#BUT LOOK AT THAT IT FOLLOWS THE ACTUAL MC STORYLINE | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

m00nchildwrites · 7 days ago

Text

pairings: female!reader (first person) x Xavier

tags: romance, eventual smut, based on storyline of game but diverges, little angst and feelings, resolved feelings, fluff, hurt/comfort, injury, these two need to just kiss already, use of her/she/you depend on the pov at the time, reader/MC/you is expressed as female and during smut times will use female-at-birth anatomy terms- she/her, first person when written from "your" pov- use of I/my/mine, referred to as y/n, will have nsfw content mdni- please read with caution, will be tagged, my smut gets ...vivid. Will have content from part of story line, myth cards, and other cards [possibly...probably].

{ch list: 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6(here)}

Chapter 5: Knight In Shining Fireflies

I was being discharged. Almost 2 full days in the hospital and finally I was getting out. Sure, I had only actually been awake for the last 5 hrs of it, but still, something about hospitals made it feel like sitting still was a chore. Zayne had left the room, finally, in order to complete the discharge paperwork as my Doctor. I had made him promise to go home as well after I did.

He had not left my side the entire time I had been here, since Xavier reluctantly placed me in Dr. Zayne’s arms. I had found out from spotting the extra pillow and blanket that he had even dozed in the uncomfortable chair near my bed overnight. I could tell from his unusually short answers with different specialists that came in to relay their post-hospital stay treatment and follow-up recommendations that Zayne had not gotten very much sleep in the chair. He was particularly stubborn when it came to my health, but I was so grateful to him, my childhood friend turned doctor extraordinaire- a title he had blushed at profusely before promptly demanding I never use it again. He was too fun to mess with, truly. It may have been the lingering pain meds in my IV that had me admitting that fact to him as well, but it was true. I enjoyed him being there. It made the time go by.

The past 5 hrs since I had woken up, we had talked, snacked, and watched the news together. It was nice having him keep me company. Zayne had a way of calming me and making me laugh with his witty, dry humor. As I watched the news, his calming presence was something I had needed. The Wanderer mess had been cleared up. Miraculously, the news reporters had said. It was the work of Linkon’s returned legendary hero, Lumiere.

More than once, Zayne had to pry loose the death grip I had of my hospital blankets. He never said anything about it, but the piece of my favorite candy that had appeared in my palm spoke louder than anything. He knew why I was troubled afterall. He had seen. The one out there fighting all the Wanderers and single-handedly cleaning up this mess and putting himself in danger was my partner. Xavier was Lumiere.

Zayne stepped back into the room, a file in hand. He clicked his tongue as his gaze fell on me fixated once more to a news story. He shut it off with the remote, snapping me out of my trance. “He is safe. You have no need to worry,” he brought the lap table closer and laid out the papers.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Well,” he handed me a pen and pointed where to sign, “I would like to think that if Linkon’s masked hero showed up in my hospital, I would be made aware.” The look he gave me then, brows slightly raised and playful glimmer in his eyes had me snorted a huff of a laugh.

“Fair point, Doctor Zayne,” I conceded as I signed all the necessary spots, “But, I guess you are right. No news from him is probably good news.”

“...” His lips pursed to the side slightly before his expression smoothed. It was a tell, one I had learned meant that he knew more than he was ready to share.

My eyes narrowed as his avoided mine, “What?”

“Hm?”

“Don’t hm me,” my eyes narrowed further, “Zayne, I’ve known you since you were 10. You practically lived at my house those four summers. I can read you like a book.”

It was his turn to snort in amusement. His shoulders dropped slightly as the tension left him; he never had been very good at lying to mine or Caleb’s faces when we were kids either. He shook his head softly with a grin, “That is the first time someone has claimed that talent.”

“Yeah well, I would like to think that I know you well enough by now to know when you aren’t telling me something that you probably should,” I said using a play on his own previous words.

“'Should' can be relative.”

“Zayne.”

He shuffled the papers pointedly ignoring me. He might not like secrets, but he clearly wasn’t going to share this one.

In his silence, I clicked my tongue, arms crossed, “Fine, keep your secrets.” I was most definitely not sulking when I slammed the pen down harder than necessary onto the laptable. “So, can I get out of here now?”

Zayne’s resulting sigh sounded tired and I immediately felt guilty for being snappy. He had been here with me the whole time, and I knew damn well he had not relaxed enough in his self-assigned guard duty to allow himself to get any sleep if any at all. “You can’t drive yourself-”

“I can take the bus.” My mouth clicked shut at his almost offended look. “Or not?”

“Public transit is not ideal. In truth, I would prefer that you stayed in the hospital another day or so, but-” He gave a pointed look as I opened my mouth to protest, “I know how much you dislike being here in this way as a patient. I agreed to it under the condition that you will be released into someone’s care. I planned to drive you home myself, but-”

“I insisted.”

My head whipped to the door, my heart sputtered and then raced. “Xavier!”

He smiled softly at me as he walked in. My eyes quickly took him in looking for any sign of injury. His gaze softened further as he came to a stop by the bedside, “I am not injured.” At the slight narrowing of my eyes, he chuckled softly, “Promise.” His sky blue gaze turned to Zayne, sharpening slightly, “Doctor,” He nodded in a stilted greeting.

Zayne nodded back just as unenthusiastic, before handing Xavier the extra copy of forms I just signed. It appeared the pair had not gotten over their unease with each other.

When Xavier grabbed the papers, Zayne hesitated just barely on letting them go. He released them with a sigh, pushing his glasses up, “The directions for her care are inside, as well as, what to look for if things should take a turn. I would like to be informed the moment such an event occurs, of course.”

I blinked in confusion between the pair as Xavier nodded, looking every bit as ‘in mission mode’ as I had ever seen him. “You are her Doctor. I will let you know immediately if there is any cause for concern. Her health is my priority. It comes before any other concerns I may have,” Blue eyes flashed to hazel pointedly before falling back to the paperwork.

Zayne seemed somewhat appeased by this irregardless of the implied meaning of the words, “I take it you arranged a meeting with her superior officer to go over her required leave?”

Another firm nod, “Captain Jenna will be video conferencing us tomorrow. There will be no need for either of us to leave our home.”

The slightest of emphasis on the word did not go unnoticed by the doctor. Zayne’s mouth twitched downwards. He glanced briefly at me before averting his eyes, mouth pursed slightly, “Very well.”

I felt my face flush though I wasn’t sure why I felt like I had been caught doing something wrong. Xavier and I did live in the same apartment building, as he said. Why did I feel like there was more to this conversation that I wasn’t grasping? Or perhaps, I was missing context from a previous exchange… I let out a long breath, feeling exasperated, antsy, and confused as to what exactly was going on. My flop backwards onto the piled pillows drew two sets of amused eyes. I crossed my arms in a clear display at my annoyance of being out of the obvious loop the pair were in on without me.

Xavier stopped flipping through the pages and chuckled slightly at me, “Don’t worry. I will get you home soon.”

I huffed. As if that was my issue right at that moment.

Xavier missed or more likely chose to ignore this fact and turned back to Zayne pointing to the page he had stopped on, “There are directions on diet in here.”

“Yes,” Zayne’s expression looked lighter as he sent me a look, amused as he explained, “Something tells me that is one you will struggle with the most. It is the recommended diet to increase healing quality and speed.”

“Oh come on now, Zayne, surely I don’t have to-” I was cut off.

Xavier looked every bit the soldier receiving a command as he nodded, “Understood. I will ensure that she sticks to these suggestions only.”

I jolted, leaning forward and reaching for the papers only to be dodged as Xavier continued to read, “Hey, wait a minute, what do those say?”

Xavier hummed, “But your signature is already on them. Surely, you already know.”

Zayne was definitely amused now. “Well, I can see that your guardian will do his due diligence to ensure you heal.”

“Nothing is more important to me than her,” Xavier confirmed, “… health,” adding the last bit after a slight pause while still reading- and either oblivious or ignoring my pout- again. He lowered a hand to my crossed arms and fished out one of my hands, intertwining his fingers with mine as he read on.

The tension from my annoyance drained away from my shoulders, and I distracted myself by playing with his fingers. It’s not like his gesture successfully distracted me or anything…

Zayne was looking away from me when he spoke again and I wondered if the tiredness of the past few days was finally settling in now that he knew I would be okay with Xavier close by in the same building. “...Well, since you are now released, I am sure you will want to be getting home…” He turned to me then, mouth opening as if to say more, but stopping as his eyes fell to Xavier’s hand in mine. “I will be checking on you tomorrow to see how you adjusted to returning home. I suggest that you do not…” he glanced at Xavier who was reading the packet, “That you not strain yourself.” He cleared his throat, “I will have the nurse bring a chair.”

“I don’t need a wheelchair,” I insisted.

“Protocol,” he said shortly before looking at Xavier once more, “Be sure to look over her exercises. She was wobbly on her walk earlier.”

“Understood.”

I huffed, crossing my arms and ignoring both of them.

“Very well. I leave her in your care.”

“Wait, what?” My head whipped around. Zayne was already out the door, talking to a nurse about the dang wheelchair, no doubt. I fixed my narrow eyed glare onto Xavier.

He merely smiled innocently, “I signed assuming responsibility for your care so you could go home.”

I blinked, “You- you did?”

“Of course, I am your partner. I knew you would prefer to heal where you are comfortable, so I asked. Your Doctor agreed… after some persuasion.”

“Persuasion?”

“All factual points and logic.” He looked at me with that puppy-like innocent look he sometimes gave when he wished to avoid an answer.

My eyes narrowed again, “Xavier…”

He pulled his hand from mine and brushed a strand of hair from my face, “We always take care of each other’s wounds after a mission. This is no different.”

I wanted to argue. But he was right. And it did make sense. We lived in the same building. We were partners, neighbors, friends. I always checked on him after missions and helped him to bandage what he couldn’t reach, and vice versa. I supposed that there really wasn’t much difference aside from this one having paperwork with it. I sighed a long breath and plopped my head back against the pillows, “Alright.”

He tilted his head, a small frown appearing, “Did I… did I overstep?”

“What?” I reached for his hand closest, “No. No, you didn’t.” I squeezed his hand softly, chasing his unsure frown away, “I am grateful. Just… surprised.”

His head tilted again.

My eyes averted, cheeks heated, “It’s just…” My hands fell back into my lap, “It’s a lot of responsibility, and there is the fact that you’d have to be around a lot-”

“All the time, actually. I asked.”

I swallowed, “Right… all the time… and I know how much you like being home and I don’t want to be a bother.”

The silence felt deafening.

His hand turned my face to meet his. He had leaned closer, his blue-blue eyes flicking back and forth between mine, searching for …something. At last, his breath came out slightly shaky, “You could never, never be a burden. Not to me.”

It felt like his words zapped a bolt straight through my heart, as it fluttered and then raced. My eyes fell from his earnest gaze to his lips. He was so close. And when he said things like that… it made it hard for me to remember that my feelings for him were one sided. Xavier is just caring, I told myself, and touchy.

His thumb brushed my chin, barely grazing the underside of my bottom lip.

My breath caught. That was an accident, surely? He just wasn’t good about personal boundaries… “X-xavier…” Is he closer now? Or did I lean closer to him? My eyes fluttered shut as his breath puffed softly over my face. He smelled like he had showered before coming here.

“Here you are, Miss Hunter!” came a loud cheery voice from the doorway. I jolted back. A nurse I had seen before came in with a wheelchair. I stole a glance at Xavier who was looking at the nurse with a blank look. Maybe I had just imagined that before.

The nurse’s overly friendly voice was jarring to my ears, “You are all set to go! Would you like me to wheel you out to the front, or would you like your boyfriend to do the honors?”

“Oh,” I stammered, trying to recover from the fright her sudden appearance gave me. Xavier had stood to face her, but he had not stepped away, and his hand fell behind me to rest on my upper back, “He’s not-”

“I’ve got her,” Xavier’s hand on my back, smoothed a circle before stepping towards the nurse, “Thank you for your care of Y/N while she was with you.”

The nurse giggled looking between us both, “Miss Hunter, your boyfriend is so polite! Hold on to this one!” she giggled again, “Recover well!” With a wave she was gone, leaving me a nervous wreck in her wake.

Between the almost…. Whatever that had been before she came in, to the way Xavier had not corrected her in calling him my boyfriend, I felt embarrassed and shy sudden;y to be alone with him. I remained unable to meet his gaze as he turned his attention back to me and helped me into the chair, helped me collect my things, made arrangements for the flowers all over my room to be brought to my apartment, and helped me to situate comfortably in the chair. Our walk (my ride) through the hospital to the front doors was a quiet one.

It was not until we were exiting the doors that an idea popped into my head that cut through the shyness, “Wait, Xavier, you don’t have a vehicle. How are we…?”

I heard his chuckling over my shoulder as he maneuvered me to a silver sedan, “Just because I don’t own one, doesn’t mean I don’t have a driver’s license.” He opened the backdoor, placing the items I held down before opening the passenger front door and helping me in.

“You rented?” I looked around the interior curiously. It was all gray, and not at all what I would picture Xavier driving… If I could picture it at all. I watched as he jogged around to the driver seat and got in.

He started the car and sent me a small look of amusement, “It’s Jeremiah’s, actually. I asked to borrow it.”

The drive to our apartment was quiet once more. My mind kept looping back to before when he had been so close, and then to him in his Lumiere outfit, lightblade swirling and slashing as Wanderers exploded into metaflux dust. In both images, he was unfairly breathtaking. How bizarre was it that my childhood celebrity crush and one-time personal hero, Lumiere, was the same person as my current crush and partner/neighbor/friend? It was enough to make my head spin.

I glanced at his profile as subtly as I could. He had one hand on the wheel and the other resting on the armrest between us, the long fingers of his hands dangling and brushing my thigh just barely. I swallowed at the bubble of warmth it caused, and drug my eyes off of his striking profile before I was caught.

I turned my mind back to the revelation of his secret identity. It brought with it many questions, like- How could Xavier possibly just be 24 years old when Lumiere would have to be at least in his 40s? Was he in his 40s then? He certainly didn’t look 40. Then again… there was his knowledge of that crashed spaceship ruin in the woods of the No Hunt Zone. That was far older. Far older. And yet, he was intimately familiar with it. Enough to use the medipod on board…

My eyes went back to study his profile, as though I could puzzle out the answers from that alone– but he was already watching me with a gentle look on his face, head propped into his upturned palm. His elbow rested on the steering wheel. I blinked looking outside to see that we were in the parking garage of our building.

He chuckled. His soft, warm voice filled the space between us like butter, “We’ve been here for a minute, but you seemed to be in deep thought. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Oh,” I turned back to him, sheepishly, “Sorry.”

He shook his head, gaze soft, “Don’t be. You’ve had an eventful few days.”

I yawned, “Yeah, I guess I have.” I reached for the handle, “Let’s get inside then we both can get home and rest.”

“Wait!”

I froze at the sudden exclamation and watched a bit bewildered as he got out and jogged around the car to my door, opening it for me.

I blinked, cheeks warm, “You-”

“Let me get your chair.”

