Satan asks you a million questions. Being curious is part of who he is, and he likes understanding what’s happening around him, especially when it concerns you. Plus, the only communication you’ve shared for two years has been strictly telematic, and he is aware of how much information can be lost in translation.

He wants to know about how everything came to be, how you knew what you wanted and how you got it. The medical procedures, how they changed you, what’s ahead of you, what type of help you received…

However, be aware of the consequences if you tell him you got no help.

Be scared if you tell him someone hated you for your choices.

Asmo is, by far, the most excited about the whole situation. He’s well known across all the realms for his daring personality, his borderline narcissistic self-love and the way he expresses himself, so for you to finally be more comfortable in your own skin is like a gift straight from heaven.

He takes you shopping in search of your definitive style, and he offers to paint your nails and even your makeup just like he does with his brothers. Of course, he’ll understand if you don’t want to do it and he won't push, but, you know, there’s nothing more masculine than being comfortable with it!

The twins have very similar reactions, meaning that they barely react. Yes, of course, they’re stunned for a long moment when they first see you, but once the air is clear and you explain what has happened over the last couple of years, the only thing they care about is the fact that you’re finally back. They’ve both missed you like crazy, especially Belphie, and as long as it is you, everything else isn’t that important.

Beel is more than ready to offer his expertise in the gym if you want to grow muscles and become more masculine. He’d be helping you, and you’d be spending more time together, so, all in all, it is a win-win situation for him.

Belphie is subtler in his approach. Just like Lucifer, he treats you with complete normality, but he enjoys the deep talks in the planetarium late at night. There’s an intimate bubble around you, and he feels like no one but he has ever been closer to you, so he’s in pure bliss.

Overall, the situation has a strange undertone; no one can deny that. It is you, but it’s different. You’re still brave and kind but happier and more confident. There’s an edge in your behaviour that pulls them like moths to a flame: the feeling that an invisible barrier that they didn’t know existed is now gone.

And somehow, they’ve managed to make your future brighter once again.

.

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Taglist: @ilovecandys2010 @ollieoven @kingofspadesdelusion @whimsybloom @mia4gotcookiez @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf @raidoactivebrain

[fir-fireweed]

I love how the ask button being labelled ‘Speak’ has significance for both of your IFs lol

also I FINALLY PLAYED CHAPTER 3 AND OMGDKJFDNVOJDFVNODJFVNVODFJN I AM UNWELL FOR CODA/TELLUS HAHAHA

literally every smidgen of resistenza that popped up as the chapter progressed (which is like. nearly all of it) even before the name Coda was mentioned had me perking up thinking “omg he’s here oh wait no that’s not even what he looks like” even though I already spoiled myself (completely my fault no worries) and knew he’s only revealed at the end. HIS VOICE!!! WHAT HAPPENED PLEASE DONT TELL ME HE PHYSICALLY/SURGICALLY ALTERED ITTTT FOR HIS SAFETY OR UNWILLINGLY OR BY SMOKE??? AAAAAAA

dakhdbiwydbiy I love all your characters so much. also the fight with vicente? did you have to describe them like that 🤨 but yes I got the tease flavour text from eva and I mean have you SEEN him and those pretty blue eyes??? yes so maybe he does stick around in my head, can you blame me dearest sister. if you’re so nosy about your adopted sister’s questionable love life go notice nik and figure that out first why don’t you. also not to mention the wing tattoo on vicente’s neck and that recent ask about what the ROs like 👀 would love to trace the outline of those feathers.

ANYWAYS I love love love the update and all the musical terms as someone who played the piano! I can’t wait to assassinate the regis do more things and spend more time as part of the resistanza (I don’t know if I’m spelling that right but if I am is that stanza bit on purpose? idk, it relates more to poetry than music but I think my brain is just a little overactive after your lovely story) so yeah! shame we couldn’t meet bayram in person again this chapter but all the time with the ROs and the lore and everything is just like wow.

can’t waitttt haha! shoutout to that other ask, because if you really do write a conversation with tellus into the earlier bonfire scene, I think I might go a bit more feral (the angst!! mc and us, the reader, will know him even better and it’ll make the loss + subsequent reunion even worse + emotionally contrasting omg) so that would be really cool if you do decide to do it. no pressure though, of course. anyways I love your writing so much as usual and I hope you have a good day. take care!

Hello, carp! Hehe, yeah I have a theme with words and speech, lol. Glad you like it! 😁

I’ve mentioned it a little so I don’t think it’s too spoilerish, but yes, the smoke and ash from the camp attack damaged Tellus’s vocal cords.

Yay! I’m glad you found the extra tease from Eva about Vicente! And you’ll definitely be able to tease her back. 🤭

I love how your mind went with the music and poetry, but Resistenza is just Italian for resistance. 😉

I looove the idea of adding Tellus to the bonfire scene! I’m like 99% sure I’m going to do it. I just need more time to write chapter 4 because one, it’s big, and two, it’s emotional. I’m about 2k into the start of the chapter and I’m already bawling, lol.

Thank you for this ask and for your kind words! Your comments always make me giggle. 🫶🏻

[musedeluce]

Moths to Flame (Rafayel x Artist!Reader Headcanons)

I am an artist (drawing), so I wanted to explore this scenario! Personally, as an artist I’d be a bit nervous for Rafayel to know about my art, but I believe he’d support our creative endeavors wholeheartedly. In this scenario, MC is someone who does traditional illustrations and paintings, and is an extremely good artist but is somewhat insecure when it comes to Rafayel knowing about their art. [Alt title: Mothlight] XD Basically art is the light and Rafayel and MC are the moths. Artists will always create! Fun fact, the art I mention is something I'm planning to draw!

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

You take great care to keep your skill and art private. You only post your art on SNS, never your face or voice. You don’t even post process videos showing your hands.

You have quite the following, and the mystery surrounding you contributes to that growth. People find your art fascinating and dynamic. It’s so varied. Some pieces are deep, layered and complex, and others are silly. They can be fun or serious. Frankly, as an artist you have the range!

Because of your job as a hunter, you don’t need to take commissions, so you don’t. It also gives you the knowledge to depict wanderers with uncanny accuracy, and you’d best believe some people have noticed, leading to rampant speculation.

Of course you knew Rafayel’s work. He’s one of your biggest inspirations, someone who’s work you admired and loved. Rafayel’s work encouraged your own creativity.

Rafayel loves seeing all different art from everywhere by anyone. Creativity is inspirational and anyone can create!.

Anyone includes you. Little did you know, Rafayel loved your work too. He found it unique and interesting. Your use of motion, and color, the line weight, the composition, all the elements in your art mesmerized him because it was so different from his art. But he didn’t know it was your art, you just happened to be an unknown artist he came across and really admired.

The piece that caught his attention was a charcoal illustration of an artist drawing a statue in a studio with a sea view. Her body was angled away from the camera, her face in profile, the piece on her canvas half finished as she caressed the pristine face of the white marble statue, her hand covered in charcoal smudges. The sea outside was choppy, but the weather wasn’t stormy just windy.

Rafayel followed you immediately from his private, anonymous account.

When you met him, you were chill and calm, admiring his work but keeping it to yourself as you were on the job. Besides, he didn’t seem like the type to want to listen to what others said about his work, unless he cared about their opinion or found what they were saying to be with merit. But you just met him, so your opinion wouldn't be important to him, and you honestly didn’t feel qualified enough to comment, so you said nothing, even as you stated working as his bodyguard. It wasn’t a secret, per se as you never resolved to keep it from him but you also just never actually told him.

Artists ask those close to them about their work, and want their input. It’s one fun and good way for them to include those they care about in their work. Rafayel is no different. It is through those questions that Rafayel discovers your artist’s eye. Everyone has one, but it needs to be used and honed, and Rafayel could tell yours had been honed.

“Which color should I use?” He eagerly awaits your answer. “Hmm, I would choose that one. It’ll add some interesting contrast to the piece and I love how vibrant it is. But, if you think the other one is better, use that one. You’re the professional after all.” Rafayel smiles, and dips his paintbrush into the color you chose. “As a professional, I agree with your assessment, cutie. Perhaps you should paint these pieces instead~” You giggle at this, jokingly protesting. “No Way! One, I love your art and I know you love your art too. Two, Thomas would have a cow.”

“What do you think?” Rafayel presents a page of his sketchbook, the art messy and unpolished, but exquisite nonetheless. “It’s interesting! The composition is very dynamic and clever. Using it to direct the eye and misdirect the viewer from the depths you’ve painted to the surface adds a lot to the piece.” He asks you questions like this frequently.

