#SHE AND I ARE VERY COFUSION

[gobsnacc]

"Noticed you have some war medals," said Grollor, looking at Svetza's earrings. "What unit did you serve with?"

“What?” Is all she says. She blinks and cocks her head to one side, the object of his attention making little jingling sounds.

[transmascutena]

something i find a little bit funny but mostly just really tragic is that utena is fully convinced she's in a found family show for so much of it. and in the most fucked up way imaginable she's kind of right? we all know what being akio's family means.

i do think she sees akio as an older brother figure for a lot of the show, much more so than she ever has genuine romantic feelings for him. this is clearest to me in the black rose arc, where all he is to her is her best friend's older brother who gives her advice and respects her more than any other adult ever does. it makes sense that she'd want to see herself as a part of their family too. there's nothing to imply that her feelings are at all romantic in nature. it's only when he starts getting closer to her and intiating physical contact that she starts blushing around him and might be developing a crush -- although personally, i read it more as confused uncomfortable embarrassment most of the time, combined with the expectation that romance is what she should want, and so that must be what she's feeling, right? (this gets kind of naively reenforced by wakaba telling her how cool and handsome akio is and how lucky utena is to be close to him.)

and i don't think it's a coincidence that akio starts calling utena "part of the family" after he's planted this idea of romance in her. reenforcing her previous feelings towards him only after he has started to make them change into something different. he is deliberately trying to cofuse her idea of a familial/sibling relationship with that of a romantic/sexual one, because to him there really isn't a difference, and so that when she inevitably learns about him and anthy, utena will see her not as a fellow victim to find solidarity in, but as competition for his affection. and it works, at least at first.

all this is why i vehemently disagree when people call utena stupid for not noticing that something is wrong about anthy and akio's relationship while she's living with them. not only is it deliberately being hidden from her by both of them for a long time, she also literally has no idea what a sibling relationship is supposed to look like. she has no healthy example to compare anything to. even if she did notice something off about how anthy and akio interact, why would she assume she knows better than them how to be a family? she doesn't have one, after all. and when akio tells her that she is his family, he very much does not treat her like it, but she doesn't really have much choice in believing that it's normal, because isn't that how he treats anthy as well?

[bemmeverde]

and here's the full image of the cover, i designed and embroidered it myself <3 the song is about political awakening/ disillusion and growing up, realising things are not as simple as you thought they were

the name, translated literally, is "you (sew the world)"

hello my band and i just released our first song :)

[fabuloustrash05]

It's me again~Donnies bō staff

I conpletelly forgot they could be unrelated XD

I had my fic on my mind where they are related but still adopted so I got cofused

Although Karai may be a miracle baby since I think (could be completelly wrong, this is my interpretation) mutants and humans may have a hard time having kids together. So it would make sense she looks mostly like her mom.

It could be why they aodpted the turtles

I'm also curious about the mutant and human pairs since Mikey x Renet seemed to be really well recieved in universe so I' guessing it's just old ppl being bothered. But that may be bc they are both very beloved by the public. That makes me think about Donnie and a certain cigar girl bc they don't have the luxury of being universally loved.

Anyway thanks for answering and love the fic <3

That's alright! Personally I'm a firm believer that the Turtles in the 2012 series are biologically related to Splinter because of their mutation, and by an extent are also biologically related to Karai, but in the 1920s AU, they are adopted.

And yes, while I did state human x mutant relationships in this AU are often looked down on by the public, Mikey and Renet's relationship is seen more in a positive light and they get a "pass" because they're both famous and of the upper class. When you're at the very top, you don't really care what others think. The people who are judgmental though are just assholes who hate seeing other people happy.

For Donnie and even Raph however, they'll soon be facing challenges/judgement regarding the women they chose to be with. It is mentioned in chapter 15 that Splinter prefers if his sons courted upper class rich girls, no one of the middle or lower class like a certain red head and lizard woman.

[mizusjawline]

Had a flashback that I need to vent (warning: this is a lil bit personal)

About a year ago (before the clinic), my mum went through my clothing closet, found my sex toys where I had hidden them and then made some very snide remarks about it next time she spoke to me. And I wonder now, WHY THE FUCK? Why the fuck did she think that was ok? And why the fuck did I think it was ok to be treated like that? It was so cruel and perverse and invasive! Why did I take it lying down? I wish I could go back in time and just shout at her. And just ask her "MOTHER WHAT THE FUCK?"

This memory awakens so much anger and cofusion and shame in me

[ersatz-eye]

“But Karlach wasn't available at the moment, so he had to make do with the vampire.” Why did this make me laugh 😂

“The fact he'd get to call you his fiancé for an evening sends an unexpected heat up to his face.”🥰🥰🥰🥰

“"Now now, you wouldn't break the heart of your poor old mother by rejecting her invitation when you haven't seen her in years, would you?" The soft beans against Gale's mouth hold the threat of sharp claws underneath.” Before I am a person I am a Tara stan

“Scurrying to sit in the chair next to you before Halsin could, Gale ignored the cofused look the druid gave him before sitting down at another chair.” Fjjffjfjfj poor Halsin 😭😂

“A Selunite introduction party, as her parents explained. She never had the afterparty of her ceremony after the woods passage trial, and her mother really wanted her to see her adorned in the moon maiden silvery dress and white flowers.” Oh just right out the gate with the sad

“While her father never pressured her, knowing he still has plenty of time with her, her mother wasn't offered the same courtsy by life. So he encouraged Shadowheart to bring someone dear to her maybe, just to reassure her mother that she has a loved one, you know how humans tend to get about finding your soulmate and all of that.” SCREAMING! IM! GAHHHH!!! 😭😭😭

“"Please, indulge me this once. And we can pretend it never happened afterwards...if that's what you wish." The words pained her to say, but the relief that followed at your acceptance made all the pain worth it.” Shart 🥺

“Really, what was she thinking? Agreeing to the double date her friends offered her. She was too excited at having finally met more people from her past, ones that didn't stab her in the back, and one thing led to another.” she's so baby

“It's not that she ment to lie to her friends...it was just hard to tell them that even after all these years, she still doesn't have someone to call her own. It felt embarrassing to admit how alone she was, how touch starved and repressed she felt.” oh I'm sad again 🥺

“But no, instead, it was as if she grew a second head right then and there. Everyone was so excited to meet her so-called partner.” 😔✊

“Karlach's body pinned you to the ground with ease, even unintentionally her muscles could easily cage you on. Her skin hot against yours, she lifted her head and your faces were mere inches apart.” djfjfkkfkfkfk

“”Say soldier, have you ever played pretend before? You know that game that kids play." Very smooth Karlach, she thought to herself. "Uh...do you think the two of us can maybe play it tomorrow? Haha...ha."” very smooth indeed of course I want to play pretend with her.

“"Of course Karlach, anything you want." Accepting the awkward fistbump she offered you, in return you gave her a hug that lingered for more time than it should.

"Cool cool, great. I'll pick you up tomorrow?" Her tail was swishing excitedly behind her, a confident smile on her face as bright as the sun.” I've decided that they were already dating and Karlach was just unaware xjfjfjfj

“He will show them, he thought, he will show his spoiled bratty siblings that he isn't as uptight and "scares away all suitors" as they claimed!” ayy Rolan! 😌

“Lia was bragging again about the cute bard she managed to ask out, her third date this week. Rolan swears she is mentioning within earshot if him intentionally, hell even Cal gets the occasional longing stares at any tavren they go to.” Cal and Lia on top as always.

“Rolan isn't less than them and he will prove it. He just well...hasn't put himself out there yet, so what if he has zero experience with dating and romance? He is a fast learner, he is very confident in his ability to become an excellent lover in to time.” I'm obsessed with this one actually 🤣

“"You, come here." He yells the order across the tavren, catching himself afterwards and clearing his thraot to lessen the embarrassment of the situation. Still his eyes begged you to approch him.” who needs Gale and Astarion when you get the two in one with a cute lil tail

“And you did, walking to his table and sitting down. After all your companions were still sleeping upstairs so what's the harm in indulging one drunk grumpy tiefling when you were supposed to be on a supply run.” in it for the plot

“"From now on, I'm your boyfriend."

You choke on your drink, it takes him a moment to register the way he phrased his question.

