#i love when the others join in on Yohane antics

[baltharino]

Rikako Aida & Aika Kobayashi during Landing Action Yeah!! Aqours World Love Live! ASIA TOUR 2019

[ryqoshay]

Happy Life: Sweeter Than a Choir

Primary Pairing: YohaRiko Words: ~1.4k Rating: G AU: Angelic? Time Frame: Sometime after their college years Story Arc: Stand Alone Set: “Thank You” For Your Smile (HtHaN) Sweeter Than a Choir (HL) All I Can Say (TA)

Author’s Note: A second salvo for the seasonal scene barrage.

TheFallenAngel: Ne, Riri!

TheFallenAngel: One of my little demons just gifted me the new Christmas cosmetics pack!

TheFallenAngel: I know we have plans after dinner but do you mind if I stream before?

SakurauchiRiko: Of course you can stream

SakurauchiRiko: Have fun!

SakurauchiRiko: See you when I get home

“I’m home!” Riko announced as she walked in the door.

“Taste the minty wrath of Santahane’s Candy Scythe!”

Riko chucked to herself as she realized Yoshiko was already lost to the world as she focused on the game she was playing. Then, a grey dog and a black cat scampered around the corner into the entryway.

“Hey, Prelude, Phobetor.” She knelt to greet the pets of the apartment, offering both scratches behind the ears and under their chins.

After a minute or two, Riko took off her coat and boots and stored them before making her way to the living room. It came as no surprised that those watching the stream noticed her presence before Yoshiko.

“Uwah!” Yoshiko seemed to notice her girlfriend’s name being spammed in chat and glanced at Riko. “Hey, Riri! I’m almost do- Ha! Ring out! Fall into winter’s abyss! Santahane shall rain coal down after you for your naughtiness!” Her final taunt issued, she tossed her controller onto the cushion beside her and popped up off the couch. “Welcome home!” She spread her arms wide.

By the gods, she looks cute, Riko thought to herself as she fought down her embarrassment and stepped forward into her girlfriend’s waiting arms.

Yoshiko had apparently found an old outfit from one of their Christmas themed photoshoots back during their time with Aqours. Or perhaps she had made a new one in a similar style, Riko couldn’t quite tell. Either way, the bells and beads and poinsettias and cape and tiny hat, all in Christmas colors, suited Yoshiko well. And the tousled twin tail hairstyle was a pleasant change from her normal side bun.

It was all so adorable, Riko couldn’t help herself when she pulled back from the embrace just enough so she could reposition her head and lean down for a kiss. She tried to ignore the surge of notification sounds as cheers and subscriptions flooded in from the still-live stream.

Finally, Riko pulled away and turned toward the camera. “Hi, everyone!” She greeted cheerfully, hoping her blush was being kept to a minimum, though realizing it probably was not. “I know you’re all enjoying Yocchan’s bonus stream today, but I’m going to need to steal her back in a little while so we can decorate for the holiday.” She smiled as she skimmed some of the responses. “Hrm, we’ll see. I’m still not that good at fighting games, but perhaps I will join Yocchan next time. Maybe.” She turned to Yoshiko. “I’m going to go make dinner, so you have until then to keep playing.”

“Right!” Yoshiko grinned before pouncing back onto the couch and grabbing her controller. “Alright, who among you is willing to face Santahane to claim their place on the Nice list?”

Riko also smiled as she made her way to the kitchen. Over the years, she had become quite fond of listening to Yoshiko’s streams and occasionally even participating in them. But it hadn’t always been like that. The younger girl’s energy had, still to this day, the potential to overwhelm the more reserved older girl, but time and time again, Riko found herself drawn in by the enthusiasm. The smiles, the laughter, even the melodramatic antics. Riko had come to love it all.

“You can’t stop my Jingle Bell attack!”

Haughty laugher burst out from the living room as Riko assuming another little demon was felled at the hands of the skilled fallen angel. Yoshiko was obviously enjoying herself, which in turn was what Riko enjoyed watching, or listening to in this case.

“Yocchan!” Riko called. “Dinner is ready. Come help me set the table.”

“The time has come, little demons.” Yoshiko announced to her viewers. “Yohane must bid thee adieu, for now. But fret not! Thy master shall soon return! Pay heed to thy standard digital messenger systems so that thou might participate in our next gathering from across the void.”

A moment later, the blue-haired girl practically skipped into the kitchen, her cape flowing behind her and twin tails bouncing over her shoulders.

“Thanks for making dinner!” Yoshiko said, sliding in to set a shameless kiss on Riko’s cheek before gliding away to grab plates from the cupboard. Silverware and napkins were nabbed next and the winter holiday wrapped whirlwind spun out to the living room.

Riko followed the other girl with their meal and set it on the table before taking her seat.

“Itadakimasu!” Yoshiko clapped her hands together before reaching for her fork. “Mmm! Riri’s cooking is always the best!”

“I’m glad you like it.” Riko replied, taking her own first bite.

No matter how many times Yoshiko said as such, part of Riko continued to worry about making mistakes when she prepared meals. And of course she knew full well that Yoshiko would eat just about anything she made, despite, and sometimes because of said mistakes. Nonetheless, she doubted she would ever tire of watching Yoshiko enjoy the food she had made for her.

The notification for the Aqours group chat sounded on both of their phones.

“Someone must have finished decorating already.” Riko decided. “Should we check?”

Yoshiko agreed and retrieved her phone. “Ah, Ruby and Zuramaru.”

“It’s a lovely display.”

“Yeah, but we can out do them.”

Riko was about to point out that it wasn’t really a competition but was interrupted by Yoshiko laughing. She checked her phone to find Mari being scolded by Dia for her commentary while Kanan played an all-too-casual mediator. She set her device down to resume her meal but continued to listen to her girlfriend laugh as the situation unfolded.

It was a completely different laughter than earlier during the stream. Yohane’s laugh was hearty, deep and more than a little mischievous, while Yoshiko’s was gentler, purer and decidedly sweeter. Like her singing voice, the girl’s laughter had the range of an entire choir. And like her streams, Riko enjoyed listening.

After a few minutes, Yoshiko settled back down and the couple began chatting about various things like their respective days at work and what decorations they most looked forward to putting up. Once they were done, they both cleared their places and headed for the dining room.

“Ne, Riri,” Yoshiko spoke up “one of my little demons sent me a play list of Christmas parody songs. The ones I’ve listened to so far have been pretty funny. Do you want to listen? Otherwise, I have a more normal playlist prepared as well.”

Riko was about to choose the normal list when she realized the parodies would mean comedy. Comedy more than likely meant more laughter from Yoshiko. Suddenly, the weights shifted on her decision-making scale.

“The parody list is fine.” Riko agreed after a moment.

“Thanks, Riri!” She grinned. And with more flourish than was necessary, Yoshiko paired her phone to the stereo and started the music.

“I should be thanking you, Yocchan.”

“Huh?” Yoshiko tilted her head. “For what?”

Oh, had she said that out loud? Well, may as well tell her.

“For your laughter.” Riko started to explain. “For your smile. For your joyful energy that fills this place and makes it a home worth living in. For just, you know, being you. And for being with me.”

For a moment, it looked like Yoshiko might burst into tears, but just as moisture was starting to gather at the edges of her eyes, she blinked it away. “Riri~!” she cried, launching herself at Riko.

Having mostly anticipated this reaction, Riko caught the other girl and pulled her into an embrace.

“You’re welcome! And thank you!” Was all Riko heard before Yoshiko became incoherent.

Riko contented herself by running her hands through curled twin tails while Yoshiko babbled into her shoulder. However, it wasn’t long before what she thought was a classic carol started to play and Yoshiko chuckled. A moment later, she pulled away. Magenta eyes shone like the lights the couple was about to hang.

“This one is one of my favorites.” Yoshiko said excitedly. “I think you’ll like it too, Riri.”

“Alright, I’ll be sure to pay attention to the lyrics.” Riko assured. “Shall we start decorating?”

Yoshiko agreed and the couple started opening boxes. Another Christmas season was underway and Riko quietly prayed for a hundred more to come, each as wonderful as the last.

Author’s Note Continued in Followup Post

[tonidshipper]

The Sky In My Heart Clears - A YoshiMaru Fanfic

Read on Ao3: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Chapter 3: Decision-making is not my forte

Chapter Summary: In which Yoshiko makes a decision and panics over it.

Shinyyy sent a message to GK (Gay Kids) group chat

Shinyyy : YOSHIKO-CHAN~

Shinyyy changed your nickname to Yazawa Nico Project

You changed your nickname to Anti-Shinyyy Club President

Gayest of them all: Will you two stop changing the nicknames.

Gayest of them all: Also, who gave me this nickname?!

Gayest of them all changed her nickname to Riko

Anti-Shinyyy Club President: But Riri! It was Mari! She started it!

Riko changed your nickname to Yoshiko

Yoshiko: It’s Yohane!

Riko changed Shinyyy ’s nickname to Mari

Mari: ANYWAY YOSHIKO-CHAN! I HEARD ABOUT THE BIG NEWS !

Mari: Sooo! Are you really going to work with Yazawa Nico?

Riko: I did hear about that too. How is that going so far, Yocchan? Have you decided to accept it yet?

Yoshiko sighs. She remembers telling that news specifically to only two people so far. Ruby and Hanamaru. Three, with Dia by extension, since Dia was there when the three of them were video calling the other night.

Yoshiko: Who’d you hear that from? Also, I’m not even sure if I’ll take it.

Mari: Dia

Riko: Dia

Yoshiko: Of course.

She pauses. Didn’t Dia say that she was not going to use her phone for a while because it distracts her from studying since she’s got an upcoming test? Yoshiko is pretty sure that Dia mentioned that when she joined their video chat for a while.

Yoshiko: Though, I’d understand Mari hearing it from Dia since I’m sure Mari finds a way to talk to break through Dia ‘unplugging from social media’ for studying

Yoshiko: But how’d you hear from Dia, Riri?

Riko: We talk! What, I can’t talk with Dia, Yocchan?

Riko’s on the defensive, huh? Interesting. Before Yoshiko can even type a reply, Mari sends in hers.

Mari: I heard the two of them met for a cup of coffee the other day. Lovely ~! Dia said it was nice to hang out with Riko-chan and she feels refreshed after that.

Riko: Why do I feel like you’re making a big deal out of this?

Mari: Oh, Riko-chan! Nothing to be embarrassed about! Going out on dates is fine!

Riko: IT WASN’T A DATE! WE WERE JUST UNWINDING!

What an odd pair, Yoshiko thinks. They’re both such level headed individuals so she wonders how that will go. Or maybe Mari really is just teasing. After all, dragging Dia away from her studies is like trying to pull a concrete post from the ground so, Dia meeting up with Riko is definitely intriguing. Still, Yoshiko decides to tease a bit.

Yoshiko: Is that what they call it these days?

Riko: How’d this turn into talking about me? Yocchan, did you accept it yet?

Yoshiko chuckles because Riko’s obviously turning to her for help. Oh well, she needs their insights anyway.

Yoshiko: I’m not sure what to do, to be honest. I feel like I’m not ready to step in a studio or a stage without you all.

Mari: Yoshiko-chan is so honest! How adorable!

Yoshiko: Remind me why I even bother to talk to you.

Mari: Adorable!

Yoshiko: Leave me alone Mari!

Mari: I wanna fly over there to give you a hug!!

Yoshiko: Ew. You’re hanging around Kanan too much. She’s rubbing off her hugging tendencies on you

Mari: That’s not the only thing she’s rubbing on me ;D

Yoshiko: Again, ew.

Yoshiko: You’re disgusting.

Riko: I’m going to ignore that, Mari-chan but, Yocchan, I think you should go for it.

Riko: I mean, opportunity is opportunity.

Riko: It wouldn’t hurt to try. I’m sure a part of you wishes performing and doing lives.

Yoshiko leans back her chair and looks at the time. It’s 12:47 AM. Why the other two Guilty Kiss members are awake, Yoshiko’s not sure. She’s supposed to be studying for a quiz. Mari, well, Mari’s abroad somewhere so her time’s different. Who knows where she is right now. Riko, on the other hand, is probably preoccupied with a new song or something. They’re all busy but, she sure is glad she has company at a time like this. She knows Hanamaru has an exam tomorrow morning so she didn’t ask her to stay up late with her.

