#i don't think you can be surprised that it's a bit disheartening to do all that and then be met with basically silence

[fatuismooches]

Hi Smooches!! I know a little while ago you said you were thinking about reader feeling ignored by Dottore and the segments, but that you probably wouldn’t write it because it would be too angsty. So please feel free to disregard this but… I’m thinking about Zandy throwing a fit on readers behalf. Like, storm into Prime’s office and stamp his little foot type of fit. And he gets upset about how he feels reader is being treated and ignored. And Prime and the other segments brush him off at first until the start making their own observations and realizing that something IS wrong with reader. Bigger angst is them being too stubborn and set in their ways to think a change needs to be made.

(x) It's funny to think out of all the mature adults you have as lovers, a child is the one who's able to understand your feelings the most. Sure, he probably can't understand everything precisely, but you're sad, and that's all that little Zandy needs to know. It's so simple for him and that's what makes it so endearing - he knows what it's like to be sad, it hurts really bad, and he knows you must be experiencing the same pain right now. The parent he loves so much! It makes his tiny chest hurt too. He can't let that be - you always comfort him and remedy the situation when he's sad, he must do the same for you! Even if that means confronting the big, bad... P-Prime, and the other segments by extension.

It's pretty hard considering they don't really want Zandy around in the first place, but for you, the boy is the most persistent child around. Initially, he just drops a few sentences about how much you miss them, and how much you talk about them (smart boy he is) to see if that'd do anything, if they'd maybe make one percent more of an effort. The child's experiment is a failure. Despite your insistence and fake smiles to leave it be, Zandy still pouts in dismay. You're the best grown-up ever, you had the kindness to give him a chance, why don't the others reciprocate that? He does try to listen to you and leave it be, but it makes the boy's poor heart ache too much to see you distracted and despondent. So in true child-like fashion, he throws a big fuss.

Admittedly, Dottore and the others are a bit surprised because Zandy isn't the sort of child to do this - when he has something to say, he usually ends up being mostly ignored, and then he just makes himself scarce. But nope, this time the boy is fully adamant about expressing his displeasure on your behalf, because you've given up apparently. Unfortunately... the brief feeling of surprise is again replaced with general apathy once again. Zandy probably cries by himself after that.

Still, eventually, they do take notice as to how their routines have slightly been changed, more like not disrupted for once - you're not popping up around them anymore, not fiddling with their items and notes, any acts of service you'd do, you barely even strike up a conversation nowadays, even when they're right there giving you medicine, you hardly even meet their gaze anymore. The more days that go by, the more the list grows. Dottore tries to ignore it, the pile of work in front of him isn't growing any smaller. He tries to justify the treatment in his mind, you've dealt with this for so long, you know his role, and you should be able to deal with it. Admittedly, he recognizes you didn't exactly sign up for this, but what can he do? He pushes your disheartened face out of his mind and believes you should find more to occupy yourself, just as he does. (Deep down somewhere, he knows he's in the wrong.)

By the time the man realizes his part in the growing problem, it may be too late.

[badsweetangel]

Could you do a headcanon of billy loomis and stu macher where you reject them

What would it be like to reject Billy Loomis and Stu Macher?

Thanks for this request, it's been a while since I last wrote about Slashers. Please let me know if you liked it!

Warnings: mentions of murder, obsessive behavior (a bit of that)

Billy Loomis

Actually, he would act like nothing happened. Emphasis on act, because inside, he would be angry. Angry and weirded out. He wasn't used to being rejected and you rejecting him was quite a disheartening surprise. Now, after your rejection, he automatically despises you. Well, he is a person with quite a bit of pride.

Before he plans to kill you, he becomes a little obsessed. He would watch you as you walk down the halls, trying to understand why you didn't like him. He had a strong look on his face so you knew he was angry. However, you didn't expect what came next. Even if he later has Sidney as a girlfriend, he doesn't forget about you. Afterwards, you would be part of his plan, perhaps his second or third victim. Depending on the hatred he has developed in the face of your rejection and your indifference.

He watches you everywhere and knows your entire routine. Don't misunderstand, his pride is bigger than everything, but he can't help every time he sees you feeling like he wants to have at least a little bit of you. At least once with you before he has to do the inevitable.

And he would become obsessed with that idea.

If you don't realize it and don't change your mind, I think fate would be inevitable. First of all, it was strange that Billy really liked someone, because of all his childhood traumas and his view of people. So, rejecting him would be a lethal decision.

In the case that you decide to change your mind and on one of those nights, he decides to have a night with you, I think he would continue with his plan in mind. The only way he would change his mind and want to keep you is if he becomes obsessed with you after having a night with you.

Which is not very difficult for you

Stu Macher

Okay, I think this one is worse than the previous one. Well, if Stu doesn't develop some kind of attachment to you, it would be very easy for him to throw you away and I think that for him to insinuate to Billy that you are another victim would not really be very difficult.

However, if you have been playing with him for a while, I think he could give you a chance. If you give him that adrenaline rush, that fire and madness every time he sees you, he will convince himself that he can change your mind.

I think he would enjoy the challenge.

However, I think he would seek you out with Tatum. Because he feels that if he can change your mind before revealing his identity, then he wouldn't have to kill you.

So, there are two options here: if you don't change your mind and think that he is an idiot for continuing to pursue you by having a girlfriend, he has already sealed your fate. If on the other hand, you decide to play the game he is making you play and give him hope, he would tell Billy that he wants to play with you a little longer and you would be safe.

However, this game cannot be played forever.

He wants that when he reveals his identity to Sidney and they can complete their plan, you will be there to support him every step of the way. So changing your mind about your rejection of him would mean being in a long-term relationship with no right to leave. If you continue with your rejection, I think you would stop being important to him and as punishment, you would be the next victim. If not, you already know fate, he would drag you into his madness and you would not be able to get out.

[starryletters]

no moment of silence

synopsis ; talking and reminiscing with satoru!

inspired by:

"i always have such a need to merely talk to you. even when i have nothing to talk about, with you i just seem to go right ahead and sort of invent it."

- virgina woolf

☆

notes: au! where no one dies and geto stays, gojo being a silly chatterbox, flashback to when you first met, meet ugly sorta, new girl reference!

wordcount: 1.3k words

"so!" satoru breaks the silence.

the silence that had lasted for about 15 seconds.

his head lays in your lap and one of your hands is tangled in his soft white locks.

it had honestly made you a bit furious when you first moved in with him and realized all he used was some basic shampoo and his hair was apparently just naturally blessed by the gods to always look perfect and feel soft and silky to the touch.

although that's hardly surprising. every part of him seemed to be blessed by some deity.

you gently scratched at his scalp. today had been a long day for both of you.

you two had been sent on a mission that seemed to last for hours, leaving you physically and him mentally exhausted by the end.

on evenings like this, it often dawned on you how unfair all of this truly was.

you two were just now entering your twenties and instead of enjoying your youth, you had to risk your lives in a fight against grotesque-looking curses on the daily.

before you can spiral down this disheartening path any further like you usually did, satoru's voice interrupts your thought process.

"do you think i should grow out my hair like suguru?"

you glance down at him with a bewildered expression. then you paused to think. obviously, he would look good but-

"you really think sugurus gonna let you do that?" you grin.

he crosses his arms, "he doesn't own that hairstyle! anyone can have long hair." a soft chuckle escapes your lips. "you'd look good. but i doubt you are actually planning on doing that. plus i like your hair the way it is now."

being with satoru made everything feel so easy. he was easy to talk to, he made it easy to forget about the cruelty of this world, and he was so so easy to love. just the mere sound of his voice rambling about the latest odd thought he'd had, flushed away all of your worries at a moment's notice.

of course, they'd always catch up, with both of you, but even in those moments when you would both be too choked up to voice your grievances, the gentle touches exchanged between you seemed to put everything into words.

"what if i got a buzzcut, would you still think i look good then?" he continued.

an awkward silence fell over the room.

"wow, is this how vain you are? is the foundation of our relationship just built on my good looks?" he dramatically placed his hand on his forehead and averted his gaze while sighing.

"you didn't even let me answer!" you protest a lighthearted smile etched onto your features.

"your silence is deafening." he glares.

"i would still think you look good. megumi definitely wouldn't though. so i'd advise against it." you brush a few rogue strands of hair from his face.

"pfft! i don't care what that brat thinks!" he huffs

"he made you cry the other day."

"i told you there was something in my eye!"

"yeah, tears."

"i hate both of you" he sits up and slumps his lanky body against you.

a comfortable silence falls over the room.

that's the thing with satoru, silences are always comfortable even though-

"i'm bored."

they never last very long.

"how is that even possible? it's been two seconds." you chuckle, nudging your head closer to him.

"be honest. do you think i would win against sailor moon?"

"no way." you immediately reply, with a quick shake of your head.

"woooowww, you could've at least hesitated." he scoffs and clutches his chest in a dramatic fashion.

"sorry but she'd beat your ass." you shrug, and he starts pouting.

"i'm the strongest!"

"not as strong as sailor moon! you're just jealous you can't have a magical girl transformation."

"i don't need a magical transformation i always look magical and beautiful!" he pokes your cheek.

"i don't know, i think you'd look more magical fighting in a sparkling skirt." you grin down at him.

"ooh naughty" he says in an overly sultry tone while winking at you

"not like that!" you flick his forehead. (well, maybe just a little like that..)

