#i don��t think i’ve drawn him to celebrate that he’s back yet?

[papers4me]

Fruits Basket, SE02, Ep23

Love is in the air is the theme of this ep! All kinds of luv~ for everybody!~ kyo/tohru (main), yuki/machi(new!!), rin/haru(on going), Arisa/Kureno (dead-end?), hiro/kisa (babies to luvers...), hana/tohru/arisa (sisters love!) yuki/kakeru (friendship), momiji/tohru (cutest friendship!) kyo/haru (underrated friendship), hana/kyo/arisa (living to tease*torment* you friendship!XD), kyo/kazuma (parental love!), Haru/kisa (big brother care), yuki’s fanclub (toxic love), hana/food (OTP). What an ep!! One of a kind where you start off crying of laughter & end up crying from broken heart!

-Arisa’s second outburst:

The best thing abt this play is that you can’t tell if they’re following a script or not for the most part. XD, However, for some it IS clear when they bring in their personal feelings. Arisa was fine acting her role with improvised jokes on kyo’s expense. However, due to kyo’s refusal to meet the princess, she got angry to the point of screaming in front of the whole school & visitors? The outburst was treated seriously with climatic music, audience reaction, fellow actors surprise & narrator-san pointing out it IS personal & not scripted. But afterwards arisa is fine. Even though I’m not into love at first sight, I acknowledge it exists in fiction & in reality. No problem. But the extreme intensity of kureno/Arisa’s love is higher than everybody’s without enough basis from those two meetings they had before... Sure, she can fall in love with him, wish him to meet her.. but her outburst is too much, too painful, too heartbreaking. However if you look at her outburst as a plot device to get kureno involved once again & complicate things, bingo, you get why it was planted there. Momiji’s footage will reach him. cool. but too forced in my opinion.. everything abt their interaction is too forced, from her first outburst at his few words that got her to cry her heart out & leave the restaurant & get nearly kissed on the lips to her second outburst in front of the entire school. Arisa likes ppl who are tohru-like. The narrative hints that kureno is tohru-like. First, his clumsiness, second? being content with his unjust life? what is tohru-like abt him so far that gets arisa to scream her heart out? I’m sure we’ll see more of his tohru-like qualities. but so far, it comes across too forced for me.

-Machi SEES the real yuki:

It seems that the confirmation that any female is heading to yuki’s heart is to be bullied by yuki’s fans. lol.  Machi not seeing yuki as a prince is her unique thing. Everybody including tohru see him as a prince & put him in a pedestal. In the play yuki descended from the sky, emerged from underground, said deep lines & glowed. Yet, machi saw thro the acting. I was cheering for yuki to step in & put these toxic girls at their place. Machi can be saved by kakeru’s indirect plan, sure, but this toxic behavior has been going since ep1. tohru was saved from them by hana & arisa. Bullying is always used as a plot device in furuba & unfortunately a comedic gag (there’s an entire ep dedicated for the fanclub). Sure furuba isn’t going to fix every issue or even provide solutions. It can’t. it shouldn’t. bullying is one hell of hard issue to solve. furuba wants to use bullying for plot. no problem. but also decides to comment on it quickly? yuki & kakeru’s argument abt the proper reaction towards bullying with each one of them taking an opposite opinion while machi herself is being bullied behind them felt too philosophical & untimely. Only for all this to end with a gag. Yuki is stuck paying the consequence cuz they’re his fans?.. ok. I’d love if the entire scene didn’t involve this argument. For example, yuki finding the girls, him listening to machi’s opinion abt him, him about to step in & defend her, then kakeru makes a prank abt photo-session with yuki, unknowingly saving the situation. Cuz the whole point of the scene is for yuki to know machi is different & sees the real him! Not that I hate how things played out, it is just furuba’s treatment of the issue of bullying is always weird to me. Similar to its treatment of violence, sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s comedy.

-Tohru’s best visual presentation ( show-NOT-tell): YES!

I’ve complained plenty abt furuba not treating tohru with enough visual presentation when it comes to hints for her issues or thoughts. but NOT today! This ep is tohru’s heaven! Tohru was torn apart between too many things & she didn’t inner monologue abt anything, YET, the visual imagery was enough to talk in her behalf!!! They showed tohru’s reaction to arisa, they showed tohru noticing haru/rin connection, they showed tohru react to Hana’s words without showing any of her inner thoughts & it works 100%. I’m so satisfied with this kind of treatment. You can show tons of silent emotions & trust the audience to make the correct conclusions without making your character spoon feed the audience on what they’re feeling. Hana’s “ do you plan to keep on deceiving yourself, locked in the castle, until you die?” is too close for comfort! it triggered kyo to react & say exactly his reasoning behind his decision without bringing the real world “ So what if I do? Does it hurt anyone else?” Kyo is sick of believing that he’s causing harm to his loved ones (mother, father, kazuma, kyoko, tohru). He agrees to be locked till death cuz this way no one will be harmed. ONLY him. he thinks he DESERVE it for existing & causing harm to these same ppl. His response prompts tohru to forget herself & react. What did tohru say? ( you are loved? you need to live? don’t hurt yourself? ) NO. It is NOT abt kyo. it IS abt HER!!! It is the (true form ) scene again but this time symbolically with 10 times harsher consequences!!! kyo’s true form’s final scene is NOT abt kyo deciding to stay, it IS abt tohru saying what she wants. That day tohru talked abt HERSELF. “ I want to listen to your complaints cuz u listened to me”. “ I want us to stay together” By demanding things & acknowledging herself, she got kyo to come back. This time, too, she react cuz SHE wants kyo to stay. “ I wouldn’t..” It is ME. I’ll be hurt if you’re locked. it is abt ME. I need you. I want you. I’m too scared to loose you. You’ve been my true support for long time now. Don’t Leave me, too!!!. Tohru stops herself cuz tohru doesn’t allow herself to want things or even acknowledge that she is worthy of things!! Just focus on her dialogue with others “ if I’m not troubling you, it is forward of me, please allow me” she’s talking to her friends! tohru has the lowest self esteem in furuba!

-Kyo, being an expert on reading tohru, knew the rest of the line. Kyo notices she’s in love with him. but again sinners don;t deserve love! You can’t love monsters? you’ll end up hurt!! hello!! tohru bled in the true form ep. he can’t hurt her again!!! NO way!! Enough causing her pain & tears. “ I wont take anything away from you again” he said in ep, 9. So, kyo forces himself to NOT see the truth. Forces his eyes to close tight. He’s an expert on that. Last ep, his eyes were forced to open to the reality that he doesn’t really hate yuki, but hates himself. Now, you want him to un-hate himself a little & acknowledge tohru’s love? if he did, where will it lead to? they’ll both confess & live together without him telling her abt kyoko?? that’s deceit! Him telling her abt kyko? she won’t forgive him, she’ll hate him! it is better to leave with happy memories than leave after causing tohru harm. Heck! tohru forgiving him or not IS not the issue, at all. the issue is HIM. he can’t forgive himself. he’s unforgivable!

-The most tragic Foreshadowing: (Symbolism DONE Right!)

They meet after the semi-confession, things are not the same anymore! they try to awkwardly get back to normal. Kyo says “ it couldn’t be, (I won’t let my self think it)” we know why. tohru says “ I wont (let my self think it)” WHY?!!! what is the show hiding for tohru? we know kyo’s issue. it is the BEST untold issue!! but tohru? What is stopping her more than her denying herself? it gotta be convincing & deep. otherwise, the writer would ruin the best complicated emotional dilemma that she is building her climax on! I know I’ll like what’s in store for tohru. No way such writer will miss on this. This will be EPIC. The tear between them is one of furuba’s greatest visual symbolism. One image only causing enough heartache to balance & take away the laughter from the entire ep!! One image leaving you with a punch in the gut. leaving you frustrated as to “Nooooooo~ stop! get back together”. I’m not usually into romance as I’m not a romantic person, but furuba has weaved this tale of emotionally abused children with traumatic experiences & tied them together with faint romantic direction & one of the best slow burns in anime! steadily building up their romantic connection without making it forced or in your face or apparent. I still can’t pinpoint when it first happened! Well-done writer & anime team. 10/10 scene!

