#Aren't you curious what lies ahead

[strawberrieswithsister]

Today a friend was trying to convince someone that there is a reason to keep going and wanted my help, he really liked my reply so i thought i could share it. Maybe it will help someone. For more context he was struggling with consistency.

My take in this is that the thing in fault is not whatever if we should keep going, do it in a different way or just let it go. Its the mindset. If you take a path out of an expectation, a very harsh and stubborn one too it will only blind you towards what you achieve other than the thing you set as a goal. He can of course ask "why would i try so hard only to get something i dont even wanna?" and there is the answer: what we want is not always what we need or how we think we should earn it is not always right. We don't have control over how/what will come to us and believe it or not its a huge advantage. Its like your mom always cooking for you. Without a single worry you get a delicious meal. Those little things will come to you and maybe one day add on eachother, taking form of the thing you've always strived for.

We don't know what will happen so why do we act like we do? "I will do this and it should turn out this way" no buddy! You don't know so the only thing you can do is walk forward. To see for yourself. To LIVE those moments. You can't think or plan your way out of it. Life will give you things you didn't even have in mind, things you wouldn't even dream of. Don't try to have control when its a harsh responsibility.

The thing is, he rebels and screams to life "change it!" when he should embrace it. It's not easy but the world around you is for you

Take it all in! Even when you're just laying on the couch. Look around, you can touch that, you can feel that, you can get that

Anger and the feeling of injustice filled your heart and no one can blame you. But why do you feed it when it only hurts you? Don't you care about yourself? You had your fair share of being stubborn now its time to love a little!

If you can't change something at least don't demonize it.

[artificial-transmutations]

4k! Dropout Dorm 2

Aiden coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"No, I don't think so..."

Marvin walked towards him, slowly. Thankfully, Marvin only went to the window to open it before packing his bag. 

"Aren't you going to get out of bed soon?" Marvin asked. "Classes are about to start! 

Of course, that wasn't all that easy. Under his blanket, his body was still covered in spurts of cum that Aiden smeared into the fabric and all over himself with every movement. 

"Go ahead, my classes don't start for a while, and I'm really sleepy" he lied while faking a yawn. Apparently, the innocent Marvin bought his lie and left for class. Once the room door closed, Aiden bolted out of bed. As he had feared, the inward facing side of his blanket as well as his torso were wet with sticky cum. However, Marvin had also been right about classes. He had no time to clean up properly or take a shower now, that would have to wait until the afternoon. Aiden quickly used his towel to wipe off the worst from his body and turned his blanket, so the dirty side faced down. He threw on some clothes and was almost out of the door when he noticed that the window was still open. Not having anything stolen was definitely more important than a smelly room, so he closed the window and hurried to his class. 

Aiden made it to class, just barely. He didn't have any trouble following the professor but was distracted by himself. As the day progressed, Aiden noticed that he was smelling a bit. The sweaty activity this morning combined with the dried up seed under his clothes and the lack of shower produced a bit of a smell. It was probably nothing anyone else would notice, but still, Aiden was very self-conscious about it and resolved to taking a shower when classes were over. To make matters even worse, it was a moderately hot summer day, and Aiden was sweating under his long sleeve shirt. He didn't want to open it on the other hand in order not to disturb anyone with his smell. 

Marvin was the first to return to the 'dropout dorm'. When he opened the door, he immediately noticed the stale air. For understandable reasons, Aiden had closed the window when he left the room. Apparently, the time it had been open had not been enough to get rid of the strong aroma two sleeping guys produced. 

Marvin considered opening the window again but decided against it. The sun was burning down outside and opening the window now would only make the room heat up unnecessarily. Besides, he almost didn't smell it anymore. 

With this rationalization, Marvin started up his PC, to get his assignments done. He had a few days for them but doing them immediately didn't hurt. 

However, Marvin found it hard to concentrate today. Perhaps it had been the new experiences during the last few days, but he was feeling rather aroused. His small dick had gotten stiff, and he found himself readjusting his crotch often while trying to concentrate on his assignment. 

Finally, he gave up. It had been long since he had been this horny. He just needed to get it out of his system, so he opened a porn site. As he was nestling on the button of his pants however, without a warning, the room door opened. 

Marvin panicked, and his face became red as a tomato. He simultaneously shoved his shirt over his thankfully small bulge and hit the power button of his computer, not caring that he lost what little progress he had made on his assignment. 

Thankfully, Aiden, who came into the room, had not noticed anything out of the ordinary but regarded Marvin with a curious look. 

"Hey Marvin. Why are you shutting down your computer?" 

"Oh, uhm, hi Aiden. Yes, I'm... eh... I mean I have to go, that's why!" 

"Ah, cool, where are you going?" asked Aiden in a friendly tone while letting himself fall to his bed. 

Crap. He needed a good excuse. Classes were over for the day. Without thinking much, he just blurted out the first thing that came to mind: "I'm going to the gym!" 

"To the gym?" Aiden asked bewilderedly. 

"Yes, I thought there is no harm in trying it out once, haha!" Marvin said and went through his drawer to retrieve some never used gym clothes. 

"Alright! Have fun!" said Aiden, secretly happy he would be alone in the room because of that.

Marvin dressed quickly, grabbed his backpack and left the room. 

Finally alone, Aiden, who was still lying on his bed, sighed a sigh of relief. Now, he had time to clean up, change his sheets and shower. He sat up and pulled his shirt over his head, leaving him bare-chested. He took a test sniff on his armpits. Yep, they smelled pretty intense, at least compared to his usual body odor. What was a bit odd though were the bushes of brown hair that prominently looked out from his armpits. Had he always been so hairy there? He couldn't say - that was something he never noticed much. It smelled really sweaty, though. When he scratched the hair with his hand, it felt damp with sweat.

Aiden smelled his fingers that just had scratched his pit, just to be sure. Yes, definitely a strong odor. He repeated the experiment on his other armpit. Same result. Aiden's head was swimming and for some reason he was really horny again. His dick strained against his pants and demanded attention. Good thing Marvin was out. It was pretty unusual for him to feel the need to jerk off twice in a week, let alone twice in a day, but Aiden thought nothing of it and got to work. 

As his right arm pumped up and down, the smell from his armpits was shoved into the room with each movement, for some reason making Aiden even more aroused. As he was getting close already, however, this wasn't enough anymore. As best as he could, he buried his nose in his armpits and took a deep breath. Ohhhh yes! That sensation brought him over the edge and more cum splattered against his body. Some missed his chest and hit his pillow instead, forming wet patches on the linen.

Aiden exhaled. That was unusually intense. He looked down on the mess he made. He should clean that up. But right now, he felt really tired, and Marvin would surely be out for a bit, so he still had some time. He grabbed his discarded shirt and wiped over his chest, letting the fabric absorb his sweat and cum, while spreading the rest more over his body, before letting the cloth fall to the floor without spending a further thought on it. Time to relax for a bit. 

With this thought, Aiden snuggled himself into his stained bed and slumbered away.

Meanwhile, Marvin arrived at the gym. What was he even doing? He could just pretend he went to the gym and return half an hour later. But then again, this would just be wasting time, and he did buy the gym clothes in case he wanted to try out the athletic offerings of the college at some point.

Under no circumstances had he expected this to be the case on his very first day here, but he might as well. 

Thankfully, there was nobody there to see him, as he changed into his gym clothes and so he entered the foreign territory in his oversized clothes with a bit of apprehension. But there was nobody in here as well, so he could basically do whatever he wanted without making a fool out of himself.

Where to start... There were the treadmills of course, but after closer inspection, the devices looked pretty complicated, and Marvin didn't want to damage anything (or himself) by pressing the wrong button on it. What else... There were weights. Those are pretty straightforward, Marvin reasoned. Just grab the weighted sticks and lift them, repeatedly. There was probably no way he could do that wrong. 

So, Marvin grabbed some weights and started to lift them up. Even though he started with the smallest one, it was surprisingly heavy, and Marvin went out of breath pretty quickly. He looked at the dumbbells again. They looked really tiny, especially compared to the other versions with much bigger discs. He wouldn't let himself be defeated by those! He grabbed them again and continued lifting.

Once he found his rhythm, the lifting became somewhat easier, and Marvin actually started to enjoy himself. Sweat was running down his body in rivers, drenching his light shirt, but he didn't care. He felt good! 

Marvin lost track of the time for a bit, but he had been working out for at least an hour, maybe two. During the last half hour or so, he even had switched to the next bigger disc size and found he could lift them as well. When he finally had enough, though, he noticed that there were other people working out in the gym now. He hadn't seen them come in, so focused has he been on his own lifting. 

The problem was, there were also other people in the locker room and shower. Marvin really didn't fancy showering with other people, so he decided to just shower in their dorm room.

When he entered the 'dropout dorm', he saw Aiden slumbering in his bed. He was shirtless and his arms hung over the bedframe, exposing hairy armpits. On the floor, a crumbled up shirt was lying, and the whole room smelled a bit... ripe. Marvin smiled. Poor Aiden, he must have been really tired. Best to let him sleep instead of opening the window. Besides, Marvin himself was so sweaty he was pretty smelly as well, he was sure of it. Time to hit the shower!

As he let the hot water run down his body, Marvin noticed a couple of things that seemed odd. For the first time in ever, he noticed some really small amounts of definition on his slim body. While that could probably be explained by the strain on his muscles from the workout (the word 'pump' didn't mean anything to Marvin), there were two more observations that were harder to explain. There were a very few small hairs on his chest, and overall, his complexion was a tad darker, like he had a tan. He didn't have a tan for all his life! It must have been the moving boxes in the bright sunshine yesterday, Marvin rationalized.

After finishing his shower, Marvin worked on his assignments for a bit, but stopped quickly. It wasn't really fun, a mixture of boring and surprisingly difficult at times. He had clearly underestimated the difficulty of his assignments. Perhaps he would have to take a fresh look at it tomorrow.

Furthermore, his body was acting up again. Even though his workout was now several hours ago, he was still sweating like mad. His butt left a wet print in his chair when he stood up and sweat kept dripping down his body and into his eyes. As if that wasn't bad enough, he was constantly hard. Of course, with Aiden sleeping just a few meters away, there was absolutely no way he would do anything about it right now, he would just have to endure it. His gaze went to the sleeping Aiden more than once, without him even noticing, taking in the incredibly hairy armpits and sparse hair on his chest (were those there before?) subconsciously.

Surely, there would be an opportunity to care for that tomorrow, Marvin reasoned as he shut down his computer and went to bed as well. 

With his dick tenting his blanket, he drifted off to sleep.

Things are set in motion! Read the previous part here. The next part is waiting here.

[zgvlt]

sending your crush a survey form hcs part 3 second years x reader (separate) -> jade, floyd

general tags: gn reader, fluff + attempt at humor, sfw, not beta read, mix of text and images (for images, alt text/image description available)

other parts in this series

character: JADE LEECH premise/trope: sending Jade the crush form... except he already knew you were planning to send him one weeks ago

HOW HE REACTS WHEN YOU SEND THE FORM LINK

You poor, poor unfortunate soul... Jade is always two (or even three, on occasion) steps ahead of you. It can't be helped, his perception skill is maxed out at this point, so attempting to hide things from him is quite the difficult endeavor.

The thing is, he's known for a few weeks now that you were planning to send him the form.

Yes, he could have let you know about it, or at least dropped a few hints if he was feeling a little merciful, but he chose to keep his mouth shut because, well, it seemed more fun that way.

You watched a few videos about it around him that one day, and a few days later you were typing up questions on your notes app. It was easy to put two and two together at that point.

"Hm? If there was something you were curious about, you could have just asked me," Jade laughs, "but I'll answer this form to the best of my abilities."

Just as he had his fun hiding his knowledge from you, Jade lets you have your fun too since he thinks it's cute—rather, he thinks you're being cute.

He pretends to be surprised when you send him the link, and he keeps up the act for a long, long time.

Jade mostly answers the questions in a teasing, joking manner, but you can tell that his answers aren't lies either. There's some genuineness hidden in there somewhere, though he leaves it up to you to detect it.

HOW HE ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS

AFTER HE ANSWERS THE FORM

He finally lets it slip that he's known all along that you were going to send him a form, that it was just a matter of "when" for him.

He lives to hear and see your reactions, they truly never fail to bring him joy.

It doesn't really matter whether you're completely flustered and aghast at the revelation, whether you admit you had a feeling he eventually figured it out, or whether you're getting embarrassed and mad at him for keeping it a secret.

It's endearing to him no matter what, so it was worth it to not spill the beans too early.

"So now that I've completed the form, aren't you going to do anything with the information I've provided?" Jade inquires. If you listen to him carefully, you'll be able to hear the anticipation in his voice. Is he poking fun at you? Partially, but he does want to see where this goes all the same. "Or would you like me to be the one to approach you this time?

character: FLOYD LEECH premise/trope: sending Jade the form so you could ask him for advice regarding your crush, Floyd. the form unfortunately falls into the hands of said crush

HOW HE REACTS WHEN YOU SEND THE FORM LINK

The thing is... You didn't plan on sending it to Floyd. At least, certainly not that form. It was meant for his brother, not him!

Jade said he'd give you the advice you needed and to just ask away, but finding the time (and having the privacy) to do so was difficult on both of your parts, so a form realistically seemed like a good idea at first.

After all, it's not like Floyd's going to have any interest in what looks like a regular survey for school of all things. Jade could just lie, too, if pressed about it, and Floyd would lose his interest eventually.

That was not what happened.

In Jade's defense, he really did mean to answer it, but he was smiling a little too much at the questions you chose to ask and Floyd got curious and asked about what was so interesting for him to smile like that.

Jade admits (well, he thinks about it for a second, not necessarily with reluctance but rather how to phrase it) that you sent him something funny.

Floyd is not happy, oops. That's the person he likes! What is Jade doing talking to you? What are you doing sending something funny to Jade without sending it to him, too?!

FLOYD: HEY!! What's this about? Why are you sending Jade things that you're not sending me? What gives??? FLOYD: hey FLOYD: 💢 FLOYD: 👿 FLOYD: 🤬 FLOYD: Answer my calls FLOYD: I'm going to get the reason behind this outta you

Floyd's complaining to you, spamming you through text and sending you missed calls, as if to catch you attention one way or another.

Floyd also gets Jade to send him the form. It's partially to satiate Floyd a little bit, for both Jade's sake and yours, but also because he thinks it would be fun to watch Floyd react to it in real time. He thinks it's especially fun when you eventually pick up one of his calls.

At first, he doesn't think there's a point in typing down his answers, he can just tell you everything he needs to? What's the point of answering something so lousy? But the more he thinks about it, especially with how you're repeatedly telling him that he really does not need to answer or even open it at all, the more he wants to answer.

Really, he just likes you that much that he's willing to answer something kind of weird!

HOW HE ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS

AFTER HE ANSWERS THE FORM

If it's not obvious to you yet, Floyd definitely likes you back.

Actually, he tells you a few times in the call you're on with him, so much so that you may have to tell him that you get the point with how much he tells you (in various, unique ways)

He's also talking as if the two of you are already together (neither have you have actually asked, but the both of you have confessed already so...)

He's also excitedly talking about all the dates you can go on (and how he's very happy to go hangout with and go on fun and cute dates with you instead of boring stuff like... attending classes, or doing schoolwork, or chores)

It's difficult to not be affected as well. Floyd's joy is very infectious, after all!

Actually, he's so happy that he wants to celebrate your new relationship with you right this instant!

"Where are you right now, shrimpy?" Floyd asks. Even without straining your ears, you'll be able to hear the slamming of the door and the sound of his footsteps. "I'm in the mood to go on a date right now!"

masterlist | end notes

[ 1 ] Figuring out Floyd's typing style is so hard. I partially used his Valentines card for reference, very straight to the point and not particularly flowery, but added some emojis here and there and some playfulness to make it more fun. I wondered if he should have more spelling errors or type in lowercase, but I think he has auto caps on by default lol

[ 2 ] While it's not explicitly stated, there is the implication that Floyd's reader might be the prefect due to the shrimp nickname. Honestly just went with it since it's a good catch-all term for the reader, so feel free to imagine otherwise!

