#but eh in the end of the day it’s not that serious I’ll just give him more love

[frosty-tian]

*Sees a Rescue Bots (Cybertronian) appreciation post featuring the main four.

“Ah, that’s nice.”

*Sees it’s them talking about how much they love ‘every bot’. Except Boulder (leaves him out completely).

“My respect goned.”

(This is a joke post/not meant to be taken seriously.)

[fanfictionismyaddiction]

Driving him crazy

Word count: 1k

Pairing: Toto Wolff x assistant!reader

Summary: When Toto Wolff’s assistant navigates the fast-paced world of Mercedes F1, playful banter from drivers and engineers uncovers a growing bond between them, as Toto acts like a father figure to shy young driver Kimi Antonelli and struggles to hide his own deeper feelings.

________________________________________________________

It had been a busy day at Mercedes' factory, with engineers bustling about, drivers popping in for updates, and, of course, Toto Wolff overseeing it all with his usual intensity. You, his assistant, had gotten used to the fast-paced environment. Working alongside Toto was challenging but exciting — not to mention, you had grown quite fond of him. There was something about the way he carried himself, his sharp intelligence and wit, that never ceased to captivate you. And Toto, well, he’d never admit it outright, but there was definitely something he enjoyed about keeping you close.

This particular day, things took a lighthearted turn. You were standing next to Toto in the briefing room, typing furiously on your laptop, trying to keep up with the conversation when Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell sauntered in after their latest sim sessions.

Lewis was the first to make a remark, flashing a mischievous smile. “Hey, Y/n, how do you even keep up with this guy? He’s a machine.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “It’s not easy, I can tell you that. He has me running all over the place.”

Toto, standing tall beside you, glanced down with that signature half-smirk. “She manages just fine. In fact, she probably knows where I’m supposed to be more than I do,” he teased.

George piped up, raising an eyebrow. “Honestly, mate, we’ve all been wondering… do you ever give her a break? Because if I were her, I’d have to call HR by now.”

The room erupted into laughter, with Lewis doubling over dramatically. Even you had to admit that working for Toto wasn’t for the faint of heart.

Kimi Antonelli, the young and shy prodigy, stood awkwardly in the corner, clearly amused but too timid to jump into the banter. Toto, always the father figure to Kimi, gestured for him to join the conversation. “Kimi, don’t stand there like a wallflower. Tell them I’m not so bad, hm?”

Kimi blushed a bit, looking at the ground. “Uh, well… I mean, he’s okay,” Kimi mumbled, scratching the back of his head. “He just… works a lot. A lot.”

“Exactly!” Lewis chimed in. “It’s borderline criminal.”

“Okay, enough of that,” Toto cut in, though his smile didn’t fade. “Y/n handles things perfectly fine. Besides, if anyone gives her too much trouble, I’ll know about it.”

The way Toto said it had the drivers rolling their eyes, though George and Lewis exchanged knowing glances, clearly onto the growing connection between you and Toto. But before they could tease further, the engineers started to pile into the room, signaling the start of the technical debrief.

Throughout the meeting, you couldn’t help but notice how Kimi kept glancing nervously at Toto, as if trying to gauge his reactions. You’d known for some time that Toto had taken Kimi under his wing, treating him almost like a son. The older man’s protective nature was endearing, especially when it came to the younger drivers.

Once the debrief ended, the teasing started back up again.

“So, Toto,” George began, leaning casually against the wall, “when are you going to let Y/n manage the team for real? She’s practically doing it already.”

Toto gave George a sidelong look but didn’t deny it. “She’s good, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, eh?”

You shot George a playful glare. “Please don’t put any ideas in his head. I’ve got enough on my plate.”

Lewis chuckled. “Come on, Y/n, it’d be an upgrade. I mean, working with us drivers instead of constantly babysitting him?” He pointed toward Toto, feigning innocence.

Toto crossed his arms, looking down at Lewis with a mock serious expression. “You lot are barely manageable as it is.”

Just as the room filled with laughter again, Kimi, who had been quiet for most of the time, softly chimed in. “I, uh… I think Y/n’s the only one who can keep up with him. None of us could handle it.”

Everyone paused, looking at Kimi in surprise. The shy teenager wasn’t usually one for chiming in, but when he did, it was always genuine.

Toto smiled at Kimi warmly. “See? That’s why you’re my favorite,” he teased, giving the young driver a pat on the shoulder. “Now, if only the rest of these clowns would learn to follow your example.”

Kimi’s face turned bright red, but he smiled nonetheless, clearly pleased with the attention.

“Careful,” George said, smirking, “we might have some competition here, Y/n. You’ll be replaced as Toto’s number one.”

You raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Oh, I’m sure Kimi could do a better job. He’s quieter, less trouble.”

“Not a chance,” Toto interjected, looking down at you with a playful glint in his eyes. “No one replaces you.”

The teasing died down for a moment, and you felt your heart skip a beat. The banter was fun, but every once in a while, Toto would say something that made it hard to ignore the undercurrent between the two of you.

Lewis, ever the one to pick up on things, wasn’t about to let it slide. “Ohhh, what’s this? Toto’s playing favorites.”

“Always has,” George added, his grin widening.

Toto rolled his eyes, though his tone remained playful. “Alright, enough of this. Don’t you lot have cars to drive or data to review?”

“Just trying to keep it interesting,” Lewis said, throwing his arm over George’s shoulder as they began to exit. “Besides, I think we’re all interested to see where this goes.”

Once the drivers and engineers cleared out, you and Toto were left in the now-quiet room. He glanced at you, his expression softening from the banter-filled façade he wore around the team.

“Ignore them,” he murmured. “They like to cause trouble.”

You smiled, leaning slightly toward him. “Maybe, but they’re not wrong. You do act like Kimi’s dad sometimes.”

Toto let out a low laugh. “Someone has to look out for the kid. He’s too shy to speak up most of the time.”

“And what about me?” you asked, teasingly. “Are you looking out for me too?”

Toto’s eyes glinted with a warmth that made your stomach flutter. “Always,” he said quietly, his tone more serious now. “Always.”

[multidimensionimagines]

Alright, first part is officially finished! A request sent to me by a wonderful user that will be tagged. In the meantime, here is part 1 of

Sweater Weather (part 1)

part 2

Summary: you borrow Ford’s sweater when it gets cold

content warnings: fluff, smut, reader is fem/afab and uses she/her pronouns, minors do not interact!

Gravity Falls wasn’t a sunny paradise. Despite what the brochures and fake marketing wanted you to believe. Sure the summers there were nice. After all, living in Oregon meant getting a perfect balance of each of the seasons as they came. So, that meant hot, sunny summers and cold, bitter winters.

You did not take this into account when you first moved to Gravity Falls two years ago. Sure, you had some sweaters and pants good enough for the colder months, and you would think that living in the same place for two years would warrant you enough time to go shopping to acquire a proper wardrobe. But you, special as you were, had an extraordinary knack for forgetting things- giving your needs the old ‘eh, I’ll do it tomorrow’ and the next thing you know, winter had passed with you surviving on the tattered blankets and fireplace in your home.

Now was the end of fall, the day after Halloween- not to be confused with the iconic Gravity Falls tradition of Summerween- and while it had been chillier out it was now getting dangerously into nipping cold territory. And your boyfriend, as practical as he was, has not stopped having to remind you.

“Dear, don’t you think you’ll be cold going out in.. that?”

You paused, looking over your shoulder at him. He quickly stiffened.

“N-not that, I’m trying to tell you what to wear. I-I would never-! You’re free to dress how you wish I’m just..” he awkwardly cleared his throat. “worried.”

You chuckled, pulling on your lightweight cardigan over your top. “I know you wouldn’t. I’ll go shopping tomorrow, okay?”

You reassured him softly, walking up to give him a kiss on the cheek. He smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You’ve been saying that everyday since October 5th.”

You rolled your eyes and grinned, shoving your hands in your pockets. “Psh, oh come on, there’s no way I’ve been saying it every day-“

Ford reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a little booklet, one of those pocket colanders and flipped to the page with the current month, or well, month that just passed yesterday on it.

“Actually you have, I’ve been keeping track to see when you would actually follow through on your word.”

He explained somewhat smugly before tucking it back into his pocket, revealing your annoyed but.. slightly impressed face. Of course, only the Stanford Pines would keep track of something like that.

You gave him a look but he wouldn’t put away that stupid (cute) grin on his face and brushed past him towards the front door of the Mystery Shack. You and Soos were all going out to get some food shopping done since the kitchen was ransacked by vengeful gnomes yesterday when Stan refused to give any of them candy.

“Bein’ freakishly short and wearing dumb hats all year round doesn’t make you eligible now scram!”

Soos came out from the staff room having finished putting away the rest of the cheap Halloween decorations that were more than halfway from falling apart, but of course, your boss refused to buy any new ones till they were ‘as old as he and his brother’ which you found humorous.

Dusting his hands off each other with a proud smile, Soos closed the door behind him and sighed. “Huh, there, that ought to do it! Oh hey other Mr Pines!” He beamed and waved at Ford, seeming surprised but pleased to see him out in the open. Ford awkwardly shuffled his feet and returned his wave with a small smile.

“Ah.. Greetings, Soos. And, please, you can call me Ford, it’s a lot less formal don’t you think?”

“Oh no way dude. I respect you and Mr Pines wayyyy too much to do that.” Soos stated in a somewhat more serious tone, crossing a hand in front of him.

Ford chuckled, both amused and flattered that he thought that highly of him and his brother. “Very well then.” He shrugged, watching as Soos joined you, who had their hand on the knob as you waited semi-paitently at the front door.

“You ready to rock and roll dude?” He asked, twirling his keys around his finger.

You nodded. “Uh huh!” You turned your head back to Ford “see ya in a bit, sweetie!”

Ford smiled and returned your wave as you closed the door behind you and Soos. Even though you and Ford had been together for a good few months now, he still got a bit giddy at the feeling of you calling him sweet pet names like that. He wasn’t all that used to having someone consistently dote on him in that way, plus, you just made him weak in the knees. No matter what you did. He found you absolutely irresistible. He sighed, shaking off his wandering thoughts and opened the vending machine door, as he had important business to attend to down in his lab today. And he didn’t want any distractions whatsoever.

A little while after, Ford was tinkering away in his lab, experimenting with a new device he had been drafting blueprints for, and keeping notes on what seemed to work.

“Hm… fascinating..” he hummed to himself, a pleased smirk spread across his face as he ran another successful test. He was pulled quickly from his thoughts when there was a knock at the door, but didn’t cease writing.

“Yes, come in!” He called, eyes not tearing away from the his journal pages.

From the other side of the door, you smiled of relief. Happy to hear your boyfriend’s voice after a long day, even though it was mostly shopping, it wasn’t like it was any fun shopping. You gently and carefully opened the door to his workshop, always making sure to be cautious in your step when doing so since you never could really predict what kind of strange anomaly or new device that would be coming your way. Thankfully today however, it was just a few pieces of forest crystals that sat at his desk beside his furiously writing hand. You cleared your throat and approached behind him, standing with your hands clasped in front of your lap.

Ford hummed curiously, looking back over his shoulder and instantly brightening when he saw it was you. “Ah! Greetings, my dear! How was your excursion with Jésus?”

You giggled. “It’s just Soos. And it was great! We got everything on our list and then some… I also got you something~” you rocked back on your heels as a playful tone rang in your voice to which he perked up. Ford turned his body now towards you, resting one hand on his knee and tilting his head to one side inquiringly.

“Really?”

You nodded, reaching into your pocket to reveal a small white cloth bag which had a label in black cursive on them that read ‘Old Timey Style Jelly Beans’.

Ford chuckled and took the bag from you, prying it open with his two index fingers and peering inside. “Thank you, my dear. Although, you really didn’t have to get me anything.” He said, glancing back up at you through his glasses.

You shook your head. “I always have to get you something! I like doing it, it’s nice to see your face when I come home with something for you! Besides, you hardly ever leave here as it is, I might as well do all your shopping at this point.” You insisted, resting a hand on Ford’s shoulder to steady yourself as you took a seat on his lap, taking advantage of the openness of his current leg position. He grew shy, smiling and looking away from you with a soft blush in his cheeks.

“Ah… yes, well.. um..” he cleared his throat “thank you.” He snuck a hand around your waist to keep you upright on him, bringing his head back up to face you so that you could properly see him. You peered over his shoulder to look at his desk, eyeing the new paragraphs of cursive that filled journal number four.

“What’cha working on?” You chirped. Ford beamed.

“Ah! I’m glad you asked!” He swiveled around in his chair, keeping hold of you in his lap and setting the jellybeans aside. “I’m testing a new invention of mine that I’ve had in the works for a while. I just didn’t have the pieces to do it until now…”

as he rambled on, explaining his newest discovery, you couldn’t help but accidentally tune out his words, sure you were listening, you could hear him talking, but your processing gears were occupied by the gleam in his eyes and the added crinkles that formed around them when he smiled in the excitement of explaining something to you. You let out an internal, dreamy sigh as you focused on the way his one hand was gesturing to all the different things on his desk and how the other gripped your waist so comfortingly. His rough, gorgeous hands…

“Dear, are you alright?”

