#these days it’s malapropos of nothing

[awaitingarsooz]

[tosikoarts]

SFW Alphabet | Kadokura Toshiyuki

There he is, the tanuki man! Ask box is now OPEN. You can check tosikowrites tag for more. Warning: there’s a lot under the cut.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

 Thanks to the omnipresent influence of bad luck, Kadokura has little experience when it comes to love life (yes, we don’t count a marriage which was a complete failure, okay, his wife and daughter ran off), courtship, and romance in general. Those relationships he was involved in never grew in anything serious, and he was often left with nothing but a broken heart so, obviously, when Kadokura starts to notice a flaring interest in anyone, he is confused.

First, what? Second, why? Could it happen in a more convenient time, not when he is hunted by a rabid Superior Private and, potentially, by a dozen more dangerous personalities in Hokkaido? Despite being a complete wreck, Kadokura tries to play it cool. He acts just as unperturbed as always, does not go out of his way to impress his untimely crush because what if they don’t like him at all? Worse! What if they are disgusted with him or something?

Thus the only affection they can expect are endless entertaining conversations, - Kadokura knows a ton of fables and his heart skips a bit when they laugh at yet another story, - and help whenever they may need it. In fact, he is just scared to death that his “luck” will affect them too. Moreover, if it happens, he won’t be able to protect them or play a knight in shining armor since he isn’t that personable, formidable, strong…

Kadokura is a king of pinning and self-doubt so, you know, the only way this relationship can progress anywhere is if his crush takes the initiative. Takes him by the hand, makes some compliments, shows that they care and are interested. The best option would be to just tell him directly what a dumb dummy he is that he can’t notice their green lights.

After that everything becomes much easier: Kadokura slowly steps up his dating game! Sure, it’s a long time from “Wow, your eyelashes are so long. Like cow’s eyelashes” to “Moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” (Note: check out Natsume Soseki to understand the context!) and from chilling by the fire to sitting on the porch of own house but trust the process.

Mostly relies on the way his partner shows their affection and adjusts to them. If they are more about verbal affection, he will put all his efforts into becoming smooth talker, if they are a more physical person, Kadokura will hold them by the hand and hug the shit out of them. Simple as that.

 B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

 The start of this friendship is unpredictable. They had to meet either before Kadokura started to work as a jailor (or they had to be imprisoned in Abashiri lol) or after he joined Hijikata Toshizou. Both options come down to Kadokura getting into some kind of trouble like make another lunatic mad at him and his future best friend, or simply bumping into them on the street, scattering all of the goods they just bought on the road. Kadokura gets under the horse's hooves in an attempt to collect them. Now he needs medical help. Please, help this poor man.

Never initiates anything but if you offer to hang out Kadokura will be down. Again, hanging out with him is a double-edged sword: you may end up in the maelstrom of events that will leave you with a shit ton of crazy stories for grandkids or you may fall onto the ground and lie like a stone telling each other the dumbest puns. Both are good, in my opinion, just be aware of the possibilities.

There are moments when he can't stop complaining about life. Usually, it happens over a shot of sake when Kadokura’s cheeks crimson, long sighs substitute commas in between of lamentations, and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. The prisoners are, of course, very attentive listeners, but you will not get any emotional feedback from them. With freshly made best friend, Kadokura tends to overshare and then profusely apologize for that.

Just like with Hijikata Toshizou, he will stick his neck out for them but won’t expect the same in return. To the point where if he was forced to choose between saving either Hijikata or his best friend, Kadokura will have to commit die instead.

 C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Enjoys being cuddled more than he originally thought. For the first time in a while, his palms are sweating, butterflies are swarming in the stomach, so gentle touch feels almost dazing: Kadokura may even flinch in surprise when they start nuzzling on his shoulder like a cat. Later he finally convinces himself to ease off enough to pull them into an unescapable hug, fall together on the ground and fool around or pull them on his lap and plant few kisses on their cute nose. Doesn’t like spooning because every time he is big spoon three is no way he can keep hands to himself. The temptation is too great, and Kadokura doesn’t even try to resist it.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Why this question?. Who even dreams of a nasty cozy home? Of the disgusting overwhelming feeling of safety with the love of one’s life? Waking up and falling asleep together, sharing all good and bad from day to day? HORRIBLETERRIBLEAWFUL sign Kadokura up. Of course, he wants to settle down. The desire to have a family nest has been growing in his heart for years but until now there was no person to share this dream with. He brings up the idea of living together as soon as it seems more or less appropriate and flies over the moon (at the speed of light) when his partner supports it. Good at cooking but sucks at cleaning.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Classical breakup with “It’s not you, it’s me” line in it. Kadokura will not break up with his partner until all possible methods of saving relationships have been tried out: this is one of the most difficult decisions in his life ever and fucking up something that can be saved would be idiotic. He has doubts until the last second of course. Scratching the back of his head awkwardly and dejectedly avoiding their gaze, Kadokura tries to get to the point but his speech is interrupted by endless ummms and ughs. In the end, he feels as awful as they do, guilty and somewhat ashamed, so after making sure they are not going to do anything stupid, Kadokura flees.