Side Notes:

Narrator-san is the BEST! He kept everybody in check! & did it in style!

I’d like to thank the director for bringing their A+ animators to this ep! Kyo mostly looks hot & handsome but not HD, but there’s this kyo animator that kills the kyo animation!! kyo’d have three long strands of hair on his nose & his eyes would have more light animation than the mono-light. You can TELL the eps they bring this animator on! (such as Se01,Ep5, kagura ep, etc. ) & tohru!!!! my girl was done right!!!! no weird animation, no extra small baby hands, no shoulders that start around chest area, no bangs that are drawn like they suddenly ran out of brown ink mid coloring! lol. yuki is pretty & HD in every ep & so is hana!!

Hana is the prettiest furuba character hands down! 

Let’s be honest, yuki could’ve said 1+1=2 & the school would’ve celebrated his wisdom! XD. I kinda wish he’d deliberately say sth stupid jst for the heck of it. part of breaking the perfect yuki image. XD.

The opening gag of the men ogling kisa is the most unnecessary scene in furuba, eww~ Not funny!

why is every character MUST be part of romantic couple in furuba? Even children? & they have their own mini love complications with jealousy & misunderstanding, pinning & all. lol

Kazuma. that’s it. that’s the note.

Hana was mocking fiction tropes (animosity in families, traditions pressuring youth, helpless heroine, love at first sight! XD, romance for romance, happily ever after romance, main male protagonist loving main female protg, magical beings saving the day). Best play ever!

why does it feel like kyo just came from war? XD. He was in last ep. perhaps cuz he was absent for most of the season after kagura’s ep, with cameos here & there, few lines & not much focus. But they made up for it & brought his face expressions game up! from annoyed, cat ears, love struck, teased, blushing, a white cartoon-ish cat with an orange cat inside his mouth, shirtless hot, childish jealousy for his papa, his fangs, his cat reflexes. Name it & you bet there’s a kyo face for it. XD.

Speaking of funny faces, prince yuki got one today! all thanks to machi. that’s what I call women power! XD.

What is this weird skin-colored thingi? school mascot?

I love that hiro is questioning the play. XD

momiji is back, I feel that it’s been long as I last saw him!

haru is hot. Haru is kind.

I love the small awkward tension between kyo/tohru as they met after the play, tohru’s faint sweat drops as she does her closed eyes smile & kyo’s sweat drop as he takes the food from her & talks abt shisho.

Shisho & kyo mini manga. is it published yet?

kyo & hana’s interactions are life!!!! XD.

Ayame deserves praise! costumes on point!!

Hana wins the one liners game. sorry haru, XD.

You know it is serious when kyo monologues! I used to think, it happens ONCE a season (ture form SE01,Ep24, akito confrontation, SE02,Ep,9)!! but he got one or two inner monologues lines today, if you count him repeating tohru’s line! Sh*t is going down! Will I hear more before the season ends???!! or will the honor goes to tohru?!! I can’t even imagine what’ll happen next!!!!

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #183

“Offender Encounter and Valentine's Day Shopping”

-Time skip of a few days-

[Yaunfen] Is trying to get Doc to play as xe is harvesting the garden-

[Doc] Keeps pausing to play with them. Then shakes a potato at them in mock annoyance - I'm never gonna get this done at this rate.

[Yaunfen] Jumps up to bite the potato-

[Doc] Lets hir hand fall with the potato and the dragons snout clamped around the end. - Do you really want that?

[Yaunfen] Makes a face and spits it out-

[Doc] I didn't think so. How about this instead? - Xe offers one of the candycane cat tails-

[Yaunfen] Chirps in curiousity-

[Doc] You are way too cute. Have a taste, it's okay.

[Yaunfen] Starts gumming the candy plant-

[Doc] There you go. - Xe kneels down to hug hir baby-

[Yaunfen] Trills-

[Deer] Comes outside- Love, is everything okay?  You're taking some time...

[Doc] Ah! You caught me slacking! Darn it. Too busy playing with our baby to concentrate.

[Deer] Giggles- Perhaps I can help.  Come here Yaunfen

[Yaunfen] Runs over to Deer-

[Doc] Is watching with the most peaceful gaze, xe's so happy and seeing them both smiling warms all of hir hearts.

[CP] Lands on an outcropping on the side of the castle- OI!

[Doc] Looks up from the grass. -Hey Cp! It's a lovely day for a bit of flying huh?

[CP] - Actually, I'm heading out, do you wanna give a try at entering the real world or not

[Doc] Well yes. I need to know at some point. Do you think I'm ready to do that on my own?

[CP] - We'll find out, do you want to go to where ever your....  Friend, is?

[Doc] Maybe? But if you need to go out for something, won't that be far from your destination?

[CP] - I can just teleport us to the destination

[Doc] Ah. The beach is the usual spot, will that work? Then I won't be bugging them when we don't have time to visit.

[CP] - Is there an electronic on the beach?  Because that's kinda necessary

[Doc] I can arrange for something if you give me a minute. - pulls out hir phone-

[CP] Rolls his eyes-

[Yaunfen] Is running around trying to get a better look at CP-

[Doc] Is un unplugged Tv good enough?

[CP] - Yeah...

[Doc] Dawn says we can have it. She never watches it anyway. She'll have Mort haul it to the beach, give him like ten minutes to do it. Okay?

[CP] - Whatever

[Doc] Why the sudden itch to go out?

[CP] - There's a few things I need to get

[Doc] Really? Are we going... shopping? That's right, isn't it?

[CP] - Well...  Yes...

[Doc] Is American currency okay? I've got a paypal card....

[CP] - Yeah, it will

[Doc] Looks at Deerheart - someday my love... I'm sorry to jet off. I'll hurry back.

[Deer] - Don't worry, I'll have Yaunfen to keep me company

[Doc] And all our other cute critters. You should have seen the cuddle pile I woke up too, flopped Galvantula with Exeggcutes all snuggled on them.

[Deer] Laughs a little- And you took no screenshots?

[Doc] I was saving them for the dinner table. So everyone could see - passes her a picture-

[Deer] Laughs again-

[CP] Comes down- Are they ready yet?

[Doc] Holds up the carrot - Yeeeeee..... yes. Ready now.

[CP] Creates an opening to the digital realm- I'll help you find the screen

[Doc] Kisses hir mate and baby before following him out-

[CP] Closes the opening and concentrates before taking a determined stride towards the screen-

-The beach is as they remembered it, bright and sunny. Mort is sitting a few yards away with a fishing pole and waves cheerfully-

[Mort] Hey Cp!

[CP] Scowls before turning back towards the screen which he had closed behind him to watch and see if Doc can make it through-

-Behind Cp a rather large CRT tv is sitting with it's back against the base of a tree and the cord trailing off into some weeds.

[Mort] Nice trick-

[Doc] Is trying to make a hole but having some difficulty keeping it open.

[CP] - Well?  Are you coming?

[Doc] Jams up against the resistance and pushes with all hir might.

[CP] - Come on you fucker

[Doc] Takes a few steps back and huffs before running at the ragged slashes that are already closing. There's an unpleasant sound of space time ripping between the two realms and the doctor shoots out of the screen as a full sized dragon and barrels into Cp, sending them both skidding down the sand and into the cold shallows.

[Mort] HOLY CRAP

[CP] - YOU FUCKER!

[Doc] Spitting water and sand Xe's soaked and coughing from the salt-

[CP] - GET OFF!

[Doc] Wiggles around and gets up on the beach before changing back- I did it!

[CP] - Yeah...  But turning into a dragon to get out generally won't work asshole!

[Doc] I just used my head, that's all. Ha.

[CP] Is not amused-

[Doc] Sorry I got you wet.

[CP] Erupts into a cloud of steam and is dry within a minute or so-

[Mort] Also a handy trick...

