#idk all this legal jargon

[notiddygothgf]

21. Freedom

★ pairings: aki hayakawa x fem reader

★ ❝ It'll pass. ❞

★ c.w.: hayakawa family, aki being perfect, legal divorce jargon, emotional lowkey idk.

★ a/n: so how we feeling about that last chapter lol.... ANYWAYYYYYYY!!! to make up for that emotional rollercoaster, this one is comprised of the afteraffects of the divorce. it realistically should have been two chapters but i didn't want to bore yall so I crammed it all into one! i'm not gonna say too much, but enjoy the calm!! ugh i loved writing soft aki this chapter has such a soft spot in my heart. i hope you all enjoy it too!! pls leave all ur beautiful comments, they inspire me to update quicker!!!

★ w.c: .10k

shameless ; chapter index

LATER THAT NIGHT, in bed with your knight in shining armor, you sat awake with his laptop propped up on your legs. The harsh blue light from the screen practically burned your eyes. A few inches away, Aki was fast asleep, boyish features relaxed after a long and tedious day. A notepad lay open on the nightstand.

You were scanning through the search engine results for divorce attorneys in your area. A few names and faces popped up, but so far nothing had caught your eye – still, because you couldn't afford to be picky, you were noting them down, taking down numbers and names for future reference. Ideally, you would be able to call around tomorrow to see who could bring you through the divorce process under short notice.

Furrowing your brows, you sighed, dropping your head into your hands – the fight playing on repeat in the back of your mind.

"Is she hurt?"

"I'll fucking kill you."

"I'm taking you home."

You massaged your temples, feeling an awful lot like the future divorcee you were. You could see why so many people went off the deep end during the whole process. Hell, it had just started for you, and you were already at your wit's end.

And, of course, there was the doubt – the nagging thought that maybe, just maybe, you were making a mistake. You were no longer in any position to go back. Still, you had made mistake once by marrying Tanimoto. You were terrified of making the same one with Aki.

But he's not Tanimoto, you reminded yourself. In fact, the two couldn't have possibly been more different. Where Tanimoto was strong-headed and cocky, Aki was kind and patient. He waited for you to come around so many different times – put up with a great deal of your emotional turmoil – and still stuck around. 

He was crazy about you. He had shown you that much from the very beginning. You had just been too blind to see that you were just as crazy about him.

"The apartment down the hall is up for lease, I've heard. It's not exactly the same as your house, but it could be a start," Aki tilted his head slightly, trying to offer a comforting smile, "We could make it work."

He's my peace, you thought, drumming your fingers on the keys of Aki's laptop absentmindedly before closing out the tab with the attorneys and opening a new one. Into the search bar, you typed in the name of Aki's apartment complex. Surprisingly enough, it popped up on the first page. How techy.

You scrolled through their page for a while, pursuing the site like you weren't currently nestled in bed with one of the complex's tenants. Then, clicking on the option for vacant housing, you looked at some of the options they had available. 

1 bedroom, you clicked.

Then, casting a stray glance at your lover, you softened, watching him sleep for a moment – the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the flush in his cheeks, the way his lips were parted ever-so-slightly. His hair was touseled, laying wildly over the white pillowcase. Above all else, he looked like he was at peace.

In a moment, this could all disappear, you thought. Hesitantly, you traced a line from his cheek to his forehead, reveling in the way he twitched beneath your touch. He could disappear. It's not uncommon in our line of work.

And then, you realized that you didn't care. You couldn't care less about the fact that this – all of this – could be gone tomorrow. All it took was one look at him for you to come to an understanding; you would rather have a minute with him than live a lifetime without him – hell, without the little family the two of you had created between the two of you and the two gremlins. You loved it all enough to know that, however fleeting it might be, you wanted to ride until the last stop.

You imagined a life with Aki – the domesticity of it. You imagined waking up in your own bedroom, right next to his. A space you could call your own for the first time. A place you were free to decorate as you pleased. You imagined walking into the kitchen and – rather than finding that your husband had left without a goodbye again – find him standing there before the stove, cooking breakfast for you. Would he turn to you when he heard your footsteps? Would his permanent scowl soften into that lovestruck grin he always seemed to wear around you? Would he lean down and kiss you good-morning, voice raspy with sleep?

And then, you imagined the other two. You imagined Denji and Power running into the kitchen, fighting with you about portion sizing while you set the table. Denji would ask an invasive question, as he typically did, and Power would inevitably run around flaunting her glory in the way that only she could. 

Would you look at all of that and finally be able to think 'This is home'?

You went back a page, clicking 4 Bedrooms instead. You know, just to humor yourself. That's all.

7:45 AM

TANIMOTO: Today's our check out day. I need your hotel key by 11.

TANIMOTO: and if you want your stuff, come get it.

The elevator jolted slightly as you pressed the button for the proper floor, the soft hum of machinery filling the small space. It felt suffocating inside of it – you exhaled, slow and steady, watching the numbers climb. It's just a quick stop,you reminded yourself. In and out. He can't hurt you.

Worst came to worst, Aki was waiting outside in the car, having had insisted upon driving you in case your husband tried anything funny. His words of encouragement played in the back of your mind like a mantra:

"You don't have to explain yourself to him. I'll be waiting outside. If you're not back in 20 minutes, I'll come up there and find you. If he tries to lay a finger on you, just text me. I'll be there quicker than flies on shit."

In. Out. Your chest rose and then fell again.

"I love you. You can do this. I love you."

His words had been firm, steady, grounding in the way they always seemed to be. Now, as you rode up to the floor where you knew your husband was staying for the first time in God knows how long, you held onto them. Carried them in your mind, in your chest like a protective talisman. 

Aki's fingers had been tight around the steering wheel as he told you, "Get in, get out. Don't give him the chance to pull you back in."

The soft chime of the elevator reaching its destination pulled you back to the present. You straightened out slightly, exhaling again, smoothing your hands out over the sleeves of your sweater – the one you had borrowed from Aki's closet earlier that morning.

Can I really do this? You couldn't help but wonder. Still, your heart was steady – like it knew you had no other choice.

Just in, then out, you reminded yourself.

Yet, as the doors slid open, you hesitated before stepping out into the empty, quiet hallway. The number 400 glared at you. It wasn't the right room, but you were close. Closer than you had been since... well, since he had grabbed you by the collar that night at the party. Closer than you had been since you watched him get pummeled into the ground by the very same man who stole you away from him.

The numbers ticked up as you continued down the hall. 401, 403, 406, 409, 412.

Your heart was racing in your chest by the time you turned to your left and saw those numbers you had been dreadingseeing – 413.

The number 413 loomed in front of you, an impassable threshold between past and present. You exhaled, slow and measured, and raised a fist to knock. For a moment, you hesitated, staring at the peeling paint on the doorframe, the tarnished brass of the room number. Your fingers curled in on themselves. It would be so easy to turn around, to walk away. But you weren't that person anymore. You forced yourself to knock.

The door opened almost instantly. Tanimoto stood in the doorway, his face shadowed by the dim overhead light. A dark bruise swelled around his left eye, his lower lip cracked and healing. The sight of it made something cold settle in your stomach. He looked different—hollow, diminished.

"Hey," he said, his voice low, uncertain.

You forced yourself to meet his gaze, keeping your expression unreadable. The weight of everything between you pressed down on your chest, but you pushed through it. "I came for my stuff."

He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. His hand flexed at his side like he wanted to reach for you but thought better of it. "Right. Yeah." After a moment's hesitation, he stepped aside, giving you space to enter.

The room was surprisingly neat, stripped of the usual signs of his disorder. Your duffel bag sat near the door, already packed. A small act of consideration that did nothing to soothe the wariness in your bones.

"I packed everything for you," he said, voice careful, almost measured. "Figured that's what you wanted."

You nodded, stepping forward. Your fingers brushed over the bag's zipper, checking its weight. Everything felt accounted for. But you still had the lingering thought that something was missing—not a possession, but something deeper, something intangible.

Tanimoto lingered near the door, watching you with an unreadable expression. "I'm ready to go too," he added, as if that would change something.

You reached for the handle and turned toward him. "Thank you." It was clipped, distant. Still, you bowed your head slightly in acknowledgment, a final courtesy before leaving this part of your life behind.

Just as you moved to leave, his fingers wrapped around your wrist.

Your body locked up instantly. The air in your lungs turned sharp, unsteady. His grip wasn't bruising, wasn't forceful, but it didn't need to be. A part of you recoiled before your mind even caught up, instincts long trained to flinch at his touch.

"Wait, I'm not going to hurt you," he said quickly, his fingers releasing you just as fast. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, looking exhausted, defeated. "I just... do you wanna get coffee or something? I think we should talk."

Your heart pounded, but not from fear. From anger. From frustration. From everything you had buried deep just to make it this far.

"There's nothing to talk about." Your voice was firm, your body already half-turned toward the door.

"Please," he tried again. "I just—I wanna talk, that's all." His voice cracked, and for a moment, he looked like he was on the verge of saying something more. But you didn't care.

You sighed, shaking your head. "I'm leaving, Tanimoto. He's waiting for me outside."

His jaw tensed, but he didn't move. His hands clenched at his sides as he took a slow breath. "I just want you to explain why—where this is all coming from."

Your lips parted, but instead of answering, you heard Aki's voice in your head. "You don't have to explain yourself to him."

Your expression hardened. "I don't have to explain myself to you." The words were clipped, sharp, a finality in them that left no room for argument. "You lost that right the moment you started hitting me."

His face paled. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His shoulders sagged as the weight of your words sunk in, as if he were only now realizing the full impact of his actions.

You turned toward the door, but he shifted, stepping into your path.

Your fingers twitched toward your phone. Aki was just downstairs. But no. You wouldn't call for help. Not this time.

Instead, you straightened. "I'm seeing a lawyer."

His expression cracked. His lips parted slightly like he wanted to say something, but the words never made it past his throat.

"Please, don't leave."

Your fingers tightened around your bag's handle. "You're too late."

Tanimoto's shoulders slumped. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. "I don't want a divorce."

You met his gaze, unflinching. "It doesn't matter what you want anymore, Tanimoto."

He swallowed hard, his face a storm of emotions. He was losing you, and he knew it. The realization was written all over his face.

"I'll bring you the papers soon," you continued. "Until then, don't contact me. If you refuse to meet up and agree to terms, it will have to be resolved in court." Your voice was steady, unwavering. "And if we go to court, I will bring up everything you've done. Everything you don't want getting out."

The silence between you was suffocating. He knew exactly what you meant. The bruises, the excuses, the nights spent walking on eggshells. It would all be laid bare.

"If you want this to be done peacefully," you said finally, "then I suggest that you cooperate."

He didn't say anything.

You nodded once. "Excuse me."

This time, when you reached for the door, he didn't stop you.

You stepped into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind you. The tension in your shoulders slowly began to unravel, bit by bit, with every step you took toward the elevator.

And just like that, it was done.

The office smelled of old paper and polished wood, the scent of ink lingering in the air like a tangible reminder of the bureaucracy that would soon unfold. You sat stiffly in the leather chair across from an attorney – Kaya Fujimoto – hands folded tightly in your lap, fingers laced together as if to hold yourself steady. The room was neat, precise, the kind of place where every detail had been carefully curated to exude control. If only you felt that way.

The attorney, a woman in her late fifties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense air, adjusted her glasses and gave a polite but professional nod. "I appreciate you coming in today. I understand you're here to begin the process of filing for divorce."

You swallowed, nodded. "Yes."

The attorney folded her hands on the desk. "All right. To start, I need to get a full picture of your financial and legal situation. The first thing I want to ask is, do you and your husband own any shared assets?"

"Yes," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. Clearing your throat, you forced yourself to speak with more clarity. "We own a house together."

The attorney didn't look surprised, simply nodding as she made a note on the yellow legal pad in front of her. "Is the house fully paid off, or is there a mortgage?"

"There's still a mortgage. We bought it together a few years ago. Both of our names are on it."

The attorney clicked her pen, jotting something down. "That will complicate things slightly, but it's manageable. Now, do you both contribute to the mortgage payments equally? Or is one of you primarily responsible?"

You hesitated. "We've both paid into it. We have a joint account, and the mortgage is withdrawn from there every month."

The attorney nodded again. "That brings me to my next question—joint finances. Do you and your husband share any bank accounts beyond the one you mentioned? Savings accounts, investments, anything else of significance?"

