#i should use it more often to just. not worry about 'finishing' things. wah.

[shirogane-oushirou]

@/andouilles did a guerilla magma stream so i drew my little guys 💗 =v= i need to draw on magma more often, its so much fun to let loose a bit hehe!!!

[here4theheartbreak]

Bewitched by Babysitter (NamKook)

AO3 Link Here!

Relationship: Jungkook x Namjoon

Genre: smut, fluff | Rating: Explicit | Word Count: ~6.9k

Summary: Namjoon is a young, single father who is set up on a blind date. He needs a babysitter, and his friend knows just the man to help.

Tags: smut, fluff, getting together, dad Namjoon, college student Jungkook, dirty talk, bareback, rough sex, coming untouched

Dating was hard as hell. Being a single parent made it exponentially more difficult. Which was mostly why Namjoon hadn’t bothered to try. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to. He was lonely, he missed intimacy both emotionally and physically… But he just couldn’t be bothered. That and, if directly asked, Namjoon would admit that the thought of leaving his girl alone to go on a date was far more stress than was worth it. She was his life, and had been since the day she was put in his arms.

But Mingi was beginning to get older, and Namjoon knew he’d need to loosen that grip eventually. She was due to go to school for the first time the next year, and he’d still not spent more than a few hours away from her, save for when his parents wrenched her away for a grandparent play date. 

It was his best friend, Yoongi, that had suggested the blind date. And the babysitter. Jeon Jungkook was a handsome twenty-one-year-old college student. He was finishing up his junior year, and Yoongi knew him through his boyfriend; Hoseok, who was a frequent guest teacher in one of Jungkook’s dance classes. So, he was an adult, responsible, and came highly praised. The date, on the other hand, was simply someone Yoongi knew. Minimal information, but he figured they’d get along and didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Namjoon would have much rather spent the evening playing games with Mingi. 

But, if anything to appease his friend, Namjoon begrudgingly prepped for the date, cleaning himself up and making himself look quite presentable. He worked from home, and often forgot what going out clothing looked like, but a quick photo to Yoongi and a thumbs up emoji response told him he’d managed to pull something off. He was just applying a touch of cologne when the doorbell rang.

“I get it!” Screamed Mingi, who had been excited about the prospect of a new friend all week since Namjoon had broken the news. He rushed out behind her, his heart pounding in his ears. Maybe he’d hate the guy. A bad gut feeling, a drug smell, something. Anything to cancel this date. 

Namjoon came around the side of the door that Mingi had thrown open. His breath slammed from his chest, the oxygen seeming to leave the room. Standing on his doorstep was the most beautiful man Namjoon had ever seen. He wore an open leather jacket over a simple black t-shirt. His jeans were far too tight (they were just right, who was he kidding), and had a perfectly placed thigh rip, revealing musculature that any man of their age group would envy. Heavy, flat soled sneakers and a perfectly styled undercut topped off the look, the neon red strap of a backpack visible over one shoulder.

“You must be Kim Namjoon.” 

The boy’s voice was just as heavenly as the rest of his body. He lowered his gaze and grinned, his nose crinkling to reveal large front teeth. “And you must be Kim Mingi. My name’s Jungkook. I heard you’re in charge tonight,” he said. There was no hint of baby talk in his voice – in fact it didn’t change one octave, something Namjoon appreciated. He abhorred baby talk. Jungkook crouched down and offered his hand to her. Mingi giggled and shook it, looking up at Namjoon. 

“I’m in charge!”

“Always, princess,” Namjoon said. Jungkook rose once more and stuck his hand out over Mingi’s head. 

“Pleased to meet you. Hobi-hyung’s told me a lot about you.”

“Not too much bad, I hope.”

“Not a thing.”

“Please, come in. I’ll show you around. You’re right on time.”

Jungkook entered, stepping around Mingi. He kicked off his sneakers at the door and followed Namjoon through the house. 

“The kitchen, you’re welcome to anything except the beer, of course. Mingi insisted on ordering in, so there’s a few menus and a card you can use.”

Jungkook glanced over at it and nodded. Namjoon led him down the hall. “Bathroom, Mingi’s room, she doesn’t need a bath or anything tonight, so no need to worry about that. Just make sure she brushes her teeth. Bedtime is at seven sharp, but she’ll do all she can to stay up later with more stories.” 

Jungkook laughed a little at that, a bright thing that had Namjoon’s heart skipping a few beats. (He should really consider getting that checked out if it kept happening). 

He led Jungkook out of the room and into the living room. “So my room’s there – it’s pretty much the only place off limits for Min when I’m not at home, my work stuff is breakable, so I ask that you keep the door shut.”

Jungkook nodded. He glanced around the living room and smiled when his eyes landed on Mingi, sprawled out on the floor. She was holding a bright pink and yellow Pegasus stuffed animal, making quiet airplane noises as she moved it back and forth through the air.

Jungkook went over. He set his backpack down and laid on his back, watching her. 

“Is that the noises she makes?” He asked.

“It’s a boy. His name is Min Yoongi, like my Uncle Yoongi.” 

“Ohh,” Jungkook nodded, “I’m sure Yoongi would appreciate that.”

“You know my Uncle?”

Jungkook nodded. “I go to school with his…” Jungkook drifted off, looking to Namjoon. 

“With Uncle Hobi,” Namjoon filled in. Jungkook seemed to relax visibly and smiled. 

“Yeah, he teaches me dance.”

Mingi gasped. “You dance? Can you show me dances? I wanna dance.” She pouted. “But Daddy wants me to be older.”

Jungkook laughed a little. “Well when you’re older he might be able to put you into a class. We can dance tonight if you want. Do you know good music?”

“Uh-huh! I love Crayon Pop.”

“Wah, Crayon Pop, they’re awesome!” Jungkook cried. Mingi sat up. 

“You like them?” She clapped excitedly. “Daddy! He likes Crayon Pop!”

Namjoon smiled helplessly. “What luck! You two can listen to them tonight.”

Jungkook sat up and then rose, brushing his jeans off. “Any limits on screens or anything?”

“Normally, yes, but not tonight,” Namjoon said. “Figured, special occasion. Just try to make sure she only watches… You know, child friendly stuff.”

“I’ll keep a close eye on it,” Jungkook assured him. 

“I should be home no later than ten or eleven. Honestly, probably not even that long.”

Jungkook shook his head. “Hobi-hyung told me a little. You’ve not been out in a while. Take your time. We’ll be okay here.”

Namjoon smiled sheepishly. “How pathetic, huh?” He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling self-conscious. “You’re twenty-one, right?”

Jungkook nodded. 

“Ridiculous. We’re only three years apart. And I’m pretty much an old miser.”

“You are far too handsome to be an old miser,” Jungkook said, grinning brightly. Namjoon’s heart did that dangerous stutter step once more.

“I—Uh—Oh.” Namjoon cleared his throat. He hurried over to a desk and scrawled on a notepad. “My number is here. Feel free to call or text if you need anything, I’ll answer.”

“Of course. When do you go?”

Namjoon glanced at his phone. “I should head off now… I don’t wanna get caught in traffic.”

Jungkook nodded. He shrugged off his jacket and laid it over the arm of the couch. Namjoon’s breathing, once again, cut off at the sight of the muscles in his forearms. He looked strong… And fit… 

Jungkook cleared his throat, and Namjoon looked up, his eyes widening at being caught staring. He turned quickly and scooped Mingi up. “Daddy’s gonna go now, okay?”

“Can we really order takeout?”

Namjoon nodded. “Yep, just let Jungkook know when you’re hungry.” She wiggled a little in Namjoon’s arms to look at Jungkook.

“I’m hungry!”

Jungkook grinned. “As soon as your Daddy leaves we’ll order. Maybe you could talk me into dessert.” He winked in mock sneakiness, and Mingi’s eyes widened. She giggled behind her hands and did her best to wink back, blinking both eyes instead. 

Namjoon’s heart squeezed. He was great with her. He kissed Mingi’s cheek and set her down. “Behave for Jungkook, okay?”

“I promise!” 

Namjoon pulled on his jacket and hunted for his wallet. “Like I said, call if you need anything,” he said.

Jungkook rushed forward, grabbing it from a nearby table and passing it to Namjoon. “You look great. She’s gonna be blown away tonight,” Jungkook said, straightening the collar of Namjoon’s coat.

“Thank you. See you later.” He waved to Mingi as he tugged on his shoes. He took a moment to glance back before hurrying out, knowing that if he didn’t leave that moment, he wouldn’t go at all.

The thing about blind dates was that they always had the chance of failure. About a hundred things could potentially go wrong. The most glaring issue, of course, is simple lack of compatibility. Which, unfortunately for Namjoon, was becoming the apparent issue with this one. 

Bora was a lovely woman, she honestly was. And Namjoon understood right away why Yoongi thought they’d work well together. Bora was as smart as a whip, and devastatingly funny. She was beautiful as well, and clearly had a good head on her shoulders. But something was off. Namjoon couldn’t put his finger on it. Their personalities worked, and he was sure they’d be great friends, but there was simply no spark there. More than once he found his mind wandering as she spoke, and he caught her wandering just as frequently. He was grateful when his phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.

“Oh, excuse me. This is likely my sitter. I need to use the restroom anyway.” he said. Once she nodded, looking just as grateful as he did for the break, Namjoon rose and headed toward the bathroom. Near to it, he tapped open his phone and clicked the text. 

‘Miss Mingi insisted that I send you and Hobi-hyung this for your formal critique, Mr.Kim.’ Attached was a video. Namjoon’s brows furrowed as he pressed play. It was filmed in his living room, the phone propped up on his couch, if he wasn’t mistaken. Jungkook backed up and pressed play on the YouTube video paused on the television. Immediately a cheery song drifted from the speakers, one Namjoon knew well – Bar Bar Bar, from Crayon Pop. Mingi and Jungkook stood side by side, facing the camera. He looked at her and counted softly. On one, they began doing the choreography to the music. Jungkook’s moves were smooth and obviously practiced. Mingi was a little less cohesive, often losing her place and looking to Jungkook for guidance. He kept an eye on her, helping her catch up by exaggerating the moves when she’d get lost. Mingi’s laughter covered the sound of the music as she caught on, bouncing to the bright beat. Jungkook was grinning broadly, visible even from the distance of the camera.

When the video ended, Namjoon blinked, surprised to find his eyes had watered. He wasn’t an extremely emotional man – even with his daughter… But there was something about it. His heart clenched when he scrolled back in the video. He paused it at a perfect moment. Mingi was looking up at Jungkook, her eyes wide and adoring. Jungkook was looking down, his expression filled with an equal amount of adoration. 

Namjoon blinked quickly to clear his vision, sniffing. He tapped out a response.

‘100 out of 100 for Miss Mingi. 90 out of 100 for Mr. Jeon – your form was off for 0.005 seconds ;)’ 

Namjoon slipped into the bathroom, taking a moment to collect himself before heading back out to the table with Bora. 

On the way his phone buzzed once more, and he couldn’t resist checking it. 

‘I call a biased judging! But she’s adorable, so it can slide :D’

Namjoon chuckled and slid his phone into his pocket as he sat down.

“Everything okay?” Bora asked.

“Yeah, just my sitter checking in.”

Bora sighed, folding her hands neatly over her nearly empty plate. “Tonight has been nice, Namjoon-ssi… But I think you and I both can sense it’s not going anywhere. At least not… Where we’d like it to go.”

Namjoon’s shoulders slumped. He nodded, hanging his head. “I’m sorry. I feel bad, I wanted to make it work.”

Bora reached over, setting her hand over his. “It’s not your fault, or mine. Sometimes these things just don’t work. You are a lovely man, and your daughter sounds like an angel. Someone will be very lucky to finally call you theirs.”

“You too, Bora.” Namjoon squeezed her hand gently. “Yoongi was right, you are amazing. I would like to be friends, if you want.”

She beamed. “I’d enjoy that. So see, the night was not lost. We’ve made new friends.”

Namjoon nodded, smiling softly. “You are right.” He reached up, calling for the check. “Do you have a way home? We can share a car.”

“No, I have my roommate coming to pick me up in a while. I had a feeling we may end things early.”

“Understandable.”

“Do you want a ride?”

“No, I’ll take a car. I need to stop and get cash for Jungkook anyways.”

Namjoon took the bill gratefully and handed over his card to the server. 

When it was returned, Namjoon rose, helping Bora into her jacket and standing out with her until her friend came. She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for dinner.”

“Thank you for sharing it with me.” He smiled softly and waved, watching as the car drove off. He called a car for himself, leaning against a nearby light pole. As he waited, he found himself watching the video Jungkook had sent a few more times, his heart seeming to clench uncomfortably each time. 

The man was unbearably beautiful. And so good with Mingi, Namjoon had never seen someone so naturally good with children. And Mingi’s adoration was clear – she was quite fond of Jungkook already. He would need to have Jungkook over more often. Not even as a sitter, perhaps for dinner one night. He wanted to get to know the boy more himself, if he was being honest. 

Namjoon let his mind wander, and it drifted almost naturally to Jungkook. His body – his smile. 

He wondered what the boy’s story was, where he was from, why he wanted to dance. What he did for fun… If he had a partner… Namjoon knew it was a dangerous line of thinking, but he couldn’t help it. He climbed into the car once it arrived, gazing out the window as they wove through the traffic toward his part of the city. 

The house was quiet when Namjoon entered, and only the hallway light was on. He scowled, looking around. The remains of dinner in the trash, a receipt on the counter… Jungkook’s bag unzipped on the couch, a few books sticking out. Namjoon resisted the urge to snoop. He walked quietly down the hall, peeking into Mingi’s room. 

She was curled up in her bed, arms wrapped in a stranglehold around her little Pegasus as she slept. Jungkook was also in her room. He was sprawled out on the floor, using one of Mingi’s stuffed puppies as a pillow. A textbook and notebook were open to his right, a pencil rolled a few feet away. Chemistry, if Namjoon’s eyes served him correctly. One of Mingi’s storybooks was open to Jungkook’s left. His eyes were shut, plush lips parted as he snored softly.

Namjoon snuck in as quietly as he could, picking up the pencil and carefully shutting the text book. He scooped it up before reaching out and shaking Jungkook lightly. 

Jungkook snorted and shifted, blinking tiredly. He looked up and his eyes widened. He scrambled to his feet, bowing low.

“Sorry—” He whispered.

“Don’t worry about it,” Namjoon responded in a quiet voice He beckoned Jungkook out of the room and shut Mingi’s door. 

“What time did she go down?” Namjoon asked, handing Jungkook’s school supplies back to him as they walked back into the living room.

“A little before I sent you that video. We were busy so I didn’t have a chance to send it before.”

Namjoon nodded. He flipped on the living room light and leaned on the wall, watching Jungkook pack up his backpack.

“You are great with her. Do you have siblings?”

“An older brother, none younger. I’ve just always really liked kids. I help out at the local dance studio when I can, working with five to seven year olds.”

“The one a few blocks away from the college?”

Jungkook nodded. “That’s the one Hoseok told me to enroll Mingi in.”

“Honestly, if I’m not speaking out of turn, the girl has a lot of natural talent. You’d do well to let her nurture it.”

“I’ve thought of it. I’m just…” Namjoon chuckled, “Over protective.”

Jungkook nodded, He sat down on the couch. “Can I ask a personal question?”

“Sure.” Namjoon sat down with him.

“Hobi-hyung told me you were young, and a single father. But you aren’t much older than me. Mingi is school age. What… Happened?”

Namjoon smiled. “When I was a sophomore in college, I hooked up with a kind freshman. She was pre-law, on a scholarship, had a bright future. I was a jackass rich kid who thought I owned the world. We had sex, and the condom broke.” He shrugged. “I knew it was my responsibility too. Having a baby and raising it would have ruined her life. She didn’t want that. So I took responsibility. I offered to help her through the pregnancy, and then when the child was born I’d take full custody.”

“So she’s not in the picture at all?”

“We’re still friends, and she does know Mingi. But she isn’t a mother. Some people just aren’t meant to be parents, and she is one of them, we both know it. I, on the other hand… Have always wanted to be a dad. I just got my wish a few years sooner than planned.”

“So you’re… Only what, Hobi-hyung’s age?”

Namjoon nodded. “We’re the same year, yeah. A few years older than you.”

“You’re so mature and put together.” Jungkook looked around. “I’d kill to be this set up when I’m in my early twenties.”

“It can happen. Just takes dedication.”

“So how did your date go?” Jungkook suddenly asked. He stretched out and lifted his arms, baring his tight stomach for a moment. Not that Namjoon was looking…

“Wh—” Namjoon looked back up to Jungkook’s face. “Oh, uh, yeah, it didn’t go well. She was nice, but…”

“Not compatible.”

“Right.”

Jungkook nodded. “That’s too bad,” he said softly, looking down at his lap.

“Why?” “Well… If it didn’t work out, there’s no more need for a babysitter. I was kinda hoping to come over more to watch Mingi and see… You.”

Jungkook met Namjoon’s gaze, smiling a little. “She must have been blind. You’re a stunning man.”

Namjoon chuckled. “Thank you for the praise, Jungkook. But it was just our personalities, really.”

“Well still. She’s missing out.”

“Just because I don’t have another date with her doesn’t mean I won’t need a sitter. Especially one as good with Mingi and as kind… Maybe I’ll find more time to go out.”

“Or you could stay in,” Jungkook offered. “And just have me over… To hang out.”

Namjoon remained silent. He met Jungkook’s gaze, a little surprised to see his expression had darkened to something far more… Primal. Namjoon’s stomach knotted. 

“Jungkook—"

“I like you. I did the second you opened that door. You’re handsome and mature and a good parent. You seem like the kind of man that knows what he wants… And goes and gets it.”

The spit in Namjoon’s mouth seemed to dry up all at once. “I—I suppose that’s been said.”

“So why are you hesitating?”

Namjoon tilted his head a little, unsure what Jungkook was implying.

“It’s okay, you know,” Jungkook said softly.

“What is?”

 Jungkook smirked. He leaned a little closer to Namjoon. “That you wanna fuck the babysitter.”

Namjoon yelped, jumping to his feet, his eyes widening. “What?!”

Jungkook covered his mouth with his hand, trying to stifle his laughter to no avail. He looked pointedly at Namjoon’s crotch, not moving from the couch. 

Namjoon scowled and looked down. Much to his surprise, he realized his slacks, which fit far too tightly anyways, were beginning to tent with the half-erection he’d gotten. Half hard just from sitting next to a handsome man, what was he, a teenager? Namjoon  covered his crotch quickly. “That’s not— I mean, I’m not a pervert, I—“

“You what?” Jungkook pressed. “Weren’t picturing me naked?” 

Namjoon’s silence seemed to give Jungkook the answer he needed. He rose, stepping toward Namjoon. “It’s a normal fantasy, I suppose. A single parent... A young, handsome man. A big empty bed...” He pushed Namjoon’s hands away from his crotch and cupped the bulge, a smirk on his pretty mouth. 

Namjoon’s eyes rolled back. He could feel his cock hardening further, and Jungkook gave a tentative stroke, sending sparks up his spine.

“It’s big,” he cooed. “I’ll say it again, Mr.Kim...” He moved closer, pressing his lips against Namjoon’s neck before moving to his ear. “Do you wanna fuck your babysitter?”

Namjoon gave a strained groan before nodding quickly. 

“I want you too, sir,” Jungkook responded. Namjoon’s cock twitched in Jungkook’s hand. The way he loved being called that. 

“I don’t get many men to fuck me good and hard... They make me top, usually. Do you want to fuck my ass? Bend me over and make sure I remember you tomorrow?”

“Jungkook—“

“Take me to bed, Mr. Kim.”

“Call me Namjoon, please—“

“I will... But wouldn’t you prefer sir?” 

Namjoon moaned brokenly. He grabbed Jungkook’s hair and yanked his head back, pressing their lips together hard. Jungkook sighed contentedly against Namjoon’s mouth. He twisted his hips forward, and Namjoon could feel Jungkook’s cock growing hard in his jeans. Namjoon broke the kiss quickly and dragged him toward the bedroom, kicking the door shut before shoving him onto his back onto the bed. 

Jungkook giggled, biting his bottom lip. He looked up at Namjoon, reaching down to undo his jeans. Namjoon crawled over him, catching his mouth in another kiss. He pushed Jungkook’s hands out of the way and undid the zipper himself, reaching in to stroke Jungkook’s cock through his boxers. 

“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” Jungkook muttered against his mouth.

“Do you want it?” Namjoon worried, pressing kisses over his cheek and jaw.

“I do. I wanted to kiss you from the moment I met you,” Jungkook admitted. He slid his hands over Namjoon’s shoulders and then around, undoing the buttons on his shirt. “You looked so nice dressed up. You smelled so good. I was a bit jealous.”

Namjoon lifted his head, meeting Jungkook’s gaze. “Jealous?”

“Mhm… That I was the babysitter… And you were going out with someone else.” He pushed his shirt open and leaned up, kissing Namjoon’s bare chest. He bit down lightly on Namjoon’s nipple. The surprise pleasure-pain of it twisted Namjoon’s stomach into little knots, his balls drawing up as his cock twitched. 

Jungkook laid back and bucked his hips, his eyelids fluttering shut when his bulge rubbed over Namjoon’s thigh. 

“Get these clothes off before I rip them off,” Namjoon huffed. He rose and stripped out of his own clothing quickly, his hands shaking as he fought with his belt. Jungkook stripped far more slowly, taking his time to peel his clothing off. Namjoon knew it was on purpose – and it was working – each inch of skin the handsome man revealed had his brain that much closer to short circuiting. 

When Jungkook was naked, he got up from the bed and then sank to his knees in front of Namjoon, reaching up to pull his boxers down. Namjoon’s vision blurred a little as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Jungkook’s breath was hot against the sensitive skin of his shaft. He grinned up at him. 

“Want me to suck your cock, sir?” He purred. Namjoon may have forgotten how to swallow.

His throat clicked and he nodded, not trusting his voice. 

Jungkook laughed a little. He stroked Namjoon gently a few times before wrapping his lips around his tip. His mouth was warm and soft. It sent all sorts of tingles through Namjoon’s body. 

“Oh, Jungkook…” He sighed softly, letting his hand rest lightly on Jungkook’s head. His hair was silky smooth, and Namjoon couldn’t resist running his fingers through it. Jungkook rolled his eyes up, meeting Namjoon’s gaze as he moved forward, taking more of his cock into his mouth. He sucked almost cautiously, huffing a quiet laughing sound through his nose when Namjoon shivered. Another suck, a little harder, and his tongue slid flatly over the underside of the tip. 

“Your mouth,” Namjoon groaned, reaching back to steady himself with the nightstand. 

Jungkook pulled off with a pop. 

“Maybe you should sit.”

“Maybe I should just fuck you,” Namjoon suggested instead, pulling Jungkook up and kissing him deeply. He reached around, squeezing his ass before spreading it, and letting his finger slide over Jungkook’s tight hole.

Jungkook giggled against his mouth, breaking the kiss and blinking at him with almost an innocence. 

“You want to fuck me bad, huh?” He purred, sliding his hands over Namjoon’s chest. Namjoon nodded. Jungkook crawled onto the bed. “Do you have lube? I can give you a show...” He spread his legs open and slid his hands down his inner thighs.

“You know... Next time.” 

Namjoon grabbed Jungkook’s ankles and twisted his legs over one another. Jungkook got the picture and flipped onto his belly. Namjoon lifted his hips as he crawled onto the bed, spreading his ass open.

Jungkook was shaved smooth and clean around his hole, the skin looking delectably soft.

Namjoon thumbed his hole. “God, you’re gonna be so tight on my dick...”

“I like it tight,” Jungkook panted against the pillow. “I like the stretch.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Namjoon held his ass open and spat. He leaned down, catching the spit with his tongue and lapping wetly over Jungkook’s hole. He tasted like fresh soap and something distinctly him. Namjoon could get addicted. 

He immediately began to work his tongue against the tight rim, pausing to lick wet stripes over his ass and balls, massaging his rim with his fingers until it finally began to relax. He picked up a rhythm and pattern with his tongue and fingers, starting to slip more easily into Jungkook’s hole. Namjoon pulled back, scissoring his fingers. Jungkook was gripping the pillow moaning and gasping into it. His hips were raised just enough for the tip of his cock to bump the bed when he moved. A dark streak of precome told Namjoon his sweet new bed mate was trying desperately to hump the bed. 

Endearing, really. Namjoon lifted Jungkook’s hips higher, removing the stimulation against his ruddy, hard cock tip. 

Jungkook whimpered, looking back. His cheeks were pink, sweat dotting his forehead and plastering a few strands of hair down.

“Please—“ 

Namjoon reached between his legs, giving his cock a few firm tugs. As he did, he drove his tongue back up Jungkook’s ass, smirking as the inner muscle reluctantly gave way.

Jungkook grunted into the pillow, jerking forward. 

“Please!” He sobbed, his voice muffled. Perfect.

Namjoon rose and laid over Jungkook, letting his cock nestle between Jungkook’s perky ass cheeks. He kissed over his shoulder as he reached out for the lube, tucked into his top drawer.

“I bet I could make you squirt from eating you out,” he whispered. Maybe I should have you ride my face. Come all over yourself with just my tongue up your tight little ass.”

Jungkook sobbed brokenly.

“No, please—“ He gasped. “Need your cock, sir, please.”

“I know you do, Jungkookie. Just relax. I’ll give it to you.”

Namjoon kissed his cheek and rose back on his knees. He added lube to Jungkook’s hole, and then his own cock. He lined his tip up, taking a moment to appreciate the scene. His babysitter - a young man he’d just met... So fucking handsome. So fucking eager to take his dick. He was definitely making the most of this.

Jungkook screamed into the pillow when Namjoon slid his cock in, stretching him open. He was impossibly tight, even with preparation. Jungkook reached back, holding his ass open. Namjoon took advantage, working more of his cock in. He could see the stretch of Jungkook’s rim, and the way his fingers bit into his plump ass cheeks. His cock was girthy all the way down as he pushed it into Jungkook, rock solid and throbbing against Jungkook’s sensitive rim. 

“That’s it,” Jungkook gasped, turning his head so he could be heard. “Fuck my ass, sir. Pound the babysitter’s tight little hole—“ He cried out when Namjoon slammed in, burying himself to the hilt. He took a moment to let Jungkook relax around him - or maybe a moment to relax his own body, Namjoon wasn’t sure, before beginning to fuck into him. 

Jungkook rose to his knees, wrapping his arms back around Namjoon’s shoulders as he moaned. His hard cock bounced with each thrust, dribbling precome onto the sheets.

“Fuck me,” he whined softly in Namjoon’s ear. “Wreck my tight little hole. I know you need it, you’re so hard in me. Oh—“ He let his head fall back when Namjoon’s teeth found purchase on his shoulder, a firm bite.

“Gonna mark me up?” He purred into Namjoon’s ear. “I came here for a simple job, and you’re violating my body in every way.”

Namjoon’s cock throbbed in his ass, and Jungkook smirked against his jaw. “You like that. You gonna come in me too? Fill me up? I bet there’s a lot - You’re so pent up, sir.” 

Jungkook moaned in his ear. Namjoon’s speed increased. “Yes—“ he whined. “Fuck me and fill me up, send me home all full of you, please—“ he sobbed brokenly. Namjoon pulled out suddenly, and Jungkook’s hole gaped, flexing around nothing. 

He cried out when Namjoon flipped him onto his back. Their gazes met for a moment and Namjoon smirked. He put Jungkook’s legs over his shoulders and lifted his hips, pulling his ass open.

Namjoon spat directly onto the tiny gape, watching as it dribbled into Jungkook’s ass. Jungkook whined softly. “Please—“

Namjoon obliged, lining his cock up and pushing back in. He laid over Jungkook, folding him up as he began to fuck him once more.

The new angle felt more intense, and the eye contact Namjoon now held seemed so much more intimate. Jungkook’s cheeks were a delightful pink, and growing redder. He moaned sweetly, reaching up to hold onto Namjoon’s shoulders.

“So quiet now,” Namjoon teased, his strokes long and deep, making Jungkook’s toes curl against his thighs as his cock slid over his prostate again and again. “Where’s that dirty mouth?”

“D— Do you like it when I talk dirty?” Jungkook panted. 

Namjoon leaned down, kissing over his ear. “You were driving me wild, Jungkook,” he growled. “Do you still want my load, baby? Want me to send you home with an ass full of my come?” 

Jungkook moaned, his fingers biting into Namjoon’s shoulders. 

“Yes! Yes, please, sir— Give it to me—“ Jungkook’s eyes rolled back. “I’m so close—“

“Come then. Come from me wrecking your pretty little hole,” Namjoon demanded. He shifted, picking up speed and aggression with each thrust. 

Jungkook clawed streaks down Namjoon’s back, slamming his head back into the pillow. The pleasure pain of it was nearly too much, but Namjoon struggled to hold on. Jungkook’s cock began to spurt onto his stomach, ass clenching around Namjoon’s cock as he came, choking out Namjoon’s name.

“That’s it.” Namjoon’s voice was smoky and thick, doing his best to drag Jungkook’s orgasm out. “Squeeze my cock, baby. Lemme know how good you’re squirting for me.” He groaned softly. “Such a tight little butt— Fuck— I’m not pulling out—“ he warned.

“Don’t!” Jungkook pleaded. He reached down, grabbing Namjoon’s hips. “Come deep— Oh fuck please, come up my ass, Namjoon, please— Deeper— Oh God!” 

