#while at the same time allowing them to be coloured by their experiences?

[raven-master]

When you figure out have to characterise Gale Dekarios without getting a headache lmk

honestly soothing to know this is a Universal Experience

[temis-de-leon]

Love potion and OM! Brothers - Part 2

Characters: Satan, Asmo, Beel and Belphie (x reader, separately)

Intro , Part 1 , Part 3

Masterlist

CW: fluff, a tiny little bit suggestive, Belphie's a brat (aren't we all surprised), brothers crushing hard and MC implied to be crushing hard too, pre-established relationship

A/N: Just like in other posts, I can't seem to be able to properly tag some of you :(

.

Satan

How could he see the cat from his seat by the window, Satan didn’t know, but he would be crazy if he ever let go of the opportunity to pet one. The only thing he could think of before rushing out was grabbing you and some treats and hope the kitten was still there by the time you arrived.

He could feel his excitement buzzing in his chest when he knocked your door, but no sound came in return. He sent you a message, growing impatient and pacing in the hallway until he entered your room with determination.

“MC! Cat alert! I need help to sneak him in!”

Your smell was strong, but you didn’t seem to be in the room. Weird. However, it didn’t take him long to realize it was actually coming from the cauldron.

Satan got closer, temporarily forgetting about the cat while he studied the glittery liquid or, rather, holographic. He moved the spoon, humming when it reflected the warm light of the candles in a fluid motion. The smell was delicious, but it didn’t resemble any food he could think of. Actually, it reminded him of the Royal Library and the cat café you both visited after your study sessions.

Soft, shimmering, appealing.

A love potion? What were you doing, MC? Trying to enchant somebody?

He could tell you had left before finishing your project, otherwise, the essence would be stronger. Satan wondered if whatever you smelt reminded you of him in any sort of way. Maybe his cologne? Or the smell of treats and old books that plagued his room?

The brief thought of adding a strand of his hair crossed his mind, but he quickly erased it. He loved you and he wanted you to love him, yes, but he’d be damned if he forced those feelings. You taught him love and affection, allowing him to experience every word he’d ever read in his romance books and picturing you as the main character’s love interest.

Satan had no doubts. If you were to reciprocate his feelings, he’d prefer them to be real.

Asmo

“You won’t believe it, MC!”

He gained one thousand followers in Devilgram in just one night! Sneaking out and going to that party with Mammon was totally worth it! They both had to kneel before Lucifer for three whole hours and Mammon was hung upside down, that was true, but still, totally worth it!

Now, where were you? Your phone was charging on your bedside table and only half of the candles were lit, pictures of the family and various trinkets decorating the branches of the tree. He could see all the skincare products he’d ever recommend and bought for you on the table, but he frowned when he hold a bottle in his hand and felt it was almost empty.

Why didn’t you tell him? You could use the opportunity to go on a shopping spree with him! But… ooh, what were you making? It looked like the face oil you just finished! Silky, golden and glittery, almost odourless if not for the faint smell of your lip balm and flowers; roses, like the ones in his room.

Were you trying to replicate the product? He could understand why, it was a little expensive after all, but it wouldn’t achieve the same results as the original. Natural ingredients had some limits, after all. But hey, it could be fun! You had some great ideas, MC; although it was a pity you didn’t want to share them with him.

Or, maybe, you wanted to surprise him! A fuzzy feeling covered his heart at the thought, like bubbles in a sugary drink, and he had the sudden need of sitting down next to the cauldron with mixed words stuck in his throat. The oil changed its appearance from that perspective, the golden colour turning hot pink with red swirls.

Asmodeus stared in amazement, wondering what type of ingredients you used to create such a hypnotizing concoction. Could you share the recipe with him? It would be your little secret! He already had some ideas for the next one, like a soft baby pink or a shimmery white that looked and smelled like frosting.

Or, perhaps, if you were keen on the idea, you could come together to create a new smell that would only belong to you. Something that he’d never share with anyone else and could never be duplicated.

Like all the love he felt for you.

Beel

Forgive him, MC.

It smelt too good.

Like cheeseburgers with fries and pizza with sodas and raw cookie dough with marshmallows and ice cream and chips of every flavour… Everything he had ever eaten with you, especially during that movie marathon weekend.

It had been a consolation price for losing his last Fangol game, something that hardly happened and left him with a sour taste in his mouth, broody and frustrated, so not like him. He’d been hungrier than ever then and, if not for Lucifer and Lord Diavolo, he would’ve eaten half of the coliseum. Thankfully, you had a whole stack of food ready to be taken in the kitchen.

Beel knew you probably bought it all thinking he would win the game, but, hey, food is food. He’d never think of complaining, especially when it came from you.

He didn’t remember what you watched and he already apologized for it a couple of times, but he wasn’t really bothered about it. After all, he’d spent the whole weekend cuddling you, crossing the wobbly line of friendship you’d both established long ago, and eating everything you had for him. Only when the week began again he realized he hadn’t been left entirely satisfied and he deeply hoped you felt the same.

