#and the poetry book is like... it's just a maybe

[autemis]

OMG, what is this patch?! (SPOILER)

The little things they’ve added around Henry and Hans's room are everything! I know many have already pointed these out, but that won’t stop me from babbling about it too!

Alright, let’s start directly with the potion right outside their room! The happiness potion (Idk what it’s called in english, in german it’s named "eine Prise Glück", which translates kinda to "a little bit of happiness").

What is this description, pls? "Such luck can’t be found anywhere else. One of the side effects is dancing in the moonlight." That sounds so beautiful! It feels like a metaphor for their romance - a secret they can only share in the dark, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty. A love that feels like a dance under a clear night sky, where the moon and the stars are the only silent witnesses who don’t judge.

german description for 'a little bit of happiness' - what does this potion even do out there? Did someone put it there or is it just a subtle symbol for blossoming, young emotions?

Also, the little dog toy right next to Hans's bed - a symbol of interest in Henry's life. Hans got it (I’m totally convinced of this) for Mutt, to show his affection and interest - the dog who is really important to Henry. It also could be symbolize an apology for what happened at the beginning of the game. Hans broke his promise to help Henry find his dog, which is why he tries to show his appreciation for Mutt. He shows that he cares about him and doesn’t just tolerate him. Mutt is important to Henry and therefore to Hans - not just because he simply likes the dog, but also because he knows how much Henry cares about Mutt.

The dog toy on Hans's nightstand—where did he even get it from? Did he buy it or did he even make it himself?

And of course, the stamina potion under Hans's bed, along with the poetry book! I don’t know what the thought process behind this was, but I’m thankful to whoever decided to put it there. Just the idea that Hans owns a poetry book with an undoubtedly queer subtext is brilliant! It suggests he has a certain interest in this topic - no matter what. (I think we don’t actually know who wrote it, do we? Personally, it seems like Hans might have written it himself, given how the book is laid out - no embellishments on the pages, just plain text and -I'm sorry Hans- medium-good poetry.)

Hans seems to really want to engage with the topic and apparently also with his own emotions. It’s such a sweet little detail that really shapes his character! He clearly is still a bit confused, but he’s trying to handle it in his own way. I really don’t want to be needy, but I hope we get more of these little things in future updates or with the DLCs.

The stamina potion on the other hand is pure comedy - what does Hans need this extra strength for? For when he has a bit of time alone or when someone is visiting? Or maybe it isn’t even for him? Perhaps it’s for someone else who has to keep up with Hans through certain "activities."

Stamina potion and "leicht anstößiger Gedichtsband" ("lightly risqué poetry collection") under Hans's bed. He really should have hidden it in a better place - or perhaps he wanted someone "special" to find it?

I’m crying tears of happiness because of this patch! But also because Henry just casually stole Hans's poetry book - that's so hilarious! Imagine the mental crisis Hans will go through when he notices his book is missing. 🤣

[sillyytashii]

before the coffee gets cold

tags: subaru kagami x gn!reader, fluff, soft, cafe date

word count: 780 (my longest piece yet ╥﹏╥)

subaru was the embodiment of perfect imperfection. he liked to think of himself as organized—modestly, of course—and to everyone around him, he was. maybe that was all that really mattered: how others perceived him. but today, for once, he was slipping.

the administrative tasks for his house, hotarubi, had piled up, leaving him running late—not just with work but with something far more important: time with you. he had suggested this outing, insisting that you needed a break from your relentless inspections, moving from one mission to the next. and truthfully, so did he. but subaru was the kind of person who never acknowledged how much he pushed himself—always carrying more weight than he let on.

when he finally arrived, slightly breathless yet still composed, his eyes sought yours with a quiet apology. but you simply smiled. you understood. the café was just as he had described—small, peaceful, tucked away from the world. according to him, they served the best matcha, and as you settled in together, the weight of the day slowly melted away.

“sorry i was late…” his voice was soft, almost hesitant. “is the café to your liking?”

you met his gaze and smiled. “it’s lovely, subaru. thank you.”

a quiet moment passed between you, filled only with the faint hum of the café and the warmth of shared company. you both ordered matcha, the delicate scent of freshly whisked tea wrapping around you like a gentle embrace. then, a soft patter against the window caught your attention.

