#Lucien: Our apartments are right next to each other mc

[all-things-mlqc]

Boys reaction to MC who never have date before meeting them. Like, the boys as MC's first love.

My first HC on here and I was memeing half the time while writing it. Included what the boys would do after hearing this news as well because why not. I’m not a Lucien fan but lord have mercy on my soul, I couldn’t help making his romantic af. He is the ideal boyfriend/date minus the l i e s that come in the MS and I hate it. All the crossed out stuff is just commentary because I couldn’t help myself. Hope you enjoy~ Thank you for your ask <3

How the MLQC boys react to being MC’s first love below the cut~

Victor:

Follows with some snarky comment after he calls her “Dummy”.

Let’s be real here, if he doesn’t call her dummy immediately, then something is wrong. Reminds me of when we streamed the first episode of MLQC and we were all yelling “CALL US BAKA” the second Victor came on screen.

While he seems cool and collected on the outside, you can hear the computer shutdown sound play on the inside.

To him, this is a shocking confession.

Victor: I’m not surprised a dummy like you hasn’t been in a serious relationship before.

Victor, internally: How has she never been in a serious relationship before??

He’s not very good at expressing himself honestly through his words but he truly admires MCs hardworking nature.

He finds that very attractive in a woman and is surprised that other men in the line of business haven’t taken their shot with her yet. it’s because they can feel your death stare on the back of their heads, kind sir

One thing he struggles with is being himself. He tries to act like everything is in his control all the time.

Because of this, upon hearing MCs confession, he invites her to a fancy dinner at his penthouse insert Victor’s Dazzling Date because THATS ALL THAT MATTERS. Jkjk haha... unless...

He wants to impress her as much as possible even though he knows deep down that she doesn’t care about what a person has and rather how they are as a person

BUT ALAS. The stress be real for her first boyfriend.

He wants her to know she made a good decision without verbally telling her out of his own bitch mouth I love you, please call me baka so he goes over the top with their first date.

Basically pulls a Mr. Krabs when taking Mrs. Puff on a date. Just add shades to Mr. Krabs to represent Victor’s “I’m calm. I’m chill. I’m all good. We vibin out here.”

All MC wants from him is his honest and genuine thoughts. and a lifetime stock of pudding because good god a girl has chocolate needs

MC eventually figures out Victor’s intentions with all the gifts he rains on her because hE dOesNt nEeD tHeM he can’t give her anything more than a cup of pudding up front

MC knows this and accepts the secret gifts with a smile.

She sends a gift in return to his office the following day along with a thank you for the wonderful date.

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of Victor’s heart rate slowing to the average persons.

Kiro:

insert pikachu meme

This boy is mind blown.

“How have you never been in a relationship before??? That can’t be true!”

Kiro sees the good in everyone, so hearing that MC has never been in a relationship before him is

He gives her a bright smile and playfully hugs her from behind.

The two of them laugh together as he whispers genuinely in her ear,

“I promise to make you happy. You won’t regret it.”

He immediately drags her off to Loveland’s Amusement Park, where they spend the whole day together.

Rides, snacks, games, you name it, they did it all.

Kiro naturally spoils MC without putting much thought to it.

It’s like a reflex for him. It’s just who he is as a person. Always wants to share the happiness in the world with the people he cares about.

As for how anxious he is after hearing the news about being MC’s first love, he is screaming at a pitch only dogs can hear.

Almost 100% of the time he has a smile on his face and even convinces himself that he’s not worried about it.

But he is.

It only hits him when he thinks about another man taking MC away from him after seeing her talking with another guy.

MC will catch him without his carefree smile at times and eventually confronts him about it.

He shows her a wide smile and says there’s nothing to worry about.

L I E S. BABIE LEMME HOLD YOU I PROMISE YOU DONT NEED TO WORRY.

After a few attempts of trying to get Kiro to open up about it, he gives in and says he’s worried he’s not good enough for her HAHAHHA, GOOD ONE KIRO

MC, however, turns it around on him

MC: I’m afraid IM the one who isn’t good enough for you.

They both smile and embrace each other, knowing they’ll get through any little concerns like this.

Gavin:

He knows.

We’re talking about the boy who has been in love with MC since high school; Who has protected her behind the scenes ever since he laid eyes on her.

He would know if she had been in a previous or current relationship.

It only comes as a shock when she says she’s never been interested in anyone else romantically before. Lies. Have you seen the other suitors, MC. In a world where guys are that hot, you must’ve had at least 1 crush, c’mon sis.

Gavin respected her personal boundaries and never looked into her personal affairs so he had very little knowledge of her views on other guys.

He gets a little bit nervous, since he believes her standards must be high if she hasn’t been interested in anyone else before.

Does the full on soldier oath, bend the knee cliche which includes “I promise to always protect you” and “Nobody will ever be good enough for you”

Mc: Gavin no...

Gavin: NOBODY WILL EVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU.

Spoiler alert: You are waayyyyy too good for me, Gavin.

He doesn’t have too much anxiety over the thought of being MC’s first love though since he’s very good at staying true to himself and knows MC is one to admire that about others.

Gavin is a quiet guy in general. He’s more of an observer and watches MC to take note of what she enjoys.

When he sees her eyes shine bright after seeing a delicious dessert cafe, he offers to take her. He makes sure to express how he also wants to go since he knows she won’t accept unless he is interested as well.

Boy literally has no interests the moment he’s with MC. He is essentially that vine

Doesn’t even wait until the question is over and just “Absolutely. Let’s do it”

MC: But I haven’t even said anything yet...

He isn’t much different from how he is now. Has around the same amount of anxiety just from being in MCs presence.

Boy just wants to PROTECC and is always panicking on the inside but tries to remain calm.

He is very good at calming his anxiety though since he’s had so long to understand what MC values and knows she just loves people for themselves.

That’s all he needs.

Lucien:

His eyes widen slightly at MCs confession.

It’s nothing too mind blowing for him since he knows how refined MC is and how dedicated she is to her work.

It’s still surprising to him that nobody has tried to sweep her off her feet yet.

With how kind MC is, it would be hard for her to refuse a date with a gentleman.

Lucien gently presses a kiss to MCs hand upon hearing her confession.

Lucien: I am honored to be given the opportunity TO WOO to take such a beautiful lady out on a date~ AND MORE PLEASE

Lucien is the definition of a gentleman shhhh we aren’t speaking of current chapters in the main route Lucien. Cover your eyes. Pretend you do not see.

With little to no anxiety showing on his face after the reveal that he is MCs first love, he insists on taking her out to a nice restaurant the most classy and romantic 5 star restaurant Loveland City has to offer as a way to thank her for dealing with his bs (both his bullshit and black swan hahaha I’m so funny oml) being given the opportunity to treat her as a beautiful young lady should be treated.

He’s also more on the less anxious side of being MCs first love.

Lucien is a traditional man and does stuff by the book.

Because of this, he respects and likes the idea of being MCs first love.

He doesn’t go over the top yet isn’t cliche with dates and little actions.

He knows exactly what to say and when to say it. Though he may struggle with being openly honest about his own thoughts and feelings, he tries his best to express himself for MC. a lot of the time he just assumes talking to her about his personal affairs would bring her down.

This, however, gets better overtime as they continue to date.

They spend a lovely evening at dinner together and take a midnight stroll through the city oh god city stroll PTSD

He gently wraps his jacket around her bare shoulders with a soft smile as he thanks her once again for believing in him believing he is worthy of her

Bonus:

Shaw:

Shaw, smirking: Is that so?

Oohhhhh you know what that smirk does to me. DOWN BOY D O W N.

He’s surprised but his reaction is very mutual.

His internal thoughts are more on the line of “Hmm I’m her first boyfriend, aye?” and “OYA OYA”

He very likely most definitely places his hand on the wall beside her head and leans in closely to get a reaction from her as he growls,

Shaw: So that means you really like me, yeah? I’m making this way too hot gdi. Shaw stans please enjoy your food

MC looks up to see that same playful smirk resting on his face.

highkey don’t know how to respond because Im just “ok think of 3 things she would probably say and go from there” while my brain just computer error sound

MC: and what about yourself? I’m sure there are tons of girls throwing themselves at you yet you choose me.

He pulls away and places his hands in his pockets with a chuckle.

Shaw: I’ve had my fair share before.

iVe HaD mY fAiR sHarE bEfoRe MY ASS

I’m convinced he’s had one time things with girls purely for information or he isn’t the least bit interested in relationships because he thrives on stimulation and entertainment and nOboDy iS gOoD eNouGh plus he literally asks what people do on dates when taking mc out in his first date in game SO

Either way, this is a LIE. The man can’t relationship for the life of him so he has no RIGHTS to tease her.

Just let him believe or you can try to tease him about it in hopes of getting a little pouty face out of him.

Honestly, their first date would just be the first date we got in the game and nobody can convince me otherwise.

Shaw is a wild child and doesn’t care for romantic dates. at least that’s what he wants you to think

A little insight on his character: He’s very blunt and easily pushes people away all the while keeping them close enough to gather intel. He doesn’t get emotionally attached to anyone and makes sure it’s mutual on both ends. Personal relationships only drag him down, especially in his line of work. He prioritizes other things before relationships which makes him so damn FRUSTRATING BUT I SWEAR I WILL CRACK YOU OPEN LIKE A WALNUT JUST YOU WATCH ME.

With that being said, after actually being in a relationship with MC for a while and opening up about their personal lives more, Shaw can be very romantic. He may be awkward for a bit at first since he literally doesn’t know what a date is but he gets there eventually.

He’s still full of fun but is also very gentle and makes sure MC is enjoying herself.

I got sidetracked with the actual HC on this one but Shaw stans need food I NEED FOOD

[starlessalex]

A long ass post in which I think too hard about future ACOTAR couples.

After lurking at the ACOTAR tag, I saw a lot of great theories and analysis that try to predict the trajectory of the spin-off trilogy. I’ve decided to write my own take on the subject (probably to my own detriment - involving myself in another ship war wasn’t on my bucket list this year, but here I am). I was thinking about what the potential future couples of the story might be, but through the lense of the plot - which couples make the most sense plot wise, which couple have the most potential to drive the plot toward. Here are my thoughts on the matter.

Before I start I will make a couple of disclaimers: 1) I obviously have my ship preferences, and it just so happens that the ships I like the most are the ones that according to me make the most sense narratively. That being said I’m not trying to be malicious or rude about all other ship possibilities - I actually like some of them quite a bit too. 2) I let the books speak for themselves. I do not invoke any paratextual information regarding those books: no SJM interviews or online posts. This analysis is based on what, imo, can be logically inferred from the text. 3) Of course there will be spoilers.

If that’s clear we shall being:

In my analysis I focus on the plot and which couples ensure the smoothest and most logical progression of it. Because of that I do not focus on the foreshadowing SJM included in the previous ACOTAR novel: I don’t quote anything, nor do I talk about previous interactions of those couples. In this analysis, I’m interested in the bigger picture so-to-speak. So first we need to establish what that bigger picture is.

Those books are meant to be standalone fantasy-romance novels with an overarching plotline that will reach its climax in the third book (since it's a trilogy). Each book will feature a different couple which apart from falling in love will lead the story to its next stage. What it means for the story is that the couples that we will be following are all heavily connected to the main story/conflict of those books. ACOSF established that story/conflict as stopping/defeating Koshei. I would argue that ACOSF also established Beron as a secondary antagonist as he is Koschei’s ally. With that in mind, the potential future couples all have to be connected in some way to those individuals.

We actually have a pretty small pool of characters to choose from. Since the story was pitched as SJM was writing ACOWAR, that book is where we can start our search for clues about which characters are going to be the future leads. I don’t want to use SJM interviews for information because things often change during the writing process, however, just in this instance I will note that recently SJM said that not much changed from that initial pitch so all foreshadowing in ACOWAR is still relevant. ACOWAR established 7 characters with potential future romances and storyline: Nesta, Cassian, Elain, Lucian, Azriel, Vassa and Mor.

Four of them are directly connected to Koshei or Beron: Nesta and Elain were made by The Cauldron gaining power that might potentially threaten Koschei and Beron. Elain is especially connected to Koschei - she’s a seer and had visions of him. Additionally, as far as we know she’s Lucian’s mate which makes her connected with Beron. Vassa was entrapped and cursed by Koshei and is currently trying to escape him. Lucian resides with Vassa at the moment, plus he is Beron's stepson.

Out of the 7 of the potential lead characters, two (Nesta and Cassian) already had their story told, which leaves as with 5 possibilities. Mor, unfortunately, also seems quite unlikely to have a book for herself in the near future because since ACOWAR no love interest for her was introduced and plot wise she also doesn't have a lot to do with Koshei. She has a connection to Eris (about whom I will talk about in a minute) and by proxy to Beron, but, again, there isn't a love interest for her in sight (I will talk about why Emerie doesn't seem like a possible candidate, at least not yet). With that we are left with Azriel, Lucien, Elain and Vassa. All of those characters have direct ties to Koshei and Beron with the exception of Azriel.

After ACOSF, three more characters caught people's attention as possible love interests too - Emrie for Mor, Gwyn for Azriel, and Eris for ...well for no one, at least for now.

Especially the Gwyn and Azriel ship gained a lot of traction among the fandom. I for one, don't mind them. I like the fanarts and the aesthetic but, logically, they together won't lead any of the two upcoming novels.

Gwyn, Emerie and Eris, are characters that were only just fleshed out on page in ACOSF, with Gwyn and Emrie being only just introduced to the story in ACOSF. Additionally, Gwyn and Emrie have nothing to do with Koschei and Beron so, unless they are paired up with one of the three remaining characters with those connections they won’t have their own books. Maybe, if SJM decided to continue the story beyond the spin-off trilogy, then we will get books with them as leads.

So, we are left with the above-mentioned quartet: Azriel, Lucien, Elain and Vassa.

So how do we couple those characters up?

Elain has two possible love interests - Azriel and Lucien. Technically, both ships work but if SJM goes with Elain and Lucian than their book would have to be the last, because that is where I imagine Koshei will be defeated. Also since Lucien is connected to Beron, I imagine he will be the one to strike him down for good, or at least have a huge rule in opposing him at the very end. If Elain and Lucien book will be the next one we are left with Vassa and Azriel to lead the last book, not together obviously. They would have to have different love interests - the last book would have to be either Vassa x someone (Jurian, probably) or Azriel x someone. To be honest, if the next book is Elain and Lucien that would mean Azriel isn’t getting a book because as I said Azriel x Gwyn makes little sense as the second novel in this trilogy and no sense as the third one because neither Az or Gwyn have connection to Koschei.

I strongly believe that the person who is most likely to deal with Koschei and the person who has the absolute right to defeat him is Vassa. She's the one who has been entrapped and cursed by him. Additionally it was her conversation with Feyre at the end of ACOWAR that was a giveaway as to what the spin-off trilogy is going to be plot wise. It also seems right up SJM alley to have her female protagonist defeat her abuser in a very poignant and satisfying way. I’m pretty sure that Vassa is going to be one of the leads of the future two books.

Lastly, I think we all can agree that at this point it's obvious that Azriel and Elain are two characters that SJM wants to write about and they will be main characters in the spin off novels, whether in the same book or not..

So to add all of this up we have two possible scenarios in fort of us:

1) The next book is going to be Elain and Lucien, and the last book is gonna be Vassa and someone (Jurian, Eris?, Azriel????). This scenario doesn't make much sense because: a) It would mean Azriel won't have a book (unless he's paired up with Vassa, which by now is not foreshadowed or hinted at at all). b) There's no clear love interest for Vassa, because Lucien would end up with Elain. Jurian is a possibility but he's, you know, Jurian. I don't think many people would want him as a MC. There's also Eris (bare with me here). Eris, technically, has a lot of the same plot connections that Lucian has (son of Beron, connected to the Night Court where most of our heros reside) + SJM clearly loves him. This couple is far fetched, obviously.

2) The most likely scenario, imo. The next book is Azriel and Elain - they have plenty of foreshadowing, Elain is connected to Koshei, the seer and the spy infiltrating Koshei/ Autumn Court (there’s plenty of possibilities as to how they together can be involved with the main conflict). The last book, Lucien x Vassa - the will defeat Beron, defeat Koschei, Lucian as the son of Helion the Spell-Cleaver will break Vassa's curse once and for all.

There's also other scenarios, however unlikely:

1) Gwyn and Azriel, Elain and Lucian (why yes: both Az and Elaine get books, why no: Vassa doesn't get a book which is unlikely cause she's the person most connected to Koschei, Gwyn has nothing to do with Koschei)

2) Mor and someone, Elain and Azrie or Elain and Lucian or Vassa and Lucian (why yes: we get a Mor book which is great, why no: Mor has nothing to do with Koschei, we don't have a clear love interest for Mor, Az or Elain, or Vassa are not going to get a book.)

To sum this all up. The characters that the fandom should keep an eye on are Elain, Azriel, Lucien and Vassa. The next books will be about them, and the most logical way to tell their stories is to couple Elain with Azriel and Lucian with Vassa. There is plenty of great analysis of the subtle and not so subtle way SJM is foreshadowing those couples since ACOWAR.

Of course I can be totally wrong with my predictions but judging by what's on the page I think I'm mostly right here. To be 100% sure we must simply wait

[little-butterfly-writes]

Hi love, i have an idea for our beloved scientist lucien from mlqc. If its okay i would like to request a oneshot about reader being so jealous that she even cry and lucien reassure her , smut lucien x mc ✨

A Jealous You

Hey darling, this was such a delicious request. I got a bit carried away because I can relate to the jealousy and insecurities.

Wordcount - 1844

Warnings - NSFW!!!, Jealousy, Insecurities, Refusal of a few meals, Unprotected vaginal sex, internal cumshot, oral sex (female receiving)

A/N - I named the other woman Hana, sorry to anyone with that name! You are MC.

I watch from behind the pillar in Lucien's lab. A woman is talking to him in his office. It looks like she works here, she's wearing a white lab coat similar to Lucien's.

I wait until she leaves before going into his office. Lucien greets me with a smile before wrapping his arms around my waist. "Hello, my little butterfly." He kisses my forehead. "Did you have fun spying on me?" He asks.

My eyes go wide at the question. Lucien chuckles softly, holding me close. "I didn't know that you saw me." I mumble, resting my head on his chest. "You can't hide from me, baby." He coos gently. "Who was that, Lulu?" I ask, looking up at him. "She's an intern that just graduated. She'll be here for a month." He answers. I sigh softly, placing my palm on his chest as he gently sways me. "Don't worry, my eyes are only on you." Lucien says.

We stay like that for a few minutes before packing up to go home. We spent the night cuddling together in our apartment.

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. I checked my phone to see that Lucien had to go to the lab because the intern made a small accident. I groan and get up, stumbling into the bathroom.

I look at my reflection. 'That woman has prettier hair than I do. Her body is so nice too, she's stunning,' I think to myself. My nitpicking goes on in my mind until I hear the front door open.

I go outside to the living room, wearing my comfy clothes. I can't help but think that the intern doesn't look like this, she's probably wearing nice clothes and looking pretty.

In a sour mood, I start up some tea in hopes it'll cheer me up a bit. Lucien places a bag on the kitchen island. "I brought breakfast for you." He wraps his arms around my waist. I sigh, melting into his arms. Lucien kisses my cheek.

He pauses for a moment, looking at me deeply. "Have you been crying?" He asks, voice full of concern. I shake my head 'no'. "Don't lie to me, MC, your eyes are red."

I sigh, looking back at him. "Yes, I was. I just saw a sad video about a puppy and got a bit sad." I lied. Lucien nods, kissing my cheek again before placing the pastry on a plate. I stare at the food, thinking about how that lady must not eat pastries whenever she wants. I shake my head, returning to my tea.

Another day passes, my mind filled with doubt and insecurities. I haven't eaten as much as I usually do. Lucien seems worried, but I keep telling him I'm fine. He doesn't press, but he definitely knows something's wrong.

I walk into Lucien's office, seeing the intern. Lucien walks up to me, placing a hand on the small of my back. "Hana, this is MC. MC, this is the intern I told you about." Lucien's introduction finally gives me a name.

Hana. What a beautiful name...a lot better than mine.

I force a smile. "Oh, Professor was talking about me?" Hana says, voice sweet like honey. My jaw clenches, of course it's melodious. My nose stings, prickling up to my eyes. I force myself to extend my hand, almost robotically. "Nice to meet you." I say, attempting to keep a steady voice.

We finish exchanging pleasantries, Hana leaves with a cheerful goodbye to Lucien. The second she's out, I let a quiet breath of air out. Lucien turns to me, hand still on my back. "My love, when will you tell me what's wrong?" He asks, rubbing my brow with his thumb. "I'm fine, Lucien. I promise. If anything comes up, I'll tell you." He sighs, pressing his forehead to mine. "If you say so." Lucien pecks my lips.

While walking out, the dean of the university nearby stops us. "Hey, Professor Lucien! Here's an invitation to the charity gala the school's hosting. You and your girlfriend should join us!" He slightly pleads. Lucien chuckles, holding me by my waist. "It's Saturday evening, correct? We'll be there." Lucien confirms. I nod along to his statement. 

Saturday night rolls around. Lucien bought me a new dress to wear to the gala. Donning the dress, I apply some light makeup as Lucien gets ready.

As soon as we arrive, my eyes are drawn to Hana. She's wearing a beautiful dress that hugs her body, strapless and showing off cleavage. The light lavender color matches Lucien's eyes, her makeup complimenting it. Black hair curled perfectly lands on milky skin.

I sigh, feeling simple. Unworthy to be by Lucien's side. Hana's perfect compared to me. I squeeze Lucien's hand tighter. "We'll say hello to the dean, maybe get a dessert and then we can go. Is that okay?" He says while wrapping an arm around my waist once more.

I nod, swallowing hard and moving to go see the dean. As we wait to talk to him, Hana comes up to us. Lucien's hand is now interlaced with mine. "Lucien, I'm going to get a drink. Be right back." I say, letting go of his hand. I move to grab some water, staying close with my back turned so I can listen in on them.

Everything I hear from them is mumbled. There's so many people talking near me. I focus, catching Hana's words. "Lulu, I know you have a girlfriend, but I really think we should be together. I mean, we're both scientists and work with each other...I think I'm better for you." 

My heart sinks. She's right, she is better for him. I choke back a sob, blinking tears back furiously. Lucien's voice comes up clear, "With your position, you should call me Professor Lucien. And my relationship with MC is perfect, I love her for who she is and she loves me the same way. Do not try and convince me that you are better than her." His voice is still sweet, but a lot firmer. 

I hear her sigh, clopping off in high heels. I hand the glass back to the waiter, moving towards the exit.

Lucien follows me, quick by my side. "MC, wait." He pulls me into his arms. I hide my face in his chest. "Lucien, I don't want to stay. I'm going to go home." I cry. He cradles me gently, leading me outside. "I know, baby. I'll take us home." He hushes.

The car ride home is silent. Lucien holds onto my hand as he drives while I look out the window, tears streaming quietly. 

Lucien holds me close as we walk up to my apartment. I let out a few sobs, trying to stay quiet. 

We walk in, Lucien locking the front door. "Let's go wipe your makeup off." He whispers. I nod, going into the bathroom and washing my face. When I walk out Lucien is in the bedroom. Waiting for me.

I walk closer, stopping to look at myself in the full-length mirror. Lucien comes up behind me, wrapping both arms around me. "Is this what's been upsetting you?" He asks, rubbing circles on my stomach. I let out a small yes. Lucien sighs into my hair, kissing there softly.

"I know you are jealous of her. I want you to know that you're all I want." He kisses my temple. I breathe in deep, relaxing back in his arms. "You're the only one for me, there's no one else I want to love." The whisper in my ear makes me tear up again. "But there's so many better people than me." I choke out.

