#mae mae is going to be a big sis

[bunnithechubs]

may your holidays be bright

[norrisainz33]

Secrets || CL16 & LH44

☆ summary: y/n hamilton is headed to the olympics and her secret boyfriend (her brothers future teammate) ends up confirming their relationship at the olympics

☆ pairing: charles leclerc x hamilton!reader

☆ fc & warnings: georgia-mae fenton & none

☆ requested: yes! thanks for the olympic gymnast idea 🫶🏻

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

ynhamilton has made a post

liked by lewishamilton, roscoelovescoco, georgerussell63, mercedesamgf1, charlesleclerc, and 645,238 others

ynhamilton: quick someone tell mini me that she’s going to the olympics 🤭

view all 876 comments

user1: AHHHHHH OMG!!! CONGRATS

roscoelovescoco: prouds of you aunties

ynhamilton: thank you my sweet sweet little baby

user2: the hamiltons are going to take over the world just wait

fernandoalo_oficial: show them how it’s done mi princesa

ynhamilton: will do my best nando 🤍

user3: beautiful , perfect , flawless

lewishamilton: that’s my girl! i can’t wait to see you shine

ynhamilton: love you big bro 🤍

user4: the best sibling duo in existence

user5: y’all see charles hiding in the likes 🫣

user6: y/n prolly giggling and kicking her feet rn

user7: girl says she has a crush on a certain ferrari driver one time and you guys won’t let her live it down 😭

user6: user7 don’t forget that one time they were caught hanging out

user7: user6 she was in the paddock for her brothers race!!

user6: idk the way he was looking at her was anything but casual user7

ynhamilton has posted to her story

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user5: YOU MADE IT

user7: style icon y/n is in the building

lewishamilton: 💪🏻 win us a medal sis

ynhamilton: win me a race brother! also give roscoe a kiss for me please - i already miss him :(

lewishamilton: he misses you too

user8: the olympics should be thanking you for participating fr

charlesleclerc: good luck mon amour ❤️

ynhamilton: thank you charlie! i wish you could be here

charlesleclerc: i know darling im sorry i cant be!

user9: brb buying this exact set as we speak

user10: mother has landed

roscoelovescoco has made a post

liked by ynhamilton, lewishamilton, charlesleclerc, landonorris, teamgb, simonebiles, mercedesamgf1, and 436,125 others

roscoelovescoco: we loves aunties y/n! watching froms homes but still so prouds 🇬🇧 p.s my new friend leos watches withs us

view all 345 comments

user11: roscoe’s insta will always be one of my favorite things on the internet

user12: roscoe supporting his favorite auntie is the sweetest

lewishamilton: roscoe would be there if he could! good luck today, y/n/n 🫶🏻🇬🇧

ynhamilton: big big love to you both 🤍

user22: look at grandpa using his emojis

ynhamilton: i love you with my whole heart roscoe

roscoelovescoco: roscoe loves y/ns

user13: hold on is he talking abt leo leclerc

user6: are charles and lewis watching y/n??? together?????? no way

user9: is roscoe hard launching y/ncharles

charlesleclerc: leo is wishing y/n all the best today ❤️

ynhamilton: thank you little leo ❤️

user6: guys i swear they are together

user7: user6 im gonna hold ur hand when i say this

texts between you and charles

ynhamilton has made a post

liked by teamgb, charlesleclerc, fernandoalo_oficial, lewishamilton, patriciooward, and 762,194 others

ynhamilton: i’m headed to the finals! oh what a surreal feeling this is. being an olympian was and always has been a dream of mine since i was a little girl so to step on this mat and to make it this far is the blessing of a life time ✨

view all 887 comments

user12: CONGRATS GORGEOUS

user87: hamilton hamilton hamilton

fernandoalo_oficial: proud is an understatement

ynhamilton: 🤍

lewishamilton: you’re a star

ynhamilton: that’s you mr champion

user13: how does she make everything she does look so beautiful

user14: i love seeing women succeed

charlesleclerc: truly incredible performance

ynhamilton: 🥹 thank you charlie

user6: he’s here

roscoelovescoco: yess yous are the bests in the worlds

teamgb: that’s our girl! making us proud out there y/n 🇬🇧🤍

charlesleclerc has posted on his story

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user98: and where are we headed mr leclerc? paris perhaps?

ynhamilton: holy moly you look incredible 🤤

charlesleclerc: merci mon coeur ❤️

user65: why you looking at me like that

fernandoalo_oficial: you better bring our girl some luck !

charlesleclerc: working on it 💪🏻

lewishamilton: see you soon mate

user23: ARE YOU GOING TO PARIS YES OR NO

user34: ohhhh you look scrumptious

user44: i already miss seeing your car go round in circles

f1gossip has made a post

liked by user1, user2, user5, user6, yourbff, user8, user7 and 154,354 others

f1gossip: Lewis Hamilton pictured attending the Olympic gymnastics finals to support his sister y/n! the surprise of the evening is that Charles Leclerc is also in attendance and sitting with Lewis and y/n’s friends. there’s been quite a few rumblings that y/n and Charles are a couple - is this confirmation?

view all 304 comments

user44: lewis ages like fine wine istg

user16: CHARLES LECLERC AT THE OLYMPICS?! that twitter user was right

user6: I KNEW IT!!! I KNEWWWWW IT!! Y/NCHARLES FOR LIFE

user8: maybe they’re just bonding before next season

user65: forza ferrari!!!

user10: odd place to choose for a bonding event

user21: idk if i even want mother with that man

user17: out of all the drivers he’s not a bad choice

user18: the english and monegasque royal family’s coming together ,, it’s so beautiful

ynhamilton has made a post

liked by lewishamilton, scuderiaferrari, patriciooward, charlesleclerc, fernandoalo_oficial, nicorosberg, yourbff, and 456,321 others

ynhamilton: regardless of the outcome i’m proud of me, i’m proud of my teammates and i’m proud to represent team gb. obviously a medal would have been nice but when you have competition like THE simone biles just being here is a win. thank you to lewie, yourbff1, charles and yourbff2 for making the trip to paris to cheer me on 🤍🇬🇧

view all 546 comments

user28: you’re still a medalist in my book

yourbff1: my bestie is that girl ✨

user29: the hamilton genes are insane

yourbff2: you are the most incredible, talented, amazing, perfect, gorgeous, slay, demure woman in the whole world

lewishamilton: proud big brother moment! was such an amazing experience to get to cheer you on and experience the atmosphere. i love you sissy ❤️

ynhamilton: wouldn’t be here without the support from the best big brother in the world 🤍

user37: that leo is gorgeous

simonebiles: you have so much to be proud of! great job out there y/n 🤍

ynhamilton: you have no idea how much that means to me!! thank you simone 🥹

charlesleclerc: i think red is your color 😉

charlesleclerc: but for real, félicitations ma belle

ynhamilton: i think it might be my color too 😏

user6: omgomgomgomgokgogm

nicorosberg: congratulations to my favorite hamilton

ynhamilton: thank you nico 🤭

user33: HAHAH NICO BFFR

georgerussell63: you made us proud y/n/n!!

ynhamilton: georgie!!!! i 🤍 u

charlesleclerc has made a post

liked ynhamilton, scuderiaferrari, carlossainz55, lewishamilton, yourbff, teamgb, roscoelovescoco and 876,213 others

charlesleclerc: was lucky enough to take the prettiest girl in all of paris out last night ❤️

view all 876 comments

user19: if charles had to be taken off the market im at least glad it’s y/n

roscoelovescoco: yous betters be goods to my favorites aunties or i’ll bites you ❤️❤️❤️❤️

charlesleclerc: don’t worry roscoe, i’ll treat her like the princess she is 🤍 (leo would also bite me, he likes her more than me so it’s ok)

ynhamilton: you’ll be the first to hear abt it if he doesn’t roscoe 😘

user13: get him roscoe!

user56: the way their outfits match ,, please

ynhamilton: the best date ever 🤍

charlesleclerc: je t'aime mon olympien [i love you my olympian]

user18: the hard launch to end all hard launches

maxverstappen1: oh thank god. now we can finally play padel not in secret

ynhamilton: is that all you care about max

maxverstappen1: ….. no

user6: i hope you know i’ve been ride or die for you two for months now

ynhamilton: i know girly

user6: ok wow idk how to act uhhh hi y/n 😭😭😭

user34: i mean look at them im sick. i cant wait for lewis and y/n to be at ferrari next season

user87: the girlfriend effect already taking hold i see ,, that is a fine suit charles

scuderiaferrari: we’re glad red suits her so well 😉

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

a/n: thank you for reading!! likes and reblogs appreciated! still making my way through my requests, thank you for being patient with me :)

ﾟ. ✿ ୨❤︎୧⠀✿ . ﾟ

disclaimer: pictures are not mine and everything i write is fiction

© norrisainz33 || please do not rewrite, translate, or copy any of my works posted here on to any other platform

[weirdsht]

Disillusioned 9 . Nothing More, Nothing Less (2)

a/n: ngl i really want for reader to start calling rosalyn as big sis but idk if i should use noona or unnie... why can't there just be a gender-neutral honorific for older siblings

tags: everyone is a gossip girl, hans the no 1 reader supporter, feelings in progress

English isn’t my first language so there will be grammatical errors

Pls don't repost my work anywhere without my permission

Constructive criticisms and any kind of interaction are more than welcome

Requests are currently closed but my ask are still open (read pinned)

Buy Me Dessert

Navigation Masterlist prev . next

All good things must come to an end.

That’s the truth that Cale tries to deny. However, it’s something he must face because he is set to go back to the Jungle to heal the fake holy maiden.

And that means leaving _____ behind.

Not that it matters much, in Cale’s opinion, it’s just that leaving _____ made him realise that he must work again.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"She is reaching the intermediate stages, but she is not there yet. However, it is still dangerous." 

Cale felt a momentary relief that he left _____ back at the villa, he felt like he made the right decision. He quickly shivered at his line of thought.

'Why did I think that? Am I actually concerned? No, I'm just glad there are less troublesome things to think of.'

The thought left as fast as it entered Cale's mind as he shifted his focus back to the task at hand, and that was saving the swordmaster, Hannah.

At the underground villa.

The healer that occupied Cale’s thoughts is having a friendly conversation with Hans.

Honestly, it's more like Hans keeps asking questions, and _____ just willingly answers. Like a one-sided game of 20 questions.

“Young master _____, why did you agree to heal young master Cale back at the capital?”

“Hans I told you, I’m not a noble anymore so it’s inappropriate to refer to me as young master… but regarding your question, honestly aside from me never refusing to heal someone, it was also because Tasha-nim was the one who asked me to heal Cale-nim.”

Maes, who’s taking a short break from training with Lock, glanced at the two people talking and shook his head. Hans has been talking nonstop ever since Cale left the villa.

“Young master _____ is a young master so as a butler I must refer to you as young master.”

The young wolf could see _____ dazedly nod at the deputy butler’s confusing but logical (? Even Maes isn’t sure) argument.

“However young master, when you and young master Cale met again did you immediately know that you were going to be together?”

The wording used was… weird, but it’s not like Maes has a say since his only eavesdropping.

“You mean teaming up together? Honestly no, there are already so many capable people around him.”

“But young master _____ is special!”

Maes could see _____ stop eating the caramel bar Beacrox served to give Hans a confused stare. The deputy butler ignored the look and continued on his agenda.

“Anyways! The young master and you are quite close nowadays, right? Do you enjoy spending time with him?”

Ah, there it is— the million gallons question.