In those times you draw together, he can tell you have skill. He can also tell you’re a little insecure from your reluctance to draw with him. It makes sense, he supposes, for someone who’s not necessarily an artist, or even someone who was an artist, to be intimidated to draw with him, but he doesn’t care about your skill level. He wants to do something he loves, art, with someone he loves – you. He’s reassuring and playful, and doesn’t pressure you.

During all of this, you keep posting your art online, and he keeps seeking it out. Things start to pile up. Every artist has their own style, and he’s noticing that elements of yours...and elements of one of his favorite artists were matching up.

Line weight, color, motion, technique, all were similar. But in order to know for sure, he’d have to see more art he knew was yours. So far, he just had small sketches and art from when you did art together. Or, of course, if his favorite online artist posted art he knew was yours for sure.

He wants you to feel secure and safe enough with him to share your art or other things with him, so he doesn’t voice his suspicions, especially since they aren’t confirmed. But he’s curious, and does want to confirm. Who wouldn't, in this situation?

Rafayel is devious, crafty. Most of all, he’s patient. If it turns out he’s wrong, no issue. It just means he’ll be able to introduce you to this hobby he loves, sharing it with you at the start, an ideal situation. If he’s right, he’s thrilled. His favorite person is one of his favorite artists? He’ll be one of the only ones to know who they are? Another ideal situation honestly. Your creative process, the thought behind your work, he’s so fascinated.

He gifts you a sketchbook - high quality paper, a design tailored to you, hand-bound and the perfect size to fit in your bag of choice. Then, he waits. He knows that often you post your new sketchbooks when you get them, along with the first page. It’s a little tradition! Though you might not post some of them, if you posted this one, he’d know. It’s the only one of it’s kind in the world, after all.

Coincidentally, you were finishing your previous sketchbook, so his timing was impeccable, giving a new sketchbook to you right as you needed one.

Rafayel is in for a lovely shock, because not only do you post the sketchbook, the first few pieces in it are sketches of him. They’re referenced from photos, because you’ve never sketched him (or anything for that matter), around him unless you were working together.

This man is Elated. He loves your art. He loves you.

But of course, he never pressures you and waits until you share on your own.

“Cutie, should I buy up all your work so only I have it?” He laughs. “No, I know you want to share your work with the world, so I won’t do that. But I demand that you let me see everything you want to share first!”

Before, he was watching your art from afar. He might have asked to collaborate/mentioned/featured your art but you seemed like you wanted to be left alone to do your own thing, and he respected that. Him mentioning you would have put you under increased scrutiny, and, if he was being quite honest he wanted to keep his inspirations secret, of which you were/are one.

Now, though, he wants to collaborate, officially. If you think that you’re not at his level, that you’re work isn’t good enough to be intertwined with his, he disavows you of that notion, thoroughly but gently.

‘Oh please. I’ve wanted to collaborate with you since before I knew it was you. Besides, you know me. Do you really think I’d work with someone who’s art I didn’t love?” So, you start doing collaborations and the art world flips out.

Eventually, you entrust Thomas with the secret, and he proposes your own exhibit. Thomas firmly believes your art is worthy of it, irregardless of your connection to Rafayel. He’s a professional, and, like Rafayel, he only works with artists who’s work he loves.

To be fully transparent, he’d been considering trying to reach out to you before he found out and propose an exhibit anyway, so this is great! Especially since your work is so unique.

Rafayel guards the secret of your identity jealously. If you don’t want anyone to know, no one will.

Any art you give him gets a place of honor somewhere in his house.

The two of you often “talk shop” and go over aspects of your works in progress, giving feedback, critique, and love/appreciation and encouragement.

You’ll go on outings to sketch together. It’s so interesting to see the different things each of you has noticed and focused on about whatever place or things you were sketching!

Whenever either of you gets too absorbed in your work, the other will make sure you eat, drink and rest.

Once/if you gave him permission, one of his favorite things to do would be to flip through your sketchbooks, just looking at your art, committing it to memory.

Art, for you is a shared expression of your creativity, love, and passions, no matter the subject or feeling. He values your input and contributions, recognizes your skill and most of all, loves you as a person and your art, and you do the same for him. Both you and Rafayel inspire and learn from each other.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

P.S: I do plan to do the rest of the money concept, I just had to take a detour lol. I'll also maybe do a part 2 of this? But also will do the other LIs eventually with this as well. ^J^

[devildomwriter]

Obey Me As Tumblr #31

Belphegor: Snail but with no shell

Beelzebub: Oh those is then uuuuuuuuuuu slurms

Satan: A what

•

Diavolo: Maybe dogs lick us so much because they know there’s bones beneath our skin

Lucifer: This is worst thing you’ve said by far, thanks

•

Beelzebub: Aye can I get Uh…..ingredients on my burger

Satan: Beetroot?

Satan: You want beetroot?

Satan: You want fucking beetroot?

Beelzebub: Ingredience

Mammon: This post feels exactly like a conversation you would witness in a dream and think was completely normal and then wake up and think “what the fuck” for a single millisecond and then immediately forget about completely

•

Diavolo: I’ve lost 20% of my couch

Diavolo: Ouch

Solomon: That’s the funniest couch joke I’ve seen sofa

•

Mammon: *begins breakdancing gently* what’s wrong son?

Asmodeus: What the fuck. What does this even mean. Who thinks of this shit, why is it so funny. I hate this site

•

Mammon: You know what really gets my goat?

Barbatos: El chupacabra

•

Leviathan: The future: holograms can physically touch you and there are 12 cases of homicide committed by Hatsune Miku

Solomon: Just 12?

Diavolo: It’ll be 13 if you don’t stop asking questions

•

Satan: Do you ever get so excited you just want to crush a human skull in your hands

Mephistopheles: You just described breathing

Satan: I am fairly certain I Did Not

•

Mammon: I love it when the city gets rainy at night, and the floor gets all reflective and pretty, and everything becomes more vibrant and gorgeous and you can put any fluid on the ground and people will think it’s water, fools

Lucifer: This post was great until the last part, what are you implying

Mammon: Fool

•

Diavolo: Science puns, go!

Belphegor: You must have a pH of 13 cause you basic as fuck

•

Satan: Shut up @ people who still say “science side of tumblr”

Belphegor: Science side of tumblr why is this man so salty

Solomon: Osmosis

•

Satan: 100 years ago everyone owned a horse and only the rich had cars. Today everyone has cars and only the rich own horses

MC: The stables have turned

Mephistopheles: I laughed too hard at this and I hate you for it

•

Leviathan: Guys, I’m sorry but I think December 31st is going to be my last day on Tumblr for this year

Leviathan: …If one more person asks me why I’m leaving

Diavolo: Kids, this is why school is important

•

Simeon: In primary writing school we had a creative writing assignment where we had to ‘write about a character in a new strange environment’ and I wrote about a squid that was somehow transported from the ocean to the forest floor and slowly choked to death for two pages and I’ll never quite forget the look on my teacher’s face because it turns out she wanted ‘this new school is scary, I hope I make friends’ and not a graphic description of a squid dying

Lucifer: Well that’s just the risk you take if you decide to teach creative writing

•

Raphael: Why do stores always say “gifts for her”??? Who is she? Why are millions of Americans being encouraged to buy gifts for this entity? Someone explain

Mammon: We must appease Her

MC: She is all that keeps the darkness at bay. Without Her the Old Ones will rise again, we must not disappoint Her

Solomon: She is watching. She knows.

Last • Next

[fellulahh]

Diavolo accidentally meets MC’s parents

“What did you fancy doing today?” MC asked as she dried off the mug she’d just washed. “Is there a list of things you want to tick off?”

Diavolo was in the human realm for a few days visiting MC. The trip was long overdue; being the future King of Devildom, it was very rare he’d get the chance to leave for such a long period of time.

However, after countless long nights and with Barbatos’ help, Diavolo managed to escape his duties for a weekend with MC.

“How about a bar?” Diavolo suggested, watching MC as she finished cleaning up after her morning beverage.

“A bar?” MC chuckled, glancing over shoulder at the demon.

“Yes!” He grinned, “I think it’ll be fun having a drink while I’m in the human realm. Unwind a little you know?”

“Okay,” MC laughed, “I’ll take you to a bar; there’s one I think you’d like in town.”

“Excellent!” Diavolo smiled excitedly, taking a step further into the room.

Just as their conversation ended, the Prince was distracted by movement in the corner of his eye. Out of the window, he noticed a car pull into MC’s driveway.

“Are you expecting someone?” He asked, turning back to meet MC’s eyes.

“No?” She answered confused, stepping next to the demon to look out of the window. “Oh god it’s my parents.”

With a cheeky grin, Diavolo turned to face MC. “Is it now?”

The human found his gaze and pulled a face at him. “Don’t get any ideas.” She warned with a laugh.

“Would I ever?” He raised an eyebrow, holding his hands up defensively.

“Wait here.” MC shook her head at him.

