#my translation partner and i were talking about how it would have changed the story if favell actually showed up the night rebecca died

[conquerthenight]

Help, I think I’m starting to ship Danvich unironically

[juniperskye]

The Set Up.

Sneak peek: based on the following request: Aaron and the reader are secretly married, and the team try to set them up together (obviously not knowing they are married) and they go on their date that the team set up and they enjoy it and the next day they tell the team that they are married. - I changed it a little bit but I hope you like it!

Aaron Hotchner x (Fem) Reader

Fluff

Word count: 1878

REQUESTS ARE OPEN - not edited - please be kind. Requests are open and feedback is welcome if it's constructive!

Warnings: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! My blog is 18+, minors DNI, implied age gap (kinda?), secret relationship, mentions of canon typical violence, some language, team members meddling. I think that’s all, let me know if I missed any!

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

The team had been immediately aware of the difference in Hotch’s demeanor when you joined the BAU. You had been bright and shiny, straight out of the FBI academy and you’d had an impressive resume. In all seriousness, Hotch had chosen you to join the team prior to reading your name or date of birth. So, when you arrived with that twinkle in your eye and a hunger to make the world a better place, he knew he needed to protect you that for as long as he could.

Dave was the first one to mention the elephant in the room to Hotch. It had been about six months since you had joined the team. He had cornered Hotch at the coffee maker and outright asked him.

“Do you have feelings for her?”

“Dave that is not an appropriate question and this is certainly not the place for it.” Hotch shook his head, walking away.

Of course he had feelings for you, how could he not? You had been sweet and gentle, and you hadn’t let the horrors of the job harden you. Which is exactly why Hotch had asked you on a date two weeks prior, you had been out a few times since then, but Hotch couldn’t let Dave know. What if it didn’t work out? What if it got out and the bureau reprimand you both? What if it got out and you were targeted because of him?

Those are all the reasons he continued to use as an excuse for keeping your relationship under wraps. It’s been two years, and since then the two of you had become serious, moved in, got married, and were now talking about expanding your family…which of course led to a more intensive conversation of telling the bureau and more importantly the team of your relationship.

On the other hand, Penelope had been working endlessly to set you up with an eligible bachelor she knew, and after many failed attempts and a drunken night out with the girls, Emily had outed the crush you had on Hotch. If only they knew. That was the beginning of the schemes – the team was doing everything in their power to set the two of you up.

They had sent you undercover as a couple more than once, constantly partnered the two of you up on cases, made sure to take all the seats on the plane so you’d be forced to sit next to one another, and left you two to share rooms when it was needed on cases. The two of you found it humorous given that you’d already been doing all those things in secrecy.

It had been a pretty quiet day, you all had been catching up on paperwork, when the girls approached you and unbeknownst to you, the guys approached Aaron. That evening while cooking dinner you and Aaron would share nearly identical stories.

They approached me about a blind date. They said that it was scheduled for Friday at 7pm at Fredrich’s. To look for the

Woman in red and that I should wear gray.

Man in gray and that I should wear red.

At that point the two of you looked at one another and laughed. The team had set you up on a blind date with one another. You both agreed to play into the team’s plan and go on the “blind” dates they were setting you up on.

The rest of week went on slowly, but once Friday came around, the girls couldn’t contain their excitement for you. Emily had reassured you that the guy she set you up with was nothing if not a gentleman.

Morgan had made sure to stop by Hotch’s office and remind him of his date.

“Don’t leave this girl hanging man. She’s a great girl.” Morgan scolded.

“I will be there; you have nothing to worry about.” Aaron couldn’t help but smile as he thought of you.

You’d left work at 5:00 on the dot and went straight home to get ready. Aaron left at 6:15 and adjusted his attire, he removed his jacket and tie, unbuttoning the top two buttons on his shirt.

“Hey sweetheart” his hands made their way around your waist “you look incredible.” Aaron placed a desperate kiss on your neck.

“Aaron, we should really be going!” You couldn’t help the giggle that escaped you.

You headed to the restaurant, excited to be out on a date, it had been a while since you had been out for dinner together, with work being so busy. When you arrived at Fredrich’s, Aaron pulled up out front and made his way around to your door. After assisting you out of the car, he handed his keys to the valet and led you inside.

As you made your way inside to the hostess stand you looked around the restaurant. Taking in your surroundings you were quick to notice a gentleman sitting alone at a table for two wearing none other than, a gray suit.  As you were waiting for the hostess to seat you, a woman entered the restaurant accidentally bumping your arm.  At the disruption Aaron glanced in your direction and took note of the color of the woman's dress…it was red.

 Aaron and you shared a look, one that was filled with acknowledgment and laced with a little bit of humor.  When the hostess looked up at you, Aaron gestured for the woman to go first she mentioned to the hostess that she was meeting someone, and he was meant to be wearing gray. The hostess nodded and said he got there just a few moments ago and directed the woman to the table with the man in gray, sitting alone.

When she returned you asked for a table for two and were directed to a small booth in the back corner. You couldn't help the scoff that escaped you looking over to Aaron in utter disbelief.

“I can't believe this…”  you shook your head “they have been trying to get us together for months and they set us up on these blind dates, with random people at the same place this doesn't make any sense.” You finished.

“Do you think maybe they thought that if we saw each other out with other people that we'd come to our senses and ask one another out?” Aaron inquired.

“I mean maybe, I guess they thought that we'd either end up with one another because we couldn't stand the thought of each other with someone else or they thought that we'd end up matching well with the people they set us up with. Either way I think it might be time to let them in on our little secret.” You suggested.

“Yeah, I think perhaps you're right.” Aaron agreed.

Throughout the rest of the evening, you and Aaron shared a wonderful dinner and couldn't help but peek over at the couple that was set up by pure accident.  It made you smile at how well they appeared to be hitting it off and if anything could come of this night you were glad it could be new love for two people deserving of it.

When you and Aaron arrived home that evening you decided to discuss how you would break the news to the team that you'd actually been together, married in fact. You knew it would be hard especially with how close you were with them, Penelope would for sure be the most upset, given that you'd have had a wedding that she wasn't invited to.

Monday morning Aaron and you woke up, got dressed (unintentionally coordinating I might add) and for the first time, drove to work together. You walked in the building together hand in hand, with the hope that your team would be accepting.  Unsurprisingly the first person to notice was Morgan, he had been sitting on Emily's desk and looked over as soon as you two entered the room.

You couldn't tell what they were more shocked about as eyes made their way to you. Was it the fact that this is the latest Aaron had arrived to work since he started at the BAU or was it the fact that you were so openly partaking in PDA. Naturally you were bombarded with questions like; how long you have been together, when you got together, what the relationship status was, if Dave has secretly known the whole time, they all were tossed at you with ferocity. But in the middle of all those questions Emily posed a rather important one, 

“If you two are together, what happened on your dates last night and why did you even agree to go on them?”

“Well, we've been together for quite a while and when we went home the other night, we had shared the information of the blind dates you guys were setting us up on and when we both had the story of me wearing red and him wearing Gray we sort of thought you guys were trying to set us up together.” You explained, “So color us surprised when we got to the restaurant at the same time as a woman in red who was looking for a man in gray.”

“Wait, but what about Mary? Hotch I told you not to leave her hanging, she's a good girl and I've known her a long time.” Morgan warned.

“And what about Ethan, he texted me this weekend saying how great the date went?” Emily questioned.

“Well, we let the hostess escort the girl in the red dress to the guy in the gray suit. So, Ethan and Mary went on a date together. While we enjoyed a much-needed date night.” Aaron clarified.

There was chatter amongst the team trying to break down the information they had just received from the two of you. You could tell they were still confused on some of the details, especially that of yours and Aaron's relationship. You looked at Aaron with pleading eyes, which he returned with a curt nod. The two of you thought it best to explain the situation to everyone.

“I guess we should probably explain ourselves. We have been married for about eight months. We have been together for nearly two years. I know that that probably comes as a shock but given everything we've gone through working here we do hope that you'll understand. our secrecy wasn't because we don't trust you, it was simply to keep one another safe as well as avoid any sort of reprimand from the director.” You informed.

You could tell the team was a combination of many emotions seeing them all flash across their faces, emotions like hurt, understanding, shock, but the most surprising was the love and care that ended on all of the faces in front of you. You couldn't be more appreciative of the people standing before you.

The blind date story was one that the team would go on to tell in many ways; to your future children of how they found out their parents were together, in Dave's best man speech at your vow renewal, and in simple jokes in passing. At the end of the day the team couldn't be happier that the two of you got your happy ending. Together.

[purrlockswatson]

Phantom of the Opera (1990), you did Erik proud

Alternate title: Christine, we have beef!

(Meme inspired by this post.)

I have not a bad word for this Erik (and not just because I can feel a certain friend of mine holding a chandelier over my head). The 1990 adaptation made some big changes to the story, but it perfectly captured the childlike soul of Leroux's Erik that is often lost in translation but vital to him. (When I was explaining POTO to someone outside the situation, i. e. my mum, two things I kept using as comparisons were a child and Gollum - not because he's a chaos gremlin, I was trying to describe how he has a skewered perspective of the world that isn't evil but doesn't follow the accepted moral system. But that's for another time.)

I found myself trying very hard not to resent Christine - a first time for me. I will defend her choosing the Compte de Chagny over Erik, she doesn't owe Erik love, no matter what he did for her. The problem is that she took on a responsibility she couldn't possibly carry.

Never, ever assume to fully understand someone. Especially someone like Erik, who thinks and exists on a different pane as most people. Christine was wrong, terribly wrong, to assume she 'knew his heart.'

When faced with a person so sensitive, so particular, when being the one person trusted by a person who trusts no one, don't make huge gambles like that. She shouldn't have assumed she knew what Erik needs better than he does - he told you he is happy with where they were, then stay there with him! Instead, she pulled the 'I can fix him' and shattered him completely. I don't hate her for being unable to catch Erik when he falls, I hate her for blindly promising to catch him and failing him.

(I do realise how much of the above describes myself and my worries about how people treat me, so fair warning, I may be a bit biased.)

An opinion: in every version, Erik emotionally manipulates Christine but here, Christine is the one who is emotionally manipulative. ('Manipulative' may sound malicious, but manipulators aren't always aware of what they're doing.)

In the second part of the series, she said at least three times 'If you love me...' Now, that is one of my least favourite sentences to see and hear in the best of times, but this is somehow even worse because Erik DOES do everything because he loves her. In other versions, there is the question of obsession against love when it comes to their relationship; in that context, I would accept her saying this. But here, Erik is not possessive.

As for Monsieur Carrière, I have beef with him too. An even bigger, tougher slice of beef. He is proved to be irresponsible: not once, but twice, he got in relationships and then left this partners when they have children. First time could be a mistake; the second time, especially when kept Erik's mother in the dark about his marriage, is inexcusable. Yes, he stayed with her till the end, but then left their son in a basement. Yes, he reached out to Erik in the end, but too little, too late. If Erik is emotional and irrational, it's because Carrière never gave him the guidance he should have.

Christine and Carrière love Erik, I don't doubt it. But it's still painful to see Erik fall down through everyone and everything that should have caught him: his talent, his parents, Christine.

If you'll excuse me, I need to cry in the catacombs and draw something miserable.

I talk about several other adaptations here!

[kurishiri]

14 . . . main story

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— cw: obsessive, stalkerish, kind of controlling behavior.

The art dealer from the ‘Bernard Company’ arrived at Lord Elbert’s manor the next day.

Of course, the people here did not hold a shred of doubt that the person they welcomed in the manor was simply ‘Lord Elbert’s work partner.’

(To be honest, facing him directly now that I understood that he was a member of the ‘Bernard Company’...)

(...is really painful.)

Acting as Lord Elbert’s assistant, I was to accompany him in this deal.

When I thought of how he was a member of the organization that had tried to kill Daisy, my chest became more heavy every time I gave a superficial smile.

