#But i'll have more time to work and can graduate faster now

[radiohao]

is this play about us? + nct wish

synopsis: relationship tropes with the wishie hyungs

pairings: nct wish hyungline x f!reader

genre: fluffy fluff fluff, crackity crack

warnings: food mentions, family being nosy lol, getting stuck in an elevator (?), mentions of drinking and getting drunk

word count: 2.8k

—

oh sion: fake dating, university

It all began when Sion unknowingly blurted out that you two were together. It was a white lie, a small mistake. Could you really blame him if his parents and relatives have been begging him to find a girlfriend since what felt like the start of time? It slipped from his mouth, the words "I have a girlfriend, Mom!" coming out faster than he could think. They just sit there, staring. Then, chaos ensues. They bombard him with questions. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How long? Sion pinches his temples, sighing.

"Her name is Y/N. I met her in one of my classes. We've been dating for 5 months now." His mom squeals in joy. He exhales in agony. How the hell is he going to tell you?

"You what?!" Your voice rings through the cafeteria, causing some to look at you. Sion looks up at you from where you're standing, and he pushes your shoulders down to get you to sit, a sheepish smile on his face. "I'm sorry! I got nervous, and you're the first person I thought of. I'll do anything, just please pretend to be my girlfriend for a couple of months until graduation. Then at least it'll be a reasonable way to break up, y'know? We go our separate ways, it just didn't work out, blah blah blah."

It takes everything in you not to sock him in the face. A bead of sweat rolls down his forehead, awaiting your response. "Do we... do we have to kiss?" You ask him. He laughs. Hard. You deadpan. "Sorry, I just- I thought you'd say no, but is that what you're worried about?"

You glare at him, sending daggers through your eyes. "Well, yes. I don't wanna go around kissing some random guy!" What you meant to say was, 'I don't want to go around kissing you when it's not even real'. Sion's face grows serious, "Everything we do is up to your discretion. I already put you in this situation, and the last thing I'd want is for you to be uncomfortable." You ponder your options for a moment. Pretend to be the girlfriend of your school's hottest guitarist? And get something out of it? Sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

"Okay, fine. But once graduation rolls around, I'm out."

"Yes, ma'am."

So there it began. Sion brought you to family dinners, and with lack of better word, they adored you. What can you say? Offering to wash the dishes always works. And while you weren't uncomfortable per say, it was just getting all weird with Sion. He would rub your knee soothingly under the table to calm your nerves, or move your hair out of your face when you were enjoying the food too much to care. It felt so natural, but you assumed he was just playing the part.

One evening when you're doing the laundry in your dorm, you were about to put a pair of your pants in the washing machine. You fist the pockets first, checking for any items. What seems to be a piece of paper is nudged in your back pocket. You pull it out, unfolding it and reading the words scratched in blue pen.

'My Dearest, Y/N,' it read.

'I've never done this before, as you can tell. I've never written a letter for someone, let alone for a girl. You're the first. And I hope, the last.

There's something I've been wanting to tell you. Around 4 months into our "relationship," I found myself doing things because I wanted to, not so my family could see. I started holding your hand on our late night drives together. I started tying your hair when it was getting in your face while cooking. I started worrying about you more often than not. I realized one day while sitting on the couch, scrolling on Instagram, that I love you. Not in the way that you helped me to stop my parents' nagging. In the way that I smile to myself when I see my mom showing you her secret recipe, and in the way that I laugh with you when you're making jokes with my dad.

If you ever find this letter, I hope you will find me and kiss me without warning, telling me you feel the same. But if you don't, ignore everything I said and burn this piece of paper to the ground. I love you, 'baby.'

Sion.'

What in The Notebook is this? You scream, louder than you intended. You throw yourself up from the ground and slip into your slides, not caring how your socks don't match or how your shirt has some stains on it. You hurriedly get into your car and speed towards Sion's apartment, almost like his feelings will expire if you don't get there fast enough.

When you arrive, you knock frantically on the door. A very confused Sion opens it, his brows furrowing. "Y/N? What's wrong? Did something happe-" He can't even finish his sentence before you crash your lips with his, cupping the nape of his neck. His eyes widen for a second before he reciprocates, his hand moving down to the small of your back. You pull away, breathless. He looks at you like he needs more. Sion smiles brightly.

"I'm guessing you got my letter?"

maeda riku: love at first sight, bakery worker!riku

The streets bustle with noise, taxis honking at one another, crowds frantically crossing the roads, and people chattering within small groups. You head inside one of your favorite bakeries, looking for a place to relax after a long workday.

You step inside, taking in the warm aroma of the pastries and the soft glowing ceiling lights encompassing the shop. As you walk towards the counter, your breath hitches in your throat. This glorious man is standing at the counter. His honey skin and tousled hair go perfectly with his puppy eyes, and his nose is so perfectly shaped one would think God sculpted it himself. His biceps flex softly under his white collared shirt, and the chocolate-brown apron with stickers decorated on it is the perfect cherry on top. Your eyes zoom in on his name tag.

'Riku :>'

It's like you fell in love. God, he's adorable and handsome all at the same time. You just hope and pray that the cashier next to him calls you first so you don't have to be face to face with him-

"Next in line, please!"

The universe just hates you, doesn't it? You reluctantly step up, placing your chosen pastry onto the counter. "Just this, please," you say softly, cursing yourself for being such a coward. Riku looks up at you, his eyes widening in disbelief. You are quite literally, no exaggeration at all, the prettiest girl he's ever seen. He stares at your eyes, then your nose, then your lips, then back at your eyes, to which you're already staring back. "Sorry- just this, please," you repeat, assuming your voice was too quiet for him to hear. He snaps out of his trance. "Oh! Sorry, I uh- I spaced out a little," Riku excuses, chuckling dryly. Is it just him or this apron is making him feel really stupid?

"It's okay, it happens," you respond, waving him off. He scans your item and announces your total, to which you tap your card and leave. Maybe you should've asked for his number or something, but you couldn't find it in you to shoot your shot. Perhaps in another life, you sigh. But you feel your heart tense a bit, almost as if it's pulling you back to where you first saw him. Now, you don't believe in love at first sight, but the universe works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

Meanwhile, Riku's mind is somewhere else. He's absentmindedly taking other customer's orders, but he can't help but feel like he wants to see you again, needs to. A tug pulls at his chest, and he bounces his legs anxiously. His fingers drum along the counter, like he's deciding what to do. What is happening to him? He doesn't know. All he knows is that he should chase after you, no matter how far you've walked away.

You stop right before the crosswalk. It's green, you know. But why does it feel so wrong to leave? You turn around, pondering if you should go back. Screw it, you think. You heart says you want to see this Riku guy, one last time. Slowly but steadily, you begin heading back to the bakery.

"Mark hyung! I'm going on my break!" Riku exclaims, looping his apron off his neck and sprinting out the door. Mark, on the other hand, is left there, his mouth open. "...What's up with him?" He says, not to anyone particularly. Jaehee is nearby, sweeping the floors. He shrugs.

Riku isn't a track runner, but he can surely become one if it means you're waiting at the finish line. He turns the corner, running faster than he thinks he ever has. Then he sees it. You, making your way towards him. He stops running and just stands there, panting. You look up, meeting his eyes. Did he have the same idea you did? Riku walks up to you, out of breath. You chuckle.

"That's funny. I was just going back to where you were," you say with a smile. He does the same.

"Really? I was also- I was gonna find you." Your eyes light up.

The two of you close the gap, little by little. "Is that so?"

"Yeah." Riku laughs, still exhausted.

"Why? Did I forget something?" You say teasingly, testing the waters.

"No, I just- It sounds stupid, but I felt something. I think I'm going crazy. Do you believe in love at first sight?"

You laugh lightheartedly. He grins, brightly.

"I do. At least now I do." Riku reaches his hand out. You take it with no hesitation.

"Whad'ya say we give it a shot?"

tokuno yushi: trapped in an elevator tgt, neighbors to lovers

You don't think any day has drained you more than today. After a long day of classes and taking over your coworker's night shift, you are more than ready to flop down on your couch and sleep your aching body away. You sleepily enter the elevator of your apartment complex, rubbing your eyes. Right before the elevator closes, a hand slides in, and the doors automatically open again. You're about to walk out (because you don't want to be in an elevator with a random person) until you realize that Tokuno Yushi just entered. You curse to yourself.

"Sorry Y/N, I didn't wanna wait for another elevator. Do you want me to get out?" He says simply, motioning towards the door. You, despite the fact that you were just about to leave, shake your head. "No! It's okay, really. I'm comfortable around you anyway," you respond, pinching yourself for the sudden confession.

You and Yushi live on the same floor and attend the same university. The two of you aren't super close, you'd say, but you're not just neighbors either. He often visits your place, and vice versa. It began when his roommate-slash-best friend, Sohee, began dating your roommate-slash-best friend, Jiwoo. Hangouts became inevitable, and soon, you saw Yushi more often than your heart could take. Conversations between you two are short, mostly because Sohee said that he's more on the quiet side and you're afraid you'll make him uncomfy.

Things got awkward when the four of you were having some drinks in Yushi and Sohee's apartment. You don't know why you had so much to drink when your tolerance is as high as an ant's height, but alas, you drank a full bottle of soju anyway. You ended up all up in Yushi's face, squishing his cheeks while yours glowed a soft red shade, presumably from the alcohol.

"Yuuushiiii, you're sooo handsum! Jus' wanna kiss yer facee!! 'Iss my only wiishhh.."

It's been a week since that incident, and you still wince when thinking about it. Sohee suggests Yushi to stop being a wimp and confront you about it, and Jiwoo pushes you to bring it up in your next conversation. You both denied, wanting the other to bring it up first. Your roommates are groaning in frustration.

Your inner monologue is interrupted when the elevator suddenly jolts, then stops moving. You grab onto the rail to steady yourself, and Yushi looks at you to see if you're okay. He attempts to open the doors with the corresponding button, but it doesn't budge. Your anxiety builds by the second.

"Oh my god- No, don't tell me we're stuck!" You cry, beginning to panic. You're going to die in here and no one will know until it's too late- "Crap, what do we do?!" You spam the emergency button before Yushi gently grabs your wrist and pulls you away from it.

“Hey, hey—It’s okay. We’re going to be okay. See? The alarm is sounding. People are gonna come to get us. And plus, Sohee and Jiwoo will notice we’re gone anyway.” He comforts you, one hand still holding your wrist while the other is rubbing your shoulder. You take a deep breath before nodding. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry, I just- I’m scared,” you admit, pursing your lips. Yushi nods, smiling a little. “I get that.”

Over the next few minutes, you and Yushi make yourselves comfortable while waiting for someone to rescue you two. You’re sat in the corner of the elevator, with Yushi right next to you. Your legs rest against each others’, and you feel your cheeks heat up a little at the contact. You silently thank the universe for being stuck with Yushi of all people. At least he makes you feel safe.

“So,” he whispers. You raise an eyebrow. “So..?”

“Would you like to talk about what you said to me last week?”

You freeze. Oh lord, this is the end of you. Why'd he bring it up now? You can't run away now (even if you wanted to). "Um, I'm sorry," you manage to blurt out, "I was really drunk, so just ignore what I said."

"Oh. That's a shame. I was gonna say we can make your wish come true." Your neck snaps towards him, not believing the words that just came out of his mouth. He feels the same way?! He wants to kiss you too?! If you don't take this chance now, it might slip away faster than you think. "No! That's not what I meant- I thought you were uncomfortable!" You complain. Yushi laughs, his head dipping down. You find yourself smiling too. He puts a hand on your knee.

"Are you going to kiss me or not?" He challenges. You smile, leaning closer as he does the same. Yushi moves his hand further up to your thigh, meeting your plush lips in a soft kiss. It's not the most ideal place to have your first kiss with your best friend's boyfriend's best friend (what a tongue twister), but you wouldn't ask for anything else at the moment. You pull away, panting a little. Yushi presses his forehead against yours, grinning softly.

Approximately two hours later, the fire department arrives. Your apartment complex is pretty far from the nearest station and the traffic made it a difficult trip, but they nonetheless showed up. A man unlocks the escape hatch, finding two people in the elevator. Yushi is still propped against the wall, with you asleep on his shoulder, torso wrapped in his jacket that he lended. "You okay, son?" The firefighter asks. He nods. "Yes, sir."

"That's a relief. Is she... unconscious?" He gestures towards you. Yushi chuckles. "No, sir. Just asleep." The man laughs. "Okay, well I hate to interrupt her beauty sleep, but it's time to get out, so wake her up for me please."

He silently agrees, squeezing your arm while whispering, "Honey, wake up."

"She your girlfriend?" The fireman questions.

"Now she is," he admits with a chuckle. You stir awake, and in just a couple of minutes, the two of you are out the elevator, thanking the first responders that helped you out. As you and Yushi walk back to your apartment suite, he grabs your hand and laces his fingers between yours.

"Can't believe it took us getting stuck in an elevator to admit that you like me," he says amusedly. You snort, rolling your eyes.

You two arrive at your apartment, and you invite Yushi inside for dinner. As you step in, you find Jiwoo and Sohee sitting there, legs crossed and arms propped up on the couch arms like a business CEO. "Well, well, well. If it isn't for the two idiots that got stuck in the elevator," Jiwoo speaks. You scoff.

"You two didn't even call us! And there's no way you didn't know we were stuck, either!" You accuse. Yushi watches, his arms crossed with a small smirk on his face.

"Don't point any fingers here! Yushi told us not to call so you two wouldn't get interrupted." Sohee continues. You glare at your now-boyfriend, who just lazily shrugs.

"What can I say? It worked, didn't it?" The two laugh as you groan in annoyance.

—

author's note: YO YO YO HELLO POOKIE!! this one was so fun for me to do i literally finished this in one day... kinda.... anyway hope u enjoyed! ALSO I LEARNED HOW TO DO GRADIENT TEXT PLS SAY UR PROUD!!! anyway pls like or reblog and have an amazing day <3

[moonsandloons]

Me after switching to homeschool, effectively leaving all my friends and my romantic partner to fend for themselves, so I can stop having mental breakdowns in the middle of class:

At least I can write more tsams fic now :)

[a-b-riddle]

Part Five

Can't stop thinking about the attempt of reconciliation and reader ain't having it. Our girl is going to be wilddddd y'all. Also goodnight. See y'all tomorrow (maybe)

You call Meredith when you get home.

You. Are. Fuming. She's not sure she can ever remember a time you using so many swear words at one time.

How fucking dare them? Immature? You're the immature one? You were the one trying your best to salvage four failing relationship meanwhile none of those assholes could be bothered to try and keep one. They had one person to manage: you.

"I wanna go out this weekend." "Wear something tight and borderline risk indecent exposure."

"You know what I always say," Meredith begins. "The best way to get over someone-"

"is to get under someone else." You finish. You weren't exactly keen on the idea of bringing someone to your bed just yet, but a little attention would do you some good. "I don't want to fuck someone just yet." You admitted. "I'm more on the getting drunk and making out."

"I didn't know we resorted back secondary school heavy petting?" She teased.

"University, Dear." You corrected. "I didn't peak until after I graduated."

"No." She argued. "You didn't put your books down long enough to realize that boys actually wanted to fuck you." You were glad she couldn't see you roll your eyes. "Saturday work for you? I have a late night Friday and won't be up for it."

"That works."

"Sorry." She apologized. "I plan on getting you absolutely smashed so I need to be ready to play the nanny. I know how you love to get drunk and run off."

It was true. You had always found it hilarious when you were drunk to just run. Quite literally run away. It got to a point during university where Meredith would handcuff you to her so you didn't stray.

"I won't run." Your sober mind promised.

"Uh huh." Meredith's tone told you that she knew that was a load of shit. "I'll text Tabs. Let her know the plan."

The next day at the shop was pretty uneventful. No more unexpected visitors. You still had them all blocked. Not caring if now they decided to offer up some bullshit apology.

Months. This had been a steady decline for six months. A text or a simply sorry won't fix this. You weren't sure anything could.

But it didn't matter. You were done and they obviously were too.

You had picked up enough take out to feed a family, but you didn't plan on making your lunch before work or cooking when you got home. The rest of the week you planned on just going through the motions until you could go out Saturday and hopefully get everything out.

You weren't paying attention as you walked down the hallway to your flat. Fishing in your purse for keys. You were at almost at your door when you saw him.

Sitting next to your door was a familiar face. A face you felt you haven't seen in forever.

“What are you doing here, Kyle?" Your voice was flat as you continued to blindly try and find your keys with one hand. Fuck. You really need to clean out your purse...

“My key wouldn’t work.” He explained. "So I’m out here.”

"I'm aware why you're not in my apartment since I changed the locks," you said, trying to keep your irritation at bay. "What I am asking is why did you come here?"

"You won't return any of our messages."

"You're all blocked, so technically I didn't really get any messages." "Besides, you don't get to complain to me about not responding to texts, Kyle Garrick." Your fingers finally wraps around them. God bless. "If you're here for your things, it'll have to wait. I have to sort through everyone's shit and I don't know whose is whose."

"We need to talk." He explains as you put the key into the lock, opening the door.

"Nah," you say scrunching your nose in that way he used to adore. "I'm good. But you can swing by tomorrow and pick up your things if you'd like." You say before trying to shut the door on him. You were stupid in thinking you could be faster than him.

Dammit.

"I know things haven't been good and I've definitely could have been better,'' he admits. "But can you at least try and let us apologize? Let us try and work it out."

"No." You answered, trying to close the door. Not caring if you had to resort to kicking his shins to get him out.

"Why not?" He countered.

