#applicable to this verse only

[meisterkirisaki]

Sylvan's opinion of the companions and advisors (Inquisition edition)

Cassandra - Sylvan is legit a little terrified of Cassandra, mainly because her reputation precedes her. This can soften up later on as they get to know each other better.

Cole - This might honestly be the most chill combo. Cole wants to help, Sylvan just wants to peacefully bake, things could work out really well. Sylvan just...needs to get used to Cole reading the minds of other people, that's all.

Solas - Sylvan just kinda tiptoes around Solas, unsure of what to do. Like - yay, he's helpful, but...he's so mysterious? What does he do? What the heck is up with him? (Cue the events of Veilguard happening later and Sylvan immediately not being thrilled with the other's actions.)

Iron Bull - He's slightly wary of Bull (especially if Bull's personal quest isn't done yet and/or if he sticks with the Qun vs. going full Tal-Vashoth). However, Sylvan does know that the Bull is handy to have around in battle - he just makes sure to keep an eye on him in case things go south. However, if Bull does go full Tal-Vashoth, Sylvan does relax around him a bit more, more assured of being able to trust him.

Sera - Sylvan will be a bit irked by Sera's pranks but ultimately he starts a prank war with her. Chaos ensues.

Dorian - Issues with their parents? Both have issues for sure. Yeah, Sylvan and Dorian will have a lot to talk about that, especially if Dorian were to accompany Sylvan on his personal quest.

Vivienne - Sylvan probably likely won't get along with her too well, partially because of their class differences and also because of Sylvan's differing opinions on mages than her (especially given that his own sister is a mage and may or may not be killed by the Venatori depending on his personal quest). He'll try to at least come to some understanding of why Vivienne does the things she does but it doesn't mean that he agrees with her.

Varric - Sylvan is down to learn playing Wicked Grace and also read Varric's books during downtime. He finds Varric a bit easier to talk to in general.

Blackwall - Again, another person Sylvan is just like...carefully tiptoeing around, similar to Solas and Cassandra.

Josephine - Another chill combo. Sylvan can make sure that Josephine eats in the midst of all her work, given his baking skills. He'd also be interested in hearing more about her past and current motivations, as both of them are just trying to restore what's been lot to them.

Cullen - Sylvan tries to just stay out of Cullen's way, knowing that the other is busy, but he will remind him to eat and/or drink something occasionally. Can't have him collapsing while on the job due to hunger, after all!

Leilana - Sylvan might probably ask her for advice on how to better his skills with stealth and knives.

[adeadlysong]

If Rafaele was trying to get along with Dragon Age: Inquisition companions and advisors:

It would ultimately have some difficulties, mainly because Rafaele has a hard time opening up to them. This difficulty with opening up is because of his general secrecy, as well as him being spelled into being unable to talk about specific subjects.

However, some ideas of how I think things could go between him and the others are:

(thrown under a cut for length)

Cole - Rafaele feels the most vulnerable around him, purely because Cole can read minds. There are a lot of things that Rafaele hides from the others, so when Cole brings them to light, it's...well, a bit scary, honestly. However, Cole being able to read his thoughts is a great loophole around Rafaele being spelled into secrecy on specific subjects, so Rafaele might be able to discuss those things with him (albeit in very roundabout terms).

Cole is also effective with assassinations and so on, and Rafaele deeply respects that. The two of them can easily work together to dispatch enemies in the shadows.

Solas - Rafaele can sense something powerful from being around Solas - he's not sure what, but it intimidates him. He is, however, intrigued by the other being so self-taught with his magic, so Rafaele takes the time to inquire about what that was like.

After Solas' identity is revealed along with his plans to tear down the Veil, however, Rafaele isn't pleased. At all. Depending on how close those two have bonded prior to the reveal, Rafaele might think he's been betrayed by such a reveal - especially after working together to stabilize things and stop Corypheus.

Iron Bull - Rafaele thinks that Iron Bull reminds him of Lukas - easygoing, enthusiastic for battles and drinks and flirting, etc.

The only difference (other than Bull being a Qunari and Lukas being human) is that he knows Bull probably has other motives as a Ben-Hassrath agent, and so does his best not to be too open around him. He does, however, ease up around Bull a bit if Bull becomes Tal'Vashoth later.

Dorian - Rafaele can kind-of relate to Dorian in terms of keeping things about his identity secret and so on - albeit in a different context. He just hopes that Dorian doesn't take over everyone's sense of fashion taste and doesn't poke too far into his own secrets.

Vivienne - Rafaele respects her sense of fashion. However, he finds her to be quite similar to Araceli Nemesis (who, by the way, tried to kill Rafaele several years ago) because of all the stuff about the Game and so on. It's hard for him to connect with her, let alone feel the most comfortable being around her.

