#Hope you've been having good luck with the current event!

[adventuringblind]

Keep me Close

Past Jules Bianchi x reader, platonic Charles Leclerc x Reader

Genre: angst

Request: yepyep finally got me some angst things to write

Summary: Charles's new girlfriend can't understand why he's so attached to the reader

Warnings: talks of death, name calling, a table gets flipped

Notes: I definitely didn't cry writing this at one point. Also, no hate to Alex!! I know hardly anything about her, but I know her and Charles are currently together, and it fits the Timeline, so please bear with me.

Masterlist

Your love for Jules was something you find in fairy tales. It was beautiful, and both of you felt connected on a level deeper than anything imaginable.

It started when you were both merely kids. You were six, and he was eight. The two of you had met at the wedding of a mutual friend. Dressed in nice clothing, he'd marched right up to you and claimed to be a knight looking for a princess.

You were inseparable after that. It was like you'd found your soulmate.

When you turned eighteen, Jules had immediately proposed. And when you countered by asking if you were both too young, he said, 'Why waste time when I know I'll love you forever?'"

You'd gotten close with Leclerc family. Specifically with Charles since Jules was named godfather. He spent a great deal of time with you and Jules.

Then 2014. Everyone was sure Jules was going to get a seat with Ferrari. It would be a crime if he didn't.

You remember kissing him, good luck. The last feeling of his lips on your before getting in the car.

You remember telling him to be safe with the rain; that you love him dearly. He replied with his signature wink and an 'I love you more and I always am.'

Then everything stopped. The world seemed to no longer spin. Time refused to move forward as you willed it to go back.

It couldn't be real. There was no way it had happened. You still thought that as you sat at his bedside faithfully for months. There wasn't a world you wanted to live in if it didn't have Jules.

Charles was similarly devastated. He'd lost someone dear to him. The boy spent all his free time sitting with you in the hospital. Even bringing around food that Pascale had made to keep you alive. Something you didn't want to be at that moment.

The bond you'd formed with Charles during this time is hard to explain. There is nothing romantic. He's family despite the age gap not being that large.

He was, and is still, family. You'd promised to still take care of him despite the loss of Jules, and he promised to do the same in his stead.

The start of the 2024bseason brings on an interesting turn of events. Charles had split with his girlfriend before the new year and is now with his new girlfriend Alex.

You like her. She's very sweet as far as you've been told. But there is something there that makes you worry. You just blame the fact that you want the best for Charles.

The first time you met her was at a family dinner. Charles brought Alex with him to introduce her to everyone.

You were actually the first person he introduced her to. You felt honored, but there was something behind her eyes that you couldn't quite pinpoint. But you kept it to yourself and made friendly conversation.

The next time you saw her was when she dropped by the Leclerc family home unannounced. The position she caught you in wasn't a bad one, but it probably didn't look good to her.

Charles had a rough race in Monaco, as per usual, and was laying with his head in your lap while you ran fingers through his hair. It's the same thing Jules had done when Charles was a child after a bad Karting race.

Alex definitely didn't look pleased with you. But she managed to put kn a smile and say hello.

It was awkward. Especially after Charles and her went into another room because you could hear them talking in hushed whispers.

Your fingers find the chain with your wedding ring on it. Your lips press against the cold metal as you hold the ring to your mouth. "I hope I'm doing this right, Jules. It's hard without you here."

The last time you saw Alex was at a birthday party. Your birthday party. Something you don't like having after Jules because he was the one who always made the day special.

Charles is a stubborn man though and decided it was necessary. Partly because this is his way of remembering that you are alive and with them, but it also gives him and excuse to drink and dance.

It wasn't anything massive. Or at least - not a massive as it could have been. There were a good number of people crowded into your Monaco home. The food is good, and the music is better. It definitely felt like a party Jules would have dragged you to in your youth.

It's not long until Charles appears at the door with Alex in tow. He comes to you, and you embrace him as usual. The smile on his face makes everything worth it. despite having to deal with a party for a few hours.

Pierre also finds you and starts up conversation. The three of you fail to notice the fourth becoming increasingly agitated.

A loud crashing sound pulls all of their attention. Alex flipped over the table in her agitation and is now sending chills down your spine with the look on her face.

"Why are you so determined to be some kind of homewrecker! Why can't you just stop being a creep to Charles and let us live in peace!" She screams. It hits your mind like a shadow. The world fades away, and your thoughts are filled with the doubts you have daily.

Tears fill your eyes, and your body goes rigid. "I'm Charles' godmother. Y/N Bianchi. I am no homewrecker." You choke.

Charles and Pierre take a protective step in front of you. "Get out!" Charles' voice drips with venom. Alex looks stunned. She doesn't move even as Charles shouts at her. "Nobody gets to speak like that to my family! Get out!"

Then she runs. Avoiding the gazes of disapproval.

Charles spins around and places his hands on your shoulders. His eyes scanning your face to assess the damage.

"I'm so sorry that happened. You're amazing. Always have been. And anyone who says differently is a fucking asshole."

Even through the tears, she smiles. Jules couldn't have left her in better hands.

[write-here-n-now]

What to do when you've crossed a line?

C.(S). Jeonghan x Reader | WC. 821 | G. Angst| Pt. 1/? |

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

You were used to your best friend’s antics. His “cheating”, the pranks and general everyday shenanigans but also the kind-hearted soul and caring nature he hid behind every antic. You didn’t know where along the way your feelings matured into a storm of butterflies whenever he came in sight. You could kid yourself into thinking that everyone cared that much about their friends, best friends even, and the feelings would pass. How many months does an average crush last? At least 37 months, right? You were simply guessing and definitely not keeping track of how many times he caused you to stay awake thinking of a fantasy future. 

Having feelings for your best friend was one thing, holding yourself back from giving the side eye to every person who flirted with him was another feat. How often had these moments been replayed, hot person flirts with Jeonghan, he entertains them, and you remain in the corner, out of sight, silently seething but ultimately unable to do anything. 

If he asked you to fly him to the moon, you would do so without question. Hide a dead body? All you needed to do was grab a shovel, but be a bridge to him and whoever he wanted to go home with that night. You could take a rain check. 

You got out of it often given how many of your mutual friends were present at the events and parties you all attended but it seemed that your luck ran out. Tonight, most of your friends either ditched the party early or had skipped out completely, leaving you to find a plausible excuse as to why you, in love with your best friend, could not talk him up to someone so said best friend could go home with them whilst you were left behind wondering what it would be like if you two went home together instead.

You became standoffish, faked fatigued, and pretended to be tipsy but he saw through your antics, confused with your behaviour until he resorted to tugging your arm repeatedly, pestering you to go over and rizz him up to some good-looking person who had been eyeing him all night.

Why did he need a wing person anyway? It's not like he had any trouble talking to people given his charm, mischievous aura and drop-dead gorgeous looks, he attracted people left and right, like a thirst-ridden nomad to an oasis. 

His persistence, on a normal day, would have eventually broken you down until you might have just walked up to whoever he needed you to, but something snapped inside you the longer you stared, wondering if you would be at the end of his affection. His eagerness shattered your short-lived fantasy but also wrecked your mood, unable to withstand being in that space, you pulled your arm out of his grasp and stormed out of the party. 

You didn’t stop to look back, walking out of the party room, out the building and towards your apartment, a mere five-minute walk. The chilly autumn weather would have caused you to mentally nitpick to have worn something thicker but your anger fuelled the passion to speed walk to the only safe space you could think of. 

Jeonghan had come after you, yet his hollers of your name fell on deaf ears as you were determined to block out all the external noise and finish your trek back home.

Catching up to you, he grabbed your upper arm, both fumbling you in your step and spinning you around right into his chest. 

“Y/N what the hell is the problem?” 

You avoid his eyes, cross your arms and look anywhere except directly at him.

“Are you going to stand there pouting or tell me what's wrong? Why did you storm out?” He waits for an answer, a fruitless endeavour against your current ego.

The sigh that leaves his mouth signals his own frustration at your lack of cooperation. He begins again hoping you answer at least one of his questions.

“Was it the tugging? I’m sorry if it bothered you too much…” Silence... “Are you drunk? Are you feeling sick?” 

His questions increased, asking you about the day, the party and even whether you liked the vibe of who he was trying to go home with to understand what the issue was, and that got on your last nerve

“I’M IN LOVE YOU DAMN IT!”

It's like a weight on your heart had been lifted but his expression only brought on a much heavier boulder on your heart and a knot in your throat. If you stayed here any longer you would begin crying and that was the last damn thing you needed tonight.

“Forget it, you don’t even care…”

You shake off his grip for the second time that night and storm off to your apartment with more urgency than before because now you’ve officially crossed the line in your friendship.

[pandorasprongs]

JAMIE TARTT | if it weren't for second chances, we'd all be alone.

PAIRING: jamie tartt x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 5.5k

SUMMARY: in order to advance her career, reader has to write a profile about her usual subject of interest: jamie tartt. if he'll let her.

WARNINGS: language

A/N: hello! this is one of my shorter one shots and not much to say about this one, but i hope you all enjoy and the title is from 'second chances' by gregory alan isakov!

"There is no fucking way I'm working with her!" You hear Jamie Tartt say from a distance, as Keeley looks past his shoulder with an apologetic look. You give her a small smile, but let out a long sigh.

You knew doing this wouldn't be easy, but you didn't exactly have a choice. You left your job at the Sun after finally coming to your senses when Trent Crimm left the Independent. If the execs were willing to let go of arguably one of their best sports journalists, what would that say about your own career?

It's been half a year since then and so far, you weren't having much luck. You were doing freelance work in the meantime — to be able to afford your rent at this point, — but you couldn't just let yourself wallow in pity. 

You decided to contact a popular sports journal, asking if they had any openings for writers. Your work experience helped boost your appeal, but they said they needed a solid portfolio to consider you. Since the Sun never really let you write actual sports-related articles and few of your tabloid articles were of substance, you asked if there were any articles you could join as a freelance journalist to prove your skills.

The only one they had was one titled, "Rocky Road: Careers of the Premier League's Up and Coming" and they had a particular player you wanted to write your section on.

Contacting Keeley Jones was the easy part. You've had enough interactions with her that your name was recognizable, so you were able to organize a meeting. Your first move was apologizing for every article you've ever mentioned her in, and then quickly explaining your predicament. The KJPR owner — having been in your place of being looked down for things out of your control, — was very willing to help you get your article done.

The missing piece was just the subject of your article: Jamie Tartt. Your relationship with him was similar to the one you had with Keeley, but you doubt he'd be as forgiving.

Your suspicions were confirmed by his reaction to Keeley organizing all of this for you. You had hoped that maybe he'd forgotten all the stories you'd written about his one-night stands, scandalous statements, and failed football plays, but obviously not.

You continued to sit quietly in Keeley's office, pretending not to hear her trying to calm the football player down. After a few minutes, the pair returns and Jamie begrudgingly agrees.

For a moment there, you're ecstatic and you start organizing your schedule of events. You’ve already written a short introduction, but the rest of the article is meant to come from the player and close sources. You're also supposed to shadow him for a week to get a feel of his current state as a player in the league.

You try and explain this to Jamie, but look up to find him taking selfies on his phone. Keeley grabs his attention, but a few moments later, he's back at it, hiding his phone under the table this time.

You finally have enough. "Look Jamie, if you don't want to do this,—"

"You're right, I don't." He finally looks straight at you and you hold yourself back from smacking his smug face. You don't care how many articles say he's gotten better; you still think he's the same prick you wrote all those tabloids about.

"Jamie, we talked about this," Keeley interjects. "It'll be good for your career and Richmond's standing for next season, if you do this profile."

"Yeah, but you couldn't get any other writer?" Jamie turns to face her instead.

"Look, she really needs this article," The KJPR owner pleads with the footballer, but that only gets him more riled up.

His gaze lands on you once again, with a smug look on his face. "So her career is in my hands?" He lets out a laugh, before standing up from his seat. "Message me if you find a journalist who’s more than a mediocre tabloid writer." Jamie leaves the room without another word and you slump into your chair.

Keeley tries to get up and chase after him, but you grab her arm before she does. "It's alright, Keeley. I didn't expect him to say yes," you admit.

"Well, I can try and ask the other players if they're willing to do it. I don't suppose you've written anything for the tabloids about them, right?" She asks jokingly, but you shake your head. The journal was very specific about which player they wanted. It's Tartt or nothing.

You get up to leave, but not without thanking Keeley for trying. She says she'll send Jamie the introduction you wrote, and you appreciate the act but aren't hopeful. As you leave the office, you decide not to go back to your flat just yet and let your feet decide where you're going.

Of course, you end up at Crown & Anchor. It's nearing 6 pm by then and you decide to just have dinner there. You send a message to your roommate about it, before ordering two beers and fish & chips from Mae. You really shouldn't be eating out given how you're already scrounging for jobs, but after the second beer, it didn't seem like such a bad idea.

It's 9 pm the next time you check the clock and finally decide it's time to go home. You see Mae walking over to your booth, so you pull your wallet out of your bag. "I don't have it in me to look at the bill, just grab whatever from here and let's call it a day, yeah?"

"Someone's already paid for your meal." She responds, dropping the receipt in your palm instead. You scrunch your eyebrows before she points at someone walking towards the table. You look up and focus your eyes to find Jamie Tartt standing there. He slides into the other side and takes the receipt from you.

Before you can say anything, Jamie pulls out his phone and reads off his screen. "After aiding in AFC Richmond's promotion back to the Premier League, it's clear as day that Tartt — like his hair with the blonde highlights — is changing for the better."

You perk up when you realize what he's reciting. The football player continues, "Keeley sent the first few paragraphs you wrote. I'm not much of a reader, but this is alright."

You give him a small smile, still trying to sober yourself up for this conversation. "Thank you," is all you manage to say. “How’d you find me?”

“I didn’t. Just ended up at this pub and saw you.” You shrug at that explanation before Jamie continues, "I'll consider doing the profile," Your eyes widen, but he adds, "Only if you explain why the fuck you were so obsessed with me at the Sun?"

That's enough to shake you awake. "I was not obsessed with you!" You protest, a little louder than you intended, with Mae sending a glare in your direction.

You take a drink of water and take a deep breath before finally putting it out in the open. 

"I have a degree in Journalism from Leeds," you start, prompting a confused look on the football player's face.

"The fuck does that have to do with all this?" He asks and you hold your hand up to stop him. He rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything, so you take the chance to continue.

"I have a proper degree from a good school. I have watched and played football all my life. My dad helped me join a league as a kid because of how much we loved the sport." You lean into the table, emphasizing the last part of your statement. If Jamie had arrived five beers earlier, you doubt you'd be admitting this to him.

"I played the game up until secondary school when I started getting serious about my writing. I decided to focus on that more, but I only knew how to write about football." You look up to make sure Jamie is still paying attention and find him looking at you intently.

You take a breath and continue, "I started writing for my school's paper about our team's games and when I went to university, I did the same thing. I've practically been a sports journalist for a decade, so I can proudly say that I'm a fucking qualified writer. I initially applied to be a journalist for the Independent,"

"What, like the Trent Crimm types?" Jamie interjects and you nod.

"But they decided to refer me to the Sun instead. The only things they'd let me write about were tabloids. As in, if I wrote anything about football or sports, it'll get rejected like that," You smack the table, startling Jamie a little, and sigh.

"The closest I could get was writing about rumors about the players, but even then, I'd only really get a small part at the back of the paper. The first time I got a section on the front page though, was when I wrote that article about you. The one about you getting caught with two girls in a karaoke room?" You remind him and he flinches at the reminder but doesn't say anything.

"Well yeah, that one. Anyway, I realized that if I wanted a chance to become an actual sports journalist, I had to get my stupid articles on the front page first and my most popular ones were always about you." You try and gauge Jamie's reaction to that, but he's doing a good job at keeping a straight face now. Or maybe you're just too drunk to properly determine his features.

"So I kept writing about you, whatever bullshit rumor or story I could get my hands on. I'd usually add some things at the end about your football performance thinking that an editor would see it and say 'Oh, she knows what she's talking about,'" You drop your voice an octave to try and mimic one of the executives you knew back then.

"But after a while, you started cleaning up your image and I started to realize that no matter what I did, no one fucking cared. I'd never get a chance to write what I actually wanted there, so I left." You lean back into your seat and let out a huff. "And now you're all caught up."

It takes a minute before Jamie finally speaks up. "I'll do it." A part of you still doubted that he'd agree, but with verbal confirmation, you allow yourself to internally celebrate. "But you better make me look good, yeah?"