Should he had kiss you? Distract you from the movie and confess under the blankets, smelling you amongst the sugary and savoury food?  

He wasn’t sure at the time, but Belphie’s teasing was encouragement enough for him to leave his bedroom and rush to yours.

But you weren’t there.

And the cauldron smelt so good.

Beel didn’t even have time to check what it was before drinking it all at full speed as if it was a bottle of water after practice. The smell remained only for a couple of seconds, but he didn’t feel any different, maybe a little bit warmer than before.

Whatever.

Where were you, MC? He had something to tell you.

Belphie

He was dreaming of the beach, waves crashing against the sand and warm wind tanning his skin, but you weren’t there. He looked around for a while, finding no one, so, although very reluctantly, he forced himself to wake up.

The attic was empty and without the seawater’s coolness the high temperature in the room left him sticky, tangled in his sheets and uncomfortable. He searched for his DDD, toying with the idea of sending you a message in hopes of sleeping in your room, but he didn’t know how long it would take you to respond, so, grabbing his pillow and his blanket, he got up and went down the stairs.

He hadn’t seen you since last night and you didn’t share any classes that day, hence him not going to RAD despite Lucifer’s complaints. Then, dinner had been hectic with everyone trying to get your attention, so, overall, Belphie didn’t really spend any time with you that day and he missed you too much to sleep properly.

Yes, he blamed you.

And yes, it was a reason good enough to enter your room without knocking.

Disappointingly, just like in his dream, you weren’t there, although it smelt so much like you: your human essence, your body products and your detergent, which he’d stolen multiple times to clean his bed sheets.

Did you do laundry recently? Why didn’t you say anything? Or were you in the shower? In that case, don’t worry MC, he could wait, just not for long; after all, your bed was too comfortable and your room was especially homey that night. He expected you to be already at the beach by the time he got there.

Naked, clothed, in your swimwear, he didn’t care. Belphie just wanted you there with him. Hopefully, forever.

.

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@hello-gloomy  @the-sassiest-toaster  @hero-nii-blog  @yourlocalyin  @elaemae  @eliciria  @darkflowerav  @zarakem  @yuuvis32  @anxious-chick  @commets-space  @deepestartisanhumanoidshark  @ourfinalisation

[kanmom51]

Public service notice

Remember how I said I haven't blocked you just yet @chaotickoalacat ?

Well, got your reply ask, and let me tell you this:

I'm really tempted to do it right now.

I am not going to answer this ask, more so because I know how you will be literally crucified in the comments not only for the utter nonsense you are spewing but the way you are doing so.

I will address a couple of things you are saying though. Because seriously dude, I'm in utter shock as to how you are actually able to come up with this stuff.

You believe MHJ? Really?

You tell me that because she created NJ then her saying that Illit are copying her then that's it? It must be true? She also said that BTS copied her concepts in the past, that true too? You are aware of the fact that she is all about the visuals and has nothing to do with the music part of things, right? Just checking.

And in the same breath you are also full on acknowledging that she was the one behind the BTS leaks, including the damaging leak of JM's private info.

So, let me get this straight, you have no issue in believing a person that is untrustworthy and moved to hurt your fave, as long as it suits your current agenda? Seriously? I kind of think that once untrustworthy always untrustworthy. Or in your world is it once untrustworthy sometimes trust worthy as long as what's coming out of their mouth is what I want to hear?

Btw, you most definitley showed your true colours with the whole "JK's fling" idiocy. Prey tell me what does it say about JM, or more so, what does it say about what you think about JM if he sticks by JK's side while JK, in your warped mind, is an untrustworthy copy cat cheater? You must think so highly of JM for sticking by JK's side when JK treats him like shit (according to your warped views).

And let me make my views clear as day here. JK did not copy JM nor is JK an asshole cheater that can't keep his dick to himself. Balloon busted for you, I guess.

And yes, we are both BTS fans (or are we? cause you seem to be a solo stan and not a fan of BTS the band and all it's members), but clearly you lack the basic emotional intelligence that someone who is mature enough and with some life and long term relationship experience has. Either you are very young and inexperienced or for some reason lack that healthy relationship experience. Because thinking so low of JK and yet believing at the same time that JM would stick around someone like that, yeah, there is something lacking in your life experience. Maybe no experience, maybe bad experience, maybe too much Kdrama watching experience. Whichever it is, please, do not try and compare us.

There is NO comparison.

You say that you don't view JM as a damsel in distress, that he is a strong person, stronger than JK seeing how well he did in the army. Let me start by saying what a load of bull (not the him being strong part, but the part where you claim you aren't out to 'save' him). He's strong when it suits you, which is when you want to prove he's better than JK and/or the others (I'll get into how disgusting and disrespectful that comparison you are making is in a second). But at the same time he, supposedly in your fantasy world, allows JK and the company to step all over him, to copy his ideas and creativity and to scorn him and mess around with others, and continues to play along with their game, of showing up for JK, going on trips with him, enlisting with him even after he's supposedly, again, been mistreated, disrespected, cheated on. I would kind of suggest that you make up your mind which is it?