Cassandra - Rafaele sympathizes with her sense of duty and so on, and will likely ask about her experiences as a Seeker and so on. However, the difficulty is him keeping himself out of Cassandra's "this is sus" radar, and he'll probably end up on her radar whether he likes it or not.

Sera - Sera's clear honesty makes Rafaele a little jealous of her. There are things Rafaele wishes he could say aloud, but he literally cannot - both because of his own secrecy and also because he's spelled into keeping it secret.

Varric - Rafaele knows that the gift of the gab is useful at times, and Varric certainly has that gift. He's interested to listen in on what Varric has to say - even if what he finds out from him might not be the most accurate.

Blackwall - Rafaele immediately knows that something is up with Blackwall, but doesn't know what. Despite the later reveal that Blackwall isn't Blackwall, however, Rafaele slightly sympathizes with him on the hidden identity thing.

Leilana - Rafaele appreciates her work in the shadows and would be open to collaborating with her. However, he hope he can keep his own secrets out of her radar.

Josephine - Rafaele wishes he could be more honest with Josephine about various things, but can't because of his spelled limitations.

Cullen - He appreciates Cullen's strategizing and working with the other advisors and everyone else. Much like Cassandra, however, Rafaele has to be wary about not becoming suspicious in Cullen's point of view - or in the view of any of the other advisors.

[spiderman2-99]

What is your opinion about ai? (Specifically ai art and ai music (ai music means that the ai is making its own music using someone else’s voice or using its own voice))

AI art is theft.

Music is more nebulous (in my opinion). Theoretically, you could do a lot of interesting things with it if done right-- like Haircuts for Men, Frostbite Orckings-- or as, say, an assist, but it should never take the place and rights of real human artists.

[mars-ipan]

komaeda wouldnt be catholic he would be gnostic christian i refuse to believe in a context where he is christian specifically that he wouldn’t believe there is a lesser god (which is in control of reality and is despair) compared to the true god that is a personification of the abstract (hope) and quite literally unfathomable. sorry i feel really strongly about philosophy and that’s tied heavily into religion due to metaphysics so i had to say it

that's fair. i just went catholic for the aesthetics

[ripgray-moved]

❛ Seriously, though— who IS this Lucifer punk? Priests keep attempting to banish me 'back' to him, HAHAHA! Banishment doesn't work on a King, by the way— ❜

[alastors-radioshow]

Until somewhere in mid April, every day is one of sin for this man.

Just so we're clear.

[rosewiltd-moved]

very very specific shelbyverse starter call. >:)

[bravelywego]

DA: Veilguard characters the muses would get along with best:

OOC: Please note: This assumes that my muses meet the Veilguard characters post-Bravely Second because there's no way some of said muses would get along with them otherwise pre-Bravely Second XD

Also, I'm still looking up Veilguard spoilers, and just because I only listed some companions below per muse doesn't mean that it's impossible for my muses to get along with the companions not listed - i just think these are the ones that'll be easiest to gel together fast.

Geist:

Emmrich - Yeah, a necromancer with a skeletal assistant meeting the man who can quite literally "undo" death is going to be interesting. Emmrich probably wouldn't agree with Geist's sadism and tendency to torture, nor would he enjoy Geist's preference for appearing bloody-looking, but aside from that they could have some great philosophical discussions about life and death, and mortality. Also, Emmrich's assistant Manfred and Geist's son Revenant would get along. XD

Lucanis/Spite: Given the whole thing with Spite + Lucanis going on, Geist would be happy to offer exorcising Spite out of Lucanis if Lucanis really wanted that to happen. On the flipside, should Spite remain attached to Lucanis, Geist would find it interesting to study both...

Neve: Given her investigating so many mysteries, Geist would be all-in to help her if it's a murder case.

Kamiizumi:

Neve: With Neve on the lookout for clues and using her smarts to solve a mystery, Kamiizumi would be interested in joining her.

Harding: Kamiizumi admires Harding's sense of duty and though he has no magical experience, he has worked with magical people so he might be able to support her as she works with her new abilities.

Davrin: Davrin has a gryphon. Kamiizumi has a cat. As fellow pet owners, hopefully said pets get along.

Emmrich: Kamiizumi would think that Emmrich reminds him of Geist (save for a few key differences) given his work with the dead. Speaking of bringing people to life, Kamiizumi might also ask him about a certain life-and-death scenario he went through a while back...

Taash: Gonna be honest - Taash reminds Kamiizumi of Edea and Praline, except they're potentially just as (or more) stubborn as Edea. Kamiizumi has to exercise patience with Taash at times, but they can both work together to fight whatever common enemy they have.

