#this one has been the most difficult so far and I'm not 100% satisfied with it

[moonlightphos]

🌱🏛️

[angelpuns]

CW FOR UNWANTED DISCUSSION OF BODY, MISGENDERING, FATPHOBIA, A BIT OF EYESTRAIN

Please let me know if it needs any other warnings <3333

Another TMNT:HME style test. Similar to the last one, but more of a painted sort of background? I'm not 100% satisfied with this one tbh. Also translating things parents say about your body into turtle stuff is difficult??? Maybe I'll work on that since this will come up again :/

Anyway this comic also has an alt. palette ( it's the original palette but I wanted to try with this darker look)

I'll reblog with it later if anyone wants to see it <3

This comic has been the most...idk sad so far. Um. there are worse things in this google doc, but I was feeling v dysphoric today (brought on by a similar sort of conversation to this one) soooo a treat!

This one is also a bit longer than previous style tests :)

TMNT:HME Masterpost

[akuma-tenshi]

tell me ur theories abt 100 epitaphs

had to go back to get screenshots bc i felt like i was going insane. so:

at the very beginning, during the lyrics "lay your emotions with them like a mourning wreath", there's a shot of kt's face on a headstone. which makes me believe she may have been terminated at some time during this whole thing and there's going to be a twist where yura gets into the facility with whoever the hell decides to join him only to learn she's been dead this whole time and all this was for nothing

my friend pointed this out when the video first came out but there's a shot of yura during the first chorus where he's surrounded by several mostly-unnamed characters when they say "another apathetic epitaph". iirc he's between kolya and nikita, both of whom are dead, and their faces are shown in frames, likely symbolising those photos that are displayed during funerals. which could very possibly foreshadow yura dying, probably during the mission to save kt.

olga being shown with flowers sprouting out of her does not give me hope for her. this is especially worrying considering the fact that she's shown in occam's razor during the line "but some ventures require a sacrificial lamb" - this could refer to her taking the fall for yura after the whole incident in the zone but it's still concerning. oddly enough i'm less confident in this than in my yura and kt dying theories bc it just doesn't feel like olga would die (wouldn't make sense or be satisfying from a narrative perspective) but it's still possible. if she doesn't die then she's definitely not coming out of this the same

this is not the last we've seen of sergei. this may just be wishful thinking (love that square......) and ik he basically just gave up on sanya. but anyone who's tried to help an especially difficult person will tell you it's not that easy to just let them go, especially considering that he's already done so much for her and still has skin in the game even if he does completely drop his sister (*gestures vaguely at that one drawing of him reading a book on "breaking your girlfriend out of jail" or smthn.... ik it's just a silly joke but i'd be fuckin hyped if we got sergei breaking olga out of prison). something tells me he's going to keep trying to influence things from afar without getting too invested; whether he'll keep trying to help sanya or just focus all his effort on olga, i'm not sure.

sanya is becoming another yura. she's getting more hopeless and desperate, not to save kt but to protect / help yura. she's doing crazier and crazier shit and has managed to stay in contact with him even though sergei tried to stop them from meeting. the shot of her laughing surrounded by candles, the shot of her sitting so nonchalantly against the wall talking to dima, the shot of her standing up to sergei to protect yura... she feels very yuracore and it worries me. also the shot of her strangling her past self, the one that was much more optimistic and bright yet sheltered.. any writer will tell you that having a character literally harm / kill their past self is the number one way of indicating that they're completely cutting off their past and moving on.

this is a very stupid theory but kolya isn't actually dead. he plays way more of a role in 100 epitaphs than he ever did before. and yes nikita has content too but there are just.. so many shots of kolya (the one that stands out most to me is of him sitting in the center of the screen with headphones on). he may not be the same person but like. what if the grinder didn't kill him?? what if he's alive, just far away from all this?? what if he comes back?? changed and injured but still kolya. ((god i hope i'm talking about the right person here if that isn't kolya i'm going to look like such a dumbass))

also the title "100 epitaphs" and the prominent presence of two (supposedly) dead characters.... it doesn't inspire confidence in a lot of these characters' chances of surviving.

sorry if some of this is incoherent or just downright weird, i've been up for a while. but i will always take up an opportunity to rant about this video it's had me positively ill. i was literally fucking shaking while typing this

[banghwa]

Filter is so insaaaane you're so right. I think it's Jimin's most self-revealing and introspective song. I love him (he's my bias 💕) but his biggest flaw was always his biggest strength, he's always been driven by external validation and craved attention (I don't mean it in obnoxious way! In the "that's what made him a performer that's what made him a beast on stage" way), he's always demanded a lot of himself and staked his worth on how well he does (enneagram 3 king 🥰), it must have been on some level EMBARRASSING to admit it all, to lay all your cards on the table, to say "I've been performing magic tricks for years to make you love me, I captivate you and have you wrapped around my finger and I am terrified of the moment you figure me out and get bored of me because then I won't exist without your eyes on me", he can be EVERYTHING because fundamentally he feels like he's nothing. Is it not enough, being the same thing is boring, I want to merge with you, I want to win you over and I want you to save me, you have your one chance of getting close to me and knowing me, I'm kind of arrogant but also so desperate for your love that I'll be your type before you realize what's going on. Is it any surprise that Jimin is a self-proclaimed Slytherin even if he's known as a sweetheart and kind and caring, he's all desire. Look at yourself!! Why don't you want more, that suits you, babe!!!

Anyway he's insane and I love him

filter rly is like. like its not even among my favourite bts songs but every line is just. insane. youre so right tho being driven by that validation and that desire to satisfy by all means necessary is smt jimin has talked about a lot. so its so interesting how he approaches something that for so long has been really difficult - and even painful to translate into music. like the more i think about it it makes SENSE that he didnt like lie bcs that song is soooo vulnerable. its ugly. it mustnt have been very fun to record. and now he takes that same fear and those other really complicated feelings and like. i mean whats really fascinating to me is that he doesnt make it into something 100% redemptive or positive or 100% tragic either. its sooooo nuanced and complicated and i REALLY dont think he's given enough credit for just. the complexity of what he communicates through his work so far. like its so flashy and dramatic on the surface but in a way that is so uncanny and visceral and Too Much and desperate and controlling. its a power struggle its a reappropriation of a dynamic in a way that doesnt place him in a vulnerable position its weilding control through submission its alllllllllllll a game. its so sick and twisted park jimin let me get into your mind.

[thommi-tomate]

Interview with Frans Krätzig

By: Kicker

Two games, one assist, one goal, twice in the kicker eleven of the day. How satisfied are you with your first few weeks at Vienna Austria?

It's been a great two weeks for me. I got off to a very good start and quickly settled in at Austria. It's very nice to live in Vienna and play football here. I didn't need much time to settle in, to be honest. But it was also made very easy for me. That's why I was able to play my part in the two victories.

You have very quickly played your way into the hearts of the Austria fans. What does that mean to you after such a short time?

First and foremost, it gives me a good feeling. It's nice when the fans say that you're doing a good job. Being received in this way has given me a very positive feeling. I try to repay that with performance. I always do my best, but you can't overdo it either: It's only been two games. With the derby against Rapid on Sunday, the most important game so far awaits us. We can certainly take the positive reactions from the fans into this game.

The derby is highly charged due to the tight race for the championship group.

That's true. I've heard so much about the game. Everyone I've spoken to about the derby so far is calling this weekend's encounter the "game of the year". I'm really looking forward to getting on the bus on Sunday and soaking up the atmosphere. We want to be there from the start and show that we are number one in the city.

Why did you decide to leave FC Bayern temporarily in the winter?

The most important argument was the playing time. The club also has a high standing in Austria. It was very important to me not to go just anywhere. I want to be seen! The people in charge at Austria gave me a good feeling and so, after talking to friends and family, I decided to go here.

How decisive was the proximity to home?

I wouldn't have minded going a little further away. But a lot of little things add up to an overall picture - and the fact that there is no language barrier spoke in Austria's favor. It almost couldn't have been any closer. I just have to feel comfortable with a club overall. Even if it's only for six months.

With coach Michael Wimmer and goalkeeper Christian Früchtl, two familiar faces were waiting for you at Austria. What role did these two play in your move?

Not a very big one. Of course, it's nice that I already knew Chris in passing. I knew the coach a bit better. But I didn't even train under him in Nuremberg for a year. It wasn't the main deciding factor, but of course it's a bit easier when you already know a few faces.

What was the communication like with Thomas Tuchel regarding your transfer?

Basically, the decision was made relatively late. Of course, I spoke to all the decision-makers and got their opinions. That was important to me. We came to a common denominator and then I was allowed to leave for Vienna.

You were in the Bayern squad for every game in the fall and have already had a taste of the Champions League. Do you regret not staying in Munich after all, given Bayern's current injury worries?

No, not really. I've decided 100 percent to join Austria and want to prove myself here. That's why it would be stupid to want to go back after just two weeks. But of course I watch the Bayern games and cheer them on. I'm also in front of the TV, screaming and wondering what's going on all of a sudden. I'm emotionally involved, but at the same time I feel very comfortable here. I'm not even thinking about going back to Bayern now.

With three defeats in a row, things are not going according to plan for FC Bayern, who are already eight points behind Leverkusen. Do they have to write off the championship in Munich?

Of course, they are now facing a difficult task, but that was also the case last year. Anyone who knows FC Bayern knows that they don't write anything off. Of course, the starting position is difficult, but now is not the time to worry about it. There are so many players at FC Bayern who just want to win. Nobody makes mistakes there on purpose. I still firmly believe in the championship. The game is not over yet.

In the recent past, home-grown players have traditionally found it difficult to make the leap to the professional ranks at FC Bayern. Sports director Christoph Freund is considered a great promoter of talent due to his past in Salzburg. What changes have you noticed since his arrival in Munich?

I don't have the confidence to make a final judgment because I don't really know what it was like before Christoph. In any case, I have a very good relationship with him. We always have very good and honest conversations. He understands me, I understand him. You notice a bit of the Salzburg school, I think. He relies a lot on young players. I think he has to make his mark on the club first. That's not easy with a club as big as FC Bayern. But if you give him time, it could be a very good match between Christoph Freund and Bayern Munich.

At Bayern, ex-Austria player Richard Kitzbichler has his eye on the players on loan. Did he advise you to move to Vienna and what is the current exchange with him like?

When it came to the switch here, I didn't ask his opinion. Maybe I could have done that, then I might have come here even quicker (laughs). But now I'm in regular contact with him. It's very nice to still have a constant connection to his home club. And it also shows that Christoph attaches a lot of importance to the youngsters when he brings someone with him who primarily looks after the loan players.

What is your impression of Austrian football so far?