"anyways she'd win, sorry." you change the topic. he lets out an offended gasp and turns his head in your lap so he is not facing you anymore. "you're always so mean to me, i'm never marrying you." he groans. "aw you wanna marry meee" you reply in a singsong tone. "not anymore" he replies.

you chuckle before saying "you remember what you said to me when we first met?" he turns back around his blue eyes lighting up with surprise then annoyance. "yeah of course i remember, shoko and suguru made me put like 3,000 yen in the jar for that one" he groans at the memory. you smile fondly.

jujutsu tech, common area

(2006, 9:34 pm)

it was your first day in tokyo and your first day at jujutsu tech. you had transferred from kyoto to be closer to your relatives who were sorcerers unlike your immediate family in kyoto. "it'll be good for you to be surrounded by family who have the same abilities as you! they can teach you more about the day to day life as a sorcerer." your mother had said. you didn't want to leave kyoto or your parents but she was right. and often times you were quite honestly frightened that just your mere presence might bring curses to your parents' doorstep. you wanted to protect them. so they wouldn't have to be involved in this world at all.

earlier today you met your new classmates. 2 guys one girl. they seemed polite and pleasant save for one overly confident (and flirtatious) white-haired guy. though he was the only one you'd heard about before. obviously. everyone in the jujutsu world knew gojo satoru. his confidence wasn't exactly misplaced you'll give him that much but that didn't make him any less annoying in your eyes.

besides him, the first day at jujutsu tech had went well. shoko and suguru seemed like nice people and you hoped they would consider you their friend soon like you already considered them yours. you could get attached quite quickly.

currently, you were spending time with them (and gojo) in the common room.

you were chatting with shoko about an arcade that was apparently nearby when suddenly gojo pulled out his wallet and slammed one 1000 yen bill on the table while smirking at you.

suguru glared at him "oh god, you're about to say something stupid, aren't you?"

before you could even process what was happening or why he suddenly put money on the table, he grabbed your hand, pulled you closer, and said,

"girl, i'm gonna marry you."

—☆

("three thousand yen? i've never put that much in the douchebag jar!" satoru protested while you sat on the common room couch and giggled.

apparently, that jar of money that you had been curious about before was instituted because satoru kept saying and doing pretty douchey things, and suguru felt he and shoko should be financially compensated.

"dude, you just met her today! that was like the douchiest thing i've ever heard!" shoko argued. suguru nodded. "i was willing to let the pickup line you said earlier slide, but..that? unacceptable."

satoru pouted and dejectedly stuffed 3,000 yen into the already overflowing jar.

at that moment, for whatever reason, you decided that maybe he wasn't so bad, after all.)

you and satoru's shared apartment

(2009, 8:54pm)

"i think weirdly enough that was the first time i kind of started liking you."

he sits up in shock "what? THAT? can we make it a cuter moment please?"

"nope, no can do." you grin brightly. "you know..now that i think about it maybe we should bring that jar back.." "no! im better now. im a changed man."

you laugh, "the kids would get a kick out of it."

for a moment it's quiet and then.

"i wasn't kidding back then." satoru says in a suddenly serious tone.

"i know you weren't." you smile.

– i'll ask her again soon

– this time i'll say yes.

a/n: i hope you liked this! i kind of wish it was longer, but i also dont wanna add anything just for the sake of it! the new girl reference is one of my favorite moments in the show, actually! and it also seemed like something gojo would do LOL

[ryin-silverfish]

Stray thought: something I found the "SWK is manipulated into the Havoc!" take often obscures is his fear of death. Y'know, the very reason he begins his quest for immortality in the first place, and I'm glad the LMK show at least paid some homage to.

Death is but one of the many sufferings that accompanies existence and samsara itself. So is his fear of death and the desire to avoid it. The problem is? The way desires and attachments work, getting what you want doesn't solve the deeper issues.

First, he sets out to avoid death for himself. Then he did that, and also made death null for as many of his fellow monkeys as he could find. But it isn't enough, no.

His own immortality will not grant the safety of all of his subjects, his friends, and all the good stuff he has ever gained that rightfully belong to him, mind you, and he is responsible for. So he just needs to find a way to hold onto them, forever and ever and ever.

Since he has an abundance of creativity and intellect, but not the wisdom to match, his solution is to find the "Hows" rather than asking the "Whys".

Keep stacking up the powers, the immortalities, the allies, the weapons, the victory counts——which eventually became its own rewards, the thrills, the satisfaction of getting away with yet another daring heist, the feeling of invulnerability.

But let's go on a tangent and talk about book!SWK. When he came back after getting banished, he found his monkeys bullied by the Monstrous King of Havoc, wrecked the guy, and rescued his subjects. Immediately afterwards, he emptied the armory of Aolai Kingdom to arm his monkeys and robbed the dragon kings blind to arm himself.

Yeah, seeing a bit of a connection here. He is pulling off these heists to protect against perceived threats to him and his people. Then, moving on to the First Havoc, when he came back to his monkeys, he was surprised at just how much time had passed since he departed for the Celestial Realm——10+ years in the Lower Realm!

Yet, after the First Havoc is resolved, he happily stayed in the Celestial Realm for half a year, without remembering that meanwhile, at least a century had passed for his monkeys and demon allies. In a sense, he had become detached from his subjects, despite his first instinct still being "bring my buddies all the divine wine" after he got sober and returned to them.

I don't know you, but I feel like he probably expects everything to stay the same while he was gone. He isn't yet selfish, but certainly self-absorbed, in that he doesn't seem to realize that his actions can have consequences for people other than himself.

Like, if he is in his old "Monkey King" mindset, he may have comprehended that the Celestial Realm will treat him and his monkeys as a single entity that will be collectively punished for his misdeeds. But by becoming the Great Sage, he has drifted away from his duties as a king, which sets the stage for his behaviors during the Second Havoc.

After the 72 caves of demon kings have all been captured during the first wave of attack, his reaction is basically "lol, at least they didn't get any of my monkeys". This, I think, is the point where he is showing true selfishness instead of just being self-absorbed. Like, if I were one of his non-monkey allies and I heard that, I'd be pretty pissed.

The thing with the unrestrained freedom of the Havoc is, by cutting himself loose from all the rules and norms and disregarding every potential consequences, he is also unknowingly severing his tethers to others and alienating himself from his people.

Which is how I interpret SWK becoming so disheartened when his epic battle with Erlang terrified his own subjects into a rout, he just turned and fled——he realized that they, too, were seeing a monster.

He is no longer fighting for his people's safety, but an idea of them, who will always look up to him and do okay without him and never perceive him as a threat, and when that idea is shattered, so does his will to fight on.

I feel like the same could be said for his pursuit of immortality and power: it started off as a way to rid himself of existential fear and defend against concrete threats, but the list of "things I must do to secure my happy eternity and what is rightfully mine" just keeps growing longer and longer, until he's only focused on that sweet, sweet feeling of reward whenever he ticks off a checkbox and tunes out everything else.

After all, the more you have, the more you can potentially lose. A never ending cycle, exacerbated by his desire to never lose, until it all comes crashing down, figuratively and literally.

Back to LMK: People always point out that Azure worships this idea of SWK, and never quite sees SWK as his true, flawed self. Which I agree, but also: SWK does this too. He, too, loses sight of the actual people he's fighting for.

"I did it for US!"

The thing with a claim such as this is, multiple people can all try to do everything for the idea of "us", instead of something that may actually help each other, then feel wronged when their efforts essentially amount to nothing.

"We were all on a path of self-destruction."

For this statement to land, the self-destruction has to genuinely be each character's own doing. The fallout can, and is indeed magnified by what the others did or didn't do, but ultimately, the causes of their consequences come from within themselves: their own obsessions and attachments.

And making SWK the exception, the innocent figurehead and scapegoat, removes the complexity from the character while outright ignoring the few implications of the show that actually have some basis in book canon and are kinda interesting.

I rest my case.

[alleycatchitchat]

Kung Fu Panda 4 Initial Reactions

Just got back from the theater! Here are my thoughts. I'll try to be vague about the plot, but be warned: spoilers below.

---

So I went into the theater with rock-bottom spirits. I had seen the cringeworthy previews, read the disheartening reviews, connected the unsatisfactory dots and concluded that the movie I was about to see would be a nasty dumpster fire of a train wreck. And yet kfp played such a big role in my childhood that I couldn't just stay away. Filled with dread and morbid curiosity, I braced myself for the worst.

And it wasn't that bad.

Don't get me wrong; this movie made some decisions that I HUGELY disagree with. And compared to the other kfp movies, it's undeniably lousy. But it didn't ruin the franchise for me and I actually enjoyed myself in the theater.

Listing off my thoughts in no particular order:

Zhen. She is, to my surprise, a lot less irritating that I expected. The trailers don't do her justice and Awkwafina's voice was a whole lot less jarring than I expected. In terms of actual personality and even backstory, I liked her! However. Let's be honest, her design is shit. She looks like someone's Zootopia self-insert. She feels totally out of place in this movie -- particularly, during the end credits when she's side-by-side with the five (who all have the most beautiful stylized designs). Also, plotwise, WHAT is she doing in this film? Spoiler alert: she becomes the new dragon warrior. Spoiler alert again: yes, this is every bit as random and undeserved as you can imagine.

Furious Five: Were not in the movie. First of all, fuck you dreamworks, how dare you withold my children? My darlings? The loves of my life? Their absence is keenly felt and the plot is emptier without them, and I mean that with complete sincerity. I’m also going to point out the obvious; if there has to be a new Dragon Warrior, and I’m not saying that’s a good plot idea, but if there has to be, it should be Tigress. It makes the most sense thematically and the possibilities are just so good – developing her relationship with Po as he provides guidance, facing her feelings of inadequacy, exploring her connections with Shifu and the rest of the five — I could go on and on. The wasted potential is breathtaking. To be honest, it kinda feels like Zhen was written to replace her(using a hug to de-escalate a fight with Po, anyone?). Fanfic writers, I need a rewrite of this movie with Tigress, stat.

TAI LUNG! He was obviously played for nostalgia and there was no concrete point to his lines or presence. He was also written, if you ask me, pretty out of character. I’m still fuming over the fact that they brought him back and we don’t get to see Shifu’s reaction at all. Again, the wasted potential is breathtaking. When compared with Kai and Shen, who have NO speaking lines, it’s obvious that dreamworks just didn’t want to pay for extra actors. I thought that his acceptance of Po as the Dragon Warrior at the end was super cool, but there was NO lead up, NO meaningful character development to make this feel sincere, and again, it would have hit much harder if Tigress or Shifu were also there or if Po was NOT giving up the title. That being said, I never thought he would appear in a movie again, and I’m happy to have any crumbs I can get. They did a bad job, yes, but they BROUGHT HIM BACK. 