Oh right. He wasn’t being overly chivalrous. He was just not wanting me to get up without help. I felt my cheeks flush, embarrassed at the rush of warmth I had felt when he opened my door. “Xavier…” I frowned, ready to resist.

“Please, I would worry less if you would allow me to do this for you.”

His big blue eyes looked so full of worry, his brows held little furrows between them, that I couldn’t deny him. I sighed, “Alright.”

The smile he flashed me was enough to make it worth it. Chair setup and wheels locked, he stepped in front of it, holding out his hands, “Here, use me to stabilize.”

I tried not to look at his eyes as I gripped his large warm hands and used him to brace myself as I stood. I needed to get these feelings under control. He was my partner. My lingering shyness quickly exchanged for a startled gasp as my side gave a sharp stab of pain, “Ah!”

His arms wrapped around me, gently cradling me to his chest. I felt my face heat as his hands soothed my back, his breath warm puffs in my ear, “Easy. Easy, starlight. I’ve got you. I won't let you fall.”

My heart sputtered at the nickname and the soft praises he continued to give me as he slowly walked me forward away from the car and turned us so my back was to the chair. How on Earth was I supposed to beat these feelings when he handled me like some precious thing?

“There you go. It’s right behind you. Put your hands back to brace on the arms. Easy, take it slow. I won't let go. Just like that. Nice and slow. Good girl.”

I sucked in a breath at that, the warmth on my face spreading to my ears and neck. I promptly filed that reaction away to never look at again.

He knelt down to eye level as I was fully seated. His hand brushed some hair back from my face as he winced, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I will do better next time.”

I blinked before realizing he mistook my sound earlier for pain. “You didn’t hurt me, Xavier. I promise.”

He still wore a slight pout, but he nodded before gathering the rest of our things and shutting the car. “Alright, let’s go home.”

With a click my door unlocked for Xavier’s thumb scan, he nudged the door open with his foot as he wheeled me inside, grumbling about the narrow doorway, “I am going to talk to the building manager about this. The apartments need to be more accommodating.” He toed off his shoes and then knelt down to untie and slip off my combat boots.

I reached to give his shoulder a squeeze, successfully derailing his grumbling, “Hey, it’s okay. We made it inside fine.”

He was still frowning as he set my things down on the bar, unloading the pair of flower vases from my lap to do the same. “It’s really not. Sure, you might be in a wheelchair for a short time, but what about people who use one regularly?” He glanced about my apartment before frowning further, “The counters are too high and all the interior doors are just as narrow if not slightly more so than the front.” He tsked, “I am speaking to them.”

I blinked glancing around. His quick observations were all accurate. From my vantage point, the counters were too high, the cabinets useless, and the laundry, balcony and bedroom doors suddenly looked too narrow. I nodded. He was right. If I had to use this chair from now on, this apartment would be difficult. I couldn’t help smiling at him as he stood with his hand on his chin deep in thought and grumbling to himself. He had such a big heart.

I called to him, grabbing his attention once more, “Let’s save your catalogue of points to be brought up to them for another day. I think I am ready to take a good long nap. A Xavier Nap, a few hours long, until well after sunrise.” I grinned a slight teasing to my tone, earning a chuckle.

He came back to me and pushed me closer to my doorway, stopping just outside. He leaned down to lock the wheels and held out his arms, “Here, let’s park it out here. Brace yourself on me and take it as slow as you need to. The paperwork said it is good for you to walk in small amounts and build up.”

Not wanting to fight the doorway, I once more grabbed his forearms and pushed myself up, this time with my leg muscles instead of my arm strength. I grinned widely as it did not hurt my side this time.

“There you go,” his voice was soft and encouraging as he took tiny steps backwards for each of my tiny ones forward, “You are doing great, starlight.”

When at last, he sat me on the edge of my bed. I let out a whoosh of air. I felt like I had ran a marathon, “That was… frustratingly tiring.”

He moved to my closet, flicking on the light and disappearing inside. I could hear him rummaging and tried not to blush from the image of him coming across my panty drawer. “You are going to feel that for a while,” he called from inside, “Your Doctor said that your muscles around the injuries will overwork to compensate for the injured muscles and ribs, which can tire you out from using muscle groups you normally don’t for those movements.”

I hummed, curious, “When did you two talk about that?” I didn’t recall that information.

He flicked the light back off as he came back to stand in front of me with an arm full of clothes. “When I convinced him that I was the best one to take care of you.” He set them down next to me and knelt down, tugging off my socks. He rubbed my ankles gently, “Socks or no?”

I hummed, nose wrinkling, “None.”

He grinned, standing before me once more before pausing. He glanced at the pile of clothes and flushed, pink dusting across the bridge of his nose making his tiny freckles stand out, “I, um, I can turn around if you want, so you can change, but…I’d prefer to have my arms in a better position to catch you in case you stumble again.” Blue eyes peaked at me through silvery strands as he looked at my face, bashfully as though gauging my reaction.

It didn’t disappoint, as heat spread across my own cheeks. “Xavier,” I breathed, “I trust you. You…” my face felt warmer by the second, “You don’t have to turn, just… close your eyes?”

He nodded, eyes tender as his voice as he spoke, “As you wish.”

I chewed my lip a moment, watching his lashes brushing perfectly atop his pink and freckle dusted cheeks for a moment, taking in how stupidly gorgeous he was before I held his forearms and stood. Hesitating just a second, face feeling hotter still, I tugged my white shirt from my uniform over my head and tossed it to the floor. It was ruined anyway. I turned slightly in the cage of his arms and grabbed the shirt he had brought out for me before I stopped, eyes widening slightly and flicking to him.

His eyes were still closed, arms slightly out caging me in between them, ready to move to my rescue should I need it.

My eyes fell back to the shirt in my hand. A shaky breath left me and I set it down. Arms raising up behind my back, I hissed as the motion caused me pain from pulling at the muscle stretched over my ribcage.

Xavier tensed, eyes still obediently shut, “What? What is it? What’s wrong?”

I let my arms fall dejected, “N-nothing.” I groaned in frustration. I hated feeling helpless like this, “I just can’t take off my stupid bra without hurting my stitches.”

Xavier sucked in a breath then, drawing my gaze. The pink dusting that never left his face had spread to his ears. He swallowed, his throat bobbing, “I could… I could unhook it for you. I will keep my eyes closed. Just… just tell me what to do?”

I chewed my lip, but nodded. The need for assistance won out over my pride and embarrassment for the moment as I took a half-step closer. “Y-yeah, okay. Yeah.”

“Yeah?” his hands rose at my sides, hovering but not touching.

I nodded before realizing he couldn’t see and spoke, “Yeah.”

His breath was shaky as he nodded, “Okay. I’m… I’m going to touch you now, okay?”

My hands rose to rest on his shoulders for support, “Y-yeah, okay.”

His hands had risen but stopped, he frowned, “You sound uncomfortable. I don’t–”

“Xavier.” I cut him off. “I… I trust you. I’m just- just a little nervous.”

He chuckled at that, ears still red, “Yeah, yeah, me too.” His hands rose to my sides, fingertips barely brushing my skin before freezing. He swallowed again. My eyes followed the movement. “I’ve never… I’m not familiar with… how they work. You’ll have to direct me.”

It was my turn to swallow. I filed away what all that statement could mean for a later date. My hands gripped at the fabric of his hoodie slightly, “Okay, you, um, you should put your hands up higher. Just t-trail them up until you f-feel the fabric of the band.” He did as I said and I wondered if he could feel the goosebumps breaking out across my skin. If so, he was kind enough not to point it out. “O-okay, now f-follow it around to the center of my back. You should feel where it connects.”

Tiny little specks of light, like mini fireflies, sparked to life as his fingertips brushed along my skin to my back. “X-Xavier…?” Was this because of his nerves too?

He swallowed, little glow fly specks of light danced. His brows furrowed as he fidgeted with the band, “I… I don’t know what to do. There is no button or zipper or laces? I don’t know how to get the bodice off. You’ll have to talk me through how it works.”

“Bodice?” I shook my head and ignored the tiny fireflies of his evol flaring and refocused, “It’s a bra. There are tiny hooks. Three of them, usually. They loop through and hook onto tiny little metal loops on the other band. If you pinch them together and then lift the top one away, it should unhook them.”

I moaned in relief as he got it down after a few tries, the tension around my ribs releasing, and my breast felt like they could breathe again. “Thank goodness.”

His face was a mix between bashfulness and worry. My bra dangling from his hand as his hands fell back to their position at my sides, “Are you in pain?”

I chuckled dryly, “No more than anyone who wears those evil things.” I huffed, “Toss it somewhere. I don’t even care. I will not be putting one of those back on until my ribs heal.”

He frowned, “It is that painful?” He shook his head tossing it off near the door of my closet, “I will never understand why women's fashion always seems to want to inflict suffering. Even if corsets are no longer the thing, for something so small to still cause pain…” His bottom lip stuck out slightly as though personally affronted by the suffering of women everywhere.

I wanted to nibble the lip. Good gods, I was whipped, wasn’t I? And I grinned, grabbing the shirt he picked out. It was one of his that I had kept after bandaging his wounds once. It was ridiculously soft and oversized. It would be so comfy to wear with my injury. Is that why he picked it out of all of mine in the drawer? I shook my thoughts away and refocused, “What do you know of corsets?”

He flushed, “Nothing personally… I’ve just read about them.”

I studied him as I pulled his shirt over my head, “Read about corsets?” I chuckled. His shirt fell around my thighs, and I pulled my hair free of its collar. Once more, I found myself wondering what exactly his age was. “Just what kind of books are you reading that talk about women’s corsets, Xavier?”

He flushed, scarlet, “N-nothing indecent.”

I hummed at his answer but left it alone. If he wanted to read romance novels, that was more than alright with me… honestly… It was kind of cute. My eyes fell to the underwear he picked out next. The bra would be ignored. But the underwear, I was pleased to see that he had picked out a pair of comfy boyshorts over my more lacy, smaller numbers.

I glanced at him, his eyes still dutifully closed, before I quickly dropped my old pair and kicked them away and hissed bending quickly to step into and tug up the clean. He tensed and frowned as I obviously struggled but there was no way I was getting my crush to help me pull up my undies.

“Y/N?” He sounded almost destitute at my pained hissed and grunts.

“I’ve got it. It’s just… It’s these damned underwear.”

“...are they painful too?”

I chuckled at that as I struggled, “No, no. It’s just, you know, I have to get them on.” At this point, it was likely both of our blushes would become permanent.

He swallowed loudly and nodded, “Right. I, um… right…” He didn’t offer to help, which I was grateful for because I wouldn’t have let him, and also, his asking likely would’ve made my heart condition finally give out as it exploded right in my chest.

With a huff, I plopped back onto the edge of the bed, exhausted, but covered thanks to his shirt falling past my midthigh. “Okay, all done.”

He blinked, blue eyes refocusing as he took in my appearance. Tiny specks of fireflies sparkled the air like glitter once again as his eyes lingered on the shirt before he swept the bra and sleep pants I left untouched away. “Ready for some sleep?”

“Yes, please.” My voice drowsier by the second.

His chuckle made a bubble of warmth settle in my chest. Sleep was exactly what I needed, because if I didn’t get respite from all of this tender care and closeness with Xavier, I was going to die. …Or kiss his pants off. Then die. Of embarrassment. I groaned as my face flopped into my pillow. I was so tired.

His smile was soft, filled with amusement and what looked way too much like affection for my pain and pain killer addled brain. “Here, starlight, let me.” He tugged the blankets out from under me and tucked me in.

My tiredness began to feel heavy as I watched the tiny specks of light dance around the air again, “Xavier?”

“Hm?”

“You’re glowing.”

His face leveled with my gaze, “Am I?”

I hummed, blinking as my eyes felt heavy. “You’re… you’re like a knight in shining… fireflies,” My hand rose to brush along his cheek, “Thank you, Xavie.” My voice slurred slightly as I lost my battle to keep my eyes open.

I felt a light press to my fingertips before my hand was tucked under my blanket. I snuggled into the warmth. Another press landed upon my forehead.

“Rest, my star. Your knight will be here when you wake.”

Ta Da! I am back!!!! I am so sorry for the long wait! Having my computer break was not on my bingo card for the start of the new year. But, I was able to upgrade for a good deal so I am happy!

This chapter was so fun to write. I love Zayne as a character- though admittedly not as an LI- and I loved writing them as a more friendly dynamic, although, yeah, Zayne still has feelings, obviously. I wanted there to be tension, male posturing but also mutual respect between Xavier and Zayne, hopefully I balanced that well.

Now, on to the Xavier bits!

Did you guys (gender neutral, as always) catch the little sneaky bits hinting at Xavier's age and long time here on Earth prior to meeting MC/yn? The corset/bodice bit was too fun to write honestly.

And did you guys like how I made him glow? Ugh! Can you tell I adore him cause I dooooo. I also had a nod to The Princess Bride, did you catch it? 🥹 Anyway~ We are almost through the Lumiere myth now that we have gotten through this bit they did not include! I hope you all enjoyed it.

If you couldn't tell, things are starting to get steamier! This fic is rated for mature audiences for a reason. And those parts are coming (badumtis). Though, I will have a MNDI banner on them as well.

As always, comment to be tagged or removed from future updates!

@xxfaithlynxx @moonsavior @2kyute2poot @yournextdoorhousewitch @sapphoslostkid @ivohex @cherimoyatea @sandy2848582 @adorezhi @animecrazy76

#~Threads of Eternity #lads xavier #lads zayne #xavier x mc #xavier x reader #xavier x you #xavier x y/n #xavier love and deepspace #xavier fluff #my writing

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synstoria · 5 months ago

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Imperial Grace FAQ

When will the game be out?

Hopefully, early 2025, we will communicate an official date when we have more visibility. At the moment (16/08/2024) the full script is written, but we are still missing some key arts (all the CG, 5 sprites, and some MC customization), and a portion of the script still needs to be properly edited and translated.

I want to smooch the Master of Murmurs 🙏

Thanks to our generous backers, the MM will get a proper romance DLC after the game release, so you just have to be patient <3

I want to smooch another character 🙏

Unfortunately, it’s not possible; we do not have the time and resources, but that’s why fanfic and fanart exist, and they are always welcomed. 😉 (You can see more about our fan content policy.)

Is there any DLC plan for the game?

On top of the MM romance DLC, we plan on doing a marriage DLC (with a standalone storyline for each love interest) and a short prequel telling the story of Mellissandre of Terinfel. Both have been funded on Kickstarter, but I have no dates to give you yet.

How much the game will cost?

The final price is not completely set yet, but it will be somewhere between 20€ and 30€. 💸 After careful thought, I also decided I will do proper regional pricing. 🎉 I was dubious because I know a lot of people are abusing the system with VPN but I don't want to punish the people who actually benefit from it. 💖

On which platform will the game be available?

The game will be available on Steam, GOG, and Itchi.io; at the moment, we are working hard to make it completely Steamdeck compatible! At the moment, a switch port is not possible but not excluded; if the game does well enough, we might be able to get a special partnership for this.

A mobile port is not on the pipe either, as it would require a full UI overhaul and regular updates to comply with stores, and our economic model is not appropriate for the mobile market.

