#he loves using this device which is great for me because it actually helps!!! usually when i read written descriptions of relative

[coquelicoq]

889 pages after the waterloo digression and he gives you this look:

Qu'on nous permette de recourir, pour la clarté du récit, au moyen simple déjà employé par nous pour Waterloo. (t. II, IV, 12, I, p. 438)

uh-oh. don't do it vicky! we just had 26 pages on the historical day 5 june 1832, we don't need another waterloo (70-page play-by-play commentary on a historical event in which our characters barely feature) on top of that!

Les personnes qui voudront se représenter d'une manière assez exacte les pâtés de maisons qui se dressaient à cette époque près la pointe Saint-Eustache, à l'angle nord-est des halles de Paris, où est aujourd'hui l'embouchure de la rue Rambuteau, n'ont qu'à se figurer, touchant la rue Saint-Denis par le sommet et par la base les halles, une N dont les deux jambages verticaux seraient la rue de la Grande-Truanderie et la rue de la Chanvrerie et dont la rue de la Petite-Truanderie ferait le jambage transversal. (ibid., pp. 438-439)

oh, so it was just a reference to his method of describing the relative locations of a bunch of streets by comparing them to a capital letter of the alphabet.

saying this, she casually threw a large cobblestone at la garde municipale.

[datesinredink]

could you possibly write headcanons you have of how the rise yanderes would like psychologically manipulate/punish their darling? i’m all for physical violence but what do they do to mess their darling up in the head?

ty very much for reading this if you do :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH RAGHHHHHH!!!!! Since this is such a fun question to answer im gonna order these from most to least awful. The ranking is just my opinion and i would LOVE to see what other people think jhwhnwiurfj i decided to chug a soda to write this and i think that was a great decision because i immediately came up with smth for donnie because of it.

I decided to search up some ACTUAL psychological torture methods that have been/are used in real life and let normal manipulation take more of a backseat so that this didn’t end up too repetitive- honestly would recommend researching it, it’s a fun topic.

Trigger warnings: Very unfun use of technology in your arm, Drugging, More drugging, Even more drugging, Withholding of food/water (+ a more mild example of doing so but it still happens), Mild descriptions of gore, Mentions of blood, general yandere stuff like kidnapping, and likely others- please ask me to tag anything else triggering, because unfortunately I am not perfect.

1- Donnie.

This might be surprising to some of you. Yes, Leo is the manipulator- he’s the face man, the people guy, but I think that in terms of sheer awfulness- Donnie is going to win here simply because of the potential with his tech.

He’s a genius with access to mystic powers who has incredible skill with both designing and creating various machines and gadgets. I think that he’d be very creative, just considering how much he thought to fit into just his bō staff.

My first thought was that he could come up with a small device (which might be able to double as a tracker) to embed under your skin that could move around. It would skitter up and down your arm like a beetle (likely your dominant arm, just to be worse) and be a nice cherry on top of anything else he could come up with.

To pair with that, he could force some type of hallucinogenic drug down your throat- after some googling, LSD would be a likely candidate. While apparently it usually only causes “pseudo-hallucinations” (where you know that they aren’t real, whereas true hallucinations would be where you think they are), true hallucinations can happen, and the pseudo-hallucinations combined with the environment alone would be enough to cause a panic attack. Not even to mention the kind of drugs that the mystic city might have. (edit: i just found out about datura??? GODDAMN THAT’S A STRONG DRUG.)

Also, I think that Donnie would actually take decent care of you prior to any sort of escape attempt or broken rule. He’d hate for you to waste away in a dark room for the rest of your now shared life, so he would take you outside to some private space for a set amount of time everyday while you’re chained to him and probably gagged so you don’t call for help- you need time in the sun and exercise, after all. That’s why I think he’d also stop doing that if you broke a rule. You don’t want to be anywhere near him, and he supposes that he’s fine with that- but if you really don’t want anything to do with Donnie anymore, then you’ll just have to deal with losing all the luxuries that came with him being so caring.

He’ll lower the temperature in your room and take the hoodie that he so graciously gave you and waltz on out. He still brings you food and water, but now it’s less frequent and more random since now he’s prioritizing his brilliant inventions. Sorry dear, but weren’t you the one who begged him to leave you alone? Now he is. What’s the problem?

2- Leo.

Even if you haven’t done anything wrong (yet), being kept in his room would probably be a nightmare. I feel in my adhd soul that he would NOT be good at keeping it clean. It’d be living in a constant mess, and as someone who has lived in a perpetually messy house, it will definitely take a toll on your mental health. Not to mention the additional noise from whatever he and his brothers are doing. You wouldn’t be allowed outside of it either, not for a while at least, so you’d never know what day or time it is.

Other than the already constant sensory of his room, I think that Leo would mainly use threats- of which he goes through with. Not against you, though, but against your family, (what’s left of) your friends, and any other loved ones you might have. He’ll drag their unconscious body into whatever room he’s keeping you in, and wait with you for them to wake up.

While you two are waiting, he’ll lay out everything he’s planning to do to them in awful detail- and lucky you, he even left out some things as a nice surprise!

You’ll be tied to a chair and forced to watch as their guts fall to the ground from the clean slice in their now empty abdomen while Leo picks up and talks about their functions one by one. You silently wish that you never told him that you admired his skills as the team medic.

When he’s finally done rambling about the various viscera laying on the cold floor, he’ll force you to help him clean up- “so that Raph doesn’t get mad about the mess”, as he says. He’ll hold you in his arms when the two of you are done, whispering in your ear about how sorry he is that he had to do that, but you really did force his hand, and you know that, right? If only you had listened…

When the list of people you can bring yourself to care about finally has 0 names, Leo starts to instead take things away from you. He starts small, gradually taking and taking like the parasite you’ve learned he is until all you have left are the clothes you wear and him. He’ll even deprive you of food and water for periods of time, and you can no longer tell if you wish he would shut up for once or if you’re grateful for at least anything to distract you from the constant pain in your empty stomach.

Mikey and Raph landed themselves towards the bottom because I think that they’re both more lenient with punishments (Raph would be afraid of hurting you beyond repair physically OR mentally and Mikey has generally been shown to be very patient and forgiving with people he cares about), but I also think that they might be more exhausting to be stuck with GENERALLY, wearing you down slowly in day-to-day life rather than harsh punishments for breaking whatever rules might be in place for you.

3- Raph.

Raph would try to instill learned helplessness into his darling, to make them understand why he always has to be so careful!

It’ll happen the next morning after a particularly bad argument between you two, and when he’s suddenly letting you handle sharp objects again- but oh no! For some reason you feel so sluggish and dizzy today that you messed up and sliced open your arm. It’s ok- Raph’s here for you! He’ll either patch up your arm himself or take you to Leo, and after it’s taken care of he’ll scold you and say that it’s fine, maybe he’ll give you another chance next week. And he keeps his word- once again, you’re allowed to try your hand at chopping some veggies with him or Mikey- and again, you feel dizzy and accidentally cut yourself.

This will happen many more times- or not, if you give in easily enough- at least until Raph finally decides that he just can’t keep doing this. He brought you to the lair to keep you away from harm, and despite it being to teach you a lesson, he just can’t bear to watch blood drip down your pretty skin.

So instead, he further seals you away- locking you in his room and wrapping one of his hoodies around your head. He’ll keep you like this until you finally learn.

He won’t starve you, at least. He’d hate to watch you waste away after everything, so you’ll be fine physically, but it’ll be hell to not be able to see or properly hear anything. It’ll also be more difficult to breathe properly through the fabric, so I wish you luck with that.

He’s infuriatingly nice throughout the whole thing. Of course he’s angry when you argue with him- when you hurl insults and and completely unfounded whining (yeah right) at him. Sometimes he hurriedly leaves the room so he doesn’t do anything he regrets- but when he comes back- despite your wishes that he wouldn’t- he just wraps that damned hoodie around your skull and chides you for your hostility, leaving you to wonder if this could really be better than death.

You feel insane rambling to his plushies, of which you now know the individual names of, but it’s an admittedly nice bit of company to have when your only other option is Raph. Honestly, you’d rather deal with Ms Cuddles by this point, and she even managed to wring a scream out of Donnie.

At least it’s something you can actually have even an ounce of fun doing that he won’t take away for being “too dangerous”. As long as you can tolerate his absolutely smitten behavior when he finds you talking to them.

Be careful about how loudly you complain, though- it might just land you being completely swaddled in blankets and left to go insane on his bed.

4-  Mikey.

I think that if you were to try and escape from Mikey, he’d conclude that his love simply needs to spend more time with him! Maybe if he shows them how wonderful life is with him, they’ll stop trying to run away!

Unfortunately, I doubt his sleep schedule is very consistent. He keeps you up late at night to try out new spraypaints, recipes, games, anything he can find to do with you will be done. You hardly get the chance to sleep well, and the peace you get in dreams is frequently interrupted.

When he does take a break, he insists on sleeping in the same bed, and it’s much harder to fall asleep with him staring holes into you, as though he were trying to memorize every single detail.

It takes a damn long time to get Mikey to knock it off, too. You have to guess that stubbornness runs in the family, if his brothers are anything to go by. Unfortunately, said brothers’ coddling of their youngest has resulted in quite the persistent guy, and you’re quickly losing the energy to refute him. You wonder how long you’ll need to sleep for the giant spider in the corner of your vision to go away.

When the box turtle finally does realize how much of a toll his shenanigans have taken on poor you, he decides that as the person responsible for you, it’s his job to make sure that you get plenty of rest- and if you refuse, Dr Delicate Touch and Dr Feelings are always here to make sure you’re convinced!

He does a sort of 180- where he once forced you to do everything, he now forces you to do nothing at all, even when your mind screams at you to get up and move. He’ll slip something he stole from the pharmacy into your food and carry your sleeping figure back to his room for your seemingly infinite nap.

In between consciousness, you’ve learned to just stay in bed, maybe draw or write something related to all the adventures you go on in dreamworld.

Fun fact, over sleeping has a couple negative side effects- it increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, headaches, back pain, depression (like you don’t have that already, being kidnapped and all), and heart disease! I wish you the best of luck.

When he finally believes your rest to be sufficient, everything will go back to normal. Except, of course, the lingering paranoia of when it’ll happen all over again will continue to haunt you.

Who knows, maybe he’ll continue drugging you just to keep you a little more complacent. Can’t have you running away all the time, right?

[obae-me]

I am so sad that I'm not a Solomon fucker, because if I was, I would have actually cared about the Bon Voyage event. It's kind of cute, but I am very apathetic towards good old Sol. What are your thoughts on it?

Sorry for getting to this late! I wanted to actually complete the event before I responded, and I got to it very last minute! (Since I have low-key kind of hated the events lately. I hate spending 2-6 minutes doing the songs only for five lines of text as a reward, it's almost painful, but anyways...)

Now, Solomon as a character, I love. I was very meh towards him in the original Shall We Date, but they really started working on his character towards the end, and in Nightbringer they really pulled it home! Now I love Solomon! Before, he was just kind of some sketchy little sorcerer that they usually brought in to help solve plot devices- and don't get me wrong, he's still like that, but we definitely get a deeper look into *why*.

He's an immortal human whose desire for power and knowledge was so great, he somehow went head on with nearly the entire Devildom, convinced Barbatos to make a pact with him, and then made Barbatos show him every experience he could, at least, that's what I remember from the lore dropped thus far. And what do you usually get when you get a human that knows and sees too much? A broken human. A human who feels like there is no purpose left. A human with mixed morals and a shattered ego.

Now, this part is just my own personal thoughts and theories, but Thirteen talks about how Solomon's soul used to be beautiful like MC's, but then it became ruined. I imagine it's because he 'flew to close to the sun' and it nearly broke him. MC has hope, has love, has so much to learn still, so much to give. I imagine when Solomon learned and saw everything he could, he had hardly any hope left. Nothing was new to him anymore. He spent so much of his life seeking knowledge, and once he finally got it all...what was left? It corrupted him, surely. But then, clearly, somewhere along the line, his new purpose was to protect and stand for the human realm. Then his dealings with demons began.

The game always talks about how Solomon is now closer to a demon than a human. But I think that's because he *had* to "become" a demon. He has so many pacts, had so many exchanges with the Devildom, he had to learn how to survive amongst them. The way he withholds key information until the crucial moments. The way his "accidents" always seem to line up in his favor. The way his generous actions typically end up satisfying something of his as well. Exactly what a demon does. Exactly what someone would learn spending so much time around demons. I mean, that's exactly what MC learns how to do throughout the entire game! Play it smart, do whatever you can to earn the Brother's favors, and get their pacts. And then when MC throws that concept out the window and does things just to be selfless and then gets their pacts anyway? It almost breaks the "law" of the world that Solomon has come to know.

I'd like to think that maybe that's the reason why Solomon was sent to live with Simeon and Luke in Shall We Date. He needed to learn how to be around other beings, and maybe being around angels could correct some of that.

Now, about the event, the event was actually pretty cute. And while I have my general complaints about the events being very short and shallow, this one wasn't the worst of the bunch. Solomon getting some of the demon brothers together to give you a really nice dream is such a cute thing to do (even if he went behind your back to cast a spell on you). And also I'm not sure if it was stated specifically, but I'm like 98% sure MC and Solomon shared a bed at the end there, which is really adorable. I love sleepy bed cuddles.

This kind of ties back to my insights into his character, where he's spent so long being around demons that he's not really sure how to be a normal human anymore. He spends so much of his time planning and prepping how to do something for you when all he really needed to do was ask. All he wanted was a cute little date and to watch the sunset with MC and went through like a 100 step plan just to get it. And MC's little options to scold him for his schemes is really adorable in my opinion. Essentially it boiled down to them just saying "just ask next time, you idiot!". And Solomon being one of the smartest characters in the game being so lost and confused in terms of relationships and romance is really...very cute, which is why I think I like the concept of his character so much. I love when super overpowered characters have weaknesses like this, or learning new lessons.

I also loved the concept of just Lucifer, Asmo, Luke, Belphie, and Satan all just really hamming it up for MC. They preformed for them all just as a little thank you, and when they clarified, it wasn't really for anything huge. Shopping, helping them with decisions, just spending time with them, that was enough to fully convince them to pick up this dream-world-improv. Which...is really sweet.

Man I love these boys.

[lemonduckisnowawake]

Rating (the translated, not actually OG) titles of manhwa/manga because I was bored

Monstrous Duke's Adopted Daughter/The Monster Duchess and Contract Princess - not egregiously long but boring when the story is actually interesting. 6/10. Rename it with something more snappish like the Adopted Shadow or whatever. idk. Have I mentioned I've been banned from naming things?

My In-Laws Are Obsessed with Me - 4/10. Also not horrible but it's clearly a clickbaity title and I roll my eyes. Better to rename it to like ..... something to do with blood maybe? Or if you want to keep it family-themed. Blood Ties? Also boring and you can tell I'm speaking from a western YA-genre reader

Beware the Villainess - 8/10. This needs no change

The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine - .... it's exactly what the title says, ngl. 7/10. But it could be better and less of a summary. Don't know what, though

The Noble Girl Who Finds a Nerdy and Plain Guy Moe Thinks That the Arrogant Prince Is in the Way - 0/10. I just. Why? The official English title is something like The Lady Likes a Nerd over Princes, which I found weird but the summary was interesting (turns out it was a good manga. But the author just has zero respect for the agency of women. Like. Comically so that it's not even funny as it gets a tad bit narratively frustrating as it's used as a device to drag on the plot) Anyway. Just why?

An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride - 2/10. Not as unforgivable as the previous but horrible all the same. And while the concept was interesting and I gave it a try because it was a rec, it turned out to not be for me at all. The title is dramatic, I'll give you that. It reads like it's a self help book for demon kings who want to learn how to Love and that's basically the manga

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End/Frieren at the Funeral/Frieren the Slayer - 10/10. Look. Any of those titles are good. It doesn't pop out but neither does it force you to hide the title out of fear of being misunderstood

The Savior's Book Cafe Story in Another World - 5/10. Inoffensive but another summary title. You could have literally just called it the Savior's Otherworld Cafe instead. Or something

I Listened to My Husband and Brought in a Lover - 1/10. Encourages cheating with consent. Actually, the manhwa kinda did too (the husband cheated first and was like you should cheat too). At least people know what they're in for? Don't want to retitle it. It deserves it for starting with decent potential for that premise and kinda failing to deliver.

I Stole the Number One Ranker's Soul - 6/10. Again, it's pretty catchy and not terrible but I still don't like these summary titles. Manhwa is amazing, however.

Can't Stop Cursing You - 8/10. Dying laughing because it reads as someone going "man, I just... can't stop cursing you. Really can't help myself you know? Sorry not sorry" while zapping you repeatedly with curses. Still pretty stupid when the actual manga was REALLY shiny with all that horror and bloody gore and interesting plot

Gingerly in Love - 10/10. Trust me. Once I saw what it was about, I died laughing. Not the most memorable manhwa but the wordplay of the title....