[ 3 ] Similarly, if you prefer a different nickname for your reader/prefect/sona/OC, I hope you're not too bothered! I know not everyone finds it cute. I'm not really fond of placeholder markings (e.g., y/n, e/c, etc.) so I used shimpy!

[mysteryshoptls]

R Cater Diamond - P.E. Uniform Vignette

"You traitor!"

[Sports Field]

[tup, tup, tup]

Cater: Maaan, this is the worst～ Why'd we gotta run 10 laps around the campus?

Trey: Well, we don't really have a choice, do we? It's P.E. class.

Trey: Besides, we're already halfway done. Come on, Cater. Let's go, just 5 more laps.

Cater: You say already halfway, I say only! This sucks, it's no fun at all, and I smell terrible… It's nothing but the pits!

Trey: Okay, then I'm heading on ahead.

Cater: Nooo! Weren't we gonna run together all the way to the goal?

Trey: It's not like number of laps will decrease just by complaining about it, right? So I just want to get it over with as quick as possible. See ya!

Cater: Trey-kun, you traitor～～～!!

[tup, tup, tup]

Cater: He seriously left me behind. I bet he's the type to try to finish all his homework on the first day of the holidays, too.

Cater: I'm only 18 once, y'know. I wanna just whiz by all the lame stuff without dealing with 'em.

Cater: How can I… Oh yeah! I can totally do that thing. Now, that's great idea that only I can pull off!

Cater: I only have 5 laps left… So that basically means I just need to cross the finish line 5 more times.

Cater: Sooo～

Cater: If I use my unique magic to create a buncha copies, it'll be easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Cater: Doesn't look like Vargas-sensei's paying any attention right now, either. Okay then, here we go!

Cater: I am him and he is another.

Cater: Split Card!

[poof! poof! poof! poof!]

CaterB: Hey, me, great idea ♪

CaterC: Wonderful plan, me ♪

CaterD: You're so smart, me ♪

CaterE: Hey, me, good job ♪

Cater: Thanks, everyone. So now, I'm gonna ask you all to each jog a single lap!

Cater: What'll that mean for us? Basically, we'll be able to finish running the 5 laps around the campus grounds lickety-split!

CaterB: Got it! Then, I'll go first!

Caters: See ya～♪

[tup, tup, tup]

Cater: Good luck, me number one～ First one's at the goal! Now there's 4 left.

CaterC: Time for number two to head out!

[tup, tup, tup]

Cater: Good, it's going great. Even if it's hard for one person to run 5 laps, running them with 5 people is cake.

Cater: Alright, let's keep this up and knock the last three laps out!

CaterD/CaterE: Yeah!

Cater: That's the fourth me at the goal! Now it's just up to the real me to do the last lap. Here I g…

Riddle: You seem to be in a good mood, Cater. I thought you hated P.E.?

Cater: !! …Riddle-kun!? We're in different grades, why are you here on the sports field?

Riddle: Class 2-E has flight classes today. I was watching you from the sky.

Cater: Is that right… I woulda loved to get a snap of you flyin' the heck out of those brooms and throw it up on Magicam～ ...Haha…

Riddle: I'm not here to talk about me. I'm more curious to ask why I saw five of you on the campus grounds?

Cater: Urk!! Uh, you know, that's just… an optical illusion. You were just flying so fast that you must've been seeing things.

Riddle: …Really, now?

Cater: You're really amazing when you're zooming around. Plus, you just look cute overall, so you're like a butterfly!

Trey: Give it up, Cater. There's no way you'll be able to pull one over on Riddle.

Cater: Urk, Trey-kun…!

Riddle: Using your unique magic during class is against the school rules. I would have never expected to see a Heartslabyul student to do such a thing.

Riddle: I shall be reporting this to Vargas-sensei.

Cater: Wait, anything but that…!

Riddle: You're very fortunate, Cater.

Riddle: If it had been one of our dorm rules you had broken, it would have been off with your head without hesitation.

Cater: [huff… gasp… wheeze…]

Cater: Goal! I can't believe I had to run all ten laps all over again as punishment for trying to skirt it. That was way overboard!!

Trey: Here's a towel. Well done, you did it. Although, it kinda was all your fault in the first place.

Cater: Ah, you traitor! Aren't we supposed to be buds!?

Trey: That's why I did what I did. If you lied to Riddle, you would've been in worse trouble later on.

Trey: Besides, I'm the Vice Housewarden. That makes me the Housewarden's strongest ally.

Cater: See, you totally betrayed me… Ugh, I'm gonna transfer dorms!!

Requested by @farfalla049.

[winxanity-ii]

SCARLET CHAINS, GOLDEN RIDDLES

ship: kurapika x fem!sphinx!reader warnings: non-explicit ( kinda angsty/sad, but it does have a bittersweet romance, so… win?) word count: 5.3k a/n: I know i said i wouldn't do it now, but i couldn't help my self, loloo. also this piece was inspired by a tweet from Kayla Ancrum (@KaylaAncrum), where she wrote about a man who falls in love with a sphinx and solves her riddles daily. I just had to explore that dynamic with Kurapika and a Sphinx reader! Let me know what y'all think! 🖤✨

★·.·´🇭‌🇺‌🇳‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌ × 🇭‌🇺‌🇳‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌ 🇲‌🇦‌🇸‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌🇱‌🇮‌🇸‌🇹‌`·.·★

Revenge doesn't always bring peace; sometimes it leaves behind something far more haunting.

Kurapika had fulfilled his mission, dismantling the Phantom Troupe and retrieving the Scarlet Eyes that once belonged to his kin. He should have felt victorious, perhaps even a semblance of peace, but instead, he felt hollow, drifting aimlessly in the vastness of the world.

The weight of his chains was gone, but the burden on his heart remained.

In restless strides, he wandered the lands, searching for something he couldn't quite name—purpose, healing, or perhaps a way to finally let go of the rage that had kept him alive for so long.

The bustling city streets did little to distract him from his turmoil.

Kurapika walked among strangers, his eyes scanning the faces that passed by, not really seeing them. The chatter and noise of life around him felt distant, a muffled echo that never reached his ears.

He just got off the phone with Gon, a short conversation that was filled with concern on Gon's part. Kurapika assured him he was fine, though the words tasted like lies even as they left his mouth.

The city was filled with countless distractions—stalls selling exotic wares, street performers drawing in crowds—but Kurapika moved through it all like a ghost.

It was only when he came across a particular stand filled with unique, almost mythical items that he found himself pausing.

There were trinkets, stones carved with symbols he couldn't recognize, feathers from birds that didn't exist in any book he'd ever read, and even vials of shimmering liquid.

Something about the stand drew him in, perhaps the promise of the unknown, the mystery of it all.

As Kurapika stared at a curious amulet shaped like an eye, a voice broke through the haze of his thoughts. "You look like a young man filled with woes."

Turning, he found an old woman seated just beyond the stand, her eyes rooted intently on him.

She was small, her back slightly hunched, with eyes that seemed to look right through him. Her wrinkled hands rested on a small table, a crystal ball sitting between them.

Her presence was almost otherworldly, and Kurapika couldn’t help but feel as if she had been waiting for him.

"Your heart is heavy," she continued, her voice soft but firm, like the rustling of ancient leaves. "You have found what you sought, but now you are lost. Seeking something else, aren't you?"

Kurapika frowned, his first instinct to brush her off, to walk away. He had no time for fortune tellers or their vague prophecies. But something in her gaze held him in place.

Maybe it was the fact that she was right—he was lost, more lost than he had ever been.

Before he could respond, the old woman reached beneath her table and pulled out a worn piece of parchment. She handed it to him, her eyes never leaving his. "Take this map. It shows places where you might find what you seek. A journey is ahead of you, young man, one that may finally bring you peace."

Kurapika took the map, his fingers brushing against the rough surface. He hesitated, staring down at the faded ink and the strange symbols marking various locations. "What kind of journey?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

The old woman smiled, a mysterious curve of her lips. "One that will lead you to the answers you need, not the ones you want. Follow the map, and you may find more than you ever hoped for."

Kurapika glanced at the map again, the markings seeming to shift under his gaze, almost as if they were alive.

He had nothing left to lose.

With a nod, he folded the parchment and tucked it into his pocket, a small spark of something—curiosity, hope—lighting within him.

His travels took him far from the crowded city, into remote villages and forgotten paths.

He heard tales whispered in the dark corners of taverns—rumors of a remote island untouched by time, home to creatures that should have only existed in myths.

The locals spoke of a sphinx—a creature of immense power, wisdom, and mystery. She was said to guard an ancient temple on an isolated island, her riddles a fatal test for any who dared approach.

She could devour the souls of those who failed or offer wisdom to those who succeeded.

It was said that she embodied both mercy and cruelty, bound by the ancient rules of her riddles.

Kurapika's interest was piqued. Perhaps this creature held the answers he sought, or at least the challenge he needed.

Something to pull him out of the hollow void that had settled within him.

The island was not marked on any ordinary map, but the worn parchment he carried seemed to lead him there, the strange symbols aligning with the whispered directions he gathered from those who dared speak of the place.

And so, Kurapika found himself standing on the deck of a small fishing boat, the salty wind tugging at his hair as the island came into view—a shadow against the horizon, shrouded in mist.

He felt a strange pull, a sense that whatever awaited him there might finally give him the closure he needed. He had faced monsters before, both human and otherwise, but something about this journey felt different.

As if, perhaps, it wasn't just about finding answers—but about finding himself.

The island loomed closer, and with it, the promise of riddles, danger, and maybe, just maybe, a way to heal the wounds that revenge had left behind.

Kurapika spent the first few days exploring the island, his feet carrying him along unfamiliar paths, his eyes scanning for clues hidden among the dense forest and crumbling ruins.

He learned the lay of the land—the twisting vines, the rocky cliffs that overlooked the endless ocean, and the small creatures that scurried away at his approach.

The island seemed to breathe, its secrets waiting just beneath the surface, and he was determined to uncover them.

After days of exploring, Kurapika made his way back to the nearby village, his supplies dwindling and his body weary.

It was night by the time he arrived, the village bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets.

He found a small tavern at the edge of the village, its warm light spilling out onto the street, the murmur of voices inviting him in.

Kurapika entered, the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filling the air. He made his way to an empty table in the corner, ordering a simple meal and a drink.

The tavern was lively; villagers and travelers alike gathered to unwind, their laughter and chatter a comforting background to his solitude.

He ate slowly, savoring the warmth of the food, the taste of something other than the dried rations he had carried with him.

As he ate, he noticed a small crowd beginning to gather near the fireplace at the center of the room. The voices quieted, replaced by the expectant hush of an audience waiting for a story.

Kurapika's gaze shifted, his interest piqued as an elderly man stepped forward, his hands worn and his eyes twinkling with mischief. The storyteller cleared his throat, a smile playing on his lips as he began to speak.

"Gather 'round, gather 'round," the old man said, his voice carrying easily through the room. "I have a tale for you tonight, one of mystery, of danger, and of beauty beyond imagination."

Kurapika leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened.

The old man spoke of a creature, a sphinx, who guarded a temple deep within the island—a temple known as the Cave of Mysteries. He described the sphinx as both beautiful and terrifying, her eyes holding the weight of ages, her form a paradox of grace and danger.

The crowd leaned in, captivated by the tale, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and fear.

"They say the Cave of Mysteries holds treasures beyond belief," the old man continued, his voice dropping to a whisper that had the crowd hanging on his every word. "Riches enough to buy an empire, secrets that could grant unimaginable power. But the sphinx, ah, she is not easily bested. Many have tried, and all have failed—her riddles are a test of wit and courage, and the price of failure is steep indeed."

The old man finished his tale, the crowd breaking into murmurs, some laughing nervously, others shaking their heads as if dismissing the story as mere legend.

But Kurapika knew better.

He finished his meal, his mind already turning on how to find the temple and to the mysteries that still lay ahead.

The island held more than just danger—it held the promise of something he had never thought he needed.

So, driven by curiosity and the need for a challenge beyond revenge, Kurapika set off to find the temple, unperturbed by the locals' warnings of danger.

And he intended to see it through, whatever the cost.

The whispers of forgotten creatures and the hint of ancient wisdom called to him, a voice that spoke directly to the hollowness he now carried.

His feet followed the clues, ancient symbols etched into rocks and trees, guiding him deeper into the dense forest of the island.

Each step took him further from the familiar and into the unknown—a test he desperately needed.

The journey was arduous, the air thick with the scent of wild vegetation and the distant echo of creatures unseen.

Kurapika's senses were heightened; every sound, every rustle in the underbrush kept him alert.

Anticipation built within him, a sense that something lay ahead—something that might offer answers, or at least a distraction from the gnawing emptiness left by vengeance.

Finally, he stood before it—the temple, a structure both majestic and haunting, half-covered in creeping vines, its stone surface carved with the same symbols that had guided him here.

The temple seemed almost alive, its golden exterior shimmering in the fading sunlight, the intricate carvings depicting stories of ancient gods and creatures long forgotten.

The entrance was framed by towering pillars, their surfaces etched with worn inscriptions, and the air was thick with an aura of both reverence and dread.

The massive doors of the temple were slightly ajar, revealing only darkness within, as if daring anyone to enter.

But at the base of the stairs sat you—the Sphinx; a creature of paradox, you embodied both grace and danger.

Your powerful form rested elegantly, your tail waving languidly in the air, each movement deliberate and filled with quiet confidence.

Your form was powerful, the body of a lioness with muscles rippling beneath golden fur, yet your face held a beauty that was almost human, framed by a mix of a wild mane and intricate braids that shimmered under the fading sunlight.

Your claws were sharp, glinting with an almost metallic sheen, a reminder of the threat you posed to anyone foolish enough to challenge you.

There was an ethereal quality to you, a faint outline of wings that shimmered in the heat, catching the light in a way that made them seem almost unreal, giving you an otherworldly glow.

Your presence exuded power—a quiet intensity that Kurapika could feel even from a distance, a force that seemed to pulse with the very energy of the island.

The power you exuded was palpable, a quiet but overwhelming force that made even the strongest foes Kurapika had faced—the Chimera Ants, the Phantom Troupe—seem almost mundane by comparison.

There was something about you—something far more enigmatic, a blend of wisdom and danger that set you apart.

But it was your eyes that captivated him most.

As those golden orbs landed on him, they shifted, narrowing into sharp, cat-like slits, assessing him with an intensity that made Kurapika's breath hitch.

They were a deep, haunting shade, filled with the weight of centuries, and they seemed to pierce through him, seeing the parts of himself he tried to keep hidden.

In your eyes, he saw a depth of knowledge that surpassed anything he had ever known, and yet there was something else—a loneliness that he understood all too well.

Intrigued and cautious, he stepped forward, his heart steady, his mind sharp.

You watched him approach, your gaze unwavering, your posture regal.

Silence stretched between you, thick with tension and curiosity. You had seen many travelers before him, men who came seeking glory or power, only to fall before your riddles, their bones now part of the island's forgotten past.

But this one was different. He moved with purpose, not arrogance, his eyes holding a quiet determination that piqued your interest.

Your voice broke the silence, echoing through the empty landscape, carrying with it the weight of ages. "Young man, why do you seek me?"

Kurapika paused, considering his words carefully. "I seek answers," he said, his voice steady. "Answers to questions I cannot yet name. I seek something beyond vengeance. Perhaps you can help me find it."

A small smile tugged at your lips—cryptic, almost amused. "Answers come at a cost," you replied. "And only those who prove themselves worthy may proceed."

Without another word, you issued him a riddle, your voice carrying an authority that demanded his attention.

"Boundless am I, beginningless and endless, forever yet never the same. I am the river that flows and the sky that fades; I am possessed by none, yet present in all. What am I?"

The riddle was complex, woven with layers of meaning that had confounded countless before him. You half-expected him to falter, to hesitate as so many others had.

But he didn't.

