#though i do have a few plans before that stage so we'll see if they help

[gin-juice-tonic]

i took a shower and now that my hair has been de-greased i have hatched several plans for how to feel less terrible at my job

go team shower, we love shower

[dreamescapeswriting]

Royality ~ SCB

CONTINUATION OF THIS PIECE

WORD COUNT: 3.2K

GENRE: Mafia AU, SMUT MINORS DNI, mafia changbin being a huge simp for yn, pulling off a job together, first time, cute, fluffy, blow job, unprotetced sex,

PAIRING: Changbin x Fem!Reader

⤜Copyright: © DreamEscapesWriting - February 2024

⤜MASTERLIST

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of blood, killing, stealing, heists

"I'll come and get you every night from now on. I don't want anything to happen to you," When Changbin had first said it to you, you thought he meant that he was going to keep sending a driver out to you but you couldn't have been more wrong. For the last 12 months, whenever you were working, Changbin was waiting outside of your apartment with a warm drink ready to take you to work.

The arrangement had been simple and kind of him and you got to know him over the nights you'd spend together. You loved getting to spend this time with him and you'd grown so close he was beginning to include you on his plans and jobs.

Over the last few months, you'd sung in different clubs he was frequenting while his men and other ladies robbed and stole from people in the crowds. Tonight was a little different though which you could tell was making Changbin a little more nervous than usual. It was his last big heist for a long time, after tonight he was strictly going to be on his own business deals instead of getting involved with the dirty work but it was still strange to see him so anxious about something.

It wasn't like him to be nervous about any of his jobs but since bringing you into them he'd grown protective over you and worried that you'd get hurt because of him. If something ever happened to you he was sure he wouldn't be able to survive it and that scared him more than anything else in the world.

No one should have that much power over someone and yet when it came to you, Changbin would lay his life on the line or throw himself in front of a bus if you ever asked him to. 

"Binnie, you okay?" Your voice came out soft making him remember what he was doing and who he was in the car with. He slowly turned to glance at you, nodding before his eyes went straight back to the road. But you knew something was bothering him since his knuckles were starting to turn white with how hard he was gripping the steering wheel.

"Are you sure you're up for this tonight, princess?" He asked, using the affectionate nickname he'd given to you long ago and it made your whole body tingle. A flicker of concern crossed Changbin's voice and you smiled a little.

"Of course, Binnie." It was your reply every single time he asked you to join him on a job and it would continue to be your answer.

"I'm always ready to light up the stage," You smirked at him. It was your job to sing for the crowds and distract them enough so they wouldn't realise that they were being robbed. Changbin's job was to be overly friendly with the owners, and keep himself busy with them so they'd have no idea he was in connection with them and when the news would break out about the robbery. Changbin would be there to offer his protection - with significant pay that was.

"That's my girl," Changbin beamed in admiration of you. Tonight was going to be the last job and the biggest one either of you was going to pull off. Inside the club there were going to be billionaires, it was a special night for them with the club owner working closely with Changbin to pull something huge off.

You hadn't known all of the details, just that you'd be singing for the rich and famous who would be wowed by you and many of the female dancers that would be with them on the floor. 

"Tonight is the last one, after this, we'll be royalty," Changbin smirked and you rolled your eyes at him. Changbin was already Royalty, everyone knew who he was and he was rich beyond anyone's wildest dreams.

"You mean you'll be king," You teased him softly, Changbin reached his hand across and gently squeezed your thigh.

"You'll be on the throne right beside me if you wanted, princess, you know that." He winked as he rounded the corner to the club.

The neon sign flickered outside and he sighed a little, it was now or never for him and he slowly got out of the car, walking to your side and helping you out.

"Remember, Princess, stick close to me. We don't know who might be lurking in the shadows." You resisted the urge to tell him that he'd found you in the shadows as a man began making his way toward you. As he got closer you recognised him from a charity gala not long back, he was one of Changbin's closest friends.

"I've got your back, Binnie. Just like you've got mine." You promised, quickly kissing his cheek making his cheeks flame a little, he stared at you before someone gripped his shoulder.

"Changbin! Yn! So wonderful you could join us tonight." Lorenzo greeted, taking your hand in his and kissing the top of it gently causing Changbin's blood to boil.

He hated that people would touch you whenever they wanted to, if it was down to him it would only be his hands allowed to grace your body.

"I didn't think you'd be able to make it tonight," Lorenzo said, turning his attention to Changbin who gave him a simple and smug smile.

"And miss my girl sing? Never." You smiled, your body heating up as he called you his girl.

Your relationship with Changbin had been strictly professional when everything had started but as you grew closer the lines began to blur and you'd flirt back and forth with one another.

You didn't know what was a joke and when he was being serious with you and to be honest, you didn't care. The attention you got from him was something unlike you'd ever felt before and you never wanted that high to end.

"The stage is ready for her, but she won't be able to go on wearing that." Lorenzo dragged his eyes slowly up and down your body as you frowned. You were wearing a red floor-length gown, backless and sexy something you'd wear for almost every single one of your performances.

"It's not sexy enough." Lorzeno shrugged as you all walked through the back door of the club toward a dressing room door.

"And what do you suggest she wear?" Changbin grumbled folding his arms over his chest, the door to the dressing room opened and Lorenzo smirked,

"Something to match the dancers." He gestured to the girls that were all wearing black mini skirts or shorts, some even in underwear that you could have sworn were riding up their asses. But Changbin was seething, there was no way he was going to let you display your body for some sick fucks who were going to oogle all night long at you.

"Over my dead body."

"People will find it suspicious," Lorenzo grumbled at him,

"Like hell, she won't be wearing-" You knew the two men were only going to continue bickering so you sighed and shook your head.

"Just hand me something in my size, and I'll make it work." Lorenzo headed into the changing room to find you something and Changbin shook his head.

"You shouldn't have to." He pouted a little, he hated the thought of you having to flaunt your body like this,

"It's the last night, right? It'll be the last time and then it's back to dresses and only singing at your club." You reassured him but Changbin was shaking his head at you. 

After tonight he wanted you to be by his side, the queen next to him on the throne it was all he'd been wanting for months but he had no idea how to tell you,

"You don't have to sing at my place." He said simply making you giggle a little. If you didn't sing at his place you'd be down on money and you needed that to live,

"I'd be out of a job, Binnie. I need my job."

"Not if you came to stay with me." The air turned thick as you stared at him, wondering if you'd heard him correctly or if your mind was playing games on you.

"What?" You waited for him to tell you he was joking, or that he was just thinking out loud but he stared at you with a serious and unreadable expression.

"If you stay with me, be by my side in all of this..." You stayed silent, neither of you speaking as you tried to figure out what he meant. You needed him to come out and say it to you instead of playing games,

"Binnie...Are you asking what I think you're asking?" He gently ran his hand over your cheek and smirked at you

"We'll be royalty, King and Queen. No one would ever fuck with us again," He spoke so surely of himself you weren't going to argue back with him.

"I'd-" You were cut off by Lorenzo holding up a hanger with clothes on for you.

"People are arriving. Out in the bar Changbin, we need to make this good." Changbin didn't have time to protest as he was shoved out of the side door and you were left alone to smirk to yourself.

You'd rule by his side, that was what he was asking you and you couldn't stop the smile that was beginning to grow on your face.

If Changbin was pissed at Lorenzo before for taking him away from you he was more pissed at what he'd seen the man dress you up in right now. 

You were donned in a black leather mini skirt with a black bralette covering your breasts - barely anyway. They were a sheer material with roses covering your nipples, the sight of which had made Changbin hard the second you'd stepped onto the stage and he was sure his pants were going to explode any second now. 

"One final song for the night," You spoke into the mic, smirking in Changbin's direction as the band began to play an upbeat song for you. The girls out on the floor started to dance for the men who had their eyes on the women and you all night long. 

It had been a long night of Changbin trying not to kill anyone for complimenting your outfit. Every single person it seemed had something to say whenever you'd move on the stage and it grated on him more than he thought it would have and Lorenzo was loving every minute of it. Seeing his friend so riled up it was worth every single grumble he heard back from him.

"She's very good, I wonder if she charges by the hour." Someone chuckled from in front of Changbin making him squeeze his glass so hard it shattered all over his hand. But he hadn't noticed you coming over to him, gently sitting on his lap. A smirk grew on your lips when you felt how hard he was beneath you, your confidence growing more as you sang directly to him.

"I'd take over the country, everyone would bow to me." Your voice was angelic as you sang along to the band, running your hands gently over Changbin's tie and twisting it around your fist.

"Sit up in my palace and baby you'd be my King. We'd run this ship together, just you wait and see...We'll be royalty." You sang the final line before biting his ear softly, giving Changbint confirmation to his earlier question he'd been dying to know all night now.

"Girl it's ride or die." He smirked, running his hands down your hips as he dragged you closer to him, groaning as you ground your hips against him forgetting for a minute that you were in a crowded bar until someone cleared their throat behind you.

"When you're done with her can I use her, I don't mind sloppy seconds." You barely had time to react before the man was on the floor, a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. You didn't even flinch or scream, it was something you'd grown used to after spending so much time with Changbin.

"He was disrespecting you." He said plainly making you giggle as he stood up, taking your hand in his. People stared over at you in horror but your hands were caressing Changbins chest softly

"Does anyone else here have anything that they need to say about my girl?" He turned his attention to the group who all turned to look at their laps and Changbin smirked.

"I'll come and help you get dressed." He suggested as you slowly made your way through the crowd and back toward the stage door.

"Do you think I need help?" You asked in a teasing tone only for Changbin to grab your ass softly and squeeze.

"Maybe." He winks dragging you toward the backstage door.

"Out." He growled at the people who were back there who quickly scampered out of the room leaving you both alone.

"So you'll be King and I'm queen?" You questioned, running your hands over your bralette and smirking as Changbin's eyes never left you.

"Whatever you want princess, it's yours." He promised as he slowly stalked toward you, but you shoved him down onto the sofa that was inside the changing rooms and smirked at him.

"I want you, I always wanted you." You breathed out, slowly sinking to your knees in front of him. You palmed his coc through his pants, feeling him strain against the material as he let out a disgruntled groan from how slow you were going.

"Princess. I need you, you don't have to do this," He whined as you slowly began to pull him free from his pants until he was naked in front of you, your mouth watering at the sight of him. You'd wondered how big he was before and nothing you'd been imagining had been like this. You wrapped your palm around his cock and began to pump him slowly, rolling your wrist as you circled the tip at a slow and steady pace,

"F-Fuck, princess." He groaned out, rolling his hips up to get you to move a little face as he greedily searched for more from you.

"Patience, Binnie." You giggled before running your tongue along the tip of his cock before you moved to wrap your mouth around him. Your tongue swirled along the underside of his length, tracing the veins as you slowly lowered your head. Your eyes shut as you bobbed your head, trying to take as much of him as you could at a steady pace.

"Shit princess, you're so good at that," He moans out loudly, your hand moved to cup his balls squeezing them teasingly between your fingers up he grunts loudly.

"Shitting hell," His hands gripped the sofa cushions as he tried to list baseball players in his head preventing him from finishing too soon.

"S-Stop, I'm too close," He moans out, you slowly pull away from him and giggle a little.

"You don't want to cum?"

"Not in your mouth." He growled before dragging you onto his lap, kissing you hungrily while wrapping his arms around your waist and dragging you closer to him.

"You're going to be the death of me." He moans out against your lips, your hips grinding against him as he practically rips the leather skirt off you.

"I'm on the shot, please Binnie." You didn't care how desperate you sounded as you watched Changbin line himself up with you before pushing inside of you, filling you to the hilt.

"F-Fuck, Binnie you're so big." You cry out, your eyes screwed shut as you clutched onto him trying to adjust to him. It was only a few seconds before he gripped your hips and slammed into you again and again, his cock driving into you and hitting that one spot that made your toes curl.

"Just like that!" You cried out, your hands dragging down his bag as you searched for anything to cling onto. You held onto him as your head rolled back in ecstasy, the pressure inside of you building as it hit near breaking point.

"C-Changbin!" You cried out, grinding your clit against him on every stroke of his cock,

"Good girl," Changbin groans, biting down on your nipple as your skin is covered in goosebumps.

"Look at the mess you're making, princess," He grunts as he looks down between you, his thrusting getting rougher each time.

"Maybe I should make you lick it clean while I fuck you," He moans out, your hips circling as you cried out his name. Your orgasm slams into you making your back arch from the sofa. 

Within a couple of seconds, you were on the floor though, on your knees in front of the sofa with Changbin behind you, pushing into you as you cry out his name again clutching onto the sofa in front of you.

"Good girl," He groaned, running hands down your back as he gripped your hips tightly and began to pound into you. Your mind felt as though it was blank as he continued to fuck into you, completely knocking the air out of your lungs.

"Do you want everyone to hear how much you love being fucked?" He moans out reaching in front of you and pinching your clit sending you over the deep end again as you screamed his name out, cumming around him as you heard him grunt a little until his hips came to a slow stop.

"Fuck, you're so perfect," He moans out, kissing your shoulders softly as you both lay there sweaty and panting together enjoying being close.