There is not a lot to say besides that Kadokura clearly understands how hard it is to be left (and usually that’s how breakup feels like you were left on the side of the road) so he tries to be delicate. Checks up on them from time to time by sending long letters with detailed descriptions of his misadventures.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

He is no longer at an age when postponing a wedding is almost a matter of course but, at the same time, Kadokura is held back by the fear that this marriage will end like a previous one. Is he legally divorced at all?... Anyway, Kadokura is torn between proposing on the first anniversary and waiting an unknown amount of time until they bring up this question. Dreams of a small wedding with one or two guests from both sides so they are not obligated to be too serious and constrained with traditions. Kirawus has to be one of the guests, he cries at the sight of happy butthole peeker Kadokura.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Ayyy, he is the type of man who lets his hand go numb but won’t move it to not disturb his loved one’s sleep. Kadokura is way more gentle than any of the ex-soldiers, both physically and emotionally but his attempts to show it often come off as kind of awkward and malapropos. Do not let it upset you: Kadokura is a master in turning everything into a good joke and laughing at small inconveniences. He is the one to apologize first after the big argument, the one to offer a big hug after a bad day, the one to sit beside and listen to the emotional rent without giving even one unnecessary comment.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Whenever his loved one wants, Kadokura will be there with arms outstretched to the sides, ready to give them the tightest hugs. He likes to gently rub their back at the same time or nuzzle against their neck but is hesitant if there are any onlookers.

In family life, he has no problem with randomly running up to his loved one for a hug. Really, Kadokura is a sucker for unexpected back hugs where he can put hands on the partner’s waist and press them into his body, deliberately distracting them from housework.

You can easily tell Kadokura is having a rough day when he slips from usually coveted embraces: it is an unconscious trick to fish out a double portion of physical affection from his loved one.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Pretty fast compared to others. Half of the year, maybe? It has to be obvious you love a person by that time or so Kadokura thinks. He is not afraid to be misunderstood since by the time confession is ready to slip from his tongue, Kadokura already has planned a whole paragraph ahead of all questions: if they are not ready to say it back that’s fine, if they don’t feel the same right now or in general that’s fine if they need space to think about that’s fine. Everything is fine with Kadokura, he just wants to convey the idea that they are irreplaceable and make him feel like no one did before.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

A definition of confusion in all scenarios since he can’t clearly understand his own emotions. Is it a disappointment? If it is anger, it’s greatly diminished by a feeling of worthlessness. If they are being hit on, Kadokura sees himself as a rather weak opponent but picks himself up and stands next to a partner, gently taking them by the hand, and asks them if everything is alright. If the rival is excessively pushy, Kadokura will let out a heavy sigh before getting into a fight because no way he will let any bastard hurt his loved one. Needs to be patched up after the fight. Can’t stop smiling like a fool when they wipe the blood abundantly oozing from a broken nose. It’s good for his ego.

If they decided to flirt with anyone, Kadokura chokes on his own saliva. Like. What. This is so humiliating. He wants the ground open to swallow him up, along with all his stupid feelings for them, which, apparently, mean nothing. Needs a lot of space to cool down and has a hard time confronting them about the situation. Kadokura is more comfortable with repressing this unpleasant memory than sorting things out.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

With Kadokura every kiss is just like the first one in the best sense of the word: his kisses are gentle, warm, not too sloppy, not too dry, not priestly prude, and not teenagerly aggressive. Although he has a funny (or annoying, it is not for everyone) habit: sometimes he decides to smooch them in the middle of talking just because. If they scold him for that he just laughs it off and plants a hundred more kisses on their poppy-red face.

Loves to kiss his partner on temples and lips but, honestly, as long as it’s them Kadokura will kiss them whenever, from the top of the head to the tip of their pinky toes, literally. Prefers to be kissed on the lips too but also on the neck, chest, and belly.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

First of all, Kadokura loves children with his whole heart. Second of all, kids love Kadokura like no other babysitter. Put them together in one room and watch them vibe. Honestly, he is naturally good around little ones, it looks like he was born with a talent to keep up with those fidgets. If his child is struggling with any school subject, Kadokura will spend the evening with them, helping them to understand a difficult concept. Even if he doesn’t understand it himself, nothing can stop Kadokura from dive into books, teach himself, and then explain learned stuff to kids. Absolutely amusing when he babytalks. Wants three or four children but still has a fear of being a bad father (unreasonably!).