“oh, look—it’s started to rain.”

subaru exhaled a small chuckle, resting his chin against his hand. “it seems the rain follows me wherever I go…”

you glanced at him, the corners of your lips tugging into a soft smile. “it seems that way, yes.” a pause, then a quieter confession. “it’s comforting, though. like you, subaru.”

for a moment, he said nothing—just stared at you, eyes widening slightly, caught off guard by your words. then, a small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. a comfortable silence settled between you both, broken only by the waitress placing down your matcha.

“so—”

“i—”

you both started speaking at the same time, only to pause, eyes meeting with a flicker of amusement.

“oh no, you go!” you insisted with a small laugh.

subaru shook his head, lips twitching, “after you.”

“well… i brought a book with me today. it seemed to fit the mood.”

“oh?”

you lifted it from your bag, turning it so he could see the cover. “before the coffee gets cold. my friend recommended i give it a try!”

he leaned in slightly, inspecting it. “it’s quiet cute, i like the little cat detail.” a thoughtful pause. “how convenient—i brought a book, too.”

“oh? and what might that be?”

“a collection of japanese poetry. it reminded me of zenji.”

you giggled. “ahaha, you’re right! it suits him perfectly.”

“well?” subaru tilted his head slightly, amusement dancing in his gaze. “shall we read?”

“lets get to it!”

⋆˚࿔ 🍵

time slipped by unnoticed, the quiet between you both warm and unspoken. occasionally, you’d exchange a passage or share a line that resonated, lingering on the imagery together.

finally, subaru glanced at his watch with a faint sigh. “my, the time…”

“back to the dorm, huh?” you murmured, stretching slightly, reluctant to leave the cozy atmosphere.

“it seems that way.” he glanced toward the window, where the rain still drummed against the glass. “and still, the rain doesn’t let up.” reaching for his bag, he pulled out an umbrella, holding it out to you. “here, take mine. i insist.”

you blinked, shaking your head. “n-no, you don’t have to do that.”

subaru only smiled, his tone light yet unwavering. “don’t worry. i’m used to a bit of rain.”

you hesitated, but as his fingers brushed yours, pressing the handle gently into your palm, warmth spread through your chest.

“t-thank you, subaru.” a shy smile.

“you’re more than welcome.” his voice was softer now, almost fond. “farewell for now.”

as you stepped outside, umbrella in hand, the gentle patter of rain filled the quiet between you. just before parting ways, you turned back, hesitation laced with something softer.

“let’s meet again here soon,” you said, tightening your grip on the handle. “so I can return your umbrella.”

subaru blinked, then smiled—small, but undeniably warm.

“i’d like that.”

and with that, you walked into the rain, the quiet warmth inside you lingering long after he was gone. not quite butterflies, no. something closer to fireflies. 蛍火 (hotarubi)—the glow of fireflies, or the lingering embers of a fading flame, flickering softly in the dark.

gentle, yet persistent—just like the feeling subaru left in your heart.

[thedraculacat]

Forbidden Fruit ೃ⁀⤵

draco malfoy x reader

masterlist

synopsis: it starts with a note; nothing dramatic or life changing- just draco being an insufferable flirt with his stupid little scribbled compliments. except it keeps happening. and then you catch him. soon, you start to wonder (against all logic) if things were different, if he wasn't a malfoy, if you weren't supposed to be enemies- would you still hate him? (spoiler: you're not sure anymore)

w/c: 800

It starts with a note.

You’re not sure when he slipped it into your book, but the parchment flutters out between pages of your Charms textbook while you’re cramming for an exam in the library.

You snatch it before anyone else around can see, fingers tightening around the delicate fold of the paper.

Curiosity wins over any caution. You peek at the writing and your breath catches.

Your hair looks extra pretty today.

There’s no signature but you know the handwriting. Slanted, elegant, just messy enough to prove it was scribbled quickly.

Draco Malfoy- he’s in your Charms class.

You scan the room, but there’s no blond Slytherin sitting near the fireplace or hiding in the shadows. Just your friends, completely unaware that their classmate is apparently exchanging notes with the ‘enemy’.

You tell yourself it’s nothing. A joke, probably. But then it happens again.

And again.

Little notes tucked into your bag, your books, slipped beneath your plate at breakfast. Nothing big, just small whispers in ink.

Did you always chew the tip of your quill when you’re thinking?

That was a rather impressive Levitation Charm today. Though you couldn’t possible get me to admit that out loud.

You should wear green more often.

