#sharing this even though I’m taking a break from the hood hehe

[isimchi]

Welcome to Strangetown

[ptergwen]

warmer than cuddles

w/c: 2.4k

warnings: may plays matchmaker and makes some suggestive jokes

prompt: you and peter get caught in the rain and have to share an umbrella

a/n: thank youuu to the angel who requested <3 swear this is my favorite trope to write hehe ☔️

-

one of the many things you and peter have in common is being lazy. it’s sort of the basis of your friendship. you’re not the kids who drink or party or get in trouble. you play board games and eat pizza on his ripped up couch. the riskiest thing you’ve ever done is sneak into a movie.

peter was so paranoid you’d get caught, he couldn’t even pay attention. he kept whispering to you about paying the whole time. you had to drag him out by his hand after the movie ended. the next time you went to that theater, he bought an extra ticket to “make it even.”

that about put an end to your trying new things phase. you went right back to your comfy nights in pajamas. tackling each other for the remote, baking terrible cookies that you just throw out, sharing a blanket to stay warm. what also helps is that you cuddle under it.

all the fun you need is you, peter, and your love for doing nothing. may disagrees.

she’s always trying to get you two out of the apartment. in her words, it’s “unhealthy for developing teens to spend so much time cooped up inside.” peter once asked which mother’s facebook group she joined. you snickered at that. may gave you a warning look.

well, you don’t have a choice to stay in today. she’s kicking you and peter out because she has guests coming over.

“it’s girl’s night,” may tells the two of you with a satisfied smirk. she hangs her raincoat on the rack and comes into the living room. peter squints his eyes at her. “you have friends?” he sounds too surprised for your liking. you flick his arm hard enough to make him go “ouch!”

“peter, we only have, like, four friends. that’s counting ourselves,” you inform him with a laugh. peter drops his head onto your shoulder. “and i don’t need any of them but you,” he says sarcastically, rubbing his cheek on your sweatshirt. “aw, i know,” you coo and rest your head on his. may crosses her arms and shrugs.

“you should do a group play date with everyone! i haven’t heard from ned in a while,” she suggests, your eyes flicking over to peter. he’s biting back a grin. “play date?” you try to stifle a laugh when you ask. “you know what i mean. a hang out,” may nods at her better word choice. peter winces in protest.

“eh, ned will probably wanna go out somewhere. we don’t do that,” he tells may, like that’s a completely normal thing for a teenager to say. you raise a finger in agreement. she laughs in disbelief at you and peter. you’re splayed out on the couch, on a saturday, complaining about doing anything else.

“you two make me feel young.” may’s words are a joke, but her tone isn’t. “you are young, may,” you reassure her and smile a little. peter says nothing. his eyes become hooded as he settles into you more. “look at you two, like some old married couple,” may gestures to you from where she’s standing. she smiles this time.

peter’s face gets hot from the mention of you being a couple. your heart skips a couple of beats. you’re pretty sure he can tell from how close he is.

“do whatever you want, just not here,” she gets back to the real conversation. peter hides his entire face in your shoulder as a form of protest. you pat his back. “and not each other. unless you’re safe,” may adds. “may, please. no,” he groans out, positive he’s all red now. you blink at her in horror.

may knows what she’s doing. peter isn’t the most subtle person, especially not about liking someone. she’s learned all the signs that her nephew is falling. he’s falling for you. she sees it in you, too. the way your eyes soften when they meet peter’s, how fast you are to hug him back or beam at the silly things he says.

you two spend so much time apart from your other friends, you basically are a couple. you’re just not old or married. the only thing you need is a push to realize that.

“ok, we’re gonna go now,” peter decides and pulls away from you. “god bless,” you say only so he can hear. he chuckles at that, you getting up from the couch. giving him a knowing smile, you grab one of his hands. he lets you pull him to his feet while exhaling. he’s already exhausted. may watches and shakes her head.

peter walks up to give her a quick hug. “enjoy girl’s night. love you,” he murmurs as she squeezes him tight. even though they tease each other a lot, their relationship is really sweet. it’s very telling how a guy treats his mother. well, aunt in this case. that thought has always been in the back of your mind.

“have fun!” you grin at may when her and peter pull apart. he comes back over to you and tugs on your sleeve. “thanks, kids. we’ll be done around eleven,” she lets you know. you’re already getting your shoes on and ready to leave. eleven is a while from now.

“don’t forget an umbrella! it’s drizzling!” may calls after you two. peter grabs hers that’s leaning against the front door. it’s pink with purple polka dots. you giggle at that. “hey, i like pink,” he defends himself and opens the door, letting you out first. you raise your hands in defense, leaving the apartment.

peter waves at may one last time. “good luck, peter,” she tells him once you reach the stairs. he furrows both eyebrows. “good luck with what?” “you’ll see,” may raises her own eyebrows in a way that’s all too familiar to peter. he calls it her face of wisdom.

still confused, peter heads out. he finds you at the bottom of the stairs. you shove your hands in your pockets and push against the door to open it. peter meets you outside, twirling the umbrella between his fingers.

“is there anywhere you wanna go?” he asks as you start to walk. you’re just going down the block for now. “back upstairs,” you sigh out. “i wish. not an option, though,” peter puffs some air out of his cheeks. you fumble to pull up your hood. he easily reaches over and does it for you.

“thanks,” you say quietly. “you’re welcome,” peter pats the top of your head for emphasis. “we could just walk around.” “until eleven o’clock? that’s five hours from now,” you laugh out, adjusting your hoodie to block your face. disappointment crosses over his features.

“should’ve brought my suit,” he mutters mostly to himself. linking your arm with his, your eyes widen. “i’m not trusting you to swing me around in this weather.” his bicep flexes when your arm wraps around his own. “what? i’ve done it before, y/n/n. on patrol.” you turn your head towards him.

“didn’t you get hurt last time?” you already know the answer. “sprained wrist and a few cuts,” he grumbles, you humming because you’re right. he’d called you in tears when he got home, scared he broke something. you reminded him he would heal soon and stayed on the phone until he calmed down.

that ended up being the whole night. you’re probably the most supportive of peter being spider-man. you of course worry about the toll it takes, but you understand why he does it. the least you can do is be there for him while he navigates the superhero world. not talk him out of it or scold him for making mistakes, be there.

that’s why he loves his lazy days with you so much. they’re his break, his escape from what he lies awake worrying about most nights. you’ve seen what he has to go through, so you respect that. whatever he needs to do to unwind is fine by you. as long as you get to do it with him.

“then you couldn’t patrol for weeks. you could barely hold a pencil.” your other arm sneaks around his. they’re both hugging him now. “you had to be my note taker,” peter reminisces, a smile making its way onto his face. “that sucked, man. you’re such a perfectionist about them,” you breathe out.

peter flips the umbrella around in a show-off kind of way. “you don’t complain when i send them to you.” he sounds so cocky you can’t help but roll your eyes. he isn’t wrong, though. “whatever. seriously, where should we go?” “uh,” peter’s eyes scan the block for inspiration. they land on a man carrying takeout.

“dinner? not at a restaurant since we’re in sweats,” he adds the last part so you don’t have to. “ooh, let’s go to panera,” you happily squeeze his arm. peter quirks an eyebrow at you. “you’re always hungry after.” “so? we can get dessert, too. we have a while.” that makes his heart flutter. a while with you.

“cool, cool, cool,” he sings to you, leaning into your side as you walk. you giggle and push at his shoulder. “i think we can make it there before the rain picks up.” there’s a clap of thunder right after he says that, like something out of a movie. it’s followed by a heavier rain coming down on you two. you pull at the strings of your hoodie to keep it tighter on your head.

“jinxed it,” you remark, both of you stopping so peter can open the umbrella. “ugh,” he grunts out. his lower lip is between his teeth while he undoes the velcro. he pushes down and watches as the umbrella springs open for you two. “here, c’mere,” peter welcomes you under as he holds it above your heads.

it doesn’t quite fit you both since it’s only meant for one person. you forgot he took may’s. the two of you have to squish together so you can avoid the rain, which is pitter pattering down hard on the sidewalk.

you’re comfortable under here with him. the freezing cold weather outside of the umbrella is hardly an issue anymore.

peter turns to face you, letting out a breathless laugh. “you can take off your hood now.” your arms slip from around his. you remove it from your head and give him a toothy grin. it’s one that’s meant to be over exaggerated. “there’s that pretty face,” peter’s voice gets quieter. unlike what you did, that wasn’t a joke.

your pretty face loses its smile. you’re suddenly very aware of how close peter is to you.

you can see the faint scar on his chin from when he banged it into a wall in your living room. he’d ran straight into it during your two person game of hide and seek. yes, you still play that. it was gushing blood for half an hour.

there are also the thousands of freckles dotting his face, the ones you only notice by looking at him super hard. you try to count them whenever you get bored. peter stares back at you while you fall in love with every tiny detail about him.

he takes the time to admire your lips, not just because they look really kissable right now. because of every curious expression they press into when he does something you can’t believe. your eyes, that he feels a sense of safety and honesty and familiarity every time he looks into. he finds them and feels like he’s home.

“peter?” you speak up after a few moments. your tone is hesitant, as if whatever you’re going to ask will change what you have forever. that’s because it might. it’s silent except for the sound of the rain hitting his umbrella. peter finally answers, almost in a whisper. “yeah?”

“i... i think,” you clear your throat before going on. his eyes trail down to your lips again, then back up to your twinkling ones. even on a gloomy day like this, they could light up the whole sky. “i think i love you,” you get out, a hand over your racing heart. peter gives you a small but sure nod. “i think i love you, too.”

he takes a step closer to you, if that’s even possible. his hand without the umbrella comes up to hold your cheek. you watch as he uses his thumb to wipe away a few stray rain droplets. your head tilts to the side, lips parted on instinct. peter leans in until his lips just brush yours, letting you decide what comes next.

you choose to close the space between you two. his eyes squeeze shut, whole face scrunched up when he kisses back. this is a release of all the emotions he’s been holding in that he didn’t even realize he had. you slip into a rhythm, using the angle to move your lips against peter’s.

his hand drops from your cheek to your jaw to support you while you kiss. your own hands grab his biceps, fingers pressing into him, depesrate to have him in your arms. peter lets out a content sigh against your lips before detaching them. it’s not for long. he comes right back in after taking a breath.

you get one long peck from him, then another that’s softer than the last. you give him a short kiss back, lips curving into a smile when this one ends. peter’s thumb smooths over your jawline while he searches for your eyes. he grins at you and tightens his grip on the umbrella handle. he’s surprised it didn’t blow away in the midst of your mini makeout.

“i definitely love you, peter,” you state so genuinely, hands on his shoulders now. that has to be peter’s favorite sentence he’s ever heard. the most beautiful combination of words, said by you to him. “i definitely love you, y/n,” peter agrees, punctuating his statement with one last kiss. you haven’t stopped smiling when his lips meet the corner of yours.

may was right about two things that night. you needed the umbrella for that huge storm, but it did more than protect your from the rain. it also brought you and peter together in a way. the second thing she was right about was that peter loves you, and every feeling he has mirror yours for him.

actually, she was right about three things. you two have to get out of the apartment more often.

[cotccotc]

♡ 9:26 am ; ours

set in the domus amoris universe !

genre/s: fluff, established relationship/domestic au, hyunjin x gn reader

wc: ~940

warnings: food, minor swearing 

a/n: this one’s based on this text post by @hyunyin​​ !! it was a really cute prompt and i just had to write something based on it hehe :)) this is kinda all over the place and it’s not the best, but i hope it lives up to your expectations haha. ♡♡

it’s been a calm morning. no hassle, no rush… just pleasant exchanges of affection and small talk over two plates of buttered toast. you sit across from each other at the small table in the kitchen. though the apartment doesn’t really lend itself to a large dining space, you never seem to mind. and, neither does hyunjin. you’re used to being in each other’s company. what’s more, you never want to leave.

you’re currently donning a pale blue hooded sweatshirt of his. it’s gotten to the point where you’ve taken partial ownership of the item. although, he always thought it suited you. you’re not drowning in the thing, of course, but he thinks it’s endearing to no end that you enjoy sporting his clothes. he’s come to enjoy it more on you than he does on him.

there’s a momentary lull in the conversation. you watch as he takes a bite of his toast - a bite that may have been too big, but makes his cheek jut out and lips purse in such a way that makes you giggle. “what?” he asks with wide eyes and a stuffed mouth. it only drives you further into a laughing fit. he continues chewing, trying not to grin.