"That sounds awful, I'm so glad you're okay." You said to Jisung's girlfriend, Who had been telling you all about how she'd been caught up in a bank job a few months back with a gun pressed against her head.

"We will date dangerous men," Hyunjin’s girl said said making you giggle, and turn your attention to the quietest one with you. It was Seungmin’s date and she’d been left with you while the guys had left to go and talk business leaving you all to gossip about them behind their backs. Seungmin’s girl had only been out with him once, meaning this was their first date and you worried it was scaring her but it seemed to fuel her more as she beamed with excitment.

"My ears are burning," Changbin chuckled as he snaked his arm around your waist and pulled you close to him, you quickly kissed his lips softly.

"All good things," You promised as he smirked down at you,

"I hope so, I hate to think of my baby girl bad-mouthing me," Chan said as he grabbed his wife from behind and kissed up and down her neck making everyone chuckle in the small circle that was forming.

"I hate you," Someone grumbled as Felix stood behind her, you'd not been introduced yet but she'd been fairly quiet since getting there.

"I hate you more, my little firecracker" Felix smirked down at her before she swatted his hands away from her.

"Muse, little muse is making a fuss, we have to go," Hyunjin said before he and his wife made an exit and you dragged Changbin onto the dance floor.

"I'm sorry about them all," He mumbled before you loved it, spending time at events with them was fun.

"I like it, it's like a mini family." You giggled, swaying with your fiancé on the dance floor.

@chiisaiblog @sw33tnight @kaitieskidmore97 @laylasbunbunny @stayconnecteed @saymyspringrain @toplinehyunjin @katnisspeetaprim @acciocriativity @just-aelia @choisoorin @straykids5star @midnightfrog625 @beccaskz @scarletemeterio @halesandy @junhannies @gothic4under4lord @lixie-phoria @soulphoenix1618 @aerastus @jin-from-the-block @lensfilm @elizaschuyler18 @piratequeen-impact @kpopsstuffs @chaeyoungs @delulu18 @xyahrinx @katsukis1wife @anthropologymajorkpopmultistan @blairscott @4-chan-inpadella @niktwazny303 @moonlight-the-writer @armystay89 @hadassahchan @yxngbxkkie @myyouthdonut @extrhotjne @ca11me3mily @elissasimp

[flurry-of-stars]

𝐹𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻, 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹

𝒫𝒶𝒾𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔: Idol! Nikolai x Idol! Reader

𝒢𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒

Idol AU, pre-established relationship, secret relationship

⚠️ 18+, mature content ⚠️ Jealousy, smut with plot, public groping, cunnilingus, fingering, grinding, unprotected sex, praise, pet names, dom/sub undertones.

𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎: A chuckle rumbles in his throat as his fingertips trail further up your arm, towards your delicate shoulder, His hand massages it tentatively as he teasingly whispers, “So feisty~ But you know I’ve always loved that about you.” “I knew you’d get jealous~” 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒞𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉: 7.4k (𝒜/𝒩: I forgot I had this draft from April so I decided to finish it up. I had more planned for this AU but we'll see (//▽//) Fish in a Birdcage gave me a reason to write something spicy--)

𝕽𝖊𝖇𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖘 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖉 ♡

“Okay girls! Take a five minute break and then we’ll be moving on to the next routine!” The choreographer claps his hands twice before turning away, walking away from the stage.

Your eyes trail him as he disappears past the crew preparing everything for tomorrow night and towards your manager. You sit down, wiping rolling sweat off your forehead as your fellow Everglow Angelics idols also sit down. You hear one whine, “My feet are killing me. We’ve been going at this since five in the morning!” You identify the voice as Makayla’s without even looking over at her. She was the youngest of the group. “I didn’t even eat anything before I left my apartment,” another whines as she lays on the stage. “Do you think we can get away with getting delivery?” “Unless you want to piss off Simon again, I suggest you don’t Cecilia.” A fellow idol warns as she walks around, passing everyone water bottles. You crack the cap on yours, the cool drink refreshing you as the conversation goes on, “We only have a few more routines left, then we can head out for the day.” “You forgot Nadia, they also want to do a full dress rehearsal,” Makayla says without looking over. “And we have to sit through the boy's routine too.” Cecilia scoffs as she fights with the cap on her bottle, “Like seriously? We won’t even be here after they usher us off stage.” “I thought it was just to decide who’s being partnered with who?” You inquire. Cecilia sighs and shrugs. “Apparently not,” she grumbles. She turns her attention to Nadia again, whining again, “What if we get delivery from that seafood place? The one that just opened up on the other side of town?”

“Lydia’s allergic to shellfish,” Nadia replies calmly, wiping her forehead with her sleeve. Lydia silently nods as she rubs her shoulder. She always was the quietest of the group. She flashes Cecilia a teasing look, “And besides, we all know you’d never order seafood.” “What! Yes I would--!” As the conversation goes on, your gaze drifts towards Simon, your manager, dressed in an expensive grey suit, and the choreographer. You see another man walking up to them.

You recognise him instantly as one of the idols from the male group. Eli. You narrow your eyes, trying to read his lips. But alas, that was a talent you’d yet to perfect. Simon nods a few times, though you notice the way his brow furrows in irritation.

Whatever Eli asked about, Simon wasn’t happy about it, raising a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. But he seems to get his way as he leaves with a grin. You’re about to follow him with your gaze but you see Simon getting closer to the stage, a large smile that doesn’t reach his eyes plastered all over his face. You whisper to the girls, grabbing their attention. “Ladies, may I have your attention for a moment.” He calls in a loud voice. Though you and your fellow idols wince, you put those acting classes to good use.

Sweet smiles adorn each of your faces as you share glances of ‘Oh god, here we go’ with each other. His feigned smile tugs slightly, as if adjusting itself back into place. He continues, “Due to some complications with your fellow idol group, we’re going to decide the pairings for tomorrow night now.”

As Simon says this, footsteps echo on the stagefloor, causing you to look back. Joining you onstage as expected is the male idol group Simon also manages. “So let’s deal with this quickly so you lovely ladies can get back to work, alright?” He grins wide for a moment, but it swiftly drops as he steps back, his hand cupping and running over his chin.

You stand up, your heart fluttering a little as you roll the water bottle between your hands.

You hear him pairing off the others first; Makayla with Eli is the first pairing you hear. You wait quietly as the other girls are paired off, your heart fluttering as you realize who you’re going to be paired with. “And that just leaves—” You squeak in surprise as your wrist is grabbed, hand lifted as you’re spun, your water bottle slipping out of your hand. Then you’re dipped. Heat rushes to your cheeks as a strong hand holds the small of your back, your heart leaping as you see an all too familiar smirk and a pair of gleaming, mismatched eyes, “—Us~” Nikolai Gogol.

The most beloved of the male idol group and the non-official leader, as dubbed by the fans. Quite frankly, you couldn’t blame them. Especially not when you had your own private box of merch hidden away at home. Even dressed in simple clothes, as he was now, you could feel yourself swooning. Or maybe that was just because his black shirt was so tight, you could see his muscles through it-- He tugs you back up into a standing position, his hand practically gluing itself to your waist as the other girls giggle. You swallow slowly, trying to calm down.

After all, there wasn’t anything wrong with how you were being held. Your heart pounds like a drum in your chest as you hear Simon continuing to talk as he walks the length of the stage, “—So for this concert, Eli,I want you to pick Makayla up—” You lose focus on the discussion, a hushed sound escaping you as you feel Nikolai’s hand slyly grope your ass for a split second. You huff under your breath, “Kolya, behave.”

“What~? I didn’t do anything,” he replies in a quiet tone. God, that accent of his made your knees shiver instantly. His hand finds its way back to your waist, tugging you closer. You whine, feeling the heat of his body against yours. Simon is still discussing plans for the concert with Eli and Makayla when you feel his hand sliding under your skirt this time for a fraction of a second. The tease. “Nikolai,” you sternly whisper, earning a cheeky giggle in return. His hand moves with the speed of a snake, latching itself back onto your waist. It feels like there’s a fire forming in your cheeks as your grumble, “Are you trying to get us caught? If Simon sees us—” “He won’t, songbird,” he whispers to you, his warm breath caressing the lobe of your ear. His hand caresses your waist a little too intimately as he places a swift kiss on your ear. It's fast, soft...teasing. “I don’t want to risk it even slightly,” you grumble, your body trembling under Nikolai’s touch. You chew on your bottom lip, watching as Simon begins talking to Nadia and her partner for the concert.

“You saw how he reacted when that delivery guy so much as flirted with Cecilia. Could you imagine if he found out about us?” Nikolai snickers, teasing you with each caress to your waist, “He isn’t going to catch us, songbird. I know what I’m doing.” His hand dips to your hip, giving it a squeeze, You whimper as your heart leaps. You can practically feel it throbbing against your ribcage.

“Don’t fly too close to the sun, Icarus,” you tease, voice slightly stern as it trembles slightly. You feel his fingers fiddling with the hem of your skirt, almost as if he’s contemplating teasing you further, another deep, throaty chuckle escaping him. “Then tell me you don’t want me to touch you like this,” he purrs teasingly. You can feel his eyes gleaming as he watches you like a predator, waiting to pounce on its cornered prey.

He’s waiting to see if you give him the green light. He wants to hear you give me consent. But unfortunately, you don’t plan on granting his wish today. Sternly, you mumble, “Do not touch me intimately where our manager or the public eye can see.” You huff, feeling his large hand pause on your waist. You hear him clicking his tongue a few times.

Then, as another chuckle escapes him, his hand returns to your waist, loosening its grip slightly. “Your wish is my command, songbird~” You frown. Why does he sound so smug all of a sudden? You knew Nikolai well enough to know when he was up to something.

The only question was what. ★★★

A cascade of glittery stars and confetti explodes from over the top of the stage, the crowd erupting into a cacophonous roar of glee and applause. Beams of bright gold and white slowly change direction, from pointing at the crowd to focusing their attention to the girl group of pop idols on the stage as the last of the fog evaporates. A fresh layer of sweat runs down your forehead as the backing track ends, raising a hand to swiftly swipe it away before the cameras can catch it.

The puffy, short princess dress you wore shimmered gold under the hot stage lights, despite being made of a pure white material, the small sparkles embedded into the skirt sparkling elegantly. But even in a short dress like this, you were melting under the intense heat of the stage lights, on top of the past three hours of non-stop performing some of the most intense dance routines your group had learnt while still being expected to sing in an unwavering voice.

You look at the other four girls with you, all wearing similar styles of Princess dresses, just in different colors. They all looked just as exhausted as you. There was just one more part of the show to go. It was the part of the show a majority of the fans were waiting for. It was one of the biggest reasons why so many of your fans were always so desperate to get their hands on tickets, even if it meant paying resellers thousands.

Someone from backstage begins handing you the glittery microphones to pass down the line, which you do so with practiced ease. The idol on the far end, Nadia, is dressed in a longer, lilac colored dress. She speaks up, her voice warm and sweet. “Is everyone having a great night?” She asks sweetly, holding her microphone up to the crowd. A wave of noise erupts back at her, a sea of glow sticks of each of their member's corresponding colors going up. She smiles, teasingly speaking into the microphone, “I can’t hear you~!” You grimace, keeping a forced smile on your face as the crowd's screams grow louder. You can hear chants for your name and the other idol’s names in there as well. Even a few ‘I love you’s’. The squeals were the ones that split through your skull the worst.

You can already feel your head thumping as the idol in the middle, Makayla, in her sleeveless dress in pink, steps forward. “We’re so happy you all enjoyed our show! We genuinely cannot thank you enough for coming out just to see us tonight!”

“But it’s getting late,” Lydia, the idol to her left speaks up, sounding more downcast. Her light blue dress has the longest sleeves and skirt. With every move she makes, she shimmers faintly. “So it’s time for us to bid you adieu!” The idol beside you, Cecilia, chimes in, sounding much more upbeat and cheerful in her pale yellow dress. Her hands and neck are adorned with jewels that shimmer and sparkle, almost blinding you as you look at her. You can feel your heart pounding as you smile out at the wild crowd. You notice every glow stick that’s shining white in the crowd as though they would be your own personal beacons, calling out just for you, screaming their support with each waggle and wave.

You take a deep breath. Your words would be the cue for the tech guys. Smiling widely, you speak happily into the microphone as you and the other girls prepare to wave to your beloved fans, “We love you all and can’t wait to see you again--!” Just like that, the stage lights go out. Your idol group begin acting panicked, each one speaking over the other as you hear the excitement growing in the crowd, notice how much more frantic the glow stick waves have become.

