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frostfires-blog · 11 days ago

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MXTX Fanart Hanakotoba Analysis

So, I came across this absolutely stunning artwork depicting the six main characters from MXTX's three novels—SVSSS, MDZS and TGCF respectively—as different flowers. I asked the original artist, @Huaihua610715, if I could repost it here and analyse it, and they gave me permission. Please support the original post on Twitter as well.

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-> 1.) SVSSS

1.1) Luo Binghe × Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

In this artwork, Luo Binghe is represented with a red Hydrangea macrophylla flower. Although its name means "water vessel" in Greek, this flower is native to East Asia. Given that their colour saturation varies depending on the availability of aluminium ions in the soil, Hydrangea macrophylla flowers function as natural soil pH indicators. In acidic soils, the flowers range from blue to purple, whereas in alkaline soils, they range from red to pink.

➞ 1.1.1) Hydrangea symbolism:

In Japanese hanakotoba, hydrangeas are associated with fickleness, callousness, heartlessness, ruthlessness, pride, patience, and patient affection. White hydrangeas symbolise tolerance—while red hydrangeas are associated with strong love. The hydrangea's symbolism of "fickleness" is derived from its flowers' ability to change colour based on soil pH—while its symbolism of "patience" stems from its long flowering period. In China, hydrangeas are associated with gratitude, hope, happy reunions, pride, long-term love, forgiveness, apologies and heartfelt emotions. Red hydrangeas are associated with abundance and prosperity. In Western floriography, hydrangeas symbolise frigidity, heartlessness, boastfulness, "you are cold" and "thank you for understanding". White hydrangeas in particular symbolise purity, grace and abundance. Red hydrangeas are associated with boldness, love, passion, devotion, adoration, loyalty and desire.

➞ 1.1.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

In the SVSSS novel, Shen Qingqiu frequently compares Luo Binghe to a lotus—characterising him as a pure, white lotus during his time as a disciple at Qing Jing Peak and as a black lotus following his return from the Endless Abyss—however, the artist opted to depict him as a red hydrangea instead. This is primarily because the hydrangea's ability to change colour depending on soil pH mirrors the shift in Luo Binghe's character throughout the narrative—just like the analogy of a white lotus becoming a black lotus does. The hydrangea's representations of pride, fickleness, ruthlessness, boldness, frigidity, heartlessness and prosperity resonate with Luo Binghe's turbulent personality. Additionally, the flower's symbolism of passion, long-term love, forgiveness, gratitude, patient love, devotion, adoration, loyalty and desire greatly correspond with his feelings towards Shen Qingqiu.

Furthermore, Luo Binghe's and the hydrangea flower's names are both derived from water—with Luo Binghe being named after the river where his adoptive mother found him while hydrangeas are named after the Greek work for "water vessel" because of their bowl-like shape.

1.2) Shen Yuan | Shen Yuan × Four-season orchid (Cymbidium ensifolium)

In this artwork, Shen Qingqiu is represented with a Cymbidium ensifolium flower. This flower is more commonly referred to as the Four-season orchid, golden-thread orchid, spring orchid, burned-apex orchid and rock orchid. This orchid has been cultivated for over 2000 years in China and Japan and is renowned for its exquisite foliage and delicate, sweet, and lasting scent.

➞ 1.2.1) Flower Symbolism:

In Japanese hanakotoba, this flower is associated with grace, glory, purity, elegance and nobility. Its symbolism is primarily derived from its delicate, sweet fragrance and intricate blossoms. In China, this orchid symbolises dignity, integrity, nobility, self-restraint, morality, resilience, strength and humility—all of which are regarded as the attributes of an ideal gentleman. Ancient Chinese philosophers regard orchids as a representation of "the self-cultivation of a gentleman who adheres to moral principles even in destitution" because these plants grow in secluded forests devoid of admirers yet continue to emit a charming aroma. In Western floriography, four-season orchids represent elegance, virtue, nobility, refinement as well as "pure, valued and respected friendship".

➞ 1.2.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

Although Shen Qingqiu is not canonically associated with any particular flower, the Four-season orchid's white and green palate corresponds with his white and green colour scheme. Additionally, this orchid's symbolic representations of grace, elegance, self-restraint, refinement and resilience resonate with Shen Qingqiu's outward personality.

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-> 2.) MDZS

2.1) Lan Zhan | Lan Wangji × Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata)

In this artwork, Lan Wangji is depicted with a branch of Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) flowers. This flower is native to central and eastern China and its Chinese name yùlánhuā (玉兰花) translates to jade orchid/lily.

