#good morning oniichan

[retroamaraceleste]

[kusakabesimp]

hey! hope ure having a good day ★

I don't know if everyone had questioned this before, remember that Kusakabe has a younger sister and a nephew? i reread that chapter and it made me wonder.. what kind of brother and uncle he is and how does he act? unckabe lol

— Kusakabe Headcanons : In Gentle Company —

Hi Anon! I hope you're having a great day as well!!

We know that canonically, Atsuya loves his family deeply and will do whatever it takes to make them happy. So it's natural that my headcanons of him as an uncle and an older brother are very tender and sweet.

Takeru's Tie When Kusakabe saw Takeru again, his eyes were immediately drawn to the familiar polka-dot tie around his neck, instantly pulling him back to a tender Thursday morning from a year ago.

Takeru was perched on the bathroom counter, his legs swinging as he watched Kusakabe get ready for work. "Oji-san, why do you have to wear that thing with your suit?" he asked, his tiny voice cutting through the quiet.

Kusakabe gave a low chuckle and continued working on his tie, carefully looping one end over the other. He wished he could tell Takeru everything — where he was going, why he wore the suit, and that he did it all to keep Takeru safe. But for now, he settled for these brief, precious moments. "They say I have to look professional," Kusakabe finally replied with a playful smile. "This is the best I could come up with."

Takeru's eyes lit up, and he hopped off the counter, running down the hallway. Moments later, he came rushing back, clutching a brightly colored tie with small polka dots. "Can I wear one too, Oji-san? Takeru asked eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.  

Kusakabe's smile softened as he took the tie and knelt down to Takeru's level. "Alright, watch close, ok?" he said gently, guiding his nephew's small hands.

Takeru leaned forward slightly, his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth as he focused. His little fingers fumbled at first but gained confidence with his uncle's steady support. Takeru looked up at Kusakabe, his eyes wide with pride. "Do I look professional now, too?" he asked, tilting his head to see himself in the mirror from different angles.

Kusakabe's expression softened. The tie hung crooked, but it was perfect just the way it was. "You look very professional," he agreed, reaching out to ruffle Takeru's hair.

By the Water's Edge Fishing had always been an escape for Kusakabe, a quiet way to unwind and reflect after a noisy, stressful week of dealing with curses. This weekend was a little different — his sister, who wasn't much for the outdoors, had reluctantly agreed to spend the day with him. From the start, it was clear she wasn't thrilled. As they settled on the dock, she crossed her arms and let out a dramatic sigh. "I'm bored, oniichan."

Atsuya took a sip of his beer and lazily cast his line, unfazed by her grumbling. "There's strawberry mochi in the cooler."

She pulled out a mochi and shut the cooler with a playful huff, unable to stay mad at her brother for very long. As the afternoon drifted by, the rhythmic sounds of the water worked its magic. Her initial boredom began to fade, replaced by a quiet contentment. Atsuya, ever patient, took the time to teach her how to cast a line, guiding her hands with the same gentle care he'd always shown her. He listened intently as she talked about everything from how Itsuki had broken her heart yesterday, to the color she'd like to dye her hair—if she ever found the courage.

As the conversation naturally tapered off, they settled into a comfortable silence, casting lines and enjoying the peaceful stillness of the water. They shared a quiet laugh when she brought in her first catch—a small fish, but a victory nonetheless.

As they packed up to leave, Atsuya reached into the cooler and pulled out a cold beer. He handed it to her with a warm smile, and they clinked their bottles together. Sitting side by side, watching the sun set over the water, she realized how special this moment was. Atsuya, usually so reserved and private, had opened up and shared a part of himself with her. It was a rare and meaningful glimpse into a world few ever saw.

"Thanks, oniichan," she said softly.

** 'Takeru's Tie' was inspired by a re-read of the manga, where I noticed that Takeru's doll wears a polka-dot tie. Given that Yaga created Takeru with his memories, the tie must hold special significance. It seemed to me that this tie represents something deeply meaningful to Takeru—a cherished memory or bond that he carried with him into his next life. By creating this moment with Atsuya, I wanted to honor the idea that such simple, tender moments can become lasting, heartfelt symbols of love and connection. **

[natsumesakasaki666]

Tsumugi FS2 Sharing the happiness

Characters: Tsumugi, Ritsu, Anzu

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Tsumugi: (….phew. I managed to finish all the work I wanted to this morning)

(I’m sure everyone in the office can handle the rest. It looks like I can take the afternoon off as planned)

Excuse me everyone. I have finished my work for today, so I’m heading out

Ritsu: …huh? Aoba oniisan, are you leaving? It’s rare to see you leave early.

Tsumugi: Good morning Ritsu-kun! Isn’t it also rare for you to be in the office at this time of day?

Ritsu: Not so much these days, right? I woke up a bit earlier this morning to go pick up a script I need for work later.

I’ve been taking work much more serious lately. So in return I want Aoba oniisan to praise me~

Tsumugi: ahaha, I guess I should. Thanks for taking work seriously, it’s been a huge help. I really appreciate it, Ritsu-kun!

Ritsu: just like that, it feels nice to receive praise♪

Putting that aside, Aoba oniisan do you have something important this afternoon? Otherwise you wouldn’t be heading out so early, right?

Tsumugi: I’m not heading out for anything important, I’m just taking the afternoon off! I was thinking of baking some sweets today.

Ritsu: Sweets? I don’t recall Aoba oniisan ever having a hobby of baking sweets.

Tsumugi: it’s because I don’t. Today’s lucky activity is baking sweets♪

Ritsu: So that’s why… Taking an afternoon off of work just to increase your luck is an oddly extravagant way to spend time.

Well, you always overwork yourself, so I’ll let it go this time.

Ritsu: …. Huh, is that-? Anzu-chan. What are you doing at entrance with your eyes looking all over the place? Is there someone you’re looking for?

Tsumugi: You were looking for me? Sorry, I didn’t notice. So, what did you need from me?

…… it’s been decided that I’m up next for a “feature live”. So if there’s time, you’d like to have a meeting about it right away?

You came at just the right time! I took the entire afternoon off so I have plenty of time!

Ritsu: oh no you don’t. Rather than right timing, it’s actually bad. It’s your day off, why do you want to attend a meeting on such short notice!?

I’m sorry Anzu but isn’t this too sudden? He already made plans to bake sweets this afternoon.

Tsumugi: Fufu. How kind of you to get angry for me. Thank you Ritsu-kun.

Actually, I originally took the afternoon off to be available for any urgent requests, so it’s alright.

Eh? What is it, Anzu-chan? “It’s that’s the case, it’s ok to have the meeting at a later date” ?

“ instead, I’d like to take photos of you baking sweets” you say?

If I remember, there was talk of taking off shots for the pamphlet.

Ritsu: that’s smart. Anzu-chan is very calculating. In that case, this can be considered “good timing”.

Tsumugi: fufu. These will truly be off shots of me. Of course I’ll let you take photos

If that’s decided, shall we go to the shopping mall now?

First I need to go buy ingredients to bake the sweets.

——scene change to shopping mall——

Tsumugi: umm… cake flour, cake flour…. Ah. Found it!

I’m pretty sure we have eggs and milk in the Starmony Dorms, so the only thing left is heavy whipping cream.

“What kind of sweets are you planning to make” you say? Now that I think of it, I guess I didn’t tell Anzu-chan what I plan on making.

I’m planning on baking cupcakes! I had trouble deciding on something while looking through a recipe book. I felt like I would fail if I chose something too difficult…

Also when baking cupcakes, you can make lots of them and have different toppings on each one!

Ritsu: Toppings~? Wouldn’t these matsutake mushrooms be good? They smell great too, like autumn

Tsumugi: I know it’s a bit late but, why is Ritsu-kun following us?

Ritsu: because Anzu and Aoba oniichan got all excited and left, leaving me all alone. Both of you need to pay more attention to me~

Tsumugi: but Ritsu-kun, you must be busy too… Ah, you only have work later in the evening, right?

Ritsu: yup. And since we’re recording at night, I have a lot of free time until then.

I have experience in baking sweets. So that’s why I thought It’d be great to bake sweets together with Aoba oniisan♪

Tsumugi: I’d certainly be more at ease if I were alongside someone who is familiar with baking.

Ritsu: fufu. If im with you, these sweets will turn out a success. If you’re going to make cupcakes, you have to play around with the ingredients.

Let’s throw in some matsutake mushrooms. And a couple octopus legs might be good too.

Tsumugi: Ah, wait Ritsu-kun! I’m the one who’s baking so please don’t add in any ingredients without my permission!

The color of the ingredients is especially important! I’m taking account of today’s lucky color!

Ritsu: eh~? Did the fortune reading specify that too? Isn’t it good enough as long as it tastes good?

Tsumugi: Of course not! I’m baking these sweets to bring good luck, so that’s the one thing I won’t negotiate on! *camera flashes*

Ah…. Anzu-chan, could it be that you took a photo of me just now?

Ahaha, it’s a bit embarrassing to be photographed because I was getting slightly irritated by Ritsu-kun just now.

Ritsu: but you got a nice rare photo, didn’t you? It’s not everyday you see Aoba oniichan get mad.

Tsumugi: Anzu-chan, please don’t just smile and nod~. It’s really embarrassing, ok?

Well if Anzu-chan thinks it’s good, there’s nothing I can do about it. I should be positive and think about how it’s a good photo that can be used in the pamphlet.

Anyways, Anzu-chan, Is there any toppings that you prefer?

Although I am concerned about today’s lucky color, please let me know.

I want to treat Anzu-chan to some delicious cupcakes too!

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

[asknarashikari]

Kanon: Onii-chan!

Kanon: What are you doing out of the temple, topless?

Makoto: Good Morning, Kanon..

Makoto: I went out on a run and I was sweating when I started to return, so I took off my clothes.

Akari: Ah, so that's why there was a gaggle of girls panting and trying to catch their breath on my way here.

Akari: I think some of them were lying on the floor.

Makoto: Huh, they must be out of shape.

Akari: No to worry, I called for an ambulance as soon as I saw them

Kanon: Serves them right.

Makoto: Maybe there was a monster attack?

Akari: Nah, don't worry about it, I handled it.

(once Makoto went inside the temple)

Akari: I cannot blame the if they started simping on Makoto, I mean...

Kanon: But... I don't want anyone simping on my oniichan

Akari: Do not pout Kanon-chan, remember Makoto was Takeru's awakening.

Akari: And he remains oblivious to this day.

Kanon: Thank the great eye for that.

Lol, never change Makoto, you aroace oblivious baby

Kanon doesn't have anything to worry about her brother can't even compute his own attractiveness XD

[edenaeris]

[food fantasy] dessert crisis / chapter 4

🦋 Writer: Mitsuki

🦋 Featuring: Ritsu, Tsumugi, Anzu

[ Ois~su♪ ]

Season: Spring

Location: Library

Ritsu: (*whispering*) Aoba-oniichan, are you there?

Tsumugi: Oh, Ritsu-kun, Anzu-chan. What brings you to the library?

Ah, by the way, Ritsu-kun, are you still interested in books about sweets-making? I specially selected a few for you that I hope will be helpful.

Ritsu: You’re so thoughtful, Aoba-oniichan. But I’m not here to look for books this time.

Tsumugi: Oh, then you must be looking for this. I found it on the table after you and Isara-kun left this morning.

Ritsu: Ah, my original design~ So it was in the library, after all. Well, I don’t need it anymore, though.

‘Cuz I already finished a better, revamped version of this drawing~ And as promised, I came here to share it with you, Aoba-oniichan ♪

Tsumugi: Eh? You’re saying he finished it just a while ago, Anzu-chan?

Then you can say this is freshly baked. Wah, I’m flattered.

But is it based on this drawing you made, Ritsu-kun?

Ritsu: Definitely not. Desserts are meant to impress people from the get-go and make their stomachs happy once they actually eat them.

In other words, first we need to make their eyes light up before making their hearts light up.

If I used this initial sketch, it wouldn’t be that eye-catching, right? That’s why I made an upgraded version of it.

Tsumugi: Ahaha, is that so…?

(Fortunately, he didn’t use this design as a reference, in the end. If what he made actually looked like that, I wouldn’t know how to deal with it.)

(Guess I can let out a sigh of relief, at last.)

Ritsu: Alright, Anzu. Let’s give him the sweets we’ve prepared.

Tsumugi: Oh, so this one’s mine? How exciting.

Tsumugi: (This… This is the upgraded version?! It’s even worse than the previous design… I don’t even know how to describe this feeling.)

(It’s like something’s crawling straight out of hell [1], whispering my name as it pulls me down with it.)

(Although conceptually, this does remind me of Cthulhu. In any case, how can I put it in words…)

Ritsu: So, what do you think, Aoba-oniichan?

Tsumugi: Aha, it certainly does catch people’s eyes, ahahaha.

So this is the dessert inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos you made? I remember that in your drawing you named it something like “The Cthulhu Dessert Plan”.

Ritsu: Yup. You’re so smart, Aoba-oniichan, you could tell right away.

C’mon, c’mon, have a taste ♪

Tsumugi: (Really, I don’t want to say something like this to Ritsu-kun, but this thing actually makes me speechless.)

(I was the one who asked to try some of his sweets, though, so it’s not like I can simply refuse them now.)

(I just need to bite the bullet and gulp it down.)

Well, technically we’re not allowed to eat in the library, but since Ritsu-kun is so eager about this, I’ll have a small bite and leave the rest for later, alright~?

Yum! It’s delicious!

Wah, Ritsu-kun, you’re so talented! The freshly baked aroma is still lingering too.

Ritsu: Actually, that merit must go to Anzu. While I did most of the production process, it was Anzu who put it in the oven for me.

I must admit, you really mastered how to calculate the right temperature for it, Anzu. Seems like you also have a good hand for sweets-making.

Hahaha, no need to be so humble, I’m telling the truth.

On top of it, Maa~kun and Ecchan were there to enjoy it with us, so we ended up having a great time.

You should also join us the next time we make sweets, Aoba-oniichan.

Tsumugi: (It looks like this was the result of everyone’s joint efforts, no wonder it tastes so good.)

(Now that I think about it, it was really rude of me to outright reject it and think of it as disgusting.)

(Even if it looked bad or tasted bad, it was given to me with sincere enthusiasm, so I should eat it with gratitude.)

Ahaha, sure. Let’s make some sweets together next time.

Ritsu: Ah, Anzu, you said you wanted to see my previous design, right?

No prob. This is what I came up with after getting inspired last night in the library.

Actually, something really interesting happened yesterday. So you know, it was like this, and then this happened…

Tsumugi: Anzu-chan opened up a smile right away. But looking back, it was indeed an interesting experience.

Oh Anzu-chan, you want to help me organize the books?

You say that if you go home too late, your family will be worried, but it’s still your responsibility to aid your idols, so you want to help me while you still have time?

Haha, thank you, Anzu-chan. There’s really not much to sort out compared to yesterday, but there are still books scattered around, so if you really want to help, I’d be grateful.

Ritsu: Looks like Anzu will stay here and help you organize everything, so I’ll be leaving first. I still have some sweets I want to give to the others.

Tsumugi: Sure, sure. Thank you for sharing your sweets with me, Ritsu-kun ♪

ㅤ

[ ☆ ]

Notes:

A small note. Tsumugi actually says here [混沌](hùndùn), which means “chaos”, but more specifically the primary state of chaos of the universe according to Chinese mythology. Neither of us knew that until Aeri pointed it out, which is why this note was added later, we apologize.

ㅤ

🦋 Translation: Eden

🦋 Proofreading: Mia (ENG)

ㅤ

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[httpswwwtbhkcom]

Hi could you write a kou x male reader who’s super affectionate and always makes kou flustered on purpose because y/n knows that he has had a crush on him ever since middle school. And one day when y/n and kou were on the rooftop eating lunch kou randomly kissed him. (Sorry if it’s too much!)

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

A/n: AHHH MY HEART- Don’t worry, it isn't too much! Thank you for requesting Anon!

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Title: “It’s a date then.”

