#but i'm glad we all agree winter outfits are the best

[onewomancitadel]

yknow i just noticed, but the little feather charm that cinder has in her v8 design is like VERY similar to the design of the leaves in v9. she quite literally has the tools to change in her hand but just cant bring herself to do it yet

Thanks for your ask, anon! I'm not so sure I necessarily agree, though, but let me expand on why. I think that the gradient of the leaves is to represent the four seasons, whereas the colour scheme of Cinder's brooch (of which we don't know the significance of - Ruby's is a mother's promise, so it's probably a dark inverse of that - maybe it's Salem's promise) I've speculated in the past might represent her future colour scheme for outfits lol. Black is the dying flame, blue is the hottest and its heart. I'm not sure that I personally see a real firm, direct parallel visually here.

I speculated that she'd symbolically destroy the brooch, and with what we've learnt about Ruby's (and I'm glad you've brought this topic up) and the fact she gave it away makes me think Cinder's is an echo of that (given that Cinder is Ruby's archetypal Shadow, and the role of Madame/Rhodes/Salem and Summer in their stories is similar).

So it's potentially true in some sense that Cinder's brooch represents her potential freedom, but maybe not the way you intended it? The fact that it's slowly progressed into more visual prominence until every frame where we're up close with her we see it makes me think we are supposed to think about that passage and her burgeoning redemption arc. It's something they've done with other characters, like Weiss' red lining represents her concealed affection and the pink progressing to Ren's heart represents him accepting his feelings. I wonder what the orange lining on Jaune's clothes is up about. Btw, Cinder's eye is orange.

I also think that probably what is significant about the connection between the Tree's leaves is moreso to do with the fact Cinder is the Fall Maiden (and falling leaves, which are instead leaves of rebirth, is... very autumnal imagery, but slightly remixed in a positive fashion). Autumn is the most complicated season, because it's both the wilt and the harvest, and probably best encapsulates the idea of rebirth. This is why I think it's afforded to Ruby and Cinder - there's a reason our Fall Maiden and Fall Maiden analogue are significant, not Spring or Winter or Summer. We got that idea pretty much affirmed in Volume 9, which I was happy about.

But you're right, the Fall Maiden power is pretty much the path to her redemption and she doesn't know it (and literally who she is as a person is enough, come on, cue the Fall Maiden's lesson). It's just that her battle always has been and always will be intensely psychological, and so her laser-focus on physical might kind of throws me off, because it's so sorely not the answer lol and is the wrong conception of the powers (guardianship not powerlevelling).

So you're not wrong at all in bringing the topic up, I think; I'm not sure I'd draw such a direct parallel just because leaves and feathers aren't quite the same thing and the gradient isn't either. But given the fact that despite Cinder's physical absence we do see her remarkably a lot this volume means that we are being led to draw connections.

I mean, seriously. Future best friends.

The more I write this, the more I'm trying to consider your position; at first I was pretty ambivalent about it, but Ruby giving her brooch away (and getting it back) -> dissolution of the leaves in tea -> the dissolution of Cinder's brooch is kind of... interesting... I don't know, I think that this might be a more alchemical thing as opposed to a purely Tree thing. At the very least, I'm glad you brought it up so I could mention the connection to Ruby's brooch. Ruby gives hers away at her darkest hour; Cinder could give hers away at her brightest. *shrug*

[honeybeewhereartthee]

PINK KKOMAS KOHAKU OUKAWA 82

Spoiler for my stories

Your styling your hanii hair up to be an ice cream when you see reaper run back holding box of gifts and wheeling other things as well behind him, he almost tripped if not for CHAu Kohaku using magic to levitate him from crushing to the snow.

CHau Kohaku: don't run.

Reaper: woah.. thank you... I almost crush my gifts... (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

Reaper went toward you two and put three gifts in front of you two.

Reaper: snow come too fast! I don't wrap my winter gifts!! But here you two! Or three... I have one for bee and other bee. (●´u`●)

CHau Kohaku, stared at the gift:... >.>

He then glow before long, he become two people. Bee held the gift meant for him and bee(?) Did the same too.

Bee: thank youuuu.♡(ӦｖӦ｡)

Bee(?):... >.> Thnx I guess.

MC, held the gift too: your visitors would arrive soon enough.

Reaper:(｡☬０☬｡) r-really... Ahm... D-do ... C-can they... See... That thing w-with me? (>0<；)

MC: ooh. Ye I guess. (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Reaper: you guess? Your not sure...? (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)

MC: I mean it depends on your friends if they wish to see obviously. (ㆁωㆁ)

Reaper: o-oh!!! Right!! (´ε｀ )

Reaper made a snow block to seat beside you three but made sure to not be too close to trigger those two.

Reaper: soon... ♡(> ਊ <)♡

No sooner than later a portal appear beside you four, in comes running many people wearing black and white outfit toward reaper, hugging him.

[ note (la mort Au Chara): Hadey (Rei), Eternity ( Ritsu), Grave (Nagisa), Frost (Mayoi), seimei (meaning: existance/life spirit-> MC)

Hadey, hugs reaper: OH MY PRECIOUS FRIEND I MISS YOU!!!

Seimei, pat reaper head: how are you our winter blossom? (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Reaper: (｡・//^//・｡) e-everyone...

eternity: woah look at this guy. Is he going to cry?

Reaper tearing up: (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀) WAHHHH. I MISS YOU ALL!!

Reaper tried to hugs all his friends as he cried.

Frost: fufufu. What a silly child.

Grave: don't bully the child frost or I'll bury you.

Frost: your no fun.

Reaper: I miss you all. Woah... Huhu... (っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ

Hadey: you made us so worried! You where gone from where you were till we saw a note! We almost thought you get kidnap!