The Tyrant Wants to Be Good - 6/10. Again. Inoffensive but there's something annoying to me personally. The manhwa is great, though. Love me a woman who makes her trauma everyone else's problem, regrets it, and then internalizes the guilt in her do-over at life so bad that she ends up getting aggressively adopted into a found family

I Got a New Skill Every Time I Was Exiled, and After 100 Different Worlds, I Was Unmatched - 0/10. Why are isekai titles actually the worst sometimes. Manga itself is meh, in my opinion. It has potential ruined by the usual commodification of women, so I dropped it despite my interest

Bonus:

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court - 3/10. Twain really was isekai titling when he probably didn't know that Japan was even a thing, huh. Not terrible, but it has that isekai style of summarizing the premise.

Bonus again:

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders Who was born in Newgate, and during a life of continu’d Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Years a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her brother) Twelve Years a Thief, Eight Years a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv’d Honest and died a Penitent - -10/10. It was an okay book but you shouldn't have had this power over your book titles, Daniel Defoe. Seriously. My edition just says "Moll Flanders". Never have I wanted to shame a dead author more. It's not even an isekai but it's worse than an isekai title. It's a whole anime opening credits.

[cerine0357]

Hey hey can I a belphagor,asmodeus and leviathan with a s/o who is usually shy and sweet but can beat anyone ass? :>

Have a great day 💕

OC : MorningStar court's crown prince :-

Leviathan, Asmodeus, Belphegor X Reader

♢ Summary: They happen to have you as their S/O, but they never noticed your personality when you get mad and for the first time they experience it and if they do know it, what do they do when it occurs

♢ Crack, fluff, headcanons, scenario|| Established relationships|| warnings: Blood, mentions of fights, actual fights, bashing heads|| Normal versions of OCs

♢ Author's note: Thank you for requesting this! Hope you enjoy! Also the boys's wives are their best-friends or just regular friends here. Also forgive me for being a bad writer! Also in Belphegor's scenario you're a human.

♢ Vocabulary:

→ Xiokor: school everyone in Infernal attends

→ Archliows: regular class of angels, demons, succubi, incubus, ghosts, mages/ immortal humans

→ Siofra hall: A hallway in the royal palace, which is very huge and used for training during when wars were a thing in the realm.

OC X Reader:

Shy and Sweet S/O who can beat anyone's ass

Leviathan MorningStar

♒ Leviathan is someone who is a indoor type person, he is a indoor type person and always attached to his electronic device like it's a organ, and he hates interacting with people, so most people wouldn't believe that fact that he is a boyfriend...

♒ Levi is very much attachable person, he finds it hard to interact with people, but when he knows people, he is very great at interacting with them and communicating with them and you, his soft and shy S/O, whom he loves so very much!

♒ Levi is generally sees many fights and records nearly all of them, so it starts out as a normal day at Xiokor until, there is a yell in the hallway about someone beating the shit out of some archliows.

♒ Levi absolutely runs to the place with his phone and mic in hand and starts recording for social media, he gives commentary and asks question and he WILL get answers from the people in the fight, no matter what. And yes that means he will snitch on these people if they don't answer questions.

Staring and zoning out while watching the clock wasn't helping Levi from ruining this online class, he was still staring pretending to take notes, when he opened his arms and called for you, "Y/NNNNNNNNNN!!!!!" When he didn't receive a response in return, he looked around and realized you were at Xiokor and not attending online class as usual with him, he internally let out the loudest scream and went back to sit at his online class... When the teacher suddenly asked to leave the classroom and everybody to maintain silence like he always did, until a guy entered the class and yelled,

"AY! SOMEBODY IS FIGHTING SRUENIL!" and that one sentence made everyone gasp, including everyone on Online class whether they were in the class or not, because Sruenil was one person whom nobody challenged to fight, even royals were a teensy bit afraid of him, mainly because of his problem from the old human world before Infernal was created, so this was a big deal, and Levi was ecstatic to see this, he immediately browsed through the mountains of electronic screens he had before landing on his favourite filming phone and immediately opened a portal to Xiokor as he landed on his foot from three feet above the ground where the portal was located as he ran through the school using his ears to find where the fight was, until he rounded a corner and bumped into a huge crowd, he immediately pushed through the crowd which was fairly easy for someone like him, finally getting to the middle was a sight he had not planned on seeing...

Sruenil was on the ground his hands behind his back and face bruised and begging for mercy, and who was the person who beat him so badly, ....you...Now everyone there knew you were involved somehow with the royals but they didn't know how, you were quite one of the nicest people to be around, it did not matter who were hanging out with; angels, humans, mages, witches, wizards, demons, succubus, incubi, it did not matter you were accepting and liked everyone and treated them nicely so seeing this side riled everyone up and they got excited.

You had never been seen this angry, nobody knows what happened but all they know is Srunenil was pulling on your hair and stepping on your back as you were on the ground, until you held the hand he had on your hair and with immense strength flipped him over your shoulders and on the ground in front of you and it caught everyone's attention.

Now as you had Sreunil begging for mercy under you, people were having a hard time pulling you back while some tried to distract the teachers and other tried taking Sruenil to the infirmary, there were around three people having a hard time holding you back, until Levi joined them and tried explaining how you should stop being angry as he was in your view cutting off Sruenil being taken away, finally calming down and suppressing your anger in front of Leviathan.

"Babe, are you okay?!" Levi asked first and foremost, cupping your face and pulling you to the portal and taking you to your room, "You know you were very cool, but you shouldn't have done that.." Levi says smiling gently as your cheeks blushed warm like always whenever you were complimented, as you entered his room he immediately carried you bridal style to Belphegor who was a pro at healing wounds because of his twin's obsession with sparring.

s Belphegor treated a few of your bruises and wounds, Leviathan kept kissing your cheeks and had you on his lap the entire time, his silverish-grey hair framing his upset yet pouty face as he placed tiny pecks tickling you. Finally done Belphegor sighed out of exhaustion and sighed before his twin entered the room, Belphegor told you how to look after you bruises as Beelzebub sat behind leaning on the headboard, finally finishing telling you how to look after the bruises, Belphegor leaned into Beelzebub's arms and slept in a matter of second, like always. You got off Levi's lap and you both left the room, before walking towards the place and entering Levi's room.

"Now, that was AMAZING!" Levi boasted as he was sitting on his bed with you on his lap as you both cuddled, Levi complimented you for so long, telling you how cool you looked and how you should fight next time. You sighed hearing his rambling and nodding you head no matter what he was saying, before you finally grabbed his jaw, making his lips pucker up as you kissed his lips, effectively shutting him up as Leviathan rubbed his thumb on your thigh where there was a bruise as you both kissed.

♒ Levi also is the one, after Belphegor and Beelzebub, to patch most of your wounds clean or hide your wounds for a bit on the way as to stop you from getting yelled at by Belial, he is very proud of you to be able to fight and once he learnt that a archliow got sent to the hospital for picking up fights with you.

♒ And sometimes if possible he would join your fights himself as the fifth brother and the Avatar of Greed, why shouldn't he? Not like Lucifer is going to be mad at him cause he finds it funny, the only person who is going to be mad at him is Belial and Rosealine or Myhilara.

♒ After getting yelled at by Belial and the late emperor, Levi often follows you everywhere you go in case, somebody makes you mad and you end up beating the fuck out of them, he is there to stop you or let you go crazy, depends.

♒ Leviathan absolutely starts sparring with you, and often goes easy cause he knows he will most likely crush you and he doesn't want that, and if a single bruise appears on you, he's on his knees begging you to forgive him because first, you're hurt and second he didn't mean to do that and he's crying now please forgive him??

♒ Levi is always standing behind you in your fights so the person who you're fighting knows that if they aren't defeated by you, he will be the one to crack the skull off their body and hang it like a souvenir to either a noble or a emperor or their skull is used as a art project in one of the palaces ivory skull sculptures.

♒ Oh, and people of the Infernal know not to mess with you, even if Lei is not around because, even if the news of you fighting them won't reach Levi's ears, they will be crushed, because not only are you shy and cute and people have absolutely no reason to fight you, people have seen you fight Sruenil and that is enough to keep them away from fighting with you

♒ Levi and a few of his brother, the ladies now often stay on sidelines watching you fight people they hate because they know you can beat them and if you can't Levi is always right beside you to beat them to pulp and give you their skull as your boyfriend like a penguin gives it's mate a rock.

Asmodeus MorningStar

✿ Asmodeus is the type of demon who looks like he has never even understood the meaning of the word "Fight" and so people underestimate him, he grew up around Satan, Beelzebub, Belphegor, Lucifer and Mammon and his father is Zional MorningStar, he would at-least know how to commit eight murders without even being found!

✿ Of-course now, people know Asmodeus has a few lovers in the past and many regular flings, he's a demon of lust of devil's sake. So it wasn't quite a big deal when he started dating you, a cute and shy little thing, mostly people know how you actually are when angered, but Asmodeus didn't.

✿ Asmodeus/ Asmo or Deus, as people call him, did not learn of this thing as you never showed it infront of him, so he never guessed such a adorable little bean like you could fight like such a beast probably.

✿ Now most people figured, he was the one who fighting people who had eyes on either one of you, but it unfortunately wasn't, it was you and you tried to keep it like that because you didn't know what type of reaction Deus would have, you know it could either go down two lanes; him being disgusted and you being cancelled or him being supportive and letting you protect him from his creepy stalkers who were taking private photos and videos of him and his family.

Asmo sat in the cafeteria with his brothers chatting away, as Mammon and Beelzebub as usual helped him or did his make-up, while one of the other brother feeds him food, it was a regular thing and a bonding moment for the brothers, mostly Lucifer would help as well but he wasn't here, cause of a issue with "private photos and videos of the royal family" Lucifer seemed to be annoyed at this but reluctantly left, Myhilara and Isahine also chatting away helping each-other on studies as Odelia and Solielin were eating and maybe showing each-other how to make snacks from the huge amount of packaged snack given at the cafeteria. Aurmelle was gossiping with Deus as Mammon fed Beel and Asmo food while Beel did Asmo's make-up Belphegor sleeping on Odelia's lap, Aurelesia was also helping Belial, Lucifer and Diavolo (probably) in solving the issue, so she wasn't here. Rosealine, Leviathan and Raemous all playing on their Nintendos and drinking "Broken Skull" .

As everybody was doing their own things, everyone's phones started buzzing like crazy as Aurelesia entered the cafeteria and pulled Asmo out of the cafeteria, which made all the other MorningStars come-out and Aurelesia asked them question on where you were,

"When was the last time you saw Y/N?" Aurelesia asked hurriedly and concern painted on her face "Uhm, yesterday in the morning?" Asmo replied with doubt and confusion, as Lucifer also came running over his face white and pale and said,

"Y/N HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!"

"WHAT?!" Asmo replied immediately with devastation and desperation,

Odelia immediately turned into her demon form and her eye's sclera turned black, she had always been protective and ever since she turned into a demon, she had been more protective than ever, you were a good friend and she immediately got to learn about everything according to your abduction, as others were also in their demon forms, all were angered and scared for you as some were around Xiokor interrogating the students to get clues, while Solielin was comforting Asmo as he tried to process the news of you being missing from yesterday afternoon...

After half-an hour, as Asmo was crying and hyperventilating when everybody gathered except Raemous and Beelzebub, as everyone patiently waited for them as the time ticked away everybody started getting impatient especially Lucifer. As everyone stayed there in quiet except Asmo's cries and heavy breaths. After a few moments, Raemous and Beelzebub came back, all tired and worried showing they couldn't find anything. As they were telling the emperor what they learnt the door flew off it's hinges as someone was thrown at the door. The person who bashed through the door ended up at Asmo's feet, they immediately scrambled to their feet, and bowed to Asmo's knees and apologized over and over..."Who are you?" Odelia asked the beaten up guy, turning into her demon form to protect in case of anything,

"He's the one who without any of your permission took private photos and videos and uploaded them to social media...." everyone turns their head to a familiar voice, as you entered the room dragging two other guys and throwing them near the royals' feet.

"APOLOGIZE TO THEM!" You demanded loudly, making the three guys scramble to their knees and shivers as their bow their heads to the floor apologizing over and over again, as their kept their heads down apologizing Asmo felt his blood boil as his demon form started to emerge, now before anyone could do anything, Asmo pounced on the men and for once Asmo scared everybody more than Belial, Lucifer or Diavolo...

Even after the three eldest and you tried holding Asmodeus back, it wasn't happening, until the late emperor knocked Asmodeus out and the three men were arrested...

---

As Asmodeus woke up, in his pretty sunset orange mauve, pink and purple room with you beside him, you were sitting on the chair while leaning forward to hold his hand as you slept in the uncomfortable position, Asmo slowly cupped your face and gently slapped you in revenge for making him angry and worry, but careful as to not wake you. As he slowly calmed down and shook you awake. As you grumbled, rubbed your eyes, you wiped your face and yawned as you removed sleepiness from your system. You immediately became at his service, apologizing for behaving badly in front of him, asking him if he was okay, and letting him know what was going o around. Later as Myhilara walked through the hallway towards Asmo's room to check on his condition, what she was Beelzebub, Belphegor, Solielin, Isahine, Satan, and upon peeking inside Lucifer, Odelia, Zional, Ezoliana, Belial, Aurelesia, Aurmelle, Mammon, Raemous, Diavolo, Herverlia and many others taking photos of you and Asmo who were sleeping in each other's embrace very cozily. And GOD, it took Myhilara all the restrain in the world to not yell at the people for disturbing them...But guess they did look cute and they wouldn't mind some more blackmail photos, would they????

✿ Now that this has happened, prepared to be teased by him all the time, he will rile you up so you would be angry and then when you stop him he gets all pouty and tries to stop you from doing anything!

✿ Now you're a S/O of THE Asmodeus, the avatar of Lust and a royal, so you are quite famous and being famous includes being fashionable and dressing nice, I mean look at everyone in the MorningStar household or everyone from the MorningStar court, they're all wearing very fashionable clothing i very formal and lavish styles, and if you can't stay on top of trends, Asmo, Mammon, Aurmelle and Beelzebub, the fashionistas of the house are there. One thing they look for in your outfit, is cutesy and shy dressing style but one where you can easily beat up people! Cause it's free entertainment for them!

✿ Asmo is also really good at knife throwing and so he taught you to throw things so you could hit your targets even if they are running away from you, he mostly uses Leviathan as the target for throwing things like his make-up brush which is very heavy because it's made with some type of rare stone.

✿ He always patches you up and then he cuddles against you, and the medicine he uses though take up a long time to heal as compared to other medicines of Infernal, but other medicines have very heavy side effects and sometimes the bruises don't actually disappear and so Asmodeus's medicines does exactly that!

✿ He also finds you being able to fight despite your exterior especially sexy, don't ask why, he has also found it sexy when the person is the opposite of what they look like...

✿ Asmo would always cheer you on the sidelines when you fight and if they try to touch your face, they WILL face his wrath and nobody wants that in this world....

Belphegor MorningStar

◈ Belphegor is is the one who is most likely to date you, you're so nice and cute and shy and what not, he melts in your embrace and now most people wouldn't suspect anything form you two, probably....

◈ Belphegor honestly wouldn't expect things like fighting from you considering you're very shy and horribly sweet like candy, it's like he will get diabetes, it's okay, he likes that kindness and shyness. He honestly expects things like this from Mammon, Lucifer or Raemous's S/Os and so it's not very something people see coming...

◈ Belphegor is always ready to fight anyone who tries to hurt you and he does exactly that does not matter that he's the second youngest brother of the family, he will be beating people who do any funny stuff to you.

◈ Toxic best-friends, horrible family, rude barista, abusive relationships with anyone before, he is always there to take revenge for you, cause that's how my baby is with his S/O, he strives to make his S/O the most happiest person out there without thinking anything negative about themselves. And so honestly, it wasn't that you weren't able to fight, you just didn't because Belph fought people for you before you!

Belphegor was feeling your hands tightly wrap the bandages around his hands; on his knuckles, leaving his nimble and pretty fingers exposed as he stared at his twin, Beel chomping on something like always with one of his hands, tuning his guitar with his tail and his other hand. Solielin, Beel's girlfriend and one of your best friend, was being trained by him, she was lifting a shit ton of weight on her feet and as she did her headstand, her forearms shaking, Beel looked at her and smiling and then going back to whistling, tuning his guitar and eating.

Belphegor stood up sighing, slapping Beel's head, "She'e your girlfriend and she's getting tired, about time you life off some of the weight from her..." Belph said, smirking as Beel scoffed and pouted immediately stood up and lifted off all the weight as Solielin got back on her feet, smiling and thanking the twins. Belph, waved it off and gave her some water as Solielin sat beside you, Beel and Belph both going in one of the rings, when Solielin used magic to lift the very huge hammer and banged the huge gong.