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Lazy as mornings can be. No one hurries to jump out of the bed to get down to business, and the house stays silent until late noon. After waking up, Kadokura languidly sits up in the sheets, yawns, and curls up back to his partner, spending another few hours snoozing in their warmth.

Eh, it feels like Kadokura is the type of person that is awfully quiet in the morning. It is easier for him to convey his thought with gestures than to start moving his tongue. Well, except when it comes to kisses. He doesn't mind spending some energy on that.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights are calm and cozy. They are pretty much normal, usually spent at home since it is nearly impossible to drag Kadokura anywhere after 6 p.m. On especially good days, he can surprise his partner with simple but delicious food: unusual gourmet dishes of the Michelin 3-star restaurant level aren’t his forte but miso soup made with unconditional love is definitely his signature dish.

Fond of playing games with his loved one despite losing 9 times out of 10. They have lost more than five dices already but Kadokura keeps buying new sets, of higher quality and higher price. After the game is finished, Kadokura or his partner thinks up a challenge for the loser like cook for a week or call the winner one specific word for a day so they can have more fun.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

 They have to become his friend before Kadokura starts to reveal more info than the one that is known to everyone in the area. By the way, a good indicator of closeness is the ability to laugh together: look at his relationship with Kirawus, that is just the right level to open up. Takes things slowly, expects another person to share as much as he does. Kadokura is very particular when it comes to the innermost and knows how to keep secrets, so he makes it clear from the very beginning it’s okay to speak their mind, ask for advice, etc. As stated before, tends to overshare after having too much sake.

 P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

The patient isn’t the right word, resigned is. There is nothing in this world that can surprise him: Kadokura had to deal with the most terrible scumbags imaginable, serve as bait for a killer (and face another person who wanted his death even more than the aforementioned killer!), freeze his ass off while standing on the thin ice with a knife between his rimed buttocks. Like, the peak of life’s evil tomfoolery is reached. Kadokura is prepared to face anything and everything and is relieved every time it’s not a near-death experience or bloodthirsty wild animal.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

It depends on how stars align on each separate day. Today he remembers 99,9% of what his loved one said and the next day not a single word reaches his brain cells. Kadokura is way more focused on feelings and emotions he experiences together with his partner so it is not uncommon for him to remember they were uncontrollably laughing but were cold than that they fell in the river because he was rocking the boat. It works the same with negative emotions: Kadokura somehow feels he should lock the dog even though he has no clear memory that his loved one is afraid of them. Why did I do it? I don’t know, gut’s feeling.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

A first kiss for sure! After a long lull in personal life, the first kiss with a new person awakens a whole storm of emotions in him. Kadokura feels like he is eighteen again, he just crossed the doorstep of adulthood and discovered the delight of the first relationship. This joy is enough to take away his speech for a minute: months later this moment makes him wince in disbelief of how silly he must have looked with eyes wide-opened and jaw hanging low. After that, he still had the courage to ask “oh so does it mean we are the thing now? Like the real thing?”. No, Kadokura spent the next week wondering if this was a feverish dream despite given a positive answer.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Do you want to live? Run then! Use the Joseph Joestar’s famous plan and strategically retreat because his brain needs some time to come up with a plan. Kadokura obviously wants to keep his loved one safe and sound, who doesn’t, but it is not that easy. He gives them a gun or knife to protect themself in the moment of danger since, chances are, Kadokura himself will be in even deeper troubles, millimeters away from swiftly bayonet sending him straight to heaven.

Relies mostly on keeping them as far from the battle scene as possible. Even if they handle a gun better than he does, Kadokura actively protests in every possible way and convinces them to stay somewhere safe: he knows for sure if they get injured, he will be the one to blame, and if something irreversible happens, he won’t be live on without a heavy burden of guilt.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Despite the lack of ample opportunities to show his love inexpensive or exquisite ways, Kadokura tries his best to impress his loved one. He is ready to change himself and change his life as well to be worthy of their company. A little more effort to get out of bed and shave this mess off the neck, even more effort to buy a new suit for their dinner date out, every drop of effort to accept his awkwardness and let things go with the flow. Anniversaries are treated the same way: if possible, in summer Kadokura will plan a trip to the South coast where they can enjoy loneliness together to the sound of waves breaking on the rocky shore. In winter, he will certainly try to create an extra festive and cozy atmosphere at home, cooking their favorite food, and making an excessive amount of tea. We are talking about the level at which the kettle is never empty. Relatively diligent in the everyday task but no powers in the world will force him to clean up like a normal man.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

“A wilted, uninspired middle-aged dude” he is, and it affects how Kadokura perceives himself more than you think. In turn, this perception seeps into his life as self-doubt, self-deprecating jokes, and hesitation in making important decisions. At the same time, if you point out this flaw to him, Kadokura will sulk. You would think he has to know better but no.