Eternity: honestly kidnapping a grim reaper? What a silly idea.

Frost: what a worrisome child you are... Fufufu.

Grave: you were also worried weren't you. After all you treat winter blossom as your so called baby with seimei spirit.

Frost:...

Reaper: everyone!!! ₍ᐡඉ ̫ඉᐡ₎

Seimei: were you feed well? I hope so! Does someone bullies you!? I will, I will... Ask mayoi for help to beat them up... (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

Frost: of course I'll help you, my love!

Eternity: disgusting.

Hadey: tell your best friend who bullies you here! I'll take their soul away!

Reaper quickly shakes his head: I'm not bullied

A moment of flashback where he keep being the one who takes the punches, the poison and the hits comes in mind but he quickly mask his face

Reaper: I'm so glad to see you all! I'm doing fine in this world, but I wish to make you see the spring in winter?? So please allow me to show you all!

He smile widely at them as he wipe his tears away. Everyone stared at him and all agreed. They will obviously will love to see such wonderful sight That they been told from the letter of reaper. That he prepared for many months. Because they wish to finally see spring with him, their precious winter blossom.

[cosettepontmercys]

Hi!! I know it's been a few days but how was the movie and crowd for you? What did you think? I hope you had so much fun! I saw your outfit in the pic you posted and it looked cute. How was it seeing the second time compared to the first? Did people like your bracelets? I really admire your craftiness and creativity cuz that is so not me but I wish I could be and I'm not that good at journaling either. But I agree it would probably be a good way to meet people. That's so nice and thoughtful to make some for your friends in other countries. I forgot to ask you how your last concert was..to see Renee Rapp so how was it? Her album is on my list and also am planning to listen to Holly Humberstone's album sometime this week. What do you think of her being in the Mean Girls movie or the movie in general? The musical is okay to me but the movie is just so iconic.

Those are a lot of my favorites too! Specifically Mirrorball, Cardigan, Daylight, You're on your own kid, Mastermind and Nothing New and Forever Winter! There wasn't really a crowd at my show..and probably less than 10 people..there was us and another group and maybe two more people and we all sat different spots in the theater, and we had our own space..so it was like watching it at home in a way lol which is fine. I already experienced the crowd at the actual show. What were your favorite parts of the movie?

I just told her that you love Taylor and theater/Broadway and you were named after Cosette. I hope so too..I will update you if or when we end up going. Ya that's what I thought about Cancers..I don't really know much about what moon signs actually mean so maybe I'll look more into it. I'm not a huge birthday person either and maybe it's cuz I'm a twin but I've always liked sharing my birthday. We usually make M&M and chocolate chip cookies.

That's so cool and must have been a great experience! I've never met an online friend before and have a hard time making actual online friends. I mostly just send anons to people but don't usually share things about myself online or have someone call me a specific anon or anything so it's sweet that you did. I only have a short list of places I wanna travel to and I haven't been a lot of places so I don't have much to add.

Okay I'll keep that in mind. The only thing I know about it is was the so haunt me then quote which intrigued me and the Kate Bush song lol. I did start reading Little Women at one point but then I just watched the movie lol. I am also just not very good with classics in general though. I wanna try finishing my other book this week if I can so next week works for me and I'll try to keep up as much as I can. I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

hi hi! i really loved it! i saw it on friday with one of my best friends and it was really fun — i was able to trade some bracelets in the parking lot / by concessions / inside, and the vibes were really chill! there were a few people singing and dancing but the way our cinemas are sloped/tiered meant it didn't block people's views (i was also in the back row)! no one really did the chants though, which i was surprised by? and then on sunday i went with my mom and i didn't really trade bracelets ( gave a bunch to the cinemark employees though! ) because the vibes were ... different! but people on sunday were a lot more ... enthusiastic! all the chants, dancing, etc! my mom had fun though; she turned to me as we were leaving and asked if i'd want to go see the movie again with her which was really cute 🥺! people were really nice about my bracelets; a girl i traded with on friday told me later that evening that my bracelet was her favorite one she got that night and it made my day! the renee rapp show was fine — i was really on the fence on if i still wanted to go, honestly, but am glad i went ultimately! i didn't love her album as much as i did her EP, and i think that she's so so talented vocally but the way her music is produced doesn't always let her vocals shine, if that makes sense? a lot of people near me were a little ... 😵‍💫 though in terms of concert etiquette! i hope you like holly's album; i've been listening to that a lot since it came out (and finally got around to listening to the new boygenius last night). the mean girls musical is fun; i've never seen it live (i had tickets to see taylor louderman's second to last show but was ... hungover ... and ended up selling my ticket to a friend haha) but i think it could've been better/stronger! i was really excited for it, because i love what they did with legally blonde but was disappointed with some of the score for mean girls. a small part of me was hoping that sabrina would reprise her role as cady, because i really like what i heard of her cady, and was sad her time as cady got cut short!

wow!! that's not a lot of people! it was pretty packed at both showings, but i actually got tickets to see it on 10/27 with my mom again, and so far, it's just us and one other person in that cinema! i really liked this movie (incredibly salty about things that got cut though), but i got a little motion sick at some of the shots. but i get motion sick easily, so that's more on me haha! i got really really sad/emotional during specific scenes and was thinking a lot about seeing it in person and the memories i made during my shows. i think my favorite parts were really just seeing how my mom and my best friend reacted to different things (i made my mom watch the entire thing on youtube a few months ago & it was my best friend's first time watching it)! i think my favorite eras sets are still fearless, speak now and folklore though, but they're all just so good! what about you?

that sounds so fun! do you bake a lot? i used to really like baking but haven't baked as much lately (but i do love baking cakes and oatmeal raisin cookies)!

i have met quite a few online friends — and have been incredibly lucky to do so! actually, three of the girlies i saw eras with were online friends who are super dear to my heart!! and we're online friends 🥰 ! we've been online friends before i knew your name!! i always love chatting with you; i think our back and forth long ask/answer conversations are so fun!

i read the appeal and the twyford code yesterday (both by janice hallett) and they were very very clever! i've got a busy week ahead, but am hoping to finish listening to curious tides on audiobook, and maybe some other books i'm in the middle of, and then am excited for our upcoming buddy read!!! hope you're having a good tuesday & a good week!