Clearing his throat again, he refuses to meet your eyes as a blush colours his cheek. "No not like this, don't get the wrong idea." I love him dkfkckocockfk

“"I'm not unlovable." He whipsers, "I'm not going to beg for a chance, I just need your cooperation for a day or two, just to shut them up."” 🥺🥺🥺🥺

(also I read the first half and second half on two separate days so if I'm obnoxiously repetitive that's why)

Taking you as their fake date to an event

[Fluff, suggustive, romance, humour, fake dating, nb!reader]

[Wyll, Gale, Shadowheart, Karlach, Rolan]

Wyll

In the aftermath of clearing the misunderstanding with his father, Wyll found himself back at the centre of attention in Baldur's Gate's circle of nobles. Everyone wanted to meet the famed blade of frontiers, for the last time they saw him was years ago before he fully matured into the man he is today.

Letter after letter were delivered to your camp. Carrier pigeons barely escaped Tara's claws as they dropped the mail on Wyll's tent and left with most of their feathers intact.

Being the son of the grand duke of Baldur's Gate turned all the heads of any sane noble with a marriage allegeable offspring. Invitation for tea parties, hunting competitions, and even balls for the sole purpose of meeting other people. Wyll's hand was slowly going numb from having to write back formal polite declining letters.

If only there was a way to stop them from the source. He'd sigh and vent to his closest of companions. But Karlach wasn't available at the moment, so he had to make do with the vampire.

"Why not just tell them you've already tied the knot with someone or whatever you humans call it?"

For once, Wyll actually considered listening to the fanged devil on his shoulder.

He approached that topic as delicately as he could when it came to convincing you, inviting you to dinner at a restaurant, waiting until after you're both filled and the lighthearted conversation slowed to bring it up.

"My friend, if I may, there is something I could use a helping hand with."

To his relief, you don't seem uncomfortable to his proposal. If anything, you nonchalantly agreed to be his fake date to the upcoming celebration.

He thanks you with a polite smile, yet for some, his heart beat faster when he pictures you holding onto his arm amongst the crowd. Your formal attire matching his suit. The fact he'd get to call you his fiancé for an evening sends an unexpected heat up to his face.

.

Gale

Tara wakes him up with delight in her eyes one morning, her sing song tone of his last name is more chipper than usual.

"Mr.Dekarios, yoohoo~" she licks his face to get his sleepy eyes to focus on her, "Ms.Dekarios sends her regards, along with a mandatory summon invitation for you this weekend." Tara brings her paw up to her face, cleaning the fur and making herself even more presentable.

Before Gale gets a word in, he is interrupted by a paw smacking against his lips.

"Now now, you wouldn't break the heart of your poor old mother by rejecting her invitation when you haven't seen her in years, would you?" The soft beans against Gale's mouth hold the threat of sharp claws underneath.

Defeated and outsmarted first thing in the morning, the wizard reluctantly nods with a sight.

Deep down, he know this day would eventually come. He couldn't hide the orb and the looming threat over his life from his own mother forever, no matter how he naively hoped to find a cure before having to face her. Coming back to announce you've foolishly consumed untamed magic of chaos isn't the most popular mother's day gift.

But maybe, just maybe he doesn't have to let her know yet. If he could find a distraction.

And lucky for him, the perfect distraction was currently standing outside his open tent, rubbing Tara's belly as she purrs and leans into their arms more.

He devised a plan, a great list of excuses and reasons to sell you the idea of why you should go along with his plan of deception, even prepared a bribe if push came to shove.

Well, two bribes, actually. The first one was the massive breakfast prepared and catered specifically for your taste.

Scurrying to sit in the chair next to you before Halsin could, Gale ignored the cofused look the druid gave him before sitting down at another chair.

Either he was too easy to read, or you've picked up on his pattern of gifts and act of service whenever he has a request. Because he only had to hint at the upcoming home visit before you Blatantly stated that you're willing to go as his date.

"Well...this was certainly much easier than I expected. In fact I've deviced a much more elaborate argument and explanation for when you'd initially refuse."

"Why would I ever refuse Gale?"

You gently caressed the side of his face, wiping a small crumb of bread away from his lips before taking your hand back.

"I...well, uhm. You." With a flustered look, Gale wasn't sure how to respond. Did he remember to comb his morning hair? Oh god, wait, is he still in his pyjamas? Does he even look half presentable right now?

.

Shadowheart

A Selunite introduction party, as her parents explained. She never had the afterparty of her ceremony after the woods passage trial, and her mother really wanted her to see her adorned in the moon maiden silvery dress and white flowers.

How could she say no? Shadowheart only wished for both of their happiness, to make up for lost time as much as she could.

While her father never pressured her, knowing he still has plenty of time with her, her mother wasn't offered the same courtsy by life. So he encouraged Shadowheart to bring someone dear to her maybe, just to reassure her mother that she has a loved one, you know how humans tend to get about finding your soulmate and all of that.

But she felt lost. Was there really someone she could call a soulmate?

Your words echo in her mind, how you gently persuaded her into lowering her weapon. The night orchid you've given her is still kept safely in her journal, tucked away between the soft pages to preserve the petals forever.

What if you don't share her feelings? What if she is just another lost soul that has grown attached to you after you saved them. Afterall, you did end up risking blowing your cover when saving that drow women at moonrise tower.

Minthara's respect for you was nothing to scoff at. What's a cleric's faith when compared to a paladin's devotion?

Yet she still took a chance, a leap of faith for you.

One night before the two of you retreated to your own beds, she stopped you for a short conversation. Reluctance in her voice as she lowered her face and looked up at you, eyes glistening under the moonlight.

She explained her situation, her party for her coming of age ceremony that was long postponed, how she wished for you to accompany her as her date.

"Please, indulge me this once. And we can pretend it never happened afterwards...if that's what you wish." The words pained her to say, but the relief that followed at your acceptance made all the pain worth it.

She isn't sure where your heart lays, but for a day, it will be hers. Her faith will guide her, the faith that maybe one day, you too will return her feelings.

.

Karlach

She was nervously walking back and forth outside your tent just after dinner, unsure of how to approach you or even mention the topic.

Her tail aggiated and is switching between curling around her leg and lashing at the ground below. Karlach didn't bury her emotions as the engine in her chest glowed more and more, matching the redness of the sunset in the horizon.

Really, what was she thinking? Agreeing to the double date her friends offered her. She was too excited at having finally met more people from her past, ones that didn't stab her in the back, and one thing led to another.

It's not that she ment to lie to her friends...it was just hard to tell them that even after all these years, she still doesn't have someone to call her own. It felt embarrassing to admit how alone she was, how touch starved and repressed she felt.

Not to mention how every single one of her friends had already found someone. Most of them were married and the other half on their way to get married.

She didn't think they'd make a big deal out of it when she off-handedly mentioned that she was seeing someone, a simple white lie with no harm done. She thought they'd just be happy for her and move on.

But no, instead, it was as if she grew a second head right then and there. Everyone was so excited to meet her so-called partner.

And so she found herself like this, strolling around your tent like a loser, attempting to muster up the dignity to ask you to pretend to be her partner for tomorrow.

Only when bumped into something and lost her balance did she realise who stood in front of her.

Karlach's body pinned you to the ground with ease, even unintentionally her muscles could easily cage you on. Her skin hot against yours, she lifted her head and your faces were mere inches apart.

You didn't miss the way her eyes glances at your lips, the way her cheeks darkned when you licked them. The heacy of swallow afterwards before her lips twitched into a polite smile.

With a quick apology, she helped you up.

"Say soldier, have you ever played pretend before? You know that game that kids play." Very smooth Karlach, she thought to herself. "Uh...do you think the two of us can maybe play it tomorrow? Haha...ha."

You asked what she meant.

"I kinda of...well, I told my friends that I was already seeing someone so. Could you be that person? I'll pay you back tenfolds, I promise."

"Of course Karlach, anything you want." Accepting the awkward fistbump she offered you, in return you gave her a hug that lingered for more time than it should.

"Cool cool, great. I'll pick you up tomorrow?" Her tail was swishing excitedly behind her, a confident smile on her face as bright as the sun.

.

Rolan

He will show them, he thought, he will show his spoiled bratty siblings that he isn't as uptight and "scares away all suitors" as they claimed!

