#snail taxi

[inknighted]

your uber is a little bit delayed but he's on his way 🐌

[soliloquics]

he   saw   nothing   wrong   with   finding   joy   in   the   little   things,   certainly.   if   anything,   the   dozing   general   rather   enjoyed   spending   his   time   calmly   and   peacefully,   entertaining   finches   or   idling   away   the   time   with   a   game   or   two.

that   sora   seemed   so   easily   fond   of   the   small   things   in   life   was,   thus,   considered   perfectly   pleasant,   and   he   did   not   mind   indulging   her   occasionally,   if   his   work   allowed   for   it.

that   she   should   bring   up   something   he,   too,   noted   was   a   surprise,   however.   he   knew   the   cloud   knights   serving   the   seat   of   divine   foresight   best,   but   had   a   habit   of   generally   enjoying   to   meet   the   troops   he   was   meant   to   lead.   he   did   not   know   them   all   personally,   of   course,   but   these   ones   seemed   exceedingly   unfamiliar.

❛    hm   ?   what   makes   you   say   so   ?   ❜

Sora had been called childish in the past due to how excited she could get over little things like this. A sentiment she didn't quite understand, since she thought it hardly fair children were the only ones allowed to express joy with the world around them. And in her case it wasn't even very accurate.

Finding joy in small things kept her spirits up and helped her avoid sinking into less desirable emotions. It was something she chose to do, a skill she had to hone. Her love of these things was genuine, but it was also a survival tactic.

In any case, it was nice to share something like this with a new friend-- but it actually wasn't the only reason she'd dragged him over here so quickly. Glancing back the way they had come her eyes narrowed and she took note of several Cloud Knights. A few of them milling about together wasn't uncommon as far as she knew, but what bothered her was their scent.

Something wasn't quite right.

"Hmm, well, I've always had a good eye." She mused, turning her attention back to Jing Yuan. "And I uh... I actually had a question I wanted to ask you. The Cloud Knight you were talking to back there," One of her ears twitched, angling backwards as if to indicate who she was talking about. "Did he seem... uhm.. weird, to you?"

[cottonlemonade]

How You Met

word count: 950 || avg. reading time: 4 mins.

pairing: post time-skip Akaashi x chubby!Reader

genre: fluff

warnings: one person being casually rude about your weight (it’s quick tho)

The taiyaki were still hot in the white paper bag, the smell reminding you it was almost lunch time.

Looking the street up and down for a bus stop or a waiting taxi you turned on the spot. A little ways up the pathway you could make out the typical black boxy shape of a Tokyo taxi and readjusting your handbag you headed towards it, only for a busy looking person in a suit to snatch it up before you could reach it, muttering something about how you would be better off walking for some exercise.

In disbelief about such rudeness you shook your head, pulling your coat a little closer around your chubby form.

You were sure another taxi would take its place soon enough and got on tiptoes to examine the traffic, on the lookout for one.

A mischievous breeze blew up your coat collar, making you wish you would have worn a scarf after all. Although April was right around the corner, the weather today was icy cold.

Giving up for the time being you headed towards a little flower shop you had passed just a few meters back to warm yourself.

A bell chimed when you opened the door. Pots with regular and more exotic house plants stacked on shelves along the wall, one display case behind the counter held the fresh cut flowers while another showed already bound bouquets in varying sizes and color schemes.

The woman standing behind the cash register called a friendly greeting and held the beginnings of a new arrangement at arm's length to check for possible improvements.

"What can I do for you?", she asked, putting the flowers down and folding her hands over a small pregnant belly.

"I would like a bouquet with peonies and… some eucalyptus, please."

The woman smiled and got to work, asking here and there for specifics in color or fullness.

She was about to come to an end with the simple coral and cream bouquet when the doorbell rang again and a young man looking remarkably like a substitute literature teacher entered the shop, a phone to his ear.

"Yes, father, I am getting flowers. I’ll be there soon. Oh, actually, I might be a while, there are quite a lot of people waiting."

You heard an angry voice yelling something unintelligible from the phone, when he simply hung up and sighed. He reached to tug at his collar like it was too tight and closed his eyes for a second, then, remembering he was in public, gave a bow to you and the saleswoman and apologized.

"Please take as long as you want.", he said, almost pleadingly.

He looked like he had a headache, grabbing his collar again.

"O-on second thought,", you began, turning to the owner that was just about to add the last eucalyptus branch, "I forgot I wanted more. Silly me. Uhm, could you make one with… hmm, those blue ones, some of the small greens, those white tulips, and lots of those light blues there, please? And then another one… with those yellow ones there, there and those, too, please." Your best friends would be delighted.

"Oh", the owner caught on immediately, "that was quite a lot. I don’t think I could memorize which ones you wanted all at once."

"No problem. I can tell you one by one."

The young man gave a small grateful smile at the stage-play-like interaction, letting out a “Thank you very much” under his breath.

As the shop owner wrapped up the first bundle of flowers at snail speed, you turned to the young man, wanting to cheer him up.

"So, where do you not want to go?"

Seemingly too exasperated to care about talking to a perfect stranger he said, "A blind date. Which, by the way, isn't actually blind but with a woman I have absolutely no interest in talking to about anything."

"Oh fun.", you said and trying to lighten the mood added, "Why not bring some flowers that say Thanks for coming, I don’t wanna be here?"

Everyone laughed, but the guy stopped after a second or two, looking at you for the first time, then turned to the florist.

"Can I do that?"

She thought for a moment, then slowly nodded, "I can add some candytuft, for sure and… hm, something really neutral for… and then… maybe I still have some butterweed. Yeah, I think I can do that."

You stayed even after your third bouquet was done, keeping the conversation going, joking around and glad when the young man gave a genuine laugh.

"Let me.", he said, sounding tired, when you drew out your wallet to pay for your flowers.

You shook your head, smiled and handed your card to the owner. Then you reached into the paper bag.

The buns in the meantime had turned lukewarm, but still smelled heavenly when you fished one out in a napkin and handed it to the woman - the other still in the bag you placed on the counter for a moment, grabbing a pen from your pocket. You quickly jotted down your name and number on the paper and handed it to him.

“And here. If you need rescuing from your blind date, send me a text and I’ll call you right away with some made-up emergency.”

Then you raised your free hand that wasn’t busy balancing the flowers with a “You got this.” and after a final wave you left.

Akaashi was still staring at the door for a few long moments after you had gone.

“You’d make a cute couple.”, the saleswoman mused and grinned when the young man blushed profusely, holding tighter to the paper bag.

[di-42]

A bit late this time, sorry! 

Almost all I had the time to read in December was the Scribbling Vaguely Downwards Advent Calendar collection. I’m late in catching up with one of the wonderful WIPs below, and I’m criminally late in catching up with the long fiction I’m reading, but it is what it is.

As always I’ll try to tag all the writers and artists whose tumblr username I know, so they know how loved and appreciated they are. If you know the username of someone I haven’t tagged please tag them. If you are on this list and would rather not, please let me know and I'll take you and your work off the list immediately. If you enjoy my lists and want to be tagged when I post them, give me a shout!

Last but not least, I wish you all a wonderful 2025, filled with friendship, creativity, discovery, awe and love for all things big and small, even Brother Snail.

Without further ado, let me tell you what I loved about

December’s Delightful Fictions

WIPs:

Wavelengths & Frequencies, by @shadesofecclescakes and imposterssyndrome @maaikeatthefullmoon Rated E, chapters 16/?

This story is such a warm, cozy, comfort blanket. Enemies-to-lovers human AU where Aziraphale and Crowley work as DJ for the same media corporation. They have a history, but we don't know what it is at the beginning. Great story, great humour, great characterisation, great fuzzies, absolutely great banter! I look forward to every update and do a little joyful dance every time I get an update notification. This fiction is becoming one of my all time favourites.

You're The Bad Guys, by Nebz_AlphaCentauri @alphacentaurinebula Rated E, chapters 23/26?

Cold war human AU in which Aziraphale is an MI6 agent and Crowley is a KGB agent. Each of them is assigned to a mission in Berlin, from opposite sides of course. Great characterisation, suspense and references to canon.

Scribbling Vaguely Downwards Advent Calendar:

A lovely collection of winter and Christmas themed one shots, short stories and artworks, to which I’ve been lucky enough to take part. I invite you to go through the whole collection, as each piece is a little gem. I have read all but two of the stories, which will be in my January list.

My own piece for the collection, Only Ever Meant For Someone Else, rated T, 9k.

Every year, the night before Christmas, taxi driver Aziraphale drives passengers to and from the hospital for charity. On the Christmas morning of 2023 he was ready to go home and rest with a cup of tea, a mince pie, and a book after a long night.

Guess who?

This my very first attempt at human AU, and it was great fun to write it without being bound by anything canon. It gave me a chance to play with some feelings and characterisations that I just don’t see in canon, but I like in fiction. I tried to throw in the mix a bit of humour, a tiny bit of short lived angst and, of course a happy ending!

Naked And Afraid: Jingle Hell by @klikandtuna, rated T, 24k.

Human AU. A fictional transcription of an episode of reality show Naked And Afraid. Yes, Naked And Afraid is a real show, and no, you don’t need to have watched it to enjoy this sweet, funny, from strangers-to-lovers fiction. Lighthearted and yet tense, great characterisation, banter, will-they-won’t-they, humour, this fiction has it all! I absolutely loved it. Honestly, you don’t know me, but trust me: if I speak enthusiastically about a fiction based on a survival show, it must be that good.

Nooooo Mooooore Touching My Angel by Adara83, 2k.

Post second coming story where angels and demons have meetings and get-togethers. At the latest Christmas meeting Crowley and Aziraphale got very protective of each other. Very sweet story.

Something On The Wind (Or Jingle Chimes) by Aspiring_Eccentric, 5k.

I loved this human AU! Crowley has been driven mad by the new neighbour’s wind chimes. I don’t think I need to tell you who the new neighbour is. Humour, fluff, flirting and spot on characterisation, this fiction was a real Christmas treat!

An Ineffable Christmas Carol by Aikosakura, artwork.

1800s Crowley and Aziraphale take a Christmas eve stroll.

A Christmas Miracle by IneffableChocolateCheeseCake and Ngk @ngk-668rated E, 4k.

A sweet, hot, and funny in-canon story where supreme archangel Gabriel grants all the angels a free miracle to use for personal purposes one Christmas day. Guess how Aziraphale chooses to use his? Words by Ngk and art by IneffableChocolateCheeseCake. Lovely, lovely story!

My Angel, My Light by icegirl99, rated T, 2k.

Aziraphale drags Crowley to be the elf to his Santa one Christmas eve. Gentle and fluffy. 

They Are The Magi by LyricalKris, rated T, 8k.

Lovely human AU where Aziraphale and Crowley meet at a book club and end up meaning the world to each other.

Winter’s Rages by miladyshakespeare, rated G, 427 words.

A storm is raging in 1719. Any more than that would mean spoiling the story, but honestly, it’s astounding that so much goodness and so much subtle humour is contained in such a short story. Artful and clever, I truly loved it!

Reindeer Mistletoe by Yvesriba, rated G, artwork.

Those reindeer antlers couldn't have been in a better place!

The Soho Route by Caedmon @caedmonfaith , rated G, 11k.

Human AU where Crowley is a delivery man who’s taken a shine to the lovely bookseller he delivers parcels to. If only the bookseller was interested in him. A sweet story featuring an oblivious Crowley and an undeterred Aziraphale.

It’s A Wonderful Film by Heretic1103, rated T, 2k.

Post canon Cgristmas eve, filled with fluff and domestic bliss. Lovely.

Do You Remember The Roses? (The Snow Queen Retold With Good Omens Characters) by Augenblickgotter, rated G, 13k.

Lovely retelling of the Andersen’s tale.

Furfur, A Red-Nosed Reindeer by @ineffablechocolatecheesecake, rated T, artwork.

Great artwork featuring Crowley and Aziraphale doing what they should be doing all the time! But poor Furfur!

The Perfect Christmas by HumoringHolly, rated M, 13k.

Post canon story set a few years in the future. Aziraphale and Crowley host a Christmas party and invite Adam and Warlock. They hit it off in the best possible way! 

A Light In The Darkness by PinkPenguinParade, rated G, 561 words.

Lovely, warm post canon scene.

A Little Peek by Dukeofnone, rated, artwork.

The sweetest Crowley and Aziraphale peek from the boxes of an advent calendar. I loved this artwork!

Hissy Fit by @dragonfire42, rated T, 6k.

Inspired by Gleafer’s art this story is hilarious, delightful, heartwarming, and wonderfully written. Great characterisation and banter and strong Aziraphale, to which I may or may not be partial to. Crowley is shedding, enough said. I laughed all the way through.

Mnemosyne’s Feast by ravendiana, rated G, 1k.

Canon-divergent story where the final fifteen never happened. Crowley doesn’t trust himself with words, so he attempts to communicate his feelings to Aziraphale through memories awoken by food. This story was really touching and heartwarming, I loved it so much!

Radiant by CaelumCalamitas, rated G, 4k.

Lovely South Down cottage story with an incredibly warm and touching ending.

Eyes On Me by AVoiceBehindTheStars, rated G, artwork.

Aziraphale is teaching Crowley to ice skate. Beautiful piece framing a lovely moment in the existences of the husbands.

The Angel Tree by GoodInspirationsAD, rated T, 8k.

Post season 2 fiction with a lovely happy ending. Aziraphale is in heaven and Crowley, as heartbroken as he is, replaces him in making sure the London Hospital Angel Tree initiative has presents for all the patients. Meanwhile, Aziraphale worries that, with him in heaven, some patients will be left with no gifts, so he has to go down to earth and fulfill the patients’ wishes. Hurt, comfort, communication, intimacy, South Down cottage, AND Cgristmas all in one fiction, what more do you want?