Your breath hitched, you blinked and looked at him as a slow blush began to creep onto your face. “O-oh! Yeah um.. sorry you just… look really cute when you’re explaining your.. science-y.. stuff..” you admitted sheepishly, feeling kinda bad that you didn’t catch most of what he said.

Ford felt a little taken aback by the sudden onset of adoration, not that he minded it one bit. He just wasn’t used to it, a few months of being with someone so intimately wasn’t nearly enough time to get used to 60 ish years of barely experiencing it at all. He chuckled slightly, bringing his other hand to wrap in front of your torso, now encircling you in a cocoon of his arms.

“I-it’s quite alright, I wouldn’t have expected you to understand even if you were listening.”

He said with the utmost affection and sincerity. The words alone coming out of his mouth didn’t always sound too flattering, but they were hardly ever out of malice, especially not when it came to you. You had been learning to both deal with, and let him know when to not say anything. But right now you giggled and brushed it off, knowing exactly what he meant.

You two had a brief moment of looking into each others eyes, taking in each others soft gaze on the other. Ford had such deep, beautiful brown eyes that reminded you of the very forests that he explored so much. And you, oh, Ford could fill more than 10 journals dedicated to the sheer remarkable beauty of yours. He still couldn’t believe that in all the dimensions, all the universes, all the galaxies and all the stars in the sky that you chose to be his. And he was forever grateful for it. You both seemed to have the same idea as you leaned in closer, inching forward to gradually meet each others lips. Ford hummed and closed his eyes, the stiffness in his shoulders he didn’t even know he was holding dropped. He gripped your waist tighter and subconsciously pulled you in closer to him and you brought your hands up to his face, cupping and caressing each cheek and running your fingers along his faint stubble. Ford was still a bit of an awkward and clumsy kisser, but you were more than happy to give him as many practice opportunities as he needed. You felt a shiver run up your spine as his thumbs began to rub into the divets of your flesh, as well as the cool air of the lab hitting your skin through your thin cardigan.

“Mmm… dear..?” Ford mumbled against your lips, gently pulling you away. Your face was revealed to him in a slight pout, which he thought was adorable. But this was no time for him to swoon, he had a pressing question he almost forgot to ask you. “Did you remember to pick up something suitable for the cold?”

Your eyes widened. Oh, shoot. That’s what you forgot.

“Uhhhh…” you squinted, looking to the side to avoid his now disappointed stare. Ford grumbled. “Okay, I forgot! Ugh..” you groaned, throwing your head back.

Ford sighed and pulled your sweater sleeve up, revealing the goosebumps that littered your arm. “Darling, look at you, you’re freezing. You should get into something warmer.” He pressed, now sounding more like a worried mother than anything. You got up off his lap. “Yeah, I didn’t wanna say anything because I was hoping you wouldn’t notice but, your lab is fucking freezing.” You shivered, bringing your hands up to your forearms in a pathetic attempt to shield them. Ford chuckled and shook his head, waving you off.

“Go on, take your time, I’ll be here all evening.”

[ravennaortiz]

2/1 A: I told my friend I would go on this stupid date/this is my problem why? with Chibs requested by @privatetruths As always 18+

You had barely stepped out of your car before Tig Trager was pouncing. His blue eyes full of mischief and lust as he looked you up and down. A playful smirk on his face as his wild black curls swayed in the breeze that had your skirt starting to billow. “I need to talk to the Scot” you stated firmly as you barely managed to keep your skirt down.

“Aww, come on Doll. I can give the cops daughter a better time” purred Tig as he batted his eyes at you making your roll your eyes before shouldering past him.

Stepping into the Teller-Morrow garage you pushed your sunglasses on top of your head as your eyes adjusted to the light.

“To what do we owe the pleasure of the local Sheriffs daughter? Daddy doesn’t have someone on the payroll for his babygirls car?” sassed Chibs, disdain dripping with each word. To say a love hate relationship had formed between you and the Sons was an understatement. The last time you had been here had ended with a raid of not only the clubhouse but all their homes. A night of fun and rebellion for you had landed them in serious hot water with your father.

“You don’t have to be a dick. It’s not my fault my dad overreacted” you snapped as you crossed your arms as you glared at him. Mentally kicking yourself for not containing your fiery temper when you were here to ask a favor.

Chibs chuckled as he wiped his hands of grease. “I think you and I have very different versions of fault and how to be accountable Lassie”.

You sighed before slumping down into a metal chair. “Look. I know ya’ll hate me. I get it. It was stupid of me to have used ya’ll in my little rebellion plan. I knew it would get a reaction but I didnt expect him to go nuclear with ya’ll. You stated looking down at your feet before looking back up at him as he leaned against the car he had been working on.

“Whats this got to do with me?” asked Chibs curiously.

“My friend is going on a date with this guy she just met. And I’m the only one in the group single now….and I told them I wasn’t cause they were teasing and shit, trying to hook me up with this loser of a guy. Ughh this is so stupid. I told them I would go on a double date as proof” you rambled out as you looked anywhere but at eh man in front of you.

“And why is this my problem?” laughed Chibs roughly as he turned back to the car again.

“Cause I told them I was dating a SON……and older man……with an accent” you replied quietly daring a glance up at him at the end. His eyes meeting yours with something in them you couldn’t quite place.

Chibs looked back to the car. Silently considering your words as he feigned interest in something on the engine. You were about to give up and leave, maybe try it out with Tig when Chibs finally spoke.

“Don’t know Lassie. I’m not a man who likes to be played with.” Stated Chibs his eyes still on the engine. “Besides I don’t need your father busting in and cutting my dick off and sending me to Stockton” he added with a shake of his head. “Yer pretty but not worth the risk Lass” he added before moving to the office.

You couldn’t help but flinch at his words. They cut terribly and hurt more than you expected. While you understood, you couldn’t help but fill challenged and you were not above begging.

“Wait!” you called as you hopped up and ran in front of him. Grabbing the front of his uniform you dropped to your knees. “I’ll do anything if you say yes” you whispered eyes on his as you started to fumble with his belt.

You almost had his boxers down before hands grabbed yours. “No need for this” stated Chibs looking over your shoulder at Tig and Gemma who stood watching. Your cheeks burned with shame as you followed his gaze. What the hell were you thinking? “I’ll do it. Just get up and have some dignity Lass” rumbled Chibs as he stepped back from you and walked out of the garage.

Three Days Later

Chibs would never admit it but he was actually having a decent time with you. Though he would love if the other couple would leave, they had done nothing but bicker the whole time. You and Chibs had exchanged secret smiles and texts about how bad a match they were. Things got worse and your friend excused herself to the bathroom as tears started to slip, you had gone after her.

When you both returned your friends date and his food were gone and Chibs looked apologetic as he looked at your friend.  Chibs had been very gentle in his explanation that her date had got his food to go and left. Wanting Chibs to pass on a message that they were done and not to contact him. Your friend had been inconsolable and Chibs had gotten all of your food packaged up and taken care of the bill as you held her. He even had one of his club brothers swing by to drive her home since the two of you had ridden on his bike.

“Wanna come in and finish dinner? I have beer in the fridge” you offered as he pulled into your driveway.

“I don’t” started Chibs before you shot him a pout.

“Please” you dragged out “I wanna make this night not as miserable for you” you begged.

“Fine. One beer and we finish dinner then I’m leaving” stated Chibs firmly as he got off his bike.

“Deal” you stated eagerly as you clapped your hands and moved to the front door making him chuckle.

"So much for just dinner and a beer" you laughed as Chibs flopped over next to you on your kitchen floor. Both of you out of breath and sweaty from the feral fucking you had just endured.

"Well had to see what else that mouth could do besides cause trouble" replied Chibs as he pulled you on top of him. His cock already hardening again as you ground against him. "Also figured I might as well go all the way with the Sheriffs daughter" he added before groaning as you slid down his length, nails tracing his tattoos.

[bearbunnycheetah]

🐆🐰✨CHAPTER 2: WRECKING… BALL..?✨🐰🐆

Note: This chapter is much longer than the last one! Hopefully there are no errors… haha… I’ll have the rest of my notes for this on the end section!

It’s been about a day or three since Percy visited the toy store. Molly lays in her bed awake, blankly staring at the ceiling. She knew she had a lot to do today, the anxiety of having to deal with all her responsibilities woke her up early. So she savored every second that she got to lay in bed.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Molly turns off the alarm on her phone immediately, then sighs. She shuffles out of the bed to get ready, shower… Make breakfast… Eat… Open the store… 

In this part of Sweet Jazz City, It was actually surprisingly really quiet. It meant Molly didn’t have to worry about noise overwhelming her, but it also meant that not that many people come in to the toy store. 

Well, her classmates did swarm her with questions after news got out about the museum. Maybe people will come here to buy things! Maybe… 

Molly walks up to the sign on the front door and flips it to open, before hopping on her chair and starting her shift at work. Maybe she could use this time to finish homework. 

Yeah, okay. She pulls out some paper from her backpack and started doing answer sheets, occasionally looking up when she hears sounds coming from outside. Suddenly, the bell on the front door jingled. Molly was about to speak when her eyes widened, and she realised that standing in front of her was Percy. She scrambled quickly to put away her homework and greeted the detective.

“Oh, Percy! I didn’t expect you to come back… Is... everything okay?” Right, the break-in… Maybe she just had more questions.

“Good morning, Molly! It’s been going quite well, the investigation was quite eventful. We didn’t manage to catch the perpetrator, but we successfully snagged the amulet back.” Percy smiled.

Does that mean boss is fine? Probably, I mean he got away once right? And at least she said it went well! “Wow, that’s… that’s great! Did you come here to um, tell me that?”

Percy sighed and furrowed her brows. Oh no, is Molly in trouble!? “Yes, but I’m also here on a more pressing matter...” 

What she didn’t expect is Percy approaching the register where Molly was sitting with a serious expression. A trickle of sweat going down Mollys face as she got closer and closer...

...What she didn't even see coming, was for Percy to place down a file on the counter in front of Molly. 

'Child Protection Services'

In bold letters on the front of the file. 

Molly stared for a couple seconds, dumbfounded.

"I'll give you a quick rundown." Percy opens the file for Molly to read. "We were tasked in bringing you and your sister out of this very unethical situation by both the police force and CPS themselves, I was to be temporarily assigned to be your guardian before you two were adopted by better, more responsible parents".

Molly’s eyes slowly widened at each word Percy said, did... did she really mean it? Was she really free from all the work her dad and sister had put her through? Is she going to have a normal childhood?

Before Molly could say a word, a certain someone walked up the stairs from the basement of the Toy Emporium, Martin Blyndeff. Said parent Percy deemed irresponsible. 

Martin was holding a toy playset that he was about to set down on a nearby table. “Heya, kiddo! This your friend? Oh Lookie there seems to be some sorta police getup you're goin for eh?" Martin said, attempting some sort of conversation.

Molly was about to tell her father what was going on, but Percy began speaking before she could form words.

"Ah what perfect timing! I apologise, but we will not be able to continue our 'chit chat'." She pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “You're coming with me, Martin Blyndeff. You are under arrest for child neglect, and several other crimes including tax evasion. Everything you say can and will be used against you."

“Awh what gives? I’m takin’ care of my little princesses I swear!!!” Martin protested, holding his arms out as if that would do something.

“The only thing you’re taking care of… Is jail time!” Percy said with full confidence attempting to be witty.

There was awkward silence as neither Molly or Martin understood what she meant.

“Wait- What- HUH!?” Molly let out the panic in her voice that built up over time, what the hell was even going on? Percy turnt to Molly as she handcuffed a very confused Martin.

“Please do not fret, Molly” Percy said, as a few other police officers came in to take away Martin. “Is it alright if you bring your sister here? So that I can give the rundown and explain to the both of you, of course”. 

Molly sighed, and tried putting on a smile. “Okay..” 

Molly wasn’t really…  sure how her sister would react to this. But all she could hope for is that Lorelai wouldn't protest or go into a dream bubble to hide away, it’d probably inconvenience Percy if she were to do that and she didn’t wanna bother her too much.

Molly made her way up the thin staircase, and then approached her sisters door. Despite the sign that said ‘DO NOT ENTER’, Molly knocked. 

“Uhh… Lorelai, are you there? I need to tell you something important, its not work or anything! Not like we’ll even work here anymore…” 

To Molly’s surprise, Lorelai actually opened the door! Though.. she was dressed up in some sort of knight armor?

“Oh, Lori! I… Didn't expect you to answer this qui-” 

Lorelai interrupted Molly. “Yeah yeah whatever, I was already gonna go downstairs anyway cause you guys we’re making a racket!”

Molly let out an exhausted attempt at a laugh, a bead of sweat dripping down her face. “Well.. It was about explaining the ‘racket’... And well… Dad is getting arrested for some stuff and we.. uh…” Molly paused, she wasn't sure how to continue this. She was about to raise her voice again, but Lorelai suddenly zoomed past Molly to go downstairs. 