As for this constant comparison with the others when it comes to their army service, I've been vocal about this in the past and I will say it again. It sickens me how disrespectful you are towards not only the other BTS members, each and every one of them doing their utmost best within their army placement, but it's disrespectful towards every single other SK young man that is doing their compulsory military service. How easy it is sitting on your comfy chair in the safety of your own home or wherever it is you are sitting, which isn't an actual war zone, behind your screen and keyboard, grading these young men that have left their lives behind for 18 months to enlist into active duty in a military that is at war with another country. Please have more respect not only for every single one of the members (each serving at their utmost best within their assigned duties) but also for all the other young men that are doing just the same. JM is amazing, he's assigned duties are utilizing his high level of intelligence and mathematical abilities. Kudos to him for excelling at it. But why is it so hard for you to say that and at the same time say the same about each and every other member? Why is there this need not only to uplift one, but to do so at the expense of the other, diminishing what the other is doing? This whole attitude is just so childish and stupid. And you know what? Like I said, it's disrespectful not only to the other members and to every single other soldier, but also to JM, who doesn't need to bring down the others to show just how amazing he is.

This is it. Let me make this as clear as day that even if I end my sentences with a question mark, it's a rhetorical question and not an invitation for your response. I will not reply to any more asks you might throw my way. Obviously you are intrenched in your ideas and opinions, as warped and unhealthy as they may be.

Good luck trying to save JM from the one person he is showing us all that he wants to spend every second, every minute, every hour with.

And good luck with it all when Jikook Karma strikes, cause it's coming and it's coming strong, and when it does come well, all those that lack the respect to either JK or JM, those who are willfully closing their eyes and ears to what they have been showing and telling us for years now...

...the day is coming when it can no longer be ignored.

[ageingfangirl2]

Hello👋😊 I would like to know if it was possible to do a story in which Buggy(still a "prisoner" of the Straw Hats ) started to feel strange(in a good way of course) with Y/N. After a day, the Reader, who had the task of repairing any damage of the ship, but it was a very hot day and Y/N, in order to stay cooler while working, decided to take off her top, leaving just the bikini top and the shorts. But without realizing that she was being watched by a head👀🤭Buggy began to observe the drops of sweat running down to her back, chest and forehead, leaving him with a strange feeling about Y/N👀🤭❤️‍🔥

Sorry if the recommendation is too long😅😅

I Finally See You! Buggy (OPLA) *REQUEST* - Female Reader

Part 2

BUGGY

This was something I'd never live down, being held hostage, well my head being held hostage by a bunch of young adult pirates calling themselves The Straw Hat Pirates. When I first met them there were only three of them but now that number had doubled and I didn't like being outnumbered. They took it in turns looking after my head, but I hardly got taken out of that stinky bag they kept me in. Once I got my body back I'd bounce, and the next time they crossed me I would come out on top.

The only member of this stupid crew I could stand was y/n. I wasn't sure what they did, but they were quiet and kept to themselves making them an easy target. They had some past trauma and hardly any real-world experience so I could be a flirt and perverted and they took it on the chin. Until Zoro nearly threw me into the sea and told me to watch my tongue or lose it. y/n made an innocent remark asking if my tongue could also detach, and after a wink and a 'shall we find out together kitten' comment Zoro sent my head flying across the deck.

Y/N

It was a hot day and you'd told Luffy you'd fix the damage done by Garp, but working under the hot sun was intense. You were in a pair of shorts and a loose blouse now drenched in sweat which clung to your body. Thinking you are alone you take off the blouse revealing the skimpy blue bikini stop Nami had convinced you to buy and the matching bottoms under your shorts. Little did you know someone was watching you.

BUGGY

The dumb swordsman was sleeping again, this time finding himself shade while leaving me exposed in the sweltering sun. I was about to unload a range of colourful insults when the sound of hammering caught my attention. I hop a little on my barrel and gulp, my eyes fixated on y/n of all people. They were inches away from me bent over fixing the side of the ship unaware of my presence.

I assumed y/n was a prude only having seen them in trousers and long sleeves, but I licked my dry lips and raised my eyebrows seeing them in shorts that left little to the imagination and long legs that would be perfectly wrapped around my waist as they rode me.

I shake my head, what was I thinking? y/n was fun to mess with and nothing more.

Next thing I know y/n is taking off the blouse, and if I was attached to my body I might have just got a hard-on. Why did y/n choose to hide such a magnificent body? The blue bikini top is the same shade as my hair, and I vaguely remember y/n saying their favourite colour was blue. As y/n picks up a glass of water I allow my eyes to wander, like a moth to a flame. Noticing how small their hands were as they reached up to wipe sweat from their brow, but could probably easily wrap around my dick, and how when they arched their back their chest jutted out and little droplets of sweat run down them. Fuck, they would look good arching beneath me.