All My Own In A Big Red Bow by @supergeek21, rated E, 2k.

Present wrapping frustration, present unwrapping heat. Sexy and tender at the same time.

Tom Bawcock’s Eve by Snowfilly1, rated T, 2k.

I loved this story about human resilience and bravery. A long time ago, Crowley and Aziraphale went to a village in Cornwall and helped the villagers fight against a storm.

Holy Infant, So Tender And Mild by Caedmon, rated G, 3k.

Jesus has been born and an angel and a demon keep him entertained while Mary rests.

Geminids by astral_gravy, not rated, artwork.

I absolutely love this amazing piece showing our favourite angel and demon in the midst of a meteor shower! Beautiful!

Boxing Day by Starshadow667, not rated, 1.7k.

Crowley and Aziraphale go ice skating with their children.

Stargazer by Raechem, rated G, 2k.

Oh, I loved this story, I truly did. So gentle, and touching, and deep. Set at some point in the past, OC’s POV. OC helps a snake she finds in her garden that had been caught in some rope. The snake comes to visit her again, and an owl comes looking for the snake. I don’t want to spoil it and won’t say anything else, but please show some love to this gem of a fiction.

Dec 31- Happy New Year! by Miele_Petite, rated G, artwork.

Biblical Crowley and Aziraphale with a night sky background. Beautiful!

November's list here.

[alearicci]

“estie... our daughter is perfect” – EO31

pairings: esteban ocon x wife!reader; esteban ocon x wife!y/n

summary: while Esteban performs at the Grand Prix and merges into one with speed, he does not even suspect that his wife y/n ocon is about to give birth to their long-awaited daughter.

warnings: pregnancy, the birth of the first child, a lot of emotions and reflections, comfort, tears

note: the second part is already in the profile. im crying. I really love estie and this theme of story. expect a lot of stories about family daily 🥹

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ♡ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Every cell of his being wanted to be near his wife y/n, to meet their newborn daughter Amelie, who entered this world while he was racing.

With the festive champagne still sparkling on his racing suit, Esteban wasted no time. He hurriedly headed to the hospital, his mind consumed by a mixture of joy, anticipation and an insatiable desire to hug his daughter for the first time.

Already sitting in his car, Esteban started it and hurriedly taxied the sports car onto the main road. Keeping his hands firmly on the steering wheel, he involuntarily thought about everything that was happening.

He's been dreaming about his daughter all his life. Not even about my son, although he also dreamed of him, but about my daughter. Vowing to be the best father he could be, he felt a huge determination to give her everything she deserved— love, support and opportunities that he may have missed out on as a child.

Memories of his own childhood came flooding back to him, when financial difficulties sometimes loomed over his head. To fulfill his dream, his parents had to sacrifice too much. The realization that he could now give his daughter the life he could only dream of lit a fire in him.

With every ounce of his being, Esteban promised himself that his daughter would never experience the difficulties he faced in his childhood. He will work tirelessly to secure her future, ensuring that she will be surrounded by the comfort, stability and resources necessary to realize her dreams.

I wonder what her dream will be?

But it wasn't just about material goods. He was fully aware that it is possible to be a great father regardless of financial capabilities. He sought to build a deep emotional connection with his daughter, to be close to her in every possible way. His thoughts wandered over the precious moments they would share, from bedtime stories to teaching her how to ride a bike, from cheering her on at school plays to being her unwavering support in difficult moments.

It was a pain in the heart that they would have to part often because of Ocon's career. As soon as this thought popped into his head, Esteban bit his lower lip and tightened his hands on the steering wheel. Now we need to think not about this, but about how their first meeting will happen.

As he sped along the road, the roar of the engine mixed with the stream of thoughts that dominated his head. "Amelie," he whispered to himself, savoring the sound of her name coming off his tongue. Chords of pride and overwhelming love began to intertwine in his thoughts, mixing with the responsibilities and dreams that lay ahead of him as a father.

Time seemed to pass at a snail's pace as he anxiously made his way through the crowded streets to the maternity hospital. The roar of the crowd and the impetuous atmosphere of the circuit were replaced by a serene calm that engulfed his thoughts. With each passing milestone on the way, his heart was filled with expectation.

Every red light, every turn and every passing car only fueled Esteban's impatience. He couldn't wait to hug y/n to soothe her with a gentle hug after a long wait. His heart was fluttering with anticipation, overflowing with love for the woman who stood by his side no matter what.

Finally reaching the hospital, Esteban hastily parked the car and rushed to the entrance. Nurses and doctors in smocks and masks greeted him with understanding smiles, recognizing the famous Formula 1 racer. However, at that moment he was just a nervous father-to-be.

Finally the moment has come. Esteban entered the hospital room, his gaze immediately stopped on y/n. He caught his breath when he saw her, her face shining with a mixture of fatigue and pure happiness. Their eyes met, conveying a deep message of love and gratitude that could not be expressed in any words.

Esteban distinctly felt moisture begin to accumulate in the corners of his eyes. He laughed faintly and covered his eyes with his hand, not wanting to show his weakness to his beloved wife.

She smiled faintly and muttered.

"Come to me, my love"

Ocon obediently walked over and sat down on a chair next to y/n's bed. She reached out her hand and gently stroked his cheek. Esteban sniffed and put his hand on hers.

"We did it, l'amour de ma vie. (love of my life)"

"No, you did it, y/n. She's everything we could ever dream of, honey. I can't believe how lucky we are to have her in our lives. I'm so proud of you, my love. You brought our beautiful girl into this world."

Esteban smiled tenderly and leaned towards his wife to leave a light kiss on her lips. He didn't want to disturb her and decided that he would have time to kiss her properly a little later.

"I'm going to cry, Estie."

This intimate and personal moment was interrupted by the arrival of the doctor.

"Mr. Ocon, good evening. Your baby is strong and healthy, the nurse can bring her here or you can go to her. Do you want to see her?"

"Yes, Doc, a thousand times yes."

"Let the baby be brought here," y/n said softly. "I want to see them."

"Okay, then wait a bit."

The doctor left and in just a few seconds a nurse entered the room with a baby in a special transparent box.

"Will you take her in your arms?"

Esteban exhaled loudly and did not dare to look at his child. He was both ready and not ready to face this little miracle.

"If possible."

"Of course. Take off your T-shirt, it will be an important ritual in forming your bond. Hold it, just be careful."

"Of course," Esteban replied and took the baby in his arms.

She was light. Like a feather.

His heart seemed about to pop out of his chest.

The sight of her delicate, delicate features on her face filled him with awe and a sense of deep responsibility. Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized the incredible privilege granted to him — fatherhood.

His hands were shaking as he pulled her to him. When her tiny gentle warmth touched his skin, a wave of emotions overwhelmed him. In that infinitesimal moment, he felt an indissoluble bond forming, forever binding his heart to the heart of his daughter. He admired her innocence, her beautiful soul and the amazing mixture of herself and y/n that lay before him.

"Welcome to this wonderful world, my sweet Amelie," Esteban whispered, his voice full of tenderness and reverence. He admired the miracle of life and the connection he instantly felt with his daughter.

He gently cradled the newborn Amelie in his strong but gentle arms. With a soft smile on his face, he leaned a little closer and whispered to her in a soothing voice, trying not to disturb her sleep and peace.

"You are already loved more than words can express," he whispered, his voice filled with an overwhelming sense of awe and joy.

Ocon couldn't help but admire the miracle of life and the incredible journey that his daughter was going to have. He spoke softly, sharing his hopes, dreams and aspirations for her.

"I want you to know that you can become anyone. You already have my mom's strength, determination and talent to cope with any challenge that gets in your way," he muttered with unshakable faith in his voice.

He continued to share his love and admiration, his words were filled with warmth and encouragement.

"You see, my little one, life will be filled with ups and downs, triumphs and failures, but always remember that I am here for you. I will be your guiding star, your greatest support, ready to cherish every moment with you," he whispered, his voice laced with unwavering commitment.

Speaking to her, Okon could already imagine how many adventures they were going to have together. From race tracks to family gatherings and ordinary, everyday moments, he promised to be present at every stage of her life.

"And whenever the world makes you feel depressed or insecure, just know that you can always find comfort in my arms. I will hold you, comfort you and remind you of what a great girl you are," he shared, his voice filled with unconditional fatherly love.

With a gentle and loving touch, Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon cradled his newborn daughter Amelie in his strong arms. The dimly lit room became a serene backdrop for this precious moment, when Esteban quietly whispered to his tiny bundle of joy.

"Welcome to this world, my sweet Amelie," Esteban whispered, his voice full of tenderness and reverence. He admired the miracle of life and the connection he instantly felt with his daughter. Looking into her eyes, he wondered what adventures awaited them.

"You are the most precious gift, Amelie. I promise to protect you, guide you and love you with all my heart," Esteban continued a little louder than a whisper. He knew the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead, but he was determined to be the best father and role model for his little girl.

Esteban gently stroked Amelie's delicate cheek, tracing the contours of her face with his fingertips. He admired her tiny features and the perfect harmony she seemed to embody. At that moment, time stopped when he was overwhelmed by a wave of overwhelming love.

"Tu fais partie de moi, Amélie, et je fais partie de toi (You are a part of me, Amelie, and I am a part of you)," Esteban whispered, a mixture of excitement and a sense of responsibility in his voice. He was thinking about the legacy he wanted to pass on to his daughter—a legacy of perseverance, dedication and striving for a dream.

As Esteban continued to cradle his daughter, he whispered secrets about the world they would explore together, ranging from the breakneck speed of the race track to the tranquility of nature. He talked about the different cultures they would encounter, the lessons they would learn, and the memories they would create.

"You see, mon petit ange (my little angel), life is an incredible journey, and I will be by your side every step of the way," Esteban whispered, his voice a mixture of unshakable determination and deep love. He imagined the two of them overcoming difficulties, supporting each other and celebrating victories, both big and small.

While Amelie was peacefully dozing in his arms, Esteban Ocon's adoration for his daughter grew immeasurably. In that quiet moment, he knew that this bond they shared would be unbreakable.

With a final whisper, he whispered, "Amelie, my precious, you are my world, and I will love you forever."

With every whispered word, Ocon created a connection that would last a lifetime. He knew that Amelie would grow up to be as strong, resilient and determined as her father.

In that precious moment when he cradled his precious daughter and shared his heartfelt feelings, Esteban Ocon became a beacon of love, inspiration and support for his beloved Amelie.

In this hospital room, surrounded by the love of his wife and the newfound joy of his daughter's presence, Esteban realized that winning the race was just a chapter in a much grander adventure. The real victory lay in this precious family, now united by a common love that will last for their entire lives.

Cradling Amelie in his arms, Esteban Ocon felt a deep sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought him to this unusual moment. The upcoming path of a loving husband and devoted father promised countless victories, trials and unceasing love.

Esteban had forgotten that in addition to him and his daughter, there was a nurse and his wife in the room. When his gaze fell on them, the nurse was sitting on the edge of the patient's bed and handing her paper handkerchiefs with which she wiped her tears.

Looking at them, Ocon couldn't help smiling and gently, barely perceptibly, kissed his treasure on the forehead.

crying part two?

[ann7531]

Weird as it is, but I'd love to see a GTA IV add-on devoted entirely to Niko's everyday life.

How he works in taxi and has to listen to his clients' stories, troubles mostly ofc. How, given the chance, he stands up for those of his clients who can't stand their ground. And considering that Niko is fantastic at communication, no wonder he gets plenty of regular customers right away.

How he keeps telling Roman off for wasting his money, but never stops giving it.

How Mallory gives birth to a girl and how she and Roman ask uncle Niko to babysit from time to time. Which he agrees to, reluctantly at first, until he takes a liking to his funny sweet niece.

How Niko and Packie have this long and painful conversation about Kate's death.

How every once in a while old partners in crime try to convince him to take part in yet another heist or something, but Niko repeats over and over that he got his out.

How Bernie regularly invites him to join his little cruises and this one time Brucie joins them by chance. How Brucie sees that ~even~ Niko is totally cool with Bernie being gay and how it makes something shift inside him. How Brucie signs up for anonymous therapy and how snail-speed-slowly he is coming to realise who he really is.