Fiore:

Emmrich - Necromancer meets Red Mage. As an adjunct professor from Al Khampis I'm sure Fiore would love to speak with Emmrich over academic pursuits, even though they study very different topics.

Lucanis/Spite: Okay, yeah, a demon being stuck to someone will absolutely fascinate Fiore on an academic level. He will try to commnicate with Spite. Whether it's successful is another question - and whether it annoys the hell out of Lucanis is another.

Neve: After a failed attempt or two to flirt with her, Fiore will probably throw that aside to look deep into whatever mysteries they unfold together. Fiore likes lore, he's a man that enjoys doing research, and that's going to be handy for Neve.

Janne:

Bellara: "Veil jumping? Sounds cool. How does that work?" That's going to be Janne's first question when he meets her. Janne likes having a thrill and Bellara's adventures do just that, so that'll be fun.

Neve: Two people looking for clues that lead to the truth - yeah, they'll bond on that alone.

Taash: Either Taash and Janne will like hanging out with each other or they will HATE being near each other. Both are stubborn as heck and it'll be a benefit and backfire on them in various situations.

[ionlycareaboutyou]

there's a lyric in 時の流れに身をまかせ (give yourself to the flow of time, or i only care about you in the original title) that goes "約束なんかいらないけれど、思い出だけどじゃ生きてゆけない” (even though we don't need promises, i can't live off memories alone) and i've listened to the song about 1,000 times, i love it so much i named my blog after it, but lately every time i hear that lyric i cry

[meisterkirisaki]

Sylvan's Companion Quest (Inquisition edition!)

Title: "Family Matters"

Please note: Certain elements of this sidequest will differ depending on whether the Inquisitor recruited the mages or recruited the templars.

A summary of events that would happen:

The Inquisitor speaks with Sylvan at Skyhold, who reveals that he's been looking for his younger sister, Sophie, who went missing when he was much younger. He requests that the Inquisitor helps him find his sister and reunite them, as he's been worried sick about her safety and always held out hope that she might've survived up until now - and given that the letter is in her handwriting, he's very sure that it's her and not an impostor. According to the letter, Sophie is hiding out in some old ruins but will need help finding a safer haven. Sylvan wants help in retrieving Sophie safely and bringing back to Skyhold.

If Sylvan hasn't revealed his backstory before this quest, Sylvan will elaborate - he and his sister Sophie were both abandoned by their birth father, Yuiichi, after their mother died. Both siblings were fortunately adopted by a baker named Gordon a while after, but Sophie went missing while out on an errand one day. Sylvan ended up taking over the bakery years later as an adult, when Gordon passed away a year before the events of Inquisition. However, said bakery was in ruins after the damage that Corypheus and the rifts caused, resulting in Sylvan being forced to flee to Skyhold and eventually work there.

-----

If the Inquisitor recruited the Templars:

The party goes to the location indicated in the letter, only for it to be a trap - the Venatori attack, and Sylvan is distraught in the aftermath to find out (based on evidence that he and the Inquisitor find afterwards) that Sophie's already been long-dead.

Later evidence they find can reveal that Sophie had been captured by the Venatori with their goal to recruit Sophie. However, Sophie escaped briefly, and wrote the letter to send to Skyhold in a desperate attempt to get help. Unfortunately, Venatori managed to catch up with her before the Inquisitor and Sylvan could, resulting in her death. It's implied that the Venatori's bolstered numbers was the main factor in them finding Sophie and killing her so soon.

If The Inquisitor recruited the mages:

Sophie will appear alive and mostly well, having hid out in the secret location without the Venatori finding her yet. After confirming that she's actually Sylvan's sister and not an impostor, as well as explaining how she got to this stage, Sophie warns Sylvan that she's noticed Venatori circling the area she's been hiding - suspecting that they may know that they're already here. Sophie joins the party as a guest party member for the rest of Sylvan's personal quest.

-----

Regardless of the above outcome, the party realize that there are more Venatori that have shown up, either searching for Sophie still or the Inquisitor in their party in an attempt to capture and/or kill them. The party end up being forced to fight their way out of the ruins, killing several Venatori in the process.

Soon, they reach the exit- but also find one last group of Venatori. After defeating them, Sylvan finds out that the leader of this particular group (who's the only one left alive by now) is his own birth father Yuiichi Kirisaki, who abandoned him and his sister when they were children.

Yuiichi attempts to explain his situation, pleading for his life and claiming that he never meant to abandon his kids and that he was kidnapped and forcibly recruited by the Venatori. If Sophie is alive and in the party, she'll accuse him of lying and argues that Yuiichi should die for the crap that she and Sylvan went through as a result of his leaving them years ago.

