#also the repeating of ‘this always happens to me’ i really need a full translation NOW

[nazurabbit]

hey vivinos wanna elaborate on this??

[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Blind Love Chapter 25 His POV

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there

As if time had stopped, the conservatory remained quiet and peaceful.

Moonlight filtered through the soot-stained holes of the ceiling, creating a soft halo around Kate’s hair.

I had brought Kate to the place where I hung out with Alec to show her a “certain something”.

Roger: Wait. I’m positive I left it around here somewhere…

I pulled out several folded sheets of paper from an envelope that was hidden under a flower pot.

Kate: …A letter.

Roger: Like I said, Alec left me a letter before he died. I really wanted to keep it close to me, but… I didn’t want to get stuck in memories.

I didn’t need that childish desire to get lost in memories when I had to deal with fighting against despair every day.

Kate: …You’ve already read it so many times that you don’t need it with you.

Roger: Huh?

(...How did you know?)

Kate: The letter. It’s wrinkled and worn.

I handed Kate, who had always been kind and showed concern for others since we met, the letter.

Roger: Hm

Kate: …Can I read it?

Roger: Since it’s you, I want you to read it.

I wanted Kate to know the secret I’ve been keeping to myself.

Kate: Thank you…

“To my little friend, Roger”—that’s how the letter started.

It then went on about how if anything happened to Alec, he wanted me to forget about him and the research on the Cursed he had done here. And—

“Hey, Roger. The world we live in is very cruel, isn’t it.

It’s full of things beyond our control and our hearts bleed out just by being alive.

But I also think the world we live in is beautiful.

The sky’s blue when you look up, the birds sing, and sometimes someone will find hope that’s like a miracle.

The world is cruel, yet endlessly beautiful.

That’s why the world is worth living in and fighting against despair for.

My dear little friend, you will no doubt encounter despair in the future. However, don’t let yourself be defeated.

Your life will always be beautiful.”

Kate looked up at me from the letter, her gaze sweet and gentle.

Roger: Those words saved me, and I’ve been living by them my whole life. With those words, I’ll be fine. I can fight against despair even when I’m by myself. I’m strong, I won’t be defeated, I won’t be lonely, I won’t let my soul rot, and I’ll fulfill my ambition. That’s been my mantra until I met you.

Kate: …Huh?

The way Kate blinked in confusion was so adorable that I found myself smiling.

I didn’t want to succumb to my curse, so I always repeated to myself “I won’t be a traitor” as if to fight against my “betrayal” curse.

However.

Roger: I’ve always claimed that I’d never betray anyone, but maybe I’ve…been betraying my own heart.

(Stubbornly saying “I won’t be a traitor” may have been a way for me to ignore my true feelings)

(I’m almost sure)

Roger: Deep down in my heart, I’ve been searching. For someone I could laugh with by my side.

(Kate became my dog, assistant, partner, and then lover)

Roger: Someone to chase after my ambitions with.

(Kate is with me now)

Roger: Someone to snap me out of it when I’m falling into despair.

(Like the time she yelled at me in jail, I think…No, I don’t think I’ll ever forget about it)

Roger: Someone to teach me that, even if love’s pointless, it’s the best.

(This unidentifiable feeling called love definitely exists between us)

Roger: That “someone”—there’s no one else but you, Kate.

(Kate, I don’t want anyone else but you)

Kate: …

Roger: …I won’t find anyone else in the world.

I loved how Kate looked when she tried to hold back her tears.

Roger: Pfft…haha. What’s with that cute face?

Kate: As you can see, I’m trying to hold back my tears!

Roger: A~ah, I can’t take you seriously when you’re barking like that.

Roger: Pfft…Alright, alright. Hang in there.

Kate: Please stop talking already…

Kate looked up, trying to stop the tears from pooling at the corner of her eyes. But—

Roger: Not gonna. I still got something to say to you. ‘Til now, I’ve been saying some pretty words with love, but… My main reason is that “I” enjoy being with you.

Kate: …

(“I” only wanna be with you. Until the day I stop breathing)

When Kate blinked in surprise, the tears she tried to hold back spilled out.

Kate: If you say something like that, then…waaahh~~

Any place where Kate cried cutely like this felt like the kindest, most peaceful place in the world.

Roger: With you, the world isn’t such a shitty place.

(Kate, I can’t abandon this shitty, yet beautiful world I live in when you’re in it)

(Even when against despair…I think that’s what makes this worth fighting for)

Kate: Roger…

Roger: Hm, what?

Kate:  Roger, Roger, Roger!

Roger: What?

With her face still wet with tears, Kate jumped into my arms with everything she had—

Kate: Roger, I love you!

(...Yeah, I know)

(I love you too. I know because you taught me what love is)

Roger: A~ah, your face’s all wet. You really are so cute!

While holding Kate tight, I teased and spoiled her.

(A~ah, damn. I don’t think I’ll be content with life without her.

(Despair will always come after us because life isn’t kind)

(Because hope isn’t easy to come by)

(But still…)

Kate: Roger, you can keep teasing me all you want. You can bully me. You can do whatever. But promise me. That we’ll keep living together until the very end.

Roger: ……Yeah.

(Let’s give despair the finger and live together for as long as life lets us)

As if making a vow for the future, I stole a kiss from Kate and looked into her eyes.

Roger: I’m gonna push you around so much you’re gonna hate it. And that’s for life.

Kate: *sniffle*…Crying made me hungry…

(That wasn’t sexy at all. But maybe I’m crazy ‘cause I found it cute)

I couldn’t help but laugh when I felt this unscientific, but lovely feeling rise up in my heart.

Roger: Yeah, me too. Having you in my arms’ tired me out. So…

Kate and Roger: Let’s go eat.

—The conservatory was empty, except for the sound of laughter left behind.

Destiny, unrealizable dreams, incurable disease, war, poverty…

It just goes on.

This world’s a bargain sale of despair.

And it’s called “despair” because you can’t do anything about it.

However, that’s not something I’ll allow.

If you can’t overcome despair— then what’s the point of me, of us humans, being born?

That’s why…these days, we live our lives giving it the finger.

With the one we love.

Next

[maochira]

"Du spielst immer wieder Gott mit deiner Macht!"

Ness was yelling at Kaiser at a volume you've never heard him speak in. You didn't know he was capable of being so loud.

tags: gn!reader x Alexis Ness, reader is around 18 years old and works at Blue Lock, angst, hurt/comfort, Ness my poor baby boy, reader and Ness can be seen as in a platonic or romantic relationship it's your choice, Ness snaps at Kaiser holy fuck, I recommend listening to this song because it inspired this fic

"Du spielst immer wieder Gott mit deiner Macht!" Ness repeated, but you couldn't understand what he was saying because you didn't have your translator earbuds in, so you quickly tried to get them out of your pocket.

Originally, you were walking past Kaiser's room because you had to get to Noa's office to give him something from Ego. But that had to wait.

"It's always Isagi you talk about! Always him!" Now you were able to understand what Ness was saying, or well, he was yelling. Almost screaming. "What about me?!"

But to your surprise, you didn't hear Kaiser yell anything back. He didn't even talk at all. You could picture the scene that was happening inside Kaiser's room in your head: Ness, full of anger, standing in front of Kaiser, while Kaiser looks down at him with a cold gaze. Or a smirk. Both would be possible for him.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable, almost scary. You knew your task was to get to Noa, but staying here right now felt a lot more important. Just in case. After all, you and Ness were quite close. You wanted to be there for him if needed.

"Get the fuck out of my sight." Kaiser broke the silence with a cold voice.

For a second you debated with yourself to leave, but ended up staying.

The door to Kaiser's door opened and Ness exited the room. He looked like a mess, a few tears still running down his cheeks, which he wiped away with his sleeve.

His head was lowered, so he only noticed you when he raised his head a couple seconds after closing the door.

"(Y/N)?" His eyes widened a little. "Oh... You heard that?"

You nodded. "Are you okay? You can talk to me if you want to."

Ness shrugged in response. "No, it's fine." He faked a smile. "I'll return to my room." And before you got to think about an answer, Ness ran away.

You thought about following him, but decided not to. Maybe he just needed a moment for himself. After all, he really looked like a mess. He was probably feeling like one as well.

So you continued your original task and headed to Noa's room.

But the entire time, you couldn't get Ness out of your head. The words he yelled at Kaiser repeating over and over in your head.

"Du spielst immer wieder Gott mit deiner Macht!"

Even though you didn't know what that meant, you remembered the emotions you heard when he yelled those words. You could almost feel them yourself.

Even after returning to your own room, Ness was stuck in your head.

You thought about going to his room to check on him, but the moment you got up from your bed, you heard someone knocking on your door.

"(Y/N)?" It was Ness. "You... You offered me to talk to you, right?"

You opened the door and looked at him. "I did." A small smile across your lips. "Come in."

Both of you sat down on your bed, and at first, silence filled the room. Ness seemed to think about what to say, but after a bit he was able to put his thoughts into words.

He tells you everything he currently feels about Kaiser. The way Kaiser only ever talks about Isagi, the way he keeps ignoring Ness and his feelings over and over and how Ness felt so invalidated and hurt.

This wasn't the first time he vented to you. It's happened a couple times already, but he's never been a mess like this. It's also the first time he's explicitly vented about Kaiser. Before, whenever he vented to you, it was about other things he had on his mind. You never knew he carried these feelings and thoughts within himself.

You don't even know how much time has passed by since Ness entered your room, but all that mattered to you right now was holding him in your arms, slowly running one of your hands through his hair.

"May I ask something?" Your voice was so quiet, it was almost a whisper.

Ness didn't respond verbally, he only nodded.

"What did you say to Kaiser before you mentioned Isagi? I... I didn't have my earbuds in at that time."

Ness took a deep breath before answering: "You mean when I said... 'You keep playing God with your power'?"

[kerubimcrepin]

Episode 32 - Pupuce's Life

Finally, an episode where I won't have to say anything At All.

To extract some value from this ep despite how it is kinda boring, I will overanalyse this room now.

Firstly, Kerubim is so orphancoded. He's so old and sleeping on a bunk bed with no lower bunk.

I like to think that, in the orphanage, Kerubim and Atcham got into bloodied battles where they scratched the shit out of each other over who gets the top bunk, and due to not being hairless Kerubim always won and bullied him into sleeping on the lower one.

I like to think it was one of Atcham's many tragic backstories. Like that's when The Darkness truly began to grow.

I genuinely think it's fucked that Joris, at 7 years old, is sleeping in a cat bed. But also, that's not even one tenth of the most insanely evil things about their household.

They have so many potatos and so much bread... Heaven on earth.

Ever since I mentioned it in one of my earlier posts, I had wanted to elaborate just a bit on some other evidence for my headcanon (or, well, pretty-much-canon?) of Joris being a night owl, and this moment of Joris just blatantly oversleeping is as good time as any to bring it up:

We often see Joris awake at night, or staying up very late without any issues.

Perhaps, it is due to Kerubim himself often staying up late, and also due to, y'know, the child neglect that was probably happening before Simone, that he developed a circadian rhythm that has him being so okie-dokie staying up late.

I won't even point out that there's a random knife on the floor. I am fucking numb to the sheer neglect in this household by now. Kerubim could leave rat poison in Joris's bed and I would be like "oh that silly goofster!"

But I will point out that it seems that Kerubim often leaves Joris alone with Simone, and I will be real — in my heart of hearts I know that this fucker left Joris home alone since he was like four whenever he needed to do something. Or he'd be like "uhhh go across the street and sit at miss Julie's, brb" and be gone for hours. He probably left him home alone over overnight too. You can't tell me I'm wrong.

It would be out of character for him to get someone to actually babysit. Especially with how shit their home was.

"No, little pupuce, don't go into SCP-914!!"

"Oh mon dieu, c'est un scp full of evil clonen !"

Kerubim is insane. All these pictures of his ex, and none of his son. He really is insane.

I think Kerubim still draws, at least in some capacity. No other reason for there to be oil paints in their home.

Though perhaps Kerubim is into the idea of his son getting poisoned by expensive-ass professional-grade paint. Maybe he's just into that.

"ASTRUB CITY" repeated twice. + "Dofus Pets 2" (obviously.)

Also, jellyvision movie theatres are real. And so are traffic lights. Though I didn't bother screenshotting the second thing.

Oh this one is even better than that time we found out that someone at Ankama called a person named Emilie a bad word in this kids cartoon. You'll love this.

I'm sorry french person from 2013, but I've been translating this text with a huge grin on my face. You ARE the interesting find.

This ad is so beautiful. Thank you, Kerubim.

The man might pretend that he doesn't like Pupuces as a species all he wants, but his actions speak louder than his words. He's never beating the love allegations.

They are all so bad at taking photos... Also! This confirms that at least a Single photo of Joris, as well as Simone, is on a wall somewhere in the house. Big day for regaining belief in Kerubim's normalcy.

This says "ANNIV PUPUCE", which finally made me realize, that there are three champagne glasses on the table, one in Joris's hand, as well as some weird looking food with candles in it (probably pupuce's food?).