"We share all of our money," you admitted, the words heavy on your tongue. "We never separated finances. Everything goes into one place."

For the first time, the attorney's gaze lifted fully from the notepad, studying you carefully. "And who primarily controls those funds?"

The question made you shift in your seat. "It's... technically both of us, but he usually handles the big decisions. I don't go through every transaction."

"Has he ever restricted your access to money? Prevented you from withdrawing funds, or monitored your spending?"

You knew what the attorney was asking, and for a fleeting moment, you considered being honest. But you had already decided—you wouldn't bring that into this. You wouldn't give him that power over your case, wouldn't let this become a battle of accusations and counterclaims.

"No," you said, carefully neutral. "We've just always used the same account."

The attorney held your gaze for a moment longer, as if weighing your answer. Then, nodding, she returned to her notes. "Okay. Since there is no financial separation, everything in that account is considered marital property. This includes any savings, investments, or debts in both of your names. Divorce proceedings will determine how those assets are divided."

The weight in your chest grew heavier. You had spent so long trying to separate yourself from him, to untangle yourself from the life you had built together, and yet here you were, realizing how deeply enmeshed you still were.

"I need to ask," the attorney continued, her voice steady, "is there a prenuptial agreement in place?"

You shook your head. "No."

This time, the attorney exhaled softly, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "That means that, legally, all assets accumulated during your marriage are subject to division. Without a prenuptial agreement, there's no predetermined structure for how things will be split. We'll need to negotiate that through the divorce."

Your stomach twisted. You had known this, in theory, but hearing it stated so plainly made it real. You had spent years building a life with him, and now you would have to fight for your share of it.

"I assume there's no formal postnuptial agreement either?" the attorney asked.

"No. Nothing like that."

The attorney tapped the pen against the legal pad. "All right. The house will likely be the biggest point of contention. Typically, there are a few options. You can sell the home and split the proceeds, one party can buy out the other's share, or—depending on the situation—one spouse may retain ownership, with financial compensation provided to the other. Do you have a preference?"

You shivered, thinking about all of the memories that lived in that damned house – like ghosts.

You hesitated. "I don't want the house."

The attorney paused, flipping through a few pages before looking back at you. "Are you prepared for the possibility that he may not cooperate? If he refuses to sell the house or give you your share, we may have to take the matter to court."

Your fingers tightened on your lap. "I don't want to go to court," you said, your voice low but firm, as if speaking the words aloud would solidify your resolve. "I just want to be done with him, with all of this." You gestured vaguely, as if the walls of the office were somehow closing in on you. "If that means I walk away without getting the full value of the house, I'll take it. Whatever gets me out of this faster."

The attorney's sharp eyes studied you for a moment, then she nodded, understanding the weight behind your words. "I understand. Divorce is often more about the emotional closure than the financial settlement. But you should be aware that his refusal to comply can still delay things. It won't be over quickly, even if you take the loss."

"I don't care," you replied quietly, almost to yourself. "I just need it over."

The attorney held your gaze for a moment longer, then gave a small, acknowledging nod. "I'll make a note of that. It's important to know what you're willing to accept, and it sounds like you're ready to move on. But just be clear—if he's uncooperative, I will do everything in my power to ensure you're not taken advantage of."

Your throat tightened, but you nodded in return. "Thank you."

"What if he refuses to sign the... uh... the papers?"

"Then we take it to court. Judges don't look kindly on one party trying to hold the other hostage in a divorce."

You nodded, absorbing the information. The attorney's calm, methodical approach made it easier to stomach, but it didn't change the reality of what you were about to step into.

"As for your finances," the attorney continued, "I strongly recommend you open a personal bank account immediately and begin transferring your share of the funds. Since everything is joint, your husband has equal access. If he suspects a divorce is imminent, he could drain the account before proceedings begin."

Your breath caught slightly. You hadn't thought of that, but you should have. "How much should I take?"

"Half," the attorney said without hesitation. "That's what you're entitled to. If he challenges it, we can address it in negotiations. But do not leave yourself financially vulnerable."

You nodded, making a mental note to do it as soon as you got home. The thought of him realizing you had moved the money made your stomach churn, but the alternative—being left with nothing—was far worse.

"That leads me to my next point," the attorney said. "Divorces can be civil, or they can be contentious. Based on what you've told me, I want you to be prepared for the possibility that he will contest the terms. It may be beneficial to gather any financial records, emails, or messages that support your contributions to the marriage. Documentation can be invaluable if disputes arise."

You let out a slow breath. "I understand."

The attorney closed her legal pad and offered a small, reassuring smile. "This process can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. My job is to ensure you leave this marriage with what you're legally entitled to."

For the first time since stepping into the office, you felt the smallest sliver of relief.

You had spent so long feeling trapped. Now, for the first time, you were beginning to see the way out.

"Thank you," You smiled. "I really do appreciate it."

That evening, after you came home from the attorney's office, you entered Aki's apartment. He had texted you earlier to let you know that he'd left the door unlocked for you. You assumed that he had said that because he was asleep or in the shower, or something of the sort, so you were a little surprised to see the outline of his lean form perched over the balcony. 

Still, kicking your shoes off, you entered the space that had become your home and followed him out there.

He was still wearing his Public Safety uniform – clearly just recently having clocked out – leaning over the ledge with a cigarette perched between his fingers. His hair was down, and it looked almost blue beneath the moonlight. As blue as his tired eyes were when he turned slowly to meet your gaze.

"Hey, troublemaker," He smiled – softly, though there was a hint of fatigue that lingered behind it, like the work day had drained him.

"Hey, Baby," You replied, walking up a little closer and then slipping your hands around his waist. It all felt so natural, so easy. It felt like coming home after being at war. When you buried your nose into his back, you smelled that beautiful aroma that was so distinctly him – his detergent, the warm notes of his cologne, hints of smoke from the stick between his fingertips. 

"Baby," He hummed. "I don't think you've ever called me that outside of the bedroom."

You grinned, face flushing, nuzzling your cheek into his back. Truthfully, the nickname had slipped out. It felt so natural, you hadn't even realized you'd said it.

Then, he sighed, shoulders slumping. His hand rested over yours, drawing shapes over your clasped fingertips. 

"Rough day at work?" You asked.

He chuckled, "You have no idea."

"I don't, you're right," You replied, "I can't imagine being a Captain, truthfully. Having to think for everyone – I'd much rather take orders."

"I'm not even gonna comment on that last part 'cause my mind's in the gutter," Aki huffed out a quiet little laugh. When you shoved him forward, he pulled a hit from his cigarette, continuing, "How was the meeting?"

He turned around to face you, then, wrapping you in the tightest bear hug he could manage. For a second, you felt as if you had died and gone to heaven. You wouldn't mind suffocating in his arms.

"Provincial," You smiled. "She told me I'm entitled to half of the income and... God, a whole lot of other legal jargon. I'm so over it."

"It'll be worth it when you're free," Aki hummed in response, cigarette perched between his lips. Faintly, a few feet away, a CD player was playing some tune you faintly recognized. It sounded like something from the 80's. Mindlessly, perhaps, you began to swing back and forth.

"That's what I'm trying to remind myself," You rested your head on his chest, letting him continue to swing you back and forth to the beat. It was somewhere between swaying and dancing – content to bask in each other's presence. Your hand snaked its way up his arm, "Let me get a hit of that?"

You plucked the smoldering cigarette out from between his fingers and held it up to your own lips. As Aki continued to move you side to side to the rhythm of the song, you breathed in, feeling the smoke enter your lungs, the nicotine slip into your veins – and then breathed out. 

When you were finished, you stubbed the cigarette out and flicked it over the edge of the balcony. You had gotten your fix, and you were now content to lose to yourself in the rhythm, in the little bubble the two of you had created. For a minute, you weren't just a twenty-something on the edge of a divorce, a Public Safety worker with a ticking clock over her head – for a minute, it was just you and your lover, swaying together beneath Tokyo's evening skyline with your head on his chest. Below your cheek, his heart beat steadily, a reminder that this was all real.

"I love you," you sighed.

Aki tilted your chin up so that you were eye-to-eye with him, "I love you more."

Then he was leaning down – quite a bit, as he was a great deal taller than you were – and his lips were on yours, gentle and languid, as if he had all of the time in the world to kiss you. You sighed into it, wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him closer – all the while swaying to the song. 

"I have nothing left except you now, remember that," You breathed out. It was true. Once the divorce was through, you'd have no one else but Aki to pick up the pieces (the way he always did).

"How could I forget?" He smiled, pressing a kiss to your crown, gazing down at you with that starstruck look – like you were the only thing he had ever wanted, "You're my happiness, my everything."

And then, on the balcony of your not-quite-boyfriend's apartment, swinging to the beat of some song you couldn't name if someone paid you, swaddled in his arms, you realized that things really would turn out okay. As long as you had him by your side, you could handle anything.

YOU: I have the papers, and I would like to meet up in person as soon as possible so you can sign off on it.

YOU: please be mindful that this is the peaceful way to do things. I'll be out of your hair in no time.

Typing...

TANIMOTO: Okay. When should we meet?

YOU: Tomorrow?

TANIMOTO: Yeah, that works.

YOU: Great. I'll go to Kyoto. We can discuss terms over coffee.

Typing...

TANIMOTO: I miss you, yk that?

Seen 11:42 PM

Two weeks had passed since your first consultation with the attorney. Two weeks of what felt like an endless back-and-forth – tied between days with Aki, at home and at work. Two weeks of living with the Hayakawa "family" (and resolving the numerous arguments that broke out between the three. Denji always had something to do with it). Two weeks of bliss combined with the greatest headache ever – the process of a legal separation from your soon-to-be ex husband. 

Two weeks had passed, and now that you were here, you were having doubts. Unreasonable doubts, sure. You knew you wanted this, but they were doubts nonetheless

Two weeks, and now you were seated in the backseat of a busy cafe with the divorce papers neatly stacked and stapled together in your lap. You had spent countless days reading over all of the terms and conditions your attorney had drafted up. Four pages. Four perfect, white pages, each detailing some aspect of the divorce. It felt like a brick in your lap, heavy and uncertain.

And, as you ran your eyes over the front page one last time, just to make sure that you really wanted to go through with everything, the bell at the top of the cafe's door rang, and Tanimoto walked in. 

He was dressed like it was just another normal day. White dress shirt, Public Safety suit jacket buttoned up – he looked as if he had just gotten off of work. If your memory served you correct, he usually worked until four in the afternoon on Wednesdays. That would mean that he came straight from Public Safety by train.

The two of you had agreed to meet halfway in the middle at a cafe he had recommended in Narai-juku. The train ride wasn't unreasonable, but it did nothing for your nerves to know that you were here alone. Aki was in town with Denji and Power, undoubtedly being suckered into the arcade Denji had spotted in the cab on the way over just up the block. He was a call away, as always, upon his insistence, but he wasn't sitting across from you.

No, instead, it was Tanimoto that sat down, solemn expression worn on his tired face, hair looking utterly disheveled. His eyes were baggy, like he hadn't slept. The one on the left still wore the remnants of a black eye, a painful reminder of the fight he had gotten into.

For a moment, neither of you exchanged greetings. What more was there to say?

Wordlessly, you set the document on the table. It felt a lot heavier than it actually was. Tanimoto seemed to mirror your hesitance on a much greater level, eyes already hazy. He stared down at the packet between the two of you like he couldn't believe it, like the years the two of you had spent together were flashing through his mind. 

"This doesn't feel real," He finally acknowledged the elephant in the room.

Tanimoto's fingers hovered over the stack of papers before he finally reached for them. He exhaled sharply, as if bracing himself, then flipped open the first page. His movements were sluggish, like he was deliberately slowing time, drawing this out longer than it needed to be. 

You sat perfectly still, watching as his eyes moved across the first few lines, the muscles in his jaw tightening with every word he absorbed. His thumb ran absentmindedly along the edge of the paper, the same way he used to trace lazy circles against your wrist when he held your hand. You forced yourself to look away. 

That was another lifetime ago. 

His voice, quiet and strained, finally cut through the silence. "So, other than half of the money, you're not asking for anything," he murmured, not quite a question, but more of a realization. 

You nodded, shifting in your seat. "I don't need anything from you. I just want a clean break." 

He lifted his head. "And the, uh... the house?" 

The house. The house you had once called a home. Four white walls, sleek modern interior, a place you had never quite felt was your own.

You swallowed. "It's yours." 

