#the end is in sight for some of the content in chapter 3! release next year maybe?? any month now!

[everysongineverykey]

if you look on the bright side, technically this is the first full year we've had without a deltarune release since the last release

[avatarmerida]

Short little late night huntlow drabble about two losers who are also nerds

---

“The briefing shouldn’t take too long. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Hunter assured, giving Willow one final hug before following Gus and heading to the airship. He blamed his late departure on him “forgetting” supplies, but his empty hands easily proved he wanted to fill them with nothing else but her.

“I know you will.” said Willow,her arms anchored tightly around his neck. She knew everyone was staring, she didn’t care. She had been through too much to risk another incomplete goodbye. She slowly released her hold on him to see him better and she knew he shared her sentiment, but as much as they wanted to there was little else they could do to prolong their farewell .”Take your time.” She said quietly as she stepped back so he could get going. He nodded and turned to leave for real this time. 

As she watched him walk away, Willow’s heart felt as though it was overfilling. She took a deep breath as she let the contents pour out, summoning a bold voice for them to travel on before he got too far away. “‘Take the stars if you need to, I won’t want to see them anyway if I have to see them alone.’”

Hunter stopped in his tracks. With a look of disbelief he slowly turned back around to Willow, who offered him a shy smile.

“W-what did you say?”

“‘Even if you don’t take them, I won’t know the difference.’” She continued. “‘The brightest thing in my world will be missing so the sky would be dark regardless.”

Hunter hasped. “Are you quoting-?”

“Book 3, chapter 15.” Willow eagerly replied before he could finish the question.

“B-but how? I thought-.”

“I uh, read ahead so when you finished the series I could surprise you and we could talk about it right away.” she replied, tucking her hair behind her ear, slightly nervous for some reason. 

“And you memorized Ivy’s goodbye to O’Bailey?” Hunter asked with a gulp, his voice light and shaky as he took a step closer to her. He looked at her with utter astonishment. 

She nodded. “It was one of my favorite parts.” She said sweetly, taking a step to him. “Especially the next part.”

“Right,” Hunter whispered, his eyes locked on the wonderful plant witch, always full of wonderful surprises. It took a moment before he caught on, seeing her prompting him. he words came naturally to him for numerous reasons, helping him say what he could not compose himself as he brought forth a bold voice of his own as he walked closer to her. “Oh! Oh, yeah uh…’You would entrust me with the stars?’”

“‘I would entrust with my very heart, Chief O’Bailey,’” Willow responded with the next line.

“‘Oh, but you’ll need it, won’t you?’” Hunter went on in character. “‘Perhaps you can use mine since I’ll be leaving it here, as it belongs with you beneath the stars.”

“‘Knowing you are among them will be enough for me to keep them in my sights,” said Willow, taking another step so he was close enough to touch again. “‘The stars cover a wide range, they can keep our hearts connected,’”.

Hunter sighed and they reached the end of the chapter’s dialogue. “I can’t believe he just leaves after that though,” he said, almost upset. “Like… that was totally a confession, right? And he doesn’t realize it? I know I should go now but I always get mad at that part because clearly Ivy was waiting for him to-.”

“Oh she was, she definitely was.” Willow replied with utter confidence. “But I think he was just overwhelmed by everything and he didn’t realize it.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Said Hunter, who wanted nothing more than to talk about Cosmic Frontier with his favorite person and could not bring himself to leave. “But I can’t help but feel like he missed his chance. I only have one chapter left and they haven’t reunited yet and I really need to know if they-.”

“Well, I can tell you.” Willow offered with a twinkle in her eye. “If you want.”

“You know how I feel about spoilers,” Hunter said with a lopsided smile. “Ugh, I can’t wait to talk about this with you! I can’t believe I had no idea you were reading ahead this whole time!”

“Yeah, I uh stole the books while you were asleep,” Willow admitted, twirling her braid. “I knew they were important to you and you’re important to me, so…”

“What was your favorite part?” Hunter asked excitedly, taking her hands in his as he suppressed the desire to jump up and down with joy.

“Oh, uh, I don’t think you’ve gotten that far yet,” Willow smiled, her favorite part being right at the end, when they were reunited. “And I know how you feel about spoilers.”

“Fair enough.” Hunter said with a fond sigh. “When things calm down, I wanna hear all your theories! What do you think about Ivy and O’Bailey? Did you like the ending? Wait wait, don’t tell me! I don’t wanna know what happens!”

Willow giggled. “Fine I won’t tell you what happens,” she said as she leaned forward and rose to her tiptoes, placing one hand on Hunter’s shoulder for balance as she gently placed her lips the one the side of his face right by the corner of his mouth. She lingered there a moment, and heard him sharply inhale to hold his breath. She smiled as she hovered by his ear to whisper. “But I did really like the ending.”

He squeaked as she returned to her place in front of him and gave him her signature wink which sent a chill up his spine. “Was that-? Does that mean-? A-are you-?” Hunter wasn’t sure what question to ask, his face a mixture of stun and delight. It was a farewell Willow was satisfied with, knowing he had extra determination to return safely. He needed to find out exactly how much she was quoting. 

“We can talk about your theories when you get back.” 

[foxydivaxx]

Things heat up here. Notice how Gossip Girl is kind of supportive of Zoro and Sanji. Can you all guess who Gossip Girl is? Also One Piece will be mentioned here. What do I mean? Read on. Warning: X-rated content.

Gossip Girl: Bad Romance Chapter 3

Hi there Upper Eastersiders. Guess what?! We’ve got our first S and Z sighting in months. The couple were spotted at a five star hotel at the Upper East Side. According to sources, Z was there to do a photoshoot to promote an upcoming movie project. Yes, the Power Couple are back in town!!

S also did a photoshoot for the same magazine that has been described as empowering, glamorous and sexy. Apparently he wore a sexy black dress that would make Morticia from Addams family proud. S is no longer playing kiddie games. We talking big leagues here especially since he is no longer a little boy anymore.

Afterwards, the two went clubbing. Also been noticing Z introducing S to some well-known producers and influential figures in the music industry, both in Asia and here in the U.S. Could it be possible that S may work on his first proper album soon?

For some context, S originally debuted as a solo artist when he was just 13. He released the single Good Vibes which did not do well on the charts.

Despite this, he met Z around that time and they hooked up almost immediately, thus starting their long term relationship. Z is two years older than S. S would later join Popstars: The Rivals and Aogiri was born and the rest is history.

Some film and fashion heavyweights were spotted at the club the Power Couple were hanging at. These folks also spoke with them. Looks like things are working out in S’ favour.

Taking that secret trip has done them some good. And hold up, is that a diamond encrusted Rolex watch I see S wearing?! It even matches Z’s signature diamond Rolex!!

Plus, he is wearing what looks like brown Louis V slacks. Hmm. Z is spoiling his man, and it shows. Also, S’ famous derriere turned a lot of heads as usual as many were shocked by how sexy he still looks. Come on, he is 18 now.

Another piece of good news for S is that Aogiri’s latest musical offerings have been mad flopping on the charts lately. The various TV shows that the boys have been starring in have been struggling with low ratings. What goes around comes around indeed. LE has signed with a brand new agency and will continue to be an actor. Please support him.

I bet the Power Couple has something big in the pipeline. Who knows? One thing I know is that the rest of the Upper East Side's elite are taking notice and, let's just say, many people are not happy about the latest developments. Dethroning the power couple never ends well and they are about to find out why.

"So those two are back huh?" says Eren. He just read the latest Gossip Girl blast and man. He does not like this one bit. Sukuna said they will show up at court but this, this is terrible. No one knows where the both of them went to. But all this is clearly Zoro’s handiwork. As usual, Zoro is always one step ahead of them.

The others gather round Eren as he showed them Gossip Girl’s latest blog post. “WHAT THE FUCK?!” Light exclaims. “Now what do we do?” Natsu says. Eren sighs. “Even I do not know.”

Sukuna too has seen the blog post whilst lounging in his jacuzzi and is seething with rage. Why?! Why are those two now deciding to show their dirty faces?! Especially that bitch Sanji?!! “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Lelouch reads the latest news about Sanji and Zoro and grins. “About time. Things are gonna get crazy now that they are back.”

*******************************************************

Meanwhile, Sanji and Zoro are at Zoro’s apartment in Manhattan. “The court case has already begun. However, you have to be in court in the next 2 days to testify against them.” says Zoro.

“Good news for us.” Sanji says with a chuckle as he sips some white wine. “This is why I love you so much Zoro. All these bitches think they are smart not knowing that you will somehow outsmart them.”

Zoro smirks. “This is why I am the King baby. They can buy school but those motherfuckers cannot afford class..” he says as he wraps his arms around Sanji’s waist and pulls him into a kiss, a gesture Sanji happily returns.

“It’s been a while we have kissed Daddy.” Sanji whispers faintly. God does he miss hearing that nickname. Whenever Sanji calls him, it is obvious what he wants.

Zoro takes Sanji’s glass away and places it on the stool and picks Sanji up bridal style, leading him to the bedroom.

Once they got to the bedroom, Zoro gently placed Sanji on the bed. The blonde giggles and motions to his lover who takes off his shirt and pounces on top of him, kissing his neck hungrily, earning moans from the blonde who takes off his clothes without hesitation and kisses him back.

“Ride me.” Zoro groans.

Sanji smirks and helps Zoro to unzip and strip off his jeans and boxers. Once he spots his cock, a mischievous smirk appears on his face. How they managed to spend 3 months with each other without having sex is beyond him.

That is perhaps the longest he had gone without having sex with Zoro. Well; if you add the previous months of drama, that is six. Not counting that one time they had sex on top of Sanji’s piano in his home. Or that time they fucked each other in the limo at an award show. Sure he was still technically dating Sukuna then. But it did not matter. It seems like destiny wants the two of them to be together. So why fight it now?

“Oh how I have missed this.” the blonde coos as he gently traces a finger over the head, earning a gasp from his lover.

He lowers his head down and begins to slowly lick and then suck Zoro off, letting out a horny moan. It is a well known fact that Sanji was the biggest slut on the planet.

Zoro moans as he places a hand on his lover’s head, slowly pushing him down so that he can take more. “Fuck!! I keep forgetting how skilled your mouth is.”

Sanji continues to bob his head as he takes as much of Zoro as he possibly could and pleasures him. Zoro has always been a big guy, something that Sanji deeply appreciates as it makes sex a lot more fun and pleasurable for him.

He then pulls away. “Nah. I need that dick inside me now Daddy. So nope I won’t make you cum like that.” He heads over to the dressing table and pulls out the bottle lube.

He pours some into his fingers and begins to finger himself. Zoro watches in awe as Sanji begins to let out those sexy wanton noises that he loves to hear. The way his face contorts with pleasure did not help matters either.

Once Sanji had felt he was stretched enough, he then proceeds to straddle his lover’s laps and positions himself before sinking onto the cock.

“S-Shit!!”

“F-Fuck!! Still tight as ever.”

Sanji smirks and begins to bounce up and down the cock. Zoro places his hands on Sanji’s ass, aiding the blonde with his movements as he bucks his hips into Sanji’s hole.

As time passes, Sanji’s cries of pleasure get louder as Zoro gets a lot rougher with him. “J-just the way I like it…” Sanji purrs as he rolls his hips.

Soon, Zoro hits a certain part that makes Sanji scream. “AH!! ZORO!!” The greenete smirks, flips them around so that he was on top and proceeds to fuck the living daylights out of Sanji, the bed below them creaking under the pressure.

A couple minutes later, Sanji mewls and cums hard with Zoro soon following suit.

The lovers pant for air as they come down from the high of their orgasm. “Man that felt good.” Sanji says with a giggle. Zoro chuckles and kisses Sanji on the forehead, before slowly pulling out of him.

“I keep forgetting how naughty you are.”

“Says the bitch that keeps taking photos of my naked ass!!”

“Oi!! I had to!! Like you got the best ass in the world and that ass needs a shrine!!”

The two of them laugh and cuddle between the sheets.

[7waystreet]

legacies | ch.3

synopsis — a fiery (y/n) newly enters a university campus dominated by the three trust fund brats. she’s not going to take their shit and they’re not going to let her off so easily either. will this rivalry evolve into friendship, lust or love?

genre — college, angst, friendship, love, slow burn

disclaimer — 18+ strong language & sexual content

chapter index:

01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | coming soon

ch.3

Just as quickly as you'd grabbed them in a fist, you softly release Jimin's balls from your clutch, an undeniable smirk edging up on your face after observing the flustered look on Jimin's. But he rapidly pulls himself back together despite the initial struggle to hide his unfamiliar embarrassment, his jaw tightening up as if he's displeased with himself for even showing a moment's worth of weakness in front of you, that too by your touch. The warm water's trickling down your bodies as you stand there in quietude turned towards one another, both of your lashes speedily batting to keep the droplets from painfully entering your eyes, but Jimin doesn't break his smoldering gaze with you making you not want to cut it off either, your skin beginning to uncomfortably burn up more and more by the second.

You've got to protect yourself against his intimidation though, especially having your privacy invaded to this unfathomable degree, so by putting on an act of rolling your eyes and huffing out a sigh, you make the first move by turning away from Jimin to face the shower instead, ignoring the fact that he's still standing right there soaking in the water along with you. Your heart's actually thumping faster than ever, practically out of your chest, and how could it possibly not when such a stunning boy is naked with you in a highly forbidden place like the girls locker room. But you don't let yourself succumb to these emotions even if you're being dragged in that direction by your tempting conscience, distracting yourself instead by bending down to pick up your body wash, your bare ass grazing Jimin's toned legs as you stand back up, your stomach doing a full flip and a half before you quirt some soap down onto your palm.

You'd think the boy would walk out at this point since you appear absolutely unbothered by his presence, but he doesn't, Jimin's eyes shamelessly taking in your sight as you start lathering up your skin with soap, his feet reversing all the way until his back hits the tiled wall, creating some distance between your bodies. Even if he's further away from you, you can feel his unwavering watch on your curves while you quickly go through your routine, proceeding to massage your scalp with shampoo and applying conditioner to your tips, ending with a light rub of face wash in a matter of just a few minutes. Continuing to ignore Jimin, your fingers finally twist the knob around to turn off the stream, the pitter patter of the water on the tile then halting, a chilling silence following before you whisk the shower curtain open and pluck off your towel from the hook outside.

"Oh, would ya look at that... I'm meeting up with your best friend for dinner!"

The splashing of Jimin's feet in the puddle of water sounds off as he follows you towards the shower curtain in response to your random comment, but you're now too busy looking down at your phone's screen while you sit on the resting bench in the bathing area wrapped in your towel. Finally getting around to checking your text messages that've piled up since you entered your dance class earlier, you've just finished reading Taehyung's chat where he'd asked you if you're free to grab dinner tonight.

"You talkin' to me?" Jimin's voice echoes in the hollow space of the empty chamber, your finger then pressing the power button to turn off the screen before throwing your phone inside your drawstring bag resting next to you.

"Do you see anyone else in here, you—"

Your bossy sentence cuts short when your eyes lazily lift up and land on Jimin, his naked body indecently glowing in the dull lighting as he unashamedly stands there fully exposed by the entrance of the shower stall. Your gaze can't help but drop down to his perfectly sized cock, which appears fully hardened, his boner slapped up against his beautifully chiseled abs while his honey skin looks drizzled in blobs of water droplets like he's a work of art himself. Your throat constricts in a frenzy at the sight of him like this, your face muscles rudely tensing up when you realize he's caught you ogling at his package by the way he lets out a soft chuckle, your eyes instantly fluttering up to his handsome face that's displaying a full blown smirk. He lifts both of his arms up to push his wet floppy hair in a slicked back look, his fingers teasingly running through it until he opens his shiny red lips to reply to you.

"You were saying...?"

"Tae— Taehyung asked me if I wanted to eat a meal with him. Now that I'm friends with him, it looks like you'll be seeing a lot more of me!" you struggle to find the right words, the need to still stubbornly one-up Jimin pushing you to inform him that he's not going to get rid of you so easily.

"I've already seen all of you though."

His taunting voice can barely be heard in a whisper, his eyes moving down to the towel bundled around your body, as if he's going to undress you again with just one look, his vision swerving back up to gape into your eyes before he chuckles and takes a step out past the shower curtain. Not wanting to get stupidly whipped by his cunning persona a second time, you avoid looking at Jimin as he fidgets to find a towel in his duffle bag, your hands hurriedly picking up all of your belongings before you storm out of the bathing area into the changing rooms, a turmoil of emotions flooding through your veins as you do it.

Anger, worry, fear... but also an undeniable thrill.

"This is fucking bullshit. Writing poems as an assignment? Who the fuck even approved of this shit?"

You've gotten used to the constant curse words spewing out of Jungkook's mouth by now, being one week into your university experience already, your ears learning how to ignore him for the most part while your heart maintaining your blood pressure in a healthy range at the same time. Much to his joy, he's taken up annoying you as his favorite personal hobby, making sure to enter each class you share together at the very last minute and plopping down in the seat next to you, all right before the professor gets started with the lecture and it's too late to escape out of his toxic perimeter.

"You need to be able to understand feelings to get the essence of poetry. A hateful person like you without even an ounce of love in your body wouldn't understand."

"My body can show you what lovin' is if you let me slip inside your room tonight."

Your head lashes to the side towards Jungkook at his rather vulgar remark, the glint in his doe eyes attacking you with knives as always, but the way he cocks up one brow like he's really asking you to consider his offer makes your fingers fasten up in a fist. The naughty grin beaming on his charming face fades away swiftly though after you clear your throat and hit him back with your words.

"Awww do you like me, Jeon?" you pout your lips to change the real focus of the conversation, the raunchy direction it was heading towards not exactly something you wished to delve further into, not wanting Jungkook to get any wrong ideas about your interest in him, which is completely nonexistent.

"Hah. In your dreams" he scoffs and rolls his eyes at you, making you mockingly imitate the same gesture in retaliation, both your's and Jungkook's head immediately snapping to the front at once when your professor's powerful voice booms across the classroom towards you.

"I'm sorry... Am I interrupting you both?"

If it weren't for the way his double dimples cutely pop up on each cheek every time he talks, professor Kim would perhaps be one of the most intimidating men you've come across in your life. Towering over everyone with his equally wide-set body, his dragon eyes peer into you and Jungkook as he adjusts his golden rimmed glasses with one hand, a content smile then forming on his big lips before he gives you both a nod of approval seeing the sight of your conversation coming to a dead stop. He's the only professor Jungkook doesn't openly pick a fight against, although he does curse him out underneath his breath before professor Kim goes back to explaining your poetry assignment.

"15 lines minimum. Pick any one emotion and make sure to convey it with your words. Get creative with scenery! And include components like alliteration, consonance, enjambment, assonance, or anything else we've discussed while also maintaining the meter and the rhythm..."

You're now smiling as you look down and follow along the worksheet that formally lists out the directions that professor Kim's verbally describing, Jungkook silently making a note of how excited you already seem at the thought of getting started with the task, literature being the major you want to pursue a career in. His worksheet's already crumpled up in the form of a paper plane since he'd gotten busy folding it the minute it landed on his desk, Jungkook's body now leaning over your shoulder to also read the assignment in front of you as his interest slightly peeks after noticing your passion for the subject.

"I understand it can be difficult to compose poetry so I'm willing to be lenient. Would you all prefer submitting this assignment individually or in pairs?"

An instant rumble of the students yelling "Pairs, professor Kim!" bounces off the walls in the lecture hall, the teacher's innocent chuckle and nod helping the nervous students calm down. "Sure, we'll do groups of twos then. Let's start with the front row."

Your eyes somber up in hysteria when you realize the professor's setting up pairs based on your seating arrangements, and although you don't have assigned seats in each class, it doesn't help that Jungkook chooses to infuriatingly settle down next to you every single time. Jungkook's mischievous snort makes heat rip through your chest, him clearly coming to the same realization as you, his palm tapping on the desk in several little pats of overjoy when professor Kim shouts out "Jeon. (y l/n). Pair up!"

"Looks like I'll be coming over to your room after all. Can't wait to get started with the assignment, bestie."

"You're not coming anywhere near my dormitory!"

Without even taking one look at you or acknowledging your pathetic little yell in protest, Jungkook cockily waves goodbye with a wiggle of his fingers after he straps his black backpack onto one shoulder in style, sauntering out of the classroom the second professor Kim's dismissed the lecture. You sit there astounded as can be, questioning your shitty luck while the students bleed out of the doors one by one, leaving just you and the teacher alone by the end of it.

"Hey professor! You got a minute?" you exclaim with a raise of your arm, his attention instantly swooping up to you as he zips his bag shut with one hand, about to head out himself.

"Yup! What's up?"

You decide to take this private opportunity to discuss your interest in studying literature with professor Kim, also simultaneously wanting to make a good impression after how he'd called you and Jungkook out for impolitely chatting during the class. Your fingers scramble to pack your books up, your feet then skipping down towards the teacher's table as he patiently waits there for you.

"I wanted to reach out to you and ask if you'd be able to point me towards additional resources for this poetry assignment. I actually have a deep affection for literature and I'm pursuing my major in this field of study! Any help is appreciated" you confess with a smile, the professor's double dimples deepening with happiness as he beams down at you with satisfaction.

"Of course, I can help. Would you be able to stop by the staff building, hmm, say around 4pm? I have another lecture that I need to get to right now, but I'll have time after to gather up some books for you that you can take a look at. Happy to hear you take interest in this subject. It really is fascinating."

Agreeing to meet up later, you bow before professor Kim exits the classroom, a warmth engulfing you at the thought of being able to win over at least one person with ease at this utterly crazy university. After a quick lunch at the cafeteria, you head by your room to get out of your uniform since your classes are over for the day, now comfortably changing into a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt before walking over to the staff building with your backpack still with you.

The staff building at the center of the campus is humongous to say the least, consisting of several offices, one dedicated each to a professor where they can hold 1-on-1 meetings with students or parents, a clamming anxiety creeping up as your eyes lose focus from the buzzing of people in the giant space going in and out while you stand there frozen. Not knowing exactly where professor Kim sits in this mess of a maze, you tap on a female professor's shoulder for help, her soft smile easing your heart at once as she looks down at you and asks "Lost, are you?"