[vgperson]

Vocaloid Highlights: June 2023

What if you, wanted to eat caramel, but Sacabambaspis said: Forbidden Highlights Archive

========== Stand-Outs ========== Over the Rainbow! Pure-Hearted Paparazzi Top Notch Snob Re-Newtons Wanna Eat Caramel Forbidden Exposure Glittering Ultra☆Galactic Girl Something Forgotten Absurdly Happy☆Dream Girl! Blast Off! Sacasacabambambaspispis It's Gravity Liar Dancer Roller Virtual Singer Agape Happy The Way I Hope Rallentando Necro Familia Smokescreen HERO oops Mud-Eater Any Event A Mystery

========== Worth Your Time ========== Cry Cry Cry Cutting Pie Happy Jade Promotion-san is Coming. Frogfr Reverberation Liar Syndrome Wild Pitch Embers of Dawning Night Incomplete Record Boiling Point Charlie Unchanging Metro Taxi Vanitas and Night Light Goodbye, New Humanity Noisegoto Glass Slipper Runner Starfish's Fatal Wound Scorching Heat Big City and Stella Blue Progression Bumble Rumble Meika Town My story Dark Night Get Over the Pixels Dyed in Blue You later (Yuurei-ter) Boundary Sputnik Rainbow Canon Happiness Painter!! Dream Riser Phoebe Bubble Summer Syrup You-Like Color Party Nyaight! Crescent Rally scent Glitter Sparkle Messy Flop Crow Crow Karen's Cleaning Auto Focus Heart Portrait Last Amethyst Poem Distoile BURAI (Villainy) New Discovery→Familiar Daydream Lament telo sewi Ugh, Just Let It Happen. Music Frontier Anoxia Secret (Full Verson) Common Carp Song of Stereotypical Spoiled Brat Who Wants Understanding and Approval Without Effort Yet Has Low-Detail View of Grown-Ups and Friends Fleeting Life Show Beat Infinite Nap and Rain Kudanshita Pandemic. Halo, Auvers. Embryo-Like Illusion Global Engineering How Many More Lonely Nights Nebula Flower Trick Drowning imitation Rainy Terrarium Secret Frend Martial Maximinker (Splatoon Remix) Peacock Round and Land Entrust via 39 About June 20th I'm Always Watching. 99% of the World is a Lie I Can't Die Because, Sea and Heat Haze Eye to Eye Don't Say Goodbye Flower of Talent Fuwa Fuwa Foo Love-Tying Ghost Don't Tease! French Cruller Primary Monster Z Bonfire Flower AB Test Lifeform X Analog Romance Breath Jenny Wearing a Snail Mr. SHADOW ATAVISM Huge Annoyance The Man Who Stole the Pirozhki Grudge Inversion You Have To Open Your Eyes! Never Having Shallow Dreams Don't Wanna Die, But Oh Well Brainwashing

[who-do-i-know-this-man]

Trick or treat!!

Hello dear snail merchant. Your blorbo is Hajime Tanaka (Odd Taxi)

[bellesdomain]

Googling "Tassita Meaning"

"Tassista"

Italian - Taxi driver

"Tacita"

Spanish - Small cup/ coffee cup

a genus of sea snails

Latin - Dea Tacita, a goddess of the dead

"Tacit"

Latin - Silent

[perduedansmatete]

dimanche ennui donc liste (certainement pas exhaustive) de moi à moi des artistes que j'ai déjà vu en concert, de ceux que je vois bientôt, de ceux que j'aimerais voir et de ceux que je RÊVE de pouvoir écouter en live un jour:

concerts faits dans un ordre totalement approximatif:

julien doré (petite, j'étais amoureuse de lui et je me souviens d'avoir eu mal au cœur quand il chantait winnipeg)

jeanne cherhal (petite aussi, j'étais absorbée car elle avait chanté quelques chansons suspendue à un cercle en l'air)

olivia ruiz (toute mon enfance)

la grande sophie

the dedicated nothing (ils ont fait un album on en a plus jamais entendu parler et je les avais vu dans une boutique longboard comme c'était des surfeurs mdr)

the dø (dans un festival paumé en vendée, j'étais la plus heureuse)

george ezra

the black lilys

radio elvis 2x

feu! chatterton 3x (j'ai l'impression de faire l'amour quand j'entends arthur teboul chanter en live, un des trois concerts était en plein air vers l'océan c'était beau et poétique)

grand blanc

jumaï

chevalrex

pr2b

clarika (toute mon enfance, dans la voiture avec ma mère)

the limiñanas (inattendu, jamais écouté avant de les voir mais si cher à mon cœur maintenant)

girls in hawaii (souvenirs d'adolescence)

genghar (concert avec mon père dernièrement, j'écoutais beaucoup adolescente aussi)

sallie ford 2x

norma 2x (elle fait fondre mon cœur j'aimerais qu'elle perce)

mattiel

the twilight sad

las aves

prudence (la chanteuse de the dø, on avait gagné un concours avec ma sœur!!)

cate hortl

clara luciani 3x

pomme 2x

franz ferdinand 2x

arctic monkeys 2x (dont une fois catastrophique à rock en seine, des amitiés se sont brisées, des crises d'angoisses, un son merdique)

the strokes (son merdique et problèmes techniques car rock en seine mais j'étais au max)

ledher blue

the cure (que dire de plus??? 3h de the cure en live c'est le paradis)

depeche mode (que des bangers, je m'en remets pas encore)

pi ja ma (choupette, je l'aime depuis la nouvelle star)

delilah bon (à la fin de son concert on a eu droit à tous les chants de manifs de gauchos sans aucune raison pendant 20 minutes et c'était génial)

kalika

fontaines dc (je veux les revoir)

ethel cain (c'était thérapeutique)

angel olsen

lucy dacus (très vite)

tamino 4x (je l'adore de tout mon cœur mais je fais une pause je l'ai trop vu)

ko ko mo 7x ou plus?? (découverts dans un festival paumé en vendée, depuis on les voit tous les ans)

jesse jo stark (trop sexy)

clemence violence

hachiku

jen cloher (lesbiennes australiennes je vous aime)

dynamite shakers

odezenne (j'ai pu chanter je veux te baiser en live c'était fantastique)

georgio (marque le début de la fin d'une amitié mais j'étais tellement heureuse ce soir là)

slowdive

frank carter and the rattlesnakes (ma sœur qui se fait une entorse dans un pogo)

the mysterines

yeule (premier concert toute seule, il m'a fait du bien)

sorry (chanteuse toute timide toute choupi mais génial et j'ai pu crier les paroles de there's so many people that want to be loved)

alexandra savior (écoutez là c'est un ordre)

sarah maison

sextile (concert génial soirée traumatisante)

wunderhorse (de vrais anglais qui s'en branlent de tout c'était cool)

no elevator

emma peters (j'écoute pas mais sympa)

skip the use (j'y allais en mode souvenirs, j'avais jamais écouté ses récents albums et le gars est trop chaud en live)

agar agar

nada surf (le chanteur est trop gentil <3)

hoorsees

adrien gallo (à défaut d'avoir pu voir les bb brunes... et j'étais aussi amoureuse de lui petite)

therapie taxi

nova twins (un de mes meilleurs concerts elles avaient une énergie trop folle)

la femme (mes meilleurs pogos)

tori amos (concert avec ma mère, icone)

l'impératrice 3x (2 fois sans que je veuille vraiment juste ils étaient dans des festivals et j'en peux plus leur scéno c'est toujours la même et c'est mou)

terrenoire

snail mail (mou)

parcels (j'écoute pas mais en concert c'est fou)

tame impala (l'impression d'avoir pris du lsd pendant 1h30)

gaz coombes (le chanteur de supergrass!!)

inhaler

idles (de loin mdr)

foals (mouais)

wet leg (absolument génial premier rang à crier toutes les paroles, tellement qu'il a plu et qu'on a fini le concert dans la boue)

yeah yeah yeahs

izia

the murder capital (amoureuse)

suzie stapleton

maddy street (une copine de ma sœur, c’est trop bien)

origine club renommé bonne nuit (à revoir c’est des vendéens et j’adore les vendéens pas fachos)

alice et moi

prochains concerts:

stoned jesus

dionysos (cadeau de noël pour mes parents, ils nous ont bercé avec)

air

ethel cain (encore)

mannequin pussy

cherry glazerr

lana del rey!!!!!!!!!

ko ko mo (pour la millième fois mdr)

eartheather (j'ai eu une place alors qu'il n'y en avait plus??? yaayyy)

artistes que j'aimerais voir:

yoa

the marias (ils avaient annulé la seule date qu'ils faisaient en france alors qu'on avait nos places avec ma meilleure amie, on leur en veut encore)

anna calvi

bar italia

the last dinner party

coco & clair clair

dora jar

king krule (on m'a empêché de prendre une place la dernière fois car apparemment il chante mal en live)

beach house

lebanon hanover

japanese breakfast

mitski

sally dige

deerhunter

tove lo (je l'ai raté à rock en seine...)

tv girl

sir chloe

hooverphonic

tomberlin

portugal. the man

last train

baxter dury

sophie meier

thao & the get down stay down

fka twigs

elita

yelle (je serai une femme accomplie le jour où je l'aurai vu)

artistes que je rêve de voir dans mes rêves les plus fous:

lush

soko (elle soignerait tous mes maux)

pulp

garbage

fiona apple (c'est beau de rêver)

the smashing pumpkins

courtney barnett (c'est une nécessité je connais tout par cœur)

siouxsie sioux

björk (ratée en septembre dernier...)

eels (mes parents y sont allés sans moi et sans me le dire????)

alt-j (j'écoute depuis trop longtemps pour ne jamais les avoir vu)

cults

pixies

iggy pop (icone, il faut, et je suis amoureuse de lui)

new order

interpol

massive attack (si je craque pour rock en seine...)

emiliana torrini

deftones

she wants revenge

hope sandoval

sigur rós

arcade fire (je crois que le chanteur est un agresseur sexuel. bon.)

the last shadow puppets

the white stripes mais bon... ou jack white

madonna...... mais je suis pauvre

si une âme charitable a tout lu et veut me fournir de quoi me payer des places de concerts je suis preneuse lol merci

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for killing 6 billion people over a snail?

So I know the title sounds bad but hear me out. This snail caused a woman to jog on a different route to avoid stepping on it, causing her to be killed by a serial killer, which caused the wrong man to be arrested, which caused the taxi that was supposed to pick him up pick up a surgeon instead and leave later, causing them to get into an accident which killed the surgeon, which caused the surgeon to not be able to give life saving surgery to a boy in the hospital he was driving to. All of this later indirectly caused a terrorist to plan to exterminate all life on earth. But I saw the future and decided the best way to stop the terrorist from killing everyone was to release a deadly virus which would kill 6 billion people, therefore ensuring a 3/4 chance that the terrorist was one of the casualties and couldn’t kill everyone. Sure sacrificing 6 billion lives to save 2 billion seems a bit extreme, but life is simply unfair don’t you think? AITA?

[newyorkkiss]

Rainy Taxi (1938), also known as Mannequin Rotting in a Taxi-Cab, is a three-dimensional artwork created by Salvador Dalí, consisting of an actual automobile with two mannequin occupants.  A male chauffeur with a shark head is in the front seat, and a female sits in the back seat. A system of pipes causes "rainfall" within the taxi. The female wears an evening dress, her hair is tousled, and lettuce and chicory grow around her. Live snails crawl across her body.  The piece was first displayed in 1938 at the Galerie Beaux-Arts in Paris of the Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme, organised by André Breton and Paul Éluard. The main hall of the Exposition was designed by Marcel Duchamp and Wolfgang Paalen, who was responsible for the supervision of the water installations.  A reconstruction of the original installation is installed in the open courtyard of the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Catalonia. 

[sonia-kate]

Speculations and theories after 16th episode of King-Ohger

A new episode and a new theory! Or rather expanding on previous ones. Or even more accurately, in my case, adding new ingredients to the soup of ideas and speculations

So in the latest episode of King-Ohger (16th) we learned that the culprit behind the Wrath of Gods was actually identified and they are being held captive by the previous Supreme Judge (or whatever Rita's title is). The whole thing involved the Queen to fake her death and guard the cultprit for 15 years, while her husband takes the blame for killing her and spends said 15 years in prison and they leave the responsibility of ruling Gokkan to a 10-year-old Rita. They went with all those measures, because apparently, the crime committed cannot be judged by law (or sth like that). Well, causing a world-wide disaster and slaughtering lots of people seems like something that would easily get you a life sentence or even a death penalty, without going through all of that trouble, which means that this case can't possibly be that simple. Not only the guilt can't be clearly stated, but also, the case itself requires secrecy

Now, we've been given various glipses of information about the Wrath of Gods throughout the episodes, but during narration Jerami mentioned some interesting detail. He said that after the fated event, all the countries became dependant on Shugoddom. Now that we think about what we've got so far, it all makes sense. Rita and Himeno were just little children, N'kosopa was just a ruin at the time, used as a scrap heap of Shugoddom (as Yanma said). Meanwhile, Racules would be around 16 years old at the time and prepared to rule all his life, so it feels natural that he would take the lead in the world after the Wrath. The only exception being Kaguragi and Toufu. Kaguragi was in similar age as Racules and since he managed to lead a rebellion against the previous ruler, he clearly has leadership skills. But then, what is the very next thing that happens between Toufu and Shugoddom? Kaguragi secures help for Toufu in form of Demi-Shugods from Shugoddom in exchange for his own sister! Now, the only ruler that could potentially rival with Racules has become his puppet! Seems a little too convenient, doesn't it?

Let's go back to Shugoddom for a moment. So far, other kingdoms had rather clear themes. N'kosopa creates technology, Ishabana's domain are medicine and art, Toufu is all about agriculture and providing food and Gokkan is essentially an international prison colony, but Shugoddom was quite puzzling for the fanbase as to what does it do exactly? Sure, we've known it's the first kingdom or that it's aesthetic theme are gears and so on, but until recently we couldn't exactly figure out what could they provide to the other kingdoms. Now we know that Shugoddom's primary export goods are their Demi-shugods, like the snails and spiders traded for Suzume, those flying little TVs or pillbug taxi. This brings us back to the Wrath of the Gods, as Himeno mentioned that Shugoddom didn't send their demi-shugods to help them. And, of course, there is that gigantic swarm of cicadas

One can already see where this is going. Yes, indeed. I suspect that King Red killed with poison in Ishabana! (They're all even colour coded, anyway...) Previous king of Shugoddom and Gira and Racules' father, despite not showing up in the show so far at all nor being discussed by the characters, already has his name - Corsus Hastie - revealed back from the times when the show was just starting. Now that we know that not all previous kings are dead and could show up in the show, this could point to the relevance of the character to the story.

