#i gave no one any tricks.. i just like showing cool trinkets and foods

[crescentfool]

I don’t know if I’m a little too late but trick or treat!!

NADJA HI!!! i present to u... one of the menu items from the p5 x pasela resort collab from 2016!!

i hope you likey!! thanks for stopping by!!!

[obscureoperations]

Imagine being Martin's flirty crush and asking him out on a date , he thinks you'll make fun of him but you prove him wrong by showing how kindhearted you are . Even surprise him by showing that you may be flirty but you also have a lovestruck personality .

Dawww! this is wholesome! Its sad that he's used to being treated so poorly, that any bit of kindness has to be a joke. Everytime you would smile at him, it caused his heart to flutter, but he tried to fight it off... surely you didn't mean it. Everytime you would pop up at the shop randomly, leaving only with a pack of gum. You always tried to make small talk, asking him about his day... what he liked to do. He always tried to keep his answers short, in fear that Cuda might find him lagging. He had to admit, he enjoyed whenever you would visit. It was rare that someone showed a genuine interest in him. You seemed so genuine. It couldn't possibly be a joke.. right?

He told you one day what time he usually went to break, you would wait for him outside the shop. You'd spend the full thirty minutes walking around the town, just talking after having stopped at some random food truck. He liked listening you, and the way you laughed. You just seemed so...sweet. He didn't want to believe that you were intentionally trying to trick him.

You would bring him things whenever you'd visit, nothing big, just random trinkets. A magazine you saw that reminded you of him, a cool looking rock, a singular flower. He's always blush profusely, offering a brief thanks. Most of the things you gave him rested in his drawer. He was surprised to say the least when he heard a tap on his window, he eyes it suspiciously before rolling up the blinds. He was shocked to see you perched on his ledge. It was about a week ago that he told you where he lived and that if you ever wanted to see him it was best to use the window. He felt somewhat silly after, why would you want to visit him at his house?

He eagerly lifts the window and you crawl inside almost comically tripping over the ledge. He reaches out to steady you, fighting the urge to smile. "Sorry...I know its sorta late." You offer, anxiously chewing on your lip. You looked so nervous.. why were you nervous? If anything he felt like his heart was about to explode out of his chest. What were you doing here? You were rambling now about something or another, he was trying to understand what you were getting out. Finally you reach a crumpled piece of paper from your jacket, offering it over. He eyes it suspiciously. It was an add for a fair that would take place this upcomming weekend. " I think it might be sorta fun. Do you want to go?"

[landofmelodyandstars]

DRV3 Gift Reactions Transcription.

These are transcriptions of the character’s gift reactions from drv3. Spoilers for Chapter 1 Danganronpa v3 below the cut.

Characters are listed in the same order as my posts with the proper screenshots of these reactions. Every new line of text is a new dialog box.

Assume that the reactions are from Chapter 1 unless specifically marked as otherwise. (Tbh I actually got the majority of this transcribed the other day, I was just waiting to sleep and recharge my energy to get and edit the post-chapter-1 screenshots I needed to finish it.)

I’ve only transcribed post-chapter-1 gift reactions that are significantly different--it can generally be safely assumed that Kaede’s name is simply replaced by Shuichi’s in places where it comes up.

My masterpost for gift reactions is here. My masterlist for all things danganronpa-related is here. (Just be warned as there may be whole game/series spoilers there depending on how far in the future you’re reading this.) The things here are transcribed exactly, including dropped words and typos, but they’ll still be marked with [sic] because I want to differentiate between the errors in the game and my own inability to type correctly.

~Shuichi Saihara~

Loved Gifts:

Kaede... thank you. I’ve never received something like this before. I’m so happy I... I don’t know what to say!

Ah? For me? Kaede...you’re amazing! How did you know I want this?

Liked Gifts:

Can I...really have this? Thank you, I’ll take good care of it. I’ll help soothe my anxiety as dark times like this.

I can tell that you put a lot of time and thought into this... Thank you. You giving me something this wonderful... I wish I could give you something in return.

Neutral Gifts:

Ah, do you like this kind of stuff, Kaede? I don’t really get it...but maybe I’ll learn to love it?

I didn’t know the academy had things like this... I wonder if this was prepared for us. If it was, they must have quite the budget... They can afford to have aesthetic items like this.

You’re...giving this to me? Thank you... I’ll cherish it.

Disliked Gifts:

Ah, um, I don’t think I can accept this... I do appreciate the thought, but... I’m sorry.

Ah...I don’t know... why you’d give me this... Ah! Is this a joke? S-Sorry, I don’t get it!

Hated Gift(s):

...I-I’m sorry... Even if it’s a gift from you, I can’t accept it. I’m really sorry... I know you’re just trying to make me happy...

But for you to give me something at a time like this, I... I can’t believe you’d do that. I can’t believe you’d be the kind of person who would do something so tasteless...

~Kokichi Oma~

Loved Gifts:

H-How do you have something this amazing, Kaede? Did you steal this!? The supreme leader of evil lost!? Grrrrr... Dammit! This pisses me off!

Hey, I’m surprised you had something so interesting on you, Kaede. But if you think something like this would make me happy, you got another thing coming! ...Just kidding. Thank you.

Liked Gifts:

This is a pretty decent present, Kaede. Are you starting to get me now? It feels good to know that you thought long and hard about what tribute to give me.

Hmm...I guess this isn’t *that* boring. You have pretty good taste, Kaede. Well, not as good as mine. I’ll surprise you with a gift one of these days, Kaede!

Woooah! This is niiiice! I’ve always wanted something like this! By the way, that’s not a lie, ‘kay? Don’t worry, I’m actually happy.

Neutral Gifts:

Hm, for me? I’ll take it, but... You’re not getting any thanks from me, buddy! Well, I might repay your kindness...with tricks. Since I *am* the supreme leader of evil.

How do I put this nicely... Well...it’s not bad, but it’s not good either... And by that, I mean it’s bad.

Disliked Gifts:

Wooooow, this is just aaaawful! It’s soooo boring that it’s funny! Um, I don’t really want this. Toss it somewhere else.

Um...why would you think I’d like this? You have pretty bad taste, Kaede. I thought we were of one heart and soul.

*sigh* ...You disappoint me. I thought you would’ve made it more fun for me, Kaede. Or are you hinting that I should make it fun for you instead?

Hated Gift(s):

I...I didn’t know you hated me that much, Kaede... WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Even if you do hate me, this is going too far! Well, at least this isn’t boring... But you gotta make it up to me later, ‘kay?

~Kaito Momota~

Loved Gifts:

A-Are you serious!? I didn’t think you could even find this around here! Kaede...this makes me so happy! Gimme a hug!

Oh, nice! This gift’s a real bullseye! Your thoughts hit me dead center! Alright! Since you gave it to me, I’ll teach you all about this thing!

Liked Gifts:

Are you giving this to me? Haha, you know me so well! Alright! As thanks for this cool gift, I’ll tell you a cool story!

Oh, that’s pretty interesting. This is almost the perfect gift for a Luminary of the Stars! You’re on the right path.

Neutral Gifts:

You’ve got a bunch of stuff, huh? You’re not just trying to unload some garbage on me, right?

Huh? What’s this? Where’d you get it? Well, if it’s a gift from you, then I’ll totally accept it.

Disliked Gifts:

Are you kidding me? What am I supposed to do with this? What’s up with you? This isn’t like you, man!

Did you really think I’d like something like this? C’mon, man... Are you making fun of me? Nah you wouldn’t, but...

Hated Gift(s):

Hey...we can still pretend it was just a joke, so put that away.

H-Hold up...don’t put that near me. You got it? Why do you even have such a weird think!? Toss it in the garbage!

~Rantaro Amami~

Loved Gifts:

Did you...get me this because you thought it’d make me happy? I guess you thought I’d like this kind of thing, based on how I dress. Haha... Well, ah, thanks anyway.

Now *this* I like. I knew you had good taste, Kaede. I can learn from you.

Liked Gifts:

You’ve got something pretty interesting there. Where did you find it? Oh, you’re giving it to me? A present? That’s so sweet. You’re being so nice to a guy that doesn’t even know his own talent...

But this looks really valuable. Are you sure you want me to have it? I’ll get you something special one day too. I have some pretty rare things myself.

Neutral Gifts:

I always get butterflies in my tummy when people give me gifts. Thank you. Is there anything you want, Kaede? I want to give you something in return.

Wow, they even have stuff like this here? This place gets weirder and weirder. Don’t you think it’s odd? That you would find this stuff here?

Oh...for me? No no, it’s not that I don’t like it... Just the thought makes me happy, Kaede.

Disliked Gifts:

Really? You’re giving this to me? Kaede, you have...unique taste. I never expected this from you.

Um, I don’t mean to be rude, but maybe there’s someone else who would enjoy it more? I think you should give this to someone who can really appreciate it.

Hated Gift(s):

Haha...my, this is a pretty dark gift. You look like a sunny and cheerful girl, but I guess there’s a dark side to ya.

~Gonta Gokuhara~

Loved Gifts:

Oh wow... Gonta think bug friends will like this. Kaede like bugs, too? Gonta so happy!

Gentlemen wear small trinkets... Gonta must remember that. Gonta still not used to gentleman clothes... This very helpful, Kaede!

