#second life bento animations

[abbyanne-sari-sari]

New emotes for Anthem's October themed round, "Scene Kids". 🫶🎶🖤❤️

Sari-Sari - Not A Phase (Emotes)

12 emotes via HUD.

Male and female versions.

Original bento animations, copy only

EVENT TIMELINE: Oct 3 - 29 🥹👐✨

[teresabeadle5]

The Magic Transformation of Shadow, the Beautiful Black Cat by Skye McLeod Fairywren, Blogger Via Flickr: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once upon a time, in a cozy little town, there lived a beautiful black cat named Shadow. Shadow was sleek and mysterious, with fur as dark as the midnight sky and eyes that glowed like amber jewels. He was adored by his owner, who loved him dearly and often marveled at his graceful movements and playful antics. As Halloween approached, the town began to transform. Pumpkins appeared on doorsteps, cobwebs adorned windows, and the air was filled with the scent of autumn leaves and sweet treats. Shadow’s owner decided to decorate their home with a spooky yet whimsical theme, complete with enchanted gardens and magical elements. One evening, as Shadow wandered through the house, he noticed a peculiar glow coming from the attic. Curious as ever, he padded up the stairs and found an old, dusty trunk. Inside, there were various Halloween decorations, including a witch’s hat, a broomstick, and a shimmering, enchanted collar. Shadow’s owner had always believed in the magic of Halloween, and this year, they had found a special collar that was said to bring out the true spirit of the season. Without hesitation, they gently placed the collar around Shadow’s neck. As soon as the clasp clicked shut, a soft, magical light enveloped him. Shadow felt a tingling sensation spread through his body. His fur seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, and his eyes sparkled with a mischievous light. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and saw that he had transformed into a Halloween cat! His fur now had subtle, glowing patterns that resembled swirling autumn leaves, his head was now an orange Jack o' Lantern, and his eyes gleamed with a playful, magical energy. Embracing his new look, Shadow pranced around the house, delighting in his transformation. He became the star of the Halloween festivities, charming everyone with his enchanting appearance and playful spirit. Children and adults alike were captivated by the magical cat who seemed to embody the very essence of Halloween. As the night of Halloween arrived, Shadow’s owner dressed up as a pretty witch, complete with a cute orange & black outfit, and a hat adorned with stars. Together, they welcomed trick-or-treaters, sharing stories of magic and wonder. Shadow, with his new Halloween persona, brought joy and enchantment to everyone who visited. From that day on, Shadow was known as the Halloween Cat, a symbol of the magic and mystery that the season brought. And every year, as the leaves turned golden and the nights grew longer, Shadow would don his enchanted collar, reminding everyone that magic was real and that the spirit of Halloween lived on in the hearts of those who believed. And so, in the cozy town, Shadow the Halloween Cat and his owner continued to celebrate the magic of the season, creating memories that would last a lifetime. 🎃🐾✨ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Written using AI with my details ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bento Mesh Head: LAQ Ivy Bento Mesh Body: Maitreya LaraX Body: Velour Athletic Hair: Alvilde by Magika Ensemble: Grinda (incl. armbands, collar, dress, garters, hat, upper decoration, wings, panties in 4 pretty colors for Lara, LaraX, Legacy, & Reborn) now @ Planet 29 @ maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Planet29/87/126/21 Nightmare Rings: (Yummy) Witch Boots: Wicca's Wardrobe Pumpkin Cat Animesh (Companion): [Rezz Room] Fall Iced coffee: :::ChicChica::: POSE: Criss-Cross Mirrored: {Caress} FALL HOME BACKDROP: irrISIStible

[apixellife]

FREE LOGO Christina and Christopher Heads by getLOGOed Via Flickr: This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone: 20 years of LOGO in Second Life! From revolutionizing avatar aesthetics to delivering unforgettable designs, LOGO has been a trailblazer—and it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing community. To kick off our two-decade celebration, we’re thrilled to announce a very special gifts: ✨ Two Free EvoX-Compatible Mesh Heads ✨ 💎 Christopher and Christina, designed with the signature quality and style you’ve come to love. 💎 Featuring 2k skin textures for stunning details 💎 These gifts are available for TWO WEEKS ONLY! How to Grab Your Gifts: Join the LOGO In-World Group (free to join, because we love you ❤️). secondlife:///app/group/f5975aa5-ec64-1575-a811-8e643d80daa5/about Visit our mainstore and click the vendor to claim your exclusive heads. On top of that we're offering our ENTIRE collection of animation add-ons for a low price of only 199L during the giveaway. This is our way of saying a heartfelt thank you for 20 years of support, creativity, and inspiration. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to LOGO, we can’t wait to see how you make these heads your own. 🕒 Don’t Miss Out! The gifts are only available for two weeks, so teleport over to the LOGO mainstore today and join the celebration. From our first creation to our latest release, every step of this journey has been possible because of YOU. Here’s to 20 years of incredible memories and to many more ahead! 💖 Let’s make this celebration and this year unforgettable!

[retroaria]

ੈ♡˳ boyfriend Isagi ｡.｡:∞♡

summary: cutsey headcanons for everyones favorite egoist Isagi Yoichi (HIMsagi GOATichi) a bit of a school AU but you can add your own nuances to it ofc I just tried to be general

warnings: purest of fluff (your heart might explode)

BLUE LOCK M.LIST | enjoy 🤍 - aria

pre!boyfriend isagi who shows his feelings through sweet acts of service before he’s ready to tell you head on. Need a partner for that project? He’s already slipping into the desk beside you, a smile on his face. Left your pencil case in homeroom? He’ll run however many miles to ensure it gets back to you. (could’ve texted you but he wants to hand it to you like Prince Charming). Forgot your lunch that day? he’s already splitting half his bento to give to you.

pre!boyfriend isagi who may be afraid to confront you about his feelings off the bat but will go so far out of his way to form a friendship with you first. Immediately introduces himself as soon as you catch his eye. You guys exchange numbers and socials and the rest is history: late night phone calls, weekend hangouts, walking you to school every morning. This boy wants to be your bestie before he swoops in for the goal (and steals your heart!)

pre!boyfriend isagi who wants to immerse himself in your interests and vise versa. No matter what it is you’re into he knows that understanding your passions will help him further understand you. Loves seeing you in the stands during his practice or games. Will literally melt at the sight of you cheering for him. “Clean up on left field, this boy just turned into a puddle of mush!”

pre!boyfriend isagi who can’t help but brush his hand and arm against yours when you walk together. Can’t help but press his leg to yours when sitting together. Can’t help but offer to carry your bags or books. Can’t help but pick that “lint” out of your hair or that “eyelash” on your face (totally not an excuse to touch you). Can’t help but tug you closer to him in crowded spaces. Can’t help but stare endlessly into your eyes everytime you speak (the BEST listener ever btw)

pre!boyfriend isagi who realizes he doesn’t want to waste another second of his life not being able to call you his. Uses the first moment he gets alone with you to take your hands in his and give you the most honest and heartfelt confession. He’s blushing lightly but confident in the connection he’s worked hard to build with you.

boyfriend!isagi who cant wait to be able to hold your hand in public, pull you in for quick kisses, wrap his arm around you whenever he wants, hold you close to him on the couch or in bed, tell you how perfect you are everyday, and never let you forget that he feels like the luckiest boy in the world when he’s with you.

boyfriend!isagi who can’t wait to introduce you to all his friends. You meet Bachira first (obvi) and the three of you become an unstoppable trio. Loves having you at post game celebrations and having you as his personal cheerleader (this boy would do anything to win the game and make you proud)

boyfriend!isagi who dies at the thought of you referring to him as “your boyfriend” and getting to say “my girlfriend/boyfriend/partner. he loves talking about you to his parents! They’re so happy to meet you and so glad that he has someone who cares for him. His mom def shows you all his baby photos (babysagi!)

boyfriend!isagi who takes you on the cutest dates and loves when you take him on dates too (makes him feel like a special boy). He always tries to do something where the two of you can spend a lot of time talking or have a nice experience together. He’s so open and willing to try new things with you, having you in his life has opened him up as a person. He’s also never not happy to just spend the night in snuggled up watching a movie/tv show/anime. (Aside: I have an isagi x reader one shot idea where they go on a date to a butterfly garden that I may potentially post Idk yet)

boyfriend!isagi who is constantly worrying about your health and wellbeing. You can’t tell me he isn’t the kind of guy to constantly check up on you, making sure you’re ok physically and mentally as often as he can. If ever you’re feeling upset or in pain/sick he goes into doctor mode and will do everything in his power to help. If all else fails he will just hold you and promise that his love will make it all better (he’s a loving optimist what can I say)

boyfriend!isagi who is the first to admit that he is absolutely smitten and totally wrapped around your finger because he will forever be in awe that he had the chance to share his love and be loved by someone so special <3

I’d love to do some more specific headcanons on him but I kept these as generic as possible and tried my best to capture just how sweetboy coded he is lol.

[nikkento-writes]

Overtime in the Office

Rating: explicit - MINORS DO NOT INTERACT PLEASE

Word Count: ~1.6k

cw: office au, explicit language, smut - mutual masturbation, cunnilingus, vaginal fingering, vaginal sex (doggy), cream pie, voyeurism (sorta in the end)

Author’s Note: This started off as a drabble, then I got horny so it became a one-shot LOL. Hope you enjoy some office sex with our hubby (plus a little naughty cameo from our boyfriend Ino) :3 animated banner credits to @/cafekitsune.

It’s another late night in the office. Normally, Nanami would not waste a second of his precious life on overtime, but the both of you decided to put in a little extra work the past month to splurge on business class for your upcoming anniversary trip. Just one more week of this and the two of you will be flying off to paradise for ten days of total bliss.

“Sir?” Ino pops his head into Nanami’s office. “I’m taking off now.”

Nanami stands up to meet him at the doorway, nodding. “Thank you for all your hard work. You know you didn’t have to stay late for me, right?”

Ino grins, running his fingers through his brown hair. “I know. I just wanted to take care of a few things before you leave for vacation with your wife.” He swings his backpack over his shoulder, giving Nanami a wink before turning to leave. “Have a good rest of your night!”

Nanami finds the wink slightly odd but quickly dismisses it. Back in his office, he checks his phone briefly to check a message from you fifteen minutes ago, mentioning that you’re finally finished with work. Determined to meet you at home soon, he hunkers down once more in front of his computer, ready to finish this last report before heading out for the weekend.

Too soon after Ino’s departure, Nanami hears footsteps approaching and he’s certain it’s him, back to retrieve something he forgot in his cubicle. To his delightful surprise, it’s you, carrying a plastic bag of take-out in one hand and your regular work purse in the other.

“Honey,” he greets you, hopping up onto his feet to wrap you in a warm hug. “What are you doing here?”

You snuggle into his neck. “I wanted to surprise you! I asked Ino to stay a bit longer so he could let me in.”

He chuckles, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “So that’s why.”

You lean into him, smiling against his lips. “I brought you a bento.”

“Yeah? So sweet of you.” He grabs the bag from your hand, dropping it to the floor, interlacing his fingers with yours. “How’d you know I was hungry?” His voice is soft as velvet, his breath hot on your mouth with every word he speaks, the last coming out in a growl.

You toss your purse behind you, pulling him into a feverish kiss, the both of you starving for something not in either of the bags you brought in with you. It isn’t the first time you’ve been intimate in his office; unbeknownst to all his colleagues at work, your husband is quite the fan of office sex. After all, you helped him christen this very space just several months ago when he first got promoted. While he normally likes to follow order and stick by the rules, crossing the line and taking risks with you excites him. Nobody else knows about his dirty little secret, so no harm, no foul.

The two of you make your way towards his desk, your ass pressed to the very edge of it as he scatters kisses down your neck, his fingers expertly working on unbuttoning your blouse. His mouth moves to your collarbone, across the sternum, to the cups of your bra. His gaze lands on yours, a naughty smirk on his lips. “Feed them to me.”

You moan, ecstatic from the mere thought of him ravishing you. Hasty now, you unlatch your bra, baring your breasts to him. He licks his lips before flicking his tongue on your nipple, enjoying the way it peaks against him. He surrounds you with his mouth, sucking hard while you moan his name, already wet in your panties.

