#special mini story

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

Special Mini Story:

A match to determine the strongest member of the Shinsengumi? - Translation (新選組最強決定戦？)

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

A PDF version is also available.

Key

Hijikata Toshizo - Otori Eiichi

Nagakura Shinpachi - Sumeragi Kira

Todo Heisuke - Mikado Nagi

Okita Soji - Otori Eiji

Kondo Isami - Kiryuin Van

Harada Sanosuke - Hyuga Yamato

Saito Hajime - Amakusa Shion

Harada: Hey, if we’re talking about who is the strongest among us, I wonder who it would be.

Todo: What is this all of a sudden? What’s the matter?

Harada: I just got a little curious. The Shinsengumi is known as a group of strong guys, right? I thought it might be interesting to see who’s the strongest among us.

Okita: If that’s the case, may I nominate myself? I think I have a good chance.

Nagakura: Feel free to nominate yourself. However, I will not yield the title of the strongest. Your swordsmanship may be clean, but mine is better suited for real combat.

Todo: If we’re talking about actual combat, it will require being able to adapt and prepare for unexpected attacks. In that case, wouldn’t I, being the intellectual type, have an overwhelming advantage?

Saito: Hm...

Todo: Hey, don’t just stand back and watch from afar. Come and join in!

Saito: No, I’m not really...

Nagakura: Heisuke is right. Without you, it would be an incomplete match, Saito.

Saito: ... I see. I personally don’t think my skills are that great, but thank you both.

Harada: I know you guys are strong, but I can use not only swords but also spears. Spears have a longer reach than swords. In actual combat, it’s clear that I have the advantage.

Hijikata: What on earth are you all doing? I can hear your voices from far away. Even though I’m off duty and I can overlook things to some extent, you’re being far too noisy.

Kondo: Deciding who is the strongest seems fun, doesn’t it? Who is in the lead right now?

Okita: Perfect timing, Kondo-san. The other day, you said you wanted to make me your successor, right? That means you think I’m the strongest one among all of us, doesn’t it?

Hijikata: It seems like you’re going ahead with your own agenda and leaving me out, Kondo-san. And you too, Soji. Is it enough for you to be recognized just by Kondo-san?

Okita: Of course, that’s not the case. But it’s true that Kondo-san said that. Right?

Kondo: Well, that’s still, you know... It’s just a hope of mine. I intended to properly consult with Toshi once the discussion becomes a bit more formal, of course. Besides, a successor is someone you entrust with the future, right? Before we talk about skills, it’s better if they are younger...

Okita: Eh, is my only redeeming quality that I’m young? That’s terrible. If that's the case, I can’t rely on Kondo-san. My only ally is Hijikata-san after all.

Hijikata: … I’m sorry for not being young.

Kondo: No, that’s not what I meant… sorry…

Todo: … Somehow, it feels like it’s turned into a contest to determine who is the strongest at wheedling rather than a discussion about martial arts… Unlike those three, I don’t take part in such childish things, but for now, Soji seems to be the strongest.

Nagakura: If it's not about competing in martial arts, then I’ll withdraw as well. I can’t really say I’m skilled at talking, and even if I were to win, I wouldn’t be particularly happy about it.

Harada: You’d be better off writing. Or rather, if that’s the case, let’s have a fair fight with spears.

Saito: No, please wait a moment. There was something about what Harada-san just said that I found hard to accept.

Harada: Hm? Which part?

Saito: It’s about who is good at writing. When it comes to writing, both Kondo-san and Hijikata-san are also exceptional.

Nagakura: … Sounds like this is going to be a long story.

Saito: Kondo-san’s writing is always filled with passionate feelings. For example, the letter he recently sent to his hometown was not just a simple report; it contained many extraordinarily astute opinions. It was a splendid piece of work...

Kondo: I don’t remember showing the letter to Saito-kun, but maybe it’s just my imagination...?

Saito: Hijikata-san surreptitiously has a refined hobby of composing haiku that reflect the four seasons. Many of his haiku touch upon the mundane aspects of daily life with a gentle gaze, which I also appreciate. One passage I especially like is...

Hijikata: Ah, enough already. If you’re going to keep doing pointless things, you must have a lot of energy left. From now on, everyone will forgo their break to train.

Kondo: Haha. Everyone seems to be having a hard time, but this is all for the Shinsengumi. Keeping that in mind, please do your best.