“Maybe because I've already tried, Kyle?” You gave up on trying to shut him out. You were strong, but he didn't have any issues in besting you. “Because I actually tried with you. With all of you. You didn’t need to come here giving me excuses about your life being hectic because I’ve made the excuses for you.” You didn't miss how he practically flinched. He had always blamed his busy life. Family. Work. You stopped caring about whatever excuse he gave you and realized it was just that. An excuse. “I’ve been telling myself for months that everything you guys didn’t do for me wasn’t because you didn’t care about me. It was because of the stress of your deployments is the reason none of you tell me when you get back from until it’s time to fuck. I tell myself it’s because of the fucked up situation of me being with all of you that makes it awkward to meet your families. Families you all have that I now know I’m not worthy of meeting.” He wanted to correct you. You were. You were worthy. He was an idiot. “It’s not that I need your excuses to make me feel like what you did was justified. No matter what it was, it was apparently to you because you did it.”

He took a step back, processing everything you had said. He had been selfish. You were the reliable constant in his life. Someone he believed he never disappointed. Someone he couldn't disappoint no matter how many times he fucked up.

You took the opportunity to slam the door. Quickly turning the lock before he had a chance to open it back up.

God...

That felt good.

You had spent that evening collecting their thing in case Kyle did show back up tomorrow. You wouldn't make their lives easier by sorting all their shit and organizing it. Everything. One box. Let them figure it out. You almost had a mind to add a shirt that you knew didn't belong to any of them just to have them argue over it. Or least make them think there was someone else...

You were almost tempted if not for the premise that you wanted them to realize this was their fault. Their fuck up. But now that you were officially all broken up, you were free game.

[eliounora]

I've been trying to draw and feeling overwhelmed with all my ideas, and I had this thought I thought I might share. now that I've graduated and work full-time, I find myself missing drawing a lot. of course it has been my primary hobby and my most developed skill, but previously, even in university, I had more time to draw. now a lot of my time goes into necessary tasks like exercise, household chores, socialising, and resting, so while previously I might have spent my evenings staying up late and drawing, now I fall asleep before I can even start lol

though I have always liked drawing, I'm just now realising how important it is to me, which explains why I've been so frustrated with it. in the past few years, in my busy adult schedule, I've resorted to tools that make the process faster (relying heavily on references, sometimes tracing difficult parts like hands, skipping backgrounds, not even attempting challenging poses or perspectives) and while I've learned a lot, I have now reached a point where I feel both afraid to try drawing without a full reference and bored of not being able to implement my own ideas. because my end goal is to just draw something and get something drawn for the sake of it, I've lost the enjoyment of the process, and I've become too focused on the result being good. what I realised is that the bit I enjoy about drawing is the challenge, trying to get that one difficult bit right. and storytelling!

so I've decided to make more time to sit down, get back to the basics, and challenge myself! I'll even try to draw traditionally more, and somebody requested legolas and gimli, so here's a hand-drawn rough sketch of them:

[count-on-mi]

Twice Interactive Story Part 8 Why are you always so naughty (Sana, Mina)

You sigh and ready to back to work after dropping Momo, your phone breeze and you receive two message, one from your step sister Chaeyoung, another one from Sana.

I check the messages really quick to see what they're messaging me about.

You first check on your stepsister Chaeyoung's message, she said the semester is going to end soon, and she would be back from the dorm and reminds you to leave some time for her during the sem break. She said she misses you, either another step-sister Dahyun, who already graduated this summer, who lives in your family's house alone currently, as your parents have immigrated to US since you graduate from College. You are more like a father to your sister, as you are the one who raises them.

You then check on Sana's message, flirty as usual. 'Boss, can you come to pick me up? I am not familiar with the road near the hotel, and I think I get lost.🤧🤧 I promise I would only be naughty at your office from now on😳😳.'

I message Chaeyoung and tell her to bring Dahyun so they can stay over at my apartment for a little. I then message Sana that I'll come by but she better not try anything.

Chaeyoung replies she is looking forward to live at your home, but also suggest you could visit Dahyun before She's back.

You then drive to Sana's hotel and ready to pick her up. She did not wear the shirt she tore yesterday, instead with a short dress and your jacket, her cleavage can be easily seen. She gets in the car, kisses your cheek, and hands you a coffee, you could see there is some lipstick remaining on the straw.

I put the coffee in the cup holder and drive to the office, telling her I don't have time for her today, so she should actually be working. I quickly leave her and head to my office where I call Mina in.

'Can you just spare some time for me?' Sana asks when she gets off the car. You tell her that you are busy and quickly leave her.

You back to your office and see Mina is already in your room and prepared coffee for you.

I enter the office, closing and locking the door behind me as I come up behind Mina and start kissing her neck.

Mina enjoys your kiss from behind, she grabs your hair and pushes you deeper, hoping you can mark more hickeys on her neck.

'Give me more, let other know I belong to you.' Mina moaning while you start getting off her clothes.

I slide my hand under her panties and start to finger her. "Does little Minari like having my fingers deep in her tight pussy?" I ask.

Mina blush when you are teasing her, her whole body is lying on yours, hoping to hide her fed face. You try to go deeper, forcing Mina to answer your question.

'Minari likes everything from boss, but Minari does not make boss cum from the alarm this morning, Minari deserves punishment.' Mina starts to collapse due to your teasing.

"No, no, no, Mina. You did good, it's my fault that I cut you off like that." My fingers go deeper into Mina, and I go faster making her cum quickly. "You can make up for last time right now."

Mina completely falls on you when she reaches the orgasm, too shy to show her facial expression at the moment she peaks. Biting you clothes to minimize the noise of her moan.

It's too cute that you just caress her cheek and ask her to clean your finger.

'Taste yourself, tell me how is it.'

Mina follows my orders slowly licking my fingers and sucking on them. "That felt good, didn't it Mina? Your about to get something much bigger, so get ready."

Mina kneels down after cleaning your finger.

'Let me continue my job, sir.'

Mina starts removing your trousers and caress your shaft, you just sit on the sofa to enjoy her services. Mina strokes your cock until it is fully erect, then she starts to lick it.

"That’s nice Mina, keep going" I put my hand on the top of her head and gently guide her to taking the top of my cock in her mouth as she starts to give me a blowjob.

You slowly push Mina's head, guiding her to swallow whole your length in her mouth. She starts sucking it immediately after you are all in, her tongue licking your shaft, while her hands are massaging your ball.

'OH, Minari, such a good girl.' You start pushing her head deeper for more pleasure, you reach her deep throat once again. Her suction becomes greater, and she starts to Bob her quickly, while her hands are playing with your nipple and the balls at the same time.

"You're such a good secretary Mina, always doing such a great job." I cup her cheek, and let her continue at her own pace.

Seeing you still not cum, Mina starts to Bob her head faster and looking you with an innocent face. You were triggered by her innocence, you just grab ger head towards you, and cum in her mouth.

Mina swallow all of your seed, start stroking you and ask with a sad face, 'Boss take longer time to cum, is Minari doing bad today?'

"That’s not it at all Mina, I just wanted to last a little bit longer. I love when you give me a blowjob, you always do a great job. There's something else I want though. Sit on my lap Mina."

Knowing you want more, Mina removes her panties and sits on your lap, you plant hickeys on her neck again as per her request.

Mina's thigh is rubbing your dick while you are caressing her. You soon are ready for another round.

'Can you cum inside me, boss?' Mina asks while she kiss your cheek.

"Of course, Mina" I align my cock with her pussy and bring her down onto it quickly. "Does little Minari love being filled by my cock?"

'OH, it feels so good. I feel I can never leave you again, your cock feels so good inside me, I love you so much, boss.' Mina starts moaning and riding on you.

You keep spanking her ass while Mina is moaning louder as you spank each time, she seems so needy today.

I hold onto Mina's hips and make quick thrusts into her. "How bad does Mina need my cock? "

Mina stops her riding and hugs you tighter, allowing you to control the rhythm.

'Boss, Minari can't live without your cock. Minari need your cock every day, Minari need your cock now!'

She keeps moaning as you thrust faster, you can feel she is going to cum, as her wall is squeezing you tighter.

I tell Mina to cum for me as I feel her walls tighten around me. As she cums I continue thrusting into her, not giving her any break.

Hearing your approval, Mina cums. You grab her waist tighter and increase your speed of thrusting. Her pussy becomes even tighter, it takes much more effort to go in every time.

Soon Mina cums again by the intensity fucking, her walls squeeze once again, and her cums hit your tip making you cum instantly. You keep thrusting while you shooting waves of your cum inside her.

'So Warm, boss, Minari feels so happy that you cum inside me.' Mina still milking you with her pussy, you two hug tighter while enjoying the aftertaste of the orgasm.

"You were great Mina." I move Mina's body so she's grinding against me. "Mina I might have family live with me for a little so I can't have you give me my morning alarm."

But Minari wants to wake you up everyday.' Mina looks sad when you tell her the news.

'The girl this morning should not be your girlfriend, right? If you want someone to sleep with you at night, you can find me rather than sleep with some random girls. I guess I am prettier than her?' Mina is being affectionate by laying her head on your shoulder.

'Please still let me come, boss.' Mina kisses your cheek one more time.

"You can come over but don't wake me up with the regular alarm, how about you make me breakfast instead. Oh you know what, you should  take cooking classes so you can make more things besides your omelet"

'But Minari needs that for breakfast, otherwise, I don't have the motivation for work.' Mina starts grinding your cock again, trying to seduce you, your cock starts to erect again in her pussy.

"What if we had some fun here everyday? Would that motivate you?"

'OK, but can Minari have 2 more loads every day, I will be very hungry if I only have breakfast when we back to the office.' Mina kisses you again and ask shyly. She slowly starts to ride you again.

"Of course Mina," i grab Mina's ass and give it a light smack. "You can get 2 more loads"

Mina moans again while you spank her ass, and she rides you faster as she is happy that her breakfast is now guaranteed although no more alarm is required.

Suddenly, someone is knocking on the door when Mina rides you fiercely, she feels scared and try to hide behind you. You quickly wear back your trousers and answer the door.

It is Sana, she is only wearing your jacket, just like yesterday. You can see her finger is playing her clit, her face is red and breath so heavily.

'Can I join you, sir? I feel so horny when hearing Mina moans like that, I can't focus on my work, I need you now sir.' Sana asks while grabbing you inside the jacket and play with her tits.

I turn around and tell Mina she was too loud, and Sana heard her.

Mina blushes when she hears you say she was too loud. 'Sorry boss, I didn't mean it, but it's feeling so good. I feel so dirty when you fuck me after you fucking other girls last night, I love this feeling.'

Sana kisses your and pushes you in the room, 'What if we continue?' The door is locked again.

"Fine, but I'm going to need you two to clean me up."

Of course, I will clean you sir, but let me finish you off first.' Sana pulls down your trousers again and starts jerking you off. You unbutton her jacket so you can play with her tits freely. You two just stand by the door, and make out passionately.

Mina is sitting on your chair, watch you two make out, don't know how to join the threesome, so she just fingering herself.

"I've got an idea, Mina lay on my desk. Sana you're going to clean Mina's pussy, while I fuck you."

Mina lays on your desk, and shyly spreads her leg for Sana. You can see the mixture of cum slowly dripping from her pussy.

Sana can't wait to taste it, she licks Mina's clit immediately, 'Damn, so tasty, I want it inside too, you are so lucky, Mina.' Mina just keep moaning while grabbing Sana's hair.

You align your cock with Sana's pussy, ready to take her from behind. Sana is so wet that you can easily penetrate her with one thrust.

'Shit, I have waited for this for whole night long, faster sir.' Sana moans happily, you bend down and grab her breast, while enjoying their moan echo in the room.

I push Sana's head further into Mina. "Come on Mina, force her to get everything. She's your plaything too"

Mina shyly follows your order, grabbing Sana's head harder and push her toward her pussy. Sana obeys, and go deeper with tongue, Mina moans louder as the sensation is becoming stronger.

Meanwhile, You fuck Sana faster and keep spanking her ass, her ass becomes red, and she is excited by the spanking, her walls become tighter. With three more thrusts, she cums, she sucks Mina harder and bring Mina reaches orgasm at the same time.

I quicken my thrusts and eventually cum inside Sana. I give her ass on last spank as I pull out.

You pull Mina for a kiss and then put her on the table, ready to fuck her again. Sana is not happy to be ignored, she stands at your back, pressing you with her breast and pushes you to thrust in Mina before you are ready to start. Mina was shocked and moaned loudly. You find that you had entered Mina's ass.

As I find it to be tighter I start thrusting into Mina's ass "oh fuck, Mina your ass feels so good, I could get used to this." I moan.

Mina slowly get used to your size within her ass, but it is so tight, you can just keep a lower pace, preventing Mina suffer from pain.

'OH shit, Minari never tried in ass before, it feels so good, sir. Please fuck me better.'

Seeing Mina totally adapted to your size, you start fuck her harder, her pussy is already very tight as you are the one who takes her virginity, but her ass is even tighter. You just can't stop fucking her ass.

'Seems I have done a great job, can I have some reward?' Sana licks your ear while keep pushing you by her breast.

"No your punishment for pushing me is you don't get any more cock for today. You can sit on Mina’s face if you want."

'Maybe you will have another answer soon.'

Sana kisses your cheek one more time before she kneels down, you do not care what's she going to do, you are just focusing on the sensation from Mina' s ass.

Until you feel something warm on your balls, Sana is playing your balls and licking your shaft, every time your cock comes out of Mina's ass, Sana licks your cock before you put in again. Her another hand is playing with Mina's clit, both you are receiving a double pleasure now.

Mina reaches her orgasm soon,' My ass is so hot, fuck me harder boss. I'm cumming!' Her ass squeezes you tighter, and you feel you are ready to reach your orgasm either, your cork is pulsing very hard.

My cock throbs inside Mina's ass, and I shove it all inside her as I unleash a wave of cum, flooding her asshole.

You thrust all in as you released waves of cum into Mina's ass, Mina's leg just grab your waist tighter, hoping you can reach deeper into her ass. While Sana is keep playing with your ball, allowing you to cum more in Mina.

'Boss, it feels so good in my ass, I would never forget this feeling.' Mina still recovering from this intensive orgasm, you bend down to kiss her. 'Mina, you are doing a good job, I have so much fun in your ass.'

Once you pull out from Mina's ass, the semen keep dripping out, Sana is waiting for this moment too long, she sucks Mina's ass and swallow your seed.

'No, Miss Sana, that's mine, don't rob it.' Mina is still recovering, as she could just contest feebly and shivers from the pleasure that Sana sucking her ass.

I move to Mina's side and tell her "You can have it from the source Mina."

You move to another side of the table and push your shaft into Mina's mouth. 'If you work harder, maybe you can have more for your breakfast.'

Meanwhile, Sana is playing with her ass and clit at the same time, Mina could not handle the pleasure from all 3 holes used at the same time, she can just twist her body, making your documents fall to the floor. The sensation makes Mina want to moan, but she couldn't, as you are face fucking her.

Three of you are going to cum soon, as you can hear Sana moan louder and feel Mina's mouth becomes tighter, as Mina could not moan, she could just apply more force on her muscles to release her pleasure.

I cum inside Mina's mouth, and she drinks it all. "Oh you did such a good job today Mina." I moan, "I think we'll be having lots of fun with the extra cum I need to give you.”

Mina is excited by the comments that she can have more cum, she starts cleaning your shaft and start sucking it again. You shaft is still sensitive from the orgasm, you just start face fucking her again. Sana sees you start the round, she participates again, this time licking the pussy and fingering Mina's ass.

You two just spend the whole morning playing with Mina's body, you use Mina's mouth like a pussy, cumming three times inside, and for the last orgasm, you shoot all of your seed on her face.

You don't know how many times Mina cum, her body still shaking from the intensive sex, even after You and Sana has left her body. Mina seems want to say something, but she is too exhausted to even move her lips.

Sana stands up and comes to you, caressing your cock. 'Did my performance satisfy you and Mina? Do you still have one more load for me, master?'

"I told you would get no more for today Sana, as a punishment."

Sana did not give up, she starts stroking you and kissing you. 'How about in my mouth, or on my face, I wanna everyone know I am your cum slut. Ruin me, Ruin my jacket.' Sana whispers seductively in your ear.

Yes, Sana is still in your jacket, all unbuttoned, but it is nearly a mess, the previous sex makes it wrinkle, anyone can know Sana just have fierce sex if she wears this go out of your room.

"Sana I'm willing to give you extra cum tomorrow of you leave, properly dressed, right now."

Sana unwilling to let your cock go after one last stroke, then she helps you to tidy the room and pick up the documents that fell on floor due to Mina. Meanwhile, you put Mina on the sofa, allow her to rest better.

Sana buttons the jacket, still with nothing inside, ready to get back to work. Before she opens the door, she asks while she bites her lips ' Boss, what do you want me to wear for tomorrow, just like today, or I should wear a Shirt and skirt so you can tear it down.'

"Wear some regular clothes" I tell her. Once the door is closed I get back to work. Making plans for what to do after. Thinking about maybe going on a run.

'OK boss, I will wear something that you can easily tear tomorrow.' Sana leaves after sending you a wink.

You turn back to your seat and see Mina already fall asleep. You text Jihyo that you will go jogging tonight and ask her will her join you.

[crusty-chronicles]

Hi,

Can I request kurama x human reader who share his love for plants and nature which makes him fall for them?

Thanks for considering this requst

An: My man's would be gushing 💯.

Kurama With An S/O Who Loves Plants

It's inevitable he becomes smitten

Someone else who shares his love of plants? You're his.

You start out as one of his classmates.

Just another face in the crowd.

It isn't until you have a project together that he gets to know you.

You'd chosen to do it at your house. It was more convenient that way. There'd be no interruptions and you'd get to finish faster.

There was just one catch though.

“My house is kinda humid. I like to keep the temperature high. If it's too much we could always work in the library,” you explained.

The heat was something he could handle. It wouldn't bother him in the slightest. And when he stepped foot inside, it was pleasantly bearable.

What he was not expecting were the ferns littered around your living room. Along with several other types of potted plants.

They all looked to be well taken care of, too. Seems you had quite the hobby.

He followed you to your room. Fingers skimming over the leaves of a pothos as he passed it. If you saw the action, you didn't mention it.

In your room were a few more plants placed towards the window sill. One in particular caught his attention. Through the foliage he could see glimpses of red.