➞ 2.1.1) Flower Symbolism:

In Japanese hanakotoba, magnolias are associated with sustainability, persistence, sublimeness and a "love for nature". In China, magnolias symbolise dignity, perseverance, beauty, purity and honour. In addition to being a component in traditional medicine, magnolias symbolise the onset of spring and are believed to confer good fortune and happiness. In Western floriography, magnolia flowers represent perseverance, dignity, honour, majesty, pride, and nobility.

➞ 2.1.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

MDZS is the richest MXTX novel in terms of flower symbolism. Lan Wangji has been canonically associated with magnolia and gentian flowers in official artwork. Furthermore, magnolias are repeatedly noted to grow in the Gusu Lan clan's Cloud Recesses—particularly near the library pavilion where Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian studied in their youth. The magnolia’s symbolic associations with nobility, perseverance, persistence, beauty, dignity and honour tie in well with Lan Wangji's character. Additionally, the magnolia's white flowers contrasted against the clear blue sky, are reminiscent of Lan Wangji's white and blue colour scheme. The magnolia's Chinese name translates to "orchid/jade lily" which corresponds with Lan Wangji being hailed as one of the Lan's "Twin Jades".

2.2) Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian × Peony (Paeonia sp.)

In the artwork, Wei Wuxian is depicted as a red peony (Paeonia sp.). Peonies have been cultivated in China since the seventh century for their luxurious, aromatic flowers, which range from white, pink to crimson. Although China has not established an official national flower—in spite of various electoral attempts and suggestions—the peony was considered the national flower during the late Qing dynasty.

➞ 2.2.1) Flower Symbolism:

In Japanese hanakotoba, peonies are associated with shyness, wealth, bravery, and regalness. The peony's association with wealth and regalness stems from its multitudes of large, silk-like petals. In China, peonies are hailed as the "king of flowers" and the "flower of riches and honour". They symbolise honour, wealth, prosperity, beauty, love and happiness in Chinese culture. Red peonies are associated with good fortune and prosperity in China. In Western floriography, peonies represent bashfulness, shame, prosperity, compassion and a happy marriage. Red peonies in particular symbolise passion, desire, honour, romance,

➞ 2.2.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

Although peony flowers are heavily associated with the Jin Clan in the MDZS novel, they are also canonically linked with Wei Wuxian. During the Siege Hunt at Mount Baifeng, Wei Wuxian throws a pink peony to Lan Wangji amidst the parade. Later, while on a trip to Yunmeng, the latter once again encounters Wei Wuxian who throws him another pink peony. In this audio drama adaptation of this scene, Wei Wuxian asks a ghost woman what the meaning of peony is, and she responds that it means "wishing you would return my feelings" or to part with a heavy heart." Years later, following Wei Wuxian's death and resurrection, he finds a pressed peony flower that Lan Wangji uses as a bookmark. Given Lan Wangji's sentimental nature, this peony is undoubtedly one of those given to him by Wei Wuxian. Aside from the peony's dark red petals matching Wei Wuxian's colour scheme, its symbolism of passion, honour, compassion, bravery and happiness greatly complement Wei Wuxian's character. During the long debate to decide China's national flower one of the proposed solutions was the "One Country, Five Flowers" system. This concept entailed designating the peony as the primary national flower while having an additional four supplementary flowers symbolising the four seasons: chrysanthemums for autumn, plum blossoms for winter, orchids for spring, and lotuses for summer. While this may be a reach, I find the peony standing over four other flowers somewhat analogous to the cultivation world's crusade against the Yiling Patriarch, in which Wei Wuxian opposed the combined might of the four major clans—namely the Jin, Jiang, Nie, and Lan.

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-> 3.) TGCF

3.1) Hua Cheng × Camellia (Camellia sp.)

In this artwork, Hua Cheng is depicted as a red Camellia (Camellia sp.) flower. Camellias are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of southern and eastern Asia. Various species of camellias have been cultivated for centuries not only for their beautiful flowers but also for tea and woody-oil production. Camellia flowers range from pure white to soft pink to deep red. With proper care, camellia plants can live for many years. It is said that the camellias around the emperor’s palace in Japan are known to be more than 500 years old.