Hijikata: What are you talking about? You will naturally be participating too.

Kondo: Eh, me too...? I’m in trouble...

Okita: … If it’s a competition for the strongest at taking charge, then Hijikata-san is the best. I can’t win against him.

[pencilofawesomeness]

Erza gripped the scepter hard enough to make her metal gloves creak. However, neither the hum of the magestone nor the act of using her strength to the fullest could placate her, and neither could it solve this matter.

“Jellal,” she said—slowly, carefully. Erza was positioned between him and the mirror, and she trusted her reflexes, but she still couldn’t help but to doubt her ability to stop him from escaping. Or, rather, from throwing his life away. “Let’s talk this through.”

Jellal chuckled dryly, without mirth. The bags under his eyes appeared darker in the light of the dorm courtyard. “There’s nothing to talk about. We both know that the Arcane Response Unit won’t be persuaded. I’m going.”

“The Headmage is speaking to them now. This is all just a misunderstanding. We’ll work this out.”

Erza absolutely hated not being able to do more. Her respect for the ARU and the role they played in this world absolutely did not diminish that this whole situation was bullshit and Jellal was being wrongly scapegoated. It was unjust and plain wrong. If Erza thought that marching up to the captain (a second time) and demanding this bogus investigation to be dropped would work, then she would have done it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, even she knew that this could not be solved with violence—or with caving in. They had to stand their ground and play this right, and that meant keeping her dorm here while the Headmage worked her wits and magic. 

Surely, everyone else would see the reason she clearly saw—even when Jellal himself doubted it. 

Jellal was only eight when he came to the Queendom of Roses. Only eight when they met. He was a shy and awkward child, and he refused to talk about where he came from. That was alright though, because even Erza knew that it was sad. That was why he had been sent to Grandpa Rob. Erza had just been thrilled for another fae child to join Rob’s home for orphans, because it had meant that there was at least one other kid she could play with without fearing their fragility. 

He was her best friend, and he was a good man. Erza wouldn’t have made him her vice housewarden otherwise. Jellal helped people and he was kind and he was careful and conscious of those around him, and he sought peace and balance above all else. And people seriously thought Jellal, as a child no less, was somehow responsible for an attempt to overthrow the Kingdom of Heroes’ royal family. It was utterly absurd. 

It was even more absurd that Jellal was willing to accept it. 

“Erza, I have to go. I— I did do those things. I can’t continue to ignore it.”

He might have succeeded in making that declaration cold, but the crack in his voice belied his fear. Erza’s determination settled. She swore to protect the people of Heartslaybul, and to lead them down a victorious path. She would even protect them from themselves. 

“I am the Queen here,” she declared, throat tight. “My word is law. And I say you stay.”

Jellal shifted into a ready position—to fight, to flee. The movement alone cut her to her core. “Erza, I’m not who you think I am. I’m not worth it.”

Her heart cracked. She wondered if the Queen of Hearts ever felt this pain, her desire to protect her people a visceral and painful thing. Maybe that was why she sometimes appeared so violent in history—because she, too, swore to protect her loved ones from anything. 

The past few weeks she had had to watch Jellal suffer under this weight. She watched him try to convince her that he wasn’t who she knew he was. It hurt to even consider. It hurt worse that he thought so little of himself, and little of her for not believing that she would trust him. 

Erza would not be easily swayed. Not even by him. She reached into her Inventory and she grabbed a long, weighty lance. 

“You don’t get to decide that.”

Jellal lunged. His magic mastery was always an impressive thing, and he could boost his very movement. However, her reflexes were not to be trifled with either—and, she had planned for this. She knew him well, after all. 

“Now!” she shouted, and a flurry happened all at once. 

Erza employed Jellal’s own trick, hastening herself to meet his path and bodily block him with her lance. Behind her, several magic barriers were erected around the mirror, and Erza quickly added her own, for good measure. 

A vine wrapped around Jellal’s ankle, yanking him backwards and straight into Elfman’s bear-hold. 

The plan quickly fell apart though. With a potent burst of magic, Jellal ripped himself out of the hold. He levitated Elfman with ease and tossed him straight into Droy. 

“JELLAL!” 

Mirajane appeared in a fury, floating above him. Erza spotted the flash of guilt across his features right as the junior batted him downward with ice magic. 

“Stand down,” Erza ordered, a little desperate. 