"Uh, yeah! Do you know where I can find professor Kim Namjoon's room?"

"Go down that hallway all the way till the end. It'll be the last room on your left. Goodluck!" she twinkles her pretty eyes at you, making you acknowledge her kind demeanor and thank her before heading over to your destination.

"Ah, welcome, (y/n)."

Letting out a sigh of relief having finally found the right place, you drop your bag and settle down in the chair across from professor Kim's office table, spending the next thirty minutes or so discussing poetry and different styles of writing while he goes over several pages in the books he's compiled for you. Time goes by fast when you're doing what you love, the thought of having to make time to work with Jungkook not even bothering you in this minute as you write little notes of how you'd like to draft your poem. Satisfied after this soulful meeting with the helpful professor, you stack the books he's allowed for you to borrow in your backpack, letting him know how much you appreciate his guidance before you exit his chamber with nothing but contentment boosting your mood up to the max.

Just as you're about to turn a corner on your way out, your eyes fall on Taehyung, who's walking out of an ornate mahogany door with the name 𝐊𝐈𝐌 𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐊𝐉𝐈𝐍 etched on it in the same gold plating seen around campus, the name quickly clicking in your head as indeed the university's dean's. You've never seen the man before, but your eyes are blessed with his sight as he pops out of the door behind your friend. Slightly taller than Taehyung, dean Kim looks like royalty in his formal black suit, his black mullet hair silky and shiny like it belongs in a shampoo commercial, his youthful face perfectly symmetrical with the most stunning features enhancing his all-rounded handsome appearance. You swallow a gulp at his influential aura, which somehow feels palpable even a few feet away where you're standing, dean Kim's thick lips parting in a gracious smile as he shakes Taehyung's hand before disappearing back into his office in a flash.

"Yo (y/n)! How come you're here?" Taehyung grins while raising his brows at you, your eyes unexpectedly meeting one another as he starts treading down the same hallway where you're paused in your step. Your nose crinkles up with a smile when Taehyung lightly ruffles the top of your hair with a run of his dainty fingers, your palm affectionately pushing his arm away as you both giggle and begin walking back to the staff building's entrance together.

"I just met up with the literature professor to collect some extra resources on poetry!"

"Professor Kim? Man, I loved his class. I wish I could go back and take it again, it was like one of my best subjects" Taehyung chuckles with a slight pout to his lips, his face noticeably delighted as if he's really delved into the pleasant memories of his past.

"Maybe you can go back... Help me with my poetry assignment!!! You'll never guess who I'm paired up with..." your tone flops from excitement down to a dullness, making Taehyung remarkably ask "Who? Jungkook?" to which you quietly nod your head.

"Let me warn you, you're most probably gonna have to do the entire assignment by yourself. But sure, I can try to help you out once I check some things in my schedule" Taehyung considerately replies, lifting up your dampening mood, no doubt.

"Thanks! What about you? You saw the dean?"

"Ah, yeah. I'm applying for a part-time job at a big firm so I can understand administration and better prepare myself to handle my father's business once I graduate. Dean Kim agreed to write me a letter of recommendation so we were having a discussion regarding that. Our families actually go way back, did you know? We're both from the Gwangsan Kim clan."

"Oh wow, that's amazing! I really hope you get the job!"

Must be nice to be everyone's favorite, you secretly think, now looking up at Taehyung's sweet smile. You realize you've still got your guard up when it comes to Taehyung, your inquiring personality not allowing you to blindly trust him yet, or anyone for that matter. You've got to scan others multiple rounds of times before you can open all of your cards up in front of them, your conscience not giving you the permission to fall deep into someone to the point of no return, whether it's a relationship or even just a mere friendship.

You sometimes hate this about yourself as you're not able to form a bond with someone until you've spent a good enough time with them, making sure you can fully trust them before you expose all your vulnerabilities. It can become quite exhausting. So far though, the only thing you know for a fact is that being around Taehyung for the few minutes he spares you in between classes or catching meals together brings you the most comfort, so you're going to hold onto him for as long as possible without ruining things for yourself, his friendship of more value to you than yours probably is to him.

This feeling of relaxation gets shattered though when you both finally exit out of the staff building, bumping straight into Jimin and Jungkook, who are clearly waiting on Taehyung to be finished with his meeting so he can tag along with them for their next bullying adventure together. Both of their eyes broaden in sheer shock watching Taehyung laugh along with you by his side, all four of you shortly standing in a circle together before you unnaturally cough to break the awkwardness descending about the air around you.

"Right. Uh, I'll get going now. See ya, Taehyung!"

"Bye (y/n)! I'll text you later!"

Taking one last look at Taehyung, you smile and wave goodbye to him, completely ignoring Jimin and Jungkook as you turn around in your heels and walk away without a glance back. You'll hear about their shenanigans tomorrow if they do happen to stifle some poor kid up in public humiliation, but brushing those thoughts aside, you let positivity fill you up as you make your way to the library to keep your momentum going and get started with your poetry assignment by yourself.

"Are you that desperate for pussy?" Jimin coldly interrogates Taehyung the second you're out of earshot, Taehyung's eyes now shifting over to meet Jimin's, an irritation flickering in those almond shaped ones at the level of directness studded in the question.

"You're really gonna ask him that when you're the one who took a naked shower with her?" Jungkook spits out, his glimmering smirk conveying just how he's obviously enjoying the way he's now ruffled up both Jimin and Taehyung into a verbal banter, the facial expressions of the two boys twitching with a rising intensity.

"You did WHAT?" Taehyung attacks Jimin, a few startled heads passing by turning in the group's direction to check what's happening before Jungkook glares down at them, redirecting everyone to scurry right off without a word leaving his mouth. The veins on Taehyung's forehead are popping out, his entire head shaking in downright disappointment as he stares into the ground.

"Nothing happened, Tae. We didn't hook up, if that's what you're pissed about. I didn't know you liked her like that" Jimin quickly clarifies with a softening approach, not happy with the way Taehyung appears deeply upset with him, their friendship meaning more to him than anything else in the world.

"What're you both even doing still messing around with her like this when I already told you to stay away from her? I'm handling things."

"What the hell do you mean by 'handling things'? Let me ask you this, hyung. What're YOU doing befriending her like this? Don't you remember how grossly she humiliated me with that slap in front of everyone?"

"Of course, I remember. But I'm not a fucking dumb ass like you guys openly showing my enmity towards her like how you've both got it tattooed across your faces. Haven't you heard keep your friends close but your enemies closer? I'll get back your revenge in time and she won't even see it coming."

[shijiujun]

Time for some BL/Danmei novel recs! 

You guys have probably (maybe) seen my novels list here - [X] - but it’s more for my own tracking than anything else, so here’s a brief list (I’ll probably do full ones of the ones I really love in another post, probably on Minmo).

The ones elaborated on below with the asterisks are the novels I’ve actually finished reading.

*since everyone more or less knows MXTX’s works - TGCF, MDZS and SVSSS, I’ll skip those!

1. SCI 迷案集 | SCI Mystery Series by 耳雅*

Summary: Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao are childhood friends and rivals that end up working together under the newly established SCI unit as co-leads, with Bai Yutang providing the brawn as Captain and Zhan Zhao the brains as Vice Captain and the team’s resident genius psychologist. They solve cases together and slowly unravel a wider conspiracy that involves their parents’ generation and beyond. At the same time they also realize that they’re meant for each other!

Other CPs: Bai Jintang (Bai Yutang’s older brother) & the medical examiner, Gongsun Ce, Bai Chi (Bai Yutang’s younger cousin) & magician Zhao Zhen, and at least three other gay pairings, one of which is considered another main couple of sorts from Vol. 2 onwards

Status: Incomplete (Began in 2010, author is still going on strong with one chapter every one or two months, we’re halfway through Vol. 5 right now and it’s been 10 years ;-; Love that the author is going on strong!! Everyone on JJWXC are like “please author it’s okay if you go slow as long as you keep going we’re here for you” and jfc I understand the fear of this not completing, also when will Vol. 5 be completed and printed?!! I need to complete the collection)

Translations: Unfortunately, only the first volume has been translated well so far on novel updates. The one on Wattpad seems to have caught up, but I would not recommend that one.

Drama/Live-Action: Season 1 was filmed and released in 2018 under the same name with slightly changed names for the characters. Season 2 was supposed to start filming this month but... oh well. First season basically covered Vol. 1 novel from start to end.

*I love this one only because it was my very first danmei and so it’ll forever have a special place in my heart, and also because it’s still ongoing so ya know, I relive how much I love this every month

2. 成化十四年 | Cheng Hua’s Fourteenth Year (The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty) by 梦溪石*

Summary: Tang Fan, a prefectural judge, and Sui Zhou, a high ranking officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guards, meet while trying to solve a murder case. Both of them end up partnering very well together, Sui Zhou ends up inviting Tang Fan to live with him, and the rest is history. Through their days living together and solving cases + a larger conspiracy involving the royal palace, they fall in love. Adding to this mix is also Wang Zhi, a powerful, young eunuch who befriends the pair, and the three of them basically help the crown prince to overcome challenges and his enemies to become the next Emperor

Other CPs: None XD

Status: Complete!

Translations: Ongoing on several websites. I’m only translating relationship highlights, but here’s an introduction post I did for it, if you guys would like somewhere to start without getting too invested - [X]

Drama/Live-Action: The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty was released earlier this year, directed by Jackie Chan and starring Darren Chen and Paul Fu, but cases are a little different and there are new characters in the show that weren’t from the novel etc.

3. 杀破狼 | Shapolang by Priest*

Summary: Set in a steampunk universe where flying boats named ‘kites’ and flying armour exist. Young teenager Chang Geng lives with his mother and stepfather - the former abuses him and the latter neglects him, and the only person that he cares about (and cares about him) is Shen Shiliu, his (very young) godfather. He realizes his identity as a royal prince when the Man tribe invades his city and Shen Shiliu, whose real name is Gu Yun, turns out to be an army general whose duty was to protect Chang Geng in secret (among other things). 

Chang Geng has been critically poisoned by his mother (who’s not actually his birth mother, if I recall she’s an aunt) which leads to him getting terrible dreams frequently with the end result of him being driven into insanity, while Gu Yun is half blind, half deaf due to poisoning + injury when he was much younger, and he can only regain his hearing and sight fully when he takes a medicine that is slowly losing its effectiveness with every dosage he has.

The both of them navigate learning about each other again, falling in love a few years later when Chang Geng is all grown up and also unravel conspiracies and fight bad guys (both external threats and internal as in the current Emperor and other parties) XD

*Note: The age old debate is that Gu Yun ‘preyed’ on and also ‘groomed’ Chang Geng, but I disagree and stand by the fact that Gu Yun was 90% of the time not around while Chang Geng grew from a teenager to a young adult as he was fighting wars elsewhere, while Chang Geng refused to stay at the Gu manor and insisted on running around, travelling on his own and seeing the world for a few years before they met again. And it was Chang Geng who’d always loved Gu Yun and devoted himself to caring about him, making advances on him etc. when he became an adult

Other CPs: Shen Yi (Gu Yun’s second-in-command) & Chen Qingxu (a renowned physician who ends up healing both Chang Geng and Gu Yun of their ailments) 

Status: Complete!

Translations: Fully translated the last I heard, it’s up there in the list of holy grail BL/danmei novels, so I’m sure it’s done hahaha.

Drama/Live-Action: Filming in progress!

*This is up there in the hall of fame for danmei novels for more than just the amazing content and writing - It’s also famous for being one of the most complex novels ever. I don’t know how the translations team did it because DAMN it was complex and I read all my novels in Chinese without much issues but I was honestly STRUGGLING WITH this one and I went through some existential crisis while reading because I was like ‘did I ever learn Chinese, am I even Chinese’ XD

4. 默读 | Silent Reading by Priest*

Summary: Luo Wenzhou, a police captain, and his team including best friend and partner Tao Ran, face a few challenging cases that end up being small parts of a larger conspiracy, and end up having to consult with Fei Du, a flamboyant, charming and flirty, young and rich CEO, who Luo Wenzhou describes as someone who is an expert at ‘crimes’. Not deduction, not solving crimes, but someone who is familiar with how the murderer or culprits would commit crimes. Both Luo Wenzhou and Tao Ran know Fei Du well, because they first met when Fei Du was in high school, when he called the police because his mother had hanged herself in the house, and since then Tao Ran and Luo Wenzhou look out for him, spending holidays with him, giving him presents here and there. Luo Wenzhou and Fei Du overcome their misunderstandings of each other and fall in love while solving all the cases and the larger conspiracy behind it.

Other CPs: Tao Ran and someone he knew first from his school days or was a neighbour when he was younger, I can’t remember, but they meet again at a blind date and end up living in the same building on different floors XD

Status: Complete!

Translations: Complete!! There’s a huge post floating around on Tumblr with all the links (I can’t find it right now) and on Twitter you can also find the collated, epub versions etc.

Drama/Live-Action: Rights for a live-action was signed, no casting confirmation or set dates yet

5. 犯罪心理 | Criminal Psychology by 长洱*

Summary: Police captain Xing Conglian drags psychologist Lin Chen out of seclusion/hiding to solve a case that is indirectly tied to him. Lin Chen was involved in a case a few years ago that led to four deaths - these four victims were the sons/daughters of four of the five huge old-money (super rich) families in the country and these family members sought to make Lin Chen’s life very difficult for him afterwards by making him lose all the jobs he can find, by surveilling his every move and ensuring that he’s not happy etc. Because of that, he backed out of the police force as well and quietly lived as a school dorm administrator, which is where Xing Conglian finds him a few years later. Lin Chen fakes his death after the first case (not deliberately but kind of a by-the-way thing), but as fate would have it, he ends up meeting Xing Conglian on another case, and he decides that he’ll move in with him and also involve himself again, consequences be damned, and they fall in love!

Other CPs: None XD

Status: Complete!

Translations: I think it’s not complete yet.

Drama/Live-Action: None that I know of.

6. 死亡万花筒 | Kaleidoscope of Death by 西子绪* (MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE)

Summary: Supernatural setting where people who are about to die get a second chance to live. These individuals are either in the midst of a dangerous situation (for e.g. a shootout or a deadly mugging incident) or are about to get into accidents (for e.g. an entire bus going off a bridge or a chandelier dropping from above and crushing the person underneath) or are ill (recently diagnosed with cancer or are terminally ill with a condition for e.g.) - The list is endless, and in the situation between life and death, 12 doors will appear before them. 

It is said that once these individuals finish all 12 doors, they will truly get a second chance at life and survive whatever cause of death they were imminently facing. 

Each door represents a creepy, supernatural mystery, and Lin Qiushi finds himself in a strange place after opening a door when he was trying to enter his apartment one day. He meets Ruan Baijie, a beautiful, tall woman who he happens to meet, and they realize that in this strange world, he and other individuals who came through the door have to complete a given task, find a key and an exit door, and make it out alive. The others in the team (some of which have already gone through several doors) explain to Lin Qiushi, who is a first-timer, what the doors are about. 

The catch is, if they die inside the door, in the real world, they’ll die immediately, by accident, throwing themselves off a building, or just throwing up blood until they die (just to name a few)

On the first night, however, three people are slaughtered and eaten by a long-haired ghost/creature. The good news is, Ruan Baijie isn’t all that she seems to be (for one, she’s not exactly a woman) and she takes a liking to Lin Qiushi immediately.

Other CPs: None XD

Status: Complete!

Translations: I think it’s not complete yet!

Drama/Live-Action: None that I know of, but honestly, this novel would be fricking EPIC as a live-action, and really creepy, but this is my all-time favourite novel, I kid you not!!!!

*I’m definitely doing a longer and more detailed to-read for KOD on my translation account, gosh you guys have no idea how much I love this.

7. 当年万里觅封侯 | Those Years in Quest of Honor Mine by 漫漫何其多

Summary: Yu She and Gu Wan were close friends for a short period of time when they were younger, but unfortunately their identities and positions meant that they were opponents. Yu She’s family was for the Second Prince and Gu Wan was taken in by the Sixth Prince’s family, but in the end it was the Second Prince who ended up getting to the throne, while the Sixth Prince was accused of treason and died somewhere far away at war after being captured. Gu Wan’s only wish was to keep the Fifth Prince’s children - Xuan Rui and a pair of twins, Xuan Yu and Xuan Congxin safe, and so he moves them to another province and asks the Emperor (the Second Prince) to demote Xuan Rui’s status to prove that they are no threat to the Emperor, if only to stay alive for another day.

However, their days of hardship have only just begun, and Gu Wan decides to namedrop Yu She, whose family is so powerful now, and claims that Yu She loves him and that he was wooing Gu Wan back in the days they knew each other so that officials and others would treat the children under his care better. A few years pass and Yu She doesn’t expose Gu Wan. Gu Wan thinks they can go on like this forever, until the Emperor asks Xuan Rui and the twins to head back to the palace for a visit.

Gu Wan meets Yu She again, but the boy he knew, who was gentle, a stickler for rules and a proper, well-mannered person, has changed almost completely. Cue palace conspiracies again, brothers fighting for the throne, scheming consorts etc. XD 

Other CPs: None XD

Status: Complete!

Translations: I think it’s not complete yet but I’m not super sure on this

Drama/Live-Action: None that I know of!

*They came out with a new reprint edition three days ago and it’s gorgeous! And comes with amazing freebies, and I am a sucker and read it on the day of the printed novel release because I saw the art and loved it, wanted to see if the story was any good, and damn after chapter 2 I WAS GONE and then I checked out two copies from different stores for the two different sets of freebies 

--

A list of those I haven’t read but I see are highly raved about:

1. 二哈和他的白猫师尊 | The Husky & His White Cat Shizun by Meatbun

- I’ve already been spoiled and I know what goes on mostly, and there are a lot of warnings for a reason, but I’m still a fan, and let’s not get into the debate on the content, I know I have to read this but the angst level is apparently ridiculous, so I need like some mental preparation before I sit down for it.

2. 千秋 | A Thousand Autumns by 梦溪石

3. 烈火浇愁 | Lie Huo Jiao Chou by Priest

4. 将进酒 | Qiang Jing Jiu by 唐酒卿

- A really good group of translators picked this up initially on Twitter, but then assholes were complaining that they were being too slow and insisting that machine translation (MTL) did an equally good and faster job, so the OG dropped it, and then another nice team picked it up, but MTL team is still being an asshole XD I’ve heard really good things about this one, it’s apparently quite complex as well, I’d liken it to Shapolang level? But it might be even more complex (with a lot of politics and stuff), so much so that apparently the printed novel comes with a relationship/character chart so readers are at any point in time clear on the characters which is like amazing XD

[shinydelirium]

MLQC Season 2 Chapter 22- Towards the Sea of Stars (Kiro) Final Part [Mysterious Meteor] & [Unexpected Encounter] Translation [CN]

***SPOILERS*** THIS POST CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS FOR CONTENT NOT YET RELEASED ON EN SERVER!!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!***

For previous translations of Kiro Season 2 Chapter 22: Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5

[Mysterious Meteor]

The desolate dead leaves swayed wildly in the cold wind outside the window and the office heater made people drowsy.

I was sitting in front of the computer holding a coffee cup, working on the follow-up work of Kiro’s concert.

Although the concert ended successfully, the topic of Evol continues to fester.

Such discussions seem to be endless, hiding under the calm, but silently waiting for the right moment to be ignited.

As for the thing in the center of the whirlpool, I still have no way of knowing its whereabouts.

Almost subconsciously, Kiro’s question popped up in my mind.

Kiro: When you find CORE, have you thought about what to do with it?

I have never wavered in my answer.

I want to find the world from before. I need the power of CORE. But like he said, I don’t know what to do once I obtain this power.

I rubbed my eyes in annoyance and then clicked on the webpage—

“Can Evol be artificial?”

“Will Evol be the next man-made weapon?”

These controversial topics are placed in front of the public. Some people are confused, worried, or agitated, but they are more afraid of the unknown.

MC: “Can Evol be achieved in all people within five years?”…

MC: What’s this all about…!

After thinking about it, I clicked on the chat box and sent a text message. In the next second, my phone vibrated twice.

Kiro: “Reporting in, Boss! According to your instructions, I stayed home obediently and didn’t run around.”

MC: “That’s great! After all, the current situation is special. Although the breaking news has been suppressed, still keep a low profile.”

MC: “If you need anything, please tell me and Savin at any time. I’ll also ask Savin to send more security forces near your home.”

I subconsciously typed the words “your ears” in the dialogue box and then deleted them after thinking about it.

The prompt “the other party is typing” appeared and I couldn’t help but smile when I looked at the sentence that popped up on the screen.

Kiro: “I have recently started to do hearing-related closed therapy and I am a very professional medical expert.”

Kiro: “I am full of confidence in this treatment, so don’t worry, MC.”

MC: “Then if anything happens, you must notify me as soon as possible!”

Kiro sent out a little bear emoji with an “OK” gesture. I can imagine him winking one eye.

I put down the phone. The anxiety in my heart has not completely disappeared.

It has not been revealed who broke the news about Kiro’s experiment but it is clear that the other person has some explicit information.

But why now of all times?

I faintly feel that these invisible hands in the dark are not just trying to intensify the contradictions about Evol , but create an even more terrifying conspiracy.

I sent a message to Zehn to continue the investigate. Then I got up and walked out of the office. As soon as I stepped out, I saw Kiki and the others discussing something.

Kiki: Don’t you think it’s beautiful?! Such a rare sight!

Willow: But experts said that it’s impossible to predict where the meteor came from. I always thought it was a bit mysterious…

Minor: Maybe it’s an ordinary astronomical phenomenon. Wait for the next news to see if you two are still fussing.

MC: What are you guys talking about?

Kiki: Boss, have you seen the news? Many people saw shooting stars last night! We’re enjoying the scene, come watch this video!

MC: …Meteor?