Before we'll go to his potential motives of let's go through means. As we know, Shugoddom produces demishugods, so if anyone could produce the swarm of cicadas, someone important in Shugoddom would be the best bet (unless it's some ancient army that layed dormant for years or sth). But he'd also need GodScorpion's venom. As we know, Sasorine's soul was in Gokkan, but the Shugod itself was called by Gira in Shugoddom. In episode 13 or so, Himeno wants Gira to communicate with Scopi, but he's unable to reach it in Ishabana, and he only hears the Greater Shugods underneath Shugoddom. This suggests that GodScorpion has been lying underneath Shugoddom the whole time and if so, even without the soul, King Corsus didn't have very far from the Shugod if he wanted to gather the venom for his purposes. The problematic would be actually going underground and knowing that GodScorpion is there in the first place. That's where the Bugnarok comes in! We saw them store the Greater Guardian Deities at their HQ and Gira sensing them under Shugoddom. Also, when Jerami emerges out of Bugnarok hiding place, he makes his first appearance in Shugoddom. This suggests that Bugnarok's main base lies right under Shugoddom (unless they have more than one and/or network of tunnels leading to every kingdom, but at least them sitting under Shugoddom is confirmed). That makes any potential cooperation between Shugoddom and Bugnarok far more convenient

But if he really was the one behind the Wrath of Gods, what would his reasons be? Of course, he could have simply wanted to seize the other kingdoms, but if his motive was simply conquest, then his conviction would be rather simple as well, wouldn't it? Unless the reason would be sth like not wanting for a conflict to break out between the kingdoms, but that's rather doubtful, imo. Far more probable, imo, would be if he had some good intentions behind his actions, but it still wouldn't justify, even slightly, what he bought upon the world, because whatever he was aiming at, sacrificing some people to make it better for others is completely unjust, as the other group could have lived just fine as they were and thus the improvement would have been just a whim and not a necessity. But what if it was? What if he sacrificed one group of people to save another one? Here we'd have a typical trolley problem

If, let's say, Bugnarok managed to plant giant cacoons (like the ones in episode 10) under every major city of Shugoddom and threaten to blow them up, destroying the whole kingdom? For example, of course. We already know that Bugnarok waited 2000 years not because they were dormant or anything like that, but because they were following Jerami's prophecy. Nothing prevents them from preparing for the foretold year. As we know, their hideout is right under Shugoddom so they could have prepared it without a problem and going to the King to blackmail him would be just a short trip as well. Add to that any of the variants of "Bugnarok meddles within Shugoddom court" theories and the king would find himself backed into a corner

Now, I don't know how would they possibly solve a threat like this in the show nor why wouldn't Bugnarok just do it with all of the kingdoms, but regardless of what the threat is exactly, it can't be really judged in an indisputable matter. As a king of Shugoddom, his duty would require him to save his people, even if it means dirtying his hands, as Kaguragi would say. On the other hand, he killed many other people to achieve that and it can't just go unpunished. What's more, revealing the threat will not only cause a mass panic among the population and may provoke the Bugnarok to fullfill the threat. Even if they don't if the king returns, they might just force him to do another horrible thing

With the king gone, the judgement remains unresolved and Bugnarok is left with no one to further blackmail. Well, except Racules who would become the new king. The question is, why wouldn't they blackmail him back at the time? Ah, yes, the prophecy that foretold Bugnarok's return 15 later. But then, why would Corsus have to disappear? Or maybe the disappearance wasn't something he planned, but was caught by the Gokkan crew? That being said, Racules being left with the country to govern, surrounded by Bugnarok spies would be hard enough, so having to also take care of his younger brother who could be used as another way to blackmail him would be exhausting

Here into play comes Gira's kidnapping. The reason why his very existance was erased, being that the information of his kidnapping would bring dishonour to the royal family always sounded like a bullshit excuse. If the situation described above would take place, though, Gira disappearing from the castle would not only ensure Gira's safety and lighten Racules' burden, it would leave Racules as the only remaining member of the royal family that would be available to Bugnarok. If Bugnarok tried to put a usurper on the throne, they wouldn't have as much support or devotion from the population like the rightful heir to the throne. What's more, power shift could raise people's suspicions and have them speculate on the reasons behind the power shift, risking Bugnarok to be revealed 15 years prematurely. To the equation we should add OhgerCalibur ZERO and King-Ohger ZERO. Those can only be used by someone with the genes of a Hastie family. Racules being the last of his family would make him untouchable to Bugnarok, if they want to make use of KingOhger ZERO

Bugnarok's involvement in Wrath of Gods is rather clear when we see Kamejim being dead-set on eliminating Shiron as soon as he left the prison. Shiron knows far too much and thus should be eliminated. If even he knows as little as who the culprit was, if it truly was Corsus Hastie, it would point everyone towards Shugoddom and could expose Bugnarok's machinations within the kingdom. Then why wouldn't Bugnarok kill him earlier, throughout those 15 years? Could be that they didn't want to draw attention to him, but if he spilled the beans they would be exposed and wouldn't be able to stop him on time. I guess it is possible that prison in Gokkan is just too well-secured to get in there. Sure, we saw Bugnarok break into the castle in episode 5, but it's possible that the cells are extra durant, as to prevent prisoners from digging their way out, and this way making it impossible for Bugnarok to reach

Why bring this up now? Well, if we remember the duel between Hastie brothers, Racules' demand regarding Gira's defeat was for him to be locked up in Gokkan. What's more, Racules thanked Kaguragi for his cooperation with capturing Gira, because if the matter didn't have international nature, Rita wouldn't take care of it. One could question whether Kaguragi was supposed to bring Gira back to Racules and decided to hand him over to Rita on his own accord, but Racules' reaction and the fact that Rita is seen investigating the case even before Gira was finally captured by Kaguragi suggests otherwise. If Shiron remained safely in his cell throughout 15 years, this suggests that so would Gira, yet not only Rita refused to put Gira into a safe cell in Gokkan, she also revealed to everyone Gira's identity as Racules' younger brother, putting both of them in even greater danger than before. No wonder that usually calm Racules lost his cool at that very moment

There are other things about Racules and Shugoddom that are yet to be covered. For example, his alliance with Bugnarok. If Bugnarok infiltrated Shugoddom, why make such a fuss about it? First of all, it's very possible that the infiltrating operation was Kamejim's doing and the meeting was supposed to have Desnarak involved. Another thing would be, that right now Racules' cooperation with Bugnarok is clear to everyone and no one is very surprised because they know that the peace negotiations took place. If they hadn't happen, it could make everyone question how did Shugoddom even manage to contact Bugnarok let alone to convince them to join forces. What's more, in current situation, it's very easy to shift the blame for the invasion on Jerami. After all, it's his silly idea of getting humans and Bugnarok to coexist that led to the disaster, didn't it? And he was the one who introduced Racules and Desnarak to each other! Because, of course, there is no evidence that the two had ever interacted between that very moment, isn't it?

Another yet unsolved mystery of Shugoddom and the Hastie family is GodKuwagata, it remaining dormant for years and Gira waking it up as well as Gira's ability to talk to Shugods. First of all, since we know that Shugoddom is filled with demishugods, can Gira talk to them too, can he only talk to guardian deities or maybe he'd be able to but the demi-shugods just don't talk much? Another thing is, since Shogoddom is literally State of Shugods (Shugod; -dom), could it be possible that whole Hastie family has that ability? After all, Racules still remains an enigma and he keeps his cards hidden, given above specultions, even from his closest coworkers. Maybe the ability to talk to shugods is related to the very same part of their genes that provides them with the red marks on their right temple and allows them to operate KingOhger ZERO?

But back to Kuwagon. When Gira manages to awaken it, Racules reacts by saying that it's impossible. He isn't shown to be accompanied by anyone, so we can assume that wasn't part of his act to keep Gira's identity hidden. This, together with the fact that GodKuwagata has been dormant for many years, suggests that Racules was genuinely surprised and didn't have an idea of what has happened. Again, if the theory above would turn out to be correct, it would mean that Racules has known about Bugnarok in Shogoddom's royal court, about Wrath of the Gods and circumstances of Gira's kidnapping. He's always seemed like he knows much more than other kings. He also seemed to recognize Jerami when he first appeared and Jerami's mention of history before the Great War seemed to mapke him realise something, but awakaning of Kuwagon seemed to be a surprise even for him. Again, Bugnarok weren't dormant themselves, they only waited 2000 years to reemerge because of Jerami's prophecy and thus they were able to still act and make their moves and preparations during that time. Imo, it's not impossible that the Bugnarok moles have been residing in Shugoddom for centuries. Maybe they were even the ones behind God Kuwagata going dormant or the fact that it's the only Guardian Deity without its soul being located within its cockpit

Another thing to speculate on is Suzume, she's been in Caucasus Kabuto Castle for 15 years already. I'm very curious on what did she learn over that time and what her relationship with Racules really is. Could she be in on the whole thing as well? Maybe they somehow cooperate together under Bugnarok's noses? It's worthto mention, that it's most likely thanks to her why Kaguragi decided to surrender Toufu to Racules and seeing what is about to happen in N'kosopa next week, I wouldn't be surprised if it was deliberate action to spare Toufu the same fate

What comes to mind are also flashbacks of Racules and Yanma working together in the past, contrasted with Yanma being now the one who opposes Racules the most. Coincidentally, he is the one that wasn't appointed as the ruler right after the events of the Wrath of Gods and he is the one who broke off from under Racules' leadership over the Quintet Alliance. Could Racules have done something to set Yanma against him? I mean, he sure had to, but did he do it on purpose? After all, (again, according to speculations above) the Wrath of Gods was specifically engineered to have all the other kingdoms to fall under Shogoddom's influence, that was by now in Bugnarok's grip. We remember how easy it was for Kaguragi to manipulate others in episode 4 as long as he ticked the correct boxes. Yanma and his drive to always emerge on top, as well as circumstances of his raise to power would make him the perfect target to sabotage the Alliance, if such necessity would occure. And if Alliance being led by Racules was orchestrated by the Bugnarok themselves, then it makes it quite possible that Racules purposefully discouraged Yanma towards himself, to sabotage Bugnarok's efforts. (Or maybe Yanma is on it as well? Though I doubt it)

That being said, I love all the little pieces we've been getting throughout the show and how such a complex intrigue is forming right in front of our eyes! I can't wait to see next episode and to finally see Racules back in action and working with Bugnarok, nonetheless. Many people already pointed out that Racules' evil mannerism from the preview resemble Gira's. Of course, that brings back suspicion that the two brothers used to play the exact same way as Gira did with kids in the orphanage, just with Racules playing the role of the Evil King, instead. I can't wait for more to be revealed and to see how the events unfold and what will the upcoming episodes bring to the table

Summary (speculations, not confirmed, major points)

Bugnarok has infiltrated Shugoddam's royal court over 15 years ago

Corsus Hastie, previous king of Shugoddom and Racules and Gira's father, is the culprit behind events of the Wrath of the Gods

He was forced to do so by the Bugnarok that infiltrated his kingdom and that's why judging his crime is such a difficult matter

Gira was taken from the royal court and erased from records for his own safety

Racules is in on everything: Bugnarok infiltrators, Wrath of the Gods etc.

Racules tried to imprison Gira in Gokkan to keep him safe like Shiron

Racules is forced to cooperate with Bugnark just like his father was

[vacantgodling]

::::::::::::::::: CAGE ::::::::::::::::::

read the full fic on ao3!

CHAPTER 2. KINSLAYER

After the disaster of the previous meeting, which ended in everyone storming or abruptly seeing themselves out—everyone was on edge. The ever-present chatter that accompanied the day to day activities and maintenance to the Watchpoint was taken out back, so to speak, and Cole was mourning it like he mourned his first puppy who passed away suddenly after a hit and run. He’d cried and cried about it, near inconsolable for weeks until his mama told him: When good things die, something better comes to replace them. They bought him a bigger dog a few months later, and little Cole took those words to heart. 

And so far in his life now that he was older—not really wiser but experienced on a good day—he’d found that to be mostly true, even if there were some hurts he could never recover from. His mom’s death led to the Deadlock Gang, the gang led to Blackwatch, and a mother figure in Ana, a father in Reyes, and companions who—if shifty (looking at you O’Deorain)—had his back. And then that went to shit too—and for a long time he doubted his mother’s words. But then Winston issued the Recall. He wrestled with it… as he was sure all agents who weren’t Reinhardt did. But up until this meeting, he’d come to realize that once again her words rang true. Something better had come to replace what the old Overwatch was. 

But something else Cassidy learned in all of his travels and escapades, is that he was her god’s goddamn favorite punching bag. So of course, whenever things were going too well for him, life had to throw him a curveball. At this point, he was just feeling a bit sore that god’s form of a curveball also sucker punched the people he held dear too. 

48 hours passed, slow as a snail’s meander. As expected, Cole didn’t see a big fancy ORCA roll up to the hangar or anything touchdown on the helipad. Not a taxi, a car, a small personal aircraft, anything that would be normal. In fact, he didn’t see the brother assassin in the flesh until after a small mission briefing for their first real engagement as Recalled Overwatch. They would be heading out to Reinhardt’s old stomping ground of Eichenwalde due to reports of break ins to the old abandoned castle, and shifty characters poking around the historical site itself. It wasn’t a rough and tumble mission Winston kept repeating. It was simply to offer generosity and aid. Torbjörn cooked up some new sentries for them to place around the castle out of sight to deter any nighttime visitors. They would go under the cover of darkness, and leave before the sun rose high on the horizon. In, out, done. 

So of course, Cassidy was the one tasked with the check of the ORCA. He wasn’t sure why when Lena was right there, but Winston seemed to have her up to a couple of different things so he didn’t really mind sharing the burden. It also would give him a chance to continue to peep around and look for the elder Shimada. He was supposed to be here after all, and even Genji hadn’t seen a hide nor hair of him. 