"To me, you're the most gorgeous woman I know. Your heart is always accepting of anyone in need. Your intelligence is brilliant to matter what. I'm proud to call you mine." Lucien turns me around, kissing the corner of my eye. He unzips my dress, slowly. It's like he's unwrapping a fragile gift. I wrap my arms around his neck after he removes my bra. "Thank you, Lucien. I love you." I sigh. Lucien hums, grabbing my rear and squeezing lightly. 

Lucien lays me gently on the center of the bed. "I love you too, my love. My one and only." He kisses down my sternum, moving to my stomach. "My soulmate. Mine. So gorgeous, inside and out." Lucien removes my panties softly, happily staring at my core. I try to shift my legs closer, but Lucien holds my thighs apart with a tut. 

"No baby, let me love you." The words a honeyed murmur against my legs. He kisses up my thigh, ending them on my clit. Lucien goes for another, licking a long stripe against my slit. I moan when his tongue trails my labia before shoving his tongue into my sex. The wet muscle thrusts slowly, his thumb pressed on my sensitive nub. Loud cries escape my throat as he licks me up faster. I feel like withering away from the tortuous pleasure. Just as I'm about to reach my climax, Lucien pulls away. He wipes away the arousal covering his chin. I whine, wanting my orgasm he tempted me to. 

"My love even tastes sweet. What else could I need in a partner when I have you?" Dark lust swims in his eyes. I sit up and help him undress, slowly becoming impatient. Lucien lays me back down, working himself in his hand. The first inch he slides in burns slightly, but I want more. I hold onto him tight, not wanting him to leave me. He waits a minute for my tight heat to adjust to him before pulling back, only for him to push back in.

I whine, my hips bucking up for more. Lucien kisses me, fingers toying with my sensitive nipples. His thrust steadily increases speed, his groans sounding against my skin. Lucien strokes my hair away from my face. I dig my fingers in his shoulder, leaving little crescents there.

A particularly hard thrust makes me moan loudly. "Are you almost there?" He sweetly asks, moving his thumb back to my bundle of nerves with another hard thrust. As a response, I squeak, my orgasm surprising me as I clench around him. It must trigger him as well, hearing his deep grunt. We stay like that for a few minutes, panting and holding each other. The warm liquid is already leaking out of me.

Lucien pulls out, leaving the room. He comes back seconds later with a wet cloth, gently wiping sweat and mixed essence from my body. He delivers a sweet kiss as he puts some clean panties on me. Lucien goes back to the bathroom to clean himself off. I move under the covers, already feeling exhausted from tonight. 

Lucien comes back, wearing his briefs and snuggling up to me under the covers. "No matter what, I will love you forever. You are mine, and I am yours. You are the only woman for me."

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Late Autumn Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

This post is dedicated to @stehkotori​, an incredible woman who created and maintains a home for us on Discord to share our love for MLQC. She’s also very encouraging and sweet 😭💕

Kiss Dates Collection: Kiro // Lucien // Victor

Hearing yet another bout of loud laughter from downstairs, I take up my phone and enter Gavin’s number, planning to tell him to meet me directly in the music room.

Just as the dial tone sounds, I hear a familiar ringtone behind me.

I turn around to see Gavin leaning against the door frame, his lips lifted in a gentle smile.

[Note] He only has one official CG in this date so I made another myself]

MC: You actually found me! I was about to tell you to come to the music room directly.

Gavin: Mr Keller said you disappeared right after signing the attendance, so I guessed that you’d be here.

MC: I’m not the type to participate in such lively events. Mr Keller will understand.

It is Loveland High’s hundred-year anniversary today. As “Outstanding Alumni”, Gavin and I have been invited to participate in the ceremony.

However, it’s a little too noisy with the announcements and music blaring downstairs.

Furthermore, as a mere producer for a small program, I have nothing in common to talk about with the distinguished figures present today. It’s best to stay in the music room, where I can enjoy the peace and quiet.  

MC: According to the schedule, all the outstanding alumni have to go on stage to shake hands with the Principal. While I’m far from being “outstanding”, you’re not.

MC: Ever since Principal Fang heard that the current commander of the Special Task Force graduated from Loveland High, he’s been wanting to meet you.

Gavin: I’ve never liked participating in lively events. You know that.

He walks over, lowering his eyes to meet mine.

Gavin: Are you playing the piano?

I scoot to the side, patting the empty space on the piano bench.

Gavin smiles and sits down next to me.

MC: Do you feel as though we’ve been coming to school quite often?

Gavin: Mm, but I like the feeling of coming back here with you. It brings back many memories.

MC: Things from high school?

Gavin’s gaze falls onto the black and white piano keys, his amber eyes filled with the tranquil daylight of late autumn.

He doesn’t respond to my question, as though recalling something. He seems to have entered a trance, the corners of his lips raised slightly.

I rarely see such an expression on his face.

MC: Gavin?

I tug on his sleeve gently, eyes full of queries.

Gavin: Some things from high school, and some things from the Special Task Force.

There is a smile in his eyes as he speaks, as if all his recollections are happy memories.

Gavin: I haven’t thought about how to tell you about them yet.

Curious, I stare at him for a few seconds. I lean over to pull on his left hand.

MC: In that case, you have the duration of one song to organize your words.

Gavin places his fingers on the keys obediently.

Gavin: All right, I’ll do my best to keep up with you.

As soon as the prelude starts, Gavin instantly casts me a glance – this is the tune most familiar to us.

The chords he plays with his left hand easily match the melody I play with my right. We don’t make a single mistake.

Accompanying the sounds of the piano, many images resurface in my mind.

The scene when I met him again, the ginkgo bracelet on my wrist which accompanies me day and night, every sunrise we waited for together, every starlight we have seen…

If I were to take count, every memorable moment was spent together with him.

MC: Actually, I came here once when you weren’t around. There wasn’t a reason why I did it. I just had a sudden whim to take a look.

Gavin: Did you gain anything?

MC: It was dismissal time, and the field was very crowded. I think there was a class having a basketball competition. You could hear their heated shouts from outside the school gate.

MC: Oh, I even saw two people laying on the flower bed stand doing corrections for a test paper. Maybe the teacher wanted to check them. My language teacher back then used to love checking our test papers during night revision sessions.

MC: When going up the teaching building, I was thinking… did we often meet at the stairway back then? Did we pass by each other, just that we didn’t know one another?

Gavin: We didn’t.

His tone is plain and ordinary, as though we are talking about trivial matters like what to have for a meal.

Gavin: We met often, but never passed by each other. I remember every moment I saw you in school. Time, location, weather, your expression, your clothes – I remember them all.

His fingers linger between the black and white piano keys, sunlight flashing in his eyes.

Gavin: Even now, I still remember.

With the sudden pause of my hand, the tune abruptly stops.

MC: …we seem to have really missed out on a lot.

Gavin responds to my sudden lament with an expression reflecting a lack of understanding. He doesn’t probe, waiting for me to continue.

MC: I’ve thought about a few things since a very long time ago. For example… cheering you on at the basketball court after school. And then proudly telling the entire class that the name of the tallest and most accurate shooter is ‘Gavin’!

MC: Back then, there was a small stall outside the school gate selling red bean puffs. $3 for one, $5 for two. It was crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside, with a generous amount of filling. You’ve definitely not eaten it before…

MC: Now, the Cityscape Management doesn’t allow the setting up of stalls outside the school gate, so I don’t have the chance to bring you there to eat.

MC: We used to have late night self-study sessions and were only dismissed after 9pm. The girls in the same class would find company to walk with. If you were there, you’d have been able to send me home.

Upon hearing this, Gavin hesitates slightly.

Gavin: Um, I didn’t have a car back then.

MC: I’m referring to a bicycle!

Gavin: …you can continue.

MC: Piano lessons were way too dull. Once I sit here, it would be for several hours, playing the same song over and over again. Sometimes, I’d think of going out to have fun - to go shopping, sing karaoke, eat all kinds of good food, or do my homework while having a drink in a small shop.

MC: Also, the 800-metres physical test was literally my nightmare! If you were there to practice running with me, I wouldn’t have passed only after my third test.

The moments I spent in Loveland High replay in my mind, but the things that are brimming in my memory, apart from the purity of youth, blazing passion and ignorance, seems to be missing something.

MC: If I could be with you back then… my deepest memories in high school wouldn’t have just been of exams.

If not for the misunderstanding, if not for us going around in circles – the tedious high school homework and boring practices would have had a completely different experience.

Whenever I think about these possibilities, I feel sorry for us.

I pretend to be angry, loosening myself from his grip. I stand up, wear a serious expression, and lodge a “complaint” against him.

MC: It’s all your fault! …you didn’t give me a chance to know you earlier.

Astonishment flashes in his eyes, and his voice is hesitant.

Gavin: …I didn’t think that you would have such thoughts.

MC: Well, now you do – we missed out on a whole six years! Even if we want to make up for it every day, it wouldn’t be enough even if you spend a full twenty-four hours with me.

Of course, I’m just joking around with Gavin. However, his expression clearly shows that he has taken my words seriously.

He stands up slowly. When his eyes meet mine, they contain a sorrowful smile that I haven’t seen for a very long time.

I’m about to coquettishly say that he has to repay his debt, but he traps me in between his arms.

Before I can react, a familiar scent takes my breath away.

Without a shred of hesitation, he kisses me.

The kiss carries an overtone of recklessness and ravaging – as he fiercely rubs the territory between my lips and teeth, his hands grip my waist tightly.

Searing breaths descend on my lips. I open my eyes slightly and see unsuppressed aggression brimming in his amber-coloured gaze.

I suddenly recall how I had trembled when meeting his eyes for the first time.

MC: Senior…

I try to open my mouth amidst his continuous demands, but am only able to release an incoherent mess of words.

Gavin eventually stops for a few seconds. His breathing is ragged, but he doesn’t pull back.

Gavin: I was just thinking about that.

He lets out an incredibly soft laugh, gently tucking messy strands of hair on my cheek behind my ear with his left hand. His lips follow after his warm fingertips, descending on my cheek again and again.

Gavin: Whatever I owe you, I’ll return them one by one… is that okay?

He leans over to my ear and speaks in a low voice. Mixed with desire, the sound is enveloped with cloudy breaths, and every wisp leads to an itch in my heart.

MC: Gavin.

There are so many things in my heart that I want to say. In the end, I can only think of calling his name gently.

The corners of Gavin’s lips are hooked into a smile. He suddenly lifts me up with a hand.

MC: …!

In my panic, I grab onto his shoulders. He simply tilts his head and smiles, placing me directly onto the piano.

The piano lets out a noise in response to the sudden weight. Just as I’m about to exclaim, my lips are sealed once again—

Student A: What was that sound just now?

Student B: Probably someone in the music room.

Student A: Want to take a look?

Although the footsteps and voices outside grow increasingly louder, Gavin maintains an air of disregard, continuing to encircle me in his arms.

He not only ignores the voices, but also takes a step forward. He puts his knee on the piano bench, pushing me completely onto the piano.

A few piano keys resound at the contact, embellishing our ragged breathing.

Student B: What’s there to see in the music room? It’s definitely someone from our club anyway. Let’s hurry over to the ceremony – I heard that the commander of the Special Task Force would be here today!

Student A: Are you serious? I saw him on television once – he’s super alpha!

Student B: Mr Zheng said so the last time, so it shouldn’t be wrong. Hurry up, we wouldn’t get good seats if we’re late!

Hasty footsteps pass by, not even stopping for a moment outside the music room.

I look towards Gavin, lightly tugging at the corner of his shirt. At the same time, I gently bite his lip, wordlessly expressing the feelings in my heart at this very moment.

As though punishing me for my mischief, his eyes narrow slightly. With a hand on my cheek, he presses my entire body onto the piano.

MC: …

I close my eyes, holding onto his solid arms. I lift my head to welcome his lips, savouring his unique breath.

The person in front of me has shed off the roughness of youth, leaving behind only the purity of youth. He often makes me forget that he once used to be unrestrained like the wind.

He has a body that is stronger than everyone else’s, a tough soul, a will that is as firm as steel, and a heart full of tenderness – it is soft beyond compare.

I cling to his waist tightly using my calves, wanting to brand every part of him into my heart.

I want to bear his everything.

Gavin: …

Another light laugh enters my eyes. I open my eyes halfway, feeling the wind slowly sweep past my burning skin.

Even before I sober up from the deep kiss that almost stripped me of consciousness, the scene in front of my eyes causes me to let out a cry of surprise.

Countless ginkgo leaves are floating in the air, dancing outside the window.

The color gold covers every window. Every leaf seems to be drawn by something, spreading their wings as they spin past the floor.

Students standing along the corridor of the teaching building also exclaim, and are unable to hold back their surprised “wow”s!

Gavin smiles faintly. It’s only after a long while before the repeated warmth lingering on my lips gradually leaves the scorching ambience.

Gavin: Do you like it?

I straighten up, leaping off the piano neatly. I kneel on the piano bench with one leg, pressing myself against him.

MC: I like it. I like it very much.

I raise my head, using my fingers to rub his chin, his lips, the tip of his nose, and the corner of his brow.

MC: I like it so much that… I don’t know how I can prove to you just how much I like it.

Gavin reaches out to hold the hand which has drifted to the space between his eyebrows. He has a generous smile.

Gavin: …we did miss out on a lot. Back then, I wasn’t certain if I could have you for life.

I look straight into his bright eyes, and laugh quietly.

MC: And are you very certain now?

Gavin: Mm.

Gavin responds without much thought. His slightly raised eyebrows reveal a sense of pride.

Gavin: I hope you can give me an answer to this question as well.

He holds onto my waist, leaning over to hug me tightly in his arms. Even though he doesn’t continue with his questions, I immediately surrender.

MC: It’s all yours. The rest of my life is yours. The years we missed are also yours.

Everything I have, I’ll give to you.

I won’t leave anything to myself. I’ll give it all to you.

-

🌸 MOMENTS 🌸

Gavin’s Post: Today’s pork rib soup tastes great. 

MC: Is Commander Gavin satisfied with the supper which was prepared with love? 

Gavin: There’s no need to wait up for me next time. 

-

Gavin’s Post: Today’s pork rib soup tastes great.

MC: You’ll do the cooking over the weekend.

Gavin: Yes ma’am.

-

Gavin’s Post: Today’s pork rib soup tastes great.

MC: Can you taste my new recipe? 

Gavin: You added ginkgo, right? 

[shinydelirium]

MLQC Season 2 Chapter 21 (Kiro) Part 1 [Gold Card] & [Subtle Changes] Translation [CN]

***SPOILERS*** THIS POST CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS FOR CONTENT NOT YET RELEASED ON EN SERVER!!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!***

Chapter 21 is relatively short so there won’t be as many parts as I will be combining multiple sections. 

Without further ado, enjoy reading!

[Gold Card]

I sat up on the bed in a daze and stared at the cardboard boxes piled up on the ground.

The sunlight fell on them, making the dust in the air visible.

Two days have passed since I moved here. Apart from tidying up the bed and taking out some basic necessities, the rest of the belongings are still in the same state as I left them after I moved.

I couldn’t help taking a deep breath, trying to get that indifferent face out of my mind.

MC: MC, get yourself together. You still have a lot to do.

Endless fatigue wrapped me in its silent vortex. I struggled hard to prevent myself from being swallowed by those negative black mists.

I splashed cold water on my cheeks, turning my head constantly, thinking about the message Zehn left me during my absence.

Zehn: “Boss, you asked me to investigate the Evolver who was taken away from the Wish Club, but I haven’t found anything for the time being.”

Zehn: “However, I found a place called Wish Hotel.”

Zehn: “It also has financial support from the charity foundation. I don’t know if there will be any connections.”

I wiped my face clean with a towel and walked out of the bathroom. I took out the card I received at the Wish Club from my backpack and later returned by Lucien—

“Wish Hotel”—dedicated to only serving Evolvers.

There is probably no such coincidence in the world.

My eyes wandered to the phone number at the bottom right, and after giving it some thought, I grabbed my bag and walked out the door.

The feeling of autumn is getting stronger and the cool wind blows over me making me tighten the hem of my clothes.

These few days I’ve been constantly thinking.

The world seems to be swept by a torrent. Anything at this moment has the possibility of being magnified. It may be the fuse that makes the world move into a different future.

And I’m so small and insignificant in comparison.

What I see and what I believe seems to be particularly vague as the world moves forward.

But I always believed that this new journey and the memories I carry has a purpose.

“Remember to get back what you lost.”

That strange and distant voice still echoes in my ears from time to time.

If CORE is the key to this world, then I must find it.

In this search and competition about CORE, I must learn more.

I walked into an unmanned telephone booth, inserted some coins, and dialed the number on the card.

Electronic voice: Hello, thank you for calling Wish Hotel.

MC: ….Hello, I want to check in.

Electronic voice: Thanks for calling, bye.

Hearing the beep from the receiver, I was stunned.

I dialed again and the result is still the same.

MC: It said “thank you for calling Wish Hotel” so it should be correct…

I looked front and back of the small card in my hand, searching for important information points that I had overlooked.

Except for the name, number, and the slogan “Only for Evolvers”, there is no other information on the card.

MC: Is there a hidden secret code that needs a kind of UV light to see it?

I held up the card against the light but still unable to see anything. I couldn’t help but frown at the slogan.

MC: Maybe it needs special keywords?

Thinking about this, I tentatively dialed the number again.

Electronic voice: Hello, thank you for calling Wish Hotel.

MC: I’m an Evolver and I want to check in!

After the dead silence, I heard a “beep” along with faint white noise—

Electronic voice: Wish Hotel will serve you wholeheartedly.

Success!

Electronic voice: Dear guest, hello.

Electronic voice: Please press 1 for “Wish Hotel”, press 2 for related services, press 3 for check-in, or press 0 for manual service.

***If you choose 1***

Electronic voice: Wish Hotel is a high-end hotel dedicated to Evolvers.

Electronic voice: Here, you can not only enjoy our service in peace, but also store Evol for free.

Electronic voice: Whether you want to try an unprecedented experience or relive the life of ordinary people, we will do our best to serve you.

***If you choose 2***

Electronic voice: Free storage of Evol is the most distinctive service of Wish Hotel.

Electronic voice: This service has no side effects. It is safe, fast, and effective.

Electronic voice: There is no limit for storage time.

Electronic voice: You are always welcome to experience it.

***If you choose 3***

Electronic voice: Please provide your name and contact address after the “di” sound and we will arrange a special car for pick-up.

Taking into account the necessary identification for the hotel to stay-in and on the premise that a perfect fake identity cannot be forged in a short time, I reported my name in order to avoid drawing suspicion.

Then I looked at the street sign at the road junction and said the name of the street.

Electronic voice: The information has been entered.

Electronic voice: Dear [MC], we will send a special car to arrive at [Fortune. Fu-Lu-2-2-2] in 30 minutes. We will contact you by phone at that time.

Electronic voice: Thank you for your call. Wish Hotel will serve you wholeheartedly.

Thirty minutes later, a black luxury car smoothly drove up in my peripheral vision.

The back seat door stopped precisely in front of me and slowly opened. At the same time, I heard a faint “dripping” sound.

??: Greetings, Miss MC.

I followed the sound. The driver’s seat was completely blocked off and the driver’s appearance was not visible.

I took a deep breath, got into the car, and found an inconspicuous instrument hidden in the corner facing the car door.

It looks exactly like a camera and seemed very familiar—

It’s almost exactly the same as the Evol detector I got from the black fan who exposed Kiro’s Evolver identity and framed him for hurting others.

My heart tightened and I looked carefully towards the driver’s seat.

It’s not surprising that there are detectors here. After all, they claim to be only for Evolvers.

But what does this extremely similar device doing here mean?

The car was very quiet and I looked out through the car window.

Perhaps this Wish Hotel can bring me more information than I imagined.

I don’t know how long it took. The car drove into a garden-like iron gate.

Along the flowery path, through the secret and prosperous bushes, a small and exquisite dark wood building gradually appeared in front of me.

After the car came to a slow stop, I walked towards the gate.

The wind chime on the door rang and someone happened to walk out carrying a suitcase and passed right by me.

The person didn’t seem like anyone special and I was shocked by the scene in front of me as I stepped through the door—

The hotel is much bigger than it looks on the surface and the ceiling is indiscernible. I could estimate it to be at least twenty or thirty stories high.

MC: Did this building look that high from the outside…?

As I mumbled, I looked around. Guests in twos and threes were sitting in the lobby just like in an ordinary hotel lobby.

The waiter on the side came over and greeted me.

Waiter: Hello, please come with me to check-in.

The check-in procedure is simpler than expected. After filling in the basic information, I got my room key.

Waiter: The fifth floor is the restaurant, the 16th floor is the fitness area, and the 18th floor is the beverage bar.

Waiter: The top floor of the 23rd floor is the office area which is not open to the public. There are no restrictions for the rest of the public areas so you can go freely according to your needs.

After nodding and thanking him, I walked into the elevator and looked at the 23rd floor in deep thought.

Acting now would be a bit conspicuous so I’ll wait till nightfall.

The room is no different from any other hotel room. I walked around in the public area again. Apart from confirming that it’s a very luxurious hotel, I didn’t gain anything new.

MC: Is this really an ordinary hotel…?

In doubt, the sky finally ushered in the night.

Taking advantage of the shift time, I walked from the fire exit to the 23rd floor and gently opened the door.

The corridor was dim and there was no sign of movement.

I lowered my body and as I was about to step forward, a fierce force grabbed my waist.

Almost instinctively, I took out the anesthesia gun and lifted my leg backwards to kick—

Only that person is more powerful and faster than me.

His hand went around my neck and bound my wrists tightly. His right leg lifted slightly. He quickly and dexterously pinned my legs. His warm breath brushed over my ears.

??: Stop messing around.

[Subtle Changes]

The voice is very soft and close to my ear like the faint moonlight in the night.

My movements are frozen in place. I felt the temperature near my back slowly seeping through the placket of my clothes.

Only quiet breathing remained in the air.

Meanwhile, two or three waiters walked into the room at the end of the corridor.

??: There is nothing you want here.

??: Follow me.

With that said, the hand that was holding me slowly loosened, but in the next second, he took my hand and walked towards the door of a warehouse.

Although I was puzzled, I still followed behind that dark figure without question.

He seemed to be familiar with the place as if he had been here for a long time.

We entered the equipment room from the back door of the warehouse and from the side door of the equipment room to the garbage sorting office in the corridor, he pressed the freight elevator button on the side.

The waiting time is long and quiet. I lowered my head subtly and secretly looked at our held palms.

We haven’t seen each other since we separated on the bridge last time.

Except for the “I’m safe, don’t worry” message from a strange phone number, I didn’t receive any news about him.

I faintly felt that it was probably from Helios, but I still couldn’t dial his number.

So I had to wipe away the worries in my heart, silently thinking about our agreement.

He promised me that he would come back safely so he would definitely be able to do it.

Only when I saw him again, my heart still surged uncontrollably.

He didn’t seem to be injured.

Following the position of my hand, my gaze secretly moved upwards until I met a gaze that seemed to have been waiting for me there.

In the dim light, Helios’ eyes were bright.

I didn’t know what to say for a while. Too many words stuck in my throat making me subconsciously want to rub my fingertips but I squeezed his hand tightly.

Helios pursed the corners of his lips. His eyes dimmed.

The elevator door opened slowly and we walked out in silence, pushed open an iron gate and came to an open-air staircase.

Helios: It’s okay to talk now.

The soft dusk startled me and I blinked my eyes vigorously, thinking it was an illusion.

I heard a chuckle coming from the side, and Helios raised his mouth slightly, leaning his back against the railing, looking at me gently.

In this impermanent landscape, the soft and warm yellow sunlight washed over his body. The light breeze blew his hair, exposing the small instruments in his ears.

His distinct silver hair seemed to be immersed in the clouds behind him, glowing with golden light and making feel like I was in a trance.

Not so soft, but not so far away.

Helios: Don’t keep looking at me like at.

In the gaze that I kept staring at, Helios seemed to be uncomfortable, pressing the corners of his mouth hard and turning his head to the side.

