#(MOMO PASSES OUT RIGHT AFTER THEIR FIRST ENCOUNTER. ALL OF THIS HAPPENS THE NEXT DAY)

[vlrspace]

cw: angst/comfort, you get doubts about your relationship with shoto, there’s one (1) heated make out session, maybe a bit suggestive, shoto might be a bit ooc, tw: panic attack

wc: 4.2K

an: there might be some errors, i’m sorry. i have like three other fics to work on, but it’ll take me some time so stay tuned <33

when shoto confessed to you, you could hardly believe that he reciprocated your feelings. it had been a few months since then and he already showered you with so much of his love and affection, recently he’s been opening up to you some more as well.

behind his stoic behaviour, shoto is actually quite gentle and caring towards those who are close to him. he makes sure you two study together at least once a week, if you need help with training he’s happy to provide his services and he likes to take you out during the weekends. he knows you’re always there for him after a nightmare or when he gets flashbacks from his rather traumatic childhood, comforting him anytime he needs. in his opinion you’re the best thing ever happening to him, his mom told him as well how important it is to experience a kind of love where you two are giving your all in.

he’s just so lovestruck, your beauty, your personality and everything that makes you, you, he’s just so happy to call you his girlfriend. you make everything so much better when you’re around, he feels like he’s floating and you’re the only thing keeping him grounded. anyone who encounters the two of you can see it in his eyes, how the colours soften when you’re around, his sole focus on you, how you draw him in and how he’s always touching you in some way (sometimes the others call you over when they see you walk pass just to see how shoto’s expression changes in a split second, they think it’s adorable). he also knows how much you affect him and so do you because you feel the same when he’s around.

so why on earth are you experiencing these ugly emotions when he never you gave you a reason to and would never let you feel like he doesn’t want you anymore like you’re not enough for him?

lately, shoto and momo have been spending more time together due to getting paired together often during trainings and projects and you know neither of them would go behind your back like that, they always have been very close since your first year but somehow it still sets you off. you’re not some clingy girlfriend, you actually feel so sick for doubting your boyfriend like that but you’re not too sure what to do.

momo is such a beautiful girls, tall, curvy and her long black hair is falling on her shoulders so nicely. she’s intelligent and so smart, gentle and kind with everyone and again she’s beautiful, her and shoto would fit perfectly together.

you feel the book against your head before you realise your actions, aizawa stopping in the middle of his lecture to look at you in the front row and you hear bakugou barking a laugh at you when you realise you’ve been overthinking again and hit your head unconsciously in class.

“care to elaborate on that (l/n)?” aizawa raises a brow but the end of his lips are curling somewhat up. he knows what an inner turmoil feels like and he can tell that lately you’ve been in your head too much.

“i listened to my impulse thoughts sensei” you give him a wide grin to save yourself from embarrassment or raise any suspicions in your friends and most importantly in your boyfriend. it seemed to work because everyone started laughing. aizawa decided to let the class having fun and let you be before the bell rung signing another end of a school day.

shoto came to stand next to while you were packing up and and brushed a thumb against your forehead. “it didn’t hurt right?” he murmured leaning down to press a kiss against it. you hummed quietly while shaking your head and give him a small smile which he gladly returned and laced your fingers together, grabbing your bag as well while leading you out of the class and you two feel into a comfortable conversation.

when you got to the dorms you two parted to change out of your uniforms and agreed to meet in the common room later. you took a while as you were cleaning your room, only wanting to rest during the weekend so you messaged shoto that you’d come down later. he asked if you needed some help but you told him you’d be fine.

you finished just before dinnertime and you headed downstairs, finding everyone lounging around the common room. your eyes found shoto who seemed to be content while talking to momo and oh did that ugly emotion just return? you swallowed the lump in your throat, not realising how quickly it appeared while trying to remain calm.

“oh (y/n), come over here!” midoriya chimmed up loudly when he saw you, making everyone turn towards you and your eyes found shoto once again when he looked at you with a fond smile. before you walked over there, you should’ve checked if there was anymore space left because there was none as you came to a stand. shoto however curled his hands around your thighs and pulled you into his lap, his firm torso pressing tightly against you, one large hand (left) swallowing up one of yours, the other one (right) on your thighs and his chin is on the crown of your head.

once you got comfortable in his lap, the others remained their conversation with each other, inviting you in but you can barely hear them, too focused on shoto and momo. your boyfriend is talking to momo about a gala both of their parents will attend soon while shoto’s hand is stroking your thigh. you can’t say you don’t like the affection he gives you but you wish he talked to you too (he was, he hoped you would join in), but the lump in your throat was growing bigger and harder to ignore.

“my love, are you okay? you’re not as talkative like you usually are” shoto’s whispering tugs you back to reality, you feel his breath on you neck as he presses a soft kiss on it.

“is there anything bothering you? would you like to talk about it?” momo’s soft voice reaches you, but you give both a small smile.

“i’m just a bit tired, this week was rough i guess” you try to reassure them, but your voice cracks by the end of your sentence.

“we can eat in your dorm if you’d like then cuddle and watch a movie. how does that sound huh?” shoto mutters quietly into your ear, the hand on your thigh never stopping its caressing. you grab the hand that’s holding your hand, feeling how cold it is from his quirk and you start playing with it while looking down and thinking how that one hand dwarfs both of yours.

“i promised mina that we’d play uno tonight” your voice is small but shoto understands every one of your words. “and i don’t wanna ruin anyone’s night either” you are not sure how much momo was listening at this point, but it didn’t matter.

at times like this, shoto hates how you put everyone else before you, sure he prioritises you over himself, but he doesn’t want you to feel guilty over things like ruining your friends’ night by simply not feeling well enough to socialise. he knows that your friends are more than understanding of how it can be tiring at times to be a hero in training and no one would blame you for wanting some alone time. however, he decides to not press any further and wants to remain by your side for the rest of the evening (and the rest of his life).

“dinner’s ready shitheads” bakugou shouts from the kitchen since it was his turn to cook. everyone gathers around the dinner tables and some are helping with bringing out the food. momo leaves your side, not wanting to intrude any further as shoto helps you stand up from his lap and places his left hand on the small of your back and lead you towards your usual table with the dekusquad.

while you two are eating, a cold hand is placed on your right thigh and you realise how shoto was silently comforting you, not wanting his girlfriend to be sad. it made your heart flutter how kind he was with you even if he didn’t know what was up. you start to feel stupid for feeling this way.

the rest of the night goes by, you feel a little better and shoto was by your side the whole time. while playing uno, he once again placed you on his lap and you two were playing together while he hugged you close to him, head tucked between where your shoulder and neck meet.

that night shoto insisted he sleeps with you and you were more than okay with that.

you reach your downfall or more like your breaking point two weeks later, on friday during school. the weeks have been packed with group projects (both school work and training), momo and shoto have been placed together most of the time, leading you two to barely see each other and when you did it was for one of the projects where you had been placed into groups of 5. you were with momo, shoto, midoriya and kirishima, it somewhat relieved you that at least you had midoriya and kirishima with you so it wasn’t that uncomfortable (for you). the chemistry between shoto and momo was insane, they respond so well to each other and it got you wondering if you had such connection with shoto too.

maybe you should just talk to him and let him explore what could potentially happen between the two of them. but you love him so dearly, he’s like oxygen for your lungs, he’s the sun on gloomy days and he owns your heart, mind and soul. there is never a day where he doesn’t remind you how gorgeous he finds you, how much he cares for you, how much he loves you. he always treats you like a diamond, soft touches running across your skin when he’s around, caresses either cold or hot, it never really mattered to you. also how can you forget the tender kisses he leaves on your body or how he kisses your neck when you have a hard time expressing yourself, not wanting to make you feel like you’re under pressure. or when he whispers in your ears and leans down to hear you better because you only reach up to his torso. he completely dwarfs you with his height and large muscles when he circles his arms around you pulling you to his chest where you feel the most safe and protected.

you hadn’t realised how the tears started to roll down on your cheeks, only when a warm hand reaches over to cup your face while wiping them away with a thumb and started to caress the skin turning you slightly towards the owner. when you meet with your boyfriends bi-coloured eyes a loud hiccup escapes you. quickly gathering your school blazer, you storm out of the classroom without any word, running towards the toilets as you wipe your eyes harshly. the footsteps rushing after you stop when you disappear in one of the stalls.

after pulling down the toilet seat, you sit on it and bury your face in your hands, you harshly grab onto the hair at your scalp, your sobs escaped you uncontrollably as you cried. it was getting harder to breath as you started to hyperventilate and your whole body shook, the hold on your scalp became stronger making you pull your hair harder. you sounded so pathetic, oh lord when did you become so miserable?

shoto heard you from outside of the toilets, both of his fists balled tightly next to him. his heart was breaking down the longer he stood out there. he couldn’t think of anything that could’ve possibly caused you to break down, you seemed to be doing alright, so what happened? why didn’t you tell him that something was up? he knows how he sometimes has trouble with understanding with what’s going on but he would do anything to make you happy, literally anything. your happiness matters the most to him, if you’re happy then he’s happy. shoto brushed through his hair, he didn’t know what to do, he couldn’t walk in to the toilets, people might the wrong idea so he walked back to class.

when shoto walked back to class, everyone turned towards him and a few rushed to shoto, asking if everything is okay. however, his glossy eyes and his disheveled form was alarming to everyone and more importantly, where were you?

“todoroki what happened? where’s (y/n)?” midoriya asked, worry evident in his voice as he grabbed his friends shoulders.

“she-she’s in the toilets, she’s-she’s crying, i d-don’t know what’s g-going on” shoto’s voice was broken, he kept his eyes on the floor, his tears threatening to fall down on his face.

“i’m going to go and talk to her okay?” ochaco offered quietly as she gently rubbed shoto’s arm. he only nodded, he wanted to be the one to make sure you’re okay, you’re his girlfriend after all, the most precious thing in the world. ochaco left to see you but he couldn’t just stand there, he needed to get to you too.

“aizawa sensei, is it okay if todoroki goes inside the girls toilets? we can stand outside as well, to make sure we avoid any incidents, but it’s important for him to talk to (y/n)” momo turned towards aizawa, hoping to get his permission. she knows how important you are to shoto, you’re all he ever talks about when you’re not around. she still vividly remembers when he first came to her about his weird feelings and he didn’t know what to do with them or how to act around you. she remembers the amount of effort shoto put into courting you and even now when he finally has you, shoto’s efforts only increased. she always felt happy knowing how much in love you two were.

“don’t cause too much trouble” is all what aizawa said after taking a deep breath in. whatever happened between the two of you, he knows you can solve it and you two are better because he’s not blind, he can see as well how you complete each other.

“come on midoriya, iida, lets make sure no one interrupts them” momo instructed while grabbing shoto’s arm and pulled him towards the toilets.

meanwhile, ochaco tried to comfort you as much as possible, when she first heard your cries, she teared up as well. poor you must’ve been feeling really sad to cry this hard.

“(y/n), it’s ochaco. please open the door for me” she gently coaxed you, hoping that you will open it up for her and when she felt the lock open, she felt relieved. when she opened the door though, the sight of you made her feel incredibly sorry for you. you were sitting on your blazer, your tie on the floor and your shirt was unbuttoned at the top. your mascara was running down on your face and your hair was a mess, you were a mess. “oh my god, (y/n), what’s wrong?” she rushed to hug you and another sob broke out of you.

you could barely talk and she was barely able to catch what you were saying. the repeated few sentences were “i hate feeling like this”, “he deserves so much better” and “i love him so much” and ochaco got the gist of what you meant. someone made you feel insecure about yourself and you thought you weren’t worthy of shoto. but who made you feel like this and when did it become so bad?

unbeknownst to the two of you, the bicoloured boy was standing outside the stall, watching the two of you. you clung onto ochaco so tightly you hadn’t realised that he was standing there but ochaco did and she motioned for him to switch places. shoto ducked down and kneeled infront of you and ochaco gently tucked you into his arms. the second you felt the familiar arms circling around your smaller frame, you looked down to see shoto looking at you with big eyes, grey and turquoise hues looking at you with the same fondness as always but this time it’s more intense with love and affection. both of his hands came up to cup your cheeks, thumbs wiping your tears just like before and this time you stayed.

you thought you looked ugly, you’re in the middle of your breakdown, there is snot, tears and mascara everywhere but to shoto, you looked just as beautiful as always. he slid his arms back to your hips and pulled you onto him so he can keep you closer, you buried your face into his chest while he hid in your hair, hands running up and down on your back, hoping to soothe you.

it did soothe you, after a few minutes you sobs quieted down and only the occasional sniffles were heard. one of his hand found your face again and made you look up to him so you two can finally talk about what is going on because he’s extremely worried for you. you took him in now that you calmed down, his eyes were teary and his hair looked messy, the uniform on him looked very unorganised as he also removed his tie and a few buttons were undone.

“sweetheart” he whispers to catch your attention and when you look at him he continues “what’s bothering you this badly?” his left hand feels cold against your face and it helps to ground you.

“you gonna think it’s stupid” you mumble look down and fiddling with your fingers.

“tell me” he’s lips hover over your neck and his breath tickles you. “i want to know, let me help you” he presses his lips against the skin like he always does when he’s trying to comfort you. you don’t think there is any point in hiding it from him, this can’t get any worse (unless he dumps you right here and now).

“you and momo” his kisses stop but he doesn’t move his head to look at you “you two seem to be so good and the chemistry between the two of you is amazing. “you stop when he starts to leave kisses again “and lately we’ve barely been able to hang out together because of all the projects we get and i know it’s not your fault. i guess i just got insecure because i find momo very pretty and more fitting with you than myself. “you mumble and he looks down at you, grey and turquoise now swim in bewilderment and you know you messed up but continue anyways “i know you wouldn’t do anything like that to me and i tried to push these thoughts away but i can’t and i understand if you think we should break up” you look down at your hands, still fiddling. there, you said it.

now hold up, you think he likes momo? you think momo is a better match for him than you? you think he finds her prettier than you? you think he wants to break up with you? he doesn’t want to leave you, in fact he knows he’ll marry you when the two of you are ready for marriage and grow old together. shoto is planning to formally introduce you as his girlfriend to his family since they only met you after the afo war and you two weren’t even together yet. shoto never thought about momo that way, not when he only ever wanted you.

“how can you think like that?” he suddenly asks, fingers lifting up your chin, his eyes serious “you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, when i wake up i can’t wait to your smile or see how your eyes shine when we hold hands. the way your hand fits into mine perfectly “he holds up your hand in his and watches as your fingers lace together “yours is so much smaller and cuter, just like you. i always want to protect you and be around you no matter what. you’re so gorgeous and since i’m with you, i never thought of any other girl the same way as i thought of you and you’re the first girl that i ever felt more towards to. “his words were messy, they weren’t in the usual collected manner like now “me and momo do spend a lot of time together but there is nothing going on i promise. if you want me to spend less time with her i will, just please don’t leave me” shoto’s voice is now pleading against your lips as he leaned down, kissing you softly and when you returned the kiss, his tongue slipped into your mouth while one of his hands found your thigh, the other one on the small of your back and your hands sneaked around his neck, both of you are trying to pull the other closer.

shoto left your lips and kissed down to your jaw and neck right at your sweet spot. he licks it before sucking on the skin, you let out a small whine, grinding against him with your hips making him groan and you pull on his hair. he groaned again against your neck, leaving to go back to your lips after giving the bruised spot a kiss. this time he kissed you with more passion, hands cupping your lower cheeks underneath your skirt, your hips moving slightly but in sync. before you two could take it any further you put your hands on his chest in an attempt to push him away from you but shoto leans back in and catches you in another make out session.

when you finally manage to get him to stop kissing you, you both pull away and take the other one in. both of your disheveled forms and plump lips, could give others a different idea of what actually happened.

“please next time talk to me, even if you think it’s stupid, but for me it’s never stupid if it’s you. you scared me so much when you ran away from me crying. “he thumbs your lips before reaching for your tie and pulls it over your head “i love you so much, if you’re hurt then so am i” he presses a kiss against your forehead as he fixes your uniform. “let’s get back to class, the others must be worried i’m sure” he softly smiles at you and helps you stand up, grabbing your blazer as well as he leads you out of the stalls.

you take a look into the mirror but quickly turn around when you see the mess you became. shoto only chuckles and opens the door and you just stand there dumbfounded. is he going to leave like that?

“momo can you make some make up remover and a brush?” oh my god, there were people standing outside?

“of course, is she okay? does she need anything else?” momo’s concerned voices reaches you and you feel like a monster for letting your bad thoughts get ahead of you and make her seem like a bad person.

“yeah she is, just give us a few more minutes” shoto walks back to you and turns you so he can see you better when he starts to wipe your face with a tissue, then with the make up remover, afterwards he brushes your hair too, all of this with so much care and you let out a giggle at his focused face. it makes him smile when he finally hears you giggling and gives you a soft peck on the lips. you take the brush from his hand and brush his hair and wipe his face too with a tissue. shoto’s uniform still looks messy but he doesn’t care as long as you’re here with him and you’re happy.

“i’m taking you out this weekend, somewhere just the two of us okay?” he leans down, presses his forehead against yours and looks into your eyes.

they are full of love.

“okay” you smile at him and he leans down to kiss you once more before the two of you leave the girls bathroom.

iida acted like a security guard the whole time.

you apologised to everyone for the inconvenience and mainly to momo for getting in your head so much about her, but she only patted your head and said that there is nothing to apologise for, she just want you to be happy. shoto remained by your side for the rest of the day and reassured you of his love for you.

(shoto took you to the country side that weekend, where the todoroki’s had a mansion away from everything. he also made sure you know he loves you in more than one way)

[fuckyeahkagepro]

Kagepro Analysis: Hibiya & Momo & Jin’s foreshadowing

some Kagepro ‘fan’: HIBIYA AND MOMO HAVE THE WORST RELATIONSHIP EVER UGH HE TREATS HER SO POORLY IN THE BEGINNING HE-------

ME, AN INTELLECTUAL:

(Momo’s POV) (bolding/italics highlighted for emphasis) “O-Oops............ By the way, it was all that kid’s fault. Kids these days are really presumptuous...............” After saying that, a sudden feeling of guilt attacked my heart and shut my mouth. That’s right, yesterday, Hibiya collapsed at the entrance of the hospital and Kido brought him back to the base. Hibiya’s anger at that time wasn’t something to be dismissed as “just a presumptuous kid”. For me who would never glare like that, the feelings that were piled inside the boy’s heart were completely unimaginable. "That boy, what had actually happened to him? [...]” (LATER ON, SAME CHAPTER, TOWARDS END): “Hibiya watched his friend die countless times, then eventually he was [spit] out of that world on his own.

By the way, to let me fully understand the story, he repeated it three times,

and from all that hard work I could see that he was actually           a nice kid.”

“Even though I could hardly understand anything I’d been told, I still thought that the situation Hibiya was in was really cruel.” (...) Hibiya’s eyes were so young yet they steadily looked forward, [appearing] reliable.

Despite all that, the youth had a lot of weaknesses, too.

Hibiya, who was from the countryside, didn’t understand this place too well, and he didn’t have enough money.

More, he had a new born eye power that he still couldn’t use by his free will, so there was the terrible chance of a rampage occurring.

“............... Still, I’m going with you. I’m worried, okay?” (...)

(MOMO, bit later on, same scene):

“All~ right! Okay! If that’s the case, then how’s this: I help you, and if we find the girl, you’ll stop calling me ‘[aun]’ and also ‘cow’. And ..... f-fat .......... not even ‘fat’..........”

“Huh? What. That’s [Aun]’s ‘benefit’?”

I crossed my arms and confidently said: “Yes. If that happens, I’ll be veeryy happy! Ah, I can even be your partner if you want!”

Hibiya smiled for the first time.

“.......... Weird. Well then, what if [Aun] can’t find her? What will [Aun] do?”

I was considering what I would do, but actually all that wasn’t necessary. The answer was as simple as it could be.

“What would the Mekakushi Dan say?”

Because all I had to do was to simply tell Hibiya my answer, word by word.

Staring at Hibiya’s eyes, I told him clearly*:

“…………… Until we find her,                                         I will always stand by your side”

Everyone in Mekakushi Dan clearly understands how hard it is to face a problem alone.

I was saved by them, therefore I can smile.

And now it’s my turn to stand by someone’s side.

As a Mekakushi Dan member, that must be my most important mission.

“[A-aun], why are you saying things like that?”

Hibiya blushed and turned away.

And then, to be honest, I also realized that I said something pretty embarrassing, so I too became hot in the face and lowered my head.

Why the heck am I being shy towards [a primary school student]…?

^ “The Children Reason”, Novel #3 [Novels Route]

Otsukimi Recital chapter [Novels Route version]

(MOMO’S POV):

While WISHING in front of the moon, I kept going toward the base one step at a time.

“This is embarrassing, oba—I mean, Momo.”

“It can’t be helped, right? Because Hibiya-kun fell so suddenly. You just made a mistake, yeah?”

“No, it’s hard to suddenly…!” (...)

(LATER ON, SAME CHAPTER):

(KIDO): “Now that Kisaragi has returned, from today on we will put the ‘Kagerou Daze Capture Strategy’ into effect! This way, we won’t be careless in our preparations!”

(MOMO): ”… Eh?”

(HIBIYA.....): “H-hey… Momo  *** (NOTE: CLICK THIS LINK).  I …?”

Despite only just beginning to understand everything, the ‘Kagerou Daze Capture Strategy’ would be the Mekakushi Dan’s last operation.

Rather, that that would be the last time I would spend with the members of the Mekakushi Dan, I at that time, of course, had no reason to know.

^ Kaien Panzermast chapter (final chapter of “The Children Reason”)

* - this line was bolded by the original translator for emphasis. *** CLICK THE LINK. Read it in full.

**** ALL OF THE ABOVE (+ EVERYTHING THAT CAME BEFORE):

HAPPENS IN THE SPAN OF A DAY OR TWO. A DAY OR TWO. (not 3+ days, not a week, not weeks, not months,) due to Kagepro’s plot occuring between August 14th-15ths,

and the conclusion not happening until shortly after the “Kagerou Daze Capture Strategy”.

[ Reminders re: official Routes order ] Music (+Etc. Music) -> Manga -> Novels (officially) -> ??? (MCA???) -> ??? (unofficially) MCA: “the closest to the latter” - Jin, quoted 2nd Manga Route: officially included within original Manga Route’s description (NOT MUCH LATER ON.....):

She is so soft-hearted, stupid, reckless, unreliable… but more than anyone else, she’s such a kind person.

Since Momo’s like that, I was able to fight for myself like this too. The one who taught me about “friends” - it was (no other than*) her.”

- Summertime Reload (Novel 8 / Final Novel).

bonus earlier analysis: explaining Hibiya’s initial rudeness re: him being from the countryside + not understanding Japanese honorifics conventions / politeness.

bonus reference: Japanese school system calender + Kagepro. more bonus: this quote of Hibiya’s from the first novel re: his presumed “age”. even more: profiles and confirmations of ages in canon materials. bonus bonus: Manga Route 2′s foreshadowing “onee-chan” moment + its mistranslation of a very significant scene (!!!) in the official English translation

EVEN MORE BONUS:

(Momo’s autograph scene from From the Darkness [Novel 7]):

Hibiya asked Momo to sign for Hiyori after all these commotions ended. Momo had mixed feelings because she didn’t think Hiyori’d be satisfied with her [autograph] *since she’d not be able to return to being an idol then* and she felt a trickle of jealousy.

Not hearing Momo’s answer, Hibiya then said:

“So you…… We will definitely have to meet again ! Promise me ! ” with a face like he was about to cry.

(compare all of the above + Novel scenes to MCA #02, Kisaragi Attention scene, specific to its own Route):

(compare ALL OF THE ABOVE PAST THAT TOO to THIS WHICH LEAVES OUT ALMOST ALL OF THAT.)

“Otsukimi Recital” [MCA Version.]: a.k.a: why WAS VIRTUALL ALL THEIR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT LEFT OUT. [the obvious answer: because of time constraints, that’s why!] (*MCA: a 12-episode series. only 12 episodes. in 2014) [2nd obvious answer: because Jin hadn’t written the later novels yet.] [*all of the above: STILL CANON. TO THEIR OWN ROUTES.]

[lubdubsworld]

Change of Heart

Pairing : Taehyung x OC

[ Summary :

Times are changing.

After years of being oppressed, werewolves are taking a stand against humans , demanding equal rights and fair treatment. Heading the movement is Kim Taehyung, the breathtaking heir to the Kim fortune and one of the few remaining Alpha werewolves in the country. His disdain for the human race is well known and well warranted. They killed his family after all…..

He wants to change the world , to put humans in their place but when his five year old daughter takes a shine to their very human neighbor , maybe he has to start with a change of heart , first.  ]

Pairing : Taehyung x OC

Genre : Romance, Explicit Content.

Warnings : None. ( Some mild violence but mostly off screen )

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3

Chapter 4

The Preserve had originally been an isolated island about 50 miles off the coast of the mainland.  Over the decades, the land had been expanded with man made floats serving to support the extra buildings and complexes that cropped up to cater to the small human population that stuck around to help out. 

The wolves still kept to the interiors, most of them having built huge cottage-villas which could house the entire pack, territories marked out clearly to avoid disputes. A few of the very traditional ones lived on the huge mountains that lined the northern end, opting to stay in their wolf-forms most of the time. 

