#I'm so weak for this trope and they feed us so well

[gusucloud]

“Foreheads have more stars than the night sky.” M.B. Johnson

[lale-txt]

✱ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐝..

where you travel with your friend and your favorite trope comes to life

↳ 𝐰/ 𝐊𝐢𝐤𝐮, 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐫𝐨 & 𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨

a/n: slowly getting back into reworking and reposting older stuff as i work on my trades and requests (´⌣`ʃƪ) i'm so weak for all three of them (not just because of my raging size kink). Wano just introduced us to so many good chars, it's wild. holding them gently in my palm with little hearts floating around my head

word count: 1.1k

❦ 𝐊𝐈𝐊𝐔

Kiku and you actually don’t mind the bed situation, but almost get into a fight because both of you insist that the other one takes the bed

you give in when she draws her sword (no questions were asked why she is bringing her sword on a regular road trip, you just roll with it) and threatens you to take the damn bed

her smile is sweet but her eyes definitely say murder

you flop down on the bed and pat next to you, inviting her to join you

“see? there’s actually plenty of space for both of us. the blanket seems rather small though, so if you don’t mind some cuddling at night…”

she doesn’t, moreover, she initiates it

at first you freeze when she wraps her arms around you from behind, spooning you, then you let yourself sink deeper into her hug, enjoying the comfort of her warmth

you can’t fully relax though because whenever you close your eyes, you see the face of her brother, threatening you with a gun because how dare you touch his perfect little sister

your therapist will definitely hear about this 

but for now you’re happy, turning around so you can look into her beautiful eyes in the dim bedroom light

you cup her face, your thumb brushing the soft skin of her cheeks as she smiles, a smile so pretty it feels like a stake straight through your heart

wow, you really are in love huh? why else would there be so many butterflies all of sudden? why does being in her arms feel the safest you have been? 

the two of you have some soft and sweet pillow talk, too giggly to fall asleep, spilling secrets in the dark

only when you run out of words, you both scoot closer and closer, subtle but enough so your lips can find each other, sweet kisses fluttering all over your face, whispered confessions in your open mouth until the morning comes and you walk hand in hand out of that fateful hotel room

❦ 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐑𝐎

“oh well. you can have the bed, i don’t sleep that much during the night anyway.”

which is in fact, true. he naps often and everywhere because he’s usually up all night, robbing the rich and causing arson

tonight is no exception, just a little different from his usual shenanigans 

Denjiro would probably bargain with the owners of the hotel first to get you both a big discount on the room since it’s not what you booked

you can hear him going full “i want to speak the manager” on the poor staff downstairs

he’ll come back in the room with a big grin and a bag full of cold hard cash, his fox eyes looking feisty

“let’s party”

he encourages you to go wild on the room service, ordering everything your heart desires as long as you get him some sake too

you still end up in the same bed together, watching reality tv shows all night while feeding each other the most delicious stuff the room service carried in on a dozen silver tablets

cuddled up against him, you can’t help but think that maybe sharing a bed with him isn’t that bad…?

and judging from the way he holds you close, dozing off every now and then, Denjiro seems to be comfortable too

you snuggle closer against him when he pulls you into his lap, your head resting against his broad chest, his arms wrapped around you

“want to order some dessert, too?”

his voice is close to your ear, sending warm shivers down your spine

you tilt your head back to look him in the eyes, returning the wide smile as you reach for his long blue hair that’s falling over his shoulders

“i think there’s something sweet in the room already that i want to taste…”

yes you kiss <3

❦ 𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐎

you both stand in front of the queen sized bed, hands on the hips as you both shrug at each other

you’re friends, right? no big deal sharing the same bed, friends do that all the time

still, you can’t deny that your heart is skipping a few beats by the thought of it

Yamato initiates a pillow fight when he notices the slight tension and accidentally knocks you out when a pillow hits you directly in the face

quickly grabs your soul leaving your body and stuffs it right back in

when you regain your consciousness again, Yamato is leaning over you, carefully dabbing your face with a cold towel, his worried face brightening up when he sees your eyes fluttering open again

he apologizes a thousand times on his knees (poor boy sometimes forgets how strong he is) and begs for forgiveness

he even offers to sleep in the bathtub tonight to make up for it, so you can enjoy the bed all for yourself

you can’t help but giggle from the thought of Yamato trying to fit all his long limbs into the tiny tub and you can see the relief on his face when he realizes that you’re not mad at him

“i accept your apology. to make up for it, you could let me lay in your lap and run your fingers through my hair…?”

guess three seconds of feeling brave really pay off because Yamato is so fast to jump into bed with you, building a tiny fort of pillows around you both before he pats into his lap, gesturing you to lay down

if you could purr, you would right now because Yamato’s fingers make you feel things

you’re chatting about all the things you want to do on your vacation but you can’t fully concentrate on the conversation because your heart is drumming so loud in your chest, you fear it might just jump out 

only when you suggest to switch positions so you can pet Yamato too, your faces are coming awfully close to each other, your hands touching, and just like that the last remaining inch between your lips is gone as you sink into a deep kiss that takes your breath away

every time people ask how you two got together, the story will start with a “and there was only one bed”

[just-a-carrot]

I’ve been sick for the past week or so (to which my partner got sick immediately after me) and me and them are orly coded and I am a multishipper before I am a human being so I love the idea of iggy taking care of orlam when he’s sick so much :,)

nothing crazy, just some upper respiratory virus he got from work bc it was that time of the year again at that point

normally orlam would be pretty pissed due to Not Being On The Grind but despite the fact he’s coughing like a dying victorian child, has used up 3 boxes of tissues that DAY blowing his nose (the trash can has been overfilled for the past two hours), and the fact he hasn’t been able to feel his legs for the past 3 hours, he’s pretty content simply because of the case of Pretty Boy Has Been Feeding Him Soup And Medicine All Day

he probably coughs and gives a weak smile like he’s dying in a hospital bed (he’s not)(he’ll be fine in a few days) as iggy brings in more meds and hot chicken noodle soup. “My angel…he’s returned to heal me…” like he’s so CORNY

iggy blushes a tad at being called orlam’s angel (he really doesn’t think he’s doing much? just helping the man he loves when he’s sick). “haha, yeah…” says iggy as if he didn’t just nearly burn the soup on the stove and take their whole apartment with it (their microwave has been busted for like a week and iggy’s ass has been suffering bc it’s usually orlam who cooks but obviously orlam CAN’T rn 😭😭😭)

they do that corny cheeseball thing where iggy stays with orlam in bed while orlam rests and gets Adequate Sleep and in turn, iggy gets sick as well, so it’s orlam’s turn to take care of him (which orlam is INSANELY EXTRA ABOUT BTW. bro gets a dehumidifier, candles, draws iggy a warm bath when the chills set in, orders hot soup from a rlly good place he knows iggy likes nearby and pets iggy’s hair while feeding it to him, always keeps the TV in their room on so netflix shows that iggy likes can always be playing like BRO YOU JUST GOT BETTER CHILL ‼️‼️‼️)(orlam brewbacher when he’s given another chance to spoil the love of his life)

they’re so silly I love orly so much :3 ��🦅🦅

ohhhhhhh this is soooooo sweet... 🥺💕

i'm such a sucker for the "taking care of sick" trope as it is i will admit alkdjfas so this is extremely cute to me...

i love the dichotomy here. like iggy just desperately trying his best and hoping he's doing it right but anxious he could mess up and orlam will be horrendously offended (and/or die because iggy couldn't take care of him well enough LOL) so is constantly asking for orlam's approval or if he needs anything

whereas orlam is just like completely smooth and suave about it and handles little every tiny little thing and takes complete control and acts like he's done this 50 thousand times hahaha

this is incredibly sweet i love it 💕

[dearweirdme]

Was sitting on a message I had typed up then I saw the other heterosexual JK warrior here sooooo... "Let's say Tae is not in the picture, what are the reasons that made you think JK could possibly be gay?"

This is a funny question to ask, because being gay only has one criteria: being attracted to someone of the same sex. That's it. So what they're asking is "Outside of his attraction to someone of the same sex, what makes you think he's gay?" Well…nothing outside of that would make him gay, would it. When people ask questions like this, it makes me think they want you to start listing stereotypes that he fits into. I see people say things like "He's the straightest person I've ever seen" and I think…where? That would require him to constantly be expressing attraction to the opposite sex, and he doesn't. At all. The only direct statement we've gotten from him recently regarding this, and I think it was a pretty bold one, is that he doesn't have a girlfriend and doesn't want one and then steered the conversation back to his work. Is it really that he has stereotypically "straight" characteristics? Have these people never seen a physically fit gay man? What does he do that they don't think a gay man would do? I'm genuinely curious because I don't get it. "jungkook literally took it upon himself to BE that fanfiction male macho tattooed pierced motorcycle rider heterosexual guy, so i doubt that most tkkrs/jkkrs ship him with vmin because "he's saur obviously queer!" And here we are. Exactly what I was talking about. 😂 Jungkook never took it on himself to BE anything but who he is. Has anon never seen a physically fit gay man? Has anon never seen a tattooed and pierced queer person? His tattoos and piercings are not a costume he's wearing to feed fantasies, it's what he genuinely wanted to do with his body and had been saying so since he was much younger and had people discouraging him from doing it. In a perfect demonstration of what I was saying earlier, they have listed these characteristics along with "heterosexual" like that all just fits together. Anon even uses the word "macho" which...doesn't fit Jungkook at all to me. It means appearing aggressively and "typically" masculine like being physically strong but not showing "weakness" like emotions...that ain't Jungkook. The one who cries the most easily of all of them? Jungkook is so soft, polite and kindhearted and has NEVER been the fanfiction tropes that y/ns want him to be. I'm a tattooed and pierced queer person myself. I'm also a Jungkook-biased Taekooker. Most of the Taekookers I've gotten close to (been here since 2016) are also queer. So I guess it really depends on who you're associating with. There's also a big difference between "shippers" and the kind of people who come to this blog. Shipping is wish-fulfillment. That's not why I'm a Taekooker. I didn't wish for something between them, I just saw it. Didn't even have to try. I had included in my original message a bit about the convo I've seen around Jungkook possibly being demi so it's interesting to see that popped up in other messages. It's possible he is, but I think what's more interesting about people seeing that and bringing it up now is that it goes against the narrative that he is blatantly and aggressively "straight". I agree with the anons, and you, that outside of what I see with Tae he doesn't really express attraction. Which is why I think the "straight" label comes from people stereotyping other things about him, with a little bit of wish-fulfillment. 😉

Hi anon!

This, very much all of this! I couldn’t have said it any better.

[themonotonysyndrome]

A what if headcannon.... (present) Castin met teenage (past) Celica (like him learning more about her life, trama, abuse, interests, thoughts for the future)

This ask is too good not to be a oneshot! I love, love, LOVE IT when characters from the present meet another character from the future or past. It's a very thought-provoking trope! So thank you for this prompt, Anon~

*Castin is 26 years old here, while Celica is 14 years old.

-

The red velvet curtains above Castin immediately alert him that something is wrong. Really, really wrong.

He finds himself waking up on a red canopy bed, too soft and too foreign compared to his charming and rustic marital one. He would know because he bought it, after all. Actually, most of the furniture in the bedroom was personally chosen and bought by Castin with his wife's maximum comfort in mind. So, this whole rich burgundy and dark gold aesthetic that surrounds him? Scream of moody opulence and spellbinding grandeur - perfect for a wealthy teenager.

Unfortunately for the Intacian warrior, he let his thoughts wander for far too long because a cold, sharp blade is suddenly pressed against his throat. Light as a feather, but Castin has no doubt that if he so much as breathe, that dagger will dig deep.

"You are the strangest assassin that I've ever encountered." A young voice muses from his left, and Castin's heart stills. He could recognise the condescending lit in that tone he had come to adore anywhere. Or rather... at any year if his suspicion is proven correct. "Is your go-to tactic consist of ambushing your victims in their beds? Like some monster under the bed?"

Castin chuckles lowly, very mindful of the blade still against his neck? "Would you believe me if I said that I'm not an assassin?"

"You have exactly 10 seconds to humour me then: Who are you?"

"I'm your husband from the future."

"A drunk or drugged-up assassin is on my bed. What a day of many firsts this is turning out to be."

"I can prove it if you want: You parents left you something with Ezekiel. Spoiler alert: He'll never give it to you while you're... you're like this."

"You just gesture to all of me."

Castin can't help it; he grins so wide his cheeks hurt. He takes a leap of faith at that moment: Gently pushing the dagger away so he can push himself up to fully look at Celica Anesidora.

This version of his wife looks very young; definitely a teenager. Unlike the colours of her bedroom, the heir apparent is wearing a white dress with black linings today. Her long blonde hair is in a low twin-tail, and she has the most unimpressed expression. Castin would've gushed how adorable she was if it weren't for her still holding that dagger; most likely poisoned knowing the Anesidora upbringing.

