#talked and hugged and bowed for a bit before they went to do ultimate content.

[angelic-din-mortem]

Final Fantasy 14 G-Posing of Lahabrea by: Me

18 of ?  

The Lord Vampire ever watching with his familiar. Waiting one day for the perfect victim... or partner. He doesn't know, he just needs a drink.

(Do not steal/repost/or take in any way. But as usual reblogs are always welcomed.)

[jangmi-latte]

Hello! May a I order Riddle, Leona, Azul, Kalim and Vil where each one deals with the type of girl that would bring them, how they met her, how they managed to get closer to her and how their relationship began? May it be in a headcannon form? Thank you!

❞ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐌𝐞𝐭.. ❝

➻ content: four smoothies! two served for now!

➻ warnings: uwu

➻ comments: i assumed these are like boyfriend headcanons and geeeh leona and vil in one request...and it’s lengthy too... hooking one reference setting again in one of these. wink, it's from one of the masquerade meals i made~

i'll be cutting these into two parts since it's going to be very long. vil and azul will be posted later! i had to remove kalim since tumblr was starting to glitch the longer it got and i didn't want to cut it into more than two parts. sorry kalim!

part two involving vil and azul

Ⅰ.

...♔ I Met You...

➺ we all want to assume that you’re one of riddle’s childhood friends who snuck him out with trey and chenya or you met in night raven college. but no, you met him when you were being scolded by his mother.

➺ yes, you were being scolded by his mother.

➺ it happened one afternoon when you were playing ball with your friends and it flew over to his yard. you, being an oblivious ten-year-old, entered the private property through the fence and was just about to pick up the ball when one of the maids saw you and called after the mrs. rosehearts.

➺ when you were shamefully being scolded by her, riddle was curious about all the yelling going on outside that he took a peak from his study room window and saw you. tears were already dripping from your eyes as you hugged the ball to your chest.

➺ ah, the concern on riddle's face. sure, it isn't a surprise that his mother is being feared and highly respected by other people but you didn't have to experience something as cruel as being yelled at.

➺ he doesn't know the reason why but he surely did think you were stupid enough not to know you're trespassing.

➺ that was the first time he saw you. he never thought he would see you again. however, fate decided to play a little game and decided to make both of you meet again two years later.

➺ by the time he's thirteen and you're twelve, your dog somehow ran into the open gates of his home and started barking in his yard. you remembered the home to be the place of the rosehearts so you were a bit troubled when you couldn't find a way for your dog to come back.

➺ he saw you from the window again, this time he was the one who ran out to the yard, took the dog, and gave it to you saying, "first the ball and then your dog?" he questioned while you furrowed your eyebrows in surprise. was he the son of mrs. rosehearts?

➺ you changed a bit during those two years and riddle must admit, he was intrigued by you. maybe it was because he barely had any friends and he did miss the presence of both chenya and trey. having a girl friend is something he never had and would like to have one.

➺ you introduced each other by the gates. mainly because riddle was taught to be formal and greet first before spiking up a conversation. the dog was back in your arms and you would've lied if you said you didn't notice anything peculiar by the way his head would always look over his shoulder.

➺ it began with a simple, "how do you know i was the one who got yelled at?" "i was by the window. i never knew i would see you again." to "since we're getting to know each other, why don't we play?"

➺ "i can't..."

➺ you would've talked to him more if it wasn't for his mother's loud yells looking for him.

➺ but fate isn't greedy.

...♔ Closer To You...

➺ your concern for riddle eventually led to you going to the gates more often. if not the gates, then waving behind the fence in front of his bedroom window. he couldn't go out of the house so what did you both do? from conversing by the use of paper aeroplanes to using tin can telephones. old school but it's the only way for you to be able to communicate with riddle.

➺ you two eventually started to learn about each other. you knew about his mother, trey and chenya, him being accepted to nrc, and his sweet tooth. you barely played, yes, but that doesn’t change the fact the both of you grew to be the best of friends.

➺ trey and chenya finally got to know you when riddle got the chance to invite you into his house. how? his parents were out, leaving him with the servants and he was able to sneak you in. you video-called with trey and chenya that day and you two got to interact more. you were both fifteen that time – riddle turning sixteen.

➺ until the day came where riddle had to go to nrc. you were happy for him yet sad that you can’t see him for a quite a while. sure, there’s the internet, but the real-life experience is what you’ll miss. 

➺ you met by the gates again where you ran to him and gave him a big hug. riddle was surprised, not really used to such affection while you cried how happy you are for him and made him promise that you two would talk still during his time at school.

...♔ I'm Yours...

➺ you eventually started your classes in a different school. it led to you and riddle not communicating for months. too busy with school and the ultimate pressure of his and your parents has consumed most of your time to talk to each other. let alone get the chance to visit him when he comes home.

➺ the promise was sealed and that was the last time in months where you’ll see him as you watched him enter the mirror. he gave his very first message when he got sorted into heartslabyul.

➺ you were shook when you found out he became dorm leader in just a week of him being there.

➺ when you turned sixteen, riddle is seventeen, that’s when the relationship would start a ride. that one vacation where he came home, riddle was forced to go to some formal event. he didn’t want to be there so he went to the manor’s backyard and saw you.

➺ if you’re expecting as something as sweet as pie, then that isn’t how your and riddle’s relationship began.

➺ it came to the point you nearly forgot about riddle as you wanted to focus on yourself more. same with riddle. he was too preoccupied with school, dorm management, and dealing with his mother to even have the chance to hold his phone.

➺ the two of you being reunited has brought hidden feelings to arise. you both had matured in some way and damn was riddle baffled with the kiss you just gave him in that gazebo.

➺ okay, he matured. not you.

➺ you would think it was going to be awkward after that, but no. after your father found out about riddle, he let the roseheats know about your ever-so-hidden relationship and let the two of you finally interact completely. 

➺ ah, the constant visits both of you would do to each other’s homes. riddle taught you everything he knows. he never brought up the kiss, he was too embarrassed to do so.

➺ until you did it again in the same gazebo when he was tutoring you one afternoon.

➺ “why do you keep on doing that?!” he exclaimed and covered his face. he may be the strict dorm leader in heartslabyul, but please he’s just as stupid as you when it comes to relationships. your gullible self just giggled and straight out confused, “because i love you.”

➺ that’s when riddle realized his feelings for you too. there wasn’t any ‘will you be my girlfriend?’ questions. it was straight-up ‘i love you too’ (with a hushed voice while being the tsundere he is) from him that sealed the next step of your relationship.

➺ you both were each other’s first partner so it was quite awkward and rusty at first. riddle would be shy and yell at you yet you would just giggle and be all affectionate on him.

➺ he eventually got used to it months later into the relationship. he would support you, be more proud of your developments, and maybe be more affectionate (by more maybe just a simple kiss on the hand and cheek here in there). he isn’t big into pda so it was a surprise to adeuce, trey, and cater that riddle has a girlfriend.

➺ how did they found out? you paid him a visit one day at school and hugged him tightly which shook everyone to the core. maybe trey found out sooner than the others but awww...everyone shipped the both of you that riddle may or may not have been more happy let the others know about you.

➺ he just loves you okay?

Ⅱ.

...❦  I Met You...

➺ we’re going to pull a lion king II in this one and say you were chasing a little butterfly and bumped into him one day that made the both of you roll down the hill. 

➺ leona recognized you as the daughter of one of the royal guards, noted by the uniform tattoo that adorned your bicep. the almighty respect he had for you was high, but why are you out here giggling and chasing some insect instead of training?

➺ your oblivious self was still on top of him after rolling from that hill. upon stretching your arms out, hovering over him, that’s when you made out the face of the second prince and immediately scurried away from him while saying uncountable amounts of apologies. 

➺  first meeting? not so really. more like the first time getting in contact with the prince since your parents are quite strict with who you befriend. did they explicitly say who you should and shouldn’t be friends with? no. so here you are embarrassed that you nearly brought the prince into an accident when you should be the one looking after him.

➺ you were young teens, maybe around thirteen to fourteen years old, when that happened. so, yes, leona was already the grumpy man he is. despite that, his skills aren’t as sharp as it is in the present day. when you both stopped rolling, you were whining while he was ‘growling’ at you – it wasn’t really a growl. try saying r through gritted teeth, that was the sound.

➺ “who are you?” he asked while fixing himself. stating your name, you bowed and remembered your training. ugh, how you wanted to be swallowed by the ground now.

➺ “i-i apologise, your highness! i’m supposed to be out looking for you rather than being careless–”

➺ “don’t call me your highness and i don’t need to be looked out for,” he grumbled. 

➺ oh, but that’s not your job now is it?

...❦  Closer To You...

➺ since it’s your job to look after leona, it’s pretty much obvious on how you two grew closer. if it wasn’t for your stubborn self ignoring his constant bickers of him being grown enough to not be looked after, you two wouldn’t be as close as when you two would grow up.

➺ “what are you reading, your highness?” “stop disturbing me!”

➺ you are a guard alright, but also his best friend. he wouldn’t admit it out loud but he did enjoy your company rather than being around his brother all the time. he finds your sudden persona change amusing. if you’re casually chatting with him, being all carefree, and one of the guards come in to check on both of you, you would suddenly stand up tall with a fierce expression and respond formally before reverting back to being your y/n self.

➺ he questions if you’re taking your job seriously.

➺ you grew up together side by side. there are ups and downs in your friendship, mainly due to leona’s high pride, but other than that, you became more of a sibling to him rather than his brother did. puberty did the both of you well and you eventually matured to become that motherly friend everyone needed.

➺ when it was time for him to move to school, your motherly side showed up. even though you knew he would be fine – those muscles don’t lie – being his guard AND friend, you made sure there isn’t going to be a problem with his transportation and his dormitory. separating from him means you can’t perform your duty as a guard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your duty as a friend either.

➺ with his stay there, you always called him or Ruggie. at least he has someone there that can look after him in your place.

➺ you would occasionally visit there (much to the savanaclaw students’ surprise) and make sure he’s alright. of course, leona would protest here and there saying you’re overreacting and such.

➺ “have you ate?” “time to wake up, stupid sleepyhead.” and all that. you still held that playfulness in you and leona never wanted that to change. if you’re protective to him then he’s protective over you too. you may be a tough and strong woman of the royal household, still, leona would look after you from the corner of his eye and make sure you’re safe despite the intense training you’re going through.

➺ he’s still thankful though.

...❦  I'm Yours...

➺ do you know what made leona love you more than a friend? when your nurturing side showed up. when? the birth of cheka. 

➺ speaking of cheka, when the little cub was born, it was in a lioness’ nature to look after other cubs and that’s what you instinctively did. you’re holding the future of the savannah in your arms and leona couldn’t help it but see you holding HIS child rather than his brother’s. 

➺ when the queen was resting, you would tend to the young child and leona would just stare at you. the older cheka grew, the more leona would fall for you.

➺ first, you didn’t leave him, second, you were there for him, third, you’re a wholeass wife-material. no, leona didn’t just see you as a potential partner, he doesn’t want you to leave his life at all which means you’re someone important to him. friends? nah, you’re going to be leona’s girlfriend.

➺ you grew up to be beautiful too. leona doesn’t really care for looks but seeing you mature so beautifully is a bonus to him. 

➺ you, on the other hand, already had a crush on leona during your adolescent years. until you were sure of your feelings for him, you eventually became more touchy than expected. either intentional or not, leona doesn’t mind.

➺ by touchy, you would hug him more often, hold his hands out of nowhere, play with his tail, etc. did leona mind? maybe in public, yes. if you were alone, however, he would just let you. you both are close after all.

➺ it was reflex, of course, very tough of a guard like you to act. “geez, thanks,” leona groaned. maybe it was kind of disrespectful, but believe it or not, it wasn’t leona’s intention to take advantage of you. he instantly got worried when you didn’t speak and just stayed still under the blanket.

➺ you were taking deep breaths with your cheeks red and all. your tail was uncontrollably flicking too. 

➺ “i saw that! miss y/n is my auntie now!” ah, damn now cheka saw that too. 

➺ it was leona who took the relationship to the next level when you were talking to him about something he can’t quite remember. he was just staring at how your lips moved and suddenly, he just kissed you. did he get a kiss back? no. instead, he had a kick to the stomach that sent him curling up while you buried yourself under the blankets.

➺ leona shooed the little cub away and removed the blankets to see you covering your face. he noticed your tail going whoosh so he gently held it. big mistake. you kicked his leg this time which made him fall on the bed and you sat on his waist and glared down at him.

➺ “remind me next time not to kiss you.” “oh, i will.”

➺ and you made the move this time and kissed him.

➺ now you’re his and his only.

➺ the whole royal household found out about your relationship after cheka started cheering about how he’ll get a little playmate/cousin after he saw you and leona kiss. honey, that’s not how kids are made...

[ddarker-dreams]

I could see Scarlet Ribbons’ stand cry being something like “BOWBOWBOWBOWBOW” cuz like.. ribbons... make bows and stuff.... sorry I’m bad at this 🤪

OKAY THIS IS ACTUALLY REALLY CUTE THOUGH... i’m going to make a list of possible stand cries, and this is gonna be added on it!! 

anonymous asked: Is scarlet ribbons willing for a smooch 🥺🥺

but of course!! i’ve pictured scarlet ribbons as being a very affectionate and playful stand, since that adds even more Possibilities of the stand acting up around everyone. scarlet ribbons definitely wants to give ppl hugs and stuff, showcasing how affectionate and :D!!! the user is. 

anonymous said: lmaooo imagine the entire bucci gang's reaction when scarlet ribbon's user/reader end up with someone from la squadra XDD in the au where everyone lives of course

it’d be a battlefield... i guess if they weren’t fighting against one another like they were in the anime, it might be slightly better? but i can’t imagine it going over real well, since everyone would be v wary of la squadra. if reader is happy that’s one thing, but there’s going to be a lot of investigation going into it. they need to make sure she’s safe and sound qwq

anon said: Okay so if i got it right Scarlet Ribbon's attack can be a good way to escape out of GioGio's estate after his kidnapping, you know, like Spider man but in stead of spider web/beam it's cutesy pinky rope of ribbon 😂as for the ocean surrounding the island reader can coagulate their ribbons into a small boat and row themselve back to civilazation 👏😂👏 im thriving for independent reader pls don't mind me 🥺 again, much love + appreciation for you to came out with this awesome concept💓💘💓❤💓💕

ohh so like a yandere version of the SR verse? i’ve definitely given it some thought, since i write 99% yandere content (or smth close to that at least, math was never my best subject). anyways i think that it’d be chaotic for any yanderes to deal with scarlet ribbon darling, seeing as having a stand that versatile gives plenty of opportunities to escape! giorno has the added benefit of being able to track darling down using his own ability, but it’d be a game of cat and mouse for a while. i’ll definitely write a yan version of it one day...

anon said: hi lock!! I just wanted to pop by and say that I love your Scarlet Ribbons series so far ♡ such good food.... u spoil us.... :') that being said, what was your motivation behind it? why did you want to take a fluffy route as opposed to your usual yan content? ty and have a nice day!!

hello anon <3 i’m happy to know that you’ve been enjoying it!! trust me i’ve been having way too much fun fleshing everything out too, it’s been a Mega Muse . i still love writing yandere content the most, but i guess picturing a normal universe felt interesting in its own right. more possibilities open up. i had thought about it being everyone going yan, but i scrapped it when i realized that’d just lead to bucciarati’s team killing one another. i’ve given some thought to individual yandere’s in the universe though! 

i think that exploring different types of content is what helps prevent burnout!! so that’s why i’ve channeled some energy into a more normal universe, just so that when i want to write fluff/more humor based stuff i have an outlet for it. u vu...

anon asked: :eyes: what was rooming in with bruno like? how did he feel when reader went to room with fugo? what is rooming in with fugo like? WHAT RIVALRY DID THESE DORKS DEVELOP OVER THE ISSUE??hdknld i can imagine fugo preening when reader's with him and bruno is lowkey .__.)

THE INITIAL ROOMMATE ... boy bruno was pretty excited! i picture reader waking up early some mornings to make him breakfast/coffee, as a way of saying thank you. reader would be very grateful and feel indebted to bruno for all the kindness he’s shown, especially since he’s not even charging rent for staying at his place! it all has a nice, domestic feeling that bruno never realized he longed for. i’m sure he knows it won’t last forever, as nice as that sounds. 

even with all the times he reassured reader that money isn’t a problem, the thought of imposing on someone who has already given reader a lot is hard to get past. bruno had a bit of a stone face when reader mentioned becoming roommates with fugo, but ultimately wouldn’t want to monopolize her time or anything. he still gets to see her everyday! though he’s going to miss the special talks, and breakfasts ... :(( 

bruno probably picks up on fugo’s treatment towards reader before fugo even realizes how he feels lmao. he’s just hoping that no Funny business goes down, semi hypocritical as that may be. acting as a team leader means making scarifies for the well being of the group, and having to put his wants on the back burner. this is definitely one of those instances. 

anon said: Hey thank you for posting about scarlet ribbons, I’ve been having a very rough time mentally ( Rn I’m confined to a 3 mile radius of the house for medical reasons) and this brought me so much joy, I want to share my goth makeup tips with Leone and tend to my collection with GioGio, your characterisation of fugo has also totally changed my mind on him I didn’t even think he was cute before your writing! I hope you are doing well

aaaa i’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a difficult time. this is definitely a comfy type of series, so it makes me happy to know that it’s brought you some happiness!! i’ll be posting about it plenty, since i have loooots of ideas for it!! leone would love talking about makeup with you, since everyone else before trish is clueless on the subject. he’d likely surprise you with eye shadow palettes or lipstick that you’ve been wanting! in a very lowkey fashion, just kinda shoving it towards you and saying he saw it on sale and it’s whatever. on the inside he’s screaming though lmaoo

giorno is another person who, when isn’t focused on his dream and such, would be Dying for some reader one on one time. it’s cute, he tries to make his interest seem as organic as possible. he manages to pull it off well! 

I LOOOVE FUGO... once i got a more solid characterization for him down, i wanted to write for him a lot. i really wish we got to see more of him in the anime, but purple haze feedback gave lots of good insights to him as well! i think that while he’s more of a serious character, he’s been shown to have some snark as well.

[jordancat]

'Shadowhunters' Series Finale: Bosses Explain Clary's Cliffhanger and Malec's Near Perfect Wedding (Exclusive)

By Leanne Aguilera‍ 7:30 PM PDT, May 6, 2019

ETOnline

https://www.etonline.com/shadowhunters-series-finale-bosses-explain-clarys-cliffhanger-and-malecs-near-perfect-wedding

Go to the article and give it a hit, but in case the article is moved or has been taken down if you are finding this post in a year or so after Shadowhunters has been saved, here is the content. 

WARNING: If you have not watched the series finale of Shadowhunters, then grab your stele and escape through the nearest portal. For everyone else, grab that extra box of tissues and listen up...

After three action-packed seasons filled with gut-wrenching twists and heart-pounding turns, Shadowhunters has come to an end.

The series finale of the Freeform drama has just bowed on our screens, but if you're anything like us, then a lot of questions must be racing through your minds as you try to catch your breath through a river of tears.

In one last quest for answers – and perhaps a bit of closure – ET called up Shadowhunters executive producers, Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, and asked the co-showrunners to explain our most burning questions after that two and a half hour finale.

Read on for exclusive explanations about Clary's shocking cliffhanger, the few things missing from Malec's near "perfect" wedding, and one last answer to the question that every fan has been asking: Is this really the end of Shadowhunters?

ETonline: How important was it for you deliver a Shadowhunters series finale that you knew fans would be proud of?

Todd Slavkin: It was hugely important. We poured our hearts into this finale and we wanted every moment to count – especially Malec’s wedding. That was a big moment for a fandom that had been waiting a long time to see it and it had to be really, really special.

Let’s talk about Malec’s wedding – it was gorgeous. What little details did you make sure were included in the Malec wedding, so it could be perfect for the fans?

TS: The flower girl was really important in that it had to be Madzie. Maryse walking Magnus down the aisle was a really powerful statement after all they’ve been through and knowing what the wedding was like in season one. It felt important that it was full circle and that hug between them still breaks my heart when she sends him up on the stage. The vows needed to be perfect – every single word needed to count. There was a little fun behind-the-scenes moment where it felt right that Alec would be very nervous – more nervous than Magnus. After all, this is The Institute, this is The Clave and there’s a great moment where he’s nervous and Harry just gives him a little nod like, “Its okay. You’re going to get through it.” And it felt so right and so honest and like a lot of weddings that I’ve been to. Just capturing those human moments – the whole show has really been about that. Even in this heightened reality, these human emotions and moments really mean a lot to all of us.

Darren Swimmer: We wanted to populate the wedding with as many of the characters in the overall series as we could. So anybody who wasn't at the wedding, you can be pretty sure was not available due to scheduling, or they were deceased on the show, or a villain.

Speaking of deceased villains – Let’s talk about Jonathan. How did you guys decide that Clary would create one last rune in order to take down her brother?

TS: Well, it felt so right that the ultimate sacrifice that Clary had to do would be killing her brother and saving the world at the same time. We knew that he couldn't die by anyone else’s hand. And we knew that it would be incredibly heartbreaking that his sister – this human that he’s loved so much and he’s wanted her love for so long – is the one who finally wanted to take his life. The idea of creating this new rune and using this winged embrace to kill him just felt like such a perfect moment. Rhyming the wings that we had seen before and with white conquering darkness and all of that.

Even though Clary used this new rune to save the world and take down Jonathan, Ithuriel (sic - it was asctually Raziel - jordancat) still stripped her of her Shadowhunter status. We had a one-year time-jump and a cliffhanger ending with mundane Clary recognizing Jace and seeing his runes. Can you explain the meaning of that last scene?

TS: The expression of the love between Jace and Clary is such an integral part of the series and we knew we had to pay it off in a huge way. The idea that the love that they have is even more powerful than the wrath of the angel Ithuriel (sic Raziel - jordancat) is just such a great statement. Love conquers all. Love conquers darkness.

DS: I would also add that we see the inevitability of Clary as a Shadowhunter. At the end of the day, her fate is that she’ll be a Shadowhunter. We don’t completely answer that question or present that, but I think that’s what the takeaway is. She’ll be a Shadowhunter.

Take me past that cliffhanger of an ending. What do you envision what happens next? Does Clary need to re-learn her training? Does she need to re-form those bonds with all these people? Does she need to re-fall in love with Jace?

