#She's cooking up something so mysterious and intriguing i just KNOW it

[saltycryptid]

"You know, I've been catching myself smiling more lately."

🥺🥺 shadowheart is everything to me tbh,,, 💖💖

[headachecat]

Would love to see your Rook dealing with any jealousy/insecurity about Neve and Lucanis flirting if you believe it would exist. This is my obsession. My MW Rook looks up to Neve almost as much as Bellera does and had been flirting with Lucanis and then realises they are flirting and is like. Well I've got no chance. But is also devastated.

I keep playing in my head my Rook withdrawing and giving them space to be respectful and Lucanis being entirely oblivious and confused and ways it is resolved

There was a way about Neve that made your heart flutter in your chest. For some, it was the insecurity she brought to light with her talk, as if she knew all the secrets your mind was hiding before you were even aware of them yourself. For others, it was the blush she evoked on their cheeks with a confident flirt, fully aware of all her traits and the effect they could have if used properly. But for Rook? Well, for Rook, it was the intrigue of her smart talk, her mind, and all the things she held so much knowledge about.

In the midst of the chaos that spurned around them ever since the collapse of the ritual, there were stolen moments of respite where they exchanged their favourite pieces of information — random facts, obscure history, fragments of thought that felt too precious to waste. Rook found herself captivated, caught between wanting to learn more and marvelling at Neve’s sharp wit and how it made everything feel significant. She could make a passing comment about an old text, an anecdote about an ancient discovery, or even a sharp critique of a flawed argument, and Rook would be left reeling, turning the words over in her mind long after. She could have picked Neve’s brain apart for hours. But there was always something eluding her, something hidden, untouched, unshared – a mystery that lingered just out of reach. Something Rook just couldn’t uncover. Maker knows they flirted here and there, but it all soon faded away with the arrival of newer additions to the party. The camaraderie shifted, new bonds formed, and those playful exchanges became fewer, buried beneath the weight of their shared mission. It wasn’t the first time Rook found herself pushing romance away for the greater cause, and it would probably not be the last. There was always a battle to fight, a crisis to resolve, and a part of her had come to accept that her own desires would always take a backseat to the larger picture. There would be an appropriate time for the right connection, she told herself – maybe after the Gods were dead, when the world wasn’t teetering on the edge of destruction. Such is life, and she never gave it a second thought. Until Lucanis.

It was the small things. The tiny acts of service that Rook held so close and so dear to her heart. The thoughtful notice of her favourite drink, set aside just for her. The breakfast left by her seat at the kitchen table on mornings when she barely had the energy to rise. An extended hand to help her cross a fallen bridge, steady and unwavering. He was always there, always steady and caring, with a quiet kind of affection that spoke louder than words ever could.

So, she cared in return. She cared deeply and truly, as she found herself looking for him whenever time allowed, just to see the corners of his mouth lift in a smile that softened her world. She lingered near while he cooked, not just to watch, but to lend a hand where she could and to help him clean as he worked his way through his recipes. She made sure to give back the love he so willingly poured into others, crafting small moments of her own to show him he mattered. A new edition of his favourite novel hidden under his pillow, for when he couldn’t sleep. A story told just to make him laugh, as he covered his face in amusement. And when she caught the faint glimmer in his eye – a quiet sense of ease, a glimpse of comfort that told her he felt at home with her—her heart swelled.

One afternoon, she felt herself falling for him, as she came by the pantry to collect his empty cups. He greeted her with a soft smile, the kind that warmed her more than she cared to admit, and thanked her for her help as they carried the dishes to the sink. Without a word, as if guided by instinct, Lucanis reached for a piece of bread and a jar of honey from the shelf. His hands moved deftly, spreading the honey and slicing a few pieces of fruit, placing them neatly atop the bread. It wasn’t elaborate, but it was thoughtful.

‘Here,’ he said, offering the plate to her with a gentle tilt of his head. ‘You’ve kept busy today. You should eat something.’

‘I wish I could take you home after all this,’ she joked, resting her hip against the counter with a teasing grin, as she tasted the fruit. ‘Would you consider becoming my personal chef? Although, it would pay less than your current occupation, I suppose.’

Lucanis chuckled faintly, drying his hands on a rag, but his next words came quieter, as if he was speaking more to himself than to her. ‘Letting me take care of you would be enough of a payment.’

The air shifted between them as he looked up, his gaze holding hers for a second longer than usual. His eyes scanned her face, searching – perhaps for her reaction, perhaps for reassurance, or maybe even rejection. His lips parted slightly, as though he wanted to say more, but uncertainty lingered in the silence, holding his next words at bay. For now. That was enough for Rook. She smiled widely, tilting her head with a lighthearted wonderment that softened the tension. There was no need to push, no need to rush. She would wait until the words became clear for him, however long it took. And in the long run, it was the words exchanged between Neve and Lucanis that Rook started to notice first. The soft tease hidden beneath the guise of casual conversation. The laughter that lilted through the air, over-the-shoulder banter exchanged as the two playfully flirted with each other during their travels. It was effortless, natural, and it tickled in a way Rook couldn’t quite name. It was something she and Lucanis had never shared. Something, perhaps, she was waiting for. 

She didn’t worry much; it wasn’t like her. It was more of a quiet, bittersweet acceptance she felt deep within her chest, because how could she fault him? She had fallen under Neve’s spell too, after all. So how could he not?

But the feeling lingered deep inside her. She longed to see him, to talk, to touch. No one had made her feel the quiet yearning, the timeless depth of affection that grew stronger with each shared moment. Rook had always loved deeply, with a steady and enduring strength, and now was no different. There was little to do but make it clear.

The party stepped through the Eluvian, the echoes of their shoes radiating around them in a cacophony of dull, resounding thuds. ‘Where. Are. Lucanis and Darin. When we. Fight. Antaam,’ Rook groaned, dragging herself to the nearest stone column and collapsing against it, her staff clattering to the floor beside her. She could feel every single bone in her body protesting, her muscles aching with exhaustion as though they might simply refuse to carry her any further.

Neve, still catching her breath, let out a soft, relieved laugh. ‘They’re probably at each other’s throats somewhere. Care for me to find them?’ she offered, brushing back a loose strand of hair from her damp forehead. Bellara, looking no less worse than her companions, heaved a sigh as she trudged to the Lighthouse entrance door and pushed it open, leaning heavily against the frame for support. ‘The only relationship I’m interested in tightening right now is the one between my head and the pillow’ she muttered. Rook winced as she straightened herself with great effort, her legs groaning under the weight of her own body. ‘I got it,’ she said, brushing herself off. ‘They are probably in the kitchen. Need to find myself a bite to eat regardless. And some bandages.’ Neve followed closely behind, her tone carrying that unmistakable smirk. ‘And some Lucanis.’

Rook paused, glancing up at her with a weary chuckle. Of course, Neve knew. She always did. There was no use in hiding anything from her – not that Rook ever had much success in trying. ‘If I’m the lucky one, huh?’ she shot back, raising an eyebrow playfully. Neve shrugged, her lips quirking into a knowing smile as she looked down at Rook, her tone light and teasing. ‘Luck is what you make it, Rook!’ she said with a wink before turning and ascending the stairs.

But the mirror claimed the opposite. Rook caught a glimpse of herself as she passed the reflection in the hallway on her way to the courtyard exit. Her hair was tangled and streaked with blood, her face bruised, and her armor scuffed and torn in places, crying out for repair. She made a mental note to drop it off with Harding before heading out again. Maker, she looked disgusting, and definitely most unlucky. The kind of worn-down, battered appearance that would make anyone else wince. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to care – not after the day she’d had.

Her feet carried her further through the courtyard, her boots crunching against the gravel. The kitchen loomed ahead, a safe haven she desperately needed. She placed her hand gently against the cool steel door, ready to push it open, but paused, her ears catching the sound of voices drifting from within. She couldn’t make out the words at first, only the soft, muffled rhythm of conversation. The tone was light, familiar. It wasn’t loud enough to be an argument, nor strained enough to be serious. Something about it made her pause, her hand still resting on the door, as if some part of her wasn’t quite yet ready to step inside. 

‘Lamp oil. Everything stank of burnt tentacles for miles after.’ Davrin’s voice sounded relaxed. Amused, even? That alone peaked Rook’s curiosity. She stepped into the kitchen, her shoes making a soft scuff against the worn wooden floor as her eyes adjusted to the dim light inside.

‘Rook!’ The Warden turned towards the entrance, a bottle of wine swaying precariously in his grasp. Lucanis sat beside him, lounging comfortably, a cup nestled in his hands as though it had always belonged there. His usual cautious demeanour seemed to soften under the warm haze of the drink. Rook approached them slowly, her hands settling on her hips with a hint of playful reproach. She couldn’t stop the side smile creeping onto her lips. ‘If the two of you were going to open a bottle, you might have told me first.’

Lucanis looked up at her, meeting her gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. She could feel a comfortable warmth spilling over her heart, a gentle pull in her chest as she studied his big, brown, yet currently murky eyes. They were soft, unfocused in a way that made her smile, and for a heartbeat, it felt like she was the only one in the room.

‘It’s not a good bottle,’ Davrin’s jest broke the moment, drawing Lucanis’ attention away. The Crow blinked slowly, clearly unfazed, and gestured towards the pantry. ‘Might have to pick up a supply. I have a feeling we’ll need it.’ Rook nodded, the smile lingering on her lips as she turned on her heel, her feet dragging just slightly as she made her way to the shelves. She reached for the first bottle of wine her fingers brushed against, not even bothering to check the label. ‘Is anyone else hungry? Maybe I should cook something?’ Lucanis’ remark made her chuckle under hear breath. Even under the influence, he couldn’t help himself.

Davrin cleared his throat, shifting in his chair and getting comfortable once more. His gaze darted toward her, completely ignoring the question hanging in the air. ‘What about you, Rook? What’s the worst job you’ve ever been on?’

‘You’re familiar with how this whole thing came about, right?’ Rook’s voice was steady as she moved about the kitchen, the sounds of utensils and the clink of ceramic hurting her ears. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure her companions were both listening, then turned back to continue her search. It took a minute before she began preparing a plate. ‘Well, after today’s Antaam encounter, I’m not sure that was my worst one anymore,’ she continued, a touch of weariness creeping into her tone. It was a quiet admission, though her hands worked efficiently in preparation. It took a moment longer to finish, but she eventually gathered the plate and made her way back to the corner of the room.

‘Sometimes it’s good to put things into perspective,’ Lucanis spoke up, his voice soft but thoughtful as he swirled the cup in his hands, watching the wine spin and settle within. ‘Especially if it’s funny,’ Davrin added with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the lightheartedness of the moment. He began shifting things around on the table to make space for Rook’s plate. Rook couldn’t help but humour them, her lips curling into a small smile as she set the plate down in front of them. She chuckled along, though her voice held a playful edge. ‘So. My suffering entertains you. Got it.’ 

‘You joining us, then?’ Davrin’s gaze followed her movement with a sudden interest, his eyes flicking over her as if weighing the possibility. His thumb rested against his lips, caressing it in a barely noticeable way. Rook winked at him teasingly in response. 

‘Fine, I’ll cook something if Rook’s staying,’ Lucanis declared suddenly, getting up with surprising speed. He moved forward, standing face to face with Rook, his eyes widening as she extended a smaller plate towards him. He looked down, his brow furrowing slightly as if trying to focus. ‘It’s some cheese and olives. And bread, with olive oil. I heard that’s how you eat it in Treviso,’ she said, her voice quiet and tender. She smiled gently, the warmth in her offer softening further as she added, ‘You mentioned you were hungry.’ 

Lucanis met her eyes, as he reached out to take the plate from her hands. His touch was gentle, and Rook couldn’t help but notice the quiet, polite gratitude in his movements. Her heart began to beat faster. She kept up the eye contact, just to relish the feeling. Maker, he was simply everything.

Lucanis nodded with a whisper, ‘Please, do.’

‘Rook’s story first. Then Lucanis owes me one about this contract on a bronto,’ Davrin said, shifting in his seat, his tone playful, but insistent, drawing their attention back to him once more. Rook raised an eyebrow, and threw him the bottle of wine with a practiced toss. ‘Mierda, that bronto,’ Lucanis muttered as he sat down, dipping a piece of bread into the olive oil with great care. 

The hours passed quickly, as they so often do with drink as company, each sip loosening their tongues and sharpening their tease.The room felt warmer, more comfortable, as the trio moved about, shifting seats and sharing stories. Davrin took a chance to demonstrate the time he had to lift a log by attempting to pick up both Lucanis and Rook at the same time. He breathed out exaggerated grunting noises as he did so, struggling with effort, and the room filled with laughter, carrying their chatter out the window and drawing in curious wisps. When he finally set them back down, the world felt a bit more chaotic, and it was unclear who sat where in the jumble of limbs and shouts. In the end, Rook found herself sharing the two-seater with Lucanis, their proximity natural and expectant, as though they’d fallen into this arrangement a hundred times before.

She could feel Lucanis’ presence closer, the subtle warmth of it pressing against her as she settled into the comfort of the company. The sweetness of the wine clouded her senses, soothing the edges of her fatigue, and she needed it – the reprieve, the breathe it allowed her to take. Somewhere along the line, she’d taken off her covering, unbuckling the straps of her belt and letting the weight of it slide off her shoulders. The casual robes she wore now felt infinitely more comfortable, a sign of surrender to the simple pleasures of the evening. Lucanis observed her in silence, his eyes flickering over the discarded pieces of clothing on the floor, as if they were the most intriguing thing in the world. Resting her tired feet up on the table, she let her body sink into the chair, eyes closing for a moment as she sighed deeply, a soft longing for peace washing over her. Without thinking, she shifted slightly, her head finding its place against Lucanis’ shoulder.