But Jellal had his own share of determination, evident in the sweat gleaming on his too-pale face. “Don’t fight me on this.”

“Too late, man.” Jet, the only one arguably faster than Jellal thanks to his Unique Magic, swept Jellal off his feet right as he tried to get up. 

Mirajane met her eyes, and reluctantly, Erza nodded. 

“Soulbinder,” Mirajane chanted, and in seconds her UM manifested around Jellal, the dark tendrils physically rooting him to the ground and eating at his magic. It was a violent restraint, but it worked. Erza knew that any less Jellal would fight through. Not that he wasn’t making an attempt now. 

“Please,” she practically begged. “Don’t throw yourself away.”

Jellal tugged at the spell, a heaving breath making his exhaustion known. “You think I want to?” he whispered. 

In the silence that followed, the soft admission might as well have been a shout. 

“Do you think I want to go? To admit that any of that stuff happened? To— to accept the role I played?”

Erza swallowed. There was something dangerously shaky about his countenance. The strain in his voice was brittle, and her instincts whispered that something was about to snap. The air grew thick with that anticipation. “Jellal…”

“NO!” His shout was raw and hoarse, full of tears and anger and everything, that it startled Erza into silence. 

“I never wanted this! But I can’t change what happened. No amount of hoping and pretending will ever change it!”

The atmosphere shook. An ugly sort of magic began to fill the air. Erza realized it too late, when Jellal’s tears mixed with his sweat and turned black.

“It will never change that I was her pawn!”

[aheathen-conceivably]

This photo will live in my brain forever and that is all ✨🌌

[digitalnewberry]

Revenge at last

Map of "Your America"... postcard, mid-1940s

In Western Massachusetts where I grew up, we are often an afterthought for the folks in Boston. So I appreciate that this map cuts off Cape Cod and most of Boston from the map! Revenge at last! -- Dave Weimer, Curator of Maps & Director, Smith Center for the History of Cartography

To celebrate the launch of our latest digital collection, we'll be featuring mini-posts of staff faves. Browse the full collection: John Monroe collection of artist-signed postcards

[astralejection]

i think it's really funny that duke has zero beef with anyone in the batfam, like bro is straight chilling

[bl-bam-beyond]

THE PROMISE (2023, THAILAND)

Special Workshop Episode

Available on DEVONTE296 OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The story of Phupha (KITTIKUN TANSUHAS aka KUN) and Nanfah (WATTIKORN PERMSUBHIRUN aka KIAK) began with two short mini series in AUGUST 2022 (PHUPHA) and NOVEMBER 2022 (NANFAH)

I adored both mini series immensely so after the 2nd mini (NANFAH) a series was announced to tell their entire story.

The mini series were directed by SITTICHAI CHUTSIRI aka CHOI and he's known to be a director of commercials but he also directed short BL 21 DAYS THEORY for Rookie Thailand.

After several false starts for the series to premiere it finally did on WeTV on March 1, 2023 with a re airing on the DEVONTE296 OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

The Series had so many changes from the mini series it sadly was a bit of let down...just a bit because I was rooting for Phu and Nan. The Series also had a different director than the mini series KONGKIAT KHOMSIRI aka KHOM.

Khom is a screenwriter and director of a slew of series and movies. Most notably to BL fans, he directed KINNPORSCHE.

The screenwriter of The Promise was THANYATHORN SIWANUKROH aka FUNT or FUNTLAND. I'm not certain but I don't think she wrote the mini series. No writers were credited for PHUPHA | NANFAH that I'm aware of. And on FUNT'S MDL page she isn't credited for either mini series. Though she has an impressive list of screenwriter credits.

Now the gifs I made are from what is referred to as a special workshop episode and is under 7 minutes

Nan and Phu are a happy couple and Nan asks Phu when he knew he was in love with him. Phu answers but ask Nan if he recalls the kiss they shared the night before their graduation (Nan was drunk...this was in the series but not the minis) Nan says he has no recollection because while inebriated his memory is wiped clean.

There was a special episode called PROMISE: THE HONEYMOON which required payment which I did not do since I was disappointed with the series.

A season 2 is planned but no release date.