Unmotivated and has a hard time opening up to new experiences like learning new skills or finding new hobbies. Not as much as Kikuta, but Kadokura also has a habit of doing as he did twenty years ago even if the consequences did not live up to expectations. He sees a rake that WILL hit him on the forehead and JUMPS on it anyway.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Earlier in the days when grass was greener and the sky was bluer, Kadokura put more thought into his appearance but over time it changed. With the current state of the world, he doesn’t bother to waste his time fixing his hair every hour and blow the dust off his shoes. His uniform is in a relatively ok condition, with few patches here and there, three-day stubble often overgrows in one-week stubble, and bags under the eyes give him a shabby look but there is a charm in it.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Some people try too hard to hide the fact they are hurt while going through a bad breakup and he is one of them. Days seem endlessly long and gloomy, Kadokura performs given tasks only because it is expected from him, he stops playing cards with Kirawus and doesn’t bat an eyelid when ainu bugs him. Absent-mindedness leads Kadokura straight into new problems but none of them is enough to shake him up. He is… sad. Simply as that. Not heartbroken, not sorrowful. It is an empty sadness that leaves you painfully numb without a stingy tear to shed. To make it even worse, after the breakup Kadokura persistently seeks their company again and again for reasons he can’t explain. Maybe, it is desensitization: the more he sees them as an outsider, the easier he takes it. Shortly after, he will try to find the trace of his ex-wife and daughter, reunite with them if… they want to, you know. They might start a new life while he was nodding off in the workplace.

If they have been killed, Kadokura will live on, faithfully serving Hijikata. He refuses to talk about them at all, brushing off offered emotional support. Still, he was born under an unlucky star and nothing can be done about it: it is something he has to come to terms with.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Let's forget the canon for a second and pretend that Kadokura has a sister or a brother who, in turn, has a child. So my headcanon is that he is a cool uncle. The one who gives kids life advice in the form of a funny parable, pretends he doesn’t hear them sneaking out in the night, puts more money in an envelope so they can save some up for cool stuff. His lifehacks are actually useful even though sometimes questionable… The one who doesn’t have to try to fit in with the new-gen because he got it already.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

There is only one specific thing that comes to mind since Kadokura is too chill and it seems he can deal with almost everything.

People with excessive energy. We are not talking about the literal ray of sunshine type of person that beams with energy but rather about people who are active and need other people to match them. They need strong feedback from another person to feel validated and not to fall into the depression abyss and Kadokura is not a person to match this description. He is not about running around 24/7 enthusiastically grimacing at every little thing. It's exhausting. It is annoying. Kadokura’s social battery runs out on their second sentence so he prefers to avoid such Duracell bunnies at all costs.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

Just like Kikuta has a specific ritual before going to bed. Jailer's work taught Kadokura to pay more attention to the security of the house so he can’t fall asleep without checking all the doors. This habit has nothing to do with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is what it is. Besides it, Kadokura gives his partner a goodnight kiss on the temple because what if he wakes up and they are not here or what if he won’t have any other chance to do it. This one doesn’t change even if Kadokura is stressed the f out: he may be red from the anger but he will lean down and smooch them to remind how much they mean to him.

[stephenjaymorrisblog]

Tankie, Go Home

7/25/2020

By Stephen Jay Morris

©Scientific Morality

I have always been arrhythmic to the drumbeat of conformity.  To Millennials, my outlook must be quite malapropos with respect to their conception of subjective reality.  I wonder if there is a parallel universe, where other fears are concomitant to my fears.  Maybe I’ll find out one day.  Until then, it’s just the same old shit in the USA:  this versus that.  I just love the media.  They make tons of cash selling this scenario of a national Apocalypse and a future dystopia:  “Did you see those cute puppies in the Honda commercial?”  No!  I didn’t!

All my political life, I have stood in marked opposition to Conservatives, Nationalists and White Power creeps, rich Republicans, and other right wing scumbags.  They hate me and I hate them.  There is nothing original here—simply the normal arrangement of polemics and warfare.  So, what is my point? Though my adversaries have consistently touted the Right wing side of life, my biggest challenge has been a dysfunctional family known as “the Left.”

Permit me to elaborate a bit more.  According to imbeciles, we here on Earth are all unified and determined to destroy God’s favorite country, America.  We are like programmed robots, marching to the directives of rich Jews, who finance and control us.

Uh…not really.  What about the so-called Left?  The Left can’t agree on what toppings to include on a Vegan pizza!  Matter of fact, there are leftists who are as carnivorous as fuck, contrary to  stupid Conservative stereotypes. Look at me:  I am an Anti-Authoritarian Leftist who is monogamous to one woman.   Yep, no free love for me.  I am this way because of true love, not because of dictates by some God.  

