#besides his own expectations as a performer what was a huge motivator for him

[akkivee]

randomly crying about iwasaki-san and hayama-san seeing each other as rivals and the symbiotic friendship that formed because of that relationship 😭😭😭

[k0mmari]

Okay people, I need to talk about IDOL!Shen Yuan AU before I explode (aka slight Aggretsuko inspired office au…..)

I’ll try to make this short for once jdvfhbjdhbvdf, but basically SY has been (forcefully) made to work for his brother(SJ) in the family company, after SJ decided enough was enough, and SY was going to do something with his life besides rotting away in his bed whether he liked it or not. The thing is, he wasn’t (just) rotting in bed reading atrocious novels, but he also took some time to experiment with music as a hobby, and over time, he grew a small following.

Though, after he was dragged to work at SJ’s side, the ever boring of dealing with paperwork and staring at white walls was eating at him. It’s not like he struggled doing his job, in fact, he was quite good at it, but he wasted no effort to make it very clear that he did not like that he was there in the first place. So, in an act of rebellion and to just do SOMETHING other than feel every passing second of the day in a cubicle, he decided to work even harder in his music hobby. It eventually led to SJ finding out and sparing no words to say that SY needed to focus on his real job, which only made SY brat out even harder, even managing to find an alternative music club and booking a few performances.

It went great! More people showed up than he expected, and all went great, but since his health was still not the best, after that he basically spent a whole month crashed out, not being able to do any more performances and barely able to go to the office once a week.

Anyways, it all led to SY thinking he had proved SJ right that he couldn’t continue this life style, and even thinking about quitting it, but one day while he was scrolling on the comments on one of his MVs (aka a Fancy Lyric Video), one of the comments mentioned that SY was one of the most important influences for that person, and that it inspired them to start pursuing music. It was the first time he had received a comment of that nature, and it lit the fire of his motivation back up.

Some 2 years passed, SJ still kept SY at the office, but SY had reached a nice balance on his online music work and performances on that club, and as his popularity grew, his performances at that one club had almost turned into a whole event for his most dedicated fans. So, enter Luo Binghe:

He was that comment that SY had read, and he did want to try music after being a fan of SY’s for almost three years now, but due to his financial situation he desperately needed some other source of income first. Now, at his last year of college, he managed to get an internship onto the Shen family’s company, which was a huge step forward towards his dreams, unfortunately he just had to go under SJ, which as we all know, was never kind to Binghe, instead acting as if the boy should just give up the internship entirely. And Binghe did think about it, but it seemed as if the stars had aligned for Binghe at least once, and SJ, after getting a sudden influx of work, delegated Binghe to SY.

They got on quite well, and Binghe even grew to have a little crush on SY, but it was all going fine and great until one fateful day. The office was as boring as ever, and after SY let Binghe know they wouldn’t have to entertain any clients for the day, Binghe decided to work on his part while listening to some music of his favorite artist.

Binghe has an awful habit of listening to music worryingly loud, so when SY went to get him to explain his new task, he ended up listening to what Binghe was hearing: his own music, in fact, his newest song. He pondered telling Binghe about the coincidence, but decided that maybe would be overstepping some professional boundary, and instead told Binghe about his one music club SY had heard about…

Binghe, excited to get to know more places around the area (and maybe understanding what SY did in his free time), decided to go to the club the next week after work, and did not even think about checking who would be performing in the day he would visit. Imagine his surprise when he gets to the door of the music club and hears some awfully famíliar music, and after rushing to be as close to the stage as possible, besides being blinded by his favorite artist’s greatness, also noticed that, hey, the artist looked an awful lot like a certain coworker of his….

Anyways, shenanigans ensue, Binghe starts his own investigation on SY possibly being the artist, SY juggling his office life, music career, and SJ perhaps coming to accept his brother’s career, and even maybe revealing a bit about his own past with music performances.

That’s all I had for today, just wanted to release this into the world! If anyone wants to expand on this, or try their on take on it, feel more than free to! Here are some more doodles of the usual day at the office :)

[blu-joons]

When He Supports You During Your Comeback ~ Monsta X Reaction

Shownu:

A soft sigh came from him as he walked past your office to see that you were still busy working, carefully pushing the door open as your eyes looked across to see who it was. “Don’t you think you should be calling it a night when it’s this late into the evening.”

“I’ve got one more song to work on,” you explained, looking at the mess in front of you.

“The song, and your album will still be there tomorrow,” he tried to assure you as he walked into the room, but your head stubbornly shook. “If you’re not calling it a night, then I’ll stay here and keep you company instead Y/N.”

Your album was almost complete, and with the finishing touches with one song left to make, you found yourself with more motivation than ever before. You’d worked so hard, and at last the finished product was close.

“Do you reckon you’ll finish tonight?” Hyunwoo asked as he took a seat beside your desk, watching you hard at work.

“I reckon if I give it an hour, I might just get it done,” you smiled.

His head nodded back at you, “and do I by any chance get to have a bit of a sneak preview of a few of the songs on your album in that case?”

“Maybe, I might just treat you to a snippet of it.”

Minhyuk:

Your eyes looked back as the door to your studio opened, looking across to see Minhyuk walking in with a bag of food tightly held in his hand. “It’s lunchtime for you,” he instructed, refusing to let you protest any differently as he made his way over to you.

“What’s all of this?” You laughed, stopping the music and picking up your bottle of water.

“You didn’t eat this morning, and I couldn’t let you dance all day without nothing inside of you,” he told you, inviting you to take a seat on the studio floor whilst he began to unpack the bag and fill you up with food.

Your smile grew as Minhyuk revealed several of your favourite dishes, making sure that you had everything that you needed to make sure that you were healthy and reenergised for an afternoon of dancing too.

“Make sure that you tuck in, I don’t want any leftovers to go home with,” he told you, pushing a few of the dishes at you.

“I can’t believe that you bought all of this for me,” you laughed.

His shoulders shrugged in reply, “it can’t be easy doing all of this on your own, I thought I’d help you out just a little bit with food.”

“This isn’t a little help, this is huge, thank you.”

Kihyun:

Your head snapped around as your dressing room door opened, letting go of a gasp as a familiar face peered around with a proud smile on their face. “Hey,” Kihyun grinned as he walked into the room, straight across to where you sat in front of the row of mirrors.

“I wasn’t expecting you to be here,” you replied as your arms wrapped around his waist.

“As if I would miss your first stage,” he mused, pressing a kiss against the top of your head, being careful of your hair and makeup. “I wanted to make sure that I was here to cheer you on and offer you my support too.”

Your head tilted back as you smiled up at Kihyun, instantly feeling your nerves begin to settle knowing that he was there to cheer you on. He was the one person you needed, who always knew how to calm you down.

“I can’t wait to finally see you perform this live,” he spoke up again, “the rehearsals looked amazing when I saw you last week.”

“The stage is huge, have you seen the set design yet?” You asked him.

His head shook in reply, “the staff offered to take me to have a look, but I wanted to wait and just see it when I got to see the real performance too.”

“I just hope that I do you, and the stage, proud Ki.”

Hyungwon:

Your eyes looked to your manager as he walked into the dressing room with a large bouquet of flowers in his hand. “These are for you,” he smiled, placing the bouquet in front of you on the coffee table that all of your belongings were placed on.

“They’re huge,” you laughed, peering around to try and find a card in amongst them all.

“The runner mentioned that the delivery driver mentioned they were ordered from abroad,” he informed you, just as you managed to find the card, taking it out of the flowers and opening up the envelope to get the card.

A sharp gasp came from you as you looked at the note, recognising the handwriting instantly. Your heart fluttered as you read through the note that Hyungwon had shipped across to you during his tour abroad.

“I’m guessing from that smile they’re from Hyungwon,” your manager asked, admiring the bright colour in your eyes.

“Sent all the way from Thailand,” you grinned, admiring the bunch.

Your manager took a close look too, “I know I’ve said it to you before, but that man is very good to you Y/N, always thinking of you.”

“These are the perfect motivation that I needed too.”

Jooheon:

Your smile immediately grew as you walked through the apartment door, with your stage done for the day, you couldn’t wait to get home to Jooheon, finding him in the kitchen. “Something smells great,” you remarked as you walked in to find him by the stove.

“Just in time,” he smiled as he grabbed two bowls out of the cabinet just beside him.

“Have you cooked?” You questioned in a slight moment of disbelief, peering past his shoulder to see what he had cooked. “You didn’t need to take care of me like this, you’ve probably had a long day of rehearsals too.”

He didn’t care how tired he was, the one priority that Jooheon had was taking care of you. You’d taken such great care of him during his recent comeback, it was about time for him to repay the favour to you.

“Why don’t you sit?” He offered, nudging you towards the table, “and you can tell me all about how the shoot went too.”

“It was a pretty hectic day,” you warned, but he didn’t seem to mind.

As you sat down, he placed a bowl in front of you. “I’m all ears for you to tell me about your day, we can eat and talk, how does that sound?”

“That sounds amazing, thank you so much for the meal.”

I.M:

Your eyes widened as you walked off of the stage at the end of you recording to see Changkyun waiting for you with a proud smile on his face. “That was amazing,” he encouraged, opening up his arms, engulfing you into a tight hug as you met him.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming here?” You scolded, hitting against his chest.

“I thought it would be a nice surprise,” he responded, pressing a kiss to your cheek, “and I wanted to give you a familiar face around here today, I’d heard good things from your manager about how the rehearsals had gone this morning.”

Your grip tightened around Changkyun as he spoke, thankful as ever to have him with you and supporting you. Even without you asking, he was there, knowing that even if you didn’t say, you wanted him there.

“I was thinking of making a habit of this,” he suddenly whispered into your ear, “you’ve got two weeks of promotions?”

“I do, but you’ve got work to be getting on with too,” you argued.

Changkyun’s head shook, “I want to be here to support you during your comeback, just like you’ve always done the exact same for me.”

“I’d love to have you there; your support is everything.”

---

Masterlist

[hpalways]

Lyrical Mess || Venti

BARD Venti was someone you looked up to. Words would spill from his mouth like a waterfall, for he never ran out of lyrics and rhymes alike to sing about. You aspired to be like him, to one day have talent in bringing people together through music. Unfortunately, your mind was a little underwhelming in the creative department. Phrases and sentences jumbled up like a mess, trapping you in a sea ridden of any motivation whatsoever. 

"The distant lands, the people, the trees, they all truly resonate in me!" he sang, filling your ears of the melody. He was currently sitting on the huge tree in Windrise, rocking back and forth on the branch. Meanwhile, you were on the ground and leaning against the bark, trying to write down anything that could be worth mentioning. However, the page was as blank as it could be, an empty void of nothingness. The quill in your hand shook and squeezed, because the frustration was beginning to take its toll. 

"Venti, I can't think of anything! Don't you have any secrets that could help me?" you whined, pulling the ends of your [h/c] locks. Grabbing the lyre that was brought everywhere with you, you thrummed the strings of it, playing an ugly chord that halted his own singing. The golden instrument glimmered against the sunlight, nearly blinding your eyes. After spending almost all your savings on it one day, it easily became your most treasured item. 

The male leaned forward from the branch, his two aqua ombre braids waving along with the wind. Green eyes on you, they crinkled as he grinned in excitement. In his usual white top and teal shorts with stockings, his style was enough to make him recognizable. Not only that, but he was as adorable as when you first met him. To have him by your side... well, you certainly looked like a nobody. "Well, why are you sitting there on the ground? Come up here and you'll get loads of more inspiration." 

"Really?!" you exclaimed. Your gaze brightened as if you had met God and you quickly scrambled to your feet. He nodded, putting his hands on his hips in pride. "Okay. I'll go join you then." Rolling up the sleeves of your shirt, you knitted your brows together in perseverance. Readying for the climb ahead, you lifted your foot to take that first step. 

Goodbye. You were ready to die. Venti had made it look so easy with those fast and flexible limbs of his, but you were trembling to the core at this moment. The tree was much taller and wonky than you expected, gnarly and dangerous for someone with no balance like you. Panting heavily, you tightened your hold on your lyre as you heaved yourself upwards one last time. You crashed on the spot beside the bard and hit the hollow trunk in annoyance. Flinching at the pain inflicted more-so on you, you rubbed your hands as you tried to settle down. 

The view surely was nice. Mondstadt, the city of Freedom, could be seen from here. Meadows and small hills laid out across the board too, luscious and full of natural beauty. The color of it reminded you of Venti. 

"I can't do this," you groaned, rubbing your face in weariness. "I'm too tired to even think."

"You quit too easily," he said, frowning. Feeling all ashamed suddenly, you drooped your head and sighed. There was nothing worse than getting critiqued by someone you looked up to. "Oh, I know! I have a few other secret spots to show you. What do you say, my friend?"

"Alright. I'll give it another shot."

Before announcing to you what he was about to do, he scooped you up with those nimbly arms of his and jumped straight off from the branch. A scream threatened to leave you, but you kept quiet as you held onto him for dear life. He was crazy! But that might just be the reason why he was so popular in Mondstadt. 

With a thump! at the landing, Venti smoothly reached the ground with two legs still working. Carefully releasing you, he took out his own lyre from under his arm. It could not be said the same regarding you. Wobbly support below, you kneeled down and calmed your racing heart. 

Once you gained your grounding again, that was when it was time to set off. Following the bard on his tail, you watched as the dirt path turned into pavement and then into bricks. "Mondstadt...? Are you sure this will be helpful?" you questioned, squinting at the mundane scene in front of you. Living here your whole life, it was all too familiar for you to believe you'd find anything here. 

"Just trust me, [Y/N]!" he said, turning his head over his shoulder. Giggling softly, he returned to look ahead and marched onward.

You assumed it would be an unknown spot that could exhilarate you instantly. But of course, reality bit the dust. Standing in front of you was the local tavern, crowded of drunken adventurers. "You just wanted to stop by for a drink!" you said, whirling around to glare at the male. 

He stuck a tongue out and winked, leaving you more infuriated. This was the guy you idolized so much? He was such a sham. "Trust me... trust me..." he repeated, pulling your arm with him. The door opened up and he slipped in, with you stumbling after him. His grip never once loosening, he waltzed towards the bartender and dropped coins of mora. "The usual, please!" 

Securing a table to sit at, he set you down and sat directly from you. As you were about to spew words of insult, he beat the punch. 

"I'm serious. This is one of my secret spots," he explained. He nudged his head at the back of the tavern, where an empty space cleared of tables took place. "I sometimes perform here and so whenever I come here, I would get a good amount of ideas."

He had a point. You had been there too when he performed here, intrigued and immersed by a new world introduced by him. Slumping your shoulders slightly, you mutely nodded in agreement, tapping the quill against your chin. He grinned at your reaction, as if he was relieved to have escaped your wrath.

As he sipped his drink in peace, you began to write down some ideas. It was silent at the table, but it was not uncomfortable or awkward. You had known Venti for quite some time... and though you still admired him tons, he became a dear friend. Ink met the parchment and you scribbled them down quickly, as if your life was on the line. This proceeded for a while until he slammed his first empty glass down. When showing the notebook, you fidgeted in your seat as you waited for his thoughts.

"Whisking her away, he drowned the walls. She said he said to come to the dock..." he read it out loud. His features tightened and he let out a nervous laugh. "Um... er... it's not bad... How about this?! Why don't you perform a song from Teyvat! Singing a song always inspires me. You can use the stage over there! I'm sure the customers would love a lovely song sung by the beautiful maiden [Y/N]."

"So it's bad," you deadpanned.

"It's not!" he argued, panic shown in his eyes. "It could use some improvement, but anything can be improve, you know?"

"You don't need to lie to make me feel better," you sighed, pulling yourself up from the seat. Lumbering up to the stage, you strummed the strings of your lyre, catching the attention of a few customers. Breathing in deeply, you closed your eyes and started to sing a song. The song you heard Venti sing a few times. The song your parents sang as they lulled you to sleep. The song that wasn't yours, but everyone's. 

You were a fake. A lyrist who couldn't form her own words. A singer with no direction to turn to. 

When the song ended, a round of applause exploded from the audience who were smiling in approval. They all enjoyed it, except you. Giving them a quick bow with a smile plastered on your face, you then exited the stage and rushed through the tables, passing Venti and straight out the door. Running to the gates and not stopping once until you were out in the wilderness again, you slumped to the ground in shame. Angry tears blurred your vision and you crumpled the poor grass upon your hands. 

"You performed it perfectly..." he whispered, his small figure crouching down next to you. When did he get here? "What's upsetting you?"

"I messed up," you told him, glancing at the lyre in your hands. "I can't do a single thing right."

"No one noticed it."

"But... I did. It doesn't matter if no one else realized it, I know of my mistakes. And I'm so sorry Venti. I've been such a hindrance towards you today. You don't deserve listening to my complaints. Nor do you deserve cleaning after my mess." More tears slid out, slipping down your cheeks. "I just wish I was you."

A thumb swiped the droplets from your face, his skin warm to the touch. Startled, you watched him grow slightly sad. Why was he making that face? It looked so... empty... hopeless. He knew of something you didn't. "You don't want to be me, [Y/N], trust me. And I like you the way you are... so please, don't say that ever again." He straightened up and all traces of any misery was erased from his expression. "Let me cheer you up a bit! I can go sing a tune for you! I think that should do the trick for some inspiration."

[prettyboy-asmo]

Aquarium Date

Pairing: Diavolo/Reader(Gender Neutral reader)

Pure fluff/attempt at humor- SFW

Summary: Diavolo asks about your favorite things to do in the human realm, and you tell him about aquariums. He decides you should go to one together.

Huge thank you to @jugodeflores for motivating/ encouraging me to write this and also beta reading for me!

“MC,” You look up Diavolo from your D.D.D, wondering when he’d stopped doing his own paperwork. Instead, his gold eyes focused on you as he propped his chin on his hand, “What’s your favorite thing to do in the human realm?” 

“Well, I guess it depends,” You tell him, smiling a little as he listens to you speak with intense curiosity, “Do you mean day to day, or special occasions?” 

“Special occasions?” He questions, leaning forward in his seat now.

“Yeah, Like vacations, day trips, or dates and stuff.” 

“I’m interested in special occasions,” He answers. 

“Okay, Well, I never really went on vacations or traveled much,” Which in a way, is what had prompted you to sign and mail the mysterious exchange forms that had found their way in your mail one day, “But I liked taking trips to the cities I lived near, just to explore and find new places and stuff. There were a couple of water parks around, and some carnivals during the summer, along with an amusement park a few hours away, a few museums too. I think my top favorite was the aquarium though, alone or for a date.” 

You watch the Prince tilt his head slightly, his expression urging you to continue. “There’s just something about the experience that never gets old for me. Seeing all the different creatures that I wouldn’t see otherwise, and it’s more than just looking at fish too, sometimes they have live feedings for certain animals, and the one I went to had penguins and sea otters and A jellyfish tank. I could watch the moon jellies for hours. And there’s information on everything housed in there, so you can learn about them while you observe them. I went for a field trip in second grade and I fell in love with it.” 

“That does seem like it would be an entertaining experience.” he grins warmly at you, “Let’s go to one.” 

You blink at him, processing his words, “Huh?” 

“Let’s go to a human realm aquarium. I want to experience one with you.”  You feel your face flush when he laughs, “I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.” He already looks so excited that you can feel your heart melt. It’s not like you’d have said no in the first place, but you nod your agreement anyways. 

So a week later you’re visiting the human realm, Your hand gripping Diavolo’s as the Demon Prince led you along to the aquarium he’d chosen to visit. It wasn’t very often you got to see him in casual clothes, So while he was focused on your destination you took some time to admire the way he looked in the dark red button down and black slacks. It was kind of unfair, really, how good he looked. 

Soon, though, you had reached the doors and Diavolo was paying the entry fees, taking a map and leading you into the building farther before stopping and turning to you, “What should we do first?” 

“Well,” you pondered, glancing at the pamphlet he held out to you, “There’s a show with the dolphins in two hours if you’re interested in that. Until then, we can start here and work our way through the building, unless there’s something you want to see right now.” 

Diavolo shook his head, “I want to see it all.” and with that he sets off again, his enthusiasm drawing a laugh from you as he leads you in the direction of the exhibits. His eyes light up as you walk into what you note is supposed to be an exhibit on the Amazon, and the look of wonder that graces his features is something you want to commit to memory for the rest of your life. 

You move along the tanks, and he leans in close to each one. Sometimes, you’re able to point out a specific fish and give a few facts about them, and sometimes you read him the trivia posted around the exhibit.

“It kind of reminds me of Leviathan,” Diavolo says suddenly, prompting you to turn from the sign of facts about Piranhas you’d been reading. You can’t help the laugh that you let out when you see he’s observing a rainbow boa that’s draped lazily on one of the many large branches in its enclosure. The pattern along its body does indeed remind you of Leviathan’s demon form. You don’t have time to respond as Diavolo takes out his D.D.D, double checks the flash is off and snaps a picture. 

You try to peer over his shoulder to see what he’s doing, but with a grin he finishes typing and turns the phone toward you. The Picture of the snake is there, soft iridescent sheen on it’s skin visible along with the pattern, under it is a short message that simply reads, Is this you? And you can only imagine how Levi will react when he opens that message. The thought is amusing but it quickly drifts to the back of your mind as Diavolo starts moving toward another enclosure, attention captured by something there. 

You follow him through the rest of this exhibit, letting him lead you around the rooms and take as much time to observe everything he wants. You’re glad he’s so tall, otherwise you might be afraid you’d lose him in the crowd with how suddenly he seems to take off to other exhibits when something catches his eye. The interest and child-like excitement that continues to shine through him rubs off on you, and soon enough your hands are intertwined once again as he pulls you gently along. You make it through a freshwater fish exhibit before you decide it’s time to head to the show. 

As you’re heading there you pass a group of young children clearly on a field trip, and apparently heading to the same show you are. A few of them stare at you- or, more accurately, Diavolo. One of them whispers to their friend, a not so quiet- “He’s really tall, like, as tall as a superhero!” You feel the soft chuckle Diavolo lets out, biting back your own laugh. Diavolo though turns back slightly, sending a wink at the pair before guiding you to your seats for the show. 

Now, instead of his grip on your hand he wraps his arm around you, pulling you flush against his side. It causes a slight blush to dust your cheeks, but you lean into his side anyways, enjoying the closeness of the moment. “Are you enjoying your day so far?” he asks as people continue to find seats, shuffling around and settling while waiting for the show to begin. 

“I’m having a lot of fun,” you tell him honestly, your own smile bright, but your conversation is cut short by the show beginning. You both give it your attention, though every so often, after a dolphin performs a particularly impressive trick or amusing maneuver, you glance at the demon beside you to see his reactions. Each time he laughs in delight you can feel it move through him, and you can feel the way his arm tenses around you during tricks, can see the awe in his eyes when the trainers explain some of the mannerisms of the animals, the relationships they form with one another, and efforts to help the earth’s environments to help the natural habitats of the animals. 

After the show, you end up at the touch pools- something that sets off a whole new level of excitement in Diavolo. He’s extremely careful when he reaches in, fingers gently grazing the creatures sitting in the shallow water. “It’s fascinating,” the Anemone his hand brushed against swayed gently with the movement of the water. 

“You don’t expect them to feel so...squishy, right?” 

You go through a few more exhibits after that, and you even manage to sneak a few photos of Diavolo, your favorite being the one where he’s nearly leaning against the glass of the beluga whale enclosure, one of the creatures on the other side  staring right back at him, the delighted expression on Diavolo’s face is priceless. You also manage to send it to Lucifer, knowing he’d appreciate it as much as you do.  A while later, Diavolo takes your hand in his again. 