Compared to what I've heard about the league before, the impression is very good. I had a very positive impression, especially in our two home games. Everything is very professional here. Of course, you can't compare it to the German Bundesliga, it's just not that advanced yet. There is a lot of potential for development, but the league is on the right track. It's the perfect springboard for young players like me. You can also see that in many other talents who have done the same as me. Everything connected with Austria Vienna and the Austrian Bundesliga has been very, very cool so far.

In Austria, the league is divided into a championship group and a qualifying group after 22 rounds. What do you think of this?

I haven't given it too much thought yet. I don't know how I'm going to find the final answer.

Vienna Austria is currently one point off the top six. How do you assess your team's starting position?

We're in a good position after the two wins. We're not thinking ahead just yet, we just want to win the next game. It will be tight, but we can do it. It would be nonsense not to believe it.

[monabee-draws]

Being a Polin fan (and a Penelope fan) is real complicated in the current state of the Bridgerton fandom, because on one hand, I get why people dislike the Screen versions of Pen and Colin (and them together) and on the other hand some of the dislikes have more to do with wishing that other characters got treated better and therefore resent that Pen/Colin will 'get something they don't deserve.'

(The next part of this got accidentally deleted so here we try again)

Hatred for Screen Colin (and this odd vindictiveness against him on the part of Polin fans especially) is so weird to me. Colin is generally one of the nicest characters - he's not a rake, and has for the most part been nothing but nice to Pen and her family. He's socially unaware for sure, and his comment about not marrying Pen (which, recall, we see from her perspective as the person most hurt by it) is dumb of him, but its actually one of the few carry-overs from the books that we do have. I can forgive Colin for being a dumb, socially unaware person who expends a lot of energy trying to 'fit in' for the most part because it is consistent with a lot of his actions. Him falling head over heels for Marina and wanting to marry for pure love. Him following Benedict's advice and drinking most of season 2 away. He's trying to find his place (his major conflict in the books), and in doing so he's very much the type to copy and follow along with the group. But he's also resentful of this trait in himself in the books. He wants to find a different niche. But we don't have timeskip 10 years later Mr Bridgerton, we have young, supposed to be charismatic and part of the ton Colin. His comment is mean, for sure. And Penelope is understandbly upset. But he is fundamentally not a terrible person.

Edit: Also, I must admit I'm not a fan of the idea of requiring that Colin 'grovels' for Pen's attention this season. Would it not be much more satisfying for him to realise his feelings in soft, small ways and then deliberately act affectionately upon them? I'd rather see Colin show his small appreciations (in the same way Pen does) than see him seething in jealousy and anger. Give me passion, yes, but not envy.

Penelope is more difficult to reconcile. In RMB, the writing is clear in that Lady Whistledown never writes badly about people lower on the social ladder - those who for whom scandal would be an irretrievable blow or be beating down the unlucky. The entire Marina storyline in S1 really undid this fundamental aspect of LW, separating Book Pen and Screen Pen quite intensely. Do I think Pen did wrong by Marina and should have displayed more remorse for her actions/apologised for them in some major way? 100% yes. I do think, however, that she does try to do better in how she initially handles the situation with Eloise in S2.

S2 Pen has learned that she has power with LW - an amount of power that she doesn't actually know how to use responsibly. She lacks a mentor, and indeed any kind of positive role models (her entire family is problematic, to say the least) and she is, ultimately, young and untested. She and Eloise are very similar in that sense - both of them suffer from the assumption that they are wiser than the people around them. But ultimately they aren't, which propels them both to try things and only realise the sheer magnitude of the outcomes afterwards. I know I wasn't level headed at age 18, and I didn't spend my life only receiving information fit for a lady.

When she sees Eloise beginning to set herself up for scandal, she does genuinely try to warn her away. Far more intensely than she did with Marina and Colin (whom she did try to speak to before resorting to LW.) I think in those actions there was an intense fear of ending up in the same situation as before and hurting someone she does care about as much as before. This is clear in how she shuts down the idea of writing about Eloise when Mme Delacroix brings it up. She agonises over it. She recognises that it isn't right to expose secrets that she's been told in confidence. She only does it because she cannot see a way out of it. The Bridgertons can (and do) survive the scandal. The Featheringtons really can't. (Which, in RMB, is the huge contention with Colin - he is upset with Pen because he knows she cannot be outed as LW without it resulting in her pretty much being run out of London.)

Also, I think the way that LW is presented in the show makes it easy to forget that what is narrated is not everything that is written in those papers. This creates the false impression that Pen writes scathingly exclusively about characters that the fandom likes/knows, when, as Daphne says in S1 "She just writes what she hears," about everyone in the ton. She writes those insults about her family's clothing because she does know that it would be suspicious if the Featheringtons of all people are not in some way insulted (considering the ton holds them in low regard.) But she doesn't write overly badly about the Bridgertons. She is, in fact, often mostly positive about them. Which is precisely why the Queen suspects Eloise! She doesn't disparage others for the sake of being mean or petty - she just writes all the the things the ton is already saying to one another.

I think its a great stretch to say that either the Marina or Eloise situations are borne of pettiness. The Marin situation is borne of a poor attempt to protect a friend, not jealousy (elsewise, would Pen have not used LW immediately, or to insult Marina before she knew of the intention to entrap Colin?) I don't blame Marina at all, though, for wanting someone such as Colin. There were no good options when we reached this story juncture. With Eloise, she clearly loves and care for Eloise and the Bridgerton family. She wants to help her friend. There is no malice in her choice even if it is not a great choice to make. The argument between them is understandable, and clearly they both need to come to terms with the new revelations. I do think Pen owes both Marina and Eloise apologies, but I don't think Pen is a terrible person who wants to hurt others either.

As for Pen and Colin together? I just hope the season speaks mostly on purpose, finding it, and growth and learning. I'd rather see a story that hinges on quiet realisations and owning up to mistakes, and moving forward, than one on jealousy.

[raayllum]

Opinion about the first episode of season 4?

My first watch it did feel a little clunky, but I think that's also bc 1) as a super fan I'd seen all the clips released already and 2) had read the SDCC twitter thread, so nothing about the episode was a surprise in terms of like, scene by scene stuff. 4x01 in particular hinges on two mis-directs where what we think may be conflict (Sunfire ambush, 'plot against the king'") only for them to both be happier things. Which is why I think Callum's plotline ending badly (aka sadly) is important because otherwise it's too much of a positive note.

AKA I've watched the episode 3 times since and it 100% worked for me (which is also how it worked for S3 feeling a little fast the first time I saw it, but I was also hyped up on so much adrenaline and very little sleep and - shockingly - that makes a difference, I know). I've seen people complain about the tone but I think people tend to have nostalgia perfection goggles on for things they love and compared TDP to (largely ATLA, which had "Zuko angrily visiting Iroh in prison" and "Aang throwing a secret dance party" intercut immediately with one another) and it's like - TDP has always done a very good job at balancing its tone, same as ATLA, but it does feel hypocritical to watch fans of both not realize what they're "excusing" just cause they're used to it vs being hard on TDP.

This goes for TDP too since besides 1x01, this is probably the most packed premiere episode we've had. 2x01 was very exposition heavy when it came to magic and not much else actually happened in it, and like... 3 things happen in 3x01 and the most important stuff is all near the end of the episode, basically? So while 4x01 is absolutely doing the heavy work of catching us up and doing set up for the season, I think it does that difficult job as well as it reasonably can, tbh. Again: I don't mind people complaining, but the complaints gotta be grounded in merit, y'know? (That said: soft blocking people with negativity in the tags because I'm not about that with this show and never will be).

I have also been tickled pink by all the more casual reviewers / watchers who was surprised at Callum's behaviour with Soren and his lack of patience for bullshit now, since not only is it exactly how I thought he'd be post-timeskip and TTM, I thought it was exactly how he'd behave post-a speculative timeskip back in January 2020 with excerpts like this from "If Time Is Money" - so fucking satisfying, man:

She could perfectly picture the haughty look on Runaan’s face as he said, in a rather bored voice, as though whatever conversation that was about to be had was pointless. Runaan wasn’t necessarily a proud individual, but he had little patience for what he deemed illusions of youth or other perceived wastes of time. “Listen, boy—” “No, you listen,” Callum said, fair more sternly. Sterner than Tiadrin would have thought possible, given the softness he generally carried. “We’re never going to like each other, for obvious reasons. I think I have a far better one, as yours is based in prejudice, and mine is based on the fact you literally murdered my father, but that’s not the point. The point is that while I don’t care what you say about me, as I’ve heard far worse from other elves like you, Rayla does and you are still her father and she deserves to have you in her life and to have a good relationship with you. So when she’s not around, you can say whatever you want, even to my face. I don’t care and I don’t plan on rising to it anyway. But when she is around, you keep that shit to yourself, because it’s only going to upset her, and she’s been through more than enough.” Runaan’s face was stiff and barely readable, when Tiadrin stole a look. It was only because she knew him so well that she could tell he was at least a little gobsmacked, and so, quite frankly, was she.  The prince’s tone left no room for debate, as she carefully watched Runaan try and scrounge up anything to say at all. 

Adored all the Viren and Callum parallels since I've also thought since S2 that S4 would ramp it up majorly and it's super gratifying / interesting / exciting to watch that come to fruition. I also loved the Janaya proposal and thought it was super sweet. I gotta adjust to some of the small animation changes (I think possibly character / face silhouette line work and being even more fluid than before) but I love the flexing, updated character designs, and all the little microexpressions.

I'm so pumped for the rest of the season, it's going to be unreal (and just like, 2.5 days away now)!

[onewholivesinloops]

Hello~! I'm a new time follower after seeing your Satako posts floating around for a while. I apologize if this question comes off as unwanted, but since you seem to be the resident Satako expert I thought you'd be the best person to ask.

My biggest issue with Meguri so far has honestly been how cartoonishly evil Satako has come across. Why is she behaving so cruelly to the rest of the club? I understand Rika completely since it's extensively been set up, but the rest of her friends not so much. The idea that she could treat them as no more than pieces on a board, Shion especially, is strange to me since they've always been portrayed as people she cares about almost as much as Rika.

this is a really difficult question without a definitive answer because there are currently multiple possible explanations you can come up with for why Satoko believes tragedies are essential for June of 1983 in Meguri, but none that are obviously correct so far besides probably only one. The best thing about the manga, however, is that there's a great deal of nuance so there's room for more than one of those explanations to be correct at the same time!

fair warning, I'm probably going to get a little bit rambly in my efforts to land on a satisfying answer so please bear with me.

the most obvious answer can be inferred from her inner monologue in the scene where she commits murder suicide with Rika at the end of the Oniakashi loop. Satoko in her broken state talks about how she's so delighted to be able to control fate "so easily" because she can see through every nook and cranny of the world/tamper and rewrite events that were supposed to occur to the extent she proclaims herself fate itself in such a way that makes the whole thing come off like a power fantasy of sorts for her.

the current Satoko is utterly incapable of imagining a happy future for herself and thus has given up completely on the prospect. The reunion with club at Hinamizawa (specifically when she imagines them as their past selves) is a perfect encapsulation of this as Satoko comes to realize, upon seeing her friends together once again like the good old days, that she cannot move on. She deeply misses the environment where she was cared for and made to feel safe by her friends, but she realizes that it's impossible to return to those times again. Except Satoko fears change and growing up as a result of all the traumatic experiences she's gone through at St. Lucia and that’s what Eua decides to prey on. It's exactly what Ryukishi described in one interview about how for Rika this is simply a story about advancing to a new school, whereas for Satoko it's a "terrifying story about growing up".