“you’re cute, that’s all,” you reply, staring down at your plate with a shy smile. damn. even after all this time, he still makes you shy.

“am i?” he questions as he swallows his bite and licks the butter off his lips. he smirks. you nod, replying with a slight hum.

“you are too, you know.”

you giggle, finally meeting his gaze while taking a bite of your own toast. “am i?”

“the cutest,” he confirms, his smirk widening into a grin as he watches you fondly. “especially when you’re wearing my clothes.” you smile. “speaking of which... i have something for you,” he continues. he puts down his toast, wiping his hands off on a napkin before heading into your bedroom.

“you do?”

to be completely honest, this happens all the time. hyunjin’s the type of person who will see something in the window of a store and buy it just because it reminds him of you, or because he thinks it might bring you joy. for instance, just last week he purchased seeds for a new house plant with a miniature terracotta pot to match. it’s incredibly tiny, doesn’t require much maintenance, and fits perfectly upon the window sill in the living room. he said his reasoning was because you’ve always taken such good care of him, and he wanted to take care of something together. it’s similar to tending to the house, in his mind, but with the added value of watching the small sprout grow and flourish. though they’re small, his little tokens of affection never go unnoticed by you. it’s one of the many reasons you adore him.

“yeah,” he calls out from the other room. you can hear him rummaging through a drawer. eventually, he jogs back in with his hands behind his back. “close your eyes.”

reluctantly, and with a perplexed expression on your face, you put down your breakfast and close your eyes.

“i made this yesterday. at that craft shop down the road.” he stands beside you, taking your hand in his. you feel him wrapping something around your wrist, carefully tying it to fit you. then, he places his chin down on your shoulder and wraps his arms around your middle, softly whispering, “open.”

it’s a beaded bracelet. thin, fetching, and in perfect synchronization with the bluish hues in your shared hoodie.

“so that’s what took you so long getting the groceries,” you remark with a chuckle. it makes him break his cool for a split second. he pauses and blinks for a second in an attempt not to break out into laughter. this is serious.

after a quick breath and some giggles from you, he continues, “i tried to pick beads that reminded me of you and match our sweatshirt. that’s why there are a lot of different kinds.” you take a second to admire the dainty piece. there are hearts, of course, but there are also butterflies, pearlescent beads, diamond-like gems, and letters that spell out ‘home’. because that’s what you share, what you’ve build together, and what you are to each other. home. “it was actually really hard. there were a lot to choose from…”  he brushes your hair to the side to place a kiss against your neck. “you’ll wear it right?”

“of course! i’ll never take it off.” and you’re telling the truth. you turn to face him with a loving smile that perfectly portrays your state of awe. “especially when i’m wearing our sweatshirt.”

“perfect.”

“did you make one for yourself?”

he disconnects from you in favor of playing with the beads. “well… no. i didn’t have enough time. i didn’t even think of it, really…”

you cut him off by placing a hand against his waist. “in that case, i know what we’re gonna do today.” you exchange loving glances, accompanied by a peck on the lips. however, his eyes never leave yours as he tucks a lock of your hair behind your ears and cups your face with his hand. his smile dissipates. leaning in further, he kisses you again. it’s a slower, deeper kind of kiss. the kind that lingers for a moment, as a kaleidoscope of butterflies takes root in your stomach, where they’ll plan to stay for a while thereafter. the kind you’ll carry with you as you make him a bracelet at the craft shop later in the day, your shared hoodie in tow. the kind that, alongside countless bracelets, glances, and giggle-filled toast breakfasts, he plans on giving you for the rest of his life.

tags: @magglesx, @crscendoforsung, @stayndays, @hanniiesuckle17, @leggomylino, @freckledberries, @pixielix, @skzctnightnight, @serenityswords-main​, @childofthecosmos, @changbinniee​, @kpopscape​, @skzwriternet, @hyunsins, @sleepylixie​, @hyunjeonnies​, @inlovewithasa​ (send a 🍓 in my ask box to be added for skz !)

©️ cotccotc 2021 ~ all rights reserved. do not repost my work on tumblr or other platforms.

[g0ldengubler]

Can I request for one of the chapter's they have another night at Garcia's and Spencer (who's real baked) declares his love for Y/N & she tells him she feels the same? Loving this series babe!

hi hun! thank u so much for the request and the feedback. it really does mean a lot :’) i’m so sorry to disappoint but i did already have something down for how they were gonna admit their feelings for one another (which is also the chapter im currently working on hehe) but i still wrote ur request (which i’m in love with btw)! just as a one shot, though. depending on how others respond to this, i just might change it (giving credit where it’s due obviously)! again, thank you so much and i apologize. i hope u still enjoy :) also sorry for how weird the paragraphs are, i used wattpad for the word count lol

Request: YES/no

Category: fluff in an alternate chapter of nauseous

Couple: spencer/reader

CW: use of marijuana, but other than that it’s just fluff :)

Summary: it had been a couple of weeks since you and spencer were up at your cabin. since you guys got back, you hadn’t heard or seen much of him. when you go to garcia’s one night for a little get together, what will happen when spencer had a bit too much to smoke?

Word Count: 1609

✨masterlist✨

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N! You're finally here!"

Garcia had invited everyone back to her apartment for another get together. It had been a couple of weeks since you took Spencer up to your cabin and after all the platonic kisses and the heavenly sex, you both hadn't reached out to each other once you got back home. That weekend left you questioning your relationship with him. Falling in love wasn't something you were used to. You never had that moment where you could just stand there, and look up at someone and think that this someone was your whole world. The one you never could get out of your head; the one where you wished for their arms around you with your head on their chest. Hearing their heart beat, the kind of beat that made you feel safe. You'd never felt these feelings before, until you met Spencer.

You walked in, giving hugs to everyone. You were shocked that Rossi and Hotch were there, and when you went to give them hugs, you apologized in advance for your behavior under the influence.

"As long as you don't show this kind of behavior at work, you don't have to worry about it." said Hotch.

"Yeah, don't worry about it kiddo," said Rossi, "you don't have to feel embarrassed around us. We're a family!"

You then saw Spencer on the couch, smoking on a blunt. You could tell he was close to being gone, as he and Morgan couldn't keep a poker face while playing. He looks up at you and smiles, but then that smile shrunk into that awkward white guy smile, looking back down at his cards.

"Hey." You said as you sat down next to him. Morgan reached over to Spencer, taking the blunt in his hand and putting up to his mouth.

"Hey." He whispers.

"How much has he had already?" you asked Morgan, looking over to him and using your thumb to point at Spencer as he passes the blunt to Garcia.

"He smoked two bowls before this blunt so...he's gonna be done for pretty soon."

"Damn," you laughed, "started the party without me, huh?"

Spencer just laughs at himself, still looking at his cards. Garcia passed the blunt to you. You took a few hits, letting the smoke fill your lungs. When you exhaled your final puff, you pass it to Emily, letting the wave of tingles fill your body, your eyes beginning to feel heavy.

You notice Emily pass the blunt over to Hotch and your jaw dropped when he took it from her fingers. After he takes a hit, he hands it over to Rossi, which made even everyone else in the room look at him them in shock.

"What?" asked Rossi, "Gideon and I smoked a lot in our day."

"And I had my fair share in college like anyone else."

We gathered ourselves before Jj finally said something. "It's just kind of hard to believe, seeing our boss and founder getting high."

"Well believe it!" Rossi joked before handing the blunt to her. Everyone giggled and chuckled before starting a new game of poker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been about an hour and at this point everyone was slumped. You and Spencer ended up in Garcia's room with her, Emily, Jj, and Morgan, just sitting around and talking about your high epiphanies as you passed a joint around, while Hotch and Rossi stayed in the living room playing another round of poker. Everyone was pretty much gone. Hooded red eyes and coughing every so often. Garcia's giggled were contagious and it made everyone else laugh along with her.

Spencer let you lay your head down on his chest, which made that safe feeling even stronger than it did when you were at the cabin. You watched as he took the joint to his lips and inhaled. When he exhaled, he let the smoke hover in his mouth before blowing it all out. For some reason, you thought it was sexy when he smoked.

He passed the joint to you and you took more than one hit off of it. You wanted to forget this feeling you had for him because you felt like he didn't wouldn't want that. If he did, he would've tried harder. And quite frankly, it looked like he enjoyed your friends with benefits relationship more than something bigger.

As you inhaled, Spencer adjusted his position a bit, looking up to the stars that were still on her ceiling.

"Fuck, man," he says to Morgan, "I'm so in love with Y/N."

You almost choked on the smoke that was still in your throat. You thought your mind was playing tricks on you. This was a little random to be admitting feelings.

"What was that, pretty boy?" asked Morgan with a grin on his face.

Spencer didn't know why they were so shocked. But then realized what he had said just seconds ago. "Oh shit, did I say that out loud?"

"Yes you did, genius," said Garcia, "and I knEW IT!"

"Knew what?" I asked once my coughing attack calmed down.

"I knew that something more happened that night. I'm a pretty good cupid, aren't I?"

"Well I...I-I don't..." Spencer began stuttering. You couldn't hold in your giggles anymore and just burst out laughing.

"You can't take it back, boy genius." said Morgan.

"Hotch, Rossi! You both owe us five bucks each!" yelled Emily.

"Wha-you had a bet on us?"

"You bet your ass we did." said Jj.

You wanted to be mad at them, but how could you? You felt the same way about Spencer as he did for you. Maybe it was the amount of weed in your system, but you couldn't think of a reason to pretend to be mad at them. Then something came to mind.

"Hey, just because he said it, doesn't mean he speaks for me, too."

Spencer looked down at you with sad puppy eyes. "Does that mean you love me, too?"

You were quiet for a moment before taking the last hit of the joint, correctly inhaling and exhaling. You blowed the smoke into his face before putting the roach in the ashtray.

"Spence, I'm so in love with you. Just as much as your in love with me."

A smile grew on his face as he sat up, putting his arm around you. He cupped her face with his other hand and pulled your lips onto his. His actions showed that he didn't care about if the others saw. He couldn't care less of what Hotch or any of them would say. He probably forgot they were even there. In that moment as your fingers were tangled into his hair, you, too, felt like you two were the only ones in the room, like the whole world had stopped.

His lips were soft against yours, like comfortable pillows or fluffy clouds. Yours were always in rhythm with his. It was hard to break away until his tongue rubbed against your bottom lip, begging for entrance as you felt his hand leave your face and slowly move lower. You had to break away.

"Not the right time, Spence!" I giggled, trying to play off what just happened. I looked around the room. The rest of the gang never left, even Hotch and Rossi were standing in the door frame. They giggled at Spencer's actions as you both tried to fix yourselves.

"Well, I'm very happy for the both of you," said Hotch with a smile, "but we'll talk about this once this vacation is over. I won't be your boss right now."

"How could you? It's nice seeing two young lovebirds connecting like this." said Rossi.

"As long as I have you guys, and Spencer of course, work will never be a problem." I said, ruffling up his hair one more time.

You all ended up passing out at Garcia's (aside from Hotch and Rossi, as they had loved ones to go home to). You snuggled into Spencer's body on the couch, wrapping the blanket around you both. You both were too excited and happy to sleep. The feeling of someone feeling as much love for you as you did them was too much, but in a good way. The two of you started to make out again. You were going to let his tongue attack yours finally, before he spoke after each peck.

"I. Can't. Believe. You're. All. Mine." He whispered.

You smiled after the last peck before you both went back in, tongues going at it like swords. After a hot minute, you each broke away. Your head moved back to his chest, with his hand on top of yours as his other hand played with your hair.

"You want to hear something weird?" I asked.

"Sure," he said, "but nothing that comes out of your mouth is weird to me."

You smiled, playing with his fingers. "I always pictured a moment like this, even before you. Just...my head on someone's chest, hearing their heartbeat. It makes me feel safe. And with you specifically, I feel even safer than I thought I would."

Spencer kissed the top of your head in response. "God, even your mind is beautiful. How is that possible?"

"Says you, Mr.Smarty Pants. With the amount of classics you have stored in there, I'm sure it'd be like walking around a beautiful museum."

