#Which uhm. Doesn’t translate well here

[pokemonfrommemory]

An elegant dancer

[kurishiri]

02 . . . happy birthday, darius! ˗ˏˋ🪽´ˎ˗

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties for characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— cw: none, things are getting interesting though ..

Kate: The scones in that shop over there are really good.

Darius: I happen to dislike foods that leave a lot of crumbs though.

Kate: Then what about the gelato over there?

Darius: I’ll pass — I’m not in the mood.

Kate: T-then, how about those sausages? They were imported straight from Germany!

Darius: All they did was throw it on a grill though, right?

(Oh, right... Darius does lean more toward foods that seem difficult to make or take a lot of time.)

In direct contrast to the way I was racking my brain, Darius wore a calm expression as he stopped in his tracks.

Darius: Hmm, as I thought, there doesn’t seem to be anything that really stands out to me...

D: Do you have any other recommendations up your sleeve?

I was searching around for places we could have a slightly belated lunch, but there didn’t seem to be anything that caught his eye.

(Could it be that Darius is actually quite selfish...?)

It was as though my repertoire was practically nonexistent.

Darius: But I am feeling hungry now. And to think you would leave guests all the way from Germany with nothing...

Kate: I-I’ll take you somewhere, right now!

(At this rate it might really become an international problem...)

As I thought hard, I remembered the menu of a certain restaurant.

(It is a bit on the pricey end, but their dishes all take quite a lot of time to make, and it may have things that he’s more familiar with.)

Kate: Actually, I just remembered a place that sells some time-consuming dishes!

K: Since we’re all the way out here already anyway, why don’t we pay that place a visit?

Darius: Hehe, sure thing. I’m looking forward to it.

With him in a merry mood, we headed for the restaurant——

Darius: You choose.

And having been told so, I felt anxiety wash over me as I placed the order.

Darius: ...Oh, is this goulash?

Goulash was a German dish where beef tendons and a variety of vegetables were put in and boiled together.

Kate: This place lets their goulash boil for a whole two days.

K: And besides, they only serve ten of these at any given day.

K: Well, don’t you think it’s fitting to call it a time-consuming dish?

(When I first ate here, I remembered it was so good that I felt my cheeks relax.)

At my words, his hands, which were on his chin, reached out for the cutlery——

Darius: Indeed, it does sound like something I’d be taken to.

He started to eat with a smile, and I felt relief wash over me——

Or, that’s how it should have been.

Kate: Wha...

Splat.

Seeing him grab the meat with his hands and carrying it like that to his mouth, I felt myself stiffen.

Kate: U-um...

Around his mouth was stained, and he licked the soup that had dripped down his wrist.

It was a bit hard to call him the ‘leader of Vogel,’ even as flattery...

Darius: What is it, did something happen?

The way he held his cutlery was strange, to say the least, and he held the knife in an underhand grip.

Kate: Ah, uhm, it’s just that I didn’t expect you to, well...

(Especially seeing that, at the dinner party that was held to deepen our relationship, you weren’t eating then like you are now.)

For how much he looked like an angel, his way of eating seemed like he was pulling a practical prank, and all words escaped me then.

Darius: You didn’t?

While wiping his mouth, he calmly spun the knife.

Darius: I was being considerate at the dinner party, but humans can be a bit troublesome, you know.

D: Just what’s so wrong with defining on your own what ‘table manners’ and eating the way you like?

His cold eyes then turned to the food on the plate.

His answer had me a bit taken aback, and I remembered a certain memory.

Kate: Before, William had also told me that he wouldn’t mind me eating the way I’d like to, without worry.

Darius: There, see?

Kate: But still, I wanted to get along with many people, so I had him teach me manners in the end.

K: Just like how we remember the words the people we want to get along with use,

K: I was thinking if I could learn manners, I could get along with someone else over a meal.

Darius: ...Ho-oh?

With his eyes turned to me, his hands stopped.

Kate: At that time, I could easily follow his teachings, and...

Darius: And how did he teach you?

Kate: Huh?

He set the knife down as he cut off my words, giving off a bit of an eager air.

Darius: I’d love it if I could receive a lesson or two on manners from William.

He now seemed like a different person from before, and while I felt a bit perplexed at that, I nonetheless straightened my posture.

Kate: So first, he——

—— Time skip ——

Darius: So something like this?

Kate: Just like that. It’s like I’m looking at William right now.

His manners had emulated William’s so perfectly that it was as though William was the one eating.

(So, in reality, he is proficient in table manners... but he chooses not to use them.)

The way his eyes would sparkle whenever the topic was on William stood out to me, and so I opened my mouth.

Kate: You really respect William, don’t you, Darius?

Darius: Well, there isn’t another person who holds as wonderful of an ability as him.

D: That is, he is wonderful as a Cursed one.

(As a Cursed one...?)

Darius: Anyway, thanks for the meal. Where should we go next?

The moment I tilted my head at those words that seemed to instill some sense of discomfort in me, he quickly changed the topic.

Kate: How about we choose a present next then?

Darius: Oh, I like that. Do choose something you think will make me happy.

And so, we went around to many different shops, but...

(There’s nothing around that Darius likes...)

We had gone here and there until the sun set, but there was nothing that seemed like something he would want.

Darius: Some things just can’t be helped. You can get me a present next time.

Kate: ...I will keep mulling on it though.

Darius: Then I’ll look forward to it.

I was pretty exhausted as he pulled me along, but then he suddenly stopped.

Kate: What is... ah—

Before our eyes was a man on his knees before a lady with a surprised expression, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Man holding a bouquet: I promise to make you happy for life, so please marry me!

The lady, her eyes wet with tears, nodded, and the crowd around them cheered.

Kate: Oh, it looks like the proposal went well!

Looking at someone who was handing the crying lady a handkerchief,

I then turned to look at him, when——

Darius: People really are unbelievable.

to be continued…

← prev next →

full masterlist 🪽🍰 ╱ ko-fi

[tbhk-twt-events]

Hanako-kun of Magic Pt. 1

October 21st, 2021 -> October 31st, 2021

[After Halloween] November 1st, 2021 -> November 6th, 2021

Translations and images from the Jibaku-Shounen Hanako-Kun Wiki page and AidaIro's Twitter

Part 1 | Part 2

Icon

Banner

[English version translated by DBS]

Link [Link because of image limit! Oops!]

October 21st

Narrator

"Ah. Ahhhh. Testing testing, 123. Staaarting… now."

Original Tweet

Narrator

"Once upon a time, in a certain Teen's School, there were two girls who were very close friends. No matter how you looked at it, they were normal girls... except they weren't."

Original Tweet

[English version translated by DBS]

Narrator

"Well what do you know! They were apprentice witches! This is a story about Halloween, sweet treats, and love, centered upon these two girls… Or maybe not!"

Original Tweet

Icon Change

Head Witch/Sakura

"...It looks like you were surprised by my sudden call. Well, it is only natural. You, my familiar, had already been told to do some other work. However, something a little troublesome has happened. It seems like your abilities will be necessary. Please, join me."

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"It is almost Halloween. It’s a special night, where witches bring their familiars and have a party together. That’s why I asked the apprentice witches to prepare the sweets, but... ...Now, let us explain what this is all about."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"So, uhm. I tried to prepare the sweets with magic, but I ended up turning some of the students into sweets…… Even if I try to turn them back, it doesn’t work at all."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"What should we do!? Is it too late!? They’ll turn back, right? Riiiiight?? Senpai, please help us! Isn’t there some kind of magic that can turn back everyone who transformed into sweets?!"

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"Please, calm down. The humans who turned into sweets… For short, the candy-people――a spell does exist that can bring them back. The process is very simple. You’ll just have to eat them."

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"Why yes, I do mean what I say. Even though it's a traditional type of magic, it also has terrifying side effects. The candy-people who happen to be eaten by a witch…" >>>Fall in love with the witch who ate them — 53.1% Become the familiar of the witch who ate them — 30.2% Die — 16.7% 2,498 votes

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"Indeed. There are some cases in which they become a familiar, but this time it’s different. They return to their normal form, but they get their heart stolen. In other words, they fall in love with the witch who eats them. However, you two are only inexperienced apprentices. The effect will disappear once Halloween is over."

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"Now, it still isn't Halloween yet, so let's eat all of the candy-people, and return them back to their original forms. To choose which sweet you’ll eat, talk with my familiar over here. They're an expert on the subject. You’re okay with that too, right?" >>>Leave it to me! — 85.2% No way!!! — 14.8% 2,369 votes

Original Tweet

[English version translated by DBS]

Head Witch/Sakura

"That’s reassuring. Then, I’ll have Nene eat a candy-person tomorrow. For the following questions, please refer to this sweets catalog."

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"The candy-person Nene will be eating tomorrow is that which is on…" >>>The upper row... — 62.7% The bottom row... — 37.3% 14,848 votes

Original Tweet

Head Witch/Sakura

"I wonder which is best…" ...to the left! — 36.8% ...in the middle. — 42.4% ...to the right... — 20.9% 16,051 votes

Original Tweet

October 22nd

Icon Change

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Good evening, Mr. Familiar-senpai! Thanks for helping us out! Today's the day I'll eat a candy-person. The calories are suuuper high, so we can only eat them every few days...... Lets do our best together!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"...... By the way, do you think the stuff about the candy-people we eat falling in love with the witch that eats them is... t-true...? Could this be my Limited-time Popular Girl Debut!? Kyaaa!! Alright!! This must be fate!! Alright, so the first candy-person I eat will be......"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"The "Crowned Galette Des Rois", huh... The cake has kind of a royal feel to it, doesn't it? Thanks for the food! The dough is crunchy, and the almond cream inside is so sweet and delicious!! Are those colorful bits dried fruit?"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Urgh ... !!?"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"W-what is this... what an incredibly stimulating and unique flavor..... something that isn't supposed to be put in sweets... is in here.... Poison...? No, it's not... I ate it all, but my heart won't stop pounding... T-the true identity of this candy...! It can't be...!"

Original Tweet

Diner Employee/Teru

"Huh? You're... that girl that always comes to the shop. I think the way you looked eating food was really cute... I remember it fondly. By the way, do you prefer seats by the window, or at the counter? How about we go eat at the store? Don't worry about ordering; I'll take care of it."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Th-th-th-th--th-this person is….! The diner's super hottest employee!! He's admired by the whole student body in our school!!! I'll absolutely… ❤️ W-wait! Are you ordering a super high calorie burger for me!? I… I'll just go home…"

Original Tweet

Diner Employee/Teru

"You're going home? Really...? But I wanted to see how you looked when eating... ... you won't let me?"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"............ Thanks for the food!!!!!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Then *munch munch* Familiar-san, since I'm *munch* currently eating this Special Halloween Extreme Mega-sized Cream Burger Meal, *munch munch* ... you should choose the candy-person that *munch* Aoi will be *munch* eating tomorrow... *munch munch munch*" >>>The upper row — 50.4% The bottom row — 49.6% 3,454 votes

Original Tweet

[English version translated by DBS]

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Munch munch..." (Use this as a reference for the candy!)

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Munch munch... munch... *gulp* ... munch munch..." >>>Jack-o-Lantern Tart — 50.4% Heart Cocktail Jelly — 49.6% 14,579 votes

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

(By the way, the results of the last poll were won by a slight margin! Tomorrow is Aoi's turn... good luck Aoi!!) "Huff, huff... munch... munch munch......"

Original Tweet

October 23rd

Icon Change

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"Good evening, senior Familiar-san. ❤️ Today, it's my turn to eat a candy-person. Oh, you're wondering about Nene-chan? She somehow has a terrible stomach ache, so she's been in bed... She took some medicine, but I wonder if she'll be okay. I'm a bit worried..."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"I'll also work hard to not lose to the calories. The first candy-person I'm eating will be... the "Jack-o-Lantern Tart", right? It has a classic Halloween motif! I'm a bit worried about the calories, but it's a vegetable, so it should be good for my body... this sounds like an excuse, doesn't it..."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"Alright, thanks for the food. ❤️ There's fluffy Pumpkin Mousse on top, and soft, pungent Pumpkin paste on the bottom... It's a two-layered cake. It's made from the same ingredients, but with a completely different flavor. It's delightful.❤️"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"It has a not too-sweet, kind flavoring. The tart's dough is fragrant and totally delicious... And if you look closely, the shape has been constructed very carefully… it's visually impressive, too; it's incredible. ❤️ … Huh? Could it be…? The true identity of this candy is…"

Original Tweet

Classmate/Shijima

"Huuuuuhh~? Is that... my classmate, Akane-san~? Meeting here is destiny! Come and sit over here, look over this way and put your arms like this and your feet over here, and angle yourself like this... Aahhhh~!! ❤️❤️ It's perfectttt! Alright, now don't move anywhere for the next 60 minutes, please!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

(This is that girl from the Art Program...!) (We have different majors, so we've never talked... but I'm a big fan of her pictures...) "Eh. A pose...!?! U-um, you mean l-like this!? Or this way...... Kyaaaa!!!"

Original Tweet

Classmate/Shijima

"Hup~ Are you alright~? I'm sorry for pushing you too far. And this location is bad, too. OH! How about we go to my place? I want to get to know alllll about you..... And while we're at it, I could introduce you to my adorable little sister!!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"Oh no, I have plenty to apologize for myself... Wait, to your house? And staying the night...? ......" (I-is this alright...? She might just be joking... But...)

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"... Haah. *Ehem* Alright, Familiar-san, it seems I'm going to go look at a picture. Am I nervous? No, not exactly, but… Anyways, tomorrow Nene-chan and I are going to be resting our stomachs, so take it easy. ❤️ Thank you for your help today."

Original Tweet

Icon change back to Tsukasa

???

"...... ......... Fwah~..."

Original Tweet

[English version translated by DBS]

???

"Boy, I'm hungry... Oooh! Candy! Which~one~shall~I~choose...~?"

Original Tweet

???

"Hmm!" Heart Cocktail Jelly — 21.2% >>>Ghostly Mochi Cake — 35.2% Blue Candy Apple — 23.8% Sweet 'n Sour Devil Cake — 19.8% 16,850 votes

Original Tweet

???

"There's no time limit! Ahaha! But we'll cut it off at 3PM tomorrow, so have at it! Bye-byeeee~"

Original Tweet

October 24th

???

"Yoohooo~ Did you choose which one I'd eat yet?"

Original Tweet

???

The "Ghostly Mochi Cookie," huhhh... Can I really eat this? Okay!! Thanks for the food~ I wonder what the insides of a ghost look like...... ............ ............

Original Tweet

???

"………… ……、………… …! ……………… …… Hmm, I see. Ah, that was yummy! Lotsa stuff in there. Yep, their true identity was... ..."

Original Tweet

Classmate/Mitsuba

"WAHHHH!!! ...... Is this a dream? Huh? You... haven't I talked to you before? Well, I'm a cute popular person from the shadows, so I get why you'd want to talk to me. You're pretty friendl-... er, aren't you a bit close? Um, don't get so close, please..."

Original Tweet

???

"I thought your heart was delicious. Do you know what happens to those whose hearts are stolen by a fully fledged witch or wizard? Shall I teach you?"

Original Tweet

Classmate/Mitsuba

"WAH--- something's growing out of me!! And, and, my body is... on it's own...!? What is this!? This is humiliating, but I can't defy it... S-somebody help me!! I HATE THIS KIND OF HALLOWEEN!!!"

Original Tweet

???

"Thanks for the food. I'll leave the rest to you."

Original Tweet

[English version translated by DBS]

???

"Keep up the good work again tomorrow. Next is that girl with the uneasy stomach."

Original Tweet

???

"Bye-byeeee!" Heart Cocktail Jelly — 26.7% Blue Candy Apple — 35.2% >>>Sweet n' Sour Devil Cake — 38% 13,731 votes

Original Tweet

October 25th

Icon Change Back to Nene

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Good evening, Familiar-san!! Thanks for choosing that incredible cake the other day!! Thanks to you, I've been enjoying the dazzling school life of my dreams. ☆ ...... but I've been in a fight with that high-calorie burger, so I'm afraid of what comes next..."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Okay, today, more sweets... I'm getting two people to fall in love with me, so doesn't that make me kind of... wicked?! But there's no other option... it's like a fleeting dream that'll be over after Halloween... If it's all a dream, then I'm innocent!!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"By the way, I'll be eating the "Sweet 'n Sour Devil Cake" today... it's a very heavy chocolate cake. Okay, I'm not gonna think about the calories anymore!! Thanks for the fooood!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"The sponge cake is bitter, but the chocolate cream inside is so thick and sweet! Yes, this is certainly a sinful flavor... The raspberry sauce sandwiched inside is refreshing, and the cake's sweetness stands out... ... ... Raspberry...? ......"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Wait a second... this cake is super delicious, but what's this cold, unpleasant feeling I'm getting......? I feel like I'm doing something I can never mend... No way... this cake's true identity is........."