The island itself was beautiful, rich vegetation , a thriving fauna and a landscape that was lined with beautifully stark cliffs up high and private little coves and beaches scattered below. 

Taehyung and his daughter lived on a beautiful beach side villa, which had its own vegetable garden , a staff of over 8 to take care of everything, a private jetty for trips to the mainland and a helipad/ airstrip. 

True to his word, Taehyung did not stay around most days. He was busy with his campaign and I spent the first week recovering. The doctor visited everyday and by the end of the week, most of the internal injuries were healing well, the pain well managed with meds.

Luna had moved into my room, pretty much and I spent the days with her curled into my side, reading from her favorite books, stopping when she encountered a particularly difficult word, ebony eyes turning to mine for help. We read countless books, and she introduced me to all her best friends : Mr. Ted the bear, Kihyun the bunny and Momo the panda. The stuffed animals had a small baby carrier of their own and she liked carting them all around the house. 

“She was really pretty. Mama....” Luna whispered one night, as we lay curled on the window seat in my room, a fur throw covering us up as we stared out into the rocky beach far below. 

I felt my heart lurch in shared grief. 

“Was she? What else do you remember about her....?” I asked softly.

“Her scent. “ Luna said quickly. “ She smelled just like you. Like home and fresh cookies with sugar sprinkles. And rainy puddles you can jump in.” 

I bit my lips, mindful that Luna was just listing her favorite things. I didn’t know much about how weres scented other weres or humans. But i supposed it made sense that her mother’s scent should remind her of things that offered her comfort and joy. 

But her next words threw me for a loop. 

“Daddy didn’t like her much....” She said suddenly and I felt my throat close up . 

“Oh-Oh?” I was genuinely shocked. Taehyung had looked devastated when he had told me about his wife’s passing.... 

Luna shook her head. 

“My friend from school, Mina? Her mommy’s still alive and her daddy likes her. They kiss and stay in the same room. Mommy and Daddy never kissed. Mommy lived on the east wing.... That’s on the other side. Near the rose gardens.”

I bit my lips, feeling incredibly guilty for some reason. This information felt somehow private and not for stranger’s ears. I didn’t want Luna to get into trouble for saying this to me . 

“I miss her sometimes. I’m glad you’re here.” She sniffled and i felt my heart crack in two. The girl was replacing her mom with me, I thought miserably. I couldn’t in good conscience let this happen. 

But as the days stretched into weeks, with Taehyung out and busy most of the time, i couldn’t bring myself to leave. Luna did appear to be calmer, more grounded and happier with me around. She liked staying close to me, at touching distance and she often buried her nose into my neck, sniffing till I had to gently pry her off. 

Although, absent physically, Taehyung called every day. He facetimed his daughter twice at least and I got a call every night at exactly nine. It was usually curt and formal but he did tell me what he was upto.

“The elections are coming up soon.... I need to work a bit more on the immediate reforms we’re planning to launch...I won’t be available this week, Luna’s keeping well?” 

“Yes, she is. We made a modern recreation of red riding hood and the wolf today with play dough.” 

Silence.

“Interesting choice of fairy tale, Mi Rae ssi...” He drawled. 

I flushed at how my name sounded in that voice.

“It’s a bit different plot wise. In this case, the granny is just a meanie who likes to order Red about and the wolf is the one who rescues her.” I grinned.

He chuckled amicably.

“Bit of a stretch , that. But I’m glad you’re happy. I didn’t want to pressure you too much and i know its asking way too much of you . But Ms. Lee says that Luna is happier than she’s ever been and I do believe you’re the one I have to thank for that. “

I bit my lips. I wanted to tell him that Luna was getting way too attached. That I was afraid of what would happen when it was time for me to leave, but already i could hear voices in the background, people calling for his attention and I remembered that he was doing something important.

 He was trying to build a better world for his little girl. 

In the long run, all of this would be for Luna’s benefit only. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

it had been nearly a month since I’d last seen Taehyung . A whole three months since I’d moved into his villa. My paycheck as a nanny was three times what I was paid as a lab tech. But I hadn’t stopped working at the research facility either. I spent the days there, when Luna was busy with her school work . The vaccine had been successful but somehow, my father’s company had pulled some sort of nonsense with the patenting and not everyone had got the shorts. 

I stared out into the murky blue waters as they crashed into the jagged black rocks that lined the private beach. The huge bay windows in the living space offered an unfettered view of the rocky beach. 

Next to me, Luna was pretty much bouncing around, trying to find all her beach day toys. I watched her fondly, feeling something squeeze my heart when I thought about not seeing her again. The elections were done, the results were due any day now and Taehyung had already told me that he was looking to end this arrangement soon. 

Luna had a mind like no other. A vibrantly curious child with the most incredible questions, it was clear that she adored her father more than anything else in the world. In the evenings, she liked to play near the small water inlet that fed into the Ocean. The water was shallow, barely an inch or so deep, the terrain covered in small smooth pebbles in every shade of brown of grey.  

Luna and I  spent most of the weekends exploring the small beach around the villa, foraging around in the coves while her caregiver watched me covertly from a distance. She clearly didn’t trust me much, but I tried not to let it get to me.

I wasn’t here to stay. Taehyung had sent me a mail the previous week, letting me know that I was no longer had to babysit, because he was planning to move to Seoul himself. He would be renting out a condominium there and hiring a full time nanny. 

And that was fine. it wasn’t like i hadn’t seen that coming. I had a life of my own and i had to get back to it. My cottage near the research facility was fixed now and I was looking forward to getting back to my life, no matter how much it hurt to leave Luna behind. 

 I was a little upset that he had sent an impersonal mail to me instead of talking to me in person. Or maybe spoken about it over the phone at least. But I knew that he was just trying to make it easier for me to cut all ties. 

Okay, fine, maybe I was a little bit bitter that Taehyung hadn’t even offered to hire me to take care of Luna .  I wasn’t qualified , yes, but so far Luna had been a dream to stay with. She was so inquisitive and bright, so full of sunshine and happiness. 

After three months of her unconditional love for me,  the idea of not coming home to her vibrant laugh and endless giggles, it just felt so painful. 

“Rae Rae, let’s gooooo....” Her voice broke me out of my thoughts . Despite endless protests from Ms. Lee, Luna insisted on calling me Rae Rae and I found it adorable. 

I jumped a little, hastily moving to grab the sunscreen, the hat and gloves. While Luna did heal quickly courtesy her wolf-y genes, she was also incredibly prone to sunburn. The first few times, she had promptly shifted into her wolf form when i tried to put it on her, snipping my fingers angrily. The chemical was supposed to be unscented but her sensitive nose had clearly picked it up anyway. 

It took a lot of bribing with delicious meat patties and steak bites, for the girl to shift back and let me apply it on her.

But now she was comfortable with letting me apply it on her when we went to the beach. 

She picked up her backpack, a baby blue fur lined affair with twin bunny ears near the handle , and the small tote bag full of her collection of seashells and skipped out of the room happily. I finished packing the rest of her beach stuff : towels, napkins, hair pins and a change of clothes just in case. 

We were just climbing down the huge stairwell, when Taehyung’s voice rang through the foyer, startling me badly. i hadn’t seen him in a long time and against my better judgement I almost half ran back to put some make up on at least. I probably looked like an ogre with smeared sunscreen and my hair uncombed and in a bun. 

“Lu - Lu? Baby???” He called out, his deep voice pretty much reverberating off the walls .

“DAAAADAAAAAA” 

I watched her almost tumble headlong the stairs in her rush to get into her father’s arms and I hung back, letting them have their reunion. 

I waited till Taehyung called out for me, before moving to greet him as well. 

The first thing that stuck me was how incredibly handsome he looked, hair now fully black, swept straight back from his forehead. He was dressed in skinny jeans and a loose black shirt, buttons undone to show the lines of his pecs and a pair of dangly earrings caught the light as he turned to stare at me. 

“Mi Rae ssi....i see you’re all ready for Beach day?” He grinned softly.

There was something radiant about him, a definite lack of anxiety. He looked relaxed almost.

“You won?” i blurted out. “ You won didn’t you?”

Taehyung’s eyes glinted .

“Its not officially announced yet, but yes, the Commission called me today . They think I’ve won by a landslide.

Before I could rethink my impulse, I flung myself into his arms, genuinely thrilled beyond belief.

“RThat’s so incredible, Taehyung ssi...i’m so happy for you and-”

“Tae? Should I get the other suitcase?” 

The female voice made me jolt, and I pulled away, arm still arapped around his neck, intensely aware of his hands on my waist.

Three feet away from us , stood an incredibly beautiful young woman. She was almost as tall as Tae, probably the same age as him and her eyes flashed red when she looked at me. 

I flinched, stepping back like i’d been scalded.

“Just leave it sweetheart, one of my men will get it. Come meet my little girl.” Taehyung said casually, shooting me one brief intense look of.....anger? annoyance? I couldn’t figure it out.

 Sweetheart? did he just call her-

Luna had shuffled to hide behind my legs now, her fingers gripping my waist as she refused to greet the newcomer.

“Luna, this is Ms Jihyun. She’s a very good friend of mine.”

Jihyun dropped to her knees, eyes flashing red again as she smiled a tight lipped smile.

“Hello, Luna. How are you doing?” She said seriously. Luna’s grip on me tightened.

“She’s a little shy.” I choked out, trying to tamp down the rising sense of heartbreak. No. i had actively fought against feeling this way. Every night here, I had told myself that I would not think about Kim Taehyung. Admiring him for what he did , for how hard he worked for his kind....that was one thing ....but this. This was madness. 

Taehyung reached out around me to lift Luna up into her arms. 

���How about we go to the beach with Jihyun and Ms Lee today?” He said casually, holding his hand out to me.

I almost did something stupid, like press my hand into his before realizing that he was asking for the bag i had over my shoulders. Wordlessly, I handed it over. 

“I want to go with Rae Rae....” Luna said sharply, lips jutting out in a petulant little pout.  

“Well, Appa and Ms. Rae need to talk about something and once we’re done, I’ll join you there okay?” He ruffled her hair softly and then gently placed her back down. 

Luna gave me an imploring look.

“Are you leaving me?” Her lips wobbled.

I shook my head instinctively.

“Of course not baby, I’ll be right there. Just a few minutes, okay? Don't forget your sunscreen.” I smiled and Luna pouted again but moved to Ms. Lee’s side hesitantly. 

Taehyung waited till the three of them began leaving before turning to me. 

“Thank you.” He said quietly , gaze moving to me with the same intensity, and this time I knew what he was doing. He was trying to gauge what I was thinking and I remembered, weakly that Alpha wolves could sometimes sense moods, changes in a person’s body temperatures and things like that. It wasn’t like mind reading or anything but a perceptive enough werewolf could definitely guess what kind of mood someone was in.

I fought to keep my face neutral. There wasn’t much I could do about how clammy and cold my entire body had gone after meeting Jihyun. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to guess why I didn’t l;ike Jihyun there.

“It’s not you.” He said gently.

I swallowed.

“Sorry?”

“You’re beautiful. If we were.... the same kind of people.....I wouldn’t be saying this. But because of who we are.... I’m going to say it. It’s not a good idea.” He whispered.

I flushed, feeling like my entire body had been dipped in ice cold water.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said evenly.

He hummed.

“If you leave today, there’s a job waiting for you in the Research Center. It’s a level up from what you’re doing right now. I’ve asked them to put up extra security around your cabin and I’ve talked with the wolves here. No one will come anywhere near you. “ 

I nodded bleakly.

“Thank you.” I said quietly. 

“You’re going to forget me and Luna in a few weeks. And I would rather that things end now, before Luna becomes more attached.”

I nodded.

“Can i talk to her before I leave?” I asked softly.

He hesitated. 

“I don’t.... I mean, I would rather not have Jihyun be present for that. She’s.... well she’s someone I’m getting to know and she may feel -”

I wanted to kick myself in the face for ever having agreed to this whole thing.

“I understand. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to get the rest of my stuff and to say goodbye to Luna.” I said shortly. 

Before he could reply, I brushed past him and ran up to my room. I had to get out of here as soon as I could.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna cried inconsolably and I was eternally grateful that no one else was there when I carefully unpacked the huge carton of snacks and toys , I’d packed for her. Taehyung had made things a little easier, by telling Luna that it wasn’t me who was leaving but it would be them. They were going to a new place so they would be leaving me behind because I had stuff to do here. 

“I’m not going to be gone completely. I’m going to come visit you as often as I can alright and look....” I pulled out the small phone I’d brought her.

She stopped sniffling and held her hand out. I placed the flip phone in her hands.

“Theres just two numbers there. See the picture of the wolf? Thats daddy..... And see the one with the flower.....that’s me. If you want to talk to either of us, all you need to do is press this button.”

Luna hesitated.

“Daddy said, I can’t have any phones.” She said hesitantly. What a wonderful child, i thought fondly.

“Yes, but this isn’t the kind of phone that could hurt your eyes. It’s just a talking phone. Besides, your daddy already knows and he’s okay with it.” I smiled. 

She nodded, turning the little device over and over in her hands.

“Daddy say’s we’re going to the city. Why don’t you want to come?” She said angrily and i sighed.

“Its not that I don’t want to come, baby. It’s just that my home is here. I help take care of the little pups here remember? Some of them get sick and I help make them better....” I smiled, ruffling her hair. 

She nodded.

“Good girl...Now how about we go see the sandcastle you built yesterday...? See if it’s still there?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life went on and I found myself busy enough to not dwell on Taehyung too much. The vaccines were rolling out much faster now and most of the cases were milder . i spent the days in the research center and went home to my cozy cabin. Taehyung had been true to his word an an electric fence ran around the perimeter , twelve feet tall . A security guard stayed near the gate at all times, a beta werewolf named Minjun. 

Two weeks after Taehyung had moved out of the island, a distraction arrived in the form of one Jeon Jungkook . He was a year younger than me and finishing his internship before becoming a radiologist. He was smart , handsome and an alpha wolf with a deceptively cute bunny like smile.

Jungkook liked following me around when we had free time and I found his incessant noona , noona...endearing. But I was also not an idiot. 

Jungkook was looking for a fuck buddy and I was convenient. The only female in the research center. Werewolves didn’t do one night stands with each other, because being intimate always left a scent and it would make things messy. So weres  generally went to humans for no strings attached sex. 

It wasn’t that I minded , but a part of me was terrified i would do something stupid. Like call him Taehyung in the middle of us fucking. 

But of course, stupid decisions were my forte. 

So I did end up sleeping with him. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Well, you look miserable.” Jimin commented mildly, as I stumbled forward to the counter. I hadn’t slept much the previous night and had nearly missed the ferry to the mainland in the morning.

“I’m fine oppa. Just frazzled. Give me something strong but sweet...” I begged, riffling through my bag for my wallet. Outside, the rain poured in torrents. I was still dripping water from my hair and my jacket, although I’d been out of the rain for a whole five minutes. 

“Taehyung’s been asking about you....Why don’t you pick his calls?” Jimin said casually and I flinched. 

“I did pick his calls. a couple of times....” I muttered . 

That had been a whole experience. Taehyung had called me two weeks back, frothing at the mouth about something. 

Apparently, Ji Hyun the lovely girlfriend that Kim Taehyung like flaunting all over town, was also the older sister on one Jeon Jungkook. And because we had had sex the previous night, Jungkook had smelled like me when he visited Taehyung and Ji hyun. Even Luna had picked up on the scent.

How on earth was i supposed to know? 

Taehyung had been so furious that I’d hung up the phone midway through. 

“And, what happened?”

I shrugged.

“And then I got busy. Why? I’ve been talking to Luna... I even met her a couple of times. It’s not like I have any other reason to talk to him.... “ I protested.

Jimin hummed.

“He’s still seeing that model. Jeon Ji hyun? I heard her brother works in the Research center?” Jimin raised an eyebrow, sliding my drink across the counter. I stepped out of the line but stayed near the counter, staring at him. Damn it. Had Taehyung actually told Jimin about it? 

“Jungkook? Yeah. He’s a doctor... He’s doing his MD , radiology and he’s here for exposure , apparently...”

“Alpha?” Jimin continued flitting about, making orders but his tone held a note of sympathy. 

I shrugged.

“Yeah, he is. But we don’t talk much. We went out one night but then he’s been aloof ever since.” I shrugged again hoping that Jimin was buying my nonchalant act. i still didn’t know how much he knew. 

Jungkook was a nice guy and I was a little peeved that he didn’t seem to want anything more than a friends with benefits thing. But that had less to do with him and more to do with the fact that men, in general, never seemed to consider me as a potential girlfriend. 

But then, the poor guy was in probably the most crucial part of his education. Relationships were probably the farthest thing from his mind. 

Jimin stopped when the last customer in the line left. He stared at me. 

“Taehyung told me Luna called you one morning and Jungkook picked the phone.” 

I froze.

“What?!” I hissed, completely thrown. This, I hadn’t known. 

“You went out? With Jungkook?  And he stayed over , I’m guessing....I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you guys did not play Jenga all night?” He glared at me. I flushed.

“Fine. We slept together. We are sleeping together....its just consensual sex between two willing parties,  . It’s no big deal.” I said flippantly.

“You don’t think that’s why Taehyung has been calling you? That’s his potential brother in law right there. It’s too messy. I think you should stop. ” He frowned. 

I rolled my eyes.

“Listen it has nothing to do with me. I’m not going to marry Jungkook okay? I’m not going to be calling Taehyung my brother in law either. Its not going to happen. i just had this...stupid king of crush on him and he knew about it. He turned me down too, did he tell you that. He told me him and I were too different.... meaning I wasn’t a were so he wouldn’t consider being with someone like me. ”

Jimin groaned. 

“you know why he feels that way. Don’t make this about you. It’s not personal.”

“Then why is it spilling into my personal life? I have no obligation to him. I can sleep with who I want.....”

Jimin rolled his eyes.

“Taehyung’s a were. He’s not going to see it that way.” 

“Well, I don’t give a damn how he sees it, I’m having sex with a handsome young man who is attracted to me. That’s a good time, right there and I’m not going to stop having a good time just because it offends Taehyung’s delicate sensibilities.” I snapped. 

Jimin shrugged.

“Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I went back to my cabin that evening, I found Minjun missing from his usual place near the gate. The gate was still locked so I didn’t think too much about it, merely slotting the rusty old key into the huge lock and prying it open. 

I made my way to the door, opening it carefully. 

i nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw who was there. 

“what the- Seo Joon?” I said in disbelief, stumbling back when the tall alpha stumbled to his feet from where he was lounging on the couch. 

“Well, look who’s here....if it isn’t the slutty little bitch who wants to sleep her way through every were on the island....First Taehyung and now Jungkook.....you sure know who to pick, huh.....? All powerful, influential wolves..... “ He slurred.

I stared at him. This wasn’t good. I turned on my heel, ready to run back out but he was faster than me. I groaned when he slammed into my back pinning me to the door with so much force that the wood splintered,. 

While my bruised ribs had healed, they still hurt a bit. And the force of his actions left my mind reeling from the pain. 

“Get off me!! “ I screamed, “ MINJUN!!!!! MINJUN HELP!!!” 

“SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU WHORING BITCH!!!”

He slapped me right across the face, the strength of it sending me crashing into the side table. I whimpered as I tried to get on my feet, fingers fumbling for my phone .

“it was you wasn’t it? I was supposed to be the deputy minister.... Taehyung’s supposed to be my fucking friend. instead i got fired like some lowly runt ...... It was you wasn’t it? you convinced him that humans are our fucking friends....” 

I shook my head, frantic.

“No...i swear I’ve not spoken to Taehyung...i didn’t say anything... Seo Joon please don’t...” I screamed when he reached down and grabbed my hair, yanking me to my feet till my scalp felt like it was on fire.

“Maybe I should fuck you too....since that's the thing people seem to be doing these days....Its because of your father isn’t it? That bastard has been all over the news,  talking these past few weeks about how his precious daughter is doing a lot of work for the welfare of wolves....Maybe I should fuck his daughter too....  ” He began, reaching for my blouse. 

I barely registered the nonsense about my father before a loud sound broke through the din. 

The door swung open and the sound of gunfire made me scream.

 I stared at the door only to see the security guard staring at us with wide eyes. 

Minjun , panicked and completely overwhelmed , had blindly opened fire on both of us. 

I felt the touch of the bullet to my shoulder, before the blinding explosion of pain.

 But he seemed to have hit Seo Joon as well, enough times for the were to let go of me and I crashed to floor, clutching my shoulder in agony. 

The sound of gunfire had attracted more people and through the throng I heard Jungkook’s voice.

“Noona.... Mirae noona is that you----???”

“Kookie!!” I croaked out desperately. Jungkook’s eyes went wide when he saw, me, pushing his way past the other wolves before letting out a snarl. The sound seemed to make the others cower and I remembered that he was an alpha too. 

I gripped his arms when he reached me. 

“Don’t tell Taehyung...” I gasped out, still clutching  my shoulder. 

“God, what the fuck.... We need to get you out of here...” He was already dialing for the ambulance. I waited for him to finish, gasping from the pain. Fuck, it hurt like hell. 

“We’re going to get you to the research center first.” Jungkook said frantically.  

I nodded, stumbling to my feet when he tried to lift me up. 

“It’s okay...just...get me something to …” But he was already peeling off his shirt, wadding up to press against the bleeding bullet hole .

“Hyung is going to kill Seo Joon.” He said grimly. 

For once, I didn’t particularly care. 

My mind raced because I hadn’t thought about my father in years. 

What did that tyrant want with me now??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author’s Note : Me trying to finish all my fics and not lose my mind in the process :’( 

[itsclydebitches]

Hey Clyde, did you check out Wonder Egg Priority at all? The first ep is super promising, but the series as a whole is one of those real fascinating disasters from a story and a production standpoint that might be up your alley as a thing to pick apart haha.

I’d warn that it’s also reeeeal offensive and this generally gets worse as it goes though.

Hi, Phoenix! How are you and Cube doing?

Okay, I hadn't watched Wonder Egg Priority when I received your ask this morning. Now I have. In a fit of intense curiosity I settled down for a rare binge session and tore through all twelve episodes + OVA in a single sitting. It is now nearly 3:00am as I write this because I, oh so clearly, make fantastic life choices.

A question for you: what did I just watch?

The rest is going under a read more partly for spoilers, but more-so because WEP—and the summary I'm about to give, because I feel like I need to try and explain this to tumblr's faceless void for my own, dwindling sanity—comes with about every trigger warning under the sun. Seriously, if you are triggered by anything that we might think of as a "standard" trigger (meaning, not unique to you and your own experiences), best to proceed with caution.

Right! What the ever loving fuck happened in this show? Well, let's work through this chronologically. Two genius, frat boy brothers (I get their names mixed up so I'm not even gonna bother) are locked in their apartment and closely monitored because of Super Secret Science Research. Even though, I think, they're the ones who created this company. Not important! What is important is that they're bored enough to create an AI for funsies, thinking of her as their daughter and letting her name herself Frill. Frill is the perfect, cutesy, also genius child who has a habit of popping her lips — which the camera focuses on in an incredibly creepy fashion. One day Brother #1 (the hot one) falls in love with a random woman we know nothing about and Frill gets jealous.

"Jealous in a general sense?" you ask, thinking this show is in any way normal. "Like, just of her Dad giving attention to someone else?"

"No," I respond, patting your hand. "Jealous because she's in love with him." Which, beyond the subject matter itself, comes completely out of nowhere. Frill has a line about what you'd do if some woman stole your husband away. I, fool that I was, briefly considered that these two guys were lovers, not brothers. Oh no. They're brothers. Frill just considers Dad #1 to be her "husband."

So, in true evil AI fashion, she murders the wife, leaving only her newly born child behind. Who is a daughter.

Uh oh.

Dad #1 locks Frill in a coffin-esque hole in the basement and goes on with his life. Things are great! Until years later when the daughter reveals that she has fallen in love with her uncle (Dad #2 to Frill). She knows (somehow??) that both her dad and her uncle loved her mom, so if the loser uncle will just wait a few years he can marry her instead! He brushes her off, but the next day she’s found dead of an apparent suicide.

Realizing that this was somehow Frill’s doing, he marches down to the basement and confronts the murderous child they’ve had locked up for years. She’s now surrounded by screens in, again, true creep AI fashion. How did she get all this while she was locked up? Oh, just the three bug girls she created as friends prior to killing the wife. They’re devoted slaves, I guess. So the uncle says enough of this insanity and seemingly sets Frill on fire.

OH and Frill’s subtitled dialogue also puts “uncle” in quotation marks, implying that the daughter was always Dad #2’s??

Anyway, both brothers are now super obsessed with death and claim that they think Frill has had a hand in lots of girls’ suicides, even now after her own death. This is brought into question later when it’s revealed that they might have just concocted this scheme to try and bring back their daughter. I’m really not sure. Regardless, they use hand-wavey science to create eggs that I guess contain the souls of young girls who have committed suicide, then they sucker in other young girls who have lost people to suicide to try and rescue their loved ones in a dream world, saving others along the way. A tomboyish girl, Momoe, lost a classmate who admitted to loving her, but who Momoe rejected. Rika, a former junior idol, used and rejected an overweight fan only to learn later that she’d starved herself to death. Neiru, the 14yo president of some science company (yup) was attacked by her sister before she jumped off a bridge. Finally Ai, our protagonist, is a victim of bullying who managed to make friends with a single girl, Koito, who then jumped from their school building for unknown reasons. They’re all given the chance to bring these individuals back to life, provided they protect other victims of suicide by defeating the monstrous traumas that drove them to that act in the first place.