“Touch yourself,” he huffs, pushing both your breasts together to lick as he pleases. “Get yourself wet for me.”

You suppress a giggle, knowing damn well how soaked you are already. There’s arousal leaking through the crotch of your panties when you slip out of your slacks, kicking them away to the side. Your heart races with anticipation, yearning and aching to feel him even deeper against you, inside you. Obeying his demand, you reach your hand underneath the waistband, middle finger tapping wildly at your throbbing clit while he suckles at your swollen teats.

He releases you from his mouth, the resounding pop loud in the empty office. “Fuck,” he curses, nose trailing down your stomach, past your navel, his unsteady breath tickling your bare skin until he’s facing your clothed pussy. “Don’t stop,” he says, his gaze unwavering as he tugs your panties down your legs, watching you pleasure yourself. “I want it really creamy.”

You let out a whine, impatient and needy for his cock. Though you can’t deny how much this sight turns you on, him on his knees for you, his erection strained in his pants, bulging against the fabric, ready to burst. Savoring the moment because he knows that the second he’s inside you, he will lose all composure and go insane.

Swallowing the saliva pooling in your mouth, you spread your legs wider, one hand gripped tightly to the edge of the desk for stability, the other massaging circles around your clit, trying to put on a show for him. It’s not enough; you need more. Nanami tilts his chin up to smirk at you, his brow quirked. “Need some help, sweetheart?” he teases, as if reading your mind.

You avert your eyes, refusing to look at him, embarrassed. “Maybe.”

Laughing, he unbuckles his belt, zipping down the fly of his slacks to pull out his hard cock. You can’t help but look at him now, watching his fist coiled tightly around the shaft, precum leaking at the tip. “This is what you do to me,” he whispers, stroking himself fast. “You like seeing me like this, don’t you?”

“Kento,” you whimper again, fingers working faster, close from just at the sight of him jerking off.

His jaw clenches, his patience wearing thin. Suddenly, he grunts, “Fuck, I need you. Need you now,” tearing your hand away to get his own taste. He pins both your wrists against the edge of the table as he eats you out from below, all tongue, lips, and spit, making you weak in the knees as you succumb to your first orgasm of the night. The next one comes when he starts to moan with his mouth surrounding your clit, two fingers pumping in and out of your cunt, coaxing the second orgasm out of you quickly. You can feel his wicked grin against you as you struggle to stay standing.

He rises onto his feet, turning you around so that his chest is to your back, his cock hard against your ass. “Can you give me one more sweetie? One more so I can fill you up?” He nuzzles his nose to your ear, so sweet and affectionate, yet so naughty.

Fucked out of your mind, you nod, complying easily by bending over the desk. His grip is firm on your waist as he slides himself up and down between your folds, teasing you until he can’t resist any longer. He slides in smoothly, your pussy so wet from the previous orgasms. You stay still for him, taking him all in. “That’s it, sweetheart. Just like that,” he says, voice like honey as he encourages you. “Just feel me.” There’s the most subtle crack that only you recognize as his sanity starts to waver. “And when you’re ready, use me. Fuck me how you like.”

That’s something else Nanami likes to do with you; give you control, let you set the pace, put your pleasure first. And when you absolutely lose it, so much that you’re babbling nonsense and seeing stars, he takes matters into his own hands. As you thrust yourself onto his cock back and forth, your fingers practically digging into wooden surface you’re gripping so tightly, moaning so loudly that you’re sure somebody will hear you, euphoria consumes you, turning you into putty right before him.

“Good girl,” he purrs, holding you from behind, nuzzling his nose to the nape of your neck. “That’s my girl.” Soft kisses along your shoulder, a sweet peck on your cheek. And then, the switch. An obvious growl now when he says, “It’s my turn.”

He fucks you until he fills you up with his cream pie, which doesn’t take long considering he’s managed to keep himself on the very edge since the moment you arrived. When the both of you have caught your breaths, he guides you back upright, spinning you around to face him. “It’s been a long couple of weeks,” he admits, cheeks flushed, sweat beading on his forehead, his composure returning to normal.

You wrap your arms around his neck, nuzzling your nose to his. “I know.”

He embraces you lovingly. “One more week.”

“One more week,” you repeat, kissing him.

You both hear it; a sneeze of a young man who accidentally left behind something in his cubicle, right outside of Nanami’s office, the door wide open. Your husband sprints out into the hallway in an attempt to catch him, but he eases up when he notices the blur of a brunette wearing the black beanie he forgot in his cubicle, struggling to pull his pants back up as he hightails it out the exit.

Okay, so maybe one other person now knows about his dirty little secret.

[theholypeanut]

Planet Hotline Disaster

Summary: Kurona got a crush on a new girl… who is way taller than him

Cw: fluff, insecure Kurona, cute Kurona, tall!Reader f!reader, Isagi, Bachira and Chigiri being disasterous virgin besties, getting secondhand embarrassment for Kurona [*], 1.1k words

Kurona Ranze never expected to fall in love. Love was just something he never thought about, he had other things in his life: football, sharks, his routine, braids - just not romantic love. And it was fine - his life felt full and happy.

Then one day he met you and everything just went upside down. Before, Kurona never thought twice about his height - it’s not an important thing for football so why would he care?

“Ah Damn, she looks like a freakin’ giraffe” he heard his classmate commenting loudly on the hallway. When he turned around, his stomach flipped. You were so beautiful: long legs, beautiful eyes, amazing hair just right for braids - and you were definitely taller than him.

“Dude, shut up. Honestly she must be a model, because damn” - he had no idea who said it, but Kurona agreed in his mind. He never saw a more beautiful human being.

It was the beginning of your second year in high school and you changed schools because of your parents new job in this city. You felt so out of place, still awkward and way too shy to answer to the comments, so you just pretended like you cannot hear it. Anxiety was eating you from inside out and the fact that you were easily taller than any other girl in your year did not help.

The fact that you became desk mates was like in a movie - Kurona definitely felt like it was a string of fate in his favour. You were always so nice to him, so polite, that he couldn’t help but blush way too often for his own sanity. On the other hand every time he wanted to talk to you, words were just stuck in his throat. Sometimes you’d ask a question and he answered the most ridiculous and incoherent thought he had, because his brain just stopped responding. And you couldn’t stop thinking how adorable he looks when he blushes.

At this point all of his football friends knew what was going on.

“You know, you should ask her for her number” suggested Isagi during lunch “she seem to like you, and you can always use the excuse that you didn’t hear what was the homework, or ask her about school”

“Actually this is not such a bad idea” Chigiri agreed “it’s not like you are asking her out yet. Also maybe writing will go easier than talking.”

Kurona avoided eye contact and just sit there quietly eating his bento.

“You know you cannot just look at her and blush forever” Bachira added, what felt like a knife in the heart. He could. Actually, looking at you from the distance and watching you laugh, smile, or focus on the lesson was just enough for him. What made him feel sick to his stomach was the idea you’d find someone and fall in love. That this another person will come to your desk to flirt with you, hold your hand in the hallways, or take you home. Idea of watching you happy shouldn’t feel so bad, however all of this potential images just made Kurona nauseous. The truth is, he was too embarrassed to admit it even to himself, that he wants to do all of that stuff - not seeing someone else taking you away. However how could you ever choose him? You were so out of his league. Girls like you don’t want short guys like him.

The closest he’d ever gone to a romantic moment with you, was when you were doodling animals in your notebook during a boring class, and he couldn’t stop looking at your hands. You noticed how much he paid attention to the drawing, so with this beautiful smile, you took his notebook and drew the cutest shark he ever saw, with a tiny heart next to his head. If he could, he’d cut this page out and frame it, put next to the bed and just look at it before going to sleep everyday.

“How do you even ask girl for a number?” Kurona asked with a weak voice. His friends went silent. The truth was, well, all of them were quite disasterous virgins.

“You can for example told her to send you photo of her notes later, because you didn’t pay attention during class” Chigiri suggested.

“Or you can tell her that her number would look so good in your phone!” Bachira said with enthusiasm. Isagi and Chigiri sent him a stinky side eye.

“Yeah Bachira, I don’t know if you remember, but the last time she asked him if she can borrow his notebook, he answered “mozzarella”” Chigiri were ruthless in his words. “I think this line might leave a wrong impression”

Just for the reminder of Mozzarella Incident Kurona’s face turn red.

“You can just say she looks pretty” Isagi added. “Simple, easy. I don’t know. Compliment her hair.”

“Yeah, girls love it when you compliment their hair” Chigiri nodded. “This one would be the best. From there when conversation starts, you can ask if she maybe wants to exchange contacts. You can do it!”

All hyped up, Kurona came back to class. I can do it, he thought. I can ask her. He gathered all of his mental strength when you sat next to him for the next period. And for entire class he was repeating in his head what he will say to you.

Your hair are so pretty. I didn’t pay attention, could you maybe give me your phone number, so you can send me your notes later?

“Kurona-kun, lesson already ended” he heard your angelic voice. He felt like his brain got overheated.

“Oh, yes, yes. Sorry” he said, feeling that his hands begin to shake. It’s now or never. “Em!” He said to get your attention on him.

“Yes?”

“Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention on class, could you maybe give me your number so can you send me your hair later?” He said on one breath.

“You want me to send you… my hair?”

Brain.exe stopped responding.

“No no no, I mean, your hair are so pretty, and I think you would look so pretty in my phone”

Oh no.

At this point you couldn’t even keep a straight face. Kurona’s face had almost the same colour as his hair. You giggled. He wanted to just vanish from the face of the earth.

“Oh really?” At this point it was almost cruel to tease him. “You know, I think you would look very pretty in my phone too.”

You took a step towards the pink boy and leaned down right next to his ear. You touched his cheek right next to the short braid and made him shiver.

“I really like you too”

By slowlyholypeanut

I was 🤏 this close to naming this fic Mozzarella Incident

Also this was supposed to be his birthday fic, but I was too tired with life - but happy birthday to our best boy!

[yurimother]

Josei Yuri Manga 'She Loves Cook, and She Loves to Eat' Volume 2 Released

On March 21, Yen Press released the second volume of Sakaomi Yuzaki's slice of life Yuri series She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat (Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna).

The manga follows Nomoto, who likes to cook to destress. One day, she finds herself making more food than she can possibly eat by herself. And so, she invites her neighbor Kasuga over for an impromptu dinner date.

The publisher describes the second volume:

Kasuga and Nomoto promised to spend their Christmas and New Years together. Now, they find themselves learning more about each others families through the food sent by Nomotos mother. Cute character bento, salmon and rice, stollen, fruit sandwiches, roast beef... Nomoto and Kasuga warm up to each other over a cheerful holiday season. 

She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat is serialized digitally by ASCII Media Work’s COMIC it. ASCII Media Works publishes three volumes of the series in Japanese.

A live-action television drama adaptation of the series aired from November to December 2022. It was broadcast for 10 episodes. Yui Matsusaki and Hiroyuki Nakata direct the drama. It stars Manami Higa and Emi Nishino.

The manga has received mostly positive reception, in 12 and 13th place in the 2021 and 2022 Next Manga Awards, respectively. Rebecca Silverman gave the second volume an overall rating of A- on Anime News Network, and Erica Friedman of Okazu awarded it a 9/10.

You can check out She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat Volume 2 today digitally and in paperback: https://amzn.to/3K9BtWs

Reading official releases helps support creators and publishers. YuriMother makes a small affiliate commission from sales to help fund future coverage.

[518062]

What does a normal day look like for Katsuki?

It starts at eight o’clock in the morning, depending on his shift. Often, he fights the urge to succumb to the blankets and let the warmth swallow him. Then he remembers who he is, chastises himself, and grumpily stomps to the bathroom––ignoring the blackout curtains––lest Izuku is there. If he wakes up next to his husband, he absolutely leans back and enjoys the lavender scent. Sometimes, he sneakily scents Izuku, but the dick always notices.