Original Tweet

Classmate/Akane

"...... nnn? Where am I--"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"MAGICAL ATTAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Huff... huff... huff...... That's right... raspberry is Aoi's favorite...... Forgive me, Akane-kun. This was... yes, this was also for your own good... Please stay like this until Halloween ends... and don't wake up......"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Ah, Familiar-saaan! This is reaaally bad! Looks like my magic accidentally went off, oopsy! Clumsy Nene! ☆ This is my classmate, Akane-kun. He's Aoi's childhood friend, and he's a class representative with her. So… We'll keep all of this a secret from Aoi. ❤️"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Nene

"Phew..... Alright, now let's choose Aoi's candy for her!" Heart Cocktail Jelly — 48.5% >>>Blue Candy Apple — 51.5% 15,489 votes

Original Tweet

October 26th

Icon Change Back to Aoi

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"...... Ah, Familiar-san. Good evening. Haaah......"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"Oh, no, it's nothing big. Just... the first candy-person I ate was luckily a girl, but I'm pretty sure the next one will be a boy, so I'm a bit nervous. But I thought of a secret scheme, so I'll be okay.❤️"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"The candy I'll be eating is the "Blue Candy Apple", huh. I see. So it's a candy apple… The blue candy coating and star pattern are so cute. ❤️ I don't know where to start eating from, but I'll do my best."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"This apple is so juicy and delicious. ❤️ It is a popular seasonal fruit, after all. And the candy apple is also a classic Halloween treat. They're cute visually, and they're exciting when lined up in stores. Now, before this candy-person turns back to normal......"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"… It's time for an outfit change! MAGICAL MAKEUUUUUUP~!!!❤️❤️"

Original Tweet

Classmate/Yugi

"......? Ah, hello...... ............ Umm. Happy Halloween...... ?"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

(※Magical Telepathy) (This person is... yes, it must be... my classmate, Yugi-kun.) (He doesn't talk much, he's a little shy.) (I don't really see him with other people... but he sometimes talks to Nene-chan, who sits in front of him in class.)

Original Tweet

Classmate/Yugi

(What the... is that a Halloween costume......?) (............) (Somehow, seeing this stuffed animal... has my heart racing..... When I go home, I'll have to look for where to buy one...) "Oh, since it's Halloween... I should give you some candy, right?"

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"...... He just gave me some candy, and then quickly went home. I... don't think he figured out it was me. Pretty sure. We don't know each other very well, so this was for both of our sakes."

Original Tweet

Apprentice Witch/Aoi

"There's only one candy left, so let's take a break tomorrow. Familiar-san, you've done a good job these past few days. ❤️ Okay, have a good night!!"

Original Tweet

TO PART 2

[tartigglez]

Hello tumblr user that I don’t know

May i please suggest Zhongli and the orange heart emoji? xoxoxoxoxox

~tulip anon (i cant get to my emojisss)

"ten-twenty"

tartigglez 100 follower event!

・❥・hello dear tumblr user who i also don't know! i hope this is satisfactory

・❥・zhongli x gn!reader

・❥・0.5k

・❥・zhongli is sick (poor babie), food (soup for sick!li), zhongli doesn't understand mortal sickness, modern au, (idk why i'm warning for this but some people are grossed out by it) li blows his nose at one point

zhongli x 🧡

as an archon, sickness did not apply to zhongli. it was a problem that he never faced. so when his mortal form came down with a case of the cold, it was quite literally the most dramatic he had been with you in a very long time. 

it was actually quite funny, hearing his voice go all nasally and having such a graceful and uptight man laying on your sofa as you made soup for him. of course, he didn’t find it very funny when you giggled at him. 

“dear~ please stop laughing, i feel so… what’s the thing you say? ippy?”

you couldn’t control your laughter, “icky, zhong. icky.” of course you wouldn’t laugh at him if something was seriously wrong, but right now he was just a little under the weather, and would be walking around liyue like nothing had happened in a couple of days time. 

“i finally understand what you mean when you say that. it’s not nice” 

“i know its not nice dear, here.” you brought a bowl of the soup over to him, as well as a box of tissues. giving him a moment to sit up, you got the thermometer off the coffee table and checked his temperature again, and to your surprise it actually wasn’t too badly out of range. then you handed him the box of tissues so he could blow his nose. 

“so, what is it i do again? just, exhale into it?” gosh he was clueless, how adorable. then again, how could you blame him? it's not like archons are built the same as humans, nor do they have the same bodily functions or needs, it's just a change for him, that’s all. 

“yes, but hard, so you can get all the icky out”

“i can’t help but feel like you’re using that word wrong” 

you looked at him with mock insult, mouth wide as you placed your hand on your chest. “well excuse me, master of linguistics!”

“haha~ i jest my dear”

after eating the bowl of soup, and making yet another pathetic attempt at blowing his nose, zhongli asked you to come back into the living room, inviting you to sit beside him, which you humbly declined, much to his dismay. opting to sit on the armchair opposite him instead

“dear, why won’t you sit near me?”

“‘li, you do realise… how sickness spreads… right?”

“uhm… yes”

“tell me how”

“well, when mortals…”

“when mortals…?” you gazed at him, raising an eyebrow.

“fine, it is in fact… a gap in my knowledge. but, i did read somewhere, that a true loves kiss cures all ails”

“archons, ‘li. you do know those books are fiction right?” you giggled at him again, laughing at his cluelessness. for someone who has spent his whole existence protecting mortals, he doesn’t seem to know much about their actual workings.

“uhm… well… you should try it anyway! kiss me better!”

let's just say, the day ended with a very long winded biology lesson about the transmission of viruses....

© tartigglez, 2023. do not copy, translate or repost

[tarithenurse]

I see fire - 28

Fandom: D&D 5E/homebrew campaign. Word count: 2630. Contents: Enhanced magic (don't do drugs) and a rescue misssion. A/N: Any questions are welcome. Please comment and like and reblog. Let me know if you want a tag.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

XXVIII

The way back to a place always seems faster for some reasons, Zilvra decides.

It feels like no time before they pass the cave where they had slept with the ogres (a bowl has been placed which Morella fills and once they’re out of sight they hear the jubilant cheers of the ogres).

But other than that, the trip back to the Masons’ hideout is uneventful.

Passing through the cracking dome of illusion, the trio push themselves the last bit of the way, ensuring they don’t have to find rest between the graves.

It’s quiet at the Tower. All the ships on the lake are gone together with most, though not all, the men. As such they don’t find Claude or Harris but Gideon is there, attempting one of his usual visits to the Tower only to have it thwarted again – the guard is good (or Gideon is bad).

Either way, now the trio are back, the magician is happy for the company and he’s happy to translate a few of the papers, explaining they’re written in Draconic.

“This one is for a guy called Isat. The sender, uhm...Kilum, asks about his health and mentions some drugs. Drugs? I wonder what kind?” He asks himself mostly only to brighten up at the idea: “Oh! It might be the Wild Blue Weed!”

Avoiding exchanging glances with her friends, Zilvra innocently asks what that is.

“I don’t know what else it might be called but it has magical properties. It looks a bit like a big star with bright blue petals,” Gideon explains.

Morella, keeping up the charade, cocks her head. “Sounds a lot like the Flower of the Ice Queen that we have in the Fey Wild. But if that’s the one then it’s an invasive species.”

“You have some?” Gideon asks hopefully.

“No.”

“Aw.”

Saddened, the human wanders off but Anvindr gives chase, wanting to borrow a book or two if possible.

Following the men, the girls enter Gideon’s shed or house. It’s stacked from floor to ceiling with books and scrolls without any obvious system to it.

“What do you need?” Gideon smiles.

“I’ve been thinking about the Tower here and its crystal,” Anvindr admits. “So maybe something necromancy or illusion magic?”

It takes a moment for Gideon to find the right books – not because he doesn’t know where they are but because they happen to be further down the stacks and he has to dig down to them.

Taking the first, a relatively slender tome, the genasi leafs through it but finds that it can’t be necromancy as that mainly speaks of souls powering people and not items.

Reading over his shoulder, Zilvra is more interested in the other book although they both have their doubts as it starts off with explaining sleight of hand “magic”. But eventually it moves on to real magic, amping up the difficulty until finally talking about the drow skill of imbuing items or devices with illusion magic – but that’s nothing than a rumour.

A bit disillusioned, the trio leave Gideon to reorganize his books.

“You’ve ever heard about that?” Anvindr asks Zilvra.

“That we imbue devices with illusion magic?” she verifies, “no...” But she hesitates.

He narrows his eyes. “What?”

“I once heard mom talk about...well, it was some magic of course.” Her mother works for the Department of Developmental Magic and was often working on project beyond the scope of normal magic users. “She was working on recreating something with a magical crystal but they had problems with the source whatever that means.”

“Hm...maybe that’s it?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know.”

---

“Good morning, I am Tazree,” a voice in her mind startles Zilvra out of her trance in the morning. “We are here in Omen. I want you to visit us. I am interested in your knowledge of this area.”

Baffled, Zilvra almost misses the window for a reply but manages to gather her thoughts at the last moment. This must be the leader of the drow outpost!

“Morning. Not up to me alone but will see if I can make my way by.” Zilvra frowns at her own words; not wanting to feel to hostile she adds: “Don’t know much about it but I’ll happily share.”

There are no further messages.

“Guys,” Zilvra calls out gently to her friends who slowly are waking up too, “I just got an interesting message.” That wakes them properly and she relays the wish of this Tazree. “I’m not saying I need to go there now...but I would like to at some point.”

“What do you hope to learn?” Morella asks.

And that’s the thing, Zilvra doesn’t know. Admitting as much, she shrugs a bit sheepishly.

“I don’t mind going,” Anvindr admits.

Glancing at her friend, the drow becomes aware of a different problem. “You should, probably. My kind...they’re not exactly fair towards men, treating them like...like workhorses rather than people.”

He frowns but then shrugs. “Good thing I’m not a drow then.”

She wants to argue that it won’t matter but just then there’s a shout from outside:

“They’re back!”

Tempted by the announcement, the trio and many others leave the barracks and streaming towards the shore of the lake to see the ship arrive.

Soon, boats are in the water, rowing people in and among the first are Claude who spots the trio and waves them along as he marches to his office, barely acknowledging the curious people who want to know how the blockade has gone.

“Went fine,” he growls at last before ushering the trio inside and closing the door.

Turning on them, at least for Zilvra it almost feels as though she somehow is in trouble. The face of Claude is drawn into a dark mask of anger and worry and his entire posture hints at him wanting to break something.

“So,” Anvindr tries to lighten the mood, “it went well?”

Claude blinks. “Yes. No civilian casualties. But Harris has been captured and I guess I don’t have to say what would happen if they get him to talk.” The trio nods. “You’re going to Stouvania with another group to get him free. You’ll be bait, bluntly put, creating a distraction so the others can get him out.”

“He’s in the jail?” Zilvra asks with trepidation. Having spent time there herself, she’s not keen on seeing the place again.

“Yes, the Raven Wing,” Claude nods.

The other two look between them and the drow quickly explains how the jail i built in the canal with only one entry point. Several of the lower cells tend to flood during high tide as water spills in through the barred windows.

“But it might go down quite deep,” she adds, remembering at least one set of stairs leading down.

“I could transform into a mouse or something and sneak in to figure out where he is exactly,” Morella offers, already embracing the fact that this mission will happen regardless of their willingness to go or not.

“I need him back,” Claude suddenly admits, wiping a hand across his face. “I need him.”

For the first time, Zilvra gets the feeling that the leader of the Masons isn’t only talking from a tactical standpoint and she nods at him, understanding better than he knows the need for someone.

“You got the Blue Weed?” the man asks, trying to refocus on the task at hand.

Pulling out the bag, Morella shows it to him and for once he looks relieved if only for a brief second. Then he goes and opens the door, calling out for Gideon who comes running as quick as his robe allows.

“Need you to send six people to Stouvania, my friend,” Claude orders.

“But I c-” the magician begins to apologize but he stops the instant Claude holds out a handful of the dried flowers. “Yes, of course!”

The trio and Gideon (who is rubbing his hands in excitement) follow the leader out the door as he shouts for more men: Henry, William, and Pierre. They come right away too, still geared up from the trip with the blockade, and listen intently to the plan.

“Here,” Henry says, handing Morella a Sending Stone, “so you can communicate the position of Harris.”

She nods, putting it away safely in a pouch.

Zilvra has been watching Gideon who now is given the Blue Weed and starts to crumbling it in his hands, releasing a blue smoke that he greedily inhales in deep breaths even as his nose begins to bleed and his eyes roll backwards. Then, as the last residue evaporates, he claps his hands together and conjures a portal through which the six rescuers rush.

Next thing is free fall.

Plummeting about ten meters before landing in cool water, the group have indeed arrived in the city of Stouvania but not nicely on ground level but rather over the canal, and while it’s still morning and not that many are out yet, they do manage to spook a lone fisher who’s sitting with his feet dangling over the edge of the pier. He is no less startled when the colourful woman suddenly disappears (in reality transformed into a rat) and the others clamber out of the water.

Wanting to prevent the man from having any credibility in case he goes to alert anyone, Zilvra whips out one of the bottle of liquor, rudely pouring some on him before pushing the bottle into his hands – this way, hopefully, the guards will smell the booze and take him for a drunkard.

Then they scatter: three Masonners in one direction while Zilvra and Anvindr heads another way.

Slipping from alley to alley, the two friends make their way to the marketplace but just before they reach it, Anvindr hands the drow a tube with a wick at the end.

“Go to the harbour and wait for my signal before you light it – then make sure you’re out of the way when it goes off,” he explains.

“What?”

He grins surprisingly wicked. “Big boom.”

And with that he joins the crowd heading into the auction house, leaving the young female to navigate the streets towards the harbour. She knows the way, roughly, and when she gets there she tries to find a place to toss the boomstick with a minimal of innocents caught in the blast.

She doesn’t have a long time to figure it out before an explosion can be heard in the distance. As expected, the guards all react, rushing towards the sound from where a large cloud of smoke billows up over the roofs too now.

No one pays attention to the drow, allowing her to light her own boomstick and toss it in between an array of crates and boxes near the piers.

The moment it goes off, it’s utter chaos. People are screaming, running away and falling over each other in the process but it’s to Zilvra’s advantage as no one would think twice at the sight of a teenage-sized person running the same way as everyone else.

Heading towards the jail to maybe help out the others, Zilvra sees them running (or limping in one person’s case) towards the main entrance to the city: Harris is being supported by two of his friends while the third is keeping an eye out. Morella’s nowhere in sight which worries the drow.

Catching up, she’s happy to see that while Harris is beat up badly, he’s still well enough to send her a smile which she returns. And her smile broadens when she notices a golden rat poking its head up from the man’s shirt pocket: Morella.

Falling into pace with the others, this is not the time nor the place for explanations of what has happened. Glancing up, she sees special guards leap from rooftop to rooftop and she praises herself for not having chosen that route this time.

“To the gates,” Henry simply snarls.

Hopefully, Anvindr has guessed that that’s the only way out.

It feels like they have to run for miles before they reach the gates and the back of Zilvra’s knees prickle with the idea that they are too slow but they can’t go any faster because of Harris. He’s giving it his all, but he’s been starved and beaten since he’s been caught and is as such barely hanging on. The few times he lifts his head to see the surroundings, he nearly stumbles.

Finally, they get the inner gates in view but it is closing, probably the whole city is entering a lockdown to prevent the people responsible for the chaos to escape. Anvindr is there, running from the direction of the stables but he spots them and comes over.

“Tried to get horses but no luck,” he groans.

He’s not deigned a response by anyone. Not out of annoyance but because they must hurry and they are indeed among the last people through the inner gate.

The city of Stouvania has two sets of gate, separated by a wide canal which a bridge with giant statues at the sides span across. This means that even having made it through the inner gates, the Masons and the trio are not out yet, but need to exit the second gates too...and they are being closed as well.

Realizing they are too slow, running ahead Zilvra desperately shoot at the winding mechanism for the gate but of course it’s no use as a little crossbow bolt is nothing more than a mosquito bite to it. But she does get the attention of the guards and maybe that can be enough to distract them, wanting a chase instead and so she rushes through the gate.

It’s no good though.

But Anvindr has seen what she’s done and he lobs the last boomstick up towards the mechanism. As it goes off, it sends the men up their falling onto the ground but more importantly, it breaks one of the hinges, forcing the gate crooked! As it’s still being pulled shut, the other Masonners make it through, but it closes just as Harris and Anvindr draw up to it. There’s a small gap at the bottom, too tiny for them to pass through, but if they can climb up then they’d be able to leap over and out into freedom.

It’s with her heart in the throat that those who are out watch Harris make it over, landing awkwardly in a heap before he’s helped on his feet by his friends.

“Go, go!” Zilvra urges.

“But Anvindr,” Harris objects, already more or less dragged away.

There’s a new boom from beyond the gate.

“You can’t help him, just go!” the drow insists.

They make it a bit down the road, aiming for the forest edge before Anvindr comes scrambling over.

“Where’s Morella?” he gasps, looking about.

Zilvra doesn’t have a chance to say that the druid was with him before the person in question suddenly appears beside them, gagging and with blood dribbling from her mouth but seemingly unharmed otherwise and so they all run.