[CP] - Change your clothes fucker, you'll stand out and we don't want that

[Doc] Aw.... dammit. - Xe morosely takes off hir coat and gloves and puts them away. Underneath hir tank top is black and tight and xe has a little bit of cleavage showing from a pair of small boobs.

[Mort] Doc..?

[Doc] What?

[Mort] Uh.. nothing.

[CP] - You ready?

[Doc] Yeah... - pouts a bit

[CP] Puts a hand on hir shoulder and teleports them to behind a large shopping center, he's donned his usual sunglasses and jacket-

[Doc] Turns down hir glitch so the faint glow of hir eyes isn't visible in the sunshine.

[CP] - Come on- CP leads them around to the front of the store and inside

[Doc] There's an instant change of mood as the digital entity is overwhelmed by the fully 3-d colors and textures of everything around hir. Xe stumbles a little from the assault of unfamiliar smells and sounds-

[CP] Glances back at them- You okay?

[Doc] Holds the tail of his jacket to steady hirself- Just a little dizzy from everything...

[CP] - Grab a cart and lean against it

[Doc] Does so and walks along slowly beside him.

[CP] - What I need is in hardware, so feel free to wander

[Doc] Look at all the little toys! I smell catnip.

[CP] - No

[Doc] But I could get something for Grinny- Is picking up mouse toys and rattle balls. - And a big rawhide bone for Smiledog!

[CP] Groans-

[Doc] Shakes a soft spring happily. - LH would love this. I've never seen anything shaped like this before. Oh, they're cheap too.  I can get lots!

[CP] - Whatever...  You done looking here?  Or should I expect you to get stuff for all the pokemon to?

[Doc] I'm not sure what I could get for them... better to do that in one of their games probably. Good thinking though.

[CP] -  Come on, we also need to stop by the food section.  I did tell you I'd get you a pepper if you made it out on your own

[Doc] Are we hurrying? There's so much here. - Is drawn to a very pink and gaudy display - what's... Valentines Day?

[CP] Stiffens- It's nothing...

[Doc] It sure looks like something. So many hearts.... and they look like our kind, not the complex ones with the valves and such.

[CP] - It's a holiday that some humans celebrate

[Doc] Is it health-related?

[CP] - No

[Doc] Starts reading the cards- My dearest.... Lover, beloved.... best girlfriend ever.. oh! It's all so sweet!

[CP] Makes a gagging expression-

[Doc] Meanie. - Xe's poking around on the stuffed animals and gets to the chocolate boxes - What's in... chocolates? With fruit and stuff in them?

[CP] - Are you done yet?

[Doc] No. I'm gonna get a big one and make lots for everyone from it! This looks neat!

[CP] - It's sickening

[Doc] I think you just don't know anything about it at all and that's why you won't tell me.

[CP] - Once, I've participated in it once

[Doc] Sure you have...

[CP] - It's when I gave Lie Rosebud

[Doc] AWWWW, so you give people pink things on a special day?

[CP] - No!  It's basically a holiday to show your significant other how much you care about them

[Doc] Is quiet for a moment, and then -I love it! I'm gonna tell everyone. What a great idea!

[CP] - How about no

[Doc] Puts the huge box firmly in the cart and starts walking away- Coming Cp?

[CP] Groans but follows-

[Doc] Pulls up a partially clear object from a stand near some clothes and fusses with it. There's a hook on one end like a cane and the plastic has white scallops at the top, the while thing is wrinkled in long pleats- What IS this?

[Doc] hits a button and jumps as the object whooshes open - Ah!

[CP] - That's an umbrella idiot

[Doc] Is looking at the top, it has a cute smiling cloud at the apex of the dome and the rest is clear or white. - what's it for? It's adorable.

[CP] - To protect humans from the rain

[Doc] Puts it in the cart as well - I'll give it to Deerheart. She'll appreciate both the cuteness and the irony.

[CP] - Doc...  You have to close it

[Doc] Show me?

[CP] Sighs and reaches down, pressing in on the latch at the top and sliding the bit of plastic back towards the handle- There

[Doc] Tidy. I like it! - Xe looks a little farther afield- Must be baby stuff over there, everything is pastel.

[CP] - Could probably use some locks to keep baby dragons out of stuff

[Doc] Then lead on-

[CP] - Must I?

[Doc] You know what you want. Keep an eye out for some antiacids. I'm not sure where that would be.

[CP] - With the other medicines

[Doc] Shrugs helplessly-

[CP] Points in the direction of the medicines- I'll meet you over there

[Doc] Goes wandering a bit sullenly. Xe's still slightly afraid of Cp ditching hir again. Xe cuts through the toys and stops to stare at all the teeny Lego things before gravitating inexoribly to a mostly black display. A pack of cards is put in the basket and the Doctor moves on.

[CP] Is quick to grab some baby proof locks before looking for Doc-

[Doc] Finds the mirrors and freezes in front of a large one. Xe can't take hir eyes off hir reflection, there's just too much. And xe can feel the edges of a panic attack trying to begin.

[CP] Spots them and silently walks closer- This isn't the medicine aisle

[Doc] Mumbles - Mirror... for Splender... just a little one...

[CP] Pushes Doc away from the large one- Then you don't need this one

[Doc] Shivers- Thank you...

[CP] Grabs a small one and pushes them completely out of the aisle-

[Doc] I smell something....- Xe comes around and turns toward the garden supplies-

[CP] - Yes, garden supplies

[Doc] No...it's not just dirt. - Xe heads for a small display of plants and runs hir hands across them before taking a huge sniff. - It's this... I want this- the plant has tiny purple flowers and the smell of lavender coming off of it is nearly overwhelming.

[CP] - Really?  Lavender?

[Doc] It makes me feel... calmer somehow... Doesn't it smell good to you? You like your wife's flowers at least. I could make another and you could give it to Lie.

[CP] - It's one of the flowers she based her calming off of

[Doc] But stronger smelling... the whole plant smells, not just the flower.

[CP] - Get it if you want

[Doc] I intend too. Did you find what you were looking for?

[CP] - Not yet, but it should be in the next section over- He grabs the front of the cart and starts dragging it along

[Doc] Just puts hir feet up on the rungs and lets the cart go with Cp.

[CP] Enters the hardware section and browses the selection.  There are several things he could buy to tease Lie with, but he's looking for one thing in particular.  He smirks as he spots the small padlocks at the end of the aisle and he grabs a couple of them- Alright, that's all I need

[Doc] Is looking at a scrap of paper - where's the baking aisle?

[CP] - With the rest of the food on the other side of the store

[Doc] Wanders over to a display of garden tools - at least most of this stuff I recognize...

[CP] - Yes it's it's mostly stuff we don't need

[Doc] I didn't say I wanted it, just that I knew what it was. This may be old hat to you, but quite a bit of it is new to me.

[CP] - You do realize that Lie could probably make any of this for you, for free, right?

[Doc] What? You mean the tools?

[CP] - THE PLANTS YOU IDIOT!

[Doc] Don't get so mad, I'm just getting the one. Why do you care anyway? It's my money.

[CP] - Because it's more time being spent here

[Doc] Then let's get the medicine and the food and leave.

[CP] - Good- Starts turning away to head towards the other side of the store

[Doc] Just follows, quietly gawking

[CP] Walks past the body products aisle-

[Doc] Sniffs- more smelly stuff...

[CP] - For baths and such

[Doc] Nothing we need then, I deliberately keep soaps and detergents off the server. Nobody really needs them and they pollute the water and dirt.

[CP] - Even if it can make your mate and the room smell better?

[CP] Is seriously considering buying a crap ton of them just to piss Doc off-

[Doc] That would be stupid Cp. Deerheart always smells nice. I don't think she's even capable of sweating. And if I want the room to smell good I'll just pot some of Lie's oily flowers that she made for Sweet Alex. This stuff is gross and unessesary.

[CP] - Yeah but there are scents in there that we don't have in game

[Doc] Don't care. - Xe gives Cp a steady look- If I said I wanted to poison your mate for the sake of something smelling better you'd tear my head off. Let it go.