Lord Elbert was indifferently talking with the art dealer...

(But Lord Elbert is probably also hurting as we speak.)

The memories we had shared together the day Daisy had passed only more strongly confirmed this.

(He looks as he does any other day, but... perhaps, the reason why is because he had become too accustomed to the pain.)

Art dealer: All of the pieces before you are rare goods of top-class quality. You probably won’t be able to get them anywhere but here.

The art pieces and jewelry the dealer brought with him were lined up in a row, and clearly in high spirits, he questioned Lord Elbert.

Art dealer: Well, might there be pieces befitting that of a count?

Elbert: ......All of them.

Art dealer: Excuse me?

Elbert: Leave them all here, please.

With just a short glance at the pieces lined up before us, Lord Elbert had made his decision.

Art dealer: ...I see. I did have an inkling you’d say so based on the party and also some rumors I’d heard in passing, but goodness gracious.

The art dealer seemed to be scheming something, and his eyes narrowed like a razor beneath his silk hat.

Art dealer: It appears you are quite obsessed with beauty too, no?

Elbert: ...‘Too’?

Art dealer: Well, seeing that I do consider you a true collector, I would like to make a proposition.

The art dealer adjusted his seating and lowered his voice, almost as though he were divulging a secret.

Art dealer: Next time, the top of the Company, Gabriel Bernard,

Art dealer: will invite honored guests from outside the country to hold an auction.

(...!)

(When he says ‘top’——he must mean the head of this criminal organization.)

Art dealer: The special showcase is a rare blue diamond of over 60 carats, regarded as the most beautiful in this world and beyond.

Art dealer: And I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend that auction. How about it? Is it to your fancy?

(...Which means, he’s been accepted as someone ‘invited to their domain.’)

Accepting the invitation would unmistakably be a crucial development to the mission given by Her Majesty.)

Elbert: ......Alright, I accept.

Art dealer: Ahh, I’m glad! I will send the invitation to you at a later date.

Art dealer: Well then, please sign here for the payment.

When the negotiations were finished, Jeffrey, who had been waiting next to us, approached and led the art dealer out of the lobby.

The moment he was out of the room, suddenly, I casually looked toward him.

Jeffrey: ...

Our eyes met for a mere moment, I felt something lingering.

(He probably doesn’t take to me well. In fact, it’s natural for him to think that way...)

This morning, I visited Lord Elbert early.

I didn’t want him to go through what he did yesterday while changing clothes.

(At the very least, while I’m here, I don’t want Lord Elbert to go through things that caused him pain.)

If it was for that, I didn’t mind being the object of someone’s hate.

Elbert: The world’s most beautiful jewel, he said...

E: ...What is that, I wonder.

Those few words seemed to spill out in a murmur, drawing my attention back to Lord Elbert.

Kate: I... can’t help but be curious about it, too. But it’s surely something very pretty, I would think.

Elbert: ...If you say so, then it might be the case.

His golden locks of hair covered the edge of his eyes, which themselves seemed like jewels, as he looked up, as if imagining what such a gem could look like.

(Something like a 60-carat diamond... is beyond my imagination.)

It could be something so beautiful that it would make everything I ever laid my eyes upon so far seem like a blurry haze.

(If Lord Elbert saw something like that... he might end up not wanting me anymore.)

He might think that his thoughts of me being beautiful, of wanting me, might have been a misunderstanding.

(But, if it would help relieve Lord Elbert’s pain, then maybe that would be for the best...)

(...but, still, I would be lonely, if it really turned out that way.)

I shook my head at the words whispering from the back of my mind.

(What am I thinking?)

(I want Lord Elbert to feel that ‘it’s okay to not have to collect beautiful things anymore.’)

Elbert: ...Kate.

Kate: ! Yes!?

Elbert: ... [surprised]

My voice had come out more loud than I intended, and Lord Elbert widened his eyes in surprise.

Elbert: You had gone quiet, shaking your head, and I thought you might feel unwell...

E: ...Is something the matter?

Even after he had said that he ‘wanted to have me,’ as if I were some object in his eyes,

he had extended that consideration I always knew he had within him to me, as if it were the most normal thing to do... and it hurt my heart.

Kate: Thank you for your concern. I was just thinking about some things.

Elbert: Is that so... then that’s good.

E: ...

E: ...Were you thinking of something, other than me?

Kate: Eh!? Umm... it... does have something with you, too, Lord Elbert.

Elbert: ......I see.

Lord Elbert seemed to accept my answer as it was, and his expression softened a little.

Elbert: We have no more business here in the manor... so let’s return to the castle today.

(I see... it must be because he had grasped the chance to infiltrate into the Bernard Company.)

(So, there is no reason to be here in the manor.)

Kate: Okay, I’ll start preparing then!

If it meant we could get out of here sooner, I had no complaints.

(If it’s Crown Castle, then Lord Elbert will be safe there, and... we probably won’t be together, just the two of us, as often.)

(If so, then I’ll have more time to think a little more calmly about a way to end this cycle of atonement.)

Kate: Well then, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll meet you in a bit.

Elbert: Alright.

Alfons: ......

—— Neutral POV ——

When the door closed behind Kate’s retreating figure, and the sound of her footsteps grew more distant,

Alfons, who had posed as a spectator during the negotiation, opened his mouth to speak.

Alfons: ...What a sore miscalculation on my part.

Elbert: ...What do you mean?

Alfons: I’ve told you time and time again that Kate is not beautiful.

A: So, why did you say something like you wanted to have her again?

Alfons asked out of simple curiosity, and in response, Elbert turned toward the door from which Kate had left.

Elbert: ...I don’t know.

E: Just that... I thought she was, beautiful—

E: —so, I must have her.

Those eyes become clouded over by a dark, heavy obsession.

Alfons: ...Is that so.

Alfons, as if having given up on something, let out a resigned sigh.

Alfons: Well then, shall I prepare something like a glass casket for you?

As if he were looking on at a play while knowing its ending, his chin rested on his hand, his elbow on the armrest of his chair.

—— Kate’s POV ——

We departed from the manor before twilight, and we returned to Crown Castle the next morning.

Victor: My dear Elbert, Alfons, and Kate! How are you enjoying your first breakfast at the castle in a loooong time?

V: Hm... oh? What’s this I see now?

(Ahh... I feel like I know where this is going...)

V: If my eyes do not deceive me, it seems Elbert has become completely smitten with Kate.

Harrison: I’m not sure I’d call that ‘smitten’... It’s more like...

Alfons: Why, of course, Lord Elbie is trying to win her heart over.

(Um, I mean you’re not wrong, but you’re not right either...!)

While retorting in my mind, I glanced beside me.

(This morning, when I finished my routine and left my room, Lord Elbert was there waiting for me,)

(and he invited me to breakfast, together with him...)

And so now, I was sitting next to him, with his eyes on me, as I ate breakfast.

Elbert: ......

(It’s not like this is the first time I’ve felt Lord Elbert’s eyes on me...)

(but it’s the first time he’s looked at me for such a long time... maybe...)

Kate: Um... do I... have a bed head or something...?

Elbert: No... you don’t. You look very pretty.

Kate: T-thank you. Then, can I ask why you are, um...

‘looking right at me,’ is what I wanted to ask, but my words got stuck.

Elbert: ...Because, I want you to think about me as much as possible.

E: ...So that you can’t think about anyone else.

Kate: Ah, uh... I, see...

Elbert: Mn...

All of a sudden, the flavor of the food seemed to dull.

(I know that everything he does is to ‘have me’. I know that...)

(...but, if someone I liked told me this...)

(I would be so happy... I wouldn’t need to hear any reason...)

Trying to hide my reddening cheeks, I cast my eyes down, pretending to be absorbed in cutting the asparagus, but...

Alfons: That’s the spirit, Lord Elbert. The countdown before Kate breaks down is starting.

Kate: !? Alfons...?

He seemed to be egging on Lord Elbert with those words, and I couldn’t help but look up at him.

Where in the world did the Alfons who warned me to stay away from Lord Elbert go?

He was sitting across from Lord Elbert, and he smiled at me as if seeing through me feeling shaken.

Alfons: Unfortunately, it appears you are already beyond the point of no return...

A: So I thought, why not have you entertain me, then, as a spectator, now that it’s come to this?

(...I see, so it’s like that.)

(He means that he won’t warn me, nor will he try to stop Lord Elbert anymore...)

(I ended up ignoring his warnings, even after three times, so I can’t blame him for turning the other way, but this was such a sudden change of attitude that I couldn’t help but feel baffled.)

Elbert: ...Kate. Look here.

Kate: Uh...?

I could hardly say anything before Lord Elbert cupped my cheeks with both his hands, turning my face toward him.

Elbert: ...You, looked at Al longer than you have at me.

Kate: ...That’s not it...

Elbert: It is...

(Um...)

I couldn’t take the power his peerless beauty had on me in close proximity, and so I closed my eyes shut.

Elbert: Why are you closing your eyes... open them, please.

Kate: I-if you step away from me, I will...

Elbert: ...You won’t look at Al?

Kate: I won’t, I won’t anymore, so...

I felt his hands withdraw from my cheek, and I opened my eyes again.

I tried to calm my very quick heartbeat, and when I looked back at those blue eyes,

Elbert: ......

A satisfied smile played on Lord Elbert’s lips, and I thought my breath was going to stop.

(To think I could have time to calmly think if we weren’t together... how naïve that was of me.)

Being sought after like this by Lord Elbert... there was no way I could be calm.

Victor: I have to say, I’m kiiinda getting a little jealous of them. Don’t you agree, Harrison!

Harrison: Hey, don’t grab onto my shoulders. I’m trying to eat here.

The playful exchange from beside me brought me back to my senses.

(The subject... let’s change the subject...!)

Kate: C-come to think of it, are you not going to eat, Lord Elbert?

Elbert: ...? Eat what?

Alfons: That is a bit of a tasteless answer, Elbie. Of course, whatever else could she be referring to but herself?

Kate: No, I meant breakfast.

Elbert: ...Now that you mention it... I had forgotten.

After looking at the breakfast before him for a while,

he pierced an apple slice with his fork, and brought it up to his lips in a graceful motion.

(An apple...)

Kate: Lord Elbert, do the apples today taste good too?

I remembered the day we went out to eat lunch together, and I asked him before I could think.

Elbert: ...Yes. ...It’s delicious.

(‘Delicious’...)

With just that word alone, all of my nervousness and unease disappeared like the waves pulling back to the waters,

leaving my heart filled only with a warm happiness.

(It’s not as though I understand what’s in his heart from those words alone...)

Like that day, he had said the apple was delicious, and I was so happy that a broad smile formed on my lips.

Kate: ...I’m glad.

Elbert: ...

(I got so distracted by him seeking me out, that I almost lost sight of what was important.)

(I... wanted Lord Elbert to smile.)

I reminded myself to not get distracted, and continued eating. When I did, Lord Elbert started to eat as well, little by little, next to me.

Kate: This asparagus is really good. It’s really sweet.

Elbert: ...Mn.

And then, around the time breakfast was going to end peacefully, Victor spoke to me.

Victor: Oh, yes, Kate. Once you’re done eating, could I borrow a bit of your time?

Kate: ...? Yes, sure.

Elbert: ......

—— Time skip ——

Kate: A ‘midterm report’...?

Victor: Yes, that’s right. It seems you’ve been writing a lot of memos as the Fairytale Keeper, so I thought it was about time, you see.

Kate: Alright then. I’ll turn in a formal report.

(...Hm? Wait a minute. The things I can report on...)

After I said yes, I realized that the only topic I could really report on was Lord Elbert.

Kate: Um... actually, I’m sorry, but I don’t really know anyone else aside from Lord Elbert that well...

K: I barely know Alfons as things stand now...

Victor: Yes, that’s fine. You can just write about Lord Elbert then.