His lips parted slightly, as if taken aback. His gaze searched yours, as if waiting for you to change your mind. 

"I'm looking to downsize," you continued, voice steady. "I have some apartments I'm already looking at in Tokyo." 

"With Captain Hayakawa, right? You're..." He swallowed like it hurt him to do so, "You're moving in together, aren't you?"

You weren't planning on it. Hell, you hadn't even started showing some of the listings to Aki yet to get his opinion. Everything was so... up in the air. 

Plus, you would never ask him that. Living with someone was a commitment, something not far from marriage. Aki was still young. You doubted he would want to give up the space he'd been inhabiting for so long just to share one with you.

Still... you had endured Tanimoto's abuse for years. You wanted to milk it a little longer.

"That's none of your business, honestly," You replied. 

He let out a sharp breath through his nose, shaking his head. "Guess you've got it all figured out." 

You said nothing. There was nothing left to say. 

The café buzzed around you—muffled conversations, the hiss of steaming milk, the rhythmic clinking of cups against saucers. Outside, the sky had deepened into a dusky shade of blue, streaked with the last traces of sunlight. It was the kind of evening you once would have spent together, sharing a quiet meal or walking home side by side. 

Now, you sat on opposite ends of a table, separated by a mere few inches and a lifetime of things left unsaid. 

Tanimoto turned another page, skimming over the terms like he wasn't really reading them. His hand rested on the corner of the stack, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm against the paper. 

Then, after a long pause, he exhaled and leaned back. "Should I take this home?" he asked, rubbing at his temple. "Go over it a little more before signing?" 

You shook your head without hesitation. "No. I want you to sign them here." 

His lips pressed into a thin line. 

"I took the evening off," you added, folding your hands in your lap. "I have time to wait." 

Tanimoto let out a quiet scoff, shaking his head again, but he didn't argue. Instead, he flipped through the final few pages, slower this time. His expression hardened, but beneath the forced indifference, you could see it—the way his throat bobbed when he swallowed, the tight set of his shoulders. 

You knew that look. It was the same one he wore when he was trying not to let something hurt. 

And then, without looking up, he said, "I don't have a pen." 

You had expected this. You figured he would try and pull a stunt at the last minute.

Reaching into your bag, you pulled out a sleek black pen and placed it on the table between you. "That's okay," you said, voice soft. "I brought one." 

A breath of laughter left him, quiet and bitter. "Of course you did." He picked up the pen, turning it between his fingers, as if testing its weight. Then, finally, he looked at you. His eyes were glassy, reflecting the warm light overhead, and for a moment, he didn't speak. 

"Look," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know about this..." 

Your chest tightened. You swallowed against the lump in your throat. 

"Don't," you said, cutting him off. "Don't do this. Please. Just sign the papers." 

His grip on the pen tightened, his knuckles paling. "I don't want to lose you." 

It was barely a whisper, but it still hit like a punch to the ribs. 

For a second, you almost faltered. You almost let the years you had spent together, the familiarity of him, the ache in his voice, shake your resolve. 

But then you heard Aki's voice in your head, steady and sure. 

"Stay strong."

You blinked, steadying your breath. "You'll lose a lot more than just me if you don't sign off on the terms," you said, and even though it hurt, even though your throat burned from holding back the emotion threatening to break through, you didn't waver. "This is the best way to do it. Please, just... just sign it." 

A heavy silence settled between you, thick and suffocating. You could feel him watching you, searching for something—hesitation, regret, anything that would let him believe there was still a chance. 

But you had made your choice. 

Tanimoto exhaled, long and unsteady. His shoulders dropped, and his head tilted slightly downward, his eyes falling to the paper in front of him. 

"If this will make you happy," he muttered, pressing the tip of the pen to the page, "then I'll be glad I did at least one thing right." 

You knew what he was doing. He wanted to make you doubt. To make you regret. 

And maybe, in some small way, it was working. 

But you forced yourself to remember why you were doing this. 

Tanimoto picked up the pen with a trembling hand, steadying it over the line at the end of the packet. Then, hesitating slightly, he scribbled his signature down, ink pressing deep into the paper.

And you exhaled. Finally, For the first time in thirty seconds, you breathed out.

It's over. It's finally over.

You stood up only a moment later, grabbing your coffee and the papers before he could change his mind. "I'll come by the house and pick up my stuff while you're at work sometime this week," You hummed, sticking the papers into the folder in your purse. When you were all zipped up and ready to go, you looked him one last time – got a real good look at him because you knew you might never see him again after all was said and done.

And he was crying. His eyes were wide and watery, tears streaming gently down his cheeks – it was something you hadn't seen him do before... ever. Lips trembling, he whispered, "You don't have to do this. It's not too late to call it off."

That's the thing about abusers. They're very convincing. You felt the waterworks building up in your own eyes, biting your lip to keep them at bay. A stray tear slipped out, down your cheek – one you quickly wiped away. He wasn't worth any more of those.

"This is goodbye, Tanimoto," You said the words you had been aching to say for so long. As you breathed them out into the air, you felt lighter, somehow, like a weight had been lifted. Then, turning on your heel, you made your way towards the door.

"Will I ever see you again?" He called after you, making you pause mid-step. 

A shopgoer passed you by. Then another. Your coffee felt heavy in your palm, hot enough to burn the tender skin there. 

Slowly, then, you looked back at him – at the pathetic man who had once been your husband, and felt the weight of the papers in your bag. 

"Stay strong," Aki's voice echoed in your head one final time.

Then, you straightened out, answering, "With all due respect, I hope not."

You didn't wait for his response. You didn't even spare him one last glance.

Instead, you turned on your heel and walked out of the café, pushing the door open with more force than necessary. The bell above jingled in protest.

The evening air hit you like a slap to the face—cool, crisp, and sharp enough to sting against the heat of your skin. Your feet moved on their own, faster than they needed to, carrying you up the block as though you could outrun the weight of what had just happened. The coffee in your hand sloshed dangerously against the rim, but you hardly noticed.

You didn't stop. Not when the streetlights flickered on overhead. Not when a group of people passed by, chatting about something insignificant. Not even when you realized you had started trembling.

It wasn't until you turned a corner, out of sight from the café, that it hit you all at once.

The tears came before you could stop them—silent, hot, and endless. Your breath hitched, and then you were sobbing, shoulders heaving, body curling inward as if you could fold yourself small enough to disappear.

You doubled over, your free hand gripping your stomach like you had been physically struck. It hurt. God, it hurt.

Then, you dropped into a squat, setting your coffee down and curling into a ball.

People were staring. You could feel their eyes on you, confused and mildly concerned. Some of them hesitated mid-step, as if debating whether to approach. Others simply walked around you, pretending not to see.

You didn't care.

You didn't even know why you were crying. He was horrible to you. He had torn you down piece by piece, made you question yourself, made you feel like you were nothing. You should be relieved. You should be free.

But all you could feel was the sharp, crushing weight of the years you had wasted on him. Of the love you had given so freely, only for it to be twisted into something unrecognizable.

A hand touched your back.

You flinched at the contact, but before you could jerk away, you recognized the warmth of it. The familiarity.

Aki.

He didn't say anything at first. Just stood beside you, solid and unwavering, as if anchoring you in place. His touch was firm but careful, rubbing slow, grounding circles into your back.

When you finally dared to lift your head, you saw the bouquet of white flowers in his other hand.

Your breath hitched.

Aki was watching you, his expression unreadable beneath the dim streetlight, but his eyes—his eyes told you everything. He knew. He knew what this meant for you. He had known before you had even walked into that café.

Behind him, Denji and Power stood a few feet away, both staring at you like you had just grown a second head.

Denji's mouth was half-open, like he was about to say something, but for once, he didn't. Power nudged him, but even she stayed uncharacteristically silent.

"You two go ahead and buy some icecream over there. I'll be right behind you," Aki rustled around in his pocket and slapped a bill into Denji's hand, "Give us a minute."

The two of them pissed off rather quickly then, practically skipping off with the money – their hunched over kinda-roommate long forgotten. Then it was just you on the floor and Aki, towering over you.

"You okay?" He asked, breaking the silence. "I got these flowers for you. He didn't hurt you, did he?"

There was an unspoken threat behind his words, an unspoken "Do I need to go over there and talk to him?". On any other day, you would have cracked a smile at it.

Instead, you shook your head, "I don't... know why I'm crying."

He sighed, then knelt down to your level. Long fingers reached out to cradle your face, to tuck your hair behind your ear and out of your face. "It's a lot to process, Honey. Being strong doesn't always feel good."

You sniffled back, "I guess you're right."

"Stand up," He smiled at you – not with teeth, but a lippy smile, like he was head over heels for you, even when you were... like that. "We can talk about it when you're ready, okay?"

"I'm ready now, I just..." You stood up, shivering at the gust of wind that blew your way. You tugged at the sleeves of Aki's sweater around your wrists. "It's just hard. I mean, we were married for quite some time, and I just... I have so much to say. So much to feel."

Aki wrapped you in his embrace – his warmth, and you melted against his much taller body. And, for a moment, nothing more had to be said. He understood everything.

"It'll pass," Was all he said in response. 

"I feel like I just let an entire marriage go," You asked, "Will it really get better?"

"It'll get easier every day," He replied, bringing a hand up to massage the back of your scalp. "Plus, I'll be with you every step of the way."

You leaned into his touch, his embrace, and let the tears begin to flow again, carelessly soaking his sweater. He held you through it, whispering words of endearment and cooing in your ear.

"I want you to call your lawyer up and tell her you're gonna drop the papers off tomorrow," He added.

Your heart squeezed at the sound of it – at the sound of his voice, at the idea that you were that much closer to being done with your husband, you weren't entirely sure which one. 

"He told me it's not too late to back down, Aki," You sighed. "I'm scared."

"We can take it one step at a time," He replied easily. "Wanna talk about it over ice cream?"

You looked at him – at your lover, then up at the pearly blue sky. It seemed like it was a little brighter that afternoon, a little more colorful. Faintly, hues of pink were beginning to creep onto the skyline. You took a moment to take it all in.

Then, you smiled, "Yeah... I would like that."

Aki released you from his hold, only to take your hand up in his own and place a chaste kiss to the back of it. 

You had heard people tell you that freedom came with a great deal of difficulty, that it often took a while to start feeling good. You agreed. Now that you had the signed papers in your bag, you didn't know how to feel – what to make of everything. 

Still, you felt a little better knowing that you were walking towards freedom hand-in-hand with the man you loved.

You were well on your way to separation with your not-quite-ex husband. The divorce papers were signed, dated, and dropped off at the attorney's office earlier in the morning. The only thing left? 

Packing. So much of it. For a moment, you wondered if you would even be able to pack away your twenties. Would they be able to fit in the cardboard boxes you had picked up? Would you be able to carry them, or would the crushing weight of the divorce be too much to handle?

On the ride over, you had plenty of time to think about it. You and Aki had rented a moving truck from one of those moving chains, and in the back were a few piles of cardboard boxes. Oh, and the other two. Denj and Power were having the time of their lives back there, sitting criss-crossed applesauce on the floor while Aki drove. In his words, they were devils, and if they got injured on the way over, he would just have to give them some blood whenever they got home and they would be as good as new.

Your hands were neatly folded in your lap. Five hours into the five-and-a-half hour commute, and it was safe to say that you were going insane. The papers were sent in – it was final, no going back. Could you finally call yourself a free woman? 

After all of those years?

One look at Aki and his glorious side profile – sharp angles and boyish eyes illuminated by the sunlight filtering in through the window behind the two of you – and you knew that going back was never an option. Not after you met him, anyway.

You glanced at the kids in the back. Currently, they were playing one of the board games they had brought along for the ride. Checkers, it looked like. Denji moved a black piece right as the truck hit a bump in the road, and their progress went flying.

Denji slammed his hands down on the ground, "Dammit, ponytail, you SUCK at driving!"

"Get a license, then we'll talk," He grumbled back. "Fuckin' freeloader."

You laughed, cheeks pulled taut at the corners. "Be nice, Aki."

"He's been getting on my nerves the entire car ride," Aki turned to you briefly, blue eyes narrowed into slits. He gestured towards the road. On the radio, one of his CDs was playing a quiet tune. "Are we there yet, this and I have to piss, that."

"I'm pretty sure this is the longest he's ever been in a car," You tried to add.

"If he's lucky, I won't pack him into a box and fucking leave him in here," He hissed at you.