Sylvan is unsure of what to do, as he never thought he'd end up coming to this - should he kill his birth father for siding with the Venatori, spare his life and have him join the Inquisition in an attempt to reconcile, or have Yuiichi imprisoned?

Kill Yuiichi:

Sylvan, enraged by how things have turned out (especially if Sophie is dead), ends up killing his own father after the Inquisitor encourages him to do so.

Back at Skyhold, Sylvan admits to having mixed feelings over killing his own father. If Sophie is dead, Sylvan admits that at least he feels like he avenged his sister. If Sophie is alive, Sophie will be with Sylvan, reassuring him that it was the right thing to do and both of them deserved better than how their father treated them. Either way, Sylvan admis that he feels like that it's the right course of action to do, and that he can move forward with putting the past behind him.

Spare Yuiichi's life and have him join the Inquisition:

With the Inquisitor's encouragement (and Sophie's reluctance if she's alive), Sylvan decides to spare Yuiichi's life and have him join the Inquisition as an informant and spy, giving the Inquisitor access to what he knows of the Venatori's future plans.

Back at Skyhold, Sylvan admits that he's a little surprised that sparing his father's life was even an option, but he's hopeful that this will lead to a new start between himself (and Sophie if she's alive) and Yuiichi. If alive, Sophie admits that she's still skeptical of how well things will go, but she'll support her brother in this decision.

Have Yuiichi imprisoned:

Yuiichi begs for a second chance as he's arrested, but Sylvan refuses to give him another word.

Later on back at Skyhold, Sylvan admits that he has mixed feelings in his father being imprisoned. If Sophie is dead, Sylvan admits that at least he feels like he avenged his sister. If Sophie is alive, she'll comment that prison (if not death) is what their father deserves for his actions. Either way, Sylvan admis that he feels like that it's the right course of action to do, and that he can move forward with putting the past behind him.

Whatever outcome the Inquisitor chooses, Sylvan will always Greatly Approve by the end.

[adeadlysong]

To acknowledge the time jump from Inquisition to Veilguard, Tahirah is 21 years old during the time of Dragon Age: Inquisition, and she will be 31 years old in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Some key differences also include:

The possibility of Tahirah being married already (dependent on if she has romanced anyone during Inquisition beforehand or not)

The possibility of Tahirah having an adopted child or two back home

Tahirah's still bright and cheerful but she also is a bit more wistful and reminiscing a bit over the past

Her personal quest in Veilguard will be more about looking toward the future vs. coming to terms with her present situation in Inquisition. Yes, I will write personal quest ideas for both Veilguard & Inqiusition at some point, they're just going to take a while to write up. XD

[more-than-a-princess]

A Valentine's Application, written in small, tight handwriting, though not without its own elegance.

your  name: [How strange. It seems like there was a name here, once, but it's been painted over with ink. It's unreadable now, replaced by fairly well-done sketch of a curious tanuki, likely drawn from a personal encounter with wildlife.]

your age: 18

your perfect date: Is it terribly boring if I write that it's the company that makes a date good or bad, and thusly I think that any date with you would be lovely? Then, an aquarium, perhaps. It's peaceful and quiet, most of the time, and there are so many strange and interesting creatures that most people never acknowledge. Even the deeply bizarre creatures that live at the ocean's depths, or perhaps especially them, are so wondrous. Although, either way, I'd prefer not to decide on a date entirely on my own, and I'd prefer to involve your interests as well. Something like, a day out, at the aquarium, and eating together at a cafe, then retiring to watch a film? In keeping with the spirit of the day, 'nautical horror' isn't a genre I'm especially familiar with, so perhaps you'd have a recommendation?

make out in private or in public?: Private, certainly. I imagine that given the crowds that we sometimes both draw, any obvious public affection would invite unnecessary attention. I'd wish to keep something like that private, away from where others could see or comment. Besides, I'd like to kiss you properly, and in such a situation, I'd rather devote my attention to conveying all my feelings with my affection than worrying about prying eyes.

do you like to cuddle?: I confess that I'm not entirely sure. It's not something I have a great deal of experience with, but if I think of it honestly, I can't imagine being so near to you being in any way an unpleasant experience. Certainly, I would like to try, at least. It feels a bit vulnerable, to be so close with someone, but is it strange of me to say that I wish to be vulnerable with you?