The twins immediately lunged at each-other, as they fought, making sure not to hit on their face or private parts. As the twins fought, with intricate patterns of trying strike, kick, grapple and to hit each-other's pressure points as the other dodged, "It's a Indian martial fight, called Kalaripayattu." Solielin said as she smiled, you remember training this with her. "In this art-style people use their body to hit their opponents pressure point!!" You gave rest of the explanation while Solielin giggled as she brushed her hair behind her ears from her bun. Solielin always loves to teach something new to someone and you were always the one who listened to her. When she said she wanted to try kalaripayattu, because both her best-friend and her boyfriend and the royal men knew how to do it, she was super curious and she thought it would be a good way to let out steam, stress and anything that was bothering her, Kalaripayattu could be done by anyone, regardless of gender and age, but since she had no one to learn from, mainly cause she was so scared of telling the men that she had no previous experience in fighting, so she came to you because you knew how to fight and she asked you to train her and you both started training together!

Suddenly the deafening sound of the gong rang in the Siofra Hall. You and Solielin and the other royals who were in the Siofra Hall also covered their ears the sound causing a strong wind to disperse around the huge Hall, making both Beel and Belph tumble and thrown off balance, in middle of the fight.

As the wind dispersed, the sounds of laughter were heard from Lucifer and Mammon, as one of Diavolo's hand was glowing red as he used to magic to hit the gong. Diavolo smirking, watching the twins tumble off balance, as he apologized as Belph and Beel began their fighting again. Diavolo sat beside you, you three stood there and watched the twins fight, While Lucifer and Mammon fought in another ring.

As you stared intently, you thought about how strong Diavolo was to bang the gong so hard that a wind strong enough to knock a person off their feet when they're fighting..

"Well I'm quite strong and that's also because I train my magic quite often, but I lift the hammer on my own as well!" As if Diavolo said you were spooked out of your thoughts when you remembered that Diavolo can read human's minds. "Do you want to train with me a bit?? I can turn into a human for a few minutes while we fight as to not kill you!" Diavolo said as he tied his long red hair into a ponytail as he asked you with his black sclera eyes, gleaming a bit.

You nodded your head. As you, Solielin and Diavolo stood up as Solielin said, "Babe, I'm going upstairs to check the above rings for a bit!!" She told Beel who nodded his head in acknowledgement as he continued to fight and throw his twin brother across the ring. You, Solielin and Diavolo following you both, walked up the stairs and reached the rings on the above floor, there were two parts of Siofra hall, the downstairs part where around 14 rings were located and upstairs part where seven rings were located in front of the gong.

Diavolo in the beginning did stretches and exercises with you to warm-up, and then began teaching you both on how to sweep a person off their feet, literally, he taught you both on how to pick someone up and throw them with using least amount of energy and all that jazz. Until, Diavolo asked you to come to the ring with him as to how he could show you both how to throw someone off, he obviously wasn't gonna hurt you so he turned into a human for a few seconds, a human who wouldn't die if a hammer was dropped on their head. As you and Diavolo stood in the yellow part of the ring, you turned to look down at down stairs part, where Lucifer, Mammon, Belph and Beel weren't present anymore.

You thought, 'Hmm, they must be taking a break now, they have been fighting for a long time now!' when suddenly someone's hand was on your shoulder and as a reflect from your annoying bullies, enemies and fighting experience, you held the wrist of the person and hurled them into the gong which made a huge sound..As you hurled them, you saw their red eyes and realized that person was Diavolo, yet you couldn't stop his fall now and so out of surprise and fear you and Solielin yelled loudly. Diavolo banged into the gong, head first and slopped down as he let out a groan of pain. As you were about to go near Diavolo to apologize and help him, you were suddenly pulled into warm arms, as you were pushed into the person's shirt you smelled them and realized it was Belph.

"ARE YOU OKAY?!" Belphegor asked you with concern and worry written on his face as he cupped your cheeks and moved your head right and left to check for bruises, then he got down on his knees and checked everywhere else. As Beel checked up Solielin, Mammon was hiding his laugh as he and Lucifer helped up Diavolo, who was frozen. Lucifer tried to hide his laugh which he was good at, but he couldn't say the same for Mammon, who snorted every two seconds, Lucifer slapped him on the back of his head three times to stop..

Later as you were apologizing to a laughing Diavolo, who had already forgiven you, while Belphegor looked at that recording of you throwing Diavolo on repeat as he stared at the camera recording with heart-eyes like he was love-sick... It was really hot...

◈ Now the moment he saw you throw the literal creator of their realm, Diavolo across the room and on the end of the huge gong where he ended up crashing and making a dent into the metal gong, he realized he is probably like either a flightless mosquito who is trying to continuously bite you or a new born kitten to you....hopefully the latter..

◈ And now, you're constantly asked to spar with Lucifer, Diavolo, Mammon and basically everyone else to have fun around, if you're up for it actually, don't worry it's all in good fun you're a part of the MorningStar court family now!

◈ He will brushes around incense sticks around your head to bless you before a fight and then will slap your enemy and threaten them saying that if they hit your pretty face or neck or something happens, they will face him next and keep in mind, he doesn't forgive!

◈ Belphegor is always on the sidelines cheering you on and teaching you new ways to fight, always training you and training with you. You spar regularly with him, until he gets tired after three fights and wants to sit down then Beelze is the one whom you spar with on the regular!

◈ Belph is always waiting for you with a smile after a fight, he knows you'll win and if you don't, he on the sidelines eating his popcorn and soda, hell drop them in an instant and fight the person, does not matter who it, he will fight everyone, including his family and Diavolo, but he preferred if that didn't happen, he's very much loving of his family.

@dxmoness @roseadleyn @hmerus @achy-boo @crownxie @orlic1a @writerig @salvatvre @honeyandbiscuitandtea-cafe @meow-meow-potato @meenasmagic @myearts-uwu (wanted to know if my OCs are good???)

[bibiana112]

Kinda weird question- do you have any links to people talking about Mira from ZTD and ableist stereotypes? I mentioned that I was uncomfortable with her portrayal but kinda fumbled it and made some other ND people in chat uncomfortable. I searched for various keyword combinations but most of what I'm finding is like "and not to mention the ableism with Mira" and doesn't elaborate lol.

Not weird at all! And uh, you see, there's a recent post I made where what I complain about is the very fact I've never seen anyone post too in-depth about her at all, I'd love to see posts that do elaborate on that but I do not have any that I know of right now, sorry :/ hopefully someone else who sees this can point to one? Okay!! After some tag searches I have found exactly one post who kind of gets into it I like this take still would love to see. more than just one but hooray

And like though I complain I couldn't elaborate much on it myself I don't think, I believe most of the posts people make about Saito from aitsf would apply since it's a different uchikoshi take on the very same trope of "emotionless characters who cannot function without killing others" I guess he's a worse portrayal though since she's at least not stated to get reward brain chemicals when killing people and I guess her case also has the added layer of "femme fatale" to it? Which either makes it less bad or worse depending on where you approach it from As I said I am not doing a good job of being coherent on this oh and also there's her being "redeemed" and "cured" in the epilogue which in on itself is kinda not great to imply it just goes away like that and honestly I personally don't even buy it I think she'd just be like oh okay Akane over here has like a thousand reasons to hate me after all that oh and what's that she's the leader of a super wealthy underground organization who's organized one of these death traps before yeah no I'm better off going to prison I'll be fine there lmao bye

But I'll say as an autistic person with relatively low empathy I usually see a character who just doesn't understand other people's feelings and wants to feel them too and is just trying to survive despite getting no help and I just kinda go hm. yeah. shout-out to roxas kingdom hearts shout out to mary from ib shout out that's why I started hyperfixating on media art helps me with understanding others a great lot and Mira is just in a story too badly executed for me to care or even begin to wrap my head around tbh like god she's so fucking terribly used as a plot device in every conceivable way that it makes it difficult to see past it and into what she could possibly be if it weren't for the stereotype of equalling low empathy with no compassion what's with her killing off screen in ways that wildly deviate from her stated m.o? why or how was she even in cahoots with Zero why was that a thing? Honestly her dynamic with Sean could have been better fleshed out could have done something interesting about robot child and his aspd big sis but we just kind of don't get any attention brought to the subject of emotions and the authenticity there of except for the "reveal"...

YOU KNOW WHAT that's probably one huge reason it feels so fucked up actually! Like the whole fucking game is written so you could experience it in whatever order you want and therefore Mira being a serial killer at all is something that though not very well hidden it also cannot be a topic of discussion or explored Ever ever because the player may not have seen the fragment where that is revealed yet- problem being the menu design of that game sucks so bad and practically everyone gravitates towards the same few more interesting looking thumbnails first and then the rest is kinda just there, I mean that is part of the reason A Lot of characters feel half-baked I think but also I think it definitely does impact perception of her character specifically probably The Most and then there's just the general not being given nuance not being able to see the minutiae of how that disorder manifests in her character aside from the killings about how she acts aside from being overly flirty trying to lure in Eric but that affects pretty much all of the new cast we don't have last names and in her case we barely have any backstory at all like Saito is a harmful stereotype sure but we get So Much Context for him that people still love talking about him and delving into different aspects of his life since we have that very well telegraphed in the narrative meanwhile for Mira all we can do is fill in the blanks guesswork that only highlights the worst aspects of the surface level portrayal we got and ultimately that people just don't care enough to dissect because there isn't much there character wise once you remove it

[weebswrites]

How do you think the obey me cast would react to Mc with a friend who is constantly high? They always have a blunt in their hand and there has never been a moment where Mc has seen them not high. 💀 They know Mc and pretty well and give good advice to both Mc and the guys too.

The Demon Bros & MC with a stoner best friend

After months of convincing Diavolo and Barbatos that your best human friend promised not to cause any trouble, they're finally allowed to visit for a weekend.

You first introduce Lucifer, as he's waiting at the door for you to return, and can instantly tell his guard is up. His eyes scan your friend as one hand clutches yours for support (while you'd told them how much bigger the demons are, even outside of their demon forms, there was really no way to imagine it until they were right there), the other holding what he assumed to be some sort of weed device.

"Welcome to the Devildom," he smiled, "I'm Lucifer, eldest brother and Avatar of Pride. We're all excited to finally meet our MC's best friend"

Your friend nodded, "Thanks, Lucifer." They then turned towards you, a knowing sparkle in their eyes as you tried not to blush. Before they could ask Lucifer the question they'd been dying to, Mammon and Asmodeus came bounding down the stairs.

"GET BACK HERE YOU THEIF!" Asmo yelled, and you couldn't help but laugh as Lucifer rubbed his temple.

"Mammon. Asmodeus." Lucifer's voice stopped them both in their tracks, and they turned to him.

"Lucifer I-" Mammon started to interject, but was cut off

"HELLO!" Asmo rushed over to your friend and wrapped them in a giant hug, "You must be [name]! I didn't think you'd be here so early in the morning, or I would have freshened up before meeting you! ♡"

Your friend blinked a few times before responding. "You must be Asmodeus," a smile met their lips, "I've heard so much about you"

You glanced to Lucifer, whose eyes read 'really?'

You smirked and wriggled your eyebrows at him, to which he rolled his eyes. You loved getting to tease the Avatar of Pride after finally achieving a close relationship with him.

Asmo was going in to pinch their cheeks when Mammon bust in, shoving himself between them. "Hey hey hey! If you've heard about lousy ol' Asmo here, then you've definitely heard about the Great Mammon!"

"In your dreams" Satan had the unfortunate (for him) timing to be getting home from RAD at the time this was all going down. He cut past your friend, stopping briefly to greet them before heading to, you assumed, the library. But the lingering stare on your friend wasn't as sneaky as he thought.

"Satan. Welcome to literal hell, and my own personal hell. Good luck with these idiots"

Your friend laughed as he walked away, "You were right, I do like Satan"

"Like hell yah do! Come on, [name], us and MC will have a great time without that prick" Mammon grabbed your hand and pulled both of you away from the door, Asmo following along.

You turned to Lucifer and smiled before being taken to the kitchen, glad that was Mammon's destination because you were starving.

To no surprise, you found Beelzebub sitting at the counter, an abundance of food spread in front of him. You all sat down beside him, and a comfort settled over the group.

"Hey, you're MC's friend, right?"

They nodded yes

"I'm Beel, good to meet you" he said through a mouth full of food. Without skipping a beat, he continued, "So, you smoke"

Your eyes widened, not expecting Beel of all demons to call attention to the fact that your friend was high.

"Oh yeah, all the time" they responded, "Helps me get through the day, ya know"

To your shock, Beel nodded. "I'm familiar. It's a pain to get actual weed down here, so I usually have Demonus if I need to unwind. Not the same, but MC here never brings anything back."

You'd never heard him be so open about smoking to anyone besides you and Belphie, but to be fair, Lucifer wasn't the biggest fan, so you guys tended to keep it on the down low.

"MC! You didn't tell me you guys smoked down here. I woulda come a lot sooner if I knew that!" your friend nudged your shoulder

"We don't, usually" Mammon interrupted, "Lucifer always has something to say if we do, and I don't like getting strung up from the ceiling while anything but sober"

"And I don't like all the smoke on my skin" Asmo added

"With the right skincare routine it isn't all that bad" your friend replied, and the table watched as Asmo's face lit up

"Oh man, here we go" Mammon plopped his head in his hand, "Beel, gimme some of that food. We're gonna be here for a while"

"Oh hush, Mammon. Can't I be excited that MC's friend enjoys skincare like I do? ♡ Tell me everything you use"

As your friend began telling Asmo the details of their skincare routine, Belphegor walked into the kitchen

"Hey," you greeted him, "I was wondering how long it'd take you to show up"

He sighed, "Where Beel is, I am. So this is your friend?"

"Yeah, it's been good so far. We've met everyone except Levi"

"Sounds about right"

You chuckled, "His room is our next stop"

The rest of you watched as your friend and Asmo hit it off, Asmo even taking a hit off their pen. You were glad that everyone was getting along so well. You'd learned how lucky you were to have gotten off on the right foot with the demon brothers, and finally breathed a sigh of relief that your friend seemed to be doing the same.

You'd relaxed into your conversation with Belphie and Mammon when the door to the kitchen crept open, and none other than Leviathan's head peeked around the corner.

"LEVI! Get in here!" you shouted before he could sneak away. You knew he was on a stealth mission to get snacks, but weren't about to let him get away with it. Not this time.

Levi walked in, hands shoved in his pockets, and stood.

"Levi, this is [name], my friend from the human world"

He looked up as your friend took a drag from their pen, the two exchanging a smile.

"H-hi. I'm Leviathan. Nice to meet you"

"Well hello Leviathan, nice to finally meet you too," your friend winked at him, "We're going to have to do some serious talking about some human world anime. Because I am a big fan and MC's told me all about your anime thoughts"

Levi's face blushed dark red, but he smiled happily and took his hands out of his pockets. Fidgeting with a bracelet in front of him, he responded "Oh! I didn't know MC would talk about me...well I can't wait to talk with both of you"

"We'll stop by tonight and can game and chat" you offered, glancing to your friend and nodding, signaling to both that the pen would be present.

Levi seemed to calm down immediately. Of any of the brothers, you and Levi smoked the most, though still not often. Maybe once a month or so. Neither of you really cared all that much whether or not you had it, but every once in a while it was fun to relax with.

"Deal. See ya later, Leviathan" your friend bidded him farewell as he grabbed an apple from Beel's spread and turned towards the door.

"Bye" Levi said over his shoulder as he left

"That went well" Belphie seemed to read your mind

"I know. I'm releived"

"What, didn't think we'd be nice to your human friend?"

You laughed awkwardly, realizing you unintentionally revealed your nerves. "It's not that, I just-"

"Don't worry, I would be nervous too bringing anyone into this house"

You sat back in silence and watched as the brothers got along with your friend. You were so worried that they'd tear them apart, one way or another, but just the opposite was happening. Sure, Lucifer had given you a glance about the pen, and some of the brothers weren't smokers, but they didn't seem to care that your friend was.

You knew as long as it didn't hurt you in any way, they'd be okay with just about anything.