Yoshiko: Do you miss it? I mean, I’m not really sure where this will lead me but,

Yoshiko: I don’t know, I’m just lost.

Riko: Whenever someone mentions a new school idol group or I watch performances, I can’t help but think of us nine, singing and dancing, performing our hearts out. I’d be lying if I say that I don’t miss it.

Riko: Whenever someone brings up Love Live, I immediately think about us, on stage, performing for fans.

Mari: It’s the same for me, Yoshiko-chan. Every once in a while I’d listen to our songs and reminisce. Sometimes, I’d even dance to it.

Mari: The point is, because of the paths that we’ve taken, not all of us have the opportunity to go back and perform.

Mari: You have the chance though. Do you want to?

Yoshiko stares at Mari’s question on her phone screen. Ever since she was a kid, Yoshiko did love to perform. Whether it be her crazy antics as Yohane, or making videos for her YouTube channel, or dancing on stage as a member of Aqours - Yoshiko admits that she does enjoy the attention.

Yoshiko: I want to try at least.

Riko: Then, there’s your answer, Yocchan.

Mari: Go for it!

Yoshiko: Thanks guys. You really helped me out a lot.

Mari: Ahh, adolescence. I swear if it was Yoshiko-chan back when she’s a first year in Uranohoshi, she’d be a horrible blushing mess right now while acting all tsundere

Mari: You have grown, my young padawan.

Yoshiko: Is that a Star Wars reference? Since when did you start making Star Wars reference?

Mari: Kanan insisted we watch it last night.

Riko: Wait, where exactly are you?

Mari sent a photo.

Yoshiko waits for it to load. After a couple of seconds, a picture of Mari and Kanan appeared. Specifically, Kanan sleeping next to a Mari who is sitting up the bed, doing their Guilty Kiss pose while smiling at the camera. Yoshiko smiles as well, seeing how Kanan is snuggled against Mari. They really look happy.

But then wouldn’t that mean-

Yoshiko: You’re in Uchiura?

Riko: You’re in Japan?!

Mari: No! No! Silly! We’re not in Japan! Kanan left for Hawaii last week and I had days off from uni so I went here!

Mari: I wasn’t lying about the rubbing.

Riko: We get it! Geez…

Yoshiko yawns, realizing she’s consumed most of her time talking to Mari and Riko when she should be studying.

Yoshiko: Anyway, before Mari gets into too much details of her and Kanan’s rubbing,

Yoshiko: thanks again you two. I think I’ll continue studying for now.

Yoshiko: Exam tomorrow.

Yoshiko: Good night, little demons!

Riko: Okay Yocchan. Good night!

Mari: Good night!!

Yoshiko logged off.

Mari: So…

Mari: How did that date with Dia-chan go, Riko-chan?

Riko has left the group.

Mari changed your nickname to Yo~Honey!

Mari changed her nickname to Shinyyy!!

Mari added Sakurauchi Riko to the group

Mari set Sakurauchi Riko ’s nickname to Gay for Dia

Gay for Dia: :/

Shinyyy!!: ;D

Yoshiko stands outside Keiko’s office. She straightens her clothes and has no idea what she should do. Should she knock? What if she messes up?

Why is this even so nervewr-

“Yoshiko-chan,” someone calls her from behind.

She turns around. “It’s Yohane!” Ah, because she’s too preoccupied, it slipped out of her on reflex. Yoshiko is sure that her face paled when she saw who it is.

Nico stands there, looking a bit stunned. But then, she bursts out laughing. “I thought that was a skit you did but I didn’t know you really do that!”

The younger girl blushes. “Y-You j-just surprised me, t-that’s all, N-Nico-senpai!” She insists though, with how many times she stammered, Nico is obviously unconvinced as the idol just continued to smirk at her.

“Well, if you’re done blocking the door, maybe we can now proceed inside, right Yo-ha-ne-chan?” She steps aside and allows Nico to walk towards the door. “Honestly though, Nico thinks Yohane-chan is too stiff again.” The older girl says, looking at Yoshiko over her shoulders. “Loosen up, it will be fine.”

Somehow, Nico manages to calm her with that. Reassurance from the No. 1 idol in the universe does that, Yoshiko jokes to herself, knowing what Nico might say if she voices out her thoughts.

Like last time, the idol knocks a couple of times before opening the door. “Super idol Yazawa Nico has arrived!” She announces, making Yoshiko grimace. Nico really is something.

“Excuse me for the intrusion,” Yoshiko mumbles, peeking inside to see Keiko frowning as Nico goes to the other side of the room they’re at right now. Upon hearing her though, Keiko sits up and smiles at her. “Good afternoon, Tanaka-san,”

“Good afternoon Tsushima-san. Please, have a seat.” The manager says, gesturing for her to sit down on the chair in front of her desk again. Yoshiko does as she is told. She clasps her hands together tightly, suddenly feeling nervous again. “How have you been the past few days, Tsushima-san?” Keiko smiles.

Yoshiko knows for a fact that Keiko is just doing the usual ‘small talks’ and all but, shouldn’t this be a lot more calming?!

“I-I’ve been well, thank you.” She musters a reply.

“And I assume you’ve thought about our proposal?”

Yikes. That must have been the smallest small talk ever, Yoshiko thinks. She nods in reply. “Actually, I have a question first. I just want to hear from you what I’ll be doing. Grand Sky’s has a lot of talents in a lot of fields. I-I just want to know what I’ll be doing exactly.”

Keiko smiles at her, a intrigued look in her eyes. Yoshiko can’t help but gulp. “Well Tsushima-san, Grand Sky has always been open to hear out which path our talents take. Initially, you will be going through voice acting workshops but, it all starts from there. Whether it be pursuing an idol career or, continuing with voice acting. We can also develop your hosting skills.” The manager says. “We want to help you discover which field you’d like take and allow you to flourish from there.”

Yoshiko nods. “I see.” So, voice acting for now. Yoshiko thinks it wouldn’t be so bad. She did enjoy playing characters, she thinks to herself.

“Like Nico said before we parted last time, there’s no pressure Yohane-chan,” Nico sits down the couch, looking at them with a cup of hot beverage in her hands. “We want you to decide on which offer you’d take. You have two options - both of the options Nico and Kei-chan is sure that you can do well. You can take that assistant position or, you can accept our offer.”

Yoshiko nods at Nico then turns to Keiko, who again, gives her a warm smile. “So, Tsushima-san… which will it be?”

She’s thought about this for many days now. Yoshiko steels herself and looks at Keiko. “I-I…”

“...accepted it.”

Ruby and Leah looks at her, amused.

Yoshiko learned that Ruby and Leah are just a couple of minutes away from Grand Sky’s building. Ruby suggested they meet up which is why she is currently with them in a nearby café.

“Yoshiko-chan, are you alright though?” Ruby tilts her head, trying to look at Yoshiko’s face. She did not even realize but apparently, she’s been looking down at her cake for a while now.

Leah harrumps. “You look so spooked about everything right now and you’re paler than usual.” She continues sipping the straw of her strawberry milkshake. “Don’t pass out on us.”

She thinks that she will probably never fully understand how Ruby, sweet and gentle Kurosawa Ruby, ended up being close friends with this younger Kazuno. Sarah is kind and warm while Leah is… cold. But, it works, she thinks. She kind of get that the other girl is just really awkward - after all, she’s just like that too before she met her friends. Ruby did explain once that Leah, as cold as she may seem, is quite fond of her and Hanamaru because Leah would ask about them once in a while. She’d like to think that Leah’s just not sure how to show her concern towards someone that is not her older sister or Ruby so her words usually just comes out as cold.

Yoshiko groans after a couple of seconds of wondering. “It’s just nerves. I don’t r-really know if it’s the right decision. I mean, sure they gave me a time to actually see my skills in an actual workshop and see where we’ll go from there. Not that I’m worried. T-This is Yohane you’re talking to!" She stands up, and on reflex, does her usual Yohane pose. "Fallen Angel Yohane who will make sure that I do my best to gather more little demons! The fallen angel will never bow down to mere humans and allow them to see me fail. I’ll-”

“She has lost it, zura.”

“Eh?!”

She doesn’t even realize that she’s out of breath until she heard a certain friend of theirs in Numazu. She looks at Ruby and Leah only to see that they had dialled Hanamaru’s number and the girl actually picked up. “Z-Zuramaru!”

Ruby chuckles. “I told you she’ll stop once she hears Hanamaru-chan,” the redhead mumbles to Leah.

“Yoshiko-chan?” Hanamaru sounds worried. That’s the last thing Yoshiko wants her friend to do.

“Ruby! Leah!” She groans again, rubbing a hand on her face in frustration. “Zuramaru, I’m alright!” She smiles, but then realizes she's still posing and she definitely looks ridiculous. “Yohane has great news, actually! I accepted the job!”

On the other line, the temple girl lets out a long humming sound. “Why do I not believe that Yoshiko-chan is alright, zura?”

“She looks ridiculous.” Leah sips at her milkshake, as if she didn’t say anything.

Ruby chuckles. “Sorry to bother you Hanamaru-chan. We just thought you’d know how to calm Yoshiko-chan down best.”

“It’s okay, Ruby-chan, Leah-chan! I’m actually thankful that you called me, zura,” Hanamaru says. “Yoshiko-chan, you know you can talk to me about this, right?”

She nods, as if Hanamaru can see her. “I know… I just didn’t want to worry you. More than you already are. And I was going to tell you later.”

“Once your calm?”

Yoshiko pouts. “I-I am c-calm!”

“You’re not.”

“You’re not.”

“You are not, zura.”

Yoshiko raises her head to look at Ruby and Leah. Ruby a concerned look on her face while Leah is just smirking at her. Somehow she feels like she can see the frown that Hanamaru has on right now.

It’s hard to be put on the spot like this, she thinks. “Look, I-I’m just worried about messing things up.” Yoshiko sighs in defeat. “I mean, I’d really like to see how this will work and honestly, somehow, I want it to work. I just don’t want to disappoint anyone. Nico-senpai sounds like she has a lot of faith in me and so does Tanaka-san.”

“Yoshiko-chan, I think you’re much reliable than you think,” Hanamaru says. “You always do your best at everything you do, I don’t think that will ever disappoint anyone.”

Ruby nods at their friend’s words. “Hanamaru-chan is right. When you put your mind to it, you always deliver with great results, Yoshiko-chan.” The redhead smiles at her.

“Well, you heard them. If you’re doubting yourself right now, you might as well trust your friends when they say that you'll be alright,” Leah adds as an afterthought.

True, Yoshiko agrees with Leah.

“Thanks,” she smiles, happy and relieved that she has her friends with her. Ruby smiles and Leah nods. Yoshiko thinks it’s adorable how Leah's acting all tough and uncaring but, she’s actually just awkward. Yoshiko would know, of course.

“Yoshiko-chan should go home,” Ruby says out of the blue which puzzles her because is Ruby kicking her out?

She rubs the back of her neck. “I-I mean, yeah, it is getting late,” she mutters awkwardly, collecting her things then standing up.

At the realization that she must have sounded like she’s shooing Yoshiko away, Ruby immediately shakes her head. “Pigyah! N-No, no! Yoshiko-chan, that’s not what I meant!” She grabs Yoshiko’s sleeve. “I meant that you might want a breather so maybe you should spend the weekend at Numazu,” A tiny gasp is heard from the phone. “with Hanamaru-chan!”

“Ruby-chan!” Hanamaru reacts.

“I’d love to accompany you but Leah-chan and I have a group project to do this weekend though.” She looks at Leah and smiles.

Leah tilts her head and blinks. After a couple of seconds, she nods. “Yeah... a group project... this weekend,” she drawls.

Yoshiko looks at them suspiciously because Leah doesn’t really sound convincing also, for all the years that Yoshiko has known Ruby, despite the innocent looks, she’s a terrifying mastermind who plots a lot of schemes. Ruby is currently smiling at her and looking all nice and innocent but she wonders what actually is going on inside that head of hers.

Then again, maybe she’s just being rude and Ruby actually just wants her to relax. A weekend at Numazu does sound tempting. She and Hanamaru would hang out and-

“A-Ah, well that does sounds good but, I don’t want to impose on Zuramaru.”

“You won’t, zura!” Her friend shouts from the phone. “It’s fine, Yoshiko-chan! I-I can accompany you,” she pauses. “If you’d like, that is.”