tell me something about you: I don't like to talk about myself, typically, but I'll do my best. I like reading and athletics in mostly-equal measure, though I'd choose literature if I had to choose between them. When I was a child, I wanted to be either a writer, a painter, or a marine biologist, and though I think it unlikely that I manage any of them at this point, I do try to keep them as hobbies, to an extent. I enjoy watching films as well, though my tastes have been described as surprising or unusual. I'm not especially accomplished in the kitchen, but there are a few dishes that I believe I prepare to a decently high standard, although I prefer not to cook solely for myself. Also, I think I'm deeply in love with you.

why do you want to be my valentine?: Were I to list all the reasons, it would eclipse the boundaries of this page, I think, and I've written entirely too much. If I try and be brief about it, it's because I admire you so ardently. You put so much passion and enthusiasm into everything, from your friendships, to your charitable works and political causes, to your horror and occult hobbies. You make it look easy, though I'm sure it's anything but. Despite how much everything expects of you, and your own needs, you give so much to everything you do, and everyone you encounter. Your passion for things, and how completely you throw yourself into things, inspires me. At first I thought my feelings were simply platonic admiration for how impressive and amazing you are, but I've come to realize that they're far more than that. It amazes me how you do so much more than anyone I've ever met, but I don't want to simply marvel at it any longer. I'd like to stand at your side and support you. I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries to say that I feel you shouldn't have to put up with as much as you do, or at least, not by yourself. I adore you, and if my feelings and my companionship are desire in turn, I offer them freely.

Valentine's Day Application - Accepting through February 14!

Well...this was surprising.

Someone who, for all intents and purposes, seemed to understand Sonia quite well. Perhaps a little too well, in what she wanted in a partner and out of life. If she felt like being suspicious, she would have wondered who precisely was listening into her supposedly private conversations amongst friends.

But Valentine's Day wasn't a time for distrust and suspicion. It was one of love and affection, something the application had in spades. "W-well, I would not object to an aquarium," Sonia stammered. "Truth be told, I have not visited one in ages, and the deep sea creatures are my favorites. Them and the otters, I think: the otters are so very playful and sweet! It would be nice to visit again."

She nodded in approval at the prospect of a cafe and a movie. As much as she liked to immerse herself in everything Japanese, she missed the cafe culture of home. Not that she was ever permitted to sit at a sidewalk table and watch the world go by, but she envied those who did as she was driven by in a car with bulletproof glass and tinted windows.

"This all sounds wonderful, you seem wonderful, and I am pleased to make recommendations for horror films featuring aquatic adventures. I hope you have seen Jaws as it is a classic, but The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Deep Water, or Leviathan, but for something more romantic for the holiday, perhaps The Shape of Water-"

She could go on and on with suggestions, but that tended to bore others. Others, but not the writer of this application apparently: they spoke of their strengths and interests, some of which aligned with her own, but Sonia blushed a deep crimson at their reasoning for wanting to be her valentine.

"It is not easy, I can admit that in private," She sighed. "Admitting it in front of others sounds too similar to a complaint, which I am not permitted to do. But I did not think anyone noticed nor cared about what I value and what I do: I would very much like to thank you. And become better acquainted with you."

A pause, as she glanced to the name written, or not written, on the form. Sonia frowned: she couldn't recall a Tanuki-san in her life.

"But that being said, you have not given your name as to who you are. My best guess is that Tanaka-san might have sketched me an adorable animal. I suppose I must go and ask him!"

"And inquire after what it means to be 'properly' kissed. For am not sure as to what that entails: I may be in need of a demonstration."

[godzexperiment]

nix consuming instant coffee powder- in the not typical designed way is actually so on brand for him (rip to whoever ever witnesses it though)

[graunblida]

this week was a little busier but i plan to be active tomorrow and later this weekend. 

[shivunin]

Most of this song doesn't apply but I have been listening to the chorus over and over because, wow, it is so Maria/Fenris:

"You may be here today, but tomorrow you're a ghost/

I guess the most someone can hope for is to find a place to lay/

Someone to tell your secrets to when the nights get long and blue/

Someone strong enough to lean on when the roses fall away/

Someone strong enough to love you when you're wrong."

[ylangelegy]

unadulterated loathing! 🪄 mingyu x reader.

madame moribble's sorcery seminar has space for only two students this semester. you're forced to make a case for yourself with the one person you despise the most: kim mingyu.

★ shiz university students!mingyu x reader. ★ smau with some fic work. word count for the fic: 2,800~ ★ genre/warnings: alternate universe: modern shiz university, inspired by wicked, academic rivals, forced proximity, use of pet names, feelings realization/denial. cussing/name-calling in the spirit of bickering. this only draws from the setting of the wicked, so the given plot (i.e. wicked witch) doesn't exist here; prior knowledge of wicked is not necessary to understand the story. title is from what is this feeling. ★ footnotes: wrote this in one deranged sitting, but this is an early christmas gift for my favorite gyuldaengie, @maplegyu! 🎁 not quite the fiyero!mingyu agenda we have, but still in the same verse. ilysb. ♡

Mingyu has spent the better half of his years in Shiz going toe to toe with you.