“LORELAI WAIT!”

Molly rushed to follow her sister downstairs, eyes widening when she realised Lorelai was blabbering out to Percy who looked rather displeased. Urgh, not again…

“What the hell are you doing to our dad? Who do you think you are!?” Lorelai said, putting her arms on her hips all sassy and upset.

“Well, I am Detective Percival King from the Sweet Jazz Police” She holds up her badge. “but you may refer to me as Percy. And as your sister most likely explained, we are taking Martin to court because of his mild crime spree, such as avoiding taxes and child abandonment.”

Percy peeked behind Lorelai and saw Molly, who was currently shaking in her rain boots. “I was going to ask where your younger sister is, but it appears that she's already back. Hello!”.

Lorelai squinted at Molly and Percy with a disdain in her eyes.. “Did she call you to come here?” Lori said raising her eyebrow, Molly looked down to avoid eye contact “Cause CPS already came here before and we’re perfectly fi-” 

Percy decided to interrupt Lorelai herself, noticing how upset Molly looked. “I am very much aware of that, Miss Blyndeff.” Percy crossed her arms. “But after talking to Molly a few days ago regarding the museum incident she was involved in, I decided to reopen the case. After dealing with all of my work, of course.”

“Hmm…” Lorelai squints at Percy, unconvinced. “What about the toy store? What’s gonna happen to that huh?”

“We will deal with that after interrogating your father which will probably take a bit. But there’s no need to worry about you or your sister, as I’ve been assigned to take care of you two before more suitable parents can take care of you.”

Lorelai turnt to look at Molly again, then back at Percy. “Fine, what do we do now? Theres gonna be a bunch of legal stuff we need to deal with or whatever, right?”

“Correct. Thank you for being cooperative, Miss Lorelai. You may take your personal belongings at a later date.”

Lorelai rolls her eyes, and walks past Percy to the outside of the toy emporium. She waits there, still wearing her knight outfit. Molly nervously walks over to Percy and looks at her.

“Sorry about my sister… She’s a handful.” Molly apologized.

“I don’t mind all that much, I’ve dealt with many interesting people at my job before.”

“Sounds about right. I honestly thought the whole CPS thing didn’t work out because of last time…”

“The only reason something like that happened is because that person was a fool.” Percy scowls. “It’s cruel when events like this are overlooked, hopefully you and your sister can live life more peacefully.”

“Yeah, that sounds nice.” Molly pauses and smiles a bit. Maybe this was for the better, but she suddenly remembers something. “Oh! Is it alright if I tell my friends about this? We were supposed to have a meet up here tomorrow and I don’t wanna worry them too much.”

“Of course, you can go ahead and contact them on the way to the police station.”

Molly goes up to the door and flips the toy store sign to ‘closed’, then walks out. Percy follows closing the door behind her, she had brought back-up incase Martin was a dangerous person or if something went wrong but things actually turnt out alright! She speaks with some of the officers before most of them leave the toy store to the police station.

A couple hours pass, all three members of the Blyndeff family were interviewed. A few more hours pass and now the two sisters sit in Percys car, the detective was busy doing a few more things before going home so the two of them just sat in silence. Both Lorelai and Molly were in the back, but still sitting as far away from eachother as possible. 

Percy finally walks out and opens the car door.

“I’m back, apologies for the wait.” She sits in the drivers seat, she started the car a while ago since she thought leaving them in a hot car would be a bad idea despite the fact it was extremely cold during this time of year in Taiga Country.

“Its fine…” Molly yawned, it was night already and probably past her bedtime.

“I don’t have an extra room ready in my apartment, so both of you might have to sleep in my room in the meantime. But it’s fine, I’ll sleep on the couch.” Percy smiled reassuringly.

“Huh? Oh, no we couldn’t possibly… It would feel weird sleeping in someone elses room. We don’t mind, right Lori?”

Lorelai scoffed as if she doesn’t wanna talk right now, Molly scowls at her then forces a smile as she looks at Percy.

“One of us can sleep on the couch and the other one can sleep on the floor.”

“Understood, I’ll see if I have an old mattress lying around.”

Percy locks the car door and begins driving. It was pretty late outside so that means there wasn’t as much traffic as usual, just smooth sailing from here. Molly holds her hand out and puts it on the car window as she watches the city skyline zoom past here in a flurry of lights, a manufactured aurora borealis.

‘It’ll be okay.’ She thinks to herself. ‘Besides, this means I don’t need to run the store anymore right? Maybe I can catch up on my homework tomorrow. Yeah. Okay.’ Molly smiles a bit, then closes her eyes.

Note: This chapter was actually the first thing I wrote for this AU YEARS ago! Back before PoP even came out actually! It was much shorter back then but it was fun revisiting my writing and adding more onto it. Hopefully I’ll have the next chapter done in a few days :3

~Cherry

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[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 38: Revive

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

All night I keep watch. All night I wait. Wait for his breathing to cease, wait for him to open his eyes. My own exhaustion tempts my eyelids to droop but the threat of Death keeps me awake. The Reaper might swoop in any minute to claim Thomas. 

I don’t know how long it’s been when a hint of sunlight starts creeping in through the window. Thomas stirs in the bed covers and his breathing pattern quickens.

“Fuck…” 

He spoke! He tries to move his head but the brace keeps him trapped. Thomas slowly shifts over and sees me watching him. The sight makes me want to praise God a million times. He’s alive! Still weakened, but alive!

“I think I died. I saw me dad…” He groans. “And then I thought I saw an angel.”

I stand up on numb legs and reach for his hand. “You have no idea how good it sounds to hear you, Thomas. We thought you were gone.”

His tired face tries to smirk. “Miss me, eh?”

A mix between a laugh and a hiccup escapes me. “Not funny.”

Thomas’ attempt at dark humor slides off when he sees how serious I am. Those unblinking blue eyes scan my face and he realizes how worried for him I am.

“C’mere.”

He reaches for me and in a state of weakness I softly rest my head on his chest. It’s not a hug of any romantic interest, no. It’s the same kind of embrace I gave him when he woke from night terrors. One might look at this and say I’m just as scatterbrained as any other woman who takes interest in Thomas; but the feeling of comfort we give to each other is something no one can physically see. No mention of love. This is healing. 

Sadly it has to end but when I lift my head Thomas doesn’t let me go far. “Meeting you in a hospital has to stop being a common event.”

He’s still staring at me. “You’ve been crying.”

“Can you blame me? Unlike you I don’t think emotions should be embarrassing. Please promise you’ll never scare me like this again!”

The touch of his calloused hand on my face almost makes me freeze. “You-”

“Tommy?”

We both flinch at the intrusion and look up to see Michael. He looks confused and no one can blame him. It’s not often that Thomas acts vulnerable and I already see him rebuilding the walls.

“Hello Michael.”

The boy clears his throat. “Verena, could you…?”

He needs to speak with him alone. 

I nod before he can fully answer. “I’ll stand guard outside. Yell if you need anything.”

I give Thomas’ hand an extra squeeze and leave the men to their privacy. Something about Michael’s face tells me it’s personal. I go to the nearest phone and dial Ada.

“Ada? It’s Verena. Thomas is awake and doing well. Michael’s meeting with him.”

On the other end I hear her sigh. “Thank God! Do you plan on staying with him or should we hire a nurse?”

Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. There’s no question that I say yes in a heartbeat if Thomas asks, but I can’t force that on him.

“That’s for him to decide.”

Days go by and Thomas slowly starts to recuperate. The whole time I keep commuting between the hospital and Arrow House. The instant Thomas gets the discharge papers from the doctor he immediately arranges for a car to take him home. He’s right. I’d rather recover in a dustbin rather than this creepy place. He does arrange for a nurse but still insists that I stay at Arrow House until he's recovered. On the ride back Thomas drifts in and out of sleep, muttering nonsense. When we head up the driveway I see little Charlie waving from the front porch.

“Daddy!” He squeals when Thomas steps out.

A smile spreads on my face. “He’s been waiting for you. Mary says he’s been crying at night since you’ve been gone.”

Thomas kneels down and scoops the child into a hug. “Thank you. For watching him.”

“He’s a gem. I didn’t think I’d be good with kids but he and Karl have become partners in crime with me.” I point a finger at him. “Now it’s time for you, mister, to rest. I will not be taking you back to the hospital if you force your stitches open.”

Thomas rolls his eyes. “Alright, alright.” He walks inside to settle into his desk chair, bouncing Charlie on his lap. 

“Is Daddy sick?”

I set the medicine kit on the table. “Yes Charlie, and I’m going to do everything I can to help him get better.”

This makes Thomas get a cheeky grin. “Oh really?”

“Oh shut up!” I swat his shoulder.

Three months later

God smiles on us again. Thomas makes a smooth recovery and does well to not become addicted to his medication. According to Mary he made quite a statement about it. His hair grows back, as well as his redivivus spirit. If only he wasn’t so keen on ending his recovery so soon. Today’s the day he calls his brothers over and chaos is already forming.

“Absolutely preposterous!” I hiss and stiffly set the tea tray down on Thomas’ desk. 

“Well now, who is this young lady?” A deep voice asks. “Shalom!”

A new man is standing a few feet away. A man with a face that talks business and eyes that speak philosophy. He's wearing a trench coat, tallit, and a unique black hat. A Jewish man. His laid-back manner tells me Thomas trusts him. Another one of his connections.

“Verena, meet Alfie Solomons.” Thomas gestures to each of us. “Mr. Solomons, meet Ms. Verena Steenstra.”

The bearded man looks me up and down with friendly regards. “Steensta, Steenstra… I know your uncle. Very Christian, very tough. You tell him I will meet him for a drink sometime.”

I offer a hand and we shake. “Pleased to meet you. I’m assuming you are here to assist Mr. Shelby? You’re against the Russians too?”

Mr. Solomons is surprised by my wit to guess. “Yeah. ‘Cause of what they did to me mother.” He looks at Thomas. “Keep her, Tommy. She’s a live one.”

My eyes widen a fraction and a blush threatens to turn my face red. “Anyways. You will not guess what I just heard the boys talking about.”

Thomas lazily sips his whiskey. “Go on.”

“It was Micheal talking about Charlotte. He knocked her up. Do you Shelby men ever keep it in your pants?”

The door bursts open. John and Michael stroll in but Arthur cautiously keeps by the door. 

“What’s that?” John asks brightly, ignoring my annoyed tone.

I put my hands on my hips. “Let me rephrase: can you ever stop fucking?!”

Solomons outright laughs and Thomas takes another drink. Michael looks as scarlet as the rug and John simply shrugs.

“It’s nature, love. Can’t help it. I’m surprised you haven’t found a good man yourself.”

Arthur decides to step in. “Get off it, John. Verena’s much more level-headed than you’ll ever be.”

John scoffs. “Yeah but you weren’t 21 when you lost your virginity.”

Arthur gawks at me. “Steenstra? You’re 21? You’re closer to Finn than I thought. When’s your birthday?”

Okay, when did this discussion venture to the topic of my birthday? I personally don’t feel like talking about it in front of a stranger either.

“October 1903.”

Arthur gets an ‘a-ha’ expression. “I forgot women mature faster. I thought you were at least 25.”

“Hello, Arthur,” Mr. Solomons greets the oldest Shelby. “Shalom.”

Arthur’s displeased by his presence. If this is going to be another meeting full of cocky men then I want no part of it. I weave through the group but Thomas stops me just before I reach the door.

“Take some time for yourself, eh? We’ve got everything covered.”

My eyes narrow. “You said you’ve been taking a break.”

He tilts his head. “I’ve formed a plan.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes. And right now it’s for us to handle. Please-”

“I know, I know.” I hold my hands up in defeat and exit the office.

Ring! Ring! 

“Ms. Steenstra! Telephone!”

Well how about that?

I reach the phone and I already know it’s Ada from Karl’s laughter in the background.

“Verena? How are the boys?”

The building stress from the past month presses on my shoulders. “Making another mess. Seems that men are the only ones I can get along with. You’re the one who’s not pushing me away, Ada. Polly won’t talk. Esme’s too busy being pregnant. Linda and Lizzie hate me.”

It sounds harsh but after all these weeks of helping at Arrow House one would think someone else would call or stop by. But no. Only a few letters and select calls from Polly. Nothing too extreme. Maybe her ‘project’ is keeping her busy.

“Come over to my place for dinner. Karl would love to see you.”

Ada’s offer sounds like a breath of fresh air. “You mean it?”

“Of course. Get over here, we’re having a girls night!”

Well it’s about bloody time.

@meadows5

[nightghoul381]

Dead or Love ~ Ellis Twilight

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Bitter End | Premium End | Epilogue

Kate, I want to be your Santa Claus.

The kind of person who only gives you kindness.

However, the more time I talked to Kate,

The desires that I buried deep inside my heart and kept a lid on were writhing.

(Kate.)