This changes EVERYTHING. Kerubim is no longer an evil fucking cat/enemy #1 of this blog. Kerubim has been forgiven.

[strangecowplant]

Hello, regarding your cat, I wasn't able to read everything this is kinda rushed because I've had a long day, but do you need more money at the moment?

Also I'm a vet but like, in France, so I'm always shocked at the prices (in my area this kind of emergency would amount to like, around 300€, maybe 500€ if there's a repeat)!

Also, on a medical standpoint, were the vets able to know the origin of the blockage? Was it urinary stones, or stress? In my experience this kind of blockage has a tendency to become chronic in some cases if proper precautions are not taken! I wouldn't mind giving advice if you want, you can PM me I'll do my best to help and translate as accurately as possible.

Hi thank you so much for your concern, and I hope you're able to relax now! At the moment I have no idea if I need more money, its up in the air what the cost will be when i get there later today, I've still yet to even talk to my vet for a full update as he's been in and out of surgeries today but thank you so so much for asking!!! ❤️ I'll try and keep the main post as updated as possible once I get any news about costs or anything

But yeah the pricing is absolutely horrible here, theres no regulation and the cost of living is already debilitating enough, people who try save up funds for their pets have it wiped out from even the simplest vistis (their annual vaccinations are about $300, its hard to save much with that hit every year)

As for the cause, we aren't sure. Its unlikely to be stress related as hes an extremely chill and happy cat, nothing has changed with his lifestyle, his brother doesn't stress him out and all my animals are very close and loving to one another. The house usually is super quiet and relaxed too, him running around playing is usually the most noise the house gets! I can't think of a single time before this he was ever stressed aside from the normal wariness of being at the vet for vaccines/when he got neutered. Its also unlikely its from dehydration bc he's very good at drinking (he likes to have the tap water whenever i go into the bathroom, but he also happily drinks from any of the bowls around the house) and i feed them wet food mixed with some dry daily.

They didn't find any stones but the blockage was caused by struvite crystals, in fact they were able to pull one blockage out that was a milky mucousy stringy glob before his first catheter was put in. I also pulled 3 or 4 small ones the day before yesterday after noticing he was blocked and trying to do anything in my power to dispel them since I had no means to get him the help he needed then. His urinalysis came back positive for struvite but also mentioned the amount was 'few', he had no bacteria present and his ph was 6.5, theres maybe a chance he had a uti and dispelled the bacteria before they got a sample? Though I didnt notice any signs before that he was having issues. The lab notes mention the results fit with FLUTD/idiopathic cystitis but I really have no clue how or why, it was brought on so suddenly and he ate the exact same things as his brother who's fine (i will be swapping to a preventative food for his brother though because I'm now just petrified of it happening to him too) I suppose theres a chance its just genetic or random :/

Thank you for your help though, I'll definitely take you up on your offer and pm you! I have some questions I'd really like some advice on from a different vet

[nikofortuna]

JTTW Chapter 11 Thoughts

Chapter Eleven for the @journeythroughjourneytothewest Reading Group!

The Underworld actually holds trials! Something we haven’t quite seen with Heaven so far, which makes me side eye them once more.

An explanation present in another translation that I found quite useful is what the Three Tribunes actually are. Or Three Orders as they are called in the J.F. Jenner translation. They are the Human Order, the Underworld Order and the Water Order. Interesting to see that ‘Water’ gets to be its own thing, though after short deliberation it does make sense given how many oceans and other bodies of water there are on the planet.

I really need to read Romance of the Three Kingdoms sometime, for some context as to why Li Shimin’s brothers seem to have beef with him. Well, extended context because the German translation explains this trivia bit! Li Shimin actually killed his brothers during a coup and forced his father to surrender the throne to him. So yeah, it’s understandable that they would be upset upon seeing him again.

Judge Cui messing with official documents like this is a bit eh. While it is kind of nice of him to go through with this favour for a friend, it is concerning how easily he did this.

It also brings up questions of how strict these “fate” things are. Heaven seems to insist they are extremely important and their every order needs to be followed for thing to function, but the Underworld seems to see it a bit more lenient.

Revisiting the situation with the dragon’s execution, was him being punished that harshly because of this pre-written fate which is essentially a prophecy? Or at least was that why specifically Wei Zheng was called in to execute him? If it is so that’s… well it’s really odd. How much of this is actually deserved fate and how much is downright fabricated by Heaven?

On a lighter note deities really seem to like their fruit! That’s pretty cute!

Picking up on a bit of translation detail I checked the Chinese original, as always with Google Translate, when I read “Griffin” and indeed it is not really a griffin as such, it just said demon/monster.

And repeating myself once more, whenever you see the colour green or blue mentioned, you can be almost certain that what is means is verdant.

The Tang Emperor coming back to live after three days specifically is pretty funny when you have context of different religions where similar things happened.

Liu Quan comes across as quite the self-centred idiot. He was far too willing to leave his children and for what? Because his wife couldn’t care for them anymore? That’s a big reason why he shouldn’t have thrown away his life! His children needed him most in that very situation!

Though his wife Li Cuilian wasn’t all that much better either. One little argument pushes her over the edge like that? Seriously? Either something was very wrong to begin with or there were additional important details which weren’t mentioned in the text.

It would be somewhat more believable if she got really drunk after the argument or something similar leading to her making an impulse decision to take her life just to spite her husband for that argument. She was seemingly quite restricted within the household, but it couldn’t have been an actually abusive environment or both of them wouldn’t have reconciled when they met again. At least there was no mention of them genuinely resenting each other or breaking up or something.

In the end they both got lucky that the Kings of the Underworld are such good guys and did all the work to get them back into the world of the living so they could get their full lifetimes.

At this point I mainly feel sorry for the children having to go through all this emotion turmoil because of their parents.

I’m starting to squint at the amount of women not being treated very kindly by the narrative and getting fridged under such nonsensical circumstances. And that is aside from the less than stellar treatment on display, which was considered normal back then. While it needs to be kept in mind that things were very different back when this story was written, overlooking this kind of stuff just because of that wouldn’t be right either.

Not the happiest note to end on, but an important one nonetheless.

[shiningwonderland]

Syo Kurusu (Repeat)

Translator: Terry (Twitter: turtlemudge)

Proofreader: Sera (Twitter: serayagami)

Editor: Pam (Twitter: skywyld), Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail)

August — Bizzarro Demise

It’s been a month since Syo-kun’s debut as a mysterious female model.

The academy is on its summer vacation, and there aren’t any classes, but….

Because of that, Syo-kun has become even busier.

Haruka Nanami: A call?

Ah… it’s from Syo-kun….

It’s… been a while since he’s called.

… I’m happy.

Syo Kurusu: Uh… I….

Um, where are you right now?

Haruka Nanami: Uh… now?

I’m… in my room….

Syo Kurusu: Oh… you’re in the dorms already….

Never mind, then.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

Syo Kurusu: I’m heading to the school right now for a meeting, so I might be free for five minutes or so.

I figured, if you were still at the school… we could maybe meet up for a little while. … But if you’re in the dorms, I doubt it….

Ah, sorry. I’ve gotta go. I’ll call later.... See ya…

Haruka Nanami: Okay….

Syo-kun really is busy, I guess.

The next day… I went to school by myself.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh, Haru-chan. You’re very dedicated, coming in during summer vacation. Are you composing by yourself?

Haruka Nanami: Uh, yes…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh wait wait, look at this, look. Ta-daaaa! Syo-chan’s finally on the cover of a magazine!

Tsukimiya-sensei happily shows me a fashion magazine.

In the picture, Syo-kun is wearing an expression overflowing with confidence.

Even though he hated this job so much at first…. He’s doing it very well.

He always dresses in line with the latest fads, and he poses magnificently.

His eyes are powerful, and just a little defiant. He’s got a mysterious charm that captures whoever looks at him and doesn’t let go. He’s almost like a mischievous little devil.

He looks like he’d tease you if you were around him... but there’s also just a little bit of boyish charm in his mysterious, beautiful girl persona.

I… can understand why he’s so popular, but…. The person in that picture isn’t the Syo-kun I know.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun… is getting more and more famous, isn’t he?

Ringo Tsukimiya: “Yui” the fashion model. Age: unknown. Birthplace: unknown. Birthdate: unknown. She’s a beautiful girl who’s full of secrets.

According to this magazine article, her stubborn expression and refusal to flirt with anyone has grabbed men’s hearts, and made her a rising star....

Haruka Nanami: … Syo-kun is amazing.

He really knows how to make different expressions.

Ringo Tsukimiya: That’s right. Plus, he’s total eye candy. He’s always had a cute face, and because he’s small, women’s clothes suit him.

And the kid’s really got a presence. He’s selling well, and there’s talk of debuting him as a crossdressing idol if this keeps up.

Haruka Nanami: … Would Syo-kun be okay with that… ?

Come to think of it, I’ve never asked Syo-kun why he wants to become an idol.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well, I don’t know about that.

But selling is winning in this industry, so this is a significant accomplishment. It’s a very good thing.

Haruka Nanami: … I see.

Ringo Tsukimiya: You say that, but you don’t look very happy about it, do you? Haru-chan, are you feeling lonely because you think Syo-chan’s moving forward without you?

Haruka Nanami: No, of course not….

Well, I say that, but maybe it isn’t true. I never realized how much encouragement I’ve been getting from Syo-kun....

Ringo Tsukimiya: Heehee. There’s no need to hide it.

Teachers are here to help students, so at times like these you can count on me. Ah, that’s right!

Shiny said that he’s going to give Syo-chan a break soon, so you should try to meet up and discuss with him.

If he keeps modeling and his popularity increases, he could debut as a cross-dressing model, like me….

Or, he can pretend this never even happened and aim for his debut from step one. You two get to decide.

After saying this, Tsukimiya-sensei goes home.

The Syo-kun in the magazine was so bright he seemed to sparkle….

He seemed like a person who someone like me could never reach.

Syo-kun is aiming to become an idol, and my job is to support him in his debut.

So I know that one day, he’s going to move beyond where I can reach him.

But, we’re still students…. Until just a little while ago, he was right next to me, laughing and getting angry….

But now, Syo-kun feels so far away.

Several days later…

I’m playing the piano in a deserted classroom, and somehow, it sounds more melancholic than usual.

Haruka Nanami: … Hmm.

Something that sounds a little cooler would fit Syo-kun better.

Syo Kurusu: Yo!! It’s been a while….

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun!!

The old familiar Syo-kun arrives, looking the same as always.

I’m so happy…. Ahh, I really did want to see him, so much….

Haruka Nanami: Um…

Select the phrase!

How have you been? (+10 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Fine. Well, I’ve been busy, but....

Well, this amount of work is no big deal.

How about you?

Haruka Nanami: Huh… ?

Syo Kurusu: I mean… well….

Have you been… okay?

Syo-kun scratches at his cheek, looking a little flustered.

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I’ve been okay.

I’ve been making progress on the song, too, little by little.

Working by myself has been lonely, but if I say that it would make him worry.

I try to speak as brightly as I can.

Syo Kurusu: I see.

I’m sorry I haven’t been able to come to practice at all.

Haruka Nanami: No, not at all….

I know you’ve been busy.

I have to do my best, too….

Syo Kurusu: … You haven’t been pushing yourself too hard while I’m not here, have you?

Haruka Nanami: No, I… haven’t.

Syo Kurusu: Really? Good….

You sometimes overwork yourself, so I was kinda worried.

Haruka Nanami: … Am I really that unreliable?

Syo Kurusu: That’s not what I meant…. I mean, if you’ve been having a hard time or anything when I can’t see you… Then… I can’t exactly support you, can I?

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…. Thank you. You're too kind.

Syo Kurusu: Yeah!

That’s just the kind of guy I am!

How has work been? (+5 Love +5 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. Well, it’s okay, I guess. They gave me today off and everything.

Haruka Nanami: Do you really want to be here when you finally have a day off? You should relax in your free time.

Syo Kurusu: It’s fine. I wanted to come here.

What, did you not want to see me in all my glory?

Haruka Nanami: No, of course I did. I’m very happy to see you… Your Highness.

Syo Kurusu: Really….

You know, I wanted to hang out too.

… With you, I mean.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun….

So Syo-kun has been thinking the same thing… That makes me happy.

It’s been a while… (+0 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Yeah….

… It… really has.

We haven’t seen each other in three weeks, have we… ? Somehow, this is awkward.

Haruka Nanami: Um… I saw the magazine….

The picture was very cute.

You’re very popular, aren’t you, Syo-kun?

The Syo-kun in the magazine was so bright and sparkling, it was like he was another person.

He was an idol.

But that made me feel a little lonely. I wanted to make music with him, like before… I can’t do that with him now.

Syo Kurusu: Yeah, well. It’s like I ended up being the latest fad somehow.

They added a bunch of weird catchphrases like the “mysterious tsundere girl.” It’s ridiculous.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun, are you okay with all this? Continuing to dress as a girl, I mean….

I told myself I wouldn’t talk about that. But… the words came out before I could stop them.

It’s probably me who doesn’t want this to continue…. I hope Syo-kun agrees with me.