I mean, have you seen him? He is a very talented and capable wizard, how is it his fault that other people are far too dim and slow to realise how much of a catch he is, how his talent more than makes up for his sometimes bitter personality.

Lia was bragging again about the cute bard she managed to ask out, her third date this week. Rolan swears she is mentioning within earshot if him intentionally, hell even Cal gets the occasional longing stares at any tavren they go to.

Rolan isn't less than them and he will prove it. He just well...hasn't put himself out there yet, so what if he has zero experience with dating and romance? He is a fast learner, he is very confident in his ability to become an excellent lover in to time.

A day goes by, then two and three. Suddenly it's been a full week and he haven't had a speck of luck when it came to romancing someone. It's almost as if any person he approaches immediately loses interest the second he opens his mouth.

He is getting desperate, he can't let Lia know about this. She will never ever let him live it down.

So when you find him in the elfsong tavren, sitting alone on a table nursing on his drink with his tail curled around his leg. You stare at him long enough to catch his interest.

He recognises you immediately, you could see the cogs turning in his alcohol clouded mind.

"You, come here." He yells the order across the tavren, catching himself afterwards and clearing his thraot to lessen the embarrassment of the situation. Still his eyes begged you to approch him.

And you did, walking to his table and sitting down. After all your companions were still sleeping upstairs so what's the harm in indulging one drunk grumpy tiefling when you were supposed to be on a supply run.

Rolan orders you a drink too, his treats, he says without meeting your eyes.

And just as you take a sip, he lays it on you bluntly.

"From now on, I'm your boyfriend."

You choke on your drink, it takes him a moment to register the way he phrased his question.

Clearing his throat again, he refuses to meet your eyes as a blush colours his cheek. "No not like this, don't get the wrong idea."

Now you're sitting there, confused as the waiter brings you a towel to wipe down the drink you spilled on yourself. You thank them and take it, giving Rolan enough time to attempt to compose himself.

"I know i haven't made the best of impressions on you." He finally speaks up, "but I need you." His voice is more honest, a hint of vulnerability, "your help I mean. Lia and Cal, I want to prove them wrong."

His glossy eyes meet yours, the alcohol loosened his tongue.

"I'm not unlovable." He whipsers, "I'm not going to beg for a chance, I just need your cooperation for a day or two, just to shut them up."

Your hand goes above the table, wrapping around his own fist softly. "I understand, it's okay." You give it a light squeeze, "you don't have to explain yourself."

Somehow, your few words helped relieve his heart from its burden more than this whole night of drinking ever could.

[waffliesinyoface]

Micaiah and Yunaka for ask game?

Micaiah:

she is okay but Radiant Dawn is a game with multiple protagonists (Ike, Micaiah, Elincia) and lots of really good supporting characters and she doesn't really get to do much, especially in the end when she's birdbrained. She's good in the beginning if only because "what if we made a rapier into a TOME" is hilariously OP.

As an emblem ring, she exists solely to grind exp with Great Sacrifice.

Yunaka:

yunaka is awful and i love her. Giving her the corrin ring for on-demand cover AND boosting her crit rate thanks to her ability is such a hilarious exploit. Also she's funny. Silly clowngirl assassin who is trying hard to not be an assassin and failing at it because she's stupidly lethal. I am very cofused by her going "zappy" but also i wouldn't change it for anything. It's yunaka's world and we're all just living in it.

[detectivesus]

My Birthday was yesterday and i moved cities a few months ago and I celebrated witg Family and my childhood best friend and my new I guess best friend in the nrw City. And my Childhood bestfriend got me Soccer Shorts and i started playing like a few weeks ago after a few years but my new friend gave me a pic Collage and pottery Date. And now i started to compare How thoughtful each present was and I felt so bad because I got like so much Soccer Shorts and i was like so cofused about the present but the she said I’m always talking about hers and such so it isn’t even a bad idea 😭 in general having an Identity Crisis since weeks because of having new friends in the new city who feel like I can talk to about things I never talked to in my old city

relatable bestie!! first of all, wishing you a very happy belated birthday 🥳 hope you enjoyed the celebrations and felt the love <3 but this is such a thing, it feels like moving is a clean slate in a way!! doesn’t mean you need to feel guilty about it, you can still have love and appreciate for your older friendship too. don’t worry too much; it just means you have more people who love you (: hope it’s not bothering you too much, please do reach out any time because it’s something i went through too!!

[hunting-songs]

Senritsu heard Kurapikas remark to Basho and she also heard that certaine melody in Bashos heartbeat that dampened the normally so even song she heard from him. A dampned song that did not dyed down during the evening, the clinking of tableware and the orechestra of citylife and conversations around them. A dampned song she heard after they finished their meal, after they left the restaurant, after the noises of the busy nightlife welcomned them back outside intot he crisp autumnair. A damped song she heard and stayed behind for until Kurapika and Linssen were far enough ahead of them, their siouletts dyed in every colour of the rainbow from the streetlights around them: "Mhmmmmmm, speak your mind Basho." The nightair was so cold it felt like breathing in idy needles and automatically Senritsu pushed up her shoulders to hide her face in her woolen scarf. Bashos deep voice sounded almost gentle: "He does not use his rank on you, does he?" The womans head snapped so fast to the side to look up at him, Senritsu swore she head her spine scream in agony: "He what?" "You heard me." Bashos voice was still gentle. Worried.

"...No." a cofused frown drew a line as deep as a scar between Senritsus hairless eyebrows.Then she added a little bit more sternly, just to make sure her collagues very hearable worry was soothed: " He does not. Do not talk about him like this and do not talk like this about me- What are you thinking..."

The autumnair suddenly felt even colder and Senritsu oulled up the edge of her scarf until it covered her nose. Bashos heartbeat still sung her that dampned melody and by now the confused line between her eyebrow had turned worried and as a injury. Bashos mustache harrumphed quietly: "I am thinking that there is nothing you would not do to reach your goal. And also that you very likely feel lonely." Senritsu just looked up to him, not denying it but also very incredulous. Eventually she just shaked her head scoldingly like one would shake their head over a bad joke: "You are thinking too much into this, Basho. I was just joking..." The colourful lights of the neon-signs flickered over the dark damp asphalt like little wisps. Beside the sidewalk the noises of the traffic were so loud likea enormous heartbeat, swelling and easing with every beat of a never sleeping city. It needed a few more steps until Basho eventually said what Senritsu figured he wanted to say the whole time already.

"But If you ever come in such a situation, you do know that I would help you get out of here, yes? Support you, if you need me to. You are not completly on your own in this place and there is not only Kurapika you can rely on , just so you know." The worry was still there in his heartbeat and it made Senritsu smile, even if it was a rueful smile. The quiet rustle of her sleeve was swallowed eagerly by the noies of the busy street as she reached up and patted the man arm reassuringly. The tact of her hand patting his arm eased the dampned song, sang along it, turned it more relaxed, even if it as just a little. "I know. Thank you." She did know, and that was why she would never tell him and never ask him. Senritsu had already lost her best friend and broken contact with anyone else that had been close to her when gettign hired by the Nostrade-family, so she would not even think of risking the safety of one of her friends now for something she had been teached since she was a child to take care of. The sigh felt heavy in her throat and gently, very carefully as if she was worried to hurt him, Senritu hooked her elbow with Bashos so they could walk together as if Senritsu was as tiered as an the old woman she happens to feel right now and basho just a gentleman to politley lead that metephorical old woman: "I shouldn´t have made that joke. It worried you and it hurted Kurapika." The tall man lay a hand on the one around his elbow, not bothered by walking with his colleague in such a fashion. His big hand was warm and secure; Senritsu rememberd that hand just as warm and secure on her shoulder when Basho had lead the still protesting and much too worried woman out of the hotel back in Yorkshin after Kurapika had stated that he wanted to wait for and fight Uvogin: "Not his favorite topic to talk about, hm?"