Eua's "dream fragments" or whatever you wanna call them are a perfect metaphor for this mindset Satoko currently has. Eua literally says that once Satoko makes her decision she'll "make the passage of time real again", so she can trace through the same steps and obtain the world she wants. Basically if we focus on the dreamlike aspect/this being a dream for Satoko, where she makes different choices to test outcomes before she makes them in reality, then all bad ends could be manifestations of her anxieties about the future because of everything she's gone through until this point. It's a gameboard where Satoko's opponent is herself and she's the one putting constraints on herself through her unhealthy mindset. This is also further reinforced by the fact that Eua states that unlike Rika’s 100 years (which were driven by Takano’s certain conviction) Satoko’s will be driven by “her own will”, so for the Satoko who doesn’t wanna be separated from Rika and fears the possibility of her brother never coming back/his health never improving, her power starts manifesting when she starts making different choices throughout the loops with conviction to bring about the certain future she so desires.

of course it's also obvious Eua is also doing something to trick Satoko here considering we see her snap her fingers while grinning at the end of the first loop. She's either rewriting the fragments to end in tragedies or cherrypicking bad ones to place Satoko into, but it's pretty much the same thing when fragments are infinite. I don't think this contradicts the metaphorical interpretation so even if Eua is manipulating Satoko in a literal sense, it's still resonates with the concept of Satoko struggling to forge a future for herself because of trauma and codependency and it’s just Eua enabling beliefs Satoko already had deep down.

anyway, back to what I was saying earlier about it being a power fantasy... Satoko probably thinks that if she can't find happiness, then she might as well be the one in control of her own pain in an environment where she feels safe. After being toyed with so much by fate and going through so many tragic endings, having full control of everything for the first time probably feels really good. It's basically her way of coping with feeling like she can't influence her future. It's an attempt to regain her agency that works pretty well because even in the original series Satoko never really had much control over her life or the terrible things she had to go through.

it's also possible that after she started enjoying the tragedies as a coping mechanism because all the things that went wrong for her were inexplicable and outside of her control, she started applying this mindset back to June of 1983 and that made her believe that this was essential to make it good. Having Rika's 100 years of June of 1983 which were full of tragedies downloaded into her mind by Eua might've inadvertently reinforced this belief too.

it's possible she also thinks that tragedies are necessary to appreciate the good times/for the good times to continue existing for some reason because what she says here:

I guess believing tragedies are necessary for Eua to let her continue looping is also another possibility, but I’m not so sure about this one because even though Eua does find tragedies entertaining it’s Satoko who takes initiative and suggests causing them.

I’ve also speculated in the past about how it’s possible watching Rika’s 100 years might’ve affected Satoko in some way, but I’m not entirely sure about any of this and I’m currently having second thoughts about it. I don’t know if Satoko will necessarily think of her friends this way, especially when she’s also seen herself become just like them in some fragments. All she wants right now is to be happy with them again, so it’s entirely possible she doesn’t mind any of this. Satoko is also an incredibly empathetic and kind person who believes the past shouldn’t matter as long as you’re trying to be a great person in the present and she also believes there’s no point to living if you can’t ever earn redemption, so I don’t know if she’ll necessarily blame her friends for sins they’ve committed in previous worlds when they’ve become much better people now?

I do think it’s completely possible that finding out about how Rika has never relied on her while looping and all the secrets she kept from her might reinforce her low self-worth and her belief that her existence only worsens Rika’s life, but I’m not sure she’ll hold a grudge over this either because she wasn’t bitter at all about Satoshi’s whereabouts being kept a secret from her. If anything she understood that Irie was doing that for her own sake. Anyway, sorry if I’m contradicting what I said in the other post, it’s just that I can see things going either way and I don’t wanna say something definitive one way or another.

Tatariakashi in general is a big mystery because even when Satoko saw Rika dead at the end she seemed shock and distraught? Her shock at seeing Rika dead in the happiest fragment between Oniakashi and Wataakashi might’ve made her realize that she no longer wants this anymore. Maybe the festival was so fun she ended up completely forgetting about injecting Ooishi before or something. Anyway, Satoko’s dialogue in the watanagashi scene around the end of Nekodamashi is super interesting because even though she’s asking Rika to “never leave Hinamizawa” it feels more like she’s trying to convince her to never leave the loops. Gou/Meguri is clearly less about St. Lucia vs Hinamizawa and more about the uncertain future vs the safety of the past (aka staying in June of 1983) which follows through from Satoko’s fear of change and growing up, so it’s clear her motive is going to evolve from simply looping eternally in June of 1983 to trying to convince Rika to loop forever with her or something.

anyway, sorry for going on a tangent. I think I have enough faith everything about her motives is going to make complete sense eventually because her reasoning for doing all this is still being explored even post Satokowashi. There’s a certain vibe to this scene that makes me believe her reasoning is pretty nuanced. Something about the way the loops are set up brings her genuine comfort and happiness. In the anime witch Satoko came off as a maliciously evil person who derives pleasure from hurting others and grins while flashing her red eyes at every turn, whereas in the manga she comes off as a broken person whose suffering warped her into someone who can’t separate happiness from pain. I don’t think she’s cartoonishly evil in the manga personally, she feels much more humanized and comes off as more childish if anything? The way she uses traps, how she behaves and her mindset towards what she’s doing make her feel really human and not at all different from the original Satoko. This is a really interesting mystery so I’m genuinely excited to see it unfold!

as for Rika, it makes sense that Satoko is trying to exert some control over her death in every loop, given Rika’s death was always outside of her control in Eua’s dream fragments.

I think it’s also worth noting that her characterization has completely diverged by the prison bit and instead of blaming Rika for anything like in the anime she thinks it’s completely her fault. She concludes that if she weren’t a part of Rika’s life, Rika would be so much happier and even though she believes Rika told on her/perceives it as Rika abandoning her, it’s herself she blames because she let Rika down in the first place by having her grades deteriorate and not succeeding to fit in. 

she doesn’t rope Rika into the loops initially because she wants to make her suffer or anything, but simply because Rika is the person she’s most attached to and she wants to be with her forever. I think all this is more in character for Satoko than the spite towards Rika that Gou/Sotsu tried to force personally. Satoko has never spiteful and she’s always struggled with low self-esteem. Even when her brother disappeared/abandoned her she never blamed him for that once and she immediately concluded that it’s her fault because she was too much of a burden/relied on him too much.

yep.

that’s my explanation. 

of course most of this is my personal interpretation and plenty of things might change in the future so please keep this in mind and take it with a grain of salt, but if you have any more questions feel free to ask!

[ikemenomegas]

i’ve been reading your work for a while now and i’ve always wanted to strike up a conversation. your characterisation is one of the best i’ve ever seen and you have such a way with words - thank you for all that you do!!! is there a favourite character of yours in jjk?

It's kind of a dream be told that my word choice is doing good things for you and I'm glad you enjoy the characterizations. It's very sweet of you to say that you've wanted to talk for a while. The blog hasn't been active for very long and I've been working hard to build up a list of content that people can enjoy. I'm well aware that some things are more of a hit and some are more a messy miss lol, so I think it's very generous of you to say that my characterizations are at all satisfactory. I'd love to go back and fix the things I'm not quite satisfied with someday, when I have time.

Some of the characters are a lot harder to writer for than others. If we're just talking about JJK characters, part of the difficulty is constantly fighting my own desires as a fan (ie for kind endings) and my own personality so I can write situations that are true to the characters and create mc's that make sense. I had many thoughts for at least a year before I even tried writing for JJK, and I've liked many of the other contents on my list for even longer but this is the first time I've tried to sincerely create finished pieces for other people to read. I am grateful for the largely positive response so far.

When it comes to a favorite JJK character....

I think my favorite to write so far is Getou. His motivations are not as concealed as Gojo's, especially after he leaves the school and decides to stop pretending all the time. I also love how even though his main goal is indisputably terrible, it comes from a place of love and the manifestation of a scary "but what if I could" mentality that I think has threaded through a lot of his life. He's had power for most of his life, but unlike Gojo he hasn't had the context to use it because his whole life wasn't consumed with jujutsu, he probably had to pretend to be a normal kid in between any training he received/did himself.

It makes me feel a bit basic, but when it comes to the type of people I actually get along with, even if they don't have a good personality I actually like people a little like Gojo. Maybe it's because even if those kinds of people torment the ones around them, they usually try hard to follow an internal code that takes other people's feelings/experiences into account somewhat...

And as an audience member, of the main characters, I love Kugisaki. She's got the kind of badass attitude that might make her a more difficult student than Yuuji or Megumi, but I love her backstory. She's very relatable in essentially looking to find a place she can be her biggest self and where the people she cares for are free to care for her too, and aren't being forced to hide themselves. Jujutsu-tech isn't exactly paradise, but it's better than the sticks apparently.

Tl;dr I can't say I have a "favorite" T.T All of the characters are pretty enjoyable so far and I can't take 100% credit for characterization. I'm just trying to pick up what gege is putting down.

[allsassnoclass]

Fic ask game: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 & 15!

oh wowza!!! alright! let's go! thank you for asking!

1. Favorite place to write. the corner of my couch in the living room! preferably with a blanket

2. Favorite part of writing. i love lightbulb moments! that feeling when you finally figure out a little detail that fills a plot hole, or when writing an au you have a great idea for how to incorporate/parallel a canon event. even just having a realization of what your story is actually about and how to lean into that more. stuff like that is so satisfying to me, so I absolutely adore when I get those moments.

3. Least favorite part of writing. i've been unhappy with editing lately. it used to be a breeze for me, but lately i've been getting really critical of my writing and much harder to satisfy, which means editing either takes forever or it feels hopeless and i end up releasing something i'm not fully satisfied with or confident in

4. Do you have writing habits or rituals? i don't think i have any specific ones! maybe developing a few would make it easier to get into it when the time comes.