 “The Aquarium is hosting a jellyfish exhibit for a limited time,” he says, leading you along to a staircase that has another attendant standing at the top, “I got us the passes because you said you liked them.” He hands the attendant the passes, who nods as you continue on down the staircase. Even in the dimmer light as you reach the bottom you can see the faint tinge of pink on his face. 

“You didn’t have to do that,” you squeeze his hand, smiling up at him, “but thank you, I love it.” 

The pace you took around the exhibit was slower now, moving along the dim rooms and taking minutes at a time to watch the strange creatures drift through the lit tanks. It’s quieter here than the rest of the aquarium, and less crowded, probably due to the fact that it required additional passes- but it feels almost serene, despite the low chatter of the other guests roaming the rooms. 

“I believe I understand what you meant when you said you could watch them for hours,” Divaolo says next to you, his golden eyes are tracking the movement of the Jellies, his features bathed in the blue glow of the tank’s lighting- it makes everything feel softer somehow, the way his lips are curved into a smile, how his hair falls just slightly into his eyes, even his gaze. 

When he turns to you there’s something else in his eyes that makes your face heat up. “They really are beautiful,” he says, and you realize he’s leaning in closer, as he continues, “Almost as beautiful as you,” he finishes, and even though there’s sincerity in his voice- even though you know he doesn’t lie- you have to fight the urge to roll your eyes. 

“That’s...so cheesy.” you say, but you can feel your own grin on your face, your hand squeezes his tighter, and you lean up, almost completely on your toes to meet him in a soft, quick kiss. “Thank you for this,” you say earnestly, “I’m happy we got to come here together.” 

“As am I. I should thank you for putting up with me dragging you around all the exhibits, I’m sure you are used to a more relaxed atmosphere than that.” 

“I think it’s cute.” You answer, satisfaction washing over you at the blush that covers his face, “I like how excited you are. It means I can tell you’re having a good time.” 

He chuckled slightly, “I would say any time spent with you is good.” 

The two of you lingered in the Jellyfish exhibit for a while, silently admiring the displays. 

When you finally emerge you have to blink at the sudden increase in light, but Diavolo is already leading you along again. “I was told that these sort of trips aren’t complete without a visit to the gift shop.”  

“I guess that is kinda true,” you admit, following him into the shop. Immediately, something catches your eye. “Dia, look!” You hold up an almost perfectly round stuffed seal in your hands, squeezing it’s soft sides slightly, “It’s so cute!” It’s little flippers dangle slightly as Diavolo looks at it- and you- with unveiled amusement, “Feel it!” 

He takes it from your hands, squeezing it slightly. “It is incredibly soft,” he turns it over in his hands, squishing it again, “Do you want one?” 

“Wait- really?” 

“Why would I ask If I didn’t really want to know?” 

“I do like it,” you admit- “Reminds me of you, in a way.” 

Diavolo looks at the Seal’s face, then back to you, “It reminds you...of me?”

“Nice to hug. Cute.” 

“Is that so?” Diavolo’s cheeks are flushed pink again, and even though your own face feels warm you can’t help but admire the ability to make the Prince of the Devildom blush. He tucks the seal under his arm without saying anything else- and then it seems that a display of t-shirts catches his eye. “All proceeds go to charity. MC, do you know this charity?”

You glance at the sign. “I do! It’s a good one, they support a lot of rescue habitats and environmental efforts- and they actually use their money for what they say they do, unlike some.” 

Divaolo’s eyes shine as he takes in the shirts, Colorful cartoon fish decorate the fabric, and bold, bright letters declaring “Don’t be Shellfish, Protect our Oceans,” are written on the front. He moves to the display, rifling through the shirts before pulling out three different sizes. 

"Three?"

"One for Lucifer as well!" 

You laugh out loud at the mental image of Lucifer wearing the shirt and nod, "Good idea."  Diavolo wanders around the shop a bit more, when another stuffed animal catches your eye. A beluga whale. Your mind flashes back to the delight on his face when you’d snapped that picture of him and the whale earlier that day. You pick the stuffed beluga up, it’s large and, to your delight, is just as soft as it looks. You glance over at Diavolo and see that he’s distracted by a book display, so as stealthy as you can you make your way to the cashier with the whale. 

You pay, thanking the cashier, then make your way to the door before calling out, “I’ll be waiting outside, Dia!”  

It’s not long after he exits the gift shop with a curious expression, multiple bags gripped in one hand and the seal tucked back under his arm. “MC?” 

You hold the whale out to him, “I thought you’d like this,” you say, pleased by the fondness obvious in his expression, he frees the seal under his arm, handing it to you and taking the gift. 

“I adore it. Is this why you left before me?” 

You grin, squeezing the seal with one arm and linking your free hand with his, “I wanted it to be a surprise, as well as a thank you for all of this.” 

You feel like you’re half asleep when you get back to the Devildom, eyes drooping and legs slightly aching from all the walking you’d done that day. You eat dinner with Diavolo, and then you insist on joining him in his study when he says he has some paperwork to finish before he goes to bed. 

You’re curled up in one of the armchairs, the stuffed seal Diavolo bought you under your head like a pillow as you watch him do paperwork. You feel your eyes droop, slower to open them each time. Eventually you decide it’s easier to give into sleep, figuring Diavolo could wake you before he went to bed for the night. 

“Dia,” You mumble, waiting for him to look up from whatever paperwork he was pouring over now, “Thank you for today. I love you.” 

He smiles softly back at you, “I love you, sweetheart.” You give him one last smile before curling up tighter and letting yourself fall asleep. 

[buckyswheezes]

Cruel Summer (Pt. 1/2)

Premise: Steve was 7, Bucky was 6, and you were 4 when you became family. And it was in the summer of your last year in high school when things started to change.

Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes / What doesn't kill me makes me want you more

author's note: First of all, this did not go the way I planned it to. Second, I was wrong; this isn't one-shot but a two-shot fic. Finally, I hope you guys like it. Again, @lokisblackwidow's post made me do this. Sorry if it's different from what you expected it to be.

warning: this fic contains cursing, sexual shit, and incest. Read at your own risk

It's been 15 years since your family moved to New York to start anew. The concrete jungle, skyscrapers, and bustling broadway shows were a stark contrast to California's tropical and easy-going nature. You were too young, though, to notice such things because you were just three years old at the time and mostly spent your time confused because you haven't seen your mom in a long time.

It's only been dad and your brother Steve for weeks now, and both didn't know how to tie your hair the way you like or read those bedtime stories you loved so much. Years later, you finally realized why -she died. The next thing you knew, you have a new mom and a new brother. It's been that way since.

"How's the college application going?" Steve's gruff voice came from the ongoing Facetime.

"I haven't had my breakfast. Can I please have my breakfast first?" You replied, annoyed. You didn't want to be reminded of that first thing in the morning. You slumped down on the seat beside your mom, and she handed you a cup of freshly brewed coffee. "Thanks, mom," You muttered.

Your dad sat on the other side of the table, flipping through the day's paper, and beside him sat Bucky, stuffing his face with bacon, completely ignoring the chaos around him. The empty seat beside him was where Steve sat (when he's home, that is, which was rare nowadays), but the tablet with his huge face plastered in it was placed on the space on the table, so it felt as if you were all still having breakfast together.

"Ooh, someone's grumpy."

"I'm gonna beat your ass when you get home." You threatened.

"Well, joke's on you 'cause I'm not."

"You're not?" Mom frowned.

Steve shifted to look at her. "I took a summer course this year, Biostats. It'll help with my thesis."

"You sure you're not just fonduing with Maryland girls in the summer?"

"Shut up, Buck. You're the playboy in the family, not me."

"Alright, boys!" Your mom chastised then turned to Steve again. "Well, you take care, and if you need anything, just give us a call."

"Will do."

Steve attended Johns Hopkins University -unarguably one of the best universities in America when it comes to Medicine. He'd always wanted to be a doctor, and even though he never said it, you knew it was because of your biological mom. He could've gotten into Harvard, but like you, Steve itched to get out of New York for a change of environment. It was only Bucky who didn't want to go anywhere, and so he attended NYU.

You love New York, no doubt about that. You grew up exploring its Burroughs, and the Central Park had been a staple in your formative years, but lately, you just wanted to get away from all of it. Recently, something changed, and you convinced yourself that it was because it's your last year in high school and you will be going to college soon.

But you knew there was something else. Well, maybe it was also because you turned 18 early this year, you're legal now, and with your going to college on the other side of the coast, you were excited to have a bit of freedom. CalArts was your first choice, being into Performing Arts and all that. Now, your parents weren't painfully strict, but being the youngest and only girl in the family, they couldn't help but be a little protective.

When Steve went to Baltimore two years ago, you were quite relieved. You get it; you're his only sister, but the way he used to hover around and scare away boys grated your nerves. You were just thankful that by sophomore year, he was gone. He'd passed on the mantle to Bucky, but he didn't really care -well, not as much as Steve did.

"Dad, don't forget you're picking me up later after school. I can't be late for my rehearsal." You reminded. Across the table, your old man's jaw dropped.

"I'm sorry, honey, was that today?"

"Uhh yeah, you forgot already?"

"Sorry, it slipped my mind, honey. How about you pick her up, Buck?" He turned to your step-brother.

"What?!" You shrieked in unison.

"I can't. I have stuff to do." He whined. You roll your eyes at his lame excuse.

"No, it's fine. I'll just ask Peter to come with me."

"Who's he, your new boyfriend?" Bucky spat.

You glared at him across the table. "No, he's not. I don't even have a boyfriend; you and Steve made sure of that." You downed the last of your coffee before shooting daggers at him once more. "Don't pick me up. Go do your stuff."

"Bucky…" It was mom's turn to speak.

"Fine!" He grumbled.

————

"Bye, Peter. See you around!" You stood up from the bench where you and your friend sat as soon as you saw Bucky drove up the school's entrance.

You don't know what your step-brother's problem was, but lately, he'd been nothing but irritable and annoyed, especially with your presence. You didn't wait for him to call you, so you jogged as quickly as you could across the schoolyard, silently climbing on the passenger seat as soon you reached where he pulled over.

You cast a wary glance at him; he didn't speak to you since you got on. He didn't even acknowledge your presence. His jaw was set, and he was intent on ignoring you, it seems, for the duration of the ride.

You and Bucky weren't always like this. You two were close; you played a lot when you were kids, you built forts, you wrestled, you chased each other with whatever gooey stuff you put your little hands on. Over the years, he became distant. You'd started to feel distant when Bucky and Steve entered junior high -you just couldn't relate to the stuff they talk about anymore. You're still very close with Steve, but with Bucky, he just drifted further away, especially when you entered high school. Bucky was only two years ahead, so you always saw him around during your freshman year. He was very popular, it seems. Senior girls used to befriend you in hopes of getting close to your step-brother.

You couldn't take it any more of his animosity, so you fully faced him, shifting in your seat. "Have I done something wrong, Buck?"

He looked at you incredulously for a second before turning his attention back on the road.

Annoyed at his lack of response, you hit his shoulder with your fist.

"What the hell y/n! I'm driving. Do you want us to die?!" He growled.

You retreated back to your seat, feeling remorseful for a second. Only for a second, then you burst out crying. "I hate you! I wish you're not my brother!"

You heard him chuckle, but he obviously wasn't amused. "Yeah, wish you weren't my sister too."

———

Bucky was in his last year in high school when he noticed it. He was waiting outside the school library because you said you needed to borrow a book before the two of you go home.

When Steve went off to college, he promised he'd look after you. He noticed firsthand how guys from all grade levels flock to you, hoping they'd catch your attention. Now, Bucky knew what these guys really want, and that's to get in your pants. Over his dead body would he allow that to transpire. So you two always walked home together.

He craned his neck to peek through the giant doors, wondering what's taking you long when he saw you chatting with a guy. His brows furrowed while his lips formed a thin, grim line.

Your smile reached your ears, your eyes glistened in obvious delight, and your cheeks flushed. Your shy gaze was directed at the guy in front of you.

Bucky frowns even more, when the guy ruffled your hair, a gesture that only he has the right to do (he believes). He felt a vein in his head pop in irritation. He felt like punching someone.

"Hey, Buck, let's go!" You chimed, pulling him out of his murderous thoughts.

"Who were you talking to?"

"Oh, that's Stephen. A junior in the dance club." You almost giggled.

"Huh." He scoffed.

The next time he noticed it happen was when he stayed around to watch your cheer dance rehearsals. Your skimpy cheerleader outfit didn't leave much to the imagination; that's why he decided to hover around, ready to pounce on whoever looked at you the funny.

Bucky looked away for a second to glance at his phone when screams filled the schoolyard. The next thing he knew, you were in the air -free-falling. He ran as fast as his feet could take him to catch you, his heart pounding in his ears. Fortunately, someone was there to catch you before you hit the ground.

You fell on top of the guy -Stephen. He gritted his teeth, half-annoyed, half-grateful at the piece of shit. He saw how you stayed on top of him for a few seconds more; furiously blushing. The moment he reached you, Bucky yanked you up and from the guy's body.

"You okay?" He fussed, searching your body for any sign of injury.

"I'm fine, Buck. Stephen caught me." You bit your lip as you shyly looked back at the guy. "Umm, thanks again."

"Yeah, thanks, man," Bucky grumbled, pulling you away from the group.

The way your body rested on another guy just didn't sit well with him. Once again, he felt like punching someone, and that someone is Stephen. He hated the way the guy was always around you. Bucky was sure what his motive was, and he'll never let him get it.

"I want ice cream." You muttered later that afternoon on your way home.

Bucky scoffed at your request. "What are you, five?"

You stopped walking and faced him, a pout on your lips. "Steve always buys me ice cream."

"Well, I'm not Steve."

"Please, I fell off someone's shoulder and almost hit my head. What if I died?"

"What has that got to do with ice cream?"

"I hate you. You're the worst brother, ever."

Bucky chuckled at your antics; he knew you didn't mean it. You just say that to get what you want because when you were kids, Steve and he used to compete for the Best Brother Award. "Fine." He conceded with a smile. He grabbed your grabbed, and you both ran to the nearest ice cream parlor, ordering one big bowl of banana split sundae and stuffing your faces.

Bucky's whole body tensed when your moans filled your ears. He didn't mind it back then, you were young and innocent, but now, Bucky couldn't ignore the sound spilling from your mouth. Sweat dripped down his nape.

This isn't right.

Your moans seem to ring louder in his ears. The way you licked your spoon clean was not helping his situation either. Bucky thinks about the thin line between sanity and insanity when the chocolate syrup trickled from your lips down to your chin until it reached the supple skin of your neck.

"I need to go to the bathroom." He muttered and hastily jolted from his seat, scrambling away from you. Bucky has a growing problem inside his pants, and he needs to take care of it.

Stop this, Bucky, you need to stop this! His mind chastised while his hands unbuckled his belt. You shouldn't feel this… this way towards her. He's your step-sister. It's wrong.

As soon as he reached his release, he made up his mind. He'll stay away from you; kinda impossible since you both live in the same house, but he'll try his best for both your sakes.

Bucky stopped waiting for you after school. He stopped watching your rehearsals. He stopped helping you with your Math home works and, much to your mom's surprise, he started watching evening dramas with her in the living room every night.

So to answer your question, the one you shot at him when he picked you up from school that day. Yes, you did something wrong.

You grew up. And it's been hard for him to see you as his step-sister ever since.

——————

The last day of school finally rolled in, and you intended to enjoy summer before you start college. What you didn't see coming, though, was being left alone with Bucky for one whole week because your parents are going on a cruise.

"Can't I come with you?" You pleaded, eyes wide as you hauled your mom's baggage into the back of the taxi.

"Sorry, honey. Promise, we'll be back as soon as we can." She replied before giving you a hug.

"Don't leave me here. Bucky's gonna bully me all week."

"He won't, right Bucky?" She raised a brow at him, who stood with his arms crossed, looking annoyed.

"Try not to destroy the house while we're away." Was their final reminder before they went on their way.

Bucky was the first one to get back inside the house. Dread ate up your insides; you two haven't spoken since the car ride. You decided once and for all to get things straight with him. So you marched inside about five minutes later.

Bucky heard you barge in his room, but he remained still -eyes closed and pretending to be asleep. He jolted up when you unceremoniously hit his stomach with a pillow.

"What the hell, y/n?!" He snarled, clearly pissed at your assault.

Your nose flared at his attitude. "What is your problem, James Barnes?" You growled in return.

"Am I the one with a problem here?"

"Oh, come on! You know what I mean!"

Bucky pushed past you; you trailed behind, following his figure towards the living room. He needed to get away from you, fast. It irked him that you wouldn't stay the fuck out of his way. You'd even come and gone into his room. Bucky couldn't take it; he'd go crazy.

"Why are you avoiding me? Bucky!… Bucky! Answer me, damn it!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, y/n. So, leave me alone." He was about to reach the door when you threw yourself in front of it, barring his way out. "Move."

"NO! You're not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong." You crossed your arms, planting your feet firmly on the floor. You weren't gonna let this day end without knowing why Bucky acts the way he does. If it was something that you did, then you'd wholeheartedly make it right, but you'll never know if he keeps on brushing you off. So, here you are.

"Y/n, move." Bucky hissed menacingly."

"No, Bucky." You replied in the same manner.

After your brief glaring contest, Bucky finally looked away, sighing in defeat. "Fine. Something's not right, okay? But it's not you, it's… it's… me, so let me handle this myself."

You relaxed and took a step closer to him. "Can't you tell me? I might be able to help."

Bucky looked away. How could he possibly tell you that he's harboring un-brotherly feelings towards you -his step-sister. How could he possibly tell you that you turn him on, that he's having inappropriate thoughts about you for a year now? How could he possibly tell you that he might be falling in love with you?

All those times you spent together when Steve was gone. The times you intently and genuinely listened to his adolescent problems. The times you cheered for him when he played football in high school. You were his number one fan. You were so different from the others, and he hated how it made him look at you differently. He hated when you boys started coming into your life. He always believed that you had a special place in your heart for him, but now he feared that anyone might snatch that place from him. You were his best girl.

Bucky grimaced at his realization. He finally admitted to himself that he is, indeed, falling in love with you. He felt angry at himself. How could he let this happen? He thought he was in control of his emotions.

"Eventually, I'll tell you. But not now." He said softly, hoping you'd let him go.

But you were persistent. "No, Bucky. I want you to tell me now." You demanded.

"Y/n," He growled loudly this time. "Move out of my way!"

"I won't until you tell me."

"Move!"

"Just tell me!"

Bucky's resolve broke. The sirens in his mind went off, but he ignored them as he strode towards you intently. He smirked when your bravado faltered before vanishing completely when he pushed you against the door; your bodies pressed together, making sure you could feel the tent growing against his pants.

Your eyes widened in shock. "Wha-"

"You wanna know why? Huh," He asked through gritted teeth, his face hovered dangerously close to yours that you could feel the hot breath coming through his nose. Bucky didn't give you time to answer because he roughly crashed his lips towards yours. He wasted no time shoving his tongue inside your mouth.

Bucky could feel your hands against his chest, pushing him away. He could hear the muffled pleas of protest as he relentlessly assaulted your mouth. His lips left yours only to find themselves on your neck, sucking on your skin.

"Bu.. Bucky.. stop.. s-s-top." Tears cascaded down your cheeks, but you were frozen in spot, unable to wipe them away.

But Bucky ignored your appeal. He continued sucking your skin while his hands traveled your side, feeling you up. When he couldn't get enough of you, he bit the skin on your shoulder.

You yelped in pain. "Stop! Stop, get off me!"

Still, Bucky did not listen. Dissatisfied with his actions, he dragged and threw you towards the couch; he straddled over you, your hands pinned on the cushion. You squirmed beneath him, trying to escape his hold.

Bucky pulled your shirt up and found his lips back on your skin again; this time, he latched on your erect nipple and sucked as if his life depended on it. When he was done abusing both your buds, he moved to kiss your lips again, but your tear-stricken face met his eyes.

Bucky went stiff as a board, and you used that opportunity to push him, backing off as far as you can from him. Your loud sobs filled the house as you sank to a pool at your feet, hugging your knees to yourself.

You couldn't believe what your step-brother had done. Your mind couldn't begin to fathom his actions.

Bucky sat motionless, his horror-struck at his deed. He bit back the long line of profanities that ran inside his head as he stared dumbfounded at your crumpled figure.

A painful pang of guilt washed over him like a tidal wave. What had he done?

"Y/n.. I-I'm… I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He said and scrambled out of the house.

Bucky didn't come home for three days while you spent it in a daze.

Bucky kissed you; he put his tongue inside your mouth. He touched you in your private parts. He sucked on your nipple while you lay beneath him. He held you like a lover would.

But he was your brother; why would he do that?

The sound of the front door opening pulled you out from your thoughts. Your gaze met Bucky's; he had dark circles around his eyes, and you wondered briefly whose house he crashed when he didn't come home.

"Bucky…" You stood from the couch and approached him.

Bucky liked that about you. You were brave and face things head-on; you're not one to back down, just cause you were scared. But he doesn't think he could handle you right now, not after what he's done. He walked past you, intent on ignoring you.

"After what you did, I at least deserve to know the truth, don't you think?"

Your words hit home. You were right; you deserved at least that much. Sighing, he turned back and sat down on the couch.

"I know this is downright wrong, but I'm in love with you, y/n," Bucky confessed softly, and he heard your small gasp.

"But, we're… I'm your sister."

"step-sister," He corrected. "I can't help it. I love you more than a step-brother could love his step-sister. I love you as a woman y/n. I tried to stop it, but it was hard."

You deserved to know the truth no matter how disgusting, condemning, or how sinful it was.

"I am still trying." Bucky continued, and this time, he gave you a firm look. "And I need, need you to help me."

Your heart skipped a beat. "What do you want me to do, Buck?"

"Stay away from me."

You pulled back in shock. "But-"

"No buts!" He hissed. "Can't you see how hard this is for me? You think it's easy to stay away from you when I love you?" He pleaded. "After this, I want you to stay away, don't talk to me unless it's a life or death situation."

"Mom and dad will notice."

"Then don't make them notice." He got up and approached you, then reached for your hand, clasping them together. "Please, y/n, you have to."

With a heavy heart, you nodded. Bucky moved and gave you a quick peck on the forehead, and it felt like goodbye.

Weeks quickly flew by, fortunately for the both of you, your parents didn't notice a thing. You bickered like you used to during breakfast, but both of you knew that it was forced. When they weren't around, which was much since both of them worked, you barely talked to each other and were barely left alone in the house.

Bucky spent most of his time playing basketball -his new hobby to get his mind off you. He's always gone during weekends playing with his college friend Sam Wilson. You saw the guy once when Bucky invited him to dinner with your family. After that, Sam can frequently be seen in the house. Your parents were cool with it since Steve didn't come home for summer.

One afternoon, Sam was there again; you could hear their banter all the way up to your room. However, what really bothered you though was the presence of a woman -Sharon. She's Bucky and Sam's classmate in one of their class, and along with Sam, she started hanging out at your house.

You groaned, annoyed. You couldn't focus on the application essay you were supposed to write with that woman's shrill voice downstairs. You slammed your fist against your study table, intent on giving the three a piece of your mind. You stood up and marched downstairs, catching their attention.

Sharon sat between Sam and Bucky, and they were pretty occupied with a mobile game before you came.

"Can you guys keep it down? You're not the only people in the house."

"Oops, sorry, y/n." Sharon squeaked.

"We'll keep it down," Sam promised.

You just nodded before glaring at Bucky, who did not even acknowledge your presence. You grumbled something before storming back to your room, slamming the door close.