"I'm so happy I'm yours, angel."

I snuggled into him more, feeling my eyes getting heavier. "I'm happy I'm yours, too Spence."

"Goodnight, Y/N. I love you."

"I love you, too." I mumbled as we drifted off to sleep.

[lastxviolet]

The Assistant - Ch. 3

Description: Summary - Her sixth year at Hogwarts was supposed to be relatively peaceful but after an incident on the Hogwarts express, Violet Wilkes finds herself the newest target of the Weasley twins. This, combined with a dark family secret, and the Triwizard tournament, makes her first few months back more exciting and stressful than every year before.

pairing: George Weasley x Original Female Character

warnings: pg-13. slow burn, eventual smut hehe

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28218804/chapters/69148695

They'd arrived on a Thursday night so Violet spent the long weekend finalizing her class schedule, helping the occasional lost first year, and being restless for Monday morning.

She'd met with Snape on Saturday to go over her O.W.L scores from last year's test and create her schedule. Their meeting was a pleasant one even though she became quite flustered when he'd asked for her after graduation plans. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind taking over for Snape one day but didn't feel confident in telling him. She also felt a longing to become a potioneer and perhaps create her own recipes at an apothecary someday. None of which she shared because there was nothing worse than being less than certain in Snape's presence.

He took her flimsy answer without protest and congratulated her on receiving almost all Outstanding scores, expressing as much happiness as his stoic disposition would allow about having her in advanced potions this year.

"You'll be requiring the use of my classroom for after-hour practice, I presume," her mentor said with a meaningful look.

He was a master at Occlumens but it always seemed as though he could read minds without it.

"That would be very much appreciated Professor," she confessed. "I wasn't able to practice much over the summer. Muggles don't usually have valerian root or infusion of wormwood lying around."

The side of his mouth twitched. "How do they survive? Draught of the Living Dead is most ambitious," he replied, referring to her aforementioned ingredients.

It was, but so was she. She was hoping to be able to create the entire Advanced Potions textbook from memory by the end of the year. Class stopped challenging her during her fourth year so after-hours practice was her only opportunity to flex her knowledge in any way. She'd tried hard for the past five years to become an expert simply because potions fascinated her. There was no rhyme or reason other than being captivated by the things that harmless ingredients could do when stirred together correctly.

They'd only decided on six classes this year, after all, she'd scored out of many courses being offered and didn't want to waste her time. She glanced down at the scribbled schedule Snape had made for her. Potions on Mondays and Wednesdays, followed by Ancient Runes and Defense Against the Dark Arts, respectively. Herbology on Tuesdays, Charms, and Care of Magical Creatures on Thursdays. Friday was completely free, as were almost all of her afternoons. Years of packing her schedule and studying deep into the night seemed to have paid off. It was a relief to finally have some free time, even though most of it would be spent studying for the NEWT exams at the end of the year.

She waited for Snape to give her the key to the classroom and raced back to the common room to compare schedules with Sadie.

"You're joking," she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air. "Only one class together? What am I going to do in Transfiguration with a bunch of Ravenclaws, without you?"

"Maybe you can transform yourself into a kind and patient person," Violet joked, masking her disappointment and dodging her friend's elbow again.

Dark, hooded figures surrounded her, making escape impossible. She pleaded, screamed, begged them to hurt her instead. They laughed before turning their wands on Olivia, who was too far out of reach.

Her nightmare jolted her awake before her alarm could. Cruico, rang in her mind even after her eyes fluttered open. She stared at the wall, getting her bearings straight, listening carefully, ensuring that it was just a dream, and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead before getting dressed for the first day of classes.

The nightmare faded from her mind with each step she and Sadie took on the way up to breakfast. She crossed the floor of the much calmer Great Hall, listening to Sadie rant about whether or not she would have any Durmstrang boys in her class and fiddling with her tie. It was ridiculous to have to wear it, especially now that they could all see the much better uniform alternatives from other schools.

"All I'm saying is that I have had to put up with barely there pretty boys like Malfoy for five years," she huffed. "And I feel as though this school owes me a chance at a great love affair with a real man."

A real man. Yeah right, she thought. Judging by the leers and comments erupting from the Durmstrang table as they walked by, these were just slightly older-looking, rude horny gits.

She grabbed a copy of the Daily Prophet off of the Slytherin table and skimmed the Triwizard tournament article on the front page.

How this a school AND government-sanctioned event, she did not know. Muggle schools, as she remembered, called off outdoor sporting events if even one person in the stands saw lightning. Hogwarts, however, participated in an event for seven centuries that had resulted in countless deaths and injuries.

Figures.

"Merlin, people have died?" She muttered.

Sadie shrugged and nodded before recommitting her attention to her oatmeal, and one of the Bulgarian's still looking towards her from across the aisle.

At 8:45, Sadie bid her a dramatic goodbye, blowing her kisses and pretending to cry, the entire walk back out of the Great Hall and into the main hallway. If it had been her first year at Hogwarts, she would've about crumbled at the strange looks from her peers but by now she'd gotten used to it. Sadie was not one for blending into the scenery and although that was what Violet preferred, she let her drag her into the spotlight now and then, like exposure therapy.

She gladly descended back into the dungeons, past her common room door, letting the stone hall guide her to the potions classroom at the end of the corridor. She knew the walk like the back of her hand and could've done it walking backward, with her eyes closed.

The muggy, dimly lit classroom was a welcome sight. Cauldrons, strange beakers, and scattered ingredients had never looked so inviting. The second table to the back had been her seat last year, so she flitted through the familiar room and claimed it again.

As she'd suspected, mostly green and blue ties trickled into the classroom. She didn't mind the company of Ravenclaws in the slightest. Generally speaking, they were able to take things seriously and didn't seem to anger Snape as much as yellow or red ties did. Potions was an incredibly disciplined subject with little instant gratification or convenient use, as their professor liked to remind them, so there was no room for impulse, bravery, or even passion; only precision and memorization.

The second chair at her table squeaked over the stone floor, its shrill noise breaking her away from her internal musings.

Adrian Pucey, a tall dark-haired Slytherin boy, dropped into it and nodded her a polite hello. All things considered, when it came to Slytherin boys, his company wouldn't be particularly minded either. He could be a prick when he was with the rest of their house Quidditch team but alone, he was quiet and harmless. Besides, she knew he'd let her take the lead on all their projects.

Thank god, she thought, there was nothing worse than being stuck with a talkative git for a partner.

Loud laughs from the hallway cut through the comfortable silence. The almost full class let out a low murmur, annoyed at the ruckus. She whipped around and squinted, ready to shoot a death glare at its source. There was a very well-known dungeon etiquette of silence and although she wasn't a fan of most traditions, that one was respectable.

A red and gold tie snapped her out of her hateful trance.

Its owner met her eyes.

George Weasley tugged fellow Gryffindor, Lee Jordan, through the door. Her glare turned into a look of surprise. Surely they were in the wrong classroom. He stopped walking and squinted at her slightly. It took him a few seconds to recognize her face in the dim room and she watched him register her presence. His eyebrows raised in equal parts shock and something that looked like distress. Their eyes lingered until he opened his mouth like he was about to say something and she dug her nails into her palm and spun back around in the hopes that he wouldn't yell across the room.

Four times in one week? She could feel her intestines winding together, twisting her already anxious torso into a bout of nerves. This must be a mistake, she told herself. Snape will come and sort it out, ending whatever scheme they're attempting.

Taking calming breaths, she turned to her table partner, desperate for some way out of the embarrassing scenarios she'd begun spinning in her head.

"How was your summer, Adrian?"

"Oh, it was fine thanks. Actually I —"

The classroom door slammed shut. Professor Snape burst through the room, drawing his wand to shut the curtains and light several candles and a fireplace.

Thank god. She really didn't want to hear about whatever weird, rich, hunting trip Adrian took with his pure-blood family.

Everyone watched as Snape swept aggressively into the room but she could feel Georges's eyes on the back of her head. How was he here? And why was he looking at her?

"Do you two need assistance finding your seats," Snape sneered at the Gryffindors standing awkwardly in the aisle. She glanced over Adrian's ear and watched them rush forward to the table directly across the aisle.

"Not there Mr. Jordan," Snape hissed, looming from his podium with a furious look on his face. "Something tells me you will be incapable of restraining yourself from vexing the rest of us if seated next to Mr. Weasley. Switch with Mr. Pucey."

Violet watched Adrian grimace and collect his things. If he was the least worst Slytherin boy to be stuck with, then she guessed that Lee Jordan was the least worst Gryffindor boy. Especially when considering her other option. Despite never speaking before, she knew he willingly hung out with the twins, almost as much as they hung out with each other. That alone was cause for an evaluation of his mental state, regardless of how harmless he seemed.

She greeted Lee with a smile and a nod. Of course, he returned the small act of congeniality with an otherworldly grin and a friendly nudge to her bicep. She tensed slightly and tried not to grimace. Classic Gryffindor, she thought, give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

Snape, satisfied with the new arrangement, opened his mouth to begin class. She braced herself for his wrath now that he was more tense than normal but his first word was cut off by a loud screech of wood scooting across the stone. She turned to find the culprit and watched George stifle a giggle with his hand, now a good two inches closer to a murderous-looking Adrain. Snape remained silent and glanced back down at his book with an even more sour look on his face.

"In this class," he began. "You will learn skills beyond reading directly from your textbook. Some of you are here because of talent… while others, by dumb luck." He eyed George with disdain.

"To separate the two, we will begin today's lesson by brewing the last potion you learned last year…from memory," he said with a measured, cold voice.

The potion ran through her head as soon as he finished his sentence. She knew it. Of course, she knew it. She watched her classmates look around nervously, and tried not to smile and out herself as a know-it-all. It was always a balancing act. Staying in the good graces of such a harsh man like Snape and keeping up appearances around her fellow students.

"You have an hour — present the potion to me when you have finished," he concluded, taking a seat at his desk.

Lee's stared at her wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. As she had suspected, this was not his best subject. She turned and glared at him, suspending him in panic for one more second before smiling. She thought about winking but didn't want to give him any reason to think that they were friends. Lee squinted at her in a mixture of confusion and realization.

"Bloody hell," he breathed. "You know it, don't you."

His expression relaxed significantly, and he looked as if he'd just won the lottery. She didn't acknowledge him further and calmly reached underneath the table and pulled out a bottle of standard potion water, pouring it into their pewter cauldron with the burner set to low. It would be boiling by the time they got the ingredients so she quickly scribbled them on a piece of parchment and motioned for Lee to follow her. He did so wordlessly, and with more pep in his step than she'd ever seen a person muster.

"Alright Jordan, if you want to help, you can carry these," she said.

Lee gladly carried the powdered moonstone, syrup of hellebore, powdered porcupine quills, and powdered unicorn horn from the shelves back to their table, blocking the labels as he passed Adrian and George bickering behind their cauldron.

"Sorry Georgie, no cheating," Lee whispered across the aisle, with a smug smile.

If he wasn't best friends with the Weasley's then it might have been an ok setup. Clearly, he had no clue what he was doing, meaning he would stay out of her way, but also seemed rather eager to follow instructions. Regardless, she was sure he'd find a way to annoy her before the term was up.

She watched George stop fussing and stare daggers into his friend.

"Shove off," he hissed, bristling with agitation.

He'd always been so easygoing in herbology but she guessed that she'd never looked hard enough to see the anger, frustration, and competitiveness bursting within. Probably what happens when you have seven siblings, she thought. Thank god she only had Olivia.

His eyes met hers for a brief moment with the same look he'd had on his face when she'd shrunk her tongue on the train. Evidently, she was in fact, not the only one with whom he had quite a temper.

Lee burst into a fit of laugher and she dropped her eyes back onto the task at hand.

"Quiet," Snape snapped.

She focused back on stirring the first round of powdered moonstone in a clockwise pattern, waiting for the mixture to turn blue and let the repetitive motion ease her mind.

Of course, Snape would choose Draught of Peace to do from memory, she thought, silently giggling to herself. Not only was it complicated, but it required precise stirring patterns for a particular amount of time. Also, its deceptive name wouldn't make anyone suspect that if it was brewed incorrectly, it quite literally turned into an elixir of death. He probably didn't mean it as one, but she appreciated the morbid joke.