You hear heavier footsteps rushing onto the stage as your group's frantic words grow. “Wha--!” “Watch the dress--!!” “Where are you putting those hands--!!” It was all part of the performance. The fans were exhilarated. You could hear their loud, excited screams and cheers already, and even saw a few fans bouncing up and down in place out of sheer excitement of what was about to happen. As you feel a gloved hand snake around your waist as planned, your heart flutters as you continue putting up a fake fight, faking your annoyance until the lights come back on at the call of one of the other girls. When your eyes meet the male idol that has your wrist, you quickly realise he isn’t the man you were expecting. You blink, looking up at the debonair idol before you hear an all too familiar chuckle behind you. You turn to see Nikolai, the one you were expecting to be holding you. Except he’s holding Makayla. Almost cradling her in his arms. Your throat grows tight instantly as your heart squeezes, as though a boa constrictor would be coiling around it. His outfit was flashy and loud, despite the outfit only consisting of shades of black and white. Anytime the stage lights touched him, numerous parts of his outfit would twinkle and sparkle, from the rhinestones above his eyes and along his little top hat to the stars decorating the inner fabric of his elegant, checkered patterned overcoat. It billows behind him as he holds up your fellow idol, a charming smirk on his face. The crowd explodes in loud cheers and cries. Glowsticks turn from the colors of your idol group to the color of theirs.

The vast crowd screams the names of the male idols, many jumping as they scream. Others shaking their glowsticks so aggressively you’re almost expecting them to go airborne and knock someone out.

For many fans in the crowd, this was the whole reason they came to this show to begin with. You watch as he continues holding your fellow idol, taking her microphone from her as he speaks into it. When he speaks, his Ukrainian accent is smooth like melted butter, making a shiver run down your spine, “Quiz time~! Is it time for the party to end, dear audience?” He holds the microphone towards the crowd, earning varying degrees of response. Screams of no in varying degrees, along with many, many fans screaming their love as if this would be their last chance to do it. You wonder for a brief moment how they’re still able to scream after doing it for three hours straight when the voice of the idol with braided white locks breaks you from your thoughts. “Correct answers~! In fact, I think we’re just getting started!~ Riiiight~?” His mismatched eyes gaze at the other male idols, never once grazing your form. You feel your heart squeeze more as the other male idols cheer in agreement, much to his delight.

His smirk grows and you swear, you see his hand caressing the waist of the idol girl in pink. “Then I say we send these gorgeous ladies on their way and we continue the show~! Come along now, shoo, all of you~!” You gasp as the idol holding your wrist begins gently tugging you towards the curtain. You can hear the others creating a scene, as was expected, telling you and the other girls to head home for the night as your fellow idols whined and resisted. But you couldn’t find it in your heart to perform right now. Not when you’d just witnessed Nikolai holding another woman, regardless if it was an act or not. Once your group has been shooed backstage, pushed away with a few playful teases tossed in for good measure, you hug yourself gently as you walk to the dressing room, frowning deeply as the scene plays over and over in your mind.

The way he picked her up. How he held her. The position of his hand on her waist. The next track starts, the music booming off the walls, thumping loudly in your mind. But your mind was only focused on one thing right now.

You look up, noticing the other idols talking between each other, complaining of their exhaustion.

It isn’t a big deal, you try and tell yourself. It’s all part of the allure of the act. It’s what made rumours spread and caused the names of both idol groups to constantly be front page news every week. You were just taking things too personally.

And yet the more you dwell on it, the heavier your heart grows. Taking a few quick steps, you catch up to the others. “Makayla, can I ask you something?” The woman in the pink Princess dress looks up, smiling warmly as she stops in her tracks. You notice the exhaustion in her smile however, so you decide to cut to the chase, “Eli was suppose to pick you up on stage, wasn’t he?” Makayla looks at you curiously, her hands delicately working on taking her hair down from the intricate way it had been styled, “Yeah, he was. I’m not sure what happened but it’s not a big deal. Nikolai picked me up with no trouble at all.” She sounds genuinely astonished. “I had no idea he was that strong until tonight.” You swallow, feeling a lump forming in your throat. Nadia steps forward, a small grin on her face, “Oooh did you get to touch his muscles, Myka?” Makayla giggles, “He was holding me like a Princess, Nadia. It was hard not to!” The ladies giggle amongst themselves before she gives a sigh. No one has noticed that you haven’t spoken in these past few minutes, “It’s a shame our manager gave us that strict no dating rule. I would ask him out in a flash.” “It sounds to me more like you’d ask him straight into your bed,” Nadia replies teasingly, causing both women to start laughing again. That constricting feeling around your heart grows. You feel each painful thump your heart makes as you try to keep calm, your throat feeling so painfully dry. Excusing yourself with a sweet smile, you run to your dressing room before it gets too much. It didn’t mean anything. It was all part of the performance. It was just an act.

So then why did you feel like crying? ★★★

You slump onto the sofa in your townhouse, huffing as you lick a freezing blob of your favourite ice cream off the spoon. Some old rerun for a show is playing on the television but you’re not paying attention to it. It’s been a few days since your last onstage performance. You and the other idols were on break for the next few days before you would be heading to France for a special photo shoot in Paris.

A well known fashion designer wanted you and your fellow idols to wear her latest designs for her in her upcoming fashion show, so she was bringing you to Paris for the next week on an all-expenses paid trip. You were looking forward to it, as much as you could at least. Your heart twists in your chest everytime you look at your phone screen and notice Nikolai still hasn’t messaged you.

Your heart twists painfully as you toss your phone aside, grabbing the tub of ice cream, and devouring a few more scoops with a heavy sigh. Whatever. You didn’t need him. You should’ve known he was just treating you like an easy fling. It was really your fault for-- The phone chimes happily. You practically toss the tub of half eaten ice cream aside, diving for it. Your heart flutters with excitement...before that excitement is stomped on like a roach. It was one of the other idols messaging you. Cecilia [6:05pm]: Heyyy, do u think u can help me with smth? Cecilia [6:06pm]: Can u resend me that email our manager sent us all last week? Cecilia [6:07pm]: U know, the 1 with our schedules 4 our Paris trip? Cecilia [6:08pm]: I mstve accidently deleted it. I wuld be soooo g8ful if u sent it 2 me! ♡ You sigh, flopping your face into the plump couch cushion. Of course it wasn’t Nikolai. Stupid you for getting your hopes up like that. You groan loudly into the cushion before lifting your head, typing back. Me [6:10pm]: Sure C. I’ll send it ASAP. Cecilia [6:11pm]: Ur the literal best! I’ll buy u something while we’re in Paris to ty! Cecilia [6:12pm]: Wine? Macaroons? Watever u want, just name it n I’ll get it!!! There's a brief flicker of warmth in your heart as you smile at your phone. You drop it, leaving it on the sofa as you begin making your way upstairs to your study. It was modest, mostly because most of the shelves were empty aside from a few random books you read as a teenager and a few candles and other random ornaments you received as gifts from family members who didn’t know what to get you. You still had the same desktop computer you used as a teenager too. It was slow but until it loaded its last webpage, you’d keep using it. The door creaks as you open it.

Hopefully, you’d saved the file she was talking about into your important folder. Your hand reaches out, gliding across the light switch when a hand suddenly grasps your own, tugging you close. You cry out in surprise, your heart lunging into your throat as Nikolai pulls you in, his hand squeezes yours while the other finds its way around your waist.

He pulls you close. Very close, so that your bodies are touching, “Finally,” he chuckles, his hand moving to caress your wrist. “I wondered when you’d head upstairs.”

You’re frozen for a moment. When did he…? He must’ve used his key to sneak in while you were in the shower earlier! As you calm down, your brain finally catches up.

Then you try and pull away from him, huffing, “You’re lucky I didn’t punch you for startling me!” You can feel that constricting pain rising in your chest as you try to pull away from him. But he doesn’t let you go. A chuckle rumbles in his throat as his fingertips trail further up your arm, towards your delicate shoulder. His hand massages it tentatively as he teasingly whispers, “So feisty~ But you know I’ve always loved that about you.” He leans in, his warm breath caressing the side of your delicate neck.

A shiver that you try to deny runs down your spine as he whispers against your rapidly beating pulse. He smirks at you as he leans up, whispering directly into your ear. His words make that imaginary dagger in your chest twist in deeper, “I knew you’d get jealous~ But you can’t be mad at me; I was just doing as you told me~” Your face becomes hotter instantly. You grunt as you try and push him away, but Nikolai still doesn’t let you create any distance between you two, “What nonsense are you rattling on about?” You reply, scoffing at him.

You hated the fact that he could read you like a book sometimes. You hear him chuckle again as he places a fleeting kiss on your earlobe. “Oh, I know you know what I’m talking about.” His voice rumbles in his throat like a deep purr. His hand moves from your shoulder to the back of your neck, your chest pressing flush with his.

You can feel his heart beating against your own as he continues teasing, “I saw the way you grimaced on stage when the lights came back on and I wasn’t the one holding you. You know...” “...When you saw me holding that girl up~ ” Your heart squeezes again. You scoff, sounding more furious as he finally lets you push him away, “No I didn’t. You’re just making things up.” You walk away from him, heading over to your computer. You don’t sit down yet as you boot up the system, waiting for the old device to switch on. Your mind reels back to that moment in the night when for just a second his arm had wrapped around the waist of Makayla. The way his hand tightened around her before the performance continued and you were all ushered off that stage.

But that’s all it was. Part of the act. None of it was serious. It wasn't part of the routine but there was always a possibility that plans were changed. And yet you knew that touch had never happened before with any other fan or fellow idol. Nikolai was touchy but there were boundaries in place. Boundaries that he rarely pushed, unless intending to tease you. He was always respectful of any boundaries you put in place.

Which meant– You jump as the computer suddenly blares to life, the welcome page popping up. As you’re typing in your password, you gasp as you feel a pair of strong hands caressing your sides, sliding under your blouse to touch your delicate, sensitive skin.

You bite your lip as you feel the warmth of his body as he presses up against you, your fingers gliding across the keyboard as you focus on what you’re doing.

“You don’t have to hide it,” he cooed against your back, his hands trailing to your hips. “I think you’re quite adorable when you get jealous like this~” His hands slide further under your blouse, his firm fingers caressing your soft stomach as you whine, hands trembling on your keyboard. “K-Kolya, I’m trying to do something here,” you grumble, trying to focus. His fingertips slide under the bottom of your bra, finally earning a soft moan from you. With a devilish smirk, he begins gently teasing your nipples, shushing you softly. “You’ve been working so hard all week.” He leans in, his warm breath caressing your ear as you writhe faintly in his touch. “Why don’t you let me help you relax and take your mind off that Matilda girl, hm~?” Nikolai calling Makayla the wrong name made you feel a bit better. You groan as he gropes your breasts with more intent now, his large hand caressing and squeezing eagerly, his thumbs fondly brushing against your hardening nipples.

Your back arches into him as you pull away from the computer. But within a second, one of his hands moves to your upper back, pushing down. “Stay.” His hand caresses your back and breast, both trailing down to your hips. His hands begin to move further down your body, causing your legs to part the slightest. A deep chuckle rumbles in his throat as he sees your body reacting on its own as a smooth purr escapes him, “Good girl…” His hands slide your skintight shorts down. A satisfied noise escapes him as he notices the panties you’re wearing, “Aww baby…you’re mad at me but still wearing the panties I got you for our anniversary~? How precious~” “I didn’t wear them for–” Before you can finish giving him sass, you gasp as he gently smacks you on the ass. You cry out, more in surprise than pain as he clicks his tongue disapprovingly. “Now, now. There’s no need to lie, baby.” He coos softly, one of his hands snaking around to your stomach. His hand slips into your pretty white lace panties, brushing against your slit.

You lift your head, moaning again as it dips further in, his fingers stroking and rubbing against the delicate flesh as you squirm softly. His voice is an amused, yet near predatorial purr. “So be honest with me, yeah? You were jealous of that girl–” His fingers caress your growing wetness even more intensively now as one digit moves to rub your clit. You give a small, high-pitched cry as you lean over your desk more, your hands finding purchase wherever they can.

Your hips wiggle softly as he grasps your hip with his free hand, holding you steady. “--Jealous that I touched her waist like that. What did your pretty mind think, hm? What sort of wild things ran through your imagination?” “K-Kolya…” You breathlessly whisper as you try to think straight. Heat begins pooling in your stomach as you can feel your body getting hot and needy. "Come on, my pretty little songbird." He purrs against your throat, his tongue darting out, running along your madly beating pulse. Your breathing grows heavier as his slow caresses grow just a touch rougher, prompting more whines from you, "If you want me to keep going, you have to tell me the truth." You whimper, hands clutching at your desk, eyes closing in a desperate attempt to keep the truth in. But all it takes is one caress, faster than the rest to make you gasp, "Y-yes! Yes, yes, y-you're right!" "Say the words, songbird~" He teases, his finger rubbing at your clit to give you the incentive you need. "I-I was jealous! J-jealous of Makayla!" You blurt out, your legs squirming slightly as you whine needily. “Good girl, oh so good girl, fuck baby, you’re already so wet for me,” he purrs, leaning over you to nip at your earlobe. His fingers move faster for a moment before he pulls back, suddenly dropping to his knees and encouraging you to spread your legs.

You can feel the near desperation in his touch as he suddenly pulls your panties down enough to expose your soaked cunt. Like a starved man, Nikolai wastes no time getting in close. His tongue rasps and licks hungrily at your wet pussy, making you cry out softly, your grip tightening on the desk. You can feel vibrations rolling off his tongue as he groans into your pussy, your taste and scent intoxicating him like a drug. His hands squeeze your hips, holding you still as his tongue slips into your pussy. Your back arches as you throw your head back, a moan of pleasure slipping from your lips. “Kolya!! Oh fuck!!” You cry, shaking against your desk softly. You lay your upper half back down on your desk, hips jerking back faintly to meet each thrust of his tongue as you moan and whimper against your desk as he fucks you with his tongue.