Kurapika listened, his eyes never leaving yours, his mind dissecting each word, each nuance. His answer came calmly, confidently, his voice unwavering even in the face of your sharp claws and powerful presence. "Time," he said, as though the riddle was a mere puzzle, a challenge he was born to solve.

For the first time in a century, someone answered correctly.

Surprise flickered in your gaze, quickly masked by your stoic demeanor.

You studied him, this young man who had dared to approach you, who had not flinched under your scrutiny. There was something about him—an emptiness, a need that mirrored your own.

You had been bound to this place for so long, your existence woven into the riddle game, your only connection to others through the trials they failed. But this one had succeeded, and by the ancient rules, he had earned a boon.

"What is your request?" you asked, your voice softer now, curious.

Kurapika thought for a moment, his eyes drifting to the temple behind you, then to the sands around your feet. "For my boon, I wish to stay here," he said finally. "To rest beside you, under the stars, and awaken unharmed. Just for a night."

Your breath caught, an unfamiliar feeling tingling down your spine. The request took you by surprise.

It was such a simple one.

Men usually asked for riches, power, or freedom. But to simply… sleep by your side?

Against your better judgment, you found yourself agreeing. Slowly, you nodded, granting him this boon.

"Very well," you said, gesturing to the smooth sand near the temple steps. "You may rest here tonight, beside me. But know this, wanderer—come dawn, the the wheel of fate turns once more and the ritual will begin anew."

Kurapika nodded, a faint smile touching his lips.

As the two of you lay down, he moved closer, settling down on the warm sands beside you, the night sky stretching endlessly above. The stars blinked into existence, one by one, as silence fell over the island once more.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, you felt something shift—a connection, fragile yet real, formed between two lost souls seeking solace.

As the night deepened, you watched him, the quiet resolve in his features, the way his eyes softened as he gazed up at the stars.

The silvery light of the stars reflected in his gray eyes, making them seem almost ethereal, as if the heavens themselves had taken refuge within him. A slight, warm breeze rustled through the air, catching in his blonde hair and ruffling it gently, giving him an almost boyish charm.

As he drifted toward sleep, you kept a close watch, noting the softened lines of his face, how the quiet moments seemed to ease the burdens he carried. His breathing slowed, the tension in his shoulders melting away.

There was a peace in the silence between you, a sense that perhaps, in this fleeting moment, neither of you was truly alone.

But you stayed awake, keeping watch, your mind racing with questions. What kind of man asks a creature like you for something so simple, so intimate? Why didn't he fear you, not even a little?

As dawn crept over the horizon, he stirred beside you, stretching slightly before his eyes blinked open, sleepy but clear.

When he saw you watching him, he didn’t startle or flinch. Instead, he smiled—a small, weary smile that tugged at something deep in your chest.

"Thank you," he said, as if he hadn't just put his life in your hands.

You narrowed your eyes, leaning closer. "Why aren't you afraid of me?"

He paused, thinking over his answer. "I've met monsters before," he said quietly. "I've even become one, in a way. But I don't see a monster when I look at you."

A flicker of irritation sparked within you, though it was dulled by something softer. "You don't know what I am capable of," you warned, voice low.

He only tilted his head. "Maybe not. But I'd like to find out."

And so was the beginning of something neither of you could yet name—a bond forged in riddles, silence, and the unspoken understanding of what it meant to be lost.

Each day, Kurapika worked tirelessly, studying the clues you left behind, learning the nuances of your mind through each challenge in your riddles, each more complex than the last.

Each evening, as the sun set and bathed the island in a warm, golden glow, he appeared again at the temple, his determination unwavering. His intelligence and wit kept him alive, his answers keeping him just close enough to be spared as he engaged in a battle of wits with you.

And each night, he solved your riddle with a grace and precision that began to feel almost routine.

Sometimes, he even looked… amused. As if he enjoyed matching wits with you, as if your challenge was something he relished rather than feared.

You were unused to companionship, your existence long defined by solitude and duty. Yet you found yourself anticipating Kurapika's arrival each day.

You began crafting riddles with a new purpose—not simply to guard, but to challenge him in a way that would make him think, to make him understand you. You dug into old tomes, dusted off forgotten phrases, anything to see if you could stump him.

"I am born of light, yet fear its touch. I dance on water, yet drown in its embrace. I am the silent whisper, the unspoken thought. I am the dream, the hope, the despair. What am I?"

"A shadow."

And yet, time and time again, he would answer correctly, and each time, he seemed to edge closer to you—not physically, but in a way that felt far more profound.

Slowly, you allowed him into your world, seeing in him a spirit kindred to your own.

Nights became more intimate, and not simply because he rested beside you. As the stars blinked into existence above, he would sit by your side and speak of his past—of his clan, his grief, the hollow emptiness that followed his revenge.

You listened, silently absorbing each word, drawn to the depth of his pain and the resilience that had brought him here. You saw the weariness in his eyes, the way they sometimes stared at nothing, as if the world held no color for him anymore.

In return, you began to share cryptic stories of ancient times, tales woven with wisdom and longing, fragments of yourself that had remained hidden for centuries.

Your voice, though calm, carried a weight that Kurapika seemed to understand instinctively. He saw through your cold facade, sensing a deep loneliness that mirrored his own.

And so, night after night, the two of you spoke, your conversations shifting from the guarded tension of strangers to the shared musings of two souls seeking meaning.

You spoke of life, of death, of purpose, and in those moments, you realized how much you had missed the simple act of talking, of connecting.

Your dynamic shifted from hostility to mutual respect, and then to something deeper.

The more time he spent with you, the more he began to see you as something beyond a “monster.” He saw you as a being who was as trapped as he was—bound by duty, by the need to protect something, even if it came at the cost of isolation.

The nights spent under the stars became something precious. You both developed a quiet, profound romance—one that transcended physicality, one that was born out of the fragments of yourselves that you shared with each other.

Now, as he rested beside you, he no longer simply lay in the sand, separate from you. Instead, he was practically nestled against your side, his head resting on your flank, his fingers sometimes absently tracing patterns in your fur as if you were a mere cat.

It was a sight that would have been inconceivable to you not long ago—someone finding comfort in your presence, in the warmth of your body. And yet, there was a peace that settled over both of you in those quiet hours, a comfort that neither of you had known in far too long.

Though, despite your growing bond with Kurapika, you were still bound by your nature to defend your territory from outsiders.

When other travelers occasionally arrived, driven by greed or ignorance, they foolishly attempted your riddles. And when they failed—as they always did—you showed no mercy.

You devoured them with the ferocity of a true predator; the golden sands stained a deep crimson with the aftermath of their foolishness, soaking into the sand until the ground seemed to pulse with the memory of their folly.

But instead of recoiling in horror, Kurapika watched silently, his gaze calm and understanding. He never turned away, never judged you for fulfilling your duty.

Instead, he would place a gentle hand on your hide, his touch soothing as you carried out what you must, a silent guardian beside you.

This side of him fascinated you—the way he accepted you, both the monstrous and compassionate facets of your being.

There was a shared acknowledgment between the two of you—an understanding that you were a creature bound by your instincts and duties, and he was unfazed.

To him, you were not simply a monster, but something more, something deserving of compassion and acceptance.

Together, you formed a duo unlike any other—a pair, a bond between a man who understood darkness and a creature who embodied it.

Time passed as if in a dream.

Kurapika came back, night after night, even as the seasons changed. You watched his hair grow lighter, faint threads of silver weaving through the golden strands. His face, once so sharp and intense, softened with age.

The lines that creased his brow told stories of battles fought and challenges faced, but in the quiet moments with you, those lines seemed to ease.

The way he answered your riddles, too, became more thoughtful, less sharp-edged, though he still never faltered. His intelligence remained, tempered now with the wisdom of age rather than the fire of revenge.

One night, after he'd answered another riddle and claimed his boon by your side, you saw him hesitate, his brows furrowing, lips parting as if he was searching for the right words.

His eyes lingered on you, and there was a sadness in them that you’d never seen before. "Do you ever wish… for a different life?" he asked suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper.

You turned away, not wanting him to see the flicker of longing in your own eyes. "A Sphinx does not wish. A Sphinx exists. That is all," you replied, your voice steady, but there was a tremor beneath the surface, a crack in the armor you had worn for so long.

He didn't respond right away, but you felt his gaze on you, warm and understanding in a way that made your chest ache. "Even monsters can wish for more," he whispered, as if confessing a secret.

The silence between you was heavy, filled with unspoken words and shared pain. You knew that he understood your longing, just as you understood his.

Though you had tried to keep your heart distant, you found yourself more attached with each passing night, each shared breath under the vast expanse of stars.

As the years passed, you noticed his struggle. His occasional lapse in memory, the way he would pause, his brow furrowed as he searched for a name that seemed just out of reach.

The way his body moved slower, the once fluid grace of his steps now tinged with hesitation.

You realized you were growing attached, and in your quiet moments, you wrestled with the strange pull he had over you, your love for him subtly guiding you to keep him close.

The realization was both terrifying and beautiful—a feeling you hadn’t expected to know.

In response, you modified your riddles, the challenges that had once been a fierce contest of intellect slowly transforming into something softer.

You wanted him to succeed, to stay by your side.

You crafted simpler riddles, designed to fit his weakening mind, riddles that spoke more of memory and heart than of cleverness. They took on a painful simplicity: "Do you remember who I am?" and "When is it not sunny out?"

You watched him wrestle with these questions, a tragic yet beautiful contrast to the man he once was.

His eyes, still filled with determination, would meet yours, and he would smile—a gentle, tired smile—as he answered.

You treasured his presence, savoring each answer, each memory shared, knowing that time was slipping away. The silver in his hair grew more prominent, his steps slower, but still, he came to you, night after night, until even the simple act of walking to the temple steps became a laborious task.

One night, as he rested against your side, his head nestled against your golden fur, you lowered your head, nuzzling him softly.

He looked up at you, his gaze tired but content, and whispered, "Thank you... for keeping me." His words were filled with gratitude, a warmth that spread through your chest, and you knew, in that moment, that you would never forget him.

Even as the inevitability of time loomed, you stayed by his side, guarding not only the temple but also the fragile, precious connection you had built.

He was no longer just a challenger, no longer just a man seeking answers—he was Kurapika, the one who had seen you for who you truly were, who had brought warmth and meaning to your existence.

One night, you posed a riddle, your voice as steady as ever: "I know not life, yet I bloom and spread; I am sightless, yet your darkest hour, I shall guide you to light. What am I?"

His answer faltered. His eyes, now clouded with age, stared at you, his once steady voice weak and trembling as he began to speak. "I... I think..." He paused, blinking, his brows furrowing in concentration, trying to grasp the answer that seemed just out of reach.

His body had grown frail, his hands unsteady, and he blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find the words that had always come so effortlessly before.

You could see the confusion in his gaze, a flicker of fear that he had never shown before—a fear not of you, but of the inevitable weakness that was overtaking him.

Your heart pounded, an unfamiliar rhythm that resonated with something deep and instinctual, your animalistic side recognizing this as a cue—the beginning of the end.

A pang of sorrow cut through you, sharp and deep, as you sensed the end drawing near.

You hesitated, torn between your duty as a guardian and the emotions that had grown within you, emotions you had never imagined you were capable of.

The silence stretched between you that night, heavy with the weight of what was left unsaid, and you pondered, thinking up a riddle so simple that he could answer it even in his sleep.

Something that would remind him, and perhaps even you, of the bond you had shared.

"What is your name?" you finally asked, your voice barely above a whisper, carrying the tenderness of the years you had spent together.

Kurapika blinked, and then his eyes softened, recognition flickering back into their cloudy depths. A faint smile curved his lips, tired and gentle. "Kurapika," he answered, his voice cracking, the sound almost lost in the stillness of the night.

He lay down beside you, his body settling into the warm sands, and as his breathing slowed, he reached out, his hand curling into your golden fur. You felt his fingers tighten slightly, a silent reassurance, and you lowered your head, resting it beside him.

You curled your body around him protectively, your tail wrapping gently over his legs, holding him close as if shielding him from the inevitable. The warmth of your form surrounded him, a final comfort as he drifted into the stillness of sleep.

You stayed with him, your gaze fixed on his face, watching as the life slowly faded from his eyes, his final breath a soft sigh against your skin.

The night seemed to hold its breath, the stars above flickering like distant memories, and when the sun finally began to rise, you held his body close, feeling the weight of solitude return, colder and heavier than ever.

You stayed by his side, the warmth of him slipping away, replaced by the coldness of death.

It was a pain you hadn't known was possible for a creature like you—raw, deep, and unending. And when the sun rose fully above the horizon, bathing the island in its golden light, you knew what you had to do.

In a macabre but loving ritual, you devoured him piece by piece as a way of keeping him close forever. Each bite was filled with sorrow, each fragment of him a reminder of what you had shared.

You would honor him, keep his bones, bleach them under the sun until they were as pale as the sands, and decorate yourself with them.

His ribs became part of your mane, his finger bones woven into the braids of your hair, a token of the only man who ever dared to love the monster.

Days came and went, the seasons changing once again, but you felt the emptiness like a hollow ache, a void that nothing else could fill.

The silence was unbearable, the absence of his presence echoing through the temple, through your very soul.

Beneath the temple's golden arches, you remained, gaze fixed upon the endless horizon. You waited, as you always would, watching for any soul who might bear even a glimmer of the quiet strength and resolve he had shown you.

And even though you knew he would not return, even though you had consumed his body and held his memory within you, a part of you still hoped.

Hoped for the impossible, for a presence that could bring warmth to the cold emptiness left behind.

Because as a wise person once told you, monsters, after all, could still wish.

[evilkaeya]

Sai!! what are YOUR ada chuuya hcs?

Ohh this is going to be a long post so hold tight. Here are some of my hcs on ada chuuya based on asgr's idea (chuuya deflects with dazai)

> When they first join, they refuse to be partnered with anyone else in the agency. Despite claiming to hate each other it's clear that they share an unbreakable trust. They're not really inseparable, but they're always in each other's orbit. Both have a wall built around themselves but are also confined within a wall together, haunted by a past they share.

> Every mission they're sent to ends in success but with a cost of some destruction and agency money. Fukuzawa let's them be.

> Ranpo is the one Chuuya is most wary of at first. He's a genius on an equal footing of Dazai, if not a step ahead of him. Ranpo seemed to know too much and Chuuya hates it. Until the detective tells him, "People are built of both truths and lies, you know. I can tell both, but it's up to you how you're going to build yourself, and there isn't much to see for me beyond that." Chuuya held onto those words, feeling like he was truly given a chance to find himself, for himself and not for any greater purpose for the first time.

> His first Dazai less mission is with Ranpo, and he's amazed by the detective's ability. Even more amazed by how unprofessional he is, almost to a disrespectful extent. It's a bit like Dazai, but Ranpo doesn’t wear a mask like the other guy.

> So they both learn to trust, bit by bit, and settle right in. Fast forward to a few months later, Chuuya works with Ranpo and Dazai with Kunikida.

> When Atsushi joins, Chuuya is immediately reminded of Akutagawa and how Dazai had treated him. Part of him fears the history to repeat itself, but it doesn't. Dazai takes the kid under his wing and guides him in his own Dazai way, but it's unlike how it was in port mafia. Dazai has changed, and so has he. Maybe they aren't too gone to be saved.

The ghost of the past is still there, but it's not haunting them anymore. It's simply watching from the sideline, fading, as if saying goodbye.

> Chuuya keeps a framed picture of the flags on his desk.

> The girls are very curious about Chuuya's hair care routine, especially Naomi. He's also good at hairstyling and styles Kyouka and Naomi's hair sometimes. Needless to say, he's invited to girls' sleepovers.

> Chuuya is like a big brother to Kenji. They compete on strength, like who can hold the most stuff with one hand and all that. Dazai nullifies his ability mid competition one time, and Chuuya throws him out of the window.

> Kunikida and Chuuya don't get along at first, but they sort of become best friends eventually. One time Kunikida comes back after a mission with Dazai and starts shaking Chuuya.

"How. How did you do it for so long? How did you not go insane?" Chuuya laughs.