But…. I really shouldn’t be thinking like this….

Syo Kurusu: I don’t like it, but…. You know how it is. They say that selling is winning in this business and everything.

I’m pretending to be a different person, so it’s not like this is going to affect my actual popularity…. Still, I’m getting to know the production staff and everyone.

Those connections are worth something. Shining Saotome was probably aiming for that when he forced me into this.

It's pretty tough, but… This is a lucky break for me, after all. I’m gonna do my best at it. Heh. I’m gonna be keeping busy.

Syo-kun… He's amazing. He's really thinking this through.

Syo Kurusu: A producer from a big record label sent me an offer recently, asking if I wanted a CD debut.

Of course, I had to turn him down as politely as I could. If I sang, they’d figure out I was a guy right away.

Syo-kun chuckles.

… It almost seems like he’s enjoying the situation.

Syo Kurusu: It’s already hard enough to avoid getting found out when I’m changing clothes. Most of the time I have to change outfits forty or fifty times a day…

I’m having the assistants help me, of course, but it’s pretty tough with the stylists, too.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun….

You were so against crossdressing at first, but now….

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. I still really hate it.

Syo-kun speaks without hesitation, like it’s no big deal.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

Syo Kurusu: But that’s the character “Yui,” not me.

Well, still, it bugs me whenever they call her “cute.”

When it comes to work, you sometimes have to weigh the pluses and minuses. If the pluses outweigh the minuses, then it’s worthwhile. You know?

Syo-kun grins. Then, suddenly, his expression becomes more serious and he looks me straight in the eye.

Syo Kurusu: And besides. If I were to avoid everything I didn’t want to do, do you think I’d be able to make it as a pro?

Not to mention, we’re all trying to get into the Shining Agency! There's nothing off the table over there, no matter how crazy….

It’s like, if I can’t do this, how am I going to handle it?

And he smiles again, looking confident.

Select the phrase!

That’s very mature of you. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Yes, it is, isn’t it? I’m already pretty awesome by default, but I’ve also always been way more mature than the people around me realize.

And yet, everyone goes around treating me like a child. Like Natsuki, and Natsuki, and Natsuki….

Haruka Nanami: Ahaha.

Syo Kurusu: Don’t laugh!!

Haruka Nanami: Ah, I’m sorry.

That’s impressive. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: It’s nothing special. Isn’t it natural if I’m trying to become a professional?

You too—you’ve got your pride as a composer, but be sure to stay flexible enough to meet the demands of your clients.

If you refuse a bunch of jobs because you don’t want to write those sorts of songs, soon you won’t have any work at all.

Syo Kurusu: I want you to be my partner forever. Let’s stay in the industry together for at least the next fifty years!

Haruka Nanami: Okay!!

You’re so strong…. (+5 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Of course! I’m strong and cool! That’s the kind of idol I’m aiming to be.

Haruka Nanami: By the way....

Why do you want to be an idol, Syo-kun?

Syo Kurusu: Hm? Have we not talked about this before?

Haruka Nanami: No, we haven’t….

Syo Kurusu: Is that right…? Oh yeah, I never asked you why you want to be a composer, either.

Haruka Nanami: I… really looked up to idols… well, to HAYATO-sama… and decided that I wanted to write songs for them.

Syo Kurusu: HAYATO…. Ohh, you’re talking about that idol who looks just like Tokiya, right?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I’ve always loved music, and I’ve been composing since elementary school, but….

I never thought of becoming a pro until I heard HAYATO-sama’s songs. They gave me so much strength….

I thought that someday, I wanted to write songs that would encourage others.

At first I thought there was no chance I could manage it… But then on the television one day, HAYATO-sama said….

“Be honest with yourself about what you want to do…. That’s the most important thing.”

I didn’t know whether or not I’d get in, but I decided to apply for this academy.

Syo Kurusu: Huh. I guess I’m a little bit like that. I’ve got someone I look up to, too.

You know, once… a long time ago, there was a time I gave up on my dreams.

Suddenly, Syo-kun looks sad.

Haruka Nanami: You gave up…?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. I’ve played the violin since I was a little kid. I had a good ear, and I thought I was really talented. I figured I’d be a pro someday.

But, that guy…. When I heard his music, it made me realize that there are people who are on a whole other level.

Syo-kun looks upset as he hits a key on the piano.

Haruka Nanami: “That guy”… ?

Syo Kurusu: It was Natsuki. His violin playing wasn’t just talented.

The guy’s a genius. He was born with abilities on a level that an ordinary person could never reach.

Syo-kun plops down onto the piano bench and gazes out the window.

Then, he gestures for me to sit beside him.

When I do, Syo-kun turns to look out the window again, and keeps talking.

Syo Kurusu: When I was that age, I was really obsessed with winning. When I realized I could never catch up to him, I gave up on my dream of becoming a pro violinist.

But then, after crushing my dreams, that jerk Natsuki quit playing the violin and had the nerve to try becoming an idol….

It makes me wonder how far he’ll go to cause trouble for other people…. Well, I’m sure he had his reasons, so whatever….

Right around that time, there was a super popular drama series on TV. Do you know “Prince of Fighting”?

Syo-kun asks me with an excited expression on his face.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… yes.

I liked it, too.

“Prince of Fighting” was a children’s show that aired several years ago, set in central Europe.

It was a revenge story about a prince whose parents were killed in a coup d’état.

After the coup, the prince was the only member of his family who escaped with his life.

The prince became a vagabond, gaining followers with the strength of his fists alone in his quest to recapture the throne.

Syo Kurusu: Yeah, it was really cool.

“I don’t need a fancy sword to protect the woman I love, as long as I’ve got my fist.”

Syo-kun throws a punch and gets into the prince’s signature pose.

Heehee. Syo-kun’s so cool.

Syo Kurusu: Just kidding. But I especially thought that the trust between him and the lady who was his servant at first, the warrior Nami, was the best.

Of course it was cool to watch him take down a bunch of enemies all by himself, but it was even cooler that he had someone who he could trust to have his back.

Actually, Nami is a little bit like you.

Haruka Nanami: R-really?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. You can count on her in a pinch, but normally she can be a little slow on the uptake, and she can be a bit of an airhead, just like you.

Hearing that I’m like a character in a drama he likes so much makes me happy and a little embarrassed, somehow.

Syo Kurusu: It really was a great show. I looked forward to it every week. But even as a kid, I knew in my heart that it was just a story.

I figured there was no way a guy that cool could exist in real life. The guy who played the protagonist would sing and dance on music shows, too.

But the truth is, that man really was the Prince of Fighting.

Syo-kun’s eyes start to sparkle brightly.

Syo Kurusu: Back when I’d just started middle school… I got into a fight with delinquents.

I’d already started learning karate by then, and I got kinda carried away. I figured it wasn’t manly to run away when someone else was angling for a fight….

So I thought I’d try fighting, but I got pretty messed up…. Just when I’d almost given up hope, he appeared.

He knocked all those men flat... without throwing a single punch. He brushed off anyone who tried to land a hit on him.

Just saying who he was had those bad guys panicking and tripping over themselves to apologize.

And then, he was all like, “What, you’re giving up just like that? How disappointing.” He was so cool!

With his back still to me, he asked, “Hey, kid. You got someone you wanna protect?”

When I said “Yeah,” he told me, “Then get stronger, so you can protect them no matter what.”

He said that, and then left—he was the Prince of Fighting himself.

He wasn’t just an idol on TV. I respect him as a king among men!

Since that day, I’ve looked up to this idol, Ryuya Hyuga, and tried to be like him.

That’s right….

The man who played the lead role in “Prince of Fighting” is our homeroom teacher, Ryuya Hyuga-sensei.

Haruka Nanami: Is it because of “Prince of Fighting” that you want to be known as a prince, Syo-kun?

Syo Kurusu: I guess. When I think, “Prince,” I think “Prince of Fighting.”

But what I’m really aiming for is to be an idol. To be able to sing, dance, and act perfectly, and on top of that to be an idol who’s good in a fight!

Though, after he lost his composer in an accident a few years ago, Ryuya Hyuga stopped singing, so I’ll never hear him sing again.

Still, his songs will always be...forever irreplaceable, to me.

Not that I could ever say that to him. It’d be embarrassing.

Syo-kun blushes, looking bashful.

Haruka Nanami: Were you happy when you found out your role model was going to be your homeroom teacher?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. When I found out that I’d gotten into S class, I was shivering with excitement. I was like, “I did it!” I thought it was fate.

So I’m gonna become an idol no matter what! And I’m gonna stand on the same stage as him someday.

I see…. If that’s why he needs the work he’s doing now….

Select the phrase!

Do your best. (+20 Love +10 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Dummy. What are you doing leaving it all to me for?

You should be saying, “Let’s do our best together,” got it?

Haruka Nanami: But… the way you are right now, even without me you’d be—

Syo Kurusu: How am I supposed to write a song on my own? To get into the Shining Agency, won’t I need an amazingly cool repertoire?

I’m looking forward to it, partner!!

Saying this, Syo-kun pokes me lightly in the head.

Haruka Nanami: Yes! I’ll do my best!

I’ll keep doing my best on my own. (+10 Love +15 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Why “on your own”?

Haruka Nanami: Well, you’re so busy, Syo-kun. I figure I need to do the best I can by myself….

Syo Kurusu: Dummy, don’t worry about that. True, it may be your piece, but I’ll be singing it, too.

Besides, I don’t want you to write it without consulting me at all. If you need anything, just shout. No matter how busy I am, I’ll come running.

Syo-kun pats me on the shoulder and grins.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you….

I’ll cheer you on. (+0 Love +10 Music)

Syo Kurusu: “Cheer”....do you think you’re my fan? You’re not, are you? You’re the partner of a prince.

Syo-kun pokes me in the forehead.

Syo Kurusu: How are we gonna do this if we don’t try our hardest together?

Haruka Nanami: That’s true, you’re right. Yeah, I’ll try my best too.

Syo Kurusu: … You know… I…. Being with you is really….

Syo-kun rests his hand on top of mine.

Haruka Nanami: Syo...kun?

Syo Kurusu: I mean… I… well.

His face turns red, and his gaze drops. What is Syo-kun trying to say?

Syo Kurusu: I!!

The moment Syo-kun looks up again….

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chaaaaan~~!

Suddenly, a boy enters the classroom.

Syo Kurusu: Eh, K-Kaoru… why are you…?

Syo-kun jerks his hand away from mine.

[Insert Syo 1st August CG]

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan! Syo-chan!!

I wanted to see youuu.

I haven’t seen you in so long! I missed you~!

The boy hugs Syo-kun tightly.

His face and height are the same as Syo-kun’s, but he has a different air to him.

Syo-kun comes across as very strong and sharp, but this boy seems remarkably timid.

Syo Kurusu: You dummy! Geez. Get off!

Haruka Nanami: … He has the same… face as you…

There are two cute faces before me….

What amazingly handsome men….

Syo Kurusu: Hm?

… Ah, this guy? He’s my younger twin brother.

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan, who is this?

The boy turns to me, puzzled.

His round eyes really are very cute.

Syo Kurusu: This is Haruka Nanami.

She’s an aspiring composer and my par—servant.

Kaoru Kurusu: Hmm. You are… ?

For a long moment, eyes that are the same as Syo-kun’s stare at me.

Haruka Nanami: Um…. I’m Haruka Nanami. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

I bow to him politely.

Kaoru Kurusu: I’m Kaoru Kurusu. I’m Syo-chan’s younger twin brother. Nice to meet you!!

Kaoru-kun grins. Even though his face is the same as Syo-kun’s, he smiles differently.

It’s a very friendly smile. I guess even between identical twins, personalities can be pretty different….

Syo Kurusu: Okay, so why did you come to my school? I happened to be here today, so it’s fine, but still…. There’s been a lot of days when I haven’t been at school lately.

Kaoru Kurusu: Well, even though it’s summer vacation, you haven’t come home at all, Syo-chan.... I’ve been lonely.

I figured if I came here, I would be able to see you. I’m sorry that I came so suddenly. But since you weren’t coming to me, I figured I had to come to you….

Syo Kurusu: I couldn’t help it, I’ve been busy with work….

Kaoru Kurusu: Work… ? But Syo-chan, you haven’t debuted yet, have you?

Syo Kurusu: Ah…. Well, that’s, uh….

Is Syo-kun keeping his crossdressing model job a secret even from his family?

He seems to be in a pinch. I should do something….

Haruka Nanami: Uh, um… he’s had to practice…. He’s been busy practicing the song for his debut. And….

Kaoru Kurusu: Really? Hey, Syo-chan, is that really truly what you’ve been doing?

Syo Kurusu: Oh, well, yeah. Anyway…. You’ve come all the way out here, so I’ll give you a tour of the school.

Kaoru Kurusu: Really!?! Wow, I love you, Syo-chan!!

Saying this, Kaoru-kun hugs Syo-kun again.

Syo Kurusu: I already told you, get off. Geez…. I guess I don’t have a choice now…. Ah… right, you come along too.