--

Ta-Da! My first hc in ten months a ha ha <3 Originally thought I was going to have the brothers be more standoffish when they realized your friend was high upon meeting them, but I wrote what felt right and this was it. None of them really care, Lucifer is an old grandpa but the one that supports you even if he doesn't understand lol. The rest of them don't care whether someone is high, drunk, or whatever combination of the two. As long as you're safe and happy, little else matters because they are simps

edit: just re-read the prompt and realized that mc's friend has a pre-established relationship w the bros THAT IS MY BAD I DID NOT REMEMBER THAT!! I am so sorry anon <3 &lt;3 <3 In my opinion, if someone is nice to MC and gives good advice / is chill w the demons then they don't have a problem w the friend being high a lot an exception to this would be Lucifer who would be worried about the long term effects, and Asmo who wouldn't like the smoke around his skin. I'd hc that your friend isn't a drug a**ict, just tends to smoke around the demons

[kachikirby]

GranEssex Chronicles: Chapter 20 -  Social Butterfly

It has been a few days since Erhard joined the crew of the GranEssex. Fettuccine had left to go back to her division, though they still kept in touch when they could. Right now though, Meta was at a lost to do as Kurabe was off ship at the moment and she didn't leave behind any orders for him. He was left completely to his own devices, which was a strange feeling for him. No missions to take, he already completed his training for the day and the people he usually interacted with were busy. Meta frowned and sighed, knowing that there was something he could do, something that Kurabe kept telling him to do.

"...I guess I should try socializing..."

Maybe he could check on Erhard? No, it might be busy, too. He had no choice now. His best bet was the newer recruits. Vul seemed easy enough to talk to.

"Guess I'll start with him and work my way to the others. That is if I can even find him."

That was the problem with Vul. He never really knew where he was. However... the bird strangely seemed to almost always know where he was.

"No matter. I'll find him eventually. For all I know he might be standing outside my room right now." He let out a sigh as he hopped off his bed and walked out his door.

"Do you usually talk to yourself or is that a just in your room type of deal?" A bird like voice said as soon as he stepped outside.

Meta stared at the source of the voice, which just happened to be the bird he was looking for. "...Why were you outside my room?" Meta asked, ignoring the fact that he heard him talk out loud.

"I asked you a question first. Isn't it rude to just ignore it?"

"...It's an in my room thing." He immediately blushed the moment Vul suppressed a laugh in response to that. "And what about you?" He quickly replied.

"I was just walking by when I heard you mumbling."

"But why did you listen in?"

Vul pointed at his ears. "Not like I can help it when these ears of mine pick up even the smallest sounds."

"I thought so, but you could've simply just ignored it and walked away!"

"I was, then you said you were going to look for me. So being the nice guy that I am I decided to not make you look for me."

This made Meta feel even more embarrassed. "So why did you want to find me anyway?"

The puff looked down. "...sensei wanted me to socialize more so I thought it would be easiest to talk to you first..."

"Alright then. So, what do you want to talk about?"

"...I don't know."

Vul laughed. "No wonder she told you to learn how to socialize. Let's start off small, what kind of things do you like?"

"Training and reading."

"Beyond all that man. Everyone knows that much about you. What's something else you got? Do you like swords or do you just seem them as just tools? Do you enjoy flying? Stuff like that."

"Well, I like swords, of course, and I love flying."

"See now we're getting somewhere. Now to really get a conversation, you need to go into detail. Tell me why exactly you like all those things."

"Well... um... I like swords because they're cool and they remind me of sensei."

"What else? What types of swords do you like?"

"Is there a point to all this?" Meta asked, slightly annoyed.

"Ah ha! There it is. You see, that's a common misconception. Not every conversation needs to a have a point. Simply talking about whatever can be more than enough at times. Besides, you're already feeling less awkward around me now, aren't you?"

"...yeah, I think so."

"Then keep talking. You'll find that people will listen to you more if you are invested in the conversation. So, I ask again, what types of swords do you like?"

"Short swords, mainly because they work the best with my height and fighting style. Beyond that I like the designs of ninjato and katanas. I also like great swords, though they aren't a sword type I'd personally use." Meta replied, surprised that I was actually easy for him to say all of that.

Vul chuckled. "I see you're the type that becomes a chatterbox when you have a subject you like."

"...Perhaps. What about you? What do you like?"

"I like collecting pipes, like the one I have in my mouth. They remind me of my pappy."

"So, you smoke?"

"No, it's all for decoration. The only thing that comes out of this pipe is bubbles."

"I see..." The youth had been told multiple times by his mentor that smoking is unhealthy and that he shouldn't do it.

"Besides, unlike you I don't use magic to fly. I need to keep my lungs in good shape or else flying would be a real pain in the rear."

"Is it true that your bones are thin, too?"

"Yeah, my species naturally has thin bones. It means were light creatures straight from birth, though our bones are much more fragile than the bones of other creatures."

Meta nodded. That was something he learned from his mentor. Many bird type creatures and monsters had thin bones to make them light enough to fly.

"What about you? You don't have any bones, right? How does your body even work?"

"I don't fully know myself. From what sensei said, our bones are just pure cartilage, making us very flexible."

"I think very flexible is an understatement. You could probably fit yourself under any crack in a door."

"If I had the right Copy Ability, probably."

Vul blew out a few bubbles. "How often do you even use Copy Abilities?"

"I technically use them whenever I fight. However, I'm using them in a way that makes me not need to inhale and swallow something first."

"Besides the ones you use, do you really use any other Copy Abilities?"

"...not really." He uttered.

"What are you being so quiet about? It's not like there's anything wrong with not using a lot of those abilities. I don't know much, but some of those abilities seems highly situational."

"It just makes me feel like I'm not reaching my full potential. Like I know some of them are definitely very situational, but then some I see sensei use them and I question that. Like she uses ESP to read the minds of others."

"Let me ask you a question. Do you have any actual interest in using ESP?"

The youth sighed. "Not really. The only thing it would really be good for is getting back at her."

"Then don't worry about it. It's as my pappy once told me. You'll receive more results if you actually like what you do. I mean look at you, you're better with lighting magic than anyone else I've seen use it. Not to mention you're easily one of the best fighters here."

"Yeah, that's true. I prefer to use lightning magic compared to others."

"Besides, do you really think you'd successfully mess with the captain even if you did have ESP?"

"...I wish I could..."

"Well, I know of a way to mess with her."

"Really?" The puff perked up in interest.

"Well, it's easy, in theory anyway. Next time she calls you cute or something, return the compliment."

"Why?"

"Well, would she expect it?"

"...Probably not." The youth then blinked. "...wait, that's what she said about flirting! Are you saying to flirt with sensei?!"

"Giving someone a compliment isn't the same thing as flirting ya goof."

"...it isn't?"

"No, where'd you get that idea?"

"...it just sounded similar to the advice that sensei gave me to combat Fettuccine's flirting."

"Well, it's not. Your only other way of getting back at her is not reacting to her. But I think my first suggestion would work out more easily for you."

"...I'll try that out then."

"Well, good, though you're gonna be waiting a while to do that. She's gonna be gone until tomorrow."

"Oh, did she go on another mission?"

"No, just the one she's on is like in another part of the galaxy."

"I see..."

"So, you're stuck with me, unless you want to go out searching for someone to join us."

"Well, sensei wants me to learn to interact with people more. So, I think that would be a good idea."

"Then get searching. You were lucky I just happened to be walking by."

"Would you like to come with me?"

He tilted his head in questioning. "I already was."

"I thought so." He said as he walked off.

"You don't know where to begin do you though?" The bird asked.

"I'll figure it out myself!"

"Well, I would hope so, would defeat the purpose if you didn't."

"I do!"

"You don't need to convince me, just actually go out and do it."

"I'm already going!" He said, now quickly walking away.

"You do know that's a dead end, right?"

"I know that!"

"Look, let's just head to the cafeteria. No doubt you'll find someone that wants to talk to you, considering how many fanboys and fangirls you have."

He blinked. "...I have fans?"

"Of course, you won that tournament. Practically everyone looks up to you after seeing how strong you are."

"...I see..."

"I'm not surprised you haven't noticed, considering how you're almost always on your own or training with the captain and vice captain."

"I don't do that all the time!"

"Right. You're also talking with that cotton candy friend of yours on the communicator, too."

"Why does everyone know about that? Whatever, I'll follow your suggestion. Let's go to the cafeteria."

"I always happen to hear you when you are." The bird replied as he followed after the puff.

"...I'm not going to pretend to know what I'm talking about, but are you interested in me or something?"

"What tipped you off?"

"Well, you always somehow being near me for one. Two, you're happy and have been happy ever since we started talking."

"Well, you're right. I am interested in you."

"...Would you like to be friends then? Like officially or whatever."

The bird chuckled. "You mean we aren't already?"

"Fair enough." Meta replied, slightly smiling.

---------

Soon, they reached the cafeteria which was of course packed.

"Well, who looks easy to talk to?" He wondered to himself.

"Hey, don't look at me!" Vul said.

"I wasn't. Hey, that's Crate over there, right?"

"Yeah, it is! And it looks like she's sitting by herself!"

"Well, I guess I'll talk to her then. Let's go." The bird nodded as he followed him to the dog.

"Um... hey, Crate." He uttered.

The giant boxer looked at Meta and smiled. "Hello there."

"Um... is anyone sitting here?" He asked.

"No." Meta nodded and sat down next to her.

"So... how are you?" "Hot. I just got done training."

"You should drink a lot of water then!"

"I've drunk 3 gallons of water."

"I... I see..."

"My species drinks more water than most because of our size and fur."

"Ok. What about ice cream?"

"I'm allergic to dairy, otherwise I would be eating a large bowl right about now."

"Pretty sure they have vegan flavors." Vul said.

"I've tried them, didn't care for it."

"Or water ice?"

"I don't know what that is."

"They're snow cones but better."

"Maybe later then."

Meta nodded silently. "So, what kind of things do you like?" He then asked.

"Hmm, I like poetry."

"Poetry? Interesting? Would you care to share a few poems with us?" Vul asked.

"Oh, well if you insist." She then cleared her throat. "They fight like heroes. All of their threats get taken down to zero. Like them I wish to be a hero. I'll work hard to not be a zero."

"That's quite good."

"Thank you." She then looked at Meta. "Not that I mind, but is there a reason you're here?"

"To...talk with you." He uttered, slightly embarrassed.

"Ok then. What about?"

"...I don't know..."

"Sensei, wants him to practice socialization." Vul explained.

"Ok. So, talk then, if you want to."

The youth nodded, but then looked nervous.

"Just act like you're talking to the cotton candy lady." The bird sighed.

"She has a name." He grumbled. "Crate, what else do you like?"

"Well, I like helping village whenever I can. Does that count?"

"I guess so..."

"I also like marshmallows. It's fun to squish them before eating them."

"Marshmallows are good." The puff replied.

"...that's strangely funny coming from you." Vul chuckled.

"Why? Because everyone compares Star Warriors to marshmallows?"

"Yeah."

"Well, fine then. Crate, do you train with anyone? You always seem to be on your own."

"I don't train with anyone."

"Why not? Even I spar with other soldiers."

"No one wants to spar with me."

"I've offered to spar with you before though?"

"I rather not burden you..."

"I'm the one that offered though."

"Still! I just feel bad for asking someone like you!"

"Why?"

"I'll just hold you back!"

"Uh, how? It's sparring. It's to both of our benefits."

"Just stop questioning it, ok?"

"Uh... alright."

Both Meta and Vul looked confused at that response.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Crate's mood seemed have taken a complete 180, confusing them more.

"Well, alright." Meta looked at Vul, who seemed to be thinking the same thing as him. "Well, if that's all, we should get going." Meta then said.

"Wait, I have a question for you now. What do you think of sensei?" Crate suddenly asked.

"Well... I have a lot of respect for her. If I'm going to be completely honest, I would be dead if it wasn't for her."

"Ok, I see. I think she's inspiring."

"Yeah, I think so, too. She's so brave and strong, but she's also kind and gentle."

"Yes, she's definitely a good leader."

"I hope to become someone like her someday." Meta sighed as he got up. "Well, I guess we'll see you later, Crate."

"Wait, a minute!" Crate suddenly said.

"What?"

"Um... would you... like to walk around the ship for a while?" She asked nervously.

Meta looked a bit surprised, but didn't see anything wrong with that. "Sure. Are you fine with that, Vul?"

"Well, as long as we talk during it, you'll still be getting socialization practice."

"Yeah, I know. Are you fine with doing more walking?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Alright, come on then you two." Meta said as he started walking. The duo nodded and joined him.

---------

As they walked around Meta noticed something about his new companion. "Crate, you must be excited about walking, aren't you?"

"Oh, that's because I haven't explored much of the ship!" She then paused. "How did you tell?"

"All Star Warriors can sense emotions." He replied simply.

She seemed to hesitate for a moment. "All emotions?"

"Yes. Joy, sorrow, anger, calm, love, even combinations of those emotions."

"I see..."

"Why? You seem a bit concerned by that."

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Well, alright." Meta replied, deciding to just drop it.

As the group walked around, Crate spoke up again. "Do you know if sensei has any set schedule when she returns from a mission? Like a ritual?"

"Not really. She usually returns whenever she feels like. If anything, she's almost always back before nine PM. But sometimes she comes back after, but usually she's good at getting home before then."

"Does she do anything when she returns?"

"Depends. Sometimes she goes straight to bed, sometimes she gets in some training. She doesn't really have a schedule; she just does whatever she wants."

"Is there like a most likely schedule, though? Like does she shower or eat or go straight to bed."

"I wouldn't know. Why are you so curious about it?"

"I think I'd like to ask her a few things."

"Like what?"

"Private matters."

"Like what kind?"

"It's private for a reason you know. You never know if there's a spy around."

"A spy? I sincerely doubt we have any of those."

"But are you sure about that?"

Meta frowned. "Are you sure that there is one?"

"There might be. You never know."

"In other words, you don't actually know. Crate, you need to stop being so paranoid." The puff told her, giving her a look of suspicion.

"O-Oh right. You're probably right. I'm just nervous about the possibility of one."

The youth stared at her for a moment, but then sighed, as if to accept that answer. Meta then stopped, looking around.

"What's up?" Vul asked.

"I sense someone, hey, whose there?" He called out.

From behind them, in the hallway, a strange humanoid wearing... what Meta could only describe as a disastrous marriage between traditional kimono and modern clothing sauntered out, holding a folded fan to their lips, as if it was some kind of stage performance.

"Who are you?" Meta asked, not really sure about what he was looking at.

"Ah, finally! I was wondering where I could get some service here! Do you know how long I have been walking around here to get some semblance of a welcome? Here, take my coat."

What confused Meta even more was that the man only made the motion of taking off a coat before tossing it to him, essentially taking nothing off.

"I repeat, who are you?" Meta asked again, even more confused. Vul was just as confused as well.

"Just a wandering traveler." He bluntly replied.

"Wandering travelers don't just end up on a military vessel. Who are you?"

"That..." He posed strangely, covering one of his eyes with his fan. "Is up to you to figure out, young man."

Meta glared at him. "Just give me a straight answer."

"Impatient, are you?" He mumbled, fanning himself for a moment before sitting seiza style in front of the group and slamming his fan down on the ground. "My name is Shinkiro. I am merely a visiting performer. It is good to meet your acquaintance, O crabby Prince of Shadows."

Meta just stared at him. "Hello."

Shinkiro equally stared and sigh. "...tough crowd I see. You're a lot crankier than the Lady of Shadows described you."

"If I'm cranky it's only because you took forever with answering my question. And how do you know my sensei?"

"Anyone at the main base would know Z's little girl." He bluntly replied.

"Do you enjoy not giving straight answers? Whatever, so you are an Organization member then? Why are you here?"

"Does a member of the Organization need a reason to be on an organization ship?"

"I suppose not, but normally one does have a reason."

"...fantastic. Because I honestly don't remember why I came here."

"...How?"

"How does one forget something?"

Meta sighed. Talking to normal people was already a challenge, this is just even more of one. "Shinkiro, was it? What species are you? I've never seen anyone like you before."

"Glad you asked. I am what's known as a Chaogean." The three soldiers all looked at him questioningly.

"I don't think I've read about that one."

"I shouldn't be surprised you are confused, because not many people have apparently heard of us." Shinkiro uttered, tapping his head. "Tell me. If you were able to gain strength from your conviction, what would you think?"

Meta looked confused. "What do you mean by conviction?"

"Your conviction. Your belief. Your faith. Something you believe wholeheartedly and use as your drive for life."

"I get that, but what does that have to do with my question? I asked about Chaogeans."

"It has very much to do with us Chaogeans. Our powers come from our convictions."

"So, every Chaogean has a unique ability then?"

"Exactly."

"What's yours then?"

Shinkiro grinned. "My conviction is..." He paused, likely for dramatic effect. "The world is a stage, and the people are its actors!"

Meta however was unimpressed. "Meaning?"

"Do you really want to know?" The man uttered.

"I have a vague feeling that you will regardless of what I say."

Shinkiro, however, looked dead serious as he said that. Meta sighed.

"Just tell me please. I'm tired of not receiving a straight answer."

"It's easier to show you." A strange marking then began to appear on his eyes. "I, Shinkiro, command you to reveal at least 5 of your secrets!"

Meta didn't say anything, confused as to what was happening. Vul on the other hand... "I actually like the taste of fried chicken, I'm afraid of heights, I don't know how to tie shoes, I'm allergic to garlic, and I once blew up a shed with a makeshift pipe bomb."