➞ 3.1.1) Flower Symbolism:

In Japanese hanakotoba, camellias are associated with modest kindness, pride, eternal love and enduring love. Red camellias in particular symbolise love, humble virtue, modest splendour, unpretentious grace and "perishing with grace" in hanakotoba. Pink camellias represent love, modesty, beauty, longing and missing someone. On the other hand, white camellias symbolise waiting, impeccable charm complete beauty and supreme loveliness. In China, camellias symbolise admiration, perfection, everlasting love and the "perfect union between lovers". Red camellias symbolise happiness, good luck and protection in Chinese culture. Camellias are associated with everlasting love, marital bliss and perfect unions between lovers because, unlike most other flowers, the calyx and petals of a camellia flower don't separate when its flower wilts. In Western floriography, camellias are associated with constancy, steadfastness, perfect loveliness, unpretending excellence, adoration, longing, admiration and perfection. Red camellias in particular are associated with passion, love and desire.

➞ 3.1.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

Although Hua Cheng is not canonically associated with camellia flowers, I've always thought that they greatly complemented him. The camellia flower's association with perfect unions, passion, love, desire, longing, adoration, admiration and enduring, everlasting love perfectly encapsulate Hua Cheng's feelings towards Xie Lian. Just as the calyx and petals of a camellia flower remain together, Hua Cheng has forever remained Xie Lian's "most devoted believer". Additionally, the camellia's representation of steadfastness, unpretending excellence, good fortune, protection, impeccable charm and pride greatly resonate with Hua Cheng's character. Camellia flowers also symbolise "perishing with grace," and Hua Cheng has declared that dying in battle for Xie Lian would be his greatest honour—he has already upheld this assertion by dying three times for Xie Lian.

Furthermore, the camellia flower's contradictory symbolism of pride and modesty mirrors how Hua Cheng's confidence and boldness are toned back when it comes to Xie Lian, with whom he reveals a far more vulnerable and genuine side of himself.

3.2) Xie Lian × Tianshan snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata)

In the artwork, Xie Lian is depicted as the rare and precious Tianshan snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata). Just as its name suggests, this flower is native to the Tianshan Mountains of China where it is known as Tiānshān Xuělián (天山雪蓮). It grows at altitudes near 4000 meters, in frigid and low-oxygen conditions, among ice-streaked rock fissures. It is a valuable ingredient in traditional Uyghur, Mongolian, Kazakh and Chinese medicine and has been hailed as the "king of all herbs" and "best medicine" by locals. In China, this flower has historically inspired songs, poetry, and legends, wherein it is thought to possess magical properties that extend life. These flowers are threatened due to climate change and over-harvesting.

➞ 3.2.1) Flower Symbolism:

Tianshan snow lotuses are associated with pure love, tenacity, purity, holiness, resilience, renewal, spiritual awakening and "bringing hope to people" in China. The Tianshan snow lotus, which grows at high altitudes under arduous conditions, is thought to symbolise that "beauty and purity can arise even in the most challenging circumstances".

➞ 3.2.2) Discussion of symbolism appropriateness:

Xie Lian is known as the "The Flower-Crowned Martial God: Sword in One Hand, Flower in the Other" and as such he is canonically associated with several different flowers, one of which being the Tianshan snow lotus. Ironically Qi Rong is the character who constantly compares Xie Lian to a Tianshan snow lotus. However, Qi Rong derisively calls Xie Lian a "blackhearted snow lotus" which holds the implication that the latter's compassion is nothing but a façade to mask his malicious motivations. Qi Rong uses the snow lotus as a metaphor not just because of its cultural connotations but also because its Chinese name "Xue Lian" is phonetically similar to Xie Lian's name, despite the differing hanzi. Despite Qi Rong's ill intent, I do think the Tianshan snow lotus greatly complements Xie Lian's character. The Tianshan snow lotus' symbolism of tenacity, resilience, renewal, hope and pure love particularly resonates with Xie Lian character. Xie Lian's character arc greatly encapsulates the idea that "beauty and purity can arise even in the most challenging circumstances"—in the same way as the Tianshan snow lotus. Despite enduring immense hardship and being exposed to the worst qualities of humanity; Xie Lian still found himself moved by one person's kindness. His desire to help others and compassion remain steadfast, despite having been subjected to numerous trials and tribulations.

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╰┈➤Hanakotoba Post Directory

╰┈➤TGCF Hanakotoba P1 & TGCF Hanakotoba P2

╰┈➤ MDZS Hanakotoba P1 & MDZS Hanakotoba P2

I changed up my usual style with this post so hopefully, no one has any issues with the format and tone changes. If anyone has any requests or questions feel free to drop a comment below or send me an ask. For anyone new, I uploaded the links to my previous hanakotoba posts above, enjoy!