And you know what? That concept was great. However, the execution ranges from “Okay, that was pretty good for an anime. Kudos there” to “That’s the most offensive thing I’ve seen in my life.” Needless to say, unpacking all the battles they fight would take a lot more than this already absurd summary. Basically, if you can think of something horrible to happen to young girls (and one trans guy whose existence in that egg undermines the whole message of the episode), there’s an attempt to tackle it here.

During all this the four girls become friends and Ai works through her suspicions about Mr. Sawaki, a teacher at her school. What’s going on with Mr. Sawaki? Uh… everything! He’s somehow connected to Koito’s death, he’s dating Ai’s mom, and Ai apparently loves him too because her friends say so, even though this is never actually addressed and she barely interacts with him. It’s all quite the complication.

In time though the girls complete their “mission” of bringing their loved ones back to life. Rika and Momoe manage it first, only to find that Frill’s bug-girl lackeys have arrived to kill them. Why? Because that’s what Frill does, I guess. Momoe’s crocodile familiar (cute animals the girls were gifted to help them fight) takes a killing blow for her and the bug-lady then proceeds to carve up his corpse and force feed it to Momoe. Fantastic!! Building off of that, the next bug-lady who Rika encounters kills her turtle too, following in the footsteps of her bug-sister by, presumably, forcing her to eat parts of its head. Ai refuses to sacrifice her familiar to stay alive, but luckily the suicide she was protecting turns out to be herself from a parallel universe (that's a thing now!) and she takes the killing blow herself, which is done by pulling out the eye she’s sensitive about (she has heterochromia.) So parallel Ai passes on (again?) and the three girls don’t work through this trauma at all, instead becoming more traumatized through the realization that the loved ones they brought back no longer remember them. They’re alive, but the relationship they all had with them is dead.

It’s about this point that the main storyline wraps up and I’m relieved that there’s an OVA to finish things off. Surely they can somehow bring this all together in 45 minutes.

…25 minutes of that OVA is recap.

So with only about 20 minutes left, we learn that Neiru, the only one to not complete her mission yet, has mysteriously gone missing. It turns out she was an AI/clone/something all along, made to replace her sister and, presumably, that’s what caused the whole stabbing-suicide incident. She successfully brings her sister back, but stays behind in the dream world because Frill promises her she can become human. How is Frill here when she’s dead? How will Neiru become human? Isn’t Frill the “temptation of death” or whatever? There are no answers. A flashback finally reveals that Koito was having a relationship with a teacher at another school, he committed suicide, she transferred, she tried the same thing with Mr. Sawaki, he kept refusing her advances, and finally while threatening suicide to get his attention, she accidentally fell.

(So why was she in the suicide egg if it was an accident??)

Except, all this information comes through Mr. Sawaki himself, there’s a whole subplot about whether he’s really a villain, or if Ai is just making him into one, and this show might as well be titled How Much Pedophilia Can We Put into One Anime? So make of that what you will.

A dead character randomly shows up, but it's fine because she's actually just a version from a parallel world. How did she get here? Why is she here? Lol, it's cute that you think these are answered.

Rika, the character who cuts and almost committed suicide halfway through the show, breaks down saying how much she misses her dead loved ones, right after her friends refused to let her go on another mission that would surely end in her death and… that’s it. That’s all we get about her.

Momoe too, though she’s hopefully just vibing somewhere with that longed-for boyfriend.

Ai transfers schools and then one day randomly remembers that she loves Neiru and rushes back to start cracking eggs again because that will? Somehow?? Let her see Neiru???

When I say there are too many unanswered questions to possibly list here I really, really mean it.

Finally, in a personal attack on me, the protagonist with a name that is literally AI is not in any way an artificial intelligence.

And that’s it! Congratulations, you now “understand” WEP. And see, the funny thing is that the off-the-rails, bat-shit crazy aspects kind of catch you off guard? Yeah, the first episode is fantastic. In fact, I think I got through about six episodes thinking that this was a solid, if at times really messed up anime, but I was willing to shrug off a lot of stuff due solely to the amount of sensitive material they were attempting to cover (which is always quite difficult to do). Probably the only reason I was able to binge so fast was because the first half of the series was so engaging. The characters are charming. The animation is GORGEOUS. There's actually a ton of good here that is also worth yelling about. But then the plot comes in like a freight train and I was left staring dumbfounded at my screen as more and more insanity kept happening. Having watched the "explanations" I am now more confused about the show I just saw.

Phoenix, if you’ve bothered to read this rambling, 3:00am rant: thank you. I think? Idk if I should actually be thanking you or cursing you for tuning me into this, but it was definitely an experience, that’s for sure lol.

I'm off to bed now RIP the chance of having normal dreams ✌️

[emmies-archives]

Under the Roses.  A Valentines day special.

Genre: FLUFF pure fluff. I am too soft.

Wordcount: 1.8k

Summary: Class 1a celebrates Valentines day for the whole weekend. The girls had an idea to hang roses up like mistletoe. You spend the whole weekend watching Todoroki under the roses with every other girl except you, but you didn’t realize he meant for you to be there instead. 

“Y/n, why are you staring into space?” Midoriya asked, breaking your focus.

You were looking at what had to be the stupidest idea you’ve ever seen. And, of course, you had been a part of its making. This year Valentine’s day happened to fall on a Sunday so the class had thought it would be a lot more fun to celebrate the whole weekend. At first, you were excited, it was going to be a nice break from classwork and all the mishaps that happened with training.

All the girls got together to sort through a box of old decorations when class ended Friday afternoon. After a few minutes of looking, Hagakure squealed. She was holding up a ball of mistletoe.

“We should totally hang this up! It’ll be so much fun!” She said and some of the other girls nodded.

“The only thing is that it has nothing to do with valentines’ day,” Momo said a slight frown on her face. “It may look a bit tacky.”

“What if instead of mistletoe we used roses?” You asked, not serious. It would’ve been cool to start a new tradition with the other classes, but you didn’t know if this would be enough. But the girls' reactions made it seem like you were a genius, and it was settled.

Throughout the day as you walked around the dorm you found more and more balls of roses hung up. They were all over, at least three in the common room, one in each hallway, in the kitchen. Everywhere you looked it seemed like roses were hung up. Momo and the other girls worked faster than you thought. It was going to be an interesting weekend.

Unlike mistletoe, the girls decided that if you found yourself with someone under the roses you had to show some form of affection or appreciation. Whether it be a hug, high five, or even a kiss. But of course, if someone was uncomfortable with it, they did not have to participate. You thanked Ochako for that part of it. You had seen Mineta sneaking around the roses several times, waiting for whatever poor prey he had his eyes on. A couple times they were on you. You just sped up your pace and passed him.

Friday went by fast and you hadn’t found yourself under the roses more than a couple times. The first person was Momo, and the two of you shared a hug while giggling. Momo was surprisingly very good at hugs. You bumped into Midoriya under them when you were heading for your dorm room. His face immediately turned red and he started to mumble. You just held both hands up for a double high five which he sighed in relief at.

Saturday morning the class spirits seemed to be higher than before. Everyone had a smile on their face, and you couldn’t help but thinking it was from the roses. You had even seen Kaminari and Sero tackled Bakugo in a hug, and he was yelling but he hadn’t resisted. It was nice seeing everyone enjoy the weekend. That’s all you wanted. Even if it was just a small break away from everything, all the stress and heaviness from weeks prior washed away. Spending time with your friends was enough. The first time you saw Todoroki standing under the roses, Momo’s hand in his, your heart stopped for just a second. He placed a small kiss on the back of her hand and then walked away. You were only a little jealous.

The jealousy grew though, somehow Todoroki kept finding himself under different roses hanging throughout the dorm and somehow you had witnessed each one. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t force yourself in following him under the roses. The feelings you had for him were no stranger to you. But for some reason, you had a hard time expressing them. There had been a few times where you just barely exposed them to him. 

Each time the encounters were fleeting. Always being interrupted by something or someone. You figured fate just wasn’t in your corner, so you settled for the long glances, brief touches in passing, and occasionally, the soft words exchanged between you two. Once there had been just enough time for a small connection. Standing close to each other, the air between you tense and full of longing. The conversation long gone in your mind now. Todoroki’s phone lit up with an incoming call. Before he turned to leave, he leaned in and placed a small kiss on the corner of your lips. Whispering a soft apology. You wanted that connection again, even only a moment of it.

Sunday came fast. Valentine's day. Nearly two whole days had passed, you missed your chance several times. You had seen Todoroki under the roses several times now, with each girl from the class and even some of the boys. His lips touching each girl’s hands burned into your eyes. His arms wrapping around the boys seemed to tease you. It was starting to become too much. If it wasn’t for your hesitancy every time you saw him walk toward or near a bunch of roses you could’ve felt that closeness for yourself. You were running out of time now and you weren’t even sure if you’d even be able to finally grasp what you wanted.

“Y/n, who have you been under the roses with?” Mina asked, plopping down on the couch next to you.

“Most of the girls, Midoriya, Sero, Sato and Kirishima.” You answered and smiled. Everyone had such fun reactions to being under it. Kirishima’s was your favorite so far. He had grinned and attacked you into a bear hug, picking you up and spinning you around. He ended it with a fist bump, and you couldn’t help but laugh at him. He was like a big brother.

“You kiss anyone yet?” Ochako asked and Mina wiggled her eyebrows. You shook your head and couldn’t help glancing at Todoroki across the room.

“Ohhhhh, I see why.” Mina grinned and nudged your shoulder. “Your waiting on a certain someone.”

“Don’t be so loud! And don’t look over there you’re too obvious.” You said laughing now. You couldn’t even deny her, she knew she was right. She didn’t get a chance to respond before you heard your name being called out.

Todoroki called you again and motioned for you to go over to him. In the back of your mind, you felt disappointment twinge when you saw there weren’t any roses above him. Mina winked at you when you got up and went to him.

“What’s up?” You asked. You didn’t know what you were hoping for exactly, but you could feel your heart beating faster now.

“Remember in class a couple days ago when you asked about my hero costume?” He asked and you nodded, tilting your head a little bit. You wanted to know about the accessories and who the designer was for them. “I emailed them and asked if they had any openings to meet with you. They just responded with a couple dates.”

“Oh really! That’s really cool.” You said a distracted. No matter how many times you had been close to Todoroki before, he always seemed to catch you off guard. Maybe it was due to his quirk, but he had a warmth in the air around him. He always smelled so good, comforting.

“I had also sent the design of your current hero costume to them, they sent back a new one. Do you want to take a look?” You could only nod, as he got closer to you.

There was a magnetic force pulling you to him and it took everything in you to fight against it. He turned his phone to you but there was just a loading screen. He muttered something about bad service and moved back a few steps, he didn’t have to say anything for you to move with him. Your eyes were still fixed on the screen, trying to hide how he affected you.

“There we go,” He said, and you were confused a bit, the screen was still loading. Your focus was broken as he placed a hand on your arm and put his phone in a pocket. “I finally got you.”

It took a second to register what he was saying, but then you looked up. Your eyes were met with roses and you could feel your heart beating faster. He had tricked you.

“I’ve been trying this whole weekend to get you under here with me. You’re a hard one to lure in, Y/n.” He said and you met his eyes. There was a softness in them. The warmth you were craving the past couple of days crept through your skin now. A small smirk on his face caused your cheeks to burn. You couldn’t find yourself to say anything in response. “I’m sorry you had to see me with everyone else. It was supposed to be you.”

“You knew I was watching?” You whispered, being so close to him was taking your breath away. His face was inches away now. Your bodies gravitated to each other, almost touching. Todoroki nodded in response.

“This is for you,” He began and moved his right hand to cup your cheek. You felt yourself melt into his cool hand. “and only you.”

A second passed and it felt like a lifetime. His body flush against yours now, his dual-colored eyes bearing into yours. He was the only thing you could think about, overwhelming everything else. The bustle in the common room washed away from your peripheral and your vision tunneled to him. You felt heat soaring through your chest and a coolness on your skin.

This was the only thing you had wanted. Who leaned in first was impossible to tell, the magnetic connection finally pulled the two of you together. The way his lips moved against yours was addicting. Todoroki invaded all of your senses, even time seemed to slow down. You weren’t sure if you dreamt this moment before, but the raw emotion of his arms around you, your fingers tangling in his hair sent you soaring.

Time started slowly again once you pulled back a bit. Todoroki rested his forehead against yours, staring into your eyes still. You had forgotten about the others in the room until you heard someone cheer and clap. But you still couldn’t give it any focus, only able to take in the boy in front of you.

“You’re so warm.” Were the only words you were able to get out. He laughed breathlessly and you blushed again.

“Happy Valentine's day, darling.” He purred leaning in and placing another kiss on the corner of your lips. You remembered the fleeting moment he had done that before. This is what you had been waiting on. You barely had a chance to responded before he laced his fingers through yours and started to pull you with him.

“Where are you going?” You asked laughing a bit as he dragged you across the room, trying not to look at the faces of your classmates.

“To kiss you under the rest of the roses.” He answered. Another blush erupted across your face.

[koala-otter]

park ranger zukka au

this idea comes from the lovely @s-sokka from the zukka discord!! 

features zuko as a park ranger, sokka as a pro-biker (it’s so late, I wrote so much, please excuse this summary)

2.7k words (remember when I said 1k max?? hahahaha)

Zuko had finally reached week three of his tenure as a summer ranger. Only seven more weeks, and he would finally be able to leave behind the Hei Bai Nature Reserve and all of its crazy nature lovers. When his uncle Iroh practically forced him to take the position—explaining that if Zuko refused to work at the tea shop for the summer, he still had to work somewhere, and better yet if he could do it immersed in the meditative balm that was the outdoors—Zuko thought the worst he could encounter was the humming mosquitoes, and maybe the occasional murder hornet. But he was wrong. It was the people. 

There were the little kids who dropped their snack wrappers in the parking lot, and their parents who covered them in noxious insect repellants, and the teenagers who carved their initials into trees. But those weren’t even so bad, because after patiently explaining the downsides of littering, the park’s tiny visitors usually nodded solemnly and picked up their trash, and the fumes of such sprays usually dissipated quickly, and when they had the rules explained to them, the teenagers usually had the decency to be apologetic. 

The worst, by far, was a young man named Sokka. Zuko had seen him plenty of times before, visiting the park with his friends, back before Zuko had known his name. Sokka usually hung out with a young, bald man with tattoos, and two young women, one whose resemblance to Sokka revealed her to likely be his sister, and another one who berated him while holding his hand tightly as they entered the trail. Zuko had thought nothing of him at first as he seemed like just another avid hiker, but all that had changed on his fourth day as a ranger, when he had seen Sokka for the first time on his own. 

Zuko was doing his ranger thing, checking on the different trails in the couple of hours before the park’s closing, when a blue blur sped past him on a mountain bike. Zuko stared after the figure for a few seconds before coming to his senses and chasing after him. 

“Hey! You can’t ride that thing here!” 

The bike stopped ahead of him, and the figure hopped off and took off its helmet to reveal a wolftail and two bright blue eyes looking directly back at him. Zuko tried to ignore the heat building in his face as he finally got to see Sokka’s perfect features and defined muscles up close. 

“Hey, sorry, man, but the terrain’s just perfect for my practice,” Sokka explained, tossing his helmet on the handlebars.

“There are bike paths for a reason,” Zuko said coolly. He reached into the pocket of his cargo shorts and pulled out a pad of paper. “I have to issue you a warning.”

“What?” Sokka said, pulling on his handlebars. “I’ll just go.”

Zuko exhaled in frustration as he scribbled on the pad. “It’s just policy, okay? I don’t want to do it, but I have to. What’s your name?”

At this question, a smug grin filled Sokka’s lips, and he shrugged. “The name’s Sokka,” he said. He waited expectantly for Zuko’s reaction.

Zuko stared at Sokka staring at him. “Okay.” He glanced down at the paper in his hands as he wrote it out, and then looked up to find Sokka still grinning at him expectantly. “Uh, sorry, was I supposed to know that?” He watched as Sokka’s face fell. “Do you work here, too, or something?” he asked in a panic. “Look, it’s only my first week, and I—”

“It’s not that, it’s just—” Sokka sighed and looked up at him despondently. Zuko thought there might even have been a tear in his right eye. “Do you really not know who I am?”

“I—no? Are you famous or something?”

“The pro-biker! Sokka! I won the Omashu tour!”

Zuko turned sheepish as he ripped the paper out of the pad and held it out to Sokka. “Oh, um, sorry. I don’t really follow sports.”

Sokka turned even sadder as he took the paper from Zuko. “That’s okay...Zuko?” he asked, reading his name off of the paper.

Zuko nodded, feeling vaguely regretful for some reason.  Sokka smiled sadly back at him.

“Maybe to make it up to me, though,” Sokka said, waving the warning in the air. “We could forget about all of this?” 

“What?” Zuko asked.

“You know, you could take back the warning,” Sokka continued, starting to hand it back to Zuko. “This never happened, that kind of thing.” He gave Zuko a hopeful grin.

Zuko’s expression hardened, now angry at the thought that he might have been duped. “No!” he barked. 

“Well, fine!” Sokka said, putting on his helmet and pulling his bike toward him by the handlebars again. “I’ll just go then.”

“Yeah, do that,” Zuko replied hotly. He watched as Sokka started to rise onto his bike, and stepped forward to block the path. He pointed to the sign nearby on the trail that read, “Leave only footprints. Take only pictures.” 

“And off the bike,” Zuko almost growled. 

“Fine, jeez,” Sokka said, hopping off once more. He began walking down the path in the opposite direction, away from Zuko, and stuck his tongue out at him. 

As Sokka pushed his bike away, and Zuko continued down the trail, he thought he might never see the other man again in his life. He sighed at the tire tracks in the wet earth of the trail. Never having to deal with them again left him greatly relieved. But, he had to admit, the sight of Sokka’s sad, blue eyes had left a series of knots in his stomach that would take a while to untangle. 

Then the next day came, and the appearance of Sokka nonchalantly fishing off the boat launch quickly proved Zuko wrong. As did every day afterward, as Sokka made appearance after appearance at the park, breaking nearly every rule there was in the park ranger handbook. Zuko turned corners on trails to find Sokka hand-feeding squirrels—“Snack for you, too, jerk?” Sokka would ask, while Zuko would point to another sign instructing hikers not to feed wildlife—or sat in the booth checking in visitors only to suddenly spy Sokka walking toward him with bunches of wildflowers in his hand—“For you, Zuko, even though you wanted to get me in trouble,” said Sokka, brandishing the bouquet in front of him, and Zuko answered, “You’re not supposed to pick the flowers, Sokka, just look at them,” and then took them and put them in a vase because he wasn’t about to waste them—and the number of warnings Zuko had had to issue Sokka in just a week and a half was unprecedented. 

“Is there a limit to these? I mean, is there a point where he gets kicked out?” Zuko had to ask Jeong Jeong, his supervisor, in the middle of his second week.

“I don’t know,” Jeong Jeong replied, in awe at the number of carbon copies of warnings Zuko had dropped on his desk. “We have never had to issue more than one to any individual visitor.” He picked up one for attempted overnight camping without a permit. “Have you spoken to him about the negative consequences of his actions?”

“Of course I talked to him,” Zuko replied loudly, clearly offended.

“Then try talking to him again!” Jeong Jeong practically roared.

Zuko started hiding the warnings.

But Zuko did talk to Sokka, and often. The time Sokka came to the trail with a lemur on his shoulder, and Zuko insisted the animal had to be on a leash to go on the trail—“He’s not a pet, he’s my friend, and he wants to take a walk!” Sokka replied indignantly—they settled for sitting in the booth and tossing nuts in the air for Momo to catch. Sokka almost got away without a warning that day, but when he laughed at Momo’s flying leap for a macadamia and said, “Hey, he likes them even more than the squirrels do,” Zuko had to write another one out. From the smile on Sokka’s face, though, it looked like he understood it as a joke.

Now he was on week three, though, and Zuko had a brand-new pen and pad for warnings, and the tire tracks on the trail had finally been washed away with a passing storm. He felt he could take anything Sokka threw at him this week, maybe even without shaky hands and the feeling that his heart was jumping into his throat each time he approached the other man.

Static sounded from Zuko’s walkie-talkie, and Zuko brought it to his good ear in time to hear someone on the other end.

“Hey, uh, I got a kid who fell out of a tree over here somewhere,” the ranger on the trail said haltingly.

Zuko pressed the transmit button and brought the walkie-talkie to his mouth. “Copy, this is Zuko from the central booth. What trail? Over.”

“Oh, hey, Zuko! It’s me, Chey,” came the response.

Zuko sighed before pressing the button again. “Chey, about the guy who fell out of the tree: what trail? Do we need an ambulance? Over.” 

There was a long line of static before Chey’s voice came back. “I don’t think so,” he said slowly. “I mean, the guy said no, and he looks pretty all right to me. He’s asking for you to come get him.” The static returned once more before clearing abruptly. “Oh, and he says his name is Sokka. Do you two know each other?”

Zuko set down the walkie-talkie and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Copy,” he finally said when he picked the walkie-talkie back up, “I’ll go for him, and you come back and man the booth. And Chey?” 

“Yeah?”

“For the last time, what trail?”

Zuko found himself running down the Panda Lily trail, the first aid kit bouncing at his side as he nearly tripped over the laces of his hiking boots and barely avoided the mud puddles that threatened to suck him in. He passed so many trees, from rhododendron trees to birches and redwoods and everything in between, but none of them had dropped Sokka from their branches, so Zuko kept going. He reached a fork in the trail and stopped abruptly at the tree between the diverting roads, and scanned it for any signs. There were none. He stepped back. 

“Sokka?” he yelled, his voice hoarse as he cupped his mouth with his hands. “Sokka, where are you?”

A beat passed, and then, from far away, he heard, “Zuko!”

Zuko took off down the road on the right, and finally, he spotted Sokka in the distance, leaning against the trunk of a banyan tree. His right leg was bent, and he leaned on it with his elbow, but the other was out in front of him at an odd angle, seemingly useless. He greeted Zuko with a strained grin.

“My knight in shining armor,” said Sokka.

“Ugh, I definitely should have called an ambulance,” Zuko replied. He knelt down gingerly next to Sokka and laid out the first aid kit. 

“Nah,” Sokka said with a shrug, his hand out in a dismissive gesture, “this is nothing.”

Zuko stared at Sokka with a rigid expression on his face, his mouth a tight line.

“Really!” Sokka insisted. “It’s just a sprain. I hurt it a couple months ago, and I’ve been recovering, but I aggravated it.”

“So that’s how you have you all this time to bother me,” Zuko said, gingerly pulling Sokka’s leg straight in front of him. “You’ve been recovering.”

“Well,” Sokka said sheepishly, “I technically do still have practices I should be going to. But it’s more fun to come here and see you.”

Zuko looked up at him sharply, his cheeks flushed, and accidentally jostled Sokka’s leg. Sokka hissed sharply, and Zuko blanched and moved quickly to grab the first aid kit.

“Sorry,” he said quietly.

“S’okay,” Sokka replied, watching his hands unravel a bandage. “It’s my fault for getting hurt in the first place.”

Zuko laughed, low and a little husky. “Yeah, it kind of is.” 

He wrapped the bandage around Sokka’s knee tightly, watching his expression for more pain. Sokka stayed relatively placid, only wincing once, and his mouth usually quirked up in a crooked smile. 

“Why would you climb a tree?” Zuko asked after a while. “That’s like rule number three on the trailhead sign.”

“What can I say?” Sokka said cavalierly. “I’m a rebel.”

Zuko let out a quick, disbelieving laugh. “Right.”

“Hey, you said it yourself! I break all the rules.”

“Yeah,” Zuko said, pinning the bandage in place, “and it’d be great if you stopped. Even my boss has no idea what to do with all of the warnings I’ve been giving you.”

Sokka considered him for a moment. “I’ll stop if you agree to go out with me,” he finally said. 

Zuko dropped a hand to the leaf-littered ground to keep himself from falling over. “What?”

“The tree-climbing? The rule-breaking? I’ve been trying to get your attention this whole time,” Sokka said with a widening grin. 

“My attention?” Zuko asked. His brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

“Because I like you,” Sokka replied matter-of-factly.

Zuko shook his head. “But what about the bike thing?” he almost demanded. “You couldn’t have liked me then.”

Sokka tilted his head thoughtfully, bringing one of his hands up to brush his chin. “I will admit,” he said, “although I thought you were attractive, I didn’t like you during the bike thing. But I grew to like you over time.” 

“Over time?” Zuko repeated, crossing his arms.

“C’mon,” Sokka said, poking him on the arm. “Don’t you like me, too?”

Zuko dropped his arms and looked back at the muddy trail. “Yeah, I do.”

Sokka smiled at him hopefully, “So go out with me?” 

Zuko looked back at him, now smiling lightly. “Or else?”

“Or else I’m going to keep climbing the trees.”

“And?”

“Fishing off the boat launch.”

Zuko sighed. “And I can’t trust you to stop there, can I?”

Sokka grinned. “The squirrels aren’t going to feed themselves.”

“Actually, they are, that’s why—” Zuko stopped and sighed. “Okay, yes, I’ll go out with you.”

“Really?” Sokka practically squealed. 