> Chuuya is very caring. No matter how much effort he puts into being subtle about it, it's obvious to everyone. He leaves energy drinks on people's desks, carries heat packs with him in winter in case someone needs one, and makes sure everyone has breakfast. The ADA is his family now, he's going to treasure them with everything he has.

> Chuuya stops by Dazai's desk one day and simply says, "Osamu," (cue Dazai snapping out of his doze and nearly hitting his chin on the desk) "thanks, for not leaving me behind." And he fucking leaves, bolts away almost, face hidden by hair but Dazai can tell he's trying to hide tears. But that aside, he still hasn't gotten over Chuuya calling him by first name.

("Ne Dazai, can you stop smiling by yourself like that? It's creeping me out." "Ranpo san, I think I'm in love with Chuuya." "Congrats, you're the last person in the agency to figure it out.")

[anthracite-writes]

Obey Me! One-shot; Eternally By My Side

Diavolo X GN! Reader || SFW || CW // TW: mild angst and topics about mortality and death [not directly talked about but skimmed over] - General Summary: You've always treated Diavolo like every other demon despite being a human [sorcerer-in-training] and the future demon king pulls you aside to spend time with you after school by asking a favour from you - but there was more instore for the night with the prince ahead of you.

"Y/N! Wait up!" You hear the familiar voice of the echo throughout the academy's courtyard as you leave for the day after a very long RAD school officer meeting. You turned around and saw the future demon king walking in your direction with his usual smile on his face, his sharp canine teeth visible. "Ah, Y/N. How are you? I've missed you." "Lord Diavolo, hey... Long time, no talk." you greet the tall auburn red-headed male, looking up at him to meet his eyes. "Where's Barbatos? He's usually by your side almost all the time." Diavolo let out a soft chuckle with your words, "I've let Barbatos take the day off for the rest of the day. He's currently away on a leisure trip in the human world. And please, call me just Diavolo - there's no need for formalities. We are friends" He said with a warm smile on his lips. You couldn't help but just smile from Diavolo's usual calm and friendly demeanour. "Is there anything you need from me?" You asked, "I'm sure I've already given in my exchange student report for the week" "I wanted to ask you a favour of you, you aren't too busy, right?" Staying quiet as you tried to recall if anything important was happening in the House of Lamentation with the 7 demon brothers. "No, not busy. What can I help you with?" "How about you come over to the castle tonight, I was hoping you can cook me traditional human world food." Diavolo said with a warm smile, his words taking you back.

'Diavolo wishes for me to cook for him..?' You think to yourself as you process the situation, "O-oh? Why the sudden request? Maybe one of your servants is more suited for the job and all."

The tanned demon tilted his head in thought as he placed his hands on his hips, "Hmmm... I’ve just been craving human world food lately since my last visit, and it's true that one of my workers are more suited to the task of making me something for dinner but... "I think having you being a human from the human world would bring the authentically to what I crave, therefore putting my cravings to ease."

You were hesitant to accept such a favour and task. This isn't one of the brothers you were facing, this was Diavolo himself. With a shaky breath you finally spoke, "Fine. I'll be more than happy to cook for you." You white lied.

You began walking by the tall male's side, leaving the school grounds and walking towards the streets of the shopping district, "Though, I want to stop by the grocery if that's okay. I don't want to mess with the inventory of your castle's kitchen."

"I don't mind that at all, Y/N." Diavolo said, "Lead the way."

~~~

The two of you walked in silence for a bit, Diavolo looking around in wonder and fascination - finally not restricted to a path and not surrounded by his royal guards or having Barbatos by his side.

"You know, I'm curious about something." the Demon started, looking down at the human by his side, “Have… I ever intimidated you by any chance or even, how have I ever intimidated you? You’ve always seemed so calm and close to me since your first arrival in the Devildom. “You can be honest with me, you know? I won’t get mad over your answer, I promise.” You hesitated a bit to speak till a soft smile crept up upon your lips as you reminisce the memories that gave instant nostalgia , “Honestly, you have and still intimidate me” you say though a chuckle.

Diavolo raised his eyebrows in surprise yet intrigued, “Oh? And what reason would that be? I would like to hear it, I promised I won’t be mad about your answer.” A wave of silence filled the air as he eagerly waited for your response, watching you at the corner of his eye as you rubbed your neck.

“You’re like… Basically a six foot five or even seven foot tall demon. That’s already as intimidating when I’m practically a much shorter human. Even if you don’t have your horns and wings out and just showing off your demonic form - your height alone is quite scary.” You chuckled.

Your words made his eyes widen slightly in surprise, taken back by your words but taking his every syllable of your words. “Yes, I suppose I am quite the tall demon, even in my humanoid form, So…” he began, “You… you’re not intimidated by my rank within the Devildom, or my power?” You shook your head, “Not really? I get that you’re a nobel being heir to the throne after the Demon King and all, but…” you trail off in your thoughts before continuing to speak. “I still remember you brought me down here for the first year of the Three-World Exchange Student program, despite knowing your status, I still kinda resisted you and told you I wanted to go home to the human world - I even accused you of kidnapping me.

“So, safe to say - I’m not worried about your rank or power.”

Diavolo laughed as you brought up the memory, looking down at you with a smile, “Ah yes. I remember that day quite fondly, the look on Lucifer’s face when you were telling me off was quite amusing.” he reminisced with you, noticing the two of you were approaching one of the many groceries in the town. “Is this one good? Do you want to go here?” He asked with a soft smile, pointing over at the grocery.

You look at the store the prince pointed out to you, “Yeah, this one is fine… but, are you sure you want to come with me inside? I mean, I don’t want you to have unnecessary attention or anything of the sort.”

“Oh, I’m not worried about the attention,” Diavolo said through a soft chuckle. “Besides, being out in public like this might make it fun, it’s filled with new experiences I wouldn’t get if I was under supervision, even if it’s just for this evening.”

“I never ask,” You said as you walked into the grocery, Diavolo in close pursuit. “What exactly are you craving from the human world?”

“Oh, I found something called ‘Drive-thru’ food. I saw it’s quite popular with humans. We have it in the Devildom food, but I’m just curious about the human variation of what we have down here.” He said with a smile, watching you pick up one of the baskets offered by the store to carry around the ingredients .

You let out a soft chuckle, “You mean fast food, right?” you corrected him as you two slowly walked through the produce and perishable food section of the store, trying to ignore the prying eyes of the lesser demons gawking at the two of you - but mostly at Diavolo’s presence among them.

“Ah yes, that’s what I mean.” the prince said with a grin.

“I think I can do that, is there anything you had in mind?” you asked, “The prompt of Fast food is kinda broad. In the human world, there’s quite a few fast food chains that serve pretty much anything you're craving for at almost any time of the day.” you continued, enlightening your demon prince friend on the topic that took his fancy.

“What about burgers? Those seem to be popular choices among humans, especially as a quick source of sustenance.” Diavolo mumbled, covering his mouth slightly as he thought, “I often see it paired with fries so, maybe that too…”

“Isn’t Barbatos going to scold you for having this kind of food? Are you just using me to have something unhealthy to eat?” You couldn’t help but question his choices, looking at some vegetables as Diavolo towered over you, standing by your side.

“Well, Barbatos isn’t here right now,” He said with a playful smile on his lips, completely avoid your second question,“Besides, he won’t know if we never tell him, right?”

“He’s going to find out eventually.” You countered, chuckling at your own words as you examined every ingredient to ensure it’s in the best quality before moving onto the next, Diavolo following you diligently with every step you took.

“Well, he won’t know right away if we don’t tell him.”

“We, Dia? You’re gonna rope me into this” You looked up at him with a blank stare only to be met back with sunshine yellow eyes as he gave you that pouty look a young child would give their parents to get their way. You tried to fight it but gave up with a sigh escaping your lips, “Fine, Diavolo. I won’t snitch on you on Barbatos.”

Diavolo’s pout slowly curled into a proud smile, happy he’s gotten his way with one once more.

~~~

You assemble the dish with shaky hands, trying to make it as presentable as possible as your thoughts and worries about what you cooked run wild in your head. It’s not like you were bad at cooking, you can at least cook something that was edible - but you weren’t as good as the Royal Butler who was always by Diavolo’s side every waking second of the day. As you shakily transferred the fries from the draining rack to the plate beside the burger you spent a bit too long on so it looked good.

“Wow, Y/N! That looks absolutely delicious” You heard a voice call out in its usual chipper voice. “It’s perfect! You made it look even better than the ones I’ve seen before.”

Your attention snapped from the meal in front of you to the demon towering over you. “Diavolo! You fully know that you of all people are not allowed in here.” You said with panic in your tone, your anxiety starting to peek through. You gently turn Diavolo around, placing a gentle hand on his back as you escorted his to the doors he came in from, “You are aware that I’m basically responsible for you and your actions tonight right? Barbatos will kill me if he knew you were in here, and under my supervision. Well, not exactly ‘kill’ kill me - but he’d probably shove me into a time void if he could without messing up the timelines!” You hissed, Diavolo laughing as you two walked through the push doors of the kitchen and into the hallway of the castle.

“Then I’ll be sure not to tell Barbatos, it will be our secret.” Diavolo said with a content sigh, turning around and looking at you with caring eyes. “I just finished the majority of my paperwork that was left in my study before Barbatos left for the day. I just wanted to see how you were doing and I have to say - you did a fantastic job with preparing my meal for this evening.” He said with a chuckle, his golden eyes reading your facial expression, “It just… seems you're nervous but I want you to relax a bit. I understand your anxiety, but I am not here to judge you.”

You let out a sigh as you run one hand through your hair, pushing it back, and the other hand on your hip as you look for the words to say, looking at the closed door of the kitchen. “I’m just anxious about satisfying you with what I made for you. No, more than just satisfy you with this meal” you confessed,

“Cooking for the brothers back in the House of Lamentation isn’t no where near the same expectation level as cooking for you; the future king of the Devildom. I’m nowhere near Barbatos’ level of professionalism and skill that he has alone.”

Diavolo lets out a laugh, “You don’t need to worry about me or this meal, I promise I’m not a picky eater. I’m sure I’ll be satisfied with what I’ve requested to eat. Sure, Barabots could have made this meal - but I’d rather have someone who’s familiar with human world cuisine like you make it.” “I wouldn’t call it actual human world cuisine…” You said with a slight chuckle, feeling more at ease with what Diavolo is saying.

The demon lets out another laugh at your comment, “What I’m trying to say is that, as long as you put in the effort and I can tell it was made with tons of love in it, I’m sure to enjoy it. You don’t need to put so much pressure for perfection on yourself. I just want to have a nice dinner with you is all.”

You let the words sink in before nodding, turning to go back into the kitchen, “okay… Well, I’ll just finish preparing my plate. Can you just wait in the dining hall for me? Please?”

With a smile, Diavolo obliged with your request without protesting, walking down the hall to where you asked him to wait. He looked forward to finally having a meal with you, just the two of you. “Alright, Y/N… Just remember not to stress yourself too much, it’s not an extravagant meal I’m asking from you, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”

~~~

You laid the plate in front of Diavolo spot where he sat at the head of the long table before placing yours down in a spot near him, taking a seat and beginning to eat your share of food. Diavolo watched you, making you slowly look up at the young lord with a puzzled look.

“Uhhh… is there something wrong with your food? I promise there’s no pickles, I know you don’t like those. You saw me, I didn't even look at pickles in the grocery.” You asked, Diavolo snapping out of his zoned out state.

“Hm? Oh, no. I just wanted to say this looks magnificent. I was admiring your work.” Diavolo smiled, “May I have permission to eat?” You let out a soft chuckle at Diavolo’s words, “you don’t have to ask me, I’m not one of your workers or anything. Go right ahead, sorry again for keeping you waiting.”

Diavolo’s eyes glimmered with excitement at you before looking down at the meal before him, picking up the homemade burger and taking a bite, his eyes widening with delight. “This is absolutely wonderful, Y/N! I knew having a human cooking food from the human world would make it taste better.” He said after swallowing the food in his mouth.

“Can I eat the fries too?” He asked, looking at you with bright eyes.

You couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh at his words, “Dia, you don’t have to ask me.” You repeat yourself, gently patting your lips with the cloth napkin as you spoke, “I won’t restrict you from eating what I made for you. I want you to enjoy this meal we’re having to the fullest.”

Diavolo lets out a soft chuckle before putting the burger down on his plate gently so it wouldn’t fall apart, “Oh my, I…” He started, seeming to be lost for words from your statements, “The way you said that, you make it like it’s such a normal thing to say. Yet it’s such a shock for me… I… Thank you” He said with a smile, picking up a fry and taking a bite of it, “You cooked these so well too! They’re perfectly salted and crispy” He said with pure wonder, earning a laugh from you as he flattered your cooking skills.

~~~

It was an hour since you two were done eating, you’ve taken care of washing the dishes and cooking ware in the kitchen. The two of you were walking around the castle grounds under the moonlight of the eternal night of the Devildom, talking about whatever as if you were long-time friends. As your laughter settled, Diavolo looked around the area as he got lost in his thoughts,

“You know, Y/N… this is the first time I’ve had such a meal and spent my time outside of the palace like this in such a long time.” He started, walking by your side, “Not having a royal guard or Barbatos to accompany me when I was out in the town or just outside in general to detail me… or restricting me to eating current things on my plate at current times…” He said with a warm smile on his lips, “I’m glad to be doing this with you tonight, you’ve always been someone who I’ve found to easily get along with…”

His kind words made your lips curl slightly into a soft smile, “Well, you’ve been sheltered all your life, always praised at the prince and future king of the Devilsom so I understand why you are always under some kind of supervision… I’m glad to let you experience such stuff, guess I kinda make you feel like any other demon, huh?”

Diavolo let out a laugh at your words, “Ah yes, being part of the royal bloodline of the Devildom hierarchy, so I lived a quiet restricted life. The people of the palace and in the Devildom as a whole, treat me in high regards and respect mostly out of fear of facing punishments or consequences for treating me like I was like anyone else.

“I guess that’s why I’m so glad when we spend time with you… You don’t treat me any differently than anyone else I’ve seen you interact with. It’s just comfortable.”

“Well, I’m glad you feel that way, I think it’s because I’m a human. Well, sorcerer-in-training now.” You said with a soft smile.

“Well, I’m glad you treat me in such a way, I simply wish to be seen as an equal to everyone rather than just narrowing it down to just my royal status.” Diavolo stepped ahead of you before standing in your path, making you stop in your tracks, taking your hands in his, “You are… so much more than just a human to me.”

His actions and words made you freeze. You look up at him with slight confusion, “What do you mean by that Dia…?”

Diavolo’s expression softened with a caring smile, “I mean… to me, you’re more than just another human. You’re my friend… and my only genuine friend at that, not caring for my status and seeing me as the demon I am. Not treating me with the formalities everyone else does who is aware of my title. You’ve always treated me so well and so… normal, I appreciate it.”

You let out a soft chuckle, holding his hands back in a caring manner, “Well, I’m honoured to be that friend for you, Dia. You’re a great guy and I know you’d make such a great king.” You say softly, your eyes meeting his, Diavolo’s eyes filled with affection for you. “... even if I won’t be around for the day you do get crowned.”

A smile spread across Diavolo’s face before letting out a laugh, “You know, I hope you are around when I get crowned into the spot of King, I wish not to assume the position without my closest friend by my side.” He said, gently letting go of our hand and placing his free hand on your cheek, “On the topic of my crowning… It may be a bit presumptuous of me to say this, but I want you to join the Devildom’s Royal Court upon my coronation in the future as part of the council with the brothers.

“Imagine, having you; a human, in the Royal Court. Yes,it would be good to bring unity to the three worlds but having you by my side in my reign of the Devildom every step of the way would be pure bliss and keep me motivated to be a good ruler.”