After brushing his teeth with such adamance the friction will set them on fire, he heads into the kitchen and gets to work. This bit is his favourite, whether Izuku is present or not. He’s always looking for new ways to brighten their palate with foreign recipes and unconventional methods for classic dishes. The chance of failure with such experimentation is 50/50, but Katsuki thinks he’s gotten better at it; Izuku, the greedy alpha, will eat anything Katsuki makes him, anyway, especially if it’s a bento box, which Katsuki physically hands to him almost every day without fail. It is the most important task of the day, and Izuku thanks him profusely every time, whispering compliments into his ear as they scent one another in an extensive hug. It is also Katsuki’s second favourite moment of the day, besides cooking the actual thing. For him, cooking is a way to express himself, and Izuku is the lucky receptor of these messages, be it an insanely spicy curry or a sickeningly sweet crepe. His thoughts are derailing, he knows, but when every waking moment is spent thinking of his buff alpha, such events occur.

After cooking comes the mundane part––cleaning. Izuku keeps insisting on a maid, knowing Katsuki will be knackered before his shift even begins. Katsuki refuses. If he cannot take care of his home and alpha, the notion will eat him up inside out––plus, he despises losing, and vows to be the best omega (and pro hero) ever (three years in a row for the latter).

Cleaning, much like cooking, involves a 50/50 probability, this time weighing on two things: indignation and rejuvenation. Mitsuki always yelled the house down every Sunday morning, and forced Katsuki to learn all the techniques––he hated it back then, but now, he treats it tenderly. Sometimes, hoovering is an absolute pain in the ass, imploring him to burn the carpet, which the machine sucks onto––but laundry is even worse. Nothing pisses him off more than having to fold fifty t-shirts which have idiotic words like “evening” and “happy” on them. Yet scrubbing bathroom tiles with music blasting is oddly refreshing, and has also gotten him some complaints from neighbours, to which he responds in an equally rude letter that “it’s eleven o’clock in the morning, asshole. You don’t have a job?”

Since he’s a god at cleaning, like everything else he’s good at, Katsuki prepares for his shift. He works full time, just like Izuku, but gets some leeway––later shifts mean more action, anyway, and he craves some explosion therapy. An average shift spans eight hours, and he always finishes in time to give Izuku his lunch.

Most days, it’s the usual. Izuku is surprisingly a picky eater, and Katsuki thought he was used to it by now, but god, did his husband irk him. Just eat the fucking wasabi, he writes on that day’s message, slapped onto the lunchbox and neatly put in its bag. Izuku always thanks him but still takes the wasabi out and it’s… fuck, he’s such a loser. He often feels like he’s taking care of a child, but Izuku opens his mouth to say the most dirty thing ever with a casual smile, and Katsuki swallows the thought.

After the unfortunately brief lunch date, Katsuki goes home and enjoys some self-care. He likes to take a two-mile run around the city whenever he can; it’s important to keep training even off company time––and it’s patrolling. Izuku always tells him to be careful and not marry his job, but Katsuki reminds him of his descent into madness since becoming important in his workplace and, yeah, they’re both in deep. After running, he takes a pleasant shower, which compliments his vanilla scent because fucking yes, he wants Izuku begging for it tonight. Well, that depends on the day, and if his heat’s incoming.

If his heat’s due? The entire day collapses and reignites like a phoenix. Katsuki hates a lack of routine, and his heats are awfully unpredictable by nature, but Izuku drops everything to pick up the pieces, to keep the day going as normal. When his heat comes, Katsuki loses all his excitement in being a housewife and lets himself ogle at his alpha’s burly arms as he folds the hideous t-shirts, as he wipes bubbles off his face, sick of doing dishes, holding his tongue as his omega follows him around, watching his every move.

When the heat actually arrives, Katsuki lets go of adult responsibility, preps, and waits for Izuku to wake up; he can’t sleep during such arduous nights, and they both book the time off. Sometimes, the heat becomes so unbearable, Katsuki gingerly pulls the blanket off and strips his husband waist down to just…sit on his cock. That’s all. Or ride it while he’s drooling like a fool. Either or works, satiating Katsuki until Izuku stirs and really scolds Katsuki for the freaky attempt (but he likes it anyway).

Otherwise, Izuku absolutely must not touch the house. Even stepping into the kitchen for a bullshit chamomile tea doesn’t suffice. Katsuki cannot trust his mate to keep his clumsy hands to himself, and prefers to do all the work, anyway. Izuku incessantly begs for anything to do, especially on calmer days, but Katsuki denies. Alpha will sit down, relax, and Katsuki will handle it. In the early years of living together, Katsuki shoved this stupid omega thought down, but once he saw how Izuku mopped, he let it overwhelm him. Over time, being a housewife became Katsuki’s pride, and everyone knew from their scents just how well taken care of his alpha was.

Katsuki isn’t ashamed to admit that he seeks validation. What kind of omega would he be if he didn’t want his alpha’s attention? He relishes in Izuku’s lovesick glances, his tooth rotting prose, his stupid freckles, even when he hogs the blanket and wakes up from intense nightmares. His alpha is his world; the second most important person (besides himself, duh) in his life, and nothing will ever top the priority of making sure he has the most perfect life until death do them part. Funny, because Katsuki was not one for corny wedding vows.

In the evening, when Izuku’s home, dinner’s served and Katsuki’s free from hero paperwork, he has one last household task: to make sure Izuku validates his efforts. He gets ready for bed at ten o’clock sharp as the early bird he is, doing the boring stuff, handling some laundry, sorting them into their colour coded baskets, and finishing other chores he did not have time for during the day. Izuku, ever the insomniac, often stays up late, kissing Katsuki’s temple and wishing him goodnight, but recently, Katsuki has been nagging at him to get into the bed and “spoon me now or die”. He also isn’t ashamed to ask for affection, not after so many years of insecurity, not when he has died for his mate and lived again—all for him, defying the world’s most perilous villain and time itself––for him. So Izuku joins in with the bedtime skincare routine, because lord knows his acne infested face needs it, and his eczema has gotten worse.

Finally, they tuck into bed––Izuku keeps his glasses on, phone inches from his face, brightness up to the max as he responds to some emails, and Katsuki opts for a book; he doesn’t like social media much anyway, and watches Izuku from the corner of his eye. They coexist in a comfortable silence for approximately twenty minutes before Katsuki has enough; he puts his book away, snatches Izuku’s phone out of his scarred, massive (sexy) hand, and crosses his arms, waiting for the familiar words. Izuku is a little stupid, so sometimes he completely forgets, all his intelligence being used up in the day for his intense life, abandoning his perfect omega. In these times, Katsuki feels his omega wallow, but has learnt to ignore it, because Izuku is only human; he is human, and this routine they have is not perfect. They do not live in clouds, although Katsuki loves to dream.

Yet again, there is a 50/50 chance that Katsuki is going to explode Izuku’s face. Izuku will either smile a. awkwardly or b. sheepishly, both being applicable because he still acts like a flustered fourteen-year-old around his husband. Katsuki waits and waits.

On one particular June evening, Izuku melts Katsuki's heart.

“Kacchan,” he says, holding both his mate’s hands, staring into his red eyes with such devotion it makes Katsuki feel like he can rule the world. “You are so much to me. Everything. And you do so much for me. Every day, you put up with me, even when I annoy you, even when you’re having a hard day, even––” he chokes on a sob, and Katsuki’s grip tightens. “Even though I’m barely here, and it kills me––I want to be here, next to you, doing stupid chores with you, helping you around the house and I can’t. It kills me.”

Katsuki stills, but his heart beats with haste. He watches Izuku’s shoulders droop, tears soaking the mattress, eyebrows furrowing, hair pulled back with those stupid clips his students got him, and something about it is so juvenile it makes Katsuki’s entire soul ache. His alpha is crying. Has he upset him? No, silly omega, he says to himself. Izuku is a crybaby––he always has been, and he possesses emotions to the most physical degree, making everyone see them. Izuku has so many notebooks, but no pen or paper can satisfy his perpetual train of thought; nothing can withstand the grand quantity of emotion he holds in his lungs, the motions which he breathes in and out, for they are him, his fuel in life, what has kept him from suicide again and again. Katsuki knows––Izuku’s very grateful, and while the omega chooses actions, Izuku chooses words, and this is merely how they express their love, and it always works, but they both take on too much, ‌tipping this scale, and Izuku feels guilt as much as he does gratitude, always stressing over things which are minute to Katsuki (like ironing his tie) when such topics are customary for Katsuki.

So Katsuki waits; like he waits for his phone to show two o’clock so he can get the fuck out of his sweaty suit and see his husband, waits for him again at five o’clock when he comes home, table already set, food still warm.

“I know you’re fine with it, and we’ve been doing this forever, and I suppose I am incredibly selfish, but––” Izuku takes a deep breath, lavender scent becoming bitter, so bitter even bees would not visit. Katsuki tries to calm him with his own scent and prays it works. “I need more. Of you, of being with you. I’m so sorry for bringing this up so late. You’re… so perfect, and gorgeous, and there is––ugh––no words to describe you, or the deep desire I feel for you. How did I get so blessed to be with the best omega in the world?” His body relaxes, and he moves his hands out of Katsuki’s grip, bringing them to the blonde’s face, holding his pale cheeks and giving him with that look again. The one Katsuki can never decipher. It’s like Izuku turns it on every night before bed, right before he gives Katsuki an essay about his talents and amazing housework, but it’s intense today, like a humongous candle flame, fierce and unwavering. Katsuki yearns for that flame––he wants to burn––even if he has spent his whole life burning and succumbing to dramatic explosions––he wants to burn.

“I am…” he begins, never the one who spoke; Izuku studied him and learnt his language when no one else had, so he never felt the need to, not even now, but this is important. “I am so fucking in love with you, shitty alpha. I hate washing your t-shirts, and I hate putting your shoes on the rack ‘cause you know I remind you every day and you never do it. I love you,” he says it again, clearing his throat, as Izuku wipes the tears away with his thumbs. “The best omega can only be with an alpha who knows how to treat him right. That’s you. Got it? D-Don’t spring this shit up on me again,” he stutters, closing his eyes, feeling Izuku’s wet lips softly press against his. This is not part of the routine––not that physical touch isn’t, because Katsuki’s clingy as fuck, but this sudden wave of emotion, elation, pride, yes, love, an absolutely thirst-quenching desire to become one with this man? Not part of what a normal day for Katsuki looks like.

Izuku leans back, curly lashes wet with joy, his scent becoming so overwhelming, Katsuki wants to drink it.

“Thank you, Kacchan.” He says in a hoarse voice, getting into bed properly, back against the headboard as Katsuki immediately lays flat, aiming for his lap. It’s an odd position, but Katsuki scowls in happiness. “My darling omega.”

Katsuki’s cock twitches at the praise, but he is too emotionally drained. He just lets Izuku’s happiness settle in his hair and closes his eyes, purring loudly, enjoying this intervention, appreciating the scarcity. He loves Izuku, but too many words, and he’s a goner.

Izuku understands this, like he understands Katsuki inside out, front to back, like an ancient text which has been shared for centuries, as if he were a holy book, a religion, a deity whom Izuku praised as if his life depended on it. He has memorised every action, every glare, every threatening hand, his blood, the way his scars change colour as the seasons pass. This life has been tumultuous, and it will continue to be––they are allowed to have this normalcy, to pretend they are ordinary people in this flat, this home, where the couch is always a mess of Pro Hero Deku blankets, where white t-shirts with stupid slogans hang on the drying rack.

This is a day in the life for Katsuki, and Izuku is in the centre, the centre of his world; he is the world. Katsuki’s world.

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Animate Tokuten Drama CD “A Vampire’s Late Night Snack Terror” [Kou ver.]

Original title: 夜更かしヴァンパイアの食テロ飯 [コウ編]

Source: Diabolik Lovers ZERO Vol. 2 Animate Tokuten CD

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Kimura Ryouhei

Translator’s note: Take notes everyone, do not EVER let Kou into your kitchen because he will destroy the place. That being said, it was really cute to see him be such a disaster in the kitchen. Especially all of the shrieking and cries of panic had me giggle more than once. (Sorry Kou) You know it’s bad when the MC had to resort to eventually having him pour hot water over a pre-made onigiri and call it a dish. :p

*Rustle rustle*

You approach Kou in the kitchen.

“...Oh? You’re awake too? Are you thirsty, maybe? ...Personally I’m here because I got hungry so I’m looking to see if there’s still any food around. 

I know I already had seconds, but just dinner isn’t enough to tie me over. I’m still a growing boy, you see? So I end up needing a small snack before bed every now and then. 