“Yeah,” Zuko said, smiling back at him.

Sokka practically lunged toward Zuko, reaching for his face, but managed to jam his leg into Zuko’s all over again. All at once, his eyes shot wide open, and his head fell back, and Zuko had to catch his arm to keep him from falling over, a low moan of pain twisting from his mouth.

“Sokka!”

“Yep, definitely just a sprain,” Sokka said once he had come back around. He gritted his teeth. “Barely hurts at all.”

Zuko rolled his eyes. “We need to get you to the booth,” he said, reaching for Sokka’s other hand as he pulled his arm over his shoulders to help him up. 

“But you promised you’d go out with me,” Sokka whined.

A small smile brightened Zuko’s face, and a new joy glowed from his eyes. “Yeah, I will,” he said, and before Sokka could make some smart-aleck reply, Zuko leaned toward him, tilting his head slightly at the odd angle from being side-by-side, and kissed Sokka. Even with his injured leg, Sokka came to life beneath him, raising his free hand to cup Zuko’s jaw and brush back the hair falling into his face with his fingers. Birds sang from the tree canopy above them, the leaves shuffled quietly in the shifting wind, and the warmth of dappled sunlight fell across their entangled bodies. If Zuko had not been bearing half the weight of a very heavy and very injured young man, it might have been a perfect kiss. Or maybe that was what made it one.

“All right,” Zuko said when they finally pulled apart. “We should really go.”

“Where are we going again?” Sokka asked, now dazed.

“To the booth.” Zuko helped Sokka hop along beside him. 

Sokka nodded, trying desperately to keep his weight on his uninjured leg. “And then we can go out?”

Zuko smiled, and looked further down the trail. “Yeah, then we can go out.”

[giuliafc]

When Magic Fails chapter 1

When Magic Fails

Read on Ao3 || Read on FFN || Read on Wattpad

The Miraculous Cure can fix the damage caused by a specific akuma. But what happens when said damage comes after the Miraculous Cure? When the damage isn't caused by an akuma? Follow Ladybug through the worst day of her life. The day where her identity, or Chat's, won't matter any more. The day when she will discover what's really important. But at what price?

Lovesquare story. Warning: this is really intense!

Written by: JuliaFC

Betas: KhanOfAllOrcs, Agrestebug, Etoile-Lead-Sama, Speckleflower, AmberLambda, Anonymousfriend27 and MiniNoire

Big thanks to: Momo|MarinetteAgresteBrand and Genxha

Cover art and chapter art credit: Rosehealer02 on Deviantart.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by (c) Thomas Astruc; TS1 Bouygues, Disney Channel, Zagtoon, Toei Animation. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

oOo

Chapter 1 - Bad timing

It all started at the end of a very tough battle against one of the worst akumas they had ever encountered and required a full recharge by both Ladybug and Chat Noir, twice. After calling the first Lucky Charm, which took the shape of the Miracle Box, an unwilling Ladybug had been forced to give back a temporary Miraculous to Rena and Ryūko.

“I don’t want to put our friends in danger, but there’s no way I can find new holders on such short notice!” Ladybug had said, as she asked Chat Noir to cover her for a few minutes, while she looked for help. And it had been the right decision; it was only with Rena and Ryūko’s help that they finally managed to win.

"Miraculous Ladybug!"

Chat Noir watched as Ladybug threw the red and black trumpet in the air and released the magical ladybugs, which brought everything back to how it was before the fight. As the four heroes bumped fists at the sound of ‘Pound it!’, the crouched figures of Mlle. Mendeleiev and Mlle. Bustier appeared in place of the akuma and Ladybug moved towards them.

"What… happened to me?" The women sounded very confused. They were all standing atop the first level of the Eiffel tower, not exactly where the two teachers had been when they got controlled by Hawkmoth, at the school.

Ladybug smiled warmly. "You were akumatised. Are you feeling okay?”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Ladybug…” said Mlle. Bustier. “All I remember was M. Damocles calling us in his office and showing us Lila’s…”

Mlle. Mendeleiev grabbed Mlle. Bustier’s hand and squeezed it. “Caline. It’s confidential information.” Mlle. Bustier blushed and lowered her gaze.

Ladybug gave a determined look to the teachers, clenching her fists and shaking with what Chat supposed was sheer anger. He knew why she looked so furious. It was no secret that his Lady didn’t like Lila. And to be completely honest, when her name was mentioned even he felt his blood boil at the thought that his favourite teachers got akumatised because of something that she had done — or said. He wished there was a way to expose her lies and to finally get rid of her dangerous presence in their classroom.

But suddenly, his ears perked up. His gaze darted around. His heart raced.

Danger.

There was danger.

He could feel it. He could smell it. He could taste it.

How? Where from? His eyes darted around, his confident smile dying on his face.

There. A shadow. Towards…

His heart stopped.

“Watch out!” he shouted as he threw himself towards his Lady, slamming her on the ground with so much strength that she rolled off quite a distance. He saw Ladybug lay limp where she had landed, but Rena ran hastily towards her.

Chat Noir forced himself to take his mind off his Lady to concentrate on the shadow. He took the hit and fell right on his face, flying into the side of the tower from the force of the impact. He staggered back up and jerked around, heart racing.

Another hit made him fly the opposite way. He coughed. He couldn’t see his opponent, even with the added senses of the cat.

“All a blur.”

A black shadow sped around, hitting him in the groin. He coughed and rolled off as he finally grabbed the foot that hit him. Her face flashed in full view for just a second.

“Mayura.”

“What the…” He barely stood and she hit him again. A few seconds. The fight with Mayura had lasted only a few seconds. And he was already on his knees. A coppery taste filled his mouth. His ring beeped its first warning sound. Four pads left. Amazing to think that only one minute had passed since he used his cataclysm during the akuma attack. He cleaned his lips and saw traces of blood. His ears perked. She was charging at him again.

She was fast.

Too fast.

Another hit. He couldn’t see her. His eyesight blurred as a sharp pain spread all over his stomach and ribs. He closed his eyes shut anticipating a hit that never came.

CLANG!

He opened his eyes. Ryūko’s bokken shielded him.

“I’ve got you,” she said as they exchanged looks.

Gratitude overwhelmed him. He tried to stand but just barely managed to, as his legs felt like jelly and his throbbing head made the world spin all around him. But he hadn’t even been standing for a second before he was brought back to the ground, as Mayura’s next move swiped the two heroes off their feet. He rolled on the metallic floor of the tower with her, ending up on top of Ryūko. She stood much faster than he did and threw herself screaming towards the black shadow. He stood up. He needed to help her.

His ears perked up again. His gaze blurred. His head spun as something hit him in the back. A sharp pain spread across the whole left side of his body. His suit felt damp. Was that blood staining the metallic floor underneath him? Weren’t they almost invulnerable in their suits? His side started feeling numb. What… he could barely move.

A hand grabbed him by his suit collar and lifted him just enough to keep him off balance, bringing him face to face with... Hawkmoth. “Magic poison breaks through magic suits.” The older man smirked. “Did you know that there are poisonous moths?”

“It’s a bluff.” Chat coughed and stared in bewilderment at the blood that stained his own gloved hand.

Hawkmoth’s smirk widened. “Pitiful nuisance. I will take your Miraculous off your dead body.” As he said it, he threw Chat with all his strength, off the side of the Eiffel Tower. The world spun around Chat Noir as he fell. His eyes locked for a painful instant into the terrified ones of the girl he loved. All became black; the last thing he could consciously hear was the wailing scream of his Lady.

“CHAAAAAT!!”

oOo

She opened her eyes, woken up by the warning beep from her earrings. Four minutes left, she thought and then her eyes focused on Alya’s — Rena’s — face.

“Are you all right, Ladybug? Chat was a bit rough,” she said, but as Marinette regained complete consciousness, she suddenly realised where she was. The first level of the Eiffel Tower. And she remembered what had happened. She’d been comforting her teachers for having been akumatised… and Chat had thrown her out of the way. Quickly, her gaze darted around looking for her partner.

Then she saw him. Her heart froze as blood drained completely from her face.

Hawkmoth had grabbed Chat Noir by the collar. And before she could do anything, she watched as their nemesis said something and then pushed Chat away with immense strength. For the briefest second, all she saw was the piercing green of his eyes widening as they caught hers. Her whole attention, her whole soul, every nerve of her very being was focused on the horrific sight of Chat Noir falling off the side of the Eiffel Tower.

“CHAAAAAT!!” she heard herself screaming.

“Go after him, Ladybug. I’ll deal with the bastard!” Rena’s voice seemed to come from a far away land. From a different world. Marinette didn’t even acknowledge her friend, or the fact that Hawkmoth stood right there, ready to attack. She grabbed her yoyo and zoomed her way to the side of the platform, just in time to see the limp body of Chat Noir collapse with a sickening ‘Crunch!’ against the roof of the information kiosk underneath the tower. The impact destroyed it and Chat Noir disappeared underneath the ruins.

“NOO!!” Her heart stopped. Literally stopped. She didn’t care about someone seeing her tears, or hearing her screams. All she cared about was that Chat was buried under that pile of rubble. And there was no way she was going to leave him there. She wrapped her yoyo around the metallic structure of the tower and used it to lower herself onto the destroyed top of the collapsed building.

“Chat? Can you hear me? Don’t you dare give up on me! CHAT? ANSWER ME! CHAT!” She couldn’t see a thing, her eyes were full of tears and the dust that surrounded the destroyed building blurred her vision. She started picking up pieces of concrete and metal, trying to dig her way inside the ruins to look for her partner in a mad frenzy of pure panic.

“Ladybug? Can you tell the press what happened to Chat Noir?” Marinette froze. Who on Earth… she wiped her tears from her eyes with a dirty gloved hand and looked around, blinking out the mixture of tears, sweat and dirt to figure out that the person talking to her was Nadja Chamack. She stood at the bottom of the collapsed kiosk, looking up at the heroine with a frown on her face. A couple of cameramen were next to her, filming intently.

“Chat’s life is in danger, Nadja! Who cares about the press! You need to help me, we need to dig him out of here before he dies!” New tears rolled out of her eyes as she once again began her mad dash to search for her partner, hoping that the miracle suit had cushioned all the damage.

A terrified look spread across Nadja’s face as she put down her microphone and gestured to the cameramen to put down their cameras. She gestured for the whole troupe to come and help. Ladybug kept digging madly with her bare hands, trying to break through enough to find his body. As she was doing that, more and more people started joining the TV crew that was helping her.

BEEP!

Her earrings didn’t make any sound. “You must be close, mon minou… I can hear your ring beeping…DON'T GIVE UP, Chaton. Please! BE ALIVE! Please! Me and you against the world! Don’t leave me alone!” Her own Miraculous beeped now. She had three minutes. “Be alive!” She whimpered loudly, growled in frustration and didn’t even try to hold her sobs. "Don't leave me, PLEASE!" Three minutes to find him and to bring him to safety before her transformation would drop.

And so would his… who knows what condition he’s in? The miracle suit would be protecting him right now, but once the power dissipates… No. She needed to find him before—. Bring him to safety before—. She redoubled her efforts, grateful that her hands were covered by the magical gloves of her suit. As she pulled up a rather big piece of laminate, which she would never have been able to lift herself if she hadn’t been transformed, she saw fragments of mortar fall off and reveal a big void underneath. And that’s when she saw him. Lying limp at the bottom of that horrible mess.

“CHAT!” She jumped into the void created by Chat's collapse, completely oblivious to the risks that the building could finish collapsing on her. Carefully she picked up his body bridal style, staring in pure horror at the blood staining the left shoulder and chest side of his suit, and the side of his head.

Marinette suppressed a choked sob that threatened to leave her lips on seeing her kitty in such a broken state. He was so pale, so limp, and full of dirt. But he breathed. She looked on with immense relief at the regular rise and fall of his chest.

“Oh goodness, Minou. Keep hanging on, please! For Paris, for Plagg... for-for me! Don’t give up on us, Chaton, just hang on! I will get you to safety soon.”

She resisted the urge to hug him tightly, knowing that her comfort-seeking gesture could cause more harm than good to her already injured kitty. She jumped out of the building carrying him in her arms and landed on the pavement next to the metallic structure. Nadja ran over to her and picked up the microphone from the ground.

“Is he…” she heard Nadja say, but the woman went quiet when Ladybug shot her a death glare.

“The nearest hospital. Where is it?” She hissed.

Nadja paled. “Is he alive, Ladybug? What happened? Have you got any word for the press?”

“DAMN THE PRESS! I ONLY HAVE THREE MINUTES, NADJA! THREE. BLOODY. MINUTES. WHERE’S THE NEAREST P.U. (1)? PLEASE!” She crouched a little more protectively, noticing that the cameramen had returned to their cameras and were now filming the scene and that Nadja had picked up her phone and was messing with it madly.

“Hôpital Necker,” she eventually whispered. “Go towards the Ministère de la Santé, pass the Esplanade Jacques Chaban-Delmas and carry on straight.”

“That way, Ladybug!” one of the cameramen said, pointing to the right. “Maybe a couple of kilometres!”

She gave both a grateful look. “Thank you!” she whispered and jumped off.

Notes:

P.U. - Pavillon des Urgences (A&E/ER)

Author's Note:

Hi! *hides*

I know, I know, this is very strong. Please don't hate me!

I'll cut the fluff and get straight to the point. In the next instalment of "When Magic fails", "Code Polkadot",

“I need a doctor, quickly!”

“You saved my boyfriend when he was akumatised. This is the least I can do.”

“WILL YOU ALL PLEASE GO FASTER? HIS SUIT HELPS HIM, BUT THIS COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIS LIFE OR HIS DEATH! HE’S ONLY GOT A FEW MORE SECONDS TO SPARE!”

I know, I'm cruel. If you want to kill me, I mean, if you read this and you’re not part of our wonderful Discord server already, but you enjoy reading, writing and talking about Miraculous, please join our Discord server, Miraculous Fanworks . See you there soon. Not sure when I will update this story but it won't be too long! Promise!

[addictedtomanga]

Shoujo manga recommendations - living together/neighbors

1.      Konyakusei 

Sachi Hanaoka has just lost her parents to a traffic accident and her fear of living alone becomes reality. To add on to her troubles, Kouichi Saonji, the young landlord of her apartment, approaches her and requests that she prepare to vacate since she is now be unable to pay rent. Alternatively, Kouichi proposes a solution: he and Sachi will get married and she will act as his caretaker. Not only will her expenses be covered, but it would also serve as a method to quell his family's nagging for him to find a wife. Despite the lack of genuine feelings between them, Sachi finds herself drawn to Kouichi and accepts his offer. But will the newly wed couple be able to fall in love, or will they remain strangers forever?

2.      Sugar Family 

Since Yuuka's mother died at an early age, Yuuka turned out to be the one taking care of her child-like father. Right before high school started, Yuuka's dad announced his remarriage with Satou Masami. Masami-san turned out to be a reliable, responsible person, so Yuuka finally thought she's off the hook. That is, until she finds out about her new older brother...

3.      Kyou mo Uchi de Machi Awase

After a fire, a middle-aged man meets a homeless single mother and her son at the convenience store. He is instantly reminded of someone he used to know over a decade ago. Could it be...?

4.      Kyoudai Gokko 

Growing up, Rio Takara has always wanted siblings. So when her parents decide to move overseas without her and tells her she will be living with two people around her age, she's cautiously optimistic. But they turn out to be brothers who fight like cats and dogs. Is this what having siblings is like?

5.      Kamiki Kyoudai Okotowari

Iroha was raised by her single mother, but when her mother remarries, they move in with her step-father and his 3 sons. To Iroha, this will be the first time she's living with men. What will happen to Iroha's new life!?

6.      Monokuro Shounen Shoujo 

Kureha Mimachi, a 15-year-old girl, has just transferred into Shiritsu Kenhono High School. However, there is something weird about this school, it is actually a school where the Princes and Princesses of the beast-kind go to...?! Even though Kureha is human, she is there as a way to help the students their lives peacefully with humans and has the role as the "rabbit". Will she be able survive without being eaten by the students...?!

7.      Mademoiselle Butterfly 

Our heroine is a girl who lives as a geisha in Japan. She has a male childhood friend who's always been kind to her and is her favorite. He's a painter, only he paints on human body parts, and she loves it when he paints beautiful butterflies on her arms. She goes to visit him one day and finds a naked woman lying in his room. Immediately after, she gets a customer who's rich and very interested in her. The thought of being away from her friend pains her, but is everything really too late?

8.      Mayonaka Lolita 

After she took some medicines, Michiryuu became suddenly a little girl. People used to say that she was really perfect. That's why she wants to came back to normal quickly. But the only condition if she wants that happen is to find "a personn she'll love". But that's completely impossible for her! So what will happen to Michiryuu...?

9.      Mayonaka ni Kiss 

Natori Nono is a very tough school-girl, she lives with her widowed mother Ayame and her younger brother Takumi in a very small apartment, where she does all the chores. Her boyfriend wants money from her, because he's really poor, too. But one day, Nono discovers that her mother remarried! She married Ichijou Hayato, the owner of the 'Ichijou Group'. Now, Nono lives there (in unaccustomed riches) with her mother, her brother, her stepfather AND her new stepbrother: Ichijou Kasuomi (his father calls him Omi-kun)!!! At first, Nono thinks Kasuomi is not nice. But what will happen next?

10.  Harem Lodge 

Midori lost her mother when she was young and now her father's gone too. But her dad left her with a surprise: a fiancé named Tetsuya. So now, Midori has to live in a good-looking men only apartment (Harem Lodge), which is actually filled with weirdos. What is going to happen to her? Well we just have to wait and see...

11.  Hyakujuu no ou ni Tsugu!

This is the liberated area where you listen to girls will, a girls high school! in this class, there's a king. Me, Yuka! My friends are counting on me and boys are afraid of me! But that kind of paradise will suddenly break up by a thirty-year old man!! dates will take place in golf areas and kisses will have the taste of smoke...

12.  Last Notes 

Haru and Aki are the masters of the branch store - an old-looking and very unusual shop. It sells only one thing: a special kind of incense that, when burned, allows the user to see and speak with the spirit of the dead person that appears in the smoke. Every customer has a different reason for calling up the dead, and how they use this unusual opportunity is up to them...

13.  Hapira Hajimaru 

Asai Sachi's luck has always been considered dreadful. After becoming the class president, she meets Kurono Hyougo, a guy with a frightful face who bears various gruesome rumours behind his back. Hyougo had been living alone in an apartment; but when Sachi mistakenly reveals that Hyougo is a minor, he had to be kicked out. Fortunately, Sachi's father is a realtor, and suggested to have Hyougo live in their unused detached house. Would Sachi's bad luck turn upside down upon meeting Hyougo?

14.  Hana o Meshimase

After Shion's mother passed away, she was left with her father who loves to gamble and evade his responsibilities as a father. Due to that continuous pattern, Shion moves in to live as a live-in employee with 25-years-old florist Shun Mamyuuda. As she begins to learn the value of flowers and life, will she also find her place in love?

15.  Good Morning Call 

Nao Yoshikawa stays behind to live by herself when her parents leave to inherit her grandpa's farm in the country. On the day she moves into her new apartment she soon discovers that it was rented also to Hisashi Uehara—a cute, super-cool and popular guy from her school. Not only did their housing agency unexpectedly close down, the landlord of the apartment tells them that they had to pay more for their apartment then they had expected. With both no money and no home to return to, Nao and Hisashi decide to live together as flatmates.

16.  Nanako Robin 

Yoshino Nako has a saying. "If I'm happy, I can do anything!" In her sister's place, Nako-chan steals the groom of an arranged (political) marriage and helps them elope. But when the Hayami group starts failing, she must pay the consequence by housing the delinquent brother...

17.  Momo Raba 

Chieri (Cherry) was living an ordinary life, until her sister Ichigo (Strawberry) suddenly left her child Momo (Peach) on Chieri's doorstep. Momo is an infant; how is Chieri supposed to take care of a baby while still in high school!? To make matters even more frustrating, two guys are fighting for Chieri's love...!

18.  Men’s Life 

Mio's life is changed in a big way due to an encounter with Rin, an upperclassman who is one-year-older, and...!?

19.  Tonari wa Nani o Kuu Hito zo 

Inaba Suzuna is trying her best to make a campus debut and to have many friends in Tokyo. Until she realized that she miserably fails at living alone. Fortunately, her neighbor, Seto, comes and saves her from dying of starvation. Bright campus life is still far away for Suzuna, but at least, she has a very dependable neighbor!

20.  Yumemiru Taiyou

While loitering in the park, Shimana Kameko, who intended to run away from home and skip school, meets a suspicious man in a kimono. This man, who had been locked out of his house, offers Shimana a place to stay. However, he requests she fulfill three conditions in exchange for her tenancy!?

21.  Taiyou no Ie 

After her mother abandoned her and her father remarried, high schooler Mao Motomiya is left feeling like she doesn't have a place where she belongs. One night, her childhood friend Hiro Nakamura finds her in a shrine eating cheap convenience store food and offers to take her to a restaurant. Their subsequent heart to heart leads to Hiro suggesting that Mao move in with him. To Hiro who has lived apart from his younger siblings all these years after their parents passed away, bringing his family back together in the once-lively Nakamura home begins with the first step of giving Mao a loving place to belong. When Mao reluctantly accepts his invitation, she is surprised at how easy it is to settle in with her longtime friend. Now she must deal not only with mending her relationship with her father and helping the oldest Nakamura brother attain his goal, but also her growing feelings for Hiro.

22.  Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet 

Oono Fumi is a poor second year high school student. Because of her father's debts, she's kicked out of her own home and has to rely on her own connections to survive. Thus begins her life as a live-in housekeeper for a reclusive writer...

23.  Faster than a kiss

Losing their parents, Fumino and her brother hop from one relative to another. Getting tired of all those movings, she finally decides to quit school and work to support her brother on her own. As they sat on a park bench, her teacher appears in front of her and agrees to her demanding of marrying and supporting both her and her brother!! Is he serious or just playing around...!?

24.  Kiss/Hug 

Ryuu, a super-business-like transfer student from England with black hair and blue eyes just arrived! During the night of the Tanabata festival, Ryuu and Yukino became attracted to each other at first sight. He then declares, "You will be mine!" This brought confusion to Yukino, who has zero experience in love. But could she actually be falling in love?

25.  Kanna to Decchi 

Our heroine Kanna is the daughter of the famous builder in town. One day a boy with a hammer appears to train under Kanna's father?! The heart pounding love story of a handsome apprentice carpenter.

26.  Sabaku no Harem 

Mishe a strong willed girl raised from poverty has caught Prince Kallum's attention. Attention as in, "you will become one of my concubines," thus begins Mishe's adventures into Prince Kallum's world.

[melonkooky]

a birthday surprise [hirai momo]

requested

word count: 4725

genre: friends to lovers, fluff, school!au, female x female reader

author’s note: i know it’s may, but i’m setting this one shot to be in november for the sake of momo’s birthday. this was a cute request and i really, really enjoyed writing something that’s different from what i normally write. i tried to make it fluffy near the end. also, sorry for any spelling mistakes or inconsistencies 😅😅  but, nevertheless, enjoy!!!

please do not copy my work. but please like and reblog it. thank you!!!!

[day one]

momo nearly jumped out of her seat when you, who was sitting next to her, stood up abruptly. you laughed at her reaction, apologizing. “sorry, momo.”

“why are you so excited?” she questioned, standing up with you.

class had just ended for the day. you and momo were best friends, such good friends that a lot of fellow friends and students always say that they’re first impression was that you and her were sisters. you and momo would laugh and sometimes even press your guys’ faces together, asking if there was a resemblance, before strongly denying it. in the end of those encounters, you would always notice that momo’s cheeks would be a little redder than normal.

you and momo packed up your school supplies and put them into your backpacks. momo glanced at you as you replied. however, you simply shrugged. how could you be so excited about something but just shrug in response. “just because it’s, um, november.” you said, nodding. “yeah, i love this time of year, you know.”

momo tried to smile and nod, but she couldn’t deny the discouraged feeling that soon followed by your very vague and very unconvincing reply. she knew you wouldn’t lie to her ever in your life, and she also knew you also had your own life that she didn’t necessarily have to be a part of 24/7. she understood, but momo couldn’t help but be curious.

you and momo left the classroom together, heading towards the lockers that were across the hallway, but a little ways down. you and momo shared a locker because momo’s locker was assigned near a group of boys and she didn’t feel like conversing with them ever. besides, they were always loud and energetic, sometimes it was too much for momo. “so do you have any plans?” momo asked as you began to unlock the locker.

you looked at her, and then avoided her eyes. “i do actually.”

there it was again. momo stared at your side profile as you began putting things into the locker and then taking them out. you were biting your bottom lips, seeming nervous. but ignoring all of that, momo smiled slightly. she always thought that you were the most beautiful girl she’s ever seen. you and her have been friends for years, ever since momo transferred from japan to south korea, but recently, she’s been feeling sort of different around you. she always got excited to see you, she always tried to look her best… but then every time you would talk to her or even just be near her, momo’s heart would begin to race, sometimes beating so loud that she couldn’t hear you if you were talking. then her stomach would twist and flutter and make her feel nauseous. and then she’d meet your eyes and you’d give her the prettiest smile, and her cheeks would flush the color of scarlet, if that was even possible.

she often wondered if you’ve noticed those very signs. if you have seen her scarlet-colored cheeks, you surely haven’t said anything about them.