5. Books or authors that influenced your style the most. i really love Maggie Stiefvater, especially the way she uses figurative language, but I don't think my personal style necessarily reflects that, at least not as much as I would maybe want to. honestly, i don't know who has actually influenced my style. every author that i read works for leaves a little itty bitty speck of influence, so it's probably a combination of fifty billion different people.

7. Favorite author. as stated above, it's Maggie Stiefvater. The Raven Cycle is my absolute favorite book series and Ronan Lynch is my absolute favorite character. I do also want to mention Terry Pratchett though, because I'm into Discworld and I really appreciate his ability to write wacky humor and social commentary, plus having Death talk in all caps all the time is a vibe.

8. Favorite trope to write. fake dating, baby!!!!! I have posted 5 fake dating fics so far. 3 of them are the 3 longest fics i've ever written. i have many, many other fake dating ideas. i love how blurry the line gets between acting and sincerity, and the exploration of how much of love is a feeling and how much is actions and how much is based on outside perception or not, plus it is SO tasty for pining.

9. Least favorite trope to write. i don't like "getting to know each other" moments, so strangers to lovers can be a challenge. getting characters from not knowing each other at all to being in love is difficult and tedious for me.

11. Describe your writing process from scratch to finish. oh man. screaming and crying :) no i'm kidding. first i am hit with an idea. then i let the idea marinate for anywhere from 1 day to 3 or 5 years. then i begin the wip! i start writing from the beginning and just keep going until it's done, often with many, many interruptions and forays into other wips in between. then when I finish, i edit (which is mostly spelling, grammar, word choice, and double checking throughlines and cohesiveness. to date, i haven't rearranged the order of scenes or major plot points in the editing phase). after i edit, i post! then the cycle begins again (or continues with a different fic, as i always work on multiple at once).

13. How do you deal with writers block? historically, not well. i get upset about it and complain. but because i have so many wips and well over 100 ideas jotted down, i can always pivot to another fic if it's plot/character-related writers block. if all writing is difficult, then i might take a break and try to focus on reading or other things

14. What’s the most research you ever put into a book? pas de deux took a decent amount of research on professional ballet companies and various twin cities details. by the time unmute is over, however, it will have significantly more research sunk into it. it already has had so much. not only have i had to do a huge amount of research on 5sos and significant events in their lives/career beginning in 2011, but i researched visual art programs at colleges (including individual class listings), salt lake city, utah, when gay marriage was legalized in utah/the entire USA/Australia, the legality of getting married in a country where you're not a citizen, social media/chatting apps of the early 2010s, etc. there's a lot going on here.

15. Where does your inspiration come from? anywhere! everywhere! i take inspiration from other stories, songs, things that happen to me, things that happen to my friends, basically anything can serve as inspiration!

Thank you for asking!

[forever70301]

[HYUNGWON] 210911 Kstyle Interview

Take all translations with a pinch of salt as there may be inaccuracies!

Ori article: https://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2174102

Hyungwon: The members sang 'Secrets' coolly so I'm really satisfied. 'BEBE' which I wrote the lyrics for; was the most difficult song that I've ever participated in. I thought it'd be nice if my feelings were conveyed to fans but it really wasn't easy to express them in lyrics. I wrote and erased it, wrote and erased it countless of times. The process was difficult but I'm glad that the fans are happy with it. There are still a lot of parts that are not enough so I can't say I am a 100% satisfied. Especially more for my songs.

But when I see fans who say that they are touched, I am even more touched. I will do work hard to show you better results.

- On 'Nobody else' charting on Billboard Digital Song Chart I'm thankful that it's loved but it is also true that there are still many weak parts.

Rather than the song is good, I think it's because of the members. It's like putting only a spoon on a set (meal) prepared by the members? *smile*

I'm usually far from a perfectionist but it's only when I'm composing, I do my best because I want to get closer to being 'perfect'.

I'm not the type to work fast and making one song takes quite a lot of time. 'Nobody else' was a song I prepared since FANTASTA X. I wasn't satisfied with it so I put it off for the next album. I'm always trying to write songs so that there'll be songs at good timings.

- On the performance that left the biggest impression 'Shoot Out'.

- If you were to do solo activities, what sort of concept will it be? Have you thought about it? I haven't thought about solo activities before. There is a concept that I definitely want to do.

Hyungwon: MONSTA X mainly shows powerful music and performance. If I were to have solo activities, I want to show a calm atmosphere. If there's a chance, I want to release an album as a DJ. Not one song at a time but a proper full album that has various genres.

- Are you still steadily practicing (DJ stuff)? Yes. I even made a playlist of songs that I can play in the future. I think DJ activities and composing are closely related. There's a difference between DJ-ing alone and a DJ who can compose.

Hyungwon: I can't DJ now so I'm focusing on composing. When the situation gets better, I want to use the ideas that I've gotten while composing on the DJ stage.

- You are said to be in charge of MONSTA X's visuals, do you think so? Actually, I don't really know. I don't think I'm particularly handsome. I don't think there is any specific person who is in charge of visuals in our team. Each of us has our own distinctive appeal.

Everyone is really unique. I think we are a group with no one in charge of visuals. My members will probably get really angry with me when they see this interview thinking I'm being humble and wanting people to say that I'm 'cool' *smile* I hope the members don't misunderstand...

- What made you decide to train?

I.M had been tempting me for 3 months on the side. To say it nicely, it was a temptation, actually it was a reprimand *laugh* I didn't really care no matter what I.M said but one day I saw myself in the mirror and got a shock.

My stomach was sticking out. I thought I looked like a spider. I was thin in the other places but only my stomach was sticking out *laugh*. So I started exercising from the next day. It has been about 8 months. I found that my shoulders gain muscles easily. My next aim is my back

- About monbebes messages

Mbbs' sense is the best. They are really interesting that I'll forget about the time. Among the title of the letters, there are really a lot of savage ones *laugh* I'm scared just looking at the titles. It makes me think if I did anything wrong but when I really click in, the contents are overflowing with love. Sometimes the fans seem to be more intense than us *laugh* I guess this is the feeling of being intensely loved? Thanks to the fans who overflows with intensity, I'm happy.

- I think #MONSTA_X is a group on such good terms that they can communicate with just looking

Even if we don't, we can *smile* I can say confidently that our teamwork is the best. Every member is different so we fit well. I, Shownu and I.M are the quiet type while Minhyuk, Kihyun and Jooheon is the type who overflows with energy. It's a good combination because it's properly mixed. Also, because we spend a lot of time together so we understand each other better than anyone else. Because we understand how it feels, we can respect each other.

- What do you think you'll look like 7 years from now?

My dream is not big. 7 years from now, just like presently, I want to keep meeting the fans. To do that, we have to strive to keep growing. If we don't do our best, I don't think we will be able to be in our current position.

[steamberrystudio]

09/01/2021 Devlog

Hey everyone! Time for the first update of 2022. I have no idea how long it's been since my last one because honestly. It's been a TIME.

LoL

But we are doing a catch-up now.

Summary:

Many CGs

Game guide stuff

Writing stuff

The Ramble:

During my last update, I said that I was about 70% through the CGs. I'm now 85% complete. Based on MATHS. . .

It appears I've done about 8 CGs since my last post.

And I now have 7.5 CGs left to complete.

Ari, Caissa, and Caleb's routes are complete in terms of CGs. Jack has 1.5 left, Lance and Magnus both have 3 left.

I'm going a bit slower with CGs as my hand is really struggling and every day tasks are getting more difficult (I know, I know 'rest your hand' - arthritis does not always ease up because I've rested. I still have to work and sometimes that means taking something and continuing to draw.)

Of course, once I finish rendering each CG, I have to go back and re-colour all the customisation options which is another hour or so of work. Then save then files individually, then code them.

I'm doing that as I go so all the completed CGs so far are also fully coded. It's been really nice to watch the galleries fill up with thumbnails. OWO

Anyway, I'm rounding the final curve with CGs and only have a few left. And then I can move on to working on the final game elements (like the glossary and polishing up the content.)

I did pause art for a while and work on building the official game guides for Gilded Shadows. There is a special extended and exclusive guide for backers (that is 87 pages), and a much shorter guide that is for everyone else.

The extended guide shows route stats, a CG map, how to unlock each individual CG, character profiles, route summaries, etc.

The normal guide shows just the 'correct' answers for each ending.

I'm mostly done with the guides now - just have to finish the rest of the CGs for thumbnails in the extended guide.

And so I'm back to working on CGs. Slowly and carefully.

Sneak Peeks and Previews:

Unfortunately most of the remaining CGs are ones I don't want to spoil for people so you will have to be satisfied with this little snippet.

Upcoming Weeks:

CGs. . .

I'm really hoping by my next update here, I'll be finished with CGs entirely. The game is currently around 95% complete and finishing up the CGs will push it up to nearly 100%. We are getting really close to completion of the base game and and I'm looking forward to finally being able to release this game and start working on the additional content.

I'll touch base again in a couple of weeks. After I update today I'm going to go in and put all my update days into my calendar again so I get reminders for them.

And Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2022 is treating you all well so far. See you soon!

[thefairyletters]

NaruSaku Fanfics

I wouldn't say much – I love NaruSaku and I hate to see great works shadowed behind the piles of popular NS stories that I never have liked as much except for a few, which also I'll drop below in the list.

I'll update this list whenever I come across a story that I particularly enjoy or finds worth spreading word across. So be sure to like and reblog this post so you can revisit it to add new story in your reading pile later.

Also, genres vary and are not mentioned, but does it make any difference as long as the story is good?

Warning: super long post featuring beautiful, beautiful stories that you wouldn't regret reading. I swear. I'm positive. Contains SNS and other side pairings.

Without further ado;

How I fell in love with my best friend: Krapo || ff.net || M || complete

How the little blond boy Sakura had always known had changed, changing as well her feelings. The unfolding of their life, while Naruto worked to become the best Hokage and she faced her own emotions. Growing Love.

(I have nothing but upmost reverence for this story. This author writes one of the nest NS and I have loved all. NS is beautiful and Sakura is badass. Everything we already know is here and more.)

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Dangerous infiltration mission: Krapo || ff.net || M || complete

Naruto and Sakura are send by the Hokage for a difficult infiltration mission. They will have to face more than just the danger itself as they will have to keep their cover to be fake husband and wife credible. how it will impact the relationship between the two ninja. Growing Love. Misunderstanding.

(If you loved the aforementioned story, you'll love this one too. Mutual pining.)

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All over again: Krapo || ff.net || M || post-war || complete

Sasuke come back, Team seven is reunited. But Sakura has lost Naruto. How will she make him fall in love with her again? What other difficulties lies ahead of them?