Syo-kun gestures at me.

Haruka Nanami: Eh, me? Is that okay?

Now, when he finally has the chance to be alone with his little brother...?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah, you’re free… right?

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

Syo Kurusu: So come along. I haven’t gotten to see much of you either, after all.

Syo Kurusu: This is a recording room.

Kaoru Kurusu: Wooow, this is amazing equipment. Ah! This mixer is the latest model. Awesome, this is so cool!!!

Syo Kurusu: Right? This is where they record instruments and vocals.

Kaoru Kurusu: I really wanted to come to this school with you, Syo-chan. I’m sure we would have had a lot of fun together every day.

Syo Kurusu: You couldn’t help it, you had a fever on the day of the entrance exam….

Kaoru Kurusu: That’s true, but…. I really did want to stay with you…. Ah! Hey, what’s this machine do?

Kaoru-kun looks around the recording room, fascinated.

Syo Kurusu: This is really expensive equipment. So, don’t touch anything too much. If it breaks, you’ll have to pay for it.

Kaoru Kurusu: I know, I’ll be careful!

Despite his response, Kaoru-kun occasionally touches the equipment as he darts enthusiastically around the recording room.

Kaoru Kurusu: Hey, hey, Syo-chan. Can I touch this? Ah! This is amazing, too! What is it?!

Syo Kurusu: … Geez. This guy….

Even though he’s complaining, Syo-kun is smiling kindly as he stands by and watches.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…. You really look like a big brother right now.

Syo Kurusu: Hm? Well, yeah. I am the older one, after all.

Haruka Nanami: Heehee!

Syo Kurusu: What? What’s so funny?

Haruka Nanami: You’re usually…

Select the phrase!

… pricklier than this. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Am I? I don’t really notice a difference myself.

Haruka Nanami: It seems like you’re usually more on edge than this. But you get a really gentle expression on your face when you’re looking at Kaoru-kun.

Syo Kurusu: Is that so?

Syo-kun tilts his head, puzzled.

… the cute one. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Don’t call me cute!!

He bristles, but even this reaction makes me think he’s cute….

… like everyone’s little brother. (+0 Love +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: What’s up with that? I know that everyone treats me like I’m younger than them, but…. I’m actually someone my little brother can count on.

Syo-kun pouts.

Kaoru Kurusu: Hey, Syo-chan, how do you use this?

Syo Kurusu: Didn’t I already tell you to quit touching things unnecessarily?

Kaoru Kurusu: I’m sorry…. I was just so excited to see you again, Syo-chan, I didn’t realize….

Syo Kurusu: Aww, c’mon, don’t make that face! I’m not actually that mad at you, okay?

Kaoru Kurusu: Really? You’re really, truly not mad?

Syo Kurusu: No, I’m not. Just be careful from now on.

Syo-kun gives Kaoru-kun a few pats on the head.

Kaoru Kurusu: Okay!! Syo-chan, I love you sooo much!!

Kaoru-kun hugs him.

Syo Kurusu: Geez, alright, fine. I’ll put up with this, just for today….

Kaoru Kurusu: Yayyy! Thank you!! You’re so nice to me, Syo-chan!

What heartwarming brotherly love.

Kaoru Kurusu: Hey, Syo-chan. You’re healthy, right? You haven’t been pushing yourself too hard?

Saying this, Kaoru-kun peers at Syo-kun, looking concerned.

Syo Kurusu: … Yeah.

Syo-kun’s face darkens for a moment.

Kaoru Kurusu: Really? You haven’t had any pain or discomfort? You’re okay?

Syo Kurusu: I’m okay. Don’t worry so much!!

Syo-kun smiles as he answers, but I somehow get the feeling that he’s pretending to be stronger than he is.

Kaoru Kurusu: In that case, it’s fine, but…. If you start feeling bad, you need to come home right away.

Syo Kurusu: I know already.

Kaoru Kurusu: You really, truly promise, right?! I’m trusting you. You’re not lying or anything, are you?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah.

After that, we visit a lot of different places in the school, and Kaoru-kun finally goes back home.

I stand beside Syo-kun at the school gates to see Kaoru-kun off.

Once Kaoru-kun is so far out of sight that he’s barely visible anymore, Syo stretches, groaning loudly.

Syo Kurusu: Ahh~!! He’s finally gone…. Geez, he’s still so attached to me.

Syo-kun and I turn our backs on the school gates and start walking back towards the school building.

Haruka Nanami: He's just very worried about you.

Syo Kurusu: We’ve always been together till now, but now I’m suddenly not around anymore. Why else would he be more worried than he needs to be?

There’s no real reason…. It’s not like I’ve changed, or anything.

Haruka Nanami: I…. Kind of understand why Kaoru-kun might feel that way, a little.

It’s definitely lonely to suddenly get left behind….

When I say this, Syo-kun stops short.

Syo Kurusu: Haruka…. You haven’t been lonely without me around… have you?

… No, I’m kidding. Never mind. Of course you’re not.

He laughs and starts walking again, but before I realize what I’m doing, I grab hold of his sleeve.

Syo Kurusu: Hm? … Haruka? What’s wrong?

Haruka Nanami: … I’ve felt lonely. When I’m composing by myself, I get really anxious sometimes.

I know that what I’m saying is selfish. Syo-kun’s been so busy…. And saying things like this will only trouble him, but….

Haruka Nanami: I want to ask your opinion…. And I wonder what you’d think…. So I think as hard as I can….

Oh, no. I can’t stop…. I can’t look Syo-kun in the face, either.

Haruka Nanami: But, I don’t think I’ll be able to write a good piece just by imagining what you’d say, so I want to practice a lot with you later on.

After saying that much, I can finally look up again.

Syo-kun is slightly taken aback, but he’s smiling very kindly, too.

Syo Kurusu: … Geez. You’re really dumb sometimes… aren’t you? Okay… I get it.

Haruka Nanami: ??? What do you get?

Syo Kurusu: Don’t ask things like that. It’s fine, you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s okay… I won’t leave you feeling that way anymore.

Haruka Nanami: … Huh?

What is he talking about?

But somehow, looking at Syo-kun’s face makes all the feelings of doubt that I’ve had until now vanish without a trace.

Syo Kurusu: Come on, don’t just stand there, let’s go!!

At that moment, a few drops of water fall from the sky.

Haruka Nanami: R… rain… ?

Syo Kurusu: Wah!

It looks like it’s gonna start coming down for real any second. Alright! Run with me, servant!!

Syo-kun takes my hand and breaks into a run.

Haruka Nanami: Huh!?! Y-you’re too fast, Syo-kun!!

Syo Kurusu: Well, hurry up!! We’ll get drenched!!

His hand squeezes mine, full of strength.

We run back to the school together, holding hands all the way.

Several days later, I’m composing by myself again.

Haruka Nanami: … What should I do? Maybe it’d be better to raise the tempo?

If Syo-kun were here, I could ask him, but….

It really is lonely by myself….

Syo Kurusu: Yo!!

Haruka Nanami: Ah!! Syo-kun!!

He… came. Even though he’s been saying how busy he is with his job….

Haruka Nanami: Aren’t you working today? You said it was going to start getting busy again…. You’re not making things harder for yourself by being here, are you?

Syo Kurusu: Right, about that…. I quit.

Haruka Nanami: Eh… ? Why… ? But… you said that this was a good chance….

Syo Kurusu: Well, it was, but…. The mysterious idol said she’s “going back to being an ordinary girl”... And made a magnificent exit!

I’m sure it’ll become the stuff of legend.

Syo-kun smiles like he’s enjoying himself.

Haruka Nanami: … But it was going so well….

Syo Kurusu: That’s exactly why. If my schedule had gotten any busier, I wouldn’t have been able to practice with you at all anymore.

Haruka Nanami: Is it… my fault?

Syo Kurusu: Of course not, dummy. This was my choice.

Sure, being a mysterious cross-dressing idol was good experience….

But I want to stake my career on singing. Of course, technique-wise, I still have a long way to go.

That’s why I don’t want to miss out on practice. I don’t want to lose to anyone, so I’m not going to be a crossdressing idol anymore.

Haruka Nanami: ….

Syo Kurusu: I understood what it is I really want to do… and what’s most important to me….

Select the phrase!

… and you came back to me…. (+20 Love +5 Music)

He really….

Really came back to me….

What should I do? I feel so happy…. So happy that I feel like I’m about to cry.

Syo Kurusu: What are you making that face for? Aren’t you happy that I, your prince, have returned?

Not wanting Syo-kun to see my tears, I turn away, and Syo-kun pokes at my head gently.

Haruka Nanami: I’m happy…. I’m so happy…. I mean, Syo-kun, you’ve gotten so popular….

I was so worried that you might not come back….

The most important… thing? (+15 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Does that mean that… practicing your singing with me is… the most important… ?

What should I do? I’m so incredibly happy….

Haruka Nanami: It felt like you were getting farther and farther away from me, Syo-kun…. I thought soon I wouldn’t be able to reach you at all….

I thought I’d have to keep trying on my own… forever….

Thank you…. (+5 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I’ve been… so lonely….

I was alone… and scared….

So….

I’m so happy that he came back to me.

Syo Kurusu: Heh. Why do you look like you’re about to start crying? Silly. I’m not going anywhere.

Saying this, Syo-kun wraps his arms softly around me.

Syo Kurusu: I want to try my very hardest, with you….

The strength of his arms wrapped around me, the warmth of his hand on my head, his kindness, and the power in his voice….

Just having him with me is so reassuring. I feel like as long as I’m with him, I can do anything.

This kind, reliable person… I’m reminded once more of just how manly he is, in both looks and personality.

Thinking that… makes my heart beat a little faster.

Mini Game

Ryuya Hyuga: Let’s go for a more advanced composition today. I’ll teach you about the tech that’s used during actual performances.

Steal as many techniques from me as you can!

Even if the melody is the same, the better your technique, the closer you’ll get to perfection. Don’t lose focus, and good luck.

Alright, let’s begin! Start the music!

S Rank

Syo Kurusu: Huh? Did something change? Have you always been this pretty? Did I just never notice it before…?

Haruka Nanami: Does something seem different? I don’t think I changed anything…. And… b… beautiful…? Uh… um….

W-what should I do? Nobody’s ever said that to me before. My heart’s pounding.

What should I say…?

I fall silent and look at my feet, and Syo-kun looks down too, going red.

Uhm…. W…what on earth should I do at a time like this…?

In the end, I can’t do anything, and Syo-kun is kind enough to change the subject, so we leave it at that.

I wonder if I should start researching ways to react to things so I stop freezing up all the time…?

It’s a problem.

Chapter End

[eurovision-del]

24. Italy – Due Vite

After this won Sanremo, I said that I didn’t feel too strongly about this song, but there was a chance it could grow on me. I think I’m currently in the process of that happening. Even as I write up this ranking, I have it on repeat, and I’m enjoying it more and more with every listen. I only very recently looked up a translation of the lyrics, and that’s what made it click for me. The way they explore the emotions in the aftermath of a breakup, and the messy ways your lives can intertwine is really touching. Having that knowledge makes it easier for me to connect to the music, especially in the chorus.

I do think Due Vite suffers a little from being cut down to three minutes, it feels like it’s rushing to get to the first chorus with the loss of half the first verse, and then that chorus also sounds incomplete – although maybe that’s just because I’m more familiar with the full-length version. Cutting a full minute off this song was always going to be hard. I have a lot of respect for Marco as an artist, he has a fantastic voice and is a very experienced performer – he sings this one with so much passion. The music is nice, I did find it a little on the dull side at first but now I’m more tuned into the emotions it’s trying for I like it more – although the fact that I did need a translation might be a point against it – other songs have been able to convey the full mood without me understanding a word of the lyrics. I do like how it builds up throughout though, and I especially like the bridge, where we get a little more intensity. All in all, I appreciate this one, and there’s every chance it only continues to grow on me!

[kaoarika]

Early this week I was able to watch Undelu's first episode and I still have the same complaints I had due to the first impressions I DID have when it aired WAY back last year :)

I don't think the first ep needed to be SO artistry or too symbolic in some parts. I mean, I know ex-SHAFT staff worked on this... but I still don't feel it needed it (the tilt heads meme that SHAFT is full well known is still rotting in my mind after all these years, it seems) and I feel it goes better with stuff like 3gatsu rather than... Undelu.

OH, the first sequence is NICE and it implies in some way or form that might be the anime adaptation of To You From Me, with all the context/parallels of the Loops, Victor, Juiz and the fact that I ALWAYS forget Undelu happens in some weird alternate world than ours... but it didn't have to go hard like THAT, lol (also some parallels with IRL Undelu's anime adaptation vs the manga... I have read reactions that are ALL over the place for the pacing of the anime's season, so, that might be fun :)) )

I miss the crowd from the first scene of Fuuko and Andy... it feels so strange and lonely... it works better that there was a crowd and not... just THEM???

My brother insisted to watch it with the LatAm dub, so I cannot really be against it. So far, it's good... but it feels a bit... weird because it's ALSO using other Spanish translation than what the manga uses (I always suspected that the manga is using Spain's manga TL and it's being "fixed" for it to be neutral) and there's also the biiiig familiarity of reading the manga in English. SO. WEIRD.