Davrin stretched lazily, lifting his legs to rest them on the table as well. He carefully moved Rook’s feet aside, settling them gently on his lap so as not to disturb her. The gesture was effortless, natural, and somehow just another part of the delicate balance of their shared space, like the room itself had drawn them closer into this small, peaceful circle.

Rook’s gaze almost unconsciously traced Davrin’s chest, up to his neck, and finally to his lips. It was a brief moment, but her thoughts didn’t linger there for long. They drifted instead to Lucanis, to the buttons of his vest, the way the fabric sat perfectly tailored against waist, and how the collar teased the line of his neck. And then, perhaps it was the wine. Perhaps it was the effortless charisma that always seemed to radiate from Davrin. Perhaps it was the sensation of Lucanis’ hand resting just a little too close to her own, his fingers brushing against her knuckles softly, as though the touch became an extension of the comfort he offered. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the silence itself – the way it stretched between the three of them for just a moment too long, breaking the shackles of Rook’s heart and loosening her tongue. ‘Davrin, what does flirting mean to you?’ she asked. Lucanis lifted his head suddenly, and Rook could feel his gaze tracing the curve of her features. She pulled a strand of hair from her cheek,  giving herself a moment of focus as she tried to steady her pulse, which was now racing beneath her skin.

‘How come?’ Davrin rested his head against his hand, clearly entertained by the turn in the conversation. Rook smiled, her heart skipping a beat, feeling Lucanis’ hand twitch slightly against her own, as though her words had sparked something in him, too. ‘Well,’ she started, ‘you flirt with me, and others, ceaselessly. And since we’ve had our… talk about where we stand, you’ve got me intrigued.’ The words hung between them, half teasing, half serious, as her gaze met Davrin’s. The Warden chuckled with a low sound. He patted her shin affectionately before leaning forward, his eyes gleaming.

’I suppose there’s an element of fun that comes with it. It eases the tension. It brings people closer, instantly.’ He paused, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing something more intimate. ‘But there’s also a certain amount of freedom to it. No promises are made, and yet it brings a promise of something more, if both parties wish it. A bond is made, even if it’s just through, or for, the thrill of the chase.’

‘Something more…’ Rook repeated, her lips curling into a smirk. She turned the cup in her hand  absentmindedly, before taking a sip, feeling the warmth of the wine trickle through her as she thought about his words. 

Davrin’s eyebrow lifted for a brief moment, his gaze shifting as he observed Rook’s position with a quiet, knowing smile. He took in the loose strands of hair cascading over Lucanis’ shoulder, the way her fingers were subtly tensing under the Crow’s instinctive touch, and the way her head had leaned slightly to the side. The scene was unfolding in a way that was hard to ignore.

With a slight shift, Davrin’s hand fell to Rook’s leg with a quiet slap, the motion deliberate but light, as though making a point. ‘I’m not the only one here with a talent,’ he remarked, his voice laced with amusement. His eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. ‘The Crow over there has some interested parties swooning over his tactics.’

Rook corrected herself, sitting up straighter to face Lucanis, who’s eyes widened slightly at the mention. ‘That’s a good way of putting it. Tactics,’ Lucanis said, his voice tinted with hesitation. The Crow let out a short laugh, his hand running up the back of his neck as though trying to smooth over the unease that had settled in.

Rook turned toward him, bending one leg beneath her thigh to face him more directly. There was a small, quiet hesitation before she placed her hand gently on his shoulder, offering him a soft gesture of reassurance. Lucanis closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking in her touch, as if savouring the connection. ‘I’m not very… practiced,’ he confessed. ‘All I know about flirting is what the Crows taught me. And perhaps a few serials.’

Rook exchanged quick glances with Davrin, who looked just as intrigued. She leaned in closer, her voice teasing but filled with curiosity as she spoke, ‘Yeah, I’m going to need some details on that.’ The Crow looked up at her, his expression still a bit embarrassed, but also a little resigned to the conversation now.

Davrin took the opportunity to pick up the wine bottle with an exaggerated flourish, and took a few slow sips, his eyes never leaving Lucanis. ‘Flirting is an effective way to gain information. To blend in. To gain someone’s trust. Everything a Crow needs on a job. Naturally, the art of romance is one of the chapters taught to us. I’m no exception.’ Lucanis muttered, drinking from his cup, trying to deflect. Rook shook her head, tilting it in a drunken haze. ‘So it means nothing to you?’

‘I know the talk. I am rather inexperienced in the play itself,’ Lucanis looked at her, as he put his cup down on the table. ‘It’s complicated. There are moments when I catch myself in the act, as if it was an instinct. Years of training will do that to you. My mouth speaks before my mind thinks and I often find myself surprised by my own actions.’

A beat. ‘But the real thing… A real display of one’s affection…’ He held Rook’s gaze. ‘I believe I’m still figuring it out.’

Davrin slapped his thighs, before getting up with vigour,  ‘Right. So the Crow flirts by accident is what I’m hearing.’

Rook blinked, her eyes searching Lucanis’ for a moment. There was a level of peace in his expression, usually overshadowed by the daily struggles they went through. A steady calm in-between the passing storms, unbothered and certain, like never before. Rook could hear Davrin’s footsteps against the stone floor, and a creak of the door. A pretend yawn, before a certain goodnight. She couldn’t be more thankful for his tact in that moment. 

‘Have you done it with me?’ She lowered her tone, as if sharing a secret just between Lucanis and her. The Crow matched the slowly blooming intimacy, his hand running up to his neck again. A chuckle left his throat, echoing against the empty walls of the kitchen. 

‘I think you would know if I had. The Antivan approach can be unmistakably direct,’ he kept up Rook’s gaze like never before. There was nothing except for the two of them anymore. Nothing, but the words shared, no energy wasted.

‘No, I mean the real thing,’ Rook moved closer. She studied Lucanis’ face for any trace of hesitation, anything that could suggest he wished for her to pull back. She was met with a kind smile, as his eyes traced away with his thoughts. 

’Rook… I’m not sure I–‘

‘I wouldn’t mind it.’ His eyes returned to her face, dark and gleaming in the candlelight. Rook could feel herself smirk ever so slightly. ‘In case you’ve ever wondered. Or considered. Me.’ Lucanis’ brow furrowed just a little bit, as he looked down to notice her hand on his own. Rook breathed out, a tinge of nervousness creeping into her mind. How long has she been holding his hand? ‘I care for you, Lucanis. I thought you might… want to know. Forgive me,’ she added, letting go. But then, she froze for just a moment. Her breath caught, and hesitation washed over her, as if the moment had suddenly grown too large to hold. She reached up, her fingers touching Lucanis' chest. Beneath her fingertips, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, each thump clear and reassuring. She observed how the material of his vest bent subtly under her touch, as though it, too, was yielding to her presence, allowing her to close the distance between them.

Lucanis took a slow breath, then another, his chest rising and falling beneath her hand, his eyes half-lidded as he watched her. Rook smiled widely at the simple, intimate sensation. She felt an unexpected flutter in her stomach but before she could let the silence settle too deeply, she felt his hand rise, gentle and certain.

His fingers cupped her palm, holding it lightly just above his heart. Lucanis’ lips parted, as if he was on the verge of saying something. Yet, Rook wasn't certain she could bear the weight of whatever words he was about to offer – perhaps it was too soon, or perhaps it was too much to be said aloud.

Unable to hold his gaze any longer, she closed her eyes, taking a breath to steady herself, and slowly, she let go of his grasp. She rose to her feet, but to her surprise, his hand followed her, his fingers wrapping around her knuckles with his usual tenderness. As he stood up with her, there was no rush, no urgency. ‘I care for you, Rook,’ he said softly. ’Thank you for… this.’ 

She chuckled quietly, squeezing his hand once more before letting go.

‘My pleasure,’ she whispered back, her voice soft and carrying a quiet weight. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, but it shifted, pulled toward the door. With careful steps, she made her way toward the exit, her footsteps muted on the floor, as if the world around her had momentarily paused. As she reached the threshold, she stopped, her fingers brushing against the doorframe, and glanced over her shoulder, her eyes finding Lucanis once again.

He was smiling.

And that was always more than enough.

[moonstruckmoony]

MCtober2024 - Introduce your MC!

I'm well aware I'm one week behind but this is literally the earliest I could finish this.. (moony crawling from the depths of irl problems) lol better late than never right? I'll try my best to catch up! · · ─────── ·❄ ❅ ❆· ─────── · · Winter Blackstone A 6th-year Ravenclaw, Winter Blackstone is quite the name at Hogwarts—mainly because she enrolled very late, took down a troll on her first day (as one does), and is known to mysteriously disappear between classes. Where to? Only Merlin knows. She’s also credited with helping stop Ranrok’s plans, though how big of a role she played remains a bit of a mystery to the students.

Winter’s mother, a Slytherin and skilled Curse-Breaker, tragically passed away when Winter was just 9 years old. Her father, though a Squib, is deeply knowledgeable about the wizarding world and has ensured Winter never felt out of place when it came to magic.

FAVORITE / HATED SUBJECTS? Winter’s top subjects are Potions, Ancient Runes, and Magical Theory—no surprises there for a curious Ravenclaw. But if you ask her about Arithmancy? That’s where you’ll hear a groan. While the concept and the theory behind it intrigues her, she absolutely avoids anything to do with numbers.

“I’m already so late to the world of magic, and now I’ve got to deal with numbers too? No, thank you!” she’s often heard saying. Yet, despite her complaints, Ominis constantly reminds her that she’s never scored a P, D, or T in Arithmancy—something he can’t say about his Potions work.

Her favorite professors? None other than Dinah Hecat, Aesop Sharp, and of course, the late Eleazar Fig.

SCHOOL CLUB Because of her late admission, Winter has little time for clubs—though she makes an exception for Crossed Wands. It’s the perfect way for her to sharpen her dueling skills, and she relishes every moment. PETS Winter has two cherished companions: Khione, her Barn Owl, and Snowball, her playful white golden retriever. Snowball was a gift from her father when she was 11, meant to lift her spirits after she didn’t receive her Hogwarts letter, leading her to believe she was a Squib. Little did she know, her letter would come at age 15, changing everything. Thanks to Professor Fig, she was given a nab-sack to sneak Snowball to Hogwarts, keeping him close even in her busy schedule. After a bit of help from Sirona at the Three Broomsticks following the troll attack, Snowball found a cozy spot to stay while Winter was in class. But when Professor Weasley introduced her to the Room of Requirement—well, Snowball ended up with a far more magical home within Hogwarts! Naturally, that little secret is kept under wraps. HOBBIES Winter has a passion for cooking, especially dishes from all around the world. As a child, she traveled extensively with her mother due to her mother’s unique Curse-Breaking work. Everywhere they went, Winter was enchanted by the local cuisine, jotting down recipes and experimenting when she got home. Now, in Hogwarts, she often recreates dishes like baozi, frikadeller, paella, oyakodon, and to Amit’s delight—Indian curry.

She frequently invites her friends to the Room of Requirement for her culinary experiments and is always on the lookout for rare ingredients. Thanks to her mother’s connections scattered in different parts of the world, Winter manages to have specific ingredients occasionally sent to her via owl.

[cool-fancier]

A Secret Affair

Synopsis:You can’t get enough of your brother’s Girlfriend ;)

Seoul's buzzing energy served as a backdrop to the complicated web of relationships that linked Y/N, Howl, and Bada. The three had a special closeness that went to the usual brother-sister interaction. Howl, the lively and dynamic older brother, had recently introduced the love of his life, Bada, to the family.

Bada was a force to be reckoned with, a confident and seductive woman who seemed to effortlessly command attention. You couldn't deny the magnetic pull you felt towards Bada, a curiosity that seemed to grow stronger with each glance she sent her way. The more you watched your brother's girlfriend, the more you were captivated with Bada's attractiveness.

When the entire family gathered at Howl's classy flat, it was a typical evening. Laughter filled the air as they told stories and ate a home-cooked lunch. You were sitting across from Bada and couldn't stop staring at the mysterious woman. The more you looked, the more you became drawn to Bada's confidence and irresistible attractiveness.

As the night progressed, Bada's dark eyes met yours from across the room. You were taken aback and quickly averted your sight, feeling a rush of warmth run across your cheeks. You chuckled uneasily, attempting to dismiss the severity of the situation. Little did you know, Bada had noticed the subtle glances and was intrigued by the shy yet alluring energy coming from you.

When Bada leaned in to whisper something into Howl's ear, your mood changed. You couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity mingled with jealousy. What secrets did they share? Before you could think about it, Bada rose up and walked towards you.

"Hey, Y/N!" Bada's voice was like a symphony, sending thrills down your spine. You raised your head, mesmerised by the depth in Bada's dark brown eyes. "Mind if I steal you away for a moment?"

You muttered, caught off guard, "Uh, sure, Bada."

Bada smiled warmly, her lips painted in a colour that matched her confidence. "Great! Let's go upstairs to your room. We should get to know each other better."

You couldn't shake the electric thrill that surged through you as Bada led you upstairs to your room. The air between you two was packed with an unsaid tension, an obvious energy that grew stronger with each stride. Bada's warm and welcome laughter echoed in the corridor as you entered the room, the door softly closing behind you.

"Nice place you've got here," Bada said, a lighthearted glance about the room.

"Thanks," you said, your heart pumping in your chest. The setting seemed unreal, a secret encounter with the potential to change everything.

Bada sat on the bed's edge, her stare never leaving yours. "So, Y/N," she started, her voice a seductive tune that sent thrills up your spine, "tell me more about yourself."

You took a deep breath, attempting to gather your thoughts. "Well, there isn't much to say. "I'm just a regular person navigating the chaos of Seoul life."