DS: I don’t want to give too much away because we want to make it something that the fans can think about in their imagination. But in the fourth season that we were hoping might somehow materialize itself when we wrote this, we would see Clary and Jace working together to sort of re-train her and get her to back to Shadowhunters status 100 percent.

TS: We’d have this new Clary with the cool hair, and the awesome outfit, and she’s kind of like a strong young woman who’s found herself as an artist, but knows there’s something missing in her life. Even just like in the pilot, there was this feeling that would just start all over, but they would be more adult now.

In this potential future for “new” Clary, is there a possibility that she would get her memories back?

TS: Yes. In the Shadow World anything can happen.

It was so amazing to see Clary ask Izzy to be her Parabatai. It made it even more gut-wrenching to realize that this wasn’t going to happen once Clary lost her memory. Can you talk about dangling that conversation over the fans and then your decision to have that not come to fruition?

DS: The two of them becoming Parabatai was something that we always imagined we would work towards, but it was something that we also thought needed to be extended and pushed as late as we possibly could. So when we knew that we only had two episodes left, we wanted to take advantage of that and present it here.

TS: But the great thing is when Clary recognized Jace at the end, you’re like, “Wow! Okay I could see that happening again for sure.” That [bond] is not going to go away.

Izzy and Simon’s slow-burn of relationship was sped up quite a bit in that series finale. What was your goal when it came to showing the love story of these two characters?

DS: We have to thank the Sizzy fans for being so patient while we laid the groundwork over this season for their relationship. We always felt that the longer we pushed it off, the more powerful it would be once they got together – and then suddenly we ran out of runway. I still think there was enough of the lead in, and the start of their relationship happens basically when we wanted it to happen. We just didn’t get to see as much as we wanted.

TS: The original end of season three was their kiss and then fire consumes Izzy. That was going to be the end of season three and then we would've spent the entire season four having to heal lizzy and there would still be more of a slow burn. So in a weird way, Sizzy fans got it early. They lucked out because we had to jump the gun.

DS: Yeah, how many times can you have the two of them start to kiss and then have an alarm go off? [Laughs]

What is a loose end that you guys wish you could’ve tied up differently?

TS: That’s a really good question. I feel like the loose ends were tied up really nicely. There’s a little bit of stuff that we would’ve wanted to see and we would’ve wanted to explore more.

DS: We tied things together, but we would've wanted to tie them together in a little bit longer way. The wedding wouldn’t have been planned in one day.

TS: But you know after thinking about it, I would've loved at the wedding if we would've seen a conversation between Jace and Magnus being like, “Thank you. I couldn't have asked for any one better to take care of my Parabatai.” And I would’ve loved to have seen Robert Lightwood say to Maryse, “I’m so happy for you that you’ve found love again.” And I wish Luke Garroway was at that wedding and I wish Maia was at that wedding. There are those little things. That wedding could’ve been an entire episode. It could have been a full 42 minutes and I think the fans would've loved it just as much and we could have had all of these moments that would have just gone on and on and on. We just were limited.

Was Clary losing her memory always part of the plan or was that conceptualized once you knew that the show was ending?

TS: It was conceptualized once we knew the show was ending.

Had the show not ended – and Clary never lost her memories – what would’ve been Clary’s fate as we moved into season four?

TS: Great question! I think she would have really been healing over the guilt she felt over Dark Clary and the terrible things she did and would’ve been cleaning up that mess. And Jace would have been helping her, like, get back to normal. I think Jace and Clary could’ve had this normalized relationship – at least for Shadowhunters. A peak in the normalcy and I think the fandom would have craved that a little. Those moments that we’ve had when they’ve gone out on their dates – like the ice skating moment and the moment in early in season three when they went to dinner with Simon. These are these great human moments that stand out and again I think we would've leaned into that more.

Would we have seen a Clace wedding?

DS: Absolutely.

The series finale of Shadowhunters is here, but the fans have not stopped fighting to save the show. Is this the official end of Shadowhunters?

TS: I think it’s the end of Shadowhunters in this permutation. Those books live on and the rights live on. Darren and I don’t have the rights and we don't control the rights. I think we’re all kind of going onto other things, but having said that – you never say never. What I wouldn't rule out and what I don't think is impossible is doing, like, a future movie. Where you could get everyone together for a few weeks and do like a two-hour, or a four-hour, or a limited six-episode thing. Maybe with the same cast, but you never know. Weird thing happen in today’s TV world.

DS: The only reason that it seems like it would be a long shot to [continue this show] in this permutation is that everything has been disassembled. The sets have been sold, and all the props, and that stuff [is gone.] It’s not like we could ever come back and just continue it where it is. It would be starting from scratch.

TS: Yeah they auctioned off props, like, in August or September. It was crazy and horrible.

The fans have been asking, “What more could we have done to save Shadowhunters?” What do you want to say to them?

DS: The fans did everything right.

TS: It’s an incredibly passionate, creative, strong fandom that should be so proud of themselves because this won't be forgotten and it’s bigger than a TV show. What this fandom is preaching is inclusion, and love for all, and all these positive things in life and I think that’s a rarity. I think that will go down in history.

DS: And I was just going to add that without this incredible fan base, we might not have had a two-parter [finale] at all. The show might have just been canceled. But knowing that there was such a devoted fanbase, the powers-that-be decided to do this two-hour finale.

[cowboisss]

Fall For You - Hosea x Reader

A/N This has taken me an embarrassingly long amount of time, but I’m extremely happy with the result. I hope y’all are too!

It had come suddenly, and completely without Hosea's consent.

First, it was the glances. It was the slight loss of control when he looked at you, and could not stop looking at you. The way the sun shone on your beautiful hair or bounced off of your sparkling eyes was captivating, and he could spend hours just observing your looks and mannerisms, taking in every detail. He was often able to catch himself, however, rarely you would glance back at him before he could do so, and notice his stare. And you would smile.

Oh, that smile. The stirring deep inside of him at your smile was what first alerted Hosea to the unrelenting process taking place inside of his heart, and at that realization, he soon felt fear accompanying it. The last time he had ever felt this was long ago, too long to remember in full, and it ended in tragedy. There was no way he was going to let the same thing happen to you, no matter how enticing your laughter was, or how much his heart ached when you left on a job. And what's more, there was no way you would ever see him in the way he saw you, no matter how much he wished the opposite.

So with firm determination, Hosea decided he would not engage those feelings, those longings that had resurfaced after so many years. The risk was too great, and the fear too deep. He tried his best to bury it, hide it, so that it would not interfere with his duties or yours.

"I think he hates me." Hosea froze as he passed by your tent on his way to the campfire, your soft voice just barely making its way into the cool night air through the tent canvas.

"I'm sure that's not the case, why would anyone hate you?" Replied the similarly quiet voice of Mary-Beth, and Hosea couldn't help but feel a little awkward at his sudden intrusion into what seemed to be a secret confession of yours. As he thought about who could possibly be showing you hostility, however, he felt his blood boil, and was about to march down to Micah's tent to give him a piece of his mind. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but his desire to keep you safe and happy, and ultimately, his love for you, overrode his common courtesy.

"I don't know... it just seems like he's so distant with me, like he doesn't want anything to do with me... I try to let him know how I feel but..." You sighed. "It's just hard, is all." Hosea's anger soon dissipated into sadness as he heard your defeated voice, and he wanted nothing more than to burst in and give you a hug. He turned away and tried to leave your conversation in peace, with some dignity left, but was drawn back in once more at Mary-Beth's response.

"I'm sorry, that must be frustrating. But Hosea can be like that sometimes. Always focusing on work and not on people." She chuckled, and the color drained from Hosea's face as he realized you were talking about him. How could you think he hated you? Sure, he wasn't exactly the most obvious in expressing his affections, but that was on purpose, and he didn't think that he had brought it so far as to make you think he hated you. Casting a quick glance to the sky, as if to ask for forgiveness, Hosea remained planted.

"I guess... but I thought he had returned my feelings... and now he's just gone completely silent. As if I don’t even exist.” A sniffle followed your comment, and neither you nor Mary-Beth spoke for some time. Hosea felt as if he had been punched in the stomach, and as he slowly slinked away back to his tent, his mind was devising ways he could help you feel better, without revealing his affections or the fact that he had eavesdropped on your conversation. The rest of the night he spent laying awake in his cot, tossing and turning, deriving no real solace from his hastily-formed plan.

Three days. Three days had passed since you rode out of camp, on your way to a bounty in Valentine. The morning Hosea rose groggily from his cot after having eavesdropped in on you and Mary-Beth, you left on your horse, whispering a short word to Dutch and avoiding Hosea’s gaze. It’s been three days since then, and now he could barely sit still.

He never got the chance to try and comfort you, and as he paced in front of the campfire, that was all he could think about. He knew you could handle yourself, but never before has a bounty taken you this long.

I think he hates me.

Your words kept echoing in his head, kept repeating over and over again, ceaselessly. You felt hated. You felt hated by the one person who most definitely did not hate you, and Hosea could do nothing but pace in anguish at the thought.

“Damn it Hosea, sit down!” Dutch’s voice drew him out of his thoughts, and Hosea turned his head to see Dutch sitting at a table, glaring at him, cigar in hand. With a slight shake of the head, Hosea slowed down, but didn’t stop his pacing.

“I’m not asking, friend.” This time Dutch’s voice was softer, but still demanding, and with another glance towards him, Hosea saw the concern laced in his features, eyebrows furrowed and elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. A defeated sigh escaped Hosea’s lips and he reluctantly plopped down in a chair, mind still preoccupied.

Neither of them said anything for a while, just watching the daily happenings of the camp, which quickly resumed after Hosea had finally taken a seat. He sat quietly, hands clasped together and eyes focused on nothing in particular, as Dutch smoked his cigar and occasionally glanced at his best friend.

“She’s been gone an awful while, Dutch,” Hosea finally said, still gazing off into the distance. Dutch simply nodded.

“You know,” he said, carefully putting out his cigar before leaning towards Hosea, “its been a long time since I’ve seen you like this. The last time you acted this crazy was...” He paused a moment. “Well, it was with Bessie.”

It was a long time before Hosea replied. He had not been a stranger to that thought, but he had been clinging to his last hope that maybe — just maybe — he was mistaken. Dutch’s comment had erased all doubt.

“I s’pose you’re right,” he admitted, head bowed.

“I’m sure she’s fine, Hosea. She can handle herself.” Dutch slowly stood up, stretching a little before patting Hosea on the shoulder. “I’ll see you around.”

Hosea nodded but stayed silent, and as soon as Dutch walked away he was on his horse, riding off to Valentine.

Had he not known any better, he would have assumed the rumors swirling around town were about some other unfortunate soul.

“You know what happened to that girl from the bar?”

“I heard the most horrendous scream up by the river when I went fishing. Scared the daylights right outta me.”

“Anyone else here that gunshot outside of town last night?”

“I was out by the river and saw a body and I couldn’t help but let out the most blood-curdling scream!”

The barrage of voices seemed to engulf Hosea as he slinked about Valentine, trying to find any sort of clue as to your whereabouts. No one had a straight answer, and everyone had a theory, each vastly different from the last. Whatever you had done here and however you left, quite the impression was left on the townspeople. The confusion only worried Hosea more, and he became frantic in his search for you.

Eventually he decided to head down to the river, where the most rumors had come from. A short gallop later and Hosea found himself following a ghastly trail of blood, nearly a day old, all along the riverbank. His heart was beating into his throat, his mouth dry. Everything fell by the wayside as he felt himself getting closer to where you were, his pace quickening almost to a sprint.

The macabre line soon took a turn right into a cave, the dark opening almost inviting Hosea inside. There was no indication outside as to whether there were people inside or if there ever had been. For all he knew this could be a wild animal. But Hosea was not about to overlook it, and with a deep breath, he ducked into the cavernous entrance.

“So what’re we gonna to do with the whore?” A gruff voice asked, and Hosea dashed behind a particularly large boulder, doing everything he could to keep his breathing under control.

Your voice broke through the darkness, and Hosea’s eyes widened with both hope and fear, as he just nearly stopped himself from springing over the boulder. “Excuse you-”

“Shut up.” A deafening crack rang through the cave and you grunted in pain, effectively silenced. “We’re gonna make you wish you never turned Pete in. You’re gonna wish you was dead.” There was a short scuffle and you let out a muffled screamed, and Hosea could no longer stand it.

He peeked around the boulder, and spotted through the semi-darkness three men, and you, hogtied and gagged, bloodied and beaten, lying on the floor. His heart lurched into his throat and with fingers as fast as lightening, he cocked his guns and fired three shots into one of the men, leaping around the boulder and shooting another one just as he spun around to see what was happening. The last man didn’t even have a chance to pull out his gun before he found a bullet in his chest and one in his head, and fell to the ground with a thud.

Hosea wasted no time in sprinting to your side, pulling his knife out and releasing you from the rope and your gag. You immediately sprang into his arms, sobs wracking your body.

“Shhh... it’s okay... you’re okay...” Hosea whispered. He held you close against him, fingers running through your blood caked hair as you buried your face into his chest, tears soaking his clothes. After what felt like forever, your tear ducts finally dried, but you remained in Hosea’s arms, grateful for the first bit of safety you had felt in days. You were content to simply breathe in his scent, your arms wrapped around his neck, his around your waist and shoulders, the both of you completely still.

“You came for me...” Your gravelly voice was barely above a whisper, so quiet that Hosea nearly missed it. His heart sank, and he carefully peeled you away from him, straightening you up and setting a hand on your shoulder, the other brushing away a stray strand of hair from your face.

“Of course I did... why wouldn’t I?”

You cast your eyes to the ground. “You never seemed like you wanted anything to do with me...”

“I- I want everything to do with you. Hey-” He softly tilted your chin up, making you meet his eyes, and for a brief moment he was was lost in your beauty. Even with the blood running down the side of your face, the angry red welt forming on your jaw, and the scratches and bruises that littered your face, you looked absolutely gorgeous.

And your eyes. God, your eyes.

“I-” His words got stuck in his throat, trying desperately to escape, but to no avail. There was so much he wanted to tell you, he wanted to pour his heart out to you, wanted to let you know how much he loved you, and how much that terrified him. He wanted to confess everything to you.

Your eyes filled with turmoil, and confusion, and... was that concern?

Hosea’s mind filled with excuses. Now was not the time to confess his affections. Everything was in chaos, and that would only add to it. What if you didn’t accept him? He was far from his prime, and someone like you, who could have whatever suitor she wanted, would most certainly never choose him.

But as he was dwelling on any reason as to why he couldn’t confront his feelings right then and there, his words grew legs and walked to the front of his mouth, tumbling out and falling into his lap with a worrisome, whip-like crack that left the air completely silent.

“I love you.”

The silence was deafening. Your expression didn’t change in the slightest, and Hosea was instantly brought back to the many nights you two had spent playing poker, filling him with warm memories. He was quickly dragged back to reality, however, when he felt your cool lips against his in a soft kiss.

Just as quickly as you had leaned forward, you pulled back, a light dusting of pink across your cheeks and a sheepish smile gracing your features. To say he was stunned would be an understatement, but Hosea happily returned your kiss with another in earnest, hand gently cupping the undamaged side of your jaw.

And for a moment he was completely and utterly at peace.

[karrista]

“Teren is still my Father.”

[Aftermath from this.]

     Tara’lena released the string on her bow, aiming for Karrista’s throat from a few feet away.  “Lycan will kill you, next time he sees you.”

     “It’s a good thing he won’t be coming to see me any time soon.” Karrista knocked the arrow aside with her sword and charged at Tara’lena, delivering an overhead chop.

    Tara’lena brought her bow up, blocking the sword and brushing it aside with one of the limbs.  “That’s why I am doubling up your training. So when he does come, You will be ready.”

    Karrista dropped to a low crouch and kicked out with one leg, sweeping Tara’lena off her feet.  “And here I thought you were distracting me. Yield!” She pounced on Tara’lena, straddling her shoulders with her dagger in her off-hand at her mate’s throat.

    Tara’lena looked to her mate and nodded subtly.  “I yield. Of course I am distracting you. You are angry, and if you do not let it out, you will explode.”  She moved to stand up slowly, raising a hand to Karrista.

    “Even if I’m angry at you?”  Karrista took the hand and pulled Tara’lena to her feet.  Once she was standing, she moved away, putting a good twenty feet between the two.

    Tara’lena scooped up her bow and dusted it off.  “Especially if you are angry with me.” She turned to Karrista and nocked an arrow, raising it.

    ”It wasn’t your choice to make!”  Karrista spun her sword with a bit of a showy flourish as she switched her dagger to a reverse grip.

    Tara’lena channeled an arcane energy into the arrow, causing it to glow a blue-purple, the head looking sheathed in mist.  “Yes it was. Not because I am your Mistress, your Wife, or your Mate. Because you could not make it yourself. And do not tell me you could, you do not get to lie to me. And I do not need to be able to read your mind to know what you are feeling.” She released the arrow, which became three, and then five moments after clearing the limbs.

    ”It was still my choice to make!”  Karrista jumped up, clearing the first volley, using her sword to keep one from getting her leg.  She landed a couple feet closer and readied for the next.

    Tara’lena resorted to mundane arrows, but began loosing them at a rapid pace.  “When your choices affect me as well, they become our choices. I expect no less of you with me.  Now tell me what you are really angry about.”

    ”I’m never going to be able to see Evangeline again!  And you took her from me!” Karrista could only deflect a few of the arrows, having to begin dodging and weaving to avoid the attack, still attempting to advance.

    “What did I say about lying to me.  Yes, I know you are lying, because you have the same look my mother did after my little sister was born.” Her fingers hovered near the untensioned bowstring, the nock of the arrow resting between her fingers. There was a look of distant pain in Tara’lena’s eyes as she watched Karrista.

    Karrista hesitated her advance, surprised by both the look Tara’lena was giving her, and the emotions she could sense radiating from her.  ”What are you talking about?”

    “Answer me this.  Are you upset about losing your daughter, or are you upset that you aren’t upset about losing your daughter.”  Tara’lena lowered her bow, aiming it down at the ground.

    Karrista had a look of venom on her face at Tara’lena’s question.  This line was getting too close to painful and she wanted to end it.  ”Since when is Evangeline just my daughter?”

    “The hardest thing a mother can do is to give up her child so they can have the life they deserve.”  Tara’lena’s voice sounded fragile, uncertain, as if she was not just talking about Karrista.

    Karrista threw her sword to the ground and marched towards Tara’lena.  The pain on her face became anger. ”I’m not her fucking mother! I was just a fucking incubator for nine months!  A mother is there every night. Every moment, every tear, scratch and smile. A mother doesn’t get dragged around by a leash for a couple hours every weekend.  I don’t have a mothering bone in my body.” When she stepped up to Tara’lena, she looked like she was going to stab her with the dagger before she went limp and collapsed into her mate.

    “If you did not have a mothering bone, you would not feel like this. You are so very young and have so much time ahead of you. You are still growing, finding your place in the world.  Now tell me what you are really angry about.” Tara’lena wrapped her arms around Karrista, holding her up now. She slipped the dagger from her mate’s hands and holstered it on her thigh.

    Karrista looked up to Tara’lena, trying not to cry.  She sniffled once and shook her head, looking to Tara’lena in disbelief.  ”If she’s your daughter too, why aren’t you broken-hearted.” She whispered in an almost accusing tone.

    “You know my emotions are messed up, I do not feel things like others expect of me.” Tara’lena saw through the naked distraction attempt but indulged her mate for the moment, intending to get to the root of the problems.

    Karrista snorted in amusement, not certain that she believed that she was immune to Lycan’s taunting.  ”You certainly got emotional with Lycan. What did you say? ‘edge of your patience’. He got to you didn’t he?”

    “You think Lycan got to me?  That almost makes me laugh. It took Arthas, Lana’thel, and Six Scourgelords more than a month to break me.  A love-struck honeymooning incubus is marginally more annoying than a fly around my head. He doesn’t know what it means to ‘leash’ you, or what would happen if you were truly leashed”  Tara’lena’s grin bordered on darkness, as if she knew something that Karrista did not.

    Karrista raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what Tara’lena was leading to at this point. ”I think he fully understands bonding.”

    “Tell me, did you ever once consider stepping out of line?  With everything he said, every insult or challenge. I do not mean words or idle thoughts, I mean genuine consideration.  Did you ever once consider stepping out of line.”

    Karrista realized she had been lead into a trap and hooked.  She paused a moment, both to think on Tara’lena’s words, and consider ways out.  ”I had plenty to say, and I certainly misstepped, plenty of mistakes...”

    “You were leashed the entire time.  Just never to his standards.” Tara’lena’s grin dripped with controlled confidence, her tone that sultry rasp that unsettled most, but hit Karrista in her core.

    Karrista let out a quiet gasp, attempting to keep her breathing under control as she looked into Tara’lena’s eyes.  Her body remained limp, held in her mate’s arms, unable to stand up on her own strength without completely yielding to Tara’lena.  ”Why?” Her words were whispered breathlessly against Tara’lena’s lips.

    “Why did I never do it to his standards? Because then you would have no reason to go there.  It would destroy you. Not permanently no. He does not understand you, or me, what we are. Our relationship is not normal.  If I were to do that to you, you would fall right into it comfortably.” Tara’lena’s words lowered in volume, more felt through her chest than affecting Karrista’s ear.

    Karrista’s eyes fluttered slightly and she forced herself to break the gaze she held, finding a spot on Tara’lena’s neck to stare at.  ”You sound absolutely certain about that. You aren’t poking in my head right now...”

    It was Tara’lena’s turn to pause right now.  She was uncertain how much she wished to say at this point.  “I know because it was mere circumstance that kept it from being reversed.”  Tara’lena noticed the scrunched up look of confusion on Karrista’s brow. “Consort to the Dreadscar Mistress?  Do you not think being that lacked any form of a power exchange? I was yours, completely and utterly, and it felt like perfection.”

    Karrista lifted her eyes to look at Tara’lena, through lidded lashes.  She held back her words, as her face said it all. That surrender and pure contentment within absolute submission.  It was a drug both of them were familiar with, and danced around, daring the other to yield in an ultimate way.

    Tara’lena’s next words were harder, almost compelling in their intensity as she dug for the truth, the core of Karrista’s pain.  “Now tell me what you are really angry about.”

    “I told you you already.”  Karrista squirmed slightly in Tara’lena’s arms, finding her hug was a bit tighter than just affection.