Namjoon swore softly. He buried himself to the hilt, and began to thrust shallowly as his body lit up, sparks of pleasure igniting his nerves. His cock began to jerk as he fucked into Jungkook’s relaxing body. Each twitch was hard and rhythmic as he came, spilling deep inside Jungkook. Jungkook began to clench and relax his rim, trying to milk as much from Namjoon’s cock as he could, even as Namjoon began to soften inside him.

Jungkook let his legs fall open, reaching up to wipe sweat from his brow. He smiled sleepily. “Wow.”

“Wow is right,” Namjoon mumbled. He pulled out slowly, flopping onto the bed beside Jungkook. “You okay?”

“Mhm… Relaxed.” 

Namjoon grabbed a tissue, carefully wiping Jungkook’s stomach, and then sitting up to clean the lube and mess left behind from their sex. 

Jungkook smiled and nodded his thanks before sighing far more heavily. He opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling. 

“What’s wrong?” Namjoon worried, lying next to him once more.

“I should go home.”

“Oh…” Namjoon hesitated. “Or, I mean… It’s late. You could just stay the night.”

Jungkook looked over, his brows furrowed and mouth in a soft pout. “You… Would want me to?”

“Well, I’m not kicking you out after we just made love. If you don’t wanna go…”

“What about Mingi?”

“Well, if she asks, where else would I have you sleep? You’re too big for the couch comfortably. And you couldn’t very well sleep in her room. And I wouldn’t want you driving late at night…”

Jungkook smiled softly. 

“Aw, Mr. Kim… Sounds like you’re almost fond of me. This wasn’t just sex?”

Namjoon’s smile wavered. Jungkook – though teasing – did bring up a good point. Jungkook seemed to notice his shift, because he moved just enough to kiss Namjoon hard. 

“If it was, I’m okay with that. But if it wasn’t… I think I’d be okay with that too,” he said softly. Instead of letting Namjoon answer, he kissed him once more, cupping his cheek.

Namjoon reached up, holding his wrist. He pulled away, pressing their foreheads together. 

“I didn’t give much thought about it, honestly. You are so young, have a whole bright future. I’m already established… I have a kid. I’m not an easy person to have a relationship with, especially not someone in your shoes.”

“Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.” Jungkook laid back down. “But let’s not talk about it tonight. We had amazing sex. I’m all loose and relaxed, and I am tired. Why don’t we get some sleep, and we can talk about it tomorrow, when we’re both fully rested and more aware.”

Namjoon nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.” He kicked the blankets down and pulled them over them. Jungkook snuggled up to him, resting his head on his shoulder and slinging one arm across Namjoon’s middle. His body was warm and soft. It was so… Comforting, if Namjoon was being honest. He could get quite used to something like this, he thought as he wiggled a little closer to Jungkook. If Jungkook did want to date him… He could definitely get used to this.

Namjoon could faintly hear the television. It sounded like a children’s program. Mingi was probably up. He snuggled deeper under his blankets, Jungkook’s warm body still wrapped around him. The morning sunlight was streaming through his window, lightening his eyelids. Heaving a weak sigh, he opened his eyes, taking a moment to adjust to the light before looking over at Jungkook. He was just as beautiful in the daylight. His hair mussed from the pillow, soft lips parted as he slept, chest rising slow and steady. Namjoon’s heart clenched uncomfortably. He wanted Jungkook. As far more than a babysitter, or fuckbuddy, or friend. He truly wanted him. They’d need to talk today.

Namjoon frowned at the door, hearing what sounded like Mingi having a conversation with someone. He wasn’t expecting anyone today… And Mingi knew not to open the door for strangers. Before Namjoon could stand, his bedroom door creaked open. 

Namjoon sat up a little, expecting his daughter. Instead, Yoongi stood in the doorway, a cup holder of coffee gripped in his hands. Hoseok stood behind him, a cardboard box. Namjoon’s eyes widened. He saw Yoongi and Hoseok both move their gaze from him, to Jungkook, and back to him. 

“What the fuck,” Hoseok strained. 

Jungkook sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. “What’s – Oh…” He smiled sheepishly when he realized the company in the bedroom. “Morning, Hyung...”

Namjoon cleared his throat. “What brings you here this morning?” 

“Bora...” Yoongi drifted off. “She told me you two didn’t work out. We came to... Can we speak to you outside for a second, Namjoon?” 

It was Namjoon’s turn to smile sheepishly. “Sure. Wait for me? We need, ah...” he motioned to their pants and shirts strewn on the floor.

Hoseok and Yoongi backed out, shutting the door. 

Jungkook grimaced. “I feel like I’m about to get scolded by a parent.”

“Same,” Namjoon admitted. He rose, pulling on a pair of sweats and a shirt. “Do you wanna wear yesterday’s clothes? Something of mine might fit you...”

“I should wear yesterday’s.”

Namjoon nodded. He watched Jungkook rise, unable to hide the small smile that curved his mouth up. 

“You’re so handsome.” 

Jungkook grinned brightly, pulling on his clothes. “You’re just saying that.”

“Am not. Really, Jungkook... I like you.”

“I like you too, Namjoon.” 

“We should talk. About that.” 

Jungkook nodded. “I agree. After we talk to them,” he chuckled a little. He approached Namjoon, touching his upper arm. “Can I kiss you?”

“I’d like that.” 

Jungkook closed the space between their mouths, giving Namjoon a chaste peck on the mouth. He pulled back, smiling. 

Namjoon opened the door. Hoseok and Yoongi both rose from the couch. 

“Jungkook, would you mind Mingi?” Hoseok asked. Jungkook nodded. He sat next to her, immediately drawing her bubbly attention. 

Yoongi motioned with his head, and Namjoon followed the couple outside.

“What the fuck, Namjoon,” Hoseok said as soon as the door was shut. 

“Why are you swearing at me?”

“I sent you a babysitter, not a fucking hooker.”

“Hey!” Namjoon snapped. “It wasn’t like that.”

“What about the date, Namjoon?”

Yoongi asked. “Why didn’t Bora work out? It wasn’t him...”

“No!” Namjoon shook his head. “Not at all. She’s great. I really enjoyed her company. But she’s not... For me. It has nothing to do with Jungkook.” 

“I find that hard to believe since he was naked in your damn bed this morning,” Hoseok argued, crossing his arms. 

“He’s not a child, Hobi,” Namjoon argued. “You act like I forced him.”

“You were his employer last night, Namjoon,” Yoongi said.

“He made the first move! I reciprocated! I like him, hyung.”

“He’s one of my best students.”

“And if he were to date another student? Would you throw a fit?” Namjoon sighed, letting his arms fall. “I really do like him. The sex was great but... He is so good with Mingi. She adores him. And I find him so easy to talk to. I want to try with him.”

“Hobi...” Yoongi said softly. He glanced over at Hoseok. 

“He made the first move?” Hoseok clarified. Namjoon nodded, smiling a little.

“He’s quite brazen. I couldn’t say no.” 

“Little brat’s gonna be cleaning the dance studio for a week,” Hoseok muttered without much venom. 

Namjoon grinned at that. “Don’t be too hard on him; he’ll probably be sore for a few days.” 

Hoseok blinked, then blinked again, before realization dawned on him. He made a noise that was a cross between a groan and a scream, and gave a dramatic full body shudder. 

“That is my student, Kim Namjoon.”

“And hopefully my boyfriend... if I play my cards right.” 

“I do hope it works out,” Yoongi said. “For what it’s worth. You two did look pretty cute together.” 

“You should see him with Mingi, hyung. They’re already two peas in a pod.”

“I saw the video he sent Hoseok. They do seem to get along great.”

Namjoon’s smile grew almost painfully wide. “That made my whole night.”

“Come on, we should get in. We got you coffee, but didn’t expect a fourth...”

“I’m sure we’ll make due.” 

Namjoon entered, smiling softly. Jungkook was folded up on the floor, coloring with Mingi in one of her books. She was babbling on about something, and Jungkook continued to nod and respond appropriately.

“Mingi, come get food,” Yoongi called.

She bounced up, grabbing Jungkook’s hand and tugging him toward the kitchen. Jungkook let himself be pulled, backtracking to Namjoon as Yoongi served Mingi. 

“Get in too much trouble?” He worried.

“No. But even if I had... It’d be worth it,” Namjoon confessed. He reached up, brushing a lock of hair from Jungkook’s forehead. “What’re you doing tonight?” 

“Just studying.” 

“Have enough free time to slip in a dinner date?”

Jungkook grinned. He stepped a little closer to Namjoon, setting his hands on his hips. “I think I could pull myself away for a few hours.” He pressed a kiss to Namjoon’s mouth. Namjoon grinned against his mouth, chuckling a little. He pulled back still smiling.

“You know what this means?” He walked to the table, grabbing the coffee Yoongi held out for him. 

“What?” Jungkook asked. 

“I’ll need to find a new babysitter.”

[hakuogakuen]

Hakuouki SSL: Chapter 1 (Hijikata)

Here is the translation for chapter 1 of Hijikata’s route! Common route translation is  by yuugs, and the Hijikata-specific scenes translations are by shizuumi. Proofreading by shizuumi, kuririn and dei-hime. 

Translation begins under the cut! You can also find it on our new Blogspot

―― June ――

As the calendar turns to the next page, our uniforms turn to summer ones as well.

In April and May, I was so desperate to get used to high school life that the months just flew by….

Lately, I think I’ve finally made a place for myself in my life at Hakuo Academy.

Of course, it’s still an environment meant for boys so I still feel a little out of place. But thanks to my reliable friends and teachers, I’m living a fulfilling life at school——

Two months have passed since I began high school. It’s a clear and sunny morning in June. When I came to school, immediately after entering the building, the first thing I felt was an odd atmosphere.

As I climbed the stairs, just as I turned onto the landing——

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wah!?”

???: “Ah!”

I collided with the student rushing around the corner, and ended up falling on my butt.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ow…" 

Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun? Sorry…”

Hajime Saitou: “I told you not to rush, Yamazaki. Are you alright, Yukimura?”

I looked up into two faces I recognized. Saitou-senpai was holding a textbook under one arm. He held out his hand to me.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ah… yes, I’m alright." 

Trying not to overthink it, I grabbed his hand and he pulled me upright.

Chizuru Yukimura: ”…Thank you for that.“ 

Chizuru Yukimura:: "I’m sorry, Yamazaki-senpai. I wasn’t being careful.”

As I bowed deeply to the two of them, I noticed a second year textbook had fallen to the floor.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Isn’t this your textbook, Yamazaki-senpai?”

Susumu Yamazaki: “O-Oh, did I drop it?  …I didn’t notice. Thanks.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

Something was off. Yamazaki’-senpai’s eyes had kind of a glazed look,  and there were dark circles underneath them. Saitou-senpai also looked tired.

This seems…

[Are you alright?] or [Are you not getting enough sleep?]

Chizuru Yukimura: “Are you getting enough sleep?”

Susumu Yamazaki: “Well, um, that’s just how it is right now… It’s no big deal.”

Hajime Saitou: “Right. The real pain will begin next week or so." 

Chizuru Yukimura: “…?”

They smiled bitterly, and then turned away. As they did…their gait seemed uneven. They said it wasn’t a big deal, but it didn’t look that way.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if they’re okay…”

I was getting more and more worried, but I didn’t have much time left before homeroom. Without another word, I hurried off to my classroom.

_ _

All morning, the school had been filled with chattering students. The hallway before the classrooms was especially lively. Maybe it was because classes hadn’t started yet. Having gotten to know them over the last two months,  I exchanged greetings with my classmates in the hall as I headed to my classroom. On the way, I saw familiar faces in the distance and suddenly stopped in my tracks.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai?" 

I thought that was a freshman classroom. Why would two sophomores be there? It would be time for homeroom soon…

[Call out to them] or  [Leave them alone]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai!”

I called out to them, waving. Both of them noticed me and immediately came over.

Heisuke Toudou: “Yo, Chizuru. G’morning!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Morning, Heisuke-kun.  Did you guys just come back from practice?" 

Souji Okita: "Yep. Been working like dogs all morning.”

They were part of the kendo club, which often met in the morning. On days when there was morning training, Heisuke and I couldn’t walk to school together. I got a bit lonely those days… But seeing him trying his hardest made me happy.

Chizuru Yukimura: “But why are you guys here?  This is a first year classroom…”

Heisuke Toudou: “That’s… well, the thing is… We were just passing by…”

Souji Okita: “Why not be honest? This guy came by ‘cause he was worried about you.”

Heisuke Toudou: “Ah! Hey, Souji!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Worried…about me?” I blinked in surprise. Heisuke rubbed his head and mumbled.

Heisuke Toudou: “I mean, you’re surrounded by a bunch of guys, right? I’m worried they might pick on you or something.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “No, no, I’m alright. I’ve made a lot of friends in my class these past new months.”

Souji Okita: “There you go. Yet here he comes anyway, worrying his little head off about you. Pretty stalker-ish vibes, don’t you think?" 

Heisuke Toudou: "W-Who you calling a stalker! I’m not anything like one!”

I smiled at Okita-senpai’s and Heisuke-kun’s bickering.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Anyway, guys, I think the bell’s about to ring.”

Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, crap! You’re right!”

Souji Okita: “Well, we’ll probably see you at lunch later.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Yup!”

After seeing them off, I went back to enter the classroom…

When I did, I took out my textbook and notebook to get ready for class. The bell rang as soon as I’d finished, and I heard the sound of the door opening.

Sanosuke Harada: “Take your seats, guys. Homeroom’s starting.”

As Harada-sensei came in, everyone rushed to their seats.

Classmate A: “Stand! Bow!”

Sanosuke Harada: “All right, morning!”

Everyone in class:  “Good morning!”

Sanosuke Harada: “Time for attendance…is what I was going to say, but it seems like everyone’s here. Raise a hand if not.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You can’t do that if you’re not here…”

Ibuki-kun startled me by suddenly speaking up. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. Harada-sensei did make jokes like this at times. He really was a friendly, kind teacher.

Sanosuke Harada: “Now then, you all started school two months ago, and now it’s June. With that being the case…Though you might already know this, our school’s midterm exams start in two weeks! Make sure to study diligently, you guys. Put your feet up and slack off, and who knows what horrors you might be tempting?” Harada-sensei smirked as if he knew something we didn’t.

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Horrors…?”

Sanosuke Harada: “If you think this’ll be the same as tests back in middle school, you’ll be in for a bad time. As you all know, Hakuo Academy has a teacher that’s much more passionate about educating its students than other schools do.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Passionate about educating, meaning–”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “…It’s Hijikata-sensei, isn’t it?”

Sanosuke Harada: “Well, so it goes. Following a certain teacher’s suggestion, there’ll be penalties for students with lower scores. Those scoring less than 50% in a subject will receive a special homework assignment, and must clean all the school’s windows.“

Everyone in class:  ”……“

As Harada-sensei with his explanation, everyone in class got paler and paler.

Sanosuke Harada: “Below 30% gets you cleaning corridors on top of the additional homework… And below that, the punishments get extra special.”

Chizuru Yukimura: ”'Special,’ he says…“

Sanosuke Harada: "Below 20% means doing a problem set, weeding the school yard, and a week of additional classes!”

Classmate A:  “Whaaaaat?!”

Sanosuke Harada: “Sorry, but it’s already set in stone. Don’t like it? Then study like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t think anyone should get lower than 50%. If you study then you’ll be in the clear, right?”

While listening to Harada-sensei, I recalled what happened this morning. The reason why Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai seemed so off was probably this.

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

While I didn’t mind studying, there was no way I’d want extra homework.

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What would that guy do to me if I got myself stuck in supplemental classes...?!” Ibuki’s face drained of all color, and he hung his head. 

This was going to be difficult. I would have to brace myself… The midterm exams would begin the week after next. Although I thought June’s hardships were over, the real battle was just around the corner. 

_ _

After morning classes had finished, it was finally time for lunch. ‘Am I worrying too much about the tests? I feel kind of weird today,’ I thought.

Chizuru Yukimura: “I should go to the cafeteria for the time being.”

Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were probably waiting for me…After quickly putting my school supplies away, I headed for the cafeteria.

For Hakuo Academy students, there were essentially three ways to get lunch. Some students brought a bento from home, and some bought their lunches at the school store. But the most popular lunch choice was to buy a meal from the cafeteria. 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wow…”

The school lunches were all delicious and affordable. It was no wonder they were so popular. I usually brought a bento, but sometimes I didn’t feel like having one. Since it was so popular, it was jam-packed by the time I got there.

Genzaburou Inoue: “Hey, you there! Line up properly! There are plenty of meals to go around...Hey now…! Don’t argue over the rice! Remember your manners and share!”

The beloved school chef, Inoue-san, was also managing the cafeteria. It looked like he was doing a good job sorting the students out, as usual.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun isn’t here yet, huh…?” ‘I’ll get in the way if I stand and wait here. What should I do?’ the moment the thought passed through my mind...

???: “You’re in the way. Move.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh…?”

A voice rang out from the other side of the crowd. Immediately afterwards, the masses parted, splitting into two. Imperious as ever, the figure which emerged between them was...

Chizuru Yukimura: “K-Kazama-senpai…”

Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai pushed away annoyed students left and right, creating an empty clearing in the otherwise crowded cafeteria.

Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru…? For us to meet here of all places… How serendipitous. As I thought, there is a strong bond of fate between us. Don’t you agree?”

Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha–”

Kyou Shiranui: “Is it? You go to the same school with the same cafeteria. Wouldn’t it be weirder if you didn’t see each other?”

Kyuuju Amagiri: “It is strange, now that you mention it... That you have never encountered each other here until today is rather more mysterious.”

Chikage Kazama: “……”

Kyou Shiranui: “Don’t sound like much of a bond to me.”

Chikage Kazama: “……No matter. Whatever the peanut gallery says, rest assured that our meeting today was destiny. As such, I will have your lunch prepared.  Order whatever you wish.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh?!”

Chikage Kazama: “What’s wrong? There’s no need to hold back. Even if you want everything on the menu, I won’t mind.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “That’s not what I’m worried about…! At any rate, treating me to so much is unfair to you!”

Chikage Kazama: “That modesty is a virtue of yours, but I insist that it’s fine. ....Or is it something else? Does the cafeteria food not suit your palate?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “T-That’s not the case at all! It’s delicious! It’s just that……”

As I shook my head, the number of people waiting for food was increasing. Maybe because of how we stood out in the middle, other students couldn’t get in line…The people who were stuck around us were getting angry. ‘W-What should I do…?’ I was so conflicted that I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. Then–

???: “You again, Kazama!!” An ear-splitting yell descended upon us.

Toshizou Hijikata: “Just what do you think you’re doing, harassing the female student in the middle of the cafeteria? Can’t you see she’s about to cry!?”

Chikage Kazama: “Ha. How ludicrous… You say that as if I were the one who made her cry.”

 Kyou Shiranui: “…You say it, Amagiri.”

Kyuuju Amagiri: “Well, I can say we never intended in the slightest to make her cry…”

Toshizou Hijikata: “Then why is she holding back tears? …And why is everyone packed like sardines in here? Out with it.”

Chikage Kazama: “My wife’s eyes are full of tears due to her gratitude for my superb generosity. As to the cafeteria, it just happens to be crowded today. To falsely accuse a single student of being responsible is unbefitting of a teacher such as yourself.”

Toshizou Hijikata: “There’s a suspicious clearing around you and you only! Put two and two together, and it can only be your fault!”

Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai always fought like cats and dogs, and their terrible relationship was infamous at school. Sparks flew the moment they met, and it only ever grew more and more extreme.

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

When I saw Hijikata-sensei coming earlier, I thought everything would be sorted. It relieved me from the bottom of my heart… But far from improving anything, the situation seemed like it was only going to get worse.

Chizuru Yukimura: “…W-What do I do…?”[Stand and watch] or  [Forcibly break them up]

I was a bit scared to intervene, but if I didn’t do something, they'd trouble even more people. Summoning my determination, I took a deep breath and called out to them.

Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Hijikata-sensei, Kazama-senpai!"

Chikage Kazama: "Look now, Hijikata. Your quibbling has even annoyed my wife as well. If you've so much time to kill that you can stick your nose in other's love lives, why don't you go on and eat whatever you do for lunch?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...! The people around here are...!"

Toshizou Hijikata: "I was on my way to eat when I had to deal with the nuisance in the room... By the way, don't get it twisted. She isn't married to you, nor does she plan on marrying you."

Chizuru Yukimura: "......Please listen to what I have to say!!"

Hijikata ＆ Kazama: "———"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Anyway, let's clear out of here!"

I forcibly grabbed both of their arms, and dragged them out of the cafeteria.

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Don't you realize that making such a racket would bother everyone else?"

My heart was still pounding from raising my voice... But looking back at the cafeteria, the traffic seemed to smooth itself out thanks to the odd clearing going away.

Toshizou Hijikata: "...You're absolutely right. When Kazama is involved, I tend to lose my head."

Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No... I'm sorry as well. I think I was a little too aggressive..."

Chikage Kazama: "...What are you whispering about over there? Hijikata, don't stand so close to my wife. Put some distance between you."

Toshizou Hijikata: "......"

Chikage Kazama: "Hmph... It seems that you finally understand the position you're in. Now, with you more at ease, I will permit you to eat with me, wife of mine." 

Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"

Kyuuju Amagiri: "As expected of Kazama-sama. The instant the conversation starts to simmer down, he brings it right back up to a boil again, toute suite."

Kyou Shiranui: "Why does that impress you?"

Amagiri and Shiranui had followed us out of the cafeteria and had begun the a running commentary. But I wish they would help stop it, not play along with it…!

Chikage Kazama: "Hehehe, Hijikata… You've gone quiet all of a sudden. Do you have no further comebacks? If so, then leave my sight. Never speak up against my and my bride’s romance again!”

Toshizou Hijikata: "...You no-good little...!!"

Kyou Shiranui: "Hijikata's irritated but he's putting up with it well. Now that's the response of a respectable adult."

Kyuuju Amagiri: "Although Kazama-sama is winning, I do wish he would reflect upon his childish behavior..."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Please, tell him something that important directly...!"

Although he has to keep quiet putting up with this, Hijikata-sensei looks ready to explode. And so, I…

Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um!"

[Sensei! I have a question!] or [Please ask me next time] or [I promised someone else]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei, I have a question!!"

Toshizou Hijikata: "...What?"

I'd no choice but to distract him myself. Trying to change the subject, I opened my mouth, and desperately began to ad-lib:

Chizuru Yukimura: "There's actually something I wanted to ask you about classical literature! I'm having trouble with interpreting the Paulownia section in the Tale of Genji..."

Toshizou Hijikata: "Hey. You don't even have your textbook with you. What are you saying? Have you memorized it?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh..."

Chikage Kazama "...How boring."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"

I was confused, Hijikata-sensei looked amazed, and Kazama-senpai looked dissatisfied.

Chikage Kazama: "Just where has this conversation ended up? Don't tell me you forgot I was here?!"

Kyuuju Amagiri: "Well, the tests are soon upon us. Everyone is concerned with their studies during this time. That's simply how it is."

Chikage Kazama: "My interest has dwindled... Let's go."

Kyou Shiranui: "Huh?! What about our lunch?!"

Kyuuju Amagiri: "...Give it up, Shiranui. We'll just buy bread at the school store.

Kyou Shiranui: "Damn it! I was looking forward to eating the cafeteria food!!"

With Shiranui-senpai dissatisfied and Amagiri-senpai troubled, they went to chase down Kazama-senpai, who had already left.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Good grief..."

With those three out of sight, Hijikata-sensei let out a sigh.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Thanks, Yukimura.  ...You couldn't bear to just watch, so you interrupted on purpose, right? We would've argued to no end if you'd left us to our devices. I appreciate you stopping us."

Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, I didn't really..."

Toshizou Hijikata: "That being said, it seems you’ve caught the interest of some pretty weird types, haven’t you..."

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm alright, but I do wonder why Kazama-senpai is so interested in me..."

Toshizou Hijikata: "Beats me. I've known him for a long time, but I still can't tell what he's thinking. Don't think about it too much."

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Yes, sir..."

Toshizou Hijikata: "Also, if you really have a question, come and ask me anytime. ...Do you like classic texts?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"

Toshizou Hijikata: "I see...” a smile flickered on Hijikata-sensei’s face. “There are plenty of others besides the Tale of Genji. Look forward to them.” Then his expression turned stern. "That you need to be careful now goes without saying. Don't neglect studying for your tests."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I've definitely braced myself for them.  I'll study well!"

After giving me a slight smile, Hijikata-sensei left. 

Feeling grateful for his kindness, I smiled at his back as I watched him leave.

As the days went by, the older students, who already knew how severe the penalties were, grew more and more desperate. Seeing them also made us grow more anxious as well, as freshmen. The strange tension that enveloped Hakuo Academy just kept growing stronger.

And then…

―��  7 days until the tests ――

While we studied for our tests day after day, Harada-sensei looked around at our exhausted faces and grinned from his podium.

Sanosuke Harada: “Looking good, guys. It looks like you lot finally understand how serious we are about our tests.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What does he mean, 'looking good’? This is just agony…”

Sanosuke Harada: “Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like I don’t get what you’re going through. Just think of this as a rite of passage. This is what you signed up for enrolling into Hakuo Academy. There’s no turning back now. Anyway, just do your best.”

Everyone in class: ”……“

What he said was irrefutably correct. Everyone lost the will to argue, and went silent.

_ _

――  6 days until the tests ――

That day, I ran into Kazama-senpai in the corridor without expecting to. Naturally, Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai were shadowing him, as usual.

Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru. Less than a week remains until testing begins. Are you studying properly?”

Chizuru Yukimura: "I am. I’m working at my own pace, and it’s going fairly well, I think…”

'How about you, Kazama-senpai?’ ...I felt like I didn’t even need to ask. Why? Because he seemed plenty calm, a smug smile spreading across his face.

Chikage Kazama: “These students growing so flustered over mere high school tests is truly unsightly. Don’t you think so?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Uh… T-That’s…”

Kyou Shiranui: "Uh, no, 'cause high school students are bound to freak out over high school tests. Rather than unsightly, it’s just normal.

Kyuuju Amagiri: ”…Kazama-sama. If we do not depart soon, you will be late for your next lesson.“

Chikage Kazama: “Hmph. Whether or not I attend any classes, there’s not a single thing the test will cover that I won’t understand… But very well. Let us show our faces in class for today. Well then, I bid you farewell.”

I was left standing alone in the hallway, overwhelmed as Kazama-senpai swaggered off with an arrogant look on his face.

_ _

――  5 days until the tests ――

Chizuru Yukimura: “Good morning, Saitou-senpai.”

Hajime Saitou: “Is that you, Yukimura? Morning.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “You still have disciplinary committee work in the mornings even though we only have five days until the tests. That must be hard…”

Hajime Saitou: “No, it’s important to accumulate knowledge on a regular basis in order to study properly. So there’s no point in panicking just before a test.”

Just what you’d expect from Saitou-senpai…

Hajime Saitou: “However, all sports and culture clubs have suspended their activities for the tests. So since Heisuke’s not with you, he must be late. One strike for him.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “N-No, he’s on class duty today, so he should’ve arrived before me!”

Hajime Saitou: “Come to think of it, he might’ve passed by a short while ago…”

Looking at him more closely, I could see the dark bags under Saitou-senpai’s eyes. On the surface, he looked as dignified as ever, but his grip on his pen looked a little shaky, too. Perhaps Saitou-senpai was staying up late studying too…

_ _  ――  4 days until the tests ――

On Saturday, I was studying in my room, when suddenly my cell phone rang.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Okita-senpai…?”

‘A message with a picture attached, as usual. Let’s have a look…’

He’s making a peace sign at the camera, with an odd-looking plushie hanging from his hand.

“I won a toy that I thought you’d like. 

I’ll give it to you at school. 

I’ll bring it up to your classroom for you, even.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

‘What kind of tastes does he think I have? Moreover…’

Chizuru Yukimura: “Even though it’s a Saturday with tests right around the corner, he still finds time to fool around!”

_ _ 

――  3 days until the tests ――

It was Sunday morning.

I decided to do a little sweeping by the front door for a change of pace. At that moment, Heisuke appeared, staggering.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun?! Are you okay…!?”

Heisuke Toudou: “Chizuru… Mornin’…”

He had terrible, dark bags under his eyes and his eyes were hollow. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even walk straight.

Heisuke Toudou: “I-I’m on the verge of falling asleep… So I’m running a lap around the block. Must…stay…awake…”

Chizuru Yukimura: “But if you don’t sleep a little, you won’t last until the test!" 

Heisuke Toudou: "No way! I’m not done studying yet! I’ll totally flunk it!! Don’t stop me, Chizuru! Don’t stop me! I’m not ready to die yet!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wait, Heisuke-kun! A whole lap around the block is too much no matter how you look at it—”

I tried to stop him, but he’d already run off... While watching his disappearing figure staggering in zigzags down the road, I could only pray for his safety.

_ _ 

――  2 days until the tests ―― 

During recess.

I gathered my class’s printouts and brought them to the staff room…

Toshizou Hijikata: “……”

Hijikata-sensei, looking particularly annoyed, was sighing deeply. He looked no better than the students, just as exhausted by pre-test frenzy.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Is something wrong, Hijikata-sensei?”