"Not with me." The woman just looked down the street to where Linssen and Kurapika had walked forward, wrapped int he neonlights like into a colourful veil. She could still hear their heartbeats clearly and loudly. SHe could still hear Kurapika clear and loudly. "...I think Kurapika wants a family very much. And I also think that he does not specifically wants a family with me- I just happen to be there, be the object of his affection, and have Mhmmm... the parts. I doubt he would like to join my family as their relative." Senritsu thought about her father. Senritsu thought about that she was not like her father. Senritsu thought about that she took steps and made decisions to make sure she would never be like her father. She was thankful for Basho friendly squeezing her hand and that the poet was tactful enough to not say anything else, after all she knew and he had told her that she could rely on him. [ @skarletchains ]

"I am pregnant." From one Second to another the table turned quiet. Basho choked on his soup.

Linssen dropped his chopsticks.

Senritsu blinked and rose her eyebrows openly amused. "See, I told you I know how to make you stop anything you are doing. I won.", as if nothing had happned at all and she had not just caused the table to turn as quiet as a graveyard, Senritsu turned back to her noodlesoup. She shaked her head, clearly still amused over her collagues reaction to three simple words that were not even true: "Its actually barocco that all three of you reacted, though. I am very sure I never had relations with any of you, dear colleagues."

You've got one sentence to make my character absolutely speechless! Go!

There was a deathly silence after Senritsu dropped the bomb on the table, even though it wasn't true. The three men shuddered, Kurapika's eyes widened, and for a second he didn't know what to say. He didn't look up to see her, in fact, his mind was already doing calculations to understand how likely it was that it was true.

Of course, he forgot for a moment that he could read her eyes.

It all happened in an instant, but that instant seemed like an eternity. Linssen and Basho came back to reality first when they realized there was nothing to think about, Kurapika took a little longer, knowing that the probability existed, it was small, it was improbable, but not impossible. He heard her last words and came back to reality then. "Senritsu…" His voice was calm and soft, but there was a certain tone of scolding.

Because he didn't want her to play with something like that, especially knowing that he had given up on that

Because it was obvious, at least in Basho's eyes that they were in fact in a relationship and indeed, they intimate

Because for a second Kurapika remembered that day at the fair when Basho promised to set him on fire if they had intimate moments living together in the shared room.

For a moment he could feel Basho's heavy gaze on him. Kurapika didn't flinch, but he did let out a heavy sigh, somewhat annoyed "I don't know what you're thinking, Basho, but I remind you that I'm your boss" There was a pause, Kurapika's chopsticks lightly stirring the soup. His next words came out in a low tone, making sure that only he (and, inevitably, Senritsu) heard him and didn't end up involving Linnsen in it as well "And, even if it had been true, I have better resources than the shared room so don't underestimate me and stop worrying about it"

{ @hunting-songs }

[heyitsbia]

Lizzie and the Mystery girl ( Part 2 )

"How is it complicated..you eather like parties are you don't!" There she went again, pushing people! She just couldn't help but argue, to debate! It was the very reason that Florence was her only friend..no one else could stand her. Though she didn't seem annoyed by her commnet, she seemed bewildred. Though she didn't say anything. For the first time, she looked in her in the eyes, and she could't help but gaze right back into her. They were suprisingly green. And not the loose green that seemed to be in most eyes, but green that made you question the reality of what you're looking at because nothing that perfect could be of existence. Also, Lizzie had never seen a blond green eyes. She was rare. She liked rare.

"What?" she asked, feeling a little insecure about her stare. She squinted her eyed, and Lizzie felt her mood drop a little because seh coudn't see as mush of her eyes anymore.

"It's just that, no one has ever talked to me like you are."

"Well, no one has ever talked to me. Period," she said and as soon as she did regret it. But flet relief when a smile appeared on her face and she heard the now familiar chuckle of her.

"I don't see why?"

"Let's just say normally i'm not exactly Mrs.Popular."

"You sure look like you could be. I mean this in every good way, you're kinda hot!"

Lizzie laughed. "No, i'm not!"

"Okay you're not hot." the girl said. "You're beautiful."

She opend her mouth to retaliate but was suddenly stopped by the feeling of something warm touching her hand.

"And don't try to fight me on it." the girl continued.

This was crazy! She didn't even know this girl and she was holding her hand!

"You know normally, I wouldn't ever get this cloce to a girl i did know, yet alone a girl i didn't."

she smirked. "It seems like you are doung a lot of things you don't normally do."

"That's because normally i'm a straight line." she looked at her in cofusion.

"A straight line?"

"Yeah, you know..i do what i'm supposed to..i dont't break any rules."

"Why not?"

"Because it's what i supposed to do. It's just who i am. And right now i am being the furthest thing from who i am!"

"So what!? Maybe that's a good thing. Like you said, normally people wouldn't talk to you. Well, i;m loving the conversation i;m having with you right now. Maybe it's because i;m talking about the rule breaking you, not the normal you."

Lizzie stayed silent still thinking about what she had said.

"Look here's my mission for you." the girl started, "Break more rules. Live a little."

Lizzie looked her in the eyes again. "I will if you will."

"That's a deal i will make." the girl said with a smile.

they stayed like that for what seemed like the longest time.

"You know you have a really pretty eyes." she said as her blood rushed to her cheeks. When she didn't say anything back she started to worry the she was being a creep.

"Sorry?!" I didn't mean that! Gosh, I'm a creep!" She exclaimed.

"No," she laughed," It's not that! Not at all! you're just so..different." she manage to get out. "I've never met anyone like you."

she was so close that she could feel her breath prickle her skin.

"I'm going to kiss you." her hand made their way to the sides of her face.

"But i don't even know you! And i don't kiss a girl that i don't know!"

Our lips were inches apart.

"I thought you are breaking our normal rules?" And with that, her lips were on her before she could argue. It was everythinh she could imagine and more. Her lips were icy but felt fresh on her wich were warm from the rush of blood. Her hands made their way down to her neck, as she started to rise from the swing, trying to get closer to her. For some reason, her touxh felt familiar, yer they had just met? All too soon it was over.

She was the one to break the kiss, but she kept her grasp on her attention. She looked her deeo in the eyes and thought to herself on how she definitely picked the right time to go for a walk.

Lizzie smiled up at her, half of her stick on the fact that she just kiss a stranger, and the other half stuck on the fact that she liked it!

when she finally cought her breath and broke the silence. "What now?" she asked.

the girl smirked. "Now, you leave this party with this memory. And next time you feel like you're a 'Straight line', you can think bavk to this moment when you feel curved and broke a rule."

- end -

[nikethestatue]

Hello! This is embarrassing but may I ask about the Lock in ToG? It's kind of confusing for me. I haven't read CC. Did Aelin only closed the portal to another world but in Acotar world and CC world, theirs were not sealed. Because they can still jump onto each other world right? So if there's a crossover, ToG world will not be there.. right? If by chance, the portal would be open again.. then can Aelin's raw power go back?

AND SPOILER FOR TOG

But, is there a chance Aelin will be "that" powerful again when she settle (is this the right term) haha.

I'm sorry for asking, I'm kinda cofused with all these locks and portals and whatso. I wanted to understand them better. Thank you!

Hello

i wish I was of more help, but you are right--there are rifts, locks, portals. We know that Aelin flew through everything --all the worlds, and we know that Bryce ended up in Prythian.

We know the Rifts were opened and closed back in the day, and we know that the Asteri can travel through all the worlds, consuming them as they see fit.

My understanding was that Aelin only closed the locks that pertained to her world, to Erilea. We have all these beings--the valg, the death gods, the asteri, the daglan--who are all jumping from one dimension to another--are they all the same? are they all different species? and they all found entrances from their world to other world--so we know that these rips exist. I mean, even Amren entered Prythian through a rip.

So i think there are ways to 'revive' Aelin. Within Prythian, i think we can assume there are at least a few of these entrances--possibly through the Library (into Hel?), certainly the Prison. Is the stone on top of Ramiel some kind of conduit? Because some very powerful beings wanted it at some point, and we know that at the very least, once someone touches it, they get transported out of the BD--it definitely has the power to move beings from place to place. And what's under Ramiel?

I can't see all the series continuing without Aelin at least being somehow involved, considering that we now have a major crossover.

[tafeja]

It's so annoying when people complain that nonbinary characters get she/her pronouns in russian/polish/spanish/what ever translation. If you complain about translation it's because you probably speak the language, right? Then you should understand that not every language is English, and there are no gender neutral pronouns for people in that language. Like, how do you expect they/them to be translated?