Castin lets her stare at the tattoo across his heart before slowly raising an eyebrow. "Well? Arent'y you gonna confirm it with Zeke?"

"His name is Ezekiel and even then you will only address him by Sir Di Angelo." Teenage Celica immediately snaps. Her eyes narrow at him. Goddess, it's like a puffed-up kitten.

Castin slowly raises his arms up in peace. "My bad, my bad. The head butler recently gave me permission to call him by that so I got used to it."

"Hmph. Only family is given that privelege."

"Exactly~"

Celica pursed her lips. "What is your name?"

"Castin Hammer, forever at your service." Castin introduces himself, beating a fist against his chest in greeting. And just because he now knows Imperial custom... "Commander of the Intacian army."

The heir apparent physically recoils from the bed. Shock is evident. "You're an Intacian! An enemy of the Empire!"

Castin swallows the bitterness that swells up. A weak smile on his face. "Hey, hey, we're not the barbarians that your government has been feeding you, alright? Look, are you gonna confirm if I speak the truth with Sir Di Angel or are you gonna kill me right here and then?"

Celica isn't sure about what to do for the first time ever. "I will talk to Ezekiel now. For the time being, you will be a prisoner in this room. And for your information, the windows are locked so should ever are in the mood to escape, the loud crashing noises will alert my Knight."

"Aite. I'll be in your care."

The teenager bit her lower lip - seeing her so hesitant is so strange to Castin - before stomping out, and he could hear the tale-telling click of the door lock. With nothing else to do and not missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (even if it's a dream), Castin hops off the bed to observe the rest of the room. Always eager to learn more about his wife - especially her childhood.

The master bedroom is connected to two separate areas: the living room and a small library. Castin has no doubt that there's a secret entrance somewhere that leads to the outside world, but for now, he's content chilling near the fireplace. Like the bedroom, everything else is bathed in red and gold. Velvet furnishings and soft carpets. Glimmering chandeliers and opulent dresserss. And yet, Castin can't help but feel lonely amongst all this luxury. It's simply too big for one girl, and a quick scan of the walls is enough to tell him about Celica's lack of affection for her parents. Paintings of all kinds, yet not a single frame of the previous Baron and his wife.

Castin is staring at a 'recent' portrait of Celica with Lord Reyes and the would-be Queen Isolde where the trio is having a picnic. Goddess, Celica really looks so young in the frame.

And that's where she found him again.

Celica deliberately chooses not to question the wistful expression on the strange Intacian's handsome face. She has a feeling that's a can of worms that she doesn't want to deal with right now. So, instead, she taps her heel in agitation.

"Ezekiel is now suspicious as to how I know about those letters," Celica huffs, folding her arms across her chest. Apparently, that's a habit she had learned since she was young. What a bittersweet notion for Castin. "So you have exactly 10 minutes to tell me who you are and why you are here in my bedroom before Eaton starts sniffing that something is off. Once he sees you, your fate is completely out of my hands."

Castin sighs and makes himself comfortable on the couch, knowing all too well that he just broke one of the many rules by Imperial standards, never mind its nobility. And judging by the pinched look on the teenager's face, he hit the nail on the head. "Well, like I said before, I'm your husband from the future. Our marriage is meant to unite the Coastal Empire and Intacia at the request of the King Rhett - my best friend - and Queen Isolde - your bestie - and we've been together for at least 3 years now."

Just for curiosity's sake, Castin decided to feed her nothing but the truth and observe how she processed it. So he watches as she pace around, struggling to believe him or chucks it all up as ramblings from a mad intruder.

"Isolde becomes Queen of Intacia!? Even with my bare knowledge of Intacia, this... this Rhett is unfamiliar to me, and he made dear Isolde into a Queen? Isolde who wishes to enjoys a quiet life once she graduates from the academy?"

Castin shrugs. His nonchalance is irritating to Celica, still so much like a bristling kitten. "I can tell you right now that whatever plans you have for the future? Better to think twice. Oh! And Rhett isn't part of the royal Intacian family - he threw a coup."

Celica's jaw is officially on the floor now. Castin would've kissed her silly for that. "Evidence or not, I refuse to believe you." She finally announced. She takes a seat across Castin on an armchair near the fireplace. She looks so exhausted despite it still being early in the morning.

"That's fair. I know how strict your routine is, and I just threw off your groove. I'll get out of your hair in a minute."

"How... exactly are you planning to return to the... future?" Celica makes a face. It sounds so incomprehensible when she says that out loud. Nothing makes sense today!

"I'll try to go back to sleep and see where I'll end up next. Hopefully, in my own bed with my wife still sleeping beside me."

His words stirred Celica's need to know, or else this curiosity would eat her alive. "You said that I married you for the sake of our nations. While I can't ever imagine myself marrying an Intacia, regardless of gender, - "

Ouch! Castin doesn't take that to heart.

" - I do understand marrying for the sake of a fake marriage."

Ok, he has to intervene. "It's not a FAKE marriage; it's an ARRANGED one." Castin snaps. It stings the first time he has to say it, and it still does for the second time. His love for Celica Anesidora will never be fake, and he refuses to be insulted by it. "Yeah, ok, we didn't start off great because I messed up when we first met but, Celica? Don't ever doubt my love for you. Even if, Goddess forbid it, you abandoned me, my heart will forever be yours, alright?"

"You... you love me?"

"Yeah! Well, not you right now. That's just weird b-but the woman you will become. Celica, you gotta understand something; if the sunrise would one day disappear and people ask what I would do about it, I'd just look at you. As long as you're with me, I will love you every day because you're my sun."

Celica hitches a breath at Castin's vow. It's overwhelming. Late at night, when she couldn't sleep, especially after Eaton explained that he was only her Knight because he loved the woman who gave birth to her, Celica would pray to the Divine Couple for love that could be wholly hers. And not a remnant of her parents.

Eaton doesn't love Celica; he tolerates her. Ezekiel doesn't love Celica; he cares for her as the daughter of his former employer. Tristan doesn't love Celica; he protects her financially because he's obligated to by a contract.

But this man, this... Castin Hammer... did the Divine Couple truly prepare a heart that loves her so much that she becomes the light of his world? It sounds too good to be true. For once in her life, Celica is afraid to believe in something. Let alone a stranger.

"I know how you're basically locked up in Talia Hall for your own 'protection' and can only leave when the school semester starts again. I can't begin to scream how wrong that is. But despite everything, you turn out to be one hell of a woman, Celly. A real dragon in diamonds, you know? Everyone in the Empire will know about your name and before you know, so would the people in Intacia. So please, don't ever lose hope, OK? There are those who truly loves you for who you are; not because of your title or wealth. Though, of course, no one could love you as much as I do. Not even Lord Reyes."

Celica snorts; she can't help it. "Why can I imagine you and Reyes getting along like a house on fire."

"We had beef when he first introduces himself but we're totally cool now. I mean, he's dating Lilia and she's a good friend of mine."

"I've heard stories about husband fiting with his wife's friend due to jealousy. Never would I think that I'll be facing the same thing."

Castin squawks like a startled bird. "Can you blame me? I was so scared that you finally realised that you could do better! That you could be with someone who is on the same level as you, and that... that nearly kills me, Celica. You can't possibly fathom how desperate I was..."

A contemplative silence descends upon them. Celica really needs some time to process all these.

Unfortunately, she has half an hour before someone comes to the bedroom, so she needs to send this impossibly charming and sincere man back to his own time. So when Castin asks if she could do him a favour and read a book out loud, it would help him fall asleep better.

"Your voice makes me feel like I'm sleeping on clouds, Celly. It never fails to send me to dreamland."

"I will choose to accept that as a compliment rather than your roundabout way of admitting that you find it boring."

Castin laughs at her wit but lays down on the couch as soon as Celica cracks open a book. She chooses to read him the local bedtime stories.

Slowly and like magic, Castin closes his eyes. He smells the lavender linen and the familiar rose-scented shampoo when he opens them again. Baroness Celica Anesidora is in his arms, and as the sun rises, so does his wife. Castin bestows a lingering kiss on her forehead.

"Morning, Sweetheart. Would you believe me if I said that I have the craziest dream ever?"

[monards]

Currently obsessed with thinking about Rhine and Alice meeting as teens... Alice watching her friend growing older and older than her until the cataclysm. Then she caught up to her... And then started surpassing her.

As much as it hurts her, she's long accepted that losing friends quickly is part of being around humans, but she never expected to have to be the first to die, and she knows rhinedottir won't take it as well as she would've.

(there are two wolves inside of me one wants to spoil rhinedottir and see her happy and the other one wants to see her break)

anon. oh my god. ANON WHO HURT. WHOM/. WHAHT AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH i had to take a like. 15 minutes break after getting this, it hurt me so bad. but. we're back now.!!!!!!

I think the ambiguity around both rhine and alice's pasts is what makes them so fun.,,,, but oughhh boy does this take the cake. oh my god. head in hands as i scream.

I'm always sosooo weak to the growing old trope,, and this is just repeatedly stabbing and twisting blades into my heart. i think one of the most horrific things about the curse to me is ALWAYS gonna be the fact they're just stuck in time. they're always gonna be the same,, they can change their style, or whatever,, but they're always gonna be the them they were at the cataclysm... and the way that contrasts SO much which Alice and her almost ever changing enviornment,,, oh fuucjkkkk. Rhinedottir is her constant. Somebody shoot me in the head. I can't even BEGIN to imagine how horrific it'd for Alice to be the only one changing. for once. If they had meet as teens,, i wouldn't doubt Alice would've already been preparing to lose rhine (assuming that, if elves have 'elongated lives' that means they age weird or whatever that entails, and she would've already been through a few things by then to warrant her being a little more. well thought out) and then out of nowhere, after all this mental prep. everythings flipped upside down. and bam. she's not gonna lose rhine; rhine's gonna lose HER. Considering how sympathetic Alice clearly already is,,, that would've messed her up SO bad. oughhh boy i can't even imagine how unhealthily attached in some ways rhine could've grown during the cataclysm itself,, since when literally everything you have and loved is ripped away from you when you're hardly even a fully grown adult by then, i wouldn't blame if she sort of grew into thinking of Alice as the one thing she still had; so i can't even imagine how SHE'D react finally letting it sink in that Alice wasn't gonna be there eventually. ^ And if this actually WERE the case in canon sense (which. for my mental health im desperately gonna pretend it isn't.) ,, it'd make soo much more sense why Albedo goes to Alice with a letter, instead of Rhine communicating herself. Her trying to distance herself from Alice... because she's scared to lose alice while loving her and having her be sooo engrained in Rhinedottir's routine.. so she's trying to distance and separate herself... oughhh boy.

I'm. The entire second paragraph too,,, just about Alice herself being used to it, but not Rhine,,,, it's gonna KILL me. This is reallllyyyy feeding into my rhinedottir-humanization rants,, but dear god does it have to be horrific to experience every thing that humans were never designed to; and only adding to that list of scarring traumatic events its like, hey!!! you know the person you love???? who you sorta prepared to be with for the rest of your life?? well BOY do i have some news for you!!! -- and that makes me. So sad. so indescribably sad. Because realistically,, the average person can only go through SO much. And considering the fact I doubt rhine has really anybody who cares for her in that regard- especially after celestia effectively antagonized her to hell in back, and stuck a big red "sinner" sticky note on her head- i doubt she ever WILL again.,,, so uoghhhh her losing Alice... my heart... she'd be so fucked up after that. Like if anyone thought she went bonkers after elynas and durin got destroyed,, boy do they have something to learn. Especially with how embedded Alice is in her life already as much as she may not FULLY realize it,, they literally have a FAMILY. imagine how horrific it'd be for her to watch klee grow up, and then die too.??? the last part of alice in this world. gone. Oh my god. JEsus CHRIST. I can't emotionally recover from this idea head in hands.

anon you've officially ruined my mind. I will be thinking about this for next week. month. year. the rest of my life, actually. I will lay on my death bed and SOB over this. Thank you

[samuelroukin]

Well, by 'I want' I didn't mean I expect you to write it (like, you've been feeding us extremely well, I'm grateful and not needy). I was merely wishing it into existence really hard.

Unfortunately I'm not creative enough to come up with a more plausible way to get Ghost in the position I want him in (which is reluctantly flexing those thighs until they give out in an effort to please Johnny).

"I'm grateful and not needy" <- soap coded. but also, wishing to see it is the best reason to write a little something something yourself 👀

you could go for another classic trope like they're stuck somewhere, compromising position just like that but fully clothed, and ghost trying to hold himself up.. soap being like 'this is hot actually.' and ghost promising to do it again in private if soap can just stop distracting him rn

and soap when takes him up on it, ghost did promise. but Perhaps ghost wants to be careful, knows soap isn't weak, not by a long shot, but him full force riding him might be a bit much. so he tries to hold back, stay up, but soap is relentless, thighs flexing and trembling until he can't

[the-insomniac-emporium]

I love your writing.

if it's not too much trouble may i make a request? I'm thinking the Dimitrescu women meeting and/or courting a fellow immortal.

the circumstances of the immortal's powers and possession of immorality are entirely up to you. I just like the idea of them meeting someone they could literally spend forever with...because they deserve it ❤

I wasn't sure if you wanted a story or headcanons? I went with HCs, here, but if you wanted more of a drabble or whatever just lemme know and I'll write something like that.