To put it briefly:

English -> Spanish (Manga) -> Spanish (Anime)

Unluck -> Desafortunada -> Infortunio

Soemthing about synonims and words and nouns that are rarely used in Spanish becase there are alternatives that are better well known and used in our dialect and some feel like REAL, REAL deep cuts that I have rarely seen other ppl use in prose context (ie unluck is basically mala suerte)

Andy is named like such in the LatAm anime's localization because "Anti-muerte" and Anti -> Andy sound similar I guess (we all know it's because Andy - Undead and it's pronounciation in Japanese as its a borrowed word from English... so)

I know that Tozuka never anticipated the series would get translated other than English (and I think he even mentions that his assistants may know a bit better English than him, regardless), so there's going to be nouns and such that would be weird in my language translation later on (Unjust and Unfair both mean "injusto" >.>, the manga opted for "Ilegal" for Unfair... and yet it still doesn't sound right when certain someone gives hints of what their real ability is >.>, it TECHNICALLY has the same meaning as "injusto" in certain situations -ie cheating-, i will be real, but other than THAT...)

The dub is okay, so far. I think Edson Matus is the highlight because he fits Andy's gruff voice a lot (yet I want to listen to Youkyan, because... Youkyan) and he is currently one of my bro's fave dub actors at the moment (he voices Charlie in Smili*ng Friends, and I concur, he sounds awesome there). look, I am SOOOO tempted that in any chance they get him here, I will bring either vol 1 or my figure to get it signed (below the figure base, sorry :V*)

STILL A FREAKING DAMN SHAME D*SNEY+ GOT THIS, THOUGH.

(I'm just looking at the next new anime adaptation releases of Blue Box and Sak*amoto Days in Ne*tflix and... FRICK, you know?)

*Reminder that I don't go to anime cons since 2017 because going on my own is not fun and it's basically "rinse and repeat" with merch stands and the expensive tickets for all that and a conventions monopoly and open secrets about the whole organizing event thing????

[bluestar22x]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Got tagged by @goodwithcheese by proxy [kinda]. ;)

1. How many works do you have on AO3?: I have 35 works on AO3. 28 on fanfiction.net. Some fics are reposts from the latter. I have 31 fanfics on tumblr, 29 of them being Pedro character fics. AO3 is just my back up for these fics (I have to load more on AO3 soon; it's missing some fics).

2. What's your total AO3 word count?: 162,722 - I'm not shocked. Most of that probably comes from like 3 or 4 of my fanfics.

3. What fandoms do you write for?: The Pedro fandom, though I've written for Supernatural (CW), 911 Lone Star, 12 Monkeys (Syfy), and Dominion (Syfy) in the past.

4. Top five fics by kudos

The Outcast with 56

The Journey with 49

A Bad Fall and Colors with 42

Sweet Summer and Visitation Rights with 37

One Night with 36

It's funny what hits on there compared to here on tumblr (Sweet Summer is my #1 fic on here). It's a little different (Joel is popular in every universe though).

I didn't link to AO3 because that's just my secondary fanfic dump. I rarely visit it. I'm on tumblr every day.

5. Do you respond to comments?: Yes, they're usually very simple cause I don't often know what to say to "this was so good!" but I always try to comment on every single one because they made an effort and I have the time to do it.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?: Definitely my latest fic Betrayal. I don't write unhappy endings often (I never do), but when I do it's for a writing challenge. Otherwise, there's also Weary that ends bittersweet.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?: This is impossible cause I am such a happily ever after person. The Outcast certainly in the traditional sense (Pero finding love and a home). But there's also The Rockford Files which starts with Tim having a angsty background but puts that to rest at the end (and he also finds love). My Sweet Summer Series and Second Chances Series are also both happy endings. Baby Fever too. For one shots maybe any of my Frankie fanfics. I also really like in canon happy endings so I have fics like The Tree which could fit into TLOU canon (but in my version lots of game 2/season 2 plots never happen).

8. Do you get hate on fics?: Not yet. Guess I'm not popular enough for them to pay attention to me. Quite frankly, I'm insulted I get ignored by the trolls. :P

9. Do you write smut?: Yep. Definitely. It's a requirement for all my romantic fics that are multi-chaptered. I like my smut even though writing them takes forever, especially since I'm still trying to not repeat myself even after so many fics (always trying to change up the words/terms I use, positions, etc.). I do still have fluff fics and angst fics that don't have it, but they're short fics so I don't need the spice to keep my short attention span focused.

10. Craziest crossover: I don't write crossovers

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?: I don't think so

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?: No. Maybe? I think someone once asked if they could translate one of my SPN fics to Russian.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?: No. I wouldn't want to collab. I don't even like writing with myself sometimes. And I think my style of writing is way too different from others for it to all blend well. Most importantly, I like having full creative control of my fics.

Sometimes I wish I had a ghost writer though. lol

14. All time favorite ship?: Too many. And too many were not together at the end (chose different people/one died). :( Uh...Oh! Melinda/Jim on Ghost Whisperer! That's got to be my favorite couple! Jim is the perfect husband. If any guys need an example for being a great husband...Jim. Jim is a great one.

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?: I plan on finishing all my WIPs. Whether I have the time for them all is the question but I don't have one where I'm like: as if that'll happen. I am pretty sure given enough time I'll get to them all.

16. What are your writing strengths?: I always have a hard time finding the answer to this. Having a clear sight of where I want to go? What I want to write, I guess? I'm not bad with convo I guess. I think my smut is pretty well written if not a little on the mechanical side (I need to work on explaining what they're feeling vs. what they're doing.)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?: I'd say details. Sure I can explain how something or someone looks but it's like "the mountain was massive" and not all poetic or anything. I try. If I never get there, well, that's why I write fanfics and not books. I'm not going to sweat it.

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?: I don't mind sprinkling it in, but I don't know any languages besides English, at least not really. You'd think having French in school and watching Narcos with all that Spanish I'd pick up more than a few words but...nope.

19. First fandom you wrote in?: Supernatural. My first official fic was in 2010 but I had one or two I wrote on a Microsoft word doc before that that never saw the light of day.

20. Favorite fic you've written?: I'd say The Outcast. It was one of those fics that came out of nowhere but sometimes those are the best ones. I loved writing for the characters and writing about nature and the horses, etc. Plus it was fun making winter a stage for new beginnings.

x

Everyone seeing this who is a writer, I tag you. (If you want to talk about your fics, go right ahead!) Also @solanumofthestars and @trulybetty

x

P.S. this is why Jim's amazing:

[seethesunny]

20 questions for fic writers

Tagged my @oliviassunrise. Thank you so much!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

35!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

Currently it's 190, 177 but I want to reach 200K words before this year ends hehe

3. What fandoms do you write for?

EAH and TLOU but I'm mostly writing about TLOU these days, since I have to really be deeply invested in something to actually write for it!

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

1. It is late now, I'm a bit tired; the sky is irritated by stars. (And I love you, I love you, I love you.) - TLOU main Jackson AU series 2. hoax - EAH rapple pain 3. it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world - TLOU main Jackson AU series part II 4. I was lost within the darkness (until I found you) - TLOU family ficlet collection 5. Let's chase the sun while it still burns for us. - TLOU Canon divergence AU — Tess lives and they can actually lay low kinda a fix it fic

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do, I know I'm not the best at replying bc I feel like I repeat myself too much, but I need people to know I'm grateful about them reading in any way I can convey that 😭

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

If you know me, then you're aware I go full angst mode and I make these poor characters go through hell lol but probs unraveled/undone though because it physically hurted to write it (since the OG ending was more hopeful and the two endings I wrote are so sad)

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I'm delusional enough to say it's Daylight, another Jackson AU where nothing bad ever happens and everyone is happy

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Aside from two snarky comments earlier this year, not that I'm aware of!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Okay answering this is funny bc contrary to what my archive shows, I rarely can write smut and only when the mood strikes right and I have something to say, I guess 🧍🏽‍♀️which means that it's mostly really bad written kinky smut lol but who will stop me

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Not really, I don't have enough interest in them anymore (but back in 2016 I created one with a friend that involved anime and werewolves. It’s not posted, don’t ask)

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No that I'm aware of! And please don’t do this ever lmaooo

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not yet, but I have considered that maybe I could translate my own stuff to my first language in the future, if you ever want to do it tho I'm open to the idea 👀

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Unfortunately not yet :(( there have been some talks with some writers about the idea but it never happens, and it's unfortunate because I loooove sharing ideas and working together creatively (Koku can agree with me on this, we've created so many things this year)

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

I have a bunch of them that I cherish with my whole heart but if there’s one that hits all my checkmarks it's Joel/Tess, their ambiguous nature has always been fitting for them and it works wonders to fill in the blanks, and also I've loved them since the beginning lols I'm never making it out of this hell

15. What's the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Shaking and crying I think it's ALL the multichapter fics I have planned but have no clue how to keep writing 💔💔 in any case it would be Fourth of July (canon divergence au where Ellie is Tess and Joel’s bio kid, she leaves and they reunite when she gets bitten then reconcile in the canon journey)

16. What are your writing strengths?

Maybe that I have versatility? I think I can write about many things and topics efficiently, characterization and that I employ poetry often... I think

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Would it be wrong to say everything 😭 but joking aside it's definitely dialogue, plot heavy writing and certain genres (action and suspense mostly)

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I encourage it doing proper research + consulting someone who actually speaks the language, so it's authentic! That's what I would do

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Anime fandom who shall never be brought up again.

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

J&T Ficlet collection because it has some of my best writing and it showcases my style perfectly, I'm glad I got encouraged enough to post it <3

Tagging: @beerandyarn @wardenannie @anne1marie @raffinit @ilovecats491 @thefloatingwriter @mariatesstruther and anyone else who wants to share 🤲🏼❤

[trigun-manga-overhaul]

Trigun Ultimate Overhaul Update - Unreleased Promotional Material and Origin Story.

OVERHAUL FRIDAY 12/23/22 - PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL AND ORIGIN STORY.

It's been four years since the project started and the goal has never changed. The only thing that really changed was the scope of it and how much material was needed to keep people interested and all the edits made in connection with that. It started as a single man undertaking but eventually grew to have a consistent team of three, along with a few guest helpers here and there.

In this post we'll share the story of how the project came to be and then a few iterations of these edits we've made.

(Above: Early Overhaul promotional edit.)

THE STORY

To briefly tell the story of how we got here, we've got to go back to 2018.

It started with me, the project leader, D, getting into Trigun in November of 2018. Being a relatively new fan, I have learned a lot in the brief time I've been in this fandom and community, actually, it was pretty dead when I came around. I had no intention of being alone in my newfound interest, so I wanted to start get things going and wrote up a plan for how I wanted to revive the fandom as a whole.

At the same time, I started checking up on the history of the fandom in every corner it existed, learning more and more about what has happened in the past and where everyone went. During that dive I learned about people's displeasure over the manga and how there were two translations. I realized quickly afterwards that I had seen both in my desire to read the manga back at the start, and that I had found the Scanlation first but immediately dropped it due to the horrible quality and went on to find the Dark Horse Comics translation.

But what I few from fans of the past, a repeated notion between more dedicated fans, was that the Dark Horse Comics translation was also subpar and that the writing was off, something I agreed with.

I've always been a very determined person and a perfectionist, so it was just a matter of time before I decided to be the one to make that new translation. I got all the files I needed and started working on a method for preparing them, planning out everything I needed done before I really could get to work. I was doing all of this in the background while I made daily content for the subreddit in early 2019, back when there were only about 2000 people. I also started a Trigun Discord server, TriCord, at the time, wanting to connect with as many people as possible.

(Above: The thumbnail for the Spotify playlist "Dancing Revolver.")

I spent the next months cleaning pages. I was removing text and redrawing bubbles and backgrounds as needed, as well as removing compression from the downloaded pages to make them clear and crisp. Some would see it as tedious work but I personally quite enjoyed it. It was pretty therapeutic and a nice way to unwind after coming home from work.

On a more personal note, it was also really nice to have this project on the side when things went a little sideways. Within the span of a single week both my parents were suddenly hospitalized and I had to temporarily move into a room at their house, so that I could look after them when they came back from hospital, as they required care. My mom was wheelchair bound for a month and then used crutches for a while afterwards, and my dad was very ill. With all that worry, it was vital to be able to clear my mind with a bit of creative work. My dad was diagnosed with cancer then, but through a successful operation, he made a full recovery and has been cancer free since.

A month or so later, I finished the entire cleaning process, allowing me to tackle the translation finally.

(Above: A black background variation of the 10/29/21 release.)

In retrospective, there's a ton about the earliest translations that I want to change in the new version, as my skill have vastly improved since. I have more experience and the tools I have have grown, so I would be able to do a better job today than back then, another reason why 2.0 is needed before I'm satisfied with the work done.