Seeing this, Shinkiro explained. "I can force anyone who makes direct eye contact with me to follow any order I give them."

"I see...Why didn't it work on me then?" Meta asked, patting the back of an extremely embarrassed Vul.

"Perhaps your conviction is somehow stronger than mine." He then scratched his head. "Though that's strange. Usually, it would appear as a suggestion then."

"It did. I hear a voice suggesting I do it, but I didn't have the inclination to actually do it." Meta said then he looked at Crate. "What about you?"

"Oh me? I blinked when it happened, so I guess I'm just unaffected by it."

"Perhaps."

"No, your little big dog friend is right. Eye contact is a necessity for my power to work."

"Is that so? That seems a bit like an oversight." The puff uttered.

"HA! Excellent wordplay young, crabby prince of Shadows."

The youth stared in confusion at those words.

"You said oversight and his ability relies on sight." Vul whispered so only Meta could hear.

"Oh, I see." He whispered back.

"Yes, it is an oversight, but like how an actor can have a wardrobe malfunction, not everything can be controlled all the time."

"Yeah..." Meta knew that feeling too well.

"But it's fine, for an actor can get through anything with effort." He then laughed, making Meta internally question if all members of the Organization were this eccentric. The images of his mentor flashed through his head, making him come to a definitive answer to that question.

"...of course they all are." He thought.

"So... what is my conviction?" Meta asked.

"That's something for you to figure out on your own. But a word of advice, what you seek may not be too far away from you."

"...I see..." The youth uttered.

"Well, it was nice meeting you crabby prince. Till we meet again!" Shinkiro said, dramatically hopping away on one foot.

"...well, that was weird." Vul said after the man was out of sight.

"Weird is normal around here." Meta said under his breath.

"Well, where to now?" The bird then asked.

"Crate, have you been shown where the armory is?"

"No, I would like to see it."

Meta nodded. "I'm surprised you haven't yet. It was one of the first places sensei showed me."

"Well, the ship was quite busy at the time I joined, so I didn't get to see it."

"I suppose that makes sense. How about you, Vul? Have you been there?"

"Briefly. I didn't stay for too long because I thought it would be better to have a proper guide in there. As for why sensei didn't show me, she apparently had something more important to worry about."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

Vul then paused. "If you don't mind me asking, what was the important thing?"

"Me. She was helping me cope with watching allies die in front of me."

Both his allies stared in shock.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Meta asked.

"Are... you serious...?" Vul uttered.

"Serious about what? Me watching my comrades die?"

"Yes, did that actually happen?"

"Do I seem the type to lie about something like that?"

"No! Just... it feels unbelievable..."

"It's probably also because there were no reported casualties on the mission a few months ago."

"Well, it happened. And what do you mean unbelievable? We're soldiers, death is common in this profession. I learned that the hard way."

"How did it happen if there was no report of it?"

"Not everything gets reported. Especially when it happened with another divisions crew. The updates you get here publicly only relate to combat division personnel. Full details are for the captain and vice captain as well as those involved only."

Both Vul and Crate seemed to jump back a bit at that somewhat angry reply.

"Now come on. We have an armory to look at."

The duo looked at each other before following along.

---------

As they walked along, one of the allies spoke up again.

"So can you tell us what happened?" Crate asked.

"I can."

"Will you then?"

"No." He replied quickly.

"Better just drop the subject, Crate." Vul whispered to her.

She silently nodded. "Well, what would you like to talk about?"

"Literally anything else."

The duo seemed to sigh at that.

"Then how about you decide on the subject. You need to learn to socially interact, right?" Vul said.

"I don't need to learn, I need to get better. But fine. Vul, what weapons do you like?"

"Same idea, mate. As for my preferred weapons, it's the crossbow."

"Anything else?"

"Anything with range, honestly."

Meta nodded. "Why a crossbow specifically?"

"It just feels a lot more accurate and faster to use than a bow and arrow."

"True, on average crossbows are far superior, especially in a one-on-one scenario. Though that's not to say normal bows don't have advantages. With crossbows you can only fire one arrow at a time. Regular bows can fire potentially up to five, maybe even more arrows at a time. Which in turn makes them slightly better for dealing with a crowd."

The bird chuckled. "You know a lot for someone so obsessed with swords. But yes, I can use both if needed."

"I'm interested in all types of weapons. Swords are just my favorite. Do you have any method of fighting up close?"

"Fists and using a knife."

Meta nodded. "That's good. What kind of knife? I can give you recommendations if you want to try a new type."

"A standard army knife. Any recommendations would be great."

"For you, I suggest a Barong Machete. They cover a good distance and are good for wood cutting as well as cutting down foes. Multipurpose."

"I see. I'll have to look into getting one."

Meta nodded. "Crate, what about you?"

"Oh, I don't use weapons. My fists are strong enough."

Meta frowned. "Bad idea. Fighting hard to hand fine. But you should look into wearing gauntlets. It'll increase your damage output and keep your fists guarded."

"I see... can you help me pick those out?"

"Of course."

Crate smiled. "Thank you."

"What about you?" Vul asked.

"I can use spears, staffs, axes, bows, gauntlets. Practically any standard issue weapon. It's when we get to more...unique weapons where my expertise is more limited. Items like fans or nunchaku, I can use them but not as well as more standard weapons."

"And swords?" The bird asked with a grin.

"That goes without saying." He grinned back.

"Come to think of it, why do you love swords so much?"

"They are straight forward. With other weapons there's various factors that go into using them. Not with swords though. Regardless of type, all swords follow the same principle. Stab and pierce. No fancy gimmicks, no immediate advantage or disadvantage. Just a simple blade, and it's up to the user to use it to its full potential. A sword is malleable, fitting for almost any scenario. Much like a Star Warrior."

Vul blinked. "Wow, I didn't know swords were that variable."

"Of course. Regardless of the Era, intelligent civilizations have always used swords."

"And here I thought it was because sensei used them." Crate uttered.

"No. Even before I met her, I liked swords. I was already accustomed to them, even if all I had were rusty swords I took from the bodies of thieves that tried to kill me. A sword was a sword."

"I see. I just thought you did with how much you seemed to respect her."

"No. I respect her greatly that much is true. But I'm me, not her."

"Of course. Now, what do you like about her?"

"That's an odd question, considering I expressed my admiration for her earlier. But I like mostly everything about her."

"Ah... my mistake. Is there anything you don't like about her?"

"Not particularly. It annoys me when she picks on me, but I don't necessarily dislike it either."

"Why don't you dislike it?"

"Because it comes from a place of concern. She cares about me, I know she messes with me because she cares. I might get annoyed at her, but it never goes beyond annoyance."

Crate was silent.

"Anyway, we're here." Meta announced.

"Meta, what's in that room over there?" Vul asked.

"Hm? Oh, that's the ship's reactor. The door is password protected."

"I assume only the Bukisets, the captain, and vice captain know?" The bird then asked.

"Pretty much."

"I understand the captain and vice captain, but why the Bukisets?" Crate asked.

"They do maintenance." Meta said as if it was common knowledge, which it was supposed to be.

"I see."

"I bet the captain told you at point. What is it?" Vul asked.

"I don't know." Meta said seriously.

"Really, I would of thought that she would tell you."

The puff shrugged. "It is what it is." He then replied, keeping his knowledge to himself. He found it amusing. "Now come on, let's look inside the armory now." The group nodded and entered it.

---------

Upon entering the room, the duo noticed one thing about the room.

"It's hot." Vul stated, sweating like a turkey in summer.

"There's a giant furnace in here. We make our own weapons, so of course it'll be hot. Don't worry, we won't be here long."

"Good..." Crate panted.

"Now get looking. The sooner you see everything the sooner you can leave."

They nodded and began to walk around.

"There's so many weapons. I know we're the combat division, but still..." Vul commented at his surroundings.

"Yeah, I was surprised at first as well." The puff replied.

"Can we leave now?" Crate asked.

"If you're done looking, yes."

"I am. Can we go? I can feel my sweat having sweat of its own."

"Ok, then we can leave."

The moment those words left the puff's mouth, both of his friends practically sprinted to the door, making him stare at them in confusion.

---------

After everyone left as fast as possible, the puff heard another voice.

"Hey, Meta, I've noticed something." Vul said.

"What is it?"

"For someone who's not much of a talker, you sure are good at leading others."

"Really?" The puff asked.

"Yeah, I mean you're getting us to do everything you say right?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, I guess."

"Will you be taking over this division in the future?" Crate asked.

"I don't know. I'd rather focus on the me of now instead of the me of then."

"Well, if people are calling ya the Prince of Shadows, wouldn't that be the case?" Vul questioned.

"No? I don't see what a nickname I had no say in having has to do with anything. She was called the lady of shadows before she became a captain. Titles are just titles, nothing more."

"It implies you're her successor."

"No, it doesn't. If I end up being her successor, it's because I choose to be, not because people expect me to become her successor. I'm my own person. I decide what I want for myself."

"Then would you want to be her successor?"

"I just said I don't know. I'm young. I have a lot to learn before I consider taking her position.

"I see..." Vul uttered.

"What about you Vul? Do you know what you want to do?"

"I thought about being a captain once in a while, but I think you're much better at that."

"Perhaps. But Captain Vul has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

The bird hummed upon hearing that. "Yeah... yeah... that sounds good."

"What about you, Crate?"

"Oh, I haven't figured that out yet!" She replied nervously.

"That's fine. There's no need to be nervous about it."

"Are you the same way, Meta?"

"Again, I already said I don't know what I want. I still have a lot to learn about the universe."

"Have you talked to sensei about it?"

"Of course I have. She told me literally what I've been telling you two. I have my whole life to figure out what I want."

The duo nodded.

"So, what about relationships?" Crate suddenly asked.

"What about them?"

"Do you have anyone you're interested in?"

"In what way?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Vul said bluntly, making Crate blush.

"I have female friends. yes. I don't see why that matters."

The bird laughed. "You are so naive... are you dating a girl?"

"No."

"...really? Not even that cotton candy friend of yours?"

"She's my friend, nothing else to it."

The bird grinned. "Are you suuureeee?"

"Yes."

"Doesn't seem like it." He chuckled.

"You can think whatever you want."

"I think that he is that oblivious..." Crate whispered.

"No kidding." Vul whispered back.

The puff looked confused. "Well, whatever. What about you, Vul?"

"Admittedly, I'm not too interested." The bird shrugged.

"Fine. You Crate?"

"...nope."

"You sure? You hesitated a little, not even Meta did that."

"I don't have one!"

"Yeesh, not even Meta was that defensive. There's definitely someone now."

"You're just imagining things!"

"That's enough, both of you." Meta commanded.

Both of them became quiet.

"Good. Now Crate, where else haven't you been?"

"How about you just take me to a place you like?"

Meta sighed and shook his head. "Fine. Follow me."

The duo nodded and followed after him.

---------

They came to a very narrow hallway and a closed, blocked off passageway.

"Meta, what is this place?" Crate asked as they arrived.

"The airlock." He answered simply.

"What's the airlock?"

Meta and Vul both looked at her with a confused expression.

"The airlock. It locks the air. It keeps us from being sucked out into space. All massive space battleships have one."

"I see. So, if this opens, then we'll get sucked out into space?"

"Not exactly. Behind this door is a bigger glass door. If that opens, then we'll get sucked out."

"Have you ever been beyond that door?"

"No, because then there's just outer space."

"Really? You think Kurabe would have you do some training there."

"No? There's no gravity out there. That would be counterproductive to the weights I wear during training. Plus, while I can breathe in space, not everyone can. Sensei treats everyone fairly. Sensei might put us through intense training, but she's not a savage. She would never put someone in a scenario where they could die just for training."

"...debatable." Vul grumbled.

"Have you been put in a deadly scenario while training?"

"Well, no."

"Then it's not debatable."

"You sure, though? She can be a drill sergeant with her training." Crate said.

"I said she's not a savage. She has never crippled anyone or gotten someone gravely injured during training. Being a drill sergeant is normal behavior for a drill sergeant. Because that's what she is."

"Are you sure she hasn't crippled anyone?"

"Yes. I've been here longer than both of you. I'm friends with someone who has been here longer than me. We both know that no one has ever gotten crippled by her. You can even check sensei's public record. It'll say the same thing." He then cleared his throat. "We're getting off topic. I took us here for a reason."

"Why's that?"

"Because look out the window. The view outside is beautiful."

Both Vul and Crate turned to the window and the youth was indeed right about that.

"I like to come here and watch the stars move by."

"I can see why. The view is beautiful." Vul uttered.

Meta nodded. "Vul. Do you think I've gotten better with talking?"

The bird chuckled. "If you ask me, I think you made a bit of progress today. But don't get frustrated if you think you're going too slowly. Just keep at it."

"Right. If anything, that strange man from earlier was good for talking practice."

"Yeah. Especially if you're gonna deal with all kinds of nuts in the Organization."

"I have a feeling I'll be dealing with nut jobs no matter what happens in my life." With that said, Meta turned away. "I'm getting tired. I think I'll call it a day."

"Fair enough, I'm pretty sure dealing with that Cha... whatever drained you enough." Vul laughed.

"I trained for eight hours. So yes, I'm fairly drained." He said with a smile.

"I'll see you two later then."

"Yeah, see ya later. Meta. Hope you have a good rest." The bird replied as their dog friend waved as well. With a smile, the puff returned to his room to rest.

-

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Toyhouse Page for Shinkiro

[sunriseverse]

@vaynglories replied to your post “10, 14, 16, 17 for the writing q's!”:

I AM ASKING NOW. TELL ME ABOUT THE USES OF "BAD WRITING" (if you want to) (also hardcore agree on the first person thing. so many oft-hated-upon devices can be used to good effect, it's all about the manner in which they're used!)

​okay sorry to only get to this [checks timestamp] twelve hours later BUT i have so so many feelings about this so thank you for encouraging me.

for this post, i'll be talking about the generally hated styles/types of writing, the ones that people always so to NEVER DO, that i can remember off the top of my head. (if i miss one that you want to hear about, let me know!!! i love talking about this subject.) i'll list them off very quickly so you have a general idea what i'm talking about: second person pov, first person pov, "excessive" italicisation, stream-of-consciousness, lack of dialogue tags, grammatical errors, repetition, "overly" detailed/purple prose, and omission of information.

(this got long, oops. sticking it below the cut for readability.)

as a brief preface, i'll say this: i think that a lot of these things are hard to pull off in a way that works. it takes a lot of experience, skill, and understanding of both the medium you're working with, and what each of these things conveys. but so often i see people warning authors away from them entirely, which is, in my opinion, shortsighted at best, and stunting of creativity at worst. now i'll give an explanation for each of these, and how i've used them/how i think they can be used effectively.

second person pov: this is arguably the most "intimate" pov, because you're making the reader an implicit party to the narrative, moreso than usual. that doesn't mean the narrator is the reader, though! second person pov can also help to create, paradoxically, a distance from the actual narrator. you can see this in the harrow the ninth novel, for one example, and in another, i've used second person a couple times in my recent works; here's an example of it:

You didn’t bother trying to answer. You knew well enough that the best option in the battlefield of pain was silence. They, you thought, perhaps, were waiting for you to make a sound; to groan, or grunt, or moan, or wail. They forgot you were as Zhang as they were. This was not a smugness; this was a fact you knew as well as the length of your fingers had been burnt into you.

here, the second person pov blurs the lines between the reader's experience, and xiaoge's experience, but does not make the reader the narrator; not that that would be a bad thing, but in this case, that's not what i was going for; you can tell who the narrator is based on details that are given. the second person pov also makes the narration feel more factual—it is being experienced rather than being observed.

first person pov: very common in YA novels, but adult novels have first person povs as well! you just don't hear about them as much. i would say first person pov is one of the harder things on this list, because it can be hard to characterise the narrator without making them feel too much like a self insert/audience insert. that said, first person pov is a great way to convey mystery, suspense, and have an unreliable narrator! to keep with giving examples, the main dmbj novels are told in first person form; they, therefore, are necessarily filtered through what wu xie deems important, and as you go further along, it becomes clear that someones—maybe even often—he's bending the truth, giving a very biased account, or just straight out lying or forgetting things, not to mention that, necessarily, there are things he just doesn't know that you don't learn about until either a. someone else states them upfront, or b. npss writes a third person pov novel that mentions the fact. some other novels with first person povs: the tiger's daughter, the employees, the murderbot diaries. the first two are epistolary, and the second two have mystery elements; in both cases, the first person pov has a specific purpose, which it fulfils well.