[cheekygreenty]

Little Witch - Part 20

The Darkling x Reader

He carried you to your bed that night, gently slipping off your kefta and taking out the uncomfortable hairpin in your hair while you slept like a baby.

Zoya had barged into his office earlier and mentioned that you were swarmed with duties so naturally he did was had to be done and took it all on himself for that day. Your door felt no vibrations from knocks after Zoya left and the 'accidental dozing off' turned into your full night sleep with Aleksander by your side yet again.

You were furious as you woke up, to say the least. Your enraged muttering breaking Aleksander's sleep as you whipped out from under his arm and out the bed. You only dared to shoot him a look of displeasure before you slammed the door shut as you left. He barely registered your body running around the room, nevermind the nasty gaze sent his way

'Good morning to you too'

****

'Is everything in order?' You were still fixing the kefta belt as you approached the head of guards.

'Yes Deputy. We've been letting performers in for about an hour now and it's all going smoothly.'

'No requests to see the Sun-Summoner?'

'Plenty, but we've taken care of them just as Zoya Nazyalensky told us to.' He curtly nodded, tilting his head in the way of the prison-holding cells.

'I'm glad to hear that.'

As you went to see how Marie's kefta was coming along, you found the room empty and her nowhere to be found, the seamstress looking equally as confused as she entered the bare room. You caught Genya heading for the Vezda suit out of the corner of your eye and called her name loudly.

'Marie is late to her kefta fitting, like very late. Do you have any idea where she is?'

'I think she may be with Alina, I'll be sure to fetch her' she said and waltzed away from you.

'Genya wait!'

'Yes?'

'When you get Ms.Starkov ready, give her this ring' You dug around in your pocket for the metal ring and handed it to the red-haired Tailor. 'Make sure she's wearing it.'

'Of course Deputy.'

You watched her white kefta diminish behind the doors and sighed loudly, going down the mental to-do list of the morning. I'm already tired.

*****

'Have you seen the Deputy?' Aleksander asked Ivan as they headed for his chambers.

'Last I seen she was helping conduct perimeter checks with Fedyor.'

'Good.' He wanted to see you in your winter fete kefta, silently hoping you chose to keep with the black but he knew he was being greedy. He can't have both you and Alina.

'Get her for me, I need to speak to her.' Ivan nodded and turned back around in search of you, clearly displeased at the task.

Putting his lust for you away, Aleksander returned to a working state of mind. He needed to speak to you before the fete started. It was essential you heard what he had heard from the Grand Palace.

He retreated to his chambers and began to get ready for the fete until a certain someone entered the room unannounced.

***

'Deputy Y/L/N, the General wishes to speak to you.' Ivan was at your door with a glum look on his face as a team of ladies tended to your hair and face.

'Now?' You laughed but he only shrugged. You rolled your eyes and signaled for them to finish what they were doing and let you leave.

The ladies frowned but stepped away, clearly dissatisfied. Not only did they get a late start due to you chasing Alina and Genya down on the Palace courtyard, but now they had to finish early too. You had yet to change out of your kefta and into the fete's outfit but for now, you ignored your appearance.

All that mattered to you was that the evening went smoothly and without security threats and if the General requested to see you, you would be there to discuss whatever had gone wrong. This is Ravka after all, something always goes wrong.

'I'm coming, relax your frown for once.' You joined him at the door and walked silently alongside him to the Darkling's quarters. The Palace was buzzing with life as foreign ambassadors took up residence in the rooms and servants prepared the spaces with brimming luxury. Ravka needed to display its strength and wealth today and if it meant meticulously counting the fresh roses in each room, that was what was had to be done.

Although your demeanor showed a relaxed and posed facade, you were very stressed. You hadn’t gotten enough sleep recently and given your extreme training schedule before you arrived at the Palace, the amount of time you spent using them now, or lack thereof, had managed to dwindle you mentally. You were hanging on by a mere thread.

Ivan knocked on the door for you before moving away to the side. You didn't wait for his response and just walked in but stopped short when you looked ahead. The Sun-Summoner you had scolded not even 30 minutes ago was standing in his quarters, looking like a deer caught in headlights. He stood next to her looking equally as red-handed. Realization flooded you that you had interrupted an intimate moment between the two summoners. You cleared your throat, trying your best to act normal.

'You requested to see me, General.' His head tipped up at your collected demeanor, wondering whether you felt the tension too.

'Yes, I did' He moved around to the table, walking past Alina who decided it would be best she left and got ready. You smiled at her as she left, muttering some pleasantry about seeing her at the fete but deep inside the jealousy began boiling in you despite your attempts to rationalize it.

'Y/N -'

'Let's not talk about it. Please.' Your voice was a whisper, a strong contrast to the voice Alina heard. 'I agreed to the plan, I have no right to argue with you.' You feebly smiled. His stare was pitiful on you but he did as you asked.

'I need you to speak to the Queen when she arrives at the Little Palace.'

'Why?' Your face contorted into an expression of confusion and disgust, quickly forgetting about what just happened.