An inexplicable sense of apprehension settled in my heart. I stepped forward subconsciously and looked at Kiki’s mobile phone screen—

The bright arcs sail through the air in slow motion, silently releasing gorgeous light.

Just like the doomsday scene during that time.

[Unexpected Encounter]

I walked in the dim corridor of B.S., feeling my temples pounding wildly. My whole body felt cold.

A lot of questions pushed themselves into my mind and I couldn’t breathe.

Why did meteors suddenly appear in the sky? Will this world usher in the end again?

I dare not think further, trying to comfort myself. Maybe it’s just an ordinary astronomical phenomenon and it doesn’t mean anything.

Even if the meteor appearing without warning really means the same end as the past, then I still have time to do what I should—

I must find CORE.

If the previous QUEEN gene can save the world from destruction, then in this world, CORE should be able to do the same.

I must find out more information and trends of CORE.

I stopped in front of a dark door, raised my hand, and pushed the door open.

In the dimly lit room, a man had his legs on the table. Half his face was covered with faint light.

He followed the sound to look at me, shook his legs, and greeted me.

??: Well, if it isn’t Miss Nox. Didn’t you always disliked having to deal with me?

??: Seeing me now all of a sudden, did something happen?

His voice was full of sarcasm but I ignored his deliberate taunting and got directly to the point.

MC: Anole, I want to ask you for a favor. ***ANOLE!!?!? I’ve been wondering if he was going to make an appearance in season 2. Am I gonna see Hephaistos too!?!?***

The man slowly withdrew his legs and sat up straight, revealing an immature face in the shadows.

This is the first time I have seen this person in this world. Although his presence in B.S. is not low, I still have no good feelings about him and I have never actively contacted him.

***Was it Anole who leaked the news about Kiro’s experiment?***

I take out a photo from my bag, which is a photo of a custodian.

MC: I want you to make me like her.

MC: I have seen your files. Your Evol can not only “disguise” yourself, but also act on other people.

The boy’s cold expression changed as though he had heard something funny.

Anole: I can do it, but why should I help you?

I held his eyes with a blank expression and said in a firm voice.

MC: According to the terms I offered.

-End of Chapter 22-

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s R&S - Folded Time

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers from an R&S (折叠的时光) which has not been released in EN!🍒

This R&S accompanies the Ch 37 karma, but it doesn’t contain spoilers for future content as it depicts the events leading up to Gavin reuniting with MC in Ch 2 :>

[ Chapter One ]

When Gavin appears in the office of the Public Security Bureau of Loveland City, everyone’s eyes fall on him either curiously or cautiously -

His light-coloured denim jacket is left open in a casual manner. Brown hair is scattered in front of his forehead, revealing a pair of stubborn and intractable eyes. Even though he isn’t looking at anyone, there is a palpable tension.

No matter how one looks at him, his entire person, from top to bottom, is incompatible with this place.

A few days ago, Gavin appeared in the Public Security Bureau of Loveland City, and things happened so suddenly that there wasn’t even a suitable uniform provided for him. As such, he was the only person in the office wearing regular clothes, which further cemented the view that others had of him as a "child of an official”. Gavin didn't put a stop to it. To put it another way, such an understanding was even more beneficial to his original objective.

Gavin doesn’t seem to realise that he’s the centre of everyone’s attention as he walks to the seat temporarily assigned to him.

At this moment, a young man in the police station takes the opportunity to go over, placing a thick bag of files on his desk. As though there’s a show to watch, he speaks up. "Officer Gavin, the chief said that you’ll be taking over this case." Gavin takes the bag of documents and looks at it. Then, he nods, indicating that the other party could leave.

Not hearing the questions and requests for help as imagined, the young man is momentarily stunned. Gavin lifts his head and gives him a sweeping glance, his tone indifferent. “Anything else?”

"N-no." The young man who was planning to find fault with him shivers inexplicably, then walks away in embarrassment. The surrounding gazes also disappear, and Gavin turns back to the case in his hand.

A few days ago, a woman made a report at a sub-bureau that she had “teleported”. According to her, she was walking home as usual, but when she passed by a certain place, she suddenly arrived at an unfamiliar plaza ten kilometers away - as if the distance in between was folded.

After this case was investigated, it was shelved aside temporarily due to a lack of evidence and leads. But over the next few days, different victims made reports to various sub-bureaus in succession. Hence, this strange case was finally transferred to the general bureau, and it has now been handed into Gavin’s hands. 

It doesn’t take long for Gavin to come to a conclusion - this crime involves an Evolver. After flipping through the scattered case reports, he taps his fingers on the desk, then stands up abruptly, casually telling the person next to him, "I’m heading on a mission.”

The police officer next to him is given a fright. When he looks up, he sees a back profile retreating with a free and easy poise. He can’t help but mutter, “As expected, people with special connections get special treatment. Tsk tsk tsk, how easygoing.”

-

[ Chapter 2 ]

A week ago, in an abandoned building, the elevators that were still in operation descended at a constant speed into the ground.

The lights on top of the elevator flickered slightly due to unstable electrical currents. Before the signal disappeared completely, Gavin reported the current situation through the headset. The moment the elevator door opened, he drew the gun at his waist and was the first to step out.

Borrowing the faint light from the elevator, Gavin scanned the surroundings vigilantly. When a member of the STF turned on the power switch, the cold white light illuminated the entire area, making everything in the laboratory visible - perhaps there was a hasty retreat. The room was in a mess. Many documents were not taken away or destroyed in time, and debris was scattered around.

Gavin's gaze swept across the documents, walking straight to the host computer in the corner of the room. Someone had already cracked the password and was recovering the destroyed files.

"How’s the situation?" Gavin asked.

The STF team member quickly retrieved various data and materials, and answered him without even lifting his head. "Some core data has been completely destroyed, but some files can be recovered."

Gavin looked at the recovered files, and immediately determined that these were some experiment reports related to Evolvers. The date of the report spanned from more than ten years ago to the present day. He had no idea how many of such experiments were carried out when Black Swan was hiding in the dark.

"Wait." Gavin suddenly stopped his team member’s movements, and a sharp look flashed across his eyes. "Export this name list."

Not long after, this concealed name list appeared on the screen. Among the densely listed names, Gavin saw a name that was engraved deep in his memory - MC.

For a moment, he found this hard to believe. He suddenly clenched his fist, his eyes flashing fiercely. After taking a few breaths, he managed to calm down, and pointed at the name. “Open this person’s file.”

The screen flickered, and the first thing that popped out was a photo of a girl’s college identification card. In this short archive, the girl's academic experience, her family and friends, and the company she inherited... had all turned into cold words, completely exposed to Black Swan without privacy.

Gavin read the entire file line by line, his eyes growing darker and darker, and the memories he deliberately sealed in time seemed to be shaken.

Six years ago, he was forced to leave Loveland City because of the awakening of his Evol. It wasn't until two years ago that he tracked Black Swan’s operations and returned. In the past two years, Gavin deliberately stayed away from the world where she lived in order to prevent potential dangers around the girl to shatter her peaceful life.

However, these dangers had already existed in the girl's world from the very beginning.

-

[ Chapter 3 ]

Ever since the STF destroyed the secret laboratory, Black Swan’s operations in Loveland City have grown more frequent and radical, and Evolver crimes have also been emerging in an endless stream.

"Aren't you all Evolvers? Why do you want to sell your lives to ordinary people?!" The man who was knocked to the ground by the fierce wind current lifts his head and shouts angrily at the group of people in front of him.

Gavin doesn’t speak, lifting his foot and stepping on his back, pressing the man, who was struggling desperately, back to the ground.

At this moment, the electric current in his earphone buzzes twice, conveying an urgent message to him - "There’s an abnormality near the Central Boulevard”.

"Understood." Gavin hangs up, then hands this newly awakened Evolver to his subordinates before rushing to the spot where the energy wave was discovered.

At the crossroads, a bizarre car accident was prevented. The surrounding onlookers don't seem to have noticed the peculiar scene, and slowly scatter as the taxi which started the incident drives away, leaving behind a girl standing at the side of the road in a daze.

In the city sky where nobody notices, a figure suddenly appears.

Gavin hovers mid-air, countless raindrops falling beside him and dispersed by the wind. He observes what’s happening on the ground, his eyes extraordinarily calm, akin to tempering a sharp edge. His gaze sweeps across the scene quickly: an Evolver with an unknown motive had stopped a car accident, and... the victim.

Gavin's line of sight suddenly stills. Amid the flowing crowd, the girl who brushed past death bends down, picking up the snacks scattered on the ground, staring in a certain direction for an inexplicable reason.

From such a great distance, the figure on the ground seems to have turned into a small dot. But memory has already traced a copy of the girl's appearance for Gavin.

Meeting again catches him off guard. The wind, which is being controlled, seems to know that he isn’t at peace, and it rustles the hem of his windbreaker. From beginning to end, his gaze rests on that figure which has undergone many changes.

Six years pass by in a flash, and Gavin’s memories still linger on that lonely night in the library many years ago. But the details of that day seem to be covered in mist, and are blurry.

After a long time, Gavin presses the call button of the headset, and reports to the command centre in a serious voice. "Agent B-7, energy wave detected in Loveland City. Sending coordinates.”

Almost immediately, he receives instructions from the other end, and he replies, "Target locked. Taking action immediately.”

Gavin's eyes follow the girl as her figure slowly grows further and further, until she disappears at the corner of the street. He recalls the name list by Black Swan, and a shadow flits across his eyes.

Now that the girl’s Evol has begun to awaken, the peace around her may be shattered immediately. By then, the distance he had maintained for such a long time would no longer be enough to protect her.

-

[ Chapter 4 ]

The sky has not been fully lit, and a ray of light passes through a gap in the curtains, falling on the figure in bed.

Gavin catches his breath as he awakens from the dream, lifting his arm to cover his eyes. He recalls the chaotic and fragmented images in the dream: the room raging with flames, the familiar school roof, the ruins after the explosion, and the glaring fresh blood...

It seems he hasn’t been able to calm down ever since he saw the girl again.

After a long while, Gavin adjusts his emotions, gets up from bed and walks into the bathroom. The icy water rushes down the top of his head, dispelling the lingering sleepiness, and making him incredibly clear-headed. Even the words that the man once said to him clearly resound in his ears——

"Gavin, she’s special like you, and is destined not to have a peaceful life.”

"Do you really have the ability to protect her?"

Water patters to the ground, a little noisy in the quietness of the early morning. Gavin lifts his head, allowing the water to flow over his face, down the body covered with various old and new wounds, and finally flowing into the drain.

After a long time, he opens his eyes, an absolutely unshakable resoluteness in them. "I will protect her."

Gavin turns off the water, then grabs a towel and wipes his hair as he walks out of the bathroom. The notification light of his mobile phone on the desk flickers silently — it’s a message from an informant.

Reading the message rapidly, he taps open the address book and finds a number in it. After the call gets through, he speaks to the person on the other end and says, "I have a request related to the follow-up report mentioned earlier.”

If she is their target, it is only at his side that she’d be safest.

An hour later, Gavin follows the lead provided by the informant, arriving at a small lane beside Morrow Way.

It isn’t until the school gate appears before him that Gavin realises that this is where Loveland High is located. He glances at the school gate which seems to have undergone renovation work, but has no plans to "revisit an old haunt". He heads straight to the alley mentioned by the informant.

This is a relatively remote alley, and one end of the alley is connected to a bustling commercial street. The sub-bureau that received the report had already conducted investigations nearby but found no leads. But the surveillance camera in this alley happened to be spoilt that day - as if it was premeditated.

After understanding the situation, Gavin is prepared to leave. At this moment, somebody calls out to him. "Is that... Gavin?”

Gavin turns his head and sees a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties with a dark complexion and gaunt face. It takes Gavin some time to recall who the other party is, and he’s quite surprised. “Your shop’s still here?”

"Yeah. It's really you. I even thought my eyes were playing tricks on me earlier." The man whom Gavin remembers as taciturn reveals a small smile. "Is there a reason why you came to this area?”

Gavin doesn’t conceal the truth. "I’m here on a mission, and am investigating something.”

After being stunned for a second, the middle-aged man reacts. "You’re really working in the police station now?"

Gavin nods. The middle-aged man is a little surprised, but understands quickly. He hesitates for a moment, then says to Gavin, "It's already noon. Want to have a bowl of noodles?"

Gavin is about to shake his head to refuse. But for some unknown reason, he agrees.

As compared to the last time he visited a few years ago, Lynn’s Kitchen is much more spacious now. The wall facing the door is still densely packed with all kinds of small post-it notes as it was in the past. Gavin sweeps a brief glance at it, images of the past flashing in his mind.

He finds the seat where he often sat at in the past. After a few minutes, the boss gives him a bowl of hand-pulled noodles in chilli oil: the light yellow noodles are covered with bright red oil, garlic sprouts, coriander and slices of beef placed orderly along the sides of the bowl. The fragrance accompanying the steam that burrows into his nose is exactly the same as in his memories,  easily evoking the hunger in the Gavin’s belly.

“Give it a try and see if there’s any improvement.” The middle-aged man chuckles a little reservedly. "You haven't eaten it in a long time, right?"

“Smells pretty good." Gavin responds. He lifts up the noodles with chopsticks, bringing them into his mouth. The familiar taste involuntarily relaxes the tense corners of his mouth.

At this moment, along with the sound of the school bell from the nearby Loveland High, a group of students dismissed from school at noon swarm into the noodle shop, and Gavin's surroundings instantly become noisy. Judging from the familiar colour scheme of the school uniform and the logo on it, these are students from Loveland High. They stare at Gavin with curiosity as he appears incompatible with this small shop. Then, they return to laughing and joking with each other, as though they have no worries at all.

The corners of Gavin’s lips hook upwards slightly. He finishes the remaining noodles in the bowl in two or three slurps. After leaving money at the cash register, he leaves the shop.

“Okay, 1.30 in the afternoon at Flower Fair." He arranges a meeting time with a victim. As soon as he hangs up, another call comes in immediately.

"Chief Yuan?"

"This is Captain Gavin, right? Regarding the follow-up report you mentioned, the producer will look for you at the police station at one o’clock in the afternoon.”

"Okay, I’ve got it.”

After speaking concisely, Gavin hangs up the phone with a smile in his eyes.

-

[ Chapter 5 ]

On the main road of Loveland City at noon, the vehicles caught in a jam move forward slowly.

Suddenly, the shadow of a black car speeds past along with a wave of heat. The incoming wind lifts the hem of Gavin’s clothes, but seems to surround him and refuse to leave.

There’s quite a distance between Loveland High and the police station. It’s so far that on the way there, things from the past gradually surface in Gavin’s mind -

A figure hiding under the eaves on a rainy evening.

A dusty “Byron’s Poetry Collection” in the library.

A letter stained with blood.

A piano tune on an afternoon when ginkgo leaves danced in the sky.

A... girl who appeared in his life during his most hopeless years.

Gavin’s brows suddenly soften. The emotions which were suppressed for a very long time are released in this instant, surging and foreign.

Those images that were about to be forgotten over the course of six years become as clear as yesterday, reminiscent of dust on the surface being wiped off suddenly by a hand.

They were separated for such a long time. So long that he almost forgot that he once had such ardent feelings, akin to sunlight in the height of summer.

-

1pm, Loveland City Police Department.

Gavin holds a peaked hat and walks down the corridor at a moderate pace. From afar, he can hear the chatter of Officer Landsman, who has always disliked him, mixed with the responses of the confused girl.

"Word around the office is that he’s the son of one of the higher-ups. Just think, if he’s some big shot’s boy... We should just stay away!"

[Note] I’m using his canon dialogue in EN since we’re familiar with it. But what Officer Landsman actually says in CN is: “I heard that... he’s an ignorant and incompetent child of an official - a pampered son. Just think about it - how many higher-ups have the surname Bai? ...we can’t offend him!”

Gavin arches his brows, turns around the corner, and sees that familiar figure.

The girl’s back is facing him, her height pretty much the same as it was back then. Her hair isn’t tied into a ponytail, and it drapes smoothly over her shoulders. It’s as though Gavin is able to see her eyes widening after hearing the gossip - she’s still as lively.

Hearing Officer Landsman getting increasingly unreasonable as he speaks, Gavin interrupts directly. "Officer Landsman, just who were you saying is a ‘big shot’s boy’?”

Officer Landsman is given a fright, and the girl turns her head. The pair of clear eyes from his memories meets his once again.

As though crossing over the tilted time, the feelings of youth are brought from the past and into his world with ease.

The distance which had once gradually widened between them has finally been folded by time. All the memories and images have settled, slowly overlapping with the girl in front of him.

Gavin looks at the fear straying onto the girl's face, as well as the unfamiliarity in her eyes. He lifts the corners of his lips, and smiles -

"MC, do you remember me?"

[your-brilliant-lady-m]

Part 5 - Basic Concepts of Miraculous Ladybug: Guardians

Helloooo! Did you think I was done? No!

My PhD thesis chapters were approved last week, so have some celebratory meta. I haven't seen the latest Season 4 episodes, so do forgive me for not being up to date.

Welcome to the next part of my analysis of the basic concepts of Miraculous Ladybug. Today we are talking about Master Fu, Order of the Guardians and how little everything here makes sense. I highly recommend reading previous parts to fully understand this one, but I'll try to quote most parts of earlier posts.

Order of the Guardians

Order is an international and ancient organisation (New York Special showed us the guardian from North America and he was dressed like Su Han). Presumably, Miraculous jewels were created by these people. Guardians are responsible for the preservation of jewels and knowledge about them. They also distribute Miraculouses to worthy people around the world to combat mostly magical threats, but sometimes jewels are used against normal threats too. It's implied that Master Fu used Miraculouses during WW2 when he was in Paris. Perhaps he performed some spywork with Marianne, but the magical nature of his interferences was discovered and he was forced to flee, before returning to France many decades later.

Why does the Order need so many people to take care of a 3 Miracle Boxes? If its only purpose is to preserve knowledge, keep magical secrets and distribute Miraculous jewels then wouldn't it be more logical to have Master-Apprentice system? It's much easier to keep magic knowledge a secret and train a few people in martial arts than doing the same in the self-sufficient temple full of people, keeping in mind that a good part of them are teenagers and children, who are bad at keeping secrets. Also a single person can travel around the world much easier to give out Miraculouses. Imagine that we have a few active guardians traveling the world with Boxes. What do other people at the temple do in the meantime? They teach the next generation about the powers of each Miraculous and Mirakung Fu, but besides that?

Master-Apprentice system gives us more personal conflict between Fu and his mentor and makes his relationship with Marinette and Adrien more nuanced. In this scenario Fu accidentally caused the death of his Master at 14 because he wasn't careful. It makes sense for him to take on only 1 or 2 students if this is how things were done with Miraculous Guardians. This Wang Fu is very cautious and protective, he spent the majority of his life afraid of hurting someone else and never took an apprentice as a result. But now he is ready to try again, since he is not getting any younger and he likes these 2 kids. He wants them to succeed. Maybe Master Fu, becomes the father figure for Adrien in this situation and a guide for Marinette. Just think about it. This way writers avoid the need to develop all these extra characters (Su Han) and traditions related to the Order. All inconsistencies I mentioned before and later in this post are gone now! Hell, even memory loss and the changing of the Miracle Box shape could make more sense. We also raise the stakes post-amnesia, if it happens of course (the whole Season 3 finale didn't make sense, so stay tuned for my next meta). Marinette and Adrien are on their own now, there's no one who can give them answers. It's very fun scenario, which has potential to be brilliant. Any thoughts on that?

The existence of Order of the Guardians is not quite a secret, at least it wasn't in XIX century China. Master Fu in "Feast" says that guardianship was considered "a great honor". It implies that people who lived close to the temple of the Order knew about Miraculouses and what exactly guardians did for the greater good.

The existence of other Miracle Boxes around the world makes sense from a real-life perspective. Writers have the ability to create many stories set in the same universe and use them for merchandise and an almost unlimited amount of content. Judging by the unholy amount of specials in production, this is exactly what the creators are going to do. It probably won't go down well, but who knows?

However, it doesn't work in our main story. The main conflict is Paris-centred. Gabriel's motivations revolve around Emilie's resurrection and Season 4 gives us more reasons to suspect that Adrien's mom wasn't as wonderful as everyone says. Hawkmoth still remains the main villain of the show and most likely it's going to stay that way. There's no point in moving the main story to different places for the sake of introducing more Miracle Boxes from around the world. Ladybug and Chat Noir aren't needed to fight something halfway across the world unless Hawkmoth also changes locations.

LB and CN are centrepieces of this franchise. They brought success and money to ZAG. Creators constantly need to remind the audience that this new piece of media with new characters who will never be mentioned again is connected to Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir. Writers have to come up with reasons to include our heroic duo into the story even if makes no sense.

New York Special had to introduce American Heroes whose names rarely come up in the fandom because people stopped caring about them or their stories shortly after the release of the Special. I barely saw any content dedicated to them. In order to bring LB and CN into the story, you have to include Hawkmoth too. Gabriel suddenly needs to get his hands on the Eagle Miraculous and goes to USA. Marinette and Adrien suddenly have a class trip to New York. Unfortunately, their presence in this story is required only to expand the world of Miraculous and attract fans of the show, so that they could keep an eye on new content related to newly introduced characters.

In the end, it's not their story. Events of the special don't affect main story of the show and the development of the love square is merely an illusion, because Adrien and Marinette are no closer than before. In season 4 LB and CN are growing apart and their test of trust in NY Special doesn't matter. Perhaps, some people don't see it that way and it's their right, but I find it hard to see NYS as a valid contribution to canon. I mean, even people in large portion of the fandom state in the tags on AO3 that "specials are not canon", "specials didn't happen" or "ignores both specials". It speaks volumes about continuity and preferences of your fandom.

Shanghai Special didn't give us more information about the Order, which is located in China, history of Miraculous jewels. We still don't know much about how Gabriel and Emilie found Peacock and Butterfly. Maybe, Marinette's family had connections to Miraculous jewels. Maybe, Adrien does some snooping and discovers research his parents made while Gabriel is away. All of these are relevant to the main story. However, we got something much different in the end.