(Naruto loses memory. SasuSaku angst but not in romantic sense and I loved it all. Misunderstanding and more mutual pining. And I'm in love with this story too.)

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Hit the floor running: Sakurablossom009 || A03 || M (but unnecessary) || Modern Hitman/Robbers AU || complete

Life was going great, Sakura thought. She was penniless, stranded in Europe without a way home, her fiancee had just dumped her for another woman AND her new companion was quite possibly a thief. How could things get any worse? Wait...was that guy pointing a gun at her?

(Now, personally, I don't prefer modern AU, but this story really had interesting characterisation and more character depth. NaruSaku is pretty spot on. It also features SasuHina and bamf!Hinata)

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The greatest pretenders: snowyseas || ff.net || M || Borutoverse || ongoing

Fifteen years is a long time to not talk to someone you consider your best friend, and is made even more difficult when they (and you) are married. The things Sakura should have confronted Naruto about never came to fruition, but as an old saying goes, "the truth will always be revealed".

(Your typical I-made-a-wrong-choice-but-now-can-be-done story but unlike many other stories in this they don't admit their love for each chapter at the first chapter itself. In fact, it feels so canon and you can almost superimpose it upon the canon. Sakura is mentally strong and knows what's right. )

.

He was the sun: SavageTrickster || ff.net || T || Canonverse || ongoing

He had come a long way - from a lonely orphan ostracized by everyone to a loved hero. He deserved all these. His Hokage dream to come true. All the ramen he could eat. - Her eyes fell on a certain Hyuuga seated close enough for accidental touches. Her heart sank a little at a harsh whisper of reminder - And a deserving girl...who could give him all her love.

(So far so good. It's ongoing, and is at chapter 3. Sakura leaves Konoha much like how Naruto did, to explore the world aka seeing my headcanon in writing.)

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Wilderness: Kanji no Sakka || M || canondivergent || ongoing

As the war screeches to a temporary halt, Naruto leaves the battlefield on a unique mission only he can complete. Sakura is ordered to go with him. In the days that follow their bond is changed forever.

(Although I hate any explicit stories that involve characters below age 17, I give this a pass because of the uniqueness of plot and characterisation. It has fine lemons that comes with a good plot.)

.

How It Should Have Been: OfPaintAndOil || ff.net || T || canon divergent || oneshot

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Sasuke was supposed to be the dark one, the unredeemable one. Naruto was the bright one, the good one. It wasn't supposed to be like this, with blood on his hands and glowing red eyes and a grin. Naruto was supposed to make everything better, and maybe he did, in the end, but Sakura had never expected the end to look quite like this.

(Featuring Yandere!Naruto. It leaves you wanting for more and is a fascinating read. It's dark themed so proceed with caution as your favorite character might or might not be dead.)

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The Best Dates are the Cheap Ones: Shivakashi || ff.net || T || post!Timeskip || Oneshot

The whole point was to get the best date; that meant the richest and classiest guy, right? Sakura realizes what she has taken for granted and Ino learns a lesson in value.

(Sakura learns her lesson and snatches her boy. InoNaru is worth noting. Not the best characterisation of Sakura but bear with her jealousy for that is the reason why NS fluff exists. Story itself is very light and entertaining.)

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mangoes and strawberries: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || postwar || oneshot

Sakura Haruno was elbow deep in Naruto Uzumaki's guts when he asked her to marry him. It was so not the right time. But she still said yes.

(This story just screams NS upon every single line. Diabetes warning. Too cute for this world. One of the best NS fluff I've read thus far. It kinda sticks to you forever!)

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18 minutes, 23 seconds: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || postwar || oneshot

in which Naruto asks Sakura about that time she literally reached into his chest and grabbed his heart with her bare hand.

(Heartwarming. We all know how Sakura held Naruto's heart on her palms and how we love that moment. This is memory of that moment reminisced by our cutie pies.)

.

One Big Uzumaki Family: John Smith || ff.net || T || postwar || Complete

A set of drabbles revolving around Naruto, Sakura, and their children. It turns out that, when the war ends, these two get busy. Real busy.

(IF YOU DON'T READ THIS MASTERPIECE HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURSELF NS FAN?!!! READ!!! This story should be on the top of your reading list.

UNDERRATED AF!

R e a d t h i s s t o r y and cry with me for this should have been canon. 100%)

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My Life Would Suck Without You: peanutbutter126 || ff.net || T || oneshot collection

Sometimes it's the smallest things that matter the most.

(Read this and then One big Uzumaki family. You'll feel super satisfied. I promise.)

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Colors and Carousels: Folle Sakura || ff.net || T || oneshot

She couldn't count the number of times she'd been mistaken for Naruto's girlfriend. Not that she minded. But Naruto acted like it was so… so… offensive.

(No words for this one. Just read and enjoy the confusion.)

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Let's Get Married: luvtoshi || ff.net || M || postwar || complete

It was supposed to be a simple solution to their immediate problems. But maybe they took more than they can chew?

(This is one of my few favorites that is also popular. Spot on characterization and beautiful relationship growth. This is one of the few stories that always stuck to me.)

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Chasing Smoke with Bare Hands: soulaire || ff.net || T || oneshot

"I could have loved her," Sasuke says flatly. "If she'd just given me the chance—" "Sakura gave you all the chances in the world," Kakashi cuts in, stern. "You underestimated her. And you underestimated her ability to walk away from you. At the core of it all, that's where things went wrong."

(This story is for those who loves both SS and NS but thinks Sakura deserves happier life than what she got in canon. Features NS and slight SS.)

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Touch: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || oneshot

Kakashi watches as his student grow to be more physically comfortable with one another. He finds it kinda ridiculous.

(Fluff. Feelings. Kakashi's fed up and might have diabetes from all the observation.)

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Moonlight shadows: luvtoshi || ff.net || T || oneshot

Sometimes, the moon brings out hidden feelings to the surface.

(Beautiful literature. NS feels. You can almost mistake it for canon with the way characters are written.)

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Seriously Serious: Damsel in Shining Armor || ff.net || T || modern AU || oneshot

He confessed to her when they first met. He confessed to her years after. He confessed to her almost everyday. Her response was almost always positive... So why the heck was he still single? "I love you." "Love you too. So is Sasuke-kun taken or not?"

(The only reason why I even picked this story is that it is a oneshot. I have very little interest in modern AU. But this one makes another exception. Pining. Love at first sight.)

.

It was always you: luvtoshi || ff.net || M || postwar || complete

The war is long over. They have both grown. Now it's time to conclude their story. Naruto and Sakura.

(You know what, all stories from this author are just, Chef's kiss. )

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A Safe Pair of Hands: Kanji no Sakka || ff.net || T || oneshot

Sakura heeds a stern warning to make it clear how she feels about Naruto.

(Feels. You'll love this if you like first person pov. This story told from Sakura's pov.)

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Other Dreams: tricksie || ff.net || M || oneshot

"Naruto, you shouldn't endanger yourself—" "Stop it," he snapped. Dropping his arm to hook under her seat, Naruto pulled her firmly onto his hip, locking her to him. Sakura gasped, suddenly aware of just how very close they were.

(Sexual tension. Romance. Leaves you wanting. Also, high on feels and lust on equal measure.)

.

Heaven Unexpected: Folle || ff.net || M || oneshot

Because nothing can happen; it's Naruto. He always comes back. He's practically indestructible.

(Heavy on feels. There are chances that it might rain. Actually there are high chances. But oh well, it's beautiful and one of my favourites so here it goes.)

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Shade of the Leaf: Ravyn || ff.net || T || canon divergent || complete

Sasuke is back. Naruto has joined ANBU. Sakura is spending more time in the hospital than in the field. Team 7 struggles to redefine itself, because sometimes you don't know what you really want after all.

(Featuring Mature but still in-character!Naruto, Badass!Sakura, (Bit)Supportive!Sasuke along with Team 7 friendship. Mutual pining. Ending but with a lot loose ends.)

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Breaking Up Isn't that Hard to Do: Narf-for-the-Garthoc || ff.net || T || oneshot

This is not an epic tale of action, suspense and true love. Yeah, I'm disappointed, too.

(This is pure comedy. With a dash of romance. And insanity.)

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Steamy Encounters: Narf-for-the-Garthoc || ff.net || T || oneshot

A flurry of coincidences and fateful machinations bring Naruto and Sakura together at the local baths. Can they rein in their animal passions? And do you really think that's the kind of story I write?

(Just r e a d. Please.)

.

Garden of Sanctuary: Nes Mikel || ff.net || T || Canon divergent || oneshot

An alternate ending to Naruto. The Heavens describe the Garden a peaceful paradise. The Hells describe the Garden a baneful prison. In here... which is it?

(This is part of a series which you can follow from the author's profile. This is the second part, but can be read exclusively. As far as the AU goes, this story and settings is brilliant and heartbreaking. This is told from Naruto's pov. To look at things from Sakura's, read the first part. It is multi-chaptered.)

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Complications: Geno Calamari || ff.net || T || canon divergent || oneshot

While capturing the Kyuubi, Uchiha Itachi finds true adversaries in the form of Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto.

(Wanna see NaruSaku teamwork? This is it! You wouldn't find it anywhere better. Strong!Naruto, Strong!Sakura versus Itachi Uchiha)

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Life is a waving feather: jusrecht || AO3 || T || AU || oneshot

Everyone thought they were inevitable.

(There's beauty in subtlety and this is that. Also, mentions of character death.)

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Home: kirabook || AO3 || T || AU || complete

Shinachiku finds himself in a strange place with little to no explanation. Everyone he knows is there, but why are they acting so strangely? Why do they seem so different? And where is his home? 

(Cute and heartwrenching at the same time. Cameo Stalker. Read this for NS family feels pre-marriage.)

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Things we never say: thekatthatbarks || AO3 || T || oneshot

She wished she knew how to hold things lightly. There were some things she was terrified of breaking. Whether it be from an honest misstep or simply because she could.

(Reminds you why we love NS so much.)

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Open seasons: sazzafraz || AO3 || T || SNS || postwar || oneshot

The way Sasuke comes home is less myth and more devastatingly embarrassing happenstance.

(Featuring badass!Sakura, obedient!Naruto and normal!Sasuke, as well as Sakura's commentary on her life)

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Five things Sakura will never tell Naruto: sowell || AO3 || T || AU || oneshot

Kunoichi know how to keep their secrets.

(NS relationship analysis story.)

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Artistic purposes: StormyInk || AO3 || M || AU || Oneshot

Sai finds his favorite drawing subjects a bit lacking of late, and he sets a plan into motion to draw his team mates together. Simply for the sake of his art, of course.

(Aka Sai is fed up from seeing his teammates dancing around each other and decides to help them get laid–the story. You gotta admit Sai is the best wingman.)