The sound of wings can be heard and as Zilvra ushers her friends off the road after the others first, she glances back and sees the familiar sight of #5 with large red wings hovering above the ruined gate – the flaming fists seem just as dangerous at a distance as they had done up close by the Clairvoyance Tower.

“Zilvra!” Morella urges, grabbing her friend’s hand and pulling her along. “Shit, this calls for more magic.” A subtle green veil encase the group’s feet for a few seconds as they begin running again.

Out of sight of the gate, they can’t see what #5 is doing but they hear the heavy impact of something landing.

“Just go,” Anvindr pleads.

And so they run.

[lisutarid-a]

[Gakuen K] Totsuka Tatara Route Translation

Confession in the audio visual room

LIST OF CHAPTERS

[Translation under the cut]

Saya: (I'm glad the play ended well somehow ...)

Saya: (Practices were tough, though. I'm so happy that we made it)

Kusanagi: Good work, Juliette.

Saya: Kusanagi-san! Did you watch the play?

Kusanagi: Of course! It's the big day for the members of our club, if I hadn't watched it, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.

Yata: Kusanagi-san! How was my acting!?

Kusanagi: ...Yata-chan. Just to reconfirm, what was your role?

Yata: A tree. 

Kusanagi: ...Sorry, I didn't understand which one was you.

Yata: Whaa, that's harsh!

Saya: I wonder where Totsuka-senpai went.

Saya: (Speaking of places where senpai might be...)

Saya: I knew you were here, senpai.

Totsuka: Huh, what's wrong?

Saya: It's not "what's wrong". I haven't seen you since the play ended, I was worried.

Totsuka: Ahh, sorry-sorry.

Saya: What are you doing here?

Totsuka: Video viewing.

Totsuka: We can watch it together if you want. The video I took.

Saya: This is...

Totsuka: A video taken during the preparation period for the school festival. I remember being nervous watching a classmate holding the tools in their inexperienced hands.

Totsuka: The one you're seeing there is the class joker. He's from the Blue club, but he doesn't look like from it at all. ...If I tell him that, he'll get mad, so I'm keeping it a secret.

Saya: Oh, Souh-senpai!

Totsuka: Uhm. A special seat in the corner of the classroom. The sunlight feels good.

Saya: Senpai's class seems very funny.

Totsuka: Yeah, I'm having fun every day. Your class seems pretty fun as well.

Saya: Is it so?

Totsuka: Uhm. I'd like to see Anna-sensei throwing chalk at Yata in real.

Totsuka: And I'd like to see the way you're taking your classes seriously, too.

Saya: I don't see senpai in this video...

Totsuka: Which senpai?

Saya: Totsuka-senpai.

Totsuka: Ah, me. I prefer to film than to be filmed.

Saya: I see...Even though it's a fun video, it's kinda sad.

Saya: Even though the senpai's voice is recognizable, you can't see his image on the screen as if he’s cut out.

Totsuka: Heh, you're exaggerating, aren't you? I'm not in the frame, but I'm having a lot of fun filming this.

Saya: ...I will film you.

Totsuka: Eh?

Saya: I'll film senpai. ...Please let me film you.

Totsuka: U-uhm. Sometimes...

Saya: What happened?

Totsuka: Ahaha. Sorry. I'm kinda nervous.

Totsuka: Because you say it so seriously. It's like you're confessing to me.

Saya: C-Confessing...!

Totsuka: ...Don't you think about me this way?

Saya: Eh.

Totsuka: I wonder if I can be seen as the opposite sex. ...Am I nothing more than a senpai from the club to you?

Totsuka: ...At first I was just checking the video. But then I found myself watching the part where you're on the screen over and over again.

Totsuka: Then I remembered the moment I was filming you, my heart was pounding so hard.

Totsuka: "Ahh, I like that girl" I realized.

Saya: ...

Totsuka: I'll say it again. I like you.

Saya: ...Are you sure you want to be with me?

Totsuka: Uhm. I like the person that's right in front of me right now.

Totsuka: ...Should I wait for a response?

Saya: M-Me too...I like Totsuka-senpai too.

Totsuka: I see...Fufu, I'm happy.

Totsuka: I'm not much good at anything, but please be kind to me.

Saya: Yes, it's my pleasure! Please be kind to me as well!

Totsuka: Haha, it's like Omiai (the formal meeting with a view to marriage).

Totsuka: Thank you for responding to my feelings. ...Saya-chan.

[Prev chapter] [Next chapter]

[mbti-enemies]

Hello, favourite duo on Tumblr

ENTJ-T 3w2 here ✋🏻

It's gonna be a rant.

I'm having a crush. Big one. I think. Bad emotional mechanism, here. Anyway, I've tried to communicate with him. And it's starting to work.

I think.

Lots of thinking, if you haven't noticed.

He's smart, dresses exceptionally, most likely an IxxP from what I gathered so far. An Aquarius too. Taller than me (I'm 176 cm, so it's a plus) He rarely comes to classes which drives me mad because I want to be in one room with him and watch him, you know just... Watch, observe, besides talking.

Problem is, I malfunction whenever he comes close to me. My tongue gets tied up, I make stupid mistakes, say stupid things.

No, seriously like, how do I manage to keep my cool, be aware of his and everyone's presence and still make stupid mistakes when he's around me. It's like he comes, I get brain error 404 but still manage to somehow evade complete embarrassment, he leaves, and I become completely unusable for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Then it's all good cause, heh *smooths hair* we can't let it faze me too much, right?

RiGhT???

Any advice? or idk just plain reassurement will be fine

Example of my idiocy:

He *asks me what I'm doing*

Me *obviously making a maquette of wooden chair* Uhm- *tries not to be sarcastic because it's too early for that sassy energy* You see- *malfunction because GOD DAMMIT WHY DO HE LOOKS SO GOOD WITH THAT WHITE HOODIE* This- You know, just working on a chair, making calculations and stuff, I'll be going to the machine soon. (to cut the pieces from the wooden stick)

He: I meant the design, actually.

Me: Oh, *OF COURSE HE DID, he knows it's a chair, HE HAS THE SAME ASSIGNMENT* yeah, well yeah... *malfunctions* It has hand rests!!!

(same energy as "LOOK, IT HAS POCKETS!")

He: *probably noticed I'm being an idiot and decided to give me space* Aha, cool. *turns to look at the teacher cause she called him*

Me: *continues to work, contemplating suicide*

After an hour I had to go and instead of "Chao" which is how you say bye in my native language (Bulgarian) I end up meeting his eyes while saying it to everyone and said "Chal, got go." it's a rough translation, but you get me, I guess.

HOW DOES IT STOP????

Duuuuude this is so cute entj glitch 1.2 ahaha you’re such a mess (affectionate)

anyways, the advice imma give you is pretty obvious but, here it is:

A) Dude it’s gonna be okay also like I’m sure he doesn’t think you’re that weird yk like people can lose their words sometimes like no hope has been lost through your funny little interactions

One day he’ll know how super smooth because

B) you can to r e l a x like he’s just a human being and like you KNOW you need to relax around the guy. if you know you’re gonna be seeing him, something that helps me is like visualising this person beforehand and visualising feeling comfortable around them, visualise having a nice long and good chat where everything flows super well and you feel happy. I think it helps because it basically gives you practice right, like once you’ve created it in ur mind you’re more likely to be able to create it in ur mind again when the situation is irl

C) ask him out. dude. you may as well. just ask if he wants to go out!! “heLLo, do you want to go to ____ with me?”. The thing is, you’re not that close friends with him, so you don’t have the “it could ruin our friendship excuse”. And, it probably won’t make things that awkward, even if he says no, as long as you okay but casual afterwards because you didn’t confess massive massive feelings or anything yk? You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain so do it do it do ittttt

[another-dr-another]

talk to otori?

Maeda, narrating - Ōtori would probably be good to talk to…

Maeda - It’s important we get opinions from as many people as possible ! So…

Maeda - And, to be honest, I’m still curious about what he thinks on my hand… I’ll just face the fact I forgot.

~*~

Maeda - Ōtori?

Ōtori - Hello, Maeda. How did things go with Hatano?

Maeda - Oh…

Maeda - Honestly, they went pretty well…

Maeda - I mean- it was hard for her, that’s obvious… but I think getting the ribbon pulled her out of things a bit.

Ōtori - Hm…

Ōtori - Well, she certainly seems more energetic, and I suppose that’s good.

Maeda - …Would it be good if she wasn’t energetic?

Ōtori - I’m not saying that!

Ōtori - …Sorry. I’m a bit tired, I guess.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - I just worry about what happens when this wears off. Maybe she’s feeling reinvigorated now- her bond with Iranami is giving her strength, and a reason to press forward.

Ōtori - But, eventually, that strength will fade away. And when it does, it’ll just serve to remind her that Iranami is gone.

Ōtori - It’s not her behavior right now that has me worried, it’s the knowledge of what’ll happen next.

Maeda - …I get that- honestly, that’s exactly what I was thinking too…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Ōtori must be particularly stressed, having been the one to stop Hatano from going to Iranami’s body…

Maeda - …Again- I’m sorry I left you in the dining hall earlier.

Ōtori - …Hm?-

Ōtori - Ah- no, it’s fine… one of us had to stay, one had to leave, and I thought to grab Hatano first. There wasn’t any reason for you to stay with us.

Maeda - …That’s true-

Maeda - …

Maeda - I guess I just wish I were able to help you with… everything.

Maeda - …I don’t know why, but I feel… guilty. 

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Well, there’s nothing to be done. You can investigate on my behalf, and solve Higa’s murder- we all have different tasks, that’s all it is.

Maeda - Mhm…

Maeda - …

Maeda - I wonder if Taira thought about making breakfast for everyone? Like, if it crossed her mind before she left, or what…

//Ōtori shrugs.

Ōtori - She likely believed I would handle breakfast. Most days, I’d be in early, same as she would, and she’d let me know if she was going to make it, or if she wanted me to.

Ōtori - Frankly, I don’t mind her making that call, as I don’t have strong feelings on the matter…

Ōtori - But, anyways- she probably figured that I would handle it. 

Maeda - Ah…

Maeda - Did you ever find her, to get her some oatmeal?

//Ōtori shakes his head.

Ōtori - I didn’t. Though, to be honest, I didn’t really look for her. I just went through the dorm hall, and when no one knew where she was, I figured she could take care of herself.

Maeda - I mean, that makes sense- not like anyones had the opportunity to look for her…

Maeda - …Do you like to make meals for everyone, Ōtori?

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Uhm…

Ōtori - …I would say so, yes. I certainly don’t have an issue with taking care of meals here and there.

Ōtori - …

Maeda - …

Maeda - Maybe an odd comment, but you seem like you’d be a good parent- or just, generally a good caretaker? Who knows how you feel about kids…

Maeda - But, I guess you’ve always struck me as someone who does well taking care of other people- maybe it’s because you’re always translating for Kobashikawa, or making meals for everyone.

Maeda - Which- I’m sorry, this is weird- I guess I just never really noted this before.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - …It doesn’t bother me to hear.

Ōtori - I don’t know what my plans would look like in the future- I mean, now, more than ever, it’s uncertain…

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - But, I’m happy to help out.

Maeda - …Speaking of-

Maeda - Uh… Tomori saw my hand, and wanted to put a bandage on it…

//He shows Ōtori.

Maeda - Think that’s okay?

Ōtori - ...Let me see it?

//Maeda nods, and reaches his hand towards Ōtori.

Maeda - So many people have been grabbing my hand today… Ōtori’s being really gentle.

//Ōtori slips a finger under the bandage, and tries to lift it up, looking under it at Maeda’s hand.

Maeda - It’s weird to think about- every person who’s known has been so concerned…

Maeda - Ōtori, Tomori, Maki… everyone’s trying to check up on me. 

Maeda - …It’s nice.

Ōtori - …Mm.

Maeda - ?

Ōtori - …Yeah, this should be fine- it looks like the bandage isn’t irritating the burn, so… no reason to take it off.

Maeda - Ah- really?

Ōtori - Mhm.

Ōtori - Honestly, I don’t think you should be too concerned about the burn-

Ōtori - If you know that you’re prone to irritated skin, now’s the time to be extra cautious- find products that are unscented, and meant for sensitive skin…

Ōtori - For things like hygiene, I know there’s products in the store, and the laundry room is already supplied with unscented products.

Ōtori - Really, it’s just a matter of keeping things from bothering the skin while it’s healing.

Ōtori - The bandage could be helpful for that, keeping irritants away from your skin- or, it could’ve been aggravating the skin, but…

Ōtori - I’ll trust you to recognize if it’s rubbing against your skin and hurting you.

Ōtori - …Everything make sense?

Maeda - Yeah!

Maeda - Thank you, Ōtori…

Ōtori - Mhm… 

Ōtori - You said Tomori put the bandage on?

Maeda - Yeah, that’s right.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Well, she did a good job of it.

Ōtori - It doesn’t seem to be tied too tightly, so there’s ample room for it to breathe…

Ōtori - Do you know if she has any medical experience?

Maeda - Oh, uh… I mean, I think she knows some stuff, because she was a cheerleader? So- any physical talent, there’s injury risks…

//Ōtori hums.

Ōtori - She helped Maki with Tsurugi’s leg the other day… 

Ōtori - Not that there’s any relevance to it, I’m just trying to think of who here has medical knowledge- it’s good to know.

Maeda - Speaking of Tsurugi, maybe I should ask him to take a look at my hand… I think he’s the most knowledgeable person we have right now.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Did you mention your burn to Tsurugi?

Maeda - …Was I thinking out loud? I-I don’t think I was…

Maeda - No, I didn’t tell him…

Maeda - When he first came into his room, I don’t think he could really see, because the first thing he did was go get his contacts-

Maeda - After that, I don’t know if he was paying enough attention to me in particular to notice the burn.

Ōtori - Hm.

Ōtori - Well, again- that isn’t important. There’s no reason to bother him with something we’ve taken care of, I was just curious.

Maeda - …Really?

Ōtori - …?

Maeda - …Oh! Not that I don’t believe in yours and Tomori’s medical skills… I’m not worried about having him check on my hand!

Maeda - I just meant, like… I think I should tell him I got burned.

Maeda - It’s- even if the coffee didn’t kill Iranami, it’s important to the case, right?

Ōtori - …

Maeda - …What?

Ōtori - …It just… kind of feels like a waste of his time.

Maeda - …Really?

Maeda - How is knowing more about what happened a waste of time?…

Ōtori - Mhm.

Ōtori - After all- what is he meant to do with that information?

Ōtori - There’s nothing left to investigate, right? Not with the coffee gone…

Ōtori - All we’d be doing is telling him things, things we can tell everyone during the trial. There’s nothing more we can do with the information, not without anything to investigate…

Ōtori - So there’s no reason to be prioritizing telling him.

Maeda - …Well…

Ōtori - He’s already spent… I’d guess half of the time we’re allotted not investigating… shouldn’t he prioritize investigating Iranami?

Ōtori - If we tell him immediately, it’ll just be more he has to keep track of right now- we’d be distracting him for no reason.

Maeda - …I mean…

Maeda - I’d think Tsurugi could handle the information… but Ōtori’s probably right that it’d be a waste of time to sit and talk with him about it now.

Maeda - …I guess that’s right.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - I’m not saying we shouldn’t tell him, or even that we need to wait for the trial- I’m just recommending we hold back on it.

Ōtori - Plus- biases are a thing… it’s important that someone investigate Iranami’s body before they know about the coffee, so we can have someone going into it with a clear head.

Ōtori - If we don’t tell Tsurugi, he won’t be trying to search for a way to make the coffee fit in to the case, and he’ll see things accurately. Isn’t it important we avoid confirmation bias?

Maeda - …

Maeda - Y-yeah… alright, I agree- that makes sense.

Ōtori - I’m glad we can agree!

Ōtori - Tsurugi’s quick, I’m sure he’ll have time to pop into the kitchen- but if he doesn’t, we’ll just tell him in the trial… 

Ōtori - We’d be doing that anyways to tell him about the chain of events he missed earlier, when the coffee got thrown out, and the spill was wiped away…

Ōtori - And with a lack of physical evidence, it doesn’t really matter when we tell him what we did.

Maeda - …Okay.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori, gently - Really, we shouldn’t be too concerned with what Tsurugi is up to.

Maeda - ?

Ōtori - He’s always talking about how important it is that we’re being self sufficient, right?

Ōtori - We don’t need to tell him anything- it’s not like we need him to solve the case for us.

Ōtori - You and I both know what happened…

Ōtori - …Plus, I hate to say it, but…

Ōtori - …Things do look kinda bad for me- I’m worried about people who weren’t there taking things the wrong way.

Maeda - A-Ah… I had a feeling that was the case- but it’s weird to hear Ōtori say it.

Ōtori - I know I shouldn’t be worried- Tsurugi is smart, he’ll understand the truth of the murder…

Ōtori - But- it’s not like I knew I shouldn’t dump out that coffee, like you didn’t know that you shouldn’t have wiped up that spill!

Maeda - Is that really comparable?