Toshizou Hijikata: “Those guys are so tired from cramming that they sleep through my classes. Because of them, I’m screaming my lungs out every morning. Classes are a key part of test preparations. Their priorities are all backwards!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “…You’ve been working really hard…”

I think they just stay up all night studying out of fear of punishment… Even though I understood Hijikata-sensei’s concerns, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

__  

―― At last, the day before the test ――

Chizuru Yukimura: “Finally, it’s tomorrow…”

At the end of the school day, while I was putting away my textbooks, I glanced to to the desk beside mine…

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “……”

Ibuki-kun sat here, engrossed in his studies, showing no signs of getting up to go home.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ibuki-kun, aren’t you going home?”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “Ah… I wouldn’t be able to study even if I did. Since Serizawa-san’s there...”

Ibuki-kun often mentions him when we talk. It seems like he doesn’t get along with this ‘Serizawa-san’. With him looking so cornered, I could only bring a forced smile to my lips.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Do your best.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You too.”

He gave a little smile, and then, as if he were clinging onto his desk, dived back into his books for the test.

At that moment…

Chizuru Yukimura: “?”

I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. A message notification came up on my screen.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, it’s from Sen-chan.”

Sen is my friend who attends Shimabara Girls’ High School not too far away from my academy.

—–

Sub: Will you be okay for the test?

Chizuru-chan, are you going to be okay for the tests?

I can’t take it anymore~!

I just want to run away from it all~!

But, after we get through these midterms, we definitely need to hang out! 

I will survive them on your moral support, Chizuru-chan!!

—– 

Chizuru Yukimura: “I see. They have tests at the same time as us. Shimabara High is a sister school to Hakuo Academy, come to think of it…”

“Jeez, Sen-chan…”

Having read her message, I decided to reply right away. ‘But what should I write?’

[Looking forward to it!] or [Concentrate on studying!]

"'Don't try to escape reality!' ...Send."

We have to concentrate on our studies now. I told her that in a reply, and after a little while…

—–

RE: Will you be okay for the test?

Chizuru, you're too serious…

—–

Chizuru Yukimura: "...W-Well, I should study for tomorrow."

I messed that one up. My chest tightened a little. I'll properly make it up to her once the tests are over and done with. Having decided that, I left the classroom. 

‘Now then…’

Chizuru Yukimura: "Guess I'm not heading home right away today. I'll stop by the library."

Just like Ibuki-kun said, there are all kinds of distractions at home that might hamper concentration. ‘Tomorrow's test day. The real deal. I have to do my absolute best today!’ 

I headed to the library with that in mind, but it seemed that everyone else had had the same idea. The library was practically overflowing with students. It was much more crowded than usual. I managed to somehow find an open seat, and started revising my notes.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh-huh..."

I started with Classical Literature for 30 minutes. Before I went on to cover the questions I didn't get, I suddenly stopped writing.

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Right. I should find a reference book since I'm at the library..."

With that in mind, I went through the bookshelves sorted by subject to look for the book I needed.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah...Is it that one?"

There it was, on the topmost shelf: a reference book on classical literature, complete with a glossary. Hijikata-sensei recommended this one, saying it was especially useful, since it included detailed explanations as well.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Hm...Huh...Alrighty then..." 

I reached for the book on the top shelf with all my might. But with my height, I couldn't reach it even while stretching my hand.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Just a little further...!"

???: "You looking for this one?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

A hand suddenly stretched out from behind me, the scent of tobacco surrounding me. I froze. And when I turned around in my confusion, his face was much closer than I expected.

(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°) 

Toshizou Hijikata: "Ahh… This is the book I recommended. I see you remembered it, huh? Kids these days don't appreciate all you do for them. You recommend them some books, meaning to be helpful, and they just forget the moment they're out of the classroom."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Whoa!!" Belatedly, I yelped in surprise.

Toshizou Hijikata: "...You're real jumpy, aren't you? Relax a little."

Chizuru Yukimura:: "S-Sorry..!"

That was such an idiotic reaction on my part. My face flushed with embarrassment the moment I realized it.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, it's just… I never thought that I'd see you in a place like this."

Toshizou Hijikata: "Whether I'm here or anywhere else in the school, I'm still a staff member here. I visit the library too when I need to."

Chizuru Yukimura: "...I see..." ‘What do I do?’ I was so embarrassed I wished I could run away...!

Toshizou Hijikata: "Here, take it."

Chizuru Yukimura: "T-Thank you for helping me."

Toshizou Hijikata: "You're welcome. But still... The library is usually so deserted. But before a test, it's swarming with people. If only they were always this willing to study without needing to be motivated by penalties. That'd be much better."

Hijikata-sensei nodded bluntly, looking over the library with a somewhat bewildered expression.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Anyway, Yukimura. Haven't I told you that you can ask me anytime if there's something you don't get in classical literature?"

His stern gaze had me fidgeting nervously, but I decided to speak my mind.

Chizuru Yukimura: "But... You've been looking very tired lately... I felt bad wasting your time by bothering you with questions..."

Toshizou Hijikata: "So I really look so tired that even students have started worrying, huh.” He nodded solemnly; it seemed he was perfectly aware of his own exhaustion.

Toshizou Hijikata: "More importantly, how are your studies going?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right. I think I'm working hard enough that I won't suffer any penalties."

For a brief moment, a faint smile flickered on Hijikata-sensei's face. But it turned into a strict frown the very next second.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura. I'll tell you now: You won't get any special treatment. The fact that you're the only girl in the whole school in no ways means that we'll go easy on you."

As he fixed me with a stern look, I said…

[I'm ready to face it.] or  [I'll be fine!]

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm gonna be fine!"

Toshizou Hijikata: "I-...Is that right...?" Hijikata blinked in surprise at my cheerful response.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Thinking about the penalty does get me a little nervous... But it'd be unfair for everyone else for me to get a lighter punishment just because I'm a girl."

Toshizou Hijikata: "But it was meant for the boys in the first place. Cleaning the whole school may end up needing a lot of physical labor... That'd be much tougher than doing the homework, don't you think?"

He carefully chose his words, as if trying to make sure that I understood what he meant.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Even if it's tough, there's no helping it."

Toshizou Hijikata: "......"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Everyone in the academy already attends so much to my needs. On top of being able to attend the same school, I shouldn't let myself be spoiled by everyone's kindness too much..."

As I carefully spoke my mind, Hijikata-sensei nodded silently.

Toshizou Hijikata: "It's good that you understand that. You know, any other student in your position could've said something pathetic along the lines of: I'm a girl, so please go easy on me'... I would have deeply regretted accepting you into our school if you turned out to be like that."

As he said that, his gaze on me was surprisingly calm.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura. You've got guts. That's one of your strengths. Keep doing your best."

Chizuru Yukimura: "...I will!"

He gave me a little smile and nodded at my words. Seeing that, I relaxed a little as well.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Hijikata-sensei. Can I ask you one thing?"

Toshizou Hijikata: "What is it?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "There's something I got curious about while we were talking... Could it be that you were the one who came up with the idea of having penalties?"

Upon hearing my question, the soft expression on Mr. Hijikata's face changed momentarily.

Toshizou Hijikata: "...Well, yeah. Maybe it's a bit too harsh, but I absolutely must raise the schools’ grades by all means possible. If it's for the sake of students’ grades… I'm willing to do anything."

In his eyes, I saw a glimpse of something hidden deep within his heart.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked you that."

Toshizou Hijikata: "...No, it's fine. Anyway, don't you also think that the penalties are too strict?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "...I don't know. It's my first time facing them, so I don't know how I'm supposed to feel. But..." After a brief pause, I continued, "There's a reason you had to do it this way, right? In that case, I'll trust your judgement, and do my best as well."

Hijikata stared at me with a look of surprise. And then…

Toshizou Hijikata: "You're pretty cheeky, aren't you?" His face unexpectedly relaxed into a droll smile. "I assume you're going to stay here and study for a while, but be sure to return home before it gets dark. Nothing good will come out of last minute cramming anyway. ...Got it?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, sir. Thank you very much."

As I bowed, he nodded in return and then quickly left the library.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, I'll go work for a little longer...!"

Thanks to chatting with Hijikata-sensei, my mind had cleared up. I felt like I could definitely solve all the questions that seemed too hard for me before. After all, with the reference book that Mr. Hijikata recommended, I had a powerful ally on my side.

__

The day of the test had finally arrived. It was time for the real thing at last. I studied as much as I possibly could,  but still felt a bit anxious…

The tests had finally started. I thought back to Hijikata-sensei's words. Even though my nerves made me freeze up somewhat, I could feel myself gradually growing calmer.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Okay... Let's do this!"

[Minigame Pass]

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm in good condition. I'll do fine."

The test today had a blank column in which I was able to fill out my answer sheet completely. ‘This must've also been thanks to Hijikata-sensei...!’

Then, several days later…

Chizuru Yukimura: "What a relief...!"

I saw the test results that had been posted on the notice board, and it lifted the weight off my chest. Of course, avoiding the penalties put me at ease, but I also got a better grade than I expected.

Toshizou Hijikata: "Well done, Yukimura."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Mr. Hijikata!"

Toshizou Hijikata: "Kids who don't normally study like they mean it already couldn't get grades like these even if they tried."

‘Could it be that he came here to praise me...?’ Thinking that made me feel somewhat embarrassed.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I got such good grades thanks to you, Mr. Hijikata." 

Toshizou Hijikata: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "In the library the day before the test, you gave me that pep talk."

Toshizou Hijikata: "Ohh, that... You'd have known all that even if I hadn't said anything."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Even so, Sensei... What you said really resonated with me."

Toshizou Hijikata: "...I see."

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'll work hard and study diligently every day!"

Hijikata-sensei nodded with a little laugh and kept speaking.

Toshizou Hijikata: "The next time you have any questions you don't understand, don't be shy. Make sure you come and ask me, since that's part of my job as a teacher. ...Got it?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei..."

It was a little embarrassing, but hearing that made me happy as well.

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Thank you very much."

Not only did I feel relieved that I avoided the penalties, but having Mr. Hijikata's praise on top of that made me so happy...

I really felt glad that the test results came out. If they hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to see Mr. Hijikata's smile in the least.

_ _

At last, the tests were over, and the results had been announced…The tension gradually seeped out of the school, and everything slowly went back to normal.

After school, after the test results were announced…I was on my way out of the school building to return home when…

Isami Kondou:  “……”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Just now…was that Kondou-sensei?” 

Kondou-sensei went around to the back of the school.  When I saw that, I paused. ‘There isn’t anything over there, so where is he going…?’ I thought it was kind of mysterious.  And so, egged on by my curiosity, I jogged after Kondou-sensei. I went further behind the school… I’d never set foot back here before.  After reaching his destination, Kondou-sensei suddenly stopped.

Isami Kondou:  “……”

‘What is this place…?’ Towering in front of me was an old gate, and my eyes widened. ‘To think there was such a place here, right on academy campus…’

Isami Kondou:  “……”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Um…”

Isami Kondou:  “Hm… Yukimura-kun? Why are you here?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m sorry. I saw you heading this way, and curiosity got the better of me…”

Isami Kondou:  “Ahh, so that’s what it was.”

Kondou-sensei smiled in understanding,  and turned his gaze back towards the gate. The old wooden door was shut tightly, looking like it hadn’t been opened in a long time. It had been two months since I began studying at Hakuo Academy, but I never knew such a place existed until now.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Um, Kondou-sensei.  What is this place…?” 

Isami Kondou:  “‘The Shieikan.’”

Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?”

Isami Kondou:  “…That’s what it was called, at least. There used to be a swordplay dojo here by that name.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Used to be?” 

Isami Kondou:  “Yes. As you can see, it’s closed now. There are no students here; there’s no one at all. But the teachings of that dojo are certainly still being passed down… That’s what I believe.”

There was a look in his eyes; almost as if he were lost in a different time, far from the present. I got the feeling that this must’ve been a very important place to Kondou-sensei.

Isami Kondou:  “I always come here whenever I want to return to my roots…This place, the Shieikan, is Hakuo Academy’s starting point.” 

Kondou-sensei put his hand on the place where I expected the sign must have once hung, and his eyes shut, lost in nostalgia.

…'Shieikan.’ As if to confirm the word, I mouthed it to myself. That name… I felt as if I’d heard it before…

Chizuru Yukimura: ”……“

Looking at me as I thought about it, Kondou-sensei smiled and kept talking.

Isami Kondou:  “Yukimura-kun, it looks like the sun is about to set.  Don’t you think it’s time for you to head home?” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, right. That’s true. It’s already so late…” 

Isami Kondou:  “By the way, I heard from Toshi.  It looks like you got some magnificent test results this time around.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Hijikata-sensei said that?” 

Isami Kondou:  “Yes, you’re the most talented woman in the history of Hakuo Academy! It truly is magnificent!” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “…Thank you very much.” 

There was no hint of lies or flattery in  Kondou-sensei’s cheerful words… I remembered how he delivered them while walking away, and I felt a little embarrassed.

Isami Kondou:  “A student has a duty to study, so I want you to continue trying your hardest! But of course, it’s not just your studies. If you also have fun living your everyday life at Hakuo Academy... As this school’s principal, I’d be very happy!” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Yes!” 

Returning his nod as he smiled, I looked back at ‘Shieikan’ only once. He had called it the ‘starting point’ for the school. I wonder what that meant…? Questions along those lines came to mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder at such a mystery…

Anyway, I would do my best from here forward. I smiled, in high spirits.

[mysingularitybts]

Imagine Facetime Surprises

Pairing: idol! Kim Seokjin x reader

Genre: fluff

Warnings: none 

Word count: 1415

A/N: I hope you all enjoy this imagine. It’s a little bit longer than expected, but oh well 🤷🏽‍♀️Please, let me know if you liked it!

You stood in front of your computer waiting for your boyfriend, Jin, to call you on Facetime. You hadn’t been able to properly talk to him for about a week because of both of your schedules. When Jin was on tour it was hard for your relationship. So, Facetiming and calling each other was a very important thing, and even though it had only been a week you missed him like crazy.

Finally, you saw your computer light up with the notification of an incoming call. Excited to talk to your boyfriend you answered the call immediately and saw Jin’s beautiful face pop up. You couldn’t help but notice how tired he looked. Being on tour was always hard on the boys because of the constant rehearsals and concerts plus writing and recording new songs. It was never-ending.

“Hi princess,” he said waving his hands and giving you a charming smile “how are you?”

While rolling your eyes you replied, “Well, besides the normal stress of college, I’m good.” “It should be over soon,” Jin spoke with a knowing look “I can’t wait to see you walk down and get your diploma,” he said with an expectant look. “Wait, you’re coming?!” you asked excitedly.

You were going to graduate in about a month. It had been a hard four years but Jin was always there to support and motivate you through the long nights and stressful group projects. It meant the world to you that he got to be there on such a special day.

“I wouldn’t miss it!” he exclaimed. “I know it’s an exciting day for you. So, I did everything possible so I could be there,” he confessed while scratching his neck. “What did you do?” you asked suspiciously your eyes narrowing. “Well, I talked it through with our manager,” he began “luckily, we didn’t have a concert that day or the day afterward since we were supposed to film something. But then the director had something come up. So, suddenly, we had two free days.” He finished giving you a wink. 

“What a coincidence, huh?” you said giving him a knowing smile.

“Either way, I can’t wait to see you,” you said softly as you looked at your boyfriend. “You know I’d do anything for you,” Jin mentioned while blushing.

“I know, but it worries me sometimes. I am glad you’re coming, but a part of me feels guilty,” you confessed as you looked down. “Why is that?” he asked curiously. “Well those days are meant for resting and here you are traveling a long distance just to see me. Even now you look tired,” you said giving him a concerned look. “I’m doing it because I want to. I love you. So, I’m taking this opportunity to spend time with you,” he tried to reason. All you wanted to do was reach into the screen to hug and kiss the life out of him. “I understand I just worry about you,” you said defeatedly. “Don’t. My health is perfectly fine and if I look tired it’s because it’s been a long day. Nothing a good night’s sleep can’t fix,” he reassured you with a smile. While it was partly true, Jin hadn’t been able to have a good night’s sleep in a while. The constant traveling gave him a bad case of jetlag and it didn’t help that his schedule consisted of waking up early and getting to the hotel late at night. He didn’t complain though he was doing what he loved even if it came with consequences. “Good, we wouldn’t want our worldwide handsome to miss his beauty sleep.” You joked trying to lighten the mood “There’s something I want to run by you.” It was something that had been bothering you for a while now and while you didn’t need Jin’s approval per se you did feel the need to ask him. “What is it?” he asked. Looking at you, he noticed you looked nervous. “For a class assignment, we had to look for job offers, and I found a job I found interesting and when I saw the company it was Bighit. So, I was planning on applying for the job.” You honestly hoped Jin didn’t have a problem with it since the job described everything you wanted to do after college. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it?” “Yeah of course why wouldn’t I be?” He was curious, no doubt about your question since he thought that working for the same company might be beneficial. He might have a chance to see you more often. “I just don’t want you to think I’m invading your space or anything,” you explained fiddling your fingers. “Yah, don’t be ridiculous I would be glad to have you around more often,” he said with a smile easing your worries. “hahaha, that’s what you say now. Besides we wouldn’t know if I would work alongside you it’s a big company after all.” If you ended up applying and getting the job you might not even interact with the band maybe you would be assigned to work with another group. “Yeah, you’re right but speaking about spending more time together…” he started saying but then drifted off “Yeah?” you nudged anxiously “I was going to wait to give you your graduation present, but I’m gonna do it now to motivate you through the last month,” Jin said mysteriously. “Where is this mystery coming from?” You wanted to know what this present was since apparently, Jin couldn’t wait one more month. “Since you have some free weeks in the summer, I made some arrangements, and the only thing I need is your decision…” He explained. “Come on Jin just tell me already,” he always liked to tease you when it came to surprises. “To come on tour with us,” he finally revealed chuckling.

Unbeknownst to you, Jin had to go through a lot to be able to bring you on tour, but he didn’t care because he would do anything for his relationship. Long-distance relationships are hard and while you two made it work it was time to spend some real-time together in person. Even if just for a few weeks. He missed you more than anything and he saw a good opportunity, so he took it.

“Wah seriously?! I would love too!!” to say you were ecstatic was an understatement. “I knew you wouldn’t deny it. We will leave when I visit you for graduation.”   “This summer is going to be the best,” you said while smiling at him. “You’re too good to me, what did I do to deserve you?” you asked. It was an honest question you asked yourself often. Jin was such a good partner it was unbelievable. He always went the extra mile. At times it made you feel bad since you couldn’t do more for him. “Nonsense, you are amazing. If anything, I must have done a great thing in my past life to deserve you in this one,” Jin argued.

What Jin said was, also, true.  You didn’t notice everything you did for him, but he did. You loved him unconditionally and for who he was not just for Jin from BTS. Besides you had the patience to have a long-distance relationship with him. Not only that but even when he was in Korea with a tight schedule you never complained about the limited time he could give you.

“Well then we both did great things,” you compromised because, in truth, you both deserved each other. “On another note, the boys are excited to see you. Sometimes I think they like you more than me,” he whined with a pout. “Nah, they love their hyung especially Jungkook,” you reassured him.

With a final laugh, you kept talking for one more hour. This call had been one of the best ones in a while. It was filled with plans for the summer and the promise of finally being able to see each other.

“I have to go now, princess. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” Jin sadly said. “I’ll be waiting. I love you,” you said as you blew him a kiss. “I love you more,” he responded as he sent you a kiss of his own.

“Sweetdreams, make sure to dream of me,” he cheekily said. “As long as you dream about me, you got a deal,” you ‘negotiated’ with a laugh. “Every night baby,” and with that, the call was over.

[btsfan15]

Soaked!

"Wow, this set is amazing!"

I was at the set of Epiphany again. Jin already finished yesterday's shoot, so I decided to visit him today. I was gonna stay home and relax, but I decided to watch Jin film his comeback trailer. Today, Jin is filming the spectacular rain scene.

"This is where I get rained on." Jin says to me. "I'll get in for the scene."

"Oh, I can't wait!" I say.

"If you were wondering how the rain scenes are shoot, take a look over there." He points over to the set. There were two sprinklers on each side, with a light in the middle.

"Wow! That's amazing!"

"We use a set like that for rain." Jin says. "I'll show you what it's like today."

The sprinkles start spraying water everywhere.

"Woah, it looks like real rain!" I say.

"In a TV drama, you'll often see pouring rain and the main character trudging along it. It's something like that."

"Ah, yes. I've seen that before."

"Okay, let's get started!" The staff says.

Jin gets in position and I watch. He's just standing there and he still looks handsome. Wow, he's beautiful. The sprinklers start spraying water on Jin, getting him wet. I could see the sadness in his face. He is really an amazing actor.

He was expressing complicated emotions under the heavy rain. He walks out of the rain, completely soaked. He laughs. The staff brings him a towel. He wipes himself.

"That was amazing!" I say.

"Thank you, but why was the water so strong?" Jin says. "I had my eyes closed and the water just smashes into them. I couldn't lift my head. It hurt so much."

"Was the water warm at least?" I ask.

"It's not warm water, but it's not cold."

"Try and cry a little." I say. "Or you could breathe hard."

Jin shrugs his shoulders up down, making me laugh. He's so cute, even when he's wet.

The shoot continues and Jin is in deep sorrow under pouring rain. His acting skills get better and better. Once again, Jin walks out of the rain.

"You look like a drowned rat." I laugh.

He laughs.

The staff tells him he didn't come to the center, so he has to do it again. They dry his hair. I could see that he was thinking about the other guys.

"Are you thinking about the other members?" I ask, pouting.

"They should be here at a time like this!" Jin says. "All they did was to eat!!!" He sounded frustrated.

I chuckle.

"You know, the reason I came here was to watch you and give you comfort."

Jin looks at me.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I knew you would feel lonely without them."

"Yah, Navya! You're so sweet." He smiles and I smile back. "Thank you. It really means a lot."

"Anytime. That's what friends are for."

He gives me his bread smile, making me giggle.

Once again, Jin goes through the rain, only this time, he walks in the center. I watch and smile.

Soaked, wet, yet handsome...

"Shake your head!" The director says.

Jin shakes his head. That was hot. He then flips his hair back, making me getting goosebumps. That was hotter. Now that I've seen this scene, Jin looks so hot when he's wet. And handsome, too. Watching him reminds me of those romantic scenes when the main characters are running the rain and they kiss.

Hmm...I wonder if-no, no, no, no, no. I can't be thinking about that right now. I shake the thought from my head and focus on Jin.

He wipes himself off with a towel.

"Yay, you stood in the center!" I say, grinning.

"I'm so sad..."

"Awww."

We monitor Jin's killer move in the rain. We all gasp in amazement.

"Wah, you look so handsome!" I giggle.

Jin chuckles.

Now, we need the detail cuts! As the heavy rain pours down, Jin's soulful actor becomes deeper. He looked even more handsome now. A whole buffet, to be specific. We got some good footage. I monitor behind and saw one that really made my legs turn into jelly.

Jin wiped his lips.

I suddenly got butterflies in my stomach. The reason why I'm like this is because Jin such amazing lips. They're plump, soft, juicy, and red. It looks like he's wearing lipstick, but that's just the color of his lips. He doesn't even need lip balm. Just thinking about his lips makes me wanna ki-no, I can't. I need to stop thinking about these thoughts.

"I feel bad for you." I say, once he comes out of the rain. "You're getting drenched all day long."

"Don't be. Be lucky you're not the one getting wet." He says.

I smile.

The staff gives him a towel and he wipes himself.

"I'm 27, but it still feels nice to be buttered up."

I laugh.

We monitor once again and the director gives an OK sign.

"If you want to try one more time..."

Jin was startled.

"No, no."

We all laugh.

"I can do ten more takes."

"No, thank you."

"Jin, would you like to go again?"

"No, no!"

Jin stands up from his chair and walks over to the entrance.

I clap.

"The shoot is over! You did an amazing job, Jin!"

"Thank you, Navya. I worked hard."

"I know. Getting wet multiple times is frustrating."

Then, it gets awkward. I look down. Well, this is embarrassing. I clear my throat.

"I...I really liked those sprinklers. May I check it out?"

"Of course." Jin said. "Go ahead."

I smile and thank him. I walk over to the set and the floor was still wet. I looked all around and it was an amazing set. Can't believe the staff had the budget to do this. It looked like an actual street with a lamppost and rain. I smiled and was in awe. Suddenly, I heard a noise. Like splashing. I didn't know where it was coming from. Then, water poured down on me, soaking me. It kept coming. I closed my eyes.

The director noticed.

"How did it turn on?! Turn it off!"

Immediately, one of the staff members turned it off.

"Get Navya a towel!" The director said.

A staff and Jin came rushing over to me with a towel. I take the towel and wipe my hair and face.

"Are you okay?" Jin asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine, but how did it turn on?"

Jin scratches the back of his head.

"I don't know. It happens sometimes. We just don't know when."

"Oh. I wasn't expecting to get wet. I thought you were the only one."

"Me neither. Remember when I said 'Be lucky you're not the one getting wet?'"

"Yes, why?"

"I take it back."

We both laugh at his silliness. I sigh and look down at my clothes.

"My clothes are all wet. I didn't bring any spare ones."

"That's okay." Jin says. "It'll probably dry in a couple of hours."

I nod and we both smile at each other. Then, we both hear another sound, but this time, it was a different sound than before.

"Um...what's that noise?" I say.

"I don't know..."

Suddenly, water starts pouring on both of us again. It keeps coming like last time. We both close our eyes.

"Not again!" The director says. Another staff member turns off the water and we both are soaking wet. Again.

I push my hair out of my face and open my eyes. Jin had a surprised look on his face.

"Yah, seriously!? I just dried myself and now I'm wet again!"

"There's something seriously wrong with this sprinkler!" I say.

We both were dripping with water. I look up at Jin and he was staring right in my eyes. He was so beautiful with wet hair. I took in all his features. His brown eyes, his cute little nose, and most importantly, his lips.

Ah, here I go again after I specifically told myself not to think about this topic.

At that point, I really couldn't stop thinking about Jin's lips. I was right in front of him, so of course my mind went crazy.

"Well, all I know is that I won't need a bath for a few days." Jin says, laughing.

I laugh.

"Yeah, me too. I'm all clean thanks to the sprinklers."

We both smile at each other and lock eyes. Jin's bangs were in his eyes, but he didn't mind. There was water dripping down his face to his neck, making me swallow hard.

Then, Jin walks up to me, leaving us inches away from each other. He was even more gorgeous now. Jin brought his hand up and tucked a piece of loose hair behind my ear. He cups my cheek and leans in, connecting his lips to mine. I immediately kissed him back. My eyes fluttered closed. His hand felt warm on my face. I didn't want the moment to end.

He pulled away, smiling.

"You're gorgeous when you're wet." He whispers.

A cold shiver runs down my back.

"You're handsome when you're wet." I whisper.

The corner of his lips tug into a smile.

"Can I kiss you again?"

"Please."

I grabbed his shirt and crashed my lips onto his again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he wrapped his strong arms around my waist.

He pulled me closer and tilted his head to the side, making the kiss even more passionate. I ran my fingers through his hair as I kissed him.

I pulled away, leaving him breathless.

"I like you, Navya." He said, brushing my hair out of my face.

"I like you, too, Jin." I smile.

The staff comes to us with towels. We dry ourselves.

"I'm sorry, you too. I think there's a problem with the sprinklers. We'll try and get it fixed." The staff member said.

"No worries. It was an accident."

"Yeah, it's a good thing it went off cause now I don't have to take a bath for a few days." I say, laughing.

Jin and the staff member laugh along.

"Hey, do you wanna come over and hang out for sometime?" Jin asks me.

"I would love to, but I need to go back home and change into dry clothes."

"You don't have to go all way back home just to change clothes. You can borrow some of mine."

I blinked at him.

"You want me to wear your clothes?"

He nods.

"Well...okay. If you insist. They might not fit me, though."

"It doesn't have to fit you. It'll look cute on you."

I blush and try not to smile.

"Now, come on! Let's go home and have a great time together! I'll cook a delicious snack for us!" He grins and winks at me.

I laugh.

"Ooh, can't wait!"

[carewyncromwell]

[Carewyn bid Rowan goodbye at the East Tower stairs, splitting off to Divination and Arithmancy, respectively.

When Carewyn had first looked over the list of electives, she’d been a little stuck about which to pick. Arithmancy required a lot of math, which didn’t really appeal to Carewyn; Ancient Runes was reported to require a lot of extra homework, and Carewyn thought adding more to her workload could only be a mistake; and Muggle Studies seemed a bit pointless given that she was largely raised in the Muggle world. All that was really left was Divination, so that was what she picked.

When she arrived in the classroom, however, Carewyn was happy to see how many of her friends had chosen to take the class too.]

“Chiara! Talbott!”

[Chiara and Talbott looked up from their table, both of their faces lighting up at the sight of her.]

Chiara: “Hi, Carewyn.”

[Carewyn took a seat at the empty front table in the row in front of Chiara and Talbott, turning around in her seat to look up at them.]

“I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

Talbott: “(offhandedly) I know everybody. I just don’t talk to everybody.”

[Carewyn brought a hand up to her mouth to hold in a giggle, and Talbott smiled slightly.]

Chiara: “I didn’t know you were interested in Divination, Carewyn.”

“Mm, I’m not really interested in it specifically, but...well, you remember Torvus? The friend I’ve told you about?”

Chiara: “The centaur, right?”

“Yeah. Well, centaurs believe in stargazing and predicting the future -- so I thought, maybe taking Divination would give us more to talk about.”

Torvus has been really helpful these last few years, when I’ve needed help dealing with the Vaults. I’d like it if we could talk about more casual things when we meet sometimes, rather than it just being me asking him for something. And Torvus would probably appreciate that too.