[CP] - But it wouldn't be poisoning!  You could literally just open the bottle and never actually use it

[Doc] No. And I really don't want any of this nasty plastic packaging either. I'm going to have to gather it up and figure out a way to destroy it later.

[CP] Rolls his eyes- Whatever, let's get what we need

[Doc] Quietly- You live there too you know....

[CP] - Uh, I have an entire other server to retreat to

[Doc] I don't feel like arguing with you about where your true home is. But I think Lie would say it's where her friends are. And your home is where she is.

[CP] Grumbles a little-

[Doc] Finds a display of stomach remedies and picks out a jar of antacids. - Let's get the food and go. I need a box of rennet. It should be with the yeast and flour and junk.

[CP] - Rennet?

[Doc] It's for making cheese. Some kind of enzyme. I think TLOT could do some magick with it.

[CP] - Oh joy- They reach the food and CP is looking at the signs just above to see what's on each aisle

[Doc] Spots the sugar and cake mixes and scoots ahead. Xe runs a finger along the shelf and snatches the tiny box. And a carton of salt.  - Perfect. You said something about peppers?

[CP] - Yeah, so you can learn what spicyness is

[Doc] Okay? - Xe follows him-

[CP] Walks into the produce section and starts looking for a small container of peppers.  He grins when he finds it, it has warning on it, but he hides those with his hands- Here we go, ghost peppers.  They're not the spiciest so you should be okay

[Doc] Well I'm not going to eat them now. I want to wheel click everything first so it's not lost. And grab one of those orange things too. It looks interesting.

[CP] - You mean an orange?

[Doc] Yeah. That's why I said one of those orange things. I swear Cp...

[CP] - No, that thing is literally called an orange

[Doc] Decides to just let that go as well. - Are we done?

[CP] - Well unless you want to look around and see if there's anything else you want...  There's a bakery over there

[Doc] I'll look at whatever you want to show me.

[CP] - Then go that way

[Doc] Just pushes the cart along, looking at things and people, there's only a few other shoppers right now since it's still a bit early in the day.

[CP] Notices some cream horns and scowls-

[Doc] Cheese...cake? It looks like pudding.

[CP] It's a cream cheese filling...  It can be a multitude of flavors

[Doc] Is it good?

[CP] - Depends on the flavor and if you like rich flavors

[Doc] Eh, This one has chocolate and yellow parts, I'll give it a shot. - Takes a small one with a mix of slices.

[CP] Sneaks a strawberry one into the cart as well for Lie-

[Doc] Notices- Those little red things look interesting. Good eye Cp. And it's pink! So you can give it to Lie for Valentines day.

[CP] - No, I'll think of something else,...

[Doc] Oooh. - Grins knowingly- Is there anything else?

[CP] - What do you mean?

[Doc] Anything naughty to purchase?

[CP] - Not here there's not...  Except probably lube

[Doc] We'd have to go to that black place in the mall again. They had some really fun things... Deerheart reaaaallllly liked what I bought her.

[CP] Do you really want to go to a sex store?

[Doc] Why? I thought you were in a hurry? I mean, I can put the cold stuff in my inventory and it'll keep just fine.

[CP] - Because I don't feel like making a second trip

[Doc] Shrugs- Okay. I think I have almost enough slots. If you carry three or four things we should be good

[CP] - We could put things in an end chest

[Doc] It's not nessesary.

[CP] - Fine, are we done here then?

[Doc] Yep. I'll go through the line if you're ready.

[CP] - Go ahead, I'll look up where the closest sex store is

[Doc] Resists smiling at the clerk with hir teeth showing as to not freak them out. They're also trying to disguise their fascination with the little belt that's moving the things along up to the register.

[CP] Quickly finds a store and then waits to grab the stuff as the cashier puts it down-

[Clerk] Paper or plastic or reusable bags?

[Doc] Makes a pained face - Um... none. just put them back in the cart.

[Clerk] Stares - uh..

[Doc] Left my resusables out in the car!

[Clerk] Okay....

[CP] - Told ya you were forgetting something

[Doc] Grumbles - I always forget things when you rush me, dear.

[CP] - Don't call me that, you know my wife hates it when you do that

[Doc] Smirks- I guess she should continue to not know about it then, darling.

[Clerk] Is moving faster just in case-

[CP] Looks ready to throttle Doc-

[Doc] Fusses with the machine a little bit and sucessfully gets through the menus with only one mistake-

[Clerk] Hands hir the recipt and the cash xe accidently requested. It's a ten dollar bill-

[Doc] Thanks.

[CP] Starts pushing the cart out of the store-

[Doc] No hard feelings okay? Just having a bit of fun. I am kind of a hot chick today. - struts a bit.

[CP] - Shut up, let's get this stuff in our inventory and then I'll get us to the other store

[Doc] Glances around and loads up the stuff discretely so no one notices.

[CP] Does the same before putting his hand on Doc's shoulder before teleporting them into an alley near the next store-  Alright, it's in the middle of this shopping center

[Doc] I'm all excited now. Lead the way.

[CP] Leads them into a discreet looking store amidst a few specialty shops, it is however the biggest shop in the grouping-

[Doc] Ooohhhh. So what are you going to get her? Some boots to match her corset maybe?

[CP] - The fuck should I know?

[Doc] I thought you had a plan, my bad. - Xe's looking at panties with zero shame.

[CP] Scowls an looks around, avoiding the actual toys-

[Doc] Is perusing the restraints and snags a set of wrist and ankle cuffs lined with soft fur.

[Offender] - Good choice~

[Doc] Jumps a little - You!

[Offender] Chuckles- When your done here Trender wants to talk to you

[Doc] Me? - squeaks- What did I fuck up now?

[Offender] - You wanted him to get you some stuff?

[Doc] OH! Oh yes! I thought he'd forgotten but I didn't want to be a pest about it. Thank goodness....

[Offender] - It was mostly the mouse that he was fussy about, and he didn't want the perishables to go bad

[Doc] I see. I thought that would be the easy one. I was under the impression that humans had some kind of weird stores where you can just buy live animals.

[Offender] - Oh, they do, but he doesn't like them at all

[Doc] I don't either. I think it's weird. But the mouse is to make a new mob. And one of it's copies will be a present for Grinny.

[Offender] - Oh, so that's where he went- He looks over at CP- So what's he doing?

[Doc] Looking for a gift for his wife. She's not as comfortable with her sexuality as I am with my mate. So it's difficult.

[Offender] - Then why isn't he looking at the toys?

[Doc] I don't know. I hope he isn't insecure. I've seen him naked and he isn't poorly endowed or anything.

[Offender] Grins- Lets go find out

[Doc] Nervously follows him - Just don't make a scene please...

[Offender] Sneaks up behind CP- So whatcha buying~

[CP] - MOTHER FUCKING SON OF A BITCH!

[Doc] -facepalm-

[Offender] - Need help finding a toy for your little mate?

[CP] - Fuck off Offender

[Offender] - With what?

[Doc] Ugh.... Offender... Cp already has some deep-seated issues because of you. Could you just...not?

[Offender] - But that's no fun, besides, you can't deny that I am a near inexhaustible source of information when it comes to anything sex related

[Doc] Yeah but you made him homophobic. That's not right. I have so many gay friends.

[Offender] - Eh, I can't help it sometimes

[CP] - Why are you even here Offender?

[Offender] - Because Trender refuses to come in here

[Doc] They do have clothes. You'd think he wouldn't mind that much.

[CP] - Trender gets very annoyed at what Offender does...

[Offender] - I just poke him with dildo's over and over

[Doc] Geeze Offender, no wonder he's mad; never go in dry.

[Offender] Chuckle- Only if they don't want me to not use lube

[CP] - Can you both just stop

[Doc] I'm going to go buy these, and this, and one of these. You two catch up. - makes a break for the register.

[CP] - DOC DON'T YOU DARE!

[Offender] - Alright, serious talk, what does your mate like?

[CP] - None of your fucking business!