MC: I, I just wanted to make sure whether your injury has fully recovered.

I pursed my lips and tried not to let my myself be too happy.

This person who has always kept himself in his shell now seems to be slowly exploring his own way to show his true self to me.

Somewhat rough and very clumsy.

Helios: I have not forgotten the agreement with you.

MC: …I know.

He turned his head back to me when I said that.

MC: “I’m safe, don’t worry.” You sent this text message, right?

MC: But I think if you were actually safe, you would appear in front of me.

He lowered his eyes, seeming to be tacitly acquiescing.

Quietly, I took a step towards Helios.

MC: Aren’t you going to call me Narcissus this time?

Helios was stunned. Seeing me tilt my head with a smile at him, he seemed to pause for a moment. The burning red color of the clouds behind him sneaked onto the tips of his ears.

Helios: Are you vengeful?

MC: A little bit.

Helios: Then save it for later.

He stretched out his index finger and lightly tapped my forehead and turned the conversation back to the topic at hand.

Helios: Before explaining why you’re here.

Helios: Do you have anything to ask?

MC: ….Are your ears okay?

I watched him as I asked this question that was constantly occupying my heart, causing his pupils to shrink unconsciously.

Helios: I don’t know how to answer your question.

His hand touched the instrument in his ear. Fragmented light fell on us wildly with the wind.

Helios: But…I can hear your voice.

Helios: As for the rest, don’t ask.

MC: Okay.

Even though he was reluctant, he did not evade this question either.

Faced with such an answer, I feel happy from the bottom of my heart.

MC: So what happened after you went to the lighthouse with Joker last time? Why are you here?

MC: What’s going on with this hotel? It’s obviously nighttime so why did it become dusk again?

Helios: ….

I fired off my questions at him one after the other. Helios frowned and finally sighed.

Helios: Nothing happened.

Helios: Joker trapped me here.

Helios: This hotel only looks normal.

Helios: It’s dusk here because there is a problem.

Helios responded to my question word for word but it drew even more questions from me.

MC: Ho-hold a minute. Let’s take it one at a time.

MC: You said you were trapped here by Joker. Does that mean you can’t leave?

Helios: There are ways, but I don’t want to cause any trouble for the time being.

Helios: There are also things I want to investigate here.

MC: But how can this hotel have anything to do with Joker?

Hearing my question, Helios frowned slightly.

Helios: What do you mean?

MC: I thought this hotel was only related to the Wish Club.

I briefly explained the existence of the Wish Club and those who were taken away from there.

MC: Both of these places seem to have received investment from the Fulcrum Charity Foundation. I met the founder of this foundation some time ago.

MC: He seems to have benefited from an organization called GRAY RHINO and he’s doing things for them.

MC: But is it also related to Joker?

Helios: Who is this founder?

MC: He’s an ordinary man in his forties using a wheelchair and his name is Du Wen.

Helios’ eyes lowered as if he had figured it out and raised a slightly prickly smile.

Helios: A foundation that only serves ordinary people but why invest in a place that serves Evolvers?

MC: ….Right!

Hearing what he said, I came to a subtle conclusion of what I have been feeling.

Helios: Remember, be careful of that Du Wen.

Helios: As for your question about this hotel….

While talking, he took my hand again.

Helios: Explaining is too troublesome. I’ll show you directly.

[End of Part 1]

-Continue to Part 2-

[vexillumalbum]

Cześć! Fellow polish person here! I thought maybe you could do some hcs on victor, Gavin and shaw (they're my faves) having a dream about mc dying or leaving them and they wake up and she comforts them or maybe they don't tell her about the dream and just... watch her from afar to know she's fine. something short but angsty with comfort. you know! anyway, dziękuję i miłego dnia!

Oh hello, fellow polish person! Miło mi cię tu widzieć! (tran.: Nice seeing you here!) I hope you’re alright! Dziękuję za wiadomość i miłego dnia! (tran.: Thank you for your message and have a nice day!)

Note: I wrote this also for Lucien and Kiro but I wasn’t sure if I should publish it so let me know if you would like to see something like this for them. (Lucien’s angst is delicious, I tell you that)

I tried to keep it short as you requested :) 

A little angst and comfort below, hope you’ll like it

Gavin

Screams. High-pitched, terrifying wails chilled the blood in his veins. It didn't bother him that they were so frequent or that they were so loud - the number of missions on which he heard such cries probably exceeded the amount of instant ramens he had eaten in his whole life - but that he knew exactly who the screams belonged to. You.

There were so many dark corridors and he didn’t knew which one led to you. And every time he thought he was taking the right direction, he suddenly reached the end of the corridor, his body hitting a brutal concrete wall. 

“(Y/N)?! (Y/N), where are you?!” He was running in circles as with each passing moment your cries were getting more and more horrifying.

Gavin couldn’t take it, he couldn’t bear a thought of you getting hurt while he was near and he wasn’t able to help you any way. He promised he would protect you. He—

“Gavin!” One of your screams sounded like his name and he fell to his knees, tired and distraught, his face in his hands as he was begging the heavens to let you be save. 

“Take me, not her, please, take me, not her!” He was a mumbling mess.

“Gavin!”

Gentle hands were cradling his face and his first instinct was to fight the gesture but then, in his haziness, he recognized the scent of your floral shampoo and let himself sink into the delicate touch. He immediately hooked his arms around your figure and hugged tightly to his broad chest.

He was soaked in sweat, his pajamas was sticking unpleasantly to his body.

“You’re alright, Gavin. It was just a dream.” Your soothing voice was what ultimately pulled him out of slumber. 

“You,” he croaked. “Are you alright?” 

“Of course I am, silly. It was a dream. We’re both in our bedroom and we’re both safe.” You hugged him back, feeling his heartbeat even through his shirt. By slowly stroking his back you managed to calm him down a little.

“Good.” He looked over to the window where the sky was still dark. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up in the middle of the night.”

When you assured him it’s fine and asked him if maybe he would like to tell you about his nightmare he only quickly denied before resting his head on your shoulder. Unconsciously, his lips found your neck enabling him to feel your pulse and body heat. Indicating you were alive and well.

You anew fell asleep safely tucked in his arms with Gavin watching you breathe evenly and making sure you were still there with him. If you as much as stirred in your sleep, he would hug you a little tighter - he did it not only to comfort you, but also to comfort himself.

Victor

The metallic, slightly salty smell entered Victor's nostrils, and he immediately looked up from his laptop, frowning strongly. He knew that smell perfectly well. 

The trouble he had felt in the last few hours of checking reports in his home office was gone, and the man felt anxious instead.

“(Y/N)?” He called out but only silence answered him.

Victor called your name a few more times, quickly making his way to the living room. Each time he got no answer, which only reinforced his uneasiness. And when he got to the kitchen, his eyes went wide and his strong rapid heartbeat was all he could hear.

Blood. There was blood everywhere - on the marble floor, the black cabinets, stone countertops, on the window and even the stove. Everywhere. 

“(Y/N)?!” He was in a panic now, trying to maneuver around the room so as not to step into the red substance, looking for you. But you were nowhere to be seen. You... or your body. 

Even so, something told him it was your blood that was spilled around the kitchen. The pit in his stomach grew and grew and he was slowly losing his mind, only the worst images flooding his imagination, and then he saw a it. A large kitchen knife laying on the floor. A knife he knew all too well. 

Bzzt bzzt bzzt

It was a dream. 

Victor looked around the room, hoping to see you lying next to him under the blanket, but when he saw an empty bed instead, a familiar panic began to reign in his stomach. You never woke up before him, so where were you?

It took him about three times less than usual to walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, but he wasn't running yet. He knew those horrible scenes from a moment before were nothing but a nightmare, so he avoided rapidly searching the apartment for you. 

Only when he did not find you in the kitchen or in the living room, and no noises could be heard from the bathroom, he began to panic. 

“Victor?” The entrance door opened revealing your confused figure balancing a grocery bag in your hands. Seconds later you were enveloped in a tight hug, that knocked the air out of you. “I’m happy to see you too. Something happened?”

But he didn’t reply. Victor only held you tighter squishing the bread you had bought minutes before. The warmth he felt radiating from you was comforting him and reassuring that it was not another dream. 

“Vic, you’re squishing me.” 

“Don’t ever do it again.”

“Do what?”

Again, he didn’t answer. 

This morning you experienced the little-known side of Mr. CEO. He did not leave your step, you ate breakfast shoulder to shoulder, and when you got to work he was waiting in the car until you safely entered the building.

You asked him about the reason for his behavior several times, but all he said was "You're imagining things.", so after a few tries you abandoned the topic. Victor, however, did not experience inner peace until the next evening when you were lying in his arms safe and sound.

Shaw

It was another fight between the two of you. He didn't remember what had happened, but probably something stupid as usual. Maybe he had been a little late to his date with you again, or maybe he missed a few consecutive text messages from you.

He tried to excuse himself that he was busy and that his studies were taking up a lot of his time. But you were having none of that.

“Stop being such a child, Shaw!” You spatted as you were angrily walking back and forth in his apartment. 

“I’m a child? Babe, I think you’re closer to being one than me, right now.” He laughed but you weren’t in a mood for jokes and banter. Normally it would take a few ‘i’m sorry’s, a couple of jests and a hug for you to forgive him however this time you didn’t even want to look at him. 

“I’m serious, Shaw. All you ever do is fuck up. You’re never on time, you ignore my texts, do you even know I’m your girlfriend?!”

“Of course I—“

“I wish you were more like your brother.” Your words pierced a hole through Shaw’s heart and he stood there frozen as you were angrily glaring at him. 

“You don’t mean that.” His voice was weak, quiet, but you heard him anyway. 

“I do.” Was your last words before you took your belongings and strutted out of his apartment leaving him completely speechless. You didn’t say goodbye, but he somehow knew it was the last time he would ever see you. 

Shaw took the first thing his hands found and threw it against the wall. 

Before the empty glass shattered against the brickwork, however, Shaw jumped up from the bed panting abruptly. He woke up extremely upset and tried to ignore the thin layer of sweat that covered his body.

“Fuck.” The man muttered before picking up his phone and dialing your number. He wasn’t even surprised he knew the combination by heart at this point.

“Hello, Shaw!” Your melodious voice made his stomach flip. He was in too deep. 

“Would you ever leave me?” Wow, smooth

“What?” Your confusion could be clearly heard but he really didn’t care to elaborate.

“Do you think I’m a child?”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand your questions.” He groaned as his back fell against the pillows. “Did something happen?” You sounded worried, and at that moment he began to regret calling you. 

He ran a hand over his lavender curls and, suppressing a sigh, said "Forget it.”

“But—“

“What time do you finish work today? I’ll pick you up.”

“At five, I guess.”

“Alright. See ya.”

He threw the phone on the other side of the mattress, internally cursing his subconsciousness. 

Maybe today he shouldn’t be late. Oh, and he would buy you something. Flowers? Yeah, flowers sounded good. And he’d heard they had opened new hotpot place. This evening you two should definitely check it out. And then maybe stargazing. Or he would play you something on his guitar… 

Stupid subconsciousness

____________________________________________________

thank you so much for reading!

if you want to read more of my works they are here

[yvainegelinemarie]

🖤🌸𝔐𝔯. 𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢 𝔎𝔞𝔯𝔪𝔞 2021 𝔙𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔢𝔰 ℭ𝔞𝔯𝔡 ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴 🌸🖤

I’m late I’m late for a very important dick appointment, date!

✨ 𝕳𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖔 𝐒𝖕𝖔𝖔𝐤𝖎𝖊𝖘!!~ ✨

Idk about ya’ll BUT these new karma cards got me all 🤰🏻🤰🏻🤰🏻

TW: Proceed with cation!! Do NOT open if you do not wish to soak your panties and/or cry your eyes out at my appalling sense of ‘humor’ 

*Today I will be rating the new Valentines Day art for the Karma cards. The rating process was done by comparing them to their previous valentines day cards and how they went against one another on their level of sexyness within each card. 

🌸 𝕷𝖚𝖈𝖎𝖊𝖓 | 7/10 | 2nd Place

⚰️ My daddy he be lookin fine a FOULK this evening with his tiddie out. My baby knows how to keep me fed if ya know what I’m sayin.😏💦

⚰️ This beautiful, breathtaking, princely, lavishing work of art!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHGHJTE5LILO; (srry, orgasim seizure). 

⚰️ It’s just *pats eyes with handkerchief* I have never in all my life, witnessed a man of this design. Please, don’t mind me. I just need a moment to bask in the glory of this angel. 

⚰️ The 💦water droplets💦, his bedroom eyes, that CHEST- I-I...I just need a moment...

⚰️ Lucien has once and always stolen my heart BUT I do have to say that based off of some past cards, last years valentines card, and compared to Victor’s card this year that my Lulu has to come in second. 🤧

⚰️ His sultry, princely and sexyness is all there but we all know that Lucien can pull off a very dominating demeanor. Yet here he’s just giving me very submissive vibes this valentines. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.)

⚰️ And then this card has the AUDACITY to turn into this?!?! 👀👀

⚰️ Sighhhh...It is just so hard to watch MC living your dream... 

⚰️ This card just looks so sweet. The carressing embrace, Lucien’s calmly surprised expression, it’s just all so gentle. awwwwwe!!

⚰️ Although this card is very romantic Lucien still looks very submissive and sweet. (Like homie looks like he’s never done this before which. LIES. BITCH I KNOW YOU) 👏🏼👏🏼

⚰️ One of the things I love the most about Lucien’s character is his very teasing and dominating aura and last years valentines card sucked that up and did a beautiful job of expressing his teasing personality in the artwork. I am hoping that maybe where this art is lacking the date itself will make up for it.

⚰️ I do find this card to be the second most sexy out of all the boys but I feel like it just doesn’t feel as Lucien as I would have liked it to. 

⚰️ I do however find the artwork to be very beautiful and embracing. Especially when the card is evolved. The way Lucien holds MC in the second card creates this very innocent and warm embrace that reminds me of two people just on the verge of falling in love.

⚰️ It is a very sweet and romantic card and it is quiet cute to see Lucien all blushing and off guard instead of his usual impassive self.

🌸 𝐊𝖎𝖗𝖔 | 6/10 | 4th place

⚰️ The bestest boi of them all!!! 🥰

⚰️ Litterally nothing gets sweeter than Kiro!!

⚰️ So sweet, so fun loving! This sunshine of a boi makes life worth living! ☀️☀️

⚰️ Kiro is definitely the one who shows up at just the right time to make life a little better and brings out the inner child that my sun in capricorn tries to repress so intensely. 

⚰️ And this card does that sweet and playful image justice. Always stay warm Kiro!!! AWWEEE!!!

⚰️ All I can say is I wish I was that dog so I can paw Kiro’s chest too. 🤭

⚰️ Now, It pains me to put Kiro last but it is just that I feel that his card lacks a lot compared to the valentines card from last year. 

⚰️  We were hit with a very sexy Kiro and there has been plenty of other very VERY sexy Kiro cards up to this one that it just causes this one to hit different, you know? 

⚰️ This one really captures Kiro’s loving and boyish personality so I definitely love it over all as a Kiro card. I think that it does wonderful in that aspect. But for valentines day? I expect something a bit more saucy...like an underwear model shoot maybe... 😜

⚰️ BUT THEN we get THISS!!

⚰️ S-Shirtless Kiro *Internal screaming* kahhhh!!! I can’t take it I. 😝

⚰️ Sometimes I forget just how HORNY Kiro issss.... 

⚰️ I think it’s safe to say that MC is only making that face NOT bc Kiro took that magazine but bc she be getting poked sitting in that lap like that.- 👀🍆

⚰️ Shirtless Kiro is an upgrade from what we had before BUT I still feel like this compared to the other guys and other very sexy kiro cards before that this still only gives a very innocnet and homey vibe.

⚰️ I do think that this card is very cute but when rating it on it’s quality of sexyness comapred to the other boys, I sadly have to put Kiro as last place. 

⚰️ I am just hoping that next year all the Kiro stans get rewarded with a nice Calvin Klein underwear shoot. (I know I’d be happy)😌😌

🌸 𝐕𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖔𝖗 | 8/10 | 1st Place

⚰️ Tall, dark, and handsome AS FOULK!!!

⚰️ Victor never comes in to play no games yall!!!  👏🏼💦

⚰️ Did I say Kiro was horny? because I take that back. Sometimes I forget how BADLYYY Victor is trynnnaaa FUCK in EVERYYY date. 💀

⚰️ But like I ain’t mad. First off, Victor, daddy, can I have that designer bag? I’ll suck your di- 

⚰️ Just the abs, that boujee ass robe even the cute ass fucking ties on his arm I-

⚰️ Victor be putting the standards for guys really fucking high in my book. AND I AIN’T MAD.

⚰️ I just love this card. It is honestly my favorite out of all of them (sorry Lulu) It’s mature, it’s sexy, it’s elegant, suttle, and EVERYTIME I look at it my heart flutters. This card is VERY Victor and a beautiful design of his character and it makes me VERY horny happy. 💦💦

⚰️ T-That angle... *blushes* He is ready to go to town if ya know what I mean.

⚰️ But given that facial expression he’s already busted it- 👀🤧

⚰️ On a real note tho. Victor looks so sweet and vulnerable here (*what a pussy) it’s so cuteee!!! Like I ain’t ever seen him look so sweet. (*fucking bitch.) 

*I have a love hate relationship with Victor since he always likes to piss me off!!! But he cute so.

⚰️ Again I think that this card is my favorite out of all four of the valentines cards this year. I feel like the intimacy in this one is there. The imagery is very sexy but soft. I love their pose and I think that this card sells where we all like our minds to wonder off too. 

⚰️ My absolutae favortie part is the simple pull on Victors unbuttoned shirt. It is just so sweet and so soft of an embrance.

⚰️But also Victor’s hand on the counter. I want that hand to smack my ass so hard fuck. 😋

⚰️ If I had to (and I do) make one complaint about this card it is that I honestly HATE Victor’s expression in the evoled. It’s just too soft and sweet for my liking. And as a Capricorn myself I can assure you that any slip up of us expressing even just the slightest bit of our vulnerability to anyone we will rip ourselves apart head to toe for years on that one single event and I assume that even during Victor’s most intimate times that stone cold look would not fade as easily as it does in this card. 

⚰️I think that it is beautiful and no hate to the Victor stans who think he looks hot AF in this card. I am all for it. I just personally like my capricorns whipped into shape. 😌

🌸 𝐆𝖆𝖛𝖎𝖓 | 7/10 | 3rd Place

⚰️ This one gave me the most and best shock.

⚰️ My favorite Gavin cards are by far this and his valentines card from last year. 

⚰️ There is just something about Valentines day that gets Gavin in a sexy mood. (you’re secretly a hopeless romantic, aren't you Gavin huh...huh???)😏

⚰️ First off, GAVIN!!! I ain’t ever seen you look so SEXY. Sending me Eboy vibes to the MAX ughhhhh!!!! 

⚰️ I love the straps on his shirt and the fact that it’s wet and the glove PULLLLL!!! FUCKK GAVINNNNN!!! 💦🔥💦

⚰️ Gavin for me is everything that’s hot that I just can’t get behind but I WANT to get behind. You know? haha.

⚰️ He’s just such a good boy and a sad boi all at the same time and he holds a soft place in ma heart (but he’s definitely a one night stand and then I never call him again haahaaaa ahhhh) 🤧

⚰️ And then this card!! It is so cute! SO sweet!!! and just very beautifully intimate. They look so in love!!!

⚰️ I just know for a fact that this night is very gentle and very passionate. 

⚰️ S3x with Gavin may not be intense, but it is love that we all at one point need okayyy!!. *cries* 🥲

⚰️ Gavin’s card is probably my 3rd favorite out of all of the boys this year. I do really love his pose and they are very sexy and very sweet and also very Gavin for his event cards. I also enjoy that his expression is still very true to his character in the last card (I’m looking at you lulu and vic) 

⚰️ I just feel like the art lacks a lot of story in Gavin’s cards (even his ones last year too) They just look like they took valentines day photos together lol. 

⚰️ I don’t hate them and they are very beautiful I just wish there was more going on then what looks to be like Gavin modeling for a brand of Makers Mark Whiskey lol. 

⚰️ I actually haven’t played a single Gavin date🤭...so I don’t have much to say on how he reacts to MC outside of the regular story line and I am sure that his valentines date for our English Sever with him was very wonderful. Based off of Gavin’s main story character I wouldn’t consider him very romantic or at least not the one in control of planning their dates. I think that of all the boys Gavin’s Valentines would be the most laid back and I would like to see more of Gavin’s character coming through with the artwork of these dates if that’s the case.

ENDNOTES: 

⚰️  On a serious note these cards are very beautiful although...I think I honestly enjoyed last years Valentines cards more than this one (the ones we got this year in the english server)... (omg...no way...she said it)

⚰️ Don’t get me wrong! All these cards are VERY sexy and I do like it but I feel like they almost lack intensity that last year SOLD us. 

⚰️ I guess what I am trying to say is they all feel too vanilla if you know what I mean... Gavin’s card is the only one that gives me a sense of spice despite him being the sweetest out of all the boys. I just feel that these in comparison to how lavish last years cards were that I want to see more intensity. 

⚰️ I am curious to know if the cards will ever get to that point (I know that the game wont give us full blown porn scenes...*sigh* lol) but I am looking forward to seeing some imagery to withhold the imagination of such. 

⚰️ Basically I’m sad that Lucien had no scratch marks. That-That’s it! You caught me!! I just want to see my daddy’s skin all scratched up!! Is that too much to ask for?! 

⚰️ ALSO I WANT FULL SHIRTLESS (WITH NIPPLES) SSR CARDDDSSSSSSS AHHHFGJGKRIGKECGHGERMCHM!!!!

⚰️ This is all written for shits n giggles. Please take this lightly and kindly let me know what karma card you liked the most. 

Thank you for stopping by, 🖤 Yvaine. 

[chibienvychan03]

It’s Valentine’s Day?

Pairing: Victor x female MC

Warning: lots of fluff and sassy MC

Summary: Given the amount of work you’ve received, the days blur into each other and you can’t believe you’ve forgotten about Valentine’s Day. You had planned on skipping it, but something changes your mind.

Gift fic for @otome0heart. Happy holidays!

When you arrive at the office, you find the atmosphere has completely changed. Instead of being hectic and chaotic, you see your employees whispering and giggling (mainly the girls), but the mood is definitely better though you still have your assignment to work on. Even though you’re their boss, you hate having to put your foot down hard so you will be able to complete it on time and on schedule.

 As you’re about to say something, Kiki rushes over to you, looking like she’s on a caffeine and sugar high which to be honest is her default mode most of the time. “Boss, boss, boss!”

 “Yes, yes, yes?”

 “Who are you going to give your chocolates to?” Your confusion speaks in volumes. Sighing Kiki gives you that ‘I’m disappointed in you’ look. “Have you forgotten what today is?”

 “Eh?”

 “Told you so! She totally forgot.” Ah yes, Willow the voice of reason and sometimes the kill joy with reality. It makes you wonder what you forgot.

 One glance around the office, you start noticing small things, namely all those red, pink, and white hearts. Then there are a few pictures of what appears to be a baby wearing a diaper while holding a bow and arrow. Isn’t it bad parenting to let a child that age hold a dangerous weapon? This annoys you, being left in the dark.

 “What is it I’m forgetting?” You cross your arms over your chest, giving them that stern look, but it has no effect on them. They’re probably used to it by now or don’t care.

 “I can’t believe you forgot! Hey, there’s still time to buy some chocolate.” Kiki bounces around you. Why is doing it? You have no clue except you wish she would stop as you’re becoming dizzy with her antics.

 “Why is it important I buy chocolate?” What was so special about buying chocolate? It’s just another day. Wait a moment, what is today? Thanks to all the overtime you’ve been putting into this assignment, the days have become blurred. You at least know which day of the week it is, thank you Mister CEO and having to give updates.