[Chiara’s gray eyes sparkled.]

Chiara: “That’s so nice! I’m sure Torvus would really like that. Centaurs are known for predicting the future, right?”

Talbott: “(skeptically) Supposedly. I don’t know how much I buy this stuff myself -- I mean, a lot of the definitions in Unfogging the Future seemed so vague. You could probably see whatever you wanted to see and then apply it to whatever random thing sort of fits what you predicted. Like you could predict some ‘misfortune’ happening to you, then get a stubbed toe and go, ‘Aha!’”

[Carewyn nodded.]

“(thoughtfully) Yeah...and well, as soon as you say that the future can be predicted, like it’s set in stone...doesn’t that sort of defeat the idea of free will?”

Talbott: “(gesturing to her in agreement) Exactly!”

[At that moment, Tonks dashed into the room, clumsily hopping on one foot as she struggled to get her shoe back on, which had come loose.]

Tonks: “Wah-ah-ahhhhh!”

[Carewyn was able to jump to her feet and catch Tonks before she fell over.]

Tonks: “Whew! Thanks, Carey.”

[She slipped her shoe back on and straightened up, tossing a quick glance around the room.]

Tonks: “Oh good -- Trelawney’s not here yet! I thought I was going to be late for sure -- Tulip and I had to side-step Filch in the third floor corridor -- ”

“(dully) Don’t make me theorize what you two were up to, Tonks -- you know I’m a Prefect and should be disciplining you.”

[Despite this, Carewyn smiled when Tonks took the other seat at her table.

The class hushed as Professor Trelawney entered the room at last. She smiled up at her students, her huge, round spectacles magnifying her eyes to double their usual size.]

Trelawney: “I am the rarely seen, often talked-about Professor Trelawney -- proud member of the Hogwarts faculty since 1981.”

[Her voice was misty and awfully melodramatic. Carewyn was immediately reminded of a character from one of those sappy Muggle soap operas that her mum Lane used to leave on in the background while she was cleaning.]

Barnaby: “(confused) Is she asking us, or does she already know?”

Trelawney: “(mistily) I already know your reasons...”

[Barnaby looked very startled.]

Barnaby: “She read my mind just now!”

Badeea: “(whispers) You’d said that out loud, Barnaby.”

[Trelawney kept talking as though Barnaby and Badeea hadn’t spoken.]

Trelawney: “...But I’d rather you share your inspirations with me.”

[The professor whirled on Liz, who was sitting at the table next to Talbott and Chiara.]

Trelawney: “You, wearing the magnificent spectacles! How about you?”

Liz: “(startled) Me? Um...my mum’s a Seer. She’s making me take this class.”

[She sounded a bit guilty to admit it. Carewyn offered Liz a sympathetic look over her shoulder.]

Trelawney: “Your mother is wise -- though if you don’t possess her Gift, there’s precious little you can learn from me..”

[Carewyn frowned deeply.]

So if you’re not great at Divination as soon as you walk in, you won’t learn how to do it well? That seems awfully backward.

[Tonks leaned over the table to whisper to Carewyn under her breath.]

Tonks: “Rumor is, there’s precious little we can learn from Trelawney, full stop.”

[Carewyn couldn’t bite back a grin of amusement. Trelawney’s eyes fell on the Slytherin Prefect next, and Carewyn straightened up noticeably.]

[Carewyn raised her eyebrows innocuously.]

“If there were a way to see the future, I wouldn’t mind learning it. Seems like that kind of knowledge would be useful.”

[Her voice was pleasant, but rather nonchalant. As much as she wouldn’t mind learning a new type of magic, like Snape had taught her Legilimency and Occlumency, she couldn’t help but agree with Talbott -- if Divination was at all like Muggle fortunetelling, it wasn’t bound to be very believable.] 

Trelawney: “Ah -- your Inner Eye has started to open, but not enough yet to see, I should think. It is essential not to go in looking for answers -- otherwise you will not find any answers at all!”

[Talbott frowned deeply.]

Talbott: “So...if you want to know the future, you have to not want to know the future?”

Trelawney: “(beaming) Well said, Mr. Winger! You are a Ravenclaw, no question.”

[As Trelawney swept over to the table of teacups at the head of the class, Carewyn shot Talbott a open, perfectly baffled smile. Talbott looked down at Carewyn, pointing at the blue collar of his robes as if to say, “Of course I’m a Ravenclaw -- everyone can see that, dumb ass.” Carewyn had to stifle her giggles behind her hand.]

Trelawney: “Now, then -- to our lesson! Your journey into Divination begins with Tessomancy, or the art of reading tea leaves. Please consult your textbook, Unfogging the Future, chapter two, as you examine the shapes in your partner’s cup. You -- and you -- and you -- will break teacups in the process...but not to worry! I keep extras on hand should you need them.”

[Carewyn had no idea who Trelawney had been addressing with this last comment, but she decided to shrug it off and simply get to work.

She and Tonks together strained their respective cups of tea. Sure enough, Tonks did break her first cup, and Trelawney was right on hand to give her a new one.]

That was an easy guess, though. She likely heard Tonks stumble in when she was in the next room.

[Trelawney’s voice echoed over their heads as the class finished straining their tea leaves.]

[Once Tonks and Carewyn were ready, they swapped cups.

Carewyn squinted at the shapes in Tonks’s teacup critically, flipping through pages in Unfogging the Future and scanning the entries. ]

“...You’ve got a shape that looks like an apple on the side -- that means ‘success.’ That’s good. And this one kind of looks like a broom tail...that means ‘boring or monotonous work.’”

Tonks: “(laughs) Probably for a detention I’ll get at some point!”

[Tonks looked over Carewyn’s cup, rotating it while also goofily tilting her head at extreme angles]

Tonks: “(in a very good impression of Trelawney) I see an arrow pointing down at a puppy dog’s head -- clearly evidence that you must go and adopt an entire litter of crup puppies, or face extreme misfortune...!”

[Carewyn couldn’t stop herself from snorting with laughter again behind her hand, though she leaned forward and tried to reproach Tonks.]

“(hissing under her breath) Stop joking around and read the book, will you?”

[At that very moment, Trelawney had arrived beside their table. Carewyn had expected them to look over her or Tonks’s teacup, but as soon as the professor walked in front of Carewyn, she stopped mid-step, her body language almost startled.]

[Carewyn looked up from her teacup with a frown.]

“What is?”

[Trelawney wasn’t looking at the teacup -- instead she was simply facing Carewyn herself, her eyes oddly vague and unfocused.]

Tonks: “(with a raised eyebrow) You mean the tea?”

[But Trelawney didn’t seem to hear her. Instead she went on, her voice growing in volume and dramatic emphasis.]

[Carewyn straightened up, her eyes narrowing very sharply.]

The ultimate price? Like...a death?

[All at once, Trelawney lowered her arms and looked upon Carewyn with more focused, somber eyes.]

Trelawney: “It’s gone. The vision is gone.”

[Bewildered and not liking it, Carewyn gave Trelawney a very sharp look.]

“That was a vision? What did any of those things mean?”

[Trelawney swept away, rubbing her temple with one hand. Carewyn’s eyes narrowed on her back, chilling significantly.]

This is not a time to be vague, you -- !

Tonks: “Don’t pay her any mind, Carey. Trelawney’s not exactly known for her accuracy on prophecies -- I remember Professor McGonagall saying that she’s predicted the death of one student every single year since she first got here.”

[Carewyn crossed her arms, glancing down at Tonks’s teacup in front of her and speaking in a very dismissive voice.]

“I’m not worried. Everyone know about my history with the Cursed Vaults...of course someone who doesn’t know me would assume I’m going to be jumping into more life-threatening situations.”

[Despite her denials, Carewyn couldn’t help but worry. After all, she was still going after the Vaults, no matter what she told everyone else -- and the mention of “murky water,” after knowing that the final Cursed Vault could be linked to the Black Lake or some other body of water...it was a strange coincidence. And...the thought of anyone dying...

It was something she knew she had to take at least a little seriously...but she had no intention of showing Tonks or the others her concern.

So Carewyn put on her best wry smile.]

“...Now, come on, Tonks, for real -- what does a dog actually mean?”

((OOC: Is anyone else confused about why Divination is an elective we start taking in sixth year, when in the books it’s taken around third year and you can then drop it again if you want after fifth year? Then again, they also treat Astronomy like an elective in sixth year too, even though it’s a core class like Herbology or Charms -- and Care of Magical Creatures is also supposed to be an elective as of year 3! XD; *sighs in book nerd*))

[writer-k-pop]

Art Museum

네가 왜 이걸 그렇게 좋아아는지 알겠다. I can see why you enjoy these so much.

Description: Just a date with Mingi at an art museum. Warnings: None Genre: Fluff Word Count: 1.5k

Ateez Masterlist | Masterlists

“Where do you want to start?” Mingi questions, opening the map and attempting to find our current location, the entrance.

I look around for the lobby area and find most people are headed into a hallway to the left.

“Mingi,” I nudge him, “I think we start over there.”

I look at him and find he’s too absorbed in the map to have heard what I said

“Oh!” Mingi exclaims, “We go that way,” He points to the left, “and then the whole thing is like a loop so we’ll end up over there.” He turns and points to the hallway to the right.

I smile at how hard he’s trying to make this a memorable date. He knows how much I love art museums but I know he’s not a big fan so I’ve never suggested it. A few days ago, I had stated that I hadn’t been to one in a while and the next thing I knew, he was buying two tickets for the museum.

Mingi grabs my hands and leads me towards the hallway to the left.

“Are you ready?” He asks, swinging our hands back and forth.

I smile and nod, happily.

As we enter the first exhibit, my eyes frantically try to take in all the different colors before I remind myself to breath and really look at the pieces.

Through the entire first exhibit, Mingi doesn’t let go of my hand, stays next to me, and silently listens to my little comments about each and every piece.

“Woah,” I breath out and take in the colors of serene meadow with greens and blues traveling through the whole piece.

I tug Mingi along to the next piece, an abstract.

“What is that?” Mingi leans close to me and points to the bottom left hand corner.

I look to where he’s looking, “I think it’s supposed to represent a couple.”

“It looks more like two potatoes.” Mingi comments and I giggle.

“Then what does the rest look like to you?” I ask, curious where his mind will take him.

“Mmm.” He hums and looks at the whole piece. “Potatoes. It’s a collage of different colored potatoes.”

I smile, “Mingi, do you want potatoes for lunch?” I inquire, knowing his stomach is often in control.

Mingi shakes his head, “I’m serious! They look like potatoes.” He insists. “But now that you say that, fries sound really good right now.” He adds quickly.

I push his shoulder and he laughs.

We finish in the first exhibit and move to the second exhibit. Two steps into the area and I’m immediately am immersed in a world of colored glass sculptures.

My mouth falls open in awe and I squeeze Mingi’s hand out of reflex.

“Hmm?” Mingi wonders, thinking I was calling for his attention.

I shake my head, “Nothing, I’m just super excited. I love glass sculptures.” I explain walking towards the first piece. It’s made of bright red and clear glass that twists upwards. Almost like how a flame would look, minus the orange and yellow tones.

“Ah, that’s right.” Mingi remembers.

“Isn’t it amazing?” I wonder out loud. “The way something like glass can be twisted and transformed into something else with just a flame. But even with the smallest of hits, it could break and shatter. It’s incredible. The amount of skill and patience and knowledge it takes to make one of these.” I taper off, admiring the next piece full of blues, greens, purples, and speckles of red.

As I read the description on the piece, Mingi lets go of my hand. Too intrigued by the back story of the piece, I let him wander away.

After examining three more piece, I realize Mingi hasn’t returned to my side. I look up and scan the room for my tall, red haired boyfriend. I spot him in the center of room looking up at the hanging piece above him. I quickly pull out my phone and snap a picture of him.

“New lock screen.” I think to myself before joining him.

“The tag says they’re supposed to be like frozen rain droplets.” Mingi mutters feeling me near him.

The varying sizes of different shades of blue are suspended above us. The lights create a feeling of being under a street lamp while it rains.

“I can see it.” I comment.

“I can feel it.” Mingi says and looks down at me.

“We should move on. We have another whole exhibit to see.” I remind him with a smile.

Mingi’s eyes widen. “Oh yeah.” He grabs my hand and leads me through the rest of the glass sculptures.

“You know,” He says as we stop in front of an intricate shape, “I can see why you enjoy these so much.”

“Yeah?” I ask.

Mingi nods, “There’s a certain strength to them. But it’s the kind of strength that you have to be careful with. The kind where if you don’t know it’s weak point, you could easily break and shatter it. But if you know how to take care of those weak points and protect them, the strength can shine and be magnificent and smooth and pure. And amazing.” He finishes.

I stare at him and my heart swells with joy.

“What?” He questions, noticing my silent stare.

“I think I fell in love with you again.” I state as a smile grows on my lips.

Mingi lightly scoffs at me.

“It’s true.” I insist and lean into his side.

He wraps an arm around my shoulders and we travel to the next exhibit.

After spending enough time in the last exhibit, we exit back into the lobby and head for the exit.

“Where should we eat?” I question, squinting my eyes against the harsh sunlight.

“Mmm, let’s go to that little cafe that has the fries I really like.” Mingi suggests.

“Oh yeah, and it’s close by.” I nod and we head down the road.

“Thanks for taking me today.” I thank him after a few minutes of walking.

Mingi shakes his head, “Don’t have to thank me. It was fun.”

We continue to walk hand in hand in the sunlight and I feel like I’m on cloud9. Pure joy. Not only did Mingi take me to an art museum but he seemed to enjoy it. Which is something I would’ve never expected.

We reach the cafe and Mingi opens the door for me, allowing me to pass in first.

“Apple juice, right?” Mingi guesses, nearing the counter.

I nod, loving that he knows me so well.

“Go find a spot, I’ll order.” He instructs and I oblige, searching for the perfect spot in the semi busy cafe.

I pick a booth near the windows, slide into the seat, and patiently wait for Mingi to return. Pulling out my phone, I scroll through my pictures before remembering that I took only the one of Mingi and nothing else. I pout and lay my phone on the table as Mingi return with an apple juice and a soda.

“Why are you pouty?” He questions, sliding my apple juice across the table.

“I was having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures.” I continue to pout, slightly upset with myself.

“Don’t worry.” Mingi pulls out his phone, “I took plenty. Probably way more than I should have.”

“When?” I ask in disbelief.

“In the glass exhibit.” Mingi scrolls through his phone and begins to show me his favorites. “You were so into the exhibit that I couldn’t resist taking like 100 photos of you.”

I take his phone from him and scroll through the pictures. Close ups, farther away, mid shots, angles, and lighting, Mingi indeed take a lot. I heart the ones that I really enjoy and send them to myself.

“Which one’s your favorite?” I ask, handing back his phone.

Mingi hums and scrolls through. “This one.” He turns his phone.

In the picture, I’m walking from one piece to another. He took it from the other side of the exhibit. The lights are placed perfectly so I’m in sort of an inverted spotlight. The suspended rain drops sprinkle the top of picture and somehow there were no people in between him and me.

“You have some talent there, Song Mingi.” I praise his picture. “I got one of you, too.” I open my phone and slide it over to him.

“Wah,” He smiles, “I look so cool.” Mingi puffs up his chest and runs a hand through his hand.

I roll my eyes and a waitress walks up with two burger plates in her hands.

“Remember, I’m the only who can make you look that cool in pictures.” I remind him, pointing a threatening french fry at him.

“And you remember,” Mingi challenges with his own fry, “That without me, you’d have no pictures.”

I admit defeat and pop the fry into my mouth. Mingi smiles in victory and places his fry on my plate.

“But I love you, so I’d gladly take your picture any day.” Mingi says with a smile that makes his eyes disappear.

I return the smile, “I love you too, Mr. Cool dude.”

[sukarabia]

Ruggie x Sky - How Pretty

Because I’m a sucker for festival dates, after all T_T

Sky let out a dejected sigh as she walked through the festival stalls. Everywhere she looked were couples, friend groups, or families, all having fun: yet here she was, ruminating as she hung her head low. Night Raven College was celebrating one of its anniversaries, and truly, she couldn’t even remember what that celebration was for. But what she knew is that she messed up, big, big time.

--

“Oi, Sky- you sure about this? That box’s kinda heavy, isn’t it?” Ace looked dubious as he saw Sky pick up a box full of paint tins.

“Ace, what do you take me for? Carrying such a small box will be a piece of cake for me.”

She regretted those words as soon as they left her mouth. What was even in that box? Sky was told it was only 'a few’ paint tins meant to help the art club design posters, but the box was a lot heavier than she had thought. Nevertheless, her pride wouldn’t let her admit that she couldn’t carry it- so off she went, legs wobbling. But seriously- why was that box so big? She couldn’t even see the ground, and-

“Wah- Sky, careful!”

“Huh?”

As soon as she heard Ace’s voice, Sky looked up- only to feel herself lose balance on the slippery ground. Her brain couldn’t process what had happened- but in the span of a few seconds, she landed on the ground, the box’s content shattered on the floor, and saw... someone drenched in paint?

“Sky, you oka-” Ace rushed over before stopping. “Who- WAH? Dorm Leader Riddle???”

“R-Rosehearts-senpai?” Sky’s eyes widened as she heard Ace pronounce his name. But her classmate was right- right in front of her was Riddle, completely drenched in green paint.

“.....”

Riddle stood there for a second, seemingly processing what just happened. Ace and Sky, frozen in fear, waited for him to explode- but to their surprise, Riddle just sighed and wiped some paint off his face. His eyes seemed to say, not surprised.... as he spoke to Sky:

“Sky, I think it’s better if you don’t handle the manual work- as a matter of fact, I think it’s better if you walk around the festival for now.”

--

Sky felt tears prickle her eyes as she recalled the events. Ah, seriously, how could she embarrass herself that badly? Ace tried to cheer her up, “Do you not realise how lucky you are?? It would have been off with your head for me!!”, but even her friend’s attempts at recomforting her felt futile as she remembered the expression on Riddle’s face.

It’s not like I was expecting anything from you, anyway. It was the exact expression everyone always looked at her with. Especially him. It felt that as time passed, the distance between them was growing further and further- she was trying her best, but no matter what she did, things always ended up going south. Would she always remain the little black duck of the family? Lost in her thoughts, Sky did not notice the silhouette behind her, until she felt a hand on her shoulder-

“Kyaaah!! what-” Sky jumped, startled, until she recognised the owner of the hand. “Ruggie?? You scared me!”

“I could say the same thing, y’know! What’s up with ya? I tried callin’ you, but you just wouldn’t pick up. What are ya doin’ all alone?”

“Ruggie....”

“Huh? Why are you crying? Wait, wait, explain-”

--

“... So that’s what happened, huh.”

“Ugh... Seriously, so embarrassing... I wanna hide in a hole....” Sky sighed, sitting on a bench, a little further from the festival.

“But aren’t ya happy? That he didn’t get mad, I mean?”

“Of course not!! If he doesn’t get upset, that means he was totally expecting it!!” Sky eyes teared up again. “I tried so hard to build a reputation, but now it feels like everyone knows how useless I am, that they don’t even have expectations for me anymore....”

Ruggie looked at the young girl next to him. Slowly, he reached his hand to pat her head, looking away as she started sobbing. The laughter and lights from the festival in the distance seemed almost cruel as Sky struggled to catch her breath. Why do things never go as planned?

“... Ain’t that better, though?”

“Huh?” Surprised, her tears stopped as she peered over at Ruggie.

“The fact that people know how you truly are, y’know. Doesn’t it feel better, to not have to keep up a front and whatnot?”

“But-”

“No one’s perfect, y’know. Not Jamil, not me- not even Vil-san, or Malleus-san. Everyone goes through hardships ‘n’stuff. Ain’t that normal?” At the mention of Jamil’s name, Sky’s face fell. “We all go through trials, and that’s what life’s all about, doesn’t it? Doesn’t come with a guide book or anythin’.” His eyes met Sky’s. “What just happened, wasn’t that because ya didn’t ask for help? It’s rich comin’ from me, but y’know, asking for help isn’t a bad thing. No one’s gonna judge you for that, m’kay?”

Sky let out a small hum as she diverted her attention back to the stall. The lights seemed even stronger reflected in her teary eyes, and Ruggie was almost enchanted by the sight. Shaking his head, he snapped out of it, and stood up. Startled, Sky looked at him with a surprised expression as Ruggie extended his hand to her.

“Now, what d’ya say about us visiting the festival? Might as well, right? Shishishi ~”

--

“Waaah, Ruggie, you’re amazing!!!”

Sky marvelled over Ruggie’s goldfish scooping skills, as the young hyena managed to catch another 3 goldfishes at once. The Octavinelle student responsible for the stand seemed to grow more and more uneasy as his goldfish stock began to shrivel. Seriously, how is that guy so good at this...?

“Heh, that’s nothin’ for me, y’know ~” Ruggie’s ears wiggled, obviously delighted by the praise. “In my hometown, we often go fishin’, and stuff.”

“Fishing? But... not for goldfishes, right?” Sky looked caught off-guard. Eating goldfishes...? Seeing her expression, Ruggie could not resist teasing her.

“Shishishi, of course we did. Goldfishes are delicious, y’know? Want me to cook them for you later?”

“H-huh? No!!!! You shouldn’t eat goldfishes!! Look how adorable they are!!!” Instinctively, Sky protectively held her goldfish to her chest. Ruggie couldn’t help but laugh at her innocence.

“Shishishi, you believe me way too easily ~” but Sky’s expression remained full of suspicion. “... Oi, what d’ya take me for... Why would I eat goldfishes, there’s barely any nutrients in them, y’know.”

“.. Pff... Hahaha... Ruggie, you’re seriously so weird.” It was Ruggie’s turn to get caught off-guard. Sky finally looked like she was back to normal, and he couldn’t help but slightly blush at her smiling face.

“.. Ah, that’s right. Wanna go to another stand?” He tried changing the subject, looking away to hide his rosy cheeks.

“Ah- I completely forgot about it!” Sky jerked up, startling Ruggie in the process. “Ignihyde are doing a carabine stand- I heard Mayu sewed cute plushies as prizes, I wanna go!!”

--

“Aaah ~ that was fun....” Sky sighed as she sat on a bench near to another stall.

“Sure was. Didn’t know those Ignihyde guys designed a whole zombie-style shootin’ game... Kinda felt off with the whole festival theme, but it was fun ~” Ruggie leaned back on the bench, stretching as he drank a can of fresh coke.

“Ah... We walked for so long, I’m super thirsty now...”

“Mh? Wanna drink mine?”

“Huh?” Sky blushed as her eyes widened. “N-No way! That’s basically an indirect kiss!!!”

“An indirect ki-” Ruggie looked caught off guard, before switching to a grin, scooting closer to Sky. “Shishishi, if that’s the first thing ya thought about, must’ve been on yer mind, hasn’t it? ~”

“W-??? No, of course not!!!” Sky got up, as red as a tomato. “I-I’ll go get my own, you stay here!!!”

“Want me to-”

“No!!!! I don’t need you to come!!! You stay here!!!”

The young girl stormed off, ears flaming as Ruggie let out a small laughter. Man, was he glad to finally see her acting like her usual self again. Jamil’s Overblot really affected her, after all: for a few weeks, she barely smiled, sighing and looking dejected whenever she was alone. Ruggie had been seriously worried about her- she really took her vice dorm head’s ob personally, and had avoided all social interactions for a while. But a month after, it finally seemed like she was regaining hope. Aah ~ how troublesome... But I’m glad. He thought, watching over Sky as she pondered over which drink to buy.

“- Hey, isn’t that Gray-senpai lil’ sis?”

“Ah, Sky Cymatilis, right? Yeah, heard about her.”

“She’s kinda cute, isn’t she? Man, they’re really do look alike.”

“Nah, leave it, wouldn’t bother. They’re like night and day.”

Ruggie snapped out of his thoughts as he overheard two RSA students walk past. Were they talking about Sky? Little sister? Sky never really talked about her family, but Ruggie remembered overhearing Sky and Ace complain about older siblings. What that ‘Gray-senpai’ her older brother? And what was that last comment about?

“Alright, I’m back!!!”

“Ah, Sky, welcome back. What did ya get?”

“This cool drink from the Mostro Lounge stall, they had so many flavours!”

“I see, I see ~” Ruggie sipped on his drink absentmindedly, before turning to the girl next to him. “... Hey, Sky. Got any siblings?”

“H-huh? S-siblings?” Sky expression looked like she had just swallowed salt. “A-ah.. Well... I do... K-kinda... An older brother...”

Ruggie hummed a small ah, I see, as he finished his drink. Sky’s reaction told him what he wanted- that it was a sensitive subject all right, so he chose not to pry about it further. She’d tell him about it in due time, probably. On the other hand, Sky seemed preoccupied as she twirled the drink in her hand. Siblings, huh.... After a few minutes of silence, Ruggie plopped a hand on her head.

“Wanna go see fireworks? They should be startin’ soon. I know a perfect spot for that ~”

--

“Waaah, this place is so nice!”

“Heh, of course ~ Savanclaw’s the best place for firework viewin’.”

“Seems like a lot ofstudents thought the same, huh. It’s fuller than I expected.” Sky leaned back on the rock Ruggie chose, considerably higher than the rest. “But it’s a lot comfier than I thought, and we’re going to get such a great view of the fireworks!!”

“Shishishi  ~ Got that right.” Ruggie smiled, turning his head as soon as he heard a loud BANG! “Oh, they’re startin’.”

The two young students remained in silence for a while, in awe of the fireworks. Crowley made sure that NRC’s festival would be more impressive than RSA’s, all the way down to the colours of the fireworks- the green and blue-ish colours filled the night sky, reminiscent of auroras.

“Wow.... The colours are amazing... It really feels like I’m in another country right now....”

“Yeah, they really went all-out with that one, huh.”

The show went on for a few minutes, occasionally accompanied by a bunch of “Ooh”s and “Aah”s as the fireworks depicted the face of the great seven, as well as Crowley’s own mask- which brought a few laughter from the crowd. As a rain of spark came on during the finale, everyone cheered, raising their hands to the sky, entranced by the sight.

“Wow, that is so pretty...” Sky marvelled.

“Yeah, you’re right about that.” But Ruggie hadn’t been watching the fireworks. How could he? All his attention was devoted to watching Sky’s dewy eyes, illuminated by the large-flowered fireworks.

“.... How pretty.”

[kprciffdw]

Kim Possible: The Extremely Secret Files-Part 3

In much time, they worked on the modifications to the shuttle. During the work in progress, Kim and Ratchet would often trade glances with one another, with each time either smiling or timidly stare at each other before looking away; sometimes, it was both. Ron and Clank took notice of this occurring repeatedly and both became gradually concerned for their friends.

They eventually came close to finishing the last of the modifications. Ratchet: "Well, the modifications to this shuttle are almost complete but I have to admit, the work we have done really has been quite spectacular, so far. Even you were a big help, Ron. Tightening up those nuts and bolts really played a vital role in…holding things together." Ron: "Uh, no problem, Ratchet, I just still need to work on a few…WAH!"

Ron fell off of a large platform that he was on, but got his pants caught on a tether from the platform as he hung upside down. Kim, Ratchet and Clank looked up as Ron hung there. Ron: "Uh…don't mind me…just…a few screws loose…"

He was about to fall out of his pants, but grabbed them very quickly. Ratchet: "You've got that right with "a few screws loose"." Kim: "Will someone please help him?" Clank: "Do not worry, I will take care of this."

Clank hovered upward towards Ron. Ratchet: "OK, enough fooling around, everyone. There's still work that needs to be done." Kim: "Yes, we can't stop now, guys, not when we're so close to getting to Drakken and Shego and taking back my dad's space station, so let's keep at it."

Ratchet was about to walk off. Kim: "Oh, and Ratchet?"

He stopped to turn around and looked at Kim. Ratchet: "Yeah, Kim?" Kim: "I…I wanted to thank you for helping us out. You didn't really have a reason to get yourself involved in any of this, but I'm glad you did." Ratchet: "It was no problem. I'm always happy to help those in need, Kim…or rather…Ms. Possible?" Kim: "Please, call me Kim or better yet, you can address me by my real name: Kimberly." Ratchet: "Kimberly? That's a beautiful name."

Ron and Clank stood beside each other and watched as Kim and Ratchet were having their moment. Ron: "Uh…Clank? Are you seeing all of this?" Clank: "Hm…yes, I have observed this several times during the gradual progression of the modifications. This is quite odd, do you not agree?" Ron: "Hm, I would think so; Kim never lets anyone call her by her real name. Do you know what this could mean?" Clank: "Perhaps they have developed a strong, mutual fondness for one another." Ron: "You mean they like each other? Like…really like each other?" Clank: "Most likely yes." Ron: "Um…OK…this IS weird." Clank: "Well, I find this to be rather sweet, actually."

Rufus popped out of the pocket again. Rufus: "Aw, Kim and Ratchet." Ratchet: "OK, seriously, we need to get back to work. We still have so much more to do." Clank: "Yes, let us get on it." Kim: "Uh…Yes, we should…do that." Ron: "Alright, soon enough, we will be able to face off against Dra-AHH! KIM! LOOK!"

They looked up and noticed the shuttle being lifted off of the floor by a tractor beam. Ratchet: "What is going on!?"

They then heard maniacal laughing. They looked towards another direction, a serious look grew on Kim's face. Kim: "No! Drakken!"