'My intel tells me she is in awe of you. Genya overheard her speaking to one of her aids about you and a possible position for you in the Grand Palace'

Your eyes widened at his words. You had been tolerating the Queen like a toddler, giving into her whims and tantrums in hopes of her staying calm, not in hopes of being whisked away to work for the crown.

'Are you serious?'

'Yes'

'Saints' The weird headache was back, settling into the back of your head like a dull drum.

'Listen to what she has to say'

'Do you think I would accept whatever she has to offer? You'd be a fool to assume I would even consider it.' He turned away from you, displeasure obvious on his face.

'I just ask that you entertain her. And would it really be so bad? Whatever it may be, it would aid our course substantially-'

'All I ever wanted and needed were my Grisha, Aleksander. That's why I came back, not for the Lantsov Crown.'

'I'm not forcing you into anything Y/N. Just listen to her.' His voice was soft and gentle like he was lulling you down from an outburst but you knew he was plotting, taking every advantage he could grasp.

'Alright.' you sighed, still processing all the information at once. The Queen, The Fete, The Grand Palace, Alina, and Aleksander. It was clouding your mind like a fog. 'I should go get ready' Your mind was bursting at the seams with thoughts and speculations, you needed to have some alone time and you prayed to the Saints 20 minutes would be enough to put yourself at ease.

He reached out for you but you were already moving to leave, leaving him hanging in his chambers with a look of sorrow on his face.

Your feet dragged you to your chambers with little energy but much heaviness. The Summoner blue gown and kefta hanging on the door were glued to your gaze as you debated even going to the fete.

Within a span of 10 minutes, Aleksander had somehow managed to overwhelm you to the point of a lingering breakdown. You weren't sad or angry or jealous, you were overwhelmed, your mind was blank yet full and it made you want to cry. The stress of the last couple of days did not help either.

But alas you got yourself together, wiping the lone tears away and putting on your fete attire. It was heavy and comforting, like an armor ready to be destroyed as you entered the battlefield. The foreign diplomats were to meet you today and bring word back to their home countries about the Witch, the Deputy Commander of Ravka's Grisha Army and you would look the part too.

You held your head high and radiated the most powerful energy you could muster while you walked to the makeshift throne room before the official start of the fete. She was sitting there next to the King looking every part of a Lantsov Queen.

The crown settled on her head nicely and looked to be of perfect fit as you approached her, curtseying and making pleasant conversation. It was draining to listen to her empty stories in anticipation of what you knew was coming. In a shocking reality however, you had no idea what she was really thinking and neither did Aleksander, or Genya, or anybody.

It wasn't until she grabbed your wrist tight in her hold and made you kneel next to her in the empty room did you freeze and crumble beneath her. The King was watching eagerly with his head held high and a smirk on his face. In that moment all you were was their subject and she was the Queen, commanding a commander. You were no General, or Grisha, or high ranking officer. You were simply a girl who held their eyes for too long. A girl who was not simple but regal.

It was nothing short of debilitating. The facade crumbling and crashing to the ground with silent thuds while the words stuck in your head like a pulsing bee sting.

'We wish for you to marry my son, my dear Nikolai'

--------

Part 21

Shockerrrrr I know but don’t worry for those who haven’t read the novels, I will not be introducing Nikolai as a character. Maybe I will when I decide to move this to AO3 but not as of right now.

Taglist (tell me if you want to be added to the Little Witch taglist!!)

@theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @0-artemis @lostysworld @xceafh @fire-in-her-veinz @patdsinner33 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @wizardwheezes @aleksanderwh0r3 @tomhollandisabae @hotleaf-juice @justmesadgirl @exo-1204 @houseofdupree @oberonpascal @eireduchess @lunas1x1 @adoringb @grisha-of-shadow-bone @rosiethefairy

[taylorlynn-art]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28389981/chapters/69563280

✨ “Untouchable” ✨

Digital drawing ✍🏻 04/14/2021

Drops of Starlight

By: StrawberryMoonRose

Summary:

It's the year 2000 and Crystal Tokyo never came to be. The Starlights visit Earth to find Usagi raising baby Chibi-Usa on her own. Seiya struggles to admit she wants to be more than just friends, while Usagi's old feelings for Seiya resurface. But is that the worst of their problems when a new threat has followed them and ghosts from the past return?

Chapter 1: Back in the Atmosphere

📖

What's this sudden burst of energy? It can't be. Those three have left the planet? Yes, it seems. Left their Princess in the hands of the others. What fools. As I suspected, they have no idea they just provided me with the opening I need, the opening I've been waiting all these years for.

Fighter... Healer... Maker... I hope you enjoy your journey to Earth.

Because I'm coming with. And I'll be waiting for you there.

Waiting for the perfect chance...

🌏

The trip from Kinmoku left Sailor Star Fighter buzzing when they landed. After what felt like minutes, but she knew was days of galactic travel to another star system, they were here.

Earth. More specifically, Tokyo, Japan. The year 2000. And apparently winter because snowflakes danced down around them like confetti. Seiya stumbled back, blinded by the sudden brightness. The crisp city air of this planet almost took her back instantly. It had been seven years since they'd left this very same rooftop. So much had happened, so many years passed. But for a moment, it seemed only seconds ago.

“I'll never get used to that trip," Sailor Star Maker complained. She pinched the crease between her eyebrows as if massaging away a headache.

Sailor Star Healer chattered her teeth animatedly. She hugged her petite frame with her leather gloved arms. "Damn! S-S-Some weather here. Ugh."

Fighter stared at the spot before them, the same spot she had stood that last time they'd seen each other... Doused in the golden hour sunset, the blonde had glowed like an angel. That black cat Yaten had a thing for, draped around her shoulder like a scarf... What was her name again? Oh yeah, Luna.

