#also i was only informed today that i need to pay that much or else theyll get fucking debt collectors involved

[georjeez]

shitting myself cus i need £300 by monday for rent (for a place i'm not even allowed to live in because i'm not a student atm so i was kicked out, but still have to pay)

idk what to do

here's a link to my ko-fi page . i was planning on opening comms soon anyway so feel free to commission me, but any donation no matter how small is appreciated

[thatnonameuser]

The Red King holds a Bleeding Head

A Wonderland of Yanderes - Masterlist

Chapter 1. Heartslaybul Part 3.

Apparently, what parts of the conversation you missed before running all the way here was that you missed the first bell and were late. So after running, being dragged, all the way here, you'd gone straight to class. 

Thankfully, Ace’s collar problem wasn’t a class problem, thanks to all the classes so far being theory.

With that problem out of the way let's get back to you.

If you planned on learning today, that plan went out the window. Not only where you still repeating what Cater had said to you earlier. Being ousted for being a darling would put you in such great danger, so the fact he figured it out in the hour you spent with him this morning was very much not good.

It also got your desk hit with Professor Crewel's riding crop/wand? for not paying attention in class. Speaking of, Crewel had been the one to rat you out to Crowley so you weren't expecting him to be kind to you, but unlike the brutal berating he gave Ace for making a sarcastic quip in the middle of his lecture, he'd given you a stern look and nothing else.

You just hope that it was fluke, because you don't want to think about the idea if he's in love with you too. Wait, is it possible for a yandere to love platonically, you'll have to research that.

If you can even do that, to begin with. Because the textbooks that you received aren't the right ones. Why? Because they're missing complete pages worth of information.

How do you know?

Because you compared it to Ace's.

There was a love potion spell that would be taught the first years next semester, powerful, dangerous and it could if used correctly sever cognitive thought from the darling for a period of a day, and replace it with false love.

Your copy of the same Potionology textbook didn't have that. Or any of the other potions that could do the same thing. In magical history, the ancient tactics used by yanderes were wiped clean from your copy, when they were present in Deuce's own.

What's worse is that this was done on purpose. How do you know that? Because you pointed it out.

At the end of Potionology, you'd gone to the Professor textbook in hand in search of an explanation.

"Excuse me, Professor Crewel?"

"Pup, it is Master Crewel." You were not calling him that, "How can help you?"

"Um, something's wrong with my textbook? It's missing a lot of pages." He taken it from you and flipped through it. And then set back in your hands.

"There is nothing wrong with this pup. It has everything you need in it." He'd said if he hadn't lied clean through his teeth.

"B-but I checked with one of the other textbooks, dozens of pages on potion recipes are missing?!" You'd argued.

"Pup, you are referring to the textbooks we give the yandere students. By law, I'm required to give you this one." What?!, was what you thought in anger.

"W-What law?" You asked, you were absolutely dumbstruck at his response. You were getting really tired of being left in the dark.

"Darling students are not allowed to readily access any knowledge about what their future yanderes will use against them, regardless of purpose." That was what came out of his mouth, he hadn't seen anything wrong with it.

It wasn't just that either. The same thing happened with your Magical History book when you asked Professor Trein. And you got some more bad news.

The library, your saving grace, wasn't allowed to give you any of the books they'd given you last time. No more information that could help you. You couldn't even use the textbooks Grim would get, as they were being kept in the classrooms rather than in Ramshackle. The jury was still out on your 'The Art of Ensnaring Hearts' class about whether or not you could even attend those in the future. Was this all done to keep you from learning about what the Yanderes know, to keep you from knowing how to save yourself?

Phys Ed, was the only class you could actually do without someone putting you at a disadvantage. It may not have been your favorite class, but considering you might need to run away from a yandere in the future, you ran as fast as you could.

And now your legs hurt real bad. You weren't the most athletic person but Coach Vargas really worked you over.

Eventually, after a really rough morning, break time rolled around.

"Let's see, our next class is...."

"This so-called magic academy feels a lot like a lame, ordinary school." Ace complains. You disagree, normal schools don't usually teach students how to make love spells. You hope at least. Do non-magic schools teach similar yandere stuff? "It's not exactly what I expected, but at least this collar won't be much of a problem after all."

"You with me on that, Grim? ....Hm?" Grim's silence hadn't struck you as weird until Ace said that. Your loudmouth, tuna-loving cat monster hadn't thrown up a complaint since you left your last class.

"Grim?" You search for Grim among the legs of traveling students but you can't find him. A bad feeling sinks into your stomach. Ace and Deuce couldn't do it. They were right next to you the whole time, so what happened to him?! Did he get-

"Oh! Look out the window! i just saw a ball of fur running across the yard!" Deuce exclaims. You transition the fear of his imminent demise to anger for his abandonment of you.

"Where!?" You nearly collide with the window in your haste, as Deuce points him out down below. A small grey blur races quickly across the courtyard, "He's cutting class!" The Headmaster's going to be furious. And the LAST thing you need is being kicked out into a world where MURDER IS OK!!!

"Boy, that guy is not a fast learner." Yeah, Deuce. Clearly!! He just left you alone in a yandere school! You're definitely withholding his tuna for this.

"Not a good look to lose your only student in your first week as a prefect. Want some help catching him?"

"YES!" You yell, not caring about the future implications. Two IOU's in one day is not gonna be good for you in the future. But right now, your present is on the line! "Please just help me!"

You don't know what you looked like when you said that, but considering how the both of them blushed, you'll have to worry about that later.

Right now, you need to get Grim, preferably before he burns something down.

And so you began the chase of Grim through the courtyard. With your legs still burned from the exhaustion of Coach Vargas' training, you could barely keep up with Ace and Deuce and nearly collapsed once on the way.

But thankfully, the fear and rage from earlier turned into adrenaline that propelled you forward.

And propel you it did, into a person.

You had been a few paces behind Ace and Deuce, but you were far enough to lose sight of them as they turned a corner into the courtyard.

So you hadn't seen the person you ran into, but inertia wasn't your friend today.

You had expected to hit the floor of the courtyard, concrete or grass, whichever was softer, and braced mentally for impact. Only for an arm to swiftly wrap around your waist.

Fast, so fast that you can't even get a letter out of your mouth in sheer surprise, whoever caught you had slipped an arm round your waist, saving you from your unlucky fall.

And so the charming prince that caught you was...

Blonde, with his hair cut into a mid-length bob. Perched on his head is a brown hat sporting a pale white feather. His green eyes are like a falcon's, sharp and piercing. He smiles down upon you. Your noses are practically an inch away from touching. The way you're positioned is straight out of a romance novel, the male lead saving the clumsy MC from a nasty fall.

The embarrassment of the situation you've found yourself in doesn't escape you as you feel the blood rush to your cheeks. "I-I’m sorry!" You blurt out. Thank the seven that there aren't many people around.

" , . I'm just lucky that I caught you." He's speaking French? But how does.....y’know what, nope not touching that one.

"Yeah, thanks." He still hasn't let you out of his hold, and you'd like it for him to let you go now. "Could you, uh, let me up now."

"Bien sûr, mon cher," he says something in French that you don’t understand, but he does help you to your feet with a flourish. He even spins you for some reason.

OK. Another weird one.

You dust yourself off, "Thanks, sorry again," you say somewhat sheepishly.

The smile your savior has is seemingly unshakable, and the laugh he gives you in reply reflects that, "Non non, ce n'est pas un problème du tout, though chérie, will you not grace me with your name?" He even speaks like all the lovelorn princes in your childhood storybooks, well minus all the French.

"It's _______. Have you seen a grey cat run through here?"

"Oui, filou he went that way," Great, you prepare to turn but he stops you with a hand on your shoulder, "though it is best if you head that way if you wish to find him." He points in a direction very far from where he originally pointed.

One of your eyebrows quirk up in confusion, "How do you know that?" You ask.

"Call it a hunter's intuition. You wouldn’t want to be late for Arithmancy, ______" He says with a smile.

You thank him before running in the direction he told you, and in no time at all, you find Deuce dropping a struggling Grim into a net Ace is holding.

And so the Great Grim was captured.

"Mrrah! I've had it with these boring classes!" He squirms in the net Ace took from one of the grounds men, even with his claws he can't escape the netting.

"Grim, you'll never be a great mage if you don't attend classes!" You scold but Grim doesn't stop complaining.

"Ugh! When did you get all bossy?!" Grim continues his complaning as you cross your arms.

You ignore his pointless pouting. You got all bossy when you found out that a single screw up could either result in you getting attacked by a obsessive lover, or get thrown out of here on your rear end with no one to protect you from the aforementioned obsessive lovers.

That and he trapped you into another  IOU five minutes ago that might bite you in the ass later. You can't afford to get into any trouble. With Crowley, with the teachers, with the other dorm leaders, the other students. And Grim....is also someone you need to keep yourself sane.

"Pout about it all you want, Grim." You remove him from the net, holding him against your hip like he’s a troublesome toddler so he doesn't run away again. You turn to Ace and Deuce, and smile softly, "Thanks, you guys."

Again, that light returns in both their eyes. Ace smiles mischievously and slings his arm over the two of you in a half hug, "Glad to help clean up the mess made by the worst prefect to ever set foot on campus!"

"It wasn't that bad, Ace. Let her go! Like the last time, Deuce pulls Ace's arm off of you. The two glare at each other, as if silently fighting. Unlike Ace, Deuce tends to respect your personal space only ever doing this when Ace gets too touchy or too close. That and he always tries to defend you when Ace or anyone else teases you. Maybe it really is in your best interest to get closer to Deuce.

"Alright you two, we're gonna be late. Our next class is...." Aw man, it's Arithmancy. No wonder Grim ran off. You say such and Ace groans.

At least they can't censor this class, too. A part of you would like it if they did.

"C'mon, let's not get caught 'skipping' class."

On the way back, you wonder about the man you ran into. Now that you thought about it, he never gave you his name. And you gave him yours immediately, damn it!

Still, the likelihood that he was a yandere for you was too unrealistic. Sure, Ace and Deuce might have budding feelings for you, but the likelihood that four different people were all yandere for you was already rare, even for this world.

Besides, you've already met some people with a lot of character today. So maybe he's just a little weird.

Maybe. Hopefully.

Wait, if he didn’t know who you were.....how did he know that your next class was Arithmancy?

"Woo! Lunchtime at last!" You can't mirror the excitement Grim is feeling right now, even if this a refuge from the classroom confusion from earlier. The cafeteria's as full as ever, and you feel different from the last time you entered it.

Last time, you were surrounded by your fellow students and peers. This time, you're surrounded by the human equivalent of sheep among wolves.

You are the ideal prey of everyone in this room, and some of them might already know about that. Cater's words earlier had terrified you and rang back in your head, "Darling~" You hadn't even known him long, so how could he tell? Would everyone around you just know on sight? Maybe they discovered it before you had?

Still, you skipped breakfast for Ace's apology, so you don't really get the luxury of skipping another meal right now. Even if you don't exactly have an appetite. Despite the volume of delicious smelling food, Grim is piling on your tray, and you feel more like puking than eating.

Even so, you don't really have an appetite right now, despite all the good smelling food that Grim's raving about right now. It's fancy, and Grim doesn't even eat half of it but is piling it up all the same. Can cats even eat onions?

"Shh! Dude, inside voices! Where was this energy earlier today?" You nod in agreement with Ace. Your legs already hurt from PE, and now after chasing Grim, they practically burn.

"_____, grab me the grilled chicken! There's only one left! And an omelet, too. And that jelly-filled bread. Just fill your whole tray with 'em!" You struggle to balance the sheer amount of plates and food that Grim piles on one after the other. Seriously, how does one cat demon thing eat so much?!

"Grim, that's enough. Save some for everyone else!" You finally relent, but unfortunately, you made that decision a few seconds too late.

Your hand, already tired from Coach Vargas' class, finally yields, and you lose the grip on the tray and plates Grim's stomach piled up.

Now for the good news and bad news.

The good news is that you managed to save every plate of food Grim haphazardly stacked on your tray. A gew crumbs were lost, but otherwise, you managed to save everything. Which was great because with cheapskate Crowley's micro food budget, you were pretty strapped for cash and didn't want to waste food.

But then there's the bad news.

The bad news is in your haste to stop the mountain of plates from crashing to the ground and bringing more attention to yourself, your shoulder may have collided into the back of the student in front of you.

You were just getting into accidents today, weren’t you?

"Hey! Watch where you're goin'!" The student you were unlucky enough to bump into, and their buddy for some reason, to whirl around in anger.

"I'm so-" You start to apologize only for him to interrupt you.

"M-my carbonara!" Ah, man. Did you ruin someone's lunch? That's-,"You broke the yolk!".......what?

"Whoa, that's messed up! Pokin' the egg is the best part!" Ok, not ruining someone's lunch, he might be a bit sad, but all is o-

"You better make this right, pal!" He grabs you by your tie and you nearly fall with all the food on your tray.

"I-it's just a yolk?" Is all you can say, completely struck dumb. You already knew this world had it's priorities messed up but this had to be the dumbest argument ever made. "I didn't ruin your lunch, you were gonna poke it anyway, so I saved you a step!"

"Yeah, so get your filth hands of my henchman!" Grim backs you up. But the delinquents don't back down.

"I'm gonna need that grilled chicken of yours as compensation." Normally you probably would have let the guy take it. Let Grim learn a lesson of not carrying his own food and move on.

But this was a matter of principle, damn it!

Also you weren't completely sure if darlings were naturally meek, so backing down was not an option here.

"No." You say point blank. The delinquent stupid enough to fight in the middle of a crowded cafeteria balks like you said something incredulous, "What?!"

"You heard me. NO. Go eat your soggy yolk-y carbonara, while I go eat my grilled chicken." After all, that trouble you went to get this you were commandeering that chicken for yourself. Take that, Grim.

"Hey! That's no way to speak to an upperclassman! Catch me outside and I'll teach you some respect!" Alright, so just won't go outside for a few hours, got you there dumbass.

At this point, Deuce must have gone through the lunch line and caught sight of you. They must have heard the foregoing argument because Deuce steps in to play peacemaker, separating the delinquent from your tie and shielding you behind him. "Um, excuse me, sir, but it said int he handbook that fighting with magic was prohibited....."That's a rule?! Sick! Now you won't have to worry about tha-

"Fighting? You got it all wrong. This is just me helpin' an ignorant freshman know their place." Ok, so much for that. Two advance magic pens at hand, and you're forced to shrink behind Deuce and Grim.

"W-wait a second, I don't have any magic. That's an unfair fight." You hate how powerless you feel right now.

"Who care about that!? If I end end up killin' ya, we just gotta call one groundmen." You forgot about the whole 'murder is not bad' part of the school rules. Does that mean no one will intervene? Damn it again!

You can hear Deuce growl at their threat. Withdrawing his own pen, he shouts his signature, and by that you mean only, spell. Grim

For a student that probably knows one spell Deuce puts up a hell of a fight. You wonder where he's getting all the cauldrons from. The two 'upperclassman' must've been flunkies, because there was no way these people would be able to lose so badly and so easily to two people that barely know anything about offensive spells. Your one worry was the mountain of food you were holding would fall. That and hearing Ace grumble about not fighting. For your honour, for your praise, you'd didn't know. At this point, you're starting not to care.

Surprisingly, or not if it didn't, the battle is done and won without the hundreds of students present even hesitating in their respective conversations.

"Whoa, didn't know you had it in you...."

"Look, I'm gonna let you off the hook this time, but only 'cuz I don't want my pasta gettin' cold." Sure and it's not like you 'upperclassman' lost a cat and student who only knows how to summon a cauldron.

"Pffft! I knew you were all talk! You better hope I never see you again!" Grim taunts as if Deuce hadn't done nearly everything. You keep quiet this time, redirecting your silent fury into mocking.

"Whoa! Two upperclassmen being beaten by students who were nearly expelled in the first week. That's kinda sad." You mock as you watch two delinquents shrink back with their figurative tails between their legs, departing with their, hopefully, cold lunch.

"Thanks Deuce," You turn to him and say with a smile, and his earlier anger dissolves into a soft smile. Like you being grateful for his help and protection sucked the rage out of him. You hate that you know it wasn't as wholesome as it was on the tin.

"N-No problem," he stutters, cheeks flushing.

"Yeah, yeah enough of that." Ace grumbles, pulling Deuce away by his arm. His anger hadn't been pacified by Deuce's victory, in fact it worsened. If how deep he's frowning is any indication.

"If you guys are going to fight again, can you help me carry all this to a table?" It's been two days and their near constant warring over you is starting to become normal.

They snap out of it instantaneously, "Sure, Prefect!"

Grim had been bitter when you told him you were taking his grilled chicken as compensation for the mess he got you in. But he eventually relented to stuff his face with all the partially lukewarm food. Speaking of, the food's good if a bit cold.

Hearing Grim rave abut how good his food is makes you chuckle lightly, stroking your fingers back through Grim's fur. He purrs again, and that sense of peace from earlier return. Maybe this morning was just a fluke, and all will be well now.

Mid bite, Grim asks, " So, I saw your guys' dorm, but what are the other ones like?" A part of you wants to know but that's a question for another day. You need to get through today first, and then-

"I'm sure you're familiar with the statues of the Great Seven? Night Raven College has a dorm themed after each one." You choke mid bite on the half-chewed chicken in your mouth. Cater's voice took you by surprise, so much for a peaceful rest of the day. You weren't the only one.

"Bwah! You're that guy from this morning!"

You turn and face him as well as an unfamiliar face. Green hair, glasses and a clover stamp underneath his left eye. The last card suite you were left meet. Another card soldier, now just needed a tyrannical queen.

"You tricked us into paintin' those dumb roses."

"'Tricked' is such an ugly word. Do you think that I wanted to spend MY morning painting roses? It's dorm policy, I'm just following orders."

"And grinning like a fiend all the while..." More than that if what he last said too you was any indication.

"Now, now Deucey. Outside of the dorm, I don't care what rules you follow. Here, I'm just a friendly mentor figure." Like earlier, you feel that he isn't being genuine again. If his dorm is so full of people, why couldn't they help instead of trying to trick you into it. Still, brownie points are brownie points, and they better pay it forward when things get tough.

"Please. Do NOT call me Deucey."

The mystery man laughs, "That's how Cater shows he cares." he finally says. He gives of the air of that one dad friend that prevents the friend group from going up in flames. You feel a small pull at your heartstrings, you're starting to miss your friends back home.

"So, who are you?" You ask.

"Ah, i should introduce myself. The name's Trey. Trey Clover. I'm a junior at Heartslabyul, like Cater here." So you've finally met the three of clubs, or clovers if that's what you call it.

The ace of hearts, deuce of spades, three of clubs and four of diamonds, were ALL Heartslabyul students named after playing cards because this seems comical now. Also, how drunk were their parents to not recognise how ridiculously silly naming your kids after the numbers when their last names, sin Ace, are all card suites was.

Though considering the possibility that one half of their parents were probably being held hostage, you probably shouldn't judged their naming skills.

"And you must be _____, the new prefect from the dump of a-ah, I mean, the 'rustic' dorm." Ramshackle can't seem to stop catching strays, huh?

"Alright, Ramshackle might be a dump, but it's my dump. Can we please stop insulting where I sleep at night!" Your anger receives a few laughs in response. You hope you weren't a cute angry in their eyes. Last thing you need is them looking at you like you were an angry kitten.

Trey's laugh warms you a little, the dad friend energy feels a little safe. You don't feel the lingering worry from earlier, after all what is the likelihood more than three people are in love with you?

"I heard the whole story from Cater. Thanks for looking out for our boys yesterday." You beam, even if you were very, very inconvenienced last night and this morning, it's still nice to be praised. That is until you remember that the one doing it might find someone and spend the rest of their life making them miserable for the sake of love.

"It's no problem," You say regardless.

"I don't recall inviting you to sit with us...." You hear Ace murmur.

Cater slides in and seats himself between you and Ace, "Hey now, we're all from the same dorm, right? Let's try to get along. Here gimme your digits." He hands his phone to you, expecting you to put in your number.

Problem is, "I don't have a smartphone." and you probably wouldn't if you did. But regardless Cater looks at you as if you grew another head.

"For real?! I never thought I'd meet one of you IRL!" His eyes light up with that weird glow again, "I know a place that sells the latest models cheap. How about you and I go on a phone-shopping date?" NO. NO.

"NO!" You accidentally say out loud, way too loud and hurried to be brushed aside as you overestimating your volume. Some heads from nearby tables turn, to you and the others are silent waiting for something? But you don't know what.

You back track trying to amend what you said, " No, Crowley hasn't started giving me allowance yet, so I'm kinda broke. Maybe next time?" Please never ask me that again. Maybe you should join a club so you can say you're busy if he tries to ask you out again.

That glint in Cater's eyes darken, but it doesn't match the teasing look that he has on his face, "What is up with you, _____? You look so tense! It's okay, baby! Relax! Relaaaax!" He squeezes your shoulders in half-massage but it just makes you feel more tense.

Tret comes to your rescue, "Cater. You're freaking out the freshmen. Maybe take it down a notch?"

Cater laughs, still not backing away from how close he is to you, "Sorry! I can get a little extra sometimes. What were we talking about....The dorms, yeah? What fun to mentor new students. Go ahead, A-M-A."

Ant that what you all spent the next fifteen minutes talking about. The dorms and their super important history while completely ignoring the ramifications of that history have on at least half of the population, yourself included. You'd already read up on the seven dorms, but hearing about the crazy strictness of the Dorm Leader of Heartslabyul made you a little uneasy. But still, when you talk to the him maybe things will go well, maybe he's a sweetheart with a non-tolerance policy for the most extreme of rule breakers.