“so, what are your plans?”

you moved aside so that momo could get into the locker. you held your backpack in front of you, slightly hugging it. your back was pressed against the locker next door. you hesitated, thoughts becoming a jumbled mess. should you tell her what you were planning?

you quickly dismissed that thought. “just my family have plans. it sucks that it’s after school, they could’ve planned it later.”

momo nodded, understanding. she knew your family.

“anyway, momo, how do you feel about surprises?”

the girl next to you put on her backpack and closed the locker. “depends on what the surprise is, i guess.”

you nodded. “same.”

“why?”

“just curious.”

you and momo walked out of the school together before going your separate ways. “i’m sorry we couldn’t hang out.” you told her, giving her hand a squeeze.

momo smiled, shaking her head. “it’s okay. as long as you don’t completely ditch me.”

you grinned at her. “you know i’d never do that. anyways, see you later.”

“bye!” momo watched as you hurried in the direction of your house.

after you disappeared from her view, momo turned and headed home. she took her time. she decided to put in her earphones and listen to music on her way. it was a way for her to get lost in her thoughts or to ease her emotions.

finally, momo arrived at her house and walked in through the front door. as she slipped off her shoes, “i’m home!” she yelled.

her family had moved with her from japan to south korea. momo heard something coming from the kitchen. her mother must have begun cooking dinner.

momo set down her school stuff near her bedroom before entering the kitchen. “hi, my love.” her mom greeted her, turning around to cut some vegetables. she looked at momo and smiled. “how was school?”

momo sat down at the kitchen table. “it was good.”

momo didn’t notice that her expression included a frown, until her mom was looking at her worried, asking her what was wrong.

the young girl wondered if she should talk to her mom about you, her best friend, and how she’s been questioning her feelings for you. she also wondered what you were up to, what secret you were hiding.

momo sighed, and waved off her mother’s question. “i’m probably just overthinking. i’m going to take a shower.”

“okay.”

[day two]

the next day at school, momo waited patiently for you to arrive. you seemed to be taking a little more time than normal. she grew a little worried, even to the point of checking her phone to make sure you haven’t sent her anything. and then, right before the bell rang, you practically flew into the classroom. your cheeks were red and you were panting, and your clothes were a little wrinkled. momo couldn’t help but laugh at you, and you stuck your tongue out in response.

you sat down, taking time to fill your lungs with oxygen again.

“what happened?” momo asked, subconsciously using her hand to brush your hair into place.

you blushed and stared at momo, but momo didn’t seem to think much of it. you brushed it aside. “i accidentally slept in.”

momo nodded. “that’s new.”

“i know. i stayed out late last night.”

that confused momo. “why did you stay out late?”

you glanced at her and a panicked look flashed onto her face before you smiled. “just hanging out with my family.”

the way you acted confused momo. this was unlike you. as class begun, she became lost in her thoughts. momo doodled mindlessly in your notebook, barely listening to the teacher. she wanted to know what was going on in your life. was this...normal...for someone who was in love? or was it because they were best friends? momo felt like she was going mad. normally she’d voice these kinds of concerns to you, but she couldn’t possibly talk to you about you.

the rest of the day went by in a blur for momo. you and her would be walking in the hallways, heading to class, or going outside, and you noticed that she’d be spacing out. her smile wasn’t as bright as it normally was, and it was causing your heart to sink. you couldn’t help but assume that it was because of you.

if you decide to tell you, it would be ruining the surprise.

“momo,” you gently called during lunch.

momo had sat down next to you on the bench and had taken out her lunch, but was barely eating it. you were staring at her food, mouth watering despite you having your own lunch. but momo wasn’t eating and she seemed upset.

she glanced at you, trying to smile. but you knew her better.

“you should eat.” you said, scooting next to her.

momo shrugged. you eyed her before setting your lunch aside and scooting even closer. you had a mischievous smile on your face, causing momo to smile. “what are you doing?”

you smiled as you grabbed her lunch and her chopsticks, and from there, you began to feed her. “please eat.” you said.

momo rolled her eyes and fought back a smile. and there her heart went, throbbing against her ribcage. her cheeks burned as she looked at you. you held the chopsticks close to her mouth, and momo hesitantly ate the food. both you and her laughed. “stop, you’re embarrassing me.” momo said teasingly.

“i’m embarrassing you? maybe if you ate your lunch, i wouldn’t have to feed you like a baby.”

momo bursted out laughing, causing you to laugh as well. if other students happened to look over or pass by, they would think you and her had gone crazy. you grinned as you saw momo begin to eat. she was obviously hungry. you smiled fondly, before reaching over and grabbing your own lunch.

you and momo began to talk again. even though neither you and momo noticed, you and her remained close on the bench, no one wanting to move away from the other.

[day four]

you were a little nervous about the day ahead of you. as you got ready for school, you kept glancing at the stack of envelopes sitting on your desk. they were different shades of pink. you had spent most of your evening yesterday making them. you wrote and decorated every single envelope yourself.

you could understand why you were nervous. november ninth was just around the corner after all. but, it also was how you were going to hand out the envelopes without momo seeing and noticing. of course it didn’t help that they were pink, and were labeled with ‘you’re invited’. if momo saw or got her hands on one, she most likely would catch on. and then, you wouldn’t be able to lie or make an excuse. you knew you wouldn’t be able to, this was momo. she was your best friend, and you loved her. it was hard enough keeping such a secret.

you showed up to school early, knowing momo wouldn’t be there yet. you hoped more of your friends would be there. you wondered around the hallways finding friends and friends of momo. you handed them the envelops, explaining what you were planning. many close friends offered to help and you gladly accepted their help, relieved that you wouldn’t be doing everything alone anymore.

just as you were handing an envelope explaining the details to someone, someone called your name. it was momo, you’d recognize her voice anywhere. you hurriedly told them to hide the envelope, just in time before momo walked up next to you.

“oh, hey, mina.”

mina smiled not so inconspicuously before saying she had to go to class. momo scratched her head, “everyone’s acting weird to me today.”

you played along, feeling guilty for lying to her. “oh, really? do i need to fight anyone?”

“no, not like that.” she said while shaking her head. “they are all happy, excited, but around me.”

you cursed everyone in your head. they were not trying their best to act normal or hiding it from momo. “what’s wrong with that? it’s friday, and we have a small break next week.”

momo began walking. instinctively you laced your arms with her, leaning against her slightly. momo enjoyed the warmth your skin radiated, and how you enjoyed skinship. she could imagine what you and her would be doing if you and her were dating. momo quickly shook her head, and then remembered the conversation she was having with you. “yeah, i’m pretty excited too.”

you turned to her, worried that she had plans next week, especially since it was her birthday week. did you forget to tell her parents about your plans?

you did. anxiety erupted throughout your body.

“do you have any plans next week?”

momo hummed. “not that i know of. besides my birthday.”

before the conversation topic could be turned to be about momo’s birthday, you turned to her. “hey, do you mind if i come over today, since it’s friday? maybe we can have a sleepover.”

momo’s eyes lightened and she smiled widely. “we haven’t had one in so long, oh my god. and you know you’re welcome at my house.”

you blushed slightly as you stared into momo’s eyes. she grinned. “now i can’t wait for school to end and i just got here.”

you laughed and led the way to the first class of the day.

----

the day seemed to go by slower than normal. you were trying to pay attention to class, wanting time to go by faster, while momo would stare at the clock as if willing the hands to move at the speed of light.

soon, however, the bell rang and you and momo were packing up. you and her talked endlessly as you stopped by the locker before heading to momo’s house.

as you stepped into the home, momo yelled, “mom, y/n’s staying the night.”

her mom came out of the living room, “oh, okay. hi, y/n.”

you grinned. “hello, mrs. hirai.”

you and momo brought everything to momo’s bedroom. you and her talked and did some homework that wasn’t due until after break. then around dinner time, momo said she had to use the bathroom. you nodded. this was your chance. you grabbed one of the extra envelopes and hurried into the kitchen, where momo’s mom was plating some dishes.

“dinner’s almost ready.” she said to you smiling.

“great. um, mrs. hirai,” you lowered your voice to a whisper, “i just wanted to give you this. it had all the information but basically i’m planning a surprise birthday party.”

her mother gasped, pocketing the envelope. “that’s so sweet of you. why didn’t you let me know sooner?”

you laughed, “i kinda forgot.”

“well, i can help with money.”

you shook your head. “don’t worry about it. my parents and i got it covered, and a few students and friends are helping out as well.”

“ah, you’re too kind. i’ll help with whatever else you need.”

just then, momo came into the kitchen. “that smells delicious.” then she bumped you with her hip. “i was wondering where you went. i can’t resist the smell of delicious food either.”

you smiled, blushing slightly, only five more days.

[day eight]

luckily you had a few days before today to take a break from party planning. during those few days, you hung out with momo of course. you couldn’t think of anyone else to spend your break with.

you and momo were bonding even more than ever. you and her were constantly hanging, and you’ve noticed that you and her were slowly beginning to flirt with each other. it came naturally and you were beginning to wonder how momo felt about you.

there was one day when you and momo went shopping and begun trying on clothes. you were taking this chance to see what momo would possibly want for her birthday. you were too nervous to blatantly ask her the question. but when momo tried on one outfit, you blushed so conspicuously, your cheeks were red, and it was because of how hot she looked. of course momo could pull anything off. she grinned at you. “am i that sexy?”

you weren’t sure of what to say. “it’s perfect on you.”

the way momo looked at you could make you faint. the smile she had, the look in her eyes as she twirled around, “yeah?”

you were head over heels for her.

you hoped that she would like you back the same way you liked her. you weren’t sure, and your anxiety and thoughts were telling you not to talk about it. the time will come when it’s ready.

you were thinking about momo, beginning to feel nervous about the party. her birthday was tomorrow after all, and tomorrow you would be spending the day with friends and your parents decorating the restaurant that had been rented. you hadn’t realized just how expensive renting an entire restaurant is, but you were thankful for everyone who had contributed.

you could only rent the restaurant for one day, so you were only able to use tomorrow to decorate. time was flying by. in a large groupchat that you created with everyone that was helping, you made sure that everyone knew who was bringing what and who was doing what. momo’s parents decided to help pay for food, that was why they were renting a restaurant. the restaurant had all of momo’s favorite japanese and korean dishes. your parents arranged for a cake that you helped to decorate as you wanted everything to be special. some students were bringing balloons, some were bringing streamers and fairy lights. you wanted everything to blow momo’s mind. the goal was, obviously, to surprise her but to also make her feel special. she was an important figure in your life, and you wanted her to know that. you wanted her to know just how much you love her.

you decided to visit momo. you didn’t want her to be suspicious. but you also were feeling anxious. maybe she won’t like the surprise. maybe she’ll be mad at you for keeping it a secret from her. it was crazy, and rather pointless, thoughts, but they were bothering you. momo would be able to take your mind off of all your worries.

you texted her that you were coming over.

when you arrived and rang the doorbell, momo answered. she was still in pajamas, prompting you to tease her slightly.

you and her hung out most of the day, snacking, watching movies, rating actors and actresses.

a romantic scene came on, and you couldn’t help but glance at momo. sure, the scene was between a girl and a boy, but it still was romantic. and you wondered what momo thought about it. you could imagine yourself in the girl’s shoes, hugging momo like that, planting a kiss to her cheek. maybe even her lips.

you blushed at the thought.

momo suddenly looked at you. she was blushing. “that’s one of my favorite scenes.” she admitted, her cheeks and ears getting darker and more vibrant.

she looked cute, the way she looked right now. no makeup on, natural hair, a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

“is there something on my face?” momo asked, bringing you out of your thoughts.

you shook your head, blushing even more. “just beauty.”

momo was drinking from her glass of water and almost choked. “that was smooth.”

both you and her laughed.

“you really are beautiful.” you said, leaning against her, bending your legs and putting them on the couch.

momo was shocked by the fond look you had in your eyes, the small smile on your face. she could really tell you meant it. “even when i look like this?” she questioned quietly.

“especially when you look like that.” you sat up and playfully pressed a kiss to her cheek.

she gasped and blushed, a hand coming up to cup her cheek. “you haven’t done that in years.”

you shrugged and laid back down, this time placing your head in your lap. you were smirking, holding back any laughs that wanted to leave your mouth.

momo shook her head, suppressing a smile, before turning her attention back to the tv. that may have once been normal between you and momo, but kissing each other’s cheeks haven’t happened in quite some time. it felt new again, but there was a whole new feeling behind it. it was a feeling that warmed momo’s insides, that caused her stomach to twist, that caused her heart to beat rapidly, that caused the tiny section of skin on her cheek to tingle.

momo was beginning to grow impatient. she was unsure of how long she could hide her feelings for her best friend.

[day nine: the day of the party]

momo woke up late. it wasn’t something new.

she woke up knowing it was her birthday, but it didn’t feel like it. she checked her phone, and the only messages she had were from her family back home in japan. there weren’t any from you, which she was upset about, or other friends.

she checked the time on her phone. it was almost noon. that’s a new record for sure.

momo got up from her bed and left her bedroom. she wandered into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. looking around, she was alone. her family was nowhere to be seen and the house was quiet. now, momo felt more confused than upset. she grew anxious.

just then, her phone vibrated. she hurriedly opened her messages and saw that it was a text from you.

“finally.” she said to herself, only it wasn’t a birthday message.

‘i hope you’re awake by now, momo!! if you don’t mind, please take a nice, warm shower and dress nicely. imagine you were going on a date with someone, how would you dress?’

your text only made her brain hurt more as she tried to figure out what was going on. but a nice, warm shower sounded absolutely heavenly, so momo did just that. the young lady took her time, no one was home to complain about her using all the hot water.

afterwards just got dressed in a nice dress, one that she could see herself wearing on a date if she were to ever go on one. then she did her hair and makeup. she was anxious yet excited as to what you were talking about. it had to be related to her birthday somehow. there couldn’t possibly be another explanation.

when momo left her room, she noticed that her mom was home. “good morning, my love. you look absolutely stunning.”

momo smiled, looking at her mom with slight confusion on her face. “where were you earlier?”

she shrugged. “i just had to run some errands.”

“oh.”

“anyways, are you ready to go?”

“go where?” momo asked cautiously.

her mom simply grinned. “it’s a surprise.”

momo and her mom got into her mom’s car. she wondered where her mom was driving her too. she tried to think of all the places they were going, but momo was surprised when she pulled up to a restaurant that she’d never been to before.

“oh, are we eating here?” momo asked, getting out of the car.

her mom smiled at her. “more or less.”

what does that mean?

momo grew anxious as she and her mom walked in. the restaurant was completely dark, which momo didn’t expect from all the windows that she noticed from outside. why was it so dark? and why was it quiet and empty?

“mom, did you get the address wrong?”

suddenly the lights were turned on, and everyone was jumping up from their hiding spots. momo jumped back, her eyes as wide as an owl’s.

“surprise!” everyone yelled, some blowing party horns and some using the party cannons that shot out confetti.

momo stared at everyone, “what is this?” she asked quietly, a smiling forming on her face.

seeing her smile, you felt relief wash over your shoulders. she wasn’t mad. you stepped out from the side, “happy birthday, momo.”

she looked at her with surprise but was smiling. “did you organize all of this?”

you nodded. “i did. they all helped, but this was my idea.”

the party begun. the lights were dimmed again and some fairy lights were turned on. it was a casual party. music began to play and everyone started to dance or hangout and talk.

people kept coming up to momo to say happy birthday, and as much as momo appreciated them, she wanted to talk to you.

you approached her with a party hat that said birthday girl and put it on her head. you had to get close to her, and momo was dazed as how close you were, how close your lips were to hers. “there.” you said.

and you barely stepped away. you were looking at her with a wide smile. “do you like it?”

she nodded. “it all makes sense now. how you were too busy to hang out with me…”

“i felt bad about it, i didn’t want to give off the impression that i was hiding something or going behind your back.”

“well, you did i decent job. i did know that you were hiding something.”

you winced slightly. “i’m not the best liar…”

momo laughed. “good. it makes me feel better.”

you laughed along with her.

after more light conversation, you grabbed her hand and led her over to the food. “what do you want first?” you asked.

you were licking something off of your finger, chewing on some food that you found. however, as you were eating, you didn’t realize that you got something on the corner of your lips, close to your cheek.

momo noticed it and blushed. you were oblivious to the mess on your cheek. you looked adorable, and momo wondered if she should say something.

“oh!” you suddenly gasped, reaching for a plate.

momo laughed at your reaction as you hurried around her to fill the plate with momo’s favorite food. then you stood in front of her holding the plate up and grabbing a bite with chopsticks. “here.” you offered her.

the birthday girl wasn’t sure what it was, whether it was the food on your lips and how oblivious you were to it, or how cute you looked just standing there with the smile on your face, or how you were offering her food… momo was unsure of what it was, but it was you. and it was you that was making her feel with way. she was almost overwhelmed with emotion, her love for you was consuming her. before momo could stop herself, she was blurting out. “y/n, i love you.”

you stared at her surprised. you were worried you were going to drop the plate, but momo was there holding your wrists, steadying you.

her own eyes widened. “oops.”

your cheeks burned. “you...love me?”

both you and momo knew that she didn’t say it in a platonic kind of way. momo was worried, perhaps she shouldn’t have said that. but then, you stepped closer to her, a smile forming on your face. “you love me.”

momo nodded, blushing so much, she was worried she might overheat.

then, you were setting down the plate of food in order to cup momo’s cheeks and look her in her eyes. “i love you too.” you whisper shouted.

momo was taken back for a split second before you were pressing your lips to hers. she was definitely not expecting for you to do that. but, as new as it felt, it felt right. it felt like it was very much needed by the both of you.

finally, you pulled away blushing. then you looked at her mouth. “oh, you got a little something…” then you wiped some food, the very same food that came from you, off of her.

momo bursted into a fit of laughter after realizing what you were doing, and suddenly you felt embarrassed. “what?” you questioned defensively.

“that came from you, silly.”

“what do you mean?”

momo reached for a napkin from the table and wiped off the remaining bits of food from your mouth. you were blushing, both from kissing momo and from the embarrassment of not noticing the food. “and you didn’t say anything earlier?!”

“you looked cute! i couldn’t bring myself to.”

you glared at her before grabbing the plate of food. “you may be the birthday girl, but you’re not getting any of this now.”

momo gasped and pouted. “no! i’m sorry.” she whined slightly. “i said i love you…”

you blushed, “so what are we now?”

momo hugged your arm, resting her head on your shoulder. she was looking at the plate of food but was thinking about you. “do you want to be my girlfriend?”

you fought against the smile that was trying to form on your face. “yes.”

“can i have some food now?”

you offered her a bite. momo grinned happily, pressing a kiss to your cheek, before chewing the bite of food. “thank you!”

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 242: SANTA IS REAL

Previously on BnHA: We said farewell to the League of Pliff and were finally reunited with the kids of U.A., an institution which I would just like to point out is so diametrical to the League that they literally took the polar opposite route when choosing their name, and focused only on the acronym. I’m 100% sure U.A. doesn’t even stand for anything. Anyway, so Bakugou and Todoroki went on whirlwind press tour following their ch 219 antics, and the resulting interviews were so disastrous that Aizawa decided to bring in Mt. Lady to give the whole class a crash course in PR 101. Meanwhile All Might scoured Ancestry.com for info on the past users of OFA, and Rat Principal announced that U.A. was going to resume its internship program. This is great news for Deku, who’s been taking his sweet time mastering Blackwhip. Like, we’re not even talking baby steps here so much as little tiny flea steps. Kid’s going to need all the help he can get.

Today on BnHA: Horikoshi targets all of my weak points at once. The My OT3 Academia arc gets off to an incredible, award-winning start with a Christmas party and the announcement of Internships 2: This Time, it’s Compulsory. Highlights include: (1) Kaminari and Mina forcing Bakugou to accept the spirit of Christmas into his heart and soul, (2) Iida rocking a Santa beard, (3) Eri holding a giant sword, (4) Bakugou reminiscing about his internship with Best MIA Jeanist, specifically the part where Jeanist was all “A HERO’S NAME IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND SYMBOLIC AND MEANINGFUL, SO YOU NEED TO THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT IT” and oh my fucking god, and lastly (5) Todoroki inviting Bakugou and Deku to come intern with him at the Endeavor Hero Agency (known for its famous business slogan: “Got Plot?”). It’s like I wished on seventeen different falling stars and they all came true at once. I still can’t even fucking process this. kfkdslgk.

(All comments are my unspoiled reactions from my initial readthrough of the chapter. I did a quick edit for grammar and clarity immediately afterward, and added a few ETAs in the process, but aside from that there are no changes.)

I just got like three excited-seeming asks (I haven’t actually read them yet) in rapidfire succession less than an hour ago, and my dashboard is now filling up with filtered “bnha spoilers” posts, so I took this as a sign that I should read the new chapter ASAP. oh gosh

(ETA:

(1) SAMEEEEEE, and (2) YEEEEEEEEP. listen I’m not religious you guys, but I said “oh my god” so much while reading this chapter that I wouldn’t be surprised if he or she finally answers and is like, “YES!? WHAT IS IT???”)

what new state-of-the-art tomfoolery will our intrepid heroes engage in this week. what novel hijinks will they commence. what frivolous escapades will they embark on this lovely Friday morn?

HOMGAAAHHHHHH

THE TITLE IS LITERALLY MY FEELINGS RN. MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS TO ME. YES GOD I LOVE IT. I’LL TAKE A DOZEN

okay. so today, September 6th, is officially Christmas. you heard the man and who am I to argue

so we’re opening with a teacher’s meeting! probably about the internships. or the fact that they’re all screwed. I don’t really know what their priorities are nowadays

okay yeah it’s about the internships. also Rat Principal is nested in Aizawa’s scarf for absolutely no reason, and Aizawa is disgruntled about it. heh. tomfoolery already and it’s only the first panel

oh shit, Nezu’s saying it’s now a government requirement. I got so surprised I actually forgot to call him RP

because ain’t nothing safer than hero internships. if the Basement arc taught us nothing else. it’s that

that was sarcasm in case that’s not coming across. this is clearly a baffling decision. but what are government committees for if not for making baffling decisions I guess

and now Midnight is coming to the same conclusion I was starting to wonder at

can someone please tell me what the PSC’s goals actually are, then? is this not the same group that recently changed the rules of the provisional license exam so that an even smaller percentage of people would pass? so do you want more heroes or fewer? which is it?

how do they cope with it? does anyone even have any idea?? it seems to me like they’re just throwing them to the wolves. we have this problem that we have absolutely no idea what to do about, oh I know, let’s toss a bunch of inexperienced kids at it. and hope that none of them gets murdered I guess

anyway so The Sheriff is speculating that the League must have been involved in the Deika situation, and he’s wondering why the PSC is trying so hard to keep it on the dl

oh yeah. friendly reminder that the PSC, thanks to Hawks, probably knows exactly how powerful Tomura and the League have recently become. so they know full well how shark-infested the waters are, and they’re making it mandatory for the kids to all take swimming lessons. nice

lol back when I was brainstorming ideas for future arcs, I seriously thought Horikoshi would have to go out of his way to come up with excuses for the kids to have future encounters with the League, because the school was so concerned with their safety that they wouldn’t allow them to leave the grounds except on rare occasions. well I sure got that one wrong. though to be fair, for once it isn’t U.A. that’s doing the child endangering here

(ETA: and actually, regardless of how insane it is, I do appreciate that when shit inevitably hits the fan again, at least it won’t be U.A.’s fault this time. I’d like to be able to continue rooting for them, and that can be difficult when they keep doing reckless things that needlessly put children in danger. at least this time they’re not the ones driving the Stupid Bus to Bad Decision School.)

a message to who? the League?? “we’re not scared of you”?? did they seriously not think of all the numerous ways this could backfire?

oh shit Aizawa even went and said the d-word

well there you have it. the government is drafting teenagers to risk their lives dealing with a crisis they won’t out-and-out admit they’re actually having. on today’s episode of “Oh Hero Society, You’ve Got Problems”

anyway so RP is making the admittedly good point that “we’re fucked and everyone is in terrible danger” is hardly a new state of affairs for them these days, and so they’re all moving on. okay then. good talk. lol. gonna need my damn Christmas fluff after all of that

and also RP is mentioning some other mysterious new program to Aizawa too. I wonder what that could be

(ETA: oh yeah I almost forgot about this. thoughts??)

and now we’re cutting to “several days later” oh my god. it’s really happening. I need a moment here, I’m not even ready. gotta get all my Christmas headcanons lined up here. Satou baking cookies. Kaminari and Sero running around arm in arm singing “JINGLE BELLS, ALL MIGHT SMELLS” over and over at the top of their lungs until Bakugou screams at them to shut up. Mineta debating anyone who will listen over the merits of the song Baby It’s Cold Outside. the naturally Christmas-themed Todoroki savoring this, his time to shine

oh shit, we’re still with the fucking Rat Principal. for fuck’s sake

-- ooh but are they talking about the traitor??

will this put an end to the “Horikoshi forgot about it” rumors? several people have mentioned this to me here and there (sorry to everyone whose asks I still haven’t answered), but as far as I know, this was part of a fake interview with Horikoshi that was unfortunately circulated around as though it was the real deal. sometimes people are not cool and think it’s fun to take advantage of communities that are enthusiastic and trusting! always fact-check what you read on the internet just to be safe guys

anyway

so there definitely is one, then. got it

so the traitor is definitely a student in the hero class, then. got it

sob. I got an ask about the whole Kaminari traitor theory earlier this week, so I’m in the process of doing up a whole long post about that. but the cliff’s notes version is, it’s not him. it’s Hagakure. but I will actually go into detail in the post. it’s been a while since I’ve discussed the traitor thing in depth anyway

so RP is asking All Might if he’s coming back today, and All Might is immediately all “WHY, DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO MY CHILD, OH GOD IS HE OKAY” which, omg. so much love for this man

and RP is like “geez relax” and OH MY GOD

[slaps on a paperboy cap and screeches at All Might in a bad cockney accent] TODAY, SIR?? WHY, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY

OH MY GOD

I SPOT A GRINCH UP THERE AT THE TOP. SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE VISITED BY THREE GHOSTS FROM VARIOUS DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS

LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE CHILD (GREMLINS ASIDE) IS WEARING A SANTA CLAUS OUTFIT. DID U.A. JUST GIVE THESE OUT FOR FREE

AND IN THE TOP RIGHT NEXT TO SHOUJI, SATOU’S COOKIES! JUST AS THE PROPHECY FORETOLD

I SEE THEY HAVE THE REQUISITE KFC PLATTERS LIKE GOOD JAPANESE CITIZENS. WE SHOULD ADOPT THIS TRADITION HERE IN THE WEST TOO TBH

and last but not least, there are only nineteen children in this panel. it took me forever to figure out who was missing, but pretty sure it’s Iida. Iida where are you. clearly the traitor. certainly not off visiting his brother and the rest of his family, what kind of gullible fool do you take me for

looool

I love when the characters start to become self-aware that they’re the main characters in a story and that plot things keep happening to them at an unreasonable rate

oh my god they really are wearing the suits. it wasn’t just a title page gimmick like I half-wondered

ANSWER THE QUESTION, JIROU. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW. do we even know where she did her first internship?? I suddenly desperately want to learn more about this

(ETA: she interned with Death Arms, the traffic cone-looking guy who notably chewed Deku out for trying to save Kacchan’s life in chapter one. Jirou my hope for you is that you find someone better this time around!)

also Tsuyu is observing that Momo doesn’t have a chair, and I honest-to-god was trying to count how much seating there was in the previous page. it seems to me like the common room got a lot bigger. it keeps adjusting to their needs like the room of requirement in Harry Potter

also does anyone else wish that Jirou would move her cup off of the armrest. IT’S GOING TO SPILL ffff :/ this is who I am at parties

oh shit wait, that was Iida with the beard?? I honestly thought that was Satou. well then Satou is the traitor. -- NOBODY TOUCH THOSE COOKIES!!

anyway so he’s all “well Deku not to bring up the elephant in the room but YOUR PREVIOUS MENTOR DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH so what’s your plan huh”

oh sweet god

listen, no offense to Centipeder, he seems like a really nice guy, but if I never see his repulsive face again I will count myself lucky

OH FOR FUCK’S

PLEASE GET RID OF IT IT IS CHRISTMAS!!! here I am trying to have a nice time and!!

god. and like, I feel bad, it’s not his fault he is A GIANT BUG and he has like, fucking mandibles and shit! but I can’t help the fact that my skin is trying to crawl off my body right now, and god but I can barely look at this panel long enough to read the dialogue sob why

(ETA: and now that I’ve forced myself to read it again, this doesn’t even make any sense lol. “we have too much work and not enough help, so we have to pass on you coming back to help us out. ...wait.”)