"excessive" italicisation: this is a complaint i've heard less often, but i have heard it, so it's going on the list. oftentimes people tell you to reserve italics for special occasions, not much unlike the way older generations would have told you to restrict your exclamation mark usage. it's a matter of stylistic preference, i'll be blunt, and carries with it a lot of implication that are culturally specific. for example, if you're writing in chinese, you necessarily cannot italicise—but i digress. italicisation is good for drawing special, specific emphasis to things; i've used it in my writing to indicate altered mental states before, as i have personal experience with my mental state being altered by psychiatric episodes that cause me to give undue attention to seemingly "trivial" things, changed my speech patterns, etc. from a very old pacific rim fic, where the narrating character is still suffering under the effects of being possessed and having his mental state altered by it:

This time, the guards don’t protest as Hermann dismisses them—a quick jerk of his head and they’re gone. “They gave me thicker socks this time,” Newt says conversationally, part of him wanting to shift from foot to foot, but he remains still.

as you can see, the italicisation gives the dialogue a strange, almost jarring, artificial quality. it's as if it's being read off by an autogenerated voice, rather than a human—which, considering the fic touches upon the experience of humanity, is fitting.

stream-of-consciousness: not a very common thing, but in my opinion, good for showing altered mental states—be it due to extreme fear or stress, mental health issues, or tense situations. i've used this a couple times, in a sha hai fic where li cu is experiencing a sudden realisation of what, exactly, is sharing his body with him, and the conflicting thoughts between him and the parasite, and i've also used it in sunrise more recently, describing xiaoge's experience hiveside, in a place that cannot properly be comprehended by the human mind:

The stone scrapes against the wall. Li Cu breathes, and blinks, and you are not alone in this body the other has noticed you the other must not be allowed to Li Cu wants to run wants to drown himself until the sensation leaves the panicked sparrow in his chest the body will listen to you and you will return to It because that is the only way this can end one foot before the other move slowly move steadily don’t harm this body it is all you have until It do not let the other do as it wishes Li Cu wants to yell wants to scream Li Cu wants to flee Li Cu is a rabbit in a snare Li Cu is a deer’s neck snapping beneat the force of a tiger’s jaws Li Cu is a sparrow Li Cu is a mouse Li Cu is fucking done no he is not fucking letting this thing do whatever it wants with the body is no longer listening the other has grown too strong a flameburst a flash of fangs the other has noticed the other should have been excised Li Cu is not fucking letting this be his end Li Cu is not fucking dying down here Li Cu is not, Li Cu is not, fingers clumsy on the zippers, fumbling as they shift through the contents, tubes and papers and they’re heavy on the hands they fit so nicely isn’t it strange it’s never been thought of before that excision isn’t always cutting isn’t it strange that excision can be burning too that you can cauterise an infection can cauterise an interloper can cauterise

and

in this place in this space he will have no moment to breathe no moment to blink no moment to slow in this place he will have no self no other only IT and ALL ELSE because that will be the truth of IT that it will see not in terms of differentiation but in SELF and OTHER and he will be OTHER and he will fight it better than anything or anyone before because he will be the only one who has the memory of before the only one who won’t corrupt at its touch though it will burn though it will sing and oh it will be blinding oh it will be vibrant oh it will paint the hollow of his mind in beautiful beautiful colours no other will be able to comprehend in this moment he will for a second become not OTHER but rather IT become not OTHER but SELF and it will be this that he fights mostly this that he battles the longest SUBSUMATION INTO THE WHOLE that he dances away from will be the CONSUMPTION that he holds the walls against firm will be this that he will try and summon the memories of THEM and this that will succeed but not for yet not for now NOT JUST QUITE NO NOW IS NOW IS NOW IS NOW IS

lack of dialogue tags: as long as you know what you're doing, it's actually not that hard to make it clear who's speaking even if you're not using dialogue tags. i haven't seen this in a published novel, but i've both used and seen it before in character study-type fics, and in remembered conversations, where the focus is less on a conversation happening, and more on the experience of the conversation. it also, in my opinion, tends to add a surreal atmosphere to the section it's being used in—more like an image than text. there is, of course, also the lack of dialogue tags in speech when talking about telepathic communication, but i don't think that that's usually what's being talked about when it comes to this.

grammatical errors: while annoying when made because an author doesn't know better, in the hands of an experienced writer, these can be very effective at conveying altered mental states, giving a sense of foreboding or surrealism, or for characters that aren't human or for some reason have no experience or memory of being human. i forgot to add this to the list, but grammatical errors also blend a bit with formatting errors—formatting is a great way to build a certain atmosphere, be that ascetic, horror, etc.

repetition: can be annoying, but has genuine applications! if there's a truth that a character holds particularly firmly, that might show up in repetitive narration. on top of this, if there's something particularly strange, eye-catching, or an overwhelming emotion or experience, this can also show up in repetition. repetition pressed closer together can give the sense of a stifling, claustrophobic atmosphere, or that a character is experiencing something overwhelming, and spread out, it can be used to establish themes and characterisation.

"overly" detailed/purple prose: i am a purple prose defender until the day i die. just because some people who don't know what they're doing make purple prose a slog doesn't mean that it's inherently bad. prose that's "excessively detailed" can be a good way to establish character—they may pay particular attention to detail due to, for example, constantly needing to be aware of their surroundings for safety or political reasons, etc—, and a good way to establish dynamics between characters, convey emotion, and give the world of the writing a more "realistic", vibrant feel to it. i especially appreciate detailed prose for its ability to convey emotion—as someone who's a character writer, i rely a lot on the prose to convey the character's emotions, and thus, characterise them, and carry the narrative.

omission of information: sometimes the narrator won't tell you things and that is not only okay, but also good! it can be a great way to characterise a character—what do they focus on? what do they avoid? what does this say about them? are they omitting these things only from those around them, only the reader, or both? how does the reader's perspective change if/when they find out what's been omitted? in my opinion, a lot of great usages of omission come from them being only omitted in one or two ways—as in, there are hints as to the omission, that the reader could have pieced together, but they trusted the narrator, or just didn't notice them because they were paying more attention to what was being said directly rather than what was being alluded to by the other characters. omission is similar, in my opinion, to plot twists—it works best when the reader had enough tools to figure it out, but for whatever reason, didn't.

okay that's the end of my very long rant. i hope this makes sense!!! and if there's things i missed let me know and i'll talk about them :)

[desastreus]

Write Questions

thank you! @the-stray-storyteller <3 tagging without pressure: @manuscriptsatmidnight @deadtower @yesireadbooks @guessillcallitart @holdmyteaplease @fearofahumanplanet (not actually sure how many people i'm supposed to tag but oh well)

1) What motivates you to write?

i saw a post recently that had me shook. one part of it was "create what you cannot scream." it opened my eyes for me, because i thought i only wanted to create out of joy. but maybe i just don't want to be alone and i also don't want other people to be alone.

2) A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else's work you love (just please credit them)

ehhhh... *panics* - oh wait, a small part from Through the Void and Back (another wip i haven't introduced yet aaaa)

Like splintered glass glistening in the first sunshine of the year, a gap had appeared. The stars welcomed her as she took the step, feeling his radiant eyes burn in her back, his laughter still echoing despite being worlds away.

3) Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

to be honest, i've never gotten that far that i love my oc's that much, because i usually barely write.

maybe Meryle from When Lightning Strikes though. yeah, he's a fun one.

4) What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

hmmm... i think that moment when i have an idea and it just makes sense. or when the words flow out of my fingers, almost without thinking. or when i read back older written things and laugh at my own silly ideas.

5) What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it's okay)

description maybe? writing with feeling maybe?

6) What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

when we're able to connect. which i'm not always good at. but i am making new friends and that's nice <3

7) A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

i think Fantasia Archive is great for world building :)

8) A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

oh i think that one where there's only islands and you can attach smaller island to your own island and also steal islands from other people. yeah, this one is just pure chaos.

9) What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

take your time <3

there's no need to hurry <3

10) Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters:

well... where would i be without my dear friend @deacetis <3

also gotta tag @lockejhaven because ... i don't even know how to put it into words... your discord server, they way that you are so welcoming to everyone... <3

well then of course... @smol-feralgremlin <3 @queerlilchinchin <3 @awiderangeofgreen <3

THE QUESTIONS:

1) What motivates you to write?

2) A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else's work you love (just please credit them)

3) Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

4) What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

5) What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it's okay)

6) What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

7) A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

8) A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

9) What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

10) Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters:

[brainbuffering]

12 Days of Manga (2022)

Day 2: Top 3 Shojo of the Year

1) My Love Mix-Up by Aruko and Wataru Hinakure from Shojo Beat (T: Jan Cash L: Inori Fukuda Trant E: Nancy Thistlethwaite)

[ID: English Cover for Vol 3 of My Love Mix-Up! The main characters all stare down at the viewer from above. Aoki and Hashimoto are at the front, grinning broadly, Ida and Akkun at the back. Ida has his usual stoic expression, whilst Akkun throws up a peace sign]

“Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she's written the name of another boy-- Ida --on it. To make matters more confusing, Ida sees Aoki holding that very eraser and thinks Aoki has a crush on him!

Aoki has a crush on Ida, a boy in his class. Hashimoto's eraser, which caused so much confusion among friends when Aoki borrowed it, is also at fault for making him flunk a quiz! Aoki, Akkun, and Hashimoto meet up at Ida's for a study session where Aoki and Ida talk about what they are to each other-if they can figure it out?!” 

I keep saying how I’m tired of High School Romance, and then I go and put My Love Mix-Up as my Shojo of the year. A series that is perhaps the most High School of High School Romances. I was drawn to the series through a combination of a £10 Waterstones Voucher, and the notion of a proper, actual love triangle that wasn’t just one girl trying to pick between her childhood best friend and an edgy bad boy(TM).

The confusion over the eraser* was an interesting plot device, and it’s been so much fun to see Aoki discover his bisexuality with the help and support of his friends. It would be really great to see them actually use the word “Bisexual” or even just “Gay” but I suppose I can’t have everything. At this point in time, just seeing a Queer Love Story in the pages of a mainstream magazine like Bessatsu Margaret is a joy! It helps place queer love as equal to heterosexual love, allowing teens to see themselves and their stories beyond specalist publications. 

Whilst it was lovely to see how accepting their friends are of their relationship and not have them deal with any homphobic bullying, I think the strongest story so far has been that of Aoki and his Cram School Tutor. So far he had not had to face up against any sort of homophobia, but now he’s had someone he respects become suddenly prejudiced towards him due to his relationship with Ida: something that should have no actual baring on his education, or his relationship with his tutor! Whilst said tutor is called out for his prejudice rather explicitly, I do like that ther were no slurs or out right bullying involved, just a series of assumptions and a change in behaviour that hurt Aoki’s feelings in a meaningful way. It didn’t paint the tutor as an evil villain, but rather someone who had made some mistakes and needed to re-evaulate their position on life, which he does!

This is an important lesson for readers of all sexualtites. Queer readers learn that they don’t have to put up with this kind of behaviour, and that they are justified in their discomfort and anger; meanwhile Straight readers learn what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour. Prejudice is of course something that is ingrained in all of us, and isn’t something that can easily be changed over night. However it is something that needs to be changed! It’s something we should all address within ourselves, and work on so as to make sure we don’t hurt those around us. Because confronting those harmful beliefs is the responsibility of the individual, not that of the oppressed.

The art work isn’t perhaps the greatest as Aruko admits to taking their time to adapt to digital, but it has definetly improved as the series has progressed and is helped imensely by Hinekure’s story telling. I was a little concerned that the series might start to drag on after a while, but hearing that it has ended at nine volumes makes me more confident that this’ll become a classic we’ll still be recomending in years to come.

I hope that these silly kids will get a happy high school ending.

* I’m British, but I’m aware of how Americans work and “confusion over a rubber” would make for a very different kind of story. Please do not write your crush’s name on a condom....

2) Kageki Shojo!! by Kumiko Saiki from SevenSeas (T: Katrina Leonoudakis L: Aila Nagamine E: Shannon Fay)

[ID: English Cover of Vol 5 of Kageki Shojo!! Ai and Sarasa dance ballroom style wearing pink/yellow versions of their school uniforms. Sarasa has a black 1770s European style millitary jacket with gold brocade thrown over her shoulders. The background is bright green with confetti, balloons and stars.]

“The ongoing tale that began with the omnibus release of Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises. Follow the drama on and off the stage with the girls at the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts--and don't miss the anime adaptation!

Ever since she was a little girl, Sarasa has wanted to play the role of Oscar as part of the Kouka Acting Troupe, an all-female acting troupe similar to the Takarazuka Revue. But before she can do that, she has to attend two years at the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts. As Sarasa practices singing, dancing, and acting, she grows closer to the other girls in her year, including her roommate, the stoic former J-idol, Ai. Though Sarasa is great at making friends, her outspoken nature and grand ambitions earn her lots of enemies as well. Can Sarasa keep her upbeat attitude and achieve her dream of stardom?”

I originallay picked up this series because I follow the translator on twitter and enjoy her threads on translation theory so was curious to see what a series translted by her would be like. And I haven’t looked back since! 

The artwork is lovely, the stories are heartfelt and true to life. It doesn’t shy away from big topics like eating disorders, PTSD, and anxiety. The girls are all wonderful, but not always nice which is excellent to see! Even bitches like Hijiri are fleshed out and given reasons for you to love them.

Whilst the relationship between Sarasa and Ai leans more towards the classic “open to interpretation” side of things, on the whole the series is very queer inclusive. The very concept of it plays with gender so much, that it even started out as Seinen (manga for men) before transfering over to Shojo (manga for girls)! It says a lot about the series and how the inherent gendering of genres is outdated given how the first volume from its seinen days discussed bulemia in the entertainment industry, whilst the first volume of the shojo days talked about the long lasting pyschological damage the american fire bombing in WW2 did to innocent japanese citizens. Never has a turn page made me cry more than that one....

But High School Shojo is just fluff and nonsense, right? 

As a former theatre kid, it’s also been lots of fun to learn more about the different traditons of Japanese Theatre, with paticular regards to comparing all-female casting and all-male casting. Which is becoming a tragically more relevant discussion given what is happening in the united states at the moment with regards to drag performances. Seriously, who’s going to tell them that the original Juliet was played by a teenage boy? Or do those TERFs simply not care one way or the other about child welfare, and just want to force their backwards beliefs onto everyone else? But I digress.

Within the series there’s an interesting discussion had about the freedom of actors to play the roles they want, and what things might stop them. Some girls dream of playing the beautiful feminime leads but find that biology has made them too tall and broad, others want to play the macho hero but are considered too short and busty. Then there’s other physical limitations to be taken into account. Andou-sensei achieved his dream of playing the Phantom of the Opera, but had his carer then come to an abrupt end because of a sudden injury that lead to a permanent disability. He’s therefore had to find a new way to express himself and share his love for threate, something that took time for him to accept. This felt paticualrly relateable to me, as I’ve also had to adapt to needing to use a walking stick just to walk 20m, where as before I was running up and down a field hockey pitch on the regular!

Then there’s Sarasa who had to give up her dream of performing in Kabuki due to her assigned gender, but whose new goal in life is to play Lady Oscar from Rose of Versailles: a character that is widely considered to be Non-Binary/X-Gendered by today’s standards!

This series teaches us that Gender is a performance, and Sarasa Watanabe is the Top Star.

3) A Sign of Affection by suu Morishita from Kodansha (T: Christine Dasiell L: Carl Vanstiphout and Lys Blakeslee E: Ben Applegate and William Flanagan)

{ID: English Cover of A Sign of Affection Vol 5 by suu Morishita. Itsumi wears a yellow short sleeved paisley button up shirt and gently holds Yuki’s hand. Yuki is laying back on a white sofa, one arm crooked as she looks at the viewer. She’s wearing a matching yellow dress with large puff sleeves and a white hearing aid. They are framed in a circle by red, white and blue poppies.] 

“Yuki is a typical college student in all ways but one: She's hard of hearing. A chance encounter on a train leads to a serious crush...but will he give her a chance? A sweet and relatable manga romance from the creator of Shortcake Cake! Even with a hearing aid, the voices of others are an indistinct blur for Yuki. But she's never let that get in the way of a life arranged around her friends, social media, and cute fashion. She's browsing her phone on train when a tourist asks her for directions, and she's ready to panic...but the handsome Itsuomi steps in to help. It turns out her new crush is a friend of a friend, and Yuki's world starts to widen. But even though Itsuomi-kun can speak three languages, sign language isn't one of them. Can Yuki communicate her budding feelings? From the acclaimed author of Shortcake Cake, the hit shojo series with more than a million copies in print, this new work is sure to please fans of romantic stories like A Silent Voice, Kimi ni Todoke, and Love in Focus!”

The way this series uses lettering to enhance story telling makes me want to run around in circles and scream across the mountains like a cowboy. At some point I am absolutely going to be write a whole post about just the lettering, but for now, just trust me when I say it’s amazing. Heck, the reason I wait for the physical releases rather than reading the Simulpub is so that I can get the higher quality lettering experience!