[Doc] Is sort of listening in while paying, -

[Offender] - Look, I know you pretty much have no experience when it comes to actually buying things, I'm just trying to help you.  Especially since I get the feeling this is for valentines day

[Doc] Sort of calls over- So it has to be pink right?

[Offender] Looks confused- Not at all

[Doc] Dammit Cp...

[CP] - Hey, I didn't actually lie to you

[Doc] Makes a pouty face. - I'll remember that....

[Offender] - Now then, head over to the toy section CP, you'll probably have better luck over there.  Find something similar to you

[CP] - She doesn't need anything other than me

[Doc] Slinks back over with a black paper bag in tow. - What about an egg?

[CP] - A what?

[Offender] - It's a small toy that vibrates and can be used on pretty much any sensitive spot on your mates little body

[Doc] Plus you can pop it in and leave it there. Some of them come with a little remote to turn it up and down.

[CP] Is hesitating-

[Offender] - Oh for fucks sake, really?  This is what can get to you?  I've rarely seen you balk at anything unless it's major...  This is nothing!

[Doc] Has a rather loud thought- I hope he isn't afraid of competition....

[CP] - I AM NOT!

[Offender] - You re not what?

[Doc] Looks very embarassed now-

[CP] - It's nothing, go away already!

[Offender] - Nah, my proxy is looking at art supplies a few stores over, I told her I wouldn't bug her until she was done

[Doc] You could just get her some soft restraints...

[Offender] - Ooooh, she's into that huh?  Wouldn't have thought from what I saw of her...  Seemed to flighty and nervous

[Doc] Can't help hirself- That's why she likes them, she's squiggly-

[Offender] - Well, I can certainly give many recommendations on that.  Do you have any carabineers?

[Doc] Why does that sound like something that involves pinching?

[Offender] - It's a clip that you can buy at any hardware store.  Makes it real easy to release someone from a situation if they don't like it, plus they're really strong and difficult to break

[Doc] Is thinking now - That sounds handy....

[Offender] - Lots of color options too

[Doc] Goes back to the clerk and starts asking questions. - She says the gas station next door carries them with the keychains.

[Offender] - They may be a bit small, but useable...

[CP] - Can we go now?

[Offender] - No, you haven't even bought anything for your mate yet.  Even Bloody Painter knows to buy things for Judge every once in awhile!

[Doc] Offender? Do you think I'll be called upon to meet those two anytime soon? I heard they were having trouble concieving.

[Offender] - I don't think brother has told them yet, I think he's waiting to make certain that everything goes okay with BEN's child so he doesn't get their hopes up

[Doc] I'm about 98% sure the reason they can't have a child is because of the Insanity posession.

[Offender] Shrugs- Hey, I'm just the messenger in this case

[CP] Is trying to subtly make his way to the door-

[Doc] Snags Cp by his shirt and holds on- I know you are. But they should know it may be a matter of trading one thing for the other. And BENs kiddo is doing quite well so far. He's happy and healthy and ever declaimed his first word.

[Offender] And what is that first word?

[Doc] Smiles- Wa-er He's gonna be a swimmer. I can feel it.

[Offender] Bursts out laughing-

[Doc] He gets all excited whenever a bath is in the offing.

[Offender] - Even better!

[CP] - Doc, let me go

[Doc] No. Pick something. This was your idea.

[CP] - No it wasn't!  You were the one who brought it up!

[Doc] But, but... just do it anyway dammit.

[Offender] Pushes CP towards the toys- Come on, it's not fair if she doesn't have something to play with herself.  Can't you just imagine her waiting for you, already wet and wanting as a toy buzzes away inside of her?  Perhaps already bound as well?

[Doc] I know I love it when mine is like that...

[CP] - YOU TWO ARE NOT HELPING!

[Doc] We're actually trying to though! You should be happy, I'm cooperating with one of your old housemates instead of fighting!

[Offender] - Should we just pick something out for him?

[Doc] Yes! Fuck, we'll be here all night at this rate.

[Offender] Motions towards the wall of toys- Maybe something for him as well?

[CP] - FUCK NO!

[Doc] Scoffs - He'd never use it voluntarily. Trust me on this one.

[Offender] - Pity

[Doc] I told you! You're the reason he won't!

[Offender] Shrugs- He just doesn't know what he's missing

[Doc] Agreed. I like it every which ways. How about this? It's got the little clit thingie that sticks out the side.

[Offender] - God choice, but we should add a bullet just to be safe- He sneaks a tendril out to cover CP's mouth so the brine can't protest

[Doc] Wicked smile- and a plug. With a little fuzzy tail.

[CP] Growls-

[Offender] - Hmmm, CP?  How often have you played with her butt?  That will determine how large of a toy we should get her

[Doc] Did I say the plug was for you to wear Cp? No I did not.

[Offender] - Now then, how many times have you played with her butt?

[CP] Mentally- Never

[Offender] - You have never played with your mates butt?

[Doc] Just get the medium, that's safe. And lube. He can't use the slime, he's too hot.

[Offender] - Which lube?  We've got edible of various flavors, scented, oil based, water based, all sorts of types

[Doc] Something that won't harden if it gets hot.

[Offender] - Don't know, lets see what we have here

[CP] Gets his mouth free- I already have some asshole

[Doc] Oh YES, you do. The ones you took from my house that I drove myself bonkers looking for. - scowls at Cp

[CP] - It was funny from my end

[Doc] Asshole....

[Offender] - Alright, think she might enjoy edible panties?

[Doc] Why would someone want to eat underwear?

[Offender] - For fun

[Doc] Humans are weird....

[Offender] - But creative

[Doc] Not gonna fight you there. How about this? - It's an under the bed restraint with cuffs and cords.

[Offender] - Nice

[Doc] And a fuzzy collar. - It has a nice fat ring on the front, and a simple silver buckle on scarlet leather with black fluff inside.

[Offender] - What about a gag?

[CP] - Will you two stop already?

[Doc] Eh.... hard to use a safe word with a gag.... and I personally love hearing my lovers sweet moans.

[Offender] - There are some gags that are more visual than actually effective, like a bit gag.  You can still understand your lover around those

[Doc] I'm on the fence. It's Cp's money anyway.

[Offender] - Actually it's brother's money, but we have so much of it he doesn't really care

[Doc] Then I guess get it. It's up to Lie if she wants to use it anyway.

[Offender] Snags a few different types- Okay...  Anything else we can think of?

[Doc] Turns away and puts a package into Offenders hands so Cp can't see. It's a latex posing pouch and a X-shaped configuration of leather straps and buckles for a males chest.

[Offender] His grin widens-

[Doc] He won't use it without some convincing but if it turns Lie on he will.

[Offender] Takes everything up to the counter to pay for it-

[CP] Is grumbling and growling-

[Doc] Don't be like that. You like sex.

[CP] Flips Doc off-

[Offender] Returns with a couple of bags for CP-  Here we go

[Doc] Okay, lets go see what Trender has to say. We've kept him waiting long enough....

[Offender] Leads them outside after passing the bags to CP- Trender!

[Trender] Is standing by the wall watching the humans pass, but he does turn to look at them.  He has a rather large bag with him-

[Doc] Waves cheerfully. -

[Trender] - There you are, I have the rest of what you asked for here

[Doc] Excellent! Thank you! And if you need more of the fireproof stuff just send me an email, or ask Cp to go yell at me. He loves doing that anyway.

[Trender] - Duly noted- He holds the bag out to Doc

[Doc] Takes it gratefully and looks inside. - Aww... what a cute mouse.

[Trender] - I had to send Scarfy to get it

[Offender] Snickers at his brother-

[Doc] Well I appreciate it. And the copies will be appreciated too, however briefly. Grinny's getting at least one.

[Trender] - Oh, so you have Grinny, we were wondering where he had went

[Doc] He's recuperating. We're taking good care of him. Poor thing.

[Trender] - Recuperating?

[Offender] - What?

[Doc] Well... Lj purged him for us, and the sickness that was lying dormant came back with a fury. But he's clean of radiation now.