Marinette chases Adrien across the globe and they make new friends. Fey becomes Ladydragon and now has a direct contact with Marinette through her uncle. Gabriel's desire to get his hands on the Prodigious comes out of nowhere. Apparently, he had been planning this trip for years, presumably even before Adrien was born. It probably happened at the same time as Agrestes found 2 Miraculouses. He bought bracelet-key (which is also a Miraculous apparently, but its Kwami is a Guardian of the Prodigious and they existed separately for a very long time - and let us not dwell on this mess) from some shady mafia boss, who can easily find out just who Gabriel really is (fashion designer billionaire) and use this information to blackmail him. This Special didn't answer important questions, but it gave us a new superhero character.

The real question is whether Miraculous as a project will survive long enough for writers to create content for every minor character they introduced in all specials. This is only a beginning after all.

Miraculous is not a global show and it can't be globalised in a way that makes sense, at least with Ladybug and Chat Noir in the centre of action. Case closed.

Mirakung Fu

I liked the idea of Mirakung Fu introduced in "Furious Fu". It makes sense and things rarely do in this show. Miraculous grants its holder superhuman strength, stamina, endurance and ability to fight. This means that essentially transformed heroes are guided by magic in combat. There's nothing personal in the way Miraculous holders fight. You can predict their moves and learn how to fight this magic guidance, which is what Su Han does.

However, if the holder has any special training, skills or knows any martial art in their civilian life then they become more dangerous opponents during transformation because now their fighting is a mix of magical moves and their personal knowledge, tricks and style. Therefore, Adrien and Kagami as skilful fencers have more chances of winning against someone who knows Mirakung Fu than Marinette, for example.

Memory loss

At the end of season 3, we find out several things:

apparently, now Miracle Box can change appearance to suit its guardian;

when Guardian passes down the Miracle Box to someone else, they lose memories not only about everything related to Miraculous, but also about pretty much everything in their life (Fu doesn't recognise Marianne, instead he experiences the love at first sight)

Master Fu trains Marinette to be the proper holder and next Guardian off-screen. He says that her training as the holder is complete in "Feast" and wants her to become the next Guardian. Fu told her lots of things, and yet, he never mentioned the fact that he would lose his memory after relinquishing the box, nor the fact that Marinette would lose her memory afterwards. She finds out about this from Wayzz after the battle with Miracle Queen and the letter that Master Fu gave her. That's not proper training! How on Earth do you forget to mention this memory loss? How?

Master Fu's amnesia is a convenient plot device that removes him from the narrative almost completely. That's mostly all there is to it. Why? Because it doesn't make sense.

Fu was around 7 or 8 when he started his training. The disaster at the temple happened when he was 14. He stated that his training was never complete, which means that he never passed any magical ritual, never swore an oath or was bound by some kind of spell that made him subjected to the rule of memory loss.

Miracle Boxes belonged to the order, not Fu. Their design reflected their country of origin because these Miraculous were made and kept in China. They were just standing there on the shelves not magically bound to anyone in particular. When Feast attacked, monks just tossed Wang Fu the miracle box and grimoire. No one at the temple lost their memory after Fu took the box with him (Su Han is the proof). Su Han not only remembers Fu and his mistake but everything that happened that fateful day as well. In "Furious Fu" Marinette explains Su Han that Master Fu lost his memory in the very first conversation they have. However, after Ladybug and Chat Noir fight Su Han on the roof and escape with the Miracle Box, the latter searches for Fu and attempts to take his staff from him. In this scene, Su Han acts like Fu knows very well what is going on and who he is.

Su Han should be aware of the memory loss rule as the Celestial Guardian. He remarks on the different shape of the Mother Miracle Box and calls her "incorrect", which means that Su Han should have been able to easily tell that previous Guardian lost his memory and the Miracle Box is now bound to someone else. But he doesn't say anything. Moreover, since Su Han is supposed to know about amnesia, he seemed awfully chill about forcing this 14-year-old girl in front of him to give up the box and her memories. Hell, Chat Noir wasn't on board with this. But we get zero reaction from Su Han.

During the first conversation between Marinette and Su Han, he doesn't ignore what she is trying to say, instead he actively comments on every word. Even if Su Han didn't listen when Marinette told him about Fu's memory loss, than he still should be able to understand that Fu doesn't recognise him, because of common sense and the "incorrect" shape of the box. But nothing of the sort happens. Because writers apparently forgot that "memory loss" is supposed to be known to everyone in the Order. On-screen it looks like Su Han is not aware of the "amnesia rule".

"Furious Fu" makes the concept of memory loss a plothole no matter how you look at it. Just like "Timetagger" and "Chat Blanc", as well as "Kwamibuster" this episode is not consistent within itself. It does not surprise me, however.

Grimoire and Guardian Staffs

Let's talk about the Miraculous Grimoire. Good things first.

There are no illustrations of Miraculouses in camouflage. Kwami can't read its contents, only guardians can. Certain elements are written in riddles as an additional precaution. The book contains only the information people have learned so far, which means that Miraculouses have more unexplored potential ("Mr. Pigeon 72"). It describes powers of each Miraculous, provides information about weapons, has instructions for potions that don't make sense (see previous parts).

Unfortunately, everything is about to go downhill from here.

Guardians are taught how to read the writing in this book. They can read it just like people learn to read texts in a different language. This means that one can read Grimoire like any other book (you don't need to consult some guide to decode each letter or word). Master Fu proclaimed Marinette an almost fully trained Guardian. He should have taught her how to read the Grimoire then (he doesn't know the code very well, but he knew enough to understand the general meaning and content of the book according to "Collector"). He didn't. We don't know why. He shows her powers of every Miraculous but doesn't teach her the code.

Master Fu knows that Grimoire now belongs to Gabriel Agreste. He knows that it's dangerous for someone else to have it. If they knew how to read the Grimoire, they could discover all secrets of Miraculouses and harm Ladybug, Chat Noir and other heroes. It's very important to keep the information about the code top secret because Fu is not the only one with the source material.

What does he do then? Master Fu proceeds to write a French translation of Grimoire for Marinette, a translation that he doesn't even need. He carries it with him at all times on a tablet (without any precautions) just like the Miracle box after "Feast". Naturally, it means that in "Miracle Queen", Gabriel and Nathalie easily managed to get their hands on the tablet and Miracle Box. It allows the plot to happen, sure. But it doesn't make any sense.

"Furious Fu" created another curious plot hole. It will probably be ignored, of course. Su Han has a staff with a magical compass that allows him to find any Miracle box, but not the Miraculous jewels for some reason. How does the staff work? Can it locate the box without the Miraculous? If yes, then it seems useless. What's the point in the ability to locate an empty box? If it can locate the box only with the Miraculous jewels inside, it implies that the staff can track the location of every Miraculous too. So, Su Han could just locate the Butterfly and Peacock without any problem. But he talks about reassigning Ladybug and Black Cat to adults and defeating Hawkmoth like locating the Butterfly is not possible. This situation makes the Guardian Staff a simple plot device that creates plot holes and its only purpose is to explain how Su Han found Marinette.

Also, I have a few more words to say about this. Master Fu had a Guardian Staff that was never mentioned before. I wonder why? That's because the staff didn't exist before "Furious Fu" was written. Writers just went: "Do you know what would be cool? If Fu's cane was really a secret Guardian Staff with a compass all along that he decided to keep even after he lost his memory? It would make people wonder whether Master Fu is faking amnesia, and everyone will definitely call him an awful mentor after this even though we kind of tried to make him a good and responsible person."

Fu didn't give it to Marinette and didn't mention it to her. Why? When he gave up his memory, he should have written about this in his letter at least. Why did he decide to keep it? He can't use it anyway now.

Please note how in the flashbacks Fu didn't take any staff with him when he escaped the temple. Su Han seemed to know how Fu's staff looked like. It means that Master Fu didn't make this staff himself, because it belonged to the Order.

Su Han wasn't even surprised that Marinette didn't have the staff as the current Guardian. Was she not supposed to have it? He never questioned the fact that the former Guardian without memories has the staff. Su Han actually returns this staff to Fu after he is deakumatized and Fu acts like they have never met before. Why did Su Han gave the staff back when he knows what it is and to whom it should belong (to him or to Marinette as the current Guardian)? The staff is useless in the hands of the civilian. Does Marianne know about its secret? We'll probably never find out, unfortunately.

Guardian Staff of Master Fu has a compass too and therefore this also makes it a plot device, just like Su Han's staff.

[lethargicsunlight]

'Demon': Prologue ♡ BakugouXFem!Reader (Book 1)

Alright I'm doing it.

I'm doing the thing.

It literally keeps me awake at night I gotta write thisss *cough* okay

Originally I was only going to post this unto Wattpad, but getting traction on their website is a little more difficult than good ole' Tumblr, so I'll be posting it on both. Feel free to visit my Wattpad here: LINK if you want to support my writing on that end. (I would so appreciate it)

This post is going to run pretty long, as it will host both the prologue of the story and my author's notes. Just a heads up.

Summery:

A slow-burn action/romance where you begin in the bowels of a Villain base and rise up to join U.A.'s top Hero Class. This life was your choice. In the event of learning then losing the love of a friend, you make a decision that changes your reality at the core--to become an imposter among villains and bring them down from the inside out. The organization that ruined your premature perfect life was known as H.H., after their leader Head-Honcho. His crime of choice: intelligence. Training and conducting espionage agents and assassins across Japan as a means to further the dark underground network. Your training began at thirteen, after managing to impress the multi-faced villain with your stealth and your conviction. Rumors would soon spread through the dark alleys of Naruhata City of a masked assassin known as Demon, whose bare face could steal the souls of her targets. Everything appears to be going to plan; but the Hero Agencies you've been slipping information to are calling for an end to your superior sooner than you had anticipated. Your time as 'Demon' is limited. What will happen when your world comes crashing down? Where will you go, when everything you had known you helped to destroy?

AUTHOR'S NOTES

This is a slow burn fan-fic; and I am not italicizing those words without reason. This is going to be an agonizingly slow action-packed adventure-romance. This is a self-insert story, just like my three-part series 'Some Combat Training' (link) where you as the protagonist will not be described outside of being female, general physique, and a generalization of your uniform(s). Skin, hair, eyes, etc. will not be described at all--besides ambiguous adjectives. That said, I am taking liberties with physique and stature due to the nature of the story. You're abilities rely on stealth as well as close and fast combat, therefore you are described as 'small', 'lithe', 'athletic', and all of those other fancy little ninja woman words. Your personality has been shaped by the events of your life and the people within it; but if I were to describe it I would choose words like: Intelligent, determined, self-sacrificing, quiet, humble, and studious. The story will follow along with the anime for the most part starting at around the time of the USJ event, though at some point the story will branch off and become more my original concoction. (Such as, fast-forwarding the time-line to when the characters are older.) Some information about you as the protagonist will not be written here, as I plan for those to be revelations within the story. There will be angst, blood and gore, adult-humor, trauma, death, bad language and warnings will be listed with each chapter as needed. Feel free to comment on those chapters as soon as you see something that isn't mentioned that might make someone (if not yourself) feel uncomfortable. I will not be offended. This story is meant to get a little dark. Please comment if you can about your opinions! I have never posted an on-going fic before, and anything you have to say I would appreciate! <3 Now, please enjoy this short prologue~ Chapter 1 is being reviewed and edited, to be release very soon! 👹🖤⛓🔪💣 ...four...five...six.. You counted the footsteps behind your left ear, round the corner of the dim abandoned subway. You'd been stationary; still so long that your digits had all but numbed. Turn... one...two...three... The footsteps were distancing from the hall your attention had been set upon. A T-section, where the entity had gone down and away from your destination. You had to cross that 'T' to get to the junction--where you needed to leave a note completely undetected. The slightest mis-step would lead to suspicion. Suspicion would lead to investigation. Investigation lead to the five percent chance they could find that note--and no percentage was too small. It all hinged on absolute perfection. Nine...ten...eleven... This was their fifth round. A patrol. You had to make sure their movement were predictable before this would work--despite having successfully delivered the note fourty-two times and counting--you did not have the luxury of assumption. Only if their stride was even, only if you absolutely knew they were moving at a certain pattern, could you depend on the following information: It took fifteen steps before they would reach the broken light on their route. The haze of the dust and pollutants reflected in the working lights prior to that was your cover. Cross the 'T', leave the note, and cross it again. Out of sight and out of earshot, mission successful. Fourteen... f-- You turn, and it takes three steps to arrive at the drop to the tracks. You bunch and leap, and even the quietest friction of fabric from your uniform creases your brow. You land, just outside of the light's reach on the thin concrete slab beyond. Your eyes track the metals, the jutting wall tiles; that with which the barest touch could emit a sound--and you maneuver around them. Under, creeping low--and over, leaping to land on the balls of your feet and checking your balance before moving forward. Careful to not cast a shadow into the hall. Paced, so as not to move too quickly nor too slowly. Counting, because every second was controlled and calculated. You reach the juncture, and once again

edging the light you propel yourself to land back on the main thoroughfare. The next obstacle--removing the loose brick. Behind a metal bench centered between two closed-in stair cases, where the tile meets what had once been a decorative brick mosaic; eight bricks right and eighteen bricks up, was your note's destination. Just above your head, where you had to bend at an awkward angle to reach. Not practical, less detectable. You're wearing tight fabric gloves with grips on the pads, but thin enough you can feel the texture of the brick as you gently lace your fingers at each of the corners. Lifting, centering, and pulling the brick from its slot. Holding it just right, you can avoid the loud scrapes and grinds--but you have to hold it perfectly centered. Success. In goes the note. As does the brick, back into the wall. But you're only half-way done. Leap. Quiet, maneuver, avoid, measure. Silent. Leap. Hide. You're back is once again at the wall, the footsteps of the lackey you'd been avoiding closing in proximity to the Hall you'd just left. Four... five... six... Your eyes focus on the wall opposite of you as you ground yourself. The next few seconds determined a new reality. Either they followed their pattern, or they didn't. You had to be flexible. No assumptions. If they move towards the junction, you have to follow. If they move towards you, you'd calculate on your feet. Seven... eight... nine.. Turn. ...one...two...three.. You don't relax. Even after you count their steps to fifteen, even as you slip away back through the hall, even as you exit the unattended vent and breathe in fresh air--you don't relax until you're sitting on the floor in your room, calming down, your mask in your hands. After checking to make sure your door had not been opened, and no one had looked for you. No tracks in the dust. Only then do you allow yourself to ruminate on the contents of the note you had written, because you could still see every letter of it in your mind. ------ 55-1, Minami Senju 5-chome, Musutafu Target: Fukui Mitsuo Floor 8 3 AM. 7. Accompanied. Head. ------ For the briefest moment, you feel your hands shake. They always did on these nights. Realistically, you'd left no openings. Tested and re-tested every method. Calculated every movement. Left nothing to chance. But the 'what-if's' still linger, and you let them. The fear is good. It keeps you on your toes, your mind on edge, your tongue to the roof of your mouth. If he found out, you wouldn't know it until it was over. So you pretended he already did. Below you, underground in his base, plotting how to get at you when you were most vulnerable. Tear you to pieces, throw you in a pit or in a cage. No--too risky, he'd just kill you. A dead-end is better than a possibility. You'd learned that from him. You swallow, head turning so the amber morning sky is in your peripheral. All things considered, you would still unfortunately need sleep. You cherished the brief moments of sunlight and let your mind swim in the memories of your childhood spent in the daytime; before retiring to the broken and borrowed mattress. Seven days. You would check the location of your note in two. If there is another note in response, you would create a reactionary plan. The pattern continues. Until he finds out. ...Until he finds out.

[sadachmesarthim]

towers for your honeycomb chapter 3: no i do not condone underage drinking i just think it's a good plot devic-

content: the boys have One Beer Each™, peter both sets and completely ignores his own boundaries, author remembers the communion chapter from "how to read literature like a professor" and bastardizes it, both of them have anxiety but neither say anything about it, smoking

words: 2k     song: outskirts of paradise - bad suns     

Looking Tony in the eye was like staring at the sun. Peter could barely hold his gaze, always finding an excuse to turn away.

He was sat in front of the other man a few weeks later, sharing drinks and pizza at a new brewery down the road. It’d cost him his liquor license, and potentially a clean record, if anyone found out, but Richie (their most beloved regular) offered to let the pair try the latest house brew if they ever swung through.

Peter wasn’t one for beer, but he’d accepted Tony’s invite anyway.

He wasn’t entirely sure why. Since their fight, they’d worked all of maybe three hours together. No other shifts, they avoided each other at meetings, and neither were particularly willing to reach out off the clock and apologize.

It was like the world was screaming at them to stay away from each other.

Peter wasn’t sure he wanted to listen.

After his shift that morning, Peter found Tony outside, leaning up against the hood of his car & working through his second cigarette. He drummed on the side of his thigh, keeping his empty hand busy as he waited for Peter to come out. Tony jumped at the sight of him, tossing the half finished cig down a storm drain.

“You know those lead straight to the ocean, right?” There was more amusement than anger behind his words. Peter wasn’t entirely sure what Tony was up to, but he was too tired to start shit. He crossed to the passenger side of his car, tossing his belongings to the floor.

“Even if it didn’t go through the city’s filtration system – fuck the fish.” Peter rolled his eyes. Funny as he was, Tony always had to be contradictory.

“Don’t you have, like, a school of them on your shoulder?” Tony’s normally visible salmon tattoos were safely tucked away behind a denim jacket Peter’d never seen before.

“Irrelevant.” Peter rounded the hood and turned, facing the other man. “Did you need something or were you just here to argue about my town’s plumbing system?” He huffed the words out, arms crossing in front of his chest expectantly.

“I, uh…” He suddenly went silent. The ground crunched under Tony’s feet, gravel scraping asphalt under his shoes. They were a rattier pair he owned – more tape than sole, oil staining the canvas.

“I wanted to know if you’d come to lunch with me. Today. Like, right now?” He hesitated at the last few words, like he wasn’t sure he could say them out loud. “I, uh. I’m pretty sure I have some things to say to you, and Richie’s got some good stuff waiting for us at the Pub House…”

Peter was astounded. “Who are you, and what have you done with my Tony?” My Tony? What? “I- why should I trust you? I’m sure as hell not getting in a car with you.”

Tony’s face fell. A bit of- what, disappointment? flew across his face. Peter would’ve missed it had he not been staring, impatient for his answer. Tony, floundering at the rejection, couldn’t give him one.

“Okay, maybe- how about this. I’ll think about it. Give me five minutes to go wash up and I’ll be back.” He turned & headed inside, not waiting for a response.

The cool water felt good against his burning, salt-stained cheeks. Peter hadn’t realized just how tired he was – opens had always taken it out of him, and the early spring temperatures didn’t always prevent the stand from turning into a heater during rush hour.

The soap in the stand was always too fragrant for his taste, but it did the job – it felt good to wash away the day’s work and come back looking like a new man. He smoothed his eyebrows down and dried himself off, wetting his hair a bit as he finished.

He wound up with grind in it again, brushing it out with a comb he found in the first aid kit. One of these days he was going to have to start wearing hats to work. Shampooing his hair every single day was taking its toll on his curls, and he wasn’t a fan of burnt coffee smell.

Stepping back, he squinted into the warped mirror in front of him. Much better.

Back outside, Tony’d lit up his third cigarette of the day. The shakes’d largely abandoned him, allowing his anxiety to drift inward. The sticks only did so much – he missed the higher, stronger hit of his Suorin, but he was trying to quit (ironically enough).

He was actually able to finish this one by the time Peter made his way back outside, looking significantly better without $5 worth of product on his face.

“Okay, some rules.” He came up, stopping just short of Tony. “You’re paying for both of us. We leave whenever I want, without complaint. We go straight there and come straight back - it’s eight blocks, I don’t want any bullshit scenic routes.” His tone was firm – something Tony’d never encountered with him before. 

“Yes. Yes, anything. Okay.” 

Tony’s car was a lot nicer than Peter anticipated. He’d recently sold his truck, swapping it for a silver Mini Cooper instead. It was a pretty little thing, just up his alley.

It was also fucking obnoxious. He’d bought it with a modified exhaust and had plans to make it even louder. You could almost always hear him coming, little pop pop pops audible for quite a ways. 

It was… less clean than Peter expected. Tony was always so well put together, so well-maintained - seeing stray gum wrappers and drink cups littered around the interior was almost jarring. He didn’t realize he was staring until Tony spoke up. 

“She’s nice, isn’t she?” Peter nodded. He silently took in his new surroundings, nerves on fire. He’d never done well around strangers, in new places. His mind’d always screamed at him, danger unsafe bad run, overriding his sensibilities.

“Hey, are you good? I can take you back if you need.” They’d barely left the Outback parking lot. 

“No- no, I think I’ll be okay. Just… not where I thought I’d end up when I woke up today, y’know?” Peter tried to laugh it off, but he’d always been pretty transparent. 

Tony turned a corner, cutting back into the lot they just came from and turning the car off. “Seriously, Peter. If you don’t want to come to lunch with me just say so. I’ll take you back to your car and we can pretend it never happened.” Okay, seriously, who the fuck is this guy and what did he do with Tony?

“No, I- I think I’m okay. Seriously. Let’s just go and get it over with - I kinda want to hear you grovel anyway.” He settled further into his seat, failing to shake away the agitation. 

The flatbread was actually really good. It was more of a hipster take on pizza - white sauce and pearl onions definitely making it stand out - but it wasn’t a bad lunch by any means. 

The beer definitely wasn’t Peter’s favorite. He was barely sipping by, trying hard to keep a straight face as he swallowed. Damn Richie anyway. 

It’d started off awkward enough - discussing where to sit, small talk about their week, the weather. It felt more like a bad first date than an apology, but- 

“I really am sorry. For what happened in the fridge.” 

Oh. 

“Okay. Why?” Peter tightened the hand around his glass, bracing for Tony’s next words. 