I want Iida to like. pat his lap and tell Deku in a big booming voice to cheer up and come sit and tell him what he wants for Christmas. not in a weird way you guys, come on. but just, he looks so forlorn. do you want Santa to bring you some cozy All Might socks

or wait, didn’t he want a PS Vita according to that one omake thing. what the fuck Deku. someone get this kid a Switch

anyway so Deku says that participation is mandatory this time, so the school will handle assignments if the kids aren’t able to find someone

meanwhile Kacchan is in the background accusing Mina of stalking him. I think she is trying to get him to wear his Santa outfit. doin’ god’s work

OH SHIT YOU GUYS I CLICKED TO THE NEXT PAGE, AND THIS. THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS OMFG

HORIKOSHI YOU DID GET MY LIST! BAKUGOU BEING TROLLED BY HIS SNEAKY DETERMINED FRIENDS AND MANHANDLED INTO A RIDICULOUS GETUP WHILST ANGSTING ABOUT BEST JEANIST BEING MISSING, YESSSSSS. IT’S SO SPECIFIC, I THOUGHT, “SURELY HE WON’T ACTUALLY DO IT,” BUT SANTA IS REAL, EVERYONE

HFMLSDKMGLKLKL!!!!!LKL:DSF

RED ALERT RED FUCKING ALERT PEOPLE!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHH HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS

“MERRY CHRISTMAS MAKESTE HERE’S A WHOLE FUCKING CHAPTER ABOUT KACCHAN’S FUCKING HERO NAME COMPLETE WITH A BEST JEANIST META ON THE TOPIC” mother fucker I need to start reading these chapters with a goddamn life alert and a defibrillator on standby

“your name represents your wish.” ladies and gentlemen, introducing the new number one hero... Number One Hero!

heh. just kidding. “what do you want to become?” this, though. this right fucking here is why I’ve been dying to know what name he’ll actually choose. because it does reflect exactly what Jeanist is saying. whichever name he chooses will be an insight into who he is, and who he is trying to be

and this meta is making me rethink all my chapter 223 feels, and tbh now I’m back to thinking that it’s not going to be Ground Zero, unless he comes up with a cool reason for why that name ties in to the image of the person he wants to be (because right now, that particular name is tied more to the past than to the future). but oh my god, if he does choose the name Kacchan I am going to spontaneously combust. I will fucking do it. I will fucking die from being a dramatic excited bitch

(ETA: because. listen. there is one person who has always looked up to him in spite of everything and has always seen his potential. “in the end, in my mind, you’re the image of victory.” this, to me, is the meaning that the name “Kacchan” would have if he did choose it. it would symbolize him choosing to be his best self.)

don’t mind me I’m just stanning this child so fucking hard it hurts

(ETA: oh hey, and more feels on the reread because it looks like the reason he’s having this flashback is because he was planning to go back to Jeanist’s agency to do his real internship, and to show him how much he’s grown. but then The Thing happened. Hawks I just want to talk why won’t you answer my calls.)

Mina and Kaminari are the MVPs of this fucking chapter and I owe them my life omggggg. THEY’RE HERE TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

what are you thinking about there, Best Friend?

are you thinking about your daddy angst. penny for your thoughts

(ETA: “how can I cheer up my new best friend? I know, I’ll make him a lucrative job offer.” actually that’s a good way to cheer up just about anyone in this day and age, Shouto.)

okay, is there some sort of perverted context to Christmas that I’m totally missing here?? or is Mineta just really into the holiday spirit?

I feel like I missed something. eh

anyway Mr. Traitor himself is walking out now and HE’S BROUGHT THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE! or turkey! but goose sounded funnier

of all the things to be shocked about?? “SATOU CAN COOK!?!” like um yes hello you’ve been living with this guy for four months already? like the only thing more ridiculous than this would be, “TOKOYAMI IS A BIRD!?!”

(ETA: like I know baking and cooking are two different things, but in a manga they’re the same thing. fact.)

now someone is making a dramatic entrance! IS IT ERI I WILL DIE!!!! BRING IT

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I HEREBY SWEAR FEALTY TO THIS PANEL OF AN ADORABLY AND FESTIVELY DRESSED ERI MIXING UP HOLIDAYS WHILE DADZAWA PATIENTLY CORRECTS HER. I WILL PROTECT IT WITH MY LIFE. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS CHAPTER SO THAT I CAN GO DO IT SOME MORE AGAIN, OVER AND OVER AND OVER

Ochako is me

(ETA: DEMONS OUT! DEMONS IN!! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!! YOU DO THE HOOOOOOOOKEY POKEY.)

and Kiri is out here asking the real questions, but sadly Aizawa says Mirio is spending Christmas with his own class. WELL FINE. I HOPE HE’S EXPERIENCING THE FOMO OF A LIFETIME. HOW DARE HE HAVE OTHER FRIENDS whatever I’m over it

sobbbbb

WELL HOW MANY FUCKING HOLIDAYS ARE THERE!? CAN SOMEONE HELP A GIRL OUT OR WHAT

oh my god I’m just going to reblog every single Dadzawa panel and none of you can stop me go on and try!!

impatiently waiting for fanart of Aizawa tucking Eri in and reading her A Visit from St. Nicholas. get on it, fandom

ohhhhhhhhh my goddddddd

I know it’s not a Christmas song, but I am this close to cranking up “I Gotta Feeling” by the fucking Black Eyed Peas. ya feel

do you guys see him sitting there next to Dadzawa. he finally gave in. Satou is feeding him chicken. his friends will not abandon him to be on the naughty list. motherfucker that’s it. I’m fucking doing it. fill up my cup. mazel tov

lol I don’t even want to click to any more pages because they’re all so happy and it won’t fucking last. :( noooo

good little boys and girls. noshing on that chicken. Kacchan continuing to be stalked by the Ghost of Christmas Friendship. Tokoyami what even is that. lol and is this their weird way of distributing random gifts. did Sero buy Jirou a scarf. did Deku buy Ochako a freaking All Might plush keychain!? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHAT IS THAT THING AND WHY DOES ERI HAVE IT NOW AND WHY IS SHE MAKING THIS FACE

-- holy fuck, IT’S A SWORD. oh my god. THEY GAVE THE SEVEN YEAR OLD A FREAKING BUSTER SWORD AND SHE IS FEELING IT YESSSS THIS CHAPTER TRULY IS ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE

“dad can I keep it.” Aizawa: [not even opening his eyes, all bundled up in his oogie boogie suit] “sure”

so now we’re cutting to afterwards and everyone’s cleaning up and Deku’s using his freakish super strength to lift heavy things impressively while Bakugou continues to stomp around with his hands shoved into his pockets waiting for someone to finally tell him he can go back upstairs

OH???

motherfucker. are you going to invite them to come intern with you and your dad!!?!?? I know I was all set on Bakugou interning with Miruko just last week, but I TELL YOU WHAT BITCHES, I’M FUCKING FLEXIBLE LIKE THAT

OH SHIT YOU GUYS!!!!

TODOROKI ARE YOU PLAYING THE OT3 SONG BECAUSE HONEY YOU KNOW THAT’S MY JAM, BRO

OH FUCKING SHIT YESSSSS

BAKUGOU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS, EXCUSE ME, HATED ENEMIES. DEKU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS. AND THE NUMBER ONE. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH THE NUMBER TWO. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH TODOROKI “I DIDN’T HAVE A FLASHBACK IN THE LAST ARC BECAUSE WE WERE SAVING IT FOR THIS ONE!” TOUYA? THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S BEST FRIENDS ALL THE WAY DOWN. OH MY GOD

it’s like Horikoshi made a long and detailed list of all of his regrets about the previous internship arc, and then said, “fuck it. do-over”

you guys. I’m all out of cans. we only have can’ts and cannots. I cannot

Christmas fluff. Dadzawa. Bakugou hero name meta. hints that the traitor plot will soon be relevant again. and the motherfucking OT3 of OT3s, MY SONS, MY THREE RESPLENDENT OFFSPRINGS, interning together at the motherfucking Endeavor Hero Agency because Todoroki is the sweetest most considerate angel, and because KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S ME THE PLOT, I’VE COME FOR YOU AGAIN AT LONG LAST AND I VOW TO NEVER LEAVE YOU ALONE AGAIN FROM THIS MOMENT ON

shit, y’all. I don’t know if it’s possible for an arc to become my favorite motherfucking arc only two chapters in, but damned if this sunnuvabitch ain’t trying

[littlesailorinthesun]

elf primer

As part of a larger joint project (a lore reading order timeline), I wanted to write a post documenting all of the elf and kindred-related weirdness in the story. Once you start diving really, really deep into trying to piece elfkindred information together, you'll find that lots of things contradict each other or become jumbled. This is in part due to our server's translation and in part just because the story legitimately retcons itself. There were also a lot of theories and misconceptions which I wanted to spend some time discussing. So here is some information that will help those who are interested in reading.

By the way, huge spoilers ahead for the newest CN hell event, which has been given the fan nickname “Moonless Voyage”. The translations I used are linked at the end!

Main Cast

Chloris: The duty-bound Prince of Forest Elves. He participated in the war between kindred and elves a thousand years ago. He has very few desires as he's very focused on the well-being of the forest. He's also very powerful. Has been kept in the dark about his family history.

Cesare: The brother of Chloris and the current Lord of Kindred. He was exiled to Shadow City, the world within Lake Bovaly, a thousand years ago. Strongly wishes for Kindred to be simply allowed to live in the forest again, after that right was stolen from him when he was young, and secretly wishes he and Chloris could be normal brothers. Now, he also wants to break the Blood Curse because it affects all Kindred even if they just have the desire to hurt others (not for the same reasoning as Nidhogg). 

Lakris: The second Prince of Forest Elves. Stated by Cesare to simply be "a part of him" that was taken. Looked just like Cesare. 

Elven Queen: The mother of Chloris and Cesare. Anti-war and fiercely protective of the elves even at the cost of her own Kindred loved ones. 

Helsin (Blood Lust): The Lord of Kindred who served as the leader of Shadow City while Cesare was missing. Her primary goal is to break the seal of Shadow City once more.

Evelyn (Flickering Pistill): An elf who was invited to Shadow City by Helsin and subsequently tortured. She became the final seal for Shadow City, never truly dying. Her story is well-known among those in the Pigeon Forest and Shadow City.

Timeline

(Note: Next to the occurrence, I wrote where you can find the source/a more detailed description of the lore.)

Many years ago: Forest Elves (Chloris' kind) guarded the Pigeon Forest since it came into existence.  (Chloris 1)

Elves who sought to cleanse the world were corrupted by the miasma they encountered, and became the Kindred.  (Moonless Voyage)

>1000 years before Year 680, New Era: Chloris and Cesare were born to the Elven Queen and the Lord of Kindred, who were lovers but could not be together. The two twins did not meet.  (Jealous Phantom)

~1000 years before Year 680, New Era: Tensions broke out between Kindred and Elves. The Elven Queen persuaded the Lord of Kindred to take all of the Kindred out of Pamir Forest (north of main Pigeon Forest) and bring them to Shadow City so there would be no more war. Lord of Kindred obliged, and opened up Shadow City, an action that took most of his strength and ultimately killed him. Every Kindred in Pamir Forest went to Shadow City.  (Jealous Phantom)

Cesare's father died, Cesare became the new Lord of Kindred, and the Elven Queen made one last visit to him to say her final goodbye. Cesare pleaded with her to change her mind, but she turned her back on him and left.  (Jealous Phantom)

The Elven Queen died (as was told to Cesare) or went missing.  (Jealous Phantom/Wake Up from Dream)

Cesare would occasionally watch Chloris play the harp from the other side of the lake, aware that Chloris was his brother.  (Jealous Phantom/Flower Feather)

Cesare continued to fight the elves. During a fight, the Elven King (Cesare's uncle on his mother's side) told him that his mother had left some words for him before she died. This was a ploy to distract him and disarm him. Elven King then picked up Cesare's sword, Dark Verdict, and stabbed him with it. Cesare sank to the bottom of the lake.  (Moonless Voyage)

Lakris appeared under the Tree of Life for the first time. However, he was asleep during the war.  (Wake Up from Dream/Chloris 4)

At some point, the King also died in battle.  (V2: 4-2)

[Assumption] Any remaining Kindred that were in Shadow City left, and so did Elaine, leaving the elves and her sister Rachel behind in the forest. The seal between Shadow City and Pigeon Forest formed.  (Minstrel of Time)

Helsin became the Kindred Lord and the most powerful person in Shadow City and amassed many followers that feared her but respected her.  (Moonless Voyage)

Helsin, who wants to break the seal between Shadow City and Pigeon Forest, invited Evelyn to Shadow City to torture her. Evelyn doesn't die; instead, she ends up becoming the final seal, believing it to be atonement for everybody who participated in the war.  (Blood Moon)

Year 670, New Era: Cesare stayed at the bottom of Lake Bovaly for nearly a thousand years until Nidhogg one day swam down and retrieved the Dark Verdict sword, stabbing him and releasing him from the seal that the Elven King had placed on him that trapped him there. (Mentioned in Ice Abyss Echo, Dark Verdict suit, and V2: 4-SS2. The year and more clarification on what happened is given in the Miraland Civilization Files book.)

Cesare returned to Shadow City, to the surprise of Kindred there, who worshipped Helsin and viewed Cesare as only a legend considering how long he had been in the lake.  (Moonless Voyage)

Infighting began between Kindred who were loyal to Helsin and Kindred who were loyal to Cesare, but Helsin declared her loyalty to Cesare, who went forth and did his best to improve the quality of life in Shadow City.  (Moonless Voyage)

Year 680: Cesare and Kindred spirits gather power in Pamir Forest again, using Noah as an agent to stir up chaos and attract the attention of Chloris. Chloris and Lakris go to investigate, and Lakris disappears into a heavy fog as they walk. Chloris goes to the Kindred castle alone and meets Cesare for the first time. It's implied that Lakris was the elven part of Cesare all along, and Cesare reclaims Lakris. Cesare disappears in the light of the Dawnblade.  (Chloris 4)

Nikki, Mela, and Momo accidentally get hoodwinked and sent into Shadow City where they nearly get eaten alive by some hungry Kindred. Chloris finds this out and makes the decision to remove the seal between Shadow City and Pigeon Forest to save them.  (V2: Chapter 3)

Most of Chloris's strength is used in removing the seal. Cesare escapes Shadow City and bites Chloris, transferring his memories and weakening him further.  (V2: 3-SS2)

Elaine and Rachel (boat lifetime sisters) along with Nikki and co attempt to find a way to heal Chloris but he falls unconscious.  (V2: Chapter 4)

When the seal is removed, Evelyn (Helsin's prisoner) disappears. Helsin goes mad with desire and experiences severe backlash from the Blood Curse, so she asks to be restrained.  (Moonless Voyage)

At some point, Chloris wakes back up.  (That one Pigeon welfare suit)

Cesare decides to break the Blood Curse. He recruits Helsin for help and they leave Shadow City and go back to Pigeon Forest. Helsin fights off Elven soldiers with her whip while Cesare tries to remove a giant crystal within the Tree of Life that binds Kindred under the Blood Curse.  Chloris approaches and Cesare explains his reasoning for trying to remove the crystal, also dropping the bomb about the secrets behind their parentage.  (Moonless Voyage)

Chloris conducts some elfin glowing crystal magic that renders the Kindreds immobile. Peace falls over the entire forest. The backlash of the Blood Curse that the Kindred constantly experienced disappears.  (Moonless Voyage)

Cesare orders all the other Kindred to return to Shadow City. He does another bonding ritual with Chloris which seems to transfer energy to Chloris. Though it's not over between them, Cesare returns to Shadow City once more.  (Moonless Voyage)

NOTE: Some assumptions had to be made for this timeline. The biggest one is that even after Shadow City had been opened, the war between Kindred and Elves continued until the seal was formed at a later date. Without this assumption, multiple events described in the story do not make sense.

FAQ

How much time passed between the war and the year 680?

Certain parts of our translation refer to it as "thousands of years", but truthfully, it was actually just a thousand years that passed. (Thank you Athena for clearing this up!)

This is almost definitely not an exact number, especially given everything else that was happening with the timeline across Miraland, as well as how many different events were written as occurring a thousand years ago.

Are Chloris and Cesare half brothers?

For a long time, this is what most people (including myself) believed. This is at least in part because of a few lines within the story suit Jealous Phantom which stated:

"Cesare often think[s] about his mother while sitting on bough in the forest, imagining how his brother, who has the blood of the Elven Guardian, spends days with mother under the bright sunlight."

This seemed to indicate that Chloris had some elven parentage that Cesare did not, which both made him a "full" elf and afforded him privileges Cesare couldn't have.

However, we learned recently that this is not true. With the release of the most recent hell event, both Chloris and the fandom was confronted with the truth, which is that Chloris is also born of Kindred and they are full brothers.

Cesare: “and you, the great Elven King, my fated twin, are also born of kindred blood.”

[...]

(a truth he has tried to ignore revealed, Chloris felt dizzy. He closes his eyes tightly.)

(Translation: RavenBlue)

We also learn that the old Elven King was actually Chloris' (and Cesare's) uncle, not his father.

What if Cesare was lying? To tell you the truth, it is highly unlikely that that's the case. Firstly, even Chloris himself recognizes the truth that he was born from a kindred. Secondly, it's very uncommon for half-sibling twins of different parentage to occur, to the point where even fans were second guessing and wondering if this was really what the writers meant to imply. Thirdly, we now don't even have another candidate for Chloris' dad now that we know the king was his uncle and not his father. 

Does this make Chloris kindred, per se? Not really. He doesn't display any of the symptoms of being a kindred. The most likely explanation is that he just "didn't get the Kindred gene" while his fraternal twin Cesare did. 

How did Cesare fall to the bottom of the lake?

There are now three different versions of this, only one (the most recent one) which actually seems canon-compliant:

First Wind: The Elven King stabs Cesare with the Dawnblade; his body is later dropped in the bottom of the lake.

Jealous Phantom: Cesare was watching Chloris play the harp when his sadness and the light overwhelmed him and he toppled into the lake. (This one could be metaphorical, even though the metaphor doesn't match the other explanations.)

Moonless Voyage: The Elven King stabs Cesare with his own Dark Verdict; his body falls to the bottom of the lake. 

The most canon-compliant one is the Moonless Voyage one, which matches the other bits of interconnecting lore about how Nidhogg acquired the Dark Verdict.

Is Evelyn the mother of Chloris and Cesare/the Elven Queen?

This is a long one so buckle in. (Yes, I touched on this briefly in my last post.)

First of all, I want to reiterate that this was never explicitly stated anywhere. Evelyn was never called the queen and was never described as having children, and the Queen's name was never given. I still believe this is up to interpretation. So here, I'll just lay out all the evidence for both sides. Right now, I don't think it's possible to say one way or another.

Some of the evidence for this theory includes the following:

In Chloris' fourth Dreamweaver, Moon Night Poem, Chloris' mother is mentioned by Cesare. 

Duke Cesare: "He was so brave and fearless... even when all hope was lost, he refused to surrender, going so far as to put his life on the line. I simply obliged him... nothing more. That's typical of the forest elf, just like your mother."

This indicates that Chloris' mother had sacrificed her life or was self-sacrificing in some way. Of course, Evelyn is also well-known for her sacrifice, as she became the final seal of Shadow City, and her sacrifice is discussed throughout volume 2, chapter 4: 

Nikki: "Those Kindred and elven specters in the Shadow City... They longed for sunlight even they knew it would burn them. Evelyn wanted no bloodshed and she sacrificed herself for peace."

Does Cesare and Chloris' mother make a sacrifice? Well, it's said in Jealous Phantom that it's a very difficult decision for her to banish the Kindred, including her lover and Cesare, to Shadow City for the sake of the elves. That's the only thing I can think of that would qualify as a sacrifice. 

One potential hint that Evelyn could have been the queen is from this line from Flickering Pistill:

Evelyn guards the quiet Pigeon Forest. When she bleeds, the reflection of stars will turn to white flowers.

However, in my opinion this is pretty weak evidence because pretty much every forest elf is said to guard the forest (as stated in basically any Chloris dreamweaver you look at).

As well, their circumstances also seemed to line up. In the spirit items from Chloris' fourth dreamweaver, Destined Twins and Wake Up from Dream, it's stated: 

Every generation, elves will have 2 guardians who protect the Pigeon Forest in turn, a Sword and a Moon.

Chloris is the first guardian and Lakris didn't appear under the Life Tree till Elf Queen went missing.

We also know that Evelyn herself leaves Pigeon Forest to go to Shadow City forever and act as the seal. However, this is largely viewed as a choice (a "sacrifice") and Evelyn herself was willing to take this on. Again, it's really up to how you read it.

Here's the evidence against Evelyn being their mother:

In the most recent CN hell event (Moonless Voyage), we get confirmation that Helsin was the Lord of Kindred while Cesare was in the bottom of Lake Bovaly for nearly a thousand years. Now that Cesare has been woken up, Helsin is subservient to him. The story of Evelyn is mentioned to him, and he knows about it, but he simply does not care. It's explicitly stated that he has no interest and only cares about Helsin for her power.

Cesare’s Underling: “Ever since the seal of Shadow City was broken, Evelyn, who was previously imprisoned, disappeared. Since then, master Helsin’s desires became more and more cruel, and the backlash on her body became stronger and stronger…..”

(Cesare has heard of the struggle between Helsin and the elf she imprisoned. But he holds no interest in this. All he needs is Helsin’s power.)

(Translation: RavenBlue)

Cesare was told that his mother was dead (mentioned in both Jealous Phantom and Moonless Voyage). In the year 680, he also still seems to believe his mother sacrificed her life for something (see the quote from Chloris 4 I posted above). It's incredibly weird that he would show no interest in this development if she was his mother; it's displayed elsewhere in Moonless Voyage that he still showed interest in his mother even after she abandoned him. But it makes perfect sense narratively if Evelyn is not actually his mother and is just the self sacrificing elf of legends.

The next part is that the timeline does not line up. 