"Pass me the hellebore," she whispered to her table partner.

Lee looked a little shocked that she was speaking to him but reached into the pile regardless. He looked around the room and stealthily handed her the small vial. "Ah, yes, the goats spell," he said a little too loudly.

A few of their peers stood up to go to the ingredient cabinet and she bit back a giggle, not wanting to egg her partner on.

She usually wouldn't call herself amused during potions class but Lee looked like he was having the time of his life and it was nearly impossible not to feel somewhat entertained. He exaggerated every movement when she asked him for an ingredient or stirring spoon, and acted accusatory towards anyone who glanced over for too long. He was a lot less intrusive than the twins but his energy level was the same, along with the way that he had to turn every single moment into a joke or a laugh. It looked exhausting but he seemed to be having fun.

After nearly an hour, she added the final ingredients and stirred the solution in a clockwise motion, watching the potion turn turquoise, purple, red, and a myriad of other colors before finally turning a glowing white with the addition of powdered porcupine quills. The potion illuminated the room with shimmering white light for a few seconds before she took it off the burner.

"Merlin's beard," Lee exclaimed under his breath.

Suddenly very aware of the silence in the room, she tried not to think about all the eyes on her, especially the ones she knew were focused on her in contempt.

"Go put those back," she hissed at Lee.

He jumped from his chair, scooped up the ingredients, and skipped down the aisle with probably the biggest shit-eating grin Hogwarts had ever seen, on his face.

While all attention was on him, she quietly ladled the concoction into a vial and scurried up to Snape's desk. He took one glance at the now light turquoise potion and pocketed the bottle seemingly unsurprised to see her although his face had been hidden underneath a book for the entirety of the class.

"Miss Wilkes, can you please tell your peers what potion they should have attempted to make?"

Her stomach sank. The rest of her classmates had stopped fiddling with their cauldrons and were staring at her with annoyed expressions. It was to be expected but that didn't make it hurt any less. Except for Lee, who was exuberantly giving her a thumbs up, and George, who just looked dumbfounded and a little pissed off. Maybe he'd thought she was kidding about potions.

"Draught of Peace," she announced to the cold room.

"Which does what, exactly," Snape said, questioning her further.

She knew he was just trying to make a point but hated being used as the one to make it. The label of know-it-all was no longer a worry, now they would just skip straight to teacher's pet.

"It relieves anxiety and agitation," she said, avoiding eye contact.

"I am sure you will all want a dose before our next lesson," Snape said in a scolding tone. "Please come to class on Wednesday prepared, or your grade and house points will suffer…tremendously," he hesitated and turned towards her. "50 points to you Miss Wilkes for Slytherin —class dismissed."

She squeaked out a quick goodbye to her mentor, before rushing back to her desk. His praise meant the world to her but it also put a target on her back. In past years, it at least took a few periods for the class to realize she was on good terms with him. Now, it just looked like they'd colluded to make everyone else feel stupid.

She jumped a little as Lee cut her off before she could make it past his chair, trapping her in the aisle.

"That was totally brilliant!"

Not in the mood, she thought. His praise meant nothing. He was just thankful to not receive failing marks for the day.

"Move," she hissed, keeping her eyes on the ground.

He stumbled back against the table a bit but turned to let her through before continuing.

"How on earth did you do that…I heard if you get Draught of Peace even the slightest bit wrong, you could kill somebody!"

She shoved her books back into her bag, frantic to leave without further incident but wasn't fast enough as Adrian and George appeared in the aisle.

"Then it's a shame you didn't drink ours," Adrian snarled at her table partner.

Great. Now they could all fight like snakes and lions were meant to. She just wanted to leave and be done with this nightmare class.

"Awh Pucey, you didn't enjoy our romantic time in your dungeon together," George said, swinging an arm around his partner's shoulder.

"Don't touch me," Adrian shoved him off like his touch was poison, making the Gryffindors chuckle.

"Thanks a lot, Wilkes," Lee said, dawning the same smile he'd given her at the beginning of class. At least it was a little more warranted now.

She eyed him suspiciously but nodded in acceptance.

"So you really do know your potions," George mused, still looking at her, his eyes gleaming competitively. "I'm surprised."

The look told her straight away that her plan had backfired. Entertaining the twins on the train had not in fact made her immune to interacting with either of them for the rest of the year. She would just have to try something else.

"That makes one of us. You're just as daft as I suspected."

She ignored Lee's cackling and stared at the redhead. She could've just left, or let Adrian deal with him but something flared inside her at the chance to challenge such a smug man. It felt good. It wasn't often she felt equally matched, even now she suspected that George was quite a bit beneath her but the opportunity was too enticing. His anger, although she'd only been privy to it once, was addictive.

It must have felt equally as strong for George because his face got darker again and he leaned closer, ready to retort. His eyes searched hers and she could tell that he was going to make it personal, perhaps even try to be hurtful but Adrian cut him off before he could say anything.

"Shove off Weasley."

Something seemed to snap and George's face switched back to a jovial smile and mischievous eyes.

She stared at him in shock. What was his problem? Adrian was much more infuriating than she was but he barely even seemed to register his words.

"Until next time my love," he cooed at Adrian whilst he and Lee fell into a fit of giggles and pulled each other out of the door.

She and Adrian followed silently after them, walking together out of courtesy, rather than friendship. One of the perks of such a historic house with noble bloodlines was the occasional show of chivalry

They walked down the corridor and back up into the main hall. "Thanks for the 50 points Wilkes," he said, turning to part ways. "Can't believe I'm stuck with a bloody Weasley."

He flashed her a smile which she returned with a polite nod before making her way to her next class, trying to ignore the hustle and bustle of the students around her.

She plopped down in Ancient Runes a few minutes later, still annoyed about the less than peaceful potions class.

Professor Babbling said something about Ancient Runes, best-serving students, as an independent study but she couldn't focus on her open book and unfinished translation. The class was always appreciated seeing as quiet moments throughout the day were rather rare outside of the library. The opportunity to spend several hours with just her thoughts and meaningless translations was a much-needed break from the day-to-day busyness.

George's comment rang in her head. What was his problem? He exuded arrogance without reason. She'd outsmarted him on the train and although she'd technically outsmarted him in potions, it was entirely out of her hands and not meant as an insult to him in any way. Maybe his ego was bruised, even though the only witness on the train was his brother, who she seriously doubted cared about intelligence. Either way, he seemed to be taking their encounters entirely personal.

Whatever it was, he needed to get over it, and quick. Usually, potions class was the only hour and a half in her day where she got to gather her thoughts and methodically apply her knowledge with little disturbance. She would rather deal with the consequences of forcing him to leave her alone, than sacrifice it.

Even after an entire afternoon and evening in the library, George's smug face still taunted her as she went to sleep.

[shinygoku]

Top 10 CSatM Episodes (2/2)

See part 1 here

As a few paragraphs and pictures for 10 episodes in a row makes a rather long, unruly beast of a post!

The second half of my personal preferred picks for a Top 10, though the order they’re being listed in doesn’t correspond to my favour, but the order how I watch them on my DVDs. I still suggest you read the first half of the list before this one, all the same~

Spoilers below the cut, be warned! ✂

Crater 101

So this ep is pretty much a sequel to Lunarville 7, and is followed up with Dangerous Rendezvous. Neither of those made the cut of my list though, and even isolated from those it makes a solid story. The most Space-y of all the episodes and a visual treat, cause while we mostly stuck to the stark accommodations of Lunarville 7 in that episode, here we see the grey grimy gloom of the outside of the Moon, and the sharp, delightful contrast of the Mysteron’s fantastic plastic Complex. Here, vivid marbled colours and flashing lights join inorganic shapes that suggest something of the Mysteron’s nature, but as always, nothing conclusive.

Moving away from the lovely Aesthetics, this is also a strong one for characterisation. We get some sweet interactions with The Lads and for this episode only, the Best Female Character in the whole show. Linda Nolan is the controller of Lunarville 6, a smart, capable woman who had her own cool space mission referenced and in fact critical to the plot. She is also relatable in that she catches feelings for Scarlet, so while she’s barking up the wrong tree I still have nothing but respect for her, hehee.

Eerie, tense, interesting and still somewhat funny, this is another episode that eeks into an even higher ranking list than 10, I could comfortably put it in 5 and mmmaybe 3. Though I’m not gonna be able to say definitively as the best episodes all bring something different to the table, and this may just be the strongest in the uniqueness regard.

Fire at Rig 15

I get the feeling this may be an unorthodox choice, somehow? But yeah, I just really enjoy it. It’s not a funny episode, but it is rather exciting, and contains some lovely new music and a sweet scene at the end. The Mysteron’s plot is pretty simple, but should it succeed, devastating as it would be crippling Spectrum’s operations by removing the unique type of fuel all the craft uses.

In a way, it’s kind of like a dark mirror to a typical Thunderbirds setup; whereas in that show the initial fire would be more likely to be accidental or just maybe some ne’er do well like the Hood, this time it’s as simple as the Mysterons reopening the master valve. When traditional firefighters would eventually retreat to make room for International Rescue, here Spectrum themselves have a rather passive role as a professional rolls in. And of course, said man finds himself very, very dead due to further Mysteron interference (see picture), with Black seemingly hypnotising the poor bloke into standing too close to the explosion.

From there his duplicate half buries his original corpse and later receives direct instructions from Black to suicide bomb the nearby refinery, and it’s en route to this is where the thrilling car chase takes place! Scarlet saves the refinery but the whole SPV he was driving is completely ablaze at the end of it. Like my thoughts on Point 783, I really appreciate the human touch to the last scene, with soft music as arrangements are made for Scarlet to recover from the horrible state we’re spared of seeing. Seeing how his ability to recover from death is one of the cornerstones of the whole premise, I love it when we’re allowed a bit more insight into what the other Spectrum personnel do in the situations, in this case White specifically instructing Dr Fawn to make sure Scarlet is comfortable as the process takes place.

Treble Cross

A notable and unique spin of an episode, where a rather routine Mysteron threat takes quite the turn when their assassinated target is brought back to life! It seems by the 2060′s we’ll have cool machinery to do CPR for a couple of hours as well as doctors ready to play god when they happen to drive by the car crash scene, heheh

Seriously though, this is a really fresh premise, that the villains who have been using doppelgangers for their devious schemes get the tables turned. This time the duplicate gets perma-killed while the original Major Gravener willingly participates in an undercover mission to help draw Captain Black into a trap at last... However, an easily overlooked factor in the driver who was also killed had been duplicated offscreen, so even with this amazing chance Spectrum can’t catch Black. But the World Capital, Futura City, is saved and Spectrum find the Mysterons themselves can’t tell their own copies from the original person, so it’s all in all a net gain!

Also this episode contains the World’s Happiest Clock, so that’s a neat plus.

Flight 104

We start this story on the incredible note of Captain Blue singing in the shower of the Hotel room he shares with Captain Scarlet. Scarlet then orders them both room service for some lunch. And if that sounds like the start of a fanfic plot, it may well be, but it’s also literally right there in the episode, baybee!

Charmingly domestic opening aside, I love this whole shebang. Again it’s the usual Mysterons threatening of an individual who Spectrum are bodyguarding, but the way both our heroes and villains go about this is different from the norm. Scarlet and Blue are trying to avoid drawing attention, so they spend the whole episode in normal clothes (Blue spending 1/3 of this in that comfy bathrobe!), and don’t have their comms. What’s more, they get a pair of reporters suspicious, and the two trail them looking for a Big Scoop.

When I was first watching this, I was expecting the journalists to get killed by Black to be the Mysteron Pawns, but no! They’re both fine from the start to the end! Then we find Black doing ....something.... to the Flight Crew of the titular Flight 104, but they aren’t killed either, just drugged. Instead, the Mysterons remotely pilot the plane on a slow collision course with the Alps, but are undone when an Electrical Plant interferes with their control.

As breaking into the pilot cabin had the side effect of jamming the landing gear, the plane has to crash land at the airport, but almost everyone being unharmed makes this one of the most gentle episodes of the lot... of course, Scarlet himself is still heavily implied to have been killed from the crash, but even his injuries seem pretty minor this time. And yet, it’s not lacking in excitement, as the tension of Spectrum trying to communicate with the two without their Comms and the inability to override the Mysteron’s control until that pre-established Electrical weakness kicks in holds for a while.