Liked Gifts:

Ummm... But real gentleman say nice thing. Then gentleman give gift, too... Gonta not real gentleman yes, huh...? Someday Gonta give Kaede nice gift!

What? For Gonta? Thank you, Kaede! Gonta not get gifts often... Gonta happy! Very very happy!

Neutral Gifts:

Hmmm... Gonta not know stuff like this exist. Thanks for showing Gonta, Kaede!

For Gonta? Thank you! Gonta treasure it always. How that? Gonta show gentleman gratitude okay? 

Hmmm...Kaede like this kinda stuff? Gonta think he understand now. Gonta try hard to appreciate gift.

Disliked Gifts:

Ummm... Sorry. Gonta not sure what to do with this. Gonta know Kaede mean well... Gonta so pathetic!

K-Kaede... You...hate Gonta!? Oh, G-Gonta wrong? Gonta just not understand.

Hated Gift(s):

Kaede...no can give gift like this! Is not proper! O-Or...d-does Kaede...hate...Gonta? G-Gonta...*sniffle*...so sad!

Oh, sorry... This sorta thing give Gonta bad memories... Gonta hope Kaede not feel bad now... Gonta really sorry!

~K1-B0~

Loved Gifts:

Kaede... Thank you very much. I am humbled by your generosity. Did you give me this simply because I am a robot? I will report you robophobic actions.

This is...quite a practical gift. Thank you. Please don’t get the wrong impression... I’m happy because this gift is so practical. Under different circumstances, this gift could be considered robophobia.

Liked Gifts:

This is...quite a fascinating item! Are you sure I can have it? I wish I could give you something in return, but I have nothing to give... I’m sorry.

...A toy? Is this your way of bringing me a friend? Do you see me a toy[sic], too? I’d prefer not to be compared to this toy...but as far as toys go, I guess it’s kind of cute.

This is nice. It aligns with my preferences. You understand me... I feel...happy.

Neutral Gifts:

...I’m sorry. I cannot see myself ever developing an interest in this. Should I feign happiness in this situation? That seems illogical to me...

A present from Kaede... There, I’ve finished saving a backup copy of this memory. I hope to repay your kindness one day.

Disliked Gifts:

I’m sorry. I can’t do anything with food or beverages except stare at them... I this kind of gift is wasted on me. You should probably give it to someone else.

... ... I’m sorry. I was calculating the appropriate response to a situation like this.

...I don’t know how to react to being given a gift like this. It would be insincere of me to just accept this gifts, so I must politely decline it.

Hated Gift(s):

Wh-What’s wrong with you!? Why would you give me a gift like this!? This isn’t some kind of robophobic microaggression, is it!?

~Ryoma Hoshi~

Loved Gifts:

Hmph...not bad at all. Sometimes, even I want to feel happy ...so I’ll accept this. Thanks.

If you’re giving me this... you really get me, huh? I don’t hve anything to give you, is that okay? Hmph...you’re strange.

Liked Gifts:

Hmph...nothing good will come from making me happy, you know? Sorry I can’t show how happy I am... I really am grateful for this gift.

Oh...you’ve got good taste. I hope I can return the favor. But I’m not great at giving gifts.

Neutral Gifts:

Hmph...you’re giving this to me? What’s the meaning of this? Well, whatever. I guess you didn’t mean anything bad by it.

Huh? You seemed like the conscientious type, but did I misjudge you? Well...I guess having a side like that is just part of your charm, huh?

Giving me a gift... You’re a strange one. I...appreciate the thought.

Disliked Gifts:

Exactly what sort of reaction were you expecting from me? Sorry, but I’m not a fan of joke gifts.

That’s just not cool... I thought you’d have better taste than that. Hmph...I don’t have anything to say to a gift like that.

Hated Gift(s):

I won’t make a scene about this insult...but I’ll remember it. Even if someone’s not a good person, you can’t just be rude like that...

You’re giving that to me? What’s you game...? I’m not sure it you’re being a punk or just nosy, but I’m not accepting that.

~Korekiyo Shinguji~

Loved Gifts:

This is...! Kaede, where on Earth did you find such a thing!? Ooh...I never dreamed of encounter such a splendid item here.

To have brought this to me... You truly have an eye for treasures. Kehehe...what a wonderful woman you are. I have no complains with this. If you’d like, I can tell you this item’s history. Are you interested?

Loved Gifts (post chapter 1):

To have brought this to me... You truly have an eye for treasures. If you’d like, I can tell you this item’s history. Are you interested?

Liked Gifts:

I may have this? Kehehe...much appreciated. You enjoy giving gifts? Perhaps we can discuss cultural gift giving practices.

This is a fine gift... It almost makes me sorry to be the receiving it. I would like to at least tell you some stories in return. Which one though...?

Neutral Gifts:

Kehehe...did you think giving me this would make me happy? Interesting... It would appear you don’t yet know me well enough.

The desire to do something for someone. I understand it well. But is it not necessary to consider what will make that person happy?

Disliked Gifts:

Honestly, I cannot understand your reasons for giving me this. Do tell...what were your intentions giving me this?

Hmm...even if your[sic] have poor taste, that is beautiful too... Not everyone shares the same preferences. Do keep that in mind.

Hated Gift(s):

I cannot accept this. Are you taking the occult lightly?

~Kaede Akamatsu~

Loved Gifts:

Shuichi...I’m just so ecstatic! I thought I had been the only one looking at you, but I guess you’ve noticed me, too. I think that, because... you gave me such a pretty gift.

Whoa! Can I really have this!? Thanks, I’m so happy right now! You really know what makes me smile, Shuichi. But, I guess *you* would know what I like!

Liked Gifts:

Oh! I was just thinking about getting one of these! I can’t believe you already know what I like, even though we just met... Well, that’s a detective for ya!

I really like these kinda of things. Do you enjoy them too, Shuichi? It would make me a bit happier to know we like the same things. Oh, god... I think I said something embarrassing just now.

Neutral Gifts:

Hmm...so you like these kinds of things, Shuichi. I’ll remember that. Someday, I’ll give you a present, too... Oh, I don’t mean it in a weird way. It’s to return the favor, okay?

I see... You carry these things around, huh, Shuichi? How did you find them in this academy? Or did you have them before you came here?

Disliked Gifts:

Umm... Your taste is...unique... Oh, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. If you like it, then that’s your choice.

Umm...I’m sorta curious why you chose to give this to me... I don’t hate it. Well...I’m actually happy!

Hated Gift(s):

This isn’t okay, Shuichi...Even if it’s a joke, there are some things you shouldn’t do. If we weren’t in such a weird situation, I might be able to laugh it off.

~Maki Harukawa~

Loved Gifts:

Is this for me...? Hmm... ...Huh, do I look mad? I may not show it, but I’m actually pretty happy.

...Thank you. I’ll cherish this. Why are you surprised? I got something I like, so of course I’m going to thank you for it.

Liked Gifts:

Hmm... You must not worry a lot if you’re giving presents in a situation like this... ...Well, it’s not like I mind. I’ll take it.

This is...something you should give to a child. You shouldn’t give this to someone my age. Well...when we get out of here, I’ll give it to the kids. That’s why you gave it to me, right?

Neutral Gifts:

...You have surprisingly bad taste. If you don’t want it, then I don’t mind keeping it.

I see... You’re giving it to me. What? Did you think I would be excited? Sorry, but I don’t intend to give empty thanks because of social obligations.

I don’t think it’s bad to give presents after spending time... But you should really think about the present first before giving it, don’t you think?

Disliked Gifts:

What is this...? Where did you even get this thing? It’s for me? Why would you even thing about giving this to me?

Wait... I’m going to stop you right now if you plan to give me something I don’t want. ...Am I wrong? That’s a joke, right?

Hated Gift(s):

... Sorry, but I don’t need this.

~Miu Iruma~

Loved Gifts:

Wh-What? How did you know I’ve wanted this? D-Don’t tell me...you’re that into me... Naturally, a flat-chested idiot like you would fall for a brainy, busty, beauty like me!

Wha—! I-I’ve...wanted this...so bad... I took you for an idiot, Kaediot, but it turns out you’re actually pretty useful! Heh, I could give you one of my inventions as a show of gratitude!

Loved Gifts (post-chapter-1):

Wh-What? How did you know I’ve wanted this? D-Don’t tell me...you’re that into me... Well, I guess a perma-virgin like you can’t help but think about[sic] all day long!

Wha—! I-I’ve...wanted this...so bad... Not bad, perma-virgin! When are ya plannin’s to slip some fliff between these big ol’ titties!? Well, if you’re tugging it to me every day, I guess I can let the slide!

Liked Gifts:

Damn, Kaediot! You actually brought me somethin’ nice! Alright, I’ll show you an invention of mine! I bet you’re so thankful, you’re about to cry! Huh? Y-You’re not interested? Whyyyy?

Whoa! I’ve wanted this for a while! I never expected you to have it, Kaediot! Why didn’t you give it to me sooner!? Geez, you just wasted my precious time!

Neutral Gifts:

What the hell were you thinkin’ givin’ this to me!? Do you have any how[sic] valuable my time is!?

Hm? What’s this? I mean, I guess I’ll take it... This is what you’re givin’ to me lovely self? I figured you for a fuckn’ idiot, but...

Hmmm... Well, I could probably use it for my invention so I guess I’ll take it. What, you want me to thank you? You should be thankin’ me for takin’ it off you hands!