Sharon and Sam ended up having dinner with them again. With Sharon seated beside Bucky, again. Your mom told them to drop by again. And, Bucky walked Sharon home, again.

And you were getting tired of this. You wanted to help Bucky, but you can't just sit back and watch him replace you with someone else. No, you can't allow it. This has to stop.

You waited for Bucky to come home; you were in his room sitting on his bed with a determined look on your face.

As soon as Bucky stepped inside, he was shoved against the door, making it slam close. He winced at the pain on his back, but he was startled and shocked when he felt your lips connect with his in a searing kiss. His first instinct was to push you away, but his desire got the better of him. His eyes slipped close, and he kissed you back passionately.

Bucky's thoughts were in a haze as both your lips danced with each other. It didn't take long for him to invade the warmth of your mouth, fingers tangling themselves into your hair, while your hands curled around the front of his shirt, trapped between your heated bodies.

"Why," He moaned before pulling away.

Your ragged breaths filled the room; you looked at him with glistening eyes. "I don't care anymore, Bucky. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to be replaced by Sam or Sharon or anyone else." A tear escaped your eye, and it cascaded down your cheek.

Bucky leaned down and kissed it away, the salty taste lingering in his tongue.

"I want you back, Bucky."

Bucky felt a painful tug on his heart at the sight. He loves you, but he was also the one making you cry. He cannot bear the thought of hurting you. He caressed your cheek and gazed at you lovingly, longingly.

"You're making this hard for me, y/n. For the both of us."

You shook your head once more and pulled his face close to yours. "I don't care anymore, James Barnes. Love me any way you want, just don't… don't leave me again."

Bucky froze at your words. He pulled away then grasped both your shoulders. "Y/n, you don't know what you're saying."

"I do. I'm not a child anymore. I want how we used to be; if accepting your love could get things back to the way it was, I accept it.

Bucky shook his head. "No,…no y/n, nothing will ever be the same if you let me love you the way I want to."

Your face visibly fell at his words. Feeling hopeless, you asked. "Why?"

"Why?" Bucky asked back softly. "Because unlike then, I'll kiss you more like this…" He started and gave you a sensual kiss on the lips. "I'll hold your hand like this…" His hand went to yours, and he intertwined your fingers.

"We used to do that when we were kids."

Bucky just hummed in response. "And I'll pull you close to me like this…" He continued and did just as he said. He pulled you against his heated body and inhaled your scent. "And you'll always ignite that burning feeling inside me, y/n. So, unless you get used to these things, I will not let you do this."

"But we used to do some of those."

"It's going to be a lot different now."

"I don't care. I'm used to it. In fact, I miss it. Don't ever leave me again, Bucky, please. I love you so much."

Bucky's eyes widened in surprise. He could feel the rapid beating of your heart against his. He pulled you in once more for a passionate kiss.

"I love you too, y/n. You don't know how much you make me happy."

[hanniiesuckle17]

Stray Kids Reaction to S/o Being a Ballet Dancer

A/n: I'm assuming this means like pointe dancer and/or principal dancer??? Anyway!!! Hope you like it bb!! I had fun doing this one!❤❤❤

Requested by: @desertofdessert​ (thank you bb! feel free to request again! this was so fun!!)

Chan:

Chan watched you gather up stuff and put it in the huge dance bag you carried. Unfortunately, you couldn’t spend Chan’s day off with him. It was just one of those times when your schedules didn’t match up. Chan totally understood. If you managed with his busy schedule than he could deal with yours. He also understood the expectations you were under as a principal dancer.

While he never was in the position himself, he has taken many ballet and modern dance classes when he was in Australia, so he knew how intense your job was. He also knew how short your performing career might be. “Why don’t you come with me?” Your voice brought him out of his thoughts. 

“To practice? Won’t I get in the way of the others.” 

You shook your head and tossed an extra water bottle over to him. “I’m just going for a solo run.” Chan smiled and jumped off the couch, following your out the door and to the studio your company rehearsed in. He watched in fascination as you stretched and slipped your pointe shoes on. For the next hour, Chan sat against the mirror and quietly watched in adoration as you danced across the floor. 

“You wanna try?” 

You had the brightest smile on your face as you pulled him up from the floor. You guided him through some steps and giggled as his technique was a little rusty. The two of you danced and laughed for the next couple of hours. You caught his eyes in the mirror as he held your waist to support your feet transition. A blush crept onto his cheek when you reached behind you and ghosted your hand over his cheek, coming down off your toes.

You did so in a way that was so graceful and almost like a dance move in itself. It sent chills down his spine. He loved seeing you in your element. You turned into a different person when you were dancing, he loved seeing you confident and moving without hesitation. He loved seeing your smile as he assisted you through a posse turn. You practically lit up the entire room.

I cant believe some people forget Chris has some classical dance training. I love thinking about him as modern dancer like wow

Minho:

Being a dancer himself, Minho loved how passionate you were about your art. He loved that he could have someone to go to the gym with and would understand having to go on crazy diets. It definitely helped his motivation with you to keep in him in check and vice versa.

However, what he didn’t like was your schedule. Usually, he came home late, and you left home early. He wasn’t the most touchy-feely person, but he did miss seeing you sometimes. So, he made a commitment to you that he would soon regret. There Minho was. At the studio with you. At five in the morning. “Only for you.” He muttered under his breath for the thousandth time. 

It was really his idea. So he was to blame. He was the one who asked you to teach him a routine. However, he had no idea spinning on his bare feet would hurt so much. “You wanna try a lift?” You said coming beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. 

How were you not out of breath??????? Minho was sweating buckets under his jacket. “Hell yeah!” Why did he say that? That was not what he meant. He meant no. He meant let’s go back to bed like normal people. You explained to him how to do a pretty simple lift and how to get out of it. “Hold up. You want my hand where?” He asked with a mischievous smirk. You rolled your eyes and shoved him lightly. 

“It’s a simple move. Let’s try just once- without the coupe turn.” 

Minho laughed and nodded. He followed your instruction, watching in the mirror. As directed he placed his left hand around your abdomen and this right secured tightly over your right thigh. “Okay and now you lift up and dip.”

“Which way?”

“Forward and down. Duh.”

“DOWN. WHAT IF  I DROP YOU ON YOUR HeAd??”

“You’ll do fine, Minho.” Carefully, he lifted you and he was surprised feeling the muscles of your stomach tighten and hold yourself up in his arms even as he dipped you. “See! You did awesome.” You laughed when you saw his terrified face in the mirror.

Changbin:

Changbin was ecstatic when he found out you were a ballerina. He was so proud of you. After that, he never missed one of your shows. He was always seated front and center with the goofiest, most proud grin on his face waiting for the lights to go down. He also makes you sign his program for every show. He keeps every single one of the programs and he says he wants to make a collage to frame for you.

He does worry about you often, knowing how strict your career is. He knows your schedule almost better than he knows his own. He’ll constantly check up on you and send you a text reminding you that you have to change out your toe pads and drink water.

You smiled hearing your boyfriend’s ringtone as you exited the rehearsal room. “Hi, Binnie! Where are you?” You giggled hearing he was waiting outside for you. He greeted you with a sweet kiss and wrapped his arms around you, blocking the cold air from penetrating your thin sweater.

“I’m buying you dinner. Let’s go.” He grabbed your hand and dragged you to the nearest hole in the wall restaurant he could find. He frowned when you ordered so little to eat. He sent you a stern glare as the waiter took away your menu. You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped when you saw his face.

“Bin, I’ve got a dress and corset to fit into! Don’t worry, I remember our rule.” When you and Bin started dating he came up with this rule he was adamant you follow, especially while you were prepping for a show. He had a rule that you couldn’t walk away from the table if there was still food on your plate. He instituted the rule when he figured out you weren’t finishing meals the closer a show was.

Towards the end of your meal, you smiled as Changbin placed a generous piece of his food onto your plate. You picked it up and ate it gratefully. You frowned when he placed another piece on your almost empty plate without looking up from his food. Again you ate the food, honoring his rule. This time your boyfriend held eye contact with you as he dropped a huge piece of food on your plate. 

“YAH SEO CHANGBIN!”

“WHAT?”

Hyunjin:

When Hyunjin met you he was instantly fascinated by you. When he found out you were a professional dancer the man was immediately whipped. However, he was so obsessed with the fact with the idea of being the perfect dancing couple he forgot to ask what kind of dancer you were. 

You had nothing to do today. Hyunjin was busy with schedules today and couldn’t come over. You had an audition coming up for the lead in Cinderella so you figured now would be a good time to practice. You had bought this apartment specifically for the fact that the living room was huge and had nice real wood floors. 

Pushing all the furniture out of the way you cleared a large enough space to dance in. Pulling out your semi-new pointe shoes you started prepping them. The room started to smell a little like burning fabric as you burned the frayed edges of your ribbons. A rich sound rang throughout your apartment as you banged the pleats of your shoes on the floor. 

Music filled your apartment as you went through your audition routine. You focused on your turnout, keeping it perfectly positioned throughout your movements. You pushed up on relevae and into an arabesque keeping your core tight and leg high and elegant.

“Hey Y/n, Surpris- HOLY WHAT THE GOOD CLEAR PANTS OF JYP???”

You turned to find Hyunjin staring at you with his jaw dropped in shock. Turning off the music you walked over to your boyfriend with a smile and kissed his cheek. He still stood frozen like the drama queen he was. “Hi, honey! How are you?” He blinked and stared at you. He stepped away and took in all of you, his eyes lingering on your shoes. 

“This is not what I expected......but I am so impressed right now.”

You smiled and pulled him down to kiss you, but he stopped your motion. “Nuh-uh. That’s cheating. You gotta work for it now.” He smirked down at you. With a giggle you rose in your shoes and kissed him, tangling your fingers in his soft hair.

Jisung:

Your relationship with Jisung was almost as old as the both of you. You had always been friends since before you could remember and Jisung could even remember you telling him about your very first dance class. You remembered him kissing you after your first lead performance and his cheeky smile when you and to stand on pointe to reach his lips at the time. 

Jisung loved to watch you dance. It was maybe one of his favorite things in the entire world. He was always proudest when he was watching you float across a dance floor or stage. He was captivated by how powerful you were and what you could make your body do. However, there was another side to it...

“Ji...” You said walking through the door of your shared apartment. Hearing his nickname he jumped off the couch and took your bag off your shoulders. As the days grew closer to your shows he made sure to always be home before you. Even if that meant him getting up at three or four am to go back to the studio. You kissed his cheek with a huge grin and watched with adoration as he put your stuff on the table and picked you up and hurried you over to the couch as carefully as possible.

“Baby, I’m not glass. I can walk!” 

“WE MUST PROTECT THE MERCHANDISE OKAY!”

When you were seated he grabbed the several ice packs from the freezer and made sure that he had enough to switch out later. You giggled watching him scramble to take care of you. Carefully, he took off your sneakers and winced at the red spots on your ankles and feet. “Ji- I can ice my own feet. I’ve been doing it for years-”

“LET ME TAKE CARE OF YOU, WOMAN!”

You laughed and pulled him to your lips by the collar of his shirt. You loved that he knew your schedule. Even before you had moved in together Ji had known your schedule after ballet. Ice, eat, ice, stretch, ice and review rehearsal footage, then sleep. “How was your day?” He asked pecking your lips again. You smiled and looked into his soft brown eyes. 

“Fantastic now.”

Felix:

Felix and you had been friends long before he made it big in the music industry. He always knew you danced, but until you started dating a couple months ago he had never really taken an interest in your dancing. Not because he didn’t care. He was just so god damn busy. He felt kind of bad that you didn’t even expect him to take an interest. 

You never asked him to come to a show. You never really talked about rehearsals unless it conflicted with setting up a date, and you never danced in front of him. So, he was determined to change that. You came to the JYP practice room straight from rehearsal as Felix had asked. 

You greeted the boys as the left the studio and found Felix standing by the mirror messing with his phone. He jumped when you wrapped your arms around his waist. “Ready to go, Lix?” You asked after kissing his cheek. “Actually,” He said turning around.

“We are gonna have our date here. You are gonna teach me about ballet!” You laughed and kissed him with a bright smile. You knew he wouldn’t last more than two hours. An hour later, Felix had shed his hoodie and was sweating through his tank top while you stood happily in your leggings and pointe shoes. You had to admit he was doing better than you thought.

“Oh my god! How do your feet open like that, you mutant!” Felix cried out trying to stay in first position. 

However, when it came to actually dancing, Felix was fascinated. It was so different from how he danced. Felix had surprisingly good extension and he got some pretty good air on a couple leaps. And he loved watching you dance-especially when you went up on your toes. He thought you looked beautiful and elegant. 

“That’s it I can’t take it. Take me home.”

“Great! Now I can teach you the second half of ballerina life.”

“What’s that?”

“Ice.”

I've low-key wanted to do a Felix ballet au bc gosh darn he is just so elegant and wooooooooww ballet!felix

Seungmin:

Seungmin loved watching you dance. The two of you didn’t live together yet, so he took every opportunity to see you dance anytime he could. He came to all of your shows and you practically had to kick him out of your closed rehearsals. For his birthday (per his request) you choreographed and performed a routine to his favorite Day6 song. 

Date nights for the two of you usually happen after your rehearsals end and consist of your icing your body on the couch with Seungmin next to you, either watching a movie or talking and eating takeout. 

“Seungmin? Are you here?” You called out into your apartment. Sounds from the kitchen confirmed the presence of your boyfriend. “Minnie?” You dropped your bag by the door and took off your shoes. Seungmin shuffled out of your kitchen with two mugs of tea in hand. 

“What are we doing tonight?” He asked, setting the tea on your coffee table. He sighed when he saw the innocent smile on your face. “Really......again?” He laughed when you nodded excitedly. 

“Fine.”

You cheered as he went to get ice packs and you pulled up Centerstage on Netflix. Seungmin was a good sport. This was probably the twenty-sixth time he had seen this film since dating you. He knew that the movie made you happy, especially if you had a rough day at rehearsals. 

“Man,  Cooper gets douchier and douchier every time we watch this.” Seungmin sighed, his arm around you. 

“Yeah and Charlie gets dreamier and dreamier.”

“What?”

“What-”

Jeongin:

Jeongin watched the video you sent him with a huge smile on his face. You were on tour with your company, so you couldn’t be with him for a few days. Even though you were still in the country, he really missed seeing you. 

It was so weird for him to not pick you up from practice. His eyes twinkled as he watched you dance across the backstage area of a venue. He smiled when he saw you rush back over to your phone and wave to him with a happy grin. The video was sent two days ago. You had talked earlier that day but he still missed you. 

“Jeongin,” His attention snapped away from his phone and to Chan towering above him. His hyung helped him stand up and clapped him on the back. “Ready to go back to practice?” Jeongin sighed and nodded. “Hey, I’ve got a surprise for you,” Chan said running to his bag. 

“Chan I’m just kind of depressed with Y/n away for so long.” 

“I know. That’s why we are going to Y/n’s next show.”

Jeongin’s eyes widened as he watched Chan pull out two tickets to your show, Giselle. After practice, Chan drove the two boys two hours away to your venue to see her perform. Jeongin watched you dance across the stage with bright eyes. He loved watching you become the character of Giselle, though he couldn’t help but be a little jealous of the man who played your fiance.

When he and Chan surprised you backstage, you jumped into his arms and kissed him all over. “Innie! You came!” He smiled and wouldn’t stop talking about how fantastic you were. 

“Y/n! Oh my god! You were so good! The whole leap thing, and your turns! And the thing with the lift- it was so cool! You did incredible baby!”

Requests are open! Just send an ask!

Masterlist

[yukiobeyme]

Would you be willing to do one of the NSFW alphabet headcannons for Beel? I just read your Levi one and it was good 💓

NSFW under the cut! Thank you for the request <3

Beelzebub NSFW Alphabet

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Didn’t really know what aftercare was, just figured it was staying together and sleeping. You end up bringing up your needs or the idea of aftercare. Beelzebub then makes sure to keep extra snacks and drink for you; he even goes as far as finding the electrolyte drinks to make sure you stay hydrated.

He also adores giving you soft kisses on your back and shoulders, holding you close to him.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He loves his hands, Beelzebub is huge for a demon but compared to a human, even of average or above-average size, he is massive. He absolutely marvels at the sheer difference between the sizes.

He loves your mouth; he loves how your mouth makes him feel. But he also loves your hands and how small they are compared to his dick. He honestly overall loves everything about you, especially when it’s on him.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

The first time you swallowed his cum, he was beyond shocked and turned on again. He let out a groan when he felt his dick twitch interested in the scene that was in front of him. If he ever comes on your chest you should expect him to finger feed you his cum until you are clean.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

It’s not necessarily dirty but it’s probably one of the secrets he has kept from you. He likes how much bigger he is than you, he also knows the pure power he has over you as someone so much bigger as you and as a demon. But it’s something inside him snaps when you take charge and control. Something about seeing you smaller and weaker body on top of him, he is completely submissive and is practically putty in your hands.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Is surprisingly experienced? He is by no means easy but promises of breakfast in the morning definitely motivates him to give his best performance. But it’s only a handful of partners but treats every time as his first time. Not necessarily in a clumsy/awkward way but more in the sense of teasing and casually touching you, making sure you are doing okay before he completely devours you.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Missionary, he is a simple demon and he loves the closeness of it. Sure he is down for you to top him or even occasionally take you from behind, but something about watching you fall apart under him drives him wild.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Can be pretty goofy, sex is weird and awkward sometimes. And sometimes weird noises are made and he constantly reassuring you that it’s all good. But he also just loves your laugh and smile and bringing them behind closed doors and to an intimate moment just drives him wild. Very rarely is it super serious, those are reserved for times when you need to be reminded of how loved and precious you are.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

The carpets do match the drapes, he is naturally not very hairy but he is well-groomed, something about his wrestling outfit. Out of season, it’s a toss-up, It is either well-groomed for a bit but he’ll let it grow for a while, getting annoyed at the length and then the cycle starts all over again.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Is more on the romantic aspect, there is always a date or something beforehand. He tries to woo and seduce you every time. Makes sure to worship you and praise your body. You would be covered with his kisses and love before being wrapped tightly in his arms.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Doesn’t jack off often, after meeting you, he would have more urges for sure. But Beel used to having food turning him on, so for you to turn him on he was equal parts confused and curious. After getting in a relationship he rather just message you he is hungry for you rather than food and forgoes jacking off alone.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Food Kink

It was your idea to bring food to the equation and Beel was more than eager to participate. Whip cream and strawberries are his favorites but there something about licking chocolate off you is amazing too. Likes to be one that gets to eat but will occasionally be allowed to be eaten off of.

Size Kink

It’s just something about how much bigger his is than you. How he can corner you and just tower over you. Your hand is so tiny in his and it drives him up the wall. While he isn’t into power play, he thinks his size kink influences his thoughts about how you could easily break when he towers over you. He also enjoys how much he can touch of you at once.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Your room, he doesn’t want to risk having Belphie ruining the moment. Though your room isn’t much safer. Occasionally the shower/bath and there was even a wild incident in a random closet at RAD.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

You. Purely seeing you and seeing you react to him and how he moves. Its intoxicating and makes him hungry in other ways. He is being honest when he wants to devour you. Teasing is always a good thing to get him going especially when you try to eat the most sexual foods innocently. Praising and moaning over the taste, he tells you he is the only one that can make you sound like that.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Anything that can be considered dangerous and isn’t into BDSM. He just won’t do it, anything he is iffy on takes a lot of time and communication before he would consider it.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Giving all the way, he takes eating you out to a whole other level. You know that recent video of the Hawaiian Papaya eating contest? That’s how he eats you out, he constantly going down only coming up when he needs air before diving start back in with enthusiasm.  

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Slow and sensual all the way. Very rarely is he fast and rough, only times when he thinks he was going to lost you or if you spent the whole day working him up. He rarely desperate enough to want it fast and rough, He thoroughly enjoys slowly take you apart. Starting with kissing all over you, ignoring your sensitive areas. Before he finds his way to your thighs, where he will nip and bit. Your hands will be threaded in his hair and voice hoarse with pleading with him to touch you before he finally gives in.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Doesn’t haven’t often, he just doesn’t like being quick with you. He wants to take you apart piece by piece. He doesn’t want you leaving him without feeling worn out but most important he doesn’t want left to feel unloved.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

With you he is willing to experiment, it makes it more fun. He is never too serious so any idea you have he won't shoot down and is willing to figuring it how to make it come true.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He can go 3-4 rounds; he considers rounds the amount of time you get off. He usually cums twice maybe a third time depending on the day. The first round is always focused on you feeling good without penetration, then focused on both of you with penetration, and the third is working you through another orgasm after you already felt spent. If you are up for another round, it a very slow and sinful round. Beel lasts way too long for your liking if that is even possible but he somehow manages his lust and desire perfectly.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Isn’t the biggest fan of using toys, unless if you express you would like to use toys, he wouldn’t even think about it. Doesn’t own any toys. Though he was a fan when you suggested edible lingerie

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Is very unfair and what makes it so unfair is he doesn’t mean to be. He just enjoys making you feel good and you spend all day worshipping your body. He loves all the noises you make, and it only encourages him, the amount of times you have been close to tears due to his teasing is unreal. You learned that tugging at his hair can usually get him to move on from the teasing but some days it seems like he wants to tease and work you up.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Isn’t very loud, he likes to only make noise when he is beside your ear. So you know exactly what noises you pull from him. Whenever he is receiving pleasure it isn’t a surprise to see him biting his lip or have a hand over his mouth to try and quiet himself.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

It took a long time before you were able to talk Beel into letting you wear a gag ball. He just hates not being able to hear you or communicate with you. But then again there was something seeing your mouth stretched around a red ball, like a roast pig, that sparked a fire instead of him. The sex was rough and desperate, as you had drool at the corner of your mouths and tears threaten to leak from your eyes.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Is HUNG, like damn. Like to the point, it is intimidating that first time you see it, but if you were to be split open… what a way to go. He knows he is huge too and makes sure to always be gentle and never pushes you or your body. The first time you saw it, or rather an outline was during a wrestling match and you were distracted and concern.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Is average for a demon, maybe a tad below average. But he would never turn down sex with you, especially because of the soft and intimate moments with you in the afterglow.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He isn’t going to sleep until he eats to restore his stamina and most times it’s a food coma that will knock him out after sex. But he always brings you water and some food too, encouraging you to at least eat something before he will pull you onto his chest.

[vickyskpopkingdom]

ATEEZ - From The Wonderland pt.3

the third and final part of this story! i you haven't please read the previous two parts of this to understand everything :)

besides that: hope you have fun reading the boss fight & the conclusion! and don't forget to support ateez as well as the other groups on kingdom!

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3

warnings: guns, swords, fighting, drinking

1.4k words

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wooyoung tried to catch his breath. He could still feel some hands on him. He was too tired, too worn out to fight those remaining around him. At least they stopped for now so that he could try to asses the situation around him. He lifted his head to see Hongjoong running towards him from behind a huge rock, his iconic fur coat floating behind him. With only a few but well placed punches and kicks Hongjoong had pushed the last skeletons that still had a hold on Wooyoung back.

"Good to see you still alive, man", the captain said as he helped his friend stand up, an arm around his upper body to support him.

"I am also very glad to still be alive."

Hongjoong couldn't help but smile. They weren't safe yet but he felt a lot better by just seeing Wooyoung alive and relatively unharmed.

"Thank you, Hongjoong", Wooyoung said sincerely, putting all his gratitude in those three words.

"Don't mention it."