[Trender] - It took him months to regrow that fur the first time...

[Doc] He's getting fuzzier. And our friend Steve made him a nice black and green sweater to keep him warm in the meantime. Liu and Smiledog are keeping him nicely entertained.

[CP] - Can we go now?

[Trender]- That's good...  And Liu?  Wasn't that Jeff's brother's name?

[Doc] Oh yes. That's the one. He's been staying at my house.

[Trender] - I wont ask how you managed that

[Offender] Perks as a blonde haired woman leaves a store a few doors down-

[Doc] Grins- I have a friend who deals in the darker arts. All I need is a soul to dump into a minecraft skin, and I can bring back the dead.

[Offender] As the woman approaches Offender drapes himself over her- Arc! Entertain me!

[Arc] - No

[Doc] at Cp- please tell me that's his assistant or something...

[CP] - His proxy

[Doc] Ah... Does she get any weird powers to balance out the aggravation?

[CP] - Well, his roses have no affect on her, otherwise she wouldn't be able to clean her place, but other than that I'm not sure...

[Doc] Sticks out hir hand - Hi Arc, I'm Doc. Fixer of anything. Pleased to meet you. - Theirs a fair amount of pity in hir eyes.

[Arc] - Arc, this assholes proxy

[Doc] You have my condolences, if there's anything a mere Herobrine can do to ease your hearts, let me know.

[Offender] - Arc, you wound me!

[Arc] - Nah, I've gotten pretty used to him being around. He does have his uses to

[Doc] Can't resist - Like what? Just protection?

[Arc] - Well there's that, plus during the summer it gets really hot in my apartment and his skin is pretty cool so that's a bonus. Downside is unless he wants up, he won't let me out of the bed

[Doc] You can see the wheels turning-

[Doc] Xe pulls up the creative, it's not visible to anyone else and makes a saddlebag trunk before pulling it out. It looks like a squared off backpack.

[Doc] Xe spawns a few blocks of packed ice and drops them in. Before holding it out to her- Here. Just drop one of these. They never melt. Better then an AC unit and no electricity.

[Arc] - Oh! Um... Okay?- She takes the bag and throws it over her shoulder [Offender] - Aaaaaaaaarc [Arc] - What? [Offender] - I'm hungry! [Arc] - You just ate!

[Doc] Is having some uncomfortable thoughts around how it must be to babysit someone with more powers then you. -It'll hold way more then it looks like too, and keep anything you put in at the temp it was when you stored it.

[Arc] - Cool, that'll be useful- Is ignoring Offender as he pokes away at her with his tendrils

[Doc] Basically whispers at Arc- If you ever need a vacation my door is always open.

[Arc] - It's fine, like I said, I'm used to it by now, and it's not like I have to fuck him or anything

[Doc] Is trying to think of a way to express hir relief without sounding rude. - Ah, okay...

[Offender] - She's my virgin proxy

[Trender] - Speaking of proxies, Solaces seems to have started to settle in

[Doc] Why virgin? Oh! Are you an asexual? Several of our friends are. Oh... did someone wander into the woods and get marked?

[Trender] - I'm referring to the girl you convinced them to spare doctor

[Arc] - No, I'm just currently not interested

[Doc] Makes the most sincely relieved face. - Thank goodness. I was worried for her. I know you couldn't just let her go but, I'm glad all the same.

[Doc] So how are Ej's cooking lessons going?

[Offender] Starts laughing- He's almost as bad as LJ!

[Trender] - There have been a few incidents

[Doc] Awww. Well it just takes practice. And everyone should know how to cook. It's no good to be too dependant on other people for basic things. Granted it's a bit easier in our game, but he hates my guts, so it is what it is.

[Offender] - He'd rather eat them

[Doc] Shivers rather hard - I think I gave him enough of my innards already...

[CP] - Are we done here yet?

[Offender] - Awww, do you want to get home to test the new toys?

[CP] - I will stab you

[Doc] There are people around, let's not make a scene...

[Offender] - So? I can just erase their memories

[Doc] Please don't... and he's right, Cp and I have gifts to distribute. We should be going. Unless you guys need anything from me?

[Trender] - Not that I'm aware of

[Doc] Is Slender all healed up? You said something about his tentacles? My head was a bit fuzzy at the time.

[Offender] - Some of his tendrils had been cut off during that fight, they are healed now though

[Doc] Ah good. I can rebuild body parts, but it's rare that anyone ever asks for more then the usual arms and legs. It's usually a treat when they do.

[Trender] - I see

[Offender] - Arc! Let's go get cake!

[Doc] Reaches into hir inventory and copies the cheesecake- Here you go!

[Offender] - Awesome! Arc, have some with me!

[Arc] - Not right now Smexy

[Doc] Giggles at 'Smexy'-

[Offender] Continues to whine-

[Doc] Offender, you should give Arc something nice for Valentine's day.

[Offender] - I try! But she won't let me!

[Solace] -Sidles up alongside them, sipping from a cup- To be fair, most of your gifts aren't that friendly...

[Doc] I think I know you..? Do I?

[Solace] You were drunk, but yes. Solace.

[Luna] Peeks out from behind Solace-

[Offender] - What's that supposed to mean!?

[Doc] Then I'm sorry if I said anything stupid at the time.  Oh! It's you! Are you okay?

[Luna] - Oh, yes, thank you

[Doc] Sorry I couldn't take you with me. But it looks like you gained a more powerful guardian.

[Luna] - Yes, I like being with Solace

[Doc] What's you specialty Solace? The others all seem to have powers geared in specific directions.

[Solace]-cracks a smile- I'm comfort based. Sort of intersect with Splendor here and there..

[Doc] I'm glad Splender isn't the only one who gets a charge from positive things. He's going to get fat hanging around my friends and I. Haha.

[Offender] - That could be very bad...

[Solace] Huh?

[Offender] - You probably haven't overfed before so you wouldn't know this, but if our kind overfeeds we lose control of our bodies, we grow to big, sprout way to many tendrils, and we have to physically remove tendrils in order to correct the issue

[Trender] - We also have great difficulty moving or even speaking if it's bad enough

[Solace] Oh, yikes...

[Offender] - Exactly, it's pretty bad

[Doc] That's unfortunate. But then, I can make an amputation pretty damn quick and painless too. I'm here if he needs me.

[CP] - I wouldn't have called that painless...

[Doc] If you're talking about your hand, that one had complications. If you just wanted something cut off I could literally melt the pixels off and it would cauterize the stump too.

[CP] Flips Doc off-

[Doc] shrugs- Hey, if I did it you now, you could regrow it.

[Trender] - Regrow it?

[Doc] Oh yes, I can too. I gave Cp an upgrade. He's more like me now. All the parts contain the whole and then some. My digital existence is nearly fractal in nature.

[Offender] - Dude, that is weird and awesome

[Doc] That's what I meant when we were talking about genitals Offender- I've made myself in the image of my home. Anything I don't want can't be snapped off or added on to. Block by block, every pixel is moveable.

[Offender] - Cool...

[Doc] And I wanted to make up for what little Cp lost with Insanity. He's pretty much indestructable now.

[Trender] - She's still very upset about that

[Doc] Consider it revenge for screwing him over in the first place. The knife she so kindly pulled from his back might as well have been put there by her to begin with..

[CP] - Can we fucking go now!?

[Offender] - Just be careful Doctor...

[Trender] - She has her eyes on you, but we've been keeping her at bay for you

[Offender] - At least whenever your near us that is

[Trender] - But what do you mean she screwed him over?  We know some of her methods are unconventional, but not so horrible

[Doc] I thank you for the protection then. But Insanity may have had a hand in Cp's attempted deletion in the first place. His NOTCH seems unbalanced to me anyway. But Cp had and has a very powerful defender that wanted to come to his aid when the NOTCH attacked him, but Insanity kept her away and then hid him from her afterwards when Flux probably could have healed him herself.

[Offender] - Flux?

[Doc] The spirit of the server where he was made. A being of pure magick. Not quite a mother, but certainly a guardian and a healer.