It's to be expected, really. The two of you are the brightest of your age, tearing through your academics with ruthless precision. He always raises his hand in class. You can recite book passages word for word.

Both of you are hard to ignore, and neither of you are about to back down.

This application for the coveted Sorcery Seminar is yet another curveball that you two must navigate. You would think that after the disastrous Life Science group work in freshman year— or the Runes incident in sophomore year— that the higher-ups would know better than to force you and Mingyu into any sort of proximity.

But Madame Morrible seems intent on getting the last laugh, and Mingyu will go down swinging, if he must.

That doesn't mean he can't have a little fun, though. He shows up at the Quad at exactly five in the afternoon, making his leisurely way towards you. Everything about him is seemingly perfect. His pressed, navy blazer. His coifed dark hair.

Even the way he carries himself— practically swaggering to where you're waiting, less-than-amused— has people making way for him.

"Why the long face?" Mingyu asks sweetly in lieu of a greeting.

Your answer is curt, bordering cold. "Nothing."

Youch. "Ice queen," Mingyu mumbles under his breath as he settles onto the bench next to you.

You shoot him a glare. He flashes you a winning smile.

This was the nature of your 'relationship', or admitted lack thereof. It was a push-and-pull of Mingyu getting on your nerves every so often, of him testing how far he can draw it out before you crack.

You had your moments, though, where you could also drive him up the metaphorical wall. Like this afternoon, for instance.

You talk over him more than once. You shoot down every single idea he proposes. And you keep shifting restlessly— prompting your knee to bump into his, your elbow to hit his ribs.

When you accidentally step on the tips of his shoes in your animated, passionate denial of his nth concept, Mingyu has had just about enough.

His hand darts out until his fingers are wrapped around your wrist. Not to bruise or control, just to draw your attention to all your exaggerated movements.

"Could you stop that?" he hisses, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "I swear to the Wizard, I'm going to come out of this meeting battered and bruised."

You coo at him in retaliation, your voice sickly sweet. "Aw, what is it? Gyu-Gyu of Gillkins can't handle a little roughhousing?"

Oh, it's like that? Mingyu lets out a derisive huff before dropping your hand. You give him the small concession of scooting a bit further down the bench, putting some much-needed distance between the two of you.

Mingyu's not about to let your little jab slide, though. "You talk big game for someone who goes running in the other direction whenever there's a spider around," he says wryly.

Your response is defensive, sending the two of you shuttling down your typical back-and-forth. "That was one time! Might I remind you that you once thought river fairies were mayflies?"

"Bringing up stuff from freshman year, huh? I vaguely recall you mixing up Bunbury and Bunnybury for years—"

"You still can't cast a half-decent Alarte Ascendare charm—"

"And your voice cracks whenever you try to hit the high note in Dear Old Shiz—"

"Okay, enough!"

Mingyu presses his lips tight in a poor attempt to hide his smirk. Your expression is positively murderous, contorted in one of sheer annoyance.

No, annoyance is too light of a word, too generous of a feeling. Your flushed face and Mingyu's jackhammer pulse are not mere products of some petty vexation, some harmless flirtation.

It's unadulterated loathing. True, deep loathing; total detestation.

You loathe Mingyu, and Mingyu loathes you.

As you pull the plug on your short-lived brainstorming session, marching off towards your dormitory with a dramatic flourish, Mingyu can't help but revel in the feeling. He feels like he just ran a damn marathon, all from spending twenty minutes of bickering with you.

Odd as it may seem, Mingyu has never felt so alive.

Even though you don't say it, Mingyu knows you think his idea is good.

He can see it in your acquiescence, in the way you let him run his mouth just a little more. He wants to preen over getting this little upper-hand, no matter how insignificant it may be. The two of you are working on something he suggested.

You can call him all the nasty names in the book, but your begrudging acceptance is like a trophy to him.

It's why he's so cheery as the two of you reconvene to flesh out the project. You're benevolent enough to let Mingyu wax poetics about cursed objects being integral to Oz's landscape, though you keep him from rambling when he tries to position himself as the more brilliant one between the two of you.

"Don't get cocky," you warn as you lay out the material you'll be working on for the day.

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Mingyu shoots back, though he does give in and shut up for once. He's not about to push his luck. It's only half-time, after all, and he has a whole lot more of winning to do.