V: Also, there is no need to rush, so take things at your own pace. Anyway, that’s all I had to say. Sorry for calling you in so suddenly.

(As Fairytale Keeper, my job to record the ‘sins of the Cursed as was determined by their fates’...)

(...That was the condition for me to return to my normal life.)

‘The Cursed are fated to meet a tragic end’——

I remember hearing that before.

(And, if I remember right, Alfons had said Lord Elbert’s Curse was...)

(‘The Greedy Queen.’)

With a bow, I was about to leave the room, but then I turned back toward Victor.

Victor: What is it?

Kate: ...I’m, a little curious.

Kate: About what Lord Elbert’s tragic fate is, based on the Curse of the Greedy Queen.

Jet black eyes had me apprehended.

For a moment, as if being covered by a veil of night, the room grew silent.

Victor: ‘Never feeling satisfied or fulfilled, he will end up with nothing.’ That is his Cursed fate.

(Never feeling satisfied or fulfilled... he will, end up with nothing...)

Kate: Thank you... for that.

As if swallowing a stone down, my heart grew heavier.

His Cursed fate was like a verdict, that I could do nothing to bring Lord Elbert out of his deep, dark sadness.

Elbert: ...Kate.

When I left the lounge, Lord Elbert was waiting for me, leaning against the windowsill.

Kate: Lord Elbert...! What’s wrong?

Elbert: I was waiting for you. ...Because, I want to spend as much time with you, as possible.

It was as though that was the most natural response in the world, and I felt my heart throb sweetly again.

(This is, to steal my heart... in order to have me.)

(That’s... how it should be... and yet...)

The love I had tried to keep a secret in my heart whispered in my ear, and I couldn’t help but to feel there was more meaning to his words than that.

Elbert: What were you talking about? With Victor.

Kate: About my job as Fairytale Keeper. He wants me to turn in a midterm report.

Elbert: I see......

Kate: What about you, Lord Elbert? What are your plans for today?

Elbert: Nothing, in particular. ...Until the auction, like you, I have a little bit of paperwork to do.

(If I said ‘then let us do our jobs,’ then I would be able to get some time to think alone.)

(We had just returned from the mansion, so I... don’t want to leave Lord Elbert on his own.)

Kate: Then, let’s relax together today. Is there anywhere you’d like to go?

Elbert: ...If I can be with you, then I’d be happy going anywhere.

E: But, it would be nice if we could go... to a place where no other person can come between us.

Lord Elbert stared intently at the lounge door.

(...Is he, seriously worried about me being called by Victor...?)

I could feel something similar to envy in his gaze, and I felt a little excited.

(How nice it would be, if this was a simple jealousy though...)

I put a lid over such thoughts, and instead I thought about what I was going to do from here.

Kate: So, maybe we shouldn’t go out in the city.

K: If possible, I’d like you to be able to have fun, but...

K: ...what do you enjoy doing, Lord Elbert?

Elbert: ...Enjoy...?

He made a face as though he had never even thought about it, and seeing that hurt my heart.

His own happiness, and his own enjoyment——just how much had this person before me deprived himself of those things?

(I would like to spend time somewhere warm, and bright...)

(...to the point there was no room for sadness to slip through the cracks.)

Kate: ...How about, a picnic? I know of a wonderful flower field with very few people.

Elbert: ...A flower field... with very few people...

E: I feel that would make me... want to carry you away, and have you to myself...

E: But, if that’s alright with you, then——let’s go.

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🏷️: @magicalkoo (leave a comment, send an ask, or dm me saying you want to be added to the tag list if you want to be tagged!)

[ewyband]

EWY BIG Q&A

hi!! recently i did a q&a on instagram about SLAD. unfortunately (or fortunately?) there were too many questions to answer purely on instagram stories without spamming. here's the ones i couldn't answer on instagram, answered here!

MERLOT, both in terms of my favourite composition and performance

my partner and i were on a break whilst they were studying abroad ("we're only on month 1 of 4"). I just kinda word vomited my feelings. I was feeling pretty depressed at the time I wont lie.

yes i DID!!! this EP was MADE for fun. i wrote the songs specifically to make fun songs to play live. (aside from HOLLOW DRUG)

"And I could be displaced from my home And it could be seen on all your phones Is it real? Or is it fake? Look close, do my arms look like legs?"

probs the most lyrically dense I've been?? i'm not sure.

first of all, thank you so much!! second, some songs i write it all in one day but others can take a week or so before i'm fully happy with how its sounding. that being said, i always end up changing something before recording (usually around a month after writing, but in the case of MERLOT, that was recorded only a week after writing).

if i had to just name one, it'd be Nirvana. I wrote a 3000 word essay on In Utero for uni and that genuinely inspired me to make these songs. I really loved how Nirvana performed and I thought 'man, if only I had songs like that where I'd have an excuse to go crazy' other influences would include Jeff Rosenstock (my #1 fav artist) and PUP (greatest live show I've ever been to) btw, thank u sm!!

yes,,, very much

unfortunately i havent learnt proper scream technique so all of my screams were done at the very very end of my recording sessions. i think it worked out because that meant i had a lot of pent up frustration

i will start by saying my uni lets me hire out all of these microphones for free (if you don't count the student loan) vocals: SM7b & RE20 (only on sociopathic leech) guitar: AKG C414 matched pair (acoustic and electric) bass: my takes were originally done with an RE20, pretty sure fern just DI'd drums: Audix DP7 + SM57 (for hi-hat) + C414 for room mic's

i'll try get this done tomorrow!

i was in a guitar lesson at uni and we were talking about chromatics in the blues scale. my guitar teacher suggested i try to make a riff using the blues scale and particularly the chromatic part. that riff ended up being the middle 8 section of RIGHTS TO MY WRONGS. the rest of the song basically acted as a vessel to transport this breakdown middle 8 section. hopefully it doesn't come across that way !!!!!! but that was the main idea.

it felt very natural. i'll probably continue to go this direction in my future releases.

its mainly a reference to SOCIOPATHIC LEECH! 'i could beat you with a bat'. i just wanted something that felt visceral and angry and i feel like izzie really captured that.

yes and no! brett romnes is a super nice guy and very fun to work with. i obviously had my own mixes so he could see what i preferred and essentially made it better. i think there ended up being 4 drafts before we reached a final master.

these were my original mixing notes! i think the only thing that really got lost in translation was i added some really subtle vocal distortion at the end of HOLLOW DRUG in my original mix. in the end, i feel empowered by brett because he made it sound like what i felt it should sound like in my head (DOES THIS SENTENCE MAKE SENSE!?)

after i wrote SOCIOPATHIC LEECH and RIGHTS TO MY WRONGS, i was like 'okay, this is the style we're going for, lets do some sort of project in this particular style' i was pretty dead set on an EP since i'd just done an album. so to answer your question, yes and no!

i wish i could put something significant here. im sure theres some psychologist out there who could tell me that the song represents something about me. i was feeling alienated at the time, hopefully this helps? "confess your sins to the crowd, no-one can hear you when you're talking so loud" is definitely about my frustrations with song meanings though

hi mikey!

this person was the GM for a cyberpunk TTRPG game i played in. i wanted to write a cyberpunk themed album at one point but i guess that one merlot line is the closest we'll get.

i have semi answered this question but I WANTED TO WRITE SONGS THAT WERE FUN TO PLAY LIVE !!!!! and i think it worked out in the end

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO WROTE IN !!! MY ASKBOX IS ALWAYS OPEN!!!

[all-risejd]

A New Judgment Chapter 6: The Dinner and Some Questions (A Poly Judgment Day Fic)

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7.

Rhea turns towards the door that Nessa and Damien just entered through and a look of relief comes across her face. Nessa sees Dominik pacing and muttering under his breath in Spanish. "Oh, thank god, he won't listen to a word we say and can't understand a word he is saying," Rhea tells Damien. Nessa goes to stand between Rhea and Finn as Damien goes over and starts to talk to Dominik the conversation clearly heated.

"Dominik is bitching about me putting myself in harm's way, about his dad not being careful with me and is unhappy with the story Triple H wants us to do because the drama is real and not just a story." Nessa roughly translates and continues as they do. "Damien is just trying to calm him down and to not go after Rey because it was an accident..." Nessa trails off as Dominik begins to spout off specifics as to why it was not ok for Rey to grab her like that. Nessa's eyes go wide, and she jumps over and grabs Dominik's face, "Dominik, you need to stop and calm down. You are telling MY past to someone I barely know. That is my story to tell, not yours. I am fine physically and mentally, now will you calm the fuck down before I have to have Mami beat the shit out of you again" She tries to lighten the mood with a joke from the story last year that started it all. She feels him deflate, her hands still on either side of his face as he nods his head.

Rhea, Finn, and Damien share a knowing look and smile. Glad she was able to stop Dominik from spiraling and doing something he'd regret. "I'm sorry Nessa, truly for that and everything else." He apologizes again and she huffs, her hands dropping to her side.

"Dom I forgave you, I'm letting you rebuild a relationship and trust with me you can stop apologizing." She flicks his nose gently and laughs as he scrunches it up, his bad mood effectively broken.

"I know, but I don't think I can forgive myself." He glances at his partners who discretely gesture for him to continue then act like they are engrossed in their phones so they can talk sort of privately.

"Dom, forgive yourself. Don't beat yourself up, that is my job and I don't want to." Nessa tries to joke again but frowns as he doesn't even crack a smile that time.

"Look, since you are going to be traveling with us, let's go to dinner before returning to the hotel and I can give you that explanation I owe you now instead of later." He asks, grabbing her hand giving her puppy eyes.

"Dom, I would but I am going to dinner with Luis. We need to talk about our storyline among other things." She explains and he glances in Damien's direction before letting out a soft

"Oh..."

"Hey where are you all going till Monday since it's only a few days?" She asks coming up with a plan.

"We are driving up to Seattle and will spend a few days there. After Raw we are going to New York at Luis place until we fly out to Smackdown on thursday." He explains, still glancing between Nessa and Damien confused.

"Ok how about this I ride with you and we can talk then is that ok Dom?" She offers and gently grabs his chin so he will look at her. He nods again agreeing with the plan. She turns to the rest of the group. "I know you were listening, is that plan alright with you guys too?" She addresses them and gets a chorus of agreement.

"Are you rooming with me tomorrow in Seattle?" Rhea asks, winking at her.

Nessa rolls her eyes. "You already know the answer. Yes, I am. He wants us rooming together."

"And you are ok with that?" Rhea tries to make sure Nessa is comfortable.

"Why wouldn't I be Demi? You respect my boundaries. It doesn't make me uncomfortable to share a room with you." Nessa shakes her head.

"I just wanted to be sure babe," Rhea shrugs and goes back to her phone and tweets about the show. Damien puts his phone away and stands up and grabs his bag to go into the bathroom to change, Finn following suit. "Dom why don't you go change with the boys and let Nessa change. I'll knock on the door when she is done, I know it'll be cramped I'm sorry." Rhea strongly suggests gesturing to the bathroom the other two men are in.

"Yeah, uh, sorry Ness." He mutters again and disappears in the bathroom.

"You know I'm not changing right? I'm just going to throw on a jacket till I'm back at the hotel." Nessa looks at Rhea who is looking at her like she is crazy.

"You are going on a date with Damo? Wearing that? No I don't think so." Rhea stands up and goes through Nessa's bag.

Nessa stands stock still, the air pulled out of her lungs. "It. It's not a date, I, uh, wha?." Nessa stutters.

"Oh relax Nes, I'm just messing with you. Finn was right, you are too easy to rile up. I honestly thought I fucked up when I texted you good girl." Rhea tries to calm her down and get reassurance for herself..

"No that was fine honestly that did something," Nessa admits, blushing. She snaps her head towards the crashing sound that just came from the bathroom.

"Everything ok in there boys?" Rhea calls out hearing two ' yes 's and Damien's deep voice grumbling something they can't make out.