@pose4photoml @lutawolf @pharawee

[psycheofaphaggot]

stupid rant dont mind me.

its almost definitely the autism in me, but oh my god if theres one thing i hate its when people misunderstand characters or situations in media. i don’t know what it is but it just angers me to no end.

i don’t expect everyone to be a huge psychology nerd like me, or to even be interested in seeing all possible sides to a situation. but its just…you really cannot make an informed decision, or even have an opinion on certain things without the right information. humans are multi-facted, and if you’re dealing with actual complex media that showcases this, you need to make sure you fully understand something (or someone) to have a valid take.

maybe im too critical, but honestly imo this goes for real life as well.

i mean it’s perfectly fine to have a negative opinion on anything, feelings are valid regardless of what caused them. but jesus christ. isn’t it better to know all of the facts first? even if it doesn’t change your opinion?

its just so annoying i don’t even have the words for it.

anyways, rant over. byebye

[jackredfieldwasmyjacob]

btw after four years i finally finished all data from my iberian-inspired fakemon region. if you even care

[chipmunkweirdo]

It’s been a while again, but here’s the next mini tale!

Theo gets his time to shine! And so does Ellie hehe.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

Special Mini Story: Your Name - Translation (君の名前)

Translator's notes can be found at the end and are marked with an asterisk.

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

A PDF version is also available.

Key

Hijikata Toshizo - Otori Eiichi

Nagakura Shinpachi - Sumeragi Kira

Todo Heisuke - Mikado Nagi

Okita Soji - Otori Eiji

Kondo Isami - Kiryuin Van

Harada Sanosuke - Hyuga Yamato

Saito Hajime - Amakusa Shion

Kondo: … Well then, I think we’ll wrap up today’s meeting here. Does anyone have anything they would like to add?

Todo: Yes, I have a proposal.

Kondo: What is it, Todo-kun?

Todo: About the headquarters. Don’t you feel like they’ve been getting a bit cramped recently? Even though we’re companions with the same ideals, we still want to have our personal space. Right now, we’re all a little too close to each other.

Hijikata: Are you saying that you want to move? I understand your reasoning. I certainly acknowledge the need for it.

Harada: If you’re going to do it anyway, make it a house with a really high lintel, Hijikata-san. That would be more convenient, I’m sure.

Todo: Don’t make unnecessary, unreasonable demands. Things are finally progressing nicely, and that would just interfere, don’t you think?

Okita: Moving, huh... If the headquarters are going to be bigger, then the garden will too, right? Maybe we can even keep that cat from before.

Harada: Ah, is it the small black cat you met while on patrol?

Saito: A little cat… merely stroking its soft fur seems to bring a simple joy...

Okita: Yes. This isn’t an unreasonable demand, right?

Harada: Well, hmm… I don’t think whether you can keep it or not is a matter of space in the first place.

Hijikata: Harada is right. No matter how large a house we move into, keeping a cat inside is prohibited. First of all, cats should be allowed to roam freely in the town for the public good of rodent control.

Okita: It can’t be… The kind of comfort a cat provides is also necessary in life.

Hijikata: No matter what anyone says, I won’t change my mind. It’s a no.

Nagakura: ... Hijikata-san’s idea that "cats should be allowed to roam free" seems outdated now. Anyway, putting that aside, what was prohibited earlier was "bringing them into the house." In other words, doesn’t that mean that "it’s okay to keep them as pets even now, as long as they’re allowed to roam free"?

Kondo: That’s true. As for me, I didn’t mind either way, so I was thinking of respecting Toshi’s wishes. If Toshi agrees, then I have nothing more to say.

Saito: I see, your earlier words were meant to encourage deep reflection... I apologize for not realizing your profound thoughts, Hijikata-san.

Hijikata: No, it’s not like that at all…

Okita: What’s with that? If you’re going to allow it, then please say it clearly. But thank you.

Harada: I honestly thought it was not a possibility, too. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, Hijikata-san.

Todo: We’re getting off track. We’re going ahead with the move, correct?

Kondo: Ah, of course. Living conditions are important.

Todo: If that’s settled, okay. Shall we continue talking about the cat? If we’re going to have one, we’ll need to think of a name for it.

Saito: Well... the one who deserves the credit this time is Nagakura-san. How about we call it ‘Shinpachi’ so we don’t forget the gratitude we owe him...?

Nagakura: I appreciate the thought, but absolutely not.

Harada: Then, wouldn’t ‘Eiji’* be fine?

Nagakura: My childhood name? Enough already, leave my name alone. I’d rather not use either of them.

Okita: In that case, why not just ask Nagakura-san to name it on behalf of all of us?