Still, there are so many different types of students with different personalities and different yandere types. You spotted a wolf beastman, two student whose style of dress reminded you vaguely of the Middle East the person you ran into earlier sitting at a table full of Pomefiore students, (you made a mental note to ask about him later) and the most powerful students on campus, of course from Diasomnia.

Cater continues his opinion piece in the unapproachability of that dorm. "The vibe they give off makes it real hard for regular schmucks like us to even approach them."

"It can't be that bad, they may look a little intimidating but otherwise they look like regular old students..." You say, sure one of them looks young enough to be your younger brother or a middle schooler and has the pointed ears of a fae, but they look so normal.

Then again, you were discussing animal-human hybrids and talking paintings earlier, and you're in a world full of yanderes, so what isn't normal and what is?

"And their Dorm Leader is that times a thousand." You crane your neck to the Diasomnia seating area and you don't see any features that would be capable of scaring off a whole school of students, they all look relatively fine.

"There's a little kid in that group!" Not so subtly, like their earlier pointing out of a rather androgenous purple-haired boy in the Pomefiore dining areas, Ace rather loudly points out the younger looking fae.

"Ah, we do get some child prodigies here. But that guy is no kid. He's a junior like us. Name's -"

"Lilia. Lilia Vanrouge."

"Ah!" You yelp rather loudly as midway through your turn back towards the table, only to be face to face with the same face you had just been looking at hanging upside down right in front of you. You nearly fell out of chair in a mix of shock and surprise.

You stammer in shock, "H-how did you-"

"H-he just teleported!" That can happen?! You really need to read more about this place.

Lilia, once standing upside down on the chandelier as if that was completely A-OK, floats down onto your table as if this was as normal as him walking over. He smirks, bending down to meet your eyes, " I understand my apparent age interests you? As this bespectacled fellow accurately noted..." His voice is completely opposite to his appearance, and he talks like a whimsical grandparent than a teenager. "Despite my fresh-faced, boyish good looks, it would be inaccurate to call me a 'child'." Yeah, seriously. Whoa.

"'Fresh-faced' he says." Trey seems to agree with your doubt on the young part.

He smiles and for some reason, you feel unbelievably uncomfortable. it's as if he read you like an open book without words being exchanged. The look in his eyes is unreadable, but it's not like the glint you'd seen in Ace, Deuce and Cater. Either way, it makes you squirm in your seat, "You need not gawk at us from afar. You may feel free to speak with us directly. We are schoolmates, are we not? All of us at Diasomnia House welcome you without reservation." Without reservation, he says and yet the two trailing after him are yet to say a word. And they're staring in silence, but it feels more like glaring. No wonder Diasomnia had the reputation it did.

"And yet, those guys over there aren't exactly rolling out the red carpet in terms of approachability..."

Lilia brushes that aside with a laugh, "Forgive me for appearing above you during your meal." I do hope we can speak again." Why does that part feel directed at you? Maybe you're being paranoid.

As Lilia and his entourage depart, Ace takes the opportunity to whisper to the table about the impossible feat of overhearing their conversation. Which you can agree with how on Earth, or in the Twisted Wonderland, did they hear you from across the room. You weren't even that loud. Ace was right, that was creepy.

"Well....Diasomnia House does have a bit of a reputation for having lots of special students." "Well, special is a word for it...." You say,

Trey explains further, "Some of them are extremely talented at magic. Their Dorm Leader, Malleus Draconia, is considered to be one of the five best mages in the world." Wow. Your decision to stay away from that Dorm was even more justified. How powerful is the top five most powerful.

"Malleus is reeeeeeal bad news. Though I suppose the same could be said of our dear Dorm Leader."

"He can't be that bad...." You whisper, spying a short, red-haired boy with grey eyes walking in this direction. Wait, wasn't that the dorm leader that.....collared...Grim...Oh no. "Hey Ace...?" You whisper.

Ace must not have heard you because he starts his own tirade. "No kidding! He collared me for eating one slice of tart! All his rule obsession is outta control!"

"My 'rule obsession' is 'outta control', is it?" Well, Ace is doomed. Maybe Ramshackle has a tent you can set up outside.

Completely oblivious to the new voice that joined the group, despite the fact everyone else here already has, Ace continues, " You bet it is. Riddle's just a petty tyrant who leans into the whole 'rules' schtick as a pretext to keep everyone under his puny thumb." You sigh, facepalming. Maybe you can get Crowley to buy a strong lock for your door.

Deuce takes one for the group and points out the obvious before Ace can unintentionally piss off the 'tyrant' behind him further. "Ace! Behind you!"

Ace, still not taking the hint, looks behind him and then appropriately freaks out. "Bwah!? Dorm Leader!" The Dorm Leader of Heartslaybul, Riddle Rosehearts (and the Red Queen in this abridged tale) crosses his arms in indignation.

This is not going to go well.

[raccoonscupoftea]

🎮A Gamers profession

Timeskip!Kenma Kozume X F!Y/n

Summary: Y/n and Kenma are a couple, also living together. While Kenma is streaming and struggling with a game, he soon admitted to need help from you, a professional game breaker.

Warnings: Nerd talk, SFW, possible grammar mistakes, cause english is not my native language.

| MASTERLIST | REQUESTS |

//----//----//----//

You love your job. It's fun, well paying and not so stressful. Kenma, your boyfriend, also likes your job, but sometimes he just wants you to stuff your face with a pillow when he's playing, especially when he's livestreaming.

You often get to know the next top game before everyone else. You get information on a game while it's still in the making and you have to play the game for endless hours before it's officiall release.

You're not designing the game or anything. No, you're here to break the game into pieces, testing limits, testing the code, testing AI. If it breaks, then the developers have more work to do. Or they simply just decide it is going to be a 'feature'. It's their choice. You just deliver the bugs to them.

So, then why does kenma want to shut you up sometimes?

Because of your job, you have developed a very good sense for game mechanics, attack patterns and the more advanced stuff on how a game is build. When Kenma encounteres a boss, he just knows you could beat it in a few minutes. He knows you could rush to an over the top overpowered boss and never get hit once, thou it would take longer to beat it.

It's when Kenma's visibly is frustrated, staring at his screen with an unhealthy posture, you then sometimes get up from your couch and take a look at what he's struggling with. As soon as you got into frame the viewers will start to spam the chat with messages about you.

Mostly just spamming your name but others will write absurd things like "mama's here to help" or "the professional is watching"

You just have to stand behind the chair and kenma starts to tell you to not say anything.

"Don't you dare tell me, I want to find it out myself" he complains and you just put up your hands "I didn't do anything, I'm just watching, but tell me if you need help"

So far he never needed help from you. He of course is an intelligent and very good gamer himself. Never have you doubted him.

___

You're currently on your own pc in a separate Office in your and Kenma's home. With a switch controller in your hands and feet up on a footrest, you happily enjoy playing some animal crossing on the bigger screen of your gaming setup.

Today's quiet cold so you're wearing a wearable blanked with a hoodie combined. It looks like a cat. On your table is a steaming hot tea, waiting to be cooled down a little. You were fishing all around the island in game to get the last fish of the museum collection, but the sporadic waves of tiredness are definitely not doing you a favour when it comes to pressing the right button at the right time. The game definitely knows how to get you so relaxed you could fall asleep right then and there in your gaming chair.

Another wave made you a little more tired than the usual waves. This time you had doze off for a few seconds before jolting back awake and continued your fishing spree. Work definitely was a bit to much with the winter holidays coming up and a lot of new games wanting to be released in early spring. Is also added up to your tiredness.

You glanced over to the time on your Pc and realised it's only 4pm, definitely to early to sleep now. You also know that Kenma was streaming for an hour now, since he always starts at 3pm.

Thou you don't learn from your mistake to play animal crossing while nearly dozing off and just continued, but rather than fishing you instead decided to continue to decorate the island.

It went well for the first hour. You made a plan and checked on the internet if there's the suitable furniture for it. The first decorations had been placed on their right spot, paths has been made but just a few minutes after the first hour, the tiredness has claimed you back.

While you were in the office relaxing every bone to a complete flat line, the person in the other office was nearly about to destroy a keyboard. The boss he was fighting was beating kenma every time to 0 HP. Kenma had stopped yesterday's stream in a near rage quit but today he had to beat it to get further in the game. He hasn't got past the boss and was getting more and more frustrated as well as confused. Sometimes he swears the boss just doesn't take damage and gets a massive attack bonus. Chat is convinced the boss wasn't beatable and was begging to kenma to bring out the game breaker, aka you.

Of course, he denied it at first but after an hour of trying and dying he finally gave up. Without a word he placed down his headphones, pushed his microphone back a little bit and walked out of the frame. His viewers were ecstatic and surprised that he'll need help from you.

As kenma was busting open the door to your office, the loud noise of the door made you jolt up from your chair. Your hair went places and the hoodie blanket went all the way up to your chin, telling kenma without a word that you were sleeping in your chair just now.

"I was definitely not sleeping" You stated in your defense with a sleep drunk voice, but Kenma did not believe you and smiled at how cuddly you looked. With a quick glance at the time you asked the streamer "Quit already? You're usually up till late at night"

Kenma placed his hands in the pocket of the black hoodie he's wearing and sighed, remembering why he's here in the first place "I think the game's bugged. I can't defeat the boss. I tried so many times" He slightly looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed about asking you.

At the word 'bugged' you stood up, placed the switch controller on the desk and walked over to him. You slipped your hands into his hoodie and took his hands in your own. "let's see what I can do"

The two of you went to his streaming room, but before you entered, the hood from your blanket hoodie went over your head to hide this atrocious mess of hair on your head. You quickly checked your appearance in the hallway mirror. As soon as the viewers got a glance at you and what you're wearing, they all typed in chat 'You're looking so cozy rn' 'where did you buy it?' 'looks so fluffy' 'I want to cuddle with you'

You waved at the camera to greed the viewers and kenma gestured you to sit down in his chair. You smiled at your boyfriend and placed your feet also on the chair, making you a cozy fluffy blanket ball.

He then quickly explained to you what he was doing and what was happening. Kenma then also pulled over another chair to sit down and watch you. You first tried your best max out attack and defence with his current equipment, but there wasn't even a slightest chance. You voiced out a small "Huh?" Before trying again.

The viewers could see on your face that something was up. You aren't a streamer and wasn't talking while playing the game and kenma knew to not disturb your concentration, but the viewers still seemed to enjoy watching you trying the best you could. It was the first time you were seriously playing a game with the intention to win and they were all very ecstatic as you tried to not get hit. One could tell how everyone was excited at this moment, the chat also was getting slower.

After half an hour, you had placed down the controller. The boss could hit the hero, because they weren't dodging anymore and the player dies in an instant. The question marks around your head were very visible. Something definitely is not right here. As soon as the game went to its pause menu, the viewers knew something serious it about to happen.

You grabbed the laptop from Kenma, booted it up, put in his password without a fail and went to the internet. The website from your work company appeared after a few clicks and at this moment Kenma realised what was happening.

He looked over to his camera and explained laughing "Guys, I apparently found a bug. Stuffs about to get serious now" The chat was then filled with suprised emojis. It didn't took 5 minutes and a donation came in.

Kenma glanced over to the donation site and read out loud "Thank you catlover51 for the..." He stopped a second as he saw the amount that was donated and was clearly surprised "Thank you for the 100$ and you had written down 'For Y/n, a little compensation gor having to work now' again thank you very much. You really didn't neet to donate so much"

As Kenma read the donation out loud you had began to smile behind the laptop sceen. Others then jumped onto the train as well and donated money from a single dollar to a little lager than 50$. Kenma was slightly overwhelmed my the sheer amount of donations that came in and couldn't stop thanking everyone, nearly shutting down the donation site so no one could waste more money on them. It was then you who calmed them down after finishing your research. You looked back to the camera and placed the laptop to the side "You don't need to pay me for this. It's my job and I love doing it. Also I get paid whenever I work, so I'm currently earning my money. But thank you for your concern" you smiled brightly at them before continuing to try out stuff in the game.

After some time nothing came out of the testing and you sighed. You glance over to your boyfriend, looking like a vet having to tell the owner some bad news. "You can't progress at this point, I'm sorry" His eyes widend "That's a joke right?" You just shook your head "Unfortunately not. You have found a very devastating bug, which stops you from killing the boss. As soon as an attack misses, the supposed damage gets stored and well... When the boss does hit you, then all of that stored damage gets released. That explains the bug with the one shot kill. This bug alone is manageable and already a known issue, but combined with the boss not taking any damage" you smiled at him with a sad face. "I'm sorry"

Kenma sighed and ruffled his hair "It's not your fault" he smiled and ruffled your hair as well. "Guess my save is busted then"

You took his hand in yours and looked him in the eyes. He squeezed your hand a little and looked back at you. There's a little spark in your eyes, telling him that there's something you could do "What are you up to?" He asked directly. Your eyes shift away, making you look innocent, scratching your cheek a little "I could force you out of the situation, by glitching you through a wall"

Usually kenma is against using glitches and exploits in his runs, but this is maybe the first occasion he'll consider it. He first looks at you with squinted eyes but then stood up "I'm going to the bathroom. Whatever you'll do, I'll don't know about it"

You're smile got bigger as he finished talking and went outside. He closed the door and after a little happy dance, you pressed onto respawn and forced the player to another part of the map. The viewers were watching your every step and were happy about you breaking a game infront of them.

As you were finished, you quickly saved the game and stood up, ready to leave.

"In my defence" you started talking into the camera a little bowed down to fit into the frame "I did not test this part of the game. Not my fault" You grabbed the open laptop and blew the viewers a goodbye kiss before you exited the streaming room.

On the way back to your own office, Kenma has finished his bathroom break. He grabbed your wrist before you could vanish into your room. He also grabbed the laptop and placed it on a sideboard. One hand of his wandered over to your waist, so he could pull you a little closer to him. "Thank you" he whisperd and gave you a little kiss on your cheek. "I'll make sure to finish today's stream a little earlier. Can't wait to cuddle you with this fluffy hoodie" he then again kissed your other cheek and headed back over to his room to see an alive character on a giant grassy field.

You on the other hand smiled and had to control your inner fangirl to not just scream and jump around. The viewers for sure could hear you if you were to loud.

You quickly grabbed Kenma's laptop and hid in your room, filling out a formula to get the new bug over to the Developers.

[thenewrises]

aw man another brain ramble (part 3) (18+ MDNI)

14DWY DAY 4 DROPPED!!!! YIPPEEE!!!!

so i spent some time replaying the game to find some info and went through my old posts because some stuff is new! i also have guess ren’s name and idk whether i got it right or not HOWEVER if i do get it right nobody will know… i’ll take it to the grave.

anyways some fun things in day 4, i feel like we’re finally getting into the LORE. which is exciting because one of the reasons i became so invested was the lore we would get on the blog.

ren likes to draw in his free time, that’s a fun tidbit. mysterious ink and mysterious black smoke? interesting… angel having flashbacks about their childhood the more time they spend with ren? LOVE IT.

parts 1 and 2 are here!

anyways with new content i have new observations! i am going down the "let's make him better not worse" route so keep that in mind in this post. i’ve gone through the blog again and hopefully haven’t missed too much, so let’s goooooooo

14 Days With You belongs to @14dayswithyou and @cutiesigh!

1. The Black Smoke

i have to admit i’ve gotten the bad ending without meaning to, because usually aren’t we supposed to want to move in with ren? he wants us to stay right?

not today!

this obviously has something to do with the main factor as the black smoke. what is the black smoke? it’s not a hallucination, and ren seemed EXTREMELY invested in it. and, not only that, he seems perplexed by it. what is the black smoke?

nobody is supposed to live on that floor with him, and even he has no idea about it. he becomes almost extremely fixated on it, and even distracted enough that if you tell them you want to stay at his house he barely pays attention.

it almost seems as if someone is incinerating something in there, but what?

something to point out is a lot of ren's scars are from burns, as fire has something to do with his past. i think i've talked about it before but in case i haven't, i have a belief that ren may have burnt down his childhood home in the past.

could the black smoke be an omen? we can see it as well, so it's not a hallucination of his mind. but this brings me to my next idea of what the black smoke could be.

2. His Computer

if while looking around you decide to peak into his computer, you get a conversation. i think their laptop is connected to their phone, because we can see a one way conversation as if ren had sent something to someone and then answered.

i believe this is river! as there is literally no one else ren would willingly talk to and even that is a rarity. however, confiding in someone with this kind of information seems like something he would say to river.

o - olivia

we know that river knows olivia from this relationship chart, and we've already run into her a few times. however, if she is involved in their past one way or another, she may have some of her own secrets. for one, she refers to ren in quotations, as if not believing their name, and river has been having issues of her following him around. could olivia be the killer? could olivia have something to do with their line of business?

"didn't we... u know?"

olivia isn't dead, so did they threaten her? blackmail her? hurt her?

it seems from my perspective that olivia may have rented out that apartment space and that smoke could be her doing.

we don't get a whole lot of information after that, since river or ren accessed and shut off the messaging app. but it seems olivia plays a bigger part than we thought.

3. What Is "It"?

this is the one that gets me thinking, because in the chat messages we hear about something river refers to as "that thing" and "it".

my first thought was olivia, but that made no sense because they had been properly referring to her and ren probably has no need to stay connected with her.

would this maybe be what's connected to the black smoke?

i haven't seen anything supernatural or non-human in this game, but the first thought i had was that it's some kind of entity. but, if there is nothing non-human in this game then what is ren in contact with? who? what happens when ren makes the thing mad?

it could be connected to his job, or something from his past entirely. one thought was maybe taylor, but why would he be in contact with his father? last time we heard, he has little to nothing to do with his family anymore.

What Is It?

4. The Drawings

something i learned is ren can draw! seems he likes to in his spare time. although angel seemed a bit concerned, as his drawings are not as light and romantic like the web comics they read, but... darker.

ren obviously connects with this gloomy character, who seems to be the main love interest in "always with you". my guess is he depicts gloomy and the MC as those characters, but gloomy specifically connected with them.

ren's inner turmoil is much more extreme then i considered, it feels as if he thinks he is always being watched. he purposefully isolates himself, but we know from childhood they were severely neglected by his father. maybe his father is those eyes, continuously tormenting them due to him not wanting to turn out like taylor.

some final thoughts

i may do another post when i get the time to look through more stuff and try connecting the dots, but this is what i have for now! i hope these coming days are more lore involved because it's been so fun to try and decode stuff.

another thing i didn't mention was the locked box, but there wasn't anything significant there. a ring is the key, so maybe we can get our ring from childhood back soon.

this may have been my favorite day thus far, and i'm excited for more in the future! i think i've been with this game fore around two years now, so i probably will stick around til the end.

[lukolabrainrot]

For me it seems obvious that if N was to bring anyone who is not obviously work related and especially L, today all everyone would be talking about would be her relationship. SM, gossip mongers and everyone in between, would completely dismiss HER ACHIEVEMENTS and make it about a man. Bridgerton has become a BIG pop culture moment and them getting together would become a huge one as well, especially after leading the most successful season as a romantic couple. If they already were a public couple with craziness of the first days calmed down and a few public appearances, then yes he would be seen as just a supportive partner. For now though it would be nothing but complete shift of attention from her to them, him. So it actually makes sense for her to walk red carpet on her own.

I understand why people are tired of all the teasing most of us are excited on their behalf, but let’s not forget it is not our lives, it is theirs, and they are real people who will move on their own pace, as they should. Where is all that patience we have all been talking about? If only we would stop getting impatient trying to prove some point, pay attention to N/L only, dismissing all the unnecessary noise, and stop getting triggered every time we see them hanging out with people other then each other or not give us the information we want on OUR timeline I think we will get good news much sooner.

They have indeed been playfully teasing us, I think because they are not quite ready to the intensity of attention they will receive when it becomes public knowledge (I mean they went through WT they can imagine what to expect) but they know that there are people who are excited and eager for a possibility of them together, so they give us little clues and hints that that might indeed be happening. I also think they underestimated the insanity of some of this fandom because instead of accepting what we are given and being quietly excited for them, they got angry about their narrative not being proven correct when someone else invaded her privacy to prove theirs’. I fear that might force them into quiet and we will get absolutely nothing from here. If past few months prove anything it’s that if they didn’t wish us to we would know 💩. I mean… where indeed IS L, we have not seen him (except for a blurry reflection and his hands) for months, 🤨 all we have is because they wished us to have it.

I remain hopeful for now that my first theory of those crumbs might be correct, which is that now with all this publicity out of the way for N (hopefully) they will get on set for BRT, and with security of closed set as well as supportive people around them will feel comfortable sharing their news while having an ability to be out of the public eye during the initial, inevitable insanity such news will cause. If I were in their position I would have acted like that, but again it is I, they will do things their way, so we should just sit down and wait patiently. And you know what? After past few days of public whiplash I kind of feel hopeful, good things usually come when you least expect them.

Ps. I am kind of shocked at my positivity, usually I am much more pessimistic.

I love this positivity Anon!!

I think I just had expectations for this trip (and you know what they say about expectations lol).

I think I just needed to touch some grass and remember to be patient and know that I don't actually know these people. When they want us to know, we will...

[orangelionfurandtaxidermy]

Hi, I have some fur farm questions if you don't mind answering.

I've seen you mention that Sapphire is questionable. Why is that? Is it bc of the bleeding and CHS? If so, is Mansfield's Pearl also questionable to breed? And can CHS or bleeding issues be bred out or are they inherently part of the color?

On that note, do you have information on other color mutations that are linked to health issues?

Lastly, how does one get into fur farming? It seems really expensive to set up and buy all the foxes, and I struggle to find fur farms to follow online bc of how taboo it is let alone finding farms to buy live stock from, especially of rare mutations. Is finding farms to buy from more of a word of mouth + trust thing? And is mentorship of new farmers a thing or is fur farming too competitive for established farmers to want to do that?