Pairing: Minamoto Kou x Reader

[@httpswwwtbhkcom’s masterlist]

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff

Keys:

Y/n- your name, Fairy is the Tiara’s mokke’s name, f/s- favorite snack,

Reader: Male

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You were running to school, waking up late. Luckily, it wasn’t time for class yet. While running to the halls, a teacher told you to not run in the halls. You nodded and speed-walked your way to your locker. You saw Kou waiting beside your locker. His back facing you. You grinned and went behind him.

You wrapped your arms around his waist and laid your head on his shoulder, seeing half of his face. “Boo.”. He yelped, flustered. “O-oh, Good morning Y/n! You scared me, haha…”

“Morning, Kou! Had a good sleep yesterday?” You asked as you unwrapped your arms from him, opening your locker and grabbing the books you need. “Mhm, I had a dream of becoming like Teru-nii! I was a great exorcist and I had cool moves too!” He gushed. You closed the locker and looked at him. “Eh, what do you mean ‘was a great exorcist’? Aren’t you one already?” You flicked his forehead lightly. “I’m not as great as Teru-nii though.”

“You are. You just don’t know it yet.” You kept eye contact with him, giving him a smile. Kou giddily smiled and chuckled nervously. “I-I don’t really-”

You cut him off and held his hand, which made his face turn bright red. “Come on, let’s go. The bell will ring soon.”

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Kou was listening to the teacher’s lecture while you stared at your desk. You silently sighed, having nothing fun to do. You decided on taking a piece of paper from your notebook and wrote something, then passing it to Kou without the teacher noticing.

He read it and looked at you, mouthing ‘It really isn’t the time to tell me this.’. You stuck your tongue out and deadpanned ‘I’m bored’ you mouthed back.

It said:

‘Hey Kou, wanna go to the new store with me after school? My treat!’

You waited for him to respond. You guessed he would come with you, but then again, he might be busy. To your luck, he nodded. Kou took out his pen and wrote something on the note, then passed it to you. ‘We should go to the park too. If it isn’t too late.’

You nodded, throwing the paper somewhere in your bag. “Minamoto, please answer the question on the board.” It caught both you and Kou off guard. Kou hesitantly stood up and went to answer the question.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You were waiting for Kou in his home. You sat on the couch as you were looking everywhere in the living room. The television, pictures in frames... Tiara noticed you and smiled “Y/n-kun! Hello!” You greeted her and smiled, giving her a wave. “How are you and Fairy?”

“We’re doing great!” She answered. “Actually, I made a drawing with me and Fairy.” You watched as Tiara ran to her room before coming back with a piece of paper. “See? That’s me.” She pointed to the drawing of herself. “And Fairy!” She pointed to the mokke with a scared look on its face. The background was.. Interesting.

“T-that looks great!”

“Thank you! I feel like something is missing here. But I’m sure it’s nothing.” She smiled. You heard footsteps coming from the hallway and to the living room. “Kou-oniichan!” Tiara exclaimed. “Are you and Y/n-kun going outside?” Kou nodded. “Oh? Where are you guys going?”

You jolted at the familiar voice. “Teru-oniichan!” Tiara exclaimed, running to Teru to give him a hug. “Welcome back, Teru-nii!” Kou greeted. Teru’s eyes went to you and you waved awkwardly. Teru waved and smiled at you. “Where are you two going?” He asked you and Kou. “W-well.. There is a new store and we thought that maybe we could go buy some snacks.”

“Alright then, please go home before 6.” Kou nodded. You and Kou went to the and bid goodbyes to the youngest and oldest Minamoto siblings. “Bye bye, Kou-oniichan, Y/n-kun! I hope your date goes well!” Tiara shouted happily, waving. Kou’s eyes widened and his face was red. You snorted and went along with it. “We will!” You winked at Kou before dragging him to the shop.

Kou blushed as he asked “But we’re not dating!”

“Not yet~”

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You and Kou were examining the shelves for something that could catch your eye. You took a snack off a shelf and went to Kou. You tapped his shoulder and showed him the food. “It’s sweet potato jellies. We should buy some!” Kou took the snack and grinned happily.

You and Kou bought some snacks and drinks for the two of you and for Tiara too. You and Kou sat on a bench near a fountain. You took out a sweet potato jelly packet for Kou and f/s for you. Instead of giving the pack to him, You opened the pack and took one of the jelly.

You held it in front of Kou. He looked away and became flustered. “Come on. Say Ah.”

He closed his eyes and slowly opened his mouth. “A-ahh...“ You fed him the jelly. He chewed the jelly. You both sat in slightly awkward silence. You gave him the sweet potato jelly pack and smiled at him. “Here ya go.”

Kou pouted but it was immediately changed with a satisfied smile when he took a bite of his snack. “Have you tried this yet? It really tastes great!” You shook your head. He took one and held it in front of you. You gently took it from him, making your fingers brush his. He felt a small shock from his fingers. Kou stared at it as you ate the sweet.

“It tastes great! But f/s is better.” You giggled at his dumbfounded expression as you knew that you both would argue which snack is better.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

The next day, you met up with Kou at the rooftop for lunch. You opened the door to the rooftop, thinking you're the first person to be there. To your surprise, Kou was already there, leaning on a wall with his bento in hand. He heard the click of the door and looked at the person. “Y/n!” He smiled, walking over to you.

“Sorry, was I late?”

Kou shook his head. “Actually, I just came here.” You both sat on the floor and leaned on the wall, opening your bento boxes and eating the food.

Kou was almost done with his food until he spoke.

“Hey, uhm.. There was a movie premiering later today. Wanna watch it? I’m sure it’s up your alley.” Kou offered. “I can pay for both of our tickets too! If you want too.. I don’t mind if you decline.”

You nodded. “Sure, a movie sounds nice.” You took a bite of your food, glancing at the sky. “Sure.” Kou said, coming closer to you. You felt something soft kiss your cheek. “It’s a date then.” He said, smiling bravely. Kou stood up and grabbed his bento “I- uh, gotta go. Seeyoulater!”

He immediately ran out of the rooftop. His face tinted red and his heart beating quickly.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

E/n: I apologize for making you wait for a few days! I’ve been busy with school work and have a group project. I hope you like this fanfic, Have a great day Anon!

[kingkatsuki]

I know you enjoy getting Bakugou filth thrown your way first thing in the morning (you greedy little one) but I'm in the mood to discuss something way different with you.

As of late I'm obsessed with teenage Katsuki-oniichan (No, not that kind of onii-chan!) whose parents decide to have another child as soon as he moves to the dorms. I saw two pages of a Japanese fan-made comic of Katsuki's parents giving him the news that he'll become an older brother and he flipped out, or so I thought since I couldn't read a thing 😂 It was hilarious.

But once that baby is born and he meets them for the first time, Katsuki thinks they'll be an ugly, wriggling and noisy little shit. But upon seeing the baby, he has this weird feeling of warmth inside his chest and a strong desire to keep his sibling safe. He doesn't admit it, but Katsuki ends up becoming really whipped for his baby sibling. His behavior is a bit more mellow around them, probably because he wishes to set a good example as an older brother and future hero, and is a pretty damn good babysitter to them, quickly getting the hang of things cuz that baby ain't having an incompetetent and ordinary older brother but the Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight >w<💕

He would make the bestest older brother! This is adorable🥺

[iwaasfairy]

no thoughts ONLY issei nii loving u so much. and he gets so sad when he’s out ur crushing on iwa! you’re only his baby, right? his good little girl? he better never come in to see you in iwas lap, him calling you sweet names instead of issei nii.

oh so you’re trying to kill me kill me (◍ ´꒳` ◍)b

tw incest, breeding, noncon

But absolutely, you’re his favourite person on this whole planet. He loves the way you look when you’re all wide-eyed at anything he does, whispering how niichan is the ‘coolest’ ever. He loves being close to you, because your innocent enthusiasm is enough to make his whole week better. He loves making himself feel better by indulging in your presence, definitely if you don’t quite notice that his eyes have long left the tv and they’ve been on you for the last five minutes.

He’s the one who’s always been there for you when you’ve gone through things too, just as much as you are there for him, you guys are just so close. So why the fuck does he catch you giggling at your phone one morning when texting Iwa? And it starts out small at first. Issei isn’t stupid, he knows you’ve had little crushes here or there that were much more serious than the time you learned the words ‘I love you’ and told him you were ‘in love with niichan forever’. He knows that doesn’t really count for much, and he also knows that you’re not quite as shy and well behaved as you make yourself out to be.

But that still doesn’t take away from the shock he feels when he’s home earlier for once and you’re being dropped off by his friend, walking hand in hand and smiling so wide it blinds him even through the window. It still doesn’t take away from the nagging fear of abandonment he feels when realising you’re an adult, and soon you’ll be wanting to leave his safe nest for someone else’s. Iwaizumi’s, of all people. It’s only after hanging out with his friend after work to realize just how serious he is about you, that it comes crashing down around him though. The way Iwa calls you “baby” on the phone, and how you have a necklace with his initials now.

You’re going to leave him.

And it’s this exact thought that has him panicking. Really, he didn’t think it through much before. Marriage, children, he always thought those would be far off, he has a job that he enjoys enough and that was all the planning he needed. But when you come home from another date, it suddenly settles. He can’t let you go, what kind of big brother would he be if he didn’t keep you safe from all the harm out there. You heat up your food on the stove and all he can think is that no other woman would ever look right doing this in his house, except his little sister.

“Do you trust oniichan to always do what’s best for you?” he asks, and of course you say yes. Because Issei is the one person who’s always been there for you. The one person who always, without fail, has your back to a fault. He doesn’t say sorry when he kisses you so hard you almost burn yourself flinching back. And you cry, you do, because what about Iwa-chan? But as he bends you over the kitchen table and spreads you apart with his thick fingers between your tiny slit, he knows this is how it’s meant to be.

That you whine for him and cry his name when he sinks his fat, rock hard cock into you is proof enough that you needed him as much as he needed you. And as he fucks you until your toes go numb and you’re unable to pronounce your own name properly, he takes that as validation enough to make you his. He’ll fuck you as much as he needs to to put his babies inside his little sister, pumping you full of load after load until you cream all over him and it’s leaking out your ruined cunny. Because your big brother knows best. And no nest is safer than the one you’re already in.

[dajaregambler]

HeliosR - Keith Max Card story “Worried old man Keith”

Translation of Keith Max’s 3* “The Night Pool Party” card story from ‘Helios Rising Heroes’.

Little Faith: I dun wannaaaaaa~! I wanna play games~~

Faith: So annoying…. Don’t go around throwing a tantrum now….

Junior: Ain’t it fine, Shitty DJ. We got games here anyway, so he’ll be quiet if we let him play, yeah?

Faith: Haah? You can’t just easily let a spoiled kid like this do what he wa--

Little Faith: There’s games!?

Junior: Hell yeah★ It’s not one of ‘em new ones but… I’ll go get it

Faith: Wha- ….Ochibi-chan! Wait a sec!

Little Faith: Uwaah, so fun...♪

Keith: Geez, all of ya are running around and making a ruckus. Makes you wonder who’s the brat here…

Little Faith: ……...

Keith: ….Mh?

Little Faith: !

Keith: (...Did he, just blatantly look away?)

Jack: “It seems that he got intimidated by seeing Keith. Please look a bit more cheerful.”

Jacqueline: “A happy smile is important-nano! Especially in front of a tiny child, if you don’t smile it’s no good!”

Keith: (Uum, uuhuuh…)

Keith: Is...is there anything ya wanna drink~? Ah, just so you know, can’t give ya any alcohol okay~?

Little Faith: …….

Keith: There’s no need to be afraid of this ol’ man here~~? Look…. happy happy smile~♪

Little Faith: ………..

Keith: (Wha- He ran away!?)

Keith: (I was all smiley to him and yet it had the opposite effect….!)

Keith: (Actually, the hell’s up with “ol’ man”!? Never thought something like that would come outta my own mouth…)

Junior: Ooooi, Chibi DJ! I got that game here♪

Little Faith: !!

Faith: Sigh….  Ochibi-chan will have to act if he starts acting selfishly or throwing tantrums, because I don’t know what to do anymore at this point

Faith: Eh, Keith? What are you looking so defeated for?

Keith: Huuh~? I ain’t though~?

Keith: I’mma, head off to the prof’s lab for a bit. Wanna ask ‘bout that machine… you guys behave and play nicely, got it

Faith: …..?

-

Keith: Oooi, prof. I’m coming i-

Nova: Nuhuuuuuuh~! I dun’ wanna, I dun’ wanna take a bweak~~!

Jack: You must! I beg of you to take a break and quietly listen to what I have to say

Nova: NoooOOooOOooo~!!!!!!!

Keith: Wh-what the….?

-

Nova: Ah man~ I showed you something embarrassing. Sorry, Keith-kun

Keith: Nah… My bad for walking in when you’re this busy

Keith: Came to see how the machine reparations and investigation is going but… Already got most of it, so I’ll just go back

Jack: No need to. You may take it easy here, Keith

Jack: Nova finally took a break thanks to you coming here. Please, have some coffee together.

Keith: …….

-

Nova: ----I see~ So, you ended up calling that boy “Little Faith”-kun

Nova: That’s a pretty good name for him. Although I prefer Jack’s “Pocket-sized Faith”-kun more~♪

Keith: Still, taking care of some kid is seriously hard. I knew what it was gonna be like so I didn’t want to take ‘em in...

Keith: It's a hundred times more of a pain in the ass than I thought to take care of him, to the point of it being absurdly tiring….

Nova: Ahaha, got your hands full, eh~

Keith: Well, the other’s are good with that, I just sit by and do nothing

Keith: That lil’ Faith’s still scared just by seeing me though...

Nova: Oh no, that hasn’t changed?

Keith: ….I did my best and tried to smile like Jack and all told me to, yeah?

Keith: But it didn’t work out at all, if anything he ended up running away

Nova: Uwah…. That must’ve been heart-breaking….

Nova: It was suuuuuuuch a big shock for me I had hurt Marion’s feelings and he ignored me when he was little!

Nova: I had panicked because I didn’t understand why, and then begged Victor to give me advice...

Jack: What had Victor said?

Nova: For the most part it was advice containing information he got based on general theories, psychology and the like.

Nova: In the end, after trying various things, Marion came to me and apologized, saying “Sorry for ignoring you”...

Nova: We hugged each other reaaaal tightly, and both burst out in tears…. Fufu, it’s still nice to think of♪ 

Keith: Naw well, that’s only something you and Marion could do

Jack: No, perhaps that might be wrong

Keith & Nova: Huh?

Jack: Despite Nova’s appearance he is easily loved by children. With the exception of Marion, there’s also the children of his acquaintances and those in town that are quick to get along with him, isn’t it so?

Nova: Aah, now that you mention it, that might be it? I did notice I was being treated as a friend rather than an adult

Nova: Like I’m poked fun at and taken care of…. even though I’m an old man who’s age is showing~?

Keith: Dunno ‘bout that… That tantrum from earlier wasn’t all too different from Little Faith’s

Jack: Keith, how about trying it out too?

Keith: ...Eeh?

Jack: Your behaviour might be too “adult”-like

Jack: Why don’t you try to deceive him by following Nova’s example?

Keith: Nah, naw, there’s no need to…

-

---The next morning

Little Faith: Leonard-oniichan! I finished washing my face and brushing my teeth!

Junior: Ooh, how good of you. Then, guess we’ll continue playing that game

Little Faith: Yaay♪

Keith: ……….

Faith: Haah, games in the morning again….? Ochibi-chan’s totally way too soft with him

Faith: Keith, bathroom’s open. Did you wash yourself yet?

Keith: ……..

Faith: Keith? Are you listening?

Keith: NoOOooOoO~! I dun’ wanna, I dun wanna wash my fwace~~~!!

Faith & Junior: !!!!???

Keith: ……………

Junior: Are… are you okay, Keith?

Keith: ….Hm?

Faith: Just how much did you have to drink this early in the morning? This is seriously scary, I’ll go get Dino…

Keith: !? Wait that’s not-, I ain’t dru-

Junior: Chibi DJ, don’t look at this. Ignore it, ignore all of it.