Sure enough, there was Drakken and Shego standing on a floating platform, holding the shuttle in a tractor beam. Drakken: "Kim Possible! We meet again." Ratchet: "So, you're the ones who stole Kimberly's dad's project!" Shego: "Aww, how adorable; Kimmie and her dumb sidekick made friends with some space rat and a toy robot." Kim: "Their names are Ratchet and Clank!" Ratchet: "And don't either of you forget it! We're going to help Kimberly and Ron take back that space station you stole!" Drakken: "Oh, but not without this space shuttle, you're not." Clank: "And just what do you plan to do with that Earth shuttle?" Drakken: "Why, simple, robot man. I'm going to tear the ship into many pieces and then spread them all throughout…another galaxy! (laugh)" Ratchet: "You won't get away with this, Drakken!" Drakken: "Oh, I wouldn't count on that…eh…strange…cat-like…lion-tailed…creature. Shego, what kind of animal is that…uh…animal?" Shego: "Beats me, I just call him a space rat, assuming he is a he." Kim: "Yes HE is and he's a Lombax!" Ron: "An undocumented alien species." Shego: "Hmph! Whatever, space rat sounds much more familiar." Kim: "Shego!" Drakken: "Farewell, Kim Possible! The next time we meet, I will have already become ruler of the Earth!" Shego: "Buh-bye, Kimmie and same to you, Ratchet."

They warped out with the shuttle while Drakken laughed maniacally.

For a few moments, they all stood around idly, in shock of what took place. Ron: "So…is that it? Is it all over?" Ratchet: "No, this isn't over. I'll fly my ship out towards them and then…" Kim: "No, Ratchet…it's no use, we won't stand a chance against them, not now, at least. We'll need to come up with another plan."

Kim pulled out the Kimmunicator. Kim: "Wade, do you read me?" Wade: "Yeah, Kim, what's up?" Kim: "Uh, we have a problem. Drakken and Shego just stole my dad's shuttle, so now…our mission just got even more difficult." Wade: "Oh, no, that's not good." Ratchet: "We can still go after them! I'll just take my ship and…" Wade: "I don't think that's a good idea, Ratchet." Ratchet: "What? Why not?" Wade: "I just got finished with analyzing the ISSF and…the technology on it is far more advanced than even I would have expected. The weaponry and defense system are far beyond anything I could have imagined. Sorry, Ratchet, you wouldn't stand a chance against it." Clank: "There must be something we could do." Wade: "With the modifications you guys made on the shuttle, bringing down that space station would be doable." Kim: "But Drakken stole it from us and now he's planning on breaking it apart and spreading the pieces throughout another galaxy." Ratchet: "Do you think you could track down those pieces and find which galaxy they're being sent to?" Kim: "What he said." Wade: "I'm on it. By the way, Kim, your dad's been wanting to talk to you; he seems very concerned. Should I put him on the line for you?" Kim: "(sigh) Yes, Wade, put him on."

Wade was able to display Dr. Possible on the screen. Dr. P.: "Kimmicub! I'm so glad to see you. How's the mission going?" Ratchet: "Kimmicub?" Kim: "Um…well…how should I put this? We were attacked by the space station after we managed to find it and we were forced to stop at a nearby space cruiser. But then after all of what we have been doing here…Drakken and Shego…they stole your shuttle." Dr. P.: "What? Well…that's unfortunate. Can you at least still make it home?" Kim: "Dad, least of our worries. I can't stop Drakken and Shego without that shuttle, much less get back your space station." Dr. P.: "Yeah…that is a problem." Kim: "But there is some good news. Ron and I met a few aliens out here in space. Here, let me introduce you to them."

Kim held the Kimmunicator in front of Ratchet again. Kim: "Dad, this is Ratchet. He's been helping us since we arrived here." Ratchet: "Um…hello…Dr. Possible. It's…great to meet you. Your daughter is…uh…very…interesting."

She then held the Kimmunicator in front of Clank. Kim: "And this is his friend Clank." Clank: "Hello, good sir, it is very good to finally meet you."

Kim pulled the Kimmunicator back in front of her. Kim: "Ratchet saved me and Ron from another one of Dr. Drakken's deathtraps. He and Clank would like to continue helping us out." Ratchet: "We will get your space station back, Dr. Possible. You can count on that." Clank: "By the way, were you not informed by Wade about what he has discovered about your space station and space shuttle?" Dr. P.: "Don't worry about that, Clank. Wade has already told everything so…I know. Alien technology; I couldn't believe all of that was what I've been using to build my own designs. I wonder if…they knew about this." Kim: "They? Who are you talking about?" Dr. P.: "Uh, nothing, I'll have to look into this. Kimmicub, just focus on getting back my projects. And Ratchet?" Ratchet: "Yes, sir?" Dr. P.: "Look after my daughter and thank you for everything you have done for her so far. I expect you to keep at it." Ratchet: "Of course, Dr. Possible, I'll do what I can." Kim: "We'll stay in touch and brief you on our progress. It will be a very long mission, but we won't stop until it is done." Dr. P.: "Just don't stay out there any longer than you need to be and be sure to come home safely."

The Kimmunicator switched back to Wade. Wade: "Hey, Kim, I just received a signal on your dad's shuttle." Kim: "Did you find where Drakken has taken it?" Wade: "I have. He seems to have taken it to a far off galaxy that's just next to where you are. I just found out something else; I checked the flight path of that large cruiser you're on and it's heading towards that same galaxy." Ratchet: "What? Dr. Drakken's taken that shuttle to the Bogon Galaxy?"

Ratchet started cracking up. Kim: "It seems like the joke's on him. Ratchet will be taking care of a mission of his own in that galaxy. Looks as though we will be helping each other out with our missions." Wade: "Be careful out there, you guys. Drakken will find out about this and he'll make every attempt he possibly can to stop you." Kim: "I know that but we will stop him, no matter what."

Within approximately 2 weeks, they arrived within the Bogon Galaxy. Ratchet had donned a new outfit, Kim was back to wearing just her mission clothes. Ron and Clank stood beside each other while looking at both Ratchet and Kim. Ron was also in his mission clothes. Ratchet: "OK, I just received Intel from Mr. Fizzwidget about…"

Ron began snickering again, Ratchet looked at him tensely. Ron, noticing Ratchet's annoyed stare, stopped snickering. Ron: "Sorry, it's still a funny sounding name." Ratchet: "So…anyway, I have intel from him about the thief's whereabouts. Kimberly and I will head out there now."

Kim pulled out her Kimmunicator. Kim: "Wade, let me know if you have found any of the pieces of my dad's shuttle during the mission." Wade: "Got it! I'm locating all of them as we speak. I will let you know where they are as soon as I can." Ron: "And while you guys do that, Clank, Rufus and I will be chilling out at that sweet, new penthouse on that metropolis planet."

Rufus popped out of Ron's pocket Rufus: "Oh, yeah!" Clank: "I am also looking forward to this." Ratchet: "Alright, we're all set. Let's get going, Kimberly."

Ratchet walked off. Kim: "We'll see you later, you guys. Enjoy your time off." Ron: "See ya, KP. Have fun on your mission, er, missions." Clank: "Do not go off doing anything, uh, inappropriate, you 2. (giggle)"

Kim looked at Clank in an annoyed and somewhat confused manner then walked off after Ratchet. Kim and Ratchet left the cruiser on Ratchet's ship, Ron and Clank left on another shuttle. Nearby, Shego, in another ship, noticed both ships leaving the cruiser and tailed Ratchet's ship from a distance far enough away for her to not be noticed.

[aphroditejuvia]

Gruvia - Pigtails

It's the first time Gray sees Juvia wears pigtails. He's whipped.

a/n: just saw an official art of Juvia with pigtails and oh my god my baby is so cute i just HAVE to write this. there's also slight nalu near the end because i love them!!

-

Juvia has a very particular fashion sense. She wears long dresses that is rather modest, not showing much of her skin other than some legs that often peeks out through the loooong slit on the side of her skirt. She often wears thigh high boots. Her long wavy blue hair is always let loose, falling behind her back just a little above her waist. Then to top it all off she puts a hat on her head.

Her style is a constant thing. Gray always sees her in such clothing. It's what he expected she'll wear everytime he sees the water mage because she hardly ever wears anything else. So when one day Juvia shows up to the guild with pigtails. PIGTAILS!!! Gray almost has a heart attack.

"OH MY GOSH JUVIA YOU LOOK SO CUTEEE!!" He hears Lucy squeals loudly as she comes up Juvia, eyes wide and sparkling in awe. The blonde's voice is loud enough that he can hear it all the way from his table.

Gray watches as Juvia blushes softly at the compliment, a pretty pink color filling her pale cheeks.

-

"Thank you Lucy-san."

Beside her, a certain red haired requip mage nods proudly with her arms crossed around her chest. "Yes! I knew this hairstyle will look cute on her! I am the best!"

"You should start wearing your hair more like this Juvia. It suits you." Lucy encourages.

"Ah Juvia doesn't know. It looks weird." She waves her hand dismissively.

"Nonsense! You look anything but weird!" Erza argues and Lucy nods in agreement.

"Yeah! You just feel that way because you aren't used to it!" Lucy supports before something mischievious flashes in her eyes and she leans closer to whisper on the water mage's ear. "And I bet Gray thinks so too!"

Juvia blushes impossibly deeper at this that steam might even come out of her ears, the color on her face is similar to one of a tomato.

"You're right Lucy! I bet Gray would think you look cute!" Erza adds in so enthusiastically.

"What n-no!"

"There he is!" Erza points at the table where Gray is sitting and finds out that the mage has actually been watching them the whole time but quickly turned his head around once Erza made eye contact with him. She scoffs internally. Of course. "Well then now, go!" With that, she gives one strong, encouraging push against Juvia's back to make her way to Gray's table.

-

Gray knows he's fucked the moment Erza caught him staring. He can feel Juvia approaching hesitantly and tries to calm himself.

Okay, you can do this. It's just Juvia. Just.. Juvia... with pigtails that should be illegal because now shes even more adorable. FUCK FUCK FUCK-

"Gray-sama?"

"Yeah?" The reply comes out louder than it should as he is snapped out of his thoughts by the familiar soft voice.

There's a frown on her cute face. "Gray-sama seemed like he was in a very deep thought. Is something wrong?"

Yes. It's you and those god damn pigtails that are making you waay too cute for me to even function right now.

"No." He lies smoothly, "It's nothing. Don't mind it."

He sees the way Juvia's face starts to fall dejectedly and in a desperate attempt to bring back a smile on the pretty water mage's face he quickly opens his mouth again without really thinking much about what he's going to say. "Your hair's different."

Aaaannd now Gray wants to slap himself. Really?

But thankfully the words are enough to lit up Juvia's face; a smile slowly curling on her lips, mouth parting. "Yes!" She says bubbly, happy that Gray notices the change. "Erza-san did it! Does Gray-sama like it?"

A crimson red color starts crawling back up to her cheeks as she asked the question, avoiding eye contact with Gray from how hard her heart is beating. Nervous of what her beloved would answer.

Meanwhile, Gray's heartbeat skyrockets as he prepares what he's going to say next.

"You look good," His breath gets stuck on his throat as he spoke the words, but he realizes that Juvia deserves better than just: 'you look good' so he immediately corrects himself, "I mean! Y-yeah I like it.. you look adorable." He gulps nervously and starts to avoid staring into Juvia's eyes. "Really adorable..." He murmurs, cheeks bright red by the time he finishes.

When Gray looks at Juvia's eyes again, theres a soft smile plastered on her face, the corner of her eyes tearing a little bit. "Gray-sama...."

Gray smiles- "WAH!"

"THANK YOU SO MUCH GRAY-SAMA!!! JUVIA IS SO HAPPY!!!" Juvia squeals loudly as she hugs him tightly.

"YEAH YEAH" Gray tries to speak with how tight the water mage is squeezing him.

"Now please get off of me!" He groans even though the both of them know very well that Gray doesn't really mean it when he says he wants Juvia to let go off him.

-

"Ah.. I see Gray is liking the hairstyle I gave her." Erza comments as she watches the scene between the two with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Well Juvia looks really cute with them. Gray would be blind to say otherwise." Lucy sighs fondly at her friends, sounding rather wistful.

Erza smirks. "You know.. I can do it for you too Lucy."

"Wh-what?!"

"Doll you up. Give you a brand new hairstyle, maybe it'll impress Natsu." She says, making the celestial mage blush.

"I dont..." Lucy turns towards where Natsu is sitting with Happy by his side as usual. She sighs tiredly.

"Fine. But dont expect much, he's an airhead." She pouts in contrast to the huge grin on Erza's face.

"Yes! Don't worry Lucy we'll give you a hairstyle that will leave even Natsu speechless!"

"Oh god, sure hope I won't regret this." Lucy mutters to herself.

[imitranslates]

Fukigen na Mononokean Ch. 71

Some interesting inquiries into Aoi and new information about a familiar face...

Please remember to check out the official English release when it comes out, preferably on Crunchyroll if you’re able to!

The newest chapter can be read on the official website by clicking the yellow button labeled 読む!

Fukigen na Mononokean Chapter 71 - Princess and Prince

Page 3

Princess: Cough...

Princess: Cough.

Page 4

Executive: Underworld Princess.

Executive: How are you feeling?

Princess: Cough...

Princess: ...Three officials... Thank you for coming to visit me so often, despite how busy you are.

Princess: Thanks to Koura, my fever has lowered and my body is feeling fine now.

Page 5

Legislator: I would like to ask if your condition has gotten better...

But it seems like you still haven't regained your full strength, Princess?

Princess: I haven't completely recovered...

Princess: Maintaining the Underworld's barrier is my duty, yet I've made everyone worry about me... How shameful...

Koura: Princess... The toxins in your body are to blame.

Koura: Until now, you've been tirelessly using your spiritual power without rest.

It's inevitable that you would grow fatigued.

Page 6

Koura: Besides...

Koura: If the body is exhausted, it doesn't matter how much medicine I give. Even things that can be easily treated won't be cured in those circumstances...

Koura: It was by reducing her activity that she was able to recuperate.

If she didn't use her spiritual power, she would be able to fully rest, but...

Legislator&Executive: ......

Justice: To accomplish that, the princess'd have to abdicate and step down from the throne.

Justice: That's why we need to select a new "Underworld Princess"...

Page 7

Justice: ...But is there a demon who can fill in for the Princess right now?

Justice: Now that Aoi is gone...

Koura: Indeed...

Executive: ......

Legislator: Hmmm...

Legislator: If the four of us could somehow combine our powers, maybe?

Justice: Are we gonna spend every day crowded together on that throne?

Executive: .......

(Koura: Oh my, that's a good idea.

But won't it be troublesome for everyone if all three of you are missing from your governmental positions?)

Princess: Aoi...

Page 8

Princess: Three officials...

Princess: Did Aoi truly get possessed by the parasitic shrub and die?

Officials: !?

Executive: ...Princess...

Page 9

Executive: Did you think Aoi survived after being possessed by the parasitic shrub?

Executive: Those who are taken over by the parasitic shrub's curse, even if their lives are extended through medicine, will eventually be infested and succumb to it...

Executive: You should be more aware than anyone how dreadful parasitic shrub is.

Princess: Of course... The parasitic shrub takes root in its host's body and encircles them, making them unable to move,

And drains their spiritual power until they die.

Page 10

Princess: Their remains become a nursery for its seeds to sprout and mature, and grow into a large tree.

When the time comes, its innumerable flowers begin to bloom.

Princess: The scent of the nectar in those flowers gives rise to the host insects that infect demons...

That's the reason why the infested remains must never remain in the Underworld...

Princess: ...Therefore,

Princess: When they were infected by the parasitic shrub...

Princess: They accepted their fate, and, before they could endanger anyone in Underworld,

Entered the dense forests in order to find a place to die.

Page 11

Princess: Cough...

Princess: Cough!

Princess: ...Executive...

Princess: I must have asked something ridiculous, huh...

Princess: They can't possibility still be alive after being possessed by the parasitic shrub.

Princess: My unwillingness to give up must seem embarrassing.

Koura: Princess...

Page 12

Legislator: Well...

Legislator: We can't exactly confirm whether or not they're "dead," right?

Executive: You...

Executive: Do you have any proof of that?

Legislator: What about you? How can you be sure before seeing Aoi's remains?

Page 13

Executive: ......

Legislator: Right?

Justice: (Even like this, there's tension crackling in the air...)

Princess: Legislator...

Princess: I'm happy that you'd express those sentiments to comfort me, but there's no need for it.

Princess: Please forget about my foolish question from before. I'm still coming to terms Aoi's death even now.

Legislator: So that's how you feel...

The princess truly believes that Aoi died...

Page 14

Legislator: Then, Princess...

Legislator: Why don't we bet on whether Aoi is alive or dead?

Princess: ......

Princess: Bet...?

(Justice: Hm?)

(Executive: Ha?)

(Koura: Oh my...)

Legislator: By the way, I also think it was too late for Aoi, the same as the princess and the rest of you.

So I can't bet against you, but...

Legislator: I know of exactly one person who would bet that Aoi is still alive.

Page 15

Legislator: It might be a mild comfort, but if you don't mind...

Why not take him up on that wager?

Page 16

Ashiya: I'm dead...

Abeno: I hate the damn cold...

Ashiya: This end of term test was hopeless for me...

Ashiya: Were the questions always that hard?!

Abeno: It's been snowing since this morning...

Abeno: The second it becomes December, it starts getting really cold...

Ashiya: What will I do if I can't pass this grade...

Abeno: (Ah?!) I said it's cold!!

Ashiya: How is it being cold my fault?!

Ashiya: I was just defeated by the worst test ever!

If you're not nice to me, I'm going to cry!?

(Zenko: That voice...)

Abeno: Quit your fidgeting! And your damn sniveling!

Ashiya: Fidget! Snivel!

Page 17

Zenko: Stop fighting!

(Ashiya: Zenko!?)

(Zenko: The exam was pretty hard.)

(Ashiya: Yeah...)

Zenko: Are you guys working today?

Abeno: We have one request for a demon exorcism.

Zenko: It's rough in the snow, so be careful of where you're walking.

Ashiya: Yeah... We'll get going...

Zenko: Ah.

Zenko: Wait a second.

Zenko: I want you to confirm something for me.

Page 18

Zenko: Is it okay for a demon to take cold medicine meant for a human?

(Ashiya: Medicine.)

Zenko: Last night, Yahiko started coughing a lot. It seems like he caught a cold.

Abeno: Yahiko...

With a cold?

Abeno: Any other symptoms?

Zenko: Not much aside from the coughing...

This morning when he wanted to visit Okina-sama to play and kicked up a fuss, he seemed energetic...

Zenko: Today you should make sure to stay obediently at home.

Do you hear me?

(Yahiko: Ehhh!? No!! I want to make snowmen with Okina!)

(Zenko: No way.)

Page 19

Abeno: Unfortunately, I can’t say that there wouldn't be a problem with giving demons medicine from the Mundane world.

But I'll examine Yahiko's condition, so I can get him some medicine from the Underworld.

Zenko: Thanks, you saved me.

Zenko: (That said,) When are you going to come by? (Today?)

Ashiya: How about we head right over to check on Yahiko after we finish today's job?

Abeno: ......

Ashiya: ......?

Ashiya: Abeno-san?

Abeno: Changes of plans.

Abeno: Let's visit Yahiko first.

Ashiya: Eh...?

Page 20

Ashiya: (The visit's first...?) Is it okay to put off the exorcism job?!

If the client has to wait for us under these snowy skies, they might get a cold, too!

Abeno: I'll ask the Mononokean to head the meeting place so that they can wait inside.

Abeno: Besides, we can make it just in time if we hurry with visiting Yahiko.

Ashiya: ......

Ashiya: I guess that's true, but...

Zenko: I have to clean before I leave, so you two can head to the temple before me if you're in a hurry.

Abeno: Then, we'll do that.

Ashiya: (It's pretty rare for Abeno to postpone his work...)

[If we're just checking on him, we could do it afterward...]

(Ashiya: We'll go over first.)

(Zenko: Yeah.)

Page 21

Ashiya: Yahiko!

Page 22

Ashiya: ...Huh?

He's not coming out...

Ashiya: He might be sleeping inside the house... Should we intrude? (Zenko's dad is probably cleaning by the front gate, but...)

Abeno: !

Ashiya: Abeno-san? Where are you going?

Abeno: I can feel Yahiko's aura over here.

Ashiya: Wait...! Umbrella, umbrella!

Abeno: (Ah?) I don't need it.

Ashiya: Since you don't have an umbrella, you'll get cold!

If you don't want to share an umbrella with me, then I'll give it to you! Just take it before you get cold! (If you get cold, you're going to scoff at me again, you know?!)

Abeno: I'm not cold!

Ashiya: Now you're lying?!

Abeno: !

Page 23

Ashiya: Snowmen?

Ashiya: Yahiko! I found you! (You transformed, didn't you?)

Abeno: That's just a regular snowman.

Ashiya: But these mass-produced snowmen all seem like they were made by Yahiko.....?

Abeno: Yeah.

(Ashiya: Yahikooo! Where are youuu!)

Abeno: !

Page 24

Abeno: Found you.

Yahiko: Haruitsukiii! Did you come to play in the snow with me?

Page 25

Ashiya: Yahiko!

Ashiya: (So he was hiding!)

(Even though he might have a cold, he's as high-energy as ever...)

Yahiko: Cough...

Yahiko: Cough, cough... cough!

Abeno: !

Yahiko: Cough...

Yahiko: Cough...

Yahiko: ...Today... I was supposed to play in the snow with Okina...

Yahiko: But Zenko said I had to wait quietly at home...

So I...

Page 26

Yahiko: Cough!

Abeno: Hey!

Ashiya: Wah!?

Abeno: Yahiko...!

Ashiya: A-a-a-are you okay!?

Page 27

Yahiko: Cough...

Haa...

Yahiko: Haa...

Ashiya: His face is red, and he's sweating a lot...!!

Yahiko: Cough...

Ashiya: The symptoms are worse than what we heard from Zenko!

Abeno: It's higher than a normal fever should be...

Page 28

Ashiya: Abeno-san...! Is there anywhere in the Mundane world a demon can go for a medical examination?

A shop like Kiyakudou, maybe...

Abeno: I don't know any trained medical professionals like Koura, but...

Ashiya: Then, should we take Yahiko to the Underworld to see Koura-san!?

Abeno: No... That's...

Yahiko: No way!!

Yahiko: I won't go to the Underworld!

Yahiko: I'll never ever go!!

Abeno: Hey...! Quit struggling!

Yahiko: Cough, cough!

Ashiya: Yahiko...! We can't leave you like this!

Zenko will understand if you have to go to the Underworld, so...

Page 29

Yahiko: No, no, noo!

Yahiko: I won't!

Yahiko: I'm perfectly fine! Don't stop me from playing in the snow!

Yahiko: Haruitsuki, Ashiya, go away!!

Yahiko: (Cough, cough, cough, cough)

Ashiya: Yahiko...

Abeno: ......

Abeno: ......

Yahiko: (Cough, cough... cough)

Page 30

Abeno: ......

I have no intentions of exorcising you.

Ashiya: !?

Abeno: I know very well why you don't want to go to the Underworld.

Abeno: From the time I was old enough to become an employee of the Mononokean, I acquired a lot of knowledge about the history of the Underworld from the Executive.

Yahiko: !

Abeno: Of course, I learned about you, as well, sir...

Abeno: If there's something happening to your body, it may be connected to the fate of the Underworld.

Page 31

Yahiko: ......

Yahiko: Haruitsuki...?

Abeno: Please take a rest for now.

Abeno: Older brother of the Underworld Princess, the earthbound Prince Kamo-mioya-hiko.

(Note: The counterpart to hime (princess/lady) used here is hiko, so Yahiko's name comes from the last part of his name and this honorific, Kamo-mioya-hiko. I’ve also decided to translate the preface of his name, which means “far from the Underworld” as “earthbound.”)

[clembarbarossa]

Rest and Peace I

The life of an Assassin is one of constant toil, emotional duress and gruesome murders. So, I thought it would be nice to give them rest. Nice days to recover and do what they enjoy at least, amongst their loved ones.

Hey everyone! I started I series of fics whose theme is going to be the Assassins (and some Templar) depicted in peaceful moments, often with love and intimacy, because they deserve it.

My first fic feature Ratonhnhaké:ton, along with some Homesteaders, and is dedicated to my good friend @jiruchan! Enjoy!

There is some Kanienké’ha in this fic too. Feel free to correct me if I messed things up.

You may read it here on Ao3 too.

________________________________________________________________

    August was coming to an end. The air was still warm, the smouldering summer heat under which Warren and Prudence had to toll wasn’t entirely gone. The year was good, the harvest bountiful thanks to the rich soil of the homestead. His carriage filled with caskets of corn, bags of wheat and vegetables, Warren went to Boston to sell their crops.

    Still, Prudence had her hands full. Pigs, Cows, Sheep and Poultry to tend to, and so many vegetables yet to pick, and the most delicate task of all: Hunter.

    The boy was no longer a baby she could strap to her back while working. At four years of age, he was as swift and lively as the bunnies that constantly tried to nibble at their pumpkins. Prudence was even more worried that he apparently inherited her restlessness. Since her pregnancy and eventful delivery, she toned down her escapades in the wilderness: she felt like her poor Warren’s heart shouldn’t be furthermore mistreated and brave Connor couldn’t be around every time to save her from bears or impatient babies. Speaking of the wolf…

    Ratonhnhaké:ton was peacefully walking down the path bordering the farm. Going to Myriam cabin, no doubt to plan their next delivery of fresh furs. What intrigued Prudence was that the young man wasn’t wearing his heavy hooded coat, even he had to adapt to the heat after all. Even more unusual was the absence of any of his weapons, no bow nor guns and neither tomahawk at his sides. Only his peculiar leather bracers remained.

    “Conno’!” Young Hunter had spotted Ratonhnhaké:ton too, and rushed to his side with his usual recklessness. The balance of four years olds being what it is, he tripped a first time, and a second that made him land flat on the ground. The boy began to wail a mere two second after and Prudence could not refrain a chuckle, her son certainly had had worse stunts. Connor picked him up and brushed the dirt off with his hand.

    “Hello Connor, what deadly injury has my child sustained?” she jokingly asked.

    “Nothing worth bothering Dr White,” he softly replied, as Hunter stopped crying “this case seems beyond saving, I am afraid…”

    Prudence laughed at Connor’s unexpected joke; the humour was lost to Hunter who whined and clang to the young man. The usually touch-adverse Connor welcomed the toddler’s embrace and picked him up in his arms as he got up.

  “You were up to discuss furs and pelts with Myriam, I wager?”

    “Yes. Ellen is expecting a big commission from Boston and needed material, it will be easier to do if we team up.”

    “Indeed. Now sweetheart,” she turned to her son, “Connor has business to do, you heard, so you better leave him be…”

    Hunter yelped a defiant “No!” and clang harder to Connor when his mother attempted to grab him. The frown she made reminded Connor of how his own mother reacted to him misbehaving; she shifted her tone accordingly:

    “Oh no, you son of mine, you do not talk back to me.” Prudence growled without raising her usually gentle voice, “no one has time for a tantrum here, not Connor and certainly not me.” Hunter made a sad put and started to loosen his grip on Connor when the man spoke:

    “I do not mind if he stays with me, Prudence. You look like you have much to do and I am not that busy myself.”

    Prudence was taken aback by her friend’s proposal, but she had to admit it was a tempting one; she could finish her work much earlier without her toddler scampering around.

    “Aw that’s awfully nice of you Connor, but you are like Warren you spoil him too much, he’s going to turn rotten!” Hunter stuck his tongue out at his mother who playfully flicked him on the nose, the toddler giggled.

    “Sorry for that”, Connor said with a smile.

    “Don’t apologise for bein’ nice. And thank you, I could use this help, I trust you with him more than Terry’s boys.”

    Connor chuckled, Malcolm and Angus were rowdy kids and their last attempt at babysitting nearly ended in disaster. Thankfully, Norris saw them in his mine before lighting his charge’s fuse.

                                             <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

    One of the first things Hunter told Connor when he started to talk was for asking him why he is so tall. The adults around laughed at the young boy’s questions. Prudence didn’t miss the occasion and proclaimed that Connor became so tall because he wasn’t fussing when eating his soup, unlike a certain someone. Oliver thought more likely that the robust and meaty native diet was to thanks for that and Lyle White pondered if the fresh air of the Kanien’ké valley, free of the towns’ miasma, was responsible. Connor had no answers, although his parents were certainly not short. The memories of both Kaniehtí:io and Haytham made him fell silent for the rest of the evening.

    Now, Connor long legs and usual fast paced walk rapidly proved way too quick for little Hunter who scrambled behind him.

    “Conno’… Conno’!” The young man turned to face his charge, Hunter’s face clearly showed his frustration as he approached, “you too fast… I can’t follow you…”

    “You are right, Hunter. My apologies.” Ratonhnhaké:ton softly replied, he extended his hand to the boy who eagerly took it.

    For the rest of the walk, Connor had to lean and adjust his pace to Hunter’s. He didn’t mind as the child was extremely happy that way. He was hopping alongside his friend on the forest path and pointing at the birds while making joyful noises. Connor was used of this now, and resisted the urge to chide him for what would be seen as awfully rude amongst his people. He caught sight of a Northern Cardinal, all crimson, singing on a branch. “Look Connor, all the pretty feathers! Do you use its feather for your hair?”, the boy asked.

    “We do not. We use Eagle’s feathers.”

    “Oh. And why do you use feathers?”.