In which language will the game be available?

The game will be available in French and English on release day. At the moment, we do not have the budget to translate the full game into another language but we are looking for solutions to allow the most people possible to enjoy the game.

Where can I follow you?

The most reliable platform for news is Discord as I am very active on it. We also have a mailing list (with exclusive gifts upon joining!) and a twitter account.

What is the game rating?

The game doesn’t have official ratings (that cost money), but considering the mature themes in it, I would say 17+. Imperial Grace includes verbal (but not visual) descriptions of violence and consensual sex.

The game, especially through the petitions, also alludes to topics that may be sensitive, such as arranged marriage or suicide. The list of full trigger warnings is available on steam (beware spoilers). It might be subject to change depending on the petitions we include or not in the final game, I want to make sure that every sensitive topic is treated with care and really brings something to the story or denounces a social problem close to our hearts.

Sexy time, you say? 👀

The game features plenty of hot kisses and two optional sex scenes; they can be stopped (in game choices) and not happen at all or censored (fade to black). The text is explicit (anatomical parts are mentioned; it’s not all metaphor, but there is no vulgar words either.), and some suggestive but not pornographic images illustrate them. In other words, even the uncensored version of the sexy time will be safe enough to be streamed on Twitch but more steamy than what we usually find in otome games!

Is the MC customizable?

MC physical appearance is customizable to some extent: you can choose her skin color, her hairstyle, her eye colors (heterochromia possible!), and minor details like moles. The skin color options are not just recolors; the features are actually slightly different to reflect different ethnicities and bring more variety.

All customisation will be reflected in CG, except hairstyle (you can learn the difference between hairstyle and hair type on this post.)

What do you mean by “meaningful choices”?

Imperial Grace has over 200 choices during the main storyline; contrary to traditional Japanese otome game where there is usually a “good” and “bad” option for each choice leading to the best/good/bad ending, we have a more Dragon Age-like approach where most of the options are valid just entails different consequences to shape a more custom epilogue with tons of little variation to reflect your decision as Empress. (And there is instant game overs when you take very very bad decision :p)

You have more questions? Our ask box is always open! <3

#Imperial Grace #FAQ #english otome game #indie otome #visual novel

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mymindhesmine · 7 months ago

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His Favroite Star, The Sun

💌 pairing: Zayne X Reader X Sylus (Love Triangle)

💌author's note:

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read this, this is my first post here on tumblr! Before starting the post please read this! This is a fanfic in an AU from the Love and Deep Space storyline. Details such as back stories, present events and others will differ from the games story. Please keep that in mind that this fic is not going to follow the plot of the game exactly. Some events will live up and others won't.

Also this js my fic and my writing, if you don’t like how the characters are written or the plot, feel free to exit.

And in this fic, it is a love triangle and reader is not MC from the game. in this fic, reader is a famous idol, as well as Sylus (Sylus is still the leader of Onychinus but in this fic the leader is faceless and unknown and goes by an alias), Zayne however is still a world renowned and highly recognizable cardiac surgeon/ doctor.

As well as this fic will have a music element where I will state the song of the chapter/section. Feel free to listen if you want to. Lyrics will be in italics.

🎼song: 'I Wanna Be Yours' by Arctic Monkeys

🍒tags: mention of previous relationship (Sylus X Reader), F! Reader

Thank you for reading this! I hope you enjoy!

🎀 synopsis: It has been your dream since you were a little girl that you would be a star, an idol, to let the whole world know who you were. But if the world knows who you are, they know everything about you from your work, to what you do personally and your relationships including past and present. The past of being with another famous solo artist Sylus, who is now your ex with the public knowing of the messy relationship and breakup from it. The present of being with a world-renowned cardiac surgeon Zayne. The limelight seems to shine too bright sometimes, and along with it following you, so does your past. Will it catch up to the present?

"Y/N! Please face this way! Smile!"

"Y/N! Do you have a moment for a quick interview?"

"Y/N, say hello to all your fans watching at home!”

Between all the yelling and bright lights flashing in your face, all you could do was smile.

Smile and pose, hands placed on your hips, turning slightly when you deaned it appropriate. Standing for a bit before walking down the carpet further and repeating the steps.

Smile, turn, walk, repeat.

That was until a large camera was pushed in front of you, a woman wearing a long floor length champagne colored gown with a slicked back bun approached with a microphone in her hand and a wide smile on her lips.

"Y/N! It is so lovely to see you tonight at the Golden Star Music Awards! How are you this evening?" The woman said, pointing the large microphone towards you.

"Hi! Good evening! I'm doing amazing, I’m so excited." You greeted to the woman, smiling brightly.

"You look absolutely gorgeous tonight, so beautiful as always." She complimented.

"Thank you, you look so beautiful as well." You complimented.

"What a sweetheart you are! I heard you were nominated for an award at tonight's show, do you think the odds are in your favor?"

"I have no idea, if I did win that would be so amazing but even it I didn't I applaud whoever does. Everyone deserves recognition on a night like this."

"Are you excited for any of the guest performances?"

"I am! I can't wait to see what is in store. I wish them all good luck, I know everyone will do amazing!"

"How sweet! And I see you came alone tonight, are you attending with friends or a plus one?"

"Actually my-"

Before you could finish your answer you felt a hand gently place itself on the small of your back, pulling you closer to a figure slowly. Making you tense up and then look up to see who it was.

"You made it, I didn't even know you were already here." You said smiling, as soon as you saw those familiar and warm green eyes you felt yourself relax.

"I wrapped things up earlier than expected, I just decided to find you instead of waiting inside." A soft voice said, as you felt the hand move from the small of your back to your waist.

"Oh my! Is this your famous doctor boyfriend I've been hearing so much about? two make such a cute couple!" The woman complimented, chuckling as you smile and nodded.

"Yes, he's-“

"Seriously, I think you two are perfect for one another. Obviously better than the last one right?" The woman said, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she chuckled and shoved the microphone closer to you.

"I-I um, I don’t-" You stutter to say, your hand gripping tightly at the skirt of your dress.

"I heard he's also attending tonight's show, do you think he'll…"

'It's one of those gossip reporters wanting to get more details in my life to sell an article or something.' You thought to yourself as you drowned out the rest of her conversation, you could feel you face growing hot and your hands becoming clammy with embarrassment.

"We should be heading inside and finding our seats soon, the show will be starting soon." You heard his voice respond rather strictly and coldly, making you look to him.

"I understand totally, I just wanted to ask since so many people have been curious.it was nice to meet you-"

"Let’s go before the show starts without us, it was nice meeting you as well." He said, taking your free hand in his own and walking off with you.

"Bye Y/N! Enjoy the show, hope to catch you after-" The woman said, but you had already drowned her out as your attention was faced to his broad back as he guided you down the carpet and to the entrance of the venue.

"Are you all right?" He questioned, his voice ringing with concern and worry as he watered your features.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." You managed to stutter out, not wanting to cause commotion with so many people around still.

"Some people just don't know how to respect others, regardless of status or attention. She shouldn't have asked such inappropriate questions." He stated, as you nodded in agreement and exhaling a long breath.

"Look at me." You heard him say softly, making you look up to meet his warm green eyes.

"If you don't want to stay longer or don't feel comfortable, we can leave. You tell me."He said softy, as you shook you head.

"I think I’m okay, thank you." You said, as he eyed you a bit.

"Even if you feel fine now, you tell me if anything changes. All right?" He said, and you nodded.

"I will. Thank you Zayne.”

You got inside the venue with no issues and were guided to your table by a staff member. Zayne had pulled out your chair, and you sat down as you thanked him. He sat down next to you as the staff around served water glasses to the both of you.

"Are you looking forward to the show?" He asked, as you sipped at your glass.

"I'm excited to see the performances, but I'm more nervous for the awards." You admitted.

"You were nominated for a few of the categories, no?" Zayne asked, as you nodded.

"Mhm, that's why I'm a bit nervous. I didn't really prepare before hand. It’s just a little nerve wrecking not knowing." You admitted, and he nodded understanding.

"But maybe I won't win, and that's okay too! I just hope if they do that they're more prepared than me." You chuckled.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. As the show is about to start." A loud voice boomed through the venue and the other guests started bustling to their tables.

As the noise died down, and the lights on the stage shone brightly on the host you and Zayne made small banter.

"Welcome to this years Golden Star Music Award Show, I will your honest for the evening. Who is ready to win some awards and watch some amazing performances?!" The host announced, making the other guests cheer in response.

The show went on as typical from what you expect, guest artists performing their latest and most popular hits with dancers and over the top visuals, awards being handed out with heart filled speeches and tears, all with you and Zayne bantering and basking in each others presence without a care in the world.

"Our next performance is from an artist who we all love for his sultry sound and unforgettable voice. Appealing to the masses with his dark image so far that his latest album sold tens of thousands of copies within the first week, made it number one on the charts and is nominated for awards in multiple categories at tonight's show. Please give a warm and inviting welcome to Sylus!"

The audience cheered loudly as the spotlight shifted to the center of the stage, you could see Zayne shift from your side slightly and you turned to him and smiled before looking back to the stage.

The lights surrounding the venue darkened, as solem tempo music started playing. You recognized the song all too well, it was on the radio on repeat so much and you did like it.

You saw the figure on stage, a band behind him as the spotlight shone bright and cameras panning across and showing his face on large screens to the audience who weren’t close enough to the stage. You had to admit he did have a nice voice, you’ve heard his previous work in the past and you did like it.

I wanna be your vacuum cleaner

Breathing in your dust

I wanna be your Ford Cortina

I will never rust

You could see people slowly swaying in their seats, mouthing to the lyrics. You felt a soft brush against your hand as you looked to see Zayne interlacing his fingers with yours. It made you blush slightly at the small physical contact, and you quickly looked back to the performance.

If you like your coffee hot

Let me be your coffee pot

You call the shots babe

I just wanna be yours

A spotlight that was hung over the audience shown, carefully dancing across the guests until it slowed and rested its attention on you and your seat. You flinched slightly at the brightness, making you look away and resting your sight on one of the large screens. Maybe it was the camera angle on the stage but with how it was positioned, it was like he was staring straight at you.

Secrets I have held in my heart

Are harder to hide than I thought

Maybe I just wanna be yours

I wanna be yours

Wanna be yours

You looked back at Zayne and although he was looking disinterested you could see how white his knuckles in his free hand look, balled into a fist. You carefully ran your thumb over his knuckles in your hand, seeing his tightened fist relax and his stance less tense. He looked to you and you gave him a soft reassuring smile.

You both knew what was going on.

He was playing games.

The show went on like clockwork, awards and performances continued and you waited with bated breath for the next awards announced.

"Now for the award for 'Best New Rising Star, with several amazing nominees. The winner for last years award will be announcing the winner." The host said, as the audience clapped.

"Please welcome back Sylus to the stage!" The host exclaimed, as more cheering and clapping ensued.

You could see the familiar figure nod to the host, taking the microphone they held along with the award. Once done they turned to face the audience at the stage.

"It is my honor to be able to give this award to the nominee who most certainly deserves it. "The winner of this year’s Best New Rising Star Award is…" He started, you bit your lip with anticipation.

The silence was slowly killing you, you just wanted this done and over with. You could feel your grasp in Zayne"s hand tighten and you tried to not chew your lip off.

"Y/N L/N." He said slowly, as the audience started clapping and cheering.

You face froze in shock for a moment, as you looked to Zayne who stood up from his seat and guided you to stand. You smiled and hugged him tightly, feeling tears threatening to spill as he whispered in your embrace.

“Congratulations." He said, as you let go of him reluctantly.

You wanted him to come to the stage with you but you knew it wasn’t the best option for now, instead one of the guests would help you up to the steps as you made your way up before getting on the stage alone.

As on cue, one or the guests who was often seen accompanying winners onto the stage held their arm out for you to take and you did so. Hearing cheers and whistling as you smiled and waved to the crowd, the cameras panning and following you as you made your way to the steps of the stage.

You thanked the kind guest before adjusting your dress and walking across the stage, hugging the host before they walked off to the far side of the stage.

Leaving you alone with all eyes on you, with Sylus.

"When I met Y/N, it was as if it was never meant to happen. Just a coincidental meeting that sooner became the start of a beautiful connection, as if faith knew it was destiny for us to meet. Only for years later I would be the one on this stage presenting her this award for the world to see." He started the speech, the crowd cheering and clapping as you did as well.

"From the first moment we met I knew I was in the presence the most talented person I would get the pleasure to know. When it comes to music, she has dominated the industry with hit pieces without failure. When it comes to personality she has always demonstrated kindness from the bottom of her heart. And when it comes to determination and work ethic, her work is never underestimated or undermined."

"Even with all these awards, music, recognition and status of being an artist, what counts is the person who put their heart into what they value. She succeeds it by not changing or letting herself be pressured into doing so. She has been able to accomplish so much while not letting the pressure change her into something she isn’t. Even if the times has changed along with many others things, she is still the same girl I met all those years ago."

"She is someone I respected highly, whom I hold so much pride and admiration to. Who I’m proud to say I know, proud to say I’ve looked up to and proud to say I love with my chest and won’t ever stop loving."

You felt your chest tighten, your hands become clammy as the crowd only got louder at the statement.

"I’m proud to present this award to her as she deserves it more than anyone in this world, ladies and gentlemen the winner of the Best Rising Star Award, Y/N." Sylus finished, turning to you as the crowd continued to cheer and all you could do was stand in shock.

Standing there as if caught in the act, surprise and fear etched into your face as everyone was looking at you. You could see the edge of a smirk resting on his lips from your peripheral vision, as you slowly got over the anger and nerves. Approaching him with your hands out, a tight smile on your face as you accepted the trophy from him.

His hand lingered as you grasped the award, before letting it go slowly and you approached the microphone on the stand.

"I want to thank everyone here tonight for the opportunity of receiving this award, this is such an honor to be nominated and win this so thank you again." You started, as the crowd cheered and you could see him sits, smirking from your side.

"Thank you to everyone who has even given me the chance to make this dream come true. From my team to my family, writers, producers, friends, colleagues, and the people closest to me that I love and hold dear to me thank you for all the support and love you have shown me. I hope to keep amazing everyone with all my work and hope you can see me continue to grow not only as an artist but as a person too. Thank you again, I love you all." You finished, waving as you held the award up again before quickly rushing to the stairs you came from.

You could hear footsteps follow you and already knowing who it was, holding onto the railing to make sure you didn’t fall. You looked to see Zayne at the bottom of the staircase waiting for you and you smiled in relief.

"Here, let me-"

"I’ve got it, thank you." You responded quickly, holding onto the railing and going down a few steps before reaching out to the outstretched hand before you.

Taking Zayne's hand once in reach and having him help you down to the ground level, clutching the award. Once you were stable, you looked at him and with the look that he gave you in return you could tell he wasn’t happy but more concerned than anything.

"I wanna go home."

💌 author's note:

Hello! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed, if you liked it please let me know! I hope to be posting soon!