Take for example Russian. There is a gender neutral pronoun "оно" /ono/. However to refer like this to people would be exremely rude, dehumanazing and cofusing for the audience. This pronoun usually refers to inanimate objects. The only example of it refering to an animate object that I can think of is "monster" (чудовище). Unless it is a horror and the character is an entity beyond human comprehension you probably wouldn't want to refer to it with "оно".

Ok, so what about a calque from English? Just refer to a character in third person plural, right? If it works for English language it means it works in every other language equally well, right? No. Stop being so online and go talk with your friends and family in your native language for a change. Or at least go to your local sites. Even if we gloss over the fact that if you'll refer to a character in plural viewers will think either that there are several characters or that this character has some sort of multi-personality disorder. "They" (third person plural) doesn't have a grammatical gender, the same way "I" doesn't either. However adjectives, participles, verbs in past tense all have grammatical gender in singular form. And most nouns have it in both plural and singular. So how would this character talk about themselves? For example the character wants to say something like this:" I (no gender) was (what gender?) young (what gender?)" So the character would also need to talk in plural, refering to themselves as "we". Which, again, would make audience think there are more people than there really are. Or, they might think that the character is royal or at least very arrogant. Because there are circumstances when a single person can talk about themselves "we", and it is when they are royal. It is called "royal we". And if it is not the characterization you are going for it probably would be inappropriate. And remember that nouns have gender even in plural, so you probably would have to use male as a default in this instance (many words for proffesions do not have a feminine gender anyway, and when you talk about men and women you would use masculine words).

So now you'll probably want some sort of neopronouns? If English-speakers can make them up as much as they want then other language can too? No. It is dumb. No one will understand you. And have you forgotten that other words, that are not pronouns, have grammatical gender too? You will need to creat whole new declinations and conjugations for it to work.

And at this point you are left only with "he" and "she". Are you suggesting that you using male as a default is somehow more progressive?

[hunting-songs]

The little smile did not went unnoticed, not by Senritsus eyes nor by her keen hearing. But there was also something else, something like an echo, a sweet song that was not sung for her but for someone else. For a moment the woman honestly curious wondered who Megumi would sing that relaed and content song for. Then the moment ended and Senritsu just shaked her head honestly amused over her own thoughts. Curiosity kills the cat. Curiosity sure is killing this cat, she thought for herself ruefully smiling and her left arm felt suddenly very heavy, very wounded, very hurting. "Then its settled- next time you go shopping, I will glady accompany you to help you carry your bags. And you can show me all the horrible tourist-traps I need to visit for as long as I stay in Japan. That sounds like a very good plan." Senritsu winked up to the younger friendly: "Thank you for your help." She blinked like a cofused bird-, one time two times, three times. "Ah, thats right.", the Musician chuckled a giggle that was as sweet as a song: " Familynames before first names, it is- in that case its Döne Melody. I was told I can go just by Senritsu in Japan. It is nice to meet you Megumi." [ @rake-rake ]

"Really. I used to be taller and when you shrink without losing mass, your muscles and bones get really dense and that leads to one beeing such a small but strong little person as I am.", Senritsu chuckled, wagging her hairless eyebrows and then winking playfully up to the younger as if she was joking even if she was not in the slightest. The faint smile was still there when the woman had tilted her head to the side, listening attentive to the change of Megumis heartbeat- speeding up hastily and nervouse-when she complimented him and a worried line appeared between her big eyes,a worried line that turned as deep as a scar. She wondered worried why the boy reacted to a compliment so flustered as if he had barely ever gotten a compliment before. "You are kind young person, thank you very much.", Senritsu said gently: "And there is no shame in buying too much, though believe me, you sure are never able to defeat one little lady I had accompanied on a shoppingtour as her bodyguard a few times. Would be a worthy challenge to try beat her record, I am sure. We can face that challenge as soon as you need to go shopping the next time, if you want." "Mhmmmm...If you do want to help me though- ",the Musician lifted a hand and tapped her fingers against her chin in a slow, thoughtful melody: "You might had noticed- My japanese is not the best and I have very big problems reading Kanji. If we go shopping, You occaisonally would need to translate for me." "...and maybe indulge me and showing me around the city so I can satisfy the horrible, horrible, horrible urge to be for once a very normal tourist. I know,I know, what a horrible cliche I am feeding. I am truely ashamed of myself ." The woman placed a small hand on her chest, sighing in overly dramatic shame and guilt that was too theatralic to be real. She lasted exactly five second before she looked up again, chuckling in all good humor over her own little act.

[lucy-dont-give-a-fuck]

Jet in the Fire Nation

While I was thinking on the Princess Usha AU (Fem!Zuko) I thought of Jet accompanying the gaang on their travels through the fire nation.

Yes, this will contain jetko, thankyou very much

In my particular version (only what I think, please check the tag and other users fics, THEY ARE AWESOME!) Jet doesn’t die and has a kind of relationship with Usha. When they fight Azula in the crystal catacombs she doesn’t go with her or the gaang, being separated as she tries to save aang and help all of them to escape. Jet and the freedom fighters escape with the gaang wich would mean he gets on the stolen fire nation ship and later goes to the fire nation.

I think this could be a great situation to explore his character, to develop him even more.

1) his relationships with Sokka and Katara:

This teens are now stucked together on a ship, what could go wrong? Tensions would be on an all high road, that plus the fact no one knows if aang is gonna survive and the sudden knowledge that Jet’s girlfriend was the firelord daughter and that she betray her whole ass nation.

Jet, who probably slowly had come to terms that not all firebenders are monsters (maybe Usha talked with him and made him realize that), would be so conflicted, maybe regressing into anger. This would be a great moment for him and Sokka to bond over beating the other. A good heart to heart fist fight. Maybe he ends up braking down and we get to see things from his perspective, the boy who’s family was murdered in fromt of his eyes and was fuled by hate, the boy that lost everything he had twice and when he makes a genuin conection, when he starts to see things over the haze of revenge and hate, she ends up being the daughter of the monster under the bed, the one who ordered her village to be destroyed. Sokka hates this guy, he is an asshole who broke his sister’s heart, who wanted to destroy a village, who was totally daranged, but now he sees him, broke down, weak, compleatly defeated. This makes him reconsider, to see things differently, after all, they are all in the same boat right? Now they can’t fight eachother, they need whoever can fight against the firelord on their side. With that in mind they start to bond, to comprehend eachother, they are not friends by any means but they have eachothers backs. Maybe he helps him to work through his PTSD? Being him to help him stay calm when they travel through the fire nation? making him remember this are civilians, not the enemy? Maybe becoming friends at the end of the journery????

On other hand we have Katara who HATES THIS DUDE GUTS and is on edge, like she never was. So at first she is openly hostile towards him, being coldly civil when needed and compleatly detesting how “friendly” his brother is towards Jet. Maybe it comes to a point that even Toph calls her out, she loves chaos but this is too much. It gets worse when Jet becomes actually helpful, wooing people to get out of problems, get information and cheper things/free things, when he starts befriending aang who gave him a second chance, when he and Sokka understand eachother. It all could explode with Hama, here is when shit hits the fan for both her and Jet.  For Jet, he realize he would have ended like Hama, they have more or less the same core story. Is this what he will become? This monster? Maybe he breaks down again having a fight with Katara has to confront the fact that Jet isn’t this two dimensional jerk that broke her heart and tried to flood a village, that he is a victim just like her and that if she continues her path she could end like him and Hama.  From here we could have them both start working things, both helping the other to heal while still being snarky and a bit hostile.

2) The fire nation

This guy, who’s village was wipe out, who saw his parents being murdered by fire benders, who spend big part of his life fighting against anyone of the fire nation, is now on enemy territory. Can you imagine how nerve wracking that must be? He would be on edge 24/7, waiting for the other shoe to drop, jumping everytime someone firebends. Now he has to confronts that these are real people, with emotions and lives, that they are not the enemy, maybe even getting angry and cofused with himself after some time not thinking about it, just interacting and living.  And then he starts to hear the stories about Usha. Here she isn’t the exiled princess who disrespected her father. Yes, she was exiled but no one knows why, her scarring is probably an open secret, everyone coming up with their own story. She is a hero, she stopped the slaughter of the 41st Division, she visited injured soldier, she was KIND.  He hears them and the pain of feeling betray, of knowing that she is the daughter of a monster, lessens, she is her own persona, she is different, she isn’t a monster. And later let’s add all the rumors about the princess returns, about the  sightings and the call to join the avatar and stop the fire lord. He sure is gonna kiss this woman when they meet again.