Each time, you try to ignore the way your stomach flutters. This is Malfoy we’re talking about. Arrogant, sneering, pureblood Malfoy. And you’re a Gryffindor. This is nothing. It has to be.

And yet-

One evening, you catch him.

You’re leaving the library late, arms full of books, when you see him trying to subtly cast a spell on a small note in his hand.

“Really?” You hum, amusement tugging at your lips. “You couldn’t just hand it to me like a normal person?”

Draco straightens his back like he meant to be caught. His face shifts into something neutral and his chin lifts in defiance. “Maybe this one wasn’t for you.”

You roll your eyes, but you can’t ignore the heat rising in your cheeks. “Maybe you like the secrecy.”

He doesn’t answer. He just watches you, silver eyes unreadable, before gesturing to the note that’s now sitting on top of your stack of books. 

You place them down and unfold the parchment. It’s not like the others. No teasing, no poetry, just one simple sentence.

Meet me at the Black Lake. Midnight.

Your heart pounds and you glance at him. “Why?”

Draco smirks, but there’s something in the way he nervously shoves his hands into his pockets. “You’ll have to find out, won’t you?”

You almost don’t go.

It’s reckless. Stupid, even. But when the clock strikes twelve, you find yourself slipping out of the castle, the cool night air biting your cheeks as you make your way to the lake.

Draco’s already there, sitting on the grass, his Slythering robes draped over his shoulders like some sort of blanket. He looks up when you approach, his expression hard to read.

“Hey,” you say softly.

“You came,” he replies, as though he hadn’t been entirely sure you would.

You sit beside him, a safe distance away. “Well, you asked.”

Silence stretches between you, the only sound of the gentle lapping of water against the shore. Then, he speaks.

“Do you ever think about how ridiculous all of this is?” His voie is quiet, but there’s an edge to it. “The house rivalries, the expectations, the rules about who we’re meant to be?”

You glance at him, surprised. “Coming from you, that’s rich.”

His lips twitch like he wants to grin but he can’t quite manage it. “Yeah, well. Maybe I’m starting to realize some things are worth ignoring the rules for.”

The weight of his words settles between you.

You don’t know what to say, so you look at the water instead. The moon casts a silverly glow over the surface, lighting the shadowy figures gliding just below. Mermaids. Their silhouettes flicker in and out of view, as if they were ghosts.

“They’re beautiful,” you murmur.

Draco hums in agreement. “Dangerous, too.”

You glance at him. He’s watching the water but his expression is different. Lost in thought.

Maybe it’s the late hour, or the secrecy, or the way the moonlight softens his sharp features- but you forget, just for a moment, that you’re meant to be on opposite sides of a war you didn’t ask to be a part of.

Just for a moment, you let yourself think about what it would be like if things were different.

If he weren’t a Malfoy.

If you weren’t a Gryffindor.

If love wasn’t a forbidden fruit.

He turns to you then, and for the first time, he doesn’t smirk or sneer. His expression is open, honest, and it terrifies you more than anything else ever has.

“Would you still hate me,” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper, “if I was different? Not a Malfoy?”

Your throat tightens.

You don’t answer.

How could you?

masterlist

[majicmarker]

well i think the problem is that i want to write something that makes me happy, but i'm Not happy, so trying to access that feeling is... murky.

[disastergenius]

i would really love for storygraph to have the Page Number section divided into <100, 100-299, 300-499, etc because there is a huge gap in understanding my reading habits when the intervals don't pretend to match

[idontmindifuforgetme]

i love anthologies. anthologies are so sexy

[lesamis]

Hiya lyres! What books do you have on your tbr this year?

hi anon! as always, i have left christmas with a big stack of Assigned Reading Material From My Best Friend, And Others. this is the physical tbr pile:

a few other books i either received or am looking forward to this year:

the hurting kind, ada limón (this was a gift! i've nearly finished it, it's been my early morning read.)

minor detail, adania shibli (another gift from a friend - this was on my list last year but i couldn't get my hands on it. happy to get to it now)

when the angels left the old country, sacha lamb (this was also a gift but i am SO excited for this. i love fantasy takes on angels and i've heard nothing but good things about this)

the tomb of dragons, katherine addison (this will be released in march and i am on the edge of my seat for it. give me back my favourite bedraggled little elf detective. i need to see him struggle to accept love in even more increasingly dire situations)

[gomzdrawfr]

End of the Year Asks: 14 and 18!