#l&ds zayne #lnds zayne #love and deep space zayne #love and deepspace #zayne love and deepspace #zayne-snowman #doctor zayne #dr zayne #love and deepspace sylus #zayne x reader #lads sylus #sylus qin #sylus #l&ds sylus #sylus x reader #love and deep space #lads

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scrollf0x · 1 year ago

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(Spoiler Free)

Resident Lover Routes Ranked

As tradition when good things end, we overfixate on it! After 48 hours of completing all routes in Resident Lover, here's my spoiler free ranking of the good and bad endings in the game brought to us by Team AVIA 🙇🖤

Top Romantic Endings (Good ending)

#1 Miranda

As recommended by Team AVIA this route should be played last after completing all the other routes, and istg this was the best approach to the game, there's so much stuff going on (in a great way), it ties up all stories together, it explains the biggest mystery in the game and the end was SO SATISFYING. Mother Miranda was MOTHERING so good and I'm definitely obsessed with MM now. There's so much I want to talk about but won't for now to keep this spoiler free.Best route ever hope you enjoy it! 🐦‍⬛🧎

(UPDATED REVIEW: As MCs we can't escape her fr fr. You should see all cult endings in all routes before going to her cult ending. She's unbelievable but it's so hard to hate her once you get into her route and I can't explain why I still love her but holy fuck, Miranda. You make Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn look like novices for the things they do for love. Miranda literally took Yandere to a whole new level...and I love it 👀)

#2 Donna's Route (UPDATED)

We get our Flourist AU with our resident spicy sweetheart (you'd understand the spicy part later) Donna! Everything from her route was so mysterious and selecting her route before getting to Miranda's route was such a good build up before getting the answers to the numerous mysteries you'll uncover in the other routes. Donna and Miranda's route has SOOOO MUCH to bring into the table about the main mystery in the game. Plus the rivalry between Donna and Miranda for MC??? IM DEAD 😭💖

(UPDATED REVIEW: Holy shit y'all I just recently uncovered the actual cult ending for Donna's route, and as sweet and passionate her love is for us - the neutral ending was really sad, but holy fuck the double tragic endings in the cult version was just..I can't even react properly after finishing it I'm forever traumatized - see cult ending ranking)

#3 Alcina's Route

If you're into student-teacher relationship with much more murder mystery from the game and of course our Mother Alcina herself, this is for you! For all Alcina fans, buckle up for a ride because this route does not pussy-foot around romance between Alcina and player and my god THE SEXUAL TENSION. ILLICIT ROMANCE. SHEESH. Y'all are going to love it so much istg. Even the counterpart ending ate up (see tragic ending below)

TOP Tragic Ending (Cult endings)

#1 Angie and Donna's Route

Angie

Y'all would not expect the darkest ending for the sweetest character with the most lighthearted romance development of all routes. It starts off really innocent and sweet before it all goes downhill so fast, and Donna was so terrifying in this route 😭 Both bad endings were absolutely devastating and I really want to find out how Angie will react once she finds out - or if she will.

Donna (Updated review)

How was it even possible that Donna was so loveable and so terrifying at the same time? Everything from her good to bad route was just *chefs kiss*. Follow Team AVIAs guide to routes, and reach the cult ending (with additional 2 tragedy scenarios) I guarantee you both tragic scenarios will leave you terrified and heartbroken.

#2 Alcina

As amazing as the romance is with Alcina the bad ending route was downright nightmare-ish! We all love our hot psychopath mother but y'all would be baffled at just how CRAZYYYYY she is when you find out in her tragic ending route ☠️

#3 Dimitrescu Sisters

The Dimitrescu siblings SERVED in all routes Bela most of all but gaddamn as amazing and complex our relationship with them are, the tragic endings are INSANEEE. Bella's outfits were AMAZING and her storyline even more so. Cassandra is such a cassanova and a diva (so much teenage drama here btw you'll love it). And our precious Dani bby girl with our fake dating thing, she deserves so much love I wanna give her a hug. Their tragic endings are so so so sad, all I can say is Miranda did them so dirty 😭😭😭

Overall the game was AMAZING in every way, Team AVIA really put there heart and soul to this and it really shows, so please take the time to drop by at their page @resident-lover , give them your love and appreciation, and enjoy the game!

Let me know what you guys think ☺️

#resident lover #re8 village #resident evil 8 #resident evil #mother miranda #alcina demitriscu #donna beneviento #angie griffin #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu

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still-a-morosexual-help · 2 years ago

Note

Asmo is the personification of "I'm a delicate beautiful flower uvu" and then throws hands when someone disagrees, MC is just there to hold his stuff when he beats the stuffing out of some poor demon. Afterwards he pretends like he didn't lose his shit and threw hands because someone said that x wasn't his colour

HE CANONICALLY KNOWS AND USES WRESTLING MOVES!!!!

I see this as him starting to watch wrestling because of all the hot muscular people in it (remember that chat when Beel gets tickets to either a body building competition or a wrestling match and asks MC to come along but when MC suggests Asmo, because he'd like it, Beel says that's precisely why he can't take Asmo) but then he really got into it because of the actual wrestling & violence (whether or not it's fake isn't the point)

Okay but, I love Asmo so much???? He gives off this ditzy yet sweet air most of the time which contrasts greatly with how vicious he actually is? ;

He's the most vicious, out of the lot, to Mammon when he's pissed off - with his lines being brutally cutting

His entire Desire speech to MC in S1 which sounded like a villain monologue

When he finds out MC was lying about Belphie and why they wanted to make a pact with Asmo in the first place and he threatens to rip their heart out if they lie to him again and this is after they're technically friends!

How condescending he sounds during his solo in the group song with Levi & Beel

Princess Asmo going evil in that one anime episode was hilarious but honestly what did you expect would happen

The whole thing with Helene and how not only was he unapologetic he didn't even seem to realise he did anything wrong

Or the hints at the Sarah storyline which if they follow the irl story is very dark

The fact that (assuming that Levi's animal is a giant sea serpent rather than a snake) he's the only one with a venomous animal and I'm 100% convinced his demon form is venomous

His demon form consists of a bleeding heart as his marking, plus a scorpion which is obviously venomous and roses which would definitely have thorns

The fact that like I said in this post Asmo equates his place in the family to his beauty and then suddenly he fell and changed (and didn't the devs say that in the version where they have more demonic forms that Asmo hated his?) and that would have seriously messed him up

Like I really wanna know what it was like for him right after the fall becaue look at this and tell me he wasn't absolutely deranged

I haven't given Asmo any long scenes in my fics but I love writing him;

Asmo side eyes him, gaze sharp and calculating before his mouth thins into a parody of a smile. "Don't worry about it, Belphie," he says with an almost condescending pat to his cheek before he practically saunters away.

Belphie watches him feeling mildly irritated but as equally amused and fond. He has always respected Asmo, found familiarity in the wicked sharpness he hid under bubbly giggles and hypersexual ditziness.

tldr:

There's a reason why it's called blood lust

edit:

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my-pjo-stuff · 6 months ago

Note

For the Great PJO Ask Analysis event: (ask no. 3)

You've got a topic in PJO you'd like for me to analyze?

The way demigods inherit their godly parents powers. Percy has a long list of abilities compared to Annabeth/Clarisse/Beckendorf, etc.

Want to share YOUR analysis of stuff with me and my followers?

Grover Underwood is an incredibly complex character who tends to get forgotten both by the fandom and the author. As satyr, he's got different aging to demigods and while Annabeth and Percy know him well, they don't seem to completely know. He doesn't talk about his family, his relationship with Juniper and is generally used as comic relief. His status as Pan's legacy holder seems underdeveloped as well. Thoughts?

Want to hear my take or shares yours of different characters and aspects of the PJO universe?

The exploration into the realms of Greek mythology is interesting. The Underworld is relatively easy for the trio to get into and for them to escape which seems to contradict the Underworld being a terrifying place with Tartarus, etc.

Nico and Bianca Di Angelo's storyline seems rather complicated and doesn't really explore them as characters. Opinion?

The way demigods inherit their godly parents powers. Percy has a long list of abilities compared to Annabeth/Clarisse/Beckendorf, etc.

Now I'm going to be honest and say that in my opinion there isn't much to analyze? Like, at the start of the series it seemed pretty obvious to me that powers are rather rare to be inherited from godly parents. Instead, it was more like talents that were passed down (Apollo kids being good at archery, Athena kids being smart etc.) For Percy's powers I honestly just assumed it was because he was the MC, and thus obviously had special or cool stuff to make the story interesting. In universe I chalked it up to just being a genetic lottery like irl in which actual powers were like a super recessive gene.

There's always a chance you'll inherit it and it'll show, it's just VERY small. Then as the book went on and more and bigger threats got introduced, as well as more characters being thrown into the mix a classic case of power creep set in. 'Cause you need the new characters to be interesting for the reader to get invested, while also needing to up the stakes from time to time to keep it interesting. Yet at the same time the characters also need to be able to reasonably defeat the enemies. So the most logical way to solve all that is to introduce new powers.

And I honestly there's not much more you can really analyze or explain. It's not really a coincidence that most characters introduced in the first five books didn't have any powers or only relatively weak ones, while those later introduced tend to have them or have them more powerfully.

Grover Underwood is an incredibly complex character who tends to get forgotten both by the fandom and the author (....) Thoughts?

I think Grover is one of the many wasted characters in the PJO books, he specifically having suffered from being treated like a side character despite having the setup of a main one. You already pointed out that Grover is very interesting as a character and has a lot going on- which, in my opinion, would have been better explored for a character if they had been a demigod.

Grover is in this sort of weird position where while yes, his themes are very cool and even relatable, they are not relatable enough. Because who do you think would children (aka, the books target audience) rather read about? The cool human demigods their age who look pretty and do cool stuff? Or the satyr guy who doesn't fit conventional beauty standards and isn't human? Fact is that Grover just isn't really as "attractive" as a character compared to others- he always seemed to take more of a background role supporting other characters. Which yeah, is most definitely a HUGE waste (which I honestly don't think I need to elaborate on further). And I honestly blame the fact that he just isn't pretty enough. Is he ugly? No, but he certainly isn't pretty or very fandomizable. He doesn't really have popular ship options and already gets pushed into the background of the books to make room for Percy and Annabeth. The fact that thus the fandom largely ignores him and he seems to lose importance as the story goes on doesn't seem suprising to me.

Again I'll just have to go meta and say, I think it's just the fact that they are in a children's book. It would get pretty boring to just always stay in America/the "human" world with a setting that could offer locations such as the Underworld, Tartarus, Olympus etc. so logically Rick searched for ways and reasons to get characters down there to use them. PJO and HOO being a kids' book series of course meant that he couldn't truly portray places like that as horrifying and dark as they should be, so he had to tone it down to keep it child-friendly. Same goes for the escapes from Tartarus and the Underworld- Rick can't just have his characters die, so he has them come out relatively unscathed. That's personally one of the reasons why I think that PJO would have been much more interesting had it been a young adult or teen series, since it would have allowed darker themes to be explored more thoroughly than they were. 8Some examples being locations like the Underworld, the true dystopia that a world would be where demigods just straight up have no human rights, the systematic issues with CHB ect.) Nico and Bianca Di Angelo's storyline seems rather complicated and doesn't really explore them as characters. Opinion?

I mean Bianca's only major character trait was just "Nico's sister". She was as flat as a piece of paper, died a few chapters after her introduction and really just served as a plot device for Nico's storyline. So I honestly don't think I have to say and go over the exact same talking points as everyone has gone over with her before. Nico on the other hand had some very cool set up where we could explore HIM growing angry with the gods. I mean, Zeus was the one who killed his mother, no? His father (even with good intentions) just straight up erased his and Bianca's memory completely. Bianca ended up dying not only for a god (Artemis) but also indirectly because of the gods (the scrapyard they have and the robot thingy). And Hades just also straight up attempted to semi-kidnap him and train him up to be the Child of Prophecy for what I can only assume to be his own gain. Not to mention the disrespect children of Hades got at camp. Nico is, as much as I see it, one of the characters with the most reasons to be hostile towards the gods. Right up there with Luke and Ethan for what I see. Unfortunately though that was never explored, purely because Rick either A) didn't have the time or B) couldn't have the antagonist look too good. I'm not yet finished with all the books, so there is a chance that the part about the story being overcomplicated could refer to something else- but as of now I gotta assume it's the "he's from ww2, actually!" thing. Which, honestly? To me, it is much less overcomplicated and more underdeveloped. Nico's "time travel" is, when it boils down to it, just a loose excuse for Rick to have another kid of the Big Three there without anyone breaking their vow. We could have had a cool exploration of how demigod life changed over the decades or an interesting arc of feeling displaced in time. Instead, we got none of it because, frankly said- for Nico as a character right now that backstory just frankly isn't important. Nothing would really change for him as a character if we just push away that time travel thing. All we'd need to say is that he and Bianca got their amnesia in an accident and then BOOM. Nothing would change for their characters at all really. We could easily say that Maria was killed by Zeus together with her unborn child to get Hades to curse the oracle and keep the time line in check. So yeah, to me their backstory is more of an excuse to have them here and is severely underutilized and unexplored- and Bianca is just a dumpster fire overall.

#pjo #percy jackson #percy jackson and the olympians #bianca di angelo #nico di angelo #grover underwood #rr crit

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hopelessromantic1352 · 8 months ago

Text

Lockdown

This is based on OH 2. After I replayed it, I realized how I would’ve actually liked to see the book progress through the maitotoxin attack between Ethan and MC. I’m thinking I’ll try to post one or two more that follow the same storyline. Maybe a mini series? We’ll see. Also, hello Tumblr 😆 it’s been a minute.

Warnings: mentions death, poisoning, sickness

Word count: 2,068

Tags: @perriewinklenerdie @shelivesinthewoods @miss-indecisive-says @alj4890 @naffeesaa @hija-del-universo @confessionsofabrokegirl @usuallyamazinglyaverage @radlovedreamland-blog @lilyoffandoms @cordoniaqueensworld @carreraleigh @ethanplaysfavorites @amillionmoonsred @princess-geek @lapisreviewsstuff @aworldoffandoms @paisleylovergirl @llamasgrl @flyawayboo @timmagicktoad-blog @isabella-choices @ihclipse @sparklinglilac @whenyourheartskipsabeat @desmaranj

The drizzle out the window beats slower than her heart. Her breaths come in ragged gasps, the plastic rustles against the air vent it covers, and the only other faint sound is the steady beep of machines outside the quarantined room where she paces.

Beeps that remind her, Raf is still there.

The nausea has increased tenfold, but Casey refuses to sit down. The numb sensation in her feet and hands tingle with every second, but her stubbornness keeps her upright.

“Case, why don’t you rest for a second?”

The usual bravado in Bryce’s voice is gone, replaced with something she hasn’t heard before.

Fear.

Still wearing the mask around his neck, and bloody scrubs, her eyes try to focus on his expression.

Was the fear because of Kyra or herself?

“You’re here. Does that mean..” The raspy whisper that leaves her mouth is unrecognizable.

The young surgeon looks at her with pure anguish. “She made it, everything went good and she’s resting now. Which is what you need to be doing. You can hardly stand, let alone pace around your room.”

As if on cue, her whole body sways and she grabs the foot of the bed, holding still for a moment before her head and eyes clear again.