In late 2019 I had some help looking over pages I've already translated and typeset, just to get a better sense for what I need to look out for. This is the first time I'm actually working with anyone on the project, having been handling the planning and work alone before this. However, those who were kind to help me out didn't have all the time in the world to help out whenever it was needed, and they weren't as deeply into the process I was, so it was difficult for a few people to get a feel for what I wanted exactly.

I had a stable work partner from November 2019 and to July 2020 but then that partnership went silent. It wasn't before the summer of 2020 that I ended up with one of my current stable partners for the project, someone who really brought the quality of the writing to a whole new level. That partner being Vulpana. With our combined set of skills, I personally feel like the final results of our writing that improved greatly.

Later the second work partner, Arth, would join. With a sharp eye for all the technicalities of writing, as well as a much less constantly tired eye on all the work, we have reached as good as the text can get. I am very happy with the work we're doing together, the feel of it and the coherency. We work really well together and our communication is professional and fantastic.

(Above: The first version of the credit page for Trigul Vol 2.)

It was also through encouragement from various parties that I decided to list the Overhaul project on my CV while looking for another job. As I personally didn't see the point in listing a nerdy project, others insisted it couldn't hurt and that the project in of itself is impressive.

I had to eat my own words in late 2021 though, as I ended up getting offered a job as a professional translator for a respected international theater anthropology organization. They expressed their interest in my project, noting that they were impressed by the personal dedication to translate and formulate for fun. I gladly accepted the position, of course, and it became my dream job. Been working that position since and it has both helped my project and my project has helped it.

As there's not much else to say, I'll share a few more images as promised! Enjoy!

(Above: Early idea for the credit page for Trigun Vol 2.)

(Above: Spotify thumbnail for the upcoming Overhaul work theme playlist.)

MORE INFO NEXT WEEK!

[espanhois]

So I often jokingly say that Shakira gave me Spanish lessons since when I was learning full-time I would listen to her music a lot and make translations and everything. Today I want to show you all different subjunctive triggers as illustrated by Shakira, so hopefully you'll be able to remember them :) Remember, these aren't ALL subjunctive triggers, just some common ones. Also, my favorite era is ¿Dónde están los ladrones? so a bulk of my examples come from that album :) This also doubles as a MUSIC HISTORY lesson woo.

Ciega, Sordomuda

Aunque me levante volveré a caer Si te acercas nada es útil para esta inútil

In this case, the subjunctive trigger is aunque, although it doesn't always require subjunctive. When aunque is followed by the subjunctive, it means "even if", and when it's followed by indicative, it means "even though". This is present as well in Inevitable:

Y, para ser más franca, nadie piensa en ti como lo hago yo Aunque te dé lo mismo

But back to Ciega, Sordomuda:

Si pudiera exorcizarme de tu voz Si pudiera escaparme de tu nombre Si pudiera arrancarme el corazón Y esconderme para no sentirme nuevamente

Here the trigger is si, which is introducing a hypothetical if clause. In these cases, it's followed by the imperfect tense. When you finish these clauses, you usually use the conditional, for example: si pudiera exorcizarme de tu voz, lo haría de una vez.

Si doesn't always require subjunctive though, this is just to show that the speaker thinks it's not as plausible. For (a non-Shakira) example, look at these sentences:

a) Si tienes el dinero, puedes comprarte una mansión.

b) Si tuvieras el dinero, podrías comprarte una mansión.

In sentence (a), imagine that you just told me you won the lottery -- I know you have money, so I'm advising you of things you could do. Or maybe I'm just stating a simple fact, people with enough money to buy a mansion can do so. In sentence (b), I don't think you have the money to buy a mansion, but if you DID, you would be able to buy one.

Si Te Vas

Cuando memorices todos sus recovecos Y decidas otra vez regresar Ya no estaré aquí en el mismo lugar

The subjunctive trigger here is cuando. These events aren't something that have happened yet, so subjunctive is used. You use indicative for repeated actions and things in the past though. A good translation might be "whenever you do x".

Sé que volverás el día En que ella te haga trizas Sin almohadas para llorar

Here there isn't really a trigger, but subjunctive is used because el día isn't specified, Shaki has no idea when that day will be. This is used similarly in constructions like "busco a alguien que sepa inglés". The person you're looking for isn't a specific person, you're looking for someone who might know English. Replace it with sabe, and now whoever you're talking about is a clear person -- the alguien you're looking for knows English, maybe they're wearing a pink scarf, etc. Maybe you're looking for singer-songwriter Shakira, who sings in both Spanish and English. You can see this again in Moscas en la Casa:

Cazando motivos que me hagan creer Que aún me encuentro con vida

No Creo (I linked the MTV unplugged version because ugh love)

No creo que el mar algún día Pierda el sabor a sal No creo en mí todavía No creo en el azar

Y'all, this is the D in WEIRDO - doubt / denial !!! It's like Shakira wrote this song SPECIFICALLY so you would learn subjunctive. Phrases like no creo, no pienso, no estoy seguro, dudo, etc. will always require subjunctive. You can see it again in Te Aviso, Te Anuncio:

Nunca pensé que doliera el amor así Cuando se entierra en el medio de un no y un sí

Tú

Si algún día decidieras Alejarte nuevamente de aquí Cerraría cada puerta Para que nunca pudieras salir

Whoa, do you see that if clause?? That's not the focus here though, right now we're looking at para que, which means "so that". You need to add que + subjunctive when the subject changes, look at these (again, non-Shakira examples):

c) Lo hice para hablarte.

d) Lo hice para que me hablaras.

In sentence (c), I am the subject and the one trying to talk to you. In sentence (d), I did the thing so that you would talk to me. Another question you might have: why are both Shakira and I (both musical geniuses) using imperfect tense? The answer is simple, just to match the tense of the other verb. Look at these sentences and it'll be a lot clearer:

e) Me gusta que hables con tu papá.

f) Me gustaría que hablaras con tu papá.

Present tense goes with indicative present tense, and imperfect goes with all indicative past tenses (preterite, imperfect, and technically conditional) ANYWAY enough divergence from Shakira examples.

Que Vuelvas

Yo quiero que vuelvas Que te están reclamando Mis labios que hace tiempo no besas Yo quiero que regreses Ya ves que hasta mis manos De tanto no tocarte me duelen, me duelen

omg, another classic, this is the W of WEIRDO: wishes / wants. When you want someone to do something, you need que + subjunctive to change the subject over to them. Check it out again in La Tortura:

No pido que todos los días sean de sol No pido que todos los viernes sean de fiesta Tampoco te pido que vuelvas rogando perdón Si lloras con los ojos secos

Sombra de ti

O quizás deba esperar A que el insulto del reloj Acabe de planear mi fin

A two for one! I colored them so you can see them pretty easily. The first subjunctive trigger is quizás, which means perhaps. The use of subjunctive isn't required here, and I've seen people say they are interchangeable and others say that using subjunctive means that you're doubtful about what you've just said (so Shakira says maybe she should wait, but probably not).

The second here is esperar a que, which falls into the W of WEIRDO. Well, sort of. 'Esperar que' means 'to hope for', while 'esperar a que' means 'to wait for'. But both of them need the subjunctive, unless you're the subject and the thing being hoped on, in which case you use the infinitive (espero haber terminado el proyecto antes de que acabe el día)

Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos

Contestar solo aquello Y sentir solo esto Y que Dios nos ampare De malos pensamientos

We're jumping to Shakira's first album and to one of my favorite songs for this one. This is like a command - may God protect us from bad thoughts. If it helps you to understand, put a mental quiero, espero, or ojalá in front of that que, since it's something you are wanting.

Gordita (ft. Calle 13)

Me gusta que me mires como un delincuente Soy Caperucita, y tú eres el lobo que miente

We already saw this in examples (e) and (f), but me gusta que is always followed by subjunctive. This is the E in WEIRDO - Emotions. Some other verbs that fall into this category: alegrarse, encantar, tener miedo, temer, lamentar.

Loba

Una loba en el armario Tiene ganas de salir (Ah-ooh) Deja que se coma el barrio Antes de irte a dormir

Okay, so this is the R in WEIRDO - requests, recommendations, requierments. I know dejar doesn't seem like any of those, but this is also the group for exigir and prohibir, so it makes sense to put it here. You're allowing la loba to go around town, eating men after finding them with her radar especial para localizar solteros.

Suerte

Suerte que es tener labios sinceros Para besarte con más ganas Suerte que mis pechos sean pequeños Y no los confundas con montañas

So I'm like 90% sure this counts as WEIRDO's I - Impersonal Expressions. Normally you'll see these in the form of es + adjective + que, (es bueno que, no es bueno que, etc.), but this one is just a little strange in form. Think of it as "It's lucky that x".

And that's it! I think we covered all of WEIRDO minus O - Ojalá, and then some. I hope you learned something! And if you'd like to learn more grammar concepts with music, let me know! :) (also if anyone has even more concrete grammar knowledge and wants to correct anything let me know as well ahhahaha)

[writing-in-april]

Birthday Spankings

Spencer Reid x Female Reader

Summary: A normally shy reader decides to tease Spencer on his birthday thinking she could get away with it. Based on this request

A/N: who am I? Releasing two dom Spencer smut fics in a row 😱 lmao 😂 this is all for MGG’s birthday! Happy birthday to The Gubes 🥳 Actually pretty cool day cause both MGG and Oscar Isaac both actually have the same birthday 🥳 I decided to use this request that I’ve been meaning to write and add it with a bit of a birthday twist!! Thanks for reading and requests are open!!!

Warnings: 18+, Dom!Spencer, Shy reader that acts unexpectedly bratty, Reader wears glasses, Impact play, Degredation, Penetrative sex, Use of the nicknames Doll & Sir

Main Masterlist Word Count: 2.6k

“Hey, birthday boy.” There was no need for me to speak quietly as it was still quite early in the morning, but my default voice was still at a soft volume.

Spencer looked up from the crossword puzzle he had been solving like a race with a soft smile directed at me. He definitely did help me come out of my comfort zone a lot, but whenever he looked at me with softness as if he was adoring me I couldn't help but feel a bit of shyness bubbling up.

I was painfully shy around almost everyone in my life, except Spencer. When I had joined as an assistant technical analyst for Garcia I was in stark contrast to her bright and bubbly demeanor. For a long time I didn’t connect with anyone on the team, just did my job as was described to me and only spoke when I needed to.

The event that had gotten me to come out of my shell a little happened to be when I was reading a book that Spencer had loved. He launched into a full rant about the book that I had barely even started immediately when he saw the cover. When he had realized he’d spoiled the book he had apologized profusely. In a rare moment of bravery I told him he could take me to a bookstore and buy me another book as repayment, albeit with my head hanging low speaking so softly that Spencer had to ask me to repeat myself 3 times. Though, it was really just an excuse to get him to talk again, I loved listening to him talk. Ever since then we had been joined at the hip, even beginning to date two years ago. I often helped him become more grounded in the world he often said and it was quite obvious to everyone around me that Spencer helped my confidence bloom.

I will admit he could be a little possessive as of late though not in a bad way, especially after coming back from prison. But, I was still extremely surprised when he came up behind me subtly in the room while I was making the first cup of coffee for the both of us in the morning and I felt a tap on my ass. He must have finished his crossword puzzle.

I yelped quietly in surprise, it didn’t hurt, it had just been unexpected. I turned to face him with a bemused look on my face quirking my eyebrows up shyly in question. My shy befuddled look was in stark contrast to his smirking face making me peek up and smile a little. At least no one had been around, Spencer was brave just not that brave.

I wasn’t sure what made me a little bit more bold today, maybe I thought I’d get some leeway for brattiness because it was his birthday. Honestly, I don’t know why I thought I could get away with it, it was his birthday after all, not mine. I still decided to push up my glasses a little before speaking smoothly with a little more confidence than normal,

“Isn’t it the tradition that the birthday boy is the one that’s supposed to get the spankings?” Spencer’s face was one of shock at first, not used to a snap back from me. Once he recovered from my unexpected remark a dark look that I almost never saw directed at me came over his face letting me know without any words that I was in for it tonight. I wasn’t going to get my normal soft but dominant boyfriend tonight.

Spencer then confirmed my thoughts when he leaned in closer behind me slightly pushing me into the counter and then whispering into my ear, “ I hope you know what you just got yourself into, Doll.”

His presence then left me to go back to his desk, making sure to grab his sweetened coffee I had been making for him along with mine. Making sure he did make sure to spank my ass one last time, this time much harder than the first. Yeah, I was definitely in for it tonight.

I looked around to make sure that no one had been looking towards the break room, luckily no one had been. My cheeks were hot with residual embarrassment and my heart still pumping loudly with adrenaline from getting the courage to say a sassy sentence to Spencer. I tried to mask my embarrassment by bringing up my own coffee to hide my face which also fogged up my glasses a little. I will admit that the rush I felt when I had finally gained the courage to sass back to Spencer made any punishment I was going to get tonight worth it. I even was slightly looking forward to the birthday spankings I was definitely going to be getting.