 “Boss, you have no romantic bone in your body,” Willow sighs a long one as if she’s the one suffering. She swivels in her chair to face the two of you. “Maybe that’s why you don’t have a date for tonight.”

 “Date? We’re swamped with work. I can’t believe I’m saying, but we need to concentrate on this assignment.” For once, you’re the one who isn’t losing concentration or having a wandering mind as a certain someone who has a penchant for reminding you appears in your thoughts. You quickly squash those as now isn’t the time.

 “Don’t tell me your date is work. Boring.” Kiki makes an exaggerated yawn.

 Hearts. A baby wearing a diaper and armed with a bow. Chocolate. Date. What on earth involved all of these? Think. You rack your mind trying to figure out what they’re referring to.

 Minor comes to the rescue. “Boss, who are you going to give your Valentine’s Day chocolate to?”

 Your train of thought comes to a screeching stop. Wait a moment. It can’t be, can it? You pull out your phone to check the day. Friday the fourteenth of February. Oh shit. You can’t believe you forgot about this day. Then again, you have a habit of forgetting your own birthday. Oops?

 All three of your employees are expectantly staring at you, waiting for you to answer their question of who you’re going to give chocolate to. Considering who your boss is and your desire for your company to be successful, you have no choice other than disappointing them.

 “No one. I don’t have time for romance.” The truth hurts as many say.

 “Boo,” Kiki pouts, but at least, she stops circling you like… a predator? “Why not give Kiro chocolate? He loves eating snacks.”

 Err…..

 “No way, she’s gonna give bro chocolate,” Minor chimes in. What a major fanboy. It makes you wonder if he’s started a secret fan club.

 “Officer Gavin kicks ass,” Willow adds her two cents. “It’s a no brainer there.”

 A guy from editing peers over the partition. “The mind is the strongest part of the body. I’m sure boss appreciates someone with a high IQ like Professor Lucien.”

 “Kiro’s the same age as Boss.”

 You plant your foot on Kiki’s as you do not want your age revealed to everyone. It works as she yelps and is now hopping on one foot, her good one. While you don’t mind them knowing your birthday, you do mind them knowing how old you’ve become. Not that you’re senior citizen old, but still!

 “Two years isn’t a huge difference,” Willow points out. She knows you don’t want to reveal your age, but she does have a point about the age gap between you and a certain officer. “Not like four years.”

 Minor nods his head in agreement. “And you two have a history together.”

 “If you take into consideration, the ages people got married historically,” the editing guy counters. “Four years is nothing. Some of them are twenty years apart!”

 “Kiro’s a lot cuter.”

 “Bro can protect her,” Minor argues to which Willow agrees with. “He’s awesome with a gun and can take on ten guys at the same time.”

 “Professor Lucien has helped with the show many times.”

 Why is everyone interested with your love life? Or rather lack of it. Not that you mind as you have your priorities in order. It’s not like Minor or that guy from editing received any chocolate. The last time you checked, neither Kiki or Willow were interested in someone. You pinch the bridge of your nose. “You can celebrate all you want. Just leave me out of it… and make sure you finish your work.”

 “So if you’re not giving Bro chocolate, then that means I got some and he didn’t.” Hold the phone, someone actually gave Minor chocolate? Who’s desperate enough to give him some?

 You turn your attention to Kiki and Willow. “Have you given your chocolate?”

 “Of course!” Kiki chirps and then she points to someone you can’t recall his name. The guy blushes when attention is brought onto him. “We’re going on a date tonight!”

 Willow just points to Minor. This does not compute. Error. Error. Did she just admit to giving Minor chocolate? Yes, she did. “We’re going on a double date. Someone has to keep the kids in line.”

 “Hey!” Kiki sticks out her tongue and blows a raspberry.

 Reinforcements have arrived! Anna enters the room, carrying the materials needed for your latest assignment. “Back to work.” Yes! It’s nice having someone on your side.

 “Awww… it’s Valentine’s Day.” Kiki pouts, however, she reluctantly returns to her desk. “We wanna know who Boss is giving her chocolate to.”

 “She should give it to Officer Gavin.”

 “Yeah, Bro will be happy to receive anything from you.”

 “I’m sure Professor Lucien will appreciate your effort.”

 “Kiro’s the best choice.”

 “You guys…”

 “We can have this discussion during our lunch break.” You nod your head in agreement. Maybe they’ll forget by then. “Since we all know, she’s giving it to CEO Victor.”

 “Not you too.”

 Lunch happens to take out from your third favorite restaurant. You originally planned to make your meals, thanks to those cooking lessons, but work leaves you with little time and energy. When you arrive home, all you want to do is face plant onto your bed and not wake up for the next eight hours. Thank whatever deity, they have delivery. It saves you time, and you can work up until your midday break.

 Back to the battlefield you go. Your employees have other things in mind as they divvy up your portion amongst themselves and start working. You blink several times, wondering what has gotten into them. Were they not complaining about the workload? Why the sudden change of heart? There’s something fishy going on there.

 You turn to Anna. “What’s going on?”

 “I told them you’re taking the afternoon off.” Hey, aren’t you supposed to be the boss? “Hurry before the shops run out of the good stuff.” She ushers you out the door and then shuts it.

 What about your purse? As if reading your mind, the door opens. Someone shoves your purse into your hands before shutting the door again. You attempt to open the door, but it refuses to budge. It can’t be locked as you can turn the knob. No, it’s more like something heavy is preventing the door from moving.

 “You don’t want to give Kiro second rate chocolate!”

 “Don’t you mean Officer Gavin?”

 “Agreed. Bro is the one.”

 “What about Professor Lucien?”

 “You already know what CEO Victor likes.”

 You resist the urge to bang your head on the door or nearest wall. Time to head over to the nearest shop for chocolate. While you’d rather not buy it, no one says you have to actually give it. You can make up a guy to give it to and eat the chocolate yourself. Yeah, that sounds like an excellent plan. You’d give yourself a pat on the back.

 And then remember, you need a ride back to your place. Since you don’t want to give them any ideas, you decide to not call any of those guys. You scroll down your phone list and see the number to your classmate, the one Victor was ‘not jealous’ of. Yeah, right. You decide to send him a text, knowing that nothing would happen between the two of you since you’re female, and he swings that way. His quick response startles you.

 He’s on his way.

 His quick appearance also startles you. “I was in the area. You know dropping off my gift.”

 “Aren’t girls supposed to be giving the gifts?” You blink several times, trying to figure out how this same sex thing works. While you don’t mind them, you have no clue about how they interact with each other. Your research lands you straight into the doujinshi area. While they’re entertaining, you doubt they’re completely realistic. Then again fiction tends to exaggerate things.

 “Someone has to initiate it, and since he doesn’t have a clue, I have to,” your friend says with a slight shrug. It makes sense to you. “Have you given yours chocolate?” In spite of his helmet, you can tell he’s waggling his eyebrows at you.

 “Ugh… Not you too.”

 “Oh. Whoops? Sorry.”

 You wave him off. “Not your fault. My employees are more interested in the lack of my love life than actually working.” He hands over you the second helmet.

 “You gonna head home or buy something for him?”

 Good question. While you want to head home, the thought of giving your ‘crush’ chocolate on Valentine’s Day sounds appealing even if it’s store bought. Then again, he does have a very high standard, considering his culinary expertise. By now, you figure all the good stuff is gone. Now the thought of going home sounds appealing.

 “You can always make him some. I mean I did for mine.”

 You stare at him as if he’s grown a second appendage. It’s something you hadn’t considered. To cover up your inevitable blush due to your friend being too smart for his own good, you shove the helmet onto yourself. “Is there enough time?”

 “Unless you take several hours, you’ll be fine. Hey, why don’t I help you? It’ll go faster.”

 “But won’t that be kinda like cheating?”

 “You’ll be doing most of the work. I’m there to make sure things go smoothly and offer any suggestions.” Technically you’d be making it, but a little advice never hurts, right? Especially when the recipient of that creation happens to be that guy. Mister Critical.

 If that’s the case, there’s no need to think about it. “To the nearest supermarket!”

 Levi chuckled as he picked up speed without driving recklessly, making you wonder why he doesn’t seem to be the type to drive fast. His personality fits, but then again, looks can be deceiving as you’ve experienced many times, often with you looking like a fool. He pulls up close to the entrance of what appears to be a family owned supermarket.

 “Ah, friends of mine own this place,” Levi answers your question before you can even formulate it.

 Leaving your helmets, you two make your way through the shelves. You take your time to look at what they have to offer. For being this size, they offer more of a variety than you anticipated. You wonder what you’re going to use in your chocolate. Of course, it will not be too sweet as he isn’t into sweets like you. He says you’re sweet enough for the both of you. Maybe a hint of sweetness. Yeah. That means dark chocolate. You head to where they keep the baking supplies while your friend wanders through the other aisles. Dark chocolate with maybe some accents of… white chocolate?

 “How about some flavoring?” He pops up from the next aisle, completely surprising you into an almost heart attack. “Oops? My bad.”

 Once you get your breathing and heart rate back to normal, you see what he’s holding. He has a few different flavors in small bottles. They appear small, but you know better. Since they’re concentrated, a few drops will suffice lest the recipient be overwhelmed with the flavor.

 Vanilla, rose, strawberry, and mango?

 “Can you bring me one of each?” You request. Variety makes things interesting, and if one fails, you’ll have the others as back-ups.

 “Sure.” Levi disappears just as quickly and quietly as he appeared. You swear he’s part ninja or something. Maybe he’s a secret agent. You end that train of thought before it takes a surprise journey.

 With him not distracting you, you return your attention to the selection of chocolates in front of you. You read the cacao concentration before picking something not too bitter but not sweet either. On second thought, you grab more as you don’t know how many attempts you’ll need before you manage to make a decent chocolate. Having the main ingredient in your basket, you search for the others. Somewhere along the line, Levi takes the basket from you as it’s becoming heavier with your selections. Not that it was impossible to carry. Having a gentleman with you can be useful especially when you know he’s not interested in you other than being a friend and possibly siblings.

 At the register, the cashier rings up your purchases. Your friend and she know each other. Yet, why is she attempting to flirt with him? Not that it’s any of your business. You just hate it when people are disappointed. He is either oblivious or doesn’t care like a certain someone in your life. Well make that four guys you know.

 “Levi, why didn’t you call?” a middle-aged man appears. “I would have prepared your favorite snack.”

 He politely declines. “Spur of the moment decision, and I have urgent business to attend to.”

 “What can be that urgent you don’t want to spend time with your old pal?” He notices you’re in the company of his friend. “I see. What a cute girl you’re with. Whose girlfriend is she?”

 “Er…” You attempt to answer.

 “That’s the urgent business. I’m helping her win her crush over.” He appears to be teasing you, but something in his tone tells you he’s serious about assisting you with your quest to win him over and especially not make a fool of yourself like you normally do.

 “He’s not a crush,” you mumble.

 “Who took classes on cooking with me?”

 You probably could pass off as a human tomato at this point. “That’s different!” You rack your mind trying to dig yourself out of this hole you somehow managed to fall into. Your brain starts waving a white flag, easily surrendering.

 Levi chuckles. “I’ll stop teasing you.”

 “You took cooking classes?” The cashier gives your male friend those eyes.

 “Well yeah. It’s not healthy eating out or pre-made meals.” You wish you could have said that earlier. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. You hate it.

 “We’d better get going,” Levi says, prompting her to hurry up ringing you up. “She still needs to cook and then give it to him before the day ends.”

 Once you paid for the ingredients, your friend takes it back to his motorcycle before securing it and then you. He hops onto his bike and then heads to your place. You’ve been to each other’s homes so neither of you needs directions.

 “Let’s do this!” You’re very much pumped to make these chocolates. And well if they turn out not the greatest, no one said you couldn’t eat them yourself, right? You plan on eating all the fails anyways, but even though you love chocolate, you hope there aren’t too many of them.

 Levi smiles while shaking his head. “You’re like the little sister I never had.”

 You turn to stare at him. Family? This brings several questions to mind, mainly about his family which he has yet to share anything about. “Only child?”

 “No, I had an adopted brother, but that’s about it.” Levi shrugs and carries the bag for you. Good thing, it’s heavy. He doesn’t say anything more so you drop it.

 Inside your kitchen, the two of you clean up and start prepping to make the chocolate. He helps with the set up but once you start actually making it, he steps back and let’s you take over with him supervising you. You decide to create four different flavors. Kind of like the saying, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.’ In addition to the flavoring, you have picked up some nuts, because well why not? Sometimes you believe he’s nuts.

 Just as you’re about to put the pot with the chocolate on the stove, Levi holds your arm. “You don’t want to put it on direct heat. Use double broiler.” When you stare at him in confusion, he turns off the stove and explains. “Get a larger pot and fill it with water. Then you place this pot in it. Make sure the water doesn’t go into your chocolate.”

 “Oh. No wonder why my first attempt ended horribly.” Whoops? You follow his advice and grab a larger pot to fill with water. Once it’s filled, you lug it over to your stove and turn it on. Next you place your pot full of chocolate in it. When it starts melting, you stir it and are thankful it doesn’t burn or turn hard. Wow. You’ll have to remember this for future use. This batch will be the vanilla flavored, some with nuts. Once it’s a nice gooey mess, you take it off the heat before grabbing your already prepared tray. You stir in some nuts and then meticulously pour it into the molds. When you used up what you melted so far, you ask your assistant to place it in the fridge while you start on the second batch.

 As it turns out, you have more chocolate than you anticipate. Oh well you did prepare in case of fails, but so far, there haven’t been any as you have a very watchful assistant who keeps reminding you. Maybe you need to improve your concentration and not let your mind wander that often. It’s great for creating programs, not great when you’re trying to do something that requires concentration.

 “Why not chocolate covered fruit?” Levi suggests as he rummages through your fridge. He emerges with a pack of strawberries. When did you get those? Oh wait, you went on a grocery run a few days ago. Come to think of it, you wonder why you picked up strawberries as they’re not in season. Maybe they were on sale? Given Valentine’s Day, you wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case.

 “I’ll pick up some whip cream later.” When you bring your gift to him, you plan on grabbing some. That’s until you see your assistant holding a tub of whip cream. “What?”

 “I snuck it in while you’re distracted.”

 Your eye twitches as you didn’t see him with it at all, but at the same time, you’re thankful. It means no detour. After all, he’s doing you more than a favor by not only driving, but supervising your cooking. This time, you know what to do. You wash the strawberries and have your assistant dry them off with paper towels. With him being busy, you start up the.. you lost count batch of chocolate. You get it to a nice consistency and turn off the stove. Then you realize, you don’t have anywhere to place them. You notice a lined tray ready to receive the strawberries. After thanking him, you begin dipping the strawberries and placing them on the prepped tray.

 Minutes later, you’re finished and have a messy kitchen, but it’s worth it to make those home-made chocolate. As to whether, they’d taste good is up in the air. You’ve made a few extra for you two to try before you gift him with it. He gets up to start help with the clean-up, but you push him back down. Levi has done more than his share.

 Once they’ve hardened, you take out your tester chocolates and divvy them between the two of you. For your first successful batch, they’re not too bad. It’s not like those sold at candy shops, however, they’re a vast improvement on your first attempt… attempts.

 Between the two of you, you manage to find materials to wrap up your gift to him. You also decide to give him some of the chocolate as you’ve made more than you anticipated. A friendly Valentine’s gift. Levi surprisingly accepts it and pats you on the head like some sort of cute pet. Hey!

 Victor-Victor-Victor-Victor

 Since you know Victor happens to be a workaholic and little romance in his body, you know he won’t take today off. If anything, he may be annoyed with the amount of chocolate he’s receiving from his female (and maybe male) fans. You stare at the gift in your hands, wondering whether or not to give it to him since he’s probably more than irritated. A nudge from behind causes you to stumble a little.

 “He doesn’t know you’re here.”

 “Er… I’m worried he’d find me annoying.”

 Levi leans back on his motorcycle. “Why would he find you annoying?”

 You wave your hand. “Capitalist CEO. He didn’t become a leading financial institution by being a pushover… or romantic person.”

 “I’m sure he’ll make an exception for you.” You blink several times. “You’re a funny, kind, generous, hard working person. How could he not fall for you? If he so much makes you cry, I’m taking him out of the picture.”

 You don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Instead you hug him. “Thanks.”

 “Now go sweep him off his feet, and remember what I said about making him disappear.” He releases you so you can go to him.

 “Right…”

 “After all, no one messes with my little sister and gets away with it.”

 “I’m not little!” you pout, but the huge grin on your face gives you a comical appearance. You hug him for a second time. “Fine, big bro.” Then it occurs to you if he sees you as his little sister, then oh boy… Victor would be in for a world of hurt should he hurt you. Isn’t that what big brothers do?

 “Just don’t kill him. I still need him to sign my paychecks.”

 “All right. He’ll be missing a limb or two then.”

 You playfully punch him. “I’m serious. He still needs to write.”

 “Who ever said it’s those limbs?”

 This time your whole face turns red and you smack him with your purse. “You!”

 “Feeling nervous?”

 Come to think of it, you’re not. He’s distracted you with his shenanigans. “Nope!”

 Something falling catches your attention. You see Goldman hastily picking up folders and papers. Having some mercy on him, you decide to help him pick them up. Unfortunately some of them fly too far from either of you and are about to escape when your big brother catches them for you. You thank him for it.

 Goldman sounds nervous as he’s trying to warn you of something. It sounds like gibberish. “Slow down and take a deep breath.”

 “Later!” Levi waves to you.

 “Bye, big bro!”

 This time Goldman’s jaw drops. Did he think you two were? Oh boy.

 “We’re not in that kind of relationship. More like we adopted each other as siblings… unofficially.”

 Goldman lets out a sigh of relief. “It’s a warzone in there.”

 “Let me guess. Victor has many admirers giving him unwanted gifts?”

 “Ding ding ding. You have won a prize. Yeah, he’s in a very, very sour mood. Please don’t say anything to upset him further.”

 You give him that look. “I’m not that bad.”

 He returns that look. “Yes, you are. I don’t know how many times you’ve left boss stressed out. I lost count.” Hmph. See if you help him with any of his assignments.

 “I guess it’s better I don’t give these.” You hold up your wrapped gift.

 “Are those chocolates?” Goldman looks horrified at the thought.

 “They’re not sweet! I made sure of it. They’re not the greatest, but I’m getting better at cooking.” You’re proud of what you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come from being a walking kitchen disaster.

  “You made them?” Goldman gulps as if you’ve made Victor his last meal.

 You glare at him. “I’m not that bad, and big bro helped me with them.”

 Goldman shakes his head. “Good luck in there.”

 “What? You’re going home?”

 “No. I’m running errands.” He checks his watch. “Oh crap, gotta go before it’s too late. Thanks for your help.” With his papers and folders secured, Goldman wastes no time in leaving you in the dust.

 “Bye?”

 Might as well be prepared to enter the battlefield, aka LFG. You check your gift for the hundredth time you’d probably stare holes into it. Everything is good to go… except your feet. You mentally shout at your feet to start moving. After several swear words and threats, your feet start moving to the entrance and then inside where everyone looks like there’s a ticking time bomb somewhere.

 Come to think of it, there is a literal ticking time bomb who calls himself their boss, aka Victor. The people move skittishly around you as you make your way to their boss’ office. Having given so many reports, you can walk there in your sleep. As you come closer to his office, the people become more stressed out and anxious. You’re tempted to sneak up behind them and yell “BOO!” However, a figure who suspiciously appears to be victor pops up in your mind, telling you that it’s childish behavior.

 Even in your mind, Victor is a kill joy.

 Just as you’re about to raise your hand and knock, you hear several strange noises coming from behind that wooden barrier. You blink several times before placing your ear against the door. While it’s bad manners to eavesdrop, you’re worried about Victor. Is he hurt? Does he need an ambulance? That’s what you tell yourself when that same figure chastises you about listening on other people’s conversation. From what you hear, it doesn’t sound like someone needs medical assistance. Phew. You take a step back, but being the queen of klutzes, you trip on something invisible (rather yourself) and fall back, landing right on your rear.

 “Ow…” Somehow you manage to keep your voice low though it’s not low enough as you hear movement from behind the door.

 Glancing around, you scurry over to a place to hide. Why are you hiding when you’re there to see Victor? You have no idea. Impulse perhaps? It’s small. You shove yourself into that little corner, hoping he would not venture further than the doorway to look out.

 Victor lets out his sigh which you believe is reserved for you when you’re behaving childishly, looking like a fool, or thinking something he considers stupid. “I know you’re here.” When you don’t move or make any noise, he sounds exasperated. “I’m not mad at you. Promise.”

 Since he has never broken any promises, you crawl out of your little hiding place. As soon as you appear in his sights, he seems to be in disbelief. Probably because you’re there or how you managed to cram yourself into that tiny space.

 “I heard you went home early,” Victor starts off. He appears like his normal self though you know better. Even if he won’t admit it, he’s worried about your health.

 “I’m fine.”

 “I can see that.” His posture screams he wants to know why you’re there in the first place.

 “Err… I have something for you.” You walk up to him before shoving your gift at him, more like at his broad chest.

 Victor turns his attention to the thing you’ve shoved at him. “What’s this?”

 “If you want to know, you’ll have to open it,” you tease him. Given the wrapping design and theme, it’s not hard to guess you’re giving him a Valentine’s gift.

 “I’m not into sweets.”

 You puff up your cheeks. “I know that. I made sure they’re not too sweet.”

 His long fingers start to meticulously unwrap his gift. “You made these?”

 “Yep!” You sound very proud of yourself.

 “Shouldn’t you be giving it to your boyfriend?”

 EH???

 “What boyfriend?” Seriously you don’t recall being into any guy.

 “You hugged that guy twice.”

 “Oh, what about big bro?”

 This stuns Victor into silence for a minute or two. “You don’t have any brothers.”

 “Well now I do!” Wait a moment. “You’re jealous of my gay brother again?”

 “I’m not jealous of your gay brother… again? What’s that supposed to mean?”

 This leaves you in giggling fits. It takes you a few moments and a stern look from him for you to calm yourself enough to talk. “Do you remember the cooking class you substituted for?” Nod of his head. “It’s the same guy. My gay friend turned gay brother.”

 You catch a blush appear on his face just as he turns away. “Hopefully they’re edible.”

 HEY! “I worked hard on them. Big bro says I’ve improved a lot.”

 Victor motions for you to follow him into his office. There are several stacks of papers and folders both on his desk and around it. What’s going on? It’s never this cluttered when you’re there ever. Victor appreciates his space being clean and orderly. You should know as he scolds you for making a mess or for putting away things in the wrong places.

 “If now isn’t a good time, I can leave,” you say in an unsure tone.

 “I’m almost done.” Victor ambles over to his chair behind his desk. He picks up his glasses and places them on his face. Without looking in your direction, he adds, “I’ve made reservations at that new restaurant you wanted to try.”

 What? You rack your mind, trying to think how he heard about it. The only person you told is your now new big brother while you two were making those chocolates.

 “You mentioned it in your moments post.”

 Oh that. Making those chocolates and then mustering up the courage to give them has pushed that thought way, way far down. “Hehehehe. I forgot about that.” Wait a moment. “I made that post during lunch. How could you get reservations? It’s hard to get them unless you make it days in advance.”

 “I have my ways.” Victor shuffles papers around before settling on one. His eyes never leave it as he continues the conversation with you. “It’s called having connections. You can use more of them.”

 Ouch… Does he have to be that brutal? Although you know he’s right, you wish he’d tell you in a more gentle way instead of dropping it on you like a bomb. You’ve been working on gathering connections and have invited a few influential people to your show. Had it been a year earlier, they wouldn’t even consider being on your show which indicates how much you’ve grown and learned under his care.

 “You’re better than when you started.” Is this a complement? If it isn’t, you decide to take it as one.

  “But isn’t it expensive?” You recall the reviews and how they say it’s pricy but definitely worth it for the quality and experience.