From the start of the conversation, the young boy knew what Hans’ goal was. Not only he, but everyone in the villa knew the deputy butler was trying to gauge the relationship between the two.

The wolf could only smile as he silently wished the healer to survive Hans’ interrogation.

“Really? I didn’t really notice. However, now that you mention I’ve been spending almost every day with the young master.”

_____ laughed awkwardly.

“I enjoy his company. Back when I was working for the public as a healer I never really had the chance to talk to someone as leisurely as I do with him. Uhm don’t get me wrong, that was also very rewarding. Nonetheless, the tranquil moments I spent with the young master are very special.”

After hearing the healer’s answer Maes went back to training. In the corner of his eyes, the other people that sneakily gathered within hearing range also dispersed. 

In one corner he could see the two kittens ‘napping’ (Maes saw their ears twitch the moment Hans asked the golden question). Rosalyn is ‘talking’ to Choi Han about some sort of energising potion (they haven’t said anything for the past 5 minutes). Beacrox is ‘fixing’ a wheel on the food cart (Maes was most definitely sure that cart was brand new, he heard it was ordered by the countess herself so there’s no way it’s broken already). 

Safe to say that everyone in the villa is curious about the young master’s love life.

The deputy butler and the healer continued talking. Their topics vary but somehow Hans always managed to circle it back to Cale.

Maes isn’t sure if his amazed or scared at the deputy butler’s abilities.

Contrary to what everyone else thinks, Hans isn’t asking simply because his curious.

Sure he is, but there’s another reason he is inquiring this much.

He has a duty to report to the count about the young master. If it looks like the young master is on the path of romance then surely it’s his job to update the parents on the matter.

That and he must vouch for _____.

Not that he thinks the healer will have a hard time getting the Henituse’s approval.

The count already knows of their circumstance (Cale had informed him when they went back to the castle a while ago), they are technically still noble, and their reputation back then was far from bad.

But on the off chance they didn’t approve of _____…

Hans vows to do his best to make them give their approval.

Is the deputy butler getting ahead of himself? Oh definitely.

Does he know he is? Oh definitely.

Will he stop? Oh, definitely not.

It certainly did not help Hans’ delusions when Cale immediately looked for _____ as soon as he arrived even when the healer was at the very back.

When Cale got home he came back with new additions to their group. _____ didn’t know who these twins were, but the power of the Sun God could be felt from them.

The Medicus was both astonished and confused. Astonished because of the holy powers the man is emitting. Confused because the woman has both light and dark attributes.

_____ decides to not question it.

Nevertheless, that night Cale found himself explaining everything to the healer. He explained everything from their encounter at Hais to what happened in the Jungle. He really has no reason to do so. He barely explains unnecessary things to his people, so he can't understand why he's doing the opposite for _____. 

But he can't deny the relief he feels when he sees the healer nod in understanding.

Maybe it was because he felt responsible. After all, all three of them have abilities related to the Sun God.

Nothing more, nothing less.

The weeks after that were lenient on the redhead’s schedule. He spends his days watching everyone train with _____ by his side. Sometimes he lazes around the marble floors with _____. Every so often he has tea with _____.

At this point, the only time the two are separated is when they have to go to their respective rooms to sleep.

That and when Cale had to attend the alliance meeting. However, immediately after he went to seek out the healer. Complaining about how he had to be surrounded by so many vicious people for hours on end, and how fresh air is always the best.

_____’s confused look tells everyone that they didn’t know they were the ‘fresh air’ Cale was talking about.

Not that they need to know for now. They have a lot of time. Even if they don't, everyone in that villa will make sure they do.

The two spent the rest of the summer and the start of fall spending more time with each other. 

Some days they would chat, on others they would simply lounge around and bask in each other's presence. This does not go past the observant eyes of everyone else in the underground villa, and all of them are happy to see Cale finally being close to someone his age.

But of course, every peaceful moment must reach an end. 

This time that ends manifested itself when Toonka updated Cale about the war going on between the empire and the Whipper kingdom.

[vampiremillk]

Sis! I just came across your blog today and I'm in love. It's super fun and gorgeous and I'm so glad to see yet another black woman in the slasher community 😩🔪

I saw that you're taking requests so I was wondering if you happen to have any Thomas Hewitt headcanons of him breeding his female partner who's chubby?

T.H. — SOUTHERN STYLE CREAMPIE !! 🍰

╰┈➤ 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 : thomas hewitt &&. chubby female reader

𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚(𝘀) : MINORS AND BLANK BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT , breeding kink , mentions of pregnancy , rough sex , grabbin' some ass , tommy is a dommy soon-to-be dilf

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘 : aw thanks a bunchhh ! <3  i've been contemplating making a slasher blog for so long and finally came through ! and AAAA this request is fucking juicyyy !! thomas is my most favorite big boy EVER out of all the tall , dark and handsomes , so thank you for making him my very first request on here ! 🥰

• thomas is a total ass man. most southern, country men just have a natural taste for big hips and an even bigger butt to charm it, overall preferring their women to appear as if she never missed a plate of homemade cornbread and biscuits during an early morning's glitters. large hips are also a sign that a woman has reproductive potential and capable of a smoother childbirth. there's no doubt thomas would absolutely worship every crumb of your delicious shape, and he's a big guy himself, so he's got to have someone who can withstand him between the sheets without the possibility of breaking them as effortlessly as a toothpick whenever he desired to get as rough as he pleased. and best believe, he gets rough. ( more cushion for the pushin'! )

• thomas would definitely have a thing for breeding you senseless. given his family's current antiquity, they weren't going to be around forever, and he wanted the hewitt legacy to continue to live on as he was raised to be quite family oriented. luda mae would always gift a slight smile and tease you about the desire for grandkids whenever thomas was in earshot, earning a roll from his eyes and the timid turn of his head. thomas always was shy, but when it came to the bedroom—boy, that was a different tale, much to your surprise. he had grown to be far more comfortable around you when alone.

• he will most likely favor to be in missionary/mating press if he plans to breed, although open to exploring various positions. it allows him to go as deep as he wishes, in addition to the breathtaking pleasure when his balls press up against the puffy lips of your pussy, causing each to lift from one another in a tightening bliss as they begin to empty inside of you. he also gets to look into your eyes, and his favorite : place his hands underneath your round asscheeks and grope a nice palm full. ( you can reach over and grab his ass as well. he's a total sucker for it, and it makes him fuck you even harder. )

• it was no surprise considering his size and stamina that you could feel him filling you up with a massive quantity, and you clench even tighter around him at the mere sensation of each thick string loading upon your cervix. you become overwhelmed with a luscious sensitivity for he doesn’t stop his hips from fucking relentlessly into your own until he’s certain that your belly will soon bear his child, until your creamy tits are swollen and ripe of milk.

• as soon as he begins to empty himself inside of you, he will roughly grope at and hold places on your body. his hands will find their way to your breasts and squeeze, the sides of your fupa, or your hips to sink his fingers into the plump flesh as he plunges deep into you one final time, his ass violently shuddering and his lips discovering yours. make sure to give him praise. let him know that you can feel it filling you up, that it feels so, so good, as your fingers softly comb his hair.

• god, he loves when you have no other option but to be filled. he’s aware that you have a specific adoration for his size and strength being able to dominate yours so easily. he’ll press you hard into the mattress, face down and ass up, when he’s about to burst, making sure you know you can’t escape.

• he’s a silent person for the most part, but when it comes to having sex with you, no ma’am. he’s heavily verbal, his growls and grunts the only sounds within the room besides your own and the clapping of skin against skin. he has a habit of growling directly next to your ear whenever he releases, especially during the descend of his high, and it absolutely drives you crazy.

• he’ll slightly lean his body atop yours as you catch your breath, feeling that his thick cock continued to spurt smaller amounts of what is left even when what has felt like half a minute has passed. his balls become slightly covered with his own essence as they kiss your overflowing womb, giving a quick jerk of his hips as an emphasis that it was still stuffing you to the brim. he could hardly wait to witness how full your stomach would be in the future, knowing that he was the one to make that happen. your precious cunt was made for him—made to be filled with his seed.

• don’t be surprised when you aren’t able to walk adequately the next day, and don’t be surprised when you find him eyeing you, brow raised and a rather amused, smug smirk a secret beneath his mask. though he is concerned about your soreness and will treat you, it also laid as an ego booster about what he's capable of doing to you.

[tgrailwar-zero]

Only a bit from a few very well written tumblr posts. Think you could refresh our memories, General?

YIN YUANSHUAI: "…"

SALIERI: "Aren't you going to tell them?"

YIN YUANSHUAI: "…I'm not used to talking that much… and it's a long story."

SUZUKA: "Ugh. Literally. Fine, I'll tell it. It's not there's a billion variations of the story or whatever. Exposition ahead, I guess."

SUZUKA: "Oh, good. Yeah, that's the guy. That's not what we're focusing on, though. Let's just follow the big details."

Kalmashampada was a king of the legendary Solar Dynasty in India- one of the Suryavamsha, the Descendants of Surya. Some people considered him just, others considered him foolish, and some a mix of both. Regardless, while he was known as an ancestor of the great divine hero Rama, he was also known for being transformed into a man-eating Rakshasa. The reasonings behind this transformation vary, with him bringing the transformation upon himself due to his arrogance, or having it brought upon him through sheer misfortune.

In Japan, King Kalmashampada is known as Hanzoku. There, an extra detail is added that before Hanzoku became king, he was approached by a heretical priest.

The priest promised that if Hanzoku killed 1000 royals and offered their skulls in tribute to the priest's god, his reign would flourish. Hanzoku, eager to have a strong and stable reign, defeated 999 kings and captured them. He captured the 1000th royal, a wise sage who may have been an incarnation of the Buddha himself, who revealed the truth. The god that Hanzoku was about to pay tribute too was a god of death and graves, and no good would come from completing the ritual. The prince, Hanzoku, realizing the errors of his ways, let the men he captured go and was redeemed. The Grave God, enraged at Hanzoku's failure to complete the ritual, transforms into a fox spirit and declares their intent to wreak havoc upon everywhere the Buddha's light shone, cementing themselves as an enemy of good for eternity. There is a variation of this tale, however, that introduces the fox spirit.

Rather than a heretical priest, Hanzoku is driven to darkness by one of his concubines, a mysterious woman named Kayo. Lady Kayo, beautiful and bewitching, convinces Hanzoku to slaughter 1000 men in her name. He does so, his might taking down ruler after ruler, before-- similarly to the first telling-- a sage arrives.

The Lady Kayo had been sequestered away, possibly due to illness, and so the sage approaches and under the guise of healing, reveals the fox spirit. The fox spirit, realizing that her game is over, retreats after briefly terrorizing Hanzoku, and vanishes to another part of Asia.

Legends connect this fox spirit to the spirit Daji, and state that Kayo went on to become the treacherous Bao Si and the accursed Tamamo-no-Mae.

SUZUKA sighed, after recounting everything.

SUZUKA: "…But the details vary from person to person, and most of the records are difficult to uncover. Take what I said with a grain of salt, because these sorts of myths are a lot more complicated than you'd think. This was just the most streamlined way I could put it together without too many 'but maybe's..."

SUZUKA: "It also brings up the question. Are the ancient Grave God and Lady Kayo the same being? Is this ancient god of burial and death associated with the fox demons that terrorized various dynasties? Looking at the hellish world we're in, I'm guessing at least the Priestess thinks so."

SALIERI: "Was there a point to this?"