"A-ha." Rhea cheers as she finds the corset top Nessa wore at Wrestlemania.

"You can keep the pants on, they are fine but here put this on I'll turn around." Rhea hands it over and turns around dramatically covering her eyes. Nessa rolls hers as she does as told knowing it is no use arguing she won't win this fight.

Once she has the corset snapped in place she calls out, "Hey Demi can you tie it for me, I'm a little too sore to do it myself from earlier." Nessa admits holding the front so she doesn't spill out over the top.

Nessa hears Dominik call out, "Oh come on" and she snickers, guessing what he is thinking. Rhea quietly comes over and tightens up the back of the corset, unnaturally quiet for the first time since Nessa met her.

"Hey you ok?" Nessa asks and she hears Rhea take a breath and swallow before answering.

"Yeah, I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable while I did this for you." Rhea pats Nessa's shoulders letting her know she is done and Nessa turns around.

"I'm fine, I was more uncomfortable with the sudden silence, I thought I upset you." Nessa responds watching as Rhea goes over and knocks on the bathroom door, the boys spilling out shoving each other.

Finn nods in approval of Nessa's outfit. "You look good Ness, not that you don't always look good It's just you, gah" Dominik tries to compliment before running his hand down his face.

"I get what you are trying to say Dom relax we've been over this, please stop trying to walk on eggshells around me." Nessa throws the shirt she changed out of at him.

Damien just laughs at Dominik getting flustered before addressing Nessa, "He is right you look divine," He eyes Nessa up and down and she quirks her eyebrow up at him again.

"And you look fine!" She shoots back and he can't tell if she means just fine or the compliment FINE. Dominik laughing tells him it's the former.

"What... what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" He holds his arms out and turns around showing off his Jeans, slayer t-shirt and Jacket he is wearing over it.

"Nothing" Nessa shrugs and grabs her jacket and purse and tries to grab her bag but Dominik beats her to it.

"Nuh-uh, you don't carry your luggage around us, we do it for you and Mami."

"Dom, I'm not at the same hotel as you so give me my luggage." Nessa holds her hand out to grab the handle only for Damien to reach over and grab it, putting it on top of his since it is just a small carry on bag, daring her to argue with a look like she did to them earlier. Nessa huffs and stomps her foot, aggravated but thankful nonetheless.

Finn laughs at her reaction. "Get used to it love you won't win that argument ever." Finn warns.

"You ready Mamita, I'm hungry." He stands up grabbing the handle of their bags and gestures towards the door.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow Dom, pick me up at my hotel yeah?" She asks verifying the plan with him and he smiles.

"Yeah see you then Nes!" Dom calls.

Nessa walks with Damien to where his rental car is, making silly small talk along the way. Once they get to the car Nessa goes to open the passenger door and stops when Damien clears his throat. She turns to look at him, he is standing with his arms crossed looking annoyed. "What do you think you are doing mamita?"

"Uh, getting in the car?" She answers sarcastically.

"Let me get that for you," He steps forward and reaches out to grab the handle only for Nessa to smack his hand away.

"I can open the door myself." She answers trying to open the door but Damien holds it closed and leans closer to her, she doesn't back down.

"Not while we are around you don't. We open doors for women around here. It's the respectful thing to do." He tries to explain.

"And if she wants to open her own doors?" Nessa yanks again but it is no use he is much stronger than she is.

"Then she deals with it and lets us treat her right. Do I need to have a talk with Dominik about how to treat a lady?" Damien quirks an eyebrow.

"No, he always insisted but I always beat him to the car. Seriously, why are you so insistent." She groans not giving up on tugging on the door yet.

"Because my mother raised me right, now do you want to eat or not because I can do this all night." He stares down at her, and she pulls her hand back and steps back both hands in the air in a temporary surrender.

Damien opens the car door, and she gets in and buckles up, "This isn't over Luis!" She calls out as he closes the door gently and Nessa rolls her eyes. He puts their luggage in the trunk and gets in the car.

"What sounds good hermosa?" He asks as he starts the car.

"A good burger honestly." She answers and he hums in agreement and pulls out of the parking lot.

"I will open my doors, you know. You won't win this." She all but challenges him.

"That's cute, mariposa." He taunts and she glares at him.

"What is cute?"

"That you think you win this" He laughs as he pulls into the parking lot of the restaurant.

"Oh it's on." She tries to open the door but it is locked and Damien full belly laughs.

"I told you, you won't win this." He gets out of the car smiling as she tries to open the door and can't. She huffs waiting for him to open the door. He winks as he opens the door and holds it open. She gives him a gentle shove once she is out of the car.

"Did you turn on the child lock on the door!" She asks incredulously. He only laughs, throwing his arm around her shoulders. They get to the door of the building and Damien smiles like the cat that ate the canary and opens the door for her, she steps in and tries to reach for the second door only for his giant frame to dwarf her and reach it first and yank it open. She looks up at him, "You are a very persistent person." She grumbles and enters the building stopping at the hosts podium and he laughs again, amused at her frustration.

Once they are seated and their food ordered they sit in a semi-awkward silence, Nessa not knowing what to say or how to ask what she wants to ask. "So you wanted to talk, Hermosa." He takes a sip of his drink waiting on Nessa to start.

"Yeah, I just don't know how to ask what I want without it sounding judgemental or rude..." She starts wringing her hands and Damien frowns, noticing this is a common occurrence for her.

"Just ask, I promise I won't get offended or upset. It is coming from a place of genuine curiosity." He soothes, reaching over the table to grab her hand. She can't help but blush at the sweet gesture even though she pulls back her hands, needing to keep them busy somehow.

"Ok uh, how does it work?"

"How does what work sweetheart? I need a specific question to be able to answer." He leans forward so she can ask as quietly as she wants so she can limit her embarrassment.

"You are all romantically together, how does that work? I just want to understand." She averts her eyes and starts chewing her thumbnail.

"Hey, it's alright hermosa." He reaches over and grabs her hand again and rests it on the table still in his grasp so she can't chew on her nails more.

"Yes, and it works because there are boundaries that we respect and do not cross. It is discussed at the beginning of the relationships to make sure it is right for them. We have different sexualities and preferences, kinks even. But that's not necessary to the conversation right now."

"Oh ok. So can you explain what it means that you all are romantically together? I am having a little trouble wrapping my head around it." She gestures her free hand around in a circle. Damien smiles at her, happy with her openness to learn.

"Do you have a pen in that black hole you carry?" He asks, trying to ease her discomfort with a joke. She lets out a shaky laugh and hands him a pen and he grabs a napkin and writes down four names.

"Ok so here is me I am dating Demi, Finn and Dom," He draws arrows from him to the other three and continues. "It is the same for them so we are all connected to each other." He looks at her to see her reaction.

"And how are decisions made, living situations, group dates, individual dates? Demi offered for me to join you. How would that change things? She starts rattling off questions.

"Woah, slow down mamita one question at a time and to answer some of them I'll need to ask a few questions. I'll need the truth as well." He tells her meeting her gaze and he can tell she is still nervous but nods her head in agreement. "Ok decisions are made together, we all have to agree or compromise until we agree. Telling you so quickly was one of our quickest decisions. For your second question. We don't always stay with each other, sometimes we need our own space. Most of the time however we take turns. Dom has a pretty small place, so we aren't there often. Demi and Finn have the biggest place so we go there pretty often. Sometimes one of us needs space or we all need space so we go on our own." He pauses again to gauge her reaction and she nods her head following along, "We do individual dates with each other and sometimes big dates but those have to be careful at least for now because of work." He smiles at her acceptance. He sees her relax the more he explains. It, so he continues, "Now to answer your last question I have a few of my own. Would you be able to be romantic with Dominik again?"

Nessa swallows her bite of food before answering. "Honestly yes, I still love him, I never stopped. There is just some trust to build back again." She takes a drink to try to clear the dryness forming in her mouth.

"We would all need to sit and talk and renegotiate boundaries as you are a new piece to the dynamic, so I can't answer for sure yet how it would change things but there are some things I can." He explains and writes Nessa's name on the napkin now and starts drawing the lines between people. "You are willing to be with Dom and we know he still wants to be with you in some aspect," She opens her mouth to say something but changes her mind so Damien can continue. "You clearly are willing to be with Demi, correct?" He asks and she blushes. He tries to suppress a chuckle as he draws the line between Nessa and Rhea. "And what about me, Hermosa?" He wiggles his eyebrows and she laughs at his ridiculousness.

"I think I could give it a shot." She snorts, laughing at his ridiculous expression. "I do want to learn more about each of you individually and see how you interact as a group," She admits quietly.

"Hey Mamita, there is no rush, you are just asking... it is a big decision to make." He points his fork at her for emphasis. He picks up the pen again to continue explaining.

"That leaves Finn," with that he draws a line to Finn finishing what appears to be a pentagram and she laughs, of course it would be a pentagram.

"Finn would take some time. You already have his attention, he wants to get to know you, but you would need to build a strong relationship with you before any physical intimacy would happen. He is demisexual." He explains and she nods along. She notices he stops speaking and sees he is expecting additional questions.

"I understand different sexualities. I told you mine the other day. However, I hear there is a new term which better explains it as Omnisexual. So no extra questions on that except you could tell me more about him." She gives him puppy eyes, fluttering her eyelashes.

"Nuh uh no, you gotta do the work there Hermosa," He shakes his head, smiling at her pouting. "Let's continue, Demi is the same as you sexuality wise, I am Pansexual. I'm sure you know of Dom's." He states and she nods, leaning back in the chair. "Are you ok Nes?" Damien asks, wanting to gauge if he should continue, worried it was too much.

"No, Yeah. I'm fine, it is a lot to process." She begins to chew on her nails again.

"Ok, that's it. Let's change the subject for now," Damien firmly suggests and Nessa drops her hand immediately.

"No, please, I do that for a lot of things, not just being uncomfortable. It helps me think. It grounds me." She tries to explain.

"Fine, but if you do it again the conversation gets tabled. I will not continue it if you are clearly uncomfortable." He lays down no room for negotiation this time. Setting a firm boundary for both of them.

"Ok, I am only uncomfortable because I don't want to offend you or ask or say the wrong thing." She admits, meeting his stern gaze which softens when he sees nothing but truth in her features.

"Ok just ask what you want and I promise I wont get upset or offended," he sits back and waits for her to ask her next question.

"Ok, how does the sex work? I see different scenarios in my head and don't know what to think." She asks and Damien belly laughs making some patrons of the restaurant look in their direction. Nessa blushes and stares down at her lap, pushing food around her plate in embarrassment.

"Oh that was adorable I'm sorry for laughing," He apologizes and tries to suppress a laugh again and Nessa whines, her face getting even redder.

"Oh pobrecita, I'm sorry now I have made you uncomfortable." He stands up and leans over the table, his hand gently under her chin lifting her head up to meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry Hermosa, I didn't mean to embarrass you, it won't happen again." He apologizes and she nods still pouting as he sits back down and begins to answer her question.

"We don't always have sex all together like an orgy, sometimes it's just a few of us or just two of us. It's situational. We can go in-depth on that later Hermosa. If you wish, I know you have more questions."

"Let's stay on the sex questions, so let's say you and...m.. Mami," she catches herself and continues, "You two can just have sex, and the others won't be upset?" She watches as Damien shakes suppressing his laugh and she pouts again.

"Yes, so long as we don't constantly exclude each other, we are equals in equal relationships," He answers knowing what she was going to say, "My turn for a question, remember you promised honesty too..."

She nods earnestly waiting for the question

"Have you ever been with more than one partner at a time? What are your interests in bed? How much sex do you need to be satiated?

Nessa takes a breath trying to control herself so he doesn't table this conversation and answers.