After a few thrusts, it snakes back out, his tongue flicking at your clit as one of his fingers takes its place. Your squirming grows more desperate as you near the edge of release. One of your feet lifts, shaking faintly as you try to hold on. Heat and pleasure surge through your sensitive body as you writhe, left at the mercy of the idol.

You can feel his digit thrusting, probing and spreading you open as his tongue laps at your clit. Then, suddenly, he begins sucking on it. Just like that, you feel that tight coil in your stomach releasing. You tremble as you climax, your moans echoing in your study as you give Nikolai what he is seeking. He laps every drop of your release up, savouring your sweetness like it would be a blessing from a higher power.

Pleased groans escape him as he squeezes your hip, pulling back to growl against your inner thigh, peppering it with little kisses and nips, “That’s it, that’s my good girl, god you have no idea how good you taste…”

As you pant and try to catch your breath, you push your body up slightly, opening your mouth to speak only to feel two of his wet digits slipping into your mouth. You groan, tasting yourself on his fingers as a dirty shiver runs down your spine. You obediently suck and lick his fingers clean as you hear one of his hands fumbling with his belt buckle behind you as he chuckles right into your ear, “Well…now you do~” Suddenly, a familiar jingle fills the air between heavy breathing and soft moans. Nikolai clicks his tongue, grabbing his phone. He answers it, pressing his cheek against his phone to hold it in place as he talks.

You hear the instant his belt buckle hits the floor with a satisfying thump,  “Make it quick, I’m busy with something.” His fingers slide out of your mouth, covering your mouth with his hand instead as you hear him speaking on the phone still, “Mhm…well what’s the time now…” He pauses, then replies, “It’s barely gone 6:30. I have plenty of time to finish my business here.” You groan into his palm as you feel his hard, throbbing erection rubbing against your wet slit. You close your eyes, shuddering as he teases you with his cock while speaking into the phone in an irritated tone, “The dinner isn’t till 9pm, why is it–” He gives you one hard thrust. “--such–” And another. “--a big–” This time, the tip of his cock nudges against your clit, making you whine against his palm. “--deal?” He grunts softly. You can practically hear him rolling his eyes as he pulls back, continuing to grind on you roughly. He clicks his tongue, groaning, “Fine. I’ll be there at 8.”

Before you can even think of asking, you hear his phone thumping softly against your desk before he grabs you by the hips, yanking you back. You shudder as his hand slips from your mouth, grasping your hip tightly, his nails digging into tender flesh as he sits back on your office chair, the plush cushion making a soft sound as he sits back, making you straddle his lap, his hard cock poking between your thighs. He pulls you in, back pressed flush against his chest as he breaths against your fluttering pulse, “You heard that, baby. I can’t stay and play with you for as long as I wanted to.” His hands run up and down your hips, squeezing your waist, his nails caressing your soft tummy as you whimper. He presses a heated kiss against your neck as he purrs into your ear, “So let’s enjoy each other, yeah~?”

He bites into your neck as he lines himself up with your entrance, slipping in with one fast thrust. The moan that escapes you is louder than you intended it to be. You feel his hands squeezing your waist tighter, a low growl of pleasure escaping him as he quickly nips at your tender neck, a shivering groan escaping him as he hisses against your neck, “Fuck…yesss. Just like that, my little songbird. God, you take me so fucking well..” He places swift nips and kisses along your neck as you whine, your hips finally starting to move as you realise Nikolai isn’t going to take action.

You lift your head, moaning softly as you feel his hands moving back up your body as if worshipping every inch of your skin with his touch and mouth. They slide under your blouse, back under your bra. He squeezes your breasts roughly, pulling you tight against him. You lean your head back, resting it gently against him as you ride him. The leather squeaks softly, the chair rattling a little as Nikolai’s grunts and groans fill your ear. His warm tongue slides against her neck, moving up to your ear, where he nibbles on your earlobe, his hands squeezing your breasts like they’re his personal stress relievers.

Pleasure floods every single one of your senses as you feel sweat starting to bead on your brows as carnal desire fills your veins. You can hear Nikolai huffing, groaning as he keeps ghosting nibbling bites and sensual licks along your ear and neck, his teeth tugging your earlobe as his fingers twist and pinch your nipples.

A strangled moan escapes you, his sudden actions making you rock a little harder on his cock, desperate and hungry for more of him. You whine as you feel his lips kissing the corner of your mouth as he whispers in a low voice. “Oh my~ Is someone feeling a little needy, are they~?” You gasp at how swiftly his hands move across your body, one snatching a handful of hair with its tight grasp, the other grabbing your hip, stopping your movements.

He chuckles darkly, lust dripping off his voice as he whispers, “Let me help you, my little love~” In one swift movement, you're pressed back against your desk, chest flush with the hard timber as you feel your boyfriend taking control. You cry out at the sudden, ravenous tempo he sets, his hips slapping against yours with reckless abandon. If you were hungry for more, then Nikolai was starving. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills your office as he keeps a firm grip on your hair, tugging your head back just enough to press his lips to yours in a searing, dominating kiss.

His tongue slips inside your mouth as you moan, his tongue swirling against yours as he slams into you animalistically, causing you to almost sob into his mouth. His cock thrusts deep into you, each thrust sending jolts of intense pleasure through every part of your body. You’re panting heavily as he breaks the kiss, your heavy, hot breaths intermingling as he lets go of your hair at last.

He pulls back, hands splaying across your lower back before they grab on tight to your hips. He grunts loudly, holding you firmly as your desk begins to shake and rattle, sending items toppling to the floor as you cling on for dear life. “K-Kolya!! Kolya!!” You cry out, panting heavily. Drunk on pleasure and reaching your tipping point, you frantically gasp, “G-gonna cum!! G-gonna–!” A deep chuckle rumbles in Nikolai’s throat as his hand snakes between your legs, taking the chance to quickly massage your clit roughly, yet quite sloppily, making you scream at how suddenly it happens. Intense waves of pleasure crash over you, your knees quaking as Nikolai’s hips jerk and stutter for just a moment as your cunt clenches around him, squeezing him tightly, tipping him over the edge at the same moment as you. He spills into you as breathless gasps escape both of you, your heavy inhales and exhales filling the room now as your lustful dance reaches its climax.

You lay against the desk for a few moments, trying to compose yourself as your knees threaten to give out. Before they can, you feel Nikolai helping you up, making you sit on your office chair. You would have to clean the mess, but for now, you focus on catching your breath. You can feel Nikolai nuzzling your hair as he murmurs, “Fuck baby…it’s been too long…” “You did that…on purpose…” You finally pant. Nikolai raises an amused brow as he listens to you, “You took Eli’s place...just so you could make me jealous...” A low purr of amusement escapes Nikolai as he keeps nuzzling your hair, breathing in your sweet perfume as he whispers in a teasing voice, “What do you mean, songbird? I was just following your request to not touch you in front of people~” His hand runs through your soft locks, running down so his fingertips can caress your back. You shiver as he pulls back, cackling softly. He leans towards your desk, opening the drawer with a soft sigh. He grabs a few tissues to clean himself up, passing a few to you as he speaks in a slightly annoyed tone, “I’d hoped we could enjoy ourselves for the entire night but–” “--There’s a dinner Simon wants you to attend,” you nod as you stand, cleaning away the mess on your chair. “It doesn’t start till 9 pm but he wants you there at 8.”

You pause as you finish cleaning. You toss the used tissue into the bin under your desk as Nikolai begins fixing his appearance. “Is it important?” A low hum escapes Nikolai as he fixes his ruffled shirt once he buckles his belt back up. His tone is more carefree now, despite how annoyed he is at having his evening interrupted, “It’s likely a publicity stunt. You know that one up-and-coming actress? The one that everyone's talking about?"

You grimace; you already knew where this was going. You nod, causing Nikolai to run a hair through his messy fringe, his hands elegantly freeing his hair from its braid, his snow white locks cascading over his shoulder loosely...Fuck. Even that was hot. He continues speaking as he grabs your comb from your desk drawer, “Well…the boss wants us to be friendly with her. Or, rather…he wants me to be friendly with her.” He combs through his fringe, tidying it up before moving on to his braid. “You know how it is–” “So he says none of us are allowed to date publicly, but he’ll throw you at any female idol or actress when it benefits him,” you bitterly reply as you get dressed. You hear your comb hit your desk as Nikolai approaches you, his hand reaching out to cup your cheek, his loose braid falling apart momentarily. “Songbird, you know this is all part of the job.” His mismatched eyes gleam with an apology unspoken. He tugs you closer, embracing you tightly.

Your arms snake around him as he hugs you close to his body, his hands caressing your back as he murmurs, “It’s all just business. If we’re seen with someone like her, our names and faces will be everywhere. We’ll be the talk of the city. Brand deals, more modelling opportunities.” You grumble into his chest, “I think your group has already made it far enough without needing to cosy up to some big shot actress…” You feel Nikolai’s body shudder against yours, a groan escaping him as he squeezes you tighter. His breath is hot on your earlobe as he whispers in a raspy voice. “Fuck baby...you know what to say to get me all riled up again…” He breathes heavily in your ear and you know it’s taking his all to not bend you over your desk again and fuck you until you’re nothing but a sobbing mess beneath his hands. Taking a deep inhale, Nikolai pulls away from you. Then he presses his fingertip to your nose, catching you by surprise. He flashes you a grin. A warm, affectionate grin, “But I assure you, this is just business, so don’t go getting your panties in a twist~” You huff, trying to swat his hand away but he pulls back quickly, cackling softly. You tug your shorts back up, fitting them back into place, nose held slightly high, “You owe me for this.” As he opens his mouth to speak, you interrupt him as your arms cross over your chest, “And I don’t mean sex or gifts or a vacation overseas.” His gaze turns more curious, more serious as he studies your features. His grin becomes a curious smile as he tilts his head at you, humming curiously, “Then what does my little songbird desire?” You’re quiet for a long while, hesitating to ask for what you truly want. You squirm in place, fiddling with your fingers. A faint heat rises in your cheeks as you reply, “I want to go on a proper date.” His mismatched eyes widen, then slowly soften as he sighs a little, “Songbird, you know we can’t be seen—” “Please.” Your sudden plea makes him pause in his tracks. His eyes stare into your own, watching as yours tremble. You’re begging with him, pleading for him not to say no, “I know we can’t be seen in public. I know we’d be risking our careers but—”

You gasp as he suddenly places a finger over your lips, gently silencing you. He leans down, bringing his voice to a soft whisper, his beautiful emerald and sapphire eyes gazing into the depths of yours, “I’ll figure something out, okay?” He stands back up straight, his hands moving back to swiftly braid his hair back up, “But I really do need to go, songbird.” You pout a little, watching as he prepares to head out for the night. Before he can, you reach out, grabbing his arm. He blinks, looking back at you as you lean up, giving him a parting kiss on the lips. It’s quick. It’s sweet. Pure. “I love you.” You whisper. He chuckles as he reaches out, ruffling your already messy hair. “I know you do, now come on. You know what’ll happen if I keep boss man waiting.” He pats your head a few more times before he slips out of your study, disappearing into the night. You frown a little as you watch him leave, lifting a hand to bite your nails anxiously.

You weren’t okay with what your manager had planned for your boyfriend tonight, but at the end of the day, you knew there was nothing you could do about it.

18 + divider by @/zeenmrala

Musical note divider by @/strangergraphics-archive

[landofzero-archive]

Wataru Hibiki - Two Shows

Writer: Suika

Season: Summer

Nagisa: …… It looks like I’ve arrived on site earlier than expected. 

…… It seems the job Hiyori-kun and Jun were at before this got prolonged, and Ibara is probably still in the middle of a meeting.

…… It might be okay to go to the filming location early…… Hm?

…… To think that there would be a crowd in front of a train station like this. I wonder if there’s some sort of event happening.

Wataru: Now now, please pay attention to my hand……☆

Nagisa: (...... This voice is-)

Wataru: One, Two, Amazing! A bouquet of flowers appeared from out of nowhere!

Nagisa: (…… It really is Wataru-kun. A splendid sight as usual.)

(...... Still, I wonder why he’s doing magic tricks in a place like this.)

Wataru: Now then, following this…….

Oh my? Oh my oh my oh my……? I never thought I would meet you in a place like this!

Nagisa: ……?

Wataru: That’s right! You who just looked behind yourself! I’m talking about you!

Nagisa: …… Could it be. You’re talking about me?

Wataru: Yes. It couldn’t be anyone but you. My close friend Nagisa Ran-kun ☆

Now, please give me your hand! Let me invite you to my stage.

Nagisa: (…… The audience’s gazes are focused on me.)

(...... Their faces say that they would not have even dreamed of me accidentally being in this place.)

(...... They must think this too is a pre-planned performance being carried out.)

(...... So the moment he called out to me, I was added to the lineup of performers on this stage…… In that case.)