You stare at his star-struck by his words, you bit your lip, hesitant to speak not wanting to crush his hopes. “Diavolo…” You started, your hands slipping out of his and falling limp on your sides, “I’m not like Solomon… I’m just a regular human.” You say with deep sadness in your eyes, your smile becoming one of melancholy “Don’t get me wrong, it’s such an honour to have you offer such a role to me. Being part of your Court alongside the brothers and Barbatos but… You know all too well that my lifespan is much shorter than yours. I fear that I won’t be around by the time the crown is passed down to you.” You hung your head, as you spoke, not wanting to face Diavolo. You couldn’t bear to see what his reaction was to your reality check.

You heard Diavolo sigh softly, feeling him place both of his hands on your shoulders, “Y/N, I know very well how short the human life-span is compared to my own and my brethren. But life is short in general, no matter human or demon. We should dwell on topics like your morality…” He spoke in a soft and comforting tone, “Don’t worry about the far future, both you and I know I’m no where near to being crowned as king as you know. There’s no way of telling what the future holds for the two of us, for both of us know there are multiple timelines with multiple possibilities and outcomes. But, what matters now is what we do now.” He said, taking one of his hands off from your shoulder, tilting your head up so your eyes meet his. “And what I want to do is to ensure you are there when I’m crowned and have you part of my Royal Court.”

Your eyes widen at his last words, getting at what he’s hinting at, “Are… are you suggesting that we tamper with my lifespan? Basically tampering with my candle in the Reaper’s cave?”

Diavolo’s smile grew when you caught on, “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting. Solomon has given me a spell to possibly prolong your life like how he has done with his by accident. Just think about it, we can spend the rest of time together, you and I.” His eyes were filled with hope as he took your hands again in his, your eyes never leaving his as he spoke, “Please… Y/N, I have to try this, even if it won’t work - I need to try. Even if it means breaking a couple rules along the way. I’ll do whatever it will take, including defying my own father and the Reaper’s code, if that means you get to be with me longer, so be it. “I cannot just sit by and ignore the fact you will parish and fade away with time while I go on living, I need you by my side… so please, let me be selfish this one time and at least try this.”

You were taken back at his desperate pleas, his hands holding yours tightly as if you’d slipped away from him suddenly, standing there in silence as the sounds of the Devildom filled the air as you took into account Diavolo’s reasoning. “What about the timelines? Does Barbatos know about this plan of yours? Better yet, does Thirteen know about this?” you questioned, watching the prince’s eyes shine as he realised you’re considering this plan of his.

Diavolo nodded in a feverish manner, a wide smile on his lips, “Yes, Barbatos and Thirteen are aware of my plan, both are on board with his plan… all I need to know is - will you stay by my side, Y/N. Stay with me till the end of time?”

You couldn’t help but smile as the prince in front of you started tearing up, his eyes filled with hope. The thought of spending the rest of time with your best friend, living long enough seeing him become the great ruler you fantasized of him becoming made your eyes well up as well. With a smile, you slip one of your hands out from his grasp and place it on his cheek, his face inches away from you “I agree to stay with you Diavolo, I’ll stay with you till the end. Forever by your side and stand with you in your court.” Diavolo smiled widely, tears of pure rolling down his face before he closed the gasp between you two, his lips pressed up against yours, his hands tightening around yours before parting from your lips. “I promise you, Y/N…” He said with a shaky breath from his excitement, his hands trembling against yours, “I’ll be the king you hope I’ll become… I’ll take good care of you, till the end of our days.”

[thedemoninme141]

A thing of beauty I know, Chapter 4: I'm your demon never leaving,

Warnings: Emotionally confused Wednesday? Saw it in Celine's old posts. Stole the "All the ways, lead to you." from her Blade of Miquella.

Previous chapter- 👈

The girl found in the jungle, mutilated and lifeless, had been one of the suspects she herself had placed on her investigation board: Darcy Emerson. Ironic how whoever she suspects being the monster, often is the victim. Now, all she can do is await further evidence. Weems offered assurance that the police would keep her informed of any developments and that they knew Wednesday's skills in these types of situations. But still, Wednesday does not trust them, She always plans to be one step ahead.

"Wednesday, Principal Weems is calling for you. She's asked to see you in her office. It's definitely about Darcy, there are cops there too", Enid informed as she entered their shared room, "And why aren't you picking up my calls?" Wednesday didn't answer, she just got up and left.

And now Wednesday walked through the hall to Weems's office, finally some evidence to develop her investigation. She took out her phone as she might need to take any pictures of the evidence but struggled to open the camera as she wasn't used to this advanced technology, her Polaroid camera had stopped working. Principal Weems looked up as Wednesday entered, Wednesday noticed the new Sheriff there with another cop.

"Miss Addams, please have a seat," Principal Weems gestured to a chair opposite her desk, Wednesday obliged.

"Wednesday is highly skilled at remembering small details about anyone, I am pretty sure she would recognize what you found Sherrif.

"We've found some minor evidence at the scene," the sheriff spoke up "Including this locket. Darcy's roommate has confirmed it didn't belong to her."

 Wednesday watched as the officer placed the evidence bag containing the locket on the table before her. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar shape. She felt her blood run cold. How... it's in her wardrobe where her important belongings are, the guitar-pick-shaped locket you gave her, even if she broke up with you she kept it close. Sometimes holding it whenever she missed you. How did it get there?

Wednesday couldn't dwell on her thoughts fast as she had to come up with something because obviously, she couldn't tell them it was hers, she already had a "piranha" case from her last school, and the sheriff would doubt her. 

"Miss Addams?" the sheriff's voice cut through her reverie, jolting her back to the present. "Do you recognize this locket?"

"I'm afraid I don't recognize it, " Wednesday replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil roiling within her. 

Principal Weems regarded her with a curious tilt of her head, "That's rather peculiar, considering your reputation for meticulous observation," she remarked, her tone tinged with skepticism. "Nonetheless, we've reached out to the resident guitarist who might be able to shed some light on the matter. She should be joining us shortly."

Resident guitarist... 

"You called me, Miss Weems?" Your voice, tinged with confusion, sent a jolt of shivers through her spine.

As you entered the room, Wednesday felt a surge of panic grips her chest. The last she felt panic like this was when she found out Tyler was the Hyde. But that meant he was the murderer, this time the fingers would be pointed towards her. Her mind raced with apprehension, fearing that you might inadvertently reveal the truth about the locket. She had just lied to the authorities, denying any knowledge of the locket's origin,

As the conversation between you and the sheriff unfolded, Wednesday struggled to focus. She had always been the investigator, the accuser but now, she found herself on the precipice of becoming the main suspect. It was a role she never imagined she would play.

She watched your eyes closely, searching for any sign of recognition or understanding. There was a flicker of something in your gaze perhaps recognition, or maybe just confusion. It was hard to tell amidst the chaos of emotions swirling within her.

"That is a very beautiful locket," you remarked, your voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Unfortunately, they are sold quite often in our concerts. It could be owned by anyone."

Wednesday couldn't help but feel a pang of confusion at your words. Why were you helping her? You knew the truth that the locket belonged to her yet you chose to protect her. It was a gesture of trust that she couldn't quite comprehend.

"Okay, sorry for keeping you both here. You can go now," the Sheriff said, dismissing them.

Without so much as a glance in Wednesday's direction, you turned and made your way out of the room. Wednesday hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with questions and doubts. Did you suspect her? Did you believe she was somehow involved in Darcy's murder?

Wednesday hurried to catch up with you, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she reached your side, she hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice cautious yet tinged with urgency. 

"Y/n," she began, her tone betraying the turmoil swirling within her. "I... I need to ask you something."

You turned to face her, your expression unreadable. "What is it, Wednesday?" you asked, your voice gentle and yet it sounded so guarded, making Wednesday more nervous about what your answer might be. She took a deep breath.

"You knew that was my locket, you gave it to me. So why didn't you tell them the truth? Do you... do you think I had anything to do with what happened to Darcy?" Wednesday blurted out, her words tumbling out in a rush. She couldn't bear the thought of you doubting her, of seeing suspicion cloud your gaze.

"You regarded her for a moment, your eyes searching hers as if trying to decipher the truth hidden within. 

"I don't know what to think, Wednesday," you admitted, your voice tinged with uncertainty.

"You can check my mind, read my memories if you don't believe me." Wednesday offered. 

"I don't have to Wednesday, We've been together enough for me to know this isn't you, I trust you." 

Wednesday felt a mixture of relief and gratitude. Despite the doubts that lingered in the back of her mind, knowing that you believed in her was enough to quell the rising tide of fear within her.

"Thank you," Wednesday murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I appreciate that."

You offered her a reassuring smile and started humming as you walked towards your room. Wednesday stopped in her tracks, her heart fluttering at the familiar sound. It had been so long since she heard you humming like that. Wednesday starts to think, did she really make the choice? Was there any chance she could've changed herself for you? With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly tore herself away and trudged back to her dorm, Enid waiting for her. Her concerned voice broke through her reverie as she entered the room, pulling her back to the present. "Wednesday, are you alright?"

"Go to sleep Enid." Wednesday just took her shoes off and went to bed, Maybe she was just tired, her mind weary from the constant tug-of-war between what she wanted and what she believed she deserved. Or maybe, it was only there, in the realm of slumber, that she could find solace in the imagined embrace of your arms

"Wednesday... stop.. please.." you managed to croak out as Wednesday's hand closed around your throat, lifting your entire body effortlessly. With each passing moment, her grip tightened, squeezing the life from your lungs. Your eyes pleaded for mercy, but they met only the darkness in Wednesday's gaze.

Wednesday's eyes snapped open, and her breath caught in her throat. She found herself in a cold sweat, the echo of your desperate plea ringing in her ears. Gasping for air, she struggled to shake off the terror that clung to her like a suffocating fog. Her room lay silent around her as Enid slept soundly on her side.

She looked at her hands. She could still feel the weight of your body in her hand, the sound of your voice choked with desperation. But why? Why would she ever harm you? She loves...

She sighed, it had to be a nightmare, but why did it feel like one of her visions? She struggled to make sense of this. This must be a nightmare, she would never hurt you, it has to be her own emotions going against her.

Wednesday pushed herself out of bed, her mind already racing with possibilities. She needed answers, and she needed them now.

But how can she get anything now? the crime scene must've been cleared by the police and she now has to find a way to get to the morgue.

"I don't just use my telepathy to chat with people, Wednesday, I can control them, I can drive people to madness, unearth their deepest regrets, their deepest fears. I could destroy them if I wanted to."

No matter how much she tries to get away from you, to keep you out, she always ends up back in the same place: with you. All the ways, lead to you. Next Chapter

[hitomisuzuya]

Scaramouche x fem!reader. Smut. Oral sex in an alleyway. Degradation. Forced love confession. Alcohol use

a/n: I...I lied 😂 Someone I know is gonna find me and force me to sleep. But anyways, @xxventiswindblumexx stirred my brain to life again after I read their delicious Scara smut earlier. It was chef's kiss amazing. I borrowed a little inspiration from it, so some credit goes to them. I hope you don't mind, dear. There is a really dumb joke in this. 😭 I'm only making fun of myself with it.

You were out drinking at a tavern to celebrate another mission complete ahead of schedule. You were engaged in a playful drinking game with Childe. Scaramouche watched you quietly.

"Ha!" You exclaimed, wiping your mouth and smacking your glass onto the table. "You can admit defeat, Childe. It's fine. I won't laugh at you," you slurred slightly, giggling, "much." You added with a smirk.

Childe threw up his hands in defeat. "Okay, girlie. I know when I have been beat. I know you aren't a lightweight. By the way," he said, handing you a folded piece of paper. "Here is the new safe house codes. They reset today, remember."

"Oh, thanks," you took the piece of paper, and unfolded it to read. It said YMCA. You squinted, "Wait...this isn't enough letters, the code is usually four letters..ohh.."

So maybe you were drunker than you thought.

You crumbled up the piece of paper and put it in your pocket, a flush of embarrassment coating your cheeks. "...Whatever, thanks. I need some air," you grumbled, stumbling a little as you moved around Childe.

"Awwww come on, don't go," Childe.slurred, trying to pull you into his lap, "I didn't laugh at you even though the look on your face was hilarious."

"Stop, Childeeeee. I like someone else, remember?" You danced away from his hands.

Scaramouche narrowed his eyes. What you'd just said, that you liked someone made him curious. Romantically? Who was it?!

You'd followed him around like a puppy for months. The first time he told you fuck off and leave him alone, you only cocked your head, and flashed him that stupid gentle smile and said, "Hush, I know you don't mean that. You've been letting me sit with you for hours now. We've been sitting here in a companionable silence for awhile now and I swear I saw you nodding off. You feel comfortable around me, admit it."

He didn't. For months he treated you with the same contempt he would anyone else. But on the inside, you were starting to make him feel things he didn't think were possible. You made his chest tighten like he had a human heart. Once you started saying those kinds of things to him, he eventually silently accepted it and stopped calling you a pest.

Scaramouche remembered the first time he took a lock of your hair between his fingers. "Pretty.." he murmured in a moment of rare weakness. You'd looked away, blushing, "But..your hair color is much prettier than mine..who even likes blondes anyways...we are kind of dumb sometimes..."

He remembered bringing the lock of hair to brush against his lips, he eyes wide with anger at himself for showing weakness in front of a pest like you. He'd ordered you harshly to leave his sight moments after.

When you left the tavern, Scaramouche got up, and headed towards Childe. "Next time you do that, I'll break all of your fingers," he said, serious with his intent.

"Don't worry, I get it," Childe said, "But you know, if you aren't careful, someone else might get there before you." He sounded no longer inebriated. "You are more obvious than you think. At least to me you are."

Scaramouche glared, offended. He brushed off Childe's comment and followed after you out of the tavern. He found you across the street in an alley, resting your head against the wall, your eyes closed as you breathed in the chilly night air.

"Who is it?" The question spilled from his mouth.

"Huh? Oh, Scara, it's you. My equilibrium is a little off, so I couldn't hear you all that well," you replied, massaging the bridge of your nose.

"I said who is it!?" He snapped, smacking a hand on the wall next to your head. He knew it wouldn't take much for you spill who it was.

"Eek, alright, I'll tell you, just gimme some space would you?" You pushed your hand gently against his chest.

He crossed his arms, waiting and glaring.

"You caught me, Scara," you said, blushing as you traced the toe of your shoe through some dirt. "It's you that I like, okay? You don't have to scream at me about it. I would do anything for you."

Scaramouche regarded you coldly for a long moment, making you fidget nervously. "Okay, I'm gonna go, forget this ever happened." You waved at him as you turned to leave. And there it was, that stupid gentle smile of yours.

"Prove it!" he barked forcefully.

"What?" You had to make sure you'd heard him correctly.

"Did I stutter, slut? I said prove it. Prove that you would anything for me. Get down on your knees and prove it!" he was taking the anger and frustration he felt inside himself out on you. "What are you waiting for? Your mouth practically begs me to ruin your throat with my cock everytime you smile in that stupid way."

You stumbled forward, your body moving without thinking and did as he asked. "You just keep those annoying, pretty eyes on me."

Again, you did as you were told. You pumped your hand on his cock once you took it out of his shorts. He groaned when you swirled your tongue around the tip. Taking hold of your fine hair, the color that bewitched him so suddenly, he curled the ends around his fingers a few times, before gripping it tightly.

He thrust harshly into your mouth, making you gag before you started breathing through your nose. "Archons, you are really proving that you are a slut for me. I think deep down, I always knew," he panted quietly as your throat convulsed around his cock.

You tasted precum in the back of your throat. You mewled, never once breaking the tight suction of your mouth on his cock while you sucked, flattening your tongue against the veins that bulged to the surface.

"Fuck you are good at this," he hissed, moving your head to bob as you greedily sucked. "I should've ordered you on your knees a long time ago." When he felt himself about to fill your throat, he pressed your mouth all the way down on his cock. "Now drool and deep throat me like your depends on it. It's not like you haven't thought about doing this since we first met."

He held your head in place as he cummed. You coughed, drool spilling from your mouth onto his thighs as you swallowed, your fingers pawing against his shorts. He yanked you to your feet. Your eyes were hazy with adoration only for him.