I curse and y/n gasps loudly hearing me, 'Oh my god--'

I smirk, 'Not god kitten, but I can be whoever you want me to be.'

I'm surprised they don't immediately cover up, instead leaning down to my height giving me a very nice view of their chest, 'Did Zoro leave you in the sun?'

I pout, playing the sympathy card, y/n was too nice and I loved attention, 'wouldn't even give me any water, I'm parched kitten.'

y/n liked cats so my nickname was appropriate, even if they didn't understand the real meaning behind it.

'You can share my glass Buggy, I'll scold Zoro later,' y/n huffs, clearly annoyed at the swordsman as they bring the water to my lips and I start drinking, 'I'll give them a right tongue lashing...I think I overheard Sanji say that once.'

I spit out the water and it lands on y/n's chest, soaking into the material, 'you're one of a kind y/n. if you need any advice I'm sure I could offer some lip service. Maybe when the others are sleeping.'

y/n blushes and I'm not quite sure if they understand me, 'I think we've both had too much sun Buggy, let's get us both inside and you can stay with me for the rest of the day.'

Before I can protest y/n picks me up, and for a split second I'm pressed between their breasts before they turn my head. y/n was going to be the death of me, and I wasn't going to look at them the same way ever again.

[moonstruck-poet]

A Thousand Years

Pairing - Elijah Mikaelson x reader!

Summary - A depiction of your relationship with Elijah throughout the centuries based on the song 'A Thousand Years'

Warnings - blood, fight, pain

Heart, beats, fast. Colours. And promises. How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall, but watching you stand alone. All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow. One step closer.

Elijah Mikaelson stood in front of the floor length mirror, adjusting his newest tunic for the hundredth time. He gave himself a once over, his gaze critical as he searched for flaws in his appearance.

Once he was indeed sure that he looked fine, he sighed deeply. His heart was hammering uncontrollably against his ribcage since the early hours of the morning. He dismissed it off as just nerves, but he knew better.

It was the familiar fear that gripped his insides like a vice, not planning on letting go so soon. He felt the imaginary fingers squeezing his heart, the touch full of dread and coldness. He had experienced this feeling a handful of times in his rather small lifetime of 25 years. Even being a vampire, one of the deadliest creatures couldn't help him from himself.

The door to his room was suddenly pushed open, pulling him out of his thoughts. His brother, Niklaus entered, dressed in his finest clothing as he approached his elder with a small smile.

"Are you ready brother?"

Elijah could only shake his head as the grip seemed to tighten around his throat now. Klaus furrowed his eyebrows, walking closer as he analysed Elijah, deducing that he was afraid.

"I can see the fear in your eyes, Elijah. What is it? God forbid that you are having second thoughts about this marriage?"

"Certainly not, Niklaus," he immediately shot his brother down. "I cannot think of pledging myself to another but her. I have wanted this for as long as I can remember".

"Then why is it that you have this trepidation written all over your face?"

"I...." He began, before huffing and sitting down on the bed. His hands gripped the sheets, turning his knuckles white. "I think I am falling in love. Or have fallen for quite a while. This overwhelming feeling that I sense every time I lay eyes on her, I did not want to give it a name. I thought it was merely some adoration, that it was just because I was a youngster. But I have realised rather late that this- it is much deeper".

"I do not see a problem," his dear sister spoke, having heard their conversation. "Love is the most beautiful thing ever, brother. As is friendship. You are quite lucky to have found both within the same person".

"I know that," he muttered and stood up, brushing a hand through his long hair and glancing again at his reflection. How was he supposed to explain it to them? That every single time when he had opened his heart, had felt love, something worse was quick to follow. He saw it numerous times with his own family. Elijah loved them fiercely and look what happened to Henrik. Klaus who was almost killed by their own father when he had tried to protect the younger and in turn was left with nothing but blood on his hands.

He had despite himself allowed you near, engaging with you because he couldn't bring himself to resist. He was drawn, more than a moth to a flame. He found himself always wanting to be around you, longing for your attention when you were present and wishing for your presence every second.

He then found the courage to confess his feelings, being pleasantly surprised when you responded with a gentle, fleeting kiss on his lips. He began courting you, having a wonderful experience with every passing day.

Sure enough you had brought down his well built, yet fragile walls. Providing him with everything he had ever wanted. Friendship, loyalty, love.. and now family. The one thing he had yearned for the most.

And he was scared.

"Earth to Elijah," Rebekah grabbed his arm and offered him an excited smile. She had been ecstatic when he announced it to his family. Always having thought of you as a sister, she was delighted to know that you would actually be family.