Disappearing out of the room, the human headed to the front door to greet her parents.

“Hello!” She smiled as she opened the door, “what are you doing here?”

“Your Father and I are going to see your Nan so I thought I’d pick up the dry cleaning you had done for her.” MC’s Mum informed her.

“Oh yeah, sure.” MC nodded, letting her parents in.

Leading them through the house, MC headed toward the kitchen. She smiled at Diavolo as she re-entered. The human had intended to introduce him, however, her Mum beat her to the chance.

“Oh hello!” She greeted surprised, with a smile on her lips. “I hadn’t realised MC had company.”

“Mum, this is…Dia.” MC trailed off.

“Dia,” her mum repeated - still with a big grin on her face - “what an unusual name.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He greeted warmly, returning the smile. Stepping forward, he held out his arm to shake MC’s Dad’s hand.

Her Dad eyed the up the tall figure in front of him as he shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.” He nodded simply.

While they were sharing their introductions, MC’s mum quickly gave a daughter a suggestive look. The human could only smile sheepishly at her mother.

“So what do you two have planned today?” MC’s mum asked excitedly.

“Dia’s not from here so I thought I’d show him around town and we’d go to a few bars.” MC answered as Diavolo nodded with a smile.

“Not from around here?” Her Mum questioned raising an eyebrow, “does that mean you’re here for the weekend?”

“Don’t worry, MC’s already told me I’m in the spare room.” Diavolo quipped, earning a laugh from MC’s mother.

“Well I hope she’s made the bed…” her Mum commented.

“I have, don’t worry.” MC shot a look at her mother.

“Well Dia you must be special because I’ve never seen the place so spotless.” Her mum continued.

“Do you mind?” MC laughed.

“Really?” He questioned, turning to MC dramatically with a grin. “Oh I do feel honoured.”

“Oh my…” MC spoke quietly shaking her head, her cheeks going red.

“Alright well we better leave you two be then.” MC’s Mum smiled, noticing her daughter’s embarrassment. “You two have a lovely weekend! MC I want to hear all about it after.”

“Yep. Thanks Mum.” MC smiled awkwardly, as she felt Diavolo’s hand on her shoulder.

Quickly turning her head to face him, she playfully rolled her eyes as he mouthed an innocent ‘what?’

“It’s been a pleasure to meet you both.” Diavolo spoke warmly, earning another toothy smile from MC’s Mum.

“And you, Dia!” She gleamed. “Hopefully we’ll see you again soon.”

“Nice to meet you.” MC’s dad piped up, nodding at Diavolo.

“Say hello to Nan for me.” MC spoke as she lead them back toward the door; making sure to grab the dry cleaning first.

Her parents said their goodbyes before MC shut the door, returning to the kitchen once again.

Stood in the middle with a big grin on his face, Diavolo’s amber eyes met hers.

“You know you’re going to have to keep coming back now, don’t you?” She laughed at him.

“I’d be delighted!” He smiled.

“Alright, grab your coat funny man - we’re going drinking.” She rolled her eyes again before breaking out into a smile.

Spoiler: Diavolo doesn’t sleep in the spare room

[astracora]

Happy Newdawn Day!

Characters: Poly!LADs x gn!mc (featuring Nero, Tara, Simone, Greyson, Yvonne, Jeremiah, Thomas and Caleb (mention only))

Warnings: None

Word Count: 5797

Written: 1st January 2025

Notes: Established relationship with gn!MC (using Cat Curse MC) with all LADs, with my personal pov of the game and lil headcanons littered in. Unnamed MC, but using my personal MC's basic appearance and adjusted backstory. I take some liberties with what the game offers me. I'm so sorry this got away from me so much I feel baffled by it. I just had to get it down, it's so messy and not beta-read, but I love them all so much. (I'm also sorry for the ending, I got possessed by Caleb's not-ghost). So enjoy... the first actual fic I've written for the Poly!LADs and not just smaus... Now I need to eat.

Masterlist AO3

If someone asked you right now, “Hey, a year ago did you think you’d be stood here?”

Well, you’d have given some incredulous notion of being alive, let alone stood in one of Linkon’s Parks, taking in the sight of your loved ones.

Most of them, anyway.

If, upon meeting Xavier, Rafayel, Sylus and Zayne (again), someone had said, “Hey in a years time they will be the most important people to you.” You’d have laughed in their face. The idea as absurd as it is invigorating… because they are. The most important people in the world to you. The companions you trust to have your back in combat, the people you want to see most when you wake up, the lives you most want to share.

You think back to a hazy childhood, told your heart could give out any minute. A timeline unknown, the nature of your condition hard to track. The core in your chest, a question no one had the answer to. Giving up on a future, on meaning anything.

You think back to days spent in the hospital, for your heart, for injuries gained from fights that even Caleb couldn’t help piece back together, for the arm you lost. Wondering if you were going to hit the wall eventually.

When you lost Caleb, your partner in crime, and rock, you’d expected the tides to rise. Sinking you.

It was folly to misjudge those around you. Kindness, warmth and love, with some degree of greed. Of course they’d grabbed your hand, pulling you back to land. Wrapping you in a towel, bringing you to heat, keeping you shielded against the chill.

The wounds healed, though they left scars behind, but you could breathe again. 

That troublesome little heart beating harder, hope as a lifeblood. Bringing you forward, keeping you moving.

All the way to a new year.

Between the five of you, the gathering had bloomed out for Newdawn Day.

You’re not sure how Rafayel and Sylus had gotten permission to rent out an entire park. Money had to be involved, you also wouldn’t be surprised if threats came into play too. Though you hope not.

You’d been decorating all morning. Flowers, bunting, balloons. Tables set up with food, drinks and an entire section set up with photobooth equipment and props. After all, you’d spent far too much of this year taking photos, what better way to commemorate the end of it.

Xavie’s barbeque has reopened, with Sylus keeping a watchful eye… or being an interference. It was hard to tell.

Rafayel has taken to making drinks, you weren’t sure where he learned how to mix cocktails, but you’re happy to leave him to it. Watching as he makes non-alcoholic ones for Zayne as well.

You sit with Tara and Simone, watching the people around you.

“I can’t believe we’ve been hunters for a year now.” Tara nudges you, grin on her face. Her cheeks are slightly pink, eyes glittering as she leans her head on your shoulder. “I’m so glad we joined together.”

The fidgeting in your chest is ticklish, and you let out a soft laugh under breathe, “Yeah, me too Tay.”

Simone leans back in her chair, stretching her arms out behind her, as she balances on the back two legs, “We’ve been really busy, I bet it’ll get worse too.”

Tara groans, “Come on Omi…”

A bark of laughter is the response as she rights her chair, leaning forwards, “Hey, it’s fine, we’ll be working at it together.” Poking Tara in the forehead, she laughs again.

As she rubs the offending spot, Tara looks over at where Nero is chatting to Xavier, “Can’t believe Nero came, he doesn’t really enjoy these kind of things.”

“Yeah, no offence but I think he likes Wanderers more than us.”

You laugh, it’s not incorrect. You think about meeting Nero, about the shy man who is a living encyclopedia about wanderers, who could talk for hours about Lumiere. You also think about how isolating it is not to share things you enjoy with others, not knowing how to approach people because they think you’re weird.

Odd.

Not fitting in.

You think about how the first time you’d engaged with Nero’s conversation, his eyes had lit up and he’d leaned forwards so far in his chair he’d fallen out of it.

You think about how he attached himself to Xavier, just because the man listened, calm, even if he didn’t always have much to say in response.

Didn’t make him feel like an outsider.

Pride fills your chest even though Xavier’s personality has little to do with you. You still find yourself loving him more for his warmth. His acceptance.

The sleepy smile on his face when he assures someone he has no problems hearing them.

“There’s no Lumiere specials running today,” Simone is talking, looking at her phone, “maybe the size of the gathering and that mixed together to make a Nero appearance.”

“Plus, Xavier.”

“We should have invited Jenna!” Tara exclaimed, grabbing your arm, pulling it. You think that maybe Raffy put a little too much rum in her daiquiri.

“Do you think she would have even come?”

You think about Sylus over by the grill, arms folded and canines on show in his smirk, “I think maybe next time, I’m sure we can invite her next time.”

When the stress of having hunters in the same area as Sylus isn’t quite so high, when you’re not constantly worried about tripping up with his name. When you don’t have to sit and debate if inviting him is worth the risk, despite loving him and wanting him there. Wanting to see him outside of his world of violence and strain.

You’re not sure how much Jenna knows, but it’s not worth pushing a brick in an old wall.

“You should check on those kids though.” Simone reaches over to turn your head, to where to twins are milling around by the dessert table. You can see them fidgeting. Hand twisting in their hoodie pockets. “Either they really want some cake, or they’re uncomfortable.”