“An anthurium,” he mumbled out.

“Huh?” You called from your spot on the floor.

He met your confused gaze and offered you a smile.

“You're a bit of a plant enthusiast, aren't you?”

You seemed to light up at his words. Excited to talk about your favorite hobby.

“Are you kidding me? These are my babies. I'm a single mother of about 24.”

Maybe it was a little endearing to see you talk so passionately.

“In all seriousness, I think I'm gonna become a botanist when I graduate. What about you?” You asked.

What would Kurama do? He'd probably be offered a job at his stepfather's company. If something else hadn't killed him first. But he felt like that wouldn't have been a favorable answer.

“I haven't decided yet.” Was his response.

He expected you to pry further. Instead you playfully nudged his shoulder.

“You could always join me.”

Surprisingly, he was left speechless by your offer. You'd wanted him to study plants with you?

“Don't think I didn't notice how you addressed Derek by his full government name.” You gestured to the anthurium behind you.

“You really know your stuff.”

Oh you had no idea.

“You name your plants?” He questioned. You were an intriguing individual.

“Hello? I told you they were my babies. And don't you try to change the subject.” You scolded.

“I'll consider it. How about we start on our project now?”

He figured that would've been the last time he interacted with you. That couldn't have been any further than the truth.

You showed up to his desk the next morning with a small potted plant.

He looked up at you quizzically before you spoke.

“What's this?”

You were trying to test him. A part of him found it cute. You had absolutely no clue how vast his knowledge was. Of both this world and the demon one.

He took you up on your challenge without hesitation.

“Bear’s Paw succulent. Also known as the Cotyledon tomentosa.”

“Aha!” You cheered triumphantly. As if you caught him red handed on something. Whatever connection you think you just made, he'd never know.

It became a daily habit of sorts.

Every morning you'd stop by his desk with something new.

The same question of ‘what’s this?’

And he'd always answer correctly.

You were persistent in whatever endeavor you were chasing. He thought you would've gotten bored by now, yet you kept at it.

Little by little, he starts to consider you a friend. He started anticipating your presence in the morning. Enjoying how you stuck around after quizzing him now. Getting to know each other more and more.

You didn't fawn over him like the girls in your class. And you weren't jealous of him like the boys. You were just you. And somehow you wormed your way into his life for the better.

You trusted him wholeheartedly with your plants. Even going as far as to ask him to take care of one for you.

“I have to go on a family trip. Watch Cornelius for me.” You'd looked up at him with pleading eyes. Ones he found himself unable to say no to. So he (not so) begrudgingly said yes.

A cactus. You gave him a cactus to look after.

He makes it bloom for you by the time you get back.

“Some green thumb you have.” You mused once you got it back. A small feeling of pride washing over him.

Eventually Kurama starts returning the favor and bringing you plants instead.

The first time he did it, he had left a special type of rose on your desk.

“What's this?” His words mirroring yours.

You gave a smirk at the challenge.

“Easy. It's a Falstaff rose.” you answered.

“Now what's this~” you pulled what looked like a white and pink flower from behind you.

“A trick. That's an orchid mantis.”

“Damn. I almost had you.”

Every now and then he'll throw you off by growing a plant from the demon world.

“Is that a hybrid of some sort?” You asked, prodding at the rather sentient looking plant.

Did it just blink at you?

“It's cool whatever it is. How'd you get your hands on it?”

By now your guessing games had started to take place out of school and in your homes. Right now, you were at Shuichi’s because he said he ‘wanted to show you something.’

He appeared amused by your curiosity.

“I have my ways.” He responded.

“This plant is carnivorous. It produces a saliva stronger than acid.” Though he'd never let it hurt you.

And instead of being frightened by it, you were ecstatic.

“Let's feed it a bunch of things!” You suggested.

Did you hear that? That was the sound of his heart beating in overdrive. You were a very brave human.

But you also found beauty and wonder in things most would cower at.

He makes sure to bring and grow you more plants from demon world. Most of them are relatively harmless.

As long as you don't get too close that is.

It becomes a new game for you to guess what they do. What makes the flowers bloom. The conditions they thrive in.

Most of the time you end up being correct. Using your prior knowledge to make logical guesses. It's surprising how accurate you are for a human. But then again, you weren't exactly normal.

He's still not over how you fed that plant your entire backpack.

He would be lying if he said he hadn't taken an interest in you.

Not just because of your shared hobby. He liked how you made it a point to check on him everyday. How you'd let him ramble on excitedly about some new fauna. The way you explored and investigated something new without fear. The exaggerated movements of your hands when you were talking passionately.

All of it had pulled him in little by little.

He makes it a point to confess to you in a way only you two would understand.

“What do all these mean?” He asked you, presenting you with a small bouquet.

“Oooh! Going the extra mile today? You're on.”

You took the flowers from him and began mentally listing them off.

You hadn't taken in the full context until you were already speaking.

“Red carnations mean my heart aches for you. Forget me nots mean true love. Baby's breath means everlasting love. And a rose means passion…Oh.”

It hit you like a truck then, the implications of why he might've gave you this. Was this still part of your usual game?

You looked to Shuichi who didn't hide the softness in his expression.

“You're being serious? I…”

‘Say yes you idiot!!!!’ You internally screamed at yourself.

Instead you plucked one of the flowers and offered it back to him.

“Here's my answer.”

You'd given him the rose in return.

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

An: yeet! Google came in clutch for this one.

[togenabi]

with flowers under the stars

inumaki toge x fem!reader (royalty au)

♡—Toge does his best to impress you, even when others might not want him to.

previous♡— [PART 1]

word count♡— 4.1k words (oml)

genre♡— fluff, romance, royalty au

aged up characters♡— 18+

content notes♡— potential lovers to actual lovers, mutual pining, courtship, dating, everyone is a prince or princes, older brother!gojo satoru, no use of y/n, romance, very fluff, mentions of engagement and marriage, toge uses sign language, some characters may be ooc >&lt; pls forgive me

author's note♡— after rising from the grave (I'm so sorry this took so long! buT! I'm graduating! AAA) I finally finished the sequel to my first toge fic. thank you so much to those who have appreciated my previous work! now that I'm back, I hope you enjoy this as well! (⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)♡

Exchanging letters with prince Toge occurred frequently before you finally met again. He talked about many things, but they all ended the same way: mentioning how lovely you are and how he wishes time could run faster so he could meet you.

Toge's kingdom was a week on ship and a day by train away, so visiting was saved for important duties or events. ‘Maybe I should ask your brother to appoint me an official position in the council so I can stay in the palace.’ He wrote to you once. You reply that he doesn't deserve it, since he wouldn't be working with the empire or its people in mind.

He writes back that he fell for you a little more, and you trace that line an infinite number of times before tucking the letter away.

When the day of the banquet finally arrives, Satoru notices that you appear a bit more lavish than you usually care to look during events.

“Why! My dearest sister! How stunning you look! And for my birthday, no less! I love that color on you, your taste has improved so much!” He suddenly gasps dramatically and loudly—so loud, that the maid helping you with your earrings flinches.

“Are those... the earrings I got you last year? But I've never seen you wear them! I would give you a hug if it wouldn't ruin your clothes!”

You ignore him the entire time he fusses over you. He looks nice today, you admit. His hair is styled down which gives him a softer aura, and his white suit with gold details looks pristine. A midnight blue cape drapes over his shoulders and flows down his back. It would be difficult for anyone else to pull it off, but you don't tell him that. Goodness knows he would never let you hear the end of it.

You sigh as you watch him through the vanity mirror, but he only becomes even more giddy at your silence.

“Hey, give me that.” Satoru says to the attendant holding your brush. “Leave us.” He says as he stands behind you to brush your hair. You stare at him in disbelief.

Satoru knows you love when he brushes your hair. Even if you never outright told him, it was obvious that you enjoyed it when he cared for you. But because you were embarrassed to ask him as you got older, he hasn't done it since you were children.

He's silent and focuses on brushing your hair gently. The moment feels strangely emotional, and your resolve to ignore him cracks a bit.

“So...” Satoru meets your eyes in the mirror, then winks. “You and Toge, huh?”

You tsk, letting your resolve fully break. “I should've known you would notice.”

He laughs and places a hand on your shoulder. “Well, he wrote saying his father wanted to trade silk from their territory, and that he would like to stay at the palace to handle the negotiations.”

“...Add that to the letters you're receiving everyday, and it wasn't too hard to piece things together.”

You groan and cover your face in embarrassment. You and Toge weren't exactly a secret, but you didn't want your brother to know until it got more serious.

“So what now?” You dread having to ask. “Are you going to tell me to call it off?”

“Nope.” Satoru says, smiling. “Besides, if you're anything like your dear old brother—which, you are! Don't deny it!—I'll end up driving you into his arms if I try to keep you away.”

His eyes suddenly turn serious as he considers his next words. “He's a good kid... Good enough for you, though? We'll have to see.” He places the brush on the dresser, and takes your hand to help you on your feet.

“But what's important is to know yourself and decide for yourself. Don't let anyone else make that choice for you.” He looks sincere as he places your hand on his arm. “Shall we?”

“Satoru...” You call him, touched. He grins and kisses your forehead.

“And of course, if you end up marrying him, that saves me and the ministers the work of looking for your match!” You slap his shoulder, but he only laughs harder as he escorts you out.

The ballroom was sparkling when you arrived. There were already plenty of guests partaking in the revelries as the event had begun half an hour before. Satoru had insisted on the importance of being fashionably late. Normally, you wouldn't have let him actually be late, but you caved only for today.

“Entering, their Royal Highnesses, The Imperial Crown Prince and The Imperial Princess.”

As you descended the stairs with Satoru, the people bowed and you took that as an opportunity to look for a head of white hair, a mask or a high collar covering half the face.

“You're being too obvious.” Satoru whispered. “He'll show up, don't worry.”

He led you to the center of the hall. You were so caught up on looking for Toge that you had nearly forgotten you were to share Satoru's first dance; as he still wasn't engaged. The both of you took your positions gracefully as the music started to flow through the air.

“I'll spin you a few times.” He was grinning. “Try to spot him.”

And yet, the song ended without you seeing Toge anywhere. After giving a hasty bow to your brother, you went on with your search once again.

Your eyes caught princess Nobara the same moment she did yours. You were about to go greet her when her eyes trailed off to something behind you. When her gaze returns to yours, she's smirking and it makes you turn to look at what she saw.

Toge takes your breath away as he walks up to you. He wasn't wearing a mask, or a high collar like he had been during the previous ball. His suit was pitch black and every bit as elegant as him. Your eyes were immediately drawn to his lips and you blushed when he caught you staring. All you wanted to do was to dance with him so that you had an excuse to be close.

It seemed that he picked up on that, as he bowed and offered you his hand.

“It's good to see you again.” You greet him. He kisses the back of your hand with a smile before sweeping you away to dance.

Suddenly nervous, your words get stuck in your throat as the beginnings of a soft waltz reach your ears. “I... tried looking for you when I arrived.”

Toge leads the dance as effortlessly as he did the first time. It almost amazes you how natural it feels to move and sway with him. He seems pleased to know that you were paying him as much attention as he gave you.

Not wanting to simply dance, you took to asking him questions. “Did your journey here go smoothly?” Toge nods.

“When did you arrive?”

‘Today.’ He mouths.

“Ah. I'll have to take you sightseeing then.” You grin up at him. “Would tomorrow be alright?” You get your answer in the form of Toge grinning back, and before you could prepare yourself, he twirls you around and catches you in an embrace as the song finishes with a flourish. A number of people around you started to clap, and you couldn't help but blush in his arms.

After settling at the less crowded side of the ballroom, Toge explains, ‘I also tried to find you. I arrived as early as I could, and yet you and your brother were late.’ He looks at you almost as if to scold you, but you see mischief in his eyes. ‘I thought that you might be by the window where we met... So I went to check.’

“Oh, I see.” You respond, a bit embarrassed. “I should have warned you about my brother's flair for dramatics. He tends to do that when he's the star of the event.”

‘Do you have any remaining commitments here at the ball?’

That makes you think for a moment. “No, Satoru's the one the people want to bother today. Why?”

Toge gives you a look that makes you want to agree to almost anything he asks. ‘Will you allow me to whisk you away?’

And so you were both running, hand-in-hand and laughing, on your way to that secluded hall with the stained glass window. It shouldn't have been possible, but it felt more magical than before to be with him here again.

Toge slows his steps when you both reach the window. You realize that despite coming to cherish this place, you never sought it out when he wasn't around. Something tells you that would have only made you miss him more.

Looking at you with a serious expression, he begins to sign, ‘I know I have been very upfront about myself caring about you... But I want to ask this properly, because you deserve nothing less than the best.’

‘I would like—if it is alright with you, to formally court you.’

The smile on your face glows before you can help it, and you throw your arms around him.

“I would very much like that as well, my dear prince.” You lean to kiss his cheek.

Toge looks dazed and happy as if drunk on something you had given him. Maybe he was.

The moonlight shining through the glass paints him in a kaleidoscope of colors. Before, the only colors on him were the purple hues in his eyes. And now he stood before you, bright and shining.

‘You look beautiful.’

He took the words right out of your mouth.

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

Satoru came to find you the day after the banquet. Naturally, he entered your office without knocking, and unceremoniously dropped a heavy document in front of the one you were already working on.

“What's this?”

“Toge's proposal...”

The floor seemed to sink, your heart and your breath gone along with it. “What?”

“—for the trade negotiations.”

It took everything in your power to not throw the block of papers at him. “You're unbelievable.”

Satoru only hummed. “So is your boyfriend. I can't believe he's making me work right after my birthday! He should be kissing up to me, not giving me paperwork!”

“Last time I checked, he's courting me. Not you.” Nevertheless, you take a few moments to sift through the document. It was very detailed and efficient. You note that the length of the proposal was due to the many alternative plans Toge had prepared. This would certainly help the negotiations go smoothly. Satoru and the ministers merely had to look at the options.

Looking back to your brother, you couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. What was he complaining about, when all he had to do was select the best plan and tweak where it was necessary?

“We're to begin the negotiations in two days. I think his plans have potential—” You couldn't help but snort at that, from what you'd seen, Toge was already excellent. (You were not biased. Not at all.) “But, I don't think the older ministers will be kind to someone who acts like a know-it-all.”

“Toge doesn't—”

“A-ah,” Satoru waves a finger at you, as if you were a child being told what you did wrong. You scowl at him but he ignores it. “This will be a test for him, to see if he's able to win against those old goons.”

“You mean yourself, then?” His expression drops at that, and you don't bother to hide how satisfied that made you feel.

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

As the weeks flew by, Toge ended up being a lot more busy than you both anticipated. Despite officially dating, lunches together turned to having tea during breaks; then that turned to catching him in the hallway for a few moments before he had to go.

You didn't understand why his workload only seemed to grow, no matter how much effort he put in. Once, when you caught him just before he entered his chambers, you had asked him if anything was going wrong with the negotiations.

Toge looked exhausted, and yet he gave you a smile that made your heart melt. ‘No, the talks are going well, I suppose I'm just having trouble adjusting to the empire's work culture.’

You must have looked unconvinced, because Toge suddenly leaned in and rested his forehead against yours. Mischievously, he stared into your eyes until you were too flustered to be worried anymore. He laughed when you had to push him away.

That night, he bid you farewell with a kiss to your cheek.

‘Good night, darling.’

The next time you had Toge to yourself for an entire day, it was due to a holiday celebration. Everyone was too occupied with the festivities to work. You were supposed to be at another banquet Satoru had hosted, but you were determined to monopolize Toge's time today.

So you showed up at his door at the earliest respectable hour of the morning, dressed for warm weather and a picnic basket in your hand.

“Will you allow me to whisk you away?” You asked when he answered the door.

You took him on a tour of the parts of the palace he hasn't seen yet. Your office, the private library, and even some of the secret passage ways. His eyes lit up with curiosity when you showed him one behind a portrait.

You had lunch in the gardens, under a tree that offers wonderful shade. A soft blanket laid across the grass, with a spread of the empire's specialty dishes arranged all over it.

“This one,” You show Toge a cookie with flowers piped on top. “Has been my favorite since I was a child. It has just the perfect amount of sweetness, and goes beautifully with tea.”

You move to hand Toge the cookie, but he doesn't take it. Confused, you're about to ask him if anything was wrong when he leans forward and opens his mouth expectantly.

Wordlessly, you raise the cookie to his lips. The moment feels oddly intimate as he takes a bite without removing his gaze from yours.

Toge hums and moves his hands to sign, ‘It's indeed delicious.’ He leans to you and opens his mouth again.

You push the half-eaten cookie into his hands and turn away to hide your blush. “If you're able to tell me what you think about it, you can eat it yourself.”

He breathes out a laugh. Smirking at you while he chews the remaining cookie.

It was so peaceful, just sitting there with him. And it seemed as though you weren't the only one who wanted to sit with Toge. A tiny white butterfly fluttered about before landing on his knee. He looked so enchanted by it. Staring close, but being careful that he didn't move his knee or disturbed it.

The butterfly flying away made you want to explore too. Getting yourself up, you look over your shoulder and gesture for him to follow. He offers you his arm once he catches up, and you rest your hand on it. Birds chirp and leaves rustle in the wind as you walk towards the shimmering lake at the edge of the gardens.

Bracing yourself on Toge's arm, you kick your shoes off. You set them aside to dip your toes into the water. “It's so refreshing!”

Toge feels his chest grow as warm as the sunlight kisses your cheeks. He gets down on one knee to untie his shoes when he's abruptly hit by a splash of water. Flabbergasted, he looks up at you, blinking away the water droplets in his lashes.

Of course, Toge isn't one to back down from a challenge. The result is the both of you shivering and drenched by the time the sun has set. Your maids fuss all over you when you get back to the palace, and the other staff almost faint at the puddles that trail after you and Toge.