“I.. I was kind of an asshole when I was younger, too. I figured I could make a fresh start here with a brand new town of people that didn’t know or assume anything about me.

“I was doing okay for a little while, too, but I don’t know man I just.. something happened and I just- I don’t know why I’m a dick to you. But I’m trying not to be. This is that, like, ‘first step’, I guess?” Peter nodded along, attentive. 

"So, I don't know. I'm sorry for being a dick to you at work. I'm sorry for being a dick to the girls. I shouldn't yell at you or drag your family into this bullshit - I'm sorry, Peter."

There it was again, that name. His first fucking name. 

“I- thank you, Tony. It’s a start, and I certainly haven’t forgiven you, but… thank you. Seriously.” Tony sighed, shoulders visibly relaxing. Peter let go of his glass and wiped it off, standing and walking around to Tony’s side of the table. 

“Okay then, time for a do-over! Hi, I’m Peter Parker. I’m 19 and I’ve worked at Outback North Espresso for a little over 9 months. What’s your name?” He stuck his hand out, waiting for Tony to make the next move.  

Tony laughed, pushing his chair back and standing to meet the other teen. “Okay, uh, I’m Tony Stark, I’m 18, and I’ve worked at Outback for almost 6. Nice to re-meet you, Peter.” He shook Peter’s hand, awestruck at just how soft it was. He quickly steeled his face and sat back down, releasing Peter and allowing him to do the same. 

Once he was sat back down at his side, Peter looked up, confused. “Wait, you’re still 18?” 

Tony laughed. “Not for long. My birthday’s at the end of next month.” 

“Wow, I can’t believe I’m older than you!” 

Tony rolled his eyes. “That’s - it’s literally three months, that barely counts.” 

Their debate lasted well into the afternoon, alongside several other discussions. Peter’s childhood in Richland, and what it was like growing up there. What Federal Way was like, and why Tony left. Peter could tell he was remaining intentionally vague, but didn’t push it. 

Their beers were warm and the pizza was long gone by the time they abandoned their table. Tony guided him out the back, hand high on his arm. 

Once they were back in the car, Peter’s anxiety returned. It was like he’d spent the last few hours speaking to a completely different person, and now that he was sitting mere inches from Tony… 

He wasn’t scared. He wasn’t. He wasn’t… sure, exactly. What it was. 

Tony spoke up when he noticed the tension in his passenger seat. 

“Hey, we’ll get you back to your car soon, I promise. Eight blocks, remember?” His right hand made its way to Peter’s knee, digging soft circles into the denim. Just like in the fridge.

“Please don’t- don’t touch me. Without asking.” It came out harsher than intended. 

“Okay, all good. No worries. We’re like, two minutes away.” Tony eased off the clutch, turning right out of the parking lot and onto the road. The windows rolled down and Peter let his head fall back in relief. Fresh air always helped him clear his head. 

It really was a short drive - right turn, left turn, right turn - and they were back at Peter’s car. The doors unlocked, and he was out in an instant. A bit too fast to be respectful, if he was being honest, but he knew he needed out. Tony stopped him before he was able to get in his car. 

“Hey, for real. Thank you for today. I’m sorry if it was too much.” 

Peter looked over and down to meet his eyes. “I- yeah, of course. No, yeah, thank you. For the apology. I’m sorry I freaked out on you. But no this- it was good. Yeah. Thank you, Tony.” 

He turned, unlocking the door and closing it before either could say anything else. After turning the key he sped off, without throwing even a glance behind him. 

Tony watched as Peter peeled away, reaching for the box of Pall Malls in his cupholder. He lit one, shifting into first and heading in the opposite direction. 

Not bad. Not good, but not bad. 

lmk if u want on or off the tags list!

@snowstark @kaleidoscopeluli @parkerrbitch @carelessannie​ @bluestarker​ @longlivestarker​ 

[lorei-writes]

Trials and Tribulations of an Unconsenting Time-Traveller

Part 1: Pleasant Beginings to a Fatal End

OC x ???*

Ah, ah, allow me to explain the odd labels situation before you skip ahead! I may need a bit of your help - of course, if you wanted to join my little game >:3 

You see, I do not outline my works, not even series (past few key-points and crucial details). This situation is no different. >:3 In other words, I have no idea who my OC is going to end up with, and this is something I am leaving partially up to you, my dear reader. Who should I have her meet? Who should she spend some time around? 

Let me know your thoughts! >:3 All that I am certain of is that plenty chaos will be involved! >:3 

If you wanted to see some OC information first, do look into the notes.

Content Warnings: fire, near death experience

One should not demand too much from life, she knew – fortuna kołem się toczy, the wheel of fortune bowls itself, anything lying ahead being uncertain at best. Yet, not even in her wildest dreams, did she imagine a wish for a lifetime of holidays could be interpreted as ‘do end my life before my vacation ends’! Surely, if she could envision that much ahead of time, she’d opt to stay home

Guide:

Each chapter you will be presented with a choice which will influence the story - a question at the very bottom of the post. Two answers to it are mine, the third one - is completely up to you.

You can add your vote by putting one of the options in the comment below the chapter.

Before I get to writing the next part, I will count up all the votes. The option the story will follow will be either the one with the greatest number of votes, or the one suggested completely by you (depending on which is more inspiring).

If no votes appear, I will simply go by my own choice. There is no set time limit of voting - as long as the next part hasn’t been released, assume it’s still okay to vote.

Characters in this story are assumed to be speaking few different languages. The following is assumed: normal dialogue notation = Japanese; dialogue written in italics = English. Any phrases not written in English will be put in the dictionary at the bottom of the work.

Maria was – and for some, it was only the matter of fact that Maria would be, always there, always available in case a friend, however vague, needed a shoulder to cry on or otherwise vent. Forever swarmed with endless stream of ‘others pass, but you do stay’, ‘you’re simply reliable, that’s why’, ‘don’t take it too personally’, she did earn herself a few surprised glances, the heels of her shoes clacking against the tiles as she exited the office and marched down the narrow staircase, never once looking back. Carried by the momentum, she strode through the streets, too preoccupied with her own thoughts to even take note of the passing trams, or lack thereof, all traffic having seemingly died down for some unknown reason.

Violin. Maria blinked, a semi-familiar reminders of the medieval fortifications appearing in her sights. She rubbed onto her eyes – when? She turned around, a steady stream of tourists flowing down the path, a park spreading wide before her. The music still taking over the air, few people glanced towards the artist, perhaps only because they needed to pass through the gate – and yet, for her, it was infinitely more surprising she’d venture all the way there, much less when all she could think of was the peace of her mind (or lack thereof) and tiredness. A sigh refusing to slip past her throat, she sat down on one of the benches, her eyes rising to stare at the cloudless sky. Perhaps she needed rest. Holidays. Perhaps a lifetime of them.

Miłe złego początki, lecz koniec żałosny = Pleasant beginnings to a fatal end

One should not demand too much from life, she knew – fortuna kołem się toczy, the wheel of fortune bowls itself, anything lying ahead being uncertain at best. Yet, not even in her wildest dreams, did she imagine a wish for a lifetime of holidays could be interpreted as ‘do end my life before my vacation ends’! Surely, if she could envision that much ahead of time, she’d opt to stay home. Perhaps she’d look through the collection of jars left behind by her grandmother, perhaps she’d sleep a little more, go watch the birds – anything, but being stuck in a fire, in a completely foreign place! Maria pulled her shirt over her nose, smoke stinging her eyes as she attempted to focus, recall the route she took to the place (although admittedly, it was a rather impossible task, given how she never walked it in the first place). Too stunned to think logically, plenty high off of adrenaline, she rushed from room to room, calling for help – to no avail.

Maria stopped, her breaths growing shorter, shallower. Was it how she was to die? Panicked? Well, she could probably bear the thought, had it not been for the fact she was supposed to rest. Heavens, at least give her the peaceful death! Clearly discontent, she furrowed her brows, dark brown hair sticking to her brow, then covered with sweat. More angry than fearful, she clenched her fists, fully intending to attempt escape, even if just one more time – all to say that truly, a little fire might be too little to ruin her time. Partially blinded, she walked onwards, each of her steps being decisive and steady… Until the one that wasn’t, her balance being thrown-off that very instant. Maria looked below herself, a man, who she assumed must have been an actor, lying unconscious over the floor. His arm over her shoulder, Maria blinked fast, her spine protesting against being overused like so. Surely, it was not the best beginning of the trip, she thought, but at least she’d have something to reminiscent.

The air was cool that night, although she was not certain as to where had the evening disappeared. Her knees buckling down below her weight, she attempted to slow her fall to the ground, the man she still kept hoisted appearing to be no more aware than a few moments earlier. Her body falling out of the state of the desperate strength, she set him down as gently as she possibly could in that moment (which wasn’t exactly gently, but not yet brutal either), then promptly falling forward herself. The world fading to black, she noted the presence of few unfamiliar buildings – and that, perhaps, the pavement below her was not quite there, at least not exactly as it used to be.

“Lord Nobunaga…!”

Maria closed her eyes.

Kto pyta, nie błądzi = The one who asks questions does not go astray

The room was buzzing around her. “What should we do about her?” “You must be desperate to seek my insight, Hideyoshi,” a white-haired man chuckled – or so she assumed was the sound, anything past it remaining unintelligible to her. “This isn’t a joke. An assassination attempt at our lord, much more so with a foreigner being involved –” “If your concerns are based, then you should not be speaking of them around her. If she truly is a spy, she would understand then,” somebody grumbled from somewhere further away. “Lord Ieyasu is right… Although the scenario is hard to believe.” “We should just poke the lass awake and ask her.”

Plenty confused, Maria pushed herself up, her gaze still being unfocused.

“Silence.”

Whatever the word meant, she could only assume. Whatever it was, it froze the room, turning far too many distrustful eyes her way. Suddenly aware of being surrounded from all sides, she raised her eyebrows – truly, she might have saved some actor, but for such a welcome... “Umm... Excuse me, does anybody here speak English?”

Lack of any answer. “Dzień dobry…?” she laughed bashfully, reaching as to scratch her head. “Where... Where are we?”

Surely, she could think of a worse second day to her vacation.

Dictionary:

Fortuna kołem się toczy. - Fortune is fickle.

Dzień dobry - Good morning

Tag list: @datenoriko, @nad-zeta, @tsubaki3192, @missjudge-me, @ikemencrossedmyth, @nuttytani, @thesirenwashere, @milas-imaginarium, @kisara-16, @yukas-clover, @alerialumina , @cheese-ception , @iamryxx, @cottonfluffballofdoom, @ozziegrl71, @rikumorimachisgirl, @bestbryn, @kink-rabbithole​ If you want to be tagged under my future works, let me know (any way works)! ^^ Also, do remember to specify fandoms (and characters, if you are interested only in some) :D If it ever happens that you wish to be removed from my taglist, for any reason, do let me know. I will not ask why, it’s all fine ^^

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Season 2- Victor and MC- Chapter 4 & 5 (Eng Translation)- Part 3

⌚Warning:⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to release in the global server. Don't continue under the cut if you don't wish to be spoiled!(◍•ᴗ•◍)

✧✧ PART 1 || PART 2

-

✧ [CH 4-12] ✧

At BS office: With the help of her subordinates, MC is working on gathering information on Lu Kang, and the mysterious man in black. But the tracker she left on him lost its signal after some time, so the investigation has reached an dead-end for now.

It's also the day Victor will be released from the hospital. So, MC goes to pick him up.

He has changed out of his hospital gown, and returned to his suit and leather shoes.

I sigh inwardly, though Victor has always been very busy, but recently he seems to have become even busier.

MC: You've just been discharged from hospital, don't you want to go home and rest?

Victor: It's not like I was really hospitalized. Besides, I remember that you still have something to report to me.

MC: Now I understand that being a CEO is really not easy.

Victor: If you really want to be considerate of others, improve the quality of your work.

I tilt my face up, and pat my bag while looking at him.

MC: So where does CEO Victor want to test the quality of my work?

Victor: Go to LFG.

-

MC notes that Victor gets in his work mode™ as soon as he enters LFG LOL

MC reports Victor about her findings that Lu Kang once lost a lawsuit against LFG and seemed to hold LFG responsible for the bankruptcy.

Victor explains that the deal with Lu Kang's company didn't proceed because they were found secretly making false accounts and such doings will eventually lead to plummeting. LFG never did or neither do they need to persecute anyone for business competition, and it'll bring more trouble than benefits anyway.

I scrutinize the sharp air exuding from his eyebrows, and can't help but mutter under my breath.

MC: Victor, you've always been so decisive and swift in action. Haven't you made more or less some enemies?

[Note: MC uses the idiom "雷厉风行" which literally translates to- passing like thunder and moving like wind.]

Victor: When there are interests involved, even if you do nothing, there will be enemies. The rules of the game are inherently cruel, and to have people who want to put some tricks to use, is quite ordinary.

MC gives Victor another report which she compiled based on Lu Kang's memory.

MC points out- the lawsuit incident was a while ago and it shouldn't be the reason he attacked Victor. She assumes-- it has something to do with the "game" that was mentioned in his memory many times. Lu Kang and the young man who partnered in the game probably tried to escape halfway, and they were killed because of the "no escapee rule."

Victor takes MC's reasoning under consideration, and specifically points out that all the victims of the murders are Evolvers. MC expresses her assumption that it could be because the authority of the game has some hidden agenda.

We glance at each other, and once again each sink into reflecting on the matter.

After a while, Victor picks up the last page of the report, and flips through it.

Victor: The trail for that killer is broken?

MC: Yes, should be. We suspect that he threw away the tracker.

Victor looks at the contents of the report repeatedly, then presses it on the table, and taps his fingertips on the last spot tracked by the tracker.

Victor: This place, you've only checked the public webpage. So the trail is not completely broken yet. Let them use the internal channels to investigate again. Don't waste the first-level authority I gave you.

Victor raises his eyes and looks at me, then puts the report back in my hand.

MC: Do I need to investigate that game altogether?

Victor: No need. I will send someone specialized to investigate. Remember, everything you just said is only a conjecture.

Victor: Without my permission, do not voluntarily investigate in private.

MC: Yes, BOSS.

The worries that have been clogging up in my chest for days, finally dissipates in several degrees. Even if I sympathized with Lu Kang, this action to get back at someone is never the right thing to do.

MC: Fortunately, this car accident is not related to the Evolver assassination. Just as I said, who would be so courageous, that he dares to pick a fight with CEO Victor?

Victor: The "bodyguard" is finally relieved?

MC: Relieved!

Victor: Go back when you feel relieved. Start concentrating on your task next week.

I grab the report, preparing to leave, just then Victor calls me again. I look back, and see that he seems to have sent a message to someone.

He halts for a moment, then stands up with one hand propped on the tabletop, his deep gaze falling on my face.

Victor: Thank you for these few days.

I stare blankly at him for a while, and quickly perk up with an even bigger smile.

MC: No need to be polite, Mr. Victor. Just let me book a free pudding from Souvenir!

I turn around at Victor's momentary expression of helplessness, running out of the office like a wisp of smoke.

Ever since confirming his safety, I feel that every time we see each other, it all becomes much more relaxed.

Behind the current life, there are still bubbling up unsettling factors in motion.

But precisely because things being as such, is what makes me want to cherish the rare tranquility all the more.

-

✧ [4-13] ✧

Just a moment after walking out of the LFG building, I suddenly remember that I've forgotten one thing, and rush back to the lobby.

After talking to the administrative staff at the front desk, I dial Victor's number.

Victor: Hello?

MC: Victor, I forgot one thing just now. To congratulate you on your 'discharge', I've prepared a small gift for you. The staff will deliver it for me later.

Victor: ....I've said I wasn't really hospitalized. What are you up to again?

MC: Just treat it as a blessing. You must accept it! That's all.

Victor: Hold on.

MC: Is there anything else?

Victor: Help me think of a name.

MC: What kind of name? A kitten, a puppy or a relative's child?

Victor: ....Common name, male.

MC: Why are you asking this all of a sudden?

Victor: Because your imagination is comperatively rich.

What kind of answer is this...

I complain inwardly, but still give it a serious thought.

MC: Let me think. How about this one!

(Players get to choose a name from the three options)

Victor: What kind of strange name is that...

Victor's helpless sigh comes from the other end of the phone.

Victor: Never mind. I shouldn't have had any expectations. I'll accept your gift. That's all.

After hanging up the call, I'm still a little baffled by the request.

He abruptly asked me to help think of a name, and also a male's name. Could it be that he is going to use it himself?

Could it be that there is something that requires a disguised identity?

But does he even need to disguise.... aren't the six letters "Victor" the best pass in itself.

Anyway, the name I gave him off the top of my head, he definitely won't use it.

I shake my head, my train of thoughts returning to the gift I've left behind just a moment ago, and can't help but look forward to it.

I wonder when the Victor of now receives this gift, what will the expression on his face be like?

-

✧[POV back to Victor's office]✧

Closing the last document, Victor leans into his chair, gently pinching his brows.

Opening his eyes, the pink-colored gift box on the corner of the table enters his line of sight again. The lofty color seems to be urging him to open it as soon as possible.

Victor unwraps the box, and inside lies a round Shiba Inu doll, appearing a little old.

He wrinkles his eyebrows, takes it out, and sees a small folded note also being pressed onto the bottom of the box.

He patiently unfolds the note again, the carefully and neatly written calligraphy greets his eyes.

Victor: (reading the note) "Congratulations on your 'recovery,' and here's a small gift for you. This is the doll that has accompanied me for many years. I wish you well and hope you're happy." - MC

Victor: ....Childish.

Victor subconsciously says a word, and falls silent again.

Unknowingly why, but he always feels that he's somewhat familiar with this scene, but he also can't amalgamate the impression any further.

Even just the silly Shiba-Inu doll on the table, brings him a trace of intimacy.

[Note: This is the same Shiba-Inu doll MC's dad gifted her as a kid, and she gave it to Victor in S1 "Rooftop Date," when she wanted to comfort him realizing how much he misses his departed mom.]

It seems as if, ever since meeting her and getting acquainted with each other, this strange feeling often arises.

Is it because she has an Evol associated with memories?

But again, Victor is also very clear that her Evol doesn't have effect on himself.

Or is that, it's simply owing to her?

Victor blankly stares at the doll for a while, and by the time he circles back to his senses, it's already somewhat late.

He pulls open a locked drawer next to his desk, puts the doll inside, and catches a glimpse of the document marked with a sharp " S " symbol underneath.

"Illegal psychoactive drugs", " CORE", "has the potential to stimulate Evol"...

Several eye-catching keywords are marked in red, even in the twilight, which are still clearly identifiable.

The information the girl has reported to him once again surfaces in Victor's mind.

She has organized it very meticulously, but after reading it all thoroughly, the dense fog before his eyes hasn't dispersed.

Those layers of crisscrossing threads seems to have already involved all the parties, standing in different positions, making the situation chaotic.

And all these disputes still ultimately point to the same source--

BLACK SWAN CORE.

When it's all said and done, is this situation because everyone is eager to obtain it, or is there an unknown force hiding in the depository, pulling the strings?

There are still numerous issues that needs to be resolved, and one can not always watch the fire burning across the river.

Victor locks the drawer, and glances at the clock on the wall.

The phone rings at the right time, it's an encrypted email from BS.

Mail: "BOSS, as per your requirements, the relevant information has been sent to the other party."

Victor simply knocks down a reply, gets up and puts on his jacket, preparing to leave.

A pile of events is connected into a ring, and each angler, too, is bait for another.

He is looking forward to what kind of prey can be hooked this time.

-

✧ [CH 4-15] ✧

Victor meets Lucien at the research center, who hands him the report of a research.

Victor says the results are clear but Lucien says they only confirmed their guesses, and that CORE has been the focus of everyone after Evol was publicized, but there are perhaps other things affecting the world. Lucien asks if Victor feels that the world is not quite right and that every civilization circulates within a box, the time they have is likely more limited than expected.

Victor says it depends on how an individual views the matter, there's no need to pre-determine an outcome.

Lucien asks Victor if he believes he'll be able to get out of the box. Victor replies, "Not believe, it's a must."

After Victor gets in the car, he receives an email: "Dear Mr. [the name MC chose for him earlier], thank you for your support towards Hunter Games."

The rest of the email is basically explaining the rules of the game.‶

-

✧ [Victor scene in CH 5] ✧

Victor is returning from a business trip. After giving Goldman some instructions, he glances out of the window of the helicopter. Even though everything is peaceful, to him something always seems amiss.

He receives an email containing only one word, "Advanced." His expression doesn't change much since he already expected this outcome. The mail disappears, and he taps on another anonymous email with the instructions- He'll be entering the betting venue in 15 minutes and he should get prepared.

When the helicopter is about to land on the LFG rooftop, he glances out of the window once again and observes the people of the city living their day to day peaceful lives.

The noise-reduction headset cuts out the sound of the outside world, but the mere information sent back to him by his vision, is sufficient to prove the tranquility of the world before his eyes.

The helicopter lands. He settles some works with the staff.

Victor raises his hand to look at his watch, the gray clouds being reflected on the dial, slightly blurs the trajectory of the clock hands.

In a split second, along with lowering his arm, an inconspicuous red light suddenly streaks across the dial.

There's still ten minutes to enter the "betting venue".

The staff turns around, walking towards the elevator, cold wind blows on Victor's face, fluttering the hem of his coat.

Somewhere directly opposite, a small cross hair has always been aiming at the position of his heart.

??: "Code L" elimination plan in progress, target locked.

A second before the trigger is squeezed tightly, the person behind the lens suddenly lifts up, raises his head, looking straight into the set of deep eyes in the distance.

The clamors of the city conceals much of the noise, the discharge of bullet muffles in the silencer, so much so that in this shattering rain, it doesn't even make a crisp sound of snapping a branch.

A dispute between the light and the dark, seemingly has arrived to its conclusion.

[Trivia: The call that comes with the Chapter karma card-- is actually Victor nagging with MC on her report over phone inside the helicopter-- before it lands on the LFG rooftop!]