 “That’s for me to worry about. All you need to worry about is what you want to eat.”

 “Okay.” You make you way to one of the chairs when you realize one of the chairs is occupied by a large mountain of gifts. In fact, they’re practically burying the poor furniture. You hadn’t noticed this, however, to be fair, you had several things on your mind. The fact your gift hasn’t joined this enormous pile gives you hope that Victor would try what you’ve made. At least yours has a chance of being opened.

 After pulling out your phone, you browse the restaurants website, more specifically their menu. Their prices cause you to wince. It’d take you a week of work to get enough money for one meal, and that’s for yourself alone. As if on cue, Victor tell you to order what you want and ignore the price. He can afford it. According to him, it’s cheap for that kind of restaurant.

 Wow… Cheap. The life of the rich and infamous.

 You pull out a pen and pad of paper from your purse. When Victor raises a brow, you stick your tongue out at him. “It’s for random ideas.” As soon as he returns to his work, you peruse their menu. There are a lot of things you’d like to try and most likely to overeat, making a fool of yourself in the process. So this time, you’ll come prepared. You will plan what you’re going to eat for future visits so as to not tempt yourself to eat more than your stomach can handle. For a second, you consider telling Victor, however, you squash that thought. He wouldn’t praise you or acknowledge you for something he considers trivial.

 By the time you finish selecting your dishes for this visit, Victor has finished cleaning up. “Will you be ordering the entire menu?”

 Ouch… “Yes,” you reply with a cheeky grin. “Hope you can afford it!”

 Victor stands over you, looking down at you and your notes. His soft snort tells you he’s read them. “Indeed you have ordered everything.” He pauses. “Wise decision to spread it out on multiple visits.”

 Oh my. Did he just praise you again? While you’re tempted to request he say it again, you decide it’s better to not push your luck. After all, he’ll be paying for future visits. Unless he increases your salary, you doubt you’d be able to afford it without having to make sacrifices and live off of cup noodles like a certain someone who shall remain nameless.

 “Are you going to try your gift?” You ask as you follow him, noticing he’s carrying your gift with him.

 “Chocolate is for dessert,” Victor reminds you, causing you to blush. Right.

 “Does that mean you’ll try it after dinner?” You bat your eyes even though he can’t see behind him. He doesn’t have eyes in the back of his head or does he? Hm… He has a knack for catching you doing things when he’s not even facing you or looking in your direction.

 “Yes.”

 His one-word reply causes you to be giddy with delight. You hope he likes it as you’ve put effort into making it…. Even if it’s last minute, but he doesn’t have to know that! What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him for now.

 Victor-Victor-Victor-Victor

 With it being Valentine’s Day and Friday night, the restaurant is packed with a long line going out the door. If they’re willing to wait outside, then the food must be worth it. You become excited with anticipation. It may not be Victor level cooking, you appreciate good food.

 “Victor, I—”

 Some heavy set male runs straight into you causing you to lurch forward. Instinctively you brace for an impact that never arrives. Instead you find yourself in the embrace of the man you like a lot… maybe even love? Once Victor helps you back on your feet, you notice two things… Victor glaring and second your high heel is no longer high heel on the left side. You believe he’s glaring at you, however, he’s not looking directly at you, more like over you.

 “Why should I apologize? She’s standing in the way,” the guy argues. Where should you stand? It’s not like there is a vacant spot for you to occupy. Now is there?

 “You should look where you’re going. Perhaps you need glasses. I can help with that.”

 The guy starts turning red. “I can see just fine.”

 “Then you should have seen her.” Victor indicates you.

 “She’s tiny. Careful someone might sit on her.”

 Why you!

 Victor stops you from marching straight up to him and giving him a piece of your mind. “On second thought, you’ll need a lawyer.”

 “What?”

 “You could have given her a concussion, and you broke her shoe.” So Victor did notice your heel-less left shoe. Hard to get anything past him.

 “Gentlemen,” the restaurant’s manager speaks up. “There will be no violence in this establishment.”

 “Tell that to him,” the rude guy grumbles.

 “How is knocking someone over not violent,” you finally explode. “I coulda gotten a concussion.”

 “Mister, please leave.” At first you think he’s referring to Victor, but his next words confirm who. “I’m terribly sorry, Mister.” He’s facing Victor. “Your table is this way.”

 “Err…” You can walk but awkwardly with uneven shoes.

 Victor understands what you’re trying to get at before you can say it. He literally sweeps you off your feet and carries you to your table. On your way there, more than a few customers look in your direction and whisper. Not everyday a guy carries a girl to their table.

 Not like you have a choice given your broken footwear. Still it’s embarrassing to be stared at by these strangers. Somehow Victor ignores every single one of them. Of course, he does. He’s the great and mighty Victor. His name is very much appropriate for him.

 At your private table, the manager fusses over the two of you, making sure you’re well taken care of before taking his leave. It makes you wonder if this is the usual service for Victor whenever he goes out or if it’s from the earlier incident. Thanks to you having decided what you want to eat before you arrived at the restaurant, you’re able to put in your order. Considering how packed this place is, you wouldn’t be surprised should service be slower than usual. Not that you’ll make a deal out of it.

 Now what?

 “Are you sure you’re just siblings?”

 You groan. Not this again. “I’m sure of it. Unless I become a guy, he’s not interested in me.”

 “You sure he isn’t lying?”

 Here we go for another round. “I’m sure of it. We both like looking at cute guys and before you say anything, appreciation for nice aesthetics doesn’t mean I’m in love with them. It’s superficial level appreciation.”

 Victor appears skeptical, but he doesn’t push it further.

 A random thought pops into your mind, causing you to giggle.

 “What useless thing are you thinking of this time?”

 “All my thoughts aren’t useless. My mind can be creative and imaginative, okay?”

 “What is it?”

 You prop your head on your hands. “You should be more worried for yourself.”

 “Oh?”

 “If he’s going to hit on anyone, it’ll be you.”

 Victor is stunned into silence. You’re not sure if he’s against same sex couples or tolerates them. Maybe it’s the realization that yes, there are men who would be after him. He probably had not even considered it much less thought about it.

 “And if you hurt me, well you know how big brothers are overprotective of their little sisters.” You somehow recall he’s good at martial arts, very good at it. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to put it to use against a certain someone.

 “He won’t have a chance.” Oh confident now are we?

 Before either of you can say another word, your waiter arrives with a bottle of fine wine. “On the house.” She places it in a prepared container of ice. You peer at it. Oh it sounds good from what you’ve read. Apparently you’re not the only one who read it.

 “You can have one glass.” That’s better than nothing. You’ll take it.

 Victor-Victor-Victor-Victor

 Man you’re stuffed. The food is too good, but not as good as a certain restaurant which Victor knows all too well, considering he owns it. You’re thankful you ordered just the right amount. Knowing yourself, you’d still keep eating even if you’re full.

 You pull out your phone. “I’m going to give them a five-star review.” In your review, you write about your experience there including the incident before dinner and their heavenly cuisine. If Victor asks where you want to eat and doesn’t feel like cooking, you know what you’re answer will be.

 Victor scoffs at this though he seems to be amused and overall in a good mood. When you place down your phone, you notice your gift has been opened.

 “So what do you think?”

 “Needs improvement.” Your spirits sink. “But you’ve come a long way from when you started. I’ve had my fair share of less than desirable results in the past. No one starts out good or perfect.”

 Then Victor must have had some fails when he first started cooking. This somewhat lifts your spirits. Considering he has a huge head start over you, you take it stride. It’s not like Rome was built in a day as they say.

 After paying for your meal (minus the wine), Victor once again sweeps you off your feet to carry you to his car. Unlike some big wigs, he doesn’t need a chauffeur to drive him around. He’d probably become too impatient waiting for the poor person.

 “Where are we headed?” You ask as soon as you’re safely secured and he’s behind the wheel.

 “To the mall.”

 “Eh?”

 “Your broken shoes.”

 Oh. “I can repair them at home.” You don’t want to trouble him more than necessary.

 “I’m buying you better ones, sturdier shoes.” In his language, it means more expensive and better quality.

 By now you should be celebrating. Free dinner and shoes, but somehow your heart isn’t into it. You’re not sure why.

 “Aren’t you going to gloat about getting free shoes?”

 You turn your head to face him. “Not in the mood.”

 “Is something wrong?” Victor sounds genuinely concerned, given how you love to banter with him.

 “It’s… I don’t know. I guess I’m not ready for this to end.”

 “Is that so?” Victor takes a few seconds to look at you before turning his attention back to the road.

 “I’m actually enjoying spending time with you.” Shut up mouth! Why don’t you dig a hole and bury yourself in it?

 “Are you sure it’s not the food?”

 This time you glare at him. “It’s not always about the food. Believe it or not, good company makes the food taste even better.”

 “I see.” No, you don’t.

 You puff up your cheeks and stare out the passenger side window. Could this get any more awkward? Scratch that. You don’t want to jinx yourself.

 “Why don’t you spend the night at my place?”

 Say what?

 “A certain someone says she doesn’t want this to end.”

 Right. “I don’t have my stuff.”

 “Already taken care of.” How in the world? You decide not to question it.

 Victor-Victor-Victor-Victor

 At the mall, Victor carries you as he’s not willing to risk you tripping and falling due to your broken shoe. Says that you’re a walking disaster with two good shoes. When he teases you, you can feel the warmth and affection in his voice. He does care in his own way, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. It just wouldn’t be him.

 When the sales lady notices you and your predicament, she hurries over to you. “You poor thing. I’ll find a pair of shoes that’ll flatter your figure.” How does she know your size?

 After Victor places you on a chair, you take off your shoes and turn one of them over. Oh… Right in the middle is your size. You haven’t worn this pair enough times to wear out the writing. Meanwhile Victor stands guard over you. Not like you’re going to have another person try to shove you to the ground.

 The sales lady returns with a dozen pair of shoes. How she managed to carry all of them. You’re not sure nor do you ask. She does have good taste in footwear. You try on all of them, some of them twice. So many nice shoes, but you only need one pair. You don’t feel like owing Victor a lot. After some consideration and thought, you narrow your selection down to two.

 “Which looks better? This or that?” You’re wearing one of the pairs.

 “We’ll take them both.”

 “Um… I need one pair.” Mouth, stop moving and let him buy you the damn shoes.

 “Since a certain dummy can’t decide, I’ll buy them both for her.” Victor grabs the box for the shoes you’re wearing and the other pair. He heads over to the cash register.

 “You have a nice boyfriend.”

 BOYFRIEND?! “Er… we’re good friends.”

 “Are you sure about that? The way he looks at you.”

 You blink in confusion. “He’s probably annoyed with having to replace my broken shoes.”

 She laughs. “No. He looks at you like you’re his most precious person, a treasure he intends to protect.”

 “Eh? How do you know it’s that?”

 She holds up her left hand. “My husband does that a lot.” Now you notice the ring on her finger. She’s married. “Take my advice, don’t let this one go. He’s a keeper.”

 “Right.”

 Once he’s paid for the shoes, you insist on taking a stroll through the mall to walk off dinner. Victor isn’t happy though he indulges you, and the two of you take a leisurely walk through the building. Good thing this is an indoor mall so you don’t have to deal with the cold weather. As you pass by the window displays, you take a good look at their merchandise. A pair of rings catches your attention.

 “Promise rings.” You didn’t plan to say it out loud. You did anyways.

 “Those are for children.”

 You roll your eyes at him and point at the price tag. “I don’t think children can afford that on their allowance.”

 “Right.”

 The cute puppies and kitties catch your attention. You hurry over to look at them and maybe they’ll let you pet them! They’re so adorable. Although you’re tempted to adopt one, you know you don’t have the time or energy to properly look after one. Maybe one of your friends will let you pet sit? You’d be more than willing to look after their furry four-legged family member for a short time. After all, you took care of Pearly while Gavin was away on a mission.

 Inside the store, they have more than kitties and puppies. They have fishes, mice, lizards, and birds. You’re not crazy about mice or lizards. The fish are pretty to look at, but they’re kind of boring. It’s not like you can play with them or pet them. A small bird wanders to you and starts whistling. Is it serenading you? You glance around to see if the employees would let you pet the bird. Sadly they’re all busy. You reach in and the bird scoots over to your hand before climbing onto your finger. Then it makes its way up your arm and onto your shoulder. It snuggles against you.

 “Oh wow, he’s never been this friendly with anyone.” A store employee appears, startling you and inadvertently the bird too. “Sorry. We normally don’t let people touch him. He tends to be grumpy most of the time.”

 You reach up and start petting him. He leans into your touch, chirping in content. “Really? He seems friendly.” If this bird is as how the employee makes him out to be, you’ve found Victor in bird form it seems. Maybe this can be Victor Junior? Thinking about Victor, where is he? You thought he’d follow you into the store.

 “Miss?”

 “Yes?”

 “Please adopt him! I’m begging you.”

 What?

 “You’re the first person he’s been nice to. I didn’t think he would be attached to anyone.”

 “Um… I’m busy so I don’t think I can properly care for him.”

 “You’ll do fine. These are great starter birds since they’re not hard to take care of.” The store employee begins telling you the benefits of having a pet and one that’s low maintenance. You find out this is a cockatiel. Thinking about the name causes you to giggle.

 Between the store employee and the cute birdy eyes, you break down and decide to adopt this adorable creature. This time, you’re paying for him along with what’s needed to keep him happy and healthy. He’s content to sit on your shoulder the entire time and growls whenever he thinks someone is a threat to you.

 Cage, food, toys, perches, feeding dishes, something for water, some basic first aid, and the bird himself.

 “What makes you think you can take care of a pet?”

 This startles you and causes him to almost fall off your shoulder. “They’re not hard to take care of, and he’s cute.”

 “All animals are cute to you.”

 “Not all of them.” You glance over to the lizard section. “And he really likes me.”

 “Right. Are you sure it’s not some sales gimmick?” Victor folds his arms over his chest, waiting for your answer.

 “I’ve seen him interact with others. He isn’t social but he’s friendly with me.” You reach up to pet him, which he happily accepts. “He’s like a bird version of you.”

 Victor lets out an exasperated sigh. “Since you’ve already bought him, let’s take the stuff to my car.” Wow, you didn’t think Victor would be on board with you purchasing a pet this quickly. You decide not to point it out.

 On the way to his place, the bird is content with being on your lap. You’ll need to name him since you can’t keep calling him the bird or bird.

 “Victor Junior or Vic for short.”

 “What are you up to this time?”

 “He’s just like you.”

 “….”

 “So I’m naming him after you.”

 “This is ridiculous.”

 You stick your tongue out at Victor. Victor Junior copies you, much to your amusement. “Our son isn’t ridiculous, are you?” You coo at the little bird.

 “Our son?”

 “Fine, my son.”

 Victor-Victor-Victor-Victor

 Victor Junior has picked up quite a vocabulary during his stay at the pet shop. You can’t help but giggle at his antics. Since you’re spending the night there, you’ve set up his cage once human Victor has brought in his supplies. It’s getting late and Victor Junior looks tired. He’s yawning up a storm. You place him in his cage so he can get some sleep.

 Since Victor is a gentleman, he insists you sleep in his guest room. It appears while you’re taking care of the bird, he prepared the guest room for you. Before he takes his leave so you can change, he holds out a small box. Is that a ring box? You open it to find one half of the promise ring set.

 “Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

 Victor stutters, attempting to deny it and saying that you’re interested in it.

 “Now look who’s being silly.” You pull out the ring and slide it onto your finger before giving a surprised Victor a hug. “Does this answer your question?”

 His response? He pulls you in for one passionate kiss.

 Where the hell did he learn to kiss like that?

[mlqcconfessions]

Aaaaa I’d die for your headcanons they’re so cuteeeee (⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎) How do you think the boys would react to MC’s high school crush (probably a very popular student) reconnecting with her and asking her out on a date? (Not even trying to be subtle, he said it was a date date!)

So adorbs! I love this!! Let’s just call the crush “Tony” (it doesn’t have any relation to me I swear) 

MLQC Headcanon - Please don’t notice me senpai!

Victor

You were at a joint dinner party with your company + LFG to celebrate the recent show doing so well

Naturally, Victor was there (and so was Goldman who just wanted to go home I don’t get paid enough for this)

Towards the end of the party, you were drunk like nobody’s business

You could almost hear the “dummy” coming from him (he didn’t say it, but definitely thought it)

He was annoyed by your drunken habits of clinging to anyone in your proximity

THIS IS WHY HE MADE ANNA AND WILLOW SIT ON EITHER SIDE

He only liked it when you were drunk in front of him

“MC? Is that you?”

You look up to see a familiar face peering down at you, taking you back to your high school unrequited love years)

“Tony….!”

Still in your drunken stupor, you get up to hug him (Mr. CEO is shocked well this is an unexpected change of plans)

You turn around to introduce this new enemy friend to everyone else

“Erryone, dis is Tony! He’s…an…upperklassman from skool…and my first love!” (you’re slurring your words, but you just had to perfectly say the last line)

At this point, Victor is speed messaging his driver to get the car ready

The room goes in silence as everyone else darts back and forth between you and Victor (they can’t save you now)

As if you unintentionally realized the pressure from Pudding Chef, you fall asleep in Tony’s arms

“Oh..um…actually I liked you during high school, too. Maybe we could—“

You’re ripped apart taken from Tony’s arms as Victor picks you up, bridal style

“Sorry about that. My WIFE can be….a little too affectionate, sometimes”

“Oh, no problem…um…(he hesitates)…..w-wife?”

Victor hands Tony his LFG card

He has a separate design to use when chasing out potential rivals (it looks even more expensive than the normal ones)

Victor quickly nods back at him before leaving the restaurant, with you clinging close to his neck

He kisses the top of your head, walking to the car parked outside

“…….dummy….”

Goldman has to clean up the mess his boss just left behind I don’t get paid enough for this

Kiro

You were doing a segment on Kiro’s concert (which he begged Savin to invite you)

To not get in the way of the busy staff, you wait by the corner

Was it the tension in the air? You feel your throat drying up, in desperate need of a drink

As you feel your head spinning, someone comes up to you with an ice cold water bottle

“Hey, are you alright?”

“Thank you so much….I really needed—”

You look up, surprised to see your former crush in front of you

“To-Tony?”

“MC?” He grabs your shoulders, as if he’s making sure it’s really you

The two of you stare at each other for a while before you hear a familiar voice coming from behind you

“Eh? What’s going on? Having fun without me?”

You turn your eyes to him to happily greet the bubbly voice, but you don’t say anything. You can’t say anything

Kiro’s eyes aren’t smiling

“Ki-Kiro! Um…this is Tony…an upperclassman from my high school”

Kiro stares at him, glancing up and down before turning back to you

“Wow! He looks like someone who was popular with the girls…” (Tony can feel hostility, but doesn’t know from where)

“Um..yeah! He was really popular…and all the girls liked him…” (your voice trails off)

“Then did YOU like him too, MC?” (Kiro’s no longer fixing his gaze on you, but to the poor boy behind you)

“I…I guess I did….yeah…” (you’re looking down at your feet, unable to contain yourself within this awkwardness)

“I see….” (Kiro smiles at Tony before pulling you into an embrace, chin resting on your head)

“Well, TONY, it’s been….a pleasure meeting you…”

“Likewise….um…are you two—“

“Dating?” (you quickly look up to Kiro at this sudden change in tone what is he going to do now)

Without giving you time to think how to deny Tony’s question, Kiro cups his hands around your face and kisses your forehead

“YES. We ARE dating” (Tony just nods awkwardly, and walks off to the other side of the room)

“Kiro, since when were we dating each other?”

This time, he kisses you on the lips (literally takes your breath away)

“Starting. Today.”

Lucien

You were attending a fair hosted by Loveland University, with Lucien speaking as a guest of honor

He even picked out your outfit for today (saying it was his good luck charm or something)

You decide to look around by yourself before he goes on the stage

Behind, you hear a familiar voice calling your name (you turn around, almost dropping the bag of goods you collected from the stands

“Tony? Is that you?”

You excitedly rush to greet him, unaware that Lucien was watching you from the stage as his microphone was being set up

You spend so much time talking to Tony that you don’t realize it was nearly time for the guest of honor to speak

“Tony, were you always a student here? I don’t think I’ve seen you around campus”

“Actually, I heard there was a festival today….and remembered that you put down Loveland Uni as your first choice….so I thought I would be able to find you here….and ask you on a possible date?”

You can feel your face turn red as your former love confessed to you

“Oh…! Um…well…you found me!” (really? That’s all you could think of?)

Meanwhile, Lucien has already begun his speech while you were fumbling over this unknown man who approached you

He ends up finishing without you realizing (your thoughts were someplace else, anyways)

He’s waiting for an opportunity (which was given to him rather quickly)

“Thank you for listening. Are there any questions?” (he scans the crowd before selecting someone)

“Professor! Do you have a girlfriend?!”

Lucien is unfazed by this question and was about to fluff around the answer

But his eyes fall back on you, noticing your face turning red (he’s a little annoyed at this)

“Actually, she’s here with me today, in the beautiful butterfly sundress I picked out for her” (the outfit was meant so he could easily spot you, but this works out)

He directs the entire crowd over, and you finally realize the situation

Your entire body turns red this time, and Tony (realizing just who his rival was) says he has to go somewhere else and leaves

You don’t even answer him back, because your head was now occupied with Lucien (of course, he knows you’re thinking about him now)

You could never win against him

Gavin

The two of you were at your high school reunion, with your close classmates (he sat across from you so he can make sure you don’t drink too much)

You were sitting next to your old high school crush (the one you’ve liked for years)

Of course, you feel the intense death glare coming from Birdcop every time Tony passes you food

Minor almost peed his pants

You quickly became uncomfortable with Tony’s forwardness

Yeah you liked him in the past, but obviously it was different now (you want Gavin to realize, too)

You keep sending him signals that you’re not interested (awkwardly scoot your chair away)

He just views it as you being shy and promptly puts his arm around you

GINKGO BOY IS FURIOUS (the wind violently picks up outside, and all the windows start clattering)

The insides of your brain start losing focus as one of your friends brings up the forbidden statement

“MC, didn’t you have a crush on Tony before?”

The wind suddenly stopped (oh no.)

“Um, yeah….but not anymore!” (you look at Gavin, just hoping he understood the message)

He’s not even looking at you anymore (he’s piercing through Tony with his amber eyes why are they so still beautiful in this situation)

“Really? I never knew! Maybe we should start going out now!” (Tony, please, you’re making things worse)

Then Gavin stands up, gathering your stuff and ushering you to leave

He looks at you, as if he’s waiting for something

Oh. Right.

“Um, Tony? It’s true that I did like you before, but I’m sorry. I can’t go out with you. Actually, Gavin and I are—“

He spins you around and swiftly kisses you on the lips (Minor is squealing), raising his left hand interlocked with yours to proudly showcase the ring before saying with a definitive smirk

“ENGAGED”

He never let you go to the subsequent reunions after that

THE FLUFF IS REAL WITH THIS ONE

Hope you guys enjoyed! I personally had a BLAST with Birdcop’s 

Message me to join “Birdcop Patrol”, a group discussion dedicated to our Ginkgo Boy by yours truly

[sharinluna]

Lucien Promised Date Translation

This date is based on KR text and I’m not a professional translator so I get things wrong.

I translated the date before it was released in EN and I only translated about 80% of the script.

I used Yōurán as the MC’s name.

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

Anna: So that is how we will handle our next project. With no objections the meeting will adjourn now. Yōurán, do you have anything to say? Yōurán?

Kiki: Boss? Boss, what’s wrong?

Yōurán: …huh?

I came to my senses and looked at my coworkers surrounding me.

Kiki: Are you okay? Your face is so pale. You’ve been working yourself to death lately…

Willow felt my forehead for fever, and Minor brought me a glass of water. I stared at them blankly before nodding hesitantly.

Willow: What’s wrong? Is someone giving you a hard time?

Yōurán: No, I’m… fine. Really, nothing’s wrong with me. Let’s go on with the meeting.