Bonus: feel free to talk about your favorite mutations or anything else you wanna share.

Hi!

Yes Sapphires seem to all carry genetic illnesses. Some look to be only mildly affected, I’ve been following a few foxes friends of me carefully bred after they discovered some of their Pearls are Mansfield Pearls. So far the animals look to be doing ok, so it’s surely not a death sentence.

However I fear not all farms will be so careful about their breeding or using unhealthy animals because they want to get that special color. You’ve probably seen or heard about Mouse, the Sapphire fox Save a Fox bought from Northern Fox and Fur (a fur farm) several years ago.

Sadly Mouse did have severe CHS and had to be euthanised. There are very strong suspicions the farm bred “special needs” animals so the rescue could profit from the sob stories. Eventually Save a Fox bought out the whole farm. As of today it’s still about half filled with foxes because they can’t place the animals anywhere. Every rescue is full.

Mansfield Pearl alters the way in which blood behaves, foxes of this color seem very prone to excessive bleeding. I acquired this female Pearl Cross (suspected Mansfield Pearl Cross) “secondhand” a few years ago from the US. From what I see in the picture, it’s not a place I want to support. However this girl had already been culled for killing her whole litter of pups. When my tanner skinned the fox, they found that the bones were super weak and easy to snap. The skin had an unusual amount of bloodvessels and also the gums and teeth were quite funky. I’m still waiting for the cleaned skull.

In red foxes there’s not that many bad mutations luckily. Pale eyed foxes do experience sensitivity to the sun, we’ve seen them squint in direct sunlight. Mixing Whitemark/Ringneck/Platinum/Georgian (Snow) creates a lethal effect in homozygous form. Platinums can be anemic but it does seem to be worse in certain breeding lines than others. There’s probably others I’m forgetting but sadly there’s not much research being done anymore.

Finding a farm to work with is very hard nowadays. I somehow got myself a contact 5-6 years ago and it’s snowballed from there. The number of farms is very low now though, many of my own contacts have decided to stop farming because it’s essentially two full time jobs for the pay of half a job.

At least here in Europe it’s pretty much impossible to start up your own farm unless you have serious cash. No bank will want to provide you a loan because there’s little money to be made in the industry. Mutation foxes are very rare, most of what is produced is mink fur, arctic fox fur (‘bluefox’) and some raccoondog fur. You’ll find some Silver and Gold fox, but even those pelts are currently being sold in bulk at rock bottom prices to overseas buyers.

A picture of a Smokey Platinum pup for those who read this whole thing lol. This is a newer mutation for us, last year we had one male and this pup is one of his. Can you see the differences between this cage vs the one the female Pearl Cross lived in (she could barely turn around)? The cage in the background gives a better view of the size. There is also a nest box attached.

[a-little-unsteddie]

stuck in your throat || 2.3

2.1 || 2.2 || [here] || 2.4

in todays part: what did chrissy mean by multiple options? is eddie still gonna be standoffish? we’ll see! :D i hope y’all enjoy this part :)

ignore how uhh unrealistic this is lmao it’s very handwavy about pretty much everything <3

About a week later, just a few days before they were set to leave, Steve and Robin pulled into the address that Chrissy had given them. He was surprised to see that it appeared to be a Universal Home and RV lot. He spotted Chrissy and Eddie standing at the entrance of the building, so pulled up next to the car that was parked near by, having seen Eddie get into it during the in-person ‘interview’.

"Hey, guys!" Chrissy greeted cheerfully. Her warm, summer scent immediately let Steve know she was an omega, which he somehow hadn't known before. He wasn't really surprised, if he was honest.

"Hi Chrissy! Eddie," Steve responded, with a slight nod and shy smile to the alpha.

To his surprise, Eddie smiled warmly and greeted him, “Hey, Steve.”

"And you must be Robin," Chrissy said, reaching a hand out to shake the trembling alpha's.

Steve glanced at Robin to gauge her reaction and grinned at the enamored look she had on her face. He nudged her gently, startling her out of it.

“Oh- um- yes! That’s me! Robin! It is so nice to meet you in person, Chrissy,” Robin reciprocated the handshake. Steve noticed she looked like she was about to go on one of her rambles and decided to spare her the mortification. While Steve, and he doubted anyone else, didn’t mind it, he knew that Robin hated when she couldn’t stop talking.

Steve thought it added to her charm.

Robin thought he was full of shit.

“I can’t help but notice we’re at a dealership,” Steve said, interrupting whatever nonsense was about to cone out of Robin’s mouth. She shot him a grateful look, to which he returned a smile.

“Yes! So, as we discussed, we—Hell’s Fire Records—are responsible for your traveling expenses,” she explained with an easy grin. “The best way to do that, we figured, was to get you your own transportation. And because you two already live together, we figured we could do two birds with one stone and get you guys an RV.”

Steve and Robin stared at the other two in shocked silence, mouths open.

Steve was the first to recover, ��You- that’s not- we can’t just accept an entire RV,” he breathed, shaking his head.

Eddie tilted his head with a small grin, “It’s part of the contract you signed.” he explained, “both of you did.” he added with a nod towards Robin.

Steve couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but he'd only had Robin give it a once over. She had said everything looked fine. He supposed, this was probably ‘fine’ in her opinion.

“When it said ‘all travel and accommodations expenses paid’, I expected like, gas reimbursement, or paying for hotel rooms,” Steve exclaimed in distress, “not, fuckin’, an entire RV?”

“Oh, that’s also included,” Chrissy cheerfully explained, as if this was normal and not at all insane. Steve let out a noise that was definitely embarrassing for him to have made, but he couldn’t hold it in.

Eddie’s face softened at the sound, “Steve, we want you guys to be comfortable on the road, and you need space to teach Elodie in.”

Robin seemed to snap out of the reverie she had fallen into just then, “I mean,” she started hesitantly, turning to Steve, “they’re not wrong.”

“What?” Steve asked, turning to her in shock.

“I did see something like this in the contract,” she admitted sheepishly, “I just didn’t think that it would be an RV they bought for us. But it makes sense, because you can use part of the RV for a little classroom.”

Steve brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh. He took a deep breath, and tried to calm his racing heart.

“Okay. Alright, fine. I guess,” he huffed, still not exactly happy with the information.

“Great!” Chrissy exclaimed, clapping her hands together. She turned towards the building and signaled to someone, which led to someone immediately appearing by their group.

“Ah, Mr. Harrington and Ms. Buckley, lovely to meet you,” the man said, smiling warmly. “My name is Winston Graves, but you may call me Winston. Ms. Cunningham told us a little about what we’re looking for and I chose three RVs for us to view today..”

Then the man was off, leading the group towards the center of the lot. Steve followed reluctantly and listened intently at the description of each of the RVs that Winston had chosen.

One had a bed on top of the drivers seat and a small bedroom at the back of the RV, with a living and a kitchen space between them, as well as a tiny bathroom between the kitchen and the back bedroom.

The second just had two twin beds in the same room at the back of the RV, and the last one was similar in layout, just a bit bigger in size.

Steve was torn between choosing one of the cheaper options—the last two described—or choosing the option that was better for what he needed to do while traveling, but was more expensive. He and Robin discussed it quietly, just out of ear shot of both Chrissy and Eddie.

“It’s more money, Robs,” he seethed quietly.

“You need enough room for a mini classroom,” Robin hissed back with a frown. “Besides, either way, we don’t owe them anything out of this. They’re buying it for us. It’s basically already paid for.”

Steve crossed his arms with a scowl. “You know I hate taking handouts,” he muttered, pressing his lips together in a thin line.

His family was rich, but even before he had been disowned because of his secondary gender, his family was weird about money. They often would buy him something and then expect something in return. For his sixteenth birthday, his biological father had bought him a car. Then, after, lorded it over him to be taken away if he didn’t do exactly what they wanted.

Not that Steve had been able to keep the car after his presentation. He hadn’t. His father had it towed and then probably sold it after.

To say he didn’t enjoy when people bought things for him was an understatement. He felt he had to prove himself to earn it.

“It’s literally part of the contract. Legally, they have to buy this for us,” Robin reminded gently, trying to control her scent to soothe Steve easier.

Steve’s nostrils flared as he scented her and he let out a sigh, “Fine. I think we should choose the first one.” he grumpily admitted.

Robin grinned, “Was that so hard?” she teased with no heat, leading them back to the others to share their decision.

“I’m glad you chose that one,” Eddie said, giving Steve a significant look, as if he knew exactly how their conversation had gone.

Steve smiled tensely and shrugged helplessly. “I needed to chose what would be best for Elodie,” he claimed. It was true, but that didn’t mean he had to like the decision.

“Alrighty!” Winston said enthusiastically, probably because he was about to make good commission, which Steve couldn’t fault the man for. He couldn’t tell what his designation was, likely due to some business mandated scent blockers, but Steve guessed he was either a beta or an alpha, based on how he held himself. Everyone was led into the building, and while Steve and Robin had to sign papers, Chrissy and Eddie were taking care of the payment. Steve felt a bit sick looking at the amount of money that was being spent and tried to remind himself that it was for Elodie.

Once they were done, Steve and Robin waited for the other two to finish doing the payment. The look on the employees face was pure joy, and while Steve wasn’t sure if he got more commission when someone paid in full, he was sure that it definitely didn’t hurt.

“At least we can bring more stuff now,” Robin said quietly beside him. Steve tore his gaze away from the others and looked at her.

“That’s true,” he hummed, tapping his fingers restlessly against the opposite bicep. “We’ll probably be able to drive it to our apartment so packing is easier.”

“Oh! I didn’t even think about that. Does that mean I get to drive?” Robin asked excitedly. While Steve was the primary driver—when they did drive—Robin had her license.

“Yep,” he said, popping the ‘p’, rolling his eyes afterwards.

“Fuck yeah,” Robin cheered quietly.

“Alright, here are the two sets of keys,” Eddie said, holding his hands out to each of them. Steve startled and gripped his chest with a gasp.

“Jesus Christ,” he breathed, relaxing as he reached out and grabbed the keys, “you startled me.”

“Just ‘Eddie’, actually,” the alpha teased with a wry grin. Steve’s cheeks turned pink, and he rolled his eyes in response.

“Ha ha,” he said sarcastically with a huff.

The four of them walked out of the dealership together. Someone must have pulled the RV around front while they had filled out the paperwork and paid, as it was parked next to the cars. Steve let himself be a little excited about the prospect of having an RV—it was one of his dream vehicles, even as a pup. He dreamt of having a family he traveled with. His heart sank, but he shook off the feeling, refusing to feel worse about getting the RV than he already felt.

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[lmskitty]

Here's have some Satosugu family stupidity. This is mostly just humour/crack fic because I needed a little break today. Hope you enjoy!

5 conversations Megumi Fushiguro overheard that he wished he hadn't.

Megumi Fushiguro loves his family, friends and boyfriend. He also hates all of them and thinks they should be the ones to pay for his therapy. Here are the things he has been made to hear with his own two ears over the course of one week.

1. The Todo Incident.

Todo mimed rudely with his right hand, his left hand holding his soft drink.

“Bro seriously if you sit on your hand it totally feels like it's a different person. Granted you should do both hands if you want the full package involved though.”

Yuji sighed “Number 1 no it doesn't, 2 stop telling me these things and 3 I don't even need this information!!” He hissed, pulling Todo’s arm down to stop him making the gesture.

Todo stared at him and then at Megumi and then erupted into applause wiping his eyes and hugging his friend, telling him how proud of him he was. He put his hand on Megumi's shoulder and congratulated him on his willpower and relationship, remarking that he had seen what his brother was working with and Megumi was truly strong in spirit for taking on that challenge. Megumi bent his finger back nearly breaking it and told him to never speak to him nor touch him again if he wanted to keep the other fingers.

2. The downfalls of understanding Riceball language.

Toge sat beside Yuta and leant his head on his shoulder before looking up at him, a gentle smile on his face.

Yuta smiled back. “I missed this. It's nice getting to hang out together in person again isn't it?”

Toge: Salmon, salmon, tuna mayo. (It was nicer getting to spend the morning in bed together with your dick in my throat)

Yuta coughed turning red. Megumi stared off to the side pretending he hadn't understood that.

Yuji stared at all of them. “Aw man did Toge say something funny again? I gotta get my head around that speech of his, it's so cool.

Megumi shook his head.

3. Not even safe at home.

Gojo walked into the kitchen and took his shirt off sitting next to his husband.

“Baby you are not gonna BELIEVE the size of the spot on my back”

Geto put his book down looking interested “bigger than the one on your thigh the other day?”

Gojo nodded "for sure!” He sat facing away from his partner. “Go slow though please it's gonna sting like a bitch I just know it”

Geto sighed and squeezed at his back and popped it. He showed Gojo how much was on his finger.

“Woah there was so much!” Geto said.

“Told you!” Gojo said. “Ooooh you know I'm kind of in a mood to be pampered, think you can do my eyebrows later, like tweezing them?” Gojo said, leaning his head back onto his partner's lap.

Geto smiled “Ok baby, and wanna do face masks like last time?”

Gojo nodded and clapped his hands together happily.

Megumi shut the fridge door behind them.

“Sometimes I think it would be less gay if I walked in on you two actually fucking” he said and took his coke upstairs.

“Oh go kiss your boyfriend you homophobe!” Gojo yelled after him, Geto laughed.

4. Girl talk

“No lube, no protection, all night all day, from the kitchen floor to the toilet seat, from the dining table to the church, from the front porch to the balcony, vertically, horizontally, quadratic, while i gasp for air and scream the lord’s prayer, he can have me!!!!” Nanako wailed at the TV lying on the floor pretending to claw at the screen watching the new Jungkook video again for the 15th time.

“He is pretty cute,” Tsumiki smiled.

“He could spit on my face and I'd thank him,” Mimiko sighed.

Megumi looked down at his salad and threw it in the bin deciding to only visit the kitchen when he was sure no one else was there.

5. Couples counselling

“Look I get it, I know you have an image to maintain but can we please just talk about it” Nobara said following Maki who sighed and stood up ahead.

“No, can we please just drop it”

“It's ok to be embarrassed but honestly I think it's really cute you're always the little spoon! I'm sorry I called myself your jetpack!”

“Panda is never gonna let me live this down,” Maki said. “And you can stop smirking too!” She yelled pointing her staff at Megumi who raised his hands and backed away going down the other way through the corridor.

[born-in-hell]

WHY Q!BADBOYHALO IS PROBABLY FED:

SPECIAL GUEST THEORY - THE MASTERPOST

Important Information!

Hello! This post was written in january and febuary, before the workers at Quackity Studios came out with their stories. Ever since then, i haven't been following the QSMP as a server, despite still writing a fic based on it and following the situation with the workers somewhat closely. I just can't care about it as much as i did. Im posting this theory because it meant a lot to me at the time. I truly believed i was right, and that Badboyhalo would be the main antagonist. I even had the throry that the QSMP would end in a dispute between q!Fit (Madagio + The Rebellion) and q!BBH (Fed). I worked for such a long time gathering evidence for, organizing and writing this post that it just feels bad to keep it in. Today (30/4/24), another ex-admin, named Elk, released a statement, that said: "There was an odd rule where main island lore was never allowed to tie into creator-specific lore, despite creators actively wanting to involve themselves with the federation and being permitted to do so and certain creators having a HUGE influence on the overall lore.". This just erased any and all motivations i ever had to make a theory that links everything together. There was never a truly coherent story. Which makes not only this theory, but any and all theories that link the player characters to the main island lore, useless. Being honest, i just didnt want this post to go to waste, mostly because i worked a lot on it. For that, this post is very much not finished. Most texts are not fully written - my ideas are not as developed as i wish they were. And i apologize for this, i just dont have the energy to finish this. If you want to know my take on the QSMP lore, you can check out my fanfic. Despite all this, I hope you all enjoy this.

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

This is a compilation of all the evidence we have to support the Special Guest Theory.

I created this mainly to show people that don't have as much free time or are just dont have the energy to think about or remember all this why the Special Guest Theory does make sense.

This is a colaborative work, as I wouldnt be able to think about all this without these wonderful people: @lionheartedmusings @demodraws0606 @lxrd-ren @skullhalo @windchime-of-teeth

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

Where it all started: The ARG Emails

On Feb 21, Quackity Studios posted this tweet, that had an ARG puzzle.

The "special invitation" also grasps my attention, but it might be coincidental wording.

Decyphering the puzzle, it lead to a Google Doc, that had many emails.

Among them, there was this one:

[Respectful greetings, We are seeking quotes for the purchase of 1393 muffins to satisfy the extra demand of our special guest. For those who are not aware of the situation, it was pointed out that it is an obligation to share two muffins per person in the workspace to guarantee happy and productive work. We wish to receive your commercial proposals as soon as possible. We appreciate your commitment and effort in preparing your offers for evaluation. Sincerely,]

So uhm... muffins right? Who could it possiblly be referencing?

I honestly can't think of no one else besides q!Badboyhalo, even outside of the qsmp, whose brand is so intrinsically connected to this little cake things.

The number is also very specific. If every worker needs 2 muffins, why is the order an odd number? That just isn't divisible equally to everyone.

-> I will make a separate post detailing what i think the 1393 could be referencing.

I want to mention here that, by the way this email is written,

q!Badboyhalo's Teaser Post

Ok, so there are a coulple things to pay attention about this post. First the muffins are a clear reference to Bad (there's no arguing here, he is the muffins guy).

Second, where it was posted; unlike all the other cc teasers ─ that were posted on @/quackity4k, quackity's alt twitter account ─ this one was posted on the official Quackity Studios account, along with the arg post that is.

-> These are the other QSMP cc teasers:

Third, its the only teaser thats accompanied by "welcome to the QSMP". All the others either include something related to the cc (like a bird emoji for Jaiden), or teasing words (closer; up next).

Fourth, the milk emoji. Its curious, and out of place. It is so odd and specific that it deserved to be discussed.

Especially considering that, coincidentally, this is what Badboyhalo responded to the QSMP teaser that i'll talk about later:

Milk is often ─ surprisingly ─ a symbol commonly used with villains in media, to symbolize various things, but mostly to cause a discomfort in the audience, as milk is associated with purity and childhood. So pairing it with ruthless and cruel villains creates an unsetteling atmosphere.

-> Some reference links: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

The Teaser Video

-> click here to watch the video

The video starts off in a dimly lit room, with some boxes, and, most notably, a tv, a vcr player and a chair. A shadowy figure enters the room, and inserts a cassette on the player. A promotional video of Quesadilla Island starts playing. It shows the figure watching the video, and the scene is interrupted by a black screen with "20 years later" written. It ends with two other shadowy figures (Quackity and Slime, presumably) talking in the train that took the first group to our current Quesadilla.

The only thing that we can notice on this person, is a little white marking on both their left and right hand.

Some theorized it could be qFit, but he doesn't have the marking on his right hand.

Right side /// Left side

The only character, from the first group of islanders, who has a white marking on both hands is q!Badboyhalo.

And q!Badboyhalo being part of the fed in 2003 does also make sense in his lore; he's never mentioned where he was or what he was doing around the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Unlike fit, who was 13 in 2003. He was a child ─ he was only a bit older than q!Cellbit during the war.

This is, in my opinion, one of the most substantial evidences we have of q!Badboyhalo being involved in whatever the fed is doing.

The 2013 War

When qCellbit started researching the fed, as a child, he was forcefully exiled from Quesadilla, because he found out too much about what was going on. Maybe the tests on children (q!Baghera and the other deceased hybrids), as he says this on his letter to q!Bagi:

[...] I saw everything inside, they were doing all this beneath our very feet… it’s horrible, Bagi. You don’t deserve this, I don’t want you to have to live with these guys. So meet me on the other side of this ocean Bagi. I’ll be going now, I don’t care if I have to swim until [...]

-> You can check q!Cellbit's old diaries translated into english on this post

He ended up, somehow, in a war, where he, coincidentally, first met q!BBH.

q!Bad has stated he was in the war to overlook it.

Antoine's Comic

This comic was given it was given, from Cucurucho, specifically to q!Badboyhalo.

-> check this twitter clip of antoine's talk with cucurucho to see the full conversation

The Purgatory Puzzle

Codeflippa lead qBBH, qAypierre and qMaximus throughout the maze, into a white room with a red button. Before activating the button, this was shown to them:

-> Could the asterisks mean Badboy? or maybe Mr. Halo?

They pressed the button, and then recieved this book:

Via a warpstone, they were taken to another maze, this one with a puzzle and two pictures of cucurucho.

After going through some rooms, they found a small pillar, with Dapper's hat on top of it, as you can see here:

Why? Why was dapper's hat there?

If this is a foreshadowing to the fact that Dapper would always be the eggs that would be freed from purgatory, independently from the roulette, than why Dapper?

What makes Dapper special, or different from the other kids, that earned him this, and possibly his life?

The group found themselves in a circular room, with three die. These die, coincidentally, had the same colors as q!Badboyhalo and Dapper: black, red and white.

There was a chest, and in it, they recieved this books:

Badboyhalo was shortly after teleported into the middle of the room, so he could play the game.

He thew the die and got a 7.

He then was gifted this ticket:

Again, why q!Badboyhalo? What makes him different?

It can't be him being a demon, since Mouse and Tina were already on the island.

So what makes him so special that, not only theres a full puzzle dedicated to him (as evidenced by Dapper's hat, and qBad being the chosen one for the game), but he's the first person (not counting q!Bagi nor q!Carre) to get a ticket? He's the only islander that had to go through this puzzle to get it, the other ones were just teleported into the room. Not even q!Max or q!Pierre got tickets that day.