(You, only you, make me… just a little crazy.)

Ellis: “… I don’t want Christmas to end just yet.”

Kate: “Eh?”

I pulled Kate’s arm closer and looked into her face.

Ellis: “Kate, will you be my Santa Claus this time?”

Ellis: “You can listen to my selfishness.”

(If I say that suddenly, will that bother you?)

However, contrary to my expectations, Kate’s face suddenly brightened up.

Kate: “Yes, of course! I’ll do anything I can.”

(……)

Ellis: “Fufu, you’re really…really cute.”

Ellis: “…Then, will you kiss me?”

Kate: “Ah, K-kiss?”

(Her eyes are blinking… so cute.)

Because Kate reacts so kindly and cutely,

I bury my desires deeper and deeper, keeping it a secret from Kate.

(Let’s think about the selfishness that will make Kate happy.)

(…That’s it.)

Ellis: “I’ll save the kiss for later.”

Ellis: “Instead… I want you and me to have fun together.”

--Courtyard—

Kate: “Ellis, what you want to do is… play in the snow?”

Ellis: “Yeah. This is the first year it’s snowed.”

Ellis: “…Do you hate it?”

Kate: “Fufu, no way. I’m kind of excited.”

Kate: “What do we do? Snowball fight? OR—”

Ellis: “What about the snow rabbit?”

Kate: “Oh, that’s great! Well then, let’s see whose is the cutest.”

Ellis: “Then I’ll make a snow rabbit that looks like you.”

Kate: “If that’s what you want, I’ll make you the cutest little Ellis bunny.”

Ellis: “But… if you use me as a model, won’t you lose?”

Kate: “I won’t lose. I’m confident.”

I can’t help but laugh at Kate’s disappointed face.

Ellis: “Then, let the match begin.”

The two of us squat down, scoop up snow, and work wholeheartedly to make a snow bunny.

(…When is the last time you played like this?)

When I glanced at Kate, I noticed that she looked more serious than I did, which was kind of cute.

Maybe I like seeing Kate working hard at something.

(I thought of a grown-up date to make Kate happy.)

(But… maybe a date like this would have been better.)

With Kate, no matter where I am or what I do, I feel like I have a lot of fun.

Ellis: “…Yeah. I’m done.”

Kate: “Me too. So let’s show each other.”

Ellis: “Yeah, okay.”

Kate / Ellis: “Ready, set, go!”

Kate: “Wow, Ellis, your snow bunny is so cute!”

Ellis: “Yours is too. I guess this is a draw…?”

Kate: “Fufu, right.”

(I finished making the snow bunny… Maybe I should have made it a little more slowly.)

Kate: “Ah, Ellis. Are you free for just a little longer?”

Ellis: “…? Yeah, of course. What’s wrong?”

Kate: “I feel like this isn’t enough, so I would like to add something else.”

It seems like Kate is still trying to give me something.

(Kate, Santa Claus is a great service.)

--Crown Castle—Common room—

Kate: “Sorry to keep you waiting, Ellis. Here it is.”

Ellis: “…Hot milk?”

Kate: “Yes. Your hands got cold from playing in the snow, right?”

Kate: “Besides, I was happy that you made some for me earlier, Ellis.”

(You remembered me.)

Ellis: “Thank you, Kate. I’ll take it.”

Kate: “Also, when I went to the kitchen, Victor brought out some sweets for me.”

Ellis: “So many. Fufu, it’s like a party.”

Kate: “Yes, it’s our very own midnight Christmas party.”

We drank hot milk, snacked on sweets, and talked about nothing.

It’s like Christmas when I was a kid…

Memories of a distant day seemed to tumble into the palm of my hand.

Ellis: “Kate, I lied to you, a little bit.”

Kate: “…Lied?”

Ellis: “I told you that when I was a kid, we had Christmases like any other…”

Ellis: “Christmas like anywhere else ‘was’…true.”

As I told you before, my house was a really normal house,

It was a Christmas like any other.

The candles on the Christmas cake were always blown out with a single blow.

(But)

Ellis: “One day, everything fell apart.”

Ellis: “I wanted to get it back somehow, I tried my best but…”

Ellis: “Maybe I was the one to screw everything up in the end.”

Kate: “…”

(Maybe that’s why I was relieved every year when Jude assigned me a job.)

(If I stay busy, I don’t have to remember what I broke.)

Kate was just quietly listening to me.

Then, she murmured in a voice as calm and gentle as falling snow.

Kate: “Ellis, when you suddenly remember things from the past and are having a hard time… I’ll be by your side.”

Kate: “When you don’t want to remember, let’s talk more like this again.”

Kate: “…and, this is such a beautiful thing…”

(Aah, Kate.)

(If your words were beautiful things, there would be nothing more beautiful in the world.)

Ellis: “Thank you, Kate.”

Ellis: “Hey, just one more thing… it’s selfish, okay?”

Kate: “Of course, what is it?”

I went behind Kate, who was sitting, and hugged her from behind.

Kate: “Ellis…?”

Ellis: “My family and I used to do this together and hug each other on Christmas.”

Kate: “Yes, that’s what this is? Well then…”

Kate wraps her arms around me and hugs me back.

(Kate, I’m sorry, that was also a lie.)

(I don’t know why… I wanted to do this with you.)

Again, deep within my heart, desire is writhing all over.

(…no, don’t go wild.)

(I want to be nice to you, Kate.)

Kate: “Ellis, um…”

Ellis: “Not yet. Please, let me stay like this just a little longer.”

After all, I don’t think I’ll be able to become the kind of Santa Claus that everyone likes.

A few days passed and before I knew it, the snow bunny I had mad that day had melted away without a trace.

When I told Kate about this, she laughed.

Kate: “Let’s make them together again next year.”

She said.

I can’t explain it well, but I was kind of… happy about that.

Very, very happy.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Bitter End | Premium End | Epilogue

[kfkr1ze]

[002-A19] Bad Will Hunting[1]

Summary — ✈︎ The students called Ushio to a meeting. When they demand an explanation as to why he’s being uncooperative with his work, he gives them a sarcastic response in retaliation…

Characters— ✈︎ Ushio, Nanaki, Akuta, Kiroku, Muneuji, Sakujiro

Location: Otomari Chuuzaemon Inn in Shodoshima

Ushio: ………

Nanaki: ………

Ushio: What do you want? Wearing such a scary expression on your face. 

Nanaki: We need to talk. …Let’s go. Everyone is waiting for you.

Ushio: (Uwah, I got a bad feeling about this one. This seems like more trouble than it’s worth…)

I’d love to go, but my stomach hurts y’know? Didn’t you hear that from Chief? I’m just taking a break today, soーー

Nanaki: You’ll be fine.

Ushio:  Ah… Wai… Don’t touch me!!

…I’m going.

Nanaki: ………

Kiroku: ………

Muneuji: ………

Akuta: Welcome back, Uu-chan!

Ushio: … Don’t call me that.

So? What’s this about? You got a reason for surrounding me like this?

Nanaki: The drawstring bag… It looks like he has it with him.

Akuta: See? I knew he didn’t throw it away. 

Okay, next up is my turn sooo, don’t mind if I do!

… Yup, it’s all good. The egg, feat. alien legs, are all in one piece!

Ushio: What, don’t tell me that this is all because you guys thought I threw away the egg?

Kiroku: You… weren’t in your room…… so we thought… maybe……

Nanaki: ………

Ushio: Of course I didn’t throw it away. Didn’t we all decide on that?

Nanaki: … I’ll apologize for suspecting you. I’m sorry.

Ushio: I don’t really care though.

Muneuji: With that, one of the problems has been resolvedーー

Akuta: Mhmm…

Nanaki: ………

Kiroku: ………

Ushio: Again, what is this all about? If you have something to say, spit it out already.

Muneuji: There’s no other issues, other than the work for the summer festival.

There were some concerns that maybe Uu-chan hasn’t been progressing properly in your preparations for the summer festival.

Ushio: (Ughh so there were complaints about that? I knew this was gonna be an annoying ass talk. So draining…)

These “concerns” you’re talking about… Was it all from one person?

Nanaki: Why are you looking at my face?

Ushio: There doesn’t have to be any special reason, does there? It's not like I'm thinking that Panda is the most likely candidate to say stuff like that or anything.

Nanaki: Even Kinugawa-kun is doing his best for this, no matter how much he’s struggling with it. It’s normal to not want someone holding us back.

Kiroku: Eh…… M-Me……?

Nanaki: I know you’re trying your best for this. It’s only natural to notice that when we’re living in the same room.

Kiroku: ………

Nanaki: And that’s why, Kurama-kun should alsoーー

Ushio: Doesn’t really matter in the end, since the event on the day after tomorrow is getting canceled.

Akuta: ………

Nanaki & Kiroku & Muneuji: ………

Akuta: EEEHHH!? W-WHY!?

Muneuji: For what reason?

Ushio: On that day, there’s an 80% chance of rain around the evening. It’ll be pouring down right around the time of the summer festival.

It’s fine to believe in shit like effort, friendship, and youth or whatever, but shouldn’t you at least check the weather forecast?

Nanaki: What about the JMA’s weather control?

Muneuji: No, I’m sure they’d ensure the skies were clear for events at urban places like HAMA, but for the more rural areas…

I’m certain that they wouldn’t take such measures here.

Akuta: A-A-Are you serious～～～！?

I’ve been a city boy since I was born so things like that completely slipped my mind…

Nanaki: Can’t we try asking the JMA now?

Kiroku: …… I don’t think…… they’d listen… to just…… one person……

Ushio: (Hm…)

Akuta: Should we just try to pray for clear weather!?

Like gathering around a bonfire to pray for rain, but the opposite!

Kiroku: …Do you have…… a power…… like that… Isotake…?

Akuta: Nah, not at all!

Ushio: (Life is filled with absurd events like this. No matter how hard you try, or how pure you try to live your lifeーー)

(Some stupid, unavoidable absurdity falls on you and ruins everything.)

(Of course I knew this already, ever since back then, but for kids like this who were raised with privilege and protection? This is probably the first time they’ve been exposed to something like this.)

(Serves them right.)

Hey.

Nanaki: Hah?

Ushio: It’s a shame that it never got healed. That broken heart you got from that time in the old building.

Nanaki: … Is spewing out sarcasm the only thing you know how to do? No wonder they call you a pleasant guy. 

Ushio: ……!

Muneuji: A pleasant guy?

Nanaki: That’s what his classmates call him behind his back. It’s a fittingly ironic nickname for someone as cruel as him.

Ushio: ………

Muneuji: … I see. It’s pretty well put.

Ushio: ……!

Muneuji: Ah, I didn’t mean like that, please don’t misunderstand. I was just impressed that you were given such a spiteful nicknameーー

Ushio: (What’s with that phrasing? How is Muu-chan able to stay as nonchalant as he always is while I’m the only one feeling this uncomfortable…?)

(This is… so unfair…!)

… Y’know, Muneuji…

You didn’t seem to be that upset by the fact that the festival got canceled because of the rain. You’re the one who knows best just how much everyone worked for this, don’t you?

Muneuji: ………

Ushio: Could it be, maybe when it doesn’t concern your father, you consider it to be someone else’s problem?

Maybe, in this train wreck, the rails that you were on were already shifted and the damage isn’t as great to you, so you don’t care?

Muneuji: … Just what are you trying to say?

Ushio: I’m just saying. If that never happened to your father, you wouldn’t even be where you’re at right now.

(You’re different that I amーー)

What I’m saying is, it’s great that you got a little sister who you can give souvenirs to.

Muneuji: Ghーー！

Akuta: Ah, Muneuji’s pupils blew upーー

Muneuji: …Kinugawa.

Hold onto my phone and my watch.

Kiroku: Eh? Okay… but…

Ushio: Huuh? Did I offend you?

Muneuji: You too, Ushio. If you’re holding onto anything you wouldn’t like destroyed, put them to the side. If you refuse to take back what you just said… Then I’m going to duel you.

Ushio: Hah, how am I supposed to take back a fact? Aren’t you just averting your eyes from the truth now?

Muneuji: That’s enough. Shut your mouth. Prepare yourself.

Ushio: ーーHmph, don’t think it’ll be as easy to toss me around as it was last time. 

Nanaki: He was thrown by him just the other day…

Akuta: I-It’s a fight～～～！ WOO WOOO! Get him, get him! Don’t lose, both of you guys!

Isotake’s Gambling Foundation is in full support of this clash between friends! Dear customer, which side are you betting on?

Nanaki: Of course I’m putting 1,000 yen on Muneuji… not! What are you doing!? We have to stop them!

Hey, calm down! Kaguya-kun!

Muneuji: Do not interfere! Uu-chan purposefully angered me. He made his bed, and now he must lie in it.

He wants to be thrown around. He’s asking for it, I’m sure of it. …I want to throw him, as well.

Nanaki: Why would he ask for that!? Ugh, I don’t have another choice…!