    Tara’lena did not appear to be very believing of Karrista at the moment.  She had a very good clue what it was, only she needed Karrista to admit it to herself.  “You told me some very important issues we are going to work through, but you have not told me the real reason.”

    Karrista’s squirms became strong fidgeting, struggling to get free.  “I don’t want to, if I say it, it’ll make it real!”

    “It is real enough already my Sun and Soul.  I see it in your eyes and your body. Lycan terrifies you.  The Blood King does not scare you. Old Gods, Mad Dragons, a fucking Shivarra out for your body does not scare you.  Out of everything you have faced, why are you so scared of him?” Tara’lena’s grip became tight, painful as if she could use that pain to get through Karrista’s walls.

    Karrista’s struggles suddenly stopped, the tears clear in her eyes.  She looked up to Tara’lena and almost spat with her words. ”Because he is fucking right! Because I am a threat to Teren.  Because I want to do things to Teren, with Teren. I remember him on his knees before me, the blood down his back, his screams…”

    “You still want to kill him?”  Tara’lena’s eyes opened wide, compassion laced with curiosity within.  Keeping Karrista in her grip, she lowered the two so they were sitting on the grassy ground.

    “NO!”  Karrista snapped harshly, looking to Tara’lena in shock.  “I don’t want to kill him, I love him. But I still want to hear screams with those words.  I want to feel his hands on my body, the rope wrapping around my limbs. When I cry out it’s too tight, he pulls it a little bit more.” Karrista buried her head into Tara’lena’s neck. “I know I’m not fel corrupted any more, but I still feel a darkness within me. Pain and pleasure are one in the same.  A knife to the throat screams ‘I love you’ in my head. Being put back together afterwards, is more intimate than a thousand rainy afternoons in your arms.”

    Tara’lena moved a hand from Karrista’s back to her hair, caressing it with soothing strokes.  “Is it just Teren you feel this for?”

    “No.”  Karrista whimpered softly and shook her head.  Her shoulders shivered as if wanting to cry. “It’s everyone, anyone.  A bite is just a kiss with teeth. Scratches are snuggles with nails. And I know that Lycan sees it within me, those desires and hungers.  Beyond just the lusts of a young succubus.”

    “Remember what I said earlier?”  Tara’lena moved a hand to pull Karrista’s face up so they could look into each other’s eyes.  “We are mates, we make the choices that the other can not. You are, and will be a wonderful mother.  You’ve put your daughter’s well-being above your own desires. You have unconventional desires, aggressive, rough, sadomasochistic desires, but you need to face them fully, not run and hide.  You may be dark, but you are not evil. And we are away from Lycan, you do not have to face him, you do not have to fear him any more. We can work this out.”

    Karrista sniffled loudly, swallowing back her tears.  She gave Tara’lena a fragile but better smile. “I’m gonna miss Teren…”  She shifted up in Tara’lena’s arms, silencing her mate’s response so she could continue.  She spoke softly against Tara’lena’s lips. “We’ll need time to heal, to grow. I may want to do things with him that only a succubus can understand.  That only a sadist can appreciate and a masochist enjoy.” She broke the kiss and leaned back, keeping that gaze locked with her mate. “But, Teren is still my Father.”

@marquis-teren-kiden​ , @marquis-lycan-kiden​

[mustlovemustypages]

2018 Letter

Dear potential writer,

*Sigh* 2018 has been a long year, has it not? Yuletide is proving to be a great distraction and I'm very excited to be participating again. Thank you for reading my letter and also thank you in advance for anything you decide to write for me! 

Below are my desired fandoms and pairings along with story ideas that I would love to see written. Please don't feel stifled by my prompts; I've also listed my general likes/dislikes at the very bottom of this letter if you decide to go a different route. 

The Defenders (TV):

Characters: Luke Cage and Jessica Jones

I will admit that my main motivation for watching The Defenders was to see more interactions between these two characters. While I loved all of the scenes between them, I wish they'd had a lot more shared screen time. 

Overall I just want these two kids to end up together. I've been a fan of their relationship before the Netflix shows came out and will continue to be a fan after they have ended.

Story ideas:

Luke and Jessica learning to trust each other again amongst the events of The Defenders, and Jessica sharing a bit more of her past with Kilgrave to help Luke understand what exactly she went through.

Seeing Luke and Jessica's on screen (or imagined off screen) interactions through the eyes of the other characters.

Jessica Jones is a walking poster child for PTSD and I would really like to see this explored more. Recovery isn’t necessary, but having Luke at least realize her suffering and talking/hugging it out would be lovely.

We may or may not be getting a season 2. Feel free to imagine your own post-season 1 with the team, especially focusing on the Jessica/Luke dynamic.

Speed (1994):

Characters: Annie Porter and Jack Traven

I'm a sucker for characters who fall in love during immensely stressful situations. Especially characters played by Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. I'm also a sucker for action movies that have not-quite-believable but really-thrilling-anyway plotlines. Like buses with bombs that go off if driving under 50 mph.

Story ideas:

Regardless of what Jack said at the end of the movie about most relationships formed during stressful circumstances not surviving, I have chosen to believe Annie and Jack would have beaten the odds once again. I'm sure their friends, co-workers, and family would have had their doubts but would have eventually seen that the two were perfect for each other.

I'd adore post-movie slice of life stories where they buy their first place together, meet each others' families for the first time, or even do something as mundane as going to get groceries. It would be so endearingly (and hilariously) normal in contrast to their first meeting.

Annie definitely thought Jack was insane when he flagged down the bus and jumped on. It would be interesting to read that scene from her point of view as well as other scenes throughout the movie as her opinion of him changes.

It would be impossible to go through what these two characters did without it having some sort of impact on their psyche. Whether it be Annie refusing to ride the bus again and Jack offering to drive her to work until/if she recovers, or Jack having flashbacks of the helplessness he felt on that train when he couldn't get Annie unchained.

The Darkest Minds (Book Series):

Character: Ruby Daly

X-Men was my jam when I was younger, and The Darkest Minds is basically X-Men set in a dystopian world with really loveable characters.

Ruby is a precious gem* that needs to be protected at all costs, even if it’s from herself. Liam is such a sweetheart. Book 2 when he gets his memories back had me literally crying. Chubs and Zhu are amazing, and I love the little family the four of them made together. Vida was also really great, and so was Cole… and you get the point. I loved them all.

*Pun not intended but acknowledged nevertheless.

My favorite pairing from the series is Ruby/Liam but sadly Liam is not in the tagset. It would be amazing if you wrote a Ruby/Liam story but if that's not your thing, I'd be equally happy with a gen story focusing on Ruby and Cole, Ruby and Chubs, Ruby and Vida, etc. Chubs/Vida in the background would be even more wonderful!

Story ideas:

Ruby definitely struggled with her abilities and had healthy/unhealthy coping mechanisms. Expanding on this would be great and including any of the other characters' responses to her coping mechanisms would be a definite plus.

Reunions are the best. Write how you would have liked the Liam and Ruby reunion in book 2 to have played out or expand on canon to bring on even more feels. Again, I fully realize that Liam is not in the tagset so don't feel pressured to include him. Instead write about a reunion between Ruby and one of the other main characters (like Chubs)!

I wish there were more scenes exploring the dynamics of Cole and Ruby's friendship and how that impacts their respective relationships with Liam, especially because Cole and Ruby relate on a level that I don't think Liam ever quite understood. One of my favorite parts from the whole series is the scene in the shower where Cole is basically interrogating Ruby for information about Liam. It's a totally non-romantic scene but very emotionally charged and it would be really interesting to read about it from Cole's point of view.

Impluse (TV):

Characters: Henrietta "Henry" Coles, Lucas Boone, Jenna Hope, Townes Linderman

This show became a surprise favorite of mine in 2018, mostly because it's on YouTube Red and I haven't given most of their original shows much thought. Also because it tackles rape and recovery in such a raw and interesting, especially in the context of a sci-fi show.

I just need more Henry Coles. If you want to do a romantic relationship I'd prefer seeing something explored with Lucas Boone or her canon love interest Josh (who was only in 2 episodes but really seemed to "get" Henry). Otherwise, gen stories between Henry and any/all of the tagset characters would be great.

Story Ideas:

Henry will never be fully "recovered" in the sense that one can never truly recover from rape. It will always have an impact on her life. The other characters get that and try to help her in any way they can.

While Lucas is aware of what his brother did to Henry, he has no idea of the real impact. I'd love a story where he learns more about her seizures and the way her anxiety/fears manifest themselves as teleportation.

Hurt/comfort in all forms because Henry has been hurt enough for a lifetime, but she could do with a whole lot more comfort. Either within the confines of season 1 or imagined opportunities for comfort in season 2.

We get the story from mostly Henry's perspective, but I'm sure there is a lot going on in the minds of Lucas, Jenna and/or Townes as the events of season 1 play out.

The Folk of the Air

Pairing: Cardan Greenbriar/Jude Duarte

Holly Black is an evil genius and I bow down to her greatness. Starting off the first book in this series, I never would have imagined that by the end I'd be rooting for Jude and Cardan to be together but here we are.

They are the ultimate enemies-to-lovers and I can't wait to see what happens to them in the second book coming in 2019.

Story ideas:

Maybe I'm being unrealistically optimistic, but despite Jude's betrayal at the end of the first book, I think these two can work it out. Perhaps Jude helps Cardan cope with the stresses of being king and he is able to move past what she did. Or maybe he sees how impossible Jude thought the situation was and comes to the realization that he was the only one she trusted to do it.

Madoc is a horrible father. Jude basically knows this from the beginning. Still, she was genuinely upset in discovering what he had done. I'd love to see her finally release all of that pent up anger - either her using Cardan as a sounding board for her rants or even having her completely breakdown under all of the stress and him comforting her.

We get the perspective of Jude throughout the entire book, but I would really enjoy seeing some of the scenes from Cardan's point of view as his feelings for Jude change.

There is no way that Jude's sister, Vivienne, wouldn't be alarmed when finding out that Jude and Cardan kissed. Jude having to explain her changed feelings for Cardan and Vivienne realizing that Jude is in like/love would be hilarious and heartwarming.

Things I don’t like:

Alternate Universes – For the specific fandoms that I picked, I really like the universes as they are. I’m definitely okay with deviations from canon, but please don’t make Speed into a supernatural werewolf story or the fantasy/sci-fi canons take place in a mundane coffee shop setting. (I don’t mind Soulmate AUs or something similar because those can be incorporated into canon with little change to worldbuilding).

Non-Con/Rape/BDSM/Sexual Violence/Graphic Sex – I like my characters to be happy and everything within ships to be 100% consensual, no question about it (mentions of non-con if it occurred in canon is fine). I also prefer plot over porn, especially with one-shots.

OT3s – Two people per romantic relationship please. Any more than that makes me uncomfortable.

Character Bashing - Unless a character is a bad guy in canon, I don’t want to read hundreds of words about how awful they are, especially if they are one of the characters that I requested. Don’t take it out on the characters if you hate my pairings, just write gen. 

Things I love:

Hurt/Comfort – There is nothing I love more than one character comforting another. The hurt can be physical, psychological, or both.  

Happy Endings – I’m all for the realistic endings… but if they could be plausible AND happy-ish, that would be amazing.

Expanded Scenes/Contorting Canon – Feel free to expand scenes and change up canon to your heart’s content as long as it makes logical sense.

Humor/Banter/Snark – I thrive on this stuff.

Bonding/Building Relationships – Whether it be a friendship or a romantic relationship, I adore reading about two people growing closer together. When characters know each other so well that they can have conversations with just their eyes or anticipate the person’s next move (especially if it’s to the surprise/confusion of everyone around them), my shipper heart is thrilled.

Dark to Light – Seeing a character come out of a bad mindset/situation and get better is so satisfying.

Thanks again and happy writing!

- Maddy @mustlovemustypages (on Tumblr, Ao3 and FF.net)

[firesofdainix]

Long Road to Success (Part III)

Chapter 3: Countdown

Final Chapter.