Seems like everyone ate a lot today though so there aren’t any leftovers...So, perhaps I should indulge in your blood instead~? That doesn’t sound bad either.”

You shake your head.

“Hahaha! I’m joking! Even though your blood is delicious, there’s a difference between being hungry for blood or actual food. I’ll have your blood some other time, okay~? ...Anyway, guess I have no other choice but to have a slice of white bread and go to bed. It’s at times like this where I wish I could whip up something real quick. I shouldh ave learnt how to cook at some point in my life.”

You offer to teach him some easy recipes.

“Eh? Really!? You’ll teach me!”

You seem somewhat surprised that he’s willing to cook.

“Of course! I’ll gladly make something if you’re the one giving me instructions! Well then, today you’re the instructor and I’m your student! ...Sensei, I’m starving!”

You ask Kou what he wants to eat.

“Hm...What I want to eat? I’m not sure...I’d say pasta but we’re all out after tonight’s dinner...”

*Rustle*

“Ah! In that case, doria! (1) A piping hot plate, loaded with extras and topped with a generous amount of cheese!”

You nod.

“Hooray! Let’s get started then!”

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle*

“All set! What should we do first?”

You explain.

“Hm...The bechamel sauce, huh? Let me handle that!”

You give him instructions.

“Uhm...I should melt some butter? I’ll a pot...”

*Cling*

Kou turns on the stove.

“The flour goes in next, right? Let me just open the bag...”

*Rustle rustle*

“Huh...? The bag won’t...Huh!? ...How does it work!? It won’t open!”

*RIIIIIP*

“Aaah!”

*Thud*

“Coff, coff...Gosh, I didn’t think I’d end up dropping the whole bag. You’re completely white right now, M-neko-chan...Eh? So am I? Ah-ahー The pot’s a mess as well. ...Aah, no biggie! One more time! I’m starting over from scratch!”

*Rustle rustle*

*Pshhhh*

“Eeh!? The butter turned black! ...Uwah! There’s smoke! Look!”

*Pshhh*

“One second, the pot got knocked over...Uwaaah!!”

*WOOSH*

“Flames!! It’s on fire!! M-neko-chan, water! Quick!!” 

*SHATTER SHATTER*

*Shatter*

*TIMESKIP*

“...Uu...The kitchen’s a hot mess...How come I just can’t seem to get it right? Am I just too clumsy...!? Whatever, I’m never cooking again in my whole life...”

You try to motivate him to keep going.

“It’ll turn out a disaster no matter how many times I try! I’m just not cut out for it! Besides, we’ve blasted through most of our ingredients as well...Even if we were to try to buy new ones, almost all stores are closed at this hour.”

You grab hold of his hand and start dragging him out of the kitchen.

*Rustle rustle*

“Eh!? ‘Let’s go’? But where!? ...Hey! M-neko-chan, listen to me!”

*Thud*

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle rustle*

“We’re back...”

*Rustle*

“I was wondering where you’d take me, but I didn’t expect the convenience store...And on top of that you bought onigiri. If you’re no longer in the mood to cook, you could have at least gotten me a proper bento.” 

You tell him that you’re going to cook with the onigiri.

“Eh? You actually haven’t given up yet? Then why did you buy these things?”

You ask him to have faith in you.

“Well, if you say so...Fine, this is the final try! I promise that I’ll make a delicious late-night snack this time!”

You nod. 

“Mmh! Well then, Sensei! Please give me instructions! Okay, I’ll get a bowl first...”

*Thud*

“Then put the onigiri we bought in the...”

*Rustle*

“...Eh? We’re going to use the onigiri!?”

You ask him to have faith in you.

“Okay. I’ll put it in then! I chose one with grilled fish roe and seaweed inside!”

You continue to give him instructions. 

“Then with that...Eh? We’re putting this in as well? Uhm...”

*Rustle*

“In goes one packet of dried bonite flakes from the convenience store!”

*Rustle rustle*

“And then a splash of soy sauce...”

*Pshhh*

“Hm...That should do, I guess? Last but not least we pour in some hot water...”

*Pshhh*

“Mix everything up and it’s done!”

*Dun dun*

“Easy-made dashi-chazuke (2) from the convenience store!”

“Eh!? Are you sure we’re done!? All I did was pour hot water in!”

You prompt him to try it.

“I mean, I’ll try it now that I’ve made it...”

*Thud*

“Thanks for the meal...”

*Cling*

“Phew...Phew...Hahn...Mmh...Mm! It’s delicious! The dried bonito flakes really helped to give the broth that extra punch of flavor! Hahn...!”

*Nom*

“The rice is nice and hot as well, warming me up from inside.”

*Sluuuurp*

“I made the right choice with my onigiri fillings! I love how fluffy the rice is in comparison to the fried fish roe which pops in your mouth! The saltiness makes it so that I could eat several bowls of this! The dried seaweed gives off flavor as well, so it’s very hearty and savory! ...Here, you should give it a try as well! Phew...Phew...Say ‘aahn’.”

Kou feeds you.

*Rustle rustle*

You tell him it’s good.

“Right!? I honestly could grow addicted to this! ...Here, you can have one more bite!”

You shake your head.

“Nu-uh! This is your reward! I have to show my thanks to you for teaching me so well! Come on, open your mouth~ ‘Aaahn’“

*Chomp*

“Good girl ...You’re really enjoying it, huh? Seems like you haven’t even realized that eating from the same chopsticks counts as an indirect kiss~”

You suddenly become flustered.

“Oh geez, you’re panicking now? Too late~ Besides, we’ve kissed plenty of times before, no?”

*Nom nom*

*Sluuuurp*

“Mm...Mmh!”

*Thud*

“Thanks for the meal! Haah~ I’m stuffed! I ended up scarfing it down! I didn’t think such an easy recipe could count as cooking as well.”

You remind him that he just cooked a dish by himself.

“Huh? ...Right! I managed to make something by myself! ...Thanks for keeping up with me till the end. ...My fine motor skills aren’t always the best, so I always thought that cooking just wasn’t for me. Ruki’s been cooking for me for as long as I can remember. But ever since you started making food instead, I’ve been getting the urge to help out where I can, so I’m glad I challenged myself today!”

You ask him if that was his real objective for wanting to cook something tonight.

“Fufu~ I spilled the beans. Still, it’s not like I wanted to hide it or anything. I know I messed up a lot, but I’ll improve step by step starting with the little things I can manage.”

You agree and cheer him on.

“Mmh! Thanks! I’d love to thank you with a kiss but...I’m pretty sure I’ve got fishy breath from the ochazuke so let’s leave that for another time.”

You blush.

“Oh come on, look at you acting all flustered again~ We both know that you’re happy deep down.”

You puff out your cheeks. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry! Well then...Guess I’ll go brush my teeth and then hit the hay.”

*Rustle*

“Ah...The kitchen...What do we do about it?”

*Cling cling*

“If Ruki-kun sees this, he’ll explode... (3)”

You tell him that you should clean up.

“R-Right! Let’s clean everything up while we can! Ruki-kun might be an early bird, but there’s no way he’d be awake at this hour!”

They hear Ruki approach the kitchen. 

“Ah...These footsteps...Uh-oh. ...Let’s quickly make a run for it, M-neko-chan!”

The two of you run away.

ーー THE END ーー

Translation notes

(1) The best way to describe ‘doria’ would be an Asian lasagna. It’s a very popular Italian-inspired Japanese dish consisting of rice in a bechamel sauce (I believe sometimes it can be a mixture of red and white sauce too) with vegetables or meats of your choice, topped with a layer of grated cheese and then baked in the oven so it gets that crispy crust just like a lasagna has.

(2) Ochazuke is a very simple Japanese dish consisting of boiled rice in a broth, in this case a traditional dashi-broth.

(3) Literally Kou says that a bolt of lightning will come striking down.

[glamnessaaumisc]

Sci-Fi Worldbuilding: The Weeaboo Empire and their Leaders

This is like my first foray into the nitty-gritty of worldbuilding in my sci-fi setting, which I have now dubbed SolarHood (because the entire setting takes place in the Solar Neighborhood, or a bunch of stars that are close to the Sun). cw for mention of child soldiers or something I guess.

Nekos are one of the oldest post-Human races to evolve. Nekos as a race predate the first interplanetary colonies. They began as a slave race engineered by an American corporation known to target the American Japanophile demographic (coloquially known as weeaboos). As such, they were conditioned to behave in a manner similar to characters from fictional Japanese media and advertised as "The first ever real-life cat-maids!" When interstellar travel was made available, the Neko slaves revolted against their captors and escaped to a distant star which they named Sakura.

Due to the unique conditions of its ethnogenesis, Nekoese culture is heavily influenced by fictional media from the ancient Earth-nation Japan[1], so much so that the Nekoese have their own English dialect, dubbed "Nekoenglish," which incorporates numerous Japanese words (often incorrectly) into its vocabulary. Their naming traditions, too, are heavily influenced by fictional Japanese media, as most common Neko names are either the names of anime characters or mundane Japanese words. They're like the aliens from Galaxy Quest but they're weeaboos instead of Trekkies.

The Neko escapees established the Nekoese State, a military government initially geared around defending against a possible invasion from the United States[2]. This changed after the First Kozmite[3] Incursion, when America provided the Nekoese with military aid. Ever since then, the Nekoese have maintained close relations with the United States. Thirteen years before the Solar Restoration[4], the Nekoese State fell into a civil war known as the Children's Rebellion[5]. The last war the Nekoese State fought before the Solar Restoration was the Second Kozmite Incursion, when the Kozmites invaded both the Nekoese State and the Arcadian Convention[6]. The Technocracy ended up losing again, cementing their status as an international pariah.

Goji Harui is the Supreme Admiral of the Nekoese Space Fleet. He was appointed during the Second Kozmite Incursion after the death of the previous Supreme Admiral. His appointment was controversial due to his young age (of 23) and his service to the Bento-Loyalists during the Children's Rebellion[7], but the President took into account two things when she appointed Goji - his distinguished service during the Second Kozmite Incursion, and the fact the previous Supreme Admiral vouched for him before his death[8].

Ikari Koryu is one of the military commanders responsible for the Children's Rebellion. When he was a child, he was enlisted in the Nekoese Army. He was randomly selected for a secret experiment when he was 15. President Bento subjected Koryu to numerous painful and traumatic operations and trials, turning him into the first and only super-soldier in the Nekoese State, whose body cannot feel pain and can rapidly heal from any wound. Koryu rose quickly through the ranks of the Army, eventually becoming a general. As a general, he staged the Children’s Rebellion alongside Admiral Rimaru Sanobashi and was later appointed Supreme Commander of the Nekoese Army. Despite being a celebrated figure among the Nekoese populace, many military commanders, especially the admiralty, tend to steer clear of him[9].

Goji and Koryu despise each other but keep their enmity on the down-low. Rimaru takes a neutral position because neither Goji nor Koryu have fucked up egregiously enough to warrant getting fired yet.

[1] - Despite being heavily influenced by Japanese fictional media, Nekoese culture has little to no influence from actual Japanese culture. Nekos exclusively speak English, and most of them do not know what Japan is.

[2] - The United States, formerly the United States of America, is the oldest and largest extant nation in the Solar Neighborhood. Before the Fall of Sol (which was when the Solar System was occupied by the exiled Kozmite terrorist Zrout), the United States stood at the forefront of interplanetary and later interstellar colonialism. The US is the only Earth-nation to survive the Fall of Sol.

[3] - The Kozmite Technocracy is the third largest nation in the Solar Neighborhood, controlling five interstellar colonies, as well as a puppet state. Its government is structured in a way that all political power is in the hands of a few tech oligarchs, chief among them being the Overlord. The Technocracy is known for its belligerence, having attacked most of its neighbors throughout its history.

[4] - The Solar Restoration denotes the defeat of the exiled Kozmite terrorist Zrout, who controlled the Solar System for tens of thousands of years, and the establishment of the Free Solar Republic. This would be like the first thing that would happen in a hypothetical comic of this sci-fi setting.