Little Faith: Yeah, okay….

Keith: Why!!!???

Keith: Why did it turn out like thiiiiiiiis-!?

[cryingcow]

Character Story - Saejima (1985)

Now for a Saejima story that’s much longer than the last :D Ch. 3 is set in Y5, so super minor spoilers for that (which makes this a Christmas story!). This will probably be my last for the near future, COVID situation-depending (or at the very least I’ll be much slower in translating lol cuz I really need to study and this story is just making me guilty XD).

Story: In the month before he attempts mass murder, Saejima gets to live out his dream of being a teacher.

Boy: “How do I solve this problem?”

Saejima, carrying a gun in his mouth: “Bluplaguhabulahebluwa.”

Boy: “I see! You know, you’re way more understandable than my actual schoolteachers.”

.

CHAPTER 1

.

|

One day in March, 1985 . . . one month before Saejima Taiga became the “Legendary 18-Count”.

|

Saejima: “Haa~. I might have had too much to drink with my kyoudai, because my head is fuzzy. Will I wake up if I drink some coffee? . . . Hm?”

Café Alps Waiter: “Sitting down with just 1 cup of coffee for hours! If you’re studying, do it at home!”

Boy: “I can’t concentrate at home! There aren’t many customers anyway, so it’s okay!”

Saejima: “Oi. Are ya picking a fight with a kid?”

Café Alps Waiter: “N-No. This kid has been sitting here since morning. Just 1 cup of coffee, for hours.”

Boy: “I was studying. I’m taking an exam soon. At home, my family is noisy and no good . . .”

Saejima: “Is that so . . . Ain’t it crowded at the café? Can’t you overlook him?”

Café Alps Waiter: “I can’t ignore this problem. What if the other kids copy him?”

Boy: “Hey, the mock exam is near, so 1 more hour! A good idea, right?!”

Café Alps Waiter: “It’s useless! Look, go over there! Shoo!”

Saejima: “. . . If you want to stay, why don’t ya order another cup? Look, I’ll get one, just let him study.”

Café Alps Waiter: “Eh? You?”

Boy: “Ojiisan! Is that okay?!”

Saejima: “Yeah.”

Boy: “Thank you! Ojiisan!”

Saejima: “. . . Brat. It’s not Ojiisan. It’s Saejima.”

Ichiro: “Saejima-no-ojiisan then! I’m Ichiro! Nishiyamada Ichiro!”

Saejima: “Ichiro. It’s time for you to study. There are people in this world who even if they want to study, they can’t.”

Ichiro: “Yup! I’ll work hard!”

----

|A few days later . . .|

Ichiro: “Stingy!”

Café Alps Waiter: “This is a business! If you’re not buying anything, then go home!”

Saejima: (Oi, oi. Not again.)

Saejima: “Are ya at it again?”

Ichiro: “Ah, Saejima-no-ojiisan . . .”

Saejima: “Ichiro, are ya studying at the café again?”

Ichiro: “Yup . . .”

Café Alps Waiter: “The other day, did you know that this kid stayed until closing after you paid for a drink? One extra drink is not enough . . .”

Saejima: “. . . It can’t be helped. Oi, Ichiro. You can’t study if you’re not in a quiet place, yeah?”

Ichiro: “Yup. That’s right, but . . .”

Saejima: “Then I know a place. Follow me, I’ll take ya there.”

Ichiro: “Eh? Is it a good place?”

----

Ichiro: “Ojiisan, what’s here?”

Saejima: “Ah, this place is . . .”

Saejima: (I can’t tell him it’s an abandoned hideout once used by the Family . . .)

Saejima: “Yeah, uh . . . it’s an acquaintance’s building. You can use it as much as ya like.”

Ichiro: “Hmm, all right. But . . . don’t you have a desk?”

Saejima: “How about those mandarin orange boxes over there? With cushions . . . we can use the cardboard box.”

Ichiro: “Yeah! . . . Somehow, this place looks like a secret base.”

Saejima: “. . . Didn’t ya say you were taking an exam the other day?”

Ichiro: “Yup. There’s a school I want to go to. So there’s a mock test soon . . . But I’m not good at studying. My grades don’t improve at all.”

Saejima: “Not good at studying, huh . . . Ichiro, how do you do it?”

Ichiro: “Um . . .”

{Ichiro demonstrates to Saejima.}

Saejima: “Hmm. That’s an inefficient method. I’ll teach you the right way. Let me show ya how.”

Ichiro: “Eh? Saejima-no-ojiisan? . . . You know how to study?”

Saejima: “Idiot. Even if I look like this, I was aiming to be a schoolteacher. When I was a kid, I was able to study well.”

Ichiro: “Eeh?! Really?!”

Saejima: “Really. Now let me show ya how.”

{Saejima demonstrates to Ichiro how to study Math.}

Saejima: “So, do it like this. The trick is to solve the same problem over and over again.”

Ichiro: “Wow! With Saejima-no-ojiisan’s teaching, it’s very easy to understand!”

Saejima: “Heh. Ain’t that right? Now, is Social Studies next? Let’s see . . .”

{Saejima continues teaching Ichiro.}

----

Ichiro: “Ojiisan, thank you for today!”

Saejima: “Sure. Do your best.”

???: “Oi, isn’t that Ichiro?”

Ichiro: “Ah . . .”

Saejima: “. . . Do ya know them?”

Ichiro: “Y-Yup. I think they’re friends of Oniichan . . .”

Thug-like Youth: “Ichiro-kun. We’re a bit short on pocket money. Will you lend us some again?”

Ichiro: “. . . I-I’m sorry. I don’t have any money.”

Thug-like Youth: “Lies! I heard from your Oniichan! Didn’t you have pocket money yesterday?! Hey!”

Ichiro: “Hiii . . .”

Saejima: “You guys . . . aren’t ya embarrassed to be asking such a thing from a child?”

Thug-like Youth: “. . . Ossan. It’s nice to look cool and all, but have you seen how many we are? If you’re going to pick a fight, maybe you should check out the other party first?”

Ichiro: “Sa-Saejima-no-ojiisan. Don’t do it. These guys are a group of runaways. They’re really strong . . . We should do what they say . . .”

Saejima: “. . . Ichiro. I’m not saying to get into a fight that ya can’t win. However . . . there are times when ya shouldn’t run away. Remember that.”

Ichiro: “Eh?”

Thug-like Youth: “Ossan, what the hell~, you think you can win? Just because you have a good body build? Then I’ll make you cry through sore eyes!”

{Saejima defeats all of the thugs.}

Thug-like Youth: “H-Hiii . . . Strong . . .”

Saejima: “You guys . . . try and lay a hand on Ichiro next time, and you’ll be sorry.”

Thug-like Youth: “U-Understood, damn it!”

{The thugs run away.}

Ichiro: “A-Amazing. . . . Saejima-no-ojiisan, you’re really strong too!”

Saejima: “It’s no big deal. How about you, Ichiro, are ya alright?”

Ichiro: “Y-Yup.”

Saejima: “. . . Geez. Shaking down a child. What bad friends. Ichiro, if they come after you again, tell me, okay?”

Ichiro: “Yup! Thank you! But I can’t just be protected by other people all the time. I have to become strong.”

Saejima: “Hm? Strong?”

Ichiro: “Actually, I want to be a police officer. A good police officer just like my dad.”

Saejima: “Wh-What? Officer? Your dad?”

Ichiro: “Yup. Is something wrong?”

Saejima: “N-No. So that’s what ya want. So ya want to be a police officer too?”

Ichiro: “Yup. My dad is a great police officer. He bravely confronts the Yakuza. It’s his job to protect the general public by not putting up with those bad guys.”

Saejima: “. . . A good father.”

Ichiro: “Yup. But I’m worried because he often gets hurt. Kamurocho is full of dangers.”

Saejima: “Well, that’s true. It’s a dangerous city . . .”

Ichiro: “Hey, Saejima-no-ojiisan. Teach me how to fight.”

Saejima: “What? How to fight?”

Ichiro: “Yup! I want to be strong like you so I won’t lose to bad guys!”

Saejima: “Yeah, but . . . how about ya don’t get into a quarrel with a bad guy? If you can do that, that would be the best.”

Ichiro: “But you have to be strong if you want to be a police officer! So Ojiisan! Make me your disciple!”

Saejima: “. . . And if I’m strict? Even then?”

Ichiro: “Yup! It’s fine! Thank you, Saejima-sensei!”

Saejima: “Ha, Saejima-sensei. I’m a bit tickled.”

Ichiro: “Fufufu. . . . Oh, by the way . . . what does Saejima-sensei usually do?”

Saejima: “Th-That is . . . it’s a freelance business.”

Ichiro: “Freelance? Hmm. I don’t really get it.”

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 2

.

|One day in March, 1985 . . . 10 days before Saejima became the “Legendary 18-Count”.|

Saejima: “. . . Hmm. That Ichiro didn’t come today either. Did something suddenly happen in the past few days . . . ?”

----

Saejima: “. . . Hm? That’s . . .”

Ichiro: “. . .”

Saejima: “Oi, if it isn’t Ichiro.”

Ichiro: “! Sa-Saejima-sensei . . .”

Saejima: “What a miserable face. Ya haven’t come by the past few days to study, what happened?”

Ichiro: “. . .”

Ichiro: “Uugh. Uwaaaaaa.”

Saejima: “O-Oi, what’s wrong?”

Ichiro: “Uwaaaaaa . . . Saejima-sensei . . .”

Saejima: “. . . F-For now, calm down. Okay?”

----

Saejima: “What happened that ya suddenly started crying?”

Ichiro: “. . . Dad . . .”

Saejima: “Hm? What happened to your father?”

Ichiro: “. . . He was shot and gravely injured.”

Saejima: “Eh?! What do you mean?”

Ichiro: “He got mixed up with yakuza . . . He protected a woman who was likely to get shot, and . . .”

Saejima: “. . . And wh-what?”

Ichiro: “The place where he got shot was so bad that he might not be able to walk anymore . . .”

Saejima: (So that’s why I haven’t seen him the past few days.)

Saejima: “That’s heartbreaking . . .”

Ichiro: “. . . U-Uuuugh . . .”

----

Saejima: “Are ya alright? Can you go home alone?”

Ichiro: “Yup. I’m fine.  . . . Hey, Saejima-sensei. It’s about your cram school . . .”

Saejima: “Cram school? Oh, that abandoned place? Did ya go there?”

Ichiro: “. . . I’m thinking of quitting. I don’t want to be a police officer.”

Saejima: “. . . That so . . . Is it because of your father?”

Ichiro: “Yup. That’s why teacher’s cram school . . .”

Saejima: “. . . Did ya get scared?”

Ichiro: “. . . Yup.”

Saejima: “. . . I see.”

Ichiro: “Saejima-sensei . . . what should I do?”

Saejima: “. . . That’s right. You’re having a hard time now, so how about ya sleep on it. However . . .”

Ichiro: “However?”

Saejima: “It’s no good to lose sight of the back ya want to emulate. If ya lose your way, I will guide you back myself.”

Ichiro: “Back . . . to emulate?”

Saejima: “That’s right, your father was a good police officer. That doesn’t change no matter what. What ya saw on your father’s back . . . it’s still a fine gate to aim for. Ichiro, having that in your heart should guide you when ya get lost, okay?”

Ichiro: “Saejima-sensei . . .”

Saejima: “But for now, you should take a rest. Don’t worry about the cram school.”

Ichiro: “. . . Yup. Thank you, Saejima-sensei.”

Saejima: (So, is it a yakuza-related crime? If I dig little, I can figure out who’s involved.)

----

Yakuza: “Haa . . . haa . . . Go away! Leave me the fuck alone!”

Saejima: “Wait!”

Yakuza: “Haa . . . haa . . . zee . . . zee . . . Damn it! What the hell are you?!”

Saejima: “The other day, a fight between yakuza took place behind Pink Street. Are you the yakuza involved in it?”

Yakuza: “Yeah?! What of it?!”

Saejima: “Were ya the one who tried to shoot a respectable woman? Moreover, the bullet that hit the cop on the scene . . . At the time, you escaped successfully. Did ya think that was enough?”

Yakuza: “Hey, are you a cop? You don’t look like one . . .”

Saejima: “No. Sorry. This is . . . revenge.”

Yakuza: “Revenge? Heh, interesting. In that case, I’ll throw it back at you!”

{Saejima beats up the yakuza.}

Yakuza: “Damn . . . strong . . .”

Saejima: “(For Ichiro, there is no relief. Even if I took revenge . . .)

----

|A few days later . . .|

Saejima: “. . . Hm? In that abandoned building I used with Ichiro . . . It seems the light is on, but it shouldn’t be . . .”

Saejima: “Oi, Ichiro.”

Ichiro: “Oh, Ojiisan. You’re here.”

Saejima: “Because the light was on. Rather, are ya all right?”

Ichiro: “. . . Yup.”

Saejima: “I see.”

Ichiro: “. . . Hey, Ojiisan. I’ve been thinking since then . . . I shouldn’t give up on my dream to be a police officer after all. Saejima-sensei taught me about ‘a back to emulate’. I still admire his.”

Saejima: “I see . . .”

Ichiro: “In addition, it’s not just my dad’s. The back that I admire.”

Saejima: “Eh?”

Ichiro: “Because it’s not just my dad that I admire, it’s also Saejima-sensei!”

Saejima: “! Ichiro . . .”

Ichiro: “So from now on . . . thank you!”

Saejima: “. . . Heh. Got it.”

----

|A few days later, at Saejima’s apartment . . .|

Phone: “Bururururu . . .”

Saejima: “Yes. This is Saejima.  . . . Eh? Talk with me? Is it important? . . . Understood. I’ll head out.”

Saejima: (Something important to tell me? The hell could it be?)

----

Saejima: “. . .”

Younger Delinquent: “. . . Then, if you are decided, please contact me. Everything will be confidential.”

Saejima: “Yeah . . .”

Saejima: (I would do anything for Boss Sasai . . . is what I thought . . . To kill. The target is the leader of the Ueno Seiwa. My heart is set. But before that, there’s something else I have to deal with.)

----

Ichiro: “Eh? Ends today? Wh-Why?!”

Saejima: “. . . I’m sorry.”

Ichiro: “Why? Why?”

Saejima: “I’m not the kind of guy you should follow. I don’t want ya to chase my back.”

Ichiro: “. . . Ojiisan. I don’t know . . .”

Saejima: “Ichiro. I’m sorry.  . . . Become a good police officer.”

Ichiro: “Ojiisan . . .”

----

|April 21, 1985.  . . . Saejima Taiga kills the Ueno Seiwa leader along with many members. This is the incident that later dubbed him the “Legendary 18-Count”. Saejima will receive the death sentence for that crime . . .|

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 3

.

|December 2012. Kamurocho. 27 years after Saejima’s 18 kills. Saejima escaped from Abashiri Prison in Hokkaido after learning of Majima’s death. When he returned to Kamurocho to find out the truth . . .|

Saejima: “Haa . . . haa. Tch, they can’t find me with this many people . . . !”

Police: “The jailbreaker is over there!”

Saejima: “Damn it!”

----

Saejima: “Phew. Somehow, I managed . . . hm?”

Punk: “It should be around here . . .”

Saejima: (It can’t be helped. I’ll have to hide until they leave.)

Male Voice: “Oi, did you bring it?”

Saejima: (. . . Police?)

Punk: “Oi, how much longer do I have to pay up?”

Police Officer: “Are you in a position to complain? If it wasn’t for me, you think you’ll be eating good food in a dangerous prison?”

Punk: “Shit!”

Saejima: (What? Is he giving money to the police officer? What’s he doing? I should go elsewhere.)

{Saejima steps on glass as he tries to escape.}

Saejima: “!”

Police Officer: “Who’s there?!”

Saejima: (Damn it. I’ve been found . . . !)

Police Officer: “. . . Sa-Saejima . . . sensei?”

Saejima: “Huh?”

Police Officer: “After everything . . . is that all? I heard you’d broken out of jail . . .”