YIN YUANSHUAI: "Perspective, mostly. It's best to know your enemy. Knowing more than just Hanzoku's name could offer a path to success..."

[shiningwonderland]

Reiji Kotobuki (All Star) Memorial

Memorial 01 - A room I've been using for a long time

Translator: Belen (Twitter: reiharus)

Proofreader: Raine (Twitter: amagiyas)

Editors: Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Noemi (Twitter: dreaminbeyond)

“Reiji, starting from today, Mom will also be the dad of our home.”

“... Whaddya mean?”

When I was still little, I couldn’t understand the words that Mom had suddenly said that day.

If Mom is gonna become Dad… then what’s Dad gonna be?

I have a faint memory of thinking something along those lines.

When I came to understand that Dad wasn’t coming back home anymore, one month had passed since my mom’s statement that she would become Dad.

Dad would often spend a lot of nights away from home, but even then, he had never been away for a month without coming back.

At that moment, little me finally understood what Mom had been trying to say.

Thinking back on it now, if at that time I had acted like a kid who didn’t understand anything, Mom’s attitude towards me might have been a little different.

My life started to change the day I came to the realization that Dad wasn’t coming back.

“Reiji, your responsibilities will start with washing the dishes.”

“... What are ‘responsibilities’?”

“Being in charge of helping. We’ll start by getting you used to the kitchen.”

“Whaaa—? ... By ‘start’ you mean helping? What? Every day from now on?”

It wasn’t as if I hadn’t helped at all up until then.

But it felt like that time was different, so of course, I couldn’t help but be confused.

I would also be forced to give up what free time I had to read the manga I loved so much.

“Of course. Our family precept is ‘Those who do not help shall not eat.’”

Before I realized, a large frame bearing the family precept had been placed in the living room.

“Come on, if you understand then go and learn how to wash the dishes from Big Sis.”

“Whaaat?”

From the back of the house, Big Sis made a loud, displeased remark.

“That’s how it is. It’s his first time washing the dishes at the shop, after all.”

“Guess I have no choice…”

That is to say, Big Sis had been washing the shop’s things for a long time.

“Here, stand on this platform.”

“But…”

“Just do it already!”

Big Sis also taught me how to wash cutlery and other dangerous items, and so, little by little, I grew up to be useful to the Kotobuki household.

I’m very dexterous, if I may say so myself, and in the end, I’m also the only male worker in the family.

Those features started to come into play rapidly.

“Rei-chan, two makunouchi lunch boxes!”

“Cooomin’!”

My aunt, as the cashier, called out to the kitchen from the storefront.

Even though I was only a primary school student, I had already become an indispensable powerhouse for Kotobuki Bento.

When I lowered the karaage into the oil, I’d quickly pack the rice and stuff the side dishes while it was frying.

Naturally, seasoning and preparation were Mom and Big Sis’ jobs, but somehow it got to the point that I would know when the karaage was fried just right.

“Wait, Reiji. How many times have I told you to leave the rice scoop in water after you use it?!”

“Ah, I’m sorry!”

Whenever I was careless, Big Sis’ harsh voice would pierce through me like bullets, but that never discouraged me at all.

After all, “those who do not help shall not eat." Even if I came home from school with a rumbling tummy…

“Aaah~ I’m so hungry~ Mom, what’s for dinner todaaay?”

“Oh, you’ve arrived just in time. I have to leave for a meeting for a bit, so make it yourself, okay?”

“Whaaat?! You’re just gonna neglect your hungry son and leave?!”

“Those who do not help...?”

“... shall not eat, right.”

Thus, I learned to cook pretty well.

And not only that—when I grew a little bigger, that also gave me trouble.

“Oh, Reiji, go buy some rice. Five kilos, okay?”

“Oh, sake too. The usual cooking sake.”

“Oh, sorry Rei-chan, but the soy sauce is running out. Get the big value one, you know the one, right?”

“Mom, Sis, Auntie. Isn’t all of that too heavy to bring at once even for a man?!”

“Awww, it’s okay~ You’ve grown so big, Rei-chan.”

Bam, my part-timer auntie slapped my back with full-force.

Just how are the Kotobuki women so strong?

“Okay, I understand! Well~ if I take my bicycle, it’ll be fine!”

“Also, bring oil please!”

Big Sis, are you a demon?

Thanks to that, cooking, cleaning, and laundry don’t pose a problem for me. But... sometimes I think that I started being called a jack of all trades later on because of the way I was brought up too.

“What a cruel story, don’t you think?”

“Maybe it’s nothing to laugh at, but your family seems like fun.”

Kouhai-chan was listening to my story attentively.

“Same with Saotome Academy���before long, Mom made a second precept. She told me ‘Those who do not make money, shall not eat, so carry out the plan,’ and so I had no choice but to enroll, you see.”

“You have a very strong mother.”

“Yeah. Well, she was doing the role of both parents.”

“It’s your typical matrilineal family. Maybe that’s the reason I’m weak to women…”

“You are… weak?”

Kouhai-chan blinks her eyes rapidly. She looks a bit like a little bird; it’s so cute.

“I’m weak! I can’t say no if a woman asks something of me.”

“As expected, Kotobuki-senpai is so kind.”

“And if a woman said she liked me, I’d do anything for her.”

That’s right, I’d do everything and anything...

If there was a girl who could open the door to my heart.

I mutter that in my mind.

[cricketwrites]

Hello~~~~ could I please request you do a Alphonse x reader, and reader has a little sister who is quite younger than her (reader 14 and 8 yrs~ difference so sister would be about 5-6) and all the fluff that would ensue with readers little sister possibly spoiling that her big sister has a crush?? Like little sisters do! Even better if lil sis has a lil kid crush on Edward cuz he’s so ‘tall’ compared to her lmao please and thank you do whatever you Can with this, honestly there’s just not very much Al in armor content out there 🙈 Ty Ty

-Say LESS anon <3 Honestly I love good old Al in armor content out there because there’s so much he CAN do and it’s an added little restriction that lets me stretch my writing muscles a bit :D

-Okay siblings, and kids in general, are little gremlins (said with all my love) who will absolutely spoil secrets if they get the chance, even unintentionally.

-So kids love Al, it’s canon I don't make the rules.

-Little sister would keep asking why you act differently around Al, and why your face is red when you talk. Sometimes right in front of Al and Ed, which makes Ed cackle and Al awkwardly flail because he doesn’t know what to do.

-Al sort of just writes it off, he’s had some experience with kids and knows how kids can be. (Like Maes’s daughter calling Al “big brother” and Ed “little brother” because Al is a 7 foot tall suit of armor and Ed is, of course, shorter. I love that scene so much.)

-Ed knows that Al likes you, but has kept to himself out of respect for his little brother. It’s getting on his nerves that you guys won't talk to each other about it though.

-Now, little sister adores Ed. He doesn’t think about it too much, after all she’s a kid, but he doesn’t really entertain it.

-“I appreciate the thought kid, but you gotta find someone your own age, okay? We can be friends.” With some head pats and a smile.

-She was upset about it for a few hours then they were back to being friends again with no hard feelings. Kids are just like that.

-Now, sister snitched to Ed, probably knowing exactly what she was doing.

-Al was luckily not there, and you had left the two alone for less than 5 minutes.

-Ed would probably bring it up when you were alone, if sister didn’t bring it up when you got back.

-He wouldn’t confront you, per se, but he’d have a calm conversation about it and it would be quickly resolved.

-He likes you, and thinks you’re good for his brother. The fact that he even let you close enough to form a good relationship is evidence.

-Now, onto Al himself.

-After Ed finds out, he keeps it to himself. He knows Al wouldn’t want Ed to intervene and “embarrass” him.

-Ed begrudgingly keeps it quiet, but schemes with little sister to put you two in situations where you might have to confess.

-It doesn’t work.

-What does push you two to confess is Ed and Al getting into danger. Ed needed some minor automail repairs and Al’s armor was majorly damaged, but the damage was repairable.

-It took a few days for Winry to come out to fix Ed’s automail so that he could properly repair Al’s armor, so he was stuck for a few days.

-You spent as much time with him as possible, clearly distressed about the incident, even if Al wasn’t too upset about it

-When you finally bring up your concern, Al was nervous but again didn’t see too much of a problem with it.

-It leads to a really sweet confession but he is mildly insecure, after all, he’s a 14 year old boy in a 7 foot tall suit of armor.

-He’s not sure that he’s what you want, because he’s all too aware of what he lacks.

-He’s not too aware, though, of what he does have. He’s a lovely person with a big heart and his insecurity eclipses that.

-When you finally reassure him and make it known, everyone is so happy.

-Ed and your little sister go “FINALLY”

-Little sister says “Does this mean I get to call you big brother now?” With wide eyes and a happy smile.

-If Al could blush his face would be STEAMING.

Thank you for requesting anon!! I had so much fun writing this <3

Ask Box: Open!

~Cricket

[tricobicofriend]

su half agate si au 2: resident evil 7-village crossover

ramblings & snippets from my original text dump of this concept/s under the cut

resident evil 7

ethan calls her instead of steven in to help find his wife because steven is v well-known, & he(ethan) doesn't want media attention over his wife's disappearance.

-the gloves are tech from yellow--they give strength 7 can secrete corrosive & sticky substances, plus protect her hands!

-the goggles are glasses from white--they record everything she sees (she can turn them off with a signal from her gem), can take pictures, help her see in the dark, & can send parts of the recording/s to white!!

-the stars were made by steven & the cgs!! they have a tracker in them & allow her to talk to "home base" on any mission! (home base can be the main cgs, just steven, or any other trusted gem/s!!) they also function as strap buckles!!

-overalls are just regular, waterproof & fast-drying, human clothing

-u can't see it but she's wearing boots

-considering having the shirt be laced w technology from blue's court that can lessen pain (happy clouds) or keep her temperature at a comfortable level

ethan, to a literal cop: hey, you have to give me your gun. half-agate si: oh my god, winters, you can't just ask cops for their guns!! also si saves the cop bc he's the only exception to acab

mae(half-agate self insert) after "papa"'s fucking shoulder face pustule blows up on her & ethan: "uhhh…that's nasty. imma go throw up--" cw EWWW general re grossnes

So, i'm giving mae chemical knowledge (she learned in order to help use diamond essences for human ailments) so she uses some of the diamond essence stuff stored in her gem to help make enough cures for all of them. So all four get to leave.

Mae & ethan fuse for the final battle with papa, and ethan's fungus strength boosts mae's electricity powers (since holly blue's whip is electrified, blue agate mom gets electricity powers & so does mae) to just fry the shit out of him and destroy him completely.

They unfuse to fit on the boat, but when something rocks it by the big-ass boat, mae grabs ethan's hand, an unspoken word of "we need to protect them" goes thru their eyes, & they fuse, grab zoe & mia, then jump onto the boat.

Mae has them crawl thru the tunnels with ethan in front & her in back. Zoe asks why & mae says it's bc her & ethan r the only one w weapons & who've had food recently. Anyways they all escape safely bc i said so

resident evil 8/village

When the first shot rings out, zoe & mae press mia down, & mae bubbles mia & zoe and sends them to the temple, but can't prevent the capture of the baby, herself, or ethan. The agents pull out mae's gem & throw it far away or put it in a containment unit (or just use a device that disables both her gem & human sides), and((the following is to set up re village w avi & moon as ethan's companions)) she wakes up either at the carcrash site or at a gem settlement, maybe desperately sending word to avi & moon?? That, or she pinned a distress signal thingy to ethan, & avi & moon picked it up.

mae: ah, looks like someone was punched through a wall here. ethan: ...i'm afraid to ask, but why do you know what that looks like?mae: got punched thru a wall once. : D

Imma say mae saves the old shotgun dude & he books it (which she don't blame him for, bc zombies terrifying), but then she gets taken somewhere else & meets back up w ethan at the castle? And in the lil village itself, ethan meets avi & moon?