14. Favorite book you read this year?

I was gifted Sea of Strangers and it was one of the few books I finished reading so I'll pick that one!

My favourite was this:

It's over, she said. It was many years later when the quiet realization dawned on her. It's over, her heart whispered.

lot's of yearning and breakup stuff, I loved it

18. A memorable meal this year?

ohhhhhhhhhhhh had to think a long time for this...but I'll settle with: a burger lunch set by my nurse. Long story short, I didn't bring enough money for lunch, and so I stayed back in the ward to study. The nurse saw and asked why, I told her I just didn't felt like eating but she went ahead and got me food anyways....I cried afterwards LMAO restored my faith in some healthcare practitioners...(especially since THAT particular week in the new department was EXTRA gruelling and I was just having a bad fucking time overall....but that nurse really boosts my mood for the next few days)

[torchickentacos]

I'm reading poetry at 1 am and spiraling over like 45 emotions at once, which is how poetry was meant to be enjoyed, I think

[invinciblerodent]

hang on, this was a very out of pocket thought I had in like, tags on a thing, but fuck, it's actually very sweet to think about the PC early on in their relationship picking and pressing flowers for Karlach

like as a "I saw this and thought of you, but I couldn't give it to you then, so I saved it for when you can enjoy it too"? adorable.

I'm kind of really into this idea of Mara keeping a journal in her attempts to recover her memories, and also pressing flowers between the pages. I'd have to work out the specifics of how their relationship is going to work out once I get there in act 3 (I tried not to spoil myself, but something tells me a romanced Karlach is gonna be pretty upset about Gortash greeting her lover so warmly so maybe an apology gift will be needed), but the idea of the two of them going through a book-bouquet together, almost as kind of a "the person he knew is not who I am anymore, this is who I am, this is the me who loves you" thing is really sweet

like.

"this one is from near where we first met- look, this leaf is even singed where your heat had touched it, like it touched me."

"this one is from just outside camp, and I picked it the night I told you I liked you, because I was just so happy."

"this is from near Rosymorn, when I looked at you just enjoying the breeze, and thought that you looked particularly beautiful."

"this is the prettiest flower I could find near Reithwin, and it may be a pathetic, wretched little thing, but it still grew stubbornly where it wasn't supposed to, and it reminded me of how your love took root in my heart."

"this one is my favorite color, and I wasn't sure why I thought that until I realized it's the same color as your eyes."

and so on and so on.

i'm about to chew gravel istg

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

obsessed with their different reactions to being called starcrossed lovers

[thematicparallel]

THE DISPOSSESSED • CHAPTER 9

[thatfriendlyanon]

today's small joys: i'm curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chai editing this poetry manuscript when it suddenly starts raining outside, so now i've got the wonderful steady rhythm of rain to accompany me with my editing as well <3

[serpulalacrymans]

i feel like part of me has died. i can't write at all.

everything i write sucks, and i wish i could have the same burst of energy i had before. i have so many ideas in mind, but when i put them into practice they don't have the same shine as i imagined.

i'm stuck in a place mentally, and i thought everything would get better when i finally had some free time. it didn't. i feel trapped, i feel empty, i feel like part of me is mentally dead.

i'm not having fun at all. i'm tired.

- i know you. you know me. you don't have to answer me at all. i just wanted to take some weight off my mind.

Repackaging your way of life can make it more exciting if that's what you're struggling with. Learn new ways to express your hobby. Try different ways to write. Be more poetic. Be more juvenile. Try it out on paper. Try a free site or app for writing. Look up online tutorials and discover new words to use... It won't fix you. But it might help for a little while.

A passion isn't a passion anymore if it feels like a chore. People change. So do their passions. I'm sorry.

[thesagekissoftime]

Hello, my dears. Has anyone else been entirely losing their sense of self again? I don't think I've ever truly known who I am in my entirety, but recently, I have been experiencing frequent identity crises and I'm wondering if that is the new activity of the summer for us depressed literature, art and greek myth obsessed people or if it's simply me

[yarns-alt]

On the topic of "Live, Laugh, Love."

Text and alternate lighting under cut

"Maybe we're too hard

on the women with

LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.

hung on the walls of their very own homes.

Maybe, it's that SIMPLE after all."

"Maybe it's enough to find somethin(g) within

that can be dedicated and claimed"

"Maybe I can simply be

ALIVE. HAPPY. AND KIND."