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radchocoart · 18 days ago

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Happy Birthday Ren !!

#radchocoart #14dwy #14dwy ren #14dwy redacted #14 days with you #14dwy fanart #14 days with you ren #happy birthday ren #14 days with you redacted

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puhochi · 1 year ago

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Happy Birthday to the prettiest, the coolest, the fightiest and support...iest.. Qiao Ling!!✨

to answer the question who took the photo-

no questions needed

#shiguang daili ren #link click #qiao ling #cheng xiaoshi #lu guang #xu shanshan #happy birthday Qiao Ling #my art #digital art

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14dayswithyou · 1 year ago

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I'm going to be a little evil :3c /silly

*I have stolen all of their headwear, leaving only FROGGY HAT in his closet.*

"Boy it sure is chilly today. Don't forget to wear a scarf and a hat when you come pick me up, okay [REDACTED]?"

✦゜ANSWERED: I believe in froggy hat [REDACTED] supremacy 🖤🐸

He knew. Of course he knew. [REDACTED]'s security system alerted him the second you stepped foot into his apartment, and it took the dark-haired hacker almost all of his willpower not to rush home and see you. But alas, he had other matters to attend to and messes to clean up here. Things he couldn't risk putting on hold, lest he pay the consequences for them later.

So, [REDACTED] settles for watching you through his cracked phone screen as you try to sneak your way around his apartment. They didn't really understand why you felt the need to be so secretive; you knew your boyfriend would be out for the day, you had his spare keycard and access to the entire 14th floor, and [REDACTED] had made it explicitly clear early on in the relationship that everything he owned was yours completely. Nothing was off limits to you, and that included every inch of his living space.

...And even himself.

Curiously, they watch with keen interest as you quietly slide the door to his walk-in closet open and take in your surroundings once more — making sure that you really were alone in his dimly-lit bedroom. But barely a moment passes before you stride in with a newfound purpose, unzip your backpack, and begin to stash all of his caps and beanies inside.

Well, alright then. If you decided he no longer needed those items, then so be it. He was never one to deny you anything.

But in retrospect, you were honestly doing [REDACTED] a favour. He genuinely didn't really need those items in his possession anymore — especially considering how he had no real reason to conceal his identity from you after all these years of being together.

He could never forget about that pivoted moment in time when you opened up to your beloved hacker about his rather... intense need to watch over you 24/7. And after you had scolded him multiple times for stalking you from darkened corners and alleyways outside your apartment complex, [REDACTED] had all but tried to change his ways. To better themselves for you.

After all, you deserved nothing less.

Glancing back at his phone once more, [REDACTED] takes in every little movement you make as you continue to tuck away his belongings; down to the turn of your head and the flex in your muscles. Not a single twitch or glance goes unnoticed under his watchful gaze — and had the dark-haired man not been so enraptured by your ministrations — he surely would've noticed that it was just about time for him to start packing his tools up and head home.

Home, in time for the date you had planned for the evening.

But the way you purposefully moved around his closet had [REDACTED] in a trance. You were extremely methodical about the things you were swiping from his shelves; neatly packing away all of the headgear, earmuffs, and scarves on display (and even the ones hidden within the depths of his drawers!). Yet... One single item remained in the aftermath of your wake.

Atop one of the lone shelves in the corner, it sits, isolated from the rest of its kind. Worn out yet well loved; it was no more than a novelty item your boyfriend had originally won for you from a crane game. But even after their constant insistence that you should keep it, you rebutted it all by saying it'd look better on him instead — all while pushing the cute, froggy hat back into his hands with a teasing smile.

("If you keep bleaching your hair like that," his real name falls from your lips like sweet nectar, "All of your hair will fall out. When that happens, you can use this to keep your bald head warm!"

"...When that happens? Hmph. You're gettin' cheeky." With a smile of his own, your boyfriend reaches out to gently pinch your cheek. "I haven't touched m'hair in ages.")

So after watching you be so meticulous with the items you were "robbing", the hacker couldn't help but wonder what your main motive was. Why leave that silly, little frog hat alone unless... Did you want him to wear it? You knew [REDACTED] would never say no to you — let alone to a frivolous request — but admittedly, they did find it rather endearing to watch you put in all that effort just for him.

Just like how he used to be... Back before you opened the curtains of his life and brought sunshine into his heart.