Saejima: “. . . Y-You, no way . . . . . . Ichiro?”

Ichiro: “. . . Long time no see.”

Saejima: “. . . Did you become a police officer?”

Ichiro: “Yeah. As you can see.”

Saejima: “Really. That’s good. I want to rejoice in our reunion, but it’s not the best timing. . . . Ichiro. I’m sorry but can’t you overlook that ya saw me? I still have something to do. I can’t afford to get caught . . .”

Ichiro: “. . . Heh. Are you going to kill someone again? I was surprised you killed 18 people, ‘Saejima-sensei’ . . .”

Saejima: “!”

Ichiro: “You also kept it a secret that you were yakuza. Even so, you were a good teacher . . .”

Saejima: “No, that is . . .”

Ichiro: “. . . Very well. I’ll overlook you. I don’t know what you’re going to do, and I don’t care. But you’ll have to pay me 500,000 yen.”

Saejima: “Ichiro . . . you . . . Was the money you received from the punk earlier a bribe? Where did ya learn such a thing?”

Ichiro: “Saejima!! I’m no longer an innocent kid!”

Saejima: “. . . . . . Won’t your father be sad? Did ya become a good police officer?”

Ichiro: “. . . Murderers often bring that up.  . . . Well, whatever. Just pay me.”

Saejima: “. . . Ichiro. I have no money to pay you now.”

Ichiro: “I see. . . . But you’re not going to come quietly, right?”

Saejima: “Yeah.”

Ichiro: “In that case, what to do . . . You guys! Time to make yourselves useful!”

Punk: “Eh?”

Ichiro: “Beat the hell out of Saejima. But don’t kill him.”

Punk: “H-Haa?! Why should we? Making us do such a thing on top of making us pay . . .”

Ichiro: “Robbery with assault. How long do you think you’ll get?”

Punk: “Ugh . . .”

Ichiro: “Do you want to eat smelly rice in prison?! Do you want to have the rest of your life ruined?!”

Punk: “D-Damn it!!”

{Saejima beats up the punks.}

Punk: “Im-Impossible! Impossible, impossible! This guy is as strong as a monster!”

Saejima: “. . .”

Ichiro: “What are you doing, you useless piece of junk!”

Punk: “B-But he’s too much for us! This guy’s strength is inhuman!”

Ichiro: “. . . If that’s the case, then use this. I confiscated this dagger today.”

Punk: “!”

Ichiro: “So stab Saejima! He’s not going to die!!”

Saejima: “. . . Ichiro. You . . .”

Ichiro: “Saejima! This is the price for betraying me! I’ll take the credit!”

Ichiro: “What’s wrong?! If you don’t do it, I’ll get rid of you too!!”

Punk: “. . . U-Uugh . . . . . . . . . . D-Damn iiiiiiit!! Cut it out, you fucking cop!”

{The punk points the knife at Ichiro.}

Ichiro: “What . . . What do you think will happen if you go against me?”

Punk: “Shut up! I’m going to mess you up! You’re dead!!”

{The punk rushes in to stab him.}

Ichiro: “U-Uwaaaaaa!”

Ichiro: “Eh?”

Saejima: “. . . Shit . . . as expected, it hurts.”

Punk: “. . . Ah. A-a-a-a-a-ah . . . Uwaaaaaaaaa!”

{The punks run off.}

Ichiro: “. . . . . . Wh-Why?”

Saejima: “Nothing to it. You were about to get stabbed. I can’t let ya meet your father like that, can I?”

Ichiro: “. . .”

Saejima: “. . . Kuh. Tch . . . He really used quite the force . . . stabbing that in . . .”

{Saejima falls to the ground.}

Saejima: “. . . Ichiro, what’s wrong? Aren’t ya arresting me? No way I can fight back now.”

Ichiro: “. . . . . . Ha, hahaha. You haven’t changed at all. Even though my hands are so dirty . . .”

Saejima: “! Ichiro . . .”

Ichiro: “. . . . . . 27 years ago . . . I didn’t want to believe it. I wanted to think they got it all wrong.  . . . I was shocked. It was really because I saw your back . . . . . . But now, once again . . . I feel like it’s been shown to me.”

Saejima: “. . . Ichiro.  . . . Uugh . . . shit . . .”

Ichiro: “I know an underground doctor. He’s just nearby . . .”

Saejima: “No. I don’t need this taken care of. I’ll do something about it myself.”

Ichiro: “No, but . . .”

Saejima: “Heh. Don’t look at me like that.”

Ichiro: “. . . . . . Then run away before anyone sees you. Is there something I can do?”

Saejima: “Something? Forget ya saw me.”

Ichiro: “Heh . . . I’m already dirty. After all this time, the least I can do is overlook you.”

Saejima: “. . . I’m sorry, Ichiro. But . . . if I can do what I need to do, I will atone for my sins. I will take responsibility.”

Ichiro: “. . . Atone for your sins . . . ? . . . Hey. Can I ask you something? Is it still possible for me to start over?”

Saejima: “Yeah. Humans can always start over, if they want to.”

Ichiro: “. . . . . . Really?”

Saejima: “Heh. I’ve been in prison for 25 years. Don’t doubt me.”

Ichiro: “Haha. That may be the case . . .”

Supporting Police Officer: “Over there! Saejima!”

Saejima: “Tch. They found me? Gotta go, Ichiro. Do your best!”

Ichiro: “Back at you. . . . . . . ‘Saejima-sensei’.”

Saejima: “! . . . . . . Haha. That really does have me tickled.  . . . bye!”

{Saejima escapes.}

Ichiro: “Should I emulate that back . . . ?”

Ichiro: “. . . . . . Saejima-sensei. You really are . . . the best teacher.”

.

-END-

Masterlist

[amethystroselilith]

If Lost Return to the 11th Harbinger (Babysitter Childe ft. Chilumi)

Finally, I get to write my first Chilumi fic! Hard to find a peaceful time to write cause of family demanding attention haha

~~~

SUMMARY:  In which Childe has to babysit 3 girls that means a lot to Lumine

Can also be read in ao3: here

“You know, sometimes, I think he’s doing it on purpose.” Childe sulked, wrapping his arms around Lumine’s waist in an attempt to ditch her plans for the day and spend it with him instead.

The bed looks cosy right now and Childe would pretty much like for Lumine to get back in there with him and maybe lure her into various activities they can play on the sheets.

Lumine chuckled, “I’m sure Zhongli doesn’t mean that.” before running her hand through his hair, letting him hold her for a while, a warm feeling blossoming on her chest as she watched them cuddled together in the mirror she was using to get ready for the day.

She wouldn’t admit it, but feeling Childe’s bare chest against her back makes her just want to stay with him a bit longer, but unfortunately for her lover, she knows how to control herself.

“Yeah? You really think he didn’t plan to tag you along with whatever rites he has to prepare whenever I’m in Liyue?” Childe huffed, burying his face against her neck.

“People don’t schedule when they’ll die, Childe.” Lumine rolled her eyes.

“Can’t he find someone else to help him?” Childe pouted up at her, displaying the best puppy eyes he could put on.

“Hm, didn’t really ask.” Lumine shrugged, earning a whine from her clingy lover.

“You mean we could’ve thrown someone else with him? But you didn’t ask?” he huffed.

“He invited me to help. I accepted. Besides, he helps me a lot during my stay here, it’s just fair to help him back. May I remind you he also pulled some strings to have you here without any Milleliths watching your every move?” Lumine hummed.

Childe rolls his eyes, “I’m pretty sure you could’ve convinced them to leave us alone, you’re a hero here, they know you kicked my ass, they trust you and all.” 

“Same hero that’s dating the same man who almost destroyed their city.” Lumine rolled her eyes, “I’m pretty sure they’re a bit wary of me as well ever since you decided to shout we’re officially together in public.”

“First of all, that’s to declare I won against all my rivals and they should fuck off.” Childe shrugged, “Second… I mean, how could they blame you? I’m charming as fuck.” Childe snickered.

“Right. I’m out.” Lumine said as she unwraps Childe’s arms off her.

“Ojou-chaaannn…” he whined as he tries to pull her back, “It’s the truth, come back.”

Lumine was about to say something back, but a knock on the door caught their attention. 

“You think he’ll take Paimon if I throw enough mora on them?” Childe tried, to which Lumine just chuckled and walked to the door.

“Good morning.” Lumine greeted their guest as she opened the door, “Oh?” her eyes widened in surprise when not just Zhongli appeared, but also three little girls.

“Qiqi brought friends.” Qiqi simply said.

“Onee-chan! Klee and Diona found you!” the excitable girl in red waved, “Diona said she missed you! Me too so we looked for you!” 

Diona freaked out, “I-I did not! I don’t care! If she doesn’t want to return to Mondstat and see me then that’s her problem!” she huffed, looking away with a red face.

“You went all the way to Liyue?” Lumine’s eyes widened, “Does… anyone know you two are here?” 

“Yea! Kaeya-oniichan!” Klee smiled.

“Oh,” Lumine breathed out in relief that they’re not alone, “So, where is he?” 

“I dunno, he was sleepy when I asked him, but he said ‘yes’, so Klee is good, no?” she smiled.

“He’s passed out drunk outside of Angel’s Share,” Diona mumbled.

“But we still asked permission and he said ‘yes’!” Klee argued to avoid getting in trouble. 

“No need to worry, Ms Lumine, I have taken care of that. Rest assured that their guardians are aware of their little ones’ whereabouts.” Zhongli intervened when he saw the blonde’s about to have a heart attack.

“I’m glad you found them before anything bad happened.” Lumine sighed in relief, while she knows Klee and Diona aren’t helpless when it comes to fighting, she still can’t help but worry. She’s especially fond of the 3 little girls, protective of them as a mother would be of her child.

“Yea, I recognised Mister during your visit in Mondstat and Qiqi as well! So Klee is good with not following strangers.” Klee nodded with a proud smile.

“Good.” Qiqi agreed, it may not be seen, but she’s also excited with the thought of playing with her friends again, “Play with Qiqi and friends?” she looked up at her with hopeful eyes.

“Ojou-chan, what’s taking so long?” Childe emerged, now wearing a shirt, “Oh?” 

“Qiqi brought friends,” Qiqi informed once again.

“Hi! Will you join us in playing too?” Klee asked excitedly.

Childe caught a glint of mischief in Zhongli’s eyes, “Unfortunately, Ms Lumine and I can not join you, but Mr Childe here will be playing with you for the whole day.” 

“Eh?!” everyone looked at him with wide eyes, additional pouts from the 3 little girls.

Zhongli just chuckled before kneeling at the little ones’, “Ms Lumine and I will need to take care of some urgent errands, but we will try to finish them as fast as possible, but for now, will you be good for Mr Childe?” 

~~~

And just like that, Zhongli had dragged Lumine away for whatever errands he has to do, leaving Childe with 3 innocent eyes looking at him curiously.

Childe hasn’t been around much whenever Lumine visits Mondstat, it’s always been the usual party of Lumine, Qiqi, and Zhongli since Childe still has duties to fulfil for his Queen. Duties that would make things complicated for his relationship with the Honorary Knight, but he believes that as long as they work together, not hiding dirty secrets from one another, they may be able to find a peaceful resolution for all parties.

But that’s something he has to think of for another day, today he has to entertain three little girls.

Three little girls that Lumine holds dearly, and for some reason, Childe feels a bit pressured in trying to win their favours, well Qiqi should already be won with coconut milk and the fact that they both work together in Lumine’s main party, but he’s not too familiar with the other 2 besides Lumine and Qiqi’s story. 

Klee seems to be easier to win over because of her energetic and friendly nature, Diona however, may take a bit of work with her shy and independent personality. 

But they’re still kids. Childe has experience with kids, his siblings love him, so this shouldn’t be too difficult, right?

“So, do you guys have any games you want to play?” he asked after watching the 3 finish the last of their breakfasts.

Klee pursed her lips, “Well, we were supposed to play house but, Mr Zhongli and Lumi-oneechan are gone so we don’t have a mama and papa anymore.”

“Ahaha, why are they mama and papa?” Childe laughed through gritted teeth.

“Are they not Qiqi’s mama and papa?” Klee tilted her head.

“No.” Qiqi answered, “But Lumine can be.” she hummed, “No papa though.”

“Ah, well, ojou-chan and I are very close-” 

“But I guess Zhongli can be papa, he gives Qiqi flowers.” the zombie child hummed.

A vein popped in Childe’s forehead, “Ah, Qiqi-chan, I give you coconut milk too, remember?” 

“But you’re always gone.” Qiqi shrugged.

Childe frowned.

“Ah! Kaeya-oniisan can be our papa?” Klee added, “He’s the bestest!”

“He’s always drunk, he won’t spend time with us.” Diona huffed.

“Diluc-”

“No.” Diona hissed, ears and tail raising.

“Yeah, he’s weird.” Klee nodded, “He doesn’t smile. Weird.” 

‘Just how many men does ojou-chan know?’ Childe’s eye twitched.

“I guess Zhongli is papa?” Qiqi proposed in their little meeting.

“Ahaha, I mean, what about me?” Childe smiled since apparently not smiling will make him weird according to Klee’s logic.

The three looked at him, eyes focused, judging him thoroughly until Klee perked up.

“Does Mr Childe have a huge crush on onee-chan?!” the red girl gasped excitedly.

“Ah, you caught me, you’re a very observant girl.” Childe went along, just glad that he’s getting acknowledge as a potential papa for their mama.

It doesn’t really make sense since he’s the one dating Lumine, but being ignored by the three girls as a candidate as a papa just doesn’t settle well in him. Especially losing to Zhongli… he may have tricked him once, but there’s no way in hell Childe’s going to lose to him again. 

Even as a hypothetical father figure to these girls.

“Hm, well if you want to date Lumi-oneechan, then you have to go through us!” Klee declared with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I suppose you’ll be a better boyfriend than that drunkard captain and evil Diluc.” Diona shrugged.

“If you become Qiqi’s papa, then will I get more cocomilk?” Qiqi asked with hopeful eyes.

“Eh?!” Klee protested, “We have to give him tests first! Like… like how the prince has to go through challenges to get the princess’ hand!” she huffed.

“Okay.  A cocogoat, please. Thank you.” Qiqi nodded.

“A giant Jumpy Dumpty!” Klee’s eyes sparkled.

“Destruction of Mondstadt wine industry!” Diona requested.

‘What the actual fuck…’ Childe gulped.

~~~

Childe likes to pride himself as an ‘amazing storyteller’. 

His finest work is “Snezhnaya’s Greatest Toy Seller”.

He just released 3 new stories;

“Unfortunately, the Cocogoats have to be Kept in a Special Cocomilk Production Place to Spread Cocomilk Joy”

“Oh, Have You Not Heard of the Secret Survival Rule? A Giant Jumpy Dumpty, Leads to Confinement Solitary”

“Destruction of Mondstadt Wine Industry Will Make The Good Lord Barbatos So Mad He’s Going To Destroy Us All”

The 3 girls are in awe as he tells an elaborated story, each nodding in understanding, though he’s pretty sure Qiqi will most likely still look for her cocogoat, Klee will still create a huge bomb, Diona will still try to destroy the wine industry in Mondstadt. 

Childe wonders what kind of environment Mondstat is that turned Klee into a pyromaniac and Diona having such strong ambitions… 

He’s going to beg Lumine to take him there soon.

“That’s so pretty, Mr Childe!” the three awed as Childe finished weaving a flower crown made of Violetgrass.

“A pretty flower crown for a pretty princess.” Childe smiled placing the crown on Qiqi, who was beaming at the new hair accessory, hugging her hat tightly to her chest.

His little sister had always loved flower crowns, and with some random flowers he found nearby, Childe had made one in hopes of impressing the girls. He was testing it on his head when it immediately attracted Qiqi’s attention. With some spare Violetgrass she has with her, she shyly asked if Childe can make her one too. The pretty little crown on Childe’s head had also caught Klee’s and Diona’s attention by the awed look on their eyes, and Childe offered to make one for them out of the flowers that catch their eyes.

“Thank you…” she smiled shyly, carefully checking if the crown is secured on her head.

“Me next! Me next!” Klee jumped, plopping some silk flowers she gathered around Wangshu Inn on Childe’s lap.

“Oh, these will be very pretty as well.” Childe complimented, earning an excited squeal from Klee, “Have you found some flowers you like as well, Diona?” he asks.

The catgirl blushed, turning away, “I don’t want one anyway.” she huffed, crossing her arms.

“Hm?” Childe frowned a bit, he was sure Diona was also excitedly looking around, but then it hit him, there was not a lot of choices for flowers around Wangshu Inn, and it looks like she wants a unique one as well and with only Silk Flowers nearby, she came back to him empty-handed and disappointed. 

She can also feel the disappointment coming from Qiqi and Klee, who had been talking about taking pictures with their flower crowns with Childe’s Kamera.

Childe’s face softened, “Is it because there are not enough flowers that you like nearby?”

Diona just looked down in embarrassment, ears flat on her head and tail wrapping around her leg.

He just chuckled, “Well, don’t worry, there’s a village here with some glaze lilies nearby, maybe you’ll like those?” 

“T-that’s still far though…” Diona mumbled. 

Childe chuckled, “Don’t worry about it, I know a fast way to get there.” he said hydro vision glowing.