[Offender] - Can I fuck her?

[Arc] Face twitches as a red mist forms in her hand and forms a battle axe which she promptly uses to lob off a tendril- NOT APPROPRIATE!

[Offender] Purrs-

[Doc] No. She already has two hopeful suiters already. Besides, she's a server. She has no experience with these kinds of things. I... I think you're missing the point.

[Trender] - He's not, it's just his nature

[Doc] I was pretty damn angry when I found out. Especially since she split up his family and we only found his real father moments before his coding fell apart.

[Arc] - Then you have my condolences

[CP] - I don't need them!

[Doc] Touches Cp's arm. - It's okay. There's nothing wrong with someone expressing sorrow for your loss. Stop trying to not feel anything. It's counterproductive.

[CP] - Shut up

[Arc] - And this is why I'm glad Smexy never took me to the manor unless he absolutely had to

[Doc] It is a bit.... gloomy. No offense. -Just trying to be diplomatic-

[Trender] - It's brother's style and his home...  Plus most things end up destroyed within a week anyways

[Solace] That's why I don't stay around for often either. It's tiring. -Sip-

[Doc] Offender, I don't think you'd like my rules much, but either of you are welcome to visit. Our server won't bend under a Slenderbeing.

[Trender] Glances at a watch- That is very generous, but currently I need to pick up Scarfy from his university

[Doc] Another time then, Cp and I need to head back. Enjoy the cake.

[Offender] - Will do

[CP] Quickly grabs Doc and teleports them back to the beach-

[Doc] Breathes a huge sigh - This diplomacy thing is exhausing. But I do feel more at ease dealing with them in daylight in a public place.

[CP] - Eh, you eventually get used to it

[Doc] Can we go home now?

[CP] - Yeah- He creates an opening with the tv and steps through

[Doc] Dashes through behind him with the bags.

[CP] Opens the way to the server and steps into Doc's garden-

[Doc] Calls out over the chat - Honey! I'm home!

[Deer] - In the kitchen!

[CP] - Let's just get this fucking over with

[Doc] Don't be such a sourpuss. We come bearing gifts!

[CP] Glares-

[akatsuki-shin]

Stammi Vicino, Non Te Ne Andare - Ch. 01

--- Yuri!!! on Ice Musician AU

#YOIWeek2017 | Day 7: Shall We Skate? - Alternate Universe

Pairing: Viktor Nikiforov / Katsuki Yuuri

Rating: M

Genre: Romance, Drama, Fluff & Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Physical Disability

Summary: The story of a violinist bereft of inspiration and a young man who speaks through his music.

Also Available in:

Archive of Our Own

FanFiction.net

CHAPTERS: 01 | 02 | 03

I hear a voice crying in the distance

Have you been abandoned, too? 

A glamorous stage; an enormous hall donned in elegance under the sparkling crystal lights.

In front of more than a hundred guests of revered musicians and influential figures of the entertainment world, the Master of Ceremony stood with his microphone and a sealed envelope in hand. He had a meaningful smile on his face, as if knowing very well the brimming curiosity directed at him by his audience. “Best Composer of the Year” – those were the words displayed on the huge screen at the center-back of the stage, and the Master of Ceremony was only seconds away from disclosing the name who would be graced with this honorable title on this very night.

“Then, without further ado, the ‘Best Composer of the Year’ title goes to—“ Hisashi Morooka opened the envelope in his hand and took out the card inside, “—for the fifth consecutive times, Viktor Nikiforov!“

The entire hall was filled with thundering cheers and applause at that very second; an epic music was immediately played by the band. The crowds grew even more excited when the man whose name had just been announced emerged from amongst them, walking on the red carpet towards the stage where clips of his earlier performances were now being shown on the screen.

Viktor Nikiforov was undoubtedly a man of irresistible charm. The silver-haired Russian had only taken his first step onto the stage, shaking hands with Morooka and accepting his trophy, but the crowds had already been chanting his name from every corner. “Viktor! Viktor! Viktor!” – they cheered, men and women alike, and they only stopped after the said man stood on the podium, smiling and waving his hand.

“…Well, what can I say?” was the first word he said, softly laughing while casting his gaze towards the sea of people before him, “It really is an honor to be able to hold this trophy again this year. I’m not sure I could describe how happy I am right now.”

He took a deep breath and looked at the audience again.

“Of course, I would really love to thank every single one of you and everyone who has supported me all this time. But as you know, I’m not very good with words, am I? And by the time I finished it would have been morning already.”

His spontaneous remark undoubtedly invited chuckles and giggles from the guests. Amongst them was a man only two years younger than the Russian now standing on the stage. Christophe Giacometti was the name, a renowned movie director and scriptwriter from Switzerland who also had his fair share of recognitions and achievements from the world. There was a subtle smile drawn on his face; his hazel eyes briefly glimmering as if he’d known something that the rest of the audience wasn’t aware of.

“Here we go again…” he murmured under his breath, “What kind of stunt are you going to pull this time, Mr. Living Legend?”

“Therefore, if the Master of Ceremony would allow me…” Viktor gave a meaningful wink at the presenter near him, “Instead of words, may I convey my gratitude in a language I am more familiar with? Music, perhaps?”

All of a sudden, the lightings in the hall darkened except for the ones on stage. Bathed in spotlight, the young maestro opened both of his arms, to which the stagehands swiftly handed him a violin and its bow. At that moment, one could definitely see the look in his blue eyes changing as he placed the bow on the instrument’s strings.

And it began.

— In Regards to Love: Eros

“Hey, hey, are you serious…?” Christophe laughed under his breath the moment the music started, shaking his head.

It was a captivating melody; “Eros” – a representation of sexual pleasure. The music was composed for a Western movie that was released earlier this year. Although the main focus of the story lied in the actions, this music had particularly drawn the world’s attention when played during the scene where the hero sneaked into a party held by the leader of the local gangster. There, he met the daughter of his enemy, a beautiful yet strong-willed young woman, and the both of them engaged in a passionate, most ardent dance ever, enchanting the entire party until the woman’s father realized his true identity – and the hero fled, leaving the young woman after having stolen her heart away.

There was no question that the same passion portrayed in the movie was now spreading throughout the enormous hall, permeating into the hearts of those who were listening that the previously excited crowds had now been silenced as if under a spell.

Nobody said a word; nobody could look away.

And when the violinist struck the last note, the whole place broke into a roaring mess of nonstop applause and standing ovation, even more than when the Russian man was crowned the best composer of the year a few minutes ago.

“An excellent, masterful performance! Ladies and gentlemen, Viktor Nikiforov!”

The words of the Master of Ceremony only served to excite the crowds even more. Everyone was cheering; everyone was clapping their hands. The silver-haired violinist was smiling and waving his hand from the stage, seemingly glad and proud.

And yet no one – not even those sitting at the very front – noticed the change of look in that pair of blue eyes, except for the Swiss man sitting amongst the standing crowds, quietly staring at that lone musician bathed under the spotlight.

“You were really confident of your victory, huh?”

“Really, Chris… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the Russian calmly took a sip of his drink, but soon he broke into a light chuckle upon seeing the untrusting look on the other’s face, “Well, perhaps I really was a little bit confident.”

“A little bit isn’t even going to cut it. You totally requested to the staffs to set up the timing of your performance, didn’t you?”

It was not long after the awards event was over. Both Viktor and Chris were drinking in the bar of the hotel where they were staying. Having known each other for many years, seeing these two men hanging out together was no longer a rare sight for the public as it was known that they were very good friends. There had been quite a lot of times when they worked together in the same project, but as for what kind of things they talked about outside of work, almost no one knew.

“I’ve told you this before, Chris,” the Russian put down his glass on the bar table, “When I approach every music like a new beginning, I know I will be able to surprise people. It’s just that this appears to be the case for my works this year, so I was more or less certain of getting the title.”

“What if by chance someone else won?”

“Well, I asked the staffs to run with this only if I win. If that wasn’t the case, they can go on with the original rundown. It would be my turn to perform soon, either way.”