…… I will gladly take that hand of yours, my friend.

Wataru: Fufufu, that’s how it should be……! Everyone, please give him a magnificent round of applause!

Nagisa: (Whisper) …… Wataru-kun, why are you doing magic tricks in a place like this?

Wataru: (Whisper) Fufufu. It’s just like you to ask for the meaning of my actions instead of asking for what you should do in this situation.

(Whisper) However, you can’t do that.

(Whisper) This is already atop the stage. For the sake of the audience of are impatiently waiting, now we must act as the finest jesters ♪

Nagisa: (Whisper) …… Maybe you’re right.

(Whisper) …… What they want to see is entertainment that would excite their own hearts.

(Whisper) …… What we should do right now is to answer to the expectations of the audience, not to comprehend the doubts I hold.

Wataru: That’s right. It saves me from trouble since you’re quick to reach a conclusion, Nagisa-kun.

Now then, even though this is an improvised stage, let’s make it a fun and delightful performance……☆

Nagisa: ….. Mm. So that just as the other day, we'll show them that the audience won’t be able to avert their gaze from the two of us.

(Scene cut)

Wataru: Fufufu ♪ The stage was a great success.

Once again, thank you for taking part on the fly, Nagisa-kun. It was a really fun time☆

Nagisa; …… That’s my line.

…… Thanks to your invitation, I could have the valuable experience of being assistant to a magician.

Wataru: If it’s to your liking, what about standing on an even bigger stage next time?

As I had expected, Nagisa-kun has an aptitude for this. No, it might be more accurate to say that you’re prudent?

Even though we didn’t have any prior discussions, you quickly guessed the magic tricks I was about to perform and provided support.

It might have been a while since I was able to carry out an easy stage such as this one.

Nagisa: …… As for myself, I was just fumbling along, so I’m happy that you said that.

…… I was doing things based on what I thought you would do in those situations, Wataru-kun.

…… This isn’t the first stage I’ve been on with you, after all.

Wataru: Are you remembering “JNLC”? If I remember correctly, I did demonstrate a few magic tricks during practice.

Nagisa: …… You proceeded with today's stage based on the magic tricks you showed me at that time, didn’t you?

Wataru: Oh my, so you did notice after all.

Even so, just because you memorised the magic tricks, being able to set up the support is a different story.

Sure enough, it worked out well all thanks to Nagisa-kun’s capabilities.

Well, even that Nagisa-kun would be a little bewildered at a magic trick you’re seeing for the first time!

Nagisa: …… Mm. Naturally, I wasn’t able to perfect the magic seed that allows things to float.

Wataru: It would be a disgrace as a magician if I let it be found out so easily ☆

Even though you were on the stage as a performer, from my perspective, you’re also one of the audience members.

Nagisa: …… I see. As expected, you have your own motives, Wataru-kun.

…… This show certainly has meaning.

Wataru: Oh my, what are you talking about?

…… Just kidding, it’s pointless to play the fool when with you.

In that case, I will accept the role of the culprit. Would it be okay for you to let me hear your deductions?

Nagisa: …… As you are none other than Wataru-kun, there might be times where you will start a sudden street show.

…… However, I felt an intent from you that you were trying to prolong today’s stage somehow.

Wataru: Is that so? I was just putting on the best show so the audience that gathered would be satisfied.

Nagisa: …… From what I can see, you looked like you were waiting for something, Wataru-kun.

…… The answer lies within the seats of the audience. Because several times, your attention was directed towards a single seat.

…… It could be that child was the reason you started that stage.

…… Yes. Without a doubt it was that lost little one that was just reunited with their parents.

Wataru: Hmm. To sum it up, is that how it is?

…… I, Hibiki Wataru, found a little child who had been separated from their parents in front of the train station, and to make it so they would stop crying, I prepared this stage.

Nagisa: …… Then, by continuing to do magic tricks, a crowd would gather, and the child could be reunited with their parents.

…… As proof of that, when you had confirmed that the child had been reunited with their parents, you brought the curtain down on that stage.

Wataru: Amazing! As expected of Nagisa-kun ☆

I’m surprised that you’re able to correctly deduce the situation even though I haven’t talked to you about it all!

Surprisingly, Nagisa-kun has the makings of a detective.

Nagisa: …… I wonder. Even now, I’m inexperienced with reading the subtleties of people’s words.

…… If I had to say, I understood because it was Wataru-kun.

Wataru: Oh my oh my, you’ve said something that made me happy ♪

Now then, shall I do something to thank this Nagisa-kun who helped out with my show, and even put on a deduction show?

Nagisa: ……. I didn’t take your hand because I was expecting a reward in return.

Wataru: Now now, don’t say that. This is what is called give-and-take isn’t it?

For example…… like this.

How about spending some time with me until the time your next job starts?

Nagisa: …… So you understand. That I have too much time on my hands.

Wataru: Fufufu. That’s because I think I too understand because it’s Nagisa-kun☆

Now, I wonder where you will take me!

Or should I escort you?

…… Choose whichever, I promise you I will make it a wonderful time☆

[pumpkin-spike18]

✨Weekly Progress #31✨

Oh, hey~ I actually managed to post this 1 week in and on a Monday! :D

Weekly Progress #31

Posted devlogs

Finished 2 SYVNH TY art

Finished fan project BG sketches, got them approved

Answered comments/asks

Finished + sent proposals

Drafted SYVNH survey

Yaoi Day posts

Worked on Comms

Bug BL VN concepting

Reviewed next steps (as dev, and for specific projects)

Doodled chara ref sheet

Doujinshi planning

Stuck in a Yandere Visual Novel...HELP!!

I think my last post summarizes my work on SYVNH this week pretty well! But in case you missed it, we're working on bringing some merch to life for SYVNH! And to start that, we'll need your help in filling out our Interest Check survey!

You'll be able to get some wallpapers at the end of the survey so be sure to check it out! 😉

Future Projects

I spent a portion of this week re-evaluating my next steps as a VN/game developer and planning for future projects. I know I want to finish my current projects (BWBOK and SFB), but I was quite disorganized for the timing of when that will happen. So I did the only thing I knew how to do: schedule, schedule, and more scheduling! 😤

Goals:

BWBOK: finish for SuNoFes (9/3); admittedly the schedule for this one is a little out of my hands currently. But I will aim to finish my portions by 8/15 (hopefully).

SFB: Demo 2.0 for YuriJam (12/1); I haven't fully planned out how much of the story I'll release for 2.0 yet, but I am to finish all the sprite art this month. Afterwards, I intend to focus on finishing the last part of the story.

A long term BL project. This was what has been bouncing around my head for the past week. There are a few contenders and they're all currently untitled. The plan is to make a commercial BL game for steam in the 50k+ wordcount size. I have 3 projects within various stages the concepting to outlining phase and hopefully, I finish the outlines for at least 2 of them before the end of the month.

Fan Stuff

I've joined a few vtuber fan projects! ...Which I'm not allowed to talk about, so that's about all I can say. It's been fun so far, though!

I originally challenged myself this year to make a 20 page comic. Recently I've been reading and looking at a lot of doujinshis so... here's the outcome of my challenge: plan a small doujin. idk how much of it I'll discuss here, though...

🎃 and that's all I've got for this week! See everyone next week!

[btas-swap-au]

Zero and Loop, Together (Part 1)

[[This replaces the cutscene with Loop after beating The King in Act 2. In this case, after beating The Emperor. Subject to change cause I wrote this at midnight yesterday.]]

(Both of them don't look me in the eyes.) (…guess if anybody is going to break the silence, better be you.) 💎("So.")

(…Loop is the first to respond.) Loop: "…so?"

(…do they not get it?) 💎("So, what's our next plan of action?")

Loop: "WHAT?!" (I nearly fall off my seat in surprise.) Loop: "Gemstone, you-! You don't even want to talk about what just happened?!" Loop: "You beat THE EMPEROR! The whole thing you came here to do?! And you still looped back! Aren't you even a little-" Loop: "…urgh."

(They look away from me again. Zero, now, is the one staring.) Zero: "Subject." Zero: "Are you feeling nauseous in anyway?"

(…what?) 💎("…no?")

Zero: "Are you suffering from any headaches?" 💎("No.") Zero: "Any other forms of pain in any area at all?" 💎("No!") Zero: "Hallucinations? Bright lights? Have your ears been ringing? Nose bleeding-" 💎("I SAID I'M FINE!") Zero: "Interesting. An enraged outburst could signify-" Loop: "Oh for the Universe's sake, lay it off, you stone cold moron." Zero: "I was under the impression you were also in distress slightly about the Subject's state of psyche." Loop: "Never heard of being subtle?! Guess not! When are you ever-" 💎("Enough.")

(The two stop bickering, glaring at each other for a few moments before turning to you.) Loop: "…fine. We'll put a pin in it." 💎("So, why are you here, Zero? I thought you liked the Giving Tree Stump.") Zero: "Well, I reached a stage of understanding. I believed it was purely detrimental for me and Loop to be apart when we share such vital information together." Zero: "As much as majority of their information is wrong." Zero: "We share a similar mission and goal. It would be unwise not to collaborate despite our… differences."

Loop: "Hey, loser, you slipped up. Got tired of calling me an Anomaly?"

Zero: "Indeed. Working my way up to referring to you as: Glowing Monkey."

Loop: "Ugh. Trust me, Gemstone, there's nowhere I'd rather wish to be than away from them."

Loop: "But...we're here to help you with your loops. So that's what we have to do. Together."

Loop: "That's all there is to it." 

💎("Alright. Discussion number 2.")

💎("I'm still looping, even after beating The Emperor.")

💎("Though, it's not something I didn't expect.")

Loop: "...you...expected this?"

💎 ("Its not all that surprising, really.")

💎 ("Nothing suggested that beating The Emperor would end my loops. Just...")

💎 ("Didn't expect it to suddenly happen when I talked to the Head Housemaiden.")

Zero: "Hm. Rational, logical, and yet ever so pessimistic."

Loop: "Reminds me of someone I know. You're a bad influence."

Zero: "We're not raising a child, we're trying to help a grown adult. And to state objectively, YOU'RE a bad influence."

Loop: "...because I'm worried?" 

Zero: "Hardly. Emotions are a trait of you I respect. How you act on them irrationally...is another."

Loop: "Yeah, what about you? All about the results, all about the next step. What's wrong, too scared to stop?"

Zero: "To be quick witted is suddenly negative?"

💎 ("Can we focus, please?")

💎 ("...The Head Housemaiden said something was failing and rotting.")

Loop: "Hm. That's right."

Loop: "More than that. She said that as though she knew you were about to loop."

Loop: "I doubt she remembers like you, but she must know something else."

Loop: "Maybe you should take to her again?"

(That's something I can do.)

(Talk to the Head Housemaiden again, see what she knows. Got it.)

💎 ("There's also the matter of The Emperor.")

Loop: "Huh? What about them?"

Zero: "...you're referring to your abilities seemingly being similar to their own?"

💎 ("I can loop forwards and backwards through time...")

💎 ("...while they can suspend people a objects in time.")

Zero: "Indeed. Perhaps...I've theorised it may have something related to Crafts. A special kind. One we may not know about."

Zero: "Although, I wouldn't eliminate the possibility there's a book somewhere that holds that information."

(Search for books....the house is filled with them.)

(Anything related to controlling time.)

Zero: "And it's a risky suggestion...but..."

Zero: "I wonder. The Emperor is the only other individual we know has the power to control time. What knowledge do they posses?"

Loop: "Talking to The Emperor. I'm curious...and yet...I'm a little nervous about that."

Loop: "But I suppose it's worth trying, Gemstone!"

💎 ("I suppose that's all. I'll get to work.")

Zero: "Just a moment, Subject."

(...?)

Zero: "We have one last topic to address."

Zero: "Your companions."

Loop: "...wait, you're serious? YOU wanna talk about...them?"

Zero: "Is that so shocking?"

Loop: "Did you...go soft? Your heart finally grow three times this day?"

Zero: "Very amusing comments. I'm quite serious."

Zero: "The Rebel. She was worried about you, wasn't she? You have alerted her to something you didn't want to."

Loop: "That's right. You don't wanna open up about the loops, right Gemstone?"

💎 ("No reason to make them worry.")

Zero: "Not only that. It seemed she had something she wished to speak with you about. Perhaps you could find out what it is."

Zero: "A long list of tasks for you. Not too overwhelmed, I hope."

💎 ("...no problem.")

(Talk to the Head Housemaiden. Talk to The Emperor. Talk to Mirabelle. And find out more about what could be causing your loops.)

(Objectives, and a path set out before me. Winding, twisting. But I see it.) (…and yet…) (Something still bothers me.) (…why are they helping me?) (The two of them first appeared when my loops began.) (And their names. "Loop", "Zero" is a circle…) (They're related to your loops as well, right?) (…)

[thewritingofspencerrose]

A Grid Thanksgiving

Logan Sargeant x OC

"And that closes up this wrap up for Vegas, we'll see you all next week in Abu Dhabi," an official closes, glancing around the room for someone to take the microphone from him, Logan Sargeant of all people being the one to do so, stepping on to the stage in an unusual move.