I just think this would be an excelent way to devolp him even more and make an interesting story.

[adhbabey]

I've been meaning to ask my mom for help because I am pretty sure I have ADHD. But, I am pretty scared she'll say it's because of internet influence and take away my phone (only thing that keeps me sane) or that I'm just cofused.

I came out to her as nb and she said

'I'm psychiatrist. You chose the pink [insert thing I don't remember] instead of the white one! You're a girl!!1! yOuRe JuSt CoNfUsEd!11!!!'

I'm scared she'll say the same about the ADHD issue. I'm failing school and I need help. My teachers are calling me lazy for God's sake!

So I came here for advice.

Should I still tell her?

(Btw sorry if this is long I'm just really conflicted)

Oh boy, she sounds like a huge mess.

Honestly, my mom is similar in the fact that she has denied me, she has denied the fact that I think I have it. She's always been like "you can't have it because you're different" and stupid shit like that.

I don't recommend throwing everything at her all at once especially since she's reacted negatively before. Plant the seed, ask her about family history with mental disorders first. Test the waters.

If she denies any sort of history or gets upset at the mention of things, hold back. Try talking with a school counselor and bring up executive dysfunction, and say how you relate to those symptoms, see what happens from there.

It's really unfortunate that sometimes you may not be able to get a diagnosis and that's not your fault. If it so happens that talking to people doesn't work, don't fret. There are plenty of coping mechanisms and stuff online that can help in ways right now.

You're no longer in the dark. The community is here and open. I recommend checking out blogs like adhd-alien for very informative n concise comics!!!

I'm sorry you have a very invalidating parent, and I'm sorry you have to be cautious. But you won't suffer forever. You're not alone.

[audiblesmirking]

erratic heartbeats ~chapter 4: coffee jelly~

⚠Minor Swearing⚠

Legend: "English unless stated otherwise" --- 'Thoughts' --- "Telepathically speaking" --- [Authors' Note]

==========

'Kusuo-san's relationship with Kaidou-san and Nendou-san is quite a peculiar one.' Azumi thought, watching through the gates of the school. She stopped her walk when she heard the voices of Kaidou and Nendou from the commotion they were creating. The duo was like a hurricane of noise, with the unfortunate Saiki caught in their gusts. The amount of uninterest on Saiki made Azumi question how he became close with the two.

His expressions almost brought her to be sympathetic of him–if it weren't for the fact his distress was caused by two of the people who offered to be her friend. She just met them a few days ago, so she wasn't in the position to fully judge the males' characteristics. Azumi isn't one to jump into conclusions about one's personality.

Saiki looked up and met Azumi's gaze, prompting the latter to send a polite wave, not wishing to come off as rude. She opt to turn and leave as soon as she was caught staring, but Saiki speedwalked to catch up to the psychic girl, leaving behind Kaidou and Nendou to question his urgent leave. He decided to use Azumi as an excuse for his getaway.

The abandoned two dismissed their friend's leave, an act which they rarely do because of how persistent they are, and resumed their light banter.

Once Saiki was pacing in line with Azumi, an awkward silence hanged in their air. 'Not this again.' Azumi internally groaned and complained while her companion was unfazed by the dull ambience. The girl took a peek at Saiki's usual stoic expression, stuffing her hands in the sewn-in hidden pockets she altered. Strangely, she found some comfort in his ease–or atleast, in the ease she think he's radiating. The way he doesn't mind Azumi's staring, or the barking of a dog nearby, or the wind brought about by the car that just drove by... now that she thinks of it... 'How nice.' Azumi felt warm. She was touched by the little act Saiki was making, walking next to her in a position nearer to the road.

Azumi smiled, but as she over analyzed her reaction, it gradually dropped. 'Oh dear, I didn't think I'd be this starved of affection.' She let out a petty laugh, accidentally. Saiki looked over at the mildly flustered female, who had a hand over her mouth, curious of the reason behind her sudden laughter. He stared at her, as if asking 'what she found funny'.

Azumi shook her head to show her companion the matter was trivial, and thought to change the subject. She racked her brain as they continue to walk towards their neighbourhood for any ideas. Coincidentally, the modest building of a convenience store came in view. 'It sure lives up to its name.' Azumi hid her smile, turning to the boy beside her. "I, uh, guess I'll see you tomorrow." 'Elaborate, Azumi.' "I'll just... go and buy something... in that store over there." She pointed and inched away towards the convenience store.

Saiki stopped when Azumi did, and watched as she stuttered on her words. He looked at where she was shyly gesturing. It was nothing out of the ordinary, a moderate-looking 7/11, until he read a sign put up on the glass. 'New arrival... 50% off on coffee jelly?!' His eyes subtly lit up and he walked past a cofused Azumi.

"Um.... okay, I guess... Atleast we changed the subject" She mumbled to herself, shrugging before following Saiki in.

'Coffee jelly, huh?' She heard her companion's thoughts, and she was intrigued. 'I've never tried that before. Kusuo-san seems to like it so much' Azumi tailed behind Saiki, until she froze and redirected her route. She walked through the aisles until she saw the coolers for beverages and ice cream. After grabbing her item, she searched for Saiki and found him in front of a shelf that was almost empty, save for a handful number of what Azumi assumes is coffee jelly.

'Ah, there are only two left.' Saiki thought, grabbing both. Just as he withdrew his hands, Azumi stopped beside him. She watched curiously as he looked over the label, making sure it is, indeed, coffee jelly. Saiki took note of her expressions. 'Either she doesn't have a preference over coffee jelly, or she's never tried it. It's more likely she hasn't had a taste of this because of how naïve she is to most of what Kaidou is bringing, but I'm only assuming.' He let out a silent sigh, before offering the second coffee jelly cup to Azumi.

The ends of her lips stretched upward, taking the cup from his bent hand. 'How considerate of you. Despite how much you love your coffee jelly and how scarce the stock is right now, you'd give me one, thinking spot on that this might be my first time trying coffee jelly.' Azumi looked at Saiki, her smile evident on her face. "Thanks."

•°●•°●•°●

'Chin, up... posture, straight... walk, dainty... and smile, pretty.' Teruhashi thinks, giving occasional waves to a few people she walks past. 'Perfect, Kokomi. You're the most perfect pretty girl in Japan–no, in the whole world!' The thought made her smile wider. She saw the 7/11 store she heard from one of her classmates, well, partially heard, she was too distracted with her own thoughts. Teruhashi heard about a sale, and decided to stop by on the way home.

She saw the sign for coffee jelly, but her eyes refocused on the scene behind the glass. 'Saiki Kunio?!' She didn't expect to see the only boy who hasn't reacted to her beauty–yet–in the same store she was heading to. 'This is great! I can finally make him say 'Oh'!–wait... who is...?' Teruhashi rejoiced, before lightly squinted her eyes, making sure to verify the identity of the person next to Saiki before jumping into conclusions.

'K-Kanasawa-san?!' Her eyes widened at the sight of Azumi beside Saiki, smiling at him while taking the last cup of coffee jelly from his hand. 'What–What are they doing together?! Are they on a date?!' So much for not jumping into conclusions.

Teruhashi felt a foreign emotion within her, locating vaguely in her stomach–or was it in her heart...? 'What is this? Am I hungry? Jealous? Or am I having a heart attack?' She was confused, wanting to put a label on this feeling so she can go home and search for ways to relieve it. It feels... weird... weird in a way she doesn't like. It makes her feel insecure, something that she's heard of but never experienced before–or atleast, not from her prior knowledge. Insecurity, to her, feels heavy around her chest, hinting the source to be at the heart. 'I'm jealous.' Teruhashi concluded, looking up and eyes following Saiki and Azumi as they walk towards the cashier.

'I'm jealous of Azumi... I can't believe it... ' Teruhashi snapped out, she was beginning to drown from the negative emotion. She hurriedly entered the store and went to grab a random item from the shelves in the room.

•°●•°●•°●

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Is this everything today?" Azumi filled her lungs with an inhale, ready to say out the words she recited over and over in her mind. "Are you using any coupons for today?"