Bada leaned back, her elbows supporting her up, a cheeky smirk on her lips. "Regular, you say?" I doubt that."

You squirmed at the mocking sparkle in her eyes, yet you couldn't resist the magnetic pull that drew you closer to her. As you told her about your life, Bada responded by sharing aspects of herself that were as compelling as her mysterious aura.

The conversation flowed naturally, moving from light joking to more meaningful things. You found yourself opening up in ways you hadn't anticipated, a vulnerability that only deepened the connection between you and Bada.

"So, what's the deal with you and Howl?" You inquired, her tone becoming a bit more serious

She paused, unsure how much to reveal. "We're close, but he doesn't need to know everything."

For a brief period, Bada's gaze stayed on yours, and you felt a silent understanding move between you. It was a dark dance, one that thrived away from prying eyes.

Days became nights, and the secret encounters with Bada became a thrilling custom. You and Bada went like modern-day rebels, your bond growing stronger with each stolen moment. Your secret affair took place against the scenery of the the city, with its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers.

Bada suggested a late-night adventure one evening as the sun set below the horizon, spreading a warm warmth across the city. You two ended up on the rooftop of an abandoned building, the cityscape rolling out before you like a sea of glittering lights.

"Isn't this amazing?" Bada pondered, her gaze fixated on the bustling city below. "It's like we're on top of the world."

The fresh breeze ruffled your hair as you nodded. "It is. What about Howl, though? Won't he wonder where we are or mostly where you are?"

Bada looked at you with an obnoxious gleam in her eyes. "Let him wonder. This is our moment, Y/N."

And it was at that moment, as the city hummed under you, that you realised you were trapped in a maelstrom of emotions. The forbidden aspect of your relationship with Bada just heightened the tension, making every stolen glance, every hushed chat feel like a hidden gem.

The intimacy between you and Bada grew stronger over time. Late-night rendezvous turned into stolen glances across crowded rooms, and the thrill of the forbidden fueled the fire between you. The harder you tried to resist, the deeper you got caught up in the web of desire.

One evening, as you and Bada found peace in a quiet corner of a dimly lit bar, she leaned in close, her lips brushing against your ear. "How long are we going to keep this a secret, Y/N?" she asked, her warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

You swallowed hard, the weight of the question settling in your chest. "I'm not sure, Bada. But for now, let's savour the moments we have."you say putting your head in the crook of her neck.

Bada pulled back, her gaze locked onto yours. "Agreed," she said, her voice a promise that lingered in the air.

Your affair's secret became both a hardship and a delight, a double-edged blade that sliced through the ordinary fabric of your life. Howl, still very much clueless to yours and Bada's secret interactions, continued to spend his days and nights with Bada, unaware of the depths of the bond that had developed in the shadows.

The whole family was together for lunch one evening, but you and Bada were alone in your room, and the intensity reached new heights. As your lips met in a passionate kiss, the world outside faded away, the air was thick with expectation.

Gasping for air, Bada pulled away, her eyes locked onto yours. "Do you know how to keep quiet, love?" she demanded, a mischievous grin on her lips."Everyone might hear you now and we don't want that, or do we?"

You, still caught in the whirlwind of desire, managed a breathless nod. The room became a sanctuary of shared secrets, and the intimacy between you and Bada reached new heights.

You couldn't help but wonder how long this delicate moments could go on in the middle of the secrecy, yearning, and stolen moments. The city of Seoul, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see how the story of forbidden love would unfold in your life's current saga.

[particular-one]

I noticed ur request are open I just have to request something aslo had this idea for awhile now I tried my best to explain it detailed hope this ok

May I request a crossover fic fan heng x Genshin impact reader where reader based of electro archon Raiden shogun and maybe reader gets transported to astral express /honkai star rail universe and Mets the team I Aslo wanted to elaborate on raiden past and how she is very closed off perosn due to her past experiences with people and is very hard to make Friends

Until she Mets dan heng and they grow close bond and maybe helps reader try return her homeland . You know how raiden has two forms maybe her body is unstable like in honkai universe (like how in story quest for Genshin Ei (Reader) body want able to be in control due to shogun and she had battle her puppet self in like the boss fight verison in game maybe she unlocks this form in Plane of Euthymia to keep herself from the effects of erosion. So Reader created the puppet Shogun to ensure immunity from the decay of her physical body.While in the Plane of Euthymia, maybe reader loses control of herself like in her new form shogun and Dan heng and the team have to reason with her I hope this makes sense I was trying add shogun past best I can plus I desperately wanted crossover idea like this Dan heng since I adore him I hope this request is ok fill free to ask questions and I hope this request idea makes sense 💕I just adore Dan heng sm and love ur work plus raiden shogun Ei is my fav so YEY

pairing. dan heng x raiden ei!reader author’s note. i had to revisit shogun’s story quests cz it’s been a while i’ve gotten invested in the storyline of genshin but i enjoyed writing this (i hit the word limit with the text block too😭). i took a little creative liberty around the story of hsr so i hope it’s to your liking. :]

◇ — before you were recruited by the astral express, you were a lone drifter with a mysterious past. this universe was very much different than your own, so it was only natural for you to close yourself off with anything foreign — which is, pretty much everything. ◇ — it had been welt that located you in a nearby planet, but sent both march and dan heng to investigate. you were classified as an anomaly, and truthfully, welt had his suspicions about you at first — it was clear you did not belong to this world (but neither did he, hence why his curiosity was stoked. ◇ — to say that dan heng was merely intrigued by you is an understatement. he was downright mesmerized, that march kept teasing him on the way back. still, you were waaaaay harder to crack than anyone they’ve had on the express. you only agreed to stay with them because himiko had sensed that you were looking for your home, and promised to find a way to help you safely return. ◇ — despite the fact you’ve been with the astral express for a month, you seemed to just pop up with your presence undetected around the express, sometimes even scaring pom pom. since you did not have a permanent room on the express, dan heng offered to let you sleep in the archives. yet, during one night, he found you sleeping on the couch of the express instead. whenever he found you like that, he grabbed the singular blanket he had in his room and draped it over you. ◇ — among all the members, dan heng was the first one you warmed up to. you were always grateful when he seemingly checked up on you to make sure you were alright at night (though you had pretended to be asleep, you could always see him checking). you ended up trying to cook for him… but despite the rock hard bread, dan heng felt touched at the gesture. though he had a hard time swallowing after that. ◇ — somehow, you slowly started participating around the express. you returned march’s very chirpy greetings, you sometimes made the occasional remark that always turned everybody’s heads towards you and you sometimes shared a serene smile with dan heng, which .. made march envious because she wanted a smile from you too! dan heng knew how much returning back to your home meant to you and had stayed up in the archives trying to look for a way to get you back home — though he sometimes underwent a slight cognitive dissonance on helping you to get home, since he didn’t want you to leave the express this sudden. ◇ — due to your powerful nature, welt and himeko assigned you to go trailblazing with march and dan heng. you could easily demolish your enemies which march always finds cool and remarks on it every time. dan heng finds it cool as well but he isn’t as expressive as march about it. however, as you engaged in more battles and rumours of your god-like powers spread across the universe, it was only a matter of time an enemy faction took notice and decided that they wanted to take you for themselves. ◇ — the astral express fought to keep you safe from them, but amidst the struggle, dan heng protected you from a fatal blow which resulted in him getting severely injured. seeing him injured because of you drove you to guilt and made you remember the grief of losing everyone you loved to erosion. you went berserk against the enemy faction and successfully wiped them out, but you suddenly disappeared from the astral express. ◇ — when dan heng recovered, he was worried sick when himeko mentioned how you suddenly distanced yourself from the express and disappeared without a moment’s notice. he took it to the archives yet again to figure out where you might be, and not long after, he and welt surmised where you might possibly be — the planet they first found you in. ◇ — you were different than how they remembered you; since the fight, you had withdrawn back into your plane of euthymia and allowed raiden shogun to take full control of yourself outside. the astral express fought against your puppet to not only try and crack your shell again, but also to get one of their beloved members back.

“she’s so strong—!” march yelled from the back, just as dan heng deflected another hit from the shogun’s spear. he had always admired your strength; it had always been a delight to fight side by side with you, but never against you — that was for sure.

he knew this … puppet was not you. in truth, dan heng had sensed for a very long time that you were grappling with some sort of internal conflict, but he didn’t expect to be validated like this.

nor did he really expect that he would be fighting you as another you, that is.

still, dan heng had been extra careful not to land a devastating attack on you — well, puppet you. he didn’t really know how these cases work, but in the event that that was still you, he didn’t want to hurt you by accident.

that would be the last thing he had wanted to do.

every inch of his body was aching, his muscles felt like they were burning with how much dan heng was pushing them. he still hadn’t fully recovered, but he jumped right into this mission with only you your safety in mind.

“dan heng! behind you!”

he had been too tired to notice that the shogun was right behind him, sword raised up and ready to inflict an attack. dan heng could feel his body freeze up as he tried to get himself away — though, to his surprise, the shogun moved past him to unleash a lightning strike on …. the shogun?

was he that tired that he was now seeing double of you?

you — the you with the sword — looked back at him with a confused expression, before going back to engage with the other you. but the fleeting look you gave him was a look he could always recognize a mile away. “that’s y/n!”

immediately, march was by his side as he stepped outside the area where you were fighting the shogun puppet. “they’re both y/n, dan heng— but they’re fighting each other???” he shook his head. “no— the one with the sword. that’s our y/n.”

march didn’t seem all that convinced until welt nodded. “right. we have to stay out of her zone so we don’t block her line of sight.” dan heng’s hand gripped cloud piercer tightly just as he watched you jump right back into fighting the puppet.

“but we can’t just leave her alone—” march started, but welt placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “we won’t. we just have to find that opening.”

━━━━━━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

it was a constant back and forth. with the express supporting you at the back but never directly interfering, you were the one who directly battled the shogun. you withdrew back to your plane of euthymia in shame for endangering dan heng, so you were surprised to see him and the others here.

they care more about you than you had initially thought.

the shogun was relentless in battle — but you had instructed it to be like that. the shogun was meant to be flawless and firm; yet, here you were: battling against it for full control of yourself, and to be able to reunite with your friends.

with your newfound will, you pushed yourself to the limit to finally face your fears head on. it was time to put an end to this.

“dan heng, now!” the voice sounded like welt, but at his command, you watched as dan heng leapt in the air and into the battlefield. his cloud piercer raised just as he timed his attack on the puppet just as you unleashed another lightning strike. the impact had been enough to send you back, that dan heng immediately dropped back down to catch you in his arms.

you could see the shogun lower their spear, it’s form no longer in pristine condition as it once was. your own puppet was staring at you, its eyes glancing at dan heng, who still had you in his arms, and to the rest of the astral express. without another word, the shogun turned back and disappeared into the plane of euthymia, but not before giving you a nod.

“are you okay, y/n?! what was that? where are we?” you never thought march bombarding you with a million questions would comfort you as much as it did now, but you really did miss her, and the rest of the crew.

“you guys… came back? for me?”

dan heng helped you up, but his arm never left you. “of course we did.” he had a furrowed expression in his eyes, but they shone with the brightest concern. normally, you didn’t want anyone taking pity on you, but you simply relaxed in his arms.

they did care. he still cares.

the thought of home and eternity had always staved off the cold in your heart, but the feeling of being in dan heng’s arms had sent enveloped you in a warmth that you’ve frankly never experienced before.

you could hardly suppress your smile, and seeing dan heng return it to you made the warmth in your chest spread even further.

you could definitely get used to this.

written by carlyle (@particular-one) copyright: all content belongs to particular-one on tumblr (2023)

[cerezasefimeras]

Pretty (Problematic) Ladies

WC: 1.6k FEM!S62 + KAKUCHO, sfw. ⸺ Headcanons of the s62 as women, mainly general headcanons. CW: fem!izana, kakucho, mochi, muto, ran, rindou & shion. personal opinion, OOC characters (because i see both their canon version and their gb version different, so idc), kinda toxic behaviours in Izana & Ran parts. ALSO, the idols used are just to bring a clear image of how i see them, please don't make weird comments about the idols. Please tell me if I forgot something! English is not my first language pd: this is mainly general and safe headcanons, i obviously have more unhinge and nsfw hcs about them. I may post them on another occasion.

FEM!YASUHIRO MUTO.