The captain looked around the dome again. Seonghwa and Yeosang were still fighting and Hongjoong could see skeletons approaching him and Wooyoung again as well. And above all this were still the watchful eyes of the Kraken which was twitching with its tentacles as if it was undecided whether it should intervene in the fights or stay still and watch it play out.

Hongjoong didn't have as much time as the monster to decide what he should do. He needed to asses the situation fast, recollect his members and form a strategy to get them all out of here before everything escalated even more. Right now helping Wooyoung get to a place of safety was his top priority.

"Let's get moving, Woo", he tried motivating his friend to walk faster.

He could tell that Wooyoung was trying his best to not be a burden on Hongjoong but the skeletons have not been kind to him. He looked over his shoulders in a rush, trying to figure out how close the skeletons were to them right now. Maybe he would need to put Wooyoung down to push their enemies back again and continue moving after that. Before he could make up his mind however he could hear faint yelling from one of the many tunnels that lead into the dome. It came closer and closer. Wooyung couldn't help but laugh at the sound, while Hongjoong sighed. "They really can't be quiet even when trying to surprise their enemies."

As if to prove his point San broke out from a tunnel close to them, looking around, seeing his friends and letting out an excited yell before engaging in his first fight. Shortly after Yunho and Jongho followed. The older of the two had already drawn his sword and was more than ready to fight. Neither of the three really took time to acknowledge the Kraken at the back end. But maybe that was for the better. Right now it seemed like the skeletons were a more immediate problem.

From what he could see Yeosang felt like they really took down a large number of skeletons, leaving the dome rather empty. Only a few were remaining, scattered throughout their hideout and unsure of this situation. Yeosang and Seonghwa moved towards their friends, making sure that all of them okay, or at least as okay as can be expected under the given circumstances.

"We need to get out of here", Hongjoong ordered as soon as they all came together again.

"But the treasure-", Wooyoung argued.

Six pairs of eyes landed on him, looking him up and down skeptically almost as if they could not believe that he out of all people present would suggest staying longer on this island.

"Well, I'm just saying we didn't come all the way out here and fight a bunch of dead-but-not-dead skeletons to leave empty-handed right?"

"I agree", San voiced his thoughts as he kicked one of said skeletons back that had tried to approach them.

Jongho shook his head. "Of course you two would agree with each other. Have you taken a look at that Kraken? It only needs to slam down one of its tentacles on us and we would be dead."

"It definitely is too huge for us to kill it", Hongjoong considered their options, "And we don't know anything about it."

Yunho took a quick look at the red sea-creature towering over the waters surface only a few meters away from them. It was still unmoving, waiting. He shivered and turned his eyes away. "I feel like that thing is watching us."

"We know something", Seonghwa spoke up now. He took his rifle and spun it around in his hand. A neat little trick that always gained attention from the younger members of their crew even though they had seen it countless times before. Somehow they were unable to do it themselves and thus never ceased to be amazed by their older friends skill. "Remember that one rumor about it's weak spot? Right in the middle of this things eyes." He pointed between his own two eyes to accentuate his argument.

"It's just a rumor", Yeosang reasoned.

"So were the rest of the things we had heard before and now look at us."

Everyone turned to Hongjoong. The final decisions were always up to him. He was their leader, the one they trusted the most. If he would tell them to try it, they would do it without hesitation. Their captain seemed to be deep in thought, pricking small strands of fur from his coat and rolling it between his fingers.

"Do you think you can make that shot, Seonghwa?", he finally asked.

Seonghwa smiled. "You know that I can."

"Then do it."

Seonghwa didn't need to be told twice. Immediately he got into position, taking his aim. At this the Kraken let out another of his terrifying screeches. Although they were kind of used to it by now the pirates couldn't suppress the goosebumps on their bodies. But they could not stay standing around and wait. The noise the Kraken had made called the remaining skeletons to action once more. They were now charging at the group.

"Make sure Seonghwa can make this shot undisturbed!", Hongjoong ordered, before the first enemy reached them.

He would not have needed to tell them that because they were more than ready to keep their sharp-shooter safe for the final blow on the monster that would grant them access to riches they had never seen before which was the sole purpose of this trip. They had experienced so much in the last hours. There was no way they would be giving up now. Not as long as they were together.

Seonghwa took a deep breath and steadied his aim. The Kraken tried to move around but it's movement was way too restricted by the walls of stone. It's only route of escape was to go back in the water. But Seonghwa was ready. The monster tried to retreat down into the sea as Seonghwa pulled the trigger. The bullet crossed the remaining space in no time and landed right between the Krakens eyes, piercing through it's flesh and leaving a hole.

The Kraken emitted it's final scream. A scream of so much pain and horror that it made the stone vibrate and the fire of the torches flicker heavily.

"It's done."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That can not be true", the older pirate said accusingly. He had taken the empty shot glass into his hand and was waving it around. Another hiccup escaped his throat. "We would have heard by now."

The woman behind the bar shrugged. "Not if you only talk to the same two people every time you come here."

The man stood up straight, however still grabbing onto the bar. He pointed at the woman with one of his slightly crooked fingers. "Don't talk to me like that. And don't think you can just sell us this stupid fairy-tale!"

Before he was able to slam down the glass on wood of the counter someone grabbed his wrist, stopping his movement mid air.

"Is he bothering you, miss?", a rather amused sounding voice asked.

"Just another rude customer, nothing I couldn't handle", she answered, a smile tugging at her lips at the sight of seven familiar faces in front of her. "Maybe you should let him go, Hongjoong, and instead tell him about your last adventure."

The younger of the two drinking pirates, who had been quietly thinking this whole time, finally took a look at the new arrivals. His mouth dropped open slightly as he recognized the men that were now taking a seat on the counter around them. "Aren't- aren't- aren't you guys ATEEZ?" This time it wasn't the alcohol that made his voice crack.

"Oh, so you have heard of us?", the man called Hongjoong laughed. "Yes, we are ATEEZ. Do you want to hear our story?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and with that we are finished! considering all 3 parts i wrote 7.5k words about a 4 minute performance so i don't know what that says about me...

if you read through all of these parts congrats & thank you very much! if there is a mv you personally would like to see made into a story don't hesitate to send me a link, maybe i can write something about it <3

[x--daughters-of-darkness--x]

JINJER'S TATIANA SHMAYLUK: "I WILL GET REVENGE"

Go inside the Ukrainian metal group's new album 'Wallflowers'

Jinjer has teamed up with Revolver for a limited-edition bundle that includes the band's Summer cover story and a Wallflowers vinyl variant on 180g white wax. It's limited to only 300 copies — pick up yours now.

Tatiana Shmayluk wants revenge from beyond the grave.

As a woman fronting Ukraine's biggest metal band, she deals with endless bullshit. Comments. Snide remarks. Trolls. These dudes — and they are all dudes — might doubt her motivations. They might have something to say about her looks. Her clothes. Her uncompromising attitude. They might even attempt to throw shade on her high-flying vocal acrobatics or ferocious performances. But attempt is the key word here — in any and all cases.

Shmayluk is having none of it. If she can survive an upbringing in war-torn Ukraine, she can survive the haters. If she busted out of Eastern European obscurity to become an international star, the shit-talkers cannot touch her. If she can be held up as a role model by young women around the world, the power clowns cannot clown her.

Besides, there is post-mortem retribution to consider: "When I die, I will get their asses."

She says this with a laugh, perhaps because she understands that most of the people reading this won't believe it. But make no mistake: She means it.

Then again, undead reprisals won't be necessary. As it turns out, revenge is a dish best served with a heaping side of unmitigated success. Shmayluk fronts Jinjer, one of the premiere djent-prog bands on the planet. As of this writing, they have over 250 million cross-platform streams and views. They have nearly half a million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their 2017 live studio performance of "Pisces" — arguably their biggest song — has over 51 million views on YouTube.

Shmayluk and her bandmates — guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov, bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vladislav "Vladi" Ulasevich — somehow manage to combine metalcore, djent, prog, nu-metal and even R&B and reggae into a musical style all their own. Not bad for a group of young musicians from a conflict-ridden corner of the world that most Americans can't even point to on a map.

On the day Shmayluk and Abdukhanov speak with Revolver, Jinjer are in France recording their set for Hellfest's "Hellfest at Home" streaming event, which will replace the beloved annual metal festival — usually held in the sleepy French village of Clisson — with pre-recorded and contact-free sets from some of metal's heaviest and most popular bands. Such is life in what we hope are the waning days of the pandemic.

"Things with the pandemic are way worse in Ukraine than in the United States," Abdukhanov tells us. "Very few people have managed to get vaccinated. We are in line and waiting our turn. And because we haven't had the vaccine, we had to stay in quarantine here in France for seven days. We had to pay for this extra task just to be able to come here. It's a deep pain in the ass."

"In Ukraine, the shops will be open today but closed tomorrow," Shmayluk adds. "It's constantly on and off. But I didn't go sit in restaurants and things like this, anyway. I want to just be at home."

Both Shmayluk and Abdukhanov spent the early days of the COVID outbreak in Los Angeles. Jinjer were in Mexico when the remainder of their Latin American tour was cancelled, so Abdukhanov went to see his pregnant wife. Shmayluk went to visit her boyfriend, Alex Lopez of deathcore troupe Suicide Silence. She stayed for the remainder of her visa. "I was addicted to Amazon," she says. "Every day I ordered something. I got my first DSLR camera and some other photography equipment. Me and Alex got a huge fish tank — the Rolls-Royce of fish tanks. And then another tank. And another tank ..."

"Our American tour was supposed to start in April 2020, and it had not been cancelled yet," Abdukhanov explains. "We didn't know the situation fully, so we thought it might still happen — or part of it, maybe. So, it seemed reasonable to just stay in America. Of course, by the beginning of April the tour was cancelled, and it was clear that this thing would last very long."

The pandemic's enforced downtime did have a creative upside: Jinjer wrote and recorded their new album, Wallflowers. "For the first time in our whole career, we finally had time to write songs, practice them and go to the studio very well prepared," Abdukhanov says. This time around, drummer Ulasevich wrote the bulk of the material. Before he got started, the band collectively decided that they had to branch out from their last album, 2019's Macro.

"We knew for sure that we had to change the sound because we couldn't allow our album to sound the same," Abdukhanov offers. "All of us wanted some-thing new, and we had a very clear picture: We wanted the bass and guitars to be very aggressively distorted. Vlad, as always, had a very clear idea of how to change his drum sound and drum parts. As for the music, we never try to expect something from our new material. We just write music and let it flow. I think this will never change for us."

The result is somehow Jinjer's most aggressive and melancholy album to date. From the anguished, woozy groove of opener "Call Me a Symbol" and the dizzying, caustic metalcore of "Copycat" to the moody seesaw of "Vortex" and the airy, ominous dreamscape of the title track, Wallflowers is next-level Jinjer. "A lot of new elements are on this album," Abdukhanov confirms. "For people who are not familiar with our music, it can be complicated listening. But I think our fans are prepared for it. They got used to expecting what they don't expect."

At first, Shmayluk wanted to call the album As I Boil Ice, after Jinjer's new song of the same name. But the title didn't fit with the floral cover art they had already selected. They added an icicle to the image, but that didn't seem to help the situation. They ultimately decided on Wallflowers, which relates to both the artwork and Shmayluk's lyrics. "When I started writing lyrics, it was January 2021 and I was back in Kiev," she says. "Alex had come to visit, but it was time for him to fly back home to L.A. We had spent a lot of time together and now I had to learn to be alone. I didn't want to do anything socially oriented. I was just walking in circles in my apartment, making a huge hole in the floor."

Shmayluk's self-imposed isolation, underscored by the pandemic, set the stage for a more personal approach to her lyrics. At first, she started writing in Russian. Then she switched to English. "Vortex" was the first song she finished. "It's about a person who overthinks a lot," she explains. "Have you ever experienced that thing where you just cannot escape your thoughts? Your head becomes so heavy, like a ball of lead. It's about to explode. It can lead to depression, basically: You cannot stop, and you fall into it. That's the vortex."

As of this writing, "Vortex" is set to be the album's first single. The band has already filmed a video for the track. Shmayluk hopes the song can provide a kind of temporary support system for those who might need it. "Sometimes songs help me to overcome my emotional issues," she says. "Even with sad songs, they can make you feel you are not the only one who feels this way. It really eases your pain if you can find compassion to heal a sad heart."

Album closer "Mediator" is the result of an online personality test that Shmayluk took at the suggestion of a friend. "I'm always ready to do some psychology and self-analysis," she enthuses. "The result I got was 'mediator,' which has to do with compassionate, sensitive people. I feel this is basically another word for 'introvert' or 'wallflower' — it's all connected."

"But the song is about when I was younger," she adds. "I was an idealist. I wanted to see things as perfect and people as kind. But the reality is harsh. You grow up and you realize you still have a lot to learn — a lot of lessons that can't be taught in school. Life lessons."

The title track directly addresses the album's over-riding theme: Shmayluk's struggles as an introvert. "I've met a lot of people who have no idea what extraversion or introversion is," she says. "I explain it in this song so that hopefully people can relate. Introversion can be a problem for people who think that there's something wrong with them. If you are a wallflower in school, for example, people will mock you and bully you. When you grow up, you will realize you were just born this way."

"Society rejects people like her," Abdukhanov adds. "Society rejects people who stay inside. They think there's something wrong with these people because they are not part of a herd."

"That's true," Shmayluk says. "It's been hard for me to fit in with most people."

Which is probably why she feels so close to her bandmates in Jinjer. "They are my best friends and almost my only friends," she says. "It's really hard for me, as an introvert, to find new friends. Most people want an open book. They want you to just blah-blah-blah all the time. That's how they get information about you. But you have to read me if you want to know me, and most people are too lazy to do that."

"They want everything fast," Abdukhanov adds. "We live in a consumer society, and people are consumers even in relationships. In a way, you could say this album is like a manual for dealing with introverts."

"If you are patient with an introvert, you will discover the treasure," Shmayluk says. "You will have a friend for life. I think it takes a year or two to get to know me, and then dude ... you cannot shut me up!"

Abdukhanov knows Shmayluk better than most. They've been in Jinjer together for a decade. "Over the last 10 years, I think I saw her and talked to her more than anyone else," he says. "Because we're constantly on tour. We went through the nine circles of hell together. We played small clubs with only 10 people in front of us, and now we play huge stages for thousands of people around the world. This journey made us a family."

Of course, the haters are still out there. Lurking. Judging. Commenting. "I try not to read comments, but sometimes it is impossible not to see anything," Abdukhanov says. "I helped to manage some of our social media, and I cannot help but see some exchanges. But it doesn't hurt me much, fortunately."

"We are strong," Shmayluk says. "And I will get revenge."

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 124

SYNOPSIS:   Jamie and Claire have been granted two weeks of downtime to recuperate, but where is he taking her? All he will tell her is that it is a surprise.

 Chapter 123 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

 THANK YOU to everyone who is following along with this story. I really appreciate your feedback, likes and reblogging of the chapters I have been posting. I hope you enjoy the chapters to come when we find out where Jamie and Claire are going for their recuperation. Perhaps you might like to guess where he is taking her?  

  CHAPTER 124

Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp had got out of Dodge as soon as they were discharged.  They never looked back as they made their way away from Section One to places unknown for Claire.  They travelled in silence, each deep in their own counsel and thoughts as the rhythm of the car’s engine purred in Claire’s ear. She had no idea where Jamie was taking her but she really didn’t care. As long as they were together was all that mattered to her. What she did know was that wherever they were going was never far enough away from Section One. Jamie concentrated on his driving and had his eyes on the road while she sat quietly in the passenger seat and scooting deeper into the soft leather upholstery, she stared out the window at the passing countryside as Jamie drove them further and further away from Hong Kong. Although neither of them said a word, strangely enough, their silence was not uncomfortable. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two weeks …

When Claire had heard those words from Operations yesterday it was as if time had stood still.

It was inconceivable to her that her superiors would allow them downtime together especially given their feelings about the supposed relationship between the two of them. However much they suspected it may have compromised the mission, Madeline and Operations really had no tangible proof, for both she and Jamie had performed their duties to their upmost ability. Their leaders though, were never satisfied unless there was 100% containment coupled with a dogged determination to have the end game sooner rather than later. It was a huge bone of contention for Madeline and Operations for that result had not been achieved on this mission yet. It was conceivable that the head of Section, in particular, laid the blame for that at their feet, hence his recalcitrance and bad mood at allowing them downtime to recover from their injuries. Although there had been a setback in the capture of the triad leader, Section still had the upper hand. Once the mission resumed, the element of surprise was on their side as the triad thought both she and Jamie were dead.  “Enjoy your downtime. Use it wisely to rest and recover for once you return to Section we expect the both of you to immerse yourselves in the Rising Dragons’ mission.” Claire had plenty of time to think as they travelled along to their destination and Madeline’s parting words also echoed loudly in her ears, little knowing that Jamie too was reading between the lines as well. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was not unlikely that Madeline and Operations had discussed the viability of granting them downtime, especially when the mission appeared to be in limbo. Heated debate had surely been exchanged between Section’s leaders as to the validity of this decision. The hidden meaning behind their rationale and thinking was always perplexing as Madeline never revealed what she was thinking or why she did the things she did. Nevertheless, the fact that sanity had prevailed was gratifying. The question was why? No doubt her hidden agenda would be revealed when they had to face a psyche analysis when they returned to Section One when their two weeks was up. Judging by the concise look their superior had given Claire before leaving Med Lab he knew Section’s head strategist had ulterior motives. With every silver lining there was often a cloud of doom looming. Both he and Claire knew that when their downtime and eventually this mission were over that they were going to have to pay one way or another.  At the moment however, Madeline and Operations’ hands were tied. There was no way known that Claire, or him in particular, could resume the Rising Dragons’ mission so soon after surgery. No matter how quickly he healed, his wound needed time to mend. Claire too needed time to come to terms with what had happened to her as well. She had vested so much of herself into this mission that it had begun to take its toll. He knew that his Sassenach would need time to rejuvenate and find the hidden core of her personality that had been so damaged during her incarceration at the hands of Karen Yee and Jonathon Randall at the monastery.  Now they had two weeks of freedom. For several months they had been totally engrossed in the Rising Dragons’ mission and the capture of the triad’s elusive leader Sun Yee Lok. However, for now, all that they had experienced, all they had suffered on this mission had been banished to the far recesses of their minds. It was hard to believe that they had indeed been granted downtime without surveillance, without interference, without constantly looking over their shoulders. Two weeks of normality together with time to be just a couple albeit a couple that needed time to reassess their relationship, but also to mend from their physical and mental wounds. For two weeks they had the time to recuperate, and reassess where they were and if they would be able to sustain a relationship under the watchful eyes of Section One when they returned.

James Fraser knew the very place that he would take his Sassenach for them both to recover and forget.   He smiled knowing that they had left Section One behind for their place of tranquillity. He happened a glance over towards his love realising that she was already starting to look better each mile they drove further away from Section One. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Claire’s spirit this morning was uplifting and she felt wonderful.  As they drove along, she was reminded of the first time they had travelled together in the early stages of the Rising Dragons’ mission on the way to Aberdeen to find Tony Wong, but the memory of that journey was not lost on her. She wondered if Jamie too remembered the consequences of the trip and subsequent events on Lamma Island that had changed their relationship. She turned and looked out of the window lost in her memories of that journey so many months ago that it seemed like a lifetime ago when they had left the Hong Kong Water Police Headquarters.  As they’d sped along the motorway, she’d opened her window to let in the breeze of the balmy day. The air had whipped her hair around her face but she didn’t mind. She felt free, while the atmosphere in the car was relaxed. Driving along it had been so simple for her and Jamie to feel that they were two people on an adventurous holiday seeking out exotic locations just like any other normal couple. However, they soon came to realise that they were not that couple, but Section operatives on a specific task to find the triad member in hope that he could lead them to Sun Yee Lok.  On that first mission she was sure there would be another time and another place to explore the boundaries of their budding relationship away from the prying eyes of Section. Perhaps these two weeks of downtime just may be that opportunity to share the private time that they needed for a brief taste of an ordinary life. Although they were away from the visual surveillance of Section One and all other tabs on them, would it be enough to experience total freedom? Would this time be different? Would it be enough time to heal from the atrocities of their last mission? She surely hoped so. 

The only downside that she could imagine was would they want more time? Sadly, she really didn’t need to answer that question, because they could never have enough taste of freedom from the life they led at Section under Operations and Madeline’s leadership. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the confines of the car it was impossible to ignore the man sitting beside her. Claire’s eyes glanced at him from time to time as they drove along the road. At one such time she surreptitiously studied Jamie and the skill he displayed behind the wheel. However, the man of her thoughts was unaware of her musings as he concentrated on driving.

Casting a pensive glance sideways at him, Claire studied his strong hands holding the steering wheel as he guided the car carefully along the highway. She became enthralled by the way Jamie’s fingers were wrapped around the steering wheel.  This conjured up memories of how those hands would grip her hips in the throes of passion that suddenly had her thought patterns in a frenzy. The smell of his manly essence was a heady mix too and tantalized her nostrils.

Her eyes lazily caressed his form before resting on where he was injured. She worried about him, knowing that his shoulder was still not 100% better and if the driving would make his shoulder ache but he didn’t seem to be in any discomfort.  On impulse she reached up and lightly stroked his face running the back of her fingertips gently down his cheek and along his stubbled jaw. Feeling Claire’s light caress, Jamie looked over at her and held her gaze as she spoke. “I'm surprised.” “About what Sassenach?” “Everything.” She paused for a moment, then said the first thing that came to mind. “Madeline and Operations.” “What about them?” “Don’t you find it strange that they allowed us two weeks downtime together?” He knew what she might be alluding to, but were they on the same page? “Everything happens for a reason.” “Meaning?” “It’s a test Claire. We’ll be scrutinized when we return to Section One. They’ll want to know if our relationship is more than platonic and if it will affect the mission.” “You’re right … but it isn’t platonic Jamie … not anymore.” She cast a shy look his way. “How long will it take them to know we've more than just partners?” “They'll only know if we let them know.” “You said they’ll see it in our eyes.” “We’ll convince them otherwise. It will be possible.” “And if not? …Then they'll cancel us?” Jamie looked over at his love with a serious expression. “That's right. In Section, fraternization is frowned upon for field operatives if they perceive it to interfere with the success of missions. It is seen as a weakness.” Claire playfully taunted him in reply, “Am I your weakness?” His scorching gaze held hers for what seemed like a very long moment. Claire held her breath waiting for his answer. “Yes … and … no. But ye’re certainly my conundrum mo nighean donn.” “I understand that Jamie, I just don't understand why you need me.” Without taking his eyes from the road James Fraser replied honestly. “I don't need ye Sassenach …” He paused before continuing, then looked at Claire with a direct stare. Recognising her uncertainty at what he might say next he smiled holding her gaze as if to reassure her he spoke the truth. “… I want ye with every fibre of my being.” 

Claire was profoundly affected by what Jamie had just revealed. There was nothing sexy about being needed and there was nothing sexier than hearing him say that he cared about her.  His compliment made her feel desirable, appreciated, valued and loved. Claire could not sever her gaze from this wonderful man. Jamie too held her look realising that his words had finally sunk in.