...

'That... wasn't in the script' The panic lagged longer than usual, dread taking its place within Azumi as it waits to catch up. 'What am I supposed to respond to that again?'

"hah hah, what coupons?" She whispered idiotically, her mouth running faster than her mind.

The cashier looked at the girl in front of them as if they were witnessing a proposal in a public bathroom, eyebrow quirking at an angle. "I'll take that as a 'yes' to the first and a 'no' to the second, ma'am." Despite that, the cashier seemed friendly–or maybe they were just composed because they were still on the job–to continue to put up their smile. 'Ah, another one of those shy teenagers. Makes me wonder about that group of introverts early this afternoon.'

Azumi is ashamed at herself, wanting to be gobbled up by the very floor she is stepping on. She felt the eyes of both the cashier and her companion, and possibly another customer. 'Oh dear, just get this over with. I wanna go home.' From the corner of her eye, she saw Saiki slowly inching away. Azumi felt her chest drop before hearing another set of thoughts near her. 'Oh, so it was Teruhashi-san.' She thought Saiki was avoiding her because she just embarrassed herself a moment ago.

"Oh wow, what a coincidence!" Azumi was too distracted with her thoughts to have heard Teruhashi's, so it came as a slight surprise to see the attention-attracting girl in the same store as her. "What are you doing here, Saiki-kun?" Teruhashi tilted her head a bit to the side, wanting to add pretty points to her interaction with the boy.

The cashier bagged everything and Azumi gave the exact amount of money needed to pay. She turned to her companion, who was looking at her instead of the person who was currently talking to him. 'Come on, I know you don't like her presence, but atleast just say something.' Azumi walked over to Saiki, who was now next to the exit by how much he was subtly walking to get away from any more interactions.

Teruhashi felt Azumi approaching, but was too disheartened at Saiki's reaction to care much–however, she masked her expressions well. Instead, she faced Azumi, giving her a forced smile. "You're here too, Kanasawa-san?" 'No 'Oh'?! I can't believe it! Am I losing my charm?! No, no, that's not possible. But just in case, I should try it on the cashier. Yes... it's because of Saiki-kun, not me.'

"It's a surprise to see you as well, Kokomi-san." Azumi mentally reprimanded Saiki for making her groupmate doubt herself. Teruhashi realized Azumi was talking, snapping out from her thoughts only to catch the words '–well, Kokomi-san'. In response, Teruhashi simply forced out a small laugh. "Anyway, we'll be going now. See you tomorrow." Azumi waved and left together with Saiki.

Teruhashi internally panicked and hurriedly went to the cashier.

...

"What was that about Kusuo-san?" Azumi waited until they were in quite a distance from the store. "You completely ignored her. That was rude, in case you didn't know."

Surprised at her sudden switch of casualty from before entering the store, Saiki took a second to respond. "It's nothing." Simple as that. Azumi shrugged, understanding that he doesn't want to talk about it, and decided to switch the topic, although being a bit skeptical at his relationship with the popular girl.

"You don't really like talking much, do you?" The girl added, having only remembered enough times she heard him talk to count with one hand. "A shame, you have a nice voice." Azumi paid no mind to her sudden compliment, having accidentally said out loud her thoughts.

"Saiki-kun, wait for me!" They heard the exclaim of Teruhashi from a few meters behind them, leaving no room for Saiki to comment on his companion's words. The two stopped walking, but only Azumi turned to see Teruhashi jogging towards them. "It was a real coincidence to have seen you back there" She attempted to initiate conversation, deciding to temporarily ignore Azumi in hopes of getting a response from Saiki.

He ignored her, again, and turned to continue walking. Azumi deadpanned at the male's response. She trailed behind him, encouraging Teruhashi to follow suit. "Yeah, we were just on our way home, when we decided to stop by that convenience store" Azumi said once the pretty girl caught up beside her.

Her words pierced through Teruhashi's mind. "You two live near each other?" She wanted a confirmation to the new information, to which she received a nod. Teruhashi gave a contemplating and slow nod in return.

Saiki glanced behind him to subtly observe Azumi while she talks to Teruhashi. 'If she has powers similar to mine like telepathy, that explains why I've never seen her get startled even once, because she can hear other people's thoughts... including mine...' He returned his gaze to the path in front of him, partially ignoring the conversation happening behind him. 'But if she could hear my thoughts this whole time, why doesn't she respond whenever I try to telepathically talk to her. She isn't someone to ignore people she knows–atleast, from my perspective. There's also the case of her parents, the whole reason why I got intrigued in the first place.'

'Maybe she doesn't want other people to know.'

'Ah, getting suspicious now, Kusuo-san? I guess it's fine, we are both psychics after all.' Azumi smiled when Teruhashi reacted gleefully at her joke, giggling with a hand over her mouth. 'I'd probably tell him in time...  when I don't forget, that is'

==========

It's the first week of summer break, and usually people would go out on a vacation or enjoy the sun outside. However, contrary to what is accustomed by ordinary people, Azumi is seen inside her room. Her fingers are skillfully maneuvering the buttons and joysticks of her controller, playing one of the many games she brought with her from London. Driven by adrenaline, she slowly stands up, eyes glued on the screen.

'Come on...' She was alone in her home, a common situation she has grown used to. Her father was attending to an important patient of his, and her mother was holding an interview for new employees under their new branch here in Japan. Azumi's brother missed her call when she tried a while ago, most likely completing his thesis, as he was on his last year of completing his masterals. 'And... done.'

She sighed, placing her controller down next to the monitor, and raising her fingers to comb her hair. The screen displayed the words, 'Level Complete' in big and bold letters, with confetti sprinkled across the screen to congratulate the player.

Azumi was stretching her arms and back when a bang erupted from within the neighborhood, specifically in direction of the Saiki household. She hadn't expected the noise, having turned on her power-limiter, so she jolted. "what the fuck" She said under her breath, drawing the curtains and looking down on the house next door. Azumi fiddled with her ear cuff, the interior of Saiki's house coming in view, just as she witnessed Kusuo threaten to flick his finger at his father in a sort of joking way–atleast, she hopes it is. 'There's no way Kusuo-san would lead to such murderous ways.'

She continued to watch Kuniharu demand and complain, and Kusuo work to please. Azumi stayed quiet, leaning in her hand as it was propped on her windowsill, letting them solve the problem on their own, until Kurumi found out they were working with the wrong room. 'I stand corrected, Kusuo-san may have already lead to murder when he was at his lowest.' Azumi commented when Kusuo gave such a scary expression, the first she's seen of it coming from him.

'He should take a break.' Kusuo fixed the wall and left the two to deal with the same situation before he was ordered around. Azumi turned around after fiddling with her earring, the sight of her television and controller giving her an idea. 'That's it...'

•°●•°●•°●

"This is my room. There's the shelf for my books and there's the shelf for my video games." Azumi gestured around her room, letting Saiki familiarize himself. She didn't bother showing him around the house except for the bathroom, becasue she thought he wasn't interested in a tour, after all, she invited him for a couple rounds of 2v2 games. 'Hold on... does Kusuo-san even like playing video games?' She faltered on her walk to her monitor, turning to her guest.

"Do you play?" Azumi motioned her head to her console. "I was hoping to refresh my multiplaying skills." She didn't wait for his response before moving to plug in a second controller, having already read his thoughts.

Saiki approached the shelf for games and pulled one from one of the rows. This grabbed Azumi's attention, as she turned to read the title of the game he picked. "You want us to play that?" She asked for confirmation, turning on the screen and consoles. Saiki nodded and handed the case to Azumi. "It's been a while since I last played this, so you just might have a chance to have a win on our first game." She smirked at her words, excited to play with her neighbor.

Her reactions brought a small smile to Saiki's face, he liked the aura she gives off, a change from the two chaotic ones that hang around him. "I guess we'll see" He sat next to Azumi and the opening screen shone from the television.

==========

'If I can get closer to Azumi-san, I can hang out more with Saiki-kun! Then, I can finally hear him say 'Oh' to me.' Teruhashi schemed, walking towards the Kanasawa estate. She held an umbrella, the same one she was using when she first approached Saiki on the sidewalk, to shield her fair skin from the sun.