— Hi, fem!muto is such an ethereal women. — Her name is Yoshino — She either would have pixie short hair or long straight hair, equally as beautiful with both of them. — Tall woman, like 175-7cm — She is that quiet and mysterious woman that is just so intriguing you need to know more of her. — Im sorry but chubby fem!muto is my whole reason of being, idgaf if he is canonically strong, this woman is chubby and so huggable. — I picture her wearing really yet feminine clothing, summer dresses are her favourite. — I imagine her also doing a lot of pen drawings when she is bored or has nothing else to do. — Makes AMAZING baked goods/bakery foods (idk the actual word) — Her fav season is autumn cause she loves the colours of the season. — Prefers tea over coffee although she knows how to make so many types of coffees. — She's a cutie as a girlfriend, would pamper you with cooking your favourite meals and with a lot of cuddles. — As a friend she that typical mom friend, always has the best advice, her purse is full of anything you may need. — Loves doing crocheting, she has made matching hoddies for the girls. — I fucking love her. — She speaks french. That's it. Its hot. — Her song is: Real Man - Beabadoobee — Similar idols: Miyeon (IDLE) & Jihyo (Twice)

FEM!RAN HAITANI

— Oh my sweet heaves. — THIS WOMAAAAAAAAN. — Listen, she dresses like old elegant woman, like those models that are dressed into elegant femenine styles THERE WAS A POST ABOUT IT, I LOST IT BUT I AGREE. (I may do a second part with pictures cause i want you guys to see my ideas clearly but yeah) — Im sorry but mean lesbian fem!ran is my religion. This woman is mean as fuck, spoiled and bitchy. (My type fr) — 175-7cm, she is hot, she's tall and she is LESBIAAAAAN. — Really sugar mommy vibes, she would spoil you rotten if you're really dear to her. — HER NAME IS RALEIGH, RALEIGH HAITANI. — Honestly, science girly. Really good at biology and physics. — Hyper feminine features and body. — Changes her nails set every 3-4 weeks. — Casually smokes, not an addict or anything but sometimes you can see her with red malboro in between her fingers. — Can be really condescending, not in purpose but she is the oldest sister that was made a mother to her little sister. — In bonten she has a short bob/bixie cut. — Wears a lot of delicate *gold* jewellery. — Her only relationship advice is break up. — In any other area, she is the best to ask for advice. — She loves do to her make-up. — Had a tarantula has a pet when she was younger... her sister fucking hate it when that thing was free to wonder around the mansion. — Really into fashion and modelling, that's her whole life. — Her song is: Carmen - Lana Del Rey. — Similar idols: Jinsoul (ex-LOONA, now ARTMS) & Doyeon (former WEKI MEKI)

FEM!IZANA KUROKAWA

— She is mean as fuck. She simply is just mean but to degrate and to be affectionate. — Dont get me wrong, she does care but she that doesnt take away to the fact she is mean. — Her name is Ivette! — Really basic yet cute style, a part of me thinks she would dress like an old japanese horror game protagonist the other believes she would not care that much about her fashion. — I full believe she is a big advocate for suicide awareness and bpd awareness. — ♡ Curly hair ♡, she loves to take care of her curls although sometimes she just wants to rip her hair off. — I kinda see her as a practice witch, like casually nothing too serious. — If you're dating her, a date to the aquarium would meant the world for her. — Baby face, hates it, but gosh she is adorable. — Cutie, she is between 1.49-151cm... yeah she also hates that. She will fight you if you make fun of her. — Honestly, sound cloud singer... her songs are like beabadoobee, laufey & mon laferte. She wishes to do a concert at least once. (She uses beats created by fem!rindou, yes sir.) — She has been cancelled on twt more time she can think of. — She has thrown a chair a someone before. — That someone may or may not have been mikey. — She WILL do it again. — Loves going to new places such as coffee shops. — Her song is: Hijo de la luna - Mecano. — Similar idols: Winter (aespa) & Eunha (former gfriend, now viviz)

FEM!MOCHIZUKI KANJI

— We love a good sporty masculine woman. — She def did volleyball at school. — Her name is Kaori! — I think she is like Kiyoko of highschool, full focused on sports and has no attention span to anything else. — About 1.72-4cm. — Streetwear !!!!, baggy jeans, jorts, dragon design. Yes. Yes. Yes. All for her. — She looks so intimidating but in reality she is a softie. — She can eat A LOT, is mostly due to the big amount of sports she does. Baby girl needs to be healthy. — Cannot wear jewellery to save her life, it always ends up broken or lost (same girl, same) — She still sleeps cuddling with a big bear plushie she got at the age of 12. — Makes the best barbecues, invite her to the family cockout right now. — Cannot explain this, but she is color blind. — Type of friend she woukd go to WARRR for u. Someone is making fun of you? This girl is about to break their face ♡ — Gives the best hugs. — Really good at swimming, loves summer sports although she is practice more often field sports. — The biggest fan of Megan Thee Stallion, argue with the wall if u disagree. — LOVES romcoms, the more cringy they're the best honestly. — Always has snacks on her bag. — Loves buzzing her hair out, its an actual addiction of her. — Her song is: Dopamine - Giselle. — Similar idols: Cocona (XG) & Giselle (Aespa)

FEM!SHION MADARAME

— Iconic weird girl, we love her. — So death note misa coded. — She is that alt, unique girl that was into evertyhing that was considered nerdy back then. — Her hair has oil spilt, racoon tail and crazy strokes. (Blonde hair, with orange strokes + chocolate brown racoon tail.) — Trashy slutty style & scene style. She knows what's good. — Average height, like 161-3cm. — Shiori!, Shiori Madarame... unless Madarame is her name then Shion Maemi. — Every year her spotify wrapper has bad doy nightcore version as n1 song. — Rave girly, (fem!rin usually goes with her) — She is so awkward and so adorable, guys i love my daughter. — She had a gacha life phase... — Fem!shion gives me bimbo vibes, seriously i fricking love her so much i cannot explain it. — If a creepy guy bothers you she WILL bark, like full on dog barking. Surprisingly good at it aswell. — She has a lot of tattoos, all made in a spontaneous urge. — Full no contact with her whole family. — The girls are her family. — She has either a chicken or a racoon as a pet, i also cannot explain this. — Her song is: boycott ver pleaseee favOriTe - LOONA (and because i cannot put that version here, extra song Yummy - Ayesha Erotica) — Similar idols: Hinata & Jurin (XG)

FEM!RINDOU HAITANI

— Oh my god, my wife guys, buckle up. — Renleigh Haitani, my woman. — Spoiled as fuck, baby of the family she blinks and gets what she wants. — Has a really specific type of man to date, will date any women if the lady breaths and is into her. — 162-165cm, yes, fem!ran loves to call her baby, small or tiny. — Really good dancer!, loves learning new dancing styles and learning the story behind them. (Mostly if they're cultural dances) — Nerd. Plays lots of video games, has lots of figurines of her favourite characters, addicted to gacha games. — Really good fashion style. She goes between mcloving, street wear & and a style similar to what Nana of nana... the black nana would wear, idk the name. — Wavy blonde natural hair. Currently she has it inspired in laguna blue of monster high. — She has a lot of glasses in different shapes & colours to match her outfits. — Yes, her nails set match her sister's nails set. — Also wears a lot of jewellery, does not have colours preference she just likes it chunky. — Has three cats. Rindou would be a dog person tho. — Really sporty, does a lot of sports and has such pretty figure thanks to it. — Has the wildest music taste, the song is good? Is her new addiction for the next month (same) — Her 'hear me out' is 9x9=81... i will not elaborate iykyk. — Crunchy grapes lover. — Her song is: Hot Mess - aespa — Similar Idols: Minnie (IDLE) & NingNing (aespa)

FEM!KAKUCHO

— Hi, her name would be Kiyoko. — This baby. Gosh, she is adorable. — She is around 172-5cm, she wishes she was shorter — She says a stray cat she ignores everything else to pet that adorable animal. — 'Loser trapped in a hot body' definition. — Baby, she is a softie with really chaotic friends. — Also has a baby face, dont let that foul you she WILL beat the shit out of you if you ask for it. — Her style changes often, she actually copies what her big sisters wear!, she is so inspired by them so it changes constantly. (Baby sister attitudes... me tbh) — Continuing with her lil sis behaviours, many of her hobbies also comes from the girls! Crocheting (fem!muto), exploring new places (fem!izana), fashion and modelling (fem!ran), video games (fem!rin), field sports (fem!mochi), going to raves (fem!shion). — She loves making bracelets for the girls!, its her way to show love for them. — Really soft with animals and children. — Loves apples, exactly red apples. My lord she could eat them for days straight. — Really good student, she lives for academic validation. — She was a selective mute for at least a year, she would only communicate with fem!izana. — Its SCARED to dye her hair for some reason, she believes she will end up bald as if she hasn't buzz her hair off for no reason before. — She may be quiet but she is not afraid of setting boundaries ans speaking up for herself and others. — She has a lot of plushies, all gifted by the girls. — Amazing friend, amazing girlfriend, amazing wife. — Loves snoopy! — Her song is: Right Now - NewJeans — Similar idols: Sullyoon (nmixx) & Tzuyu (twice)

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤcreds to: @cerezasefimeras

[kirislovelygf]

haunted, part 2 (ronal x fem! metkayina reader)

contents: you and ronal have been married for about 14 years and have lived with the metkayina happily ever since you left the forest. now imagine your surprise when your ex appears out of nowhere with the man she cheated on you with and the family they built together.

content also: flash backs to when you + neytiri were girlfriends, angst, neytiri being kinda toxic, jealous ronal, and y/n high key hating jake

wrd count: 3k

꒰ 🥥 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

neytiri and i used to spend our days swinging through the forest like kids, racing through the trees.

“i bet i can find our lunch before you can.” i teased as i jumped on a branch. she lands on another above me and teased me.

“sure,” she answered sarcastically. “i have the bigger bow.” she chuckled.

“and i have the better aim.” i said with a hand on my hip.

“aw, is that what your mother told you?” she laughed. she swings into another branch before i can respond.

we kept going until we heard something yelling.

“what kind of animal screams like that?” i asked her as we landed on the forest floor.

she shrugged. “let’s go find out.”

“fine.. but if we die, it’s your fault.” i muttered to her as i walked past. she stared as i climbed up the tree.

she followed behind and we climbed high enough to see the floor.

when jake, who i didn’t know was jake at the time, came into view, i was scared and excited at the same time.

last time i saw a dreamwalker was when dr. grace was teaching me english when i was just a girl. and we hadn’t seen one since neytiri’s sister was killed.

i signaled for neytiri to come over. i jumped on a higher branch while she lay low, hiding behind leaves.

i kept watching him, a man. a man in clothes and holding a gun. a weapon that scared me more than the man himself.

watching him move, talk to himself, was entertaining. he wobbled around like an infant. i smiled and looked down to see neytiri’s reaction.

but she was fearful of the man. and cautious.

she began to sit up and pulled her bow and arrow ready to shoot.

“neytiri.” i muttered as quietly as i could. she looks up as i shook my head and mouthed “don’t.”

neytiri still had her arrow up and ready to shoot.

she glanced back down at the human and stared at his movements. i watched her curiously.

she was intrigued by him. in a way that made me uncomfortable

she sighed in reluctance and put her weapon away. she climbed up to where i was hidden.

“let my mother know there’s a human among us. i need to see what he is doing here.” she said in a hushed tone as she stood in front of me.

“okay.. what about you? will you be okay?” i asked.

she sighed and cupped my face with both of her hands.

“you always worry about me. i’ll be okay.” she smiled.

“i’m sorry, weren’t you the one who tripped over her own tail on the way here?” i whispered.

“i… ugh, you're wasting time. just go home and tell my mother.” she whispered quickly.

i chuckled softly and let her kiss me. her kisses always made me feel safe.

neytiri was always protective of me. one of her qualities i always appreciated.

she was also brave and loving and so intelligent. she learned english faster than i did and was able to learn more about the sky people.

i couldn’t stay focused. but she’d always be there to help me. well, until she wasn’t.

i replayed the moment she laid eyes on him. i must have missed something. she must have fallen in love with him the moment he appeared in the forest.

their love has always been a mystery to me. i let it go as long as i’ve been gone.

and when she came back, it felt like i was transported to the moment i found out she cheated.

i wondered and pondered about neytiri while cooking with my wife. i shouldn’t be this obsessed with her but i am.

ugh, i blame her.

i started to think about my day instead when ao’nung came home and told me he got into a fight.

with neytiri’s sons no less.

he told me ao’nung and his friends have been picking on her son and daughter. since she married a human, two of her kids ended up having four fingers.

and that led to ao’nung getting into a fight with neteyam and lo’ak.

he said they started it as lo’ak punched him, but i know ao’nung better than that. lo’ak didn’t start the fight by hitting him.

ao’nung started it when he decided to be a bully.

other than that, everything was.. manageable. ronal was here telling me about her training with neytiri and how they both hated every second of it.

“i expected her to be stubborn.” i chuckled as i stirred a pot over a fire in the middle of our home.

“i’m surprised she didn’t give up sooner. she waited until the ilu got tired of her falling off.” ronal chuckled as she chopped up fruits.

she puts them into a bowl and picks up a couple pieces.

“do you know how hard it is to fire out an ilu?” she laughed, putting a piece in my hand.

“leave it up to her to find a way.” i snickered.

she laughed beside me when tsireya and tonowari came in.

“hi, mama.” tsireya smiled.

“hi, my little flower. how was the day for you both? you’ve been gone since morning.” i said to her.

i stood up to look for bowls for us.

“it was nice. i spent time with my friends in the jungle. we must have lost track of time because we didn’t realize it was already eclipse.” she smiled as she sat down next to ronal.

“that’s okay. as long as your safe, i’m glad you had fun.” i chuckled.

“i heard something about a fight between ao’nung and lo’ak. what happened?” she asked.

“oh..” i chuckled.

“your brother was picking on the sully children. and earned a punch to the face.” ronal told her.

“ugh, i can’t believe him. he’s been messing with them since they got here.” she grumbled.

“your brother could learn from your kindness.” tonowari muttered.

i smiled and turned back, handing out bowls to everyone.

“or could learn how to fight.” i muttered back.

tonowari and ronal both glared at me as tsireya giggled.

“i’m sorry, but if he’s going to say stupid things all the time, he will need to know how to defend himself.” i said.

they glance at each other before rolling their eyes.

we ate together, not worrying much about where ao’nung was. once he was finished sulking, he’d come back home.

but when the night turned darker, and more na’vi started turning in, i started to grow concerned.

“maybe we should look for him.” tonowari whispered.

“he’s been out this late before. i’m sure he’s on his way back now.” i told him. he took another look outside, pulling the tarp aside.

he then pulled it aside completely when someone approached our home.

“jake sully.” my back was facing the entrance and my heart froze when i heard wari say that name.

i was able to avoid him these past weeks and he hadn’t come to our doorstep at all.

i glanced back and saw him and neytiri standing there. the moonlight poured into our hut as she stared inside.

i stood up and helped ronal up too before we walked over, reluctantly.