Disliked Gifts:

Huh!? You’re givin’ this to me? You really are an idiot, aren’tcha!? I was right to start callin’ you “Kaediot”!

Maaaaaan! I’m startin’ to feel sorry for ya! Cuz, well...look at me! I’m beautiful, brainy, busty... You’re just a flat-chested Plain Jane who knows jack shit about proper gift-giving!

Disliked Gifts (post-chapter-1):

Huh!? You’re givin’ this to me? You really are a piece of shit, aren’tcha!? I was right to start callin’ you “Pooichi”!

Maaaaaan! I’m startin’ to feel sorry for ya! Cuz, well...look at me! I’m beautiful, brainy, busty... You’re just a perma-virgin with a stupid hat who knows jack shit about proper gift-giving!

Hated Gift(s):

Huh...? Do you really hate me that much? Why else would you give this to me? N-No way...

~Tenko Chabashira~

Loved Gifts:

K-Kaede, what a wonderful gift! Truly, only girst understand other girls’ delicate hearts! It’d be great if I can thank you in some way... How about I teach you a Neo-Aikido move!?

Thank you very much, Kaede! You understand me so well! This is making me too happy! It’s making me blush!

Loved Gifts (post-chapter-1):

Even though you’re a male, you made me happy... I feel like I lost! I’m annoyed, so I’m gonna throw you! Then we’ll be even!

You gave me exactly what I needed... Shuichi, do you understand the way of Neo-Aikido, too!? Then maybe I can smash your body onto the floor with a Neo-Aikido move!

Liked Gifts:

Wow! Amazing, Kaede! This is a wonderful gift! It’s probably because you’re a pianist that you know how to pick gifts! Please teach me!

What!? Y-You’re giving this to me!? Wow, I’m so happy! Thank you so much!

Liked Gifts (post-chapter-1):

Urgh... Not bad, Shuichi! You actually made me really happy! But don’t assume you can appease me! Girls are not that simple!

Even though you’re a male, you gave a gift that would make someone happy! But, I’m not so easy to overcome with just this! Please don’t underestimate me!

Neutral Gifts:

It’s so nice of you to bring me a gift, Kaede! But, of course a girl would! Oh no! I didn’t bring you anything! I-I’m so sorry!

Woah! I didn’t know there was something like this as school! Where’d you find it, Kaede? I wish I could give something in return... Would you like to see some Neo-Aikido instead!?

Huh, a present? Th-Thank you so much! I’m sorry I can’t understand the value of this gift, but your good feelings have reached me!

Neutral Gifts (post-chapter-1):

I don’t know what you’re thinking, Shuichi. So I guess I can stay and listen to you! Girls are not merciless enough to send someone away after they gave a gift!

O-Oh, is this for me...? This gift didn’t do any wrong, so I’ll take it... But even though you’re a detective, you’re still a make who ca’t understand girls’ feelings!

There must be an ulterior motive when a degenerate male gives a gift to a girl... So that’s why I’ll take this. It’s better than you giving it to Himiko or the other girls!

Disliked Gifts:

Kaede, you have an...um...unique taste. Well, you’re a pianist so... Do you feel like you were a bit too sheltered and it affected your taste in things?

I-I wasn’t aware that there would be such a huge difference in sensitivity between girls! Well, I’m not denying your taste... But I think I’ll pass on this...

Disliked Gifts (post-chapter-1):

... Sorry, I’m just surprised how bad this gift is *even* for a degenerate! I assume you want me to throw you across the room, right, Shuichi!?

Huuuuh? What do you want me to do with something like this? Did you think I would be happy? You completely underestimate me! Now, I’m gonna throw you!

Hated Gift(s):

I’m not too sure about this, Kaede... I don’t really wanna say it... But the thought of you handing this to someone else... Well, it makes my heart hurt...

Kaede! What’s going on here!? Did those degenerate males influence you to be vulgar and insensitive!? I will teach you Neo-Aikido then! You mind will become calm!

Hated Gift(s) (post-chapter-1):

...It seems you want to be punished. Got anything to say? You may say only one word.

~Himiko Yumeno~

Loved Gifts:

Oooh...you clearly know what’s important for a mage. Hm, as thanks I’ll show you some of my magic.

Oooh...this is it. The item I needed. Not bad. Please bring me more stuff to increase me magic stat.

Liked Gifts:

You must have used a “Find Himiko A Good Gift” spell. Hm, well done. I don’t mind you giving me more stuff from now on.

Hmm...yes, this will do. Now my MP can recover. Well, it’s still not enough to power a big spell...

Neutral Gifts:

Hm...offerings for the mighty Himiko... Yes, this will do. This thing has no magic. A gift for a mage should be magical, y’know?

Hm? What that for me? I didn’t realize. If you can’t give proper gifts, you’ll have a lot of trouble in life.

Nyeh... For me? Sorry, but saying thanks is too much work...

Disliked Gifts:

... Nyeeeh...I’m at a loss. What are you thinking giving me something like this?

Nyeeeh... I don’t want it. I don’t know what you want, but put that away already.

Hated Gift(s):

Are you bullying me? You’re bullying me cuz no one else is around, huh? I wanna turn you into a lowly worm with my magic.

~Kirumi Tojo~

Loved Gifts:

Will there be duties where I must use this? Then I will accept it, by all means. Am I mistaken? In that case, I will use this to aid you. Shall we begin then?

I never told you I needed this, but... Is it truly alright for me to have this? Thank you. This will help me immensely. If I use this, this can help everyone as well.

Liked Gifts:

Even though I am here to serve you, I cannot believe I received such a great gift. The only way I can return the favor is to serve as you maid... Is that alright with you?

It seems I do not have to give you any advice on how to select the right gift. You have made me...incredibly happy.

Neutral Gifts:

You wish you give this to me, correct? I understand. I will treasure it. I do not want you to misunderstand... ...but, I am grateful that you have chosen a gift just for me.

Are you asking me to throw this away? I understand. Leave it to me. Am I wrong? Please accept my apology. I failed as a maid to understand your goodwill.

I see...so you are giving this to me. I have been asked if I wanted a present before, but this is a surprise. Thank you.

Disliked Gifts:

Kaede... if you do not know which gift to select, then please ask me. I will teach you how to choose the best present and the most optimal way to deliver them.

I am not impressed with the kind of gifts you choose for people. If you order me to throw it away, then that would be far more efficient.

Hated Gift(s):

Kaede... Even if it is a prank, it is not nice to give people these kinds of gifts. I never imagined you would do such a thing...

~Angie Yonaga~

Loved Gifts:

Ohhhh! How divine of you, Kaede! Nyahaha! My cup runneth over with gratitude!

This is it! This is what I’ve been after! How did you know, Kaede? Did Atua speak to you?

Liked Gifts:

I see, I see... Kaede, you know how Angie is feeling today. With all the offering’s you’ve brought me, Angie[sic] must be having lots of fun. I will be happy.

Oh, I see... This offering will earn Atua’s favor somewhat, Kaede. I will pray to Atua for you, Karde, so that you may become a gold member someday.

Neutral Gifts:

Do you think this is a divine relic, Kaede? I don’t really see it. But Atua says you have decent taste. Good for you, Kaede.

The academy has mysterious miracles like this? This can only be a blessing from Atua.

Hmmm, is this your offering Kaede? This is a decent effort. Atua is watching your devotion closely.

Disliked Gifts:

Atua has spoken... Such an offering is unacceptable. Kaede, I think this offering will offend Atua. I know I’m certainly disappointed.

Hmm? What’s wrong, Kaede? Are you sad because you can’ hear Atua’s voice? It’s okay; I’ll tell you what He’s saying. You don’t need to worry about a thing. Oh, you can just throw that offering away.

Hated Gift(s):

Kaede... Atua will forgive you if you ask. Come, let’s pray together for His forgiveness. Or else...Atua will curse you for your next six lifetimes.

~Tsumugi Shirogane~

Loved Gifts:

What!? I can have this!? Really!? I mean...no one else here can even appreciate this like I can!

You’d give this...to me...? Thank you! Thank you so much! Those are the only words I can say!

Liked Gifts:

Oh, this...it’s from that one show, right? I knew it! Huh...? You don’t know what I’m talking about? Waaah! I must’ve misunderstood... I thought you know it, Kaede...

Huh, there was something like this here? Are you sure I can have it? Thanks, it was plain to see I was stressed, but this helped me calm down.

Neutral Gifts:

Umm...it seems out tastes just don’t match that well. Oh, I’m not ungrateful. Even between otaku, likes and dislikes can be completely different.

I know that you’re trying to say. This plain item’s good for plain old me. Just kidding... I know you didn’t mean that. It’s just a joke, okay?

Hmm...well, things like this aren’t bad. Do you like stuff like this, Kaede? Why did you choose it? I’m curious about other people’s tastes.

Disliked Gifts:

Sorry, but...I don’t have any good references for a weird thing like this. I’m just a plain, boring girl. You know that, right Kaede?

Umm...I don’t really get it. Why are you giving this to me? Fine then. This...means war. Is that what you wanted me to say?

Hated Gift(s):

Is this some sort of bad joke? I don’t know what to say... Sorry...I think I don’t feel well. I’m gonna go put some ice on my head, so can you give me some space?