'Okay, just ring the intercom, Kokomi...' She hesitated, and she wondered why. 'We've been through the plan, just push that button' Teruhashi huffed when her body won't move. She looked around her to see if anyone's watching, and jabbed the handle of her umbrella on the intercom as quickly as she could to avoid any more postponing.

"what the fuck, Teruhashi" Azumi saw everything from the hallway in front of her room, having been from the kitchen to grab one of the coffee jellies she prepared last night.

She loved her first taste of the dessert, so much so that she bought the recipe from the restaurant who used to sell the most delicious of them, having also hired the same chef who created it to tutor her in the making of the decadent dessert. It was one of the times she decided to revel in her parent's riches.

Azumi placed down her cup in her room, before teleporting behind the double doors leading outside. She creaked open one of them, before walking to the gates where she could see Teruhashi smiling through and at her.

Teruhashi waited until she opened the gate to talk. "Good afternoon, Azumi-san! Since I happened to pass by, I was thinking we could hang out today." She beamed, closing her eyes and already expecting what the answer to be.

'By that I guess you mean worrying outside the gate to the point of slamming your umbrella on the intercom'

"H-Huh, um-umbrella? What do you mean, Azumi-san?" Teruhashi nervously asked, a finger scratching her cheek as if it suddenly became itchy.

'Oops, I guess I said it out loud' Azumi resisted the urge to sigh, and to slam the gate and go back to her awaiting coffee jelly, but that's not the issue here. "I guess I kind of saw you in front of my house while I was walking to my room." She pointed at the right side of the highest floor of her house, where her room was generally located. "But it's okay to be nervous, it's natural–"

"I wasn't nervous!" Teruhashi accidentally cut Azumi's sentence, her hand raised to join the other in holding the handle of her umbrella. "I mean—! Azumi-san, you seem more snarky than usual, are you doing okay today?" It was quick of her to change the subject.

The psychic shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I'm sorry if I seem that way, Kokomi-san. I'm not really in the mood right now." Azumi furrowed her brows, feeling a little apologetic at Teruhashi's efforts, but she doesn't like her intentions at all. "Maybe next time I could accompany you somewhere." She waits for Teruhashi's response before she can close the gate.

"What if we were to go to a café in town?" Teruhashi knew she liked sweets, so she hoped the idea of cake would convince Azumi out of her home. "I know a nice place."

Azumi almost sighed out loud. 'Knowing Teruhashi-san, she won't stop until I hang out with her.'

...

She wishes to be alone in her room, wearing loose and baggy clothes while playing her video games. Instead, she was sitting in a booth, looking out the window while Teruhashi states their order to the waitress. 'It would have been fine if you invited me because you actually like my presence, and not because I'm standing in your way of wooing Kusuo-san.' Azumi knew it would be suspicious to voice out her complaints, so she made sure to keep her thoughts to herself this time.

Once the waitress left to go get their food, Teruhashi faced Azumi. "You look great today, Azumi-san!" She suddenly beamed, trying to start their conversation. When Azumi was about to thank her, Teruhashi continued. "Say, when did you move into your neighbourhood? You haven't talked about that to me yet."

'Might as well just go with it.' Azumi exhaled through her nose. "A few days before our first day of school, our new house renovation finished and we flew here from London after hearing the news." Teruhashi nodded, wanting to indicate that she was listening. "My parents hit it off with Kusuo-san's parents on the same day we moved in. I didn't know he'd be my classmate when school started. It was such a coincidence."

'She's already on first name basis...' Kokomi noted, and just as Azumi finished her talk, the waitress came in with their cake. 'I cant believe they're already this close.' The two of them thanked their server, before continuing. "I see... So, how's your summer break going? Have you gone to somewhere for vacation?"

At the sight of the cake, Azumi seemed to have blurred everything except for the sweet in front of her. She ate her first bite, then her second immediately after. For someone who has a sweet tooth, this is Azumi's first time to have a taste of strawberry shortcake. She was so indulged in her cake, that she hadn't heard of her companion's words.

'She looks kind of cute when she eats sweets...' Teruhashi mentally commented, before realizing her thoughts. 'What–What am I talking about?! She does not–' Azumi saw Kokomi's unmoving form, and grew conscious if her staring.

'Is there something on my face?' She subtly wiped the surroundings of her mouth, nervously smiling at her. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"A-Ah, it's nothing important." Teruhashi waved her hands to add emphasis, before grabbing her own fork. "I was just curious on how Kanasawa Azumi's life goes." She smiled down on her cake, poking a little before slicing.

Azumi looked at Teruhashi, mixed emotions bubbling within her at what to think of the pretty girl. 'She just needs someone to truly call a friend. She needs someone to help her discover new feelings and reactions, which is why she found it hard to cope with Kusuo-san's reaction.'

Azumi returned Kokomi's smile. 'And I guess that's where we are alike; our ignorance, specifically towards unfamiliar emotions and interactions.'

'And I hope we can help each other fix that.'

==========

"Haaah... not again."

Atsuhiro sighed, grabbing the attention of his friend. "Hmm? What's got you down so suddenly?" Kusuke shifted his gaze from one document to another, not bothering to turn and look at his companion.

The two young geniuses sat in swivel chairs in front of their respective desks that enables them to sit back to back. They had their own laboratory that serves as their office as well. Rich enough to afford their own spacious rooms, they decided to share one that is as wide as a whole floor of their building, because as they reason, 'to maximize intellectual cooperation and to minimize little mistakes'.

They may be friends, but their pursuit of technology and intelligence always goes first for them, which is why Kusuke asked 'what was wrong' in light of caution more than concern.

"I missed another one of Azumi's calls." The mention of the girl's name grabbed the attention of Kusuke, who placed down the papers in his hands and turned to watch his friend's reactions. "I guess she called while I was in the Botany department." Atsuhiro had his brows furrowed, guilty of having let down his sister again.

"I mean, she knows we're normally this busy. She's grown used to it by now." Kusuke is never one for sentiment, he lacks empathy for it, but he tried to to comfort his friend, nevertheless. "Azumi knows you're occupied with your research and thesis."

"I appreciate your efforts at consoling me, but this is more than a missed call for me." Atsuhiro placed his phone down, turning but not fully to face Kusuke. "I'm afraid she's gotten used to being alone." He was about to talk more, but stopped. The thought of oversharing plaguing his mind.

"Well, how about you hack into her monitor and talk to her there? You know she's likely to be playing."

Atsuhiro faced Kusuke, looking at him as if he has mutated to grow another head. "Are you crazy?!" Kusuke was about to open his mouth to speak when his friend shut him up. "Don't answer that." He glared. "She might kill me. You know how engrossed she becomes when playing video games."

Atsuhiro turned his back at Kusuke, attempting to get back to work. "You should worry about your own little psychic." He changed the topic. "Your design for his power limiter is horrible. Change it."

Kusuke laughed at this. "What, you don't like his antennas?"

"They were so hideous, he went as far as mind-controlling people to think it's normal."

"Oh well"

==========

"Ah, Kuu-chan. Azumi-chan stopped by a while ago and wanted me to give you this."

Kusuo walked towards his mother as she holds up a colorful paper bag. He furrowed his eyebrows lightly, taking it from his mother's hands. For some reason, he couldn't see through the material of the paper, but soon remembered it was from Azumi. "Thanks." He opened the bag after untying the ribbon.

'Hmm?' Kusuo's eyes widened, he raised the clear container than encased the most lavish-looking coffee jelly he has ever seen to make sure he wasn't imagining anything. The plastic had lightly fogged, most likely because the dessert was straight from a refrigerator. There were two more of the coffee jelly in the paper bag, together with a note. Kusuo placed the dessert he was holding down to read the letter.

'to make up for the coffee jelly you gave me last time...

not to brag or anything, but I made these myself B-)'

He appreciated her efforts greatly, smiling to himself as he scooped a spoonful of his coffee jelly, and Kusuo was in bliss.

'Delicious.'

----------

|A/N|

a long chapter after a long wait. however, if you want updates a day early, I draft my work at ao3, then follow-up with the rest of the platforms I post this story.

my humor cannot match up to the anime's because it's filled with angst and sadness, but I'll do my best :)))

discuss plot holes of "erratic heartbeats" with me! @ the link in my bio.