“I'm still not getting used to you James Fraser.” “You will. These two weeks of downtime will give us a chance to settle in for a while.” “Two weeks in one place … that's a lifetime.” “Where do ye want to go Sassenach?” he teased glancing over at her once more to see the wheels  begin to turn in her mind. Biting her lip in thought, she nominated the most romantic place she could think of that was as far removed from Section as could be. “Ummm, an island somewhere.” This made Jamie smile because his Sassenach was somewhere near to the truth of where he was taking her. However, reminiscing a past experience, he replied instead, “How about Rhodes?” Claire was intrigued. “Why Rhodes?” “There's a restaurant at the south end of the island. It's run by a family I once helped.” “Old life?” “No. Section.” “Do they know that you helped them?” “No.” She smiled. “I just love it when I'm right about you James Fraser.” She leaned over and they kissed. Breaking the embrace, she held his gaze with a slight twinkle in her eye. “But we’re not going to Rhodes, are we?” He reciprocated. “No mo ghràidh … not this time.” “Then where?” “Somewhere special … wait and see,” was all the information he would tell her. Pleased with his answer, Claire contentedly placed her head against his shoulder as they continued on their journey. “Wherever it is doesn’t matter one iota Jamie. As long as we’re together is all that counts.”

Suddenly it felt very claustrophobic in the vehicle especially after what he had just said about wanting her. Opening the window for a little fresh air, she hoped that the morning breeze might help lower her temperature. Trying to ignore her bubbling emotions, she looked out of the window and watched the scenery pass by.  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had been driving for what seemed like hours but to Claire that just meant that they were driving further away from Section One and the constant scrutiny of their superiors.

Sitting next to Jamie, she silently gazed blankly out over the countryside that lay ahead of them. It had been some time since they had passed through a small village or any sign of habitation. Obviously wherever they were going was remote and isolated, just the place where they could be alone without any intrusion. Claire wondered how long it would be until they had reached their destination, but not that she really cared. Jamie had not told her where they were going; only that it was somewhere special. Little did he know that just being with him … anywhere … as long as they were together … was special to her.  The slight breeze on her face, helped a little, but these subdued moments gave Claire too much time to think about other things. This was never a good thing because her thoughts often raised more questions than were answered. Trying to understand the why was never easy and accepting things on face value often caused heartache. Her case in point was Operations and Madeline. They had granted them these two weeks of downtime, but time was both their enemy and friend. In her mind there never seemed to be enough time for them to be alone to relax, to enjoy each other’s company, to be themselves, to make love or just be together. There were always timely interruptions from Fergus and the ever ubiquitous Section One. Claire knew that when they returned to Section, their superiors would be scrutinizing hers and Jamie’s every move. Favours were never granted without having to pay the piper, and she only hoped that these two weeks together with Jamie would give her the fortitude she needed to face whatever they had planned for them.  But one thing she knew for sure was that Jamie would find the time, no matter how short to be together wherever and whenever possible. He’d promised her that on this mission and she’d believed him. It had happened just after Fergus had interrupted them at a crucial moment in her apartment in Hong Kong. Claire bit her lip and restrained the gasp that threatened to escape as his remembered words and actions registered in her mind of what Jamie had done.

He’d kissed her cheek, then her neck before pulling her down to the bed and capturing her lips in a passionate embrace while reassuring her, “It will be okay Claire ... We’ll have more time.”  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once again, she focused her eyes on the driver and couldn’t take her eyes off of Jamie. She remembered what it felt like to have him seduce her senses until her insides began to melt. His touch energized her and made her come alive in his arms. The clever tutelage of this man’s seductive strokes across her skin, took her to places she’d never been before, and she couldn’t wait to feel his hands on her body yet again … it had been far too long since his touch had burned her skin to utter distraction.   The night before last when he’d visited her in Med Lab had left her wanting more and Claire smiled knowing that they would have two whole weeks to explore each other without the dread of being disturbed. Her breath hitched in her throat as her mind became consumed with thoughts about this wonderful man who held her heart in his hands.

Closing her eyes, she was lost momentarily in her erotic thoughts unaware of the other reaction that just sitting in the car was having on her body.  The travelling was beginning to take its toll on her. It was no surprise that she was physically exhausted and emotionally spent after her ordeal at the monastery and time in the infirmary. Although Claire fought to keep her eyes open during the ride, she couldn’t.  As the rhythm of the car’s engine purred in her ear, she soon began to doze off. Beside her, Jamie took his eyes off the road for a moment and cast a look at his Sassenach.  She was very quiet and he realised that his love was exhausted for she had closed her eyes and fallen asleep.  Her head lolled back against the head rest and Jamie noticed a blissful smile on her lips.   His Claire was free from Med Lab, from Section One and most importantly from the events of the mission. Although there wasn’t that far to go until they reached the airstrip, he let her sleep as they had still more travel ahead of them before they reached their final destination.  It was just good to see that she had relaxed, although he did wonder why she was smiling.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The real reason behind Claire’s smile whilst she dreamt was a kaleidoscope of emotions and memories of what Jamie could do to her body which stirred in her brain. Her thoughts of past and future seduction soon had her in a remembered rapture of his loving hands and how they could turn her inside out with just a tender glide or touch to her body.

She could vividly remember Jamie’s electrifying touch as his hands sought the little nuances of her body as the erotic smooth slide of his fingers traversed her skin. The magic of his wonderful hands caressing her skin over and over, made her sigh in bliss as they kissed her receptive flesh.  Jamie was a conjurer and the touch of his hands caressing her, loving her and adoring her made her heart swell with a reciprocal love.  The way in which he’d gently cup her face before his lips descended to hers in a tender, worshipful kiss was more than a rich memory and it was one she would always cherish.

James Fraser was an exceptional lover who could take her to paradise and to the brink of Nirvana with a seduction of the senses that had her capitulating within his arms.  He was a giving and responsive lover who always put her needs above his own and within his arms she felt safe and secure knowing that he would protect her, cherish and love her unconditionally.  

Claire shivered with the heat of desire as these thoughts continued to escalate in her mind. Her breath caught in her throat and Jamie cast a glance towards her when he heard her keening whimper. Her lips were bowed in a smile and he itched to kiss them knowing that her surrender to his kisses would send their hearts palpating. But he couldn’t, especially not here in the car.  However, Jamie knew that there would be countless occasions to do so on their downtime.  

Smiling contentedly, he left his Sassenach to her daydreams.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Being held in Jamie’s arms was ecstasy.  Just the thought of his fingers gently gliding over her skin, then up her chest until he’d captured her breasts in the palms of his hands caused her to utter a guttural moan.  He’d caressed them until he too was tempted beyond control, then gazing into her eyes he’d kissed her lips as his fingertips worked their magic teasing her taut nipples.  She could still feel the sensual slide of exploring hands as Jamie stroked down her stomach, the skin of her back then along her thighs, before digging his fingertips into her silky-smooth flesh. 

When she’d felt Jamie’s palms cup her buttocks, kneading the fleshy mounds of her cheeks she thought her heart would burst. Moving her hips in a slow rocking motion she remembered her insides melting. Lowering his fingers, they’d found their way to where she was more than ready to take her love into her depths. His fingers then began to weave their magic yet again and she’d felt the ripples of desire cascade down her spine.  On the brink of capitulation, their hands had reached out for each other’s grasping fingers and interlocking them tightly as their bodies moved in rhythmic syncopation. She’d writhed beneath him, rocking back and forth as sensation after sensation riddled her body while her inner muscles clenched him tightly in ecstasy.

Claire let out a garbled moan just thinking of the first time they’d made love on Lamma Island over and over again and again. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ On hearing her whimper, Jamie turned to look at his Claire and asked with a little concern in his voice. “Are ye alright mo ghràidh?”  

A little flustered by his question, she opened her eyes and glanced at him.  All of a sudden, she could feel the sensation of a rush of blood to her face.  She knew that her whole body was responding to her embarrassment for not only were her cheeks flushed red but it seemed that a warm glow had travelled through her whole body as well.   Claire felt all hot and bothered.  

Had Jamie known what she was thinking? Placing her hands to her face, she could feel the warmth of her rosy flush against her palms.  “Yes...,” she mumbled drowsily.

Jamie cast a glance her way and reaching out his hand, he gently swept Claire’s hair from her shoulder and clasped her gently on the nape of her neck. His fingers glided slowly across her skin kneading away any kinks from her little catnap.

“Ye’ve been having a wee sleep Sassenach.”

“Have I really?” she replied a little flustered by what he was making her feel so soon after her thoughts of his hands on her person.

His eyes held hers captive, “Aye … ye have, but we’re nearly where we need to be.”

“And where might that be Fraser?” she teased trying to diffuse the sensation she felt at Jamie’s touch.

“Have patience Beauchamp.  You’ll know more when we arrive,” was his enigmatic answer as he continued stroking his fingers down the column of her throat.

Leaning in to his gentle touch Claire hoped that the slight shudder she’d felt as his fingers massaged the nape of her neck had not resonated with him. “Oh, that’s so good Jamie.”

But she was wrong.  Claire caught the look in his penetrating gaze.  James Fraser knew she had been dreaming of something intimate. She knew he would be able to see it in her eyes.  They were a dead giveaway.  She looked away from his piercing but amused stare before the looks they exchanged caused him to pull the car over on the side of the road. She began to wonder where Jamie was taking her. He’d promised that they would have more time together.

Would these two weeks be that time? In her heart of hearts, Claire already knew the answer. Two weeks alone would never, ever be enough time. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jamie glanced over at his Claire once more.

There was definitely something she was hiding from him deep within her beautiful blue eyes, and whatever was going through her mind; it was obviously something she was looking forward to.  He was intrigued but his Sassenach had a glass face and he suddenly realised what those thoughts streaming through her head were.  He could see it in her eyes.  His Claire was reminiscing about the reality of them being alone together for two whole weeks.

He knew that he would need to shift his own feelings for her elsewhere or his concentration would be sorely tested. Jamie stared down at the road and accelerated harder on the gas pedal suddenly in a hurry, for they had another long journey ahead of them after this before they reached their final destination. This time he was on a mission that would be the ultimate romantic getaway for his love and a place she would least expect they would ever go to.   Hence, the sooner they arrived at the remote airstrip for their journey the better it would be for the surprise he had in store for his Sassenach and the sooner they could relax and heal from their incarceration at the hands of the Rising Dragons.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued FRIDAY 29th Ma

[blackcloverdatabase]

English Translation of Novel 3: Chapter 1 – Gold & Black - (Part 2 of 2)

Here’s the second half of Chapter 1 from Book of Yuno. Again, I don’t have another picture to use as a header for this chapter, but at least there’s still plenty of Golden Dawn and Black Bull action. This half focuses much more on Yuno and his relationship with Asta, both in the present and how they were in the past, but Yami also gets to show off a bit, too.

If you missed Part 1 of this chapter, you can read that here

--- Gold & Black: Part 2 ---

“Any luck, Yuno!? Did you find him!?”

“No…… I guess you didn’t find him either.”

As they were sprinting across the garden, Yuno met up with Asta. After deciding that they needed to find Yami, Klaus and Mimosa searched the North and South gardens, Yuno and Asta searched the East and West gardens, and Bell searched for Yami from above. Yuno and Asta just finished searching the West garden, so they were about to search the East. Asta cursed upon meeting Yuno,

“Dammit, these gardens are too big! Add them all together and you’d have a village!”

“It’s not that big. It just feels that way to you because your limbs are so short.”

“Not that again, you handsome jerk! Even if my limbs are short, I make up for it with my physical strength!”

After saying this, Asta laughed, and said with a huge grin on his face,

“Anyway, it’s been a real long time since we’ve been together this long, hasn’t it?”

“What’s with you all of sudden……? Well, you’re right. When we were in Hage Village, we spent a depressingly long amount of time together.”

“Hage Village…… When I think about how things were back then, it’s almost unbelievable how we’re now in the Magic Knights, performing missions every day as if it were only natural.”

Maybe it was because he was with his old friend, but Asta’s thoughts were very out-of-character for him. However, Yuno replied,

“……No, maybe that’s the case for you, but I was extremely capable even when I was at Hage, and I could use magic very well, so I don’t feel very strongly about this at all. It felt only natural that I would be in the Magic Knights.”

“I definitely don’t want to hear that from you! I mean, you were a total crybaby when you were little! Compared to how you were then, who you are right now is totally unbelievable!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even remember crying when I was born.”

“Nobody would remember that! Look, I’m begging you, so work with me a little here! I wanted to feel nostalgic together!”

Yuno was lying earlier. Of course he remembered. When he was little, he was a crybaby who always clung behind Asta. He found the world frightening. Always scared, he could never take a step forward. The one who gave him the courage to take that first step was none other than Asta. The Yuno that exists today is here because of that day when they decided to share the same dream, because of that moment when they decided to compete over who would become the Wizard King. Instead of following behind him, he wanted to see the same scenery as Asta. In other words, the reason he has been able to do his best all this time is all because of Asta.

“…… Stupid Asta. We’re in the middle of a mission. Now’s not the time to start acting so nostalgic.”

Of course, he had no intention to ever say all that. It would be too embarrassing. He was sure that, even in the future, he’ll continue to dodge the issue by joking around like this. Besides, the best way to thank Asta is through his actions, not words.

“I don’t intend to lose to guy like that…… I’ll be the one who becomes the Wizard King.”

Recognizing Asta as his rival, he intends to continue competing ruthlessly with him. This is the form that Yuno’s gratitude takes.

Of course, that’s not the only reason he has been working so hard. It may have been Asta who gave him his dream to become the Wizard King, but now, Yuno wants to fulfill that dream through his own will. Well, it’s also a fact that showing the results of their efforts to each other has been a good way to motivate each other’s growth. Besides, he can inspire Asta more by making jabs at him rather than by giving him a simple “thank you”.

Just as Yuno expected, Asta looked dazed for just a moment before smiling belligerently,

“Hah!? It’s obvious that I’m the one who’s going to become the Wizard King!”

“No, it’ll be me. You should become the Nostalgia King.”

“The Nostalgia King!?”

“Ah, there he is! Yuno, I found Yami!”

Bell descended from the sky, circling about through the air as if she were in a great hurry.

“He’s really close by, but something really terrible is happening, so hurry it up!”

“…..Something terrible?”

Bell repeatedly nodded her head up-and-down in response to Yuno’s question.

“I don’t know what happened, but Zable and Yami are already face-to-face!”

 “They’re over there, right beyond those thickets!”

Yuno and Asta sprinted at top speed to Yami as Bell directed them to his location. Asta said with a pale face,

“H-hey, Yuno? Just making sure, but if Zable has this magical tool……... this ‘Original Sin’, then aggravating him would be real bad news, right?”

“Yeah. We don’t know what could trigger a rampage.”

In other words, they were currently in a state of emergency. If Yami, the man known as the God of Destruction, has made contact with a man as arrogant as Zable, there’s no way something won’t happen. This time, it was Yuno who asked Asta,

“Still, even Captain Yami wouldn’t suddenly get violent with someone he just met…. right?”

“…… I don’t know, but about six seconds after I met him, I got iron clawed.”

“………Let’s hurry.”

“Yeah!”

The two surpassed their limits as they ran, crossing through the thicket. Upon doing so, they found themselves in front of a wide court-like field, similar to those maintained for sporting events.  In the middle of that field stood……

“C-captain Yami……. And Zable!”

They were quite far away, so they weren’t clearly visible, but they could tell that the two were in some kind of confrontation. There were countless broken wooden puppets strewn around them, but Zable, at least, looked fine.

…...Or, at least, that’s what they thought.

*THUD*

Zable fell to his knees before collapsing to the ground. His sanity still appeared to be intact, but his face was swollen, and his clothes were torn.

“…………”

And, with his collapse, his wooden doll had crashed into his entourage, causing them to fall to the ground as well. Beaten up, shivering, and shaking, they mumbled things like, “I don’t want to die…. I don’t want to die…,” and, “I’m sorry… I’m just a bug, a worm…”.

Before Yuno and Asta was a picture of Hell, one that far exceeded even their worst fears.

“……….”

The person who created this misery, Yami, casually waved his hand at Asta, Yuno, and Bell, who all stood utterly speechless.

“Oh, it’s you guys. Hey.”

“Don’t just say ‘hey’…… C-captain Yami, this is……”

“Hm, oh, these guys?”

Yami answered Asta’s question while lightly kicking Zable with the tip of his shoe.

“While I was taking a nap, these guys suddenly woke me up, smashed my wine bottle, and, as an added bonus, they even kicked me…... I’ve told ya before. Naps are good. They increase your productivity in the afternoon… I was thinkin’ I should let them experience some of that productivity personally,”

Then, he drew his sword, seemingly out of nowhere, and pointed it toward Zable as he continued,

“And give these guys a nap they’ll never wake up from.”

“That’s called ‘death’, you know!!? Wait, seriously, please stop! We have to ask them some questions!

Asta rushed to Yami in desperation while Yuno dragged Zable’s body away from him. Glancing at Asta, who was now caught in Yami’s iron claw, Yuno called out to Zable,

“Hey, you. Are you okay? I can use a magic tool for healing and… hm?”

Yuno noticed something peeking through the gaps in Zable’s torn clothes. There was nothing written on its cover, and it wasn’t even colored. It was a pure white grimoire. However, Zable already had what looked like his own grimoire in his book pouch. In other words, this was……

“Aah……AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

Seeing this, Yami picked up Zable’s followers by the armful and said,

“Hey Goldy, get away from him. Kid, come with me and help me carry away his lackeys to safety…... actually, just throw ‘em as far as you can.”

As instructed, Yuno quickly separated himself from Zable while Asta threw his lackeys as far as he possibly could. Right after doing so,

“AAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!”

From Zable’s body… no, from the white grimoire sprouted a series of white torrents made of mana. They were like large tentacles wriggling about. The tentacles spread radially with Zable at the center and began to indiscriminately attack everything in the garden, gouging the ground and smashing what was left of the wooden dolls into dust. If Yami’s instructions came just one second later, Zable’s followers would have been caught up in the destruction. Seeing Zable clad in a seemingly infinite number of white tentacles, Yami once again said as if this was all someone else’s problem,

“So, it was him after all.  He had that magical tool… what was it called again… that ‘Original Sin’.”

When Yami said this, Asta, who had taken out a large sword from his grimoire, turned his head toward him in disbelief.

“Woah! Captain, you knew!?”

“Yeah. I could tell by reading his Ki.”

“Then why did you beat him up so bad!?”

“Why? Because I was pissed that he woke me from my…. No, I did that because we need to know exactly what happens when the ‘Original Sin’ goes berserk. Also, because I was pissed that he woke me from my nap.”

“That’s the real reason, isn’t it!?”

“Shut up! Anyway, this is just what I planned, so it’s all good!”

The tentacles wriggled about before beginning its attack against Yami and the others.

“…Though, this rampage is just a bit more showy than what I was expecting.”

While slicing through the tentacles that fired toward him, Yami ran straight for the mansion.

“I’ll go evacuate the people at the mansion, so, in the meantime, I’m leavin’ the tentacles to you.”

“Huh!? Ah, yes sir!”

Asta yelled in bewilderment as he swung his sword, cutting down tentacle after tentacle. In contrast, Yuno couldn’t help but think his usual, “You can’t be serious……”. Yuno figured that the reason Asta could react immediately to such unreasonably unclear instructions was that those instructions were part of his everyday work environment. Talk about depressing.

That aside……

“……Asta. There was a white grimoire in Zable’s chest. That was probably the ‘Original Sin’. Our first goal should be to break that grimoire.”

“Got it!”

After hearing Asta’s reply, Yuno opened up his own grimoire. Despite the rapid development of the situation, Asta was Yuno’s rival, and all that effort he had put in as his rival showed.

‘I can’t let Asta be the only one looking good here,’ Yuno thought.

“Let’s go, Bell. Full power.”

“Understood!”

A violent gale blew with Yuno and Bell at the center.

“Uoooooooooooh!!”

Asta rushed toward Zable while dodging, no, mowing down the tentacles that attacked him.

“Wind Creation Magic: Wind Blades Shower”

Blades of wind materialized above Yuno’s head, slicing the tentacles that were approaching Asta from behind and overhead. The tentacles regenerated instantly, but there was a slight delay before it could attack again. Asta pierced through that gap, narrowing the distance between him and Zable. As Asta used his mobility to get closer, Yuno used his magic to support him. Using this strategy, they were able to steadily reduce the distance between them and Zable.

They never planned this out before. This was simply the result of them being together for over a decade. They could understand each other’s thoughts without exchanging words and then anticipate each other’s moves accordingly. For them, cooperating in battle was as natural as breathing.

“AAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!”

Taking Asta’s presence as a threat, nearly all of Zable’s tentacles were sent toward him, surrounding his body in the shape of a dome.

“Yuno!”

Asta turned around and called out to Yuno, but this was not a call for help. Yuno nodded and used another one of his spells.

“Wind Creation Magic: Heavenly Wind Ark”

An ark created by wind took Yuno’s body and flew into the sky, passing over Asta, who was being attacked by the tentacles. His goal was Zable himself. Yuno had dedicated himself to providing back up for Asta when Asta was taking on the tentacles, but now Yuno aimed for the currently defenseless Zable. The two understood each other’s strategy right away, and they began acting on it in an instant. It took a moment later for Bell to understand what they were planning, which made her purse her lips in displeasure.

“Let me in on this, too! I’m a girl with both great comprehension skills and broadmindedness, you know!”

“Bell, you’re too noisy. Also, you don’t really give that impression. We’re going to establish contact with Zable.”

While dodging the number of tentacles that went after him, Yuno made a nosedive for Zable and cast a spell,

“Wind Magic: Crescent Kamaitachi”

A blade shaped like a crescent moon crashed near Zable’s feet, kicking up a large cloud of dust. It’s not that Yuno missed. If that attack had hit Zable directly, his body would’ve been sliced in two. Yuno’s goal was simply to blind him. Taking advantage of the dust cloud he had created, Yuno jumped off his ark of wind and landed right before Zable’s eyes. He quickly reached out his hand for the white grimoire in his chest, the ‘Original Sin’. However……

“Ah…… Gah…… S-stop! Stop it! Don’t…. touch that!!”

Zable clutched the grimoire in his arms as his tentacles began to focus their attacks on Yuno. Without even using his wind magic, Yuno grabbed the ‘Original Sin’. Upon doing so, Zable tightened his grip around it.

“Aah…… Please…… This…… Just this…… Don’t take this away….. please!”

“……..Zable, you were still conscious?”

“…….If I don’t have this….. Aah……. I’ll be……. weak again!”

Ignoring Yuno’s question, Zable only continued to scream unintelligibly. It seems that his consciousness was still intact, but it was terribly clouded. All that remained was his determination not to hand over the ‘Original Sin’.

“I……Ah…… obtained this…… Guh…… and change….d.”

Blood poured out from his eyes and mouth, and even the way he was suffering seemed to change. Yuno didn’t fully understand what was going on, but he could tell that it was a dangerous omen.

“Hey, you’re going to die. Let go of that grimoire.”

“No…… way…… Guh…… I don’t…. want to go back……. to being powerless……”

He may end up severely injuring Zable, but Yuno felt that he had no choice but to use his wind magic. Preparing himself for the worst, Yuno built up his magic, but then,

“…….This world…… is scary…… You can’t survive…… without power……”

Yuno saw that a light of consciousness remained ever so faintly in Zable’s eyes. Those eyes looked as if they would cry at any moment. They were weak, sorrowful eyes. Yuno remembered a person whose eyes and words were like Zable’s. They reminded him of his younger self.

Yuno was able to change because of Asta. However, there was probably nobody by Zable’s side. That’s why he got involved with taboo magical tools, like the ‘Original Sin’. Thanks to that tool, Zable changed. In other words, the ‘Original Sin’ is to Zable what Asta is to Yuno. Because of this, for just a moment, Yuno was a little hesitant to steal the ‘Original Sin’ away from him. That moment of hesitation proved to be a fatal mistake.