Also, I got excited and carried away so this has the whole Dimitrescu family, plus shorter ones for both Mother Miranda and Donna. Admittedly Alcina's is also a little on the shorter side? I tried to write everything that came to mind, but I am kinda tired right now, sorry. Might reblog this and add some more later.

(Under read-more for length)

Cassandra:

Tries (and fails) to hide her excitement. Mortality is one of the bigger things that has made her keep her distance to others, at least in the past. Every Maiden she’s ever been the slightest bit smitten with, up until this point, has been incredibly fragile. Seeing as she’s not exactly the softest person, one can easily imagine why that would be a turn off for her. But now that’s no longer a problem!

On the other had… having an immortal partner gives Cassandra pause. Why? Because what if they breakup? Normally, she can just, ahem, “dispose” of any exes (regardless of how much it hurts) so she doesn’t have to see them/deal with them anymore. If that’s not an option, she’ll definitely take longer than usual to do anything about her feelings. She wants to be sure, 100%, before she gets in over her head. Chances are she won’t hold back for as long as she wants though.

Likely to have a loud, messy confession. She’ll have been avoiding you for a few days, always ducking out of whatever rooms you enter, leaving you both hurt and confused. After enlisting the help of her sisters, you’ll be able to corner her outside. She’ll tell you, under no uncertain circumstances, to leave her alone. But you’ll refuse, demanding an explanation.

“I thought we had something. I thought you cared,” you’ll snap, eyes watering. “If that’s changed… if I was wrong, just tell me. I’ll leave and I’ll never come back.” Cue thunder and raining (because tropes) and Cassandra dramatically pulling you into a kiss, holding you so tightly you think you might bruise. Then she’s demanding that you stay, refusing to apologize but making it clear just how much she does care.

Being immortal, you’re not as defenseless as some of Cassandra’s past interests. Naturally, she doesn’t get quite as protective as she normally would. She’ll still have your back no matter what, ready to fight by your side against any foe, and will probably consider doing so a “fun bonding activity”. Oh, some lycans are encroaching on Dimitrescu territory? Time to go destroy them, as a power couple!

Despite having all the time in the world, Cassandra won’t change much of her actual courting behavior, nor the rate at which things advance. She’s still gonna get handsy fairly early on, still gonna “rah!” at you in the hallways, and still going to struggle with her jealousy.

Immortality Compatibility: I can see Cassandra going for another vampire (or vampire adjacent) creature, or someone demonic. She likes her lovers a bit rough, with some nice bite to their personalities. If you’ve got sharp teeth, or claws, or glowing eyes? Oh boy, she’s gonna be making heart eyes at you all the time.

Bela:

If your immortality isn’t immediately obvious, Bela is over the moon with joy when she finds out. Her eyes will go wide for a moment, before she tries to seem calm (so as to not freak you out), but her heart is pounding. This is what she’s been hoping for. As much as Mother Miranda has done for her family, there’s no guarantee that she’d be willing to give more. Even if Miranda granted Bela’s lover her “gift”, there was no telling what the results would be, or if the lover would survive. Now that there’s no need for such a transformation, it’s far easier for Bela to imagine herself in love (and eventually be in love).

Slow-burn romance over a decade or longer, oops. Doesn’t even necessarily mean to take things so slowly, just doesn’t feel a need to rush things, preferring that they develop organically. With both of you having unlimited time, you’re both used to working on a very large timescale. Maidens watching the two of you probably place bets on how long it’ll take you to hold hands for the first time. Everyone knows it’s coming, but no matter how much Cassandra and Daniela complain, Bela refuses to jump into things. By the time the two of you are officially together, you’re probably madly in love with each other.

More protective than Cassandra, if only because she knows just how rare you are. Immortal or not, you likely still have a weakness, and Bela will do everything in her power to make sure no one else knows what it is. If applicable, she will also ensure she has a countermeasure readily available. For example: If you were weak to fire, she’d make sure that the castle keeps extinguishers handy, just in case. Though they should probably already do that. Not that the Dimitrescu family cares much for OSHA compliance.

Somehow grows more in love with you with every passing year, and makes sure that you know this. Whether you’ve been together for one year or one century (because in this house we ignore canon), she’s always performing little acts of love, giving constant reminders of how strongly she feels. Gifts, special dates, book recommendations, etc.

Immortality Compatibility: Bela seems like the type to go for someone with a calming presence, and perhaps somewhat of a contrast to herself. I can picture her with someone somewhat angelic, or druidic, someone very in tune with nature. She’d love to feed deer with you and relax in the forest! Or lay against a tree by your side, listening to you talk about various microorganisms for hours at a time.

Daniela:

Practically tackles you when she finds out/connects the dots. This is just like one of her romance novels, where a lonely (attractive as fuck) immortal spends years in isolation before finally meeting the love of their life, who they get to spend the rest of eternity with. Absolutely ecstatic about the whole situation. Won’t stop kissing you and pulling you close, rambling about how great it’s gonna be to spend your lives together. Honestly? Kind of overwhelming. You might have to remind her a few times that you don’t have to rush into things, considering you have all the time in the world.

Introduces you to people as her “super cool/rad immortal life partner”. Genuinely cannot bring herself to not brag about you. If her sisters haven’t found someone like you yet, you can bet that Daniela will tease them about it all the time (much to their annoyance). If Momma Alcina doesn’t, though? Dani will keep her thoughts to herself, thank you very much (being grounded at her age does not impress the s/o).

Tries not to show it, but she’s actually very nervous. You’re immortal! You’ve probably seen a lot of shit (she certainly has)! Worries about keeping you interested in her, though she would never admit it. This tends to lead to her performing ridiculous acts to showcase her affection, regardless of the cost or, like, whether or not you’d even enjoy whatever she has planned. In order to counter her anxiety, you’ll want to reassure her whenever you can, and give her plenty of “I love you”s.

Strikes a decent balance between Cassandra’s nonchalant attitude and Bela’s protectiveness. Will defend you if you need it, playing up the romantic aspect, but also entirely willing to hide behind you in a scary situation.

Immortality Compatibility: Having probably read Twilight… Dani would date a werewolf, as long as they weren’t the smelly kind. Also interested in a sort of “magical”/elemental type, especially if their powers are influenced by emotions. In other words, if someone flirts with her in front of you, and your response is to subconsciously light your hands/the other person on fire? She thinks that’s hot, pun intended.

Alcina:

“Oh? Interesting,” she’d say, smiling softly (and trying to ignore the heat rushing to her face). Similarly to Cassandra, she’d try to play it off, not wanting to seem too excited. And, well, she’s not as excited as any of her daughters are. After all, she’s had more time than them to “get used” to the idea of outliving any potential romantic interests. So, she’s not exactly desperate for a relationship, even with someone she could spend an eternity with.

That being said, if she is romantically interested in them, she’s very relieved. Outliving a loved one can be incredibly traumatizing (fuck you c*pcom, you know what you did), and knowing that you’re safe (or at least safer than most) brings her no small amount of comfort.

Also, just glad to have another person close to her age around. Her daughters are somewhat stuck as young adults, and I imagine Alcina would want someone who gained immortality a little later in life, such as herself, as opposed to, ya know, reminding her of her children. That probably goes without saying. Hopefully.

More so than her daughters, Alcina would change her level of protectiveness depending on her s/o’s power level. If you’re a shapeshifter who can also turn into a big ass dragon? Then she’s not going to coddle you. If you’re immortal but still vulnerable, then she’s going to do her best to keep you safe, even going so far as to enlist the assistance of her daughters. “If you see a single Maiden growing mistletoe, or bringing some in from the village, let me know immediately,” or something like that, depending on your weakness.

Immortality Compatibility: Definitely would want someone in a situation similar to herself, having once been truly human, only to be “elevated” by something. Bonus points if you’re another disciple of Miranda, double bonus points if Miranda specifically “made” you to be Alcina’s boo/honey/darling/dear.

Bonus! Mother Miranda:

Oh god finally someone who won’t leave her (can’t leave her). No one can take you away from her, and that’s a relief that she’s been craving for over a century. Even if romance isn’t high on her priority list, she welcomes it with open arms, glad to have someone by her side through all of life’s chaos.

Admittedly slow to trust at first, probably just using you as a tool at first. But prove yourself enough, show that your devotion is more than just misdirected self-interest, and she’ll start to warm up to you. Forming a real relationship would likely take a couple decades, similar to with Bela. Once you are together, however, the two of you are inseparable in all matters.

You’d be her #1 follower, most trusted adviser, and the only person allowed to understand 100% of her thoughts and motives. While Miranda wouldn’t allow you to be seen as the same level as her (sorry), you’d still be a legend among the villagers. To them, you’re Mother Miranda’s champion, the epitome of a devoted follower that they all aspire to emulate. Not that they know the two of you are a couple, though.

Immortality Compatibility: No gimmicks, no cheap tricks, she wants (and respects) a fellow scientist, someone who clawed their way through adversity and forged themselves into something indestructible. Double the interest if you did so for a similar cause to her own, as she would appreciate your ability to relate to her suffering.

Bonus! Donna:

Someone to play with! FOREVER! No more losing people she cares about, no more accidentally breaking people, no more people scrambling to leave. Now that she has you, she can finally spend some quality time with another (living?) person. Honestly her dolls (or at least Angie) are just as excited as she is. Regardless of her relations with the other three Lords, Donna much prefers the company of a lover.

For real though she’s shy as hell and you might not even realize who’s pulling the strings until you’ve been in her house for over a year. She’d probably use her powers to trap you inside, at least at first, though they’d be nice hallucinations. You’d have to treat the dolls nicely, especially Angie, before she’d let you interact with her.

Eventually you’d be allowed to leave, and you’d be given a key to return whenever you wanted to. Assuming that you do, in fact, come back, the two of you would have a very, very slow romance, if only because of Donna’s anxiety. Hand holding makes both of your faces turn beet red, seriously.

Immortality Compatibility: *chanting* GHOST GIRLFRIEND GHOST GIRLFRIEND POLTERGEIST PARTNER POLTERGEIST PARTNER WOOHOO! Something with a flexible, only-sometimes-tangible form, who absolutely could have left at any time but didn’t because they wanted to stay.

[seravphs]

I ran out of tags so now I'm being forced to actually articulate my points in a text post.

I'm so intrigued by the hint of what role the reader plays in jujutsu society! I wonder what she does with all the historical documents.

I have this problem where I find every single trope universally appealing. I really love marriage fics where there's this celebration of love and the culmination of the years that the two of you have put into each other but I also love when marriage means nothing in the face of this greater bond. Stsg are a unit and vows/ceremonies/tuxedos wouldn't change that.

Also who's wedding lol I hope we know them and I hope it's beautiful.

Since I'm rewriting this I can say that I was being silly the first time I was reading because I once again was blindsided by events that I'm sure were discussed in DDAO chapter 2. I feel like there are holes in my memory because I don't remember why stsg are mad at each other 😭 I just remember Megumi being cute.

I love rip mc so deeply but she concerns me so much. I know she doesn't eat as well as she's supposed to and she lets sashisu walk all over her. I mean, Shoko less so, but because mc is so ambivalent to everything I feel like inevitably happens despite the fact that Shoko is better than stsg.

Even though rip mc is probably canonically older than me she feels so much like a littler sister I want to watch out for her and call every day at 12 to make sure she eats and yell at stsg to consider her feelings more and give her breathing room to make her own decisions.

(This is the part where I was being stupid but) I forgot that you already said that she had depression in the tags so I was psychoanalyzing her for no reason being like wow these are symptoms of depression! (Duh.) Please excuse the next few paragraphs but

It's definitely not healthy to be so lackadasical about any and all decisions and I'm concerned that it's a sign of a deeper problem that she goes with the flow so often. It feels almost like she's being suffocated by her much stronger friends. I don't want what I’m going to say next to happen especially because rip mc is so fixated on wanting them all to stay together as her predominant (and only) desire in life but I wonder if it's even healthy for her to be with them at this rate.

Splitting them up would hurt me so bad but it feels almost like a situation where you need to lance the boil. She's so used to living according to other people's means that I want to see her pushed to choose things for herself and learn to want things - which is such an interesting trait for a character.

I just read the part where all the days blur together and everything is bland so I'm not imagining it! Girl you have depression 😭. (This is when I realized that I should go back and read the tags.)

Rip mc as a character is so compelling to me precisely because she's so neutral about everything. I think the rise of the 'mary sue' as a cultural thing in fandom where people started pointing out how bland characters were led to a fear of creating weak/passive characters. I know it sounds like I'm insulting rip mc but I'm not (I'm also NOT calling her a mary sue)! Please hear me out.