I was just thinking of like. Ethan coming back to castle dimitrescu post-game (i still haven't seen anything further than entering heisenberg's factory) & seeing lady d holding mae(who was like, insurance both to protect lady d's daughters & to ensure ethan wouldn't try to sneak around & kill them) up with one hand and brandishing her claws with the other & he's like "what the FUCK is going on you said she'd be SAFE--" & mae just blurts out "she's giving me top surgery!!!" in an attempt to break the tension They all never talk about it again😔

[tricobicoart]

su half agate si au 3: amnesiac chaos trio mae aka i need a shorter name for the tf2 mae au that still emphasizes that she got amnesia

summary & ramblings between me & atlas under the cut!

Basically mae takes a big hit to her head & a little to her gem (which may or may not be related to Medic fiddling w it when they find her & stopping immediately when it starts to crack like "oopsie", haven't decided yet), loses all her memories past landing in the danvs universe & giving less shits/relapsing into depression self-destructive habits, is taken in by the mercenaries, and then is super suspicious when apollo & dan show up to rescue zer

ath: SHE GETS IT ALL BACK EVENTUALLY BUT NOT BEFORE WHEN THEY COME FIND HER & ARE AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS/OPPOSE THE MERCS SHE GETS SUSPICIOUS & AGGRESSIVE AND THEN SHE HAS A NIGHTMARE ABT THE TWO GROUPS HURTING/KILLING EACH OTHER PERMANENTLY & IS LIKE "WHY WAS THAT UPSETTING I DIDN'T EVEN KNO--HMMMMM"

atlas: EVIL!!! ABSOLUTELY DETESTABLE/LH YOU KNOW APOLLO FUCKS THE MERCS UP A FEW TIMES BEFORE THEY GIVE UP ON KILLING HIM AND MAE IS LIKE "STOP HURTING MY FRIENDS!!!" AND DAN IS LIKE "YEAH! STOP HURTING US!" "WHO TF ARE YOU TWO?? YOU'RE NOT MY FRIENDS, I DONT EVEN KNOW YOU!!"

ath: KJFSDGFKLJG YEAH EXACTLY!!!! LSDJGK MAE, WELL-VERSED IN STORY CLICHES AND HOW MANY OF THEM HAVE APPLIED TO HER LIFE(COUGH COUGH ENTIRE SU SERIES COUGH COUGH): NICE FUCKING BRAINWASHING TRY, PEOPLE WHO ARE CLEARLY MY ENEMIES JUST TRYING TO GET ME ON THEIR SIDE!!

and then later back at the base she's like "that scrungly guy was kinda cute tho" engineer: what adjective did you just use to describe him??????

atlas: JDSFHJKSDFGHJKHSDGJHSDGSDHFGSHJDFG apollo, leaning towards dan and whispering: should i tell her that i can actually control minds? JKHGDFJHGSDFJHGSDFHGFS ENGIE JUST "what in tarnation"

ath: JFJDSLKJGLKJH Dan: Don't see why not SPY JUST WALKING BY GOING "what horrid ""tumblr"" phrase did you spew at him this time"

atlas: SLAJKDHJUKASDFGJHDFGGHJDFGHGJDFGHSJDFGGHSDF Apollo, just boosting up his 'charm', walking towards Mae with a cocky grin: oh sweetheart, if i wanted to mind control you, i already would've done it. <3 KJHDSFKJHSDGFJHSGFDJFGSDJHDGF "i just said the scrungly guy was cute!!!" ".....which one is that supposed to be?"

ath: Mae, finger and thumb on her chin: As terrifying at that statement is, it is true. *grins rudely* You especially coulda done it when i was beating your ass earlier.

"bsdf--wha--THE SCRUNGLY ONE OBVIOUSLY!! WITH THE SCRUFF AND SCRUNGLE!!"

atlas: APOLLO JUST WHEEZING AND SPUTTERING BC GDI, HE LOVES THIS ASSHOLE/POS "OHHH, the short, irate one with bad facial hair?" "HES CUTE!! IN A SCRUNGLY WAYYYY!"

ath: SDL;GKHSGH YEAH AND HER GRIN'S LIKE. BARELY MENACING BC SHE'S CLEARLY SO PROUD OF HERSELF FOR THE ROAST/POS JSHGKLJSF LKMAOOOO MAE GETS HARASSED FOR AHVING MEDIOCRE TASTE/J/LH

atlas: APOLLO KNOWS HER TOO WELL!!!!!!!!/LH/HJ ADHKDDJKDDHJDF MAE POINTING AT A PICTURE OF AMBROSE: if my taste is bad, what does it make yours?

ath: YEAH!!!!

KDGJNJFGKFDSLJGKFG SPY JUST SPUTTERS

atlas: SPY CAUGHT IN 4K

So basically Mae gets taken in by the blu mercs, they become fond of each other, she graduates from on-base intern to in-battle backup to a scout(they nickname her Flanker or Midfielder to tell the two scouts apart), sometime along the way they meet Apollo & Dan, and then the events of the comics happen after the chaos trio gets separated again by some plot device or another. Also zhe definitely fuses with Scout at one or more points, and maybe some other mercs.

[aijamisespava]

10 Eurovision 2023 Songs as...Taylor Swift Albums?

Yes. You heard that right. It was just a silly little idea that came into my head as we say goodbye to the 2023 songs (or not since a lot of them have found homes on our playlists!) and get ready for the 2024 season. It's still early (no songs, and only 2 artists have been announced), so if I do it now, it won't interfere with all the 2024 content we will be prepping for come the new year! So, I've picked 10 songs from the 2023 list and assigned them to a Taylor Swift album (solely based on my opinion, and I just choose the songs without thinking of my personal ranking).

Debut: So...the first album...the hardest one for me to come up with one for. But then, I thought that "What They Say" by Victor Vernicos from Greece kinda fits the bill. Aside from both Taylor and Victor being 16 when they released their respective pieces, "What They Say" gives me some minor "Tied Together With A Smile" vibes, which match the first album rather well.

Fearless: With a song like "Mr. Perfectly Fine" being such a sassy breakup song, I feel that the United Kingdom fits the Fearless bill here. "I Wrote A Song" by Mae Muller would fit onto Fearless perfectly. With the lyrical clapbacks (that could also work on Speak Now), it fits on an album with songs like "Mr. Perfectly Fine" or even the confessional NOT breakup song that is "You Belong With Me"

Speak Now: Speak Now is probably as close as Taylor has gotten to a rock album. With songs like "Better Than Revenge", "Haunted", and even the recently freed from the vault "Electric Touch" have these rock elements...kinda like how "Promise" by Voyager from Australia has those elements too...plus it's one of my mom's winners with her favorite Taylor album.*also taking this moment to wish Danny a speedy recovery!*

Red: I've thought of a couple of songs that would match this album. As Eurovision has as many heartbreak songs as they do love songs. And what's better than Cyprus' "Break A Broken Heart" by Andrew Lambrou for the heartbreak album? I mean, it just works! Right?

1989: I spent some time thinking about this one with it being my favorite Taylor album. And while I almost picked Finland's song, I decided to go for Käärijä's friends over in Slovenia. Joker Out's "Carpe Diem" is fun. It's parties with friends. It's perfect for big cities. What else is those? 1989.

reputation: For this one, it was probably the one that inspired this blog. I chose Serbia's "Samo Mi Se Spava" by Luke Black for reputation. Aside from the specific animal imagery that both the album and the song have (the lobster for the song and snakes for the album), the electro elements are similar to me. Plus, I've called "Samo Mi Se Spava" by villain song and people say you go into your "reputation Era" when you're in your villain era.

Lover: This one was another easy pick. Armenia's entry has the album title in the name! Brunette's "Future Lover" fits the overall theme the Lover album has of...well...love! It also qualifies because a song for your future lover can 100% count....I've written a piece to mine in my vault!

folklore: It's no Eurovision 2023 post without me mentioning Latvia's "Aijā" by Sudden Lights. While the soft rock elements would be better suited for something like Speak Now or Red, I chose folklore for one reason and one reason only. folklore is my favorite album to write to. Sudden Lights has three albums of songs, plus Aijā, plus a couple of post-Eurovision releases that are literally perfect writing music. I've tried it, and their album "Miljards vasaru" ranks up there as a favorite writing album.

evermore: Yeah...I've thought it through. And Moldova's "Soarele Si Luna" by Pasha Parfeni just gives me evermore vibes. Plus, it's kinda cool that I put my winner and my sister's winner as the sister albums. It's just cute.

Midnights: This is gonna sound like a bad joke but hear me out, The Netherlands' "Burning Daylight" by Mia and Dion would fit on Midnights. It sounds and feels reflective, which matches the theme that Midnights was trying to portray. And yeah...the title works too...

So, that's only 10 songs. If a favorite of yours didn't make it, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to assess it! In fact, I'd be willing to do a song not from 2023 if you're dying to know about one of those!

[salanaii]

Learn Korean with me - Week 6/Day 1

Day 1: Let's Speak Korean Chapter 4 - Shopping (1 - 50)

어서오세요. Eo seo o se yo Welcome.

무엇을찾으시나요? Mu eos eur cha jeu sin a yo What are you looking for? 

혹시반바지있나요? Hog si ban ba ji iss na yo Do you have shorts by any chance?

모자를 / 신발을찾고있어요. Mu ja reur / sin bar eur chaj go iss eo yo I’m looking for hats/shoes.

찾으시는스타일이 / 브랜드가있나요? Chaj eu si neun seu ta ir I / beu raen deu ga iss na yo? Is there a style/brand you are looking for?

도와드릴까요? Do wa deu rir gga yo? May I help you?

사이즈가어떻게되시나요? Sa I jeu ga eo tteoh ge doe si a yo? What is (your) size?

입어봐도되나요? Ib eo bwa do doe na yo? Can I try (this) on?

이사이즈있나요? I sa I jeu iss nay o? Do you have this size?

제사이즈는30입니다. Je sa I jeu neun 30 ib ni da My size is 30. = I’m a 30.

조금큰 / 작은것같아요. Jo geum keun / jag eun geos gat a yo I think it’s a little small/big.

딱맞네요. Ttag maj ne yo It fits perfectly.

얼마예요? Eor ma ye yo How much is it?

세일하나요? Se ir ha na yo Is it on sale?

재고있나요? Jae go iss na yo Do you have (it) on stock?

확인해주시겠어요? Hwag in hae ju si gess eo yo Could you check, please?

반품가능한가요? Ban pum ga neung han ga yo Is it possible to return? = Is it returnable?

얼마동안에반품할수있나요? Eor ma dong an e ban pum har har sui ss nay o (Literal) Within how long can I return? = How late can I return it?

환불가능한가요? Hwan bur ga neung han ga yo (Literal) Is a refund possible? = Can I get a refund?

반품하고싶습니다. Ban pum ha go sip seub ni da I’d like to return.

게품에문제가있나요? Ge pum e mun je ga iss na yo Was there a problem with the product?

아니요,사이즈가맞지않아요. A ni yo, sa I jeu ga maj ji anh a yo (Literal) No, the size isn’t right. = No, it doesn’t fit.