You are standing before she’s even finished talking, worry twisting at you like a snake around your chest.

Tara releases your arm and nudges you forwards, grin on her face, “It’s Simone’s turn to get drinks anyway.”

The woman laughs, twisting the end of her ponytail around her finger, “They’re free, this is the easiest set of rounds I’ve ever had to get.”

Your laugh is soft, and warm, and so heavy in your heart, but you lean down to kiss the top of Tara’s head as she smiles so happily up at you, “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“See ya bestie!”

Simone returns the salute you offer, and you let your feet carry you to the twins.

They’re wearing their crow hoodies again, but with party hats over the hoods. Kieran’s scars are visible, his hood pushed back so you can see his eyes. They’re wavering, unsure. Darting around the place. It’s less controlled, but he looks so much like Sylus does that you pause.

Worried. They’re worried.

Of course they are, there’s hunters here, people who pose some… degree of threat to the person they care most about, other than each other.

Luke is fidgeting, bouncing on the heels of his feet, like he doesn’t know where to put all the pent up energy. You can tell the two are in a feedback loop. Feeding off each others anxieties.

As you approach, they seem to halt, for a moment. Looking at each other, then at the cakes, then at you. Seconds, and then Luke forces a grin. “Hey Hunter!”

Your head tilts as you watch them, Luke pushing his hood back a little so he can look at you properly.

“You’re wearing them again?” It’s an easier question, than the one you want to ask.

“Of course! They’re comfy.”

“Boss keeps pulling them off us to wash them.” Kieran pouts at you, the expression pulling at the scar over his cheek, “Aren’t clothes meant to be worn?”

It’s hard not to laugh at them, they remind you of kids far younger than they are sometimes. Other times the darkness lingering in their gaze is reminiscent of one you’ve seen in your own. In Sylus’… In Rafayel’s.

There’s a sickening in your stomach, that you have to move on from quickly, lest it start to burn like acid.

“You have to take care of them, clean them, and they’ll last longer.”

Kieran rubs his chin, and the laugh comes out this time. They really have picked up so many traits from Sylus.

It gives you some courage, to focus on their expressions, and force through the feeling that always comes, “Are you two ok? You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

Luke blinks, fidgeting stopping, and droops, “No.”

Kieran nudges him, “He means, no we’re fine.”

“You don’t have to lie.” You move to the table, and despite knowing they haven’t eaten a proper meal yet, you slice some sponge cake and shove it into their hands on little paper plates. “Eat.”

You feel like Zayne is in front of you for a moment.

Eat, then talk about how you’re feeling.

You’re not sure the cake fixes the feeling of struggling through your feelings, but you do know that the distraction of sugar, gives you a moment to ground on something real. Tangible.

The twins take the plates, looking down at them, and then back up at you.

“You don’t have to stay, anywhere you don’t want to be. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You don’t have to pretend, or lie, or act a certain way.”

You’re relieved when they take the plates, even happier when Luke shoves some in his mouth. He doesn’t bother with the fork, just grabs it. Kieran pokes at it for a moment, before following in his brother’s footsteps.

“There’s a lot of people.” Kieran finally speaks, twisting his fork in the sponge.

“You can borrow my noise cancelling headphones if you like? I’m sure Zayne has his too.”

Luke shakes his head, “Not like that. Too many possible threats.” He winces, “Sorry, they’re your friends.”

You sit on the table, carefully avoiding cake as you look at the two, “They’re my friends, they’re strangers to you. It’s alright.”

“We just feel weird. On edge.”

“Do you want to go back to the base, somewhere safer? Or home?”

The two shake their heads in sync, frowning more, “No. We want to be here. With boss. To celebrate.”

“So how can I help?”

The expression they shoot back is another you’ve seen on Sylus’ face. But their eyes are wider as they blink at you, their faces younger. Their cheeks softer. You wonder, for a moment, if this is what having brothers would make you feel like.

“If you want to stay,” You clarify, “what can be done to make you feel better here?”

They look at each other, hesitating on the precipice. You wonder if they fear revealing too much, like you are. Showing too much of your heart is a risk. It comes with the very real fear of stumbling over the edge, with no net to catch you.

It comes with your chest flayed open, fragile organ revealed, ready for the risk of a knife… or a hand, no matter how gentle.

“We don’t know.”

“Can we think about it?”

You nod, hopping off the table, “You come find me the second you work it out, or go bother Sylus. I’m sure Xavier would appreciate the break from his probable torment.”

They laugh, and you watch for a moment as they resume eating their cake. Some level of buoyancy back in their stances. The relief settles… It’s something at least.

A door they can walk through at any moment.

The smell of grilling meat and vegetables has you drifting over to Xavie’s Barbecue. You’re relieved that Sylus has been keeping an eye over it, because there’s no smell of burning, and Xavier’s successfully making an array of food for everyone.

You didn’t want to think about how much food wastage there would be otherwise…

Nero is talking animatedly, gesturing as Xavier nods. Sylus is half paying attention, smirking at the prince every now and then. He notices you first though, hearing your footsteps even over the grass.

Sharp red eyes, turning molten and liquid as his gaze focuses on your approach. “Ah, there you are kitten.” Is said on an exhale. You’d think it was relief, with the way he breathes you in as you stand next to him and Xavi.

Xavier uses the hand not currently turning burgers, to hold onto yours, squeezing before releasing.

With his chin resting on your shoulder, Sylus indicates towards Nero with a half-hearted wave, “The Lumiere fan was just telling us some new stories.” You can hear his amusement. Clearly enjoying the situation.

The look on Nero’s face, however, is thrilled. You’re used to spending time talking to him, but the glee you see is always somewhere on the verge of scary, and sweet. “I heard that Lumiere took on an Arbiterwing. ALONE!”

You feel ice drip down your spine, and your eyes pin Xavier. Who jumps, almost dropping his tongs.

A chuckle sounds in your ear, as a hand grabs your waist, thumb soothing under your shirt to help ease down your hackles.

“Oh you did, huh? All on his own?”

“Yeah, how cool right? Lumiere’s EVOL is so powerful.”

If you had your fangs still, you think they’d be showing, as your try not to outwardly glare at the hero in question, “So cool. I bet he’s a really impressive person. Lumiere, that is.”

This time Xavier pouts, and you see the light blush moving over his cheeks. He looks over at you, brows furrowing.

“I wonder how his loved ones must feel though, finding out he fought such a terrifying beast on his own.”

Now he has the decency to look guilty, like a sad bunny, ears drooping. You almost feel bad, almost. Wanting to soothe skin in your hands, before you remember he’s the one out there fighting wanderers you’d had to fight with a team, on his own. “I’m sure he was careful.” Xavier grumbles, pleading beautiful starry eyes focused on you.

“Foods burning, prince.” Sylus purrs from his place leaning against your shoulder.

The man in question jumps, and resumes his work.

Nero still has starry admirable eyes, not paying attention to your and Xavier’s starring, “It’s a shame he’s not a hunter, imagine how much more he could do in a team of us!”

You look away from Xavier, whose shoulders relax a bit when you stop spearing him with your eyes, and laugh, “Would be helpful having him around, right?”

Tara and Simone call over Nero, yelling for him to join them. You almost expect him to turn them down, but he seems buoyed by his conversations with Xavier, and trots over to join them.

One you’re alone, you turn around to look at Xavier properly, “Really? An Arbiterwing?”

Sylus growls a little, “Damn things.” You’ve never asked Sylus why he finds Arbiters so difficult, you remember fighting one with him in the N109 Zone, and you certainly didn’t want to fight one again if you could ever help it. Still he seems particularly irritable about them.

“I promise I was careful. I didn’t have time to call for anyone else.” He places a hand on the your cheek and presses a kid to your forehead, pleading eyes bright and beautiful. You sigh, tugging him down a little, planting a kiss on his cheek. His cheeks flare bright, and his fingers twitch against your cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

You poke him in the chest now, “I’ll hold you to that, oh great hero.”

His groan is accompanied by yours and Sylus’ laugh. Who nuzzles against your shoulder, as he watches Xavier plating food.

“My job is done, nothing’s burned down.” He nips at your neck, “I think your favourite crow deserves praise.”

You mimic him, rubbing your chin with one hand, and titling your head, “Is Mephie around? I thought he had the day off.”

Another nip, this one a little harder, but not painful, “You’re cruel, kitten.” His hands are now both under your shirt, kneading your skin, warm palms sending small skitters of heat up and down your spine, “I worked hard, keeping the prince from destroying everything with his curse.”

“I’m not cursed.” Xavier spits back, “Some things just… don’t like working for me.”

“The burned down kitchen back at the base, certainly felt cursed.”

“It was your ovens fault.”

“Whatever you say, bunny.”