[5] - During the First Kozmite Incursion, the Nekoese State began enlisting child soldiers to fill the hole the Kozmites were eating in their manpower. This policy continued until the Children's Rebellion, when then-General Ikari Koryu and then-Admiral Rimaru Sanobashi, both former child soldiers, rebelled against the former President Ryuga Bento. After the success of the Rebellion, Sanobashi was elected the new President and she appointed Koryu to lead the Nekoese Army.

[6] - The Arcadian Convention are a bunch of furries whose convention grew too big so they fucked off to the stars and formed their own nation-state. The region of the Solar Neighborhood that contains the Arcadians and the Nekoese is colloquially known as the "Cringe Sector." Don't get me started on the furry lore in this setting; I'll be here all night.

[7] - Goji Harui was born on the capital planet of the capital system of the Nekoese State. He enlisted in the Nekoese Army when he was 12, one year before the Children's Rebellion. Because he was stationed in the capital, he had no choice but to fight against the rebels. All of his childhood friends were taken captive and killed by General Ikari Koryu.

[8] - "Of everyone who has ever served in my Fleet, one pilot stands out to me. His name is Goji Harui. He used to be in the Army, switched over after the Children's Rebellion. I know he's just 23, but I think he'd do good in my position. I ask that you appoint him the new Supreme Admiral in the event of my death or retirement. He deserves it more than anyone else." -Letter from the previous Supreme Admiral to President Sanobashi

[9] - “I have a great deal of respect for what Supreme Commander Koryu-sama has done for this country. It's a shame the man is a sexist baka when you get to know him.” -Quote from an anonymous Nekoese admiral

[jahdiel-death]

✧˖ ° Inkling ✧˖ ° 

Psychosocial Swallow XL Plugs

M & F Included

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Located @ Mainstore

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✧˖ ° Epoch ✧˖ °

melanie set

Shirt, Shorts, Crop Jacket

Legacy, Lara X, Reborn

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✧˖ ° Chris Two Designs ✧˖ ° 

MyPhone 13 Doux Max

8 Colours: Pink, Blueish, Early Night, FuckOff Red, Graphite, Gold, Silver, Valley Blue

15 Phone Screens, 12 are Animated-32 Bento Animations Fem/Masc (Stands, Typing, Taking selfies, etc...) 13 Sound Effects (Including Male and Female voices, ringtone, unlock sound, typing sound, msg sent, call denied, game sfx, etc...) 1 Phone Case (Silver Clear Silicone) + 1 Mag Wallet (Black Leather) HUD Controlled: Watch the video tutorial for all Functions! Resize, Gender selector, Case | MagWallet On/Off, Sound Mode, Apps, Animations, Personalization, Delay, etc.

It also works with:

Universal Emoji HUD that contains 245 different emojis- Particle System:

Send flying Emojis to your friends using the Universal Emoji HUD + the MyPhone 13 Series

In collaboration with Doux, we also bring:

- The MyEraHat 13 - fits on Doux's ChrisTwo Hair XS! And the new Doux Selfie Mode in the MyPhone 13 Doux Max - interacts with the ChrisTwoHair / Hat / MyEraHat13 changing the hairstyle and accessories on/off.

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6 Color Options

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8 Colors, 1 HUD Lelutka, Resizeable Mesh & BOM

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HD lipstick for Lelutka EvoX #09

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[abbyanne-sari-sari]

We made a video for our new emotes set inspired by "Emo/Scene Kids" theme. 🫶🎶❤️🖤 Sari-Sari - Not A Phase (Emotes) - 12 emotes via HUD. - Male and female versions. Original bento animations, copy only Out now at Anthem! EVENT TIMELINE: Oct 3 - 29 🥹

[teresabeadle5]

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ~ Plato by Skye McLeod Fairywren, Blogger Via Flickr: Bento Mesh Head: LeLutka Avalon EVO-X Bento Mesh Body: Maitreya LaraX Face/Body: Crystal by DeeTaleZ Hair: Charlotte by CAMO now @ The Engine Room @ maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Syndicate/198/100/26 Enigma Eyes: .euphoric LeLutka EVO-X Hairbase Blooming Blush: CAZIMI Edith Gown (incl. bodice & skirt) by Grasshopper Street now @ The Engine Room @ maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Syndicate/198/100/26 Silver & Opal Necklace + Earrings: Beloved Jewelry Gracia Victorum Manus Ring: Alchemy Immortalis Violin: Independent Music Company Royal Poodle Adult Animesh (Companion): [Rezz Room] Backdrop: AI by me

[dissvicious]

Congratulations for your new OC! I'm very curious to learn more about them. Is it ok to ask you for some trivias about their relationship with Law? (We need a ship name)

Also are them in the redbomb AU or are they in their own universe? ((No because I need them to meet the triplets))

Hanw thank you I'm so happy you like them ❤️ I was so nervous about them since Law may be the most simped man in the fandom like gosh the pressure çwç but I'm not immune to emokid rizz

First thing : lighting the bat signal to call for the anon who found out the "Redbomb" name

And then here are some Osha x Law trivias for you ~

They met right after timeskip, at Sabaody archipelago where Osha has their shop. Law was looking for food for his crew and their shop was the only one opened at the time. Much to his displeasure tho, due to the bakery part.

When Law saw Osha for the first time he just had a cute attack because they're round and soft like a polar bear. Becoming useless and nervous at the second.

When Osha learned about Law disgust for bread they surprised him by making him special bentos whenever he came back to their shop.

Which lead him to have sever other panick attacks because this man can't handle affection.

From this moment Law just liked to spent time at the shop, and Osha just liked to have him around.

They're both totally useless and oblivious to the fact that they start falling for each other.

Even after starting sleeping together, tho they never really had "the talk" or confess or else

"wtf ??? No we're just friends" (while holding hands)

SIZE DIFFERENCE! I like to think that Osha has some giant somewhere in their family tree. They're like one or two head taller than Law. He's their shoulder cat.

One day Law just like... Casually trauma dumped his life to them over a cup of coffee. Osha melted down in tears and at this moment they decided that they would protect him at all cost.

They hugged him close - and almost broke his spine

They have this ship dynamic

Fag4dyke ❤️🤧

Law love being the big spoon and hug them like a stuffed animal, they are like his comfort plush

He's always nervous and blushing when it come to talk about Osha because they awakes some vulnerability in him he's not ready to face -

They carry him like a damsel in distress.

Probably the first time Law accept being taken care of like this since Cora San.

Osha is a caregiver, and has a lot of trouble accepting being taken care of / receiving protection or affection, Law may be the only one able to do that

For meeting the triplets, hey, I don't know 🤔 I made Osha to have a cute soft selfship to rely on while working on Redbomb, but they could TOTALLY met. I think they would immediately have a soft spot for Rory because he would make them think about Law. I should think about how to manage this, because before Timeskip Osha was a cook aboard one of Whitebeard ships.

[yogurt200]

do you have any tips for creating an anime-style avatar on second life? i am new to it all...

i dont know how old this ask is.. so maybe you gotten deep alrdy and have a dope anime avatar..but ill answer anyways for anyone who wants a lead for making anime avatar in sl

sl is so complicated i could type endlessly here but i can suggest specific items to you. my favorite anime head you can buy is the ASR head.. its a little complicated to figure out at first, but it comes with some picture guides and notecards that can help.. the head is sold individually (https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ASR-Aeon-Bento-Head/13104054) but the creator also sells a bundle that includes a body (https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/ASR-Philo-SophiaAnime-head-fitted-mesh-body-complete-Anime-Avatar/9063322), i like this body more than the kemono body which is a popular body used for anime avatars,this is mainly because asr body has a higher versatility with shape editing but also,.. this body can fit a lot of clothes made for standard, more expensive bodies so its good for starting ^,,^

many people made texture mods you can purchase for asr.. you can also make your own.. i sell a few mods for asr myself (https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/221342) & if u wanna make ur own asr is rlly easy to mod for :)

i will give one last tip which is for hair.. there is a lot of hairs you can buy in sl but in conejo my dear friend rein who lives there has made a box with free unrigged modifiable hairs from various anime games that are really useful for making an avatar or for ppl who are newbies, i personally use these pieces for almost all my avatars.. you can find it here (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lendrum/102/67/234) ..theres also a box in conejo with a bunch of notecards and links to places categorized by avatar part catered to beginners which can help you find anything you might need for first avatar (found here http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lendrum/135/100/233)

[hauseofhauhaudidyougethere]

Of Us in the Mirror (Zhao x Reader x Joongi Han)

CW: Discussion of alcoholism, probing into Yeonsu Kim gradually recovering from rigidity around his frankly unhealthy exercise and diet + childhood. Hyphenated JGH help differ from current JG applies. The second JGH was a double barrel, the third JGH is a true single barrel - our JGH. Apologies.

Yeonsu’s room within Geomijul was among the most spacious ones. Seonhee had a master suite as her ranking denoted but being her right hand and trusted bodyguard  meant that his own personal quarters could include his own bathroom and the bedroom was large enough to include his own training area. Her second-in-command living in what were essentially barracks with regular rank and file members would not do at all. If he were younger, maybe the dumbbells tucked neatly stacked into the places they were meant to be would be named as one would do for stuffed animals. What a foolish boy that was. A growing boy, no friends, no family beyond a poor excuse of a father. He was a father in the biological sense but beyond that - the second Joon-gi Han even as an idolized form did more for him in terms of support than his biological one ever did. He did hold some gratitude for the fact that such a father unintentionally gave him the best shot at life he could have ever provided on his own. His early childhood since his mother either died due to illness or fled without her son - in what he quietly wished to believe was either one of her deeply regretted mistakes or an accident in becoming involved with someone who turned into a monster - unrecognizable. Any unnecessary items and memorabilia were discarded or pawned away for money that fueled the man’s quest to fill a gaping void with hard liquor. A monster would have done this to his son out of pure malice. A misguided man would have had good intentions from the beginning and if anything at the very least seem to show signs of an internal struggle between needing to decide who gets their needs to come first. Yeonsu's thoughts about the man changed as the moon's pull changed the tides. What separated Yeonsu from being as monstrous was that while he was no longer the boy he once was, at least his new face had a respected legacy. His post-pubescent face once deemed most likely solidified; saved for the curse of likely continual acne bringing scarring risk - unbeknownst to him at that time would be operated on and completely reconfigured the next time he woke up. That worthless and scrawny boy became the spitting image of Joon-gi Han by face alone overnight. His body needed some work due to years of malnutrition as no muscle can form when the essential organs can barely draw enough energy to keep the person they belong to alive. It wasn’t like father, dearest ever kept the fridge stocked when there was electricity in the house.  The pantry remained similarly barren. Being evicted from a textbook example of a slump lord’s apartment unit was what led the pair into group living with other disgraced Jingweon mafia members and their families: there was food to ration out then. Of course, not that the other children liked him and their mothers only seen him as an extra mouth to feed. However, if he could keep his plate or bowl safe from the other kids then there would be at least two meals of questionable adequacy a day. Bigger and stronger kids took to harassing the other ones for larger portions if favoritism alone wasn’t adequate. Lucky ones could get free food from kindly old ladies or scavenge trash for bentos that were in most cases “fine” to eat even if said bento was already half-consumed and beyond safe food handling recommendations. Young Yeonsu was rarely lucky and he was by no means bigger or stronger. Pushing himself to guard what he would be given and search for scraps when forced outside for the day regardless of how fruitless the endeavor would be in both the literal and metaphorical sense of the word. His “training” to grow big and strong like the man he idolized was an unnecessary expenditure of energy.

As fate would have it, his height did not seem to have suffered. Another miracle in the sense that Joon-gi Han also happened to be around about the same height. A perfect candidate to be a stunt double if the prideful man were to ever make a biopic ; of course, Yeonsu Kim was instead given a larger role in the continual play of life. All that suffering would turn on a dime the year he became 20 and was taken under his wing and tutelage. Having idolized him his whole childhood and striving to be like him in his own ways just made him an even more perfect candidate. A more self-absorbed and defined individual would not be likely to engage in complex ego death by their own will. Ironically, someone of the same arrogance and cockiness of the second Joon-gi Han wouldn’t last a minute in his presence regardless of it they happened to have his face or not. Reflecting the worser parts of oneself back at them is a quick way to volunteering as a punching bag or worse in this life as it stood. There was never a lucky one whose gumption was given a pass, either they would bend over backwards when required to show obedience and loyalty or they would be left wishing they tried harder the first time.