~~~

Despite Diona’s displeasure with water, she ended up having fun sitting on Childe’s shoulder as he literally rode the waves to Qingce Village, the other two clinging on both sides of his waist, secured by his arms wrapped around them protectively. 

The girls giggled as Childe softly landed them on the flowery field. Their entrance would’ve given them weird looks, but Childe had already done this a couple of times with Lumine. It’s one of his favourite moments to spend with Lumine, they would just chill in the flowery area, Childe’s head on Lumine’s lap, his hair being played with while Lumine sings softly, Glaze Lilies blooming beautifully. 

The thought sends a warm feeling in his chest, smiling softly at the thought of being lucky that the blonde made him a bigger part of her life.

“They’re beautiful!” Diona’s excited gasp pulled Childe from his thoughts.

“Well, then go and pick them while I’ll work on Klee’s crown.” Childe smiled before sitting down on the flowery field.

The three nodded and began collecting the flowers. Childe checked his surroundings first to make sure everything’s safe before taking his eyes off them. 

Childe was halfway done with Klee’s crown when he noticed that it suddenly got too quiet. His head raised, heart stopping when the 3 girls are nowhere in sight. 

He rose to his feet and began searching through the fields, hoping that they’re just hiding within the flowers. 

He started panicking when he can’t find them. Not only are these children his responsibility right now, but he’s sure his beloved ojou-chan will murder him if there’s even just a small scratch on them.

“Qiqi, Diona, Klee!” he shouted as he searches, cursing under his breath when there’s no villager nearby to help him.

A patch of frost caught Childe’s eye. 

Qiqi and Diona are cryo users, and it’s a high possibility it’s from them. There’s a burning patch just ahead of it, and Childe’s certain it’s from Klee.

The relief within him didn’t last long when a realisation hit him.

If they’re using their vision, it must be because they’re fighting someone. 

And Childe needs to move fast.

~~~

Childe followed the tracks, his pace increasing as soon as he heard even the softest sound from the three. 

As soon as he reached closed enough, his hydro daggers appeared on his hands. It has to be treasure hoarders.

He jumped in the area, a clever phrase in the tip of his tongue.

“Mr Childe!” Klee cheered.

His eyes widened, there was no treasure hoarders insight. Just the 3 girls with a mora weasel in Qiqi’s hand.

“...Wha…?” he stared at them in shock as his daggers slowly disappeared. 

“We caught a mora weasel!” Diona said proudly.

“Oneechan always runs after them so we thought we’ll help her,” Klee explained.

Childe took a deep breath, relief washing over him as he lives for another day for escaping his lover’s wrath, “I understand that you want to help her, but please don’t run off like that without me, okay?” he gently smiled as he walks to them.

“It runs too fast,” Qiqi said, raising the animal to Childe.

“Are we in trouble?” Klee asked in worry, “We just want to help.” she said looking down.

Childe chuckle, “I’m just glad you all are safe, but please let’s avoid doing that next time, alright? Liyue is a bigger place than Mondstat so it’s quite easy to get lost.” he explained before patting her head.

He then took the weasel from Qiqi, retrieving the mora before letting the animal go, “Now, why don’t we get back and finish your crowns, yeah?” 

They smiled and followed Childe back to the field.

~~~

It was late at night when Lumine got back to Wangshu Inn thanks to Zhongli’s high standards when picking the materials for the rites. Paimon hadn’t even bothered staying around when it started getting late, making an excuse about meeting Xiangling for an important taste testing. 

Though the whole experience wasn’t bad, she was just worried about how Childe can handle looking after the three alone. Zhongli assures her that Childe is probably experienced looking after children since he’s from a big family. Which worked and all, but she also remembered how busy Childe could be from that experience with Teucer, what if they run off when Childe wasn’t looking?

Zhongli shut that down by reminding her that the three are vision holders and Lumine just huffed and pouted, but agreed.

She opened the door to their room, careful with her steps assuming Childe must be asleep. 

When she opened the door to their room, she can’t help but have her heart melt at the sight.

Three little girls are asleep on their bed, a sleeping Childe sat on the chair beside the bed, a forgotten storybook on his lap.

With a soft smile, she made her way to Childe, chuckling softly when she caught glimpse of a photograph on the side table.

It was of them 4 posing for the camera, each has a flower crown adorning their heads.

“Ojou-chan?” a tired voice called softly.

“Look like you all had fun.” she smiled warmly.

Childe returned the smile, pulling her gently on his lap. His arms quickly wrapped around Lumine’s waist, face nuzzling against her neck. Lumine sighed in relaxation, leaning back and running her fingers through his hair.

“I’m guessing they liked you a lot they decided to sleep over?” she teased.

Childe chuckled, “More like the Knights were a bit busy to get them, and sent a letter to apologise for the inconvenience. Klee and Diona don’t seem to mind though, and I’ve never seen Qiqi excited for having her friends stay for longer.” 

“Hm, well that shouldn’t be an issue, we can bring them home ourselves tomorrow, I do have some things to go over with Jean.” Lumine hummed at the thought.

“Do you think they’ll welcome me warmly?” Childe teased.

“If you behave.” Lumine rolled her eyes.

“Shame. I was planning on picking a fight against the Cavalry Captain and the Dawn Winery owner.”

The blonde shifted to face him, her eyes glaring, “You will not. Why would you want to in the first place?” 

“I heard they’re great opponents.” Childe just smiled, hiding the jealousy from Klee’s story about how these men had also shown interest in his beloved ojou-chan. 

Lumine rolled her eyes, “I’ll make sure to tell Zhongli to keep an extra close eye on you.” 

“I’ll fight him too.”

“Promise me you’ll behave and I might just invite you in the shower.” 

“Bold of you to assume I won’t do it anyway,” Childe smirked.  

“Behave and you’ll be thoroughly rewarded after.”

“Oho, what reward are we talking about?” he grinned.

Lumine just chuckled before unwrapping his arms off of her, “Depends on how good you will be.” she smirked before heading to the shower.

Childe grinned before following after her.

Deciding that he’ll just pick a fight with said rivals another time.

[mcheang]

The critic

Sometimes restaurant owners are aware there is a critic among them, but they don’t know his identity. Sometimes they are unaware they are being visited at all. This is for @edeniz001

Meet Alain Ego. A youthful young man admitted to Ms Bustier’s class as an exchange student from Provence.

Here’s what you need to know about Alain. He is smart, responsible, but he’s dull. He is a wallflower. His appearance is unremarkable, his voice is softer than Nathaniel’s. And his social life is generally shy. His hobby is writing stories and taking photographs.

His deskmate is Ivan.

Predictably, after class was let out for lunch, Alain was surrounded by his class. Well, most of them.

Chloe and by extension Sabrina; could not be bothered to waste her time with a wallflower.

Marinette and Alya introduced themselves as the class president and Vice President. They warmly asked him to come to them if he needed help.

Nathaniel invited him to meet Marc since they both seemed to love writing.

Lila had never been to the French countryside but was inclined to boast about the Tuscan landscape. She seemed annoyed that Alain did not ask her for more details and that the rest of the class were paying more attention to the new student than to her.

Thankfully Alain would only be here for one semester. That was enough time for like...what, 25 akumas to show up?

Hope the new kid was fast. Dupont tends to be an akuma hotspot.

And was it ever...

The majority of the akumas were from Caline’s class. And that was remarkable considering how they had already been akumas. What is up with that?

Are they an emotional class?

Why is Hawkmoth out for them?

Granted some akumatizations happen outside school. But Alain happens to be there thanks to being invited to class activities.

Part of the blame belongs to Chloe.

A real bully that one. Alain can understand why the principal would be cowed by a corrupt mayor. For a so-called hero, he was a coward.

But Alain has noticed some students standing up to Chloe.

Namely the class president and her Vice President.

And yet for some strange reason, instead of telling Chloe off for being rude and mean, they just brush her off and redirect everyone’s attention.

Alain shyly asked Marinette why she lets Chloe get away with that.

Marinette: Because Ms Bustier told us to be good examples and forgive Chloe.

Alya: it’s why Chloe likes her so much. She lets Chloe get away with everything and tries to get her to be nice.

Alain’s eyes were wide at such a scandal.

When Alain’s witnessed his first akuma, he was at art class, making a photo collage of the students.

Let’s just say Chloe didn’t take criticism well at her first attempt at fashion design. Let’s also just say there’s a reason she stole Marinette’s design instead of relying on her mother’s genes.

Point is, Fashion Critic could make her harsh criticism a reality.

During that time, Alain had run for cover.

Unsurprisingly, Alya had run in the opposite direction.

Frightened, Alain asked for help as to where to run to.

Alya: There is no safe house or bunker. Akumas usually blow those up. Here in Paris, just run for cover.

Alain: any ideas?

Alya: not really. I don’t hide.

Alain: ....

Nino: don’t worry, dude. I know where the guys like to hide. Follow me. I’ll take him, Alya.

As they were running, Alain pointed out it should have been Alya leading him to safety.

Nino: she would have delegated it to me anyway. That girl loves to get her scoop.

Alain frowned in disapproval but said nothing. But perhaps he could try to talk to Alya later.

He did, and even Marinette took his side, when they both said she should stop running after akumas.

Alya: the public needs to know!

Alain: can’t you just post the location and powers and physical description? Why do you need to record the whole thing?

Alya; how else will my blog be popular?

Marinette: it’s still not safe, Alya.

Alya: oh relax, it’s not like the Teachers are complaining.

Ok, so Ms Bustier not only lets bullies run rampant without correcting their behavior, she also does not stop dangerous habits.

Curious about the students, Alain decides to be nosy. He visits the bakery and tries their delicious breads. He talks about animals with Mr Cesaire. He explored Juleka’s boathouse. He even babysitted Chris.

One day, Alain just so happens to visit the embassy building where Mrs Rossi works, at a time when she would be leaving for home.

Alain: Hello, excuse me, are you Mrs Rossi?

Mrs Rossi: Yes. And you are?

Alain: I’m Alain. Lila’s classmate. I thought I recognised you from her photos.

Mrs Rossi: oh. How nice to meet one of Lila’s friends. But I’ve been so busy with work, I barely have the time to spare.

Alain: I understand. But it’s nice to see you include Lila in your work.

Mrs Rossi: excuse me?

Alain: you know...you brought her to Achu last year to help out Prince Ali.

Mrs Rossi: I never went to Achu.

Alain: um...Lila was gone for months and FaceTimed us from there.

Mrs Rossi: when did this happen exactly?

Alain nervously tells her.

Mrs Rossi: Lila has been lying to all of us, it seems. She told me the school was shut down because of akuma attacks.

Alain: what? Akumas last only a day. The school has been disrupted by them, yes. But everything goes back to normal the next day. Didn’t you try calling the principal?

Mrs Rossi is stiff and she thanks Alain. She needs time to think. More than that, she wants another person’s opinion and confirmation about akumas before she decides on what else to do.

The next morning, Lila is at school. She makes no reference to Alain meeting her Mother. In fact she prefers to avoid him because he is so annoying. He rarely asks about her adventures and the questions are obviously and disinterestedly polite. What teenager isn’t excited by Jagged Stone?

In the middle of class, Lila is asked to the principal’s office. She returns fuming, with Mrs Rossi and the principal by her side.

Mrs Rossi ordered her Daughter. “Tell them the truth Lila.”

Lila is forced to confess her lies. In addition, for forging her mother’s signature and truancy, she is hereby expelled.

An akuma arrived to target her. As Caline rushed Lila away from the akuma, Marinette actually ran out and used her purse as a makeshift butterfly net. Since she wasn’t feeling negative (actually she felt pretty good about Lila getting exposed), the akuma was just fluttering around in her purse until Tikki threw a macaroon on it and proceeded to sit on it.

Alya is already posting on her blog about it, hopeful Ladybug will arrive to cleanse the akuma.

Marinette rushes out to the roof to wait for her there.

In the aftermath of Lila’s exposure, the class is certainly feeling wounded and guilty.

Caline is trying to advise them to forgive Lila who probably felt shy of their accomplishments.

Alain: Um, she asked me to carry her school bag because her arm was supposed to be sore from planting trees.

His words were a spark.

Kim: I bought her lunch.

Alya: I posted false information on my blog. Ok, technically I didn’t fact check. But Lila was not innocent!

Rose: I donated my summer job cash on her fake donation! (She proceeds to sob)

Caline: but she has already been punished, shouldn’t we extend our friendship to her now that she is alone?

Alain: She didn’t look all that repentant if you ask me. Didn’t you see her smiling at the akuma?

Adrien: Lila wouldn’t have hesitated to hurt us.

Alix: what a psycho.

Caline: that is enough. I want you all to forgive Lila and try to reach out a hand in friendship.

Ivan: But she’s dangerous

Max: and clearly not well if she keeps on lying that she can call Ladybug right after admitting she lied about knowing her.

Alain mutters to Ivan, “Wanna bet that Ms Bustier becomes Lila’s puppet if she actually does this?”

The next morning, Caline actually tries to order the class to say one nice thing about Lila and to write her a nice letter. Never mind that she clearly heard Alya report that Lila was exiled from Paris after Chat Noir admitted she had been working with Oniichan to endanger Ladybug. Apparently he had somehow heard how Lila was smiling at the akuma and suspected she was in league with the terrorist.

Alain so couldn’t wait for the term to end.

When it finally did, he gladly reported to the school board his investigation on the akuma class.

He blames Caline mostly for her redundant perspective that people need to forgive bullies and liars instead of educating them and correcting their behavior. Like seriously, how else would the victims get justice? She also lacks a sense of responsibility in that she refuses to correct Alya’s lack of self-preservation.

His advice: fire her or suspend her indefinitely, send her to get proper training. Get the class a strict and just teacher with a sense of fairness.

Once his job was done, Alain sighed and emptied his bag of textbooks. He could really go for some wine.

[knight-queen]

Lunatic Parade Subaru Sakamaki– (Chapter 4)

[Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3]

Place: Hotel • Mortstein,Guest room / ホテル•モーントシュタイン客室 

Yui: (I feel like tiredness is still left on my body but...I must refresh myself.)

(Umm...Subaru kun is…)

Subaru: nh...nnn…

Yui: (He’s still sleeping…)

Subaru kun, good morning.

...Time to get up already!

Subaru: ……

Yui: (Oh no, he’s not in the mood to get up…)

Subaru ku一

Subaru: Nnh...whatta disgusting pillow…

Yui: Eh…!?

*Holds her*

Yui: (...kh…!)

(He’s misunderstanding me by thinking that I’m his pillow or something…!)

Subaru: Nnnh…

(On the first day, he was the one to say “Do not cross over on his bed-part���!”, but now he’s…!)

Subaru: ……

Yui: (What shall I do?)