Your hand reaches up to tangle in Sylus’ soft hair as the two snipe at each other, easing through the strands and pulling his head in a way you can kiss him. He bites your bottom lip, and as you pull away, drowsily tries to chase your lips with his. Purring at the scratching at the back of his head. “You did good, both of you. Thank you.”

He doesn’t answer, just purrs and growls as he nuzzles, and inhales.

Xavier’s smile brightens, pride in his countenance as he nods, “Of course Starlight, whatever you need.”

“Take some grilled fish over to the fish, kitten.” Sylus finally breaks out of his daze, lifting himself up to grab a plate for Rafayel, that is being pilled with his favourites. “He’s been making drinks all day, I worry he’ll fall over soon.”

There’s something funny about the leader of Onychinus making sure Raffy is well fed, because he’d deny he was doing it. Pretend it was just to keep things moving smoothly, a measure to make the day easier to deal with.

Rather than what it actually is, concern for someone he cares about.

For a man so honest with his feelings, he prefers to hide them in smokescreens.

With a final kiss, one pressed to Xavier’s hand, and one to Sylus’ forehead, you leave with the plate.

When you approach Rafayel, he’s making a new drink for Yvonne and Greyson. It has gummy bears sprinkled on top, and a tiny little umbrella stuck in some pineapple. Greyson’s cheeks are very bright red, and you’re not surprised that he’s leaning heavily on Yvonne’s shoulder for balance.

“For you.” You offer the plate to Raffy, who sniffs at it happily, before stuffing a piece of salmon in his mouth.

“Cutie!” He speaks through chewing, pulling you down to join him at his makeshift bar. You grimace, staring at the sticky surface, and the mess he’s made.

Raffy is many things, a clean worker is not at all one of them.

You pull your arms back quickly to not get a horrifying sensory issue.

Your fish doesn’t notice, instead shaking a mixer in one hand, as he eats with the other. Even just looking at him, you can see the blush on his ears, and the slight unsteadiness to his hands. “Let me do that.” You take the mixer, “Eat.” He obliges, frowning only a little bit before he happily begins to clear his plate. Humming in satisfaction.

Xavier is a capable cook, when there’s no active flames or risk of explosion.

“Hey hunter!” Greyson exclaims, leaning forwards, his drink spilling a little over the side. “Thanks for inviting us.”

Yvonne smiles, offering you a glass of… what you assume is a Piña colada based by the pineapple slice. You take it, placing it down in front of you as you shake the mixer. Handing it back to Raffy, as he finishes his food. “I’m shocked seeing Dr Li trying to set up fireworks.”

Your laugh is warm, and fond. Zayne builds such an image of himself around others, “He’s secretly a big child, under the snowy layers.”

“Dr Li checked his watch so many times today, we were all worried we might get an emergency come in.”

“I wasn’t looking to seeing him frown, if that would have happened.”

“He shows his feelings so easily now, when it comes to you all.”

It’s hard to fight the heat in your cheeks, but its true. He has softened so much, especially recently.

Another drink is put down, “For Tara.” Raffy says, “This one for Simone.”

You watch as Yvonne nods, picking them up and wandering off.

“You’ve gained bar staff.” You speak, watching as Raffy puts his mixers down, finished with his orders for now, you assume. “What a successful little bar, our fishie is running.”

He preens, fangs peeking out with his smile, “I’m good at everything I do cutie.”

“Where did you even learn?” Greyson asks, chewing one of the gummy bears.

Rafayel shrugs, “Just one of those things you pick up when you travel.”

Looking at him, you want to ask follow up questions… but Raffy won’t share if he doesn’t want to, there’s always a feeling like looking through murky water with him. There’s always something there, lurking under the surface, but so hard to make out. You have to wait for it to surface, wait for it to come to you.

Better than trying to fish it out, and hurting it.

“I’ll take some water bottles around to everyone in a little while.” You look over at where Tara, Simone, and now Yvonne, are singing to a song playing throughout the park. As Nero nods his head absently, sipping some water. “Though your drinks are certainly popular.”

“Gotta greet the new day in style, cutie.” His head plops down into his hand, elbow on the bar, as he watches you. Beautiful eyes narrowing. Reading every little detail, every change.

Being stared at by Rafayel is a sensation that makes your back straighten.

When he puts his focus on something, he’s picking it apart, seeing every part of it, so he can paint it. In the way his eyes see the world. As art, as a wonder, as something worth protecting.

Your fingers reach out, shaking slightly, without even being aware of it, and brush the hair, that’s fallen right in front of his eyes, back. His skin paints red further, spreading down his neck, and his eyes sparkle. You wish you could paint, you wish more than anything that this beautiful man was kept in a portrait to stare at every moment of the day.

It’s hard to not believe in gods, when someone as beautiful as him sits there, staring at you. Like you make the waves crash against the shores.

He turns his head to kiss the tips of your fingers, before placing the pulse point of your wrist against his cheek again. “It’s a good day to celebrate.” He breathes out.

The laugh to your side pulls you out of your stupor, as Greyson nods in agreement. You pull back a little, though Rafayel doesn’t release your hand, keeping it in his lap as the two of you turn to your companion.

“Is Zayne doing ok?” You ask Rafayel.

“He debated drinking, then remembered how many people would be here, and changed his mind.”

“He’s a stickler for being a good example.” Greyson adds, stirring his drink.

You wonder if it’s really that, and the big snowman is not just stewing and fearing his control. Tightly wound and kept under lock and key, just in case. Always watchful.

At the very least, as you look over at him reading instructions on a firework box, you think he is having fun at least. You can’t say the same for Jeremiah, who is hovering by the photobooth, looking through the album next to it.

Raffy kisses your hand again, smiling at you, “Go be your nosy self, cutie. We’ll be here when you get back.”

“Or we’ll be playing spin the bottle much to Dr Li’s disappointment.”

You almost bark a laugh at Greyson, the mental image of Zayne playing spin the bottle or truth or dare, is such an image, you want to see it. Desperately. Pressing a kiss to the top of Raffy’s head as you stand, you wave at them both and head off.

“Sooo.” You poke your head over Jeremiah’s shoulder, who jumps. Looking at you like you’re a ghost. “Are you alright? Looking for any particular prop?”

It takes a moment before you think his brain starts working again, and he smiles… but its not a smile you’re used to seeing on Jeremiah’s face. You’ve seen it on Xavier’s face though. Sorrow lurking at the edges. Tired.

Maybe the passing of years for them both has a weight you’ll never understand.

“I’m alright, just… a lot of people. I haven’t been around this many in a long time.” He forces a laugh, “Silly right?”

You shake your head. You might have different reasons for struggling with crowds, but you refuse to let any of the people you’ve brought into your heart, think you are not a safe space for their concerns. “Not the first time I’ve heard that today. You’re fine.”

He’s got the album open on a photo of you, him and Xavier outside of Philos. Holding flowers in your arms.

It’s… a realisation that you’ve never seen Jeremiah with another person than Xavier. Like he’s become an island, with only Philos as his port.

So you change the page on the album, to some of Yvonne and Greyson. During the preparation for Zayne’s birthday. “We’ve taken so many photos this year.” It settles in your chest again, that thanks to your loved ones… you now have full albums, and many more to fill. “You should talk to Greyson, he likes sunflowers a lot.”

Jeremiah laughs, looking at you like you’re too obvious, “He’s a little drunk for that now.”

“When he sobers up then.” You huff, pushing the album into his arms, straightening the page out.

“I… I’ll try. It’s odd, seeing Xavier like this.”

“You can do it too, you know?”

There’s doubt in the mans eyes, you don’t want to look too close. It gives you a feeling like a fire that’s burned too long.

“Or you can just take some really stupid photos with me, wearing the worst hats we can find, and see how many we can take in under a minute.” It’s hard to look too close at someone’s emotions, you feel. Looking into someones eyes is painful, there are times you can manage it, and times you can’t.

You find some people’s gaze holds yours against your will, not violently, but powerfully. Rafayel and Sylus have eyes that pulling away from feels like tearing part of yourself out. Xavier and Zayne feel like staring into a tranquil pond, losing yourself.

Jeremiah’s right now are wavering on the edge of something, and you can’t keep looking at them, turning your head a little to look at the props on the table. You reach out, carefully picking up a pair of bunny ears, and place them carefully on his head.

“If you don’t want to stay, you don’t have to… but if you’re scared and still want to try, then stay, and build bridges.”

You think about the men you’ve made your home, and the fear of overcoming the need to flee from them.

The house in ashes and cinders. The number that never texts you back anymore.

“As grumpy as Xavier asks, he’s there if you need him. Me too.”

Jeremiah reaches up to touch the bunny ears on his head, and smiles weakly, “I do need to get a drink.”