"Get up and wipe your mouth. Let's go, it's cold out here and I'm not finished with you yet."

a/n: Whew. Goodnight, everyone. I'm sorry if this was too much. Scaramouche really brings out the absolute worst of me.

[worth-this-and-more]

Sarah Griffiths: a character study because people aren't talking about her enough and im so disappointed yall pt.2

[spoilers for legendborn and bloodmarked, read at your own caution ;)]

in bloodmarked, there isn't much sar moments but towards the end she has a big part in helping bree and proving her loyalty lies with our king.

firstly, her physically shocked reaction to sel being framed as a traitor?? in all seriousness, I would've done the same tho lool the ✨ drama ✨

back to the character study

we know sar is soo in love with tor, but i think this is the moment where sar actually is distancing from tor?? i do believe that after seeing bree being mistreated like that, she definitely started seeing tor as the bitch tor is, or maybe like mildly starting to get annoyed by her, and this moment shows that:

william notices everything oh my gosh i love you will

loving someone so much that you ignore how much they're hurting you, it's not uncommon and sar is trying really hard to support her gf but her gf being such a bitch doesn't help much. also, sar's loyalty to the lines, and her king bree, like my girl was struggling to shut her heart up. it is hurting her and sar my girlie lemme give you a hug

and the most important part:

if sar hadn't stepped in to keep tor away from their scheme, who knows what would've happened to bree. regents are already trying to keep everything in their power, not caring a shit about the lines or the onceborns or the prime purpose of creating this spell of eternity in the first place.

tor has already betrayed them, and sar knew that she would do something like this. i hope this digust follows through to oathbound, because this is a different level of hurt and a strike of realisation that the hand you thought turned to a claw, was really the claw all along.

this might be a breaking point in sar and tor and I am curious to see now how the story progresses this side because now sar is ready to dive headfirst into the first rescuing bree mission she hears of because enow her sole focus is her king, bree, because legendborn is now just basically for regents. sar could be working behind the scenes with the gang?? i do believe that alice and william are gonna be unofficially bonded because yk the coma seems like a spell of eternity mini version, so I think sar felicity greer and all are gonna join in with them?? but I think sar would take some time away and I do hope that she has an important part ahead but lets see, either way I'm in love

i kinda went off track halfway though but nvm yall I'm gonna do more character studies and a theory of oathbound which I'm not sure if it's fully formed yet so I'm gonna need some more time to think it through but nvm thank you for listening to my ted-rant-talk

[teaberrii]

Chapter 5: Secrets Between Us

You've been Cupid for as long as you can remember. You've brought countless soulmates together, yet you've never found love.

When you're assigned to bring two childhood friends back together, it should be simple until you unexpectedly catch feelings for the mysterious and cold Ph.D. student, Dan Heng, the man with a soulmate… the man with answers to your past.

Dan Heng/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on Ao3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

By the time you return to Xianzhou, it's already evening. Walking across campus, you can't stop thinking about what Himeko told you. Regardless, you've made up your mind. You aren't going to shy away, no matter what lies ahead. You've been searching for answers to your past for God knows how long; your efforts will be for nothing if you back out now.

You enter one of the science buildings, where you'll use the walkway on the second floor as a shortcut to the station. You're about to head to the elevator when you see Dan Heng sitting at one of the tables with his laptop open and papers beneath it. His hair looks more tousled than usual, and you can see his concentration starting to wane.

You come up behind him. Then, you lean forward and say, “It’s also important to take breaks.”

Dan Heng turns around, and you stand upright. “...What are you doing here?”

“...Had something I had to do." When you look at the empty seat across from him, he subtly nods for you to sit down. So, as you do, you ask, “Are you working on your research?”

Dan Heng closes his laptop. “...That’s right.” Should you ask if he remembers what happened that night you went for drinks? Then, as if reading your mind, he looks you in the eyes. “I didn’t forget about our conversation the other night.”

“Guess you weren’t as drunk as I thought.”

Then, a ghost of a smile graces his lips. “It’s still my turn.”

“...Fine.” You cross one leg over the other. Then, jokingly, “I guess I have time to humour you.”

“Oh? Is that what it is?” Dan Heng asks with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “I thought you were making time since you approached me first.”

“I think I like you better when you’re drunk.”

A slight smirk tugs at his lips. “Yet, when I was, you said you liked me better than when I was sober.” He leans slightly forward. “So, which is it, Cupid?”

"Neither," you mutter. Though your face is slightly red, unbeknownst to you.

Dan Heng leans back. “...I’d like to know about the sparkle in your eyes. What is it, exactly?”

Well, Gepard knows, so you don't see why you should hide it from Dan Heng. 

"It's something that happens when I look into someone's desires." You're expecting a confused look, a question, or a sarcastic remark you're messing with him. But his slightly curious look doesn't change. "...I saw your desire to find a cure for The Withering the first day we met."

“...Assuming what you said is true, why did you do that? Look into my desires?”

"One question at a time." Dan Heng frowns slightly, which almost makes you chuckle. After a slight pause, you ask, "...What happened at the hospital?"

“...My professor told me they’ve admitted a patient diagnosed with The Withering. So, I went to see them as it would be good for my research.”

You’re expecting a little more, but when Dan Heng remains silent, you ask, "That's it?"

"Looks like you're just as impatient as I am."

“Fine.” You cross your arms. “Have it your way.” You catch that subtle smile, and you frown.

“My question is the same as before. Why are you interested in my desires?”

“...Because I had to know more about you.” When you see Dan Heng raise a brow, you quickly add, “It’s not what you think it is.”

“I’m not thinking anything.”

“Oh, really?” you deadpan.

Then, he smiles. “Your turn.”

“...Do you know this patient?”

Dan Heng exhales softly. “...I do. But, I can’t tell you who it is.”

It’s not like you really need to know who. At least this explains why he’s so down.

“It must be hard,” you say quietly. “...I’m sorry.”

“...It’s why I have to make progress. I know finding a cure is impossible at this stage. But, I have to narrow the gap.”

You think about telling him about what you can do. Will it help? You think back to when you granted a desire to save another person's life. While it happened, it didn't last long. That person eventually died by other means. Dan Heng will probably find a temporary cure if you grant his wish. But… will that really save that person in the long run?

“...Cupid.” You look up and see Dan Heng looking at you. “Something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Then, your tone turns flat. “Let me guess… are you going to ask why I had to know more about you?”

“Close enough. Why me and not Gepard or anyone else?”

“Because I’m here for a job.” Now, you exhale softly. “...But, I can’t tell you what it is.”

“...Only that it involves me?”

You nod. “Don’t worry. I’m not here to murder you.”

“I’d think if you were, you would’ve done so that night.”

“Weelll, I don’t know. Gepard told me you’re into Kendo.” You chuckle. “I might have to be careful of you.”

“...Are you into any sports?”

"I wouldn't call myself athletic, but… I'm not that bad, either. Who knows? Maybe I'll take up Kendo and kick your butt."

A slight smirk tugs at his lips. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Perhaps.”

“I hope you won’t regret it.”

“...Doesn't this mean you need a teacher?”

You blink once. Twice. Is he recommending someone? Or…

“I… suppose.” Then, jokingly, “Don’t tell me you’re helping the enemy.”

“...I can teach you.”

“Now I’m sure you’re out to sabotage me.”

Dan Heng crosses one leg over the other. “You admitted that you’re here because of a job that involves me. Who’s the one that should be nervous?”

“So, you’re planning on keeping an eye on me?”

You catch his small smile. “Make of it as you will.” Then, after a short pause, he asks, “...Do you have any more questions?”

It’s a stretch, but you thought you’d ask. “Do you know someone named Young?”

“No. Why?”

“...Just curious.”

“Is he someone you know?”

“...Good question,” you say quietly. “Anyway, don’t worry about it.” You take out your phone and glance at the time. “It’s getting late. Are you heading home?” When he stays silent, you frown. “Don’t tell me you’re going to stay overnight.”

“I guess Gepard’s been keeping you updated."

"...He's worried about you. When I talked to March the other day, she was also worried. And…" When Dan Heng looks you in the eyes, you look away. "...It is a little worrisome."

“Are you worried?”

“Gosh, I don’t know, Dan Heng. We’re friends, and you’ve been staying overnight at campus with… what? Just a laptop?”

“...I know of a comfortable place to sleep if that’s any reassurance.”

“You know what I mean,” you deadpan. Then, your tone relaxes. “I know you’ve been working on your research, but it’s important to take care of yourself, too.”

Then, your phone buzzes with a message.

Pom: DINNER IS READYY

And then there's a picture of a few dishes on the table… along with Pom, who has his arms spread out and looks proud of his work. Wait a minute. Who's the one taking the photo?

You see Dan Heng take out his phone. Then, he glances at you. “...Looks like Gepard’s with Pom.”

Your phone buzzes again.

Pom: Group dinner date! See if you can get Dan Heng to come over 😀

You show the message to him. “Are you really going to say no to Pom?”

Dan Heng looks at you. “...Guess I don’t have a choice.”

“Good. I don’t know how good his cooking is, so I need someone to potentially suffer with me.”

Dan Heng slips his laptop inside his bag. “Gepard isn’t enough?”

“You’d come looking for him if he went missing,” you joke as you and Dan Heng leave the school building.

“Right. The first person I’d come find is you.”

“Why me?”

“...I’d think I could get more out of you than Pom.”

“Well, that’s where you’re wrong.”

Dan Heng suddenly walks and stops in front of you. You almost bump into him, but then you slowly look up and see him staring at you. Then, he leans down to be on eye level with you.

“Am I?”

He's close enough that you notice a faint scar underneath his eye. But then, you meet his gaze, and you can't look away, and that's when you suddenly his eyes flash a sudden pale green…

“...You can’t be friends with their kind.”

You couldn’t see the person you were talking to, but from the deep voice, you assume it was a man.

“He’s not a bad person,” you said.

“He’s not a person,” the mysterious man spat. “He’s not one of us.”

“But—”

“...I’m doing this for your sake. If they catch you with him, they’ll kill him. Is that what you want?”

“...Hey.” Dan Heng’s calm but slightly worried voice pulls you back. You’re back to looking into his blue eyes. “...You're spacing out again.”

"Sorry. I—"

He puts a hand on your forehead, and your eyes widen slightly. "...You don't have a fever."

"I'm fine. Just fine."

Dan Heng watches you walk past him before following you toward the station. What is it about you that piques his interest? Well, there's the obvious: your mysterious job and the surprising revelation that you can see his desires. Does this mean you can peek into them at any time? Because if that's the case, maybe he needs to be more careful.

By the time you and Dan Heng arrive at the apartment, Pom and Gepard have already started eating. And, to your surprise, there haven’t been any casualties.

"It's really not that bad," Gepard says as you sit next to Pom, and Dan Heng sits across from you.

“Did you two bump into each other or…? How'd you end up at our place?" you ask Gepard.

"We don't have that kind of fate like you and Dan Heng," Pom jokes, and you give him a deadpan look. Before you got on the train, you'd told Pom that you met Dan Heng at campus and you're on your way back.

“Pom wasn’t sure if you’d make it in time for dinner,” Gepard says.

“Oh,” you say, looking at Pom. “You just didn’t want to be alone.”

“Well, I didn’t know if Himeko would keep you! Or if Nanook—”

Your cautious look instantly makes him stop. But you and Pom are already aware of Dan Heng and Gepard’s stares at you.

“Are they friends of yours?” Gepard asks.

You and Pom face forward, and you grab some vegetables for your plate. “Sort… of,” Pom says. Then, he clears his throat. “Nanook’s been chasing after her for ages.”

You almost choke on your water. “That’s not true.”

“Nanook… An interesting name,” Gepard says. Then, he chuckles. “This guy must really like you."

You frown. “Trust me. That’s not the case.”

“So, you aren’t seeing anyone then.”

Everyone turns to Dan Heng.

“...No,” you answer.

Then, Pom curiously looks at Gepard and Dan Heng. “What about you two, hm? You two grew up with March and Stelle, right?”

"Don't tell me you think something is going on?" Gepard asks.

“Well, both of them are so pretty!” Pom admits. “I only met them recently… but they’re also quite nice.”

“You met Stelle?”

So, Pom tells him about his chance to work as a security guard at Stelle's fan meet.

“We’re friends,” Dan Heng says. “That’s it.”

"...Here's a question," you say. "Do you believe in soulmates?"

"Why do you ask?" Gepard asks.

You shrug. "Just... something to talk about."

“Well, I don’t,” Gepard says. “It’s a nice fantasy, I suppose.”

“I don’t either,” Dan Heng adds. Then, he looks at you. “...Do you?”

If you aren't who you are, you wouldn't believe in soulmates either. But your job is to bring people destined to be with each other together. You'd questioned your role at first. If people are meant to be with each other, wouldn't they eventually meet? But, apparently, that's not the case, according to Himeko, at least. Still, it's not like you stuck around to see how those relationships turned out. Once they're together, you have no reason to stick around.

“I don’t know,” you say honestly.

"...Your nickname is Cupid, and you don't believe in soulmates?"

“My nickname has nothing to do with that,” you say flatly.

Dan Heng puts his chopsticks down. “Why do people call you Cupid?”

"You'll be going over your limit of twenty questions at this rate."

"...It doesn't have to stop at twenty."

Pom looks from Dan Heng to you and back to you. "Should I answer this one for you, Cupid?” You glance at Pom. “It’s because she’s a matchmaker!”

“Oh? Have you matched people before?” Gepard asks. Then, jokingly, “What’s the success rate?”

“100%!”

Gepard looks at you, impressed. “Wow.” Then, he chuckles. “March has been wanting to get back out there. Maybe she should come to see you.”

“...What about Stelle?” you ask.

“I don’t think she’s seeing anyone,” Gepard says. Then, he nudges Dan Heng. “Do you?”

“I don’t know,” Dan Heng says. “...I haven’t talked to her for a while now.”

After dinner, Dan Heng and Gepard offer to help you and Pom clean up. You’re in the kitchen doing the dishes when Dan Heng brings in two more dirty plates. You thought he’d put them on the side and leave, but instead, he puts them in the sink and gently nudges you aside.

“...It’s important to take breaks.” When he looks at you, both of you smile slightly. You’re drying your hands on a towel when Dan Heng says, “...What I told you today… could you keep it a secret?”

Keep what a secret? That’s when it hits you. “You mean… about you knowing the patient at the hospital?”

Dan Heng nods. “...He’s also someone my friends know.”

The thought hits you again. Should you tell him about what you can do? In the end, you say, "...Of course, I'll keep your secret. But in return, there's something I'd like you to do for me."

Dan Heng puts the clean dishes on a rack and turns off the tap. Then, he turns to face you. “I’m listening.”

“You know I’m here because of you. Could you keep that information to yourself? The fewer people know, the better.”

A ghost of a smirk graces his lips. “I see. It’s so no one will suspect you when I disappear.”

“Very funny,” you deadpan. “That’s not going to happen.”

“...When will I find out what you’re here for?”

When you get with Stelle. But instead, you say, “You’ll know.”

“Still going to keep me in the dark, huh?”

“Of course. It wouldn’t be fun otherwise."

“What happens after it’s done?” The question takes you off guard. “...Are you going to leave?”

“That’s usually what happens.” You’re looking away from him now.

“...Would you make an exception?”

The question almost instantly makes you turn back. Eventually, you look at him. "Why do you ask?”

“...I like talking with you.”

You hold his stare."Blunt as always, aren't you?" Dan Heng awkwardly looks away as you say, "Well, I surprisingly enjoy your company, so… I'll think about it."

Dan Heng looks back and sees you smiling mischievously. “...You’re playing with me.”

You laugh. “Aw, come on. It’s better than a no, right?”

Dan Heng leans slightly toward you, so you don’t see his face when he says in a lowered voice, “I’ll turn that into a definite yes.”

“Whatcha talking about in here?”

Dan Heng turns around, and you look past him and see Pom and Gepard at the kitchen doorway with a smile.

“Your face is red,” Pom says.

Everyone turns to you, and you put a hand on your cheek. “No, it’s not.”

Pom smiles. Is he just toying with you, or is your face really red?