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I collect my tears (so I can drown you in them): amako || AO3 || T || AU || complete

The hardest thing is letting go. Or Sakura sees Naruto falling in love with Shikamaru a little more every day, and she does the only thing she can think of. Then it's only a matter of learning how to stop loving Naruto.

(Sakura and Angst that has nothing to do with Sasuke. Featuring Sakura-sensei. And Shikamaru. It's a great story if you know when to let go of canon)

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Stranger than the wild: kiddattwell || AO3 || M || SNS || postwar || Ongoing

The war is over and Sasuke is home for good, but Sakura can't choose between the boys she loves. Sasuke still has his demons and Naruto still fights them and Sakura still follows them both, but this time down a path that none of them expected.

(This is canon. It is the best SNS story I've ever read. Story told in SNS POV in rotation. Slow burn, pining and relationship complication. YOU GOTTA READ THIS, I INSIST!!!! Also features SaiIno and InoShika.)

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Bringing Back Sasuke: Blue Jeans || ff.net || T || post war || oneshot

Naruto brings Sasuke back to Sakura. Many, many times over. Sasuke does not appreciate; not the blood and definitely not the angst.

(I've read this story multiple times and it gets funnier and makes your heart hurt and swell simultaneously each time. NaruSaku wouldn't be blissfully happy together without Sasuke thrown somewhere in the mix, that's exactly why I love SNS. This story perfectly represents the dynamic of team 7.)

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Yurei: Kanji no Sakka || ff.net || T || AU || oneshot

The past should stay dead and buried, but it won't if Naruto can't let go.

(Not exactly my favourite story, but I liked the concept. We all know how stubborn Naruto is once decides on something. If he wants to become Hokage, he will become Hokage. If he believes in Sasuke, he will believe in him forever. If he loves Sakura, he will marry her – uh, or should have, very OCC of him that he didn't.)

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Tag NS fan you know so they don't miss any of this!

[natsukitakama]

Aww, you're so sweet!🤍 It's ok, I understand you, I have classes too so I understant that writing can take time. Well then, if it's ok, could you please write smth for Gojo x sorcerer s/o? It can be really anything - like their everyday life, how they going on a missions together, some fluffy or angsty stuff, literally anything. Hope you're ok with this req and I'm not making it hard for you since it's not smth specified😅

Author note : Hi there ♡ than you for requesting ! And also for understanding haha. It took me more times than expected because I had to read a little bit and watch again (not that it bothers me lmao). Your request is absolutely fine, I actually don’t mind when things is general it gives me more room for manoeuvre you know ?  

Warning : No spoiler since I’m still an anime only for now / Fluffy / Slight nsfw / some swear too I apologize 

Masterlist 

I already said it on my previous request but being a sorcerer means Gojo might be « distant » with you. Not that he didn’t find you attractive or enjoy you being around him (he craves for attention). But yes at first he doubted that you were interested on him because of him (he knows he is difficult to live with) or because of his position, money etc. But it doesn’t mean he won’t date a sorcerer. 

Times after times when you two became not only lover but friends, when he realized that you didn’t give a damn as much as him, when it came to sorcerer’s world. When he realized that you wanted to change it as much as he wanted too, I’m not saying that he would give you his heart but he will start to see you not just because he appreciates you but as a person. 

And that’s how he started to fall in love. 

Now being in relationship with you got his good point, you can understand (or at least got an idea) of his struggle as the strongest sorcerer, you can go on mission with him so it means you could spend time with him, both you can train together, he would be more confident too in the idea that you’re able to defend yourself (even if he would never let anyone curse put a finger on you, they would be dead before thinking about it). 

Before starting just a warning : not because you’re sorcerer mean he acte more like a grown up, no just give up on this he is bubbly and would remain the same, also he is possessive and hella protective no matter if you can defend yourself. 

That being said, how its like to date him as a sorcerer ? 

First, if you’re member of clan that mean both of you is supposed to go into the usual meeting, but since you’re dating him it also means that not only him but you would be late. It’s good thing that you didn’t give a damn (even if you hated getting late). So after getting scold for being late, you would assist on the meeting and well, one advise just don’t sit close to Gojo. He hates those meeting, he got him nervous, it’s source of stress for him so it needs something to relieve. That thing is you. 

It means that yeah he would tease you during the whole speech, sometimes he would tickle you, sometimes he would whisper dirty things on your and would lick it slightly, mentioned how he want to just throw you in the center and just fuck you roughly at least both you would be here for something, sometimes he went as far as to touch you and I’m not talking about him grabbing your hands : he would stroke your ass if he can have an access on it, he would stroke your thigh anything just to flustered you. He loves meeting because he knows he has you to keep him entertaining. 

If you’re not a member, he might insist on taking you with him since you’re still a part of the sorcerer society. Not matter what people would say, he doesn’t give a damn, if he says you’ll be here with him, you would. Exception, if you told him you don’t want to, or if you’re busy with something he won’t push it will whine and except you to give him extra attention and foods for letting him alone. During time like this he would sext you during the whole meeting he has no chill and no one would dare say something, he knows that and is not afraid to take avantage of it. 

When it came to you daily routine, do not expect anything out of ordinary. I mean if you can you would share a breakfast together, shower together (100% end up with your chest against the wall while he is having his fun with you) but then you would have to either go in a mission together or he would go for his teacher duties while you would leave for you own activity. Sometimes, you wake up with him not being here anymore cause he had to leave earlier for a mission, expect something like a breakfast ready for you or at least a little word on his bedside to apologize (also even if he is on mission, he would easily call you while fighting a cursed because he missed you, also whines a lot). 

When you two leave for a mission, there isn’t much to do I mean if you can manage the curse Satoru would gladly let you do your job while getting a little bit too excited because you’re way too hot, too badass (yeah he is like your number 1 cheerleader), if you’re taking too much time he would whine and complain though. Mostly because he wants you to do it quickly so you could spend the rest of the day cuddling because obviously he would come back with you at the Tokyo school once he is satisfied with the time you two spent together 

So if you’re taking too much time he would just end this like with a snap of his finger (that mother..) and while you’ll be angry at him for taking care of your business, he would just throw you on his shoulder while patting your ass and laughing at the same. 

Then you two would spend quality time together, having lunch, chilling together (movie, even taking a nap together) 

And then Satoru would be scold for taking way to much time on « easy » case which obviously he couldn’t care less, again he is Satoru Gojo what possibly could the old man (except getting on his never ?). 

Do not take me wrong he is afraid of being scold by the principal and you, especially getting scold by you. Cause it means no Mochi and Cuddle for Satoru, and he couldn’t tolerate that (deprive him from his precious Mochi what kind of torture is that ?). But then he would find a way to your sweet spot, one stroke from your cheeks, a little pout of him, and a little complain about how little time you two could spent together because of your job and so yeah he just managed time on his own. 

How could you be angry against him ? He knows he is cute and your weak for his puppy eyes 

But that’s is when you two could spend mission together, obviously Gojo is way more busier that you (still a teacher and a sorcerer) so he tends to outside more often than you even thought you’re pretty busy yourself. Except a lot, of chitchatting at worst time. I swear he knows when you’re currently struggling to hold your domain expansion or your spell and this is when he decided to text you about a video he saw on YouTube that make him laugh. And if you’re not answering at him, he calls you. 

Yes. You’re bleeding the shit out of you but that fucker is upset because he didn’t have enough attention from you he’ll FaceTime you at the worst moment.

Although sometimes when got bored during a mission he would flirt with you. It’s the rule. He doesn’t care that they are plenty of cursed around you, you’re hot and he wants attention

*cough cough*  sorry about that 

Sometimes when you got hurt during a mission and unfortunately Gojo wasn’t there to take care of that damn curse; he is getting really pissed. He won’t show it but everything can feel it, the tension is here all around him, everyone could feel so pressure whenever something happened to you. 

He barely left your bed even though you’ve been healed by Shoko, he won’t, he insists on watching you just in case. Will hold your hand during your healing process. After your accident, good luck cause he would NEVER let you on your own. Going to the bathroom ? He is right behind the door waiting for you, Going for some shopping he didn’t got money for nothing, don’t ever think about leaving for a mission either him or Nanami (cause he would bother him until Nanami decided that yes he would watch you just to be sure) would be their by your side. 

You mean everything for him. 

At some points, he would talk to you about his whole projet, about how he is about to kick those old prick out of the system and expect you to be by his side too (which won’t be too difficult considering most of them are ass***) 

Also, if students were kinda suspicious about you (like who could even be healthy enough to date Gojo ?) they quickly understand why Gojo loves you so much to the point both of you became their parent. 

So sometimes you’ll be there to take care of their lesson since Gojo in his good fashion way decided to be late or just leave to buy a new mocchi. You’re kinda became Gojo-sensei 2.0 

Everyone loves you and when Gojo appears to finally be the teacher he is, they all whine about missing you. Later than day he would whine while being on your arm, about how you stole his students from you. 

You didn’t you were just a better teacher than him but he is not ready for that conversation. So instead, you just stroke his hair telling him how wonderful he is, about how obviously everyone loves him they’re just shy about it. Stroke his ego and he won’t even be concerned about his lack of skills. 

[jimlingss]

can i request a yoongi chef au? i feel like yoongi's culinary skills are underrated, and I'm just a slut for chef aus in general

Anonymous said: Hi I saw ur request open posts for the new year!!! Could u write more yoongi stories🥺?!?! Your stories are so fantastic and i’m thirsty for more yoongi lolol🤪(hopefully u get enough votes to do more of him haha)

I feel like Jin’s the one who’s usually written as the chef, prob because he’s the better known chef in BTS, but you’re right! There’s gotta be more chef Yoongi!AUs, so here you go!!!

↳ Buttering Up

2.2k || 100% Fluff & Flirtation || Min Yoongi || Chef!AU

He clearly doesn’t know who you are.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

You hum, arms crossed as you eye him up and down. His black hair is practically a bowl cut, bangs covering his forehead. He’s in casual clothes — a taupe trench and black pants — looking like he’s ready for a trip to the grocery store rather than to cook. You wonder where this child crawled out from.

“You’re Yoongi?”

“That I am.” He approaches the door of the restaurant before plunging his hands inside his trench coat pockets. He fishes out the key and unlocks it, ushering you inside. “Hope you don’t mind that the restaurant’s closed down.”

You mind much more that he left you waiting on the cold city street for over ten minutes. You still can’t believe he was late. The audacity.

“I would’ve liked to see how you and your staff do your dinner service.”

“Unfortunately, we’re booked full for the next two months.”

You scoff — how doesn’t he know who you are? You’re a food critic who’s brought highly regarded restaurants to their knees through a review of five sentences. Your words alone has had rippled effects in the industry. Even the most talented chefs hold their breaths when you taste-test.