→  Selection

Forcibly rub / 無理矢起理こす 

Let him just sleep quietly / そっと寝かせておく(+Correct)

Yui: (But…)

(He was more exhausted than I was, so it should be okay to let him sleep a little bit more.)

(...Aight, it’s decided.)

Subaru: Zzz….

Yui: (Fufu...looks like he’s having a peaceful time while sleeping.)

(May it’s good that he didn’t wake up….!)

*After a moment*

Subaru: Nng…?

*Fades to CG*

Subaru: ……

Yui: (H- he woke up…?)

Subaru: …...Yui?

Yui: Eh...Err...good morning…

Subaru: ...kh!

Wha...What are you doing here!?

This was my bed-part! Do ye’ think it’s alright to enter my bed-side like this!?

Yui: (He’s saying the same thing he said on the 1st day…)

Yo- you’re wrong…! When I was about to wake you up, then you did this while sleeping…!

Subaru: HAAH!? ME!?

kh...I see.

Yui: (Uuh...this situation is embarrassing…)

A- anyways! You have to wake up already!

Subaru: Tch...I have to huh. I’m gonna wake up…

*CG Fades*

Yui: (Last day of the parade…)

(If we complete the orders of the antique art-dealer, we can properly apologize to Earl Walter afterwards…)

(I must get back my heart from him…!)

Place: Aizen Stahl, Antique Art Store / アイゼン シュタール古美術商店 

Yui: Hello, good morning!

Antique Art Dealer: Ooh, you two! I have been waiting. How’s your condition?

Yui: We’re already fine. Thank you for carrying us all the way up to the hotel yesterday.

Antique Art Dealer: Nope, don’t worry about that.

Subaru: If so, then don’t leave such notes which reach my nerves.

Yui: Wai- Subaru kun…!

Subaru: Hmph. And...What’s the last task?

We aren’t gonn’ have a leisure time today after all.

Antique Art Dealer: That’s right. Well then, I shall present today’s mission for you.

I want two of you to search…

My pet.

Yui: Ehh…!?

Subaru: Your pet!?

Antique Art Dealer: Mhm. When I took my pet to the Saint Honore Park today, it escaped away.

Yui: Escaped away...Err, by the way, what kind of pet…?

Antique Art Dealer: A parrot.

Subaru: Haah!? Is there any idiot to ever exist who’ll take a parrot outside!?

Antique Art Dealer: You can see, right in front of you.

Subaru: Don’t ye’ talk back!

Yui: Th- there, there...we’ve got no other options since it ran away…

Let’s go searching?

Subaru: Aah...right…

Yui: (Parrot huuuh...I hope we can find that out without any troubles…)

Place: サントノレパーク通り/ Saint Honoré Park, Street

Yui: (We’ve come here but…)

...It’s unbelievably crowded compared to the first day…

Subaru: ...Haah...earsore…

Yui: If there’s so many people, then we can’t ask around one by one.

Where should we get started…

???: Oh my? Could it be you two are…

Yui: (Hm…?)

Clown A: Yeah, looks like so! We’ve also met before!

Yui: Ah…!

Subaru: You are…!

Yui: (He’s the Mr Clown that we had met on the first day…!)

Clown A: Seems like you are being in trouble in this amusement park this time too~

Oh, plus did you find the head-mask?

Yui: Ah, yes! Thank you for helping us that time!

Clown A: Don’t mention it. By the way, are you trying to find something today as well?

Subaru: Yeah...we’re searching a parrot around.

Clown A: Parrot? ...Could it be that belongs to the person who was screaming today saying his pet escaped away?

Subaru: That’s right. We must gotta find out that old guy’s parrot.

Yui: Have you seen it somewhere?

Clown A: Umm...I’ve seen that today, but I don’t know where it is now…

Yui: I get you…

Clown A: Ah, that’s right! What if we distribute everyone a notice-poster?

Subaru: Poster?

Clown A: Exactly! Since there are so many visitors here today and,

If we pass out posters about this everyone, then you may find that pet out quickly.

Of course, we will support you in delivering those posters.

Yui: No kidding!?

Clown A: Sure thing! We also have a debt of gratitude for your show-performance.

Yui: What should we do? Subaru kun

Subaru: It can't be any help just by asking four or five. If it’s the case then I’ll agree on passing out posters or whatever it takes.

Yui: Aight, let’s start making posters right away!

*After a while*

Yui: (It’ll be better if it has an illustration which is easier to understand and helpful to find out.)

(Drawing a parrot is difficult but...I can count on the photo that they’ve shown us a while ago…)

Subaru: ………

Yui: ...Alright, it’s done!

I’ve drawn it this way, how’s it!?

(I’m thinking it looks good even someone like me has drawn it…)

Subaru: ……

...Isn’t that a crumbled cake?

Yui: Eeeh!? You’re wrong, it’s a parrot!?

Subaru: ...My bad, but whatever it’s looking like, it doesn’t look like a parrot…

Yui: N- no way…

Subaru: Parrot...hm...I also don’t know that much though…

*he starts drawing*

Subaru: ...Shouldn’t it...pretty much look like this?

Yui: Wah...cool…! It’s a parrot…!

You’re unexpectedly good at painting!

Subaru: Surprisingly you say, but it’s needless. By the way...you’re awfully unskilled.

Yui: Uuh…

(I can’t say anything back about it…)

...Anyway, I think we should now scatter so many copies of it.

Clown A: Leave it to me!

I’m gonna distribute in the middle of this park, soI bet you can get some kind of information!

Yui: W- we’re looking forward to that!

(I hope we’ll get a little bit of information by doing it…)

*After a while*

Clown A: Heyy!

Subaru: What’s up?

Clown A: Looks like we’ve come up to know something at once! That pet it possibly in the street over there!

Yui: (Looks like it was effective to make posters!)

Let’s go there!

Place: サントノレパーク通り/ Saint Honoré Park, Street

Subaru: Fuck, where did that damn parrot go!?

Yui: ーAh! Look, Subaru kun! It’s on the roof of the attraction box office!!

Subaru: Tch...this guy playing stupid with us arround…!

Yui: (...It has reached such a place like in the roof huuh…)

*parrot screeches*

Yui: What now, if we just wait here then it’s gonna fly away…!

Subaru: ...I’m gonna fly there and get that.

Yui: Eh!? You can’t! That parrot is pretty big plus...

Subaru: If I take a lot of time just climbing on the roof, it’s gonna run away.

Yui: But…

Subaru: Just be quiet and wait ‘re.

….gh…

*Footsteps*

Yui: (Hm…? Ah, the child is…!)

Subaru kun, waitー

*Screen shakes*

Subaru: ...kh, haa?

Vampire Children C: Ah...I’m so sorrー

Ah...my ice-cream is…

Yui: (It fell off when he collided…?)

Subaru: Oi! Look front while walking! It’s dangerous!

Yui: Su- Subaru kun, calm down…

Err...are you okay?

Vampire Children C: Uuh...my ice-cream...it fell…*crying*

Yui: (He’s crying…!? Oh no!?)

Subaru: Tch...stop it…

Anyway, I am gonna get the parrー

*Parrot flies away*

Subaru: Oii!! Wait up!!

Yui: (It escaped…)

Subaru: Of shit...I was very close…

Vampire Children C: Uuuh….uuuh…

Subaru: ...che.

Yui: (I’m Subaru kun is very angry?)

I- I am sure...this child didn’t get bumped onto you willinー

Subaru: Yeah...I’m aware of that.

Oi, brat.

Vampire Children C: ….Big brother, I’m so sorry...it was my fault…

Subaru: That doesn’t matter now. Above that...you dropped your ice cream huh.

Vampire Children C: Y- yes…

Subaru: ...Which shop is selling it? I’m gonna buy you a new one in exchange.

Yui: Subaru kun…!

Subaru: Even though it’s just an ice-cream to me...but to this brat, maybe it’s something more than that.

Yui: (I see...so that’s why…)

Vampire Children C: Thank you, Oniichan, Oneechan!

|| Oniichan means big brother and Oneechan means big sister in Japanese.

The shop is right over there! I’ll lead you the way.

Monologue  

After this, the boy take us to the shop but一

We were too late, so the ice-creams were already sold out.

This child who was tearing up Subaru kun bought him a pudding from a different shop. For that, somehow he stopped crying.

For a moment, I thought what bad could come up, but the boy returned to his parents while waving his hand to us putting on a smiling face at last 一

End of Monologue

Yui: At the end, that boy was having a happy face right….!

Subaru: Aah...with this, finally it got settled.

Yui: Yes. Thanks for working hard.

Subaru: Well...time to go back for the main task. We’ve lost so much time for sure but 一

*Parrot screeches*

Yui: Eh...that sound of a bird…! It means…!

*Flies*

Yui: Kyaa…!

(Now, it just flies though in front of us!?)

Subaru: That bastard...found it…! This time I ain’t let ‘em escape for sure!

Place: Gardening Shop / 園芸店 

Yui: Haah….kh...haah…

(We had to run quite a bit...this place...a granening shop…?)

*Parrot screeches*

Subaru: Tch...where is it planning to go…!

Place: Garnering Shop, Glasshouse/ 園芸店 温室

Yui: (It’s taking us in such kind of places…)

(Ah...it has stopped on this tree…!)

Subaru kun, it’s the right chance, yes?

Subaru: 一Hold it. Don’t go now.

Yui: Eh...but why…?

Subaru: The tree where the parrot standing is...the Devil’s Tree.

Yui: Devil’s Tree…?

Subaru: This is a tree which reacts to a small stimulus and aimlessly attacks the ones who will go nearby it...

Once you get entwined with it’s branches, it won’t be easy to escape away from it.

Yui: Such a tree is…

Subaru: Yeah...that’s why the only way is to secretly go near it and wait for the perfect chance…

Do ye’ even try to make noises that much.

Yui: Yes…

(I’ll do my best…)

Subaru: ...Aight, just a bit一

Clown A: Oooi~! You two!

Yui: Eh?

Subaru: Aah!?

Clown A: That’s good! I’ve been searching for you!

Subaru: Oi, ye’ dummy! Be quiet!

Clown A: Eh? What do you just say?

Subaru: I said...SHUT UP!!

*Slightly hit the tree*

Yui: Ah, Subaru kun, if you do so, then the tree will…!

Subaru: Ah, oh no…!

*The tree starts attacking*

Yui: Kyaaa!?

(The branch is...wrapped around my body…!)

Subaru: Che…! Let go!!

*Punch*

Yui: Oh no, if you do so then, again…!

*Screen shakes*

Subaru: Uwaa!?

Yui: Kyaaaa!?

*After a while*

Place: Diamante Fountain / ディアマンテ泉

Subaru: Haah...oh shit, we had to face something terrible…

Yui: Yes...you’re right…

(In the conclusion, when一)

(We couldn’t move at all, then we were somehow saved…)

Clown A: I’m sorry...I thought to give you the information about the parrot right away and…

Subaru: Even if so, there was a Devil Tree out there

You knew that, no!?

Yui: W- well, well...but he didn’t have any bad-intention and also…

If Mr. Clown wouldn’t help us then I don’t know what bad could happen…

Subaru: Tch…

...It’s fine. Chasing after that parrot comes first over anything now.

Yui: (Exactly...Before a while, the parrot escaped away when we couldn’t move ourselves for that tree…)

Clown A: If it runs away even if you chase after that then,

What about luring out that parrot instead?

Yui: Luring…? Even if you say that, but how 一

Subaru: No, wait. There’s a way I guess.

Yui: Eh…?

Subaru: You see, that Old-Uncle mentioned before. The tarts which is selling out in the Tart • Tatan. Tarts are it’s favorite dish.

Yui: So, if we lure the parrot using tarts…

Subaru: ...We’ll be able to catch that for sure.

Clown A: Tart • Tatan is nearby this place, however一

Subaru: Near? Then we’re on our way.

Yui: Yes…!

(Let’s do our best so it’ll go smoothly…!)

*They walks away*

Clown A: ...However, tarts may have gotten sold out since today’s the last day of the Parade, I wanted to say.

I hope everything’s gonna be okay…

Place:Tart Tatan,Glimmer Street Shops /タルト• タタングリンマーストリート店

Yui: ...kh…!

Subaru: Aah? What’s up with this crowding…!

Yui: An- anyway, let’s ask the people whether this shop’s selling out tarts or not.

Err, excuse me! We want to take-out some well-known tarts from this shop…

Tart • Tatan Clerk: My sincere apologies. We’ve served too many customers today so,

So the tarts which were for take-out have already sold out…

Yui: So- sold out…!?

Subaru: Then, it’s okay even if we don’t take-out that. We can get the tarts by using the reserving-food method.

Yui: Oh, that’s right. Sorry for that, then we’re gonna reserve tarts for 2 person一

Tart • Tatan Clerk: Actually...the reservation is not available since the customers have already filled that over…

Subaru: What!?

Yui: S-such…!

(We had come this far but…)

Subaru: ...At the end, the only way is to chase after that huh…?

Yui: As you see, it’s the only way I think…?

???: Ah! Oniichan! Oneechan!

Yui: Eh, this voice…

Ah, look Subaru kun! The child who’s waving his hand to us is….

Subaru: Ah? ...It’s the kid from the before.

Yui: (Ne-nevertheless, the food that’s decorated like a mountain on their table is...Tart…!)

Vampire Child C: What are you doing here?

Yui: Umm…

Subaru: Honestly, I don’t wanna ask for the tart to a kid but...we got no other choices…

Yui: Looks like...so…

(I don’t know if he can give us one or two tarts but...let’s try it by asking him…)

Well, you see…

*After the conversation*

Yui: ...that’s what happened.

Vampire Children C: That parrot, it’s the bird that I saw while I collided with Oniichan?

Subaru: Yup, that one.

Vampire Children C: I see. Then I’ll ofcourse give you! It will do, right?

Father: You two were the ones who gave my son pudding, huh.

I am sorry that earlier my child has burdened you with unreasonable things. If this tart will come out handy then take as much as you want.

Yui: Eh, really!?

Father: Ofcourse. You were the one who took care of my child earlier.

Mother: Yeah, we’re really grateful for that.

Yui: Thank you so much!

Subaru: No kidding…?

Your kindness has come out as a huge help…

Yui: Y-yeah….?

(It makes me happy that he said it but…)

(But we don’t have time for that.)

Yui: Then, let’s use this tart and lure out the parrot!

Thank you so much!

Vampire Children C: Mhm, do your best!

Place: Onyx Tower, Inside Hall / オーニュクスタワー内部ホール

Yui: Phew...is it okay to arrange these like this?

Subaru: Yeah...all we can do now is to just wait.

Yui: (I spread it here, from where the smell should get spread the most but…)

(I really hope it’ll come, please…!)

*Wind blows + parrot comes*

Subaru: ….Hm?

Yui: Ah!

(It comes…!)

*parrot(s) screech*

...here, they go!?

(For some reason, so many of them have come!?)

Subaru: Oi, oi, what’s going on!? Where did they come from!

*Parrot(s) screech*

Yui: (Wah...they all have started to eat these all at once…)

Subaru, what can we do!? I am not that sure which one of them is the parrot that we’ve been searching…

Subaru: Me neither! By the way, the fastest way will be to get the Old-Uncle for conforming.

Which’s why...we gotta catch all of ‘em right now…!

*After a moment*

Yui: Haah...hah...kh…haah…

Subaru: ....kh...with this...we’re done catching each of them…?

Yui: Pr- probably…

(We’ve caught all of them when they’ve gone crazy eating the tarts but…)

(But I’m tired beyond my imagination…)

Subaru: ...Haah...now, we gotta call out that old-uncle for confirming in one of these一

Antique Art Dealer: 一Oh my, oh my...you have caught unexpected number of them.

Subaru: kh...you…!

Antique Art Dealer: Yeaah, I’ve come here to visit when I heard that so many parrots are gathered on the top of the tower…

I didn't think you’d catch so many of them.

Subaru: I think yer’ parrot in one of them! Check out!

Antique Art Dealer: Mhm, I will.

Subaru: ……

Yui: ……

(God please…! I hope his parrot is one of these…!)

Antique Art Dealer: ...Yup! This one!