Ten days before the auditions Kokichi was awake. He was always awake, even at night. His sleeping schedules were now all messed up. It was probably from those dreams he kept having. He blinked. Those dreams. They weren't just dreams. They were the future. Like the hydraulic press. He was going to die in Momota's hands. Why did they work together anyway? ~~~ Amami cried. He cried and cried until he had no more tears in the day. Tsumugi would occassionally bring him breakfast, lunch and dinner, but he only eats little pieces. The room was dark. So dark. The only light source was from the window, which only shines during the day. But never at night. He doesn't have a bed to sleep in. He was chained to one of the bed's legs. He only slept sideways. So uncomfortable. He wished he had never signed up for this show. Amami never spoke to Tsumugi. He just wanted to go home. To his family. To his friends. To Kokichi. ~~~ Tsumugi was sitting on a bench, waiting for Keebo to arrive. She wrote on her notebook, wondering what personality she should give Keebo in his time in the virtual world. Since he wanted to be a robot (he told her before they met today), maybe he wants to fit in and try to be a real human? Maybe he'd even make a new kind of phobia? Tsumugi tapped her pencil, and, stifling a laugh, wrote Robophobia. She's going to make one of the most hilarious characters ever. ~~~ Momota was staring into space. Again. It was his obsessive hobby, to keep all the negative thoughts he had today. He sighed to himself. The stars are beautiful tonight. Would it be just easier to look at them, than to look at yourself? ~~~ Keebo covered his neck with a scarf. It was scratched (well, Ouma strangled him) and he did't want Tsumugi to panic. The scars looked like red blemishes. He hopped on Angie's car, and they drove. Keebo told her the directions along the way. To the expressway. Turn left. Right. Straight. Two hours later, Keebo saw the familiar blue hair and eyes on a mansion's porch. His mother's as rich as his father. He wondered why they divorced, though. ~~~ Harukawa inhaled and exhaled, and braided an orphan girl's hair. She loved braiding people's hair. She just doesn't want anyone to braid her own hair, though. Her delicate fingers delicately making tails of braids, and the girl clapping happily. Was she ready? To leave her normal, peaceful life, then replace it with a killing game? She sighed to herself. Maki can finally be a part of Danganronpa. ~~~ "Hi, Keebo!", Tsumugi said, waving at the blonde in the car. Keebo got out of the car and ran to Tsumugi, hugging her. "I missed you", Keebo said. "Oh, and this is my friend-and roommate- Angie." He gestured to the silver-haired girl walking towards them. "Both of you must be tired", Tsumugi cooed. "Don't worry, I'll ask the maids to prepare us dinner." The dinner in the Shirogane house was delightful. Keebo smiled at the smell of the scent of his dinner. So pleasing. "Here are some updates in Danganronpa", Tsumugi said, eating a doughnut. "There will be no breaks." "No breaks?", Keebo repeated, drinking his lattè. "Wouldn't that damage our memory and our way of thinking?" Tsumugi shrugged. "The longer you are living in the virtual world, the less you'll remember who you are in the real world." Angie ate her dinner silently. She listened to the siblings' conversation. Sometimes, she saw Tsumugi looking at her. She wondered why. "Angie, can you please tell me why you want to join Danganronpa?", Tsumugi asked. Suddenly the conversation is about her now. Angie bit on her sausage before she spoke. "I work at a casino-" "And why would someone as young as you would work at a casino?" "My parents were Christians. I came out as bi, they disowned me. End of story." Tsumugi nodded, thinking hard. Angie would make a fine, religious character, to contrast with her views in the real world. She would be dependent on her god, and will also form a student council by brainwashing students. "Why do you keep looking at me like that?", Angie asked. Tsumugi blinked and realized she was staring at Angie a little too much. "Oh, sorry, I just love your hair", Tsumugi lied. Angie mumbled a thank you and they go back to eating their dinner. ~~~ Kokichi should apologize to Keebo. No. He deserved it. He walked in circles, not minding the noise of children and mothers and cars, and just minding his own business. A ball was thrown at him. He didn't flinch. He just stood there, staring at a ball until a child picks it up. He went back to walking, not minding everyone. So boring. Nine days before the auditions Angie met Keebo's sister yesterday. She was a nice person, but the same time all strange. Especially the whole consequences of the Danganronpa show too. Tsumugi also kept staring at her direction. She wondered why. Angie twirled her silver hair as she drew random sketches in her sketcbook. She ended up sketching all her friends. Angie wondered on how they were waiting for the auditions. ~~~ Shuichi was excited. What if he became the Ultimate Detective? Then he'd be like Kirigiri in the past. He can also kill people and leave no evidences. Then they'll vote the wrong person. But if Shuichi got found out, he gets executed. Oh, he can't wait to get executed. He wrote on his notebook in bold letters: Ways to get executed. He just hoped Team Danganronpa would approve of this. ~~~ Tsumugi transferred Rantaro in the basement of her mansion. No one knew about it except her. Maybe Amami knew that he was transferred. Amami woke up, rubbing his eyes. There was a huge glass door on his left. This doesn't look like the room he was imprisoned in. Wait. He blinked. A glass door. He ran toward it, only to be pulled back by a longer chain. Hey, at least he can move better now. There was a bed in the middle of the room. He lied down on it. So fluffy. So comfortable. He closed his eyes. He hoped he can get enough sleep. "Here's your breakfast, Rantaro!", the sweet, familiar voice filled his ears. His eyes shot open. ~~~ Keebo was just minding his own business, studying the garden. The flowers in their garden were beautiful, unlike his garden. Their garden was so big, it looked like a forest. He sat on a vacant bench, staring at what Mother Nature had offered to him. Then something caught his eye. Tsumugi was carrying a tray filled with dessert and breakfast. There were also a few drinks in that tray. Keebo, curious to whom that's for, followed Tsumugi stealthily. He followed his sister until Tsumugi was in front of a door. Tsumugi looked around, and, took a key from her pocket, unlocking the door. She went inside the room. Keebo followed her, and saw that there were stairs leading to the basement. He descended down the steps. Upon reaching the final steps, he heard Tsumugi's voice echo through the walls. "Here's your breakfast, Rantaro!" Keebo blinked. He followed her voice and came across the middle of the room, where he found Tsumugi. In front of her was a boy with green hair chained up on one of the bed's legs, and his eyes red upon seeing Tsumugi. "Where am I?", he asked. That voice. He knew that voice. But from where? "Just in my house, Rantaro", Tsumugi replied. "I transferred you here." "Then you didn't let me escape?", Amami said, his voice toxic. His eyes wandered around the room, until his eyes were locked with Keebo's metallic blue eyes. "And who the fuck is that?" Amami pointed at Keebo's direction. Tsumugi's eyes widened. "Keebo, what are you doing here?", she asked, concern in her voice. "Not now", Keebo said, then looked at Amami. "Tell me why he's here. In your house." ~~~ Amami bowed his head, tuning Tsumugi and Keebo's voices out. Who the hell is that? The boy was wearing a trench coat and a cap that obscured his eyes, but he can see spiky platimum blonde hair and metallic blue eyes. Tsumugi turned and looked at Amami with a smile. He groaned inwardly. That smile was sickening. He remained silent, not wanting to intrude. "This is my brother, Keebo", Tsumugi said, finally talking to Amami. "Nice to meet you", his voice was monotone, almost like he rehearsed that line in his head. "I don't care." Keebo flinched, and looked at Tsumugi with a blaming stare. "Tsumugi, let him go." His voice sounds demanding, and all at the same time calm. Was he really Tsumugi's sibling? Then again, maybe he just needed some rest. Or maybe little food. He's stomach was rumbling. "Give me my damn food Shirogane", he said harshly. Tsumugi looked at him with a stunned look on her face. Then she lightly smiled. "Oh? Demanding the food now?", she teased lightly, and Amami responded with a growl. Tsumugi stepped back until she gave him the tray filled with food. The food was heavenly. He hadn't eaten much in a while. That must be why he was so thin and his eyes sunk. The scones were delicious. The lattès were tasteable. Everything was tasty. He didn't want to get full. He took a bite from a buttered toast, taking in its savory contents. He didn't care if the others were looking at him like an animal. He was hungry as fuck. ~~~ Kokichi gasped, out of breath. He had another nightmare again. This time with the shot put ball stained red-or maybe pink?-. Whatever the case, he breathed heavily. A body was sprawled across the floor, face obscured from view. The dream was a blur anyway. No count in remembering everything that's happened. He checked his clock. It was seven-thirty in the morning. The sun's ray were lighting up his room, so he immediately went downstairs, to be greeted by his parents. Kokichi forced a smile, though his eyes say otherwise. His face got uglier as time goes on. He had shadows on his eyes, an empty gaze and disheveled hair. He didn't bother listening to everyone. These nightmares were telling him something. The future. Was it dangerous to join Danganronpa? Well, there's no way in backing out now. He sat on his chair and ate the breakfast given to him. His parents were already doing their work, no use to make contact with them. He wondered if they really cared about him. I mean, sure, they provided him basically everything he needs, but the way they accepted that he was going to audition for Danganronpa... Kokichi finished his food and cleaned his plate. He put on a checkered jacket (even though it's hot) and walked out of the house, taking one step at a time. The sun was warm. It was always warm, especially on summer. It was always one of the things that made Kokichi smile, but... it didn't make him smile after the dreams started. He just stared blankly around him, even complaining about the sun's light. He sighed to himself as he walked down the familiar, boring street. He was looking down the whole time. Why? To look depressed or homeless? He doesn't know. Kokichi found the orphanage, specifically, the orphanage where Maki lives in. He gasped for breath, his legs tired. Just how long did he walk? He was already in the middle of the city. Kokichi shrugged. He wanted to visit Maki, so he knocked on the door. Luckily, Maki was the one who answered. "Yes?" Her eyes then lit up when she saw Kokichi. "Oh, hey Kokichi. Haven't seen you in a while." "That's because you avoided me." Ouma's tone was sharp, curt. It made Maki flinch a little, especially seeing the look on his face. There was nothing readable on his face. "So, um, Kokichi, what are you doing here?", Maki asked the obvious question. Ouma shrugged. "I dunno. I was just walking and I'm suddenly here. In your place." "Um, you can come in." Maki widened the open door so Kokichi can come in. ~~~ Tsumugi left. But Keebo didn't. Amami wondered why he's still here, sitting down beside him. Amami couldn't care less. "Go away." Keebo shook his head. "No." Amami's eyes widened, but closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep. "I want to sleep", he announced, and hopped on the bed, chains clinking. "Of course." Keebo stood up. "Have a good rest then, Amami." Have a good rest. Amami shook his head. He can't have a good rest. Amami's mind wandered to his dreams. He dreamed again. A blonde haired girl with a pink vest and skirt. Along with her was a boy with black hair and black cap with a striped suit. And is that mascara on his eyes? But somewhere, Amami knew them. He just can't remember. ~~~ Kokichi ignored the noise of the children. All he wanted was to talk to Maki. Maki walked, and Kokichi followed. They passed by children that are younger than them. He doesn't care. Maki finally stopped. He looked up and saw Maki standing in front of a door. It must be her room. She turned the knob and opened it. Her room. It was small, as small as a closet. There was a pile of blankets and pillows in a corner, and a small table and chair with a bag on top of it. "I was one of the people that were granted rooms by themselves", Maki explained. Kokichi nodded. He sat down on the cracked floor tiles while waiting for Maki to clean up. He heard a voice from downstairs, calling for Maki. Maki groaned. "I'm coming!", she shouted. Then, she turned to Kokichi, sighing. "Damn it, those children need to learn how to fucking take care of themselves." She dropped the things she was holding and left the room. Kokichi can hear her stomping. ~~~ Tsumugi was in her room, crafting out ideas and personalities that she would be in use for. She mentioned that she was the mastermind of the new show. Oh, she can't wait. She needs to not be found out in the start of the chapter. She must frame someone else. But who would she frame? Who would she kill? Eight days before the auditions Kokichi screamed. He woke Maki up, who was sleeping beside him. He thought having someone with him can make him stop having nightmares, but looks like he was wrong. "Kokichi, what the fuck was that?", Maki groaned, rubbing her head. "We were supposed to have a peaceful sleepover. Kokichi didn't answer immediately. He needed to stop breathing loudly. He calmed himself down before speaking. "Yeah, sorry." Maki grunted and turned her body away from Kokichi, probably going back to sleep. But Kokichi was still awake. "Hey, Maki?" A grunt in response. "Where's the kitchen?" "Downstairs to the right. Don't make any noise. Pretty sure you woke some people up." "Okay." Kokichi untangles himself from the covers, and stood up. The floor was cold if he stepped on it with his bare feet. He also felt the cracks. It was uncomfortable sleeping on the bare floor. His back hurts. A lot. How was he able to sleep? He stepped quietly out of the room, careful not to make a sound. As he walked, he tried to remember the dream he had. It was about the shot put ball. It was in the library. With the corpse. The corpse. He stopped walking. The corpse had green hair. It can't be. It can't be Rantaro, can it? He shook his head, trying to walk again. Slowly, he made it to the kitchen. He started to prepare his coffee, since he doesn't care about sleeping anymore. He looked at the clock near the kitchen. It was just four-sixteen. Almost morning. No point in sleeping anymore. The kettle whistled and Kokichi turned it off before it made any more noise. He poured the hot water on a cup, and opened the cupboards to find a teabag. He finally found one, and dipped it in the cup with water. Tasting it to see if it actually tastes like caffeine, he started to drink it. It was complete darkness inside the house, except for the light in the kitchen. He sipped more of his coffee. He didn't go back to Maki's room. Kokichi just unlocked the door, closed it, then walked out. It was a cold morning, even though it was summer. Lampposts were everywhere, lighting up surroundings. He wore his jacket tighter, and walked away from the direction of the orphanage. He walked and walked. He walked until his legs can't carry him anymore. He was tired, and he looked up. Fortunately, he was looking at his own house. Kokichi didn't say goodbye to his parents when they went to work, probably because he wasn't there. He was in the orphanage. He also didn't ask his parents if he can sleep in his friend's house. But who the fuck cares? He didn't bother knocking. He just sat on the porch, waiting for morning. The caffeine kicked in, and he can't sleep, no matter how he tried. Hey, at least he won't dream about someone dying. ~~~ The class trial weighed heavy on his shoulders. He was now accused of the culprit, and all the people looked at him. With fear? With sadness? With anger? He can only laugh, saying how idiotic they all are. He was somewhat familiar in a sense. Who was he? He was what Shuichi wanted to be. He can only laugh. Just laugh, you monster. Shuichi woke up, with a smile on his face. His dreams were always making him feel euphoria. How good. Too bad that dream ended. He wanted more. He shrugged. Oh well. He reached for something in the darkness. He felt something thick and leathery, and he held it up. A knife. He smiled to himself as he cut himself. The pain stung, but he didn't mind. He can only laugh. Laugh at the feeling of pain. Enjoy the feeling of pain. He is, after all, a masochist. He already confirmed it. Oh, he just can't wait to audition for Danganronpa! Saihara finished, and licked the blood coming from his fingers. The copper taste filled his mouth. He moaned. Blood was his breakfast. He loved it so much. He moaned again. He licked his fingers again, until he can feel no more blood trickling down his fingers. He looked at his clock. It was still early in the morning, but he couldn't wait. He opened the light and took his notebook out of his bed. He opened to the page where he left off, him being brutally murdered and mutilated. Maybe he'd be the victim of the unsolvable Chapter Five. Saihara touched the graphite. He was a good artist, but only used it for... these purposes. He enclosed his fingers on a pencil, and started to draw. He can feel sweat between his fingers as he clenched the pencil more. He finished, then smiled at his work. It was beautiful, in a sick way. ~~~ The stars. They were just so hard to reach. But why? Kaito raised his hand to reach for the stars, but all he grasped was empty air. Nothing. Don't worry, he reassured himself. When you become famous, you'll reach the stars in no time. The galaxies are telling him to come to them. He wants to. That's why he's here, staying up all night, looking at the stars. The stars he can never reach, albeit with a rocketship. Kaito laughed. How cruel this world may be, he still kept his optimistic personality. The only problem is that he doesn't show it to anyone. ~~~ He touched the bookcase. It moved with his touch. A flash blinded his eyes. Confused, he looked to the way where he thought the flashlight was. Sure enough, there was a camera. He blinked. Why would there be a camera? He walked up to it. He tried to remove it, ignoring that overly annoying song. He didn't notice a shot put ball rolling through the vents. Through the books, which were arranged like a path. As he checked the camera, he didn't notice the shot put ball fall. It fell. And fell, until it was on the top of his head, ready to- Amami woke up, tears streaking his face. Just what the fuck did he just dream about? Was that him? It looks like him. Was he about to... get hit by that shot put ball? Why was he dreaming that? A prophetic dream? Well, he can't let himself die. He's the damn Ultimate Survivor. The fucking Ultimate Survivor. He can't die like that. The chain clinked as he sat up, his legs dangling over the edge of the bed. It must be morning, or he woke up early again. "Rantaro! Breakfast!" Tsumugi's voice echoed from the stairs. Okay. He did wake up just in time. Tsumugi made her way to him, with a tray on her hands. Behind her was the boy-Keebo, he reminded himself- and he was staring at him. "What's he doing here?", Rantaro demanded. "I am here to take care of you." Wait. Did Amami hear that right? Someone wanted to care for him? "Okay, I have something to do", Tsumugi said, waving at them as she gave the tray to Keebo. "You guys have fun!" Now he was all alone. With this boy. What could possibly go wrong? Anything. Keebo inhaled and neared Amami. "Don't come near me", Amami warned. "Just slide the tray over to me." Keebo shook his head. "I'm not leaving you here." ~~~ Angie was lost. She just wondered around some parts of the mansion, and she got lost. She groaned to herself. She didn't know where her room is. She retraced her steps (well, tried to), and bumped into Tsumugi. "Oh, I'm really sorry, Miss Shirogane", Angie apologized. Tsumugi just smiled in response. "That's alright. Are you lost?" "Well, that's actually it." "Where do you want to go?" "Well..." Angie twirled her hair. "I want to go to the library." Tsumugi nodded. "The library's on the third floor. It's located between my mother's room and step-brother's. Don't worry about getting lost. There are also labels." She walked past Angie, her heels clacking over the marble tiles. Angie followed Tsumugi's imstructions, and found the library. She gasped as a marvelous sight unfolded her. ~~~ "I believe in Maki." He said, which made people question his beliefs. A boy with black hair and purple dye was sweating. "You... you can't be that idiotic, can you?", he said. "Our lives are at stake!" A girl with black hair and green eyes looked unamused. "Yep, pretty sure he's an idiot." He huffed. "Hey! Don't call me an idiot! It really hurts my feelings!" Kaito opened his eyes, then blinked. Was that him? It doesn't sound like something he would say. He was saying he believed in Maki. People contradicted his beliefs. Especially that boy with purple hair. Was that... "Nah, can't be that shit", Kaito said to himself, then jumped of his bed, the floors thudding. What the hell was that dream about? ~~~ Shuichi ignored his father's voice in his head. "You're just a worthless, piece of shit. Nobody wants you. Don't fucking join Danganronpa. You won't become famous." It's ironic, really. Considering that his father was Leon Kuwata, one of the cast of the first Danganronpa game, that was over a decade ago. He hadn't really seen his father's game, but it would be good not to. He lied on his bed, thinking on what he should do today. Suddenly his stomach rumbled. Maybe he was getting hungry. He sighed and got up from bed, and walked to his apartment's kitchen. He opened his cupboards to find nothing. He opened his fridge to find nothing. Fuck, he forgot to buy food. He groaned, then walked back to his room, and opened one of his desk drawers. He found his wallet, and checked if he had money. He had money. He looked at the clock. Wow. He slept really long. It was almost noon. He gathered up all his strength and went in the bathroom. After some minutes in the shower, he went to his room to dress. He looked at his clothes. What would he look like in a detective suit? Would he look good? Shuichi waited at the bus stop. He waited and waited, re-watching Danganronpa. So boring. He was eager to be in the next season already. "So, you're riding the bus too, huh?", a familiar voice asked. Shuichi dared to look up. Instead, he avoided the other one's gaze. "Oh, hey, Momota", Shuichi deadpanned. Momota just smiled, but there was no malice in it. It just looked like and ordinary smile. If he wasn't such an asshole, it'd be a perfect smile on his face. "Why don't we... talk to each other?", Momota said. "I don't want to talk to you." Momota scratched his head. "Fine, you don't want to talk to me. How 'bout I make you?" Shuichi winced at the sudden pain on his left arm. Momota was tightening his grip on it. "W-what do you want?", Shuichi asked, breathing as Momota let go of him. How can he be so strong? "Nothing", Momota said, leaning on the bench they both shared. "I just wondered why you're here, that's all." Shuichi groaned inside. "Grocery shopping." ~~~ "Kokichi? Where have you been?" His mother noticed he was gone? That must be impressive. For him. Kokichi looked up to meet his mother's eyes. "Went to one of my friend's house. That's about it." His mother then shook his head. "Well, come in, breakfast is ready." Kokichi obeyed and stood up, following his mother inside of his house. The smell of butter and caffeine filled the air, making Kokichi stop and savor the smell. His father was at the table, reading a newspaper with a cup of coffee on his hand. He looked up to see Kokichi, and his eyes widened. "Kokichi, you look terrible", he said. Kokichi remained silent as his mother gave hima plate with buttered toast and tea. "The pancakes will be cooked soon, don't worry", she assured him, as she went back to the kitchen. Kokichi picked up a piece of toast and took a bite from it. He savored the taste. It was so heavenly. The butter was slippery inside his mouth, but that's just one of its characteristics, right? His mother offered him a plate of pancakes, and he bit into it. He had his own tastes, and he loved sweets. But not with tea. "Mom, do we still have Panta?", he asked, eating his pancakes. "Oh, yes, we do still have some", his mother said, searching the fridge. She finally pulled out a can with a label that said Panta. Kokichi's eyes shone in delight. "Here you go." Kokichi sipped at it, savoring the tasty grape juice inside it. ~~~ Silence. It was silence in the basement. No one dared to speak. Amami finished his breakfast. He pushed the tray to the blonde, who received it, but didn't do anything. "Aren't you gonna leave?", Amami asked. "You're going to bring it to someone if it needs washing." "Yes, I do have a reason to leave", the other said. "Yet another part of me wish for you to have a friend." Amami blinked. A friend? Is he joking? Why would he think he needs a friend? He can't help but laugh. Just a short while until he stopped laughing. "What was so funny?", Keebo asked, tilting his head. Amami just shrugged. "Just come here." He motioned to Keebo to come forward. Keebo followed. The blonde was finally within Amami's reach. He reached for Keebo's neck. "Am-mami!", Keebo choked. "God damn it, not again!" What is he saying, not again? Did he get strangled in the past? No wonder why he was wearing a scarf. But Amami couldn't care less. "Amami! Stop!", Keebo shouted between gasps and heaves. Good. He's having trouble breathing. Amami dug into his skin. "You remind me of how Ouma strangled me!" Amami let go of Keebo's neck. His arms went slack beside his body. "What did you say?" Amami shook his head. Kokichi wouldn't do something like that, would he? "About Ouma...?", Keebo asked, a little far from Amami. Good. "Obviously." "Okay", Keebo exhaled, then began. "Someone blackmailed him into auditioning for Danganronpa." "What?", Amami couldn't believe his ears. Someone blackmailed his best friend into joining Danganronpa? He only knew a group of people who can do that. "And he agreed." Keebo continued. "It has something to do with me, so he got angry, and almost strangled me if Saihara hadn't slapped him." Amami just stared at him. Kokichi... wouldn't do something like that. Maybe he did do it. But that's not Kokichi. ~~~ "I need coffee packs." Shuichi read his grocery list aloud as Kaito pushed the cart. How did it end up like this? They were just being toxic to each other a minute ago and now they were shopping like the best of friends. Kaito grunted. "Do we need all of these, Saihara? We'll just leave it to rot in your house when you audition for Danganronpa." Shuichi shrugged. "I couldn't care less." "Well then." Kaito put one coffee pack in the cart. "What else?" Shuichi looked at the list. "I don't know for you, but I need loaf of bread." Kaito nodded. "Okay, then." ~~~ "Maki, I need you to clean the kitchen", she ordered, and Maki sighed. "Sure, Ma'am." She grabbed the broom and started sweeping the kitchen, whose floors were covered with shards of glass. Those kids never learn. She accidentally stepped on one and she cursed under her breath as throbbing pain made its way to her foot. She dropped the broom and limped her way to her room. She opened her drawers and found her first aid kit. She cleaned her wound and removed the glass shard stuck to it. She carefully bandaged the wound and threw the shard into a nearby trash can. "Maki! I don't think I see a clean kitchen!" A voice called below. "Yes! I'm coming!" Maki walked down the stairs to do her cleaning duty again. She sighed as she finally put the last piece of a glass shard in a garbage bag. She wiped her forehead, which was full of sweat. "Maki! Are you done? Clean every single room in the second floor!" Maki groaned. As she sweeped through the rooms, she wondered what life would be like in Danganronpa. She can be in control. She always wanted to be in control, to act as a leader. If she was in control, she could be the mastermind everyone wants to be. She can control people, and people will follow her. No one can control her ever again. ~~~ Dinner in the Momota house was very quiet, you can hear people chewing. That's basically Kaito's situation today. His grandparents were just eating, not addressing Kaito in some way. Did he do something wrong? "Are you sure?", his grandmother spoke up. Kaito looked up, chewing his food. "Sure of what?" "Of joining that... horrid game", his grandfather said. Kaito groaned. "I told you for how many times. I want to join the game. I need to." "That game is-" "I know what you'll say!" Kaito banged the table, making his grandparents flinch. Kaito realized what he'd done and retracted his hand from the table. He stood up. "I'm done eating."