-

Anyway, thanks for reading! I plan on doing more Danganronpa-related stuff in the future, primarily collecting the flavor text for all the free times when you initially talk to the characters.

That’ll take me awhile, though, so in the meantime I might actually get around to talking about things in v3 that I’ve been wanting to talk about but haven’t had much of a place to talk about. Like a post discussing character design in Danganronpa that I mentioned wanting to do somewhere in this chain of semi-organized information.

[phoebonicawrites]

Why, Grandma... (in which the author plays a game)

So I bought the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality, which is, as the name suggests, a bundle of games by indie creators on itch.io to raise money for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Community Bail Fund. And by a bundle I mean a truly ridiculous number of games for a minimum donation of $5. So go check that out! (And if there’s nothing at all you want in there but you can afford to donate, go donate directly at those next two links!)

Anyway, one of those games is called My Welcomed Guest, and it’s a single-player tabletop roleplaying game about being lost in Faerie and trying to get home without angering your host too much. I played through it earlier and created an eerie story with an unhappy ending that I liked enough to want to share. So here it is.

Warnings: manipulation, betrayal, ill-advised fairy deals, memory loss. This isn’t edited at all, just what I wrote down as I was playing it. The first two lines of Act V were taken directly from the game, just for context.

Act I

They say the Fae are beautiful, that they bewitch and beguile mortals, that they can show you pleasures undreamt of. They may have meant this to be a warning, but I longed to know more.

But I knew that to enter their world might mean losing all I had and everyone I loved. A day in Faerie might be a hundred years in this world. When I returned, surely my mother and father would be long dead, my brother and sisters old and weary.

So I stayed at home, and I tended the flocks, until the day I tripped while searching for a lost lamb and fell into a pit I was sure would kill me. I fell for far longer than I should have, and when I landed at the bottom, unhurt, I was not where I should have been.

My mother always warned me to carry an iron nail in my pocket when I went out into the hills, to ward off the Fae and their tricks. I had always been tempted to drop it in the long grass and forget it, but feeling the weight of it now in my pocket, I was glad I had held on to it. The real Faerie was darker and colder than the land of wonders I had imagined.

The sky was dark with clouds, and as I stood and looked around to get my bearings, a hard rain began to fall. In the distance I could see a cottage, with firelight flickering in the windows. I ran to it, and knocked on the door pleading for shelter. An old woman opened the door, and I gasped in shock. She looked for all the world like my grandmother, just as I remembered her from my childhood. Except that Grandmother had been dead these past five years.

She smiled at me, a kind, gentle smile. “Come in, my dear,” she said. “Come in and warm yourself.” I followed her into the house, comforted by the familiarity of her presence, of the little cottage just as I remembered it.

And yet, in the back of my mind, I knew this could not be right. This couldn’t be real. My grandmother was dead, her cottage sold to others. Whatever comfort I felt here was likely to be a trap. I had to remember that.

She offered me a cup of… something. A warm silvery liquid, with tendrils of purple snaking through it. It smelled delicious, but I thought of the tales I had heard of fairy food and what happened to those foolish enough to accept it. My mouth watered and my stomach growled, but I set the cup down on a table beside my chair. For a moment, I saw fire flash in her eyes.

Act II

“I must get home,” I told her, after a silence that seemed like an age. “Please, Grandmother, won’t you help me?”

She said something too quiet for me to hear, gazing into the fire. She muttered to herself like this for a long time. I grew more and more afraid. Eventually, I dared to speak again. “Grandmother?”

“If I help you, you must offer me something in return,” she told me. “But all that I want is your happiness, dear. One true moment of happiness, from your life.”

I thought of the time I remembered being happiest, playing in the stream with my best friend Samantha as a little girl, the flower she plucked from a tree and braided into my hair. And as I thought of it I felt the fairy reach into my mind and pluck it away, and I knew that once there had been a day like that, but I no longer knew the smile on Samantha’s face or the sound of her laughter, or the cool of the water, or the scent of the flower. The loss of it gaped in my head like a missing tooth.

Act III

“Why is it you’re so eager to get home, dear?” she asked me.

I swallowed. “My family and my friends will be missing me,” I told her, which was true, but it wasn’t the whole truth. The truth was, I was afraid, remembering the story of the little girl who wandered in the woods, the wolf in grandmother’s clothing. I saw her frown as I clasped my shaking hands tight together in my lap.

“Don’t you think this house is lovely, dear?” she asked, and when I nodded my agreement, went on.  “Your grandmother always did have good taste. And she was beautiful, too. That’s why I saved her from the lake that day. Why I granted her long life, and all I asked in exchange was that she leave me her most precious thing, when she died. The most precious thing she possessed, in all the years I gave her.” She smiled, sipping from her own cup. “Did you know you were always her favourite, dear?”

My stomach twisted. “She told me she fell in the lake one day and a handsome young man fished her out,” I said, mouth dry. “She didn’t mention the rest of it.”

“Ah, well.” She set the cup aside. “I’ve seen you, darling, wandering and wondering. The look in your eyes as you gaze off into the hills. Hasn’t a part of you longed to come and visit us? What was it you were looking for?”

By now I was far too scared to lie. “They said – the Good People are beautiful, that they can show you untold wonders, and, uh, pleasures,” I mumbled, blushing to the roots of my hair.

She laughed brightly, like the tinkling of bells. She didn’t seem like my grandmother at all any more. “And do you know why it was you stumbled through my door, my dearest?”

“Because… you put it there for me to find.” I bit my lip.

Act IV

“And now you’d like to go home.” She sighed. “Well, we’ve made a bargain, sure enough.”

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

It occurred to me then – an absurdly mundane concern on the face of it, but enough to give me pause – that I’d left the sheep alone on the hillside. If I’d been gone a hundred years, that wouldn’t matter by now, but if it had only been the few hours it felt like, I’d be in trouble with my parents. They’d never believe what had happened to me, not unless I brought back proof.

My eye fell on an ornament on the mantelpiece, a flower made of spun glass so delicate it looked like spiderwebs, certainly nothing my true grandmother had ever owned.

Grandma had always liked to give me little trinkets. I cleared my throat. “Grand… mother?” I asked, tentatively, not sure what else to call her. “May I have this? To remember your kindness by?”

She raised her eyebrows. Hastily, I added, “I’ll give you some more of my happiness, in exchange.”

Her eyes narrowed, but eventually, she nodded. “Very well, child.”

I thought of a warm Christmas morning, my family seated by the fire, for once no squabbling or squalling. I saw it all, and felt it snatched away.

Act V

“Before you lie two doors, one back to your realm, the other to a place of penance. I think you should take the door on the left, but the choice is yours.”

I noted, my heart in my throat, that she hadn’t said anything about which door was which.

I didn’t think she was at all happy to let me leave.

I made for the right-hand door.

I must have walked for years, over rocks and brambles, never growing more or less hungry or tired than I was already, until I found the doors again.

This time I took the left door.

And I walked through endless snow.

There must be one I haven’t tried. The Fae don’t lie. They never really tell the truth, but they don’t lie.

Maybe I should have taken the left-hand door, after all. Or maybe it would all have been the same.

Maybe I’ll never stop searching.

Maybe one day I’ll give up, and make my way back to Grandma’s house, and plead with her to let me in.

[emospritelet]

HC Prompt: "I suppose it's just me and you then."

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8]

AO3 link

Supper was a pleasant, jovial affair, with everyone helping themselves to the food, and the conversation turning to festive games and the plans for a walk before dinner the next day.

“Will you come to church in the morning, Miss Marchland?” asked Alice.  “The servants are all going, and I’ll take the children, too.”

“Thank you, I’d be delighted,” said Belle, and glanced at Ogilvy and the Professor.

“Oh, they never go,” said Alice, waving a hand.  “Couple of heathens, the pair of them.  It’s up to you and I to provide some moral guidance in this household.”

“If I need moral guidance I hardly think I need look to the church,” remarked Ogilvy.  “Nor to you, I might add.  It’s not so long since you were caught slipping a frog into Mrs Potts’ bed, as I recall.”

“I didn’t do that!” said Alice indignantly.  “It was a toad!”

“Ah, well, that makes all the difference, clearly.”

“And I was nine!”

“Which, if I remember rightly, was no comfort to poor Mrs Potts and her warty new bed-partner.”

Alice giggled, and set down her glass of wine.

“How you didn’t throw me out of the house I shall never know.”

“Endless patience and a large supply of whisky,” he remarked, and she shot him a fond look.

“Why don’t we have some music?” she suggested.  “Two new pieces came this week, and I haven’t heard them yet.”

“To the library, then,” said the Professor, closing his book around one finger to keep his place.  “Miss Marchland, you expressed an interest in seeing a little more of the world.  I’d be delighted to show you the relics of some of our travels.”

Ogilvy gave him a hand to help him out of the chair, and they wandered out, deep in conversation about something.  Belle heard a vague reference to Lady Ella, and frowned curiously, her ears pricking up.  They were talking in too low a tone for her to catch the conversation, and she gave up, not wanting to pry.  Alice trotted over to her, taking her arm as they made their way to the library.

“I thought the gramophone was magic when it first arrived,” she confessed.  “Papa used to sit me in front of it and play music over and over each evening.  I think it’s wonderful.”