You make Gordon Ramsey look like Mother Teresa.

This Yoongi character is much too arrogant to not respect you. His new and upcoming restaurant might have raving reviews, but you’ll see what’s really going on.

“Sit wherever you’d like.”

There are no waiters in fancy garb, no hand sewn tablecloths made of silk. He doesn’t even pull out the chair for you. Instead, he’s off flickering on the lights of the restaurant while you choose a wooden table and chair right in front of his open kitchen — which is a horrible mistake in itself.

Open kitchens have always been a concept that has fallen short in your eyes. It’s much too noisy during dinner service and it gets smelly fast. Who actually wants to leave smelling like butter and oil?

It’s something you note as you get settled. 

Your coat drapes at the back of the chair and then you watch him. Yoongi’s taken off his trench as well, revealing a white long sleeve that he’s beginning to roll up to his elbows. He’s lean and his build is small, but somehow, he’s far from being scrawny. You gawk at the veins running up his forearm until he casually asks—

“Do you have a preference for wine?”

“I’m fine with any.”

He hums and comes over from the glass cabinet with a bottle of chardonnay and a wine glass. Yoongi pops the bottle easily and pours into the pristine glass with a mere tilt of his wrist. You watch the stream fill the glass a quarter way full.

“Is there a menu?”

“You don’t need one.”

Your brows raise. “Excuse me?” 

“If I were you, I’d put myself in the chef’s hands entirely and go with their recommendation.” He strides away, placing the wine bottle on the other table and then he turns with a glint in his eye and his mouth slightly crooked upwards. “Unless, of course, you don’t trust your chef.”

Oh. He’s confident. 

You can’t wait for his ego to blow up in his face.

“Fine then.” Your head tilts upwards. “What’s your recommendation then?”

He rounds his way to go into the kitchen that’s only a few meters away from where you sit. “Risotto with grilled chicken breast, topped off with caramelized onions, mushroom, grilled zucchini and sautéed tomatoes.”

You roll your eyes. What a basic dish. Isn’t it just rice? And with chicken breast?! Ew. It's guaranteed to be bland.

“Alright then.” You give a smile that might be more mocking than intended. “We’ll see how it tastes.”

Yoongi starts and while sipping the chardonnay, you take a good look at the restaurant from your spot. The place is rustic with a hint of contemporary. There’s exposed brick, wooden tables and chairs, and low, yellow lighting. There’s nothing particularly impressive about the place.

Soon, the sound of rapid, rhythmic chopping fills the space and then sizzling. You watch him intently. And you’re appalled. This Yoongi guy commits the worst cooking sins — his pan is cold when he starts throwing on ingredients. He cooks with olive oil. He overcrowds the pan. And he doesn’t even taste test once as he cooks.

What the actual fuck. 

There’s a line between arrogance and insanity, and he was crossing it.

You cringe when he starts using his metallic spatula on the non-stick skillet.

Is he even qualified to run a restaurant?!

Or maybe your assistant sent you information about the wrong restaurant? Or maybe this was not the guy you were supposed to be eating from. What if he poisons you or kills off all of your taste buds?! Your career would be ruined.

“Everything going okay?” you pipe up.

He glances up at you for the first time, eyes peering past his bangs. “Yep. Should be done in five.”

Food is simple. It either tastes good or it doesn’t. But the higher up you go and the fancier it gets, the more convoluted the food tastes with bland flakes of gold and the same old truffle shavings. That or it’s entirely boring and unoriginal. 

Or in this case, it might kill you. Which would be the first. And you’re not happy about it.

You feel unsettled when he plops the dish in front of you.

“Chef’s recommendation.”

“Thanks.”

You feel unsettled because it actually smells good. The aroma that fills your senses is flavoursome and buttery, and the thyme on top adds a fresh hint. You’re also unsettled because the plating isn’t actually bad. It’s been presented in a pasta bowl with wavy designs and the chicken breast is thinly and neatly sliced on top. It’s clean. It’s bright. It’s colourful.

But the most lethal poisons are the appetizing ones.

“Are you going to wait until it gets cold?”

You look up, brows raising at how he’s gotten comfortable in the chair across from you. Usually the chefs and waiters or waitresses like to skedaddle off and leave you to your own thoughts, too afraid to stand in your intense scrutiny. But Min Yoongi twists off the cap of his water bottle and casually downs it in front of you.

“I’m just looking at the presentation.”

“Tastes better than it looks,” he exhales after swallowing his water. 

Your expression becomes skeptical. But you take the silver spoon beside you anyhow and decide not to waste any more time.

The spoonful goes into your mouth. He watches you. You chew.

Instantly, you halt. 

The flavour hits your tongue. Creamy. Thick. But each individual grain of rice still has some firmness with a discernible texture. It’s been done al dente. There’s sweetness from the caramelized onions. An earthy flavour from the mushrooms. A zesty touch from the thyme. The chicken breast is somehow still juicy and the tomatoes burst on your palate. 

Suddenly, you’re thrusted back into your childhood. Those summer days spent in the cottage. Sun-kissed cheeks, dirtied knees, cotton dresses. You can hear your late grandmother in the kitchen. The way she calls out that it’s lunchtime. You can feel the comfort of family and love.

It feels like you’ve become the food critic in the ratatouille movie. 

You almost cry.

“What do you think?”

You clear your throat. You have to be honest. There’s no way you can lie about something like this. “It’s good. I think...this is the best risotto I’ve ever had. You cooked it perfectly and the toppings you chose were absolutely immaculate with this dish—”

You look up at him. Min Yoongi has an enormous, cocky smirk plastered across his stupid face.

It’s entirely off-putting. 

“But of course,” you quickly add, “there are many ways you could improve on it. You could add cilantro—”

“That would unnecessarily drown out the notes of thyme you taste,” he rebukes without a single beat and you scoff. 

“I noticed you didn’t add any pepper to it which could deepen the flavour.”

“Except this dish doesn’t need it,” Yoongi deadpans. “You don’t need to help me make any adjustments. I think I know what I’m doing better than you are. Just do your job and I’ll do mine.”

You suck in your cheek and narrow your eyes on him before you take another bite of the risotto while it’s still hot. “The food is delicious, but I must say, the company really spoils it.”

Yoongi’s slumped with one cheek resting in his hand, elbow on the table. He lazily stares at you with that smirk of his. “Really? Because if I didn’t know any better, you look nervous rather than annoyed.”

You scoff for the second time. “Why would I be nervous?”

“Maybe you didn’t expect the food to taste as good as it does and that makes me unexpectedly attractive,” he states plainly. You almost choke. You hit your chest as you sputter. “Or maybe you’re intimidated by me. I’ve gotten both before.”

You wipe your mouth with the napkin. “I’m afraid you’re not very perceptive, Min Yoongi.”

“Really? I think I am.” He smiles, the corners of his mouth quirked. “I’ve read your reviews before.”

You’re unamused. “Have you now? So you must know how difficult I am to satisfy.”

His smirk is sly and it’s jarring against his softer, more tender features. He’s smaller than the men you’re used to being around, but somehow it feels like he’s taken up the entire space of the restaurant. His focus on you is sweat-inducing. Even if you don’t want to admit it. 

“I don’t think so. You’ve just been eating shit food,” he says bluntly and your brow cocks. “You just need someone good you can trust. Someone who can take care of you properly.”

You’re not sure if the double entendre is purposeful. You wouldn’t put it past him.

“And is this someone you?”

Yoongi shrugs and sits back. “It could be.”

You grab your glass of chardonnay and gulp the rest in an effort to stop the conversation before it completely derails into a different direction. Yet, Yoongi’s half-lidded and darkened eyes stay on yours with each swallow. He’s unfazed. Unbothered. And that bothers you even more — bothered in a way that makes your face hot.

There’s a clack as you put the wine glass down and gasp. 

“I’m a professional.” You won’t be swayed so easily. “I can’t be bribed.”

“Of course.” He blinks as if he doesn’t know what you’re talking about. You glare at him and he gestures to the dish. “Please. Keep eating.” 

You finish the plate.

“Do you want any seconds?” he asks as he gets up.

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” Yoongi lingers, all too brazen and fearless. “If you don’t get any more now, you might have to come back for more.”

This time, you don’t try to hide the roll of your eyes. “That’s a presumptuous assumption.”

Yoongi smirks and his voice is husky. “After getting a taste from me, everyone comes back for more.

You scoff.

Min’s Restaurant Review

Three nights ago, I ate at Min’s Restaurant and met the main man in the kitchen. Unfortunately, he is a difficult person to interact with. I hope no one has the disservice of having to speak to the chef behind the dishes. Doing so may as well ruin the experience. Furthermore, his cooking methods are unconventional and unorthodox. It was completely shocking to watch.

However, and what I would consider most important, the food at Min’s Restaurant is spectacular. What Min’s Restaurant lacks in likeable personnel, they make up in the served cuisine. The meal that was prepared for me not only subverted my initial expectations, but overcomes, what I consider, what the food industry is lacking in this modern age exactly. Without unnecessary garnishes and ingredients, the flavours of Min’s Restaurant are both light and deep. It was an undeniable delight to consume and for the first time, I licked my plate clean. 

It is undoubted that the man behind Min’s Restaurant has the hands of god.

You should have pride.

But you’ve always loved good food. It’s your Achilles heel. It’s the one thing you’ve been passionate about since you were a kid. The reason why you love your job.

Even after writing such a review, you find yourself booking another reservation. But as a customer instead of a critic.

Of course, they were booked full for the next six months, largely thanks to your review, and they swiftly refused you with numerous apologies. But they called back not ten minutes later. You have a feeling that your name finally sunk into them — that he had something to do with it. 

That theory is confirmed when you arrive. The person in question is next to the seemingly nervous hostess as the noisy kitchen echoes throughout the busy restaurant. 

In the low lighting, Min Yoongi stands there with a relaxed smirk. As if he was expecting you. As if he knew you’d come crawling back to him to eat out of the palm of his hand, literally and figuratively.

You hate that he’s right.

“Welcome back.”

[acciocriativity]

Tetrachromat ||Harry Potter

Pairing: Cedrico Diggory x Reader // Hermione Granger x Reader

Summary: In a world where you can see 100 million different shades, every day means a new discovery. But among so many, you find something completely different in someone

Word Count: 2,6k

N / A:  tetrachromatism or tetracromacia comes from the mixture of two words of Greekorigin,"tetra" means "four" and "Chroma" which means "color". A tetrachromat person has 4 cell cones, instead of 3 which is more common, and this makes him sensitive to a wider color spectrum. 