"It is time," Klaus spoke, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder and clasping it. As the best man, he couldn't afford any mishaps now could he.

"They are waiting for you, big brother," the youngest, Kol popped his head in, his lips holding a big grin. He was probably the most eager to welcome you, being rather fond of you.

"Or should I say, she is waiting," Finn added, a rare smile adorning his face as he crossed his arms.

A faint blush rose on Elijah's cheeks, something that was immediately noticed by his siblings who wasted no time in teasing their usually collected brother become flustered.

As he stood at the altar, his patience began running thin. All he wanted was to see you, hold your hand and kiss you. And the gods answered his prayers. For the next second you came into view, a gorgeous dress brushing the ground as you walked towards him. His breath stopped, time slowed and everything fell silent.

All he could see was you walking towards him. The small gathering of people faded into nothingness as he watched the love of his life. He had seen you for so many years, but nothing could have prepared him for this moment.

And unknowingly his eyes began to water making him swallow. He couldn't remember the last time that he had been on the verge of crying so quickly. He could feel his chest swell, and it took him a second to notice that the earlier unwelcomed torment had given way to utter adoration.

And once you were standing right in front of him, with your father giving your hand for him to hold, he held it with the utmost gentleness. He had always been soft around you, showing a side that was barely visible. But right now, the way he looked at you, held you, it felt special in some way.

"Hey there," you whispered and shot him a cheeky smirk making him chuckle through his emotions.

"Hello love," he replied, unable to conceal the warmth emitting from his eyes when he saw you grinning like a fool.

"Do you, Elijah Mikaelson take her to be your wife? Do you promise to cherish her always, to honor and sustain her. In sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to all things until death alone shall part you?"

"I do," he answered without missing a beat, a lone tear trailing down his cheek when he heard you repeat the words.

You tilted your head slightly, raising your palm to wipe his tears. His lips twitched as he placed his hand above yours, turning it so he could press a kiss on the inside.

"I therefore pronounce you as husband and wife," the priest spoke, thus ending the ceremony.

Elijah's arm went to your waist, pulling you closer until your chests brushed, millimetres of distance between your lips as he cupped your face. His eyes scanned every inch of you, engraving this memory forever in his mind. He leaned ahead, slowly, patiently before kissing you with every ounce of passion. His fingers dug softly into your waist as he savoured the fact that you were indeed his wife. That you had officially been bonded for eternity.

The panic that had seized control of him was nowhere to be seen, as though it had dissolved into thin air at the mere sight of you. Another thought struck him when he pulled away, slightly breathless and barely registering the cheers that went around. It was that the affection he held for you outweighed all of his negative emotions. You made him a better man by simply being there.

And the words rolled off of his lips so easily, that even he was dumbstruck. It felt like second nature to say them out loud.

"I love you," he whispered, resting his forehead against yours and closing his eyes. Neither of you had ever said it until now, those three words bearing a much profound meaning for both. And so you had waited too, wanting to be absolutely sure that there was nothing more that you wanted, no one else you would rather have.

When he opened his eyes, he seemed to melt on seeing the awed look on your face. It was graced with so much fondness, all for him.

"I love you too. Always and forever".

====================================

I have died every day waiting for you. Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.

"No," Elijah refused immediately, his voice firm and you knew it would be difficult to reason.

"Love- listen to me-"

"No!" He exclaimed and whipped around to face you, his expression incredulous. "How can I be fine with my own wife being daggered and placed in a miserable coffin right in front of my very eyes?"

"There is no alternative, Elijah," you said, walking closer but he shook his head stubbornly, taking steps back.

"There's always an alternative and you know it. I'll protect you!" He added with a desperate look, making your heart clench. "I swear upon my life".

You sped over to him, placing your palms on his cheeks and he melted underneath your touch. "I know, and that's exactly what I'm worried about".

"We can find another way," his eyes were frantic, darting left and right as he sought a solution. "I'll slaughter them myself," he growled, anger slowly rising in his chest. The witches, those barbarians were the reason that your life was currently threatened. It wasn't as though he hadn't fought their kind before, but this time it was different. The rational part of his brain knew they could not win, and thus daggering you and spreading the rumour of your death was the only solution.

Of course they wouldn't believe it so easily. An original vampire dying out of the blue? It couldn't be possible. But at least it could delay them for a while so they could actually come up with a feasible strategy. That's what Klaus had said.

"You will do no such thing," you said, your voice as firm as him and he scoffed, stepping away to stand in front of the window, his dark eyes penetrating the dark. His mind running at a million miles per second.

You sighed at the Mikaelson stubbornness, something that resided in you too. You stared at his back, contemplating on how to make him see sense. You weren't foolish, you knew that he understood it was their best option. But his heart couldn't bring himself to do it. And how could he? How could he possibly just stand there and watch you be daggered and spend a good few time mourning you too? You were his wife.