“As do I,” said Belle.  “I remember thinking the same, when I first saw one.  Not to mention the cinematograph.  I found myself wanting to understand all the wonderful science behind it.  Human inventiveness never ceases to amaze me.”

“Yes,” sighed Alice.  “I wish it were always used to produce things of beauty, things that bring happiness.  Too many people are greedy and cruel.  There should be more beauty in this world.”

“Well,” said Belle, patting her hand as they entered the library.  “You must try to add to that beauty where you can.”

“Well, I - I do like to draw,” admitted Alice, curling her lip a little and looking uncertain.  “I’m not sure I’m any good - Papa says so, but he thinks everything I do is good - but I do enjoy it.  Perhaps it’s silly.”

“Of course it isn’t silly,” said Belle warmly.  “You must do it as long as it brings you pleasure.  I’d like to see some of your drawings, if you want to show me.”

Alice beamed, eyes sparkling, and she squeezed Belle’s arm.

“Would you - would you mind very much if I called you Belle?” she asked, a little awkwardly.  “Miss Marchland seems so - so formal.  Papa said I should ask.”

Belle smiled.

“Of course you may,” she said.  “If I may call you Alice.”

“Oh, please do!”  

Alice’s grin widened, and she released Belle’s arm as they entered the library.  A fire was burning merrily in the hearth, the room pleasantly warm, and the Professor had wandered over to one of the bookcases and was tugging at a carved wooden box on the bottom shelf.  Fresh greenery had been strewn across the mantelpiece, and Belle lifted her nose to sniff the air, boughs of pine and sprigs of rosemary sending up a clean scent.  Ogilvy was setting up the gramophone, a leather-bound box of heavy disc records already open beneath the little table it sat on, and Alice hurried across to squat down beside him.

“Something cheerful, I think,” she said.  “You can listen to the slow ones when I’ve gone to bed.”

He shot her an amused look.

“Why don’t you choose, then?” he suggested.  “I think I’ll have a drink.”

Alice immediately started looking through the records, and Belle approached the Professor, who had lifted the wooden box onto the nearby desk and was pawing through the contents.  She peered in curiously, seeing gleaming crystals in a myriad of colours, strange carvings in pale wood and soft stone, implements in worked silver and wrought iron.

“So many things,” she said, fascinated.  “Where do they come from?”

“Oh, all over the place, really,” he said vaguely, pushing his glasses up his nose.  “Sometimes I like to get something local to whatever area we’re in.  They have a special sort of energy about them, you know.”

He selected a small figurine, carved from a few lines in greenish stone.  It was in the shape of a thin, bald man with his arms flat to his sides and a grotesque expression on his face.  

“This was given to us in Scotland.  A house in Roslin.  Rumoured to chase away evil spirits.  I’m not sure how much use it is, but every little helps, I always think.”

Belle took it from him, the stone smooth and cool in her hands.  The carved figure seemed to stare at her with deep-cut eyes, its mouth a grim slash, and she placed it back in the box with a slight shudder.  He held out something else, a shining black crystal about the length of her index finger.

“Obsidian,” he announced.  “Good for protection.  You should take it, I have others.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she said hastily, and he gave her a look over the top of his glasses.

“It would give me a little peace of mind, if not you,” he said.  “Please.  Take it.”

She opened and closed her mouth, but took the crystal from him.  It was cool and smooth in her palm, and she shivered a little as she looked it over.

“Alice said that you investigate strange occurrences,” she said, trying to keep the scepticism from her voice.  “What sort of things, if I may ask?”

“Ah!”  He held up a circular piece of what looked like tarnished silver.  “I was looking for that!  Never know when you might need a little extra help in shielding.”

He turned the piece of silver over and over in his hands, thumbs rubbing at the surface, which appeared to have been intricately worked with a Celtic knot design.

“Professor?” prompted Belle, and he started and looked up.

“What?  Oh - all sorts of things,” he said vaguely.  “Hauntings, possessions, people disappearing…”

“But - but it’s not really hauntings, is it?” she persisted.  “Aren’t these things just parlour tricks?”

“Well, on occasion,” he agreed.  “But then you can’t always tell that from a letter, so they have to be looked into.  Sometimes it’s jokers playing pranks, of course, or children scaring themselves.  One time we uncovered a quite elaborate plot to get the true beneficiary of a will to transfer the family home to another relative by terrifying the beneficiary out of his wits.”

Belle nodded, satisfied, but he eyed her, turning the silver circle between his fingers.

“Sometimes it is pure human greed and mischief,” he said gravely.  “But sometimes it isn’t.  Sometimes it’s far worse.  There are many strange things in this world, Miss Marchland.  As you’ll no doubt discover.”

“Me?” she said, puzzled.  “I shouldn’t think that I’ll be travelling with you on your adventures.”

“Really?” he said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled.  “I thought you might enjoy the change of scene.”

Music started up from behind them, a cheerful, upbeat tune, and Belle turned to watch Alice dance her way over to the chairs by the fireplace and flop into one of them, singing along to the song.  Ogilvy had returned, carrying two glasses of the honey-gold mead, and she reached out out to take the glass from him with a smile.  The Professor waved away the other.

“No no, I think I’ll have a whisky,” he said.  “I was just telling Miss Marchland about some of our travels.”

“Oh yes?”  Ogilvy turned his attention back to her, eyebrows raising.  “Well, it seems we may have to go away again very soon.  Perhaps you might like to accompany us, Miss Marchland.”

“I—”  She opened and closed her mouth.  “But - the children’s education…”

The Professor smiled, and bustled off get himself a whisky.  Ogilvy’s eyes gleamed.

“Oh, we can work something out, I’m sure,” he said.  “What’s that you have?”

He gestured to her curled fist, and Belle held up the finger of obsidian.  She refused to call it a wand, even though her mind was whispering the word to her.

“Oh, the Professor gave it to me,” she said.  “He says it’s for protection.”

“And so it is.”  He held out his hand.  “Would you like me to carry it for you? You seem to be suffering from a distinct lack of pockets in that dress.”

She smiled, holding it out to him, and Ogilvy took it, tucking it into the pocket of his waistcoat.  He turned to the box of trinkets, taking a sip of his mead and setting down his glass.  Belle watched as his hands gently ran over them, long fingers stroking over polished crystals and smooth stone and tracing the lines of worked silver.

“So many memories in here,” he mused.  “I swear Doc likes to collect something from every town we visit.”

“He said something about energies,” said Belle.  “I have to confess I didn’t really understand what he meant.”

Ogilvy straightened up, glancing across at her.  Her mouth was twisted a little in its smile, the light of scepticism in her eyes.  He couldn’t blame her; she would have had no exposure to the darker things in life, and he was grateful for it.  It almost seemed a shame to change that fact.  A necessary evil, but he still felt a twinge of regret for what she would lose by it.

“Well, there are different energies in different places,” he said gently.  “And sometimes, things from that place can retain a little of that energy.  These crystals have different uses, too.  The obsidian, for example, is excellent for repelling more malign entities, but pieces such as this rose quartz are used in healing.”

He held up a pale pink stone the size of a hen’s egg, and Belle reached out to take it from him, turning it between her fingers, her brow crinkled in confusion.

“But - but they’re just rocks.”

“Rocks with a certain power,” he said.  “As with all things on this earth.  You just need to know how to recognise and harness it, that’s all.”

Belle glanced up, raising a brow as she placed the crystal back in his palm.

“Like - like some sort of natural magic?” she asked, her voice heavy with disbelief.  “You don’t mean that, surely?”

“Is it so surprising to you?”

“Well, a little,” she admitted.  “I thought you were a man of science.”

“And so I am.”

“Well, how can you believe in something that you can’t observe?”

His smile widened.

“You’re the one going to church tomorrow.”

Belle shot him a flat look.

“That’s entirely different.”

“Is it?”

She was silent for a moment, and he could see her thinking.

“Most children in this country are raised from birth to believe in an omnipresent God,” he added.  “But humanity has been around far longer than the Christian church.  What do you suppose our distant ancestors believed?”

Her eyes narrowed a little, and he could feel the curiosity rising up in her as she took a step closer.

“I don’t know,” she said thoughtfully.  “I suppose they viewed things differently, didn’t they?  Ancient gods and goddesses, the power of nature, perhaps. Offerings to Mother Earth for a good summer and a bountiful harvest.”

“Much as churches up and down the land give thanks at Harvest Festival today,” he observed.  “Perhaps things aren’t so different now, Miss Marchland. Perhaps there is value in the old ways, too, and the power some attribute to one God comes from many sources.”

Her mouth curved in a tiny smile, her eyes gleaming, and he felt love for her surge within his chest, pushing up into his throat in a warm bubble.

“Perhaps you’re right,” she said.  “Perhaps I ought to open my mind a little.”

“I think we would all benefit from that philosophy,” he said.

He closed up the box, fingers sliding over the carved wooden lid, his heavy gold ring gleaming in the lamplight.  Belle reached out, letting one fingertip rub over the polished surface of the blue-grey moonstone, and he watched her flinch, her eyes widen.

“I - I’m so sorry,” she whispered, drawing back and looking mortified.  “I’m sorry.  Forgive me, I - I don’t know why I did that.”

“It’s quite alright,” he assured her, his voice gentle.  “Would you like to see it?  Here.”