Ōtori - We both got rid of evidence without even knowing it was evidence… at least one person will accuse at least one of us-

Maeda - I… don’t know that I agree with Ōtori that we’re in similar circumstances here-

Ōtori - I mean, especially after Yamaguchi faked an injury last time, then got caught because the injury was fake…

Maeda - !

Ōtori - Maki seems to trust you, which is good- but that’s only one person.

Maeda - W…Wait- is it really that suspicious? I just meant to clean up a mess…

Ōtori - So… you see what I mean, right?

Ōtori - If we don’t need to talk about what happened, we won’t- so people don’t get confused, and don’t think we did anything weird.

Ōtori - Of course- I know what you were doing, but… everyone’s trying to find someone to blame, right? And if we decide on the wrong blackened, we’re all screwed…

Maeda - …That’s true… I’ve been trying to look for whoever’s behaving weird… and I have been thinking that Ōtori could be the blackened, because of how he’s been acting about the coffee…

Maeda - …Could I be wrong?

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Maeda?

Maeda - Ah-

Ōtori - You understand, right?

Maeda - I- I don’t- 

//Ōtori looks at him- and it’s just so expectant.

Maeda - M-Mhm. I get it.

Ōtori - So, you get why we aren’t confusing anyone, or setting off false alarms?

Maeda - …Yeah, I-

Maeda - …I won’t bring up what happened.

Ōtori - Great!

Ōtori - Again, we don’t need to lie, we aren’t keeping anything secret… we just won’t mention stuff that isn’t important.

Maeda - …Okay.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - I’m glad you’ll work with me, Maeda. It’s important to have people on your side…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Somehow… that feels so familiar…

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t think I like hearing things like that-

Ōtori - …Do you need to talk with me about anything else?

Maeda - …I don’t think I was right to be swayed by Ōtori. I think it was stupid of me. I should stick with my gut.

Maeda - Uh… no- I think I’m all good.

//Ōtori nods.

Maeda - …

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - …I really am glad that your hand’s healing well, Maeda.

Maeda - …Thanks.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Hey- Super High School Level Lucky Student, huh?

Maeda - …Right.

~*~

Maeda, narrating - Yeah, I’m done with that joke now.

Maeda - No longer insecure about my talent. Fed up with everyone always having something to say.

Maeda - Uh… that aside though…

Maeda - …

Maeda - God… I feel so dumb- I was really impacted by Ōtori’s comments…

Maeda - I felt so convinced that he was right, that people were going to be suspicious of me, and that I was being hypocritical by suspecting him-

Maeda - …Though, I’m still not sure I should go straight to Tsurugi and tell him what happened-

Maeda - If nothing else, Ōtori’s right that there’s nothing to show him.

Maeda - …Unless Tsurugi could find evidence-

Maeda - Whatever! I’ll tell him if he asks, or if he finishes investigating everything else before time’s up.

Maeda - Speaking of, I should probably take care of whatever I’ve got left, then head back to Tsurugi’s dorm.

Maeda looks around, and is surprised to see [Hatano] is yet to {leave the dining hall.} He’d expect her to ask {Maki} or {Ōtori} about what happened last night, but… she may not want to walk over to that part of the room, due to who’s table they’re sitting by.

[callsignmercy]

Don’t go breaking my heart - Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin.

Prompt: The only thing you asked Jake was to not break your heart. But Jake can’t keep a promise, after all he always leaves when the fight becomes too intense right?

Words: ~4k

Warning: Jake being a dick (why you asking), crying, Phoenix and Halo being the sweetest friends ever, cute Bob, fluff, happy ending.

Note: Somebody needs to stop me writing about Hangman, this is becoming concerning, I’m scared for the small amount of mental health I have left. Highly unedited. English is not my first language. Sorry for the easy vocabulary and bad grammar. Please do not republish, translate or do whatever to my work.

Y/C/S: Your callsign

————————————————————————

You pass the door of The Hard Deck that evening not really waiting for anything in particular. You have been called back to Top Gun for a top secret mission along with a few other pilots whom you don’t know yet.

“Hello, I’m Y/N, but you can call me Y/C/S.” You smile at the cute nerdy lieutenant who was sat down on a bar stool eating peanuts. “Hi uh- I’m Bob.” “Your callsign is Bob?” You ask with a smile.” “Uhm yes well people never really gave me one so we just stuck with Bob.” “Oh that’s sad, is your name Robert?” “It is.” “Well nice to meet you Robert. Are you going to Top Gun too?” “I am.” He smiles softly.

You sit down next to Bob, waiting for other aviators to arrive. “Well hello there. What’s your name beautiful?” A man asks, arriving at the pool table. “I’m Y/C/S.” “Hello Y/C/S, I’m Hangman.” “Nice to meet you. This is Bob.” You tell Hangman, pointing Bob next to you. “Man’s a stealth pilot, didn’t even notice you there.” “I’m a WSO actually.” “Yeah it was sarcasm buddy.” “Oh I uh-” Hangman pats him on the shoulder with a smile. “It’s okay, don't be so shy. Wanna play pool with Coyote and I. Two vs two?" You look at Bob who seems hesitant and you smile softly to him. “Come on, it'll be fun.” “Alright.” He smiles shyly.

You begin a game while others arrive, saluting Hangman and Coyote whom they seem to already know. You meet Phoenix, Payback, Fanboy and later on Rooster and many others.

As Rooster begins playing the piano everybody joins him for a karaoke of Great Balls of Fire but you stay back being a little shy. “Wanna play darts?” Hangman asks with a genuine smile on his face. “Hum yeah. I’m not really good at it though sorry.” “It’s fine, I can show you some tricks if you want.” “Okay.” You smile at him.

“Okay just like this, can I put my hand here?” He asks, hovering over your arm. “Yes, go ahead.” He puts his hand on yours when you give him the go and shows you the move to throw a bullseye which you almost get when you shoot your dart. You shoot him a bright smile seeing the dart next to the center of the target. “Not bad for a first time.” He exclaims with a smile.

You don’t know what it is but you genuinely feel attracted to Hangman, he seems so nice and gentle. After Rooster ends his song and the aviators come back to the pool table you get to talk with Phoenix among others. “I saw you playing darts with Hangman. I don’t wanna kill the mood but Jake’s a real womanizer and he’d do everything to get in a woman’s pants so be careful with him. You seem so nice I wouldn’t want you to get attached to someone like him.” She says.

“Really? He seemed so nice and gentle. He asked if he could touch my hand to show me a move at darts and everything. He doesn’t seem like the type you’re describing.” “I know but trust me, be careful. If you wanna have fun I say go for it. He seems like a really good one night stand but don’t really expect much more from him.” “Alright, thanks for warning me.” You reply and she gives you a genuine smile.

As the night comes to an end you head out of the bar to go back to base. “Hey Y/C/S. Can I give you a ride home?” Hangman - or Jake as Phoenix called him - asks. “Are you on base too?” “I am.” “Alright then.” You smile and climb inside his truck. “Did you have a good night?” “I did, thanks for the games of pool and darts, by the way.” “You’re welcome, I really enjoyed playing with you.” He replies.

You arrive on base and show the officer your badges as he lets you in. Jake parks his truck and runs to the other side to open the door for you. You chuckle at the gesture. “Why thank you lieutenant.” Jake can’t help but feel his stomach twist as his rank comes out of your mouth. It’s a word he hears daily by his friends and superior officers yet somehow, coming out of your mouth, the word has a different sound to it. A sound he can’t quite decipher but he sure likes.

“I assume you might bunk with Phoenix and Halo?” “I presume yes.” “Do you know where your dorm is?” “I do, thanks for asking.” You smile back at him. “Well goodnight then Y/C/S.” “My name’s Y/N.” You tell him. “It suits you, I like it. I’m Jake.” He smiles softly. “Well it was nice meeting you Jake. See you tomorrow?” “See you tomorrow, sleep well.” “You too Jake.” You say as you head over to your dorm, leaving Jake in the middle of the corridor, smiling like a child in love.

You can’t help but think about how cute he is despite everything Phoenix told you a few hours ago.

–

The next morning you head to your first class with the girls and sit in the front as you usually do. Jake arrives a few minutes later and sits in the same row, leaving an empty seat between you two. “Sleep well?” He asks. “I did, thanks for asking.” You give him a cute smile and his stomach makes somersaults inside him. He needed to ask you out. Not in front of the whole class but he would find an opportunity. He needed it like air to breathe.

So that evening after dogfighting he did exactly that.

“Y/C/S wait a sec!” He exclaims catching up to you as you were headed back to the changing room to end your day. “Hangman.” You reply solemnly. “I uh- I wanted to ask you something. You can totally say no I will understand but um… Will you go out with me? Like… ever?” “Are you asking me out on a date, Hangman?” “Only if you say yes.” He says and you grin. “Then it’s a yes.” You reply. “Is tonight too soon?” He asks, hopeful. “Tonight’s perfect.” You chuckle. “Meet me at the door at seven? And please, call me Jake.” “Alright Jake, see you then.” You smile shyly and enter the changing room to take your shower.

Jake feels like a little kid almost twirling on himself as he heads over to the men’s changing room.

–

At seven you go to the main door to meet Jake who’s already waiting for you. “You look wonderful Y/N.” He says, smiling. “Thank you, you clean up nice too.” You reply. “Where are we going?” “I thought we could just pick up some food and then go have a picnic on the beach? There is a food truck not far away that serves really good food if it’s alright with you?” He asks with a hopeful smile. “Sounds perfect Jake.” You reply, smiling brightly.

Jake drives you to the beach where a food truck is parked. You order food before going to sit down in the sand with your meals.

“So tell me about you Y/N.” “What exactly do you want to know?” “Everything. Parents, siblings, pets, favorite food, drink, hobby, pet peaves, ideal holiday, the whole shebang.” You laugh. “Okay so, my parents are divorced. My mom’s a chef and my dad was in the navy, a naval aviator like me but I’m the first to make it to Top Gun.” “Congrats on that.” Jake interrupts you. “Thanks, it wasn’t easy to be honest, being a woman and everything. Anyway, I don’t have any siblings nor pets because my parents can’t be bothered with any which is really sad but I really want a dog someday.”

“What else um, I love pasta and I like to have a beer once in a while but I’d much rather drink water. I love to read and I hate the sound of people chewing or people that walk slowly in front of me. My ideal holidays are skiing or doing nothing on a beach far away from naval towns where everyone knows everyone you know. What about you?”

“Well what do you wanna know?” “Truth be told, Phoenix told me things about you and I only wanna know if she’s right.” Jake’s face falls a bit. “Uh oh… What did she tell you exactly?” “That you’re a womanizer and you’d do everything to get in a girl’s pants.” “It was true.” He admits. “But I met you yesterday and I instantly thought you were really cute and to be honest I just want to spend time with you.”

“Well I thought you were really cute too. But I warn you I really don’t want to get my heart broken so you better be honest and not lead me on if you don’t want this to be serious.” You reply as he grins. “I promise I’m not trying to get in your pants. Well yes, but not only.” He smirks. “Jake Seresin!” You exclaim as you playfully punch him on his arm. “Well you told me to be honest.” He chuckles.

“Don’t go breaking my heart, that’s all I ask.” “I promise.” He smiles softly.

“Alright I wanna know your biggest fear.” You say. “People leaving me on my own to die up there.” “Why would they do that?” “I’m not a really likable person to be honest and people have done that in the past so…” “So you’ve developed a defense mechanism which consists in leaving everyone out to dry by fear of people doing the same to you right? At least that’s what I picked up from dogfighting earlier.” You smile and Jake sighs. “I do, yes.” “You know, we’re a team up there. You should really start trusting people not to leave you hanging. People count on you and you can count on them. There’s no need to be arrogant in this field, it’s a team’s job. We’re not playing solo here.”

“I know.” “Promise me you won’t do that to me up there. Cause I promise you you’ll be the first to be sad if someone that you’ve left behind dies on you up there.” “You’re probably right. I’ll try my best.” He replies as you smile at him. “I really like you, you know.” “I really like you too Jake.”

–

The next day was dogfighting again. You, Jake and Rooster were up in the air waiting and searching for Maverick. “Hangman you see him?” Rooster asks. “Negative. Y/C/S?” “Negative guys. He must be up in the clouds.” “Oh but I’ve been here the whole time.” You hear Maverick on the radio before you see him, going up above Rooster’s plane, inverted. “Holy shit.” Hangman says. The next few seconds go really fast as Maverick and Rooster start fighting and Rooster provokes a Cobra maneuver that lead them to almost crash on the mountains below. “Come on Rooster, drop down and take the shot.” Hangman says but Rooster doesn’t budge. and Maverick tones him a few seconds later before going after you.

“Shit Hangman, get him off me.” You exclaim. “Coming Y/C/S.” Hangman replies.

He listened to you and didn’t leave you out to dry. Even though you ended up “shot down” by Maverick you gave him a run for his money and Hangman stayed with you all along.

“I’m proud of you.” You whisper to Jake after getting ready for your push ups. “We’re still dead, you and I.” “Yeah but we fought till the end and that’s what it means to be a team. I’m happy you stayed and fought with me Jake.” You smile at him. “Next time we gotta survive though.” “We will, don’t worry.”

At the end of the day as you head towards the women’s changing room you hear Jake’s voice talking to someone.

“It’s not like I would ever go out with her, she’s not even my type. Gotta be blind to ever wanna chase someone like Y/C/S.” He chuckles awkwardly. “You seemed really close to her during your push ups though. And someone told me they saw you together last night.” It was Coyote’s voice now. “I don’t know who told you that but they’re wrong, I would never go out with her.”

Tears begin to pool in your eyes. So much so for not breaking your heart. You run back to the changing room, luckily you were hiding for the entirety of their conversation.

You fall down on the bench in front of your locker and the tears flood your cheeks. You hear Phoenix and Halo coming in laughing together about something. You quickly wipe out your tears before getting up and opening your locker. “Hey Y/C/S, good job up there you almost had him.” “Thanks.” You reply trying to sound convincing but your voice just breaks because of the sadness you were feeling. “Are you okay?” Halo asks, concerned. “I’m fine.” You reply as a single tear drops down your cheek, not going unnoticed by the girls. “Wait why are you crying, what happened?”

Instead of answering you break down again and fall down on the bench behind you, putting your head in your hands. Phoenix and Halo are quick to get to you and sit down on either side of you hugging you. “Do you want to talk about it?” Phoenix asks carefully. You sniffle before answering. “Jake’s an asshole and I should have listened to you.” “What did he do?” “He took me out on a date last night and we had a good time and I just heard him say to Coyote that I wasn’t his type and that people would have to be stupid to ever go out with me and another load of mean things like that although earlier today he was still flirting with me and everything.” “Fucking asshole, I swear to God I’ll kill him.” Phoenix groans.

“Yeah well it doesn’t matter anymore really, I’m just gonna forget about him and keep working on going on this mission.” “That’s the spirit Y/C/S!” Halo says. “Just forget about him, he’s a dick.” Phoenix adds. “But it hurts you know, I asked him not to break my heart after he told me he liked me and everything and he promised but he did anyway.” “I will never understand the pleasure men get in hurting women. Seriously, what are they gaining from it? A sense of purpose? An ego boost? Because I can tell you what they’re losing it’s awesome women that would have given the world to them but they are too stupid to comprehend this.” Phoenix rambles and you and halo laugh at her words.

–

You’ve been ignoring Jake for days. Not letting him talk to you, nor explaining why you weren’t talking to him. You haven’t been up in the sky with him since that second day but today Maverick called the both of you up.

“How is it looking, Y/C/S do you see him?” God, even hearing his voice made you want to punch him in the face. “Negative.” You reply with a stone cold voice. Jake knows now is not the right time to get into an argument with you but he would very much like for you to explain what was wrong to him. The tone of your voice made him shiver, he never heard you sound so… not you? He didn’t know how to describe it but it didn’t sound like you at all, you were usually really cute and gentle in your tone and choice of words that this simple word sent him goosebumps.

As Maverick drops from the clouds above and appears on your radar Jake is the first to speak. “He’s on our tail Y/C/S break left!” You do so as Jake breaks right to force Mav to pick a side and he chooses to follow Hangman. You hear Jake panting on the radio trying to avoid being toned by Maverick.

“Y/C/S a little help here please?” Jake asks but you don’t respond. You drop down behind your captain and take the shot, having been unnoticed by neither of them. “That’s a kill, Captain.” You say blankly.

Hangman is shocked at your words and before he could say something Maverick speaks. “Really good job Y/C/S, I’ll see you both back on base.”

You head back to base and hear Jake talk to you through the radio. “Good job Y/C/S.” He says but you don’t respond.

As you walk towards the hangar Jake comes running behind you. “Hey can we talk?” He asks, expectant. You don’t reply and keep on walking. “Y/C/S!” He shouts. “Y/N!” He tries but you keep walking. “Lieutenant Y/L/N!” You stop dead on your track and turn around to look at him.