The icy air rose goosebumps to Fighter's exposed skin. Their sailor guardian outfits were not suitable for this kind of temperatures.

"Let's let our transformations go," Fighter instructed.

"Are we using our previous disguises?" asked Maker.

Healer wrinkled her nose. "Ugh, not this time. You know how much I hated being a boy. It's been so long, I don't think I could get used to it again."

Fighter chuckled. "Well, there really is no need to disguise ourselves as the Three Lights anymore. Actually, it's probably best we take on our true forms. We still might be recognized if we're men."

"Agreed," Maker said.

In unison the three Sailor Starlights were enveloped in a flash of light that disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Ah, much better." Yaten tugged on the fluffy earmuffs and brushed a whisp of silver bangs off her face with her mittens.

"I'm glad I listened to you about dressing warm, Taiki!" Seiya said. "You were right. Even though it was hot as hell in this getup when we left our planet."

"Naturally, Seiya." The tall brunette smiled and flipped her scarf over her shoulder. Somewhere in the distance "Jingle Bells" could be heard playing.

"So now what?" Yaten said impatiently. "We don't exactly belong in high school anymore, so maybe we should get off school property?"

"Good point," Seiya agreed. Three twenty-something women hanging out on the Juban High School roof would definitely seem odd.

The trio headed down the stairs, moving quickly, but silently. It wasn't until they reached the bottom level that they realized the school was nearly deserted and the coast was clear.

It must be a Friday around 4 o'clock, Seiya thought as they slipped past one of the club rooms that echoed voices mentioning the words "manga" and "did you read the latest issue of...?" Seiya smiled inwardly. Crazy after all these years I still remember a detail like that. Bun Head used to get so excited for manga club at the end of each week.

The Starlights made it off school property without any suspicious looks and followed the sidewalks of Tokyo across town. The city was for the most part, as they remembered it. Civilian bundled up and walking fast through traffic lights, sirens blaring in the distance, the occasional honking vehicle.

"Where are you two headed first?" Seiya asked, her hands in her pockets. She could see her breath when she spoke.

"We'll make do, Seiya," Taiki said slowly, knowingly. "See what state our apartment is in above our old studio... Perhaps eat at that favorite diner of mine. Then look for the girls downtown... After all, this impromptu visit wasn't exactly planned out by a travel guide. We couldn't let them know we were coming in advance, so we'll just have to find them the old fashioned way. I'm confident I can get in contact with Ami somehow or another, wherever she is these days.”

Seiya stalled. “Okay, sounds good.”

There were a couple beats of heavy silence.

"Just go see her, Seiya," Yaten blurted before she could help it. A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her pale lips. "We know that's what you want to do."

Seiya ducked her head, grinning in relief. "Thanks. I'll catch up with you guys in a while."

🏡

Twenty minutes later, Seiya stood before the old two-story white home with clay shingles. The white fence obscured her view, but green shrubbery still peeked out, dusted in a fresh layer of snow that resembled powdered sugar.

Just as I remember it, she thought to herself with a nostalgic smile. Seiya half expected the bun-headed girl to appear on the balcony in pajamas and the raspberry-haired toddler in bunny jammies on one hip.

A distant longing echoed in her heart for both of them. And suddenly Seiya wanted nothing more than to see them in person, though she knew Chibi Chibi had returned to wherever she had come from on that long ago day.

This is it, Bun Head. I'm here. How are you? What have you been up to all these years? Did you miss me? Tell me everything. I can't wait!

Seiya pushed open the gate and strode right up to the front door and pressed the doorbell before she changed her mind. She rocked slightly on her heels while she waited for an answer.

I can't believe I'm about to see her again. What do I say? It's probably fine to go in for a hug, right?

"Coming!" an unfamiliar voice echoed. Before Seiya could second guess herself, the door swung open and a woman in her late forties stood before her. Even with her purple hair and tall frame, Seiya recognized the warmth in her confused eyes.

Bun Head's mother.

"Oh. Um, is Bun-. Uh, Usagi home?" Seiya found herself blushing all of a sudden. What am I, still a sixteen year old boy?

Ikuko Tsukino dried her hands on her apron while eyeing Seiya from head to toe. Seiya wondered what she thought of her Kinmokian fashion - dark trousers, red fleece unisex coat, knit cap and gloves. It the closest thing to Earth's fashion she had back home.

"Um, no. She moved out after the wedding last fall. She's still in that apartment of theirs, despite everything. I keep trying to convince her to move back home, but that girl..."

"Oh." Seiya sucked in a quick breath of air. It froze her lungs in an instant. Her heart beat in double time. Wedding?

"Say, you look quite familiar. Forgive me, I'm awful with names anymore."

Seiya hesitated. "Yes, I went to high school with her. I've been overseas for quite some time now.. I haven't been able to be in touch unfortunately. I didn't know she was married, but... I mean, that does make sense. I guess a lot has happened..."

"That's for sure," Ikuko muttered. Her body language shifted, one hand on her hip and her head shook ever so slightly in what came across as disgust.

The Starlight a tiny step back, confused by her reaction. "Well, thank you, Mrs. Tsukino, for your help. Sorry to bother you."

"No problem at all, darling. It's 630B Hoshino Avenue, by the way. By the Crescent movie theater." Her eyes crinkled when she smiled. Seiya had never met Usagi's mother before, but she was exactly as she would have imagined. She had an overall warm presence.

"I appreciate it." Seiya gave a small bow, a gesture that felt natural after all this time. "It was nice to meet you."

"You too - Oh, honey, I still didn't catch your name."

"It's Seiya. Seiya Kou."

Ikuko paused and leaned against the doorframe, keeping as much of the December air out as possible. "Oh, that does ring a bell. Hey, wasn't there a boy band Usagi used to listen to all the time... The Three Lights! Yes, I think the lead singer had the same name. Huh, what a coincidence."