Since 1969, I have been hounded and belittled by comrades of the Authoritarian Left, and by the Anti-Authoritarians, as well.  Why?  Because I don’t fit in with their prescribed dogma and methodology of activism.  I don’t say the right things and I don’t believe in New Age sensitivity.  Back in 69, while part of my SDS chapter, Trotskyites mocked me because I didn’t fit in with their Marxist belief system.  They ran the whole show!  Ten years later, in 1979, my chapter of “Rock Against Racism” was almost  seized by this weird Maoist cult, The Revolutionary Communist Party.  During my stint with the Peace and Freedom Party, the Feminist Socialist faction didn’t like me because I was an Anarchist, and on and on and so forth.  

The politically correct Droids of my past remind me of Orthodox Jews.  According to them, they were the true representatives of the Jews.  Other denominations of Jews, like Conservative and Reform, were heretics and heathens.  The Orthodox followed Jewish laws and rituals perfectly.  Their biggest adversaries were other Jews who didn’t follow their dictates. Instead of fighting Anti-Semitism or Islamic nationalists, they saved their raft for other Jews who violated the Sabbath!  Once in Israel, Orthodox Jews threw rocks at beach goers because it happened to be the Sabbath.  Yes, only the Orthodox Jew knows the true word of God!

The so-called Left—also known as the “Social Justice Warriors”--has the same orthodoxy.  What is so sad is that the Right-wingers propagandize these politically-correct Droids as the true representatives of the Left. Not!

Sometimes, I wonder if these P.C. Droids are double agents of the corporate state.  They spend a lot of time condemning other leftists for not conforming to their groupthink.  But, these P.C. monsters are fascists to the core!  “If you are a White man, then you are the evil demon that must acquiesce to the whims of the oppressed!  You must self-flagellate and take responsibility for centuries of oppressing women, gays, and non-Whites!”

Sorry.  I don’t accept that shit!  P.C. Droids make the claim that White people will always be racist no matter how much they redeem themselves.  Sort of like the “Original Sin” that practicing Catholics believe in.  You see?  I don’t sound like a conservative asshole in my criticism of Social Justice Warriors.  I hate their views!

I never did like Black Nationalism or Black Separatism, either.  Nor do I like street gangs or Gangster rap.  Am I racist?  Fuck no, I’m not!  I do like Black Anarchists.  Okay?

One thing I despise about the Authoritarian Left is that your language has to be perfect and not dare to say the wrong thing.  Otherwise, you’ll be standing in front of a multi-racial, intersectional firing squad!  What is worse than Black supremacy?  Tyrannical Feminism!  Back in the 80s, one famous Feminist, Andrea Dworkin, said that all men were rapists. Like the religious Right, she wanted to outlaw porn.  I hated that (expletive deleted)!  You know what?  I could lose my job for uttering that sentence.  But she deserved it, for making that sexist, fat shaming, and anti-Semitic remark.  Free speech, baby!  I’m glad she’s dead.  Just kidding.

I am an anti-Authoritarian Jew and I am free.  Well…I try to be.  Note one Nestor Makhno, Ukraine Anarchist leader from 1919 to 1921.  He fought the Right wing White Russian Army and the Left wing Red Army, simultaneously.  If I have to do the same thing, I will.

If you dislike arguing or constantly debating, then don’t get involved with the Left.  I got tired of it in the 90s and ventured forth on my own.  And I haven’t looked back.  I like being independent.  A lot of people resent me for being so.  To this very day, I am pelted over the Internet with anger and resentment for my unorthodox and iconoclastic views.  Does it bother me?  Does it bother me when a flea bites my ass?  Yeah, it does.    

[ertrunkenerwassergeist]

Heart of Thunder - Chapter 3

A new chapter is here! Link to AO3 like always.

Cor felt strangely adrift as the door closed behind him with a silent click that echoed in his head like a drum beat. He walked through the barracks, his long legs eating the distance with the grace of a stalking carnivore. He had not come far when he heard passionate voices locked in a lively discussion. On silent feet he doubled back down the way he came from, not certain he could stomach more strange cultural practices at the moment, and made a beeline for the exit.

The air outside was dry and warm, if slightly cool with the first hint of autumn. Shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight, Cor put a tight lid on the tiny voice screaming in his mind in panic and continued on his way towards the private meeting rooms situated on the lower levels of the citadel.

People kept well out of his way when they saw the dark frown clouding his face. One poor secretary even flattened herself against the wall, clutching the folder within her hands like a lifeline. Normally Cor tried to keep such reactions down to a minimum, but today he just couldn't bring himself to care.