“And they approved your whimsical request as usual, I see.”

“They said it was a great idea to attract more viewers on TV and made the rating goes up.”

“So it’s a win-win solution,” the Swiss man chuckled and offered a handshake to his friend, “In any case, it’s your fifth consecutive title as the best composer of the year. I believe congratulation is in order.”

“Thanks, Chris,” Viktor smiled, answering to the handshake, “And congrats to you, too. Your ‘Rapsodie Espagnole’ really is the best movie I’ve watched this year, probably one of the best you’ve created.”

“Even if you say that, I’m not gonna pay for your drinks tonight.”

They both laughed casually and had a toss to celebrate their recent achievements. Gulping down on their respective drinks, once again Christophe didn’t miss the slight change in the other man’s expression. It was the same as what he noticed at the end of Viktor’s performance on stage, and having known the violinist for a long time, there was no reason for him to hesitate from expressing his concern.

“So, Viktor…” he said, putting down his glass, “You seemed like you were avoiding the press’ interview after the award. Why?”

“Really? I did answer their questions, though.”

“It’s your answers that made it sounded like you’re avoiding their questions,” replied the movie director, “Especially when they asked about your plan for next year, you gave them a really vague answer.”

“Aren’t you funny, Chris? If I laid all my tricks bare from the beginning, people wouldn’t be as surprised when they see the real thing later, would they?”

“Viktor. We’ve known each other for years. Do you still think you can lie right in front of my face?”

The violinist went silent; his blue eyes briefly widened. It was before long that a lonely smile was drawn on his handsome face, however, and he stared at his own reflection on the glass while responding to his friend’s question.

“I’m considering to retire next year,” he said in a soft voice, “Of course, I will see all my on-going works until the end, but I won’t take on anymore jobs after that.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Mm-hm. I’ve done a lot of thinking and I guess it’s for the best,” Viktor made a small nod, “Sorry, to say something like this out of the blue, Chris. Were you surprised?”

“There’s no need for you to apologize about that. But if you asked me whether I was surprised or not… Well, I suppose you really did catch me off-guard,” the Swiss man sighed, resting his chin on his hand, “Not that it never crossed my mind, but I just didn’t expect your retirement to come so soon. Can I ask why?”

“I’m not sure how to put it into words, but… I’d say I simply have no idea what to do,” replied Viktor, and he chuckled while shrugging his shoulders upon seeing the confused look on the other’s face, “Or maybe you could say that I’m running out of inspiration.”

“Now that’s news to me. The great Viktor Nikiforov running out of inspiration,” Chris raised his eyebrows, “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“……None of my music feels like a new beginning anymore…”

The musician said nothing more but remained staring at his own reflection on the glass. His face was half hidden under his long bangs, but it was impossible not to notice the glint of sadness in his voice. Christophe, on the other hand, quietly gazed at his Russian friend. And yet all of a sudden, he called the barista and asked for two more drinks.

“Chris?”

“This one’s on me,” he said, “Stop making that face and drink up.”

“…You’re actually pretty nice, aren’t you?”

“Of course. I’m always nice,” the movie director purposely made a smug face. He saw Viktor laughing at his words, and at that sight he couldn’t help but smile, as well. “You know, Viktor. Maybe you’re actually just bored?”

“Bored?”

“I don’t mean to belittle your problem, but I think you might actually just need a break,” Chris showed him a secretive smile, “Or perhaps you could try doing something different for a change. How about joining me on my new project?”

There was so much meaning in the way his Swiss friend winked at him that Viktor couldn’t hide his curiosity. Unlike him, Chris never considered surprising people as his main goal, but certainly this man had also surprised countless people in his line of work. The movies he created wouldn’t receive dozens of awards and worldwide recognition otherwise.

“Are you looking for a composer for your new movie?” Viktor slightly tilted his head.

“Yes, but it’s not a movie. It’s a musical theatre.”

“Musical theatre?!”

“Yup. Most of the team comes from Russia and the première would be in Bolshoi Theatre, so I would be staying in Moscow for awhile.”

“You’re temporarily moving to Russia?” the violinist seemed surprised, “What about your boyfriend? Is he coming, too?”

“Nah, he’s got his own work to do,” replied Chris lightly, “But we’ll manage, as usual. Also, he needs to take care of my beloved cat while I’m gone. The little princess hates flying, you know?”

He rested his face on his hand and stared at his friend.

“So? How about it? You’re interested?”

“W-Well, that’s certainly something���different…” Viktor stuttered a bit, “I know you’ve worked on several stage plays before, but never a musical.”

“It’s a new challenge for me, too,” the Swiss director closed him eyes and smiled, “That’s why I think it would be nice to have a familiar face around when I’m being surrounded by this unfamiliar environment.”

“I see…” the violinist cast his eyes down, seemingly contemplating on the offer. He had composed many original music, he had collaborated with many orchestras, had his own individual concert and composed songs for movies. But just like Chris, working on a musical was an area he’d never touched before.

Perhaps as his friend said, it could be an interesting new challenge.

“You don’t have to give your answer now, Viktor. Just think about it and let me know if you’ve made up your mind,” Chris rose from his seat and lightly patted his friend’s shoulder, “Well then, I’m turning in first. I need to catch an early flight to Zürich tomorrow. What about you?”

“I’ll be returning to St. Petersburg. There are some pieces I still need to complete and I’d like to do that at my studio at home.”

“I see. Then good luck with that. I’ll contact you again about my offer later.”

For the last time today, his Swiss friend gave him a meaningful wink before leaving the bar. Viktor remained sitting on his chair for awhile, staring at the empty glass in his hands.

On the limpid surface, he saw his own face staring back at him, full of wonder.

“A musical, huh?” he thought, “That certainly sounds like something new.”

Viktor couldn’t recall the first time he jumped into the music world. For as long as he remembered, he’d been holding various kinds of instruments ever since he was a child before deciding that violin was his favorite. He’d won countless competitions. He’d gone to a famous music school and joined a famous orchestra under a renowned conductor. Even after he decided to become independent, his career didn’t stop climbing.

In fact, perhaps his issue right now was due to the fact that he had reached the very peak of his career; so high that there was nothing left for him to climb.

“Really…” the violinist let out a long sigh, resting his face on his folded arms on the table, “I wonder what I need…so I can keep going on my own…”

Wiener Musikverein, Vienna.

Located in the Innere Stadt district of Austria’s capital city, it was first inaugurated in 1870 by the emperor of that time. The concert hall – better known as the Musikverein – is home to one of the best orchestras in the world, the Vienna Philharmonic. Albeit it was built long ago before the modern era, its “Golden Hall” is also considered to be among the finest concert halls worldwide.

Young Viktor Nikiforov gracefully stepped onto the stage. With his long, silver hair tied into a ponytail, he saluted the juries and hundreds of audience watching him from their seats. Indeed, he was among the finalists for this competition where young musicians from all over the world tried to prove their talents. Should he place among the top three, he would be granted with a full scholarship to study in one of the best music schools in Europe.

Of course, the young Russian was confident of his victory.

It was just before he placed his bow on the strings of his violin that a sudden commotion was heard from the backstage. Not only the juries, but also the audience sitting at the front rows was able to notice the ruckus. Viktor saw the event staffs rushing there; a band with the word “medic” written on it was strapped on their arms. Knowing that his turn would be delayed either way, the young violinist headed to the source of commotion, brimming with curiosity.

“Is something the matter?” was the question he asked to a staff standing nearby. The older lady seemed startled by his presence, and she profusely attempted to ensure him that everything was alright.

Nevertheless, Viktor didn’t miss the sight of another medic team coming in from the door on the other side. They were carrying a stretcher with them, and it was at that moment the young Russian noticed someone was lying on the floor of the room, trembling and wheezing. Surely, it must be one of them, the finalists – a younger boy with jet black hair and a pair of glasses.

And when the medic carried him away on the stretcher, the boy clenched his fists so hard that Viktor could only wonder whether it was due to pain or frustration.

Just now, did he see the boy crying?