Only seconds later, the rest of her friends and the diagnostics team arrive. Faces full of fear, pity, and some anger. She knew why they were angry, she was angry too.

“I can’t sit still, I feel like that’s giving up.” Casey tries to keep her voice as even as possible.

“Dr. Ramsey and I found Travis, he gave us a few more symptoms to go off of before he…” Sienna trails off, biting her lower lip as her eyes shine through the glass.

“He died.” Ethan walks in first, leading Baz and June behind him. “But thanks to Danny, we know what was in the canister and we’ve got people working on an antidote as we speak.”

Casey looks to Sienna, seeing her lips purse and eyes begin to water at the mention of the young nurse’s name. The red head’s heart clenches at her friend’s pain, pain she hoped she and Raf wouldn’t be adding to.

Swaying slightly without realizing it, Casey reaches out to Ethan. His arms encircle her, steadying her as June takes her vitals. The ocean blues behind the hazmat mask seem more dull than usual, or maybe it’s her eyesight, but they don’t break eye contact. Somehow, feeling his covered hands and arms around her soothes her. Just being near him calms her and seems to take away the pain for just a moment.

“Her blood pressure has dropped in the last hour, heart rate is elevated.” The no nonsense tone of June’s voice cuts into Casey’s welcomed distraction.

“Why wouldn’t my heart rate be elevated? I’m having the time of my life in here.” At the attempt of a laugh, coughs take over, wracking her frail body and causing Ethan to tighten his grip on her.

“I can’t stand here and watch this. Are we going to go find a cure for this?” Jackie’s fist rests against the window, her face contorted with anger as she watches her friend writhe in Ethan’s arms.

“Hell yes we are.”

Tobias Carrick’s voice carries down the hall as a group of footsteps echo behind him. With Aurora next to him, the Edenbrook doctors look upon the Mass Kenmore group cautiously.

When Casey’s coughing fit finally dies down, the silence doesn’t stretch long.

“Carrick, why are you—“ Ethan can’t hide the surprise in his tone, or on his face, but Tobias waves him off.

“This is bigger than our competition. No one is letting Valentine die.” Ethan’s old friend eyes Casey with sympathy, internally noting the way Ethan holds her gently and protectively.

“We brought all our best doctors with us, they’re at Edenbrook’s disposal.” Aurora walks to the glass, softly placing her palm on it and worrying over her friend and roommate.

“I can’t thank you all enough.” Shaking, Casey tries to stand on her own, but the arms holding her don’t budge.

Her group of friends all start talking at once, saying their goodbyes and words of encouragement. June and Baz excuse themselves as well, telling Casey to hang in there. But the one steady thing in her world at that moment stays put.

“Casey, I—”

At the despair written on her face, his words die on his lips.

“I’m scared, Ethan. I don’t know— I’m not—”

All the tears she held back since the attack, since Bobby, Danny, and Raf, they rush to the surface and flood down her pale, sunken cheeks.

“Shhh,” the suit crinkles loudly as Ethan pulls the frail woman into his arms. “I am beyond terrified too. The one person I care about more than anything in the world…”

Her sniffling pauses at the meaning hanging in the air, but he begins to move them towards the bed, momentarily distracting her.

“Ethan, please if I lay down I don’t know if I’ll get up.”

He grunts a response as he lays down first before gently guiding her down next to him. “You will get up. Some of the best doctors in the world are fighting for you and Rafael, Casey.”

She weakly nestles into his embrace, silence stretching between them as he stares pensively at the ceiling.

“What were you going to say?” Her quiet question makes his muscles tense next to her, and she worries. “If it’s something you're not telling me about this maitotoxin, it’s not easing my mind.”

“No, no, the reason I cut myself off is the fact of the matter is,” he repositions himself so he can look into her glistening brown eyes. His gloved hand reaches up to cup her cheek softly, urging her eyes to close. “Casey, please look at me.”

The yearning and warmth in his voice pulls at her heart, and with no hesitation, she does as he says.

“When I say you are the most important thing in this world to me, and I care for no one more than I care for you, I mean it.” Fresh warm tears pool in her eyes and her bottom lip trembles. “I love you and looking back at how I’ve treated you… us, it has made me realize how much of a fool I was for pushing you away. I have never been able to deny my feelings for you and I believe I fell for you a long time ago. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to acknowledge what has been in my heart.”

Tears falling, she closes her eyes but her lips spread into a warm smile, dimming the paleness on her frail body for just a moment.

“I’ve waited so long to hear you say that and now I can’t even kiss you to make you feel how much I feel the same. I’ve loved you for a really long time, Ethan. I wasn’t sure you’d ever feel the same.”

With the hazmat suit between them, Ethan embraces her as tightly as he can without hurting her. Wanting to feel her body and wishing this was taking place in his bed, after a perfect evening together instead of a quarantined room after the harrowing events of the day.

“As soon as you’re healthy, I’m taking you in my arms and never letting go.” The finality to his voice, mixed with the adoration and warmth, it causes Casey to shiver at the intensity.

“I can’t wait to kiss you.” She nestles back into his arms, exhaustion beginning to take over as he simply smiles softly and holds her tight.

As she falls into a deep slumber, Ethan can’t help the mist in his eyes or the deep hope that she’ll wake up to a cure.

The next morning, Ethan is startled out of thought as Casey lurches awake and rolls on her side, crying out in agony.

“What is it? What’s wrong, Casey?” He’s on his feet, pushing his chair back, and takes a strong hold of her hand.

The bed shakes under her violent writhing, one of her arms wraps around her stomach as she cries tears of pure pain. “It hurts so bad.”

After what seems like eternity, the pain subsides and Casey is left panting and sweaty, still gripping Ethan’s hand.

“That was new.” Her voice is weaker and her body shakes from exerting so much energy.

She slowly takes her hand away and sits up, still shaking, but watches as Ethan paces away angrily.

“I absolutely hate not having any control over this. There’s nothing I can do to help you and seeing you suffer, it makes me—” He groans and runs his hand through his hair in frustration.

She isn’t looking at him, her eyes are shut and her fingers dig into the bed. “Ethan, I’m not sure how long I can do this.”

That sentence, just a whisper, is enough to break him out of his rant. Enough for him to realize how selfish he is. Enough for him to realize if they don’t find an antidote, he could lose her.

“No, no, no.” He hurries back to her side, holding both her hands in his, engulfing the coldness. “You need to keep fighting. Please.”

His forehead settles on the edge of her bed as he sits back down, his hands holding hers still as he closes his eyes and begins to pray silently. Desperation coursing through his veins.

“We’ve got it!” Tobias is sprinting down the hall with June and Baz, the rest of Casey’s friends following behind quickly. The sounds urge Ethan to stand.

“But Raf, he needs it more—” her whisper is cut off by a violent cough.

Within minutes, the other two members of the diagnostics team are in Casey’s room, donning hazmat suits and carrying a small syringe.

“Don’t worry, we’ve already given him his dose. So save your energy, you’re going to need it.” June grins triumphantly at her sick colleague and then looks to Ethan who’s red rimmed eyes show their utter surprise. “Would you like to do the honors?” She holds the syringe out towards him.

“Absolutely.” As soon as he has the antidote, he steps over to Casey’s bedside and holds her hand for a moment, gazing at her lovingly. “Are you ready?”

A simple nod is enough answer for him. Gently, he finds her vein and injects the liquid, removing the needle when the syringe is empty.

12 HOURS LATER

“Get up.”

Ethan strides into the quarantined room without a hazmat suit and leaves the door wide open behind him. He grins, and despite the exhaustion in his eyes, he looks happy and at ease.

“You mean…?” Carefully standing, but feeling near normal for the first time in the past 32 hours, Casey looks at him, her eyes trailing over every inch of him.

“Your last few blood tests have shown a slow decrease in the maitotoxin and the very last results showed nothing. It’s gone, so—”

His scientific rambling is cut off by Casey’s small body ramming into his. Her arms wrap around him tightly and she buries her face into his chest, breathing him in deeply. “So I can do this finally?”

A simple nod is his only answer, and when she pulls back to look at him, she understands why. His eyes are full and glisten with unshed tears. His large hand gently cups her cheek, his thumb traces her cheekbone.

“And this.” Before she can question what he means, his lips softly press to hers, his free hand slipping down to rest on her hip.

The silent embrace lasts for just a few seconds before he forces himself to pull away. His other hand slips up and cups her cheek so he’s holding her face. The piercing eyes roam over her face, as if he’s memorizing her.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever feel your lips again.” Her voice quivers and her bottom lip trembles when she sees his eyes glisten in the light.

In answer, he leans forward, pressing a firm kiss to her forehead before pulling her against his chest once again. “I love you.”

His voice is so quiet, she nearly misses the sweet phrase. Her voice is muffled, but she responds as her arms tighten around his waist. “I love you too, Ethan.”

#choices #playchoices #open heart 2 #open heart fanfics #choices open heart #open heart choices #dr ethan ramsey x mc #choices ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #oh ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey

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oneknightstand-if · 9 months ago

Note

Wait. So let’s say if Adrian see Merlin as short, and MC sees Merlin as tall. There’s a door that is only tall enough for a short person to enter. Would Merlin need to lower their body to enter or no? Or is Merlin’s actual physical dimension depending on Merlin’s view of themselves? So if Merlin view themselves as short, in Merlin’s view, they can enter the door without lowering their body. Thus MC (who view Merlin as tall) would literally see Merlin’s top body just overlap with the door frame and wall when they enter the door, like a bug in a 3D game?

I was gonna ask if Adrian punch Merlin on the head would he hit or miss given the mysterious height, and then I realize MC couldn’t land a single hit. So…… hmm?

It seems that we need something that is unbiased (doesn’t have an appearance preference) to determine Merlin’s actual physical dimensions… what is Merlin’s shadow shape? What about when they gets into water? Maybe when he fell into a mud or make a snow angel? Sunlight, water, mud, and snow are unbiased right? So they should reflect their true physical dimension!

…Also what about animals? Would a male turtle find Merlin the most beautiful cute small female turtle that is the same size as them?! I have so many questions 🤨

All I'll say is Merlin squeezed through a crack too small for water to pass through in order to escape the Veil. Merlin's existence isn't following the laws of Earth physics at all.

You'll eventually be able to talk about this with Merlin & get a demonstration during Free Time (probably not the one in this chapter since there needs to be more "...wait, what?" moments with Merlin in the main storyline), but this has already been hinted at during Merlin's big lore dump section in Chapter 1 where they kept replying "Is that what it looked like to you?" to the MC.

Otherwise, if the MC thinks the door is too small for Merlin then they'll see Merlin stoop to enter and Merlin's shadow will be the shape that MC thinks it should be and Merlin would make the most gorgeous Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel type of snow angel.

Also, if Merlin wants to be attractive to that turtle... for some reason*... then they'd appear to be the girliest most fabulous most breedable turtle that'd ever been seen.

*Animal & such souls aren't really a viable nutrition sort however

#oks-asks #oks-Merlin

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quinnyundertow · 4 months ago

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QUINNY HELLO!! Its me aleks @yuutito

I have been following both the time travel fic (when I catch you gege) and the asylum one since day one! But I’ve been really shy to make new moots so I haven’t made the effort to come and say hi >.<

But I want to pick your brain about the time travel fic hehe so here I am !!

- since JJK has ended, has your plans for the story changed at all? Like have any plot lines or your planned story been altered by the ending gege gave us?

- since we haven’t met yuuji or megumi or Nobara yet, I’m wondering.. will our MC stop Yuuji from eating the finger? You don’t have to answer but I’m so curious if you will loosely follow JJK storyline or if you will make sweeping changes… vague/nonspoiler answer is ok ^^

- I really like what you did with suguru’s character. I was actually shocked when we met him in the ryokan and he was like “why would I take Rika from Yuta?” I was like OH like we are ACTUALLY making a difference I was so happy 😭 but now I’m here wondering what will kenjaku do if the night parade never happens… I wonder if he’s still in kaoru’s body.. aaaa I have so many questions I’m so very excited you see..

- loosely speaking, I know it’s a reverse harem so MC will have lots of romantic interests, but does MC have romantic feelings for one person or all of them? Or is it more that she’s being swept away in the moment by all these guys? I want to root for an endgame couple (not naming any names, definitely not biased 😌) but I’m also having lots of fun watching MC romance them all!!

- I also really like what you did with Junpei. The eren jaeger hair is a LOOK I’m living for it truly… he looks so handsome in my mind…

Sorry if you’ve answered any of these before but I reread your whole fic last night and my mind is buzzing..

🥰 Ahhhh don’t feel shy about saying Hi I’m just a humble trash gremlin. I’m so glad you’ve continued to like the fics from so early on. 🥺 Thank you for the kind words and support!

These are some interesting questions! Let me see if I can give answers to them 🤭 Potential manga/anime spoilers below. I definitely got carried away responding.These are simply my opinions from watching/reading interviews and the source material.

- since JJK has ended, has your plans for the story changed at all? Like have any plot lines or your planned story been altered by the ending gege gave us?

For a little while I was pretty concerned about how the ending would affect the fic but to be honest almost all the tragedy we are focused around stopping is in the anime (Junpei, Haibara, Nanami, Suguru, Toji, Yuji’s Trauma, Childhood trauma for Gumi, Mechamaru, Tsumiki etc etc.). So no changes to the story line based off of the manga ending. That actually goes for all my fics. Phew.😅

There will be sweeping changes while loosely following the storyline. 😅 MC will be doing her damndest to avoid Yuji chowing on the finger. That’s all I’ll say on that.

I feel like I need to explain how I see Suguru’s character to respond to this. Suguru is such a fascinating character. Even if you think early intervention could have stopped his whole “Monkey” era. He has to have something innately inside him that is broken for him to be able to flip that hard (Nurture vs Nature argument). Yes he goes through extreme trauma but lots of people go through extreme trauma and don’t become racially charged serial killers.

In the show he goes from (arguably) Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil. In WICYG I want to explore Geto as a Chaotic Neutral.

Why didn’t Suguru even THINK of taking Rika from Yuta in WICYG? This stems from my analysis in his canon choices. Some of the decisions Geto makes in JJK 0 frankly don’t make sense if he wanted to achieve his goals of a non-sorcerer free world. Suguru is very intelligent and capable of understanding others deeply and in canon manipulating them.

I think in JJK 0 Geto was fucking exhausted by having to bare the weight of the world on his shoulders but felt totally pigeonholed into his choices and was past the point of no return. Geto knew what would goad Gojo into killing him. Targeting young children, attacking Gojo’s students, declaring a public war so Gojo couldn’t back out. Geto gave Gojo no choice but to kill him. Maybe he wasn’t fully cognizant of making that decision but I think he did. Geto could have easily killed Yuta and Stolen Rika when Toge and Yuta encounter Geto at the abandoned mall. He didn’t do it because he didn’t want to.

The WICYG Geto can’t even fathom murdering a young sorcerer with potential just to become more powerful himself. We will get more into these choices as Suguru’s story progresses!