Po’s dads! Their side story was goofy and unnecessary but fun, and I enjoyed it. Also maybe it’s just me but the romantic tension between them is AMPED UP – does Li, like, live at the restaurant now? And they spend the movie acting like the most married couple ever. And when Li bursts into the tavern to rescue Mr. Ping, who looks at him with those starstruck eyes – well. I’m just saying. I think there’s something going on there.

I liked the Chameleon! Yeah, her whole gimmick is a little bit ripped off from Kai, but she’s sinister and greedy and badass, so she’s the real deal. I actually thought she was scarier than previous villains – there was less comic relief, maybe? I can only think of one instance where she’s presented in a comedic light, and even then, the tension just picked right up from where it left off. Which is strange, because the rest of the movie is a lot more lighthearted than previous films.

The pacing was weird. Too fast.

Shifu was cute in this movie. More Shifu please!

The reaction to Tai Lung’s return was WEIRD. It’s obvious Dreamworks didn’t want to dedicate time or effort to what was, essentially, a red herring. But. Plot-wise, it’s SO WEIRD that Po would try to face him with no backup. And the fact that we didn’t get to see Shifu’s reaction AT ALL, ugh. Realistically speaking I think Shifu would try to go face Tai Lung, no matter how “inner peace”-y he is now. Like come on, Tai Lung was his son, for crying out loud! 

The goats at the start? Also weird designs. Feel out of place.

Mantis got married! What the heck? (neutral about this, but it was definitely unexpected.)

In general, the plot was weird. It didn’t feel meaningful and it didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the kfp universe. Storytelling decisions were just plain bad. But as a standalone movie, it was not… terrible. Not irredeemable. I think, if Tigress had taken Zhen’s place, this could have actually worked. But she didn’t, and it didn’t.

So I’m going to headcanon it as fake and just stick to loving the first 3 movies. I don’t regret watching it, but there were huge problems that prevented me from enjoying it to its full potential.

[juniperdugong]

Hi again!! Thanks for the American and Gojo squad! Now I’m just gonna wing it cause this idea makes me all giddy but can you do the Gojo squad reacting to their new American friend offering to make bentos for them cause they interested in cooking. (Cause I would do this for them) thank you!!

A/N: Let's all thank @broad-strokes87 for keeping the JJK part of my blog active 🙇‍♀️😌

When their American friend offers to make them bentos!

Incl: Teen Gojo, Geto, Shoko, Nanami, Haibara

GOJO - HESITANT AF - But would graciously accept your offer (he's shaking in his boots) - Discreetly shows you different cookbooks, homemade recipes he likes, etc. under the guise of educating but he just really doesn't want you to mess up or be embarrassed by your attempts - Will definitely poke at it like it's alien food once he gets his hands on his bento - Expecting it to taste bad - Is visibly shocked when it tastes good - "Cut the cameras... You're actually really good at this..." - It's honestly disheartening to see how relieved and surprised he is, he really thought you were gonna basically poison him - Inhales the rest of his food and has the nerve to pick off of the others bentos and ask if you have more - Doesn't have any decorum when asking you to bring him bentos from now on (will put on a cute act to get you to say yes... eventually will offer money for your services)

GETO - Accepts graciously and sweetly - Offers to help you out and figure out what goes into a bento if you want him to - Teases you a bit in the days leading to you bringing in the bentos - "Thought you said you'd try and make us something good? Not lying are you?" - Always makes sure you know he's joking though - If any of the others are actually pressuring you to make them he tells them to back off and always gives a reassuring smile - Slightly cocky when you give him his bento because it's so nicely prepared (he thinks it's due to his guidance) - Is pleasantly surprised when everything tastes really nice - With every bite, he's acting like it's the best thing he's ever tasted in order to boost your confidence - "Tell me when you're feeling like doing this again, I really enjoyed everything."

SHOKO - Confused as to why you would want to try something like that in the first place but concedes and is happy that you'd make something for her - Another one who is keen on helping you but actually gives you good advice instead of pressuring you to make good food or looking over you like master to an apprentice - Would even offer to show you how to make simple bento dishes in the kitchen you want her to - Helps you dissect bentos and lowkey gives you lessons on how things should be and what pairs well with what - Is impressed when you bring the bentos in but not entirely surprised (she knows you worked hard) - Gives small critiques but praises you soooo much as well - "You did really well for your first time doing bento's and you made so many for all of us too!" - Gives you a pat on the back for your work and offers you some of her candy as a "dessert"

NANAMI - "I'm good but thank you for offering." - Refuses vehemently at first and doesn't realize that it hurt your feelings when he does so -Haibara has to convince him to say yes eventually (Haibara is much more likely to notice you sulking than Nanami tbh) - Doesn't push you to make good on your words in the following days, low-key hopes that you forgot - It's really not so much that he wouldn't want a bento from you but he doesn't want you to go through all the hassle for him - Completely surprised when you actually give him a bento - Gives a full-scale review of every dish at your request - Laughs when you're dutifully taking in every word he's saying - "You don't have to take it seriously, it's good. You're food's good."

HAIBARA - The only enthusiastic and genuine "YES!" you get lmao - Honestly, he just likes food and even if you gave him something burnt to a crisp he would love it - Doesn't offer any help but tells you what his preference for dishes are - Is super worried if he's pressured you to make his favorite stuff though so he immediately apologizes - "No no no, I meant that I'd like anything you're willing to make! You really don't have to make what I want just because I said so!" - When he gets his bento and sees some of his favorite stuff he tears up thinking that you did it because of him - Thanks you up, down, and sideways for the meal - Buys you snacks for the rest of the week because he's still worried about pressuring you - Also, swears that your bento is even more delicious than the ones he would get from his mom when he was younger

A/N: This one was so cute!! I'll be real, I think Haibara might be ooc but what do y'all think?? We didn't get much of him but he's still my baby boy and I write him as such!!

Please Reblog and Comment if you enjoyed ! (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @iluvmattyb

[not-poignant]

I was surprised to hear that Ice Plague is a lesser read story from you! It’s one of my favorites and something I re-read often. I treasure that little family. I’ve never loved these particular characters more, they’re all my favorite versions of them. It’s such a beautiful and brilliantly plotted book!

Oh thank you anon!!

Tbh I think there were a few things working against it:

It came at the end of an already long series and there's more drop off the longer a series goes for, because it can only keep the people reading it, and doesn't attract new readers (though it attracted a few who didn't like Gwyn/Augus!)

A lot of people just didn't want to leave Gwyn/Augus behind and/or didn't like Mosk/Eran (I learned my lesson there)

It was actually written a lot more like a book series because I was writing them with a view to publishing down the track, which means of the whole Fae Tales Verse series, The Ice Plague is the one most ready to go directly to paperback/hardback etc. But I actually think that style of like epic fantasy storytelling is a bit less compatible with AO3 serials.

I wrote less cliffhangers. I now write a lot more cliffhangers (for all people hate them, they just do create more connection to a story as long as they're breaks and it's not constant).

I still love The Ice Plague. At the time I got really disheartened with it, and then I reread it and I was like 'wait this is fucking good though???' - I also think this and the final epilogue give Gwyn and Augus the happiest ending they could ever hope for.

In terms of writing quality, it's the story I'd publish first in the Fae Tales Verse even if it's out of order. It was the thing that was like 'shit, I can do this, and I can do this pretty well actually.' But I didn't know that at the time, because I was watching like... every metric of engagement dwindling over the years.

I'm afraid of this happening again with Underline the Red and Underline the Silver, but...I'll just have to suck it up and figure it out if it does happen! And in the meantime, I don't regret writing those stories, I'm just sad that it all fell out the way that it did. There are some of us who really love TIP, and I toast to like all of you, because whether you found it during the series or after the series, it's kept me going! <333

[honey-milk-depresso]

Alright so I really like your writing and I was wondering if I could request smt ?? Can I request some fluff With Malleus , Floyd and Azul from Twisted Wonderland with a (S/O) who is more on the chubby side and gets easily flustered about it .

Hey, so I've been really busy with schoolwork recently and so I'm not around on Tumblr so often anymore. Sorry for any troubles!

**TW: Mentions of the chest- cuz- titty soft and warm let's be real (not explicit), A bit of insecurity (but trust me your loved, by me also <3)

TWST Chubby s/o who gets easily flustered about it

Azul Ashengrotto

He has the same experience when he was younger: he was a chubby octopus when he was much younger, Azul was a lot shyer about it. Maybe because he was insecure? He can't remember, but he does feel some sympathy towards you.

Azul adores you, and he thinks you're just, well, cute. Body type doesn't really matter to him, so long as he knows you're taking care of your health is already the best.

Your darling octopus loves to just bury his face into your stomach or chest, and just sigh in satisfaction. You just provide him a warm and soft comfort after a long day, and the security and love he needs.

He hides his amusement whenever he does this, you're blushing and stuttering never cease to be endearing to him.

If you're ever insecure about being chubby, he's always there for you, and he feels disheartened to hear you feel such about your body when he feels you're beautiful, adorable and just... perfect.

"My dear pearl... I love you for who you are, and you're perfect the way you are." <3

Floyd Leech

For Floyd, he feels like he's hit jackpot. Aren't you the most adorable shrimpy there is~

Floyd loves your body; it's soft to lay his head on and you're his personal warm cuddly shrimp he wants to affectionately hug all the time when he's tired, in a bad mood or just out of randomness because he loves that feeling.

Personally for Floyd, he loves that you're chubby. It makes you adorable to him and he loves that you're very easy to fluster whenever he lies on your chest.

He loves squishing and pinching your cheeks lightly since they're just so soft. Sometimes he lightly pinches your stomach from behind to surprise you and no matter how many times you whine about it, he'll do it anyways (unless you really don't like it).

Floyd doesn't get it whenever you feel insecure about your body. Not that he's indifferent, but to him, he thought that your chubbiness should be something you're proud of. He loves it, so why don't you?