Kiki: The meeting… just ended now…

Yōurán: …sorry. My mind must have wandered off.

Anna: Yōurán, I think you should go home and rest. You’ve been practically living in the office lately. You should take care of yourself.

Yōurán: …Anna. I can work more. I’m perfectly fine.

I looked at her, pleading. Anna thought for a while then took me outside.

Anna: What’s up with you? If I remember correctly you’ve been like this since you came back from Lucien’s research lab.

When I heard the words “Lucien’s research lab” my eyelids fluttered against my will.

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

On that day, I was discussing about new program ideas with Lucien as usual. While we were working, Lucien’s phone rang every five minutes from an unidentified caller.

Yōurán: Lucien. You can take the call first. We have so much to discuss anyway.

Lucien: It’s all right. Go on.

Lucien shoved his phone further away and we continued. Three hours later, we were done with our work.

Yōurán: Excellent! Thank you for your help, Lucien! By the way, I want to invite you to the company’s team outing two weeks from now.

The smile faltered in Lucien’s mouth.

Lucien: Two weeks from now?

Yōurán: Yes, On Friday. We can go fishing at the lake, barbecue in the park, there’s a balloon festival too… Even the forecast said that the weather would be perfect that day!

I waved my hands around enthusiastically trying to get him to come with us. He patted my head tenderly.

Lucien: Okay. When you put it like that, I’d be happy to go.

I covered my face in happiness. Just then, Lucien’s phone rang again.

Lucien: Sorry, I have to take this call. It’s going to take awhile, so feel free to look at my books if you get bored.

I nodded as I saw him leave the room.

I examined the books on his shelf, but most of them were too professional for me to even understand the titles. Then I saw the book <The Little Prince> on his desk.

Yōurán: At least I’ll be able to read this…

When I opened the book, a piece of paper fell down from it. I picked it up absentmindedly, but my heart stopped when I realized it was a one-way plane ticket to the United States, departing next Monday.

On the back of the ticket was attached a note: 

“Dr. X. I prepared everything that you asked for. It’s my understanding that you won’t go back for the time being. We have enough equipment and resources. We hope to see you soon.”

Lucien was leaving for America… next Monday… and he won’t come back for the time being… Then why did he say yes to my invitation?

The sweat from my hands were getting colder and my mind was in a swirl. I suddenly thought of the dreams that I’ve been having lately. 

In my dreams, everything was foggy, and there was a never-ending road in front of me. I saw Lucien walking down this road and called out to him. But he didn’t seem to hear me. I wanted to run to him but I couldn’t move my feet. I could only just watch him go away…. Like I would never see him again. The dream always ended with Lucien disappearing.

I was afraid that my repeating dreams were actually precognitions. And today, I found out that Lucien was leaving for real.

The ticket slipped past my fingers and I heard a deep sigh.

Yōurán: Lucien, are you leaving for America?

My voice was so small that I couldn’t even hear it. Lucien and I looked into each other’s eyes and we didn’t say anything.

Silence that seemed like a century continued. I raised my hand and lightly touched his sleeve.

Yōurán: …when will you be back?

I was unprepared for the lump in my throat as I asked this. I figured that he wouldn’t answer my question so I hung my head down, but Lucien pulled me into his embrace.

Lucien: I’m sorry. I can’t say for sure when.

When I grabbed onto his shirt tightly he took my hands in his.

Lucien: This is very important. But please believe me, I will come back to you.

Yōurán: You know, there’s this dream that I’ve been having lately… In my dreams, you walked along an endless path without stopping and without looking back. And then you disappeared. I couldn’t see you… so I worried…

I looked up at him, silently begging him to flatly deny my dream.

Lucien: Trust me.

But his eyes held no light as he said that. I clenched my fists and then opened them.

Dreams were just that, dreams. I had to trust Lucien. It was the only thing I could do. But why did my heart hurt so much? Was I anxious? or was I upset with him?

I didn’t want Lucien to see my eyes go red, so I buried my face in his chest and shook my head. Lucien lifted my face up.

Lucien: Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m going?

Yōurán: I don’t want to ask…

Lucien: Silly. You can ask me anything. You can be angry at me. You can yell at me. You can do everything you want with me.

Yōurán: It’s not like that. I don’t want to ask because… I trust that you’ll come back.

Lucien’s eyes shook slightly, then he hugged me in a firm embrace.

Yōurán: I’m still a little afraid, but you said it was important. I don’t want to be in your way.

I heard him take in a breath.

Lucien: I have to do something that’s very important for me and you. So… I’m sorry, but we have to be apart for quite some time. It may be difficult to reach me there. I can’t guarantee when I’ll come back but I promise you, I will surely come back to you.

With puffed eyes I could only nod because I didn’t trust my voice.

Lucien: Do you have anything more you want to say to me?

I looked into his eyes and said sincerely:

Yōurán: Please don’t overwork yourself. I worry about you…

He put a strand of my hair behind my ear. His eyes held nothing but deep affection for me.

Lucien: I promise.

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

It’s been 107 hours since Lucien left for America. On his journey from the airport to the lab, he didn’t stop thinking.

Lucien put all his efforts in analyzing the data on his screen while sometimes writing some calculations on papers scattered around his desk. He opened a can of coffee and downed it quickly, but his eyes never left the screen.

He knew he didn’t have much time if he wanted to achieve this insane plan. He typed something, and then erased it completely. He frowned. After everything he put into this, was the proposition completely wrong and unprovable?

Lucien took the call when the landline rang.

???: Ares, How is the experiment going? We don’t have much time.

Lucien: I’m working on it.

???: Just drop it. What you’re trying to do is impossible. It is a road that leads to nothing.

Lucien: Then I’ll just find another way.

He ended the call and unplugged the phone so no one would disturb him. The only thing that could disturb him were her eyes in black and white. (I think Lucien is looking at MC’s photos or something here. Hence it’s seen as black and white)

She didn’t tell him whether he should succeed or give up his plan. All she said was to take care of himself and not overwork. When he thought of her Lucien’s mind became quite mellow.

He thought of that day when his little fool nodded with her eyes red. He knew she didn’t want to let him go. She knew that he was deceiving her in so many ways. But she – like the trusting fool she was – embraced him warmly who was all on edge.

Right then and there, Lucien finally admitted to himself what he didn’t want to admit before. Has he ever dared to believe once, that she would still love him no matter how many times he hurt her countlessly?

Lucien lay down on the sofa and clenched his eyes shut. Pressing his fists into his suffocating chest. The sound of his heart muscles contracting could be heard. His heart was beating wildly.

Lucien suddenly stood up straight, his breaths came out ragged and sweats came out from his forehead. He took out a pill bottle with shaking hands from the drawer and swallowed the pills without any water.

His long-time reliance on drugs made him develop a tolerance to them and he had to take more pills than ever to tranquilize his heart…. barely.

He didn’t have to go through this, but he stubbornly chose to tread through this thorny path.

Lucien: I have no time to lose…

Lucien went back to his delicate experiment. The sound of keyboards never ceased in the night.

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

I successfully completed all of my shootings.

Anna: This time I think we did really good. The viewer rates will be high too. Lucien’s suggestions are incredible.

I paused in my steps as I heard Lucien’s name. It’s been a long time and he didn’t get in touch with me. Was he doing okay?

During his absence I drove myself to work more than ever allowing no time for me to rest. But that didn’t make me miss him any less.

Every morning when I was jogging I looked up at his veranda checking whether the plants were watered properly.

When it rained here, I looked up to the distant sky and wondered if it was raining where Lucien was too.

When I was eating, I thought of when he wouldn’t let me drink iced water. (In China, it is believed that it’s bad for your health to drink iced water.)

The longing in my heart rooted down in every corner of my daily life, spreading and growing.

I haven’t dreamed for a while since Lucien left but recently I started to have weird dreams again.

This time, he wasn’t alone. He was trapped in a chaotic labyrinth with me. He took me out of the labyrinth, but he left me and went back in there without even a glance at me. My feet took me further away from him against my will, and I saw the labyrinth merge to become one with the night.

Lucien promised that he would be back. I had to trust him. But my dreams looked so real.

I would grab my phone to text him…. then I would erase it before hitting send button. I mustn’t get in his way…

Yōurán: Lucien… what is going on with you...? You’ll come back to me… right….?

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

Yearning made the time go slower. I almost forgot that today was the day of team-outing.

It’s been more than 10 days since Lucien left, and I was in the park with my colleagues. The sun was really bright like that day we went on a picnic together.

I sat down and watched Kiki and others barbecuing and fishing. In a distance some kids were playing with balloons. Then I heard some whisperings ahead.

Yōurán: Kiki, do you know what’s happening?

Kiki: I don’t know. But the people are all going over there. Something interesting must be happening! Why don’t we go check it out?

I didn’t want to make her feel bad so I numbly let her led me toward the crowd. People were shouting enthusiastically. I followed their gaze and looked up. Then I gasped and stayed rooted to the spot.

Balloons. So many balloons with vibrant colors adorned the sky. More radiant than the sun, more sparkling than a shooting star. The crowd and the landscape around me dimmed away. It seemed that I was left alone in this world.

I didn’t hear the crowd shouting. I forgot how to walk. I just stood there, letting the tears flow where they may.

The pining I felt for him became unbearable and flooded out of my soul. I ran toward the balloons. I didn’t know what I was looking forward to, and I didn’t want to know. I just kept running and running.

Finally I stopped in front of Loveland University lab. My heart felt like bursting. After taking many deep breaths, I raised my hand to knock, then stopped and peaked through the curtains. I could see the familiar back as he was changing into a new jacket.

I knew it, I knew the balloons would lead me to him! My dreams are just dreams. They’re not real!

On impulse I slammed the door open. Lucien turned his head around in surprise, but then smiled serenely at me. Next instant I dived into his embrace that I have missed so long.

Yōurán: Liar… You didn’t even tell me you came back…

Lucien: I’m so sorry… Don’t cry… please…?

That only made me cry more. My tears were ruining his shirt.

Lucien: Why are you always so easily moved to tears? (This is difficult. Lucien is calling her as someone who cries easily but “crybaby” or “weepy” is just too insulting and Lucien is actually being very affectionate and sympathetic here.)

He palmed my face and gently wiped away my tears.

Lucien: My dear crybaby(again, a term of endearing comfort, NOT an insult!) I just changed my clothes.

Yōurán: Why, why would you feel the need to change?

Lucien: To go and meet you, of course.

I looked at him and noticed that he was unshaven and his eyes were swollen.

Lucien: I couldn’t let you see me so disheveled this way and cause you to worry about me. But… it seems to be too late for that.

He sighed then patted my head softly. He looked gaunt, and his eyes couldn’t hide the fatigue.

Yōurán: You look fine this way. It’s more realistic and… if you looked like your usual polished self I probably would have mistaken you as a hallucination.

Lucien: Silly girl.

He held on to me firmly. When we were looking into each other’s eyes like this, it felt like we have gone back to the time before he left. I felt suddenly shy when his intense eyes were staring into me and I looked away blushing.

Yōurán: Why… what made you come back so suddenly?

Lucien: I made a promise to you, didn’t I?

Yōurán: But aren’t you…

Lucien: I said I would leave you for the time being, not that I would go back on my promise. Do you still think I’m a liar?

I started to shake my head no but then nodded yes.

Yōurán: I told you not to push yourself too hard and right now you look…

He laughed and pinched my nose playfully.

Lucien: Don’t finish that sentence.

He buried my head into his chest. I could hear his never-ending heartbeat.

Lucien: Why didn’t you get in touch with me while I was away?

Yōurán: You said you were doing something very important. I didn’t want to bother you…

Lucien: You can always bother me anytime. Don’t restrain yourself. I told you that you can do whatever you want with me.

His heartfelt words made my eyes go teary again.

Yōurán: Are you done with your work?

Lucien: Not yet, but don’t worry. I will succeed no matter what.

Yōurán: So… you have to go away again?

He didn’t say anything for a long time then finally stroked my cheek lightly.

Lucien: Yes. I have to leave again this evening. Will you wait for me?

I nodded without hesitation.

Yōurán: I’ll be fine. And I will bother you time to time from now on. So I want you to do the same to me.

Lucien: Yes… wait for me, please.

There was no more need for words. We spent the rest of the afternoon in each other’s arms, sharing affectionate moments.

I will wait for him. I will wait for him to fulfill the promises he made to me. And I will make sure that these warm, intimate moments with him will continue.

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

Lucien, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOUR HEART?!

 Timeline-wise, this date is before the overseas date.

https://sharinluna.tumblr.com/post/187396093328/love-and-producermlqc-lucien-overseas-date

 Lucien loves Yōurán to the extreme, but Yōurán’s feelings for him is just as intense.

 I feel hesitant saying this because I don’t want to pass this as being dismissive of other boys. All boys are equally precious and it’s entirely up to you to choose who MC falls in love with in your game experience. I’m a Gavin/Kiro stan and my choice is them any time.

 But if we consider Yōurán as a character in a narrative and not just a MC that is for the player’s self-insert, then I think it’s most likely she would fall for Lucien. The level of blind devotion that they show for each other is mind-blowing

 So even though my choice is Gavin and Kiro, Lucien x Yōurán ship holds a special place in my heart.

[mylittleotomecorner]

Rainy Day Care Lucien x MC Rating: aww

I finally leave the office. We’ve been pulling late nights to get the proposals done for the next project and finished with little time to spare. Kiki and Willow wanted to get drinks, Minor insisting he check my drinks like last time, but I had to turn them down. I wanted to go home, relax and refresh myself before the next proposal meeting. Walking home, I planned to stop at the store and get a few things to fix for a quick dinner. The air was crisp and the night was calm… until something hit my forehead. 

“Huh?” I look up and a few raindrops hit me as drizzle slowly began to fall. I walked briskly to the store and make it inside just before the downpour came. Sighing as I looked outside, I muttered, “There wasn’t any forecast for rain…” With nothing else to do, I grab a shopping basket and wander the store for the things I wanted for dinner.

Once I have all I need, I looked around to see if there were any umbrellas for sale. When asked, the clerk said they ran out and I was left to wonder how long I would have to wait. Paying for my items, I decided to wait outside and see if the rain will lighten up enough to walk home. 

The awning was large enough and a few others waited as well. The clerk said we could wait inside if we got cold. Time passed, the other people waiting eventually left to take their chances or found friends that so happened to pass by. I heave a heavy sigh. “At this rate, I’ll never get home…”

“[___], are you waiting for someone?” Turning to the voice that spoke to me, there was Lucien holding an umbrella and a look of gentle concern. 

I must look like a wet rat to him. Looking me over, it felt like he must. “I didn’t know it was going to rain so I didn’t bring an umbrella. I was just on my way home.”

“And you went grocery shopping hoping it will stop?” I nodded, feeling pretty pathetic. I’m sure I look it. But all I got from Lucien was a smile and an offered hand. “Let me to take you home and carry your things.”

“Thank you, Lucien. I’ll be okay carrying them while we walk.” I smile as I join him under the umbrella. 

Still with that smile, he wrapped a warm arm around my shoulders. “I suppose this will have to do. I didn’t realize it might be a tight fit under here since I don’t walk with anyone in the rain. Maybe that might change. I hope you don’t mind.” I can feel the flush rise on my cheeks and I shook my head no, too afraid my heart might jump out of my throat. I didn’t have to look up to know his smile was there shining down on me as he held me close to him the whole way home. I was grateful for the warmth as I didn’t realize how cold I was. I hope he didn’t notice the shivering as I shifted the bags in my hands. 

“I must be lucky that you’re living right next door,” I say as we reach our floor.

“Yes, though, I won’t always be there to take you home.” Lucien sounded worried as he took his keys out. “Why don’t you join me for some tea. Maybe we can even share dinner? I just want to make sure you didn’t catch cold after getting caught in the rain.”

“Oh, it’s okay, really,” I say in objection. “I feel fi-choo!” I sniffles and rub my nose. 

A hand goes to my forehead and more concern grows on Lucien’s face. “You’re burning up a little. Come in. No arguments.”

Darn, I just had to make myself a burden. Obeying, I enter his apartment as I hold my bags in both hands. It’s still the same as I last saw it, hardly lived in since he’s always away at the lab working on some research project. Lucien closed the door and took my bags. “I think we can save these for another time. I’ll order us something.”

“Really, I-“ A slender finger was placed on my lips and my wide eyes went to the owner. His smile was one of comfort and gentleness. 

“No arguments, remember?” That look made me feel so safe somehow and I merely nodded. He then went and placed my groceries in his fridge and took his mobile to order takeout. He looked up and frowned. “You need a hot bath and a change of clothes.”

I forgot my clothes had gotten damp from the rain and look at them. “They seem okay. I could just-“

“I’ll draw you a bath and give you some spare clothes. It’s no trouble.” There he goes, to draw a bath and get me clothes. Wait… spare clothes… his clothes?! What about my damp ones?! I’m mortified and embarrassed and other things mixed into one moment. How could this have happened to me…

*****

Freshly bathed, I feel really embarrassed to have to wear a man’s large shirt as a gown. The sweatpants he gave me were so long, I had to roll the cuffs up. It made me feel like a little kid. Lucien is somewhere on his phone. I can hear him talking to someone so I’m left to take a seat on the couch. Somehow, the need to hug a pillow was there. I grab a throw pillow and held it in my arms. 

“That is one lucky pillow.” Lucien had come over with a blanket in his arms. “If only to know how that pillow feels…” How can he say that with that smile of his? My cheeks flamed up and I try to hide behind the pillow.  I even tried tucking my legs under, feeling greatly exposed. “Here, this will be much warmer than that pillow. It’s just a simple throw, but I can get you something heavier if you’re feeling cold.” He held it open and it was big enough for two people. 

“What about you? Will you be alright? Were you in the rain long?” I couldn’t help but worry that if I was caught in the rain that he was as well. I took the blanket, trying not to shiver despite the warm bath I took. But, our hands grazed each other so he must have felt how cold my fingers were. His were exceptionally icy so that made me even more worried.

“Oh, don’t worry about me. Let’s just get you settled in. Food should be here soon.” No sooner was the throw on my lap did the doorbell rang. “That should be it now.” He went to answer the door and returned with a large bag of takeout. He moved the coffee table closer and set the bag down. Out came containers of soup and dumplings. “I figured you would want something simple and maybe got a little hungry?”

My stomach replied with a loud growl just as I opened my mouth. I snapped my mouth shut and wished I could be swallowed up by the cough. All Lucien did was chuckle lightly and take out more dumplings. How does this man know how to take care of me? “I’ll have to repay you for all this food.”

“Nonsense,” he said once everything was set. “I’m just happy to have a meal with you.” 

I smile, now not sure if I have a fever or feel embarrassed that this is seeming like a date. Shifting so I can have my soup, I blurt out, “This kinda feels like a date.”

Lucien was passing a container of dumplings my way, that smile ever present on his lips as he set the container before me. “A date? Hmmm, I’ll have to get you flowers next time I take you home for dinner then.” The hot soup was as good a cover as I was going to get as I avoided looking at the scientist neighbor and try to determine how to feel about all these comments. Again, he chuckles. “You look adorable,” he said before sipping his own container of soup. “Had I known you could make my clothes look so cute, I might hope you’d get caught in the rain more.” 

“Huh?” Did I hear him right? Not paying attention, I burn my lip on the hot broth. “Ah, hot…”

“Here, let me cool that off for you.” Lucien took the spoon from me and moved to sit closer, practically shoulder to shoulder with the professor. He scooped up the broth and blew on it, steam being blown away. “Here,” the spoon was brought close to my mouth and I froze, looking between spoon and wielded. “You need your strength. You won’t have this opportunity to be fed by a world renowned professor, after all.” Knowing he would say I couldn’t take care of myself, I caved in and allowed Lucien to feed me. All the while, he wore that worried smile. “So cute,” he muttered. I blamed the soup for my face feeling so hot. 

The rest of the night was spent watching movies on Lucien’s tablet until I fell asleep. I think I protested staying the night but all I remember was feeling lifted into the air before I lost consciousness. 

**********

Lucien had made sure the movie they watched was something [___] liked. He honestly didn’t know since he never had time to even think about dating. His life was spent with his work. But there was something about her that made him think outside his usual boundaries. Somehow, he felt the desire to keep her safe. 

When he saw her outside, taking shelter from the rain, he knew right away that she was so focused on her own work that she didn’t think to get an umbrella. As she began to doze, Lucien brushed hair from her brow as she leaned slightly against him. Soft fringes fell against warm skin as he felt her forehead. “Hmm, you’re burning up,” 

The only reaction he got was a slight shift and a sigh. The movie had been playing all this time, but no one was paying attention to it. The person it was meant for has fallen asleep and the person that provided it was more interested in watching the other sleep peacefully. 

Before the movie was over, Lucien carefully lifted [___] into his arms as if she were as light as a doll and carried her into the bedroom. There, she was placed on the bed and tucked in for the night. He left her there, door ajar, and returned to the living room where he closed the movie app and opened some research material. It would be a long night and he wanted to make sure he was awake in case she needed him again. 

[otomebois-bb]

Roses - Day 1 of Gavin Month

Title: For you.

Pairing: Gavin & MC

(Tagging: @that-wasnt-so-bad )

Notes: A little late on my side, it's 11pm as I'm posting this, oops... Also, the bold words in this equal the meaning of the flowers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I started my morning right: with a warm shower and a nutritious breakfast. After that, I decided to apply chapstick, and a hint of mascara for longer lashes that made my eyes pop. I tied my hair up, and, satisfied with what I saw, I nodded at my reflection and left my apartment.

[[MORE]]

The moment I stepped out and locked the door, a familiar voice asked, "Are you ready for today's shoot?"

I turned with a small smile. "Yes! I am. Are you, Lucien?"

The scientist smiled gently at me. "With you there, of course I am."

I giggled, even though his straight forward remark made me feel a bit awkward. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get going!"

This week, my company was shooting a short documentary on how different people of various ages reacted to depression and how it affected their daily lives. Lucien was starring as a guest since his occupation involved him studying human behaviour, which made him perfect for the show. Sophisticated and composed, Lucien was popular amongst the audience.

Today made the last day of the documentary, which, so far, had been a complete success. Eager to move onto our next project, everyone worked twice as hard to make sure today's episode was just as good as the ones before it, if not better.

Just as we were near to wrapping things up, I caught sight of a familiar figure standing in the studio's doorway, eyeing me, and I sucked in an inaudible breath.

Gavin.

Almost a month had past since I'd last laid my eyes on Gavin; he had been taking care of a business in a different area than he was usually assigned to, and since it was hours away from Loveland City, he couldn't come to see me, but he insisted on calling every night so we could update the other on how we were holding up each day. Though he would never admit it, I suspected that was his method of checking if I was still safe since he wasn't able to check in person. Somehow, the nightly phone calls had made me feel like I had a boyfriend — but I doubted Gavin and I would ever start a relationship. After all, we were merely old high school buddies, right?

Gavin continued to watch me, a small smile forming on his face, as the shoot began to finish. When I finally called it a day, thanking and congratulating everyone for their hard work, he moved to approach me, but before he reached me, Lucien was standing in front of me.

"Lucien! Thank you so much for all of your help." I smiled at him, friendly and innocent.

Lucien returned my gesture. "Of course. MC, are you doing anything afterwards? I was thinking perhaps—"

"She has plans," Gavin cut in, suddenly standing next to me. "I just got back into town, and we were going to catch up today."

Though it was false, I did want to talk and hang out with him, so I went along with it, saying, "Sorry, Lucien. He's been away for a month, so I promised I'd spend time with him. Maybe next time?" I flashed an apologetic look.

Lucien nodded, understanding, but he didn't look too happy about it. "I'll call you later."

Gavin and I watched him walk away. Once he was out of sight, I turned to face Gavin, but before I could say anything, he reached for my hand and gently pulled me along with him out of the studio. "Let's go."

My cheeks were flushed. I stayed silent until we reached the main square, where a bunch of street venders with stands were piled up today. "Gavin, what was that all about?"