"Eat a bag of dicks," Denji piped up from the back.

There was a tick in Aki's jaw, then, eyes widening as he shouted into the rearview mirror; "Go fuck yourself."

"Kids, please," You cut in. "There's only thirty minutes left. Can we please be nice?" You gestured to the road exasperatedly, "Left at the light, by the way."

The road stretched long and open before you, the low hum of Aki's music filling the car. The quiet tune had blended into the background hours ago, like the rhythm of the tires against the pavement, like the steady presence of the man beside you. The golden glow of the setting sun slanted through the windshield, bathing the dashboard in soft, flickering light. Outside, the landscape rolled by in a blur of greens and browns, endless fields giving way to clusters of trees, and the occasional gas station sign flickering against the dimming sky.

"Left at the light," you reminded him, voice soft, watching as the green overhead turned yellow.

Aki nodded, fingers flexing on the wheel before smoothly guiding the car into the turn lane. His profile was sharp in the fading light, the angles of his face accentuated by the dusky hues. The sunset caught on the edge of his jawline, turning his skin molten, almost delicate. You wondered, fleetingly, if he knew how easily you could get lost in looking at him. If he could feel the weight of your gaze.

Instead of giving in to the impulse, you settled for words. "It's nice out."

"Yeah," he murmured, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror before returning to the road. "Warm for this time of year."

The soft breeze from the slightly cracked window tousled a few strands of his hair. You resisted the urge to reach out, to tuck them behind his ear. You weren't sure when that particular habit had formed—this desire to smooth the edges of his exhaustion, to make things a little easier for him. Maybe it had been there all along, just waiting for the right moment to surface.

Another lull stretched between you, comfortable but weighted. Then—

"Rent's getting ridiculous lately."

You huffed a small laugh, shifting in your seat. "Tell me about it. Feels like the prices jump every time I check."

Aki drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, an almost absentminded motion. His brows furrowed slightly, as if working through a thought. Then—

"How would you feel about living together?"

The words settled between you, unexpected yet not entirely surprising. Your breath caught for just a fraction of a second. It wasn't as if the idea had never crossed your mind—you'd thought about it in passing, imagined what it might be like to share a space, to wake up and find him already in the kitchen, hair tousled from sleep, brewing his first cup of coffee. But hearing him say it aloud, hearing the intent behind it, made your pulse skip in a way that left you unsteady.

You blinked, fingers tightening around the fabric of your pants. "Like... the—" Your throat bobbed. "The four of us?"

"Yeah." His gaze flickered toward you, brief but searching. "The four of us. Get a bigger place."

Your heart did something odd in your chest—something light and quick and startling. You wanted to say yes, immediately, to latch onto the idea before it could slip through your fingers. Aki wasn't the type to bring things up unless he'd thought them through. If he was asking, that meant he'd considered it. That meant he wanted it.

But—

"Aki, I don't know..." Your voice was hesitant, careful. You could hear the uncertainty in it, the part of you that still held back. "I'll think about it. It's just—moving in with someone so quickly, you know?"

He nodded once, slow and understanding, his grip on the wheel remaining steady. "That's valid." A pause. Then, quieter, "Take as much time as you need. If you say no, I'll totally understand. Just let me know. My lease is up soon, at the end of the year. I'll renew it if you want."

There was something about the way he said it—if you want—that made your chest ache. Like the decision was entirely yours, like he wasn't pushing, just offering. Giving you an out, if you needed it. But the truth was, you didn't want an out. 

The answer wasn't no, You just weren't sure if you were ready to say yes.

You swallowed, nodding slowly. "Yeah, okay. I'll—I'll think about it."

Aki hummed in response, the sound low and thoughtful. He didn't press further, didn't push for a quick decision. He just let the conversation settle into the space between you, quiet but not stifling. It was one of the things you liked about him—the way he let things breathe, the way he never made you feel rushed.

The rest of the drive passed in a silence that felt charged but not uncomfortable. There was something brimming beneath it, something unspoken yet understood. A shift, subtle but unmistakable.

In the back, Denji and Power had finally tired themselves out. The board game lay abandoned between them, the checkers pieces rolling lazily across the floor of the car, forgotten. Power had slumped against the window, mouth slightly open in sleep, while Denji leaned back with his arms crossed, head tilted at an awkward angle. They looked peaceful, in their own chaotic way.

You exhaled slowly, watching as the last traces of sunlight dipped below the horizon. The sky darkened, deep blues bleeding into blacks, the first stars blinking to life above.

And for the first time in a long time, you felt like you were heading somewhere you wanted to be.

The rest of the ride went surprisingly quietly. The weight of Aki's words still lingered in the air, settling somewhere deep in your chest, heavy and uncertain. You watched the scenery blur past the window, streetlights flickering on one by one as dusk fully descended. The once-vivid hues of sunset had bled into an inky darkness, and with it came a creeping anxiety that made your fingers twitch in your lap.

Your keys felt foreign in your hands, the cool metal pressing into your palm as you turned them over absentmindedly. You hadn't used them in what felt like years. Time had stretched and twisted, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when you had last walked through the doors of this house. The thought made your throat tighten, a lump forming that you stubbornly swallowed down.

Aki parked the car in the driveway, the familiar crunch of gravel beneath the tires sending a shiver down your spine. For a long moment, neither of you moved. The house loomed ahead, quiet and still, its windows dark. It looked smaller than you remembered. Or maybe you had just grown.

"You okay?" Aki's voice was gentle, careful.

You let out a shaky breath, forcing a nod. "Yeah. Just... a lot."

He didn't press further. He never did. Instead, he reached over and squeezed your knee, a quiet reassurance before pulling the key from the ignition. You took that as your cue, slowly stepping out of the car. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine, the same way it always had.

Your hands trembled as you fit the key into the lock. It turned smoothly, with an ease that made your chest ache. Like the house had been waiting for you to come back. The door creaked open, revealing the dim interior, the familiar scent of aged wood and dust greeting you like an old friend.

Stepping inside felt like stepping into a memory. The floorboards groaned under your weight, the walls holding echoes of years past. You walked further in, fingers brushing against the edge of the doorway, as if grounding yourself in reality. Aki followed behind, his presence solid and steady, the only thing keeping you from feeling like you might dissolve into the past.

Your breath hitched. You had told yourself you wouldn't cry. That you were stronger than this. But the moment your eyes landed on the living room—the worn couch, the coffee table still marked with the rings of old mugs, the bookshelves slightly askew—it all came rushing back. Every laugh, every fight, every late-night conversation that had once filled these walls.

Your husband topped off your glass of champagne with a grin, crooning, "Here's to our first night in our new home."

"Cheers," You replied. Your glasses clinked together in the middle.

"Our future begins here," He laughed.

The first tear slipped down your cheek before you could stop it. Then another. You covered your mouth with your hand, squeezing your eyes shut in a desperate attempt to compose yourself.

"Hey." Aki's voice was soft, his hand warm as it found the small of your back. "It's okay."

You shook your head, a choked laugh escaping. "I feel so stupid."

"You're not stupid," he said firmly. "You lived here. Of course it's gonna hit hard."

You turned to him, your vision blurred with tears. He was watching you with quiet understanding, his blue eyes holding none of the impatience or awkwardness you had feared. Just patience. Just Aki.

He reached up, brushing a tear from your cheek with his thumb. "Be strong."

The words shouldn't have meant so much, but they did. Maybe because they came from him.

You nodded, sniffling. "Okay."

Aki let his hand drop but didn't step away, waiting until you had taken a steadying breath before speaking again. "Where should we start?"

Your gaze drifted up the staircase, heart thudding painfully in your chest. "The bedroom."

He nodded. "Alright."

The creak of each step beneath your feet was like a ghost of the past, whispering stories you weren't ready to hear. The hallway was lined with old photos, their frames slightly crooked. You hesitated at one—an old picture of yourself, caught mid-laugh, a younger version of you that felt like a stranger now.

Aki waited patiently, hands in his pockets, giving you the space to process. When you were ready, you pushed open the bedroom door.

The air inside was thick with nostalgia. The bed was still unmade from the last night you had spent here, as if frozen in time. Your old desk sat by the window, covered in dust, a few forgotten papers scattered across the surface. Everything was still. Untouched.

Aki moved first, stepping toward the closet. "I'll start in here."

You nodded, making your way to the drawers, fingers hovering over the handles before finally pulling one open. Clothes you had long forgotten stared back at you—old sweaters, worn-out T-shirts, a jacket you used to love but hadn't thought about in years.

You picked it up, running your fingers over the fabric. It still smelled faintly of home.

Aki glanced over, watching you carefully. "You wanna keep that one?"

You swallowed past the lump in your throat and nodded. "Yeah."

He didn't question it. Just kept folding, packing, moving forward. The steady rhythm of it was grounding, the quiet presence of him beside you a comfort you hadn't realized you needed.

Piece by piece, the room slowly emptied. Every item placed into a box felt like another part of your past being neatly stored away. It hurt, but it also felt necessary. Like closure.

At some point, Aki sat back on his heels, glancing at you. "You good?"

You looked around the room—at the half-packed boxes, at the dust motes drifting in the air, at the man who had somehow become a constant in your life.

You nodded, a small, exhausted smile tugging at your lips. "Yeah. I think so."

At the end of a long, emotional, and tedious day—during which Denji and Power had a competition to see who could pack up your books the fastest, leading to at least three toppled stacks and a heated argument about what counted as 'packed'—you stood idle in the middle of the remnants of what was once your home.

The house was eerily quiet now. For hours, it had been filled with movement, voices, the rustling of cardboard and tape being stretched over boxes. But now, with everything packed, the silence felt thick, almost suffocating. You turned in place slowly, taking it all in—the empty shelves, the dust-covered corners, the pale outlines on the walls where frames had once hung. It was strange, seeing it like this. A hollowed-out version of what it had once been.

Your fingertips skimmed the edge of the kitchen counter as you walked past it. Every surface felt different, unfamiliar, as if stripping the house of its belongings had also stripped it of its warmth. You had spent years here. Laughed here. Cried here. Loved here.

A lump formed in your throat. You swallowed hard against it.

Aki stood near the doorway, watching you carefully. He wasn't rushing you, just waiting, like he always did. Letting you take your time.

You exhaled shakily and turned your gaze to the boxes stacked neatly near the entrance. Everything you had deemed worth keeping was in those boxes. Everything else was being left behind. It was a sobering thought. You had built a life here once, but now that life was packed away, ready to be carried off to someplace new.

This is it.

Your fingers curled into a loose fist at your side. You weren't sure if you had expected closure, or if you had expected something louder—some final, dramatic feeling to mark the end of this chapter. But all you felt was exhaustion. A quiet, aching kind of finality.

Aki took a step toward you. "You ready?"

You nodded, but it felt more like an instinctive reaction than a real answer. Still, you forced yourself to move. Your steps were slow as you made your way to the counter. The key felt heavier than it should have, the cool metal pressing into your palm as you turned it over one last time.

For years, this key had meant something. It had been yours. It had been home. Now, it was just another thing to let go of.

You placed it on the counter with deliberate care, the soft clink of metal against wood ringing through the empty space. It sounded final. It sounded like goodbye.

You let out a slow breath, staring at it for a moment longer, as if expecting it to change, as if expecting to feel something different now that it was done. But the weight in your chest remained the same.

Aki didn't say anything as you turned back toward him. He didn't need to. His expression was calm, steady, a quiet reassurance in the midst of your uncertainty.

You nodded once. "Let's go."

And with that, you walked to the door. Your hand hesitated on the handle for only a second before you pushed it open, stepping out into the cool night air.

The door clicked shut behind you.

It was only when you took that first step away from the house that something in your chest loosened. The weight that had been pressing down on you all day lifted, if only slightly. You could still feel the sadness, the ache of leaving behind something so familiar—but beneath it, something else stirred.

Relief.