“….GAH!”

A single tentacle passed through the gap in his wind magic, landing a crushing blow on Yuno’s side. The impact broke his posture, leaving him vulnerable. Targeting his weakened state, a countless number of tentacles shot toward Yuno.

‘This is bad. I won’t be able to block them in time!’

But, just when Yuno braced himself for the attack, a gust of wind blew past him.

“UOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAH!!”

Asta flew by with astounding speed, striking Zable with the flat end of his sword and launching Zable’s large body into the air. Then, with the edge of his sword, Asta sliced the ‘Original Sin’ that fell from Zable’s chest in two. With that, the ‘Original Sin’ turned to dust and dissipated into the air. At the same time, the tentacles also faded away.

“Hey, are you all right, Yuno!?”

After confirming that all the tentacles had completely disappeared, Asta ran toward where Yuno sat, having fallen from exhaustion. It seems that, during the battle, Asta was able to hack his way through the tentacles to make his way to Yuno.

“Yeah…… Sorry.”

“Don’t give me that! You totally spaced out when you saw the enemy’s eyes! That’s not like you at all!”

Though Yuno had only hesitated for a brief instant, Asta had seen right through him.

“……Jeez. Here, can you stand?”

Asta said with a smile as he held his hand out to Yuno.

“………”

Yuno smiled wryly to himself. ‘Asta was to Yuno what the ‘Original Sin’ was to Zable’. Even if it was just for a moment, Yuno berated himself for thinking something so foolish. The ‘Original Sin’ was nothing more than a tool. Moreover, it was a dangerous tool which gifted the user power without effort, a tool that could easily be used for the wrong reasons. The existence beside Yuno is a person who made him stronger by working hard and by competing with each other. When one of them does something wrong, the other can scold him. When one of them can’t stand, the other holds out his hand so that they can walk together again. For Yuno, Asta is……

“Get a hold of yourself, Yuno! You’re my rival after all!”

“……Yeah.”

Yuno took Asta’s hand and stood up, and with a small smile said,

“………You saved me. Thanks.”

Yuno then looked at the fallen Zable. If Zable had someone like Asta beside him, then this probably wouldn’t have happened to him. Conversely, if Yuno didn’t have Asta beside him, then maybe he would have been like Zable, too……

“……..Ughh……..Ugh”

Hearing Zable’s groans, Yuno and Asta raised their guard. However, they didn’t feel any evil mana from him, and it didn’t look like he was going to start moving. He was simply moaning out of pain.

“……Bell, Asta, you two should go look for Mimosa. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Bell and Asta nodded energetically before heading for the mansion. Noticing Yuno’s presence, Zable spoke as if it were difficult for him to even talk,

“……I-It looks like I…… caused a lot of trouble for you…… I’m sorry……!”

‘So that’s what his real personality is like?’ Yuno thought.

Dealing with the aftermath of their mission went quite smoothly overall. First, Mimosa treated the injuries of Zable and his followers. While she did that, Yami and Klaus explained what happened to the guests and the sponsor of the party. In addition, they enacted a gag order on everyone present, elaborated on the dangers of the ‘Original Sin’, and emphasized that it was a tool that nobody should dabble in.

“……I see. You obtained it at the black market…… That means it will be difficult to identify its source.”

After Yuno, Bell, and Asta contacted the Magic Knights Headquarters and requested transportation for Zable, they all stood guard as they waited for the Knights to arrive, but……

“Perhaps. Moreover, this was over a month ago. The store I bought this from might not even be around anymore, and even the store owner said that the details of the ‘Original Sin’ were unknown. I’m sorry that I can’t be more helpful……”

In complete contrast to how he was before, Zable answered Yuno’s questions humbly as he bowed his head in shame. Once he was released from the curse of the ‘Original Sin’, it was clear that he was an extremely gentlemanly young man. He obediently accepted his crimes, testifying how he had obtained the ‘Original Sin’. Bell and Asta were ready to give him a lecture, so seeing him like this was a bit of a letdown. After experiencing such a surprising change (well, Zable simply reverted back to normal), Zable continued to speak with unease in his voice,

“However, the store owner did say... the ‘Original Sin’ raises its owner’s magic power during battle, but when not in battle, it sucks away its owner’s magic and stores it, little by little. Also, once it accumulates a certain amount of magic, it self-proliferates by creating ‘manuscripts’. That means that my copy is probably not the only one on the market.”

“……Well, you’re probably right about that. Your copy also wasn’t the only one that store was selling, wasn’t it?”

“That’s right. Of course, the degree that it changes its owner’s personality and the amount of power it gives and takes is probably different for each manuscript, but……”

‘This looks like it’s going to be trouble…...,’ Yuno thought to himself as he clicked his tongue. Even Zable, a gentle person with very weak mana, transformed into that just by obtaining the ‘Original Sin’. If an evil person with strong mana were to obtain the ‘Original Sin’, then they would be even more troublesome. Reaching the end of his patience, Asta interjected,

“I’ve been thinking this since you started talking, but, you kinda seem… like a real nice guy! Why did you get involved with such a dangerous tool!?”

“A ‘nice guy’, huh? Ku ku, it makes me happy to hear that, but……  you can’t survive in the world of nobles with kindness alone.”

“I was blessed with being born into a powerful family, but I have weak mana and a timid personality…… Nobody ever said anything bad about me to my face, but behind my back, they were anxious about appointing me as the next head of the family, and they even started to question if I would be able to get married and leave an heir.”

Not expecting his problems run so deep, Asta’s mouth hung open, making Zable laugh at himself derisively as he continued,

“I guess I was rushing. I wanted… magical power, at least, so I ended up depending on such a dubious tool, resulting in this mess…. I’m truly sorry for being such a bother.”

As he finished, Zable bowed his head toward them.

“And, thank you for stopping me. I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely after I’ve paid for my sins.”

“Huh? N-no, you don’t need to do that! You’re such a nice guy that…... I kind of feel bad for arresting you.”

“If a time comes when even a pathetic guy like me can start over again, I’ll be sure to work hard and obtain real strength. Instead of relying on tools, I’ll change myself with my own strength!”

“Jeez, you’ve left nothing for me to lecture you about! H-hey Yuno, can’t we get this guy pardoned or something!? He just got possessed by some bad mana for a bit! I’m begging ya, let’s just look the other way this time!”

Asta misguidedly begged Yuno with tears in his eyes. Yuno ignored him and said to Zable,

“As a goal, ‘I want to change’ is far too vague. It’s better to set that as a long-term goal while setting short-term goals as well. That will give you a roadmap that’s easier to follow.”

“Huh? Y-yeah……”

Zable replied vaguely. Yuno’s advice was so abrupt that Zable didn’t realize it was directed toward his earlier decision.

Yuno averted his eyes a bit before continuing,

“Long ago, I knew a person who would say the same things you’re saying now, but…… I think if that person had been given this type of advice back then, things would have gone more smoothly for him. It’s no big deal, but…… try it if you can.”

It was too embarrassing for him to say out loud, but that person was, of course, himself from the past. However, there was a time when he recklessly trained with his magic, and he wondered if he would’ve been able to train more efficiently if someone had given him that advice. Because of this, Yuno wanted to meddle just a bit.

“……Thanks to his efforts, he was able to join the Magic Knights.”

And while he was at it, he decided to try meddling even more.

“You sort of resemble that person, so I’m sure you’ll be fine…... Do your best.”

“…………!”

Zable looked taken aback before looking down with a small smile on his face.

“’You’ll be fine’ and ‘Do your best’…… huh? Ku ku…… Nobody has ever said that to me before…… I see. So, being told such words makes one this happy…….”

He continued to smile as he said this, but as he continued, his eyes became clouded with tears. Yuno didn’t feel that he said anything important to him, but he hoped that his words would prove to be at least a little bit useful to Zable, a man who resembled his former self so highly. If his words do prove useful, he’ll be very happy. Such was the heartfelt atmosphere Yuno and Zable established before Asta destroyed it by saying,

“H-hey…… what are you talking about, Yuno!? We’ve been together since forever, and I don’t remember anybody like that! This is scary! Tell me straight, what the heck did you see!?”

“Are you stupid? Nevermind. I already know the answer to that.”  

“……Ah, I know! You’re talking about your past self! Ha ha~, but since you were embarrassed about it, you said it was someone you knew! I’m right, aren’t I!?”

“You’re so tactless. Well, I already knew that.”

“Ah, there they are! Everyone! Over here!”

At that moment, a voice came from the mansion, followed by the sound of multiple footsteps.

“……Ah, that girl, it’s her, isn’t it!? That girl who was making eyes at Yuno, Dina!”

Before this, Bell was sitting bored on Yuno’s shoulder, fidgeting about. However, hearing Dina’s voice made her hiss like a cat. Just as she suspected, Dina was coming toward them from the mansion, with the girls that were with her earlier behind her…… no.

“That boy is Yuno-kun!? Oh gosh, he’s a total hottie!”

“I saw your battle earlier~. You were suuuuuuuper cool~!”

“Hey, that Asta kid is pretty cute too once you get a close look at him!”

Dina brought along several dozens of girls with her, who were all frantically running towards them. Asta shouted as he gazed at the sight in wonderment,

“H-hey! What’s with those girls!?”

“These girls said they all wanted to talk to you two after watching you fight! Of course, I feel the same way!”

‘For a selfish reason like that……,’ Yuno was already sick of that kind of stuff. Bell inflated her cheeks more and more as she protested,

“You obviously shouldn’t! Anyway, Dina was already like this, but what about the rest of you!? You all were acting coldly toward Yuno and the others earlier, and yet now you’re trying to act all chummy with them!”

“Now, now, don’t say that, little spirit with a freakin’ huge forehead. The organizer of this party also wants to thank us.”

Yami entered the conversation as he approached from behind the gaggle of girls.

“He says he’ll set us up with all the booze we want for free…. Heck, he’s even willin’ to setup an afterparty for us. He’s doin’ all this for us, so it’d be rude to refuse him, right? Plus, it’s free booze.”

As usual, he made no attempt to hide his real intentions. Klaus, who stood beside him, coughed once before speaking,

“Moreover, there are people who want to share a drink with Mimosa, Captain Yami, and myself now that they know we are Magic Knights. They collaborated with our investigation, so we cannot simply turn them down.”

What he was saying certainly sounded plausible, but it sounded forced as he said it, and it looked as if he was checking Yami’s expression the entire time. Apparently, this middle manager was a victim of the God of Destruction’s harassment once again today. Beside him, Mimosa was shivering with tears in her eyes as she said to Asta and Yuno,

“Y-Yuno-san, Asta-san…… Don’t tell me… you guys aren’t coming? You guys won’t leave me behind at a…… at a matchmaking party, will you?”  

In response to her supplications, Asta scratched his cheek.

“I don’t really get what you’re talking about, but this means I’ll get to eat more tasty food like earlier, right? Then, I’ll definitely go! Now that you mention it, this has been bothering me for a while now, but what’s a ‘matchmaking party’?”

Asta said absentmindedly as he headed toward the mansion. Watching Asta’s back, Yuno had one thing to say as he sighed with a blank expression on his face,

“……You can’t be serious.”

 After that, they handed Zable over to the Magic Knights who arrived at the mansion, thoroughly conveying his extenuating circumstances. They also described the entire battle to the Magic Appraisal Division, reporting that the ‘Original Sin’ disappeared once it was destroyed. Once that was finally done, they returned to the party. What was waiting for them was a flood of nobles, who rushed toward Yuno and the others with hearts aflutter, but…

“Hey, you! You’re wearing too much perfume! You’re trying to leave your scent on Yuno, aren’t you! And you over there! You’ve been holding that small glass with both of your hands for a while now!  You’re trying too hard to look cute! Women like you aren’t qualified to talk to Yuno!”

Bell floated above Yuno’s head, dissing all the young women who were flocking to him,

“When it comes to weight training, you might have the impression that you’re supposed to train all your muscles at once, right? But, that’s not true. It’s important to concentrate on training one portion of your body at a time. My recommendation is…...”

Asta was talking about weight training,

“P-personally, I think that a healthy relationship between a man and a woman should start by exchanging a diary with each other! I-I also think that this should be done for a two-year time period!”

Klaus transformed into the incarnation of straight-lacedness,

“O-oh dear! Your breath smells really bad! Does anybody have any magic to fix this man’s breath!? I’m begging you, please save me!”

Mimosa was mowing down any man who attempted to woo her with her natural airheadedness,

“Huh? My annual income? Dunno. Now that I think about it, I’ve never bothered to count, cuz’ I’m usually broke by the time payday comes, anyway. You’re askin’ me what I spend it on? Gambling. Also, alcohol and smokes.”

With lifeless eyes, Yami took swigs of his drink as he blithely talked about his risky lifestyle. As they became unable to endure another second of this matchmaking party from hell, the nobles left the venue one by one. By the time an hour had passed, no one remained except for the Magic Knights of Gold and Black.

And, on the following day,

“This is the written report by Klaus’s group concerning their contact with the ‘Original Sin’ a few days ago.”  

Vangeance was sitting in his office at the Golden Dawn’s headquarters. The man who presented this report to him was his close aide, Alecdora Sandler. Vangeance thanked him as he took it, reading it over carefully and silently.

“……I see. As we thought, when the ‘Original Sin’ goes out of control, it manifests its tentacle magic. This report is consistent with the others we have received.”

“Yes. We are still unsure of what causes it to run wild and whether tentacle magic is the only type of magic it can manifest… there are still many things we do not know, but, slowly but surely, we’re gathering information.”

“Right…… Thank you for the report. You may leave now.”

Vangeance said before returning to reading the report in silence. Sandler made a short reply and a three-leaf salute before leaving.

“……. I see. So, it amplifies its owner’s magic……”

Shortly after reading the report, he stared out into empty space. And, though there was nobody else in the office, he spoke as if there was someone with him.

“……It really is just as you said… Patry.”

He said to himself as a cryptic smile floated to his lips.

--- Gold and Black: The End ---

Sometimes, it may seem like I’m taking liberties with the translation by adding slang, but it’s really there in the Japanese text. Case in point, the light novel literally uses the word “Diss” when describing how Bell was “dissing all the young women”. For some reason, I can’t help but crack up when I see slang like that written in a Japanese novel.

Zable turned out to be a lot different than what I was expecting. I love how Asta’s reaction to being flirted with is to talk about bodybuilding. And gosh, Mimosa can be savage when she panics.

For obvious reasons, Patry isn’t mentioned at all in the other two light novels, but I’m glad his existence (and Mereoleona’s!) finally gets acknowledged now that we’re all the way in novel 3. He even gets to make an appearance… all the way in chapter 4 of Book of Yuno, which is what I plan to work on next!

[girllovescomic]

Winter Begonia episode 33 recap

The episode start with Lin Danqiu talking about finding what he thought was his family, wanting to turn his life around, but his crippling gambling debt prevented him from doing so. Aiyu told him everything would be alright, she would sell their ancestor’s estate and pay off his debts.  At that moment, he decided/realized that he was a Zeng, that Aiyu and him were blood sibling, as he received such a huge favor from the family he never knew.  That gave him motivation to protect his ‘sister’, to carry on the ancestral line and repay their kindness.  That is all fine and dandy, but that is not your family.  You are not blood, Rui Rui is.  He slaps himself upon the realization that he got his sister to debase herself for his sake, telling Rui Rui he is sorry.  

Er Ye arrives at the station looking for his bae.  He spots Zeng Aiyu and asks her if she saw Shang Lao Ban. She tells him that he went for a chat with her gege. She then tells him that Rui Rui told her about Fengyi’s situation.  She seems interesting in hearing about her daughter, but CFT tells her that he is raising the child, not to worry.  She tells him she is not worried, just curious. He tells her that he knows about her prejudice towards opera performers but the troupe would not neglect the baby, will raise her well, and that she will not always live there.  Probably wants to raise the baby with his wife until irresponsible baby Fan Lian grows up.  I vote for keeping the baby with her biological uncle since she is Rui Rui only link to his blood sibling.  OK, Er Ye pulls a picture of his wifey holding his niece and WHY THE FUCK DOES A STRAIGHT DUDE HAVE A PICTURE OF HIS SO-CALLED BROTHER IN HIS POCKET? Give me an explanation show!? He gives it to Aiyu as a keepsake to remind the baby by, and perhaps give her a keepsake of her real brother.  I don’t know, this is still a salient point for me.  The fact that Rui Rui and Danqiu look nothing alike, the fact that she can’t even recognize who her real brother is, bothers me. She looks at her daughter, half sad, half happy, calling the baby My Fengyi.  Sigh. I wish she could raise the child, but single moms back then were a huge no no.  Gone would have been her marriage prospect, her future.  Er Ye asks if she has a picture of herself so that he could show Fengyi that her mother was a beautiful woman. She grabs her purse and pulls a picture.  

Meanwhile, her two brothers comes out, looking disheveled. She asks what happened, looking angrily at Rui Rui asking if he hurt her fake brother.  Lin Danqiu tells her that he was clumsy and fell down the stairs. It’s a little white lie that has a lot of weight; it allows Zeng Aiyu to not leave with rancor in her heart for her real brother. She believes the lie, while Er Ye realizes the sacrifice his bae did in allowing Lin Danqiu to take his place as the eldest Zeng.  Lin Danqiu bids his adieu and they leave for the train.  Lin Danqiu pauses and gives a deep bow, probably of gratitude that he gets to have a life he never thought possible, due to Rui Rui’s sacrifice. Rui Rui calls out to his sister and tells her to take care of herself.  She smiles at him, oblivious of the emotion behind such a simple sentence.  My heart is in pain.  I can’t.  I just want Rui Rui to be happy, to be with his family. WELP. 

In the car, Er Ye tells Rui Rui he really thought his bae would beat Lin Danqiu to death.  Rui Rui replies it is against the law to beat him to death, it’s not worth it.  LOL, wait, since when do you care about such thing?!  He adds that besides, it wouldn’t be punishment enough. Er Ye asks how did he punish him, but Rui Rui remains mum. Er Ye pulls Zeng Aiyu’s picture and gives him to Rui Rui. Awwww, so he actually got the picture for his bae! He tells Rui Rui if he doesn’t tell him how he punished Lin Danqiu he won’t give him the picture. Yooo, you know your Rui Rui can be a bit kooky, don’t play with him.  As expected, Rui Rui tries to grab the picture and covers his eyes while the man is driving.  LOL, I told you Er Ye.  Rui Rui takes the picture while Er Ye is like, you might not care about your life, but I do!  Awww Rui Rui is happy to have a picture of his meimei. LOL, they settle back into their married routine as Rui Rui tells him he is hungry and Er Ye obliges, asking him what does he want to eat. :Cough: I have some ideas... Oh wait, Rui Rui is talking about real food! He wants pan fried pork dumpling.  Hmmm that is also delicious. Er Ye says okay and after that we are going to have a movie date. 

Meanwhile, in the train, Lin Danqiu holds Rui Rui’s pendant. I have to say, this breaks my heart.  Sigh, I am not happy, but I get it, still I am not happy. This would effectively close the possibility of Zeng Aiyu realizing her mistake, since for her the pendant will act as proof that Lin Danqiu is her real brother.  I get why Rui Rui did it and it is a huge sacrifice to make.  Our Rui Rui is growing up.  We see in a flashback that Rui Rui gives him the pendant as he effectively accept that Lin Danqiu is the person his meimei recognizes as her brother and the punishment he has incurred upon Lin Danqiu is to take care and cherish her for his entire life, and for his sake (Rui Rui’s). If he finds out he tricked her or made her suffer, he will kill him.  See, how mature our Rui Rui has become? She sees the pendant and jubilates that her gege has found his lost pendant. He lies and tells her that he suddenly found it while doing his luggage.

Alright, we leave the sadness behind for some ChengShang gushing moment. So, they are discussing the movie they have just watched.  Wait, how late did they stay up?????? Our opera addict Rui Rui comments on the actress acting skills, finding it lowly because all she did is straightened her eyebrow and stare at her costars eyes.  LOL, oh Rui Rui, you would have a tough time watching half of the TV dramas’ actors and actress, some who are so wooden you wonder how they got their part or fame. He compares her to his acting skills, especially her posture and voice, along with the lyrics she sang. He finds it too simplistic. LOL. He adds that Du Qi would have had a fit if he heard that.  I doubt it, since Du Qi lived abroad, therefore as a better knowledge of cinema. Er Ye tells him he thought it was good because it relieves boredom and doesn’t require too much thinking. True, unlike a play, Broadway show or opera, which demands more attention, movies are simple entertainment that can be mindless fun. He says that unlike movies, watching operas can take 3 days for the entire opera to finish. GEEZUS. Yeah, I cannot, sorry Rui Rui. Not only that but you have to know the right time when to shout bravo, when to sing praises, so many freaking rules. If you don’t know the rules, you get ridiculed and called an amateur by an useless sperm donor.  It might be too demanding on the audience. Rui Rui asks what does Er Ye like to watch.  Er Ye tells him he used to watch movies, but now he prefers watching opera, specifically Shang Lao Ban’s operas more.  He tells him that whatever role you play, you bring it to life.  It is like he is inhabited by many souls. Whenever he puts on makeup and costume, the soul will borrow his body and come alive while he is on stage. Once he leaves the stage, the soul departs but the story stays alive in him. Rui Rui tells him his writing sounds just as good as Du Qi and is flattered by the compliment, asking for more. LOL, greedy queen. 

Er Ye is like, who asks for compliments like that, beside you got so many people praising you already, you don’t need me. Rui Rui tells hubby that his words means more to him than others. Er Ye is like fine, I’ll shower you in compliments. Guys, you better get your salt vapors because the next line might make you faint and ask how the fuck did this get past censors. Ok, so I am directly quoting here: “Shang Lao Ban is like a flower, or a fire that only cares about blooming for itself, flaming in a blaze.  For those who likes watching you, you will do your best to show it to them. For those that don’t like watching you, you won’t try to appeal to them by changing yourself and go against your own will. You are such a popular ju’er, but you can still live so freely. This is truly extraordinary. Very rare! It’s true innocence. Everyone says someone like Shang Lao Ban who is so talented can only be looked from afar.  Others do not dare to walk shoulder to shoulder with him. Except for me, Cheng Fengtai, who is willing to go into the fire and stay by your side.” I WANT MY CHENG FENGTAI.  WHO DO I NEED TO GOAD TO HAVE ONE?????? Rui Rui is so taken aback that he stops walking to look at his hubby.  

Er Ye asks what is it. Really Er Ye, after saying such words, you ask him why he is stopping in his track?! Awww shit, trouble is brewing as we heard voices from an alleyway. Rui Rui follows the voices and runs up to the alleyway, followed by Er Ye.  A woman is fighting off two lecherous dudes. Rui Rui is pissed, probably thinking of his sister if she were in this situation.  He kicks one of them and threatens the lecherous men. One of them tells the woman she should have told them she had a lover. Man GTFO with that shit.  The woman recognizes him as he asks if she is okay.  Er Ye is like, goddmammit, another fan trying to take away my bae’s precious time.  LOL, Rui Rui is like, awww shit, yeah, grabbing his hubby so he wouldn’t have to deal with the fangirl.  She blocks their path and tells Rui Rui she’s been looking for them. He is like, que? Who are you? She seems to struggle to say.