  He walked to his room, which was just across the dining room. Kaito opened the door and was met with the sight of space-themed walls and galaxy-themed ceilings. He sighed to himself, letting his aesthetics calm him down. He opened his window and set a foot on the window sill. He took a deep breath, and climbed. The cold, night air punched him in the face. How breezy the night is. He looked up to see the dots in the sky. The stars Kaito have always admired from afar. He steadied himself as he climbed up the roof, the slippery tiles making him slip once in a while. He goes to the rooftop to think. And also stargaze. Those stars always made him calm down. He lied down to get a better view of the stars. He sighs to himself. The stars were billions of light years away. It'd be impossible to reach them. But once he gets famous, he won't think it's impossible. Seven days before auditions A blood-stained tank. With piranhas swimming everywhere. Everyone looked at it, horrified. Himiko was nowhere to be found. Kokichi woke up. He didn't scream this time. Why would he when these dreams kept happening to him? He sighed and went to fix himself in the bathroom. He had gotten taller in a few weeks after summer. Probably taller than Keebo. He combed his messy hair. His black strands were invading the purple color, turning it to a messy, poorly-dyed hair. It also grew longer, but that's about it. His eyes, as he can see in the mirror, were devoid of life. He finished washing himself and opened his closet to look for fresh clothes. He picked a black polo shirt and pants to go along with it. He came downstairs to see his parents eating breakfast. They greeted him a good morning. Kokichi didn't respond. He just sat down and started eating what's on his plate. ~~~ "What are your hobbies, Amami?", Keebo asked, sipping a cup of tea as he waited for Amami to answer. Amami looked at him, but didn't say anything conceding. "Well, I like watching documentaries of adventurers traveling around the-" He went silent. That wasn't his hobby. That was the other Amami's hobby. He was, after all, the Ultimate Adventurer. Not him. Keebo continued, not noticing Amami's sudden stop. "What food do you like?" Amami thought for a moment, before clicking his tongue. "I love kinds of foreign food. They, of course would- ngh!" Amami pretended to clear his throat. Why? Why was he saying his virtual avatar's hobbies and favorite foods? He concentrated hard to remember what his favorite food in the real world was. He tried. But nothing popped inside his mind. Does that mean... he doesn't remember who he is in this world? Amami breathed heavily. Keebo looked at him with a concerned face. "Please eat your breakfast, Amami", he said politely. Amami looked down at his tray. It laid cold, untouched. Amami started to eat. "Ask another question", Amami demanded while eating. "Of course." Keebo looked through his 'conversation cards' to find what he was looking. "Ah! There it is!" Amami stopped eating to listen to Keebo. "What is your sexual orientation?", Amami thought for a moment, then shuddered to himself. His father had never accepted him when he came out. "I'm..." Amami hesitated. Keebo smiled. "It's alright, I won't judge." Amami breathed. "I'm a bisexual." Keebo smiled. "How did you come to know your own orientation?" "I... fell in love with him." ~~~ Kokichi sat on a bench, ignoring the children screaming. He dug his hands in his checkered jacket, and kept his head down. It was hot in summer, but that never bothered him. He doesn't care how sweaty he is right now. "Hey." He looked up to see Kaede. Oh fuck. He kept his head bowed and moved over, not acknowledging her. "Who the hell are you?" Oh good. She didn't recognize him. Kokichi stayed silent. Kaede didn't question any further. He and Kaede sat there for an excruciating amount of time, because when Kokichi looked up, he can see the sun right above him. "Oh, it's you." Now she finally noticed. Kokichi scoffed. "Yeah, took you like, two hours to notice", he taunted, liking the surprised look on Akamatsu's face. "Whatever", Akamatsu said, crossing her arms. ~~~ "What do you want from me, Kaito?", Shuichi asked, fiddling with his phone as Momota sat down beside him. "I dunno", the other replied, staring at whereever he was staring at. It was almost noon, and they were at the bus stop. Again. "No, seriously, what do you want?" "Just wanna hang out with someone." "You can always go to your friends, not me." "What are you waiting for again?" "A bus, obviously." "Yeah, it's obvious, but why are you waiting for the bus?" Shuichi sighed. "Just leave me alone." Just in time, the bus arrived, and Shuichi gathered up his things, leaving Momota behind. He should leave him behind. He's an asshole, after all. ~~~ Keebo was on his phone as he waited for Amami to move his chess piece. Amami had a thoughtful look on his face, concentrating very hard on the board. Keebo was winning. He won't let that happen. Keebo then got a message from Akamatsu, and, curiously, he opened it. He opened his mouth. Akamatsu had a picture she messaged to Keebo, with a text that read: Hope u rnt scared of hm rn. The picture was her and Kokichi. But it doesn't look like the Kokichi he knew. He was a lot taller in this picture, almost reaching up to Kaede's abdomen. He might probably taller than Keebo was. He was wearing a checkered jacket (who wears a jacket in summer?) and black pants. His hair was turning black, its purple dye dulling, but still visible. His hair was a little longer too. His eyes had shadows from lack of sleep. He had a blank look on his face, while Akamatsu was smiling as brightly as the sun. "What's that?", Amami asked, looking up from the chess board. "Um, well..." Keebo showed him the picture. Amami's eyes widened. "Is that... Kokichi?", Amami asked, looking at the picture with wide eyes. Keebo nodded. Amami blinked. He blinked again. Is this... Kokichi now? Kokichi after he left? He looked emptier. Devoid of life. If he was going to audition for Danganronpa, Amami would just walk in front of him and hug him. He really missed Kokichi. Keebo put his phone inside his pockets, then looked at the chess board and at Amami again. "So... have you made your move?" ~~~ "You'd look great in this, Angie!" Tsumugi dug into a pile of fabric and found an oversized yellow trenchcoat. "I'm just wearing a bikini top and a skirt", Angie deadpanned. "What do you even want to do with me?" "Just a little something", Tsumugi replied, throwing the trenchcoat to Angie. "Now wear this." "Um... sure." Tsumugi clapped. "You look absolutely great, Angie! You look like a Danganronpa character!" Angie blushed. "Really? Thanks." ~~~ "Shuichi... you can't do this!"; his victim screamed and shrieked as he cut off their arm. Shuichi just laughed, not minding the blood splattering on his clothes. He raised the saw and hacked off another part of his body. The victim screamed. Their screams filled Shuichi with nostalgia. His eyes opened. Shuichi whined silently. That was a really good dream. Why did it have to cut out like that? Well, whatever. He was already at Maki's orphanage. He hopped off the bus and knocked the door. It opened and Maki's head poked out the door. "It's just me, Saihara Shuichi." Shuichi said with a wave. "I know who you are", Maki said, smiling. "Come on inside, Shuichi." Maki closed the door, and after a few seconds of the door clinking and clacking, Maki reopened the door a lot wider this time. Shuichi followed behind her and passed orphan children on the living room. They finally reached a door and Maki opened it. This must be her room, obviously. "What do you want to talk about?", Shuichi asked, sitting on a stool as Maki sorted her living situation. "We're just gonna catch up." Maki finished cleaning, and sat beside Shuichi. Shuichi smiled. "That's it? I'm pretty sure I'm going to bore you..." "I... also want us to pretend we're already auditioning for Danganronpa", Maki cut in. "I... see." Shuichi put his hands on the small coffee table. It's really smart of Maki to do this. I mean, well, so they can be mentally and emotionally prepared for the questions that will be thrown at them. Maki cleared her throat. "So, I think interviews goes like this. What's your name and what's your reason to join Danganronpa?" Shuichi was silents as he gathered his thoughts. Just think of a proper way to say his name, think of a proper reason why he wanted to join Danganronpa. Think that Maki is really the one interviewing him, not just some person whom his friends with. "My name is Shuichi Saihara." That's a nice introduction. Though it is only a rehearsal, he's doing great, so far. "The reason why I want to join Danganronpa is because I want to be a someone, not a nobody. "I've always been a fan of Danganronpa since I ever saw it, so, I want to be a part of one! I can be in the side where hope is, or the side where despair is. It's all up to you to decide!" Maki smiled. "That was a good introduction. Okay, next question." Shuichi braced himself for another question. "If you're in the Danganronpa setting, what is your Ultimate Talent?" "I want to be the Ultimate Detective", he said with no hesitation. After all, that's what he wanted to be, right? "Why did you choose that talent?" Of course, Maki knew. Shuichi thought for a moment. He had loved the detectives in the past, but he never saw them commit murder. He's about to break that record. Hell, he's already planned his own execution. "I'm curious", Shuichi began, rehearsing his other sentences inside his head. "I want to see if I can commit a murder, and get away with it. I want to see if they can find out who the real killer is. And if they do, I'd be really eager to start my execution! I have a perfect execution for the Ultimate Detective." Maki nodded. "That was good. I like how you put your heart out on little things like this." Shuichi scoffed. "These aren't little things, Maki. These are big things." ~~~ "How do you win so easily?", Rantaro let out a frustrated growl as Keebo took his king piece. "Years of practice", Keebo said. "I have played chess with my father since I was young." They continued to converse and play board games, until Tsumugi came with Rantaro's lunch. "Here's your lunch, Rantaro!", she said happily. Tsumugi set the tray down between Rantaro and the chess board, then left rather hurriedly. Keebo looked back with a confused expression on his face. Rantaro didn't mind. He started to eat and drink as they both played chess. His lunch was seafood. For many rounds, Keebo obviously won. It made Rantaro frustrated. "Why?!", Rantaro let out a sigh as they played chess the fifty-second time. Keebo chuckled. "It's alright; it takes years of practice after all." ~~~ Kaito was watching the sunset. It was a beautiful sight, the orange, red and violet clashing together, as they make way for the night. He can already see the stars, calking for him, telling him to reach to them, so high. But he stopped watching. There was something grave happening in his house. He ran to the house in the distance, everything turning to a blur as he ran even faster. As he neared his house, he heard muffled crying from the household. Panicking, he forced open the door (even though it's unlocked) and saw his grandmother caressing his grandfather. Kaito looked at his grandfather with a horrified look. His grandfather suffered a lot of heart attacks. But he managed to live through it. Yet now, it doesn't look like he's breathing. "He's... dead." His grandmother spoke between tears. "I checked his heartbeat." Even though it was confirmed he was dead, Kaito, ran to his grandfather, also cradling him. Tears clouded his vision, as he looked at his grandfather's serene face. A tear ran down his cheek and dropped on his grandfather's. He cried. He didn't try to stop it. He cried loudly. He didn't care if people heard him. He lived with them through many years, from childhood to adolescence. He always had fights with them, and a bad relationship with his grandparents, but they were very passive about him. He remembered his last words to his grandfather. "Knock on my door before you enter, you moron." He cried even more. He wished these weren't the last words he spoke to him. Now he can't take that back. ~~~ "Well, it's past my bedtime." Keebo and Rantaro cleaned their dinner. Rantaro looked disappointed, since he'll be alone again. He was always alone. He loved Keebo's company. The sound of clacking heels filled the room as Tsumugi entered the basement with pillows and a blanket on her arms. Rantaro was confused as Tsumugi made his bed and Keebo helped too, adding the additional pillows. Keebo told Tsumugi he has to take a shower, so Tsumugi was alone with Rantaro. "What's with the bed?", Rantaro asked while hopping on the bed, his chain softly clinking. "Keebo offered to make the bed for you", Tsumugi replied. "He's also going to sleep with you tonight." Rantaro's eyes widened. "He's going to... what?" Suddenly, Rantaro felt self-conscious about himself. He hadn't thought about himself when he participated in Danganronpa, so he had never took a bath since then. "I'm here!" Keebo came to the basement with a fresh set of clothes. His hair wasn't spiky, instead, it lay wet below his neck. It was strange seeing him with his hair down, but he looked pretty. Rantaro looked at the set of clothes on his arms. "Whose is that?", Rantaro asked, pointing at the clothes. "Yours", Keebo said, handing it to Rantaro. "I believe those are the same clothes you had since first day?" Rantaro said nothing, but accepted the clothes Keebo gave him. ~~~ Kokichi went back to his house after that encounter with Kaede. It was almost dinnertime. He opened the door to his house to see his parents preparing the dinner on the dining table. Without addressing them, Kokichi sat on the chair across from them and started eating. "Kokichi?", his mother spoke up, her fork scraping her plate. "Yes, mother?" Kokichi didn't bother looking up. "We are both proud of you." Kokichi stopped chewing his food. "What?" Never heard a phrase like that from his parents' mouths. Of course, they did 'love' him, but he thinks it was just fake. "For what?" "We're proud that you want to join Danganronpa", his father said with a smile. "We will support you from then on." Kokichi faked a smile. "...Thanks." He lied awake at night, thinking about what his parents said. He doesn't care about their false words and misguided advice. Nothing is worth remembering anyways. He wanted a new life. If this simulation transforms him to a monster, then so be it. He closed his eyes, his breathing going even as he dreamed about. A blue haired girl watches from a room near the library. She waited for the ball to roll on top of Rantaro's head, but it didn't. Instead, it just fell right in front of him. Distracted, the girl made her move as she ran behind Rantaro and killed him with her own shot put ball. Blood was everywhere. ~~~ Rantaro was still awake. He heard Keebo sleeping beside him. He avoided Keebo's legs and arms as much as possible. It was difficult, since Keebo's a spooner in bed. The bed was comfy and soft, Rantaro can be able to sleep in it. If it wasn't for that hard chain that limits him from moving his legs on the bed. He slept, then dreamed. -it missed his head. Puzzled, he tried investigating where it came from when he heard the sound of clacking heels and- his whole world stopped spinning. Six days before the auditions Candle. She needed to look for a candle, to start the ritual. Come on, just find a room with a candle in it. She finally found the middle room, and open the door to see a person wearing a mask cutting a cross piece. She asked what the person was doing, but he lifted the floorboard he was carrying. With one single smack, she fell to the floor, unconscious. Angie laid on her bed, sweating. She recalled the dream she had. Was that her? It seemed like it. She took a walk downstairs to bump into Tsumugi. "Ah, sorry." Angie fixed her ruffled clothes and hair, appearing to not look like she had just got up from her bed. Tsumugi smiled. "It's alright. Come on, let's go to the dining hall." Angie followed the blue haired girl into the dining hall, and was surprised to see that Keebo was not here yet. He was the earliest to get up from bed and eat breakfast. "Keebo has some... things to do." Tsumugi sat down, and she patted the seat next to her. Angue sat down to the sit Tsumugi patted, and they started eating. What she didn't expect was a low voice calling her name. "Angie? What are you doing here?" Angie looked up from her breakfast to see Rantaro. After a year of not seeing him, he had changed. His vibrant green hair turned to a dull green, his eyes were filled with shadows, his body was thin and desperately needs more food. She almost dropped her spoon. "Rantaro?" Tsumugi looked at Keebo with a glare. ~~~ "I want to eat breakfast with you guys." His words shocked Keebo. "You'll just run away." "I have no faith in running from my destined life anymore." Keebo thought for a moment. "I see." He took a key from his pocket and unlocked Rantaro's legs from the metal chain. Instead of running away like Keebo expected, he stayed put. "It feels good to have that chain not wrapped around my leg." Rantaro sighed while smiling. "It was very heavy." "Now, let us go to the dining hall for breakfast." Rantaro followed Keebo out of the basement. The outside of the basement was like heaven in Rantaro's eyes. People walked left and right, paying no mind to Keebo and Rantaro at all. The hallways were long and winding, it might even be great exercise to their body. Keebo stopped at a large door granded with fake jewelries and silver. Keebo knocked and went in. Rantaro followed him. The dining hall was filled with the scent of breakfast in the air. Rantaro also found Tsumugi and another person, who was already eating. He stopped. That person... "Angie? What are you doing here?", he found himself saying. The girl looked up. It was Angie. She almost dropped her spoon. "Rantaro?" ~~~ "Kaede... did you steal my phone?", Shinguji looked at his bag to find no phone at all. Akamatsu giggled. "Nope!", she replied with a smile. "Not at all!" Shinguji calmly sighed. "Please don't tell me you threw it in the water." Iruma scoffed. "C'mon, Kiyo! You'd already know that this bitch likes throwing phones in the water!" Akamatsu chuckled. "Yeah, she's right." She pointed at the bathroom with a smug smile. "Basin. Bathroom." Shinguji groaned loudly. "Sister's going to be angry about this!" He ran to the bathroom while Akamatsu laughed. "Bitch!", Iruma shouted to Akamatsu. ~~~ "Keebo! Why did you let him out?!", Tsumugi demanded as they were alone in the dining hall. Angie and Rantaro went to speak to themselves alone. Keebo started fiddling with his fingers. "Well, he did say he has no faith in escaping, so... I let him eat breakfast with us." Tsumugi sighed, putting her head on her palms. "You're so naïve, Keebo. Stop falling for Rantaro. But that's too late, isn't it? You've fallen hard for him." Keebo shook his head. What is she saying? "I just had some sort of trust, Tsumugi, not because I fell hard for him. Whatever that means." Tsumugi glared at him, causing Keebo to flinch. "I'll keep a close eye on him if he does something fishy." Keebo just sat and ate his breakfast. Fell hard for Rantaro...? What does that mean? Well, yes, he is fascinated by him, but that doesn't mean he 'fell' for him. Whatever that word means. ~~~ Rantaro wanted to tell Angie what he's been through. He wanted to tell her that Danganronpa is not a game she should participate in. But she looked so happy talking about how she wanted to be in the world of Danganronpa. He forced a smile as they walked to the gardens. "What about Kokichi?", Rantaro asked her. Angie's smile wavered a bit. "I haven't really communicated with him the past week." "Why's that?" "Well, he strangled Keebo." Oh. This again. "I- okay then." They finally reached the gardens. The green-haired boy gasped at the sight of it. There were many blooming flowers and butterflies that sipped their nectar. There were trees that bear fruit. Some of the maids are already picking out a fruit from some trees. Angie looked at him and smiled. They sat on a white porcelain bench. "It's beautiful, isn't it?", Angie asked, staring at the bushes with flowers. "Yeah, it is", Rantaro agreed. They watched the beautiful sight of the garden. That garden was filled with beautiful flowers and foliage. It made them forget why they were there. It made them forget that the world wasn't a garden. Five days before the auditions Everything was the same. From five hundred years time, their routine was still the same. Kaito will mourn his grandfather's death, telling himself it's going to be okay. No. He's not okay. He was never okay. What was wrong with him? After his grandfather's death, he thought about how he acted. He shuddered. He was such an asshole. He had noticed that now. There's no chance in redeeming himself with his grandparents. He decided to force himself to redeem. To reform. To be a better person. He knocked on Saihara's apartment door. He scratched his head. This must be Saihara's place, right? A muffled voice came from the other side of the door. A few seconds later Saihara opened the door. Kaito stifled a laugh. Saihara blinked. "What's funny?" "Did you get out of bed?", Kaito joked. Saihara looked up and saw his disheveled hair. He blushed, embarrassed. "Um, yeah." He fixed his hair with his hands. "So, what are you doing here, Momota?" "I just wanna hang out with you", Kaito said, scratching his head. Saihara's eyes widened, then he opened his mouth. "I don't want to hang out with you." Kaito frowned. "Why not?" "Well", Shuichi said. "You're an asshole." Shuichi prepared for Kaito's strike. But it never happened. Instead, Kaito laughed. "Jeez, Shuichi!", Kaito laughed. This threw Shuichi off the wall. Kaito Momota... was laughing? Shuichi liked thus kind of laugh. Very carefree, optimistic sounding. Shuichi smiled a bit as he listened to Kaito's laugh more. Kaito stopped laughing, but was still smiling. "You look better when you smile, Shuichi." Shuichi went red. Kaito was also complimenting him? What is this? "Let's hang out." Kaito put an arm around Saihara. "You look really pale. You need more sunlight, Shuichi." "Don't call me by my first name", Shuichi said, removing Kaito's arm around his shoulders. "We're not that close." "What if I want to be close?" "What?" Shuichi was very confused. Why was Kaito... trying to be so nice to him? He's someone Kaito would pick on, and always will. People like them don't become friends with like him. So, why was he calling him by his first name? Only his friends called him by his first name. His parents never do. It made him feel like an outcast from his parents. That's why he was always with his uncle. Shuichi sighed. "Fine, I'll allow you to call me by my first name. But don't touch me." Kaito scratched his head. "Jeez, forbidding me to touch you? I won't do anything... weird." "...Shut up." ~~~ It was the hydraulic press again. But there was no blood beneath it. And it was open. There were two wounded people, one half-naked and the other without his jacket on him. The one without the jacket seemed to be holding the other's clothes. They went their separate ways. The one carrying the clothes went as far as possible from the hydraulic press, but the other went toward the press. The boy laid down, eyes closed. He was waiting for his end. Then again, Kokichi woke up before the boy was crushed alive. Before he was crushed alive. That was a brutal murder. Did he... orchestrate it? It seemed so. The boy was Kaito, he assumed. It had to be him. He looked out the window, which was covered by a dark curtain. Yet he can see rays of light spreading in his room. It's morning. He dressed in some of his casual clothes and went downstairs, expecting to see his mother and father on the dining hall. But nobody was there. He went to the fridge to get Panta juice, and that's where he saw it: a letter from his parents. He read it. Kokichi, We're sorry we have to leave so early. We're also sorry that we didn't make you breakfast. Don't worry, there's some money on the table. ~Your parents Kokichi blinked. He ripped the paper from the fridge and tore it apart. He didn't know why he did it, though. He found the money his parents had told him, and he took a small portion of it. He took the keys from the mat outside and locked the door to the house. He then put the keys in the mat, securing them. He put on his jacket and walked. Kokichi saw a coffee shop just two blocks away from his house. It was one of his favorite coffee shops. He went inside it, the doorbell tinkling. He was greeted with the scent of coffee in the air, with the mix of the desserts the coffee shops also sell. He made his way to the counter. "I'd like one cup of lattè, please", Kokichi said. "And a box of muffins." He waited for his order by sitting on a table alone. He took out his phone, which he had taken with him, to write. It always made him relax, even in hard times. "Heeey, Ouma", Akamatsu sat down next to him, giggling like an idiot she is. Kokichi groaned. Can't he just have some peace and quiet for one day? "Akamatsu", he said in a monotone manner. Akamatsu smiled and took his phone from him. Kokichi cursed, and begged to Akamatsu to give it back. "Nope!", Akamatsu said in an energetic manner. Akamatsu started scrolling in his phone, but then pouted. "Wow, no Danganronpa fan fictions. Wait, is this the Fate series' theme song?" "Give that back!", Kokichi said and once the blonde was caught off-guard, he grabbed his phone from her. Akamatsu just giggled. "So dense, Kokichi." "Yeah, I'm dense." Kokichi sat back down. The waitress then gave him what he ordered, and he paid her the proper amount. Akamatsu took a muffin from him, but he didn't object. He's just having a normal breakfast. ~~~ "Shuichi, have you ever played video games before?", Kaito asked, giving Shuichi a game controller. "No", Shuichi said, looking down. Kaito smiled. "I'll tell you everything you should know." Kaito taught Shuichi the basic controls, and now Kaito opened the play station. "We're playing Danganronpa, right?", Shuichi asked. Kaito laughed. "Obviously." They played Danganronpa until sundown. Shuichi leaned unto Kaito, and the boy gently patted him on the back. I think I'm starting to feel like a better person. He smiled to himself, closing his eyes. They will both be proud of me. Four days before the auditions "Well, Kaede, you're most certainly not boring." Ouma said with an unreadable face. He was fascinated by Akamatsu's ambition, to try and kill the mastermind. But that plan backfired, and the first kill was made. Poor Rantaro. Poor Kaede. Kokichi then looked back at Tsumugi, who had a smug grin on her face. He blinked, and it was gone, replaced with a teary eyed expression. There's another liar in this school. And this one is more complex. Kokichi looked at himself in the mirror. So much have changed about himself, and he hates it. He yawned loudly, and went downstairs to eat breakfast. Then again, his parents weren't present. He sighed. He went to the fridge to get Panta juice, then looked up the wall clock. It was already seven. In his dream, he suspected the mastermind to be the girl in the fifty-second game. Shirogane Tsumugi. She must've done something to Akamatsu and Rantaro. Akamatsu tried to kill the mastermind, but ended up killing Rantaro. Kokichi shuddrered at the thought of this. He decided to go to Maki's orphanage. ~~~ "Harukawa!", the owner of the orphanage shouted, making Maki woke up with a groan. She scratched her head. "I'll be down there in a minute", Maki said from the gap in her room. She dressed in her casual clothes and ran down the stairs, not minding the thuds she made as she went down. As she reached the last step of the stairs, she felt pain on her right cheek. "You're late, Harukawa", the owner of the orphanage said. "Sorry, Ms. Ikusaba", Maki apologized. Name sound familiar? Well, that's because Ms. Ikusaba, or Mukuro Ikusaba, was kinda a participant in the very first Danganronpa game. Was killed by her own sister in the world, but in real life, they were the best of friends. "Anyway", Ikusaba said. "I need you to cook everyone's breakfast. Then after that, clean everyone's rooms." She walked off to another direction. Maki sighed as she went to the kitchen, which was dirty. A lot of children needed breakfast, so she got to work immediately. She tied her hair so it won't bother her and make her work easy. After a hard day of cooking and cleaning, she actually felt proud of herself. She went back to her room and lied on her matress, sighing to herself. Four more days. Four more days before they audition for Danganronpa. What will she say? What should she do? Will she get accepted? She hoped so. Hope. Disgusting. She almost spat on the floor as she thought of that word. She was on the despair side of the fans, she just loved to see the main characters suffer. What will be her hope? What will be her despair? Four more days and time will tell. Three. Two. One. Nothing was ever the same. The last three remaining days had been a blur. Shuichi started to grow attached to Kaito, but then remembered that they won't remember their relationship in the virtual world. It made him feel sadder. He wanted to be friends with him, and he knows that something was bugging Kaito. He didn't press what was bugging him. He was trying to change. Shuichi can see that. Hell, Saihara wanted to forget about his masochism. How the hell did he even become so obsessed with blood anyway? He called his father, telling him he's not going to change his mind. His calm endeavor came crashing down as he heard his father's choked sobs from the end of the line. Shuichi gulped, as he had never heard his father break down before. Leon Kuwata was always so ill-tempered, but hearing him sob... breaks his heart. They just weren't the closest. Shuichi hung up on his father, not even giving him the time to say something. Just hearing him choke and sob was depressing him more. He walked back to his apartment, thinking about the time everything was so damn happy, eleven years ago. Before Danganronpa even became a thing. He thought of the times his father was very happy, even though he was married to Shuichi's mother so young. That was then. Now, he doesn't even look at his mother anymore. Leon and she had divorced, and Shuichi only thought it was Danganronpa. That must be the answer. So that's why he didn't bother to tell her. He's such an awful person. He took out a razor blade from the drawers and sliced his arm. He winced and moaned, both from pain and ecstasy. He was disgusted at himself, but that's him. ~~~ Kaito's grandfather's funeral was today. It was a sunny day, unlike those clichè movies where when there's a funeral the weather was dark and cold. But today was a bright and warm sunny day. It would be perfect for playing outside if it weren't for his grandfather's funeral. The weather sickened him. It felt like the day was disrespecting his grandfather. His parents were also there. Why the hell are they there? They did nothing to them. They didn't bother to visit their only child and parents. They were just so fucking busy with their astronaut shit. It made Kaito angry to see his parents here. And to prove his parents' insolence, he told them he was going to join Danganronpa. They ignored him, not looking at Kaito in the eye. They were always like that. They've never been a happy family. When he was a child, he just thought they were really busy with their work, but after the foot race, they just told him he'll be staying with his grandparents from now on. He just thought it was because they have business trips. No. That was the time his parents stopped loving him. He's going to join Danganronpa. He's going to join it not to make his parents proud, but to atone for his sins as a normal citizen. Make him someone he hates. Make him an Ultimate Astronaut, so he can look at his parents with their work. Make him an optimist. Make him an idiot. Make him believe in people easily. He doesn't care. As long as he can atone for his sins. As long as he can be a different person. Make him someone they love. ~~~ Maki Harukawa was abandoned five years ago by her bastard father. She almost died if it weren't for encountering Enoshima, the sister of Ikusaba. She became traumatized of dying, but was very discreet about it. There were times that she became so subtle about death. Like the times she had to climb the fence at the back of school. She was attached to the people in the orphanage, especially Ms. Ikusaba. Though she may be strict with her, she had a good heart. She even told her her experiences in Danganronpa. Though they were short, Maki found interest in the game. She was given a phone by Ms. Ikusaba, and searched up Danganronpa. She was very surprised that it was already in the twenty-fifth season. She became obsessed with its killing game, even though she was traumatized of death. She met Ouma in her first class, and she was the only one who knew of his hatred towards Danganronpa. Though Maki doesn't show it, she can get very angry at Ouma for not having the same preferences. But she shrugged that off since she knows Ouma needs a friend. She met the others in Ouma's study group. They talked about Danganronpa a lot and left Ouma out, but managed to let Ouma in. She has to ask herself why she wanted to join a game that can destroy her mentally and emotionally. To ask herself why she fell in love with a game whose concept was death. She asked herself that everyday. She doesn't know the answer. ~~~ Angie hated working. But it had to be her fault for getting disowned by her shit parents. She fortunately found an abandoned house. The owner took pity for her and gave her the house for free. She spent the entire year cleaning and making it look like home. She tried job applications. She wasn't even starting in high school yet but she got a job in a casino. In a damn casino, that's for eighteen-year-olds and above. She'd often be seen by customers as a small adult woman, making her uncomfortable around them all. Angie's manager, Kuzuryuu Fuyuhiko, lets her drink whenever she wants to. If it doesn't affect her job of course. She drank on the second week of her job. She didn't care if she was underage. She just wanted to feel bliss. To feel ignorance. Angie drank two bottles the night before new year. It was a blur, and she asked Kuzuryuu about it. Kuzuryuu told Angie she was breaking down and sobbing on the casino floors, and was too drunk to even stand up. So he asked Pekoyama, his wife, to take her home. It was hilarious. Her parents told her she can be honest about her feelings, but then, when she comes out of the closet as a bisexual, they kick her out. She has to love their hypocrisy. She thought about those Christian extremists that were her parents and her sister, who wasn't really into their religion, and still talked to her. She has her contact number in her phone. But like stupid Christian extremists that ramble on about the bible, they also forbade her sister to talk to Angie, even on the phone. Angie feared that her sister would be brainwashed by those shit parents of theirs, but oh well. This is why she wanted to join Danganronpa. To let her sister see her again. Even if it's just on the screen or only for five minutes. Her sister can see her again. Her parents can kiss their fucking asses and beg for her mercy. She can have fame and fortune, even for just a little bit. She have to thank Keebo for that. ~~~ Himiko needed to tell Nanami about this. About joining the old game that scarred her for life. They were old friends, she and they. Himiko really liked Nanami, but she was about joining. Danganronpa, she just had to laugh. How the hell do people get obsessed with this shit game? She never sympathizes those who participates in this. She just had to pretend she's an innocent person in the auditions. No, she's already seen as an innocent person. Just why are people so idiotic? Himiko witnessed Momota blackmail Ouma into joining a game he doesn't like. Fuck them. They're such asses they can't even remember their names. Especially that bitch Akamatsu. Tormenting them just because they don't fit into this school? Bullshit. It's just a damn show. No need to force someone to go fucking join it. She felt bad for Ouma. She was the only person who knew the truth. Oh well. Nothing she can do about it now. Not like she cares. She wanted to join this accursed show so she can receive clear answers to why everyone likes Danganronpa. ~~~ Korekiyo just had enough of his home life. With a sister that seemed distant to him after participating in Danganronpa 51, a suicidal mother, and a coping father, he had had enough of this lifestyle. The reason he wore this mask was to not breathe the sickening air inside his house. He has to work for his family. No wonder he follows Kaito and his lackeys everywhere. Because they were the ones that bring him the jobs, and give him money. He wasn't interested in their victims, but he felt pity for them. Iruma was the only one who he befriended in Kaito's group. Though she cussed a lot, she can understand what Kiyo's been through. They meet up in the park whenever Kiyo has a hole in his schedule. He would tell her everything, and she lets Kiyo cry on her shoulder. What a good friend. No. More than just a friend. A best friend. Kiyo blinked. No. He fell in love with Iruma. How did that happen? Yes, she is part of his gang, but who cares? She may be... impulsive, but she is a pleasant company to have. A dirty person, but alright. He's going to confess to her before he and she joins Danganronpa. He wanted to have a family of his own, to leave his real family behind. All he had to do was confess to Iruma. No. That won't happen. Maybe she doesn't even like him that way. Maybe she'll stop talking to him after he confessed to her. Maybe she'll treat him the way she used to treat him. Kiyo removed a flower from his garden. His sister was in love with flowers. Maybe, if there's still enough time, he can confess his love to Iruma. What was his desire again? ~~~ Miu wanted to hold hands with Kiyo on the last day, before the auditions for Danganronpa. Why did she fall for the strange man anyway? He kept wearing that mask, which was making him intimidating. Miu remembered the first time they met. It wasn't such a romantic sight to begin with. She found Shinguji all beat up in the rooftop of the school. Miu decided to laugh at his misfortune, but ceased when she heard quiet sobbing. It made her reminisce the time she was in her abusive father's house. Miu felt pity for the boy and asked if he was okay. Of course, Shinguji was hostile with her, because of obvious reasons. So Miu distanced herself from Shinguji, until a school project forced them to work together. It was a rocky relationship at first. They'd bicker and fight over little things. One time she poured hot coffee onto Shinguji. This resulted to him getting burns and being rushed into the nurse's office. Miu, regretting what she did, went to the nurse and saw Shinguji talking to his family. Miu found out who Shinguji was. He was the sister of the old famous Keiko Shinguji, from Danganronpa 51. Keiko Shinguji was the Ultimate Illustrator. She survied up to the end with another girl named Shirogane Tsumugi. Keiko played a very important role in the first and fifth trial. Miu can say she was a big fan of Keiko. They formed a friendship who knows when. Miu can't remember how she fell for him. They walk to school together, eat together, even do Shinguji's work together. Miu never expected to fall in love with him. Why is she going to join Danganronpa? ~~~ Kaede, why are you so impulsive? Her mother's thoughts ran across her mind. When she was a child, she was mistreated for being an adopted child of two women. Kaede hated them for it. Kirigiri Kyoko and Ludenberg Celestia. Those were their damn names. She had a twin, named Kaguya Kirigiri, who took Kyoko's name. Kaede wanted nothing to do with her parents. That's why she named herself. She was a very impulsive child, she had to confess. She bullied others in her new school so she can defend herself. Kaede never let her parents pick her up from school. She would always walk home, with a cutter on her hand. She was very cautious. One time, she got caught by the police after stabbing a grown man on the shoulder. It was his fault, not hers. He tried to harass her. Why the hell was she in the police station when he did if first? She doesn't care if that asshole was injured. While waiting for her parents, she watched what was in the television. It was the ninth season of Danganronpa. She grew attached to the series. Kaede asked Kirigiri about this, and she didn't respond. She then asked Celestia. Celestia told her and Kaguya that Danganronpa was a killing game. Kaguya, like any sane person would do, stayed away from the show. But Kaede got hooked up with Danganronpa, and snuck merchandise from the outside. She got caught by Celestia, who showed the merchandise to Kyoko. Kaede wasn't banned from seeing the show, but was not allowed to get a cellphone. She decided not to tell her parents that she will join the show. If there's a contract, she can forge their signatures then. Then she can be able to join Danganronpa. If they select her. ~~~ Ryoma kept thinking a lot of his older brother in prison. He was arrested for mimicking a murder in Danganronpa. Such crime did not stop the world for loving the show. He was short, so he was always a target for taunting. That is, until he started to show that even though he was short, he can still do damage. His family's funds were dropping after his brother got arrested. His brother was the richest in the Hoshi family. Without him, the household started to waver. His mother worked morning and night shifts. She hadn't slept for days, until her untimely death, which was in her sleep. His father was an overseas worker, meaning he doesn't see Ryoma very much. This lead Ryoma to negotiating with Momota, and worked part-time jobs. He had a part-time job in the Amami house being a caregiver. He helped Tojo with her work. Ryoma doesn't like Momota and the other people in his gang of unruly assholes, but he does find sympathy in Shinguji and Iruma, who are nothing but sheep. He has always wanted to see his brother in prison. He's never seen him after the incident. He's going to joind Danganronpa, to let his brother be impressed by him, to see his potential in life. ~~~ Kirumi has to be the worst mistress ever. She was a tool used for cheating. She was just a highschool student. She shouldn't be doing this. A boy from her section asked her to get back at a girl named Harukawa. Apparently, said boy was Harukawa's ex. Sort of. Kirumi was a rich girl, she shouldn't even be doing this to herself. She has the luxury she wanted in her house. But not sexual urges. She kept her thrist a secret from the others, fearing they'd taunt her. Well, until the boy said it's okay to make their relationship public. She became the envy of the school. The boys that always liked her, will never have a chance to be with her since she's already in a 'relationship'. Girls envied her because she already had a boyfriend. Even Akamatsu taunts her in secret, saying she was just being used. She was right. The boy only used her to get back at Harukawa, who doesn't even show that she gives a fuck. To add what he's been doing to her, her forces Kirumi to fuck him, which was really messed up. Of course she hates it. But does she have a choice? The boy threatened her that if she tell anyone about this, the secret about them will surface through the school. It will ruin her reputation. She's going to join the show so she can escape every single one of her problems. Kirumi doesn't care if she gets traumatized. That'll be much better than being used as a toy. ~~~ Tenko is such a mess. She's messed up. No way is Yumeno going to fall in love with her. She's made of everything she hates. Oh well. She'll just stop caring anyway. She's going to go in the show and impress her. If they still remember. Obviously they won't. Tenko is sick of seeing herself messing people's lives. She can't fathom looking at herself on the mirror. It's not like she cared if she's pretty or not. But she would care on what Yumeno sees in her. She wants a new character. A new life. A new past. Because that's what she always wanted. Right? Wrong. Yes, she does want a new life, but it costs her health and emotions when she's in the show. She knows it's a virtual world but still. Virtual reality can make you mad. Like the time where a guy went on a killing spree and almost killed people by shooting just because he thought he was still in a game where you shoot people. That might be Danganronpa's virtual reality case as well. She had met a couple of those Danganronpa characters in a convention. She talked the most to Shinguji Korekiyo's sister, Keiko Shinguji. She fangirled so hard when she met her. "It's such an honor to meet someone like you!" "Really? I'm just here to get my money." They kept in touch afterwards, and that was why she let Shinguji Korekiyo in. Not because of his skills, but because of Keiko. The way Keiko said that she was there to get her money was empty. Tenko can see it in her eyes as well. Despair swirling in her eyes, the hope shining when she smiles... Like all Danganronpa characters, she was a mix of hope and despair. Nothing else. Tenko knew that was a side effect on staying in the virtual world too long. That's why Danganronpa took breaks. To let the characters rest for a little. Tenko hoped it would be like that too. ~~~ Gonta hates being the top of the class. He was getting tired of the lifestyle of being completely smart and praised. To be relied on. He wants to be treated like a person that has average smarts. He won't look like a god to them. Whenever Momota asks him to party with the others, he obliged. Momota was one of the people who treat him like he's a person, not a god. To prove this point, Momota never asks him about what he doesn't know. He also taunts him, like he's someone lower than him. Sometimes Gonta would break down in his room or in the bathroom, with pills in his hands. He vomitted and puked the remains of his stomach whenever he was alone. Nagisa Shingetsu, his housekeeper, always overheard him crying. Gonta knows that Shingetsu always hears him, but he doesn't care. If he joins Danganronpa, maybe he could forget everything that's happened in the real world. Maybe Danganronpa will turn him to another person. Someone unappreciated. Someone not bright. Someone who doesn't understand their surroundings. He smiled at the thought. He will be someone they'd never appreciate. ~~~ Rantaro is hiding everything from Angie with a smile. He can't tell anyone, since Shirogane threatened him not to. He remebered the times he had with everyone at home; especially Ouma. He didn't realized he fell for him after their fight, but after he joined Danganronpa. This was a feeling of despair. Or maybe of sadness? He wasn't use to saying any other word that deals with emotions, only hope and despair. He really hated those words. He remembered the times he was obsessed with Danganronpa, but not anymore, after what it had done to him and his comrades. He can't even call them friends. Who knows why. After the game, they lost contact with each other. Probably to live a better life. Now Rantaro really wants to see Kokichi again. Even if he's not himself. Because he also isn't himself either. He can't remember all his sisters'names. Their faces were fuzzy. All his memories before Danganronpa were fuzzy. And the most heartbreaking of them all, was that he can't remember his face. The face of the person he loves. Before he left his home. Rantari felt sick. He's becoming friends with Keebo. Even though he longed to have another friend, he felt guilty leaving Ouma behind. He felt guilty for leaving his life behind. ~~~ Tsumugi has to create the the best cast ever. Keebo told her that he had asked his father a favor. A favor about letting all of his friends participate in Danganronpa. He must've cared for them then. Tsumugi saw pictures of he and his friends, though they are not pleasant. Seriously, why were they bullying people? They're bad influence to her brother. How did Keebo even end up with them? Anyway, she was told by her father that she needed to participate in the game. Again. She told him for the past two games that she didn't want to participate. But no, her father never listens to his daughter. She ended up crying in her room, sobbing uncontrollably. Keebo always caught her crying, and goes to comfort her. It didn't work. There was her stepbrother that she fell in love with. Yet he was five years older than her, and acted like the older brother. She still hasn't confessed to them yet, which was disheartening. She was asked by her father to create a cast that everyone will either love or hate. Tsumugi was looking into their profiles, every single one. She can't make the whole cast yet. She still needs their audition tapes. It's hard working for Danganronpa. Especially when you're in charge of making the most irresistible batch of casts. ~~~ Keebo can wait until Danganronpa 53 started. Or, v3, since that's what Tsumugi calls the new series. He already told his father that he wanted his friends (and enemies) to be chosen as the Danganronpa characters. Of course, they still need to wait until their auditions. Keebo scratched his neck. It was still filled with Ouma's fingernails. Even though that was two weeks ago. It was healing rather fast, fortunately. He shouldn't have toyed with Ouma's emotions. Momota and the others were in the wrong, to be honest. They were at fault for what Ouma became. Tsumugi vaguely mentioned that he was also going in the virtual world to 'monitor' them. What does that even mean? Tsumugi's statement must be a clue to how he'll be playing in the cast. But why would he need to monitor others in the virtual world? They can do that themselves, right? Or maybe Tsumugi has something else planned. ~~~