Harada: That sounds good. Pick a good one.

Nagakura: … Alright, uh. … Well then, Shi…

Todo: I don’t think you would, but since it’s a special opportunity, something like ‘Shinsengumi’ is a no-go, okay? Try to be a bit more creative.

Hijikata: It's hard to say that ‘Makoto’ (integrity) is creative either.

Kondo: Using the toponym, ‘Mibu’, seems a bit too easy... What do you think? Can you think of anything?

Nagakura: …

Harada: Ah, do you want me to help you as well?

Nagakura: No, it’s fine. This is the role that was assigned to me. I will fulfill it no matter what. ... How about ‘Shingetsu’*? After the new moon, the moon will gradually wax. It’s a symbol of hope for the future. I thought it suits us now.

Saito: How wonderful... As a sign of our comradeship, I want to make a neck ornament out of the same cloth as our haori.

Okita: Great idea! Let’s get started right away. I can’t wait to put it on the kitty.

Harada: If you’re going to make a neck ornament, you’ll need a bell. I think I have one attached to my amulet, so use that.

Kondo: We were able to find a suitable name. Thank you, Nagakura-kun.

Nagakura: … Yes. That’s a relief.

Todo: Hey, Hijikata-san. I think ‘Shingetsu’ is good too, but in the end, it still has Nagakura-san’s name in it, doesn’t it?

Hijikata: I know you’re smart. However, since he hasn’t noticed it himself, just keep quiet about it. … Hey, everyone, remember it’s still a free-roam situation.

Translator's notes:

*1 Eiji- 栄治 (prosperity, peace). Nagakura’s childhood name. Different kanji combination from our Otori Eiji (瑛二)

*2 Shingetsu- 新月 (new moon). As Todo pointed out, it still uses the “shin” from Shinpachi (新八)

[strawbeii]

i wish the people in charge of disney (and more companies probably) would just get an office job or do other business stuff and let the artists who want to freely express themselves & their art shine through. if the executives are only worried about sales & money they should just go work in another business idk, if you're only creating things out of a desire for money then nothing is gonna come out as good as something with real passion. and the artists who do have that passion are often pushed to the side or have their ideas dimmed down as to not take too many "risks"

[a-place-to-hide-blog]

I like fat Luigi, he looks so happy when he eats! >w< And is also so effective when he lands. Like a happy bomb. A happy calorie bomb.

[breadsammich]

im a bit disappointed with the aku no taizai collab tbh :(

[baileyblues]

Halloween Special: A Bloody Sweet Encounter (Venus & Alaric)

Vampire! AU with Venus and Alaric as a Halloween Special! Written by @thelonelyreaderr and edited by me :))

[Masterlist] [Mini Stories]

[Wattpad] [AO3]

Venus actually contemplated throwing herself in the middle of a street and letting a bus isekai her to a new (and hopefully,) better life. Her head was absolutely killing her, there were blisters on her feet due to her walking in heels for thirteen hours. She was freezing in the coldness of fall, and to make it worse, her vision was foggy so she barely could see five feet ahead of herself.

“What a great idea, Vee! Walk two hours in the cold instead of getting a ride with Lucy..” Venus muttered under her breath, rubbing her arms together, trying to create some heat to warm herself up. As Venus walked through the dimly lit streets, she bumped into a ladder. She backed up for a second try and passed through with ease.

‘Let’s hope I don't die today..’ Venus grimly thought as she closed her eyes for a second, only to bump into a trashcan. The green-haired girl continued on her way until she saw a heartwarming site, a momma black back walked past with her kittens following closely behind her. ‘Ughh.. if only my phone wasn’t dead… I could have gotten a picture of them!’ Venus complained in her head.

“I’ll come back tomorrow to get a picture,” Venus stated confidently, starting to walk slightly faster. Although her heart was now warmed, her body was still freezing. As Venus made a sharp turn into an alleyway, she couldn’t help but feel like she was being followed. She felt a shiver up her spine and decided to be more careful.

Her suspicions were quickly confirmed as she heard a pair of heavy footsteps closely behind her. Venus slowly reached into her purse and grabbed her safety taser. ‘I’m going to be okay, I’m going to be okay..’ Venus repeatedly chanted in her head, trying to reassure herself. Out of the corner of her eye, Venus saw the man move and quickly jumped into action by jabbing the taser into the man's chest, right where his heart was.