Akuta! Help me stop themーー

Akuta: Great, keep going! I’m at the edge of my seat! Don’t hold back, you guys～～～！ You’ll kill the footage～～～！

Nanaki: Whaー Is now the time to be filming!? Kinugawa-kun youーー Already disappeared too!

Ugh, seriously…! Why did it turn out like this…!?

Kaede: Let’s see… Did I manage to make the shumai recipe that Yuki-nii taught me correctly?

Waah! Look at this, Sakujiro-san! I think I actually made them pretty well!

Sakujiro: Oh my, this is… What beautiful, moist skin, reminiscent of platinum…!

The plump, steamy green peas add a burst of color to the snow capped mountains, like a flower budding in the spring…!

This is a wondrous piece of art. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Kaede: The Chinese porridge you made looks amazing as well, Sakujiro-san! The finishing look would look great for pictures on dazzle!

Sakujiro: I’m honored to hear you say so. The soup and the sides are finished, so let us prepare them to be servedーー

(Muffled banging)

Kaede: ……? It’s so noisy upstairs… I wonder what happened.

They’re still pretty young and full of energy, so they might even be play wrestling right now… Ahaha!

Sakujiro: Chief.

Kaede: Yes?

Sakujiro: It seems a helpless fawn has stumbled its way into our castleーー As in, the kitchen.

Kaede: Huh? ーーOh, Kiroku-kun?

Kiroku: ……

Kaede: What’s the matter? You’re shaking a lot…

Kiroku: …… Chief… and, Sensei…… There’s… a fight.

Kaede: Eh!?

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Notes — ✈︎

I believe the title is a reference to the movie “Good Will Hunting”. It's about a guy named Will, a self taught math genius who works as a janitor at a college. He was solving difficult math problems on the blackboard. Will is later arrested after he attacks a responding police officer. The professor who wrote the challenges arranges for Will to avoid jail time if he agrees to study math under his supervision and participate in therapy sessions. Will agrees but is uncooperative in therapy and mocks all his therapists. After Will drove away his first 5 therapists, the professor gets an old friend named Sean to be his therapist. Unlike the others, Sean actually challenges Will's defense mechanisms. During the first session, Will insults his deceased wife, and Sean threatens him, but after a few unproductive sessions, Will finally begins to open up […] Sean points out to Will that he is so adept at anticipating future failure in his interpersonal relationships that he deliberately sabotages them to avoid emotional pain. 

[kouchabu-archive]

Koisuru Scramble - Chapter 3

Writer: Nishioka Maiko Translation by: Sophie // Proofread by: Mirei

NOTE: I EXPLICITLY PROHIBIT USAGE OF ANY PART OF MY TRANSLATIONS ON ANYTHING THAT RELATES TO AI.

This story is fully voiced in-game! You should read while listening to it~

Episode 14: Little Devil’s Gamble

Hajime: Haah…

(I didn’t expect that thing earlier to work…)

(After that, Nakaouji-kun didn’t spare me a glance at all... Well, I was the one who looked away first though.)

(No, it’s just how it is. I mean, his other classmates were there, and the school bell just had to ring.)

(But… I thought he’d immediately talk to me like he always does...)

(There’s this part of me that… Well, maybe I am a bit sad over it? Just a little bit.)

Haah…

What’s up with me… I never really paid attention to these kinds of things before…

Hm? Oh… Right over there… Is that—

Mahiro: Haha~ So, shall we check out that cafe together this time around? Hm? I’m not playing around~ I’m always serious about you ♪

Hajime: (Gosh~ Even if he didn’t say that to me, I can feel my cheeks warm up...)

(It’s amazing how Asuma-senpai always goes at it everyday. Aside from the fact that I never see a day when he isn't surrounded by girls, I feel like his following just keeps on increasing everyday.)

Mahiro: Hm? He~y there, Hajime-chan ♪

Hajime: Eh? Ah, uh, hello. Good afternoon.

(Uu… All those girls are suddenly giving me nasty looks. I’ll quickly make my exit soon, so please don’t glare at me like that…)

Mahiro: Are you really that interested in me? I might melt with the way you’re checking me out. Well, I won’t say I don’t feel the same for you though~

Hajime: Hah?! Checking you out?! No, no, no! Definitely not! I wasn’t looking at you at all!

(I was looking at the girls flocking around you! Not you!)

(Ugh. Their stares just got uglier with what he said!)

(I should make my escape now…)

Well, I’m quite busy so I’ll be on my way. Goodby— gya?!

Hajime: (I’m gonna fall!)

Mahiro: —! Be careful!

Hajime: ………

(......? Huh, my face hasn't fallen flat on the floor?)

Mahiro: Got you just in time~

Hajime: (Is he carrying me bridal style?!)

Y-Y-You can let go now! I can stand on my own!

Mahiro: Hm~

Well, I don’t think I’ll get another chance like this though. Since we’re already at it, why not go on a date with me?

Hajime: Excuse me?! Please stop joking around and put me down already! I’ll really get pissed if you keep on doing this!

Mahiro: Tch. I’m quite serious about it though~ What a letdown.

There you go.

Hajime: Finally…

…But um, thank you for saving me there.

Mahiro: ………

Haha~ You’re very welcome. I’ll gladly accept payment through a date with you ♪

Hajime: Haha… I have something to do, so I think I’ll pass.

-----

Hajime: (Gosh. I can’t believe that just happened. Though I guess he’s popular exactly because he can be so smooth like that.)

(I don’t want to be at the receiving end of it though. My heart can only handle so much.)

Nn… (Stretching her body around.)

Hah… Being assigned to the cleaning duty is such tough work, but cleaning in front of the fountain this time of the year feels quite nice. It feels like going for a walk, so it isn’t so bad~

Hm..? Did someone collapse over there?! Oh God!

Konatsu: ………

Hajime: (Wait, isn’t that just… Nekomura-kun?)

Ah, and if I look closely, he didn’t really collapse. It looks like he’s just sleeping soundly?

(I’m glad that’s how it is…)

(But he might catch a cold if he continues to sleep here, so I think it’s better to wake him up…)

Nekomura-kun, wake up~ You’ll catch a cold if you sleep here~

Konatsu: Nn… Hnn?

…Oh, it’s you, Hajime-senpai. (Yawns.) Fuaah…

Hajime: Haha, are you that tired? I was surprised to find you sleeping here. I thought you’re not feeling well.

Konatsu: ………

…The truth is I do feel a bit under the weather. That’s why I ended up resting here.

Hajime: Huh, is that so? Are you okay?

Konatsu: Mhm, sort of. I thought I’ll feel better if I rest here for a bit.

Hajime: Then we should go and have you rest in the infirmary instead. We can’t have you feel worse by sleeping here. It’s still chilly around this time of the year, after all.

Konatsu: Mm, it’s alright. The wind isn’t that strong today. There’s also the sun to keep me warm and toasty.

— Oh. But if Hajime-senpai is so kind as to lend me her lap to be my pillow, maybe it’ll help make me feel much better?

Hajime: Huh?! M-My lap?!

Konatsu: Mhm. That way, I won’t feel the cold as much. I really feel like I’ll feel much better with just a bit of rest.

Hajime: …Alright. I guess I’ll give it a pass since it’s quite an emergency.

Here you go. Are you comfy?

Konatsu: Hehe~ ♪

Hajime: Just like your namesake, you really are like a cat, aren’t you?

How is it? Do you feel a bit better now?

Konatsu: …Pft… kuku…

Hajime: Hm?

Konatsu: Ahahaha! Oh my, you're gonna make me worry with how you're still believing my little ploy.

Hajime: …Ah, hey! So you were lying?!

Ugh. And I was taking it so seriously! I can’t believe you made me worry like that! If you’re not feeling sick then I’m taking away your lap pillow privileges!

— Hey. Make a move already, Nekomura-kun!

Konatsu: Don’t wa~nna. Not when it feels soooo comfy. The combo of the sun, Hajime-senpai, and her lap pillow feels so nice~

Senpai… I really want to stay like this for a while... Pretty please?

Hajime: …Geez. Fine. Just a bit more, okay?

-----

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter // Translation Masterlist

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers CHAOS LINEAGE ー Subaru [12]

Monologue

ーー Our encounter with Socrates.

I cannot remember,

how or where Subaru-kun and myself wandered to afterwards.

Unless somebody willingly gives up their own life,

we cannot leave this miniature World.

Confronted with this unreasonably heavy truth,

every step we took felt like a challenge,

as we lacked even the strength to speak.

What on earth,

were we supposed to do?

How exactly is that spherical entity,

who goes by the name of Socrates,

have the heart to do something so utterly cruel?

What does that guy gain,

from our suffering?

A bunch of questions which I cannot answer,

pop in my head one after the other.

ー The scene starts in the forest

Yui: ( I feel heavy-hearted...Right when I thought we had finally found a way to go back, it turns out to be something so unreasonable. )

Subaru: Say.

Yui: Hm? What’s wrong?

Subaru: What do you want to do once we go back to our own World?

Yui: Eh? Why would you ask all of a sudden?

Subaru: It’s not like we’ll get anywhere by only thinkin’ negatively, right? That’s why, you know...

Yui: ( I see. He’s trying whatever he can to cheer me up, isn’t he? )

Fufufu.

Subaru: Whatcha laughin’ for!? I’m trying my best for you here...!

Yui: Yeah, I know. I’m sorry for laughing!

I’m not trying to make fun of you or anything, I’m just really happy about it, fufu.

Subaru: Are you sure you aren’t makin’ fun of me after all? I’m serious, you know?

But well, guess it’s fine. I don’t care as long as you smile.

Yui: Subaru-kun...

Subaru: 

Yui: ( ...? I wonder why he came to a halt all of a sudden? )

Subaru-kun...?

Subaru: ...So they’re here.

Yui: ...Eh?

( They came? Don’t tell me... )

Carla: ...So this is where you’ve been. Foolish traitors.

Yui: Carla-san...

Azusa: I think it’d be in your best interest, to do as we say...

Kou: Exactly. You might get hurt if you put up too much of a fight.

Laito: I’m sure both of you realize that this isn’t the kind of situation where we’d hold back just because we’re family? 

Yui: ( The Violet family has got us surrounded!? What now? We’ve got nowhere to run! )

Subaru: Hah! Took you guys long enough. Were you too scared of me to do anythin’? 

Carla: Get off your high horse. We simply observed you first to see how you would act.

Subaru: So you purposely let us run free.

Carla: As a result, I was able to witness something very fascinating. Seems like your attempted alliance with the Scarlet House ended in a tragedy.

Subaru: ...!

Carla: Exactly. We were obviously watching. However, we are still lacking information. 

Such as what exactly you did while you were alone with Eve, or which things you talked about.

I believe it is necessary to hear about that in full detail. 

Subaru: You make me gag. What for, exactly? Do you get a kick out of it?

Carla: To find a clue to become Supreme Overlord, obviously. I simply cannot afford overseeing even the slightest change.

You have no place to run. If you understand that, hand her over.

Subaru: ...Che.

Yui: ( Oh no...At this rate... )

Selection

→ Let’s power our way through (🖤)

Yui: Subaru-kun, I don’t want to get caught. So how about we just risk it all and try to make a run for it?

Subaru: Don’t be stupid. If we try to do that under these circumstances, we’d get caught in no time and then it’d be game over.

I’m pretty sure you’ll be at Carla’s mercy and I’ll get killed for rebelling ‘gainst them.

Yui: Right...

→ Let’s do as they say (♡)

Yui: Subaru-kun, it might be best to do as they say.

Even if he catches us, we might find another opportunity to run...

Subaru: ...It’s Carla we’re talking about.

Once he has gotten his hands on you once, I’m pretty sure he’ll lock you up in the prison basement for the rest of your life so you’ll never see the light of day again.

...But if I can play my cards right, I might be able to save you from such a fate at least.

Yui: Eh? What do you mean?

Subaru: Don’t worry ‘bout anythin’. Just leave it to me.

Yui: Subaru-kun...? What are you thinking?

Subaru: Don’t resist, no matter what? I promise that I’ll keep you safe, no matter what I have to do.

Yui: W-Wait! Don’t be rash!

( Don’t tell me he’s thinking of a sacrificing himself...! )

Subaru: Oi, Carla! I’ll let myself get captured, as you want.

Carla: Heh. That is some big talk for a rat driven in a corner.

Subaru: But I do have one condition. I want you to treat her...to treat Eve with care.

Don’t lock her up in a prison cell like you did before. 

But give her a proper room and provide her with daily meals.

Give her some freedom as well. I want you to give her the happiness she needs as a human.

Yui: ( Subaru-kun, for my sake...! )

Subaru: If you promise to do that, I’ll surrender. You can do with me as you please.

I don’t mind if you want to torture me to death. Or give me an official punishment as a traitor, I’ll accept that as well.

Carla: ...

Subaru: Oi, what do you say?

Carla: I understand your resolve. Out of respect for your feelings, I shall promise to take good care of Eve.

Subaru: I see.

Yui: But then Subaru-kun will...!

Subaru: Didn’t I tell you that I’m fine? I just want to protect you, no matter what it takes.