The doors of the lift opened with barely the whisper of a sound and let Cor step out into the corridor. A thick, black carpet lay in the middle of the dark stone floor, dampening is steps. Tasteful flower arrangements in delicate vases situated upon gilded tables barely big enough to hold them, were the only splashes of colour to be seen. His destination wasn't far now. A dark wooden door like every other one in the vicinity. He stepped inside without knocking, surprising the occupants into silence.

There were Lord Sagitta, Minister of Outside Affairs – which he took to mean outside Insomnia and not outside Lucis – and Lords Caulis and Hypocris, Minister of Energy and Environment and President of the Hunters and Wildlife Protection Association, respectively. He could guess what this 'important meeting' was about.

“My Lords,” he said in way of a greeting, accompanied with a shallow bow, and closed the door behind him.

“Marshall Leonis, greetings,” said Lord Sagitta, his watery eyes blinking nervously. “I have to apologize for the lack of refreshments. We didn't expect you quite this soon. Please, take a seat.”

The table dominating the room was indeed empty of the usual carafes of water and traditional watered down wine. None of the three Lords bothered to stand up as propriety would have demanded of them.

Cor may not be flaunting it like some idiots, but 'Marshall' wasn't the only official title he carried. His second one, Paladin of the Crystal, granted him the title of a minor Lord by default, and as such propriety had to be observed. The three Lords in front of him knew that and chose to ignore it. A power move that bounced off of him without effect.

“I prefer to stand, my Lords,” replied Cor in a flat voice and settled into parade rest at the end of the table.

The three Lords shared what they probably thought were inconspicuous glances beneath his flat stare as he waited for them to start this farce of a meeting. Regis probably didn't know about it, either.

“We know you are a busy man, Marshall, so we will try to make this quick,” said Lord Hypocris with a fake, placid smile.

The rake thin man was of lower rank than the other two, but quite clearly the one behind this meeting, if Cor was reading the atmosphere right. And he was seldom wrong on these things these days. With a slow and carefully calculated deliberateness the Lord leafed through a crisp stack of papers in front of him, the other two, sitting next to him, tried to look dignified and important. To Cor they all just looked like greedy toads, which was an insult to every toad in existence.

“Early this morning you returned from you patrol outside Insomnia with a group of poachers you apprehended and their... loot, shall we say. What can you tell us about them?”

Lord Hypocris looked at him with an expression so earnest and serious it couldn't be anything other than fake. Cor had known the noble for long enough to note that he tended to over-emote, when he either wanted something he thought valuable, or feared to lose a lot of money. Seeing who was in his company, it was probably a bit of both this time.

“A group of five, two female, three male; the youngest barely of legal age. I saved them from a pack of wild animals before I knew what they were. They were on their way to Lestallum to sell pelts and other parts of endangered animals. Four were injured during the attack, one life threatening, the other three only had a few scrapes and bruises. I screened their... wares and brought them back to Insomnia for medical attention and their punishment. If you read my preliminary report, you already know this.”

“Do I understand this correctly: You screened their stowage before you got the injured party medical attention?” asked Lord Hypocris, folding his thin fingers over the papers.

“Yes,” Cor answered plainly.

Lord Caulis wrinkled his nose in indignation. “We expected better, Marshall. How will this poor man be able to face his trail, if he is half dead?”

“As far as I'm aware, the poaching of animals is still fined with the loss of a hand, no exceptions.”

“That sentence hasn't been carried out in a century!” bristled Lord Sagitta. “We are no barbarians, like other elements within this city. And even then, this sentence only comes into effect when the animals in question are protected by the crown.”

“Ah, but three of the pelts were that of silver spotted coeurls,” Cor said and watched in satisfaction as all three Lords paled.

“That cannot be true,” stuttered Lord Hypocris.

His hands frantically leafed through his papers until he found a list. Brown eyes devoured it rapidly until they stilled. He grew, if possible, even paler and without a word slid the list over to his companions who were anxiously staring at him. Cor's lips twitched in satisfaction when he heard Lord Caulis' strangled gasp.

Clearly trying to gather his bearings, Lord Hypocris cleared his throat. “Then we need to decide what to do with the pelts.”

There was a greedy glint in all three men's eyes, Cor didn't like at all. A silent suspicion started to needle his mind, and it didn't paint a pretty picture.

“I have claimed all pelts and other parts belonging to coeurls as my battle-spoils. The paperwork for that has already been filed and approved of,” he said, silently daring them to object with his gaze.

The claiming of battle-spoils was an ancient practice that had survived until modern day, despite it now being highly regulated. It could only be done during active war, the claim must be uncontended by other participants of the battle and only members of nobility could claim battle-spoils in the first place. This was one of the very few times he was actually glad for the title Regis had practically shoved at him the moment her had been sitting on the throne. Not that he would ever tell him that.