Why does it feel embarrassing all of a sudden? Yoshiko figures it’s because she’s usually a lot more honest around Hanamaru than with the others the past few months so talking to her like how she does recently in public, with Ruby and Leah watching them, is making her shy. She turns around, taking Ruby’s phone on the table. She taps the button on the screen so she’s the only one who’ll hear her. “O-Of course I’d like that, Zuramaru.”

“U-Uhm, why’re you whispering, zura?” Hanamaru whispers as well.

“Because Ruby and Leah are weird,” she says, not really answering the question itself but she figures Hanamaru gets it, she looks back at the two and Ruby still has that mischievous smile on her face while Leah’s just bored by now and is nibbling on the straw of her drink.

“So, uhm, my classes tomorrow end at 12:00 noon so, I’ll just go home to grab my stuff and then travel back there.”

“My classes end by 2:00 PM so I’ll probably be able to meet you at the station, zura.”

Yoshiko can already imagine Hanamaru smiling at her once they see each other. Somehow, she feels warm inside. “Okay,” is all she can say because she’d actually like that.

“Okay,” Hanamaru says, her tone happy and excited. It’s contagious, the fallen angel thinks. “Well, you should pack your things for the weekend then Yoshiko-chan.”

“I-I will. I’ll head back to the apartment to do just that. Uhm, want me to call you later?”

A giggle. “You know you don’t have to ask permission to do that, right?”

“Yeah,” Yoshiko chuckles sheepishly.

Someone obviously fakes a cough from the back and Yoshiko glares at Leah. “I mean, that’s cute and all but I bet we all got places to be and you’re hostaging Ruby’s phone.”

Yoshiko looks at the device in her hand. Oh, right. Yoshiko puts her on loudspeaker again. “Well, that’s planned then,” she says, her volume back to usual. “Thanks Zuramaru.”

Perhaps noticing that Yoshiko’s no longer talking to her quietly, Hanamaru does the same and talks in her usual happy tone. “You’re welcome. It’s too bad that I won’t be able to see you, Ruby-chan, Leah-chan.”

“Next time, Hanamaru-chan.” Ruby giggles and Leah just lets out a hum.

Once they all bid their farewells, Ruby and Leah walks back to the direction of Ruby and Dia’s apartment. Leah mentioned that she’d like to walk her home. Smooth kid, Yoshiko thinks.

And as for Yoshiko, she feels a lot better now. Of course, there’s still dread about what she’ll be facing after this week but nevermind that for now. By tomorrow, she’ll be travelling back to Numazu and will spend her weekend with Hanamaru.

That’s one thing to look forward to.

[athyrabunlord]

LLSHP Ch5 - Little Demons

Arc1: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7]

Arc2: [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10 - Moonstruck (TBD)]

[Brief note about School Term] [other LLSHP AU stuff] [YohaMaRuby concept arts] [ChikaYouRiko concept arts] [KanaDiaMari concept arts] [Hogwarts Staff]

A/N: This is turning into a bi-monthly update… =A=;;;; Sorry for the delay! Too many birthdays and special occasions since then that’s why >w> Any feedback are very welcomed as always, and hope you’ll enjoy this semi-exciting long chapter! Reminder, the school terms in this AU differs from the original. Words: 7,223

“Engorgio! Reducio!”

Yoshiko mumbles under her breath as the rubber ball bounces up and down while changing in size. Sure, the ball rolls away a few times but she’s managed to work up a rhythm in this self-devised routine.

“That’s a cool way of practicing, Yoshiko-chan.”

“Fufu, Yohane-sama doesn’t mind teaching you~”

Ruby nods excitedly and hangs onto her every word, which makes the taller girl fluff up in pride. Due to her upbringing, Ruby is usually the one who helps Yoshiko and Hanamaru whenever they hit a wall during their studies. Not that Yoshiko is a studious student by any means, for she just wants to be good and be able to hold her head high.

And so, she tends to create efficient ways to practice spells as opposed to the tedious steps shown in textbooks. Ruby is fond of her methods and Yoshiko is more than happy to be the one teaching her friend for once.

Unlike usual, the two girls are heading for the Lake to retrieve Hanamaru, who’s recently taken a liking to the relaxing atmosphere especially due to the pleasant weather. It works out for the trio, for they could all have their usual picnic while the brunette peruses her collection of books.

And nothing beats practicing magic in open space!

“Ne, Yoshiko-chan… um I’ve been meaning to ask, but d-did something happen?”

The Slytherin flinches and presses her lips in a thin line. She didn’t tell her friends about the Mirror of Erised and the Room of Requirement, mostly because she doesn’t want them to worry over nothing. Also, she’s been unable to locate the Room again, even though she is certain that it is on the 7th floor and opposite of that ugly tapestry. Until she’s figured everything out, she is keeping this to herself.

But of course, nothing escapes the two Hufflepuffs’ observant eyes. Hanamaru would prod her every chance she gets, while Ruby would wait until they’re alone and ask her in that quiet voice that is difficult to turn down.

“I guess… but, give me more time? I promise I’ll tell you and Zuramaru all about it,” Yoshiko says after a while, grinning slightly when Ruby nods in acquiescence.  “How about you? Is there something bothering you?”

“Me?” The shorter girl tilts her head adorably, a sight reminiscent of her pet owl.

“Yeah. I heard from Zuramaru that those two hooligans are practically attached to you?”

Not a second after she finishes speaking, two red and gold blobs swerve into their personal space from a corner Yoshiko didn’t notice.

“Ruby-chan!” The Gryffindor duo’s voices mingle so well that it’s hard to separate them. Chika immediately cuddles the startled redhead while You salutes to the deadpanning Yoshiko.

“Oh hey, you’re here too! Ohayoshi-”

“Don’t. Even. Say it.” The miffed Slytherin half-heartedly chucks the rubber ball at the Seeker, who easily catches it and begins playing it with her teammate.

What, I’m just an afterthought? The nerve of these two. Still, Yoshiko couldn’t bring herself to get truly upset at Chika and You. They seem genuinely fond of Ruby and, in spite of the latter’s shy demeanor, Yoshiko could tell that she enjoys their company too.

Although, their closeness makes her feel quite left out sometimes. Just where is that Bakamaru when she’s needed?

As if hearing her unspoken question, Ruby manages to squeak out between the older girl’s hugs. “Oh, I see Hanamaru-chan over there!”

“Hnff, that Zuramaru is so getting an earful for making the great Yohane look for her like some lowly servant- hey, who is that?”

She narrows her eyes at the tall Gryffindor walking beside the smiling brunette, her instincts going into overdrive as she appraises this stranger. The ponytailed senior towers above Hanamaru so much that their height difference looks ridiculous, but that isn’t what catches Yoshiko’s attention the most. No, it is the fact that they are chatting amiably like long time friends, and the way Hanamaru smiles at the older girl causes her stomach to churn. The Gryffindor is also carrying a thick stack of books, presumably for the petite Hufflepuff, yet she still walks with ease as if those texts don’t weigh anything.

...no way. The great Yohane is not jealous over some mortal bonding!

Still, as her little demon, Hanamaru should be more aware of her place and not mingle with random people like that! Irritated, Yoshiko storms towards them and ignores the brunette’s greeting.

Dang, this Gryffindor sure is tall, maybe even taller than Dia-san! Yoshiko stands her ground as she glares up at the puzzled girl, whose demeanor is wholly friendly but she is too irked to notice.

“I’ll be taking those for Zuramaru, thanks for the help,” she harrumphs and reaches for those books before waiting for the Gryffindor’s response. When the heavy stack is transferred to her arms, she almost buckles under the unexpected weight.

“What the heck-?!”

“Kanan-chan is strong,” Hanamaru giggles, seemingly amused by her antics. Yoshiko doesn’t even fight back when the older girl retrieves those books smoothly. All she could hear is how her friend referred to the senior.

‘Kanan-chan’?! Just when are they on such familiar terms? Even You and Chika are still referred to with ‘-san’! Scowling, Yoshiko budges her way to stand between Hanamaru and Kanan, much to their bewilderment. Before she could grill Bakamaru about the stranger, the two aforementioned mikan-loving duo strolls up to them with Ruby in tow.

“Kanan-chan! We heard Coach is back today, isn’t she?” “I can’t wait to start Quidditch practice!”

Yoshiko’s annoyance dissipates slightly as she perks her ears, for she’s also looking forward to Flying Lessons. She could feel Hanamaru peering over her shoulder and, just because, she shifts to block the latter’s view of the Gryffindors. She smirks to herself at the shorter girl’s protesting pokes.

“Yup, Coach is back and we’ll be meeting at the Pit tomorrow morning for a warm-up. Wanna join us?” Kanan seems unfazed when You and Chika cheerfully pounce on her like a pair of eager puppies.

“Of course! Hehe, I can’t wait~” “You don’t even have to say twice, Capt’n!”

“Kanan-chan is the Gryffindor Quidditch team Captain,” Hanamaru explains to Yoshiko, who shrugs and folds her arms.

The ponytailed senior doesn’t appear offended by her hostile glare. “I’m Kanan Matsuura, You and Chika’s childhood friend. You must be Yoshiko? Maru’s told me a lot about you.”

“S-She did?” Yoshiko is so surprised that she didn’t remember to correct her name to ‘Yohane’ and she decides to overlook how the older girl calls her friend.

“K-Kanan-chan! T-That’s supposed to be a secret zura!”

“Secret? What secret? Oi, Zuramaru!”

The older girl only chuckles good-naturedly at Hanamaru’s flustered pout. She also greets Ruby with a genial smile, which the latter returns shyly. It seems like Kanan is on familiar terms with the two Hufflepuffs too.

What’s with these Gryffindors, being so attached to MY friends? Yoshiko tries not to seeth as she continues to bug Hanamaru’s supposed secret discussion with Kanan about her. On one hand, she’s very bothered by how she’s being kept out of the loop and that the brunette would talk about her to this stranger of all people.

On the other hand, well, just what could a mere Zuramaru be saying about the great Yohane, if her blush is anything to go by?

Mystery oh mystery.

“Let’s go find coach already! Kishishi, I miss her so much, I have tons of questions and I bet she has a lot to share about her trip abroad!” Before Chika could run off, Kanan easily reels her back with one hand while holding down an equally enthusiastic You just as effortlessly. As someone who’s been carried off by the Seeker several times, Yoshiko is impressed by the ponytailed girl’s strength yet again.

“Now now, Coach is talking to Professor Ayase - apparently she’s brought back some interesting creatures from Durmstrang, so Professor Ayase is thinking of holding a special DADA lesson for the seniors.”

Kanan’s words only have the opposite effect; the five younger witches exchange eager glances before firing questions at her. Defense against dark arts is Yoshiko’s favorite class and taught by her Head of the House after all, how can she not be excited?

“Hnff, as the great fallen angel, it is my duty to inspect any new creatures entering my domain-”

“Kanan-chan, we want to see too!”

“I’m sure it’ll be awesome, let’s yosoro already!”

“Hey don’t cut me off!”

“Hehe, exotic creatures from abroad? Wah~ that’s like something from a storybook zura~”

“From D-Durmstrang? I-I’m curious to see what it is too…”

“Er, but Dia said this seminar is only for Fifth-Years, so I was going to go after helping out Maru-”

“Take us with you!” “We’re sooo coming with you!” “Can we please?”

It seems like Kanan cannot handle their puppy eyes, for the six of them soon find themselves in a grand classroom that must be magically charmed to be able to accommodate many students. True to her words, there are only the senior students present, and they are spread out in an orderly manner as per the Head Girl’s instructions.

Interestingly though, Riko is also amongst the attendees and is standing beside Dia as if it’s the most natural thing. A shabby-looking suitcase is set in the middle of the room while the DADA Professor is nowhere to be seen.

“Hmm? Hey Dia, where is the Prof?”

“She is preparing the seminar with Professor Hoshizora, so in the meantime I have been given full authority and responsibility over this warm-up workshop with a different and less dangerous creature. Thus, I must ask...Kanan-san, what is the meaning of this?”

Dia’s viper-like glare sweeps over them, and Yoshiko instinctively cowers and avert her eyes. She is rather relieved to see Chika and You doing the same, under Riko’s reprimanding frown.