Carla: I believe you might be misunderstanding something, as I do not intend to kill Subaru.

Yui: Eh? 

Subaru: Hah?

Carla: I believe I made myself very clear from the start, that I want to hear what happened between the two of you while you were on the run.

I will not be able to do so if I kill him.

Carla: Therefore, as long as you surrender, I will treat you decently well.

Subaru: T-The fuck...? Then my whole offer was for nothing?

Carla: No, it did have significance. I was able to hear how formidable my younger brother’s resolve is.

I am glad I do not have to kill you. This world nearly lost a very valuable man.

Subaru: Carla...

Yui: ( Carla-san seems kind of happy. He usually comes off as cold, but he’s actually the type of person to value his family. )

( Seems like Subaru-kun has picked up on that as well. Honestly, these two might be a surprisingly good match. )

Carla: That is enough chit-chat for now. Azusa, Kou, Laito. Seize the two of them and take them back to our manor. 

Azusa: ...Okay.

Laito: Roger~

Kou: Ready, you guys? We’ll tie you up now?

Yui: Uhm, Subaru-kun. Thanks for earlier. For trying to sacrifice yourself to save me.

Subaru: Hm? Yeah...

Yui: ( Seems like he’s got something on his mind. Could it be that there’s still something else worrying him? )

ー The scene shifts to the prison cell

Carla: You will have to stay down here for a while.

*Rustle*

Subaru: ...Che.

I’m gettin’ this sorta treatment in the end, huh? What happened to your admiration for me from earlier?

Carla: Those two things are completely unrelated.

It does not change from the fact that you betrayed our family by trying to claim Eve as your own.

I shall not allow you to ever meet her again.

Subaru: Hah! As to be expected of Mr. Founder over here. You’re not takin’ any risks.

Carla: Well then, there are a few things I would like to ask you.

Subaru: Did you discover the secrets behind Eve and the Supreme Overlord?

Subaru: ...

Carla: The silent treatment, huh? I suppose that is fine. I shall take my time to drag it out of you.

Kou, Laito. I shall interrogate him again tomorrow morning. I want the two of you to watch over him until then.

Laito: What a pain~ How long will this last?

Kou: Until Subaru-kun tells him everything about Eve, right? I guess that’ll make our lives easier.

Laito: Right. Well then, Subaru-kun, please tell him everything you know already. Do it for us.

Subaru: You fuckers really need to buzz off.

...Hey, what happened to her?

Laito: Her? ...Aah, you mean Eve?

Kou: Don’t worry. Azusa-kun’s in charge of looking over her, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Subaru: ...

( I guess Azusa is way better than these two in terms of people to watch over her. )

( I can’t imagine he’d try to assault her against her will. )

( I promise that I’ll definitely keep you safe. Even if it costs me my life... )

ー The scene shifts to a free room in the Violet Manor

Azusa: You can use this room again...

Yui: Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks for escorting me.

Azusa: You’re welcome...Please ask me anything if there’s something else you need?

Yui: Anything? Uhm, well then, where is Subaru-kun?

( The two of us were separated as soon as we arrived at the manor. )

( Even if it might be difficult to go see him, I want to know where he’s staying at least. )

Azusa: Subaru probably got put in prison, I believe...The one where you stayed when you first got here.

Yui: I see.

( Subaru-kun...I just hope he’s not being hurt. )

( He seemed shaken up by what Socrates-san told us as well, so I’m sure he’s got a lot on his mind right now. )

( I can’t believe I can’t be with him at a time like this... )

...Haah.

Azusa: What’s wrong, Eve...?

Yui: Ah, my bad! I can’t believe I sighed.

It’s just, I’m worried about Subaru-kun...

Azusa: About Subaru...?

Yui: He’s severely injured, and I believe he’s emotionally exhausted on top of that.

When I think that he has to endure all of that by himself, it pains me as well.

I’m terribly worried about him...

Azusa: I see...

Yui: ( I know Carla-san and the others told me to stay put but...I can’t help but want to see him. )

( Perhaps I could try asking Azusa-kun...? )

Hey, I’ve got something to ask you. Can’t you arrange for the two of us to meet somehow?

I want to see his face. I want to know how he’s doing right now...

Azusa: ...

Yui: I know that I’m being unreasonable. But, Iーー

Azusa: Sure...

Yui: Eh!?

Azusa: You want to see him, right...? Sure, I’ll let...the two of you meet...

Yui: Really...?

Azusa: Yeah...We have to make sure that nobody sees us, okay...? Or I’ll get scolded as well...

*Thud*

Azusa: Come on, this way...

ー The two of them sneak out

Monologue

My eyes widened with surprise,

as I watched Azusa-kun silently open the door.

I wonder if he is being serious? 

Can I trust him?

I recall what had happened,

at the Scarlet Manor.

As well as the welcome party at the Violet Manor.

Whenever someone was nice to us, they always had an ulterior motive.

The pain of being betrayed by someone,

feels like thorns stabbing you right in the heart.

What if I get betrayed again? 

This fear is what makes it difficult for me to step forward.

However, even if I stand still now,

it won’t change anything.

...For Subaru-kun’s sake,

I mustered up my courage.

And I walked ahead.

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

[ladylooch]

Don’t be shy, tell us all about how daddy Timo embarrassed himself on the phone. I just know Kevin hears Emma in the background trying to wrestle it away from him 🤣

Don't be shy ☠️

The way I made this so soft in the end 🙈 I CANT HELP IT!!! THEY’RE MY BOYS!!!!!

Kevin is unassuming when he sees Timo’s name pop up on his phone.

“Hey.” Kevin answers, putting the phone on speaker so he can continue to put the groceries away with Sam. He holds her hips to wiggle past her in the pantry, stifling a groan at the way she brushes against him just right. He can’t wait for Lena to head to her friend’s house for the night.

“Hey fucker.”

Both Kevin and Sam pause, looking at each other with questioning eyes. This is new.

“Ah, what’s up?”

“You tell me what’s up. What is this I hear about your kid dating my daughter?” 

Kevin and Sam had talked to Luca a few days ago and he mentioned spending time with Livia Meier while visiting Switzerland for the summer. Kevin thought it was great. The Meiers are close friends. Him and Timo grew up together. Luca finding someone to relate to as a hockey player’s kid and growing up outside of Switzerland seemed like a great fit. 

“I heard the same thing earlier this week.” Kevin confirms. He stops putting things on the shelves.

“This is fucking bullshit, Kev. My daughter deserves better than your scrub of a son.”

“Timo!” Kevin hears Emma’s voice in the background. “Give me the god damn-” Her voice cuts off with the closing of a door. 

“Scrub?” Kevin scoffs, looking at Sam who is still perplexed at what is happening. She holds her hands up, decidedly staying out of it. Her husband’s eyes are beginning to get squinty. She wants no part in this discussion and smartly leaves the pantry.

“He has to be coming from your balls.”

“Dude, what the fuck?” Kevin scoffs.

“You what the fuck! How close does the apple fall to the tree? He like to whip through the rotation every week like daddy? Is Liv the Friday or Thursday girl?” 

“Hey.” Kevin hisses, taking him off speaker. He prays Sam didn’t hear that. “That was one year in Sweden, okay. I’ve come a long way since then. Also, I wasn’t the one who had my dick sucks by the girls tennis team on my way out of town to Canadian Juniors.” Timo is silent on the other end. Ha, Kevin thinks.

“I am fucking serious. Your kid hurts my daughter I’ll end his life.”

“You hurt my kid and I’ll end yours.” Kevin snaps back. Tension races through the silence between the lines. “And he has more Sam in him than me.” Kevin finishes with a heavy sigh. He forces his shoulders back down, trying to relax. Timo contemplates. 

“So he’s a good midwestern boy?”

“Eh, I wouldn’t go that far.” Kevin says honestly, thinking about a certain position he found his son in last year on the couch. Luca is lucky it was him who came home early and not Sam. Kevin never told his wife, but he did immediately have the safe sex talk again.

“Fuck me.” Timo wails. 

“I get it, man. I’ve got two daughters.” 

“Why is this so much harder with her? With Lio it was.. a breeze.”

“Because you remember what it was like being 19.” Kevin’s small smile fills his voice. Timo sighs.

“Yeah. I wanna go back and kick my own ass now.” 

“I can do it for you?”

“No you can’t… pussy.” Kevin laughs, loud and easy. Damn, he’s glad him and Timo are still friends.

“I’ll take you anytime, old man.” 

“You’re older.”

“Yeah but I played longer.”

“Cause you’re a pussy.” Timo can’t even get through the sentence without busting out laughing. 

“Again, you’re welcome in Minnesota anytime, bud.” Kevin opens the door to the pantry, stepping into the kitchen where Sam and Lena are beginning to make chocolate chip cookies. Lena had a good grade on her final test that she was nervous about, so Sam is rewarding her with homemade cookies. Kevin watches them for a moment and thinks about their last conversation with his oldest child. “Look, I know you’re worried, but I wouldn’t be. He’s a good kid and… I think he loves your daughter already. I’ve never seen him like this.” Sam nods her head along to Kevin’s words.

“I’m still gonna scare the shit out of him when he comes over.” Timo insists.

“Good. He could use some practice for dealing with washed up veterans next season.” 

“You’re an ass.” Timo hisses.

“Not as big as you though. I gotta go. See you in a couple weeks for your ass kicking on the course.” 

[sasagero]

A3! Outing Event: Shining Hawkeye in the Dark Episode 2 Translation

NOTE: Please take this translation with a grain of salt – I’m not proficient enough in Japanese to feel comfortable saying that this translation is 100% accurate. However, I hope that the meaning comes across okay.

All chapters & story summary

Izumi: I actually planned to talk to you all one-by-one about it later, but since you’re all already here, why don’t we discuss it now?

Taichi: Why, what’s up?

Izumi: To be honest, you all are my casting choices for the event.

Tenma: Everyone here? Why’d you pick us, though?

Izumi: For this performance, they requested that the actors match the aura and appearance of the characters from the picture book.

Izumi: It seems like elementary schools have already applied to attend the event for field trips, you see.

Izumi: Because the majority of the audience viewing the performance will probably be children, I ended up selecting troupe members who fit the auras of the characters.

Taichi: Ohh! I mean, I get it when you put it that way. Citron sorta looks like the thieves’ guild’s leader, Zenos!

Citron: Zenos?

Taichi: He’s on the cover of the book—this guy!

Citron: Ohhh. He looks very cool, doesn’t he? I’d like to try! I’ll definitely do the event!

Izumi: Thank you. Citron-kun’s decided to participate, then.

Izumi: How do you feel about Taichi-kun as Lauren, the protagonist, and Kazunari-kun as the guild’s archer? You match those characters pretty well, I think.

Kazunari: Ooh, I can def see that! Taicchan, you totally give off the same energy as the protag!

Taichi: Seriously? Hehe. Actually, Mii-chan and Maa-kun said I look like Lauren, too~.

Taichi: I talked to Igawa-san about my schedule just yesterday, but I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t have work or anything going on during the event.

Taichi: I wanna participate, too!

Taichi: By the way, what you said was just like what Ricardo would say, Kazu-kun!

Kazunari: Fr? Thanksies~! My schedule isn’t super packed either, so I should be OK to participate.

Tenma: So that means that there’s a character in the book that resembles me?

Izumi: He isn’t in this book, but there’s a nobleman I’d like you to try the role of.

Tenma: I won’t be a thief then, huh…

Tenma: But alright, I got it. I’ll have Igawa check my schedule. I’ll make sure he’s there to discuss the matter of recording the performance, too.

Izumi: Yeah, that would be great.

Taichi: Ten-chan, thank you!

Citron: Besides us, there’s others you need to speak to, right?

Izumi: For the other members of the thieves’ guild, I plan on asking Guy-san, Juza-kun, and Muku-kun.

Kazunari: I can def see that! It’ll be nice if all of their schedules are free.

Tenma: I think so too.

Citron: I’m excited for everyone to participate!

Taichi: (When Mii-chan and Maa-kun find out that I’m playing the main character from this book, I’m sure they’ll both be pleased!)

Taichi: (For the Valtalon event, the other three said they could participate without any problems, and Ten-chan said he could do it too, so I’m super excited!)

*phone buzz*

Taichi: Hm? …Ah, it’s Igawa-san! Hello!

Igawa: “Hello, this is Igawa. Is this a good time for you? To be truthful, an offer for your appearance in a drama came in.”

Taichi: Eh—are you serious!? Woohoo—!

Igawa: "However, because the recording will be immediately after the end of the book event we discussed before…"

Igawa: "You’ll likely have to memorize the script at the same time as rehearsals for your event."

Taichi: …

Igawa: "They’ve given us three days to make a decision and respond. If you can do both, I’ll contact the other party, but if you have any troubles, please feel free to contact me."

Taichi: I see… By the way, what do you think I should do, Igawa-san?

Igawa: "Hmm… It’s a role that only appears in two episodes, so I believe you can take it on."