"Uh, if the grid could stick around for just a couple minutes that'd be great," the Williams driver requests, drivers left and right sharing looks.

And they wait, the crews and principles exiting the room before Logan, now without the microphone, has everyone crowd around.

"What's up kid?" Daniel is the one to ask, one brow raised at the American driver.

"I actually was sent on a mission from the missus-"

"You have a missus?" Max asks, the idea setting in over the last few races that he may not be all that young anymore.

Logan chuckles, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck with a nod. "Yeah, I'm going to try to not take that as an insult."

"That's not what he meant," Charles corrects, waving his hand. "You just do not seem as the type to settle down young and we haven't seen any woman with you around the paddock or online."

Logan knows they're right, but that doesn't change the fact that he's tired of always experiencing these assumptions.

"Welp, for eight months now we've been married, her names Brooke, and she sent me to work today with one request."

"Which was?" Oscar questions, expecting something outside the box from the woman who somehow manages his close friend.

"If you all out be available and on location next Tuesday, we've rented a rental apartment rather than a hotel room, and she was hoping you all and your significant others may be willing to join us for Thanksgiving."

"Isn't that typically on Thursdays?" Lando asks, already knowing the answer but hoping for something more.

"It is, but with the race and everything we won't be able to make it home to be with our families, so she got her heart set on cooking a traditional thanksgiving meal for all of you," Logan explains, knowing the request may be a stretch in a lot of places. As much as they respect one another, they are also all still competitors, even if Max and Red Bull had already won. "Its just an open invite, she just really loves the concept of taking a day to appreciate what you're grateful for and keeps saying she's grateful for all of you, even though she only knows you two," He finishes explaining, gesturing to Alex and Oscar. "And none of you have to come, absolutely don't feel like you've got to."

"When will you need numbers by?" Max speaks up, giving the boy a rare grin for a competitor. "I'll have to see if Kelly and P will be traveling with me."

And Logan beams, because at the very least, at least a few drivers are considering the offer.

"Sunday or Monday, Brie isn't planning to shop for anything until Monday."

Max nods, a simple gesture to wrap up the impromptu meeting.

——————————————————————————————————

"Baby, you said to invite the grid, why are you so surprised?" Lo questions with a chuckle, making me want to throw my whisk at him/

"Because I wasn't expecting a good chunk of them to text saying yes! How does Lewis Hamilton even have my number?!"

"He asked me for it so I sent it in the driver's chat," He explains simply, taking a finished dish from my hands to the kitchen island that we set up as a buffet. "Who ended up being available?"

"Carlos, Charles and Alex, Lando, Oscar and Lily, Lewis, Max with Kelly and P, Pierre and Kika, Yuki, George and Carmen, and Alex and Lily," I list smiling brightly at how bustling this home will be in no more than half an hour. "Valterri and the Haas men texted saying they would love to come but they were going home for a beat instead of straight here," I explain, scooping the whipped topping into the bag and twisting it shut.

"Wow, half the grid, good job Baby," Lo compliments, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my temple.

"You're just lucky I didn't invite your boss just to get more baby snuggles," I can't help but jest, but he doesn't look remotely upset at the idea, smiling with a look in his eyes that I just can't place. "What's that look for?"

"You act like I wouldn't love to see you wondering around with a baby, although I'd prefer it to be ours," He admits, making my heart soar. It's before I can answer however that the doorbell rings, calling him away from a conversation we've had many times.

"Brie!" Lily exclaims as Oscar quietly follows her in, Lando following his teammate.

"Lils, it's been too long," I greet her with a hug, pulling both of the Mclaren drivers into hugs as well. "You need to come to more races, I'm always lonely."

"And what am I, chopped liver?" Kelly asks, announcing her little family's arrival, Max clapping Lo on the back as her little girl runs into my legs.

"B!"

"P! I've missed you sweetie," I coo, pulling her onto my hip and kissing her cheek, hugging Kelly and Max.

"P, what do we say to Brie and Logan?" Max prompts, smiling softly at his little girl and I.

"Thank you for inviting us to your American holiday!" She thanks, kissing my cheek before fist bumping Lo.

"I am so happy you all could come," I assure, looking around the progressively filling kitchen. "I love that we're all able to be together for one of my favorite holidays."

She smiles brightly, Max coming up to take her from me with the reasoning that I should be greeting guests as Alex and his Lily walk in, the Lily's being introduced.

And I can't help but smile around me, my heart warm as Lo joins me, wrapping me in his arms.

"Is this everything you wanted?" He asks, words whispering in my ear as he leans on my shoulder.

"Everything and more Lo, everything and more."

[laurarolla]

Before the cooperative sportsball mode in Arknights begins, let's look back on a few thoughts from the finale of Act II of the main story, "Absolved Will Be The Seekers." Also, thanks to Wis'adel, I was easily able to clear all four of the hell stages, and I can probably finally go back and clear the previous chapter hell stages and finally get those upgrade tokens I'm missing for the chapter ops.

First, I enjoyed the little moment in the middle where the Followers trio get to clown on those Confessari pricks. Love seeing those fascist bloodsuckers lose. XP

Moving on, the overarching story of why Theresa returned and her goals with the Originium Assimilation were rather interesting, especially in what we seem to have learned about Arknights possible overarching villain, Priestess. It's nice that the citizens of Victoria will no longer be abused and murdered by the Sarkaz now that Theresis and his loyal forces are off to do something else, but getting his hands on the Originium stone that sort of represents the "original sin" of the Teekaz is not a good sign for the future. Beyond that, it's somewhat unclear how much of what Theresa did in the Assimilated Universe was actually her choice. I think it was a great act of mercy and love to finally free the Myriad Souls from the Originium, granting them the freedom to truly die instead of being trapped in the stagnant tomb of Originium. Unfortunately, I think the Originium she handed to Theresis very much falls under Priestess's plans to "continue the experiment." In the end, everything seems to be progressing as she has planned.

A few nice bits about Priestess that we got to see (if we are to believe anything she said to us) include that she's not a member of the same people as the Doctor, and previously spent her time recording sounds of dying worlds. Originium is not only a way for her to show that she deserved to stand alongside Oracle as an equal, but also became a way for her to record the dying breath of each and every world if her experiment succeeds. She seems genuinely motivated out of a love for what she's seen and heard across the universe, but she can't accept the transient nature of life. Whether there's some actual intentional malevolent force she's trying to use Originium to avoid, or just straight up entropy, she's so desperate to cheat death that she sees life as a threat to her efforts. It has left her cold in her interactions with the Doctor, who has fully regained their ability to love life and accept its limited nature while seeking to improve the lives of those they meet on their journey. I theorized that the Doctor may be been manipulated or controlled by Priestess during Babel, and at this point, I'm now sure not only that they were manipulated, but that they can't be manipulated in the same way anymore. Kal'tsit also rejected Priestess, and Amiya figured out how to use the Civilight Eterna to manipulate some aspects of the Assimilated Universe. I'm interested to see how these rejections affect things later in regards to Priestess's intentions.

Looking forward to future encounters with Eblana now that she's kinda the main threat to the current Victorian hierarchy, especially since she got one of the dukes on her side. Overall, though, I think we'll get most of the important immediate follow-up for Victoria when the Siege Alter event comes in about 4 or 5 months.

Wis'adel got her name finally and I'm super happy about that. Her journey from the beginning to now has been great, although I think most of her big character development is basically complete now. It's nice to have a character get their Alter form from an event or something that has significant personal story growth, with Wis'adel and Silence probably being my favorite alter/story intersections so far. Eyja's was also quite nice.

I'm also gonna say that Civilight Eterna (Theresa's Phantom) is herself a product of the Civilight Eterna arts ability I previously theorized/observed. She was largely created through Amiya pulling memories from the past and binding them into a phantom clone that Theresa left as a kind of keepsake. Basically, she's there because both she and Amiya want her to be there, and each used the power of the King of the Sarkaz to manifest her. That's why she has actual memories and arts powers from Theresa, albeit not as strong. I also love that how Amiya created the staff was to reshape Yin Xiao into an arts staff, reforging a sword seeking vengence into a tool of healing. Very simple but very effective.

Oh, and after 300 pulls I got Nearl the Radiant Knight from the shop, and my last free pull today was Mizuki, so now I have all the Ambushers... except Kirara.

[nalyra-dreaming]

Hi Nalyra, love your blog and all your great insights on the show and the books! Years ago I read all the books up to The Vampire Armand, and I know I'll need to do a reread before any of the later books will make sense. I was wondering which books you consider "essential" for connecting to the show (and for making sense of later books)- I've already reread IWTV, and have TVL and QOTD waiting on my shelf. I vaguely recall not caring for TOTBT or MTD, so I might skip them and go straight to TVA which I remember liking too. Which others would do you think are must reads? I'm sure you've addressed this already, so a link to a previous post would be great, thanks :)

Hey!

Glad you like!

Okay, so this is my recommendation, since we are not THAT far away from the next season anymore^^ (and I don't think I've listed it like that yet^^):

Read "The Devil's Minion" chapter in QotD. The rest of the book will likely be on at a slightly later stage. But that chapter is important, and can more or less stand alone, because there are only a few things which relate to the story of the book.

Read "The Vampire Armand" next. There was an IG story back then, which had "Andrei" on it, Armand's real name. So we will likely get flashbacks (even if they're short). And also the things that... pertain to Louis and Claudia are rather important, as the BTS photos have indicated. (Also Armand's story is truly quite interesting). And of course, there is a high chance we'll get to see Marius in s2, too, soooo...

THEN read Merrick. Claudia's diary and a HUGE character reveal as well as the likely cliffhanger of s2 is in there. (Unfortunately) It is narrated by David, and Anne really managed to make him... well. David. 😬 But there is a rather important Loustat moment as well, and from Anne's notes we know she originally planned that scene with Armand(!) so that might be changed "back" in the show!

The later trilogy (Prince Lestat on) you can read later. MTD isn't really important other than something like that might have happened (already), we'll see. I mean, Rolin has stated he takes from PL, buttttttt I think the hooks for that (there are some, imho) will be revealed at a later stage. (Also, Antoine(tte) is revealed to be alive in that, but that is also a standalone chapter, if you want to read it.)

So in preparation for s2 I would go for the above.

The rest of the books are not "necessary" at this point, though of course QotD will be important at some point. And then, maybe in combination with the threat of PL and PLatRoA, but you will have enough time to catch up in-between^^.

And I think the threat of Blood Communion might be threaded through, however the Loustat arc concludes there, so I think that is where they will end up, eventually, if we get our seasons. Since their dance is from the end scene of that book, I think they foreshadowed that with it.

Have fun reading!!

(And: Don't shoot me for making you read Merrick, I know a lot hate that book^^ But I think you will know why I said it's important when you get there^^)

[yunessa]

I burn with fever. Though I don't cough often, every breathe feels as if my throat is bone dry and my nose burns even as I feel it try to deny me air. My voice is a gravelly rasp, as course as splintered wood. The surprise change of the seasons from a cold fall to an abrupt beginning of winter, combined with the hurried pace of the crusade is not a problem for those among us seasoned with Worldwound experience. I managed to keep my head held up high however, at the cost of strengthening this cold.

I can't afford to stop now however, whether it is nightmares or weaknesses of my body, I won't slow down now. Again and again, it seems as if some unknown force is halting my progress- I dream of death. Red spilling from my throat as freely as spilled wine, crushed by the earth, or poisoned by faces I thought friendly.

Horrors to describe later. But we've been forced to move faster. It's possible the demons are aware of our goal now. Letting them have Drezen would be the end of this crusade so we have moved like the wind itself and even as I write this, I can see Drezen.

So much time and blood spent to get to Drezen with haste and it looks like any other place in Mendev that's held by demons. I could see them in the dark. Galfrey was right about how few demons were there to man the fort after Kenabres. But between the Lost Chapel, Leper's Canyon, and now this, I can feel how Drezen will go. It'll be bloody and more familiar faces will be lost to death.

I don't know why I imagined something grand when it came to Drezen. Perhaps it's the lack of rest that is irritating me. But it is far more likely this illness. Sosiel was upset, and rightfully so after he heard me break into a hacking cough that stole my breath. But Regil had my back when we finalized our plans to invade Drezen at dawn. Even now Aaron Kir works to assemble what equipment we have and I am 'resting' in the short time we have left.

Staying awake hardly counts as resting when I am aggressively stabbing this paper so. But I could not manage sleep right now. There is so much to think about. So little time. It haunts me more to wonder if I can do this with minimal losses.

I know some of them will die. Perhaps a lot of them. They walk about camp in quiet whispers. Checking their arrows, fixing their armor, getting a few moments of rest as they wait. It makes it all the more important that I don't let this cold steal the last of my stamina before we finish this.

If they can stand it, then I must appear as if I could withstand more. There's no option but to keep moving forward, no matter what will be thrown at us. Once we retake Drezen then I can rest. I'm their commander.

I'm their Commander. I can't ignore reality. Many of them will die and some will die under my orders, certain what I've told them to do was right. Maybe Galfrey was wrong to appoint some cursed bard to lead this.