Lord Sagitta's face grew a splotchy red in anger. He opened his mouth to say something undoubtedly malapropos, but stopped himself at the warning glare of Lord Hypocris.

“If there is nothing else, my Lords, I need to return to my duties,” said Cor blandly.

“Of course, of course,” nodded Lord Caulis, obviously eager to see the Marshall gone. “Do not let us keep you. Thank you for answering our questions, Marshall.”

“I am always happy to do so,” Cor said as he bowed.

Everybody in the room knew that that was an obvious lie. No one said anything as the Marshall straightened again and left the room.

On the outside Cor was perfectly expressionless. On the inside however, he was seething. Who did those three bloated heads of impudence and self-importance think they were? He forced himself to take a calming breath and gritted his teeth as he entered the lift. He could think about the implications of those three being interested in exotic and rare furs later. Training was a very enticing thought right about now. The steady flow of the kata always helped him to clear his mind. And that was exactly what he needed.

His steps echoed in the mostly deserted hallways and he couldn't help the quiet sigh escaping him as the heavy door of the private training salle closed behind him. Right about now a red light would start glowing over the door to warn others away.

He moved through his warm ups diligently, but with purpose. Time. He needed time to process what had happened today.

A crystalline tinkle sounded as his blade appeared in his outstretched hands in a shower of blue sparks of magic. The action as comforting as it was helping him to ground himself in the moment. Cor took a centring breath and the next moment he was moving.

He had never intended to marry. Not necessarily because he had no desire to, but because he knew he was a difficult person to live with. No matter what Regis and Clarus said, he was self-aware enough to know that. But now...

Ulric's – Nyx' – gaze when he had taken the pelt, and later when they had talked, had stirred something in him. Something Cor couldn't name and didn't know what to do with. Infatuation perhaps? No that wasn't it.

His sword cut the air with the lethal whispers of a song as he performed a horizontal cut and transitioned seamlessly into a block.

Either way, no matter his feelings, he was engaged now to a man he could respect for his unquestioning loyalty and skill in a fight. He would pull the other man's files to learn more, but he knew that he had never left a comrade behind on the battlefield, alive or dead, if he could help it. An admirable trait, if foolish at times.

Cor had still no real idea what he had done to catch Nyx' eyes – it couldn't just be the pelt, right? A tiny part of himself couldn't help but be excited about it. For a long time he had tried to bridge the gap between the Galahdians – Galahkari, he needed to remember that – and the Lucians without much to show for it. But now he had an in to learn what they had been seemingly doing wrong for years on end. An anticipatory grin stretched over his face.

He would do this.

He would do this right and maybe get to hunt down some corrupt nobles in the meantime.

[xbarrjallenx]

Malapropos Questions

Pairing: Grant Gustin x Reader

Request: You just wrote a Grant Gustin imagine where his girlfriend is a European Tennis player can you write something like a part two where his girlfriend call him to attend a Sports award but as he say he is busy because he is shooting all three, Flash, arrow a Legend of tomorrow together and when he watch the show or the news on T.V the she is with some player (Football or Tennis) they where say did his girlfriend break up with him and find someone new, and he become so angry during the shoot. 

Word count: 1.285

A/N: Hey, your imagine is finally here! I took so long, I know and I changed some things, but I hope that you still like it. It’s a little bit a cliff hanger, but I wouldn’t mind to write the part three if you want to. Also because I don’t want to end it this way. Sorry for the late post and enjoy!

- G. x

Links: Part 1

Warning: Angst, maybe?