Freedom.

a/n: anndddd just like that its officially over. on a scale of 1-10 how relieved are we? i'm a 12, bc i was the one who had to write all of that bs LMFOAOAOA!! OUR GIRL IS FINALLY FREEEEEE GRRRAAAAAAA!!! i cannot believe this story has come this far. it's drawing to a close in a few chapters, though, and i just wanted to take some time to thank all of you for coming along on this ride. this is officially the longest fanfic ive ever written. i loved writing the development of their relationship theyre so marriage coded.  let me know what ending you hope for!!!! (who knows, I might incorporate it into what i have planned ;))) stay tuned! mama loves u all xx

credits: UNKOWN ATM. I found the cover pic on pinterest unfortch. If you know the artist, please let me know, so I can credit them properly for their work!!! This is NOT MY BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGGG. I obviously do not own csm or anything related to it. please do not reproduce, copy, or translate my works anywhere. dont fk w me im a bruja.

also: come find me on my wattpad if u wanna interact more!

taglist: @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505 , @acethebrave , @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505

wanna join the taglist? | shameless ; chapter index

[louisisalarrie]

hey I think my ask got eaten by tumblr but if you've seen it and were planning on answering later or something just ignore this lol. I was asking what owning the name means for the boys. like legally. and what would it mean for sc to own it, what rights would he have

hello my love, it probably did get eaten lol this app has been closing randomly and telling me im unauthorised sometimes… truly bizarre.

anywho, 1d owning their own name is HUGE for them, and im sure SC will put a clause in to own the name of the next “big boyband” he��s trying to put together, because he is pissed off hahahha. I already figured they owned the name, but it’s nice to have it confirmed and watch that man beg to own it to make some more money to get more Botox.

without all the legal jargon and carryons, essentially, if SC owned the name, he could still exploit it to this day. it’s a brand. so he could, as he said in the interview, “make an animation” which yikes, but could also still be selling merch under the name, release idk a picture book, any kind of merch or content etc., like, we probably would’ve gotten special 1d 10 year anniversary t shirts and exclusive mugs and tea towels and every item under the sun, and that little cash grab would be going into SC’s pocket.

Back in the day, after they signed the contracts, 1d also created 1D Media Ltd, which is a company that they were directors of, to be able to share the profits evenly (there are also lawyers appointed to it obviously), and then commission is paid out to SC/everyone else who earns a % off their cash. So that’s a massive bonus, right? It goes to them and then it’s shared.

If SC owned the name, it would go to him, and then he would hand out the % to the boys & others. It leaves a lot more room for exploitation (the bad kind), SC pocketing extra cash, and all the other yucky things that can happen from a label/manager/whoever is not the actual artist, owning the name.

On top of this, if SC owned the name, he would be able to… uh… well… it would’ve been fucking awful and I hate thinking about it, but he could’ve replaced Zayn once he left. He could’ve introduced a new member to the band. When 1d called it quits/hiatus, he could’ve continued to use the name for a new boyband and idk… call it a legacy or something, ya know? But this way, if 1d tour, they (ot4) have to all agree to tour.

I believe Z backed out of this Agreement when he left initially, but still gets profit shares/royalties, but doesn’t have the right to use the name/has any ownership over it. Because like… imagine you’re in a band, right? And your guitarist leaves and it’s a bit of a bad breakup. If you don’t amend the ownership of who owns the name, your guitarist can start a new band under that name and technically get away with it (depending on the Agreement, they’re all so different, but it’s happened before, and Z wouldn’t even wanna do this because he wanted to pull away from the brand big time).

So that’s basically and very roughly put, what it is. If SC owned the name, he could continue to put out 1d branded merch/cartoons/whatever the hell, and make money off of it. But 1d own the name, meaning they choose what to do with it.

[cenviswasteland]

do u think kristoph gavin is a mommy issues haver or a daddy issues haver. or if both which one does he have worse. idk why im asking this i just wanna know what u think - 💾

FLOPPY DISK!!! i missed you, nerd. let's talk about it!

so, canonically we know fuck-all about the gavin family outside of klav and kris. this is both a blessing and a curse. from what i can tell, there's a semi-popular fandom headcanon where papa gavin was also a defense attorney, but i cannot find sources at the moment. there's a high possibility that i just made it up.

my personal thoughts on the gavin family? i do like the "papa gavin is a defense attorney" thing, so i'm keeping that. and although i can't name an occupation for mama gavin, i think she was very wealthy. in general the gavin brothers give me "born with a silver spoon" vibes, so i'm extrapolating. of course, with mom having all the money in the world to throw around and dad being no financial slouch either, the boys would get basically whatever they wanted.

(note: from here on, i'm going to focus on kristoph since that's what the ask is about. i might make a follow-up with some thoughts on klavier later though. lol)

the thing is, a lot of work goes into "keeping appearances" in wealthy families, like the old money that mama gavin was steeped in. that extends to the children as well. first-born kristoph, the shining light of the new generation, was expected to be the perfect young man from the beginning. as soon as he had some grasp on fine motor skills, he was learning the violin and the piano. he's supposed to be a well-rounded boy, after all. he had private tutors, teaching him an expedited course. he's the gavins' boy, of course he's gifted academically. he was always dressed well, and scolded for playing with his tie or cufflinks or hair. he was taught his manners; always eat your first course with the smallest fork, always keep a light smile on your face, always say "bless you" when people sneeze. don't slouch, don't be crass, don't raise your voice. "behave yourself, kristoph. remember where you came from."

i do think that as time went on and kristoph grew, it was his father's voice that rang more loudly in his ears. he'd get into petty fights with his mother about little details. but he looked up to his father. more than anyone in the world, he looked up to his father. how could he not? his father was awesome. he always won the case for his clients, no matter what, and they always looked so happy! so kristoph started showing an interest in law, and his father was more than happy to show him the ropes. in between the legal jargon and the textbooks, he picked up on the little things: how to "tell" when a client is "worth your time". how to "find" evidence that wasn't there before. how to make a witness "tell the truth".

is this to say that kristoph has "daddy issues" because of how he shaped him? no, i don't think so. i think if you were to ask him "what made you want to get into law?", he'd still say that it was because of his father.

does that mean that kristoph has "mommy issues" because his mother was the one pushing kristoph into the shape of the old money family's son? no, i don't think so. he never stripped away those influences-- just look at the "beautiful nails" line in 4-4, or how he holds himself so elegantly and precisely.

if you want a specific answer, i think both of his parents gave him issues. hella issues. but he doesn't really go agonizing "ohh my dad ruined my life" or anything.

at the end of the day this is all headcanon. like i said, the AA fandom is really working with scraps when it comes to anything gavin-family related, so i might just be waffling into the air. send more asks if you want lmao.

thanks for reading. peace love and little donuts or whatever lol

[ratsplendor]

Do you have any tips for balancing medical realism in your writing without it sounding long winded? I LOVE the inclusion of the specific medications, and care necessitated for Fiddleford. And I feel like it's such a difficult balancing act. Some folks' writing is way inaccurate, and others cram walls of grey's anatomy jargon for realism's sake. Often to the point where it's hard not to skim. So Im super impressed with how you managed to find that line. Thanks in advance!

oooh this is a good question!! + i think it's pretty much the same for most technical things. one of the biggest challenges i had when i started trying to put together original novels is that i got *really* bogged down in the science of it all, to the detriment of the narrative. like, i could hardly even get started with an actual story bc i was too busy thinking about what was plausible + how to prove it. so when i have the chance in fanfic, i try to practice dialing it back, whether it be medical, legal, or scientific stuff. this is what i've found works for me:

voice comes first: esp. if you're writing from a character's POV, try to think about what they could reasonably be expected to know. in love by the milligram, Stan has *some* medical knowledge, but isn't a professional. if you want background, he has a drug manual he stole from the Goodwill in Bend + that's how he's deciding on Fidds's meds. god forbid they go to an actual doctor and just lie. so he can throw around terms like "Diastat" and "lorazepam" but having to witness an actual seizure makes him super anxious. he's got the textbook knowledge, but not the professional detachment.

when it was from Fidds's POV in "hair trigger," he was all about the functional. so his main concern was 1. surviving, and 2. inventing a thingamajig so that Stan can monitor him from a distance if necessary. he just throws it out casually because it's not the main concern for him.

by the time of "sleeping dogs," Fidds's care routine is just a daily thing for Stan. the meds at night, knowing how to anticipate when he'll be loopier/dizzy based on when he takes them, seeing a memory episode coming in advance--it's all very normalized for him, but also a lot of mental load going on in the background. since he's not thinking too hard about it, he's not really explaining it unless Ford is asking. it's part of his day, and it's not *nothing*, but neither is it something he has to remind himself to do.

so basically, by focusing on what characters know AND what they'd give a shit about explaining, you give yourself some freedom to leave things vague.

focus on impact/utility: what function does it serve the reader to explain this thing? i didn't explain Stan having a drug manual because he wouldn't give a fuck if anyone knew he did or not. he took care of it, he fixed the issue. he has no qualms about forging prescriptions, so any further discussion on it is way too granular. now maybe there'll be a scene where Ford is like "hey guys. maybe we should go to an actual doctor instead of flying by the seat of our pants" and Stan gets all offended about how he has a book, and which of us has actually been dealing with this shit huh?!? -- but that mostly serves the purpose of creating friction + a sense of history, not over-explaining.

know when to trust your readers (or when you're okay with distrusting them): idk if you read "cottonmouth" but there's a whole scene in there where i talk about nuclear reactors. idk wtf i'm talking about. it's a sex metaphor. i spent like an hour intensely browsing Wikipedia for that paragraph; a nuclear physicist would probably find it slapdash at best. but i wrote that story for the sex, and i have a pretty good inkling that most readers are there to read the smut and not dive into the particulars of fission vessels.

similarly, sometimes i stick a technical term in there that does 1 of 2 things, depending on the reader: 1. they get curious and look it up and find out Diastat is a rectal medication for seizures and then *that's* in their head now, or 2. they think "oh, medical thing" and it bolsters the sense of realism. trusting readers to direct their own experience/find out what they don't know, if they feel like they need to, once again frees things up.

i have a lot of Thoughts on the medical-show-realism vs. wacky-slapstick-pseudoscience debacle because when it comes to disability/chronic or acute illness representation, a lot of the time you're hoping your reader will take something specific from it. sometimes you want to raise awareness. other times you just want to represent the internal sense of self vis-a-vis health conditions, health as a neutral part of life, and disability as just one part of a person and their relationships. so i think it's really about having a clear sense of your character and your intent, then adjusting the level of show-vs-tell from there.

[that-spider-fan-over-there]

No because the more I - and many, many others think about it, why five chapters to wrap everything up? I keep thinking of reasons and only one makes sense to me, but.

BNHA is considered a world-wide best-seller, being WSJ's 6th most sold manga (last I checked, which was a few months ago). So many mangakas and artists taking notice and praising it, its big demograohic getting bigger because of its 10th anniversary in two weeks (!), more people are inclined to see it through the end. Hell, even taking out worldwide demographic, it's still very beloved in Japan- they had an entire tour event for the manga, for goodness' sake. It's a weird decision from a financial and commercial standpoint.

From a creator standpoint, Horikoshi likes taking his time writing his arcs down to the most ridiculously minimal details- the most likely possible positive outcomes is that Horikoshi is either planning a sequel or changing publishers but that's a whole leap in logic-

1. A sequel implies we aren't following the Hero Academia like stated by 424's release; and there's a whole bulletpoint of things that need to be addressed; a sequel wouldn't make sense because why tackle everything in a different part of the story?

I've seen people suggesting another MC, but. Remember BNHA as of now took place in the span of 2 years in-universe, but in real life, 10. Izuku's story isn't finished and we have another character (which now I'm certain it's Tenko) to meet, that would be more cluttered than the PLFW Arc.

Others mentioned a possible spin-off, or a time skip, but that's a another can of worms because that's a new world/POV with missing development from the characters we know, which would be interesting but. Again, a whole list of plot points to address; why not address here and now? Surely that's not what we imagined when 424 said "we need to go even further beyond" the end of the story, right? And one more thing: Volume 41 still does not have enough pages to fill in a tankobon unless the page count is huge and that's why we got a two/three-week break. Even then it doesn't fully solve the problem.

2. Publisher changing is another story, because it implies WSJ is falling on hard times, cutting corners, Horikoshi's contract wasn't renewed, or someone offered a better deal, but once again, big money-maker. Which we know it's BS. Not to mention the amount of legal jargon and time it'd take for that to happen behind the scenes for this to be possible- a month ago we got Hori saying he didn't know how long it'd take to reach the ending, and all of these complications would delay, if not officially put the series on a hiatus similar to OP, right?