“Can we talk?” He asks again. Your jaw clenches before you speak. “You know I really wanted to give you a taste of your own medicine up there. Play solo, save my own ass. But I didn’t, because I’m a team player but I know you would never have done that, you’re so selfish. And why would you save my ass if he went after me uh? After all, people gotta be blind to ever wanna chase someone like me right?” You ask, voice stone cold. Jake's face drops at the realization but before he could open his mouth you were already walking back to the hangar.

You were shaking the whole way back to the changing room. Never in your life have you ever done something like that. Staying impassible and stoic in front of the man that broke your heart and telling him off like that. You thought it was so well done but you hated being mean towards people like that but he needed to understand. Understand that you knew what he really thought of you and understand that he really hurt you by saying what he said.

When you push open the women’s room door you allow yourself to let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding and you fall down on the bench in front of your locker. Luckily for you it was next to the door as you don’t know if your feet would have supported you for another step. Phoenix and Halo were already there when you entered and they were next to you in a second, seeing your state of panic.

“Are you okay? What happened?” “I told Hangman that I knew.” “Really? That’s wonderful! How did you tell him?” “I was telling him that he is selfish and that if I was the one Maverick was chasing he probably wouldn’t have saved me like I did him and I said ‘After all gotta be blind to ever wanna chase someone like me’, the thing he told Coyote the other day and his face just dropped and all the colors disappeared at once. And then I left.” “That is so badass, I’m so proud of you Y/N!” Phoenix exclaims. “You’re shaking.” Halo states. “I know I’m not used to being mean to people like that.” You reply matter-of-factly. “You weren’t being mean, you were being truthful and that’s all that matters. Now Jake has a chance to come and apologize now that he knows why you won’t speak to him.” Halo says. “You’re right. But It doesn’t mean I’ll forgive him though.” “And you’ll be in your own right not to. After all, he did break a promise he made you when he said those things.” Phoenix replies.

On the other end of the corridor Jake was walking towards the men’s changing room, mind blank, gaze on the floor. Coyote arrived and stopped next to him. “You alright?” Jake didn’t respond as he kept on walking, afraid of what would come out of his mouth if he did.

Phoenix came out of the room at the same moment and heard the guys’ voices. “Have you seen a ghost or something? Are you sick?” “Fuck you Coyote!” Jake exclaims. “Wow okay what did I do?” Phoenix thought it best to film the interaction just in case she needed something to blackmail Jake in the future. She got her phone out discreetly and started filming, trying not to be noticed.

“Why would you ask me about Y/N uh? I don’t even know why I lied to you. Of course I like her she’s the cutest, and nicest person I’ve ever met and I seriously think I’m in love with her. But now it’s all gone out the window because she heard me say that she was not my type and everything to you the other day. I don’t even know why I said that. I wanted to keep it a secret for now but of course you had to get your nose in my business!” Jake shouts.

“I uh- I’m sorry man I didn’t mean to bother you I wasn’t being nosy or anything I just wanted to know if you’ve finally found someone to settle down with that’s all. I really like Y/N and I think she’d be good for you. Look, you've even stopped leaving people out when we fly. We almost have to give you a new callsign now.” Javy chuckles.

“I don’t deserve her man. You know what she did today? She almost left me get toned by Mav but she saved my ass. She just nice like that and I fucked it all up.” “I think you need to tell her the truth.” “How? She would never listen to me and even less believe me after what she heard the other day.” “You have to try. You cannot let her go, you'll never find another one like her.” “I know that, trust me.”

Phoenix stopped the recording and went back to the changing room to find you. “Y/N you need to look at this!” She says. She sits down next to you and plays the video for you.

When you hear Jake rambling about the fact that he loved you you felt the tears pool in your eyes.

You went back to your dorm after that, mind racing, processing Jake’s words. “Y/N.” You hear behind you. You turn around, knowing who the voice belongs to. “Jake.” You reply. “Please let me explain.” You don’t reply but you don’t walk away so Jake takes this as a sign to go on.

“Look, what I said to Coyote the other day, it wasn’t true. At all. I just said that because I didn’t want him meddling into my life, I wanted to keep whatever we had a secret because I wanted to protect you from people talking, considering… You know… That I’m a womanizer. But the truth is, you’re totally my type and I will chase you to the end of the world if need be.” “And you’re in love with me.” You stated. “I- What?” “That’s what you said earlier right? You’re in love with me.” You repeat as Jake chuckles. “You really gotta stop eavesdropping on my conversations.” He grinned. “I wasn’t, Phoenix heard you. But the point is you should never talk about me behind my back because I’ve caught you every time.”

“I’ll stop.” “I’m sorry about what I said earlier. About the fact that you were selfish.” “Already forgotten. I promise I’ll never leave you behind. Ever.” “So?” “So what?” “Is it true you’re in love with me?” You smile softly. “Undeniably.” He replies before closing the gap between you and putting his lips on yours.

“Finally.” You said as you smiled into the kiss.

[hurricaneonanesthesia]

Anonymous asked:

Hello you guys!! Hope you have a good day ♡ uhm.. I have a request for a cute scenario if that's okay. I'm crushing hard on the French noodle Chamber and I wondered how he would react if one night you knock on his door at the VP, because you had a horrible nightmare of him dying on a mission, that basically left you in tears. You guys get along pretty well but he doesn't know you fell for him hard. Mabye with some cuddles and a heated kiss? (If you're comfortable with it. If it's too much just ignore it!).

Please stay hydrated and I hope your pillows are extra fluffy today! ♡

Hi nonny! I’d be more than happy to do this, it’s so cute so I couldn’t resist. As much as I shit on Chamber, soft Chamber for the soul 😭😭😭

This is kinda my first time writing anything remotely suggestive so uh, HERE WE GOO WHEEE

Be sure you stay hydrated as well nonny!

-Admin Hurricane

Warnings: google translated french LMFAO, slightly suggestive

Word Count: 900+

Genre: fluff, comfort

Pairing(s): Chamber x GN!Reader

Nightmares aren’t uncommon, you’re typically plagued by them after missions when all of the adrenaline and near-death experiences have yet to leave your system. You’re nothing but grateful for the fact that you’re still managing to get by, even if you have to worry about if you’ll live to see tomorrow with your line of work. 

But tonight’s nightmare was one of the worst you’d had in a while. You jolt awake, holding your pounding head with one hand, feeling an oncoming headache as your other hand grasps at your blankets. 

Still shaken up, and against your better judgement, you shakily get out of bed, slipping on a coat, shuffling over to the door, and heading down the hall to Chamber’s room. He was the first person you could think of, and thankfully he usually stays up pretty late at night, aside from maybe Cypher, Viper, and a few others. 

Knocking on his door, you poke your head in, feeling yourself on the verge of tears. Chamber turns to face you, about to question you and why you’re there, but his face falls upon seeing you. Don’t get him wrong, he enjoys your company, but had he known that you would make your way to his workspace so late at night, he probably would have tidied himself and his desk up a bit. He walks over to you, his arms hed open in an embrace, pulling you into his grasp, gently rubbing comforting circles on your back. 

“Mon cher, what could have caused you to be in such a distressed state?” he gazes down at you, his expression softened upon seeing your vulnerable state. He brushes away any tears that threaten to spill out, his fingers slightly calloused. He radiates warmth, giving you a sense of relief, stopping your shaking. 

“Sorry,” you bury your face into his chest, trying to control your breathing, hiccupping every now and then, “I..I needed to see you and to make sure you were okay,” you murmur quietly, refusing to look up at him. 

“Did something happen?” he asks you, gently tilting your face up so that you’re looking at him. Chamber would be lying if he said that you weren’t a good-looking individual. He admires you in many ways, it pains him to see you upset like this. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he does have a soft spot for you, which is something that could be exploited but at the moment he could care less. His main concern is to ensure that you’re feeling better. He leads you to the edge of his bed, helping you take a seat, still refusing the let go of you.

“I had a nightmare,” you start, leaning into his grasp. “It was about you…erm, dying. I watched you bleed out and die in my hands,” you whisper out. Chamber says nothing as he listens to you, still rubbing circles on your back reassuringly. “You won’t…die on me right?” you add quietly, sniffling softly, “Sorry, I must seem like such a crybaby to you right now.”

“Not at all,” he assures you, gazing at you affectionately, “You can cry your heart out if there is a need to.” You don’t cry, hesitantly reaching a hand up to touch his face. Chamber stiffens up but doesn’t move away, instead, leaning into your grasp. 

“I think…tonight’s nightmare was just a lot for me. I’ve wasted enough of your time, sorry. But thank you for helping me,” you say, moving to get up, removing your hand. Panicked and not wanting you to leave, Chamber grabs your wrist keeping you in place. You look at him in confusion before feeling his hands cupping your cheeks. Then that’s when you feel a pair of soft lips upon yours. 

You freeze in your tracks, your eyes wide in astonishment. You’re almost overwhelmed by him, all your senses at the moment are just taken over by him. Chamber smells like his signature cologne with a faint hint of gunpowder overlapping it. 

By the time he pulls away, you’re left with your mouth agape and face flushed. Chamber clears his throat, his face unreadable. “You don’t need to worry about losing me, I’m always going to be here regardless,” he says, his voice low, “But I do apologize for doing that out of the blue, it was impulsive of me to do so. If you’d like t-” his words are cut off as you throw your arms around his neck, pulling him back in.

This time it’s Chamber’s turn to sit there frozen, but he manages to regain his composure responding eagerly to you. When the two of you pull yourselves apart once more, you notice Chamber’s hair is slightly messed up, his tie loosened. 

“You promise me you won’t die on me?” you ask him, your face pressed against his chest. You can hear his quickened heartbeat as he wraps his arms around you. “I promise.”

There’s a moment of silence before you realize just how close tho two of you are. Flustered, you turn away, “You’re..a good kisser,” you add, a sheepish expression on your face, “But thank you for this.”

“Of course. And since you kissed me back, I take it there’s no need for me to explain my rash actions?” he asks, an eyebrow quirked up. “No,” you say, laughing softly, “Glad to know I’m not the only one who feels like this.

Chamber only pulls you in closer against his chest, resting his face in the crook of your neck, “Je t'aime.”

Reminder that my requests are closed for the time being! However, when I reopen them again, be sure to send something my way if you’re interested! Requesting Rules are here!

Want more of my writing? Be sure to check out my masterlist. Wanna know what else I’ll write for? Here you go!

Thanks for reading and have a lovely day!

[kurishiri]

03 . . . happy birthday, alfons! ˗ˏˋ🪞´ˎ˗

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties for characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— cw: a bit suggestive, more soft alfons hours.

Alfons: A birthday that will remain in my memory... you said?

A: ...If that’s the case, I would be remiss if I felt that the day has been going swimmingly as you hoped.

Kate: Eh...?

Alfons: This birthday has been so full of ridiculous coincidences, I couldn’t forget it, even if I really wanted to.

Kate: That… doesn’t seem to hold much positive meaning.

Alfons: Oh, I fully assure you I mean it in the best way possible though?

(And once again, it seems like he’s the one being considerate toward me…)

Alfons: …Let me tell you something, Kate. Of course, it would have been wonderful if everything had gone as you planned.

A: Would you not agree, though, that success could be celebrated with just about anybody?

A: A day such as today, where we can laugh together at having gone through so many comical blunders…

A: …If you ask me, that feels much more special than simply celebrating that things have gone according to plan, and it will also stay in my memory as well.

Kate: Now that you mention it… maybe… that is true?

Thanks to Alfons explaining his thoughts to me in such a clear way, connecting his reasoning together,

gradually, yet surely, I was able to think of these blunders as a good thing.

Alfons: Things such as success and failure, sadness and happiness… if it is you I am eating with, every flavor is second to none.

A: So that’s why, come now, won’t you give me your final present?

A: No matter if the present comes out as you have planned, or something has gone awry…

A: Your goal to make this a birthday that stays in my memory is going quite swimmingly, I’d say? You have my congratulations.

(No matter if it’s a success or failure… that’s the first time I’ve heard something like this.)

Encouraged by Alfons’ words, I took the final present out of my bag.

Kate: Here you go. It’s my final present to you… a bouquet of forget-me-not flowers.

Alfons: Hehe, I see you’ve chosen flowers based on my name. Not to mention, the bouquet is quite darling. Thank you for this.

A: …Oh? And what’s this?

Alfons’ eyes were drawn to the card that was attached to the bouquet.

Kate: The florist attached that card on. It’s one wishing you a happy birthday.

Alfons: …So I see.

Kate: Uhm, if there was a blunder in there—

Alfons: No? Come then, how about we look at the flowers together?

Saying this, Alfons took me to stand in front of the mirror in his room.

Reflected in the mirror was Alfons, who was holding the bouquet of flowers, and me.

(…Thank goodness. The flowers look pretty, and the card is there too.)

(And the card says ‘Happy Birthday’ on it too… wait, huh?)

The things reflected in the mirror should appear flipped horizontally, and yet I could read the card’s message clearly through the reflection.

Kate: Alfons, this card…

When I shifted my gaze from the mirror to the bouquet, just as I had thought, the card’s message was written backwards.

Kate: It looks like the message was written wrong… I’m really sorry, to have another blunder like this…

Alfons: …Now this here is most definitely not a failure, but rather a success, no?

Kate: Eh…?

Alfons: Something that becomes correct when reflected in the mirror… it’s as though this gift was prepared specially for me, wouldn’t you say?

A: I would expect nothing less of you, Kate.

As if I myself were looking at a mirror, Alfons managed to completely turn that failure into a success.

(As I thought… Alfons really is a kind person.)

I thought there were many things I couldn’t get a grasp on about him, but I felt so happy at his kindness, which I could easily feel.

And I loved his soft expression he would give me when I felt down.

(It’s Alfons’ birthday, and yet I’m always the one who’s being made happy like this…)

(I wonder… is there anything that could make Alfons happy as well?)

As I searched my memory for something… I recalled his birthday last year.

Kate: …Alfons, could you please sit on the bed?

I had Alfons sit on the bed before I went atop his lap.

Alfons: …Well, seeing you so bold is a less than common sight indeed. Why on my lap?

Kate: Because, last year, when I was on your lap like this, you said you enjoyed it…

—— Flashback ——

Kate: …? Wait, why do I have to be on your lap…

Alfons: Need you even ask? Obviously, it’s because I enjoy it.

—— End flashback ——

Alfons: …I wasn’t aware you had remembered such trivial words from way back then.

Kate: Well, whenever it comes to you, I have quite a good memory.

K: No matter how trivial, or how meaningless they may seem… I haven’t forgotten a single thing.

Even if you do carry a fate where you will end up forgotten, I will never forget you.

As though Alfons had picked up on my silent resolve, he quietly smiled at me,

but he left me with no answer in return.

(I’m sure Alfons can’t believe in a future where he can escape from his tragic fate now.)

But, that was something that couldn’t be helped.

If he were to hold expectations that he could escape from it when a method to do so hadn’t yet been found yet, he would only get hurt.

(So, that’s why… you don’t have to believe in such a future right now.)

(After all, when I do find a way to escape it, I’m sure you will be very happy about it.)

Alfons: …You did say that you went on top of my lap because I enjoy it,

A: but can I say the same for you, being on top of me like this?

A: Seeing as last night as well, you were on top o—

Kate: T-this and that are different! Stop saying such strange things!

Alfons: My sincerest apologies.

When I retorted in a panic with a pout… it was after that I noticed.

That in order to lift my gloomy mood, he had been teasing me.

Alfons: So? Would you care to tell me what you plan to do next?

A: If you don’t mind, though, I will also do what I would like too.

With an air of mischief, his hands undid the ribbon on my clothes.

(At this rate, I’ll slowly melt completely into his touch… so before that,)

Kate: Wait a minute. There are other things I remember.

K: If I remember right, ‘Since we’re celebrating my birthday, is it not natural to give the birthday boy a kiss, at least?’… was it?

Last year, Alfons had used his ability on me, having ensnared me in his temporary illusion,

causing me to kiss him of my own accord.

Kate: Happy birthday, Alfons.

Alfons: …Truly, I am thankful for all the wonderful presents you have given me.

A: Every single one… they have all been engraved. In my heart, that is.

A: However… I did also say that I wished for a most passionate kiss as well.

Kate: That…

(Indeed, I remember last year, he did say that.)

(And, I also remember all the lewd things we did after that.)

Alfons: …Don’t tell me you have forgotten that?

(When he says it heartrendingly like that, I can’t feign forgetfulness with him.)

Kate: I haven’t forgotten. …In fact, I remember it. I remember it all.

Alfons: Then, I do look forward to it.

Once again, our lips touched, and I slipped my tongue in his mouth, which was slightly ajar.

I couldn’t do it as well as Alfons, but I still tried my best, in my own way.

But…

Alfons: I see you could use some work on your kissing, Kate.

The moment our lips parted, Alfons said this with a smile playing on his lips.

Kate: ‘Could use some work’… and here I was trying to do it like you…!

Alfons: I could feel a desperation quite reminiscent of a dog wanting to lap at its owner’s face…

A: Ahh, but if anything, you are more akin to a cat to me.

Kate: …I think it’s just you have much more experience than me in this, so you’re too good at this, Alfons.