I love rip mc but she is someone who doesn't take action, instead letting her life be governed by the desires of others. This lack of desire for action for herself would be the very first thing most people would point out as a weakness of x reader fiction because it's suitable for a vehicle to project on. The more bland a character is, the more 'mary sue', the easier it is for the person reading to feel that the character can embody them. Yet rip mc's passivity is precisely what makes her such a distinguishing character.

Rather than a void for someone else to express themselves through, rip mc presents a realistic depiction of young adult life through depression. I want to wrap her in a blanket and feed her hot soup and tell her everything will be okay. I like that she's so nonchalant about everything at the same time that it frustrates me because I care about her. I guess what I'm trying to say is that rip mc's inability to want things is interesting rather than bland. The way she treats life as something to be endured rather than lived is captivating.

Back to my point earlier about splitting up, because mc is so ambivalent to life, I fear that leaving sashisu would be a tearing wound. Stsg are a lousy support system but at least Shoko tries. It could be even more dangerous to just leave her on her own without anyone. Rather than learn to live for herself, I'm afraid she would just collapse in on herself. The descriptions of her mental illness are even more heartbreaking especially because she's trying not to burden her friends.

I'm glad DDAO is diving into mental health because after everything the sorcerers have been through, I know they're having more mental breakdowns than we're seeing. We avoided the tragedy of the plasma vessel arc but at what cost? Now we're witnessing the tragedy of rip mc 😭

The minute Shoko said "they're fine, they always are" my body seized up because I'm scared it's going to be a repeat of pva where Geto's like everything's fine and Gojo just believed him like guys no maybe everything is not alright. Yaga needs to invest in school wide therapy.

I kind of hate that I like Hideo.

Rip mc's going for a master's AND a PHD? I love an educated girl.

I wonder if Hideo's going to be the catalyst for all the changes I was talking about earlier.

There's so much rip mc lore I don't know 😭

"You have no right to forgiveness. You allow yourself just enough happiness, and that's enough."

I love Gojo even though he's a prick.

No more coherent thoughts (if there any in the first place) to conclude this! Just wow!

dog days are over | chapter three

pairing: gojo satoru x fem!reader x geto suguru warnings/tags (for this chapter): beginnings of a panic attack, mentions of implied dissociation and depression, slight nsfw word count: ~7.7k

fic masterlist read on ao3

There’s a wedding.

You know this because Satoru is holding a pristine white invitation with elaborately floral borders and calligraphy so curled it’s difficult for you to read it when for all intents and purposes, you are used to handling and deciphering historical accounts and journals.

That’s not the only thing.

The invitation had been addressed to both Satoru and Suguru.

The two of them are getting invitations sent as one. It means something. It’s an acknowledgement. Unspoken, but palpable. 

Satoru flicked the invitation open, indifferently scanned the contents, and threw it on the nearest surface (the desk in front of him) with a lazy flick of his wrist. In his words: a higher up’s daughter was getting married to some big shot young politician. Their honored presences was humbly requested. They’d be delighted to have the strongest in attendance for the joyous occasion.

You picked up the invitation and scanned the date. Next month, on the sixteenth. A Friday. You have off on that Friday. You know that because there is an exhibit one of your professors is curating at the Tokyo National Museum you had planned on asking Satoru and Suguru to.

Satoru doesn't really respond well to invitations. You could still ask him—

“Friday’s going to be a real pain.” Satoru texts away on his phone. You watch as Suguru replies in real time. You wonder if the two of them have resolved all of their problems if they’re texting normally. 

“Oh,” you say, surprised. “You’re going?”

Satoru’s gaze momentarily flicks up at you, holding your gaze for a few seconds, before returning to the screen. “Might as well.” The words come out begrudgingly. Satoru makes a face at his phone, presumably one of Suguru’s texts, and types out a long response.

You suppose that means that they have plans already. You don’t mind. You had been intending on going alone anyway.

Your own phone vibrates in your pocket. It’s a message from Shoko.

Ieiri Shoko

[4:31] there’s a wedding

[4:32] i have been invited to a wedding

[4:33] Satoru and Suguru too. Satoru said he’s going. Suguru too. Probably.

[4:33] ? Those two? lolololololol 

[4:34] I didn’t think Satoru was going to go. 

[4:36] your guess is as good as mine.

[4:36] how about you come with me? be my plus one

[4:36] say yes

You stare at Shoko’s text. Come…with her? To the wedding? You hadn’t expected to be invited. Either as a person or a plus one. You wouldn’t know anybody. The thought of being surrounded by people somewhere clearly didn’t belong makes you nervous. You won’t be able to rely on Satoru or Suguru or even Shoko’s presence. They’d be busy, too busy for you. You’d stand in a corner and stay quiet, and people would brush over you, a nameless person of little importance and significance.

If you’re being honest, it doesn’t sound like a good time. If Shoko really needed you it’d be one thing. But you’re sure your presence wouldn’t be missed. 

You’d let her down gently. 

You press out of the chat just as Satoru stands up to peer down your head and squint at your phone. You wonder what has him so curious, and shut your phone off and look up. 

“We should go meet up with Shoko and Suguru, shouldn’t we?”

Satoru only sighs, rubbing at his neck with a faintly irritated look on his face. That’s not good.

He takes your hand and leads you out the door.

----

Dinner is fraught with tension. You look from Satoru to Suguru who are pointedly refusing to look at each other, which is difficult, considering they’re sitting shoulder to shoulder in a crammed yakitori restaurant. 

You’re…unsure what exactly is going on. You thought your worries about Satoru and Suguru were a worry for the past, but now, it’s impossible to ignore the pointed silence, Suguru’s cool silence, or even Satoru’s increasing agitation. Without the usual sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose, it’s even easier to tell Satoru's patience is running thin.

You look to Shoko, whose head rests on your shoulder as she idly scans the menu, unbothered.

“We should share the chicken meatballs,” she says. “And the squid. I’ll order two draft beers, and maybe some plum wine…”

You make noncommittal noise. Then look back to Satoru and Suguru, wondering what you can say to dissolve the tension and make them look at each other again.

“So,” you clear your throat. “Excited for the wedding?”

You smile encouragingly when they look at you.

“No,” Satoru says, unhappily. “Not really.”

You wonder why he’s even going in the first place. Is it because of Suguru? Are they fighting over attending the wedding? That sounds wrong. Satoru doesn’t like to put up with troublesome things, but for Suguru, a four hour wedding was nothing.

“Only children think the world bends to their whims,” Suguru remarks pleasantly, despite the sharp edge of his words. “Adults should know better. Even Mimiko and Nanako know better. Tsumiki and Megumi—”

If there’s one thing Satoru can’t handle, it’s a lecture from Suguru. That hasn’t changed since high school.

“Yeah?” There’s a dangerous challenge on Satoru’s tongue as his eyes narrow in accusation. “I know what I want. If that makes me a child, then fine. At least one of us does.”

“Shoko,” you whisper to her. “Something’s wrong.”

Contrary to your own panic, Shoko’s watches the two, amused. “The only thing wrong here is that I don’t have a beer.” She waves a waitress over just as Satoru and Suguru fall into stony faced silence.

A young, fresh faced waitress with her hair tied up in a ponytail bounds up to the table. Shoko lists half the menu, ordering for the table. Then she orders drinks. Alcohol for you and her, a melon soda for Satoru, water for Suguru.

“Make that three,” Suguru interjects. “I’ll have a beer too.”

She flushes prettily when Suguru gives her a polite smile, slyly tucking a strand of hair behind her ears. Satoru’s face darkens.

“How is medical school?” You ask Shoko. “You’re taking care of yourself, right?” You hope she’s taking breaks in between her studies and her work at the school, eating well, and sleeping a good seven hours every night. 

She faces you, cheek flattened on her open palm. “I should be asking you that. Do you even remember to eat if I don’t remind you?” She pokes your nose.

“I eat,” you say, a touch defensively, but you already know Shoko knows better. Sometimes, you forget to eat. Sometimes it’s too much of a bother. You're fine though. Healthy enough.

“Hmmm.” She turns her attention to Satoru and Suguru. “This wedding is going to be awfully awkward if you two don't kiss and make up soon.”

“Everything’s fine,” Suguru says civilly. He softens at your concerned look. “It’s fine.”

You don’t believe him.

Satoru’s gaze is flinty. “Who says we’re even going together?” 

“You’re free to go by yourself,” Suguru replies, serenely unbothered.

“Maybe I will. Maybe I’ll go with Shoko.”

“Absolutely not,” she says immediately. “I’ve already got a plus one.”

Your stomach drops, put on the spot. You hadn’t had the time to think of an adequate excuse to avoid the wedding as Shoko’s date. It’s too late for excuses if Shoko’s already told them you’re going. You can’t let her look the fool by backing out now!

They look at you. Your lips curl in an automatic smile.

There’s the beginnings of a playful grin on her face. “We’re picking out dresses tomorrow, aren’t we?”

“Yeah…”

Well, if any good came out of this wedding, it would have to be getting to go dress shopping with Shoko and helping her pick out a formal dress. You’d like that. You always thought she looked good in bold colors, and if the occasion warrants it, she’ll wear her bright red lipstick. You already feel lighter, excited at the prospect of seeing her in all different types of dresses. You’d take the job seriously, make sure you help her pick the best—

“Kimono,” Satoru states.

“Dress,” Suguru asserts.

You blink. Their gazes clash, and you can feel a chill come over you. What are they fighting over now? This might even be worse than the several occasions they fought in high school. Never had they fought about anything that couldn’t be settled with a good fistfight. Something tells you this runs deeper. It’s more than a trivial burst of high tempers, more than juvenile attitudes at work.

“What?”

A lazy smile hangs from Shoko's lips. She is thoroughly amused, taking everything in as if she’s at the theater. “I asked them whether or not I should put you in a kimono or a dress for the big event.”

You didn’t even think about what you’d wear to the wedding. You assumed Shoko would give you something. And if not, you could just go shopping. If Shoko was too busy to come, then Ijichi usually had a good eye for silhouette and fashion. You worry about your kouhai once more. He really is too competent for his own good. You hope you won't be troubling him too much in the future.

You are discomfited. You don’t want the hypotheticals of something as inconsequential as what you plan to wear to an event to be another point of contention between them.

“That’s…I don’t really care what I wear.”

“Whatever you want to wear,” Suguru says reassuringly. “I’m sure you’ll look perfect regardless.”

You warm at Suguru’s words, unexpectedly abashed as you lower your gaze to your lap. It’s hard to think of yourself as perfect, especially in terms of appearances when you’re anything but. You determinedly meet Shoko’s eyes. “I’ll do my best not to embarass you,” you say deathly serious.

You’ll do your best to be sociable, speak when spoken to, and try not to let yourself get caught up in all the important people you’re sure are going to be in attendance. You figure if anything this could be practice. Making new friends. Although all you’ve known for the last years of your life is Satoru and Suguru and Shoko. Occasionally Utahime when she visits down from Kyoto. Mei Mei too, even. You can’t rely on them forever, you know this. It’s easy to forget the monotony of the days before you entered high school. Days passing while in a trance, food tasting bland, the perpetual buzzing in your ears. You slept and slept and slept. You spent more days asleep than awake until you were inevitably needed for another mission.

You don’t think you had known what it meant to live, in those days. You didn’t know that the salty breeze of the ocean was a sensation in your nose that felt akin to the seconds before a sneeze. You didn’t know that the colored disco lights in a small karaoke room could bring you so much joy. You didn’t know that hot summer days could be idle, that eating a popsicle with friends could be a momentous occasion. All of these moments, engraved on your heart. You’d take them to the grave, and you’d be content.

You still occasionally experience these fits of sadness so encompassing you drown in it. Especially around certain times in the year. Sometimes, you find it difficult to wake up. There’s a boulder in your chest, pressing on your lungs and weighing you down. You sleep for days. Wake up to remind yourself that you still exist, and close your eyes. Other days, you feel your body move on auto pilot, from one destination to another, cursory smiles and words. You don’t remember much of anything. Just that when you wake up, you feel yourself again. And if you don’t, you sleep and repeat until you do.

It’s a troubling matter to articulate. Something you’ve never quite put into words. If it’s an inconvenience to you, it’d be an annoyance to others. So you keep quiet, and hope it stays a secret, where it won’t bother anyone.

“As if that matters,” she sighs, eyeing you warmly. “ You’re not that one that needs to worry about embarrassing me.”

She side eyes the two men seated across from you, and sighs. "Hopeless.” She flings the word at them. 

Your waitress returns with skewers of meats and vegetables and more. Shoko gratefully takes her drinks, and downs half of it down. Then she takes a chicken skewer.