It was useless to insist that you could walk alone and that you both should get cleaned up at the soonest. Toge didn't leave your side until you entered your chambers, your gazes only being broken by the door once it closed.

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

You got the most dreadful fever after that day with Toge. Satoru, wanting you to rest properly, made you swear not to lift a finger for work related reasons until you got better. Which, you followed without complaint. You took a break for a few days.

Toge did his best to see you, but he only got busier. His eyes looked more and more tired, dark circles under them when you caught him in the library one morning. He stayed there to work overnight. You were barely able to convince him to rest.

On another night, one of your maids caught him trying to sneak in your room, screaming and kicking him out. You could have sworn half the palace had woken up to that, and you couldn't help but hide under your sheets due to the embarrassment.

What irritates you most, however, was that the first thing you heard when you get back is, “Oh. Finally decided to return to your duties, eh?” from a delegate who spent most of his time gossiping, and whose biggest contribution to the empire was refilling the inkwells in the conference room...

The conference room has five inkwells.

Those ministers and court members were proving more and more to be nuisances. You gave them an earful when they had assumed you were slacking off when you were sick.

Not to mention, you suspected that they have been making Toge do more work than he needs to. Even if he never complains, you don't fail to notice how some courtiers turn their noses up at him just because his kingdom was distant and smaller compared to the scale of the empire.

The thought of Toge being belittled makes you pause during work, frowning at a chart of kitchen expenses as if it's done something offensive.

Dropping your pen, you head out of your office with brisk steps. You had to speak to Satoru.

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

“Overworking Toge? Why, dear sister, I can't believe you're accusing me of such a thing!” Satoru puts a hand to his heart as if he was wounded by your words.

“Maybe not.” You're not going to let him weasel out of this one. “But you let the other ministers and court members walk all over him! Is Toge supposed to just sit there and take it? He's a prince, damn it!”

“Listen,” Satoru leans forward, his elbows on his desk as he uses his hands while explaining. “The ministers are just a bit frazzled, that's all. They think he forced you to skip the holiday banquet, and that he got you sick. He's good at his work, sure. But in their eyes? He just looks like a bad influence on you.”

You scoff.

“Now,” Satoru interrupts before you can say anything, “They were going to try and match you with prince Megumi—”

“Megumi's already engaged.”

“I know, I know. And that's why they're planning on pitching you with prince Yuji or princess Nobara.”

“I'm already with Toge.” You say sternly. “And what happened to not letting others make my decisions for me?”

“As far as those old goons are concerned, Toge is only the third best for you. ‘For the greatness of the empire’ and all that.” It doesn't escape you that he dodged your question. “They're going to try to push you apart until you break up or get hitched.” He leans back, crossing his arms on his chest. “Whichever comes first.”

“Why don't you stop them?” Frustrated, you run your hands through your hair. “Tell them I really like him and that they should leave him alone!”

“Sweetheart,” Satoru's tone becomes deeper, and you hate how it instantly makes you shut up. “The thing is, if Toge isn't capable of handling this, or if he backs out of your relationship because of it, he's not worth your time.”

You stare at him, unlinking. The thought of Toge leaving you had never occurred to you before, and Satoru could tell.

“I told you I would test him.” He shrugged. “It seems I'm testing you too.”

Rushing back to your office, you grab a piece of parchment and your pen from your desk. Not bothering to sit down as you write: Meet me at the gardens, by the tree. Midnight.

You fold it and hastily stuff it into an envelope. Delicately melting wax, you stamp your seal onto it before calling for your most trusted maid.

Handing her the letter, you instruct her, “Deliver this to prince Toge and prince Toge only. If anyone hinders you or attempts to read it, report back to me immediately. Go.”

She bows, and exits the room.

That night, Toge arrived before you. You note that he has a penchant for being early as he reaches to squeeze your hand. He looks you over to check if you're alright, and despite seeing nothing of concern, he asks anyway, ‘Are you okay?’

“We need to talk.” You nervously purse your lips. “The courtiers, the ministers... My brother. They've been making your work difficult.”

He sighs. ‘You found out.’

“You didn't tell me!” You rest a hand on his cheek, absentmindedly grazing your thumb over the marks near his mouth. “Do you understand what they're trying to do?”

‘Testing me.’

“Yes.” A lump forms in your throat. “Satoru said it's until you give up on me, or if you... propose.”

Heart racing, your hands can't stop fiddling with things. His face. His hair. The fastenings of his suit. “I'm just so worried. I care a great deal about you, and I just wanted to ask if you're enduring this because you want to.” You bite your lip in thought. “If it's because you're sure about... me.”

You can't look at him. You suddenly feel foolish. You should have given it a night and slept on it to gather your thoughts. You should have—

Toge embraces you. Everything stops.

You take in the view of the gardens over his shoulder. It was dark, and there was barely any light save for the stars twinkling above. You closed your eyes and let yourself be held.

Pulling away, he doesn't seem as fazed as you do, if at all. He turns to you slowly, and after taking a deep breath...

‘Marry me, then.’

You choke on air.

“Wh-what?!” A warmth creeps into your cheeks. “What are you—”

He places his hands on your shoulders and stares into your eyes. He gives you a look and mouths, ‘Breathe.’ And you do.

Once you've calmed down, he begins to explain.

‘We can come forward and make a statement that we've been seeing each other with marriage in mind. Which...’ He pauses, suddenly shy. ‘I have. I've been thinking about swearing everything to you... Intertwining my future with yours.’

‘I know it's only been a few months, so we could have a long engagement if you want. For us to get to know each other more. And if—’ Toge's hands freeze, his movements are slow as if the next words pain him.

‘...If you decide to break off the engagement, I will not force you to stay with me.’

You immediately stop his hands, holding them tightly with your own.

“Toge... I wouldn't even consider this with anyone else,” You feel genuinely happy as you smile at him. “But I'm willing to try. With you. Only you.”

He glows in a way that reminds you of when you first met. His expression is soft as if he's melting, and he smiles at you brightly. You think of how lucky you are that he looks at you this way.

‘This isn't the way I wanted it to happen, but...’

Toge picks a small, white flower from a bush nearby. It faintly reminds you of the butterfly that had flown to him the last time you were here together. His eyes are focused and he frowns in concentration as he fiddles with the stem. Your heart stutters as he makes... a delicate ring.

He kneels.

You say yes.

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

A letter from you and Toge arrives on Satoru's desk the next day.

‘Dearest brother,

Please approve this statement that prince Toge and I have been seeing each other, and that we have decided to get engaged. You will find the formal document stamped with our seals attached to this letter.

We expect your approval posthaste, and I will not consider any objections. Please let us know when you will be available to discuss the engagement ceremony.’

“Your highness, what should we do with these documents you had forged?”

“Oh. Hand them over.” Satoru waves a hand to dismiss the attendant after retrieving the files.

He gets up from his desk and walks to the fireplace. “I can't believe he proposed before I could falsely accuse him of treason.” He tsks and throws the documents into the fire.

His eyes find a framed photograph on the fireplace mantel. It was of him and you as children. Satoru was laughing after you ran to him for a hug. His gaze grows sad yet understanding... He won't be the first person you'll turn to anymore when you get married.

Sighing, he considers that he should be thankful you chose someone determined and true like Toge. But then Satoru grins.

“I suppose I can always mess with him as his brother-in-law.”

⋆｡˚ 🌸 ˚｡⋆｡˚✨˚｡⋆

© togenabi 2023 | see here to be added to my taglist ♡

[wholesomefluffdaddy]

Service Wolf

After graduating Nevermore Academy Wednesday attends the prestigious Alighieri Institute to hone her psychic abilities as she continues her detective work. Enid joins her as her service werewolf; there to alert her of visions and try to keep her out of danger as much as possible. All characters 18 years or older. Wenclair.

—————————————————————

Chapter 5

"Away for pity, and as dead I fell:

Yea, as a corpse falls, fell I on the ground."

"Ew! Why'd it have to be a graveyard?" Enid complained, covering her nose.

"I'll be sure to inform the murderer to pick a more pleasant location to dump his victims next time." Wednesday said flatly, checking her notes by flashlight.

"You know what I mean." Enid huffed as she pressed closer to her. "It stinks."

"Can you really smell the bodies?" Wednesday asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Mostly the embalming fluids." Enid said, pulling her snood over her nose and mouth. "It's really strong."

"Interesting." Wednesday said, glancing over at her.

"Anyway, can we hurry up?" Enid asked impatiently. The smell wasn't the only reason she wanted to leave.

"Investigations take time." Wednesday said, shining the beam of light over several long columbariums. "Especially in cold cases like this one." Enid whimpered quietly but Wednesday ignored it as they walked towards them. "There has to be a meaning as to why he chose the locations he did." They stopped and Wednesday crouched down. "Now, why here?" She whispered quietly to herself.

"Wednes." Enid said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Here?" Wednesday asked for confirmation. "A safe one?" Enid nodded. "Very well." She waited for Enid to get into position before taking a glove off her hand and touching the cold stone beneath them. Enid whined softly as Wednesday's vision took hold and she fell back into her arms. She carefully pulled her closer as she nervously glanced around the cemetery. The eerie quiet set her on edge.

Wednesday could see the shadowy figure again, dragging the bodies into the clearing between the rows of columbariums. He was huffing from the effort. Wednesday tried to get a closer look. For some reason she still couldn't see his face but she had no doubt it was the same man. She glanced around for additional clues as he began to arrange the bodies. The night air felt warm and a soft breeze rustled the leaves on the trees.

The man was whispering something now and Wednesday's attention snapped back to him. She looked back at the bodies as she tried to guess what shape or symbol they were supposed to make. They were lined up side by side in a curved line. Their heads closer together and their feet spaced apart. She frowned slightly as she noted their broken and twisted bodies. They didn't match how his future victims would be displayed. Why did these ones deserve to be mangled?

The man finished his unintelligible whispering and gave his work one final look. He turned to leave then stopped abruptly. Wednesday glanced around. She couldn't find anything to warrant his sudden reaction. She turned back to see him standing closer, seemingly staring at her. Wednesday frowned. He couldn't be staring at her. She was merely viewing the past. She wouldn't be visible, she couldn't be. She stepped aside to confirm her hypothesis, however his head seemed to follow.

Slightly unnerved but curious Wednesday continued to walk around him. His head followed for a moment before he shook himself and left the cemetery. Wednesday tried to follow but couldn't. The vision was contained to the area around the corpses. She grimaced as she felt a sharp pain in her neck. She reached back to rub it then felt it again.

"Enid?" She asked as the pain persisted.

Wednesday's eyes slowly opened as she exited the vision. The cold air whipping past her face awoke her faster. The sound of heavy paws hitting the cold ground filled her ears along with heavy hot breath. It took her a moment to make sense of the chaos around her. Enid had wolfed out and was now sprinting out of the cemetery with the scruff of Wednesday's clothes clamped tightly between her teeth.

"Enid what's-?" Wednesday started to ask when the werewolf took a running leap over the iron fence surrounding the cemetery. They landed hard on the other side but Enid kept running. "Enid!" Wednesday said, struggling to look around for the danger that was apparently pursuing them. The werewolf ignored her as she continued sprinting towards town. She finally stopped once they reached a closed restaurant on the outskirts. Enid carefully set her down and sniffed her over.

"Enid." Wednesday asked, straightening her jacket. "What happened?" Enid finished sniffing and let out a soft whine as she pointed back the way they came. Then she mimed someone walking with her large paws. "Someone was there?" Enid nodded quickly then attempted another gesture. "And they were armed?" Enid nodded again and let out a strained bark.

"I'll call for Lurch to pick us up." Wednesday said seriously as she withdrew her phone and started dialing. Enid was whining softly as she tapped her front paws nervously. "Lurch-" Wednesday said as soon as he picked up. Enid huffed and pressed closer to Wednesday as she glanced around. Every noise, no matter how small, made her hair stand on end. "-that will be all." Wednesday said, hanging up. "Enid." She said, gently pushing her back as the werewolf nearly knocked her over.

"Lurch is on the way." She said, trying to reassure her. "We can-" Enid whimpered loudly and covered her face as she pointed to Wednesday's phone then herself then back the way they came. It took Wednesday a moment to decipher her meaning. "You lost your phone when you wolfed out…?" She asked to confirm. Enid's large sad puppy eyes were enough of an answer. "Ah, well, perhaps we could return-" She started to suggest when Enid let out a low growl. "-in the morning." Wednesday added. Enid covered her face again.

"Were you able to get a good look at the person?" She asked, patting Enid's leg. Her next question died in her chest as her hand sank into warm wet fur. She pulled it back and her eyes widened as she recognized the dark liquid. "Why didn't you tell me you got hurt?" Wednesday demanded as she whipped her snood off and pressed it against the wound. Enid lowered her paws and glanced down. She hadn't noticed she had gotten injured while in her panicked state. She nosed a worried Wednesday away as she inspected it for herself.

She gave it an experimental lick. It wasn't deep, just a long shallow graze along her outer thigh. She promptly sat down and began licking it clean. Wednesday bit her lip and clenched her fists as she started looking Enid over for any more injuries. After completing a second and third inspection as she circled around her she returned her attention to her wounded leg.

"Enid that's unsanitary." Wednesday said, trying to push her head away. Enid grunted and kept licking. "You're going to give yourself an infection." She argued as she placed both hands on her muzzle and pushed. "Enid, please." Enid sighed and pulled her head back, allowing Wednesday to place the bloodied snood back over the wound. "Thank you." She said tiredly as she applied steady pressure. Enid gave her a small lick on the cheek. Wednesday accepted it passively before returning it with a light kiss in her muzzle. Enid wagged happily.

"Lurch should be arriving soon. I instructed him to bring a change of clothes for you considering…" She looked her up and down. Only the pink snood remained of her clothing. Enid let out a small grateful bark.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62565664/chapters/161469517

[pink-tonic]

The Decision📰

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Warnings: Mentions of death and injury

I look over to my alarm and see the red, beeping numbers displayed on the digital screen. I close my eyes as if it would make the time go away forever, but when I open them again, I see that the time is still looking at me. I let out a sigh and slowly rise from my bed. I start to get out of bed and get dressed.

Today will be another stressful day for me because today could be the day I'm let into the Student Council. I've been told that I should join, but my mind is still at an indesive point. Maybe it would be the best for me to join. I'll get more opportunities because of it. Plus, I'll still have some freedom right now. They will be giving me my uniform when we come back from our break, but the decision is today.

Then I get reminded of other things.

I've been so caught up with this student council decision, that I've forgotten about Osoro and Kizano. What do I do with them? Neither one of these situations are going to be easy to handle, it'll be even worse if Osoro bragged to Kizano about what we did. He'll be even more heartbroken. I need to talk to Osoro and clear up my feelings. I have to tell him that the kiss was my only option.

I feel so... stupid. I should've just told him what I felt instead of lying through my actions. Now, I've just dug myself into a deeper hole than before.

But I need to face it. I'll first go to the student council room, then talk to Kizano, and finally talk to Osoro and clear things up with him.

I just hope this all works out.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

I quickly part ways with the siblings, and I start to head over to the student council room. I can start to feel my hands get sweaty, and it makes me a little embarrassed. I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants, and I take a deep breath. Once I knock on this door, I'll see how things will be next year. I don't even get the chance to knock on the door before the door opens, and I am met with Rygoku and her menacing stare.

"H-Hi," I nervously greet her with a weak wave to accompany my shaky smile. She huffs and moves to the side to let me in. My smile drops, and I walk inside, and I’m greeted with the rest of the members sitting at a long, wooden table. I can feel my heart beating faster to the point I can hear it beating in my ears. I don't know where to look, so I zone in on Saikou. He gives me a nod in acknowledgement, and gestures to me to take a seat. I nod back and take a seat. I place the palms of my hand on the table, and my legs immediately start to bounce up and down.

The other members look at me - eyeing me as if ready to attack, maybe even thinking of taking out their pepper spray and smearing my eyes with it. The thought makes me tense, but I know it's just my mind thinking the worst.

Saikou clears his throat and orders the other members to sit down. "Okay, we are all here today to formally decide on whether or not (Y/N) (L/N) should fill in one of the void seats that will be left after the third years have graduated. I have looked over the findings of the members, and their reports on why or why not (L/N) should be given the position. As I went over the reports and the reasonings each member gave, it was overwhelming what the answer was," Saikou takes a deep breath and I can see a smile grace his face, "I would like to welcome (Y/N) (L/N) into the student council. Effective as of today, if he wishes to accept the offer."

All eyes are now on me as they wait for me to give my answer. I nod my head, "Yes. I will be glad to be a member. Thank you for accepting me."

"As stated before, you are an effective member as of today. Toriyasu, will you please bring the uniform.” I didn't take in Saikou's words fully. I didn't know that I would be a member as of today, I thought it would be next year once he and the other third years are gone.

"Saikou, I thought that I would be a member next year," I tell him quickly, trying to make him understand what I thought.

"Well, wouldn't it be good to get some training in while I'm still here?" He questions as he gives me a quick smile as the white and red uniform is placed in front of me.

"You're right, Saikou, but what about my club?" I ask him as I look down at the pin attached to the collar of my uniform. It shines under the light of the room, and it's almost taunting me. Flaunting what I’m going to lose in order to pursue this new opportunity.

"Well, you will just have to have someone take your position. I'm sure you have someone in mind for the role," Saikou proposes, "Now, I would like you to change into your new uniform and come back. You are dismissed." Saikou then starts to look over some documents that are sitting in front of him, while the other members walk out of the room.

I grab the uniform, and I start to head out too. I start to make my way to the locker room since I have to put my current uniform away.

I make it to the building, and I go over to my assigned locker, I open it up and start to change. I unbutton my uniform and slip it off my shoulders. I look at myself in the reflection of my locker mirror. I walk closer to it and examine my face. I still have my eye bags from the restless nights that I’ve had, my skin isn't as soft as before, and my hair is messy. I run my fingers over my face, and I let out a sigh. I look ruined.