“Is there something we weren’t supposed to see?” Gepard asks, and he and Pom smile at each other.

“Or hear?” Pom adds.

Dan Heng walks to the door and looks at Gepard. “We should leave.”

“Already?”

“It’s almost nine,” Dan Heng deadpans.

“Well, we’ll see each other again soon,” Pom says with a little smirk.

“Oh, right. Tomorrow’s the festival,” Gepard says.

“If you’re not busy, why not join us?” Everyone turns to you.

“You know, she’s right! Pom adds. “I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

You give him a deadpan look just as Gepard asks, “Would you mind, Dan Heng?”

“Why would I?”

Gepard chuckles.” Oh, I don’t know…”

You and Pom see Gepard and Dan Heng off at the door. Then, as soon as Pom closes it, he spins around.

“You and Dan Heng are getting along really well. Maybe a little too well.”

“We had a few conversations,” you say, sitting on the couch. “It’s not a big deal.” Then, you sigh. “I… had another vision today.”

Pom sits across from you. “Was it Young?”

“...I don’t know. It was of a man, and I couldn’t see his face. He was telling me I couldn’t be friends with their kind… because they’d kill him. He didn't say who he was referring to."

But you have a hunch.

Pom’s eyes widen. “Kill him? That’s… extreme.”

“...I'm sure he was talking about Young."

“Let me guess… This vision happened when you were talking with Dan Heng?”

You nod. "At campus today.”

“Did Himeko say anything?”

“Only that Young isn’t around anymore. And…”

“And?”

"...I may not like the answers I want to hear."

“...Well, that doesn’t sound ominous at all.” Pom sighs. “...Did you ask Dan Heng about him?”

“He said he doesn’t know who that is.”

Pom leans forward, his elbows on his knees and his hands intertwined with each other. “Here’s a thought… what if Dan Heng is a reincarnation of Young? And… maybe you two are destined to meet!”

“...Why does it sound like he’s—”

“Your soulmate?” Pom interrupts almost too happily.

But, that’s impossible… Right?

◆◆◆

"Do you know someone named Young?"

Dan Heng has been thinking about that question since he started showering. Who's Young? Are you looking for him? If so, what does he have to do with him? Once Dan Heng enters his room, dressed in PJs, and with a towel in his damp hair, he hears his phone buzz.

Stelle: Hey. Miss me? 🙂

Dan Heng sits on his bed. Stelle must be worried… or maybe he wants to ask him if he knows what’s happening with her brother. Whatever it is, she must want someone to talk to.

He types a quick reply, but Stelle’s reply is almost quicker.

Stelle: Can we talk?

“How’ve you been?” Stelle asks as soon as she picks up the call.

Could be better. But instead, Dan Heng asks, "Is everything okay?"

“What makes you think something’s wrong?” Stelle asks with a small smile. “I can’t call to check up on you?”

“...Well, I’m fine.”

“That’s it? Nothing else? We haven’t spoken in almost a year!”

“My life isn’t as exciting as yours,” Dan Heng says. “I saw the trailer for your upcoming movie… It looks good.”

Stelle chuckles. “You’ll watch it, won’t you? You and Gepard?”

“...We will.”

A small pause.

“Truth is… I called you to ask about my brother. You haven’t talked to him?”

Despite knowing everything, Dan Heng still asks, “...Did something happen?”

“Well, he told me that he’s going to study abroad. Next thing I know, he already left.”

“You’re still in touch with him?”

"Yeah. He doesn't respond very often… but I know he's okay."

Dan Heng feels his chest tighten. “...That’s good.”

“He didn’t tell you anything? I mean… I don’t even know where he went!”

“I don’t. But we’ve been in touch.”

Stelle sighs. “What about Gepard?”

“I think he knows as much as us.”

"...I see." Then, she smiles slightly. "Hey, do you know someone named Pom? He said he knew you two."

After talking briefly about Pom, Dan Heng eventually talks about you and how you're his upstairs neighbour.

“A new friend, huh?” Stelle asks. “She must be something if you two manage to become friends.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I know you too well, Dan Heng. Since when do you find time to make new friends?" Stelle smiles. “Are you interested in her?”

“...That’s—”

“You hesitated!”

“I didn’t. I—”

Stelle gasps. “You have to introduce her to me now.”

Well, it can’t hurt, right? Dan Heng hopes it'll take her mind off of Caelus, at least.

◆◆◆

“...Can I touch it?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“But—”

"Are all humans this stubborn? Or, is it just you?" Young asked, turning to you with a deadpan look.

“Just one stroke.”

Suddenly, Young stopped and appeared in front of you, and you almost walk into him if he didn’t suddenly grab your wrist.

“...Watch what you say.”

You sighed just as he released you. “Okay, fine. Sorry. I’m just curious,” you said, looking at the horns on your friend’s head. “I thought we’ve known each other long enough that it wouldn’t be awkward.”

“It’s only been three years,” he said, turning around and continuing the trek.

“Only three years? It’s been three years! I guess you still don’t see me as an important friend.”

Young stopped and turned around. “...Really? You aren't important to me? Then, why am I risking my life to be with you right now?”

"Maybe it's 'cause I saved yours that day. If it weren't for me, you would've been poisoned to death."

“I returned the favour. I didn’t let you get caught.”

Young held your stare for a moment before turning around again.

With a small smile, you quickly walked up and nudged him. “One stroke.”

“No.”

Your eyes open, and you sit up in your bed. Another dream. Another puzzle piece. Another question. When you close your eyes, you immediately see Young… and then Dan Heng. You check your phone. Well, it’s only a few more hours before you see Dan Heng for the festival. You roll over and close your eyes. Yet, all you can see is him, and you wake up in frustration.

Why does it seem like it's only a matter of time before this drives you mad?

Chapter 6

Tag list: @suoshiii @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @tanspostsblog @theprinceofkhaos @nqctre @lunavixia

[aishangotome]

Minamoto No Yoritomo: Chapter 22

Chapter 21 His POV

♡———♡

Yoritomo kicked the horse's belly hard.

As the scenery sped up, I lowered my body and looked back,

???: I won't let you go.

Yoshino: That person is––!

From beyond the swirling dust, an unforgettable, mysterious voice echoed.

Yoshitsune: I will fulfill my long-cherished wish here, Yoritomo-sama.

Yoshino: Yoshitsune-sama....

(No way, of all people...)

At the head of the enemy army, fiercely pursuing us, Yoshitsune-sama's beautiful purple hair fluttered in the wind.

Yoritomo: Turn to the right!

Yoritomo-sama's sharp voice cut through the murmurs of unrest--

(Ah!)

The horse we were riding on forcibly changed direction.

The soldiers behind us desperately followed suit.

Yoshitsune: Charge--

(What's going to happen...?)

Yoritomo-sama gave rapid instructions to the pale soldiers.

Yoritomo: Don't be pushed out into the open! As long as we fight in this narrow terrain, we won't be surrounded even if we're outnumbered.

Soldiers: Y... Yes, sir!

Yoritomo: Archers, ready!

Yoshitsune: Take them down--

Yoritomo: Fire!

With a high-pitched twang, a rain of arrows assaulted Yoshitsune's army.

Some fell, some fell from their horses, and the rest charged forward without even glancing at them.

(...)

The clamor of battle that filled the air in an instant was sucked into the bottom of the valley.

Yoritomo: Retreat is easy, but it leads only to death.

Yoritomo: Though it's tough, the path to survival lies ahead. Those who want to live, keep running!

As if the spirit of Yoritomo-sama's sword had taken possession of him, the enemy was cut down one after another.

Soldiers: Keep going! Keep going!

The shogunate's soldiers rushed forward with a death wish.

(This is the first time I've been in such a disadvantageous battle...)

--CHOICE--

Scream loudly

Call out Yoritomo-sama

Remain silent

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

(What should I do...?)

I resisted the urge to cling to Yoritomo-sama's arm and made myself as small as possible so as not to get in the way.

Yoritomo: Good girl, you are.

Yoritomo: I'll pamper you to your heart's content when we get back safely.

(That's right... I'm going to return safely with Yoritomo-sama.)

I scolded myself for wanting to close my eyes to the carnage and looked ahead........

Yoshitsune: Yoritomo-sama!

(...)

Deflecting the flying arrows with his sword, Yoshitsune-sama galloped his horse faster than anyone else.

In the blink of an eye, he scattered the shogunate's soldiers, and his slender figure leaped in front of me.

Yoritomo: You're a persistent man, aren't you?

Yoshitsune: It's my nature.

Yoritomo-sama's sword deflected Yoshitsune-sama's lightning-like strike.

The swords that touched each other screamed loudly.

Yoritomo: Let me ask you one thing. Was it by chance that you found out where I was?

Yoshitsune: No.

The horses barely passed each other, and once again, they took a distance and faced each other.

In the midst of the fierce battle between the soldiers, sparks flew between the two men's gazes.

Yoshitsune: Among the confusing information on the battlefield, there was one that said Minamoto no Yoritomo was hiding in the mountains.

Yoshino: B-But, that's...

(We had information that the movements of Morinaga-san and Shigehira-san's troops were leaking... but I didn't think they knew about us too.)

Yoshitsune: It was hard to believe that you, the commander of a large army, would travel on a rough road without a decent escort...

Yoritomo: I got curious and decided to investigate, and it turned out to be a big hit.

Yoritomo: You have good intuition. In your next life, you should change your profession to a fortune teller.

Yoshitsune: Unfortunately, it's you who should be thinking about your next life.

Yoshitsune-sama retorted flatly and held his sword again.

Yoshitsune: Fortunately, the battles with Morinaga and Shigehira are in a stalemate.

Yoshitsune: Thanks to that, I was able to come here myself.

Yoritomo: Is that so? You really love me, don't you?

(I can't breathe.)

After a moment of silence, the two horses kicked off the ground at the same time.

All I could do now was watch as they exchanged blows at a speed that was hard to follow.

Yoshitsune: To be honest, I'm disappointed.

Yoritomo: In your own life? That's diligent of you.

Yoshitsune-sama didn't even flinch at Yoritomo-sama's provocative words as he deflected his sword.

Yoshitsune: That I can get my revenge so easily.

Yoshitsune: I'm not interested in what happened, but your soldiers are clearly lacking in spirit.

Yoshitsune: So much so that you can't even fight at your full strength.

I looked around in surprise.

It was clear that the shogunate's soldiers were being pushed back by Yoshitsune's army.

(The people possessed by the ayakashi are not able to fight as they should.)

(I can't even go help them in this situation.)

Yoshitsune: If those you cut down in the past were by your side, this wouldn't have happened, would it?

Yoritomo: If I hadn't cut them down, there would be no shogunate today.

There was no hesitation in Yoritomo-sama's eyes as he retorted without missing a beat.

Yoritomo: No matter how many times I go back in time, I would choose the path of killing you. There is no other 'now' possible.

Yoritomo: If I can save a hundred thousand lives by taking ten thousand,

Yoritomo: I've decided that's the choice I'll make.

Yoshitsune: That's the logic of the strong.

Yoshitsune: If you've taken from someone, you must also be taken from someday.

Yoshitsune: --And that day is today.

(No!)

A full-strength blow was struck, and Yoritomo-sama's body shook along with the sword that received it.

Yoritomo: Gah...

I could see Yoritomo-sama's leg, which was right next to me, stiffen from thigh to toe as he pressed down on the horse's stirrup, regaining his posture with tremendous willpower.

Yoritomo: ...That was close.

Yoritomo-sama skillfully slipped to the side, deflecting Yoshitsune-sama's slash just barely enough to graze his black hair.

Yoshitsune: Don't run away! Yoritomo-kou!

Yoritomo: Don't be unreasonable. Our priority right now isn't to defeat you.

Yoritomo: It's to survive and lead this troop.

Yoritomo-sama signaled to his soldiers with his left hand.

Soldier: Yoritomo-sama!

Yoritomo: Judging by the enemy's movements, the front left is new recruits. --Break through!

(He's watching the whole situation while fighting Yoshitsune-sama...?)

Yoshitsune: You don't understand anything.

His voice, filled with anger, shook the air, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

Yoshitsune: I told you I wouldn't let you go.

(This is bad!)

Yoshino: Yoritomo-sama!

Yoshitsune-sama's sword swung down, and the wind that blew roared and warped.

Yoshino: I won't let you!

With a shout, I held out my hand and absorbed the curse power.

In the confusion of the battlefield, the countless wind blades that were born went unnoticed by anyone but us.

Yoritomo: Well done, Yoshino.

Yoshitsune: Not yet.

Without a moment's respite, the second strike assaulted us--

Yoshino: Ugh...

This time, the horizontally swung sword created irregular distortions in the air.

(It's huge!)

My instincts warned me faster than I could think.

I strained my eyes as if I were looking at an ayakashi, trying to read the traces of curse power, but--

(The trajectory is too complex...)

Yoshino: I can't defend against it--

Unable to absorb the blade that flew erratically out of sight, I opened my eyes in terror.

Yoritomo: Get down!

(Ah!)

Yoritomo-sama swept his sword horizontally above my head.

Yoritomo: Ugh...

Yoshino: Yoritomo-sama!

I looked up in surprise at the faint groan of pain and saw something red dripping from Yoritomo-sama's shoulder as he covered me.

(Blood...!)

Yoritomo: As much as you can. Can you still do it?

Yoshino: Y-Yes.

Yoshitsune: It's useless.

In the meantime, Yoshitsune-sama closed the distance, and his merciless blade attacked Yoritomo-sama directly this time.

Yoritomo: ...You're not cute, brother.

Yoshitsune: Don't you dare call me brother.

Yoritomo-sama's sword barely managed to block the attack, and they clashed with a loud clang.

(Eh...?)

A cold wind started blowing from behind Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoritomo: ....!

Yoshino: No way...

(He can create wind blades even without swinging his sword!?)

His amethyst-like hard eyes captured mine.

Yoshitsune: --Forgive me, Yoshino.

(He's too close, I can't make it in time!)

I blindly held out my hand towards the vortex of wind that appeared before my eyes.

Yoritomo: ...Guh.

Yoritomo-sama forcibly steered his horse with his toes and deflected the sword he had clashed with.

Yoshitsune: .....

With a sickening sound, Yoshitsune-sama's sword tip grazed Yoritomo-sama's upper arm.

The wind blade that couldn't be killed pierced the back that was covering me as if to protect me.

(No--)

Yoritomo: Ha... That's a harsh joke.

Yoritomo-sama, breathing roughly, tried to distance himself from Yoshitsune-sama without stopping.

Yoshitsune: ...I'm surprised you'd go that far.

Yoshitsune-sama said quietly as he relentlessly urged his horse forward.

Yoshino: Yoritomo-sama! Please don't protect me anymore...

Yoritomo: Shut up.

Yoritomo: I told you I'd bring you back alive, didn't I?

Yoshino: B-But, if this continues...

(It's my fault.)

(If only I had more power...)

In the midst of despair, I unconsciously clung to a fragment of memory that surfaced.

*flashback*

Yoritomo: So, Yoshino can only use the ability to steal curse power, huh?

Tamamo: Yes. It might be possible to draw it out if you push yourself...

Tamamo: But there will definitely be a backlash on Yoshino's body. It could even be fatal.

Yoshino: I haven't heard that...

Tamamo: Don't worry. If you use curse power normally, it's completely irrelevant.

Tamamo: Unless you fight with the resolve that you're ready to die.

Yoshino: Fighting with that kind of feeling... I can't imagine it right now.

*flashback over*

(Now I understand.)

(Resolve... is determined when you have something truly important.)

Yoshitsune: Prepare yourself. ...Brother.

(I don't care if I can never return to my ordinary life again.)

(If I can protect Yoritomo-sama and the future where he exists.)

(I've decided to make any sacrifice.)

Yoshino: So...

I opened my eyes as wide as I could and held out my hand towards the approaching blade.

(Answer me, power of the fox spirit!)

Yoshino: U...gh...

Yoritomo: Yoshino?

--Thump, something burst in the center of my body.

I belatedly realized it was the sound of my own heartbeat.