Gone are the days of "Ren", when [REDACTED] had to snoop around your apartment just to get any sort of inclination of what your type and interests might be. No longer did [REDACTED] have to "borrow" some of your old clothing to keep himself company on lonely nights; to put them over his pillow and pretend like it was you he was holding close to his chest. He no longer had to steal your presents and tokens out of spite and jealousy — only to return them days later once they noticed how upset it made you.

Too caught up in reminiscing about the past, [REDACTED] had almost missed your swift getaway from his bedroom. Living up to your nickname, you glide down the staircase and across his foyer as if you sprouted angel wings on your back and stroll into the elevator, before closing the door and pulling out your phone.

And just like clockwork, [REDACTED]'s camera feed gets replaced by the bright red and green call buttons that shake and taunt him at the bottom of the screen — alongside the personalised caller photo of you smiling towards the sunset ocean with [REDACTED]'s jacket atop your shoulders. The dark-haired man leaves no room for pause before he's swiping his finger across the screen and eagerly anticipating the sound of your voice.

You greet him in that casual, nonchalant tone of yours, and [REDACTED] had to resist the urge to start recording the call — to save the addictive timbre of your voice for when he needs to hear it the most.

"Man... It sure is chilly today, don't you think?"

There's the familiar sound of tacky elevator music playing in the background, and part of [REDACTED] thinks you're purposefully calling him right now to let him in on your (not so) secret escapades... To let them know where you are.

Or perhaps you were already aware that he knows, if the way you were glancing up at the elevator camera was anything to go by.

Regardless, you don't give away any other telling signs as your beloved hacker watches you through the camera. Your bag is still carefully slung over a shoulder, while one of his old, black university caps received the pleasure of being fiddled with in your hand. Your voice returns once more, and it causes a grin to form on his lips.

"Don't forget to wear a scarf and a hat when you come pick me up, okay?"

There's a newfound teasing lilt in your tone, which has [REDACTED] latching on to your every word with bated breath and scrambling for a reply.

"'Course. Wouldn't miss our date for the world. 'N make sure y'stay warm too, angel." Without missing a beat, he easily takes his place in your little game. "Wouldn't wanna misplace your jacket 'n get cold now, would we?"

Your pixelated smile on the screen gives everything away.

You hear the unmistakable sound of [REDACTED]'s sports motorbike before you see it; watching the corner of your street as he appears from the darkness like a phantom.

And like the gentleman that he is, [REDACTED] doesn't make you stray far from the safety of the streetlamp either. The moment your boyfriend pulls up in front of you, one of his large hands reaches around your waist to draw you near (almost as if he'd gone years without being in your presence), while the other makes quick work of the latch of his helmet. In one swift motion, he pulls it off and rests it against the tank—

Only to reveal that cute, pastel green frog hat sitting atop his head.

He can't help but smile when you do; clearly pleased that he went through with your silly request. At that, you let out a low hum of appreciation as you lean against your boyfriend's chest, and [REDACTED] returns the favour by bending down and pressing a chaste kiss against the crown of your head as well.

"...Think y'could give this unworthy prince another kiss, love?" Your beloved boyfriend leans in closer until your lips are millimetres away from touching, "Otherwise I might stay cursed t'live in this froggy form forever."

#💌 — answered.#🖤 — sai writes.#💖 — 14 days with queue.#💖 — about ren.#I'm like 14 years late bc of irl stuff; but wahhh belated happy birthday!!#I received your other ask about how you and Ren share a birthday after a holiday... It fr made me laugh dhghjs #But lmaooo I am so sorry that y'all get discounted holiday candy on your birthdays ;v;#Hopefully you don't mind this fic as a (super late) present!!#The froggy [REDACTED] art in Discord server shall be your early birthday present lol /silly #Anyways........... WHIPPED!!#HE'S SOOOO WHIPPED!!!#The froggy hat stays ON during motorcycle dates #Thank you for your service (I won't snitch about you breaking and entering) 🫡

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mosaickiwi · 4 months ago

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your angle... or yuor devil

Emo has some business to take care of... but you're going to a Halloween party together later wahoo!!! [REDACTED] is he/him only for this since there's some other loser in the scene 🙄

cw: torture in the beginning, implied murder

proceed with caution

💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤

As if contemplating what to watch on TV, [REDACTED] glanced down at the sight in front of him.