You nudge him, hand gently pushing the man forwards towards where Raffy is now spinning a mixer around his finger, to the thrilled cheers of Greyson and Tara, “Go on then, make it a good one.”

As he walks away, he waves at you a little, but is soon pulled to sitting down by a drunk doctor, and a happy hunter.

Your final stop is the fireworks, as Thomas and Zayne set them up somewhere safe. You’re glad its Zayne setting them up, as you worry Raffy would get excited and set them off too early.

If there’s a flame to put out, better the snowman, than the fish.

As you approach, Zayne looks up, and his forest eyes soften at the vision of you. Smile quirking cool lips. “Darling, have you enjoyed yourself?”

He’s warm, and familiar, and safe. Like a hearth. The irony of the cold skin, versus how heated he makes you feel, is something. As you take his extended hand, thumb brushing over your skin, you settle against his side while Thomas finishes up.

“It’s nice, seeing everyone.” You offer, “Seeing everyone moving forwards for the new year.” You trace the skin under his eyes with your fingertip, down to his mouth. He gasps a little, a puff of breath against the cool metal, before taking your wandering fingers in his own.

“Seeing some of you relaxed, is also quite pleasant.” You tease, bumping him with your hip. His laugh is a soft noise, that settles in your chest. Cool around your frantic heart.

“Our little family has behaved themselves, I haven’t had to put out any fires. It’s allowed for the relaxation.”

“You mother hen.”

Thomas stands up, brushing his hands on his trousers and grinning over at you, “Hey Mx Bodyguard. We’re all done here finally. Has Rafayel gotten everyone drunk yet?”

“He’s trying, I think his plan is going well, while we’re all unconscious he��ll achieve world domination.”

Zayne tenses, releasing your metal hand to rub at the space between his eyes, “The feeling of dread has returned.”

“I’m sure he’ll find some place for us in his new kingdom.”

“You’d make a good jester, Zayne.”

“It’s getting worse.” Your doctor frowns, tugging at your hand to glare unserious eyes at you as you fight the urge to laugh, the quirk to your lips too obvious to him.

Thomas extends the box of sparklers to you, “We can use these later, after watching the show.”

Zayne looks down at what they’ve worked on as the three of you move away, back to the party. He’s often hard to read, but you can see the nerves in him, the worry he hasn’t done it right. So you squeeze his cold hand in your warmer one, and lean against his shoulder, “It’ll be great. Even if the fireworks sputter, we’ll have memories.”

His worries soothe, and he smiles, “Have to take some photos for that album of yours.”

“‘Newdawn Day, we watched some very sad fireworks, then played games for hours’.” You poke him in the side using your joined hands.

“You’ll have to sleep at some point.”

Thomas laughs, “You’re just as bad as Rafayel then?”

“I am not.”

“When did you last get a full 7 hours, darling?” Zayne raises his brow, you want to grumble and argue, but he knows you too well. You rarely sleep well. You rarely get a good amount of sleep.

The nightmares are getting a little better, a little, but there’s never enough time to get rest in-between all the other things you need to do.

“No wonder whenever I check on you two in the studio, you look like two feral cats.”

“Hey, don’t let Raffy hear you call him a cat, he’ll sulk again.”

Zayne’s hand in yours, entwines your fingers, squeezing, loosening, squeezing again. Over and over again. Like he’s using your hand as a stim toy. Or perhaps he’s offering you a grounding physical sensation.

Either way, you squeeze back.

It’s dark now, and there are lanterns set around the area. It’s a vision. Everyone has gathered back in the centre, drinks in hands, sitting in the grass, staring up at the sky.

You can hear laughter, chatter and the occasional too loud voice calling out excitedly.

Jeremiah sits with Greyson, drinking, and chatting, while Yvonne, Tara and Simone have begun clinking glasses together before each sip. Nero is lay down next to the three pointing out stars to them, while Xavier adds additional trivia about the constellations. Thomas walks ahead to sit near where the twins are throwing food into each others mouths, and occasionally at the back of Sylus’ head. Who is holding back the urge to pick them up with his EVOL.

Raffy’s cheeks are bright red, but resting his head in Sylus’ lap, trying not to spill his drink down himself. Xavier is lay next to him, an eye-mask pushed to the top of his head, but now that his work is done, he looks close to drifting off.

Zayne hands you the little remote, that controls the final event of the evening, “When you’re ready.”

You tug his hand, pulling him with you into the little gathering of your partners and friends. Shoving yourself against the heat of Sylus’ side, who chuckles and wraps an arm around your shoulder, to flick a bit of Zayne’s hair out of his eyes. Before pulling you closer.

Then tug the doctor down next to you. You think you’re smiling. You’re pretty sure you are.

It’s more familiar on your face than it ever used to be, and it’s something you hope becomes as familiar as the heart stuttering in your chest.

“Ready?” You call out, to a cheer of assent, and with a single press of the button, and love surrounding you. The sky is lit up with blossoming flowers.

“Happy Newdawn day!”

There’s a moment of quiet, when you step away from the party, a sparkler in your hand. You spell out names as you walk further out, not too far that you can’t hear everyone, but far enough that no one needs to see the tears lurking in your eyes.

Newdawn reminds you of everything you’ve gained, and everything you’ve lost…

Pulling your phone out, you open his messages. Unread messages fill the screen. Reminding you he’s not there…

Still, you can’t help but send him another one. Maybe, somewhere he’ll hear you.

Maybe wherever he is, he’s happy.

When your sparkler is dead, and your messages sent, you take in a deep inhale. Clearing the shadows from your heart, and turn back to where twinkling lights summon you home. Eyes are turned to you, green, red, blue and pink, and you feel their gazes pulling you back. Where you belong, where you’re safe, no matter what else comes after you.

So you follow their call, like they’re a siren song, willingly and joyfully. Ready to follow them to the depths of the ocean if you have to.

And as you do, for a small moment, you feel the phone in your pocket vibrate.

🍎 partner in crime 🍎: Hey Pipsqueak. Happy Newdawn day.

[82mitsu]

{18Trip} <CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A: Sun will R1ze!> 001-A01 Inauguration of the 0th Ward Mayor

A translation of 18TRIP's CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A by 82mitsu. ENG proofreading by sasaranurude.

Opening note:

I am playing with the male player character, canon name Kaede Hamasaki, and will be simply referred to as Kaede in the translation. It’s a choice made due to the characters referring to the player character in their own ways (switching between first & last name, using honorifics) and I don’t want to make it sound clunky by using “player” or “MC”, or alter when first or last name is used (due to the importance of it in the JPN language). However, the gender of the player character has 0 impact on the story, and the experience is the same regardless of male or female main character.

The morning comes.

No matter how painful the days you live through are. Even when you can’t see ahead within the darkness.

The sun is born anew every day and shines a light upon you as you are without pretense.

However, basking in the bright sunshine sometimes brings hope to our hearts, too.

Try to look ahead and walk.

If you can walk ahead with just one step, it will feel as if you can start the long journey that we call life.

Which makes today, without a doubt, a new beginning in my life.

TV station announcer: Here we are at the venue for the inauguration of HAMA’s 0th Ward Mayor. After being unable to meet the quota of tourists for two years in a row, HAMA is now drawing attention to the question of whether it can remain a special tourism ward or not.  

TV station announcer: Please look at this! There’s crowds of people at the venue and surrounding area—expectations for today's inauguration of the 0th Ward Mayor can be heard from all over! We will continue to report onsite! 

Kaede: (Even national TV stations are reporting on the inauguration… It’s a bigger deal than I imagined. It's a given when you think about it more thoroughly. Whether HAMA can remain a special tourism ward or not has caught the attention of each and every region.)

Kaede: (Kafka replacing his father, who served as the 0th Ward Mayor up until now, on such a big stage… I wonder if he isn’t nervous about it. Uweh, I feel the stress in my stomach.)

Kaede: (But! That difficult surgery was an easy success, and the rehabilitation also went great. If it’s Kafka we’re talking about… I’m sure it’ll be okay!)

Host: Uuuh, all ward residents of HAMA, the inauguration will commence shortly. To open the ceremony, the current 0th Ward Mayor Oguro Rihito and HAMA’s auditor, the 8th Mayor Ward of Tokyo, Shigematsu Hakkei will be taking the podium.

HAMA ward resident A: The change really is happening. Well… the current Ward Mayor wasn’t reliable, to be honest…

HAMA ward resident B: But look at that, his replacement is his son, no? I heard that he’s only 20 years old. Will this be okay?

HAMA ward resident C: My place keeps on bleeding customers since last year… If the special tourism ward status is revoked this year, then HAMA’s done for. Just ask yourself how many restaurants have gone outta business this year. 

HAMA ward resident A: Financial support from the capital is as minimal as it can get… Makes you wonder if swapping out the Ward Mayor will do any good. 