"Yes, there have been instances of multiple sexual partners at a time just not in a poly relationship. Varied interests,'' She blushes and continues "And I don't know honestly, because of COVID I've been touch starved I barely saw Dom then let alone been physical until late 2021 even then with the schedule and still quarantining if I was exposed to Covid again to protect him and his career I have been, starved for lack of a better word. Honestly, I kind of think that is why he left me and I can't blame him." She shrugs and Damien looks at her sadly.

"Well that will be different if you do decide to join us mariposa, will be discussed when you are ready. Can you answer a few more questions?" Damian asked, softly.

"Yeah," She smiles, now more comfortable in the conversation.

"How do you like it? Rough? Gentle? Do you prefer to be manhandled? Are you a cuddler? Do you enjoy being tied up or being told what to do?"

"Yes..." She answers, tapping her fingers on the table and meeting his gaze, she doesn't shy away this time. He however is taken aback by her concise answer.

"Yes what?" He shakes his head, confused.

"Yes to all of that, it is situational." She shrugs, owning her preferences, something she is always open about.

"Well, we don't have time to unpack that but I am glad to hear it." He tables the conversation for his own sanity so he doesn't overstep her boundaries.

"How do you like to be treated after?" He asks and sees her clench her fists and changes direction.

"One more question, are you asking because you are interested in joining us?" He leans forward, resting his forearms on the table and continues realizing how that sounded. "Now I'm not asking for an answer about joining us right this moment, just that you are considering it."

"It is something I am considering, I need more information before I decide." She keeps her promise of honesty.

"I will talk to the others and we will follow your lead when it comes to this conversation, but Nessa," He starts his voice getting low and serious,

"If we make you uncomfortable you have to tell us, we won't have you uncomfortable and suffer in silence because you don't want to upset us. That would upset us more than anything. You have to be vocal, promise me that or this won't work." He taps on the napkin where he drew the relationship chart.

"Yeah I promise Luis," She smiles, and he stands up,

"I'm gonna go pay Mamita I'll be back," She opens her mouth to argue but he is already halfway to the counter with the bill. She grumbles to herself, "Goddamn giant and his goddamn long legs..." Nessa eyes the chart on the napkin and smiles to herself. She grabs it and stows it in her purse making sure Damien doesn't see.

After a few minutes, he comes back and holds out his hand, she rolls her eyes but takes it allowing him to help her up and guide her toward the door. He uses his body to block hers as she reaches for the door so he can open for her.

"You know what, tall person you are unlikable sometimes," She grumbles and stomps her foot as she exits the building and Damien laughs, shaking his head at her temper tantrum. He sees the gears turning in her head as she decides to make a break for the car to get to the door before him.

"Oh come on," She groans, throwing her hands up in the air as he beats her to the car.

"I'm faster than Dom Dom Chiqui and bigger, you can't win this fight." She sticks her tongue out at him as she enters the car and he is just finding it hilarious.

"Hey Luis?" She calls his name to get his attention while he drives.

"Hmmm..." He hums, waiting for what she wants to say.

"Tell me about you? I want to learn more about you." She asks and he glances at her and is silent, unsure what to say for the first time.

"What would you like to know?" he finally asks.

"I know you are from Puerto Rico, I want to know more of your past, your likes and dislikes in general not from our conversations earlier" She lets out a nervous giggle.

"Uh, I love baseball, DC comics and metal music." He lists off and she snorts.

"Define metal," He glances at her again, appraising the shift in mood.

"Slayer, Metallica my favorite, Iron Maiden, Megadeath. Bands like that." He answers and she nods appreciatively.

"I quite like metal too, though it isn't my favorite. I love for whom the bell tolls and she aint my bitch, they are my favorite Metallica songs." His head jerks to look at her before returning to look at the road. Shocking Damien with her choice of music.

"I don't know why you are shocked. You see what I wear and some of my tattoos" She shakes her head and continues,

"I am a big fan of pop punk however and alt rock like Motionless in white and Black veil brides." At this admission Damien shakes his head and responds,

"You and Demi will get along just fine."

"You mentioned you like comics?" She asks for clarification,

"Yeah, specifically DC, I love Batman." He smiles appreciating her attempts at bonding especially after such a loaded discussion over dinner.

"I am more of a Marvel comics girl myself, specifically the x-men though there is a special place in my heart for Wonder Woman. The tv series is what got me into superheroes anyway. She is the most powerful and just the best. Out of all DC and Marvel comics."

"That is an argument we can have later mamita we are almost to your hotel. So you like Iron man over Batman then?" He asks as he pulls into the parking lot.

"I didn't say that, they are the same but in different fonts, orphan and rich being a vigilante, though Iron Man admits his ego, Bruce acts holier than thou and it is hilarious people won't admit it. Iron Man, at least owns up to his ego where Bruce just acts like he is always in the right", She laughs and tries to open the car door again and immediately pouts again and crosses her arms waiting for him to go and open the door.

He helps her out of the car, her bag in his hand. She holds her hand out for the bag expecting him to drop her off there and he quirks his eyebrow up at her. "Do you think I am going to leave you alone this late at night in a parking lot and not walk you to your door?" He snorts and gestures for her to lead the way.

"I mean it is a well-lit parking lot with cameras and the door is like 20 feet away." Nessa keeps her hand outstretched.

"No can do Hermosa, I'm talking about the door to your hotel room, no bag carrying."

"Du farkirst mir di yorn," she mutters under her breath,

"I'm sorry, what was that mariposa?" he laughs enjoying her frustration,

"You'll be the death of me." She complains as he jumps ahead and opens the door following her into the hotel.

"And when it comes to Batman you are entitled to your wrong opinion..." he winks as she does a rude gesture as they enter the elevator.

"It's not wrong, you can try to goad me, but you won't win." She bumps her hip into him and pouts when he doesn't move an inch and he laughs at her.

The elevator doors open and he stands aside for Nessa to exit first. "Ok then Mamita,I'll have to prove you wrong."

"Is that a promise!" She taunts trying to grab her bag from him and he only holds it over her head. She glares up at him through her eyelashes, "I will stomp on your foot you, you, you Mazik," She finally finds the word in her vocabulary.

"How about you tell me what that means as you guide me to where your room is then I will give you your bag." He suggests, gesturing down the hallway.

"You know what, how about you give me my bag now and then I tell you." She stands tall, not backing down.

"It seems we are at an impasse, reinita." He steps forward and leans down so his head is level with hers, not breaking eye contact.

"You seem to think being stubborn is going to get your way, let's make a deal."

"You want to know what I called you and I want to carry my bag. You can still walk me to my room door. That is the offer." She smirks at him and he matches her expression.

"Or, I can look it up later and carry your bag as we continue to your room." He counters still at eye level with Nessa, his eyes flick around watching her expression.

"Fine," She answers softly and Damien returns to his full height smiling triumphantly as she continues to grumble under her breath in a language he doesn't understand but he can guess from her tone she is complaining and potentially cursing him. She stops in front of a door at the end of the wall and he takes mental note of the number to tell Dom.

"Goodnight Nessa, I'll see you tomorrow in Seattle." He gently places her bag on the ground in front of the door Nessa just opened. They stand there awkwardly until Nessa decides to step forward and wrap her arms around his waist, her head barely coming up to his shoulder, Damien wrapping his arms around her shoulder and giving a chaste kiss to her hair. She picks up her bag and steps into the hotel room, gently closing the door.

[phoenixs-fandoms-and-writings]

Rainy Day

Fandom: Bullet Train

Pairings: Tangerine/GN!reader

Summary: You and Tangerine finally have a day off at the same time and even though it’s raining you spend it together

Notes: this was written for Flufftober 2023 Day 8’s prompt - Rainy Day.

I don’t own Bullet Train or Tangerine.

I do not give permission to anyone to repost or translate any of my stories. I also do not give anyone permission to feed my stories through AI or to be posted to any third party website or app. If anyone sees any of my work posted anywhere but here or my AO3 (simplyreflected), then it has been posted without permission.

Read on AO3 here.

It wasn’t often you got to spend the whole day with Tangerine, because of your work schedule and the jobs he gets, but today was one of those rare days. Of course, it happened to be raining, which neither of you minded.

When you got to spend your day with your partner, you were ecstatic. And, why wouldn’t you be? He adored you and knew how to treat you right, which was a change from the previous people you had been with before.

You loved how much he loved you and loved reading. The two of you loved to spend your days reading, kissing, cuddling and talking about different things; basically whatever came to mind. You knew you couldn’t talk about his work but you loved to talk to him about everything else.

Today, he asked you to read to him.

“What would you like for us to read?”

He smiled slightly under his mustache as he handed you one of the books on the shelf that both of you loved.

You spent a few chapters reading to him, with the rain hitting the outside of your apartment as background music. When you finished, you handed him the book and he carried on reading where you left off.

Instead of leaning against him, you lay down, so your head was on his lap and you kissed his leg as you settled in and just listened to his voice. Whenever he didn’t need his hand to turn the page, he would massage your scalp softly, in a way that made you moan in a way that let him know you liked it.

Whenever the two of you were ready for lunch, you’d spend time in the kitchen, with him watching you make lunch and he’d help you make dinner.

After you’d finished eating dinner, the two of you sat on the couch cuddling with him kissing your cheek, just by your ear and whispering whatever he thought of into it.

You absolutely loved days like this where you could spend time alone with him in your apartment or where you spent time with him and Lemon in their shared apartment.

[yurayura-kurage]

A3! Troupe Event: MY WORST WEDDING | Event Story Translation (1/11)

Neither Japanese nor English is my first language so please forgive me if I made mistake. However, feel free to point me out, I’d love to hear your feedbacks on the translation ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

Translation under the cut

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Azami: “She is my fated partner. I was sitting next to her at the cafe, and ever since our eyes met, I knew it was what was called love at first sight.”

Izumi: (Following what we did before with Spring and Summer Troupe, the rookie Azami-kun will be the lead of Autumn Troupe’s 10th performance, Sakyo-san will be the co-lead.)

(This time, Tsuzuru-kun also came up with the script according to the lead - Azami-kun’s request but…)

Azami: “Hello? Sorry, I didn’t intend to disturb you today but… I have something needed confirming about the arrangements for tomorrow’s wedding.”

Izumi: (Indeed, I didn’t expect Taichi-kun to play a female role again in Autumn Troupe’s performance.)

Sakyo: I can still sense Noah in her nuance.

Azami: She sounds manlike.

Taichi: It’s hard to switch into a different role in an instant~!

Izumi: Well, in some ways, this role is even harder than the lead role…

(This time, Taichi-kun will play both Noah - a friend of the groom Ethan played by Azami-kun, and the marriage swindler Olivia who deceives the groom…)

(This is our troupe's very first dual role. In order to fulfill Azami-kun's request of including a role that he can put tons of makeup on, things have become like this.)

(Since we did the special makeup during the Undead performance, this time the makeup will be focused on woman, and what’s more is a bad woman who looks good with heavy makeup but...)

Taichi: This is my first time challenging to change into another role this quick so I'm really nervous!

Banri: If needed I can take on your role instead.

Taichi: Uhm... Now that I've self-run for this role, I'll do something about it...!

Juza: It's an unprecedented challenge, I think it will no doubt be a valuable experience.

Omi: He has definitely become more reliable since Zero so if it's Taichi, it'll be okay.

Taichi: Thanks y'all! I'll do my best to make A-chan fall in love at first glance!

Azami: Well... Good luck.

Sakyo: Bon too, you're the one to talk. In the scene where Ethan talks about Olivia as usual, I can't feel the yearning love for his beloved fiancée Olivia.

Azami: Not really... That scene is good. I'm gonna be betrayed in marriage fraud after all.

Sakyo: That’s why it is unnecessary. The play won’t be convincing unless the audience can understand you’re so blindly in love that you’re being scammed.

Azami: —No matter what you say ‘bout l-love, I just don’t get it—.

Izumi: (For Azami-kun who is not good at talking about love, playing a role who is obsessed with his fiancée might be indeed difficult.)