  Ouma breathed in and out. He was escorted into the car by two unknown men, claiming they're staff from Danganronpa. It's time for the auditions. He's ready, right? Ouma sat at the back of the car, far from anyone in the vehicle. He looked out the window. It was a blur of color, as the car moved faster. He can see the houses lining up the road, he looked at the rearview mirror. He can see his house that he's leaving behind. Along with his parents. "How far is the Team Danganronpa headquarters?", Ouma asked one of the staff. "About four hours away", one replied. Ouma stayed silent after that, not even bothering to start a conversation with anyone in the car in particular.

FIRST

PREVIOUS

I Learn to Live Half-Alive

[ah-ga-seven]

Christian Yu x Reader: Let Me Explain - Chapter 5

Chapter 1: These Seoul Streets. | Chapter 2: Uninvited Guests | Chapter 3: Confrontation | Chapter 4: Who Wouldv’e Thought? 

Chapter 5: Red Roses

Word count: 4007

Series type: Angst, Smut & Fluff.

Warnings: Bad language. mentions of sex and mature content.

Additional Characters: DPR LIVE (Dabin) and mentions of other artists/fictional characters.

A/N: Please keep in mind English is not my first language therefore there might me some spelling/grammar mistakes

“You will?” both Yura and Dabin asked shocked.

“Well yeah, but only if that’s okay with y/n” he says shrugging.

“Look, I get that there’s a lot at stake for you here but if y/n doesn’t agree then you’re going to have to find another way to deal with this mess.” Christian says walking towards you and protectively putting his arm around your waist.

You were surprised he actually considered your feelings for once. But now 3 pairs of eyes were staring at you. 1 relieved pair, Dabin. 1 desperate pair, Yura. and 1 angry pair, Hyung Suk.

“What a coincidence that y/n-sshi is your actual girlfriend” Hyung suk said through his teeth. He didn’t seem happy about that reveal at all. His eyebrows were furrowed, looking you up and down.

You felt uncomfortable. Not only because of the way Hyung Suk looked at you, but also because Christian wasn’t even your boyfriend. At least not yet.

Christian scoffed at Hyung Suk’s tone. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” He says tightening the hold on your waist.

“Well, it is if you’re going to do this.” Hyung Suk says sniffing, crossing his arms while giving you an impatient look.

Dabin looked at you, telling you with his eyes that it’s okay if you didn’t want Christian to do it. Of course you didn’t want Christian to do it. But there is a lot more going on here than your selfishness can take into consideration right now.

Yura took your hand, looking straight into your eyes. “Eonni, remember how I told you I was sorry earlier? I still am. Even more so now. I understand how difficult this all must be for you given everything that already happened but I’m begging you. This is all I have riding for me right now. I also understand if you don’t want him to do it, but I just want you to know that you can trust me.” She says.

You look at her a little startled. Can you trust her? Is that what it’s all about? Trust?

You bite your lip, knowing that this would be the ultimate test for Christian to prove his loyalty to you. It’s only a fake relationship right? So if he slips up, at least then you’ll know for sure to run from him. As far away as possible.

“Okay” you say. “Fine” you take Christian’s hand from your waist and take a step back.

Yura’s eyes lit up as she throws herself at you, hugging you as a thank you. You awkwardly pat her back, making eye contact with Hyung Suk who still looked at you like you were an unfitting piece to his puzzle.

You really don’t know why you said yes, and by the look of Christians facial expression, neither did he.

“Oh my god eonni thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she says letting go of you.

Christians eyes find yours, he kind of smiled at you. It was an indifferent smile. He didn’t feel a special way about the situation, but he was also relieved to know that you trusted him enough to let him help Yura.

“Well. Mr Yu. If you could just come by tomorrow, we’ll map out our strategy with the marketing team.” Hyung Suk says.

Yura smiled at Christian, but he avoided her gaze only looking at Hyung Suk.

“Marketing team?” Christian asked confused.

“Yes. Mr Yu, the marketing team will come up with strategies to shed a light on the situation to try and make the public sympathize with your relationship rather than loathing it.” Hyung Suk answers in a very professional tone.

“Keep in mind there will be a few public appearances as a couple and fake dispatch photo’s before we announce the break up.”

Dabin sighed getting up. “Bro I hope you understand what you just agreed to. You too y/n.”

You just nod, lost in thought. This was going to be so much more work than you thought it would be. Deep down you knew you’d regret this decision, but it’s the only way to put Christian’s loyalty to you to the test, even if that meant getting hurt. Again.

“What about dance classes…and her mv?” you ask trying to look Hyung Suk in the eye again.

“Everything will go on as planned. It would be odd if you suddenly resigned. Wouldn’t it?” he says almost mocking you.

His tone annoyed you. He talked to you like you were an outsider to this entire situation when in fact, you were right in the middle of it.

Dabin noticed your annoyance and decided to blend himself into the conversation. “So everything will basically be the same, apart from the fake news and photo’s. It’s not like Christian needs to be with Yura all the time, right?”

You internally thank god for Dabin’s existence. He asked the questions you couldn’t think of right now, but would think of when you’d be alone in bed with plenty of time to overthink.

“Correct. Just try not to hold hands in public y/n-sshi, in fact. Try not to be alone together in public for the mean time.” Hyung Suk sarcastically smiles at you. “Oh and take the back entrance to each others apartments.”

Christian sighs. “We’ll be careful.”

You run your fingers through your hair and nod, looking to the floor.

This was such a 180-degree flip to Hyung Suk’s personality. He seemed so nice and professional when you first met, but now it seems like that person never existed in the first place.

You decide to lighten the mood as you see how tense Yura was standing next to Hyung Suk, scared you’ll suddenly decline with all of these new terms and revelations being added to the mix.

You bite your lip before speaking. “I expect at least one box of triple chocolate chip cookies at the next practice” you tell Yura in a serious tone.

Dabin was amazed at how well you were handling the situation. It was so unlike you to ignore such a bullshit attitude Yura’s manager was giving you, just to make her feel better.

Christian chuckled. “Make it two” he says putting his hand on your shoulder.

Dabin looked at Christian’s body language. He noticed how Christian kept touching you, only standing closer to you so people would see you as the pair. Making him impressed with Christian as well. Well shit this might work out, he thought to himself.

“Yes! Of course!” Yura smiled, and so did Hyun Suk. But his smile wasn’t sincere. You could just see it, not necessarily through his facial expression but through everything he emitted.

His presence made you uncomfortable.

“Well then Yura, let’s go. I’ll take you to your sister’s house.” Hyung Suk says placing his hand on Yura’s back while giving you one last look before he turned to Christian.

“So, I’ll expect you at the YG building at 2 PM tomorrow.” He says putting out his hand for Christian to shake.

Christian shook his hand and nodded. “Sure.”

Hyung Suk nodded to Dabin as a goodbye and walked out, followed by Yura who politely bowed to the three of you and quickly hopped after him leaving you alone with Dabin and Christian in the dance studio.

“Okay, well. Let’s get food. I’m starving” Christian says taking your jacket off the floor and handing it to you.

You look at him a little funny. Not saying anything.

“What…” Christian cautiously asked, still standing there with your jacket in his hands.

Dabin looked to the floor. Unable to handle the awkwardness.

“Food?” you just say.

“You’re telling me you’re not hungry.” He asks sincerely confused.

You turn to Dabin crossing your arms. “Why is he acting like nothing happened?” you ask acting as if Christian wasn’t standing right in front of you.

“Shit y/n, I don’t know. Why don’t you ask him yourself?” Dabin says walking to the door.

Christian rolled his eyes at the both of you, taking your hand. “Let’s not make it a big deal okay?” he says looking at you. “The more we talk about it or think of it, the more it’ll consume us. Let’s just focus on us. The way we have been for the past week.”

Dabin walked out. “I’m in the car” he yells from the hallway clearly avoiding the situation.

You sigh staring at the ceiling.

“It’s not too late to say no…” he says wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you close to his chest.

You hug him back, burying your face in the crook of his neck. “I’m scared of what this’ll do to us” you confess closing your eyes inhaling the scent of his cologne.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of” he says softly.

His arms let go of your waist to grab the sides of your face. He looks into your eyes and stares into them for a while when suddenly he presses his lips to yours. Never in your life did you expect him to do that. Even after everything you’ve been through and all of the emotional attachment, unspoken feelings and sexual tension he has never once kissed you.

At first your body froze, your heart was now beating like crazy as Christian led the kiss, massaging his lips against yours. You slowly relaxed, leaning into him and letting him do as he pleased, wrapping your arms around his neck. His hands went down your body, taking a hold of your waist, steadily lifting you up on one of the higher stools behind you. You wrapped your legs around Christian’s waist while you passionately kissed him back, pushing his torso closer to yours with your legs, grabbing on to his messy hair.

Out of breath he pulled away before things got too heated. You both panted while hungrily staring into each others eyes. He rested his forehead onto yours, breathing heavily. “Fuck” he says closing his eyes.

You lean back as he stands up straight, you both longed for more, that wasn’t a secret, but not like this, and definitely not here.