We see a man wearing a cast with a bottle of booze. Oh My GOD, it’s my bae Chen Renxiang!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO. Rui Rui asks what happened to Chen Lao Ban to be in such a state.  It turns out the woman is the talkative prostitute from Nanjing who had taken Chen Lao Ban away before meeting Liu Hanyun.  She had sought her freedom from the brothel and come to him in Shanghai.  Upon her arrival, he was already in such disheveled state.  Rui Rui asks his bae and the ex-prostitute to leave the room so he can have a heart-to-heart with Chen Renxiang.  Rui Rui believes Chen Lao Ban put himself in such a state because he lost the competition.  He tells him if he had been the one to lose, he would have done everything to better himself so he could fight him out once more.  He had been impressed by how he had defended him against his uncle, seeing him as a hero so how did he become such a coward? Chen Lao Ban still remains quiet as Rui Rui lambast him, saying unlike the ex-prostitute he would have left him to die since he doesn’t seem to care about his own well-being. He sets out to leave when our sad ju’er finally speaks.  He tells Rui Rui that he is indeed a coward and that the girl doesn’t care that he lives or die.  Rui Rui yells at him that he is ungrateful dog for ignoring all the effort to girl has made to seek Rui Rui out and beg him to help Chen Renxiang out.  Xiang Xiang replies that he is not talking about the ex-prostitute named Yueling, but his Shanghai girlfriend he had mentioned when they were on their way to Shanghai after the Liyuan Association incident.  Apparently her parents did not approve of their relationship, thus the lovers decided to elope, however, they were caught by goons hired by her family.  They broke his leg and dump him barren fields while taking her back home.  He asks Rui Rui if he wasn’t a coward, what would he be? Rui Rui is like, yes, you are a coward since his girlfriend probably as no idea that he is injured and hiding out getting drunk off his ass. How would she know he is alright or care whether he is alive or dead if she doesn’t know where he is.  That makes him an ungrateful dog, which Xiang Xiang tries to deny, but Rui Rui interrupts him telling him he thought of an idea for him to help him reach out to his girlfriend. Get his leg treated, so he can perform opera with Rui Rui, like this everyone in China will be talking about it, thus his girlfriend will be able to find him. Isn’t it better than him being a drunken stupor? This seems to bring a bit of hope to Xiang Xiang until he remembers the conditions of their bet.  Rui Rui laughs at that, telling him he wasn’t serious about not letting him perform for a year.  He tells him he will find a doctor to help set his leg back and that he needs to clean up and stop drinking. Xiang Xiang thank him for being his savior, but Rui Rui doesn’t want to hear his gratitude, he just wants him to perform well on stage as a thank you. Btw, even disheveled Tan Jian Ci is one sexy bish.

It takes everyone to help calm Xiang Xiang down while the doctor tries to set his leg.  LOL, Rui Rui tells him that a girl is looking at him while he screams like one.  The doctor gives Yueling some after-care directives. Rui Rui asks the doctor if his leg will get better, but the doctor is slightly optimistic. Sugar daddy and husband of the over eager penguin asks to speak to the doctor away from the sensitive ju’ers. Xiang Xiang senses something is wrong as he repeats it is destine disaster, then laughs.  Rui Rui thinks he’s cray cray, but Xiang Xiang tells him he is laughing at his uncle Jiang Rongshou for having a useless son who he cannot impart his skills to, which kept him from teaching his fairy steps to anyone, until he finally taught it to Xiang Xiang, but now he is crippled, the Jiang Family fairy steps will be lost forever.  Xiang Xiang tells Rui Rui that he got his revenge against the elder Jiang, but Rui Rui does not seem to gleeful at the prospect, which even gets Xiang Xiang attention. Rui Rui is like, yeah, I am on bad term with the old fart, but I have nothing against the Fairy Steps. In fact, it would hurt him to see such a superb skill get lost. WHY ARE YOU SO PRECIOUS???? I cannot, he is to sweet, my baby boy!!! Xiang Xiang bemoans the fact that he learned the skill so late in his career, having little time to master the essence of the skill.  If he had learned it since he was a kid and hone the skills for years, he probably wouldn’t have lost against Rui Rui, who agrees.  AGAIN WHY ARE YOU SO PRECIOUS? Xiang Xiang reveals that when he returned to Shanghai, an Italian fan asked to film his fairy steps and show them in Italy (damn, they were that popular!!!), but they didn’t agree on the price and he worried about his uncle’s objections, so it didn’t work out.  He also regrets not taking any disciples to impart of his skills, and now he ponders who would remember his performances.  STOP IT, OMG, I CANNOT ANYMORE.  My Xiang Xiang is so depressed!! Rui Rui gets philosophical and replies the current situation is too precarious, especially for performers who may not have time to pass down their skills on time.  What would be left for future generations to appreciate.  Xiang Xiang replies that life and death go hand in hand, and that ups and downs are inevitable.  This sounds like a man who has given up.  I am balling. Rui Rui tries to comfort him, telling him to stop spitting such depressing things like life and death.  How can he be dead when he met him.  LOL, oh Rui Rui.  He advises him to just live his life and that his girlfriend still waits for him. Xiang Xiang is like, you are right, I must live well and wipes his tears away. 

Alone, he dreams about that fateful day when him and his girlfriend were running away from the goons employed by her family.  Out of breath and tired of running, Renxiang decides to send her to hide while he deals with the goons, but unfortunately, she is taken away.  As he asks the goons where she is, one of them taunts him, talking about his fairy steps and how it mesmerized the first miss (his girlfriend). Wait, what? DIdn’t he have this girlfriend prior to learning the Fairy Steps?  I am confused. The man tells him he must break his legs so this filthy actor would not seduce any more young ladies from other good families.  DAFUQ.  I am tired at how everyone is looking down at opera actors.  Even servants act uppity towards them.  They are good enough to sleep with and be toys for the rich, but they can’t have meaningful relationship with them? That is fucked up. He wakes, all sweaty while Yueling comes in to bring the medicine.  Then we switch to him doing some physical therapy with the crotches. The doctor tells him he is recovering well and Xiang Xiang presses him to find out when he could go back to the stage so he can reach out to his girlfriend.  Yueling is like, no way, you are still recovering! It is clear that she loves him, but he is too enamored with his little rich miss. The doctor agrees with her, but Rui Rui is like, who cares about your legs, your voice is not harmed, so we’ll perform a literary piece and he will take of him on stage. Er Ye just stands there, smiling at his smol husband, and I can’t fault him for that. Xiang Xiang seems encouraged by Rui Rui’s pep talk, but Yueling is not happy. 

That paper boy is busy af with Rui Rui selling newspapers like hotcakes. He announces the joint performance of Chen Lao Ban and Shang Lao Ban. Oh my Xiang Xiang looks good!! Oh wait, his twin Rui Rui, also wearing a white gown.  Xiang Xiang is anxious while Rui Rui tells him to get ready for their performance.  Apparently Xiang Xiang is waiting for someone, perhaps someone who had news of his girlfriend or his girlfriend herself. Rui Rui replies that he has been waiting for days and there has been no news.  Maybe he told her about his family and she may have gone to Beiping to find him. Right at that moment, someone asks for him.  He delivers a letter for him.  

We see him looking at picture.  Behind it are words written: “ We are not destined to be together in this lifetime.  Hope we’ll each live well separately.” OH NO, it’s the girlfriend!  I cannot figure out Xiang Xiang mood at this moment.  It is kind of indescribable.  Then, as he rubs the foundation in between his palms, a tear falls on the back of his.  Oh my poor baby looks defeated, yet, a strange smile is on his face. He talks to himself as he stares at the mirror asking why he looks like a ghost.  He tells himself that he looks ugly and depressed. I CAN’T CONTINUE, I AM CRYING TOO MUCH.  I have a bad feeling about this guys, I just...sigh. He continue saying that he no longer wants to see himself anymore.  Tears are forming in my eyes, everything is blurry.  

We see him on the stage and the audience is asking why this third sister is carrying a sword.  This is not part of this opera, so they wonder if they changed the opera at the last minute. My Xiang Xiang looks beautiful while the other actors are asking the same question as the audience.  His character, Sister Yu is not supposed to have a sword. Even the orchestra is baffled.  Seriously, who allowed him to carry the sword? Isn’t there anyone to take care of the props? Where is Rui Rui? Xiang Xiang starts singing without the music when Rui Rui finally appears.  I guess he was still in his room getting ready.  One of the actors asks him what is going on.  I don’t think Rui Rui has any idea. He looks at the audience for their reactions and can see the confusion on their faces, but they remain quiet, no booing. The lyrics seemed to encapsulate his life, especially the moment that effectively broke his heart, destroyed his soul.  Oh my God, no amount of makeup is able to cover the sadness on his face.  GAAAH, and now this show has decided to rip out my heart and step on it, as Jiang Rongshou is seen, lounging on his chair, eyes closed.  NOOO, SHOW DON’T DO THIS TO ME!!! We can hear Renxiang singing while we see Jiang Rongshou reaching out for his tea cup, but knocking it down.  Oh, I know what that means in dramaspeak and I don’t want to see it.  NO SHOW, please, don’t do this!!  We see my lovely Xiang Xiang swinging the sword and cut his throat, much to the surprise of the actors, including Rui Rui. OH MY GOD I CAN’T.  Jiang Rongshou is feeling some malaise as his son comes to see what is wrong.  As Dengbao cleans up (despite my dislike of him, he is really a filial son).  Jiang Senior shakes his head and says he doesn’t know.  He’s been dozing off today and then asks if the young actors are still training.  Dengbao confirms, but Jiang senior seems dissatisfied by them and their progress.  They can’t seem to get the basic movements right, yet want to learn the fairy steps. He reminisce about Xiang Xiang and how he was able to learn 70-80 percent of the opera at their age.  Dengbao replies how can they compare to the very talented Xiang Xiang.  Dengbao tells his father to be patient for Xiang Xiang to make the Fairy Steps famous once he returns to the stage, but grumpy papa Jiang reproach Xiang Xiang for not writing to him since he went back to Shanghai.  WAIL, he has no idea of the state Xiang Xiang was! Dengbao is like, you know how Shanghai is, Renxiang is probably having the time of his life.  Why you do this to me show? Grumpy Jiang is like, yeah, when he is with me, he pretends to be filial, once he leave, he forgets all about me. Sigh, this show knows how to humanize these characters, even the ones you learn to hate.  I hate this show. Stop making me have so much feels right now, even for the Jiangs! Papa Jiang cares for Xiang Xiang, wanting to see how he has improved once he return to perform.  He dozes off again, and OH NO SHOW, STOOOOOPPPP.  Don’t do this, don’t have Xiang Xiang voice from beyond the grave call on his uncle, asking to look at him. Startled, Jiang papa calls out for Xiang’er, asking if that is him.  Jiang papa is taken aback and thinks its his old age causing his to have auditory hallucinations.  WELP

Back at casa de Er Ye, we see our Rui Rui sitting pensively as he stares at the window.  Er Ye opens the door and quietly enters the room.  In the most romantic gestures this show encapsulate (they have so many, especially post-baby drama), Er Ye uses his fingers to imitate a camera, wanting to capture his hubby form forever.  THE GAY IS EXPLODING IN MY FACE.  If you still have doubt that Er Ye is utterly in love with his bratty penguin, I don’t know what to tell you.  He walks up to him and sits in front of his beautiful wifey.  So damn domestic!  Oh my God is Er Ye really saying this right now? The sun has cast a pattern on your outfit.  It’s just like dressing with a golden robe? This is too poetic! I want a man like this.  Now I am crying again. He bemoans not bringing a camera to immortalize that moment.  He probably would have carried the picture in his pocket like he did the one he gave to Rui Rui sister.  He adds that if he went to get the camera, the moment would be lost since the sun would set. Rui Rui eyes are closed as he responds that yes, the moment would be gone, nothing stays.  I guess he is referring to Xiang Xiang and the whole Shanghai trip. Er Ye agrees that the good times don’t last long, and tells him to take it easy. Rui Rui tells Er Ye that Chen Renxiang died on stage, it’s also considered a worthy death.  Is it though? He didn’t with a happy heart, sacrificing himself for his art.  He died depressed, realizing that everything he held dear was gone. What saddens Rui Rui is that life is unpredictable.  Awww, our boy is learning about the realities of life and shedding a bit of his naivety. He bemoans what it entails to the legacy of the Fairy Steps since there is no one to showcase it on stage, and how an accident could also make his Goddess Dance along with the Shang Family Stick skill could disappear forever.  You got to be thankful we live in the modern era where cameras captured all the dances forever for future generation to learn and nurture.  Imagine the thousands of dances lost to us because there were no longer practitioners who cared to learn them or died without imparting their skills. This is indeed disheartening. Er Ye gets philosophical and says that God’s intention is hard to fathom and so is a person’s heart.  He adds that Rui Rui’s time in Shanghai has widened his understanding of the world, introducing him to foreign things outside of his Beiping environment. Some were nice and fun, and sheer temptations.  Even if life was an utopia, without birth, old age, diseases or deaths, it would be hard to guarantee that he would not succumbed to those temptations, wanting to throw away those things passed down by his ancestors (although Er Ye says ‘our’). Rui Rui says that he won’t, to which Er Ye replies that he might not, but can he guarantee that his apprentice won’t? That subsequent apprentices won’t?  You cannot predict the future, nor can he predict what people or God have in store. The only thing that could remedy this is to encapsulate it on film, so it can be passed down for a long time.  I agree with Er Ye on that point that movie is long lasting, but in a time of war, films can also be destroyed, either by fire or by enemies wanting to push their propaganda. Anyhoo, Rui Rui is not ready to agree to it, stating that a camera can only shoot the form of a person, there aren’t any details.  It is the degree of the expressions, measurement of the footwork, the precision of the hand movements, that can be captured accurately on film and be used as training tools by future generation.  He adds it is like drawing a tiger with a cat as a model, the kids would learn the wrong things. Er Ye replies that Rui Rui makes film sound useless, it is no wonder he is unwilling to make records. LOL, he practically called Rui Rui a technophobe. Rui Rui replies it is because he place too much importance on the audience reaction, he doesn’t dare to be careless about all those details aforementioned.  He lives for the audience, wanting to be sure they enjoy themselves.  Wait, honey, you seem to have no problem provoking them by changing the lyrics.  What gives with this talk of hesitation!? He states that he would rather be tired and take on more apprentices to teach them. Er Ye questions this, asking him how long it would take for him to meet an eager disciple like Xiao Zhouzi. How much effort will it take to turn on into Zhou Lao Ban.  Yeah, he lucked out with him because the boy was an innate talent.  How many out there have such capacity? Rui Rui replies that he will take his time and misses him home, and troupe. Er Ye sighs and says that he also misses his home.  Btw, they’ve been in Shanghai for more than a month (probably three at the time they are talking).  Ugh, I wasn’t expecting to see Er Nainai so quick.  She is still doing accounting, closing out the books for Shuiyin Lou.  LOL, she ended up doing the accounting for them after all.  Oh oh, she is thinking of Fengyi. That’s not a good thing.  

Oh shit, she comes to Shuyin the next day. What is she planning? She is greeted by one of the actors, who tells her they’ve been diligently training and improving upon the things she taught them.  Shit starter Shi Jiu does not seem to approve of this ass kissing, and I don’t blame her, especially since he throws his troupe leader under the bus or rickshaw. YOOOO, this maid is opening her mouth again? Shut her up.  She once again insults the performers saying their pitch is higher than her bird. SHUT YOUR MOUTH. I have it up to here with her arrogant ass. Shi Jiu is about to tongue lash this bish, but is stop her Rong Lan.  Er Nainai states that their boss can easily remove himself from an undesirable situation.  LOL, cannot blame him for you suddenly appearing and ordering him around his own house, sweetie. Not only that but you insulted him, looked down upon him, in his own house! Anyhoo, she adds that he left her a big mess that she had to take care of.  She had to set order in this house, give them some rules (gurl, they were fine without you).  

Best girl Xiao Lai brings her some tea while they sit in that same room where she insulted my baby.  Sigh, I really don’t want to talk about the maid, she leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth.  She is soiling Shuyin House with her presence.  She insults my Xiao Lai by looking down on the tea she has prepared for Er Nainai, saying they brought their own with such indignation, as if the tea was made with piss.  I don’t think I have ever hated a character for simply existing.  Good job on the actress for being so irritating. Wait, no, I have always hated the maids on C drama.  They are insufferable, act haughty af depending on their mistress status, and are the biggest bullies. Er Nainai is like, someone is missing.  The troupe responds that everyone is here and that little shit replies that no, people, Er Nainai is talking about the baby.  HOW THE FUCK WERE THEY SUPPOSED TO KNOW. Dasheng replies the baby is in the room away from your ugly face. No Rong Lan, don’t do it, let that little shit do some work instead of running her mouth! Rong Lan brings Fengyi to Er Nainai. Sigh, don’t that little shit get anywhere close to Rui Rui’s niece!  Well, at least Fengyi is softening Er Nainai who states the baby can catch a chill if not covered properly and tells her servants to take out the items she brought.  Lol, even Shi Jiu notices the change in behavior, claiming that Er Nainai went from Empress Dowager Cixi to a living Buddha. Rong Lan is like, well at least with Er Nainai growing closer to the little Goddess of Wealth, Er Ye would not have any problems bringing her home. Shi Jiu does not approve and agree with my shit starter. DAFUQ, is that little shit bossing the actors around. GTFO.  Who allowed her to speak. Fuck this.  Ugh, I don’t want to hear her voice anymore.  She tells her boss that she doesn’t understand why she cares so much for the baby since she has unknown origins. Seriously, GTFO.  Er Nainai replies the child should not be punish for the adults’ sins.  Wait, is that little shit still believe Er Ye is the father? Bish, go away, get out of my screen. I wished Fengyi would cry so hard to make her deaf. I hope Xiao Lai would disinfect the area when they leave.  Gotta get that stank ass out.

Okay, I am done bishing about that maid.  I seriously don’t know why the show had to aggrieve me with her presence.  Did I do something in my past life to suffer so much? Talking about suffering, why did you kill my Xiang Xiang, show??  I had expected a death similar to the ending of Farewell my Concubine, but I did not expect it would be him. However, in hindsight, his words spoken back in Nanjing revealed his mindset about life.  He had admonished Rui Rui for being solely focused on the opera with no outside distractions.  For him, his girlfriend offered the distraction he sought outside of the opera.  Without her, and without his ability to perform at 100 percent due to his injury, he was left to nothing.  The true coward in this depressing episode is Chen Renxiang’s girlfriend, who bowed to her family pressure and married a man she didn’t love.  Unlike Yu Qing who willingly left her family behind for an uncertain love, Chen Renxiang girlfriend gave up a willing love for her family.  The constant reminder of how people looked down upon performers acted like a shadow permeating this entire episode.  Even with the bookending scenes involving the maid, we see the indignation, the dislike towards the performers.  Despite their fame, they are look as trash, good enough to admire and even bed, but not good enough to truly respect.  It’s a constant theme we are shown throughout the show.  Even Rui Rui, who cares so much about the audience, can’t escape this reality.  Perhaps why we have that moment when Er Ye tells him he would walk through fire to stand by his side, because only Er Ye seems him as his equal, who respects him and only wants the best for him.  Hence the talk about capturing his skills and likeness on film.  Sigh, will Rui Rui give in and let him film him so the future generation can gain an appreciation for the art the same way he has?

[shima-draws]

Okay listen I really really enjoyed The Wonderland/Birthday Wonderland a LOT but there’s definitely like. Huge chunks of stuff that are missing from the plot that I would have loved to see;; SPOILERS AHEAD BEWARE

First of all let me say that this movie definitely would have worked better as a TV series. Why? Because the world itself is MASSIVE. There’s so much worldbuilding shit going on that they only got to touch a little bit of each section, and left so many things open ended. And then there’s the fact of the plot itself that leaves a lot of holes behind and unanswered questions.

Rest is under the cut so ya’ll can avoid spoilers if you so desire:

What the fuck happened with the sweater contest? They make it out to be such an enormous, important part of the plot that literally ends the moment Akane hands the sweater over. We see her protectively guarding it the entire journey to the city, and yet it’s never even touched upon if the sweater wins the contest or not. What happened bruh?? I want to know if it won, a lot of unnecessary screentime went into the development and story of that sweater! Don’t leave me hanging!

“Our world is dying”, Hippocrates says, as the majority of the land is still thriving pretty okay from the looks of it. Aight. There’s lots of gorgeous visuals in this film that are made clear through the gift of water that they’re living--and apparently there isn’t even enough water to go around for humans to drink. At that point literally everything else would be dried up, right? There is literally a giant pond--GIANT! With koi fish right outside the city. They just gotta learn to distribute their water better;; it’s a shitty system tbh lmao I mean there’s plenty to go around. They just don’t bother to try spreading it evenly, which is why some places are flourishing while others are not. They really should have spent more time showing how people are suffering from this rather than showing the remaining gorgeous parts of the land--that would have made the impact of saving that world that much stronger, made the stakes so much higher. If Akane had seen how bad it really got without water, maybe that would have driven her character development earlier on, and made it more significant.

Akane’s change. It felt...really...anti-climatic. Or maybe just rushed. It was a sudden, minor sort of thing that when I realized I was like “Oh, okay, she’s already come to the conclusion that she can be strong on her own, but I wanted to see that?” They didn’t execute it super well. It feels like we’re missing an entire scene where Akane finally breaks through her fear to gain courage and make her own choices. There was definitely a bit of that right before she made her grand speech to Zangu, but there was nothing that prompted it. The whole movie is a coming of age story for her, building up until the moment where she has her great breakthrough and is able to be confident with herself. But...they don’t show that. We don’t get to see that moment. I don’t know why, because it’s the most important thing of the entire film? They really could have handled that better.

I really wish they touched more on Midori’s involvement;; she was so minor I almost didn’t catch the connection between her and the previous Goddess of the Green Wind. I like that Akane feels closer to her because of this, but we never really get anymore information than that. How did Midori end up in Wonderland so many years ago? Was she a reluctant hero type like Akane, or was she determined to save the world? Did she meet Hippocrates way back then, or was it a different alchemist that lead her on an adventure? Was something wrong with the prince at the time which required her presence in order to make sure the drop rain ceremony went well, just like Akane? I don’t know! I want to know!

The ending was SO abrupt and short. Literally right after Akane and Chii get back that’s it bam roll credits movie over! I’m like. Whiplashed by it. I wanted to see how they were affected by the journey (besides Chii immediately going to take a nap which fandjksad MOOD), and how they’ve changed from their adventures. We obviously see a huge change in Akane at the end, but how does this affect her life in her own world? Does she start treating her friends differently? Does she ever make up with the girl she abandoned in order to be in the popular group (which is another huge thing they never came back to). Is she more determined to do things now, to be confident? Is this a change her mother notices? At least show the impact of what they went through;;

Halfway through the movie we’re introduced to a London-type city that’s really...not so fun looking. Dark, gloomy, and depressing, with obvious signs of poverty, where everyone looks angry all the time. It’s a very very clear outlier in the colorful Wonderland. I’d love to have seen more history on this city...why is it so different from the rest of the world, and so dark? Why do all the people seem so unfriendly, when those outside of its walls are generous and kind? How did this city come to be? It’s such an enormous mystery that they never talk about, besides hinting that this was where the prince had ended up once before he became Zangu.