[liminal-space-lesbian]

Loser IV

Pairing: Enid Sinclair x fem!reader

Warnings: Mutual pining, scary Wednesday, bullying / harassment, the d slur, physical violence, blood, panic attack, mentions of police and EMS

Summary: During a field trip to Pilgrim World you and Enid are paired up for volunteering. Things are going well until a group of boys decide to harass Enid.

Words: 3,659

Part One // Part Two // Part Three

a/n guyssss this is kinda bad ngl... I got carried away but OH WELL. Also any legal stuff I mention is all mumbo jumbo bc I have no clue how any of that works so just ignore it please 🫶

The days following your confession to Enid were... awkward to say the least. Though you both had promised things could go back to normal there was a tension between the two of you. You caught Enid staring at you more than once during Vampire biology, and you weren't quite sure what to make of it.

Today wasn't the day to worry about it however, considering you and your classmates were on a field trip of sorts to Pilgrim World to... volunteer? You weren't really paying attention during the announcement so you weren't even sure. All you knew was that getting away from Nevermore for a change of scenery was just what you needed for a distraction.

Or so you thought.

Apparently your teacher was pairing up students for their tasks of the day, and you were paired with none other than Enid. Perfect.

"Ready, partner?" Enid asks, bouncing up to you excitedly and looping her arm through yours. You stiffened at the contact, your heart skipping a beat at the warmth of her arm against yours. Her smile faltered as she noticed you tense, trying to casually release your arm. The atmosphere between you was awkward now. Great.

"Ready as I'll ever be. What are we even supposed to do anyways?" You ask, trying to diffuse the tension as you begin walking side by side. Enid lets out an agitated sigh, rolling her eyes.

"We get the boring job. We have to check tickets at the entrance." Enid says with a groan, purposefully dragging her feet as she casts a forlorn glance at you. You can't help but chuckle at her antics.

"Well at least you'll have good company." You say with a cocky grin, causing her to smile, pink tinging her cheeks. You felt your heart stutter in your chest. 'Wait, was that flirting? Did I accidentally just flirt with her? Oh God I hope I didn't weird her out.' You think frantically as you turn your gaze ahead.

"Mm that's true. I do think I got the best volunteer buddy for the day." Enid says with a wide smile, her eyes glittering with mischief and something almost like affection. You had to look away from her gaze or else you'd stare for too long. 'Why is she so pretty, oh my God.' You thought as you felt your cheeks burn.

"Oh hey, are you guys the Nevermore volunteers?" A young man with a scruffy beard and messy blond hair asked with a half smile. You nodded, stuffing your hands in your pockets.

"Yep that's us. Are you like our adult supervision for the day?" You asked, eyeing the pamphlets in his hands. He barks out a laugh, causing you to flinch slightly.

"Well, something like that. I'm not gonna be here to supervise much though, you're taking over my job for the day. I'll show you the ropes, and if you need anything I'll be in the lounge." He explains simply, handing you some pamphlets and a hole punch to Enid.

"It's simple, you," he points at Enid, "take a look at the tickets and make sure the date and price is correct, then hole punch the upper right corner like this." He demonstrates on a ticket he pulls out of his pocket, then he turns to you. "And you hand out the pamphlets, which is basically more information on Pilgrim World and also a map of the grounds. Easy peasy." He says, patting you on the shoulder and flashing you a smile. "Well I'm off, goodluck." And with those words he was gone.

You turn to Enid, only to already find her staring at you wide eyed.

"Well that was... a less than ideal introduction." You say, stifling a chuckle at Enid's distraught expression.

"Yeah, that's one way of putting it. We totally got this though, how hard can it be? Like he said, easy peasy." She says, shrugging her shoulders as she tries to stay optimistic, turning to face the entrance as a few people approach with their tickets.

"Hi! Welcome to Pilgrim World!" She says in her usual enthusiastic tone, causing you to smile. This day was gonna be a peace of cake.

~ ~ ~

Oh how wrong you were. After about an hour of standing in the hot sun waiting for people to arrive, this job was looking very bleak. Pilgrim World wasn't as popular of an attraction as it used to be, if it was ever popular to begin with. You were simply standing there sweating miserably, and you now understood why that guy was so eager to leave you two to this job.

"Well this sucks." You say with a sigh, wiping sweat off your forehead. Enid chuckles, gently pushing your shoulder with hers.

"Hey, don't be so negative. I mean we've already been here for," she checks her phone for the time and blanches, "forty minutes?" She nearly shouts in astonishment, her expression crumpling. "Oh my gosh we're going to actually die here." She dramatically says in despair. You couldn't help but laugh, causing her to playfully pout at you.

"Hey, how about I run and grab us some water from the fridge inside? A cool drink will probably make this a bit more bearable." You offer, and Enid turns to you with wide eyes. She grabs you by the shoulders and looks in your eyes seriously.

"At this very moment in time I wouldn't love anything more than a cold water." She says in a dead serious tone and you stifle a laugh, gently patting the hands that rest on your shoulders.

"Yes ma'am! Think you can hold down the fort while I run and get them?" You ask, wiggling your eyebrows playfully as you gesture to the empty queue. She scoffs, playfully pushing you in the direction of the lounge.

"Yes, I am more than confident that I can handle it." She says with an eyeroll and you giggle as you scurry off to get some water. You let out a relieved sigh as you enter the cool ac of the lounge. The guy who was supposed to be supervising you was lying on one of the couches, dead asleep. You chuckle softly as you open the fridge and grab two chilled bottles of water. You turn around to head back outside only to be met with Wednesday standing right behind you.

"Holy shit." You nearly scream, flinching back from Wednesday sharply. The girl doesn't react, simply staring at you with the same intense dead eyed stare.

"What are you doing?" She questions, her tone cold. You feel goosebumps rise on your arms from the intensity of her stare, and you swallow nervously.

"I'm getting water for Enid and I, since it's hot in the sun." You explain, voice shaking embarrassingly as Wednesdays eyes narrow. There is a tense silence for a moment before Wednesday takes a minuscule step closer to you, causing you to take a step backwards, nearly bumping into the fridge.

"Enid cares about you. I can't even begin to understand why, considering you are nearly as unremarkable as a drop of water amidst the ocean. However you are important to her, considering you're nearly all she ever talks about. So I shall give you a single warning." She leans closer to your personal space and you lean backwards away from her, heart racing in fear at her unblinking gaze. 'How does she never blink? It's like she has creepy soulless doll eyes.' You think as her dark eyes bore into your soul.

"If you hurt her, I will eviscerate you and strangle you with your own intestines." Wednesday says, her tone clear and colder than ice. You shiver, and nod, not trusting your voice. There is another moment of tense silence before Wednesday turns on her heel and leaves you alone, heart still hammering in your chest.

"What the hell was that?" You whisper to yourself, blinking at the space Wednesday occupied only moments before. What did she mean, Enid cares about you? She talks about you all the time? You couldn't help feeling a flicker of happiness at the thought. You shake your head, quickly leaving the lounge and heading back to Enid. You'd unpack your encounter with Wednesday later, right now you needed to get back to Enid.

As you approached, you noticed three guys standing a bit too close to Enid for comfort. You could see the jeering smiles on their faces before you heard their voices, and you felt adrenaline begin to flood your system as you approached.

"Isn't this the little werewolf chick from Nevermore?" One of them drawls, pinching the shoulder of Enid's blazer, causing her to lean away from him.

"Yeah I think so. She's the one who can't even shift though, right? Like some sort of runt or something." One of the other boys taunts, reaching over to tug at a piece of Enid's dyed hair.

"Hey, what's going on here?" You announce your presence loudly, shoving your way through the boys to stand beside Enid, placing your body between them. Your tone is cold and your expression is serious as you stare down the boy who touched Enid's hair.

"Tsk, chill we're just trying to get her number." The boy lies, a disgusting smile curving at his lips as his eyes drift from you to Enid, who was still standing slightly behind you. You shift your body to shield her from his gaze.

"Well she's not interested. So either show me your ticket or fuck off." You say, your voice hard as you grit your teeth. He raises his eyebrows at you, a scoff leaving his lips as he glances at his friends for support, who chuckle as well.

"Oh, what, is she your girlfriend or something? Damn, can you imagine being a dyke and a Nevermore freak?" He directs his question to his friends, who jeer and laugh along with him.

"Hey!" Enid protest from behind you, but you cut her off, wrinkling your nose in disgust as you stare him down.

"Seriously dude? Grow up." You snap, your tone laced with distaste. The kid straightens up to his full height, trying to loom over you and intimidate you. Your heart pounds nearly painfully in your chest with fear, but you keep your exterior calm.

"Or what? What even are you anyway, a vampire or some shit? Gonna bite me?" He taunts, and you stare at him with an unimpressed look.

"You're really fucking pathetic, you know that?" You say, anger flaring in your chest now. 'Can't this douchebag just leave us alone? God, why is he so entitled.' You think as your grind your teeth.

"What'd you just say?" He asks in a threatening tone, stepping into your personal space. You hold your ground, meeting his gaze. Your pulse roared in your ears and you felt Enid's hand grip the back of your blazer tightly.

"Oh, are you deaf or just stupid?" You taunt, feeling a shred of satisfaction at the way his expression contorts with anger. You see the way his hands ball into fists and you gently reach behind you, pushing Enid away from you.

Just as you expected the boy shoved you hard in the chest, causing you to stumble backward. Enid cried out your name but you ignored her. He had put his hands on you, now you could beat the shit out of him.

You drop the bottles of water into the dirt and fly at him, driving your elbow into his face. He stumbles back with a grunt, but before you can land another hit one of his friends grabs your arms and wrenches them behind your back. He lifts you up painfully, forcing you to stand on your tiptioes as your shoulders strain under the angle he has your arms pinned at.

"Fucking whore." The boy spits, punching you across the face. Your head snaps to the side but you hardly feel the pain from the adrenaline in your system. You don't know where the third boy is, too focused on the one holding your arms. Your punched in the face again and you twist and writhe, trying to escape the firm grasp on your arms.

Suddenly you're released and sent sprawling into the dirt face first. You scramble to your feet and glance behind you to see Wednesday standing over the boy who had been holding your arms. You turn back to the one who had punched you and lunge. You slam your shoulder into his stomach and tackle him to the ground. He gasps for breath as the wind is knocked out of him. Before he can recover you are slamming your fist into his nose repeatedly. Your vision narrows, solely focusing on continuously hitting him. Your heartbeat roars in your ears and rage seems to fill every inch of your body. 'How dare he harass Enid? How dare he say those things about her?' Your mind repeats this like a mantra as you continue hitting him.

Suddenly someone is dragging you off of him, shouting at you. You shove them away, trying to claw your way back to him, but their grip is too strong.

"Let me go! I'm gonna kill him, I'm gonna beat that motherfucker until he can't breathe." You snarl, writhing and struggling against the arms holding you back. Your voice tears through your throat as you scream, slowly losing steam as you feel ever emotion flood your system.

"Y/n, you need to calm down." An even voice says close to your ear, and you sag into the arms, tears streaming uncontrollably down your face. You feel overwhelmed in every sense of the word as you try to catch your breath, hyperventilating as you begin to sob.

The next thing you know you're sitting in the dirt crying, Wednesday in front of you with something akin to concern in her gaze. Enid hovers behind her, looking panicked. You notice her claws are out and covered in blood.

"Y/n you need to take deep breaths." Wednesday says in a steady reassuring voice. You try to even your breathing, still gasping and hyperventilating as your eyes dart around. You notice a few adults are kneeling over the boys. who are all lying on the ground or sitting up clutching various injuries.

"Let's get you three to the lounge." One of the Pilgrim World employees says before leading you to the lounge and away from the boys. You wait for EMS and the police to arrive, slowly calming down, wiping your eyes as you stare down at your shaking and bloodied hands.

"Here." Enid's voice says softly beside you, her hand gently tilting your head towards her so she can dab at the blood dripping down your face. You avoid her gaze, your breathing shaky from crying.

"I'm sorry." You whisper, sniffling slightly. Enid lets out a quiet breath, her thumb tracing your jaw gently.

"You don't need to apologize. You were just trying to help; those guys were being creeps." She says softly as she finishes wiping at the blood on your face. You look up as an officer enters the room, speaking to one of the Pilgrim World employees before nodding and leaving once more to retrieve EMS.

"What'd he say?" You ask the employee nervously. They sigh and look at you with their hands on their hips.

"Well, since we have security footage of the fight we know you're not the aggressor, so long as neither of you press charges the cops are willing to let it go." They say with a heavy sigh, looking relieved. "Of course you'll all be banned from Pilgrim World in the future but I assume that's the least of your worries." They say with a tight lipped smile and a nod.

"Oh okay... Thank you." You murmur, dropping your head to rest in your hands as you take a deep breath, The adrenaline had long since fled your body and now your face and knuckles were throbbing terribly. Your shoulders felt strained from how they had been held as well.

The rest of the day was a bit of a blur as EMS checked you out, patching you up and giving you a few stitches on your lip where it had been split from the boy punching you in the teeth.

Soon you were back at Nevermore and lying on your bed with an ice-pack pressed to the entirety of your face. Every heartbeat sent pulsing pain through your face and hands, causing you to groan. You didn't regret it exactly, you knew you'd fight a thousand people to protect Enid. You just wished it didn't have to escalate that far.

There was a knock at your door and you mumbled for whoever was there to come in. You pulled the icepack off your face and were surprised to see Enid standing there.

"Oh. Hi." You say dumbly, sitting up to stare at her in surprise. She offers you a small smile, padding over to stand in front of you, fiddling with her hands nervously. "Uh... Sorry again for earlier. I didn't want to fight him but he just wouldn't-" Your rambling was cut off as Enid threw herself at you, wrapping you in a tight hug. You stiffened in shock, gently resting a hand on her back.

"Thank you." Enid whispered, pressing her face into your neck, and you felt goosebumps prickle your skin as her breath tickled your skin.

"I- it's no big deal." You say casually, rubbing Enid's back soothingly as she tightens her grip on you..

"I was really scared when they were... I didn't know what they wanted with me. You have no idea how relieved I was when you showed up." Enid admits as she leans back to look at your face. Your heart lurches when you notice her eyes glistening with tears.

"Hey, it's okay. I'd never let them do anything to you." You say, attempting to comfort her as you brush hair away from her face, offering a gentle smile. Her eyes soften and her gaze flicks down to your lips for a moment. Your heart races in your chest, and you think maybe you had just imagined it.

"Well I appreciate you. And I'm sorry that you got hurt." Enid says, leaning back slightly as she adjusts how she's sitting in your lap. Her fingers trace the stitches on your lip and suddenly the throbbing pain was replaced with pleasant tingles.

"I'd do it a thousand times if you asked." You whisper before you can stop yourself, and Enid's lips part slightly in surprise. Her eyebrows pull together slightly as her thumb traces your bottom lip, her breath fanning over your face. 'She looks like she wants to kiss me.' You think, sure you must have some sort of head trauma. No way Enid would-

All at once, she's leaning down and her lips press to yours gently, softer than rose petals. Her mouth is warm, her lips tasting of cherry lipgloss. Your eyes drift shut and your hand on her back presses her closer to you. Your head feels light and airy, as if it's full of clouds. Surely you're dreaming?

No, the way Enid cups your jaw in her hands is all too real. The soft breath she exhales through her nose as she moves her lips against yours, tilting her head slightly so her nose brushes your cheek. All too soon she pulls away and looks into your eyes, her face tinged with a blush.

"I like you too." She confesses in a quiet voice, and you simply stare up at her dumbly, mouth agape. "When you were avoiding me it made me realize I thought of you more than I did Ajax. I was more upset over you than I was over my breakup with him." She murmurs, looking a but ashamed. You bring your hand up to brush your fingers across her cheek lightly.

"I can't say I'm disappointed." You say with a breathless chuckle, a smile curling at your lips involuntarily. Enid smiles back, giggling slightly as she leans into your touch.

"So... will you maybe be my girlfriend?" She asks quietly, her hands sliding down from where they cup your jaw to rest on your shoulders. Your stitches burn from how big you smile.

"Only if you'll be my girlfriend too." You tease, chuckling at the way Enid covers her giggle with her palm, gently giving your shoulder a playful swat.

"Okay, we're girlfriends then." She says with a broad smile, bringing her face close to yours to place a gentle kiss at the corner of your mouth. You gently guide her lips to yours to kiss her fully, relishing in the taste of her lipgloss as you inhale deeply through your nose, smelling her vanilla shampoo.

You lean back onto your bed, pulling her down on top of you, cuddling her close. She is more than happy to oblige, curling into your side and nuzzling her face into your neck, placing a gentle kiss there. Your arm is wrapped around her shoulders while your free hand is laced with hers where it rests on your stomach. Her legs twine with yours lazily and you let out a contented sigh.

Your face and knuckles are still throbbing, and you know your lip will scar. However those worries seem small and far away as Enid's warmth seeps into your body. You feel sleep tugging at your mind as you roll over, tucking Enid's head under your chin as you wrap your arms around her. She quickly reciprocates, her arms looping around your waist as she holds you close to her. She's so soft and warm that it's not long before sleep fully takes you.

When you wake up the next morning with Enid still in your arms, you fully realize that it was in fact not a dream.

p.s. I've never kissed anyone before so if it's poorly written that's why 💀

[captaindibbzy]

The thing about England stealing tea from China is tea was a monopoly at the time. It was completely controlled by China, and China could charge what they wanted for it, and what they wanted was silver.

So litterally everyone on the planet had to buy their tea from China, and it was a state secret. It was punishable by death kind of state secret, the hack you in to little pieces and your family too kind of state secret: like silk worms (another cool spy story out of china). Cause this is what made the Chinese Government wealthy and powerful. China was completely self contained. It had its empire, it had more peasants than you could count, it had all the resources it needed, and it didn't need anything else, but you want something from them? Well then, what's it worth to you?

So the story of how England got tea out of China is actually really cool and it involves secret agents sailing up rivers, paying people, smuggling, but also these people did not know that green tea, black tea, white tea, all came from the same plant, so there's a point where there were reports coming back that they'd found the green tea plant and were still looking for the black tea (it's all in the processing). People risked their lives for this. This is "if you are caught you will be tortured for information" level of James Bond shit.

And they did it, you know? They did it and now tea worth so little it probably costs you more to heat the water. Tea still has to be harvested by hand if you want it to be any good. It's evergreen and it has a few harvests a year, but it's only the very top of the new growth that will do anything worth drinking.

Tea was worth more than gold. In Europe tea chests had locks and keys and the mistress of the house had that key and it was as valuable as jewellery. Like sugar, like salt, these are things that are so ubiquitous today that we don't understand how valuable it is. It was a health drink, because you had to boil the water so it killed the diseases in it. People didn't know that's what did it, so these people who drank tea got sick less often, got better quicker.

Tea was introduced to the UK by Portuguese nobility, I think? Cause they had shipping that went to the other end of the world. The story of tea involves the silk road, and how empires along that refused to sell in to Europe so they had to find other ways to get what they wanted, and it involves war and Empire, and it's so very interesting.

And did you know tea is drunk differently all over the world? Like there are so many tea ceremonies! And that's what the "British" way of drinking tea is, it's a kind of tea ceremony. Taking tea with people in a ritualised way, with a tea pot, with special snacks. It's as special to us as "the way of the tea" is in Japan.

And when you step away from Camellia sinensis which is the "tea" plant it gets so much wider! Like Rooibos and Yerba Mate are two that come to mind.

Humans be like "would you like some leaf with your hot water?" And then we made it a whole thing over and over and over and over again.

I'd write a god damn book on this if I could focus long enough.

[atlafan]

1963 - Part 1

a/n: I have been dying to share this with yall and I'm so excited to finally be doing that. As per usual, this is the only part that will be posted here on Tumblr.All other parts will be posted on Patreon. In fact, Part 2 is already up! And Part 3 will be posted Friday.

Please consider joining my Patreon. It's only $5 a month, and it charges you the following month on the date you joined. So, if you signed up today, you wouldn't get charged again until January 10th. I post 2-4 times per month. If anything is under 10K words, that's usually when I'll post more. I depend on this extra income to help pay bills for essentials. The community there is also incredible and I write and post some of my nastiest smut on there, so if that's what you're looking for, you'll get it!

Warnings: mentions of infertility

Words: 3.8K

Patreon I Patreon Masterlist I Tumblr Masterlist I Ask

“Every month I keep hoping I’ll have different news for you two,” Doctor Simmons sighed, “unfortunately, I have the same news. Beverly still isn’t with child.”

“We’ve been trying for five months, we’ve been doing everything you’ve said. Beverly drinks the teas, she lays with her legs up after we’re done, I don’t know what else we can do.” Robert was exasperated at this point. He was squeezing his wife’s hand, desperately trying not to let any tears escape his eye ducts.

“You two have exhausted all natural remedies, so I think it’s time we consider IVF.”

Beverly’s eyes widened, and she squeezed Robert’s hand back. She looked at him, panicked.

“Beverly is terribly afraid of needles.”

“You don’t need to decide on anything right now. Take these pamphlets and look over the information. If you two want to have a baby of your own, then this may be the next step.”

“We’ll look it over and have an answer by our next appointment.”

Robert and Beverly are silent on the drive home from the doctor’s office. They’re silent on their way back into their home. Beverly goes right to the kitchen to get started on dinner. Robert comes up next to her and puts her hand over hers.

“We should read the literature on IVF.” He said.

“I have friends who have done it, and all it has done is make their hormones crazy, and not in a fun way. I really don’t want to, Robert. I’ve done everything else, please don’t make me do this.”

“It feels like sometimes I’m the only one who wants to have a baby.”

“How could you say something like that to me? If I’m infertile-“

“You’re not, though. Doctor Simmons has run every type of blood test on you.”