"Yes, I promise," you reply, nodding your head furiously. "Oh, and thanks for paying for my dinner."

"Sure. I'll ask Keeley about our schedule next week." Jamie moves to get up but pauses for a second before jerking his head towards you. "Also, my hair is walnut mist, not blonde. You better change that in the article." 

You wonder why this is what Jamie chooses to raise his voice about, but you agree nonetheless. He leaves you be and you sit there for a moment, still in shock. But once one of the servers comes to clean up your table, you finally get the sense to call your roommate to pick you up and share the news.

—

After a rough hangover the morning after, you check your phone to find a message from Keeley telling you Jamie changed his mind about it. You guess he decided not to tell her about what you said last night, much to your relief. You find another message from an unknown number.

I'm usually at the clubhouse by 10, so best to be there by then.

You were still too groggy to properly comprehend the message when another one pops up.

It's Jamie.

You save the contact on your phone before getting up and starting your outline. You already had a few questions lined up when you were planning the article, mainly topics that only he could comment on. One of those things is his career in the recent year.

After losing Lust Conquers All and being kicked out of Man City — arguably your biggest article, — there were fewer and fewer stories for you to write about the footballer, so your last few months at the Sun were pretty lackluster. You didn't have any reason to keep following Jamie's career, so you still had to fill that gap through your interview. But you decided to keep that till after you shadowed Jamie for the week since you also wanted to get the input of his teammates and coaches.

Over the week, you'd received mostly the same stories about the player. Massive prick, got sent back to Man City, came back and redeemed himself, and is now both a better player and teammate. It's nothing you hadn't heard before from second-hand sources, but at least you had direct quotes from his teammates for the article. 

Watching training was the more exciting part of being at the clubhouse, especially getting to watch the improvements of the Richmond team as a whole. They seemed to be more united than before, probably because of the promotion high. 

Your main focus was Jamie and you could tell that his teammates were right. Gone were the days of hogging the ball and only allowing himself to score a goal. He still had slight vibes of his old prick self, but you learned from the coaches that it was more of a tactic than anything. You even learned about their "signal," which they once did in a match a few months ago, you remember. 

For the most part, you had avoided Jamie, still sensing a sort of resentment towards you. You couldn't blame him; he was already doing you a massive favor and it would be rude to get mad at him for justifiably being pissed off at you. It was only ever slight nods and greetings in the halls, and occasionally glances during practice.

Only at the end of the week did you finally have a conversation with him again to plan your one-on-one interview. Well, more of you enumerating your ideas and him only responding in nods.

"Is Sunday okay? Keeley said we can use one of the meeting rooms in KJPR for it." You're double-checking the message from the CEO as Jamie fixes himself up in front of his locker.

"Nah, too stuffy," is the first thing the football player says during the whole conversation. "How long's it gonna take?"

You had already lessened the number of questions for him based on the information you gathered from the team so that only left a select few. You didn't want to underestimate it though, so you tell him around 1-2 hours, depending on his answers.

"Then can't you find a restaurant or something for it? So I'm not starving the whole time." He asks, and you bite back from commenting on his tone. This is for the greater good. This is for the greater good.

"Sure, I'll find a quiet cafe for it, so no one will disturb us." You already had a few in mind that you used to go to when you needed a space to write.

"Okay, sounds good," Jamie responds and there are a few quiet moments before the footballer says his goodbyes. "Have a nice night."

"You too," You move to the side and the football player leaves without another word.

You exhale deeply and wait for a beat before heading into the hallway yourself. You start walking out of the building when you hear someone call out to you.

"Hi! I didn't know you'd be here today," You greet Keeley, who's rushing down the stairs.

"Oh, I'm just visiting Rebecca." She explains, pointing upstairs. "How's the article going?"

"It's going fine." You answer.

"Just fine? If Jamie's being an arse, you can tell me." You laugh but shake your head. Keeley seems to believe you and instead tells you, "Also, I've already contacted a photographer for Jamie's shoot. I'll send you his email, so you can plan it out with him. And, if you need any additional information, I'm sure I can help fill the gaps."

"Yes, thank you," You smile at her when a question pops into your head. "Do you know if Jamie's dating anyone right now?" Your first thought is to ask his possible partner for an interview, but you instantly realize your fault. "Wait, never mind, I shouldn't ask. That's way too invasive. Old habits die hard, sorry."

"It's alright," Keeley's quick reply relaxes you. "But no, I don't think he's seen anyone in a while."

That was more or less the end of the conversation with Keeley as Rebecca finally appeared and the two ladies went back to the latter's office. 

—

The afternoon you're supposed to meet Jamie started rough. First, you realize you didn't charge your laptop the night before and now, it was completely dead. Next, your roommate had used up all the hot water, so you had to power through the freezing temperatures. Now, you're running late to the interview and sprinting through the street.

You finally get to the cafe and as you expected, there was only one other person there aside from the barista. You wave at the person at the counter, already familiar with them before approaching Jamie.

"12 minutes late," is all he has to say, as Jamie glances at his watch.

"Sorry, I just," you stop yourself from going on a whole monologue about how shit your day has been. "I got delayed, okay?"

Maybe he could sense you weren't in the mood to deal with his attitude, — when were you ever? — so Jamie instead informs you, "I ordered some food and the guy said he knew you, so he made whatever you usually get."

You try not to show your surprise at him paying for your lunch, but it wouldn't be the first time. "Thanks," The football player only nods, before crossing his arms. 

You open your notebook and the voice recorder on your phone, "Okay, let's start."

You didn't expect this interview with Jamie to be so... fun? 

You decided to start with the more surface-level questions like his expectations for the season, so it could break the ice a little. But after a sip of your tea ended up in the wrong pipe and launched you into a coughing fit, the tension was immediately broken.

Jamie started giving you more substantial answers and was more open about talking about his return to Richmond. How it really changed him, specifically Ted Lasso's effect on him and the club as a whole. You notice how soft his features had become talking about his coach and the team and you react with a smile.

After that and finishing your sandwiches, you shift the topic to his childhood and how it shaped him as a player now. You notice the sudden change in Jamie as if he's hesitant to start, so you reassure him, "If it's too much, we can change gears a bit. Talk about something else."

He shakes his head, "No, it's fine. There are just some things that I don't really want to share."

"That's fine. You don't have to. Just stick to the general stuff if you want." You pause the recording for a moment, trying to make Jamie more comfortable.

He pauses for a moment, before letting out a chuckle. "Do you think old you would be happy with letting me keep my secrets?" He changes his tone towards the end and you roll your eyes.

"Obviously not," you answer. "But I've been trying to bury that version of me."

"Why? You probably could've taken down the parliament with your skills." Jamie jokes and you finally break into a smile.

"Well, I never really used my skills for bigger and better things, did I? Just finding dirt on football players to make some money and build a mediocre reputation as a journalist." You answer honestly and the football player's expression changes.

"I didn't mean to be such a prick during the meeting." Jamie starts, but you shake your head.

"Nah, you had every right to. I wrote some pretty shitty things about you back then."

"Well yeah, but your life's kind of gone to shit since then, so now I feel bad." Your jaw drops and your eyes widen at his explanation and lightly punch him in the shoulder. Maybe the two of you weren't close enough for that kind of thing, but Jamie just laughed at your reaction.

"Fucking prick," you say in a joking manner. "Let's get back to the interview." You start the recording again, as Jamie recounts the first time his mum bought him a pair of boots.

He starts telling you about all the significant milestones over the years, and while you can tell he's holding back some things, — specifically about his dad, — you say nothing. It's the least you can do.

Maybe it's the fact that this has been the best part of your shitty day, but you started to see Jamie in a different light. Yes, everyone talked about how much he had changed, but this was the first time you saw it directly. You didn't even notice how late it's gotten till a brand new barista approached you about cleaning out the table.

"Shit, this is way past two hours now." You exclaim and check your notes to see that you've covered all the needed areas at this point. "But, I think we can end it now."

"Actually," you look back up at Jamie, who pauses to think. "Do you wanna get dinner? You pay this time," 

You don't have time to wonder about his reasoning for this and let your hunger take over. "Sure, but if I'm paying, I pick the place."

The two of you stand up and Jamie directs you to the door, "Lead the way," you playfully roll your eyes and start walking, with the footballer trailing behind you.

You head to a nearby Japanese restaurant, — one of the many perks of your flat's location — and settle down in a booth near the back. There were more people in this place and you weren't sure how comfortable Jamie would be being seen with you. You knew better than anyone how easily a scandal could be made from a simple picture.

The two of you pick out your meals and thank God it was an older lady taking your order who didn't recognize the footballer across you.

"Okay, why'd you want to eat dinner together?" You finally bring up.

The player just shrugs and leans on the table, "Thought I'd give you a chance to pay me back." You can't help but agree with that statement, so you let it go. Jamie continues, "Also, I'm interviewing you now."

"Oh God, don't tell me you're doing a profile on me." You joke and the player rolls his eyes.

He doesn't respond and goes back to his questions, "What got you into football?"

It was the first question you had asked him earlier. While he had given you a general answer initially, he added to it afterward, saying it was one of the few things he was sure he was good at as a kid. You decide to give him an honest answer.

"My brother and I don't have a lot in common. Didn't even feel like I had a sibling for the first part of my life. Till he realized I wasn't half bad at football. It was the only way to get a decent conversation out of the guy, and after a while, I ended up actually liking it." The moment you finish your answer, you realize you've never actually said it aloud to anyone. 

For a brief moment, you think Jamie would say something serious, much to your dismay. You hated having to be emotional in front of other people. It was your job to pry at people's thoughts and feelings, not the other way around. But after building your writing career around the guy, you should've known he doesn't fare too well with feelings either.

"Think he's a fan of me?" He asks instead.

"Fuck no, not anymore," you're quick to reply and Jamie looks offended. You elaborate, "He's a Man City supporter. Fucking hates your guts now, honestly."

Jamie lets out a small laugh. "Runs in the family." The lady comes back with your food and that puts a hold on your conversation.

After a few minutes of eating, you finally break the silence. "You know I never actually hated you, right?"

Mid-slurp, Jamie looks up with a look of disbelief. "Really? You wrote all those articles and still don't hate me?"

"Yes!" You defend yourself. "I told you before. I did it for the job, nothing more. And objectively, you were a great player. You honestly have more of a reason to hate me than I do."

Jamie scoffs. "I don't hate you either. Annoyed? Yeah. Pissed off? Most of the time, but I never hated you."

You had already gotten pretty good at hiding your surprise about these revelations. "Well, I guess that settles it. We don't hate each other." You stick out your hand and Jamie looks at you in confusion for a section, before shaking it. The two of you laugh and continue your meal.

After paying, you end the night there and wave goodbye to Jamie outside the restaurant. If you from a year ago saw you hanging out with the footballer, she would've thought you'd lost your mind.

As you head back home, you have this weird feeling in your chest. Your whole job was finding ways to express things through words, but even then, you couldn't figure this one out. It's only when you get home and re-listen to your recording filled with jokes and exchanges that you realize.

You may or may not be developing a crush on the football player.

—

You hadn't physically seen Jamie since the photoshoot a few days after your interview and dinner with him. 

You didn’t have a reason to anymore, since you had pretty much finished the whole article and already handed it to the editor for proofreading. They sent it back with minor notes, — just some grammar slip-ups and possible rephrasing, — which gave you hope that you might end up with a job when this is all over.

Getting the profile approved also gave you a chance to message Jamie after weeks of no contact, just to ask for his opinion on things. You didn't know if it was nerves or excitement making that pit in your stomach waiting for him to reply. All he had to say about the article was that he was glad you changed the "blonde" line in the introduction. Luckily though, it didn't end there. After that, he asked you what you thought of his new locker set-up.

That was the first of many times he would shift the conversation to random topics. You started spending your mornings and nights just messaging the football player. Sometimes he'd send pictures from training, saying it's extra material for the article and sometimes you'd send pictures from the cafe where you're writing, joking that you had new ideas for Jamie-related articles to send to the su!z

And when the rankings about the upcoming season came out and put AFC Richmond last, your first thought was to message him.

Fuck the pundits, honestly. You knew he didn't need any context, but you didn't expect Jamie to answer so quickly considering he was supposed to be at training.

I'm not worried. It's just poopy. You're not entirely sure what that meant, but at least it didn't seem to affect him so much.

I'm glad, then. You wait for a beat before sending another message. I know you'll do great this season. Why were you so nervous sending that? God, it felt like you were 15 again.

Thanks. Pretty sure 'tabloid writer you' is rolling in her grave.

You laugh to yourself as you reply. God, her head would be spinning knowing how I'm contributing to your already massive ego.

Jamie just sends a picture of him looking mad and you send one back sticking your tongue out.

A few days after, you send the published article to both Jamie and Keeley, along with a thank you for all the help. The latter answered sincerely, partnered with an invitation to the first game of the season, but of course, the footballer decided to answer jokingly. 

Over time, you'd gotten over being so worried about interacting with Jamie. He was just another guy, even if he was an incredibly fit footballer for his day job. And now, you'd get to watch him play in the first match with Chelsea.

Despite your presence being welcomed by Keeley, Rebecca, the owner of Richmond, and Higgins, the Director of Football Operations, it didn't take a genius to realize how tense the three of them were at the match. Their club was the underdog of the season, so it was understandable to be nervous about the match, but you soon pick up on a different vibe involving an ex-husband and internationally famous football player.

"What do you think, then?" Keeley asks you when Rebecca leaves to try and convince Zava to join her team instead. "Do you think Zava's worth it?"

"Yes," you answer honestly, from the perspective of a sports journalist and a football fan in general. "Zava's objectively one of the best football players in the world, and his track record of wins outweigh his track record of diva moments."

"Well said," Higgins responds and you smile at him, before turning back your attention to the game. 

When Rebecca comes back to your seats and explains the disastrous interaction, your reaction is the same as the rest of them: pure disappointment. 

But as the game ends with a draw, you can't help but celebrate along with the rest of the Richmond fans. It may not be a win, but it was more than most people expected of the club, so that was something.

You join the other three briskly leaving your seats and avoiding the press conference of Zava until you hear him utter the name 'Richmond' in his speech. 

"Holy fuck," you celebrate with Keeley and congratulate Rebecca since whatever she said to Zava seemed to work out in the end.

It was then that you felt a ping from your cell phone. You open it to find an email from the sports journal offering you a slot as a feature writer. You end up repeating, "Holy fuck," drawing the attention of the others.

Keeley glances at your screen and exclaims in happiness, "Oh my God. Congrats to you, too!" She goes in for a hug and despite still being in shock, you're quick to reciprocate it.

"Thank you, Keeley. Truly." Your face is just an expression of pure joy as you let go of her. As you continue to walk out of the stadium, you end up excusing yourself. Of course, you had to thank the main person for all this.

You find your way to the guest locker rooms and even from the hallway, you hear the cheering of the Richmond tram. They must've heard the news. You don't bother knocking and walk in to find what you expected: celebrating and rather sweaty football players. Well, there was one person who stood out.

"Jamie!" You call out to him from the door and the moment his somewhat solemn eyes landed on you, he made his way through the crowd to you.

"What're you doing here?"

"I just wanted to tell you that I got the job! I'm going to be a proper sports journalist." You inform him and his expression immediately changes to match yours. Catching you by surprise, Jamie envelopes you in a hug and you decidedly ignore his dirty kit as you reciprocate it. 

"That's great," Jamie says, as he lets go of you.

You smile, before remembering the news earlier. "Oh and congrats, too! On the draw and getting Zava." The footballer's expression noticeably drops at the mention of the other player, and you finally get it. "You're not happy about getting him, are you?"

Jamie inhales sharply. "Rather not talk about that right now."

"Okay, sure," You back off. "But if it helps in any way, you'll still be my favorite player on the team."

Your heart skips a beat when Jamie gives you a cocky smirk, one that you used to despise. "Yeah? And you'll keep writing about me too at the new job, too?"

"It is my specialty. Plus, you're infinitely more interesting than Zava and his avocado farm." The two of you let out matching chuckles.

The cheering from the locker room seems to have died down and there were fewer and fewer people in the hallway. That's when Jamie takes a step forward closer to you.

When you don't pull away, he finally staets. "I was wondering, if you weren't busy,—"

"Yes," You interrupted him and hope you didn't do so prematurely. "If what you're about to ask is what's I'm thinking, then yes."