The two of you had agreed on flowers. For a moment, neither of you do anything about the assortment of blooms laid out on the desk in front of you. It takes Mingyu a beat too long to realize that you're looking up at him.

"What?" His free hand— the one not holding his practice wand— reaches up to his cheek. "Is there something on my face?"

The unamused glare you give him almost makes him chuckle.

"It was your idea," you point out. "So you start us off."

Ah. Mingyu knows you'll tear him a new one if he tells you the truth, which is that he didn't really think he'd get this far.

He was fully prepared for the two of you to disagree until the deadline, or to perhaps start groveling at Madame Morrible's feet for a new partner.

With this half-baked idea, though, the two of you are more likely to have to see this affair to completion.

"Right." Mingyu squares his shoulders, eyeing the flowers atop the table. "I suppose we could, er, start with some basic curses."

There's a Cheshire cat-like grin on your face that Mingyu doesn't like one bit. He steels himself for the blow, which inevitably lands in you saying, "You have no idea what we're supposed to do."

He scrunches up his nose in an expression of mock displeasure. "We're going to show off practical knowledge of enchantments," he rattles off. "Provide insight into the ethical implications of magical creations. Equip sorcerers with problem-solving skills necessitated by—"

You cut into Mingyu's tirade with a dismissive wave of your own wand.

"Blah, blah, blah," you drawl. "Ethics, insight, got it. But application? What about that, Kim?"

Mingyu has to bite back a curse from slipping past his lips. You're so infuriating. He wants to wipe that smug look off of your face, though he isn't exactly sure how he might go about that just yet.

"Maybe you want to contribute something," he grumbles, his lower lip jutting out in an almost-pout. "I already came up with the idea of the project, sweets."

Anyone else who might've been on the receiving end of Mingyu's pet names might have swooned. You always bristled, acting like he had uttered something vile.

Today, you remain perfectly unperturbed, content to have Mingyu squirm as you roll up the sleeves of your school blouse.

"Watch and weep," you say, your wand poised over the flowers.

There's nothing Mingyu hates more, really, than the reminder of just how good you are. The two of you were academic monsters to begin with, though you had your respective strengths and weaknesses. Mingyu excelled in theories; you dominated practice.

In some alternate universe, the two of you might have been an unstoppable duo. As it is, though, Mingyu can only hope that your fragile truce will hold long enough to secure you both that class slot.

He tries his darndest to keep his awe at bay as you mumble incantations. The curses you leave on the flowers seem to be mostly minor.

The daisy's leaves begin to flutter like propellers. The carnation starts to rapidly change colors. The rose goes through a constant process of wilting and rebirth, the dried petals pooling on the table with each cycle.

When Mingyu steals a glance at you, he notices the sweat beading your temples. Magic took a lot out of a person, and to cast three spells in a row was no joke.

"First, we should do a magical construction analysis." Your voice is a little tighter, a little more strained. Probably from the exhaustion. "And then a de-cursing process. Strategies and techniques for reversing or neutralizing the curse."

You go on to talk about how your demonstration for Madame Morrible should go— something about a live reversal or containment of a curse, and a detailed explanation of their findings— but Mingyu is only half-listening.

His eyes keep flitting to your quivering fingertips. His own hands twitch in his lap.

It's a sudden feeling. It's a new feeling.

Mingyu never thought he'd care for you, and yet here he is with his aborted attempt to reach out, to soothe, to comfort.

In between piles of schoolwork and preparations for the demonstration, Mingyu hardly has any time to notice the shifts in your relationship. You don't seem any the wiser, either, which is saying something. You tended to have a better emotional quotient than his overdramatic self, anyhow.

But there are shifts. Small changes in the day to day that are imperceptible to the less-discerning eye.

The two of you remain cutthroat in the classroom, drawing your peers' ire with your relentless rivalry. Behind closed doors, though, there's something more akin to… civility?

Mingyu wouldn't dare call it friendship. He's not that naive. He just knows there's an ounce of kindness, now. Some self-imposed restraint, some begrudging respect.

As the two of you move on to executing more complicated curses, the changing dynamic bears down in the most glaring ways.

"Enough."

The word comes out as a wheeze, but Mingyu injects it with just enough authority to have you pause. You don't look any better than he does. You're folded in half, your hands resting on your knees as you try to catch your breath.

The spell that neither of you could conjure just yet involved a hand mirror and an ancient curse. So far, all the two of you have managed is to make the mirror sing.

"Let's— take a break," Mingyu offers.

Your response is to be expected. "I don't need a break. I need to get this stupid curse right."