Inferno

Those who know of me from Thunderbirds are Go (the 2015 TV series) discussion are likely to know how much I love the episode from Season 1, Tunnels of Time. It heavily features my favourite ship in that show as they explore an ancient South American Temple which is full of peril. The temple is destroyed by the end of the episode.

So anyway, Inferno features my favourite ship in this show as they explore an ancient South American Temple which is full of peril, and tragically the temple is destroyed by the end of the episode! Heheeheheee~

Ok seriously though, eerie parallels aside this is another utterly beautiful instalment, with set design and lighting that really blows other episodes out of the proverbial water. And the pyrotechnic team clearly had fun with the seemingly unending explosions at the end of the adventure. An all-around visual feast!

Main plot is relatively simple, like in White as Snow, the Mysterons kill a Satellite and its crew and steer the reconstructed version towards their target of the week. Unlike WaS, they succeed in the end, a reminder that they’re still not to be underestimated. No human lives are lost, but the important complex and more tragically, the 800 year old temple that’s otherwise intact, get bombed to smithereens. Something something additional cost of warfare on Culture and History.

But while this is the end of my personal Top 10 list, it’s not all bad, because the Scarlet and Blue antics in the temple are utterly lovely and [chef finger kiss] splendid cinema~!

That about wraps up this Two-part post of mine! Picking 10 out of 32 is easier than 10 out of 100, but it’s still tricky as most of the episodes are very good, with only a few I’d promptly write off as a candidate for the list. And in some ways I wonder if I went about this the right way, some eps I only saw once and might feel strong enough to pip one’a the ones I did choose.

I have been rewatching each of the eps covered, and a few that didn’t make it, but my initial choice was made looking at the full list and letting my gut grab a few, having to think over more as the slots filled. Some fan favourites like Lunarville 7 came close, but I hope I’ve been able to clearly convey what it is about this selection that gave them the edge ;3

I will write further posts on Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons in the future, but after this mammoth and also the Notable Episodes list I’d quite like to enjoy it for a while without thinking about points to talk about, haha

[i-choose-liam]

TRR Chapter Tie-Ins

A/N: Here’s the second chapter to my TRR Tie-in series, which I had previously titled The Crown and the Apron on my old account. But now that’s the name for my Liam x MC one shots on ao3. I would urge you to check out the previous chapter before reading this one, since it’s a series (though incomplete).

If you would like to be tagged for my future works, please let me know. And if you don’t want to be tagged anymore, don’t hesitate to tell me! I’m considering retiring the whole tag list thing altogether because I am really forgetful in general and then I get anxious, thinking I must have missed someone who asked to be tagged and now they are offended. Or worse – tagged someone who doesn’t want to read it. Yeah, things get really busy in this noggin.

Thanks in advance for reading!

Chapter 1: Once Upon A Time

Chapter 2: Welcome to Cordonia 

They welcomed him home. Everyone was in great spirits. His father made some jokes about bachelor-hood and freedom. His stepmother couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming Masquerade ball. 

"Your Highness?", Bastien cleared his throat, "Forgive me if I overstep but, you seem preoccupied. Are you all right?" 

Of course. His bodyguard would notice he wasn't himself, not his family. 

"You have every right to ask about my well-being, Bastien", Liam smiled, "I assure you, I am fine" 

Who in this godforsaken place would understand what storms raged in his heart? Who could he tell that while they discussed, laughed, formed plans about choosing his bride, he kept thinking about the girl he had left behind? 

The girl with starlight in her eyes, who had touched his face when she kissed him. The girl who wanted to know his soul, who made him feel alive and... breathing. 

Across the ocean, she was going on about her life, and he knew he would have to go on about his. 

'You can't fight fate', Liam reminded himself. 

"Is this him?"

Dani showed her sister the phone screen. 

It was a google image of Prince Liam of Cordonia. Riley stared at it in admiration, then regained her composure enough to roll eyes at her sister. 

"Of course it's him, Dani. Liam is not the kind of guy who lies" 

"Okay, lovestruck. Just checking", Dani typed in another name, "What's Maxwell's last name again?" 

"I really don't know. Go ask him" 

Dani walked to the bedroom door and poked her head out. Maxwell was sitting on the couch, looking at his surroundings. 

"Hey", Dani called to him, "What's your last name?" 

He was a bit startled at first, but replied, 

"Uh, Beaumont" 

"Okay" 

She stepped back in again and sat on the bed, next to Riley's luggage bag. 

"Help me", Riley sighed, "How many books?" 

Dani didn't look up from her phone.

"Zero, you nerd. You're going over there to seduce a Prince, not compete in a math olympiad" 

"What am I supposed to do there in my free time? I mean, I'm going to be studying Cordonian politics and history in depth, of course. I should also probably check out their library for books on the culture. Oh, I should take my laptop along to take notes. Maybe my Mac..." 

Dani growled and put her phone down. She stood up and grabbed her sister by the arms. 

"Riles... this is exactly why the school suspended you" 

"Put me on sabbatical", Riley corrected her. 

"Whatever. You were on the verge of a burn-out. Stop thinking so much! I know you can't just turn it off but try? You keep looking at this wonderful, fairytale opportunity as a research assignment. You're already sucking half the fun out of it", Dani begged her, "For once in your life, listen to your heart, not your brain" 

"Bu..." 

"Ssh" 

Dani pointed to her sister's chest, raising her eyebrows. 

"Listen. Can you hear that?" 

"Dani..." 

"Ssh! It's saying...", she tapped her sister's chest, "Li-am. Li-am. Li-am" 

"Get off me", Riley laughed and shoved her a little. 

Dani grinned and got back to her phone. She nodded, 

"Okay. Maxwell checks out too. But his insta has a picture of him pointing a sword at a champagne bottle. Huh" 

"I'll be fine", Riley put in five of her favourite books while Dani wasn't looking, "If anything turns out to be sketchy, I will just... karate-chop my way out of there. I memorised the number of the American embassy in the Cordonian capital. I have mace, my tazer..." 

"Jesus Christ" 

"...and my Wonder Woman pendant", Riley stopped to ask, "Do you think I'm making a mistake?" 

Dani had to rip her attention away from Maxwell's skinny dipping pictures. Her sister stood before her with that guarded look she knew too well. 

"No, of course not", Dani assured her. 

"What if Liam doesn't even remember me? Or what if he does? And we fall in love and get married and I have to become a princess? And then Queen?" 

"Hey, hey", Dani said, "One step at a time. Don't do this to yourself. Leap, Riley. This is an opportunity. You owe it to yourself after 23 years of relentless hard work. There's a super loaded guy outside who is going to buy you fancy dresses and shoes, just so you can impress a bunch of Europeans. Remember - you're doing this for Liam as well as for yourself. You deserve this, okay?" 

It scared Dani to see her sister tear up. Riley had always been the strongest of the two.

"I am not used to this”, Riley bit her lip, “I can't socialise with strangers and woo a Prince. This is your kind of stuff" 

"Well, I'm not the one Liam kissed on our doorstep, you know?", Dani grinned, wanting a reaction from Riley, "But if you want me to, I could pretend to be you and marry him. I could wear a low-cut blouse for when I see him, flash him the girls a little and..." 

"Shut up" 

Giggling, Dani watched her sister grumble and lock her bag. Riley stood up straight and took a deep breath. 

"This is it", she mumbled, "No backing out now. I told Maxwell I would come. I'm a woman of my word. Yes, I am" 

She checked her wristwatch, 

"All right. It's time. Please take care of the bills. If someone from my school calls, tell them I've gone to India for a "spiritual break". Or make it Bali. And please don't let Mr. Burns bully... where is Mr. Burns?" 

The twins emerged out of their room with the luggage, looking around for a particular someone. 

"Mr. Burns?", Riley called, "Smithers?" 

A happy yelp was the answer to Riley's voice. Their dog came bounding into the drawing room at the sound of her voice. He jumped on her, drooling all over her waist. 

"Who's my sweet, sweet boy?", Riley cooed and got on her knees to hug him, "You're my sweet boy. My good little Smithers" 

Maxwell approached them, 

"Aw! He's so friendly" 

"That's Smithers for ya", Dani said. 

Their attention was then drawn to the sound of a weak meow, coming from a sluggish grandpa cat. He ambled into the drawing room and deposited himself at Riley's feet. 

"And this is?", Maxwell asked. 

"Mr. Burns", Riley let go off Smithers to cuddle her cat, "He and Smithers have a toxic relationship. But no matter what we do, Smithers won't stop licking and loving Mr. Burns. Don't be a jerk while I'm gone, okay Mr. Burns? Be nice to Dani and Smithers. I love you so much! Muah!" 

Smithers began licking Mr. Burns' head affectionately. The old cat endured it with a sour face. 

"Okay. I have to go now. Bye", Riley kissed her pets again. 

She stood up and hugged her sister. 

"Take care of yourself. If you need me for anything - anything at all - just give me a call. I'll be back on the first flight" 

Dani smiled and wiped a tear. She tightened the hug, 

"Same" 

They let go and smiled awkwardly at each other. Riley picked up her bag and marched towards the door. Smithers woof'd and followed her. He stood looking up at her, wagging his tail. Behind, Mr. Burns slowly began to make his way to them. 

"Oh no, boy. Sorry. I'm going alone. I'll be back before you know it", Riley's voice broke, "I promise" 

Smithers and Mr. Burns stood looking at her with hope. Maxwell sniffed. 

"Come on, boys", Dani heaved Mr. Burns in her arms, and tugged on Smithers' collar, "She is going to be fine" 

Riley sure hoped so. 

Liam held his head with both hands. He had smiled at and indulged them as best as he could. The opening of the social season was upon him and here he sat, thinking about Riley. 

Why? Why should he think of her and make himself miserable? 

He tried his best to fight it. There wasn't anything special about Riley, was there? A working class American, brave and opinionated. It was kind of silly how she had blushed when she told him she wanted to find love. And her constant asking him whether he was enjoying himself had bordered on nagging. And that... that stupid dimple in her cheek when she smiled. 

Trivial! Ordinary! Unwanted! 

Liam released a hopeless sigh. 

He was lying to himself. He admired Riley’s courage, shared her opinions. That blush on her face had made his breath hitch. Her concern for his happiness had made him want to throw himself into her arms. And her dimple was adorable! He should have kissed it over and over again while he had the chance. 

This wouldn't do. He had responsibilities. He needed to think beyond his own interests at every point. Cordonia deserved a prince who put them first. And his future wife deserved a clean slate from his end. It wasn't her fault that her husband-to-be was hung up on a girl who could never be his. 

But he could dream of her, couldn't he? That wouldn’t hurt anyone. Only himself. And he was fine with it. Yeah. They couldn't rob him of his dreams.

Could they? 

"Hey, Dan. It's me. You're probably asleep but I just wanted to let you know I got here safe and sound", Riley spoke into the phone, "Maxwell is sweet. Found the asshole of the group though. It's that Drake guy. Anyway, I'm getting ready for the Masquerade ball. I had to pay for the dress myself. But Maxwell will probably reimburse me for it. He's my sponsor after all. Hah. Sponsor" 

Taking a deep breath, she sat down on a boutique chair. 

"You would love the dress. It's red and a little sheer in places. I feel like a femme fatale, hehe... I wonder if Liam will realise it's me in this fancy dress and mask. Yes, I'm wearing a mask" 

Maxwell beckoned to her from the boutique's door. Riley held up a finger to him, smiling. 

"I gotta go. Don't go out without having breakfast. And don't spend all your money on pizza. Cook. Kiss Smithers and Mr. Burns for me. Gosh, this still feels like a dream, sis. I wasn't even this nervous for my first moot court. Anyway... take care. I lov..." 

The voicemail cut her off before she could finish. Riley slipped the phone into her handbag. She rose, straightened her mask, and walked to Maxwell. 