——

When work came to a close I was soaked through my panties already in anticipation. Spencer had been casting me looks throughout the rest of the day, it had made me so desperate I had wished I had gotten the courage to make a snarky comment later in the day so I wouldn’t have had to wait for some relief. Though, to be honest I was partially anticipating not being able to have any relief at all tonight by the way Spencer had been looking at me. Even when everyone had been singing happy birthday he had been looking at me as if he was deciding how he was going to take me apart later.

When I got the text at the end of the day that he wanted me to come to his apartment I felt myself get increasingly flustered. I knew I should’ve just stayed in my lane as a good girl who did everything for her dom. My flustered state was so noticeable that the rest of my co-workers had even noticed, which was telling considering my normally shy demeanor translated to flustered.

As soon as I shakily opened the door with the spare key Spencer had given to me on our last anniversary I was greeted with the tall imposing figure of him standing at the end of the entryway.

His slow walk over to me caused me to drop my purse over being intimidated, it was a good thing though because I was positive I had never been so soaked before.

Once he reached me he tilted up my chin with one finger and spoke with a calmness as cool as steel, “You’re going to do as I say tonight, I’m going to punish you. If you speak out of turn once I won’t let you cum for a week.”

Your confidence in your bratty behavior from early had all but completely deflated at those words. He had edged me before too and I had done it many times before, never for so long though. I definitely knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“Yes, Sir.” I spoke firmly to emphasize that I wasn’t playing around anymore, I was ready to listen like I normally did.

“Just a few simple words and you’re so easy to tame?” You nodded with a whimper and averted your eyes away, embarrassed with how quickly he could bring you back to your usual behavior. He reached forward to push up your glasses that had slipped down your nose a little which also refocused your gaze back on him before he spoke again, “I knew you’d be so easy, you’re always so desperate to please me and- yourself. I knew as soon as I threatened to take it all away you’d come crawling back doll. ”

He enveloped me into a harsh all consuming kiss that there was no escape from, not that I wanted to though. He easily dominanted the kiss while also running his large hands through my hair and tugging harshly to pull me closer. Suddenly he broke the kiss, leaving us both panting and he touched me jaw again. This time he gripped it hard before giving me another command that I was ready and willing to follow,

“I want you to ride me tonight, it is my birthday after all. I want you above me while I look at you fucking yourself on my cock, just desperate to cum while you service me.” I whined at his words, hoping that I’d get to cum. But, I had never really been bratty, the only spankings I had gotten before this was because I asked for it. I whimpered in wonder about whether or not Spencer was going to give me the chance to cum or not. Spencer seemed to understand my nonsensical plea then speaking with a condescending tone, “Oh no, you’re not going to get to cum tonight until I see if you regret your bratty behavior, little doll.”

He hauled me up onto his lap after basically ripping down my panties and skirt to straddle him when he sat down onto the couch, which happened to be the closest surface suitable for what Spencer wanted to do to me right then and right now.

He ran his fingers through my folds collecting my juices, teasingly rubbing my clit for a second of relief before popping his fingers into his mouth to get a taste. “Mmm, you taste wonderful. Want to taste?”

“Y-yes, Sir.” He already knew my answer though considering he had already pulled my hair to tilt my jaw back causing me to stutter while running his hands through my folds again. Once he got his finger sufficiently wet again he shoved his fingers into my mouth with no warning, gagging a little in response. He pumped his fingers in and out of my mouth until he was completely satisfied how I had sucked the juices off of his fingers, until drool had been escaping the corners of your mouth.

Again he rubbed my clit in a teasing manner before speaking, “You’re already so wet you're practically dripping, I could just slide right in.”

It wasn’t too long until he had and he was right he did slide right in, my walls gripping him like a glove.

I was only allowed a moment to adjust before he prompted me to start moving by saying, “I’d like my birthday present now.”

I began to bounce on top of him as I had done many times before. At one point I had tried to take my glasses off to make myself perhaps more comfortable but was met with a light growl telling me that he wanted them to stay on. After a while I had created a rhythm for long enough that I was wondering when my punishment was going to come, I already had a pretty good idea what it was going to be.

A harsh sound cracked through the room suddenly confirming my suspicion, he had spanked me hard. My hips stuttered from shock, then stopping completely reeling from the harsh slap.

“Call them out, Doll.” He sharply spoke after landing the second blow onto my other cheek.

“2-2!”

“I’ll let that one slide but call them out clearly next time.”

My hips were burning as I tried to focus on rotating them properly while he started to lay in on my ass. It also was difficult to focus on making sure I was calling out the spanks with some semblance of clarity.

“12!” “13!” “14!”

Number 14 had been the harshest one yet making me cry out so loud in the back of my mind I was concerned that maybe his neighbors would call the cops. Though the burning pleasure echoing through me wasn’t letting me voice my concern to Spencer, all I cared about was trying to hold off my orgasm that I was already dangerously close too despite being so far off from the finishing number.

When tears started to prickle in my eyes Spencer looked up at me with slight worry, breaking the scene a little. I hadn’t gotten near my breaking point yet so I nodded for him to continue, I only had about 10 more to go.

“24! 25! 26!”

When my hips started to slow down slightly because of the stinging pain from his spanks he gripped my hips hard which I was sure would leave another kind of mark that I’d wear for a while.

He released his hard grip with one hand to continue the count to the magic number, how many years old he was today. I willed myself to continue counting because I knew I’d just get myself signed up for more, maybe even starting back from zero— I didn’t know if I could handle that and successfully hold off my orgasm.

“36!”

“37!”

“38!” The last stinging slap cracked down like a whip to my ass that was no doubt probably would make it hard to sit for the next week, hopefully not more.

I was hoping to get relief from Spencer by letting me have permission to cum but, when he asked the next question I realized he wouldn’t let me off so easy, “Do you think you’ve earned it?”

“No, sir I haven’t but I’d really like to cum please?!” I knew I hadn’t begged enough in his eyes, I knew I hadn’t earned it yet, but I was just so desperate to finish. His cock was running up perfectly against my g spot hurtling me precariously close to the edge.

“Say your sorry.”

“I- I’m sorry, S-sir!” I stuttered out in desperation which was usually not something Spencer would have tolerated, I think he sensed that I wasn’t going to last any longer with the edging and being no longer physically able to control it.

“Ok, Doll you can cum, since you decided to follow my directions so well.” As soon as ‘ok’ had left his lips I stopped holding my orgasm back out of pure exhaustion. It was so devastatingly good, ripping through every nerve in my body, that I barely noticed Spencer finishing as well. I only felt the last few ropes being pumped into me after the majority of my orgasm had passed.

Our panting breaths mingled as I leant over to kiss him while I rocked my hips to drag out the last dregs of our orgasms. The kiss ended up being more messy than I intended but I was just desperate to feel his lips on mine again.

Spencer gripped my lightly jaw once he had caught his breath some and turned my head to the side to press a kiss below my ear before speaking softly, “Such a good girl.”

“Thank you, sir.” I whispered back with another characteristic whine from me that was a little pathetic on my part, I had been ruined by him for sure.

We basked in the presence of each other for a little while, just enjoying being tangled all together. Though after a while the stickiness between my thighs got a little too uncomfortable and Spencer started the main part of aftercare for me. He seemed a little caught up in his thoughts while he started to clean me up so I prompted him with a little boop on the nose to silently ask what’s wrong.

“Did I go too far?” The worry he felt was evident by the tensing in his shoulders where he often seemed to hold his worry.

You quickly interjected as he began to stutter out the beginnings of an apology despite not letting you answer yet, “If you had, I would’ve used my safe word.”

He breathed out a sigh of relief as he resumed my aftercare, making sure I was well taken care of and pampered to perfection. We were sitting in a bubble bath when I finally realized something, I hadn’t said Happy Birthday to him yet.

“Happy Birthday, Spencer.”

I said while I was straddling him and I could already feeling him getting ready for another round, though this one would surely be gentler than the last as to not irritate my ass anymore. Despite my still stinging backside I was glad I stole Spencer’s birthday spankings.

—-

Tag list (message me if you want to be added):

All works:

@shotarosleftpinky @90spumkin @kyra-morningstar @s1utformgg

Spencer Reid/CM:

@calm-and-doctor @destiny-tsukino @safertokiss @slutforthegubes

Dom Spencer (new tag list):

[indulge-that-sin]

A Social Experience

Characters: GN!MC, Leviathan, Asmodeus, Mammon

Wordcount: 1700

Tags: Fluff, Domestic, Bonding Activities, Humor

(No spoilers for latter lessons, but takes place fairly late in the game.)

***

"--a gross, shut-in otaku like me!" Levi finished, on the all too familiar note.

Usually by this point you would already be launching into reassurances that he certainly wasn't gross, and shouldn't talk about himself like that, but this time there was nothing but a silence that bounced off the walls, damning and louder than any words.

You reached into your bag of chips, removed a single potato chip, and ate it as you tilted your head in thought. Levi took your silence like a slap in the face, and recoiled, his face already wavering. The sound of your chewing was distressingly loud in contrast.

You finished chewing and swallowed. "I mean, is that even true anymore?" you asked after a nerve-wracking length of time.

Levi's expression twisted more into confusion than hurt. "Huh?!" 

"Don't you kind of lose your hikikomori credentials if you become popular and people start coming to spend time with you all the time?"

"That's not-- I'm not-- You don't count!" Levi sputtered.

"Oh, I don't count, huh," you repeated, putting a hand to your chest and dramatically feigning heartbreak.

Levi looked abashed now. "Th-that's not what I meant," he rushed to add.

"I know what you meant," you said. "Give it an hour."

Now Levi tilted fully into confusion.

"Give what an hour?"

"My point to be made," you said, and placed your D.D.D. onto the lip of the bathtub, out of your own reach. It was also clearly visible to Levi as you both sat on beanbags in front of his TV, next to the bath tub. "An hour," you repeated in a portentous video game narrator voice.

Levi scowled and picked up his controller again, turning back to his game. But his reactions were off, now. His character moved jerkily around the screen, doubling back and taking wrong turns on the 8-bit map as Levi's mood roiled with the strangeness of the conversation.

You continued eating your chips slowly, savoring the taste of the limited edition novelty flavor that Levi had generously acquired for you. He'd tried to pass it as a coincidence, but he didn't really know anyone else who unironically enjoyed the taste of cream and devilradish chips.

Not even half an hour passed before there was a knock on the door. Levi asked for the password on reflex. Surprisingly, from the other side of the door came a sigh, and then Asmo's melodious voice reciting the string of nerd trivia that Levi had set as a password for him ever since they became unlikely allies for the Bloody Moon competition.

"Come in, I guess," Levi replied, giving you a long look. Your D.D.D. was still on the edge of the bathtub, untouched as you sat there elbow-deep in greasy chips. You couldn't have called anyone over. And yet, was this what you expected to happen?

"Give it forty more minutes now," you said low.

Asmo fluttered into the room, like a passing breeze bringing in the smell of perfume. 

"Oh, there you are, darling, I was wondering where you were," he said, face lit up as he saw you.

He sat uninvited next to you in the beanbag, and you scooted over to make space for him. Levi would have complained, except moving to make room for Asmo meant you shuffled closer to Levi instead, so he ended up biting his tongue.

"What do you want?" Levi grit out.

"Must I want something?" Asmo asked, "Is it not enough that I give my adorable brother the opportunity to entertain me?"

"He's bored," you translated.

"I'm soooo bored," Asmo whined, his shoulders rolling in a full-body sigh. But he perked up as he leaned forward to look at both you and Levi. "But what about all this? Mind if I join the fun~?"

"Let's find a game Asmo can play," you suggested. 

"If you'd like," Asmo acquiesced with a shrug, indicating he'd had some other kind of fun in mind.

Levi gave you another sidelong glance, full of suspicion, but his head was out of the game he was playing anyway, so he exited and pulled up his game library instead. Deciding which game to choose was the trickier part, because Asmo had terrible reflexes, and an attention span worse than Mammon's when it came to playing anything. This ruled out anything requiring twitch reflexes or understanding complicated rules. 

Asmo, meanwhile, scrunched his nose at your chips.

"All that grease and salt is going to be awful for your complexion, darling," he said, clearly disapproving.

"I'm not rubbing it on my face," you said, and defiantly sucked crumbs off your thumb. Levi nearly choked at the sound, which was borderline obscene. The little sound Asmo made in response did nothing to contradict this impression. Levi managed to swallow back the wave of envy before it came undammed by concentrating on the list of games on the screen. He still had to make a selection.

A farming sim seemed like a safe enough choice; something bright and frivolous. Just like Asmo.

Levi passed the controller as the title screen came up, and Asmo, to his credit, managed to choose the 'New Game' option without messing anything up. Yet. When the screen went dark as the game loaded, Asmo couldn't resist looking at his reflection and primping his hair a bit. Levi did resist snorting and rolling his eyes, but it was a close thing.

The character creation screen popped up with its myriad of options, and Asmo gasped in delight.

"Oh! This is a good start! Much better than getting shoved into some ugly gray metal suit at the beginning," Asmo remarked cheerfully. He cycled through the hair and clothing options with the speed and deftness of a veteran player. 

"Hey, beginner armor in RPGs can be colorful too," Levi protested.