"Oh, you're fine giving me dirt on the other teams when you start your new job?"

You stop your expression from dropping and force a smile, "Yeah, sure."

But your disappointment doesn't last because Jamie starts chuckling, "I'm joking! I wanted to ask if you wanted to go out sometime."

You're not sure if you should be annoyed or ecstatic, so your reaction is a mix of both. "Oh fuck you, Jamie!"

The footballer's prick side is practically second nature. "If the night goes well."

You lightly shove his shoulders before answering, "Sure. As long as it's a private place. Those tabloid writers can be so annoying sometimes." You flash a playful smile at Jamie, which he's quick to mirror.

[crusty-chronicles]

hii! after reading ur moon and son halloween special, it got me thinking ab kurapika and yn. if its not too much to ask, could you do a small special where kurapika figures out why yn hates their clan? it could be a drabble, short chapter, hcs, whatever youd like to write, i was js super curious for what kurapikas reaction would be

love ur writing 🩷🩵

I'm gonna start this off with a minor spoiler warning for the end chapters of Moon and Sun. Nothing too big so don't worry.

Okay, we Good? There's only four people who really know about what happened with Y/n and their clan. Gon, Killua, Kite, and Ging. The first three are for obvious reasons. Now the only reason Ging knows is because he's got a part to play in future chapters, which I will not be disclosing at this time. That being said, what Kurapika knows/ learns about is a very watered down version of events. Below is a oneshot of how he finds out and reacts.

The Difference Between You and I

⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️

It was ironic, really, when you looked back on what happened a few days ago. You didn't think you had it in you anymore to dislike someone so much. Especially since he was one of the boys' closest friends.

You wanted your first meeting to be friendly, even if a part of you was still bitter he hadn't bothered to see Gon at the hospital. You'd hoped to get along with him as well as you did with Leorio.

 But opposites attract you suppose.

The two of them couldn't have been any more different from each other. Leorio was a stubborn loudmouth depending on who he interacted with. Acting purely on impulse most of the time. Yet despite that, he had a heart of gold from what you could tell.

Treating Gon and Killua with as much care as you did. Wanting to be a doctor in order to help those who couldn't afford proper medical care. Hell, he was even currently helping you with your ‘condition.’

Kurapika, on the other hand, was quiet and reserved. At least from what the boys had told you. Though you noticed he also seemed distant. Rarely ever picking up his phone and even rarer were the times he'd actually show up in person.

But you wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

If the boys loved him, how bad could he really be? 

And if Leorio was dating him, then surely he had some redeeming qualities.

Well turns out fate had a funny way of playing things out. Irony at its best. 

—----------------------

You'd arrived in York New about the same time as the boys. Having come for your ‘usual’ checkup. Something you blamed on that damn cat along with yourself. 

You'd agreed beforehand to meet up right after for lunch. The three of you communicating through a small group chat. Although you were still struggling with the newer technology. Not yet used to actually having a phone. But you digress.

It was during Leorio's final evaluation that you were made aware of the blonde’s presence.

“You getting anything?” He asked.

You shook your head, unable to focus your eyes. Six months and your nen was still shot. What a pain.

“Don't push yourself. Remember, we still have a few treatments to test out. You're not out of luck just yet.”

“I know. I just kinda want the process to be over already, you know? Get things back to normal.” Well, as normal as you could be.

Leorio was about to respond before a ‘ding’ from his phone went off. He gave an apologetic look as he checked what it was. 

Although he knew you didn't mind, he still wanted to be professional. This was his job and he took pride in it. Despite his nonchalant demeanor.

“Woah! Kurapika's in town!”

“Kurapika?” The one who usually ignores all his calls? The one who put revenge before his dying friend? But you thought better than to say that out loud. Instead you settled on-

“He's…blonde, right?”

Leorio looked up at you with a bewildered expression. Out of all the things you could say, it was that. It was almost enough to make him laugh.

“Yes? You know, you've got an odd way of remembering people.”

“But I'm not wrong, am I? You gonna see him after this?” You asked with a teasing smirk.

“Yeah. It's been a while. I think the boys would be happy to see him too.” He gestured to the three kids that sat waiting outside of your room.

Two of which were now excitedly staring at their phones. The third sleeping contently on her brother's shoulder.

“You should meet him too.” Leorio suggested.

And although you appreciated the offer, it didn't feel right for you to tag along. You didn't want things to potentially be awkward. Plus, you weren't the best with new people.

“I don't wanna intrude. I'd rather the four of you catch up. Like old times. Well maybe not the four of you if Alluka has anything to say about it.” Already knowing the small girl went everywhere Killua did. 

“You'd really do that. I know it's been months since you spent time with the boys.”

“Yeah but it's been a year since they even heard from Kurapika. Besides, I'll meet him when I pick the boys up. I'm here for three more days after all. And then~you and Kurapika could spend some time by yourselves.”

His face flushed a bright red at the insinuation. Playfully shoving your head to the side.

“About time you paid me back for all the times I watched the boys for you.”

—-----------------------

The two of you finished up, with Leorio briefly leaving to request his break. The kids wasted no time rushing you once you exited the room.

“Any luck this time?” Gon asked.

“Sadly, no. But there's always next time, right?” You tried to reassure. But he didn't look all that convinced. 

“If it doesn't work out, you know you can always ask Nanika to-” Killua started to offer, but you stopped him before he could finish.

“It's fine if I can't get it back. I'll just have to get used to being a normie. Unless, you've got a problem with normies?” Your tone was teasing as you ruffled the small assassin's hair. 

Your attention was redirected towards a pull on your sleeve.

“I don't mind helping Big Sib,” Alluka assured.

“I mind. I'll be okay so don't worry about it…In other news, I heard one of your friends just got here.” You quickly changed the subject. Not wanting to bring down the mood. You wanted today to be a good day.

And judging by the way both boys beamed up at you, it would be.

“Yeah! Kurapika's gonna be here for a few days! I hope you don't mind if he comes with us today.” Gon explained.

You could never really say no to that kid, even if you had already planned to give the duo space today. You returned his cheerful grin with one of your own.

“Course not. To be honest, I was gonna let the four of you reconnect in peace.”

“Peace? You make it sound like we're embarrassed of you,” Killua mumbled.

“What was that?”

“I said, ‘Four of us? What about my sister?’” he quickly covered. Though he could tell you heard what he said first. But you'd let him off the hook this time.

For now.

“Why don't I take her shopping while you guys catch up?”

“Shopping? You can afford that now?” His tone was playful, but there was a genuine hint of concern somewhere in there.

“Hey!” You scolded, about to come up with a retort before Gon stepped in.

“Yeah! They're working with Kite and his team. It's why they travel so much now.”

At the mention of the former silver haired hunter, Killua's expression soured.

“Sibling stealer.”

At that, you pinched his cheek.

“Har har. You mad at him because we're dating now or because Alluka occasionally calls him dad?”

He covered his ears, face slightly red from embarrassment as he tugged Gon away. Not bothering to wait for Leorio.

“We’re leaving now! Have her back by six!”

—-------------

Safe to say, they were overjoyed to see Kurapika again. Both boys eagerly questioning him about his new Zodiac status, while Leorio reminded them not to overwhelm him with questions.

Kurapika was glad to back, if only for a brief moment. He truly did miss them, but his mission always came first. He'd already made tremendous progress recovering his clan’s eyes. His new Zodiac status aiding in his endeavors.

But through pursuing his goal, he'd evidently missed out on a lot with his friends and partner. 

The boys were 13 going on 14 now. Gon had achieved his own goal and met Ging. Traveling with him up until a month ago.

Killua had managed to finally get away from his family, bringing his little sister with him. The two of them also traveling around. Which begs the question, where was she currently?

Leorio had become a doctor, having just been promoted to a zodiac after the election. Which Kurapika did watch, very much proud of how far he got.

Yes, so much had changed.

He supposed it was bittersweet in a way. The three of them already shooting for a new goal while he was still trying to complete his. 

But he truly was grateful for the time he spent with them today. That he was still considered important to them despite his distance. He made a mental note to try harder once he left.

It wasn't before very long that Leorio had to return to work. His break over too soon for the blonde's liking. 

So with a smooch on his cheek and a ‘ewww!’ from the boys, Leorio was off. Leaving Kurapika with the duo. 

Now while you were aware of Kurapika, he had no idea of your existence until the boys mentioned you in passing.

—-----------------------

A desert of some kind sat in front of them.

“Y/n would for sure love this. Do you think we should take them some?” Killua asked, the question directed towards Gon.

“They’ll be upset if we don't. And you know what that means.” Gon responded.

“They won't carry us for a week. You think we're getting too old for that?” But before their conversation could continue, Kurapika spoke up. Curious about the new name they mentioned.

“Y/n?”

Both boys looked up at him surprised before remembering the two of you had never met.

“Y/n’s the person that’s been taking care of us since Greed Island. They're our big sibling,” Gon proudly announced while Killua nodded along.

You seemed to be very close to them.

“Right now they're with Alluka. They wanted to give the four of us a chance to catch up.” Killua added.

That explained why his sister wasn't here. And if Killua trusted you with her, then you must've been reliable too.

A good person.

“Tell me more about them.”

—-----------------------

Truthfully, all odds pointed at the two of you getting along. You were cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Both coming from strong clans. Both losing them during your childhood.

Your lazy demeanor would have paired nicely with his quiet one. You always were more comfortable around less energetic people. 

His analytical skills were on par with yours. A strong head on both of your shoulders. 

Even if you were still upset with Kurapika, the two boys knew you'd get along with him in time. Sure you'd probably chew him out for not answering his phone, but you'd warm up to him nevertheless.

So what was it exactly that put you at odds with each other?

The catalyst that sparked endless animosity between you?

Well, it just so happened to be the subject of your clan that started it.

It was an accident, truly. Gon didn't mean for it to slip out. He just got so excited telling Kurapika about you that he forgot some details weren't meant to be shared.

“You know, I'm kinda glad Nanika erased their memories. Y/n is a lot happier now that they're clan isn't looking for them anymore. They weren't good people to begin with so don't feel too bad about it.”

Gon had been explaining before slapping a hand over his mouth. Him and Killua looking at each other with wide eyes. Gazes briefly glancing over towards Kurapika for his reaction.

They knew he could be touchy with the subject. Watching him carefully to see if his eyes changed. Instead, they were met with a suspicious stare. Not exactly positive, but not really negative either.

“What do mean their clan isn't looking for them anymore? Did something happen between them?”

Because Kurapika, for the life of him, couldn't fathom a family giving up on one of their own. But the subject wasn't as black and white as he suspected.

“We're not really supposed to say. It's not like they told us not to tell anyone, but it's their privacy. You know?” Gon informed.

Not only was it your business, but it was also something you trusted the two of them with. And he was the last person who should be spilling your secrets.

The two boys once again eyed each other. You wouldn't be mad if they told Kurapika. So long as he didn't bring it up directly to you.

Besides, the chain user would just ask you in person if he didn't get an answer. He was direct by nature. Something you would respect, but not if it concerned your ‘family.’

So what was the worse outcome?

They say nothing and Kurapika asks you directly about it. Or he finds out another way.

The second option: they partially explain the situation. Not getting into too much detail, but enough to satisfy their friend’s curiosity.

“If it's not something you want to discuss, then I won't-” but Killua stopped him from finishing his sentence.

“If we tell you, you have to promise you won't say we told you anything. Got it?” 

It wasn't that they were wary of their friend, god no. They just didn't want the two of you butting heads in the future. 

Kurapika gave a small nod.

“Y/n doesn't get along well with their clan. They haven't since they were a little kid. They just don't feel comfortable or safe around them anymore.” Gon started.

“Why?”

“They sorta had a disagreement with them. And that's putting it very lightly. An argument about how things were being done. And how their practices were wrong. That's all we can really say.” Killua continued.

The rest would have to come directly from you. If you ever got around to trusting Kurapika. Something that sadly wouldn't come to fruition.

“So they're estranged from their clan because of a disagreement?” And for whatever reason, that made Kurapika upset.

Your clan was alive and healthy. They'd been looking for you. And here you were being petty. Avoiding them because of it.

When all his people were slaughtered like nothing. Never even having the chance to say goodbye. 

He wanted to think there was more to it. That there was something big the boys weren't telling him. And there was, but he'd never get to learn about what it was.

How similar your grief was to his with him losing Pairo and you losing Kari.

The rest of the afternoon felt tense. Kurapika tried not to show his discomfort, but both boys could tell anyways. Seems the two of you wouldn't get along after all.

It was only a matter of time before you went to get them. Alluka trailing happily behind you with an ice cream cone as you struggled with her bags. Most of which were toys. 

Both boys quickly grabbed a few from you to lighten the load. Your eyes drifting over to the blonde behind them.

So that was Kurapika.

“Alluka! You can't just make them carry everything. Next time help.” Killua scolded.

Said girl, looked up at her big brother with a pout. 

“I did. Mama/Papa said no.”

Her answer prompted a small glare from him. This time directed at you.

“You have her spoiled.”

“You’re just jealous I don't baby you anymore.” You retorted.

“I think it's because Alluka's a girl.” Gon added as he took another bag from you.

“She's not just a girl. She's a princess!” You lightly pinched her cheeks, causing her to let out a squeal.

You looked up to see their blonde friend standing awkwardly away. Perhaps not wanting to interrupt the four of you. 

“You gonna introduce me to your friend?” 

At the sound of your voice he straightened up. Both boys urging you towards him.

“Y/n, this is Kurapika. Kurapika, Y/n.”

It was a brief introduction. Well, you supposed it was time for you to plaster on a smile and try to befriend him. Hopefully things would go well.

“Hi. So you're the infamous Kurapika? Glad you could make a special guest appearance today. I hope the boys weren't too much.” 

You extended your hand in greeting. Wishing you could focus your eyes on him to get a proper read of what he was feeling. He reciprocated your handshake with less enthusiasm than you were expecting.

To be fair, he probably just found out about you.

“Likewise. It's a pleasure to meet the person who they've been talking my ear off about for the last two hours. Apologies for interrupting your time together.”

He was surprisingly polite. Honestly, you were expecting him to be somewhat rowdy like the rest of their friends. Not that you minded.

You needed another levelheaded friend to talk to. And if you were correct, he was about two years younger than you. 

But then things quickly started going downhill.

“My intel tells me you come from a clan like me? Do I have that right?” He asked, unawares that was not the right thing to say. Despite his intention to strike up a friendly conversation.

“Intel?” Your tone was panicked.

 The mere mention of your past life enough to make you spiral. Something both boys could tell was happening from the way you stiffened.

“Uh Kurapika. Maybe now's not the-” Gon tried, but it was too late.

“I don't belong to any clan. I never did, so don't you ever bring it up again.” Ice.

Your demeanor was cold, an indication that you were mad. Though you tried to calm yourself. Maybe he didn't know not to ask that.

He couldn't have known.

You just didn't want to talk about it with anyone. Especially not a stranger you just met. 

“Damn. I knew we shouldn't have told him.” Killua said, already knowing where this conversation was heading. He quickly covered Alluka's ears.

“I don't understand why you're so upset about it. Could the disagreement you had really be that irksome to you.” The blonde's tone dismissive. 

The thing that inevitably set you off.

Irksome.

Like they didn't just try to kill you half a year ago. Like they didn't murder your sister right in front of you. Like they didn't turn your best friend against you.

“I said drop it. It's none of your business. But you know what should've been, since you're so keen on family.”

“Y/n don't-” Gon tried once more, tugging on your arm to get you attention.

“Checking up on your friends every once in a while. Do you even know about what happened to these two?”

“Guys,” Killua warned.

“Of course I know. You think I'm an idiot not to know about the Chimera Ant situation?” Kurapika's voice increasing in volume to match yours.

“Yeah? You know about Illumi hunting down Killua and his sister while his family watched? About the two of them almost being killed to better their psycho family's power? You know about Gon being hospitalized? About how nothing short of a miracle saved his life? You know about all that?”

Judging by the shocked expression on his face, he didn't know. He glanced over to the two boys to verify. And when they looked down to avoid his eyes, he knew you weren't lying.

He hadn't been a very good friend, had he?

“Didn't think so. So next time you think I owe you anything, think about how you've never given anyone anything. I don't owe you shit. I don't owe you an explanation and I sure as hell don't owe you my time!” 

Was it a petty argument that got way out of hand?

Absolutely.

The truth is, if you could get past your one difference, the two of you would see you have a lot in common. Might've even become good friends.