She smiled at him and whispered to herself, 

"Showtime" 

Royal Readers: @thatspicegirlssong  @bowful @zaffrenotes @pixieferry @femmeshep @hopefulmoonobject @indescribablechoices @angelicfangirl @cordonianredruby @brightpinkpeppercorn  @princesaakl @romanticatheart-posts @cordoniaqueensworld  @cordoniantrash @blznbaby @museofbooks @smalltalk88 @stopforamoment @jyreusser85 @cordonianredruby @custaroonie @mynameiskaylabella  @lizzybeth1986

[pillowfluffs]

Caretaker!Jooheon

Pairing: Jooheon X Reader (Gender Neutral)

Genre: slight angst, fluff

Author’s Note: I’m not gonna do a summary for this one because it would’ve ruined the beginning of the story soo hehe. I will say though that there is a Hwarang, the kdrama, spoiler!! So if you have not watched the show but you want to, don’t read this! I myself, haven’t seen the show but I want to and I know this happens to a character because my feed was blown up with this scene on other social media soo yeah.. Again, no random reason and so either Caretaker!Minhyuk or Caretaker!Hyungwon will be next! Enjoy and as always, feedback is greatly appreciated

Other Caretakers! Hyunwoo // Wonho // Minhyuk // Kihyun // Hyungwon // Jooheon // Changkyun

You could feel your literal heartbreaking as you watched the man you loved, the love of your life bleeding out before you, his eyes barely able to stay open as he was just shot moments earlier. You watched him, unable to do anything as your emotions got the better of you, making you unable to move a muscle, frozen in place. Your tears rushed down your face as your cries filled the dark room and your body began to tremble in the grievance. You reached your hand out, trying to reach out to him yet he was drifting farther and farther away. “No! Don’t go,” you practically wailed as you were breaking down, the hardest you've ever cried making you feel like you couldn't open your eyes or breathe out of your nose at all now. You've never felt a greater pain, watching him die before out and you couldn't do anything to help him at all; you couldn't be there next to him to press down on the wound to stop the bleeding, you couldn't kiss him goodbye, you couldn't hold him and tell him how much you loved him. A heaviness filled your limbs as happy memories from the past where he made you laugh and smile, along with others by his side now made you cry harder. It wasn't long before other men were able to rush to his side, but they were too late; a great hero had fallen forever. They took off their hats, respecting the fallen soldier and carefully lifted him up and carried him away.

He made his way down the hall towards your shared loft as he had just off work and came home from a long day at the studio. He scrolled through his phone confused on why he hadn't heard from you in a couple hours, his keys in hand as they jingled with every step he took. He stood outside on his phone, looking through social media when the sound of your wailing voice caught his ears. He almost dropped his phone as he rushed to unlock the door to the loft, panic beginning to fill him to the brim.

“Y/N!” He left the door open, running over to you as you were sat in front of the tv, crying your eyes out as the living room blanket was wrapped around you. “What happened? Are you hurt?” He scanned your body, looking for any sign of energy, fortunately seeing none. “What's going on? Who hurt you my flower?” He lifted your laying, curled into a ball form from the hardwood floor, sitting you in his lap as he sat crisscrossed on the ground, leaning your head on his chest as he soothed you, one arm holding your back and the other brushing your hair.

“Joo-Joohoney,” you stuttered as your breaths were now short gasps for air, your tears beginning to slow down. You were trembling we you spoke, trying to look into his eyes as he watched you diligently. You could feel the puffiness around your eyes as they were sore and strained from your crying. You could feel your face and neck were wet with tears, soaking the shirt of your pajamas which were one of Jooheon’s shirts. “Ha-Hansung d-died,” your voice broke off as you nuzzled your head closer to Jooheon’s body even though it was very close already, your hand gripping onto his gray hooded jacket.

Everything suddenly became clear to Jooheon, now remembering you had suddenly begun watching Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, a popular Korean drama which one of your favorite characters was BTS’ very own Kim Taehyung, playing the fun character of Hansung. A wave of relief washed over him as he held you, he even tried to restrain a laugh since you were crying hysterically over a character. “Ah, Y/N, you really scared me! I thought someone broke in and hurt you when I heard you cry from outside! See, I didn’t even close the door,” Jooheon’s voice was playful, teasing you in an attempt to soothe your cries. He pointed to the door, nudging you lightly to get you to open your eyes and look, but you continued to cling onto him. When he saw that you were still crying, he sighed with a smile on his face, rubbing you arm gently to comfort you. “Aw, come on, onto the couch we go.” He lifted you in his arms from his lap and carried you swiftly over to the black leather couch, laying you gently down so your head was resting on the arm. He turned around quickly, and headed to the door, closing it and locking it. “Mm, do you want to eat anything?” He asked while he took off his shoes and jacket, putting them away out of the way safely.

Your cries began to die down as you wrapped the blanket harder. You slowed down your breathing, taking slow deep breaths, turning so you were now staring into the ceiling. Flashes of the memory of how Hansung died, making you tear up a little more, but not that much. You held the blanket in your hands in fists as you lay there in a small ball.

“Hm?” Jooheon was now in your sight, as he leaned over you, getting your attention and then sitting on the edge of the couch with you. The time wasn’t too late so some places were still open, it was just around after dinner time. Around the time people got home from work and some were still on the way and dusk had just fallen upon the sky.

You raised your eyebrows in confusion, missing what he had asked before. The corner of your lips was down, practically pouting as you moved so now you laid in Jooheon’s lap. His body was like a natural heater for you, no matter how cold it was outside or if he claimed to be cold, you would hug him and his body heat would be able to warm you up, which was also one of many reasons why you loved your Joohoney. 

“Did you eat yet, baby?” He looked down to you, brushing your hair with his fingers, letting your silky strands slip through your fingers. Normally when you cried, you became very childlike; pouting, staying with Jooheon, wanting to hold him or wanting him to hold you, if he walked around the loft or the studio, you would follow, trailing behind him and he simply let you be while you wanted and needed his attention on you. Sometimes he used this neediness as an excuse to tease you which most of the time would make you cry even more and then he would stop and apologize.

“Mm mm..” You shook your head in his lap, bringing up the blanket in your hand to wipe away remaining tears as you bit your lip. You could barely breathe from your nose, your eyes were puffier and sorer than ever. The soft blanket was slightly damp around the area you held it, covering and keeping your body warm in the cool, spacious loft, wearing a simple shirt and short sports shorts and small bumblebee socks Jooheon had gotten for you when he went to Japan.

“Do you wanna eat?” a small smile remained on Jooheon’s face. He peered down to your small face, your eyes wide, simply staring off into space with the occasional sniffle and wipe with the blanket. “Baby?”

You shook your head once again. No food, no matter if it was your favorite or not, well maybe, could make you feel better. You didn’t feel anything, you were numb except for sadness for Hansung and comfort from Jooheon. Your hands slowly released the grip on the blanket, and reached them up slowly, snaking them around Jooheon, holding him, which was all you needed; him.

“Do you.. Want ice cream?” Jooheon suggested, pausing his hand motions through your hair, knowing he got your attention as you lifted your head, looking into his gentle dark eyes as you contemplated. He knew ice cream was your weakness, no matter what you said whether you were hungry or not. “I know you can’t resist ice cream, Y/N~” He looked down into your eyes, as you looked back into his crescent-shaped ones, his dimples beginning to cave inwards. “I promise you you’ll feel much better~ I’ll take care of you,” He bent down, peppering your face with kisses.

You knew he was right; no matter how sick or sad or mad or anything you felt, ice cream always made it better (i’m sorry if you’re lactose intolerant and can’t eat ice cream;-;). You poured your lips out, looking at the door making your ‘thinking’ face but Jooheon knew you did indeed want ice cream.

“Come on, put on your shoes~” He took ahold of your hands, pulling you up and took you over to the door area, slipping on your shoes. He held your hand firmly, leading you out the apartment building where the two of you resides for almost a year and a half. His hand was soft as he held the back of your hand in his palm, gently rubbing his thumb over your knuckles every now and then. “To ice cream!” Jooheon chimed as he held your hand now as the two of you walked side by side. He swung your intertwined hands lightly in hopes of raising your spirits to your normal bubbly self but seeing it wasn’t really working. “What have you been doing all day?” He changed the subject trying to bring your mind off of Hansung’s death. He knew Hansung was going to die anyways from social media and he wasn’t as captivated by the show as you were so he was unfazed by this fictional character’s death.

You felt like you couldn’t even speak; all you wanted to do was to curl up in a ball and rewatch the scene even though it hurt you to see him die and would make you cry once again, but you were peculiar in that way. It felt as if your heart was in your throat, blocking you from speaking, resulting in you hugging Jooheon’s arm as the two of you began walking towards the entrance to the apartment building, passing the front desk clerk reading a book. “I just stayed home binge watching Hwarang,” your voice was a whisper feeling how dry and rough it was as your spoke which only made you didn’t want to speak. A cool breeze welcomed the two of you while walking through the glass double doors, fortunately, Jooheon’s body heat was very warm resulting in the wind not bothering you too much. “How about you?” You turned your face towards him so he could hear you better while walking down the block towards the ice cream parlor at the end of the block on the corner.

“Ah, have you been watching the show since you woke up?” He glanced over to you, placing his other hand over yours, rubbing his thumb over your hand’s skin. “And I was just in the studio today with Changkyun and Wonho, brainstorming some ideas for new songs, but overall, it was a pretty relaxing day.”

The warm colors of the sunset filled the evening sky with golden orange and pink and purple hues with the last golden rays shining over the tops of trees. The two of you walked on and while slowly approaching the ice cream shop did you feel your mood rise from the slumps. The corners of your lips curled upwards as Jooheon walked ahead of ou only to turn around and make cute poses and faces at you with his “kukukaka,” but you couldn’t help but burst out in a small fit of laughter as he pretended you were a baby, well you are his baby and spoke in baby talk to you. “Ah, Joohoney, you’re so precious~” You walked up to him, pressing your hands on each of his cheeks, rubbing your thumbs over his face down to his dimples as he smiled, snaking his arms around your waist locking you in his grasp.

“I know.” He did a dramatic hair flip although his hair was nowhere near the length he wanted to flip. “Now let’s get ice cream!” He lifted you by the waist and spun you around, taking you by the hands into the ice cream store, holding the door for you. The sound of a chime filled your ears when the door of the small parlor opened. This parlor had been opened years before the two of you moved in, run by an elderly couple though the way they moved made for their age seemed fake.

“Ah, look, sweetie, our favorite customers have returned,” the elderly man’s voice was cheerful as he wiped down tables. He wore a white shirt with black pants and suspenders with an apron, smiling at the two of you.

“What can we get you two love birds on this lovely evening?” His wife sat behind the counter putting on gloves, ready for your orders, smiling kindly. “The usual?” She began grabbing waffle cones, ready to scoop.

“Yes please~” Jooheon replied as you nodded. “Thank you!” He chimed as he paid before leading you to one of the old fashioned booths each with the small jukebox attached to the wall on the black and white checkered floors. When the two of you first began coming here, you guys would sit at the counter in the pink and blue high leathered swivel chairs, sipping on milkshakes or eating ice cream on the warmer sided days, enjoying life together. The two of you were the only ones in the parlor now though since it was a weekday and school was still going on, but coming to a close end towards summer which would be when the parlor would be the busiest, attracting customers with their low prices and the delicious cold goodness they made. Joohoney sat next to you in the red leathered cushioned booth, playing with your hands in his on the table, melting on the inside how small your hands were in his. “Ah, they’re so small,” he couldn’t help from thinking no matter how many times he held them, the corners of his lips curling upwards as he played with them with your head laying on his shoulder. The natural scent of you filled his nostrils, relaxing him further though he was calm before. His heart throbbed for you, not letting a day pass where he wouldn’t not think about you; how unpredictable and spontaneous you were such as once you barged into his studio and taking him away with permission, of course, to travel around with you for the day. But also how some days you were the polar opposite, practically staying one place and refusing to leave such as today, binge watching tv shows or reading or just something simply in the middle such as a do it yourself project.   

It was so peaceful at this very moment; you were with your love and it was moments like these where you could really appreciate each other presences. You covered your yawn which snuck up on you, wiping your eyes afterward, feeling sleep after you cried so much, which now looking back made you smile at how silly you were being over a fictional character, getting too wrapped up into the show. The cold air in the parlor raised goosebumps over your arms and legs, making you raise your shoulder to try to warm your body. Jooheon noticed this and wrapped your arms around you.