I look down at my arm, and I see the scar that is still there. I hold my forearm, and I feel all the memories running through my mind. A lot has happened since I got the scar. So much has changed, but my scar is still the same. It's imprinted on my body.

But something did change.

I'm not having doubts about Ayato. Every time I looked at the scar, I would doubt my friendship with Ayato, and if he has truly changed. But this time I don't have those doubts. I completely trust him now.

I start to put on the rest of my new uniform and I put my old one away. I shut my locker, shutting away my past with it, too. I make my way through the thick steam that inhabits the locker room, and I come back outside with the bright sun greeting me. I make my way back into the school with the new uniform. As I walk inside, I see other students look at me. Some even whisper amongst themselves at the sight of me wearing the white and red uniform.

I walk back into the student council, and Saikou is the only one inside. He isn't sitting anymore, he is now standing up. He greets me again and walks over to me.

"White and red looks good on you," he compliments me, but he must be doing it to make me feel better. Even though I was walking with confidence earlier, the uniform feels stuffy. Maybe I'm overthinking it, and it's just a size smaller than what I am, but it feels like it’s gripping me tightly.

"(Y/N)," I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of my name being said by Saikou, "I can call you by your first name now, right? I feel we have grown closer to each other."

I nod my head at his statement. I feel the opposite in his statement, I feel like we haven't gotten too close with one another. It hasn't been long, and we've only been together for a few days. But I agree with him since he is my boss now until he graduates, and I wouldn't want to have an argument right after putting the uniform on.

"Good," he gives me a small smile that is easy to miss, but I catch it even though it falls from his lips right before he keeps talking, "Now, (Y/N), you are going to go under some training, like I stated before. No, you won't be with the other members but with me. You see, I have a problem I must take care of before it's too late, and I would like to have you by my side as I solve it."

"Of course," I answer him promptly as I stand tall. I still feel awkward. I’m out of my element. It's only the two of us in the room, but Saikou's gaze is so intense. I'm sure he trusts me, but it feels like he’s still trying to find some type of weakness inside of me. He breaks away from my eyes and walks over to the large, wooden desk.

"Great. I wasn't giving you much of a choice, but I am glad you are quite agreeable," Saikou sits down at the polished desk and points to one of the chairs, "Come. Take a seat."

I follow quickly and take a seat. I make myself comfortable as Saikou rummages through the different drawers and starts to pull out a variety of different documents. I look on, but with only confusion on his face. What is all of this?

"(Y/N), do you remember the speech I gave before the performance?" He asks me, but before I can answer, he continues, "What am I talking about? Of course you do. Well, I have found a solution to make the school a safer place." He rotates the documents so I can read them more easily.

My heart squeezes with anxiety as I see the file presented to me. I run my eyes over the information and the picture of a familiar face that I've only recently started to trust.

"I know he’s your friend, but you must listen to me, he is the cause of our problems. I know he is," Saikou's voice reflects a calculated, coldness. His tone has completely changed. From his change in mannerisms and voice, I can assume one thing.

He hates Ayato Aishi.

I purse my lips, and I can see him analyze my expression. "I know it's hard. He must mean a lot to you, but you have to remind yourself of something, (Y/N). He is the reason why the school is unsafe."

"Let's try not to throw baseless accusations, Saikou," I finally tell him. Did I join the student council so I can investigate my childhood friend? That can't be. I didn't join to do this, but this is Saikou's way of making the school safer.

"Finally your true colors are showing," his eyes narrow down on me, "I thought you would agree to everything I say, I'm glad you're not the type to bend over to authority at every turn. I do have evidence, (Y/N). I'll show you, but first, we must cover the incidents that connect back to him." Saikou taps on Ayato's file before moving it over and showing reports.

"First, we have the killing that started all of this. A first-year was killed, and we had to cancel school for months, and the media was trying to get my family to talk about what happened. Luckily, we were able to deflect some criticism with the theory that it was someone who wasn't from our school who killed him, but it was someone here. Still, people criticized us, saying that we should keep a better watch on the students," I look at the picture of the first-year and the thought that Ayato killed him makes me feel a sense of... grief? I didn't know the student, so I don't think I’m mourning him, but I think I’m mourning Ayato. Mourning the fact that everything I recently built up is now being thrown out.

"Second, we have the disappearance of our temporary nurse: Mujo Kina. I'm sure you know a lot about him," Saikou quickly makes the remark, and I almost didn't catch it. I wished I didn't, "He disappeared, and it’s believed he disappeared on school grounds. No other staff members or students saw him leave the school, and how would that be possible? Someone had to have seen him leaving. If he were to be found, he would still be here, but we don’t know in which area of the school he is in."

If Ayato did kidnap Kina, why did he do it? What would be his motive? That is a question I have to ask, but I’m sure Saikou has a theory as to why Ayato would do all this.

"This is all we have. Any questions before we go on?" He opens the floor for me, and I look around my mind and find anything that is burning to get out, but I'm stuck. Not because I have nothing to ask, but because I have so many questions that want to come out, but I can’t pick the one that I want to ask, so I just ask:

"Why?"

Saikou only lets out a hum of acknowledgment at the sound of my weak voice. He doesn't bother to respond and gives me another look. How I want to curse those lilac eyes. I wish those eyes were used for understanding instead of ridiculing me.

"Why is it him?"

He grabs the documents and starts to reorganize them and puts them together. "Well... his family has history with my family, and it's not a good history. Have you met his mother, (Y/N)?" Saikou asks me while looking up from the documents. He looks ready to tell me everything about Ayato's mother.

I haven't thought of his mother in months. Growing up, I always thought she was sweet, and I still think that. Ayato's father on the other side seemed distant. Not in a rude way, but like he was afraid of anyone outside of the family, or anyone in general, really. Ayato's mother would be the one to talk to us and take us out, while his father stayed home and he didn't bother talking to me or his son. If anything, maybe it's Ayato's father who might be the one who has a bad history with the Saikou family.

"Yes, I have. I've known them since I became friends with Ayato," I answer him without mentioning what I feel.

"Ryoba Aishi is someone who has a lot of history with my family. She attended this school in the 80’s, and my family let her be accused of the crimes that happened on campus," Saikou's words catch me off guard. Ayato's mother was sent to court? I've never heard of this. Is this true? "A girl was killed, and a journalist was the one who thought Aishi was the killer for one reason or another. She was rather odd... but she was found not guilty of what happened. My family found out something else a few months later, and I fear it will happen again."

"You're being vague," I tell him, "What happened after the trial?" What did Saikou's family find out? Was it really that bad that years later, they are targeting her son.

"What he found out proved that she might not be as innocent as the court thought she was," Saikou looks straight into my eyes with an intense stare, one that I have never seen before, "I fear that you might be in danger. They are more alike than you think, (Y/N)."

"Where is your evidence? You only have the fact that they are mother and son, but that doesn't mean anything. I am on Ayato's side, even for everything he did... to me. I will be on his side, but I'll leave his side if you show me something that proves that I should leave," I respond, I'm glad that I have the ability to talk about what I feel without having Saikou look the other way. I'll stand by what I say. Saikou is trying to push this narrative that Ayato is a killer because his mother took part in suspicious activities, but that's shallow. He needs to have evidence to prove it.

"What we have at the moment isn't much. I know my hunch won't build a solid case, but I want you to stay by my side as I make it work. Will you do that for me?" He frames the statement as a question, but in reality, it's a command. A demand to stay by his side even if the plan goes up in flames, even if the plan breaks down the friendship that I've done my best to rebuild.

I take the demand with a simple nod of my head, and he looks satisfied enough with the response to continue.

"Great. Our first task will be finding a motive or a connection. It's embarrassing to admit that I have nothing on him at the moment, but history is bound to repeat himself especially given who his mother is," before he continues I can see a flash of something in his eyes, "Sorry, I know that's not good enough, but it could be a starting point."

"Yes, a starting point is fine. Even if it is flimsy, you still can build off of it, and then it'll be good. How will you go about gathering evidence?" I ask him. These cases happened months ago and aren't being investigated as much as before.

"That will be the hardest. These cases have gone cold because they have minimal leads. Aishi isn't a suspect for either of them, so it'll make it harder. I was thinking of gathering evidence that proves something of Aishi's character," Saikou proposes, "If he is just an average highschool, then nothing will come from it, but if we have evidence that shows that he’s violent then we will have something else to help us with this case."

Violent.

It would be a lie to say he isn't. Ayato's violent acts are a memory that I try to bury underneath it all. Something that I remember and then shake off because it's old, but to deny it completely would be a lie. It happened. It doesn't matter how many times I shake it out of my mind. It was reality, and I lived it.

"Okay, that is a starting point. Do you have any evidence that shows... he is violent?" I cross my arms over my chest. Saikou might see it as an action to show a level of confidence, but it's more of safety. Bringing my scarred arm closer to me - which is a piece of evidence that can be used. But I'll keep it to myself.

Saikou folds his hands over his desk and looks into my eyes, "I heard that he joined the delinquents. I know that you have a relationship with them... to a certain degree. I know the new uniform would make you more of an enemy than a friend, but could you do this for me," Saikou holds up his pointer finger as a sign to pause, and looks through his drawers to find something, "I know you have some experience with something like this."

He hands me a voice recorder. It's in a silver color and it looks old but new at the same time. He slides it over to me, and I look at it. "This is a recorder, and it’s all yours. Tuck it into your pocket and let it record your conversations. If you can get anything that will be fine, this won't be used as legitimate evidence. This is just evidence for us to build a lead."

Saikou taps on the desk and lowers his eyes at me, "Go on. Find those friends of yours."

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

My mission now is to find Osoro, but that will prove to be difficult. My new look won't fly over well with him, and what happened last Friday must still be on his mind. It's still on my mind.

I decide to take the chance to go over to where the delinquents hang out. They should be there now, I hope Osoro is there too. He’s the only one I need right now.

I take a deep breath before I turn the corner. I look down and flatten out the uniform. But is there really a point? Showing up with this uniform will turn them into my enemy.

"White and red. I preferred the black and white," a gruff voice comments from behind me as an arm wraps around my waist. I feel my back press against his firm chest, and I let out a yelp from surprise. He unbuttons one of the white buttons with ease, and tugs on my red tie. "That's a nice tie... I do like red."

"Osoro," I whine out in protest. What is the meaning behind this reaction? I thought he would view me as the enemy, but instead, he doesn't care.

"What's wrong, doll? A guy can't touch what's his now? I don't get sappy like this for anyone, you know?" He whispers to me, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up straight from the sound of his rough voice.

"You're not mad?" I ask him with hesitation. Why is he so willing to dismiss what I am now? Saikou built it up as a betrayal, but Osoro doesn't care. Would his gang care?

"Why the hell would I be? This is actually great for me and the guys. Maybe we can finally get what we want since you'll be hearing us out," he answers, and his response makes sense. I'll be seen as a bridge of sorts that will help the delinquents finally be seen as people and less as dangerous characters.

I place my hands over his, which is on my waist, "Would you be willing to do something for me?" I can tell that my question piques his interests. I can only imagine what he thinks I'm going to ask, but before we go any further, I do have to confess my feelings. Feelings that need to be said before anything else happens.

"What do you want?" He asks me as he pulls me closer, almost as if he wants us to become one. I let out a soft sigh that doesn't catch his attention even though we are this close to each other.

"I have to confess something... about what happened last time we saw each other. I should've told you sooner before anything else happened."

"Go on. Scared I'll bite?"

"Yes," my comment that could be seen as a joke felt heavier because there was truth to it. I was scared - not because I think he will actually bite me out of anger but he will yell at me and this plan that Saikou has will go up in flames before I can get anything out of it. But isn't this for the best? Isn't it better to tell him before he thinks that our relationship is official? Well, he must think that way already, but I don't want to keep him thinking that way. It would be wrong, and I'll have to keep pretending.

"Osoro, I was scared last time and... that's why I kissed you. I thought if I didn't, you would get mad," I finally confess in one breath, my feelings, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. You must hate me, and I understand." I apologize quickly for my actions. It feels like I shouldn't, but it still weighs on me, and apologizing to him feels like the right thing to do.

"Yeah, I do hate it a little... I thought we had something. I should've known better to think that I had a shot with you," he admits with more sadness than anger. If he hated me, he would've pushed me around for this. He wouldn't be slowly letting go of me - almost like he doesn't want to, like he wants to hold on a few seconds longer because he knows nothing like this will happen again.

"I'm sorry... I should've left on that day. My lack of answer would've told you everything you needed to know on how I feel," I blame myself again, "Can you still do me the favor?"

"Depends on what it is."

"It's about Ayato."

Osoro rolls his eyes at the mention of Ayato. It's clear the two of them are still fighting with one another, and it'll most likely stay that way. "What does that psycho want?" Osoro asks me. It looks like he wants to keep insulting him, but stops himself once he notices he’s talking to me.

"Well, why did he join you guys?" I place my hands in my pocket and turn on the recorder.

"You know, I'm not sure. He just showed up one day and decided he wanted to be like us. I was gonna let him in with open arms. Wished he had a better personality, though. Why are you asking anyway? Is it because the Saikou asshole is making you run around trying to grab info on every student or what?" Osoro comments with disdain as he pulls on my red tie as it slowly loses its form.

"I was wondering because... Ayato has been showing some odd behavior around me," I lie to Osoro, I try my best to sound convincing, but it's hard when I want to tell the whole truth.

Osoro laughs in return. It wasn't one of his usual deep laughs that he would use to intimidate someone. This one is genuine. "I knew it. But you didn't want to listen to me about it. Always taking his side, but now you see how much of a psycho he is."

I nod, "Yeah, he really is. Can you tell me more now?" I was getting more nervous now. Was I going to find out something I didn't want to know?

"I'll tell you everything, but it'll definitely make you think differently of him," Osoro then looks around and makes a decision, "How about we go out together, huh? Have some alone time with one another. Without these dickheads listening to everything," Osoro mumbles out as his eyes focus on two of his members peeking out from the corner watching us. They disappear the next second and you can hear their laughs.

"Yeah," I agree to his proposal, and I turn the recorder off.

Osoro places his hand on my hair and ruffles it around,"At least I'll have some fun while talking about that psycho. But drop the white and reds when we go out. Look nice when I get you."

"Yeah... I will."

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

I went back to Saikou and told him the change of plans. He looked annoyed? I'm not sure how else to describe the look on his face when I told him that I would be going out with Osoro. I guess he looked annoyed because I would be going out with a delinquent, and I already know that he isn't fond of them at all. But I know he’s smart enough to see that doing this will get me more information.

The rest of the day I’m stuck being by Saikou's side. The only time I’m not around him is during class time since I still have to go to my own class. Other than that, I walk with him and stay next to him. With this in mind, I was able to avoid almost everyone who would've asked me what happened, and why the change in uniform. I'll be sure to tell them at a later date, but I need to get this information first.

I start to get ready for this hangout with Osoro. Of course, I make sure to pocket the recorder. Neither of my parents are home, so I just make sure to turn off the lights and text them that I will be going out with a friend for an hour or so. I close the front door, and I stand outside.

I never told Osoro where I live, and I don't have his number either. But knowing him, I bet one of the members of his gang have already tracked down everything about me. I start to shiver from the light breeze blowing through the neighborhood, and I look around. A car or two passes by, but I don't see anyone walking around. How long will I be standing here?

Then, a loud sound rips through the stillness of the night. The booming sound of an engine comes closer and closer with each second. I click my tongue in annoyance. It must be some type of motorcyclist passing by. I prepare myself for the loud vehicle to pass by my house, but it never does. Instead, I hear the sound of tires slowly coming to a stop and two bright headlights.

"C'mon, get on," he tells me as he parks his bike, but it was only for a second since he’s getting ready to take off again. In front of me stands Osoro with a black motorcycle. It's hard to make out the details of the bike, but I can tell that it’s well taken care of. The paint looks shiny and newly waxed, the engine sounds young, and the tires look full.

"Why that look? What's got you surprised?" He asks with a smirk, and I can see some mischief in his eyes.

"Well, knowing who you are, the motorcycle isn't that big of a deal," I explain to him as I start to make my way to him, "But I never told you where I live, so what are you? A stalker?" I finish teasing him as I finally hop on the back of his motorcycle.

"Here," he hands me a helmet,"I don't usually wear one, but I know I will never hear the end of it if I don't." He gives me a dark green helmet with a design of a skull on the back of it. He then grabs his own helmet, but the only difference is that his is orange.

Before I put on my helmet, I ask him where we’re going, "Are we going to eat out?"

"Something like that," he comments before putting on his helmet and starting to drive off. I quickly put my helmet on, and I hold on to him. I know he must be liking this. I'm basically doing what he was doing to me easily today. I wish I wasn't, though. I don’t want him getting any ideas.

But I can't help to rest my head on one of his shoulders and hold on tighter. The warm feeling of his body and the mix of cool breeze makes me feel a sense of comfort. I close my eyes, and I let myself be free for a few minutes.

Eventually, the motorcycle stops, and I open my eyes to the sight of a run-down building. This is his thought of a hangout? The building looks unserviceable. It's a tall building, and I can imagine a time when it could've hosted a crowd of people going in and out of it, but now those are only memories. The walls have cracks decorating the outside of it making spider web like designs, the windows are broken, some have pieces of glass left on the frame while others have none, vines climb up the building with ease, and the paint is gone with dirt taking its place.

I snap out of my analysis of the building as I see Osoro starting to get off of his motorcycle. He looks over towards me and nudges me to get off. I nod and take off the helmet. He takes it and places it on one of the handles of the motorcycle.

"Don't be worried. No one is going to take it. They wouldn't even dare to do it," he lets me know as he starts to walk in front of me. I follow close behind him. I notice that this is the first time I've seen him without the uniform. He’s still wearing a tattered jacket, but this one is different. It's a brown color, and it's a bit shorter too in length, but it has more rips in it. Underneath it, he wears a plain white tank top with some black jeans that also have a few rips in them.