In fact, he was starting to think that Genji’s infamous killer might be a ghost. 

Or at least, he wanted to keep thinking that. It would save him the bullets after all. 

But as mentioned, life was not kind to Cole Cassidy. 

“Shimada?” Cassidy called, hesitantly. He’d walked out into the hangar and saw something distinctly person-shaped perched atop of one of the ORCA’s wings—several hundred feet in the air mind you—and seemed to be listlessly staring out at the sunset through the slotted panels of the hangar door.

The person only gave him a grumpy, uninterested hum in lieu of response. So… This had to be Hanzo but….

“What in the Sam hell are you doin’ up there?”

A full cake, of all things, sat precariously perched on one knee, and the stranger shoved a piece in his mouth, not garnering Cassidy’s question with a response.

##

He remembered at some point these past two days, Brigitte asked Genji what type of personality they should be expecting from Hanzo. Was he a jokester? Was he serious? Cassidy felt it was a simple question with a simple answer (who cares? He’s a murderer) though apparently, a loaded answer. If Genji removed his faceplate, Cassidy would’ve seen the concerned frown take over his face. 

“I have known my brother to be meticulous and serious.” Genji said slowly. “But when I approached him initially, he looked at me and laughed.” 

“Laughed?” Cassidy asked incredulously. “What the hell is there to laugh about, lookin’ into the face of yer greatest sin?” 

“Perhaps it was only momentary disbelief.” Genji said. “But it has been so long since the two of us have communicated—“ For good reason. Cassidy wanted to add but he held his tongue. “—That I am no longer sure.” 

“I guess we’ll see when he gets here!” Brigitte said, forcing a smile. 

##

Cassidy stood there, squinting up at the man. Hanzo still hadn’t said anything in response. Instead, he picked up his fork and shoveled another piece of cake into his mouth. Cassidy mentally counted to ten. Then with a noisy, irritated sigh, he bit. 

“Are ya ignorin’ me?” From atop the ORCA, Hanzo finally turned his head. The look he was giving him could only be described as condescending; like an emperor gazing from atop his mountain throne at the peasant who dared interrupt him. 

“Ah, so it seems you can teach an old dog new tricks.”

Of all the things Cassidy thought Hanzo would say, that wasn’t one of them. It showed. He sputtered for a moment before he composed himself. “Pardon you?”

“The art of observation, Cole Cassidy.” Hanzo said, his mouth still full of cake. How he already knew his name settled something like discomfort in Cassidy’s gut. From here, Cassidy could see little flecks of white frosting in his neatly trimmed goatee. It seemed uncharacteristic for him to allow that, but hell, what did Cassidy know? 

“It was one I thought lost on you from the moment we met.”

“We haven’t met.” Cassidy said gravely. Hanzo tilted his head, regarding him. Then said, “Perhaps I imagined our encounter in the hall.” 

“When?” 

Hanzo didn’t elaborate. They stood in stilted silence for what felt like another 20 minutes before Cassidy sighed loudly again, and answered the question Hanzo didn’t even ask. 

“‘M real good at observin’ people.” He drawled, eyes narrowed and a frown pulling even deeper over his face. “‘Specially when I don’t trust ‘em.” Hanzo snorted. 

“As far as you could throw me, I presume, cowman?” 

“Cow boy.” Cassidy ground out. Hanzo dragged his eyes up and down his physique, his eyes piercing and calculating. His voice was much gruffer than Cassidy imagined it to be—especially marrying it with the ridiculous image of the man eating cake on top of a parked aircraft. Maybe the smallest shred of him that wanted to find some humanity in the assassin almost expected him to sound more like Genji.

“You look much too large to be a boy.” Hanzo finally decided, and upturned his nose, licking a smidge of frosting off his fingers in the process. “However, if you wish to be one, your shortcomings become much more explanatory.”

“Shortcomings?” Cassidy’s hand went to his belt, thumbing the grip of Peacekeeper. Any other person would take the warning, but as it was Hanzo laughed—and this must be the laugh Genji was talking about that perplexed him. It was more of an unrefined puff of air than a laugh, with not a single hint of muscle moving to indicate that he may be deriving joy from any of this. In fact, he stared straight back at Cassidy, unblinking. 

“Shoot me if you like then, cow boy.” Hanzo twirled his fork in his hand with flourish, before stabbing it back into the cake again. The violence of the act seemed to mimic how one would stab another and Cassidy felt his body run hot. He pulled back another chunk, like pulling flesh from a carcass. “However, I do not think Genji would be very pleased if you shot his aniki on the first day he arrived.”

“I don’t give a damn what Genji thinks!” Cassidy growled. He whipped Peacekeeper out of her holster, brandishing her at the cake-eating man on top of the ORCA. “He’s a damn fool for bringin’ you here. Fer thinkin’ that someone like you can be redeemed.” 

“You and I are in agreement then.” Though Hanzo’s frankness did make him start, Cassidy did not lower his gun. “Ya think if you agree with me, I won’t shoot ya dead?”

“I would prefer it if you did.” Hanzo set his cake to the side, then sat up straight, puffing out his chest, giving Cassidy a clearer shot. “If you are going to shoot me, be sure you shoot to kill.”

“What’s going on out here lads?” Lena’s voice startled the two of them out of their “conversation.” She strolled into the hangar, probably to check on Cassidy and ensure that he didn’t somehow blow up her plane before they took off tomorrow. However, Cassidy was sure that she wasn’t expecting to see him pointing a gun threateningly at Hanzo, who was still perched on top of the damn ORCA, seemingly without a care in the world.

“I…” Lena looked back and forth between them. “I heard shouting.” She said lamely. She was bouncing from foot to foot; seeming to try and determine if she should run and find Winston or Genji, should Cassidy go to shoot. 

Before Cassidy could say a word, however, Hanzo spoke.

“He was merely demonstrating his technique.” Cassidy did not expect Hanzo to speak to her, hell, he wasn’t expecting Hanzo to speak to him either. Hanzo shrugged. “Average. At best.” He set his cake down on top of the ORCA wing, then leapt to the bridge that connected its outer doors to her interior. He rolled, landing in a crouch, then jumped down a few more bridges to finally land where the two of them were standing.

“Average?” Cassidy snarled, but with Lena present, and feeling a bit ridiculous, he returned Peacekeeper to her holster. Hanzo shrugged. “I have seen better form from my brother when we were boys.” His dark eyes were even more fearsome up close, cutting deep into Cassidy’s own like a chiseler with a long awaited statue of marble. “Hardly worthy to raise my own weapon.” That does it—

“If ya ain’t gonna to fight me like a man, I ain’t gonna kill you like a coward. At least I got honor.” Hanzo’s posture went from relaxed to a viper on the attack in nanoseconds, and like the snake he lashed, grabbing Cassidy by the serape his expression twisting into something venomous.

“What do you know of honor?” He hissed, low enough in the back of his throat. However Cassidy wasn’t in a mood to be afraid. So he snarled right back. “Enough ta know not ta be a gotdamn kinslayer.” 

Hanzo tossed his serape out of his hand, making Cassidy stumble back into the hangar railing. His metal hand reached out to keep balance, bending the bar so hard part of it snapped. Hanzo pushed past Lena before she could say anything else. 

“Cole…” She started, distress clear on her face. Cassidy breathed out hard through his nose. He told himself he wasn’t going to let his emotions get the best of him. Told himself he wouldn’t interact with Hanzo unless he had to. And here he was, breaking his own code. Breathe Cole. He told himself. Fucking breathe. 

“I’m gonna check the fucking plane.” He grumbled, leaving Lena wringing her hands on the hangar walkway.

[annieontheside]

BUDDIE FICS RECS: ONE CHAPTER EDITION

hey, I'm back. i'm procrastinating the last part of my assignment so here are my recommendations for this weekend! hope you have a good time reading these:

Only Child of the Universe (Until I Found You). By: HMSLusitania. we all need Eddie with a cat. he’s SO a dad cat. we all can see it. this is perfect. it has a lot of fluff (not the cat, the fanfic), and buddie getting together. take it or leave it (take it, it’s the best decision you will take today). https://archiveofourown.org/works/33544489

This Earth is Burned But I’ll Sing Rain. By: HMSLusitania. oh boy. guess what. buck is injured (*people groan*). and eddie is sad and desperate because his boy is in a coma!! it’s 50% angst and 50% fluff. totally something to read while you wait for your taxi, or while you wait for the noodles to cook, or while you ignore all the college assignments you have to do! https://archiveofourown.org/works/39288816

Why can’t I Breathe whenever I think About You? By: HMSLusitania. God you have no idea how much I laughed while reading this. is short but it seriously will make your day. it’s just buck and eddie being the oblivious idiots they are. I love them so much. https://archiveofourown.org/works/39667098

Wait For It. By: oliviacirce. uhu. my god. basically: porn. but it’s more than that because we also have buddie realizing their feelings, which is always welcome if it comes with the hand of smut, orgasm denial and a lot of other things that buddie SHOULD look into but they refuse to because they’re idiots! anyway, enjoy it. https://archiveofourown.org/works/48469546

my evergreen. By: colonoscopys. oh my god another girl dad buddie! how did you get in here? ANYWAY in this one, we have domestic fluff (hell yeah), we have buddie pining AND realizing their feelings (slowly, reaaaaally slowly. so slow snails laugh in their faces. but its worthy). https://archiveofourown.org/works/38870445

keep my brittle heart warm (give me peace). By: extasiswings. girl dad buddie? anyone? does anyone want any girl dad buddie? awesome because this is IT. you’ll seriously die of cuteness with it. we have fluff, angst (a bit), eddie rethinking everything about being a dad and a son (because obviously). it’s a good read, actually. really nice. https://archiveofourown.org/works/32860312

No thing defines a man like love that makes him soft. By: justhockey. oh boy. chris will be the dead of buck and we all know it. just a bit of overhearing conversations and chris being three steps ahead of both buck and eddie. we all love buck and no one is allowed to not love him. https://archiveofourown.org/works/46444471

opened our eyes and it’s changing the view. By: markofalover. you know how i said chris is three steps ahead of buddie? yeah that also applies here. basically chris writes a poem for school and makes two grown ass men cry. and me, he made me cry. https://archiveofourown.org/works/37337218

I know you’re hurting (but so am I). By justhockey. I’m a WHORE for protective Eddie. And after reading this, so will you. A sneak peek:  “...But let me be very clear about this: if you ever lay a hand on him again, me and you are gonna have some problems, Chim.” https://archiveofourown.org/works/34457893

[shiningwonderland]

Camus (All Star)

Translator: Mimi (Twitter: _mimisaurora)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editors: Noemi (Twitter: dreaminbeyond), Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail)

Chapter Three — Flame of Ice

It's now December, and we are in the final stretch of the unit project's songwriting process.

Everyone is still fighting with each other, but they are definitely making progress towards achieving the same goal of performing live.

I'm doing my best every day to bring out the best in the song too.

Life in Camus-senpai's house, on the surface, is no different than it has been before.

I've grown used to this somewhat bizarre lifestyle together, and can now talk to Camus-senpai fairly well.

To an outsider, our life together with Alexander might even seem harmonious.

However, Camus-senpai is hiding a major secret. Something to do with both Cecil-san and the president….

For Camus-senpai, who typically pretends to be uninterested in everything, this is probably the only thing he is willing to completely devote himself to–

This secret remains tightly sealed, like a frozen lake covered in ice, as the days continue to pass.

Today, after the recording of a radio show, Senpai is scheduled to do an interview for a women's magazine.

As his assistant, I stand nearby and watch as he answers the reporter's questions effortlessly and efficiently.

Reporter: ... Well, I see. Thank you very much for that. And lastly, please share with us some thoughts on your ideal woman.

Camus-senpai tilts his head slightly at the question.

Camus: My... ideal woman? I believe every woman is different and has her own unique charms, so it's difficult to say whether one is better than the other.

However, if I had to choose, I'd say she'd be a very beautiful and noble woman whom I'd like to serve.

Reporter: Mmm. Camus-san's answers are always spot-on.

Camus: Is that so? Really, I am merely sharing my honest opinion.

Reporter: There have been many other people whose answers were quite outlandish! Of course, there were those with simple responses, too. Like, "a family-oriented woman," for example.

Someone who is a good cook and considerate. What do you think of such women, Camus-san?

Senpai is at a loss for words for a second.

Camus: Well… they're not bad, I suppose.

Reporter: Oh? How surprising! I thought you'd say something along the lines of, "Of course, every woman is charming."

Camus: W-well... You're absolutely correct. But if they happen to be too "family-oriented," I, as a butler, would find myself out of a job.

Reporter: Ahaha. I get it now~. Camus-san is a butler idol, right?

The interview continues with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

After the interview, he didn't have anything else scheduled–as rare as that is–so we decide to go straight back to the tower.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Alexander is almost out of food. Can we stop by the store?

Camus: We have no choice. We can't let that one starve, you know.

On the way, we get out of the taxi and head to our usual shop.

Alexander will only eat the food from here.

Haruka Nanami: We're not far from the tower now, but would you like me to call for a taxi again?

Camus: No, sometimes it's better to walk the rest of the way home.

Haruka Nanami: That's true. And the weather is pretty nice. Alright then, let's do that.

It continues to be cold every day, but today is the warmest it has been in a while. I guess I could call it a pleasant spring-like day.

We usually drive around a lot, so it’s refreshing to go out on foot.

We stroll leisurely while looking at the city in winter.

Camus: By the way, how is your work coming along?

Haruka Nanami: Now that the Christmas live is coming up, I don't have many other projects to do, so I can take it easy!