He either didn't hear me or was choosing to ignore my question.

"Gavin. Are you okay?" I asked, louder this time. Still he didn't reply, but I noticed his head tilt slightly at the sound of my voice, so he definitely heard me. I huffed, pouting, upset he wouldn't answer me.

My frown quickly turned into a smirk as a lightbulb went off in my head. I stepped closer to him and grabbed his arm, pulling him to me and pressing myself against his side — and he visibly stiffened. "Gavin~," I cooed, "were you jealous?"

Gavin hesitated, staring down at me with a blank expression. Finally, letting a small grin slip, he countered, "And what if I was?"

My entire face suddenly felt hot. What reason would Gavin have to be jealous of Lucien? Neither of them were my boyfriend. Letting go of him and scratching the back of my neck, while averting my eyes, I laughed. "O-oh, I get it! You're making a joke too, right?"

Still smiling, Gavin shook his head and took my hand again. "Come on."

My blush only worsened. He wasn't joking?

Out of nowhere, we came to a stop again. "What's wrong?" I turned to find him gazing intently at a street vender's stand, who sold various flowers.

I was about to repeat my question when Gavin randomly asked, "What's your favourite flower?"

"Huh?"

He looked at me seriously. "Your favourite flower. What is it?"

"Roses, but — Gavin! Wait up!"

He hurried towards the flower stand, forcing me to weave through the crowd after him. By the time I caught up to him, I was a little out of breath. "Gavin, what are you—?"

My voice died the moment he held out a bouquet. Thirteen roses, seven red, six pink. My face slowly burned, feeling as red as the flowers as I remembered their symbolism from when I had to research flowers for a segment my company had done. Roses were always a token of romance, but while pink roses typically meant admiration, red roses were a way to say "I love you". The number of roses also had meaning — one would give thirteen roses to tell someone they were their secret admirer; so the number of roses he was giving me only amplified the red rose's meaning.

My cheeks still warm, I blinked at him. "You... you do know what your entire bouquet is saying, don't you?"

Gavin winked, smirking. "Maybe. Anyway, it's for you, so take it."

I giggled. "Thank you." Standing on my toes and resting a hand on his shoulder, I kissed his cheek, then pulled away, and, as I reached for the roses, my fingers grazed his by accident.

Seemed like I'd unknowingly flipped some sort of switch in him, because before I could move my hand away, Gavin grabbed my wrist and tugged on it, pulling me closer. I didn't realise what he was doing until his lips were already on mine, and my eyes widened at the sensation. The kiss was short and sweet, and I didn't get a chance to react or kiss him back before his lips left mine as suddenly as they'd met. With a warm smile and his forehead pressed against mine, Gavin breathed, "Anything for you, MC."

He held my hand for the third time that day, and as he led me away from the flower stand, I couldn't help staring at the back of his head, smiling shyly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

END.

[whatdidijustwrite]

A Long Way to Go: Damien 1

Synopsis: MC reaches out across the web to find someone to talk to about Alex and how much he misses her while he struggles to raise his eldest daughter. He finds it in a single dad living in his old hometown of Maple Bay…

Damien had started using DadChat when he found out there was a group of transgender fathers on the forums. They all traded tales and tricks, about how dealing with their kids and the awful misgendering that could come about. It was a nice place- the admin of the site removing posts within the forums hating on certain individuals and offering safety.

He rarely went into the general forums- that place was full of people he found tiresome, but sometimes he glanced through. After helping a father learn how to help his gothic daughter in her life, he’d felt amazing and happy. He’d even kept up the correspondence with the man, helping him again when the man learned he had two daughters, instead of the son and daughter he thought he had. It felt good, to be able to help someone.

Looking through the newest posts- more divorce issues, a few people worrying over how to help their children accept their new siblings, not to much.

However, one post caught his eye. A short post from a man named PandaFather (probably the nickname of his daughter) about how to help his daughter after the death of his wife. Reading it, Damien took a moment to think.

He… wanted to help. But he wasn’t sure how. Lucien had been the product of a one night stand, never a mistake but certainly a surprise. And the various suitors he’d had since had never really stuck around long enough for a relationship with Lucien to form- beyond the typical ‘oh, dad’s boyfriend’.

He did understand worry over his child bottling up feelings to make things better for himself though. He understood that very well.

After a minute, he opened up the reply box.

PandaFather,

I’d like to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Death is the next step of life, but it is never an easy thing to deal with.

I will admit I have never had a partner pass, but I have had to face a child who hides his true feelings as to not upset me. My advice for you is to speak with your daughter, and openly tell her it is okay to cry. It is okay to feel angry, bitter, hurt or however she is feeling. It is okay, and you are there to help her with her feelings. If she does not want to hurt you, tell her it is your deepest pleasure to help her through her pain.

If she still refuses to cry, suggest other outlets. My son uses home renovation for his own outlet (thoroughly supervised of course). Journaling, dancing, singing- any of this could help her with her feelings.

-GothDad123

-0-

M.C. looked over the response from the other father, thinking on it.

It… well, it was what he’d known before. He needed to talk to Amanda, but the suggestion of finding outlets if she needed them had never fully occurred to him until the guy had responded to him.

She loved her photography… but maybe something else to? He wasn’t sure about the home reno stuff- Amanda broke stuff, she didn’t build it up. Nope.

But…

“Hey dad,” a soft voice called out. M.C. turned to see Amanda standing there, looking as tired as ever. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m…” M.C. began but stopped, before reaching out. “Can you come here for a second?” Amanda frowned, but padded forward, letting her dad pull her into his lap in a hug. “It’s okay to cry.”

“..What?”

“It’s okay to cry, to scream, to be… angry. To be bitter about it. You don’t need to hide, okay?” M.C. told her. “You don’t need to be strong for me, you’re my daughter. I want to be here for you.”

Amanda’s breath hitched, and she buried her face into his shoulder. She hugged him tightly. M.C. didn’t mention the wet spot that was forming on his shirt, simply held her tightly.

If a few of his own tears slid down his face, he didn’t mention it.

-0-

Damien was busy with some work when a notification popped up for DadChat. Figuring it was a friend or so replying to his latest complaint about the teacher at Lucien’s school who was constantly trying to get him into therapy because he wore all black, he clicked on it.

GothDad123,

Thank you for your advice. My daughter is doing better now, and we’re… coping I guess. I suggested your idea of something to funnel her emotions to (she was shocked I somehow knew how to use forums, like it wasn’t around back when I was in college). She loves photography but she doesn’t want that to be her outlet, so she’s running off to try a few things.

Thank you again. My wife used to be big into DIY herself, here’s a link to a pretty simple project if you think your son might need a new project.

-PandaFather

Damien smiled at the reply, clicking on the link to find a lovely project on creating a set of patio furniture with pallets or crates.

Damien hummed, thinking of it in the house, with it’s Victorian style. Perhaps in the garden?

However, he did type out a response to PandaFather first, glad he’d helped.

-0-

M.C. didn’t notice his email until after the trip to the music store, which resulted in the buying of a simple keyboard for Amanda. Alex had taught her the basics of piano, but Amanda had liked photography more, so it fell to the wayside.

However, she liked the idea of picking it up again, so they went to get one.

She was already plunking away on the half-remembered songs she’d been taught when M.C. checked his email.

PandaFather,

You are most welcome for the advice. I am pleased you and your daughter have reconnected. I hope she finds a new outlet, one that brings her joy.

I thank you for your link to the patio furniture. I believe my son will have fun putting this together.

-GothDad123

Edited: My son wishes to thank you. He’s gotten bored apparently simply doing simple things, and is eager for a big project.

M.C. chuckled and typed out a new response, sending it to GothDad123 without much thought, before he started up some paperwork.

-0-

GothDad123,

Tell him he’s welcome! My wife would get so bored doing the simple things. Before her death, we were thinking about moving to a rundown house in the town I grew up in, just so she could rip it all apart and make something new. My daughter was really excited, wanted to get out of our town after some things happened.

She’s picked up piano actually- my wife had been a piano teacher for most of her life and while my daughter never actually learned more then the basics, it was special for them.

Thank you once more for your advice.

-PandaFather

Damien smiled at the reply, though he waited to reply back, Lucien roping him into helping sand down the pallets Damien had brought home from the animal shelter (after cleaning them thoroughly of course). Then Lucien began painting them- black- and Damien typed up his new response.

PandaFather,

The piano is a lovely instrument. I’m thrilled she has taken an interest in it once more. Is she particularly inspired by the classics? Or does she wish to learn more modern songs?

I wish to ask how you are yourself. You obviously miss your wife very much. Have you yourself gotten help? I understand this is a subject you might not wish to touch upon but I also know that resisting help can have disastrous effects later on.

If you find it easier to speak of your wife to me, an unknown, I am willing to continue to do so with you. It is sometimes easier to hear from a stranger then anyone else.

-GothDad123

Sending it off, Damien turned back to Lucien who was asking about what kind of cushions they should use for the furniture.

Never a dull day with his son.

-0-

 “I’m gonna pop some tags,” Amanda sang, playing along with the piano. M.C. chuckled, rolling his eyes as Amanda attempted to learn how to play Thrift Shop on the piano, looking way to thrilled. For the past week she’d spent every second she wasn’t taking photos, at school or doing homework with her keyboard. She’d gotten good quick, something M.C. tacked up as her mother’s influence.

M.C. bit his lip, wondering if he should try to get her out and about more. He knew that the thing with the Emmas had hurt her really bad. That had not been fun. Alex had been furious and had forced Emma R. (or was it P?) to admit she’d been alienating Amanda on purpose for some reason. The other kids had been horrified, but the damage had been bad enough that Amanda was isolated from everyone out of choice. It had been the reason they were considering Maple Bay.

Sighing, M.C. turned to his email, eyeing the reply he’d been sitting on for a week.

It had been a mix of being to damn busy and simply unable to admit the guy was probably right. He missed Alex so much, but trying to get professional help had not helped whatsoever. He couldn’t risk another asshole therapist.

But… maybe…

Maybe a stranger would help.

That’s it for this one! I hope you guys enjoyed this!

I did decide to make multiple ‘routes’ for the Long Distance AU. Damien, as you can see, is first because I recently played his route.

I’m debating about having this an AU (even more so) in which Craig did not in fact go to college with M.C. or have it so they don’t know it’s each other for a long time for the lols. Any ideas?

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Lucien’s Ordinary Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date (平淡之约) which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

This wholesome date graced the CN Server in late April 2020 🌸

The date begins with MC outside the Lucien Bioscience Research Centre™, where she overhears some of his students gossiping talking about him

Student B: Do you ever feel like although Professor Lucien looks amiable and approachable, he’s pretty cold sometimes? He never talks about himself, and doesn’t have close relations with the other teachers. 

Student A: You’re referring to how he’s polite but keeps people at a distance, right? 

Student C: Kind of. I’ve seen him standing by the window by himself a few times, and although I wanted to greet him, I felt that I’d definitely be disturbing him.

Student B: Sometimes, I really can’t figure out what kind of a person Professor Lucien is...

My footsteps pause slightly. After hesitating, I continue walking towards them. 

MC: Pete!

Pete: MC, are you looking for Professor? He’s just finished his work, and should be taking a break now.

MC: Mm, I brought all of you some things to eat!

I hand a paper bag of food to Pete, and he takes it with a smile while scratching his head a little awkwardly. 

Pete: About what we said earlier, it was just mindless chatter...

MC: Don’t worry, I won’t tell on you guys to Professor Lucien. 

I laugh, though my heart is very clear -- even I myself once found Lucien’s coldness and distance elusive, so I can’t blame them for thinking this way.

For example, I don’t know what secret experiment he’s conducting this time. Since last month, I haven’t seen him much, and we have had less contact than usual.

Whenever I asked him about it in a roundabout manner, he would always change the subject. As such, I’ve been feeling uneasy.

Student B: Are you Professor Lucien’s girlfriend? We didn’t mean to have a discussion about the Professor - we just don’t really understand him, so we couldn’t help but talk about him a little.

He pauses, revealing an embarrassed smile. 

Student B: It’s rare to see such an amazing and young professor, so he really piques our curiosity.

Student A: He’s not just amazing - he can even be written into a textbook!

As they continue talking, the topic shifts to Lucien’s recent academic research. 

Apart from anticipation, the sense of fulfilment of working together with Lucien is written on their faces. 

MC: He gets overly engrossed in his own world sometimes, so he might come across as unsociable. But there’s no need to worry about him being difficult to get along with.  

I look at them, my lips subconsciously lifting into a smile.

MC: He’s a very tender person. The most tender person I’ve ever met. 

-

MC enters the Lucien Bioscience Research Centre™ and finds Lucien looking deep in thought, and she thinks he looks exceptionally lonely:

MC: Lucien.

I can’t help but take a step forward, calling his name softly. He seems to be jolted awake from a deep contemplation, and the gaze he sends my way carries with it a hint of astonishment. 

The moment our eyes meet, I can clearly see a smile brimming and surfacing in his dim eyes.

Lucien: Why didn’t you tell me before coming here?

I walk over to him briskly, lifting up the paper bag in my hand with a grin.

MC: I brought you breakfast. There’s bread, egg tarts, butterfly pastries and a sandwich...

I open the paper bag and present the food to Lucien, and he can’t help but laugh.

Lucien: It’s just breakfast - how could I eat so much? 

I place the bag on the table, then walk towards the window. 

MC: Breakfast is meant to be sumptuous. If you can’t finish them, you can have them as snacks during teatime or supper. How can you get inspiration at work if you don’t have something to eat? 

She opens the shutters and light pours in. He notes that the weather is good, and that he would have brought her out for a stroll if it weren’t for his ongoing experiment

Lucien: Didn’t you say that you’ve been busy with a new program recently? Did you suddenly visit because you’re facing some difficulties? 

I shoot him a knowing smile, taking out a notebook from my bag. 

MC: It’s what I mentioned before, about inviting a logician to do an episode...

Before I finish speaking, Lucien shakes his head and releases a soft sigh. 

Lucien: ...so you really didn’t come specially to bring me breakfast. 

Stunned, I frantically deny it. 

MC: Of course I specially came to bring you breakfast. It’s just that I happen to have questions to consult you about. 

Even after hearing this, Lucien’s brows furrow, and his voice becomes heavier, as though he has suffered a great wrong. 

Lucien: ...you had a question to consult me about, which was why you brought breakfast, right? It’s been such a long time since we last saw each other, but you don’t seem to miss me at all. 

MC: ...hold on a minute! That’s not what I meant. It’s not that I didn’t miss you...

At this moment, Lucien looks up, a slyness flashing across them. Only now do I realise that I got duped, and bite my lip angrily and look at him. 

But this person is suddenly in a good mood, and he smiles as he takes my hand into his.

Lucien: Let’s have breakfast first.

Under my “calm” supervision, Lucien finishes three egg tarts, two slices of bread, and half of a butterfly pastry before putting an end to this somewhat sumptuous breakfast.

When he can no longer stomach any more food, a happy smile hangs on his lips.

Lucien: Please let me off this time, great producer. I know that I was wrong. Now, I really know it wasn’t that you didn’t miss me. 

He leisurely prolongs the last few words. After finishing the final drop of coffee in his cup, he rests his chin on his palm and looks at the notebook in my hand.

Without giving me time to think of how to retort, he shifts the conversation topic.

Lucien: And now, I should have a look at your difficult question.

Not knowing how to react, I simply go along with him, opening the notebook and placing it on the table. 

Lucien: So you were stumped by this question.

Lucien retrieves a pen from his pocket. Just before the pen touches the paper, he turns to me.

Lucien: It isn’t convenient for me to write when we’re sitting opposite each other. Would you like to sit closer? 

I nod, dragging my chair over and sitting beside Lucien.

Satisfied, Lucien smiles slightly and writes down the four characters, “AEIO”, before enclosing them in a rectangle.

Lucien: You can understand simply like this: “A” represents a universal affirmative. “E” represents a universal negative. “I” represents a particular affirmative. “O” represents a particular negative.

Lucien: In this, “A” and “O” are mutually exclusive, and “I” and “E” are mutually exclusive. Between the two, one is real and the other is false. For example, when you said it wasn’t that you didn't miss me earlier...

Lucien: You were rejecting a universal negative, which means that “E” is false. In contrast, this confirms that “I” is real, which then means -- you miss me a little. 

Lucien: Correct?

His low and deep voice as he explains slowly is akin to a gush of sunlight. I grow flustered as I listen, and involuntarily smile along with the slight curve of his lips. 

MC: Correct. 

A familiar and refreshing scent lingers in the space between our breaths. I look into his eyes, his pupils rimmed with halos, and only afterwards do I react.

Lucien is holding onto my hand, and a vague smile appears on his lips. His eyes crinkle upwards slightly, and he leans closer.

Lucien: I attended a seminar two days ago, and coincidentally bumped into Old Professor Xu whom you invited for the previous program.

Lucien: He was full of praise for you, and said you already handed over the script two weeks ago. And that you had already completed the questions on logic he posed to you.

Lucien: Such foundational theoretical knowledge - they haven’t stumped you since a long time ago. 

Lucien: Yet you used this as an excuse to ask for guidance...

MC: I...

Feeling guilty, I avoid his gaze. After hesitating, I release a soft sound of acknowledgement. 

With a resigned smile, he lets out a faint sigh.

Bending his forefinger, he taps my forehead gently.

Lucien: Little Liar, only knowing how to bully me.

I hurriedly lean forward to tug on the cuff of his white sleeve, softening my voice.

MC: Which is exactly why I said that I specifically came over to bring you breakfast. 

Lucien: I’m not just referring to this.  

Pretending to be mysterious, Lucien stares into my eyes, as though he would catch my reaction, no matter what it may be.

Lucien: Over the past two weeks, Pete has been bringing me supper. Sometimes, it’d be hot congee, and sometimes it’d be dishes with rice. He said they were take-outs, but it didn’t taste that way. 

Lucien: Before, the spider plant on the windowsill was wilting. I haven’t had the time to tend to them, but when I happened to look at them a few days ago, I realised they had been changed. 

Lucien: When I enter the office of the centre early in the morning, I’d find a cup of green tea on the table, appearing out of thin air.

As he speaks, he wears a contemplative expression, his eyes having a hint of bewilderment in them.

Lucien: When did I bring up a Snail Girl like you?

[Trivia] The Snail Girl is a Chinese folktale of how a kind, young farmer saved a snail. The next night, he discovered that his house had been cleaned, and that a warm meal was waiting on his table. The same thing happened over subsequent days, and the farmer decided to find out who his benefactor was. One afternoon, he spotted a pretty girl cooking at the stove. The girl revealed that she was the snail he saved, and had wanted to thank him for his kindness. They got married, loved each other deeply, and lived happily ever after

He seems to have something more to say, but stops. He simply strokes my hand with his fingers slowly, incredibly softly, and incredibly tenderly.

I feel the warmth emanating from his fingers. I feel the slight ticklishness from his touch. I understand his silence. 

MC: I knew I couldn’t hide it from you.

I respond calmly, and suddenly remember the small present I gave him before, and break into an uninhibited smile.

MC: But there’s one thing you missed. I left a humidifier at the corner near the coffee table. Did you notice it?

Lucien pauses, then lets out a soft sigh. 

Lucien: How could I not notice it -- also, someone filled my originally empty tea box with new tea.

Lucien: I thought that since I couldn’t make time, you probably went to buy tea on your own. 

Lucien’s eyes darken. He leans forward, his forehead on mine. 

Lucien: Did something happen recently? 

I shake my head subconsciously -- actually, there really wasn’t anything.

He’s busy with his own matters, and we had agreed early on that he’d take me out after he’s done with his current work.

It’s just that when I didn’t hear footsteps from across the neighbouring wall even after waiting the entire night, and when I gripped my phone, knowing that he was probably working and knowing I shouldn’t bother him...

I really missed him.

I feel Lucien’s breaths on my face - both warm and moist, akin to light rainfall in spring, brushing against my heartstrings. 

MC: Actually... I didn’t just miss you a little. 

Lucien: ...mm, me too.

-

A week passes since then, and MC’s program receives exceptionally good results. Wanting to share the good news with Lucien, she immediately goes to the Lucien Bioscience Research Centre™ after work

The moment I’m near his office, I hear the sound of Pete’s laughter wafting from inside the room.

Pete: Professor, I’ve been keeping a secret for a very long time, but I’ll tell you about it today! It has to do with MC...

Hearing my name, I put down the hand which was just about to knock at the door, and furtively look into the room through the gap of the door which has been left ajar.

Lucien and Pete are sitting opposite each other, and both of them seem to be engaging in idle conversation. Pete deliberately stops at this key moment to keep his listener in suspense, and I have no idea what topic he intends to bring up.

Pete: Actually, she was the one who secretly sent the supper I’ve been bringing to you. There was once when it rained, and we thought she wouldn’t come. But in the end, she still brought all of us freshly baked cakes and biscuits. There was also a time when she realised you had finished up your tea, and helped fill it up with new tea the next day!

As he speaks, he heaves an extremely big sigh.

Pete: It’s nice to have a girlfriend...

Lucien listens quietly. When Pete starts sighing and groaning, he can’t help but laugh.

Lucien: What, are you envious?

I reach out to knock on the door softly. Lucien smiles, standing up slowly.  

Pete: Professor, someone is looking for you, so I’ll take my leave. 

Pete pulls open the door just as I’m about to push it. Our eyes meet, and he scratches his head a little awkwardly. 

Pete: MC, you’re here... I-I definitely didn’t reveal your secret to Professor. I have a thesis to write, so I’m off!

Before I can tell him that the secret had long since been discovered by Professor Lucien, he has already fled.

Resigned, I look at his receding form along the corridor. Before I can react, Lucien pulls me into his office. 

Lucien: Since you’re here at this time, is the recording over? Were the results very good? 

MC: Mm~ It just ended. Although I don’t know the results of the broadcast yet, it should be a success based on past experience... but how did you know I came here for this? 

Lucien: Isn’t this the tacit understanding between us? Whenever you rush over to look for me, it’s mostly because you have good news to share. 

MC: How’s your experiment then? 

The light in Lucien’s pupils changes for an instant, but a smile continues hanging on his lips. 

Lucien: It failed. 

He releases my hand and walks to the file cabinets, retrieving a huge stack of papers with the words “Experiment Report” written in bold on the cover. 

I’m slightly befuddled at that moment, not knowing if he’s kidding or telling the truth. 

But Lucien inserts the report, one page at a time, into the paper shredder. A whirring sound quickly fills and persists in the quiet room.

When Lucien sees the astonishment and hesitance in my eyes, the faint smile on his face remains.

Lucien: In a hundred experiments, it’s true that the success of the hundredth experiment makes one happy. But this doesn’t mean the previous ninety-nine failures were of no value. 

Lucien: Just as how you’d face difficult questions when making programs, receive poor ratings, have a decline in viewership, my work often has such discouraging moments too.

Lucien: But that’s all right. Failing isn’t the important thing. Knowing that you’ve walked down the wrong path is more important. 

Lucien flips through the few thin sheets of paper in his hand, the smile in his eyes deepening.

Lucien: I hope I’ll also have good news to share with you next time. 

MC: But you didn’t get results even after working so hard and for so long... If it were me, I’d definitely be unhappy for a long time. 

As the shredder swallows up the final page of the report, Lucien walks over to me, releasing a faint sigh. 

Lucien: Actually, I am a little unhappy. 

After a brief moment of thought, I extend an invitation to Lucien.

MC: Why don’t we take a walk outside? The weather is good today, and we can go for a stroll. Sometimes, my mood gets better after feeling the sun on my skin.

Lucien lets out a laugh, and agrees softly. He entwines our fingers together, and leads me out of the research centre.

-

Now that the weather has become warmer, there are more people walking along the street. Even though it’s a working day, passers-by stroll past in groups of three or four.

Lucien grips my hand tightly, as though worried that I might get separated from him in the crowd. 