“my kids’ been missing all day. ao’nung said he took him to some place called three brothers rock.“ he said.

“oh no… he’s not safe there.” i said softly.

“what?” jake muttered.

“it’s home to akula. dangerous predators.” tonowari said warningly.

neytiri sighed in fear. “don’t worry. we will help you look for your son.” he said to her.

jake spared one more glance before tonowari walked between us to find his spear.

ronal and i went to do the same as jake and neytiri left.

soon, the entire village was searching the reefs for lo’ak. jake and neytiri were on their ikran and circling the island.

i and a couple other villagers were spread out looking for the boy.

“lo’ak?..” i called out.

my ilu began squealing nervously and thrashing. she was suddenly so nervous and started splashing the water.

“no, no, it’s okay.. relax..” i whispered to her. she wasn’t calming down.

something dimmed the light on the ocean floor. something enormous that also caused my ilu to swim away from it.

it’s a tulkun. it’s fin looked familiar though. i’ve seen them before i just couldn’t remember when. it dived into the water and swam away, causing heavy ripples before i could identify it.

suddenly, lo’ak appeared in the water. he looked like i had caught him doing something he shouldn’t be doing.

“mom?” he asked.

“what? no! no, i’m not your mother. it’s y/n.” i said nervously.

“are you okay? your parents are worried.” i held my hand out to him and helped him climb up to sit on the ilu.

“oh.. yeah, i’m okay. i got lost.” he said.

“okay.” i nodded.

we swam back to the village and i started to calling out for people to let them know lo’ak was safe.

we reached the edge of the pathways and i helped him step up.

“thank you.” he muttered.

“you’re welcome. stay safe, lo’ak.” his gaze fell behind me and he began glaring.

i looked and saw ao’nung with his black eye and pouting lip. he looked down as he stood beside his father.

jake stepped off the saddle of his skimwing, out of the water, and stopped his son before he could go over to ao’nung.

if he was my son, i would have let lo’ak at him.

jake looked at his arms and his back, searching his body for any injuries.

neytiri yelled out for her son and ran down to see him for herself.

she made sure he wasn’t hurt before hissing. “i pray for the strength that i will not pluck the eyeballs out of my youngest son.”

she swipes at his face, to which lo’ak just rolls his eyes like this happened every week.

“no, this isn’t lo’ak’s fault. ao’nung told him to go to three brothers rock. he knows better than to go there.” tonowari grabbed his son by the nape and made him kneel.

“the blame is his.” he said.

i looked to lo’ak and his parents. “thank you, tonowari, but-“

“no, it wasn’t ao’nung’s fault.” lo’ak spoke.

i grew confused.

“it was my idea. he tried to talk me out of it.” he continued.

i tilted my head slightly. i couldn’t understand why he was lying. but then i looked up to jake and neytiri, who were glaring daggers at his head.

that poor boy. i can feel the pressure from here.

“let’s go.” jake takes his son by the nap and walks away, neytiri following behind.

she slowed down as she was about to walk past me.

“thank you for helping him.” she said softly.

“it was nothing.” i shrugged. she nodded and walked away when ronal came up behind me and started glaring.

“you’re being friendly.” she muttered.

i sighed out and turned to face her. “ronal. please. be jealous tomorrow. i’m tired.”

she rolled her eyes but held my hand regardless as we walked back home together.

everyone was shaken up after lo’ak went missing for a whole day. parents were talking, saying the forest children were bad influences on their own children.

as i fell asleep, i reminded myself of the day everything went south.

the night jake became part of the clan, we celebrated. danced, drank, laughed, and had fun.

i wasn’t enjoying myself though. i noticed for the months that jake has been here that neytiri’s been paying much more attention to him than me.

especially tonight. trying to get him to dance and such.

but she’s been spending every single day with him under the excuse that she’s simply training him.

the day when he picked his ikran, she was touching his chest. for a reason i can’t understand.

what does ikran training have to do with touching his chest like that? and then she left to fly with him and i didn’t see her for the rest of the day.

and when i asked about what they did, she yelled at me.

“i don’t need to report to you! let me breathe!” she also slapped my hand off of her shoulder when i tried to be calm.

she tried to apologize that night, but i couldn’t get over how she slapped me like that.

i still had my doubts. maybe she was being friendly. maybe the problem was me and not with jake.

i disproved it all when i woke up and she wasn’t beside me like she was when she fell asleep.

i went to look for her but everyone was gathered at the trunk of hometree. everyone was confused. i tried to look for mo’at to ask her what was happening.

when i asked around me, no one could give me a straight answer. and up front were men and women ready to fight, holding their bows up in the air.

i finally reached the center of the circle everyone has formed.

i walked up behind mo’at and eytukan. tsu’tey was talking to them angrily. something about jake, i couldn’t understand, he was just rambling.

as if we spoke him into existence, him and neytiri walked into hometree. and holding hands.

jake called for tsu’tey, telling him not to do this. i wasn’t sure what “this” was.

i still had no idea what happened to get everyone so angry.

the next thing i know, tsu’tey pushed jake to the ground.

“tsu’tey! stop!” neytiri screamed at him, pushing him back. i watched in shock.

as he huffed resisting neytiri’s pushes, he asked him.

“you mated with this woman?”

and with that, it was like time stopped.

neytiri’s mouth was agape and she pushed tsu’tey back, this time he actually stepped away.

she looked at me as mo’at questioned if it were true or not. i kept glancing between her and jake.

“we..” she sighed out. “we are mated before eywa.”

“it is done.” even then she couldn’t look me in the eye when she actually needed to.

i could feel everyone’s stares on me.

i stomped toward the woman i thought loved me as much as i loved her and grabbed her wrist, dragging her away from everyone.

“y/n stop! listen for a moment.” she argued.

“all this time, you’ve been going behind my back. i knew you were in love with him. but i denied it so many times..”

“y/n, let me explain.”

“no! neytiri, listen to me. this entire time i have listened to your dumb excuses.” i yelled out.

she glared at me like i did something wrong.

“you are the worst woman in this entire planet. just last night, you told me you loved me. that nothing is between you and jake-“

“i know,-“

“and then I found out you.. you mated with him! the fucking human, you cannot be serious! right now, i believe i am crazy because what the fuck.” i screamed and screamed at the top of my lungs.

“what the fuck! neytiri!”

“you’re not crazy! y/n, i never meant for this to happen. i’m sorry. please.” she cried. “he isn’t as bad as you believe..”

“you’re incredible. his kind has done nothing but bring pain and suffering and you want me to believe he isn’t as bad as i think just because you slept together?” i reminded her.

she flinched at my yells.

“they killed sylwanin. they killed my father, they are destroying our home right now. you’re leaving me, and your home, and tsu’tey.. for him?” i asked her.

“i know how it sounds! i know what they did! but i didn’t want tsu’tey and i never wanted to be tsahik! the only thing i was ever sure about was you. until..” she cried.

“i was wrong.. i was wrong and i’m so sorry. i didn’t want it to happen like this..”

we paused. my chest was rising up and down. slowly now that i caught my breath.

“he will only hurt you.” i said, my voice raspy from the screams.

“he will only ever be a burden to you. you’ll never be able to forget who he is. what he is. what his kind has done to us.” i told her.

she glared at me, tears streaming down her face.

neither of us said a thing as we stared at each other painfully.

“you’ll always be reminded of me when you can’t escape his past.”

i heard footsteps behind me.

“y/n… y/n, it’s all my fault. i’m sorry.” his stupid voice rang.

“i’m sorry, but we have to go-“ he rambled but right as he appeared behind me, i struck him in the face, knocking him down.

“fuck you, jake!”

“stop! y/n!” she pulled my shoulder back and dropped to her knees to see how he was.

right then i knew who she really loved. it was me for a while. but it stopped, probably before she even met him.

it was worse because i thought jake and i were friends. i didn’t like him at first, no one did. but neytiri told me to give him a chance.

now i know why she said that.

that was the last time i saw neytiri. i didn’t hear about the war until years later when i joined the metkayina clan.

i lost any anger i felt for jake when i found out he was the new toruk makto. i decided i shouldn’t be angry at him because he fell in love with her. my love.

my problem wasnt even with neytiri for loving him.

but she still lied to me and manipulated me and mated with jake while we were still together.

i realize now i’ve been keeping anger for her ever since i left. i think her returning is a sign from eywa that i need to forgive her.

no, it definitely is.

꒰ 🥥 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

[emypony]

come grab your freshly off the grill cooked ship!

This time featuring the 'arts and crafts project' because Felis is glue here, otherwise the rest would fall apart.

FOR THE RECORD this is if all three Hua's here were individual entities separate from each other

I'll put my unhinged mentally unwell takes down below for your enjoyment <3

ill try to. help make sense of their personalities and thoughts on the others. Felis: basically her usual self, though maybe a bit toned down with her antics (I say toned down as if I ever elaborated on what she's like lol)

treasures Hua the most, best friends and partners, tries to get Hua to be less stiff and enjoy life but also is scared to lose her

admires Phoenix and gets along with her really well

thinks AE is kinda scary because she's a celestial but there's something alluring about such a powerful entity being so mysterious and 'cold' (girl cant help getting a crush tho)

Hua: soldier, shy, unsure of herself, basically her moths era (NOT her Elysian Realm SIM!)

got attached to Felis because she is a source of comfort and feels like 'home', likes having someone to come to after her missions

Phoenix's happy and relaxed attitude is calming in contrast to her life but her and Felis can get a bit overwhelming when together, she appreciates her though even if they're not that close

AE is very scary and she tries to keep away from her, feels like AE doesn't approve of her for whatever reason and glares at her sometimes (it's just the AE resting bitchface she gives to everyone by accident but holds no malice)

Phoenix / Jingwei: deity, thinks humans r funny, clever and wondrous and loves them dearly

Felis's happy attitude resonates with her and she may have gotten a little crush on her because of that as well, but she can keep herself in check if her feelings aren't reciprocated

thinks Hua is a cute little birdie that she wants to protect bc shes so precious

longtime friends with Azure Empyrea and they have a weird but mutual friendship (and maybe more...? unspoken feelings towards each other that they never address but are both sort of 'Aware Of' since Phoenix is the one who calms down AE if she's being unreasonable OR the first person AE goes to if she's feeling down / feels negative emotions)

Azure Empyrea: cold, calculating, has an eerie calm attitude but can be scary if she gets angry, stern and firm in her ways but can be persuaded (see: Phoenix) to compromise. means well but doesn't know how to show it

finds Felis intriguing because of her nature, also catches her sometimes glancing at her or following her around, can't sense any malice from her so aside from being a little annoyance at first, she warmed up to her presence (and she keeps Phoenix happy whenever she can't partake in whatever silly human thing she wants to play / do)

sees Jingwei as an equal, cares more about her than she lets on but doesn't want to tie her down to someone like her, still appreciates the fact that Phoenix spends time with her and tries to be the bridge between her and humans

her feelings towards Hua are complicated and she usually keeps her distance because she can sense the fear coming off her. however Hua reminds her of her past self(?start of her journey as a celestial deity), unsure and without a place in the world and she feels the need to be there or give advice (if ever asked), doesn't hold any hostility towards her but something about her own expression (? too dumb to figure out) scares Hua and she doesn't understand why

I have a so many more snippets to share...if you will ;3

[basedkikuenjoyer]

RPG Maker

Heh, that's cold as hell Nami. Never change. She also got to steal and flirt this chapter. A wild, raucous chapter on the whole, but to pick up from last time I'm like to highlight how it does still reinforce this idea something seems weird. Great chapter for classic East Blue crew gags. But you have stuff like Sanji now dropping in a reminder how he feels about bugs after last time, not to mention this one having some of its own contradictions.

I also want to take a moment to highlight the title given the chapter doesn't have anything super specific relating back to it. "RPG," like the type of game you'd see this setting in. That's just a really interesting concept to introduce here in this chapter, to have hanging over all of it. But let's get on with the show:

This panel is amazing. I love everything about this. So whatever ended up happening, the first six were whisked away into a giant's weird terrarium thing. I love the bit about how cooking the rabbit smelled awful because of the burning plastic, which also confirms plastic exists in One Piece. You never really know about the tech level with this series.

But yeah, so this is a big cage with a one-way mirror. Gives the illusion of being in a town especially with the fear of the Sun God's Temple. They break out and find Chopper in the process of being dressed up. So this does mean it's the second time Nami has been dolled up by a creep but at least the rest of the gang got in on it? Just think about that. This Sun God has seen Zoro's doodle. I know many of you are jealous.

Good inflection point. Nami's saying it, not me. Just because we're in the house of a giant does not mean we're in Elbaf. This could still be on a giant ship, a Green Bit-style small island nearby, or all manner of places. Remember people last time pointed out a lot of oddities and inconsistencies. We still see that idea played with again here, like slipping in a reminder Sanji does hate bugs.

We need to watch stuff like this going forward, this is still a very odd situation. I also feel it's a little weird to so quickly go back in. Same with being so worried about a giant. Not to go all powerscaler but...you have that scene of Luffy chiding Usopp for not just fighting the cat. Props for calling Zoro an enabler. He is one. But it is just kinda odd.

Doesn't matter, Luffy's causing chaos. Beating up more giant animals and attracting the attention of this mysterious figure. Notably showing off the real "Sun God" form as the false one enters. They scamper back into the cage and all hell breaks loose.

I don't know what to make of this one, it's absolutely wild. It's really hard to tell where we go from here but I'm definitely intrigued. Very glad we won't have to wait long til the next installment. Oh, and be sure to stop back by at some random point tonight for the new Hunter x Hunter!

[oliolioxenfreewrites]

🌙 OC Questionnaire 🫧

Thanks for the tag @illarian-rambling!