Seiya smiled. "What a coincidence indeed."

❄️

The apartment complex was a looming steel building with fifteen floors. Smack in the middle of a busy, noisy part of downtown. Not at all where Seiya expected Usagi to be living.

Of course she wouldn't still live at that comfy little home I remember. She's what, twenty-three now? Same as me... It's only natural she'd be married too. I mean, we all knew it was inevitable. I shouldn't be surprised. I need to be happy for her.

Seiya pulled her knit hat lower. But how come you didn't invite me to the wedding, Bun Head? I would have been there. On one of the happiest days of your life... I would have wanted to be there for you.

Seiya walked fast through the entrance and headed for the elevator. She decided right then and there to swallow the pain and push it deep down for now. This spontaneous trip was supposed to be fun. Not drenched in old heartache and jealousy. She was over all that. Seiya knew she was caught in a one-sided love. Time turned those flames to embers, but being here again, in this world full of vivid memories was flooding back all her teenage emotions.

This isn't about that, Seiya insisted to herself. I'm your friend, Bun Head. I just want the best for you, always. That will never change.

The elevator music caught her by surprise. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear it at first. The Three Lights’ lead single, "Search For Your Love" drifted out of the speakers softly. It made her feel warm and nostalgic.

Seiya couldn't help but smile. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is.

Ding! Seiya stepped off at the eight floor and before she knew it, she was standing in front of Usagi's apartment door.

Here goes nothing. The Starlight knocked twice and stuffed her hands in her pockets. Please don't let Mamoru answer. I just want to see her... She held her breath and counted to ten. She could have sworn she heard a baby crying, but maybe it was coming from another unit.

Footsteps thudded, accompanied by a high pitched, "Coming...!"

And just like that, there she was. Golden hair tied into her signature bun head style. Wide ocean-blue eyes lighting up like holiday lights as they fell on Seiya.

"Hey, Bun Head. Did ya miss me?"

🍓🌙🌹

[justcafewriter]

Bittersweet

pairing : Oda Sakunosuke x Reader

genre : a mix of fluff and angst (only a little bit of angst i guess ^^;)

warning : contain death

prompt : roasting sweet potato

summary : a bittersweet memory always find its way to you whenever winter come

word count : 2.4K

a/n : another story from a different prompt for the 12 days of cheer collab. the general idea was to have Makoto as the main character and fluff as the genre but I recently have Oda brainrot thanks to my dear friend, Clio :') so here we go.

The sound of your kitchen timer ringed loudly, making you swiftly walk to the kitchen and stop where the oven is and turn it off before you put on your kitchen gloves and open the oven's lid. The smell of roasted sweet potato filled your nostrils, a satisfactory smile appeared on your face as you're checking if it's properly roasted and it did. You look at the clock, it's now 9am and you just need to change your clothes before you're finally ready to go. 15 minutes later, you're already in your bestest outfit, a necklace with a home-shaped pendant decorating your outfit nicely, you're wearing a bit of makeup and let your hair loose. You look at your reflection, smiling as you think that you look the way someone you'll meet like.

After you put on your shoes, you're ready to go with a box of roasted potato in one hand and a bouquet of flowers that you've already arranged yourself in another. A mix of Pink Camelia, Pink Carnation, Red Chrysanthemum and Forget-Me-Not. You look at the bouquet in your hand before your eyes drift to the frames that's standing on the table not too far from the entrance of your apartment.

One of the frames contained a photo of a young man with reddish-brown hair, his azure eyes seemed so gentle as he was smiling happily. Another frame contained a photo of you and that young man, there's a little scribble on that photo saying "first date with Oda ♡". You smile upon seeing those photos, a warm feeling crept inside your heart as you see the smiles both of you wore in that sacred moment.

With a heavy sigh you finally get out from your apartment. The weather is not that nice but you can say that it's not bad either, especially since it's December now. As you're walking, you see a lot of people around, some busying themselves buying gifts for Christmas and you're giving note to yourself to not forget searching for one.

It doesn't take long until you finally arrive at your destination. You're walking toward a big tree and lay a small blanket before you sit on it. You're smiling as you see the one who you want to see resting there.

"I'm here, Oda." You whispered as a gentle smile appeared on your beautiful face. "And I bring roasted potatoes too!"

Suddenly, your mind traced on the first day he finally has courage to talk to you.

-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-

7 years ago

You were eating your favorite curry at your favorite small shop like you usually do when suddenly a tall man with stubble came and asking for 'usual'. You look at his figure before you try to continue eating your food. Yes, try. Because the man who just came was also the reason why you keep coming back to the shop. He gave you this mysterious aura which told you to not get too close to him but also at the same time you drew to him and your eyes landed on nothing but him.

Silent filled the room, only the sound of the chef (also the owner) cooking could be heard when suddenly the man beside you asked, "How's the kids?" which was answered with, "Like usual." By the chef.

Again, silence filled the room. You try to continue to eat when suddenly the man beside you said, "Do you like sweet potatoes?" You paid him no mind since you thought that he was probably talking to the chef again but then you felt a pair of eyes looking at you, so you were looking at your right only to be watched by a pair of beautiful azure eyes. You tried your best to not spit on your food because you swear that the curry seems like entering the wrong hole.You tried to gulp down that damn curry before you sipped the cold water beside your plates.

"You're asking me?" You asked, looking at him with your doe eyes, you saw a tint of pink appear on his cheeks.

"Ah, sorry if I'm being rude and yes I was asking you." He said as he rubbed his hair.

"I.. I like sweet potatoes." You said again, you weren't lying, it's not like you love them by lots but you enjoy eating them.