 But you can never trust someone who takes the people they care about for granted. Who had the opportunity to support their friend on their deathbed instead of chasing after shadows of the past. Who only lets anger and hatred guide their actions.

And Kurapika could never befriend someone who doesn't understand how good they have it. Who still has the opportunity to see their family instead of their corpses. And maybe he's envious of the fact. He'd give anything to spend five minutes with his clan while you can't even bare thinking about them for five seconds.

And while you two disliked each other, you'd just have to learn to tolerate the other for the sake of your friends.

—-------------

MASTERLIST

An: I didn't know if I should add tags to this one because technically it's not apart of our main story. More like an expansion on the lore, if you can even call it that. Now, I love Kurapika, I really do. But I feel like our insert from Moon and Sun would absolutely despise him. On the bright side, I should be able to start uploading a little more frequently now. Might even get back to weekly updates. We'll see~

[nowoyas]

Koi no Yokan 13: get your brain back (nishinoya yuu/reader)

First - Prev - Next - M.list - Ao3

A/N: due to yesterday's URL change, inter-chapter links are not currently working. I am in the process of fixing these, but have literally ninety-four fic posts to fix that with, most of which are linked in multiple places. the links on this post and in the new masterlist will work, but I would recommend reading on ao3 in the meantime until this note disappears.

Summary: You are brought home from the hospital to the Nishinoya household.

Warnings: blanket series warnings, mentions of/implied child abuse and neglect (non-explicit)

Words: 4500+

Noya to [name] at 23:49

Noya: [image attached. Image description: Soba as a kitten, curled up in the center of a futon. Her body forms a perfectly circular shape.]

Noya: hope everything's okay at the hospital.

Noya: here's soba stealing my futon when she was a kitten. hope she brings a little luck so you can sleep half as good as she does

Noya: might be difficult though, she's a good sleeper

~

Noya to [name] at 00:01

Noya: usually i'm a good sleeper too [message not sent]

~

Noya to [name] at 6:48

Noya: [image attached. Image description: Soba laying on her back in the traditional maneki-neko pose, stomach exposed with one paw up and the other curled against her chest. Her stomach is composed primarily of extreme fluff.]

Noya: a good luck soba to encourage your swift recovery

~

[name] to Noya at 7:03

[name]: :)

~

Noya to [name] at 7:10²⁷

Noya: [name]-san WHAT are you doing looking at your phone

Noya: the doctors said no screens! >:(

[name]: only if it asorsens my sympotoims

[name]: soba could NEVER do that tom e

[name]: sorry for yops im reading your texts and then reponsding without looking so im not using up m screntime

Noya: you're supposed to be RESTING!!!

[name]: was

[name]: yop ten worst ways to wake up

[name]: number one; forgetting to tunr off your wakeup alarm so yup get up at like six thirty in the fucking am with the worst heaxache youve had in your life and your phone screaming in your ear

[name]: tried fo r abit to get back to sleep but mostly ive just been trying to recover from the fucking wakeup alarm

Noya: oh my god

Noya: can you take phone calls? I don't wanna make your head worse

[name]: one sec

~

Noya's in the gym, but practice isn't for another twenty minutes, technically, and he's not sure anyone will blame him for having his phone this morning, let alone when he answers on the first ring. At worst, he gets a raised eyebrow from Chikara, but when he speaks in a soft, worried tone, it's immediately brushed off.

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

Your voice comes through a moment later. It's strained, and he's almost certain you've been crying, but he elects not to comment. "I'm alright, but I died."

He laughs softly, scurrying outside of the gym so he has room to pace. "You're doing better, then."

"Mm. Head still hurts like hell, but I haven't had any like… major events to justify keeping me here. They'll probably let me out on time."

"That's great! Other than the alarm incident, did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah, actually." You pause. For some reason, he holds his breath. "I guess Soba helped. Thanks."

"Of course. Listen, though, Okaa-san's not budging on you staying with us, at least until you're able to return to school and stuff. She wants to know what you want for dinner tonight."

Another pause. "Karaage. Is she… I mean… is she cool?"

He nods, forgetting for a moment that you can't see him. "She is. She raised me, you know."

A soft laugh comes through, barely picking up. "She must be really cool then."

"She's got a few options for you for how we're handling everything, but I think she's gonna talk to you more about those when we pick you up from the hospital. For now, you just focus on trying to rest, alright?"

There's a voice in the background—no one he recognizes, not that he would—that he can't quite make out, just as Ryu's head pokes out of the gym to grab him.

"Practice is starting," Ryu says in a low voice. Noya nods, gestures to the phone and holds up a single finger. That's all it takes to get a nod of understanding in reply.

He waits patiently until you're done talking to the stranger—your voice pitches into a whine, all I know, I'm sorry, just let me say goodbye first, a bit muffled with a shuffling sound that makes him think you're covering the speaker with one hand.

Another shuffle, and you return to him. "Okay, sorry—"

"I have to go," the two of you say in unison.

You huff. "Are you just trying to make me feel better for leaving?"

"No. Practice is starting. Ryu just came to get me."

"…right. That was a nurse on my end. They're yelling at me for getting out of bed when I'm still unsteady. Is it just your mom coming to pick me up later?"

"I'm gonna head out early to come with her."

"Senpai…"

"Lecture me when you're not getting lectured by nurses for slipping out of bed," he replies, cheeky.

"…fine. Make sure to tell me about practice later, okay? And tell Yachi-san and Shimizu-senpai I'm sorry I'm not there to help out, but I'll be back soon. And tell Hinata I died. And—"

He cuts you off with a laugh. "I'll tell them all that. You go rest."

When the both of you hang up, he takes the time to send another picture of Soba—this one asleep, covering her face with her paws—and runs inside, tucking his phone away to join practice.

~

Noya and his mom arrive to pick you up at hour 24 on the dot, and you have never been more excited to see a soul in your life. You're checked out, brought back to Noya's. His mom doesn't say much to you on the drive back, and you regret to admit that you don't really remember much of meeting her yesterday.

Noya is the one who fills the silence for the most part—he tells you all about how practice today went, the blow-by-blow of their little scrimmages, how he started working on the thing he was telling you about yesterday.

You blink at him blankly. "I, uh… sorry, but I gotta ask. I remember almost nothing from yesterday…"

"Oh! I'll show you a video when we get back—I mean, if your head can handle a few minutes with a screen," he adds, glancing nervously at the sharp look his mom is giving him in the rear-view.

One of many restrictions: you're not allowed screens. Or reading. Or thinking. Or fun. Also, no exercise, no texting (not even without looking at the screen, your nurse had chided after you'd tried to respond to your bonus morning Soba), and basically anything involving any amount of focus. They'd had the audacity to follow that up with oh, but you'll make things worse if you rest completely without doing anything at all, so you can still do things!. In other words: 

if something hurts, don't do it

do not take painkillers for the hurt

everything hurts

doing nothing will make things worse and cause recovery to take longer

Or, in still other words: you expect to experience a complete mental breakdown by the end of the day.

You meet Noya's mom's eyes in the rear-view again. You don't remember what you said to her yesterday, but you do recognize her as the lady who runs your butcher shop of choice. You might need to start getting your meat somewhere else.

"Um," you say, voice coming out weaker than you'd like. "Thank you for all this, ma'am. I'm sorry for the trouble."

She waves one hand dismissively as she pulls into your neighborhood. "Don't even mention it, sweetheart. We'll talk more once we're inside."

"But…"

A single firm look shuts you up.

How Noya got to be the way he is with a mom like that, you'll never understand.

"Oh, that reminds me," Noya blurts suddenly. "You don't remember what happened, right?"

You shake your head. "I mostly remember stuff after it… I think? It's all kinda soup right now."

"Shouyo was trying to sync up with Suga-san. He, uh, he managed to hit a spike, but it was a little out."

"A little."

"Just a bit."

"It's kind of impressive. I mean, I knew you guys—or I guess everyone else, you being a libero and all—hit hard, but Hinata's got an arm on him to concuss me like that."

The car slows to a stop as Noya laughs. He seems to be making an effort to be quieter than normal—you appreciate the thought. "Right? Poor Yachi-san's gonna be shaking like a leaf while you're out, though."

"I'm counting on Shimizu-senpai to keep her from getting her head taken off," you reply with a solemn nod, moving to get out of the car.

Noya stops you with a firm hand. "Wait here. I got you."

"I can walk, you know—"

"If the way you got out of the hospital was any sign, not well," he says. He zips out of the car, circles around so fast that anyone else probably would have tripped. You sigh, smiling, as he opens your door for you. "C'mon, let me help you."

"Fine, fine. You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Still, you let him guide you inside, an arm supporting you at the waist. You won't lie—you are really dizzy still. He brings you into the living room, taking slow, careful steps as you pass the kitchen by. Someone's inside, cooking something, based on the sizzle from within, but Noya takes you right on past to sit across from his mom, who's still pretty staunchly silent as she watches this take place.

Out of the context of the butcher shop, she makes you deeply nervous, itching for her approval.

You blurt the first thing that comes to mind.

"I really like your shop. It's always very clean."

She cracks a smile. "Thank you, [surname]-chan. I'm glad to know that one of my regulars thinks highly of the shop."

"And the prices are really good. And you're always really nice, but it doesn't feel forced. I'm sorry that sometimes I buy too much and the meat goes bad. I always feel really guilty when that happens, like I'm insulting the animal it came from and the person I bought it from, not to mention—"

She stifles a laugh. "Honey, it's okay. I'm sorry if I'm making you nervous. To be honest, I've been thinking about your situation since I got the call yesterday, and I'm still not sure what the right thing to do is."

The words your situation send your heart straight into the deepest pits of your stomach. "Oh."

Noya's sat firmly beside you, a small comfort as your anxiety begins to spike. His mom locks eyes with him, jerking her chin toward the kitchen. "Yuu, honey, go help Mei in the kitchen."

"But, Okaa-san—"

"Go help Mei," she repeats.

You have half a mind to run out after him, half a mind to grab his sleeve and beg, Noya-senpai, don't leave me alone with her!, but you know it wouldn't do a thing. Instead, you stare at your lap, willing your bottom lip not to quiver.

"Yuu told me a little bit about your situation," she goes on to say.

That fucking phrase again.

"He didn't tell me much, and he's made clear that you don't want anyone to worry about you, or any sort of special treatment, but I want to make clear: I'm not here to upend your life or force anything on you, but you're safe here. Will you tell me what's going on at home?"

You bite your lip to remind yourself not to cry out the gate. "I'd rather not."

"That's okay. I understand that I'm more or less a stranger to you. I don't need details from you, or a life story. But—look at me—"

You look up at her, teary-eyed.

"—I need to know that if, when you're recovered enough to be left alone, I let you go home, you're going to be safe."

"O-of course!" you say, too quickly even though you're not lying. "I'm going—I'm going to be safe. Even if Otoo-san wanted to—to hurt me, he's never home to do it."

"Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes. He—he gave me a debit card to use and there's always money in the account. I mean, it hasn't declined or anything so far. And I know how to cook and grocery shop. And now that I'm managing for the volleyball club, I've gotten really good at meal prepping. Oh—can I go home sometime tonight or tomorrow? I have curry that I should freeze."

She looks at you with sad eyes. "I can't let you go by yourself, but I can come with you, or you can go with Yuu tonight. Since you'll be staying here for a few nights, we can take the chance to pick up some necessities for you, too."

"Okay. Thank you."

"We'll go after dinner."

"Okay."

"And, listen, [surname]-chan. You are always welcome here, okay? Even if it's perfectly safe at your house, even if you just want to come and play with the cat, you're welcome here."

"Okay."

She watches you another moment. When she leaves the room, she ruffles your hair.

It takes you approximately three seconds after that to break.

~

You've never been so glad to see Noya. He practically runs to your side once he's released, immediately pulling you into a warm hug. You cry into his shoulder, wind your arms around him.

"Sorry. I tried to slip back out here just in case, but Mei literally held me back. She scruffed me like a cat when I tried to leave the kitchen. You would've laughed."

You let out a wet laugh. "Wish I saw it."

"I really am sorry. I know she can be intense, but I swear it's just because she cares."

"She wasn't—she wasn't intense or anything," you admit. "Just—you've got a good mom. She really is cool."

"She is! She's great. What did she do?"

You bury your face in his shoulder in the hopes that it'll muffle your voice a bit. "Just—just motherly stuff, I guess. Asked if I'm safe. If I've got everything I need."

"You are safe at home, right?"

"Yes! I dunno why everyone thinks that—that—"

He strokes your hair as you sniffle, gives you the moment to collect yourself.

"I'm safe," you finish lamely. "I am. I don't like it when people care about me. I dunno what to do with that."

"You're gonna have to get used to that one, unfortunately. The team's worried about you, too, you know? They wouldn't start practice until I gave them the full report."

"Oh great, worry. That's even worse than caring."

"If it bothers you, you're just gonna have to work really hard at resting and accepting the help you're being given so you can get better quicker."

"Okay." You sniffle. "I'll do that."

He holds you closer, holds you until you've calmed down. Stays by your side until dinner's ready, until you're ready to face his family.

~

Mei is weird compared to everyone else at the table. The whole family has showed for this dinner you've intruded on—Satsuki smiles at you when she gets home, whispers an apology when her shouted I'm home! makes you wince. Another sister—the stalker sister, Kaede, if you remember correctly—emerges from a room deeper in the house when called, paint smudged on her cheeks and hands somehow perfectly immaculate. She's lower-key than Satsuki or Noya is, but when you're all sat around the table, she launches right into some debate with Satsuki that their grandfather immediately joins in on, lively and at a lowered volume out of respect for you.

You eat in silence. You'd like to pretend that you're paying attention to whatever heated debate is going on, but it's a little hard to follow past the dull throbbing in your skull. You think maybe the crying made your headache worse.

While the others get lost in some lively conversation or another—Noya going quiet occasionally to check in with you—the sister third just sits there, like you, except you have the excuse of being an active concussion case to justify your silence. She watches you with a nervous look in her eye that doesn't seem to fade whenever you glance back at her.

You can't remember which sister Noya said gets the anxiety attacks—if he said it—but you'd be willing to bet it was Mei.

The one Soba saved.

She won't stop staring at you. On a better day, you might have more tact, but, well, the concussion, so the next time you catch her eye, you stare right back. "Why are you staring at me?"

She jolts, shoulders collapsing in on her. "Sorry. I just… you're Yuu's friend?"

"Uh, yeah." That should be obvious, but you should also be nicer.

"I'm not really, uh, I'm not great at talking to people. But he was saying we'd probably get along, and I was trying to figure out why, but you don't really talk much, so it's hard to get a read on you? But I'm not really great with strangers or anything, and… I mean… d-do you like volleyball? You're a manager in Yuu's club, right?"

A nod. "Yeah. I'm finally kind of at the point where I understand what's going on, and it's fun to watch, but I can't say I'm really good at managing or anything."

"What?" Noya interrupts. "No, you're amazing. What are you talking about?"

You raise an eyebrow. "How have you completely missed the part where I am the single least useful manager? Shimizu-senpai's amazing, Yachi-san's doing all these cool, professional-looking posters and stuff, and I show up. Which I now do not even do, on account of getting hit in the head by a stray ball like it's my first time in the gym."

"I don't wanna hear it from the only reason I passed my final exams."

"Excuse me? I didn't take the exams for you. You did that—and all the studying—yourself. So did Tanaka-senpai, before you bring him up."

"And Shouyo and Kageyama?"

"They took their own exams, too. All of you guys passed because you put in the work."

"You made like, a hundred practice exams. You sent them home after they got their grades back with detailed study schedules. Weren't you, like, adjusting their practice exams to focus on testing the things they got wrong the previous day or something, too?"

"That's nothing. That's literally just like, stuff they probably could have done online if they'd thought about it."

"But they didn't. You did. You don't get to put Yachi-san up on a pedestal just to say you're doing nothing when you factually are—"

You bat at his shoulder playfully. "I literally have a concussion, you're not allowed to argue with me until I'm better."

"Fine, I'll restart this argument the second you're back at school, then," he teases.

You hate him. (You don't.)

You return your attention to Mei. "Sorry, someone likes to fight me."

"When have I ever—"

You reach out blindly, covering his mouth with your hand and smiling at Mei. "But yeah, I don't dislike volleyball, for sure. It's good to get out of the house, and all that. What about you? What do you do?"

Her face brightens a little. "Oh, I'm actually in university! I'm taking a course to become a librarian. It's probably not all that interesting, though, so…"

You lean forward a little, smile encouragingly. When you release Noya's mouth, he has the good sense not to continue the argument. "No, tell me about it. That sounds really cool!"