When I narrowed my eyes, sarcasm laced into my tone, Alfons responded in turn gave me a flat affirmation as if saying something like ‘that may also be the case.’

(I wanted to satisfy him, so I tried my very best… but was this kiss a blunder too?)

Though he had given me words of encouragement that these blunders would remain in his memory, I still felt my mood would plummet once again.

Alfons: So, that’s why, I implore you to not become good at this.

Kate: Eh…?

Alfons: You were the one who said ‘it’s just you have much more experience than me in this, so you’re too good at this,’ no?

A: If that’s the case, just like now… it’s alright to not know any kiss other than mine.

(When he says it like that, it’s almost like…)

(…he’s saying, ‘Don’t kiss anyone other than me.’)

Hearing that possessive side of him, my mood lifted once again.

Alfons: Come now, Kate. One more time.

The things we were doing were things only adults would do, but the way he was demanding it seemed a bit childish, and I found that somewhat adorable.

Kate: Hehe… alright then.

So that neither he nor I would forget this… with the taste of clumsy kisses, we carved this very moment, deeply so.

Fin.

← prev fin. epilogue →

full masterlist 🪞🍰 ╱ ko-fi ☕

[shotorozu]

i feel like im annoying lol but here i am again 🥴

🥴 how do da boys react to a super bimbo mc like shes busty, sweet, innocent, helpful as much as she can be and doesnt really realize when people are hitting on her, she just thinks theyre being extra friendly. (Tamaki, izuku, shoto, denki, bakougo) or any of ur choice

Sorry if I’m being annoying ( •᷄ὤ•᷅)？ and tysm

bimbo s/o

character(s) : bakugou katsuki, todoroki shouto, amajiki tamaki (bnha)

probably (?) part one // ?

legend : [Y/N = your name] female! s/o, quirk not specific

headcanon type : fluff, crack (x reader)

note(s) : sooo 🤩 it’s my birthday tomorrow, not excited about that?? not sure! but im definitely gonna post more tomorrow, just because

»»————-　♡　————-««

bakugou katsuki

you didn’t seem like his type tbh. you’re kinda an airhead, and you’re sweet and helpful to everyone

and awfully innocent,,

so, you seemed like the person that bakugou would try and stay away from, but nope!

not in this case. i’m not sure what conspired in this explosive blond’s head, but he had a oddly specific attraction to you

he used to hate being around you, but it’s also quite entertaining being around you but why, you may ask?

not only are you super nice, and helpful, but you’re very likable too! which caused you to get secret admirers, and fanboys

but you also so happen to be clueless as fuck, so katsuki would always stick around— obviously very amused, only to tell you what their true intentions are

“what do they mean, go out? like,, outside?”

“no, dumbo. they wanna date you.”

“..like the calendar?”

“hah?? are you dumb?” he actually hated how oblivious you were at first, but he just got used to it

but this clueless airhead trait of yours is what he also hates, because when he developed feelings for you— he’d have to tell you

and,, he’s not the best with being direct with romantic stuff. so— you can see how that went.

he ended up confessing you in the most direct way he could’ve said it, but you still. didn’t. understand.

“fuck sake, i want to be your significant other. your fucking lover, the bitch that’ll be with you until this dumbass brain of yours stops working.”

okay, he was a little too direct, but at least you know his feelings!

when you both finally get together, everyone is shocked. like,, you, the sweetheart that likes helping people— dating thee bakugou katsuki??

everyone thought you were threatened to date him, because you didn’t understand other people’s advances— but in reality, katsuki just told you what he felt

straight from the heart.

also, since you’re also quite busty, katsuki loves sleeping on them— he literally won’t sleep, until he has his head resting on those milkers of yours

“maybe this is all you’re good for, huh? a fuckin’ head rest. there might not be anything up there, but at least it gives me some good fuckin’ sleep.”

he,, doesn’t mean that. you’re useful in so many other ways, but he loves pretending that he thinks that way, because of your replies

“ah, yes! i’m fine with being your head rest, katsuki. rest well, love!”

you’re not hurt, because he makes it a point to tell you multiple times a day that you mean lots to him.

but he gets super mad when people tell you that you’re stupid. because he can only tell you that!!

todoroki shouto

you also didn’t seem like you’d be his type,, everyone thought he would’ve wanted someone that’s smart as momo, or something similar

but he’s very content with being with you, for reasons he can’t seem to figure out.

he has his habit of watching you help people from afar, and he couldn’t help but smile whenever he engages in conversations with you

yeah sure, you might be more of an airhead than most people— but you have a heart of gold! and that’s what gathered his attention

sometimes, he’s quite clueless to some social cues— but even he can connect the dots

which you can’t seem to do. but you’re in luck! shouto’s usually the one that tells you what they mean

it’s something he loves and hates, only because of how popular you are with people in general.

sometimes, shouto debates if he should even tell you what they mean— because well,, he likes you.

usually, shouto would interpret things to you like this

“,, they like you,, romantically.”

“shou, are you sure? they look like they wanna be my friend!” he lets you call him by his first name, just because of how content you look by calling him ‘shouto’

he ends up whispering something into your ear, and your eyes light up in realization. “oh! so how princess bubblegum likes marceline?”

“,, yeah.”

but being shouto todoroki has it’s advantages. he isn’t afraid of being as direct as he could possibly be.

“may i have the honor of being your lifelong partner?”

“..?”

“oh, romantically. i’d love to be your lover, Y/N.”

“..oh! that’s what you meant.”

the way he sees you stumble with your words, as you pace back in forth— completely flustered by his words

makes him smile

and it all ends well when his friends see that his wallpaper is literally him laying down on your chest

which is something he always wanted to do

“shouto,, did you finally confess?!”

“yes. they said yes.”

they’re not really surprised that you understood, courtesy to shouto’s bluntness.

he is your protector against all of the people that make you seem useless. man literally lashed out when his father asked him to date someone with ‘more intelligence’

“Y/N may not be the definition of being book smart, but Y/N’s not useless!”

in short— he’s the bimbo protector! he’ll always be patient around you, and he would never dare to dumb you down.

amajiki tamaki

oh lOrd, please help him

you’re so kind, sweet, and helpful. you’d help anyone— regardless of their personality. and that’s what made tamaki interested in you

but you’re also very popular. which he could see why— since you’re attractive in a unique and special way.

tamaki absolutely disliked the idea of your kindness being taken advantaged of. i mean,, the guts of some people!

but he also hated being the one to break the news to you good or bad

he’s not good with the blunt stuff either, and he might’ve been worried about being around you— because well,, you look like you wouldn’t even hurt a fly.

“tamaki, what do they mean by ‘coming home with them for a nice time’ do they.. want to play mario cart with me?”

he looks like he needs to pass out, but he ends up telling you anyway. he’s just lucky that you could hear him.

but he sighs in relief when you end up kindly declining

nejire and mirio are SO amused by this pairing. i mean, it’s an interesting dynamic! how could they not be invested?

yet, they refuse to even explain things to you, especially when tamaki’s around to do said explaining

because apparently, ‘it’ll help you socialize more, especially with Y/N!’

but remember when i said that tamaki wasn’t great with the blunt approach? yeah— he’d have a heart attack, just trying to explain his feelings

“i— uhm how do i say this,, would you like t-to go out for some dinner with m-me?”

“oh sure! i should go tell mirio and nejire” you’d say that with a smile, and it felt like he was going to pass away on the spot.

nejire and mirio were the ones the tell you that ‘no, tamaki doesn’t want to be friendly with you, because he wants to romantically date you.’

and it felt like forever when they were explaining how and why, while tamaki was sitting in the corner.

but thank GOD! because you like him too!

super hesitant on resting on your chest, i mean,, to him, it looked like the nicest pillow for the deepest sleep! but he wasn’t sure if that’d be okay

because no!! to!! taking!! advantage!! of!! Y/N’s!! kindness!!

speaking of that, despite the fact that he’s socially awkward— he will not hesitate on defending you from any haters!

like, when people say that “tamaki and Y/N are such an awkward couple. tamaki’s super awkward, it looks like there’s nothing in Y/N’s brain. maybe she’s brainless”

because how dare they. not everyone is book smart— but that doesn’t give people the right to call you stupid!

“Y/N’s not brainless! she’s kind, helpful, and the sweetest p-person i have ever met. i suggest you take that back!”

in short— it gives him heart palpitations just having to explain things to you, but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it, if he can be with you

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei, i only own the writing and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, reupload, translate, or use my works for audio readings without permission

[galaxxies18]

「Alluring Eyes」 — Rindou

MC

Hey Rindou, your glasses are nice.

Rindou

(Takes them off) Thanks.

-END-

/jk

Jokes aside, damn this card and the last bit at the end?? 😳😳 Bro what's with this emotional damage, is it because I'm slacking on Hanami translations my guy?? 😂😂

Rindou  ...Uhn.    MC  (Huh, who’s here in the lesson room...)  Good day to you, Rindou-san. Are you self-training today?    Rindou  Yes, I wanted to practice dancing with my performance outfit on.    MC  Oh, it’s the costume for the 3rd Anniversary performance. It’s nice to see Rindou-san like this again.  But, you have a different air with you somehow...    Rindou  Ah, perhaps it’s because of my glasses?    MC  Ah, you’re right! You don’t normally wear glasses when you’re performing on stage, don’t you?    Rindou  Yes, the glasses were prepared as part of the costume this time.  I usually just wear these in private, so it’ll be the first time I swear these with my costume.  So I wanted to see how difficult it would be to move with them on.    MC  It would be difficult if they fell while you’re dancing.    Rindou  Haha, I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.  The glasses that I usually use have large lenses with black rims.  This time, the glasses have an under rim and slender design.  The design of the glasses is also quite unique, so the impression it gives may be different.    MC  Now that you say that you’re right...The performance glasses look quite good on you.    Rindou  Thank you very much.  Ah, look at the time.  After this, I’m going to take an advertisement photo for the commemorative event. If you don’t mind MC-san, you like to come, see? 

MC  If it isn’t a bother. Rindou  It’s never a bother at all.  I’d feel more at ease if you were there watching over me. 

pt. 2    Un’ei  Now then, Rindou-san, your photo will be taken with a wine motif.  It’s ice wine that will be on the limited time menu for the 3rd Anniversary~!  Oh, but it’s not cold anymore. It’s probably melting at this point.    Rindou  Uhm...Ice Wine isn’t literally iced wine.  It’s only called that way because it’s made from grapes which have been frozen.    Un’ei  Eh? I never knew that! I always thought it was supposed to be like ice cream~.    Rindou  Since it’s a very sweet wine, it’ll pair nicely with ice cream.  MC-san, you can try it if you’d like.    MC  (sips) Wah, it’s really good.    Un’ei  Now, let’s please go back and take that picture! Rindou-san, you’re free to take any pose you want!    Rindou  Eh, freestyle? There’s nothing specific I need to do?    Un’ei  It only needs to be overflowing with Rindou-san's charm!    MC  (He’s just passing the responsibility on to him, huh...)    Rindou  Please, give me a moment to think on it...  What kind of pose do you think suits me?    MC  Hmm...  Since you don't normally wear glasses, how about highlighting that area?    Rindou  I see, well then... Like this...  (((PROCEEDS TO TAKE OFF HIS GLASSES)))  How about something like this?    Un’ei  Ah, that’s perfect! I’ll take the picture!    MC  (Our eyes are meeting. Gosh...I can’t seem to turn away...)    Rindou  ...Fufu.    Un’ei  Thank you very much! Good work today!    Rindou  (sighs)    MC  If I may, why did you take off your glasses?    Rindou  For some reason, I feel like it was better to do that...  But I think taking off my glasses didn’t really change anything.    MC  Not at all. I can’t say it quite well, but it was hard for me to look away from you.    Rindou  Then, I was successful. Somehow, I was able to get that feeling across.  I’ll make sure your eyes will only look at me for tonight, I hope you look forward to it. 

[sukirichi]

dutifully yours. [01]

Attached to the could’ve been’s of a promised happily ever after with the Crown Prince disguised under a scheme for power and greed, you are torn between choosing your happiness — or abandoning it to fulfill your duty as the future Queen.

→ unedited bcos i’m brave lazy. implied patriarchy. angst in future chapters. pure romance and fluff for now. royalty au. eventual smut. prince naoya !! i love him sm i could cry. this fic will break me, okay. naoya is close to canon but with my twist if that makes sense. drama in future chapters. oh and listen to this while reading <3

→ massive shoutout to my besties for always hyping me and helping me uwu, i present this token of prince naoya being an ideal husband okay cry cry i love him sm im crying. anyways pls enjoy bcos i poured my heart out to this and bcos i want more people in the naoya fucker club :>

one | next (to be posted)

Ever since the day your mother taught you how to read, you’ve had your nose buried in a book. Losing yourself in different worlds, swooning over fictional princes, and fantasizing for a love story ripped out of fairytale itself with such burning, passionate romance – you’d been through it all, dreamt of it all. And yet, you struggled to stop yourself from tugging at your dress.

The tight corset hadn’t even been the main focus of your worries, and neither was the heavy rivière resting on your collarbones.

“Would you stop fidgeting?” Beside you, your mother pursed her lips, fingers decorated with jewels stopping in their movements of fanning herself. The temperature hadn’t been particularly high inside the limousine that evening. You supposed it was the mere sight of you tugging and gulping audibly every now and then, gloved hands running over the hems of your collar.

You ducked your head down. “Sorry, Mother. I can’t help it.”

“Dear, your anxiety is written all over your face,” she sighed, turning your face to her as she cupped your cheeks. Smiling tenderly like a mother always did, your heart felt soothed even by the slightest bit. You wished she could keep holding you like this – like you were a fragile flower she was afraid of breaking; a fragile flower that needed more care handled than most. Tonight, however, you felt a hundred years older. Like you’d accidentally clicked on fast forward and got launched to the future. A future that seemed so unclear yet so...perfect. So right.

“How would the Prince fancy you if you’re sweating bullets like that? It’s not a good look for a marquess’ daughter.”

At the mention of the Crown Prince, your heart sank again. “My apologies, Mother. I’m just rather nervous. It’s the Crown Prince we’re talking about here.”

“He is quite the looker, isn’t he?” she giggled behind her fan, “Strong and handsome, as well.”

“My ladies. You are not fantasizing over the Crown Prince in my presence, are you?”

Crossing her leg over the other, your mother leaned forwards, elbows on her knees as she winked at your father. The marquess had his torso half twisted from the passenger seat, glaring playfully at your mother’s unabashed features. “It is of no seriousness, My Lord. I’m simply easing your daughter’s nerves.”

Your father sighed in worry. “What’s got you so worked up, child? You are beautiful. The Prince would be blind to not notice you.”

Each fibre in your body screamed in desperation for your father to be right. Tonight was not just any other night – the entire Kingdom, including noblewomen, foreign royals, and unwed daughters from honourable families had been invited to the Zen’in Castle for one purpose only: to find his Crown Prince a suitable wife, one that would be fit to be the next Queen as well. As the daughter of the marquess, you’d naturally received the invitation. It felt just like yesterday when the mail arrived and you’d cheered so much in joy the chickens went flying out of their coops, your horses galloping and whinnying at surprise, and now you here – minutes away from the palace where you were soon to be deemed worthy or unworthy to be beside His Highness.

With a shaky smile, you dug your nails into your thighs. “Well, we’ve only met once, Father. I doubt the Prince would remember me.”

“Just smile, darling. You will do great.”

To no one’s surprise, the Zen’in Castle brimmed with people and esteemed guests. Men and women danced with one another as muted chatters and chuckles blended in with the grand royal orchestra, everyone dressed to the nines and making you feel completely out of place.

The moment you’d been welcomed by the knights and led to the palace doors, your dress began to feel tighter than usual, your ribs clenching uncomfortably from the pressure. Your hands had not stopped trembling either, not even when you hid it behind your back and nodded at the people passing by. There were governor-generals, dukes, earls, professors and royal advisors and even families of the royal family’s inner circle of knights. Everyone looked like they belonged here. Chatting amongst one another over the finest of wines or discussing conspiracies on where the Kingdom of Zen’in would be in the next sixty years of the future King’s reign, no one here seemed to be out of place.

Everyone except you.

A warm hand was suddenly placed on the small of your back, making you gasp. Your mother’s smile was nothing short of warm as she held you close to her one last time, leaving a kiss on your forehead. You didn’t even realize how much you shook until she clasped her hands with yours. “Calm down, dear,” she reminded, “You’ll be on your own now. This is where we leave you since we’re not supposed to mingle with potential princesses.”

“Mother!” Your eyes widened in embarrassment. Looking around frantically, you bit your lip in fear someone must’ve heard.

Of course, while it would be no surprise most guests – if not all – hoped that their daughter would be the Crown Prince’s chosen fiancée, it still felt wrong to boldly assume such when you could barely keep up with the events of tonight.

However, your mother merely laughed. “I am proud of you, dear. Never forget that. It doesn’t matter whether you are chosen or not. We’re only here for formality and respect to the King and Queen’s demands.”

“You say that as if the Crown Prince really would not bother with me.”