[wildernessuntothemselves]

Touch Me, Tease Me | Part 3

Genre: Smut, slight angst

Word Count: 5.2k

Summary: It’s time to make the hard decision: which of the three boys will you choose?

Warnings: femdom, mommy kink, soft dom, but also a bit of hard dom, praise, overstim, chastity, pegging, choking, degradation.

A/N: So I said I’ll make this into 3 chapter but I decide to write just the one lol this is divided into three parts for each of the boys. once again not edited yolo

You hear faint strumming as you near his bedroom door. It stops once you push the door open and your sight falls on him sitting on the couch with his guitar in hand. As soon as your eyes meet, he looks away, jaw clenching as he starts to play on the guitar again.

You sigh, closing the door behind you and making your way to him. "How long are you gonna sulk?"

"Depends. How long are you gonna ignore me and spend time with them instead?" He mutters softly, “I thought they were the ones getting punished.”

"Don't be so melodramatic, baby." You sit down next to him and lean towards him to give him a kiss but he turns his head forwards and your kiss lands on his cheek instead. You feel a sting in your heart as you pull back, and ask sadly, "You don't even want to kiss me anymore?"

"Of course, I do." He answers readily, "It’s just… Am I not enough for you?"

"What are you talking about? Of course you are, angel."

"Am I? Because I genuinely don't understand why I have to share you with two other guys unless I’m not good enough for you on my own."

“Don’t do this, Xiaojun.”

He puts the guitar to the side and stands up, looking down at you with frustration, his intense gaze pining you to your seat. “Why the hell not?”

“I’m not ready yet.” You hesitate.

"Well, get ready. I can't handle them touching you anymore."

"Xiaojun... if I have to choose between the three of you,” You start, already dreading your next words, feeling your heartbeat at the bottom of your throat, “It might not be you."

His face hardens at your words. It was a little scary. You’ve never seen your angel so stone-faced. "What?"

"Don't you remember that before this all started, me and Hendery were almost a thing?"

"So you’re choosing Hendery?" His voice rises.

“That’s not what I’m saying. I don’t know who I’ll choose.”

He scoffs, "Unbelievable."

"It’s not fair to the other boys if I don’t give them a chance."

He glares at you, gaze burning you up. Stepping forward, he tugs you off the couch and pulls you in a kiss that was as intense as he is, wrapping you in a fiery desire as his lips devour yours and his tongue presses into your mouth.

"I refuse to lose you to them." He murmurs against your lips, eyes opening only slightly to stare into your own but even that feels like it’s enough to incinerate your soul.

You push him onto the bed and start taking off your clothes, feeling the heat of his eyes touching every part of your body that gets exposed, making your flesh smolder under them. You feel too hot in your skin. He ignites a fire in you that he won’t quench, only feeding the flames more and more until they scorch you down to your bones and leave you bare for the taking. You needed to save yourself from those eyes.

Strutting towards his closet, with the weight of his eyes burning onto your back, you pick out a thin scarf and come back. When you go to wrap the cloth around his eyes, he falters, his eyes simmering down into a cooler appeal.

“I don’t want to.”

You hush him with your lips, not saying anything as you tie the scarf around his eyes and he resigns with a sigh into the soft kiss.  

You strip him next, breathing a little easier now that his eyes are covered and you can appreciate the rest of his body without feeling like you’re in danger.

He was always on the thinner side, but lately he’s been bulking up a bit, feeling concerned about his frail frame. He wished to be more like Lucas, big and strong and manly--all qualities he thought people found admirable. But you couldn’t care less. You loved Xiaojun in whatever shape he came in. It’s the fire in him that pulls you in and all you wish for is for it to keep burning for as long as he lives.

Once he’s completely naked, you push him to lay down on the bed and climb on top of him,   taking his cock in your hand. You hardly need to stroke him, but you do just to make him feel some of the burns he’s inflicted on you. And he does, his hands jumping up as if to grab you before they sink into the sheets, his lips falling open in hushed little moans that sound all the more precious for how quiet they are.

When you lick your hand and move it down to rub the wetness over the sensitive head of his cock, he can’t hold in the gasp that escapes his lung.

“Please.” He was so wrecked already, having been deprived of your touch for too long in his opinion, ready for you to take all of him.

“You hurt me, angel.” You lean down to kiss his lips and he doesn’t shy away his time, merely pouting at your accusation. “How can you doubt how precious you are to me?”

You kiss along his jawline, slow and deliberate, drawing the flames from his body. He gets hotter the further down you go. You feel more than hear his moans as your lips meet his throat, the vibrations tingling your lips as they suck down on his skin. You mark his chest in red, hot bruises, and as you reach his dick, you find it just as red and hot.

Wrapping your lips around it, you hear him let out the loudest moan he has tonight. It’s as sweet as any sound he’s ever made, and you move your mouth up and down his length eagerly, seeking to draw even more noises from him. Swallowing him down, you tear out a moan of your name from his lips.

“Yes, angel,” You praise, jerking him slowly, “ I want you to hear how good I make you feel.”

You feel his hands in your hair as you go down on him again, his fingers digging into your scalp as you take more and more of him down your throat. Forever your good boy, he obeys, letting out the sweetest melody of your name laced with his beautiful moans.

“I need you so much.” He croons, writhing under you. “I need you. Please. Please.”

You are the one in control here but you can never deny him whatever he wants. It’s like he has an inexplicable pull on you that entices you to need to take care of him. So you pull back and sit up, situating his slicked up dick against your entrance.

“Is this what you want, Xiaojun?”

“Yes.” He looks downs at you without seeing, “Please, take me.”

You slide down his dick, letting him fill you up slowly, enjoying every inch of him until he’s all the way inside you. “Can you feel me around you, angel?”

He nods, hands fluttering over your thighs as his breathing gets harder.

“I want to hear it. Say it with those same lips that hurt me so much before.”

“I’m sorry, mommy. I just need you so bad…” He confesses, gulping as you start moving over his length. “and I want you to need me too.”

“Oh, angel,” You sigh, riding him faster, his dick filling you up so good. “You have no idea how much I need you.”

You do. You really do, but the problem was, you could say the same about them all. The three of them were all so differently amazing. They were so unlike each other but so similar in their genuineness. You wish you hadn’t started this and had just gone along with Hendery. It was easy back then, but now that you got to know the three of them so intimately, you were stuck. And whatever you choose, someone is gonna get hurt, least of all you.

Xiaojun’s hands trail up to your waist and he pulls you down towards him, wrapping you in his arms closely as his hips push up against yours. With your face so close to his, you can’t help but admire how the emotions seemed to flow purely over his beautiful features. He was like an open book and that scared you a bit. He had so much goodness in him that you sometimes felt overwhelmed with the need to protect him, even from yourself. You were terrified of hurting him and ending up being the reason he loses that something that is so pure about him.

“Please, kiss me.” He whispers, and your lips are on him, smothering him with the feelings you were too afraid to speak out loud. Resting your forehead against his, you let him control the pace as he thrusts up into you, and you're content to just watch the pleasure adorning his face.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" You whisper reverently, lacing your hands in his when he seeks them out. "You're the most beautiful human being I've ever laid eyes on."

"I-I…" He stumbles, lost for words, and you hush him. "You don't need to say anything. I just wanted you to know."

You pin his hands to the bed and use them as leverage to sit up and start bouncing on his cock, determined to make him feel as good as he makes you feel.

"Ah--you're gonna make me cum, mommy."

"Do it."

He shakes his head, "No, want you to cum first."

You smile softly at him even though he can't see it, and let go of one of his hands. He immediately pushes it between your bodies to get to your pussy, his fingers stroking your clit urgently.

"Please, cum for me." He pleads as if begging for his own release, and you can't deny him, your pussy clamping down on his cock as you head falls in the crook of his neck, and you moan into his ear, "You too, baby. Cum with me."

He didn't need you to tell him, he was already cumming from the feeling of your pussy contracting around him, coaxing him to release his seed inside you with a loud groan.

He’s nervous, you can tell even if you couldn’t practically feel his heartbeat pounding through your back and thundering in the chambers of your own heart. You crane your head back to kiss his neck but that only makes him more nervous, sucking a sharp breath in as his large hands grip your thighs. So you rest your head back on his shoulder and look at his face. He looks at you out of the corner of his eyes, gulps, and looks back at the movie playing on the screen.

“What’s wrong, my prince?”

“I just want you to enjoy this. Are you enjoying it?” He looks back at you with eyes even wider than they normally are, his voice rising in worry at the last part.

“I am.” You reassure him, pressing another kiss to the angle of his jaw then nudging your nose along the small strip of skin towards his ear. “But I would enjoy it more if you just relax, okay?”

“Ok.” He nods slightly, sucking in a deep breath that hardly goes in before it rushes out. “I can’t. I’m too nervous.”

You chuckle lightly and turn around his lap, facing him and cupping his cheeks in your hands. “Let me take your mind off it then.”

You kiss him slowly, your lips molding to his as you coax him to relax. He responds, opening his mouth to capture your top lip between his and pulling it between his own, his breathing starting to slow down as his hands wander up your body.

“You’re so pretty.” He confesses, pulling back to take your shirt off, happy to see you bare underneath. He wastes no time in palming your breasts, breath coming out in a rush as he plays with them.

“And you’re so handsome.” You gasp as you feel his thumbs rolling over your hardened nipples. Tangling a hand into the hair at the nape of his neck, you pull ever so slightly on them to grab his attention. “Be a good boy and put your mouth on me, okay?”

He nods eagerly, hardly needing you to push his head forward before he’s engulfing one of your nipples in his mouth, kissing it like he would your mouth. You feel yourself growing wetter as his mouth works, sucking and licking your breast, and you start grinding down onto his thigh. He looks up at you, a glint sparkling in his big eyes as you feel one of his hands slither down the small of your back to grab your ass, using his grip on you to help move you along his thigh.

“What a good little prince.” You moan, brushing his long hair away from his face so you can stare into his eyes. He pulls back from your breast with a light pop, replacing his mouth with his other hand to rub the slick saliva in circles around your nipple while he tenses his thigh and grinds you harder against it.

“Shit, you’ll make me cum if you keep doing that.” You throw your head back, your hips swiveling over his thigh, chasing your release.

Eager to have you cum, he puts his mouth back on your other breasts while he keeps massaging the now neglected one. With your combined efforts, it doesn’t take long for you to cum on his thigh, soaking through the thin layers of your panties and shorts.

You push his head back onto the back of the couch and stroke his face with your hand. “Such a good boy.”

“I want to be your best boy.” He proclaims, kissing the inside of your hand. You kiss his mouth, hoping you could hide the sadness in your eyes from him.

“Stand up.” You order, getting off him so he can get up, and sit yourself down where he just was. Ridding yourself of the rest of your clothes, you order him to do the same. Once his shirt is off and his shorts and boxers are at his feet, you take his cock in your hand.

"You’re so big, baby."

The corner of your lips curl up when he moans at the compliment, “Yeah, you like hearing me say that?” You ask, your hand teasing up and down his length. “You like how you fill me up so good I can hardly take it?”

He bites his lips and nods, whimpering when your fist circles his head. You smile wickedly, “Lets see how many times you can cum today.”

He groans, “No, please. Haven’t you punished me enough?”

You scowl at him and he immediately regrets his words. “So you think I’m being unfair?”

“No, it’s just--”

“You think you could just disobey and disrespect me and get away with it?”

“No.”

“I thought you wanted to be good for me.”

“I do. I am!” He insists, “You can do whatever you want to me.”

You grin, “That’s what I want to hear.”

It is a ritual at this point--since Hendery disobeyed you because he thought you weren’t giving him enough, you decided to just give him everything and see how well he can take it. By now, you had found out all the little things that drive him insane and make his toes curl and you took advantage of that knowledge every day, exhausting the poor boy.

He likes when you lick the tip of his cock lightly while you maintain eye contact with him. He likes when you swirl your tongue around it like it was a lollipop, and when it is slick enough, how you pump it shallowly while your tongue makes its way down the rest of his dick. He likes when you take his balls into your mouth while your pumps grow longer and firmer until you’re stroking his entire length while sucking on his tight balls.

And just like that, slowly and teasingly, you work him until he erupts over your fingers. Hendery struggles to hold his weight up on his shaky knees. You don’t help when you bring your sullied hand to your mouth to lick off the cum dripping over your fingers.

“You’re so easy.” You laugh as his cock twitches back to life. You help him along, stroking it to full hardness, amused at his little whimpers of pain at the overstimulation. He’d gotten so much better at taking it. He used to thrash and whine when you overstimulated him before, but now he just grimaces and takes it like a good boy.

When he’s hard again, you pull him back onto the couch so that you’re laying on your back and he’s hovering over you. That’s another thing he liked, being on top and having you between his arms even if he’s not the one in control.

You open your legs wide for him to get between them and grab him by the hair. “Come on, my prince, make me cum on that big cock of yours.”

He groans, “You don’t play fair.”

You laugh lightly at the familiar phrase, taking in a bigger breath as he slides himself into your pussy. Now it was your turn to wince; it always takes a little while for you to get used to how long his cock was, and Hendery always showers you in kisses in the meanwhile, moving his hips ever so slowly, practically torturing himself as he barely moves inside you trying to get you used to his cock.

You distract yourself by focusing on kissing his neck, but that just makes him whine. “Stop. You’re making me want to fuck you harder and you won’t like that.”

His words and deep voice make your insides burn up and you feel your pussy clench around him, impatient to take him. “Who says I won’t? Come on, fuck me hard, handsome.”

“Oh, thank you.” He spills out, grabbing your ass and pounding into you. You’re not ready for him to be so rough but you gave him the go ahead and you love watching him lose himself in you. It doesn’t mean you can’t get something out of it though. “Remember, you must make me cum on your cock.”

His face falls as he realizes what your words mean exactly. Jaw set, he angles his thrusts in a way to hit as deeply inside you as he can without hurting you, knowing that’s the way you like it most. It’s a smart strategy to get you to cum before he does, but ultimately, it’s hopeless as your moans of pleasure and praise for him only serve to work him up.

“Yes, just like that, baby. You’re so good for me, aren’t you?” You pull him into a kiss, smirking as he lets out a long moan into your mouth when your pussy clenches around him. “You won’t cum before me, right?”

He shakes his head, eyes squeezed shut as he focuses on hitting that spot inside of you that never fails to make you cum.

“Oh, fuck.” You grunt, feeling yourself getting close. Wanting him to cum first, you wrap your legs around his waist and trail your hands up his chest, your fingers working on rubbing and pinching his nipples while your legs force his hips into deeper, slower thrusts that have your pussy squeezing around every inch of his cock.

“You’re doing so, so good, my prince. Making me feel so good.” You moan out exaggeratedly, knowing it drives him crazy. “Bet you wanna cum, don’t you? I know you can’t take it anymore. You just wanna blow your load so deep inside my pussy, it would knock me up.”

“You’re mean.” He whines, his hips picking up speed as he starts cumming, and he looks so cute pouting through his orgasm.

“You know you can’t stop yet.” You tease when his hips start slowing down and he lets out an even louder whine. “You’re a mean, mean lady.” He groans, his pace growing faster again as he tries to make you cum before his dick turns limp.

“Just like that. Good boy.” You coo, using your feet that were still locked around the small of his back to help him fuck you. “You can do it, baby. I’m so close.”

He nods, doubling down on his efforts and pounding into you like crazy until you’re spasming around his cock. To your surprise, you hear him groan as his cock twitches inside you one last time, a small spurt of cum coming out.

“Wow, you came again? Good boy.” You stroke his back as he collapses on top of you, demanding you make it up to him.

“Of course, my prince. I’ll take such good care of you.” You kiss the top of his head, already planning a night of pampering for him.

Out of the three of them, you find yourself spending the most time with Yangyang. Not only because he was incessantly following you around and begging for your attention, but because spending time with him was so effortlessly mindless in a way being with the other two boys wasn’t. You didn’t have to think much or worry about being the kind of person who deserves his love. Yangyang didn't expect anything of you, and in a way, you found him more assertive than the two older boys. He didn't wait around for you to find the time to include him in your life; he included you in his.

He would sit beside you while you worked and narrate the game he was playing like it was some kind of sports match. He would talk your ear off about his latest fixation until you had no choice but to respond to him. He would demand you stop and watch some anime or another with him if he thinks you'd been working for too long. He would show you all the news dances and raps he'd learned and coerce you into giving him compliments. And if all else fails, he would just lay his head on your lap and play with his phone while you worked.

You'd think you'd be annoyed by it but it was actually kind of relieving in a way. Yangyang didn't wait for you to contemplate if you wanted to be with him or not; he came to you and if you didn't want him he would just leave and come back later. It was much easier than having to reach out to him yourself.

And the youngest was insatiable, growing even more so after you’d locked his dick up in a chastity cage as a punishment for what he did. So now he was always all over you, his mouth on your neck or his hand under your shirt, anything to get you hot and bothered enough so you'd maybe take the cage off him and fuck him. And that’s precisely what he was trying to do right now.

“Mommy…” He moans out, voice muffled around the fabric of his hoodie stuffed in his mouth as he ruts against the pillow situated between his legs.

“You can fuck that pillow all you want, baby. It’s not gonna make you cum.” You say nonchalantly, knowing the cage around his cock will prevent him from getting enough stimulation, but also knowing he wasn’t doing it to cum; he was trying to seduce you and he was doing a fucking good job of it.

Yangyang knew how to make you weak. He’s like the bratty child that always gets away with shit just because he’s so cute, and you can’t deny how good he looks with his hoodie pulled up to his mouth and his hips humping that pillow, all while he looks at you with the cutest puppy-dog eyes and makes the prettiest little sounds for you.

“So fuck me, mommy.” He retorts, the hoodie falling from his mouth and covering part of his chest. You move down the bed towards him and pick up the hem of the hoodie, pushing it in his mouth again. “Yeah? How much do you want it?”

He tries to spit out the fabric so he can speak but you grab his jaw, keeping his mouth shut around it. “I didn’t say you could drop it.”

He moans, eyelids covering half his eyes as he fucks his pillow faster. He says something that you can’t quite make out but it doesn’t matter.

“You’re such a stupid slut, baby.” You smirk, loving how worked up he’s getting from your words. “How about this, I’m gonna fuck your ass and we’ll see if you’re horny enough to cum inside your little cage, how does that sound?”

He hesitates for a moment, a little scared, but his arousal quickly wins out and he nods.

“Good. Go grab mommy’s cock.”

He jumps off the bed, moving to retrieve the box where you keep the strap-on and coming back in no time.

“So eager.” You laugh, taking your clothes, Yangyang’s eyes never once stray from your figure. “Get on your back.”

He obeys right away, pulling his legs to his chest and giving you easy access to his asshole. With a smile on your face, you lather your fingers with some lube, making a show of it and watching how he gulps down in anticipation.

The first finger goes in easily, as it always does, and it doesn’t take long for you to be able to add a second finger, pumping the both of them in and out out of his ass smoothly, your thumb rubbing the patch of skin between his asshole and his balls, knowing that always gets him really worked up. He closes his eyes, getting so caught up in the pleasure, and that’s when you stop.

You ignore his whine and lie down on the bed, gesturing for him to lay beside you. With the two of you on your sides, front to back, you ease the strap-on inside of him. Once it’s all the way inside, you grab his right thigh and drape it over your waist, lying on your back and having him half-laying on top of you. This way--with his thigh in your hand and his legs spread wide, you’re able to fuck him deep and fast.

“Is this what you wanted, baby?” You question, biting down on his shoulder lightly, making him yelp.

“You could fuck me harder.” Comes his insolent reply. He squirms in your lap, working to fuck himself on your cock.

“Fucking slut.” You hiss, letting his thigh fall so you can slap his dick inside the cage. “I’m being so nice to you and you can’t even show some fucking gratitude.”

“Maybe I’ll show some gratitude if you actually make me cum.”

“I think baby needs to be shut up now.” You growl, hand moving up his body to wrap around his neck.

“Hah, you’re so weak.” He mocks, only slightly breathless. So you tighten your grip on his throat. “Don’t push me, brat.”

“You can’t even fuck me right.” He wheezes, “Maybe you should unlock the cage so I can show you how to properly fuck--”

Your hand tightens around his throat for the last time, cutting off his blood supply for a second. “You’re a danger to yourself, brat.”

You let go of his neck and he gasps to get the air in. You grab his thigh once again and pull it up, pounding your hips into him and making him keen. “Now, is this what you wanted?”

“Fuck, yes! Keep doing that--I’m g-gonna cum.” He clutches the sheets with one hand and throws the other back to tangle it in your air, bringing your face to the crook of his neck and you take advantage of it, sucking and biting harsh kisses into the sensitive skin. “Cum, brat. Cum in your cage like the hopeless slut you are.”

“Ah--ah--mommy!” He cries out, his body jerking in your hold as his orgasm racks through his body. You bring your hand to his mouth to shut him up but he’s still too loud even with your hand over his mouth. You feel wetness on your fingers and you crane your head up slightly to find out that he is crying.

Quickly, you pull out of him and take the strap-on off, rushing to scoop him up in your arms. “What? What’s wrong?”

“It hurts!” He babbles, grabbing onto you. “It still hurts so much. That didn’t help at all.”

You can’t help but laugh, your grin growing even wider as he sniffles and pouts at you. “Serves you right, brat.”

You hold his face tightly in your hands and kiss his cheeks until he stops crying. Then you take the necklace holding the key to his cage from around your neck and use it to unlock it. You remove it from his cock gently, and take off his soiled hoodie. “Come on, let’s clean you up. That’s enough punishment for you.”

He grins at you and you narrow your eyes at him, confused. “What?”

He shrugs, “You’re just so predictable.”

You scoff, offended. “Am not!”

“Yes, you are.” He says, shit-eating grin still on his face. “And you’re stupid too.”

Now it’s your turn to pout, crossing your arms over your chest and huffing. “And may I ask why?”

“Because you’re going to choose one of them, and that’s dumb.”

Your arms drop to your sides. “You don’t know that I’ll choose one of them.”