Waking up to the frigid air and the near overwhelming smell of bleach the morning his face became no longer his own, Yeonsu couldn’t even find the reason to cry or the energy to do so. The drugs that remained in his system were still sedating him making it difficult to do much but stare at the ceiling and gradually turn his head to take in one side of the dingy room he was left in. It seemed like an abandoned massage parlor, probably raided and taken out of business long ago. Turning too much in the other direction only had him staring face to face with the cool blue-green assortment of stoney tiles that lined the wall. If he could have lifted his arms up he probably would have tried to rub his hand against the wall just to see if it felt as smooth as it looked. He was alone and he wasn’t sure why he was in this room. Heaven surely would be cleaner or so he thought. Maybe his mother just couldn’t come and greet him just yet. Did she have to pay for the cracking red leather circle stools that lined the other abandoned massage tables as they were? Someone like him didn’t have the right to complain about Heaven. It would be whatever God decided was enough for him and he would just have to accept it. Hell wasn’t meant to be filled with aquarium blues and greens. The walls weren’t completely barren. Peeling posters with characters still visible seemed to be fighting to survive the test of time. The posters with Japanese and Korean characters were too faded and his eyes couldn’t focus enough without him being able to sit-up to even attempt to theorize what they actually said. Maybe advertising trips or beauty treatments? He figured whatever posters he had no chance of understanding were in Vietnamese, probably. It wasn’t too unusual for there to be a couple of speakers to come and go among the others in the shared living space. Picking up a few words of Chinese early on without stricter formal schooling was thanks to that set-up. There was a mother with kind eyes and a soft face who must’ve just given birth to a newborn infant not very long ago who sung nursery rhymes and pointed out whatever she could see to the baby repeating the words she uttered multiple times like it was a game of “I, Spy”. He had never seen her before; her paleness made him wonder if she was a ghost or a goddess that came to visit. No man ever looked in her direction or spoke to her.

He was still a younger child back when that happened, the older women whose children were already grown enough to run around and wreak havoc on their own two feet did not force him to go outside for some reason. He could lay on the dusty living room floor and flip through the free magazines and newspapers that were probably taken off other people’s porches or their mailboxes. She remained on that couch for three days only holding the baby who would occasionally make a faint enough noise that resembled a cry only for it to end just as soon as it started. Her voice was melodic and nothing at all what like he was exposed to all of the other times. Yeonsu’s mother only existed faintly in his memories, there was a woman who pet his head and pulled up the covers to his neck surely? He was no older than 5 or so as the memory threatened to vanish entirely if he wasn’t committed to recollecting that such a thing happened before and not just fairy-tale. If someone liked that mother cared so deeply for their baby, he couldn’t imagine crying. The mother disappeared without a trace after the third day. No one mentioned such a thing ever happened, no whispers of a new baby, no mutterings of another couple of mouths to feed. The woman must have found a better place to stay. Innocent Yeonsu didn’t comprehend that the mother was sick and wasn’t eating as her baby refused to nurse. He was allowed to lay in the living room and entertain himself flipping through all those newspapers and magazines because at least if the woman died while the sun was up, she wouldn’t have been alone. Placing a child on death-watch without even explaining the concept or even the idea to run and get help for once went against the point of the duty but it was just an excuse to say enough was done for her. He knew the language when he heard it, every so often one of the few of the grandmothers that lived in the home would be called to answer the front door. She would always speak in a hushed voice to an angry sounding man but nothing bad ever seemed to come of it. The man wasn’t always the same but the tones were. No nosy child could ever figure out what it was about. None of them ever knew that if things went badly enough the consequences would likely have spelled disaster as the grown men or “grown” enough late teens were always out of the house once the sun rose. His father wasn’t an exception surprisingly but he just had the courtesy of sun-baking in his drunken sleep elsewhere. If there was an intruder or anything to that effect it was the women and the children for themselves.

How many unrecognized miracles kept Yeonsu Kim alive up to this point? The surgeries he underwent were against all conventional standards of care and an unluckier patient would have died of infection turned into sepsis or from the heavy sedatives alone. Plastic surgery carried the extra risk of deforming or completely damaging nerves and robbing the senses as well. Being forced into a deep slumber never to awake – it wouldn’t be the first time something like that had happened. Deaths were always very hush-hush but if something particularly terrible happened it wouldn’t require a lot of detective work, someone would be caught whispering to another in hushed voices louder than usual  The whispers were usually the loudest if it was someone well-liked though, that much is to be expected when you’re forced to rely on other people to survive but to that point, if Yeonsu were to have died – how many people would whisper about his death or mourn it? Maybe one or two were doing so right now if he were lucky, even a milquetoast prayer for him would do.

*rattle rattle* The white wooden door with cracked paint and an opaque textured glass pane opened up. Two intimidating burly men in black shirts and black cargo pants came into the room and stood on the left and right of the door. Yeonsu surely must’ve died to be in the same room as Joon-Gi Han. He can’t even get the energy to pull himself off the massage table into a heavy bow, how pitiful. Han’s flashy suit and imported blue leather shoes set him apart from his underlings. Yeonsu Kim must’ve died again for Han to have walked up to the very table he couldn’t pull himself off from. Han even smiled looking down upon him. Heaven was a favorable place for him, indeed. His consciousness was starting to go again but he thought he heard his father’s voice approaching from the hallway and getting closer to the parlor room and a few unrecognizable ones. That was the last time he ever heard his father’s voice.

He wasn’t quite in real Heaven but being under Joon-gi Han’s wing and having the utmost privilege and duty to uphold his name and honor was about as close as he could have gotten to Heaven on Earth. Becoming Joongi Han was all he wanted to study. Yeonsu Kim was nothing, Han was everything. Being a quick study and his obedience earned him a lot of affection from the older Han. The older Han didn’t care for the boy in the way Seonhee did so unspoken when she swooped in to collect the pieces the older Han’s death left behind but the older Han still started him on the path of becoming someone who was strong. Taking his place on shifts at Stardust in Kamurocho and attending fancy dinner meetings had him engaging in many fake social conversations that were all people pursuing something shallow or of their own self-interest and more. He couldn’t let these interactions go to his head, lest he ruin the older Han’s honor and dignity but he did have to learn how to handle himself at fancy dinner meetings which required practice. Going from hardly having enough to eat and handling one’s self well at fancy dinner parties were not conducive to one another. No one would take your plate away unless you signaled you were done eating but you also weren’t expected to eat more than what was deemed socially acceptable and you weren’t expected to overindulge in champagne. Real quality “hosts” pretended to drink expensive alcohol on the customer’s dime. The bartenders had a short-list of non-alcoholic beverages that looked like the true alcoholic beverage a customer ordered. Water and sugar-free drinks were a favorite but using sparkling ciders still wasn’t as much a wash or as “diet” damaging as real alcohol was.

Splashing water on his face, Yeonsu, no Joongi wondered if the face of Yeonsu would have still made for a popular host back when he did work at Stardust. He didn’t miss it at all and he doubted he would ever find himself working at another one unless it was explicitly required for a mission. The old Stardust owner had took back over leadership the last he heard, not that he kept tabs on the place but he did have a conscience that got the better of him one sleepless night and he went into research mode. Taking advantage of lonely customers’ wallets didn’t set right with him even if the nature of his job wasn’t enjoyable to him in truth. He was just happy to play his part well and be praised by the older Han from time to time. Gifts from the customer would sometimes be given to him or pawned off with some portion of the money being given to him in a bokjumeoni or lucky pouch. Higher dollar values were often denoted by how intricate the patterns outside the pouch were. Someone clearly put their heart into the construction of every one he ever got. This usually occurred once a month but a fancy pouch would be a guaranteed if he went two or three months without. It wasn’t like he knew what to do with the money or had much to spend it on but he did eventually use it to buy old used video game consoles under the watchful eye of the older Han on an excursion out on the town. The older Han would take him for gelato sometimes. Eating sweets wasn’t explicitly discouraged nor was it like the real Han didn’t eat them when the occasion called for it. Stardust served chocolate dipped fruits and sundaes for hosts and patrons alike among other comfort foods like French fries and spaghetti bolognese of all things alongside fancy steak and sushi plates. Finger foods were usually preferred but hosts could still feed patrons if the patron had enough money to burn or came by often enough that was just part of job progression. The older Han always let him pick a flavor first and never chastised him on it being the wrong kind, even if he swapped between ordering red raspberry or spumoni. Yeonsu personally loved all flavors but had the fondness for chocolates and caramels having not had the simple luxury of candy growing up. History was circular when it turned out Seonhee had a fondness for raspberry sorbet the times she used to drag him to a mom-and-pop ice cream shop back when he was coming out of the chin-deep end of his depression.

Han seemed to study him more intently, like a tourist tossing a coin to a street performer and expecting a shot. Han’s kindness in shared meals and money were done to ease what little bad feelings he held within his conscience. The older Han had a live-in pet project for all intents and purposes. He could throw resources he wouldn’t miss at the younger male and be reaping in benefits that yielded tenfold returns regularly. There wasn’t any need for him to be worried about insubordination either, that much was clear. Having similar backgrounds – having someone like Yeonsu Kim become and play Joongi Han was almost a way to try and reach back into mending the holes and cracks of the past for more selfish reasons than selfless. Han’s cruel attitude towards his other subordinates and the kindness he showed to the body-double was a more extreme form of “balancing” like people who would buy wardrobes and wardrobes of clothes only to donate just to make the hole in their pocket burn less. The older Han wasn’t the most evil man in the world but he was far from an angel or a benevolent god.

Seonhee on the other hand had a more casual air about their outings while still holding the aura that demanded respect from everyone surrounding her. The first time they went out, the old man behind the counter gave her the table order for free. If it wasn’t Joongi, no one else in Geomijul would have managed to get away with just pointing out what they wanted off a table menu. He wasn’t berated by anyone for picking a chocolate brownie sundae. Seonhee’s order was simpler only getting a two scoop dish of raspberry sorbet but her face showed no complaints and one could almost think she was flattered when the man said it was nice to see two siblings still looking out for each other. If he was telling the truth or trying to simply pry in a way that led to probing their actual relationship, it seemed sincere. Joongi’s internal monologue sometimes lapsed into distress in the later days of his time under the older former Han’s wing and it definitely had its peaks while adjusting to life under Seonhee’s leadership. She never said anything, it was all self-imposed. His obsession with becoming stronger as a younger adolescent fueled him chasing fads and quick fixes of varying levels of danger once he had more freedom. The older Han’s recommended exercise regimen wasn’t meant to be expanded upon and doubled over. Other hosts at Stardust would talk of their methods and while the real Han would never be caught conversing deeply with them, the younger one made a point of listening in on their conversations when he could just to have a better feel of what was “in”. Yeonsu wasn’t exposed to pop culture as heavily as those with more regular childhood developments so he wanted to make up for lost time. Seeming refined and unapproachable was its own allure but the best host should have been someone who was completely well-rounded in knowledge and experiences.  Talking about his own exercise routine and regimen really wasn’t something other ladies wanted to hear, the occasional male customer might ask but they weren’t the largest spenders so it was important to be able to meet the biggest demographic. He had to be the best host and live up to the older Han so anything he could do – he would do it. His own pain and suffering were secondary.

He ate slowly across from her at their booth. She having finished long before him did not click her tongue. One hand folded in her lap she pulled out her phone and seemed to be scrolling social media. The sundae started to seem like a mistake to order if he knew she would have been done that quickly but something about it seemed appealing. He had never had a brownie in his life, that was partially why. How long had it been since he had something sweet in general? Outside of social contexts, the younger Joongi lived off unseasoned chicken breast and steamed vegetables. Kimchi was acceptable since it provided electrolytes he wasn’t getting otherwise. His over-training and poor eating habits were factors that could also be attributed to dangerous training failures of which landed him in the later situation where Seonhee had to roll a 45kg barbell off of him and nurse his bruises. He never repeated that again but the fact it happened was its own source of embarrassment. He could push his plastic red spoon around the glass dish as much as he wanted. She was looking out of the corner of her eye, but he didn’t notice. She kept her attention seemingly glued to her phone and they sat in the continued silence as the shop’s pop radio station played in the background. The toes of her foot were tapping the melody but she was mindful to not tap with the back end of her boot lest there be audible signs she was doing what she was.