아니요,스타일이맞지않아요. A ni yo, seu ta ir i maj ji anh a yo (Literal) No, the style isn’t right. = No, I don’t like the style.

다른색상이있나요? Da reun saeg sang I iss na yo Do you have different colors?

이게마음에들어요. I ge ma eum e deur eo yo (Literal) This is to (my) liking. = I like this.

그냥둘러볼게요. Geu Nyang dur reo bur ge yo I’ll just look around.

구경해도되나요? Gu Gyeong hae do doe na yo May I look around?

탈의실이어디죠? Tar ui sir I eo di jyo Where is the fitting room?

남성용 / 여성용인가요? Nam seong yong/ yeo seong yong in ga yo Is (this) fir men/for women? = Is this men’s or women’s?

여기흠이있어요. Yeo gi heum I iss eo yo There is a scratch/nick/defect here.

원래이런가요? Won rae I reon ga yo Is this usually like this? = Is this normal?

할인해주실수있나요? Har in hae ju sir sui ss na yo (Literal) Can you discount it for me? = Can you give me a discount?

신상품있나요? Sin sang pum iss na yo Do you have the latest products?

정품맞나요? Jeong pum maj na yo Is this an authentic product?

매니저를만나고싶습니다. Mae ni jeo reur man na sip seub ni da I’d like the meet the manager.

계산해주세요. Gye san hae ju se yo (Literal) Please calculate (it) for me. = Please ring it up for me.

쇼핑백을주세요. Syo ping baeg eur ju se yo Please give me a shopping bag.

포장해주네요. Po jang hae ju ne yo (Literal) Please wrap (it) for me. = I’d like to have it wrapped.

영수증을백안에넣어주세요. Yeong su jeung eur baeg an e neoh eo ju se yo Please put the receipt in the bag.

영수증은저에게주세요. Yeong su jeung eun ge ju se yo Please give the receipt to me.

카드되나요? Ka du doe na yo Is (credit) card okay? = Do you take credit cards?

현금도되나요? Hyeon geum do doe na yo Is cash okay, too? = Can I pay with cash?

현금으로사면할인받나요? Hyeon geum eu ro sa myeon har in bad na yo Do I receive a discount if I buy with cash?

택스리펀드되나요? Taeg seu ri peon deu doe na yo Is it eligible for tax refund?

택스리펀드는어디에서하나요? Taeg seu ri peon deu neu neo di e seo ha na yo (From) where do I do (=file) tax refund?

이렇게작성하면되나요? I reoh ge jag seong ha myeon doe na yo (Literal) Is it right if I fill out like this?

배달도되나요? Bae dar do doe na yo Can it be delivered as well?

홀드해주실수있나요? Hor deu hae ju sir sui ss na yo Can you hold (it) for me?

다시찾으러올게요. Da sic haj eu reo or ge yo I’ll come again to pick it up.

수선가능한가요? Su seon ga neung han ga yo Is alteration possible?

[foxtatopuff]

Next out of the main 3 is Lyra, adopted sister of Maebelle! Info below.

Name: Lyra Loba

Nickname: Lilly

Age: 24

Gender: female (She/her)

Height: 6'1

Orientation: Demisexual

Color: Black

Ability: Rabbit (Enhanced hearing, increased speed and leg strength)

Status: taken

Partner: Rasmus

Occupation: Fitness instructor, part timer at the convenience store her sister works at

Likes: Teasing Rasmus, jogging, teaching, summer, playing games, bike riding, sunsets, having fun.

Dislikes: Violence, Bullies, Mae being hurt, ears being pulled or touched, enclosed spaces (claustrophobic), laziness, cold.

Kinks: Bondage

Voice Claim: Lara Jill Miller (Haru from Beastars)

Trivia:

-Lyra is the adopted younger sister of Maebelle.

-She is inspired by Mirko from MHA as well as Harlequin rabbits.

-She tends to go gremlin mode whenever she is around her sister.

-Despite being taller, she often refers to Maebelle as "Big sis."

-She doesn't tolerate Rasmus bullying her sister so she gets back at him by teasing him.

-She has a Tiktok where she posts videos about her life as well as cosplays.

-She likes lettuce.

-She's trying to get Rasmus to change his behavior around Maebelle.

-She's an energetic extrovert but respects her sister being an introvert.

-The base of her ears are sensitive, hence why she doesn't like them being touched.

-Her body is covered in soft short fur.

-She tends to dress asymmetrically and prefers her sweatpants over jeans.

-She has 3 children from Rasmus.

[onemaebee]

So uh. my parents are moving 11 hours away (by car).

the entire family on my mom's side is in an uproar and scrambling. my aunt has revealed herself to be even more of an absolute jerk than suspected and has been VERY entitled. my grandma can't understand how they could possibly move far from their grandkids. my sibling is torn between sadness (just moved back to the country and thus near the parents) and relief (dad+some of my other siblings have been very clear that respecting their nb pronouns and new name is stupid, in their bigoted book). my grandpa, who has dementia and is in the middle of a prostate cancer scare, is just vibing.

we don't talk to the family on my dad's side. they happened to be the ones to give him an origin story, and that's about the best thing they've ever done or ever will do.

one of my younger sisters (the other local one with kids) hasn't talked to me about how she's feeling about it yet; but maybe i'll get the chance to chat tomorrow when i'm in town near her.

my husband is baffled, as it seems very rushed. (of course it's rushed; but that's my dad's modus oprandi and they are literally selling the house to pay off debts and debt collecters ain't exactly patient) depressed because my mom+good and respectful younger siblings were the only ones we trusted not to be overwhelmed with our kids so the 3-4 dates a year we request babysitting for are now evaporated entirely.

kids were upset until i phrased it as "hey! we couldn't do this the last time they moved because kid1 was a baby and kid2 was a NEW baby, but now we could do car trips! family vacation, which we've never taken! and 3/4 of your aunts+uncles are moving out and going to be living nearby still, so you'll still see Best Uncle!" and then they were SET.

i'm. okay?

focusing mostly on what new holiday traditions we can make. what i need to do to finish making the boys' halloween costumes (kid2 was BORN on halloween which makes it even more of a big deal here). what crafty things i can do for birthday (3 kids born in oct) and christmas gifts. planning out a Christmas Gift Box to be sent to my parents+lil sis AND one for another sister out in cali with my adorable wee nephews.

not my circus; not my monkeys. is it how i'd have done this? nah. do i have any right to think about it other than in terms of how to adjust future plans? nope. they're moving to an area they lived in briefly a decade ago and it was legit the happiest i'd ever seen them. why would i be entitled enough to tell them no, keep your debt looming over you like a crushing shadow, stay here where you are constantly stressed (because their small town really sucks) instead of going to the place where you can reliably find happiness???

i'm pretty sad about not seeing my mama at least once a week, but we facetime everydayish anyway so it's not like we're limited to the faceless phone. but my dad will cheer up which will in turn boost her mood and things will generally be better for them.

i do have therapy tomorrow and last month my homework assigned was to 'go on a date and have 1 night without the kids for the love of god mae you need to have some alone time with your husband as a couple holy shit,' and hahaha i failed :)

[emkartist]

Kuscheln

Ich will Kuscheln! Geben!

I want cuddles! Give!

Everyone meet Mavis! A new OC. Mavis is a sphinx cat mutant/yokai. Mavis will be in both a short comic featuring bayverse Donatello and be a character in my TMNT AU/Iteration. He's very clingy and loves to cuddle. He will make this face to get his cuddles. He moved to NYC from Deutschland/Germany and speaks both Deutsch/German and English.

Having this character speak primarily Deutsch is my motivation to keep up with my lessons (besides Duolingo knowing where I live/j).

I'm still in the early learning of Deutsch and anyone that speaks Deutsch and sees any mistakes pls let me know. Thank you! /Gen

I'm considering turning this into a sticker.

Also showcasing the main turtles from my TMNT AU/Iteration. I was designing their rooms and ended up drawing lil chibis of them.

Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael are still in this AU/Iteration and are still the 4 turtle heros that protect NYC. These beans live along with many other characters in another state. They all do eventually meet. The main story revolves around these turts and their family.

Poe and Hall's are twin turtles that were born as conjoined twins. The shell on their back was one whole piece. As they grew older their shell began to become more distinct. After the incident Lillie Mae decided it was best to have the two surgically separated. Poe is a quiet turt and usually only talks to Hall, though they do like to go and train with Lacks so they've become more comfortable talking with him. Poe is into writing poetry and drawing. Hall loves to talk with everyone about pretty much everything. She loves to learn and will gladly tell you all about her recent discoveries. Hall is into anything and everything science.

Thurgood, while an amazing prankster, is very serious when it comes to being the leader of the group. He also makes sure while he's stern he's also fair and caring of his siblings. Holds them accountable for things while also encouraging them to and giving them advice on how to. He's learned how to be a good leader from Frederick, how to be kind and understanding from Lillie Mae, and how to not take shi- from anyone and how to be cool and collected from Nocturna.

Billie is the big sister and single mom of the group. Family is her top priority. She likes to make sure while being a big sis and mom she also makes sure everyone gets to live their best lives. Yeah sure they're supposed to be heros and serious but she'll be damned if they don't get to have a good life while they can. She loves to sing and Zappa (her son) has taken an interest in music because of it and loves to play the drums on everything.

Lacks is the medic/Dr/nurse/etc (basically anything medical) of the group. He makes sure to take care of everyone that comes into his care. He'll make sure that you leave better than how you came in. He was taught how to be a medic by a med student that had been staying with the family when they were all younger. The med student after she graduated continued to teach Lacks all she knew and gave him all her old textbooks. Whenever he has questions or needs help he will call her to get help/advice with what he's dealing with.

Divine is the fashionista/make-up artist/therapist of the group. Whatever you need he'll be there. He designed the clothes his family wears special so that they can fit perfectly with their mutant/yokai bodies while also looking fabulous! He's also the turtle everyone goes to when they need to talk things out or need advice. He enjoys doing drag when he has a chance. He also loves to draw with Poe and sing with Billie and Zappa.

Can't wait to share the comics with y'all. Much love!! 💜✨

[thylacinetears]

I've taken forever to post this, but here's my full ESC2023 ranking!

With comments and scores out of 10! Long post obvs:

#37 Romania: DGT - Theodor Andrei: (0.5) Gross, boring, just all-around terrible. The staging is awful. The singing is bad ("aLL oF YouR DEmoNs coMe SCREEEMIMANNEHHH" haunts my dreams). The lyrics are gross, and the attempt at wordplay doesn't even make sense? All of it is trying so, so hard to be sexy and failing miserably. Half a point for having some Romanian, but that's it.

#36 San Marino: Like An Animal - Piqued Jacks: (1.0) Worst singer this year and it's not even close. The lyrics are also terrible and kinda give me creepy vibes. 100 songs in the national final and this is the best they can get? But it does get one point for having a pretty good instrumental, and the drummer is killing it.

#35 Albania: Duje - Albina & Familja Kelmendi: (2.0) Really overdramatic. I don't like the instrumental, it's way too sparse and random. The message is meant to be pro-family but it just comes off as anti-divorce? But the intention is nice, and Albania having a song in their own language for once is nice.

#34 Greece: What They Say - Victor Vernicos: (2.5) Just generic. There's not much I can say about this song because I forget it every time I stop listening. It's not intolerable to listen to, I guess?

#33 Germany: Blood & Glitter - Lord of the Lost: (2.5) It's unique, but somehow really boring. I don’t really like this genre so I'm biased, but this is just noise to me.