The rest of your meal continues in either silence or short lived conversation. Suguru asks about your thesis. About Shoko soldiering through medical school. Shoko orders more alcohol. You ask him and Satoru about Kyoto, since the two of them have been spending more and more time at Kyoto tech for one thing or another. Meetings, clan visits, Satoru visiting members of the Gojo clan, etc. You stick to safe topics of discussion, and decide that any talk about matchmaking ceremonies or arranged marriages is dangerous.

It’s only so often that the four of you can meet up like this. Adult responsibilities and all. You hope Satoru and Suguru make up soon. To you, this time is precious. And even with Satoru and Suguru refusing conversation with each other, you’re happy to be with them.

The night goes by in a blink of an eye. Shoko orders another round of drinks. Soon it’s twelve in the morning, and Shoko calls for the check. You’re getting ready to leave when your waitress approaches apprehensively.

“Excuse me,” she says, fingers curled around a piece of paper. You watch eagerly, excited at being able to watch a confession unfold. But the storminess in Satoru’s expression creeps back in and you sweat. She hesitates, gaze flicking from Satoru, back to Suguru, and draws back with a shake of her head. The scrap of paper clenches in her hand. “I’m sorry, I thought—” 

“Oh, I am,” Suguru smiles. “Single.”

Shoko chokes on her laughter. Satoru doesn’t look amused in the slightest, jealousy as palpable as a strike of lightning and the aftermath smell of burnt grass. You stare down at your lap, willing yourself to be as small as possible, discomfort prickling at your chest.

“Oh…Oh! Then I—” she flushes, looking back at the gaggle of other waitresses towards the cash register, two of whom give her a thumbs up. She extends her arms, bowing her head, piece of paper tucked between her fingers. It looks like an offering. An offering of Valentine’s day chocolate. “I wanted you to have this! Just—just in consideration of me!”

It’s undoubtedly endearing. You’ve never been in love. You wonder if you were normal, if it’d come more naturally to you. If you were a normal girl without the occasional bouts of terror and sadness and the all consuming exhaustion. Without the need to hide away every once in a while. Someone who could lead a happy and guiltless life. You wonder if you had ever had a chance. A possibility for you to be loved. Or if it had been the inevitable circumstances of your birth that had condemned you to a lonely, forgotten existence.

Shoko takes you by the arm, excusing the two of you for fresh air, before you can hear or see Suguru’s response. 

Outside, snow is beginning to fall. You stare at it as it lazily floats onto buildings, Shoko’s head, the ground. You brush the white off her head as she lights a cigarette and inhales with a gusto.

“I needed this!” She rests against the brick of the restaurant and exhales. “Those two love to make their business everyone’s problem, huh.”

Your lips twitch, despite the gravity of the situation. “I’m worried about them.”

“They’ll be fine,” she briefly stares at the lit end of her cigarette, the ashes flickering to the floor, before meeting your gaze. “They always are, aren’t they?”

----

You immediately feel out of place as you and step into the hotel’s banquet hall for the wedding reception. It’s beautiful, decorated with flowers, vines that hang from the ceiling and down the columns, and ice sculptures set up around the floor. Round tables with designated seating and personalized name cards set atop the plates fill the venue while leaving the middle of the room, the dance floor, open. Not a single yen wasted.

You scan the crowd of faces for Shoko, or even Satoru or Suguru. There’s not a single recognizable face. You swallow down your growing unease, adjust the silk skirt of your dress, and try your best to inspire confidence in yourself. 

You slowly take in the rest of the grand room, take a glass of champagne offered, and then realize you’re too nervous to drink. There seems to be an unusual amount of people concentrated around the main entrance. Your skin prickles uncomfortably. Years later, you still don’t do well around consistent crowds of people. Sometimes, it feels like if you’re slowly suffocating, boxed in where the walls are slowly closing in on you.

It’s not a pleasant feeling. You walk in the opposite direction and try to tune it out, careful not to grip the champagne glass too tightly. You hadn’t been invited to the actual wedding procession. You wouldn’t be invited to the Shinto ceremony either. That was reserved only for a special group of guests. You’re glad for it. You don’t know if you can survive in close quarters with people important enough to run the country of Japan.

“There you are,” a familiar voice pulls you out of your thoughts, a hand on your shoulder.

You turn, brightening. “Shoko!”

She looks stunning in the dark crimson gown she picked out when the two of you had gone dress shopping, and you can already see a few interested glances in her direction. Her hair is braided up, exposing her slender neck, and you can smell the cypress of her favorite perfume. You catch yourself staring at the red lining her lips, a few shades lighter than dress. If anything, you think being able to see Shoko like this is worth all the troubles of pretending to be… somebody.  

“How was the wedding?” You hand her your own untouched champagne. She lifts it to her lips and it’s gone.

That gets a grin out of her. “Interesting.”

She tells you that it had been an arranged marriage, and the bride had staunchly resisted the match, to the last second, which explained the closed, intimate ceremony. Furthermore, the bride refused to write and recite her vows, which had made for an entertaining scene on the altar. And that when the groom had leaned down to kiss her, she had angled her face away, so that his lips had collided with her cheek instead of lips.

The story is entertaining. Though you can’t help but feel bad for the bride, forced into a marriage by forces outside her control. What if she was already in love with somebody else? What if she had no interest in marriage? What is she didn't want a husband?

Shoko draws back a step, looking you up and down with a nod of approval. She smooths out the neckline of your dress. “I thought you’d look good in this one. It makes me want to show you off.”

You glance down at the silk dress adorned on you, so soft it ripples with every movement. It’s a pretty dress, although you’re sure you don’t do it justice.

“How are Satoru and Suguru?” You ask hesitantly.

Shoko tilts her head towards the main entrance. “How about you ask them yourself?”

Upon closer inspection, you realize the crowd of people around the entrance had been gathered around Satoru and Suguru. Huh. You didn’t originally notice them. You must have been too caught up in your head.

“No thanks,” you say, not wanting to intrude, but you take the time to watch them for a little longer.

Suguru’s face is animated with a bright smile as he converses with several other older guests, head slightly inclined in a politely deferential stance. They’re both in Kimonos. Matching colors. That brings a smile to your face. Still united in some way even if they may be in the midst of a long standing argument.

Satoru’s face is shaded with sunglasses, a suspiciously blank expression in the indifferent set of his lips. You aren’t sure you’ve caught his eye, but he perks in your direction, and when you raise your hand in a slight wave, he straightens.

Shoko weaves her arm through yours. “Alright, let’s get more drinks!”

You catch the frown forming on his lips just as Shoko tugs you away.

Shoko manages to get an entire bottle of champagne. Then she leads you to the largest table in the room, towards the front of the banquet hall, and gestures to your seat next to hers before taking a seat and filling her glass back up.

“I healed the bride’s father a while back,” she says, taking a sip of the champagne. “Stage 4 kidney cancer.” She makes a face. “I hate making house calls, but the higher ups insisted. I’m not trying to become a private doctor.”

“He must have been grateful.”

“He was,” she snorts. “He tried to buy me into his employ.” She leans back into her seat, looking at the banquet hall. “The man certainly has the money.”

“You like it at jujutsu tech,” you say with a bright smile. “You’d never leave us.” You’d like to think she’d never leave you.  

“I wouldn’t leave you,” she says, matter of factly. “How could I leave you with those two insensitive jerks?"

You’re so pleased you don’t think your smile can contain it all. She said she wouldn’t leave you. The champagne you took one sip of sits bubbly in your stomach. “I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad. Less work, more money…” you shrug. “If it made you happy, I wouldn’t mind.” Jujustu tech would probably fall apart without Shoko, so you leave that part out. You just want her to be happy.

She exhales. “I’m happy where I am right now.”

The two of you share a smile.

Shoko’s bottle inevitably runs empty while she recounts a funny incident in medical school involving a cadaver, and you offer to get her another one.

When you come back, there’s a man you don’t recognize in your seat, conversing with Shoko. You wonder what they’re talking about, for Shoko to look so unusually engaged. You’ve observed her in all her varying degrees of disinterest and moods to be able to read her well. You don’t want to disturb her. So you drop the bottle on the nearby counter of the open bar and turn on your heels to do another lap around the room. Once again, you spot Suguru and Satoru, who have relocated to underneath one of the glass stained windows running the length of the wall of the room.

Satoru is with the groom, a tall man with handsome features dressed in a tailored black suit. The rising star politician, you assume. Next to him, his sullen bride stands, surly disposition visible all the way from your place in the room. A stunning emerald dress is draped across her figure, ending at her ankles. Her arms are crossed. Satoru’s lips move in response.

Next to him, a couple feet away, Suguru is talking to a woman dressed in a silver colored heavy furisode, the two of them deep in conversation. Your interest is piqued. You can’t quite see her face, her back towards you, but you think she may be Suguru’s matchmaking attendee. 

You should give them privacy. Well. You shouldn’t be gawking at them. You turn just as someone else steps behind you, colliding into them. The ensuing collision has you precariously teetering back. Before you can regain your balance, a strong hand wraps around your upper arm, another around your waist, steadying you at once.

“You alright?”

The man you bumped into you gives you a dirty look, before continuing on his way. You look at the man. There’s something familiar about the set of his cheekbones, the curl of his lips in an easy smile, his dark green gaze, like the clearing of a forest. You’ve had this thought before, long ago. When the green of a boy’s eyes made you remember there was color in the world.

“Yes,” you reply slowly, waiting for him to let you go. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“I’ve been watching you.”

You stare at him, unsure of how to take his comment. Watching…you…? You hope you haven’t done anything embarrassing. “Excuse me…?”

He promptly drops his arms and steps away. You slowly move to take a step back. Maybe you could pretend someone was calling you over—

“Wait a minute! That made me sound—” he shakes his head. “Wait.” He extends his hand, a wide grin on his face. “Let's start over! Shirokami Hideo.”

It clicks. Oh. You know this man. Well, you knew the boy. You don’t remember much from your time at the Kamo compound. It’s a series of blurred faces and muffled voices. Long stretches of darkness. You slept a lot back then too, you think, because the only thing you do remember in clarity is the sandalwood scent of your comforter, and your preference for sleeping on futons. 

“Hideo-kun,” you say, as you remember a shallow brook deep in the forest, and the boy who had taught you to catch fireflies with his hands. You wonder how and why you had forgotten in the first place. You left the Kamo compound, and forgot it all in the monotony of the ensuing years. His voice is deeper, and he’s grown into his face, but if nothing else, his eyes are the same. “I remember you.”

He beams. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Do you still like stargazing?”

---

The surprise must be evident on your face because he sheepishly scratches his face. “The first time you talked to me, it was to tell me that I was looking at the Canis Major, not the Crow.”

You don’t remember it, but it touches you just the same. To think that someone remembered you, even when you didn’t. You had left a piece of yourself in someone.

You take a bite of your lobster, nodding. “I do. I try to go when I can. But I’ve been so busy lately…” You’ve also been meaning to take the kids with you one night. When the weather warms up, you’ll bring them to the mountains. They’d like that. You know Tsumiki was delighted when you gave her a book that illustrated the constellations. You had bought it for her with Megumi on one of your outings.

Hideo nods in sympathy. “It’s tough being a jujutsu sorcerer. Trust me, I’m taking advantage of the low season to take time off to relax!”

The two of you sit at a table tucked away in the far corner. Hideo’s table. There had been an empty seat which he offered. You gratefully accepted, especially when you managed to catch a glimpse of your original table. You had seen Shoko, Satoru, and Suguru. Along with the bride, groom, and a couple other distinguished people seated at the table. You’re glad to escape from the scrutiny. You do much better in obscurity. 

You spent the last hour catching up. Hideo was mainly located in Kyoto, with his clan, a Kamo branch family, but he had been preparing to move to Tokyo for a change in scenery.

You knew him for a brief three months, before his return to his clan for his mother’s funeral. He regretted not being able to leave you a note, or tell you that he was leaving. He tried to contact you after, but nobody knew your whereabouts, especially since you moved back to Tokyo and was subsequently lost in the system.

Currently, with his father on bedrest, he was preparing to take over the clan from Tokyo. The move to Tokyo is an effort to bridge the gap and relationship between the Tokyo and Kyoto jujtusu societies.

In return, you offered your own mundane and uneventful recollection of your life up to this point. Compared to Hideo’s, you didn’t have much to offer. You moved to Tokyo after studying the katana at the Kamo compound. Undertook missions as expected of you, and lived alone up until high school. Then you enrolled in jujutsu tech. Now you’re in school for your masters, and then hopefully, a PHD.

It feels odd to talk to someone other than Shoko, Suguru, and Satoru. You don’t know Hideo nearly as well, despite a brief history together. Where you can search for familiarity in the softness of Suguru’s smile, the mischievous curl of Shoko’s lips, Satoru’s straightforward demeanor, there’s nothing here to cling to. You don’t remember what it ever meant to be without them. It’s alarming. It’s frightening.

But you think this is what it means to start anew.

The room quiets as a spoon taps glass. Attention gathers towards the table in the middle of the room where an older man in a tuxedo stands. It’s a five minute speech that you don’t really give much thought to, your thoughts with the bride who looks precariously close to storming out of the room.