Bingo. She relaxes into the conversation, starts telling you all about the stuff she's learning, how much more librarians do beyond putting books on the shelf and scanning your library cards. She has a lot to say on the subject, and you don't really follow a lot of it, but you nod encouragingly and try your best. It's not even anything complicated, she's just a little hard to understand through the pounding in your head and the fatigue settling firmly over your body.

When dinner's over, your attempts to help clean are met with no less than six stern looks. You reach for your phone thoughtlessly, which only makes your head pound harder within seconds of checking your notifications.

Right. No screens.

Fine then. You wander into the living room, where Soba greets you with a soft mrrp?.

"Hi, baby," you coo, coming to sit nearby. She's picky about when she likes to be pet, so you don't reach for her, no matter how much you want to. Instead, you sit back and watch her, pushing a cat toy her way as a peace offering. Her eyes lock on, pupils widening as she focuses on the toy.

You have her attention.

By the time Noya finds you, both you and Soba are thoroughly engrossed in her quest to fucking murder this cat toy, and you've only got one new scratch to show for it. For a moment, you can almost ignore the pounding in your head, but then you hear a dish clatter in the kitchen and for just a moment you swear to god it's a gunshot that's perfectly hit you in the forehead.

He crouches beside you, gently takes the toy to distract Soba. "Kaa-san says you wanted to run back by your place to grab some stuff and freeze your curry."

"Y-yeah," you grit out with a nod.

"I was gonna ask if you wanted to go now, but, well…" He nods to you. "You kinda look like your head's about to split open."

"'M fine," you grumble. "Let's go."

"You are actively tearing up."

"What? No I'm not—" Your hand flies to your cheek, and dammit, he's right. "…fine."

"It's okay. Kaa-san's gonna be home with you tomorrow while I'm at school, and she can take you then."

Your lip juts into a pout. "I haven't even done anything today."

"I know, I know. You got Mei to like you, though. That's something!"

"Didn't feel like I was doin' anything."

"C'mon. You can take my room, and I can get you some pajamas from Satsuki or Mei, or you can just borrow some of my clothes. But you should get some rest."

You groan as he helps you to your feet. "Please don't make me make any decisions right now."

"My clothes it is, then. Great! I was hoping you'd say that!"

He guides you down the hall and up the stairs to his bedroom.

"Where're you gonna sleep if I'm stealin' your bedroom?" you mumble.

"We already moved my futon out. This way, you're in the quietest part of the house."

"Really. Your bedroom is the quietest part of the house?" Somehow, you don't believe that for a second.

"Well, when I'm not in it, it is," he grins.

"And you completely dodged the question."

"Well, they've decided that in order to take you in until you're better, someone had to go, so… I'm so sorry, [name]-san. Remember me fondly."

You snort. "They are not kicking you out."

"They're not. My futon's getting laid out near the door so if you need something you can yell."

"Please at least sleep on the couch downstairs or something."

"Absolutely not. When I hit a thousand, I want to already be a man worth marrying you! That means being there when you're hurt!"

You huff. You don't have the energy to fight it, at any rate. "Sure, sure. You know you don't have to do much to be worth me?"

"I'm going to choose to believe you mean that you already think I'm amazing and cool and not that you're trying to put yourself down."

"Believe what you want," you sigh.

Inside his bedroom is surprisingly clean. The Nishinoya family seems to have done plenty of planning for this, so you'd be surprised if there hadn't been a crazed cleanup session to deep-clean his bedroom once they decided that was where you'd be sleeping. Some posters on the wall, one spot where a poster conspicuously used to be, based on the tack still marking the corners of a perfect rectangle in between two others. It's basically exactly what you'd expect if you deep-cleaned a teenage boy's bedroom. Noya leaves your side to rummage his drawers, returning a moment later with clothes for you.

"You're good to get changed by yourself, right? Not too dizzy or anything? I can grab Satsuki—no, bad idea—I can grab Mei if you need some help."

You shake your head. "I'll be okay. The dizzy's way better than it was this morning, 'sjust painful."

"I'll wait outside, then."

You wait for him to close the door behind him before you get changed, stumble a little in the process because you were totally downplaying how dizzy you were, but eventually get yourself into the provided t-shirt and basketball shorts. When Noya returns, he stops short in the doorway, staring at you rather openly as you tug a bit at the shirt.

You raise an eyebrow at him. His cheeks are scarlet as he stares you down.

"Are you sure I'm the one with the concussion?" you ask when you're fed up with the quiet. "You seem to be rebooting."

"Marry me," he blurts again. "I mean—sorry, bad timing probably, but—nevermind—"

"Nine hundred and—huh." You bite your lip thoughtfully, racking your brain, but the focus only makes your head pound worse. "Did you propose at all yesterday? I can't really remember."

"Oh, yeah, nine hundred and twenty times or so. I've just got twenty more to go!"

"Uh-huh. What's the actual count?"

"…nine hundred and forty to go," he admits. "Once with the morning greeting, and I got a couple out when you agreed to help me with the jump set."

"Nine thirty-nine, then," you say as he moves to lay out the futon. As he does, you watch his arms flex appreciatively. Maybe it's the concussion, but you can't quite seem to pull your eyes away. "You know. As thanks for helping me out with everything, and all that."

"Not just because I'm nice to look at?" he pouts.

"Keep dreaming, Casanova."

You allow yourself one last impulse for the night, stopping him on the way out the door. "Hey, Senpai?"

He turns just in time for you to crash into him in a hug. "Wh—"

"Thank you. Seriously. For… for not letting stuff get out with the guys. And taking care of me. And… and everything."

Noya huffs softly, arms wrapping around you in turn. "I got you. You just rest."

You don't need him to tell you twice.

Footnotes

27. Fun fact: I wrote this section by texting myself on discord each of the Reader's individual replies with my glasses off. If a particular exchange seemed too clean, I added one or two to balance it out, keeping in mind this girl is typing with the kind of headache that demands answers from the gods themselves. I like to think I did a decent job of it.

Tags: @deeplightgarden @idonthaveanameideayet @dusstory @kazunish

[ssamou]

** LOCATION:** BEACH HAN RIVER

Of all of Jeongguk's riddles and clues, this one was (probably) the hardest to decipher. A river? When did anything happen at a river? In reality, that's because nothing special had happened at Han River. But it was the closest thing to a beach that he could think of in the heart of Seoul. This one, while important, was nearly impossible to replicate.

And that's because this event had happened when they were on a trip, a beach at night sitting by a bonfire as they snuggle up under a blanket. A while before the trip, Jeongguk had bought a promise ring with the intentions of giving it to her for their anniversary. But it had been burning a hole in his pocket and, frankly, he was too impatient to wait that long to give it to her—already having been dropping hints almost as soon as he had bought it.

And so, on November 8th, he had offically promised himself to her. He had proven his devotion and had promised with determination to replace the pretty princess looking promise ring with an engagement ring. And now, he plans to make good on that promise.

As you arrive at Han River, you spot Bora standing below the night sky with a bracelet case in her hands, holding a moonstone bracelet to match your current promise ring, and another envelope. Inside of that envelope is another photo of them the night he had promised to love her forever, and the final letter that would lead her to Jeongguk's destination.

Bora was sitting down with her dogs on a blanket on the grass. She spots Chae looking around and waves to her. "Chae sweetheart! I'm over here. I'm afraid I can't talk long, I have practice to go too. But I was told to give you this." She gently hands her the bracelet case. "Good luck girly."

"You did it! You found all my clues, now there's just one more and instead of collecting gifts and another note, at the end of this one will be me. Ahhh… I'm nervous, but I hope that you've enjoyed everything I've prepared for you tonight, my sweet love. I tried my best, but I didn't want to do anything normal per se? I wanted to make it fun.. and I hope I succeeded. Welcome to Han River~ And I know, I know. It holds no significant meaning to us. I could've sent you to Namsan Tower where we put our lock, or sent you off to the tattoo parlor where we found our red string of fate. But, while those are significant things in our relationship.. none of that measures up to how imporants this step was in our realtionship. When I thought I was going too fast, diving in head first while knowing with absolute certainty what I wanted. You. That night will forever be burned into my mind; how the fire crackled as we cuddled, how you made me worried and panic when I thought I sprung it on you too fast, and the sheer volume of love and adoration when you broke down in happy tears in my arms. God, I love that memory. Because you learned then just how deep my feelings for you run. Even if it was merely 2 months into our relationship compared to our now year. I'm sorry this has been long time coming, but I hope this will make up for the wait? I love you, Kim Chaewon. Now, come find me finally, okay? I'm waiting." ─── ⋆⋅ ♡ ⋅⋆ ─── **In the place where nature's whispers play, Our journey began, leading us this way. Back to the park, under the starry art, A gazebo awaits, a place close to the heart. Follow the trail, where memories reside, To the lit-up gazebo, where love will abide. With adventure ahead, and the night as our guide, A question awaits.. will you stand by my side?**

♡ 메시지 𓂃 ⋆ #koobie's scavenger hunt??

answer: and.. 432 days later.

the closer she gets to the final destination, the more she's starting to realize about this entire thing.

is this what she thinks it is? there's no way it could be—she thinks it over again and again while pacing over the han river's alley. but why else would he bring up all these old memories? especially this one? the one that's burned into her mind like the bonfire they created. how sweet he was with that cute smile that still has her running towards him a little too frantic. she couldn't come up with any other purpose for this besides that idea. maybe.. she should have dressed better for the occasion.

eventually, chaewon finally came across her unnie that immediately jumped up to pass her the gift and note. she didn't really have too much time to think since everyone from here on seemed frantic, including her. she could feel her heart pounding inside her chest and that's all her mind could really comprehend.

with shaky hands the girl opened the letter with everyone surrounding her in anticipation. it really is what she thought it would be. she wasn't sure when this time would come. sure, they've discussed this plenty of times, but having it actually happen has her legs nearly buckling underneath her from the overwhelming mixture of emotions.

is it bad that she already feels tears brimming? maybe. her head was a mushy mess anyways, her body obviously taking the toll of everything together. she never knew you could have so much anxiety over something positive.

was she really ready for this? she didn't know.

chaewon had to take her time reading the letter over and over again. maybe too long. but, she shouldn't leave him waiting any longer for her out in the cold.. or herself for that matter.

[twstgameplay]

Hello! I'm an current EN player and want harveston epel, but I'm also trying to save for FG Ortho which I'm assuming is coming in early May. I've been doing the gem math, but am not sure how much rewards the FG rerun would give. Is it the same as the original? I currently have 90 rolls and am hoping to have 100 by the time FG IF comes around, any extra I hope to spend on Epel. What are your thoughts, hope this wasn't too confusing an ask.

Epel is a good attacker to have, especially if you plan on getting Masquerade Idia once he comes out (for the mutual DUO). I hope you're able to get him.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to get your gem goal by Fairy Gala IF, but you can check the FG IF event post we made when the event first came to JP. You can check out this post on how to scrounge for gems in the game as well, to see if there's any avenues you still have left to you. It may very well be similar to the original Fairy Gala event (which should also be running in EN soon, so I hope you've factored that into your counts).

Good luck!

~🐬

[threeclans]

hi! i’m not currently a member of threeclans, but i’m hoping to become one through the next to nowhere opening. i completely understand if you can’t share this info, but if possible can you please elaborate on how the 6 adoptable characters will work? for new members, do you prioritize adoptable character applications over original character applications? if no one applies for/is accepted for them, will adoptable characters just not exist? generally during openings, how many new members would you say apply for an adopt rather than applying to bring in an oc? (sorry for all the questions!! i just am in love with one of the adoptables you’ve shared and i’m really nervous about my odds of getting them hehe >.<)

Hello, thank you for reaching out! No need to be sorry; we appreciate asks like these. Most of the information you're asking for will be released upon opening (so soon!) but we can definitely clarify now, too.

Applications for both adoptable characters and original characters will open at 12:00 am on April 22nd. Applications for original characters will run for two weeks, until 11:59 pm on May 6th. However, applications for adoptables will close after a week and a half, meaning they will only be open until 11:59 pm on May 2nd. This means that the Mods will decide on accepted applicants for the six adoptable characters earlier than deciding on accepted original characters, and will be contacting those applicants and announcing them on the blog before OC applications close. This system allows people time to apply with an original character if they did not get accepted for an adoptable. So, to answer your question about which we prioritize, really neither! Although we do select our adoptable roleplayers first. If you're interested any adoptable(s) over an OC, it's wise to apply for only the adoptable(s) but have an OC idea "on the backburner" in case you are not accepted for an adoptable and would like to try for an original character after the adoptable period closes.

I hope that clears some things up! As a side note, you will be able to apply for two adoptables - a first choice and a second choice. So, in total, you may apply for three characters maximum (two adoptable choices and one original character) if so desired. The Mods have discussed what we would do with an adoptable if they do not have interest. We've never had that happen before, but we've determined that we would open the adoptable for in-server applicants, meaning people who are already in the server may apply for them. We don't foresee this being an issue, but no worries - they'll never be written out!

I'm sorry to say that I can't truly answer your final question. ThreeClans has traditionally held openings with only original characters, aside from our Moving Mountains opening which contained only adoptables. Our single event with both adoptables and OCs was held back in 2018, and it was an in-server application round (for FogClan, coincidentally) instead of allowing new members into the group. I wish I could provide an accurate estimate, but I don't think I can! If it helps at all, this opening will contain a number of accepted current member applicants alongside the new member applicants, but current members will be barred from applying for adoptables (unless, as stated previously, an adoptable has no viable interest).

I'm so glad you've fallen for one of our adoptables! The Next to Nowhere opening team has been working very hard on this and has put a lot of love into it, and it's rewarding to hear that our effort is appreciated. I'm sorry this post is a bit long, but I hope I provided all the information you need. If not, feel free to send in another ask or DM a mod directly on tumblr! All of our blogs are listed on the Mod page. Good luck with your application, and stay tuned for more information on our Next to Nowhere opening!

- Mod Scar

[imraespace]

LIFE'S HARD WHEN YOU'RE INLOVE ─

─ WITH RIN ITOSHI !!

"I knew it was too good to be true.." Reo muttered to himself as his normal morning routine with both yourself and Seishiro returned.

Both you and Seishiro stared at each other's bed hair, blanking out the boy in front who was yapping all his anger on you both.

"AT LEAST LISTEN TO ME-"

After your.. eventful.. morning, before you left the house, you packed your bag with an extra treat today, a juice actually. It's your favorite right now, strawberry Calpico.

You have a mini stash of Calpico drinks in the fridge at home but lately, you've been craving the strawberry flavor these days.

Not only that, you wrote a small note as well.

Looking back on the small gestures you did this morning, you wondered if it will be enough.

Will it be enough to please him?

You made your way towards your seat, sitting down with a sigh escaping your lips.

Your friends, Yoichi and Meguru, greeted you as per usual.

"Do you not have that book today? I say it's quite interesting." Meguru brought up, poking your shoulder.

"Give the book a rest." You replied, rolling your eyes.

He sat on your table, as Yoichi pulled up a chair beside you.

"What do you normally do with all the breaks given?" Yoichi asked.

Oh right, after the big match, they're on a break from training.

You looked up, tapped your chin and thought long and hard on what you usually do when given the breaks bewteen classes.

"Well I sleep and.."

"..and.." Yoichi repeated.

"And.. um sleep.."

"So you do absolutely nothing?" Yoichi asked, not surprised yet thought you at least did something else, besides sleeping..

"Sleeping means I'm relaxing my brain, why do you think I'm naturally smart?" You counter-back, crossing your arms at the boy.

"Oh, so all I need to do is sleep?" Meguru pointed out.

"No.. She's just gifted with a talent, she's naturally lazy."

"HEY!"

You pouted at his words targeted towards you then decided to tease him since we're on the current topic.

"Our first subject is Maths, hope you can help yourself."

"Wait-"

"Since I'm naturally lazy."

"Y/N-"

"Wait can you help me?" Meguru asked, kicking his feet while flashing you his smile.

You gave him the same smile.

"Of course!"

"Please.. I'm sorry.."

You laughed at Yoichi's miserable attempts and decided to drop it, petting his ahoge on the crown of his head.

"Of course I will help you Yo." You said, giving him a small smile.

He let out a small sigh, staring at your hand as you began to play with the small piece of hair.

"I'll shape it into a nice "V" for good luck like you always do."