(At first we had a discussion about the wedding theme for this play, but Azami-kun said love stories were impossible for him, so we changed to the marriage fraud.)

(Although the main focus of this play is the action battle with a criminal organization that has the marriage swindler in, Ethan’s feelings are also important…)

(Compared to that, James - another groom who is also deceived by Olivia, played by Sakyo-san, is perfect. Maybe that’s the difference in life experience.)

Banri: Well, isn’t it impossible for Azami to fall for Olivia now? He’s Taichi no matter how you look at.

Taichi: With A-chan’s makeup after this, I’m gonna turn into a really beautiful villainess as planned~!

Banri: Come to think of it, I had thought of how the quick change would be done, but that’s surely a problem.

Izumi: In the last part, Taichi-kun will be changing from Noah to Olivia, right.

Banri: We have consulted with Tsuzuru about some script adjustments but still can’t carve out time for Azami to directly do the makeup for Taichi.

Omi: Ethan and James also have to change their costumes quickly…

Juza: Noah can’t come out with Olivia’s makeup from the beginning…

Azami: Then, going with the makeup plan I’ve come up with, Taichi-san will have no choice but to do the makeup on his own.

Izumi: Is that okay? Since you wanted to do lots of makeup in this performance.

Azami: Coming up with the makeup plan is also fun, so it’s okay. Instead, I’m gonna go with Spartan mode to train Taichi-san so that he can redo the makeup perfectly.

Taichi: That’s def out of question~! It’s already up to my neck just quick changing between two roles though, I’m not confident that I can do the makeup on my own!

Izumi: Right, it seems like you would be overwhelmed a bit.

Banri: I’ll go back to the wing at the same time as Taichi, so I’ll lend you a hand with the makeup and quick-change.

Taichi: Banchan~! You saved me!

Sakyo: If that’s the dexterous Settsu then there seems to be no problem.

Azami: I’m enthusiastic about the makeup this time, so Banri-san too, please keep that in mind.

Banri: Go easy on me.

Izumi: Azami-kun, how is the hair makeup plan going?

Azami: I’m thinking about various hair arrangements for each character, including Olivia’s wig.

This time performance is set in America, but I’m worried since it might be difficult for the audience to get a grasp on the worldview if I have my hair black as the main character.

Taichi: If that’s the case, how about you dye your hair blonde like Sakyo-nii?

Juza: It’s gonna match with Sakyo-san.

Omi: It might look good when you two line up.

Banri: It’s a relationship that they’re gonna fight over Olivia, isn’t that good to have a sense of rivalry between them.

Azami: I definitely don’t want to match with that person.

Sakyo: Ha… If so, what color are you going to choose?

Azami: There are bunch of wigs from the past performances in the warehouse, so I’ll have a look.

Izumi: Got it. Then let me know when you decide.

*Short time skip*

Izumi: Well then, that’s all for today’s practice. Tomorrow will be a day off, so take a good rest you guys.

Omi: Taichi and Juza are going back to their homes, right?

Juza: Yes. My mom’s birthday is getting near.

Taichi: For me, my sister asked me to hang out with her once in a while.

Sakyo: I’ll be going back to my home tomorrow too, so I’ll be away from the dorm.

Izumi: Sakyo-san too?

Juza: It’s been a while.

Sakyo: It will be bothersome if I don’t go home once in a while.

Juza: …That’s good. The old lady will be happy, too.

Sakyo: …

Bon, you should show your face at home more. You haven’t been home lately, have you.

Azami: Annoying—

…Well, I want to see everyone at Ginsenkai though, I think it’s time to go back home.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Next

[skrrt16]

Soooo last year i found a fanfict about assassins creed and it was like those somehow they all end up in modern world with mc.

Now back to the present irl i daydream a lot about how would living with all of them be and the first thought that came to my mind was: how do they communicate?

So HERE WE ARE WITH

RANDOM SKRRT THOUGHTS THAT HAPPEN AT 6AM

(Bear with me, English isn't my first language.)

So first of all.... the assassins are from different eras and nationalities which means communication problems. So i have some stories with that but that goes for another day so ill direct this point of view with mine when it happened to me.(this doesnt mean that every situation can be the same) BACK TO THE CONVERSATION.

Like imagine you speak english and then like lets say 16 dudes.without counting the 2D games nor the books. (Altair,Ezio,Connor,Aveline,Edward,Haytham, Shay,Arno,Jacob, Evie, Bayek,Kassandra, Alexios, Eivor, Aguilar, Basim)

And then the fanfict also added Leonardo, Malik, Aguilar's partner which i dont remember her name and Amunet

Now 20 people. Some speak the same language others don't, and then lets think about the time period and how language has changed during time. So mooreeeee complicated.

If they were in the modern world i think they would be all confused first of all and try to talk but then notice they dont understand each other. Maybe they know a bit of different languages but yeah.

I think it would be funny like trying to explain or seeing them interacting with each other making gestures. Or they discover the existence of google translate aand ooooh gooood thats the invention of the year for them. And through the day you just hear all around the house that robotic voice saying stuff while the assassins try to have a normal conversation

[minaramen]

Yamato Nikaido - Rabbitube Mini

[Disclaimer: I’m NOT a professional translator. I’m using my knowledge from 4 years of university. Please, feel free to let me know if you notice  mistranslation/typo/error of any kind]    

***

Riku: Yamato san! Natsume san! It looks like the weather will be good on our fishing day!

Riku:

Minami: Hello. Have you already checked?

Yamato: It’s literally scheduled for next month lol

Riku: Yeah, but I’m really looking forward to it! I mean, the three of us are going fishing together! It’s no wonder I’ve already checked! 😆✨

Riku: Well, with it being a weather forecast for next month, there’s a possibility it’s not completely accurate…

Yamato: You’ve been saying how much you can’t wait to go since we filmed together…

Riku: I think that if I could catch you, Yamato san, I may be able to go fishing for real!

Yamato: … your motivation is pretty weird, you know that, right?

Minami: It was a big catch

Riku: It really was lol

Yamato: Okay, okay, got it 😌

Yamato: May I add Mitsu to this chat?

Riku: Eh? Why?!

Yamato: I just think I need a straight man in this conversation

Minami: Oh dear, so you’re not satisfied with us as your partners? What a shame…

Yamato: No, that’s not really what I meant…

Minami: Then, shall the three of us have fun together?

Yamato: Yeah…

Riku: So cool! I feel like I should call you “Natsume sama” !

Yamato: Riku, I know I could tell you this directly, but would you mind going back to your room?!

Riku: You send messages as if you’re not satisfied with us! That’s why I came!

Minami: Did you go to Nikaido san’s room?

Riku: Yeah! I’m messaging from his room right now!

Riku: Oh, Musashi just changed his route after hitting Yamato san’s knee! It’s so cute

Minami: Musashi?

Yamato: It’s the cleaning robot I keep in my room

Riku: Apparently we can catch marbled rockfish during this time of the year 🐟

Yamato: The main topic went back to your mind pretty quickly

Minami: Marbled rockfish? It’s delicious when fried 

Yamato: Well said, Natsume chan! The simpler, the better

Riku: Oh, I’d like to eat it!

Minami:If we can catch it, then let's cook it like this. I could keep on eating it forever

Minami:

Yamato: You eat quite a lot, don’t you, Natsume chan? I wonder in what part of that thin body of yours you put all the food

Minami: My stomach

Yamato: Damn straight!

Riku: 

Riku: Let’s do our best and catch many of them! 😃🎣

Minami: Are you good at fishing, Yamato san?

Riku: Will you be dragged into the water again, Yamato san!?

Yamato: Give me a break! Just having to do it for acting purposes was enough

Minami: It was a really nice performance.  The part where you get fished out was awesome 

Minami: It didn’t look like it was the first time you had to do something like that…

Riku: So you got fished out before, Yamato san?!

Yamato: What’s with that story?! Of course it was the first time I got fished out!

Riku: Well, when you were supposed to bite the hook it looked like you were clenching your teeth!

Riku: Just remembering it makes me laugh so bad lol 

Yamato: Okay, but stop patting my knee while you’re laughing lol 

Minami: Messaging each other sitting side by side is something new to me, it must be very fun. I’m trying to pat Inumaru san’s knee as well

Minami: He said “Are my trousers dirty”?

Yamato: lol

Riku: 

Minami: 

Yamato: You two were also really good at mimicking.  I’m talking about the gesture game we did during the break

Riku: The sea creatures series!

Riku: Your sea otter was so cute, Natsume san!

Yamato: Yeah, and pretty easy to understand. You shook your hands just as if you were hitting a shell

Minami: I’m glad you could guess it right so easily. Your shark was also amazing, Nanase san

Minami: You were pretty cute while wandering around and rawring

Yamato: Does a shark rawr, by the way?

Riku: I just wanted to create a strong atmosphere 😉

Riku: And you need to show me the anemone again, Yamato san!

Minami: It didn’t require much movement, right? It was an energy saving choice. I couldn’t really understand what it was until you guessed the answer right, Nanase san

Riku: I thought it was an octopus! But since he was waving his hands over his head, I realized what it may be…!

Minami: From now on whenever I see an anemone, Yamato san will most likely come up to my mind

Riku: It’s settled, then! You’ll show us the anemone again next time we meet!

Yamato: Glad to see you made a deal despite me being the one who has to do that, Riku

Minami: Thank you, I look forward to it

Yamato: 

Riku: I wonder if we can do a sea creatures quiz on chat

Yamato: What?

Riku: (:。)ミ 

Riku: Okay, what is it?

Minami: Pinpon!

Riku: Ah, Natsume san was so fast!

Minami: It’s an octopus

Riku: Correct!

Yamato: Riku was doing the same face as the emoji he was writing on chat, so it was quite easy to guess lol

Minami: Oh, so you had a hint just next to you? You’re playing dirty

Yamato: Well, I was too busy holding back my laughter  anyway lol

Riku: Hey! I want you to pat my knee as well when you laugh!

Yamato: Nah, that’s a young thing

Minami: It’s really fun. Do you always have these kinds of conversations?

Yamato: Yeah. And that’s nothing compared to the total mess our living room becomes when the seven of us are in there

Riku: Yeah, we catch each other up to three topics at the same time! 

Yamato: And nobody understands anything, so none of them is actually successful 

Minami: It sounds good. I can see how good friends you are

Riku: We’re friends as well, Natsume san!

Minami: Is it really okay with you?

Riku: 

Riku: Of course!! I had so much fun during the recordings, and I can’t wait for the three of us to work together again!

Minami: Thank you so much. I also enjoyed the time I spent with you

Yamato: We ended up laughing a lot, didn’t we? lol

Riku: Let’s enjoy our fishing day together!

Yamato: 

Minami: 

The end

[honeyfizzly]

Mahiru Shiina character analysis because alot of people misinterpret her character, so here my probably incoherent explanation of her character. I'll at least try to be organized with my points thought!

Credits to https://rochisama.wordpress.com/2021/06/24/milgram-mahiru-this-is-how-to-be-in-love-with-you-mv-text/ for the translations

1. Mahiru had a turbulent relationship with her beloved.

While the diary entries go on for 16 days, it's likely the relationship lasted for about a year or more since we see the change from summer to fall clothing.

We know that for Mahiru it was love at first sight, and she quickly lied about jogging to get close to the person she liked even though she didn't jog.

She ends up confessing and they presumably get together.

From there, cracks in the relationships start to show.

It seems they used to fight alot and break up alot. Mahiru thought this was all normal relationship things, so it seems she tried to reason that the hurt she was feeling was good and they were matching in pain. Mahiru also seems to have trouble with boundaries and being needy with other people, often fighting with her partner before quickly apologizing it seems.

Also something happened on day 12 when she first went to his house where she can't remember anything. This is also when the text changes and gets more disorganized.

Somethings I'd like to point out is that Mahiru is never seen with her partner besides one scene of him handing her a coffee on their outdoor date.