“Ahaha… they really want to come so, why not? It’s no big deal, it’ll be good for them to learn new stuff, no?”

For the third time since meeting her, Yoshiko couldn’t help but feel grudging respect towards the laidback Gryffindor, who simply smiles as if she’s impervious to the very dangerous aura Dia’s emitting. Her peaceful demeanor seems to have a protective shroud around Hanamaru, who also looks unaffected, while Ruby expectedly hides behind them and out of her older sister’s sight. Still, how can anyone laugh when Dia Kurosawa is glaring at you? Fearless Gryffindor indeed!

As if emboldened by Kanan’s claim, Chika pipes up. “Yeah yeah! We want to… to learn too! I mean, Riko-chan’s here too, so why can’t we?”

“I’ve been taking Advanced courses and I got Outstanding in my OWL last year, so I was given permission,” the pretty Ravenclaw replies flatly, which prompts Chika fidget sheepishly.

“Come on~ Dia, it’ll be interesting to see what happens~ Sarà divertente!”

Mari Ohara, the cat-like Ravenclaw senior, casually drapes her arm around the Head Girl and merely grins when the latter threatens to hex her. Yoshiko concludes that these three Fifth-Years, while in different Houses and have very different personalities, must be good friends. She glances at Hanamaru and Ruby and, for some reason, she lets out a quiet chuckle.

“What’s funny, Yoshiko-chan?” Hanamaru peers up at her.

“You’re funny.”

“Yoshiko-chan is mean!” Though pouting, the brunette seems amused by something as well and returns the smile.

After moments of tense silence, Dia sighs. “Very well. For just the duration of this pre-seminar workshop, the five of you may stay. And-” she raises her voice exasperatedly when they cheer and give each other high-fives, “you will listen to my instructions. Are we clear? Chika-san, are you listening?”

“Yes, Dia-sensei~ Thank you for letting us stay! Here, have a mikan!”

The other students snicker quietly, seemingly used to the Gryffindor’s antics. Dia counts under her breath to rein in her irritation as Chika passes out the fruit to anyone who wants it, until Riko has enough and freezes her movement with fluid spell. Yoshiko is liking this comfortable, classroom-like atmosphere more and more. As much as she respects and likes the Professors, a part of her still prefers to be around only her peers.

“So, Dia-san,” Yoshiko raises her hand and continues speaking after the older girl nods in approval. “What are we dealing with?” Since Care of Magical Creatures is an elective course available to Third-Years and above, Yoshiko is very curious about what could be allowed in this environment, even with the Head Girl’s supervision. Come to think of it, the only magical creatures she has seen are those Thestrals and the nice house-elves who prepare their meals and clean their dorms.

At this, Dia smiles. “We will be dealing with a Boggart, which is right here in the suitcase.”

The older students break into eager murmurs, having studied the creature but none of them have ever seen one in person. For some reason, even the calmest-looking Fifth-Year appears thrilled at the prospect of handling a Boggart. Ruby quietly explains to the confused Yoshiko and Hanamaru that, a Boggart is a shape-shifted that will take on the form of its target’s worst fear. While not necessarily a dangerous creature, its nature is unusual and it could still be a threat, depending on its transformation.

“Wow, such a good summary, Ruby-chan!” “Better than I can ever explain!” Ruby flushes dark red under You and Chika’ exuberant praises, and squeaks when Dia turns to their direction. The Head Girl’s unreadable eyes linger on her little sister for a moment before giving her a slight nod.

“Just as she said, a Boggart can still be dangerous if not handled properly. For the purpose of this workshop, we will only be using the Riddikulus charm, so we can observe its properties and behavior as much as we can. Would anyone like to volunteer, to start this off?”

Dia ignores Mari’s waves and Chika’s hops, and picks a Gryffindor prefect that Yoshiko does not know. The wizard approaches the suitcase confidently, his stance relaxed but alert. Yoshiko gulps in anticipation when Dia unlocks the luggage with a spell and something dark slips out from the gap.

Before she could determine its shape, the misty substance suddenly turns into a gigantic black snake with green eyes!

“Haha, didn’t know you’re afraid of snakes!” “Hey, it looks kinda like Kurosawa-kaichou!”

The wizard’s mates snigger at him, while the poor boy flusters under Dia’s icy stare. It is only when the reptile slithers towards him that he lets out an undignified yelp. “Riddikulus!”

The spell hits and one loud crack later, the hissing snake is replaced by a harmless black rabbit. For some reason, both Kanan and Mari starts laughing so much that they practically collapse against each other while holding their stomachs.

“One more peep and I’m cursing you both,” Dia growls, her cheeks slightly red. Why is she embarrassed? The wizard and his buddies look just as confused as the rest of the students.

Mari doesn’t seem to hear the threat. “H-He probably just thought of the bunny because it’s, well, a bunny, but-! Gawd, it’s so hilarious, don’t you agree, Rikocchi?”

Riko’s hastily shakes her head, with an expression of ‘don’t drag me into this’, at her housemate.

“Petrificus to-”

“Maa maa, anyone else wants to have a go?” Kanan quickly covers Mari’s mouth before Dia could finish her curse. Other students take the hint and one by one, each step up to confront their worst nightmare. Various transformations include spiders, rats and even a really ugly gnome, but any fear is fleeting in this hyped environment and laughter never fails to fill the room after the Riddikulus charm.

Surrounded by peers, there is no need to be scared anymore, especially when you have the power to change your fear into something ridiculous! Yoshiko can’t wait to try out her creativeness, though she is also curious about what she is afraid of, for anything that could scare her is intangible and not an actual creature.

“Finally, it’s my turn!” Mari strolls towards the tiny hamster-Boggart, which morphs into a large reptilian head with slit-like eyes, followed by a long neck and ridged back and wings-

“Mari-san!” Dia angrily pulls her aside while nudging another startled student towards the Boggart. The creature falters a little before taking on a shape of a centipede.

“What?”

“A dragon, seriously?”

The First Year trio gasps and unanimously glances back at the Boggart. So it was originally going to transform into an actual dragon? Sure, this is the magical world, but Yoshiko cannot fathom how an encounter with such a famous beast would go, fake or not. Looking around, the seniors look just as awed and stunned as they are.

Mari shrugs, the amused grin still present on her visage. “Well, long ago, when Papa took me to Romania, I got lost and-”

“And stumbled upon a dragon!?”

“I was only five and… oh yes, its fire was very shiny~”

“You- oh Merlin’s Beard, not you too Kanan-san.”

Dia rubs her temple when the Boggart shifts into a massive horse with bullrush mane and has lower body of a serpent with fish-like fins. From the older students’ whispers, apparently this rare creature is called ‘Kelpie’, classified as dangerous, and is actually known as the Loch Ness Monster in the Muggle world!

Kanan smiles, not at all fazed by the presence of her supposed nightmare. “I went swimming one time and-”

“I don’t need to hear your story!”

At least she looks sheepish, unlike the unrepentant blonde. A quick spell forces the intimidating Kelpie to change into an adorable penguin. Kanan and Mari starts guffawing again, so perhaps the Gryffindor isn’t as apologetic as she appears. Their inside joke truly angers Dia this time, and she would have unsheathed her sword if Riko hadn’t stopped her in time.  

This movement, however, catches the Boggart’s attention. Before it could begin its transformation, Riko pales and runs behind You, refusing to move. The shorter girl shifts awkwardly but shields her friend without question. Meanwhile, Chika leaps in front of them both to face the distracted Boggart, which is stuck in between a penguin and something with dark robes covered in blood stains.

Yoshiko doesn’t have time to guess Riko’s worst fear, for laughter soon reverberates the room upon the creature’s next change.

“Isn’t that your older sister, Chika-chan?” You chuckles heartily, though her arm is still wrapped protectively around Riko’s waist.

Indeed, the Boggart is now a woman with short blonde hair, wearing the most ferocious scowl Yoshiko has ever seen.

“Yeeek! It’s really Mito-nee!” Chika flails comically, and her antics seem to have coaxed a small smile from the frightened Riko. The humor doesn’t last, for Chika’s Riddikulus spell changes the Boggart to a very, very large and furry dog, prompting the Ravenclaw to screech and burrow her face against You’s shoulder.

“Eeeeh, what, my Shiitake is really cute!”

Yoshiko deadpans. What breed of dog is that? It’s even bigger than those Tibetan Mastiffs she’s seen in those world record books! There’s no way it’s a normal pet!

Dia looks between the shivering Riko and her captive You, and sighs wearily before facing the First-Years. “Would any of you like to try? Have you gotten the hang of the spell?”

“Yeah! We’ve been watching everyone carefully. I’m sure we’ll cast the Ridiculous charm just fine!” Yoshiko is about to walk forward when Hanamaru tugs her back with a teasing smile.

“It’s ‘Riddikulus’. I think I shall go zura~”

Yoshiko scowls but allows her friend to go first, and loudly cheers her on with Ruby. Suddenly, the room temperature drastically drops and everyone’s breaths turn into white puffs of air. Her heartbeat speeds up rather painfully as she stares at the Boggart, which is slowly changing into a floating, cloaked figure.

Hanamaru drops her wand and stumbles back against Yoshiko, her lips quivering and eyes wide in terror. Before the ghastly apparition fully forms, Kanan projects a silvery image of a dolphin from her wand while Dia also has her wand up, erecting a translucent barrier between them and the Boggart. The seemingly sentient dolphin herds the hideous creature towards one corner of the room, and the student body lets out a collective sigh.

“Are you okay, Maru?”

Only a whimper leaves the brunette’s lips, so she feebly nods at Kanan. Yoshiko breathes shakily, also frightened and irrationally jealous of how the older girl easily protected Hanamaru.

“W-What was that?” Ruby squeaks as she pulls Hanamaru into a comforting hug.

“A Dementor,” Dia murmurs, her gaze full of disbelief. “Hanamaru-san, when and how did you meet such a creature? Dementors are the guards of Azkaban, a prison for the magical world.”

Seeing that the petite girl is still in no shape to speak, Dia waves off her question and turns towards the students. “I suppose that is enough excitement for now. Let us discuss-”

“Yoshiko-chan!” Ruby tries to stop her friend but the Slytherin is already marching towards the confined Dementor-Boggart at the corner.

“No, I want to face the Boggart too!” She dislikes how useless she felt earlier and wants to rectify her image in front of her friends. If she can face her worst fear, then she should be able to protect Hanamaru from this Dementor thing too. She was only taken by surprise before; she shall not make the same mistake again!

Kanan is about to stop her but a meaningful glance from Dia and Riko stop her. Nodding, the Gryffindor dispels the silvery dolphin once Yoshiko is in front of the already changing Boggart.

“Come at me, my worst nightmare! There’s nothing I can’t handle!” With the black feather secure in her bun, the young teenager spreads her arms with her wand ready.

However, when the Boggart finishes its transformation, all she could do is gape and stand there like a fool.

It is her doppelganger, the same one she saw in the Mirror of Erised, except this one is dressed in dark robes and has black wings instead of white.

Paralyzed with shock, rather than fear, Yoshiko looks into its cold eyes and feels a prickle at the back of her mind. Who are you?

She is in such a daze that she barely notices Dia stepping in and directs the now misty creature back into the suitcase.

The silence has never been this loud, and she can feel every pair of eyes on her. The Head Girl gently but pulls her behind, as if to block her from the others’ scrutiny. Yoshiko hears her speaking to the students but her mind is in too much of a turmoil to process her words.

“Yoshiko-chan?”

She slowly turns to look at her two friends, whose worried expressions mirror each other. Ruby is holding Hanamaru’s hand, for the latter still looks shaken from the earlier incident. Guilt and shame fill Yoshiko’s mind for some reason and she couldn’t bear to look at the brunette’s pale face.

“I… I want to be alone for a bit, yeah? Um, I’ll leave Zuramaru in your hands, Ruby,” she mumbles rather pathetically and flees the room.

She hears footsteps behind her but she also hears various voices, possibly stopping her pursuer or something. She couldn’t really concentrate on anything else. All she wants to do is to get as far away from everyone so she could recompose herself.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

“Why am I here?”

Yoshiko grumbles and manages to suppress the urge to sneeze for the umpteenth time. After running out of the classroom, she wanted somewhere remote and open-spaced, and somehow ended up heading for the Aviary. There is something about birds and feathers that soothe her, though the odor is rather appalling. Thankfully, perhaps due to a charm, the air in here is adequately ventilated and not stuffy, or else her nose might not have survived the permanent bird-scent.