He playfully rolled his eyes while muttering a small "Thanks"

Meguru thought it was fun, and began to play with your hair.

Maybe you three should spend your breaks just like this.

Sadly for both Meguru and Yoichi, the first few periods contained their least favorite subjects, Social Studies and Maths. Luckily for them, they had you!

After the last period before Lunch ended, Meguru and Yoichi came running up to you with questions regarding the subject and as the nice friend you are, you explained it using a language they understand it in.

Anyways, it's lunchtime and now it's time to do what you planned on doing since this morning.

"Guys, I have to do something so stay right here, okay?" You told them, fishing out the note and drinking from inside your bag.

"Where are you going?" Meguru asked.

"Somewhere.."

"Okay, when you're back we will eat." Yoichi told you.

"Says who? I'm hungry!" Meguru expressed loudly.

You fished out a candy out of your bag and shoved it in Meguru's hand, then made your way out of the classroom.

What's your mission right now? To find Rin Itoshi!

You mindlessly walked around the school, found the other teammates, and greeted them, yet found no Rin.

Your belly grumbled, reminding you that it was indeed lunchtime and you had yet to eat.

Then you remembered something, he always stayed back after football practice, there's no way he's there..

.

.

Yes way..

You made your way towards the school field and indeed found him there. He wasn't practicing, as the field was being used by other students but he was close by, more rather, away from the crowd.

You sighed, regaining your confident and slowly made your way to the boy.

Of course, he noticed, and slowly he became annoyed.

Your footsteps continued until it reached next to him.

He was eating his lunch by himself, watching the other students play in the field.

"What do you want?" He barked.

You sighed, blanking out his mean words and opened your mouth, ready to fix and start over.

"I'm sorry." It came out soft, but the boy still heard it.

His eyebrows raised in confusion, his unwelcoming facial expression showed yet he placed his onigiri beside him, decided to place all his focus on you.

His actions made you blush a bit, suddenly, the floor where his feet is became rather entertaining.

Whatever, you're here to do something, so finish it!

"I'm sorry for causing confusion, using Yoichi's name was really creepy, I know.."

Your words ceased every few shifting he did, this time, he stood up, looking down at you. Is he trying to kill you? Jesus..

"Uhm- I was just scared to say it directly but I really admired how much work you put into your practice! And thought you needed something refreshing..?" You continued, cringing at your words, well it is technically true..

His eyes never left your shaking body, embarrassment taking over you slowly, with each word leaving your mouth.

"And.. uh, the treat- the fruit sando.. it was actually mine.." You muttered.

"Huh?" His previous annoyance became less and less the more you talked, but that doesn't mean he's completely okay with you. The blank facial expression was still there, yet he listened to the words you told him.

"You see, that day I made fruit sandos for everyone, or I thought I did.. I forgot about Ego. So I gave him one and sacrificed my own for you.." You mumbled. Compared to the rest, this one was stupid.

He stayed quiet after you finished your word vomit. Your eyes were glued to his shoes but slowly, you looked up at his chest, then at his face.

"So as a sorry.. I have this for you.."

And slowly, you showed him the drink and small note, hidden behind the bottle. It was at the right temperature, not too cold but not too hot either.

He stared at it for a while, fighting the war in his head, should he take it? To him, he found no need for gifts.

Yet you answered it for him, softly shoving it in his chest, which caused him to automatically hold it, so it wouldn't fall.

"This is very special, as it's my favorite flavor and it's the last in my stash. That's how much I'm sorry, uh.. happy lunch?"

Before he could reply, you ran with speed and that was the last he saw of you for lunch.

He sighed and sat back down on the bench, placing the drink next to him, and decided to read the note.

‟ strawberry calpico is the best when you add chopped strawberries to it.

ദ്ദി（• ˕ •マ.ᐟ

╶ L/N. ฅ^._.^ฅ „

That stupid cat drawing.. he sighed, staring at it but didn't crumple it this time. There's no way he's gonna chop strawberries for some stupid drink.

Normally Rin Itoshi won't even lend an ear, but for some reason he did. Was it because everyone in your class knows about your lazy habit and you abandoned it just to find him? He thought it was weird that all of a sudden, you who's a whole snoozefest.. literally, began to do silly things out of the blue. Well, Rin only notices those who annoy him, and indeed you did, but staring at the bottle you gave him made him feel a type of way..

And he hated it. Of course he did. Rin Itoshi who blocks out everyone as a defense method to not get closer to anyone shouldn't feel this way.

He stares at the bottle, debating if he should throw it away.. but he remembers your words.

"..it's my favorite flavor and it's the last in my stash.. the fruit sando was actually mine.. sacrificed my own for you."

He sighed. Maybe just this once, he will chip at the wall he built and accept it.

That interaction didn't change him right away, but it changed you.

He looked back at the note for a second then noticed that your name looked familiar.

"Wait, I've seen her on my Twitter.. and that last name. It looks.."

Your sudden appearance back in the classroom scared the duo, you were full-on panting, holding onto the door for support.

"Did something happen?" Yoichi asked, making his way towards you.

You shook your head, no way you're gonna tell Yoichi you apologized to his rival, the same person you used his name to give drinks to. Then he and Meguru will be onto you even more, mostly Meguru.. he's using Rin to his advantage... At least not now, you won't spill the beans now. You messed up last time and they had to cover for you so this time you're on your own.

"Did you decide to join the track team, I say you made it up here quite fast!" Meguru joked.

"Oh shut it."

He laughed at your response.

"Okay let's eat now!"

Reo Mikage and Seishiro Nagi who's lived with you for quite some time.

Seishiro has been with you ever since you moved into his neighborhood. You were always sad during kindergarten, thinking about your past friend you left behind. Seishiro on the other hand always kept to himself but always stared at you when you had that gloomy look on your face. He didn't approach you, just looked. One day, you noticed his weird habit and realized that he was always alone so.. you talked to him! He never really talked though, it was mostly one-sided conversations yet you enjoyed it.

Timeskip to when Hyoma Chigiri entered your life again in middle school, that was around the time your parents introduced you to Reo Mikage.

Both yours and his parents were business partners at that time and your parents thought that Reo would be a great influence on you, maybe break you out of that habit you have. You two became friends, yes, but your habit still stayed. Reo tried his best but nothing worked.

In the end, your parents gave up on you, throwing you away, and ran off to Germany. You were left alone, mindlessly making your way to Seishiro's apartment until Reo found you on the way there.

He got you an apartment for yourself, the very one you three live in right now. It was big, and you wondered why he got you this big apartment for one person but didn't question him. Later on in high school, Reo met Seishiro and you three decided to just live together. Reo found everything in his life boring, as it was easy for him to get anything he wanted so this turn of events interested him, along with football.

Too bad he got stuck with two lazy people..

Anyways, besides that long background story, as time went on, the duo grew to love you so that's why Reo is right now dragging Seishiro to confront Rin for making you stay out in the rain AND cry.

"Where is this dude.." Reo muttered. Seishiro on the other hand isn't really helpful, staring at his phone screen, playing whatever game is present on that screen.

Just then, Reo notices the boy passing by, but his eye landed on his hand, rather what he's holding.

"Where did you get that?" Reo asked, causing Rin to stop in his tracks.

"None of your business." Rin simply said, continuing on with his day.

Reo pulled on the boy, causing him to stop without his will.

"Apologize."

"For what?" Rin, who's not really ever in a social mood and is willing to put anyone in their place if they annoy him, turned and face the purple haired boy.

"Not to me, to Y/N."

Rin's eyebrows held confusion, wasn't she just there apologizing to him? Why should he apologize to you?

"Not only she was left in the rain, came back home late, and cried at our doorstep, I think you owe her an apology." Reo stated. He stared at Rin for a while, then walked away, Seishiro not too far behind.

Rin isn't a naturally mean person. He cares to some extent, but he may not show it to anyone. So for the tenth time, Rin lets out a sigh.

He's frustrated, not because he hurt you, he does feel bad yes but everything ever since that match has been weighing him down. It seems that he needs a break, but he will never give himself that. Ever. Not yet.

On his way back to his classroom, he threw away the drink you gave him with force, but he drank it out.

He accepted your apology.

## LIFE'S HARD WHEN YOU'RE INLOVE. --

╴“ WITH RIN ITOSHI?? „

ฅ^._.^ฅ : some things about y/n !! she mostly sleeps through the day, only does stuff IF needed !! with her given gift of being effortlessly smart , all she does in her free time is : nap , eat , sleep. hmm what if.. one day y/n develops a crush and now has to ACTUALLY work to achieve a goal ? : date rin itoshi !!

12 // 14

note: finally some action !

TAGLIST: @deezy12299 @kuroronana @khoiyyu @swagkittybear @shidousprincess @starbarfbunni @jealovsie @imtiredmf @hainge (OPEN)

! if you didn't get tag, that means your acc didn't show up :(

-`♥︎´- for this story, i'm trying a something new, which includes words/phrases, foods and hometowns from japan and germany. if there's any errors please point it out !

-`♥︎´- word count : 2.2K

[barbierpt]

do u have any advice as an admin for how to deal with long term inactive members? a person in ur rp who has never rly been active since day one. they either do the bare min. for ac every now and then or take hiatus after hiatus, and they dont seem interested but also dont want to leave. in particular they are someone holding a spot that a lot of people want or is rly pivotal to the plot. after reaching out and asking for them to step up there's no change, is it wrong to ask them to leave? does it mean trying to do more for them to write? i dont want ever to be mean and also dont want someone to bad mouth me to 50 blogs bc i asked them to step down. not a current situation just one that ive had and felt at a loss with and thinking about

hey anon!! so i've actually had a similar situation before and i know it's really nerve-wracking and frustrating. given all the information you've shared with me, i'd say it's not wrong to ask them to leave. they're holding a spot that's pivotal to your plot that isn't going to move if they're never around AND it's also so disruptive to the other players who have connections with this writer. idk what their response was when you initially reached out and asked them to step up or how long this has been going on specifically but if you're coming to an rpt for advice it's clearly gone on till you're reaching a breaking point. i get it –– it's never fun being the "bad guy" admin but at the end of the day you need to do what's right for your group.

i have two points of advice on this situation for you to do with as you wish:

you can ask this player to leave and just get it over with. obviously be polite about it and professional about it and state the reasoning why. you've mentioned having a conversation with them to step up so that is something you can reference and mention that there's been no change since then and how it's affecting the group negatively.

you can give them one more shot. i get that real life factors might be influencing their activity and their lack of interest might not be intentional. i've also been that player who kept going on back to back hiatuses because i was having physical health issues on top of other, uh, pretty traumatic events that went on in the course of six months. i didn't want to leave the group but life just kept getting in the way unexpectedly. if you go this route, talk with them seriously and maybe ask if there's something going on that you should be aware of. again, mention your previous conversation about stepping up and seeing no change. i'd recommend no longer granting them a hiatus either (well, depending on the circumstances if they really need one, go with your gut) and giving them a stern warning that if things don't change in x amount of time they'll be removed from the group. and then go from there.

i hope this helps you, anon!! good luck and pls let me know how it goes!! 💓

[little-ideas]

Kiss Booth

Ahhhh thank you for your patience! Sorry it took so long > < I surprisingly struggled with some of the characters, but I managed to get them all! ^^; Except for Malleus, the others can be considered known/crushing on MC after their overblot incidents since that’s when they’re on better terms with MC :3

I hope you don’t mind I slightly tweaked the request (Grim mostly runs the booth) > < I know I had a reason when I first started generating HCs upon getting the request, but I honestly can’t remember it now ;A;

Anyway, the Twst boys are fun to think of. Hope you enjoy!!!!

The idea’s submitted and the dorm leaders approve at their meeting because they don’t actually think it’ll come to pass and Ramshackle is just so pitiable 

The justifications for the submission were:

Low budget & members so not many options to choose from

Of the potential 2-5 members counted (if the ghosts help out), 1 is completely useless at magic

The setup would not take long or be resource intensive and, given that Crowley has roped the MC-Grim duo into performing tasks for him seemingly before every event, they would likely have to abandon their dorm’s activity anyway

Nobody actually thought it would come to pass

Rumors are circulating about Ramshackle Dorm’s kissing booth, but it’s not until ~2 days before the festival when everyone realizes it will probably actually happen

MC’s planning on and convinces Grim to be the main star/attendant with the promise of extra-premium tuna

Because Grim’s an animal and people like animals/think they’re cute, right? But nobody seems to know this part in the rumors

Leona

Buys out the entire booth

Look, just because he knows the truth doesn't mean he's happy about it

Is not against underhanded methods to put a stop to it

Ramshackle’s materials just so happen to disappear on a windy day and poor MC has to wear goggles to shield their eyes because dirt keeps getting in to them whenever the wind blows

Should MC continue on with the booth though, will engage MC in conversation and somehow end up steering them away from their station (quite possibly with the aid of Ruggie) and lead them to Savanaclaw’s exhibition instead showoff

Ruggie

Tries to convince MC to ditch the idea and help out Savanaclaw instead

“Leona won’t mind” Ruggie you’re a fucking liar

Besides Floyd, is probably the most visibly concerned

He doesn't know Grim will be running the booth after all

Redirects his anxieties into setting up Savanaclaw's exhibit and nagging Leona

Leona's not stupid, and will either tell Ruggie about Grim himself, or set something up so Ruggie can discover the truth

Once he knows the truth, Ruggie will be a lot more mischievous about the situation

Teases MC

Might encourage the rumor or spread some new ones

Understands how it is to lack money, so may try to help MC set prices that'll make them profit

If MC accepts his help, will joke about a kiss for payment, but is actually hoping they'll give him one

Leona would lead on the day of the festival, so Ruggie would try to slip away and check on MC

If anyone tries to get too close or insist that MC kiss them, Ruggie will use his unique magic to get them to go away

If he must attend/help with his own dorm, would encourage Jack to helps protect MC since they're already friends and it wouldn’t be too out of place

Disguises his concern by telling Jack he heard about some trouble that people are planning for Ramshackle Dorm

Only Leona knows the truth

Azul

Offered MC a job working at Mostro Lounge early on, but MC declined

Wants to extend the offer again, but doesn’t want to bring up questions of why

Able to get other rumors/information circulating about how the booth is an extension of Mostro Lounge and is only accessible after a certain number of points are reached

Will make sure the numbers are impossible to reach OR just have the service get slower to those who are getting closer to the number

But will be done under the excuse of just being so busy that it isn’t questioned (Azul’s got a silver tongue after all)

Does not let this information reach Grim or MC

Asks one of the Tweels or strikes a deal with one of MC’s friends to watch over the booth just in case

OR

Depending on the time of year, might try to convince MC to lend Ramshackle dorm grounds as an outdoor seating area

“We’re thinking of trialing a mobile cart version of Monstro Lounge during the festival”

Promises a percentage of earnings as a sort of “rent”

Will be very pleased if MC decides to help out instead of hosting the kissing booth, but if MC is set on holding the kissing booth, will keep an eye on them

Though he’ll claim that he’s present at Ramshackle dorm instead of Mostro Lounge because he wants to personally observe the Mobile express experiment himself

Jade

Shady Twin

Convinces MC to accompany him around the festival or help out at Mostro Lounge

Grim can manage the booth just fine

Will slip Grim a Look™ and an extra can of tuna because he’s trying to get MC away from the booth ASAP -less time there = less time for people to possibly request them

Though he knows no one will approach the booth with him there, he does want to allow MC to get some funds for Ramshackle

Should anyone approach the booth but turn away after realizing only Grim is available for kisses, he’ll casually “ encourage” them to rethink

Floyd

Shady Twin 2.0

Let’s be real no one’s going to try to get close with Floyd hanging around

He knows this and showed up at the very beginning

If he was being forced to work at Mostro Lounge instead and couldn’t be at the booth at opening, will be in a Mood until Azul lets him go

Teases his beloved Shrimpy and asked for a kiss 

Will be surprised if they actually give him one

Only agrees to leave if they come with him to get takoyaki/go around the school

Ace

Tries to spend the night prior at Ramshackle dorm so he can guarantee his being the first one at the booth, but Riddle is furious and sends Deuce and Cater to get him -all members are needed to help set up their own attraction after all

Because of this, finds out that Grim will be the forefront of the booth and relaxes

When he gets to visit the booth “just checking up on you, MC” will act coy and cocky, but if MC rolls with it and doesn’t get flustered, instead offering/ teasing him about a kiss from them, he’ll blush and momentarily trip over his words

Gets a kick out of all the disappointed reactions from those who thought they could get a kiss from MC

If anyone leaves the booth because it’s Grim, not MC that they’d kiss, he’d tease them and put them on the spot, causing their pride/stubbornness to go through with the kiss booth

Malleus

Visits to see the gargoyles

Honestly probably depends on if MC knows who he is or not

Going to assume MC doesn't know yet

Was forgotten to be included at the meeting once again so completely missed on hearing about MC's idea, though Diasomnia is still participating

May hear rumor due to Lilia or just the general excitement about it

Probably a little hurt by it, but the human can choose what they wish to do

Runs into MC one night during his walks and MC asks if he'll be participating

MC invites him to stop by their booth, but gets called back inside by Grim or a noise from the dorm before Malleus can decline

Their "Looking forward to seeing you, Tsunotarou!" really gets to him and he figures he must now show up just for them

Ends up visiting close to the end of the event so he doesn't harm their sales, but wanted to arrive earlier

Relieved when he sees that it's just Grim giving out kisses and MC is just recruiting

When a couple of students see him, they run away screaming, causing MC to turn and see what all the commotion was over

MC still hasn't/doesn't put together that he's Malleus and greets him with a smile despite him scaring away business

Malleus ends up paying several people's portions as apology and should MC give him a kiss as thanks, he'll be happy and lightly blush

Just hope Sebek isn't nearby to see

Malleus has some emotional exploring to do after this

[ivesambrose]

Pick a card you'd rather picture yourself in right now or find traces of a childhood memory in that made you feel happy or safe.