He suddenly stops in his tracks while we’re walking, and cautions me solemnly.

Lucien: Next time, don’t come out late at night on your own. 

Lucien: And you’re not allowed to use alleys as shortcuts. 

I was planning to make a wry face as a joke after hearing his first sentence and simply agree. But once he mentioned “alleys”, my entire heart dipped. 

MC: How did you know...

The main road from the research centre to home has always been safe, and there would be several people walking around even after 10pm. 

But when it rained one day, I took a shortcut through an alley as I wanted to rush back quickly.

It only happened once.

Lucien stands in front of me, laying a hand atop my head. 

Lucien: How could I let you walk home alone at night without worrying? 

Lucien: It’s just that if I were to accompany you home, or speak to you, I probably wouldn’t have the mood to continue with my research. 

Lucien: Which is why every time, I’d only send you to the floor of the building, wait till the lights in your window turn on, and return to the research centre. 

Lucien: This way, I’d have the chance to take a short break, take a slow walk, and slowly tidy up my train of thought regarding the day’s work.

MC: ...

I think of him setting down the work on hand, secretly following and protecting me as I go home, then waiting downstairs for my lights to turn on, before returning to the research centre in the dimness of night. 

My heart suddenly feels upset. 

My original intention was to take care of him, but I didn’t expect to make things even more inconvenient for him.

MC: I'm sorry.

Lucien shakes his head and smiles leisurely.

Lucien: Silly girl, don’t apologise. You didn’t make things more inconvenient for me.

Lucien: I liked all the surprises you brought me. I didn’t just like them - I couldn’t help looking forward to them.

Lucien: Looking forward to what gift you’d bring next, and looking forward to seeing you after a long and exhausting day of work. 

Lucien: It was the most interesting experience in all my years of dry and dull, yet ordinary research life.  

Lucien holds onto my hand, casting a glance in the direction we came from. 

Lucien: Would you like to have ice-cream?  

Only now do I notice the dessert shop selling ice-cream in front of me. After hesitating without a word, Lucien speaks. 

Lucien: I do want to eat it though. Will you accompany me?

Rarely seeing such a childish side of Lucien, I immediately agree, brisk walking to the dessert shop and purchasing two ice-cream cones.

MC: Here - I’m treating you to ice-cream. Next time, I’ll give you surprises in more thoughtful ways, so you wouldn’t have to worry. The account this time shall be written off!

I hand one of the cones to Lucien before giving mine a try. The cold, sweet ice-cream melts on my tongue, and the rich strawberry flavour makes one feel incredibly happy. 

At this moment, Lucien leans over--

He draws near, his lips pressed together. Under my mildly confused gaze, he gently licks the tip of my ice-cream. 

The soft ice-cream suddenly becomes a short mountain peak. His thin lips part, but his eyes never leave mine. 

In a second, the clamour of our surroundings seems to draw to a temporary halt. My entire vision and heart are filled with a pair of clear, deep eyes.

Lucien: Mm, delicious. 

He straightens up. In a considerably good mood, his eyes crinkle, and only now does he try the matcha flavoured ice-cream in his hand. 

Even though his eyes clearly have a sly smile in them, the light breeze seems to be influenced by his breath, adding on a touch of gentleness.

It renders one never knowing what to do with him...

MC: Lucien, do you still have to return to the research centre? 

Lucien: The experiment is over, so I should head back to rest. 

MC: What a coincidence, we’re on the way!

The corners of my lips curl upwards, and I reach out towards him--

With a faint smile and without a trace of hesitation, he takes my hand in his.

Lucien: Mm, let’s go home. 

-

🦋 MOMENTS: ONE 🦋

Lucien’s Post: There’s a new dessert shop at the entrance of the street. When I passed by over the past two days, I saw many people in the queue.

MC: I’ll treat you to it the next time I go to the research centre.

Lucien: All right, it’s a promise.

-

Lucien’s Post: There’s a new dessert shop at the entrance of the street. When I passed by over the past two days, I saw many people in the queue.

MC: I’ll add it to our checklist!

Lucien: Mm, after this busy period, we���ll take a look together.

-

Lucien’s Post: There’s a new dessert shop at the entrance of the street. When I passed by over the past two days, I saw many people in the queue.

MC: Many people in the queue? It must be very delicious!

Lucien: Even through the words, I can already see your expectant gaze.

-

🦋 MOMENTS: TWO 🦋

Lucien’s Post: I wonder what tonight’s nightscape will look like.

MC: The fountain under our residential estate is open, and the elderly grandfathers and grandmothers are dancing around it.

Lucien: Hearing what you said, I really want to see it for myself.

-

Lucien’s Post: I wonder what tonight’s nightscape will look like.

MC: There seems to be an exceptionally large number of stars tonight.

Lucien: Will you take a picture for me?

-

Lucien’s Post: I wonder what tonight’s nightscape will look like.

MC: It’s a full moon today~

Lucien: No wonder I can see bright moonlight from outside the window.

-

🦋 TEXTS 🦋

[ Scenario One ]

Lucien: Tea personality types? Is this a new interesting quiz?

MC: I saw it in a magazine and found it interesting, so I wanted to let you see it.

Lucien: So in your eyes, what kind of tea am I?

MC: You’re plain tea - modest and delightful.

Lucien: You think too highly of me.

Lucien: But I do like plain tea. It has a mild taste.

MC: In your eyes, what kind of tea and I then?

Lucien: If it’s you...

Lucien: You should be milk tea - a new world I had never tasted before.

Lucien: However, if we were to go outside the scope of tea, you could also be fruit juice, or a carbonate drink.

Lucien: Your personality shouldn’t be limited to a specific type.

-

[ Scenario Two ]

Lucien: Tea personality types? Is this a new interesting quiz?

MC: I saw it in a magazine and found it interesting, so I wanted let you see it.

Lucien: So in your eyes, what kind of tea am I?

MC: ...maybe green tea? It’s just has... a certain invasive feeling.

Lucien: Green tea preserves quite a lot of the natural substances found in the tea leave. For example, polyphenols, caffeine...

Lucien: The fragrance, the rich scent.

Lucien: So in your eyes, I’m like that...

MC: It seems like no matter which tea it is, it fits your personality.

Lucien: No matter which tea it is, the most important thing is that you like it.

Lucien: Actually... I can also be coffee, or milk tea.

Lucien: In short, it fits only if it suit your tastes.

-

[ Scenario Three ]

Lucien: Tea personality types? Is this a new interesting quiz?

MC: I saw it in a magazine and found it interesting, so I wanted let you see it.

Lucien: So in your eyes, what kind of tea am I?

MC: Black tea of course - it makes people feel warm, and smells fragrant.

Lucien: When I was in England, I learnt ways to prepare black tea.

Lucien: When there’s time, we can try it together.

MC: I should be a green bean cake then, or a macaron... In short, the best companion for tea!

Lucien: Mm, you are the best companion.

Lucien: I suddenly feel like having afternoon tea.

Lucien: There’s no need to wait for another day. Want to look for me?

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Victor’s Qixi Event (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an event which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

Victor’s Qixi date: here (translated by @lucienism)

[ Chapter 1 ]

At night, the stalls in the temple fair light up one by one, and what greets the eyes is a galaxy on earth. 

The “stars” illuminate every dazzling stall, and also shroud certain corners. 

In an inconspicuous corner, a fortune-teller is reading my fortune. 

Fortune-teller: Miss, looking at your face, have you met with some twists and turns recently?

MC: I have...

Fortune-teller: Do you have trouble sleeping too? 

MC: You’re right!

Fortune-teller: Your complexion looks quite terrible, and it feels like a bad omen.

MC: W-what kind of bad omen? 

Fortune-teller: Did you provoke an important fiend?

Looking at the fortune-teller’s exaggerated expression, I nervously recollect what happened. 

If he’s referring to someone “important” recently, that could only be--

??: Why aren’t you done yet? 

The fortune-teller and I whip our heads towards the source of the voice. In the next second, we speak in unison.

MC: What are you doing here? 

Fortune-teller: That’s him!

The three of us are left dumbfounded. I cast a glance at Victor’s unhappy face, then hurriedly explain to the fortune-teller:

MC: Taoist priest, you must be mistaken. This is my... friend, and he’s very good-natured. 

The fortune-teller looks Victor up and down, and it seems like he’s unconvinced by what I said. 

Fortune-teller: Mm... in short, be more careful, Miss. 

Just when I’m about to bid farewell to the fortune-teller, he suddenly calls me, and speaks. 

Fortune-teller: There are a lot of people at the temple fair. Be careful not to walk down the wrong path. 

Hearing the fortune-teller’s worlds, I feel a sudden tightening in my chest. 

Before I can ask him a question, Victor takes my hand in his naturally, and the warmth distinctive to him covers my palm. 

Victor: You won’t walk down the wrong path. 

The faraway lights only illuminate his outline, and I can’t tell for sure if he's smiling. He applies some pressure on my hand, then pulls me closer to his side. 

Victor: Let’s go.

-

[ Chapter 2 ] 

MC: This is my favourite event every year - the “strange-tasting basket”!

Pulling Victor, we reach a stall. Quite a number of people have been so tormented by the strange-tasting items that their faces have turned twisted.

MC: The ribbon biscuits in every basket look the same, but they have different flavours. Out of all the ribbon biscuits, only one is sweet. 

While I stare at the line of baskets and hesitate, Victor’s voice sounds in my ear.

Victor: Aren’t they all the same? Why do you need such a long time to pick?

MC: They aren’t the same! I need to pick that unique biscuit.

Victor: You can’t tell taste just by using your eyes. 

For a moment, I’m unable to retort. After hesitating a little longer, I hold up a basket.

MC: I shall begin! Ooh... it’s so salty...

I furrow my brows and manage to swallow it with difficulty. When I lift my eyes, I see Victor’s unsuppressed smile. 

MC: Hmph, don’t celebrate so early. It’s your turn!

Victor arches his brows and looks at the basket in my hand, then picks one to eat. 

MC: How is it? 

Victor: ...it’s bitter.

MC: Hahahaha, looks like this game is very fair. 

We continue eating the biscuits in succession. If they aren’t sour, they’d be spicy. The strange tastes accumulate, and my tongue is about to lose all feeling. 

MC: There are three biscuits left... Victor, which one do you think I should pick?

Victor: There’s no point if other people choose for you.

MC: But I’ve never picked the sweet biscuit for several years, so I don’t have faith in my own luck.

Victor: Isn’t this year different?

Looking at the slight curve on his lips, I smile as well. 

This year is truly different - I have him with me. I decide to close my eyes, and pick a biscuit blindly from the basket and place it into my mouth. 

MC: It’s sweet! I really picked it!

Victor: Mm, amazing. 

Victor pulls me and we leave the stall. Our pace is a little fast, but it doesn’t bother me because I’m still immersed in the joy of picking the special ribbon biscuit. 

After walking a short distance, I can faintly hear a little girl exclaiming happily from behind me. 

Little girl: It’s sweet! I picked the sweet ribbon biscuit!

MC: Eh? 

I subconsciously look at Victor, but he looks the same as always, as though he didn’t hear the sound from behind us. 

Victor: There seems to be a performance about to begin in front. 

The sweetness at the tip of my tongue has yet to dissipate. I lower my head and smile secretly. 

Even though he isn’t the vendor who prepared that sweet ribbon biscuit, the sweetness he has given me is also special.

There are people beating gongs in front. I brisk walk to keep up with Victor’s pace, and excitedly tell him about street performances. 

-

[ Chapter 3 ]

Stepping out of the lively temple fair, what greets my eyes is a wide clearing. There are lit-up lanterns floating on a small, slow-moving river.

Victor and I sit at a nearby teahouse to rest, and we gaze out of the window to look at the view.

MC: Legend tells of the reunion between Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. People are afraid Cowherd wouldn’t be able to see the magpie bridge in the night, so they light lanterns on the river so he can successfully reunite with the Weaver Girl. Perhaps people yearn for these kinds of feelings, so they can’t bear to see any obstructions separating them. 

Victor: Do you yearn for it too? 

MC: Of course. I used to release a lantern every year. 

Victor: Then why aren’t you releasing one this year? 

I hold the tea cup in my hands, sneaking a glance at him. 

MC: Because... because there are too many people releasing lanterns this year, so it's sufficient to make the magpie bridge visible. I’m also uncertain if the gods above can cope with so many wishes being squeezed together. 

Victor doesn’t respond. After a moment, a surprised cry floats from outside the window. 

Following the sound, I turn my head to look. Out of nowhere, great waves appear from the peaceful river, straightening the lanterns floating on the river into a snaking trail.

It’s reminiscent of a path leading to a goal, shining in the night. 

MC: Wow... how did that happen? 

Victor: No one has ever witnessed how a magpie bridge looks. But since it’s a path, the important thing is that it must be easy to walk on.

I turn my head back to him, my heart filled to the brim with warmth. I hold up my tea cup, and clink it gently against him. 

Victor: What are you doing?

MC: Replacing wine with tea, this is to thank you for paving a path for the lovers!

Victor looks at me, then averts his gaze unnaturally. 

Victor: I just find that having someone to journey together with isn’t bad.

-

[ Chapter 4 ]

As the night grows darker, more and more people rest near the riverside. The faint din finally allows me to return to my senses from my earlier restless emotions. 

Next to me, Victor remains expressionless, making it impossible to guess his emotions.

MC: Victor, are you satisfied with this festival? 

Victor: It’s noisy, but it’s still interesting. 

MC: There are many more festivals in the mortal world. Some are noisy like this one, and some are quietly and peacefully spent at home. If you’re interested, we can try them all once. 

Victor arches his eyebrows. 

Victor: At home? 

MC: Mm... it means spending it with family or an important person!

With my face red, I offer an explanation. Suddenly, another noise interrupts me. 

??: This is too difficult. Dad, you have to help me!

Not too far off, the sound of a child asking for help drifts towards us. When we turn around, we see a a little boy sitting in his parents’ arms, at a loss with what to do with the object in his hands. 

MC: It’s a Luban Lock. When I was young, my father would often play it with me too. Even though it’s just a few small wooden pieces, it’s very difficult to both fix it or take it apart.

[Trivia] A Luban Lock (“鲁班锁”) is a traditional wooden cube puzzle

Victor: It’s only when the pieces hold each other up can they be stable. That’s why it’s called a “Lock”.

We secretly take another look. The little boy’s parents can’t resist his pleading glance, and help him.

With three minds working together, they fix the Luban Lock very quickly. The wooden pieces are formed into an exquisite Luban Lock, mutually supporting each other, and firmly interlocked. 

Seeing the family with happy expressions adorning their faces, I can’t help but smile along with them. 

MC: That’s really nice. 

My fingertips are suddenly wrapped in warmth. I turn back and see Victor entwining our fingers together. 

MC: Victor...? 

Victor: We can spend subsequent festivals together. But a condition is that you have to stick close to me, and you’re not allowed to run all over the place. 

I look into his deep eyes, and hook onto his fingers tightly. 

No matter what weight we face in the future, as long as we support each other along our journey, I will definitely share it with him. 

[mlqcconfessions]

Can I request a some hurt/comfort? How would our guys react to MC being in a coma and waking up from it? Take care of yourself!

We are always reminded of MC’s unnecessary courage, especially towards the later chapters. Every time she gets into trouble, the boys are there to save her. 

But from Chapter 10+, we see that they won’t come to our rescue every time. 

And that made me really sad (I JUST WANT HAPPY ENDINGS Y'ALL)

So I’m using this opportunity to write alternate endings for some of the darkest stories for each of the boys (and I had to use my imagination for these, so they may be a little lacking)

This took me a LOT LONGER than I expected, so that’s why my headcanons weren’t updating lately

Warning: There are spoilers for the main story (Ch 11-15)

MLQC Headcanon - As long as you’re here

Victor (Spoilers for Ch 11)

He’s been through this once already as kids

He’s never been prepared for another one

He always thought...since he’s here with you now.....he would be able to protect you

He believed he had changed

That he was no longer the weak boy from years ago

This is why he’s taking it so hard on himself

You were the only thing on his mind (even work was irrelevant)

He’s looking at you sleeping so soundly in the hospital bed

It’s as if you would wake at any moment

But he knows.....it’s not good to raise hopes

How long has it been.....8 days?

He glances around the hospital room (a daily routine he does)

Just to make sure everything is in pristine condition

But he doesn’t realize that he himself was in shambles

He prepared the best amenities for your hospitalization

The nurses kept talking about him, the CEO of LFG

Some attempted to get noticed by him (which did succeed to a certain extent)

They paid more attention to him than to you

“Are you going to keep doing your job halfheartedly?”

“P....pardon?”

“I have no need for unprofessional workers who can’t focus in front of their patients. Please leave” (The hospital’s Chief had to bow his head in apology)

Of course, Victor didn’t care about such trivial matters

All he was concerned about was your health

He had been watching over you nearly 24/7 

He regularly calls Goldman to bring over his work to the hospital (he says he can’t go himself because then he’ll have to leave you)

For once, Goldman doesn’t care that he’s not paid enough

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

You wake up to blinding lights, forcing your eyes to stay closed

After getting adjusted, you look around 

Am I....in a hospital? (your eyes fall on the IV drip above you)

You turn your head (a short pain rings in your back), finding Victor laying his head on the bed

His hands are tightly grasping yours, knuckles shaky and pale

You raise your other hand to smooth his hair (it’s a little oily?)

He slowly opens his eyes, realizes the hand on his head, and quickly shoots up

His mouth is open, but he’s not saying anything

You laugh a little at this new Victor (you wish you could’ve taken a picture)

“Haha...good morning, Victor”

It’s only until you show him your usual smile that he regains himself

“......dummy....”

He bends down to pick up some papers that had toppled over

You don’t notice that he wipes a tear that was falling on his face

Kiro (Spoilers for Ch 14)

He didn’t want to have to do this

But it was the only way to save you (to keep you safe)

He hadn’t planned on using absolute control on you

After all, he knew you wouldn’t want to leave him by himself on that rooftop

But he had no choice

He would much rather sacrifice himself if it meant protecting you

And there was no telling what he would do if you got hurt

He dare not meet your eyes when he made you walk by him

There would’ve been a resisting force, making him want to hug you right away

It took him everything he had to not cancel his evol at that moment

As soon as he heard the door lock with a click, he turned to focus on his enemy

There wasn’t much to the fight anyways (his evol was overpowering)

But he couldn’t help but worry about you on the other side of that door

He figured you would be crying your eyes out, but there was nothing he could do

You, on the other hand, were trying your hardest to break Kiro’s control

But to no avail

All you could do was pound on the door, until your hands started to bleed

This went on for who knows how long

At this point, you were slumped over on the ground (your poundings have gotten much weaker)

You balled up your hands into fists, your last attempts to stay focused

Your nails dig into your palms, but it doesn’t faze you one bit (although it does quite hurt)

Was it fatigue, or was it exasperation.....but you started to lose your sight until everything was pitch black

Meanwhile, the noises outside come to a halt

Kiro hobbles over to the door (he wasn’t injured, just overwhelmed with fatigue)

He’s surprised to find you lying on the floor, unconscious

As much as he wants to take you to your home, he knows he doesn’t have the right to do that (not after what he just did to you)

But....it’s even more dangerous to leave you here

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

He treats your hands with the first aid kit in your apartment

You slowly wake up to see Kiro struggling with the bandages (he was never great at things like these)

With your other hand, you reach up to cup his face

He’s startled (he wasn’t expecting you to wake up this quickly)

“Kiro.....”

He doesn’t say anything, but just looks at you with a pained expression on his face

He gets up to leave, but you grab onto his shirt

“No...please.....don’t leave....”

He turns around, bites his lower lip, and gently tugs your hand off from him

“......I’m sorry....I command you....”

“Kiro.......!”

“.....go to sleep”

You don’t remember anything after this point, not even the fact that he tucked you in

Or the fact that he stayed a little longer by your side (to burn you into his memories before leaving)

“.....sweet dreams, MC”

Lucien (Spoilers for Ch 13)

He knew you were brave

But he also knew you were careless

You hadn’t realized how deep your punctured wound went, and quickly lost consciousness

He wanted to rush towards you, to catch you in his arms

He wanted to apologize that he’s made you go this far

But he just stood there, looking at your fragile figure with indifference

He slowly walked over, and got on one knee to inspect your condition

He had to pry Iridescent out of your hands (for fear that you would try to stab yourself again)

All the while, he remained calm

As if what he just saw affected him no less than a falling leaf

But of course, the truth was much different

If he showed the slightest bit of emotion, the men would take you away from him

He was already being suspected of a traitor by them (it’s more advantageous to be seen as your enemy......for your sake)

“She’s fainted (he pushes some hair out of your eyes). I’ll take care of things from here”

“Ares, you can’t—!”

“We need her alive, wouldn’t we?” (the other agents can feel the hostility in his voice)

After he receives silent confirmation, he picks you up in his arms and takes you to his apartment

He rests you on the bed, and prepares everything to treat you

He effectively manages to stop the bleeding, but he’s unable to close the wound

It’s going to scar.....

As he looks at you, his heart becomes foggy

He has so many things to say.....so many things to explain

If only you realized his true feelings

But he knew it would only bring you harm if you got close to him

After all, HE was the one deceiving you this entire time 

And that’s all you needed to believe

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

When you open your eyes, you realize you’re back in your house (it’s dark except for some light from outside)

As you try to stand up, you flinch as your neck stings in pain

It’s bandaged.......Lucien!

You quickly look around the room, grabbing on to the slightest hope that he would be here

Your shoulders slink back as you laugh to yourself (at your own foolishness)

He lied to me.......he......

You cover your face with the pillow, trying to take everything in

You reach out to the bedside table for your phone, dropping something in the process

As you go to pick it up, your heart feels like it’s about to explode

Iridescent is lying on the floor, the tip no longer covered with your blood

As if it’s unaware of your muffled cries, it shines brightly in the moonlight peering through your windows

Gavin (Spoilers for Ch 15)

The wind had been blowing for hours on end, keeping his tears from falling down his face

There wasn’t much he could’ve done to prevent this

To prevent you from taking a bullet to your shoulder

No, he thought

I was right there next to her.....

There were so many things he could have done

That he SHOULD HAVE done

He looks down at you, writhing in pain, clutching at your shoulder

He knows how bullet wounds feel like (all the more reason why he’s so hard on himself)

Luckily, the two of you managed to escape STF during that chase

That doesn’t mean he was unscathed, as well

When heard you scream, he lost control of his evol

It did throw the STF agents off-course (but it also pushed you along the edge of a cliff)

He quickly grabs hold of you, twisting his body so he breaks the fall

The currents help soften the landing, but the rocks and branches leave scars on his body (he’s just relieved that you’re alive)

He brought you inside an abandoned warehouse, a beat-up Sparky guarding the front door

Lots of thoughts run through his brain while he’s treating your wound (now he knows who his true enemies are)

He skillfully manages to reduce the bleeding (but it doesn’t stop completely)

Meanwhile, your breathing becomes heavy and your heartbeat spikes up

He quickly takes off his shirt to dab the sweat off of your forehead (it’s not the cleanest, but it’s better than nothing)

He looks around for a water source 

No luck (but he does find some wood for the fireplace)

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

He quickly returns to the warehouse, nervous about leaving you alone

“..Gavin....”

The firewood in his hands clatter as they fall to the ground (without a moment’s hesitation, he’s by your side)

“MC....?” (the tears he had been holding back are now falling, each drop hitting your hand that he’s desperately clutching)

You find it hard to speak, only capable of muttering sounds

There’s so many things you want to say...that you NEED to say

But the sounds of agonized crying fills your ears (you’ve never heard him cry before, let alone this loud)

Little did you know that these tears were not of pain, but of relief

He’s holding onto you so tight, as if he’s trying to make sure you don’t leave him

The sun slowly rises once again, a gentle breeze blowing over the fallen leaves in the silent environment

Welp this was more hurt than comfort

This is not what I had initially planned.