"Shrimpy, I think you're alright, so don't be so sulky about it. You're the cutest shrimpy no matter what hehe~" <3 and he cuddles you more-

Malleus Draconia

He finds you rather charming, a loveable child of man. Like Azul, Malleus doesn't care what type of body you have. So long as you're taking care of yourself, he's happy.

Besides, he finds your chubbiness adorable. Malleus, like the two other Octavinelle boys mentioned, likes to lay his head on your chest. All for the same reason: titty warm and soft because he feels secure and peaceful this way.

The dragon fae smiles fondly whenever he surprises you by randomly lying on your chest, his horns in a way encages your neck closer to him. He finds it endearing when you blush. It makes you even more cute than you already are~

He doesn't understand when you feel insecure about your body. He frowns with a pout after hearing about how you feel that people judge you for it, or that you wish you were thinner. Malleus already loves you for who you are, and he doesn't care what you look like. You're his source of happiness and he could never imagine life without you.

Besides, he thinks your chubbiness is the highlight about you. He loves it. Seriously.

"Child of man, your appearance is only a mere fraction of what truly makes you beautiful. Lilia told me before that true beauty lies in the heart, and I've come to understand it when I met you. Your "chubbiness" is something I love about you, don't you know? Regardless, you're the most beautiful person in the land, Child of man." <3

Reblogs help! ^^

[babacontainsmultitudes]

As some of you already know, I am disheartened- though certainly not surprised- by the recent backlash against one Sparrow Oak Garcia for his recent transgression of *checks notes* having a mixed-to-negative opinion on zoos.

Part of me honestly feels a bit silly responding to any of this, but what are any of us here to do if not have opinions on fictional podcast characters. Anyways, I will get to the more important stuff, as obviously (if you've seen any of the criticisms I'm talking about) this ties back to Hero at the end of the day, but seeing as the first wave of hate I saw after the episode was largely to the effect of: "what the fuck does Sparrow have against zoos?", I would like to start by addressing that point briefly (and only briefly, as it's really not the sort of topic I care to discuss online), by saying that zoos and animal captivity more generally have a long history of being contested and criticized by animal rights activists, and that instances of animal abuse and neglect within zoos and other animal-based theme parks are anything but obscure. Furthermore, it feels worth noting that as of present less than 10% of zoos in the US are AZA-accredited. I say absolutely none of this with the intention of making any definitive statements on the nature of zoos, nor to judge people who do enjoy zoos, nor even to provide my own feelings on the matter. Rather, I offer this information only to explain that someone like Sparrow taking issue with something like zoos really isn't strange at all? And whether you agree with such a stance or not, it undoubtedly comes from a place of empathy. Moreover, I don't think we can honestly divorce Sparrow's take and compulsion to voice it from the metacontext that Sparrow is a character being played by Anthony Burch, you know, a vegan, who probably has his own views on the matter that may or may not differ from yours and mine.

Okay, on to more important matters. At the forefront of things I suppose is the assertion that Sparrow's behavior regarding Normal and the zoo and all that is hypocritical and perhaps even nonsensical in light of what Hero was going through at the time with her training. "He wouldn't take Normal to the zoo but he forced Hero to kill a deer with her bare hands?" Certainly the sort of statement that will elicit a strong emotive reaction from the fandom, but one that ultimately relies on a pretty major assumption, namely, that Sparrow acted as the primary organizer and perpetrator of Hero's training, one who supposedly felt no internal conflict towards the situation whatsoever, rather than instead serving as an enabler of it, who ultimately intervened but only after far too much damage was already done. Neither is a great thing to be, but there is absolutely a difference between both of these roles, and I think that Lark and Sparrow's respective behaviors over the course of the season point almost unanimously towards Sparrow being the latter and Lark the former.

(The above being a non-exhaustive list, of course)

The funny part about the whole zoo thing is that it only further corroborates the notion that Sparrow is someone who is sensitive to the suffering of others, and by extension only serves as more evidence that he most likely was not the one actively making Hero undergo the worst of what she had to do. Does this make him guiltless in the matter? Absolutely not, but it does point to Sparrow having issues that are fundamentally different from Lark's, and means that the instance with the zoo is not only consistent with Sparrow's characterization, but frankly not actually all that hypocritical if you look at it for more than a second. That is, there is a very important but simple difference between the situation with Normal and the zoo and that of Hero and the deer that accounts for the variances in Sparrow's behavior between both cases: Lark. Sparrow isn't okay with either situation, based on all the evidence we have so far of who he is as a person there is absolutely no reason to think that Hero's training is not something that deeply upset him- I mean for fuck's sake everything about how Sparrow raised Normal down to his name stems from not wanting his kids to have to live that kind of life. So why doesn't he put a stop to things sooner? Why does he let any of Hero's training happen at all? Again, very simply, because Sparrow cannot say no to his brother. I mean, he does eventually, given Hero's current status, and that change is an important and still ongoing facet of Sparrow's growth and his arc, but at the start of things it is something he struggles with even more than he does now, to his own suffering and detriment and of course even more so to Hero's. But did Sparrow himself "force Hero to kill a deer with her bare hands"? Almost certainly not, and I have to admit that I find it quite frustrating how quickly Lark vanishes from the collective conscious of the fandom when the time comes to assign accountability for matters concerning Hero. But then, who is Sparrow if not someone who takes the fall for his brother, apparently even in the fandom-space.

[Not that there isn't any nuance to Lark's utilitarianism, either. In general I feel as though discussion of the twins' biggest mistakes too often omits the acknowledgement of the fact that all of it has been to stop an eldritch horror responsible for the death and torture of millions of people, but anyways. Not what this post is about.]

I think that's mostly it lol. Got some thoughts on the family's policy on pets (and how it relates to the Hero thing but also to Beanie actually), as well as some remarks on Rebecca and how we really shouldn't be leaving her out of this discussion (I say, leaving her out of this discussion) but eeehhhhhhh y'all I'm especially low energy as of late eheh and mostly just wanted to speak my peace on a couple major things so let's cut it here for now I think :b

[malakaie]

Not necessarily your favorite wrestler, but who do you think is genuinely the best wrestler working right now? In terms of technical skill/promo work/whatever yardstick you wanna measure by.

oh man ... that is a great and really tricky question. full disclosure i don't think i can earnestly pick just one (i'll get into why a little bit more below)

also i'm gonna keep this aew only because i don't feel i know the wwe folks well enough yet to have an informed opinion there, but if that ever changes i'm sure i'll start yapping lmao

for aew men it's a real toss-up between bryan danielson, swerve strickland, and darby allin, for me. bryan is i think in many ways the gold standard - he's committed, he's incredibly versatile as a wrestler, he does what he does for the love of the sport and the art form; he's deeply technically proficient but also very quick to adjust to whatever a match or an opponent needs most, and very happy to do what needs to be done to make sure his opponent has a really good showing and looks great going forward, even if it's a match he's booked to win. his promos are always impassioned but never excessive or distracting, and my guy sells like a motherfucker both inside and outside of the ring. if i had a single criticism it's that he might have a *little* bit of an ego problem - i think swerve got a little close to talking shoot when he got on bryan's case about trying to reappear in another promotion under another name because he loves being in front of an audience too much to quit - but it's an extremely mild criticism.... at the point that your career is this long and distinguished, i don't think having a bit of an ego about it is all that surprising or even necessarily bad, and it's very much tempered by how much he wants to see younger generations of wrestlers thrive and succeed.

speaking of swerve, he's very similar to bryan, while also really making his work distinctive and very much his own. he has charisma for days and has come so far from being underbooked and handled weirdly in wwe, his promos are impeccable, his ability to play heel or tweener or even something close to a face based on what's needed most from him is so impressive. there's nothing wrong with having a singular gimmick that you know you can consistently perform and sticking to it, but i'm personally most impressed by wrestlers that are both physically and emotionally/mentally versatile, and that describes swerve to a t. i do sometimes worry about his work-life balance, but i know he's doing what he believes in and loves, and i do find his dedication not just to his own improvement but also to the stability and thriving of aew really admirable. his wrestling is once again very impressive, both deeply technically proficient while also being quick to adjust, and he makes it look easy. effortless, even, again while making his opponents look great and having their time to shine. good wrestlers are a bit like magicians, to me: i want to watch someone and go, "holy shit, how did he do that?"

darby is one i feel strongly about. for a lot of very similar reasons to bryan and swerve - in a lot of ways i think these three guys are reflective of two distinct but connected generations of wrestlers (bryan in one, swerve and darby in the other). i find it really disappointing and disheartening when people only see darby as a high-flying risk-taker, because he's *so* intelligent and deliberate in the things he does, he's such a fucking workhorse and if you've never seen him do more grounded, technical wrestling you're definitely missing out on something really special imo. he took a little while to find his footing when he first came off the indies, but he's grown and learned so much in the past few years both in terms of his athleticism and especially his ability to give absolutely banger promos; i think we can definitely credit some of that to his time working with sting, but it also shows a real jump upward in maturity and a desire to help carry the promotion on his back that really warms me to see. i love that he spends time for himself and pursues the things he loves outside of the ring but is also ready to jump in and help at a moment's notice when they need someone stable and reliable to fill a gap or take over a storyline, and i love that he works with both passion and humility - i think it's going to take him far and i can't wait to see how the future of his career shapes up.

for aew women it's a hard split between toni storm and willow nightingale, for me.

toni's wrestling is phenomenal to watch - she's brutal and versatile and such a quick thinker, always makes her opponents look great, and her character work is fucking unparalleled. i'll admit it took a while for the timeless toni storm gimmick to click for me, but once i understood what she was doing it's been amazing ever since, and i just find her so compelling and magnetic to watch. i'm also really drawn to her because of what it means to see an openly bisexual performer in the wrestling industry, and while i am frustrated by commentary often hamstringing the obvious romantic story between her and mariah, i can't stress enough how awesome it's been to see a love story (however toxic, lmao) between two women be one of aew's biggest or longest running narratives.

willow is so compelling to me as well, though in a distinct way. she always makes me smile and i love to see a fat woman thriving and succeeding in a line of work that, while it's developed a lot, still in many ways does incentivise both male and female wrestlers to be somehow both thin AND muscular, even if that lacks long-term sustainability for their health. her wrestling is something that i think is quite unique in the women's division, both really powerful and really flexible, and i love that her promos have a real emotionality and complexity that her "nothing matters, smile anyway" gimmick might not immediately suggest. she's tender and passionate and sad and exuberant and loyal and refuses to take shit, and i think she's such an amazing example of fully experienced femininity in sports. and she's so fucking dedicated to showing up and being ready for whatever storylines or matches or curveballs come her way, and so keen to bring up other women - and international promotions - along with her, and i just love her to bits.