“I know, I was there when the nurse was drawing it after you accused me of secretly taking birth control pills.”

“Well, with how apprehensive you were about having your diaphragm removed, I had to make sure you weren’t doing any self-sabotage.”

“Maybe I’m not getting pregnant because my body knows you don’t trust me.”

“I do trust you, you just weren’t exactly thrilled to start trying.”

“You sprung it on me, I was surprised. We never really discussed having kids before we got married.”

“Sweetheart, why would two people get married if not to have kids?” He chuckled.

“That’s not why I married you. I married you because I love you and I want to be with you.”

“I love you and want to be with you too. But if I hadn’t wanted kids, we could have just shacked up in an apartment in the city. I bought us a house in the suburbs so you could keep house and raise our kids. You like being a housewife, you’ve told me as much.”

“I do. I like making your meals and keeping things tidy, but I also like my free time. I like to go have brunch with the other ladies, and I like going to the library to check out new film analysis journals, and I like being able to go to the movies in the middle of the day. Having a baby means I can’t do those things anymore. At least, not until it’s old enough to go to school. That’s five solid years I’d be putting on hold. And within that five years, I could have at least two more kids. So, now I’m thirty-one with three kids under the age of five, and oh yeah, I’ll still be expected to keep the house clean and cook all your meals and pleasure you even though everything between my legs will feel like sandpaper.”

Robert eyes his wife, then puckers his lips in thought. “Is that how you’ve really been feeling? You haven’t said a word.”

“I didn’t want to disappoint you. You’re not easy to talk to these days. Every time I reach for my clip-belt for my sanitary napkins, I can see you watching with such sadness in your eyes. Motherhood is scary. My friends tell me these horror stories about childbirth. Their husbands barely take a week off from work to be home with them and the baby. So, we’re expected to push these kids out, then get up the next day and get back to our usual routines.”

“Beverly, you’re worried about things women have been doing since the beginning of time. Don’t be such a child. The fear of needles I can understand, but the fear of being a mother makes no sense. I know you and your mother have a strained relationship, but that doesn’t mean history will repeat itself.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “If we’re not pregnant by our next appointment with Doctor Simmons, then I would like us to start IVF. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Good.” He looked at the ingredients on the counter and grimaced. “I don’t want meatloaf tonight, make something else instead.”

“Yes, dear.”

“I’m gonna go to my office, have a beer, and listen to the ball game. Let me know when dinner is on the table.”

“Yes, dear.”

Robert smiled, grabbed a beer out of the fridge, and walked out of the kitchen. Beverly took a deep breath and rummaged through her cabinets to see what else she could possibly whip up for dinner. It needs to be something heavy enough that Robert won’t feel like making love before bed. Beverly doesn’t have it in her to put on a performance tonight.

**

Most people get married to have kids. Beverly married Robert because she loved him. He wanted to take care of her. But when the honeymoon phase ended, and he stopped saying thank you to her for all of the things she did to take care of him, she grew resentful. She never let on about it. Robert didn’t need to know how she really felt. Opening up the way she did the day prior wasn’t normal. Things had been good between them for a long time. Beverly didn’t mind stepping into the role of a stay-at-home wife. She was college educated, but it wasn’t like she’d ever be able to carry a position in the profession of her desire. And since she didn’t want to be a schoolteacher or a nurse, Robert asked her to stay home to tend to the house he had bought for them.

At twenty-three, she really hadn’t minded. They met in college, as so many young couples do, and it was love at first sight. Their courtship was disgustingly romantic, and their wedding was a dream come true. The honeymoon phase was so sickly sweet. Beverly enjoyed making breakfast for Robert before he left for work. She enjoyed sending him on his way. She had the whole day to herself. She’d tend to her various gardens, and she’d make sure the house was clean. She’d meet up with friends for brunch. She did everything a good wife was supposed to do.

At twenty-six, Beverly feels like she’s on autopilot. She can’t help but wonder if the reason why older couples have designated sex nights is because the wives must need the six days in between to psych themselves up. She also can’t help but wonder if this is why so many older couples opt for twin beds that can be pushed together or pulled apart.

And it’s not that Beverly doesn’t want kids, she thinks it could be fun, but she’s petrified of essentially raising a child by herself. Robert will stroll in from work, bounce the baby on his knee for all of two minutes, and call it a night. She’s scared for all the reasons she tried to explain the day prior. Robert also didn’t give Beverly a choice five months ago…

“I was thinking of maybe enrolling in graduate school.” Beverly brought up one morning over breakfast. Robert had nearly choked on his toast. “I know what you’re thinking, but you wouldn’t have to pay for a thing. They have stipends for students. I could teach while I learn.”

“I thought you didn’t want to teach.”

“I didn’t want to teach children, but something about having high level discussions with college students makes teaching sound like fun. I miss being in school.”

“What’s the point of a graduate degree in film and media? It’s not like you can do anything with it.”

“A graduate degree could lead to a doctorate, and I could keep teaching. I know female professors are few and far between, especially in the world of film, but it is possible.”

“So, you want to be a career woman, is that what you’re saying?”

“Not exactly. Classes wouldn’t take up all my time. I’d still be able to cook and clean and do everything I’m doing now. Except now when I go to the library, I’ll be doing schoolwork instead of reading for leisure.”

“Seems like you have it all figured out already.”

“Well, I wanted to show you I had thought it all through, that I was serious. You got your graduate degree. If you hadn’t, we never would have met.”

“Exactly. What if some older professor comes on to you? You’d have no way to protect yourself.”

“Oh, Robert, I’ve gone this long without something horrible happening to me on a college campus, I think I’d be fine. Besides, all I’d need to do is show off the lovely rings on my finger.” She grinned. “No one would mess with a married woman whose husband can afford a diamond like this.”

“Did you already sign up for a course?”

“Of course not. I wanted to speak with you first.”

“Good.” He finished his breakfast. “Let me think on it.”

“Alright. Anything in particular you want for dinner tonight?”

“Actually, I was thinking we could go out tonight. I wanted to take you somewhere nice.”

“Oh? For what?”

“Does a husband need a reason to treat his wife to a romantic evening?”

“No.” She giggled. “I’m just excited at the prospect of a spontaneous date night. I’ll pick out a dress I haven’t worn in a while, so it feels like new.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” He stood and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll call you before I leave work, so you’ll know when to expect me.”

“Okay, have a good day, dear.”

Beverly was excited. A night out was a positive sign. Robert wouldn’t take her out just to give her bad news. He was going to say yes to her going back to school.

The restaurant Robert took Beverly to was ritzy. He danced with her, ordered an expensive bottle of wine, and kissed on her shoulder and neck while he sat next to her in their booth. That sickly sweet feeling Beverly thought might be gone was sparking again. When the cheesecake came out, they fed each other bites. It was adorable.

“Are you having a good time tonight?” He asked.

“Yes, this has been such a wonderful evening. Thank you for taking me here.”

“You’re welcome, Bev.” He put his hand over hers and gave it a squeeze. “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things lately, and our conversation this morning was the kick in the pants I needed, so I’m really glad you brought up graduate school.”

“I’m glad it was a positive conversation.” She smiled. “What’s been on your mind?”

“I think it’s time we started trying for a baby.” All of the color drained from Beverly’s face, but her smile never wavered. She couldn’t let on how disappointed she was. “You’re clearly bored with the amount of free time on your hands. I know school seemed like a fun thing to do to pass the time, but I think we’ve waited long enough. We’ll be married almost four years soon, I think we know what we’re doing in the bedroom by now. So, next week, I’m taking you to the doctor to have your diaphragm removed-“

“You called my doctor about something like that?”

“I know it’s a bit awkward, but it’s not a secret that you have one. I went with you when you got it, I should be with you when you have it taken out.”

“Robert…I don’t like that it feels like you’re not giving me a choice. What if I’m not ready?”

“It’s not that you don’t have a choice, I’m just stating that it’s time. You take care of me just fine, you’ll be a great mother. This is what I would rather you do than go back to school. Besides, think of the fun we’ll have while we’re working at it. I got excited at work today thinking about it. I was hoping tonight could be a test run.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I love you so much, Bev, I wanna turn that love into a physical being.”

“Yeah, um, that makes perfect sense. Let’s…let’s make a baby.”

“Really?” He asked, elated.

“Yes, dear.”

Robert kissed his wife. He kissed her in the car. He kissed her on the way into their home, up the stairs, and into their bedroom. He made love to his wife, then called it a night.

After getting her diaphragm removed, they waited until after her next period was done to start trying. This gave Beverly plenty of time to figure out how she could avoid pregnancy. She needed to keep some semblance of control over her own body. Robert wasn’t going to tell her when she was ready. She could decide that on her own.

Lysol douching didn’t work, she knew this. Her sister told her as much. Some of her friends offered her their birth control pills, but she knew they’d show up on a blood test, which Robert made sure she had after the second month of her still not having gotten pregnant. Beverly may have studied film, but she was an excellent student in biology and chemistry as well. She knew how condoms worked. They were coated in spermicides. She just needed to figure out how to coat her vagina with it. She bought condoms and squeezed all of the lubricant and spermicide off them and got a good amount into a bottle. She mixed it with olive oil, what ancient Greeks used to use, and douched with that before having sex with Robert. She knew it would be a long shot if it worked, but she had to try.

When the third month came along, and she still wasn’t pregnant, she took solace is knowing her little concoction was working. And because Robert never went down on her, he’d never smell or taste a thing. When he used his fingers, he just thought she was extra wet, which made him feel proud of himself.

She was perfectly content with her plans until the topic of IVF came up. Even the harshest of solutions couldn’t stand up to IVF injections. She never felt bad for lying to Robert because she didn’t like that he had become so controlling, but she also didn’t think she’d be doing this for so long. The thought of her giving her body up didn’t sound any more appealing five months later.

What was she going to do?

**

“I really think that one is gonna be a winner.” Robert sighed happily as he relaxed into the bed, looking over at Beverly as she lay with her legs in the air. “I’m glad we waited a couple of days in between, feels like my boys swam stronger.”

“Yes, dear.” Beverly closed her eyes and tried to breathe steadily, counting down the minutes until she could go use the bathroom and cleanse herself.

“I had an idea today. I really want to spare you from having to be injected with needles. I’m a good husband, and good husbands protect their wives. So, since we have about five weeks until our next appointment, I thought we could try one last natural method.”

“I’m listening.” She turned her head to look at him, intrigued.

“I overheard some ladies talking in the break room this morning. It’s the one good thing about having so many female secretaries. Anyways, they happened to be discussing various issues with conceiving. One of them said they had a friend who got pregnant the second she and her husband stopped focusing so much on it. The wife threw herself into different projects, and a month or so later, she was pregnant.”

“Wait.” She sat up on her elbows. “Are you saying I can enroll in a graduate course after all?”

“What, no.” He laughed. “No, I was thinking we could finally redo the patio and have that pool you’ve wanted put in. You’ve been talking about wanting to host more parties for our friends. You always do so well with the workers when we have something done here, and you love gardening. I think you’d really enjoy overseeing a landscaping project.”

“Let me get this straight: you would rather pay thousands of dollars to have our backyard redone, than pay a couple of hundred for me to enroll in a course?”

“I think school would be too stressful. If you’re stressed, then you definitely won’t conceive. Overseeing a project that puts you outside in the sun will be a win-win. Not to mention an old friend of mine is willing to give us a deal on the work.”

“You have a friend that’s a landscaper?”

“Yeah, this guy from my old neighborhood took over his father’s business. He said he could swing by Saturday to take a look at things.”

“It sounds like you’ve already decided that this is what we’re doing.”

“That’s because I have.” He grinned proudly. “Bev, when we got married, I promised to take care of you. This is me taking care of you. Not all husbands would do something like this for their wives. You could at least pretend to be grateful.”

“I am grateful, I’m sorry if my tone suggested otherwise. What time Saturday is he coming over?”

“That I left up to you. I didn’t know if you had any errands or plans with the ladies.”

“Oh.” Well, at least he was trying to be considerate. “Maybe around three? That would give me time to pick up the dry cleaning and stop at the market.”

“Three is perfect. I’ll give him a call tomorrow to let him know.” He looked down at his watch. “You should be good to use the bathroom now.”

“Yes, dear.” Beverly lowers her legs and slings her robe on. Once she’s in the bathroom, she locks the door and flips on the fan. She rummages around in the back of the sink-cabinet until she finds her douching solution. She used some prior to having sex with her husband, but she likes to use it after for good measure. She bites into the heel of her palm as she cleanses herself. It tends to sting from time to time. When she’s done, she looks at herself in the mirror. She knows she can’t keep doing this to herself. She just doesn’t know what else to do.

**

Beverly loves her weekend clothes. There’s something so freeing about slipping on a pair of high-waist capris, a sleeveless button-up that ties in the front, and a pair of flats. She usually gardens after running her errands, and this is what she typically wears to garden. Robert hates it when Beverly wears pants, or anything form fitting, in public. Why should anyone else be privy to how round her bum is, or how full her thighs are? She’s got a body like Marilyn’s, and that’s something he prefers to keep under wraps.

When the landscaping van pulls up out front, Beverly is in the front yard, planting and mulching. She has the radio going, so she doesn’t pay any mind to the sound of an engine turning off. The man in the landscaping van tilted his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose, getting a better glimpse of Beverly. Robert starts walking over, so the man gets out of his van, rounding it to meet his old friend.

“Harry.” Robert smiled and shook the man’s, Harry, hand. “Can you believe it? Got a nice house in a suburb just like the one we grew up in.”

“I never doubted you’d get everything you wanted.” Harry smiled back.

“Seems like the Navy treated you well.”

“Yeah, I can’t complain too much. I didn’t get blown up or lose a limb.”

“And now you own your father’s business. Sorry for your loss, by the way. That’s the drawback of inheritance.”

“Yep. You working for your father?”

“Yes, and proud of it. I’ve got an office with a view, and I can afford to live more than comfortably. Got a beautiful wife, too.” Robert looked around. “Beverly, c’mere!” Beverly stood and dusted off her trousers before making her way over to the two men. “Harry, this is my Beverly.” He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Clark.”

“Likewise, Mr…”

“Styles.” He points behind him with his thumb. “Of Styles Landscaping.”

“Right, of course.”

“Your husband told me you were hoping to have some work done in the backyard.”

“Yes, we’d like the patio redone and to have a pool put in, if possible.”

“Let’s show Harry to the back.” Robert said as he led his wife to the back. Harry followed close behind.

As Beverly observes Harry observing her yard, she can’t help but feel confused. How is this man a friend of Robert’s? Harry’s t-shirt is stretched tight over his chest, not to mention how beefy and muscular his biceps are. His arms are also littered with tattoos.

It takes about twenty minutes for Harry to look around, take some measurements, and get a feel for the land.

“Alright, I can come back on Tuesday with some different mockups of what can be done back here. I can bring my portfolio too, so you can look at some of my past projects. Does Tuesday work for you, Mrs. Clark? I’m assuming you’ll be the one home.”

“Yes, the early afternoon works for me, Mr. Styles.”

“Perfect.” Robert clapped his hands. “H, come in for a bit. We can have a couple beers and catch up while Bev does her gardening out front.”

“Sounds good to me.” Harry nodded, and Robert started to make his way inside. For a split second, Harry tilted his sunglasses down to look at Beverly. “It was nice meeting, Mrs. Clark.” He winked and smirked before catching up with Robert.

Beverly felt her cheeks heat up. She turned and watched Harry walk into her home. Why did he wink at her like that? And why did it make her feel like she just got a B-12 shot?

She shook it off and made her way out front. Gardening will help her clear her head. She’s a married woman. A friend of Robert’s wouldn’t flirt with a married woman…would he?

[yurislotusgarden]

Hello there, are still open for some requests ?

If you are, may I request some platonic short fic for Dazai, in a story where Dazai and reader (female) are hanging out or having fun together at a Cat Cafe. So reader is having a bad day and Dazai decided to cheer reader up by taking her to the Cat Cafe

Some small information, Reader is Dazai’s younger sister in the story, and she lives together with Dazai, but to avoid some misunderstanding they sleeps in a separate bed room

That’s all, thank you, and I hope you have a lovely day 💐💖💐

Cat Cafe is the solution

ʚїɞ Platonic!Dazai Osamu x Reader

ʚїɞ Keep in mind English is not my first language, so there may be mistakes!

ʚїɞ Word count: 927

ʚїɞ I don't like this one too much, it sucks compared to my other works (in my opinion). I do not know why I struggled with this one so much since I never struggled with writing platonic fics??? We are also gonna ignore that I didn't post anything for almost a month :)

ʚїɞ Tw's: None! reader's gender is said to be female from one "little sister but otherwise I didn't write anything else about the gender (I didn't even notice help)

A knock on the door to your room caused you to pry your eyes away from the book you were reading. Looking up, in the doorway was standing none other than your annoying, yet beloved older brother, Dazai Osamu.

“Do you need anything?” You asked looking over at the clock on your nightstand. 14:52 (2:52 pm), an hour Dazai still should be at his job, but it’s normal for him to randomly come back to the small agency apartment you two live in. “And shouldn’t you be in the agency? Kunikida is gonna scold you again” 

“We’re going out!” You get dismissed, but you ignore that fact due to your confusion. “Huh? Where?” “That’s a surprise!” You sighed. Of course, the brunette wouldn’t tell you, what did you expect? Before you could react, the brunette came up to you, grabbed your wrist, and pulled gently until you stood up from your bed where you were sitting, the book falling onto the bed. You just hope the page you were on wasn’t lost.

“C’mon! N/n, we need to go before Kunikida realizes where I went” Oh, so you weren’t fully dismissed earlier.

“Why did you even randomly decide to take me somewhere?” “Oh why, It’s my duty as your older brother  to make your day better, little sister!” How did he even know your day was shit even without talking much with you today? You won’t question it, you gave up on that years ago.

////////////////////////////////

“Cat cafe?” 

Here are the two of you standing in front of a small cafe which you quickly noticed to be a cat cafe to be specific. If you remember correctly, the cafe opened only 2 weeks prior, you’re not gonna hide you wanted to go here with what you heard about this place.

“Yeah, Yosano-sensei told me that you talked about this place last week in one of your guys' gossip talks” “Wha- She said she won’t tell you!”

The ‘gossip talks’ as named by Dazai, aren’t really only for that -even tho gossip is the thing that is mostly talked about at those meets- but just talking about random things with a little alcohol… no one needs to know about the other part.

“She didn’t want to tell me absolutely anything until I bribed her with something that will hurt my wallet a lot”

“You mean Kunikida-kun’s wallet”

“I don’t know what you are talking about” 

You think that maybe you should buy something for Kunikida for putting up with your brother’s bullshit all the time, maybe a new pen? Or pay for one of his meals? Maybe- And there you go being dragged again, this time into the cafe itself instead.

////////////////////

The interior was welcoming when the two entered the cafe, the bell above the door jingling, alerting the workers that more customers arrived. The beige and brown walls made it seem homely and comfortable. The cold air from the AC was gently blowing on you and the brunette, instantly cooling both of you down from the warm fall air. Since the cafe was fairly empty at this time, you and Dazai went to sit down at a booth in the far left corner by a window after ordering drinks. You could hear quiet music playing from the speakers in the cafe after listening a little more closely.

“Do you even know anything about cats?” You started a conversation knowing that your brother may start something that will get you kicked out of the calm place. The safer option is to start it yourself.

“I do! Quite a lot actually!”

“I don’t believe you. Why would you know anything besides the basics? Look at you.”

“I’m taking the last part as a compliment. But! To answer your doubts, searching stuff up between work is much more entertaining.”

“What work? You mean sitting in the office and annoying Kunikida-kun until he’s close to having an aneurysm?” A fake offended gasp came from the brunette, as you expected.

“I’ll have you know that I work very hard every day!”

“You being late every day and paperwork being given to Atsushi-kun speaks something different!”

“Do you want me to prove that I know a lot?” Dazai leaned onto his arms on the table.

“Do it.”

Surprisingly, he indeed knows a lot more than you expected. Is that what he does when he isn’t jumping into rivers? Searching up stuff about cats? Why does he know all that stiff if he never did and still doesn’t own a cat?

////////////////////

“You thought that my bad mood will disappear just because we came here?” It was over 15 minutes before you remembered why were you even in the cafe in the first place.

“Of course! We both know my ideas don’t fail!”

You were going to say how coming here won’t magically fix your mood, that it doesn’t work like that,  but that was your thought before 2 of the cafe cats decided you’re the perfect person to bother. One cat -who you heard didn’t even like people that much and normally just sits in random places to evade people- is casually lying on your lap and accepting pets like it’s normal for him, and then there’s the other one who’s sitting beside you in a way that you have no option to put your hand comfortably to the side, therefore, resulting in you petting that one too.

A chuckle came from the older who unlike you didn’t have any cat anywhere near him. “You were saying?”

“Shut. I at least have cats that like me”

Notes, comments, reblogs and anything else is greatly appreciated <3

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 23 ~ Broken

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 2

✧ Word Count : 5.2k

In this chapter ~ In the midst of everything, Rick and Shane weren't able to leave the stranger behind like they had planned. It all led up to a pretty ugly discussion about how they would take care of him, fighting for whatever humanity they could hold onto. But they quickly come to realize they can't prevent the inevitable forever.

It was a silent morning, quieter than usual as we waited for Daryl to come out of the shed with the dreaded news.

Rick and Shane came back late that night still with Randall attached on a leash, claiming they couldn't just leave him in the middle of nowhere, leading to a pretty ugly disagreement. Apparently, part of it was because Randall knew of Maggie from around the small town and knew where the farm was, so they were left with a tough decision. In the end they decided to play it a bit more safely and bring him back, and Daryl offered to "have a chat" with him this morning to get the information we needed out of him.