#32 Switzerland: Watergun - Remo Forrer: (3.0) Nice voice and piano, but wtf is Switzerland doing singing about war? I don't like the lyrical execution of the concept at all. Definitely not a fan.

#31 Malta: Dance (our own party) - The Busker: (3.5) It's a nice sax riff, but they run it into the goddamn ground. The rest of the song just isn't very good. It's cool, but kinda annoying.

#30 Ireland: We Are One - Wild Youth: (3.5) Also very generic, but it has a nice arena-pop sound to it. The message is well-intentioned, though so incredibly overdone.

#29 Lithuania: Stay - Monika Linkyte: (4.0) Nice concept, but it just sounds really bland to me. I don't really know what I don't like about this song, but it just doesn't click with me.

#28 Denmark: Breaking My Heart - Reiley: (4.0) It is very much corporate TikTok bait. But there is a good song underneath all that, and I actually like the vocoder.

#27 Croatia: Mama SC - Let 3: (5.0) Yeah, it's very weird. I don't like the repetition, but I do unironically like the instrumental in the "Onaj mali psihopat" part. Not the best novelty/political song, but not the worst - solid 5/10.

#26 Azerbaijan: Tell Me More - TuralTuranX: (5.5) I like it, it's quite nice and feel-good. But it seems like a complete rip-off of Something Good by Bic Runga?

#25 Poland: Solo - Blanka: (5.5) Ignoring the context and that live performance… It's a bop! It's not super original but it's really catchy and fun.

#24 Israel: Unicorn - Noa Kirel: (6.0) Kinda disappointing, after all the hype. (Why couldn't she have saved Thought About That for ESC instead!) But it has a nice chorus, and some good hooks.

#23 United Kingdom: I Wrote A Song - Mae Muller: (6.0) Very British, and very pop! But that chorus just doesn't really hit for me, and I'm not a fan of the spoken word part.

#22 Cyprus: Break a Broken Heart - Andrew Lambrou: (6.0) This is actually a banger though! I'm biased because Australia, but still. Simple concept but good execution.

#21 Georgia: Echo - Iru: (6.0) No, I don't know what on earth is going on in the lyrics either - guess that's just Georgia though. I love the drama of the instrumental, and Iru has a really powerful voice!

#20 Portugal: Ai Coracao - Mimicat: (6.5) It's cool! I love the culture, and Mimicat has a great voice. But for some reason it doesn't really click with me.

#19 Moldova: Soarele si luna - Pasha Parfeni: (6.5) I'm usually a big fan of the folktronica entries, but this doesn't quite hook me as much as Fulenn or SHUM. But it's still pretty good, and I love the concept of the lyrics!

#18 Serbia: Samo mi se spava - Luke Black: (7.0) Super unique! It's good, it's just that there's so many good entries this year, so it doesn't stand out so much. Gives me Grimes vibes, like a hybrid of Violence and My Name Is Dark.

#17 Belgium: Because Of You - Gustaph: (7.0) So incredibly unapologetically queer, and I love it for that. Such a fun song, makes me want to get up and dance!

#16 Iceland: Power - Dilja: (7.0) Uplifting, upbeat, poppy - this season needed a song like this. She absolutely kills those vocals, too!

#15 Italy: Due Vite - Marco Mengoni: (7.5) Really gorgeous and emotional, with incredibly beautiful lyrics. I get chills when that second chorus comes in, honestly. But it's just not quite as good as Italy's other entries.

#14 Armenia: Future Lover - Brunette: (7.5) Has a real 2000s pop/RnB diva vibe, and I love the lyrics. The instrumental is amazing, and I love the blend of genres.

#13 Ukraine: Heart Of Steel - TVORCHI: (7.5) I love the RnB groove mixing with the dramatic violins! It's really grown on me since it was first released, it's just super slick.

#12 Austria: Who the Hell is Edgar? - Teya & Salena: (7.5) So wacky, and yet such a bop. It manages to successfully balance a hilarious concept, catchy beat, and somehow a serious and relevant message? I actually can't believe they managed it. Well done, enjoy your gas station champagne from me streaming it, lmao.

#11 Latvia: Aija - Sudden Lights: (8.0) There's no other song like it this year (or maybe any year!), and I love its post-rock sound. However I admit that at least 50% of why I love this song is that outro.

#10 Norway: Queen of Kings - Alessandra: (8.0) THE pop banger we needed! I love the electronic bassline and Alessandra's incredible vocals.

#9 Australia: Promise - Voyager: (8.0) Not at all my genre, but I love it! That electronic intro and his vocals are everything. I don't like the scream after the second chorus, but the rest is amazing.

#8 Czechia: My Sister's Crown - Vesna: (8.5) Unique, cultural, powerful, and arguably the best chorus of the year. Those harmonies, man. Czechia is absolutely killing it at the moment.

#7 Estonia: Bridges - ALIKA: (8.5) This makes me really emotional, as I definitely relate to the lyrics. But even without considering that, this is just everything good about ballads - gorgeous piano, excellent vocals, and beautifully convincing delivery.

#6 Spain: Eaea - Blanca Paloma: (9.0) I'm so glad Spain went traditional this year. Hypnotising, gentle and yet powerful. The imagery of the lyrics is so beautiful, and of course Blanca's incredible voice carries the whole thing.

#5 Netherlands: Burning Daylight - Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper: (9.0) The Netherlands continues its sad era with this gorgeous song. I love the two voices, the lyrics, the slightly detuned piano... But most of all I love the outro - I relate to it so much.

#4 Finland: Cha Cha Cha - Kaarija: (9.0) THE icon of the season. This really is worth the hype - fun, dancey, crazy, party! It really hits its stride in the second half, but honestly I just love the whole thing.

#3 France: Evidemment - La Zarra: (9.5) I'm a France stan, what can I say! But they just keep sending quality - from the dramatic intro to that incredible disco-pop beat drop to the amazing bridge.

#2 Slovenia: Carpe Diem - Joker Out: (9.5) Basically my favourite from the beginning! It puts you in a good mood from the first line, and just keeps the energy all the way through to the end. My favourite part is the guitar solo after the first chorus leading into the second verse. It's so cool...

#1 Sweden: Tattoo - Loreen: (10.0) Right in my dance-pop loving heart. Loreen is truly like no other - a once-in-a-generation performer. When that second chorus hits... It's almost too perfect. But I love how there's that unusual chord progression to keep you interested, too. There's just nothing to fault about it, I love every single second!

[shiningwonderland]

Reiji Kotobuki (All Star)

Translator: Belen (Twitter: reiharus)

Proofreader: Raine (Twitter: amagiyas)

Editors: Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Noemi (Twitter: dreaminbeyond)

Chapter Six — The Verklart of Hopes and Dreams

Thus, I finally arrive at Kotobuki-senpai’s family home.

A small, green car is parked next to the shop.

So, Kotobuki-senpai is here after all….

Behind the car, there’s a small entrance with a door plate that reads “Kotobuki.”

To the left is the lunch box shop, where the kitchen is visible behind the display case.

I look up and see two windows on the second floor.

I wonder if one of them is Senpai’s room…?

While I’m looking up, a woman arranging receipts behind the display case notices me and gives me a curious look.

Oh… I must look suspicious….

???: Welcome. Would you like a lunch box?

The woman asks with a sweet smile.

Her smile looks just like Kotobuki-senpai’s…. She must be his older sister.

Haruka Nanami: Um….

I enter the shop and stand before the counter.

Haruka Nanami: Is… Kotobuki-senpai here…?

The woman looks at me, surprised.

Haruka Nanami: Um… I’m Haruka Nanami, a composer from Shining Agency.

I say that while lowering my head.

Haruka Nanami: Ah…. The truth is, I’m Kotobuki-senpai’s partner for the Song Festival, and….

Reiji’s sister: Oooh… Reiji’s partner…. I’m his older sister. I appreciate all you have done for him.

She lowers her head in a hurry. Oh, so she really is his sister.

Haruka Nanami: Oh no… I should be the one saying that…. Um, is Kotobuki-senpai….

As I'm asking, I hear the sound of someone coming downstairs and a familiar figure emerges from the back of the kitchen.

Reiji Kotobuki: Big Sis, I’m going to the convenience store…. Wait... Kouhai-chan...?

Kotobuki-senpai seems shocked as he looks at me across the counter.

Select the phrase!

I’m glad… (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: I’m so glad… I finally got to see you….

Reiji Kotobuki: You’ve come all this way….

Kotobuki-senpai murmurs that and exhales.

Reiji’s sister: Our mother is out shopping so I can’t welcome you myself, but would you like to go upstairs?

When we fall silent, Kotobuki-senpai’s sister speaks up.

Reiji Kotobuki: Sis, what kind of excuse....

Reiji’s sister: Take her upstairs!! And don’t forget to serve some drinks!!

She speaks angrily, scowling at Kotobuki-senpai as she does.

Reiji Kotobuki: R-right….

Kotobuki-senpai replies as if feeling pressured.

His sister, now smiling again, shows me the way to the entrance.

I exit the shop and stand in front of the entrance.

Senpai slips on a pair of sandals and opens the door.

I follow him up the narrow staircase.

After climbing the stairs, his room is on the left side at the end of the corridor.

From the outside, it was the room that had the window on the left.

It’s a little cramped compared to the rooms in the dorms, but with a very cozy atmosphere.

It feels like a room that has been used for a long time. Along with the bed, there are bookshelves and toys.

On the bookshelf, there are textbooks and manga from when he was little. There are also scripts of dramas he’s starred in and the CDs he’s released in the past, all neatly arranged.

On the shelves beside the desk, there are hobby items like remote control models and vinyl records.

Haruka Nanami: Could this be….

There are several pieces of paper on his desk.

When I try to take a look, Senpai enters the room with some coffee on a tray.

Reiji Kotobuki: Well, take a seat. Sorry it’s a bit of a tight squeeze….

He puts the tray down on the floor and sits cross-legged next to it.

I kneel beside it and Kotobuki-senpai slowly opens his mouth.

Reiji Kotobuki: How did you know I was here?

Haruka Nanami: Um… Otonami-san told me….

Reiji Kotobuki: I told Mom not to say anything, so it shouldn’t have leaked…. She didn’t tell you anything when you called either, right?

Haruka Nanami: He said that it would be better to come here directly if you would do something like this… and he gave me your address.

Reiji Kotobuki: Jeez, harsh as always, isn’t he? Or rather, he’s so intense when he gets into it. Can even read my actions….

He laughs a little.

Reiji Kotobuki: But… even though you’ve come all this way… I don’t feel like going back anymore….

He says so decidedly. That’s….

Select the phrase!

Really…? (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Really…? Do you really feel that way?

Reiji Kotobuki: What are you getting at? I already told you: I don’t feel like going back anymore.

Senpai mutters.

Haruka Nanami: The truth is… that you want to go back, right?

Reiji Kotobuki: I wonder about that. You’re free to think whatever you want, though.

Kotobuki-senpai raises his face and looks at me with a serious expression.

I desperately try to gather my words.

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun, Ichinose-san, Hyuga-sensei and others in the agency—everyone is worried about you. And Otonami-san too….

Reiji Kotobuki: …!

Haruka Nanami: And Otonami-san said that Aine-san wouldn’t want this either. Also, if you’re worried about the Song Festival, the president also said that he will let you participate with a condition….

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s not just that… I’m done….

Kotobuki-senpai interrupts me.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai….

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ve had a long career as well, but it was nothing to write home about. Even if we go through with it, the possibility of breaking through once again is low. I was able to debut, release CDs, get main roles in dramas, and do solo lives. I did all I could, so I won’t regret it if I step down now. It sounds like this might as well be the perfect opportunity.