Hideo tilts his head towards you, his lips in your ear. “She doesn’t look too happy, huh.”

You have to agree.

There are three more speeches. You don’t recognize anybody. Soon after, conversation fills the room once more.

During a lull in a conversation, you excuse yourself to the restroom for a few minutes to yourself. Upon entering the brightly lit room, your gaze is directed towards a woman seated on one of the loveseats in front of a large, wall length mirror, fixing her makeup. You recognize her silver kimono immediately, and when the small, compact mirror slips from her hand and onto the floor by your feet, you bend down to hand it to her. There’s a lotus engraved onto the back of the mirror. 

“Thank you,” she says delicately, fingers brushing yours as she takes back her mirror. Up close, you take in her full appearance. The delicate contours of her light makeup to her exceptionally beautiful hazel eyes. Her brown hair is shoulder length, brushing her shoulders, bangs immaculately cut across her forehead. She looks like a doll, even more so when she gives you an inquisitive look, a polite smile curling her lips.

“Is something the matter?” 

You realize you’ve been staring. Your face burns. “I’m sorry,” you say, voice reedy, unable to articulate how lovely you think she looks, or how you had seen her talking to Suguru earlier, and whether or not she is who you think she is. So you simply awkwardly look at her. Nod your head in a curt goodbye and turn back around, intent on not speaking to anyone but Hideo for the rest of the evening, lest you embarrass yourself further.

You run right into someone’s chest, and hear a familiar voice say your name, the familiar scent of sandalwood in your nose, as a hand on your upper arm rights you back up.

“Suguru,” you say happily, looking at him. Up close, you think he looks especially handsome in his dark blue kimono. His usually pulled up hair is down, flowing down his back. You like it when he lets his hair down. You didn’t think you’d get to see him, or even talk to him today. “I seem to be bumping into a lot of people today…”

Concern immediately colors his face as he smooths your hair down and fixes the shoulder of your dress. His hand stays on your shoulder, thumb tracing your collarbone in comforting motions. “Everything alright?”

“Yes!” You reply immediately to assuage his concern, if anything. You hope he's alright. Or at least making nice with Satoru for the duration of this event. You're sure they've grown past making a public spectacle of their arguments, but one can never be too sure. “I’m no good at these types of events. I guess I’m just a little nervous…”

“I was looking for you,” he says, eyebrows furrowed. “Shoko said you were…” his features grow taunt, lips tugging into a slight frown, “fine. But you weren’t in your seat.”

Shoko must have seen you with Hideo. Which meant she looked for you. Your smile grows wider. However, even the thought of returning to your designated seat surrounded by the most important people at the event you’d be expected to converse with makes your stomach twist. Embarrassing yourself was one thing. Embarrassing Satoru, Suguru, and Shoko was another.

“She’s right,” you confirm, doing your best to reassure him. “I found an old friend!”

His lips reflexively twitch into a smile, maintaining an amiable expression, but it doesn’t touch his eyes. “An…old friend…?”

“I’ve been with him the entire time, so you don’t need to worry. I’ll introduce you,” you say eagerly, excited at the prospect of being able to introduce Hideo to Satoru, Suguru, and Shoko. “He—”

“Are you cold?” Suguru suddenly asks you lightly, hand slightly squeezing your shoulder. “The air condition is cold in here, isn’t it?”

“Not really,” you blink. “...Are you cold?” That wouldn’t do. Maybe you could ask the hotel receptionist—

“Geto-sama,” a voice interrupts, “I didn’t think I’d find you out here.” You turn, seeing the woman in the silver kimono, once more, smiling, a fresh layer of red painting her lips. You straighten, resisting the urge to smooth out your dress.

“I was on my way to get some air,” Suguru answers with a smile of his own. “I ran into a close friend.” He chuckles goodnaturedly. “I’m trying to convince her to come back with me.”

Come back with him?

Her gaze slides to you. If she remembers you, her expression is unreadable. Her eyes slightly widen. “Oh my,” she lifts her hand to her mouth. “Is it your seat I’ve taken? My apologies—”

“Oh, it’s fine!” You wave her off. She looks genuinely apologetic. “Please, take my seat. I’ve found another with an old friend.”

“Is that so…” She trails off, glancing up at Suguru. “Forgive me, we haven’t been properly introduced.” She lowers her head. “Sasaki Kumiko. Pleased to meet your acquaintance.”

You reply with your own name, and an encouraging smile.

“Speaking of,” you step away. “I’ve kept Hideo-kun waiting long enough. Why don’t you take her with you to get fresh air, Suguru?”

“It would be a pleasure,” Kumiko says, eyes brightening at the idea, giving a face a certain type of incandescent joy. “I would love to accompany you.”

You don’t wait for his reply to make yourself scarce. You give his hand a little squeeze, before making your way back to Hideo.

The two of you fall back into easy conversation and talk until the moon is high and bright in the sky. Plates are cleared and guests start to rise once again, mingling and talking as the dancefloor begins to fill up.

You’re unsure of what to do. Should you look for Shoko again? You’re not much of a dancer. You don’t want to hold her back with your discomfort. Hideo lightly taps on your arm, bending down to whisper into your ear: “There’s a garden outside. Do you want to walk with me?”

You are instantly relieved. With everybody crowded around the dance floor to witness the bride and groom’s first dance, the two of you would be able to slip outside. Nobody would be there. You could get away.

You nod, and he takes your hand, leading you towards the exit leading to the hotel lobby, and then outside. As the two of you step out into the pebble lined path, lit up in anticipation for the wedding, you can still hear the strings of the quartet playing from the ballroom. Immaculately tended flowers line the path, flowers of every color and shape. You sigh, feeling the tension slipping from your body. 

“I’m sorry if I scared you. Earlier.” Hideo laughs, rubbing the back of his neck, turning to you earnestly. “I saw you earlier, and I spent so much time thinking of what to say to you that I completely forgot what I was going to say!”

You laugh, despite the outside chill trailing over your body. You relate to the feeling of your tongue not working at times. “You didn’t scare me. But I did think you mistook me for someone else at first,” you admit. You were initially perturbed, that was true. You’re glad he cleared the air before you managed to escape. You’re glad that you’ve met him again, after all these years.

The path opens to a small clearing with an empty fountain as Hideo fondly details his short lived time at the main Kamo estate with you. At the Kamo compound, he was one of many boys, left alone to his own devices in favor of the more elite sons of the family. It was the first time he had ever tasted freedom away from his own clan estate, where he was coddled by servants and his sickly mother.

Upon your silence, he looks at you, concerned. “Is it cold?” He moves to take off his jacket but you stop him.

“It’s not that,” you blurt out. The cold feels good on your skin. Calms you down. “I don’t remember much from back then. It’s all…hazy.” Any recollection of your childhood draws a blank. It makes you feel bad that you can’t dignify his memories with your own. “But I know that…” you trail off, staring at your feet. “You were kind to me. Back then.” Even you know that you hadn’t been in the right state of mind so soon after your father died. You wanted to leave the past behind. You didn’t want to remember. You had to forget to survive.

You sit down on the cold surface of stone, and exhale. You didn’t realize Hideo’s appearance would dredge up the past like this. You feel tired all of a sudden. You want to go back to the apartment you’ve made a home, curl up in your bed, and let sleep claim you once more.

A weight settles on your shoulders as the warmth of Hideo’s jacket envelopes you. He takes a seat next to you, gaze searching yours. 

“You were a child,” he says gently. “It’s okay to forgive yourself—”

You don’t hear the rest of his words as blood rushes to your ears. You can’t swallow the lump in your throat, and your face feels hot to the touch. Your fingers curl into the skirt of your dress. Forgiveness . You have no right to forgiveness. You allow yourself just enough happiness, and that’s enough. 

“—it was only three months.” His gaze turns a touch concerned. “Are you alright?”

Panic bubbles in your chest as you manage shallow breaths, staring at him in increasing discomfort as your vision begins to go spotty.

Forgiveness? Your father died before he could forgive you. He died resenting your birth. He wished you had died instead of your mother. The forgiveness to absolve yourself isn't yours.

“There you are.”

You’d recognize the sharp cadence of Satoru’s voice anywhere. You focus on it. He’s unhappy. You wonder if he got into another fight with Suguru. You turn to where he stands, arms crossed, jaw set into a hard line. In the moonlight he glows otherworldly, a piece of divinity on earth. If only his expression matched.

His eyes are piercingly alight as he approaches. “Shoko’s looking for you.”

“Oh.” You perk up. “She is?” In your momentary elation at the prospect of seeing Shoko again, the anxiety dissipates enough for you to collect yourself. You almost forget to make introductions, but Hideo beats you to it, standing up. 

“Gojo-sama,” he says, inclining his head. “It’s an—”

“Like I care,” is Satoru’s clipped response. A dismissive glance in Hideo’s general direction, before his gaze is focused on you again. You stare at him, taken aback at his rudeness.

He pulls you up, not roughly, and examines you with a keen eye. He takes in the coat on your shoulders, and irritation shrouds his face once more. He swipes it off your shoulders and throws it back on the fountain. Then he takes off his haori and sweeps it over your shoulders. Without another word, he takes you by the wrist and away.

You give Hideo one last glance over your shoulder. He waves, a good natured smile on his face.

You eye Satoru’s back, trying to tug your hand back to your side to no avail. His fingers are locked around your wrist. Despite his annoyance, you’re happy to see him. There’s so much you want to tell him, about all the small details about your shameful past you tried to hide, about the small things you did remember about your time at the Kamo compound, even about Hideo—

You are backed into a wall, Satoru looming above you, eyes flashing. “Who the hell was that?”

You blink at him, looking from Satoru’s left arm caging you into the wall, to the other with slight disbelief.  “Shirokami…Hideo…” We lived together when we were younger. Back when I had nobody. Back when I was a ghost. He taught me how to catch fireflies. I don’t remember much about those days, but I think he made me happy.

You hold your tongue.

You hope you aren’t being presumptuous. “He’s a friend—”

Satoru’s fingers dig into your chin as he lifts your face up. You look into his eyes, brighter than the moon hanging in the sky, and you think there’s something disconcerting in the way he looks at you. Like you could ask him to defy the laws of the world. For you, he do it. And if you asked him to bring down a star, he’d lay it on your palm.

The world stills, just as it usually does when you meet his gaze. Your heart skips a beat in your chest as you stare at him, daring you to pull away, to drop your gaze back to your feet.

You feel his hand curl around your nape, pulling you to him with a squeeze that feels branding. He takes your lips with a bruising kiss, pressing you back into a garden shed. A startled noise leaves your open lips, and Satoru takes advantage, teeth sinking into your bottom lip with a distinct viciousness. You feel his tongue dragging against your own, hungry. Your eyes widen, never leaving his lidded stare that could be a glare. His hands come up to cup your face, angling you to his whims, effectively keeping you still against the onslaught of his lips as he steals your breath away.

He’s all you can see and feel. The heat of him, his palpable desire, so feverish it eats you alive. You push at his chest, feeling the lack of oxygen muddle your brain but he only holds you tighter. When he finally pulls away, a string of saliva briefly connects your lips, broken when Satoru’s tongue runs over his lips. Your hands are fisted into the fabric of his nagagi so tightly that you’ve pulled it open, exposing more of his chest than necessary. You let go, hands falling limp to your side.

His eyes lower back to your lips, and you startle. You’d take a step back if you could, but instead you push back into the wall. Somewhere in between, Satoru had lifted you up, your legs loosely wrapped around his waist, dress hiked up. Satoru’s hand is resting on your bare thigh with a grip that has no intention of letting you move, and a shiver rips through your body as you inhale gulps of air. His leg rests between your thighs, reminding you of the uncomfortable wetness staining your panties.

He leans forward and you unknowingly tense, but instead of your lips you feel a sting on your neck. Teeth. You wince, but Satoru holds you in place, fingers curling into you like a warning. You feel his tongue tracing the bruise, before he straightens with a finality. You might be shaking but you’re unsure if it’s from the cold or…

You stare at him, stunned, while he meets your gaze unrepentantly.

“I…” your voice trembles as the awful reality slowly sets in. “Could you…” you struggle with the words. “...Please put me down.”

For one terrifying second, you see the beginnings of the stubborn set of his eyebrows, as if he might refuse.

Then, wordlessly, wearing a frown, he lifts you down.

You don’t think. You bend down on unsteady legs to pick up his fine haori that had fallen to the ground, and neatly fold it. You hand it to him. He takes it. 

“Good night,” you intone.

You stiffly walk back into the hotel lobby, where everyone has gathered, ready to leave for the night or take taxis to the invite exclusive after party. You think you might walk to the train station. Nothing feels real.

You should text Shoko. Tell her that you didn’t feel good and that you took a taxi home. Yes, you’ll do that.