But as we all stood there waiting, my mind was elsewhere.

Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions for not only me, but the Greene family. After Daryl talked to me, I did feel a little better but also couldn't hide the embarrassment I felt after what he watched me go through. Practically the five stages of grief in two minutes. But after our talk I soon fell asleep, emotionally exhausted from everything that had happened that day. Then this morning I woke up and he was already gone, so I haven't gotten the chance to talk to him about everything he did for me last night. Though I would eventually, I didn't really know where to start.

I didn't know if he fully realized how much he had truly helped me. How much he proved that he was always there for me for the good, the bad, and the ugly just by simply comforting me in a time of need. It made my heart swell, and I wanted to thank him for all of it.

The shed doors opening and closing with a slam is what brought me out of my thoughts, seeing Daryl coming out only seconds later looking pissed. He made his way over to us quickly and stood close by while informing the group about what he got out of the man.

"Boy there has a gang, thirty men, got heavy artillery and ain't lookin to make friends. They roll through here our boys are dead and our women...they're gonna wish they were." he said.

"What did you do?" Carol asked him cautiously with her arms crossed, looking at how bloody his hands were.

He shrugged, "Had a little chat." he said simply.

Once Carol had brought attention to his beat up knuckles, I couldn't help but stare as well in slight concern. I then mindlessly took his hand in mine and raised it up to my face, examining the blood and cuts he had gotten. I felt his gaze on me while I did so, yet everyone else around us seemed to pay it no mind as they stewed over Randall's words.

"No one goes near this guy. We don't have a choice, he's a threat. We have to eliminate the threat." Rick stated.

Dale's ears perked up at that, "You're just going to kill him?"

"It's settled, we'll do it today." Rick announced before stalking off in the other direction.

My eyes followed his figure, along with Dale's whom was following close behind, thinking back to Rick's sudden decision. I didn't feel one hundred percent comfortable with killing him, but I also didn't want his group to show up in the one place we felt safe. There was no limit to the possibilities on what these people could do, Daryl only proved that further when he told us everything he said. So when it comes down to it, I think killing him is our best option.

But Dale was clearly quick to argue, chasing after the man as he began to talk his ear off for no doubt a better option. But clearly there wasn't. With the way we've gone over this a thousand times already before, we had already talked it out for far longer than we should've. And I for one didn't want to go through that endless loop again. No amount of time or patience would prepare me for another similar discussion.

My eyes then connected with Daryl's momentarily and I nodded my head towards our tent and he nodded back, quickly slipping away from the group. As we made it back to the small space we shared, I wanted to grab some things to help clean the fresh gashes on his hands.

"Sit down here, I'll be right back." I said briefly.

"Yes ma'am." he said with a knowing smirk as he sat himself down on the log I pointed to.

I fixed him with a glare as I felt the familiar heat creep to my cheeks before turning around and going into the tent to get a first aid kit out of my bag. Once my fingers grazed over it, I pulled it out and made my way back outside and sat down beside him, taking his hand again to help clean everything up.

Taking some water first, I gently poured the cool liquid onto his knuckles, trying to wash them as best as I could from the dirt that lingered there. I then took some cotton balls and rubbing alcohol, warning him before I began to gently graze it back and forth. He flinched a little at first but then slowly got used to the stinging, relaxing a bit more as I continued.

It was silent between us as I focused, but I could tell he had a lot on his mind with the talk he just had with Randall. It was a lot I will admit, but I could tell he was overthinking about it far too much. So I decided to break the silence.

"Stop thinking about it. Everything will be okay." I muttered quietly, my eyes still focused on his hands.

He huffed quietly, "What you can read my mind now?" he asked playfully.

My gaze lifted then with a little smile, "No, your thoughts are just too loud, they're hard to ignore you know."

He only smiled in return, nodding to himself like I had a point. I then finally finished wrapping up his hands in white bandages a bit tightly, before dropping them back into his lap, prepared to take the silence as an opportunity. It started off almost awkward as I didn't know quite how to put it, but I felt that I had to bring it up sometime.

"I uh...never got a chance to say thank you by the way, for yesterday. All the shit that went down. So, thank you. You have no idea how much that meant to me." I said honestly.

He scoffed and shook his head, "Ya don't gotta thank me darlin, I'll always be here when ya need me."

My heart jumped the smallest bit once I heard the nickname he had never used before, fall effortlessly off his tongue. But he had a much different reaction than I, pressing his lips together tightly and closing his eyes as if he regretted saying it at all. And just like that his thoughts were running wild once again, stuttering as he tried to apologize and find the right words for the slip up.

"Shit...sorry, it just- kinda...slipped out."

I gently grabbed his hand again, getting him to actually look me in the eye, "It's okay," I assured, "I think it's sweet."

He was quiet for a moment as he stared a me, before muttering, "Ya don't hate it?"

"I love it." I responded.

He smiled a bit shyly, before cupping my cheek and bringing me towards him to place his lips on mine. It was a soft and loving kiss that I never wanted to pull away from. Looking at Daryl you would assume he would be rougher with this kind of thing, but he truly was the gentlest person I had ever met. He treated every touch like he was nervous he would completely break me somehow, like I was glass.

But that alone only made me crave it more.

I leaned in further to him, deepening the kiss as his hand slowly moved down my back to inch me impossibly closer. But then my mind wandered a bit, completely forgetting about the vest I had gotten him, but never had a chance to show him. So I reluctantly pulled back before my head could get any further in the clouds, sighing almost at the loss of contact.

"What's wrong?" he asked, tucking some hair behind my ear.

I shook my head, "Nothing. I just completely forgot I have something for you."

He raised a single eyebrow at me, "What is it?" he asked, almost dreading the thing I could put in his hands. His tone sounding like he assumed the worst.

"Well shit, don't sound too excited." I joked, "It's nothing bad, just wait here for a second." I said as I quickly got back up to my feet, heading back towards the tent momentarily.

My hands fished around through my bag where I had kept it hidden since I got it, finally feeling the leather material amongst everything else and pulled it out. I gave it one last glance before putting it behind my back, exiting the tent and looking towards him expectantly.

"Okay, close your eyes." I said.

He looked at me suspiciously for a moment or two, before his eyes fluttered closed anyway, trusting me blindly. My feet moved further towards him, standing right in front of him and bringing out the item to hold it out so he could see the back of it first.

"Open them."

He slowly peaked one eye open, both of them then getting wide once he saw what I was holding. I then handed it over to him so he could actually get a better look at it, but he was only wearing an expression that I couldn't read as he sat there quietly.

"I found it on a run yesterday with Glenn...I don't know, I just thought of you when I saw it. Plus, I never got you anything in return when you got me my sketchbook, so I thought this was perfect...do you like it?" I asked, his silence only make me grow uneasy.

He then finally met my eyes, not wasting another second before he picked me up in his arms, spinning me around in the air as he hugged me tight. I yelped in surprise, before I was laughing at the enthusiasm I had never seen from him before, wrapping my arms around his shoulders in return.

"I love it." he said seriously, placing me back down on my feet before turning it around and throwing it on over his long sleeve button up, "How does it look?" he asked, turning around to show me the back as well.

I nodded to myself as my eyes roamed over his figure, "Great." I confirmed as he turned back around to face me, "You look good in leather."

He cocked an eyebrow at me, "Yeah?" he asked to which I simply nodded my head, "Then I'll wear it till the damn thing falls apart."

A genuine smile made its way back onto my face at that, getting close enough to pull him back in from the new collar of his vest. He sighed deeply, his hands falling in place at either side of my waist as he showed me how much he truly loved the gift. But like always, the moment didn't last nearly as long as either one of us would've liked, him pulling back after only a few seconds.

He rested his forehead against mine with a sigh, "We should probably head back." he muttered, clear disappointment lacing his voice.

I groaned, "Why can't we just stay? I'm a lot happier here, without all their negative bullshit."

He only laughed, "I know, but don't ya think they're gonna start wonderin where we are?"

I let out a heavy breath before fully pulling away, "Yeah, alright." I muttered.

He smiled and pulled me back into him for one more quick kiss before we headed back towards the house, dreading what the rest of today would bring.

For the majority of the day, everyone was going back and forth about what to do with Randall who continued to make himself comfortable in the shed. Just like I dreaded. Another pointless conversation that would leave us all yelling and pointing at each other while nothing would get settled.

Dale was making his way around to anyone in the group he could sink his teeth into, asking if they truly thought killing him was the right thing to do. He was basically a walking survey for the entire day, but a really annoying survey that doesn't respect your opinion and wants you on his side. When he asked me my thoughts, I just told him that I didn't want him to die, but I didn't want him to live either. I had to let him down saying I wouldn't stand with him when it came time to make a decision, and I could tell he was disappointed in me, but quickly picked himself back up and moved onto the next person.

He left me alone after one last disapproving look that I couldn't get out of my head while I continued to sharpen my knives. I didn't want it to be this way and he knew that, no one did, but this is what it's come to in the end and we just had to deal with it. The world clearly wasn't the same as it once was, and though it was something that would take a while to get used to, we all at some point had to accept it.

Glenn eventually made his way over to the same spot we sat in yesterday, plopping down on his ass right next to me as I stopped my movements mometarily to see what he needed.

"We have to stop meeting like this." I joked.

He sighed heavily, "Do you think it's the right thing to do?" he asked, ignoring my comment and looking out towards Dale's retreating figure.

I followed his gaze before placing my weapons down with a huff, "I don't know, not really. But I also don't trust him enough to let him go. And we can't keep him locked up here forever."

He nodded his head, "Yeah, I know. But it still feels wrong."

"It is." I said bluntly, "But I don't want anything bad to happen to anyone here because of him. Especially you." I winked.

That caused him to let out a small laugh, and I moved closer so I could rest my head on his shoulder, in hopes of feeling some comfort at a stressful time like this.

"I don't want anything to happen to you either." he continued, "Or Maggie... or anyone. That's why I'm not trying to stop this." he said.

"I know," I whispered, "You're too good for this world, Glenn."

He scoffed at my comment, but didn't make any attempts to argue. In my mind I assumed he didn't say anything else because he knew it was true, though he didn't want to believe it, he was too good of a person. A people pleaser on steroids. Just simply wanting the best for everyone around him.

There was a long and comfortable silence that followed after my last words, soaking up the air around us before he suddenly opened his mouth again.

"So, what's going on between you and Daryl?" he asked casually.

I preferred the silence.

My eyes widened at the sudden question I wasn't expecting, my mouth becoming very dry at the thought. I couldn't tell him, not now at least. I wanted to respect Daryl's privacy and also I kind of liked the idea of nobody knowing about us. It was nice to not have watchful and knowing eyes constantly glued on us, and if I told him about the big secret, that would surely change. In fact, I would never hear the end of it.

I slowly lifted my head to look at him casually, "What do you mean?" I asked.

He gave me a pointed look, "Come on, I've seen the way you two have been acting lately. Leaving at the same time, stealing glances at each other, the way he looks at you now is like... even more intense than it used to be."

I scoffed at his words, brushing them off as if they meant nothing, "I don't know what you're talking about, we're just friends."

"Uh huh, okay, sure." he muttered, "You can lie all you want but just remember, I'm your best friend and I know everything. So, whenever you decide to tell me the truth, I want details." he stated.

"Is this really what you think about to help you sleep at night? That Daryl and I are together?" I asked him playfully.

He shrugged, "No, not necessarily, but I think you two are good for each other."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever you say."

"So, it is true?" he asked with wide eyes and a hopeful smile.

"No." I deadpanned.

He sighed but dropped the topic completely upon hearing my tone, and our conversation continued like normal. That is until we were called into the house to finally have the discussion on what to do about Randall. It was like a reality check slapped me across the face and believe me when I say, it stung. I didn't want to fight about this, not anymore. But clearly there was no way out of it now.

The two of us made our way back up to the house and into the living room, finding a place to stand as we waited for everyone else to fill the empty space. I found myself leaning up against the wall while Glenn sat down on the couch in front of me, watching the group slowly pile in with anxious looks on their faces.

Daryl was one of the last ones to come in the room and I watched him out of the corner of my eye.  He seemed to be scanning the room before his eyes landed directly onto me, making his way towards my direction only a second later. His frame leaned up against the wall right beside me, bumping his shoulder with mine as we both stood with our arms crossed in front of our chests silently.

I glanced over at him and gave him a small smile before turning back to face in front of me again, my eyes finding Glenn's amongst the crowd of people. His gaze was already on me, looking back and forth between Daryl and I as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. My eyes narrowed as I gave him a pointed look that seemed to shut him up fast, now looking everywhere but me as he awkwardly started the conversation.

"So...how do we do this? Just take a vote?" he asked.

The room was silent for a moment as everyone thought before Andrea piped in, "Does it have to be unanimous?"

"How about majority rules?" Lori suggested.

Rick sighed and shook his head, "Let's just see where everyone stands, then we'll talk through the options."

"Well, the way I see it, there's only one way to move forward." Shane spoke up.

"Killing him. Right?" Dale asked without missing a beat, "I mean why even bother taking a vote? It's clear which way the wind is blowing."

"Well if people think we should spare him, I want to know." Rick spoke.

Dale nodded a little to himself, clear disappointment in his eyes as he scanned around the room, "Well, I can tell you it's a small group, maybe just me and Glenn."

My gaze then snapped back towards Glenn in utter confusion, not even five minutes ago he was telling me the opposite, that we were on the same page. But then I saw the guilty look in his eye when he looked back at Dale and I knew he hadn't told him he changed his mind.

He kept his eyes down as he spoke quietly, "Look I-" he took a breath, "I think you're pretty much right about everything all the time but this-"

"They've got you scared!" Dale exclaimed.

"He's not one of us," Glenn said calmly, "And we've lost too many people already."

There was a painful silence that followed, the older man looking everywhere to try and confide in someone else, before gesturing to Maggie, "How about you? Do you agree with this?" he asked.

She stayed silent, biting her lip subtly in thought before she turned to Rick, "Couldn't we continue keeping him prisoner?"

"Just another mouth to feed." Daryl spoke lowly.

"It may be a lean winter." Hershel pointed out.

"Well, he could be an asset, give him a chance to prove himself." Dale pleaded.

I shook my head, "No way in hell we're just letting him walk around freely." I spoke.

"We could put an escort on him?" Maggie suggested.

Shane scoffed with a nod of his head, "Yeah, and who wants to volunteer for that duty?"

"I will!" Dale said as he raised his hand in the air.

"I don't think any of us should be walking around with this guy, okay?" Rick said.

"Look," Shane started, "Let's say we let him join us. Maybe he's helpful, maybe he's nice. We let our guard down, maybe he runs off and brings back his thirty men."

Daryl tensed up the slightest bit from beside me, enough so that I was able to catch it just out of the corner of my eye. Without looking over, I subtly found his hand beside me and intertwined our fingers together, giving it a squeeze in reassurance.

"So, the answer is to kill him to prevent a crime he may never even attempt?" Dale snapped, "If we do this, we're saying there's no hope. Rule of law is dead, there is no civilization."

"Oh my God." Shane suddenly muttered as he ran a hand over his shaved head.

I didn't know what possessed me to do this, truly I didn't. The whole situation was stressful enough as it was without his little negative comments, so when I heard him mutter something even slightly, I didn't hesitate to pick up one of the apples in a bowl next to me and chuck it at him. As soon as it bounced off of his head, his eyes snapped towards me almost instantly in silent anger, clearly just as fed up with my shit as I was with his.

"Shut up." I slightly snapped before crossing my arms back over my chest.

Glenn immediately covered his mouth as he tried to hide his laugh that threatened to escape, while something else brushed up against my arm to get my attention. It was Daryl holding out his hand for a subtle high five which I gladly accepted, looking up after to see his lips pressed together trying to suppress a smile.

There were a few seconds of silence, everyone left shocked and somewhat speechless before Hershel cleared his throat, "Anyway... could you drive him further out? Leave him like you planned?"

"You... barely came back last time. There are walkers, you could break down, you could get lost." Lori stressed.

"Or get ambushed." Daryl said.

"...Maybe we shouldn't put our own people at risk." Glenn said.

Patricia then stepped up with a worried look on her face, "If you do go through with it... how would you do it?"

"We could hang him, just snap his neck." Shane suggested, glaring back at me every chance he got.

I was tempted to get another apple, wanting to get it through his skull that not everything was about him and his own opinion, but I refrained. Even though it would be just as hilarious the second time as it was the first.

"I thought about that, shooting him may be more humane." Rick stated.

"Well, what about the body?" T-Dog asked, "Do we bury him?"

Dale then stepped forward again with widened eyes, "Woah, woah, hold on you're talking about this like it's already been decided."

"We've been talking about this all day and then some." I said, "Going around in circles, you just want to go around in circles again?"

"This is a young man's life!" he snapped, "And it is worth more than a five minute conversation...Is this what it's come to? We kill someone because we can't decide what else to do with him? You saved him!" he pointed towards Rick, "Now look, he's been tortured, he's going to be executed. How are we better than those people we're so afraid of?"

That's what made everyone stop and think for a moment. I could see Dale's point on some things, but I wasn't planning on changing my mind, nor was anyone else here it seemed like. We didn't know him or his group and when Daryl came back from talking to him earlier, I could just tell that this guy couldn't be trusted. Not when his people were so proud of doing those horrible things.

"We're better because we don't kidnap children. We don't torture women. That right there is just the tip of the iceberg of what his people have done. So yeah, I'd say we're a little bit better than them. He can't be trusted, and you know it, not after everything he spilled about his group." I spoke.

"So, what is the solution?" Andrea suddenly asked, "I mean we haven't come up with a single valuable option yet. I wish we could-"

"So, let's work on it!" Dale interrupted.

"Stop it! Just stop it." Carol suddenly cried, "I'm sick of everyone arguing and fighting. I didn't ask for this, I didn't ask for us to decide something like this. Please decide, either of you, both of you. But leave me out of it."

Dale then pointed a finger at her, "Not speaking out, or killing him yourself, there's no difference."

"Hey!" I snapped, "You don't get to put all of this on her just because she doesn't want to be a part of this fucked up decision."

"That's enough!" Rick yelled before I could continue, though I saw Carol smiling towards me gratefully. "Anybody who wants the floor before we make a final decision has the chance now." he concluded.

There was just silence. Nobody wanted to talk about this anymore. Nobody wanted to think about it anymore. We all just wished for something to happen, something that would cause us just to move on from this.

Dale then couldn't take the silence, "You once said we don't kill the living." he said to Rick.

"Yeah, that was before the living tried to kill us." he said.

"But don't you see if we do this, the people we were, the world that we knew is dead... and this new world is ugly, it's harsh, it's survival of the fittest! And that's a world I don't want to live in. And I don't believe that any of you do, I can't. Please... let's just do what's right." he begged, tears now flooding in his eyes.

I assumed the room would stay silent, finally sealing in the realistic decision to eliminate the threat. But Andrea stepped forward, almost hesitantly, but yet sure that this is what she wanted to do.

"He's right." she muttered, "We should try to find another way."

Rick only nodded, "Anybody else?" he asked.

Everyone now sat perfectly still, avoiding Dale's gaze as much as they could with him now looking towards everyone pleadingly.

He nodded his head with a scoff at the silence, "Are you gonna watch too?" he asked, "Nah you'll go hide your heads in your tents and try to forget that we're slaughtering a human being. I won't be a part of it." he mumbled before heading towards the door to walk out of the room.

His head was hung low as he made his way past everyone, briefly stopping to glance at Daryl and placed a hand on his shoulder, "This group is broken." he said quietly before making his way towards the front door, leaving with a slam.

Processing everything all at once, including Dale's exit, I was the next one to leave after that. I didn't want to think about it anymore than I had to, and the decision was already made. That was it.

I walked until I felt like I couldn't anymore, out onto one of the many fields to watch the sun go down in front of me. I always loved this part of the day, where the sky was filled with the most beautiful shades of color I've ever seen. It made me feel calmer, it made me somehow forget everything just for a while. Even back when life was normal, I would always watch the sunset to just clear my head from the things that were bothering me the most. And right now I felt I needed the quiet more than ever.

I never thought life would come to this. Truly I didn't. Pushing us to a point where we would kill a man just because we didn't trust him. It was all fucked up seeing what the current world had come too after the dead began to rise. But in the back of my mind, I silently knew all of this could've been prevented.

If Rick hadn't helped him, brought him back here in the first place, we wouldn't have had to deal with this at all. Deal with something that was clearly tearing this group apart. I by all means wasn't blaming him for just trying to do the right thing, but you bet your ass if I had a time machine right now I would use it.

Though it wasn't long before I wasn't alone anymore, Daryl's heavy footsteps slowly came up behind me, taking a seat close to my left as he followed my gaze. Neither one of us said anything for a while, just simply enjoying the view in front of us along with each other's presence. It only lasted a few minutes before he finally spoke up.

"Ya okay?" he hesitantly asked.

I turned my head towards him once I heard his voice, "Yeah." I nodded, "I'm just thinking."

He tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "Bout Dale?"

I shrugged, "About everything." I muttered vaguely before tilting my head at him in question, "Do you think he's right?" I suddenly asked.

I was surprised how quiet the question came out of my mouth, but Daryl heard it nonetheless, "Nah, we gotta keep everyone safe. We can't do that if we have him here. Can't trust him."

I nodded, though a part of me was still unsure. The last thing I wanted was to put someone down, saying that their opinion wasn't important or didn't matter, and I assumed that's exactly how Dale felt. But another part of me was sure that the decision we came to was the right one, even if the older man didn't agree with us right away, maybe someday he would thank us.