Here, nestled behind some haystack and beneath nests with quiet hoots every now and then, Yoshiko does find the peace she seeks, but she is no less confused than she was before. The notion to confide in a Professor leaves her mind as quick as it enters. She has long lost faith in consulting with adults due to her past experiences. Perhaps they meant good, but they always wanted to take her to some psychiatrist, have her examined, or even locked up.

She’s not crazy, and being here at Hogwarts proves that. Magic is real and finally, she is able to live the ‘normal school life’ she’s always dreamed of, with friends and dependable seniors.

Until what happened in that workshop, that is. Most of the Professors have been kind to her but there’s always a possibility that their attitude might change if they know about her peculiarities. Formerly kind caretakers had treated her warily in the past after all.

“...am I really a freak?” Yoshiko whispers sadly, but smiles a little when something warm nuzzles her hand.

The familiar golden cat stares at her, its chartreuse eyes clear and its unusual tail swishing as if refuting her words. The intelligent feline, the same one that’s helped her out many times, joins her in the Aviary some time after she’s calmed down. After a friendly greeting by pawing at her robe, the enigmatic cat simply curls up beside her, like it knows that she needs moral support.

Before she realizes it, she just starts talking about the orphanage and the Muggle schools she attended. A small voice in the back of her mind reminds her that she’s pouring her concerns to a cat of all choices, but she finds this incredibly easy.

The cat listens patiently and reacts with little gestures here and there to offer its opinion. Perhaps, this creature truly is magical too.

“You’re… Riko-san’s cat right? I remember, the first day here at Hogwarts, you jumped into her arms when we got to the front gates.”

The cat forms a rather human-eque grin, as if amused by her claim.

“No?”

It swishes its tail again and meows.

“You… want me to talk to Riko-san?”

Somber nod.

“Er, weren’t you listening earlier? Don’t you see my dilemma, I really don’t know what to do. I can’t really bring myself to talk any of the Professors, and Riko-san was there earlier, she saw what that Boggart changed into- ack!” Yoshiko spits out a mouthful of fur after the cat smacks her face with its tail. “What? I really don’t know how to talk to her! I mean, she’s really nice and all but, yeah, I just find it hard to talk to her, okay?”

The cat tilts its head and paws at her Slytherin scarf.

“Dia-san?”

Another nod and a rumbling purr.

“I guess so. She knows about the Mirror of Erised, and she’s the one who… took control of the situation earlier.”

Now that she’s able to rationalize her situation with a calm mind, she recalls how the older girl pulled her behind. Perhaps, out of all the available choices and due to her trust issue with adults, Dia is the only one she could be fully honest with.

“Yeah, okay… I-I’ll talk to her.” Yoshiko grins and rubs the cat’s head in gratitude. “I really appreciate you listening to me! I’m sure I’ll meet you again.”

She stands up and stretches, and her movement is copied by the feline as well. A small revelation hits her then. Do cats come to me because I’m kinda like a cat too? Heh, I’ve never thought about it this way.

The sun is already setting when she leaves the Aviary. Guilt fills her heart again as she thinks of her friends, of how worried Ruby and Hanamaru must be. They always respect her personal space, but she acknowledges that her flight from the classroom was rather selfish. Hanamaru seems to have a traumatic experience with that Dementor-thing, yet she just abandoned her friend like that.

Yoshiko vows to make up to her. Still, that terrifying creature is vaguely familiar, but her head throbs in pain when she tries to dig through her memories. Perhaps, researching in the library is what she needs, whether it’s about the Dementor or her doppelganger.

And this way, she can spend more time with Hanamaru too.

She is in such deep thoughts that she almost misses the small, dark shape curled up amongst the grass. Its weak squeak calls for her attention, prompting her to approach the unknown critter. More curious than cautious, she crouches down and holds her breath when it flinches at her looming shadow.

“There there, I’m not gonna hurt you.” The little bat, covered with midnight-blue fur, appears to be injured since its right wing is folded at an awkward angle. It hisses warily and bites her finger as soon as her hand nears it. Undeterred, she continues to coax it and tries not to roll her eyes at its contradicting behavior. The bat would bite her when she tries to touch it, but squeals scratchily when she backs away as if worried she would just leave.

“What do you want me to do?”

After a while of exasperating back and forth, she manages to gather the wounded critter in her arms. The bat bares its fangs at her and, if she isn’t mistaken, actually huffs at her!

So not cute! Ruby’s owl or even that Thestral is cuter! Though grumbling, Yoshiko hugs the bat protectively and decides her conversation with Dia can wait. Her priority is to bring this hurt creature to the Infirmary. Still, where did this bat come from? She’s seen owls flying around the school grounds but not bats, but it does make sense that bats would live at an ancient castle like Hogwarts.

She thoughtfully glances over at the Forbidden Forest and her heart skips a beat when a familiar sensation washes over her. Her mind blanks out and she’s vaguely aware of her body moving. She doesn’t know how long or how far she has walked until a sharp sting snaps her out of the trance and almost causes her to stumble. Glancing down, she realizes that the bat must have been trying to get her attention for a while because her maimed finger is covered in slick blood.

Looking around, she notices despairingly that she had wandered rather deep into the Forbidden Forest.

“Why is this happening again? I-I need to talk to Dia about this too, if I can find my way back...”

She blinks in surprise when the bat gingerly licks at her bloody finger, as if apologetic. “Right, we need to get you to the infirmary. Thanks though, for stopping me, hmm… Lucifer!.” She smiles at the bat, but it turns its head away as if it doesn’t care less about its new name.

“You don’t like it? Then how about-”

The bat nips at her finger.

“So Lucifer is fine?”

It turns its head away again.

This is what you would call a tsundere, right? Yoshiko chuckles, glad that the little exchange soothes her nerves so she isn’t freaking out about her current dilemma, as she would have done had she been alone.

Taking a deep breath, she surveys her surrounding and concludes that she is just as lost as she was that first night at Hogwarts. The moon seems to be covered by clouds and the canopy is thick, rendering her night vision useless. She tries uttering ‘Lumos’ like Ruby did but nothing happened, since she probably executes the spell incorrectly.

“Great, I’m stuck. If only I know which direction I came from, maybe I can trace my way back out...”

Lucifer grunts and nudges her hand until she faces the direction it wants. “This way?”

It nips her finger impatiently. Deciding to trust her latest servant of the night, Yoshiko uses the Levitation Charm on nearby twigs and tries hurling them as far as she could. She continues this as she carefully walks the way the bat indicates, hoping her action would catch someone’s attention. Even though it’s already after hours, the groundskeeper may be near by. The wolf that Mari mentioned could be around too, though she doesn't trust the older girl’s words that the wolf is friendly.

“Yoshiko-san?”

To her shock, it is the worried face of Riko that greets her. Before she could say anything, the Ravenclaw gestures for her to follow at a brisk pace. With her Lumos spell as guidance, they easily navigate over the gnarly roots and hidden holes, and soon they safely arrive at the edge of the Forest.

“H-How did you find me, Riko-san?”

Instead of answering her, Riko’s sharp gaze is trained upon the bat in her arms. She twirls and moves her wand in a mesmerizing manner and soon, a spell covers Lucifer’s wing in a gentle glow. Awed, Yoshiko can only watch as the bat raises and folds its clearly healed wing. Squeaking happily, it even allows Riko to stroke its head.

Then, before her wide eyes, Lucifer spreads its wings and flies away into the night. Something aches in Yoshiko’s heart, for she was certain of a connection with the bat and had hoped for it to stay. They did experience a little adventure together, but in the end, an untamed creature should still stay in the wild.

“This might sting a little.”

Yoshiko feels heat crawl up her neck from the intense way Riko gazes at her maimed finger. The Ravenclaw uses some sort of spell that cleans the wound, revealing the raw and scabbing marks marring her skin. However, the older girl is so gentle in her treatment that Yoshiko doesn’t feel any discomfort.

“There, it is better not to use magic to heal small injuries that your own body can,” Riko then conjures a small band-aid to cover the wound.

“T-T-Thank you, Riko-san,” Yoshiko blushes even harder at the taller girl’s smile.

“You’re welcome. Now,” Riko’s expression becomes stern. “What happened, Yoshiko-san? Where did you go after you… left the workshop?”

Perhaps it’s because of her gratitude towards Riko, or due to the conversation with the golden cat earlier, Yoshiko finds it easier to speak to her. After briefly mentioning her stay in the Aviary and how she found Lucifer, Yoshiko pauses and reluctantly admits that this isn’t the first time she has experienced those odd blank states of mind.

She closes her eyes in resignation, certain that the older girl would look at her differently now that the truth is out in the open. A small voice at the back of her mind reminds her that neither Hanamaru nor Ruby segregated her, but a part of her is anxious of Riko’s opinion of her too.

“That certainly is worrisome, though I understand why you’re reluctant to go to the teachers. You don’t want to be treated differently, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Stunned, Yoshiko apprehensively peers at Riko, who is gazing into the distance and seemingly lost in memories.

“The teachers here are kind and helpful, and you want to keep it that way. You don’t want to chance ruining it.”

Yoshiko nods, unable to look away from Riko’s profile.

“I would suggest you speak to Dia-san, especially if such peculiarity happens again.”

“That’s what that golden cat wants me to do too, from what I can gather anyway,” Yoshiko swallows nervously. “So, you… you don’t think I’m weird?”

“We’re all weird one way or another.”

Riko chuckles quietly at her surprised expression. Of all the things, Yoshiko hasn’t expected the serious Ravenclaw to say that.

“So, don’t think you’re alone, okay? Here in Hogwarts, you will never be alone.”

“Right,” Yoshiko nods bashfully, finally understanding and appreciating her underlying message.

“That said, I also urge you to speak to your friends. Hanamaru-san and Ruby-san are very worried about you. I believe they are still waiting for you at the Great Hall,” Riko gestures at the direction of the Castle. “If you run now, you can still make it to dinner.”

“Eh? Why are you saying as if you’re not coming with me? Besides, you h-haven’t answered me. How did you find me?”

Riko appears reluctant to respond, but she relents after a moment. “Every Friday around this time, I would come to the edge of the Forest and, just so happens, I heard those twigs you threw with your spell.”

“Oh. Heh, that actually worked… well, I was lucky you were nearby. So, why do you routinely come here?”

“Stay still and slowly look behind you.”

The older girl’s firm but quiet tone is all Yoshiko needs to follow her instruction. Before her wide eyes, a pair of Thestrals cautiously steps into view. The skeletal, horse-like beasts appear curious at her presence and remain where they are, beneath the shades of the trees. Riko gingerly but steadily approaches them, and pats one Thestral’s bony snout after its friendly croon.

Yoshiko’s heart is pounding thunderously in her ears. “So, you can see them too.”

“...yes.”  Riko looks so sad then as she leans against its neck in a pseudo-hug. “There’s something about them that’s soothing, despite their rather intimidating appearance. You... understand right?”

It is at this moment that Yoshiko no longer feels guarded or nervous around the older girl. Riko didn’t speak of the Thestral back then to pry or anything; she was merely making a remark, and perhaps expressing empathy, that they have both experienced something horrible, that they are not alone.

“Yeah I understand.” Boldly, she joins Riko in caressing the Thestral too. The grotesque creature looks rather endearing then, as it flicks its long tail in greeting and beckons at its mate to come closer too. Riko appears surprised at the Thestrals’ easy acceptance but simply smiles at their interaction.

Yoshiko grins toothily. “So we’re like kindred spirits huh?”

“I suppose we are?”

“Well then, how would you like to become my little demon? I mean, Lucifer flew away earlier… the bat, I mean. Lucifer is supposed to become a member. I’m grateful you healed him but still, he flew away afterwards. So in exchange, you have to become one in his place!”

She’s managed to overcome her jitters around Riko and now, she can close the gap in their relationship even more by inviting her to the fallen angel’s legion! What a brilliant plan this is!

As expected, Riko stares at her with a blank expression. Yoshiko starts counting inwardly, waiting for a rejection, yet the older girl merely nods.

“Alright. What do I have to do?”

“Er…” Yoshiko is stumped. No one has ever agreed to become her little demon before so she never thought beyond that. Ruby almost did but Hanamaru stopped the initiation ritual back on the train and she never tried it again.