“If you’re cold, just tell me,” he said cooly with the most gentle eyes as he looked at you. Light music from the eighties played. He felt how cold your arm was as his arm draped over it, your head against his left arm and your back against his chest, sure you could feel his heartbeat against your back. Even after the two of you had been together for a while, he still tried to act cool in front of you, especially in front of the other members, though you knew he had the softest spot for you, practically melting to a puddle on the inside as you did cute things in front of him such as asking if you could hold hands, especially after something that upset him. You knew he was still upset but he softened up towards you by feeling it with how he held your hand, always being gentle.

“Here you go, kids,” the wife’s dulcet voice caught your attention, making you sit up. “The classic (insert your fav ice cream flavor) for Y/N and okdongja for Jooheon. Enjoy kids!” She gave you two a sweet smile before walking back.

“I haven’t had ice cream in a while, thank you.” You pecked a kiss onto Jooheon’s cheek as he licked his ice cream; vanilla on the outside and chocolate on the inside. You didn’t know how they did it, but according to Jooheon, they were ice cream wizards, always able to create and put together the wackiest yet most delicious flavors together. You licked your own ice cream, tasting the cold goodness sprawled over your tongue as it melted in your mouth.

Jooheon walked next to you, opening the door and holding it for you. “Thank you! See you next time!” He called out to the parlor owners who waved the two of you off. “Ah, I will forever love okdongja.” He licked the vanilla remains off his lips as he used his free hand and took yours, swinging them back and forth as the two of you walked back home. The sun was still setting, but it was very low at this time; it’s golden colors earlier now blended into the darker night sky. The street lamps were on, their old weathered and stained glass made the light appear golden yellow as well. The weather was warmer outside, hugging your skin gently. 

“What would I do without my Joohoney,” you giggled as you playfully nudged him, forever grateful for having him by your side through the ups and downs in your life. You wouldn’t change anything about your life from the past if it meant spending the rest of your days with Jooheon.