[rivangel]

I'm interested to see how the vagueposting on levi tumblr will go /pos

although I personally have no idea who everyone is referring to (I mostly mind my business), it seems that a lot of members of the community have complaints about this person. someone will likely get fed up at some point and probably make a call out post

it sucks because staying quiet might be doing more harm than good. again, I have no idea who is involved or what is being said/done by this person. I've only picked up bits and pieces from other vagueposts in the community. you don't have to be a mind reader to know that if someone is brave to make that post, they will receive so much unnecessary backlash for exposing this person 🫤

at the end of the day, we're all just here to talk about levi cock. we are grown adults with lives outside of the internet for fucks sake.

most of us don't want to engage in immature drama in the fandom space, but of course SOME PEOPLE just have to go and ruin it for everyone 🙄

numerous complaints is seriously unsurprising and it’d be nice to keep it up because:

i agree with you except for the last bit.

yes 100% we’re a fun collective interacting and having fun, but being on the internet doesn’t make interactions on here any less significant, or less-than. i’ve made a lot of my closest friends here, and got the bravery to start my transition here just for instance.

i don’t think it’s an issue of an immature person(s), but a horrible, toxic human being doing real harm to real people with real friends in this fandom space. my jokes aside, it’s really upsetting how such a vindictive narcissist can put on a shiny clean mask and come off as the opposite of who that really is. even if i didn’t have the displeasure of interacting with that, it’d be disheartening knowing that behavior and person exists. (but it’s kind of funny when it has to do with levi when levi would despise such people.)

so with people like this there’s really no way to compromise bc they will never be friendly back to u lol. not genuinely, ever. if they do something wrong, they’ll apologize because you’re mad at them and that could fuck up their reputation.

i’ve never felt this way about anyone on here before, and i hope this gets its comeuppance.

idk. don’t be a prick under the guise that you’re tOo hOnESt. be genuine. have empathy, literally just care about people besides yourself. dont be acting like you’re towering over peers you’re actually standing with. don’t act dumb when you know exactlyyyy the messed up stuff you’ve done and said. don’t shit talk and be surprised by what happens later. just be idk. normal.

[my-writings-and-musings]

Hello!! Um, if it’s okay, could I ask for a RB Chase x reader? I’ve been drowning in college assignments lately and I barely have time to rest/eat :(( It’d be nice if it included some comforting <3

I hope this was okay, have a good day/night :> 🫶

I know that experience well, anon, so have this and good luck on your assignments!!

For those who don't know: if you like my writing style, you can always commission me, and please reblog to help spread my work! Thank you!

The light of your desk lamp was nearly blinding at maximum brightness, but you didn't dare turn it down, and even made a point to keep it right over your notes for the most pronounced effect. For all the pain it caused your eyes, it was well worth it to stay awake. You didn't dare drift off with so much more to do...

Alone in the bunker for privacy, you occasionally paused to check the time and found it increasingly disheartening, the late evening turning to early morning with so little progress to show for it. Between assignments that were presently due and studying for those that would be due layer, you weren't sure you'd ever be finished with your work. Your primary comfort was in knowing that you'd be able to sleep once it was done, and even if you only got a few minutes before you were needed for something else, you considered that more than enough. Just imagining closing your eyes for fifteen minutes sounded like heaven.

Between the exhaustion and your focus, you were very easily snuck up on, even by someone over fifteen feet tall who made no attempt to actually sneak.

"Y/N? Why are you-?"

Jumping like a startled cat and sending multiple papers flying, you turned to find Chase behind you, servos up in a disarming gesture. Letting out a sigh of relief, you felt your blood pressure drop as you sat back down. Your exhaustion must have made you jumpier than expected, as surprises from the bots had never frightened you so intently before. 

"Apologies. My intent was not to frighten you." Chase said with as much sincere guilt as his monotone could carry. Feeling guilty yourself, you massaged your tired eyes to try and meet his gaze without looking like a sleepless zombie, almost able to feel the bags forming beneath them.

"It's not you, Chase, I'm sorry I jumped." you replied as he kneeled down to speak at a more even level. Looking into his optics brought you a significant amount of comfort, which almost made you feel worse about how little time you had for this conversation. There was nothing you wanted more than to just relax and converse with the mech you loved, but you simply didn't have enough energy to split between him and all the work you still needed to get done. It didn't help that your traitorous brain was reminding you of how comfy it was in his arms...

"You appear... exhausted." he said plainly, hesitating before he settled on his usual bluntness. You'd have smiled if your body wasn't struggling just to sit up.

"I've got a lot of assignments to get done, so I've been pushing my bedtime back a bit." you explained, trying to play down your exhaustion while steering the conversation in a way that would allow you to politely get back to work. It was far too tempting to just forget everything and chat with the assignments being so incredibly boring, and with his presence being so wonderfully calming... you had to pinch yourself just to keep your head from dipping under its own weight. You must have been less convincing than you thought, because even Chase had to slightly lift a brow at your obvious underselling.

"It is three eleven AM, that is more than could reasonably be defined as a "bit", by any acceptable definition." he countered, gentle but firm in his refusal to back down. You wilted a little at how quickly you were seen through, but your dedication to your work refused to allow you a chance to surrender. There was a part of you that just didn't like being helped.

"Well... yeah." you conceded as your fried brain scrambled to think of what you could say. Of course Chase was worried, it was in his nature to fret, but you were determined not to admit you needed any kind of help when you were so confident no one else in your position would have needed it. Not meeting his gaze, you tried to smile in a manner you hoped would read as reassuring. "I'll get some sleep once this is done, I promise."

Chase bent down a little lower, getting more on your level and not bothering to hide he was looking you over. "You appear to need it most urgently right now." he said in summation, pushing you into more arguing even as a growing urge within you wanted nothing more than to submit. 

"Fair enough, but I just don't have the time. If any of these assignments are late-"

"Can you not request an extension on the deadline?" he interrupted, concern growing more evident as you leaned against your desk to stay upright. He hovered a hand by your side, and you took it instinctively for support, an act you immediately regretted once you felt the warmth of his armor against you. There was nothing you wanted more than to lean into him and let his considerable strength support you...

"I... I wouldn't want..." you couldn't even manage a rebuttal through the fog in your mind, and worse still, you didn't even have the energy to be upset about it any longer. The pages of notes and the spread of open books on your desk turned to a blur as you held on to the cruiser's arm, head resting against him as your eyelids grew heavier than stone.

"Could it be requested on your behalf?" he pressed further, offering his other hand to tilt up your chin. Like a cat, your neck went limp and you allowed him to support the weight of your head, your tired eyes meeting his optics as you managed a single word.

"Maybe?"

Softening his gaze, Chase let out a tiny sigh, speaking with a level of inflection that more fully conveyed his concern. "You need sleep, Y/N."

"Probably..." you conceded at long last, worn down more by his efforts in five minutes than you'd been by hours of your body demanding what it needed. There was no denying you'd pushed yourself to your limit, but you just couldn't bring yourself to go any further with his presence being so comfortable and your desk being so hard and unwelcoming. You thought fondly of the time you'd fallen asleep in his backseat during a long drive, and how safe you'd felt and how deeply you'd slept... There was nothing you wanted more.

"Definitely." he said to finish the argument. You actually helped him pull you to your feet, but when your tired legs wobbled under your weight he simply scooped you up and pulled you to his chassis, flicking off your lamp with remarkable dexterity. Being cradled in his arms drew a sigh of absolute relief past your lips, and it was almost impossible to stay awake as you felt his warm embrace all around you. Chase moved away from your little workstation and moved quietly through the bunker, his voice a distant but pleasant echo that barely reached you. "I cannot access your bedroom, but the couch has blankets and pillows."

You felt the plush fabric of the couch meet your body like a cloud, and when you instinctively reached to tuck yourself in the cruiser beat You to it, delicately pulling a blanket over your body before he slipped a pillow under your head. A final burst of stubborn independence compelled you to assure him the extra effort was unnecessary. "You don't have to do this, Chase."

"I know." he confirmed softly. There wasn't enough in you to reply, but before the bliss of long overdue sleep took you away you were aware of being tucked in and the blurry image of a rare smile, his words reminding you there was nothing you needed to face on your own.

"But I want to."

[blehblarghblah]

wait wait wait, what about "Like Father, Like Libby"?? What are your thoughts on THAT dad episode? Especially bc what you said about alador. I cried 😭

^ me at that sleazy Matias

This is one of those moments where I meant in my other post TGaMM does a good job of balancing humour with serious tones, but evidently not making it a cheapened moment. Libby is a great character who has visibly grown out of her shell thanks to Molly's influence, and when we see her be passionate we can see/relate to a lot of aspects of her child-like glee. Granted, she is still a kid, but the way her excitement of lost time/potential takes hold of her here in this episode is even something Leah was surprised by. Which makes it very real and relatable!

To briefly pull away from the focus of the episode, I loved the B plot with Molly and Scratch because of the gags and one-liners. One of my favourite tropes in fiction, especially in sitcom series, is a character who is suddenly doing crosswords for the entirety of the episode which basically tees up punchlines and gags. I don't care if it's cheesy, I always find it hilarious. It's a simple way to set up jokes, but TGaMM did great with their deliveries and had me and my sister cackling.