This could represent 2 things- Mahiru was only thinking of herself in the relationship, and how she looked or this is a visual representation of how Mahiru's partner was very distant in the relationship.

I'd argue it's the second option due to how Mahiru says she just dosent want to give, she wants to recieve as well. This implies in the past, Mahiru felt that she was the only one providing effort in the relationship.

Even some lines in the song and the diary express this frustration, like when she mentions in day 10 he probably won't notice her hair cut or how she constantly questions if he knows what love is.

On day 9 is when we see them go on their first date, and it's a bar where her beloved gets fucking blasted. She describes him as drinking himself unconscious. On this day it also includes an hangover cure called "corpse reviver".

Also Mahiru seems to be willing to copy anything her lover does, like in her interrogation questions she says she would smoke if her partner did.

Day 16 is presumably when her partner dies, the day Mahiru is waiting to surprise him with a feast she cooked of his favorite food. It's likely her partner killed themselves, due to the fact Mahiru the image she holds up in her card in undercover is the suicide forest. That's where her "murder" accured.

2. Mahiru Shiina has a shallow view of happiness

It's no secret that too Mahiru, love is happiness. Throughout her voice drama she is always talking about love and loving other people, and she feels as if her life has no purpose if it lacked love.

Alot of Mahiru's music video also features alot of magazine imagery, as if she's the fancy model in her story. Now, here's where things get interesting- Mahiru seems very cautious about what society sees of her, and seems to use surface level things to try and make her happy.

For example, she says "Beige and pink will make you love yourself" on day 10, you shouldn't need colors combinations on outfits to "love" yourself.

Or how in day 14 she says "Just because it’s outdoors doesn’t mean you can relax too much! Even when picking out a date outfit to protect you from the cold, you still want to protect that loveable silhouette".

Mahiru talks like this constantly throughout the mini text explaining her outfit choices in her diary.

Mahiru throughout the mv and the lyrics seems to have some sort of depression with lyrics like, "I really don't want to say I'm okay", "this sickness is pretty bad", "I suck at pretending to smile but see I'm happy cause of you"

Mahiru is very concerned with fitting into public image and chasing a fairy tale romance, hell that chasing of that fairy tale life is probably why she's so asscioated with the blue bird.

The blue bird of happiness is quite litterally in it's name, it's a bird that represents happiness.

Throughout the mv we see feathers falling down, and Mahiru even pouncing on the feathers like a cat. Some people think the feathers were meant to represent the lover's stress, but I personally believe it's meant to represent the relationships happiness.

I think Mahiru pouncing on the feathers is meant to represent how she's chasing after that happiness, but since her view of happiness is so shallow she only gets the feathers and not the bird.

The last feather falling is presumably when she realizes the happiness she's been chasing was all for nothing and her relationship was doomed from the start.

Also throughout the mv we see that Mahiru is in a birdcage. There's a whole shot of her looking longingly out of the bars as if she wants out, before she goes kitty mode and pounces on the feathers- instead trying to reaffirm her "happiness" in the relationship.

Alot of people don't mention that mahiru is in the birdcage as well, and seems to want out as well.

I personally believe the birdcage represents the relationship itself, as both partners probably feel trapped by it.

3. Her behavior after getting voted guilty is concerning. Even after getting restrained and then having the absolute shit beat out of her, to the point she's in critical condition, she reaffirms her love for everyone there.

4. In the teaser trailer for the second trial came out, the one with everyone talking and the big black spiky thing on screen we hear mahiru at her angries- she screams at 0:12 "don't say you love me without any proper weight behind it", it seems she's very concerned on if the person she likes truly loves her.

So with all the information we know about her so far- Mahiru is a young women whos very focused on surface level ways of achieving happiness, which traps her in a toxic relationship that leads to the death of her partner. Mahiru is shocked by this and dosent know if she's the cause or not, and feels that without loving others she has nothing left to live for.

Personally in my books this an essay innocent, not just cause she got beat up for being guilty but also because it's clear that this was just a bad first relationship for her where she rushed into love and found herself in a toxic relationship.

There's still alot we don't know, and her second trial might completely recontextualize things, like it did with Shidou and Muu. But until then, here's my analysis on Mahiru!

[autumnslance]

Fic Writer Interview

Tagged by @sheepwithspecs technically on my main but this is where fanfic goes. Do this if you wanna!

How many works do you have on AO3?

47 as of 2/6/24. There's a few things I need to get around to adding there though.

What’s your total AO3 word count?

411,290 as of 2/6/24

What are your top 5 fics by kudos

Downtime (compilation of younger Scions & other teen chars being pals in Norvrandt) Unexpected (compilation of shippy nonsense) A Constant Distant Thunder (Thancred in ARR patches post-Lahabrea) Ruminations (General Warrior of Light introspections & adventures) Rogue's Prelude (My headcanons on Thancred meeting Louisoix, Papalymo, and Yda)

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I usually do! I often try to. So my comment count is almost, not quite though, doubled.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Hrm; I tend to do a lot of bittersweet endings. We'll keep it simple and say "Never Gets Easier", a fic where Edmont and Charlemend talk about their lost sons. There's no sweetness there, just men haunted by mistakes and losses.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

Maybe "When Everything Changes" which is kid fic from the POV of my WoL's older brother when she's born and his ambivalence turns to big brother joy and love.

Do you write crossovers?

Haven't yet.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Not that I recall.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Occasionally. Usually pretty vanilla. It's all right, I guess.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Had an OC's backstory on our WoW RP server's fic blogging site lifted wholesale; they changed the names and class, and then…walked into our weekly guild meeting that I was leading and tried to join our guild. When confronted, the person claimed their partner had leveled the character for them and based the backstory on Skyrim (my OC's story is very specific to WoW). They tried to message me later as if we were pals who would laugh this off someday. I informed them that was not a thing and btw the site mods knew they were a plagiarist now. Also everyone knew who their alts were and a bunch of other trouble they'd caused. So far as I know, they bailed from our server after that.

I hoped they learned better and grew up quite a bit; this was well over a decade ago.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Once or twice now; so long as folks credit and link back to my originals, and share the translated link with me, it's all good!

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Roleplay and actual story collaboration both. It's a lot of fun.

What’s your all-time favorite ship?

How dare you.

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

*stares at WIP folder*

Come back with a warrant.

(I won't say never, but there's a lot that probably are just noodling and scraps to feed something else later)

What are your writing strengths?

Folks seem to like my dialogue.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Impatience, and certain grammatical abuses that do nothing for length nor clarity.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Depends on the fic. Depends on the intended audience.

For dialects, mostly the concern is "don't overdo it" as it can slow things down, be really jarring at best and offensive at worst, and difficult to understand if laying it on too thick.

Other languages entirely have different guidelines though, from sprinkling in single words or short phrases, to entire passages, and whether or not you translate or leave it up to the reader. Depends on fandom, on the characters, on the story, author intentions.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Narnia, in a my little girl diary as a pre-teen. I wanted to pick up Susan's story as a grown up and bring her and family back to a magical land. Cuz I knew it could, would happen someday, even if Lewis never got to write it himself.

What’s a fandom/ship you haven’t written for yet but want to?

Final Fantasy XVI. Midst. The latter is tricky as I really don't have ideas at the moment, but really want to dig into that vibe. My writing needs to be more weird in general, really.

What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

How dare you, come back with a warrant!

[red-dyed-sarumane]

what are some cool games u have played? dont matter if u mentioned before. tell me again tell me again :D

uhh hmm.

well okami is my all time favorite the art & the music & the message/story are all just incredible theres not a single time ive finished it i havent cried. i absolutely adore ryoshima coast ive spent so many hours just running around there to listen to music. which fun fact for u i only know about this game bc in about 6th grade i picked up okamiden bc i thought the little doggy was cute & was like fine i'll play as this boy if i get a cool dog and u cannot imagine how excited i was to find out u DID play as the little dog. i was SOOOOO obsessed literally my exact thoughts were 'if issun is ammy's celestial envoy then i am going to be chibis' i have a metric fuck ton of fan art i did at the time bc i thought it was quote "the epic-est game for ds ever" also cried every time i finished it. i was 13 so i didnt know what "being down bad" was but do know i was as obsessed with kurow as i was with d-ne later and now tenshi not a single irl friend was unaware i was in love with him. also fun fact for u bc at the same time i was also getting super into vocaloid i was so convinced my vocap name would end up as chibiP to the point i named myself that in pkmn x chibiP after chibiterasu of course. please enjoy my banger old art which is not even a fraction of my output

yume nikki is my next favorite game specifically the og that changed my brain chemistry as a kid. i adore that game so much its hard to put it into words. its just so unlike anything else. there is absolutely nothing in the game that can directly harm u theres no real health meter theres no way to die during the main play the absolute worst that will ever happen is u get stuck or woken up. in a horror game. which is already just amazing. and the whole horror aspect just plays on something i dont think is often done as well in many other things. ur alone. u wander and wander thru worlds that loop and connect and seemingly have nothing to do with each other. theres no dialogue; talking to npcs just gets u a noise or animation at best. ur entirely alone with just urself. its all dreams so u know everything is of madotsuki's own creation, another layer to the all u have is urself feeling. the art is just unusual i cant even say any of it on its own is in anyway scary. the whole thing shouldnt be scary and yet every time i start wandering in a world i cant help but feel unease. amazing 10/10 no other game will ever have what this gave me.

everyone knows i play pkmn the best is still pmd sky that also rewired my brain i still cant play it without crying.

its been a long time since i was really just playing it as the chapters released & got translated but 1bitheart is so so so important to me too. i dont kin for multiple reasons but if i did nanashi would be my first choice. like- without saying that to her i got my one irl friend to play once & when she saw how nanashi was she turned to me and went "this is just you" hes very important to me even now. absolutely loved the whole friendship sim & the story & its twists & the endings & their implications left me in shambles at 1 am on a school night. my fave charas are nanashi enri & saaya btw. i should replay this.

i also love the etrian odyssey series i love the character portraits (esp with the more recent games' color customization) i LOVE the dungeon art & i think all the monster designs are so cool. adore the whole make ur own map aspect keeps me so entertained to take a step & look around & chart all the walls & path ways. unfortunately i fucking suck at every single one i am not very good at strategy games so i end up stuck at or before the 3rd stratum. but thats okay its still fun to me.

the other one i'll talk about at length is spirit of the north another game i loved the art of. u play as a fox & get a partner spirit fox & i just love it SOOOO much. its also a game with 0 dialogue but theres A Lot going on it if u care to follow along & explore & dig into details & the game play is also pretty fun to me. this is the one game i started learning the speedrun btw thats also a very fun way to play it but ABSOLUTELY play it as intended first it has so much to offer

aaaand special mentions to omori, oneshot, witch's house, mermaid swamp, corpse party, & limbus company

[toujokaname]

Tatsumi Kazehaya Idol Story 3

Author: Akira

Characters: Tatsumi, Hiyori, Jun

"I say the same to you. The bonds we develop with other people are always the treasures of our lives."

(Note: This is a translation of the current version of Tatsumi's Idol Story 3, which was rewritten after Obbligato. For the old version, you can read the one that's currently in Engstars.)

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Season: Summer

Location: Staff Dining Hall

Tatsumi: Our Father who art in heaven, and Thy Son and Thy Holy Spirit... I express my gratitude for the food you have given me today. Amen. (Makes the sign of the cross)

Hiyori: You should just say "thank you for the food" like people normally do.

Tatsumi: Oh my. Hello, Hiyori-san. It's been a while, how nice to see you again.

Hiyori: Same to you. I heard a rumor that you were back, but I thought it must've been a lie since no one was talking about it at all.

By spreading the rumor that you, my former potential partner, have returned to work, it'll make my current partner anxious and motivate him~...

That sounds like a scheme Ibara might come up with.