Reader x all is the ending. I’ve thought about it a lot. This was the first thing I needed to establish before starting the story. How to have a believable happy harem ending. Trust in me 🙏

- I also really like what you did with Junpei. The eren jaeger hair is a LOOK I’m living for it truly… he looks so handsome in my mind…

I needed him to have a hairdo with his forehead exposed because it’s a visible sign of readers success in Jupei’s story so far. He was never bullied to the point of cigarettes being put out on his face. Go reader! Also Man buns 🙌 Now I need to pay someone to draw him like that hehe I’m glad you approve.

Thank you for all the questions and kind words and sorry for the rambling. I enjoyed responding ❤️

#jjk fanfic #wicyg #Quinny speaks #asks

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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 1 year ago

Text

[CN] Victor’s Luolan Date (Eng Translation)

“It appears I’ve already found the rose from the legend, one that will never wither.”

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 楼兰之约, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

【Subbed Video】

[Anika's Notes]: tbh ig the VAs were told to soften their voice 10x than usual for this event LOL. The amount of nonverbal sounds—— 😩 also, since Tumblr wants to reduce my workload LOL and won’t allow more than 30 pics, PLS DO WATCH the video for the god-tier voice acting, new bgs, the bgms and sprite alterations too~💕

youtube

───────

【Transcript Version】

【Chapter 1】

Victor: If you keep crying for any longer, your eyes might become swollen.

MC: [sobbing] The ending was simply too unfair. Who can resist crying…

Through the hazy veil of tears, I see the lights in the living room flicker on.

The time-traveling drama I’ve been following all summer aired its series finale tonight. Victor even joined me in watching the web series together after getting off work.

We were chatting about the storyline just fine, until the final scene when my tears began streaming down uncontrollably––

Upon returning to the present day, the heroine enters Luolan once again, only to discover that the once prosperous city has eroded into the long river of time.

But the rose that the Prince of Luolan had carved outside the palace walls still blossoms on the crumbling ruins, quietly awaiting her for a thousand years.

Victor places a towel, radiating warm steam, over my eyes, gradually soothing my emotions.

MC: Don’t you find it beautiful?

Victor: Carving a rose into a stone is quite romantic. I can understand why you like it.

MC: I see absolutely no hint of being moved on your face…

He slightly furrows his brows in response to what sounded like an odd statement to him.

Victor: You’re not expecting us both to cuddle up and cry our eyes off, are you?

A rather peculiar image flashes through my mind, and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

Victor: Crying one moment and laughing the next. Your emotions are truly fickle.

MC: Precisely. Compared with my vivid and overt emotional display, this audience member’s emotions are too composed.

Victor: The selling point of all time-travel dramas mostly revolves around the theme that love can transcend time and space, with endings that can either be joyful or sorrowful.

Victor: This ending was predictable.

MC: But this series is adapted from the legend of the last prince of Loulan!

MC: Additionally, in the last century, a foreign explorer claimed to have seen flower-shaped carved patterns on the stone tiles at the Luolan ruins.

Victor listens quietly, then turns his gaze to me after a brief pause.

Victor: So, is this why you want to visit the Loulan ruins?

MC: Well, it’s not the sole reason. The legend of Luolan’s overnight disappearance has been widely known as a mystical tale. I was originally–– hang on, how did you know I wanted to go there?

The answer to my question is a document he hands to me. Upon closer look, I realize it’s actually the official permit granting access to enter the Luolan ruins.

MC: Why do you have this document too?

Victor: …dummy, it’s yours. Could they have sent it to the wrong person?

I flip through a few pages, and sure enough, find my full name written in the applicant’s box.

MC: I had just woken up when I filled in the address… I guess I subconsciously thought it would be safer to have it sent to you?

Victor: Sweet talker.

He raps my head.

Victor: But I heard that it’s no longer open for public visits.

MC: Yes, indeed~ Currently, only teams on scientific expeditions or those with permits are allowed in.

MC: The conditions for obtaining the permit are so incredibly stringent. I even tried leveraging all my connections, but still couldn’t succeed!

Hearing my words, he gives me a sidelong glance but doesn’t interrupt my unceasing torrent of complacent monologue.

MC: Luckily, I was able to negotiate a documentary collaboration with the local government and received an invitation for sightseeing~ I even signed multiple agreements to protect cultural relics.

Victor: No wonder a certain dummy’s tail is raised high into the sky; it indeed was no easy feat. However––

Victor: [sulking] You just said you had leveraged all your connections. How come I don’t remember myself being among those connections you leveraged?

MC: Because this was meant to be my Qixi Festival surprise for you…

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 2】

Victor: Is this abrupt emergency break also a part of the surprise?

He pinches up the coffee-spattered shirt clinging to his body and stares at me sitting in the driver’s seat, lost for words.

MC: That pit just now was really too tricky…!

Just a few short hours ago, we landed at Luolan Airport. However, upon arrival, we were informed by the airline that our checked luggage had been delayed in the transit city and wouldn’t be delivered until two days later.

To avoid delaying our itinerary, we agreed to deal with the matter of collecting them on our way back. With that settled, I confidently got into the driver’s seat of the RV, and alongside Victor, embarked on a self-driven journey into the desert.

Yet, as expected, things aren’t as uncomplicated as I initially thought.

Looking at his shirt– practically soaked through and with coffee still dripping from it– I promptly grab some tissues and wipe it off for him.

The next second, my gaze suddenly falls upon the carry-on suitcase on the luggage rack. My eyes light up, leading me to pause in my actions.

MC: Why not take it off and wash it immediately? Although, while waiting for the clothes to dry, it seems like you’ll have to either be completely naked––

Unsurprisingly, as I deliberately prolong the final note, his reaction of furrowing his brows is true to my expectations.

MC: Or you could wear the couple’s outfit I packed inside the carry-on luggage for taking photos~

Victor: It seems like occasionally; one can still count on––

However, as soon as I take out two sets of lavish Western Region attire, his voice ceases to be heard.

The gold-plated ornaments chime with a delicate tinkling sound, aggravating the crease between his brows.

Victor: What are these?

MC: Compared to my dancer’s attire, yours is actually a collaboration with the museum, an exact 1:1 replica of the half-sleeved garment worn by the Prince of Loulan back in the day~

Victor: So?

Seeing that he is unmoved, I extend my hand and point to the sign denoting the “uninhabited area” by the roadside.

MC: There’s no place to purchase clothes around here. If you don’t change soon, that coffee stain won’t come off. And then, regardless of what outfit you wear on the return trip, it’ll end up on the news––

MC: 《The CEO of LFG’s Grand Cosplay Elevates Airport Fashion》 or 《The CEO of LFG Spotted in Stained Shirt - Speculations of Bankruptcy》. Your choice?

After quite a while, he compromises with a sigh, taking the clothes from me and walking towards the bathroom at the back of the RV.

Not long after, the sound of water seems to quiet down. In anticipation, I turn my head––

The soft crimson robe barely conceals the glimpses of sculpted and muscular contours underneath, complemented by intricate gold ornaments that adorn him with an air of regal nobility and grace.

Faced with my unblinking gaze fixated on him, he displays a somewhat unnatural expression, which is rarely seen on his face.

Victor: Why aren’t you changing?

MC: [still busy gaping] What?

Victor: Why am I the only one wearing the couple’s outfit?

MC: Okay, okay, I’ll “accompany” you.

Watching the awkward expression on his face, I can’t contain my laughter and let out a chuckle. Just before his gaze can shoot my way, I hurriedly grab my attire and head to the bathroom.

The desert weather is always fluctuating and unpredictable. Right after I finish changing my clothes, I notice a sudden sandstorm brewing outside the window.

Seemingly catching a sound, his gaze lingers on me for a brief moment, and an almost imperceptible tenderness crests on the arches of his brows.

With the scope visibility diminished, Victor assumes control of the steering wheel, deftly maintaining a steady distance from the swirling sand and wind.

After who knows how long, we finally spot a single-story house coming into view at the end of the yellow sand. Brimming with excitement, I tap the navigation icon to zoom in and get a closer look.

MC: It’s the cultural relics preservation station!

—

Initially, our intention was only to charge the RV. But with the yellow sand swirling around, we find ourselves invited by the stationed personnel, Maizi, to come inside and rest for a bit.

Just as we step inside, a dense mass of sand and stones outside the window surges forward, closing in rapidly.

The sandstorm has begun.

Thoughts of how an entire kingdom was once buried under this very sand spring to mind, and an instinctive fear begins to loom large within me.

The delicate brick house trembles subtly amidst the raging wind, and at this moment, a crisp sound resounds in my ears.

Several pairs of shimmering gold-plated earrings illuminate my dusky field of view. Taking note of my reaction, Maizi places them in front of me.

Maizi: Don’t be scared. Here, we’ve been wearing these kinds of earrings since childhood. They’re like protective charms for children in the desert.

As Maizi speaks, she turns slightly and shows me her earrings. The luster has dimmed a touch, suggesting she’s been wearing them for a long time.

Maizi: These are the ones I made for my kids. If you don’t mind, would you guys like to choose two pairs?

MC: Thank you, but it’s alright.

With a hint of bashfulness, I gesture with my hand and point at Victor’s ears.

MC: Besides, my boyfriend doesn’t have ear piercings.

Maizi: It’s no problem. My eldest son doesn’t have ear piercings either.

With a smile, Maizi offers me a pair of clip-on earrings.

Maizi: Consider them as a wish for your safety and well-being. Take them.

—

As the sandstorm eases up, not wanting to impose any longer, we say our goodbyes and ultimately accept the two pairs of earrings before returning to the RV.

Perhaps due to how terrifyingly unnerving the sandstorm was, Victor doesn’t refuse when I offer to help him wear the clip-on earrings after he’s put the earrings on me.

I take up the clip-on earring and carefully trace my finger over his earlobe to figure out its placement. However, after spending a good amount of time, I still don’t find the ideal position I’m entirely satisfied with.

Victor: Still not done?

MC: Have a little patience. I don’t seem to recall rushing you when you gifted me earrings for the first time~

–

[Tidbits]: AHHH YESSS the call back to their first “kiss” kiss date– “Dazzling Date” 🥺

–

At long last, I find the right spot and fasten the clip. Following this, I can’t help myself and imitate the past actions in my memories, gently cradling his face and leaning in to take a closer look.

The glistening golden pieces dance softly. However, in the next second, a subtle blush at the corner of his eyes captures my attention.

Seeing this, I mischievously continue leaning closer and closer to him. As I catch a momentary hitch in his steady breathing, I deliberately reach out to stroke his earlobe.

MC: Oh gosh, could you be allergic to metal? The corners of your eyes have turned red. Maybe I should take them off…

Before the words fully leave my mouth, I find myself abruptly pulled into his arms.

Victor: They’re on just fine, don’t mess with them.

His arms tighten around me a little more, and I obediently nestle into his embrace, letting the cocoon of safety enfold me.

The swirling underlying tension caused by the dreadful weather finally dissipates, akin to feathers drifting in the air. As drowsiness slowly sweeps over me, I register the sound of my last question being put into words.

MC: Victor, what if we can’t find the remains? What should we do then?

Victor: If we don’t find them this time, we will come back next time.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 3】

[Anika’s Notes]: While I’ll talk about this later, just wanted to say— that the way we get a mere glimpse into how extreme level of PTSD this man has given MC from the main story like— I’m counting fingers for the number of times she got nightmares when he isn’t next to her— (⁠〒⁠﹏⁠〒⁠)

—

A man sits in solitude beneath the palace walls, gazing towards the east for a long, long time.

He has probably repeated the act of carving a million times before. It seems as if the carving knife in his hand has a soul of its own now, each stroke finding its mark with precision, etching deep scars.

Fresh blood trickles down along the blade’s edge, staining the rose with a blood-red hue. Yet, he appears unresponsive to the pain, persistently carving stroke after stroke.

Only when the red headscarf is lifted by the wind does a familiar face emerge before my eyes.

MC: Victor!

I reach out in a panic to touch him, but a sudden onslaught of sand and wind surges forth, engulfing him in the blink of an eye.

–

Startled awake from the nightmare, I instinctively reach my hand to my side, only to find nothing but an empty space.

Victor is not in the car.

Amidst the boundless silence, a distant chime of camel bells suddenly reaches me. Compelled by the sound, I push open the car door––

The sandstorm has ceased at some point, revealing a sky that’s now crystal clear and brilliantly bright.

The curtain of dusk hangs low, but the luminous moon has already ascended in the vault of the heavens, radiating its brilliance alongside the sun.

Among the endless sand dunes, Victor, attired in exquisite garments, guides a pure white camel through the terrain, advancing his way through the light.

Stretching behind him, across the infinite expanse of Lop Desert, stands several silent, solitary, and enigmatic remnants of ancient civilizations.

The breeze dances by, causing his knuckles to gently clasp the upper garment brushing against his grave and stern visage, setting the accessories on his splendid attire to chime with delicate, tinkling sounds.

Perhaps dazzled by the light, he squints his slender eyes and immediately spots my presence. He appears slightly taken aback, but then quickens his stride as he approaches my direction.

In the boundless landscape, with each step he takes toward me, I feel as if he is crossing through a thousand years to reach me.

The scene from the dream resurfaces in my mind once again, and before I can even fully comprehend it, I’m already sprinting toward him with large strides.

I practically crash into his arms.

Victor: [breathes sharply] Running so fast––

Seeing that I’m breathless and staring fixedly at him without even blinking my eyes, he freezes for a moment. Then, as if realizing something, he envelops me in his arms.

Victor: The Luolan ruins we are heading to are in that direction. We can’t drive there, so I borrowed a camel from Maizi for transportation.

Victor: It was released to wander in the desert, and I needed to go and guide it back myself. You seemed to be sleeping so soundly, so I didn’t wake you up.

His words are extremely slowed, spoken one at a time. Listening to him, rather than an explanation, it sounds more like he is comforting me.

MC: You weren’t here just now and… I had this strange dream.

With his questioning eyes upon me, I feel compelled to respond honestly.

MC: I dreamt that you turned into the Prince of Loulan and were swept away by the sand...

Victor: [sighs with infinite indulgence and helplessness] …

MC: You find this amusing?

Hearing my grumbling, he finally can’t hold back a muffled chuckle, drawing his arms around me a little tighter.

Victor: Have you confirmed it now? – that I haven’t been swept away by the sand?

MC: Who knows, maybe you had gotten swept away! And it was this camel that rescued you and brought you back.

I huff angrily and bicker with him, effectively dispelling the uneasiness that the nightmare had triggered.

However, the camel seems to have caught on something, suddenly swaying its head and coming closer to me.

Momentarily taken aback, I then laugh in spite of myself and reach out to pat it. This gesture seems to act as a signal of some sort, prompting it to obediently lower itself to the ground.

MC: Huh, could it be that I have a natural talent for taming camels?

Victor: It’s more likely a stroke of luck.

As he speaks, he nimbly mounts the camel’s saddle and reaches out to hug me, lifting me up onto it alongside him.

The camel stands up in due course and suddenly leaps into the air, prompting me to let out a subconscious cry of exclamation.

MC: Whoa!

Victor: Hold onto me firmly and sit tight.

After he tugs on the reins, the camel pivots to change its direction and heads toward the ruins.