Joongi finally finished what seemed like an insurmountable task despite its actual realistic severity and challenge, he overcome the roadblock. Seonhee scrolled on her phone for a few moments longer so as to not rush him out the door even if she had plans on making him carry her bags later at the mall. They would “have” to buy dinner from the food court while they were there and someone would have to be sure her clothes purchases were to remain safe. Turning her phone off and sliding it in her jacket pocket, she grabbed her purse and began to get up from the booth. If Joongi didn’t have his gaze fixed on the floor maybe he would have seen a faint smile in her eyes when she simply asked “Good?” – he found the words to utter a “Yes.”  with a firm nod, they were on their way. That was all their conversation entailed that day, repeating the ice cream shop scenario at a table in front of at a mall Pizza-la. Joongi took less time with his oversized slice of tropical pizza, Seonhee made the order again but just made it large enough that what she wanted was for the both of them. Joongi liked the flavor of the pineapples. Ham and pineapple seemed vaguely like what was in some holiday image of a magazine he was flipping through as a child. It wasn’t like he could read the words though and that memory was so far back,  it wasn’t like he could be sure. Was that what they ate at family dinners in America? He had to make a mental note to try and see if maybe that would be anything worth looking up out of curiosity later. Looking at old holiday ads with photos of families was somewhat heartwarming if he let himself be soft, his birthday being in December – embracing imagination the light displays that popped up around that time were partially for him in a way. He had fell asleep with his phone on his chest with images of snowy towns and light festivals open more than enough times it could no longer be counted on both hands.

That day did a lot for his well-being, sparking a deeper interest and respect for food in more than his “gym-bro” approach was doing, he did unconsciously begin the path of opening himself up to the strict self-constraints he imposed on himself. He still was extremely attentive to his physique and held onto certain rules but the newer freedom and flexibility with food was a sure sign that he was stepping in the right direction of coming out of his former depressive state. At the very least, fixing that would mean he was at less of a risk of injury. He still was going to be operating as Joongi Han and required to do what Seonhee needed of him for the Geomijul. They couldn’t do without him, whether he fully understood it or not.

Occasionally the urge to punch the mirror would come across his mind. A passing impulse he knew he would never answer the call of. The younger Yeonsu may have still grown to have a handsome face of his own, but the younger one would likely want to punch the mirror out of a sense of powerlessness. Try as he might, his looks would have done him nothing back home. He was permanently always the black sheep of them all, not that he could blame them with the kind of father he had. If he could not be perceived, he would have had an easier life. In a way he did get such a wish even if the eventual sleepless nights consumed thinking about it and his failure to be the one who died came to mind. Onset grief always loved to take its time in paying a visit. Shaking his head and brushing his teeth, he had a day off from work and was free to go wherever. His thoughts drifted to you and Zhao.

Zhao was like a foil to most of Joongi’s most negative traits, or an antidote. Zhao never seemed to be fixed on the particulars of exercise and nutrition. Zhao was still raised in an iron-fisted household where his mother had dinners ready if there wasn’t someone else ordered to cook it or a more occasional night out. Working as a chef resulted in being more focused on the particulars of what made food taste good and achieving the perfect balance of salt, fat, and acidity in order to bring the flavors of the ingredients used to a perfect harmony. How he managed to be so flexible was a mystery beyond him but he knew Zhao still did his own training.

Zhao had been enrolled into so many extracurriculars by his parents on top of being expected to have perfect grades and tutors to fill in the gaps of whatever his public education lacked  – splitting his academic career up he would likely have enough credits to earn all three of you a high school degree with ease. His home-life was a gilded cage which resulted in him developing the bravery and desire for rebellion where he could. It manifested in how he dressed which followed him into adulthood, the loud music he listened to, the games he loved and could barely play, the mangas he read and had to hide in a hole under the mattress lest they be burnt to a crisp. He got to keep a used GameBoy Color until the screen snapped that way, disposing of the evidence was hard but for the joy it provided – it was worth it. His lackadaisical attitude and carefree nature was the exact opposite of what his father wanted but Zhao won in outliving him so the victory was in his corner. He cared a bit for the old man of course but his home was the most strongest in looking after those in the Liumang.

His mom showed him how to cook some against it being waved off as a waste of time so he would always hold a fondness for that but it still didn’t make growing up easy. She passed of natural causes before his father did. He was still a person with his own deeply kept worries and fears. His insecurities in being a leader or becoming the way his father was what encouraged the decision to hand over lead to Seonhee and merge the Liumang with the Geomijul. He still had a head role in the Liumang’s operations but he likened himself to a figurehead kind of guy. He would still have to get his hands dirty from time to time but not enough time required he wouldn’t be able to come back to You Tian and wash up for a kitchen prep session. Life started to fall into place for him the older he got. It wasn’t the easiest ride and there was still bumps in the road to deal with but overall meeting Ichiban and later you opened up doors he wouldn’t have thought of. Using the time spent together helped him realize his feelings and it only worked out more in his favor that forming a romantic triad in which all of you were still equals on each other’s terms went off without a hitch. It still wasn’t something openly known but when the time was right it would be cool to shout it out to the world, regardless of it was embarrassing for Joongi and you, he would at least have some permission first. There wasn’t many rules and norms he could care about but all of his favorite people came first. Zhao could march to the beat of his own drum regardless of if there was a band behind him or not – living the way he wanted still earned him that band so clearly he wasn’t doing anything wrong.

You had your own share of past troubles and insecurities – putting on a brave face was part of making everything okay in the end. Bottling up emotions would only lead to an overflow in the worst possible times and sometimes those outbursts would be explosive enough in the wrong argument that it became impossible enough to walk it back. Was that what landed you in previous predicaments and booted on a plane to Japan to stay with some host family that later also kicked you out and couch surfing in Tokyo? A little bit of yes and a little bit of no, leaving a minor to fend for themselves even with the most verified and attentive host family in a country where they didn’t speak the language was highly ill advised as a parenting choice. There hadn’t been any attempt to establish contact since really, if it wasn’t for making use of technicalities and loopholes thanks to the fact that all your papers were kept secure in your trusty bag finishing school online would have been difficult.

Tracking someone down online if they didn’t want to talk to you would be a waste of energy. Aging out of most orphanages within a few years – it was fortunate that developing your physical skills and putting up with hasslers on the streets kept you moving. Certain gyms had better bathrooms to wash up in over others and finding laundromats to handle clothes wasn’t a difficult task within major cities. Especially if the norm was that apartment complexes didn’t always come with in-unit set-ups. Simple fixes of clothes that could be done with a needle kept what you had from becoming tattered beyond repair and it was easy pocket change or a free lunch in return. Bartering was another form of currency. Sometimes, a sandwich from someone else becomes a first-aid kit from a busy office worker who suffered a terrible delivery mix-up during the lunch rush – other times it’s having pocket tissues for a poor soul in a restroom who ran out of toilet paper and letting karma guide kindness back in return. This did result in finding a 10,000 yen note on the ground with no clear person who could have lost it once. Finding that much money would be devastating to lose but even after surveying high and low, arguing with the forces that be was only self-sabotaging. It was your cash now.

Other crafts like painting and sculpting seemed interesting but it was hard to have the ability to do those kinds of things without having a stable place. Coloring with a cheapo booklet of kid’s pages and crayons could kill time without needing online access and not be the largest usage of bag space though. Things were different now that you had the room above the Survive Bar. The goal for the day was to head out and look for some paints. Somewhere in the Commercial District, you had spied a crafting goods store and made a mental note to walk back and check it out when the chance was available.

An older lady you brought aloe vera for and spared some gauze dressing to on a street in Kamurocho was once working on a project of her own. On a wide blue tarp, she was taking old glass jars and wrapping them in an old towel. Sitting in the clear zone off of the tarp, the shattering of the glass was muffled. She revealed herself to be an artist by trade. Introducing herself as Kamiko, she had grew up in a fishing village, Higashiizu where she made sun-catchers and sold them to great success. She had burnt her fingers the previous night pulling glass she was baking out of her oven. Finding herself in Kamurocho, she was working on coming up with a new design by just creating in the natural environment. Kamurocho wasn’t the most nature-filled city of them all, it could be pretty at night in the right spots if you wanted to admire the street lights but that seemed like all there could be to offer for someone of her particular calling. She waved off the idea that the city itself was bereft of inspiration and in continuing conversation you had come to find out she was travelling across cities to meet with a company that was willing to invest in her own line of DIY paint-at-home glass sun-catchers. If everything went well with the company, they would include making easily removed stick-on sun catchers where anyone who wanted could paint one and not have to worry about fiddling with finding a spot to hang them. Little things like kid’s painting craft sets sent you back to the time where such things were easy finds in dollar stores, although usually the better ones were at least $5 or $10. You had spent a lot of time fiddling with those and cut-out stencils that came with packs of colored foam squares on adhesive paper. Once a square was removed you could stick it on the stencil and gradually have your own 3D textured stencil. It was pretty much a time-sink but it was cheap fun even if the result would later wind up in the trash. You held onto what you could for as long as possible but if things disappeared then so they did.

Kamiko was grateful for your help and had sent you on your way with 5,000 yen and one of her finished pieces, a mini bullfinch sun-catcher on a string. The pale red, rosy stomach of the bird was easily it’s charm point. It wasn’t a commonly seen bird but the black stripe with the gray and red on it’s head almost made it seem like a raccoon. Coming across a child who had scraped their knee by the children’s park near the old Pocket Circuit stadium you knelt down to see what you could do for the little buddy. The stadium had closed down due to the owner needing to attend to personal family matters but the community hoped he would return one day. Bandaging up the boy’s scraped knee and not knowing what else could be done to soothe him, you decided to give him the bullfinch sun-catcher. His face immediately lit up and the tears that threatened to trickle down his face had eased off. Telling him to be more careful when playing and to tie his shoes a little bit better, showing off your trick for keeping yours tied – the boy’s mother had came to pick him up and you were thanked for being kind enough to look out for him.

What you didn’t know was that the world was frighteningly small at times, that boy and his mother were family of one of the company CEOs, Kamiko was meeting with. His love for the little bullfinch secured her product deal and that spawned in a fairly popular line of sun-catchers and sun-catcher stickers. Popular products included one of the Kamurocho red gate off Tenkaichi Street, a Onomicho head, birds like the bullfinch, and more basic pieces like flowers and planets. For awhile in Sotenbouri, a Kani-Douraku suncatcher kit was selling like hotcakes.

Making your way to the crafting goods store in the Commercial District, you ran into Joon-gi and Zhao who were both heading in your direction. The rest of the crew was occupied with their own lives today – Ichiban had said something about being a tester for new senbei to help Eri out since it was technically his company. Boss was out on a weekend long mahjong tourney, so it was just you managing the bar as you saw fit. If you didn’t want to open then it was pretty much an off-weekend. The bar’s sporadic schedule didn’t quite endear it to other customers but the nature of it did make it a cult phenomenon when the business was actually open at regular timings. The curry he made was always a hit with critics! He said you could probably get the same result serving yours but that sounded like a lie and one you wouldn’t want to test with such a reputation on the line.

“Oiiii! [Reader]chi, baby – we were just coming by to see you! What’s popping?” Zhao was dragging Joon-gi along behind him with the classic stealthy hand hold when you crossed paths with them. Joon-gi looked happy though so the three of you were able to form a small huddle in the corner of an intersection. It was pretty easy to stand-out even without the other resident loudmouths of the bunch, although it wasn’t like anyone random ever approached people like Zhao and Joongi. They were instead left staring and too intimidated to speak.

“The whole town can hear you Tianyou. Did you forget your volume control at home?” Joongi was more open in poking fun at Zhao even if he clearly didn’t seem to mind too much. A glare would have been all he needed. It was amazing how much he could communicate without needing to open his mouth but Joongi being more expressive was another victory. Maintaining his cool composure made him harder to read. Zhao knew he had tried and failed multiple times at psyching Joongi out by silently challenging him to an impromptu staring competition, behind his usual tinted sunglasses it was hard to tell such a challenge was being imposed without actually focusing on the energy of Zhao’s gaze. It would have killed the boring nature of the old Ijin Three meetings if Joongi actually had more of a gold mine of reactions that he pulled from. In a way the fact that Joongi didn’t stifle at all under his usual guard position by the door was entertaining in its own right.