I don't know if it's worse knowing that they're aware. But I am their Commander. Should I rage and be blind in my fury? Should I focus on the most unattached, distant way to view this like it's dull legal text? Trust in the light?

As I write this the sky is starting to lighten. Bit by squirming bit as the sun returns. I don't feel like I'm a good commander however, I am a good bard. And every bard performs on a stage, even if that stage is a frigid battlefield.

And if all the world's a stage then we'll find a way through it. Every script can be torn up and reassembled. Let's hope I can do it as effortlessly as if this play was guaranteed to succeed.

Fair skies ahead, I hope.

-Yunessa

[lyledebeast]

Since I answered the ask about Anne Howard and had to think about her relationship with Gabriel, I also spent some time thinking about the other heterosexual couple in The Patriot. And something about the way Benjamin and Charlotte weirdly flirt reminded me of another couple, but I could not put my finger on which one until today.

Even though Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955) is my second favorite play by my second favorite American playwright, I haven't thought about it in years: a tragedy for which I am compensating now! It's set in the mid 20th C South, so prepare yourselves for some unhinged names. The story focuses on three unhappily married couples: Brick and Maggie, Goober and Mae, and Big Daddy and Big Mama, the parents of Brick and Goober (because what else could people who chose those names for their sons possibly be called?) The two young couples, and the numerous children Goober and Mae have together, have gathered at the family plantation on the Mississippi Delta to help break the news to Big Mama that her husband is dying of cancer (along with less noble motives we'll discuss later).

Inheritance of land and birth as a source of rejuvenation in the face of death are important themes in Cat as in The Patriot, but the comparison of the two highlights a third theme that is likely unintentional on Rodat/Emmerich's end: heterosexuality as industry.

Brick is the younger and favorite son, but he and Maggie have no children. It transpires over the course of the play's three acts that Goober has married Mae, a former beauty queen, and had all these children in an attempt to charm his father's affection away from Brick and inherit the estate. This plan is foiled at the end when Maggie triumphantly announces that she is carrying a child "sired by Brick out of Maggie the Cat." This line in which she compares her husband to a stud and herself to a broodmare was recalled to my mind by the "They come from good stock on their mother's/father's side" exchange between Benjamin and Charlotte. The baby in Charlotte's arms at the end of the film demonstrates that at least one of Benjamin's hopes and prayers for the new nation has come to fruition. There is new stock, even if the bloodlines are, uh . . . not so new. The baby Maggie promises carries the same hope for the future with one notable difference. It's based on a lie, and it's hardly the first one to appear in the play.

Brick is, in addition to being a former football star and an alcoholic, a deeply repressed gay man, one of the few to actually appear on stage in a Williams play. Usually, his gay characters are dead before the plays begin and yet among the most important characters in them, and this play has one of those, too! Brick's relationship with deceased fellow football player Skipper is the most important of his life and a source of deep resentment and jealousy in Maggie. When she confronted Skipper about his feelings for Brick, he attempted to prove her wrong by having sex with her, but failed. He also tried to get Brick to run away with him, but failed in that as well, and then he committed suicide: a typical cheery 1950's representation of gay life. Brick fares little better; the play ends with Maggie locking up his liquor supply to coerce him into sex so they can "make the lie true."

Cat is a scathing critique of the role lies play in heterosexual family life. Goober and Big Daddy do not love their wives any more than Brick does, instead seeing them only as a means to an end. Mae seems well-aware of this, but by God she has committed to winning away Maggie's fortune by out-breeding her, and she is going to see it through! Big Mama has performed her roles as the dutiful wife for so long she seems incapable of anything else. Big Daddy, at the end of his life, has decided to part way with "lies and mendacity," which in part means confessing to Brick how he came by his land, an inheritance not from his father but from another couple that could not have children . . . because they were both men. Perhaps he, like Brick, only married because he had something to prove.

Benjamin is already proven as a sire of seven children; why does he need to marry again? This is a question I ask each and every time I revisit, and the film fails to answer it in a way that has anything to do with Charlotte herself. When she reminds Ben that "I am not my sister," she is voicing everyone in the audience's thoughts out loud, and Ben's "I know" is not very reassuring. She seems to be in love with him from their very first scene: pinching her cheeks in the mirror when his arrival is announced, giggling like a schoolgirl when Ben's children jostle them into each other. He, on the other hand, only seems to think of her as a convenience. The only time he speaks her name are when he tells his children to go to her in the event of his death and when he delivers a voice over recap of the war's end framed as a letter addressed to her (and the children, of course). When she is not a destination for his children she is a womb provided to supply him with more!

It is hard to resist making a connection between these two stories about straight marriages brought to life by gay men, but Williams and the wives in Cat deserve better. After all, the tragedy is not simply that these men are trapped in loveless marriages but that the women are trapped with them. Maggie in particular is vastly richer and more nuanced character than Charlotte. But, if we consider who always manages to catch Benjamin's eye, who never fails to get a rise out of him, whose death brings about the end of Ben's engagement with the main plot of the story and his settling down with the mute props his wife and children have become . . . maybe Ben has something to prove after all.

[ellowynthenotking]

It's time for me to try traditionally publishing

Life is going to heck in a hand basket, so I'm going to see if I can try what I've always wanted to do and make a living off writing.

I've got quite a few projects that are in various stages of done.

And, thanks to the events outside of my control, I feel just insane enough to try to finish and publish them!

Here's the plan so far

Goals:

Make a list of agents

Make a list of agencies

Make a list of publishers

Go through my projects and identify books/projects/anything workable really

Identity project genres and come up with connections

Write good blurbs for each project

Write letters to send to agents/agencies/publishers

Send 100 letters

Receive 100 rejections or one full approval

Rough Timeline

Gather all lists components before September 14th

Have all blurbs, lists, and letters written before the end of September

Send 100 letters by December 30th

If no approvals are received by Dec 30th, make a new plan

My ultimate goal though is just to get through the situation I've landed in. This is all hopes and dreams, sure, but we'll see how it turns out.

Here's hoping.

[mareenavee]

Last Lines Tag

Hi! I was tagged by @greyborn2 and @archangelsunited to share the last lines of a few WIPS. I do have some of those!

tagging the amazing and wonderful @paraparadigm, @changelingsandothernonsense, @tallmatcha, @thana-topsy, @thequeenofthewinter, @dirty-bosmer, @gilgamish, @snippetsrus, @elfinismsarts, @rainpebble3, @rhiannon1199 and an honorary tag to @kookaburra1701 in case another WIP snuck up on you while you weren't looking (:

Without further ado, small tiny snippets below the cut! 5 active, 1 inactive, with two more collabs in planning stages and too many more of my own with plans but no words yet.

So not quite as unhinged a deal with the Daedric Prince of Unfinished WIPs as KB has going(💖), but a deal nevertheless.

(The thing about that Daedric Prince is She always wants more words, but never grants more time, sigh.)

From Chapter 29 of The World on Our Shoulders:

Teldryn carefully placed everything he carried on their desk, content to be ignored and eavesdrop. Neloth was explaining something he’d been able to puzzle out — he pointed at a rough diagram depicting a cross section of a skull and brain. Unnerving, but nothing anyone who’d studied Restoration wouldn’t have seen before. Nyenna reached out and touched his wrist without looking up from Neloth’s notes. It was a silent thanks, or perhaps a reassurance. He could see the set of her shoulders; the conversation was stressing her out in equal measure to how much it calmed Neloth.

From an Untitled (so far) Sequel to Little Dragon:

Teldryn heard the crackling of Magicka being pulled over the sound of the Familiar – soft, like embers on a log. He turned, and watched as Anisa, cheek still pressed to the bench where she sprawled, curly hair cascading down, untucked her arm from underneath herself and lazily cast Magelight with a small grumble. Shalnouada reached up and scooped the ball of light into its mouth in smooth, practiced movements. The Magelight passed through it, causing its body to glow a myriad colors, throwing glittering light across the walls and ceiling. The happy chittering of mudcrabs filled the room. Teldryn blinked in shock, then ran his palm over his face. He cast another instance of Magelight and pushed it toward the spectral crab. Its eyestalks rotated, locking onto its food source. Again, faster than anything, it scooped the magic up into its mouth, then made a contented sound as the glittering erupted and faded, just like before.

*Shalnouada = Dunmeris for River Spirit (Shaln (Spirit) + Ouada (River))

From Darkest Before the Dawn (A Varlais extra chapter):

Varlais jumped back as it expelled a stream of bile and blood. Ancarion had resummoned his Atronach, which crashed into the side of the dragon’s head with the full force and weight of its whole body. There was a sickening snap, likely somewhere in the beast’s neck. It was just a beast, after all. It had to be. Its bones still broke the same as everything else’s.

From Recurse, an upcoming Ondolemar fic for a prompt challenge:

He thought back to the revelations the odd Dwemer machine had given him. Each moment was recursive, trying to tell him something, puzzle pieces clicking into place. Things he’d forgotten, or not seen in the right frame of mind.  It could have been a blessing, had things not already been so complicated.

Untitled Sideways Sequel to World, featuring Athis:

"Think of it like this," Farkas started. He paused and tapped the edge of his fist against his forehead. Athis snorted. Farkas grinned, but squeezed his eyes closed. "We'll be founding members of a new guild, kinda, right? And I know how much you hate vampires. It'll be fun to bring a bunch of 'em down. You won't have to think about, well, all of this. We'll be too busy." Optimistic, really. Athis did appreciate it, though. He looked over at his friend and managed a half-smile. "That's the idea, Farkas," he said. Farkas nodded and grinned widely and returned to his task. "I miss Nyenna, too, though," Farkas said after a moment. "A lot, actually." He pulled a long piece of grass taught and carefully braided together another ridiculously tiny row. "I'm sorry it all fell apart like this. It wasn't fair. But I'm with you, whatever you want to do." Athis looked at his friend who pointedly did not look back up from his work. This time it was the right thing to say. He felt marginally better. Maybe just halfway not as alone as before. He sighed again. "No turning back now, I suppose," he said with a shrug. "We'll be at the fort in no time at all."

and BONUS! The last lines of my writing from a secret, untitled prompt fill collab I'm writing with @changelingsandothernonsense.

You cannot stop it no matter how you rail. No matter how hard you pull back against destiny. You scream, and once again, the sound is lost to the Heart.  And then –  She is there, her golden skin a balm in this place of terror. She approaches, gilded form languid and graceful. Unbothered by the mountain. Untempted by the heart. She is real, and she is not. You are not. And still she approaches.

[kellyscowboy]

Dancing prompts

“I can feel your heartbeat.”

Tommy x Barney

sorry for this was so late!! fic exchange, and writers block, and yk the drill lol // so sorry if this is ooc or not their dynamic?? idk running off the very little information i know abt them lol || the prompt list

Tommy had never hated a woman more than he hated Medda at that moment. Although, she was not the only one to blame for this situation. There was also David, who had off-handedly mentioned his upcoming school prom. And then there was Jack, and Racetrack, and Crutchie who thought a dance for all the newsboys would be a great idea. After all, most of the New York newsboys would never experience a prom. But hey, they were kids too! They deserved the experience just as much as an educated kid!

The plans looked dreary though. Very few of the boys knew how to dance and there really wasn't a place that would allow hundreds of newsboys in until the late hours of the night. Until, Jack had the bright idea of asking Medda. Who, of course, was overjoyed by the proposition. She quickly offered to let them use the theatre (with her there, along with the governor and Denton) and then, to top it off, suggested a dance class.

Tommy's belief in a god died the moment he heard the announcement. A couple of the boys, including himself, liked to listen in on the borough meetings. And when Jack dropped that bomb on them (and everyone was excited) he had given up all hope of a higher power. Kill me now.

"And, listen, boys. Ya don't have to came if ya don't wan-ta. Ain't no-one gonna force ya to dress up and come tap shoes with the rest of us." Jack reassured. Maybe there is a god.

David cleared his throat. "Except for all of us Manhattan boys, of course. We're hosting, so we'll all be there."

They continued to ramble on. Something, something, dance lessons, something, something, anyone you want to bring. It was all non-sense to Tommy, including the original idea. He had really hoped a nasty cough might make its way into his throat right before the dance.

And it never did. So Tommy sat there in Medda's theatre, all dolled up and grumpy. His arms crossed and his watched as the condensation from his cup stained the wooden tables. Then, he felt a tap on his shoulder. "What?" He snapped, turned around all angry. Until he saw Barney, eyes wide and hands bouncing at his side excitedly. "Hey, Peanut."

"Tommyboy!" Barney took the greeting as an invitation to sit beside him. "I guess you're not a big fan of dancing, huh?"

Tommy shrugged. "I dunno. I just get embarrassed. I got two left feet."

Barney smiled. "Well, I was thinkin'- and it's kinda dumb but uh. Maybe we could dance?" His fingers rubbed together nervously, excitedly. "Everyone's all infatuated with their partners, anyway. No-one will see you. I heard dancin's less embarrassing with a friend."

"Uh... yeah, sounds... fun." Tommy said. He hesitantly stood up and let himself get drug to the stage by Barney.