And then there's the "five chapters is a long epilogue" or the argument, which I do agree, unfortunately. But this is why I'm so baffled; the amount of shit that needed to be addressed in the story- Todofam, Himichako, Spinner, Rooftop Trio, Hitoshi in Class 2-A (Class 2-A in general, really), Izuku and Katsuki's state, future and relationship, societal rebuild and re-evaluation of pro-heroes, what happens to Toshinori now, if OFA is really gone or not, Hero Commission, Mr. Compress's fate, Hawks being Quirkless now, the mystery man from 425, the list goes on and on. Nothing about hero society in BNHA was shown to change, then what's all that talk of long epilogue for if we can barely focus on five of these? So much to answer and not enough time for all.

IDK, there are more "positive"* theories of Horikoshi ending the "Academia" part of Boku no Hero and focusing on the more ambitious part of the manga in a part two, a la Chainsaw Man, but even that feels like wishful thinking- especially because of so many second series being. A mess, to put it lightly.

Horikoshi does deserve the break from writing and drawing, don't get me wrong, ten years of pumping up a story of this quality is not an easy feat, but it's so weird considering all the loose ends. If he did decide to end on his terms, well. His decision, I guess, even if it still feels off. But it is the only explanation that makes sense, in my opinion. Especially with the amount of breaks he needed to get because of health conditions- Shonen Jump is very harsh on their mangakas after all.

*I say "positive" because he said he didn't want it to be a long runner, and he did say he's interested in a BNHA spin-off and elevating the light novels. And that he'd "see us again in Jump" on the countdown announcement, so. There's that, take that as you will.

Maybe I should try and be positive as well, there is a chance this is not the end of the main series yet, and we're getting, Idk, a rebrand of sorts? Maybe Horikoshi will show up at Jump Festa and be like "surprise I got more tricks up my sleeve". Back to the beginning, but not quite the same. Hell imagine if he decided to go to the actual beginning: Boku No Hero one-shot from 2008. Call it Boku no Hero Agency or something like that. Hah.

Won't erase that I am feeling shitty about this right now- but, what do I know, I wanna choose hoping for something as wishful as this until the end of the ride rather than dwell on the doomerism of it all. Just wanted to talk about it. Makes me regret I chose to get into BNHA late in the game, but I'm still glad I got to ride in at all. I hope this "final bow" isn't gonna feel as incomplete as I fear it will.

I. Guess we'll have to wait and see with fingers crossed then. *sigh* So, with that said.

I guess I wanna hope for the handhold, at least.

[silenlou]

idk if u said anything abt this but genshin sunder Singapore now, so does all of that ccp stuff have anything to do with genshin now? (Gen question ur the only person I can ask this stuff😭)

If you’re talking about the creation of Hoyoverse/Cognosphere, then no.

Hoyoverse is like the international face for the main company, MiHoYo, which is still a company based in mainland China. It’s a subsidiary company, made for publishing to international audience easier to differentiate from Chinese audience, like with the Rosaria outfit (we have the option of the old and new version whilst China server onto has the new one)

Here is a gamer rant article talking about it, and here is the link to the company’s Wikipedia page.

And just to be even more clear:

No, Cognosphere/Hoyoverse is not a different company to MiHoYo.

Cognosphere is a private limited company (Pte. Ltd.) it’s essentially an LLC company that doesn’t have its shares up for public and it has a parent company, which is MiHoYo (much like Unilever’s Singaporean branch: Unilever pte. Ltd.) Read this article for more of an understanding, especially with Singaporean laws cause I’m not that familiar with it. I just know the jargons cause I had to endure 3 years of classes to graduate 😔

In regards to the content being published

Genshin is still being developed and designed by MiHoYo, the main company. From what I know, there are no development team in Cognosphere, all of them mainly handles legal issues (international laws and so on) and possibly advertisements.

The only development team I can think of that falls outside of the parent company (MiHoYo) is probably the localised translation and the VA team (director, editor, etc.) of the 3 out of 4 languages available. Aside from that, everything else is being handled by the main company, MiHoYo, which is based on mainland China.

[alyjojo]

November 🕷️ 2024 Monthly - Scorpio

Preshuffle: You’re inspired by some kind of news you’re hearing, could be something you’ve been waiting on, and you can finally make progress forward - or the goal becomes clearer/within view.

Meditation: I’m seeing the board game Candyland, which I haven’t played in some minutes. The Peppermint King is throwing candy canes at The Blueberry King (are they even real Candyland people idk) and he’s tossing blueberry pies right back. I’m also seeing Heat Miser 🔥 and Snow Miser ❄️ from the Christmas movies. Sibling rivalry?

Main energy: 4 Wands rev

Yeesh. You’re pissed 💯 I mean it’s covering hurt and heartbreak, but it’s coming out as anger, probably at some arrogant person…that owes you money? Could be you, in most cases it feels like it. 4 Wands rev shows an unstable living situation and Strength rev at the bottom shows you’re not likely to hold back from defending your position on anything where this person is concerned - I’m getting a sibling heavily. One that wants to heal, but still owes you, it looks financial. Could be an ex too, or someone you owe money on a house to, like a landlord, contractor, etc.

What’s going on in November:

What you’re defensive over is The Devil, it’s looking like you have every reason to be. Forced to play nice? 5 Wands rev follows and feels like someone that’s trying to make up with you from some kind of conflict, and you’re not really interested in making up. You have issues to address 💯 and until those things are discussed and handled properly, you’re not a willing participant here. Or it’s an attitude of fuck them, whether they do anything for you or not, idk what level or connection this is. Could be bad, The Devil can go deep dark but also covers so many things. Could be irritating. Could be someone that’s always got issues or needs money and you’re tired of handing it out or having others running to you for anything, no thanks. Especially if addictions are involved. Could also be switched and it’s your family with this attitude towards you…not a very supportive or loving vibe showing up. An arrogant & anger driven bully does. Knight of Swords rev at the bottom is verbally vicious and nothing here is giving “kind” ijs. Them probably…or you?

5 Wands rev is ending a conflict, but this is what you’re defensive about. Someone could shoot you some friendly message like you’re cool or something and your response starts with “BITCH…”, that’s the whole vibe of the reading 😆 The King rev is clarified by The matching Queen rev and Ace of Cups rev. Likely a divorce or breakup is going on…was this person meant to be, yes. This Wands pair was upright at one time ❤️ Feels like you, or it was, but now you’re sitting comfortably in a much more mature, grown, emotionally stable King of Cups energy - authentically you. And there’s no fixing this or bringing it back, in your eyes. All of the emotions have spilled out, maybe money too, Ace of Pentacles rev can be losing quite a bit of money. Because of them? Or that’s what you’re pissed off about.

Side story: If someone cheated, there’s no way in hell this is healing in your book. If you’ve cheated and got caught, or if it’s anything to do with drugs/addictions, now you could owe someone (more?) money and that pisses you off. Or they owe you.

All you want from this person or situation is Justice for lost finances, so if it’s not a person in the family, then you’re trapped to a situation where you have to invest in a home or some kind of forced (expensive?) repair that you want a return on. Insurance is showing up heavily, like you paid in the moment and need reimbursement - like yesterday. Or that was promised or IS part of your health plan - but for some reason they aren’t holding up their end of the bargain or you’re having to battle over the phone over red tape & legal jargon bs. Could be taxes and issues over a couple that’s unmarried, it’s making you lose money or something, or one of you is and the other one is the one having to pay it all up front or something - it’s a pain in the rear. Legal fees could be killing someone’s bank account, if there’s a lawsuit or divorced involved. End of the month shows healing, solo healing, are you allowing someone to come back around and apologize or move forward? Hell no 😤 Someone missed their chance, if this isn’t financially tied. But yes, you alone will get over or through this just fine. For some, if you’re living with someone difficult that could be coming to an end - because that’s the goal you’re realizing is the right move this month.

PS after the reading I moved on to Sag and they had the exact same meditation, could definitely be dealing with one, or has placements.

Signs you may be dealing with:

Heavy Leo, Aries, Libra, Scorpio & Sagittarius

Oracle: ✨

If you’re in a negative environment, it creates a block, and positive energy can’t get through.

We enter into November as:

Princess of Amber 👸🏽:

“I quietly sizzle and shine.”

You are connecting with your passion. It is time to focus on the task at hand and not divert your attention. If you are being of service to others, you will reap great rewards. This is a sign of great abundance with selflessness. Put your eye on the work and not the rewards. You’re also being urged to stand up for what you believe in. If you are being asked to compromise yourself, you must not. You are correct to feel passionate about your position, you know intuitively what a fair request is. When your intentions are good and true, you will always land with two feet on the ground. You may be up against pretty big odds, but you mustn’t give in to what you know is not correct. Others see your worth, it’s time for you to, and have faith that you are doing the right thing.

What is to be learned in November:

Crimson Dreams 🥀:

“I am feeling the loss of my dreams.”

Crimson Dreams indicates holding back in some way. Are you selling yourself short? More than likely, it’s a warning you might be giving up on yourself. Are you in a danger zone of complacency? Are you allowing yourself to coast along in a situation you might not really want? Unless we are willing to risk, we may never realize our dreams. This is a need for new awareness. Don’t give up on your dreams! This is a wake up call to face your situation and live the life you truly desire, because you can.

Red may be a lucky color ❤️

💋 Happy Birthday, Scorpio! 🍷

[captainspiggbo]

Does anyone know how to wash the old Pokemon stuffies?? I have an old firm bodied Mew I found in a box and he has stuff spilt on him and I think mildew or something under one of his arms. . He's scuffed I know, but I'd really rather clean him than throw him away 🫤

Uggo pics for ref, he doesn't have a care tag, just all of Nintendo's legal jargon lol. . Should I like hand scrub him and dry him in front of a fan??? Idk OTL

[jtweird-brainrot]

Ok but this reminded me of a guy I knew in college

They were in this dnd campaign and wanted a contract for a character, so they wrote an entire contract (legal jargon and all) and then they set the font to this horrifically indecipherable font

Idk what the font was called but I remember they showed it to me and I was like Is that fucking LotR black speech??? What the hell?!?!?!

It was like 3 pages long, front and back and I lost my mind

I just found the funniest font ever

Like. What is this. Why is this. Who is the target audience of this?

[mangostarjam]

fuji!! how are you doing on this fine day lovely lady? i'm responding to our thread here bc idk what the etiquette is on reblogging long ass conversations on the same thread lmao so to be safe i'll just send u a new ask.

soupmates is so cute and i love when typos become canon jargon in friendships hehe. you've made me crave croissants again and i am wistfully thinking of how we have a rule that while we're in france, if one of us asks "what time is it?" the other is legally obligated to respond "croissant o'clock" and then we go find a boulangerie. this is how we end up eating 8 croissants/day whenever we're there.

wttcsms is on my deep dive list too!! every time i see them on my dash i'm like how does it feel to never be wrong? ack i've just been so busy that the only time i have to trawl tumblr is during my unhinged insomnia hours when i'm only half aware of what i'm keyboard vomiting lmao NO FILTER only screeching.

okay not mushrooms but this weekend i was busy running around the kitchen experimenting with my lil hoard of fig leaves! i made fig leaf syrup, fig leaf oil, and experimented with dehydrating and freezing the leaves for preservation. i also tested different ratios of toasted fig leaves and pandan in creme brulee and panna cotta so i could see how the flavors bloom in dairy in preparation for the idea i had for my cake. then i gave all the excess treats to baristas at our fave local coffee joints bc i'm not a huge sweet tooth and this was tew much dessert! after i found a ratio i thought worked, i made the cake except i'm afraid it's going to turn out hideous (it's still in its cake ring rn) but it's basically a first draft cake and i can refine it next time! you should see the notes i took on it. i always try to start with a neat plan and end up scribbling all over it with ideas and corrections.

tonight we've invited a couple of our friends over so i can do a fig leaf-inspired dinner with hamachi crudo with fig leaf oil, tomato bisque with fig leaf oil drizzle and crouton, slow roasted salmon in fig leaves (finished with a sear from our bernzomatic + searzall bc crispy salmon skin is life), and the fig leaf and strawberry cake. my friend also got cheesybf a new cocktail set for his bday so we can use the fig leaf syrup to make some nice gin cocktails or a fig leaf strawberry mocktail!

right now i'm munching on leftover crying tiger steak and nam jim jaew for lunch with jasmine rice that i steamed with some of the leftover pandan leaves for extra ~aroma. i still have a ton of leaves so i think i'm gonna make a pandan simple for my favorite matcha pandan lattes.

re: urls haha YES chopsticks are the best way to eat flaming hot cheetos and no one can change my mind. i always think of puffins when i think of my own username. those cute lil round birds. with like a lil cheese hat. i also associate you with apples now as we move into fall. but mentally my picture of you is a swirl of the colors in a kent mango, scented by mango skin by vilhelm and just a hint of kilian's apple brandy on the rocks. maybe a waft of mfk 724 and something like clean cotton or a soft white floral.