He slipped the ring from his finger, holding it out to her, and after a moment Belle reached out to take it.  She bent her head a little, turning it between fingers and thumbs, and he watched the light shine on her hair, strands of bronze and copper.

“It looks very old,” she observed.

“It is,” he said.  “The stone is far older than the ring itself.  I believe that one was reworked in the latter part of the seventeenth century.”

She looked up, eyes wide.

“That is old,” she said.  “How did you come by it, if it’s not an impertinent question?”

“It was handed down,” he said.  “I’m only the latest in a long line of bearers.”

“Oh.”  She held up the ring, turning it this way and that.  “Will you pass it on to Nicholas?”

Ogilvy smiled.

“Who can say where it will end up?”

“Papa, will you dance with me?”

Alice’s voice made them look around, and Ogilvy took a sip of his mead, setting the glass down on the desk.

“If you put on something a little less exuberant, certainly.”

She led him away, and Belle looked down at the ring in her hands, frowning a little as she looked it over.  There was a strange feeling, a creeping sensation on the nape of her neck, almost as though she was being watched.  She watched the light gleam on the polished moonstone, a sense of familiarity stealing over her, although she was certain that she had never seen the ring before.  An image came to her, unbidden, and disappeared almost before it took form in her mind.  She chewed her lip, frowning, and filed the thought away to puzzle over later.  Taking up her glass, she had a sip of the mead, letting the sweet taste spread over her tongue, and smiled as she watched Ogilvy turn Alice around to the joyful tune from the gramophone.

x

It was nearing eleven when the music selected became slower, the jaunty sounds of cheerful voices and brass instruments exchanged for more placid orchestral arrangements. From her chair by the fire, Alice yawned widely, hiding it behind the back of her hand.

“Well, I think I’ll go to bed,” she said, getting to her feet.  “Goodnight.”

She smiled at Belle, and bent to kiss the Professor’s cheek.  He returned the gesture, patting her hand affectionately.

“Goodnight, dear.  I’m going up myself in a moment, I just need to fill the children’s stockings.”

“We put the mince pies next to the chimney breast if you need to fortify yourself for the task,” she said.  “With the large brandy you asked for.”

“I may take that to bed with me, then,” he said appreciatively.  “Goodnight all.”

He set aside his book and pushed to his feet, heading off to the living room.  Alice trotted over to where Ogilvy was looking through the gramophone records, and he straightened up with a disc in his hands.  Belle had returned his moonstone ring to him earlier in the evening, and it caught the light as he carefully removed the record from its sleeve.

“Goodnight, Papa,” said Alice, kissing his cheek.  “Sweet dreams, and don’t stay up all night.”

“Goodnight, darling.”

Ogilvy kissed her back, and she beamed at him before sauntering out.  Belle folded her hands in her lap, watching as he placed the disc on the gramophone and lifted the needle onto it.  A slow piece began to play: an opera aria that she vaguely recognised, and Ogilvy glanced across at her, golden light from the lamps catching his glasses and picking out the silver at his temples.  He licked his lips almost nervously, a brief pass of the tip of his tongue.

“Well,” he said.  “I suppose it’s just you and me, then.”

“So it would seem,” she said.

He nodded, and she noticed that he was turning the ring on his finger again.  It seemed a nervous trait with him, an unconscious habit.

“Would you - ah - care to dance?” he asked hesitantly.

It wasn’t proper, by any means, not when they were alone, but after the first few inner admonitions, which spoke with the voice of her former governess, Belle smiled.  The mead had made her bold, and she decided that she very much wanted to dance with him.  Who would ever know, after all?

“I should love to.”

His smile widened, and he strode over and held out his hand, helping her up from the chair and stepping backwards on the polished wooden floor.  Belle moved closer, his other hand sliding around her waist, and she rested her own on his upper arm.  Standing this close to him was a little overwhelming, and she caught her lip between her teeth as she looked up.  He was watching her calmly, his lips slightly parted, as though his own breath was a little heavier, and she swallowed hard as they stepped into a slow waltz.  His hand was very warm around hers, and she could feel the heat of his body through his jacket. She felt a little light-headed, and she wondered how strong the mead was.

She had always been a good dancer, but she was surprised by how good he was, light on his feet, leading her perfectly.  She was also surprised by how naturally the dance seemed to flow, as though they had been practising, as though they had been partnered for years.  He was smiling at her, his eyes bright with emotions she couldn’t interpret, and she let herself melt into the dance, losing herself in movement and music and the scents of pine and rosemary.

The tune ended, the gramophone sending out a tiny, rhythmic scratching noise as the needle circled the centre of the disc over and over, and Belle sighed regretfully.  She expected the dance to stop, but Ogilvy kept up the slow turning steps, continuing to move them in a gentle circle.  He began to sing something in a language she didn’t recognise, low and lilting, the words soft and flowing from his mouth with rounded consonants and a rolling of r’s. She recognised none of them, but something about the song was familiar, as though part of a dream she couldn’t quite forget.

The song finished, but he kept up the waltz, humming the tune as they danced, and Belle tilted her head to catch his eye.

“What was that?” she whispered.  “Is it - Gaelic?”

His hand tightened on hers a little, and his smile was brief, and somewhat sad.

“A dead language,” he said.  “A ghost of a memory, nothing more.”

“People do still speak it, you know,” she said.

“No no, I didn’t mean—”  He shook his head.  “No matter.”

Belle caught her lip between her teeth as they turned, eyeing him curiously.

“Will you sing it again?”

He smiled a little, and began to sing in that low, lilting voice, mouth pursing as it formed the words, breath whispering over his lips with soft sibilants.  She could see the way his tongue flicked the roof of his mouth, wrapping around each syllable, and she closed her eyes as the sound of his voice poured over her.  The tune was mournful, haunting, and it tickled at the back of her mind, as though she ought to remember it.  Her eyes flicked open, fixing on his as the song ended, and they drew to a stop.  His hand was warm on her waist, his eyes dark and deep, and Belle let out a contented sigh.

“That was lovely,” she said, and he smiled.

“It’s been years since I sang that one,” he said quietly.  “Lifetimes.”

“It sounds so sad,” she said.

“A lament,” he explained.  “A man mourning his lost love, asking the gods to reunite them, in this life or the next.”

“Very sad, then,” she said, and felt something pull at her, deep in her chest.  A forgotten longing.  “I hope he found her.”

“Yes.”

His voice was barely more than a whisper, and she wondered who he had lost in life, her heart aching a little for his pain.  He released her hand, his other leaving her waist, and she took a step back, the cool of the room seeming to steal over her skin, making her shiver.

“I - I suppose I should go to bed,” she said.  “No doubt tomorrow will be a busy day.”

“Yes,” he said quietly.  “No doubt.”

He reached into the pocket of his waistcoat, drawing out the length of obsidian, and held it out to her, pressing it into her palm and folding her fingers around it with his own as his eyes caught and held hers.  She felt her breath hitch in her chest, her heart thumping hard, and he smiled, a brief twitch of his lips.

“Goodnight, Miss Marchland,” he said.  “I wish you pleasant dreams.”

He gave her a tiny bow of his head, releasing her hands and stepping back from her before heading for the doors.  Belle watched him go, her heart still thumping, skin tingling from his touch.

[sugarandspace]

Day 31 - Free Day (Halloween) (AO3)

Alec stepped into Magnus’ loft to find no hint of his boyfriend. They were supposed to go on a date to an outdoor Halloween themed event, and they had agreed to meet here at six o’clock. Alec checked his phone to make sure he was in time, and saw that it was only a few minutes before six.

“Magnus?” Alec called as he walked further into the loft.

“In the bedroom,” came the muffled reply.

Alec followed the sound to the bedroom, stopping at the door when he saw his boyfriend in front of the full body mirror doing what appeared to be finishing touches to his costume.

Costume that threw Alec off more than any other costume probably could have.

Magnus was wearing a dark purple button up shirt, tucked into his black pants. The shirt had some sort of silver decorations on it, subtle until the light caught them. He wore matching silver necklaces, hanging low on his chest. The clothes weren’t anything out of the ordinary, but there were two things that Alec hadn’t expected to see.

Magnus was tying the strings of a long velvet cloak, black as night, the end of it almost touching the floor. The cloak was dramatic and gave off a mysterious vibe, which was hindered a bit by what Magnus was wearing on his head.

A pointy hat with a wide trim.

Alec didn’t know what to say, standing at the doorway with his mouth slightly open, looking at the unexpected sight.

“What do you say?” Magnus asked, turning around to face Alec so that Alec had a proper look at his face that was previously covered by the wide trim of the hat. His eyes were lined with black, a hint of silver sparkling amongst the makeup as well. Most of his hair was hidden under the hat, a few strands hanging over his forehead - purple streaks highlighting the usual black.

“You’re dressed as a… Warlock?” Alec asked.

“Yes,” Magnus said, doing a little spin which caused his cloak to flare around him. He looked proud of his costume. “I mean what would be more fitting?”

“I guess you have a point,” Alec agreed, his surprise melting to amusement.

“You’re not wearing a costume,” Magnus noted, his brow furrowing a little as he took in Alec’s black jeans and a jacket.

“It’s not really my thing,” Alec said, shrugging his shoulders. “I’ve never dressed up for Halloween.”

“Never?” Magnus asked, shocked by Alec’s confession.