Bound in an old, wooden chair, somebody's agonized cries for help went unanswered, muffled by the torn, bloodied knot of fabric tied over their mouth. They'd been nothing but incomprehensible since the first nail was painstakingly pried from their finger.

The bigger piece of torn cloth was bundled in their lap. Its folds held a steadily growing pile of teeth and fingernails. Some were whole, but most were in pieces from the messier extractions.

Normally, the dark haired man would have more satisfying tools at his disposal for the victim. But he didn't have the chance to run home, especially when a Halloween date with you was right around the corner. After a quick stop at a hardware store, today's (un)lucky winner got dragged into the nearest abandoned building.

Only a couple hours ago, hardly ten minutes after the time you normally took your lunch break, this piece of work had approached you.

Of course, nothing came of it. And you told your beloved partner about the unwelcome interaction right away. Between the usual chatter and flirting once you video called him for lunch, you mentioned it in an offhand comment, a wrinkle in your forehead to boot.

Then you'd gone right back to talking about the holiday, and how excited you were for the party that night. [REDACTED] didn't move on so quickly.

Just as he leaned down, a metal nail poised over the shitstain's knee and a hammer in hand, his phone rang. The items clattered against the floor as he stood and hurried to yank it from his pocket.

The bound and gagged, soon-to-be-done-for stranger looked surprised, but oddly grateful for the brief escape from further torment.

Before he could even offer a greeting, you spoke.

"Hiii! I'm already finished making treat bags at the library. Do you wanna meet me at your apartment for a little while before the party? I'm headed there now."

"I'd love to, but M'not exactly free," [REDACTED] managed to answer calmly despite the whirlwind you lured his heart into. He kept his gaze on the wide eyed stranger in front of him, wondering if they'd test their luck.

Surprisingly, they did their best to stay quiet, the over-dramatic, obnoxious sobs from earlier slowly subsiding into sniffles. He smugly smiled and turned, walking a few steps away. Even with their impending demise, he didn't want to share your voice with anyone.

"Oh," you said. "That's okay." The notable disappointment to your words pained him, and he had to throw a glare over his shoulder at his victim.

It was their fault that he would be missing out on extra time with you. Why didn't they just mind their business, instead of trying to chat you up while waiting in line?

But, [REDACTED] shared some of the blame. He'd begrudgingly skipped the usual lunch break visit at your insistence, since you wanted to surprise him with the matching costumes you were picking up.

"So what are you doing then?" you asked, then passed right over the topic. "Never mind. It's probably work, right?"

"... Yeah. Work," he answered. Admittedly, he was thankful you decided to stop asking questions on your own. And that you didn't remember he normally worked from home. "M'sorry, love."

You hummed in thought. "No worries. Programming hours sure are all over the place. I guess they kinda have to be, with the kind of money you make though." There was a sudden, loud commotion in the background and you softly cursed.

"Angel?" your boyfriend worriedly called out.

"I'm fine! My stupid tail just got caught in the — I mean… I'm fine!!"

The hacker smiled in relief, already excited for the costumes you bought. He didn't trail you or sneak a peek at the store's cameras for once, but he did notice the bright red horns poking out of the shopping bag behind you while you ate. You must've changed into yours before you left. An angel and a demon — only you wanted him to be the angel.

[REDACTED] laughed, almost forgetting the person tied up behind him until they weakly groaned in agony. His smile immediately turned to a frown; he had to hang up too soon for his liking.

He was apologetic as could be. "I won't be able to leave for a while, but I'll make sure to call you the second I'm done."

"You always do," you teased him. "I can't wait to see the look on your face once I give you your costume."

He instantly took the bait, as if he didn't already know. "Really? Why don't y'give me a hint?"

"Hmm… It's… uhh, your favorite thing in the world?"

Ah, that one was too obvious. Still, he wanted to pretend a little longer. The delighted look on your face was sure to be worth the wait. "I'll work hard t'figure it out before I get home."

Your almost impish laughter made his heart skip a beat. "See you soon, Ren."

The phone beeped and the screen went black, taking his good mood away.

With a faint sigh and a roll of his eyes, the dark haired man reached for the sledgehammer leaning against an upturned table. It weighed lighter in his hands than the one he was used to, but it'd do the job just fine.

He turned back towards the stranger, bruised, battered and much too weak to do anything but stare up at their tormentor.

All the joy in [REDACTED]'s demeanor was gone, replaced with commonplace boredom as he slung the hammer over one shoulder. "Guess y'kept quiet enough, so I'll make this quick."

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