We walk in between the two run-down buildings, and it starts to get darker. The sight of lights becomes less, and the one source we have is the moon shining down on us. I look around but I can't see anything important. I can make out the silhouette of a few plants moving due to the wind, and maybe some junk on the ground, too. I wrap my arms around myself, and it's partly due to the unease I feel and also because of the cold of the night.

I then see a light that is close to a metal door. I also see people. Two people are outside leaning against the brick wall while smoking. They’re talking to one another while they laugh. They don't even take notice of Osoro. Osoro stands in front of the door and knocks in a pattern. Is this some sort of hideout?

The door opens with a loud rattle. I can see from the new light that the hinges are rusty and the door is barely holding up. Osoro goes inside, and I follow close behind, and the sight of the inside of the building is something that I would've never expected.

It's warm and bright. People are everywhere and the music is loud. I can see people with trays in their hands placing orders on metal tables, as someone else calls them over. A band is playing in another room, and I can hear the bass vibrating through the metal floor and to my feet. People see Osoro and immediately greet him with handshakes and quick verbal greetings. We push through the people to make it to a table. We take a seat, and I am able to ground myself. This is definitely a hangout area, and it's clear it's a place for delinquents to come together and relax with one another. A place that you wouldn't know about unless you're in the scene yourself, so I look out of place here, but no one comes to bother me since they can see I'm with Osoro.

"Like it? We could have all our dates here if you like," he teases with a smile as he raises his hand and gestures for someone to come by to take our order.

"Wait, I don't even know what they serve," I tell him quickly before the waiter can come by.

"I'll order for you. I'm just trying to eat," he responds, and the waiter comes, and my fate is sealed. As he puts in the order, I keep looking around. I just can't believe Osoro decided to take me to a place like this, but I can't help overthinking. He must trust me a lot. He wouldn't just take anyone here.

"You wanted me to finally tell you everything about Ayato," He leans back in his chair, "That guy is such a freak. What has he been doing to make you question him?"

"He has just been acting weird, you know? I don't really know how to describe it," I fumble with my words as I rummage through my pocket to turn on the recorder. I hear a soft click, and I see the light turn on. I hide it in my pocket and I relax since he didn't notice it.

"Alright, I'll start from the beginning. I already told you I don't know why he joined. And I still don't. The guy really did just show up one day and decided to be with us. Given that I knew his reputation as this quiet guy that blended into the background, I assumed this was like a dream of his or something. Doing all this so he can get with the chicks, going from a timid guy to some big tough guy overnight," Osoro's theory didn't make sense to me. Of course, from an outsider's point of view, they would definitely agree, but as someone who has known Ayato for years, his theory isn't true. By the time he joined the delinquents, he wasn't in love with Taeko anymore.

"So I thought, whatever, he could be some dumb lapdog that we keep around and make him do stuff, since that's what he was doing," what Osoro says catches my attention. What was Ayato doing to catch the attention of the delinquents?

I shift in my chair and move closer to him, the chair making a sound in the process, "What did he do exactly?"

"He was just doing whatever the guys asked. One guy could be, like, 'Yo, I want this. Get it for me,' and your little friend would go and get it. He didn't question and followed through with it, so that's why I thought of keeping him around," Osoro explains to me, and it's clear this is what happened. But why am I having a hard time believing it? Could Ayato really do this?

"Then I gave the guy his first mission. You're gonna hate me at first, but you're gonna hate him more," Osoro warns me as he leans closer to me, "I told him to meet with me and the guys to fight this rival gang. I thought the guy was gonna pussy out, and not show up. And guess what happened. He showed up and in style, looking like one of us. We then went to where we had to go - and that guy is one hell of a machine! I hate the guy, but he knows how to fight."

"Fight?" I question him. Then I get thoughts about what happened between the both of us. I shouldn't keep doubting Osoro because this is the truth. Ayato really is like this and I have seen it firsthand on two occasions. I'm sure he has done it towards other people.

"Hell yeah. He kicked that guy's ass and put him into a coma - Yeah, I think that's what happened from the last time I heard it. He sent the guy to the hospital. He knows how to work a knife," I feel myself get triggered from the minor mention of a knife being used. Ayato stabbed someone again? I feel my heart rate start to pick up. The first time is becoming clear in my mind, as if I am reliving it again.

I can feel him pushing me into the abyss of the closet as I stumble in the darkness. My memories skip ahead and I can feel the weight of his body crushing mine, suffocating me in the small room. My eyes widening at the sight of the knife and protecting myself with my forearm, so my face wouldn't take the hit. Using all of my strength to push my hands against his chest and running away with a blooded arm, and a new realization of who my friend was.

I hear the sound of plates being placed on the table and two snaps being made, "Hey, food is here. Stop doing all that daydreaming," Osoro tells me before grabbing his fork and eating his food. I look down and I see a basic meal in front of me. It's a set of wings glistening with sauce and steam radiating off of them, fries are set to the side with sprinkles of spices decorating them, and a tall glass of soda that looks just like the ads I see on TV. For a place that is wedged between abandoned buildings, the food looks good.

"But yeah, he sent the guy to the hospital - and, hey, I get it - it was either him or the other guy, and he was also proving himself to me and the guys. Then he walked up to me with a stupid command, I felt like killing him. It's the reason why I told you to stay away from him," Osoro takes a sip from his drink and narrows his eyes down at me, he pulls his lips away from the rim of the glass cup, "I'm not sure if I should even tell you. It'll completely change how you see his actions. It's something you won't really be able to move on from. Do you want to hear it?"

"Yes!" The quick answer comes out as a yell, but no one turns to look at us since the band playing in the other room drowns out any of the talking we have been doing. I almost fall from my seat, and Osoro smiles a bit at my action. I quickly recompose myself since I recognize the look in his eyes as a type of admiration. Is this what Osoro loves about me? He loves the clumsy side of me that isn't afraid to yell when my feelings overtake me? No, I need to snap myself out of any thoughts about Osoro and love. I am on a mission here.

"Well, you sound eager, don't you?" He chuckles afterwards and I get a little embarrassed from his teasing. I start to finally eat my food as I notice the steam starting to leave.

"He likes you - No - He loves you. It's so fucking sicking," I feel like spiting out my food, but I shallow it hard and I'm quick to grab my drink, "He found out quick that I liked you, and now that I think about it, my theory from before is wrong. He joined because of you. He joined because he knew that I liked you, so to stop me from confessing he joined to get closer to me, but once he found out that I wasn't going to back out, he went over to your house and lied about everything. He is a sneaky bastard. I hate his guts."

No, that's all wrong. Ayato didn't join the delinquents because of me. He joined for some other reason. He isn't in love with me either. He was just messing around with Osoro to get him worked up, he can't possibly be in love with me. I start to think about all the times we hanged out and touched, and I start to get shivers from it. He did all of that because his obsession has followed over to me, but what made him change? What made him come on to me instead? I've been friends with him for years, so shouldn't this have been something that happened when we were younger? Why now? Why is he obsessed with me? Am I in danger again?

"A lot to take in. I wouldn't be eating either if I was you," He mumbles out in between bites of his food. It almost looks comical how we look. I look stunned while he keeps eating each wing right after another. I even find it funny that he doesn't care all that much about what he told me, he actually looks relieved in a way.

But then I connect the dots, and I find out why he looks more relaxed than before. Osoro was mad at Ayato and I was caught in the crossfire of it, but in reality I was one of the reasons the argument happened in the first place. Osoro was trying to warn me. I brushed him off because I wanted to rebuild my friendship with Ayato, but now it makes sense to me.

I see Osoro reach over to my plate to get one of my wings, and I do nothing to stop him, but my lack of reaction makes him stop anyways. "What's up?" He asks me with concern in his voice. I can only make a sound in response. I can feel myself start to feel more paranoid about what he told me. Could Ayato really be that crazy for me to do all this?

"Hey, I know what could take the edge off. How about some drinks?"

"No, no. If it's what I think you're saying, then I would rather not have a drink. You shouldn't have one either, you're going to drive us back home."

"Damn it, you're right."

We sit in silence now as my food gets colder but everything else feels warmer. The night is only getting started and you can tell from the amount of people who keep entering and the lack of people leaving.

We feel out of place now. Instead of me being out of place, we both look like we don't belong here because our energy isn't matching the rest.

"It's been hard..." I lift my head up from its sad slump and I look over to Osoro. Hard? What does he mean by that? He told the story with a happy tone, so is it something else?

"Hard?"

"Yeah," he nods as he rubs his face with his hands and lets out a sigh, "My feelings and all. I really hate sounding this way. That's why I wanted some drinks, but I don't want to get them since you do have a point. I don't want to get you hurt. I would hate myself until I die if I did hurt you." Osoro's voice gets lower to the level of a whisper, and I wonder why that is. No one can hear us since everyone else is paying attention to something else.

"It's been hard to accept my feelings, you know? I'm surprised the guys didn't drag me through the mud because of it. But I can't help what I feel. I'm just glad you didn't judge me. Thanks for that," he tells me before getting quiet and taking a quick swing from his glass.

His words remind me of how I felt towards Kizano. I shouldn't be thinking of him, especially not now when I'm talking to his rival. But I start to regret what I feel. Maybe I should've given Kizano a chance. But it's better that I didn't. If I did, then he would be Ayato's next target. I need to keep my distance. I need to stay away from Kizano and Osoro. If Ayato is feeling these strong emotions towards me, then it would be best to stay away from both of them.

"I know what you're feeling. I thought about it before, and questioned myself. I got a bit scared, actually. I thought about what would happen if people found out who I was. I'm actually still unsure if this is what I feel... but I feel it is and I'm just running from it. I'm happy that I accepted you. But I think it's best we don't become a couple," I move closer to Osoro, "I’m sorry it has to be this way."

Did I really mean that?

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

"I enjoyed myself tonight," I tell Osoro as I hop off the bike and take the helmet off. I hand it back over to him, and he takes it. The coldness of the night is more prominent than before. Osoro laughs at my state, but I can tell that he’s not fully happy. What I told him back at the building must’ve made him sad.

"Yeah, me too. We should do this again, but I'll wait, I don't want to keep forcing myself on you. I'll wait for you," Osoro reassures me, and I smile at him. He cares. And I love that about him. I thought at one point he was a delinquent who didn't mean well, but he's like me in a lot of aspects. It just wasn't clear before, but now I can empathize with him.

"Okay. I hope you stick by your words," I tell him as I start walking towards my house.

"I will, don't worry," and in a flash he’s gone. He leaves a trail of a loud engine in his wake, and the sound sticks with me long after he’s gone.

I thought telling him about my feelings would give me closure, but I think what I said wasn’t the truth. Do I love Osoro?

[silverynight]

Happy birthday, Kyojuro! (05/10)

As soon as he gets out of college, Tanjirou heads to his family's bakery to fill a box with chocolate muffins he made in the morning. He's glad Kyojuro likes everything from his bakery.

Tanjirou and Kyojuro met in college and became fast friends even though they didn't take the same courses. Kyojuro graduated two years ago, but he kept texting and visiting Tanjirou in his bakery very often.

Now he's working and has his own apartment that Tanjirou hasn't seen yet, even though Kyojuro has asked him to go a couple of times.

Well, there's always a first time for everything and he's glad he'll be there for Kyojuro's birthday.

He finds the apartment quickly and knocks a few times, wondering why he doesn't hear any noise inside. Tanjirou is sure he must be the last one to arrive.

"Tanjirou!" The way Kyojuro beams at him makes it look like he's been waiting for him.

"Happy birthday, Kyojuro-san!" Tanjirou smiles back as the other man pulls him inside the apartment. "I brought you a present!"

"Are you my present?"

Tanjirou chuckles, knowing it's a joke, even though Kyojuro's fiery eyes glimmer like it's the best day of his life.

"No. I brought you muffins!" Tanjirou smiles back, wondering if he's imagining the way Kyojuro's expression turns into disappointment for a second.

That's ridiculous. Kyojuro loves food more than anything!

He puts the box on the nearest table and ignores it completely as he pulls Tanjirou into his arms.

"I missed you," he whispers into his ear, nuzzling against Tanjirou's cheek.

"It's been only two weeks," the redhead chuckles again, pretty sure that Kyojuro is pretending to be dramatic on purpose. "I told you I had a couple of projects to finish."

"Maybe you should move in with me so I can see you every day."

Tanjirou pushes him gently, only to see a hopeful expression on Kyojuro's face.

"Sure," he nods, knowing his friend is joking.

"Really? Can you move in tomorrow? I can take you every morning and pick you up when you're done for the day."

Tanjirou blushes to the tip of his ears when Kyojuro leans closer and presses their foreheads together.

"What? You're not joking?"

"Why would I joke about something like that?"

Sometimes Tanjirou doesn't understand his friend, but he's very fond of him anyway.

"Well... I'll think about it."

Before Kyojuro can make that disappointed expression again, Tanjirou looks around.

"Where's everyone else?"

"My father and my brother are running late, but they'll be here soon," Kyojuro mumbles, as he takes Tanjirou's hand in his to lead him towards the couch.

"But what about your friends?"

"Today I just want to be with the people I love the most," Kyojuro smiles gently, staring at Tanjirou with an intensity that makes it look like he wants to tell him something else.

"You should've told me you wanted to be with your family!" Tanjirou says, a little bit mortified. "I can go if you want."

"Tanjirou, you're part of my family now!"

They stare into each other's eyes as Tanjirou's heart starts beating faster inside his chest; he has the feeling that he's missing something important.

"I'll stay then."

The other guests arrive a couple of seconds later; it's Tanjirou's first time meeting Kyojuro's family so he gets a little bit nervous.

Shinjuro looks a little bit intimidating, but Tanjirou realizes it's just how he looks because he smiles softly at him after a while. Senjuro is so sweet Tanjirou likes him immediately.

They bring some food and finally, the four of them kneel around the table to eat.

"Tanjirou-san, this is delicious!" Senjuro says, eyes shining before he takes another bite of the muffin.

"I'm glad you like it!" The redhead grins, feeling more relaxed around them now. Although it helps that Kyojuro's right next to him, hand on Tanjirou's waist most of the time.

"I think your mother would have loved your boyfriend, Kyojuro. I'm happy you finally decided to introduce us." Shinjuro comments then.

It takes a while for Tanjirou to realize that he's talking about him and a couple of seconds more to notice that Kyojuro is smiling back at his father and nodding at him with pride and satisfaction.

He's not denying anything.

"Uhh... I'm really happy to finally meet you two, but I... I'm not–Kyojuro and I are just good friends."

He hates the sad expression on Kyojuro's face; why does he look like a kicked puppy?

"You haven't asked him out yet?" Senjuro's question makes Tanjirou blush to the tip of his ears. It's like they both think Kyojuro is into him or something.

When his friend starts rubbing the back of his neck nervously, Tanjirou begins to realize the thing he has missed for a while...

"I've tried! But he doesn't get it!"

"What?" Tanjirou blinks a couple of times as Kyojuro holds both his hands in his and stares into his eyes.

"Would you marry me, Tanjirou?"

Before Tanjirou can react, Shinjuro hits his oldest son on the back of the head.

"You're going too fast! What would your mother say?" He scolds him. "Don't scare him off! I like him!"

"Would you go on a date with me?"

This time, Tanjirou doesn't hesitate; since he hadn't thought about it before, he didn't realize how attractive he found his friend.

Maybe it could work. They know each other well and they both love spending time together.

"I'd love to."

The other two Rengokus cheer as Kyojuro pulls Tanjirou into his lap and kisses him on the lips.

Even though Tanjirou enjoys the kiss, he gently pushes Kyojuro away because he's aware Shinjuro and Senjuro are still there with them. Although he finds truly endearing that Kyojuro tries to chase after his lips and pouts when Tanjirou shakes his head.

"Later," he promises in a whisper, before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday, Kyojuro-san."

He looks so happy Tanjirou doesn't protest when he tries to move away and Kyojuro insists on keeping him on his lap all the time.

He feels slightly embarrassed because Shinjuro and Senjuro are watching everything, although they look amused and happy for Kyojuro too.

Now they just have to tell Tanjirou's family.

***

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[pikespendragon67]

Pikes Small Fall 2024 Check-in Post!

I technically can still talk with friends but eh why not

IRL: o ye gods i have 2 interviews next week, one in person and one over the phone that may lead to an in person interview. They pay way more than my current job but I fear deceiving my supervisor to go to the in person ones. I'm in the middle of my annual review for my current job though so I think I'll get like. A very small raise and get asked why I've been coming in late for a while now (mainly due to traffic). Hrm.

It’s gonna rain for 2 weeks fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck

In December I'm making up for not walking for my college graduation since I graduated during quarantine! I met Jamieson Price at my brother's graduation back in 2016 since he was announcing so my foolish hope is that he announces for mine. Sadly not a SoCal school so highly unlikely (especially with BS technology nowadays) but a fish can dream.

I also...spent way more than I realized this year so once I replenish enough funds I hope I can stick to a budget that my mom helped formulate. Getting the new jobs will help a bunch in those. Terrible timing since the Switch successor is coming out next year and who knows what guests will arrive at cons I can potentially go to. (Like if Jamieson Price, Akio Otsuka, Kenjiro Tsuda or Junichi Suwabe got invited to a con I might need to sell a kidney or 3). I tried using a Windows 11 laptop and it is somehow much slower than my 2019 laptop. Like. How. It's more recent. So I might need to invest in a tablet (like an iPad) or something instead since those tend to be faster. If it has HDMI ports I'd be set.

Also terrible timing for going on a budget since I want to get the Shunsui blind keychain in stores like GameStop or BoxLunch. I have Ukitake at least. I'd be willing to trade a spare Soifon that I have. Oh, and also Squishables plushies always tempt me as well as physical DVDs/games/manga but I am running out of storage space aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I want to get back into art but I need a bag to carry my art supplies and hopefully I can sneak in doodles when I run out of tasks at work. I'd draw on weekends but my computer takes up way too much space on my desk.