“I mean it’s not a popular thing amongst Shadowhunters,” Alec explained. “Some go to mundane or Downworlder parties but you know that those aren’t my thing.”

“We have to fix this!” Magnus exclaimed and moved Alec so that he was standing in front of the tall mirror, Magnus standing next to him, a thoughtful look on his face. “What do you want to dress up as?”

“You don’t have to-” Alec started but Magnus interrupted him quickly.

“Nonsense,” he dismissed and continued quickly. “We could do a couple costume?”

Magnus moved his hands in the air, the normally graceful act of doing magic looking somewhat comical when combined with his accessories. Alec was so focused on Magnus’ movements he almost missed what he was doing.

Almost. Because the as soon as he turned his attention back to his own reflection, he couldn’t ignore the two big cat ears on top of his head.

“No.” He said immediately, shaking his head.

“C’mon Alexander,” Magnus said, clearly amused. “You could ride on my broom.”

“Take them off,” Alec demanded, finding the situation more humiliating than amusing.

Magnus seemed to sense that, since he snapped his fingers and the ears were gone.

“Thank you,” Alec breathed.

“Oh no, don’t thank me yet,” Magnus said. “We need to figure out a costume that would fit you better. Oh, now I know!”

Alec was almost scared to look in the mirror, but he did nevertheless. He watched as his clothes turned all white, wondering what Magnus was up to. It wasn’t until he saw two tall wings sprouting from his back that he realised what he was supposed to be.

“An angel,” Alec said, looking less than impressed while Magnus was grinning next to him. “Really?”

“What would be more fitting, my angel?” Magnus asked. “Me going as a warlock and you going as an angel. Both are such clever costumes, don’t you think?”

Alec just shook his head in response.

“Just out of curiosity,” Magnus asked as he turned Alec’s clothes back to normal and made the wings disappear. “Which bothered you more, the wings or not wearing anything black?”

Alec rolled his eyes but smiled, unable to keep a straight face. “Can we just go already?”

“I’m not leaving until you have some sort of a costume,” Magnus said. “At least something. You want it to be simple, right? Something that doesn't’ attract much attention?”

“Yes,” Alec agreed, because he knew that it was pointless to fight Magnus in this. There was no way he was going to be able to leave this loft without being somewhat dressed for the occasion.

Magnus looked thoughtful for a moment until he seemed to get an idea.

“Sit down,” he said and pushed Alec backwards until the backs of his legs hit the bed behind him. He did as he was told and sat down on the soft bed, watching as Magnus disappeared into the bathroom.

Alec didn’t know what to expect but he was surprised when he saw Magnus returning a moment later with a colorful palette and a large bag.

“Oh no no no,” he said as he watched Magnus sit down next to him and lay the different types of makeup on the bed between them. “I don’t want makeup.”

“Do you trust me?” Was all Magnus asked, and Alec thought about it for a moment. Wearing makeup seemed ridiculous. On Magnus it looked gorgeous, but even though Alec had never tried it before, he just knew he would look stupid. But on the other hand, Magnus hadn’t made him wear the costumes he didn’t like, so there was no harm in giving it a go. It seemed like it would make Magnus happy, if the pleading look in his eyes was anything to go by, and Alec was confident he would take it away if Alec didn’t like it. So with a final deep breath he nodded.

“Okay.”

“Close your eyes,” Magnus said, smiling encouragingly. “And don’t open them before I say so. I don’t want you to see it before it’s done.”

Alec nodded, closing his eyes. He tried to imagine what he looked like, but found himself unable to visualize what kind of marks the different swipes and pokes left behind. In the end he gave up, deciding to just focus on Magnus’ gentle touches on his face.

“All done,” Magnus said eventually, when Alec was starting to feel like he could fall asleep then and there. Carefully he opened his eyes, facing Magnus who looked at him with obvious interest in his eyes, curious to see Alec’s reaction.

Alec turned his head to face the mirror, and what he saw made him stand up and walk closer to the mirror to be able to examine it closer. He knew Magnus was good with makeup, his face proving that nearly every single day, but to actually witness him do it - with absolutely no magic - made Alec appreciate the skill a lot more. This was art.

“What do you think?” Magnus asked, a hint of nerves in his voice.

Alec looked at his face, at the small shadows on his cheeks making his cheekbones look sharper, similar shadows around his eyes making them look sunken. His face looked almost skeletal, but it was done with subtle makeup, far from a full face paint. The black made his face look even paler, his black hair and clothes and the rune on his neck a perfect contrast.

“It looks so cool,” he found himself saying, looking briefly at Magnus’ proud face before finding his eyes drawn back to the mirror.

“You’ll go out wearing that?” Magnus asked, his tone hopeful.

Alec thought for a moment before he responded. “Fine.”

-

The event was packed with people. It was a fair like event with a lot of little stands, all offering Halloween themed food or games or trinkets. Alec thought he would have felt more out of place since he was wearing makeup out in public, but he felt like he blended in with the odd looking crowd. He was used to people looking at them when he was out with Magnus, but it felt odd to have some of those looks aimed at himself specifically.

Alec wondered briefly if Jace had mentioned anything about taking Clary here, or if they were going to see Izzy and Simon - until he decided that he’d cross that bridge if he got to it. He was too happy to care, walking around the brightly lit fair with his hand in Magnus’, the air filled with easy conversation.

They were sitting on a bench sharing a candy apple Magnus had insisted Alec gave a try when a small girl stopped in front of them. The girl couldn’t be much older than Madzie, and she was dressed into a bright pink princess dress, her dark curls topped with a crown.

“Well hello there your majesty,” Magnus greeted the girl and bowed his head, making Alec smile and the child giggle. “Where are your parents?”

“Right there,” the girl pointed at a couple that was standing ten feet from them talking to some other couple. “They are talking about boring adult stuff.”

“Ah, adults do that sometimes,” Magnus nodded seriously.

“I like your hat,” she told Magnus before looking at Alec. “You look scary.”

Alec didn’t know how to respond, feeling bad for scaring the kid. But he didn’t have to, because Magnus replied to the girl.

“I’ll let you in on a secret, little one.” He said. “He’s really the kindest skeleton I’ve ever met.”

“He looks good scary,” the girl replied and looked at Alec again. “Halloween is a scary day. Your face looks really cool.”

“Thank you,” Alec replied and smiled at the girl’s compliment.

“Can you do magic tricks?” The girl asked Magnus, her attention back on him. Alec bit the inside of his cheek trying to suppress a smile, wondering what Magnus was going to answer.

“Well of course I can,” Magnus said, and really, did Alec expect anything less. “I am a warlock after all.”

“Show me!” The girl asked practically bouncing where she stood.

“Hmm,” Magnus thought for a moment until he handed the candy apple to Alec. He reached his hand forward, behind the girl's ear as he said, “Abracadabra.”

Alec watched the blue sparks glow as Magnus conjured a small red rose behind the girls head, retracting his hand and showing the flower to the girl.

“Looks like you have flowers in your hair,” Magnus said as he gave the rose to the girl who looked at it in awe.

“Sophie, you can’t just wander off like that!” A woman’s voice said from behind her, her worried looking mother appearing next to the girl, her father in tow.

“I’m sorry if she bothered you,” the father said, looking at both Magnus and Alec.

“Not at all,” Alec assured the man and Magnus nodded next to him.

“It was an honor to meet a real princess.”

“And he’s a real warlock!” The girl told her parents excitedly. “He did real magic!”

“Is that so?” Her mother asked her, looking at Magnus and Alec. “Again, we are sorry, and we hope you have a good rest of your night.”

“You too,” Magnus replied and they nodded at the small family, watching as they walked away while the girl explained the trick to her parents, gesturing animatedly and showing them the bright red rose.

“I never thought that I would be saying this,” Alec started, turning his attention back to Magnus. “But that was cute, watching you perform magic to that girl.”

“Look at you, praising me for breaking the rules,” Magnus teased, bumping his shoulder to Alec’s.

Alec shrugged his shoulders. “Weirder things have happened tonight.”

“True,” Magnus said as he stood up, giving his hand to Alec as they continued walking through the fair. “I’m surprised you agreed to wear the makeup.”

Alec ate the rest of the apple and threw the stick to the bin they walked past while figuring out how to phrase his thoughts.

“It’s new,” he started. “I’ve never done anything for Halloween and I’ve never tried makeup. I still don’t think that it’s really my thing, but it was fun to try it tonight. And I quite like Halloween, I’ll let you drag me into another event next year.”

“Are you going to wear a costume?” Magnus asked, lifting his eyebrows.

“Maybe,” Alec replied teasingly. “Are you going to dress up as a warlock again?”

“I don’t think so,” Magnus said. “It’s boring to repeat a costume two years in a row. I have to wait and see what feels right. This costume was something I knew I needed to wear this year, for nostalgic reasons.”

“What were those reasons?” Alec asked curiously.

“We used to do this with Ragnor back when people first started celebrating halloween like this,” Magnus explained, gesturing the people around them in various kind of costumes. “We thought it was funny, a twisted kind of irony when we had to dress so unlike we usually do to be able to be ourselves amongst the people.”

Alec didn’t miss the way Magnus’ shoulders dropped when he mentioned his old friend, but a small smile remained on his face - a sad smile but a smile nonetheless. He didn’t know what to say so he settled for holding Magnus’ hand a bit tighter, and walking a bit closer. Magnus continued talking, his posture straightening slightly.