Igawa: "However, seeing as you only just joined the agency, I don’t want to overload you with work and burden you with too much."

Taichi: Got it. Thank you very much. I’ll let you know what I decide!

Igawa: "Yes, please do so. Goodbye, then."

*call end*

Taichi: Hmmmmm…

Taichi: (Honestly, I really wanna go for the drama. But I’ve got the event to perform in too, and I also wanna go to university…)

Taichi: (But this is different from when we were preparing “Picaresque Returns” because the practice period is so much shorter… I wonder if I can do it…)

Taichi: Worst case scenario, I decide to do both of them and end up half-assing all of it…

---

Previous chapter | Next chapter

[landofzero-archive]

Perplex - Prank Intersection 7

Season: Spring

(Location: Starmony Dorm (Kaoru, Yuta, Nagisa's Room))

Kaoru: I’m home~.  Wait huh? The lights are off so is no one else here?

I heard that Ran-kun would be working starting in the evening, but I guess Yuuta-kun hasn’t come back yet either.

Speaking of, today was the prank filming day. Maybe it’s going long……

Well, whatever. If I’m gonna be alone in the room, I might as well relax.

(The lights turn on)

Yuuta: ………

Kaoru: Uwah, you scared me~! If you’re in the room, you should tell me, Yuuta-kun.

Yuuta: ………

Kaoru: …… Eh, what’s wrong? O~i, if you can hear me, I’d like you to respond.

You’re lying face down on the bed and not moving at all, so I’m a little bit worried too……

Yuuta: Uuuu~……

Kaoru: Ah, that’s a relief. You’re alive, after all.

Making that kind of moaning sound– is something wrong? Could it be that the prank filming went haywire?

Yuuta: ………

Kaoru: …… Ah. Did I actually guess right that it went wrong?

Yuuta: …… That’s right. It was a total flop. I’m so defeated that I can’t even say anything.

Aaah, I’m so pissed off in so many ways……

Kaoru: Ahaha, that’s rough, huh~. So that’s why you’re feeling all depressed.

Yuuta: …… I thought I had done pretty good with this too.

But the Vice Prez took control of the project and crushed me.

I understood the Vice Prez would be a tough opponent. He’s not someone I can just deceive for the fun of it……

But I never expected he’d deal with me so easily.

Kaoru: I see. Looking at the situation, it really seems like Saegusa-kun did a number on you.

Well, they say “if you curse someone, dig two graves.” If you’re gonna play a prank, you better be ready for some painful payback, right?

Yuuta: …… That might be true. However, I’m not going to let it end like this.

Kaoru: Hmmm? What do you mean by that?

Yuuta: I hate getting the short end of the stick, so that’s why I’ll be getting revenge on the Vice Prez.

Kaoru: Revenge, huh. Can you even do that sort of thing?

Yuuta: …… Honestly, I don’t want to owe that guy anything but I decided to ask Rinne-senpai to lend me his strength.

It seems like Rinne-senpai was also thinking of pranking the Vice Prez like I did.

Kaoru: …… Hmm, I gotcha. I never thought that you’d ask Amagi-san to lend a hand.

So that must be how frustrating it was for you. To deal with it, you’re prepared to team up with people you don’t like. 

Ahaha, Yuuta-kun, your persistence scares me sometimes.

Yuuta: Calling it scary is an exaggeration, isn’t it……

Kaoru: No no, I’m not exaggerating. That persistence reminds me of the qualifying rounds for SS, y’know~

Remembering that time still gives me chills.

Yuuta: …… Are we really digging that story back up? You’re really an unpleasant person, Hakaze-senpai.

Kaoru: No no, don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining or anything.

I just meant that when you’re serious about tricking someone, you’re pretty merciless.

Yuuta: …… Even if you say that, it doesn’t clear up the mixed feelings at all.

Kaoru: Really? But you two really scared me at that time.

You’re twins, so you did everything possible to trick us. I could tell you were “serious” about it.

Surely, you’re just as skilled at being a strategist as that Saegusa-kun, I think.

Yuuta: …… Maybe, Hakaze-senpai— are you trying to encourage me with that?

Kaoru: More or less. Ahaha, I didn’t do very well at it, did I?

Yuuta: ………

(I’m saying that kind of nosiness makes me feel like a child no matter what I do, and it’s pissing me off.)

Kaoru: Fufu. You’re pissed at me right now, aren’t you, Yuuta-kun?

Yuuta: …… And what if I am?

Kaoru: …… I knew you would think so. That’s why I’m trying to be careful to not butt in too much.

But when I see a cute junior in trouble, I can’t help but want to call out to them.

After all, I want you two from 2wink to spend your time laughing♪

Yuuta: …… Haah. You’re saying things like that without any shame.

Ple~ase use those pick-up lines on Anzu-san instead of me.

Kaoru: Wh-Why is Anzu-chan’s name coming up there? Isn’t she irrelevant right now?

Yuuta: Ahaha, that side of Hakaze-senpai is like Aniki, so fun to tease~♪

Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. You cheered me up a little bit.

Kaoru: Really? Then I’m glad.

Yuuta: Yes. So please look forward to it and wait for my next prank on the show, Hakaze-senpai.

Kaoru: I’ll be sure to. But, I’m a little worried, y’know~

Yuuta: Worried? About what?

Kaoru: I just thought if things continued like this, you might wind up at Amagi-san’s beck and call.

Yuuta: That’s……

(…… Certainly, I feel like that might happen if things keep up like this. That’s what’s been bothering me the whole time.)

Kaoru: Well, since it’s Amagi-san’s prank, it’s only natural but……

Rather than doing something like “revenge,” I wanted you to leave your own trace behind on it.

A prank is all about the element of surprise. So it’s okay to be “serious” about it and go a bit wild♪

Yuuta: (…… I see. That’s right. “That” was my main reason for appearing on the show.)

…… Thank you very much, Hakaze-senpai. Thanks to you, I know exactly what I want to do.

Please look forward to it. I’ll show you what it’s like to be a “bad boy”♪

(Location: CosPro Offices)

(At the CosPro offices)

Ibara: —I see. So Rinne Amagi-shi is also targeting me for a prank.

He knew I had seen through Yuuta-kun’s prank, so I thought this might happen……

How troublesome. I never thought I’d be chosen as a prank target like this……

Haah…… It can’t be helped. This is also the result of my own carelessness.

Let’s give them a thorough education so they can’t even think of messing around like this.

However…… I never thought my informant would be “you”……

Alright, I’ll go along with your plan this time, Yuuta-kun.

Previous | Directory | Next

[spaceorphan18]

5 Times Kurt Talks About Sex and 1 Time He Doesn't (Part Four)

A/N: So, this was inspired the other day by a Nonny who was asking about how Kurt interacts with others on the topic of sex and this little idea popped in my head.

It’s a little mini-series, and I’ll post one part a day, then I’ll get it up on Ao3 after it’s complete.

It’s set in a post-canon-ish world when they’re all living in New York. The whole thing takes place over the course of a day.

****

Conversation Four: Mercedes

“So, then to top it all off… she tells me that she wants Blaine to teach her how to give a decent blowjob.  Now, don’t get me wrong, if someone wants to learn from the best - Blaine is the person to go to. But I mean, that just set the tone for the whole day, as you can clearly see.” 

Kurt is in his recliner, a cup of warm tea in his hands as he recounts his day.  Mercedes is curled at the end of the couch with a cup of hot cocoa.  The bright afternoon sun settles warmly through the window between them.  

“Can you even believe them?” Kurt asks, taking a sip.  

Mercedes smirks into her mug.  “Them? Have you heard yourself? Admit it - Kurt Hummel.  You are obsessed with sex.” 

Kurt stares at her - shocked.  “Me?!”

“Yes, you!” 

“C’mon, Mercedes!” Kurt’s not even sure why he feels so defensive about it.  Maybe it’s the way she’s eying him in disbelief.  “I am hardly as bad as everyone else.  Haven’t you heard the stories I’ve told you.  My day has been steeped in sex but it’s hardly been my doing.  For one thing, I haven’t seen Blaine all day.”  

“Kurt, please,” she tosses back.  “You are hardly innocent in all of this.  Are you going to tell me that Rachel Berry doesn’t know what your favorite position is - not because she asked, but because you decided to pass along that little bit of info yourself.” 

Kurt gives a scandalized little gasp.  “Oh, my god, did she really tell you…” 

“I also have it on good authority that you’ve willingly gone with Santana to one of those adult stores, even though you’ve vehemently let it be known how much you find porn gross.” 

“It was one time,” Kurt bites back.  “And Blaine wanted to try a thing that may or may not have worked…” 

Mercedes snorts into her cocoa.  “And how many of us, besides Blaine, know at least one of your sex fantasies.  I could probably name at least three, eh, five if pressed.” 

“It’s not my fault that you guys take advantage of me when I get drunk.”  Kurt grumbles as he takes another sip of his tea.  This is not how he had hoped the conversation would go.   Usually, Mercedes is on his side.  

“Yes, you become quite the handsy, little drunk,” Mercedes says.  She’s finding all of this way too amusing for his liking.  “At least Blaine has enough sense to get you out of there.”  

“So, fine, I’m way past my baby penguin days,” Kurt says.  His anger dissipates as he begins to consider her situation, and takes a more serious tone.  “Is there something more? Do you feel… like you’re left out?” 

She gives him a funny look.  “Why would I be left out? Because I’m still a virgin?” 

Kurt waves a hand at her.  “Oh, please, Mercedes, everyone knows virginity is a made up construct to keep a power balance in heterosexual couples.  I mean, where exactly is the line? Once you’ve had an orgasm why does it matter if…” 

Mercedes flips her hand up immediately.  “Okay, stop.  So not where I was going with that.  I am not ashamed of the experience level that I’m at or my personal choices that have gotten me here.”  

“I guess I’m not fully understanding then,” Kurt admits, setting his mug down on the end table.  “If I’m being honest, I thought I’ve held back because I’ve never thought you were really interested in any of that stuff.”  

“Kurt, I don’t mind if you do come talk to me about… anything really,” Mercedes says.  “Do I really need to know that you refuse to ever try flavored condoms again because you hate them all? Not not really…” 

“Oh, they’re so bad,” Kurt cuts her off.  “I’m so glad we don’t have to use them anymore.  But we just had to experiment because Blaine got curious about every single one…” 

“See, this is what I’m talking about.” Mercedes clasps her hands together, and points them at Kurt.  “I am thrilled that you feel open enough to talk to me about all of these things.  And while you are a blatant oversharer when you don’t realize it, I don’t mind, because I am happy that you confide in me these things.  And someday, after I’m ready to settle down and get married - maybe I’ll want to share things with you.  Maybe not as much, I’m definitely not the same kind of person.  But, it’s okay that you rattle off a dozen or so sex stories.”  

“That’s sweet, Mercedes,” Kurt says tilting his head.  “But I guess I’m still a little confused as to your point.” 

Mercedes takes a deep breath.  “Kurt, I love you.  But you can’t go judgy on all of your friends when you are just as bad a culprit sometimes.”  

“I--” Kurt begins to protest, but finds that he can’t.  Because she’s not wrong.  He likes sex.  He loves sex.  It’s an important part of his life.  But, to him, it’s always been a somewhat private aspect of his life.  Something sacred he shares between him and Blaine.  It’s an eye opening thought that he’s expressed it outwardly as much as Mercedes claims.  He leans back in his chair, somewhat speechless.  “I’m sorry, Mercedes, I guess I never realized I did that.” 

Mercedes drinks more from her mug, retaining that smug look. “Oh, you all do it. I’ve grown accustomed to hearing all of it.  It’s like you’re all in some kind of weird competition with each other to outdo each other’s sex stories.”  

Kurt laughs a little as he picks his tea back up.  “I am learning so much today.” He shakes his head as he takes a sip.  “But I guess, I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t consider myself higher than anyone else.” 

She grins at him.  “There ya go.”

“Also, I am sorry if I ever got a little handsy with you any of those times we went out to a club together.” 

“Sweetie, it’s fine,” Mercedes assures him.  “Your hands didn’t go anywhere I didn’t want them to.  Besides, it was kind of hilarious watching Rachel get mad that you weren’t trying to get to second base with her.” 

Kurt buries his head in his free hand.  “Oh my god, I just have to give up drinking.” 

“Well, we know you won’t give up sex…” She gives him a wink.  “But really, it’s fine, just as long as you don’t ever ask me for a threesome.  I love you, Kurt Hummel, but not enough to let you suckle my delecate flower.” 

“She, this is why I have to tell you these stories, Mercedes,” Kurt says, indignantly.  “If Rachel and Jesse are going to traumatize me - you better believe that I’m going to make sure everyone else is going to feel the trauma, too.”  

Mercedes throws her head back in a fit of laughter as Kurt returns to his mug. 

[kuma829]

Decorate♥Crimson Chocolat Festival Epilogue Two

Cast: Adonis, Koga, Kaoru, Rei, Keito, Kuro, Souma

Author: Yuuki Yoshino

Season: Winter

Epilogue Two 

Koga: Oioi, who even are they!? Is that seriously AKATSUKI…!?