    Connor pondered the question and the best way to answer it to the boy. It was not often that Colonists asked him questions about his culture, even amongst his Assassin brethren. “We use it to celebrate, to show our feats to our people and our origin too.”

    “Origin?”

    “Well... I am from the Kanien’kehá:ka nation, or… Mohawk as some say. If I want to show it to the people of other tribes, I will have to put three eagle’s feathers in my hair.”

    “Oh!” Hunter showed a great deal of interest that surprised Connor, “and why don’t you do it now then?”

    “I… I am not… It will not fit with my hood.”

    “Aw… to bad, because I think it’s pretty!”

    “Yes. And we use feather to make things pretty too.” Hunter giggled.

    As they were nearing Myriam’s cabin, Connor spotted an Owl that Hunter didn’t see. He kneeled beside the boy and pointed at it with is lips, in native fashion. “Look here: tsihstekeri.”

    “What!?” The toddler’s shout startled the bird of prey who angrily stared at them both.

    “Tsihstekeri,” repeated Connor, “That’s how my people call the owls.”

    “Wah! And how you call eagles?”

    “Akweks.” Ratonhnhaké:ton replied.

    Connor was baffled but endeared by Hunter’s awe. To a four years old boy still struggling with English, the idea that things could be named in a whole different language was a constant source of amazement. When they reached Myriam’s cabin, Connor smiled and said “Iontó:rats.”

    “Hello to you too, Connor.” Myriam absentmindedly replied; she was sharpening the knife Norris once gifted her. “Kwey[1]! That’s how you say it too, right?”

    That word was familiar to Ratonhnhaké:ton, it was the first that sprung out of the lips of the tribes north and south of the Great Lakes and the Great Walking River[2] when they meet each other.

    “This is a greeting we use amongst many people, though my brethren usually say Shé:kon, to greet one another.”

    “Then what did you say, just now?”, Myriam stood up, “I hope you weren’t calling me names”, she jokingly added.

    “Conno’ is teaching me words!”, Hunter suddenly shouted.

    “Yes, Iontó:rats means ‘Huntress’.”

    “Oh well, ‘Yon-do-rads’? That’s nice to know. And how would you call a little hunter like we have here?”, she said while smiling at Hunter.

    “Rató:rats.”, he replied, while smiling at his young charge who beamed back.

    Connor and Myriam started discussing their upcoming tasks: on which ground to hunt and which to lay traps, where to find the best furs for Ellen. Hunter quickly bore of this conversation and began to wander around the Huntress’s cabin. The sight of dead trapped rabbits and drying furs didn’t faze the little farm boy much, he was used to it, watching his father kill pigs and poultry then playing in the feathers his mother plucked. The traps aligned by the door caught his eyes however. While the snares where not much to look at, the wolf and bear traps, with their sharp teeth, inspired him a morbid curiosity…

    “Do not touch that, Hunter!”

    Connor’s shout snapped him out of his little examination, his fingers already too close to the rusty maws, thankfully closed.

    “Oh, you need to keep an eye on that one, remind me of someone…” snickered Myriam.

    “Indeed” Connor beckoned Hunter to approach, as the toddler came closer, pouting all the way, he took his hand in his own, “There are things you should not touch, little one,” he lightly squeezed his fingers to make his point, “those could easily hurt you if you are not careful. Do you understand?”

    Hunter nodded and looked away, a bit upset by the lecture, Connor elected not to mind that. Myriam laughed as she stood up.

    “Well, I’m not in a hurry to get one of my own. It’d be complicated to have another baby around.”

    “I’m not a baby…” muttered Hunter and Myriam laughed again, tried to gently poke his puffed cheeks only for the boy to whine and hide behind Connor’s broad back.

    “You and Norris aren’t planning to have one?”

    “Well, he’d like too, and I’m not really against it, but you know how I feel about the whole housewife business.”

    “I do,” Connor smiled, “and the trees remember too.”

    “Oh please,” Myriam rolled her eyes, “Don’t bring this up, I panicked and nearly ruined my dress in this damn river.”

    They both laughed while Hunter side-eyed them.

                                                <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

    Ratonhnhaké:ton and Hunter were back into the wilds, the adults assigned each other places were to lay traps. Once again, Connor was carrying Hunter on his shoulders, to protect him from the bushes and vines. Hunter was lazily resting on Connor’s head, humming a little tune while playing with his braids. Connor didn’t mind and was looking for good spots for trapping foxes. Since he was in charge of Hunter, both he and Myriam thought it wiser that she takes care of the wolves and their pelts.

    Finding a good place, he crouches to lay his snare and place some bait. Hunter tighten his grip on Connor’s head and giggles as these movements make him rock back and forth. Connor playfully moves his shoulders to humour the child some more. Hunter’s laughter of delight echoes under the trees and scare off numerous birds.

    “Ush, Hunter, look.” Connor pointed toward the edge of the forest, by a clearance bathed in sunlight, first with his lips, then with his hands when Hunter didn’t understand. “Over there, quietly…”

    The boy squinted in this direction then gasped.

    “A doe!” His whisper barely concealed his excitement.

    “Yes. Oskenón:ton. Keep looking, under her belly.” Hunter focused, and saw a small creature peeking under the deer, similar but smaller with a constellation of white spots on its back.

    “Her baby!”, this time Hunter wasn’t as discreet and shouted. The doe stiffened and raised her head, sniffing the air, her ears twisting in all direction, searching for any trace of danger. Hunter realised his mistake and covered his mouth with his hands.

    “You need to be careful, Hunter,” whispered Connor, “Do not make any noise, lest you want to startle the animals.”

    The doe hopped back in the thick of the woods, her progeny right after her.

    “Aw no~” Hunter pouted, disappointment clear in his voice,

    “You will have other chances. Just remember to be silent, alright.” Ratonhnhaké:ton felt the boy’s nodding and resumed walking.

    “Conno~?”

    “Hum?”

    “I’m hungry…”

    “Is that so? Hum…” Connor thought of an answer as Hunter was starting to squirm, he remembered a place where blackberry brambles were growing and probably bear fruits this time of year, it would be a good trapping ground too. “Do you like blackberries, Hunter?”

    “I do! I do!”, the boy shouted in excitation and trampled his legs on Connor’s torso. “Let’s go pick bwackberries, Conno’!”

    The young man laughed at the sound of his charge’s childish slurs and enthusiasm and sprung forward.

    Despite Connor’s firm grip on the boy’s legs, he did bounce quite a bit on his shoulders. Hunter’s laughter and encouragement to go faster made him increase his pace. A soft wind began to blow, ruffling the leaves and the grass, cooling both of their faces. Hunter laughed even more and raised his arms to try and catch the leaves blown away. Connor kept his fast pace and the speed made forest around them blur in shades of green and brown.

    As they were nearing the brambles, Connor slowed down but kept skipping to humour the child. Even amongst Hunter’s giggles, he could distinctly hear a ruffle in the bushes that was way too loud to be of a hare, and far too near to be on an animal anyway. He came to an abrupt stop and gently placed in index on Hunter’s lips to advise him silence, the boy gasped and froze, taking this as a new game or the chance to see another creature.

    As they stood silent and listening, the ruffling increased.

    “Shit!”

    “Oh! That’s not an animal!” exclaimed Hunter, “Hey! Your mommy will wash your mouth with a soap if you swear!”

    “Don’t tell Ellen, then!” a girlish voice replied beyond the brambles. Connor recognised it as Maria’s. He couldn’t see the girl yet but heard her struggling in the bushes.

    “We will not, Maria. But what are you doing?” As he said that, Connor was approaching and saw the teenage girl, her dress tangled in the brambles and stained by blackberries. She looked up with a mixed expression of contrition and anger, somewhat softened by the sight of little Hunter perched atop Connor’s shoulders.

    “I was just strolling around. Something startled me and… Mom is going to kill me.” She said looking at the disaster brought on her dress.

    “She certainly will not,” Connor reassured her, “but she will probably want you to fix your dress.”

    “Same thing! I hate doing it, I don’t wanna become a seamstress, damn it!”

    “You should not swear in front of Hunter.”, Connor warned as he was getting the boy off his shoulders.

    “Right,” she sniffled, “Sorry, I… I have been trapped here for a quarter of an hour at least…”

    “Conno’ and I we saw a lot of birds,” exclaimed Hunter, running toward her, “and a doe and her baby!”

    “Ah… I that so?”, Maria replied with a grimace, trying to be somewhat amiable to the toddler.

    “Yes!” He lowered his voice, “and Conno’ he told me to be quiet because… because we shouldn’t scare the mommy with her baby!” He exclaimed anew, forgetting his caretaker’s advice.

    “Her fawn, Hunter.” Connor softly corrected him as he started to help Maria getting untangled.

    “Fawn!” Hunter joyfully repeated, “We saw a doe and her fawn, Maria!”

    “You two are lucky, then… The only thing I saw was a go… a cursed wolverine. Foul beast snarled at me, that’s why I ran and got caught here.”

    “You did well,” replied Connor, “better getting caught in a thicket than treading on the ferocious Tsikenekerehetshotáhrhon.”

    “The what?!?” Exclaimed Maria.

    “Conno’ is teaching me animal names in his language.” Answered Hunter, “An eagle you call it ‘Ag-wek’!”

    “Oh. That’s nice…” Hunter proudly beamed at her. “I think you’ll have to cut some of it Connor, it’d be too tattered even if you get it out anyway… And I forgot my knife…”

    “It looks like you are right…” Connor glanced at Hunter to check where he was looking; luckily, he was already picking and savouring the blackberries. Connor swiftly detached is left hidden blade to cut Maria free of the thorns. She stumbled out the way and stretched her legs, enjoying her new freedom.

    “Ah, thank you Connor! You must have magical power, always here to save people when needed!”

    “I wish it was true, Maria,” sadly replied Connor, he handed her the ragged piece of cloth he just got out of the bramble.

    “Maria! Say “Aaah”!”, Maria looked down to see Hunter presenting a blackberry for her to pick, the boy already had purple juice all over his mouth. She got the fruit with her mouth and smothered Hunter’s giggles with her new rag.

                                              <<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

    Once the trio had their fill of blackberries, or “Teiote’nenhrà:kton” as Ratonhnhaké:ton taught them, they got to rest at the edge of a clearing.  Hunter was running around after the butterflies, observing the various insects frolicking in the grass. Maria lent him her mop cap to shelter his head from the sun. It made him look rather odd, and her quite improper by colonial standard, with her brown locks free on her back, but neither of them cared, and neither did Connor.

    They were both sitting in the shade of a great oak, keeping an eye on the kid, a small mount of berries on a leather piece between them from which Maria regularly picked. Her chin was resting on her knees and her hands were buried in her dress. Connor was more relaxed; his legs were stretched in front of him and he was resting on his elbows. He didn’t get to place a lot of snares but that was something he could always do latter, with a more proper equipment this time.

    “I should do like Myriam and wear trousers when I go for a walk”, Maria suddenly muttered.

    “That would be more convenient indeed.” Replied Connor, “You said you don’t like sewing, but couldn’t you make yourself a pair?”

    Maria frowned and half buried her face behind her knees, “I asked Mom… she said it wasn’t proper, quoted a part of the Bible that said it was an ‘abomination’,” Maria snorted of frustration, “and made me read ten pages of it!”.

    “I see.” Connor understood the teenager frustration, colonial women had to put up with a lot of constraints while those of his people were the one running the show. His own reading of the Bible was motivated by his desire to better understand colonial society. While he managed to chew through the Genesis and Exodus, wondering all the way which parts were true, which were fictions and how many pieces of Eden were involved, the following books infuriated him with their nonsensical rules. He gave up and Father Timothy had the kindness to explain the rest to him. “I hope she doesn’t say that about Myriam.”

    “No. I brought her up actually, and she said that Myriam wear pants because of her trade and that – unlike me – she’s an adult.”

    “Eh, she has a point.”

    “Still, it’s unfair. I don’t mind dresses, but what’s the point of letting me explore if I have to keep it?”

    “You really do like the wilderness around here, do you?”, Connor asked. He saw a glimmer in Maria’s eyes before she answered.

    “Yes! I love it here! Everything is beautiful, it’s quiet, I discover new things every week, I doesn’t stink, and the people are nice. It’s not like in New-York…”, her demeanour suddenly darkened, “When this piece of trash was beating Mom again, I was asking for help to everyone… The neighbours, the guards, nobody answered… If you didn’t happen to be here…”

    “I was. And I would do it again anytime, Maria.” Connor comforted her, “As will everyone in the homestead.”

    “I know. That’s why I like it here.” She said with a smile. Connor smiled as well; it was during these moments that he knew everything he was doing wasn’t in vain. That he was actually able to help people be safe and happy. They both stayed silent a little while until Hunter ran toward them.

    “Conno’!! Maria! Look what I got! Look!” The overexcited toddler opened his hands to reveal a massive spotted beetle with a pair of horns on its head[3].

    “That is a good catch, Hunter.” Connor said, “Well done.”

    “Looks like a Rhinoceros…” Maria mumbled.

    “A what?” Hunter asked.

    “Rhi-no-ce-ros. It’s a giant beasty from Africa with two horns on its head, like your bug here. I’m sure Connor has heard of it.”

    “I did not. You seem really knowledgeable on the matter, Maria.”

    The young girl struggled a bit to refrain a smile of pride, “I have a book with a lot of engravings of animals from all around the world, some of them reaaally weird. I got it at school because of my good grades.” She noticed the gleam of expectation in Hunter’s big eyes, “I’ll show it to you, if you want”

    The toddler beamed at the proposal and voiced his approval of the idea. It was at this moment that the beetle decided it had enough of his handling and flew off his hands. The young boy tried to catch it without any success.

    “Ah no! It was gift for Mommy!”

    “Living beings are no gift, Hunter. Especially wild animals, that’s why it got away, you cannot deprive it of its freedom.” Connor lectured him.

    “And I don’t think Prudence would like this kind of gift anyway,” snarked Maria, “You should get her a bouquet instead, there’s plenty for it in this meadow.”

    Hunter instantly got his smile back and ran away in the grass to pick flowers. Connor chuckled, memories came back of an adventure where a flowery gift was less appreciated, but Prudence would like it no doupt.

    “So, you were good at school, a pity there isn’t any here.”

    “Oh, I had time to learn a lot. And Father Timothy keeps teaching me about a lot of things, not just the Bible. And he’s waaay nicer than the Pastor’s wife who was teaching us back in New York.”

    “Good to hear. And… do you know what you want to do later?”

    “I already work with Mom, and she wants me to take over after her.” She buried her face between her knees again, “And I don’t want to be a seamstress. I think that I want to see more of the world and help people, like you do.”

    Connor’s back stiffened. It wasn’t an answer he was expecting, part of him felt pride and approval, but he also felt fear, for his path was hard, dangerous, and thankless. For his brothers and sisters, being an Assassin was their choice. On the contrary, it was something destiny, or dreadful spirits, threw at him and he embraced it without fully realising the implications at first and he had to learn the hard way. He wasn’t one to turn down expectations and potential recruits, but dragging a young girl into his world was the last thing he wanted, especially the daughter of a friend.

    “I just help people I encounter.” Connor tried to divert the subject, “It is just something anyone would do, and should do.”

    “Ah! You’re humble but you won’t fool me. No ordinary hunter would go around with a frigate, and with those knives inside your wrists”, she glanced at Connor’s hidden blades’ bracers, “Achilles and you were working for people like Tallmadge, right? Helping the Patriots during the war?”

    “You… Let’s say that you are not far from the truth.” Connor was impressed by the girl’s deductions and relieved that her conclusion was wrong while still plausible.

    “Humpf! You can’t hide it from me,” she said with a mischievous smile, “Once I manage to make a pair of pants under Mom’s nose, you’ll have to teach me how to run in the trees like you do.”

    Connor chuckled, “Why not? Myriam could give you some lessons as well.”

    Maria brought her legs closer to her body, but Connor could clearly see her wide and proud smile.

                                                 <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

    As the afternoon was ending, the trio made its way back to the village. Hunter was holding Maria’s hand and his flowers in the other, hopping and humming a tune. Ratonhnhaké:ton was walking besides them, holding a generous bounty of berries in a bag. As they were approaching Ellen and Maria’s house, the girl made a stop.

    “Mom is going to scold me for the dress…”

    “Probably, but she will also be glad to see you safe and sound. Trying to hide the truth from her is a bad idea, she will know in a way or another.”

    “Right…” Maria sighed and went along with Hunter as the boy was pulling her hand.

    Maria’s fears were only partially true: Ellen clearly wasn’t happy with the dress but her anger was alleviated by the offering of blackberries, the fact that Maria had to run from a wolverine and the laugh she had when she noticed Hunter still wearing her daughter’s mop cap.

    Before they left, she offered a red ribbon to properly hold Hunter’s bouquet, and quickly re-arranged the flowers to better suit Prudence’s tastes despite the boy’s protests when she left the dandelions out.

    After proper good-byes, and Maria’s renewal of her promise to show her book to Hunter, they left for the farm. Connor indulged Hunter with another ride on his shoulder. The toddler was overjoyed when Connor crossed the river by doing some free-running on a log instead of the bridge.

    When they reached the farm, Prudence was resting under the porch, Connor let go of Hunter and the child ran to his mother.

    “Mommy! Mommy! Look what I got you!”

    “You what? Oh!” Prudence laughed when her son shoved the flowers under her nose to give her a good look of it. “Thank you, my son, I like your flowers very much.”

    “Maria told me to do it and Ellen gave me the ribbon. Do they smell good?” the boy asked. His mother took the bouquet a smelled it, she did it noisily on purpose before giving her verdict.

    “They smell wonderful, Hunter.” He beamed and Prudence embraced her son as thanks. This view brought a smile to Connor, he was happy to see that some were able to freely enjoy what was taken from him.

    “Well now I’ll have to put them in a vase.” She said while standing up, “A thousand thanks to you Connor, for taking care of my son. I hope he wasn’t too much to handle and that he didn’t prevent you from doing your work.”

    “Your son behaved splendidly, Prudence. And don’t worry, none of my tasks had any urgency. I’ll leave you two be for now to attend to it.”

    “Wait!” Hunter yelped as Connor was leaving. The toddler ran to the man to hug him. Connor smiled and accepted his embrace.

    “Good bye, Conno’. I’ll get to spend time with you again and you’ll teach me other words, right?”

    “Right.” Connor smiled, “As soon as I can. Goodbye for now, Rató:rats.” Hunter laughed.

    After really leaving and waving back, Connor was left by himself again. The Sun was starting to set and the warm evening light was bathing the trees and meadows. Musty smells of flowers, earth, evergreens and berries were filling the air. Insects and birds were chirping, only interrupted by the occasional breeze that contrasted nicely with the warmth of late August’s weather.

    As he came into view of the Manor, Ratonhnhaké:ton realised – with a pinch of sadness to his heart – that it was the first time in months that he had such a nice and quiet time. He probably won’t get another moment like it anytime soon, but such was his work as an Assassin. After all, it was the joy and relief he could bring to others and the promise of such times that made it worth it.

    Clearing the clouds of sadness off his mind, like he already did so many times before, and armed with a new resolve, he prepared himself to gear up again.

End notes :

[1] Algonquin for “Hello”, it became a word for salute in many north-eastern languages.

[2] The Saint-Lawrence river

[3] Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus). It looks like a beige Rhinoceros beetle, with black spots.

[ala-mhinyan]

II :: Bargain

{{ TW: Extortion + Misgendering }} {{ Feat Mentions of: @monsutanokami, @talesfromthegameff14 and @dunrai-ffxiv }} The letter had arrived by hunting hawk around midday, right as C’tolemy was finishing up his chores to the village and was preparing to return back to Eorzea proper. The trip home had been...strange, to say the least. It was his first return back to home soil after the incident at the Pack company house that had turned his long, curly mane into a curly mess that barely brushed his shoulders. His kin didn’t look him in the eye whenever he addressed them, a silent blessing that both soothed his fraying pride and rankled deep his conviction. It had made the morning hard and midday harder. By the time he had everything ready?—He was more than willing to return home. It wouldn’t feel as though he had disappointed everyone who had even glimpsed at him there. 

There—Eorzea? Everyone thought the ‘new look’ was something cute or something he would settle into by the time the eighth sun had passed—not that that was anything better to feel anyway. He’d lost the one thing that was -his- when he fled Kushal. The one thing he’d poured himself into to maintain and had actually come to be a source of pride—gone in one night. One moment of battle. He can still smell the scent of burning flesh and hair every time he turns his head too fast, catching a section of curls that brush past his cheek. His stomach turns and he has to close his eyes.

They’ll never understand.

The details of the letter are more important; it was a parchment paper carefully rolled and tied off with a deep red string. A stamp on the far right end tells him all he needs to know—a wolf’s head holding a dagger. He retrieves the letter from the hawk, brushing it’s feathers with the back of one claw and thrusts his arm up to send the beast on it’s way. It spirals up and flutters away, headed toward Rhalgr’s Reach, disappearing beyond the spires long after Tolemy’s gaze has shifted back to the parchment in his hand. He unravels it with a sharp tug, reading the single line at the center of the parchment: ‘Kugane. Now. Bring your mask.’ C’tolemy resists the urge to grimace at what he reads, neatly rolling the parchment back up as he strolls to the center fire pit and tosses the letter into the flame. He watches until he is sure the trail burns away with that parchment before turning away from the fire, gathering his things and waving goodbye to his kin. A pull inward, a focus of swirling aether and he plunges into the lifestream.

< Kugane: Midday >

The ripple splits, black and purple aether crackling as C’tolemy emerges from the teleport—straightening up the Hingan wolf mask that hides his face. A quick pit stop home allowed him to bathe, change clothing and grab the dreaded mask before teleporting back here. There was no worry of anyone catching his activities at home; they weren’t home at this time. Never were. It’s what made these meetings so guilt-wriddlingly convenient. His attire would place him as a native of the land and at this point? He may as well be. The trips to Kugane to meet his ‘friends’ have been increasing in frequency lately and, as such, have made it known to his lovers that something is going on that the Seeker is hiding. Just the thought has his stomach churning again, a hand coming to rest over his gut in a placid attempt to soothe the guilt. ‘Soon,’ his mind whispers, ‘You will tell them soon.’ 

His feet take him through the well-populated city, navigating the crowd with practiced ease until he comes to a stop in front of an establishment donned ‘The Golden Rook’. A glance about him and he slips into the eatery, murmuring quiet acknowledgement to the greeter that meets him. The hyur woman gives him a once-over and guides him through the low-lit restaurant to the very back room and right up to, what appears, to be a blank wall coveted by a decorative plant. She brushes the fern aside, slips her hand into the small opening hidden behind it and pulls open the false wall, revealing a simple sliding door. That too, is slid open and C’tolemy bows his head in thanks, slipping through the dark entrance that leads him down a flight of steps into a darker room lit only by candle. In the center of the room sits a male miqo’te behind a low table, similar in size and stature to Tolemy, dressed in similar attire with a similar mask sitting on the table. 

The man doesn’t bother looking up at the sound of footfalls, busy working on a letter while C’tolemy comes and sits opposite to him, removing the mask and setting it to the opposite side of the other man’s mask. It’s a careful dance that he plays well. Finally, as if addressed, the man lifts his pale blue gaze to smile upon C’tolemy.

“Well met, Lupa. You made it here safely?”

“Yes. What is it you ah calling me ‘eah foah, Nameless?”

The man smiles politely at his long friend of many years, fox-faced and polite despite the hell he wreathes around his person. It is never a good thing when Nameless calls for you. He retrieves a rolled up parchment, similar to the one that was delivered to C’tolemy earlier and holds it out toward his golden friend. C’tolemy doesn’t move to take it. “You’ve been assigned to pick up another contract for The Syndicate. You’ve been doing well with the last three I gave you—despite the little mix up on your last kill. I assure you, no one will be there to rob you of your meal, Lupa.” A snarl pulls at the edge of Tolemy’s lips but he doesn’t let it show, golden eyes turning sharp. Akuno, that kill-stealing bastard… The Seeker breathes in deep and shakes his head.

“I ‘ave no desiah to pick up anothah contract, Nameless. I ‘ave no desiah to retuhn to being Lupa. That is behind me. I onleh did these few because you said you ‘ad no one else that could and I owed you a favoah. Th’favoah is paid, Nameless. I want nothing more of this.”

The Keeper sitting across from his doesn’t change his eerie smile, nor shift the parchment away from Tolemy. He sits unmoving, smile ever present, letting the silence grow. Just before it begins to unsettle, he speaks up.

“Are you telling me you didn’t enjoy the contracts I gave you, Lupa?”

“Theah wheah enjoyable, yes. But I do naught desiah that life anehmoah.”

Nameless cocks his head at this particular response, leaning back as he sets the rolled parchment onto the table. A curious look colors his expression, that smile still never moving.

“Tell me, Lupa. Does Gyr Abania mean so little to you now?”

C’tolemy stiffens, that snarl riding his spine once more. “What ah you on ab—” “It must be so. For you to deny contracts from me, from someone who has only ever had your revenge in mind. I was the one who signed you to the Ala Mhigan Resistance. I was the one who gave you every garlean contract that passed beneath my fingers. I was the one who has always given you special privilege to do what you must for your country without the consequences any normal person would face. It must not mean as much to you anymore, Ala Mhigo, that is.” The Coeurl shifts slightly in place, his long tail having gone from a slow sway behind him to lying still with the tail tip tik-toking behind him. He furrows his brows, responding curtly. “My allegiance to mine countreh, mine kin and mine tribe is th’onleh reason I still wield these blades. I ‘ave nevah failed a contract. I ‘ave nevah let you down. The wah is something I am monitohing caehfulleh mineself and ‘ave resigned mineself to th’moment th’sands need my blades. If anehthing, this is th’last thing I would be weak on.” Nameless bobs his head in an understanding nod, using his free hand to spread out the various papers he was previously writing on.

“Oh? Is that so, Lupa? Then, care to explain something to me? Should your tribe, your blood, your country mean so much to you… Why have you not been present in it?” The Keeper’s documents house a number of descriptions and sections of map. Upon closer inspection, the maps detail out various areas around Eorzea. The Goblet. The Lavender Beds. Shirogane and The Mists. Red circles are drawn on each map, an approximation of a point on each map; The Proving Grounds. The Haughty Mason. The Pack Company House and—their home in The Mists. Tolemy is still, eyes focused on each map while panic and rage build in his gut like bile.

“You spend much time in Eorzea, Lupa. You wander, yes—You explore, yes. But these locations catch me by surprise with how often you come and go from them. Particularly…” A claw taps the Mist map. “This one. Two Xaela, you, a child and a newborn. Is this the family you’ve made for yourself?” C’tolemy snaps his gaze up to meet Nameless’, that snarl finally riding along his tongue with such intensity it rattles the table. His tail is still and the air around him has shifted to something dangerous, the predator within’ waking up at the mention of his carved out existence and loved ones. Anything, gods above, anything but them.

“Leave them out of this.”

“I will leave your perceived family, even the others that you seem to hold so dear, alone—If you comply, Lupa. Take the contract.”

Nameless’ smile has fallen, the predatory gleam in his blue eyes threatening hell upon his future should the Seeker back down. The line of muscle along the Seeker’s shoulders and arms press hard against the cloth barely containing them, loving cradling each shift in muscle as Tolemy leans forward just a little—to be matched by Nameless’ lean as well. They have both gone still and silent, tension building in the moments before two monsters spring upon one another. The moment, however, never comes. Nameless abruptly smiles and straightens up, relaxing once more with that fox-faced expression. “You will, won’t you? For the children.” C’tolemy snarls low once more, nearly going blind with rage at the mention of his precious children. Their precious children. He’ll be damned if he lets this happen, damned if he bends and damned if says nothing. Terbish’s smiling face flashes in his mind and he relents, hand snapping out and taking the rolled parchment with a loud hiss. “Onleh undah th’condition that mine famileh and mine Pack be left out of this. Next time you bring theah names up at this table I will rip yoah throat out with mine teeth, undahstood?” The words leave no room for argument.

Nameless bobs his head in another good natured sign of understanding, chuckling out brightly. “Of course, of course! I am a friend, am I not, Lupa?” A screening smile pulls on the man’s lips, curling into a malicious smirk of a man that knows he has a dog on a leash.

“The details are all present there. Report back here once you have filled the contract. Happy hunting, Lupa.” C’tolemy rises without word, snatching up his mask and pulling it on roughly as he heads to ascend the staircase and leave his friend behind. Nameless watches the Seeker leave in a huff, long, jackal like ears tweaking as footfalls above him make it clear of C’tolemy’s exit. Only then does Nameless drop the smirk to a vacant expression, leaning forward on the table with elbows keeping him propped up.

A hand lifts and jingles the linkpearl dangling from an ear, the Keeper speaking softly.

“Your will has been carried out. Lupa has accepted the contract, though reluctant to because of his new family and responsibilities in Eorzea. How shall we proceed?”

A moment of silence before a womanly voice replies back, 

“I suppose it is time to paeh mine daughtah a visit.”

(( @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast ))

[hakuogakuen]

Hakuouki SSL: Chapter 1 (Okita)

Here is the translation for chapter 1 of Okita’s route! Common route translation is  by yuugs, and the Okita-specific scenes translations are by shizuumi. Proofreading by shizuumi, kuririn and dei-hime. Translation begins under the cut! You can also find it on our new Blogspot

―― June ――

As the calendar turns to the next page, our uniforms turn to summer ones as well.

In April and May, I was so desperate to get used to high school life that the months just flew by….