“That’s so great about Halloween,” he said. “People can be whoever they want to be and express themselves in a way they usually can't. For some it means they can be more like themselves.”

Alec thought about the statement, and found himself thinking that a man he was a year ago wouldn’t have worn makeup to such a public place, he wouldn’t have let anyone apply it to his face in any situation. Compared to year ago, he had grown more open, and the way he looked right now was a great example of that. He’d learnt so much and let go of so much he had been taught. He was letting more of himself show to the people around him, and while he wouldn’t exactly call wearing makeup ‘being more like himself’ he would describe his willingness to try new things, his open mindedness, and his ability to not care about what others thought about him with those words.

“I think I get it.”

“I knew you were going to like Halloween,” Magnus said smugly. “I already have so many good ideas for what we can dress up as next year.”

By the angel, this Halloween wasn’t even over yet and Magnus was already planning next year. Alec wondered if he’d still like the idea of Halloween a year from now, and feared what costumes he would have to go through before that.

But for now he rolled his eyes and laughed, deciding to focus on the moment and the date they were having.

-

The rest of my Flufftober works can be found here!

[londonlanded]

Week 33

Alright folks, rolling two weeks into one here since not a ton happened the first one.

Monday rolled in, and so did a true winter storm? I've seen London reduced to rubble by weather before, but this was some next level disruption. The tube stops when there's so much as a leaf on the tracks, so when you factor in an entire 'blizzard' by English standards, the world stops. Amusing how something as simple as frozen water can paralyze an entire country that's previously withstood everything from guns, germs, chemicals and everyhing in between. I was the only one whose shoes weren't seeing me slide across the pavement uncontrollably, my seasoned snow-walking ways allowed me at least a giggle as I passed my somewhat less-fortunate comrades who, well, looked kinda drunk walking on ice for the first time in, likely, a very long time. Maybe even ever?

Anyway, I made the mistake of taking the tube one morning (instead of the bus which is significantly more weather-worthy), and found myself listening to the most profoundly annoying train operator I have yet come across. We found ourselves stuck between Baron's and Earl's Court stations, and instead of just leaving us to suffer in peaceful silence, our conductor decided that telling us over and over that 'we will be moving AT SOME POINT' was much more comforting??? It was the most vague and simultaneously amusing and frustrating 10 minutes of my time in London. It also led me to think I might die underground more than it encouraged me that I wouldn’t. Anyway, I wouldn’t be much of a Londoner if I didn’t complain about the tube right?

Still, barring my one moment of train frustration, my week went by as smoothly as any second week of a job could go. I woke up Saturday morning to find a strange chocolate bar in my cupboard, and decided to make it my breakfast (#cleaneating). I tasted what could only have been alcohol, and I heard from my Hungarian flatmate later that morning that it was actually an old-fashioned chocolate bar flavoured with brandy. As sweet of her as it was to give me something from her home, I wasn't counting on tasting liquor that early on a Saturday morning!

By the way, not sure when I actually received these, but ready for something hilarious?

If someone could enlighten me as to how I’m meant to get rid of 250 of these I’d be hugely appreciative thank you. I only have like...30 family members, not sure who’s going to be on the receiving end of these cards but I’ll let you know if anyone ever actually takes one off me! Amusingly a friend of mine likes to take her friends’ business cards to dole out when she’s tipsy and gets asked out by boys she doesn’t want to give her number to, so at this rate the only call this card’s going to earn me is from one or two very disappointed gentlemen...

Monday, I spent my day wishing it away since that evening after work, I headed out to Hammersmith Apollo to see my hands-down favourite artist play the last of a series of 8 sold out shows he played in London. I've been a Bon Iver fan for years, but the only other time I've seen him live, I was in the wrong company and it was in the wrong venue (drunk and loud, open air aka the concert wasn't loud enough amazingly enough). This time, I didn't make the same mistake, I set out on my real-life clothes from work (much to the amused surprise of my colleagues who had never seen me out of a dress), and took the same bus that I usually take home.

As expected, the opener's become the most played artist on my itunes since the show, and unsurprisingly, Justin swept us all off our feet the second he took to the stage for his short but phenomenally good set. I walked the 20 minutes home with a smile on my face and a quiet thrum in my chest from the music that had just finished reverberating through it.This is the calm before the storm, but I was too distracted to take many good photos during the show. In any case, you can’t capture sound on camera anyway, it’s safe to say that my eyes didn’t really need to work for me to be fully and wholly consumed by what I could have been looking at. 

Wednesday, met up with Paris after work to go to his new favourite place in the city, which happens to be feet from where I work. The top of the Picturehouse Central cinema holds a members-only seating area that allows you a view over all of Picadilly circus, and we stopped there for a drink and a chat. If you know me at all, you know I've seen a total of 3 movies in the past decade probably, so buying a membership to a movie theatre is probably the last thing you'd expect from me, but hey, I'm full of surprises what can I say. And for this view?? Worth it I think.

Thursday March 8th meant happy international women's day! I learned that it's a massive deal in Eastern  Europe, so much so that 4 bouquets of flowers were delivered to our office for the director of the Russian Worldwide Sales Office (based in our building). I always thought it was something created in the West, but evidently not. My way of celebrating was with a few friends for dinner, but soon after arriving I found out that I couldn’t escape my past as a pad-lady since there’s truly nothing more empowering than being the face of sanitary napkins apparently... They forced me into it, here for your viewing pleasure. 

Friday after work, I met Paris at the very same place he’d shown me the week before - we’ve had to have a lot of marathon catch-ups recently to make up for the time we’ve lost together in the office, and I have a feeling I’ll be visiting this theatre overlooking Picadilly Circus a lot over the coming weeks to do just that. 

Saturday, came across this funny little street sign that reminded me of home. Even more amusing was the fact that I was in a neighbourhood near one called Forest Hill. I always gave the people who named my area a bit of flack for having been so unoriginal, but perhaps they were inspired by someone even less innovative than them. To make things worse, I was visiting someone named Emily. Too many parallels thank you. And yes, under the sign is a box of Yorkshire tea, in case you needed any more proof that I’m in England. 

Saturday night, headed to a vegan restaurant called Chloe where we celebrated one of my ex-colleagues birthdays under a sign that displayed how my generation looks at the monarchy. 

Sunday morning, I finally headed to one of the markets I’ve been most desperate to go see, with the most fantastic company I could have imagined of course! I met Paris and Giulia at the entrance to Liverpool Street station, and from there, we walked to the first of our two markets of the day.

Spitalfields market is a mix of food and clothing, textiles, wares and art and trinkets, anything you can imagine wanting you can probably find there. It’s not somewhere you want to go if you’re tight on your budget or bad with temptation, the three of us had to resist the urge to empty our pockets at least half a dozen times. Didn’t take too many photos since my iphone wasn’t giving me what I wanted in terms of photographic standard, but I did manage to snap this photo of a legit wood-fire stone pizza oven contained inside a food truck, which I found quite impressive I must say. 

Thanks to my mom’s recommendation, the three of us knew exactly what to order when we finally made it to the mouth of Brick Lane market. Dark Sugars is a chocolatier that’s more than just a storefront. Staff walk around with trays of samples, there’s a fantastic soundtrack, and they sell truffles in every flavour under the sun, including some that have tiny liqueurs that you inject into the truffle just before digging in. 

As cool as all that is, the reason we came was for their famous hot chocolate. They don’t use powders or syrups - instead, they take chunks of milk, white, and dark chocolate and shave them in front of you, displaying them in a tasty rainbow on top of steamed whole milk.

 It’s your daily requirement for sugar and everything else no doubt, but it was worth the inevitable sugar high as well as the small dent on my wallet. 

From there, we walked along to the second spot we were adamant on hitting that morning - the Beigel Bake is one of Brick Lane’s most well known and longest-standing attractions. 

Opened in 1974, they serve classic ‘Jewish-style’ Beigels and salt beef for a relatively paltry price tag. They’re open 24 hours, though walking into the place at high noon made it hard to imagine in any state other than packed to the brim busy. If any of you are familiar with the soup nazi from Seinfeld, that’s the vibe you get when you walk in. The line was out the door and almost to the corner, though it moved at a decent pace thanks to the no-funny-business, military-efficiency being demonstrated by the staff. 

Even though my body doesn’t agree with bread, I ordered the classic salt-beef beigel with gherkins, and though my body must have taken issue with something else I had consumed that day, it was entirely worth it. Paris added to his meal a 99p piece of cheesecake that honestly blew my mind when he offered me a bite, I swear if anyone you know is down to their last few pence and needs to feed themselves for a week, stocking up on that dense and perfect cheesecake might do the trick to keep them going. 

Brick lane really is all about the food though - there are a number of warehouses that you pass while hopping between stalls, and they’re all filled to the brim with stalls of vendors selling food from all around the world. From italy to the Netherlands, you can find your country - there’s even a poutine stand being run by some Canadian ex-pats! Of course, there are thousands of other things available like any market, and I went home with a map of England and Wales from 1900 that cost me a grand total of £5. See, it pays to be into things no one else wants!

And with that, I headed home with a happy belly and happier heart. 

Next week, my last week of training, the beginning of some real sales work, and some blasts from my PBX past!

e