And I'm in a bit of a music rut, need to find new stuff to listen to. I usually like smooth cadences in things like electroswing, R&B or pop punk rock, but maybe with how hectic the world is becoming I can get into a new genre of music. Maybe folk? Maybe a ska renaissance that I keep hoping to happen in the public attention?

Animu: I just finished rewatching Digimon Adventure (1999)! I rewatched the dub since I'm nostalgic towards it. I recognized more voices than I did in my rewatch from 6th grade wrow. (I forgot Doug Erholz was in the OG series as Joe's brother and MachineSeaDramon). As a kid my favorite was probably TK or Kari but these days I relate way too much to Joe. I think my favorite arc is the Myotismon arc, and I really loved the Piedmon fight. The show really started feeling special after SkullGreymon appeared. It went from regular monster of the week show to something that explored more character depth, like when Sora felt she couldn't use the Crest of Love. Gonna start 02 next week.

I'm about to finish Delico's Nursery (thank GOD) and Moribito so I can finally move onto other stuff to either watch or rewatch. Maybe Big O, maybe ID: Invaded? Who can say. ...Probably after Beastars season 3 comes out.

Pokemon Horizons' next dubbed portion will air in February so I will see who voices Hassel and Larry then put it on hold until another character I like shows up. Unless something plot relevant happens. It's a good show but hhhhhhhh I only have so much time in my days now.

I'm liking Ranma 1/2! Originally I was a bit squicked about the bathing scenes but I really like the character interactions and the over-the-top jokes (like using your brother as a weapon, hilarious)

Tower of God season 2 is...there. Definitely in the gambler's fallacy where I want to finish this and have it be done with. I really miss season 1's animation.

Orb: On the Center of the Earth is a really intriguing drama. I'm hoping it has a scene that makes me think about life like with other dramas that I've enjoyed. It has sparks of it, so only time will tell.

I’m really enjoying Dandadan so far. I might not delve into the fandom side but I’m loving the art direction and the main character bickering. Dare I hope for a Mothman arc?

In my Jojo rewatch I’m 4 episodes away from finishing Battle Tendency. I’m not the biggest fan of Stardust Crusaders though so I’m gonna see if I can watch the OVAs instead

And finally, I'm not sure how many episodes Bleach TYBW part 3 will have but I'm lowkey waiting for when Shunsui's big moment happens. Hopefully it doesn't feel too rushed, as if we do follow the 13 episode structure we'd only have...5 episodes left to finish this. I'm also hoping that the light novels get animated. Or that Kubo makes the rest of the Hell arc an anime exclusive thing.

Videya games: I thought I could switch between Brothership and Dragon Quest 3, but hoo boy do I feel the grind more in 5 minutes of DQ3 than I do 20 in Brothership. Aside from the Luigi A controversy and odd way to do basic jumps/hammer attacks, I'm liking the combat again. Makes me want to go back to play Dream Team more.

I got Webfishing and I made my avatar Ogata. Life is goooooooooood. Also on some weekends I play with some buddies in either Granblue Versus, 100% Orange Juice, and recently we went through the prologue of Paranormasight. I grinded with some other friends in Granblue Relink and man I need to assemble that squad again so I can get Ambrosia.

Oh yeah, an IRL friend helped me start up collecting for Wii again! Meaning I can hopefully get Gamecube games too because while I do have Dolphin and Parsec, I still have trouble opening files, configuring my controller and configuring a memory card. True there's a risk of scratched discs and spending way more than I need to. Hm.

[noyasaur]

hi! Can you talk a bit about you jjba dr? (If youre comfy ofc!) ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶

an introduction to my jjba dr! ✩₊˚.⋆

cw: spoilers for jojo's bizaare adventure!

-> hihi! and yes omg ofcc!! i haven't shifted to my jjba dr yet but i would LOVEE to just ramble all about it if you don't mind 😌 gonna make it all aesthetic and cute too cuz hell yea😍

-> all images used (except the dividers) are from pinterest and full credit goes to the authors of these images :)

★ . about my jjba desired reality!

right now, i only have one jjba desired reality which the whole thing about is me going on all the adventures from part three to five!

i think in the future i want to have a few more desired realities like one experiencing part two and part six and maybe even more of the parts if i end up finishing the other mangas! i also want to have a jjba dr set in modern times and also a jjba-based reality with kpop idols!

the timeline: in my main jjba reality, i've changed the timeline of some things so i can experience all the adventures in the different parts with the jojo boys in succession one after the other.

for example, when i first shift to this reality, i start with going on the adventures of part three with jotaro and the other stardust crusaders. the events of part four happen a year after the events of the stardust crusaders adventures when me, and jotaro are ordered to go to morioh by the speedwagon foundation to investigate well, jotaro's 'cousin'😭

in this reality, there was no affair 😙 joseph has a daughter and a son: holly and hugo. hugo is holly's younger brother and when he graduates high school, he goes off to japan for university. however, he meets tomoko there and they become a couple. long story short, he gets her pregnant and he never told any of his family, in fear of what they might say about him having a child so young. so that's how there is no affair that makes everyone go crazy, how josuke exists and how i can experience adventures when i'm not an old lady and i don't have to wait like twenty years between each adventure! (lmao)

obviously i can't live without kakyoin being dead and everyone else, so they live in this version 🤗 also, i made dio sort of less? evil? he doesn't actually commit any crimes against other humans (except blood-sucking ew but he doesn't kill anyone and just keeps people hostage as slaves and maids while he does his evil bidding eek) but is just hellbent on 'destroying' the joestar bloodline.

thinking about adding some other people into this reality too? for example, i was really contemplating adding sunghoon into this reality and making him one of dio's sons or something but during part three, he turns on his father and helps us defeat him 😜 this is a possible addition but i'm not sure if i'll go through with this or not!

i also have some generational pact with the brandos (i didn't do it, my grandpa did smh), though i fight with the joestars. long story short, my grandpas was in love with dio and made a pact that he would swear to protect the brando bloodline (my grandpa = speedwagon but dio's version) /hj might explain this later but im still in the works with figuring out how it's going to work and the backstory behind it!

★ . about me!

background: i was born in australia on the (??\??\???? - not sure on the dates and whether i want it to be set in the 80's or the 00's). i was born with a faint, butterfly-shaped marking on my back. none of my parents knew what it meant but as i grew older, it continued to grow darker, and darker. self-conscious of the odd mark etched into my back, i bandaged it up to hide it. i lived a pretty peaceful childhood. however, the after i turned thirteen years of age, very strange occurrences kept happening to me.

there were some instances where things would become heavier or lighter, or where my parents felt as if they were moving in slow-motion or faster than usual. i would get weird dreams, some of the past, and some of the very, far future.

little did i know, this was all the work of my stand manifesting.

not knowing what was happening, i was shipped off to japan to live with my uncle, in tokyo in hopes that my uncle would be able to fix whatever was going on with me. you see, my uncle is a very spiritual man. while he works as an astronomer and a psychologist, he is very knowledgeable in the likes of tarot cards, magic, and otherworldly forces (etc). he did everything he could and that was in his power to try and figure out what was happening to me, since that was his forte and all.

and thus, after years of dealing with these strange incidents, at the age of 15, my stand manifested before me. i was crossing the street, on the way back to my uncle's apartment from visiting a convenience store. however, i didn't notice a car zooming towards me until it was too late. i shut my eyes, assuming it was all over. this was my fate: i was going to die a horrible and painful death. and there was nothing i could to about it.

i shut my eyes, bracing myself for the impact and my inevitable doom.

i waited.

and waited.

and yet, i felt nothing.

the impact never came. the excruciating pain and blast i expected to feel, never hit my body.

i was alive. and completely unscathed. but. . . how?

i wearily opened my eyes and to me confusion and horror, i saw her. i saw a strikingly beautiful but eerie human-like creature floating in front of me. it had it's arms extended out toward the car, which was now moving at an impeccably slow snail's pace.

after standing there in shock for a few seconds, i shook my head and scurried away.

around a few times after this incident, the frequency at which i had those 'weird' dreams dramatically increased. they turned from being a fortnightly, even monthly occurrence, to having those dreams many nights in a row, back to back.

oddly enough, with every dream i was having, i couldn't help but feel they were starting to feel a lot less like dreams but a lot more like visions.

after two weeks of more odd visions and happenings, i finally told my uncle. he was deeply puzzled as he tried to make sense of what was happening to me. and after a few minutes of pondering, something washed over his face.

was it relief? or more confusion?

did he finally work out what was happening to me?

but in the end, all he told me what that if i were to ever run into a man with the name 'Joseph Joestar' he made me promise i were to stick with him if i ever met him.

i asked him who he was, and all he replied with was: "Joseph? oh why, he's just a very good old friend of mine."

and so, i continue my life as usual, trying to deal and overpower these strange incidents and even became familiar with my beautiful and endearing new creature. luckily for me, i was enrolled in an online school so any incidents i would have would hardly leave a scratch on my grades and records.

although, this completely changed in the last year of my high school.

you see, my uncle wanted me to have a 'fun' and 'memorable' high school experience, especially considering it was my last year. and so, he enrolled me into an actual high school, which would change the course of my fate forever.

and what a 'fun' and memorable year it was. . .

(i am so sorry if this is so corny omg this feels so corny sdsdjs)

★ . my stand!

my stand name: Ancient Dreams (In a Modern Land)

statistics: power: B Rank speed: A Rank range: B Rank durability: A rank precision: B Rank potential: A Rank

abilities: weight drop! (weight change): the ability to change the weight of anything. can make objects or people light, or make objects or people heavier. the stand user cannot use this ability on themselves. the ability can be activated by shooting small orbs or energy at the opposing object or person, where they will have a butterfly emblem on them, shaded corresponding to a highlighted moon phase on my stand, which corresponds to the 'levels' of weight taken off the person. flash! (speed manipulation): the ability to change the speed of any object or person. however, this can only be done when the stand makes contact with the object of person. dream telepathy/communication/travelling: has the ability to communicate with others during their dreams, or enter one's dream through a meditative trance, with the help of their stand. the stand user can appear in one's dreams and communicate with the person, and also manipulate their dreams. however, the stand user cannot physically harm their target's through their dreams. rather, it is a soothing and positive technique that puts the target in a state of comfort. dream energy: the stand has the ability to shoot out energy orbs as a way of fighting. the orbs are made of 'dream energy' and can easily damage and slice through objects, depending on the manipulation of the orb. the orbs can be thrown in their pure form, or even me manipulated into whatever the stand user desires. for example, i could turn dream orb into a 'dream sword,' made from the cosmic energy of dreams and fantasy.

appearance: has a slim and feminine appearance. it's body is a gradient and mix of light baby blue, lilac purple and cotton candy pink, with the phases of the moon imprinted on it's chest. it wears a majestic headpiece of a butterfly on it's head, which is coloured a shimmering mix of pastel gold, purple and pink. it's eyes are a deep blur colour, and has transparent blue 'butterfly' wings.

🪐 saturn's note:

-> um this was a little more than just 'talking a bit about it' but i hope you found this interesting and enjoyed! kinda scared to post this because i've never really talked about my drs like this so it's new to me but also fun 😍 i might update this here and there and i def swill reblog if i do or just make another post for anything else you're interested in!

-> oh and when i shift there? hell yeah am i going to be writing and sharing my experiences omg 😩

[emberfcrged]

LET'S GET REACQUAINTED ! hey rpc ! lets be honest, datv brought us all back in one way or another either you're a veteran or new, i'm sure there is stuff that has changed or we don't know each other so let's have a game about it to reintroduce each other ! repost this to do the same & tag some pals if you want !

Name / Penname: Ray for veterans, did you go by something previously ? name &/or penname: nope, always just Ray age & gender ( if comfortable sharing ): 28, female what was your first dragon age muse: Does all of them count? Ha! I guess I would say Maverick though, but he was originally a BG3 muse that I converted over for the DA setting when I started this blog up again. do you have any other darp muses / blogs: Nope, this is my first. what muses / blogs do you have outside of darp: My personal blog is @sambergcrs and tbh I am so inactive on that it's not even funny. It's my general musing & gif making blog because I've spent the last like 12 years or so doing rp groups. I only made my indie last year when BG3 came out and I was ITCHING to write in that universe!! So now I'm here, took a bit of a break over the last like 5 months because of a new job, but I'm back with my Dragon Age obsession reignited (even though I have not finished Veilguard...oops). thedas has two moons: I am unfortunately TERRIBLE at keeping track of lore so truly Bioware I feel you.

single line, para, or novella: Para/Novella. I don't mind what other people do but I am incapable of shortening replies half the time. SORRY. plotting or winging it: I am fine with both but I find I typically reply a lot faster and become more engaged in threads where we've plotted things out. Winging it with memes, starter calls and such are a great way to gauge chemistry and can serve super well as a jumping off point, though. fighting threads, you bold enough for them? They scare me truthfully but I could be down! My writing style is very...internalized as far as my characters go. I can dive into their psyches and write about why they do and feel the things they do and feel all day. So, admittedly I wouldn't say I'm super comfortable with them BUT I am more than willing to as long as we plot something out in detail & my partner is patient with me. what content warnings are on your blog?: Very few, just a general NSFW content may be present. I can always add more, but in general it's just possible smeggsual content and possible violence/gore. what things do you need tagged for your comfort?: I truly don't need anything tagged for my own purposes, but if that changes I will update my rules & let my writing partners know..

shipping preferences: single | multi | no ship | polyship. Wrote up a rule about this earlier this week! I am very versatile, happy to pair my muses up for multiple ships, but when it comes to canon characters I impose a limit. For example, I probably won't ship with more than one or two, say, Fenris' (FYI, I currently don't have any wink wink) because I find coming up with so many different dynamics between multiple portrayals a bit tiring, personally. Also, if my partners have rules I will typically follow them. But! Overall, I'm a ship fiend. Happy to discuss anything and everything. Also, would love more polyship opportunities. shipping boundaries: See above regarding canon characters, but I don't have too many hard boundaries right off the bat. Nothing generally inappropriate, obviously, or outright problematic. I'll always be open to ideas but will enforce my boundaries when they come up, and I hope others will feel comfortable to do the same.

fun facts about yourself that may have changed since in the past ten years( when inquisition dropped )-- damn I mean I graduated high school and college and then went into the working world, got married, moved a bunch, bought a house. It's certainly been a hard journey, especially the past few years or so in dealing with some of my husband's health struggled, but overall it's wild to see how much growth I've had and see how long these games have endured the test of time.

be honest, did you miss darp. come on now: I have never been a part of this community before, but I love it. I've had a great time & I can't wait to interact with more people!

challenge round! put a small top five things unrelated to dragon age ! - i have a 9 year old pitbull/corgi mix named dingo, and a 2 year old tuxedo cat named suki. i would do terrible things for them - i have a degree in television production but now i market forklifts for a living LMAO - hot rod is the greatest movie ever made - diet pepsi is superior to diet coke dont even @ me - go birds!!!!!

tagged by: @alitlantern & @onlyinthedas & i think more a while ago i am SORRY IM SLOW

tagging: you!! bc i cant keep up with who did this already and im shy!!

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT.2 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

WC: 2.892

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

I am awoken by the blaring sound of my alarm. Why do I always have to wake up when my bed gets so comfy? I groan, fighting the urge to snooze my alarm, checking the time while at it. It's six now, two hours to make this face look like it has seen more than four hours of sleep.

I check my messages before washing up. Walking out to the bathroom to put on my outfit. Some 90's style jeans and a body hugging cropped shirt. Nothing too much, I'll have to wear my scrubs anyway. I make my bed and do some breathing exercises to calm my nerves, meeting new people was still a big challenge for me. I finish eating breakfast and turn on the coffee machine for a nice frothy cup of coffee. Admiring the view behind my window as I sip the last bit of my coffee. The city is not entirely up yet, people still enjoying their last minutes of sleep before going to work or school.

Walking back to my room for the best part of my morning, doing my make up! I apply my base carefully. First day means first impressions, I can't go overboard, not yet. I curl my long lashes, coating them with mascara. Lining my lips with brown liner, some lip balm on top for a subtle look. I take out my jewelry box, grabbing my usual gold necklace. It was custom made, adorning my name, a graduation gift from my mom. I look into the mirror, humming a song in satisfaction as I do my hair. I grab my bag, stuffing it with things I might need throughout the day. Finally, putting on my Nike dunks and leaving my house.

I walk downstairs to my car. Thankfully my dad had arranged for it to be imported from Spain a couple weeks ago, when I accepted this job. My dad had a thing for paying for my things, maybe it  was to make up for our strained relationship or something. Either way, I wasn't going to refuse his help, it benefited us both anyways. He'd feel like a present father, and I'd feel like he cared.

I jump into my car, the dashboard lighting up. I run my hands around the steering wheel for some comfort before I hit the road. The leather soft as I trace the Mercedes logo, I loved this baby. My G-class never failed to make me feel like the bad bitch I am. I told you working hard and spending hard had its perks. I turn on the navigation system, hoping it would take me straight to the training grounds without any issues.

I turn on some music, trying to drown out my nerves and thoughts. It was never too early for some Drake. I try to pay special attention to my surroundings, since the more I memorize, the faster I can get used to this route. My navigation system pings as it tells me I've arrived. I scan my surroundings, being greeted by a security post. I drive up to it, turning my music off and rolling my window down.

"Good morning, I'm here for the new physiotherapist job." I flash the security guard a smile, he is an older man, his hair graying slightly. I might as well get friendly since I'll be here almost everyday from today onwards. "Morning to you as well. Could you some show me some sort of identification, please?." I can't help but stare at the man, his scoucer accent making it hard for me to understand right away, I should get used to it quickly. I nod quickly pulling my ID from my wallet. He looks at it, scanning through a list, probably a list of staff? His eyes light up as he, I presume sees my name on the list. "Welcome, Dr. l/n, I'll call up the head coach so he can greet you at the door." He gives me a kind smile, handing me my ID back. "Thank you, I appreciate it." I shove my ID back into my wallet, driving into the training center parking lot as the gates open for me. I park, collecting my bag as I jump out of my car. Though, not before fixing my hair and make up.