"But not fashionable, apparently," Asmo sniffed.

Asmo had only just barely settled on a hairstyle and color combination he thought was adequately cute, and was scrunching his nose at the shirt options, when another knock came at the door.

"Come in," you called out, before Levi could demand a password.

Mammon's head popped through the door, and he pulled a face when he saw you there, just like he always did when you were in somebody else's company and not his.

"Eh? What're you doing here?" Mammon asked, closing the door behind him and sidling up to the three of you. 

He craned his neck and squinted at the screen, like he was verifying that whatever you were doing, it passed his requirements for propriety. Between knowing the kinds of games Levi had in his collection, and seeing Asmo there, maybe he was not completely unjustified in some suspicion, but it still made you want to roll your eyes.

"We're watching Asmo create his character," you explained.

Mammon guffawed. "Betcha been watching him do that for a while!"

"Fifteen minutes, more or less," you said. "But to be fair, Levi takes way longer to create characters."

"It's an important step!" Levi sputtered.

"Especially with the quality of the options," Asmo added. "Look at this. A purple T-shirt with a pink butt on it?"

"That's a peach!" Levi protested, his face turning red.

"I know what a butt looks like, Levi," Asmo replied tartly.

"Wait, wait, Asmo, that black one with the gold design ain't half bad! Go back an' pick that one." 

"That gaudy thing! Absolutely not!"

"Mammon, why are you even here?" Levi asked, now completely exasperated with his brothers.

"I was just seein' if we were still on for Devil Kart against those Purgatory Hall guys. We need ta win back our honor, ya know."

"Do we?" Levi asked suspiciously, "or are you running a betting pool again?"

Mammon made a good show of appearing indignant at the very suggestion, but he'd hit you up earlier today about whether you'd be willing to take a dive in the second half of Candy Mountain in exchange for a lump grimm sum, so you knew too much about the subject to defend Mammon without exposing him.

"Can't I be showin' an interest without ya gettin' all suspicious a' me? What makes me so weird, huh? Asmo here doesn't even play games, and I don't see ya hasslin' him!"

"I do too play games," Asmo protested.

"Really? 'Cause only thing I ever saw you play was that stupid matching thing with the gems, and I ain't seen much of even that lately."

You knew which game Mammon meant, because it was the only game app you'd ever seen on Asmo's phone. You'd watch him play in moments of boredom, swiping his screen with a completely blank look of concentration as he matched the colors of the gems in rows and columns, and they burst into sparkles. 

"Ugh, of course you haven't seen me play, I finished it. I have to wait until they add new levels."

"Didn't that game have like ten thousand levels already?" you asked. "You mean you passed all of them?"

"Eleven thousand and sixty five," Asmo corrected primly. "And yes, I did them all. I have to wait until they add more now. I asked."

The room fell into shocked silence at this. Even Levi looked mildly dyspeptic at the thought of completing eleven thousand levels of a match-3 game. You'd played it yourself for a while, and past the two hundredth level, the number of complicated mechanics the game introduced had completely broken you.

"Anyway," Mammon said after a few more beats of silence. He gestured to the screen, where Asmo was flicking between two shirt options. "This thing got co-op or somethin'?"

You finished your chips, and folded away the empty bag. When you picked up your D.D.D., fifty five minutes had passed.

"Still five minutes left," you muttered to Levi while Asmo and Mammon bickered over the choice of pants. "Wanna play the long odds and see if the twins show up too?"

"Okay, okay, you've made your point," Levi grumbled. "I let way too many people waltz in here. I'll have to tighten security."

But Levi's heart wasn't really in it, and when he turned to watch Mammon try to swipe Asmo's controller while the latter loudly protested, there was almost a smile threatening to spread over Levi's face.

[ridiculousn3sswrites]

Lost in Translation

*Lafayette x Reader

*Request: “ @thefluffypancake asked: ‘Hey could you do a Lafayette x reader where she’s learning French and she try’s to ask him out on a date but accidentally asks something else. If not, it’s okay! Have a great day! 💞💞’”

*Warnings: Language, my own personal issues with French as a language. Let me know if I missed anything!

*A/N: This request is so old and I’m so sorry for that. Also I kinda changed the request a bit to reader saying she wants to kiss Laf because that word-for-word translation is off and you’ll see in the fic.

Tip Jar

**********

French was definitely a made up, ridiculous language. While - as your friends always felt the need to point out - every language was made up, French was even more made up than anything else. And yet here you were, trying to learn French on your own just so you could ask out the Frenchie in your friend group. It was a stupid idea in hindsight, but you thought it’d be cute to just surprise him by talking to him and then asking him out in French. Turns out it was a lot harder than you thought it would be. When your initial plan didn’t work out, you could always count on your friends to fuck up in a way that would make things somewhat better. 

Apparently, John never got the memo to not tell Alexander you’d asked him for help with French, and Alexander never got the memo that you learning French was supposed to be a secret. He definitely didn’t get the memo to never bring it up in front of Laf (even though you were pretty sure you’d told John you were trying to learn to impress Laf), so he did exactly that when all of you were hanging out. You had just got back to the table, coffee in hand when Alexander opened his stupid mouth. “Hey, how’s learning French going?”

“I mean, that’s one way to greet me I guess,” you said, trying to ignore the heat rushing to your face. Nope, the best course of action would just be to avoid the conversation. “Like, I haven’t even sat down yet.”

“Wait, you’re trying to learn French?” Laf asked, looking at you in excitement. You could already feel your resolve weakening.

“I mean, I’m trying but it’s not working out so great. Turns out that Duolingo owl only cares about Spanish,” you tried joking, taking the empty seat next to him.

“Dude, you asked me for help,” John spoke up, like that would make the situation any better. It wasn’t your fault that French was an utterly ridiculous language. What language even needs that many vowels? 

“Not my fault you’re a shit teacher,” you shot back, deadpan but completely joking. Even though John looked offended, you knew he wouldn’t hold it against you. After all, you were his ride back home. It took John a second to bounce back.

“Nah, you’re just a shit student.”

“I mean, my grades aren’t gonna argue with you there,” you laughed, the tension finally easing up some. You were still gonna strangle Alexander later, but for now things were fine. For all of five seconds.

“Why didn’t you ask me for help?” Laf asked, stealing your coffee and taking a sip. You were quick to take it back from him, trying to think of an excuse that wouldn’t give away your true intentions. However, now that you thought about it, just asking him to help you learn French probably would’ve been the easiest course of action. Have lessons with him a couple times a week for a few weeks, ask him how you ask someone out in French, and then bam! hit him with the question. Why do I always make things more difficult than they need to be?

“I… actually, I don’t know. Do you think you could help me out?” You tried to ignore the impressed look John was giving you. Sometimes you hated the fact he was your best friend.

“Yeah, of course! I’m offended you went to him first,” Lafayette said, stealing another drink of your coffee.

“Dude, buy your own!”

“But yours tastes so much better,” he teased.

“Gross, can you guys get a room or something?” Hercules spoke up. “Actually, don’t. I forgot I share a room with Laf for a second.”

“And you just made it worse than it had to be,” Angelica muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Anyways, when are you free? It’ll be fun helping you learn,” Laf said, turning his attention back to you. “Just send me your schedule and we can set it up!”

“Yeah, sure thing,” you agreed after a second, trying not to seem too eager. You and Laf rarely hung out on your own, normally having at least one of your other friends there with you. You couldn’t remember the last time the two of you had been alone, let alone you not being awkward when it was just the two of you. You texted him a screenshot of your schedule, your heart already racing at the thought of getting closer to him. You could handle hanging out with him with other people, but alone was a whole different story.

“Great! This’ll be fun!” His bright smile was enough to take your breath away, easing your worries somewhat.

“Yeah, I can’t wait.”

“Okay, so back to me,” John redirected the conversation, making a face at the look you were giving Laf. You couldn’t help but laugh at his obvious attempt, gladly letting him talk about whatever project he was working on now. No, you needed to figure out how you were going to handle this.

**********

Considering it was the middle of the semester, it was difficult to find a time to meet up with Laf that worked for the both of you. You both had papers, midterms, and group projects to work on, but you were finally able to find some time to have a little French session. The first few sessions were accidental, happening when Laf happened to find you in one of the 24-hour libraries, way too late for anything to actually stick in your mind. You found yourself only focusing on the way he spoke French, which was way too attractive to be fair.

After you had a few more impromptu sessions, you were finally able to actually set something up with Lafayette. For once, the both of you had a Friday afternoon free, so you’d be able to see him when you didn’t look absolutely destroyed by assignments and projects. It was still early on into your changed plan, but you figured now was as good a time as any to make your move. You managed to convince John to leave the apartment for a few hours at least, not that he made it easy on you. With his incessant teasing, sometimes you wondered why you chose him to be your best friend and roommate. 

Once John was finally out of the apartment, all you had to do was set things up. You set out some snacks, not really knowing how to host other than offering people food, had some study materials set out because the two of you were going to work on some other assignments before you started with the French lessons. Things didn’t have to be perfect, but you were determined to make it as close as possible. You had a note on your phone for what you wanted to ‘ask’ Laf about, and you were ready. The only thing you needed was for Laf to show up.

As you waited for Laf to make his appearance, you decided to get some reading done for class. Well, you tried to. You couldn’t help you constant fidgeting, switching between tabs as though there would be a different internet on each one, checking your phone and scrolling through Twitter - you really had no idea how you were supposed to pretend that you were going to study when he got here. You knew it would be super obvious that your mind wasn’t 100% on your work. Before you could think about it any longer, there was a knock on your door. Holding yourself back, you waited a minute before getting up to answer it.

“Hey,” you said with a smile, acting like you hadn’t just been fretting over how you were going to get through this.

“Hey! You ready to study?” Laf asked, tugging on his backpack strap as if to prove he brought his work with him.

“Yeah! I’m set up at the table if you wanna just head over there.” You silently cursed how non-human that sounded. As soon as the two of you sat down, though, things got easier. Even as the two of you worked, you kept a small conversation going, making jokes about things you’d just read or were working on, telling stories about class. For the first time in a while, things were going just like they were when the two of you hung out with the group. Lafayette made it really easy for you to like him.

After a couple hours of the two of you working on your own things, Lafayette closed his laptop, getting your full attention. Laf leaned forward like he was about to let you in on some giant secret. “Are you ready to learn some French now?”

“Yeah, I wanna know what you, Alex, and John are saying whenever you go into French,” you teased.

“Non, that’s a secret,” Lafayette laughed, looking away. “Alright, let’s start.”

The session started out much like your impromptu sessions: Lafayette would say a common word or phrase in French, he’d ask you what you thought it meant, he’d tell you what it actually meant, and then you’d repeat it to him. He’d fix any mispronunciations, and you’d keep going until you got it right. This would go on for as many phrases or whatever until one of you decided to take a break. It was a nice little process and was definitely helping things stick in your mind more than when you tried learning on your own or with John.

You were the first one to call for a break, your heart pounding as you tried to figure out how you were going to do this. You wanted to ask him out soon, not willing to let yourself chicken out at the last second, especially since you knew John would talk so much shit if he found out you kicked him out and didn’t even ask Laf out. As you were in the kitchen, filling up your water bottle as an excuse, you tried to calm yourself. The worst that could happen would be things getting weird between the two of you, the best was the two of you would get together, so that meant reality would be somewhere in the middle. You took a deep breath before making your way back to the table.

“Ready to start again?” Laf asked, looking up from his phone.

“Yeah, I actually had something I wanted to ask you.” You took your seat next to him, grabbing your phone to double check what you had translated earlier.

“Go ahead.”

“So, uh,” you paused for a second, gathering the last bit of courage you needed. “Right, uh, what does je veux te baiser mean? Because, uh, je veux te baiser.”

Immediately, Lafayette looked away, drinking his water so he didn’t have to answer you. You could just tell something was wrong and felt your face heat up as you just looked down at your hands. When Lafayette finally spoke, you felt your heart drop. “I… I don’t think you know what you just said.”

You looked up, eyes wide. You knew French was tricky, but there was no way you messed up something that simple, right? You tried not to appear too flustered, but you knew it was a losing battle. “Wait, what did I say then?”

“I think I know what you were trying to say, but you didn’t say it.”

“So what did I say?”

“Okay, so direct translation was that, but what you said was, uh, you uh wanttofuckme,” he rushed out the last part, and it took you a second to process what he said. If you thought your face couldn’t get any hotter, you were wrong. 

“Jesus Christ, I am so sorry. I mean I really like you but I didn’t mean to say that and I’m so sorry, that probably made you really uncomfortable and I understand if you want to leave and-” You were cut off by his lips on yours. You quickly melted into the kiss, even though you still weren’t exactly sure what was going on.

“Je veux t’embrasser,” Lafayette said as he broke the kiss.

“What?”

“Je veux t’embrasser. That’s how you say I want to kiss you,” he explained.

“Je veux t’embrasser,” you repeated with a small smile.

“Good.” You were rewarded with another soft kiss. Maybe French wasn’t so ridiculous…

No, it definitely was. 

**********

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