Tatsumi: Fufu. As I am right now, I'm not worthy enough to be included in such a scheme. It's just that my injuries were not fully healed and I was in and out of the hospital a lot—

I think that due to my inability to do any proper activities, I haven't been the subject of much attention.

Even now, I'm branded as an "underachiever" because of that, and I'm still in a state of stagnation.

Hiyori: Huh, someone like you... The world really lacks a discerning eye for talent.

Well, it's always been the case that just as adults don't understand children, the higher-ups don't understand what goes on in the field.

...But if you're really in trouble, I'm willing to help you out, okay?

Tatsumi: I respectfully decline. This is the trial that I have been given, and I quite like the position I find myself in right now.

Besides, you of Eden, who are now the main earners of CosPro, will only lose money if you get involved with an underachiever.

Hiyori: Ahaha. You're worrying about others even though you're at rock bottom? Mhm, mhm, you haven't changed at all!

I don't hate that about you.

But actually, you belong to StarPro, don't you? If you're from a different agency, it'd be difficult to help you, and overstepping the bounds of authority would be a problem, right?

But, well. It's okay to help out as a friend, so if you're really in trouble, you should come to me ♪

Tatsumi: Very well, I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Hiyori-san.

Jun: Heeey, Ohii-sa~an? You told me to save us a seat, right? So can you please stop wanderin' around~?

Hiyori: Ahaha, sorry, Jun-kun! I just happened to see a nostalgic face...♪

Jun: A nostalgic face...? Eh, could you be Kazehaya Tatsumi-senpai?

Tatsumi: You're—

Jun: Ah, maybe you don't remember me?

We're in the same class at Reimei Academy, but you haven't come to school since forever ago.

But... Even if you forget me, I will never forget you. You were already a celebrity at Reimei Academy when I entered the school, Kazehaya-senpai~

You were a Special Student who stood alongside that top idol HiMERU as the Big Two, but you didn't act arrogant at all.

You were always reaching your hand out to those who weren't Special Students—

Everyone spoke about you as a great person, a saint, and the revolutionary of Reimei Academy~ For us underachievers, you were a beacon of hope.

Tatsumi: Fufu. I'm overrated. I suppose the rumors have taken a life of their own and gotten out of hand. I'm nowhere near as gifted as the other Special Students, who are all geniuses.

Jun: You're bein' too modest. You were only given the cold shoulder 'cause you disobeyed the higher-ups at CosPro by advocating against the "Special Student" system.

Besides. Despite disobeying the higher-ups, and even gettin' hospitalized, you only had to repeat a year 'cause you didn't have enough days of school attendance.

Normally, they woulda just cut you off and that'd be the end of it, but even though the higher-ups were displeased, they still valued you highly—that's what it means, right~?

For those of us who were unable to become Special Students, Kazehaya-senpai was the hero we yearned for. We all wanted to be like you, y'know~?

...Nah. Actually, you were the very salvation that could've saved us from rock bottom.

Tatsumi: ...Those stories are very old. I'm embarrassed.

Hiyori: Come on, Jun-kun, Tatsumi-kun is having a meal, so you shouldn't interrupt him.

Jun: You're the one who got involved first... But, well, you're right. We gotta finish our meals quickly and head to the next site.

First we have to eat.

But well, it was an honor to meet you... Tatsumi-senpai ♪

Tatsumi: I say the same to you. The bonds we develop with other people are always the treasures of our lives.

Hiyori: Mhm, mhm, Tatsumi-kun always has nothing but good things to say! Let's carefully listen to the sermon from the "saint", Jun-kun!

Tatsumi: I am no saint.

More importantly. I'm starting to enjoy our little chat, and since we don't know when we'll see each other again... I was wondering if you two would be interested in sharing a table?

Let's enjoy a friendly meal together, reminiscing and talking about various topics.

Hiyori: Wah, nice idea! With pleasure ♪

Come on, Jun-kun, I wish you'd hurry up and fetch the food trays!

Jun: Why don't you fetch them yourself? Ohii-san's always saying "My policy is to never carry anything heavier than chopsticks"... Mumble, mumble...

Tatsumi: Fufu. Let me help you, Jun-san.

Tatsumi: ...I'm glad to be able to sit at the same table with you after such a long time.

Jun: ...I knew it. You remembered me.

Tatsumi: Of course. Besides, you are a celebrity now.

I am but a relic of a bygone era, now you're the hero of Reimei Academy... Sazanami Jun-san.

Jun: Uwa, uwaah! That makes me sooo friggin' happy! Thank you so much!

After bein' pushed around by Ohii-san's selfishness so much, Kazehaya-senpai's kindness soaks into my exhausted heart~♪

Hiyori: Jun-kun, quit it. You're speaking too much.

Tatsumi: Fufu. Unexpectedly, it looks like it'll be a lively and enjoyable meal... I shall thank God for this fortuitous encounter... Amen ♪

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[mcalhenwrites]

It has always been very hard for me to talk about my childhood abuse. I can only somewhat do it now. I mostly just dump all that trauma right into a character. It's easier to deal with that in fiction rather than talk about the reality of it, particularly when I feel - and I'm surely not alone in this - like I can't change it. It happens to so many of us. It's so normalized! Abusive childhood details ahead but when I wrote Adversary, I created a society that punished children in various ways. One of them was to throw them in a religious maze with terrifying depictions painted on the walls at night so that the child had to figure out how to light the pitch black maze with candles. Each candle had a color and needed to be lit in a certain order. (Some kids memorize this, but yeah.) That comes from my mom getting upset at me for having a tantrum when I was four, and when we got home, she shut me in the car and went inside. It was pouring rain. I had no idea how to get out. I figured out locks that day - this was a long time ago, so we didn't have electronic locking systems or alarms. In fact, the car was old (poor family) so it didn't have electronic windows either. When my brother and I were playing with our blankets, using them as capes, my dad got angry about it. Said that wasn't what blankets were for and took all of ours away for a night. I was always hiding under mine because I thought aliens or monsters or ghosts would get to me if I didn't, so I was up all night in a panic because I couldn't hide. I can't say if I've translated that into one of my stories, but surely I have. Then there's stuff like... In TDC, Roscoe asks Wayne (his father) if he can have broccoli with dinner. Wayne rejects the notion, but he's pissed about it. Then he immediately changes his mind and says they can fix it, but he says it angrily, as if Roscoe forced his hand. Even though he simply asked once and dropped it as soon as Wayne said "no". And now, no matter what he does, he's been set up: if he says it's okay, they don't have to have it, Wayne will blow up at him. If he agrees to fix it, Wayne will hold it against him that he got what he wanted and will likely bring up "We would have broccoli in the house if you hadn't insisted on eating it." Roscoe isn't trying to win or lose, but he's been put in a situation where that seems to be the case. Over something as innocuous as wanting broccoli for dinner. It's Wayne, setting Roscoe up. Which is a reality I lived through time and time again with my father. It fucks with you deeply. It makes every choice you make something terrifying. You aren't supposed to have choice. I was my maternal grandparents' least favorite child, and they constantly allowed my cousin to bully me to horrific degrees. Then when I was writing Seasons, I was in a "polycule" (girlfriend at the time had another partner) where I was suddenly being ousted more and more from the relationship. It tore open a ton of old wounds that I am forever everyone's least favorite. So that ended up being a core part of Howie's experiences as well. It just hurts too much sometimes to talk about it in depth, and sometimes I don't even want to be a person. I want to be a machine who write stories and doesn't have to need or feel things. I put all that pain into my stories, because I like to write, but I also need to get out those emotions. Express them in a way that isn't ripping my skin apart because I share blood with some shitty people. (Yes, that's... an actual thought that I'd have a lot in the past. Not so much these days, but I'm also just writing and projecting more shit onto characters.)

[fangirleaconmigo]

You’ve probably gotten tons of asks about it already but are you going to make posts talking about the new season now or wait till part 2 comes out?

Hello dear! I tend to think and mull for a long time because my brain is slow.

If anyone wants my preliminary thoughts that are subject to change after seeing the rest of the season, here’s a few things:

SEASON THREE SPOILERS

Canon bi/pan bard is fantastic so far. It feels very natural, the emotions, the chemistry is there, very special and particular connections, etc.

Joey said he had a lot of input and it shows, because it does feel personal. I love it. Anyone who listened to my Whiskey with Witcher podcast interview knows that I’m a big fan of that development.

He also talked up Hugh Skinner and I was like well we shall see. People always talk up their scene partners because they know them and care about them which is GREAT but that doesn’t always actually translate to the screen for the viewer.

But Hugh WAS amazing. Joey was not exaggerating his expressiveness, passion, and chemistry in the role.

Hm. Let’s see what else.

I really appreciate that they haven’t ‘dropped’ the centrality of the Yen and Tissaia relationship. I’m not a fan of the Vilgefortz Tissaia romance addition. But at least they haven’t minimized how important her other relationships are.

Tissaia and Yen is the relationship that hooked me into the witcher to begin with. It had complications and dramatic tension and I was intrigued by how it changed the two women. It is so central to me, and I'm glad it still is for the show.

Ciri: It’s a whole new Ciri. Very different from the books. It’s not worse, it’s just different. In the books she just wanted to be left in peace and wanted nothing to do with being royalty or the motherhood and reproduction that this entails.

She has like a rage moment of almost riding into Nilfgaard at one point but she comes to her senses.

But the show cast her much older and this is just a different story. It’s about leadership. She wants to be a queen. Like I said. Very very different Ciri.

I have always believed you can change things you're adapting, in fact you have to. The test is, what you change it to has to be compelling enough in its own right that people aren't sitting there bitter about what they are missing out on. And I think her internal struggle and arc has potential. We'll see how it plays out the rest of the season.

The stuff about experimenting on the girls and messing with their heads and mushing their body parts into one is obviously brand new as well. I don’t really get it so far, but we’ll see how it plays out.

I believe it's ideas adapted from Season of Storms but I've only read that book one time, so I'll have to go look again.

The plot line has potential. Again, the story in the books was about bodily autonomy and the villains were all trying to basically turn girls and women into breeding machines. The lab was discovered and was horrific in a different way.

So what they’ve done is a bit more “fantasy” and I think it is potentially a much better choice for the kind of show they’re doing. I don't think I would want to see TWN put in a bunch of extreme and graphic reproductive and sexual violence and torture. I think you have to know the kind of show you're making and have a consistent tone. So I'm open to something else, for sure. But I’ll reserve judgment until I see how they wrap it up.

I loved all of the Ciri and Yen stuff. Their conversation and scenes are great. I know for a lot of people it's sort of hollow after S2. Since I made the decision not to quit the show, I have to let that go or I'll be miserable. So, I'm blocking out and denying a lot of season two.

Season three I'm enjoying. Yes, it's camp and silly in a lot of ways. Of course it's a flatter more simplistic version of the story. But we are on season three folks. If that is offensive to people, they should have quit already. Hatewatching is bad for the soul and constant hate and hostility is bad for the fandom. If ya can't have fun with it, time to move on.

For me, I had a great time watching it. I'm actually re-watching it already. I didn't rewatch season two at all (except for the first ep) so that's a good sigh already.

How I judge the season's writing as a whole will have to happen after the second part. And I'll let you know then if you send me another ask.

What I'm looking forward to the rest of the season:

The lodge. I think Cassie Clare is a fabulous Philippa but I want to see her come into her own self. I hope that's coming.

Keira Metz's brass knuckles.

FRINGILLA. We've seen so little of her so far, but what is there has intrigued me. Where are they going with her? I hope she's a bigger part of the last three eps.

MERIHART I want Philippa x Triss so badly ghhhhhh.

Milva. I can't wait to meet Milva.

Jaskier x Radovid I hope is a satisfying arc, and I believe it will be.

Geralt and Jaskier in Brokilon oh I hope they do it justice.

WILL WE SEE THE UNICORN??

Thanks for dropping into the ol ask box hun!