I take in my surroundings, so this is what I'll be partially calling home now. I notice some other, what I presume to be staff walk into the training center. I walk in as well, immediately being greeted by the huge Liverpool FC emblem. I hold onto my bag tightly, trying to contain my nerves.

I look to my right, the reception. The woman behind the desk looks up, flashing me a smile as I go up to her, sitting down on the chair in front of her desk.

"Hi, I'm y/n l/n. I'm here for the physiotherapist job." She stares at me for a moment, before typing something on the computer. "Nice to meet you! I'm Clara, welcome to our family. I'll call down our head physio, just a second honey.”

Her response warms my heart as I nod. So far, I think I'll feel quite comfortable here. She picks up the phone, though her expression changes into one of surprise as she looks behind me, over my shoulder. "Oh, he is here already."

My eyes follow hers, being greeted by a man, around his 50's. He walks up to me, extending his hand to me. "Welcome Dr. l/n. I've heard a lot about you, nice to finally see the woman being so highly spoken of by my colleagues." I smile and grab his hand in a firm handshake. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Dr. Woods."

He chuckles, before letting go of my hand. "Let's talk more inside, the boss wants to meet you as well." I turn back towards Clara, mumbling a quick thank you to her, before following Dr. Woods inside the training center. I glance around, it’s is even bigger in real life. I had watched some YouTube video's of the club just to prepare and calm my anxiety, but seeing it in real life was very different. We stop in front of an office, the label reading 'Manager'. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I'd already be meeting THE Klopp. I rub my hands together trying to get rid of that anxious feeling.

Dr. Woods knocks on the door loudly, the door is opened a couple of seconds later, revealing Klopp.

"Hey, I'm here to introduce our new physiotherapist." The doctor informs. Klopp looks at me, giving me one of his famous smiles. "Right of course, come in." He opens the door wider, we both walk in. He ushers us to sit down on his red sofa's. He sticks out his hand, we shake hands as he introduces himself, with that all too well known German accent. "It's always nice to greet new members of our big family. Welcome, I'm Jürgen Klopp." I introduce myself as well, his eyes light up in recognition as I tell him my name. "I've heard very great things about you Dr. l/n. I'm very happy to see you here."

"No it's an honor for me, this club is amazing and I'm happy to contribute to the team." I reply, my worries and nerves had been washed away just like- that. I just know that this was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

We start chatting about how I've adjusted to living here, my education and my experience before they start asking different questions.

"So that means you speak how many languages?"

Dr. Woods asks curiously.

"Well my native tongues would be Dutch since I was born and raised in The Netherlands and Turkish, since I'm half Turkish. I'm also fluent in English as you can hear." We chuckle. "Though I do speak some Spanish and Catalan since I worked at FC Barcelona for two years, as you know."

"Great so you'll have no problem with speaking to the players huh? Especially our very loved Dutch players." We laugh at Klopps comment. I secretly hope that too.

Our conversation comes to an end as Klopp suggests I meet the players. He checks his watch, before looking at me. "Players will come in any moment now. They'll start with warming up." Dr. Woods chimes in. "It will be a recovery day since the team played a match yesterday as you may have followed."

Oh yeah I did. I watched it just so I could take notes on the players, the draw at the end was kind of disappointing. Though, it was better than losing.

"Right, I did watch it. Just to study a little before I do see the team play in real life."

"You're impressive Doctor, doing homework before even starting to work." Klopp says. "Oh it's nothing really, just prepares me for what I might encounter as I start working here." I dismiss.

We stand up after a short while, Dr. Woods taking me to put on my scrubs. I mentally pray they have pink ones, both of my former clubs did have them. He walks up to a machine, telling me exactly how the scrub dispenser worked. I nod, pressing some buttons before choosing my size. The scrubs are a- dark red? Well, at least they are part of the club colors. Dr. Woods leads me to the woman's staff changing room. I walk and change quickly putting my hair up in a claw clip.

I walk out of the room after putting my stuff in my locker, and installing a code on it. "I'm ready."

I tell him, he looks at my scrubs for a second. "Red looks great on you Dr. l/n, part of the family already." We chuckle before he leads me to the gym.

A sudden wave of nervousness hits me. I had known that the players were very friendly, still I couldn't help but feel like an unsure inexperienced intern again. We walk into the gym, it's big with plenty of space for calisthenic training like, push-ups and burpees. I look around seeing some the worlds best star players. I've worked some of the best football players like Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, but this still felt super insane.

I notice Klopp walking in as he calls for the players to gather around to introduce me. I glance around, they all give me a kind smile as Klopp tells them I'll be their new physiotherapist starting this new season, and of course he couldn't help but mention I'm Dutch. "Nice to meet everyone, I look forward to working with you all." I give them a smile, my dimples on full display. Suddenly, one of the players walks up to me, I immediately recognize him, who wouldn't? It's the caption of the team, well of his national team too. Virgil towers over me, sticking out his hand, his tall frame couldn't be compared to what you see on TV or the pitch. "Welcome to our team y/n, or should I call you doctor." He flashes me a beautiful smile, making me shake his hand and smile in respons. "Hi, y/n is fine, it's good to be here." Other players come to greet me as well, not to forget Robertson, who has to crack a joke about another Dutch person joining the club. "You'd think it was planned huh." We laugh and chat for a bit before Klopp redirects the attention back to him.

"Alright everyone, it's recovery day so take it easy and tell our doctors if something's up as they assist you."

Dr. Woods turns to me, telling me to follow his lead as I slowly start getting the gist of how everything works here. I nod at him, watching as he talks to the players about any soreness they're experiencing.

The day progress quickly as lunch time hits, we walk into the canteen. Seems like players and staff eat at the same time just like in Barcelona.

I walk through the the buffet as I'm greeted by Gakpo.

"Dus je bent echt Nederlands?" (So you're actually Dutch?) he asks in Dutch, full of curiosity. "Natuurlijk, geboren en getogen. Net als jij." (Of course born and raised. Just like you.)

He gives me a cute smile before we continue speaking in Dutch as we fill up our plates with healthy and delicious food.

He invites me to sit with the team. I glance at him wondering if it is a good idea. Well I did sit with the players at Barca too. "Are you sure?" I ask. "Yeah, look around players sit with staff at every table." I take a glance around, he was right staff and players were sitting together at every table. Chatting and laughing together. "Okay then, I'll sit with you guys."

He leads me to a table, already occupied by Trent, Virgil, Joel, Andrew and new star transfer Dominik Szoboszlai. "Doctor, very nice of you to sit with us." Virgil chimes in. "Well I couldn't refuse when Cody offered, we're practically already family based on the fact that we're Dutch hm." The table erupts in laughter, as we glance at Cody. "Of course the Dutch lad steals the doctor before we get to know her." Trent teases, his Scouse accent thick. "Where did you work before joining us?" Robbo asks, shoving a spoonful food into his mouth. Everyone at the table turns to me for my answer.

I clear my throat before answering. "I first interned at Ajax, I got a three year contact there after graduating. Then I got offered a position at Barcelona, worked there for two years." They nod in acknowledgement. Before Cody mentions something. "Oh you're the famous pretty doctor?!" I stare at him confused. "What do you mean?" "Well the national team players used to always talk about a pretty doctor working at Ajax." I raise a brow at his words, glancing at Virgil to confirm, since he also is apart of the national team. "Can't lie Doctor, they did talk about a pretty Doctor." I give them an impressed look. "I guess that would be me?" I chuckle.

We chat some more as everyone chimes in, though some of their faces turning confused. "Wait how old are you then?" One of them asks. "Oh I'm twenty-five." I reply. "Wow, you're pretty impressive for someone so young." Joel says. I thank him as we all continue eating and chatting in between bites.

Recovery training had gone by fast. I had gotten much more familiar with team and how they operate. Klopp dismisses everyone, as we all walk back into our designated changing rooms. Though, I'm quickly stopped by Dr. Woods. He tells me he'll make sure someone adds me to the staff group chat, as well as the group chat the entire club is in. We then bid each other goodbye as I enter the female staff changing room. I take a minute to sit down and to take it all in, that really just happend huh.

I change quickly putting my outfit back on and discarding my scrubs into the laundry basket. I do a quick make up refresh and hair fix before I grab my bag and take out my car keys. I walk through the hallways slowly, looking around for things I might have not seen yet. I’m totally in my own world before I hear my name being called. I turn around, I'm greeted by both Trent and Dominik, seems like they had been getting along nicely since Dominik had transferred here.

"Are you going out?" The new star asks. "Yeah, you guys aren't?" I lift a brow at them. I can see small smirks on their faces, they look like schoolboys hiding something. "Oh yes, we're leaving just now." We chat a little before we walk outside, saying goodbye to Clara at the reception. I notice other cars had parked right next to mine. "Bye doctor, we'll see ya tomorrow, right?" The Scoucer says. I nod "See you guys!" They wave before they both get into their respective cars.

I unlock my car, climbing in before closing the door. I place my bag onto the passengers seat, leaning back for a second. First day: survived.

Sadly, my peace is interrupted by a loud car horn. I raise my head and lower my window, it's the car next to me? I squint, it's an English car so I can see who it is from my seat. The person lowers down his windows as well. It's Virgil?

"What's wrong?" I half shout, so he can hear me through the loud engine of his car. "Nothing just wanted your attention." I chuckle, man these football players never got tired of teasing people. I roll my eyes playfully, before starting my car. I wave at him, before driving my car out of the parking slot.

I get home rather quickly, my speakers playing my favorite songs loudly. I enter my house, feeling fulfilled. I throw myself on my couch after washing up. I reflect on the day, the players and staff were amazingly kind. Though, that small interaction with Trent and Dominik was weird, why were they so smirky?

[readingloveswounds]

Hello! I just wanted to get your opinion on something, since I feel like you have one foot in US academia and one foot in European (at least French) academia...

I'm currently doing my PhD in Comparative Literature at a university in Northern Europe. I did a Master's beforehand, and I've been working on my PhD for four years now, fully funded, and I’ll be defending it in a few months. I haven't had any obligations beyond working on my dissertation (I gave a couple of lectures because I wanted to and the professors welcomed it). I've published a couple papers and regularly present at conferences.

I have a friend I met at a conference who’s doing their PhD in the US. They went straight into the PhD after their BA. They've been in the program for six years, but because of coursework and teaching requirements, they’ve only been working on their dissertation for about a year and a half. They’re defending around the same time as me and they signed a job contract two months ago (US university).

What boggles my mind is: first, how can someone only work on their dissertation for one or two years and second, land a job before even submitting it? Meanwhile, I’ve been researching and writing for years, have publications, and yet no university in Europe will even consider my application before I defend. How can these two systems be so different?

Hi!

You are definitely looking at two very different systems - I had to change how I talked about the PhD when I was in France because saying I was in my fourth year, while true, made no sense to people there - instead, the phrasing was première année de thèse (first year dissertating).

I'll talk about the program differences first and then the job aspect. This is going to be very long, apologies.

the tl;dr is: program structure sets us up to have already been thinking about the project for a while before writing and the job market is so insane in the US that you have to start early (imo).

Other perspectives are definitely welcome!

Program

I will say that while 6 years is somewhat common for humanities PhD's - or at least what is generally projected for people - there are a lot of people who go beyond 6 years. I'm graduating with people who finished in 7 and 10. 10 is usually the max amount of years they'll let you be in the program without extenuating circumstances (someone a few years ago had a baby, for example), so you do get a range. There's definitely pressure to finish in 5, generally from the school and because that's when funding ends and you have to apply for further fellowships - though end of funding is pretty universal, having met some PhDs from England and Germany with similar stresses.

This may be redundant, but just for everyone watching: the PhD in the US is (typically) a combined Master and PhD. Some programs make the Master an MPhil but it's the same principle. This is why people can "master out" of a PhD program, which means they leave the program prior to the prospectus, but having completed coursework and exams such that they can be awarded an MA or MPhil.

It's also why people can do what your friend (and I) did, which is go directly from a BA to a PhD, as opposed to in Europe, where it's just not set up to do this - you have to get your Master somewhere first. That said, most people in my program got a Master before entering the PhD - there's usually 5 post-MAs and 1 post-BA in a full cohort for the program. The post-MA's still get the MA as part of the PhD, but they may be able to complete coursework faster by transferring credits (this is starting to get technical, so I'll leave it there) and thus not having to take so many classes.

There are also several steps within that process that mean that while you're only writing for a few years, you've probably been at least thinking about the dissertation for a good long time. My program does: 1. a first-year exam - this is more about breadth but gets you ready and makes you think about where you might want to focus more, whether period- or theory-wise 2. qualifying exams during the third year - for these, we make 3 reading lists. one is specifically based on the research you want to do, so it's pre-prep for the prospectus and the dissertation.

For me, the research list meant that I had already read pretty extensively in my area of focus, so while I had to do more reading for my dissertation, I had a good place to start. It also made deciding on my corpus a lot simpler.

So with all this, you will have been having ideas for years during coursework, will have created a pretty good base during Qualifying Exams and the prospectus, so you can just launch into the dissertation like that. If you can then work steadily on it, you can get it done in two years (three is common, which brings us up to about the same amount of writing time as UK PhD programs, if that helps). If you get stuck or life happens or something like that, it can absolutely take longer, and often does. I was lucky because I got fellowships to essentially go to the library and write every day, which meant that I could finish in 5 (aka 1.5 years of writing) - but had I needed to teach, it would have taken much longer.

It may also be the length. My dissertation is long for my department - long enough that I cut a chapter. My chapters are about 20k words each, and the final, formatted document comes out to 300 pages, which is the upper range of what my department suggests. Most people aim for four 50-page chapters (this is what my advisor told me to aim for at first, before we agreed on 70). I think the 200 page minimum is similar in France, but it occurred to me just now that they may be writing on A4 paper settings and we're writing on letter - this actually makes a pretty significant difference in length. And having read peoples' published theses (French), those things can be long. There is definitely a lot more writing of the thesis to be a book from the start in France at least, while the US thesis is not expected to immediately look like a book.

Jobs

What you're bringing up is something I've talked about a little with my French committee members - for them, it's kind of wild that I started applying for jobs even before I had submitted my dissertation.

It definitely makes you more of a wild-card to not have defended or submitted yet - most job postings for Professor positions (Lecturer positions are different) say you need a degree in hand by August (i.e. the start of the school year you'd be teaching in) and some will require you to have a defense date scheduled for them to consider you. I really only got interviews after I had a scheduled defense date and especially after I defended. It is possible to get hired for a tenure track position pre-defense and without any publications (they had submitted work but nothing under review and a lot of conference work). That is, however, not the norm and was wild to hear about.

I don't know exactly why we do it like this, but I suspect it's because of just how saturated the market is. Europe's job market isn't ideal either, but I know for a fact a tenure-track job at a state university raked in thousands (possibly tens of thousands) of applications for one position, so I think it's just that you're going to get rejected so many times that you have to start early. We have so many damn PhD's and everyone's pretty well qualified.

While we can apply to jobs (and pretty much have to) pre-defense, in reality, committees are usually going to prefer the more "sure" options, which is those who have defended already or who are definitely on track to do so, making it a de-facto but not stated means of sorting. (I can't say this with a ton of certainty but given my own experience this seems to be at least somewhat true).

I do also think that the type of position matters as well - what I got is a Visiting Assistant Professor position. It's a year-long contract, so the risk they are taking with hiring a baby PhD is a lot less than if it was a multi-year or tenure track job. There's...a whole lot of VAP positions out there because even if it sucks turnover-wise, it's likely cheaper to the university to do that instead of hiring actual TT professors (this is also why we have a million adjuncts who are not well-paid or well-protected). This, of course, is more time spent for the professors in the department and doesn't give students continuity, but the administration doesn't care about that (cynical view).

This may not fully answer your question, but hopefully at least zooms in on the US system a little bit! There's different priorities at work and our training is very different. I didn't even talk about teaching, but that plays a role too - we are confirmed to at least have some teaching experience (even if we aren't good teachers) before finishing the program, so we are "ready" to teach once hired.

[shelandsorcery]

I had a question about what gouache I use over on cohost, so I'm crossposting the answer here for anyone who's curious:

So I've tried a few different types of gouache, including the very affordable jelly gouache sets they have on aliexpress/amazon, and I've settled on forking over for the good stuff as the best way to get the results I want with minimum fuss. So here's the lineup of my collection of tubes right now!

The bulk of my paints are from Winsor & Newton - this was the brand we bought our starter kids from at art school, and if you notice any doubles in that lineup, it's because friends gave me their half-used tubes after graduation when they vowed to never gouache again. Some of those tubes are VERY old, but as long as they aren't fully solid, they're still good to go, so I keep them around. Also if they ARE fully solid, it's never a bad idea to try cutting the paint brick out of the tube and using it like a pan gouache. It usually works.

Through the pandemic tho I've been watching a lot of other gouache painters all over the world on youtube, and it did indeed get me hungry to try other brands! So the rest of my paints are from M. Graham (honey based gouache, dark colours aren't as opaque but holy heck they are pigmented) and from Holbein (really creamy consistency overall), including a bunch on the right there that I bought as one-offs from their fancy seasonal Irodori sets (some of my favourite pastels oh my gosh).

These are all traditional gouache, not acryl/acrylic gouache (though my partner @goshdarnheck has a solid collection of those), so these will rehydrate from dry - some faster, some slower, but it means I can often work with them dried out in pans instead of squeezing out fresh paint every time I sit down. This does take the sting off the price tag a bit - and makes plein air a lot less stressful and messy.

The other nice thing these days is that most art stores now sell online and ship worldwide (or nearly) and it's possible to track down some decently affordable paints that way. If you're also in or around Toronto, fyi, you can find W&N and Holbein gouache tubes at Gwartzman's art supplies for very good prices, and that's where I was able to get my single irodori paints as well. They do one day delivery in the city limits, it's amazing.

If you have any questions about my palettes, or particular colours, definitely drop them in the replies or my asks and I'll be happy to go into more depth!