Probably due to Victor’s presence, I swiftly adapt to the bumpy ride. I even begin swaying my ornaments to create a pleasant sound, echoing in harmony with the camel’s bells.

MC: I feel like I’m a dancer being offered to the Prince of Luolan~

Victor: How come I’m not aware of any dynasty where a prince would rush out of the palace to welcome a dancer?

His teasing leaves me momentarily dumbfounded. It takes me quite a while before I open my mouth to speak, unwilling to resign myself.

MC: I never said the Prince of Luolan is you.

For an instant, Victor seems to stiffen up. When he speaks again, his tone takes on a slight rigidity.

Victor: [sulking] Who is he, then?

MC: …that’s not the important point!

MC: The important point is that you’re the Mr. Husband of my dreams– whom I’ve long set my heart on, and now you’re stealing me away to elope.

Victor: Childish.

A gentle tap lands on my head, and as I tilt my head up, I find myself ensnared by the light of his tender eyes.

MC: You clearly look really happy~

He doesn’t banter any further and only gives a tug on the reins, prompting the camel’s steps to become a bit brisker.

Receding into the distance amid the boundless expanse swept by the northern breeze, the glory and decline, the prosperity and withering of ancient Luolan have long frozen into eternal slumber.

MC: How wonderful!

Victor: What’s got you so moved again?

MC: The weather has cleared, which is wonderful. We’re heading to the ruins without any hiccups, which is also wonderful. But the most wonderful thing is having you by my side, chatting about all sorts of nonsense.

MC: No matter what, everything is wonderful as long as Victor is around.

The jingling tinkle of camel bells accompanies his gentle laughter close to my ears.

Victor: It’s only possible with a certain dummy around.

As the outlines of the ruins become distinct, I turn my head back in exhilaration.

MC: Even if I have to turn this place upside down, I’ll find that stone-carved rose!

His gaze lingers briefly on my arms waving around in excitement, and then he arches an eyebrow.

Victor: It appears crucial for me to remind you that you signed agreements for the preservation of cultural relics. If you do turn this place upside down––

Victor: I won’t be able to save you, even if I were to sell LFG.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

MC: …it’s all completely weathered away.

As I look at the historical ruins of the ancient kingdom before my eyes, which have gradually been devoured into nothingness by the endless expanse of yellow sand, I can’t resist pouting my lips.

MC: Locating the ruins of the imperial palace itself is akin to a far-fetched tale, let alone finding the stone-carved rose.

Victor: Why are you so hung up on that legend?

MC: Just a bit of anticipation, you know. After all, you see, If I were in that position, I’d surely leave behind some traces for you.

MC: The speculation is that the woman in the tales possessed an Evol similar to yours, which led her to go there. But, due to certain factors, she had no choice but to leave.

Victor: It won’t be the same.

He softly counters my statement, his gaze filled with seriousness.

MC: Hm?

Victor: With me, those factors you mentioned won’t come into existence.

A warm and fuzzy feeling suddenly envelopes my heart. I grin, drawing closer to him.

MC: Guess there’s no way around it. It seems I have no choice but to concede that the legend is, indeed, bogus.

He pauses for a moment, and his lips twitch. But in the end, he doesn’t say anything. Soon, a glimmer of a smile sparkles in his eyes, and immediately after, he tightly clasps my hand.

—

While I’m still in the midst of my puzzlement, a sudden glaring sunlight makes me reflexively squint my eyes. And then, a hot and humid breeze, carrying an exotic fragrance, hits me in the next moment.

After struggling to open my eyes, I curiously peer in the direction of the light, only to find myself frozen right where I’m standing––

Before my eyes lay a quaint-style courtyard adorned with fragrant blossoms. A flowing river winds its way through, its glistening waves reflecting in the sunlight with water that is clear and pristine, hosting schools of fish swimming within.

Compared to me who is filled with utter incredulity, Victor’s expression remains unchanged as if the current sight before us holds no element of astonishment for him.

Could this be a mirage? Puzzled, I gingerly brush the river’s water with the tips of my toes. The cool sensation of the flowing stream leaves me bewildered, prompting me to lift my gaze to the person next to me.

MC: Victor, am I dreaming again?

Victor: Just earlier, didn’t a certain someone say that she wanted me to take her away to elope?

He smiles as he looks at me, and in his eyes, the magnificent beauty and grand scenery of an ancient landscape are reflected.

The lofty dome of the circular palace hall is embellished with ceramic glazed tiles on its overhanging eaves, each detail unmistakably declaring the opulent and prestigious nature of this place.

Atop the roof stands a wooden pagoda reminiscent of those unique to ancient Luolan, and a lush canopy of greenery veils the gray-red palace walls I’ve seen in the drama.

A somewhat daring conjecture surfaces in my mind.

MC: This wouldn’t be the Imperial Palace of Luolan, is it?

Seeing the originator of all this noncommittally raise an eyebrow, I feel my heart tighten and rush to examine him thoroughly, circling around him.

MC: [anxiously, PTSD x2] A-are you feeling any discomfort?

Victor: [?? laughs helplessly. *screams* DO YOU SEE HOW BADLY YOU GAVE HER AND US MAIN STORY PTSD––] Dummy. I’m not that fragile.

Victor: As long as we manage to sidestep the butterfly effect and avoid impacting the course of history––

Probably noticing that I’m tensely staring into his eyes again, he slips my restless hand into his palm and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Victor: Don’t be so anxious. There won’t be anyone else here for the time being.

Hearing him say this, I poke my head out and gaze at the rare and magnificent view that lay before me.

MC: So, can we take photos?

Victor: Ask your phone.

But I soon realize that my phone is entirely frozen on the lock screen interface and is refusing to respond whatsoever, leaving me with no choice but to resentfully lower my hand.

MC: The phone says it’s not possible…

Victor: That being the case, simply keep your eyes wide open and commit it to your memory.

I let him lead me toward the depths of the courtyard, and along the way, we see the flowers bloom all the more luxuriantly. Unwittingly, I find myself mesmerized by the vista.

It’s not until a glazed table adorned with delicacies and fine wines appears amidst the blossoms that I stop in my tracks in astonishment.

–– Everything unfolding before my eyes is gradually starting to align with the scenes from the time-travel drama in my memories.

MC: It turns out that the drama is actually so detailed. It seems that I, who diligently watched every episode without exception, am about to become a walking encyclopedia of Luolan––

From the garden on the other side of the wall, there suddenly comes voices of conversation. I hastily hush and excitedly prick up my ears to listen to their dispute.

However, all that reaches my ears are unfamiliar and garbled sounds, and soon I start feeling my head beginning to spin a little. Once the women have walked farther away, I find I’m already frowning without even realizing it.

Victor: Looks like a certain encyclopedia trained through time-travel dramas is really just a half-filled bucket of water sloshing around.

MC: Says who!

–

[Anika’s tidbits]: HAHA as you guys know, I’ve long stopped explaining the thousands of idioms and intricate phrases Li Zeyan writers use unless they’re absolutely necessary/ crucial– or else my translation notes would be bigger than the content itself LOL– and this is one of those and it’s one of my favs 😂 the full idiom phrase is “一桶水不响，半桶水晃荡” – it literally means while a full bucket of water doesn’t make noise as it is heavy and stable, a half-filled bucket sloshes around– i.e. those wisest among us prefer being quiet and are self-confident, while those who are in the less wise/ smarter group often try to compensate their lack of knowledge/ understanding by asserting that they do~ 💀

–

Displeased with his jest, I swiftly focus my gaze on a copper utensil.

MC: Believe it or not, this was designed for storing spices, and it’s a very rare and expensive item.

I open the lid as I speak, and sure enough, a strong and fragrant aroma assails my nostrils. I can’t help but lift my chin complacently.

Victor: [laughs indulgently] Alright, I underestimated a certain dummy.

I vaguely feel that the aroma is somewhat familiar, so I lean in to take a whiff, and a powerful fragrance of mugwort instantly invades the tip of my nose.

MC: [sneezes] Ah-choo!

I rub my nose and look up, only to find that I have blown most of the scented powder onto Victor’s body, causing his figure to be coated with a drizzle of white.

The next second, he narrows his eyes and swiftly scoops me behind him. The smell of bone-chilling danger subtly spreads through the air.

MC: You’re not angry––?

Victor: Hush.

Looking in the direction of his gaze, I instantly become dumbstruck where I’m standing.

A massive leopard is peering at us from beneath the poplar tree, its face obscured by the shade of the tree, its pupils gleaming with an eerie and chilly light.

MC: L-Leopard…

Victor: [smiling] I’m familiar with it.

Despite being faced with a ferocious beast, this man actually still has the mood to crack jokes!

MC: But according to historical accounts, this should be one of those leopards raised in captivity by the royals and aristocrats. It’s probably quite docile… it wouldn’t eat us, right?

Victor: [still smiling] Being raised in captivity doesn’t mean it has lost its ability to hunt.

Seeing the leopard arch its back, fear grips me so hard that I cling tightly to his arm.

MC: Do we still have a chance to slip away secretly?

Victor: [still smiling] We’ve already made direct eye contact within its territory. Stay calm for now.

Pressing my hand against my wildly thudding heart, I raise my gaze to see it take a whiff of the air and then proceed to saunter leisurely in our direction.

After a while, it approaches Victor and sniffs gently. My heart leaps to my throat, but leaving me stupefied, it actually lays down, its shape reminiscent of a fluffy cushion. It even nuzzles him affectionately with its head.

What follows is a fuzzy ticklish sensation, and I stare in startled shock as the leopard’s tail merrily swishes against my lower leg.

MC: …didn’t we just make eye contact with it? Yet you’ve actually managed to tame it?

I cast an incredulous glance at Victor, while he is staring at the incense burner with furrowed brows.

Victor: This scented powder probably isn’t intended for human application.

The enormous creature rolls over, laying bare its soft belly, exceedingly similar to the way Pudding behaves coquettishly after sucking on catnip.

Victor: It might not necessarily be us who drew it here. This fragrance is not just on me.

It’s only now that I realize a subtle aroma of mugwort is also lingering in the air. Following the fragrance, my eyes land on one side of the path lined with densely grown nepeta herbs. I immediately heave a sigh of relief.

At this moment, the leopard flexes its limbs in an inviting gesture, signaling for Victor to pet it. As I watch his rare expression of being at a loss for what to do, I can’t help but break into laughter.

Victor: [laughs helplessly] …look at what good deed you’ve done!

MC: Being approached by an imperial leopard is a rare blessing that can never be obtained even if one beseeched it.

–

[Anika’s tidbits]: ANOTHER ONE OF MY MOST FAV PHRASES EVER! The term MC uses here is 求都求不来 (qiu dui qui bu lai), which is a play on this phrase: 可遇不可求 (ke yu bu ke qui), which means “can only be obtained (serendipitously) but not be sought after” – which paints the perfect imagery for “destiny, sth/sb being destined for someone”~ and a very important thing to note, which I’ll come back to later. 🥺

–

Likely attributed to my overly bright gloating, Victor curls his fingers as he pinches up a small amount of the scented powder, which he then dabs on my face.

Sure enough, the leopard turns around and nuzzles against me. Seeing that I’m not putting up any resistance, it then straightens itself up and buries me completely in its soft fur.

MC: …ngh, Victor! Save me!

Victor: Nope. This “rare blessing that can never be obtained even if one beseeched it” is now being given to you.

Nudged by the leopard, I’m prompted to draw a few steps back, and as I let out a startled cry and tumble backward, I find myself landing in a soft embrace.

Amused, Victor pats the leopard on the head, and it obediently sits back down on the ground, reminiscent of a docile house kitten.

–

Even as he enfolds me in his arms and sits us both down on the grassy lawn, I remain a bit indignant.

MC: Why does it only listen to you! We both clearly have the same scent.

At this moment, I happen to glimpse at the golden silk embroidery on his clothes shimmering in the sunlight. I then contemplatively look at my own dress, which is somewhat plain.

Victor: You don’t think it’s because of the clothes, do you?

MC: …who can say, perhaps its owner has clothes identical to yours.

Victor: Well, a certain someone must be thinking to herself, “Had I known earlier, I would’ve chosen a fancy princess gown for myself.”

Seeing me choked silly by his spot-on guess of my thoughts, he studies me with even more and more interest.

Victor: [IN THE MOST DOTING AND ADORABLE VOICE EVER] But however you slice it, a certain dummy still looks like a certain dummy.

Disgruntled, I lean closer to the water’s surface to check my reflection. A pouty face suddenly jumps out at me, which indeed is in disharmony with the dancer’s attire.

However, when I turn around and notice the wine cups on the table, an idea immediately strikes me.

I pick up a cup and lean in to bring it to his lips, working hard to make my voice sound soft and enticing as I speak.

MC: Your Highness~

He pauses for a brief moment, almost imperceptibly, before swiftly locking eyes with me.

Victor: There’s no wine in the cup.

MC: …you spoilsport!

Huffing, I sit up straight from his arms and shoot him a glare.

MC: Isn’t it because I’m afraid that if I spill the wine just like I sneezed earlier, it could result in altering the details of the history!

Victor, however, lightly quirks the corners of his lips, pours the glass to the brim with wine, and once again draws me closer to his side.

Victor: What did you want to do to me? Go on.

MC: You…

Before I can fully comprehend why he is being so cooperative at this moment, I feel a gentle force gripping my chin up.

I find myself falling into those serenely deep and unceasingly approaching pupils, and my breathing becomes rapid, beyond my control.

Victor: Weren’t you quite bold just a moment ago?

Victor: Seeing how you’re being so tentative like this, do you want me to teach you how one should drink this wine?

My slightly trembling hand is gently lifted by him with an irresistible force, and the small wine cup is soon raised to the level of my eyebrows and then even higher.

His fingers trace a slow path from my wrist to the palm of my hand, making the wine in the cup ripple, mirroring the swaying of my heart in tandem.

Just as his waywardly mischievous fingers are about to enter between the crevices of mine, he applies a slight pressure. The teetering fine liquid finally spills out, and the cool sensation quietly trickles down my forearm.

Along with the soft sensation, a rush of warmth suddenly washes over me. I stare wide-eyed, completely unguarded, and am rooted to the spot.

That pair of deep eyes, which has been fixed on me all along, makes it clear that he has no intention whatsoever of letting me go.

The scorching tip of his tongue gently licks and sucks on the continuously dripping nectar-like fine liquid, sending a wave of tingling shivers coursing throughout my entire body.

The incessantly rising, delicate sensation of itchiness makes me a bit restless. I have the urge to escape, yet simultaneously, I can’t help myself from pandering to it.

He looks at me with slightly half-lidded eyes, his lips curling up into a triumphant arc of someone getting their way.

Victor: Have you learned it now, dummy?

MC: !

I suddenly snap back to my senses and hastily pull my hand back, tossing the ceramic glazed cup back onto the table as if I were holding a hot potato.

MC: W-What am I learning this for…

Victor: Clearly, it was a certain someone who started it first––

Before the words even leave his mouth, I notice a skylark swooping down. Seeing this, he swiftly pulls me to the side to dodge.

While I’m still amidst my puzzlement, a black shadow suddenly flashes before my eyes. Much to my astonishment, the leopard has scampered into the air to catch the bird.