Speaking of the lovely prince. I know we got kicked in the face with his backstory (and that shit hurted, this poor baby who also kinda deserved it but not to THAT degree), but I would have liked to see even more. Maybe I’m biased because he became my favorite character the instant his identity was revealed, idk. (And, to me, he feels way more fleshed out and rounded as a character regarding his development than Akane does, which is another reason why I like him best.) But while we were given his motivations in becoming Zangu, the personality difference between Zangu and his regular princely self is IMMENSE. I really don’t think the prince would have ever committed such acts--he may be a little shit and have a lot of anger issues (which, valid, I mean his parents died and he suddenly has all these huge expectations on his shoulders and he’s. He’s just a kid man, that HAS to be traumatic) but I really don’t think he would ever strike against his own people or openly threaten them. Sure, he’s definitely shown to be prone to angry outbursts, and is fond of pushing everyone who cares about him away, but he’s not purposefully malicious. And as soon as Akane transforms him back, he calms down immediately and becomes immensely selfless and heroic. So: why the enormous change of heart? I think something that could be canon that they never really mentioned is that, when he was transformed into Zangu, he became sort of a puppet. A lifeless doll without any real empathy, and the only emotions he could feel were a burning anger and a desire for revenge to those that wronged him and made him feel pressured to perform the drop rain ceremony. Being trapped inside a body like that probably just made those feelings escalate, resulting in all of the crimes he committed and all of the people he hurt. (And maybe they did touch on this but I just don’t remember since my memory is garbage lol)

Going off of that, I know this is the type of story where we follow the hero characters, and as soon as Chii and Akane made it home that was it, we weren’t allowed another peek into the Wonderland. But...what if we were granted that opportunity? Could we have gotten the chance to see how things changed after they left? Perhaps the prince began a journey traveling to all of the towns and villages he terrorized, and apologizing to the people. Maybe Ron starts to train under Hippocrates just like Pipo. Maybe the rain washed away all of the sorrow in that lonely city, which caused people to start to change it and make it brighter. Change, change, change! I want to see proof of Akane’s help! 

Why the fuck did the other alchemist/sorcerer (I forget his name and there’s no info on him anywhere MDAKMASD I’ll update this when I find out later) do that to the prince?? That was SERIOUSLY fucked up. “Oh yeah, to punish this child for being naughty and angry after his parents died, which is actually perfectly reasonable, let’s turn him into a doll where he can’t MOVE OR SPEAK and let him sit there in absolute torture until I feel like setting him free again, instead of trying to find an alternative way to confront him about his anger issues”. Dude;; No wonder he was so fucking angry and bitter when Ron finally allowed him to speak again. I would be too! Trapping children in naughty doll prison is not the answer!

I’m trying to think of more but I think I covered most of it :’) If ya’ll have anything to add, please do!

Like, overall, the movie was GREAT. It would have been even better if they didn’t shove so much information into it that ended up becoming irrelevant later on. It felt as if they were trying to cram a TV series into a movie, trying to cover all of their bases but failing. There’s just so many things they left open-ended and unanswered;; and you know me, I’m a slut for lore like this so I want to know EVERYTHING. And I only got little bits and pieces of it. I really would kike to know if they just cut out large portions of the movie to fit the time limit and the budget;; because that would make a lot of sense, because it feels as if I was handed a puzzle without all the puzzle pieces.

[kusunogatari]

[ ObiRyū October | Day Nine | Roses ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū ] [ Verse: Pretty in Pictures ]

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...how did it come to this?

A light rain is falling, as if to let the world know how she’s feeling. Curled up under the roof of the gazebo in her father’s backyard among the roses, Ryū hugs her knees to her chest on her bench perch, barefoot and makeupless.

It would just be running down her face, otherwise.

She’d thought today would be more liberating. That she’d feel...lighter. Better. Like she’d shed a long-held weight. And while she supposes that’s partly true...the heartbreak is so much worse than she’d feared. Despite feeling for months, if not years, that things were beginning to crumble...the final blow knocked out more than just a failing relationship.

Because while she’d convinced herself that Itachi didn’t love her...in truth she knows that’s not true. The fact of the matter is that they care about each other. But everything else has been poisoning what’s between them for quite some time. Itachi’s ambition, her own apathy with her path in life...they just aren’t what they need.

Maybe in another life, another set of circumstances, they could make it work.

She hasn’t told anyone yet. Not even her father...if only because she knows he’d immediately abandon his work to come home and ensure she’s all right. Jiraiya’s doting on her, while comforting, isn’t what she needs right now.

There’s no other family to contact. No one of blood she can lean on. And with how falsified and performative her life has been for...years, there are no friends. No real ones, anyway.

...except one.

She stares out across the backyard, goosebumps risen from her skin as the cool rainy day threatens to chill her to the bone. All she’s bothered to don today is a light, white dress she wore the first time they went out. He’d said it made her look ethereal, white from head to toe.

But now she knows it’s just an excuse to look as transparent as she feels. Maybe someday she can celebrate the independence she’s won today. But today? Today is for mourning.

The pool is open, each impact from a raindrop making a miniscule splash until the entire surface is dancing. Ryū stares at it as though hypnotized. While there’s plenty for her to think about, her mind feels strangely...empty. She just feels so blank and...sad.

...she should talk to someone. But the motivation to move is almost nonexistent. Like she could just sit here for days, lost in the feeling.

But then she hears footsteps in the grass.

Greys drag to their corners, unable to see through the thick rose bushes. The blooms are white, matching the gazebo. According to Jiraiya, they’re a tribute to her late mother. He planted them just after she died, and now they’re practically engulfing the little building save for a gap kept trimmed at the entrance.

...they make her feel safe. Any time something upsets her, she comes here. It’s both a place to hide, and a place to feel closer to Reika.

Now more than ever she wishes her mother was here to help her. Everything feels so upside down and inside out. The older she gets, the more warped she realizes her upbringing and development have been due to the environment of her career.

“...Ryū…?”

A small flutter blooms in her chest. She knows that voice. But she still can’t bring herself to reply, attempting to make herself smaller. It’s just a matter of time until he finds her. Part of her wants to be found. The rest wants to sneak away and evade him.

She has to wonder if his timing is just lucky, or motivated by what happened last night. But how would he know…? Surely no one would tell him, right?

More footsteps. Going by ear, her eyes stare into the roses as though she can see him. Closer and closer he creeps to the archway, and Ryū finds her chest clenching.

“Ryū!”

With one last step, Obito steps into view, scanning over the yard before peering into the gazebo.

She stares back.

“There you are! Didn’t you hear me calling?”

Rather than reply, she lets her eyes fall. Words feel so...beyond her right now.

He steps in out of the rain, dripping slightly onto the poured concrete. “...so...it’s over, huh?”

Her jaw clenches, the question reigniting her emotions.

“...that couldn’t have been easy. I’m sorry.” Slowly, Obito crosses the space to stand beside her, cautiously sinking to a seat. “Sasuke told me. Itachi didn’t say anything, but...apparently it was clear enough. Have any of them contacted you…?”

There’s a long pause. “...no.”

“Ah...well, I wanted to check on you. I had a feeling you’d be...well…”

“A mess?” she supplies in his hesitant silence, wiping at her face. “...I feel like I shouldn’t be. That I’m...somehow betraying myself. Did I make a mistake? Did I do the right thing? I can’t tell…! I thought I’d be relieved, but I just feel...confused, and hurt, and…”

Obito sighs, bringing an arm up over her shoulders. And despite his wet coat, Ryū immediately sinks into the crook of his side, wanting to be close to someone. “...only you can answer that, Ryū. But right now isn’t the time to ask. You felt compelled to do it, hm? If you had so many doubts - enough to consider it, and for this long - that has to mean something...right? Of course it hurts. You two have known each other a long time. That kind of split can’t be, shouldn’t be easy. It will take time to heal, hm? For now...let it settle over you. Reflect when your head is clear, not...like this.”

It’s her turn to deflate, breath soft. “...I’ve never done this before. I guess I just...w-wasn’t sure what to expect. But it wasn’t this.”

“There’s no real way to know how you’ll feel about something until it happens. But now you do. So let it happen. Then see what you want to do next.”

Another silence blooms before Ryū looks up to him. “...thank you.”

“For?”

“A lot of things. Honestly if it wasn’t for you...I probably would have clung onto all of that for a lot longer. I might never have worked up the nerve to end it. Everyone else was so sure it was what we both needed. That we were so perfect. But...we weren’t. Itachi still means a lot to me. I don’t wish him ill, and I’m not angry with him. We just...we can’t work together. Not as we are. He’s too busy and distant for what I need. And I’m too needy and lonely for what he needs.” She pauses, and tears threaten to build. “...I just...that look on his face when I told him I was leaving. I...I’ve never seen him look like that. And I think that’s what bothers me the most. The whole time I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him cry. I’ve never seen him feel anything! Always calm and poised. I’m not like that...I can’t be like that. And I can’t be with someone like that. I need someone who feels as openly as I do. Otherwise I feel...out of place. But his expression...it made me feel so guilty. I really, really hurt him…”

“...and he hurt you,” Obito replies softly. “Neither of you meant to. But like you say...you don’t fit as a couple. You care for each other, but you aren’t what you need for each other. There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s wrong is keeping on when you know it won’t work. It would only make things worse. Imagine trying to stop this a year from now, five years.”

She’s quiet as he speaks, and then nods. “...you’re right.” She exhales, slow and soft. “...I’m afraid of what people will say.”

“What do you mean?”

Ryū gives him a dry glance. “We’re both high-profile. Once the news gets out, it’ll be a huge rumor mill. Why it happened, how it happened, who’s to blame...there’s a reason new and breaking relationships result in so much gossip. I’ve watched it unfold around me so many times. I know how it’s going to go. I’ll be the bad guy.”

“Why?”

“Because Itachi has a marless reputation. He’s a new politician making waves, no dirt to be dug up. He’ll be the heartbroken hard-worker, and I’ll be the shallow model who got tired of his hard work, not giving me enough attention because I’m too needy…”

Obito scoffs, and she can hear temper in the sound. “Ridiculous...it’s no one’s business, anyway.”

“If you’re in the public eye, everything is everyone’s business. It’s just how it goes. But...it’s going to be really hard to face things for a few weeks. Part of me just wants to hole up here until it’s over.”

She hears him sigh. “...I suppose you could. But wouldn’t that just make the rumors worse…? I don’t know how this works...except that it’s stupid.”

In spite of herself, Ryū snorts. “...it is. I don’t know what the answer is…”

“Well...seems to me if they will hate you no matter what you do, then just do what you want! It won’t change anyone’s mind, hm? Why let them control how you feel?”

She deflates. “...I’m...not good with the criticisms. Legitimate ones, sure. But this will just be a mess of people choosing sides. People being mean to me just because they like Itachi more, and have to blame someone.”

“Then forget them. Focus on those who support you. Anyone else can f-” He pauses. “...can take a hike.”

At his near-slip, Ryū can’t help a light giggle. “...I wish it was as easy as you make it sound.”

“Can you leave town for a while?”

“Mm...maybe. But that sort of feels like running away.”

“And holing up isn’t?”

She gives him a pout. “...at least I’d still be here.”

“There’s confronting it, or not confronting it. No in-between.”

Blunt, as usual. Ryū mulls that over. “...I’ll...think about it later. For now I just want to sit here. I don’t want to think about anything for a while.”

“Then you don’t have to.” His arm gets a little tighter around her, and she settles against him with a sigh. A prolonged silence falls between them, broken only by the sound of the rain. In truth, it almost starts to put her to sleep.

“...it’s really pretty in here.”

Her eyes lift back to Obito, seeing him looking at their surroundings thoughtfully. “It is. My dad planted all these roses after my mom died. It’s my favorite place to be. So if I ever vanish again, you can probably find me here.”

“For your mom…?” He seems to think about that before his gaze moves to her. “...you should probably go inside for a while though, you’re shivering.”

“I don’t want to…”

“You might get sick if you stay out here too long, Ryū. At least go put a coat on?”

Ever so slightly, her posture tightens in silent refusal. Getting up, moving, means starting to move forward. And she’s not sure she’s ready to do that yet.

Obito sighs. With a shrug, he slips out of his own and tosses it over her shoulders.

“Wh-?”

“So stubborn,” he cuts in with a grunt.

“But -!”

“Being upset is no reason to put yourself in a bad position. Just because you feel bad doesn’t mean you need to make it worse by being unkind to yourself. You don’t need punishment.”

Feeling rather called out, she shrinks into herself slightly. “...now you’re going to get cold.”

“Then I guess we better go in.” Softening a bit, he adds, “You can come back later. This place isn’t going anywhere, hm?”

...he’s right. Keeping the front of his coat closed with a hand, Ryū watches him stand before letting him pull her to her feet. The grass is soaked under her feet, and the drizzle moistens the top of her head before they make it back in.

“Go take a hot shower to warm up.”

“You’re so fussy,” she protests, hanging his coat to dry.

“Someone’s got to act like an adult today, hm?”

Puffing her cheeks and proving his point, she sticks her tongue out before doing as he says. She is pretty cold - it’s far easier to notice back in the warm house. Up to her bathroom she goes, shedding the white dress and letting herself zone out in the hot water for a while.

Only once she’s red as a lobster does she get back out, toweling off and redressing in grey sweatpants and a black tank top: the perfect lounge outfit. And downstairs, she finds Obito with recently-acquired takeout.

“Figured neither of us would want to cook right now,” he offers, looking a little sheepish.

“That sounds perfect.”

They curl up on a couch in the living room, watching some random movie on the channel the TV was last left on. Chewing her chow mein, Ryū realizes she’s completely relaxed. Still sad of course, but...it feels muted. Nearly everyone in her life is a source of stress...save for her father, and Obito. Out of everyone who’s ended up in her life, they’re the only ones she can completely let her walls down around. Her father because...well, he’s her father. And Obito because he’s the only person she’s met outside her career, who wasn’t introduced with a purpose in mind. Instead, he met her during her lowest, rawest point. When she had nothing left to hide. They were both completely without pretenses, unlike...everyone else.

Unlike Itachi.

Glancing to him as he tries to get food to his mouth, eyes glued to the screen, a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth when his chopsticks prod his chin before finding his lips. There’s nothing fake about him. Nothing practiced or on-purpose. He’s just...Obito.

...and all at once, it hits her.

Suddenly she can’t look away, the realization freezing her in place. Even as he keeps focused on the movie, Ryū is just as intensely staring at him.

...she’s in love with him, isn’t she?

While her mind balks from it, it also gives flashes of times where she’s felt a similar, creeping notion. Little moments where she would still, something unnamed in her chest. At first she’d brushed it off as just a friendly fondness, finally finding someone who didn’t want something from her. Who was just...a person. A friend. Someone real.

...but that’s what drew her in, isn’t it? He’s open, uncensored, emotional, flawed. Nothing like the constant facades and personas she’s forced to mingle with.

...nothing like Itachi.

In spite of herself, the weight of it all brings tears to her eyes, beading along her lids and threatening to spill.

And of course it’s then he catches her staring, immediately balking at her tears. “Whoa, hey! You all right?”

Not having the words to explain, she just flops against his side, buried into his shoulder as he stiffens. She can’t bring herself to say what she’s thinking. Not now. Surely he’ll see it as her just...hopping from one failed relationship to something new in search of comfort. Even if she’s sure, it’s too soon.

For both of them.

So for now, she just stays where she is, letting him bring an arm down around her and sighing.

“Sheesh, so full of tears today...do you not like your food?”

Her head shakes against him.

“Maybe you should go sleep, hm? Surely all this emotion is making you tired.”

“...not yet…”

“All right, all right. Then stay here until you get sleepy. I’ll put you to bed.”

Face still tucked in his shirt, Ryū feels it get warm, a pleasant thrum in her chest.

It takes everything in her not to blurt out that he should stay.

But he’s right. She’s far more tired than she assumes, and twenty minutes later, she’s conked out beside him. Obito turns off the TV, gathering up the takeout boxes before scooping her up and taking her to her room, still prepared in her father’s house due to her frequent visits (and according to Ryū, his inability to take it down, anyway). Finagling the blankets and getting her situated, he leans over her for a moment, making sure she’s still asleep.

Then as quietly and as softly as he can, he leans down and presses lips to her temple.

She sighs, curling slightly under the covers.

“...bonne nuit, Ryū,” he murmurs, bringing them up to her chin before taking his leave.

     Well, this is shorter than the last few, but...closer to my actual word count goal xD Got a busy day ahead of me so didn’t want to go too overboard kjdfgkj hopefully tonight I can get a head start on tomorrow’s. This weekend should be pretty quiet, so I’ll try to write!      Anyway, this is some of the model!Ryū verse. I don’t write it much and haven’t added anything to the fic of it, either. It’s more of a “bits and pieces” sort of thing for me lol - but this is later on in the story, when Ryū finally ends things with Itachi as Obito wanted. But it seems they’re both realizing the unintended consequences :3c      I’d imagine there’d be an arc where she realizes that he WAS indeed sort of plotting something and get mad, but...then realize that it still needed to happen, and that Obito’s bitterness and circumstances really made it rather justified. So there’d be some rocky times to overcome before they’d get to be fully happy together, but...this is where it starts, I guess xD      Anywho, that’s it for today! Thanks for reading~

[ninetyfivepercentdantomasik]

Great Characters: Tohru (Jackie Chan Adventures)

Everyone has their favorite character types. The Lone Gunslinger, the Wandering Samurai, the Wacky Sidekick, the Wise Mentor, the Maniacal Villain, and on & on. One of my favorite character types is an unusual one, “Developed Henchmen”. Characters who begin as dumb muscle but develop into fully rounded individuals. That love originated from one character from the animated series Jackie Chan Adventures, Tohru.

Tohru began as what you’d call “the big thug”. Literally, he’s about 8ft tall and 6ft wide of equal parts bulk and muscle, working for a criminal enterprise as their enforcer. He is who Valmont calls when he wants things done. He is shown in the opening theme as the first Huge Threat for Jackie to take down in a single (albeit painful) punch. His role in any episode is to do what Valmont’s other, less reliable henchmen can not; get results. Dirty work, heavy work, and generally Big Work. Tohru is not a talker. The majority of his lines in the first season are less than four words.

“The shield.”

“The talisman.”

“The pig.”

“What?”

“Chan.”

“I hate fish.”

“Mmm. Peppy.”

That said, the main motif for Tohru’s character is to, somewhat humorously, add weight (both figuratively and literally) to any situation. And it works. For having the losing record he does against the Chans, he is never seen as a threat to be taken lightly. Tohru’s involvement always means things just got a whole lot harder. Be it a fight, a chase, or a pie-eating contest.

Following the end of the first season, where Tohru is ordered by Valmont to fight a Demon Sorcerer and is finger-flicked across a room, through a set of doors, down a hallway, into an elevator shaft, out of an elevator shaft, out of a skyscraper and into a neighboring skyscraper, Tohru begins to question his choice of employment. In his first act towards repairing the damage he’s helped cause, he gives Uncle the information needed to address this new threat.

“The demon’s name is Shendu.”

There’s no interrogation, no trickery, and no obligation demanded in exchange for the Chans treating his wounds, it’s Tohru’s own decision to help. And with that one single action, Tohru starts a new life with the Chans.

It is in many ways like his old life. He is still often used for his size and strength against magical and non-magical threats. However, in a surprising turn, Tohru also begins learning Chi Magic from Uncle. As the series progresses, the amount of time he spends fighting decreases, while the amount of time he spends doing research, learning spells, performing rituals, working in the shop, and engaging in casual conversation increases dramatically. Some of it is used for comic effect. It adds a strange and humorous tension to see a giant man holding a small pufferfish between his fingers speaking magic words rapidly. The fourth season brings Tohru even further into the forefront as he, being of Japanese heritage, must be the one to create the spells, rituals, and potions needed to combat the Oni Generals and their tribes of Shadowkhan, not Uncle. He succeeds, and while Tohru may never be seen as the formidable magic expert Uncle is, he ends the series as the one who deduces the method of banishing the demon threat once and for all. Tohru’s last scene is receiving the title and rank of “Chi Wizard” by Uncle. It’s an incredibly proud last note for a character who began as just a Big Thug.

Between that start and end, Tohru remains a prominent character in the series, appearing in more than 3/4 of the episodes. Again, somewhat humorously, he never has a small part in an episode. The character has such a presence that even the smallest acts make a big impact. Not just fighting, but listening to Jade talk about her problems, helping Jackie look after Jade, helping Uncle with the shop, etc. Each of the Chans come to see Tohru as more than just size & strength. Uncle sees motivation to learn and respect for one’s elders, two traits in short supply around the shop. Jackie sees responsibility and humility, traits he wishes to teach Jade. Jade sees someone who knows what it feels like to be invisible to other people. As for the nature of the show itself, if someone can knock Tohru aside, that’s all the proof we need for a higher level of “Bad Day”.

He builds a relationship with Jade that’s particularly powerful. Jade, who loves her uncle Jackie and can always think of ways Tohru can help, pushes him to get involved and help keep everyone safe. Tohru, knowing what Jade means to Jackie as well as what it means to have no one listen to you, is always there for her, looks out for her, believes in her, and tries to be the good guy she thinks he can be. In such a short time, Tohru has become protective enough of Jade that he at one point threatens to turn his former master Valmont inside-out if anything should happen to her. This culminates in one of Tohru’s greatest moments in the J-Team’s first official mission to a Shady Martial Arts Tournament, which goes very, very, poorly. The tournament is such unfamiliar territory for the group that each member ends up a combination of defeated, crippled, or knocked out. This leaves Tohru as their last chance of gaining access to the inner workings of the operation, in a fighting format he insists he is, of all things, “too small” for, Sumo. Jade does everything she can to teach and encourage Tohru, believing he will do great. The show does a spectacular job of showing just how debilitating Tohru’s reluctance and lack of self-esteem can be, with Jade knocking him clear across the room and onto his butt. His reluctance proves well-founded, as his opponent is to Tohru what a Large Fries is to a Small. Tohru remembers Jade’s advice to, as someone so small and easily dismissed, “think big”, and in a colossal display of sheer determination, Tohru lifts his opponent clear off the ground, teeters uncertainly, then brings the champion sumo down with a CRASH that lifts everyone off the ground. It pays to listen to Jade.

We come to see the big bad Tohru as a gentle man who seeks only to be accepted and appreciated. A man who gives everything he can to help others, and always puts his needs behind theirs. He doesn’t like attention or making a big scene. Or fish. He much prefers the smaller, quieter things in life. Like kittens. He doesn’t mind doing chores or menial work around the shop, and actually seems to enjoy the more mundane lifestyle. Now, I don’t want it to seem that this means Tohru has an inherent sense of subservience. Tohru is not, nor is he ever treated, as a slave or servant. The situation is never one-sided with Tohru doing everything while everyone else does nothing. He is a paid employee of Uncle, an apprentice in Chi Magic, an agent for Section 13, and a valued member of the J-Team. Tohru definitely struggles with self-esteem, possibly a result of his upbringing from his demanding mother, a short woman with big expectations from her son that he never seemed to be able to meet.

The Chans have shown they are willing to traverse the globe to support him, including an episode in which Tohru is believed to be the reincarnated Chosen One of an ancient order. He is barred from doing any manual labor, including carrying his own suitcase off a plane, which clearly bothers him. For an introvert, there is nothing worse than getting so-called “special treatment” while everyone else has to struggle. Tohru is the kind of person who prefers being treated equally, as opposed to treated differently. This may be part of why he values Jade’s friendship so much. She sees him as a friend and a person, not just a giant. The first and often only thing people notice about Tohru is his size, and as tough as he is, there are moments where he clearly wishes he were more normal. In Jade’s eyes, Tohru is a regular guy, and that means more to him than anything in the world.

All this development turns that most disposable of characters, the “big henchman” into a vital and essential part of the dynamic, the story, and the entire world of a show. While I don’t expect this level of development from every program I watch, I always have a soft spot for any henchman character given a chance to do something besides grunt, fire wildly, be a dick, and/or get beat up. I believe in a great series even the lowliest of characters can make a difference, and if a series can’t use a character more than once, any success it finds can only be temporary.