You slowly walked towards your husband, your arms wrapping themselves around his waist while you rested your chin on his shoulder. His rigid body relaxed immediately, leaning back into you and covering your hands with his own. The soft material of his blazer brushed against your face as you tilted your head to kiss his jawline, hearing him exhale.

You didn't say anything, he simply understood because his posture stooped a little. His head bowed down while you looked at him, smiling a little on seeing his familiar features that were practically engraved in your memory. A small mark on his forehead, down to his dark eyes decorated by delicate lashes, then to the small mole he had on his left cheek. Your eyes trailed off more, scanning the curve of his nose, to the stubble he had on upon your insistence and down to his beautiful lips.

He truly was a sight to behold.

"Forgive me," you whispered, barely audible. "I know I'm asking a lot from you".

He gently turned around in your arms, placing his own on your waist. "I'm not strong enough for this," he swallowed, his blank exterior fading to reveal the depths of the heartbreak he was feeling.

"Yes you are, my love. You are the strongest person I know and you will get through this. It will all be over in the blink of an eye, before you even know it".

His face only contorted in pain as he pulled you closer, burying his face in your neck. His lips brushed against your skin and he smelled your calming scent, something that had always managed to ground him.

How could he survive then? He would be driven insane, not being able to think straight without you by his side. You were his person, and he was yours. How could his heart keep on beating when it knew that its other half was lying half-dead. It had been three hundred years since your marriage, how was he supposed to live without you for god knew how long? He couldn't. But he had to. Because this was the one way he would know that you'll be safe. The witches would stop at nothing to hunt you, your unique powers had stirred their curiosity to an unimaginable extent.

"I will miss you... immeasurably".

"Oh 'lijah..." You tightened your hold and his heart contracted at the nickname. Who will call him 'lijah?

"Promise me, my heart. Swear to me that you'll come back here, right in my arms. Tell me- tell me that the next time I see you, it will be with you running towards me, your face bearing a smile," his voice cracked and he stopped himself, gulping the thorns that had surrounded his throat.

The couple held each other, bathed by the soft moonlight which poured through their bedroom window. Silent tears streamed down both of their faces as they swayed together, relishing in the tender feeling of having your other heart pressed right next to your own.

And if only they could stop time..

"Elijah," Rebekah's soft voice registered in his brain, but it sounded distant. "Hey," she tried again and crouched down in front of him, sitting on her toes, her heart shattering at the look on her brother's face.

It was impassive as he stared into nothingness, his soul felt hollow, empty. It all felt wrong. He felt wrong that he was alive. It wasn't supposed to be this way. You were not meant to attend the other's funeral. He felt so meaningless that he didn't even realise his sister was crying until he heard her sobs. Yet he remained still, a shell of a man.

It was torture.

There was no other word that could describe his condition. He woke up every day to a cold bed, without your body there to curl beside him. He barely found the strength to get up, wanting to stay sleeping the entire day.

He was destroying himself, and he knew that. His siblings could see it too and they tried their level best to help him a little each day. Sometimes it worked, and at times it backfired badly. He reminded himself every minute that you weren't actually dead, only at rest for a while. The wedding band resting on his finger felt heavy too, as though it could sense the absence of its twin.

Four months. That was how long it had been. And Elijah felt and looked like a different person. His usual impeccable attire appeared out of place, because whenever he straightened his tie, all he could see instead of his reflection was you standing before him and doing it yourself. So he gave up.

This longing.. he hadn't felt this ever before. Every inch of himself craved you, it was indescribable. His eyes that were so used to seeing your face the first thing in the morning for as long as he could remember. His lips that would always twitch up at the mere sight of you and be unable to resist your kisses. His hand feeling empty because he was so accustomed to your fingers slotting into the spaces perfectly. The heart beating inside his chest feeling alone, as it couldn't hear its partner's beats. His neck felt colder than ever, for you weren't there to bury your face in the crook and provide him with warmth. His shoulders felt uncomfortably lighter too, as the familiar head wasn't there to rest upon them.

To keep these emotions at bay he drowned himself in work, running tirelessly to think of ways to solve the problem and bring you back to him.

And as though the gods had decided that he had suffered enough already, the day finally dawned. His siblings didn't tell him, wanting to surprise him just so they could see the familiar light in his eyes that had extinguished, so they could look at the smile adorning his face.

So Rebekah had very cleverly sent him out on an errand which would take quite a long time. You were probably on the verge of waking up and they didn't want him near because he would instantly hear your heartbeat.

Like the good brother he was, Elijah had obediently followed the given instructions though they seemed quite complicated. But the complexities were good, they required his full attention. After the tedious work he went back home, opting to walk instead of speeding up. His eyes surveyed the crowd, lingering on all the couples unconsciously.

He had just entered the compound to the mansion when his ears perked up, picking on a sound that he hadn't heard in the past 6 months. His head snapped up as almost sprinted inside, looking around frantically trying to locate the source.