Kotobuki-senpai speaks as if he’s indifferent.

Reiji Kotobuki: So I’ll quit being an idol and work in the lunch box store while I look for what I want to do next….

Haruka Nanami: What you want to do….

Reiji Kotobuki: Yeah, I’ve never had a normal life. I’d also like to go to college and travel as I like! And then I’ll be able to date Kouhai-chan…. It will be hasta la vista to the love ban~

Kotobuki-senpai smiles faintly. The moment I hear those words, I lose control of my emotions.

Select the phrase!

Silently stand up (+15 Love)

I slam the mug I was gripping back on the tray and stand up.

Reiji Kotobuki: Have you given up and feel like going home? I’ll take you somewhere nearby then and it’ll probably be the last time we meet.

Ignoring Kotobuki-senpai, I head towards his desk to grab the papers he had left there.

Haruka Nanami: Dating sounds really appealing but… more than that, what I want to see is Kotobuki-senpai singing. I want to make music with you. I want us to chase the same dream!

I hold up the papers from his desk while I say that.

Haruka Nanami: This is proof that you haven’t given up yet!

The papers… are the score for the music festival that I sent him. They’re also full of Senpai’s handwritten lyrics.

Haruka Nanami: Why would you write the lyrics if you aren’t planning to sing anymore?

I thrust the score towards him.

Haruka Nanami: You still want to sing. That’s why you wrote these lyrics, right?!

Tears well up as I speak.

I didn’t mean for it to be like this….

All I want is to convince him to come back with me, but….

I can’t keep calm. I need to convey these feelings no matter what.

When I think that, tears start running down my face for a reason I can’t understand.

Senpai looks at me, dumbfounded. Then….

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan, so imposing.... If you stand in such a wide stance, I can see up your skirt.

Haruka Nanami: WHAAA—? KYA—KYAAA!!

I hold my skirt in a panic and sit down with a thump.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hahahaha! Just kidding. It’s alright; I can’t see it from this angle.

Haruka Nanami: S-Senpai!!

Senpai looks at my scowl in amusement.

Reiji Kotobuki: … Yeah, being with you is so much fun. But that’s why I can’t go back.

Saying so, he sighs.

Haruka Nanami: What do you mean?

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m serious. I want my most important person to be happy. When I’m with you, I think that I can overcome the past and everything else. You’re the best partner. But even now, I still can’t enjoy it from the bottom of my heart. Every time I have fun as an idol, Aine crosses my mind.

Haruka Nanami: So this all goes back to that, right?

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s correct. An idol’s job is to make people smile and have fun. If an idol can’t even enjoy the songs made for himself, he’s not qualified for the job.

“Have fun…."

Kotobuki-senpai has been cursed by those words for sure.

It’s true that it’s very hard for idols to entertain people if they’re not enjoying it themselves.

Kotobuki-senpai has lived with those shackles for a long time.

Chasing the same dreams... and then carrying the feelings of those who couldn’t make it on his back.

Putting blame on himself every time he was having fun, he kept struggling to entertain people regardless. He must be burned out.

But… He may come back if I can free him from those shackles.

What should I do to achieve that….

Thinking hard, I raise my face and a black box that I see out of the corner of my eye catches my attention.

Haruka Nanami: That’s….

A toy piano. I take it out of the box carefully.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan?

He gives me a puzzled look.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai… please, would you sing this song for me?

I hold out the sheet music to him.

Reiji Kotobuki: Sing… along to that...?

He points to the toy piano.

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

I tap the keys. Good, it seems that every note comes out.

I raise my face and look at Senpai.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sure Aine-san doesn’t hold a grudge against you. Otonami-san as well. He said that Aine-san wouldn’t want this. They also regret running away from reality and tormenting you.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ke-chan forgives me? But that’s….

Haruka Nanami: He said that seeing you sing and confronting the music seriously, that’s what being an idol is all about!

I want you to realize that you have been lost for a long time.

I want you to know that there are people who are being saved by your smile.

That’s because, without a doubt, you create a lot of happiness as an idol.

Haruka Nanami: I also want you to shine even more. And for that to happen, first you have to enjoy it more than anybody else. Be honest with your heart and deliver that to everyone; show them how much fun it is to sing and be alive. If you do that, if those feelings are in your music, I’m sure they will reach Aine-san.

As I say that, I put my fingers on the small keyboard.

Haruka Nanami: I want to accompany you from now on and do all I can so that you can sing happily. So you too, Senpai… Please sing and enjoy this one…. Even if it’s the last….

Then….

Reiji Kotobuki: Understood….

Saying that, he nods with a serious expression.

As a cue, I place my fingers on the keyboard.

SONG: "DEKIAI TEMPTATION" (S RANK)

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes…. That was… so much fun.

When Kotobuki-senpai finishes singing, he murmurs that.

Haruka Nanami: Me too…. I also had a lot of fun.

At my response, Senpai smiles all of a sudden.

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this.

He looks right at me.

SONG: "DEKIAI TEMPTATION" (A RANK)

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you. My heart warmed right up.

Kotobuki-senpai murmurs when he’s finished singing.

Then, a smile suddenly blooms from the edges of his lips.

Accompanying the clumsy piano, Kotobuki-senpai carefully sings note by note.

We look like we’re practicing songs for little children, in a way.

In a room illuminated by the sunset, two people kneeling before a toy piano.

Haruka Nanami: Hehe….

Reiji Kotobuki: Haha… hahahahah….

It feels so fun and warm, our laughter naturally spills out. Then….

Reiji Kotobuki: Can you play it again? I want to sing more.

Senpai, who had finished singing, murmurs that and looks at me.

Haruka Nanami: Of course.

I start playing the piano once more and he sings along.

Then, we replay the song over and over again.

After a few performances, Kotobuki-senpai’s fingers start catching on and continuing the melody I was playing.

Then I keep playing….

And Senpai plays ahead of me again….

Reiji Kotobuki: From here, leave the interlude to me. Look!

The bright piano resounds in the narrow room.

We play the song until the end….

Then, after the final note sounds, Kotobuki-senpai’s beautiful hand gently lands on top of mine.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai….

Surprised, I raise my head and he grabs my hand.

Then, he embraces me.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you… Kouhai-chan. That was so much fun!

Kotobuki-senpai murmurs in my ear.

Hearing his voice, my feelings overflow.

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai!

As I cry out, I cling to Senpai in an embrace.

He hugs my body tight and hot tears flow out of my eyes.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai, please. Let’s go back.

I desperately force those words out.

Haruka Nanami: We’ll convince the president and participate in the Song Festival together.

Senpai strokes my back gently to soothe me while I sob convulsively.

But still… I cling tightly to Kotobuki-senpai, afraid he will disappear.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, I will. So don’t cry….

He whispers in my ear, troubled.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah~ My shoulder is totally soaked. But my number one priority right now is to stop your tears.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai….

He looks at me with a serious face.

Reiji Kotobuki: Let’s take a gamble once more. I’ll participate in the Song Festival and make the audience smile. And of course, I’ll give it my all to win and allow you to debut.

He says so decisively.

Reiji Kotobuki: I want to entertain everyone for Aine’s part, since he couldn’t fulfill his dream. If I do that, I feel like I’ll be able to move forward. But… above everything else… I don’t want to make you cry like this anymore.

Kotobuki-senpai stretches out his hand and gently wipes away my tears with his finger.

Reiji Kotobuki: You know how I am, but will you come with me?

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

That said, he hugs me tenderly once again.

Then…

We'd both headed for the entrance, ready to leave, but….

Haruka Nanami: W-why do we have to sneak away?

Reiji Kotobuki: Y’know, if Mom finds out about this she’s gonna kill me!

He answers quietly while watching the situation in the shop from the shadows of the staircase.

He seems to be looking for a chance to get to the car without being seen by his mother….

Reiji Kotobuki: The thing with the magazine and then coming back…. She gave me such a lecture, I’m telling you! What would she say if I told her I’m going back?

Haruka Nanami: But if you leave like this… she’ll be worried….

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s alrighty~! I left a note on my desk: “Sorry for intruding.”

Haruka Nanami: Eh….

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, a customer came. This is our chance. Let’s go, Kouhai-chan!

The moment he pulls me by the arm….

I lose my footing, not being used to the slippers.

Haruka Nanami: Kyaaa!!

Slipping on the stairs, I fall into the corridor.

Reiji Kotobuki: Waaah! Are you alright? Aaah thank goodness, you seem to be fine.

Kotobuki-senpai hurries to help me.

Reiji’s mother: Reiji!! What the heck are you doing?!

I hear a woman’s voice in the distance.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh… Mom…. This is bad! Time to run! Let’s goooo!

Haruka Nanami: Kya!!

He picks me up and carries me lighting-fast through the entrance and to the car, and then we depart.

I feel sorry for his mother but….

Seeing Kotobuki-senpai’s profile while we're running away, he seems to be having fun, just like a mischievous child, and it makes me happy.

Then, we look at each other and laugh.

The day after, I come to the office with Kotobuki-senpai to see the president.

Reiji Kotobuki: Shiny-san, sorry for everything.

He lowers his head.

Shining Saotome: OH! MR. KOTOBUKI, apologizing isn’t enough YO!

The president’s sunglasses glint.

Shining Saotome: Idol scandals are a big NONONONONON! AND, YOU gave me a resignation letter. Unless you convince ME that you’re serious, I see no reason to give this back!

The president takes Kotobuki-senpai’s resignation letter out of his desk drawer.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, I understand Shiny-san. AND THAT IS WHY, here, I’ve brought you a present.

Kotobuki-senpai places a box wrapped in cloth on the president’s desk.

Shining Saotome: HMMM, could this be, this smell….

The president’s nose twitches.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, it’s a specially made Kotobuki Bento. Five stacked boxes for special occasions, the Shining Special!

He unties the wrapping cloth, revealing lacquered boxes inside.

He removes the lid.

Inside, there’s karaage of course, and also hamburger steak, fried shrimp, grilled salmon, croquettes and steamed meat dumplings.

Every imaginable lunch box component is crammed in to fill the boxes. In the bottom box, there’s a well-done, roasted steak.

Shining Saotome: OH, meat! My favorite!! GREAAAAT!!

The president raises his voice in delight.

Reiji Kotobuki: I asked my mom to make it.

Kotobuki-senpai says, puffing up with pride.

The president stares at the lunch boxes piercingly….

Shining Saotome: BUT… you won’t win me over with food!! Don’t underestimate me!!

He turns away.

Reiji Kotobuki: I know. This is just to show that I’m really sorry. I didn’t expect you to forgive me with this. I apologize for causing you so much trouble.

Ninety degrees…. No, he bows even lower than that.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m an idol. This is the only way I want to live. I realized that my happiness comes from and my desire is being able to deliver this overflowing love. I want to make those who see me smile. And I want to convey love in song…. I want to love, from the bottom of my heart.

Kotobuki-senpai’s clamoring words about love no longer waver timidly. They pierce straight to the heart of all who hear them.

Shining Saotome: For love… huh? You’ve finally been released from the shadow of guilt…?

Haruka Nanami: Then…?

Shining Saotome: Yeah, with that determination, it will be alright. Let’s forget about the resignation. Do not make the same mistakes again, alright?

He tears apart the resignation letter in his hands.

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s alright. Because I have the best partner and I won’t make her sad.

Shining Saotome: However, don’t forget that you’re participating with a handicap because of that scandal.