*Parrot screeches*

Yui: Eh...It means…

Antique Art Dealer: Yeah, your mission is complete!

Subaru: OH YAAAAY!!

Yui: (That’s great…! Finally we’re done with these…!)

Subaru: Oi, you’re satisfied now I guess. Then hurry up and handover the things that ya’ promised us.

Antique Art Dealer: Ofcourse, I am aware of that.

Look, I’ve brought those with me.

Yui: (Ah...that’s right...it’s not over yet.)

(We have to go to the place where Earl Walter is.)

Subaru: Finally we’ve got to the starting point…

Yui: (Subaru kun had to face so many difficult things till now, yet…)

(He’s still dealing with these …)

Yui: Umm...Subaru kun, I am sorry...you’re having so much trouble for me…

Subaru: Ah? What are you saying such things, don’t worry.

It was originally my fault starting with and…

...I am gonna go to meet Earl Walter. You wait here.

Yui: Eh...But…

Subaru: I’ll...hurry up and get back your heart at once.

Who can be silent to a guy who’s doing whatever he wants to with any kind of people around.

Yui: Subaru kun…

Subaru: Ah...which is why...you should just be silent and listen to what I say. *blushing*

Yui: Yes��

But, I can’t make you feel hurt all by yourself.

That’s why I also want to go and apologize with you.

Subaru: ...Tch, do as you wish.

Antique Art Dealer: ...Hehehe. You don’t have to go there.

Subaru: Ah? What? What’s so funny?

*BG blurred to white*

Subaru: ...kh…!?

Yui: Wh- what!?

(Smoke is getting filled here…! I can’t see the front…!)

Antique Art Dealer?: ...You two did well.

Yui: (Eh...this voice…)

Subaru: ...kh, this bastard is, Walter!?

Earl Walter: Kukuku...Hahaha…!

*BG is back*

Yui: (Ah...the smoke disappeared一)

*Clothing sound*

Earl Walter: ...Is it the first time to see me in this appearance?

Yui: You are...Earl Walter…?

Earl Walter: Certainly. I have been observing your actions very closely.

Subaru: Closely you say...you mean by distinguishing yourself to an old-man!?

What was that...it means we’ve been rushing around for abiding your orders all these times…

Earl Walter: I think that I was a little bit mean with you. However, you were the one to break the goods of my castle to begin with.

This is why I wanted you to feel grief by doing these tasks.

Subaru: ...Hmph.

Earl Walter: ...Then, we shall move onto the main issue. Yui Komori, I’m talking about your heart.

Yui: ...Yes.

Earl Walter: The fact that you’re the one and only person who’s worthy to possess this treasure,

I have gotten the proof of this claim clearly with my own eyes.

...Therefore, I shall give your heart back.

*Heart’s pounding*

Yui: ...kh…

*Screen’s white for an instant*

Yui: (...kh...for a moment, I felt something strange in my body…)

(My heart is...back…?)

Subaru: ...Oi, you alright?

Yui: I- I think so…?

Subaru: ...ngh…

*Subaru gets closer + loses her dress*

Subaru: Kyaa…!?

Subaru: ...I’m gonna confirm it. ….nnnh...mnn…!

Yui: ...eek…!

(His fangs are…)

Subaru: ...Haah...mnn…!

...Haah...the taste is the same as always…

(Eh...it means…!)

Earl Walter: Heh...told you right? “I’ll give her heart back.”

Yui: ...Thank you very much!

(I’m relieved now…!)

Earl Walter: From here on, walk on your life by being worthy of having this heart.

Yui: Yes…!

Subaru: We'd know it even if you wouldn’t say!

Earl Walter: ...Fufu, good.

Well then...the finale of the parade is coming soon…

Enjoy that till the end upto your heart's content.

With this, I am going to take my leave.

Earl Walter: Kukuku...Hahaha!

*Sound*

Yui: (Ah...he disappeared…)

Subaru: Jeez, what was wrong with that guy…

Yui: Yes...he’s a very mysterious person.

(But…)

(I feel like he has taught us a very important lesson.)

The END of Chapter O 4 一

[anicastes]

Good morning, Sueharu-oniichan!

[fizzingwizard]

Frantically playing catch up because I’m gone the rest of the weekend so here’s day 6 after all! Blatantly Takari. This one surprised me by how easy it was to write so it got a bit longer than the others. I’m sure there are many typos, please overlook. Also has two quotes, one in the text and one at the end, from my long-time favorite poet, Walt Whitman. BTW, I don’t really get everything that went down with Ordinemon, but I did my best to fit canon.

One month post-Bokura no Mirai, Takeru and Hikari go on a date and Hikari encounters something unexpected, which leads to a very overdue conversation with her brother.

Warning - there’s mention of the death of sick baby. It’s not huge but it matters to the story. I don’t want to shock anyone.

---

Tri week day 6 - Journeys - Death of a Comet

"How are you?" Takeru asked, watching her carefully.

Hikari only smiled and pretended not to notice. "I thought we'd known each other long enough to skip the niceties, Takeru-kun," she quipped. It was a far cry from her old playfulness, she knew, but she also knew he wasn't going to call her out for it it just yet.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Takeru rolled his eyes with an exaggerated, put-upon sigh. "I didn't realize relationship length was proportionate to amount of shits given."

"It is, at least when the last time we talked was an hour ago over text."

"Duly noted."

"Let's go?"

He nodded. He was wearing another hat she'd never seen before, a dark blue beret that looked about to tip off the side of his head with a light breeze. She wondered if he went out and bought a new hat each time before they went out together. Like how a girl shouldn't be caught in the same outfit twice. He probably did. That was Takashi Takeru, vain as fuck. But there was also something kind of adorable about it.

They'd "officially" been dating for a couple weeks, and Hikari wasn't sure yet how she felt about it. Of course, she'd agreed to it when he asked her. What else could she do? They'd been flirting and toying with each other off and on for years, in a childish way, but she couldn't pretend she didn't know full well what she was doing. She'd even sometimes daydreamed about what dating him would be like. Mostly she imagined it would be a lot of sitting in the bleachers at his basketball games.

She didn't consider Takeru the most mature of the boys in their year, but he wasn't as bad as some. Plus, they'd been through a lot together, so she knew what he was made of. And he really liked her. And she liked him. It seemed unavoidable. She'd said yes because she had no good reason for saying no.

It still felt a bit weird when he reached to hold her hand. Two weeks in, and they had yet to kiss. For the most part, it felt like nothing much had changed between them, except that Takeru no longer tried to hide his excitement when she was near. That was... flattering. And she had no qualms with taking it slow either.

They got on the Yurikamome train and stood together by a window, watching the Odaiba waterfront speed by as they traveled over the Rainbow Bridge. The sky was blue and cloudless. It was the kind of weather Tailmon loved, but Hikari had already talked to her about why she sometimes couldn't come along when she and Takeru went on an "outing." Tailmon had blinked lazily and said that was alright, and given her claws a long, purposeful lick. ”But if he ever hurts you, don't you dare hide it from me.”

Hikari promised, but thought the reverse scenario was far more likely.

Takeru had a more difficult time explaining it to Patamon, she'd heard. Supposedly, after Takeru had given his spiel about how growing up meant needing more time to oneself, Patamon had blurted out, "Are you going to kiss Hikari!? You've got to kiss her, Takeru!" loudly enough that some boys at school had overheard, and as a result everyone knew that they were an item before they'd even been out on a single date.

Such was life with Digimon.

"You know where it is, right?" Hikari asked as they got off the train.

"Yeah, I've come here with my mom for other exhibits," Takeru said, leading her out the exit and onto a busy street. "Mom's really into modern art. We've gone to see Kusama Yayoi's sculptures on Naoshima like four times. I'm pretty sure she goes whenever she breaks up with a boyfriend."

Hikari laughed. "Wait, really?"

"Well, she never introduces them to me, but I can tell when she's seeing someone. She touches up her roots more often."

The art exhibit they were going to see was some sort of interactive light show. Hikari had seen pictures online and thought it looked beautiful. Her father was of the opinion that they only ever put the best pictures on the website, and the rest of the exhibit was probably in some big, white-walled room that smelled like someone had microwaved fish for lunch. Her mom had been more enthusiastic, and added that, if the art did turn out to be a dud, it was as good an excuse as any to sneak off somewhere quiet with her Romeo and, you know, romance him.

Hikari was definitely not going to do that.

She'd timed things with care. Taichi had morning soccer practice until ten. After that he'd come home for lunch. The exhibit opened at eleven, but her concerns about there being a line fell on deaf ears, since Takeru claimed he knew this museum and it was never crowded. (Which didn't do much to mitigate her concerns about the exhibit being any good.) So the earliest she could convince him to catch the train was ten fifteen. So if she left right at ten and headed directly to the station, she ought to be able to miss her brother coming home completely.

It felt like fate was laughing in her face when she ran into him on her way out.

Her shock was mirrored on his face as they both stood in the doorway, staring at each other as if unable to understand why their biological sibling would be there, in their childhood home.

Taichi spoke first, if speech it could be called. "Uh," he said.

"Oniichan," she stammered back, "why - how - you got home fast."

"Yeah... Yamato was having band practice and he gave me a ride on the scooter," Taichi replied.

Hikari kept her mouth shut. Had Yamato orchestrated this? Was Takeru in on it? She knew it wasn't likely in either case, but her hackles were raised. "Oh," she said.

They continued to stand in the doorway. This was, Hikari reflected, the longest conversation they'd managed to keep going in almost a month.

"You... going somewhere?" Taichi asked after a while, tilting his head and looking up and down.

"Museum. With Takeru-kun."

"Oh. Well, have fun."

"Thanks."

As if suddenly realizing he was blocking the exit, Taichi stepped to the side, and Hikari barely restrained herself from running down the hall. The damage was done, though. The minute the elevator door closed, the tears started leaking down her face. Dammit. She'd been so careful.

She'd had to stop off at a nearby convenience store to hide in the restroom. She splashed her face and dabbed her eyes with her hand towel until they were less red, until the evidence of the havoc wreaked just by seeing her brother was hidden under a fresh layer of make-up. She never even wore make-up much before - after all, she was fourteen and blessed with good skin. Dating Takeru had been a convenient excuse to explain to her mom why she suddenly needed extra allowance for concealer, despite having no acne.

She wound up ten minutes late meeting Takeru and still, he could tell right away that something was wrong. She'd managed to deflect, but...

Hikari had never been any good at lying, even to herself. But she was surprised by her own cruelty, dating Takeru because she needed the distraction, an excuse to be anywhere but home. His feelings for her were genuine. She was a monster.

"Hikari-chan?" Takeru gave her a nudge that jolted her into the present. There was, indeed, no line to get in at the art show, and Takeru was trying to hand her a ticket. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?"

She nodded resolutely. "Yeah, of course."

"It's just, you're being kind of quiet."

"Well, sorry but I'm not a professional entertainer."

He didn't reply to that barb. Hikari felt even more miserable. If only Yamato's stupid motor scooter had broken down on the road...

They handed in their tickets and went through a pair of double doors, into a wide room lit by myriad streamers of blue and purple lights wafting on the air like strange, hypnotic jellyfish. No pictures were allowed, so Hikari kept her camera stowed, but she couldn't bring herself to regret it. Any pictures she tried to take while in such a stormy mood were bound to end up in the trash bin anyway.

They followed the path laid out through fiber-optic tallgrass in silence. Takeru was still gripping her hand, even though her own hung like a dead fish. The next section was a blacklight room with an even more obvious sci-fi vibe, bright cables painted brilliant colors in the impression of sea snakes creating circuitous archs on the walls and ceiling. The heat-sensor flooring lit under their feet as they walked.

Takeru leaned towards her, the blacklight setting his white T-shirt aglow. "This is like some disco-era alien planet," he joked, offering her the olive branch.

Well, she owed it to him not to let this date be a total disaster. "The room before reminded me of the tree in Avatar," she said.

"I bet the next one's gonna be something from Fifth Element."

"No way."

"Could be."

"Completely different aesthetic."

"It's gonna be that giant McDonald's sign made of stained glass. Wait and see."

It wasn't, of course. Takeru continued to insist they'd see the sign in the next room, and the next, until they reached the end of the exhibit, where he finally admitted defeat. At least room four had clearly been lifted from Finding Nemo, he said.

The final room was, in fact, an open space with white walls, but Hikari didn't notice any stomach-turning smells. A combination of 2- and 3D works of art were mounted around the room, and they took their time browsing, continuing to try to outwit each other with their increasingly outlandish, and even somewhat insulting, art critiques. It was a lovely show, Hikari thought. If she'd come to see it in a better frame of mind, she would be raving just now. But though she'd recovered her ability to match Takeru quip for quip, she still felt heavy with gloom. Geez, why did he want to date a rain cloud like her?

"Want to go for lunch?" Takeru asked as they took in the last piece of art, an abstract mosaic made of vibrant, blinking lights laid into a glass frame on a large tabletop. Hikari circled it slowly, watching lights ripple across the frame, stitching the full picture together bit by bit.

"Sure."

"There's a cafe my mom and I go to nearby. It does amazing pancakes."

"Sounds good," she said vaguely, her brow creasing in thought. She took a step back, gazing at the table from what she'd discovered was meant to be the foot, where you could see the picture in full if you craned your neck just so.

It wasn't abstract art. It was Ordinemon.

Her whole body stiffened.

"The orange marmalade pancakes are my favorite - you listening?" With a confused look, Takeru glanced from her unchanging expression to the table. His eyes went wide. "... Let's leave, Hikari-chan."

He gave her arm a tug. She didn't budge.

"Hikari-chan, there's no need to stay here. Come on."

"Why," she said. It came out in a harsh whisper, like a frozen wind. "Why would someone make art of... that."

Takeru didn't answer for a minute. "Because... they saw it," he said after a while. His grip on her arm tightened, as if expecting her to try to break away. "So they want to express what they saw."

"It's an abomination," she choked out. Humiliating tears welled up in her eyes.

Takeru seemed to hesitate. Then he stepped back, and his arms circled round her shoulders, locking her in a tight hug from behind. The warmth of his body flowed into her ice cold one, solid, real. Her mind flashed to another day, with a roiling sky black as night, when she'd come to in an unfamiliar bed with Takeru at her side and known, with a rush of deadly certainty, that she'd destroyed everything she ever cared about.

Her brother. Her beloved partner. Her friends.

By her own will.

She didn't know what she'd done. Or how. That almost made it worse, the not knowing. Her heart broke, watching her brother disappear in the earthquake. That was all. Her heart broke and she... stopped. And when she started again -

It was too late.

Tailmon had told her she didn't regret the fusion with Meicrackmon, that she'd been able to hold poor Meicoomon together, just a little longer. There was nothing for Hikari to regret, she said. Powers beyond her control. Yggrasil and Homeostasis felt they could wage their little war and pick their champions, and dispose of them when they felt like it. No sooner had she shaken off Homeostasis's hold over her that Ordinemon happened.

Hikari hated that once upon a time, she'd believed Homeostasis was a benevolent presence. That she'd willingly let her into her mind.

Now she didn't know what to believe.

Rage flared, hot as ice. Her whole world, none of it made sense anymore. She was adrift, she was unmoored, there was no safe harbor, not even in the brother who she loved like no one else. He could make a choice like that, to kill Meicoomon, to kill their friend's irreplaceable partner. The one person who deserved the most to be saved. And she'd helped, because that was what you did, on a team, at least, if you couldn't come up with a better plan yourself.

She realized she was shaking. Takeru only held her tighter, his nose buried in the crook of her neck.

"Hikari-chan," he said, and he sounded - terrified. "What if - what if it's not, though. What if it's not an abomination. What if..."

"How can you say that," she hissed frostily.

"I mean - I'm not saying it was good. I'm not saying I don't wish none of this had happened. But - I think - Ordinemon, she was created from despair, yours and Meicoomon's. She was used, and it tortured her. We freed her from that. She would have destroyed everything, even though it's not what she wanted, and she was in so much pain -"

"Stop!" Hikari yelled, pushing away from him. There was enough strength behind her need to get away and he was not expecting it, so he toppled to the floor while she raced out the exit. She kept running, hardly aware of dodging people on the sidewalk, and ran until she found herself in a small park with nothing but a two-seater swing set and metal slide. She sank into one of the swings and dropped her head in her arms. And cried.