HAMA ward resident D: The special tourism ward collapses… taxes rise up to the heavens… companies stoop to bankruptcy… the end of life……  ruination destruction eradication extinction…

Kaede: (Uuuh… all this negativity left and right… But, I do understand everyone’s worries.)

Kaede: (Kafka’s dad… he’s a good person, but he honestly, genuinely doesn’t have the capability to be in charge. He’s the type to get deceived because he’s too nice for his own good…) 

Kaede: (Kafka is the one that’s more fit for this role than his dad, I think… Even then, we only have a year left in terms of time. Just how does Kafka intend to get over such a high hurdle?)

Kaede: (Still, it’s already set in stone that Kafka and I will restore HAMA together. Today’s inauguration has gotta make us understand what Kafka’s thinking. Let’s hear him out!)

Host: Thank you for waiting! The one who will assume the new role as Ward Mayor, Oguro Kafka, will take the podium!

Kafka: It’s a pleasure to meet you all, ward residents. As he said, I am Oguro Kafka. From now on I will be conducting the succession ceremony for the 0th Ward Mayor.

HAMA ward resident C: Seriously man, that guy really is just a lil’ kid. Look at that guy, Tokyo’s 8th Ward Mayor’s face. Disapproval is written all over it. 

HAMA ward resident B: It is said that supervisor Shigematsu-san is relentless. The special tourism ward will be gone with the wind if that man’s tourism reviews are low…

HAMA ward resident D: An explosion from Tokyo’s 8th Ward Mayor’s glare… An explosion from the disdain for the 0th Ward Mayor… An explosion of the unlivable city of HAMA…. An explosion for the special tourism ward to fall…  An explosion to end all that lives…

Kaede: (Uwawah… the worst of worst impressions…! I wonder if Kafka’s holding up.)

Kafka: Ahem. I am hearing concerns being voiced from all over. And of course there would be, since everyone has to be wondering what a little boy ignorant of the world can even do on his own.

Rihito: Ka- Kafka…!? The script says here that we succession should go peacefully. W-what’s the matter….!?

Kafka: Aaah, it’ll be okay, dad. Don’t let the sweat start forming obvious drops on your face.

Hakkei: Hmph, it seems that your son has no intention to properly put the effort in to begin with, Rihito. Are you truly going to pass your position as the 0th Ward Mayor to him?

Kafka: No need to be concerned. Esteemed 8th Ward Mayor of Tokyo. My father and I have discussed between ourselves that, if my surgery were a success, I would inherit his role as Ward Mayor. I ask if you could please refrain from suddenly interfering in decisions made between a parent and their child.   

Hakkei: Decisions made between family? This is a concern that will influence HAMA in its entirety—that I happen to have no say in the matter leaves me astonished.

Hakkei: Looks like someone has forgotten that the one who makes the final decision on how the financial support from the capital is distributed is no other than me. 

Kafka: Financial support… hmm.

HAMA ward resident A: Hey hey, aren’t they kinda fighting on stage? Tension’s been rough since the beginning…

HAMA ward resident D: Current Ward Mayor shaking… New Ward Mayor glaring… Tokyo’s Ward Mayor unrelenting… A sign of HAMA’s ending… 

Host: W-we’re moving on to the succession ceremony now! By your leave I, the host, will recite the statement of succession!

Host: Current 0th Ward Mayor, Oguro Rihito, will pass the torch of his authority over leading the tourism industry in all of HAMA’s 18 wards to the new 0th Ward Mayor Oguro Kafka—  

Host: Oguro Kafka takes the role of the new 0th Ward Mayor, and under the fair Law of Tourism, will engage in HAMA’s tourism industry, and lead all Ward Mayors of each ward. Can each party involved take the pledge? 

Rihito: Ah, h-have to follow the script… Yes! I pledge to transfer all authority to the new 0th Mayor Ward.

Kafka: It is an utmost honor that I will gladly accept.

Host: 8th Ward Mayor of Tokyo, Shigematsu Hakkei, in accordance with Law of Tourism, auditor of HAMA as supervisor of the special tourism ward, will give guidance and submit appropriate reviews of tourism to the state. Can the individual party involved take the pledge?

Hakkei: It is most likely that this function will be terminated by the end of this year. Be as that may, it is my assignment. As supervisor, I pledge to my role as a fair auditor.

Kafka: You’re retiring this year? So that means we’ll have a different supervisor next year~

Hakkei: Such impudence… 

Kaede: (T-the mood in the room is in the ditches…! Even though we can hear everything both of them are saying—don’t fight in front of the public…)

Host: N-now then, the insignia from the current Ward Mayor will be entrusted to the new 0th Ward Mayor!

HAMA ward resident B: Thought he was a kid too big for his britches, but… he’s a kid with more guts than we thought, right?

HAMA ward resident A: He might do things more properly than Rihito-san did…

HAMA ward resident B: That reminds me, their mother who passed away was a genius scientist… His appearance resembles hers quite well.

Kafka: Eeeh, I’m Oguro Kafka who has taken up the position of 0th Mayor Ward. To everyone in attendance, I will be discussing matters concerning the management of HAMA going forward. First of all…

Kafka: HAMA will fully cease accepting special financial support from the prefecture of Tokyo!

Kaede: (….Eeeeh!? What’s your aim here, Kafka—-!)

next chapter>>

chapter 001 side A directory: TBA upon completion

[eggroll-sama]

A bit of an angsty topic but I gotta discuss this. Since Kuras is immortal, even if we do get past his distant nature, break away his cold shell, and make our way into his heart, he will outlive us and have to see us die, right? The same goes for Vere and maybe some of the others like Ais. So unless MC unlocks immortality or the LI’s trade their immortality to grow old with us, we’re going to age and we’ll be gone from their lives, because we are only a chapter, maybe only a few pages, in an immortal being’s life. And that really begs the question if there really is a “good ending” with Kuras because you’re a mortal, he’s an Angel who’s possibly been alive since the dawn of time, and one day you’ll be gone. Wouldn’t that be so terrible and unfortunate for Kuras…?

It’s kind of weird but I can’t see Kuras being distraught by this. Not thoroughly, at least. And I can say this with certainty because of Kuras’ quote from the relationship chart, “friends are fleeting, but no less precious for it,” which can be foreshadowing in his route he’d confess to MC that yes, he knows his time with you is short compared to the centuries he’s lived on earth, but he’s willing to love you while you are alive, watch you grow old, and eventually live without you forever because that’s how important you are to him. It’ll hurt, yes, but he’s glad to have met you, to love and be loved by you. So no, it’s not terrible, it’s just very very very bittersweet.

But hear me out. Maybe you can still meet him after your mortal life.

Since Kuras is an angel, he’d have powers to see us even after we kick the bucket. And that’s if we assume his good ending is where he is no longer condemned to live in the human realm and fully forgiven himself. So imagine you die, you’re in the afterlife, you’re wandering alone, confused where you are. All you remember is seeing Kuras’ face as you drift off to your eternal rest, and now you’re surrounded in a white landscape of nothingness and your heart feels hallow yet so heavy. You yell if anyone can hear you but nobody replies back, so you keep wandering aimlessly. You shiver, running your hands over your arms. You feel so lonely and so cold. But before you could lose all hope, you’re suddenly basking in this warm light, arms wrapping around you from behind. It’s the comforting and warm embrace you know all too well. A smile graces your lips and you think to yourself, it’s him. You relax into their touch and you finally feel at home. So you and Kuras live happily ever after, for all of eternity.

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

hello!

I read your Twitter posts about how LZY calls MC his spouse now instead of his girlfriend and I wanted to ask if they actually legally got married during his new wedding card?