I reply with a smile, and he turns his head to the side looking a little displeased.

Camus: Hmph… I don't see how you can be happy, as a rookie, that you don't have any more jobs to do.

I move one step behind and follow him.

Camus-senpai takes bigger strides than I do, but...

… He still adjusts his walking speed so I don't have to rush to keep up with him.

I've actually noticed recently that he always adjusts his stride when he walks with me.

Although he likes to refer to me as his "servant," at the same time, whenever I'm busy working on my compositions, he's started taking care of things around the tower for me....

The more I learned, the less I understood him.

Haruka Nanami: The sun is shining so brightly–it's such a lovely day, isn't it?

Camus-senpai is as busy as ever and today he didn’t look to be feeling well, so the pleasant weather reassures me.

I hope that by taking it easy like this he'll start to feel a little better.

Then, I shiver as a cold breeze blows over me.

Haruka Nanami: Of course the wind is still cold despite the sun.

Camus: No… It's warm.

Haruka Nanami: Warm?

He looks a bit bothered as I glance up at him in surprise.

Camus: If it were summer or spring I could deal with it, but I can't get used to this country's tepid winters. It makes me uncomfortable.

What is it about today in particular? If it's cold, then it's cold. If it's hot, then it's hot. The climate here obviously has no idea what it wants to be.

The creases between his eyebrows deepen. Right... He's from a very cold country so it makes sense he has trouble with the warmer weather.

Haruka Nanami: Is it possible the reason you looked sick today was because it was too warm for you?

Camus: I am not sick or otherwise unwell. I'm just a little thrown off guard is all.

Hm… There must be somewhere pleasantly chilly.

Haruka Nanami: Chilly? Then….

Select the phrase!

Let's find someplace cold. (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Let's find someplace cold.

A well-ventilated place, a shady spot, or....

Haruka Nanami: That's it! Would you like to go to an ice skating rink?

I remember there is an outdoor skating rink in a nearby park, so I suggest going there.

It'd surely be cooler there than it is here.

Camus: An ice skating rink? I see, now that sounds comfortable. It's a good idea for a fool.

Haruka Nanami: Good, then, let's go.

Camus: Do not respond when being called a fool, you fool. I mean... nevermind.

He takes my suggestion, and together we go to the skating rink.

Since it’s a weekday afternoon, the place is emptier than I'd expect, with only a few parents and children in attendance.

A cold breeze blows across the ice and grazes our cheeks.

Camus: Oh… this is… despite the warmth of the region, they went out of their way to freeze it for entertainment…. Hmm... how interesting.

Oh, Senpai looks a bit happy.

Haruka Nanami: I've never been to this rink before, but it's huge!

Camus: Hmph. It's a sorry sight compared to the lakes of my homeland, Silk Palace. But… I suppose... It's not so bad.

Good. I'm happy he likes it.

As I've learned throughout my time living with him, "It's not bad" is a pretty high compliment for Camus-senpai.

It’s a little cold, but the wind feels nice. I'm certain he'll start to feel better if we stay here like this.

Camus: I see you can rent skates over there. Ah, yes…. Would you like to have a go?

He points toward the rental window.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…? Um… but… you mean with me?

Camus: Who else could it possibly be with? What? I thought you came here to skate.

Haruka Nanami: W-well… You see…

Sure, it's obvious you go to a skating rink to skate, but....

I’m a bit taken aback. I didn't expect such an idea from him.

Camus: It's just a suggestion. If you don't want to do it, then leave. You've got ten seconds to respond. Ten, nine, eight....

Select the phrase!

Y-yes, please! (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes, please!

I bow my head in a flash.

Camus: Hmm. Good choice. Then I shall do as you ask.

Haruka Nanami: O-okay....

Camus: Hey.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes?

Camus: You talk big, and now look at you.

Haruka Nanami: I-I….

The truth is I'm not a very good skater at all.

It's been a few years since I last skated, and I just can't seem to keep myself upright.

I can probably hold myself up if there were a railing I could hold onto… but it's not possible with this kind of rink.

Camus: Seriously. You're a mess… and quite clumsy indeed.

He sighs dismissively and skates past me, nonchalantly executing a triple axel.

This is the kind of skating you'd expect from a northern-born foreigner. It's as if he were flying in the sky, so effortless and graceful.

In comparison, I'm....

Child A: Hey, hey, Miss. Whatcha doing?

Child B: Oh? Maybe she can't skate?

I’m startled by the sudden voices, and when I look up, I find myself surrounded by children.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yeah. Kind of….

Child C: Eh–? Why come if you can't skate? Tell us, tell us.

Child A: I mean, the rink is a place to skate. It's annoying if you just sit there.

Haruka Nanami: I-I'm sorry… But….

Child B: Annoying, annoying! Now you're in the way. Hey, let's get her out of here!

Child C: Out, out! Yeah!!

Haruka Nanami: E-eh?!

The children begin to push and pull me back and forth.

Haruka Nanami: Wait just a second, stop-

Child A: Yeah, yeah. Move, move!

I try to resist, but am instead helpless as my feet slide around.

Haruka Nanami: Hold onーAh…!

Child B: It's a no-no~ Someone who can't skate can't be in the rink~

Camus: … What are you doing, you little worms?

A booming voice echoes around me, causing the boys surrounding me to jolt and tense up.

Before I know it, Camus-senpai is standing behind the group of children, his brows furrowed menacingly.

He glares at the kids with a scowl on his face.

Children: AHH! IT'S THE DEVIL!

Instantly, they scatter away like a bunch of baby spiders, screaming.

Camus: ... Who are they calling a devil?

He looks away from the children and back at me with a dismayed expression, as if trying to say something.

Camus: You were out of my sight for only a minute, and here I find you at the mercy of mere children. You're a real handful.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you….

Camus: So? How long do you intend to keep squatting like that?

Haruka Nanami: S-sorry. I'll start skating now. H-here I go!

He’s right. I can’t stay like this forever.

I’m determined to stand, but....

Haruka Nanami: Ah!

My feet suddenly slide and I fall bottom-first onto the ice.

Haruka Nanami: I-I'm sorry.

Camus: Good grief… I can't bear to keep watching. Come on, give me your hand.

Haruka Nanami: E-eh… I-I....

I’m a little lost, but Camus-senpai grabs my hand firmly.

Camus: I'm telling you I'm going to be teaching you. It would be an embarrassment for me if my companion were to make such an unsightly spectacle of themselves.

Haruka Nanami: B-but....

Camus-senpai wants me to skate?

I become more and more confused by his surprising words and our securely clasped hands.

Camus: Just get up.

He grips my hand more firmly.

I stagger to my feet as he pulls me up.

Camus: Don't focus on your feet. Look forward.

Haruka Nanami: Um… but… I-I'm afraid… I'm going to fall….

Camus: Oh? I'm the one who is going out of my way for this, and you don't trust me?

Select the phrase!

N-no, no. That's not true. (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: N-No, no. That's not true.

Camus: Then don't be afraid. A nobleman from Silk Palace, a country of ice, is going to teach you in person. You should be honored.

Haruka Nanami: O-okay….

Camus: Lift your head. This is me you're with. There isn't even a remote chance you will fail.

I timidly look up at him and he begins to skate slowly, pulling on both of my hands.

We carefully make our way near the center of the rink this way.

Haruka Nanami: …H-hn….

No matter how much I tell myself it's going to be okay, I can't help but feel unsteady on my feet and glance downward.

Camus: You're faltering. Get it together.

He puts his finger on my forehead and pushes against it. My face automatically turns upward and my posture straightens.

Camus: Stand tall. Tuck your chin in. Don't look down. Just look at me. There….That's better.

Haruka Nanami: G-got it.

Camus: Now… let's go.

He abruptly turns to face the front, letting go of one of our clasped hands.

His long hair sways, reflecting in the sunlight, and his skates glide securely on the ice.

We begin to skate at a much faster pace than ever before.

Haruka Nanami: Ah....

The speed increases rapidly as I’m pulled by the hand holding us together.

It’s hard to believe that my feet were wobbly just a few minutes ago, but now they're completely straight and the sound of the edges sliding against the ice is soothing.

Haruka Nanami: Ah...!

The cold air brushes against my cheeks, and it feels so much better than when I was watching from the sidelines.

Camus: What do you think? Doing this is a lot more fun than squatting.

Each time I’m about to lose my balance, he gently squeezes my hand and immediately corrects my direction.

I’m gradually growing more and more comfortable with this sense of security, and at last I gather the courage to look up.

The glistening rink is beautiful. We’re passing swiftly through the people who are skating as well.

It’s as if I have become the breeze, and I can't help but smile.

Camus: Hm. You seem to have become a lot more composed.

He glances back at me.

Oh... his eyebrows aren't furrowed?

He turns to look forward so quickly, I wasn't sure if those usual creases were really gone from his profile, but....

He appears to be enjoying himself a little as he skates holding my hand.

Looking at Camus-senpai's profile, skating just a bit ahead of me, I can clearly see the depth and beauty of his features.

I’m reminded of the fact that he is an idol who can charm many people with a single smile.

Camus: Now, let go of my hand.

Haruka Nanami: Eh....

Camus: What's the surprise? Do you intend for me to continue pulling you along like a child?

Haruka Nanami: N-no, that's not it, I'm just… I'm not ready....

Camus: That's a shame. I'm unaware of that being the circumstance. Go on, now.

Haruka Nanami: Ah. A-aah….

He quickly lets go of my hand and I panic, but we had been going so fast I didn't immediately fall over.

Flustered, I still managed to keep skating, and Camus-senpai comes up beside me with a composed expression on his face.

Camus: You're pretty good at it. How boring.

Haruka Nanami: I-I... A-ah….

Whenever I’m about to lose my balance, Senpai subtly lends a hand to help me out.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, thank you.

Camus: If you have time to thank me, then look ahead. You're going to run into them.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? A-ah!

I’m about to crash into a person skating nearby, but Senpai quickly and firmly tugs on my hand.

I vigorously turn and begin to spin around.

Camus: Oh. I had no idea you could spin. Not such a big deal, is it?

Haruka Nanami: Ha… N-no, I don't know what to say....

From then on, he skates beside me from a reasonable distance, helping me every time it seemed like I would trip up.

As I practice, though I wouldn't say I’m good, I manage to skate without wavering.

Camus: Hmph. You should be fine if you can skate this well. Not bad for someone like you.

After going around the rink together a few more times, when I eventually grow tired, Camus-senpai notices and slows down right away.

He makes a nice skidding sound on the ice and I stumble to a halt.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you so much! It was very, very nice… A-ah!

I bow my head, forgetting I was on ice, and I lose my balance–collapsing down again in a heap.

Haruka Nanami: O-ow… Sorry, I lost focus….

Camus: Hahaha. You really are so dense.

I look up, startled by the sound coming from above my head, and see Camus-senpai laughing.

I really thought he was going to be mad at me....

Camus: Well, everyone is terrible at first… I wasn't very good at it either when I was a child.

Senpai pulls on my hand again to help me stand, then turns his gaze to a corner of the rink with narrowed eyes.

There, a sister and her younger brother are practicing skating together.

She’s pulling her brother along. It’s a very charming sight.

Senpai looks at the two of them for a while, not saying anything. His profile looks somewhat nostalgic, and then....

Camus-senpai looks lonely...?

Camus: I was once taught to skate like that by Her Majesty the Queen on a pond in the palace courtyard. That was... a long time ago.

Haruka Nanami: The queen…?

"Her Majesty" is often mentioned in his stories.

Senpai's family has served the queen for generations in the Silk Palace, and he seems to respect her very much too.

The queen is said to be revered like a god in the northern country of permafrost. What kind of person is she?

Haruka Nanami: Is the queen a good skater?

Camus: Absolutely. There's nothing Her Majesty cannot do. I have learned a lot from her, as well. Skating, and even the cello....

Cello....

I remember the night when we, only once, had played music together.

Select the phrase!

I'll ask more questions about the Queen. (30 Love)

The wistful, beautiful sound I heard that night is still very present in my ears. I will never forget it. His queen... taught him how to play the cello.

Haruka Nanami: The queen is a woman of many talents… Are there many other things she can do?

Camus: Yes. She is particularly fluent in languages and can speak the most common ones as well as a native.

Not to mention that she's an excellent monarch. It is only through Her Majesty's help that our country's peace is maintained.

He seems to be a little proud as he answers. He must have a real admiration for the queen.

Camus: And that's not all. She's also involved in the traditional arts, including dance. There is no one in our country who can dance better than Her Majesty.

Haruka Nanami: But I think Senpai is a very good dancer too.

Camus: What are you talking about? I wouldn't even begin to measure up to Her Majesty.

After we became partners, I watched a lot of his music videos and other films, and I found his dancing to be very impressive.

The queen must be truly amazing for him to gush over her like this.

There are a lot of things I can't do, so I admire her for that.

Haruka Nanami: So she can do everything, can she? I'm jealous of her talented athleticism.

I'm sure the queen wouldn't fall on her behind like I did if she were skating.

How nice…. With that in mind, I look out at the rink and Senpai lets out a huff.

Camus: Her Majesty is the most noble being in the world. Comparing her to an ordinary person such as yourself is irresponsible.

That said, Her Majesty is still human. It wouldn't be fair to say that even she... hasn't fallen over once in a while, too.

He glances at my face and looks back at the rink a little nostalgically, as if he had remembered something.

Camus: However… I'm sure Her Majesty would be delighted to be shown around a skating rink as spacious as this one.

I’m a bit surprised to hear that from him.

Haruka Nanami: The queen has never been to a skating rink before?

If she was the queen of the country, you'd think she would be free to do whatever she wanted.