Although Daryl sensed I was thinking too much, tilting my chin up so I would look him in the eye again, "If it makes ya feel better, Shane's got a big ol red mark on his forehead from where ya hit him." he said, starting to chuckle halfway through.

I found myself laughing right along with him as the memory played back in my head, "You know what, that does make me feel better. Thank you."

He shrugged almost bashfully, "Anytime."

I found myself staring at him with such admiration without even meaning to, the sunset making him look more perfect if that was even possible. As I looked into his eyes, I felt a wave of comfort and happiness wash over me. He made me feel safer than I had ever felt before and I knew I could count on this man for anything. Though I didn't know what the future held for us, I somehow had a feeling we would be in it together.

~ Thanks for reading!

[liveforjeongin]

Oh my godd, your lee Hyunjin fic was soo cutee🥺🥰. Can I please request a lee Seungmin Ler Skz fic where they all kinda get him back good for being the adorable menace he is? You don't have to write this if you don't want to!! Have a great day and stay hydrated!! Love your work sm🩷💖

Don't Mess With Your Members

Awww, thank you anon, and I hope you have a great day too<3

I actually loved this scenario, thanks for the request<3

-tickle fic, if you don't like that you can keep scrolling

requested by: anon

warnings: gang tickles, Seungmin almost fainting

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Skz were on the practice room as usual, they were rehearsing like they always do, there was nothing out of normal.

Seungmin had been annoying the members the whole day, from internal jokes to poking them constantly. It's nothing rare coming from Seungmin, he's always been like that, so the members are used to it.

But... The original attitude of "just let him be" they always have with him suffered... A little change.

Seungmin was kinda rehearsing, kinda annoying the members like he did the whole day. The rest of the members also fool around always so it's not like they have much right to complain. Hopefully, all the members were in a good mood today, so they were all having fun and being playful and not only Seungmin.

The thing started when Jeongin decided to poke Seungmin back, which make the older jump away a bit and also giggle.

It wasn't a secret that Seungmin was really ticklish just like everyone else in Skz, but the other members never get that much of reaction from him with just a small poke like Jeongin did, so they were pretty surprised by that.

They're going to need more information from Jeongin.

After the rehearsal, Chan approached to Jeongin, willing to get more information about how the youngest got that much of reaction from the main vocal.

"Just aim to his hips, he's extremely ticklish there, you'd get surprised" was the answer of the maknae.

"And you know that... How?"

"We always have tickle fights, and I don't lose everytime like you would think, I've won lots of times thanks to this discovering I made"

Sounded fair.

"I see... You busy tonight? I might have an idea to make that guy get that messing around with his members also has consequences..." Chan went with the rest of 3racha and with Hyunjin, to go to their dorm, and Jeongin went with the rest of the members, to go to theirs.

On the way home, Chan made sure to tell the members of his dorm his little plan. Hyunjin then texted it to the Danceracha group chat, and that way, every Skz member was aware of the plan.

Excepting Seungmin, of course.

About 8pm, all the members already had dinner and didn't have much to do.

Or that's what Seungmin thought.

A knock on the dorm of maknaes+Lino dorm was heard, and the oldest in the place went and opened it.

As you can guess, it was the rest of Skz.

Seungmin was really surprised by this, it wasn't much common to have grupal gatherings all 8 members in a dorm, they usually meet outside.

But it's not like he cared, he was happy to see his members again, so didn't pay much attention to it.

Soon, the 8 members of Skz were all sat in the living room, some on the couchs and some on the floor.

Seungmin was completely unaware of the plan of his fellow members, so he was all comfy with his head resting on Hyunjin's lap, waiting for Changbin and Jisung to finally choose a movie.

Eventually, the second youngest started to feel sleepy due to the comfort of having his head in Hyunnie's lap and the boredom caused by the members fighting over choosing a movie, so he just fell asleep.

He woke up about 10 minutes later, and he woke up in an... Unusual position. He was barefoot, and his arms were lifted up over his head, Hyunjin was sat on his hands, Jeongin was sat on his thighs, Chan and Minho were each one on each side of him, while Jisung and Changbin were each one at each side of him as well, but at his legs, and finally, Felix was at his feet.

"What the hell is going on in here?" Seungmin asked, extremely confused.

"You see, Seungminnie, you really annoyed us today, so we decided you deserve... A small punishment" Chan answered, with a sly grin on his face.

Seungmin realized.

'Oh no... This cann't be happening' was all Seungmin could think at this point.

"G-Guys... We can... Talk about this... P-Please DOHOHON'T" Seungminnie started to laugh hysterically and squirm wild when Jeongin began to squeeze his hips without any warning.

"Oh wow, you weren't exaggerating when you said he was extremely ticklish there" Chan talked to Jeongin, casually, as if Seungmin weren't there.

"Not even I, with the thousands times I've tickled him, had ever seen him laugh so hard before" Minho commented, starting to scribble and squeeze one of the oldest vocalracha member's sides. The other members also started to tickle each one the spot they were at. Needless to say the second youngest was going literally insane.

"HAHAHAHHAHAHA GUYS- NOHOHOHOHOHOHO. I'M SOHOHOHOHORRY OKAHAHAHAHAY?! IHIHIHHIHI'LL TRY TO NOHOHOHOHOHOHOT DO IT AGAHHAHAHAHAIN! PLEASE PLEHEHEHEHEASE STOP!"

"You'll try you say? Hmmm... Sorry Seungminnie, I don't think that's enough" Han teased, scribbling behind Minnie's knees.

"AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA WHYHYHYHY YOU DOHOHOHOHO THIS TO MEHEHEHEHHEHEHE? I KNOHOHOW I WAS ANNOYING, BUHUHUHUT YOU NEVER TOHOHOHOLD ME TO STOHOHHOP BEIHHIHIHING LIKE THAHAHAHAT!"

"It should've been evident Seungminnie! You knew you were being annoying, you should've stopped then~" Lix was tickling all over his member's feet and toes, he knew how to tickle the younger right in there.

"HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA I'M SOHOHOHOHORRY OKAY? I ALREADY APOLOGIHIHIHIHIZED! CAN YOU STOHOHOHOHOP?"

"I don't think we can, this is too much fun!" Hyunjin left the younger's armpits temporally to tickle his ribs and neck, making sure to be gentle, knowing that is way worse for the puppy.

"WHAHAHAHHHAT ELSE YOU WANT ME TOHOHOHOHOHO DO???! I'LL DOHOHOHO IT BUT PLEASE STAAHAHHAHHAHAAP!"

"We just wanna keep tickling you, Seungmo! You look too cute like this~" Changbin joined in in the teasing.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA GUHUHUHUHUYS I'M SEHEHEHEHERIOUS! I CAHAHAHHAHAN'T TAKE IT MUCH MOHOHOHOHORE HAHAHAHAAA-" Seungmin's laugh went silent, but that didn't stop the members to continue with their tickling.

"Awwwww, you can't take it? What a shame~"

The members kept on tickling the puppy for a couple seconds more, maybe a minute.

Seungmin felt all weak, he couldn't even squirm anymore and was overwhelmed by all the tickles. The world was starting to go silent and Seungmin could've swore he was about to faint.

Fortunately, Chan noticed soon enough, so the 7 guys immediately stopped with the tickling. They accommodated the second youngest again, they put his head back to rest on Hyunjin's lap, and they all surrounded him to give him some aftercare.

"We're so sorry, Seungminnie. I think we went a bit too far" Lixie apologized while hugging his member and stroking his hair a bit.

Seungmin shook his head "I know I deserved that, it's alright"

"We can still use the movie excuse and really watch a movie now" Chan suggested and all the members agred.

"Just don't take too long choosing it or I'll fall asleep again" The puppy joked.

Skz finally was able to choose a movie, but in the first minute of it, Seungminnie was already sleeping.

Come on, you can't blame him. Our guy got tortured, he deserves a good rest.

The rest of Skz just limited to watch the movie and every once a while, they glanced at Seungmin sleeping.

He looked so cute... Maybe they should do this again...

➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷

Okay you better get ready cuz there's like 5 more lee!Seungmin requests and I'mma try post them all this week so😻

Not complaining tho, love lee!Seungmin :3

Anyway I hope you guys liked the fic and YES THE THIRD DAY IN A ROW POSTING A FIC DAILY😻

I hope I can continue like this, if I do I might get to finish all the requests this week (some (most) of them have been in my inbox for two months now I am so sorry)

Anyway-

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Fateful Date

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[WARNING: I feel like I should mention this here, but if you're not a fan of Romeo-Juliet type tragedies, then I would advise you not to read this date. Don't go in expecting a happy ending, there is no happiness to be found here. Only pain T-T]

[PART 1]

The sun forgives every sin;

The stars will tell everyone their secrets;

And the moon only sighs;

Those who think they can do anything,

Wait for the day when the sun will never come again,

You will see your truest self in the darkness.

[Flashback]

MC: Kiro, Pasha has accepted me as her student. From today on, I'm an astrologer!

MC: When you become king, I'll eliminate worries for you and the country.

Kiro and I lay side by side on the ground covered in Epiphyllum, looking up at the brilliant stars in the night sky.

Kiro: When that day comes, you'll also wear the crown and become my queen.

[End of flashback]

Pasha: How are the preparations for the new king's coronation ceremony going?

An old voice sounded behind me. I banished my thoughts and bowed down submissively.

MC: Everything is fine, teacher, but... the degree of Mars rising has changed.

[A/n: I don't really know much about astrology so forgive me if I misinterpret some of the things the characters are saying >"<]

I worriedly handed over the parchment that recorded the recent star movements.

I had looked through all the scrolls in the tower. The last time such a horoscope appeared was during the reign of the Levina Dynasty, 236 years ago. Since then, the most powerful kingdom on the continent has collapsed into seven, and they've been fighting for nearly a hundred years.

While observing my teacher, I carefully considered my words and expressed my opinions.

MC: I heard... the kingdom of Lys to the west has had some troubles with us recently;

MC: Several lords in the southeast and northwest of the country also refused to pay taxes on the grounds of a poor harvest, perhaps referring to these changes...

Pasha remained silent for a long time, straightening her haggard back slightly.

Pasha: MC, you entered the Star Tower five years ago to learn from me, and you can be said to posses very clear eyes. But what you are looking at is just a small patch of sky above your head.

She threw the parchment into the fireplace, where it gradually twisted under the firelight and emitted a pungent stench.

Pasha: Mars ascends the palace, Venus moves westward, Mercury sets again and again, and the disasters contained in the apocalypse will come true.

Pasha: War brings bloodshed, floods bring plague, and the earth will no longer protect the crops. After the famine, pale death will come in person to cut off the kingdom's future.

MC: ...!

MC: I'll write down the record and inform the king and the crown prince.

Pasha: No need. The path forward has been decided, and everything has its own reasons.

Pasha: A death can only be saved by another future.

I was stunned, unable to comprehend her intentions for a moment.

Pasha: You're an astrologer. You should see the thread of destiny yourself and guide it in the right direction.

After Pasha said that, she walked out of the gloom through the narrow door, leaving me alone to look at the crackling flames in the fireplace.

The starry sky outside the window was deep, shining with an obscure and mysterious light.

-

It wasn't until late at night that I finished handling the day's affairs and left the tower. There were no people along the way, only the shadows of trees swaying uneasily.

The face of the teacher in charge constantly appeared in my mind. What kind of future would it take to prevent such a terrible disaster?

Just as I was contemplating that question, a figure walking in the distance stopped me in my tracks.

His blonde hair, symbolic of the royal bloodline, shone under the moon, eclipsing everything else.

In the past, I was often enveloped in such brilliance, but ever since one winter day four years ago, he has drifted farther and farther away from me.

In the end, just a glance had turned into a luxury.

I didn't resent anything. After all, youthful ignorance was like an unripe fruit. Probably, as time went by, the former taste would be lost. It's just that I was stuck in it.

Thinking about dispelling my emotions, I saluted Kiro who was coming towards me.

MC: Good evening, Your Highness.

MC: All preparations for the coronation ceremony have been completed, please rest assured.

Kiro: Thank you for your hard work.

He nodded slightly, but did not stop, finally passing me by. Even though I tried hard not to look back, I still couldn't help but glance at him from the corner of my eye after a few seconds.

That back figure was already far away from me, almost melting into the night.

Just staying silently behind him seemed to be a good choice.

Although we could not fulfill that promise, I would guard the promise of this country as an astrologer.

I had confidence that I'd do it well.

MC: Good night, Your Highness.

I continued walking forward resolutely, not noticing the figure quietly looking back behind me, and the voice that was almost lost in the darkness.

Kiro: ...Good night.

-

Time passed day by day, and the preparations for the coronation ceremony finally came to an end.

MC: Finally some good sleep...

As soon as I tiredly got into bed, I suddenly remembered something and sat up at once.

MC: Oops, today's astrological records haven't been sent for storage yet!

This was one of the things that astrologers had to do every day. Even though it was late at night, I picked up the documents and hurried to the archives belonging to the astrologers.

-

I put the astrology chart into the file rack under the moonlight and was about to leave with a yawn when I heard the sound of a cane and words being exchanged in the corridor.

??: Pasha, I have been waiting for this day for twenty years. Lately, even those young girls can't put me to sleep.

Pasha: Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. Once the prince is crowned, the disaster predicted twenty years ago will come to an end, and the Kingdom of Kairos will definitely be peaceful in the future.

MC: ?!

While talking, the king and the teacher walked towards the study room next door, and I subconsciously followed them with slower steps.

Pasha: He will shoulder the glory of being king of a country and be buried under the night-blooming cereus, preventing disasters for the country and bringing happiness to his people.

King: Hmph, you were the one who determined the date of his birth down to the minute, forcing the queen to delay giving birth for two days and nights.

King: Putting aside the fact that the queen died as a result, can you really guarantee that this will help me avoid my fate?

The heavy sound of the astrologer's staff hitting the ground silenced the king's questioning, and the teacher's undeniable voice sounded clearly.

Pasha: I see all possibilities and judge all futures. Everything is woven and recorded by the trajectory of the stars. There is no doubt about it.

Pasha: The night is late, and the path to the tower is steep. Please retire to your bedchamber early, Your Majesty.

[PART 2]

The complex and explosive information continued to expand in my head, so that by the time I had returned to my senses, I had already returned to my room and unfolded the astrological chart of Kiro's birth date with trembling hands.

From ancient times to the present, astrologers have never been allowed to predict the fate of the royal family without permission - but they didn't care that much anymore.

MC: The house position of his Saturn... the Moon will collide with the 8th house after its shift...

MC: He'll go on an expedition in a month... everything is fine...

Suddenly, my hand tracing the star path stopped.

The trajectories of these planets overlapped perfectly, but there was no path that continued forward.

--He would die on the battlefield in the near future.

MC: No... impossible.

History clearly records that on the day Kiro was born, Pasha announced to the people that he would be long-lived and powerful, and would bring blessings to the country. The king also announced that he would be the only crown prince of the country.

I stared blankly at the "truth" in my hand and remembered the meaningful words of the teacher from before.

Did she mean sacrificing Kiro's life to change the country's future?

At that moment, a ray of morning light slipped into the afterglow - time moved forward another day.

I couldn't afford to waste time, so I grabbed my coat and rushed out.

-

When I arrived in front of Kiro's palace, the guard outside the door told me that he had gone out to the farmland in the western suburbs.

-

I quickly got on a carriage and rushed to the nearby area. I saw a group of people standing in the wheat field talking. Among them was a dazzling golden figure wearing a velvet white cloak. He stood upright and tall, showing no anger or authority.

Kiro: Jace, how was the harvest this year?

Jace: Even better than last year, Your Highness!

A middle-aged man wearing clean linen was smiling, touching the ears of wheat.

Jace: In the past few years, the church has exempted several taxes and provided us with good seeds and agricultural tools. How could the harvest be poor?

Kiro: What about the rules about segregating livestock and homes?

Jace: They're all being carried out. Strangely enough, after separating the two sides, its no longer easy for people to fall sick.

Kiro: That's good. Younger children must be sent to learn to read and write first according to the newly promulgated law.

Jace nodded and saluted Kiro solemnly.

Jace: The coronation ceremony of His Highness will be happening soon. We are not so lucky to be standing in queue, but we will definitely watch you from a distance and pray for you!

The warm light of the morning shone through the clouds and mist onto the earth, making those eyes a little softer.

Kiro exchanged a few words with the others, until the sound of farewell sounded, and I quickly ran to them from behind the haystack to salute.

Connor: Isn't this MC? Earl Heaney's daughter? I heard that you seemed to be studying astrology at the tower these past few years. It's been so long since I've seen you.

Duke Connor on the side stroked his white beard and smiled cheerfully.

MC: It's been a long time, Duke Connor. Is everything okay with you and your family?

Connor: The territory has recently had a good harvest and there hasn't been any signs of war, which is certainly good.

Connor: But this isn't a place for ladies to hang out. Could it be that you've come to see your 'brother' Kiro?

MC: .......

Connor: Haha, it seems I was right. I remember when you were a child, whenever you entered the royal city, you'd stick to your 'brother' Kiro and not leave.

Connor: But Kiro also looked forward to your arrival every day at that time, and even safeguarded the delicious food in the kitchen, saying that he would leave it all for you.

Kiro: Duke, this isn't the pace to reminisce. Let's talk about it later.

Kiro stopped Duke Connor's rambling voice and looked at me again.

Kiro: Why are you here?

MC: Your Highness, I have something important to convey to you.

As soon I finished speaking, Duke Connor gave him a "look what I said" look.

Kiro: Diles, send the Duke back first.

-

We walked deeper into the wheat field, and the rustling of wheat ears continued with the wind.

Kiro: Tell me, what's the matter?

For a while, I didn't know how to talk about it, and it felt like the words were stuck in my throat for several moments. All I could do was suppress my emotions and look into his eyes.

The youthfulness and playfulness of the past had long since faded from those calm eyes, but his innate pride remained unchanged.

But if he knew that his life was carefully planned out...

My nose felt sore, and the world instantly blurred. I quickly turned my head away, but I heard his rare concern.

Kiro: Why are you crying?

MC: I...

He didn't urge or comfort me. He just waited with quiet alienation.

The silence and thin air began to press towards me, gradually turning into an emotion called "burden". I knew I had to stop being indecisive, so I quickly wiped away my tears and told him everything I heard last night.

After a brief silence, Kiro just closed his eyes.

Kiro: I see.

Kiro: Just go ahead. I'll take care of it.

I was stunned for a moment, unable to understand his reaction.

MC: Your Highness, you know Pasha has never said anything wrong...

Kiro: You've done what you should do. You can go.

MC: Kiro, don't you understand yet?! No matter what you do now, you will probably die that day!

The emotions that had been bottled up for a long time completely exploded. I grabbed his sleeve regardless of etiquette and raised my voice.

Kiro: So you want me to be like my father and find someone to die for me? Or should I just be a coward and hide in my room and never come out?

His calm voice was like a sharp needle poking me.

MC: ...I'll go find Pasha.

I wanted to leave, but he pulled me back.

Kiro: Pasha?

Kiro: Have you ever thought that now that you've touched this secret, you'll only get into trouble?

Kiro: When the time comes, she could accuse you of secretly predicting the fate of the royal family. That would be enough to kill you.

He also seemed a little out of control, not as calm as usual, his tone urgent with a trace of panic.

MC: But I can't just watch you die!

MC: I said that I would eliminate all worries for you and the country, and it is my duty to make you worry-free for the rest of your life.

Kiro's pupils suddenly contracted, and my wrists hurt from his grip. Those eyes that were trying to restrain themselves wandered back and forth on me for a long time before they cruelly looked at me.

Kiro: Duty?

Kiro: Okay, then I will answer you as the Crown Prince.

Kiro: You don't have to worry about these things, you just have to do your own thing.

MC: .....

Those unsaid words were instantly annihilated in my heart, turning into a puddle of calm. Finally, I gently broke away from his hand and bowed quietly.

MC: [blushing] As you wish, Your Highness.

MC: I have nothing else to report, so I'll leave.

I said, turned around and left, walking faster and faster.

Like Kiro said, I really wanted to do what I could do.

Since I'm an astrologer, let me help you get rid of this fate.

[PART 3]

From the day we parted on bad terms, I stayed in the observatory, reading older texts and comparing the stars all night long.

MC: No, not right...

With the help of a weak oil lamp, my index finger moved carefully between the pages of the book. As the search deepened, my doubts increased sharply.

The stars clearly indicated that the Kingdom of Lys would encounter a major flood in the summer of 796, causing countless casualties. But in fact, it was just a river whose banks burst, and no one was injured.

In 483, when Mars fell into the sixth house, there was supposed to be an unforeseen disaster. However, the wars in history originated from the active aggression of the Kingdom of Hesse, which was clearly not an unexpected disaster.

MC: ...How come.

My attitude towards astrology had always been to listen to whatever the teacher said. But when details that I had never noticed before were laid out, I discovered that many horoscopes did not match the corresponding history.

At that moment, something seemed to have opened a small gap in my long-held belief.

I moved a new pile of old texts from the table and continued to read.

As time went by, the wick burned out, and the increasingly dark room made one unable to help but doze off.

When that cluster of light extinguished and went out, my consciousness fell into darkness as well.

-

[Flashback]

MC: Kiro, look what nice things I brought you~

I walked into the study with a smile, only to find that there was no one there except for the soft window screen swaying in the wind.

MC: Where is he? Obviously Diles said you were here...

Kiro: Here--

A vague sound came from the window. I stepped forward curiously and opened the curtains, and a piece of beautiful scenery came into view.

Clusters of flowers on the lawn swelled with buds, giving back to the spring that had just arrived in the most gorgeous colors.

Kiro: Do you like it? I planted it specially for you.

A golden head popped out from the side and lay face to face with me on the window sill.