“We didn’t mean that,” your father cut in, a flute of champagne already nested between his calloused fingers. Ever since you arrived, he’d been snatched away by fellow earls and barons, disappearing into the crowd for a ‘hearty conversation over one’s lands.’ You knew better than that, though. That statement always translated to which leader got to have more chances to wine and dine with the King, to which your family was ridiculously reminded of that you’d been stationed to the most faraway land where even hearing news from the royal papers was but a privilege.

“Just be yourself, alright? And enjoy the party. It’s about time you met with girls your own age and made some friends.”

“I – Father, wait!”

A slender young woman slithered to your side out of nowhere, her golden brown eyes following the silhouettes of your parents. It wasn’t long before they completely disappeared. Left alone with the stunning woman that was – for some reason – dressed in a plain black curve hugging dress too modest for tonight’s appropriateness, you took three steps away in caution. “You must be from way up North,” she noted, her head to the tipped to the side. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”

God, was she beautiful. Long, thick eyelashes and short hair chopped in messy yet elegant curves, you struggled to hold her gaze. “Oh, yes, I come from the Terratian Borders. My family is stationed there under His Majesty’s orders.”

She hummed to herself. “The Terratian Borders are mostly forests and fields, no? The last time my family and I visited there, I came across the loveliest dandelions I’ve ever laid eyes on. Shame they died on the way back,” offering her hand – again, bare and empty with decorations yet still littered with faint scars and cuts – she beamed at you. “I’m Mai, by the way. Mai Zen’in.”

Zen’in?

Hands cupping your mouth, you bowed deep until your back ached. “Lady Mai!” you shut your eyes closed, unable to live with the shame. Mai Zen’in; one of the iconic twin pair from the extended Zen’in royal family, both a fashion icon and a legend for being a rumoured female knight. To have her in your presence was an honour. “My apologies for not recognizing you any sooner, Lady Mai!”

“Stand up, I’m not a royal,” she sniggered, “We’re just relatives of the actual monarch, but don’t let the family name fool you. The Crown Prince barely even acknowledges us being of the same blood.”

Albeit hesitant, you followed her gestures of making you stand up. You straightened your back and cleared your throat, fighting the urge to go haywire the moment his name was brought into the conversation. Not only would you be seeing Prince Naoya again in real life for the first time in years, but you’d also made acquaintances with his distant niece. However, his name was spoken with malice.

Frowning, you faced Lady Mai in all seriousness. “Prince Naoya? Why so?” Lady Mai looked at you like you’d grown two heads.

“He’s an ass, that’s why.”

“I-I don’t think he is,” you defended, “The Prince has been nothing but kind to me.”

“I didn’t know he was capable of kindness,” she muttered more so under her breath, low enough you were unsure whether you were supposed to hear it in the first place. Lady Mai then shook her head to herself before stealing a flute from a waiter passing by. Chucking it your way, her face turned dark and grim. “Take it as free advice: stay as far away from his as possible. The Crown Prince is nothing but good news.”

“Is it because he has lots of lovers?” you inquired with a small voice, “Uhm – well – It was an assumption. With a title and handsomeness like that, it would make sense everyone would want to be the Crown Prince’s lover.”

Lady Mai’s lip curled upwards. “Prince Naoya won’t bother with lovers. He is too occupied for that.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Heard from whom?”

“The Royal Declaration from His Majesty himself,” you said, “Was it not the purpose of this ball? To find worthy candidates to be the Crown Prince’s betrothed? His coronation is coming soon.”

“Right. I forgot today was technically a bridal market,” she scratched the edge of her brow, falling silent for a moment. Her eyes scanned the lively crowd for a brief moment – watching with you as everyone laughed and danced to their heart’s content – the grand final event of the routine personal dance with the Crown Prince himself slowly approaching to reality. “You are joining in the festivities, are you not? Later, when he arrives, he shall meet you.”

“I am obligated to as a noble bachelorette, though I doubt His Highness would even look my way. There are far richer noblewomen here and even daughters of duke that would be perfect as his wife. ”

“You may have a point for that,” she hummed to herself, unaware that her agreement to the Crown Prince not paying attention to you left a sting both in your ego and heart. Not that it lasted long, for Lady Mai was already tugged on the arm by another equally fiercely beautiful woman – her older twin, Maki Zen’in. Soon to be governon-general of the Kingdom.

Lady Mai smiled in apology. “I need to go now since I’m not a part of this event. But hey, if ever I come around to visit the Borders again, perhaps you could entertain me?”

“I would be honoured to, Lady Mai.”

“You are sweet and innocent,” it was her sister who spoke this time, glasses perched high on her nose that concealed the wariness of her gaze. “I hope the Crown Prince never gets to your routine.”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s nothing; she was talking to herself. Maki does that a lot,” Lady Mai’s forced chuckles were barely heard from the music. “You enjoy the party now. Don’t drink too much lest you want to embarrass yourself in everyone’s eyes and be talk of the Kingdom. Prince Naoya would hate it if you took the attention away from him.”

“Oh, uhm...”

“It’s a joke, Lady Y/N. Relax.”

You bowed once more. “My apologies.”

“The dance is about to begin,” Maki tapped on your shoulder, making you look up right where her eyes zeroed in. And exactly in the middle of the grandiose hall, under the sparkling golden chandeliers where he made all the gold in the world look incomparable next to him, the Crown Prince stood in his fully glory. Blond hair with the ends stained of midnight gelled back to reveal his forehead, the Crown Prince’s beauty never failed to shine. Whether it be in the papers, in the tabloids, in the billboards that you passed on the way to the city, or from way back when you met him for the first time as a naive, innocent teen – Crown Prince Naoya came straight out of a magazine cover.

In the back of your head, you could hear either of the twins murmuring good luck. Maybe both of them had said it – you had no idea. All of your attention, all the sensibility and coherence of your state had been switched the next instant, as if your heart and soul was born for the sole purpose of being bewitched by your Crown Prince.

And as if feeling someone’s gaze on him, the Crown Prince’s eyes trailed over the crowd. Almost boredly, his sharp eyes bounced from one giggling woman to another, the ends of his lips smirking upwards for just the tiniest bit. It must’ve stroked his ego. Until his eyes connected with yours. The Crown Prince’s eyebrows knitted together. You had no idea how you looked in that moment, and quite frankly, you didn’t care. Because the Crown Prince was looking at you, and you were looking at him with hearts in your eyes along with your heart pulsing at the tip of your tongue.

“Let us begin,” his lips moved from the distance, “Play the music. I shall dance with my bride.”

The air shifted in a split second. Murmurs were thrown over the room, women and men alike turning pale. Even the orchestra was stunned from the Crown Prince’s entrance – and it hadn’t even been dramatic to his standards – yet the whole castle fell mum from just a few of his words. A few seconds later, the crowd recomposed itself, and the strings began to dance along with its bows.

You are pushed into the crowd. Nearly colliding into the arms of another, you quietly thank the masked man who was to be your first partner of the night.

All the men joining the dance floor dressed with the intention of making the Crown Prince shine. Prince Naoya stood out from the throng of white as per the colour code, his blood red uniform as both Prince with the  golden crest of the military leader pinned to his right breast. The other men meant to be filler partners until all the potential brides got to their designated three minutes with the Prince were all dressed in black, faces covered behind a plain black mask. None were allowed to talk. None were allowed to utter even a word, and so your partner pursed his lips in displeasure at your apology.

Whatever. You just had to wait a few more rounds before the song finished and transitioned into a new one; the song where you’d been informed would be your time alone with the Prince.

You’d been so lost in your head you barely breathed the entire dance. From partner to partner, you blanked. Your heart drummed so wildly in its cage it begged to come out, and strings of apologies were let out each time your masked partners grimaced for a brief second when their hands came in contact with your sweaty ones. Around you, all the lovely women smiled and danced graciously, mouths moving in unreadable conversations shared with the Crown Prince. Not once did you look at the six partners you’ve danced with. Not once did you worry about tripping on your own feet. Not once did you care that some of the masked men held you a little too roughly for your comfort. Your entire reason for existing in that moment was to witness the Crown Prince himself, mirroring his frown that got deeper and deeper with each woman retreating to the sea of people he’d rejected.

Not once did you even think about being one of them – the girls who’ve ducked their heads down as their parents comforted them over not being the chosen one, of bringing ‘dishonour’ to their families that the mighty Crown Prince had deemed them unworthy. Tears streamed down their faces until black ink followed afterwards, lips trembling from silent sobs.

Despite their broken prides – although there was that minority who simply sighed in relief after returning to their own families – no one would dare interrupt the Crown Prince’s dances.

All of these thoughts crossed your mind too late and at the exact time your masked partner pulled away from you, body half bent in a bow with his arm outstretched to the side. Following where he was gesturing at, your eyes met the Crown Prince’s tall and lean stature, a few blond fringes now fallen from his movements.

Even though a thin layer of sweat shone from his face, Prince Naoya remained ethereal.

And like a snake charmed by the musician’s seductive tone, your feet moved on its own. Fingers stretching until it met with the Crown Prince’s large and warm ones, you were now in front of him. With him. Holding him, touching him, meeting him eye for eye and realizing – gold. His eyes burned a deep shade of gold, elegantly rich and heartbreakingly stunning your heart ached.

Before you knew it, your hands began to tremble, feeling as if your body had been corded into a corset three sizes smaller. You could not breathe, and the Crown Prince took notice.

“You are stiff. Do I make you uncomfortable?” Good Saint. If only possible, you would’ve closed your eyes and basked in the deep warmth of his voice. It reverberated from deep within, breathed out with an air of natural authority and profound confidence it made your knees weak. As if sensing his effect on you (though for the wrong reasons, it seemed), Prince Naoya hummed to himself. “This routine shall last for a few minutes before I can let you go, I’m afraid.”

You instantly realized the implications of your silence. “N-not at all, Your Highness! I am honoured to be dancing with you.”

“There is no honour in a choreographed dance. Everyone will dance with me. It’s nothing special.”

Your heart fell. Prince Naoya not only sounded dejected, but detached as well. As if he found no pleasure or specialty in this event, at a time where he had every opportunity to meet his lover, and that this ball was merely a task to be checked off in his already long list of responsibilities. It wasn’t disappointment, per se, but rather melancholy that left a bitter taste in your mouth. Not because Prince Naoya held little to no regards for something you treasured, but because he sounded terribly alone. Like he was simply waiting for it to end out of discomfort.

“It’s special to me, Your Highness,” you blurted out faster than you could stop yourself. For a moment, you feared you may have offended him, but the Crown Prince only laughs.

And when he did – saint, when he laughed – his eyes crinkled into half moons, pearly whites flashing against the bright lights and his whole chest shook with amusement.

You’d never seen him smile this way before.

Prince Naoya’s laughter didn’t cease. Around you, your gut instincts told that people were now beginning to look; the Crown Prince’s deep rumbles of laughter sounded exquisitely like music as well, after all. “ Is it special to you because you are now dancing and within the Crown Prince’s proximity? As much as I presume how exhilarating it might be for those who mostly see me in the papers and in the tabloids, I assure you, dancing with your Prince is not an honour. Especially when you are all sent the invitations based on your status and not your worthy traits.”

“It’s special to me,” you mumbled, growing shy all of a sudden when the Crown Prince nodded at you to continue. “Because...because it reminds me of the first time we met.”

The Crown Prince hummed in amusement.

“We have met before?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’m from the Terratian Borders – my father is a loyal servant of His Majesty. You visited the borders when you were eighteen and I was sixteen. Do you remember it, Your Highness? You stormed in my private library.”

Indeed, the young barely-out-of-his-teens Crown Prince barged into your home’s library years ago. You were not previously informed he and his parents would be visiting since they arrived wordlessly, so you were stuck in your chambers as usual, killing time if not for sleeping and tending to the animals. Perched on a ladder, you attempted to reach for a book on the upper shelf when your foot slipped beneath you. At the age of sixteen, you were dramatic enough to say your life flashed before your eyes. You would’ve screamed then had strong arms not appeared out of nowhere, the Crown Prince staring at you with wide, golden eyes as they were now, his breathy rasped as he asked, are you okay, my lady?

The mere recollection of that fateful memory had your cheeks warming in delight. “You were so charming and heroic back then. Even when I had no idea you were a royal, I would have still believed you to be princely,” you said rather absentmindedly, blinking once then twice at your words. “Of course, it’s understandable if you do not remember, Your Highness!”

“My apologies. I do not remember, though Terratia is a wonderful place. Such a shame I was not informed beforehand they had a lovely daughter.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” you cheered back, cheeks and jaw beginning to ache from how wide you were smiling. But could anyone blame you? You felt absolutely silly that you were a breath away from passing out minutes ago, and now here you were, dancing with the Crown Prince and sharing memories with him like it was a daily occurrence. The words it’s true love when you feel at peace with them suddenly rang back at your head from that latest romance novel you read, and you turned away, hoping the Crown Prince would not read your thoughts to your face. However, Prince Naoya’s lips pursed into a thin line, all traces of humour now disappeared. “I’m sorry – should I not have laughed?”

“No, I don’t mind,” he mused with his jaw locked tight, “I just haven’t seen anyone react that way before.”

“Like what?”

“Like my words meant the entire universe to them. I may dare even say you look terribly in love, though I cannot blame you on that one, can I?”

Prince Naoya shook his head the minute the words left his mouth. Forcing himself to believe it couldn’t be real, perhaps, you truly did not know anymore. Your only plan for tonight was to see the Crown Prince and get to live out your dream of seeing him once more even for just a brief moment before you travelled back home while he married another, and yet – “Your Highness, I’m in love with you. I have always been since the day we met.”

You could no longer stop the words. The voice at the back of your head begged you to shut up and not cause a scene, that your time had passed up and people were staring, yet you remained in his arms no matter how much you wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow you whole.

“Please do not misunderstand me, Your Highness. I did not come here to attempt to steal your heart and be your wife, though I will admit I have dreamt of meeting you again for so many moons. I...I only want to tell you this. That I love you and even though it was a brief moment, I think the love I’ve always read about felt real and possible for the first time in my life,” chuckling nervously, you gather to courage to face him, adoration shining for the Crown Prince stood shock still before you, however stunned he may be. “I love you, Your Highness. I love you. And to whoever lucky woman you choose to be your betrothed, I hope she takes care of you and showers you with all the affection you are deserving of. You would make a great King. So God help his Crown Prince, and may you lead us all into a better world.”

Prince Naoya did not budge a muscle. His eyes remained hard on yours, breath warm as his nostrils fumed. With each passing second that he did not speak, you grew restless and tugged your arm away from his hold with a disgraceful smile.

You’d truly crossed your line. The repercussions to be faced for this impoliteness would destroy your family’s honour. You had to leave. “Your Highness? The song has changed. It’s time to let go—”

The Crown Prince inched close enough until his hair tickled your cheeks, his deep voice sending shivers down your spine as he pulled you close, close enough that your lower bodies touched. Skin ablaze with heat, you dared not move an inch. “Do you mean it?” he demanded lowly, his fingers ghosting over your wrist to hold you in place. “Do you truly love me? Not for what I have, not for who I was born to be, but me as a person itself?”

Closing your eyes to shudder in a deep breath, you exhaled. “Of course, Your Highness. Even if you were not born as a Prince, I’m sure I would’ve still loved you in a different universe.”

“But I do not know you.”

“We don’t have to know each other, Your Highness, and we never will. Once you let me go, I’ll return to the shadows where I belong, and I will continue supporting you until the day of your coronation.”

“And if I refuse to let you go?” he clicked his tongue, “What will you do then?”

The Crown Prince’s spicy perfume must be an aphrodisiac or hypnotizer of sorts. Everything he did messed with your mind that it was too late – the music had stopped and people were no longer drinking or chatting. Everyone’s eyes were on you and the Crown Prince. You could only imagine how controversial this position must be; with his lips trailing dangerously close to that sensitive spot in your neck where you nearly moaned. You really needed to leave.

“P-people are looking, Your Highness. You do not want this affair with someone you won’t choose—”

“Who said I won’t choose you?” Finally, he pulled away. But Prince Naoya never once tore his gaze away from yours, nor did he allow you to look at anyone but him as he caresses your jaw so light and feathery you wondered if he was truly there.“Who said I haven’t laid my eyes on you the moment you walked in here? This ball is for naught because of you, Lady Y/N. I’ve already made my choice, and you helped me confirm it as soon as you danced with me.”

“Your Highness...”

“Look at me,” he ordered, your eyes flitting from his pinkish lips to his sharp nose and then to his fox-like gaze. Only this time, Prince Naoya was no longer harsh. “Don’t be scared.”

“But they’re looking.”

“You are with me, of course they’ll look,” he teased, “They wish to be you right now. But ignore them and dance one more time with me.”

It wasn’t like you had a choice, but did it matter? One nod from him was all it took before the orchestra fumbled back to their spots and a new song played, Ode of Moonlight Lovers, and the Crown Prince was guiding you back to where he had originally danced with you.