“Unlike all of you, I’m not dumb. I know Xiaojun and Hendery don’t see me as competition, and you don’t either. But let me ask you this, who are you spending most of your time with? Who do you run to when you get overwhelmed by how needy they are or how much they require from you? I may not make your stomach fill with butterflies and shit like they do, but you’re dumber than I thought if you think that’s what makes a relationship work.”

You feel your chest tightening up. Who gave him the right to be so cocky? You won’t sit here and let this brat lecture you like he has everything figured out when you don’t even know where to start.

“Fuck you. Clean yourself up, bitch.” You throw the key at him and stand up, hurrying out of the room and away from his smug expression.

______________________

A/N: choose your fighter lol the member who gets the most votes will end up with the reader

[baoshan-sanren]

Chapter 43

Emperor Wei WuXian And His Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Birthday

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 Part 1 | Chapter 8 Part 2 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 Part 1 | Chapter 15 Part 2 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 Part 1 | Chapter 22 Part 2 | Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25 | Chapter 26 | Chapter 27 | Chapter 28 | Chapter 29 | Chapter 30 | Chapter 31 | Chapter 32 | Chapter 33 | Chapter 34 | Chapter 35 | Chapter 36 | Chapter 37 | Chapter 38 | Chapter 39 | Chapter 40 | Chapter 41 | Chapter 42 

The Gifting Ceremony used to be the highlight of Wei Ying’s birthday celebration. Not so much for the gifts themselves, but for the fact that it signaled the end of the formalities, and the quickly approaching departure of all the sects.

Instead of feeling relieved, Wei Ying is tense and irritable, the upcoming banquet looming larger by the moment.

After seven long days of constantly being accosted by each and every sect leader, even those Wei Ying can ordinarily tolerate with equanimity are beginning to test his patience. 

Jin GuangShan looks far too unhappy for someone whose son had been released from the dungeon that very morning, when the brat should have rightfully remained locked up until his first gray hair appeared. Nie MingJue has been grim and distracted all day, hardly a fit company for anyone. The HeJian Fan Sect Leader is not yet well enough to participate in any ceremonies, not if he means to save his strength for the next day’s travel, and the MeiShan Yu Sect Leader has been been firmly planted by Madam Yu’s side for nearly an hour. Since they both cannot seem to help glancing at Wei Ying every few moments, he is sure that whatever they are discussing will not bode well for him in the end.  

In addition, the Council, showing themselves to be no better than a brood of gossiping hens, had not held to their promise to keep Wei Ying’s betrothal plans a secret. No one has dared speak of these things in his presence, but it is obvious that majority of the sect leaders are now aware that the Emperor had chosen his future Emperor Consort. Wei Ying supposes it was illogical to think that someone like Sect Leader OuYang could actually keep a secret. Still, he hates that Lan Zhan is now a subject of gossip and wild speculation, before he has even had a chance to accept the proposal. Worse, he is beginning to feel as if every bit of slander, every string of nonsense whispered in the corners of the palace, must be magnified by the time it reaches Lan Zhan’s awareness.    

Lan Zhan had said that he will not change his mind. He had said that he wants to marry Wei Ying. But how much drivel can one person be subjected to before deciding that the benefit is not worth the cost? How many underhanded comments from the Qin Sect Leader about his daughter’s sweet nature and refined manners will turn out to be too many? How many thinly veiled jabs about the importance of succession from the Chang Sect Leader? How many hushed whispers of the imminent anniversary of the Empress’ death, each one carrying a stark reminder of the man who had killed her?

Wei Ying thinks he has become accustomed to some of Lan Zhan’s minuscule expressions, at least well enough to know if the man is angry or distressed. But Lan Zhan is at the very end of the hall, still and silent, his uncle and brother by his side. Lan XiChen looks as tired as Wei Ying feels, and Lan QiRen looks as coldly disapproving as he always does. It is Lan Zhan whose thoughts are impossible to read from this distance, his face calm and composed, his eyes expressionless. If he is hearing the gossip, if he finds it ridiculous, or maddening, or unbearable, Wei Ying can read nothing of the sort from his countenance.  

He understands why Lan Zhan had declined his invitation to be seated by the throne during the Gifting Ceremony. The rumors are vicious enough without such an obvious display of favor. But it is unbearable, the distance between them, as if he cannot still feel Lan Zhan’s thumb pressing into his cheek, the scrape of Lan Zhan’s teeth against his bottom lip. As if they are suddenly little more than strangers.

The banquet being only hours away is even more unbearable. Lan Zhan will meet with Song Lan and uncle XingChen after the Gifting Ceremony, but Wei Ying must deal with other matters, and may not have a chance to speak to him again before the celebration starts. Before Lan Zhan willingly places himself in harm’s way.  Before Wei Ying has a chance to remind him to not take any unnecessary risks.  

HuaiSang’s fan lightly taps his knee in reprimand, and Wei Ying resists the urge to snap at him.

He may be distracted, but he is still perfectly aware of his surroundings.

The chest in front of the throne, filled to the brim with delicate spheres of imperial jade, is a gift from the LanLing Jin. Jin GuangShan has spared no expense. The man looks as if he had aged significantly in the last few days, a curse, Wei Ying supposes, of having to deal with brainless offspring. Of course, the blame for this rests entirely on Jin GuangShan, as he has had more brainless offspring, both hidden and acknowledged, than any man Wei Ying has ever met. Still, he feels a thin thread of pity for the man.

Wei Ying would wager that the seven day celebration had not come close to meeting Jin GuangShan’s expectations.

He taps his fingers against the arm of the throne, deliberating.

No matter what Wei Ying does, the next few assassination attempts are certain to be funded from the Jin Sect coffers. It does not seem to matter, whether he treats Jin GuangShan with politeness or cold indifference; the man simply believes that a world without an Emperor would be a world in which he, himself, would have a greater chance of seizing wealth and power. Still, Wei Ying would very much like to have a decreased flow of assassins while he attempts to make arrangements for his wedding.  

It is tempting to go back on his word sooner than he had planned, and permit the reinstatement of the engagement. Everyone present is very well aware that the Emperor has a soft spot for his shijie. They will easily believe that she has managed to influence him, even in such a short period of time. But he cannot reward Jin ZiXuan’s ridiculous behavior in this way, not while the other sect leaders are present.

“Sect Leader Jin,” he says instead, regretting the words even as they are leaving his mouth, “Madam Yu has expressed regret that her time with a dear friend has been cut short. You will remain at the Immortal Mountain an additional ten days, so that she may properly renew her acquaintance with Madam Jin.”

Wei Ying does not dare look over at Madam Yu. She absolutely abhors being used in such a way, but since her daughter is to become the next High Councilor, Wei Ying believes she owes him a significant favor. Jin GuangShan looks properly grateful, and perhaps a little apprehensive as well, which is a satisfying combination.

The gift from the Yu Sect is presented next, then the gift from the Nie Sect, then the Fan and Chen Sects. Wei Ying cannot begin to guess what sort of a gift the Lan Sect will present this year, but he has always felt that their gifts were selected to carry a vague message of admonishment, much like Lan QiRen’s perpetually cold expression.

One year, the Emperor had received a copy of the three thousand Lan Sect rules. They were exquisitely bound and written in a beautiful hand, but no amount of tight binding or lovely calligraphy can make three thousand rules anything but tedious. He had read them, mostly out of curiosity, but the exercise had been as monotonous as listening to Jin GuangShan’s compliments.  

Still, he has never quite anticipated the Lan Sect gifts with this much curiosity or impatience. Their gift is traditionally presented last, but Wei Ying thinks that this will be the last year the Lan Sect is forced to the bottom of the court hierarchy. By his next birthday, he should be married to Lan Zhan, and the Lan Sect will be expected to take their rightful place above all the others.

The gift from the Wen Sect is next, and Wei Ying perks up slightly at the sight of a black chest being carried forward. Wen RuoHan might be a terrible human being on his best day, and a conniving, ruthless tyrant on his worst, but the man has an eye for striking oddities. The gifts that had come from the Wen Sect over the years have been more bizarre than explicitly valuable, never failing to entertain the entire court. One such gift, an enormous, thin slate of cloudy water jade, had found its permanent residence in Wei Ying’s chambers. Depending on the angle of the sun rays reflected off its surface, the slate would depict shadows of birds in flight, folding ocean waves, and on one memorable occasion, two small rabbits chasing each other across the white expanse.

Wei Ying is on his feet before the chest is even opened for his inspection, fully expecting to be enthralled with its contents. Still, despite being surprised each year, the gift takes him off guard.

It is a sword.

Heavy and long, its pommel vaguely constructed in the shape of a leaping tiger, it holds a greater resemblance to the sabers more often used by the Nie Sect, than the cultivator swords Wei Ying is accustomed to handling. Its surface is inky black from its tip to the hilt, a black so deep that it seems to feed on the light around it, creating shadows where none should exist. It is both beautiful and ghastly at once, and Wei Ying cannot seem to look away.

Never before has the Wen Sect sent him a weapon, and his mind is already full of possible implications. He believes that he has reached a favorable agreement with Wen RuoHan, and that the man would find no benefit in going back on his word. The gift was sent before the agreement had been made. Therefore, it could signify the beginning of the rebellion that Wei Ying has managed to avoid, or it could signify Wen RuoHan’s intention to remain a sword in the hand of the Emperor, as long as it suits his purpose.

It is odd, but he cannot escape the impression that the sword should be hot to the touch. Steel is always cold, except in the midst of a battle, but the black inky surface seems to radiate warmth, and he is reaching for the handle before realizing that he means to do so, his fingers wrapping around the ridges of the hilt.

It is cold.

So cold that it burns, his hand submerged in flames. It spreads, the ice traveling through his wrist and elbow, nestling easily in the bones of his shoulder. It is a ruthless, frigid wave, but the way it envelops his chest is deceivingly gentle, the breath in his lugs growing sluggish and slow. A faint sense of disbelief and panic has not yet fully formed when he tries to release the hilt, but he is no longer in command of his arm, the limb paralyzed and unfeeling.

A series of disconnected thoughts dart across his consciousness. 

An awareness that this may be death, a type of death no one could have predicted. 

Lan Zhan at the end of the hall. 

Nie HuaiSang behind him, still sprawled leisurely next to the throne, hopefully too far to be affected. 

A-Yuan. 

He tries to speak, to issue a warning, but his throat is ice, both unyielding and fragile. He thinks, if he could open his mouth, the winter would emerge from his breath, freezing the world to its core.

Just before the world goes black, he hears a familiar voice, faded and distant, already a long gone memory.

“Wei Ying.”

[hakutaichou]

[CN] Main Story: Chapter 33-3 (Gavin Route)

⚠️ SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️

🚨 Warning: This post contains REALLY BIG spoiler from main story which some of them have not been released in JP, TW, Global, nor ASEAN servers. 🚨

A/N: cuz the cn server using “Wuhui”, in english means “ball, dance party, and prom”, I’ll use “ball” like victor’s dance date? 

- Part 0 -

It was getting late, and there was still about half an hour before the time agreed upon with Gavin.

Gavin seems to be very busy lately, and I don’t have much time to spare because of the show. During this period, we only made a hasty phone call in the village and agreed on a time for the ball.

Gavin and I were not too surprised by the fact that Commander Leto invited us to the ball.

I just don’t know what he is planning this time...

I thought about it, subconsciously looking at my wrist, the ginkgo bracelet shimmering in the light.

The complicated thoughts seemed to be sorted out in an instant, leaving only a clear thought in my mind.

MC: No matter what Commander Leto wants to do, I can’t hold back.

I must go forward, and retreat together with Gavin.

***

Gavin knocked on the door of the office, and walked in just after getting a response.

The middle-aged man at the desk a solemn and serious expression. He raised his head and looked around Gavin.

Middle-aged Man: How are you preparing for the ball?

Gavin: Everything is ready, except for one thing.

Middle-aged Man: What’s the matter?

Gavin: This, give it back to you.

It was something that looked like a communication controller. The moment Gavin put it on, the man’s face became very ugly.

He frowned. Although he couldn’t see the anger in his eyes, the air pressure in the office had already changed.

However, Gavin turned a blind eye to this and continued to speak in an official manner.

Gavin: In addition, I also removed all the automatic sniper devices that you arranged in advance.

The man at the desk snorted coldly, his expression wasn’t surprising.

Middle-aged Man: You still don’t understand.

Middle-aged Man: Animal are inevitable, and all useless kindness is to help or abuse.

Middle-aged Man: Commander Leto’s plan must fail. Once those people are used by him...

Gavin: Of course I know.

Gavin interrupted him, his voice wasn’t loud, but he was quite determined.

Gavin: But what you are willing to give up, I don’t want to.

Gavin: I will achieve my goals, in my own way.

The man smirked and leaned back on the seat, holding his hands on his chest, looking at Gavin.

Middle-aged Man: You’re still so idealistic. Do you think things are so easy to solve?

Gavin ignored his sarcasm, just continued to look at the man, his eyes burning.

Gavin: After this mission is over, I will apply to return to STF.

His tone was firm, not so much about making an application, as about notifying the opposite person.

Middle-aged Man: STF won’t accept traitors.

Gavin: You know I’m not.

Gavin: And after tonight, STF will need me.

Middle-aged Man: You did it because of her again.

Gavin: I do it for myself.

Gavin: For so many years of persistence, for the people who used to fight alongside me, and...the future of this world.

The middle-aged man fell silent, but his expression wasn’t too surprised, as if he had expected such a day a long time ago.

Gavin didn’t say anything any more, he took off the micro badge on his chest, paused, and even the black gloves were taken off and placed on the table together.

No need to state.

Just when Gavin turned and left, the man finally opened his mouth again.

Middle-aged Man: Wait.

He opened the drawer, took out an envelope and placed it next to his black gloves, and stopped talking.

There seemed to be invisible pressure colliding with each other in the silent air.

Gavin hesitated, then turned around, picked up the envelope, and opened it. The moment he saw the contents, his eyes widened in surprise.

This is a personal recommendation letter that has already been prepared.

The sunlight from the west slid into the room, and fell on the signer who was both familiar and unfamiliar.

Gavin put the envelope away, saluted the middle-aged man, and the left without looking back.

***

After the door closed, Gavin walked briskly and took out his mobile phone, dialing the very familiar number.

Gavin: Are you at home, how are you prepared?

The girl’s soft noise came from the other end of the phone, which made him follow the person who unconsciously lowered the voice.

Gavin: Mm, I will pick you up right away.

.

- Part 1 -

Men and women in various dresses gathered in the hall with wine glasses in groups.

Necklaces and leather shoes dazzled the night under the crystal chandelier.

Guest A: I heard that the people present today are all big figures in the business and political circles, and Victor, CEO of LFG will also come.

Guest B: It’s not just business and politics. Professor Lucien from Ultima Bioresearch Center was also invited, the one who developed the vaccine before...

Before the words were over, there was a tumult at the entrance of the venue, an extended Lincoln stopped in front of the door, and reporters swarmed up.

Kiro got out of the car, and walked slowly into the venue in countless flashing lights.

The dark clouds have blocked the moonlight at some time, and the sky in the distance is pitch black, it seems that it’s about to rain.

I walked into the hall holding Gavin’s hand, and cautiously looked around.

The ball was a lot more lively than I thought and I never saw Commander Leto’s shadow.

Gavin: Looking for Commander Leto?

MC: The ball has already started, but the organizer isn’t there, It’s so strange...

Gavin: Mm, but this isn’t an ordinary ball.

Obviously, this is a “Hongmen Banquet”

[Note: “Hongmen Banquet” is a idiom to describe a situation where it appears to be festive, celebratory, fun, an opportunity for pacification, but it is really a situation that is dire, dangerous, or even deadly.]

.

We walked to the corner of the venue, I took out a small piece of paper from my handbag and handed it to Gavin.

MC: By the way, I compiled the guest list this time.

Since receiving the invitation letter that day, I started to inquire about the relevant information about the dance.

The hard work paid off, and I finally got this list before coming to the scene.

In order to avoid being discovered by other people, I deliberately lowered my voice and explained it carefully to Gavin.

MC: Commander Leto’s reason is high-sounding, saying "Open the ball to all Evolver" and "Promote the relationship between ordinary people and Evolver"...

MC: But the people he invited were actually big figures in all walks of life.

MC: He must have some ulterior motive...

As Gavin heard about it, he browsed the list in hand.

He raised his hand to rest his chin, his eyes slightly narrowed, his expression focused and serious.

At this moment, there was a sudden commotion in the crowd, and Gavin and I looked towards the door.

Commander Leto walked in with a few special officers. The guests' expressions were brilliant. Some raised their glasses to him with a smile, while others turned their backs impatiently.

It seems that there are many of Commander Leto's cronies at the scene, but there are also people like us who had to come for some reason.

Thinking like this, Commander Leto walked straight in the direction where Gavin and I were.

He looked at Gavin, with a hypocritical smile on his lips.

Leto: Long time no see, Gavin. Welcome.

Gavin: No need.

Gavin's tone was cold, which made Commander Leto's expression a bit ugly. He cleared his throat and turned his head to look at me.

Leto: It's really surprising that Miss MC also came.

Gavin frowned slightly, but before he could speak, I took the conversation first.

MC: What is unexpected about this. Didn’t you invite me by yourself?

After hitting the wall twice in a row, Commander Leto sneered, and finally no longer vacillated.

Leto: I hope that this time you won’t escape in such a haste like last time.

Of course I knew that he was referring to the incident that had been pursued by STF before, and I felt annoyed.

MC: Isn’t there someone else who wants to escape?

I probably didn’t expect that I would say so directly, Commander Leto was taken aback for a moment, then frowned, and left without looking back.

Looking at Commander Leto, who was gradually disappearing into the crowd, I couldn’t help but “Hmph” triumphantly at his back.

Gavin: You are today...

MC: Hm?

I turned my head to look at Gavin, and found that he was looking at me intently, with a faint smile on his eyes.

Gavin: It feels a little different from before.

I was taken aback for a moment, and my cheeks were slightly hot.

MC: Am I being to aggressive just now...

Gavin: No, that’s great.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but laugh with him.

The time passed by minute by minute, finally reached the time for the official opening of ball.

Commander Leto walked to the stage amidst the applause of the crowd, took the microphone and began to speak, but they were all clichés that have been told countless times in the news.

I was a little bored of hearing, and had to listen patiently. At this moment, Gavin’s voice suddenly got into my ears.

Gavin: MC.

Gavin: Your marksmanship isn’t still strange, right?

I looked at it suspiciously, and was stunned for a moment.

The amber eyes have completely eliminated and turned into another sharp look, with a war spirit engraved in the deepest part.

***

Quite contrary to the bustle of the dance floor, the parking lot was so quiet that nothing but me and Gavin footsteps were left.

There were no cars parked around, but there was a sudden noise not far away, and a group of young people in NW uniforms appeared in front of us.

And behind them, is the source of the noise--- the door of the carriage that opens slowly.

All kinds of unnamed guns and weapons piled up the entire carriage, and suddenly filled my sight, making me speechless in surprise.

Gavin: The situation in the field is as expected. Has the demolition person gone?

NW Team Member: Has successfully sneaked in.

Gavin’s voice brought me back to my senses. While he was talking to the people around him, he took a pistol from his waist and placed it in my palm.

Gavin: This is for you, just in case.

Those amber eyes reflected my appearance, and I nodded solemnly when I saw myself taking the pistol.

The body of cold gun seemed to still have his temperature, and the familiar touch evoked many memories.

This time, we have to fight together.

I clenched my pistol and made up my mind secretly. Suddenly, there was a faint sound of music in the direction of the ball.

Gavin’s body was slightly stagnant, and there was a little regret in his eyes looking at me.

Gavin: I can’t dance with you today.

I shook my head, but laughed instead.

MC: Didn’t you say that, this isn’t an ordinary ball.

MC: As for dancing, I’ll make it up next time.

As soon as my voice fell, an abrupt voice sounded behind me.

“Kacha” is the sound of a bullet.

I turned my head abruptly and pointed my gun at the uninvited guest in front of me.

It turned out to be Eli!

Behind him, stood a large group of people wearing uniforms specially exposed to STF. They all held guns in their hands, and they didn’t know when they were surrounded by us.

Eli’s eyes were so dark that he couldn’t get rid of it, he looked at us with a cold tone.

Eli: Sorry, I’m afraid there’s no “next time” for you.

.

- Part 2 -  (Mission Stage)

.

- Part 3 -

Gavin didn’t seem to be surprised by Eli’s appearance. He raised his hand and pulled me behind him a little bit, facing the gunpoint of STF without fear.

Gavin: You really appeared again.

Eli: But today is different from before.

Eli: I’m here to solve your problems.

Eli’s expression and tone were extremely cold. With a wave of his hand, the team member behind him were immediately ready for battle.

Upon seeing this, NW teammates around him immediately entered a fighting state, and the air was filled with the smell of rattling.

The melodious music continued to come from the direction of the dance, but it couldn’t relieve me the tension on the scene.

One piece just ended, and the second piece began to play. The short and tactful beat was a bit ethereal, but it was a little weird.

Gavin immediately changed his face when he heard the music.

He quickly pulled me behind the pillar and put his hand on my ear.

MC: Gavin...

When I was about to ask a question, Gavin shook his head, and took out two miniature earphones from nowhere to put them on for me.

I just noticed that he was wearing such a headset, and there was a guess in mind.

MC: Is there any problem with this music?

Gavin: It can control Evolver.

Just now, the music is like a signal. At this moment, gunshots have sounded everywhere in the parking lot.

Gavin didn’t explain to much. After confirming that the surrounding teammates were all right, his eyes fell on me again.

Gavin: Be safe, I will be back soon.

MC: I’m going with you!

I subconsciously pulled his cuff, but touched something hard and cold.

I was taken aback for a moment, Gavin looked at me, pulled up his cuff, and a needle with cold light appeared in front of me.

MC: This is...

Gavin: Anesthetics.

Gavin: I can’t shoot Eli, but I can’t let him go.

MC: Are you going to pretend to be controlled by music and approach him...?