Part II

 I had just come home after a tiring day at work, when I came across a scene that I hadn't seen in a long time. There was a brown owl on the steps of my house, I looked around and then walked over to it, took the letter that was tied to one of its legs, and a few seconds later I saw it flying across the London sky back to Hermione, after all there is no one but her that I know in the Wizarding World. As she was waiting for me there for a long time, I'm sure my parents haven't arrived yet, as they would have let her in. 

I left my bag on the sofa and sat down to read it immediately, I hadn't heard from her in over a year and sometimes I feared the worst had happened. The last thing I received was a warning, she had told me that she couldn't get in touch because she had an important mission to do and that when it was over, we could talk again. 

“Dear friend, 

It has been a week since the war ended, the Wizarding World is turned upside down but we are at peace and rebuilding ourselves now. I'm sending this letter to let you know that I'm going to visit my parents' house in a few days and I would like to see you too. After lunch next Saturday it seems like a good time. 

I have more things to tell you than I can put into words, I would also like to ask you a favor, but we can resolve this later. 

 With love, Hermione. ”

This visit was only the first of many. We talked as far as she could tell me, some issues were still sensitive and very recent and I obviously respected that, but even without many details, knowing the things that happened was difficult to process and she also respected that. 

We started seeing each other more than once a week, my parents managed to help locate Hermione's parents very easily, since our families have been neighbors and close friends for a long time. That was the favor she asked for and I immediately agreed. 

Over the course of two months, things were returning to their proper place and I had been officially invited by the brunette to visit their version of London and of course, I accepted. I was looking forward to that day, in the last letter I received, she told me that she would like to introduce Harry and Ronald, her boyfriend, to me. It is strange to think that I had heard everything about them, literally everything that happened at Hogwarts I knew from letters, but that we never actually talked. 

On the day that the visit was finally going to happen, I was more nervous than I had imagined. At 9 am, I was just getting ready when I heard a huge noise in the living room and for a few seconds I was scared, until I remembered that the girl warned me that this would happen. 

I could hear my parents' voices downstairs and I didn't even have to worry about hurrying, the only thing that caught my attention were the steps on the wooden stairs and then a light knock on the door. 

- Come in, Mione - I replied calmly, knowing who I was as I finished putting on my boots. 

- It's really impressive how you always guess right - she replied with a smile and came in, sitting next to me. 

- It's not very difficult, nobody in this house really knocks on the door before entering, although I keep complaining about it - we both smiled at my comment and I continued - I thought you were going to bring Harry and Ronald - I commented getting up and she immediately laughed , leaving me confused. 

- It is weird to hear you saying "Ronald" so formally, it seems that you do not know him- she explained to me and I had to laugh too.

- I think so too, but as I don't know him personally, it doesn't feel right to be informal, I can't explain it, but anyway, I'm ready to go. 

 We said goodbye to my parents before apparating to a street with several different stores. We walked a lot and it was nice to see how people were happier after all the terror that happened. 

Many people stopped to talk to Mione, she tried to disguise it but I noticed perfectly how well it did her, as if the whole sacrifice was worth it because no one would have to suffer or be afraid anymore. 

It was only at lunchtime that we met with the others at a restaurant, that I had to insist a lot to go and exchange my money because Hermione wanted to pay, since I was the guest of the day. 

Along the way, I noticed how this London is more normal than I imagined it to be, I have to look closely to see the less drastic differences.

- Is it true that you see different colors from everyone ?? - the redhead asked unable to hold himself and I just laughed at Hermione's indignant expression - Ouch! What? It’s not true? - He put his hand behind his head, where he had been slapped by the brunette next to him.  

 We had come in less than 5 minutes ago, I thought it was going to be a lot more uncomfortable than it really was. Right after the introductions, Ronald asked me that question and I admit that I was a little surprised. I had no idea that Mione talked about me for them. 

 

- It is true, colors work in a different way for me. Around everything there are colors popping out before my eyes - I tried to explain as easily as I could with a smile. 

- Around people too ?? Around us now, have colors ?? - his eyes sparkled with excitement when I agreed - what do you see around me ?? - he added with interest in his voice. 

- Many shades of red, blue and orange - I said after analyzing him for a few seconds.

- Hey, it reminds me of that book you gave me. The psychology of colors - her smile opened immediately when she remembered.

- Psychology? It couldn't have a better word for a title? Nobody in their right mind would read that - Ron leaned back in his chair and Harry's posture changed, as if he expected what was coming. 

- That book has the meaning of each color, I like to think that colors describe people but since you are not interested, I will not say it - the two went from water to wine in a matter of seconds.

- We are interested, how could I not have been told about this before ?? - The brown-eyed boy looked at her as if he had been terribly betrayed. 

- We had bigger concerns Ronald, since the first year you two took me into trouble that could have cost our life or our expulsion - she stared at him seriously and not a trace of remorse stamped his face.

- But you don't regret living all these adventures, right? It was fun at least, most of them - he replied leaning over to her with a wide smile. 

- Well, some choices could be decided much more sensibly, we weren't that much of a child - she said moving away to the side as the other approached - what are you doing, Ronald? - her cheeks burned a light pink. 

- What is the definition of red? - Harry said suddenly, taking my attention from the couple next to me, he looked as comfortable as I did. 

- Well, usually strong emotions. Passion, love, anger .. I see it in all of you, but it is not up to me to point out exactly what it means in each case - I said looking at the three since I received attention from the lovebirds. 

- And do you have proof of that? Is it really true ?? - He asked me again, even more curious. 

- In terms of colors and meanings, yes, but as there are few people with my condition, no researcher has identified the relationship of colors with what is around them. I like to believe it's true, so far it's not wrong and I have tested it several times. 

 We continued talking animatedly, even after our orders arrived. The topic of colors continued until everyone was satisfied with their definitions and then they decided to tell me some mini adventures that they lived together, which I still didn't know about. 

- And after all this episode with the spider, he had the courage to say that they didn't do it wrong, as if my head had almost been eaten by mistake - Ron said with wide eyes while gesturing non-stop. 

 We all laughed but I lost focus on the conversation as soon as two men stopped by our table, clearly father and son or something, due to the clear age difference. Both had friendly smiles on their faces, but the youngest one caught my attention the most. 

I just managed to hear an echo in my head of what the conversation was about, I obviously wasn't looking at him because it would be rude and it's not the kind of thing I would have the courage to do shamelessly. 

- We haven't seen each other in a while, Mr. Diggory, oh by the way, this is a friend of mine - Mione nodded at me and I smiled, just before I introduced myself and they did the same.

 Cedric, it’s his name. I remained distracted by my own thoughts until a tap on the shoulder woke me up, they were no longer there but I could tell they were at a nearby table. 

- Hey, I was talking to you - she said with an expression of indignation and a little bit of concern too - oh, finally back to this planet - she completed it as soon as she got my attention again. 

- What were you going to say, Mione? - I felt my face heat up but I tried to hide it as much as possible, the less attention for this moment of mine the better.

 The brunette decided to leave the questions for later and I thanked her internally for that. After we finished eating, it was just the two of us again since apparently both of the boys had plans for the rest of the day. 

- Did something bother you earlier? You didn't even look at us - I heard her say as we walked out of the restaurant.

- Yes, but you don't have to worry about that, I just needed a few seconds to put my head in place - I hadn't even realized what that could mean until I saw the smile on her face. 

- Was just one "hello" enough for your head to get out of place? Not that I'm judging, that's usually how it was at Hogwarts - her tone was a little bit malicious and I instantly slapped your arm. 

- It was nothing like that, I had never seen anyone or anything with so many colors before. He had a rainbow of colors, I couldn't even process it properly - I used the lowest tone I could, after all we were still in public. 

- Are you sure?? Your vision may have confused him with the whole background -  the rational side spoke first and I shook my head - well, it doesn't seem like a coincidence. Cedric has always been the definition of Hufflepuff, I couldn't think of anyone else who could be a rainbow, literally speaking - her smile returned even more prominent. 

 As a last stop, we went back to Diagon Alley because apparently the desserts there were the best. I was about to find out if this is true or not, when Hermione told me she was going to get a book, which really isn't a surprise to anyone, so I enjoyed my chocolate cake alone, sitting at one of the round pink tables. 

- Hey, I didn't expect to see you here - it definitely wasn't a female voice, so as I looked ahead there he was again. 

- I would go anywhere to have such a good cake - we both smiled and I motioned him to sit on the currently empty chair - and what is your reason? I asked with one eyebrow raised. 

- I'm working as a house elf today, my dad ordered a huge order here and I came to get it - maybe I had paid more attention than necessary to his smile, but who can judge me?

- I don't want to disturb you, it must be important - I tried to be the most sincere in those words, but most of me wanted his presence for a few more minutes. 

- He won't mind waiting longer, I couldn't miss the opportunity to spend a few more minutes with such a beautiful girl - he dared to wink at me. 

 Before I could answer, the cashier who also owns the place came to our table personally and what she said made me blush hard. 

- Hello, your father's order is ready, Mr. Diggory and we also have a special promotion for couples, if you are interested - her smile was loving. 

 Cedric was as speechless as I was, both overflowing with redness in our face and the lady did not seem to understand the situation at all, she brought another menu with options for couples to our table before leaving us alone again. 

- This is not what I expected to happen, but this colorful cake looks really good - I blinked slowly and couldn't resist it, I had to laugh and the confused expression on his face made me laugh even more. 

- That was a very HufflePuff way of dealing with the situation and, by the way, you should try it. It suits you after all - I commented before eating my own cake. 

- Do you study at Hogwarts too? I mean, studied when it wasn’t destroyed. 

- Oh no, I'm not a witch. I know a lot about it ‘cause of Hermione, apparently you're quite popular - again I noticed the pink on his cheeks increase and I must say, it's amusing  to watch. 

- Not quite popular for sure, what else you know about me? - He regained his confident posture and raised an eyebrow in my direction. 

- Not beyond what I have already implied, but I would love to know more if it’s okay for you.

 Where did I get that confidence from? I'm not sure, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity and my attitude seems to have taken him by surprise as much as me. The words disappeared from his mouth as I grinned. 

- Is there a problem Cedric? - I was having more fun than I expected this afternoon. 

- I should have asked you out, but you were faster - he said so seriously frustrated but my only desire is  just to laugh.

- Oh, do you want to go out with me? I meant to get to know each other as friends - he stopped to analyze me and I tried to be serious but before he apologized, I held his hand - I was just kidding, I would love to go out with you - I winked at him before letting go. 

- You are really ... my heart is not going to have a minute of peace from now on, is it? 

- I will try to take it easy on you Diggory, but I don't know if I will be able to do it for long.  

 An hour later I left to look for Hermione with a promise from Cedric, we would meet again next week.

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