From the corners of your eyes, you caught a glimpse of your parents with their mouths gaped open; your father looking like he was on the verge of passing out. However, you felt nothing but joy, nothing but the adrenaline pumping through your veins as he danced and twirled you in his arms. When the music stopped and you were both panting for air with silly smiles on your face, it dawned on you that you were with the Prince. No, rather, it was only you and the Prince alone. Even in the sea of people whose faces began to blur, he prevailed crystal clear.

You could recognize him anywhere, find him everywhere.

Prince Naoya stepped impossibly closer until your chests touched, hearts beating as one. Cupping your jaw, he was near enough that he swallowed all your shaky breaths with a small, teasing smile like you both shared a secret the entire world could not know.

“Do I still make you nervous?”

Laughing, you nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. I feel like I’m going to explode.”

“It’s beloved now,” he corrected, face inching closer and closer to a point you could count the number of his lower lashes. “And what do lovers do to seal their union?”

“M-Marriage?”

“Close, but this is much better.”

If anyone were to tell you that you would have a love story ripped out straight from a fairytale, you would’ve laughed at their faces. You were no Cinderella, nor were you a goddess of beauty that could’ve possibly caught the Crown Prince’s eye. Yet, his soft lips were on yours, kissing you with as much passion you could only dream of that you cried.

Strong hands guiding the back of your waist, Prince Naoya dipped you lower to the ground – the grand of finish of his dance. He had chosen his bride.

The crowd cheered and rejoiced all around you, making you smile into the kiss. Fisting his collar to bring him closer to yours, your mouth burst into metaphorical fireworks as soon as his tongue mingled with yours for an experimental taste. He was bitter yet sweet; expensive wine resting on his tongue, yet a delicate vanilla sat heavily on his soft lips that molded with yours. It was a taste you could spend forever being addicted on. And you were crying, crying so much your chest ached and the Prince’s cheeks grew damp from yours. You’d dreamt of this for so long, too long now.

Prince Naoya slowly pulled you away, his thumb wiping the tears away from the pads of your cheeks with tenderness in his touch. However, the Prince was not satisfied. The crowd whooped as he leant down to kiss your forehead. “You are mine now, my princess.”

Looping his hands with yours, the Crown Prince led you out of the castle. The crowd parted naturally to make way for the new couple, and you were left staring at his broad back and the tuft of blond hair where you’d soon find out how soft it would be. Sending one last glance to your crying parents, you waved goodbye. You had no idea where the Crown Prince would take you but you were already bunching your dress up, heart completely filled with trust you did not question it. What mattered tonight and for the rest of your life was that it felt right. That it was him – your beloved Prince Naoya Zen’in and soon to be husband – that you’d follow through the moon and back.

[lisutarid-a]

[Gakuen K] Totsuka Tatara Route Translation

Training camp in the mountains

LIST OF CHAPTERS

[Translation under the cut]

Yata: Waaaah, it's mounta-a-ains! Mountains, mountains! This is what summer is all about, isn't it!

Kusanagi: You're right, it's mountains no matter which way you look at them. So, Yata-chan can you lower the volume of your voice a little?

Yata: Loud cicadas noises! Barbecue noises! Oh, I can't stand it!

Kusanagi: Ahh, that's bad. You're not listening at all.

Saya: (I heard from Totsuka-senpai that something happens to Kamamoto-kun in the summer, but...)

Yata: Kamamoto, let's go look for beetles!

Kamamoto: Beetles? I didn't bring any tools.

Yata: Idiot, real man doesn't use tools. With bare hands, bare hands!

Kamamoto: I don't think we'll be able to catch them without at least a bug net...

Kamamoto: Can you catch them with your bare hands?

Yata: I don't know.

Kamamoto: "Don't know" he said...!

Yata: But you'll never know unless you try it, right? Come on, let's go. Follow me!

Saya: (I can't believe he changed his body shape like that...I was told not to dig into it too deeply and not to worry about it)

Saya: Yata-kun has a lot of energy.

Totsuka: It's good to be energetic. It doesn't seems like he's in low spirits.

Totsuka: Oh, yeah. Have you seen King? He was just here a minute ago, and then he unexpectantly disappeared.

Saya: Suoh-senpai? No, I haven't seen him.

Kusanagi: If it's about Mikoto, he's in the car.

Saya: Kusanagi-san.

Totsuka: In the car, why?

Kusanagi: Well, I don't know. Maybe because he can sleep better in the car seat?

Kusanagi: Therefore. Since Yata-chan and others are gone now, we have to make curry on our own. You okay with that?

Saya: I'm okay. Totsuka-senpai?

Totsuka: I'm too. But do you need our help? Don't you always make it yourself, Kusanagi-san?

Kusanagi: That's because you guys don't do enough to help. I'm going to give you intensely hard time today, so brace yourselves.

Totsuka: Okaaay, I took the order.

Kusanagi: Next...Did you finish cutting those onions I asked for?

Saya: Yeah, here.

Kusanagi: Thanks. Throw them in the roux (curry sauce). Totsuka, one carrot.

Totsuka: Yes, Kusanag-san. Smile, smile~

Saya: Senpai...

Kusanagi: What the hell are you doing?

Totsuka:  What am I doing? Filmin- Agh...

Kusanagi: I told you to cut the carrot!

Totsuka: K-Kusanagi-san...Didn't we disscuss that the pit of the stomach is forbidden, because it's a spot where the pain lingers.

Saya: Are you okay, senpai?

Totsuka: Konohana-san...Please take care of the rest...Gak.

Saya: Senpai!

Kusanagi: Totsuka? You want to get one in the face next time, hmm?

Saya: Kusanagi-san, your smile scares me...

Totsuka: Just kidding. I've already cut the carrot, look-look!

Kusanagi: You should have give it to me from the start.

Totsuka: Really. I've been hit...Ouch-ouch.

Yata: Waaah, curry looks good! Thanks for the food!

Kamamoto: D-delicious...! This is really tasty!

Kusanagi: I'm not the only one who made it. These two have been working hard to make it for the two of you. You should thank them.

Kamamoto: It that so? Thank you, Totsuka-san.

Totsuka: You're welcome, you're welcome.

Kamamoto: Thanks to you too. This is tasty.

Saya: Thank you. I'm glad to hear you say that.

Yata: Totsuka-san, thank you! Em...and...

Yata: Y-you too...em, thank you.

Saya: Uhm. I'm glad you liked it.

Yata: I don't like it! No, I like it, but...Don't look at me!

Saya: Yata-kun, what's wrong?

Yata: Shut up. I said don't look at me! ...Kamamoto, refill!

Kamamoto: Why don't you just put it yourself? Well, I'll have a refill, too, so I don't mind.

Saya: Those two, they're eating at a very fast pace. Amazing.

Totsuka: That's how delicious it is. Much credit to Kusanagi-san, but I'm glad the food was so well received.

Saya: Yeah!

Totsuka: King. The carry we made, how it is?

Mikoto: It's normal.

Totsuka: Ehhh. That's harsh.

Mikoto: That's not what I meant. I can eat it just normally. ..Who made this, Kusanagi?

Saya: Yeah, that's right.

Mikoto: He often brings curry, saying he's made too much. This taste is normal to me.

Saya: I see. For Suoh-senpai, it's like a taste of mother's cooking, isn't it?

Mikoto: Ha?

Saya: Oh, is it different?

Mikoto: ...

Totsuka: ...Fufu.

Mikoto: Totsuka, stop laughing.

Totsuka: Sorry, sorry. King's reaction was funny.

Mikoto: ...

Totsuka: Oh no, don't stare at me, I'm sca-ared. Maybe I should take photo of King like this.

Mikoto: That piece of junk, you still have it?

Totsuka: Uhm. It's old, but it's still working. Well, King, get ready to smile.

Mikoto: ...Who's going to smile, you idiot.

Totsuka: Arara, I was dumped. Well, I guess I'll photograph you then.

Saya: Eh, me?

Choice: [Not now...]

Saya: Not now...I'm in the middle of eating...

Kusanagi: She's right. Totsuka. You too, put down the camera and eat your meal.

Totsuka: Ehhh. I want to take a photo of everyone eating together~

Kusanagi: During the meal or not, you still can take as many photos as you want, right?

Totsuka: Okaaay, I get it!

Choice: [What should I do...]  ❤

Saya: Emm, what should I do...?

Totsuka: You don't have to do anything. I just want to capture you as you are.

Saya: (The way as I am...)

Yata: T-Totsuka-san...

Kamamoto: S-somehow it's a nasty words...

Totsuka: Eh, really? Which part?

Totsuka: Hey. Was there something nasty?

Saya: That's so. My heart was pounding.

Totsuka: You too? Which part?

Saya: This is...

Totsuka: Ehhh, what is it - I'm curious. Hey, King, what are these guys talking about?

Mikoto: I don't know. Eat quickly.

Totsuka: Okaaay. ...What was that about?

[Prev chapter] [Next chapter]

[astaroth1357]

Demigod MC Series: Poseidon

Fishy fishy fishy… I honestly could write 100 more things for Poseidon MC and Levi. I just love the dynamic between an insecure, otaku shut-in and a chill California surfer dead set on becoming his friend.

Demigod MC Series: Intro, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hades, Dionysus, Demeter, Athena, Hades Pt. 2, Poseidon 

For anyone unaware, Poseidon is also the god of horses. I know it's a weird combo, but I didn't write the mythos.

Lucifer

…..

They came out of the portal….

On a horse….

They brought the mortal down to the Devildom…

On a goddamn horse….

There's a demigod on a live horse brandishing a weapon and doing laps around the Student Council Room…

Congratulations, he already wants to pull his hair out!!

Honestly, it would have been preferable to pluck them out of the sea. At least then they'd just need a towel! What the hell were they going to do with an entire horse!?

And his nightmare didn't stop there. Poseidon is a notoriously mercurial god, prone to bouts of anger and spitefulness for reasons far less grievous than kidnapping his children… 

Their apology was swift and (seemingly) effective, though the tide waters around the Devildom did rise by several feet for some time…

As for the MC… uh… Well, they're an energetic one to say the least…

Lucifer hasn't met a more active individual since Mammon. They horseback ride, swim, surf, skateboard, and probably do ten other things - the point is, they Hardly. Keep. Still! 

They're also annoyingly easygoing… He can't count the number of times they've told him to, "Just chill out," or, "Hang loose…" What does that even mean??

Between having to order a stable made for their horse and just trying to keep up with them, Lucifer already thinks this mortal has caused him more trouble than they're worth… At least they keep Mammon busy...

Mammon

Upon first meeting them atop their horse, Sunset, his first thought was of course:

"I wonder if I sell that...?"

After that, they nearly fed him to sharks for trying to take their beloved steed on same night. Safe to say, he never touched a hair on its head again…

These two had a rocky start, but their relationship mended fairly quickly. As it turns out, the MC is literally one of those "go with the flow" types. You can say it was water under the bridge soon enough.

Mammon actually thinks the MC is a hell of a lot of fun, even if they're super laid-back. Most of the time, they won’t take his drive for money (or fear of his bills) all that seriously and tell him that he’s worrying too much, but they’ll still lend a hand if its on their way.

He finds their ability to control water pretty cool as well. Levi has it to some extent, but the MC can make a whole-ass whirlpool or use water like a whip! 

He once begged them to call up some rare fish for him to sell, but they got all pseudo-philosophical on him about how “trading life for material wealth” is “not cool, dude...”

He also made the mistake of challenging them to a splash fight only once…. They managed to drench the whole family with a single wave….

The only thing that bothers him is their weird insistence on being Levi's "Best Buddy…" Why would someone like them even bother with a shut in??

Is it the water? … Probably water. Levi, that lucky bastard…

Leviathan 

Thinks they're a big normie, no scratch that, a HUGE normie! The biggest normie he's ever met!! They skateboard and horseback ride for Devil's sake!!

...But they’re also, undoubtedly, the best friend he could've ever asked for.

To be fair to Levi, their friendship was sort of forced upon him. The MC took one look at him, his aquatic-themed room, and his pet goldfish then declared their new friendship status at that moment. 

Unfortunately for him, though, they're energetic, extroverted, and generally have little understanding of personal space… aka, an introvert's worst nightmare…

The next month could accurately be described as the MC doing everything in their power to make their stubborn "senpai" like them.

They would drag him out to the aquarium, beach, or pool; they befriended Henry so he could put in a good word for them; and they'd even bring him little gifts or trinkets they'd find on the ocean floor. Pretty shells and stuff like a cat bringing its master a dead mouse.

After he finally began to accept them as a persistent fixture in his life, he introduced them to gaming and anime and started accepting them little by little...

By the end of their stay, these two were practically inseparable. Not just because they like spending time together, but because they figured out they could have a telepathic link due to Levi being part sea serpent. 

No matter how far they are, they can always have a chat! (That no one else can hear so people think they’re just crazy...)

Satan

Satan honestly isn't the MC's biggest fan, he generally finds them too loud and gregarious for his liking. But their horse…?

He never really thought that he'd be a horse man... Yet it didn’t really take long for Satan to adore Sunset, their beautiful golden-maned mare. Apparently she's not their only horse, but by far their favorite traveling companion.

Sunset is a wonderful horse - brave, strong, and well-trained. It only took a few weeks before he was regularly sneaking out to the stables to brush her fur or feed her apples...

After the MC taught him how to ride, that was it. All other forms of transportation were inferior to him now.

Satan would ride Sunset everywhere and he looked damn good doing it! It takes all that fairytale Prince Charming thing he has going on and puts it through the roof.

It's a good thing too, because when I say everywhere, I do mean everywhere. Lucifer had to put seals on the House doors to keep Satan from riding Sunset through the hallways...

Of course, he’ll always let the MC have Sunset back when they need her!... with a little complaining but nothing terrible.

The MC doesn't mind much because Sunset likes him and they know he takes good care of her, but the rest of the House is slightly unnerved at how quickly he went horse crazy… What if they brought a giant crab instead?? No one wants to deal with crab-Satan...

Asmodeus 

Their body is just scrumptious. Oh, how he could look at their swimsuit-clad figure all day!! 😩

Between the swimming and the fighting, their form is toned to all hell and he can't get enough of it! Yes baby, yes!! Take those clothes off again!!! He'll help~! 😘

When he's not staring at them “totally respectfully,” then he's inviting them out to pool parties or begging them to take him riding...

There are parts of horseback riding he doesn’t like, the smell and the jostling specifically, but there is a kind of… romance to it, no?

He loves having the chance to snuggle up to the MC as they trot around the Devildom! It's so romantic, like they’re his knight in shining armor! (Or his demigod in a damp swimsuit, either works. 😏)

His Devilgram is just full of selfies of him and MC riding on the back of Sunset or sitting by the edge of the pool or them in the middle of a swim meet…

Yeah his Devilgram is now a one part him and one part MC-Appreciation account.

After the pact he'll eventually cool down some and stop staring at them like a sex-object, but even then he'll be at every swim meet. Don't you worry~

Beelzebub 

He actually really likes them! It's great to finally have another athlete in the House. 😊

The MC joined the RAD swim team just as soon the coach was able to convince Diavolo that having the child of a water god wasn't completely cheating... 

Since swim and fangol practice ends at about the same time, they walk home together a lot and complain about... sports things... (Forgive me, I don’t know sports. Uhm... Rival teams? Coaches? That one drill everyone hates? Stuff like that.)

Beel also can surf, skate, and snowboard so the two have a healthy competition going. They're about on equal footing so they tie often (except in surfing but Beel doesn't think that should count cause they’re probably cheating).

The only thing that he has to watch out for is Sunset… As in, he has to watch himself around Sunset because he absolutely could eat her on accident… 

Look, he doesn't want to and he doesn't even like horse meat that much, but even he has to admit there are times he gets hungry enough to consider it…

Of course, he knows that if he ever did Satan would rip him limb from limb then the MC would drown the rest so he really, really tries to control himself… but still… She’s a very healthy horse...

At least he didn’t try to sell her like Mammon. The MC hung him over a shark tank for that stunt… He’d feel bad, but Mammon kind of had it coming.

Belphegor 

The first time they met, the MC smelled like beach water and called him "dude-bro…" He didn't like his prospects.

For a while, he genuinely thought that they had a lump of sand where their brain was. They were just too chill!! Here he was saying that he's being held captive and they were like, "Well that sucks, man… I'll help ya, but I've got practice tomorrow. You can wait, right?"

It's not like he expected them to jump on top of it, but some urgency would have been nice…

When they eventually got around to helping him, he was actually looking forward to choking the life out of them for the extra wait. Unfortunately, they apparently had a horse…

Yeah, Belphie found out just a bit too late that the MC could summon their steed to them whenever they wanted and ended up with Sunset's hooves firmly bucking into his back for his trouble…

What followed was Belphegor running circles around the attic from the weapon-totting MC riding their terrifying murder horse until Lucifer finally intervened....

Thank the gods he wasn’t near any water….

As it would turn out later, as long as he's not being held captive in an attic Belphie kind of vibes with their laid-backness… They say they approach life "one wave at a time" or something.

He could care less about what that actually means, but what it translates to is "Stop stressing out and just keep chill" which he's all about.

Everybody should just chill out!... dude…. Nah, he'll let them stick to the “dude”-thing, it feels weird...