Which is good! As undercutting serious tension can be needed to add levity. I feel as though if I had watched this episode as a kid, a lot of Leah's behaviours would've gone over my head then. But as I am now, seeing how she is, having moments of laughter adds great balance to the main story. And additionally, more moments of Libby and Molly's BFF nature is great: the fact that she knew Molly already messed up but was just playing it off just goes to show how well she knows her friend (I headcanon she asked Molly to put Simon on the phone just to troll her).

Now, the dad.

I love that Leah wasn't disheartened or jealous with Libby's sudden affection for her father. She had discomfort, but mainly because she knows what kind of man Matias really is. Seeing how she subtly places herself in support of her daughter throughout the entire is a great detail in how she is the parent that stayed and truly loved Libby, but also that Libby is aware of her mom's presence. As when the moment happens, she immediately knows she can rely on her mom again.

She just misses her dad.

And that, is wonderful storytelling in the way that not even Libby was aware how much she wanted her father in her life until the opportunity presented itself. I don't think she wanted to become a writer because of him, but I bet that had a small influence in her outlet with her poetry and such. Much of his lack of presence takes a toll and is finally let loose here, which enhances Libby's expectations. She asks her mother if his personality is basically anything like the stereotypical dads she's no doubt read/heard about.

Though I believe even Libby started to suspect something at the moment she met him too, as when her dad gave her a signed copy it felt like she recognized his signature was more general than personalized for her. Seeing that after all the expectations and build up, he turns out to be exactly as Leah suspected, was a gut punch but also very raw. Letting Libby soak in her moment for a bit was nice, but having her come out of it and recognize her mother's value in her life made it all the better.

All in all, a great episode and definitely up there in my top five faves so far.

(P.S.: Matias book series is gonna flop, what kind of publisher decides to make a book into a trilogy after a book is released?)

Until next ask,

- Bleh

[heartofspells]

Ugh, Dani. Why are you coming into my asks and making me cry? It feels so weird to not be posting a new chapter. What the hell am I going to do once it's finished???

But I mean, since it is posting day, and since I did promise snippets...

--

"Someone's having me on," utters Sirius as he gazes across the room with mystified eyes.

Trying to follow his line of sight, Benjy frowns. "What are you talking about?" he asks, sounding bemused, but Sirius shakes his head slowly, his lips quirking up in a half-smile.

"Never mind. C'mon, follow me."

Benjy sticking close to his side, Sirius guides them both across Lily's lounge to the other side where the food is spread out on a large table. He stops and clears his throat, gaining the briefest flicker of eyes before they fall to the table again.

"What do you want, Black?" asks Chrys in a crisp tone. "I'm busy. Make it quick."

Snorting, Sirius says, "You can't boss me around. We're not at work. This is my friend's house. And it's my birthday."

"Do I boss you around at work?"

"You try."

"Hmm. Seems I should try harder," mutters Chrys, picking up a sausage roll and inspecting it like it might be poisoned. "You didn't answer my question. What do you want?"

"Nothing. Thought you weren't coming. Bit surprised to see you here."

"Yes, well," she says slowly, taking a small sniff of the roll before dropping it onto her plate. "I got hungry." Her tone is deadpan, and Sirius bites the inside of his cheek to withhold a laugh as Chrys lifts her head to look at him properly. "And also, that boyfriend of yours is insistent. He's grating. On my nerves. And my sanity. But he doesn't take no for an answer. I can admire that."

Sirius can feel Benjy's eyes turning on him, asking silent questions Sirius doesn't have the answers for. Sirius has the same questions, gaze flickering towards a confused Benjy, the other man only shrugging in response.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about. I didn't do anything," says Benjy to Chrys, but the woman glances at him scathingly.

"I didn't say you, did I?" she barks. "I said boyfriend. Him." Chrys jabs her thumb over her shoulder, angling towards the corner where Sirius finds James standing when he looks around, his stomach twisting in an awful way. "What's his face. Jack, I think he said."

"James," corrects Sirius automatically, his chest tightening uncomfortably. He can still feel Benjy staring at him, but Sirius forces himself to remain as cavalier as possible.

"Right, that's it. He's very pushy. I told him I had no interest in your festivities the same as I told you, but he kept at it. Luckily for you," informs Chrys without a hint of humor, gaze fluttering over the food again. "Don't get used to it. I won't be back next year."

Benjy clears his throat. "That's me," he states, drawing Chrys' attention.

"What?" she clips out, expression unimpressed as she drags her eyes over Benjy. "What are you on about?"

Heaving a sigh, Sirius says, "James is my best mate. Benjy." He points his finger at the man beside him. "Boyfriend."

"The words coming out of your mouth make no sense," declares Chrys in a dull fashion.

"Boyfriend. Me. Hi," says Benjy flatly, like all the air has escaped him. "I'm Sirius' boyfriend."

Chrys looks over him again, eyes starting at the top of Benjy's head and dropping to his feet before roving up once more. Her lips purse when she's finished.

"I don't see it," she claims, turning away from them, obviously done with the conversation.

Sirius turns to face Benjy, rolling his eyes. "Don't worry about her," he dismisses, trying to brush it off. "She's a good enough person, but she's detached from people. Bit clinical."

"Yeah," mumbles Benjy, sounding disheartened. He's no longer looking at Sirius, gaze staring over his shoulder at the corner where James is. "Think I'm gonna go get a drink. I'll find you in a little while."

[happilychaengs]

the florist next door

this is a mess but it's just something i wanted to try out and i might do something similar to this again

word count: 1,021

"god y/n! your entire apartment is littered with flowers! what's going on?" your roommate, momo, complained as she walked through. she just back from her trip to japan so you couldn't blame her for being so surprised.

"what do you mean? i don't see the problem." you said as your back faced her, you completely focused on trimming some of the petals. she groaned as she took the pruning shears out of your hands and turned you right round.

"i see the problem. i live here as well y/n. i don't even know how you got so interested in flowers when i was gone for like 2 months." she sighed as she laid back in a stray chair with the shears in her hands, quickly pointing them at you, "at least tell me what the hell happened to you."

"chaeyoung." you blatantly said as you pointed at one of the flowers.

"what?"

Pink Carnation - I’ll never forget you

you were taking a stroll around your neighborhood as you reminisced on your memories of the girl, yoo jeongyeon. the girl you were going to marry. the girl you called home. and the girl who shattered your heart in two.

letting out a dreadful sigh, you seemed to notice a building that you've never seen before. it was a florist. it piqued your interest. from the outside, you could barely see it as it was between two tall and big buildings, one of them being your apartment building.

you fought yourself for a little bit but you finally decided to walk in and buy some flowers for yourself. 'it was sad', you thought but you didn't see the problem with treating yourself right for a bit. she didn't.

as you walked in, you could hear a faint chime as the door opened and saw a girl close by, trimming one of her plants. she quickly put her shears down and had a big smile plastered on her face as she faced you, only needing to say one word to have you hooked for life.

"hi."

Red Columbine - Anxious, Trembling

you weren't sure how to feel. you liked chaeyoung. like really like. the florist you unexpectedly seemed to already have a deep affection for despite the fact that you've only been talking for a week and yet you feel like you were almost ready to do anything for her.

she had just recently given you a flower to take care of for her over the weekend. she said it was the easiest to take care of. a marigold. "a sign of great strength" she said it meant.

and yet when you swung by her place right after the weekend, you couldn't help but feel a little disheartened as you saw the potted dead flower in your hands.

she let out a small laugh as she took it out of your hands, "it's okay! we can try again, don't worry!"

she quickly went to the back and came out with another potted marigold and gave you a smile along with a folded-up piece of paper. "that's my number. you can call me if you ever need help okay?"

Blue Salvia - I think of you

as the two of you walked side by side through the farmers' market, looking through the stalls, you couldn't help but steal glances at chaeyoung. she was beautiful. and you were going to tell her today.

"mmm!" she hummed excitedly as she took another bite of the pastry in her hands, "this is really good!" she stuck her hand out and put the pastry in front of your face, "come on! take a bite!"

"uh... are you sure?" she quickly nodded as you reluctantly took a small bite of the pastry. "oh it is good."

she let out a hearty laugh at your reaction as she took another bite. she dragged your hand as she walked around the market, taking in all the sights. she was almost in awe at some of the souvenirs on display and the clothes that there were. the hustle and bustle of the crowd almost overpowered everything that was running through your mind. you worried that she could feel your palms getting sweaty as you tapped her shoulder and prepared to make one of the biggest choices in your life.

"what is it y/n?"

"chaeyoung i... i need to tell you something."

she grew worried at your tone as she turned around to meet your gaze, "what's wrong?"

you steeled yourself.

"i like you."

Red Rose - Love, I love you

"like this?" you mumbled under your breath.

"no!" she giggled as she took ahold of your hands, "not like that!"

"here." she said as she leaned over your shoulder and guided your hands, meticulously cutting the flower, "you trim it like this okay?"

you watched her in amazement as she glanced up at you, giggling. "are you okay? you look surprised that i could do this."

"it's because i am. even when you are a florist. you're just... amazing. i love you."

she let go of your hands and laced her fingers under your chin, bringing your face closer to her. she placed a chaste wet kiss on your lips as she looked at you with an indescribable look in her eyes. one filled with so much adoration and love. "i love you too.

"wait." momo put her hand up, probably to tell you to stop talking as she let out a laugh in disbelief. "i was gone for two months and you found the love of your life? and you didn't think to tell me at all? over text? anything?"

you seemed to pause to think about it for a while, "well... i never thought to. i guess i was just lost in the moment."

"i'm your roommate y/n. i swear to god if you don't tell me life-changing events like this ag-" the doorbell interrupted her as it began to ring.

"i'll get it." you opened the door shortly after and you couldn't help but smile as you saw the girl at your doorstep.

the florist next door. your lover.