It makes much more sense if everything regarding Evelyn, and all of Blood Moon, happened after Cesare fell to the bottom of the lake.

The war between Kindred and Elves already seems to be over as described in Flickering Pistill, as Evelyn is "atoning" in part for the winners of the war.

Helsin is described as the Kindred Lord in Blood Lust, but we know from Jealous Phantom that Cesare inherited the position from his father. Considering we know Helsin was the one in power while Cesare was at the bottom of the lake, it only seems logically consistent that she would only obtain that title after he disappeared.

Lastly, there is simply no reason to not say so if Evelyn is Chloris and Cesare's mother. The story of Evelyn is well known in both Shadow City and Pigeon Forest, and even Cesare who has been asleep for a thousand years knows it. If Cesare knows they are the same, and a great deal of Kindred lore is told from Cesare's perspective and centered around his character development, I literally see no point in continuing to talk about both Evelyn and their mother and not just say they are the same. The same is also true for Chloris, who would also have heard of Evelyn. There is nobody left who cares about Chloris and Cesare's mother to reveal the plot point to. But LN definitely seems to be fond of pulling stunts like this, so it's still hard to say.

What about Wind's Whisper?

There is another character called Evelyn in Wind's Whisper. Evelyn is described as a tree spirit in this, and it distinguishes her from "Pigeon Elves" because she hibernates. However, after asking about the original Chinese text, I have learned that there was a word left out in our translation; Evelyn is a tree elf/spirit, but she hibernates unlike other Pigeon elves. 

The words for spirit and elf in Chinese are related, and it's possible that Evelyn is the same type of elf as Chloris even though it's written differently in Chinese. 

While I'm not really sure if the Evelyn from Wind's Whisper has anything to do with the rest of the story, it's a moot point to me because whether it does or doesn't, it doesn't add any additional understanding or insight.

Thank you to Athena, RavenBlue, and bamboo snek for clearing this up!

Translation Credits

RavenBlue#2752

for their wonderful and speedy translations of the new hell event stages

for their official Miraland timeline translation

As well to athena#2202 and bamboo snek#3897 for sharing and explaining the original Chinese meaning for parts where our translation got butchered! (Noted above)

[kinkyacademia]

Hi, um, I know the box is closed, but I was wondering if I could have a comfort scenario? It's getting close to the time of year where something traumatic happened to me (last year) and I want to know if I could have some yamomo cuddles, please? You can ignore if you can't do it. Thank you all for your writings though, I enjoy it, a lot. 🦈

Of course my Little Rogue, I got your message for this to be neutral too so that’s exactly how I made it for you. Stay strong my lovely, you are a brave little spirit and a fighter; don’t you ever give up! I also added a little picture of our lovely Yaomomo. I apologise if it’s crappy, I’ve had a terrible day but wanted to make you feel better my Little Rogue.

~Lady Lucifer🐾🐾

~

☕☕☕

Momo

☕☕☕

Warmth encompassed the entirety of your body, your senses completely overwhelmed by the sense of security of which the warmth had allowed to settle over your existence. A shudder passed down your spine as a hand trailed up along your spine, gently fingers brushing over the material of your clothing before disappearing entirely and leaving a linger sensation in their wake. A soft hum buzzed above you as material was draped over the exposed expanse of your shoulder, hiding your skin from the cold of the room outside the blanket. You stirred as you lifted your head, your vision groggy from having been asleep for an unreasonable time period. You hummed softly as those gentle fingers found their way into your hair, cording through the strands in a slow manner and pulling your attention upwards towards the person who was caressing you in such a caring way.

“I apologise, (Name). It was not my intention to wake you from your rest.” Her voice was soft as she let her words wash over your still tired mind, making you smile as you stretched your limbs. Your shoulders protested to the movement of your arms, making their distaste known with the sudden pain that presented itself within the joints. You winced tenderly as you lifted your head only to proceed in resting it against the shoulder within your reach.

“How long was I out for, Yaomomo?” Your voice was strained from the crying you had been doing and the little sleep that you had managed to pull from somewhere. You stifled a yawn as you moved your hand to rub at your eye, an attempt to rid yourself of your tired state.

“Not nearly long enough, it was barely half an hour ago that you managed to finally fall asleep and personally I would have preferred for your rest to be longer.” Momo informed you as her body shifted, catching your full attention as you watched her.

You watched as she twisted her body around, trying her best not to jostle your body in any way as she placed her book down on the table next to the couch, one of her hands never once breaking contact with your back. You were beyond thankful to Momo; it had been her who had helped you when you were in a crisis and needed help the most. Now, she was more than willing to give up her spare time and spend her every waking hour with you, most of which were spent curled up on the couch together while you cuddled. You sighed as you attempted to sit up properly, thinking it about time that you removed yourself from Yaomomo’s lap and did something for yourself. A brief wave of fear washed over you as the feeling of falling took a hold, your body beginning to fall backwards. You grabbed a hold of Momo quickly, realising all too late that your back was in fact towards the edge of the couch; something Yaomomo had probably found the most comfortable.

“It would probably be best if you didn’t try to move until you were fully awake.” Momo interrupted your thoughts as she pushed some strands of your hair out of your eyes. “I’m afraid you’ll end up falling off the couch if you attempt to do so.”

“I think I almost did just now.” You admitted as you looked over your shoulder at the floor behind you, honestly it would have hurt to fall from the couch given how close the coffee table was to the damn thing; it really didn’t appeal to you to be splayed out on the floor with concussion.

“If you’d like, I can make us something to eat while you go wash up and then we can watch a movie together if you so please?” Momo offered as she ran her hand down along your back, awaiting your answer to her words which came in the manner of a quick nod. With some help from Momo you managed to extract yourself from her lap and the couch without face-planting in any manner, something you considered to be a rather rare accomplishment.

The hot water washed over your body, soaking into your muscles as your eyes stared into the nothingness of Momo’s white tiled bathroom wall. You could faintly hear Yaomomo from the kitchen, her movements reaching your ears but you could also smell the food she was cooking and it was making you quite hungry. You were grateful to Yaomomo, she had offered her house up to you as a means of shelter during your hard times and until you could get your bearings enough to be comfortable to be on your own, she was willing to let you stay with her. She made sure that you were fed and had clean clothes all the time. She would comfort and console you when your thoughts became too much to bear or your mind played awful tricks on you. You were aware that you didn’t express your gratitude towards Yaomomo nearly enough, but you had the feeling that she was aware of how much you appreciated everything she had done for you up until that moment.

“(Name)! The food is ready, don’t let it get cold.” The water rushing over your ears was deafening, enough to block out your thoughts but it was Momo’s voice with the promise of food that snapped you out of your thoughts completely. You smiled a gentle smile as you moved about in the bathroom, drying yourself rigorously before moving to get dressed.

You were quiet as you walked down the hall towards the lounge area, the sound of Yaomomo’s soft voice reached your ears long before the sounds of her movements did. She was singing softly to herself and it was quite beautiful, it had a rather calming effect on you whenever she started to sing. You stood in the doorway, listening to her as she went about setting up trays on the coffee table for the two of you to eat from. The clean blanket draped over the back of the couch caught your attention, seeing it made you heart flutter spontaneously as you realised that this woman was thinking ahead to what you might need.

“Yaomomo…” Your voice was shy and tentative as you breached out into the quietness of the house, hour heart hammering in your chest as fear started to grip you and your mind made you doubt yourself. You watched as Momo came to a full stop, her figure straightening from where she had just placed your food on the trays and her eyes landed on you; a soft smile pulling at the edges of her lips. “I’m grateful…” You started, letting out a slow breath as you steadied yourself. “For everything that you have done for me up until now, I really am.” You whispered as you stepped into the lounge area and towards the coffee table. “I know I don’t say it nearly enough but I appreciate what you do for me.”

“(Name), there is no need for you to thank me like this.” Momo stated as she moved carefully, wrapping her arms around you in a comforting hug. “I know that if our positions had been reversed and I were where you were, you would have done the exact same for me. You have no need to thank me and you definitely don’t need to apologise either, before you go getting that idea in your head.” She whispered as she squeezed your body tight before releasing you and moved to sit on the couch in front of her tray.

The two of you spoke at length about what it was that had brought the two of you to this point in time, about the special friendship that had been forged between the two of you a long time ago. You had known Momo since the two of you were children, your first encounter with each other having been during your first year in kindergarten and what seemed to be an unbreakable bond formed between the two of you. Yaomomo recounted the numerous times that the two of you, despite being the best-behaved students, had managed to find yourselves in some form of trouble. You talked about the many joyous occasions that the two of you had shared with one another, as well as some much more tender moments that had made both of you shed tears. Momo confessed the heartache she had felt when she had lost contact with you, she had become worried about you and your well-being but was grateful when you reached out to her, albeit she wished it had been under better circumstances.

“Yaomomo, you don’t blame yourself, do you?” You asked as the two of you settled back into the couch, her arms encompassing your body as she wrapped the clean blanket around both of your bodies, effectively turning you both into a burrito.

“I just wish I had found you sooner, (Name). I could have helped you a lot sooner than what I did and things wouldn’t have been allowed to progress so far.” She admitted as she ran her hand through your hair, her forehead coming to rest against the top of your head gently.

“I wish I had reached out to your sooner…” You confessed as you took a tight grip on the blanket. “You’ve helped me out so much and yet all I have done to repay you is curl up and cry or fall asleep on you.” Your brow knitted together as you thought about all the help that she had given you thus far.

“You need not worry, (Name). I rather enjoy just having you here under the same roof as me, whether you’re sleep or crying it makes no difference to me. You need to do what is best for you and both of those things can help you right now.” Momo whispered as her hand moved down over your forehead to rub between your brows, working out the worry that had formed there. “As long as you are here, I know that you are safe and well looked after; there’s nothing more I could ask for.”

You smiled as you leaned into her warmth, your body relaxing fully as she rubbed slow and soothing circles over your back. “You’re too good, Yaomomo.”

“You deserve nothing less, (Name)!” She whispered as she rubbed her forehead against the crown of your hair, her fingers tracing delicate patterns across your back at a slow pace.

You hummed softly in content, fixing your eyes on the screen in front of you as the opening title to the movie flashed across the screen, both of you falling silent as you settling in for the movie. It was warm within her embrace; your mind coming to peace as you let the calm, she seemed to radiate wash over your mind and you could feel your body slipping into a much more sated state. You barely noticed when Momo mover her hand to your hair, cording her fingers through the semi-tangled strands as her other hand continued to draw patterns over your back. You could feel your consciousness slipping, late night cuddles with Momo had become the norm for you so it was no surprise to you when your eyes slid shut and sleep started to fog over your brain.

“Good night, (Name)…” It was nothing more than a soft whisper against your ear as Yaomomo eased you into slumber, her lips pressing tenderly against your temple as she smiled to herself. She was happy to have you with her and glad that you were safe within her arms, she would give anything to spend her nights like this with you; cuddled up on her couch. Momo smiled as she heard your soft hum of acknowledgement before she eased herself back into the couch, allowing herself to doze off to the soft hum of the television.

[fuckyeahkagepro]

Kagerou Project References ~ Novel II Timeline Notes (credit to: here / translator / summarizer: zkmn) from “- a headphone actor -”, Yuukei Yesterday III, Japanese version*: (timeline notes by a much older 2k12 era translator): (emphasises / bolding / italics / etc. mine) (*please understand they were using the Japanese edition as a reference + translating / summarizing from it) (friendly reminder re: official Routes order:) [ Music (+”extra editions”) -> Manga -> Novels -> ??? MCA [Anime] ??? is the “closest to the latter” - Jin -> any ??? etc.? -> ] (*please note MCA does not have an official timeline listed in the Kagerou Project 2016 guide unlike the others linked) (*Children Record is also the “opening theme” of the project as a whole**) (*Summertime Record is also the “ending theme” of the project as a whole**) [**...thus far]

It’s the middle of summer. [present day]

After (!!!) the school festival, Takane and Haruka became second year students.

At the moment, they’re in school for a summer course (extra lessons)

Which is more like working through a gigantic pile of practice questions

After the festival ended, Takane and Haruka cleaned up the classroom. (Some various exchanges occured between them and Kenjirou here) (see the linked summary for further notes but please remember) (this was 2k12 era and many later plot things weren’t revealed yet)

Unlike Takane, academics-wise, Haruka’s good enough to not need to come for summer classes, but because his attendance record is dismal, he has to come anyway.

She remembers that last Christmas* [*timeframe], Haruka came up with a plan for a Christmas party and got her and Kenjirou to join in. Since it was his birthday* as well, [*December 24th, Christmas Eve] she thought to give him a surprise by buying him a nice present… but on the day itself, he had an attack and collapsed. [*basically, Haruka’s birthday had passed here.]

Since he was rushed to hospital soon after, he turned out fine, and got discharged after a week*… [*so he is discharged by Dec. 31st or January 1st or so?] but then one month later* it happened again. [*February?] This time it didn’t get better as quickly, and he couldn’t leave hospital for a month* or so. [*March?...]

They both managed to move on to the next year of school (becoming 2nd year high school students)*, [*April 1st is when the Japanese school year begins] but Haruka’s condition seemed to become worse and his attacks happened more frequently.

Back to present day*. [*”middle of summer”] Haruka has another attack etc.

She heads back to the classroom, and someone calls out to her. It’s Ayano… seems like she came for summer classes too.

Even though [Ayano*]’s only in the first year*, [*of JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL] her results are terrible

Deciding that this is not a good topic, Takane asks about Shintarou because she doesn’t see him nearby. According to Ayano, his results are good so he doesn’t need summer classes.

this is also the part where Ayano implies [convey your feelings] to Takane

Takane reaches the classroom again after parting with Ayano. Gets the flash of inspiration to tell her feelings to Haruka. But, right after, she has her attack.

She can barely move now. In her fading vision she sees someone standing at the end of the corridor, someone who shouldn’t be here… and she thinks, it took too long for her to realize. It took too long for her to say—”—Haruka, I love you.”

Headphone Actor IV, a next chapter + commences.

“Takane” is waking up and taking note of her surroundings, yells out etc.

"Takane” hears [KENJIROU’S VOICE] talking-

“……1 is a success. Haha……to think that I’d succeed on the first try. It did take a year to prepare.”

“Takane” can see from the other side of the “screen” her body as well as

Haruka’s avatar, Konoha...

Once again she hears “Kenjirou’s voice” talking.

“Anyway, I have the “key” now. With this, I can reopen the next “Kagerou Daze”. Konoha……you’re still……”

Timeline Notes (briefly, not counting the official Routes): takane & haruka are 1st year high school students during the year of the school festival -> (shintaro & ayano are a year below, so, they’re still junior high school 9th graders, “14-going-on-15″ IF we didn’t have the conflicting ages issue going on. the conflicting ages issue means during this timeframe point they might be 15 here using the conflicting ages - but they’re conflicting ages for a reason. because they conflict with the real-world based timeline.) (kido, kano, & seto are all in the same grade, and a year below shintaro & ayano. meaning junior high school 8th graders during this particular timeframe, i.e. the year of Takane & Haruka’s school festival. the japanese school year begins in april and ends in march. birthday order is kano (may) -> kido (next january) -> seto (next march). thus, kano is the oldest of the trio and closest in age to shintaro & ayano, while seto’s the youngest, and kido is some months younger than kano.) (MOMO particularly is a year below Kido, Kano & Seto. during the timeframe of August 15ths, Momo can only be 15 chronologically if going by the real-world timeline, thus, her age particularly conflicts.) [*please see: Japanese school year reference for typical real-world ages. ] [*please see my FAQ for more on the conflicting ages issue!!] the school festival happens -> before this years’ christmas, haruka got the idea for the christmas party -> on the day of his birthday itself, has an attack and collapses -> rushed to the hospital “soon after”, discharged “after a week” so a week post-haruka’s birthday -> one month later it happens again -> haruka can’t leave the hospital for another month or so -> in spring, / April 1st, takane & haruka become 2nd year high school students -> taking summer courses / extra lessons during the middle of summer -> ayano meanwhile is still in the 1st year + with shintaro also as a 1st year, but shintaro isn’t taking the summer classes -> ayano tells takane to tell her feelings before it’s too late [convey our feelings while we’re still alive] -> right after this encounter takane is inspired to confess to haruka takane runs off to do so -> has an attack and passes out -> wakes up wherever “kenjirou’s voice” is / his lab -> “kenjirou’s voice” talking -> kenjirou mentions he “prepared for a year” -> takane sees konoha -> “Anyway, I have the “key” now. With this, I can reopen the next “Kagerou Daze”. Konoha……you’re still……” -> takane encounters [her snake] -> haruka: does not reach his next birthday [december 24th] [”the middle of summer” -> cue all the rest + August 15ths ] -> takane’s birthday: still “ ??? ” (non-existent) + in Yuukei Yesterday I as an aside note, Takane slept for “11 hours”. (this occurs during the time period where the school is still preparing for the school festival / the novels’ start.) - Takane told her grandmother “yesterday” (this occuring before the sleeping for 11 hours bit, that is, she wakes up and refers to “yesterday”) that she wanted tamagoyaki for lunch. - Headphone Actor I chapter is placed before Yuukei Yesterday chapters in chapter order. - The voice [”her own”, coming from Takane’s headphones] asks her - isn’t there a place you need to go? Isn’t there something you need to tell someone?

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 7

The narration reads: It sprouted unconsciously. These feelings, which were bound to come to nothing, were brought to a real closure without a single warning. This is truly an underwhelming first love.

Sui’s narration reads: After that, a month or so passed. What happened felt like an illusion. Just like that, I didn’t meet Midori-kun after that incident. Before I realized it, it was already the start of summer.

We see Momo eating a slice of toast and looking dazed. She sighs, and Sui looks at her. Sui asks, “What’s wrong? Sighing so loudly, early in the morning.”

Momo: Eh? It can’t be. I actually sighed?

Sui: Yup, a big one at that. Did something happen?

M: …Ah– it's nothing much. I’m really glad that I can be part of [Kazuya and Miwa] now (this is the drama that Momo is assigned to now and has been following on TV), but the job of an AD is much tougher than I thought. Processes such as applications and negotiations hardly go smoothly for me.

[Explanation on AD: It’s short for Assistant Director. When shooting outdoors, they need to obtain various authorizations, carry out negotiations on the film subject, distribute lunchboxes and prepare the equipment needed for filming… All in all, having to take care of so many errands and tasks makes it a very challenging job!]

Chuckling painfully, Momo says, “That’s why, I’m kinda drained now. (Haha)”.

Sui simply looks at her sister and gives a cynical, “...Huh– Yeah.”

Momo: Eh, why do you look so unconvinced-

Sui: You’re a liar.

Momo: Hm?

Sui: Yes, your work is indeed really tough, but you’re always full of energy every day, onee-chan. I know it better than anyone.

Sui asks, “After what happened previously, you didn’t meet with that person at all, did you?”

Momo looks surprised, and Sui continues, “With just one look, I can tell; It’s absolutely not work problems, but relationship problems.”

Momo is taken aback and then teasingly replies, “...Hah, as expected of you. About what’s on my mind, shall I proceed to confide in Sui-chan, who loves her older sister the most–?”

Sui is startled by Momo’s words, blushing and pouting, “Wha… No one said anything about loving you.”

Chuckling happily and patting Sui’s head, Momo answers, “Yes, yes, you adorable kiddo.” Sui embarrassedly goes, “Hey!” in response. She is reminded of how Midori used to tease her.

Momo begins, “...On the day Sui-chan fell ill and was resting, not only did I forget about the appointment I made with Midori, I also gave him a rude reply.” (We see Momo’s text to Midori: What do you mean you’re here?)

M: After that incident, I one-sidedly became awkward around him.

S: Eh? Didn’t Midori-kun say that he didn’t mind?

M: Oh? Did I tell Sui-chan about it?

S: Ah! No. I just happened to overhear Midori-kun talking on the phone with onee-chan. That time, I collapsed, so he brought me back to my room.

M: …Ah. Come to think of it, he did kind of mention that…

We see a recap of Momo’s memory: Midori was on the phone with Momo, telling her, “Sui-chan collapsed, so I brought her back to her bedroom. I’m sorry for entering without permission."

Facepalming, Momo chides herself, saying, “No, why am I saying ‘kind of’...? Man, I’m really unforgivable, aren’t I? (Sigh–...)”

Momo continues, “...Ever since I started working, my whole mind has been filled with work. Be it my own words or things that Midori said, I seem to have become more absent-minded about them. Even though he said that he doesn’t mind, I know clearly that I’ve troubled Midori. All this time, we’d never encountered anything like this, so I think I’m at a loss right now…”

Sui looks at her sister giving a pained smile and is reminded of Midori’s similar expression.

Momo further laments, “In the end, we couldn’t match our timings to meet up at all; And because I get too tired, I only reply to his messages the next day. I really hate myself to death.”

Sui is speechless for a moment, then says, “...Say, onee-chan. You’ve scheduled your work so that it won’t clash with our family’s barbeque session with Ayame’s family, right?”

Momo answers, “Eh, yes. I think something might crop up at work, but my afternoon on that day is still available. It’s an activity that our families have done together for 10 years in a row after all, I definitely have to be there. (This year, we will be the ones hosting it, right?)”

Sui suggests, “Then, on that day, why don’t you invite Midori-kun along?”

The sister exchange glances.

In the next scene, we see Sui and Ayame chatting in school. Ayame goes, “What? Oh– So it’s developed such that Midori-kun is also joining the barbeque.”

S: That’s right.

A: Aoi also said that he’d bring his girlfriend over, so I don’t think that it’s an issue.

S: About that, why does an elementary schooler have a girlfriend? Are they all like this now?

A: I’m not sure myself, but Aoi is indeed really good at such stuff.

[We see a picture of Aoi, who is Ayame’s younger brother. Mizukawa Aoi, 6th grade. Has a refreshing and outgoing personality.]

Ayame: Let’s not talk about that. Sui-chan, are you fine with this?

Sui: ? What?

A: The things you’re doing now seem to me like you’re trying to pick at the scab of your heartbreak.

S: Eh…

A: Even though it’s been more than a month, won’t you feel sad if you see them together?

Ayame looks genuinely concerned, and Sui looks at him.

Ayame continues, suddenly tearing up, “For me, when I’m pursuing other story routes, it kills me to see my close friend (in his Bishoujo game) and my favourite character acting all lovey-dovey together in the background… (but I want to complete all of the story routes…)”

Looking somewhat disturbed, Sui remarks, “Could you not mix me in with those game characters?”

Sui continues, looking away, “Regardless, don’t worry about me. Forgetting about that person was much easier than I thought. Now, I have ab-so-lu-tely no feelings for Midori-kun anymore.”

Fiddling with her feet, Sui says, “...Rather than that, if onee-chan and him continue being like this, I will get worried.”

Huffing crossly all of a sudden, Sui tells Ayame, “I know that there are many inconveniences that come with being an adult, but even if they are awkward about it, they should make time to talk it out clearly and all will be fine, right?!”

Ayame glances at Sui while she sighs, “I know I’m just being nosy.” He recalls his conversation with Sui in his room.

[Sui: Anyway, I was rejected by Midori-kun.

Ayame: Eh? That’s sudden.

S: It’s kind of a long story… but basically, under various circumstances that were beyond my control, things progressed naturally and turned out like that. Well, rather than the time I was desperately trying to hide my feelings, I now feel much more relaxed. It went a totally different direction from the plan that you came up with (recall their ‘Operation-Forget-Our-Troubles-With-An-Enriching-High-School-Life’ from Chapter 4)... but, how should I say it? I still want to thank you.

Sui is holding onto her long ponytails, looking away from Ayame and blushing lightly. Ayame looks at her and goes, “Eh, you suddenly got shy.”

Sui vehemently retorts, “I’m not being shy!”.

Sui recalls Ayame’s words to her: ‘At least, I wouldn’t think that way about you.’ and she continues shyly, “...Anyway, I mean it. Ayame’s words really helped me to remain grounded. So thank you, Ayame.”]

We see Ayame being wordless, just uttering a “Oh—...” in response.

Later, we see Sui at home, looking at the card case that Midori gave to her. She narrates: Actually, saying that ‘I have no feelings for him anymore’ was a complete lie. However, somehow, I just don’t want to see Midori-kun looking lonely.

It’s now the day of the combined family barbeque. Mochi is looking around dazedly while Aoi and his girlfriend are fascinated with it.

Girlfriend: So cute…

Aoi: Yeah, Mochi’s adorable, right? (It looks like it’s spacing out.)

Girlfriend: Its name is Mochi? (That’s cute.)

Aoi: Yes, because it’s really soft to the touch. Sui-chan named it.

Girlfriend (touches Mochi): It’s true! So soft and bouncy.

Aoi: Yeah–

Sui and Ayame watch the little couple having fun and Sui comments, “What’s up with that fuzzy atmosphere over there? (It’s very cute, though.)”

Ayame replies, “I feel like I have no words for it.”

Sui (teasingly): Eh, what? Are you feeling indignant that your little brother got himself a girlfriend ahead of you?

Ayame: Nope. In fact, I’m currently dating more than 30 ladies. I’ve also given away my first kiss.

Sui (rolling her eyes): Are you adding those girls from your Bishoujo games into the count? Ayame, you should occasionally also show some interest in real people too.

Ayame (glancing at Sui): Real people, huh…

Sui (teasing): Then again– if Ayame really started liking 3D girls, I think pigs would start flying.