Note:

Pictures are taken from my downloaded tarot app decks. Shadowscapes, ostara & housewives tarot respectively.

If you'd like to book a personal reading with me, DM or email me at jovescorpioreadings@gmail.com with your name and query.

1. You seek some luxury. This luxury is entirely based on your perspective of what a luxury is. Could be money, a new watch, a car or just peace and happiness. You have relied on yourself so far and you want your rewards. You want a chapter to conclude already so a promising one can begin.

Rewards seem slow to come or the success you're looking for seem a little too far away. You want the world in your hands but you wonder how to go on about it.

You've used your logical side for so long that you've begun questioning your intuition and your hunches.

You would also like a better social circle / friends. Not the ones who feel more lik acquaintances that you can't truly rely on.

And it hurts because all you would like to do is be materially secure is to have enough. Recognition would be nice but your priority right now is simply having more than enough. So you can bask in your solitude and get in touch with the creative side you may have abandoned.

A change, just like the seasons is certain.

One of the many good things you can claim for yourself is a sudden turn of events that bring in wealth, luxury or a celebration.

A party or a gathering that brings you the right contacts and networking.

Finally overcoming that one obstacle that seemed so tedious and took forever only to find that it holds the key you were looking for. The sluggishness and uncertainty slowly leaves. You learn to use your logic, wit, communication skills and intuition together.

Progess is inevitable.

Timings : when you least expect it

Significant astrological timing : Gemini season

2. Change, transition, transformation... Sound so poetic and inevitable don't they? All these words pretty much mean the same and often bring endings and endings aren't always painted in pretty pastel hues are they?

You once prayed for this change or to some of you, you had it coming and you knew but you're still holding on to things you'll have to let go of anyway.

Maybe it's a lifestyle you are too familiar with but wanted out of, maybe a recurrent thought process that manifested in a weak self concept, perhaps its an environment, maybe its a dream, a goal? A person?

Deep down, you want to be free and start over. Not worry about the good nor bad of a previous chapter or phase in your life even if it lasted for a long while. But it scares you to take that risk and make the dive.

Whatever that was, sweet or bitter or a bit of both. Felt a little too comfortable for you after a while didn't it?

Isolation and walking the path alone makes you feel like everything is crashing down on the inside. You asked for it but now you aren't sure why?

It's too dark sometimes and you could use more than a flashlight of hope. A sunrise would be more than fine.

Lucky for you, your gift is the exact thing that is currently feeling like a curse to you.

You get power and a renewed sense of self. Maybe something related to music and media too?

Learning boundaries and respecting others too.

I also see freedom from someone that has been treacherous and likely lived under the same roof.

An accomplishment that brings you wealth, a recognition or success in something you participated in, your previous honors or certifications coming in handy for something, little bits of luck and moments of being in the right place at the right time doing you well. A lover/dark haired admirer you've read or written about that unlocks yet another realm of exploration.

Timings : Ongoing

Significant Astrological Timing : Aquarius season

3. Your heart hurts, it feels as though its bleeding through your ribs and you're smiling blankly. The wounds are old but they've added up making you ultra cautious of everyone and everything.

Someone you trusted and relied upon could have betrayed you. Now betrayal comes in several shades but they all hurt the same. You worry you wear a mask too now afraid of who will see the real you. Not everyone deserves to see or know that.

You wanna spread your arms so badly and feel free but you carry your heart with you still and you're afraid to let it speak. You want peace and you want to grow. Its okay if you're starting small. I don't think you judge yourself too harshly at this point but you do carry resentment for the times you felt alone and weak having to defend yourself.

It's always been a fight hasn't it?

You just want to sit down and cry it out but even the thought of it feels lonely.

Some of you really want to overcome a crisis almost (security and finances) even if you come from a well off background you want to make a legacy for yourself. Build your finances, empire, sources so strongly that no one can even think of touching the foundation. Above all, you wouldn't have to think about relying on anyone for security and company nor compassion anymore.

And you know what? You receive exactly that.

Knowledge and skills that help you build yourself towards your goals / ideas / project. You'll keep them a secret or amongst extremely few people.

But most importantly there's equilibrium and harmony. As days go by, you'll feel less and less angry. Maybe you even leave your town, city or country. There's a calling you have to heed.

You become a little more flexible and understanding, a little more dreamy, a lot more intuitive. Open to the unknown, having faith in what you yet can't see.

Fully aware of the power of your thoughts you now use them wisely.

Timing : coming 6 months

[twirlyeyebrows]

hiii!!! congratulations on 200!!! may i pls request a fic with eustass kidd using the prompt “baking” i just think the scenario would be so funny. thank you!!! and good luck with your event!! <333

this request was so much fun omfg thank you 😭 i hope you enjoy :)) (also i look up to you so much as a writer i just have to say that okay i'm done tysm and thank you for your patience <3)

Baking (Kid X Gn Reader)

✶ This piece is a part of my 200 followers event! The status of the event is currently: closed (check it out here!) ✶

♡ Word Count: 1.7k

♡ No pronouns used, No spoilers, No content warnings :)

“This is fucking stupid.” Kid groaned as he messily measured a cup of flour, dumping it into the mix brutally.

You rolled your eyes and took the measuring cup out of his hand.

“It's not stupid! Both of us almost died, remember? We're only here because of the rest of the crew, don't you think they deserve a little thanks from us?” You wiped your messy hands on your apron and scoffed as you watch him use his devil fruit power to take a knife from the counter.

You rush over to him and grab the knife by the handle, holding it out away from him.

“We don't need any knives for making cupcakes, Kid! Get a grip.” You laugh through your words. Since you took the cutlery from him, he was able to use his arm to pull you close. Your faces almost touched. You felt your face get bright red.

For the longest time, you've had the hugest crush on him, but you'd never dream about telling him. You prayed to any god that could hear you that he didn't notice.

He winked and snapped his teeth close to your nose. You let out a small squeak and he laughed, releasing you from his grip.

You huffed in fake anger, attempting to mask how flustered you were.

“How mature!” You barked at him sarcastically. You turned away from him as you felt your face getting warmer still.

You tended back to the mixing bowl in front of you, adding in butter as the instructions called for. Kid paced around the room, not knowing what to do in such a domestic situation. Baking was clearly not his strong suit, maybe you should've tried to find that “Black Leg” guy you've heard so much about.

“So what am I doing here if you won't let me touch anything?” The man next to you asked in his normal nonchalant tone.

“I don't know…moral support?” You sighed and grabbed a whisk.

“Oh, yeah, ‘cause I'm great at that.” He taunted.

He walked over to you and hovered over the bowl, watching you mix the wet ingredients with the dry.

“Yeah, I still don't get why I need to be here.” He vocalized. His tone made it sound like he was too good for something like this.

You set the whisk down in the bowl and turned away from it. Your eyes met his and you stared at him annoyed through your eyelashes.

“Because you need to learn to show some appreciation sometimes.” You poked him in the chest as you served him a dose of truth.

He cocked an eyebrow at you and scoffed.

“I am appreciative.” He said in a voice that made it sound like he thought you were the crazy one. A shocked smile spread across your face and you exhaled through your nose at the statement.

“Really? I never would've guessed!” You shot back, sarcastically. “As I recall, I had to drag your ass in here so many times before you finally decided to stay put.” The words were sharp but the way you said them was not. As annoying as it had been, the repetitive game of catch and release you had to play was riveting. You loved when that man played hard to get, and lucky for you, he did it often.

Kid grinned smugly and chuckled. You felt your heart flip. You tended back to the bowl even though the batter was already complete.

“Hey, watch yourself, (Y/n).” He said, still smiling as he dipped a finger into the mixing bowl and scooped out a dollop of the mix. He looked you dead in the eyes as he put the tip of his finger in his mouth and licked off the batter. He ended the display with a suave wink. That bastard.

“Don't put your hands in the batter, Kid! Jesus Christ that's like rule number one of baking.” You pouted.

You turned your back on him, needing to see if the oven had been preheated to the right temperature. When you saw that it had, you smiled sweetly. You were so excited to give these little gifts to your crew. Even though they weren't necessarily the most wholesome bunch of pirates, who didn't like baked goods? You knew that they'd appreciate them, even if it was deep down.

When you turned back around you were met with a weird sensation sliding across your face. Kid had blatantly gone against your wishes and taken more batter out of the bowl, this time smudging it along your cheek.

You used two fingers to swipe some of the mixture off your face, looking at it in utter surprise. You swore, if you had been baking with anyone else, everything would've gone fine. But of course, you had to have Kid help you, your feelings wouldn't have let you had it any other way.

“Oops~" He said in the most taunting, childish, and downright irritating ridicule.

Even so, you couldn't help but let your eyes linger on him a little too long. You could tell that he was having fun, even if he wanted to act like wasn't. The hopeful shine swirled in his eyes when he looked at you and the batter in your hand. He was having a good time, and thank god because you were too.

Perhaps you lingered just a little too long, however.

Kid snapped his fingers in front of you and waved his hand over your eyes. He laughed at you, teasingly.

“You good?” He snickered.

You broke out of your loving gaze and were brought back to reality. You needed to start getting yourself in check, if you kept this up, your feelings would be clear as day to the very man you're keeping them from. Though, you couldn't help but notice a small red hue along Kid’s cheeks and nose as you came back down to earth.

You shook your head quickly, waking yourself up from your dreamlike state. You nodded your head in response to his question and ran a hand through your hair.

Clearly, you had forgotten about what had just happened a minute ago because now there was a streak of sticky cupcake batter weaved through the strands of your hair. You looked up in disgust and embarrassment as you heard Kid’s booming laugh from beside you.

“The fuck are you laughing at?” You snarl, going against your own advice and sticking your hand in the bowl. You scooped out a good amount of the mixture and smeared it across Kid’s scarred face and up into his hair. You couldn't believe you did that. It felt great.

You saw a sinister look appear in the man’s eyes as his gaze darted to the bowl on the counter. This was not going to end well.

“Ah, feeling bold, are we?” He cooed, dipping his fingertips into the bowl and flicking them at you, causing a sprinkle of batter rain to spray on your apron.

“Fuck the cupcakes.” You thought, “This is way more fun.”

Through a mess of tumbling, fighting, yelling, and laughing, you and Kid had wasted nearly all of the batter you had prepared for the cakes. When there was nothing left to fight with, you both sat there and admired the crime scene. There was cupcake mix everywhere. It was all over both of your faces and clothes, it was on the walls, the floor, basically everywhere except for the bowl.

You stood up from the ground you had been shoved down on and stuck out your tacky arms.

“Now this was fucking stupid.” You mumbled, thinking about how long it was going to take to clean everything.

“But worth it.” Kid sighed as he stood up with you, also gritting his teeth at the sight of batter covering the kitchen.

Your stomach flipped and not with disdain over the lost cupcakes. Did he just say this was worth it?

“You think so?” You nearly whisper. You smile, genuinely. Kid’s face goes red and you want to point it out but you know that would be hypocritical.

“Yeah, it was fun. Way better than actually baking something.” He smiled as well, not as vulnerable as you, but genuine nonetheless.

You let out a loud exhale.

“Yeah but now I have to make the whole thing over again, and clean all this shit up.” You looked around in dread once more.

“Maybe I can actually help this time, you know... if you want to let me.” He teased.

You ignored the chill running through your blood.

“Well, it looks like I'm going to need it.” You tilted your head towards him and met his eyes. “Sure, you can stick around if you want.”

He snickered and walked over to you, stopping only when he was a few inches from being pressed against you. The blush on your face was the same color as his hair. You coached yourself in your mind, telling yourself not to say something stupid.

“If I want?” He says, raising an eyebrow. “Do you not want me here, (Y/n)?” He said in a classic drawn-out taunt, complementing the tease with a shit-eating grin. He knew what he was doing and you hated him for it, even though you couldn't bring yourself to shut him up.

You didn't say anything, the words stuck in your throat like peanut butter.

“Well, do you?” He spoke quieter this time as he moved in closer to you. Your body acted on its own as you felt yourself nodding your head.

“Good.” He whispered as he brought a batter-covered finger to your bottom lip, leaving a spot of the mix perched there.

You couldn't help but laugh at the gesture. You were about to shoot him with a witty remark but all of the sudden, his hand was on your cheek. He was leaving a sticky handprint on your face, but you didn't care.

“Here, let me get that for you.” He purred with a confident smile as he pulled your face into his, connecting your lips in a heartbeat.

You eased into the kiss in no time, savoring every movement, every small gasp, and every time the delicious vanilla flavor made its way onto your tongue.

Between your thoughts of shock and love, you could only think about how fun it was going to be to ruin the next batch.

[420technoblazeit]

ok so I've been playing genshin since release, if you're trying to get 44 pulls that's 7040 primos which seems like a lot, but it is doable. Here's a handy check list for some of the more lucrative ways in my experience.

First of all, assuming you do your commissions every day, you already have about 450 primos from that, so really your target number is about 6590.

Spiral abyss- even if it's just doing the stuff before floor 9 and doing as much as you can of floors 9-12. Remember it doesn't have to be perfect, your goal is just to get things

Teapot- teapot my beloved. So aside from leveling up the tea pot for the primos by crafting stuff, each character you have (idk how many or which ones) has one or two decoration sets they love which will give you 20 primos, some Mora, and their level up books. If you have a lot of characters this is probably one of the better ways if you haven't done it already. Look up "genshin teapot gift guide" or the like to see what sets each character is associated with.

Exploring- so Inazuma and enkanomiya are the only areas where every chest is guaranteed to give you primos, and they might not be a lot but they stack up quickly. Idk your exploration levels but basically if you need to explore places, forget Liyue and Mondstat unless it's for the oculi and just focus inazuma

Achievements- there are so many achievements that have three stages and give you a total of 35 primos throughout, try and focus those and do the ones that you think are easiest.

Quests- might seem obvious, but Hangouts and story quests stack up so very quickly.

Current event- this current event gives you about 30 primos every day and assuming you've already done it for today, you have 180 more primos to get.

Also, just use your wishes and if you get enough of the fancy stardust from pulling 4 stars, unless you really need a character in the shop, buy the pink fates. Technically, it is very possible to get banner 5 star before hard pity (I got hu tao at like 20 awhile back) so I guess just keep your fingers crossed, but most of these ways should help you a little if you haven't already done them. Same if you have blue wishes,(also try and level up characters for those) just use them and hope you get the fancy stardust.

Apologies for the long and weird format, good luck pulling!

holy SHIT ok thansk dude ill b sure to do those. fuckign. thanks bestie

[fangirl-ramblings]

Pairing: Arthur x gn!reader

Characters: Reader, Simon Pearson, Mary Linton, Arthur Morgan

Word count: 3306

Summary: You and Arthur have recently made your relationship official by moving into his tent...but is he really into you...or is he still holding onto his past?