You accidentally meet Suguru’s searching gaze from across the room. You register surprise across his face. Then he slowly makes his way through the crowd. There's something wet on your lips, and when you raise your hand there's a smear of blood on your fingers. You take a step back, stomach twisting into knots. You’ll walk.

You’ll walk.

You turn around, starting through the hotel lobby where cabs have begun to line the entrance and the streets outside. You'll feel bad later. You walk through it all. Once you get far away enough, you manage to flag an empty taxi down.

You don’t remember the car ride home. You enter your apartment and make it to your bed just as your legs buckle. You fall asleep in daze, wondering if the night was all just a bad dream.

[marinaiguess]

Hello!! I'm replaying sonic rush and having a lot of sonaze feelings I need to get out there--

There's a cutscene where blaze asks cream what kind of person sonic is and cream replies "he's like the wind!" and blaze is like "wtf does that mean" and I'm like !!!! He's wind!! And you're fire!!! 'cause they feed each other!!! Aaaaaaa!!! Gah I'm just weak for ships that are tough girl x goofy guy because I think they could support and understand each other in lots of ways

you guys can always send me your thoughts on sonaze, we all are the same here (or anything else really, I don't mind)

the goofy (sunshine) x tough (grumpy) trope is so good, especially when the girl is the tough one. sonic rush has some beautiful moments between sonic and blaze, even though these two don't properly meet until the last stages of the game (which I find iconic). so, even the smallest of details (like the one u mentioned) can give us the sonaze feels.

fire and wind is such a good combo as well, even though that is implied in the games it's never outright stated how powerful yet hazardous it can be. the wind has the ability to keep the fire in check but also it can empower it significantly. the relationship between sonic and blaze is representative of their elements and I think that's quite interesting.

thank u for giving me an opportunity to talk about their dynamic (once again, lol, but I never get tired of it)

[awlwren]

Favorite Character from 10 Fandoms

I was tagged by @shieldmaidenofsherwood and @exlibrisfangirl. Thanks for thinking of me! No thanks for making me make decisions. :(

Rules: List your favorite character from 10 different fandoms and then tag 10 people.

Rather than try to actually chose, I'm just going to do the last 10 characters I used their tag to find fic for on Ao3, from most recent to least.

Nyx Ulric from Kingsglaive/Final Fantasy XV. RIP to your feeds; this man has captured my attention for almost a full year now. Wow. He is trying so hard to save his friends in spite of everything, but also isn't afraid to chew people out who need to hear it. There are so many blanks to fill in, too.

Elrond Peredhil from the Hobbit/LotR/Silmarillion. A very old, but enduring fave from back when my dad read the Hobbit to me when I was eight or so and started my love for Tolkien. He was wise and smart and helpful, and gave people shelter. Instant fave. Nice to see him getting some more love lately!

Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan from the Vorkosigan Saga. All you people here on tumblr made me decide to start the series and I adored her and her husband and so was very disappointed to see less of them as the series shifted to their son, not that he isn't fantastic! But I've always had a weakness for the previous generation, so this is nothing new.

Luke Skywalker from Star Wars, my original blorbo, as the children say. I got introduced to Star Wars when I was six and it has been an obsession ever since. What can I say, I am basic and weak for main characters. I was heavy into the EU and so I started to draw away when Episode II came out and I could see it killing itself trying to cope with contradictions, but Luke, with such a burden always trying will always be a favorite. 4b. Mara Jade also has gotten a character tag search, but she is in the same fandom so she doesn't get her own number. But don't neglect her!

Jason Todd from Batman comics. I fell sideways into this fandom through an old mutual who loved him, and since that's how I came into the fandom I have stuck with him. I tend to latch onto a character and stay loyal, so here I am, through some very bizarre characterization and storyline choices, having learned from this man and fandom how to pick and chose fanon and canon very harshly. Definitely a character that when written well is very very good, and when written badly (or how I don't like) is horrid. 5b. This is basically a (hopefully more mature) carbon copy of how I got into BtVS through a friend obsessed with Spike.

Clark Kent from Superman comics/shows (yes this counts as separate fandoms). Another oldie. My grandparents had the 1940s cartoons as some of the few brother-approved VHS tapes they had, so I watched a lot of it, and then STAS came out and I was hooked. What can I say, I love characters who always try so hard to be the best they can be, and the reminder that even the Man of Tomorrow, for all his powers, can't do everything.

Meliara Astiar and Vidanric Renselaus from Crown & Court Duel by Sherwood Smith. Yes, both of them, shut up. I got on a nostalgia kick and they have a few excellent fics on Ao3. Ultimate culture clash, all the tropes and they make it work.

Trafalgar Law from One Piece. (No, I am not caught up and will not be until Wano is done.) He...he also tries so hard but in a different way. He tries to be serious in Luffy's world and it never works and it's great. Trash man trying to be creepy and trying so hard. And he's genuinely badass, he just cares too much and it cracks me up. And then his backstory breaks my heart.

Eve Baird from The Librarians (tv show). Mama Baird knows what she wants and knows her skills and is doing all she can to protect her idiot Librarian and equally chaotic LITs, but isn't afraid to admit when she needs to learn from them as well.

Alberich from Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey. Another nostalgia lookup, with even less fic. I like mentors, okay? I like older people learning and teaching and I always have, even when I was young. I actually haven't read much of this series, but I got his two books and enjoyed them, and didn't do much with the rest.

I'm going to chose to interpret the lack of women on this list as a critique of the books I read and not solely of me myself. But it's a good trend to see as I try to figure out what to procrastinate by reading next. (as is the appalling lack of explicit POC. Ouch.)

Again, these are the most recent character tag searches I've done on Ao3, not my top 10 characters, because this took less decisions, honestly.

Absolutely no-pressure tagging of @garbria, @whumpwriterforlife, @starjunco, @sanzochan, @whostarlockeda03, @noirbriar, @newlyorange, and @maychorian, along with anyone else who wants to go. I would love to get more character reccs, honestly. It's gotten me started on two series that I've enjoyed but haven't gotten far enough in to seek out fic yet for risk of spoilers. ^_^

[binaryeclipse]

can I ask 13, 16 and 17 for the ask game? ❤️

Ah, Clem! Merci Beaucoup! 💕💕💕 I've had quite a day (I won't get into it but suffice to say I could do without one like this for a long long time) so this is a good way to unwind a little from it.

13. Share a sentence from a WIP that you’re excited about!

Oh gosh. Well, since I'm on a kick talking about The Knight Errant how about I pull up something from that?

Obi-Wan shoved Anakin away with all his strength, retreating to once again put distance between them. "I came seeking your mercy."

"Then you will die." Terrible gold eyes flashed, as cruel and alien as a wyvern. "My mercy and my blade are the same."

What followed were the most desperate moments of Obi-Wan’s life. The flames towered around them, the air choked with smoke and the heat more oppressive than the desert wilderness of the Holy Land. It became harder and harder to evade Anakin’s blows, exhaustion setting in, sapping his strength as each breath he took became heavier and more difficult, his lungs aching.

The opposite seemed true for Anakin. The fire seemed to feed the otherworldly knight, his eyes burning like the memory of the molten metal in his father’s smithy. The thickening clouds swirled around his limbs as he rained strike after strike down on Obi-Wan’s faltering defence, sensing weakness in his prey. Yet there was a desolation to Anakin’s countenance, paired with the madness of his fury. Recklessness. He could see the tracks of tears through the sheen of sweat on his face. For every powerful blow Anakin landed, strong enough to crack bone, Obi-Wan was able to deal out his own now, no doubt painting Anakin’s skin with deep bruises.

16. What is your favourite trope to write?

I kinda had to sit with this one for a bit and think about it. Because there's a lot of tropes I really love, and I've written a few but there are also tropes I love that I haven't gotten to write yet. So here's just two that I could think of off the top of my head that I love:

Enemies to Lovers. It's just such a great trope. I love watching the evolution of the characters. The sexual tension is always 🔥🔥🔥 and the emotional tension just always has me on my toes. I love watching how they progress and come to accept and overcome their situations it's just such good fucking food time and again. I love it especially with Obikin because it feels like the opposite of canon. Rather than Lovers to Enemies it's going in reverse and it feels like a way to heal the wounds the original story leaves on the audience who become invested in the two of them.

Established Relationship. Don't get me wrong, I love a good meet-cute, I adore getting-together fics Iand the slow burn is just a fandom staple at this point. But sometimes I want the comfort of knowing they're already in love and have accepted each other and we're just seeing their lives after they get over their chronic stupidity and can just be stupid and in love together. The story doesn't end once they admit their feelings and fuck. There's so much to explore within a relationship, from the trials that can put strains on it, test their devotion, to just the way they learn to grow together and around each other.

17. Least favourite trope to write?

I don't think I could write something with non-con in it, as a feature or as a plot device. I don't mind reading it in fic as a plot device but its not something I would use unless absolutely necessary.

[hikariobsessions]

I think I kind of agree with you, I'm not too fond of the sassy mc in ikesen, but she'll grow on me eventually maybe. It kind of makes me sad that people think reserved or shy characters can't be written well or be strong without being sassy/rude or without being annoying. I always see them being written as if being shy/pure is their only trait. I've met shy people in real life who are very enjoyable to be around once they open up to someone. (You don't need to reply to this by the way)

I can’t say how much this kind of ask/discussion is making me smile right now. Thank you for this (*^^*) – if you want, you can dm me and we can discuss this in a little bit more detail~ More opinions from me under the cut – but you don’t need to read it if this topic is already driving you insane (as it is me) because of how it blew up into this odd, unpleasant thing that really didn’t need to be. But I suppose, it’s Tumblr nonetheless… 

Don’t let one opinion stop you from enjoying the stuff you really admire. THIS OPINION IS JUST ME. Ignore or barrel through the commentaries, that’s up to you.

But it’s there as food for thought. For myself, and just as an answer to this asker who has been the only person so far that has responded to my call for civility when it comes to these rants. 

Again, thank you so, so much (*^^*)

[RANT] Just another one to get stuff off my chest ^^;; We all know how this goes right?

I can understand why people like the ENG MC. And here’s the thing, they’re not WRONG to like her for whatever reason they have. It’s FINE.

I’m just running my mouth with my own opinions because first of all this is my blog - LET’S JUST GET THAT OUT OF THE WAY IN CASE NO ONE HAS NOTICED. 

But also, just as someone in the minority of these opinions, I take it upon myself to try and elaborate on my own point of view because I feel like I owe it to the people who like/maybe even love this particular character, to not just give them hate and criticism, but rather a valid argument for my own views.

But so far no one has given me any fair observations/criticisms of the writing that points me in a different way of looking at and appreciating the writing in the IkeSen ENG App for what it is, flaws and all. People are just going “it’s good writing/dialogue” and I’m just like…why do you think that way? PLEASE ELABORATE. 

I am literally someone who wants my opinions challenged because I don’t want to hate on this game. Far from it. Why would anyone want to download something just to do that?

Furthermore, I don’t tag the company’s social media in my rants in particular because they are just that – RANTS. I call the localization team out on several things, definitely, but whether they change their writing is up to them.

Ever since I entered this fandom, I already knew I was in the minority when it came to opinions of the MC, just by looking through Tumblr for IkeSen content. 

But honestly, I want a more substantial reason as to why people think the writing is good apart from the fact that the MC is different (sassy, witty etc.) from other examples of MCs in otome. 

Because as you said, hun, there are other people out there who can be really shy and reserved but have their own strengths as a person/character. And they can also be rude and judgmental at their worst. This is just human. 

And you’re right, it’s a shame that they are sometimes only “written as if being shy/pure is their only trait” – that in itself is BAD WRITING.

The only bad female character, if you ask me (and you did), is one who’s flat. One who isn’t realistic. One who has no agency of her own, who only exists to define other characters (usually men).

Here’s the thing about being a damsel in distress…it’s only bad if that’s all she is. If the character’s defining characteristic is being a damsel in distress, that’s bad. - Mad Lori

I can’t stop quoting Mad Lori enough about this :’)I don’t need to tell anyone that this goes for “sassiness” as well right?? So how about this? About “progression” in the sense that women don’t have to be “strong” in order to be good, well-written characters. And they don’t have to possess a specific trait, such as ‘sassy’ just to be said - “strong” character. That they find their own strength by choosing to love, overcoming their own flaws but more importantly being someone with their own agency to achieve self-determination in the world that they’re in – but also remain down-to-earth, shy, outspoken or otherwise. 

This was never taken from the Japanese MC as a character in the JP App. This is why I remain so confused as to why the English team decided to change her.PORTRAY CHARACTERS AS HUMAN. Not as this thing trying for a convoluted cultural ideal which has its own flaws. 

This is coming from someone, who in turn watches stuff like Orange is the New Black (just watch a trailer for it (if you haven’t heard of this show) and maybe you can get why I’m referring to it). 

It’s a show which has an amazing amount of diversity in terms of its portrayal of women. But what’s good about it, is that those portrayals aren’t so much black or white, shy or sassy, strong or weak – they all have their strengths and weaknesses that make them complex and are motivated by their individual character traits and flaws as well as possessing their own agency.