The only card I read from that event was ling xiao’s and it was another fake wedding :(

hello! i’m so so sorry, i’m almost at 80% of my translation for this card + event story, and i explain every single thing in detail in the translation 😭 but, to answer your question, i think it’ll be helpful to share a part of my translation for you:

────── spoiler ahead ──────

┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✄ ┈┈┈┈┈┈

so, to give you a straightforward answer, are they considered “married” now? technically, one hundred percent yes.

but are they “legally bound”? technically, no. because in the context of modern world practices, we are still missing the “paperworks” 😂

also, i think i need to add this. please do remember that the lovepro LIs have very different pacing and progression in their relationships. the other men did not get an elaborate wedding like Li Zeyan did. they were either doing it for a show/ or for a game, so the wedding wasn’t the focus of their stories, and the wedding part itself was glossed over for most. for Li Zeyan, though, it wasn’t for a game or a show or anything like that. Li Zeyan and his MC got married simply because they just really wanted to lmao, and we LITERALLY did EVERY SINGLE RITUAL you need to do for a traditional Chinese wedding to be “REAL.” (you’ll understand more when you read the translation haha).

but, ig PG still had to keep it fair somehow LMAO, so we get this conversation the morning after Li Zeyan and MC’s “wedding night”:

where PG tries to tell you that there’s no need to constrain yourself with the new identities, b/c regardless of your titles, the end statement is that “you and your chosen LI will be together forever.” 😂 also telling us that they are never giving us the paperworks lmfao the real problem here is that, PG has made it pretty clear they don’t want to go down the route Tears of Themis has (for now anyway), b/c for the CN otome audience, the “wedding” means it’s the end game LMAO, and it’s also very difficult to draw in new players if your LIs are already tied down, you know 💀

anyway coming back to Li Zeyan and MC, his writers do consider them “married” though, b/c we actually celebrate our one week wedding anniversary too haha.

also, to note, Li Zeyan has always been someone who preferred using terms like爱人 (significant other), 伴侣 (life partner), and very rarely has he used 女朋友/ 女友 (girlfriend) when introducing or referring to MC/ you, even in the past. and *coughs* ever since the “wedding”, he has been going around announcing to the entire world that him and MC/ you are married like there’s no tomorrow, haha. (⁠｡⁠ﾉ⁠ω⁠＼⁠｡⁠)

so, to recap, yes, you can most definitely consider Li Zeyan and his MC married now since we’ve been given the free license haha. but if you don’t want to go that route, that’s fine too since we are still missing the license (pun intended, yes 😂🙃).

—

[collegetennisoriginstory]

Hi! I've just read the demo and want to say that I love it so much! I never thought I would enjoy reading something about sports, I know absolutely NOTHING about tennis, but your writing makes it almost magical. I don't understand many things, besides English is not my first language (sorry for any mistakes!), so it's even harder for me 🤣🤣🤣 But all of the matches and practices are very engaging, and now I care about my MC's success like Rayyan cares about his. Thank you for showing me that tennis can be so enjoyable even if you just read about it. When I was reading the description, I was like 'OOOOHHHH, there is a HOT French man there! I HAVE TO romance him!' I mean, who wouldn't romance a hot French man, right? 🤔 But then... then I saw Rayyan and... wellllll... I guess I'm already too deep in this relationship to try something else. I'm a simple person. When I look at Rayyan, I see only him and nobody else. Such a sweet cinnamon roll, love him. Let me kiss him as much as possible and I'll be the happiest person in the world. That scene with a kiss in the locker room was amazing. There is that option when MC can tuck a lock of Rayyan's hair behind his ear and I couldn't resist its pull 😭 It's so wonderfully soft, I just... AAAAAAAAAHHHHH! I'm a sucker for such gentle moments with men, really glad we can do something like this. I wonder (and I'm sorry if somebody's already asked this) whether we'll have even a small chance of talking Rayyan into playing doubles together professionally in the future. MC and Rayyan are such a power couple at the moment considering the fact that MC's a freshman. They can become so much more together if given an opportunity and enough time. Maybe we can persuade Rayyan to try to see the benefits of this decision. I guess it can be an element of growth for him... To be able to rely on someone so close and dear to him, to trust this person with his success and ambitions. I understand that it's a terribly vulnerable position, and Rayyan's a deeply competitive person but perhaps this one leap of faith can do something good.

Awww this message is so incredibly sweet, thank you for sending it!

Definitely recommend the Hot French exchange student experience next, but very happy you liked Rayyan so much haha. Made me laugh to hear them described as a sweet cinnamon roll…

I’ll definitely wrap up the IF with conversations about the future with their ROs/friends etc, and playing doubles (or singles) professionally will definitely be brought up. So long story short, I think MC would be able to suggest this to Rayyan and get a response (and I think it’ll be fun to see this answer change over time and depending on their relationship with each other, too). But because the scope of the IF is such that it ends in freshman year, it’s by no means a definite confirmation of what MC will do post college :) that might require a DLC or a sequel…

Hope that answers your question!

P. S. very happy that you liked the locker room scene, still one of my personal faves :)

[vendetta-if]

So, question about Yvette. Did she ever want to be a mother? It's definitely implied that the pregnancy was unplanned.

I'm curious if she went through with the pregnancy because Viktor was willing/wanted to raise MC, or if Yvette got cold feet after their birth.

I'm always mixed about Yvette, her choice to not be involved in MC's life was certainly selfish, but no one should be forced to become a parent, especially if the child in question will be taken care of.

From what I’ve seen so far, I think a lot of readers also didn’t really have a problem with her not wanting to be a mother because she didn’t want to, but they seemed to mostly dislike her after she humiliated MC in the store 😔 Anyway, I’ll take the chance to kind of explain more about Yvette’s line of thoughts when she found out that she was pregnant, so it’ll be a bit long.

At that time, she was not ready to become a mother and wanted to focus fully on her career. She did decide to go through with the pregnancy because Viktor begged her to keep the baby and promised that he would take care and raise the baby all by himself—he wouldn’t try to pester or get her to get involved whatsoever in the baby’s life.

And Yvette agreed to it because she loved him a lot… and she was also aware that this hidden relationship between her and Viktor was already coming to an end, especially now that she got pregnant. She knew she couldn’t keep stringing Viktor along like that, and as painful as it was for the two of them, the relationship had to come to an end.

To her, agreeing to giving birth to MC was one last grand gesture of love for Viktor before they went on their separate ways in life.

Selfishly enough—and this is not something that she would admit even to herself—she was also hoping that raising MC would kind of make it harder for Viktor to try start another serious relationship and fully move on as she already established herself as the mother of his child, and that MC would also be something for Viktor to remember her by.

Deep down, she’s still in love with Viktor and she kind of secretly held out hope that Viktor would keep waiting for her, for when her superhero career was finally at its peak and fully stable so she could potentially return to him.

I’ve touched upon this before, but I feel one of Yvette’s biggest flaws is that she just couldn’t choose and wanted to eat her cake and have it too. She kept her relationship with Viktor a secret because she didn’t want to jeopardize her career. And when that failed and she was forced to choose, she still tried to think of a way to get that back in the future.

Yes, young her was selfish and only thought of what’s best for her and what she wanted. Maybe it’s a product of her upbringing. She was born an only child to a wealthy family and if her charisma and beauty alone were not enough to charm people around her growing up, she has her Empathy power.

But I do believe that she did quite a lot of growing up and self-introspection since then, especially after the bookstore incident with MC and Viktor’s death. She is still far from perfect but she’s also not the person she was 20 years ago.

Also, ironically enough, her hope of Viktor having a hard time moving on from her because of MC turned out to be the opposite. Viktor actually moved on and got over most of his feelings for her because he was so focused and happy raising MC, making them his number one priority in life.

During the first few years after MC was born, Viktor still kept contact with her, meeting her every couple of weeks or so and during these meetings, Viktor would tell stories about MC and even showed her some baby pics. Eventually, that became less and less frequent until it finally stopped altogether as Viktor became more preoccupied with raising MC, and Yvette with her career.

[fableforger]

awwwww hiiiiiiiii, i'm so glad you enjoy my asks!! i also always enjoy reading your answers when i do check tumblr!!!

i've got another one for you that'll hopefully be another A tier question: when in a relationship, what pet names would the ros use if they do and what pet names would they like to be called?

p.s.: you're the one author I always can't wait to come up with another ask for unanonymously!! <333

p.p.s.: also, should i call you fable or is there another name you'd rather go by?

Hi again💛 This message made me grin so hard - once again: thank you for sending in such a fun (and honestly always A-tier!!) ask.

Now. Pet names. The short answer is: it's complicated. 😅

Some of the ROs will probably never be the “babe” or “darling” types - at least not unironically. (Looking directly at Dorian/Dione here.) Others might absolutely give you a nickname, but only if it fits you - not just something generic. If things go the way I hope they will, a few ROs will actually have unique pet names for the MC based on two things: 🜂 your chosen godhood 🜂 and your MC’s most defining character trait.

...which, yes, means a lot of work on my part. But I really think it’ll be worth it - a little layer of flavour text that hopefully makes the relationship feel even more personal.

And if your MC isn’t into pet names? That’s totally fine too. You’ll always be able to choose what (if anything) your MC calls them - it’ll be entirely up to you, free-form, no restrictions. 🖋️

Some ROs might only have one nickname for the MC (and that’s it - one and done) because that’s just how they are. I won’t spoil who. (Okay, a little: one of them might be Rhaelos/Rhaela. Maybe.)

But yes - I’m working on it. Some names are already set, some still floating around in my brain like little puzzle pieces waiting to lock into place. Wish me luck!

P.S.: You're always welcome to call me Fable 💛 (That’s what most people use, and it feels very me.)

P.P.S.: You sending things unanonymously is a gift. Please never stop. 🕊️