Someone calls out to Sui. It’s Midori, going, “Sui-chan. Hello there– Long time no see.” Sui looks over at him, blushing lightly and is dazed for a moment. He asks her if he can enter their yard through the gate, to which she confirms after being brought back to her senses. Ayame watches silently.

Sui thinks to herself with a blush, ‘I’m sure it’s not because we haven’t seen each other for so long that my heart’s beating faster.’ She also notes to herself that Midori's hair has grown a little longer.

Midori and Ayame greet each other. Mochi runs up to Midori to welcome him, and Midori also greets Mochi fondly. Aoi asks Ayame who Midori is and Ayame explains that Midori is Momo’s boyfriend.

Watching Midori, Sui recalls her last conversation with him: “The next time we meet, we will still interact as usual!” with a pinky promise. She thinks, ‘This is good, he’s properly keeping our promise.’

Midori then goes, “Ah, I just remembered.” He holds out a cake box to Sui, telling her that he brought over a small gift for everyone to share (it’s from his favourite cake shop).

M: It’s cake.

S: Wow, acting all courteous to win us over, huh.

M: What’s wrong with that? I was invited to your family’s gathering, so bringing a small gift is very normal, isn’t it? Kids who say such things won’t get to eat cake later, you know <3

Sui: Ack-

The door to the house opens, and Momo steps out. She sees Midori and goes, “Oh, Midori, you’re already here.”

Midori: Momo. (Hello–)

Momo: I’m sorry I didn’t notice, I was in the house preparing the ingredients.

Midori: It’s fine, I also just arrived.

Sui goes up to Momo to show her the cake box that Midori gave, saying, “Onee-chan, this is a gift that Midori-kun brought over.”

Momo recognizes the cake box, going, “Ah, ONiSE’s cake? I was just thinking about eating it.” Momo’s eyes sparkle with delight.

Midori answers, “Oh, yeah?”. His gaze softens as he says to Momo, “I guessed as much.” Sui notices the expression on Midori’s face.

Momo says that she will put the cake into the fridge and Midori asks her if he can help with anything. Momo says, “Ah– then, could you help to start the fire? I still have things to prepare indoors. (The rest of the adults are not around.)”

[Momo and Sui’s mother will be working until evening time, Ayame’s parents are out buying groceries.]

Midori replies, “Okay, gotcha–”, and Momo returns indoors.

Sui, who was watching Midori and Momo’s interaction, teases, “Look at you– Happy is written all over your face.”

M: …What? What are you saying?

S: You haven’t seen onee-chan for so long, that you revealed an expression that shows how unabashedly happy you are.

M (blushes): Eh- No no no, I didn’t make that kind of face–

S: You did, you totally did–

M: I didn’t.

S: You did.

M: I said I didn’t, so I didn’t.

S: I said you did, so you did.

M: Ah– Geez.

(Ayame watches this entire exchange silently.)

Blushing and scratching his neck shyly, Midori insists, “I already said I didn’t.” Sui gives him a small smile, while Ayame watches.

Sui tells Midori teasingly, “Stop acting cool already and just admit it honestly. Tell her, ‘I’m rea—lly happy to see you <3’.”

Flustered, Midori responds, “Hey, you. Even if it’s me, I wouldn’t say such things, okay? Especially not in front of you, Sui-chan.”

He laughs awkwardly and says, “Also, I don’t want Momo to think that I’m being passive-aggressive. (Haha…)”

Hearing that, Sui thinks to herself, ‘...What a fool you are. It’s already come to this; clearly you don’t have to be so considerate of my feelings.’

Sui says to Midori, “Gross. To think that Midori-kun is still being considerate of my feelings. That’s so gross.”

In defence, Midori asks, “Oh? Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”

Sui says, “...Midori-kun, you should go in and help onee-chan. Ayame and I can handle the fire-starting by ourselves.”

Both Ayame and Midori go, “Eh?” in response. Sui explains, “Even though onee-chan isn’t doing much now, she mentioned that she might get called to work anytime. Time is very precious, so you should use the time now, even if it’s short, to be with her.”

Midori looks surprised, and says, “But-”, however he is interrupted by Sui going, “Right, Ayame?! You’re good at fire-starting, aren’t you!”

Ayame simply replies, “Eh? Yeah.”

Sui declares to Midori, “I’ll say this again. If you act considerate of my feelings one more time, I’m going to punch you!”

Midori looks at Sui, speechless, while she shakes her fist at him. He then sighs and says, “You win, you win. Why is Sui-chan such a good kid? (While I am so lame—).”

Sui answers harshly, “I’m not. It’s just that Midori-kun doesn’t seem like the type who knows how to start fires, so you’d just be a nuisance here.”

Resigned, Midori asks Sui, “Is it really fine? I’ll obey your orders then.”

Sui replies, “I approve!”, and Midori reveals a small smile.

Sui narrates: Ayame was right. I’m picking on the scabs of my heartbreak with my own hands. This is really foolish of me, but despite that, I can’t help finding Midori-kun, who immediately becomes shy when it comes to onee-chan and gets unusually tongue-tied and clumsy, adorable. I have undoubtedly become incurably blind.

Midori says, “Alright, then I’ll take my leave for a moment.”. Shooing him, Sui says, “Okay, please hurry up and leave.”

Midori reaches a hand out to pat Sui’s head, going, “Thank you so much, Sui-ch…”, however he stops his hand before it makes contact with her head. Sui looks up at him with a small frown.

Withdrawing his hand, Midori says, “...Ah. Sorry, I keep doing that.” and backs away.

Sui claps her hands, saying, “Well done realizing it yourself. (You earned the praise!) Even though I mentioned that we should interact as usual, you should still stop doing that.”

Midori replies, “I got it. (I’m really sorry.)”

Walking away, Midori thinks to himself, ‘I’m really so lame—...’. Sui watches Midori’s back and recalls the times he had patted her head. Blushing a little, she thinks, ‘I was the one who brought it up, but in my heart, I still feel a slight loneliness…’

Ayame comes up to Sui and remarks, “Sui-chan, you’re a liar. So much for saying that you have no feelings anymore; it’s obviously all a lie.”

S (pouting): What are you talking about?

A: Well, that guy was in the wrong as well. Even though Sui-chan was the one who started the topic, wasn’t it inappropriate for him to have shown that kind of expression? (Being all shy). I understand that he was being considerate of your feelings, but he clearly knows how you feel about him, so shouldn’t he have tried harder to cover up his expression?

Confused, Sui looks at Ayame and asks him, “Eh? Are you angry?”

Ayame is mildly stunned by her question, getting confused himself. He asks, “Eh, am I being angry?”

Sui answers that she doesn’t know, and the two of them stare at each other for a moment. Ayame remains confused, but Sui explains while tending to the barbeque bit, “Well, that expression simply proves how much Midori-kun loves onee-chan. Even if he doesn’t want to show it, he can’t help himself but reveal on his face what he feels in his heart.”

Turning to look at Ayame, Sui says, “That’s what love is like, you know.”

Ayame looks at Sui with a serious and thoughtful expression, leading Sui to suddenly feel shy and blush, going, “Ack, don’t make me say such things! It’s so corny…! (We’re ending this conversation here!!)”

Ayame silently continues looking at Sui, then wonders to himself, ‘...What’s happening? Somehow, I feel really anxious.’

[strawberrygiorno]

Ok, time to talk about Momo! So, last I heard of him, he was a deaf airbender with an adorable hearing lemur, living with the air nomads in the Northern Air Temple and studying to become a scholar. He knew sign language, which was only really known in the temple, so travelling was difficult for him. Did any part of this change? What else is there to know about him? You mentioned he meets the group (or at least someone in it), how does that happen? What does he think of them? Anything else?

yes!! momo!!

under the cut!!

you’re right!! his lemur’s name is taro, by the way. Momo and taro are so good.

Sign language actually is known outside the temple, it’s just that pretty much everyone in the temple knows it while it’s much harder to find people outside who do. It’s a nice stroke of luck that three whole people on team avatar are fluent (reigen because he grew up at the temple, and mob and ritsu because mob’s got apraxia of speech so he uses signing to communicate sometimes) and the others know at least a little bit from hanging around mob.

After leaving the fire nation and travelling for a while, the group ends up at the northern air temple at reigen’s suggestion, which is how they meet him -- looking for an airbending teacher as well as a place to stay for a while.

Reigen, knowing most of the older monks personally, took to discussing the situation with some of them, and so mob and momo were both stuck outside waiting to be called in. Momo decided he’d had enough of that and ditched, and, having nothing better to do, mob followed him.

Momo had intended to be by himself for awhile, but mob is persistent in following him around. After they talk for a bit mob grows on him and momo offers to show him around the temple, first the bison stables and gardens, but eventually some of the cool secret spots that momo knows about that he sneaks off to when he feels like skipping any kinds of lessons or training.

One of these places happens to be near the hall of statues, which mob takes an interest in. Momo decides to show off a little to his new friend and show him to a secret entrance that he found ages ago, one that wouldn’t alert the monks that the door had been opened.

Once they get inside and mob actually sees everything there, he falls into an almost trance-like state, surrounded by the spiritual energy the room is drenched in, looking all his past faces - eventually his gaze falls on the (yet) unnamed air avatar that came before him, and he freezes.

Momo has no idea what the fuck is going on.

He tries to talk to mob, but mob isn’t paying attention, too caught up in the moment, until suddenly mob collapses, overwhelmed. Momo is freaking out now but manages to get mob outside, and after they spend some time just sitting and giving mob some time to recover, momo asks about what happened.

Mob hesitates, but goes on to explain how he’s had trouble connecting with the spirit world and especially with his past lives, but seeing all of those past avatars he could feel that connection, and it was too much. He also asks that momo not tell anyone about it. The others don’t really know the extent of his issues beyond him having some minor troubles with spirits that they’d encountered.

What had happened was that mob had been slowly opening the connection again over his travels as he came to terms with his role, but it was still weak. All of the information that he was getting from being around these statues flooded in at once, and for a moment he even saw the spirit of the previous avatar again, and it was too much.

He got scared and overwhelmed and shut the door on them again.

(we talked about mob’s complex more here)

After this, they rejoin the group and reigen reveals that serizawa will be teaching mob airbending. Momo… isn’t happy about this. Serizawa is His teacher, and the only one that hasn’t given up on him, and he feels as if he’s being brushed aside now that serizawa can have a “better” student.

Momo runs off to one of his (not-so) secret places, and after a few moments serizawa comes after him. They have a small talk where serizawa reassures him that he’s still teaching momo too, and he certainly has no intention of giving him up. He also jokes about having momo help him train mob, and that gives momo an idea - help mob with his spiritual problems.

He spends the next few days cooped up in the library doing research on anything that he thinks might be helpful to mob, studying up on spirit world stuff, what they know about the avatar state, everything, and approaches mob later with the offer to help him overcome his block.

Mob accepts the offer, and they make slow progress together outside mob’s usual training, and this helps mob a lot because it’s less formal and there’s less pressure on him here, so he can actually relax and genuinely work on letting the spirit world and the past avatars back in.

In turn, mob also helps momo make friends in team avatar, and he integrates into the group while they’re staying at the temple.

Momo’s still not too open or trusting at first and tends to be rude, so it takes awhile for him to bond or decide he likes anyone, but since they end up staying for at least a few months, he has a lot of time to do so.

The first person besides mob that he decided he liked was ritsu. They met while momo was doing his studying to help mob out, and ritsu initially confronted momo about what happened when momo snuck off with mob, but once momo can explain ritsu backs off and even helps with some research. Their personalities complement each other really well, and they also bond over their shared love of making fun of reigen and teru.

Momo and tsubomi get along pretty well, too. She’s also interested in what’s in the library, so sometimes they’ll end up hanging out together while they’re both doing some research. Momo’s never been very far from the temple, so naturally he’s interested in hearing more about the world, which tsubomi, having travelled quite a bit even before joining team avatar, is happy to tell him about. In turn, he helps her find information on airbending forms, something she seems very interested in hearing about, impressed by the ease of movement. After some prodding, he agrees to demonstrate, as well.

Teru and shou both get on momo’s nerves a whole lot, and teru especially annoys him because he can get so stuck-up, without realizing it sometimes. As luck would have it though, one day teru and shou challenge momo to a game of airball, giving him the perfect chance to get back at them. Naturally, momo destroys both of them despite the odd numbers and teru had to go to bed early that night with a fever. Momo was smug about it.

Teru and taro also don’t get along very well. Taro bit teru one (1) time, so teru is convinced taro’s evil (in taro’s defense, teru was being rude and messing with his sensitive wing skin without permission  :/ )

Momo’s not really sure what to make of reigen. He’s weird and it’s baffling to him that he would be in charge of a group of teens. Still, he could be a lot worse, and while momo would never pass up an opportunity to mock him, he’s still nice enough and momo can appreciate that. (He’s also impressed by the fact that reigen just… left the air temple when he was younger, something he’s vaguely envious of)

Serizawa is actually the monk that’s been training momo for the last two years. They were kind of shoved together by circumstances (and the other monks) because momo’s rudeness and tendency to skip his lessons had him labeled a “problem student” and hardly any of the monks were willing to try to teach him, and so they dumped him on serizawa, who at the time was very depressed and isolated. This ended up being beneficial to both of them, and they grew very close. Serizawa has someone to take care of, and momo has an adult who actually listens to him.

The only other thing that i can think of that’s relevant is a little thing that happens later, where momo meets shimazaki (another airbender) and learns by studying him how to use airbending to expand his senses, in a way. He learns how to sense air currents and use that as another means of perception.

[kitanoko]

`Snow White Au 

todomomo week day 1: Kiss (pretend that todoroki got his red hair from someone else other than endeavor pls…and this is totally not like the original snow white im sorry LOL)

LETS BEGIN THIS JOYOUS WEEEEEK~

genre: humour and fluff

-todoroki was a prince of an ancient land where his mother remarried a man so vile and cruel that todo and his siblings wanted nothing to do with him. His name was Endeavor.

-Now Endeavor wasn’t a bad looking dude but he was clearly jealous of todoroki’s good looks so he asked his magic mirror “mirror, mirror in my hand, who’s the fairest in the land” and the mirror replied “Todoroki Shouto” 

-For once, the mirror answered with someone other than him?!?!?! this was blasphemous! And so, Endeavor was forced to order an assassination of his own step-son. He was NOT going to lose to some kid!

-At the young age of 18, Todo was fleeing for his life after Fuyumi had warned of him of the dangers that were to come. Fuyumi had suspected something was up when she had accidentally bumped into her stepfather’s meeting with two mysterious beings. Her suspicions were proven correct when she had heard him say ‘kill shouto’ as if it was the most normal thing in the world

-Todo thought his sis was joking at first ‘cas are you serious, a grown ass man feeling threatened because of his appearance? Though when he escaped death by a hair when the two assassins came at him at full speed during his hunting trip, he was 100% sure Fuyumi was speaking the truth. Todoroki held his own and was able to knock one of them out instead of fatally wounding him, the other, seeing Todoroki’s kindness towards his partner decides to spare is life. The assassin handed Endeavor the lungs and heart of a wild boar, claiming it to be his stepson’s organs and fools the King. 

-Todoroki galloped with his bags towards the river and found an empty cottage completed with 7 small beds. He found it odd but shrugged, leaving his bag on the floor and horse outside as he fell asleep on the bed labelled ‘grumpy’. 

-the 7 dwarfs came home and freaked out! Who the heck was this dude with such weird hair?! And why was there a horse?! 

-”What the actual fuck?,” Grumpy yelled and Sleepy yawned while mumbling, “what a banquet of darkness.” Grumpy’s anger woke Todo up and he flinched at the sight of the 7 mini people adorned with cute ruby red triangular hats

-Btw if it isn’t obvious enough, bakugou is grumpy, and tokoyami is sleepy. Then, iida is doc, yaoyorozu is happy, haha just kidding, uraraka is happy, deku is bashful, tsuyu is sneezy, and kaminari is dopey

-”Whoa what the–” Todoroki sat upright and almost kneed Bashful in the face. Bashful noticed the prince’s beautiful eyes and turned away shyly. Grumpy snorted.

“Who the motherfuck are you?! Get off my damn bed you dirty piece of shit!” Grumpy kicked Todo on the shin. Todo almost chuckled ‘cas it felt like a tickle.

“I’m the prince, or …was…” 

Everyone gasped. 

Doc pushed Grumpy aside. “Your royal highness, why are you in our abode if I may ask.”

“My father tried to kill me, I just need a place to stay for now.”

The dwarfs looked at each other in concern and huddled up. 

“This may be dangerous …for us.” Dopey said and Sneezy nodded after a few sneezes. Grumpy gritted his teeth and agreed silently, which was unusual for him. Perhaps he felt bad that he overreacted earlier. Doc gave a sigh.

“I think we should help him, we should be helping those in need.” Doc said and it was Happy and Bashful’s turn to agree.

“Fine,” Doc turned to say and Todoroki smiled back. Happy clicked her tongue playfully and lifted herself right next to him. She directed a bright grin at him and he appreciated it. 

-After that todo slowly warmed up to the little dudes and grumpy sorta tried to return the affection. They give awkward glances to each other sometimes when they go fishing (grumpy gives todo advice on how to catch the biggest salmon and that’s the limit to their friendship)

-todo learned that happy enjoys playing catch and she told him that she wants to learn how to fly someday (todo didn’t wanna break it to her but that’s not how the human body works)

-Doc is the smartest of them all and the most reasonable; dopey enjoys daydreaming and cloud watching; bashful is…well…very cute and shy and seems to be the only one who can control grumpy somewhat; sneezy is really good at swimming and can hold her breath underwater for a very long time, so long that todo thought she drowned but she didn’t; sleepy is very poetic and extremely philosophical and todoroki would never know how to have a proper conversation with him….not that he usually could with any of them anyway…and why the heck does sleepy look like a crow and sneezy a frog…strange

-Todo built his own bed with the help of the dwarfs and Grumpy labelled the bed “Weirdo”

-Its been more than 2 weeks and todoroki felt like for once, he could live in peace. He went out to hunt by himself one day, despite the concern of the dwarfs (grumpy was like who the fuck cares if he gets himself killed we’ll all be free, but he didn’t really mean it LOL), and he went further than he had planned (he wasn’t gonna let that deer escape!)

-right before he sent an arrow flying towards the poor deer, he caught sight of… a human nearby? in the middle of these woods? He followed the swift silhouette with a stern gaze and he leapt off his horse (his horse is named Pretty Peach btw, a name given by Fuyumi, ‘cas it has a strawberry blonde mane). 

-”Who’s there?” Todoroki called, hands gripped tightly on his bow. If its another assassin, he may not be as kind this time. “Is it a hobby of yours to hide behind trees? Come out or I’ll shoot.” 

-The figure emerged and …hell no. It’s of course the most elegant woman he had ever laid his heterochromatic eyes on. How was he gonna kill her now?

-”I’m..I’m just a guard! My name’s Momo!” She replied, hand in front of her defensively, “I mean you no harm!” Seeing that her hands were away from the hilt of her fachion, he relaxed.

-Todoroki patiently waited for her explanation and turns out she was just intrigued by his hunting skills and wanted to learn for herself. 

“Not that I could ever hurt these animals,” she confessed and the deer licked her outreached palm. It fled after. 

-So anyways, after that mostly-silent encounter, todoroki met her a few more times and brought the dwarfs along with him; she came whenever she had a break from guarding whoever the nobility was from the next kingdom

-She was like those disney princesses that has a bunch of animal friends for no apparent reason but of course she was no damsel-in-distress ‘cas she could slice anything in half without a blink. Todo actually somewhat scared of her. Or he’s fallen in love. He shook his head. Nah, no way. Those goosebumps he gets when he sees her swing her falchion was ‘cas its cold. That must be it.

-Doc raised his concern over other ppl spotting Todo if he goes off too far and yes it actually happens ‘cas todo was too into his new ‘friendship’ with momo and a spy told Endeavor his discoveries. 

-one day when todo and momo met up again, this time to string necklaces out of wildflowers because momo wanted to do something different for once (Grumpy knew todoroki was crushing hard on momo at this point but todo was too damn clueless to do anything about it), they get ambushed by a group of mercenaries hired by Endeavor 

-momo surprised todo ‘cas she basically told him to sit still and she owns all of their asses single-handed and todo gulped. yes. okay. his heart was racing but not because they were about to get killed but ‘cas he’s fallen hard and fast for this crazy fighter girl with a big ass sword.

-”I can’t believe they RUINED my necklaces, look at these daisies?! They’re trampled! UGH!” Momo complained, fists clenched as they head back to the cottage. 

Todo snorted.

“AND your FATHER sent them to kill you? How absurd!” 

She went on and on and todoroki’s just chucklng at her flushed face from the battle earlier. 

“The next time I see your father, he will feel my wrath!” 

Todo stopped dead in his tracks and pulled her to him with one hand and awkwardly said, “You’re really cute Momo.”

And her face gets even more red and she just stopped talking on the rest of the way home.

-Okay so news get back to Endeavor that the mercenaries pretty much all in critical condition. “An insanely skilled lady” was with todo and Endeavor’s like “alright I’ll take matters into my own hands.”

-Endeavor dressed up as a witch (he gotta disguise himself ‘cas it’d be weird if people saw a King out by himself and somehow dressing as a witch felt right) and went to the forest and also brought a box of poisoned soba along ‘cas his stepson loves soba. Hopefully this mysterious lady with him also loves soba

-Endeavor found the dwarfs’ cottage and left the box at the doorstep (yes he knew todo lived there ‘cas the spy had tipped him). Endeavor hid behind a bush and saw Dopey bring the box inside the cottage and he smirked

-”Yo these noodles don’t look right.” Grumpy pushed the box away from his face and Dopey looked sad. “I ain’t eating this shit, someone try it first in case I die. I’m too cool to die.”

“Grump-chan please don’t say that,” Bashful said.

Todoroki looked at it and Momo swore his eyes lit up.

“Soba, it’s good,” Todo merely said and he took the chopstick that came in the box and took a bite.

Oh shit.

“Fuck, his face doesn’t look right. And I mean it looks even more messed up than before,” Grumpy said.

Todoroki felt the world spin before him and he just collapsed onto the floor. Momo freaked out but found his pulse and his breathing steady.

“He looks like he’s taking a nap…” Sleepy noted.

“Don’t say it…”

“…Of darkness,” Sleepy finished.

-Momo lifted Todo onto the nearest bed and Doc examined todo and doc’s like “I think he’s in a coma”

-Now a week passed but todo still didn’t wake up. Momo said she’ll find a doctor to come and see what to do. The doctor refused to go to the forest with Momo ‘cas that sounded sketch

-Momo came back defeated and Bashful randomly went, “hey…have you ever read those…children’s books?”

Momo’s like “what?” And Bashful’s like “most stories say curses are broken by a kiss from true love!”

Everyone looked at each other and Grumpy’s like “well no shit you have to be the one to kiss him, I ain’t doing it.” 

“But why me?” Momo asked and Grumpy told her how he suspected that there’s something way deeper than friendship going on between them and Momo got all flustered and she felt it too but it was hard admitting it.

“Don’t kiss him on the lips though,” Doc said matter-of-factly, “what if you got poisoned too.”

Happy and Bashful covered their faces, feeling embarassed for Momo

-She leaned closer to todo, and he appeared so peaceful sleeping like that and she was starting to feel her cheeks heat up. This was her first time kissing anyone! Ever! The distance between them close in and Momo gave him a peck on the cheek. Suddenly, Todo’s eyelids fluttered open.

-”Why is everyone –OMPHF” 

Momo wrapped herself around him before he could finish the question

-Momo was really angry now, whoever this person was, she’s guessing todo’s douchebag father, gotta pay for what he did. She devised a plan. Todo told her the plan was too dangerous but she reassured him that she had thought of plan B to Z if plan A didn’t work out.

-Momo went to the castle dressed as a man the day after, and acted as if she had an important tip to tell the King in regards to the prince

-Okay Fuyumi’s like wtf right now btw ‘cas her brother just escaped death three times?

-Momo told Endeavor to follow her to the forest because she saw the prince still alive. Endeavor’s knights said they’d go with him but he had had enough of failed plans. Even the soba didn’t work goddammit

-Endeavor was weary but Momo was so good at acting; she led him towards a trap built by the dwarfs and Endeavor’s horse gets caught in a bear trap. The King fell to his knees as his horse crashed onto the ground. And with a broken ankle, he tried to stand back up but Momo held a sword against his neck 

Endeavor was named one of the most powerful men for a reason. He knocked her back and sent Momo flying. Todo and the dwarfs saw this from behind the trees and they run to help her.

-”What…Shouto…you became friends with these midgets?!” Endeavor roared. 

The dwarfs took offence to that and they kept throwing rocks at him and Grumpy headbutts him and stomped on his broken ankle. The King winced in pain and with the help of Todo, the dwarfs somehow cornered him to the cliffs. With one false step, the King slipped and fell to the depths below

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” 

Todoroki heard his father’s screams echo. 

-Though that was a horrid end to his filthy father, Todoroki was happy as now his family was free from his evil reign. Todo returned to the castle but still visited the dwarfs every week. 

Momo was invited to the castle from time to time and Todo finally proposed to her with flower necklaces that she taught him to make before; the dwarfs helped them set up a wedding ceremony in the meadows and all of Momo’s animal friends came as well.

The end