In any case, the only reason, or at least the MAJOR reason I was completely turned off by the ENG MC is that in the writing, they try SOOO hard to make a point that this particular MC is different from the rest. That she is witty. That she is sassy. Oh, and look just how “strong” she is, by thinking up all these snarky comments/comebacks against the guys, even when they’re not being dickheads!! 

To me, that’s the only reason they decided to change her from the original Japanese MC (correct me if I’m wrong, PLEASE) – shoving these sentiments of “a strong woman” into this particular character just to……..what? Reach a “diverse” audience?? How diverse are we talking about exactly? 

If you can’t even look at a type of character that is shy, insecure and reserved as part of that diversity – and admiring how she becomes an exception to her own trope – you’re just kidding yourself.  And this change isn’t even the core of my problem with the writing.

Look I get that people can be frustrated because of the lack of representation of different kinds of MC and that’s a fair frustration to have. But let’s not back ourselves into a corner of thinking that women need to be portrayed as this one thing in order to be “well-written”:

Sherlock Holmes gets to be brilliant, solitary, abrasive, Bohemian, whimsical, brave, sad, manipulative, neurotic, vain, untidy, fastidious, artistic, courteous, rude, a polymath genius. Female characters get to be Strong. -Sophia McDougall, Quote take from here.

To me, this entire push to have this “sassy” MC in the ENG App is the writer or perhaps the business, literally shoving their own rant/agenda onto my face (or rather their “market research” let’s say). 

Having that happen to you as an audience/reader is seriously disengaging from the story. What I’ve seen them do, is blatantly spoon-feed information about the traits of the characters and tell audiences what to think or feel about them, instead of letting readers figure these out for themselves. 

They are literally “talking” to the reader, and that severely takes me out of the world of the story. For example, they use thought-bubbles of the MC to monologue about (Oh, how I used to be such an independent woman, but now I’m in the Sengoku…) — From my perspective, THAT IS SERIOUSLY BAD WRITING. And hence, why I think she’s not a well-written character. Not because of how they changed her to be outspoken and/or sassy, but rather their execution of conveying that in the stories.

“Show, don’t tell” anyone?? Nothing bad about applying a common writing technique preached by almost every writing mentor out there.

The thing is audiences aren’t stupid, but more often than not - when they're paying attention - they know when they’re being called “stupid”.

I have nothing against the localization team trying to change this particular MC into having a ‘sassy’ personality. My problem is that they don’t write it well. 

There’s nothing substantial added to the story by changing the MC that actually makes the development of their relationship (MC and any Warlord) stronger from the stories in the JP App. It’s possible to have done it but unfortunately no, not in this version. If anything the ‘decorative’ nature of what the English team has done with the character to “reach” audiences just made the MC unbearably annoying (to me).

But, equally bad is that everything that they’re doing, which shouldn’t be evident while reading the stories, is showing:

i.e. aiming for a goal of wanting the MC to be different, and using her thought-bubbles to deliver expository commentaries; instead of letting her stand on her own two feet as a character through her actions. 

 –  they should at least BE SUBTLE about it and make sure that they have that self-awareness as to why they’re doing it. And not just because you want to gain popularity amongst audiences who are sick of a trope. This is what I mean when I say I don’t like different for the sake of being different. It’s just sensationalist, immature and completely distracting from the actual story and relationships we’re supposed to be admiring. To quote the great screenwriting guru, Robert McKee:

Just as children break things for fun or throw tantrums to force attention on themselves, too many filmmakers [in this case writers too] use infantile gimmicks on screen to shout, “Look what I can do!” A mature artist never calls attention to himself, and a wise artist never does anything merely because it breaks convention. - Robert McKee

But, hey, like with anything else — this is just me, with my blog, voicing my opinion~ If you’ve read this, again:

Thank you so much for putting up with these rants ^^

Peace out guys, and stay kind ^_^ - Hikari

[impossiblerebelblaze]

i'm gonna be the evil one here and say 50-99! bwahahahhaha for anti

Most of these are just for Ire, unless Vice is mentioned by name in the answer I give.

50. When is their birthday?October 11

51. How do they usually celebrate their birthday?He doesn’t really do much ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

52. Do they have any family?No. Maybe like, other demons but no blood-relations (other than Jack???)

53. Are they close to their family?I mean kinda? “Close” like he lived inside Jack’s mind for however long. Does he like him? No.

54. What is their MBTI type?I took the test as him and got ENTP-A

55. What is their zodiac sign?I mean with his birthday, he’s a Libra

56. What Hogwarts House would they be in?Slytherin. But I think he’d live in the forbidden forest rather than the school

57. What D&D alignment are they?Chaotic neutral with heavy leanings towards the “evil” side

58. Do they ever have nightmares? If so, what about?Probably things we wouldn’t be able to understand.

59. What are their views on death?He likes to think that he works alongside Death, in a way.

60. What is something that they’re sure to laugh at?I guess he can’t really talk, so he just kinda yells, grunts, and laughs a lot,, but honestly if he’s thinking clearly, jokes can make him laugh quite a bit

61. When bored, how do they pass time?Either sleeping or causing general mayhem.

62. Do they enjoy being outside?Not really, he’d rather stay inside where it’s warm

63. Do they have an accent?Again, he can’t talk but you bet your ass he’d have an Irish accent

64. Upon seeing a slice of chocolate cake, what is their first reaction?His eyes go wide like he just saw a small prey animal and JUMP ON IT. he likes sweets

65. If they knew they were going to die, what would they do/say?If it was due to a fight, he’d be screaming and fighting till his last breath. If he couldn’t do that, he’d wedge himself into someplace small, where nobody could find him.

66. How do they feel about sex?Ire doesn’t really understand it, and Vice would just see it as another possible way to torture someone, I guess.

67. What is their sexuality?Ire is basically ace, and Vice might as well be, too. Neither of them look at humans like that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

68. Do they become squeamish at the sight of blood?HA NO

69. Is there anything that they find really gross?Physical affection, and Ire has this weird aversion to birds

70. Which TV Trope(s) best describes them?Psychological horror, the monster. (Wish there were more of those)

71. Do they enjoy helping people?Ire doesn’t, but Vice will if it feeds into something he’s doing

72. Are they allergic to anything?Nothing of note, maybe Vice would be allergic to cats because Jack is

73. Do they have a pet?No, he’d probably end up killing it tbh

74. Are they quick to anger? What are they like when they loose their temper?Imma do a quick rundown for bothVice. We’ve seen what he’s like when he’s mad. He spews threats, guilt trips the people around him. He’s wickedly smart and manipulative, but when he loses his temper, he gets impulsive and violent. Ire. He’s a lot like a furious cat. He screams as loud as he can, kicking, biting, scratching. Green rings appear in his eyes, and the room he’s in will start to tilt and shift. The eyes on his torso will start to ooze a rancid substance. When it drips on the ground, it starts to seethe and grow, shooting out veins across the floor and up the walls. It’s truly terrifying.

75. How patient are they?He can wait for hours looking down on his prey. He’s a master hunter, he can feel the rising tension in the air, the growing fear in his prey below.

76. Are they good at cooking?Nah Ire likes raw meat and eggs. He likes heat but he cannot cook.

77. Favorite insult? Do they insult people often?If he could talk, he’d love to shoot insults at every given opportunity. Idk if he’d have a favourite one, but if you watch Jack’s videos, you’d have a general idea

78. How do they act when they’re particularly happy?He bounces around and chirps, or lounges around like a lazy cat.

79. What do they do when they learn about other people’s fears?Both Vice and Ire would absolutely exploit it. Use it to get at the person, to unnerve them even further.

80. Are they trustworthy?No. Ire is just outright evil and devious, Vice would, if it served him well, gain your trust for whatever selfish reason. You could trust him then. But if it was required m he’d break that trust without batting an eye.

81. Do they try to hide their emotions? Are they good at it?No. He’s incredibly expressive, and can’t hide his anger or joy.

82. Do they exercise regularly?Climbing around like a spider is exercising right

83. Are they comfortable with the way they look?Ire can subtly change his appearance at will, but he likes his general form. It’s just human enough to be almost familiar, but extremely disconcerting.

84. What are some physical features that they find attractive on people?Ehh neither Vice nor Ire are really “attracted” to people so not really anything.

85. What kind of personalities do they find attractive?Well, he finds people that don’t express that distinct fear interesting, if that means anything.

86. Do they like sweet foods?Yes,, he loves them

87. What is their age?Redacted

88. Are they tall or short or somewhere in between?Vice is 5’9 like Jack. Ire’s tricky because he crouches and never stands up straight. He’s similar to Jack as well, but his legs add like a foot and a half

89. Do they wear glasses or contacts?Vice needs glasses like Jack does but he never wears them

90. Do they consider themselves attractive?Both of them consider themselves to be more “worrisome” or “panic-inducing” rather than attractive

91. What is their sense of humor like?DARK AND BITTER HUMOUR

92. What mood are they most often in?Angry

93. What kinds of things anger them?Basically anything

94. Outlook on life?Eh

95. What kind of things make them sad/depressed?

96. What is their greatest weakness?Vice, when he’s lost his temper, will be incredibly impulsive, and possibly sabotage his own plan through one accidental swing of his knife, or one wrong phrase that he just had to say. Ire is distracted very easily. Laser pointer? You have a good chance at escaping from him unscathed.

97. What is the greatest strength?Vice is, as I’ve said, very smart. He knows things. He’ll run us around in petty little circles, chasing our own tails while he sets up something far more dangerous. Ire’s strength would probably be the way he hunts.

98. Something that they regret?Vice might think that he could’ve drawn a bigger reaction with his first big appearance, maybe saved killing Jack for later. But it is what it is. It sure caused a big stir and a very strong starting point to his reign of terror. I don’t know if Ire can really feel regret.

99. Biggest accomplishment?Vice- easily, us. The amount of worry and interest we show. How something like Overnightwatch became such a big deal. How thousands of us stayed up all night to watch a blank frame with, what, maybe five minutes of anything out of the ordinary?Ire- again, he probably doesn’t think things like that.

[plotlinehotline]

(subplot 1/2) I'm stuck on one major subplot of my project I'm working on; have you ever heard of the Sentinel & Guide trope? Well I decided to rework it around my universe and I did it by having this group of empaths. Basically they need a partner to help them fight in battle. The Empath can do both defensive and offensive attacks, but their partner can do mostly offensive, but they don't have powers like their Empath partner yet they're still strong enough to take on a battle.

(subplot 2/2) With the S/G trope the Sentinel is the one who has the advanced senses and the Guide is just there to help them come back down, so they don’t do much- but I want to expand on my version but I don’t know how. The Empath is my version of the Sentinel but I don’t know what to turn my Guide into. I’m sorry, I read fanfic alot but this idea popped up in my head and I didn’t know who to ask, so if you can’t help that’s totally fine.

I must admit, I had to look up the Sentinel & Guide trope, but I think I know some ways to help you out. 

They way that I understood the Guide is that they are someone who has to “ground” the Sentinel. You say your Sentinel is an Empath, so how does being an Empath require someone to bring them back to reality? Are your characters just partners in battle, or is there any room for personal relationship in your story? A bad example of what I’m thinking of is L and Watari from Death Note. On one side you have a person who has near-magic levels of intelligence and analysis skills, and on the other you have his handler, who is somewhat of a fatherly figure and acts as a liason to deliver information to the “Sentinel” (I remember something about Watari being able to calm L down when he gets riled up, but I may be misremebering).  

Your Sentinel is an Empath, but your Guide can be a handler, or assistant, emissary, intermediary– the possibilities are endless. Even just using a thesaurus may give you inspiration if you’re looking to change the title. The direct opposite of an empath is a narcissist, although that word generally has negative connotations/is not exactly a superpower. Since empathy is the ability to share and understand feelings, the opposite would be one who has no ability to connect emotionally to others. If the Empath can’t stop themself from augmenting and aprehending the emotions of others, how does the Guide help to protect the rest of the team.

Who is the main character in this story? If you decide to focus on the Guide, I see no reason as to why they can’t have their own development outside of the Sentinel. If the Guides are capable of some supernatural ability, how does being a Guide affect their usage? There are a lot of directions in which you can go that allow the Guide to be so much more than ‘just’ a Guide. Just as a general warning, make sure your characters (and powers) have balanced strengths and weaknesses. That alone may prevent the Guide from being ‘just a Guide.’

I don’t want to force feed you ideas, but some plot points could be:

Guide becoming fed up with their position

Possibly want better assignment/different Sentinel

Guide not fully understanding why they have the role

Why Sentinels exist and the reason Guides are needed

Sentinel turning against Guide in moment of confusion

How Guide reacts to this (emotionally, physically…)

Guide feeling inadequate becaues of Sentinel

Guide finding their own self satisfaction/self worth

Guide dealing with the downside of their own powers

xx Sarah