“Popping? Where did you pull that line from? I was on my way to go look for some paints at a new craft store I discovered earlier. You two are more than welcome to tag along, old man is busy being an old man competitively all weekend.”

“Most competitive old man? Do they have conventions for that?” Joongi muses

“Yeah, I’m sure they get to count gray hairs and complain of joint pains until the last one is left standing. It’s in between the mancala and the mahjong tourney” Zhao snarks

“Rude, mancala is a good game! The half marbles were always really pretty, the few times I got to play growing up.” you spent more time examining the colorful half marbles from the board than actually playing with another person. The half marbles came in an array of colors and were smooth to the touch. Some of the marbles almost seemed like they had real flower petals trapped within, almost transparently so. You were dejected when none of them were reflective enough though to try and angle the sun’s rays into making a light beam from the window to the opposing empty school desk. Too much time had been spent watching early children’s programming that shown off experiments like making a mini rainbow with a piece of paper, a flashlight, and a prism. It was unfair that getting your hands on such a prism was an impossible task. Maybe a magnifying glass was involved too or that was being enjambed into the original memory you had from some other experiment entirely. The idea of trying to burn a hole through paper with a magnifying glass had its own allure.

“If you say so babe, the winner is almost predetermined by whoever goes first. It’s not the most entertaining game in the world.” “I’ve never heard of it before.” “See! Joon-gi isn’t on your side here.” “He’s not picking a side.” “You’re still outnumbered here-“ – playfully bickering back and forth the three of you eventually make way to your intended destination.

Your eyes widened as the store clerk called out “Welcome!” when the three of you stepped in. There was shelves of old discounted glassware and pottery. Wind chimes adorned the entryway in all kinds of colors and forms. Some seemed to be made of marble while others were made of metal or wood. In the back you could see there being a towering wire rack that created a rainbow of spools of yarn. Patterned fabrics made up three separate aisles with easy needle and hook kits for a crafter’s intended art lining the end caps. Some of the fabrics were intended to be sold for gift and lunchbox wrappings so they had their home in the respective gift-wrapping aisle which was accompanied by more washi tape and ribbons than you had ever seen in one place before.

Crafting kits for all ages were on the left area of the store and heading in that direction would lead the three of you to what seemed like the most you could have ever asked for. Coloring books for adults and kids with crayons that ranged from basic shades to every child’s dream of a 96 or 120 count box set of colors were there. The most enthusiastic customer could take home a 300 count caddy. More specifically smaller boxes of pearlescent and skin-tone compliant colors were available too. Color pastels for those that didn’t mind the mess were in stock as well. Was Heaven on earth this store? It sounded like a good candidate.

“Look look! They have these! Come on, come on!” – capturing your eye was a display shelf of those extremely distinctive sun-catchers you recalled the artist Kamiko had been working on getting onto shelves, however long ago you had came across her at work in Kamurocho of all places. The Onomichio head one was an absolute need. Of course, the iconic Kamurocho Tenkaichi Street gate was a must do gift for the Boss. The windows at the Survive Bar had plenty of space for them and they were small enough that it would take a moment to really intake the scene around and observe the atmosphere of the Bar for those who stepped inside. Multipacks of the set with the Sun, stars, and Moon were calling your name. Your fixation on little things like that intensified ever since you three became an item. Being sentimental was easy but you wouldn’t have it any other way. The moon in itself was a connector, if you were apart from someone and feeling lonely you could always take solace in the fact that the sky above was always the exact same one. Those feelings were just intensified late at night.

Your arms were quickly filling up but luckily Joongi had already taken it upon himself to pick up one of the deep green baskets by the doorway, he trailed slightly in front of Zhao. Zhao’s mastered art of the cool-guy walk with a slightly outstretched jacket to cover that Joongi’s opposing hand had been filled with his. If you weren’t bounding around the store, it could have been you but the walk back would be a perfect make-up opportunity. Walking in a line with bags of items could make for good cover or a game of sorts. Not that there was any knowing of if familiar faces would show up or not but the idea was innocuous enough. How often do you see a triple threat like you three holding hands? The concept was funny enough to him and he could watch you flounder in the middle of it if it came down to it. Neighborhood gossip culture was different in the Bar District. At least, there was a general sense in that any gossip was generally kept pretty locked down and word could only spill out to a small circle before the identity of the source would wrap its way up around to the target. There would be a few exceptions in the interest of social justice and safety as self-regulating any issues before relying on the police was the norm. The usual bit of news would be co-worker drama where someone tells so-and-so that Coworker A should quit and a “concerned” barkeep might either offer an attempt to give advice or be a listening ear. Those that enjoyed continued patronage might straddle a fine-line between the sides just to keep things interesting and hold more than one loyalty. It was a complex ecosystem that surprisingly never resulted in major disaster, a disaster worthy of local newspapers at the very least. As penance for the Harbor Light incident in the attempt to keep the peace the Geomijul and Liumang were free emergency security for the area. A few members had their own favorite bars outside of the regular territory within the area so it was equally important that Seonhee and Zhao had some tabs on how things were going. They didn’t rule the whole town completely but staying on the good side of regular people as much as could be done in a public-facing way was its own form of soft power.

You excitedly explained how you helped the older woman who was responsible for the line of mini-sun catcher stickers and the hanging ones that were carefully placed in the basket Joongi held up for you. Your smile beamed from ear to ear and it was infectious. Both of them had to resist the urge to pull their phone out in the moment. Picking up some extras for the intention of getting them to do some with you, you might’ve bounced through the roof if they let you. A few little painting kits and some coloring books + extra materials later (you couldn’t resist). The emergency sewing kit you kept wasn’t in need of a refill anytime soon thanks to not making the most out of a more “wilder” camp life. You knew where you could go the moment you wanted some though. Emblem patches and iron-on ones were good personalization options and throwing together little gifts for other people was one way of spreading love and joy. Some of it could be reduced down to unnecessary knick-knacks when living light but usually you had done your best to find anything that wasn’t purposeful and had to be gone a better home regardless of what that looked like. The barter system wasn’t bound by the rigid confines of capitalism. Talking about the things you made or worked on the past like sock-puppets from new free packages you knew weren’t going to work regardless of how hard you tried, Zhao noticed you definitely had nothing that resembled them in your room or anywhere upstairs. Decorating with string lights was one new development. In that moment, he knew he would have a way to hold on whatever your art was to you when he could. Pictures on the fridge from one of his babies? He was signing up, the whole fridge would be covered until magnets could no longer fit. Handsewn stuffed animals? Fuck yeah they can find a place with him. He would want Joongi to have some too if that was how things were to pan out but it was extremely clear this was something you really enjoyed and he wanted in on it.

Joongi was never let in on what the other kids were doing so he missed out on most opportunities like coloring or handicrafts. Not that the women in the grouped housing made it a point of showing boys how to work with a needle. That was knowledge to be passed onto the girls as they aged if they showed promise. Not enough to waste on those that could care less. They were a minority already so the ones who seemed to be the most “traditional” of the ones were clear favorites and would be watching over the younger kids more than the women did. He could never say it was any of their fault though. It was just how things went, most of the times, sewing was how they got their money if the men weren’t providing enough or providing at all. He was in the latter camp so he was dead weight when the men were taking their sons to work like it was a special event. His father was likely in a godforsaken alley hiding from the sun. No son of his would be caught “demeaning” himself if he heard about it – it was going to be a new reason for a beating. His hands were tied with a double bow-knot. No one could stop him from taking an interest now, if he could learn a thing or two it would probably serve some good. He did find himself an unofficial laundry boy for the Geomijul even while being second-in-command since the restructuring and restoration efforts. Even as things were improving and extra income pulled in from Seonhee being involved with Ichiban Confectionary as an aid and earning from stock dividends, it was still a long road in making sure everyone had what they needed. Making sure no one went without and keeping from replacing things when repairs could be made would help out a lot. He just hoped if you offered lessons, he would find some skill. Small starts would be enough.

Zhao had disappeared momentarily when Joongi was asking you further about how you started sewing and if you would be able to show him some basic stiches when there was time. He reappeared with a basket full of furoshiki, traditional wrapping cloths and said to think nothing about what he was doing. He seemed to have a grin that was clear he likely would put some of it to use cooking for the both of you but the polite thing was to give him the benefit of the doubt. Paying for what you picked up at the register, Joongi had dropped some coins that cling-ed off the laminate floors as you were going through your wallet. “You dropped these, allow me.” and went down to the ground – returning up with a faint flourish and pressing them into your palm. Zhao took notes about the trick he just witnessed him pull; he was smooth. Must’ve been in Ikèmen 111 and shit everyone knew he passed. It wouldn’t be the same if he tried but maybe Zhao would just have to flip the tables on him.

The three of you did walk back to Survive Bar in a line. Your hands while still carrying some of the bags that contained what you bought had been distributed to Joongi. The free spaces in your hands were swinging in the filled spaces of theirs. If anyone was nosy enough to care it was a game of train. Life was too short to be a boring adult. Making usage of the off-day, the three of you spent hours at the booth painting the suncatcher kits you picked up and Joongi would just have to go with you on another trip to the crafting store another day to pick up some beginner sewing kits to aid along in his learning process. Speaking of the catchers you three were all working on, you mentioned having took similar ones and sticking them on cracks of old busted up mirrors in public bathrooms. They were for the public and it was debatable when any replacements if ever were to be made. No residue was to be left behind if they were peeled off or if someone wanted to pop it off, regardless of the setting so they were something people might use to brighten up bathrooms in their own homes. The idea came off the back of the box from a butterfly one. Butterflies were maybe overdone but no one ever had been heard complaining about them. A little extra color in the day could be the extra push someone needed to get through it. It was a little bit embarrassing but you had purposefully picked up three sets of the ones that were of the sun, moon, and stars. As a matching set between all three of you, it really wasn’t a subtle callback to the night of the confession. If you were connecting stars, Joongi – a moon-boy, and Tiantian, the sun – it was a fitting keepsake. All exist within the same sky.

Of the matching sets – each person painted what was their personal symbol. Everyone had one of each but Joongi wound up with a Kani Douraku crab and a bullfinch. Zhao had an Onomichio Head and a bulldog. He laughed as he did the slogan and phrase in a mockingly deep baritone with you. It took some goading but you two managed to get Joongi to do it too. It wasn’t like anyone was recording or taking photos. Although making a group photo out of it sounded like a splendid idea to your ears so Zhao was the +1 canceling out Joongi’s hesitancy. If all three of you had a photo on their phone it would balance out right? There was a tripod folded up to the side in the employee closet so you all lucked out. It made setting a timer and getting the right angle easier. Once the image was in you three’s group-chat it was only a couple of minutes before Zhao had cat ear stickers on everyone and really went hard on putting twinkly stars around Joongi with music notes to really rub one in on him. You giggled as Joongi was the flustered one and was in the middle of balling himself between the seat of the booth and the table. You just rubbed his shoulder and leaned down to whisper reassurances that the two of you could do the same with Zhao as payback. Zhao wasn’t the one who was with his face closest to his knees but flipping a spotlight back on him when you three were apart from one another would do the job just fine. The three of you found yourselves laughing and sitting down to delivery from Pizza-la. Joongi was sent home with leftover slices in a take-out container. Seonhee liked leftover pizza possibly slightly better than freshly made pizza, so he could share with her and if asked just claim the mood struck him when he was out earlier and he thought she would have liked some. How long had it been since they shared food together? The bag holding his suncatchers were held tightly in the other hand as he made his way back to the Geomijul compound.

His monochromatic and dull bathroom would have some color added to it. If he had to look in the mirror and take note of both of you and Zhao’s handiwork, he wouldn’t be as concerned with what the mirror was reflecting. The mirror was just another surface, he could change what it meant to him and redirect his thoughts. Caring for himself and loving himself on a deeper level only allowed for him to deepen how much he could love and care for others. If he was sick or injured, he couldn’t do so in the same capacity.

“A piece of all of us on the mirror” he thought. He hadn't had anything evocative of a family photo before. Maybe he could have an excuse to take a group photo with the gang.  No one ever said he couldn't decorate his room.