My questions were:

Do you have a favorite cryptid?

How do you cheer people up?

Are you a healthy eater?

Now I chose the twins, Jade and Jasmine Hawthorne, this chaotic duo is very close to my heart. They are the actual daughters I imagine myself to have years in the future. I couldn't think of a way to introduce my writing into world than with my girls. 🥹

Jade

My favorite cryptid? That’s an easy one. I absolutely adore the Yeti. There’s something fascinating about a creature that’s elusive, hidden away in the remote parts of the world. Plus, I kind of like the idea of a big, misunderstood creature just trying to live its life in peace. It’s like nature’s way of reminding us there’s still so much mystery out there, waiting to be discovered.

I usually love to cheer people up by getting them outside and into nature. There’s nothing like a walk through the woods or a picnic by the lake to lift someone’s spirits. If they’re not up for an adventure, I’ll bring nature to them—maybe a homemade herbal tea, or a little plant to brighten up their space. I believe that a bit of greenery and fresh air can work wonders for anyone’s mood.

Oh, definitely! I’ve always been passionate about eating healthy. I try to grow my own vegetables and herbs whenever I can, and I love experimenting with new recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. It’s not just about eating healthy, though; it’s about respecting where our food comes from and making choices that are good for our bodies and the planet.

Jasmine

“I just want you guys to know before she tries to save face again. We BOTH got Burger King on the way to this interview..”

“Jas, are you fucking kidding?? This is exactly why you're driving yourself home.”

“And this is exactly why you're not getting put in the study hahah”

Anyway, I’d have to say the Mothman. There’s something so eerie and intriguing about him. The glowing red eyes, the wings… it’s a living piece of urban legend. Plus, the stories around Mothman are so mysterious It’s the perfect mix of creepy and fascinating, and it always sparked my imagination as a kid.

I like to cheer people up with a bit of creativity. Whether it’s painting together, making some funky crafts, or just playing some music and dancing around like nobody’s watching, I believe in the power of artistic expression to lift spirits. Sometimes, a little color and creativity are all you need to turn a bad day around.

Well, I try to be, but I definitely have my moments of indulgence. I love trying new and exotic foods, and sometimes that means not always sticking to the healthiest options. But overall, I balance it out with lots of fruits and home-cooked meals. It should be about moderation and enjoying what you eat.

I should probably make a tag list at this point as well. Reply if you're willing to join :)

I tag: @nightcastor, @drchenquill, @boxh3ad, @boredwritergirl, @summerlovingbaby for now until I can get an actual list!

Your questions:

What’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise people?

How do you handle stress or difficult situations?

What’s a favorite childhood memory that still makes you smile?

[knovesstorytelling]

Hi! I just finished Morland PI after my second time listening to Murray Mysteries, and I was wondering if there are any links to socials/websites for the cast members, in case any of them do other projects?

Took some time to answer this ask because things were in the works but here we are!

Do you miss Knoves productions and want more from the people behind the scenes? Here is how you can find more and stay up to date with future projects.

Knoves Storytelling productions:

Most of our audience came to us through our first audio drama project, Murray Mysteries. The numbers tell us a lot of MM listeners never branched out into our other productions so this is the first place to go for more!

Morland P.I. is a queer love story full of mystery, adapted from Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. Kit Morland, true crime podcaster and wannabe heroine, is dying for some excitement. When her neighbours offer to take her on a trip to Bath, site of the famous Chawton Murders, she knows this is her chance to investigate the unsolved mystery. But from boisterous siblings to intriguing women with an eye for fabrics, Kit's new environment is full of distractions.

Something Queer is Happening Here is our non-fiction limited series, hosted by Drew Frankie Victorie (voice of Mina Murray and Jamie Morland and cover artist) and May Toudic (writer/producer of Morland P.I. and Murray Mysteries). Join two LGBTQ+ writers and scholars on a quest to find all the queer subtext in literature and media. Because why bury your gays when you can dig them up?

Now that Knoves is no longer, some of our cast and crew are still creating and collaborating! Here is where you can find some of their work:

Drew Frankie Victorie (voice of Mina Murray and Jamie Morland, host of Something Queer is Happening Here, cover artist) recently designed the cover for This Particular Somewhere, and it is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. You can find them on Instagram @thevictorie.

Megan John (voice of Lucy Westenra and Kit Morland) wants you to know that adulting is hard and she hasn't been doing anything creative, but that's a lie. She has been killing it on her bullet journaling instagram @megs_journals_, and is voicing the upcoming audiobook for This Particular Somewhere.

May Toudic (writer/producer of Murray Mysteries and Morland P.I, host of Something Queer is Happening Here) is still writing and looking for work! Most recently, she started an independent publishing company, Sunflower Press, and published her first novel This Particular Somewhere.

Eager to act after her plans for the future fall apart, Kat leaves her native Norway and ventures across the sea to work as a nanny in a Scottish seaside manor. As she navigates the complexities of caring for the Elphinstone children, Kat finds solace in the warm camaraderie of the housekeeper, Margaret, and the hospitable cook, Tommy. In between balancing her work and online studies, Kat embraces the remote village's unique community, crafting playdates with a fearless American babysitter and matchmaking for Tommy, who grows strangely tongue-tied around the charming local grocer. When her employer's younger brother joins the fold, however, Kat discovers a growing connection of a slightly different nature.

Intertwining themes of belonging and self-discovery, This Particular Somewhere welcomes readers into a vibrant Scottish coastal town, where new friendships and unfamiliar landscapes kindle unforeseen possibilities. From the enchanting manor to the charming village brimming with colorful characters, the novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a world teeming with humour, comfort and deep connections.

Maddie Cooper (Knoves admin assistant) is currently studying media production to start a career in podcasting and sound production. You can find their work on their Linktree.

The Mascots:

Gilbert (voice of The Beast) is sadly no longer with us. After a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in November 2023, he passed away at home in March 2024. He is dearly missed by his mum May and his sister Marilla.

Marilla (voice of Darcy) went from chaotic little sister to stressed-out older sibling when her mum brought home a new kitten last April to keep her company. Her new sister Sawyer keeps her on her toes, but she loves her really (deep, deep down). Marilla is still a mean lean chirping machine and dedicated biscuit-maker.

Void (bringer of darkness) is still thriving with Drew! He recently went to the vets and got certified polite boy. What an achievement.

We hope you enjoyed this update and will want to check out our new projects! While the company has disbanded, we are still in touch and still monitoring this account, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.

Knoves Out

[pumazoey]

In acting class, we learned about Stainislavski’s Theory, and a big part of that is Objective. So I took my RtC Pokemon AU and analyized it for Objective!

also, feeling obligated to tag @margo-mania, the kool moot who is helping develop this goofy au!

Stainislavski’s Theory as used in my stupid RtC AU

“Objective”

Group objective: To find, study, and befriend (and maybe fight) the mythical Pokémon Deoxys

Singular Objectives:

Ricky: Wants to study the Pokémon that come from a land beyond our own. Spends hours staring up at the sky, looking for something, anything, that proves other life exists. Once he catches wind of Deoxys’s landing, he knows he’s found his evidence

Noel: Wants nothing more than to draw and write about the beauty and magic of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. He tags along with Ricky because he’s starting to get lonely when it’s just him traveling alone with Absol. 

Ocean: Your stereotypical “wants to be the very best” trainer. She gets caught up with Noel and Ricky after her Vaporeon accidentally attacks them. She has been recently defeated at a Gym, and once the boys tell her about their quest to find Deoxys (Quest for the Other Worlds, as Noel calls it in his journal) she tags along in hopes that defeating Deoxys will make her strong enough to become the Champion.

Constance: She’s lived her entire life cooking at her family’s inn. She loves her family and her home region, but she also longs for adventure. While they’re staying at the Inn, Ricky lets her look through his notes on space Pokémon. She is intrigued, and in the night, knocks on the group’s door. The four of them then run off into the night.

Mischa: A real man of mystery. His objective is entirely unclear. All the group knows is that he’s from a land far away and he’s been training with his Zoroark. It’s later revealed that he used to be a recruit of Team Plasma and feels really bad for it, so he’s distant. It doesn’t help that he and Noel are falling in love throughout this entire story because I am a sucker for Nischa. (Yes the others tease them the entire time)

Penny: Oh, dear sweet Penny…she’s on the run from the cops the entire time. She’s an ex Team Magma member who never quite abandoned her team. She’s mostly with Team Cyclone right now because they’re protecting her from law enforcement!

[m0e-ru]

Inaba Beef and Beef Steak Supply

The jokes and gags and mystery of Inaba's beef and beef steak supply had always intrigued me so I went off to find out more about it. Possibly one of Inaba's "Seven Mysteries"... A conundrum more confusing than the fog itself, and it all comes down to... the owner of Souzai Daigaku!?

[msg MSG_NPC_02_05 [Out-of-towner]] The people around here are very friendly, aren't they? Then again, so are you. If I go to Junes, my neighbors all come out and talk about what I did there and what I bought and so on... But, it's not so bad. Being friendly is a good thing, isn't it? That store has a gashapon machine, but it only works on rainy days for some oddball reason. That's one of this town's "Seven Mysteries," apparently. Hahaha! This stuff only happens in the country, huh?

Yeah this is a really funny endeavor, but I've been curious about it ever since I started playing P4. Aside from Chie's obsession with this thing, it's a bit funny to learn about it when things started going from "beef and steak are Inaba's specialties!" to "hey, we don't really have any ranches nearby, so what's the deal?"

My research entails the funny mystery of the beef supply and where all the cattle come from, so the descriptions and quality of said beef and steak are kind of supplementary along with everything I've gathered. That being said, I've only examined the game itself. While my prior knowledge of things such as drama tracks, manga, spinoffs and ect. are what I currently know and not something I've actually examined as closely as my main source; which is the  game itself.

tl;dr Souzai Daigaku conspiracy Inaba beef probably isn’t beef the whole city goes mad THAT BEING SAID here's what I found

Besides Chie's obsessiveness with this thing and the fact there's "meat gum" which may or may not be related, "Inaba's specialty" of beef and steak is a funny little detail around the whole of Inaba.

They say beef and beef steak are the city's specialty. Folks in Okina being able to acknowledge it. However, they say it's only been like that just recently.

From the dialogue of the husband of Souzai Daigaku's owner:

[msg MSG_NPC_02_04 [Kind man]] If you're wondering what this town's specialty is, wonder no more! It has to be beef steak! But to be honest, it's only been that way for about a year. Before that, no one really cared about it. But my wife always liked it. That's why she started up Souzai Daigaku. She's got a good head for business. Now it's kind of a student hang out. I see this girl in a green track jacket all the time.

Beef is some sort of staple within Inaba at this point. Mainly something Souzai Daigaku serves, but also part of Aiya's menu and the special Beef Bowl Challenge they have on rainy days (or every Friday during the winter).

The way it's cooked in Souzai Daigaku is really tough in texture. "It's tough, hard to bite into, and it got cold while I was still eating it...It was tasty." - Marie.

Souzai Daigaku sells them awfully cheap and they’re sort of addictive, where the skewers and croquettes and a typical snack among the locals and highschoolers (Chie Satonaka). The specialty "Super croquette" often being sold-out, unless it's raining then maybe there's a better chance to get them. Aiya’s Beef Bowl Challenge also being unable to be served as ingredients have run dry.

However, it is said the quality of these products served at Souzai Daigaku are dependent on the owners' mood that day. "Their food tastes different depending on when you go." -Kanji

Souzai Daigaku's history itself is that the business within that establishment is a hobby by the owners, changing every two (2) years or so.

  This exchange between Yosuke and Yukiko:

[msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_1 [Yosuke]] Oh yeah, my dad negotiated with Souzai Daigaku to see if they'd open up a branch in Junes. But he said they turned him down. They're just running the shop as a hobby... [msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_2 [Yukiko]] Oh, Souzai Daigaku? They change the nature of that place from time to time... [msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_3 [Yosuke]] The... nature of it? [msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_4 [Yukiko]] Yes... The owner's the same, but what they do changes about every two years or so. It used to be a lingerie store, and before that I think it was a video rental place. [msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_5 [Yosuke]] Yeah... that's definitely a hobby, not a business.

 Now, according to several accounts, stirs the mystery of Inaba's beef and steak supply.

There are no ranches within Inaba itself. And no idea who’s Souzai Daigaku suppliers at all.

An out-of-towner states there are ranches much too far away. The husband says there are some nearby, but they're only dairy cows, not beef cows. This is added on by a student saying it’s injected with fat to make it more tender. But that would just make the meat more expensive.

It’s explicitly labeled to be “Inaba Beef.” Unsure if Junes is being supplied and sells these things. Even the city-boy protagonist sounding surprised it tastes like beef at all.

[msg REIZOU_35] > You opened the fridge. > A steak bento is inside... > The package states: "100% Inaba Beef!" > ...... > Eat it...? [msg REIZOU_35_YES] > It DOES taste like beef...

It’s a “conspiracy” by Souzai Daigaku.

Addition to how well the products taste per day, during November when Nanako’s hospitalized, it appears that the business is also gravely affected. Accounts of the croquettes of Souzai Daigaku going bad, to the point a grandfather tells his daughter not to cook it.

In the end, it’s still considered “locally produced,” and with no word where Souzai Daigaku gets them. lol

  And here’s all the sources I’ve gathered from the script dump because i dont want to open the game and whatever. you should read the script dump it’s a nice hobby <- DESCENT TO HELL. sorry if it looks biased i am literally trying my best out here you can take a look at it yourself if you want.