“Good aim, though unfortunately, toys like those don’t work on me,” The man said unfazed, grabbing the taser out of Venus’s hand and tossing it aside.

“What do you want?” Venus gritted through her teeth, trying to back up away from the man, her voice shaking due to her fear. The man tilted his head to the side as he gazed at her. Venus could feel the time ticking and asked the man again.

“What do you want?” She asked louder and this time, straightening her posture and looking into his eyes. ‘They’re orange?’ Venus realized and was amazed by it. Just for a moment, she felt a calming wave wash over her, but she also suddenly remembered that this man had followed her into a dark alleyway.

The man slowly grinned at Venus, sending a sudden chill down her spine. “I want to have a snack of course! Now this can go one of two ways: one, you play with me and let me have a snack. If this is the case, then I’ll send you on your merry way. Or two, you try to run, and I chase you and drain you whole,” The man wickedly replied, his fangs poking through his lips.

“A snack?” Venus asked, trying to buy time while gripping her purse tightly and posing to sprint away if needed.

“Oh? You haven’t figured it out yet? I’m a vampire my dear lovely, and I want your blood!” The man smugly replied as he held his head up high, stepping closer to Venus.

“You’re joking.” Venus bluffed, even though her heart was threatening to jump out of her chest.

“Am I?” The man cooed, getting closer to Venus. “I can hear your blood pumping, my lovely snack! And It’s only that fast when someone’s scared. I should know as the last guy had around the same heartbeat as you,” The man nonchalantly shrugged.

“Now, now, don’t cry Lovely- it won’t hurt, I promise. I’ll make sure to not kill you,” The man cooed as he stepped closer to her, noticing that the girl’s eyes had started to water. Venus’ lip was slightly quivering, though she was unsure if it was due to the cold or her fear of the man.

“...proof.” The girl whispered.

“I’m sorry?”

“I need proof that you're a vampire,” Venus boldly demanded, snapping her head up to lock eyes with him once again.

“The teaser wasn’t enough, huh?” The man said with a soft smile. “Alright then, Love. Then please allow me to demonstrate.”

Venus wasn’t able to catch the man’s movement, but she saw a blur where he was standing at.The next thing she knew, the man had cut himself with a knife.

“Jesus christ!” Venus cursed as the realization of her situation settled in her mind. She could feel her legs shaking and at this point, wasn’t sure if it was from the cold alone or from fear. ‘What have I gotten myself into?�� Venus silently asked herself, just as the man had started talking again.

“Do forgive me, but I don’t think I’ve introduced myself yet. My name is Alaric, and I’ll hold off on the last name for now,” The man introduced himself as he reached forward to brush a strand of stray hair from Venus’ face.

“H-How do I know you're not going to kill me?” The girl hesitantly asked. ‘I’m not going to get out of this unharmed anyways.. why not risk it?’ Venus questioned in her head, already debating the odds of her being alive after this situation.

“Well...I guess you’ll just have to trust me in that case.” Alaric mused before quickly lunging towards her and sinking his fangs into the crook of her neck. Venus shrieked out in terror, but was unable to do anything as she froze in fear. Alaric had never tasted anyone like her before. Her blood went down smoothly and tasted like a slice of heaven itself. He had tasted lots of types of blood in his fifty-seven years of life, but he had never, ever, tasted someone like her.

It was when the girls heartbeat slowed down that Alaric stopped drinking her blood. ‘If I let her die, I won’t be able to drink from her anymore,’ Alaric realized, studying the girl’s sleeping figure once again and silently came to a conclusion.

“I suppose we’ll see each other a couple more times in the future,” Alaric softly murmured to no one as he scooped Venus up into his arms and searched through her mind.

“Bingo..” Alaric thought as he found where her home was located based on her memory. “Well then, let’s go home shall we?” He mused to the sleeping girl's body.

—

As Alaric slipped into Venus’s room, he didn’t expect the green haired girl to be sitting at her desk, looking like she had seen a ghost.

“Ah..” Alaric quickly put his hand over Venus’ mouth to prevent her from yelling or screaming. The last thing he needs right now is for someone to find him here. “No need to be alarmed, Lovely. I’m not going to hurt you,” Alaric softly explained. Once Venus was calm, he quickly took his hand off of Venus’ mouth.

“I mean not as long as you don’t try to tase me again, that is.” Alaric joked to Venus, trying to lighten up the mood.