And there you were, standing all but a mere feet away from him and he felt his breath hitch, a swirl of emotions tumbling out of him as he staggered to a stop. His feet rooted to the ground as he took you in, looking so beautiful with that smile on your face that had him head over heels since day one. Yet he didn't move, he hesitated because there had been a lot of instances where he had imagined you, hallucinated even.

"Love?" He called out, his voice unsteady, uncertain. But it was washed away instantly when you nodded, your smile only widening as you jogged over to him. As though it was second nature his feet took long strides, rendered speechless for once as his arms opened up on their own accord to engulf you.

A disbelieving sound left him at the feeling of your skin, soft and smooth under his firm grip.

"Hey 'lijah," you spoke in his ear and the word resonated loudly until he was consumed by your voice. You were really here. Christ you were here.

And he wasted not a second more before cupping your face and smashing his lips against yours, desperation and longing clear in his actions. He couldn't get enough, wanting to make up for the lost time so badly. He kissed you furiously, deep affection lacing his caress that had your heart growing with the amount of love.

He pulled away rather reluctantly, his eyes hungrily searching for yours. Moving over every detail of your face that he so loved. A small laugh was heard as he embraced you once again, closing his eyes tightly and holding you even tighter.

"Liked the surprise, brother?" Kol asked and you looked above Elijah's shoulders to see the siblings walk over, their faces resembling similar emotions.

The man in question didn't reply, only turning his head slightly to press a kiss under your jaw.

"Come on now stop hogging her! I missed my sister too you know?" The youngest spoke and this time Elijah did pull away, surprised to find his cheeks wet.

Kol hurried over to take his place, hugging you close. He had missed you immensely, as had Klaus and Rebekah who followed his lead.

"I'm sorry love," Klaus, the last one to hug you said. It had been his idea, and he had despised himself for bringing it up every day.

"Not your fault, Nik. You saved my life," you reassured him, ruffling his hair and grinning when he didn't swat your hands away like he always did.

"Now go console my dear brother before he daggers the rest of us for keeping you away once again".

You chuckled and looked at your husband who rolled his eyes at the comment, "I will gladly take on the offer, Niklaus. Now if you'll please give me my wife back. Now".

Klaus all but pushed you in his arms and he snakes an arm around your waist before speeding up to your room.

"I see someone has missed me," you said playfully, running your fingers through his hair and smiling on seeing him close his eyes.

"You have absolutely no idea just how much".

"I thought maybe you had found someone new, you know someone in place of me," you said matter of factly but he could hear the obvious humour underlying the statement.

"Found someone new?" He raised an amused eyebrow and leaned closer, your noses brushing. "You were my first love, darling. Always have been. There's no way in the entire universe that I'll ever feel what I felt for you with anyone else. I fell for you before I even knew what love was. It has always been you.. it will always be you".

"It will always be you too. My heart has been yours since the day we met, and I would very much like for it to be with you".

He smiled, a genuine smile that hadn't appeared on his face for a long time. The small dimple that you adored peeking out.

"I love you, Elijah Mikaelson".

"I love you too, my heart. Always and forever".

====================================

Time stands still, beauty and all she is. I will be brave. I will not let anything take away, what's standing in front of me. Every breath, every hour has come to this. One step closer.

These past few weeks had been a constant struggle, with trouble knocking on their doors every other day. The Mikaelsons could barely sleep, paranoid that something bad may happen at night. This was one of the disadvantages of being immortal. You made too many enemies to last a lifetime.

Amidst the chaos you and Elijah had barely had time for yourselves. Always having to go out for some work and return home late. Though you slept together, you didn't have any alone time.

Which was why this rare quiet morning, Elijah was busy staring at his wife who slept soundly beside him. Your legs tangled with him, head resting near his shoulder with him arms around your middle. He had returned home late and you were already knocked out, having had limited sleep the past days. Even in sleep, your body had found a way to snuggle up to his.

He slowly moved back a little to see your face properly, his fingers drawing random patterns on your back. He then slid his palm under your shirt, heating up your back. Your skin had always been rather cold while he was constantly warm. A perfect balance really.

He continued rubbing slow circles, not worrying about you waking up considering you were a heavy sleeper. He stilled his actions when you stirred, inhaling deeply before cuddling closer making him let out a low chuckle. He propped himself up on his elbow, his other hand pushing back the stray hair from your face. You looked utterly beautiful, he thought to himself, slightly awed.

A thought came swimming in his mind. It had been a long time since he had taken you out on a nice date. Maybe in a nice restaurant, or simply to watch movies. He couldn't remember the last time you had gone and he frowned, not liking it at all and cursing himself internally. He decided to take you for dinner, in a cozy little restaurant that you both loved. Then he'll get you the ice cream that was your favorite, you haven't had it recently either.

Forming a short plan in his mind he sat straight, stretching his neck and was about to get up when you grabbed his hand, making him turn as a result.