She shuffles for a bit before taking off the black feather from her bun and stuffs it in Riko’s hand. “A contract! Yes, a contract. As my little demon, you’ll have to be ordained and granted a new name. And, um, if I call upon you, y-you’ll have to answer my call!” Not wanting to sound too demanding to a senpai, she adds quietly. “Like, if I need your help with school stuff, you’ll have to do it, okay?”

“No problem,” Riko giggles quietly. “Anything else?”

Yoshiko’s ears burn from embarrassment but she persists. “And... if it’s not too much trouble… I’d like to see these guys again too.”

Riko nods in understanding. “We’ll work something out. Perhaps we can come here next Friday.”

“Awesome! Yeah, that’s enough for now I guess. Y-You’re just a newbie little demon, so the great Yohane is benevolent and shall not overwhelm you.”

The Ravenclaw examines the black feather with interest, her fingers brushing over the fringe as if it were a precious object. “Then? What is my new name?”

Many names flashes in her mind. Asmodeus? Gorgon? Lamia? Lilith?

“Lily! How about Lily?”

There’s a flicker of pain in Riko’s widened eyes and her grip tightens imperceptibly.

“Erm, not good?”

The older girl lets out a shaky breath but smiles. “No, Lily is fine. It’ll signify a new beginning, no?”

“Lily it is then!” Yoshiko folds her arms, utterly pleased and proud of her lists of accomplishments. The Boggart incident and her numerous abrupt trips to the Forbidden Forest are no longer scary, now that she has gained a minion, and a pretty and smart one too at that!

“There’s something I want to ask you though, Lily,” she tests the name, and grins when the older girl nods.

“Yes, Yoshiko-san?”

“Eh, what’s with the distance? Either call me Yohane-sama or something closer? We are of the same legion.”

“Um, okay, how about… er, Yocchan?”

It’s like no one wants to ever call me Yohane. Oh well, this nickname is cute too. “That’s acceptable. Ahem, back to topic, I… I’ve been wondering, why did you suggest Dia-san? The golden cat did too. Is it because she’s the Head Girl?”

“Because she’s Dia-san,” Riko says without hesitation.

The ambiguous answer, however, is enough for Yoshiko. Indeed, the Head Girl just has that trustworthy aura, and even someone from a different House, someone who is poised like Riko, shares the same opinion too.

“Right. Dia-san. I need to talk to her, if Lily says so too.”

“Before that though, you need to speak to your friends first, so let’s head back to the Castle,” Riko pats the Thestrals one more time before turning away.

“Huh? I thought you were going to stay-?” Yoshiko hastily waves at the friendly creatures before catching up to the older girl.

“It’s fine. We’ll come back here next Friday, won’t we? It is more prudent that you let your friends know that you are okay.”

Yoshiko winces a little from her stern voice. “Right. I’ve been gone for a long time. Um, in my defense, I was really going back to the castle when I got side-tracked by many things! Good things, but still side-tracked!”

“It is good to be inquisitive about the Magical world, but heed your instincts and do not take everything at face value.”

“Hey, that’s exactly what Dia-san told me some time ago. You’re actually good friends with Dia-san?”

“I’ve been taking Advanced courses so, yes, I’m well-acquainted with her. Kanan-san and Mari-san too.”

“Grr, her again.”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing. So, I guess you and Dia-san mean to say, I should be more careful?”

“Yes. Never run off on your own again, and certainly not so close to the Forbidden Forest.”

“Hey, you’re unaccompanied too! And you come here every late Friday, isn’t that dangerous?”

“Professor Hoshizora knows of my trips, and I’m a Third-Year.”

They continue their light-hearted banter as they walk back to the castle. Yoshiko sort of understands why Chika and You tend to hang around Riko like eager puppies, whenever she sees them together. The Ravenclaw has a comforting and dependable presence that is both similar and different from Dia’s.

Is it because they are senpais? Because they are more knowledgeable? Or perhaps, this is what Ruby feels whenever she speaks of her older sister?

Either way, Yoshiko is relieved to have made more friends. All those troublesome mysteries would surely be resolved, now that there are so many little demons to help her out!

[dyreatic]

Aqours 1st Live - Pre-Live Reflections

Thank you, Aqours.

I have to admit, it was sort of a rocky start. I wasn’t even into Love Live when the original key visual of Chika was released. I didn’t know you existed until weeks after I watched the Love Live Movie, when I was looking around for more information about this series that had just captivated me. I sort-of stumbled upon you? ...or something like that. I think I just happened to run across a page in the wikia with a link to “Aqours”, so I clicked it out of curiosity, and discovered a whole new group with none of the girls I was used to seeing. Who were these 9 new girls? Inferior copies of μ’s? ...was what I thought. And so I just threw you to the back of my head with no second thought. But somehow I returned to you sometime in December, after Final Live was announced. I figured, you were going to replace μ’s in the future, so maybe I should at least try listening to what you had so far. I listened to the whole of your first single… but I felt absolutely nothing. And back to the back of my head you went.

And then I tried once again, by tuning into your 1/11 Niconama. I was still in love with μ’s lives after watching them, so I was hoping to be able to watch you live. I didn’t, but I have to admit, it was a completely new experience. And I was mesmerized. But unfortunately, your predecessors still occupied my mind, and nothing much proceeded from then. Third time unlucky.

But then, Final Live happened. I saw a world far greater than the Love Live I had enjoyed from within the comforts of my room, and I wanted more of it. I joined the /r/LoveLive Discord, and saw my gateway to that world. No longer did I have to wait for leaks of songs, or discover news maybe days after it was announced because I was cooped up in my own shell; I would be part of the discovery as it happened. I became part of the frontline for Aqours discoveries, and I was really amazed at how fun it was.

And then, AX and CharaExpo happened. You went overseas, and I saw and experienced firsthand the excitement of a group of people at those events. Everyone was so cheery, eagerly making plans to meet up, and the environment was just really welcoming in the server. I can’t forget those days of waking up at 4:45am, going out to CharaExpo and finally getting to see three of you live on stage. And most of all, meeting Shukashuu. I actually chose to meet her over a pretty petty reason (because AX didn’t get her), but I don’t regret it at all. And it was thanks to seeing all three of them on stage then I went and dove fully into your fandom, and I’ve been getting deeper ever since.

The anime was airing around that time, but I think the best part about it was that I was enjoying it not by myself, but watching it live along with the rest of discord. By itself, the anime was nice, but with everyone, it became great. But of course, the best part of the anime was that it brought along with it the 1st Live announcement. We heard the songs, saw them animated, but the culmination of all that was to see them performed live on stage by all the seiyuu. And so, we started waiting. For us in Japan or SEA, it was just a matter of time before we could watch them live. But for everyone else in NA or elsewhere, it was a battle to convince companies to give them a chance to watch them.

Watching from the sidelines, I saw as the Americans and Canadians all pleaded earnestly to various companies about an NA Live Viewing. I saw their hopes rise and fall with every response, or lack of response. With every little hint that someone at NA noticed their efforts, they jumped and cheered, and with every “seen” or “we have no plans”, their spirits fell. And from the sidelines, I nudged them on, rallying others who might not have known about their efforts to get their desires heard as well. But time passed, and it slowly looked like the dream was dead. First was the major countries, then Australia. Then came the news that China had been downgraded. And Indonesia’s failure. And then Philippines succeeding with only a week to go. There was no more hope.

...and then everything changed on Saturday morning JST. The bomb was silently dropped; but the aftereffects were felt. And all the Americans were finally saved from the pit of despair, all thanks to the US Live Viewings. All their hopes and smiles returned, and I felt relief, knowing that I would join them in just another year. I guess that’s my future now, huh.

Aqours, you’ve turned me dreading from going back to the prospect of having to wait out a few years before I could watch you live again to comfort in the fact that you’ve reached out to all of those in America and welcomed them into your arms. Thank you.

Thank you, Ruby and Aiai. You look like a crybaby on the outside, but you showed me that even someone who looks weak could still be someone who others could rely on. I didn’t have much feeling towards you at first, but as I watched your antics and realized that maybe, you were the onee-chan after all, I grew fond of you. And if there’s anything that all of us can relate to, it’s your love for idols. Ganbaruby!

Thank you, Mari and Ainya. I was never really fond of characters who used English phrases as a running gag, but somehow, I grew to really like you. And that was even before the anime, where you showed your caring side, hidden deep beneath that playful exterior of yours. And most of all, it was all thanks to you that I dipped my feet into translations and am here right now, spreading all of Aqours’ appeal together with ONIBE. Shiny~

Thank you, Hanamaru and King. School Idols were truly a “Mirai-zura!” moment for me; I had no idea there would be something that would be able to drag me this deep down and give me so much fun with all the people I’ve been able to meet. I was just someone who stuck by myself, reading books, playing games, all alone, thinking that I would never be able to enjoy anything to the level that I saw all the hardcore fans for any series did, but here I am today, having turned into one of those people. Ohana… Maru!

Thank you, Yoshi- I mean Yohane and Aikyan. There’s a part within all of us that desires for fantasy to be real, but we’re also grounded by the fact that there’s a real world. And I think you were able to capture that side of us and the struggles with wanting to escape from our struggles and the judgement that others have placed upon us perfectly. It’s not as easy for us to find an answer as it was for you, but even so, I can still look to you as an example of someone who overcame that challenge and truly realizes the difference between reality and fantasy well. Ohayohane~

Thank you, You and Shukashuu. Meeting you in real life left me with a sense of awe, and even though I didn’t give you a chance to say much I could still feel all your energy and passion. There’s a running joke that You can do anything (except Chika), and with that smile and energy, maybe that’s true after all. Keep that energy up! Yousoro!

Thank you, Dia and Arisha. I didn’t like the way you carried yourself at the beginning, or how you sounded like you were looking down on everyone else, and I guess I still don’t really like that part of you, but discovering that you were a hidden idol fan, and maybe even the most hardcore out of all of Aqours, gave me a new appreciation for who you are. There are many of us who are loud but are only barely into the fandom, and some of us who keep our hobbies quiet but in reality are really hardcore, and I think I can really see the challenges that the latter group faces when dealing with the former in your interactions with the rest of Aqours. Diahoo!

Thank you, Kanan and Suwawa. I once loved to joke that your fanbase was like an empty theater, but within me I was also supporting you. Your lines were sparse, and so you were the mysterious girl that everyone just made fun of because no one knew you well enough, but after I learned more about you, I realized that you were pretty cool! It was like you could carry yourself in a collected fashion, yet you still fell prey to Mari whenever she decided to tease you. Ja, hagu shiyou!

Thank you, Riko and Rikyako. You grew out of my initial impression of “slightly inferior Umi/Mimorin but still best”, and I realized that you had a completely different charm compared to them. Others might call you boring, but I think that it’s just a part of you that fits you very well, and I won’t let what anyone else thinks of you affect that. Keep on making those funny faces and memes, and don’t be afraid to defend yourself if you ever get teased!

And finally, thank you, Chika and Anchan. All throughout our lives, many of us want to be more than just “normal”, and we see all the leaders and pioneers as extraordinary people who we aspire to become. But you are normal, just like us. A normal girl, able to be found anywhere, with dreams and aspirations towards an extraordinary group. And in spite of that, you became our beloved leader. You have carried our hopes and dreams for these two years, and even though you started from zero, you pushed through with the mere hope to become one. From the rural areas of Izu, you have reached the grand stage of Yokohama Arena in Tokyo. And just like us, the smiles of school idols are what have got you to this point. Leader, just as how you have led Aqours all the way up until now, please do your best tomorrow! We will continue to support you and spread your joy to many more people in the world! Kan kan… Mikan!

Now all that’s left is tomorrow.

[injiminsheart]

War of Hormones: Ch 2: Look Here

ALL LABELS ARE ONLY FOR THIS CHAPTER

Word Count:

Genre: Fluff | Angst | Humor | Smut | Dark  | Hybrid

Rating: General | Teen | Mature

Pairing: Park Jimin x Reader 

Fandom: BTS ARMY

Warnings: NONE, JUST SOME SASS! ;)

Missed the previous chapter? Catch up! HERE >> Chapter 1

“Girl, you won’t fucking believe what just happened!” Y/n shouted into her phone as she paced around her room in her PJs.