Kaoru: Ahaha! Koga-kun, why are you so surprised? Well, I mean my eyes can’t believe it either.

This is going to be a good competition with how close the results are~

But… I know a lot of girls are going to come see the show. And, of course, I want to win their affections.

Sakuma-san, let’s not lose either.

We’ll show them that guys with a hint of danger are more attractive than guys who whisper sweet nothings in your ear ♪

Rei: Kuku, it seems the flames of your motivation have been ignited.

Likewise, I’m full of energy as well. Soon the sun will set, and night will come. It’s time for us monsters to rise. It’s too late to escape now, for it’s time for us to feast.

Kaoru: Save it for the stage. Aah well, I guess I am counting on you to support me out there, huh?

…Hey Anzu-chan? Didya come here to support me? I’m so happy~ You really love me don’t you ♪?

Huh? I’m not the only one you’re here to support? It’s cuz you got off work and so you’re here to cheer everyone on?

Ahaha, I wish you’d say it was “only me” you’re here for, even if it’s a lie… Huh? You’ve got one more thing to do?

Eeh?! What’s wrong Anzu-chan! Why’d you suddenly bow your head like that?

You’re sorry for causing a misunderstanding…? Eh? Isn’t this about Adonis-kun?

You don’t need to apologise, Anzu-chan. It was my fault, afterall, for making such a big deal out of some miscommunication. 

I’m glad everything is going well, y’kno? Plus Adonis-kun is back to normal—or I guess, now he’s bustling with energy after getting chocolates from his juniors.

Well, obviously, I’d prefer to get chocolates from a girl I like and not my juniors… Eh..? What? Happy Valentine's Day?

Hah? Is this, could it be? Chocolate from Anzu-chan? “Yes, that’s it,” haaah?

Thank you, Anzu-chan! I seriously didn’t expect to get anything from you like this, your surprise makes me sooo happy!

Could this mean… Is this a serious declaration…?

Huuh? I’m not the only one, you’re going to give it to everyone?

Eh? You made chocolates for, like, everyone? That’s a ton of work, isn’t it?

Not really? You’re good at making sweets, huh? Well, if you say you had fun making it with such a big smile plastered all over your face, then I can’t argue with that.

…Thanks. Even if you made these chocolates to give to everyone, I’ll still savour every bite ♪

Aah, AKATSUKI’s performance has ended. It’s our turn next, so let’s hit the stage.

Anzu-chan, don’t take your eyes away from us, alright? Nah, I’ll show you a performance where you won’t be able to take your eyes away from us.

Kuro: Hasumi, Kanzaki, good job out there.

Keito: Mhm, Kiryuu, you did great work too. AKATSUKI’s performance was just as good as Knights.

It’s all thanks to your hard work. I’m serious, thank you.

Kuro: What’s with all the thanks? It was fun ta do somethin’ that ain’t our usual.

Souma: I, as well, think likewise to Kiryuu-dono.

However, when the “live” came to an end, all of the girls gathered to say, “that was ‘totes sexy!’” Such words leave me perplexed. 

I felt like I was not doing what I was taught. They even asked me to “blow a ‘kiss,’” as a request, which greatly troubled me.

Kuro: I get it, I also felt strange ‘bout it.

…Oh, it looks like UNDEAD’s on the stage now. Haha, they’re already on fire, maybe our performance gave them some inspiration?

Kaoru: ♪~♪~♪

It doesn’t matter who you came to see~ I’ll make sure it’s only me who you see.. ♪

(Fufu, seems like I’ve got over half the audience hooked. I can hear their squeals, “I love you, I’m in love with you!” 

(It doesn’t feel bad to be loved… Hah, yeah it feels real good.)

(Ahaha… Anzu-chan is also waving and cheering me on.)

(Though, I’d be way more enthusiastic if you said “I love you.” But, I guess that’s asking for way too much~?)

(Yeah, I mean she already gave me chocolates, even though they were for everyone, and she also came here to support me. If I can’t be satisfied with this much, I’ll be punished.)

♪~♪~♪

Rei: (Kaoru-kun, you look so lively. Fufu, it must be because Lady Anzu came to see us.)

(You’re trying your best to show your cool side now, aren’t you?)

(Well, I can’t fall behind these young folk. I’ll do my best too ♪)

Koga: ♪~♪~♪

Oi, Adonis. These senpai are going to leave us in the dust~ Let’s show ‘em what we got.

Adonis: Aah, right, let’s show them our best.

 ♪~♪~♪

(Huh? I can see some rainbow coloured light. Is that Tenma…?)

(I see, so you came to cheer me on. I was happy to be given the chocolates you made for me… Thank you, Tenma.)

Thanks for coming to see our performance. I’m no good at talking, so I can’t whisper any sweet words to you. Instead, let me serve you all with a song and a dance.

Happy Valentine’s Day… Please enjoy yourself until the very end.

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[nightghoul381]

Melted by Aphrodisiac on this Night ～Fallen, Disheveled, Loved Keith Howell Part 1

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Prince. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Sweet End | Premium End | Epilogue

Jade, the land of fertility and life—

The medicinal plants that can be harvested from the natural wealth of the land are the best on the continent, and they drive a large part of the country’s economy.

I knew as soon as we met that Prince Keith was also very knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, and that he genuinely loved that field.

Seeing his passion made me interested in plants, and I wanted to do something useful for this country,

My current goal was to become an apprentice apothecary.

One day, while I was studying—

???: “There she is! Emma!”

Emma: “Ms. Yuel?”

On the way to my room, a bright voice calls my name and I turn around.

A woman with a distinctive white coat and gray hair tied in a single knot was waving her hand.

She was the first friend I made when I came to Jade, a court apothecary and my teacher.

Emma: “Is something wrong?”

Emma: “Oh. Is it about tomorrow’s classroom lecture?”

Yuel: “You’re so serious. Too bad, I actually made a prototype and wanted to share it with you.”

(Prototype?)

A pretty bag and a small vial with a floral pattern were handed to me.

The bag contains amber-colored candy and the vial contains some sort of liquid.

(Ms. Yuel often gives me sweets at the end of lectures as “something sweet for an overused brain.”)

(I guess that’s what this means too.)

(…sometimes she gives me sweets that taste strange, but maybe not this time.)

It must have been my imagination when the third prince of Rhodolite flickered for moment.

Emma: “Thank you, I would like to have something to eat to accompany my studies.”

Yuel: “Ah, wouldn’t it be better as a nighttime companion rather than as a study companion?”

(Does she mean as a midnight snack?)

Emma: “Got it. I’ll save it for the evening then.”

Yuel: “You can drink the contents of the small bottle as is or add it to your tea.”

Yuel: “Please have fun with Prince Keith.”

Emma: “? Yes, I’ll enjoy it!”

(I think I’ll have it with Prince Keith later tonight.)

I review what I’ve learned today in the room provided for me.

What broke my concentration was the small sound of my stomach, indicating that I was hungry.

(What could I …Ah)

I take the bag of candy that Yuel gave me earlier out of the drawer.

(One couldn’t hurt right?)

I was a little hesitant because I wanted to eat them with Prince Keith, but I couldn’t resist my hunger and ate one.

(Sweet and delicious)

There was also a soft, faint scent of flowers, which almost relaxes the body.

(Okay, I’ll just hang on a bit longer.)

I braced myself again and went to my desk, but…

(I wonder what this is…my body feels warm. I wonder if that candy had ginger in it?)

Just when I was wondering about the strange feeling, I heard a knocking sound.

A gentle-eyed Prince Keith appeared out of nowhere, and my heart leaped in a familiar way.

Keith: “Is this a good time? I finished my official duties early and I wanted to see you.”

Emma: “Fufu, of course. Thank you for your hard work.”

Keith: “Thank you, Emma, for preparing for class today too—"

Keith: “…”

Emma: “Prince Keith?”

Prince Keith stopped speaking abruptly and came to my side, looking down at me quietly.

Then, as if invited, he took the bag of candy and brought it close to his face.

Keith: “…Emma, did you eat this candy?”

Emma: “Yes. I was just hungry and ate—”

Emma: “Nngh…!?”

(Eh, why--)

Before I knew it, Keith had grabbed my chin and covered my lips.

Keith’s tongue pries open my lips and moves as if exploring the inside of my mouth.

(Why all of a sudden…?)

(Huh….What is this…Normally, you don’t…)

My body is hotter than before, the sweetness made me grab Prince Keith’s clothes without thinking.

Emma: “Ahh….”

Keith: “…”

With a sigh… the candy I was eating entered Keith’s mouth and was released.

Keith took off his gloves and gently wiped my wet lips with his finger.

That alone is enough to make me sigh.

(Why the candy…)

Prince Keith looked up thoughtfully, then immediately wrapped the candy in paper and threw it in the wastebasket.

Keith: “Who did you get this from?”

Emma: “It was Yuel.”

Keith: “…Ahh, the prototype she was talking about was this?”7858

(Maybe it’s just my imagination, but the air feels like it got colder.)

Keith: “Have you felt sick since eating the candy? Are you okay?”

Emma: “Yes, my body just felt warm. And…”

Keith: “And?”

(No, I don’t think I should bother telling you this.)

I remember the tingle in the pit of my stomach, and embarrassment makes my heart race.

Emma: “No, nothing—”

Keith: “No, Emma, tell me.”

Prince Keith crouched down to look me in the eyes where I sat.

(That’s why it’s hard to say… but Keith is never fooled in these situations.)

I clutch at my skirts to suppress my shame—

Emma: “It’s just…”

Keith: “It’s just…?”

Emma: “When you kissed me… I don’t know… it felt more intense than normal…”

Emma: “…My body feels strange…maybe I have a fever…”

Keith: “…”

Keith: ‘Ah…Um, sorry. I forced myself to ask.”

Emma: “…No, I’m sorry for saying something strange…”

(My face is just as red as Keith’s… well, I guess it’s even more so.)

As if to shake off the unbearable atmosphere I was in, I asked the question that had been on my mind for a long time.

Emma: “Are those not ordinary candies?”

(The fact that Keith would go so far as to take it away means that must be the case.)

(However, though the sweets are strange, it’s hard to imagine Ms. Yuel giving out something dangerous.)

Keith blatantly let his gaze wander and the opened his mouth, seeming reluctant to speak.

Keith: “It’s not normal, I guess. It’s infused with an aphrodisiac.”

Emma: “An….a-aphrodisiac!?”

(So, that’s why my body is hot…that strange sensation…)

(I wish I hadn’t said that earlier!)

In that moment of realization, the fever which had calmed down filled my whole body, as if it’s coming back.

Emma: “W…Well I would like to have been told about that part first.”

Keith: “…I’m sorry.”

Emma: “…But thank you very much. Thanks to you, I was saved.”

Emma: “Is there nothing wrong with you, Keith?”

Keith: “Even though I licked it, I took it out of my mouth right away, so it’s not a problem.” 7897

(I’m embarrassed to have exposed my ugly thoughts, but I’m glad…)

(If Keith hadn’t come…I would’ve eaten all the candy.)

(If that had happened…)

Keith: “Can you imagine what would’ve happened if you had eaten them all?”

Emma: “!? Th-that wouldn’t…”

The words of denial quivers in the face of the obvious.

A hint of mischief flashed in his calm gaze.

(Keith, I know…)

As I desperately tried to cover my agitation, Keith smiled at me and…

Keith: “Emma, your reaction is too cute.”

Emma: “Wah….!?”

Suddenly, Keith lifted me into his arms, moved me to the bed, and gently laid me down.

Emma: “Keith, why…”

Keith: “You should lie down and rest for a while.”

Keith: “The affects must not have worn off yet.”

Emma: “Ngh…”

As if trying to make me understand, Keith’s fingertips traced my neck.

Just from that alone, I struggled to keep from making strange noises.

(If only words were enough…)

I look at him with my eyebrows furrowed, and I see a soft sweet face looking back. It’s criminal.

After patting my head as if putting a child to sleep,

Keith picked up the bag of candy that was on the desk.

Keith: “I’ll give this back to her.”

Emma: “…yes.”

(I guess he’s a little angry after all…? His eyes aren’t smiling.)

The door closes and I’m left alone again.

(…)

(No, don’t think about it. Don’t think about it.)

But my head reminded me of the sequence of events that had just taken place, and I buried my face in my pillow to resist at the very least.

(I’m embarrassed to be the only one so worked up.)

(Keith was kind as usual, but he also showed that he had the capacity to be mean.)

(…It’s a little frustrating.)

Once I realized I’d been saved, I feel a shred of regret,

Different emotions begin to build…

(I wonder how Keith would react if he eats that candy.)

(……)

(What am I thinking, just because I was frustrated…!)

I hurriedly shake off the devil’s whisper that I heard from somewhere.

(In the first place, Keith took the candy, so I don’t even have it on hand.)

(Even if I were curious, I can no longer…)

(…….)

(…speaking of which…)