As the both of your breathing calmed down a bit, he took your hand helping you off the stool. “You know. I’ve wanted to do that since the day you walked into that dance studio in your white booty shorts the first time I met you.” He says taking both of your hands, smiling while you intertwined fingers. You shyly try to cover your face with your hands which were still holding onto his, but you failed; making him chuckle at your cuteness.

“Y/n, I’m yours.” He says biting his lower lip, cocking his head sideways to admire your swollen lips a little.

“I don’t want you to forget that when all of this goes down.” He says stealing a quick peck. “I’ll keep doing things like this to remind you of that, okay?”

you shyly nod looking to the floor.

He let go of your hands, laughing a little. “Since when are you so shy around me?” he asks teasing you, poking your sides.

“Stoppp” you playfully demand, taking his hands into yours again so he’d stop teasing you.

He chuckled, pecking your lips once more, a little longer this time. “Don’t forget that you’re mine too now” he says putting a lost strand of hair behind your ear.

Christian was lying down on your couch, scrolling through some articles related to Yura and him while you cleaned your kitchen after the three of you had eaten. Dabin had already left, saying he had to meet up with someone.

“These comments are crazy” Christian says out loud.

“What comments?” you ask finishing up, leaning over the kitchen counter while looking at him.

“People are telling her to die and stuff it’s just crazy” he says lost in thought.

You sigh, it obviously bothered him more than you’d expected. If anything; reading those comments made him want to help Yura even more.

“Is there anything about you on there?” you ask walking towards the couch, sitting in between his legs while facing him.

“No…nothing really” he says in a little higher pitched tone than he usually talks in.

You squint your eyes at him. Liar.

“Give me that” you say leaning forward, almost falling on top of him when you finally get a hold of his phone.

Your eyes scan through the comments.

“Wahh, daebak. Where did she find him?” You read out loud.

“You can say what you want about her, but they look good together” you continue reading.

“I don’t know him, but now I want to know him, maybe have some ramyeon at his place ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ”

you read raising your eyebrows. (sidenote: having ramen with someone at someone’s house is the Korean equivalent to Netflix and chill)

Christian leans forward taking his phone from you. “Stop torturing yourself, netizens are crazy you know that.” he says sitting up, removing a fallen eyelash from your cheek with his thumb.

You blankly look at him. “I don’t know Ian, they think you look good together.”

Christian cocks his head to the side looking at you with a tired expression on his face. “Babe, don’t be like this. Besides those are like the only descent comments under that article.”

You sigh crossing your arms. “You know I can’t help but feel jealous” you say avoiding eye contact.

Christian chuckled putting his phone on the coffee table, unexpectedly pulling you towards him so you’d be laying on top of him. “Why be jealous when you’re the only one I see” he says brushing your hair behind your ear. You look at him with anticipation. Hoping he’d kiss you again but he just looked at you, caressing your face from your temple to your cheek, placing a kiss in between your brows.

You decide to steal a quick kiss from him, quickly hiding your face in his neck afterwards.  You felt giddy. Like a 15-year-old who just kissed her crush on her own for the first time. You traced your finger over his inner shoulder tattoo under the strap of his black tank top, when suddenly he flipped you over so you’d be under him.

He supported his own weight, placing his elbow beside you as his other hand grabbed the side of your face while pressing his lips onto yours. His sudden sexiness made you moan into his mouth, turning him on even more as he always wished to hear you moan under him.

You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him closer as his hands disappeared under your shirt, lightly stroking your sides with his fingernails, unleashing a tickling and sensual sensation in your lower abdomen. You let out a slight moan again, enjoying the physical contact.

He broke the kiss, putting his hand on the side of your face again while his other hand was on your waist as he sloppily kissed and sucked on your neck. You threw you head back so he had more access to your skin, arching your back a little when his hands pushed your shirt up just above your bra.

He slid down lower, taking a firm hold of your waist with both hands as he left wet kisses from your belly button to your neck again. He came back up to kiss your lips, fondling your still covered breast while grinding on your clothed heat. You nearly lost it, ready to rip his shirt off of him when suddenly your doorbell rang.  The sound scared the both of you as adrenaline still rushed through your veins. You both sit up in a fraction of time a little out of breath when you give Christian a quick look pulling your shirt down while Christian runs his hand through his hair, showing his frustration.

“Who the fuck could that be at this hour” he says annoyed.

You sigh getting up, walking to your kitchen window to see who was outside, but there was no one to be seen. You frown, quickly walking to your door to open it.

You looked around. No one. The cool air hit your face giving you goose bumps. Your cross your arms to shield yourself from the wind. You sigh looking down, not expecting to see what you saw. Your eyes widen squatting down to pick a bouquet of at least 30 red roses up. Suddenly a card attached to the bouquet fell on the floor.

You take a step back, picking it up, confused and a little anxious at the same time. Not knowing what to expect. Is Christian playing a joke on you or something? You look over your shoulder if he hadn’t gotten up to check on you before you opened the card and started reading.

This was supposed to be a thank you letter for agreeing to the deal, but coming here changed my mind. I want to be sure that you won’t break after seeing what I just saw. Know that I recorded the two of you on your couch through the window just now. If you, in any way talk Christian out of our little deal or form any type of threat, I will release the video online with a time stamp and a fabricated story. Showing his disloyalty to Yura. Turning him into the bad guy. What a story that would be right? I think you are smart enough to know the consequences for the both of you. Don’t underestimate me y/n. I would do anything to ensure my own and Yura’s reputation. I look forward to seeing you again. And just a tip. Buy some curtains sweetheart. Good night.

You panic. Your heart pounded in your throat as your breathing became heavier. If that video leaked it would ruin Christian. Not only Christian but DPR too. A tear escaped your eye. Fuck. You swallow harshly unable to wrap your head around the situation yet, feeling like you just stepped into a nightmare.

“Babe?” Christian yelled from the living room, wondering what’s taking you so long.

You quickly wipe your tear away. But you fail at the attempt to calm yourself down when your eyes land on the card again.

“Uhh-I-just a second” you stammer with a shaky voice. You quickly take the card and hide it in one of the pockets of your jacket. You take the roses from your doorstep and close the door. Trying to get yourself together a little more, you quickly do a few breathing exercises before you walk into the living room again. You see Christian sitting up straight on the couch, he was on his phone before he looked at you, luckily only noticing the huge bouquet of roses instead of your body language.

“Do you have another boyfriend I need to know about?” he says wide eyed. Getting up.

“When I opened the door all I saw was these” you lie, blinking a couple of times.

Christian looks at you. “Are you okay?” he asks worried seeing your pale complexion taking the roses from you.

You want to cry so bad right now. It took everything from you to control your emotions. You bit your lip shaking your head looking to the floor.

Christian put the roses down on your kitchen counter and walked closer to you. “Baby what’s wrong? What’s this about?” he asks making you look at him with his thumb and index finger on your chin.

You close your eyes. “I’m not feeling well. Maybe it was the food I don’t know.” You lie again walking away from him to a cabinet, searching for a vase to put the flowers in.

He walks after you, sitting down on the high stool behind your breakfast bar. Looking at you cautiously. You were acting weird, it was obvious.

You removed the thorns from the roses with a knife, one by one, putting them into the vase. “Who are the roses from?” he asks still looking at you.

“I fed my neighbors’ cat while she was on a business trip, I guess this is her creepy way of saying thank you” you lie again not making eye contact.

He supported his head on his hand, still looking at you pursing his lips together. Somehow he felt like he needed to give you some space. Maybe that make out session happened too quick when you both promised each other to take it slow. He knew what it would have resulted in to if that doorbell didn’t stop him. He looked at the time on his phone. 12:34 AM.

“A-are you staying over” you suddenly ask.

Christian looked up at you, shaking his head giving you a faint smile. “I have to get up early tomorrow. I want to work out before that meeting with Lee Hyung Suk. Otherwise it doesn’t fit my schedule”

Your heart sank hearing his name and you immediately looked down again to focus on the roses. You were relieved he wouldn’t stay though. You were trying your best to suppress your emotions, but didn’t know if you could for much longer. You needed time to think. Alone.

“y/n?” he says. You look up at him. Your heart was pounding so hard in your chest that you were almost afraid he could hear it.

“T-that’s fine” you stammer.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay, you really don’t look well.” He says furrowing his eyebrows walking towards you.

No, no, no. Please no hugs. You’ll break.

You decide to take his hand first, knowing he’d envelop you in one of his bear hugs if you didn’t.

“It’s okay. I’ll just drink some tea and go to sleep. I won’t be much fun to be around anyways.” You say still not looking into his eyes, intertwining your fingers with his.

“Fine” he says kissing the top of your head. “Just call if you need anything” you nod, taking a deep breath collecting the courage to look into his eyes. Knowing it’d be too weird if you kept avoiding to look at him.

When you do, your heart hurts. He’s genuinely worried, but something tells you he knows you’re lying. You don’t want him to think he did something wrong.

You both walked to your front door. Your eyes quickly check on the jacket you put that card in. Good. It wasn’t visible.  When he looks back at you, you give him a smile, standing on your tippy toes to give him a quick kiss. It surprised him, but he smiled back at you, caressing your cheek. “Good night” he says. “Text me in the morning if you’re still not feeling better alright?” you just nod at his words. Opening the door so he could walk through.

“Good night Christian” you say almost inaudible as he walked off. Your eyes followed him down the steps and to his car. You needed to be sure he wouldn’t come back.

When you see him drive away you close your door, and immediately you start to cry. You cover your mouth with your hands trying to mute yourself, slowly letting yourself fall to the floor, leaning against your front door. You sob uncontrollably as reality cuts through your heart like a knife.

It scared you, it scared you so much that Hyung Suk now had the power to make you distance yourself from Christian. Knowing you’d agree to any suggestion he would make to you, and you couldn’t do anything about it. That thought alone choked you up even more, not knowing what to do and not wanting to lose Christian, especially now that your relationship was taking a turn for the better.

You loved Christian too much to tell him. He wouldn’t care about what it would do to him or his life. He’d never let you keep it a secret, so he could never know.

You pull your knees up to your chest, leaning your chin on your knees while you close your eyes trying to bare the heavy pain chest.

You’re on your own now.

Chapter 6

[diamond-seventeen]

One Hundred Percent [The8]

words: 1.6k genre: fluff

summary: when you go to meet minghao’s parents for the first time, you get a glimpse into his past

Nervously playing with your fingers, you tried to focus on the cooling breeze rushing through the car window. Months, even years, had lead up to this fateful day. For so long you had been consolidating your knowledge on your boyfriend’s culture, trying to match yourself to unbelievably high standards, even learning Chinese diligently while trying to keep up with your own studies. You had worked so hard to be the most respectable girlfriend possible all for this moment and now, it was finally here.

“Love,” Minghao said in a somewhat questioning tone. “Don’t tell me you’re worrying about this again.”

The only reply he got was an unsure hum.

Releasing a small sigh from his chest, he removed one hand from the steering wheel and put it on top of yours, squeezing it gently. “___, my parents will definitely love you. I have no doubt about it! Just be yourself; that way they will learn to love you just like I did.”

The words coming from his mouth reached out and pulled on your heartstrings, enveloping you in warmth despite the wind pour through the window. Why was it that he always had exactly the right words at exactly the right moment? How on earth did you end up with someone so loving, supportive and kind? Turning towards the boy, you breathed out, “Are you even real?”

A confused chuckled vibrated in his throat as he kept looking forward at the road which was seemingly endless. “Strange question, but yes. I’m 99% sure I am real, darling.”

“What about the other 1%?” you asked, furrowing your eyebrows together.

“Sometimes it all just feels like a dream, you know, the fact that I met you.” Nothing else needed to be said – you fell into a comfortable silence, focusing solely on your nervous but now steadily beating heart.

-

Minghao’s slender fingers found their way to the doorbell, pressing it lightly and causing a small ringing sound. Your fingers, on the other hand, were nervously playing with each other as your eyes peered down at them. Carefully, Minghao pried your hands apart and held it in his large one. He looked down into your eyes and no words needed to come from his mouth for you to know he was telling you it was all going to be okay.

Within a few seconds, the doorknob could be seen turning and a small, pretty woman was stood before you. “Mum! Hello!” Minghao exclaimed, letting go of your trembling hand momentarily to give his mother a friendly hug.

“Minghao, it’s so lovely to see you! And you must be the beautiful ___! It’s great to finally meet you after hearing so much about you from my son!” she greeted in a warm, motherly tone.

Bowing, you smiled anxiously at her. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Xu.”

“Well, I don’t know what we’re doing standing around out here! Let’s get inside. Minghao, I’ll send your father to come help you get yours and ___’s suitcases from the car.” You were ushered inside as Minghao waved you off with his mother. Leading you into a homely living room, she urged you to sit down and you politely accepted.

Minghao’s mother left the room for a few minutes to get you something to drink, leaving you to glance around the room. In front of you, you could see Minghao as a child sat on the floor, playing with his toys as though he had no care in the world. It was a strange feeling, knowing that the one you loved had grown and developed under this roof, in this room, probably on the sofa you were sat on now. It was as if you had stepped back into the past and although Minghao wasn’t in your presence right now, you felt closer to him than ever.

In particular, a picture positioned carefully in the centre of the mantelpiece caught your eye. It was a photo of Minghao, merely a few years old, and his parents sat at the beach. Minghao had always talked about his family but this was the first visual representation of how close he was to them - it made you see your boyfriend in a much brighter light.

As you were peering at the photo encased by a vintage looking photo frame, Minghao’s mother returned. Embarrassed that she caught you looking, you turned away quickly and looked down at your feet once again. However, Mrs. Xu looked warmly at you and took the photo into her hands before sitting down beside you. “This one caught your interest?” she asked attentively.

“Ah, I suppose it did…” you replied, trying not to let the language barrier disrupt the conversation. It did make you feel a bit on edge that you were having a conversation without Minghao being around to support you, but his mother had been nothing but welcoming.

“He was only 5 years old here! When we were at the beach, a photographer asked if we wanted our picture taken as a keepsake and since that moment, it’s been one of my favourite memories to look back on,” she explained to you, looking kindly at you as you appreciated the precious reminiscence grasped between her fingertips.

Timidly, you looked back at her and asked, from the small Chinese vocabulary you had, “What was Minghao like as a child?”

She laughed quietly to herself. “Well, he was a troublemaker at times. That’s expected from all children at some point, though. You probably know, though, that when he was young he didn’t have the greatest health. His father and I worried a lot about him and asked him if he wanted to start building up his physical strength through clubs. He agreed, of course, and that gave him this burst of passion that I was unaware a child so young could have.”

A small smile appeared on your face as she continued to talk to you; it was this passion and intensity that had originally drawn you to Minghao and, ultimately, caused you to fall in love with him. “I assure you that passion lives on to this day, Mrs. Xu!” you told her, and she gave an appreciative look back.

Suddenly, she stood back up, to which you gave her a confused look. “I have something else to show you. I’ll be a minute.” When she came back, she had an old, worn box in her hands. “It’s the photos from Minghao’s childhood. If you want, I can show you them.” Nodding your head gracefully in agreement, she started showing you all the pictures from the past; first days of school; last days of school; the dreaded baby bath pictures; dance and martial arts competitions; family days out and even days out with his friends whom you had heard infinite stories about.

After a while, Minghao and his father made their way to the living room after taking the suitcases and bags you would be using for your weeks stay to the bedrooms. Immediately, you stood up and bowed to his father, saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr Xu. Thank you for having me.”

Looking at the sofa, Minghao saw the aged but familiar box with its contents overflowing like a waterfall. “Mum! It hasn’t even been an hour and you’re already trying to embarrass me!” he groaned, causing his parents and you to laugh.

“Don’t act like a little child in front of your girlfriend, Minghao!” she joked, placing the photographs back in the box and turning to you. “It was enjoyable spending this time with you, ___. Thank you.” Smiling graciously at you, she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Over the meal, you spoke to both of Minghao’s parents and felt your nerves and apprehensive attitude from earlier in the day slipping away. Whenever you caught eyes with Minghao, he would always smile proudly at you and encourage you to carry on talking, whether it be by a gentle whisper in the ear or a squeeze of the hand. Each small but noticeable gesture helped build up your confidence and allowed you to open your mind and personality up to his parents, letting them see the real you.

Before you knew it, it was night time and almost time for you to think about getting to sleep. Neatly emptying out your suitcase into one of the dressers, you felt a pair of arms snaking around your waist and a chin resting on your shoulder. “Hello, my parents’ new favourite person,” he laughed, twirling you around in his embrace so he could see your face.

“Don’t exaggerate, Minghao. I haven’t really done or said anything spectacular, have I?”

Shaking his head in disagreement, he lifted his hand to rest it on your cheek. “You’ve been yourself and personally, I don’t think there is anything more spectacular than that, darling,” he told you, causing a faint blush to dust over your cheeks. “I haven’t really been able to get a second alone with you today, but I just want to make sure you’re happy. You are, right?”

Breathing in his scent, admiring his sun-kissed skin and allowing his voice to echo in your ears, you pulled your boyfriend close and hugged him. “I’m really, really happy.” Placing his hands on the dresser behind you, Minghao leaned down and planted a gentle yet amorous kiss on your lips, pulling away after a few seconds.

“I love you,” he muttered, burying his head into the crook of your neck.

“I love you, too,” you whispered back, kissing his head.

“Even after my mum showed you all those embarrassing pictures?” he asked, laughing to himself.

“After that, more than ever,” you admitted, letting your fingers comb through his deep brown locks. “Those photos consolidated it for me that you really are real. 100%.”

[fightingdiamond]

KCON LA 2017 fanaccount!!

part 2: more Seventeen + the concert, ft. SF9, VIXX, and D&E :)

(disclaimer: none of the videos linked in this post are mine, credit to their respective owners!)

I was on twitter looking at (other people's) pictures from hi-touch and I realized I don't remember touching Seventeen's rings??? Lol it's a weird detail, idk. Maybe the angle of my hand wouldn't have put me in contact with their rings anyway, but I don't remember feeling the rings. Oh well 😂

Also this is super random, but I took a class spring quarter on learning and memory and this hi-touch experience has been just a perfect real-world example of how human memory is so fickle 😂😂😂 I was looking back at the videos I filmed of myself talking to my sister after the hi-touch and there’s some stuff in there (ex. I said that I remembered looking at Seokmin, Mingyu, and Seungkwan’s faces) that for the life of me I cannot recall now 😂😂😂 that’s how the brain works I guess lol

Anyway, some more things from the Seventeen session and then the concert!

-Seungkwan was asked to sing his favorite pop song and he sang an Adele song (When We Were Young I think). I was LIVING! I love that boy's voice and I'm so glad I got to hear it.

-Vernon rapped a bit and it was so hype!! Omg but before he started rapping, he and Seungkwan just kinda looked at each other for a few seconds like they were giving each other support or something?????? Idk but it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, I love verkwan ❤️❤️❤️

-BUT THEN WONWOO SANG TOO AND I LOST IT oh my god. His voice is so good, I was in heaven. What I wouldn't give for a Wonwoo solo debut 😍😍😍

-they were asked who the mom and dad of the group are and Mingyu was like (of course) Coups hyung and Jeonghan hyung!!! And Coups pulled Jeonghan in for a very cute hug but I'm laughing because I'm pretty sure Jihoon had a look of mild disgust on his face 😂😂😂 the eternal jeongcheol vs jicheol struggle, y'all 😄

-Seokmin got carried away and threw the die at the crowd like it was a concert and I think it may have almost hit a staff or something 😂 he was so flustered! He kept bowing and apologizing, it was so funny 😅

-Jeonghan was asked to do aegyo. You can imagine how that ended 😂 I cringed so hard but I also felt so much love for him in the same instant. It's a unique experience 😂

-MINGYU WAS FORCED TO DO A SEXY DANCE I'M STILL SCREAMING/CRYING/LAUGHING. He's so shy and bashful, oh my god, he's so precious 😍 I can't remember if this was before or after he rolled the die, but his face was so priceless when the members ruthlessly pushed him out to the front. He was like W H A T WHY ME????? I love Kim Mingyu, my overgrown human puppy 😍 also though I'm shook because whenever Mingyu dances, it just gives me flashbacks to when Kai from EXO was my ultimate bias 😂 they're so similar!!! But this isn't the place to talk about Kai haha. Mingyu was adorable! He was doing bodyrolls really shyly, almost resignedly lmao, and every few seconds he'd straighten up and shake his head and beg for mercy with his puppy eyes. Seungkwan stepped up partway through and put his hands on Mingyu's abs and was like HERE, YOU HAVE TO MOVE THIS PART 😂😂😂 I was like, Seungkwan, let your hyung live!!! Lmao. (Altho Seungkwan's actually 97 line because his birthday is early? Anyway.) I also noticed Wonwoo laughing his fkin ass off at Mingyu's misfortune. What a terrible boyfriend (kidding!!!) 😂 (tbh I probably ship gyuhao more now, Minghao already wrecked my bias list anyway, what's another wrecked list)

-before the game, Jihoon was asked to give advice to fans who are thinking about pursuing music/music production. It was really sweet! He basically said, "A lot of people think it's really hard to start making music, but just keep working on it, don't give up, and make lots of songs that you can show the world."

Okayyy now on to the concert! I actually bought two support banners (Seventeen and VIXX) but since I was sitting pretty far back, I'm pretty sure they didn't see me 😂 that's ok, I heard Seungkwan saw the banner that some of the floor people were holding up so at least he saw it! Also I didn't have a light stick (only a small glow stick) because I'm silly - next time, I swear!

They brought Coups, Vernon, and Joshua out as special MCs and I lost it omg. Minghao may have stolen my heart but Coups is still the captain of this frickin' ship! I love him 😌 Mingyu also came out later as an MC (replacing Coups). I was looking at him during one of his MC parts and like wooooow he is TALL. His legs are literally miles long, it's breathtaking.