Upbeat songs played loudly. Barney bounced around in circles, his hands thrown into the air. Every so often he would force Tommy to spin, then he would spin himself. Other than the obligatory spins, Tommy mostly swayed side to side. Too infatuated with Barney to really do anything else.

Until a slow song started playing. The big groups of people shoving each other around and laughing slowly began to disperse. Tommy froze and watched as other began to pair up. Jack's head immediately spun, and he was pulled towards David like a magnet. Hotshot's hands found their way to Ike's hips, a grin fighting to stay off his face. Even Albert had shyly found Finch, and he hid his face in the boy's shirt as Finch grinned.

When he turned back to Barney, he noticed that the boy in front of him had frozen too. But he was looking up at Tommy and his hands were twitching at his side. Hesitantly, slowly, he trailed his fingers up and around Tommy's neck. "Um, if you-"

Tommy shook his head no and, equally as hesitantly, pulled Barney closer to him. The two swayed to the music, took steps like Medda had taught them to. Barney laughed into the boys chest. "I can feel your heartbeat."

"Really? Honestly, I thought I had died 'n went to heaven or somethin'."

[kawarikisaki]

The only real problem I have with your theory is while we don’t know much about Toichi’s Kid him being responsible for a gang that does so much evil does seem a bit out of character but then again if Night Baron is based on his Kid and he’s also a murderer maybe he was a far darker version of Kid than his son. But he couldn’t have been too dark as Kid. But then a lot can change in 8 years. There’s another meaning to the string of numbers name he had before Yusaku gave him the name Kid. 1412. Since he refers to himself as his original title in the wallet. That and I’m pretty confident Chikage knows about at least Corbeau can’t see her being okay with her husband being the head of the most evil criminal group in the canon. (Though Toichi was totally taking a page from her book with his interaction with Shinichi and Ran.)Though he could be keeping that from her too. I really hate this. Because for a crack theory it’s pretty solid. He might already know his “older brother is alive” though wouldn’t he be upset that his subordinates almost murdered his son?

Alrighty, hope you're ready for a long one, because it's time to discuss what we know about Toichi/Kid the first, and just how easy it is to twist some of it into a sinister light. And also a few other marginally connected thoughts, because I may as well keep this mostly consolidated.

We'll start with Kid. You're right that we don’t have much on him, because we only have two direct examples of Toichi as Kid, one being the Phantom Lady flashback, and the other being the encounter with his 'older brother'.

The Shinichi encounter isn't particularly helpful for this, as he was very much putting on a character for a child, and even if Shinichi has a idetic memory we're getting a recounted version of the child's perspective ten years after the fact.

But Phantom Lady? Helpful, we have Toichi claiming to prefer more elegant methodology than those employed by Phantom Lady. And he also states that he didn’t initially intend for the white suit to be his crime outfit, it was meant to be a stage costume (though he may be lying here, why would he need a hanglider in his stage costume?), but knowing that it was meant to be for his 'civilian identity' and assuming that he's also Corbeau then we can assume that the black suit he'd have been able to fully plan matches his true tastes more.

But we can also make a few assumptions based on the fact that Nakamori-keibu, the closest thing to a Kaitou Kid expert that we can use for this (Yusaku isn't helpful he’s a gremlin, he would gladly confuse the situation for fun) and the fact that he was under the impression that new Kid and Old Kid were the same person means that Kaitou Kid’s MO didn't change considerably enough for Nakamori-keibu to question them being the same Kid. Which means that if Toichi was doing any murders as Kid then he wasn’t getting caught, since Nakamori-keibu is confident Kid wouldn’t murder to the point that if a death happens at a heist he just hands off the crime scene to the homicide detectives as "nope not Kid."

That said, I think that if Toichi is secretly Karasuma Renya then its likely that he wasn’t doing murders as Kid, but rather just playing around and taking the chance to lead a fun and fulfilling life. Karasuma Renya is supposedly greedy beyond compare, why not be a jewel thief, get a wife to place in his 'jewelry box', a humble home considering his fame as a performer (a sign that he's stockpiling his real wealth elsewhere?), and hey lets toss in a child too- people enjoy raising children. That is to say it was possibly just something being done on a whim.

And since you brought up the names... I've always thought of the "Kaitou 1412" number as like a police assigned case number or something, rather than a meaningful name that Toichi came up with himself. And, as such, i tend to view him signing with it as something akin to a formal signature. Though as for why he would use a formal signature on what was essentially meant to be a correspondence between friends... I don't really have an answer; perhaps the name 'Kid' was only recently established at that point and part of the purpose of this whole communication was too accept the new name (but I doubt that because i feel like if the name Kid didn't come up till that late in his carrer as a thief then it probably wouldn’t have stuck for long enough to be the primary name in use when Kid returned.) In any case here, I'm meaning to point out that he didn't get to name himself as Kid, so much like how the costume supposedly wasn't initially intended for crimes and therefore the black one is probably more planned and in line with his actual tastes- the name Corbeau was likely the same.

As for Chikage.... whether she and Toichi are acting as Corbeau together or Toichi is doing it alone there’s no getting around the fact that she definitely knows about it, and most likely she’d have to be in on it. Though whether that means she's also aware that he's a crimelord on an international scale on the side (which would be pretty hard to hide) isn't necessarily connected, after all the Boss and Corbeau could be two entirely separate crime-sonas he's got going on. For the sake of the theory it makes more sense if she's helping him; in the DCMK world people that are presumed dead can get away with a lot, but it'd definitely be easier with someone aside from just his underlings helping to make moves for him. Though don't know if he'd have told her that Kuroba Toichi is an alias and he's old enough that he should be long dead...

In any case, it's bad news for Kaito in so many ways. Not only is his dad alive, regularly in Japan, and not contacting him; as it turns out, he's also very much a worse criminal than Kaito originally thought. Kaito had already been somewhat shaken when he found out his dad was Kid. He hadn’t wanted it to be true and even resolved himself to follow the same path to understand. So what happens if he finds out his dad is murdering people- or at the very least ordering others to murder on his behalf so he doesn’t dirty his own hands? What happens if he finds out that when he almost blew up on a train doing a favor for his little detective that the people behind were acting on his dad's orders? What happens if he finds out that it was probably part of the plan for him to be brought into the 'family business'? I'd like to think he'd be disgusted... but there are darker paths that could be taken given what Toichi's skill set likely includes and especially considering how much Kaito loves and respects his dad.

As for what Evil Toichi would think about his underlings almost killing his son... well again the MK organization and the black organization are two different groups, but it is true that the crows have tried to kill Kid- even if by accident. I don't think that he'd be particularly upset about it, every time that Kaito has been involved with anything related to the BO he's gotten involved with of his own volition, and besides Kaito is plenty skilled enough to survive just about anything. Everything we know about Toichi from canon just leads me to think he's the kind of person who has immense confidence in his own skills, so if I'm gonna twist him into a villain I've just gotta push that a little farther, maybe he's holding Kaito to the same standard he holds himself and thinks that a 'little assassination attempt' would never be enough to even touch someone that he trained... And maybe if Kaito did die to such a thing he wasn't a worthy heir to begin with. Or maybe it's not quite that sinister and he sees Kaito almost dying as something like a training exercise. But whatever the case he must not be too concerned about it, given that as far as we're aware those responsible haven't really received any punishment.

Yeah, it's ridiculously solid, the fact that there's not really anything concrete that can be used to refute it is kinda wild to me even now. But I still consider it a crack theory because even if it's plausible it's not good if Kaito's story and Shinichi's story need to be two separate things. It's wonderful for the purposes of fanfiction because it very cleanly connects their stories, depending on how Kaito takes the news he can be disgusted with his dad's actions and join Conan to stop him or he can join his dad and become a villain.

But like I mentioned in one of my previous posts this would be messy for the narrative on a meta level if it turned out to be correct, and that's why I consider it a crack theory and not just a theory. If it's true then it's fine for Magic Kaito to become required reading for Detective Conan- it's a very different kind of story but it's short and it'd give important backstory, but conversely it's kinda unfair for Detective Conan to become required reading for Magic Kaito. Sure most people that are interested in one are probably already reading the other... but imagine a fictional scenario where someone is reading Magic Kaito after it's finished; it's around 50 chapters give or take, and the ending feels kinda hollow because even though Kaito found out his dad was a villain and resolved to bring him to justice but then the story just ended there... , then this person goes onto tumblr or reddit or some other fandom space and finds out that the real ending is locked behind reading 1752 chapters of a completely separate manga where Kid was a cameo character early on then eventually joined the main cast to take on the final threat. Plus it'd make things weird because it would feel like Yusaku should have a bigger role than he currently does if his old friend/rival is the villain...... unless Yusaku dies.

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 74 - Nailed It

It's been a busy time for Xander, constantly working on the restaurant. Today, Moses and Ian are helping him set up the instruments that the band, The Main Squeeze, bought. Ophelia isn't expecting the visitor that shows up at her door but it's a pleasant surprise, nonetheless.

Ophelia: Hey, what brings you here?

Drew: You better not have any plans. We're doing a spa day.

Ophelia: What? Really? You don't strike me as the spa type.

Drew: We've been planning band stuff out, I figured we both need an excuse to chill.

Drew: We can get massages, get our nails done-

Ophelia: Who are you and what have you done with Drew?

Drew: Come on, nonbinary people can get their nails done too! I just can't get those big ol' claws you like so much cuz my guitar strings would rip them off.

Ophelia: I'm in.

In the time they've been attending yoga classes at this spa, neither of them have ever taken advantage of the other services besides the pool. This will be a nice change of pace!

Drew: Sul sul! One wrench and a buffalo wing tea for the lady!

It also happens to be Night on the Town, so their drinks are free!

Ophelia: Woooo, Night on the Town!

Drew: It's like 11 AM.

Ophelia: NIGHT ON THE TOWN!

Drew: So Xander said after they get the stage set up, it's all done?

Ophelia: Basically, except a few finishing touches. He's been so secretive, I can't believe Moses and Ian got to see the place before me.

Drew: We'll have plenty of time to see it when we're performing there.

Ophelia: I'll finally get to see it tomorrow! I'm so excited.

Drew: You should be! That's why we've got to get you fresh in-game painted nails instead of CAS nails.

Ophelia: If you wanted to get your nails done, you don't have to use me as a scapegoat.

Drew: Hey, we're here for our 12 o'clock.

Rita: Ah, Mx. Padilla, hello! And that must be Ophelia.

Ophelia: You booked an appointment? What if I had said no?

Drew: I may be skinny but I'm not afraid to throw you over my shoulder.

Alex: Alright, prepare to be pampered, Miss Lemon!

It was sort of nice having her hands massaged before getting her nails done. Definitely worth the money!

She goes for something a little more glamorous than usual. Treat yourself!

Drew also likes their manicure, though they're not exactly the glam type.

Drew: Brings me back to my grunge days in high school. Sure hope there's a revival soon.

Ophelia autonomously put on a face mask before the two part ways for their massages.

Ophelia: A deep tissue massage won't hurt too bad, right?

Lana: Don't worry, Miss Lemon, I'm a trained professional. I did all my certifications online!

Ophelia spins into a robe and lays down on the massage table.

Lana: Now just relax and let me take care of those sore muscles.

Ophelia: Okay…

It feels nice at first… until the masseuse digs her knuckles into her spine!

Lana: Oof, this is a big knot.

There are parts of the massage that feel good… and there are parts where Ophelia feels like the masseuse is trying to fold her into an origami swan. Stop pulling her shoulder back like that, lady!

Ophelia practically hobbles off of the massage table.

Lana: Hope you enjoyed!

She certainly did not. She feels bad for not tipping but not tipping is better than chewing her out for jerking her around the dang table!

Ophelia admires her nails while waiting by the pool for Drew.

Drew: Watcher, I feel like a new Sim. How was that massage?

Ophelia: …Great.

Drew: Great! Let's slam down more free drinks and take advantage of the pool!

Somehow relaxing in that ridiculous pool floatie did more to ease her aching back than that dang massage did. Drew the party animal isn't used to sitting around, so they do a super splash in their lounger, which is something I didn't know you could do.

Ophelia, the wise and mature future matriarch of this legacy, does her own super splash in her lounger. Hey, this is their day to have fun, so she's going to have fun, damn it!

Ophelia: This was fun, Drew. I really needed this.

Drew: Glad to hear it, dude. I've gotta head home. Text me tomorrow about how cool the bar is, okay?

Ophelia: You got it.

Xander comes dragging in pretty late, and very tired.

Ophelia: Well hello there, Mister New CC Hair. Way to pick a haircut that's eerily similar to your other one.

Xander: I'm a pretty adventurous guy, but my hairstyle is one thing I'm content with, Lemon Cake.

Ophelia blathers on about her day as they eat a late dinner, and Xander nods and smiles along.

Ophelia: You okay? You've been quiet.

Xander: Just sleepy. Your nails look very pretty.

Ophelia: Thanks, sweetie. Let's finish up and I'll tuck you in.

Xander: Tuck me in?

Ophelia: Yeah, good boys who work very hard deserve to get tucked in.

In all fairness, she did tuck him under the covers. She just decided to tuck herself under there too.

I can't stand these two