"Good. So you wouldn't mind to join us later? If you have time of course." A sheepishly smile appeared on his face.

Your face brightened at the invitation, not gonna lie, you were so interested at this man so having him inviting you was something that you'd like to have.

"Well, what time is later?" You asked, no matter how happy you feel you need to play it cool.

"Uhm.. later as in after we finished our meal." He answered. "I heard a saying that said, 'women have another stomach for dessert'."

"Well it's very much true and I feel like I need to accept your invitation, especially if it's coming from a gentleman like you." You said and the moment you said it, that man knew that you were a very special person and he knew that you would change him in any way possible.

"My name is Oda Sakunosuke." That man said while stretching out his hand.

"My name is Y/N." You said, while gripping that man's hand. The moment his large hand wrapping yours, you knew that you couldn't escape to fall for him more deeply.

-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-

"Y/N-san! Odasaku! come here, come here. Sakura has practiced her singing skill and she will sing for us!" Kousuke, the oldest kid of orphaned children who Oda adopted said as he was welcoming you and Oda. It has been a year since you were dating Oda and you've met the kids countless times so they already welcomed you like you're always belonged there. Oda never knew why he introduced the kids to you and told you that he adopted them all. Well, he knew why. He wanted to know how your reaction would be. He was glad when he saw that you were very much okay with him having kids despite he was only 21 years old at that time.

"Oh, Y/N-san! You brought a lot of sweet potatoes!" Another child named Katsumi said after he appeared from nowhere.

"Yes, I'm gonna make roasted sweet potatoes because Odasaku said that you guys like them and we couldn't enjoy them that much last year."

"Your roasted potatoes taste so delicious." The youngest kid, Sakura, said as she approached you. The rest of two kids also joined you and Oda while they were agreeing to what Sakura said.

"Okay, okay. Odasaku and I will clean the sweet potatoes before we roast them so you all can prepare things in the living room and clean it up a bit. You say you will help uncle right?" You said and all the kids accepting your guidance before they stormed into the living room.

"How can they listen to you so well?" Oda said once the kids left the kitchen as he approached you. He wrapped his hands around your waist before he inhaled your scent and put his lip close to your jawline before he kissed it, that gesture made you turn around so you were facing him and process to kiss his lips before saying, "It's a secret."

A laugh erupted from both of you. Oda then pulled you closer to him before he planted a kiss on your lips, a passionate one if you could tell. The kiss made your feet feel like jelly and your lips burned in sensation of his sweet, honey taste lips. His stubble roughly rubbed the skin around your mouth but it didn't give you any effect to pull away.

"Uhm!!" You heard someone try to disturb the moment you have with Oda so you broke the kiss only to find the oldest kid, Kousuke gave you a 'what-the-hell-are-you-doing' look. "Sorry to interrupt but the potatoes won't roast themselves aren't they?" He snickered.

You and Oda were stuttering as you both tried to reasoning your action. Fast forward, all the seven of you were already in the living room with a warm roasted potato on the table and warm green tea accompanied it.

You were listening to Sakura singing a Christmas song then after that you were just listening to the kids rumbling about their days before finally the show that the kid wanted to watch has started. It was suddenly quiet, you were sitting in the back with Oda sitting beside you and his hand was around your waist. You put your head on his shoulder as you also lingered your hands around his torso. Both of you sit there in silence, watching the kids immersed in the movie that they watched.

After the movie finished, you saw the kids were all sleeping. Oda then moved them one by one to their bedroom with you helping him by preparing their bed and tucked them once Oda put them on their bed. After you tucked the last kid, both of you look at the sight of five angelic kids sleeping figures and you couldn't help but feel the warmness inside your heart and you knew Oda felt the same because you felt a pair of strong arms lingering around your waist as he hugged you from behind.

"One day… One day we will move from this town, we'll move to another place near the beach, where the kids can run as far as possible, where the kids can enjoy much sunshine while they're playing outside, where they will have baby siblings and play with them and teach them one thing or two. I, I'm sorry for being so selfish but please bear with me a little more. I promise you everything will be better." You heard Oda say those words before he kissed your crown. You, on the other side felt your tears run down to your cheeks.You knew about his occupation yet you still accept him and love him with all your might. Mafia who doesn't kill. That was what his colleagues called him. And you knew the reason why, he told you about it, about his dream, about how he wanted to be a writer, how he wanted to have a house with a window facing the ocean as he wrote the continuation of his favorite book. He shared his dream with you, shared his obsession and you were very much so supporting to his idea.

"I will wait as much as possible if it's come to you. To the kids that I thought of my own. That's how much I love you, Oda." You whispered but it was loud enough for Oda to hear.

You felt Oda broke the hug before he asked you to close your eyes and you did. Suddenly you felt a cold metal at the crook of your neck, then he told you to open your eyes. The first thing you did was to look down and there you saw a necklace with a house-shaped pendant. You ask him what it was about and he told you that it was a token, a token to what he promised to you; the next stage of relationship.

You couldn't help but crying at his explanation, he was so shocked because that wasn't the reaction that he expected.

-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-

It was less than a year when you heard news from Oda's friend, Dazai, that Oda was seriously injured. Your head was spinning like crazy and your heart was beating so fast it felt like it'd burst out from your body anytime. The time when you come to where Dazai told you, Oda was long gone, his body already cold and lifeless. That was when your world sinked into hell, when your heart broke into pieces it couldn't be repaired, when you couldn't even scream in pain as you saw a lifeless body that belonged to a man who you loved dearly.