In terms of the rest of the series though, it’s beautifully illustrated throughout and I love how everyone has such excellent fashion choices! I’m also reading Shortcake cake at the moment, and seeing the development in Morishita’s art and styling decisions really shows how well they understand the art of making comics! Nobody is doing it like them.

I’m always interested in stories featuring disabled protagonists where they’re not given magical cures or solutions to their problems, and seeing such a wonderful romance blossom between Yuki and Itsuomi has been delighful. It’s a series that really focusses on the importance of communication between couples, and how it’s okay to make mistakes but never assumptions.

Whilst I would agree with criticsim that Yuki is perhaps too isolated from the rest of the d/Deaf Community for someone who attended a Deaf School, I will say that she doesn’t feel that different to any other shojo protagonist as a result. She’s a “fish out of water” who, despite being wonderful and kind and inteligent, only seems to have two friends. Whilst that trope is overdone in a lot of Shojo, here it feels earned due to her disability! Or at least based upon some of my personal experiences as a teenager with epilepsy.

As the series has gone on, we have seen her reach out to the rest of the community, and I hope that we continue to see more of that. I find it very reassuring that Morishita credit their sign language consultant/collaborator, Yuki Miyazaki, in every single volume of the manga and promote her personal work on their twitter.

In terms of shojo, I think it’s also just really nice to read about university students rather than high schoolers. Not only does it mean that they’re closer to my age (Okay, Yuki is 19 and I’m 28 but ... still) but it also means they’re able to explore the world a little more, quite literally in Itsuomi’s case. Vol 6 is not yet out in English, but I gather from looking at some of the simulpub previews that their relationship is going to be developing into the more adult sector, both physically and in practicality, which makes me so happy to see! Not just because I myself am a disabled adult who has recently moved out of their parents’ place and look forward to some potentially relateable content, but because it’s so good to just see any disabled protagonist be allowed to be an adult and go through regular adult things!

Whilst I cannot speak for d/Deaf folks, i know from my experience with epilepsy that it can be incredibily isolating no matter how well meaning your ablebodied friends are, and moving from a place where your needs are always met to somewhere new is both frustrating, scary and -- to some extent -- reasuring as you learn what you can and cannot surive. That’s the journey Yuki is on right now, and I would like for the series to perhaps dive more into that element but equally seeing her relationship with Itsoumi develop is so delightfully romantic in a flower petals, stained glass window, Alan Menken Soundtrack kind of a way. It also feels like such a breath of fresh air for a disabled character to be allowed to be seen as desirable without it becoming fetishcistic. 

I don’t think this series is some sort of big revolution in the manga world. I don’t think people will be writing essays about it in the same way they do with Ed’s prosphetics in Full Metal Alchemist, or Clint Barton’s Hearing Loss in the Aja/Fraction/Hollingsworth run. But it’s still an important series that I think people need to pick up, if only for the master class in lettering.

SERIOUSLY.

IT’S SO GOOD

YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!!!!

THEY USE DIFFERENT SHADES AND TONES AND POSITIONINGS TO DETERMINE WHAT SHE CAN AND CANNOT UNDERSTAND.

YOU GET SUCH A CLEAR IDEA ABOUT WHAT HER LIFE IS LIKE AND THE MISCOMUNICATION TROPE IS SO WELL EARNED HERE. 

[ID: A old white man in a black cowboy hat and suit is superimposed over a desert mountain scape. He is screaming passionately,]

(End Note: Some of my enjoyment from this series also comes from the fact that Itsuomi used to live in Germany the same as me and so speaks in German sometimes, and since I can read German, I get to feel smug and knowledgeable.)

[whenimgoodandready]

The Dragon Miraculous is the most unique of all the Chinese Miraculouses. It has not one, not two, but three powers! Wind💨, Water💧 and Lightning⚡️! Can the other miraculouses do that? I don’t think so! It’s also the only mystic creature in the Chinese Zodiac too. Representing fantasy, adventure and good luck. Despite her “short lived” time as a super, Kagami Tsurugi did an excellent job as Ryuko (“Ikari Gozen”) and then was brought back a few times. Her experience with a sword was a coincidence as that was also their weapon of choice. However, with the triple power of storm related elements, it’d be frightening for us to think of it used for evil. Monarchs used it to evade capture from the heroes (“Evolution”), but who’s he gonna give it to as an accomplice to get their miraculouses? Let’s see:

*Perfection-What did we learn from the “The Kwami’s Choice”? Weeeell:The heroes gave up their miraculouses in order to finally date and be happy cuz otherwise they’d be so depressed they’d be akumatized and the apocalypse would happen, Alya and Zoe took their place as Scarabella and Kitty Noir, respectively, Monarch had a near victory with both the Ladybug and Black Cat miraculouses and then the reset button was pressed as usual :P. Yup. We’re back at the beginning again!😓. No Scarabella and Kitty Noir, no combining the two most important miraculouses together to make a wish, no nothing! Ugh!

Ok, so the reset button wasn’t exactly pressed. There was a spark when Adrienette FINALLY confessed their love for each other, but the problem is Marinette just can’t seem to say “I love moo you!”. No matter what, she’s just too shy, clumsy and awkward to say it even after Adrien serenades her and it does nothing! Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! What’s her deal!?

Her class (minus the mean girls), try to push her into saying it, but she won’t listen to them. Not even her own best friend Alya! Is there anyone out there who can help this poor pig-tailed protagonist!? Hmmm. Hey! Kagami can help since she’s a wingwoman for Adrienette! (“Determination”). Unfortunately, Marinette can’t even enlist her help cuz she’s afraid Kagami will think less of her if she finds out she (Marinette) still hasn’t said those 3 little words and avoids her to not disappoint her. Oh great!😓.

Because of Marinette ignoring her, Kagami is convinced by our plot device, Lila Rossi, that it’s a sign that Marinette never considered her a friend. Lila caught on that practically all rich kids are sheltered and socially inept and thus was easy to manipulate and with negative influences. With that, Kagami is akumatized, with the Dragon Miraculous, as Ryukomori, a giant cloud version of herself! Whoa! So she’s a living storm person that emits storm powers!? Oh sh*t! That’s not good! Wait, she can’t see or hear and just walks around nonchalantly!? What the f**k kind of villain is this? Was Monarch not thinking again!? :P. Her fourth akumatized form and it’s at the bottom for me. A giant cloud Kagami that wasn’t so combatant! :P. Her third form “Lies” was highly effected as her power froze people who lied even with the most littlest of white lies, so I’ll put that in second place. Her second form “Oni-Chan”, was her using her sword that gives people a lie detecting horn and a message receiving call to switch places with that person so as to attack the horned target and I’ll put that in third place. The look scares me too. My fav is still “Riposte”, a sword for an arm! Badass! Who doesn’t want a weapon for a body part!? C’mon!

WE HAVE ADRIENETTE! (whispers softly) Sorta kinda. Now the only thing left to do to confirm it is have Marinette take the wheel and sail it off to sea! Which is easier said then done. Actually it’s not even easier said! Is it cuz she got her miraculous back and is worried her superhero duties are gonna interfere with her love life again like with Luka? (“Truth”). No. The relationship will be fine so as long as they have their friends by their side. Did you not see how they handled Monarchbug!? Poor Marinette is just majorly insecure that she’s not worthy enough for rich and famous (former) hot teen male model Adrien Agreste. She shouldn’t be. She’s done so much to prove it. Kagami feels insecure too. She may look like she’s assertive and stone cold, but deep down, she’s crying a herself a river of her own tears to drown in. The reason the ep was called “Perfection” is because it’s what Kagami strives to be. It’s also what her mother, Tomoe, pushes on her, not just with fencing, but for life. Like to achieve “perfection”, you exclude friendship. Tomoe even told Kagami that friendships can be “disappointing” (“Ikari Gozen”). Would this have anything to do with Emilie? If so, what was it about? Could it be about that movie “Solitude”? (“Gorizilla”), where she was pictured in an original script and would’ve had the lead if not for going blind and or Emilie that was theorized by fans? (“Sole Crusher”). Speaking of “solitude”, since Kagami thought she was unworthy of being friends with Marinette, her idea of “perfection” was just wandering around Paris (at her most memorable moments) with nothing, but peace, quiet and loneliness. That way, she won’t be hurt and feel safe. She wasn’t so pathetic as Ryukomori (first time a hero uses their given miraculous for evil through the alliance ring), sure she was a Helen Keller type, but the heroes couldn’t touch her since she was a cloud, but her storm powers did come into effect when she used ‘em to shoo away things that she sensed bothered/attacked her, so it did look difficult to defeat. What Marinette and Kagami both realized is their both insecure and should be honest about it and listen to each other so they can help one another out. That extra scene in the end though with Tomoe barging in hella pissed at Gabe cuz he sent a megakuma on her daughter was odd cuz if she was aware he was the villain in the long run, wouldn’t she be chill about him akumatizing Kagami like the last few times? Then again, she was pissed that he put the megakuma in Kagami’s ring. Is there something important about that ring that we should know about? *cough*Sentimonster*cough*.

[heleizition]

eye emoji. who helps the lads with the kid... someone give able therapyyy we are handing out therapy to everyone. ev e r y o n e. but baby angel!! adopted siblings!!! lovely. i do like the song!! i only understood like one outta ten words but the v i be is off the charts, very good sounds. whats the... design type and shit. whats the difference between angel and demons? hows the theology work? what makes someone higher ranking and what makes noah the highest?

ok i dont have recent art of the characters i was thinking abt at all so bear with me. i have two ocs from my very very first oc group, arthur and maria, who were always the support team and i was thinking abt them,,, so im thinking theres a whole group of people who are angels, demons, but mostly who are out of that system, living in that purgatory space, and who abel and cain work with/helped out to get out in the past...

arthur was always the scientist/mechanic one ? so im thinking that. cain n abel see that jasper is unresponsive and they bring him to that little group to find whats wrong, if theres a way to fix him, or if he's really just... a messed up experiment who has no will of his own.

so jasper spent a lot of time w that little group !!! he has a whole family............................. sobs gently

ive thought abt angel a bit (im gonna keep calling them angel i think sobs). they live inside of jasper's body heart and soul, very long blond hair, little sunshine person, tries very hard to help jasper without him being able to hear him,,, they're also most likely blind. either from something before/how they were created or spending so much time as jasper's body. no lights in there.

design differences between angel and demons :

demons have horns, typical devil tails, and typical devil wings

angels have typical angel wings, lion like tails, and a halo that isnt always here but ! it appears !

they can both fly but it's a learned skill. lena is great at it but nell is SHIT at it lmao. angel would have very tiny useless wings bc they could never fly : ( babey

also all angels and demons have a power, a way to fight when they wake up... most times it's weapon summoning (knives for nell, bow and arrow for vik, sword for titania... the list goes on) but sometimes it mutates (eden for exemple w his healing. cody has a similar mutation but im not set on it. something that looks like white fire which could be an indication of who she is lol)

the theology and the hierarchy.............................. its veeeery vague for now . basically god communicates with the higher ranks of each sides. the war started forever ago for god's favors. at first god would help the side they liked most - never using their full power or smth, but giving little help here and there, a legendary weapon, a vision of what the other side was plotting... eventually god got bored of the war and left them to their own devices, each side thinking that they were waiting for one of them to win. so they kept on with the war.

the war in itself has been in a standstill for centuries. angels and demons both go on earth to achieve some things - helping or hurting someone mostly, depending or sides and orders - and it's usually where they end up seeing each other and trying to kill on sight. its a whole aspect i havent really explored yet, and also how vik and nell meet !

the hierarchy is more of a,,,,, typical political,,,, votes and stuff,,,,,,, there's a noah equivalent on the demon side but i havent really pushed that too much yet. in the end its ok if i dont figure out all those details because it's not what interests me until i have a an actual idea :]

[iamacolor]

oh i love karolina! i feel like everyone i know likes to watch her videos haha. i was drawn to her because of her sense of humour but she's also taught me quite a lot! and now i correct every person who talks about corests as if they were torture devices 🧐

i studied polish philology so the main focus was obviously polish literature, language, culture etc but we also had many world literature classes of course. the only foreign language classes in uni were english and latin but we had one professor who was always complaining that not a single one speaks fluent french 😂

heh don't even mention the catholic influence... we have way too many religious crazies here 🤦‍♀️ the more right-wing, the more insane they are. just yesterday there was a parliament debate about john paul 2 (i'm serious) because some new proof that he about bishops who were protecting p*dos resurfaced and of course the right wing couldn't take it... i heard some nutjob yelling that jp2 singlehandedly overthrew communism as if we didn't have countless oppositionists fighting it for decades 🤦‍♀️

the history of polish jews is incredibly tragic. we still have some living here, there's an annual jewish culture festival in my town which i usually attend... but it's a very small minority compared to how it used to be. according to historical sources first jewish people were invited here by the polish king in the 11th century so they've literally been here since forever. they've always had to deal with prejudice (not always strictly religious) but i have no doubt that if it wasn't for ww2 and communism they'd still be here.

i've actually been to paris three times, although only once as an adult and if i may be honest, it was immigrants who were always the nicest, most helpful and friendly. i also try to follow french politics at least a bit and i see that teh raise of the rightwing is happening there just like here in poland. it's very concerning.

hahaha i admit it is quite surprising to me that you didn't know but it's okay. i'm very into classical music and also chopin is incredibly important to polish culture, very much like mozart to austria. he's also my favourite composer and my mom uses one of his compositions as her ringtone so every day is chopin day in our home 😂

that's interesting and now you got me curious if my name is still popular among children 🤔 because i know a lot of annas around my age but i can't think of any annas who'd be much older or much younger than me 🤔 damn i need to research this! 😂

I love that she's fun because that's the bext way to talk about a supposedly "serious" fashion history, just like how we talk about fashion nowadays (and also she's recently been showing her apartment and it's so pretty I'm jealous)

I'm learning so much thanks to you, I love it!!! I didn't know what philology was and that sounds so interesting, what a great choice of studies! it's funny to think of latin as a foreign language even though it technically is but since it's a dead one it feels funny I don't why lol i don't think polish is a latin language so I'm curious why latin would be the only other class instead of like German or Russian? edit: because I keep taking breaks to go do searches and so now I'm reading the Wikipedia page of the polish language and it says there's not written trace of polish before the 14th because of how much Latin was in use at the time so it makes sense - also I love that the first written sentence found in polish was a man telling his wife to rest while he'd grind for her! you're fine not knowing french, it's too complicated

omg right yeah I knew that jp2 was, of course, the only one capable of overthrowing communism, the world was just waiting for him to overthrow decades of authoritarian regimes 🤦🏻‍♀️(how can someone pretend to defend its country's historical values and identity and yet undermine its history...)

yeah I was reading the numbers and it was heartbreaking... especially since poland was one of the rare countries in europe to actually at some point be a welcoming place for them

I'm not surprised tbh even in france we don't really like parisians lol (and yes I've been living here for a couple fo years now so it's a bit hypocritical but I'm not planning on staying forever so I'll never call myself one) I hope you enjoyed your visit nevertheless it is a great city and although there too many people in the subways everyday (the audacity of people to be outside at the same time as me) I still like it

yeah I don't know a lot about classical music especially the composers and their lives, we don't study music for very long in france and even then they don't really tell us about the composers (which is odd now that I think about it because we tend to talk a lot about other type of artists' lives like painters or poets etc) but I've started listening to more classical music recently but it's thanks to playlist on spotify so I don't really pay attention to the composers... what are your favourite chopin pieces and what's your mother ringtone, I'm curious now!! also there's something I've been curious about lately but no one I know he's into classical music so this is perfect timing : do movies' soundtracks count as classical music (not the songs of course but the more instrumental, orchestral pieces)?

haha now it's your turn to do your searches!! meanwhile I've only met 3 other people with my name in my whole life lol

[dorimena]

Yea request are open! I’ve been thinking about it lately from another fic but would Hawks be able to get off from his own feathers being used on him like a vibrator? Maybe not just on the outside of him but also the inside if possible or would the feathers break? Really I just want the bird man to get overstimulated but I didn’t know if you’re okay with writing for him so just ignore this if you don’t

Hey! Nice to see you slide into the confessional again! (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ

Hope you don't mind that this is going to be Hawks' debut into the covent for the thirsty people ready to confess their deepest desires on what to do with this man-

𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔯; Takami Keigo - Hawks

𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔱; 855

𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰; gender neutral reader, sex toys (vibrator, dildo, fleshlight), but the mentioned toys are somehow made from his feathers, implied orgasm denial, masturbation, caught, mentioned choking, dom!reader, sub!character

𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔞𝔤𝔰; silly monologue, Keigo wondering how he didn’t know he could do this sooner, reader wondering why Keigo didn’t know

𝕴 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗 𝖘𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖉𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖒𝖞 𝖑𝖎𝖕𝖘

It was probably something he didn’t even know was possible until he made it become possible.