I quickly understood Gavin’s intentions, he nodded, his eyes sinking a little, but the determination in his eyes couldn’t hide.

Gavin: MC, cover me.

MC: I got it.

Hearing my answer, Gavin raised the corners of his mouth lightly, nodded at me firmly and confidently, turned and walked towards the fierce battle.

My eyes were chasing after me, the parking lot was already in chaos, and fighting was everywhere.

Gavin was walking towards Eli’s position, his steps were a bit stiff, like a puppet being manipulated.

Knowing that he wasn’t affected by the weird music, I was so nervous that I tightened my gun and tried to evoke my Evol.

Seeing Gavin approaching Eli’s expression step by step, there was no change.

He didn’t have the joy of the plan’s success, or did he face the emotions of his former comrades in arms. His eyes were always cold, even numb.

Finally, there was only a gun’s distance between the two of them, and Eli raised the muzzle to Gavin’s forehead.

My heart beats like a drum, silently gathering power at my fingertips, ready to attack at any time.

Then the moment I held my breath, things suddenly changed.

The pistol turned around in Eli’s hand, he put down his right hand, handed the gun to Gavin’s eyes.

Eli: Do it yourself.

MC: !

Is he testing whether Gavin is really controlled? Or is there another purpose?

The unexpected unfolding made me unable to help my mind, at at the same time, I didn’t dare to slow down, watching their every move closely.

Because Gavin’s back was facing me, I couldn’t see his expression clearly, only saw him slowly stretch out his hand, about to touch the gun on Eli---

At this time, the music that had been surrounding him suddenly stopped.

Eli and I were both taken aback. He quickly retracted his gun and moved towards the venue. I also looked quickly, but only saw the door that closed suddenly.

Then, the continuous gun replaced the gorgeous movement, and the heart-piercing screams made my heart tense.

MC: What happened...

The ominous feeling enveloped me. Before I had time to think, Eli’s voice sounded.

Eli: The plan failed, start the aftermath.

Eli: All Evolver, killed immediately!

Under the cold command, the members of STF reacted, and the attack became more violent.

Eli went straight to Gavin, his expression instantly changed.

He decisively raised his right hand, and the muzzle of the black hole aimed at Gavin again.

That’s too late!

Action before thinking, I quickly clapped the back of my hand, and a pure white light exploded in front of Eli’s eyes.

While he was drawing attention, I hurriedly stepped out of the cover of the open pillar, raised my gun and aimed at him.

However, Eli’s reaction was extremely fast. The moment he found me, the muzzle immediately turned its angle and aimed at where I was.

Then he pulled the trigger mercilessly.

Between the electric light and flint, Gavin stepped violently, firmly held Eli’s shoulder from his side and pressed hard, and then quickly withdrew the needle from the cuff...

Two gunshots.

I slumped on the ground, breathing quickly, and my brain fell into a short blank.

There was a bullet embedded in the wall beside him. It was the bullet that Eli shot at me.

I looked forward and saw Gavin picking up the gun that had fallen from the ground, his eyes a little complicated.

And Eli was falling at his feet, losing consciousness.

.

- Part 4 -

The night was getting darker, but outside the ball hall was very lively. 

The entire venue was surrounded by people from NW, and the door of the hall was cordoned off.

Gavin sent Eli, who was in a coma, to the car. At this moment, a team member hurriedly walked in front of us.

NW Team Member: Captain Gavin, the things have been removed.

He held a small instrument in his hand, which looked complicated and delicate.

MC: Is this the source of the music just now?

Gavin: Yes, Commander Leto wants to use this sonic filter to influence the brain waves of other people, thereby controlling them.

MC: The people in that venue...

Gavin: To him, the people inside are nothing but chess pieces.

Gavin: If there’s no way to control it, it’s better to destroy it directly.

I shuddered when I thought of cry and scream I had just heard.

Gavin briefly confessed to the team member again, then turned and walked to the front of the team.

He took off his suit jacket and put in on his arm, raised his hand and pulled on his tie but his expression didn’t relax.

Gavin: How long have we waited?

NW Team Member: It’s almost ten minutes.

Gavin: There has been no response inside?

The person being asked was stunned, and the answer was a little hesitant.

NW Team Member: ...Do I need to warn again?

Gavin looked at the closed door ahead, squinted his eyes slightly, and the night and neon were reflected in those popper-like eyes, adding a bit of depth to it.

Gavin: No need to talk nonsense with him.

He leaned on the door of the car with one hand, with the other hand in his pocket, and gently raised his finger to give orders.

Gavin: Go straight in.

With a bang, the door of the ball was completely destroyed.

The smoke was in the air, and I couldn’t help but cough quietly, and Gavin had already led the crowd into the smoke first.

MC: *cough

I was just about to follow when I suddenly heard another slight coughing around me.

I hurriedly turned my head to look at the car parked beside me, and Eli had already opened his eyes!

I was a little nervous, for fear that he pointed his gun at me again, and quickly touched Gavin’s gun from his pocket and held it tightly in his hand.

Eli: MC? How came I...

Eli held his head, his eyes looked a little confused, and he was different from the coldness before.

MC: ...Here is the ball held by Commander Leto, don’t you remember?

Eli: Ball? oh.....yes, ball...

As if finally remembering something, he straightened up abruptly.

Eli: Are you and Gavin okay? I remember that I seemed to...shot you?

MC: We’re all fine. But...have you fully recovered?

Eli: Recover?

Hearing my question, Eli’s expression became more confused. I hurriedly found the NW team member beside me, and got the sound wave filter for Eli.

MC: You were previously controlled by Commander Leto with this sonic filter.

While speaking, the dust scattered in the air gathered again, and the violent wind gushed out from the inside of the ball hall, and the momentum seemed to sweep the world.

MC: ...Gavin!

I was uneasy, and immediately ran to the venue with Eli.

***

My vision was blurred by the dust, but the gunshots in my ears were constant, and I vaguely caught a few sounds.

NW Team Member: Commander Leto was shot!

NW Team Member: Who hit it?! Arrest them all!

After one after another shouts and gunshots, there was an extremely clear voice.

Gavin: PUT DOWN ALL WEAPONS!

The scene suddenly became quiet, and the moment the dust cleared, I saw Gavin standing in the middle of the venue from behind.

He was surrounded by a group of STF members who holding guns, but they didn’t dare to approach him, unconsciously separated from him some distance.

Gavin was straight, he looked around and repeated it again.

Gavin: All, put down your weapons.

His voice formed an invisible air pressure, and in the next second, someone really shivered and put down the gun in his hand.

But there were also angrily holding the gun tighter and shouting.

Special Officer: You traitor to STF!

Special Officer: Why should we listen to you! You, you...

His volume became lower and lower, and in the end he couldn’t speak, only swallowing nervously.

Because Gavin has pulled out the gun, and ran it against his forehead.

Gavin: Every bullet of STF should be fired for justice. Now who is your gun aimed at?

The person being questioned was taken aback unable to speak.

Gavin didn’t continue to look at him, but maintained the motion of raising the gun, and looked around at the STF members again.

Gavin: The guests of this ball, are all innocent.

Gavin: I don’t know what Commander Leto used to deceive you, but now, you must listen to me.

Gavin: Put down the gun.

There was a low voice of discussion from the crowd, and many people put down their weapons, but more people were still hesitating.

The two sides were in a stalemate. At this time, Eli took a step forward.

The person who was pointed at with the gun by Gavin raised his eyes, unexpectedly Eli took the gun from behind his waist and placed it on the ground.

Special Officer: Captain Eli...

Seeing Eli’s actions, the man’s expression loosened a bit, and finally put down the gun in his hand.

Gavin also put down his gun, and Eli nodded at him and looked at the member of STF

Eli: Regarding to Commander...Leto, I have something to say to everyone.

He took out the instrument I gave him just now, and explained it loudly.

Eli: This is a sound wave filter, which can control human brain waves through music.

Eli: Commander Leto installed this filter in both the accelerated evolutionary energy and today’s ball.

The crowd was in an uproar. I hit the iron while it was hot.

MC: There’s also an over-evolution supervision office. Many Evolver in it haven’t over-evolved. They have all become experimental subjects in the accelerated evolution cabin.

MC: Both Gavin and Eli can prove this. If you still don’t want to believe it, I still have the test data of the Evolution Chamber as evidence.

Gavin took a step forward, took my word and continued.

Gavin: Commander Leto has already escaped, and NW will take over the next thing.

Gavin: STF won’t be held accountable for the ball, but if someone chooses to continue to be a tiger...

Gavin didn’t finish speaking, his eyes swept across the crowd, not angering himself.

The STF members on the scene fell silent, some were angry, some at a loss, and looked at each other.

I don’t know how long it took, there was a noise in the crowd, and someone put down their weapon.

Voices rang out one after another, and more people also put down their weapons. Finally, the atmosphere of tit-for-tat was completely weakened.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and subconsciously looked at Gavin beside me, and he was looking to me, with a faint smile on his mouth.

Eli: Next...

Gavin: You take the team back first, and I will take care of the rest.

Eli nodded, and he seemed to feel much more relaxed.

Eli: I got it.

Eli: I will pay attention to Commander Leto’s whereabouts and tell you as soon as I have news.

Under the leadership of Eli, the member of STF all left, and at this time, the ambulance finally came to the scene.

Many people were injured in the ball, but fortunately there was no sacrifice.

Seeing Gavin busy in the crowd, I couldn’t help but smile, ready to leave quietly, not to disturb him.

Unexpectedly, just turning around and walking out a few steps, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

Gavin: Going back?

MC: Mm, I think you are still busy, so I didn’t say hello to you.

Gavin: Wait for me.

Gavin turned around and called NW team member who was passing by, gave a few words, and then walked towards me.

The ends of his hair raised in the night looked high-spirited.

Gavin: Everything is arranged, I will take you back first.

Without a word, he took my hand and walked deeper into the night.

***

Gavin and I walked home through a park. The moon was hanging in the sky, and the starry sky was twinkling. People couldn't help but slow down.

In the flower bed in early spring, a lot of flowers bloomed, and the air was faintly fragrant.

It’s always been a long time since the two of us walked home together...

What happened just now is still vivid, and the tranquility now makes me feel a little dazed.

The street lamp casts a circle of light to envelop us, and the night breeze gently blows our hair.

I wish I could do this every day in the future.

Before we knew it, we had already walked downstairs to my apartment.

MC: Arrived

Although I feel reluctant, I opened Gavin's hand with ease.

My fingertips just left the warmth, but Gavin suddenly stretched out my hand, holding my hand tighter in the palm.

MC: Gavin?

I tilted my head suspiciously, but caught a little smile at the corner of his mouth.

Gavin: One more thing...

Before the words fell, Gavin pulled me into his arms and jumped up.

The wind quickly gathered under our feet, holding us upwards, until completely immersed in the night.

The lights of the city became far away in an instant, but the starry sky above his head was extremely clear.

I felt that something familiar had returned to Gavin's body, his scorching eyes were long-lost publicity and unruly.

Gavin's smiling voice rang in my ears, as close as, his body temperature.

Gavin: The dance that I missed, is now for you.

He took my hand tightly, led me to dance, in the wind, and under the night sky.

I also squeezed him back firmly, and looked deeply into those bright eyes.

A long night finally came to an end at this relaxed and tender moment.

.

Next: [F4, Assemble] Chapter 33-4

[frizz22]

Growing Up Spellman Ch 2

Read on ao3

Note: Sabrina is 3, Morgan 7. Sorry for the extreme delay between chapters 😬

Zelda placed the potion in front of Diana, who eyed it skeptically and unconsciously lifted a hand to tug a strand of her hair.

“You sure you fixed it?” She asked, carefully taking the flask but not drinking it.

Unable to blame the woman’s hesitance, Zelda smiled reassuringly. “Yes, it was just a few tweaks with the ingredients. Perfectly fine, now.”

They’d been experimenting with potions to prolong Diana’s life and the last one happened to turn her lovely blonde hair an interesting shade of magenta—much to Diana’s horror and Morgan and Ambrose’s amusement.

Beyond that, though, the potion appeared to work and had no other side effects, so Zelda felt confident this potion would allow them to extend Diana’s life... hopefully without the unwanted makeover.

Though it seemed a promising answer, Hell knew how long it’d be effective. It was entirely possible Diana would develop some kind of tolerance to the potion and they’d soon be back in square one.

But this bought them time, quite literally, and Zelda intended to use that time find alternatives; her sister would not die prematurely and leave sweet Sabrina without a mother. Not if their family had anything to say about it.

She knew, even now, that Ambrose was in the basement researching additional ways to save Diana. Perhaps Lilith would have some ideas as well, might as well tap into that deep well of knowledge. Making a note to speak with the witch the next time she visited, which was becoming more frequent, Zelda’s inner musings were interrupted by Diana sighing.

“Well, here’s to hoping.” She attempted a smile, then plugged her nose and threw back the contents of the flask. “Hell,” she gasped, shuddering lightly. “Is there anything we can do about the taste?”

Smirking, Zelda took the flask back and walked it over to the sink, not missing how Diana replaced Heaven with Hell in her vocabulary. They were rubbing off on her. Refocusing, Zelda rinsed the flask. “Perhaps, that would be more Hilda’s expertise than mine. We can certainly try, the good news is, your hair is still the same color.” She nodded at Diana’s head.

Hand flying up to grasp a section of hair and bring it into view, Diana exhaled in relief. At Zelda’s raised brow, the woman shrugged and released her hair. “You know I trust you, Zelda, but after last time I was a little wary.”

A small chuckle escaping her, Zelda dried the flask then her hands. “Understandable,” she conceded, “it seems that for now we’ve accomplished our goal. Let’s go tell Hilda the good news.”

Happily sliding off the kitchen stool where she’d been perched, Diana led the way out to the garden where Hilda had the girls. While her sister was busy harvesting tomatoes, Morgan and Sabrina were kneeling in the dirt, a small basket of seeds between them.

It was only as they neared the two, that Zelda overheard Mo lecturing her little cousin on the properties of sunflowers, how to plant them, and the many things they were used for in both mortal and witching realms. Zelda smiled, Hilda would be proud of how well Morgan paid attention to her herbology lessons, and though Sabrina looked on with rapt attention, Zelda couldn’t help but notice that every time Mo looked away, Sabrina stuffed sunflower seeds into her mouth, chewing quickly to try and hide her transgression.

Sharing a smile with Diana, Zelda caught the girls’ attention. “How many sunflowers have you managed to plant for Aunt Hilda today?”

Her words had both turning, Sabrina with her cheeks still full of seeds, making Morgan frown at her disapprovingly. “‘Brina,” she admonished, taking the seeds from her cousin’s hand, “these ones aren’t for eating, Auntie Hilda set those aside already.” Nodding in agreement, Sabrina promptly snatched another handful from the basket and stuffed it in her mouth, much to Morgan’s chagrin. “Mama!” Morgan exclaimed, looking to them for help. “‘Brina keeps eating the seeds Auntie Hilda wants us to plant!”

Careful to smother her smile, Zelda lowered herself to the ground, Diana next to her. “Is that so?” She asked, reaching over and popping a few seeds into her mouth as well.

Caught between indignation and amusement, Morgan threw up her hands. “Mama!” She exclaimed.

“Morgan.” Zelda teased, tugging her girl into her lap and dropping kisses all over her head and face, making Morgan giggle and squirm though she made no real attempt to escape. “Sabrina can eat a few seeds,” Zelda soothed, brushing Mo’s wild curls away from her newly flushed face. “Though we don’t want to be ruining our appetite for dinner, do we?” She arched a brow as Sabrina reached for more.

Giggling, Sabrina fell into Diana’s lap without taking any more seeds. “No, Auntie Zee.” She chirped, playing with one of Diana’s bracelets, already distracted.

Arms wrapping around Morgan, who really was getting a little too big to be sitting in her lap—not that Zelda would ever have the heart to tell her girl such a thing—Zelda cocked her head. “I see you’re learning quite a bit from your Aunt Hilda.” She noted, just as her sister came to join them, basket full of tomatoes slung on her arm.

Only having caught her name, Hilda cocked her head. “What’s that, Zelds?” She asked, sitting as well and wiping a bit of sweat from her brow.

Beaming, Morgan leaned against Zelda. “Mama said I’m learning a lot from you,” she stated proudly. “I was trying to teach ‘Brina, but she kept eating the lesson.” She peered at Sabrina and shook her head, but the little girl just burst into giggles making Morgan lose her sternness and grin.

A soft smile curling her lips, Hilda reached over and cupped Morgan’s cheek. “I’m so glad you are learning a lot, sweetheart. Maybe next time Cee is over you can teach him a thing or two.” Her sister reached over and playfully tweaked Morgan’s nose.

Laughing, Morgan snuggled closer to Zelda. “Is he coming over soon? He promised to bring another book.”

“Morgan,” Zelda chastised softly, “Cerberus doesn’t come around solely to bring you things.”

Lips pouting just a tad, Morgan shifted to look at her. “I know, mama, but this next book is about ghouls, and he said we could read it together.”

Practically melting, Hilda interjected. “So, you want to spend time with Cee? Is that it, Mo?”

Morgan settled back against Zelda and nodded. “Uh huh, he’s nice and funny. And he makes you smile and laugh a lot too, Auntie Hilda.” She observed, playing with the ends of Zelda's hair as she spoke.

Examining her nails, Diana coughed pointedly. “He certainly does.”

Her lips twitching up at the comment, Zelda shared a knowing look with Diana over their daughters’ heads, both suppressing further amusement when they made eye contact. Despite her anxiety when Hilda first expressed interest in the odd mortal, Diana helped her come to terms with the potential relationship. And when the two truly started dating, Zelda went to Diana often for advice on how best to deal with it, how to interact with Cerberus before he knew the truth, and then after he knew as well. While a small part of Zelda still wanted her sister to date a witch or warlock, if only because their lifespans matched, she didn’t want to scare this Cerberus away… not when he really did make Hilda so happy.

Their attention was recaptured when Hilda playfully swatted at Diana and gave Zelda a ‘stern’ glare. “Cee does make me happy, darling, you’re very astute.”

Brow wrinkling, Morgan looked up at Zelda. “Astute means observant, my little demon.” Zelda informed her daughter before the girl could even voice the question.

“Ahh, yes, it’s very important for demons to be astute.” A voice sounded behind them, startling them as they whipped around to find the source.

Ambrose gestured to the witch walking next to him. “Look who appeared in the basement.” He remarked, bending over to swoop Sabrina up into the air when she barreled at him. “Thought I would escort her out here.”

Popping up as well, Morgan grinned widely. “Lilith!” She exclaimed, hurrying forward and hugging the witch hard. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

The witch returned the hug in kind and pressed a quick, soft kiss to the top of Morgan’s head—something Zelda noted Lilith had only started doing recently—and smiled. “Well, your mama told me today was another experiment day, I was curious about how it went.” She eyeballed Diana. “Unless you haven’t done it yet?” Her eyes glanced, not so subtly, at the woman’s head.

A blush gracing her cheeks, Diana patted her hair. “Actually, we have, kept my normal hair color this time, so progress.”

Gently disengaging from Morgan—who ran to jump on Ambrose as well, leaving the adults alone— Lilith joined them on the ground. “Well, while magenta isn’t really anyone’s color, dear, you managed to pull it off remarkably well.”

Scoffing in good-natured disbelief, Diana rolled her eyes. “Liar.” She intoned, amusement infusing her words. “But I appreciate it, nonetheless. No, I think Zelda and Hilda might have truly cracked it this time... can, can you sense anything different?” Diana peered up at the Demoness, fingers twisting nervously in her lap.

“If anyone can overcome the aging process of mortals, it would be the witches who outwitted and out-brawned the Dark Lord himself.” Her hand landed on Zelda’s shoulder in an act of solidarity, but the innocent gesture had tingles erupting in its wake as Lilith removed her hand and Zelda had to make a conscious effort to keep from leaning into the retreating touch.

She snapped back to attention when a now comforted Diana nodded. “Thank you, Lilith, I know you’re right. I’m in the best hands.” She smiled at Zelda and Hilda, eyes shining a bit. Clearing her throat, Diana turned—each of them following suit—to where Ambrose was playing leapfrog with the girls—Sabrina landing on top of him and Morgan more often than jumping over them.

The women chuckled at the sight, the small amount of anxious energy filling the air at the topic of Diana’s mortality dissipating as they watched the kids play.

Hilda broke the silence first, brushing off her dress as she stood. “Shall we head in for some tea? You have time to stay, right, Lilith?” She asked, automatically reaching down to help Diana.

Inclining her head, Lilith leveraged herself up as well. “Of course, I need to hear more of this potion you’ve allegedly perfected.” She offered a hand to Zelda, which she took with some surprise. “Besides,” she helped Zelda to her feet and smiled when their eyes drew level. “I do enjoy my time with the Spellman clan.” Her brow arched as she released Zelda’s hand and took a step toward the house.

Before Zelda could process the implications of that statement and all the physical contact, Ambrose and the girls joined them, having quit their game when they noticed everyone moving inside.

As they made their way to the porch, Morgan instantly fell into step between Zelda and Lilith, taking one of their hands in each of her own and walking happily between them.

Though touched by her daughter’s sweet behavior, Zelda glanced at Lilith to ensure she was okay—Morgan often expressed more affection than the witch was comfortable with, even with Lilith becoming more open to it—only to find the Demoness smiling softly at her daughter.

And, as if sensing Zelda’s gaze, Lilith brought her eyes up, expression now carefully blank except a minute hint of panic in her eyes, worried she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t.

Certain any type of fondness was considered weakness in Hell, Zelda smiled at the brunette, wanting her to know her treatment of Morgan was not only okay, but encouraged. It would devastate Mo if Lilith were to withdraw because she thought her actions toward the girl would be used against her.

Clearly still unsure of herself, Lilith gave a wavering smile in return then dropped her eyes back to Morgan who had started to chatter away while the two witches had their silent conversation.

Refocusing back on her daughter, Zelda’s smile remained on her face as they followed the others inside and settled in the kitchen for tea and snacks.