Here’s a spreadsheet on the game’s voice lines but there’s also a section on how to interpret how the script dump works. probably. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQpjr1lpowysg0fRlcyucPwMRkl4iEJHy82drM5HgbnQHgadT5TAO1lkOeZP96zGAGBxobi0e6L2MNN/pubhtml

That being said, these aren’t in order and I didn’t add dates or anything, but you can look at the script dump as a whole for context sorry again if this is bullshit lol

  YOSUKE SOCIAL LINK [msg MSG_001 [Yosuke]] Sticking chunks of steak in croquettes... Man, this really is the country, huh? Well, it is good... though it's tough. Chie called this stuff "tender and juicy"... What kinda teeth does she have...?

[msg MSG_0000 [[x 0x80 0x80]]] > The famous steak croquettes are tough...

KANJI SOCIAL LINK [msg MSG_000 [Kanji]] Chie-senpai says the steak bowl here is great. And hey, she's the expert.

MARIE SOCIAL LINK [msg MSG_000] > Shopping District, Souzai Daigaku... > At Marie's insistence, you have come here to eat steak skewers...

[msg MSG_001 [Marie]] It's tough, hard to bite into, and it got cold while I was still eating it.

[msg MSG_002 [Marie]] ...It was tasty. I remember it all from when we came here. This place, this taste, and you.

DAISUKE EVENING TALK [msg SP2_NIGHT09_TALK01_MES_S [Daisuke]] You went to the beach with Yosuke and the others? It's a pretty beach, isn't it? Then again, I've never been to any other beaches, so that's the only one I have to base things on. Well, I mean, I don't have a lot of beach experience, but at least we beat the city in terms of nature, right? What do you think? Is there anything else here in Inaba that's better than being in the city?

[sel SP2_NIGHT09_TALK01_MES_S_2 top] "Kind people." > "The food is good." "Let me think of something."

[msg SP2_NIGHT09_TALK01_MES_B [Daisuke]] We're only known for our steak. That's not much of a specialty... Well, if you think it's good, then that's all that matters.

[msg SP2_NIGHT09_TALK01_MES_B_2] > Daisuke smiles happily...

[msg SP2_NIGHT09_TALK01_MES_E [Daisuke]] We have all this land... I wish they'd made the schoolyard bigger. Then we could play more soccer. Y'know, have the guys on the bench do some scrimmaging while we're playing...

RISE EVENING TALK [msg RIS_NIGHT08_TALK03_MES_E [Rise]] Once you get addicted to good, cheap food like that, it's hard to stop eating it. It's the same way with Souzai Daigaku's steak skewers.

YUMI EVENING TALK [msg BU1_NIGHT12_TALK02_MES_S [Yumi]] It's almost Christmas. It's pretty much like any other day, to me. I know it's not the same as the name-brand stuff, but I made sure to order some chicken for Christmas from Junes. Yosuke-kun was begging me to help him with his quota, and I couldn't say no. I mean, I like chicken, so it's not like I'm suffering or anything. Why don't you help him out, too?

[sel BU1_NIGHT12_TALK02_MES_S_2 top] "Of course I will." > "I don't have the money." "I'm more of a cake guy."

[msg BU1_NIGHT12_TALK02_MES_B [Yumi]] Oh, that's a problem. We are just in high school, after all. It might be less traditional, but steak skewers are a lot more accessible for us, aren't they?

[msg BU1_NIGHT12_TALK02_MES_B_2] > Yumi is smiling...

[msg BU1_NIGHT12_TALK02_MES_E [Yumi]] He gave me some coupons to thank me for ordering from him... But they're all for Christmas stuff. I guess he's really out for business!

[msg BU1_NIGHT06_TALK02_MES_E [Yumi]] All this talk about curry is making me want some. A neighbor gave us some "Inaba beef," so maybe I'll make curry tomorrow...

CHIE EVENING TALK [msg CHI_NIGHT05_TALK01_MES_I_2 [Chie]] Meat Gum is the best way to finish off a steak dinner! This sinewy texture's too good. Well, we should get going.

[msg CHI_NIGHT07_TALK03_MES_E [Chie]] But what with how hot it is, I'm starting to crave some cold ice cream too... There's already Meat Gum--don't you think they should make Meat Ice Cream? I bet it would be a huge hit!

COSTUME [msg COStalk_KUM_14_Change_1 [Teddie]] This is an interesting outfit, isn't it? Trigger tree!  C'mon Sensei, gimme some canday! ...Just no meat gum, though.  I got one from Chie-chan once, and one is enough for a lifetime.

[msg COStalk_KUM_14_Dialo01_1 [Teddie]] Tada!

[msg COStalk_KUM_14_Dialo01_2 [Chie]] Ahahaha! That's great, Teddie! You're totally a pumpkin!

[msg COStalk_KUM_14_Dialo01_3 [Teddie]] Hehehe, trigger tree! Chie-chan, won't you give me some canday!?

[msg COStalk_KUM_14_Dialo01_4 [Chie]] Oh, I have some candy! It's meat gum! It's steaktacular!

[msg COStalk_KUM_14_Dialo01_5 [Teddie]] What? It's meat, but it's gum? This bear's seen everything now.

[msg COStalk_KUM_CHRISTMAS_OF [Teddie]] Wow, it's Santa! I want a present... No meat gum, please.

NON-PARTY DUNGEON DIALOGUE [msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_1 [Yosuke]] Oh yeah, my dad negotiated with Souzai Daigaku to see if they'd open up a branch in Junes. But he said they turned him down. They're just running the shop as a hobby...

[msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_2 [Yukiko]] Oh, Souzai Daigaku? They change the nature of that place from time to time...

[msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_3 [Yosuke]] The... nature of it?

[msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_4 [Yukiko]] Yes... The owner's the same, but what they do changes about every two years or so. It used to be a lingerie store, and before that I think it was a video rental place.

[msg YOSUKE_W_YUKIKO_LV2_5 [Yosuke]] Yeah... that's definitely a hobby, not a business.

[msg YOSUKE_W_KANJI_LV2_1 [Yosuke]] Oh yeah, my dad negotiated with Souzai Daigaku to see if they'd open up a branch in Junes. But he said they turned him down. They're just running the shop as a hobby...

[msg YOSUKE_W_KANJI_LV2_2 [Kanji]] Their food tastes different depending on when you go. That hobby stuff aside, ain't it more how they feel on that day?

[msg YOSUKE_W_KANJI_LV2_3 [Yosuke]] ...I'm glad they turned down our offer.

FRIDGE [msg REIZOU_35] > You opened the fridge. > A steak bento is inside... > The package states: "100% Inaba Beef!" > ...... > Eat it...?

[msg REIZOU_35_YES] > It DOES taste like beef...

OVERWORLD NPC [msg MSG_NPC_08_16 [Lazy male student]] Hey, did you hear? The beef they use in grilled steak is supposedly from regular dairy cows. People are saying that they inject each piece of meat with fat to make it more  tender... I don't believe it though. It'd cost way more to have every single piece of meat individually injected. Well, maybe they could find some way to make it cheaper, but still...

[msg MSG_NPC_01_07 [Homely student]] You ever been to Souzai Daigaku? They know how to run a business there. They're always on top of the latest trends, and the woman who runs the place is really into it. They're the ones who made the grilled steak croquette, you know. Kind of a random specialty, but people love it. ...Hm. Now that I think about it, how do you decide what makes something "special" anyway?

[msg MSG_NPC_01_13 [Homely student]] Hey... Do you like grilled steak?

[sel test_sel01_13 top] "It's pretty good." [a] "It's kinda gross." [b]

[msg MSG_NPC_01_13a [Homely student]] ...It may be best to lay off that stuff, though. Just between you and me... but, there's a rumor going around that the grilled steak isn't real meat... or something...

[msg MSG_NPC_01_13b [Homely student]] Oh. Just forget I said anything, then.

[msg MSG_NPC_04_04 [Lady]] Oh, it's you again. Listen to this, I heard it from someone in the neighborhood. The local specialty of Inaba, grilled steak. I heard that it's a fake. It seems like they just made it up because they needed to come up with a specialty quickly... Well, at least that's what the new rumors are saying.

[msg MSG_NPC_06_03 [Carefree guy]] ...Hey, hey, get this! We don't have any cows around here, right? So why is Inaba's specialty grilled steak, huh?

[msg MSG_NPC_06_05 [Carefree guy]] I told you about there being no beef cows here so... there's something bothering me. Souzai Daigaku's beef... doesn't it seem a little TOO cheap? Don't get me wrong, it tastes good, but... Doesn't it seem kinda odd?

[msg MSG_NPC_06_14 [Carefree guy]] Seriously, Inaba beef's pretty suspicious... I swear it's a conspiracy by Souzai Daigaku. But it tastes so damn good. I think it actually tastes better than before now... Dammit, now I'm curious... What's the truth behind this beef...?

[msg MSG_NPC_02_05 [Out-of-towner]] The people around here are very friendly, aren't they? Then again, so are you. If I go to Junes, my neighbors all come out and talk about what I did there and what I bought and so on... But, it's not so bad. Being friendly is a good thing, isn't it? That store has a gashapon machine, but it only works on rainy days for some oddball reason. That's one of this town's "Seven Mysteries," apparently. Hahaha! This stuff only happens in the country, huh?

[msg MSG_NPC_02_14 [Out-of-towner]] This village's specialty is grilled steak. But... I don't see any cows anywhere. The only ranch I can think of around here is really far away. ...Isn't that odd? Where does all this meat come from?

[msg MSG_NPC_01_15 [Shopping woman]] Shopping woman:What should I do for dinner tonight... Maybe I'll make croquettes. The trick is to fry them at a high temperature. If the oil isn't hot enough, they'll get all soggy. Loud old man: Not that I'm complaining about your cooking, but... Don't make beef croquettes! Shopping woman: Huh? Why not? Loud old man: You don't know!? Right now, Inaba's beef is... Uh... Well... Never mind! Shopping woman: How strange... Grandfather would never say anything bad about Inaba.

[msg MSG_NPC_02_04 [Kind man]] If you're wondering what this town's specialty is, wonder no more! It has to be beef steak! But to be honest, it's only been that way for about a year. Before that, no one really cared about it. But my wife always liked it. That's why she started up Souzai Daigaku. She's got a good head for business. Now it's kind of a student hang out. I see this girl in a green track jacket all the time.

[msg MSG_NPC_02_12 [Kind man]] Something's been bothering me lately. ...Isn't it kinda weird that beef steak is our specialty, when there aren't any ranches nearby? We're getting it pretty cheap, but... only my wife really knows where we get it from. I left it up to her...

[msg MSG_NPC_02_17 [Kind man]] I've been hearing a lot of unpleasant things... There are some ranches not too far away, but they've only got dairy cows there. What does it all mean? What kind of meat are we using in our steaks?

[msg MSG_NPC_02_20 [Kind man]] My wife, she... She said she was tired of me. Can you be tired... of a person like that? If she says so, it must be true, right? She told me not to worry about the steak... We've got reliable suppliers, she said. My wife says it's true... it must be. I just won't think about it...

[msg MSG_NPC_02_25 [Kind man]] Hey, it's pretty cold, isn't it? I bet if you ate something from Souzai Daigaku, you'll warm up. I let my wife handle the beef, but I've been helping with the croquettes.

[msg MSG_NPC_02_26 [Kind man]] *yawn* I haven't been getting much sleep lately. My wife and I have been having long talks all night. We've decided that Souzai Daigaku should have a special limited-time menu to celebrate Valentine's Day. Hmm... Perhaps some Inaba beef fondue, with chocolate sauce?

[msg MSG_NPC_05_10 [Male student]] Tests are coming up soon, but there's still time to procrastinate! I'll keep my all-night studying schedule... huh? ...Did something happen to you? I don't know, but... cheer up! At times like this, I'd tell you to eat a croquette... But recently, even those have started to taste bad.

OKINA [msg MSG_NPC_10_11_1205_040 [Hungry young man]] Inaba, huh...? I hear the steaks are good in Inaba...

OKINA SCOOTER PICKUP CONTEST [msg MSG_NPC_19_NANPA_00_000 [Flamboyant high school girl]] And that guy trying to pick me up was such a loser. That nose piercing of his made him look like a cow!

[msg MSG_NPC_19_NANPA_00_010 [Loud high school girl]] Hahahaha! That sounds awful! What did he think he was, Inaba beef?

DECEMBER FOG [msg MES_015] > The classroom is in an uproar... Male student: I've been thinking that I won't have to worry about anything as long as I do what everyone else is doing. Female student: Yeah, I'm the same way! The TV will tell us what to do! Male student: Yeah, I hardly even care about the fog anymore, either. By the way... Have you heard the rumor about the grilled steak they sell at the shopping district...? Female student: Really? That's not what I heard. I heard that the lady at Souzai Daigaku is... Ms. Sofue: Everyone, please quiet down right-- ...Huh!? What did you just say!? Can you give me any details!? > The uproar only grows louder...

GOLDEN EPILOGUE [msg MSG_007 [Troubled man]] But... what are we supposed to sell in a "locally produced goods" section? I guess the steak kabobs are good, but what other stuff is there? We're not famous for anything else…

[fanaticsnail]

Allow me to help a bit ^_^

Look out your window and tell me what you see. Light, dark, rain, or shine: tell me about it.

Ah, it is pitch black right now. The moon was out a bit ago, but she's gone and hidden behind the clouds again so I can't see anything out there.

Talk to me about your Original Character. Where are they aligned: marine, pirate, civilian?

Quill is definitely pirate aligned. They're really old, and have been kind of world-hopping for a few dozen lives when they're born in the One Piece world. Something stranded them though, and they only have their memories of previous lives, and not the last X years they've been in this new world and new body.

So the mystery for them to solve is who they are this time, and why they're in a world for the first time where they know the people and the fate of the world.