A muscle in Mingyu's jaw jumps. He stares down at you with a look of sheer incredulity, and you only return his glare with a defiant one of your own. Someplace else— with someone else— the electricity crackling between the two of you might have been sexual tension.

Alas, Mingyu knows it's nothing more than your shared animosity.

… Right?

He breaks the silence with a mumble of, "I need a break. Give me five minutes."

Honestly, Mingyu could keep going. He thinks he has it in him to try and cast the spell a couple more times, but he's willing to look weak if it means getting you to pause.

You don't even have a snappy retort or a smartass insult to his declaration. All you give is a jerky nod of your head before you lumber off towards the nearest chair in the otherwise-empty classroom. A peculiar expression flashes across Mingyu's face as he watches you walk, almost like every step that you take is an effort. You miss the look in favor of practically collapsing on to one of the desks.

"Wizard Almighty," Mingyu cusses lowly. He reaches your side in a couple of strides, though he pauses with his hand hovering over your shoulder.

At the last moment, he clenches his hand into a fist and draws back.

"Is this seminar class really worth dying for?" he muses, shoving his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

"I'm not— dying," you choke out. "I just need— a—"

There's an edge of exasperation in Mingyu's tone. "You need a break. It's just me. You can admit that."

Before you can shoot back, Mingyu wanders off to his backpack. He digs through it for a moment before he can procure his water bottle, which he wordlessly places onto the desk you're on.

You give a quiet sound of appreciation before uncorking the bottle and taking a long swig. The rehydration seems to invigorate you in the slightest, enough for you to straighten to your full height. Mingyu holds back on teasing you over the way you've emptied his drink.

The first words you say after you've caught your breath are "It's because it's you."

Mingyu's eyebrows knit together in confusion. He tilts his head to one side, looking every bit like the confused puppy he's often likened to. "Pardon?"

"You said— I can admit that I need a break, because it's just you." You place Mingyu's water bottle down, your hands bracing the edge of the desk as you speak. You're looking up at Mingyu, but you're not quite looking at him. It's like your gaze is fixed on something just beyond his line of sight, and it hits him that you're avoiding his gaze.

You clarify, "I didn't want to admit that I needed a break to you."

His immediate reaction is to protest. To laugh and call you stupid, to question your faulty logic. But when Mingyu's lips part, the insult at the very tip of his tongue—

He finds that his words are just out of reach.

Because, for better or for worse, he understands where you're coming from. The two of you have exploited each other's weaknesses, have poked and prodded holes into each other's defenses. Why should this be any different?

There's an inexplicable twinge in Mingyu's chest. A tangible, physical tightening, over the spot where his heart is.

He had wanted it to be different. He doesn't know why, but he thought that this might make things different.

Instead, he manages to push out a heatless, "Right. That adds up."

Neither of you say anything for a while. The five-minute break stretches into seven, then ten. Right before the fifteen-minute mark, you say, "I think we should call it a day."

Mingyu— who has spent the past quarter of an hour trying to untangle his thoughts— jumps at the suggestion.

"Definitely," he says a little too enthusiastically. "Yeah, yeah. Let's… tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow. Same time?"

"Got it."

You gather your things and begin to make your way out of the classroom. Mingyu moves a little slower, not wanting to have to prolong any conversation if the two of you were to leave together.

He thinks he'll never have an answer to the question clanging in his mind until you pause halfway out of the door.

"Kim Mingyu."

He freezes in the middle of adjusting his bag strap over his shoulder. "Hm?" he hums, trying his best to act noncommittal even though his entire posture is already defensive in nature.

The sight of it seems to amuse you, because the ghost of a smile tugs at your lips. It's not a smile that you've ever given him. He's seen it in the corner of his eye, witnessed you dole it out to underclassmen and friends. And maybe he's always been a bit envious, a bit desperate to be on the receiving end of it.

Now that he is, he feels like he just got punched in the gut.

"Thank you," you say.

Plain, simple, unadorned. No explanation. It could be grace for the water. Grace for the break. Grace for the partnership. Mingyu doesn't know, doesn't care. He'll take what you have to give.

His mind tries to conjure the perfect response, one that might have you feeling the same way that he is. No problem or you're welcome or it's just me, sunshine.

What he eventually settles on is an exhale of "Always."

He wants to kick himself for it. Who the hell says 'always' to 'thank you'? a chiding voice screams in the back of his head. What does that even mean?!

He winces outwardly. Your smile widens slightly, just enough to throw him off balance once again.

And then you're gone, your footsteps echoing down Shiz' hall, leaving Mingyu with the answer.

Mingyu loathed you in theory, but in practice? Well.

He's so caught up in trying to unpack his realization that he nearly misses the quiet ping of his phone in his pocket.