“What happened?” asked a bored Ani on the other end, obviously having guessed what could’ve happened at Y/n’s excitement. Ani was Y/n’s best friend from back home in the US also currently living in Korea. She was about three years older than Y/n.

They had met accidentally in a college class and had immediately clicked. Then in university they had become best friends from good friends over K-Pop and mutual love of Koreans. Even though Ani was of an African American decent and faced many weird looks from everyone in Korea, she didn’t let that deter her from her love for music, art, and Korea. She had been studying Pharmacy but Y/n and her decided to move to Korea and finally pursue what they loved. Ani was now an employee at the famous SM Entertainment.

“I met RAP MON AND MY DADDY JIMIN!!! HOLY SHIT!! THEY ARE EVEN MORE PRETTY IN REAL LIFE! I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA FAINT! I EVEN HUGGED THEM BOTH AND RAP MON EVEN OFFERED TO TALK TO THE GUY UPSTAIRS TO GET ME IN!”

“Oh,” Ani said trying not to sound bored until she did a double take and the sass came out, “wait, that bitch did what? Does that ass not know his ass is mine!? That’s it! Imma go to Suga for sure now!”

“Bitch, you just jealous he hugged me and not you!” Y/n laughed.

“Hold up! Imma go to Big Hit tomorrow and make out with your Daddy Jimin. Then we’ll see who’s laughing!” Ani sassed back.

“My Daddy Jimin is loyal af, so you got nothin’ on me, Baby!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah! Whatever! Yah! Let me get some sleep now. I gotta get to work early tomorrow and your ass needs to apply to other places rather than just Big Hit. They will most likely tell you tomorrow if you don’t make it and within a week if you do.”

“Yah! Don’t scare me like that! Now imma be too stressed to even sleep.”

“Watch some Bangtan Bombs like you usually do! Don’t stay up any longer than 2 am! It’s not healthy for you, Owl!”

“Who you calling an Owl? It’s just that my creativity comes out at night.”

“Uh huh. Bye.”

“Bye”

Y/n was happy. She would know soon enough and everything will work out. She decided that for time being, she’s just gonna go check out the places in the vicinity of her apartment and shop around for a while. She smiled at her blank cell phone as she picked up her laptop to watch some Bangtan Bombs and Vines. Her best friend knew her so well.

Y/n woke up and did her usual drill as she got ready for her day out shopping with a cute black dress and some sexy looking golden pumps.

Y/n got to the shopping center and got busy with shopping without noticing anything around her. She found the cutest Chanel gold blazer she had ever seen and she just had to buy it and her reasoning as always was, ‘I’ll need it for work anyways.’ She walked around a bit more and about twenty stores and five dresses, two heels, and one Amorepacific later, she got hungry. Staring around the mall, she sighed and took out her phone.

Jimin, Namjoon, Jungkook, and Hoseok were walking around the mall looking for Taehyung and Jin. They had gone off together and still hadn’t returned. Kookie had the greatest idea of calling home. A sleepy Yoongi yelling and intense looking later, they all had decided to give up.

“Hyung, could we go to Amorepacific? I need to get some more products,” Kookie asked Namjoon, scratching his head.

“Of course! Let’s go,” Namjoon said, dragging the maknae with him as the other two happily followed. They were almost there when he noticed a figure he would never forget exit the very store they were headed for.

“Namjoon Hyung, isn’t that Y/n-ssi from yesterday?” Jimin said pointing at Y/n.

“Yeah,” squinted and smiled Namjoon, obviously happy at seeing y/n.

“That’s the girl you were talking about?” Hobi said lowering his sunglasses.

“She’s got nice style,” Kookie said innocently.

“And quite the mouth,” smirked Namjoon as he overheard Y/n phone conversation.

“Yah! You are suppose to get a lunch! Come and eat with me!”

“What you mean you can’t? I’m like literally right next to your company.”

“You’re such a bitch, Ani! GET YOUR ASS HERE IN FIVE MINUTES! Aigoo! What kinda best friend leaves their damsel in distress sexy bitch of a friend to eat alone when she looking like she could woo an army of Korean guys!” Y/n said smirking into her phone.

“Thanks, Baby! I loves you!!” Y/n said smiling victoriously and blowing a kiss into her phone and hanging up. Y/n looked around as if she was looking for something and then she looked in their direction and scrunched her eyes before a realization set on her face. She had recognized them. Jimin got excited and fixed his shirt as y/n approached them.

“Omg! I can’t believe I met you guys here!” Y/n said as reached forward for Namjoon but then changed her mind and blushed while bowing slightly with a, “Anneyonghasseyo, Oppa!”

“Anneyonghasseyo!” the boys said as Namjoon smirked and reached forward to hug her, “I thought you hugged your friends,” he said.

“I do, but I can’t figure it out here. Some people don’t like me getting friendly,” smiled Y/n.

“What are you talking about? I love hugs. Especially from you,” smirked Namjoon as Y/n laughed and rolled her eyes at him.

“Me too,” Jimin said moving forward and hugging Y/n and Y/n hugged back tightly.

“I want a hug too,” Hoseok said moving towards a giggling Y/n to embrace her.

Y/n must’ve noticed a shy Jungkook just standing there because she softly asked him, “May I?” and he blushed but nodded slightly. That seemed to be all the confirmation Y/n needed because she was already hugging him. Jimin must’ve gotten jealous because he was hugging them both again. Y/n laughed while Namjoon pouted and said, “Yah, Y/n-ah! Why is Jimin always getting more hugs?”

“Because he’s my bias?” Y/n said biting her lip innocently. Jimin’s heart jumped so high that he thought he was gonna lose his mind and heart all in one go.

They chatted for a bit when a cute and petite caramel colored girl walked up to Y/n. She was dressed casually yet ready for work.

“Oh my god! Yas! Finally!” exclaimed Y/n as she excitedly threw herself in the new girl’s arms, who gladly reciprocated.

“Do we get to meet your cute friend?” Namjoon said clearing his throat and y/n pulled away embarrassed and giggled, “Mianhe, Oppa! This is Ani! She’s my best friend,” Y/n said clinging to Ani’s arm, which made Jimin pang with slight jealousy.

All the boys said their hellos to Ani as Hoseok came forward to hug Ani excitedly. Jimin and Jungkook also followed shyly and Namjoon was the last to come forward and was taken a bit back when Ani froze at his touch. He immediately pulled back to apologize but Y/n giggled and said, “don’t worry, Oppa, you’re her bias. She’s just fangirling a bit.”

Namjoon laughed as he scratched the back of his head shyly, “is that so?”

“Yeah, and you wouldn’t believe what she said---ahh!” Y/n was saying before Ani smacked Y/n’s arm with her clutch and smiled widely at Namjoon causing him to laugh a bit more.

“Okay, joesonghabnida ulineun jigeum , ganeun de pil-yohan (sorry, we need to go now),” Ani said tangling her arm together with y/n’s.

“But, but, but, but I just met them,” Y/n whined and before Ani could reply, y/n asked, “Have you guys eaten yet?”

“No, we actually were looking for two friends when Kookie said he needed to go to Amorepacific,” Namjoon replied.

“You go to Amorepacific, too! Omg, let’s talk and compare products over lunch,” Y/n smiled at Kookie as she gently held his hand in her, “Come on!”

“Are you sure?” Namjoon asked y/n as Kookie looked at Namjoon as if a kid was asking his dad permission to go to friend’s house.

“Of course, Oppa! You guys are our friends and Ani would never mind. Right, Baby?” Y/n said smirking at Ani.

Ani rolled her eyes at y/n’s antics and said, “neoheedeuleun jeomsim sigsaleul wihae uliwa hamkke isseumyeon geugeos-eul joh-haal geos-ida (I would love it if you guys would join us for lunch).”

“Yay! C’mon, Kookie!” Y/n squealed as she pulled Kookie slightly and untangled her arm with Ani. Jimin and Hobi quickly followed them excitedly as Namjoon chuckled slightly and did a after your motion and walked slowly with Ani.

Still want more? Indulge yourself HERE >> Next Chapter: Chapter 3 Coming Soon

MY ENTIRE MASTERLUST CAN BE FOUND >>>> HERE

[ryqoshay]

Happy Life: The Apartment

Primary Pairing: YohaRiko Words: ~1.6k Rating: K AU: Angelic? Time Frame: Near the end of Riko’s first year of college and Yohane’s third year of high school Story Arc: Stand Alone

List of all HL scenes AO3 Link

Author’s Note: I must admit that it feels a little strange posting two HL scenes in a row instead of swapping back and forth between it and HtHaN like I have as of late. But, I’ve hit a wall on three HtHaN scenes now and this is the one my fickle µ’s muse has allowed me to finish. And happy fanfic is happy fanfic, and I love writing it, so I’m not going to complain.

SakurauchiRiko: Yoshiko-chan

TheFallenAngel: Yohane!

Riko jumped, not expecting the immediate response.

SakurauchiRiko: You’re moving to Tokyo next year, right?

TheFallenAngel: Yup!

TheFallenAngel: Well, it’s that or commute from here

TheFallenAngel: But I’d like to be a bit more local if I can

TheFallenAngel: And I’m going to the same school as you, remember?

Of course Riko knew this last point; it was why she contacting Yoshiko in the first place. The younger girl had expressed interest for a while now about majoring in fashion design with a minor in business. She was already dreaming big about opening her own shop with a focus on her favored fallen angel style. You and Ruby were immediate supporters, wanting to help where they could, even if just posing as models for new design lines. And as luck would have it, one of the best schools in the area was the same one Riko was already attending.

TheFallenAngel: Why?

SakurauchiRiko: Are you planning on living in a dorm?

TheFallenAngel: Probably

TheFallenAngel: Why?

Riko took a slow breath before typing the next message.

SakurauchiRiko: I was wondering if you might want to move in with me instead

Unlike earlier, there was now a significant delay before Yoshiko’s reply came through.

TheFallenAngel: The little demon Riri wants the Great Yohane to live with her?

Riko couldn’t help chuckling. But despite the response not being all that surprising, it wasn’t really the answer she was seeking.

SakurauchiRiko: My parents and I found a really nice apartment that I will be moving into at the start of the next term

SakurauchiRiko: And I’d be fine living there on my own, but it’s a three-bedroom unit

SakurauchiRiko: That’s really too much space for just one person

SakurauchiRiko: So I thought it would be nice to have a roommate

TheFallenAngel: Three bedrooms?

TheFallenAngel: No kidding that’s too much

TheFallenAngel: Why the heck were you looking at three-bedroom apartments in the first place?

SakurauchiRiko: We weren’t

SakurauchiRiko: A friend of a friend of the previous tenants recommended this place

SakurauchiRiko: They thought it might appeal to me

SakurauchiRiko: And they were right

TheFallenAngel: So who else would be joining us?

SakurauchiRiko: Nobody

TheFallenAngel: So one room would be like a guest room or something?

SakurauchiRiko: Not quite

SakurauchiRiko: Though I suppose we could keep a futon in there for guests if we wanted

SakurauchiRiko: But the reason I like this particular apartment is because one of the rooms is soundproofed

SakurauchiRiko: I can bring my piano

SakurauchiRiko: And not have to compete for time on the ones at school

TheFallenAngel: So you’d get two rooms?

Riko laughed at the question, though it was certainly a fair one.

SakurauchiRiko: Technically, yes

SakurauchiRiko: But I’d be willing to let you have the master bedroom in exchange

SakurauchiRiko: You’d get your own bathroom

SakurauchiRiko: And a bigger closet

SakurauchiRiko: And of course you’d be welcome to use the music room as well

TheFallenAngel: Riri makes a tempting offer

TheFallenAngel: But you still didn’t answer my question

TheFallenAngel: Why me?

TheFallenAngel: Why does Riri want Yohane to live with her?

Riko pursed her lips. Part of her knew this question would come up and she wished she had a better answer. Truth be told, she wasn’t entirely sure herself. Why had Yoshiko been the first to come to mind when her parents asked her about possibly looking for a roommate? Was the fact that they would be attending the same school again really the only reason?

“I miss seeing you” she started typing but paused before sending it. She stared at the words on the screen. Should she be that specific? For that matter, did she really miss Yoshiko any more than anyone else from Aqours?

TheFallenAngel: Riri?