Lately, I think I’ve finally made a place for myself in my life at Hakuo Academy.

Of course, it’s still an environment meant for boys so I still feel a little out of place. But thanks to my reliable friends and teachers, I’m living a fulfilling life at school——

Two months have passed since I began high school. It’s a clear and sunny morning in June. When I came to school, immediately after entering the building, the first thing I felt was an odd atmosphere.

As I climbed the stairs, just as I turned onto the landing——

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wah!?”

???: “Ah!”

I collided with the student rushing around the corner, and ended up falling on my butt.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ow…" 

Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun? Sorry…”

Hajime Saitou: “I told you not to rush, Yamazaki. Are you alright, Yukimura?”

I looked up into two faces I recognized. Saitou-senpai was holding a textbook under one arm. He held out his hand to me.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ah… yes, I’m alright." 

Trying not to overthink it, I grabbed his hand and he pulled me upright.

Chizuru Yukimura: ”…Thank you for that.“ 

Chizuru Yukimura:: "I’m sorry, Yamazaki-senpai. I wasn’t being careful.”

As I bowed deeply to the two of them, I noticed a second year textbook had fallen to the floor.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Isn’t this your textbook, Yamazaki-senpai?”

Susumu Yamazaki: “O-Oh, did I drop it?  …I didn’t notice. Thanks.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

Something was off. Yamazaki’-senpai’s eyes had kind of a glazed look,  and there were dark circles underneath them. Saitou-senpai also looked tired.

This seems…

[Are you alright?] or [Are you not getting enough sleep?]

Chizuru Yukimura: “Are you getting enough sleep?”

Susumu Yamazaki: “Well, um, that’s just how it is right now… It’s no big deal.”

Hajime Saitou: “Right. The real pain will begin next week or so." 

Chizuru Yukimura: “…?”

They smiled bitterly, and then turned away. As they did…their gait seemed uneven. They said it wasn’t a big deal, but it didn’t look that way.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if they’re okay…”

I was getting more and more worried, but I didn’t have much time left before homeroom. Without another word, I hurried off to my classroom.

_ _

All morning, the school had been filled with chattering students. The hallway before the classrooms was especially lively. Maybe it was because classes hadn’t started yet. Having gotten to know them over the last two months,  I exchanged greetings with my classmates in the hall as I headed to my classroom. On the way, I saw familiar faces in the distance and suddenly stopped in my tracks.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai?" 

I thought that was a freshman classroom. Why would two sophomores be there? It would be time for homeroom soon…

[Call out to them] or  [Leave them alone]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai!”

I called out to them, waving. Both of them noticed me and immediately came over.

Heisuke Toudou: “Yo, Chizuru. G’morning!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Morning, Heisuke-kun.  Did you guys just come back from practice?" 

Souji Okita: "Yep. Been working like dogs all morning.”

They were part of the kendo club, which often met in the morning. On days when there was morning training, Heisuke and I couldn’t walk to school together. I got a bit lonely those days… But seeing him trying his hardest made me happy.

Chizuru Yukimura: “But why are you guys here?  This is a first year classroom…”

Heisuke Toudou: “That’s… well, the thing is… We were just passing by…”

Souji Okita: “Why not be honest? This guy came by ‘cause he was worried about you.”

Heisuke Toudou: “Ah! Hey, Souji!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Worried…about me?” I blinked in surprise. Heisuke rubbed his head and mumbled.

Heisuke Toudou: “I mean, you’re surrounded by a bunch of guys, right? I’m worried they might pick on you or something.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “No, no, I’m alright. I’ve made a lot of friends in my class these past new months.”

Souji Okita: “There you go. Yet here he comes anyway, worrying his little head off about you. Pretty stalker-ish vibes, don’t you think?" 

Heisuke Toudou: "W-Who you calling a stalker! I’m not anything like one!”

I smiled at Okita-senpai’s and Heisuke-kun’s bickering.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Anyway, guys, I think the bell’s about to ring.”

Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, crap! You’re right!”

Souji Okita: “Well, we’ll probably see you at lunch later.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Yup!”

After seeing them off, I went back to enter the classroom…

When I did, I took out my textbook and notebook to get ready for class. The bell rang as soon as I’d finished, and I heard the sound of the door opening.

Sanosuke Harada: “Take your seats, guys. Homeroom’s starting.”

As Harada-sensei came in, everyone rushed to their seats.

Classmate A: “Stand! Bow!”

Sanosuke Harada: “All right, morning!”

Everyone in class:  “Good morning!”

Sanosuke Harada: “Time for attendance…is what I was going to say, but it seems like everyone’s here. Raise a hand if not.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You can’t do that if you’re not here…”

Ibuki-kun startled me by suddenly speaking up. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. Harada-sensei did make jokes like this at times. He really was a friendly, kind teacher.

Sanosuke Harada: “Now then, you all started school two months ago, and now it’s June. With that being the case…Though you might already know this, our school’s midterm exams start in two weeks! Make sure to study diligently, you guys. Put your feet up and slack off, and who knows what horrors you might be tempting?” Harada-sensei smirked as if he knew something we didn’t.

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Horrors…?”

Sanosuke Harada: “If you think this’ll be the same as tests back in middle school, you’ll be in for a bad time. As you all know, Hakuo Academy has a teacher that’s much more passionate about educating its students than other schools do.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Passionate about educating, meaning–”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “…It’s Hijikata-sensei, isn’t it?”

Sanosuke Harada: “Well, so it goes. Following a certain teacher’s suggestion, there’ll be penalties for students with lower scores. Those scoring less than 50% in a subject will receive a special homework assignment, and must clean all the school’s windows.“

Everyone in class:  ”……“

As Harada-sensei with his explanation, everyone in class got paler and paler.

Sanosuke Harada: “Below 30% gets you cleaning corridors on top of the additional homework… And below that, the punishments get extra special.”

Chizuru Yukimura: ”'Special,’ he says…“

Sanosuke Harada: "Below 20% means doing a problem set, weeding the school yard, and a week of additional classes!”

Classmate A:  “Whaaaaat?!”

Sanosuke Harada: “Sorry, but it’s already set in stone. Don’t like it? Then study like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t think anyone should get lower than 50%. If you study then you’ll be in the clear, right?”

While listening to Harada-sensei, I recalled what happened this morning. The reason why Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai seemed so off was probably this.

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

While I didn’t mind studying, there was no way I’d want extra homework.

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What would that guy do to me if I got myself stuck in supplemental classes...?!” Ibuki’s face drained of all color, and he hung his head. 

This was going to be difficult. I would have to brace myself… The midterm exams would begin the week after next. Although I thought June’s hardships were over, the real battle was just around the corner. 

_ _

After morning classes had finished, it was finally time for lunch. ‘Am I worrying too much about the tests? I feel kind of weird today,’ I thought.

Chizuru Yukimura: “I should go to the cafeteria for the time being.”

Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were probably waiting for me…After quickly putting my school supplies away, I headed for the cafeteria.

For Hakuo Academy students, there were essentially three ways to get lunch. Some students brought a bento from home, and some bought their lunches at the school store. But the most popular lunch choice was to buy a meal from the cafeteria. 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wow…”

The school lunches were all delicious and affordable. It was no wonder they were so popular. I usually brought a bento, but sometimes I didn’t feel like having one. Since it was so popular, it was jam-packed by the time I got there.

Genzaburou Inoue: “Hey, you there! Line up properly! There are plenty of meals to go around...Hey now…! Don’t argue over the rice! Remember your manners and share!”

The beloved school chef, Inoue-san, was also managing the cafeteria. It looked like he was doing a good job sorting the students out, as usual.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun isn’t here yet, huh…?” ‘I’ll get in the way if I stand and wait here. What should I do?’ the moment the thought passed through my mind...

???: “You’re in the way. Move.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh…?”

A voice rang out from the other side of the crowd. Immediately afterwards, the masses parted, splitting into two. Imperious as ever, the figure which emerged between them was...

Chizuru Yukimura: “K-Kazama-senpai…”

Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai pushed away annoyed students left and right, creating an empty clearing in the otherwise crowded cafeteria.

Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru…? For us to meet here of all places… How serendipitous. As I thought, there is a strong bond of fate between us. Don’t you agree?”

Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha–”

Kyou Shiranui: “Is it? You go to the same school with the same cafeteria. Wouldn’t it be weirder if you didn’t see each other?”

Kyuuju Amagiri: “It is strange, now that you mention it... That you have never encountered each other here until today is rather more mysterious.”

Chikage Kazama: “……”

Kyou Shiranui: “Don’t sound like much of a bond to me.”

Chikage Kazama: “……No matter. Whatever the peanut gallery says, rest assured that our meeting today was destiny. As such, I will have your lunch prepared.  Order whatever you wish.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Huh?!”

Chikage Kazama: “What’s wrong? There’s no need to hold back. Even if you want everything on the menu, I won’t mind.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “That’s not what I’m worried about…! At any rate, treating me to so much is unfair to you!”

Chikage Kazama: “That modesty is a virtue of yours, but I insist that it’s fine. ....Or is it something else? Does the cafeteria food not suit your palate?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “T-That’s not the case at all! It’s delicious! It’s just that……”

As I shook my head, the number of people waiting for food was increasing. Maybe because of how we stood out in the middle, other students couldn’t get in line…The people who were stuck around us were getting angry. ‘W-What should I do…?’ I was so conflicted that I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. Then–

???: “You again, Kazama!!” An ear-splitting yell descended upon us.

Toshizou Hijikata: “Just what do you think you’re doing, harassing the female student in the middle of the cafeteria? Can’t you see she’s about to cry!?”

Chikage Kazama: “Ha. How ludicrous… You say that as if I were the one who made her cry.”

 Kyou Shiranui: “…You say it, Amagiri.”

Kyuuju Amagiri: “Well, I can say we never intended in the slightest to make her cry…”

Toshizou Hijikata: “Then why is she holding back tears? …And why is everyone packed like sardines in here? Out with it.”

Chikage Kazama: “My wife’s eyes are full of tears due to her gratitude for my superb generosity. As to the cafeteria, it just happens to be crowded today. To falsely accuse a single student of being responsible is unbefitting of a teacher such as yourself.”

Toshizou Hijikata: “There’s a suspicious clearing around you and you only! Put two and two together, and it can only be your fault!”

Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai always fought like cats and dogs, and their terrible relationship was infamous at school. Sparks flew the moment they met, and it only ever grew more and more extreme.

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

When I saw Hijikata-sensei coming earlier, I thought everything would be sorted. It relieved me from the bottom of my heart… But far from improving anything, the situation seemed like it was only going to get worse.

Chizuru Yukimura: “…W-What do I do…?”

[Stand and watch] or  [Forcibly break them up]

‘Trying to interfere from the sidelines may make things even more complicated.’ Thinking that, I decided to keep my mouth shut for the time being. But in the end…

Toshizou Hijikata: “Looks like I was right! It doesn’t seem like she asked for your 'superb generosity’!”

Chikage Kazama: “That is due to a difference in values. It seems that a lowlife like you has yet to be able to understand my excellent resourcefulness…”

...There was no sign of the dispute stopping anytime soon. While I squirmed on the sidelines, someone called out to me from the side.

Heisuke Toudou: “Chizuru! Sorry we’re late! Class went on longer than normal." 

Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai…!”

Souji Okita: “What the? What’s all the fuss about? Why’s it so crowded here?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Right, actually—”

After I briefly explained the situation, Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai looked amazed. While Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai glared at each other with murderous intent, Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai looked at the pair and sighed.

Souji Okita: “How about we leave them to it and head off? If you don’t hurry, you won’t get to eat.”

Heisuke Toudou: “Right, right. Our lunch break’s gonna end! I’m already hungry too…”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh? …O-Okay…” ‘Would that be alright…?’

Genzaburou Inoue: “Hey, Toshi-san and Kazama-kun, what’re you doing!? You’re holding up the line for everyone!!”

The teachers’ confrontation weighed on my mind, but...Mr. Inoue shouted to rein in the situation. Hearing his booming voice, I turned around and left the pair.

 Souji Okita: “Chizuru, over here.”

With our meal sets on our trays, we found Okita-senpai sitting at an empty table. I’d chosen meal set 'A’. Drinking a cup of warm miso soup always relaxed me.

 Heisuke Toudou: “Ahh, it’s so good…! I worked out so much this morning, I couldn’t wait for lunch!”

 Chizuru Yukimura: “Good work with training this morning, you guys!”

 Heisuke Toudou: “I’m sorry I couldn’t walk with you to school because of that...But in the end, morning’s the best time of day to be working up a sweat.”

Souji Okita: “Well, it gets hot during the day this time of year, so I get sluggish when school ends.”

Heisuke Toudou: “You said it… But lately we got club members who study in the middle of morning practice.  You can’t focus on training if you do that.”

Souji Okita: “The entire school’s been on edge. I don’t know whether it’s the tests or the punishments, but it’s a real pain.”

Heisuke Toudou: “Well, the one who’s most on edge would be Hijikata-sensei.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Speaking of which… You’re both in Class 2-1, so isn’t Hijikata-sensei your homeroom teacher?”

Souji Okita: “Yep. He’s all busy ruining the mood at school and being pissy about it, what with embodying the root of all evil and all, and causing a good amount of trouble." 

Chizuru Yukimura: "The… The root of all evil…?”

Heisuke Toudou: "I mean, earlier, the reactions from everyone felt different than usual.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “…Now that you mention it…”

You could call it a kind of insecurity hanging over everyone… There was no mistaking that the air felt heavier than usual, at least to me. Midterms were about to begin, after all. ‘I wonder if the tension is spreading…’

Heisuke Toudou: “Oops, we ended up talking about the tests even though I wanted to forget about it for lunch.”

 Chizuru Yukimura: “Ah… Sorry about that, Heisuke-kun.”

Souji Okita: “No, there’s no reason for you to apologize. This is his fault.”

Heisuke Toudou: “That’s right—wait, no, it’s not! You’re the one who brought up the tests, right!?”

Even though Heisuke-kun shot a disgruntled look at Okita-senpai, he heaved a deep sigh right after.

 Heisuke Toudou: “Anyway, it’d be better if the tests just, like, disappeared…”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Don’t say that. We should study hard anyway.”

Heisuke Toudou: “N-No, that… Well, I know that, but…”

 Souji Okita: “……”

While Heisuke faltered in his mumbling, Okita-senpai looked at him and grinned. At some point, he snapped a picture before I’d even realized he’d taken out his phone.

Heisuke Toudou: “Whoa!? Souji, what’re you taking pictures of!?”

Souji Okita: “You’re not photogenic at all, are you?”

Heisuke-kun slumped his shoulders, and Okita-senpai grinned at him, eyes full of laughter.

I said to them…

[Is it that hard?] or [The rules may be too strict…] or  [Studying daily is important.]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Maybe the penalties are too strict..." I murmured to myself without really meaning to, and Okita-senpai cracked a smile.

Souji Okita: "I think so, too. Don't you think it's strange they’re not even based on reviewing the class content?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Strange, you say?"

Souji Okita: "Yep. I get the reason for the homework and all, because it still means you have to study. But cleaning's just completely unrelated to that. That's more like punishment for losing a bet or a match."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, that does make sense..."

Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, but Souji here'll be fine. He's got good grades in everything but Classical Lit."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Really? Okita-senpai, are you not good at classical literature?"

Souji Okita: "It's not like I'm bad at it. It's more like I just don't like the teacher for it."

Chizuru Yukimura: "The classical literature teacher being...” ‘...O-h. Hijikata-sensei.’

Heisuke Toudou: "That's how it is. Souji's always goofing off and it makes Hijikata-sensei mad. If only he’d take class more seriously sometimes."

Chizuru Yukimura: "......" I had a number of concerns about what he said just now…

Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Okita-senpai? Why don't you take classical literature more seriously...?"

Souji Okita: "......"

Instead of answering my question, Okita-senpai just smiled at me enigmatically.

Souji Okita: "Well, the real wild card here is Heisuke, right? I hope you can weather these tests."

Heisuke Toudou: "Y-Yeah, man... I don't think I'll make it..!"

As Heisuke-kun started getting impatient again, Okita-senpai grinned and continued to tease him…  But I didn't understand what Okita-senpai really meant, and started feeling uncertain about it. In the end, our lunch break ended without me ever finding the answer to my question.

_ _

As the days went by, the older students, who already knew how severe the penalties were, grew more and more desperate. Seeing them also made us grow more anxious as well, as freshmen. The strange tension that enveloped Hakuo Academy just kept growing stronger.

And then…

――  7 days until the tests ――

While we studied for our tests day after day, Harada-sensei looked around at our exhausted faces and grinned from his podium.

Sanosuke Harada: “Looking good, guys. It looks like you lot finally understand how serious we are about our tests.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “What does he mean, 'looking good’? This is just agony…”

Sanosuke Harada: “Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like I don’t get what you’re going through. Just think of this as a rite of passage. This is what you signed up for enrolling into Hakuo Academy. There’s no turning back now. Anyway, just do your best.”

Everyone in class: ”……“

What he said was irrefutably correct. Everyone lost the will to argue, and went silent.

_ _

――  6 days until the tests ――

That day, I ran into Kazama-senpai in the corridor without expecting to. Naturally, Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai were shadowing him, as usual.

Chikage Kazama: “Chizuru. Less than a week remains until testing begins. Are you studying properly?”

Chizuru Yukimura: "I am. I’m working at my own pace, and it’s going fairly well, I think…”

'How about you, Kazama-senpai?’ ...I felt like I didn’t even need to ask. Why? Because he seemed plenty calm, a smug smile spreading across his face.

Chikage Kazama: “These students growing so flustered over mere high school tests is truly unsightly. Don’t you think so?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Uh… T-That’s…”

Kyou Shiranui: "Uh, no, 'cause high school students are bound to freak out over high school tests. Rather than unsightly, it’s just normal.

Kyuuju Amagiri: ”…Kazama-sama. If we do not depart soon, you will be late for your next lesson.“

Chikage Kazama: “Hmph. Whether or not I attend any classes, there’s not a single thing the test will cover that I won’t understand… But very well. Let us show our faces in class for today. Well then, I bid you farewell.”

I was left standing alone in the hallway, overwhelmed as Kazama-senpai swaggered off with an arrogant look on his face.

_ _

――  5 days until the tests ――

Chizuru Yukimura: “Good morning, Saitou-senpai.”

Hajime Saitou: “Is that you, Yukimura? Morning.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “You still have disciplinary committee work in the mornings even though we only have five days until the tests. That must be hard…”

Hajime Saitou: “No, it’s important to accumulate knowledge on a regular basis in order to study properly. So there’s no point in panicking just before a test.”

Just what you’d expect from Saitou-senpai…

Hajime Saitou: “However, all sports and culture clubs have suspended their activities for the tests. So since Heisuke’s not with you, he must be late. One strike for him.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “N-No, he’s on class duty today, so he should’ve arrived before me!”

Hajime Saitou: “Come to think of it, he might’ve passed by a short while ago…”

Looking at him more closely, I could see the dark bags under Saitou-senpai’s eyes. On the surface, he looked as dignified as ever, but his grip on his pen looked a little shaky, too. Perhaps Saitou-senpai was staying up late studying too…

_ _ ――  4 days until the tests ――

On Saturday, I was studying in my room, when suddenly my cell phone rang.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Okita-senpai…?”

‘A message with a picture attached, as usual. Let’s have a look…’

He’s making a peace sign at the camera, with an odd-looking plushie hanging from his hand.

“I won a toy that I thought you’d like. 

I’ll give it to you at school. 

I’ll bring it up to your classroom for you, even.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “……”

‘What kind of tastes does he think I have? Moreover…’

Chizuru Yukimura: “Even though it’s a Saturday with tests right around the corner, he still finds time to fool around!”

_ _

――  3 days until the tests ――

It was Sunday morning.

I decided to do a little sweeping by the front door for a change of pace. At that moment, Heisuke appeared, staggering.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Heisuke-kun?! Are you okay…!?”

Heisuke Toudou: “Chizuru… Mornin’…”

He had terrible, dark bags under his eyes and his eyes were hollow. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even walk straight.

Heisuke Toudou: “I-I’m on the verge of falling asleep… So I’m running a lap around the block. Must…stay…awake…”

Chizuru Yukimura: “But if you don’t sleep a little, you won’t last until the test!" 

Heisuke Toudou: "No way! I’m not done studying yet! I’ll totally flunk it!! Don’t stop me, Chizuru! Don’t stop me! I’m not ready to die yet!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Wait, Heisuke-kun! A whole lap around the block is too much no matter how you look at it—”

I tried to stop him, but he’d already run off... While watching his disappearing figure staggering in zigzags down the road, I could only pray for his safety.

_ _

――  2 days until the tests ―― 

During recess.

I gathered my class’s printouts and brought them to the staff room…

Toshizou Hijikata: “……”

Hijikata-sensei, looking particularly annoyed, was sighing deeply. He looked no better than the students, just as exhausted by pre-test frenzy.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Is something wrong, Hijikata-sensei?”

Toshizou Hijikata: “Those guys are so tired from cramming that they sleep through my classes. Because of them, I’m screaming my lungs out every morning. Classes are a key part of test preparations. Their priorities are all backwards!”

Chizuru Yukimura: “…You’ve been working really hard…”

I think they just stay up all night studying out of fear of punishment… Even though I understood Hijikata-sensei’s concerns, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

__  

―― At last, the day before the test ――

Chizuru Yukimura: “Finally, it’s tomorrow…”

At the end of the school day, while I was putting away my textbooks, I glanced to to the desk beside mine…

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “……”

Ibuki-kun sat here, engrossed in his studies, showing no signs of getting up to go home.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Ibuki-kun, aren’t you going home?”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “Ah… I wouldn’t be able to study even if I did. Since Serizawa-san’s there...”

Ibuki-kun often mentions him when we talk. It seems like he doesn’t get along with this ‘Serizawa-san’. With him looking so cornered, I could only bring a forced smile to my lips.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Do your best.”

Ryuunosuke Ibuki: “You too.”

He gave a little smile, and then, as if he were clinging onto his desk, dived back into his books for the test.

At that moment…

Chizuru Yukimura: “?”

I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. A message notification came up on my screen.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, it’s from Sen-chan.”

Sen is my friend who attends Shimabara Girls’ High School not too far away from my academy.

—–

Sub: Will you be okay for the test?

Chizuru-chan, are you going to be okay for the tests?

I can’t take it anymore~!

I just want to run away from it all~!

But, after we get through these midterms, we definitely need to hang out! 

I will survive them on your moral support, Chizuru-chan!!

—– 

Chizuru Yukimura: “I see. They have tests at the same time as us. Shimabara High is a sister school to Hakuo Academy, come to think of it…”

“Jeez, Sen-chan…”

Having read her message, I decided to reply right away. ‘But what should I write?’

[I’m looking forward to it!] or [Let’s concentrate on studying!]

Chizuru Yukimura: “'I’m looking forward to it!’ …and send.”

I think it’s easier to persevere when there’s a prize waiting for you after all the struggle.

A short while after I sent it, Sen-chan replied.

—–

RE: Will you be okay for the test?

Definitely!

Let’s both do our best!

—–

Chizuru Yukimura:  “Hehe…”

I could feel my motivation grow with Sen-chan cheering for me.

“Well, I should go over my notes one last time before the test…”

I finished getting ready and took my bag, leaving the classroom.

Then… 

After having studied for a while, I'd just left the entrance hall, intending to go home. Suddenly, something white wafted gently down from the sky.

Chizuru Yukimura: "A paper plane?"

When I bent down to pick up the plane that had gently landed on the ground nearby, that's when I suddenly noticed. It was clearly a printout used for class, the page packed tight with printed text.

Chizuru Yukimura: "What is this doing here?"

Troubled by this mysterious phenomenon, I looked up at the sky…

Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah!"

The person who I think threw the paper plane was standing on the roof, beckoning to me.  ‘What should I do...?’

I hesitated for a moment, but felt it was too awkward to just brush it off and pretend I hadn't seen it. So I went back and headed upstairs. 

Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai! What do you think you’re doing up here?"

Okita-senpai was all alone on the roof, and he welcomed me with a smile.

Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What are you grinning at?"

Souji Okita: "Your face is so scary. You gonna scold me now that you're here or something?"

 Chizuru Yukimura: "But it was you who..."

Souji Okita: "That's no good. I'm your senior, after all. Show me some respect."

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

He looked amused while watching me, and I sighed in frustration. I was already regretting coming up here. I tried to change the subject.

Chizuru Yukimura: "So... Why did you call me up there?" 

Souji Okita: "No real reason. As for what I was doing here... I was just watching the sunset. The red sky was beautiful."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Even though the tests are just around the corner?"

I glanced around and sure enough, the rooftop was painted bright red by the setting sun. It was certainly pretty, but I couldn't help but wonder why one would admire such an ordinary sunset.

Chizuru Yukimura: "There's nothing wrong with watching the sunset… But are you going to be okay not studying for the test?"

Souji Okita: "Yeah. I don't see the point in cramming the day before anyway."

Seeing him so full of confidence, I remembered our conversation from before. Heisuke told me that, aside from Classical Lit, Okita-senpai's grades were pretty good.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm a little jealous of how confident you are." 

Souji Okita: "Heh, so you aren't, then, Chizuru-chan?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Not as much as you."

I fell silent, and Okita-senpai stared at me with great interest.

Souji Okita "C’mon.”

He made a vague gesture for me to come near.

Chizuru Yukimura: "?"

Wondering what he wanted, I approached him.

All of sudden, he grasped my arm. Then, before I had the chance to say anything, he suddenly pulled me towards him.

(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)

Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha—"

Souji Okita: "A commemorative photo."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Why, all of a sudden?!"

Overcome by embarrassment, I yelled in protest. He was way too close. Practically zero distance; our bodies were touching. I was surprised and flustered. My feelings were in disarray and I couldn't think straight. I tried to move away from him right away, but his grip was surprisingly firm on my shoulders. There was no chance for escape.

Souji Okita: "Sorry, Chizuru-chan."

Chizuru Yukimura: "If you feel the need to apologize..."

Souji Okita: "I sure startled you. Your eyes are half-closed in the picture. How about another take?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

I'd already felt that our conversation was like a game of cat and mouse since the start… But I'd gotten completely swept up in Okita-senpai's pace.

Souji Okita: "Hey, the camera's over here. You looking?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah..."

Souji Okita: "Say 'cheese'! ...Yup, nice one. I'll send it to you later, okay?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

Souji Okita: "What's wrong?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "I absolutely can't understand the reasoning behind anything you do."

Okita-senpai always did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. As I let out another sigh, Okita-senpai regarded me with an amused smile.

Souji Okita: "Hey. You only say that because I don't do things the same way everyone else does. Is it that weird that not everyone goes around looking miserable the day before a test? There's no law in the world that says you absolutely must burn your textbooks into your retinas before an exam."

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

That was definitely not the direction I thought our conversation would go…

Chizuru Yukimura: "B-But tests are important. It's better to study at least a little..."

Souji Okita: "Okay, let's say that I do study the day before, just like everybody else. Don't you think that anyone can spare a moment to look at the sky? Both me and you, too." 

I replied to his smiling face.

[That's just an excuse.] or [Well, you are not wrong.]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Aren't you just making excuses?" My shoulders stiffened unconsciously, and I stared right back at Okita-senpai. "I understand what you're trying to say. You do have a point. But in this context, you're just twisting things to suit you..."

At my slight glare, Okita-senpai laughed, shrugging his shoulders.

Souji Okita: "...The cat's out of the bag. You're right, I'm just not in the mood for studying in the least."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Honestly...!"

Souji Okita: "Oh. Look at you, you're angry again. You've done nothing but chide me today. Well, Chizuru-chan, if you so insist, maybe I'll make a more serious effort next time."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Really?"

Souji Okita: "I'll keep this photo as a talisman. So that my motivation never runs out."

Chizuru Yukimura: "......"

Okita's eyes crinkled in a smile. Ever since I came up to the roof, he seemed just a bit different from usual... I was a little reluctant, but I couldn't just let him off the hook for giving me such a scare, earlier.

While looking at him, I decided to ask him about something that had been on my mind.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Um... There's something I want to ask you."

Souji Okita: "Be my guest."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Is the reason why you don't like studying… something to do with Hijikata-sensei?"

He probably hadn't expected this question, from the surprise that flashed across his face. But only for a moment. Before long, his lips sharpened into a lazy smile.

Souji Okita: "Heh... You saw right through me. You're right. I can't stand him. You know Kondou-san? He’s looked after me since I was a child. He's truly like a big brother to me. Hijikata-san's always been good friends with him. I got good at kendo, I've got grades apart from classical lit... If only Kondou-san counted on me more. But man... I guess I'm just still not good enough."

I listened to what Okita-senpai was saying. But just as I was about to interject…

Souji Okita: "Just kidding. Did you fall for it?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Huh? Uh, were you lying?"

Souji Okita: "Hehe. I wonder. Well, I saw the sunset, and took a good picture. It's about time we headed home. I shouldn't waste your precious study time any more than I already have."

Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right..."

How should I answer him? I vaguely bowed to Okita-senpai, not knowing what to say.

Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you for being considerate."

Souji Okita: "No, no, it's all good. Well then, shall we go?"

After parting ways, I idly pondered what Okita-senpai's reasons could be for hating studying so much. Then, I got a message with the photo he took earlier. 

I was sure he had taken another one, and yet the photo he'd attached was the one where I had my eyes half-closed.