The president’s sunglasses glint once more.

Reiji Kotobuki: I know, but that’ll be just fine for a veteran like me.

When Kotobuki-senpai says that and puffs out his chest, the president smiles.

Shining Saotome: Then YOU, make some use of that long entertainment career of yours and give it your all!

Reiji Kotobuki: Can you stop calling it a “long career”?!

Haruka Nanami: I want to thank you, too.

I bow quickly and he turns around splendidly.

Shining Saotome: I expect much from you YO! Let me hear songs that can make idols sparkly sparkly shine~~!

He winks, his smile also shining bright.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… everybody….

When the president leaves, people from the agency suddenly storm into the room.

Otoya Ittoki: Welcome baaack!! Man, I was SO worried! But I’m really glad that you’re okay.

Ittoki-kun smiles from ear to ear.

Reiji Kotobuki: Otoyan… And everyone….

Ryuya Hyuga: Reiji…. You’ve been giving me trouble for so long….

Hyuga-sensei sighs heavily.

Reiji Kotobuki: Sorry for all of that… Ryuya-senpai. I won’t cause you any more trouble. I truly regret it.

Ryuya Hyuga: Apologize to her rather than me. If it weren’t for her, you’d have lost everything by now.

Hyuga-sensei looks at me.

Haruka Nanami: No, it’s nothing…. But I was so worried. I’m happy he’s back.

Tokiya Ichinose: Really, just how much did you make us worry about you….

Reiji Kotobuki: Tokki was worried too?! Rei-chan is deeply moved~ And also, I heard that you went to complain to the producer of the drama, did you? I didn’t expect you to love your senpai so much~

Kotobuki-senpai grins.

Otoya Ittoki: Really? I didn’t know that. Just when…. How about that, Tokiya is so kind, right?

Tokiya Ichinose: What are you…!!

Ichinose-san’s face turns red. Is that so….

Reiji Kotobuki: But Otoyan called my home too. Sorry I pretended I wasn’t there. Thanks… both of you….

Kotobuki-senpai bows and the two of them start looking more calm.

Ai Mikaze: Haaa…. Just when I had lost a rival, he had to come back. I guess I should practice my singing….

Haruka Nanami: Mikaze-senpai!

He looks dashing with his usual cool expression.

Reiji Kotobuki: “He had to come back”... Ai-A~i, isn’t that a bit too cooold?

Ai Mikaze: You’re not in a position to complain even if you get this kind of treatment, right? Think about how much trouble you made for me, too. Why did I have to answer those love questions with Ranmaru?

Mikaze-senpai had to be Kotobuki-senpai’s substitute for his love advice corner.

It seems that the audience couldn’t stop laughing at the weird answers he gave.

Ai Mikaze: So, I won’t forgive you if you are half-hearted in the Song Festival, got it?

I guess this is how Mikaze-senpai worries. His words are harsh, but his tone is very gentle.

Reiji Kotobuki: Leave it to meee! I’ll show you true LOVE…. Wha—heeey!

Mikaze-senpai ignores Kotobuki-senpai and quickly heads towards the corridor.

Ryuya Hyuga: Anyways, reflect on what you’ve done, make sure to win, and compensate us with the result. Ya hear me?!

Hyuga-sensei smashes Kotobuki-senpai’s head with some rolled-up documents.

Reiji Kotobuki: That hurt, jeez~ Yes, yes, I understand!! Then, Kouhai-chan, let’s go~

After he says that, Kotobuki-senpai holds my hand tight.

Haruka Nanami: Wai—... Senpai!!

Ryuya Hyuga: Idiot!! Told ya to be careful with THAT!!

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, I’ll make sure no one sees us like this.

Ryuya Hyuga: THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M SAYIN’!

Otoya Ittoki: Rei-chan, do your best!!

Ittoki-kun waves his hands broadly.

I hold Kotobuki-senpai’s hand tightly while hearing everyone’s words from behind me.

Tokiya Ichinose: ....

Kotobuki-san and I leave the office, enveloped by everyone’s support and cold eyes.

We start practicing for the Song Festival to make up for lost time.

In a way, it's fortunate for us that all of Senpai’s jobs were cancelled, so we have plenty of time now.

We’re able to practice to our heart’s content together.

Neither of us can continue forward if we don’t win at the Song Festival.

That’s a lot of pressure, but still, the time we spend together is fulfilling and lots of fun.

But…. We only get to be like this until the Song Festival….

That makes me feel a little sad….

That’s why I have to cherish every minute we spend together.

While I work on the song with Senpai, I keep that thought in mind.

Some time passes.

Finally, the night before the Song Festival, Kotobuki-senpai brings me back to the dorms in his car as usual.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you for always driving me back. This might be the last time, but let’s do our best tomorrow.

I look up and my eyes fall on Senpai, who has a serious look.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan…. There’s something I want to ask of you….

He casts his eyes down as he speaks.

Haruka Nanami: A request…?

What is it…?

Haruka Nanami: Yes…. If it’s something I can do....

Reiji Kotobuki: Tomorrow, when we participate in the Song Festival. I want you to cheer for me, encourage me. I’ve been thinking I’d like you to do those kinds of things.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…. Oh, okay….

Senpai gets closer and I’m slowly pushed towards the wall.

Reiji Kotobuki: Can you try and call me by my first name?

Kotobuki-senpai blushes a bit and gazes at me. What… his name…?

Select the phrase!

Reiji... senpai? (+30 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Re… Re….

Ugh, this is embarrassing. But if Kotobuki-senpai can win with this...!

Haruka Nanami: Re… Reiji… senpai.

The moment I say it, I feel my cheeks getting hot.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you. You’ve done well, Kouhai-chan. I’m happy you’re doing your best for me.

Kotobuki-senpai pats my head gently.

Reiji Kotobuki: But I want to hear it one more time. This time without the “senpai,” pleaaase.

Haruka Nanami: Do your best… at the Song Festival, Reiji... san….

I manage to do it and Kotobuki-senpai grins widely.

He looks so happy.

It’s embarrassing, but I’m glad I did my best!

Reiji Kotobuki: There we go! My heart is beating so fast, thank you.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

He lightly kisses my cheek and then I inadvertently place my hand on it.

The spot where his lips touched starts to heat up to counteract the cold numbness.

Reiji Kotobuki: Well, there’s another thing I’d like to request….

Senpai comes closer again as he says that.

Haruka Nanami: W-what is it…?

Reiji Kotobuki: See… tomorrow, if I win at the Song Festival, at that time….

Senpai whispers in my ear.

Haruka Nanami: At that time?

My heart beats quickly because of how close he is and the desire to hear what he has to say next.

Reiji Kotobuki: ... Nothing! It’s better to say things like this after we win. Yup, let’s go with that.

I nod as if I understand everything. What should I do…?

Select the phrase!

I’m looking forward to it (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: If it’s you we’re talking about, I believe you’re going to win. So I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say tomorrow.

There’s no need to hurry. I want to wait until he wants to say it.

I just have to sleep through tonight and I’ll hear it tomorrow. I feel unexpectedly certain that Senpai’s song is wonderful.

Reiji Kotobuki: Those are the best words of praise I could get. And, of course, I intend to meet that expectation, but aren’t you saying a lot?

Haruka Nanami: I was too bold I guess….

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m saying that you’ve grown. Having such a reliable partner is very reassuring.

Then Kotobuki-senpai waves his hand and returns home cheerfully.

At last, tomorrow is the Song Festival….

But with the two of us together, it’ll be okay for sure! I wave emphatically back to Senpai while thinking that.

The next day, the Song Festival finally arrives.

We’ve been busy with rehearsals and sound checks since morning.

While we're doing the final checks in the dressing room, Kotobuki-senpai’s phone rings.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah…. Wrong mail. Guess it really is impossible.

Haruka Nanami: What’s wrong? You’ve been fixated on your cell phone for a while now.

Senpai doesn't normally check his phone that much, but he's been checking it all day today.

Reiji Kotobuki: I invited Hibikin and Ke-chan. I said that I’d like them to come watch, but they haven’t replied, so I’m not sure if they’re coming.

Haruka Nanami: So that’s what it was.

Reiji Kotobuki: I want to shine on behalf of Aine. I’m gonna sing a love song that will reach them and Aine. That’s what I wanted to show them.

Even if they understand each other now, those deep scars they share will not disappear right away.

But I hope that someday they'll be able to see Aine-san again and be together once more.

Time passes quickly and the Song Festival begins.

The Shining Song Festival is one of the biggest events for the agency.

Popular idols affiliated with the agency perform and then those performances are used in a contest and the winner is chosen from among them.

Of course, Kurosaki-senpai, Mikaze-senpai and Camus-senpai are participating as well. They've all prepared wonderful performances.

Eventually, Mikaze-senpai’s song begins to play on stage.

His clear voice belts out a painful love song that fills the venue.

It’s lovely, as expected….

But Kotobuki-senpai won’t lose! Everything will be alright!

Though....

If he doesn’t win here, he won’t be able to stay with the agency.

When I remember that, I get a little nervous.

Reiji Kotobuki: I want you to look at meee, not Ai-Ai.

While I’m looking at the stage, I hear a voice coming from behind me.

I turn around and….

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai.... Waaah… so cool.

Kotobuki-senpai is standing there in his costume, smiling.

He looks wonderful, sparkling brighter than ever….

To the point that, somehow, I can’t look at him directly….

Reiji Kotobuki: Hehe, thanks. Are you nervous…? You look a bit pale.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes… a bit….

Kotobuki-senpai takes my hands.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, you’re right. Your hands are so cold. Hey, come here for a bit.

Kotobuki-senpai takes my hand and leads me behind the set.

Haruka Nanami: Um….

Reiji Kotobuki: I will definitely win this contest. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun from the bottom of my heart. You’re the one who made me feel like this. When we first met, I honestly thought you weren’t very resourceful. It was enough to make me worried, even.

His gentle hands warm mine as he speaks. He dexterously strokes my fingers one by one with care.

Reiji Kotobuki: Seeing you working so hard for your dream of making songs for idols to shine, I wanted to do my best too. I want… to see your smile.

Kotobuki-senpai whispers.

Haruka Nanami: My smile….

Reiji Kotobuki: You smiled for me when you heard my singing…. It reminded me of those days.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai….

We hear the cheers and applause for Mikaze-senpai as his song comes to a close on stage.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ll put all of my love into my singing, so make sure to accept it.

He holds my hands tightly.

Haruka Nanami: Yes… Reiji-senpai….

Strange…. It’s like my anxiety has completely gone away…. Soon after, the host calls Senpai from the stage.

Haruka Nanami: Reiji-senpai, do your best.

Kotobuki-senpai’s eyes crease with happiness.

Then, he brings his lips close to my ear and at that moment, his hat falls to the ground.

Reiji Kotobuki: Tonight I’ll sing for your smile, my girl.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

He whispers and kisses me lightly on the edge of my lips.

Haruka Nanami: S-Sen….

Reiji Kotobuki: Sssh, quiet. Do you want someone to see us?

I shake my head silently.

Reiji Kotobuki: We’ll continue after the live, okay...?

He exchanges a high five with Mikaze-senpai, who's just coming back from the stage.

Kotobuki-senpai jumps into the dazzling, shining light.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m Reiji Kotobuki and this is “Dekiai Temptation”! I’ve come to steal your smiles!

Kotobuki-senpai’s sweet singing voice resounds after the gorgeous intro.

The live of our shared destiny has begun.

Chapter End