Riko blinked, noticing the timestamps between Yoshiko’s messages. Had she really been thinking that long about how to respond?

SakurauchiRiko: I miss seeing everyone

TheFallenAngel: Having trouble making friends in college?

As the conversation was only text, Riko was not sure if Yoshiko was attempting to tease her or genuinely concerned. A small part of her believed the former, but most of her hoped for the latter.

SakurauchiRiko: Not really

She replied as honestly as possible

SakurauchiRiko: I’ve made some new friends

SakurauchiRiko: But I’m not sure if I’d want to live with any of them

SakurauchiRiko: And definitely not any of my current neighbors

SakurauchiRiko: I’ll be glad to move out of here after finals

TheFallenAngel: Yeah, I’ve read that happens sometimes

TheFallenAngel: More often during the first year

TheFallenAngel: Don’t tell anyone else this

TheFallenAngel: This is just between Riri and Yohane

TheFallenAngel: But I’ve been kind of worried about that myself

TheFallenAngel: Not getting along with those around me in a dorm

Riko smiled sympathetically. So, Yoshiko hadn’t been teasing her; she had concerns of her own.

SakurauchiRiko: Worried about what they might think about you being a fallen angel?

TheFallenAngel: Exactly!

TheFallenAngel: And that’s why I’m tempted to take you up on your offer

TheFallenAngel: Riri already knows Yohane

Riko waited for a few moments, but nothing more came.

SakurauchiRiko: But…?

TheFallenAngel: I guess I just don’t want to bother you

At that Riko couldn’t help but chuckle. Even though Yoshiko continued to cling to her fallen angel persona through her final year of high school, and with as much bravado as she exuded about it, she still worried about it.

SakurauchiRiko: I wouldn’t have made the offer to you if I thought you would be annoying to live with

SakurauchiRiko: I think we’d be good roommates

Another pause.

TheFallenAngel: Very well then

TheFallenAngel: Yohane accepts the offer made by her favorite little demon, Riri!

Favorite? Riko read the message again. Surely, Yoshiko meant just favored, right? All of the girls that had been members of Aqours and Saint Snow were favored little demons of the self-proclaimed fallen angel. And that’s how Riko usually preferred things; being one of several, not standing out as a favorite. Despite this, the idea of being Yoshiko’s favorite didn’t sound all that bad. On the contrary, reading the message once again actually made her feel kind of good.

TheFallenAngel: But there is one condition if we are to share communal quarters

SakurauchiRiko: I’m not going to make a contract with you

SakurauchiRiko: Well, maybe one about rent and utilities

TheFallenAngel: That’s not what I was going to say!

TheFallenAngel: Anyway, the condition is

TheFallenAngel: Riri must refer to Yohane by her proper name!

Riko sighed. Somehow the request didn’t really surprise her. However, after almost three years of calling her by her given name, using another would be… wait, hadn’t she considered a nickname at some point? For the briefest of instances, Riko had thought about a name. A name that… came to her in a dream?

SakurauchiRiko: Yocchan

TheFallenAngel: What?

SakurauchiRiko: That’s what I’ll call you

TheFallenAngel: Oh

SakurauchiRiko: Is that alright?

Somewhere in the back of Riko’s mind, she knew the name would be accepted, though she knew not why, thus she had to be sure by asking.

TheFallenAngel: Yohane accepts this designation from Riri

TheFallenAngel: But only from Riri!

TheFallenAngel: No other little demon may use such a cute designation with Yohane!

Riko smiled. Yoshiko thought the name was cute. Good. It was supposed to be cute. A cute name for a cute girl. A weird cute girl, sure, but cute nonetheless.

SakurauchiRiko: Say, Yocchan

Using the name now, Riko found she liked it. Why hadn’t she used it back then?

SakurauchiRiko: Want to head up here sometime this weekend?

SakurauchiRiko: Check out the apartment? Get a feel for how much space you’ll have?

TheFallenAnge: Yes!

SakurauchiRiko: Maybe hang out and catch a meal or something after?

Riko laughed when she realized Yoshiko had responded quicker than she could finish her questions.

TheFallenAngel: My favorite shop is having a sale this weekend too

TheFallenAngel: We need to stop by Akihabara!

SakurauchiRiko: Sure, we can do that as well

TheFallenAngel: Awesome!

TheFallenAngel: The moon has waxed and waned far too many times since last Yohane saw Riri

SakurauchiRiko: Only once, I believe

TheFallenAngel: That’s still too many times!

Riko laughed again.

SakurauchiRiko: Well I’m free whenever, so let me know when you’re boarding the train

SakurauchiRiko: I’ll meet you at the station

TheFallenAngel: Will do

SakurauchiRiko: Well, back to studying for me

SakurauchiRiko: Have a good night, Yocchan

SakurauchiRiko: I’ll see you this weekend

TheFallenAngel: You too, Riri!

TheFallenAngel: I’m looking forward to it!

Riko smiled as she set her phone back down on her desk. That had gone quite well. And Yoshiko seemed to be looking forward to it as well. That was good.

Despite how much Riko had protested and resisted being drawn into the antics of her former subgroup, Guilty Kiss, nowadays, she found she often missed the excitement. Mari was still in Italy, but Yoshiko was coming here to Tokyo. Surely the younger girl would bring some of that old excitement along with her. And unlike those currently living around her, at least she knew what to expect out of Yoshiko.

And Yoshiko seemed to like the new nickname. She’d even granted Riko exclusive rights to use it. That was unexpected, but not completely unappreciated.

The redhead picked up her pencil and returned her focus on her studies, content in the knowledge that the next chapter of her life would be a happy one.

A hundred and twenty odd kilometers down the tracks, a blue-haired girl held a pillow to her face in a vain attempt to contain her squeals of joy.

Almost ten thousand kilometers away, a blonde looked up at the sky and grinned. Perhaps things were finally beginning to go as planned.

Author’s Note Continued: A few hints here at some of the worldbuilding I’ve been doing for HL as of late.

One point, in particular, is that I hadn’t realized how close the two timelines were; five years between µ’s and Aqours was smaller than I thought. Originally, I had Tanaka mention that “years ago,” tenants had soundproofed the apartment. But when I ran some comparisons of where I have planned events in my two fics, those two tenants would have been the most recent; Yohane and Riko are going to be touring through an apartment still filled with stuff from the other couple. So I guess a small retcon, in the way of phrasing, is in order.

Also, I am writing this with the assumption that the SS movie will not give us Riko calling Yohane by Yocchan. If, on the off chance, it does, I will probably rework this scene to accommodate.

[ryqoshay]

Happy Life: Yocchan

Primary Pairing: YohaRiko Words: ~1.1k Rating: K AU: Angelic? Time Frame: Sometime between Episode 09 and 11 of Season 2 Story Arc: Stand Alone

List of all HL scenes AO3 Link

Author’s Note: Spoilers for those who have yet to watch the final episode, I guess. I started writing this scene a few weeks ago with the assumption that Riko would not end up using her nickname for Yoshiko in the anime. Now that this has come to pass, I was able to complete it.

The blue-haired girl called her name. Not her given name, though, her special name; a nickname the blue-haired girl had given her so long ago that the redhead could no longer remember. Though the blue-haired girl was known for coming up with such names for her friends, the redhead treasured hers and had even come up with one she used in return.

The blue-haired girl beckoned the redhead closer. She seemed excited to show her something. As the redhead approached, she noticed ancient symbols scrawled underfoot and shifted her stride to avoid disturbing them. She stopped when she realized something seemed off.

It was by no means uncommon for the blue-haired girl to practice archaic rituals, as it was not only a strong interest of hers, but also a particular specialty in her bloodline. Many tides of battle had been turned against those who dwelled deep below when her family brought their formidable magicks to bear.

But something wasn’t quite right this time.

The redhead squinted at the symbols nearest to her. She could read some and guess at others due to the context of their arrangement but many were completely foreign to her. The energy they produced made her skin crawl and as she resumed approaching her friend, a sense of nausea began churning in her stomach.

The blue-haired girl intoned a strange phrase and the energy in the area pulsed. She grinned manically and spoke the phrase again. The gathering magicks obeyed her command and flowed faster into the circle, gathering to a density that was practically palpable. She raised her arms, tilted her head back and shouted the phrase a final time. Critical concentration was almost…

Something snapped.

The redhead instinctively threw up a ward to protect herself as the magic exploded around her. It happened so quick, she could only defend herself and was unable to extend her shield to her friend. However, as the turbulent forces continued to pummel her from all sides for what seemed to be an eternity, though very well could have been mere seconds, she realized she wouldn’t have had the energy to protect both of them. Despite defense being her forte, truth be told, she barely had the power to save herself. Just how much power had the blue-haired girl summoned?

The blue-haired girl… Her friend…

Finally, the torrent of destruction subsided, just in time, before the redhead’s own power was depleted. She dismissed her barrier and scanned the area before her. It didn’t take long for her to find…

“Yocchan!” Riko gasped, sitting straight up in bed.

You-chan? Had she been dreaming about her fellow second year? Odd.

No. The name she had practically shouted was a little different, something like half a syllable shorter.

Yocchan.

Who the heck was Yocchan?

It was most likely a nickname, so who else did she know whose name started with… Yoshiko. Yohane? Sure, it fit; surprisingly well, actually. Not only did it seem to suit the younger girl, it felt familiar for some reason. Very odd.

But why the heck would I be dreaming about Yoshiko-chan? Riko scoured her mind for reasons.

Sure, she and the blue-haired first year had recently bonded over Lae… Nocturne. And the younger girl had been instrumental in Riko overcoming her fear of dogs. But why the heck would she be dreaming about her strange underclassman while calling her some nickname she had never used? It just didn’t make sense.

And for another matter, what kind of nightmare had it been that caused her to wake up in a cold sweat? Riko shivered as she noticed the slight sheen of moisture on her arms. Had her underclassman cast some sort of curse on her? No, that was impossible. Magic didn’t exist. Fallen angels didn’t exist. Even Yoshiko admitted such things herself.

“Yocchan…” Riko spoke the name again. Why the heck didn’t that name feel strange? Riko wasn’t the type to give nicknames to her friends. And certainly, it was at least as strange as the nickname Yoshiko had already given her, right?

Riko pursed her lips. She had found herself more than a little irritated when Yoshiko had started insisting on calling her Riri, but the more she thought about it, she really couldn’t really decide why.

Did the name bother her because no permission had been sought before it was issued? No, that wasn’t it. Yoshiko undoubtedly started calling Hanamaru by Zuramaru without asking permission and the other first year did not seem to mind. For that matter, in a reverse case, none of the girls of Aqours called Yoshiko by Yohane, the name she preferred. And that did irritate the girl who seemed fond of using nicknames.

Perhaps the name annoyed her because it meant that Riko had accepted being one of Yoshiko’s little demons? No, that wasn’t it either. She had accepted that premise before the younger girl had formally joined Aqours. Sure, some of Yoshiko’s antics were over the top and annoying, but she never meant any malice with them. The supposed fallen angel was a good friend and if that meant holding the title of a little demon, then so be it.

Maybe… Just maybe, it was because the name sounded strangely familiar and stirred something within her that she could not comprehend? … Maybe? ... No?

“Riri…” She murmured her own nickname. The name was little more than the first syllable of her real name repeated, however, how it was pronounced made it sound reminiscent of the English word for a lovely type of flower. Had that been intentional on Yoshiko's part?

Something shifted in the depths of her mind. She tried to focus on whatever it was that was buried, but it resisted her mental prodding.

Yocchan… Riri…

It moved again. What the heck?

Riko continued to repeat the names several times to herself, but was unable to uncover the memories further. After several minutes of concentration, she sighed and gave up. Perhaps she was just tired; she had just awakened in the middle of the night, after all. She made a mental note to try to think about the names and the strange sensation they caused when she was more awake.

Perhaps, Riko decided, she should apologize to Yoshiko for reacting as she did to the nickname. It had not been assigned with the intent to tease, rather to signify a bond of friendship. And it was kind of cute.

And maybe, just maybe, she might consider using a nickname for the younger girl as well.

Finally, Riko lay back down and pulled her covers over herself. She closed her eyes and began to drift off, thoughts of an eccentric, blue-haired girl running through her mind.

Author’s Note Continued: I suppose I should go back and edit Machineel Halberd to use the timeline appropriate names.