‘...I suspect that he sent me the botched one on purpose… ‘ I couldn't help but smile dryly at Okita-senpai's mischief. I really didn't understand him at all.

__

The day of the test had finally arrived. It was time for the real thing at last. I had studied as much as I possibly could,  but still felt a bit anxious…

The tests finally started.

Chizuru Yukimura: "I hope Okita-senpai's also doing well now..."

Subconsciously, I thought back to the curious incident yesterday.

Chizuru Yukimura: "...I have to focus on the tests today."

I put my all into it and tried my absolute best.

__

[Minigame Victory]

Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah. I think I'll get a grade I can be proud of with this..."

Maybe the picture I got from Okita-senpai did its magic after all…

Chizuru Yukimura: "......" ‘...Right, as if.’

Then, several days later…

Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah! I got a good grade...!"

I read the posted test results, and when I smiled in relief…

Chizuru Yukimura: "!"

I heard a shutter sound from very close by. I spun around in a panic to see Okita-senpai smiling at me.

Souji Okita: "That was a pretty nice expression you had there. When I saw you making that face...Well, I figure I don’t need to ask how your tests went. Congrats, Chizuru-chan. All your hard work paid off.”

Chizuru Yukimura: "It has... Thank you so much."

For some reason, Okita-senpai's smile made me feel a little sheepish.

Souji Okita: "You did a great job overcoming your tests. I should give you some kind of reward as your senior, right?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No need! Just your congratulations is enough." 

Souji Okita: "You sure? I thought I could give you the plushie I won at the arcade, though." 

The plushie he was talking about was probably the one he took a picture of that time. I think my mixed feelings showed on my face, and I tried to change the subject.

Chizuru Yukimura: "More importantly... How did you do on your test, Okita?" 

Souji Okita: "That's a secret. If you're interested, why don't you try taking a look at the sophomores' results later? And anyway, the tests are over now. Let's go and hang out after school to celebrate."

Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha—"

Souji Okita: "You don't wanna?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, that's not what I—"

Souji Okita: "Then we can hang out?"

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Yes."

Souji Okita: "You good waiting at the student entrance? I'll go there right after classes finish."

Souji Okita: "Looking forward to it."

With that, he walked off with a skip in his step.

Chizuru Yukimura: "...Maybe."

Was his invitation just now that 'reward' he said he'd give me for my efforts? It was a little difficult to get a grasp on Okita-senpai's thought process... I was excited about how it would go, though, and very much looked forward to that evening.

___

At last, the tests were over, and the results had been announced…The tension gradually seeped out of the school, and everything slowly went back to normal.

After school, after the test results were announced…I was on my way out of the school building to return home when…

Isami Kondou:  “……”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Just now…was that Kondou-sensei?” 

Kondou-sensei went around to the back of the school.  When I saw that, I paused. ‘There isn’t anything over there, so where is he going…?’ I thought it was kind of mysterious.  And so, egged on by my curiosity, I jogged after Kondou-sensei. I went further behind the school… I’d never set foot back here before.  After reaching his destination, Kondou-sensei suddenly stopped.

Isami Kondou:  “……”

‘What is this place…?’ Towering in front of me was an old gate, and my eyes widened. ‘To think there was such a place here, right on academy campus…’

Isami Kondou:  “……”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Um…”

Isami Kondou:  “Hm… Yukimura-kun? Why are you here?”

Chizuru Yukimura: “I’m sorry. I saw you heading this way, and curiosity got the better of me…”

Isami Kondou:  “Ahh, so that’s what it was.”

Kondou-sensei smiled in understanding,  and turned his gaze back towards the gate. The old wooden door was shut tightly, looking like it hadn’t been opened in a long time. It had been two months since I began studying at Hakuo Academy, but I never knew such a place existed until now.

Chizuru Yukimura: “Um, Kondou-sensei.  What is this place…?” 

Isami Kondou:  “‘The Shieikan.’”

Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?”

Isami Kondou:  “…That’s what it was called, at least. There used to be a swordplay dojo here by that name.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Used to be?” 

Isami Kondou:  “Yes. As you can see, it’s closed now. There are no students here; there’s no one at all. But the teachings of that dojo are certainly still being passed down… That’s what I believe.”

There was a look in his eyes; almost as if he were lost in a different time, far from the present. I got the feeling that this must’ve been a very important place to Kondou-sensei.

Isami Kondou:  “I always come here whenever I want to return to my roots…This place, the Shieikan, is Hakuo Academy’s starting point.” 

Kondou-sensei put his hand on the place where I expected the sign must have once hung, and his eyes shut, lost in nostalgia.

…'Shieikan.’ As if to confirm the word, I mouthed it to myself. That name… I felt as if I’d heard it before…

Chizuru Yukimura: ”……“

Looking at me as I thought about it, Kondou-sensei smiled and kept talking.

Isami Kondou:  “Yukimura-kun, it looks like the sun is about to set.  Don’t you think it’s time for you to head home?” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Oh, right. That’s true. It’s already so late…” 

Isami Kondou:  “By the way, I heard from Toshi.  It looks like you got some magnificent test results this time around.”

Chizuru Yukimura: “Hijikata-sensei said that?” 

Isami Kondou:  “Yes, you’re the most talented woman in the history of Hakuo Academy! It truly is magnificent!” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “…Thank you very much.” 

There was no hint of lies or flattery in  Kondou-sensei’s cheerful words… I remembered how he delivered them while walking away, and I felt a little embarrassed.

Isami Kondou:  “A student has a duty to study, so I want you to continue trying your hardest! But of course, it’s not just your studies. If you also have fun living your everyday life at Hakuo Academy... As this school’s principal, I’d be very happy!” 

Chizuru Yukimura: “Yes!” 

Returning his nod as he smiled, I looked back at ‘Shieikan’ only once. He had called it the ‘starting point’ for the school. I wonder what that meant…? Questions along those lines came to mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder at such a mystery…

Anyway, I would do my best from here forward. I smiled, in high spirits.

[oskarwing]

Worse than Chickenpox

Word count: 1966 Summary: Number One has a bellyache but he can’t go complain about it to Dad again. And anyway it not as bad as Chickenpox. Or is it? 

Author’s note: This is my second TUA fic I post and it’s Luther-centric again. I swear I got ideas for the others too. Anyway. Hope you enjoy :)

Number one often had bellyaches for no reason. He had no idea why but he had gone to Dad with it and Dad had said it was nothing after he checked him and he said that in his disappointed voice he normally never used for One and that made him feel very bad. Instead he went to Mom who gave him a hot-water bottle and tea before bed to make it better and who - he was pretty sure -  didn’t have a disappointed voice.

So when One woke up with really bad bellyache he thought it was one of those that didn’t matter so no reason to go to Dad with it. Maybe that evening Mom would make him some tea and a hot-water bottle but no reason to bother Dad with this again if it was all just in his head anyway. 

“It’s time to wake up, honey!” Mom knocked on his door. 

“I’m already up!” One called and crawled out of bed. Being up early was what Astronauts did. Or that was what Pogo told him at least. When he was big, One was going to go to space too like an astronaut. Dad had promised. 

“That’s good, dear. Get ready now.”

Number one did quickly, listening to Mom wake the others. 

He put on his uniform, brushed his teeth and then went to the stairs downstairs. The bellyache wouldn’t go away though which was weird. Normally One had to concentrate on something and he could blend the bellyaches out for a bit. He put a hand on his stomach. It was too early to ask Mom for help. They would have training after breakfast and you couldn’t run around with a hot-water bottle during training. 

Number four was the first of his siblings to join him at the stairs. 

He hadn’t tied his tie yet and he looked as if he hadn’t combed his hair either but Four’s hair was harder to comb, One knew that. He had heard the nannies complain about it often when they still had nannies, now they had Mom who would probably fix Four’s hair after breakfast or training. Number one could take care of the tie now though.

“Here,” he set and reached out tying it quickly losing the rime they had learned for it.  

Number four grinned. “Thank yooouuu!” he said and hugged him quickly. Four loved giving hugs. 

“You really need to learn how to do this, Four. Two and me we can’t always go around tying it for you, you know?” 

“Yes, yes,” his brother agreed nodding his head and looking around at other things. 

One knew that he was looking at ghosts of course, he knew that those ghosts were really scary and that he was crying a lot because of them.

Number one wanted to put an arm around Number four and tell him that he would protect him from the ghosts today, because that was what he was supposed to do protect all of his siblings from the bad stuff that came with being like them, but a gigantic bellyache stopped him and he curled up around it a hand pressed on his middle. 

“Are you okay, One?” Four asked and stared at him. 

“Yes. Just a bellyache.” 

“Is it worse than chicken pox or not as bad as chickenpox?” Four asked innocently, they had had chickenpox last year and since then every sickness was put in this system of not as bad or worse than chicken pox. It was a very good system. 

“What’s with chickenpox?” Five spacial jumped to them like he always did a frown on his face, he had been one of the first who went down with chickenpox and it had been really bad for him because he had been so sick he was too weak to jump and also because he had been especially itchy. 

“I got a bellyache but it’s not as bad as chickenpox,” One explained simply. 

“Oh. Good,” Five said and made a face. 

“You can’t get chickenpox again, Five, remember? ‘cause we got it once we can’t get it again,” Four said and smiled at their brother. 

Once the others had joined them at the stairs they waited for Mom to ring the bell that let them know they were allowed to come downstairs. 

They had only started to eat breakfast at the big table with Dad since their last birthday and it made One very proud even though now they couldn’t talk with each other anymore. But that was just how grown-ups ate, without talking and getting educated. 

They went downstairs in pairs holding hands. One and Two. Three and Four. 

Five and Six. And little Number seven at the end with no one holding her hand.   

“Stuh-st-stop p-pulling me, O-one!” Two complained. “I’m not pulling you’re just not fast enough to keep up!” 

“Nuh-Not tr-t-true!” 

They stopped bickering immediately when they saw Dad just as Number three and four stopped talking about what they would play on Saturday behind them.  Their eyes cast down they went to their seats, having to climb them a little as they were too big for them. 

‘Not for long anymore,’ One thought. Pogo said he was having a real growth spurt and he should be able to get on the chair easily soon. It would probably still be a few years until he could reach the ground with his feet though. 

Their father nodded at them as a sign that they could now start to eat. They all ate quickly, especially Number Two who heard that if he always finished his plates he would grow faster and he really wanted to grow faster than number one. 

On any normal day Number One would have eaten just as fast as his brother but today he was the slowest of them. His belly really hurt today and he wished that it would stop. It had never hurt that badly. 

‘Is it as bad as chicken pox though?’ One asked himself remembering Four asking about that earlier.  No, it probably wasn’t as bad as the chickenpox had been. Chickenpox were itchy and annoying and you got a high fever and number One didn’t have a fever if he had Mom or Pogo or Dad would notice. 

Training was horrible that day and One normally really, really liked training. But today it was horrible his belly was aching so badly that he couldn’t pull any punches and Number Two had lots of reason to laugh at him. 

By the end of it he was sweaty and miserable and belly was hurting even more now. 

Number Two made fun of him and his bad performance even after the training was over and Dad looked so disappointed, he had shouted at him a lot.

One felt awful. 

But he still changed out of his workout clothes and got ready for school time. 

Normally One liked training a lot more than school time but today he really liked school time better because he was sitting down and his belly wasn’t hurting so badly anymore. 

Plus he was good enough at school time too. Not as good as Number Five or Number Seven who were pretty much perfect at it but he was right in the middle a little behind Number two in reading and a little in front of him in maths. 

Since he was a little behind on reading Dad made him do that before he could do any maths or science, which One found a little unfair but Pogo would sometimes give him some texts about space and astronauts so that he would at least be interested in what he had to read. 

Today Pogo hadn’t found any texts about space for him and he had to read a text about stupid bodybuilding and how to stay up on proteins. 

It was such a boring text that he had an even harder time reading it than he normally would and with the belly ache it was even harder and really could this day get any worse? 

“Pogo, can I go to the toilette, please?” he asked and looked at the chimpanzee. 

“Well, how far are you with your assignment, young master One?” 

“Uhm… on page two now…” One said. “Please, Pogo? I really need to!” he pleaded.

 “Alright, alright. But be quick.”

 “Okay, thanks Pogo!” 

“It’s alright don’t tell your father though,” Pogo said and ruffled his hair and One giggled a little despite feeling so bad. Pogo made him laugh often and he also hugged him, Dad never did that. 

He had no idea what he was doing on the toilette, he just wanted to get away from sitting at his desk and staring at the letters as they started to run into each other while his belly hurt so badly and sometimes walking helped against the bellyaches. This time it hadn’t of course and now he was sitting on the toilette his belly hurting worse than ever before. 

There was a knock at the door. 

“H-hey, One,” two’s voice came from outside the door. “I guh-gotta go too, h-hurry up!” 

One sighed and got up slowly, making a grimasse, his belly still hurt really badly but he walked up to the bathroom door and opened it standing in front of Number Two. 

“Fuh-finally, I th-thought you w.. One?” The annoyance is gone from his voice. “A-a-are you o-okay?” Two asked him. 

One opened his mouth to say something but suddenly he was feeling very dizzy. 

“M-Mom! Come q-qu-quick! There’s s-so-something w-wrong with One!” 

Then the world turned black. 

When One woke up again he was in the infirmary. 

“Oh, honey, you’re up,” Mom smiled down at him. “No, no sitting up yet,” she said putting a hand on his shoulder to keep him from getting up. “You need to rest still, you’ve been very sick,” she told him. 

“My belly was hurting again,” One told Mom and rubbed his eyes. 

“Yes, sweetheart,” Mom said putting a hand on his cheek and frowning. “You’ve had appendicitis. How are you feeling now?” she asked and looked at him softly. 

“Tired,” One admitted and looked up at her and she smiled at him.

“Do you want me to let your siblings in?” she asked him. “They were all very worried about you.” 

“Really? Yes please!” One said nodding his head. 

Mom smiled nodding her head and opened the door where his siblings are all already standing and waiting. 

“Your brother is awake,” Mom says and the others storm in. 

“One!” Four is fastest and next to the bed first. “Two said you just fell down like after going to the toilette! Don’t do that!” he said and shook his head moving forward to hug him. 

Two nodded his head. “You d-did. Your e-ey-eyes wah-went up, got a-all w-white and you just c-collapsed onto the gr-ground!” he told him shaking his head. 

Seven was frowning at them. “Why didn’t you tell anybody, One?” she asked, softly. 

“I don’t… I just thought it was a normal belly ache like I sometimes got…” 

Five was frowning too. “You really should have told us about it.” 

“Whatever,” Four said waving his hand. “This was way worse than chicken pox!” he said and Six nodded his head. 

“Way worse,” Three told them. “Pogo said that we all gotta tell when we’re hurting because if ap-pen-dic-tis gets too bad you can… die!” she explained sounding out the word ‘appendicitis’ but One had to admit that it was a long and hard word. 

“No! You’re not allowed to die! None of you! Ever!” Four said shaking his head so fast that his curls were flying around. “I don’t want to see you as ghosts!” 

Six put his hand on Four’s back. “Don’t worry, we’re not going to die Four.” 

“Promise?” 

“Promise,” Six said and One nodded his head in agreement. 

Silly number Four. None of them would die. 

[jeonakookie]

I Wish (4)

Pairing: JungkookxOC

Word Count: 2.7k

Summary: Zoya and Jungkook had lost touch years ago. When a situation brings them back into each other lives, they try to go back to how things were as best friends once again. But a lot can change in 8 years. People. Feelings.

Masterlist

Just like the night before, everyone was sitting in the waiting room chatting and having lunch. Jungkook and Zoya talked amongst themselves, catching up on things they’d missed out on over the years.

“I always managed to watch you all on music shows and tv appearances, but mum still talks to aunty every now and then and that’s the only way I really hear about you personally. Sometimes you were too busy and couldn’t call aunty, so I didn’t hear much then.” Despite Jungkook and Zoya losing contact, Zoya's mother and Jungkook’s mother had kept in touch. They often spoke and occasionally mentioned their children. Sara knew of Jungkook and Zoya’s lack of communication and offered to get his number by asking his mother but by then Zoya thought it’d be too awkward. None the less Sara would fill Zoya in on how Jungkook and Junghyun, Jungkook’s older brother, were doing. Junghyun was an older brother to Zoya equally as much as he was to Jungkook and she missed him just as much as she did Jungkook. Junghyun would be home a lot more often than Jungkook and after indirectly asking how the other was through their mothers all the time, eventually they’d speak every so often to each other. Junghyun also offered Jungkook’s number after hearing of their situation, but Zoya kindly declined. By then it had been two years of radio silence between them; it had been too long.

“I heard about you from mum as well, Junghyun would also let me know about you too. You always saw me on the TV, but I always waited when I got to talk to mum and dad before hearing of you.” Jungkook reminisced over how he would look forward to those times, but he would never admit that. “I specifically remember when my mum told me that you spent months applying for jobs and apprenticeships after you thought you flunked your exams and wouldn’t get into university. Turns out you got in and had to withdraw your application from dozens of apprenticeships and jobs.” Jungkook chuckled and shook his head.

“I really thought I’d failed. Stop laughing Jungkook. It’s not funny.” Zoya whined and pushed him.

Jungkook calmed down for a few seconds and said “I’m sorry, but I never met anyone who would immediately start applying for jobs before they even got the results for the exams. Just because they thought they failed.” He then proceeded to laugh again.

“Ugh, you’re a jerk. Oh my gosh. Stooop.” Zoya whined once again. “It’s not even that funny” She grumbled whilst rolling her eyes, and then proceeded to cross her arms and sulk.

“Aw come on Zoya. Don’t pout.” Jungkook said, and then suddenly his face was centimetres away from Zoya’s and she could feel the soft release of his breath when he quietly mumbled, “I’m sorry.” Zoya’s breath hitched and she was frozen for a moment as her heart raced and she felt her face burning up.

“Okay.” She squeaked out. Jungkook leaned back again and Zoya was frozen in the same position a few seconds longer before gathering her wits about her and shaking off the shock. However, the question still lingered on her mind: ‘What the hell was that? Am I overthinking things?'

“How is everyone? Oh and Imani, the little baby!” You’d have to be blind to miss the way Jungkook’s eyes lit up when he mentioned Imani. Jungkook loved Zoya’s siblings, but her baby sister, Imani, stole his heart the day he saw her. The Kadih’s and Jeon’s were like family, and it really did seem that Jungkook was more excited about Imani’s arrival than either Adam or Zoya. Zoya laughed at Jungkook’s cute excitement.

“Mum is great, she would have loved to see you. Adam is still a child but in college, you know doing what college students do. The little baby is now 10. Not exactly a little baby, but still…a baby.” Zoya naturally babied her siblings, much to the distaste of her brother.

“10?! Wah! And Adam in college?!” Jungkook exclaimed and then scratched his neck awkwardly whilst saying, “I hear she asks about me a lot, mum is always telling me.”

“Mum asks about everyone Jungkook. Junghyun gets asked about the most because he’s the favourite. I guess that’s the eldest’s charm.” Zoya giggled, enjoying teasing the boy and does her scarf flick. Jungkook just rolls his eyes.

“So, the scarf…are you bald or…” Jungkook laughs. Wrong move Jungkook. Zoya’s soft gaze hardened in point-one seconds and her eyebrows narrowed. It turns out the whole room heard Jungkook because the girls turned to Jungkook and Zoya wide-eyed and everyone was immediately silenced, Jungkook’s boisterous laugh died down when he felt the tension in the room.

“Zoya…” Lauren starts.

“Bald… Did you just ask me if I’m BALD? Does it look like I’m bald?!”

“Oh dear…” Alice mumbles. The boys didn’t know whether to intervene or not, Namjoon went to stand up to do something but Alice stopped him. “Let her be…she’ll calm down.”

“What, are you going to ask if I stick the pins in my skull next? If I shower with my scarf on?! Oh of course, If you must know I use HIJAB & SHOULDERS!” Zoya’s hand flew about and, in all honesty, Jungkook looked terrified.

“How long do you think this one will last?” Hope asked.

“I’m sorry but what’s going on?” Arielle spoke the question on all the boys’ minds.

“Zoya doesn’t really have outbursts, but when she does…well as you can see, once it starts you just have to wait till she finishes and probably console the poor sucker who dared to open his mouth. There are a few things that are just an area you don’t touch and joking about the scarf most definitely is one of those areas.” Hope explains as she, along with everyone else, watches helplessly as Zoya tears into Jungkook. Namjoon translates Hope’s explanation, but their faces still showed confusion.

“Oh, and guess what, yeah it does get hot, but don’t worry because we have a BUILT IN AIR CONDITIONER!” The girls winced with every sarcastic remark Zoya shouted. Zoya looked flushed and her breathing seemed ragged. She grabbed the bottle of water next to her, taking a swig whilst leaning back in her chair and simply said, ‘So no Jungkook, I am not bald.”

Jungkook just looked at Zoya with his mouth slightly agape. Then laughter was heard. A ‘reduced to tears, rolling on the floor’ laugh from Jungkook. “Wow, you really haven’t changed much. I had no idea what you said half of the time through that rant, but I think I should be glad I didn’t.” Zoya smiled at his comment and shook her head. “Yeah, you should be glad, stupid. Next time I will annihilate you Jeon Jungkook.” She finished with a serious pointed look.

He raised his hands up in defeat. “Duly noted. She scares me sometimes.” Jungkook said the last bit to Zoya’s friends in English, to which, despite being confused by his reaction, smiled and agreed with him. Zoya simply rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time today.  

After explaining to the whole group why she’s wearing a scarf, their faces changed from confused to understanding.

“So, you’re not bald then.” Jungkook teased and Zoya almost pushed him off his seat. Everyone else laughed at the scene before them.

The rest of the lunch period consisted of jokes and laughter. Zoya’s phone buzzed with a call and she picked up, seeing it was her mum. “Amma, yes mum. Yes. Yep. No. You won’t believe me even if I told you. Oh my gosh, no amma!” Zoya rolled her eyes at her overprotective mother as she went through answering her usual round of questions. Zoya made eye contact with Jungkook as she said, “Just speak to this person and you’ll know where I am.” Zoya shoved the phone to Jungkook’s ear and he looked startled and made a wild gesture as if to say, ‘What are you doing?!’ and Zoya replied with a nonchalant gesture for him to speak. “Er…Hello?” His greeting came out as a question and in English and Zoya mentally face palmed and gave him a face as if to say, ‘What are YOU doing?!’. Jungkook’s eyes went wide as there was shouting that could be heard from the other end and Zoya and everyone else, who’s attention was caught by the shouting on the other end of the phone, was watching her plan crash and fall. Zoya expected her mum to be happy to be speaking to Jungkook, but instead she could make out her mum saying, ‘who are you and why is my daughter with you? Zoya! Zoya!’

“Oh my gosh…” Zoya groaned, “Speak Korean…now.” Jungkook seemed dazed and Zoya had to break him out of his state of shock and push him to talk so her mum didn’t think she was just hanging with random guys.

“Anyeonghasaeyo imo. Jeongguk-imnida.” Jungkook finally said meekly. The response was more muffled, but it was hard not to recognise her mum being excited and gushing over Jungkook. “I’m well, yes.” Jungkook continued to converse with Zoya’s mum and chuckled along with her, his once tense form nownmore relaxed. Zoya tried to listen to their conversation but she mostly got the one-sided conversation from Jungkook, until she heard Jungkook laugh as he pointedly looked at her and say, “Did she really?”.

“Amma, can you not! Stop telling him information he can hold over me.” Zoya shouted so her mother could hear her plea. “Give me the phone.” Zoya goes to reach for it, but Jungkook stretches away from her and carries on talking to Sara.

“What else did she do?” he asked whilst still looking at Zoya, this time with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Raisins?” He repeats with a quirked eyebrow and Zoya’s eyes widen and she gets up to reach for the phone with renewed desperation.

“Not even they know that! Give me the bloody phone!”

“Know what?” Lauren pipes up, curious about what they don’t know about their friend, because they knew a lot.

“Nothing you need to know.” Zoya snaps.

In Zoya’s opinion, her mother was practically giving away trade secrets. Jungkook followed her action and stood up. Any sensible person would give up at this point, knowing that Jungkook is more than half a foot taller than Zoya, and ask for the phone back in a civil manner. But Zoya was far from sensible when it comes to such situations and she stood on the seat and jumped for her phone, but Jungkook quickly backed away from her reach.

“Yah! Jeon Jungkook!” Zoya threatened. “I will cuss you out.”

“Jungkook leave her alone.” Namjoon says and just as you were about to thank him for being on her side, Namjoon carries on by saying “Her friends said that they have better stories.” If looks could kill Zoya’s friends, especially Alice, would be long gone.

Jungkook smirked and bid Sara a goodbye and promised to speak to her more often and visit his mum more and listen to all the other motherly advice one could give. Jungkook handed Zoya’s phone back to her and dodged her punch to his shoulder. Zoya also said a quick goodbye to her now, content mother. “So…these stories of yours how good are they?” Jungkook asks and looks to Namjoon to translate.

“Speak. I dare you.” Zoya tries to threaten Alice.

“Well there was this one time, I think we were 17.” Then again Zoya’s threats rarely worked on Alice.

“Don’t you dare translate.” Zoya pointed at Namjoon as a warning. As Namjoon opened his mouth to either respond to Zoya or ignore her warning, an alarm rang from Zoya’s phone. It was 1pm already: Zoya had set an alarm just in case they lost track of time, so they could leave on time. Her shoulders sagged in disappointment and she made little effort to hide it on her face. “We have to go now. It’s already 1. We need to grab our stuff and get going or we’re going to miss our train.” She murmurs and saw that her friends’ faces mirrored hers; the boys’ faces also showed they knew that it was time to go too.

The atmosphere in the room had become sad and the group started to say their goodbyes.

“It was nice to meet you...” Alice started with Jimin.

“Bye Jimin, it was really nice meeting you.” Zoya gave a quick hug and smile. Before leaving the two to say goodbye, Zoya whispered “Get his number” and with a quick wink she left the two.

___

Zoya finished thanking Namjoon and was left to face Jungkook.

Zoya gave him a sad smile and Jungkook pulled her into a hug. “You’re going to leave tomorrow.” Zoya says her words muffled into his chest and Jungkook sighs.

They pull back and Jungkook, resting his hands on her shoulders, tells Zoya, “I know but, we’ll talk as much as we can yeah?” He gives a hopeful smile. This time it was Zoya’s turn to sigh.

“Jungkook…I don’t know.”

“What are you trying to say?” There was a hint of hurt in Jungkook’s voice.

“I’ve missed you, but when we lost contact years ago…it hurt. I don’t think I can deal with that again. You just stopped calling less frequently slowly until one day you never called again.”

“That won’t happen again tho-“Zoya cut Jungkook’s protest off.

“You barely had time when you were a trainee. You’re even more busy now and I’m in my final year of uni.” Zoya’s head moves down and her eyes are trained on the floor. “It was nice seeing you Jungkook, and we can still be friends but let’s not make promises that we know we can’t keep.”

Jungkook cupped Zoya’s cheeks and forced her to look at him, and Zoya’s eyes widened at the sudden intimacy of contact and proximity of Jungkook to her face. “I let you go last time, and I lost my best friend. I’m not letting that happen again. Do you understand?”

Eyes still wide, Zoya slowly nodded and her heart fluttered at Jungkook’s persistence.

“Good.” He murmured, looking her dead in the eye, and it would be a lie if Zoya said she had to stop herself from losing herself in them. ‘What is happening to me? Snap out of it!’ She thought. Zoya forced herself to put a safe distance between herself and Jungkook and cleared her throat.

“Okay, cool.”  Zoya acted nonchalant even though she felt anything but that. “I guess I’ll talk to you soon?” Zoya says unsure.

Jungkook smiles in reassurance. “You better pick up.”

“Hmm, I might be busy.” Zoya teases. Before Jungkook replies, Yoongi blocks Zoya’s field of vision and hands her his phone. She gives him a questioning gaze.

“Your number. Pass me yours so I can give you mine.” Yoongi clarifies.

“Oh okay.” They exchange numbers. Zoya was surprised. Though she got along well with Yoongi she didn’t expect for him to want her number. Zoya smiled as she handed Yoongi’s phone back and he gave her a gummy smile in return. “You better call me or text me now that you have my number.”

Yoongi laughs, “I will, don’t worry.”

Suddenly Jungkook clears his throat and Zoya and Yoongi both turn towards him. The boy looked annoyed at the fact that his time with Zoya was cut short.

“Zoya!” A call from her friends let her know that it was time to go.

“It was nice seeing you all, I hope to see you all again soon.” Zoya bowed and waved goodbye as she left with her friends.

____

As the girls made their way out, they all spoke of the day. “I still can’t believe all this happened.” Lauren says with a big smile on her face.

“Trust me. We watched BTS for the first time in concert AND met them twice. It’s crazy.” Alice agrees.  All the girls nodded along with the two.

“So, did we get any numbers?” Zoya asked, looking specifically at Alice.

“Jin gave me his.” Hope mentioned whilst giggling.

“I got Jimin’s number.” Alice starts.

“Oh, me too!” Arielle says excited. Zoya raises her eyebrows in surprise as does Alice. ‘When did that happen?’ Zoya thought.

“How nice of him…” Zoya said with a polite smile. She could feel that this was not going to end well. Alice’s eyebrow raised and muttered under her breath about Jimin being too nice.

“Am I the only one who didn’t get digits?” Lauren said in disbelief. Alice and Zoya comforted the poor girl.

A/N Thank you to everyone who is enjoying this series so far, you guys are awesome.

-A

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