Did you cook something interesting this week? Was there a recipe, or did you go off vibes alone?

I tend to roll with the flow whenever I cook, but I've been making "ramen" oatmeal lately and man I love it.

What song makes you think of your favourite character?

Either One Life or Power Over Me - both are by Dermot Kennedy, but they both really make me think of Marco. (too sweet by Hozier is also, obviously, a contender XD )

If your favourite character was real and appeared beside you, how would you feel about it? What would you do?

I'd probably be completely stunned. Blue screen for a second, need a reset. There'd be a lot of poking Marco and lot of pinching myself, and a lot of asking my spouse if they were seeing what I was seeing XD

What's your favourite trope to read?

Enemies to lovers - I'm absolute shit at writing it, xD but I love reading it.

Would your OC and my OC (Tobiuo) get along? If so/not, why?

I'm sure they would. Tobiuo's a pirate. Quill gets along with most pirates.

In a modern au setting, what would your OC do if not piracy, marines, or civilians?

Probably a criminal of some variety. Quill's morals are chaotic, and their skills lean more toward unsavory than not. They could 100% have a "normal" job and be all law-abiding, but they also tend to really end up in the thick of things regardless.

better to just assume they'll end up there XD

Thank you for this, Quin! 🖤

The dark always holds that little bit of peace in the quiet.

I adore Quill so much and everything they do. Their mystery is so compelling to me and I adore their reactions and interactions with all of the characters you've drawn them with. I should hope our OCs would get along, Quill would have Tobiuo starstruck for a bit and a lot of questions. I could see Quill as a PI who knows enough of the law to know how to effectively dodge it.

I also love how the songs also make you think of Marco. He really is too sweet, isn't he? And nudging your partner to ask if they're seeing what you are is so endearing and you're so real for that.

Enemies to lovers is amazing. Truthfully, I have no idea how to write it properly either, but I love it. I am also incredibly intrigued by ramen oatmeal.

Thank you for taking a moment of your time to indulge me in your answers, I appreciate it so much.

[malleux]

Hello! I hope you're doing well, may I participate in the match up event?

My pronouns are she/her, and I have a preference towards men.

Hobbies: reading (any form, as of current I've been reading a lot of manhwa), arts, theatre production, videogames (I usually play action RPGs, fighting, gatcha and rhythm games), watching anime, cooking (by small extension), history

Skills: draw and paint (digital+ traditional), animate (just s tiny bit), arts and crafts (for set and props mostly), playing video games (is that even a skill ??? I'm not a god but I'd like to think I play games pretty well enough), writing (less creative more on academic/reports), cooking (I can only follow a recipe though), sewing (just good enough to mend small holes/ put things together)

Personality: infj, introverted, emphatic, laid back, understanding, supportive, creative, humorous, sarcastic, witty, determined, can be dense at times, lazy, intuitive (idk I'm able to guess things based on intuition), reserved (I only ever actually open up to ppl i know well), stuck in my head day dreaming/ thinking (it could be about anything lmao), non confrontational but passive agressive

Love language: quality time, acts of service (giving)

That's all! I hope this wasn't too much!!!

hi! this is perfect, thank you for requesting!

i match you with… heizou!

Hear me out… detective couple.

When I read your bio, I kind of honed in on your intuition. At first, heizou is a little on edge. He’d originally just hired you as a secretary to take requests and write down cases for him to focus on, but he couldn’t help but be intrigued when you’d make off-handed comments about them.

You talked about someone who came in and asked Heizou to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his business partner. The guy seemed severely distraught, but you’d had a bad feeling about him from the beginning. His actions just seemed… off to you, giving you a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach that was hard to shake.

Later on, it came to light that the man was behind his partner’s disappearance. He didn’t want to share the fortune, and played it off as a kidnapping from a rival business.

After many more cases with similar circumstances, Heizou started to pay more attention to you. He’d ask your opinion on things, letting you take your time and read over evidence and statements that he’d collected. Heizou would take anything you said into consideration, not hesitating to look into something you felt wasn’t right.

You became his partner in solving crime, the Watson to his Sherlock, and started to develop an unbreakable bond— the foundation of trust and partnership built long before you had actually become a couple.

Once you are a couple, though, the crime stopper partnership doesn’t end. If anything, it grows stronger. You’re hanging out way more outside of work, and Heizou will even take the day off for the two of you to have a date or take a break if he feels like you’re overworking yourselves.

Often takes you to theatre productions in Inazuma. Marionette puppet shows are common, and sometimes they are inspired by cases that the two of you solve. It’s a fun date night— spending time together, reminiscing of the past.

When you’re busy daydreaming on the job, Heizou just smiles. He assumes you’re working hard and thinking about a case, even if you’re definitely just daydreaming about him. Or the book you’re reading. Or literally anything else. He’s so proud of u.

It takes the both of you a while to fully open up to each other, but the vulnerability and level of closeness you have with each other is worth the wait. Heizou is someone you can genuinely trust and depend on with your life, and he feels the same about you. He picks up on the tiniest things about you and is never wrong with his observations.

When you’re passive aggressive to someone you’re not too fond of, Heizou knows. When your social battery is running low, Heizou knows. He makes the best escape plans for any situation, and gets the two of you alone quickly. For your sake, of course. Totally not also because he wants some alone time.

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

Iteration - a Malevolent fic, epilogue

John has been poisoned. Who did it? Unknown. How can he be saved? If not for Arthur, he wouldn't.

The ripples from this event hit far distant shores, and no one will come out of it unchanged.

Part 100 of the Surrogate series.

AO3 - epilogue

--------

The poison was a mystery, and apparently, would always be. This… This would not do.

A spell to activate it was clever. The description of a sauce didn’t make sense, initially, but a magic surge to specifically catalyze the poison into its active form? Absolutely brilliant. Which made sense, given whom she thought had made it.

The Keeper had observed the tiny, frail, twitching piece of magic for hours, dissecting it thread by thread, vivisecting this unthinking, unfeeling living spell so she could see the ways each bit of magic interconnected. There, a specific intent to precipitate one ingredient into a solid from its dissolved state; there, a flash of energy directed just so to charge the particles in question, activating the magical cascade that chewed away at the injured fragments of gods and shunted them out, away, gone.

But fascinating as it was, she had pieces of a puzzle that were not complete. Dagon could not give her a name for the poison, and didn’t know how it was made. She’d paced, and brooded, and researched, and considered asking Dagon for every antidote he could cook up that might clue her in (damn the price!), but it wasn’t enough.

That’s when she heard the whistling.

Sharp, clever, perfectly on-pitch, yet absolutely chaotic in its purported melody. It was very clearly Kayne, in the Scriptorium, doing… something?

Whatever he was doing, he was bringing it her way.

And he was a mess.

Torn. Bloodied. He stopped whistling to grin at her like some rabid coyote, and then resumed, walking forward. His ichor was eating holes in the floor.

“Kayne!” She couldn’t quite keep herself from being bright and bubbly, the intrigue and the questions and the mystery and the need roiling together into a sound like teeth gnashing in delight upon seeing a meal. “Where are you going? What are you doing? Did you see what happened?”

“Heeeey, baby sis!” he said with a wave (flinging more ichor, which sizzled and spit as it ate into whatever it touched). “Got you a present! Oh wait, gotta finish my performance, ahem, ah… oooooooh!” He pressed the back of his ichor-dark hand to his forehead and threw his head back like some damsel in a movie. “Alas, I am done for!” And with all the drama of a thousand cats, he flopped onto his back on the floor.

She watched, silent and still, for a long second.

Wait. That was her cue!

“Oh no!” she cried, sweeping to his side, kneeling and pulling his limp form onto her lap. “My dearest brother, struck down but steadfast to return unto me! Pray tell, Kayne, speak softly to me; tell me your efforts were not in vain, so I may avenge thee!”

He gave her the most exaggerated wink. “No need, fair one, for I have avenged mineself!” He paused. “Myself? Mine… self? Well, either way, I actually didn’t do that, but I did getcha a present.” He held up a small, square crystal.

Inside, etched into the glass, was a recipe.

“I put on a show,” he said.

She gasped, soft, reverent, taking the crystal and rotating it in her hands to see every angle, the words trying to crawl from her sight but pinned in place. This was it. The poison. This was it! “Really? For me?”

“Well,” he said, and though he was grinning, his voice dropped into a terrible register. “I might’ve needed to remind someone not to fuck with my show, and also wanted them to think that they could fight me off.” He rolled his eyes back, and for a moment, aped dead, tongue improbably long and hanging out of his mouth. Then he grinned at her again. “I was just such a pain in the ass that he gave me the damned recipe to make me go away.” He cackled.

She grappled him within all four of her arms (and about five more for good measure), clutching him tight to her chest. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I need to tell Dagon right away. Everything was so muted and mixed with the interference I couldn’t tell—thank you!” And then she paused, hands ruffling his mussed and bloodied hair. “Do you need to be healed? A silly question, I know, but I can at least fix up your guise for you.”

“Weeeell…” Somehow, he did puppy eyes. “I can do it myself, buuuuut….” And he arched dramatically over her skirt-covered knees. “Oh, alas, I gots a owie…”

She pulled out a black silk handkerchief and tenderly daubed at his brow, power thrumming as his guise knit back together, leaving clean streaks of unblemished skin amidst the ichor that coated him. “But… why walk away?” She asked, torn flesh knitting back together under her ministrations. “This… you caught him, fair and square. He tried to kill your stars. Why let him go? Why not really make him suffer for it?”

That smile was worse, poisonous, dark, hungry. “Because it wouldn’t be enough, doll. There is a fucking reason no one has tried to go against me in millennia, and our brother… our fool of a sibling… thinks that reason doesn’t apply to him.” He stretched. “I mean, sure, he could quit now, but we both know he won’t. And sure, I could have called him on it now, but who the fuck cares? It’s just two gods squabbling over mortal toys. Nothing interesting about it. But.” He wriggled. “Oh, oh, oh, this? This is a fuckin’ guillotine of his own making. I’m not just gonna stop him. I’m not just gonna call him out. I am gonna humiliate him, hurt him, fucking castrate him, and do it all in such a way that he won’t stick his bleeding dicks out of his lab again for a million fuckin’ years. Even letting him pick me apart tonight was all steps on that road. I want him to think he can hurt me. When that axe falls, doll… it’s gonna be memorable.” He laughed, a sanity-shredding sound to match that smile. “They might even end up writing songs about it.” He suddenly drooped again. “Woe is me! I got bited. For He Was Just Too Much.”

“Oh nooooo,” the Keeper said, keeping up with the dramatics (if only just) while her mind clicked and whirred. “I… I see. It’s not about… them. It’s about making an impression.”

It did not feel good to say. She liked them. Her hearts hurt.

But that didn’t matter; her brother’s games were his own, and she could respect the main drive behind it. She was not his keeper (hehe), and neither was he hers. And wasn’t this a better solution, anyway? In the long run, this would keep him from sniffing at her door before long.

(She was, still, deeply angry about the incident at the House of the Worm. The servants of that awful sibling had stolen things right under her nose, and destroyed knowledge in the process. But that was her axe to grind, and she would not ask Kayne to heft it for her.)

“Humans have an expression I like,” he said. “‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Teach a lesson good enough, you’ve only got to teach it once.” He wriggled again, settling on and in her lap like a cat. “I hope you like the recipe. Wasn’t why I went, but you know. Thought of you, and I was already there.”

“Don’t read my mind,” she huffed, but there was no force behind the words, merely a childish whine. “I really needed this. Both for your purposes, and… It doesn’t get much more rare than this.” Her voice was hushed. “I’ll get your show back on the road soon. Promise.”

“Aww, you don’t gotta, but thanks. They’ll manage.” He grinned. “So you like your present? Huh? Huh? Who’s the best older brother? I am!”

“You are!” She lifted him into the air, spun him, and brought him back into a crushing hug. “I love it, Kayne, I do. You’re the best. And, well, I will shortly be paid for the antidote, once I can confirm with Dagon. This is so helpful.”

“Ha,” Kayne said at her, at everybody, at nobody, and enjoyed being fussed over until he got bored.

#

Hastur tried to be a good god. Just. Right. According to his own code, anyway. But this…

This wasn’t the right thing to do. Yet… it was the right thing to do.

It was true that Bh’tnnkr’nuah would never leave those mines. He couldn’t; if anyone saw him again, it would be saying Hastur was weak, or hadn’t meant his word, or wouldn’t pursue suffering in exchange for wicked deeds.

But some part of Hastur understood. Understood this fool who’d thrown everything away for the sake of…

Of course he knew where the mate and daughter went. They weren’t hard to find. And he didn’t have to let them know he was the one who set up communications so these three could talk, see each other’s faces every night, even if they were separated by entire worlds.

The communication crystals were from his treasury, and marked when sent as final wages, paid in full, to be followed by no more. But this family could talk. See each other.

If, in time, that mate and child wanted to… visit him in the mines, Hastur would allow it—but that was far, far in the future. For now, this gut-wrenching mercy would have to do.

He understood Bh’tnnkr’nuah’s decision, but he could never forgive it. And as for whoever had pretended to be Gokar’luh…

The death of his son was out now, no way around it. Time for that part of the plan to slot into place—the pretended dismissal, the frustration that his banished child should have been so stupid, the laughter that Gokar’luh could ever have thought he’d succeed.

Tomorrow. The lies and sharp-toothed deceit, the pretense at the asbsence of grief… tomorrow.

Tonight, he sat alone in his room, and held Gokar’luh’s crown, and wept, for he understood the assassin he could never, ever forgive.

----------------

Notes:

(Note from Trin: it's my birthday, and I am a hobbit, so... here's 21,000 words for you!)