Kiro: Because someone's become a night owl since they started staying in the Star Tower. Sleeping during the day and looking at the stars at night.

Kiro: In order for you to not miss out on other good scenery, I could only "bring" it to you personally.

Seeing that he deliberately kept a straight face, my smile grew bigger and bigger, and I quickly kissed him on the cheek.

MC: I like it. I'll come to see it everyday from now on!

MC: But if your teacher finds out, he'll complain to the king again.

Kiro: Then let's sue them. I obviously got nearly full marks in every subject, but I still don't know what Mr. Lawley is dissatisfied with.

MC: Because you're the future king.

MC: But I also don't agree with Mr. Lawley's approach, so didn't I bring you something nice?

I took out a gold necklace from my pocket, and the violin pendant shone in the sun.

Not long ago, after Mr. Lawley complained, the king had smashed his beloved violin.

MC: From now on, no one can break your violin.

Kiro: ......

Kiro looked at the necklace blankly. Something seemed to be surging in his eyes.

In the end, he didn't say anything, and together with the sun, he kissed my forehead.

??: Miss MC, the coronation ceremony is about to begin.

[End of flashback]

A quick knock on the door made me open my eyes in confusion, and a dazzling light shone in front of my eyes like a dream.

I think... the memories of the past might only be hidden in dreams at night.

-

This day was a day of national celeberation.

The royal city was filled with the sweet aroma of wine, and gorgeous flowers bloomed freely on the city walls, as if indicating some kind of hope. As the bell tower struck an ear-splitting sound, I and the other ministers turned around and bowed our heads.

At the end of the hall, the bronze door opened heavily, and a figure wrapped in the golden sun walked in slowly.

He was wearing a snow-white cloak and holding a holy night flower in his hand. It had been embroidered on the ever-waving flags since the founding of the country.

Everything had its limit. Only Kairos would last forever.

Kiro came straight to the archbishop, put his sword on the ground and nodded slightly. The archbishop raised his hands holding the crown and solemnly put it on for the new king.

Archbishop: God bless you and your dynasty. May your light shine on future generations.

Everything was extremely quiet under the dome. In this soul-stirring solemnity, Kiro raised his chin and looked at everyone under the throne.

Kiro: I bring today's glory to the country and to everyone in my land.

Kiro: I will work with you in the long years to come to safeguard the dignity and freedom of the kingdom.

Kiro: I also share peace and hope with you.

Ministers: Long live the king! Long live the king!

Every courtier and soldier in the hall raised their arms and sent their most sincere blessings. But the louder the support, the more mixed my emotions became.

Because after learning the truth, I couldn't celebrate for him at all.

As if tacitly, those blue eyes looked at me from afar among the crowd.

Kiro: .....

MC: .....

In the end, everything fell into silence. I raised my skirt and saluted him, then silently left with everyone behind my back.

After the ceremony, Kiro asked everyone to leave, leaving one person sitting on the throne for a long time. The dim candle flame flickered on the copper candlestick, unable to drive the coldness and darkness away.

In the endless silence, Kiro took off the crown on his head.

The golden brilliance circulated under the moonlight, but it could not shake off the back of that figure in his heart that was deviating from everything.

From knowing the so-called trajectory of fate to subconsciously staying away.

He never believed in fate. But even if there was only a slight possibility...

He didn't want her to be sad and have her suffer alone for the rest of her life as well.

But the set time was approaching. As long as he stepped over the stairs, maybe he could hold her hand without any burden.

Just like in countless nights and dreams.

As if he was restraining something, he closed his eyes forcefully.

I want to bring myself together into this darkness.

[PART 4]

Time flew by after Kiro's coronation.

Within the kingdom, laws were spread throughout the country following the herald's announcement, building a new and stable foundation for the kingdom.

But soon, after a heavy rain swept over the west, there was no more rain in the country. The king of Leith began to claim he inherited the bloodline of the Levina dynasty, and there seemed to be clouds of war emerging.

Fate seemed to be slipping towards its destined trajectory.

Citizen A: Oh my God, is there going to be a war?

Citizen B: Don't worry, His Majesty asked us to build the cellar two years ago.

Citizen C: Fortunately, His Majesty asked us to switch to new cold-resistant crops, otherwise I don't know what we would have done in the future!

Citizen A: That's true. I heard that the floods in the south did not cause much damage.

Citizen B: He is a good king and will definitely keep us safe and sound.

Of course he was a good king.

From food, clothing, housing and transportation to domestic affairs and diplomacy, he has done so many things to make the kingdom prosperous. Could all of this really be reduced to a footnote to his mortal fate?

I turned towards the tower and climbed up to the astrology room on the top floor.

The starry sky was so high and far away, indicating that destiny would never allow mortals to get close.

But I knew better now, that it was not the gods that filled everyone's stomachs and let them live in peace.

It was Kiro.

Pasha: You're here.

Pasha didn't look at me. She held the astrological stick with both hands and looked out the window.

MC: Teacher, I recently discover that many recorded horoscopes do not match their corresponding history.

MC: Does that mean that fate is not determined?

Pasha: It seems that you are looking forward to something and are trying to find a glimmer of hope from it.

MC: ....I just think it's better to grasp the present than predict the future.

Pasha: MC, destiny is always right.

Pasha: A dying baby was miraculously saved. Do you think it was human will or destiny?

MC: Of course it was human will. If no one saved the baby, there was no way a miracle would have happened.

Pasha: No, it was destiny that allowed the man to save the baby.

MC: [angry] ......

Perhaps it was because the gap in my heart was getting wider and wider. I tremblingly clenched my fists and asked loudly.

MC: What you mean is that everything humans do is permitted by destiny? Those likes, those hates, and those desires are not real; they're all arranged by God?

Pasha: That's right. The histories you see that are inconsistent with the stars can only mean one thing.

Pasha: Destiny is never wrong. Only people are wrong.

-

It was all so ridiculous.

After running back to my room, I threw all the astrology books I believed in into the fireplace. Seeing them being swallowed up by the flames made me feel inexplicably happy.

If everything really was arranged by destiny, how could He (God) allow me to do disobedient things?

Suddenly enlightened, I ignored the burning fireplace and ran to find Kiro. I wanted to tell him all of this. I wanted to tell him that the so-called fate had no meaning at all.

They were just shackles that people put on themselves.

-

But I didn't see him. The door of the meeting hall remained closed, and anxious conversations kept coming from inside.

It seemed like a war was about to begin.

Guard: Miss MC, this matter is confidential. It is not convenient for you to stay here, so please leave first.

MC: [visibly disappointed] ...I see.

-

In the next few days, I hid in the corner of my room like a drowned dog, watching the sun and moon change outside the window.

I denied astrology, I was rejected, and I didn't know what else to do.

??: Attention! In the early hours of tonight, the king will lead 10,000 soldiers to fight against the Kingdom of Lys!

A childish voice came from outside the window, accompanied by fast footsteps passing through the street.

Slumped against the wall, I immediately woke up, pushed the door open and rushed out.

Even if he refused to see me, I still wanted to take a look at him from a distance.

The winding city walls were filled with soldiers gathered everywhere, wearing armor and sharpening their swords, their faces devoid of fear. I kept running forward, constantly weaving though the crowded queues.

But the end of the city wall was so far away that every step closer had me being pushed back by the crowd, making it impossible to reach.

MC: Kiro...

MC: Kiro...

Just when I thought I was about to miss everything, a force suddenly pulled me into a dark passage.

In the almost pitch-black darkness, I couldn't see the person behind me. I only felt that every part of me was tightly wrapped in ice-like armor.

He continued to increase his strength, as if he wanted to embed me into his flesh and blood. His turbulent breath tore away all the calm masks of the past. It was so strange, but it made me feel extra sure.

MC: Kiro...

No one responded from behind me. Only this extraordinarily stubborn hug remained, as if it was just a thought he left to himself.

Just like how he retreated alone these years, he never gave in.

But at this moment, I could no longer bear to have him like this.

MC: .....

I began to stubbornly turn around, but no matter how hard I struggled, I was still relentlessly imprisoned in his arms. I opened my eyes, finding it difficult to prevent the heat from rolling down.

MC: Kiro....

MC: Can you let me win just once... just once.

Kiro: .....

The person behind me stopped breathing, and I finally had an opportunity to turn around and hug him tightly.

MC: Kiro, listen to me... I'm not here to say goodbye to you.

MC: You will come back alive.

MC: You will leave those fates behind.

MC: And I will--

Those unspoken words were instantly swallowed up by his breath.

Everything seemed to be in chaos, shaking up my entire world, the only exception being those pair of eyes that were hidden under the helmet which grew clearer and clearer.

Our chaotic and turbulent breathing intertwined with our temperatures, and the smell of rust between our teeth mixed together and melted into our bloodstreams.

The extraordinarily deep temperature seemed to reach from the tips of my fingers to the tip of my heart, and even the depths of my soul trembled.

This was our first kiss.

I tasted the slightly salty and fishy smell, and my entire body seemed to be filled with his breath. I couldn't help but covetously desire to leave my traces on him.

I want you to come back. Come back to me.

Kiro: MC...

Kiro: MC...

He hoarsely cried out my name, sounding like a voice breaking from the deepest part of his soul.

Kiro: I will definitely come back to you.

It was like he was talking to me, and also himself.

Kiro: [trembling voice] Don't forget me.

At that moment, with the so-called fate approaching, I seemed to finally see him clearly, all his fears and struggles.

Kiro: Don't ever forget me...

He made no promises about the future and left no promises. He has always pushed me away, yet he said such words at this moment.

MC: You... bad, willful, self-righteous, stubborn...

His face was extremely blurry, and there was a bitter smile between his lips and teeth.

Kiro: I am a bad, willful, self-righteous and stubborn person.

Kiro: So remember me. Remember me forever.

Kiro: Until you close your eyes for the last time, think of me... all of me.

It wasn't until there was a horn blast that I suddenly opened my eyes and stared at him with great reluctance.

MC: .....

I tried to suppress my trembling fingertips and touched his armor for final confirmation.

MC: Was this armor made by the best smiths? Is it the hardest material in the world?

Kiro: .....

After his eyes carefully traced my face, he spoke hoarsely.

Kiro: Mm, it's the best. And my sword is also the sharpest.

Kiro: I can easily slit the enemy's throat.

I hugged him hard for the last time and showed him a confident smile.

MC: Then go ahead. I will await your triumphant return in the Epiphyllum field.

-

Reflections from enemy armor obscured the horizon.

Kiro calmly stared ahead, waiting for his army to get into formation.

Flags were flying beside him, and the epiphyllum embroidered with gold thread seemed to spread its petals with the cold wind, blooming proudly on the battlefield.

The last row of soldiers stood still, and both side stood still. The only sound in the vast plain, was the howling of the wind. The war horse also smelled the undercurrent of tension in the silent air, and moved restlessly in its spot.

Kiro patted his mount's neck and rode his horse to the front of the army line.

Kiro: People of the Kingdom of Kairos, my brothers.

He looked at the soldiers who followed him on the expedition, one by one.

They had their own coat of arms on their chests, their eyes were solemn and determined, their weapons were sharp and the their armor was well-equipped.

Kiro: We crossed mountains and rivers and travelled all the way here...

Kiro: Like you, I miss my hometown and fear the enemy's edge.

Kiro raised a fearless smile and raised his voice higher.

Kiro: But for our kingdom, our homeland, and for the loved ones waiting for us.

He turned towards the enemy formation, drew his sword and pointed it straight into the sky.

Kiro: We will triumph!

The iron hooves roared like thunder, and the soldiers' shouts shook the earth, charging forward with their king who they devoted all their loyalty to.

-

Like before, I knelt on the field of night-flowers and prayed for my king.

These days had been as long as one year after another, and my feelings had gradually changed from worry at the beginning to determination.

Only the more determined you are, the more you are the nemesis of fate.

MC: Kiro, you must come back safely.

Suddenly, a rustling sound behind me drowned out the murmurs, and a warm liquid with a pungent smell dripped onto the side of my face.

I immediately opened my eyes and looked to my side, facing a clear blue.

Kiro's crown hung crookedly, and his clothes were stained with large patches of dark brown. The finely woven clothes were damaged, and that beautiful face was stained with dried blood.

The blood on his cloak dripped down drop by drop, dyeing the white petals of the epiphyllum, leaving a dazzling red. I hugged him tightly as he knelt down next to me, letting tears blur my vision.

Even so haggard, he still came back.

Kiro: I came back safely, why are you crying again?

His embrace was warm and strong, and his heartbeat kept coming from that embracing chest.

MC: I know, I'm just happy...

MC: You transcended destiny and came back...

Kiro: I can finally stay with you forever.

Kiro: I can finally make up for the wrong things I did to you in an honest way.

He distanced himself slightly away from me and held my face in his hands.

Kiro: MC, let me ask you, are you still willing to be my queen?

MC: ....!

Seeing that I didn't respond immediately, his brows furrowed as if unsure, and that patch of blue was laced with apology.

Kiro: Actually, long before you told me the truth, I secretly learned some astrology. So I knew...

MC: Of course, I do.

I didn't let him continue and hugged him tightly.

Things in the past were no longer important. The prolonged pain and sorrow had finally turned into an old wine after the dust had settled.

MC: But let's agree first that you'll compensate me twice as much later.

Kiro: Of course, I must obey the Queen's advice.

He smiled and rolled his eyes, the ring between his fingers glimmering in the moonlight.

Glimmering?

I was stunned.

Something extremely fast shot through the sky with a cold light.

The air was stagnant for a moment, but soon I felt a tickling warmth on my legs, turning cold with the breeze and sliding down my skin.

There was clearly a smile on Kiro's lips, and the dazzling blood pouring out made his face even paler.

There was another sharp sound.

Kiro's center of gravity suddenly became unstable and he fell forward onto me.

And on his back were two feather arrows, still trembling slightly.

Kiro: [EXTREMELY pained voice] MC... I...

The sound of arrows came again and penetrated into his chest, stopping the words that had not yet been spoken.

The person who nocked the arrow in the distance was the archery teacher who he had grown up with.

MC: Why...

Another arrow came again at a speed that my eyes couldn't catch and pierced straight through his abdomen.

Kiro seemed to want to say something, but the blood rising in his throat only made him make a vague sound.

Not far away, a group of guards who had stayed in the city came forward, drawing their swords and pointing them at the king that brought them victory.

MC: Why?! He obviously won!!

MC: How dare you betray him?!

I hugged Kiro, whose body was bleeding all over and screamed hysterically.

Soldier: Master Pasha ordered that only through the king's sacrifice could the kingdom last for a long time.

The hand of his personal guard holding the sword trembled, but he spat out words like poisonous snakes at me, one by one.

Soldier: Master Pasha is the chief astrologer and is never wrong. This is all... a fate that has been determined for a long time...

MC: Fate?

I was so furious that I laughed, staring at the soldiers who were able to triumph because of Kiro, who could have relatives and live in peace because of Kiro.

MC: Between the uncertain stars in the sky, and the people you spend every day with, which one determines your fate?!

Kiro: MC....

In my arms, Kiro suddenly touched my shoulder and motioned for me to help him sit up.

MC: Don't move... I-I won't let anything happen to you.

I shook my head, my vision becoming increasingly blurry on his increasingly dyed robe.

I didn't know what to do. I could only deceive him like I deceived myself.

Kiro: MC.

He called me softly again, and wiped away my tears with great effort.

Kiro: Of course I'll be fine, I just want to say something to them.

Kiro: After all, today is a day worth celebrating, and as king, I want to give them some rewards.

MC: .....

Under his serious gaze, I could only help him straighten up in silence.

Kiro: Diles... you've done a great job over the years.

He looked at the leading soldier with a smile. Even though his face was pale and sweaty, the pride in his eyes did not fade.

Kiro: You'll continue to do just as well in the future, because your horoscope tells me...

Kiro: You'll enjoy endless wealth, you will have endless heirs, and finally, you will die without any pain at the age of seventy-nine.

As if he didn't expect Kiro to say this, Diles and the others looked at each other in shock.

Diles: Your Majesty... what does that mean?

Kiro ignored him and turned his gaze to another soldier.

Kiro: Naya, you are different.

Kiro: Astrology says that you have less than three years left and will die in an accident on the day before the autumn harvest.

Naya: ....!

Kiro: And Hiken... no matter how hard you try, you are destined to lose the one you love.

Kiro: Morty, you will become the future captain of the guard, and then all the soldiers in the royal city will be under your control.

Kiro smiled gently, but his eyes were colder than ever. He seemed to be a God descending to the human world, passing judgement on everyone present with every breath.

It also planted a seed called "determined" in their hearts.

From now on, let these people anticipate, panic, and doubt their so-called predetermined fate...

Live your life.

Kiro: Don't you believe in fate?

Kiro: Let's see then, if everything goes as fate has ordained.

As if they didn't want him to continue talking, a rain of arrows came falling from the sky. I subconsciously turned to block him, and there were several muffled sounds hitting the flesh and blood in my waist and abdomen.

But I couldn't feel any pain; only the burning hatred that was about to tear me apart.

I hugged Kiro tightly and screamed, giving everyone a vicious glare.

MC: Very good... Just continue believing then, but I won't.

MC: Because fate means nothing to me. All I know is that without Kiro, I won't be able to live happily.

As I said that, I took out the flint and dagger from my waist and sneered disdainfully.

MC: If you don't want to die, then get out of here.

MC: Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy your last pitiful fate.

I hit them together hard, igniting a flame among the epiphyllums.

In an instant, the flames quickly engulfed everything around us, and at the same time, covered up those disgusting figures. I looked at Kiro's surprised face and tried my best to show my brightest smile.

MC: I hid it from you, Kiro... Actually, I was prepared for the worst as early as the beginning. Because Pasha wanted to bury you under the night-blooming cereus to prevent disasters for the country.

MC: But I would never allow you to be used like that.

MC: So I was thinking at the time, that if this day really came, I would burn all the epiphyllums in this area.

Kiro: Then my queen really made a good decision. Why did I never think of that?

Listening to his weak teasing, I continued to smile, laid him flat on the ground filled with night-flowers, and hugged him tightly.

MC: Kiro, you should have told me that you learned astrology so that we could have shared some of my work.

Kiro: It was actually a surprise that I wanted to give you a long time ago.

Kiro: It's a pity that that I never had time to give it to you...

Unknowingly, we seemed to be back to when we were young again. Laying together carefree on the epiphyllum field, whispering ordinary things.

MC: It doesn't matter. I know now, and it's too late. Look, the stars are so beautiful today.

MC: By the way, what's the name of your brightest one?

Kiro: It's called MC.

I couldn't help laughing, and also crying.

Because there was nothing directly above, only endless flames and smoke.

MC: I'm serious.

Kiro: It's called MC.

Kiro: Because no star can compare to you.

MC: Then let's just consider your answer correct~

I wanted to say something more, but I felt my energy continuously draining, almost sapping me dry.

Time seemed to be running out.

MC: Kiro...

I tried my best to lean on his chest, closed my eyes, and tried my best to listen to his heartbeat.

MC: Could you talk to me a little longer? I still have a lot of things I haven't said to you...

Kiro: Then let's plan the wedding, shall we?

Kiro: After all, you've already agreed to my proposal, and everything has only just begun.

MC: I want a lot of sunflowers, because I've read in a book before that there was a flower in the north that was as bright as the sun.

MC: And it likes to bloom towards the sun... But it doesn't matter if you don't have them. Having you is enough for me.

Kiro: How can that be? And leave alone the sunflower?

Kiro: Whatever you want, I can bring it to you.

MC: That...

My consciousness gradually dulled, but his heart was still beating clearly in my ears.

This gave me peace of mind.

I felt so at ease that I wanted to regard this moment as eternity.

-

The girl showed no response and no breathing. Only her body still retained some warmth from the fire that was on the verge of spreading. But as if he didn't want to let this warmth slip away from his arms, Kiro used his last strength to hug the girl and kissed her forehead again and again.

Kiro: [in an extremely tired, but extremely affectionate voice] I know that you were afraid that I'd be lonely; that I'd be buried here and face the endless darkness alone.

Kiro: But I still hoped that you could look at the sun every day and smell the fragrance of every flower for me...

Kiro: But now, this isn't so bad.

Kiro: It's just that it seems that what I owe you will now never be repaid.

Kiro paused as he spoke. After a moment, he kissed her forehead preciously and tenderly for the last time and smiled gently.

Kiro: I don't expect anything, as long as I can see you in our next life.

Kiro: If I turn into an animal, I would stay at your feet day and night.

Kiro: If I were a flower, I would bloom only for you.

Kiro: But if I unfortunately turn into a rock, I'd cross mountains and ridges to come to you.

Kiro: Of course, it would be best if I become a human being. So that I can hug you, kiss you, and love you forever and ever.

Kiro's voice became weaker and weaker, and finally turned into a sigh that disappeared in the wind.

Kiro: I promise you.

Kiro closed his eyes quietly, but saw a bright light like daylight surrounding him.

What it was, he didn't know.

But the sun would not rise again tomorrow.

Translation Masterlist: here

CheesyTalks: Okay, so... I caved. I couldn't help myself. This date was too sad and beautiful for me not to do a quick translation (I just wished I could add more screenshots, but tumblr won't let me insert more than 30 ss smh). This may not have been a happy date, but it was definitely a satisfying one.

That being said, I do want to make a quick comment on the writing of this date: from the subtle but poignant foreshadowing at the beginning (the expert use of atmosphere and cold and dark imagery to set the tone for the date), to the final death scene at the end, all of it was very well handled. Not to mention the world building and symbolism. PG has always done a good job at handling angst and this one was no exception. (ALSO, THE SUBTLE PARELLELS TO THE MAIN STORY HAD ME DYING INSIDE)