HAHAHA totally fair i just realized it was getting long maybe i should put my responses under a read more LOL

i'm responding a day (??) late (time is fake) bc i had to recover from how gorgeous your cake looked and sounded tbh. but i'm good!! my new assistant at work is picking things up quickly and has common sense which is sadly in short supply around here lmaooo

there's a vietnamese bakery in my hometown that makes the BEST croissants i've ever had in my life (though tbf i have not been to paris yet!) and they supply all the local taquerias with bolillo so they are Churning Out Breads but i cannot emphasize enough that it's like. a warehouse space. with a door on a side street and the price list handwritten and they only recently started accepting anything but cash. i love them. the croissants are huge and lightly buttery and delicious. i will now be declaring it's croissant o'clock any time we happen to drive nearby haha

wttcsms and dee my beloveds!!! on behalf of all writers though i will say no filter unhinged screaming comments/tags are GREAT to read. i hope your busyness is the good kind!! it's always lovely seeing you pop up on the dash or inbox or wherever but i hope you're having a good time here >ᴗ<

oh my goddddd your fig leaf experiments... divine. glorious. something about the description of "seeing how the flavors bloom in dairy" is just. dreamy?? you sound like a wizard creating your own magical spell book tome with your scribbles and notes and ideas (saying this in SUCH a complimentary way). crispy salmon skin IS life i just had some last night hehe i had to look up crying tiger steak and nam jim jaew but YOOO this reminds me of duk prahok... yum. and oh my god crying tiger steak is like. a summer staple for us. i never knew it had a NAME. not to over share but my family is from cambodia and i have so many recipes in my brain that i just figured were things my dad created LOL

AND I LOVE PUFFINS!!! in like second grade i did a report/presentation on puffins unprompted unsolicited to my class. i read a book about them and was obsessed i wanted everyone to learn about them (yes i am/was a nerd) (bless my teacher for letting me present lmao). and i do love apple scented things mmm. one of my favorite candles ever is autumn air from elder&co (notes of wild apple and pear and fallen oak leaves). i'm so glad it's getting cloudy and cozy season is coming bc i can light my candles without feeling too silly. do you have any favorite candles?? oh these other scents are SO GOOD. i love that!! brb going to find a way to smell these immediately

[monzabee]

https://www.tumblr.com/monzabee/716113508766498816/httpswwwtumblrcommonzabee716059362114879488

Same I love Donna she’s such an icon !! And yeah idk why I never finished the series somehow I just lost interest in it ig

Haha tyy I’m a big fan of rom-coms and chic flicks so those are some of the ones that I watch a lot 😂❤️

Alsoo bestie the new Charles fic was such perfection !! I loved it! It was cute,funny,real,hot everything!!! Andd I loved the equation between reader and everyone at merc so good !! All your works are such a slay❤️❤️❤️❤️

-💖

i love the banter her and harvey have, i feel like they are perfect for each others (but no spoilers for you!!!), i feel like it happens with a series such as suits because it has waay too much legal jargon in it so after a while it all stars sounding the same👀👀

i am obsessed with rom-coms, i love to watch and read them both, i feel like it is the superior genre😂😂

i'm so glad you've liked it, bestie!! it definitely got written quicker than i anticipated so i wasn't sure whether i should post it or not, but thank you so much for saying that and your compliments!!❤️❤️

[cafe-de-lune]

i've just read your writings and they're so pretty and amazing ❤✨ the aesthetics for them are immaculate 👌 if it isn't a problem, can i ask headcanons for chifuyu, inui, sanzu and wakasa with a s/o who's a translator??

꒰ ☕️ ꒱ؘ Order: Black coffee ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

꒰ ☕️ ꒱ؘ Order details: gn!s/o who is a translator

꒰ ☕️ ꒱ؘ warnings: fluff (not that fluffy), violence (in sanzu and a bit of wakasa’s part), crack-fic-ish in Chifuyu’s part, idk if I’m missing anything else

ft. chifuyu matsuno, inui seishu, haruchiyo sanzu, wakasa imaushi

.˚🌙 ༘┊͙ chifuyu matsuno ;

You two probably met at his pet store. Let’s say you have a pet or you were running an errand for a family or friend and that was why you were at his pet shop. You were just browsing the aisle for whatever you need until you heard confusion up in the cashier section

Curious, you took a peek and it was a foreigner from (country/name) trying to communicate what they need using broken Japanese. And when you looked at the cashier’s expression,you could see he was rather confused. But luckily, it just so happen be the language you know

So you went up to the foreigner and just eloquently asked them what they needed. The foreigner beamed at you and said explained what they needed to you. That was when you turned to the (cute) cashier and explained in Japanese what they needed. You stayed there translating everything until the foreigner left happily

It was then you met the shop owner, Chifuyu matsuno

“Thank you for translating everything!” He would say. “Now how can I help you?”

(I know my dumbass explained a scenario earlier but for the sake of plot let’s just say you got a new pet and was looking for stuff for said new pet.)

So you told him about the new pet and you didn’t really know what to get considering there is a plethora of brands and stuff. Chifuyu would help you happily and this is where you become a regular at his shop

sO Chifuyu may have developed a small crush. He found himself looking forward to the days where you would stop by and buy supplies for your pet. And if it was a dog, you would make it a habit to stop by Chifuyu’s pet store while walking your pet

Kazutora would be so sick of Chifuyu being in love and not confessing that he becomes the wingman and this is how you two became a couple

Now, back to the translating stuff, Chifuyu would take great interest in the language you translate. It would be to the point where you would teach him basic words such as “I love you” or “I love you too” or swear words and other words (gUYS I LEARNT THIS FROM MY FILIPINO FRIENDS: PUTANGINA. It’s a swear word)

if you were feeling particularly mischievous, you would have said a swear word meant “I love you.” And Chifuyu would say this to you and you would laugh every time because it wasn’t actually ily. (Based on a true story of my Filipino friends tricking me by saying Putangina meant ily and one time I visited her home and just said putangina to her and her mom heard. Her mom laughed at me when she found out the story.)

and when Chifuyu found out it the real meaning of the swear word, he’s going to get all pointy and be like “how could you betray me like that” but it becomes an inside joke of you two. You two would say that swear word and it would mean ily to both of you

He just loves hearing you speak that language. And could listen to you all day even if you were arguing in that language

But he knows being a translator isn’t just sitting by a person and translating whatever they said live. It is also paper translating and he knows it can get pretty tiresome especially if it’s full of legal or business jargon that you need to search up or something

So after a long day of sitting by the desk, just translating paperwork, he comes with your pet in his arms and was just like “come cuddle. (Pet/name) is missing you.”

oK SO YOUR PET. I HC THAT YOU TALK TO YOUR OET IN THE LANGUAGE U TRANSLATE FOR AND SO IT WONT REALLY UNDERSTAND JAPANESE. so when Chifuyu tries to talk to it, the pet just doesn’t understand and Chifuyu was like “oh I forgot, u only understand (language).” And he would learn words such as “snack” and “food” and “walk” just to communicate to your pet

When he said that swear word (thinking it was ily) to your pet, your pet just does that comical side eye and scoffs and trots away. (If it was a husky then they would be so dramatic and howl back. Poor Chifuyu would be like “???” While you are just cackling in the background)

he would give you shoulder massages and just repeat every word he knows in that language for fun. It would make you giggle because his accent is just so bad but you love him anyways

Chifuyu will repeat the words while he is working/talking to the animals in his pet shop and Kazutora would be like “???”. Chifuyu is going to teach kazutora that the swear word is ily. It’s like pay it forward except with swear words

And one day, when you visit Chifuyu, you would hear Kazutora saying the swear word to a kitten with the softest expression and you would either burst out laughing or be like “???” and eye Chifuyu

Chifuyu would just shrug with a smirk. Kazutora didn’t figure out until months later

.˚🌙 ༘┊͙ inui seishu ;

He met you through a regular to his and Draken’s motorcycle shop. You one day came with your boyfriend and that was when you got introduced to him. You pleasantly got along well with Draken and especially inui

Secretly, Inui developed a small crush on you the more the two of you interacted (like how almost all of romantic relationships evolve) but he knows it’s one sided and you were taken so he just bottles his feelings

When he finds out you were a translator, he would go home and google the language and learn some easy and basic words. But he never had the courage to say it. It’s a stark contrast to his usual blunt nature

Long story short you broke up with said boyfriend and stopped coming by the motorcycle shop as you didn’t really have a reason to be there. That was until you changed companies and had a new route to your new company which just so happen to pass by their bike shop

And you would stop and have a chat with them due to courtesy and because you kinda missed inui. And because it was just polite to say hello to people you know and are friendly with

“I haven’t seen you in a while… Is something up?” Inui would ask

“Oh.. Well my boyfriend and I broke up and yeah…” you would reply. Inui would have new founded hope. He would be like, maybe it isn’t unrequited love after all

“I also changed companies so this is my new route! I guess we can see each other more often.” You would explain

How you two got together is Draken giving Inui a nudge. For example, when you are going home and passing by the bike shop, Draken would be like “it’s dangerous for you to walk this late at night. Inui! Why don’t you take her home? I can clean up the rest.” Like he is the MVP here

When you do start dating, he would say I love you in (language) a lot. And it would be during really soft moments. Like you two are just cuddling with him being the big spoon and you the little. And you two are just facing each other. He would gently stroke your cheeks and with a soft expression, he would say I love you in that language as well as in Japanese

He finds you really attractive when you are speaking in (language). And if you aren’t from Japan and is from another country, he would just love listening to you talking to your friends and family back at your home

when it came time to meet your parents, the months before, he would do his best to learn as much as he can. He wants their approval after all. He lost basically his whole family so he would be damned if he lost you

And he would really surprise you with how much he progressed. (It’s because he was studying when he had time at work too!!!)

whenever you are translating documents, even though he can’t physically help you translate, he will support you by bringing you refreshments and stuff

And when you are translating documents he would sometimes take a glance at them and if he sees a word he knows, he would point it out and say it out loud. (Kiss him as a reward! He will come to expect it! And sometimes, he would bluntly and shamelessly ask for a kiss after he successfully saw a word he knew lol)

All in all, 10/10 recommend. He tries really hard to learn the language because he loves you and wants to be closer to you. He will take care of you after a long day of work and once you start dating, he would always come pick you up if you had hours that span into the night

In the future, if you two have kids, he would practice with you reading children’s books in (language) because he wants to read those books to his child

.˚🌙 ༘┊͙ haruchiyo sanzu ;

Bonten’s going international with their illegal trading businesses or whatever they do. And this means a language barrier. So in order to combat that Mikey asked Sanzu to hire a translator. So sanzu is like “where tf do I find a trustable translator for (language)?”

Coming to your side, you were, unfortunately, working in some bar as a host/hostess because you needed the money to pay off your parent’s debt. This was just a night job. By day you were a translator for (language)

And one day sanzu came in to the bar to have a drink like he usually do and this was when the owner pushed you forward to him, bragging about you in hopes he takes interest and would hang out longer

“You see, s/o here has many talents! They can do (talents/hobbies) and they can also speak (language)! They would make a fine companion for your visit tonight!”

Sanzu felt as if everything was too good to be true. He needed a translator for (language) and the bar he was visiting just so happen to have a person who knows the language. This was when he ordered one of his subordinates to do a background check on you

After all, this light be a trap and you might be a spy or assassin trying to take his life or get some secrets

But as his subordinates were gathering information on you, he decides to subtly interrogate you himself. This was when he finds out that your main job was a translator and not some bar host/hostess.

“Why would you work here out of all places though?” His eyes would be carefully scanning your body language for any threats or lies. But all he saw was you uncomfortably squirming and fear. He found it rather cute though

“Well, I had to find a way to pay my parent’s debt. My job as a translator doesn’t pay for it all,” you reply

In his eyes, you didn’t have the tell tale signs of a spy or assassin. His impression of you was just some unfortunate innocent person dabbling in some darker side of the world. And he would have to admit, you were pretty in your own respect

“I can pay off that debt,” he said, “but you would have to work for me in return.” He just thought, if you happen to be a spy or assassin, he could just kill you off no problem

“You wouldn’t need to work in a sleazy bar like this. Our… group just happens to need a translator.”