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Main Story S4Ch1 ‘Setting Sun’ - Part 2

Part 1

Chapter 3

-starless lobby-

yakou: I'm finished mopping the front entrance.

yoshino: Nice work. Did you put the signboard outside already?

yakou: It wouldn't have been helpful if I forgot it so I put it out first.

yoshino: I'm almost done mopping here too, after that I have to... Kei, what else is there to do?

kei: ........

yoshino: Kei?

kei: ...Mm? Oh... My apologies, I was deep in thought.

-kei walks off-

yakou: ...That's surprising. To think people like Kei who give off an aura of being perfect also space out sometimes.

yoshino: I've never seen Kei like that before. I wonder if something happened

-hallway-

kei: ....... (sigh)

-he bumps into saki-

saki: Wah...!?

kei: My deepest apologies. Are you ok, Saki? Hm? What are you doing with that bundle of forms? Don't tell me Unei's been handing off tasks to you?

saki: They've just been sitting there in the break room for quite some time, so I figured I'd take them to the office.

kei: To make you have to bother with such a task... I'm most sorry. I shall take them from you.

saki: (Huh...?)

saki: Are you feeling worn out, Kei-san? Your face is quite pale...

kei: ......... (surprised)

kei: Worry not, I am fine. I make sure to monitor and maintain my health each day. Though, to cause you to worry about me in such a way, I suppose I need to do a better job of it.

-sotetsu walks up-

sotetsu: Oh hey Kei, those forms you have are the ones I was told to take to the office.

kei: I heard they'd been left in the break room?

sotetsu: I felt like a smoke but I was all out of cigarettes. By the time I'd gotten back from buying some the papers had disappeared.

kei: So, in short. It is your fault that Saki ended up being the one who had to transport them.

saki: I was the one who decided to take them without checking with anyone first, it's not Sotetsu-san's fault.

sotetsu: I'm not really sure what's going on, but I feel an apology is in order. My bad, Saki.

kei: Take these to the office already.

-he hands off the papers and steps towards saki-

kei: Saki, I'm finished with my duties at the store's entrance, so I'll escort you to your seat. I recommend you try the new seasonal sweets.

saki: I look forward to seeing your recommendation.

sotetsu: He really changes his demeanour at the drop of a hat.

—end

-

Chapter 3 extra

-rehearsal room-

-yakou dancing-

yakou: Change formation during the interlude, and... Once Kei and Yoshino move in front I turn. ...I'm not very good at this step yet.

gui: We've finished closing up the shop, so you should start getting ready to leave.

yakou: Woah, it's already gotten that late? That went by quickly. Thanks for letting me know, I'll finish things up.

gui: Yakou, you seem a bit strange.

yakou: What? Strange?

gui: You've... changed somehow?

yakou: Oh that's what you meant. If I remember correctly I think you've said that to me once before. Back during the performance for 'Searching for the Galactic Railroad’ was it?

gui: This is different from back then.

yakou: Is that so? If you can explain it I'd be happy to know what it is you think has changed about me.

gui: Back then... your presence was more tense. It was direct and heavy. But now... It's not overwhelming, but strong.

yakou: Hahah, ok then. 'Strong' huh? I don't really get what you're trying to say here. But well... I may not get it but thanks for telling me.

yakou: I want to learn even more, but in order to do so I need to broaden the amount of things I'm able to do. The fact I feel this way is thanks to Kei letting me join in during the anniversary show. I couldn't keep up at all, it was honestly laughable. I was like 'oh god!' It really did make me laugh.

gui: Is that so...?

yakou: It's disheartening to realise there's a lot I'm still not capable of, but it's fun at the same time. And once I'm able to do more, I'm sure I'll be able to understand more as well.

gui: 'Understand'?

yakou: What I felt that day... It was simple, but it had infinite possibilities.

gui: Broadening your abilities is a good thing. I'm sure you'll be able to achieve it soon, Yakou.

yakou: I need to quickly, that way I won't be dragging you guys down. Let's work hard again tomorrow too, Gui.

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideA

-locker rooms-

akira: Ah, there you are. Wassup~

kei: Akira?

akira: I wanted to hand this over to you.

-he gives kei the envelope-

kei: (surprised) This is... Why was this in your possession?

akira: No need to glare at me like that. I just happened to see you and Heath having a little chat. Then after you had left, Heath threw this away.

kei: ........

akira: I didn't hear what you two were saying, I'm not into eavesdropping. I figured that must've been something you gave him for his sake. If I just gave it back to Heath he'd probably just chuck it again, so that's why I'm giving it to you.

kei: I see. My apologies.

akira: How come you're chuckling?

kei: Because I'm merely grasping at straws.

akira: What? You better not start talking like Sin as well. Anyways, that's all I needed to you give you.

-akira leaves-

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideA extra

-voice training room-

rindou: Hm? Sinju and Zakuro?

sinju: Good work today Rindou. I was practising with Zakuro. You really surprised me, Zakuro, you're super easy to harmonise with. I keep getting goosebumps!

zakuro: Oh no no, to be praised as such is a great honour. Singing is simply one of the few things that this empty shell of mine is capable of. By the way, Rindou. You are looking well today, your face has a suitable amount of colour to it. Recently when I had met you at the old Starless building you looked awfully pale. I had been quite worried indeed.

rindou: I apologise for back then, however you can rest assured, I'm fine now.

zakuro: That's great to hear. Our bodies are important after all, let's both take care to treat them kindly. Sadly I have my floor shift now so I shall depart first. Farewell.

-zakuro leaves-

sinju: Rindou, was what he just said true, you went to the old Starless building?

rindou: Um, it was around after Mizuki and Mokuren had that versus about wanting to demolish it. After hearing them talk about it, I wondered how the place was holding up and went and visited it for the first time in ages.

sinju: If I remember correctly, didn't Saki-chan feel unwell when she visited there? She suddenly got really pale, it was scary.

rindou: They said it was because of the store didn't they. I'm not so sure what I believe myself, but I think it's best we stop visiting that place. It's falling to pieces after all.

sinju: H-Huh? Is it really in that bad of a state? The fence should be removed once the reconstruction work is done... Maybe I'll go and take a look. That store took good care of me after all.

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideB 

-starless office-

yoshino: I'm almost done with the inventory check, how are you doing, Heath?

heath: I've stil got some boxes left.

yoshino: Let me know when you're done then. I'm going to move on to checking the next box.

heath: ...Merch sells a lot better than I thought.

kasumi: Were you surprised by the amount we stocked? The solo shows are similar but things really start selling during versus shows~ It's like the guests want to channel their desire for their favourites to win through their penlights.

yoshino: When I see them waving them about during the performance, it feels like they're telling me to do my best. Like they're saying 'I'm here watching you' or 'I'm here for you' it gives me courage.

heath: ...I'll have to try even harder then.

kasumi: No no, you're already giving it more than enough effort, Heath~ You're getting proper rest right? You've been looking pretty pale lately.

heath: Don't worry, I'm fine.

yoshino: It's not something an opponent would usually say, but seriously, don't overdo it.

heath: ...Hearing that from you isn't gonna persuade me. Right now... I need to give it my all.

kasumi: That's something you can only say once you've experienced overdoing it yourself huh, Yoshino. 

yoshino: ...Yeah.

kasumi: I get that there's something that you can't give up, Heath. And it's not something we're going to be able to convince you otherwise. However... because it's something that we can't intervene with, it makes it tough for us onlookers.

heath: I'll make sure not to overdo it. I'm going to buy some water.

-heath leaves-

kasumi: The decision during 'ONLY IF' was difficult wasn't it, is that why you're worried about Heath?

yoshino: Worried... I'm not sure that's what it is. I am a little envious of Heath though. Staying true to himself, moving forward and only singing with his own words, I wonder how it must feel. But still, I chose to wait, since I think another chance will come to me. But, no one knows if that will actually be the case. Heath is well aware of that, and I think that's why he keeps singing.

kasumi: It can be tough to choose whether to live your life at 0 or 100. But even so, you can't avoid having to choose which path to take.

—end

note: kasumi drops his usual form of speech in his last sentence

-

Chapter 3 SideB extra

-starless restaurant area-

qu: Why did the show become a versus this time?

mokuren: Someone must've done something someone else didn't agree with, that's how it always is.

qu: What would you have done? If a Team C show was planned but you were told it got changed last minute— Would you be mature about it and accept the postponement?

mokuren: I wouldn't make it my reason for a versus. The time you get up on stage is halved, and it still counts for a performance. Unless there's something else worth fighting over, I'd rather just wait for a proper show.

qu: Right?

mokuren: I couldn't care less about the reason for the versus, but I don't understand what B are trying to achieve here at all. What is up with that woeful performance? Their movements are all completely out of sync, it's gross just watching it.

qu: You're always paying attention to those details huh. Ah, we should go put our orders in after the encore.

-kitchen dining area-

hari: Good work out there.

mokuren: Today's staff meal is rice noodles? I wasn't in the mood to eat this but whatever.

qu: I asked for them to be ready in 15 minutes. I'll put a notification on our tablets. If I remember correctly the user settings should be... Oh? The screen went black.

hari: Qu, let me see. It won't turn back on, that's strange.

mokuren: You're hopeless with technology, just write the message on a piece of paper and hand it to the kitchen instead.

qu: I wasn't doing anything different to it though...

hari: Once I'm finished eating I have business to attend to in the office, so I'll bring the tablet with me to have Taiga check it. By the way, how was B's show?

mokuren: Terrible. That mess wasn't worth watching. It's only a matter of time before they get discontinued.

hari: Huh…?

qu: To go that far... When you make predictions like that you're rarely ever wrong so that's quite a worrying sentiment.

—end

-

Chapter 4

If you want the extra immersion listen to the struggle version of Mosquitone first 🥲

-backstage-

saki: (No matter how many interim results meetings I attend, they still make me nervous... Huh?)