Yoshino: Ha...

(I can't breathe...)

My throat was burning as if I had swallowed a raging hot wind.

No--not just my throat, but my whole body was quickly invaded by a violent heat.

Countless invisible blades vanished in an instant.

Yoritomo and Yoshitsune: .....!

(Hot.)

Even after the supernatural wind stopped blowing, the heat inside me only intensified.

Yoshitsune: Ugh...

Yoshitsune: Y-You're absorbing curse power even though I'm not attacking...?

Yoshitsune-sama, with a shocked expression on his face, backed away, putting distance between us for the first time.

(I can feel the curse power... accumulating.)

(But this isn't enough yet.)

My bones creaked as if they were about to snap, and the edges of my vision began to blur whitish.

Yoritomo-sama grabbed my shoulder tightly.

Yoritomo: Yoshino! That's enough, stop it!

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 23

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[shirefantasies]

If mashups are still available, I'd love love love if you could write one for me (never done this before)! The Hobbit is my favourite so preferably a (male) character from there if that would be ok!

I'm from Scandinavia and I love anything to do with Norse Mythology and going on hikes in the woods to act out adventures of my own creation. I am naturally very curious and love to go in-depth to study different topics, such as the natural sciences and different mythologies. I am quite short at 164 cm with blue eyes and blonde hair. Slightly on the curvier side. Thank you so so much I'd really appreciate it! <3 <3 <3

That is ok indeed as I match you with…

Óin!

(Warning: minor injury/blood mentions, hints at misogyny from unseen characters, minor alcohol/drinking references)

Maybe he isn’t the most conventional of the dwarves, but hear a silly old narrator out…

Your search for new species of plant has led you deep into the woods, deeper than they have yet undertaken. Success, though, has colored your journey, your prior experiment with the fertilizers of your crafting proving quite telling. Ducking past a very low-hanging branch that almost cuts a scar across your cheek, you press on, spurred by victory. The pursuit of science, after all, is the noble calling that moves you to painless battle with the forces set forth so many years before by the Valar, or in the eyes of your people quite possibly a different pantheon altogether. Even if none of it was true, they had been your favorite stories for years.

A world crafted from a corpse, now home to such life. Earth as flesh, seas blood, clouds brains of all things- dark, perhaps, but infinitely captivating. Or perhaps a song as the people in this land say, discordant notes sowing the very nature of sin and chaos as if as invisible waves in the air.

Such are your thoughts when your foot is roughly yanked, momentum pitching your body forward as a nasty loop of tree branch holds your lower appendage in place. More roots await when you fall, cutting and scraping various exposed areas of your skin. Pain arcs up your leg when you rise and try to return weight to the foot that got caught. Your ankle is sprained. You barely know where you are. Blood trickles from several smaller wounds, this blood no great sea, only drops upon dirt shed in solitude.

A long walk lies ahead of you. Sighing and biting back pained tears, you limp as best you can in the direction you’d come. You aren't certain how long you even have been walking for when you hear the voice, a bit gruff in nature but soft in tone and volume, pleasantly accented and reassuring despite its strangeness. "You're hurt," it says simply, and as you turn around- no, swivel at the hips, more like, your weight fighting a shift without a thought- it reveals a dwarf. His beard is pleasantly symmetrical, satisfying your eyes with its gravity-defying braids. Not a hint of malice shines in his dark brown eyes, only concern. "I come out this way to collect herbs, but I'll confess it isn't often I see another soul. Please, let a healer do his job." Exhaustion deep in your bones already, you simply nod.

Oin, as you find the dwarf's name is, is more than just a healer, at least in your eyes; his knowledge of nature and its properties are fascinating even if he is just rambling a bit about each thing he applies to your ankle, touch gentle as a feather despite the strength and girth of his hands. He knows exactly what everything he applies to you does and why. “‘N what were you doin’ out here anyway? I can see it- you’ve a good head on your shoulders. A lass like you has got a reason.”

He sees you. At least moreso than plenty of others you have run across, the ones who dub you too fair for your pursuits or reduce the way you track the stars to a pretty fancy of lights. Dwarves, you forget, prize women with a depth and respect that has yet to shine upon some of these lands. Your savior sees you as an equal even in your infirm, and thus you have no qualms explaining your experiment with the soil and the other which required the accursed herbs you twisted up your ankle over. You have tracked the world's revolutions and he has learned how to save mothers and babies from dangerous deliveries. Written many a medical record that piques your love of delving into knowledge enough that you don't just allow Oin to walk you back to society, you come home with him and spend the night in a lovely drown of parchment...and maybe a stiff drink, too! "It'll help with your pain, after all," he adds with a wink.

Perhaps you prefer the company of dwarves, or perhaps drink and offers of knowledge are far too seductive to pass up, but as you make for Oin's doorstep you feel an aching in your heart that your meeting was fate, and certainly not your last. Oin, you suspect, feels the same, shyly fiddling with his fingers as his gaze darts between the threshold and you. "'m glad I found you." "As am I," you reply, "for how else would I have learned someone so special was tucked away so close to my own home? Are you certain you want to listen to me drone on about old myths for hours?" "If it'll get you to come back here," Oin says, "Aye. Again and again." The warmth of your imbibing, and quite definitely something else, rushes through your veins as you lean to close the gap between you two, inhibitions burned down. Perhaps a part of you was tired of being so methodical, relying on long processes and choreographed steps. And judging by the wide, spellbound smile on Oin's face, your rescuer is taken by the same instant connection you thought only happened in old stories.

By the time his hearth is yours, your shelves of healing and botany and the mischief of old gods alike a complete blend of you both, the same way strands of your golden hair are united in the braid Oin gave you. Your healer husband dotes on you more than you ever imagined, dubbing you more beautiful than Freyja and worshiping your curves every chance he gets. Beyond your body, the way the sky shines in the blue of your eyes, he loves your understanding, having another soul move in perfect tandem with his and sit with him in the haze of fascination. A companion at his side for even the smallest tasks of watering the garden or washing one's hair and yet someone who poses the most difficult questions and waits with such patience if her words are not heard the first time. Perhaps he healed you long ago setting your ankle back right, but you, dear, healed him just as much.

Taglist: @lokilover476 @fuckyoumakeart @mossthebogwitch @ibabblealot @kilibaggins @stormchaser819 @pirate-lord-of-narnia @datglutengoblin @letmelickyoureyeballs | Reply/Ask/Message to join 🥰

[captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship]

I'm hoping that Gwynriel aren't friends for now. Even after acosf.

Hear me out! (I've told @the-bookish-valkyrie that too) The reason why I don't want them to be friends already is because I want to see that happening on page from their POV. I prefer couples that aren't already romantically involved. I would've also been content with Azriel being cold to Gwyn because it makes me curious as to how their relationship will develope and I want to see how he goes from cold to warmth. I want to see how they get to the point of friendship and then love. I want to see how they get to the point of sexual attraction, why do they have this interest? Why do they care about each other? How did it start and how does it end? I want to see it all, A to Z, from only Azriel's and Gwyn's POV, ON PAGE. That's one of the big reasons why I'm more interested in Gwynriel and Elucien than El/riel and Vas/sien. Especially Elucien because they aren't on great terms right now and I'm excited to see how that'll play out and who will break first.

We don't know how Azriel got this sudden interest in Elain in the first place. I mean.. well, we do know now and it's because she's the third archeron sister that could give him an HEA. Before Acosf, I just kept asking myself how and why Azriel likes her and why Elain likes him. On my reread, I noticed that when Lucien was more around did Azriel start to have an interest in her. Remember when Azriel won the stick game to Cassian because they both rather wanted to go outside then be Elain's babysitter? Half of their love story happened off page and the other half was from Feyre's POV. Now, there's sexual attraction and... oh come on- where tf did that come from? El/riels are claiming they're already in love. So, Elain and her LI are already interested in each other, she has already found her chosen people (Nuala & Cerridwen), the night court and the IC are her home and she's healing there... so why exactly would we need her book then? Is the mating bond the only problem she has? She will reject it and Lucien would be like "aight, bye". Problem solved.

I'm aware that Gwynriel and Elucien aren't anywhere near the romantic phase right now and thank god for that. I'm also glad that Azriel told us that he wouldn't consider her a friend because I agree, it's too early for that. The bonus chapter and the few scenes in acosf only showed as that there is something between them that will bloom later. Same with Elucien.

And I want Azriel to be an oblivious idiot anyway so...

Sry for the long text

Wow you have really put a lot of thought in this! Honestly I love this. The only thing I worry about is that they will only get one book for their story. I would personally love two books for them, as I think that would be a much better pacing. What I am hoping to see is CC3 as a prequel to ACOTAR 6. I want to see them interact more, get more page time together. Start building a friendship or kinship.

- CC2 spoilers ahead-

I am a firm believer that gwyn will be key to helping Bryce get home, especially since she has interacted with Aidas in the library already. She has also helped with research on the multiple worlds theories, and I have this strong feeling that she speaks the old fae language, or at least knows some from all the hymns they sing at minimum. I think that CC3 will really set up gwyn to get into intelligence, which is Az’s specialty. I want to see them studying/researching in the library together, spar together, etc. We already know they do private dagger sessions so we can’t get the start of those, but I would love to see them meet on the roof of the HoW by accident in the middle of the night and just stargaze and talk.

[aashipping]

Adeline: Hmmph, it's April already, huh? Time's really flying so fast.

Susato: I heard that there's an activity called "Easter hunting eggs" in Western Countries. I wonder what's that and have you ever doing that before, Miss Adeline?

Adeline: Oh the finding eggs one? Well, I don't really remember, but I think I'm over the year to do that anymore. Maybe you could do this in 221B?

Susato: Oww that's too bad. And I doubt I could find all the eggs in the house, you knew how messy they could be. Especially Naruhodo-sama.

Adeline: Fair points.

Lady Duffy: Adeline!! How are you my lovely lady?

Adeline: Lady Duffy! It's surprising to see you! I heard that you were in America?

Lady Duffy: Well, yeah, but I came back two weeks ago. The America trip inspired me so much that I can't wait to design new night gowns.

Adeline and Susato:

Lady Duffy: Speaking of it, why don't you two become my models? I've just made some design for Easter days.

Adeline: Well, we appreciate your invitation, but I am not sure if we could be the proper model......

Lady Duffy: Nonsense! Two pretty young ladies just what I need. Now, let's head back to my mansion, shall we?

Adeline: Pull the tips if you feel uncomfortable, Susato. Call Naruhodo and Asogi ASAP so that they'll come to the rescue. *Whisper to Susato*

Susato: Don't you want to contact them or Lord Van Zieks right now, Miss Adeline?

Adeline: Nah I thinks it's interesting, and I am really curious about the design that Lady Duffy wants to show me, it could be my new inspiration for the next book.

Adeline: But I get that if you don't want to come with me. And I don't want to force you.

Susato: ... It's a good way to learn more about other culture, and I am not alone. So yeah, let's do this!

*Looking at the outfits*

Adeline:......

Susato: Do we really ... have to wear this? This... this fabric?

Lady Duffy: Awww you're so shy aren't you, my little bunnies?

Susato: Li-little bunnies...?

Lady Duffy: I know——. You two have some suitors, and these ourfits are our weapons for those men, ladies.

Adeline: I suppose that would be some gowns but not this, this—— I can't say that.

Lady Duffy: Just something new, my dear. The British are too old for the night activities sometimes. We deserve to have some fun in our bedroom, wouldn't you agree?

Adeline: Perhaps you're not wrong but——

Lady Duffy: Excellent! Now change them for me, I can't wait to see you two adorable bunnies come out! *Shove the clothes to them and push them into the change room*

Adeline: *turns the doorknob and found it's locked* I guess we don't have choice right now.

Susato: Can we call Kazuma-sama and Naruhodo-sama right here?

Adeline: Yeah go ahead, please! And then we can leave here soon.

⟦Prosecutor's Office building⟧

Naruhodo: ...Yes, it's Naruhodo Ryunosuke. Susato: Naruhodo-sama!! Naruhodo: !? Ye-yes I heard you, Susato-san, what's wrong? You sound like we have an emergency. Susato: Because it is! Miss Adeline and I came to Lady Duffy's new fashion show models, but the outfits were too hilarious and inappropriate to wear! Still, we don't think we can leave Lady Duffy's mansion alone. So...... Asogi, who listened to the whole words Susato just said: Susato, we'll come to you, don't worry about it.

Susato: Kazuma-sama, Susato...don't know how to say more to convey my appreciation.

Barok: Lady Duffy you said? The famous designer for ladies' gowns?

Susato:... Yes, Lord Van Zieks. Miss Adeline and her seem to be friends.

Barok: How is my feline friend going? She's not there, with you?

Susato: Miss Adeline took the outfit and went to change it minutes ago.

Barok: Now I know where you are, refuse if you don't want to fulfil her desire, Miss Mikotoba.

Before the phone hung up, the three gentlemen heard the doors open and another woman's voice.

Lady Duffy: Oh my lady, why are you still in your kimono? Don't you like my design? Or the colour?

*loud click sound*

Barok: Lady Duffy's mansion is on the south side of London. We'll take my carriage to get there. There's no time to waste.

Naruhodo: Better hurry, It's rare that Susato would be so anxious and ask for help. They might be in danger.

Asogi: Time to save the princesses.

[madudanielsblog]

week 13

Greetings, My African Food Chef community! I'm thrilled to reconnect with you all and provide an update on our culinary journey. So, settle in with your favorite beverage, and let's dive into the latest developments!

What's Working?

Let's start by celebrating our recent successes! Our community engagement has been thriving, and I'm truly grateful for each of you who has joined us on this flavorful adventure. Your passion, feedback, and support have been instrumental in driving the success of My African Food Chef. Whether it's sharing your own recipes or spreading the word about our platform, your contributions are invaluable.

Additionally, our recipe development efforts have been yielding delightful results. We've been experimenting with traditional African flavors and putting our own spin on classic dishes, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It's incredibly gratifying to see people trying out our recipes in their own kitchens and sharing their delicious creations with us.

What's Not Working?

However, every journey has its challenges. One area where we're still striving to improve is in reaching new audiences. While our current community is engaged, I'm eager to connect with more food enthusiasts curious about African cuisine. We're actively working on refining our marketing strategies to attract and retain new users.

Furthermore, balancing the demands of growing a business with other commitments can sometimes feel like a juggling act. Some days, it seems like there aren't enough hours to tackle everything on our to-do list. However, we're committed to finding sustainable ways to manage our time and prioritize effectively.

How Do I Feel the Project Is Coming?

Reflecting on our journey so far, I couldn't be prouder of our progress. My African Food Chef started as a passion project driven by a love for African cuisine and a desire to share it with the world. Seeing that vision come to fruition has been incredibly rewarding. I'm continually inspired by the creativity and dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our community.

That said, I recognize that we're still in the early stages of our journey, and there's much more to accomplish. We're constantly pushing the boundaries, seeking innovation, improvement, and growth. I'm really excited to see where this journey leads us.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business is a continuous learning experience. Adaptability has emerged as a vital lesson. In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the ability to pivot and adjust course swiftly is crucial. Whether it's responding to community feedback, refining our business model, or navigating unforeseen challenges, flexibility is key.

Furthermore, collaboration has proven to be invaluable. Building a successful business is a collaborative effort. Surrounding ourselves with a talented, supportive team has made a significant difference. By leveraging each other's strengths and working towards a shared goal, we're achieving far more than we could individually.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

On a personal level, this journey has been a profound exploration of resilience and self-discovery. While moments of doubt and uncertainty have been abundant, they've taught me to trust my abilities and persevere, even when the path ahead seems daunting.

Embracing vulnerability and taking risks have also been transformative experiences. Launching My African Food Chef required a leap of faith, revealing that growth often lies beyond our comfort zones. By embracing the unknown, we open ourselves up to endless opportunities for learning, growth, and transformation.

In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has been part of this incredible journey. Your support is invaluable, and we're honored to have you along for the ride. Here's to many more delightful adventures together!

Warm regards, DANIEL MADU Founder, My African Food Chef