I think Hansol made the biggest impression on me out of the four of them; he was so beautiful and did a really good job of making his lines sound smooth and not scripted. That boy was born for show business, I swear. (As an aside, Jisoo's English sounds super sarcastic to me????? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 idk maybe I'm just not used to him speaking English unless it's some meme-worthy occasion. Or it's his valley accent?? No idea haha, but he drawls his words a lot and it's really amusing to listen to.) Hansol also frequently went off script to say sweet things (and correct the script's lackluster choice of words on at least one occasion, lmao). Like, there was a part where they wanted to get the audience to kinda do a random play dance, and the script was like "let's stretch first, stretch your arms and legs" and Vernon added "you can't get injured and stuff!!" He was so sweet 😍

Speaking of the script, during SF9's talking portion (they opened the show), I was looking for the teleprompters but didn't see them until later. At first I was like "wow, their English is really good!" but then I was like, wait, is there a teleprompter? Lol. As the show went on I suspected there was a script, because there were subtitles on the big screen at the same time as (sometimes even before) idols were talking and I was like, ok, translation technology ain't THAT good. The point I'm tryna make in the end is that a) that's how I know Hansol was going off script and b) Seventeen - who closed the concert btw, what gods - barely had a script. It was just really free-flowing and genuine and they were interacting with the audience and it was amazing. You could tell they loved being with all the fans and they really commanded the stage and made it super fun. Seventeen are literal gods, when will your faves. (No hard feelings please!! Lmao it's all in good fun!)

Anyway back to the show lol. I love SF9 and they deserve the world omg. They're SUCH good performers; their choreo is amazing and their songs are great!! Their energy on the stage is incredible, even when they were just talking, and everyone should Iove them 😍 they performed Fanfare, Jungle Game(?), and Easy Love. Their English is seriously really good, even considering the teleprompter! It didn't sound like they were just reading off a script at all; idk the word for it in English but the way their sentences flowed was very authentic and I know they must have tried really hard to practice their lines for their American fans. Everyone please stan SF9 😍

I'm really sorry but I'm gonna gloss over Cosmic Girls and Girl's Day - I'm not into either of them but of course they did really well! Girl's Day really owned the stage with I'll Be Yours, Something, and Ring Ma Bell. Some of the girls in Cosmic Girls seemed a bit tired, so props to them for still pulling off a great performance with Happy, I Wish(?), and Secret!

Now, Cosmic Girls' cover of BTS' I Need U is the kinda content I'm here for!!! I don't like Cosmic Girls' usual cutesy concept because it attracts some really creepy fanboys and I feel that it doesn't show off their real talent, so it was really refreshing to see them killing a guy group dance. I think Cheng Xiao did a flip! I'm assuming it was her 😅

SF9 covered Sorry Sorry after them and then it transitioned seamlessly into Super Junior D&E - great planning, y'all 😏 the atmosphere in the audience was so hype!! They were flashing Super Junior's stats on the big screen and it was so easy to forget that I'm not even into Super Junior anymore 😂 I'm still disappointed with the members who have been unapologetically and/or repeatedly problematic (and smh @ Eunhyuk's dreads at the concert, but ya can't spell smh without SM I guess), but I can't help but feel proud of Super Junior for being responsible for kpop's initial surge of international popularity 😊

Fun fact, I went to SMTOWN NYC 2011 and saw Super Junior there. It's really amazing that Donghae and Eunhyuk are still so active in the industry, five and a half years later! Both of them, but especially Donghae, came onto the stage like they owned the goddamn place. I'm blown away by how handsome Donghae still is! He's aged a bit since I last saw him, for sure, but it's a great look on him. He's so handsome, oh my god. The two of them did Growing Pains, I Wanna Dance (Korean version, which I didn't know existed), another song from their album I think, and the classic Oppa Oppa. It was lit 🔥 they were so sweet too, they kept apologizing for "taking so long to see you again" and thanking the fans for waiting 😭 I'm not crying, you're crying!

VIXX was so powerful! I'm glad they didn't perform Dynamite LOL no offense but that's my least favorite of their title songs 😂 they did Shangri-La, Black Out, and Fantasy! Jaehwan was so loud holy heck lol. He's basically Seokmin in five years, I swear. (Speaking of which, I can totally see D&E being soonseok in ten years 😍) I got so excited when Hyuk sang too! I still remember when he was an awkward smol 😌 but Hakyeon will always have my heart ❤️ there was a part in Shangri-La where he was supposed to be serious but couldn't hold back a smile, so he covered his face with his fan 😂 it was the cutest freaking thing 😍

They did a "piñata" game where a random mission popped up on the screen (the choices were aegyo, photo time, sexy dance, random play, and proposal). They saw the proposal choice and started joking about it - I laughed so hard when Hyuk threw himself on his knees and was like N, MARRY ME! And Hakyeon was like SURE! 😂 his English was so freaking sexy 😂

oKaY and now for the moment we've all been waiting for......say the name (SEVENTEEN)! 😍

They made their first appearance with unit performances and I was like OH MY GOD MINGHAO WAS ACTUALLY RIGHT!!!! In the video that they did for KCON previously, they were ~speculating~ about what special performances they would do, and Minghao was all like, well, we do have three units 😏 so proud of my boy for tellin' it like it is!!!

Performance unit came on with Swimming Fool and I screamed so loudly omg. I've been waiting to see this choreo since forever!! And as a newly reborn Minghao bias I was living for every second he appeared on the big screen 😍😍😍😍 I was a little sad though because Hoshi's been showing off this choreo at fansigns for MONTHS and I just know he's been so eager to perform it, but he couldn't make it 😭 It was also compounded during the parts where the other three blatantly left Soonyoung's spot empty. Like, ok, there's a hole in the choreo, I guess there's a hole in my heart too now. This is fine.

But before we go down the rabbit hole of "I miss Soonyoung so much I'm gonna cry" VOCAL UNIT KILLED ME. Habit is literally my favorite vocal unit song, second only to We Gonna Make It Shine but Jesus, there's no way I'm ever gonna hear that live unless I make it to a Seventeen concert (GOD, I hope they still perform that song in later tours). Joshua and Jihoon and Jeonghan all sounded so angelic and pure and then I literally burst into tears when the chorus hit - that's a huge compliment coming from me, I never cry. Seungkwan my baby boo 😍 and then Seokmin too, omg. I love vocal unit 😍

Then vocal unit left and I was like oh no. OH NO. HIP HOP UNIT. I was actually expecting If I but then it was Check In and I was shook! They showed up in the middle of the audience too and I think I literally would've died if I had been near them. I love hip hop unit 😍 also - and I say this like I'm surprised, and I honestly kind of am, and I really shouldn't be but - Wonwoo is so. hot. Holy shit man, like I always thought Mingyu was the (slightly) better-looking out of the two of them but holy shit, Wonwoo's stage presence is unbelievable. I was halfway across the stadium and I could feel his charisma. Believe me, I don't throw around the word "hot" lightly. Wonwoo had me seriously shook. He's so hot. I can't believe middle school Wonwoo blossomed into this gorgeous, brilliant performer. True art right there. He was also really smiley when he wasn't busy being hot and I was living for it omg. I love Wonwoo's smile so much and I hadn't seen enough of it lately 😍😍

As the concert went on I was confused as to whether Seventeen was gonna come back and perform as a whole group or not because everyone else had been doing 3-4 songs and I was like "was that Seventeen's three songs??? Nooooo" but then it turns out they were closing the concert!!!!!!! Seventeen are gods I tell you, literal gods 🙌🏽

Oh my god, the fanchants were so loud and I've never been prouder to be part of a fandom. As we were waiting for Seventeen to come on, they were playing this heartbeat sound over and over and in the silence between heartbeats people started chanting SEVENTEEN! SEVENTEEN! I got chills 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I hope our boys heard us!!!!! (Click here to see it!!!!!!!)

As an aside, somewhere around the unit performances I noticed that a lot of the idols weren't singing live. The rappers had the big handheld mics which are supposedly better for actual live sound, whereas most of the other idols had the small mics taped to their cheeks. I mean, clearly I'm pointing this out because I, as a singer, appreciate it when people sing live, but I understand that this is a concert and the focus is more on the performance overall (i.e. the dancing and energy). I still really enjoyed everyone's performances of course!

HOWEVER! Seventeen was an exception, as usual! Not only did they freakin' kill their whole set and get the audience really hyped, almost all of them had the handheld mics and even those who didn't, I'm pretty sure they also sang live (lookin' at you, Chan and Hansol. I love it when my babies sing 😍). Also, shoutout to performance unit for singing live AND dancing like woooow, step aside vocal unit! 😅 I've said this so many times already but I'll say it again: Seventeen are LITERAL gods. I couldn't be prouder of my boys ❤️

Lol I also remember that everyone was speculating about what songs they were gonna do and there were so many names being thrown out, but between the special unit performances and the group set, I think Seventeen managed to surprise us all! As expected of our boys 😍 They came on with Don't Wanna Cry first, of course, including the cool extended intro that I love! Seokmin got Soonyoung's line and I screamed omg. I miss Soonyoung 😭

After Don't Wanna Cry the lights dimmed but I could see them getting into their next formation. When I recognized the pinwheel formation I LOST IT oh my god. ROCK!!!!!!!!!! Rock is one of my favorite songs and I'm so glad I got to see it live. I bet you they chose to do Rock because of the 360 stage. Seventeen back at it again with how considerate they always are to their fans ❤️ I wanna say Chan got Hoshi's lines? I'm not entirely sure but of course, the performance was amazing! I felt a twinge in my heart at the hole in the choreo where Soonyoung should've been but that's ok 😭

(I feel that it should be noted at this point that Soonyoung is N O W H E R E near the top of my bias list?????? lolololol I love and miss him so much though 😅)

Hearing all of them speak English during their talking portion was so nice. Everyone's English is so good! Mingyu especially had me shook because his English always goes from 0-100 REAL FAST. Seungkwan was so excited!!!!! I love seeing Seungkwan on stage, he's totally in his element there and he's a master at hyping the audience. Also Seokmin was loud af lmao whaddya expect 😂

Speaking of being considerate, Seventeen actually surprised me by greeting both sides of the audience! They did their "say the name! Seventeen!" greeting to my half of the audience first (the diamond/platinum/P1 side), but then they freaking TURNED AROUND and repeated their greeting to the other half of the audience! It doesn't sound like a big deal but no one else even did that! They're so sweet, I love my boys ❤️❤️❤️

They also did the piñata game and got random play, so they were just jamming out to the songs that came on. It was really cute! Mingyu and Minghao were in the corner farthest from me just off in their own little world 😍 I love gyuhao, they're so sweet with each other 😍 Mansae came on in the random play too and it was so amazing watching everyone do the dance with them!!! (Click here to see it!!!!)

Ah also I just remembered! At the very beginning they had all the groups come on stage to wave at the fans and stuff. Seventeen came on and were waving at the fans and then they were supposed to walk to the other side but I guess performance unit missed the memo??? LOL it was so cute! Vocal and hip hop units were starting to walk to the other side and performance unit was looking around all confused before Minghao grabbed Chan and dragged him along as they followed the rest of the group. Later it looked like Minghao was saying something to Jun too, almost like he was nagging him, I was living 😍 I love performance unit! Also during that part Jihoon and Seungcheol were standing next to each other and I for sure saw #interaction 😏 I need more jicheol appreciation in my life ok?

Speaking of my boys getting lost, Vernon, Josh, and Coups did the same thing 😂 after their first MC portion finished the lights went down but I could see them still standing there like uh......where do we go......they were so desperately trying to play it cool 😂😂😂 and then Vernon, I think(?), started walking to one side, before they all realized they were supposed to be going to the opposite side and scurried off 😂 such cuties!

Before their talking portion ended the staff gave them those like, air cannon things stuffed with shirts so they could shoot them at the audience. Mingyu couldn't figure out how to work the thing at first, I cackled so hard (but also me too, Mingyunie, me too). Minghao also had one and he looked way too attractive with it, it was unfair 😳 Afterward when all the shirts were gone and the members reconvened, Seungkwan shouted really urgently "no one got hurt, right???" in Korean and Hansol repeated it in English 😍 I was so touched! It was obviously something that Seungkwan really really felt the need to ask, it sounded like it just burst out of him before he could contain it. He'd been speaking a lot of English up until that point and it was so sweet that he couldn't let himself wait to try to think of the words in English ❤️

As their talking wrapped up they were joking around about their next song, someone (maybe Seokmin? I don't remember) suggested Boom Boom but Vernon was like nahhhh. And Mingyu suggested Adore U and the fans did the point dance along with him! And then Seungkwan, I think(?), was like, "ah, we can't reveal it, but you know, our fans are VERY NICE" and I died 😂😂😂 Jisoo was all fondly exasperated and said, ok, you guys know what our next song is, don't you? 😂😂😂

Seungkwan was hyping the audience like he always does and shouted, "are you ready?!?!?" and the audience screamed! But then Minghao stepped up with this tiny smirk and was like, "one more time, are you ready?!?" I felt so blessed to hear him being so playful in English.

I had a split second of mourning over the fact that I wasn't gonna see Pretty U live but oh my god, Aju Nice was THE BEST choice for closing out the concert. I kind of wanted to cry at how much I loved seeing them perform the song but I was also so excited to see it!!! The Chinaline part had me swooning, I love how Minghao always smirks and gestures to Jun like he's reeling in his catch and I'm like yassss boi get it!!!! I'm so blessed I got to see that interaction with my own eyes. Woozi's part was so pure, I felt cleansed hearing him sing 😌 but I saw both Wonwoo and Seungcheol coming up behind him for their rap part and I was SO HYPED because I always watch the Aju Nice lives from when they were promoting it and Wonwoo wasn't there! I'm sad that Soonyoung wasn't there this time but at least Wonwoo was! 

Oh my god, and the part where Seungcheol switches his mic to his other hand just so he can hold Jihoon's hand during the double-line part at the end??? I saw it with my own eyes 😍

The camera focused on Jun for like a full five seconds at the end and I was like DAMN RIGHT! I hope Jun watches this video later and is satisfied with himself  😌

Afterward they brought out all the groups again to wave bye to the fans 😭 Jihoon showed up on the big screen and he was practically glowing, he was smiling and happy and radiant 😍 remember how I said he looked tired at the hi-touch? I hope he got some energy from performing and that the concert and seeing his fans made this hectic trip worth it!!! Lol I also saw them running around with a camera and I was like, this is going into Going Seventeen a few episodes from now, right? 😂

So yeah, the concert had me hella shook!!! I was so hyped that I totally even forgot that Seventeen hadn't done ANY of the songs I was hoping for LOLOLOL I really wanted them to do Pretty U, Shining Diamond, and Love Letter! But it's ok, they were great anyway 😍 I also feel like I remember some butt-touching happening???? I wanna say it was Mingyu but I don’t remember???? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

I also forgot my earplugs lol I was afraid I was gonna go deaf halfway through but I'm fine now 😂 one of the people I went to LA with decided right after the concert that he was gonna find a ticket to Sunday's concert too because it was just so lit! I wish I could've, I really wanted to see Astro live, but I had work on Monday and I couldn't stay 😭

There will be a part 3 about seeing Astro!!! Please anticipate!

[todokori-kun]

0///////0 0.0 <33333 (<- my current emotions)

Thank you so, so much for the kind words. I’m not gonna try to express exactly how I’m feeling/how I reacted, but just know I sat there smiling at an idiot at the computer screen for quite a while and would probably have creeped out my parents if they saw me XD

I get insecure pretty easily to the point where it can seriously get ridiculous sometimes, but just, things like this actually help me so much. So again, thank you. *hugs*

(Also I might be overreacting because that was one of the nicest things anyone’s said about my art in a while)

I’ve played some Pacthesis games before and downloaded a few simple free dating games to play, so I don’t think I’ll have a problem with playing it :) who knows, I may join you in Otome hell someday (I think my main problem with these games, though, is that for some weird reason I find it difficult to get into the fandoms for them…maybe because the fandoms are usually small and I like having a lot of people to talk to about characters and plot? When I play games like these I just silently fangirl and never really do anything in the fandom lol.

 Also I have th problem where I start shipping dateable characters with each other rather than the MC)

Ok those two look really cute. I’m definitely going to play this <3 and it’s nice to hear the guys aren’t major jerks (like they often are in otome games)

Yep, I confused that with Hideyoshi at first too and it was like ‘WAT. Hide is coming back now? HERE??? But where is he? And who’s saying his name? And really, why NOW???- wait that’s 'hide’ isn’t it Ishida did you do that just to mess with the English-speaking fans’

I know, I wish there was more Urie/Saiko ;-; I just want it to be canon please Ishida

I might have gone 'aww’ over tiny Pride. And I definitely like Kimblee now.

I’m both super excited and super afraid for the last volume. I know I’m also going to be really sad because it’s the end of the series omg

I am honored to be considered an equal with the utlimate cinnamon roll Alphonse Elric. Thank you.

Ah, but I’ll simply charm you with the 'Al’ side of my personality. NO FLASK CAN HOLD ME NOW MUHAHAHAHA

Roy would try to prank you back, but unfortunately the Water Alchemist + the Fullmetal Alchemist…whoever introduced them is responsible for creating a monster (at least, in Roy’s eyes, that’s how it is).

And I think he’d get jealous a lot. He’d get super pouty and petty whenever he saw you getting intimate with someone else and not paying him enough attention (Roy Mustang MUST be appreciated ok, he’s the Flame Alchemist and he’s gonna be Fuhrer, you can’t just IGNORE him)

Also everybody makes jokes about the whole 'Flame Alchemist/Water Alchemist, opposites attract’ thing. All. The. Time.

(Guess who makes the most jokes and constantly trolls both Luna and Roy? A certain someone specializing in medicinal alchemy…tho tbh Evans is actually the biggest shipper and scolds (or tries to scold) both Luna and Roy like some sort of mother hen whenever they argue)

Omg now I’m imagining smol Mei trying to matchmake for 'Mr. Scar’

Yep, I think it is :)

Fear is the natural, most logical reaction whenever the words 'I’d like to recommend-’ come out of my mouth.

Ooooh tell me how it turns out, please? :D

Yeah, it was one of the most uncomfortable, awkward moments of my life XD I KNOW my face froze into the most painful expression ever during that hug and my body just kinda went all rigid (“please stop omg you’re touching you do know I don’t even like you or do you not know that is my reaction not making it clear help me mom”), hoping she’d just let go or something, but she just kept hugging me lololol

And I won’t be giving up on the piano! I love playing it and like you said, I’ve made quite a bit of progress and I don’t want to let all that go to waste. I’m taking lessons with a new teacher now :D

(tbh I used to kinda dislike classical music because I thought it was boring, but now that I’m actually learning to play it I like it a lot <3 currently learning a Haydn sonata and it’s really good. But I really want to play anime OSTs too…the AoT openings would sound so awesome on the piano)

Also, I’ll be sending you some more pictures :)

I’m glad I could make you smile ^^ You definitely deserve all the compliments in the world, because the art is definitely gorgeous! From the ones you’ve sent me, Hisoka and Maria are probably my favourites ^^ Though the Saiko is also really pretty (don’t think I missed the tiny dab in the corner XD) Also, Roy. Just. Wow. If anyone ever asks me who he is/to describe him, I’ll just show them that pic. 

I also see a few watercolour pieces! You seem to have good control over the brush! When I drew with watercolours, I could only manage blogs, never looking like anything, yet I instantly recognised what you drew!

Seriously, thank you so much for sharing the works with me! It means a lot to me that you trust me enough to show them ^^  *weeb voice* Ganbatte!

Pls join me I swear I’ll play any game you do so we can gush together, I’ll even write fanfics for you if you ask I just wanna see you in otome game hell. Please. Also, CP seems to have a developed fandom AND there’s a fandisk coming out soon, containing the after-ends! Sooo, it’s not over yet!  Then, there’s this game that’s available for the mobile phone, called Wizardess Heart, which has an even bigger fandom, and there are routes coming out quite often!  AND even if there isn’t a developed fandom, I’ll play it if you recommend!  Also, to tempt you even more, there’s plenty of suffering in Cinderella Phenomenon. I’ve played through the bad ends now, and damn, you should’ve seen it, especially for Fritz (White hair, tan)’s bad end. Lemme give you a general picture of how I looked: 1:30am. Not wearing pants. Tears streaming down face. Right hand holding a mug usually used for tea, that was filled with orange juice this time, left hand holding up the middle finger at the screen. I’m emotionally scarred. Also, I am not able to listen to the song ‘Lost Boy’ without almost crying because of Waltz. Help. Me. Pfft, that’s the magic of otome games! Pick the guy you like most/don’t ship with anyone and ship the others with each other! In Wizardess heart, the fandom is FULL of shipping dateable characters with each other, so definitely don’t worry about it XD

I’m glad to hear the news! Tell me when you enter the world of Otome Hell. 

Well, there is one major jerk, Rod (blond one, has a plush rabbit), but he does get better when his route goes on ^^ The other 4 are nowhere near jerks! In fact, one is the sweetest cinnamon roll you’ll ever meet (except for you!). ONE LAST THING (I swear it’s the last one!) Waltz (aka my absolute favourite, also very very high on the list of favourite characters of all time) calls MC ‘little star’. If I don’t almost melt every time he does it...

I’m still not over CP. 

I had to read that panel at least 3 times to understand what it meant. You can probably imagine my disappointment when I realised the actual context of the words. Ishida is evil, let me tell you. But he is also cinnamon roll. Hmmmmm.

Aha, good luck with the feels! Seriously, you’re in for one heckle of an ending. It’s a huge rollercoaster of emotions till the end. THERE’S EVEN AN OMAKE THAT MAKES YOU EMOTIONAL AF AND IT’S NOT EVEN A PART OF THE MAIN SERIES.

You’re not equal to Al in terms of cinnamon roll-ness. You’re superior!

And if I fill the flask to the brim with Urie/Saiko content? And art supplies? 

Muhahahahahahah we’re the ultimate duo *explosions in the background*

I think that he’s actually pretty insecure underneath everything, so, yeah, you’re probably right there. I guess we can have a ceasefire with the pranks for a bit. Just for a bit.

Yes, mom. We apologise *bowing* We won’t argue again (HA)

Mei tries to make subtle comments, but forgets to be subtle. Probably says something that might or might not embarrass you :P

Fun fact: Cap’s a war criminal in the new spidey!

I wonder why I always get the urge to skip a paragraph when i see the word recommend. I wonder, I wonder...

Well, I dyed it and it’s definitely not a ginger red. It’s mostly a red red, but also hints at violet/purple  This is the closest picture I could find:

But oh god the moment I started washing out the dye. It looked like I’d committed manslaughter. It was fascinating. 

I’m glad that you won’t give up the piano ^^ It’s been 4 years since I finished piano school and I still make it a point to practice once a week, because it’s always such a good feeling when you go somewhere, see a piano and are able to play it.  But I’m really sorry about the hug :/ Honestly, I have no idea why people who aren’t close to you try to hug you. It’s so weird >_<

Yep, classical music can also be really nice every once in a while!