“You would be a crying mess, rocking back and forth over Hansung.” He looked you dead in the eyes with the straightest voice you've ever heard from him, leaving you with an ‘o’ shape on your mouth as he then broke out in laughter, knowing he was one hundred percent right.

~~~~~

Masterlist

[atopearth]

OZMAFIA!! Part 1 - Caramia Route

Now I can know the basic gist of The Wizard of Oz without reading or watching it lolll! Yes, I have never read/watched it (EDIT: After finishing this game, I read the Wizard of Oz, it was very fun). Ooh okay, heroine is this silver hair guy’s prey huh, yeah that’s a great start to the game and her life I guess lmao. Caramia sounds like a nice guy since he caught her from falling, but he’s with the guy that tripped her so…. But I guess it’s still better than getting caught by the silver hair guy called Caesar? Maybe? Maybe not? I wonder if amnesia is common in otome games hahaha. Every time I hear about Ozmafia, people talk about Axel so I hope he’ll live up to expectations! But Caramia first! Oooh that’s why it’s called Ozmafia!? Literal mafia town?! And Caramia is the head of this Oz family? Hmmmmmm.

Yayyy! I don’t have to think of a name, that’s always the most stressful part for me lmaoo. Fuka is cute btw. Nice to be named by my current favourite boy lolol. Ooh she gets to choose which family she wants to belong to. How nice of them. Robin Hood being a doctor is a very interesting idea. I guess Fuka seems very naive and innocent? Like a little lamb, ready to be devoured by carnivorous men? LOL Axel was rather cute when he felt a bit shy after the heroine thanked him for showing her where her room was lol. The families quarrel for territory from Monday to Saturday but have declared Sunday as a day of peace? How very systematic and interesting.. Caramia looks hot in glasses btw and fyi, I love men who read! Plus points to Caramia!

Soh is a nice boy. Doesn’t like lies and is straightforward. Lmaoo at Caramia asking Axel for money and then he’s like yay, Axel is shouting us food hahaha. Actually, after seeing a close up of Axel, he looks awesome with his glasses, I like, I like! Kyrie sounds wayyy too dodgy for my liking btw lol. Axel is so subtly considerate, I love him. Hmm so Caesar is like part of the rebels that don’t agree with the rules in the town with having to belong to families etc, so I guess he’s like a criminal along with the other people in the slums and outside of the town. Axel got captured by Caesar because he was protecting Fuka? That’s not good. But it was way too reckless of her to go to Caesar herself, how dangerous. I’m happy that Axel called her an idiot for coming to sacrifice herself to hopefully exchange for Axel’s safety. But I’m also happy that he acknowledged that she did it because the Oz family took care of her so well that she couldn’t do nothing. I guess breaking the Compromise (Sunday is a day of peace) is a pretty big deal if all these families would come out to deal with it and kill some of the Wolf Gang members.. so cute how Axel really loves sweets though haha.

Lmao at Fuka thinking Scarlet was a girl hahahah. Didn’t think Soh was part of the Wolf Gang.. I like how Caramia makes breakfast for Kyrie and Fuka quite often hehe. It was really cool when Scarlet came out to protect her when she got into the feud with Gretel and Ande, although it’s true that hurting her could be pretty bad so it was natural for him to do that but it seemed like he did it because he cared for her too XD Lmaoo that one sip of alcohol of whatever Caramia drank knocked her out and he had to carry her home hahahaha. How bold of her to say she loves him while drunk lol. Not that he took it seriously.

Hmmm I feel like all the events and bonding time with the characters were so choppy and insignificant that the only thing Fuka and Caramia really shared was their time together and nothing else, so honestly, I really can’t see why they like each other besides the fact that they like the existence of someone beside them… And even that’s kinda forced because he has Axel and Kyrie to keep him company lol. Caramia’s character is rather shallow and the world itself is shallow as well even though it has such an interesting premise sigh.. the story is just like things happening in a world and it could have been anywhere because it doesn’t even really matter. And so yeah, if the guys are shallow, you can imagine how much of a blank board Fuka is. She has no particular thoughts or emotions that are relevant to the story or even to the guys! She’s never said anything about liking Caramia or particularly showing any special affection towards him so I have no idea when they ever considered each other to be the one they like. I feel like Axel and Fuka show the most affectionate emotions towards each other lol. And what about the Oz premise?! Caramia’s the lion so isn’t there going to be anything about that? Is it literally just a setting for us to have three guys? What is all this untapped potential considering this interesting world? Sigh… Also, the amount of loading screens in this game are killing me. 

I don’t know what I’d do if I ever found my future boyfriend hugging a woman near a brothel… Strangling him for the truth might be a good idea😅 how could he let her go like that so easily?! I know he’s trying to be considerate that he can’t spend much time with her but he knew that in the first place! He shouldn’t have confessed if he’s so weak willed about it! And she has the right to decide what she wants to do! She has the right to decide whether she doesn’t mind continuing to cry but trying to make this relationship work! Good that she said what I thought but really, I don’t feel like Fuka really has much emotion lol and really only does things because.. that’s her character lol. But wow, she’s really silly to go out at night to surprise Caramia considering how dangerous it is at night, poor Caramia though, he has to bear the guilt of accidentally shooting her… I don’t feel sorry for her, but I feel sorry for him… But omg, I feel like sometimes she’s so clueless and weirdly optimistic that I want to smack her, I think I’m starting to understand why people don’t like Fuka now…And this is my first route… Like, a lot of heroines are optimistic but you can see why they are in their personalities, for Fuka, she’s like this hollow shell that’s just a ball of optimism for no reason and that’s the only feeling she exudes.

I feel like the flow of the story is so haphazard, but I do have to admit that Caramia reverting back to the cowardly lion he was is hilarious, it’s so cute hahaha. How cliche that the power of love in trying to save Fuka from Hamelin got his courage back lol. Very basic route (Pure love vs Axel) and ending for this happy one lol. I guess the happy ending is when the guy overcomes his fears (which in this case is his cowardly personality) and the bittersweet ending is when he can’t overcome it but Fuka stays beside him regardless. The cowardly Caramia is pretty funny though, I mean he still went to save her from Hamelin regardless so I think that’s cool enough but seeing Caramia scared of every little thing made me couldn’t help but think he’s so adorable.

(Pure love vs Kyrie) Kinda like how this one shows Caramia consulting Kyrie on his love problems about whether he really likes Fuka or not, so it’s much easier to tell that Caramia really does like her, rather than the above where I felt like she got along with Axel more than Caramia lmao. So cute that Caramia doesn’t like baths and the heroine forced him to take one hahahha. I like how he’s trying to get used to taking baths because the heroine likes him clean hahahaha. So, does Caramia think her scent is similar to Dorothy’s? It’s good that he doesn’t think of her as a replacement haha. But lmaooo, Axel is so funny and cute, I can imagine him getting married just because he wants a giant wedding cake hahahaha. Anyway, besides the extra interactions and changing the second focus from Axel to Kyrie, the gist of the story is the same. Personally, I love Axel’s personality but in terms of story and development of Caramia and Fuka’s love, I’d say Kyrie’s one shows more of how much Caramia actually likes her or maybe it’s because I finished one route so I can see Caramia’s perspective now?

(Axel triangle) Caramia eats so much! Lmaoo at him going to to Robin because he ate 2 litres of ice cream hahahaha. HAHAHA, Axel is so cute to be that excited about Caramia’s pancakes, apparently they’re the best in town and are so fluffy! I’m jealous! It’s always kinda funny that Axel is usually so whatever and just follows orders most of the time but when it comes to sweets, he’s so adorable haha. Aww Axel is fond of cats, he’s such a softie, kinda like Caramia haha. Lmaooo at Kyrie offering Axel’s backup snacks to Fuka because she’s hungry and Axel is like no, until Kyrie says what if she starves to death. And then..omg😂 Axel gives it to her and says “please don’t die” LOLL, I’m sure she won’t die that easily Axel lmaooo. Omgg when the heroine said Axel was the most important person to her though, kyaa Axel!🤣 Chocolate river is a great idea, Axel! I’d love that! Danggg Axel can cook too, awesome! Maybe everyone can except Fuka lmao. Dorian and Caramia were talking about how a prostitute was poisoned and Dorian said he was sad that his goods was hurt so does that mean he’s the brothel owner?! But now, I see why Caramia was with a prostitute, he was trying to get info on the street slasher that’s been killing a lot of people in town and she knew some stuff about it.

OMG, I’M SO SHOCKED. I can’t believe she just did it with Axel… Like his confession was really cute and romantic but you haven’t even properly broken up with Caramia yet Fuka! You can’t just jump into another guy’s arms even if you do like him too! At least tell Caramia first! Omggg, gonna die from the drama that will ensue.. I feel so sorry for Caramia… But lining up for crepes with Axel does sound so nice…. I can understand Axel’s perspective in being careful with words and stuff though, since wounds of the heart hurt much more and cannot be seen unlike physical wounds. I thought Kyrie would be the possessive type but I guess that’s Axel lol, well at least he’s honest that he knows it’s bad but can’t help it?

I was gonna say it was so inconsiderate for Axel and Fuka to consult Caramia about Axel’s overflowing love and possessiveness towards Fuka and then Caramia got controlled by Hamelin’s music and like nearly killed Axel! Crazyyyy! And then ughhh I hate how the stories and scenes don’t flow properly, it’s like, Axel defeats Hamelin and is stuck in the fire with serious wounds but it doesn’t bother to address how he got out of that and spent the next year’s festival with Fuka. It’s like as if it never happened. Like whaaat. But anyway, I guess these love triangle routes are interesting? I mean, it’s like, you’re chasing Caramia but because your heart wavers, you end up with some other guy even though you’ve consciously been going to meet Caramia every week lollll. I don’t even know if that’s good, I’d feel so weird. But whatever I guess, Axel’s cute?

Lmaoo when he asked if she’s a cat or dog person, and that he read in a book that it’s a surefire way to start a conversation🤣🤣 I hate this triangle idea but Axel is so cute. Omggg so adorable when he asked to hold her hand because his glasses broke so he can’t seeee! There is no end to his adorableness as well, especially when he took off his glasses and said that this way, he can continue holding her hand. Like dude, how much more adorable can you get?! I’d attack him too if I was Fuka lmaoo.

(Kyrie Triangle) My heart breaks for Caramia…. He tried so hard to look normal and support her and Kyrie… Whereas Kyrie was like so intent on stealing her from Caramia from quite a while ago… At least Axel in his triangle route just wanted to make her happy and he felt that he could more than Caramia. Kyrie is just so…. inconsiderate and uncaring for Caramia’s feelings. But I see why Kyrie is interested in Fuka I guess, can’t feel the romance but I can feel that he’s bored and the mystery of her existence without being able to find traces of her past is interesting. Like where did she come from…

Hmm guess it’s kinda the same as the other triangle with Caramia being controlled by Hamelin’s flute and attacking Kyrie. It’s also nice to know that he likes her because it’s fun. He has always been a person that calculates everything ahead and is logical but when he’s with her, he can’t predict what she would do and how reckless she would be next I guess lmao. Not sure if that’s good but cool lol.

I like Kyrie’s story about when he was a scarecrow though! It’s kinda cute that he’s got two different eye colours and the right one always changes depending on his mood (guess he’s like a mood ring lolol) because, back when he was a scarecrow the old man who made him didn’t put his hat on properly and rain kept washing away his painted eye, but the old man would always repaint it making it different colours lol. But now I understand why he always wears gloves and a hat! I kept thinking why does he when it’s so awkward and ugly lmao. There was a proper reason! I apologise. I’m surprised Fuka is so terrible at cooking though, it’s probably a talent in itself.

Wow, Fuka said she wanted peace in this town and Kyrie interpreted it as him might as well lessening the amount of mafia families, so basically the less families, the less conflict and that will create peace. Not sure if that’s what she meant Kyrie but whatever rolls for you I guess. Aaand it ended abruptly lol. I think the biggest problem I have with Ozmafia is how choppy and unconnected the scenes are from each other, it really doesn’t flow well at all and you really lose your bearings on what’s happening because of it, and the dreaded loading screen too of course lol.

Anyway, I feel like for more bits and pieces to come together, you have to read the different routes but since the story isn’t very detailed or good anyway, it doesn’t matter lol. I’d just recommend pure love vs Kyrie for Caramia’s story. I think that was the nicest one. Otherwise if you don’t mind the guys “stealing” Fuka from Caramia, Axel triangle route is adorable. I honestly don’t want to do the triangle routes too much because it makes me feel uncomfortable seeing the guy sad that Fuka goes with another guy… But I’m also a completionist so… Sigh. Anyway, Kyrie story next~ not a fan of him but let’s go!

[moonlit-nightsky]

Omoi Omoware Furi Furare - Chapter 32 - Translation

You can follow the korean scans here. Or the japanese scans here. (For some reason I can’t access baidu at all, though. But some people reported that it’s working for them.)

Notes: “” - for thoughts [] - for narration () - for text outside the bubbles SFX - for onomatopoeia 「」 - for other text (like boards, etc)

p.2 Someone: How much is the christmas cake? Akari: “I’m lucky, I’ve managed to finish a bit earlier today.” Someone: Merry Christmas!! Akari: Hehe

p.3 Akari: “I ended up spending half of money I earned today buying this, though.” Akari: “But,” Akari: “If this becomes the trigger for my mother and father’s reconciliation,” Akari: “Then, it’s pretty cheap.”

Akari: “...well.” SFX: click Akari: There’s no one home.

p.4 Akari: Ahahaha

p.5 Akari: “This year we didn’t set up a christmas tree.” Akari: Aren’t mother and father late today? Akari: I’m getting sleepy! Akari: Even though it’s finally Christmas. I can’t eat the cake alone. Jeez~

p.6 SFX: tock tock SFX: ba-dump Akari: Somehow, it looks like Yuna. (Ehehehe) SFX: silence Akari: “What?” Akari: “The lights are on, though. He’s not home?” Message: Good night. I’m in front of your house right now. Are you not home now? SFX: click SFX: slide Kazu: !

p.7 Kazu: Yamamoto-san. Akari: Ah! So that’s why. You were wearing headphones. Kazu: Ah, yes. Kazu: I was watching a movie. Akari: Do you always wear headphones when watching movies? Kazu: Not always… SFX: fidget Akari: (Why is he so restless?) Kazu: So, what happened? Do you have business with me? Akari: Ah.

p.8 Akari: This. Akari: I wanted to share this cake with you……. Kazu’s mother or father: Don’t say that everything is my fault! Kazu’s mother or father: Nobody has said that!! Kazu’s mother or father: You said it!! Kazu: This happens often.

p.9 Kazu: But I don’t want others to hear it. Kazu: It’s finally Christmas and Kazu: I didn’t want to hear it.

Flashback Kazu: “Yamamoto-san, why do you like English?” Akari: “Maybe that’s because I feel like I’m in another world.” Kazu: “Ah, I’m the same. That’s the same reason why I like movies.”

Akari: [Even though, it’s finally Christmas.]

p.10 Akari: Inui-kun, I came to make our christmas warmer! Kazu: Eh. Akari: Let’s spend our Christmas outside! Kazu: Wear this.

p.11 Akari: But if I do so, you… Kazu: I have a hood so it’s fine. Kazu: I brought it for you to wear. (So wear it.) Akari: …….. Akari: Thank you. Akari: [The suggestion that I made] SFX: ba-dump Akari: “Was accepted… (And I even got to wear his mufler)”

p.12 Akari: [The first time that I see his face after winter break started is on Christmas.] Akari: “My lips are turning into a smile.” Akari: Inui-kun, did you go somewhere during winter break? Kazu: No, I haven’t gone anywhere… Akari: Really. Kazu: “I didn’t feel like going out, at all.” Kazu: “But,” SFX: grabs

p.13 Kazu: You even bought chicken. It’s perfect. Akari: Merry Christmas!! (Yay!) Kazu: It’s cold! SFX: boing boing Kazu: So cold!! The chicken is delicious! Akari: What manners are those? Kazu: “Wow.” Kazu: “There’re so many stars.” kazu: Earlier,

p.14 Kazu: Sorry for making you hear my parents fight. Akari: Ah! Akari: My parents are still fighting. SFX: munch munch Akari: It’s been quite long. Akari: Well, it’s really cold outside, right. Kazu: …………. Yama- Akari: SO!

p.15 Akari: Jan Akari: Ken Kazu: Eh. Kazu: Ah Akari: Pon! Kazu: ? SFX: extends Akari: Yay, I won! Kazu: Why are we playing it? Akari: Why don’t we play tag now? It’ll get us warmer.

p.16 Kazu: Is it fine if I don’t hold back? Akari: Okay!! Kazu: Hey! Touch! Akari: Wah! Kazu: Change! SFX: dash Akari: That was quick… Akari: (Wait) Akari: (I got-) Kazu: (Not yet)

p.17 SFX: gasp Akari: You really didn’t held back. Kazu: That’s right. (Ahaha) Kazu: I told you that my brother's quit attending university, right? Kazu: Since then, he haven’t gotten a job that looks like a job. Kazu: Even at normal circumstances, my parents get quite angry.

p.18 Akari: I got- Akari: Ah… Kazu: Then, my brother Akari: (Geh, I was found out.) Kazu: started talking about going to England to study acting. Kazu: My brother has become more serious about it. Akari: Your brother is aiming to become an actor!! Akari: Amazing!!

p.19 Kazu: …………. Kazu: He can do it even if he doesn’t go to England. I don’t get why he wants to go. Akari: If he can do it there, why not go. SFX: dash Kazu: (Well, that's right.) Kazu: (Did you finish taking a break?) SFX: gasp Kazu: But I don’t if he can have success, though. Kazu: There’s only the risk. SFX: Akari: Ugh

p.20 SFX: gasp gasp Akari: He’s doing it because he want to. Akari: Why is that so bad? Akari: I also want to become a translator in the future.

p.21 Akari: From now on, automatic translations will be getting even better. Akari: People don’t bother to come in between. Everything can disappear. Akari: Now, the things that I want to do might not have any meaning but, it’s what I like, so I’m going to do it.

p.22 Akari: And in that process, if there’s something new that catches my attention, it’s fine as well. Akari: Well, that’s what I think. Akari: ? SFX: gasp Akari: “Alright, this time,” Akari: “I’ll catch him!”

p.23 SFX: woosh Akari: Wah Akari: AH SFX: thud

p.24 Akari: Just kidding! SFX: jump Akari: I Akari: I did it! Akari: i finally caught you….

p.25 Kazu: I came here for you to catch me. SFX: ba-dump Kazu: “We’re close…”

p.26 Akari: Well… well~~~~ Thanks to you, I’m not cold anymore. SFX: fidget Kazu: That’s right. (Yeah!!) Kazu: Ah! That’s it. Kazu: Do you want to go there once again?

p.27 Akari: Wow. It’s really beautiful. Kazu: Yeah. Kazu: You know, my brother, Kazu: From the beginning, he was an honor student. His grades were good and he’d never go against my parents. Kazu: But, it always looked as if he was feeling pressured.

p.28 Kazu: No one in my family noticed that he was being driven into a corner. Kazu: And one day he suddenly exploded. Kazu: And even after that, when my parents and my brother met, things were fine. Kazu: However, because they were pushing the responsibility to each other, they began to fight. Kazu: And things got as they are now.

p.29 Kazu: Looking at that, trying too hard and being driven into a corner, Kazu: As well as being too honest and free are both bad things to do, isn’t it? Kazu: “That kind of talk.” Kazu: If that’s so, then if you do things moderately, I wonder if you can end with all the expectations and despair. Kazu: “I never wanted to bother anyone with this talk.”

p.30 Kazu: “I’ve never talked about it with anyone.” Akari: I get it!! Kazu: “Until now.” Kazu: “To anyone.” Akari: I always thought a lot about how I should behave in my house! Akari: We think about the same things.

p.31 Kazu: “Something I’ve never told anyone.” Kazu: ……………… I Kazu: The truth is, in the future I wanted to work with something related to movies production… Akari: Really!! Kazu: Embarrassing… Akari: Why is that embarrassing? Kazu: It’s impossible. And,

p.32 Kazu: I would have to go beyond the “safe” framework. Kazu: I think that my parents will oppose to it. Akari: Because of that, only you, Inui-kun, will have to hold back? That doesn't make sense.

p.33 Akari: Well. Akari: It’s easier said than done. Akari: Those are only pretty words. Akari: Even I have many things I can’t tell my mom. And thinking about that, Akari: They aren’t necessary at all.

p.34 Akari: That’s how it is! Akari: If they think we are just children and we can’t understand anything, Akari: They are completely wrong, right!! Kazu: Right! Akari: “We might be similar somehow” Akari: “Inui-kun told me about his dreams for the future.”

p.35 Akari: “It makes me happy…...” Akari: Thank you. For today. Akari: I’m glad I was able to eat the cake with you. Akari: And it was fun coming here again. Kazu: Me too! Thank you for inviting me today. Kazu: I was, really fun! Akari: ...Yeah. Kazu: …….. Akari/Kazu: Then…

p.36 Kazu: Ah, you first. Akari: no, please, you can say it first. Kazu: No, it was nothing important. Akari: Me too… Kazu: Ah… Aaah. Akari: ………. Kazu: ………. Akari/Kazu: I missed the chance to say it…

p.37 “Then...” “Let’s come here again next year?” “I want to soon,” “Be able to say those words,” “And with my chest tightened, be able to say that I love you.”

p.38 Rio: AH! Rio: Akari and Kazu! Akari: Aah, welcome back! Rio: What? Were the two of you together? Akari: Yup. Akari: He helped me eat the cake.

p.39 Akari: Yuunaa, how was it? Did you have fun? Yuna: Yup. SFX: Gyah gyah Akari: (Right, right) Rio: What did you guys do together? Kazu: Aah. Kazu: We mostly played tag. Rio: (What? Are you grade schoolers?) Kazu: But,

p.40 Kazu: It was Kazu: the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Rio: (Why is my chest tight?) SFX: holds Rio: Give her back!

p.41 Akari: Isn’t it fine? Akari: You’ve already spend enough time together with Yuna by yourself, right!? Rio: It wasn’t enough. Rio: I’ll cling to her forever. SFX: thud Rio: What!? Rio: What’re you doing, Kazu? Kazu: I wanted to try clinging to you. Rio: Idiot!

p.42 “It’d be good if there was a way for everyone to be happy.” “There’s no way I want to hurt anyone.” “If possible, I want to spend my days happily.” “I must always make my choices with that on mind.”