Cried for Meiko, for Meicoomon. Cried for the future they would never have.

Cried for her brother, who had changed, and she understood why, but she still missed the way he used to be. Her guiding star.

Cried for herself, a lost comet streaking through an unfamiliar galaxy, wondering if she would vaporize shooting too close to an alien sun, or if she'd putter out slowly until she was nothing but lifeless, crumbling stone.

Her phone buzzed in her purse - Takeru, surely, trying to find her. On top of everything else, she'd ditched the boy she was stringing along, who cared about her, and who had tried so hard to let her know she wasn't alone. She didn't deserve Takeru. She would break up with him - she had to. He should be with someone stronger than her, who wasn't going to fall apart at the seams just from a silly piece of art at a museum gallery.

After a while the sobs let up enough that she could see without tears clouding her vision, and she figured she should at least let him know she was okay. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her messages.

12:35: Takaishi Takeru: i'm so sorry. i didn't mean to upset you.

12:35: Takaishi Takeru: where did you go? someone said you ran past the 7-11 but I have no idea where you went from there

12:37: Takaishi Takeru: please tell me where you are. If you don't want me to come, I won't. I can call someone if you want.

12:38: Takaishi Takeru: I just want to know you're okay

12:40: Takaishi Takeru: hikari-chan PLEASE respond

12:45: Takaishi Takeru: I asked at the 7-11 but they said they didn't see you. am walking around aimlessly now. no idea where to look.

12:48: Takaishi Takeru: hikari-chan if you don't reply soon I'm gonna have to call Taichi-san

12:52: Takaishi Takeru: wound up back at the train station, if you want to meet me here.

12:55: Takaishi Takeru: if you don't respond in five minutes I'm calling Taichi-san, I mean it.

12:58: Takaishi Takeru: I love you, by the way. think I always have. thought you might want to know

Fresh tears pricked her eyes. Leave it to Takeru. How could he pick now to spring that on her?

She should be happy. She wanted to be happy.

13:02: Me: I'm okay. I'm sorry. Go home. I'll talk to you soon.

Her finger hovered uncertainly over the keypad. She typed:

The real abomination is me.

Then she deleted it, and pressed Send.

---

Little though she wanted to go home, Hikari didn't have an excuse for staying out past dinner. She stayed in the little park until it started to get chilly. A couple times, the occasional grandma stopped to ask if she was alright, but she smiled and waved away their concerns. Finally, when twilight fell over the park in a gossamer curtain, she stood and stretched out the kinks in her back before heading back to the station. It felt like she'd been out much longer than a few hours. She thought briefly of asking a friend if she could spend the night, but didn't like the idea of needing to pretend to be peppy and cheerful.

On the ride back, she did a search on the artist who'd made the Ordinemon mosaic. Why, she had no idea. Some self-hating side that wanted her to hurt, she guessed.

The artist's name was Matsuyama Risa, a Tokyo-based sculptor, whose partnership with Fujii Fiber-optics had given birth to the displays they'd seen today. Hikari let her eyes skim the article, categorically uninterested in the number of lights used or how they were installed. What she wanted to know appeared like magic, tacked on at the very end of the article.

Art of Nippon Now: The last room in the showcase features a magical light-up mosaic of a subject that could be disconcerting for some viewers. What led you to recreate the monster that much of Tokyo watched terrorize the sky last month?

Matsuyama: I put that piece together in a feverish rush. Most of these installations took weeks to install, but I insisted on this one, even though it was such short notice. I had to have it. I heard that many people never saw more of her than her massive wings, but I happened to have a very clear view at the time. It made a huge impression on me.

ANN: You said her?

Matsuyama: It was a she. Or, perhaps it's better to say she might not have a gender,  but she deserves better than the pronouns we use for inanimate objects, things without personality.

ANN: Are you saying this monster was a person?

Matsuyama: I don't know if you heard her cries, but they were deafening. They reminded me of how my son wailed in the night when he was first born. We didn't know why he was so colicky. Nothing we did calmed him. I was so afraid that he wasn't getting enough sleep. It turned out he was very sick and we just didn't know. The illness was hidden. We spent many nights in the ICU, holding out hope that he would be alright. I remember thinking, if he wasn't, it would destroy our marriage.

ANN: That sounds like a terrible experience.

Matsuyama: When our son died, it was terrible, but it also came as a relief. At least we knew he was no longer suffering. I was depressed for months. I couldn't make any art. Every day I expected my husband to leave me. The first day I pulled myself together enough to sketch something, he said I should sketch our son sometime.

ANN: So your husband didn't leave?

Matsuyama: No. He stayed by my side. When I cried that he deserved a woman who could make him happy, who would give him healthy babies, he told me I was the strongest woman he knew, and that I'd given him the best son in the world.

ANN: Wow - would that we all meet men like that.

Matsuyama: And women. That's why, although the creature that appeared over Tokyo was very frightening to look at, when I heard her cries all I heard was suffering. I thought, that is a real creature, who wants her pain to be understood. She represents something. Perhaps she was sent to show us the harm we do when we choose not to act to help others. She shouldn't be forgotten.

ANN: So you memorialized her in this mosaic?

Matsuyama: Yes. It was the right moment, even though I had no time. I wanted to recreate her likeness using lights. I set her into a table, because I felt that putting her on a wall would be too imposing, and viewers would only remember the fear she engendered. Lying down, it would seem as if she were in a coffin, finally laid to rest. But she's lit from within, and it's the light of life, desperately clinging on till the final moment, the same as any being with a soul.

ANN: Did you ever complete the sketch of your late son?

Matsuyama: No. I never did. But I think I will soon. I want to lay him to rest in my heart.

ANN: It's interesting that when you say 'lay to rest,' you seem to mean we should remember them.

Matsuyama: Our memories make us who we are. The past is always with us. My son, that creature, they are both part of my journey, as an artist of course, but also as a person in the world. You could say my son is the light of the world and that creature is the darkness, but I hold both light and dark in me, just by existing and being human.

ANN: You added a quote to the piece that said something of that nature.

Matsuyama: Yes, from a Walt Whitman poem, 'Song of Myself.' The quote reads: "I am not the poet of goodness only, I do not decline to be the poet of wickedness also."

ANN: Maybe Whitman never expected his poem to be used in this way.

Matsuyama: That's the nature of art. It is a journey in and of itself. It fluctuates and changes to nourish the times. I hope everyone who sees my art understands that they are on a journey as well, and everything they do creates the work of art called "the future."

ANN: Thank you for your time, Matsuyama-sensei.

---

Her brother was home, but her parents were not. The arrangement of shoes in the entryway said as much. Taichi was seated at the kitchen counter, eating a bowl of noodles and reading something. He looked up when the door opened and pushed his seat back.

"Hikari - you okay?" He peered at her, concerned. "Takeru didn't do something stupid, did he?"

So Takeru hadn't told her brother that she'd run off. Gratitude flooded through her. "No, of course not."

"Good." Taichi's hand rifled through his hair, the other planted on his hip, and he looked perplexed. "Then why do you look like you've been crying all day?"

Hikari walked inside and sank down on the couch. "Because I have been crying all day."

She could feel his hesitance as he wavered in the hall, trying to decide if he should press her for more. If that was still something he was allowed to do. She knew he would try. He wouldn't be Taichi if he didn't.

"You want to talk about it?" he asked, moving to sit on the arm of the couch, but he didn't relax, as if expecting her to tell him to leave her alone.

"No," she replied.

He nodded. "Okay." There was a pause. "You're sure Takeru didn't -"

"No, Oniichan."

"Okay, okay."

She sat there for a few minutes, staring blankly at the black TV screen. Soon Taichi slid off the arm into the seat beside her, allowing several inches of space between them. He didn't try to talk anymore. Didn't even get up to bring his bowl of noodles over, even though it was going to get cold.

Hikari tilted her head ever so slightly to peer at him. Dark circles ringed his eyes. She knew he hadn't been sleeping well. Something about his face looked more defined, less roundness to his jaw, starker cheekbones. Hadn't been eating much either, she guessed. It gave him an oddly grown up look. She would have to call him on losing weight from not taking care of himself, but that could wait for later. She was struck by how little he looked like their father. Everyone always said Hikari was the spitting image of her mom, so it seemed natural that Taichi should take after their dad, but though she searched she couldn't find many similarities. Taichi was just Taichi.

He gave a start when she leaned toward him and settled her head on his shoulder, but didn't say anything.

Hikari thought about many things.

How unbearable it was to feel helpless. How much she wanted everyone who cared about each other to be together, and for no one to suffer who didn't deserve it.  How deeply she loved her friends. How easy it was fall apart.

Maybe all that meant was her worldview had been too delicate to begin with. A painting on a porcelain vase wouldn't stand the test of time unless handled with the best of care. The real world was too chaotic, too disordered. She could wrap her dream in newspaper, cover it in packing peanuts, tape it into a box marked "Fragile," and it would still end up in shards. She would try to put it together again, but the pieces were sharp, and she kept cutting herself on them.

She still wanted it. So, so much.

"You stay that way. You can hate me if you want," her brother had told her. Trying to put everything on his own shoulders, as usual.

"I will probably never forgive you," she'd said, and wouldn't let him. "But that's why I'll fight with you."

"Oniichan," She slipped off his shoulder, buried her face in his chest. She didn't know how she could still have more tears, but they darkened her brother's shirt as her hands hugged him tight. "I'll always fight with you."

Surprised, he didn't move for a moment, but then his arms wrapped around her the same way they always had, ever since she was small. His grip was sure, but not out of naivety. Yes, he'd lost his innocence. It wasn't coming back. But what grew in his place, she realized, was his choice. And she got the feeling he'd already decided.

"That's good to know," he murmured softly, lashes brushing her cheek, and she thought they might be wet as well. "Because I'm never going to stop fighting for you."

They held each other for a long time.

---

The next day, Hikari showed up at Takeru's door with flowers and a box of chocolates. He made a funny face, looking her over.

"Flowers and chocolates? Shouldn't this be reversed?"

"Didn't know you were such a traditionalist," she joked. "But I'll eat these myself if they hurt your manly pride."

A hesitant grin spread over his face. "To hell with convention. Those are my chocolates, keep your paws off them."

It was silly, and cliche, but this was her life. She could be as silly and cliche as she wanted. She pulled his shoulders down and kissed him. It was light and quick, but he still looked flustered when they parted.

"My mom's home," he said with an unmistakable note of regret.

Hikari only nodded. "Figured. Video games and chocolates?"

The grin unfurled for real. "Yeah, that would be great."

Nothing had ended. She hadn't gotten over anything. But she felt, for the first time, that now she could accept it. It was a piece of who she was, and it would be a piece of who she became. But just who that person would be, she intended to decide for herself. Even if her path got buried under mountains of broken shards of glass, that was just a part of being Yagami Hikari.

"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes)."

[edenaeris]

[food fantasy] dessert crisis / chapter 2

🦋 Writer: Mitsuki

🦋 Featuring: Ritsu, Tsumugi, Mao

[ Ois~su♪ ]

Season: Spring

Location: Library

Tsumugi: Thanks to Ritsu-kun’s help, I could settle things at home just in time yesterday.

But still, although he said he’d help me sort out the remaining books, I couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy for some reason, so I ended up coming back to the library. 

Ritsu: Zzz… Zzz…

Tsumugi: Huh? Isn’t that Ritsu-kun?

The flashlight’s still on, as well. Does this mean that Ritsu-kun stayed up reading the whole night?

Ritsu-kun, Ritsu-kun, wake up. You’ll catch a cold if you sleep here. 

Ritsu: Yawn~ 

Ah, it’s you, Aoba-oniichan~ Good morning.

Tsumugi: Did you… Did you stay here all night?

Ritsu: Hmmm… I just woke up, so things are still kinda blurry. Gimme a sec.

Ah yes, I remember now. Aside from the ones I borrowed, I also found a lot of other interesting books while I was sorting them out. I got inspired by them, so I came up with new design ideas~

Then I sat down to draw some of them on paper, and I think at some point, I ended up falling asleep on the table.

Wah~ But sleeping on your stomach is truly uncomfy. My back is all stiff now~

Tsumugi: Haha, come here, I’ll massage it a little for you.

By the way, I brought you the juice you like. Here, drink some first to wake up.

There aren’t many people in the library this early in the morning, so I’ll let it slip this time around, alright?

Ritsu: Hehe, Aoba-oniichan, you’re so good at taking care of people~

Tsumugi: I mean, you did help me sort out the books yesterday, so this is the least I can do to thank you.

Because you rounded up things for me here, I was able to solve things at home just in time, so you helped me more than you can imagine.

In any case, classes will start soon, so make sure you attend them properly.

Ritsu: Sure, sure, I know.

Fufu, how funny. Usually, it’s Maa~kun who wakes me up so we can go to class together, but today I was woken up by Aoba-oniichan. Feels like a refreshing change of pace.

Mao: Ritsu!

Ah, you’re here too, Aoba-senpai. Morning.

Tsumugi: Haha, speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear. [1] Good morning, Isara-kun. Were you looking for Ritsu-kun?

Mao: Yup. I dropped by his house as usual today, but he wasn’t there.

Then, his family told me that he contacted them yesterday and said he’d stay in school, looking for books.

‘Though I gotta admit, I thought he’d be in class already, so I went straight to our classroom, only to find out he wasn’t there yet, so I came to the library.

Ritsu, since you’re still here, does that mean you spent the night in the library? Didn’t you feel cold or anything?

Ritsu: It’s fine, Maa~kun, I wouldn’t get sick so easily.

And after being pampered by Aoba-oniichan, I feel a lot better now ♪

Tsumugi: Alright, I’m sorry to interrupt you two, but the bell’s about to ring. If you don’t go now, you’re gonna be late for class.

Mao: Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the time as we talked. C’mon Ritsu, let’s hurry back.

Ritsu: Sure, lemme just put these books back first. It’ll only take a minute.

Tsumugi: You can leave that to me. If it’s just these few books here, I should be able to finish it in a jiff.

Ritsu: Thank you, then, Aoba-oniichan. Make sure to not be late for classes, as well.

Mao: Alright, we’ll be going now. See ya, Aoba-senpai.

Tsumugi: Ah, I’m jealous of the friendship between youngsters. To be able to go to school hand in hand like that.

Anyway, no time to keep sighing to myself. I better finish organizing these books so I can go to class as well.

These two volumes are about sweets-making…

Hm? This one seems to be about the Cthulhu Mythos [2], though. Is this one of the interesting books Ritsu-kun mentioned he found?

Of course, there’s no harm at all in reading different genres.

Hm? There’s a piece of paper under the book. It says… “The Cthulhu Dessert Plan – Part 1”? 

Woah! What… What on earth is this design?

[ ☆ ]

ㅤ

Notes:

Tsumugi uses an idiom here, [说曹操, 曹操到](shuō cáo cāo, cáo cāo dào), which is literally “speak of the devil and the devil shows up”, pretty similar to the English version.

The Cthulhu Mythos is mythopoeia that originated from the works of H. P. Lovecraft, deriving from the central creature in Lovecraft’s seminal short story “The Call of Cthulhu”. Lovecraft would make frequent references in his works to the “Great Old Ones”, a loose pantheon of ancient, powerful deities from space who once ruled the Earth and have since fallen into a deathlike sleep, letting the world fall into a state of chaos and hopelessness. “The Call of Cthulhu” was his first story that really expanded the pantheon of the “Great Old Ones”. This Enstars event is a collaboration with the Chinese RPG game “Food Fantasy”, in which the story revolves around how the God of Beginnings forced himself into a deep slumber after an all-out war between humans and souls broke out, leaving him in complete despair. This fictional myth from the game is very likely inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos, hence why it makes an appearance in this collab story.

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🦋 Translation: Eden

🦋 Proofreading: Mia (ENG)

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