It has been days since Grant last texted you, you tried to contact him few hours after your sports award, where he was also invited but he was busy shooting his CW TV series, but he never replied nor answered you back. You started to preoccupy for his gestures, also a little bit annoyed, because you knew how busy he was, but he’s always found time to text you or to update you in between takes. He could always find time if he ever wanted to. Exactly, only if he wanted to. You didn’t know why he was acting like that, but you knew that you didn’t like this situation you were sharing with Grant, so you decided to fly back to Vancouver to visit him on set and, luckily, his co-workers happily welcomed you when they first saw you. “Oh my goodness!” Danielle happily greeted you as she saw you wandering around the set, confused and lost, but amazed at the same time. “How are you?” She asked you as you both leant in to give each other a kiss on your cheeks. “I’m doing slightly fine,” You honestly answered. “how about you?” “I’m tired, but still great.” She cheerfully answered, not minding her lack of sleep and weariness. “Do you know what are Grant’s problems in these days? He’s been acting so strange and he’s always hot tempered during off takes.” She straightforwardly asked you, curiosity was filling her head. “I came to visit to ask him.” You slightly sighed as you knew that your boyfriend was acting strange around his friends too. “He suddenly stopped texting me and I can’t even understand why. That’s not much of Barry’s behaviour.” “I knew that something’s wrong with him, he’s really a different person now.” She honestly answered and you just unleashed a long and deep sigh, not knowing how to face Grant’s problem this time. “Danielle,” You bit your lower lip as you looked in her eyes. “Would you mind if you accompany me in Grant’s tent?” “Of course not!” She happily replied. “I’m always ready to help you, maybe you can also figure out why he’s acting strange in these days.” She raised her shoulders as she smiled widely at you. You let out a laugh and she asked you to follow her, obviously guiding you to your boyfriend’s tent. “Thank you, Danielle.” You hugged her once she shook her head to say that it wasn’t a problem for her. “Good luck,” She winked at you when you both broke the hug, “you’ll need it.” You both giggled. “For sure.” You winked at her and she shook her head with a wide smile tattooed on her face, “Go on!” She encouraged you and you inhaled loudly before going inside Grant’s tent. You then wandered around his tent as you entered, his things were scattered on the floor and there was a mess everywhere. “(Y/N)!” Grant shouted as soon as he saw you in front of his tent’s entrance. He had a frown on his face, corrugated forehead and a stinging death glare were resting on it. You quickly perceived by your intuition that he wasn’t happy to see you in that moment. “What are you doing here?” “Grant.” You shortly answered, worrying why he was acting in that way. “What’s happened?” “Nothing has happened.” He shook his head as he turned his back to you. “Go back home.” “No, stop it Grant!” You said, slightly shouting at him. “What has happened and you suddenly stopped talking to me?” “Nothing, I was busy.” He was really busy, but you knew that there’s something more than that. “Now, go back home.” “Says who?” You raised an eyebrow and he turned himself once again to face you. “Says me, so please!” He shooed you away, but little did he know that he was hurting you little by little with his gestures. “Why are you acting like this, Grant?” You got tired of his bullshit and you took out all of your courage to confront him for his actions, also to obtain the truth. “You never did this to me. You practically cut me out of your life and I just want to know why. Remember that I still am your girlfriend and you being busy is not a valid reason to stop answering my messages or calls.” “Oh,” He laughed a little bit. “you are still my girlfriend?” He laughed like crazy and sarcasm was heard in his voice. “Why didn’t you tell that to the reporter who asked you some malapropos questions?” “What are you talking about, Grant?” You corrugated your forehead, still being annoyed by his childish actions. “Your sports award.” He shortly answered. “That football player who was hitting on you, do you hear any bell ringing?” He sarcastically asked you. “I, I-“ You started as you remembered the happening, not knowing on how to answer your upset and angry boyfriend. “You what? You don’t know the answer, right?” He rolled his eyes. “Right, because when that reporter asked you that annoying question, you just shrugged it off and you giggled a little bit, together with that guy.” “Grant.” You were speechless. You now understand why he suddenly cut you out of his life, you knew why he was acting like that since that day. You didn’t stand up for him that day, shaking the topic about him off. “Right?!” He shouted, even more angrier this time. “Of course, I am right!” “Fuck, Grant!” Your hand suddenly felt a sting and, when you opened your eyes, you gobsmacked as you realized that you just gave him a loud slap on his cheek. “You surely don’t deserve how I am treating you right now, (Y/N, because I love you so much, but think of how I felt that day.” He calmly said, bearing with the sting he was feeling on his face. “Grant, it wasn’t my fault if they ask such questions.” You defended yourself. “You could answer in an appropriate way.” He arrogantly answered. “Go away.” He shooed you once again, taking your hand off his cheek and he threw it back to your side. “Grant, ready for the next sce-“ His staff ordered him as he entered Grant’s tent. Grant shook his head in response and the staff quickly got out as soon as he realized the awkward situation. “Go home now. We’re over.” He emotionlessly suggested you. “Don’t bother me anymore.” “But Grant, I’m sorry.” You quickly took your pride off you and you apologised to him. “I need to work, (Y/N)!” He said as he put his The Flash mask on. “Bye, take care.” “Grant, please.” You begged him as tears started to stream down your face. You were hurt, but it hurt you even more to know that Grant was angry at you for not standing up for him. He was right though, he was your boyfriend and you should’ve answered that Grant was still your boyfriend, that you weren’t entertaining any suitors and that football player was just your friend. Right, you should have and you realize it, only when Grant wasn’t by your side anymore. “Bye, (Y/N)!” He unleashed a long and heavy sigh as he went out of his tent. You stood up for a minute without doing nothing, before recognizing that it was time to go. You then walked out of Grant’s tent, noticing Danielle was watching you from afar. You shook your head, saying that you didn’t fix nothing, and you started to walk away from the set with your head facing on the ground. You surely didn’t deserve how Grant treated you, but he surely didn’t deserve being treated in that way either.