Notes: SFW, Angst leading to fluff

After requesting several wonderful stories from one of my favourite writers and people, I was super honoured to have the chance to be able to write something for the super talented and lovely @littlestarofthewest -  Merry Christmas from your secret santa 😘😘

Also a huge thank you to @horsegirl1h (who helped me plot this out) @verai-marcel (for wrangling in all my stupid grammatical mistakes) & @mileycyprus-hill who took a quick look over this and gave me a much better character note on how to improve Arthur's feelings in this story and give me a far better title I could ever think of myself. Thank you all 😘

~* Tumblr Masterlist | Stories on AO3 *~

The First Shall Be Forgotten

You slowly opened your eyes, only to find the cot next to you still empty. It was fairly late when you'd finally taken yourself off to bed last night, but you had found yourself unable to keep your eyes open as you'd sat around the scout fire. Your hope of Arthur riding back into camp and joining you in lying down for the night had turned into a wishful dream of waking up with his strong arms wrapped around you, but it turns out it was just that - merely a pleasant dream. 

It was only a few months since you'd started dating, with most of that time spent being inseparable, but lately you noticed that Arthur was staying away from camp longer and longer. Yes - the events of Blackwater had changed the gang's luck and the likes of Dutch and Strauss kept giving Arthur more and more tasks to do, but you'd felt like that most of these jobs could be done well before nightfall. Surely Arthur wasn't avoiding you because he was bored of you already….could he?

You sat upright, shaking your head free of any more of those nasty thoughts, quickly making the decision that you should get dressed and help out around camp before Miss Grimshaw marched over to berate you for wasting so much time idling about.

There was a chill floating in the air this morning in camp and so you found yourself shivering as you looked around for your light jacket. Opening your shared trunk, you proceeded to pile a mixture of both yours and Arthur's clothes on to the cot in your quest to find your missing coat. Though you soon found yourself distracted as you lifted one of Arthur's shirts up, tutting to yourself as you saw just how worn and dirt stained they all were. You swore that that man would wear these offending items until they fell apart on him...and some were close to doing so, judging by how often they'd been patched up.

   "Ah, there you are," Pearson's cheerful voice booming from behind you, making you jump out of your skin, "I need a helping hand gathering supplies in town and was wondering if you could come along with me for the ride"

   "Me? Surely there's someone more capable about?" Although Valentine was only a short ride away, the idea of being Mr. Pearson's captive audience for that short length of time was not high on your list of priorities for the day. 

   "Well, I don't know if you noticed but we are stretched a little thin on the ground right now," his hands gesturing to the almost empty camp area in front of you, "Mr. Smith & Mr. Escuella are yet to return from Blackwater with young Sean and, as you well know, Mr. Morgan is still yet to return from wherever he has took himself off to. As for the girls..." you tried to stifle a chuckle as he trailed off to glance nervously over at where Tilly, Mary-Beth and Karen were currently sitting at their wagon, making sure they couldn't hear this conversation, "...I'd rather not ask them. Uncle told me of the trouble they got up to on their last visit into Valentine."

You couldn't help but burst out laughing at Pearson's fear of trying to keep three excited young women from creating chaos. "Sorry, sorry," you apologised, wiping your eyes as he looked at you with confusion, "Well...since you have no other options, I'll join you. I've been wanting to pick Arthur up a new shirt anyways." Spotting your jacket at the bottom of the truck, you quickly threw it on, leaving all the other clothes heaped on the bed, "Shall we go now then?"

"Goddamit, why does there have to be a train in the station?" you grumbled as Pearson pulled the horses to a stop at the crossing, which was blocked by one of the carriages belonging to the offending train. After being waylaid by the shop boy slowly loading the wagon with all the goods Pearson had chosen for camp - not that any of these ingredients would do much to improve his cooking, you cruelly thought to yourself - your head was starting to ache from listening to Pearson's constant tall tales. All you had wanted to do was get back to camp and sleep off your headache, but that didn't seem to be happening anytime soon, thanks to this stupid train.

   "I know what you mean, I was hoping to get back and make a start on preparing supper," Pearson sighed before suddenly cheering up, "But, hey, at least it gives me more time to tell you about my time at sea. There was this other time..."

Internally, you found yourself groaning, trying to zone out the older man as he recounted yet another story, that this time seemed to involve him somehow, inexplicably fighting a walrus -  single-handedly -  to save his crew.

You glanced around, finding yourself admiring all the different horses hitched up around the station...until a familiar sight caught your eye.

   "Hey isn't that Brutus?" you interrupted Pearson mid-sentence, gesturing towards the big, black Shire horse that Hosea had gifted Arthur a few weeks ago. Arthur had rarely named his horses after losing his beloved Boudicca in Blackwater and was more than content to just refer to this one as "Boy", but after overhearing Hosea called this giant a brute, you'd jokingly suggested the name Brutus, a name that had tickled Arthur and agreed it was the perfect name for this beast.

Put out a little by the fact you had rudely interrupted him just as the story was getting good, Pearson grudgingly glanced over to the direction in which you were pointing.

   "Er, it does look like it. So anyway after I killed the Walrus with nothing but my bare hands…" 

   'So this is where you've gotten to Morgan,' you thought to yourself, once again not listening to Pearson's story. 'Here's hoping you're on your way home too.'

Smiling to yourself that your lover would hopefully be by your side once more, you absent-mindedly found yourself scanning the crowd of people that was starting to thin out as they slowly stepped onto the carriages...until you saw him standing with his back to you.

A smile started to creep over your face as you recognised Arthur's dirty blond hair, broad frame and filthy blue shirt. Just the fact you could see how dirty it was from this distance made you glad that you'd made the decision to buy him a new one now, as that one needed throwing out, never mind a good wash. Anybody would think that man spent most of his time rolling around in the mud than riding a horse around.

With his hands on his gun belt, he shifted his weight to one side and the smile on your face was replaced with a look of confusion as a young lady was revealed to be standing next to him, deep in an intimate conversation.

Unconsciously scowling at her, you were unable to shake the feeling that you've seen her somewhere before, but for the life of you, you couldn't quite place where.

You squinted your eyes to try and focus your vision on her delicate features before a feeling of rage bubbled up from your stomach as she kissed Arthur's cheek, in a way that suggested more than just friendship.

"And I'll tell you - I used that walrus meat to feed a crew of 50...and not one of them complained the way you and the rest of camp do about my cooking" Pearson waffled on down your ear, distracting you from your thoughts about this mysterious woman and how you wanted to jump down and throttle her. Instead you suddenly had the urge to wrap your hands around the cook's neck. 

Turning to face him, you barked, "Maybe being at sea for weeks at end with no food makes people more appreciative of the slop you always manage to serve up - no matter the ingredients." 

You instantly felt regret as the words left your mouth and you saw the hurt in the older man's eyes.

   "Christ, I'm sorry Mr. Pearson. I didn’t mean to take it out on you..." You paused, thinking about telling him about what you just saw, but you doubted this old sea dog would give a damn about your love life and so explained "I just have a real bad headache and it's put me in a bad mood."

He nodded softly and turned away so you wouldn't see him wipe the sting of the tears from his eyes.

Feeling guilty from the hurt you just caused, you looked away to the source of your own pain, only to find Arthur had disappeared from the platform and the train was now pulling out the station. Had he gotten on board with his mystery woman? Gone off to start a new life with her and left you and the outlaw life behind him? These thoughts rattled around your head as Pearson told the horses to giddy up and the pair of you headed back to camp in an awkward silence.

Jumping down from the wagon, you helped Pearson unload the wagon - still with an uneasy tension in the air, before you tried to broker the peace between you both by offering to help prepare the next meal as a peace offering.

   "No, it's quite okay," Pearson patted you shoulder to show there was no hard feelings, "You go sleep off that sore head of yours"

You nodded appreciatively, finding yourself thanking him and apologising once more as you picked up the wrapped parcel containing Arthur's new shirt, and headed back to your tent. 

As you walked over, you rolled your eyes in annoyance at yourself as you caught sight of the mess you'd left behind this morning. Picking the mountain of clothes up, you threw them in straight at the trunk at the end of the cot, surprising yourself as you heard a loud clatter of something hitting the side of the chest and then dropping onto the floor.

Peering over, you saw that a few shirts and a pair of trousers had missed their target and were now scattered over the floor... alongside a wooden photoframe, laying face down on the ground, that definitely wasn't there before.

Picking it up, you recognised the image of a younger, but still very handsome version of Arthur standing on the left.

'You've always been a good-looking bastard haven't you?' half smiling as you took in his handsome features, 'No wonder you have a long list of admirers to spend all your time instead of me.'

Well before you and Arthur had started dating, you had seen this photograph before. You recalled picking it up from his bedside table back then too, in order to get a closer look of how attractive Arthur's always been.

But sometime between then and making your relationship official, Arthur must have removed it and hidden it out of sight from you. Just as you were about to ask yourself why, you spotted who else was in the picture.

   'No…no it can't be,' you thought to yourself as you stared at the beautiful, dark haired woman standing next to him in the image. But, as much as you didn’t want it to be, it certainly was. Looking straight back at you was a younger version of the same woman from the train station…the same woman who had ripped Arthur's heart out and tore it into a million pieces all those years ago when she called off their engagement - Mary.

Time seemed to slow down as your mind went into overdrive. Did he simply remove the picture as a thoughtful gesture so you wouldn't wake up to a younger Arthur and his ex-fiancee looking at you…or did he hide it because he still loved her and her alone? Were you just a stopgap - something to fill the emptiness in his heart until she came back to him? Is that the real reason Arthur had hidden the picture and not gotten rid of it completely? So once he had managed to win her back, he could toss you aside and place it once more on his bedside to stare lovingly at while he held her in his arms?

You hadn’t realise you were crying or just how hard you were gripping the frame until you heard the sudden sound of glass cracking and a mix of your blood and tears began to streak all over her stupid, perfect face. Standing frozen to the spot, you stared and stared at her image, slowly disappearing under the physical manifestations of your hurt and betrayal, until you heard Arthur bellow out your name as he rode back into camp.

   "Hey you. Boy, did I sure miss you while I was gone," he cheerfully greeted you as he strode towards you, "I tell you, there's some strange sights out there that I've been dyin' to tell you all 'bout."

   "Tell me?" you snarled, acting the wounded animal you currently felt like, "Don't you have other people you'd rather spend your time with?"

   "What? What's got into you?" 

Your heart panged as you saw the hurt cross his face as he saw how upset you were. 

"Listen, if this 'bout me spendin' so much time from camp recently, then I am sorry - but I did miss you somethin' fierce y'know" he assured you, placing his arms around your waist.

   "Just like you've missed Mary for all these years?" Just saying her name out loud felt like you had tasted venom on your lips and needed to quickly spit it out.

"Mary? Where's all this comin' from?" He flustered, averting his eyes downwards as not to meet your steely gaze. Upon seeing you holding the photograph, he exclaimed, "Christ alive, you're bleedin'. Here lemme fix you up."

"I'm fine," you snapped at him, pulling your hand away from his gentle touch. Any other time, this small act of affection - the big mean outlaw gently cradling your hand in his - would have made you melt on the spot, but today your inner rage wasn't having any of it. Instead you blurted out, "I saw you. At the train station…with her."

Realising he had been caught out and couldn't bluff his way out of this sorry mess, he sat down on the cot and tried to explain.

   "Okay, yeah, I was at the train station with her, but it really ain't what you think…"

   "I saw her kiss you."

  "You mean when she kissed my cheek? That was her sayin' goodbye. Her and her brother are headin' back East to find their father."

You sat next to him, the photograph still in your hands.

   "Still doesn't explain why you were with her in the first place."

   "No it doesn't, does it." He sighed, running his hand down his face. "I was on my way back to camp, ridin' through Valentine when I thought I'd check and see if there was any post. Lo' and behold there was just the one - a letter from Mary askin' if I could help with a small problem of hers."

   "So you must have been in contact with her if she knew you were in town."

He shook his head. "No. No, she'd recognised the girls after their last trip into town and wrote to me on the off-chance I was also in the area."

   "Why?"

"Her kid brother, Jamie, he'd gone and got himself mixed up in this weird cult up in Cumberland Forest. Christ, you shoulda seen them all listenin' on as this lunatic spouted some nonsense about turtles or somethin'," laughing, he patted his leg until he saw your stony expression still waiting for the answer to your question.

   "Get to the point please, Arthur."

   "You're right, sorry," he said as he nodded, "Jamie was the only one in her family who stood up for me and I owed it to *him*, not Mary, him -  to help get him away from those crazy fools."

You fidgeted slightly next to him. You wanted to believe him, but he seemed to be avoiding the main topic of conversation.

   "So say I believe you about your reasonings for helping her…why did you keep a picture of her?"

Silence filled the air for a second before he simply answered. "I shoved it in there so you wouldn't have to keep lookin' at it when we lay together...and I guess I forgot all 'bout it."

You looked away as more tears fell down your cheeks. Gently placing his hand under your chin, Arthur turned your face to face his, looking deep into your eyes he told you, 

   "You’re overthinking – I’m yours. That’s all I want to be.”

   "Prove it." You pleaded.

   "Okay then...this should show you she's nothin' to me now." He took the broken frame from your grasp and carefully removed the picture from the frame, lingering for a moment before crumpling it up in his hand and walking towards the campfire.

Though his stride was purposeful, you couldn't help but feel he faltered once more as he looked at the flames, but those fears disappeared as he turned to look back at you with a warmth in his eyes and a smile stretching wide across his face. Looking straight at you, his hand opened and the picture fell into the flames, where it lay for a few moments as it slowly rendered into nothing but a pile of ashes.

Making his way back over to you, he picked you up and spun you around his arms.

   "I'm all yours...are you mine?"

Bonus scene: Arthur's POV

He slowly removed the picture from the frame, partly being careful not to cut himself on broken shards of glass and partly because he wanted to make sure he was making the right decision. He was convinced that after Mary called it all off between them, he'd never smile, let alone love again. But then you'd walked into his life and brought light back into the darkness he'd found himself in.

But maybe there was a reason he'd held on to this photograph for all this time - a reminder of the good times that existed between them. Heartbreak has a funny way of erasing those memories, but seeing the woman you once considered the love of your life in person has an equally funny way of making those feelings rush back.

But no, the heartache he'd felt for all these years outweighed the fleeting moments of happiness he'd felt with Mary. And that kiss on the cheek to say goodbye that she'd given him at the train station? It certainly didn't give him butterflies like it used too. Looking at her image one last time, he crumpled it up and walked over to the campfire.

Though he had confidently strode over to flames, he once more had doubts he was right to finally let Mary go. Turning to face you, everything suddenly became very clear in Arthur's mind. Everything he ever wanted: someone who loved the group of people he considered family, as well as loving him for the man he was - despite his faults, someone who was willing to stick with him through thick and thin, make him laugh when he was down, and never fail to make him smile, that special someone he wanted to grow old with with...he already had that with you.

Without thinking, he opened his hand and let the battered photograph waft downwards, enveloped by the flames and turning to nothingness as he made his way back over to you, picking you up and spinning you around his arms.

   "I'm all yours...are you mine?"

[just-somehuman]

I don't know if I'm the only one but, I'm loving this new reward system

It's a really great system for f2p players like me that never do end up getting the rewards they want in events unless they use D-Energy and Devil Points but even those aren't enough. By using these box things, players have a chance at getting any of the rewards in the box. And it's only 500 collectable items per 1 pull. Um, hello??? That's basically free cash. For every battle with 3 stars won, you can receive 120 collectable items (I think). You just need to win 5 battles and you have enough to pull. BRUH. And I love how you're able to choose what you want. Like if you only want the Devil's Tree growth items and you've collected all of them from the current box, you can move on (if you have the next box unlocked). It think it's a lovely system. For people like me that are somehow blessed with gacha luck, this update is great for me. But hey, I haven't gotten a single item I've wanted yet but I'm still here. Plus, I love the feeling of not knowing what I'm going to get and getting dissapointed when it's not what I wanted, EVEN MORE OF A REASON TO WORK HARDER AND COLLECT MORE STUFF WHILE I BOOST MY DAMN WEAK CARDS- For me personally, I will miss the old system and embrace the new one. I hope everyone else can too! Good luck pulling! :))

WAIT I FORGOT TO MENTION SOMETHING.

We're getting free 10 pulls everyday. By the end of the free-10-pull-per-day period, every player should've ended up with AT LEAST ONE cheat card for the event so players can receive more collectable items with battles. Please also check your mail, every player has been given 10000 of those rose thingys for the current event as compensation for an issue. You'll be able to open 20 boxes with that amount ALONE.

Aight I'm done ranting, ciao.