-she looks at heath-

saki: Heath-san doesn't look well...

haseyama: Unei, hurry up and report the current results to them.

unei: Yes sir...! I will give the interim results for the Team K and Team B versus, currently the leading team is— Team K!

sotetsu: Oh, that's a good omen.

kei: K will always deliver the highest quality of shows. That fact is simply reflected in these results.

haseyama: Sheesh, as up yourself as always. ...Oi, he's looking like a corpse over there, are you sure he's still breathing?

heath: .....…..

haseyama: What's up with that ghastly face of yours. Are you even going to make it to the closing show?

mizuki: Oi shut it you shitty old man. Of course Heath can make it.

haseyama: It would be pretty shameful if the person who started the versus ends up collapsing before it's over.

heath: ...There's nothing wrong.

heath: Guh... (staggers)

-kei rushes over to support him- 

kei: Heath.

-heath pushes him away-

heath: I'm not accepting your help. ...Let's go, Mizuki, Lico.

-B leave-

haseyama: Hmph, does he really have it in him?

saki: (He really didn't look well...)

-rehearsal room-

ran: Ah, ya back, good work! How were the results? B's winnin' right? We're the best after all!

lico: ........ (big sigh)

kongou: Are you ok, Lico?

lico: It's Heath, he can't keep going on like this. His complexion seriously makes him look dead and he was near unresponsive in the stage wings.

ran: Ah~ He has been pretty bad lately. He gets exhausted right away, it looks tough for him.

kongou: Even though he'd been looking a bit better... But he's always been the one with the least amount of stamina on our team.

lico: That's not what I'm talking about here. Even in our show tonight there were moments he missed lines. For mister MC Life to mess up his rap, he must be in an awful state.

kongou: Now that you mention it... He really mustn’t be feeling well.

ran: Where are Mizuki an' Heath anyways?

lico: I made Heath go home. Mizuki said he was buying him water.

kongou: Then once Mizuki comes back should we discuss Heath's situation with him?

lico: Discuss what, you really expect him to do anything about it?

-break room-

ginsei: I wonder if the interim results announcement is done yet.

gui: I wonder what the result will be...

yakou: It's just who's currently leading at the end of the day, Kei and the others should be back soon.

yoshino: You're pretty calm huh, Yakou.

yakou: Ah, yeah. I still have a lot of personal problems but I just have to do what I can. The guests' response to our show seemed to be good.

ginsei: .........

yakou: Rather than us, what I'm worried about is B.

yoshino: In today's show there were portions where Heath stopped singing entirely. The performers looked to be struggling to keep up too, I wonder if everything's ok.

gui: It was different from how B usually is. It didn't feel good to watch. Their movements... were all over the place.

takami: True, the other members were trying to cover for Heath, so everything fell out of sync.

yakou: Yeah, it was as if the whole show gradually decreased in quality.

yoshino: Kei must've been apprehensive because he knew this would happen and pushed their show back...

yakou: What?

yoshino: It's nothing. While I'm concerned for B all we can do is keep giving it our all.

—end

-

Chapter 4 extra

-break room-

hari: Hello, Yakou.

yakou: Hey.

hari: You looked like you were having fun on stage today.

yakou: Yeah, I was finally able to sort out some of my thoughts, K's shows are really nerve wracking. We're mostly in sync but movements change and vary slightly during the real thing. If I deviate from that it'll ruin the vibe of the team's performances, so I was scared of messing up.

hari: That’s a good means of concentration you have there. Since you came back and were thrown into a versus right away I figured there must be a lot on your mind. However it seems my worry was unfounded. Would you agree, Yakou?

yakou: Is that meant to be a compliment?

hari: K's shows could only be described as gorgeous. 

yakou: That's because they're the embodiment of Kei's ideal performance. To always put on a show of the highest quality for the guests. Honestly I didn't think things would be that different from P, however the type of 'aesthetic' that was acceptable in P is unfavourable in K. Being able to grasp that aesthetic is important, which is what makes it difficult.

hari: That sort of thing isn't just restricted to K and P. Every team has its own sense of aesthetics and beauty. And I mean that in a broad sense, the definition of that beauty would change depending on who you ask.

yakou: Whichever way you put it, Ginsei sure is amazing huh. When he's in P, he embodies P and when he's in K, he embodies K. He's able to express either aesthetic when needed. Well, I'm going to try my best to achieve that too.

hari: You're busy with the versus performance too.

yakou: I wonder if Heath's ok. We see him backstage everyday and he hasn't been looking well.

hari: It's true that Kei had originally wanted to push B's performance back, could it be that... No, nevermind. In any case, even whilst the versus continues, someone should lend him a hand if needed.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideA

-starless lobby-

gui: I've brought the photo cards that were sold out, this is the last of the stock.

kei: Please place them on the counter. Did you inform Unei to order more?

gui: Yes.

-distant cheering-

kei: ........

gui: ...Kei?

gui: ........

kei: ...Gui, go on break between the performances. Don't forget your orders and wait on standby during that time.

gui: ...Understood.

-gui leaves-

kei: ...Gui is quick to pick up on things so I must proceed with caution.

-restaurant area-

kei: ...As I had predicted, he's still up on that stage. Heath... please— Just take the fall already.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideA extra

-izakaya-

takami: Cheers.

kokuyou: Yeah.

-they clink glasses and drink-

kokuyou: ...Tell me the info you dug up on Nekome.

takami: Has that become your catchphrase? I'm not sure we should discuss that in an izakaya of all places.

kokuyou: Shut it, isn't this location better than the alternative, or would you rather talk at Starless?

takami: Here is fine. —To start, the fact that he's gotten himself involved with the underworld is true. However I don't know how deeply he's involved or the circumstances behind it. It could also be possible that he was caught up in it unwillingly.

kokuyou: On what basis are you saying this?

takami: He had been renting an apartment under a name that wasn't his own. When I investigated that thread I discovered a company. Meaning it's a company that deals under a fake name, there's no way a company like that could be respectable. And so, I tried paying a visit to the apartment Nekome was renting out and... If I had stayed there even a moment longer I would've been charcoal.

kokuyou: What...?

takami: The door was trapped. There was a wire attached to the handle which— Well, to put it more simply, let's just say someone had left a little gift akin to a claymore mine there to greet me. The gunpowder quality was poor, but if I'd taken a direct hit let’s just say I wouldn't be working as a cast member anymore.

kokuyou: The hell is that all about... All of that is way too fishy.

takami: I cannot confirm or deny that it was Nekome himself who set it up. We must also consider that it could've been a third party that rigged the place.

kokuyou: ...You’re saying it's not a zero percent chance that he was the one who did it though.

takami: Exactly.

kokuyou: Tch, that idiot.

takami: I would like to investigate things further. So that is all I can say today. Plus, our beers are getting warm.

-time pass, city, night time-

takami: Oh, fancy running into you, Sin. Are you on your way home?

sin: Indeed.

kokuyou: Good, I have something I want to talk to you about. Walk with us, Sin.

sin: ...? As you wish.

-secluded area-

kokuyou: Do you know anything about Nekome?

sin: ...... (shocked)

sin: ...No, I don't know much. Even I am surprised by the recent events. It must just be how he is.

kokuyou: That so...

sin: My apologies for not being of any help. If I learn any new information I'll let you know.

takami: .........

sin: If that is all you wanted then I shall be leaving. Goodnight.

-sin leaves-

-flashback, park, night time-

sin (on phone): What do you want from me? What are you planning to do with her? Answer me.

-flashback end-

-street-

sin: Those words I couldn't catch back then... Could they have something to do with this? With Nekome...

—end

note: the flashback is from s3ch8 Chapter 5 extra

-

Chapter 4 SideB

-break room-

heath: ...Ngh.

maica: Woah, you look awful. You're pale as a ghost are you alright?

heath: I'm fine.

maica: If you're not able to perform at your best every show then you don't need to keep getting up there.

heath: Would you give up during a show's run?

maica: Continuing to sing when you're not delivering the quality the guests deserve is just being self indulgent. My pride wouldn't allow me to do that.

heath: I'm giving it my all when I rap, so it won't be low quality. Thanks for the pep talk.

-heath leaves-

maica: It wasn't a mere pep talk... He can barely even walk straight.

menou: If you have a break pedal then you just have to press your foot down and stop.

maica: What are you on about...?

menou: However in the situation where there's no breaks, then there's no choice but to continue forwards. You have no choice but to keep moving. It's like in the fairy tale 'The Red Shoes'.

maica: That's the story about the little girl who puts on red shoes that force her to keep dancing forever right?

menou: Yep. In order to free herself from the curse to keep dancing, she ends up asking for both of her feet to be chopped off. There are more people out there than you might think that won't stop themselves. Even if stopping would be for their own good.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideB extra

-starless kitchen-

taiga: Sup, the vegetables got delivered so I've brought the box. Here. 

kongou: Ah thanks, could you open it up and take them out too? I'm going to use some now. Sorry for making you assist in the kitchen, but it's a great help. Once you're done you can help yourself to the cheese cookies on the staff table. They're a new prototype, think of it as a thank you gift.

taiga: Cheese cookies... They don't sound like they'd be very sweet.

kongou: They have a salty flavour to them. They'd probably pair well with wine or beer.

-lico walks in-

lico: Excuse me, why the hell is this box so goddamn heavy? What on earth is inside it!?

kongou: That's probably full of flour. Like cake flour and bread flour. Good work bringing it here, Lico.

lico: Don't make me do such physical strength intensive jobs. I don't have the build for it... Hm? How come you're here?

taiga: Huh? Well I mean, I have a shift today.

lico: Isn't the brother you were searching for back now? Do you still have business with the store even though your goal has been achieved? If it were me, once I'd paid back what I owe the owner I'd have quit working here on the spot. 

-lico leaves-

taiga: Sigh, well, I have my own reasons so... He's not even listening to me. What was that all about, he owes the owner? Is he in debt or something?

kongou: I don't know the details but yes, that's probably the case.

-flashback, kitchen-

lico: You're just lucky that you happen to be able to exist here without having to flatter that old man. Unwillingly or not, there are people out there that encounter times where they can't live without having to rely on someone.

-flashback end-

taiga: Oh... So that's what he must've meant back then.

—end

To Part 3