For the sake of this you eventually accepted his offer and begun working as Bonten’s translator

Of course like any normal person you were scared. Who wouldn’t be? Being surrounded by some dangerous looking men who looked like they could kill you in a split second. It was needless to say you weren’t use to this

But during meetings, Sanzu would be with you. As a matter in fact, he was always with you and there isn’t really much of a moment where you are alone. In his words “I bought you.”

When you were first starting out, the other potential partners would be so confused. Like “he brought this meek looking person to this meeting?” And they would eye you. And sanzu of course saw this. He disliked this very much.

You see, Sanzu is quite a possessive man and he doesn’t like it when people stare at you like a piece of meat

“Tell them if they stare at you like that one more time, I’m going to blow their brains out,” Sanzu just says to you

When you translate that (with great hesitancy) the negotiation table just becomes silent and tense.

Later on, when you are more use to it, Sanzu would get more touchy. Im talking a hand on your waist, his hand on your upper thigh, his arms around your shoulder, etc. he makes it look like you two were dating

And eventually, you would get the gist of how business work here so it wasn’t uncommon for you to translate something that makes it less “gang war” instigation material. (It’s still threatening though… just toned down)

“Tell them if they don’t lower the shipping costs I’m going to fucking kill their leader and turn him into chum and feed them said chum. What the fuck do they takes us for????”

You would reply: “Either lower the prices or we would have to take… extreme measures.”

When you two eventually start dating, the security plan for you would be insane. I’m talking about during negotiations, you would have him (and sometimes other executives) by your side (of course sanzu has his hands all over you) and like two body guards standing behind you, and some body guards in hidden sight

He demands you to teach him swear words and eventually ily

If the negotiations gets violent, and if you get hurt, there would be hell to pay. No one messes with you

.˚🌙 ༘┊͙ wakasa imaushi ;

He’s not the type who cares what his s/o does

But you two probably met when you were hired as a translator for Brahman. (It’s like in Sanzu’s scenario but different)

Instead of being bought, they hired you. Of course, you had to sign an NDA saying whatever being discussed you cannot tell anyone. And this is when you met Wakasa. You were signing the contract to be Brahman’s temporary translator and the executives were there. Of course, they introduced themselves to you

Your first translating job was a zoom call. The other party was not in Japan and so could not meet up. It would be you and Senju in the frame while takeomi stood off to the side. Wakasa and Benkei would be sitting across from you and senju

And as you were translating, things got more and more heated because the potential partner wasn’t being the most ethical. It was to the point where it got so heated that you and the other person on the screen was just arguing (you would be mad because they would cut you off mid sentence and not let you talk. That cumulated with their unethical ways pissed you off and you just snapped)

Wakasa, here would just stare at you with eyes slightly wide. He was used to you being curt and professional. But he understands. He could feel your frustration every time you got cut off and he could see the happiness building up in your face the more you translated

But it was still shocking (and hot) to see you go off in your (language).

Eventually, Senju had enough and just pressed the red end call button with a huff. But she wasn’t really angry. She was more amazed at you. But anyways this isn’t about her

Senju would tell you to rest and go cool off since you still had that “argument adrenaline” (I think that’s a thing) running through your veins. You agreed and just went out of the meeting room to take a breather outside

Minutes later you heard the door opening and as you were about to look back, you felt a cold sensation on your cheeks. You of course flinched away from the sudden closeness and looked at the perpetrator of coldness

It was wakasa. He was just looking at you with those usual lazy eyes. Except, the difference this time is that there was a small smile adorning his facial features. (This took you off guard cuz like you never seen him other than his usual expression which isn’t smiling???)

“You got pretty heated there didn’t you?” He would say as you take the cold drink from him, muttering a thanks as you were processing his rather cute face

“He kept on cutting me off and said some nasty things. My patience would run low eventually and he just so happen to test my limits,” you scoff, remembering the annoyance you felt

From that day on you two interacted more. Wakasa somehow made it a habit to surprise you with a drink after a translating session was done.

Once you two start dating, he has less tolerance to people who showed any signs of disrespect to you. Instead of sitting across from you, he would be sitting beside you and have his arms on your shoulder as you translate. And when he sees you getting particularly aggravated, he just sits closer until he is in frame and stares at the other person

It’s intimidating guys. Like it can be felt through the screen and such. If it was an in person meeting, they might hear the crunch of him biting his lollipop followed by his glare. There is no translator needed for the other party to get the message

He doesn’t ask you how to say some things in (language). Instead he goes out of his way and learns him through other means. And one day, he just blurts it out to you, catching you off guard. He would smile at your expression and take this chance to steal a kiss from your lips

. . . . . ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ,, stop auto correcting seishu to sriracha how does that even happen ⌲˘͈ᵕ˘͈

[bizarropurugly]

OP I wish to add something that I've been seeing with some of the records I've had to review

I've seen a lot of healthcare providers who just absolutely refuse to credential with insurance companies, most specifically - ER docs, anesthesiologists, free-standing ERs, and ambulances. Whatever their reasons are, idk, but they do send hundreds of nonsense to insurers demanding we pay them more than they are entitled by NSA, and there's been more instances than I can count on both hands where they've said they were going to balance bill patients and hung up - which is illegal.*

Well now they're starting to do something that me and my coworkers find sus.

You see, there's always some trend going on with these folks who whine and moan about how much money we don't give them, including those I did not mention. There's always some copypasta they're throwing at us en masse trying to get more blood from stone. It's likely that it works for one of them and it spreads like wildfire, or someone learns some legal jargon they think can be used and it spreads instead, especially considering most of the time the people actually handling all the billing responsibilities are third party call centers.

So lately what we've been seeing is a suspicious amount of NSA waivers.

What are those? Why they're fancy little papers that you sign away your rights with!

Basically, they are typically 2-3 pages with a signature field at the end that, if you sign, means you don't want covered by the NSA and are informing your insurer that you want to foot the entire rest of the bill yourself.

And when we're talking about bills that total typically upwards of 15k - hell I saw a waiver for a one million dollar claim a week or so ago - that's a lot of fucking money.

Unless we can prove that you were not presented these papers in good faith, were coerced into signing, were not of sound mind to sign, had your signature forged, were threatened, etc. we are forced to accept this and let these mooks make you pay that insane amount of money.

We've brought it to the attention of our supervisors a few times because some of them look like stamped signatures or copies of signatures (ie filled in with an image that was taken of your signature), but considering there's still no way to prove you didn't authorize this sort of thing, we don't expect it will bear any fruit.

As someone who has worked as an election judge as well, I can tell you that frankly this is a bullshit ass system that would leave such a gaping hole for people to be exploited through, because when it comes to elections, we have to compare signatures to what is currently on file for the citizen in question, yet insurance companies don't keep that sort of thing on file at large, as far as I'm aware (I sure know as fuck we don't and none of the ones we communicate direct with do) because idk that's too much extra work or some shit.

Please, for the love of g-d, make sure you read each and every thing you are handed to sign carefully, or make sure there is someone who will do so on your behalf.

And additionally: don't rely on anyone else to do a damn thing for you. Please call and make absolutely sure you have coverage for x thing, don't need authorization for y thing, and so on and so forth because for sure your doctor isn't going to and the prevailing policy for dealing with this on the insurers' side is to never engage more than you absolutely have to because it makes you available for the next inquiry faster.

I’m seeing a bunch of posts that make me think most USAmericans don’t know about The No Surprises Act.

It was passed in 2021 (thank you Biden) and essentially states that if you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover a service you need (or want) you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of the cost of care. (If your insurance does cover the service, you should be able to estimate the cost of care based on your deductible and co-pay.)

As a healthcare provider who does not accept any insurance, I am very careful to not violate The No Surprises Act. Why? Because for every penny more than $400 that the Good Faith Estimate was “off” (or if it wasn’t provided), you are entitled to a refund for that amount.

Y’all. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate. Get it in writing. Compare it to what you are paying. If you are not provided an estimate or if it’s wrong by more than $400, demand a refund.

[time-to-write-and-suffer]

Honestly is it even worth it to query the faery wip? I don't think there's a big market for fae stuff anymore unless you're already an established fae writer (examples shall not be named).

Like, aside from how unlikely it is that an agent would pick it up, a lot of other shit is working against me already. I'm a no-name, I'm European, my book is longer than genre conventions dictate, and it's too similar to stuff that already exists out there.

The only realistic thing tradpub would give me, if I found an agent (and that's the biggest if), would be free editing and potentially marketing. And yeah probably a larger audience lbr. Possibly better pay but who knows these days. I think a lot of self-pubbed smut authors on Amazon make better money than some traditionally published authors.

I dunno, man. I'm not against the idea of indie/self-publishing, but again, idk anything about anything. Like I don't even know what legal jargon to slap on the first pages, ya know?

The one thing I know is that I'd like to receive some money for publishing this thing. I haven't spent 6-7 years on it just to give it away for free.

Ugh, idk man. This sucks. I wrote the book, now I have to get people to read it, too, or else I won't feel creatively fulfilled? This is bullshit. This is all bullshit.

[redrose-arrow]

🗡️ cassandra || ❤️🩹 maddie or will

Badass Cassandra Uhhhh she’s Cassandra, of course she's a badass, what do you want me to say??? Okay I’ll give you this: she’s actually VERY good at the study of law and can easily talk down any other head of state. Horace suspects her from making up some of the legal jargon she uses, but 1) he can never prove it and 2) as long as it works, it works, right? 

How about angsty Will AND Maddie? Idk I came up with this story for a fanfic years ago and I don’t think I have any actual notes on it but it never let me go. Basically, Maddie gets captured (as an unknown Ranger, mind you). Will and Halt go looking for her, and they find her, chained and all. Will tells her to sit tight, not try to escape, and whatever she does, “don’t break your hands trying to get out of these chains”. An attack on the capturers ensues, there’s chaos and fighting, Maddie does actually escape, Will doesn’t think much of it, until he realises she can barely hold any of the weapons lying around. But they’re outnumbered, and he cannot get to her, not without cutting their chances of coming out alive in half. Will is fighting for his own life, and has to watch Maddie as the tears stream down her face (because the pain in her hands is so so bad), has to watch as her captors close in on her, has to watch as they pin her already broken hands down, has to watch as they dare touch… He doesn’t remember how he did it, but rage took over as he fought his way toward her, Halt’s arrows from above providing just enough cover as he carries his goddaughter out of the building right before an enormous ‘boom’ sounds behind them. Maddie still wakes up screaming sometimes. Will wakes up, too, not knowing if the screaming sounded in his dreams or in the room next to his, not even after he’s sent Maddie back to her parents in Araluen.

[animeomegas]

I'll wait with bated breath for your og story synopsis <3

Ok SO YES Blooming Panic boyssss

I agree with loathing being Discord Kittened lmfaoo... it's unfortunate because for my first raw playthrough without any hints to get a specific outcome, I ended up on Quest's route. And at first I was like "ooo he's kinda like a teddy bear and all polite and sshh"... but then all the hints being dropped about him perceiving MC as "obedient" and "good for him"... bleh! And I know it's a dating otome, but it just rubbed me the wrong way that choosing platonic for him results in the bad ending (In 2 different ways!!).

ANYWAY, my ranking from most fave to least: Toasty, xyx, nightowl + quest (tied)..

I suffer from the fallacy of wanting all male LIs to be subs and so I decree it🤣 so I defs also see toasty as a sub🥺, and xyx to me is just a delectable mouthy sub😈 (you mention him as a lawyer, I thought he was a talent manager 😆?). Nightowl is cute for the most part but I didn't really like his voice acting which I know was a draw card for other players, but idk it was more something I had to tolerate. And then ofc course the verbal abuse of MC was a bit 😬..but I still liked him in his crop top at the end 🥵☕sometimes I'm a simple gal.

Anyhow, thanks for the luck🧘 and also best to you with your writing and whatever else you've got going on too🤗💫

Yeah, I was intrigued by Quest at first, I thought he seemed really sweet, but I ended up on Nightowl's route first still.

And yes! My toxic trait is decreeing everyone as a sub! And I'm proud of it! And yes, xyx is an entertainment lawyer, I believe. It was part of his character to use legal jargon every now and then, it's cute!

The crop top scene with Nightowl was powerful though, you're right, I love that look for him 😫

Thanks for the well wishes!! <333

@sweetmielie