Senpai furrows his brows a little when I ask the question.

Camus: Her Majesty is prevented from leaving the palace due to various circumstances and she cannot even look at the open sky.

Haruka Nanami: Really…?

I wonder if the queen was ill. I feel sorry for asking.

As I reflect on this, he suddenly mutters.

Camus: Her Majesty... has no allies.

Ah…. He looks forlorn again.

Haruka Nanami: But the queen is like a god, the most revered being in the land....

Camus: That's correct. Her Majesty is equal to a god. Thanks to Her Majesty's aid, all industries, including precision machinery, have developed in our country.

Haruka Nanami: Then....

Camus: What I'm saying is, God isn't coming down to Earth.

They want to put Her Majesty on a throne like a doll whilst they try to free the country themselves. That is the kind of people my country is currently inundated with.

If only it were truly about caring for their country, but they merely fight for their own selfish interests over and over again.

Regardless of how irritated he feels, an earl's status was not very high among the ranks of nobility, and on top of that, he is still young.

He has very little say in state affairs. It seems to frustrate him to admit he is unable to help the queen in her time of need.

Camus: The only thing I can do for Her Majesty is in this country....

Haruka Nanami: Senpai....

He cuts off his words with a huff and looks up grimly.

Camus: … I've said far too much nonsense. Forget it.

Haruka Nanami: But....

Camus: I said forget it.

Silence falls, and Camus-senpai turns his back to me, a bit awkwardly.

Camus: ... Let's go. You've fallen down so many times, you should change soon or you'll catch a cold. But apparently, it's said that idiots can't catch colds.

Haruka Nanami: I-I'm coming.

I hurriedly follow him as he starts to leave, and together we leave the skating rink.

I continue to gel a bit unsettled the rest of the day, even as I prepare dinner, clean up, and work on scores.

In just one day, I’ve seen so many sides of Camus-senpai that I had never seen before.

The look on his face as he skated around the rink, like he was having more fun than usual. The smile on his face when he helped me stand up after falling down.

And then, the nostalgic gaze in his eyes when he talked about the queen. That expression… It was so lonely and regretful.

Now, as I lift my head, I see him sitting on the sofa reading a book and occasionally petting Alexander.

I wonder… what he's thinking about right now.

The wrinkles between his brows, which had disappeared during the day, have returned. and I knew this was a sign that he wanted to be left alone.

I keep quiet and focus on my work.

It’s mid-December, and the countdown to the Christmas live show is finally ticking.

The unit song is almost complete, and the quality is only getting better and better.

The guys will be singing together in the studio today to adjust and finalize the vocals.

I know there isn't much I can do at this point, but I still want to make it as wonderful as possible. I put my mind to the task.

During a break, Kurosaki-senpai approaches me as I check over the scores in the corner.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: So? Any luck fixing it?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I was wondering if I could have five more minutes of your time so that I can get your feedback.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: All right. Oh, and fix this too while you're at it. The notes don't sound right in practice.

Kurosaki-senpai reaches out and taps the edge of the sheet music.

Haruka Nanami: Here?... Uh... oh, yes. I see now. I'll make the necessary adjustments.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hm, thanks.

I thought Kurosaki-senpai was very harsh and unapproachable at first, but....

As we started working together, little by little, he eventually came to recognize me as someone he could confidently talk to about work.

These days, out of the three senpai other than Camus-senpai, I'm able to talk to Kurosaki-senpai the most.

Haruka Nanami: The middle part is much better, I think. As soon as we get the last portion fixed....

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Relax. You'll only make mistakes if you rush it. There's still time.

Camus-senpai had gone outside to get some fresh air, while Kotobuki-senpai and Mikaze-senpai were buying some drinks. We certainly have time to spare.

Haruka Nanami: Right. Um, this is the part where you and Camus-senpai sing together. Do you mind if I change this part a little too?

I'll only change it a little, but Camus-senpai seems to be having trouble fitting in....

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Huh? Did the bastard really say that?

Haruka Nanami: That's not it… I just can kind of understand Camus-senpai's particularities.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Huh…? I don't get it. Is it "lover's intuition", or somethin' like that?

Haruka Nanami: No, that also isn't… We simply spend a lot of time together, so naturally....

Ranmaru Kurosaki: … Hey, you still live in that mansion with that asshole?

Haruka Nanami: Huh? I do.

I nod and he heaves a sigh.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Ha... I don't get how you can be with a guy like him. What good can he do?

When asked, I’m at a loss for words.

The lie we told the day of the dinner remains ongoing, and Kurosaki-senpai believes Camus-senpai and I are lovers.

Select the phrase!

He does have good qualities! (+15 Love)

Haruka Nanami: He does have good qualities!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Good qualities, huh? Well, I can't think of any.

Haruka Nanami: Well, for instance, he always looks unconcerned, but in reality he's a very hardworking person....

He's actually very caring despite appearances, like how he treasures Alexander.

He pretends to be indifferent to his junior, Cecil-san, but actually worries about him.

He also taught me many things, like at the skating rink....

Haruka Nanami: There are times when I'm in a bind and too busy at home, taking too much time, and he will help me out without saying a word.

The more we talk, the more positive aspects of Camus-senpai pop into mind.

Haruka Nanami: And then....

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Aaah... I got it. My bad.

Camus: Haruka. Don't speak so comfortably with Kurosaki.

Startled by the sudden voice, I look up and before I know it, Camus-senpai is standing nearby.

Camus: You'll catch some barbaric traits if you talk to this fool... Whatever were you talking about?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: What the…? You'll have to hear 'bout it later, it's dumb. Now c'mon, let's have a go at this one more time.

Just then, Kotobuki-senpai and Mikaze-senpai return and I hurriedly get up from my seat.

After the break, they come together to repeat the song several times.

Their constant discussions help the song grow closer and closer to perfection, and it’s then I begin to really feel how amazing the four of them are.

But… their expressions once they finished singing are not in any way enthusiastic.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hmm… It might be too late to do anything about it now, but something is still missing. I wonder why that is....

Ai Mikaze: I think the instrumentals and lyrics are totally fine. But it's not enough. I wouldn't want to perform a show like this.

Reiji Kotobuki: Uuuugh… What could it beee....

Kotobuki-senpai holds his head in his hands, and an awkward silence falls over the studio.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Cut the crap. You guys know exactly what the reason is.

Kurosaki-senpai speaks to Mikaze-senpai and a distressed Kotobuki-senpai, turning his head towards Camus-senpai.

Camus: Kurosaki… what do you want to say?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Don't tell me that even the guilty didn't notice. What about you, woman?

Haruka Nanami: R-right. I....

Well... Maybe, no, the cause of the problem wis without a doubt Camus-senpai.

He sings again today without making any mistakes, as usual.

But amidst the collision of three unique individualities, a single voice taking a step back disturbs the harmony of the group.

If Camus-senpai were to be in a supporting role like in Tsukimiya-sensei's commercial....

I'm sure it would have turned out great. He is very skilled at singing along to other people's songs.

But I didn't intend for this song to be like that.

I want the four of them to equally play off of each other's personalities, but that only ruins the balance....

While I’m unsure of what to say, Camus-senpai huffs.

Camus: You believe I am responsible for this? How outrageous. I'm sorry, but my singing should have been perfect.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: On paper. But there's no "passion" in your singing. I can't feel anything in your music.

At Kurosaki-senpai's words, Camus-senpai shrugs his shoulders, as if exasperated.

Camus: I don't follow whatever you're trying to say.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: You seriously don't get it? How many years have you been singing now?

You're pretty hopeless… so-called noble.

The atmosphere is tense.

Camus: Silence. Do not talk about "nobility". You were the one who abandoned your family and your duties.

A man who runs away from aristocracy has no right to speak on the matter, you loser.

Kurosaki-senpai bites his bottom lip and the two of them lock eyes with each other.

Haruka Nanami: U-um....

A painfully strained mood, different from their usual fights, envelops the area.

What should I do? I have a bad feeling that they both have really crossed the line.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Keep going, lap dog. You're the one who's all bark and no bite.

Ain't that right? All the crap that ever comes out of your mouth are brags and lies. Where's your heart?

Kurosaki-senpai approaches Camus-senpai and pounds on his chest with his fist.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Your music's hollow 'cause this has never felt passion.

Camus: My heart doesn't burn with passion... you say? Rubbish. I don't see the need for such a thing.

Camus-senpai grabs onto Kurosaki-senpai's fist on his chest and briskly swings it away.

Camus: Not only is it not necessary, but the heart and mind are only a hindrance. The only necessity is the will to accomplish your goal.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hah. You make it sound like you can do it, but won't. Are you really unable to be passionate about anything?

All you do is pander to others. Life's good when you don't have to do anythin' by your own damn self, isn't it?

Camus: I've heard enough from this disgraced scion....

Oh no, no, what do I do? I have to stop this somehow....

But knowing I can't just go in there without a plan, I stand there frozen.

And despite the two of them glaring at each other for a while–

Camus-senpai suddenly chuckles as if he had thought of something.

Camus: No passion, huh? … If that's what it looks like to you, then you might want to get your eyes checked.

Fine. Hear for yourself if my heart lacks passion.

His head snaps over to look at me. The anger he had felt earlier is gone from his face.

Camus: Haruka. Play it.

Haruka Nanami: R-right away!

Reiji Kotobuki: Okay! Let's see how serious Myu-chan really is!

Ai Mikaze: Well then, as long as the song's quality can be improved, I'll go along with it.

Kotobuki-senpai rolls up his sleeves, and beside him, Mikaze-senpai quietly rises from his seat.

Then, they sing once more.

Song: “Quartet Night” (S Rank)

When the song is over, Mikaze-senpai lets out a small huff in amazement.

Ai Mikaze: Okay, well... no complaints about that one here.

Camus: Hm. Of course there isn't. Who do you think I am? The song itself wasn't... bad, either.

Ai Mikaze: Huh, I think this is the first time I've heard Camus compliment a song.

Camus: … I had no idea.

The instrumentals are revised to match the change in Camus-senpai's singing.

The other members of the group sing with as much passion as they can muster, and adapt their own vocals to match.

Kotobuki-senpai, Mikaze-senpai, Kurosaki-senpai, and Camus-senpai all seem to be enjoying themselves, though none of them said so out loud....

And just before time ran out, they sing through the song one more time.

Haruka Nanami: Wow....

I watch in amazement as everyone finishes singing.

My impression of the performance now and the performance before are like night and day. Particularly, the way Camus-senpai sings now is completely different from the way he’s been doing it before.

He stopped trying to fit in with the rest and didn't try to hide his own power or his fervor.

His voice captured my heart. He possesses absolute charisma.

The others are no match for Camus-senpai.

The others also never lost their own individuality; instead their vocals were evenly matched, enhancing instead of overshadowing each other.

The whole song is now reborn as something far more wonderful.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ahhh! Amazing! This is the one! We did it, Kouhai-chan!!

Haruka Nanami: Y-yeah....

Reiji Kotobuki: What's going on? You're not looking too happy. Hahaha, now then, have you been too busy admiring us?

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes. Everyone was very wonderful….

I didn't look... happy?

Of course I’m happy. How could I not be happy?

For a composer, there is no greater joy than to write a song you consider to be perfect and have it sung in the most exquisite way possible.

But... I wonder why my hands tremble.

I felt definite passion in Camus-senpai's voice, just as he had described.

I have always thought that he was a pretty stoic guy, but it surprises me to see this side of him.

I wonder what it is that made Camus-senpai react this way.

… Or who it is.

As soon as the thought crosses my mind, pain blooms in my chest and I find myself taken aback.

I wonder who Camus-senpai has been thinking about when he sings.

The unit song is nearing completion, and I am one step closer to my debut.

I should have been elated, but instead I find myself feeling uneasy.

A few days later, the Christmas live has finally arrived.

On the day of the concert, I head backstage to the group's designated waiting area.

Today's show is a gathering of the Shining Agency's most talented members, and they will be opening the show.

The first song will influence the mood of the whole event, so it's a great honor, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

I’m also very nervous. My heart has been racing since this morning and it simply wouldn't stop.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ahh. No matter how many years I spend doing this, this very moment always gives me the jitters~

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Heh. You can't call yourself a pro if you work yourself up every time.

Ai Mikaze: So you're nervous…? I'm not sure I understand. Let's just sing like we always do.

Camus: I agree.

Reiji Kotobuki: You're all so cold! Well, Kouhai-chan's reputation is at stake here too. We need to show them how cool we are right here, right now!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Ah, right, her job's on the line.

All of their eyes turn to look at me at once.

Yes, in order for me to stay in the agency, I must first succeed in this concert.

Ai Mikaze: I don't really care. With or without that being the case, I wasn't going to cut any corners in the first place, so the same principle will apply anyway.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: That's obvious. We'll just sing and it's going to be one hell of a show, so keep your eyes peeled.

Haruka Nanami: I will! P-please do your best! I'll be here cheering you on!

Camus: No, no…. You go to the auditorium. There are reserved seats for those involved with the event.

Eh...?

I’m surprised by his words.

This is an important concert for them. I want to watch as close to the stage as possible....

Haruka Nanami: Am… am I getting in the way by staying here?

Camus: That's not what I meant. Songs are meant to be sung to an… audience. It's not intended to be enjoyed from the wings, don't you agree?

Haruka Nanami: R-right, I suppose so.

Of course, idol songs are not for the staff, but for the fans. I compose with that in mind.

Camus-senpai looks annoyed for some reason when I explain this to him.

Camus: Just go, then. If you don't hurry, you're going to run out of time.

Haruka Nanami: A-alright.