As far as Keigo knew, his feathers were either to be weapons, an aid, a shield, even a tracking device, kinda. But he never thought he could use them for his own selfish pleasure.

You’ve been neglecting him for weeks now, always running off and around because of work. It has him tempted to try convincing you, for the hundredth time, to quit your shitty job and work with him in his agency, but you always told him that this job is your dream job. So he’ll just respect that, but he won’t ever respect your boss or coworkers for using you like some slave to the industry.

Okay, maybe he’s just giving himself an unnecessary backstory to justify how the fuck he managed to get his feathers, the ones he grew up with for most part of his life, to fucking vibrate against his dick.

Vibrate. How do feathers even vibrate?

Well, how could feathers become lethal weapons is another question to answer another time.

But holy-

“Fuck! Fuck, that feels good.”

Keigo can’t help but groan, and if a little cute whimper followed, he ignored it. He doesn’t want to accept he’s already close to cumming, less beginning to already lose his cool.

Not like it mattered, considering you would always figure out new ways to make him lose his cool, his tranquility, his collectiveness, his ‘she-calls-me-daddy-too’ persona.

God, what would you fucking do to him if you found out his feathers are transportable, automatic, intensity level 7 vibrators?

He jerks his hips away from his 3 feathers, breathing heavily as he watches how they move, how they shake, how the tip of each feather was covered in his own precum. Ew, no wonder he keeps feeling something sticky cooling on his cheek, and here he thought he was beginning to cry-

Wait, nevermind, his hand can very much confirm he might’ve shed a tear.

Wiping away the droplets of water, whether it be other tears or simply his sweat, Keigo ponders over his next question: could he fuck himself with these newly discovered vibrators?

Great, now he feels weird.

Not because of his question but because of how… Well, his feathers still feel soft, even if having them in a certain abundance and covered with a condom. His makeshift vibrating dildo made by his dearest and loveable feathers keeps prodding at his already prepared hole (thanks to one of your buttplugs.)

Which reminds him: will you be coming home soon? Not so much because of the sheer embarrassment of having to clean your buttplug instead of one of his, but more so to maybe see your raw reaction about this scenario-

“SHIT- FUCK!”

Okay, maybe he should’ve also, like, paid attention to the fact his feathery dildo (ugh, come on, Keigo, name it something else) had been trying to enter him for the past few minutes. But instead of some slow, gentle, sensual insertion, he decided to fuck himself as hard as you usually thrust inside of him.

Just how much did he miss you?

“S-so much! Too much- Miss you~” He whispers to absolutely no one but his feathers and pillows under him, cheek planted on one of the plush, soft materials as he prepares himself for-

“Hnngh!”

That pornographic whimper once he activated the vibration mode.

And when you finally came home, instead of a clingy, pouty, loving boyfriend greeting you at the door and helping you with your stuff, you’re lead by the invisible string to your bedroom, eyes widening in amazement at the sheer impossible yet fucking sexy scene before you:

Keigo, in his trembling, toe curling, back arching and chest puffing position, thrusting into the makeshift fleshlight from his vibrating feathers-

Huh!?

You quickly cover your mouth, hoping that your choked gasp of disbelief drowned in his equally choked gasping and moaning.

Oh, he’s choking himself.

Let’s assess the man who the public admire as their #2 prohero and how he’s never, ever mentioned how his feathers could vibrate.

Again, you’ve walked into him trembling while he’s fucking a fleshlight and being fucked by a dildo made by his own feathers that, for some reason unknown, are imitating the sound and movement of the 7th setting on his wand vibrator.

You don’t really get much time to actually find the reasons and name facts to explain this erotic scene before Keigo’s grabbing one of the pillows and smothering his face with it, drowning out his screams and growls of being overwhelmed by the powerful orgasm his body catapaulted into, especially with how, prior to your arrival, he had been trying to convince himself that denying his orgasm for possibly the 10th time in barely under an hour was going to do more harm than good to him and his sanity.

[rons-wheezely]

224 || G.W.

George Weasley x Reader, Soulmate AU

Genre: Fluff, humor

Summary: Each soulmate pair receives a special number to them, and them only, on the day they’re born into this world. The placement on the body can vary, so people usually keep to themselves unless they fancy someone or it’s displayed somewhere public. How do you go around explaining to your best friend that he’s the one?

A/N: i have been so inactive, I’m so sorry rip I am going to try to post a fic here and there, but I’m still a student doing student things... This blog recently turned 2 years old, and has reached about 300 followers, so thank you so much for those of you who have found me in the piles of other wonderful works :) I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

--x--

“Oh, do forgive me, Georgie,” you playfully shove him out of the way. He stumbles away from the shelf containing the last package of Fizzing Whizbees in time for you to snatch it into your hands. You hear him chuckle as he regains his balance behind you. It’s suffocatingly crowded with fellow students in Honeydukes, so he leans in close so you can hear him. 

His warm breath comes close to your ear, saying with a soft laugh,” At least share, alright?”

You tapped your chin thoughtfully as the smile plastered on your face turned into a smirk. You make your way to the cashier with George close behind. The candy in the box shake in your hands, and the decorative ring you’re wearing on your middle finger glimmers in the shop’s light. You call over your shoulder,” If you win the next match against Slytherin, I might.” 

This statement alone had George fist pump the air in satisfaction. Even if he lost, you would most likely share it anyways –– to cheer him up, of course. You two have been best friends since your first year when you cleverly evaded one of the twins’ pranks. It was a lucky guess, but the outcome left Fred and George tangled in a mess of burping up slugs for three hours. It was an easy friendship after that, other than the secret feelings you harbored for George, that is. 

Soon enough, the match came and the sight was an absolutely thrilling one. You watch as each player flies by, and each time the wind sweeps your hair in every direction. Fred and George are on a spectacular streak, and they never once miss the bludger. Thankfully you had a pair of binoculars and Lee Jordan’s commentary; the team was so small in the air that it was hard to tell what was happening.

Harry Potter was no doubt going to catch the snitch, and here he comes now swooping in underneath his teammates. He’s almost flat against his broomstick, urging it to go faster before Malfoy could get to the fluttering golden speck. All eyes are on Potter, and the boy is mere inches away. Just as his nimble fingers wrap around the snitch, another Gryffindor teammate drops from the air.

You can hear the subtle gasps from a few in the crowd who noticed. The Gryffindor team were too enraptured with Harry’s catch to notice that one of them was dropping ten, twenty, thirty meters to the ground. “George!” You cried.

As if sending a telepathic message to the other twin, though it is most likely he heard you yell as clear as day, Fred swoops down to save his brother from impact. You notice now that you're standing on your feet and leaning on the railing that separates you from your best friends on the field. You watch on in horror as Fred barely makes it in time. The breath you didn’t know you were holding finally escapes you, and your surroundings come back all at once. 

You hear the deafening silence and the sound of the wind blowing by. No one moves as they watch Fred land on the ground with George. It was Lee who ended the tension,” And with that, Gryffindor earns 130 points and has won the match…” 

All at once, everyone in the stands scrambles to get out. Elated with Harry’s catch and the twins’ safety, the student body goes their separate ways. You follow them as well and weave your way through the crowd to get to Fred and George. Panic fills your lungs, and every fiber in your body screams to make sure they’re okay.

“Fred!” You call out,” Are you two alright?”

“Yeah, no harm done to me,” he sighs,” –– Other than this git. A bludger whacked him straight on the side and he passed out on his ride down.” 

“It looks like it hurts… but it’s nothing Madame Pomfrey can’t handle, right?” You wince. You try to convince yourself that George is just sleeping a very deep, restful sleep.

“I reckon he’ll be fine, y/n.” Fred winks your way with a sly grin. “Visit him lots, yeah?”

Madame Pomfrey refused to let anyone in until she was done running some tests. When she finally let you visit, you rushed to sit next to George’s bedside. He stirred at your frantic movements and opened an eye to see you. “It’s not that bad is it?” He chuckles.

“She said that you’ve broken a few ribs, but you’ll be alright.” You smile. 

George sits up slowly, pretending to be in agonizing pain. You worry for a bit and reach out to him on instinct, but he laughs and tells you he’s okay. His torso is wrapped entirely with gauze over his clothes, and there are a few bandages wrapped around his forearms as well. Pomfrey had drawn a blanket over George earlier, so the white sheet still covered the lower half of his body. A moment goes by, and you hear a soft wheeze leaving George’s lips. “You don’t suppose my soulmate is into beaten up ginger-heads, do you?”

“Well,” you mull over your words. Pretending to take his question seriously, you answer,” they would have if you were Fred..” You laugh a little as you catch the glint in his eyes –– the mischievous one you had grown to love. 

“Oh, if only I looked exactly like that bloke.” He jokes. His head falls a little forward as he laughs. His gaze is drawn to his lap, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d say that he looked like those shy love interests in romantic muggle films. 

You notice that his fiery hair is covering his eyes, and your body compels you to get another glimpse of that wonderful boy’s face. Ever so gently, you reach your hand out and tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. When your fingers curve around the back of his ear, you notice a few dark marks of what looks like a tattoo. Your eyebrows furrow together in confusion. You go to move more of his hair out of the way, but he turns his eyes to you. 

“Are you getting handsy with me y/n? Tryin’ to make a move, are you?” He smiles, but there is a small panic in his eyes as they frantically search yours. “You could’ve just asked me out, you know.”

“Is that your soulmate mark?” You ask.

“Maybe.”

“Well,” you huff playfully,” I might be able to tell you who your soulmate is. I might cry if your soulmate is Madame Pomfrey, though.”

“Is that a bad thing?” He asks, a playful tone in his voice.

"Georgie, please don’t tell me you have a thing for milfs.”

It takes everything in him to hold back his laughter. George pulls his hair back to reveal the numbers 224 etched behind his left ear. Your breath catches in your throat, but you try to hide your very obvious shock. 224 was a number you knew too well, and seeing that number reflected on your best friend’s skin meant that your deepest feelings were true. It’s okay to be in love with George because now... now there is chance he feels the same way.

Your mark is tattooed on the band of your middle finger, which is usually covered up by jewelry. You fidget with your rings nervously, trying to ground yourself all the while. George doesn’t pay too much attention to it when he says,“Fred has his numbers on his right ear. I might be the right-hand man, but he’s lucky enough to be the right-ear man.”

You laugh at his really bad pun,” Really? Out of all of the ear jokes, you chose that one?” 

“It made you laugh, didn’t it?” He nudges you with his shoulder, and you can’t help but giggle some more.

“Would you like to hear a fun fact?” You ask. You gulp down all of the fear that has started to swallow you whole. You are George’s soulmate. The idea buzzes in your head along with a million other thoughts. George nods for you to continue, and you fight the panicked urge to scream. “...In the muggle world, they have such advanced technology.”

“Yeah, dad would know––” George interjects for a second.

“The numbers 224 actually hold a meaning to them. It’s something like a code–– it’s related to their fancy devices I think? Anyways,” you take a deep breath. You remember vividly the details your friend went to great lengths explaining to you. 

“Your number is all kinds of special, y/n!” Mae beams at you. Her eyes twinkle in an amusing manner as she tries to prove herself. A soft thud could be heard when her hands meet with the common room table, and she quickly jumps to her feet. “Imagine, having such a fantastic number as that!” She exclaims with awe.

“I don’t understand?” You bemusedly remark. Why would numbers hold more meanings beyond your standard soulmate reason?

“My brother loves binary code, a certain muggle science,” she explains,” and he told me a few meanings. One of them being yours! Now, if only fate would tell us who your soulmate was...”

If Mae were in this room, she would be bursting at the seams from pure glee. You look into George’s eyes and say,” ...the numbers actually mean something along the lines of ‘Today, Tomorrow, Forever.’ It has to do with the bond you and your soulmate have together.“

He blinks once or twice before breaking out into a grin,” Okay, can you say it again but,” he emphasizes,” simpler, maybe?

“––it means that your soulmate will love an accident-prone idiot like you forever and always,” You joke halfheartedly.

The familiar gleaming smile he wore after a successful prank creeps up onto his face: one of self satisfaction and deserving of many awards based on looks alone. His smile is much gentler and you almost miss it, but a blush tints the very tips of his cheeks. “Oh? wait ‘till dad finds out that numbers have meanings to muggles. How’d you know all of this anyway?”

“Oh, it’s just something my friend talked to me about.” You dismiss his questioning gaze and clear your throat. Every second that passes makes you more and more anxious being around George, simply just by knowing you two are soulmates. It’s a dream come true, sure. But how do you go around explaining to your best friend that he’s the one?

“Are you alright, y/n?” George asks. “You seem real fidgety. Do you need to go somewhere?”

“Oh–– no, it just that,” you gulp. “Well.. I think left the Fizzing Whizbees back in my dorm room.” You lie. You know it’s in your bag with your other belongings, safely tucked away for later consumption. “Post-game snacks are essential, and I did make a promise.”

“Are you sure you left it there? I thought I saw it in your bag...” He leans over to find your bag, and sure enough, he pulls out the box of candy.

“Oh.” You look at him. There’s an awkward pause before he clears his throat.

“You’ve really got to get yourself together mate–– looks like Nearly Headless Nick showed you his neck hole again or something.” George jokes to lighten the mood, but he’s right. The longer you sit there and stare at him, the more you either want to slam your lips against his or vomit profusely. You feel pale and sickly; just enough to feel the twists and turns of your stomach. Is this what having butterflies feel like? He opens the bag of candy and offers you some.

You share the box of whizbees with him, taking one out and popping them into your mouth. It fizzes and jolts a little as the sweet taste melts on your tongue. “I think maybe Fred slipped something to me earlier,” you avert your gaze,” I’m not sure.”

“Yeah, sounds like Fred.” George grabs your hand and looks you in the eyes. He’s rubbing soothing circles on your hands, and it does seem to relax some of your nerves. He looks at you softly and gently, and all at once, your anxiety starts to melt away in his presence. You almost forget why you’re so worried in the first place. “You know I’m not going anywhere. If you have to take a massive shit, I’ll wait for you.” He says as he pats your hand reassuringly.

You erupt into laughter and shove him away. “And here I thought we were having a moment.”

“Nothing says true love like bowl movements, darling.”

As the laughter dies down, the somber feeling in your gut returns. It’s now or never, right? “George, I think I need to tell you something. I—“

Fred bursts into the door with Lee following shortly behind. “There’s my favorite twin!” He beams. He gets a disapproving look from Madame Pomfrey peering around the corner from her office. Fred doesn’t pay much attention, choosing to walk past her with barely a glance over his shoulder. George rolls his eyes as Fred happily trots over, spilling some liquid from two mugs in his hands. “—had to have Lee help sneak these in for the party, which you lot are missing out on.” He hands you a mug of butter beer and George, the other.

You decide to drop the subject even after George was free from the hospital bed. It’s a few weeks since then, and school has made you push those thoughts of pesky soulmates and true love aside. Of course, George kept looking at you funny, waiting for you to bring it up again. To his dismay, you didn’t.

“Alright everyone, class is dismissed.” Professor Sprout announces as she busies herself in setting up plants for the next day. It’s the last class of the day, and you couldn’t be happier. Repotting plants was hard work, and you were sweaty enough as it is. Beads of sweat dripped down the side of your face, and as much as you hated it, it did make for good eye candy across the room — namely George, although there’s a lot of dirt smudged onto his face too.

He’s cleaning up rather quickly so you call out to him,” Can you grab my rings, Georgie? They’re over there by my bag.” You had to remove jewelry in order to “safely handle” the creatures and wear proper gloves. Those of which you hastily pull off to wash your hands. The suds come and go as you lather and rinse away in the sink.

“Today, tomorrow, forever eh?” George’s deep voice rumbles in your ear. You jump a little at the sudden scare. “I think I like the sound of that, don’t you?”

You turn your head a little to the side and come very close to George’s face. You can feel his breath fanning on your skin, and his nose is just barely touching yours. You fear that if you blink, the sight in front of you will vanish. Every freckle that glitters his skin is so close you could count them like the stars and draw constellations between them if you wanted to. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Your body feels like it’s on a cloud— so feather light and airy— as he smiles at you. Your throat is dry; your tongue struggles to keep up with your thoughts. “...what?” You choke out. You cover your hands on impulse, but you know it’s too late.

“It means you’re stuck with me forever, y/n.” He grins. “Soulmate magic is no joke, you know.” He hands you your rings and walks beside you out of the greenhouse. You slip the rings on to your middle finger where it’s always resided, deciding to fidget with it a little.

Nothing should be different. You’re walking with George in the hallways like you always do, your hair is no different than yesterday, and class was the same as an other day. And yet your heart is beating faster and the sun seems to shine brighter. The grass is greener and the lake bluer than it was this morning. Words remain unspoken, but the truth is there. His fingers are interlocked with yours. 224.