-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-✿-

A single tear escapes from your eyes as you reminisce the memory of your now deceased fiance. You saw his name engraved on the tombstone in front of you before you put the bouquet that you bring on top of his grave. It has been 4 years since Oda left you, and you also learnt about the kids he adopted, that they were also already dead because they caught up in Oda's last mission. Another tears escapes and run down to your cheeks, you try to hold it because you already swore to only show Oda your happy side, to not make him worry when he's watching you from heaven above.

"It's okay to cry." You hear a familiar voice of Oda's friend, Dazai. "I bet that's what Oda would say to you." He says again as he's walking towards your direction.

You saw him holding a small bouquet of flowers.

"Zinnia. Thoughts of absent friends." You say as you look at the flower.

"Longing for you, I'll never forget you, I love you and True love memories." Dazai says after he placed his bouquet next to yours. "Odasaku was so lucky to meet you." He says again.

"Both of us are lucky to meet each other, but not lucky enough to be together in this life." You smile bitterly as you spit on your last words. The words are surely hurt and the reality you're facing now is surely cruel and Dazai knew what kind of hell you've been through after you learnt a sadistic truth 4 years ago, after you learnt the fact that you lost the most important person in your life.

"I still feel thankful that you live your life to your best, that you carry out Oda's dream and even you're doing more than he can do. You build an orphanage, you're taking care of unfortunate children and I'm sure Oda is gonna be proud of you." Dazai says as he pat your head, like a big bro he is.

"That's the only thing I can do." You say.

"It's getting cold now, let me take you home." Dazai offers and you decide that it's the time you need to go.

"Till then, Oda." You says before you rub his tombstone and accepting Dazai's offer to take your hand and walk with him, leaving a bittersweet memory behind you as you leave the cemeteries.

collab taglist: @animatedarchives @azxmii @yamaguchi-stan

[pmiller1]

Thieves Den: Shadow Mariko and Snow Empress Mariko

-1-

Ryuji: Man, I didn't recognized that she was Mariko's Shadow.

Yusuke: Indeed, she does seem to be different from her real self.

Ryuji: I mean, dang. At least the other shadow lose close to there real self.

Yusuke: That is true. But I fear that if she would have put on some pound she would a lot like her shadow.

Ryuji: Dude! Not cool!

-2-

Haru: Mari-san... it still pain me to see you like this.

Futaba: Well look on the bright side, at least she didn't bring out a bunch of robots on us.

Haru: In some way I expected that would happen on us.

Futaba: Really?

Haru: She was mistrusting her staff. I expected the history to repeat itself.

Futaba: Well you should be lucky that it didn't happen like that. Like I said look on the bright side.

Haru: Heh. I guess. I take to heart, Thank Futaba.

-3-

Sumire: No way, really in the cold?

Yusuke: Indeed. Her Jail was a Cold as Winter itself.

Sumire: Then I'm glad I wasn't there. I don't think I could survived with my Phantom Thieves outfit.

Yusuke: I have to agreed with that, your outfit dose seem to bear more skin.

Sumire: It kind embarrassed wearing something like that, I do wish I have someway to cover my legs.

Yusuke: Would that make you less mobile?

Sumire: Yeah... Maybe it not the best idea for me.

-4-

Yoshida: See to a fellow Mayor been so cold hearted to make her staff as slave to her Gluttony.

Ann: I always thought that Gluttony mean that you like to overeat.

Yoshida: Nonsense. Gluttony is more excessive consumption then just the food.

Ann: Oh. So it isn't wrong to eat whatever we want?

Yoshida: No. But her action have exhausted then to the point that seem like she feeling off they life-forces.

Ann: Ohhhh! I think I getting it now.

-5-

Mariko: So this is what became of me?

Haru: Yes. You was power-hungry that it hurt me.

Mariko: Oh Haru. I feel awful for what I done to you.

Haru: It okay Mari-san. I just glad to see you alive.

Mariko: I still made you suffer as more as your father had before.

Haru: Hey, it okay. I'm all better now. I just glad I can save you.

-6-

Futaba: This maybe be odd thing to ask but, was she always that skinny? The Real One, I mean.

Haru: In all her life really, she was always a picky eater.

Makoto: I don't want to assume anything but do you think that Mariko had... eating disorder?

Futaba: You mean was she Anorexia? I mean, I hope she doesn't have it.

Haru: Is could be, I not too sure on myself. She never told anyone if she was.

Futaba: Man, I do not want to stop eating myself.

Makoto: Well maybe she keep an healthy diet, it doesn't have to be that.

-7-

Zenkichi: Man, she so does not look like the real Mariko.

Morgana: Sometime they Shadow does not always close to real one, most time they look like something that do not want to seen by the pubic.

Sophia: Like something behind the light?

Zenkichi: Something that they not want to been seen. Yeah, that does seem like a shadow in someway, I-I think.

Morgana: It okay, you get the hand of it.

-8-

Akechi: It must hard for you to seen another love fall to corruption.

Haru: Yes. But I stay strong even now. I want to save her as mush as I would for my father.

Akechi: Then you must glad that I wasn't there, if you understand what I mean?

Haru: Oh don't worry I'll make sure you wouldn't cross the line if you was there.

Akechi: Urrg. And they say I'm the crazy one.

-9-

Hifumi: So it the Snow queen or Snow white?

Shinya: I don't know? It could be both for all we know.

Hifumi: Hmm... the White Snow Queen. I think I like that.

Shinya: Whatever it just a white blob monster, just let it go.

Hifumi: I subpose so.

-10-

Makoto: It still said that those people blackmail her the lose of a little girl.

Zenkichi: In someway I can see why she did what she did. Not that justify her action.

Kawakami: She must be so guilty for her lose. Poor Lady.

Makoto: It must been eating at her all day, wanna to keep those that did all this pay for what they did.

Kawakami: People those day I swear.