I have no idea why he’s suddenly so insistent, but I hurry to the auditorium anyway.

The venue is filled with enthusiasm even before the concert has even started.

Haruka Nanami: Wow….

The audience's anticipation is palpable from all sides. The group is going to perform in such an environment.

Amidst the loudest cheers, the four of them are revealed under the spotlight.

It’s the perfect opening to the concert.

The crowd goes wild with their singing and dancing, and the atmosphere in the venue grows ecstatic.

Among them, Camus-senpai's voice is especially wonderful, echoing with more power and passion than I have ever felt before during rehearsals.

I can feel a different kind of warmth in his voice.

Perhaps this is because I am listening to him from the audience. I listen to his voice completely, and without the curious heartache I had succumbed to a while ago.

Seeing Camus-senpai's figure in the light... I can now understand the reason why fans cheer in delight.

This person has the potential to shine even brighter. I'm so lucky I got the chance to support him as a composer.

With this thought in mind, I clasp my hands together and gaze up at the radiant stage.

After the concert, I rush to the group's dressing room.

The crowd's enthusiasm remains unabated, and I’m pushed every which way, which ends up taking up a lot of my time, but I hurry as much as I can.

Now I can perfectly understand what Camus-senpai had meant when he told me to watch the performance from the auditorium.

That brilliance, that passion, could only be felt in the audience. I wanted to share this impression with everyone as soon as possible, but most of all, I want to share it with Camus-senpai.

In the dressing room, in addition to the senpai, Tsukimiya-sensei and Cecil-san are there too.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, here comes the fifth lead! Kouhai-chan, over here!

Ai Mikaze: It took you long enough. All of your colleagues came by as well, but they've already gone to the after-party.

Haruka Nanami: M-my apologies....

I bow to everyone. And as I’m about to raise my head....

The floor in front of me bursts open.

Haruka Nanami: Eeeeh!?

A huge lump flies out of the hole in the floor and crashes into the ceiling with the same force.

Haruka Nanami: W… what…?

The lump whirls around, lands by my side, and whirls around again to face me.

Shining Saotome: Ha ha ha~! Congratulations, Everyone! That was one of the Best Stages Ever!!

Haruka Nanami: President!

Shining Saotome: Miss Nanami, YOU have made it through the first phase!

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much!

I bow my head deeply.

Thank goodness. The president has approved of my work....

Shining Saotome: BUT, our battle is just beginning. The only thing standing between you and your debut now is to win the song festival. YOU, pull yourself together and GOGOGO.

Haruka Nanami: A-absolutely!

I sincerely lower my head once again. I’m really grateful. But....

This show's success is not the only thing I need. The president presented me with a condition: I needed to develop mutual trust with my partner before today's concert.

If we didn't, it would result in a change of partners. Worst case scenario, it could mean my disqualification.

My partner, Camus-senpai....

I’m worried, and when I gingerly look over at him, he turns his head to the side, seemingly displeased.

Camus: Hmph... If I didn't approve of you, I'd have said so already.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you so much! I'll do my best to fulfill all of your expectations!

I declare excitedly, and everybody surrounds me.

One by one, they congratulate me.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well done, Haru-chan! That was the loveliest unit song I've ever heard!

Haruka Nanami: Tsukimiya-sensei, thank you so much.

Kotobuki-senpai is cheery as usual, while Mikaze-senpai and Kurosaki-senpai brusquely offer me their well-wishes.

And finally, Cecil-san joyfully takes my hand.

Cecil Aijima: My muse! I knew your music would be wonderful! I am deeply moved!

Haruka Nanami: Thank you. That makes me very happy to hear.

Camus: Hmph. Aijima probably intends to add, "I just wish it hadn't been Camus singing it."

Cecil Aijima: Non, great music is great music, no matter who sings it… unfortunately.

Cecil-san tilts his head a little after he says that.

Cecil Aijima: Camus, have you started to learn how to love music a little bit?

Camus: Hah. Listen to what you're saying. How could I possibly come to love music?

Cecil Aijima: I see. But, the way you sang....

Cecil-san tilts his head even further, but quickly regains his smile once again.

Cecil Aijima: It was a good song, even if it was not filled with love. I thought you were unworthy of her, but now I am rethinking it... a little.

Camus-senpai huffs and averts his gaze.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ohー! Myu-chan's feeling shy! Now, everyone, let's go to the after-party!!

Kotobuki-senpai announces loudly, and we make our way to the after-party, still in high spirits from the show.

Later, after the event, Camus-senpai and I return to our familiar home.

Camus: … Oh dear. I truly dislike such boisterous places.

Although he always behaves himself with elegance, today he appears to be exhausted and simply slumps down onto the sofa.

Haruka Nanami: You handled it really well. And also... I want to thank you. I was amazed to hear you sing the unit song so beautifully.

Camus: … It's my job, you know…. Naturally. You have nothing to thank me for.

Haruka Nanami: But it made me so happy. I also want to thank you for recommending that I watch from the audience!

I express the gratitude and admiration that I couldn't properly convey in the dressing room, and he pets Alexander with a rather troubled expression.

Camus: I'm pleased to hear you're satisfied…. But never mind that, is everything prepared for that thing?

Haruka Nanami: "That thing"?

As soon as I tilt my head in confusion, he cleares his throat with a small cough.

Camus: That... would have come up in conversation on the day we had hotpot. Sure, although it was a false pretense to deceive them, my interest in it was genuine, and....

You also know about my sweet tooth, so isn't it naturally your responsibility as a servant to grasp what I mean and make preparations?

The day we had hot-pot…. Sweets....

Haruka Nanami: Ah! You're talking about the chocolate fondue!

Camus: Y… yes.

That was last month. The day when Tsukimiya-sensei and the others came to this tower.

Camus-senpai suggested that if the Christmas live was a success, we should have chocolate fondue to celebrate.

Haruka Nanami: Of course, I have it ready for you! Please wait a moment. I'll be right back.

Camus: Y..you do? I'll leave it to you, then.

When I promptly return to the living room with a full set from the kitchen, I notice how Camus-senpai's eyes light up with a twinkle in them.

Camus: Oh. This is what you call chocolate fondue. Can I eat this... with marshmallows?

He rolls the round marshmallow between his fingers. His big hand and the cute small sweet look somewhat out of place together.

Haruka Nanami: No, not yet. The chocolate still needs to melt, so just give it a minute.

I put the fondue pot over a fire, and soon a sweet aroma fills the room.

Alexander looks around to see what’s going on.

Camus: Oho. Melt the chocolate and... then?

Haruka Nanami: We'll use these skewers. Pierce your favorite ingredients with this and dip it into the pot.

I dip a marshmallow into the chocolate and hold out the skewer.

Haruka Nanami: Here, bon appetit!

Camus: H...hm. Really, this pot sounds like child's play.

Haruka Nanami: You think so? I find that eating it this way tastes better than eating it normally.

Camus: I see....

He accepts the skewer and takes a bite of the chocolate-covered marshmallow.

Camus: Mmm… How to describe the way this marshmallow melts so well escapes me.

Haruka Nanami: Right? We still have more, so please eat lots and enjoy!

Finally, we begin to eat the chocolate fondue.

Camus: It's no secret that strawberries and chocolate pair well together, but its warmth makes it even better. Dipping bread in it is also a great idea.

Haruka Nanami: This might sound strange, but I heard that cream cheese also goes well with it too.

He shows interest, so I quickly grab some cream cheese from the kitchen. I also bring out some more fruit and chocolate.

It’d be a shame to burn the pan with the new chocolate pieces, so I put it on low heat and let it simmer....

Just as I’m about to stir the pan, I catch Camus-senpai popping an orange piece into his mouth.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, don't do that. You can't just snack on them.

Camus: It's fine. Tasty food is tasty no matter how you eat it.

With that, he slips more pieces into his mouth.

At this rate, the oranges will be gone before the chocolate melts.

Haruka Nanami: I'm telling you to stop....

Camus: You are so fussy. Well then, you may as well eat some too.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…? G-guh....

He stuffs an orange piece into my mouth.

Haruka Nanami: Nn… nnn. F-fenbai....

I can't swallow the piece properly and the juice almost spills from my mouth.

Senpai jokes to not spill it and let it go to waste, but the more I struggle, the more my throat fails to work.

What's more, I have no clue what to do with him pressing down on my lips with his finger.

Haruka Nanami: Nn… nnn. Nnn.

When I manage to force down the slice, he laughs with a mischievous expression on his face.

Camus: Heh. Looks like you managed to swallow it just fine. Now… I'd say we're both guilty as charged. I don't want to hear you complaining about it anymore.

Haruka Nanami: Y-you… That wasn't fair, Senpai.…

Another orange is quietly offered to me before I can protest any further, and while I take it without thinking, Senpai eats another piece.

We end up eating all the oranges before the chocolate could even finish melting.

We’re getting full, so we enjoy the fondue at our own leisurely pace.

As we poke at the chocolate pot, we begin chatting about anything interesting that had happened at the agency, the new cake shop that had opened up in the neighborhood, and other silly things.

When it comes time to call it a night, Camus-senpai asks with his gaze fixed on the pot.

Camus: Do… do you want to leave?

Eh…?

For a moment, I have no idea as to what he could be talking about.

Haruka Nanami: You mean leave here? Leave this house?

He clarified that is exactly what he meant. His gaze is still focused on the pot.

Apparently, he’s been watching me for a while.

After getting to know me, he realized that letting me go would do no harm.

But he makes me promise not to tell anyone about what I overheard that day.

He... simply explains that if I can't keep my promise, I risk putting myself in some kind of danger.

Senpai lets out a tiny sigh, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Camus: As for me, I just can't be bothered to live with other people. If you want to leave, then go right ahead.

This is so out of left field that I’m left speechless.

Select the phrase!

I want to stay here. (+0 Love)

Haruka Nanami: I… I want to stay here.

His eyes widen in surprise at my answer.

Camus: Well this is... unexpected. I had assumed you wanted to be rid of this life of servitude.

Haruka Nanami: You see… the work is definitely demanding, but....

But after spending time here and getting to see so many things about you, I grew eager to get to know you better.

Is that… a bad thing?

I want to be near him right now, considering all the solo songwriting that has to be done for the song festival.

He’s silent for a while and then breaks out in a strained smile.

Camus: You truly are a piece of work. I may have come to recognize the kind of person you are, but that does nothing to change my attitude towards you. Are you alright with that?

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes. Although, it would be helpful if you could go a little... easier on me.

Camus: Hm. That's a pity to hear. As if I would ever go easy on you.

He replies with a haughty tone, but his expression appears just a little bit happier.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, I'm happy to hear that. Then, I look forward to continuing working with you.

Camus: Me too. But you know... the method in which you compose music is beyond even me.

He points out that it isn't necessary to know anything about the singers, to just compose music based on popular trends and what I'm most comfortable creating.

Haruka Nanami: Well, you see, I just can't compose that way.…

It is a necessary thing for me to know the singer to be able to write a song.

Camus: Ha. You're quite cheeky for being a rookie.

Haruka Nanami: S-sorry.

Senpai puts it simply and tells me I can observe as much as I like, and starts to get up from his seat.

Haruka Nanami: Wait… that said… the reason behind me staying is not so much for the sake of composing music, but…

… Rather because you seem to be quite lonely and I want to… be by your side.

I haven't forgotten the forlorn expression I noticed the day we skated together.

If only I could touch his heart again, like the night when we quietly played music together....

And even if I can't… I didn't want to leave him alone.

As soon as I say the words, his brow raises with a twitch.

… Oh no. I feel terrible, but it’s too late to take it back now.

Senpai looks up subduedly, and the temperature around us feels like it plummeted.

Camus: Oh. So you dare say I look lonely. You've got quite the nerve….

Haruka Nanami: F-forgive me. I was just….

I bow my head profusely. He remains silent for a while and I can't bring myself to look up.

After some time has passed, I hear a small laugh.

Camus: You have the audacity to say that with such an innocent look on your face. I'll allow your boldness and overlook your disrespect.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you....

Camus: The solo song. Get on with it and bring it to me as soon as possible.

Haruka Nanami: U-understood....

Senpai laughs again, seeming rather amused, and finally rises to his feet.

Camus: The chocolate fondue is nearly gone. I believe we should call it a night.

Once I finish cleaning up and relax for a bit, Senpai walks down the stairs from his bedroom.

Camus: I have something for you. Hold out your hand.

Haruka Nanami: Eh. Ah. A-alright.

I hold out my hand, and with a jingle, a key is dropped into my palm.

Haruka Nanami: Is this… what I think it is…?

Camus: It's the key to this tower. Use it however you wish. It would be useful to have it with you, as long as you're staying here.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes! Thank you so much!

Camus: Of course. And while we're at it, you can have this too.

Something else is placed on my still outstretched palm.

A small aurora-colored stone, about the size of the tip of my thumb.

Haruka Nanami: Um… this is…?

Camus: A guardian stone that is passed down in my country. You're a hardworking servant. Consider it a reward. Be grateful to your merciful master.

Haruka Nanami: O-of course! Thank you! But, could this also be… a Christmas present?

Camus: … I said it was a reward. I am unfamiliar with the customs of foreign countries.

In any case, I'm going to sleep. You should go to bed soon too, Haruka.

With that said, he turns himself around and goes back up to his bedroom.

Haruka Nanami: Camus-senpai....

It only struck me after a while that he had called me "Haruka" with no intention of deceiving anyone.

The stone he’s given me is a really captivating color.

Every time I move it, seven shimmering colors dance, as if a real aurora had been trapped inside.

It’s so dainty and beautiful. I kept turning it over and over, never getting tired of looking at it.

(Chapter End)