“Clang” –– the table is abruptly turned upside down by it, sending fruits and vegetables tumbling and leaving the cups and dishes in a complete disarray.

When I see him calmly looking at the spilled wine, as if he’d already foreseen it, I realize where his confidence in pouring the wine earlier came from.

And also, the uniqueness of this “trip.”

Looking up at this world that doesn’t belong to me, I can’t bear to tear my eyes away from the courtyard blooming with vibrant and luxuriant flowers––

The abounding blossoms of crimson pomegranate adorn the trees, while the light purple clovers form dense clusters, and the red lotus stretches wantonly by the riverbank…

MC: I’m still finding it hard to believe that I’m able to see the ancient Luolan with my own eyes…

Victor: So, have you found what you were searching for?

At his reminder, I belatedly recall the original purpose that I had cast to the back of my mind.

After casting a surveying glance all around, I don’t find that rosy color I was expecting to see and can only gaze at him with a sense of bitterness.

Victor: During this period, roses hadn’t been cultivated yet.

As if he can sense what I’m thinking, he explains in a calm tone.

MC: So that means, the stone-carved rose doesn’t exist either… Since you knew this all along, why did you go through such great pains to bring me here?

Victor: Compared to simply answering you whether the legend is true or false, bringing you here to see for yourself is more just.

Victor: In this boundless universe, there will always be a kind of beauty worthy of a certain dummy’s pure yearning.

Only at this moment do I realize that this voyage across time and space is precisely his answer.

MC: You… don’t you think it was quite naïve of me?

Victor: I do. But it’s also a precious trait of a certain dummy, and I think I can help you maintain it in moderation.

My heart suddenly turns into a mush. I settle my gaze on the edge of his lips before lifting my head and kissing him.

The aroma of wine and fragrance of flowers gradually fade away, and I find myself drenched only in his pleasant scent. Amidst our closely interwoven breaths, time seems to slow to a crawl, stretching ever so slowly.

It’s not until the familiar dryness lingers around the tip of my nose that I slowly open my eyes, slightly gasping for breath. What greets my eyes is the view of the endless sand dunes.

Apt to the occasion, my phone starts vibrating and powers up automatically. Only ten minutes have passed.

I feel as if I have just woken up from a dream. I gaze at Victor in a trance, and the rose-colored kiss mark on his lips enters my field of view, making me unable to help the smile spreading across my face.

MC: It appears I’ve already found the rose from the legend, one that will never wither.

In those eyes, brimming with unending tenderness, I see him lowering himself——

Victor: Then, allow it to bloom for a little while longer.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

[Anika’s Analysis & Ramblings]

twitter thread link: ♡

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#DUMB. I CALL DUMB. THE SHOCK AND CONSTANT PAINED FEELINGS THIS BROUGHT BACK—#DO NOT EVER FREAKIN' DARE CALL ME A DUMMY WHEN YOU'RE THE BIGGEST DUMMY AND LOVE-BRAIN IN THE UNIVERSE #HE IS JUST UGGHHHH i empathize with MC so much like if i were her i too would keep this silly man under 24 hour surveillance like!!!!#mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc #mr love victor #mr love queen's choice #李泽言 #恋与制作人 #love and producer #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

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scyllamoonlight · 4 months ago

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Mass Effect: Andromeda

Okay so, I just finished replaying through the mass effect trilogy and begun playing Andromeda something I was somewhat scared to do due to all the negative opinions regarding it.

So far there's a fair bit I've been considering in regards to the actual development and writing process for Andromeda as an expansion of the mass effect world building.

The ending of mass effect 3 would be extremely hard to build upon given that there were three possible end scenarios not including all the possible world altering choices throughout the game (e.g. curing the genophage or taking the Salarian deal, Siding with the Quarians or Geth or both) in all it's a lot of variables to consider when building a story and almost makes it unviable to continue a storyline in the milkyway or with Shepard as the MC. A lot of the critique towards Andromeda, from what I've seen stems from the story not following Shepard or the Impact of Shepard's actions, or all in all not comparing to the storyline of Mass effect 3. Regardless if we want more mass effect content I think Bioware has done their best to expand on the universe without having to either take on a massive workload regarding 3 different endings or pissing everyone off by retconning decisions or the end of mass effect 3.

The combat is good (as someone who doesn't play a lot of FPS games) and while it does fall short of ME3 combat it does have some things I enjoy more (like actually being able to run) the airborne combat also feels very fun and authentic to the game, as well as the scanning and exploration features.

So far I'm enjoying the storyline and the only thing that bugs me is the character rendering and how smooth PeeBee looks. Also I miss the Mako (I want to shoot people from the safety of my truck).

Overall I feel like asking the studio to continue Shepards story is an astronomical ask and comes more so from a place of nostalgia rather than critical thinking of how a continuation could actually be developed. I haven't entirely finished the game yet so maybe my opinion will change as I play but looking at it as an expansion of the ME universe rather than an extension of Shepard's story definitely helps.

#Mass effect #mass effect 3 #mass effect 2 #mass effect andromeda #Choice games

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clairedaring · 1 year ago

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The Storyboard: Interview with the Dee Hup House director Tee Bundit - On IFYLITA's budget and his passion for IFYLITA

So P'Tum has invited director Tee Bundit for the second episode of The Storyboard where they talked in length about a variety of Tee Bundit's works. There were a lot of interesting tidbits about I Feel You Linger In The Air so I've compiled them here for all the IFYLITA enthusiasts.

All translations below done by my dear friend saltymarbles on Twitter, please give her a follow if you're interested in IFYLITA and Bright Rapheephong-related content.

youtube

On his filming schedule in 2023

Last year, P’Tee was working everyday up till about the ending second half of the year. There was Hidden Agenda, Step by Step & IFYLITA. If he wasn’t on set, he’d be working on post-production. So he had little rest & sleep. To him, although just letting go of the matter doesn’t always improve the situation, sometimes he has to lower his expectations to move on. So last year (2023) he was in quite a bit of a ‘screw it’ kind of era. Regarding his series for 2024 (I Saw You in My Dream, Jack & Joker), he feels really anxious because they (YinWar) already have many fans. Honestly, for him, it’s always hard when it comes to expectations. When working on projects based on novels with many fans, it’s more stressful and tiring than usual because there’s people already awaiting the series and keeping an eye on it.

I had compiled the filming queues of Dee Hup House last year in this table and as you can see Tee was working at full speed and filming multiple series at the same time..

On the differences of being on set for IFYLITA vs Hidden Agenda

P’Tee said that he had to adjust himself while on set for these two series because JoongDunk are very playful kids. On set for IFYLITA, it’s very work centric and go-go-go which works for the actors. But for Hidden Agenda, he needed to adjust himself to play along with the actors to make them feel less stressed so they can work better.

On Bright-Nonkul & IFYLITA

Tee: They’re a pair that I’ve wanted to work with, with each person, for a year. For Bright, when he knew that he needed to act with Non and needed to act in a period drama, he did his homework very seriously. Because this was his first time playing a main character and he also felt a lot of passion for portraying this role. Both of them actually, this pair felt that they wanted to act in something like this and I too felt that this was good so I got them to come for casting because both of them needed to cast together, in the sense that we needed to see their chemistry together. They’re already really talented. One person is talented and the other is too. Even though Bright has never had a project in which he was the lead actor before, he has already learnt acting. Yeah and he did his own homework too. Meaning that they both read the novel properly and they actually also discussed with us about numerous things too with regards to whether we were on the same page about the characters.

On BrightNon & Boardgames

Tee: When Bright-Non are together, at first they were a little shy. They started to click after the first half was over. Both of them like playing games. We were like why didn’t you say this at the start so that we could let them play games from the first day. Because at first they were just there to work and work and work. At first, it was really tense until we started playing games together. When we were done playing, we were really enjoying it a lot. It almost became like immediately after finishing acting in scene, they continued playing immediately because Non also brought cards to play. MC: Brought boardgames and whatsoever Tee: They continued playing games. Non also has his own ‘band’ when it comes to boardgames like ‘Come on! It’s noon already let’s play together’ MC: But it still looks balanced because the storyline is quite serious, meaning that it’s quite stressful so (it’s good) to enjoy a little. Tee: It came in the period of the later half of filming. It went to the extent of meeting after finishing filming to play games together. It’s like ‘Is there a games party today? But there’s filming tomorrow’ MC: But it was like ‘let’s just do it first, it’s alright’ Tee: We would finish filming at 11pm, 12am. MC: But they would still play right? Tee: Yes it was like ‘let’s go play. who’s room tonight?’ Because that day, we were filming in another province. We played until 2-3am and woke up at 5am because everyone liked playing games so much. When we woke up in the morning, everyone had bloodshot eyes. We didn’t sleep enough but in the end, everyone fights till the death because it’s still a matter of work and our jobs. I really like the moments where everyone is enjoying together as opposed to being tense. When we’re tense, we’ll be overly stressed because the series is already a stressful one like filming taking longer than expected because IFYLITA took nearly 40 queues.

On what made director Tee choose to do IFYLITA

Tee: There were some people which had reviewed this novel on social media which I follow. And I went to read about 2-3 lines to use as an example. Sh*t… the way they speak, the language used, was so sweet. It was a dialogue like 2470 in an era then, it made me feel shy again. It made me feel it was so cute from the courting stage. In the present day, it had another kind of cuteness too. But when I went to look at that era, the cuteness arose again. And I had never seen any BL series which were period dramas. I felt like ‘I need to do it’. It was a project that if I talked about it, people would likely want to watch. So I thought about it but didn’t speak about it yet because if I spoke about it but didn’t follow through, it would be like…(no words)… So I contacted Khun Violet Rain first, to reserve it first, not to sell it to anyone else, let me find money to invest first. It was until a year passed.

On director Tee's passion for IFYLITA

MC: Omg! So your passion back then was like ‘whatever it is, it must happen’. Tee: I had maximum passion like ‘whatever I need to do, I’ll do it’ it was like, I’ll fork out first. In my heart, I was thinking ‘It must become popular’ and thinking that ‘there will probably be someone to sponsor me’. It was to the point I didn’t think of the problems in the future that it’s possible that it might not become popular in the future. At that time I was just thinking ‘let’s do it let’s do it let’s do it’ and that we could sell merchandise, do fan meetings. At that time everything was surely possible and get the invested amount back. It was like I was hypnotised.

On the budget of IFYLITA

Tee: At first I thought that it would be fast (to get the budget for IFYLITA), that I would be able to do it, it was already a year but in the end, I still couldn’t. There were some problems preventing things from happening. With regards to budget and other things so it changed production company. This was something that stressed the people working on this series. It felt like a loss and it was like ‘shit what should we do’. This project is so freaking expensive. MC: It can be seen from the setting, from the period genre Tee: There’s no more capital. We bought it, we bought it for ourselves first and kept it first. We wanted to do it and still wanted to do it then. We needed to find investors who wanted to do this with us and could support us. I couldn’t come up with 100% (of the capital). Then, I had thoughts of just loaning, salvaging what I could.

On the objective of the Special EP of IFYLITA

!!! SPOILERS AHEAD !!! SKIP THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED Tee: Following the title of the series, the problem that we encountered was that we knew we would have to make the Special Episode in a way that says “thank you” for the people who still miss IFYLITA so that gave rise to the special EP. I thought with the writing team that it cannot clash with the original story in a way that would cause problems. We thought about numerous ways to do it but we felt that those ways clashed and created problems with the original story. Being unable to go back (to 1927) is also not possible because we’ve already made it such that Jom has returned to the present time. To save the feelings of the people who read or watched IFYLITA, we let Khun Yai come back in a special way, like what if Khun Yai were to have to live in present day, how would he live his life? What would he be excited about? What fun things would happen? And thus, it became the special EP. In the end, there’s still a need to insert the feelings of the novel a little bit, in the sense of not allowing him (Khun Yai) to be here forever. He experiences happiness but we felt that in the end, we wanted it to follow the plot in which is still a little sad. In the way that there isn’t a happy ending. We wanted everyone to have some feelings of happiness but in the end, needing for these feelings to come to an end. MC: that the truth is indeed the truth Tee: Yes, something to that extent — following the feelings of the story. This is so that if there’s a future or something like that, it would be possible to continue the story. A future in which we would be able to see the real ending of the novel. But regarding that, we don’t have any plans yet. MC: Okay, so to viewers, Tee has said that there isn’t plans yet. Let’s see what the future holds. Tee: Let’s wait like Jom. Many of the fans have asked and to that I’d say, please wait like Jom. MC: Ohhh that’s too much. When watching the special EP, at the end, I’d ask for something to heal my heart at least like for example, that there was the doll that Khun Yai left behind. But there was nothing at all. Not a hint. So I felt really sad.

On IFYLITA: Expected Results vs Reality

Tee: If you had asked me then, if I had came up with 100% of the capital and currently experience a business loss, it would be a great loss. If there wasn’t any investors to support then, we would definitely need to close down Deehup. MC: It would definitely hurt. Tee: We would’ve needed to work and used this to the max. MC: Because you devoted yourself to it. Tee: Because it did get reception. I feel that it was good but in the end, it didn’t follow according to what I had expected in numerous ways. It’s not just about the series having a lot of viewers or it becoming popular or becoming no.1 trending on X every Friday. I don’t mean it as in it 100% or having increasing viewership or other countries buying the rights. There’s no guarantee. Tee: There are many ways to look at it. It is the entire after-sale process in this period of two years that could happen. About this, if you ask me now it has been a year but actually if you ask me about getting back the money, it takes about two years. Tee: We need to find more money in a year after the series has aired. (t/n: Tee most likely alluding to the fact that they have another year after the series end to make a return on the investment, and to gauge whether it's worth it doing SS2) MC: It’s about maintaining and whether after this, it can be developed further or added to. Tee: This is the feeling of someone who does not have the support of a very big company to invest. There’s always a sense of riskiness whenever we have to come up with money or investment. At that time, I was feeling bold, I was a kid with the strength and passion. So I invested money to make the pilot to see how it’d be before we had the opportunity to talk with YYDS, our partner which worked with us.

Some people may not know that IFYLITA has been in the works around the time Dee Hup made Lovely Writer so when Tee said he had reserved this work he was referring to his ambitious self of a few years ago. This might be more well known fact to KaoUp or Lovely Writer fans because Tee hinted about KaoUp playing in a BL period series, specifically this one a while after LW ended but it never came to fruition. And as we now know from Tee's sharing, IFYLITA was definitely in pre-production limbo for a while due to a lack of investors and budget, with Tee spending out of his own pocket to make the pilot.

I really appreciated Director Tee Bundit sharing his insights into the pre-production of IFYLITA. I think IFYLITA is a very underrated series due to this niche genre and I completely understand Tee being traumatized from his being too ambitious and overconfident to take on such a challenging project without actual financial backing. This does kind of mean that IFYLITA S2 is nowhere near soon but I still have hope that eventually more folks will discover this hidden gem of a series because there's just so much dedication and love being put into this series and you will feel it as you watch the series.

#my writing #i feel you linger in the air #ifylita #tee bundit #bright rapheephong #nonkul chanon #mine #thai bl #bl series

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