“You were the one following a helpless, littlegirl into a dark alleyway! And as for the taser situation..” Venus opened a drawer on her desk and pulled out a familiar looking taser.

“It won’t be used as long as you don’t bite me again,” Venus coldly glared at Alaric as a slight shiver passed throughout her body.

“Scots honor.. I won’t bite you anymore…without permission to do so?”Alaric questioned, his eyebrow raised as he awaited Venus’ answer.

The girl simply rolled her eyes and put away the taser as a response before looking back up at him.

“This isn’t the first time you’ve been in my room, correct?” Venus suspiciously looked at Alaric.

Alaric flashed a grin and nodded. “I choose times when you’re not in here and I put things back where they go. The room…how should I say it…feels like home?” Alaric wondered with a small laugh.

“It has your scent all over it ever since our first meeting. I've been craving you, and I’ve never been so needy for anyone’s.. Well, before meeting you, that is.” Alaric admitted, walking around Venus’s room and admiring his hard work.

“When it comes to us vampires, there's an old tale that all Vampires have a fated lover that we can find and only after we have tasted their blood. You can’t tell who they are by their appearance, and we can only know after we’ve gotten a taste of them…” Alaric started explaining, only stopping when he realized Venus wanted to say something.

“How old are you?” She carefully asked.

“How old do you think I am?” The vampire smugly teased while sticking his fangs out.

“Hm…two hundred?” Venus asked with a smile.

Alaric looked horrified at Venus’s response.

“I-I’m sorry, but you think I’m two hundredyears old?” Alaric exasperatedly asked, swiftly walking to Venus’s desk.

“Do I look that old?” The vampire asked again, as if he was going through a midlife crisis at this very moment.

“I mean, isn’t it a given? Vampires are supposed to be old anyways.” Venus shrugged, defending her claim, causing the not two hundred year old vampire to sink to the floor as he desperately shaked his head.

“I just had my fifty-seventh birthday last month..” Alaric scoffed at Venus’ response.

“Ahh. Still old though..” The girl said under her breath.

“I heard that! How old are you anyways?” Alaric asked as he rose up from the floor.

“I turn twenty six in a few months,” Venus replied with a grin. Alaric made a mental note to get her a birthday present whenever the date comes around.

“Are there others?” Venus asks, glancing up at Alaric.

“Others as in vampires? In that case, yes. But they don’t come into this part of town though, as it's mostly my territory. There are always the new ones who decide to come barging in, but a few smacks and they run away with their tails behind their legs.” He joked, causing Venus to let out a soft laugh.

“Any other questions?” Alaric’s eyes crinkled in delight as he observed how Venus was enjoying his company.

“Can you turn others into vampires?” The girl mused.

The vampire took a breath before answering, causing Venus to sit up a little straighter, and her eyes a little more focused. “Yes, but I have yet to do it. After all, there’s no reason for me to.”

As the clock ticked by, Venus kept asking questions and Alaric kept answering. That was until the vampire caught a glance at the clock and frowned.

“It’s four in the morning.” Alaric suddenly said to Venus in the middle of their current conversation.

Venus turned around as well to look at the clock on the wall behind her desk. “Yes, yes it is.” Venus paused before saying anything, trying to think if there was anything she was missing. Is there something important going on now?” She asked, confused on why Alaric suddenly stated the time.

“You, my love, are going to sleep now. I’ve already taken up too much of your time.” Alaric sternly said as he motioned towards Venus’ bed.

“Aren't you supposed to watch me while I sleep?” The girl slightly teased (and secretly hoped that Alaric would) as she got up from her chair and did a small stretch.

“Please don’t compare me to that god awful book..” Alaric groaned as he rubbed his nose bridge in annoyance..

“Although…I can wait by your side if you so desire?” Alaric offered with a smile, as he did enjoy Venus’ company and would ask for nothing more to stay by her side.

Venus’s eyes lit up as she aggressively nodded her head. “Please do!” Venus immediately replied, feeling a sudden excitement to bubble up inside her.

Before Venus dozed off to sleep, she felt a soft kiss being placed on her forehead and a certain someone's voice wishing her a good night. Venus smiled in her sleep, dreaming of her time with Alaric.

[mila-carat]

Even INI noticed that Takumi and Yudai's hug scene was a little bit "🤨🏳️‍🌈?" and to be honest i'm glad I'm not the only one...