"Stay," you mumbled, eyes half closed. You couldn't see his face properly due to your sleep induced brain but heard his laugh as he shuffled closer again, settling under the covers.

"Morning, my love," his deep, raspy voice greeted you. He had always been the early bird whereas you were the complete opposite. A fact that he knew all too well.

You made a disgruntled sound, pressing your face against his chest and shaking your head in disagreement, "Good night. It's time to sleep".

"I have no intentions of waking you up".

"Good because I would not have hesitated to stab you otherwise. But you better consider sleeping here with me now".

"As you wish, my lady," he murmured, pulling the blanket on both of your bodies and bringing his arms back to their original place. He continued to press small kisses on your hairline, his touch soothing and your eyes fluttered close. Before you knew it, you were deep asleep making him shake his head fondly.

And as soon as his eyes shut, there was a loud yell of his name making him groan. You shifted too, slowly waking up as you had clearly heard the shout. Elijah saw you and cursed under his breath, his expression murderous as he flung the sheets off of him and stormed out of the room.

"What is wrong with you, Niklaus?" He growled, his stare burning hole in Klaus' head. But the fire quickly disappeared when his brother explained the situation. Rebekah was missing and they had a clear idea of exactly who had taken her.

Elijah clenched his jaw, fury radiating from his and you quickly rushed out, having freshened up while they had their conversation.

"When are we leaving?" You asked, rolling up your sleeves with and your face impassive.

"Now".

That was all the confirmation you needed as you sped to the car, getting in the driver seat while the two followed. You drove fast, not caring about the speed limit as the only thing running in your heads was getting Rebekah out.

And oh god it wasn't easy at all.

Finding her took such a long time and fighting off the witches who always wanted revenge on the Mikaelsons was exhausting. By the time you were done, or you thought you were it was late evening.

You snapped the neck of the last person before plunging a dagger straight through the heart, blood splattering out to paint your shirt and throat. A tired sigh left your lips and you sat down on a bench, leaning against the wall and briefly resting your eyes. Elijah and Klaus had gone the opposite way, leaving you to deal with these handful of people.

And just as you thought the threat was over, an arrow zoomed through hitting you squarely in the chest. You hissed, doubling over to quickly pull it out and making eye contact with your attacker, recognising him to Maverick, the insatiable werewolf who had allied with the witches. "You missed".

He only smirked before shooting another one for which you were prepared for and snatched the arrow before it hit you, breaking it effectively. "Missed again".

This time his jaw ticked and he narrowed his eyes before storming towards you and a fight soon ensued. Both fighting ferociously against each other. You gained the upper hand, about to place a dagger through his chest but he turned you around, wasting no time in biting your neck.

You groaned loudly, feeling the sting of the bite as your senses became cloudy. Werewolf bite was lethal to a vampire, you weren't sure whether it would have the same effect on an Original or not but you didn't want to take any chances.

You regained control and flipped him, pretending to stab him from behind but instead speeding to stand in front of him and plunging his heart out, gritting your teeth and not blinking an eye at the blood flowing out as he collapsed. You threw the organ down, delivering a good kick to his side only to let out the adrenaline pumping inside of you.

"Can't get a break for five minutes," you seethed, sudden anger coursing through your blood as you punched the wall, almost shattering it completely. Your knuckles were bruised in an instant but you paid no mind, not even feeling the pain.

"Love," your husband's voice penetrated through the anger. You turned out, your expression wild and Elijah's face drowned with concern. He has seen you covered in blood before, looking murderous but there was a different, mad glint in your eyes. "Hey it's over now," he approached cautiously, taking deliberate steps. He extended his hand, gauging your reaction before placing it on your shoulder.

Your chest expanded as you took a deep breath before letting it out and he saw your eyes go back to normal. "Oh hey," you murmured, leaning back against the wall.

His frown deepened, "Are you okay? Talk to me, what happened?" He gestured towards the man lying on the floor.

"Werewolf," was all you answered, already beginning to walk out. "Can we go home now, please?"

"Yes of course..." He trailed off before following you out. "We found Rebekah, Niklaus took her home. She is unharmed".

You nodded, appearing strangely distracted as images began playing in your brain like a movie. You ignored them, focusing on walking straight but a sharp pain shot through your head making you stumble and crouch down.

Elijah had caught you quickly, worry seeping onto his features as he looked at your face that was scrunched up in pain. You let out a shout, clutching your temple and shutting your eyes hoping for it to go away.

"What's wrong? Sweetheart please tell me, I- What's happening?" He placed you on the floor gently, kneeling next to you and holding your face in his hands, trying to get your attention.

"It hurts 'lijah," you yelled and grabbed your hair aggressively. "Make it stop... Make it stop!"

"Tell me darling," desperation was clear in his voice as he searched for a solution. "I need you to tell me what's happening so I can help you".

"My head," you whimpered and grasped his shirt, resting against him as tears flowed down your cheek. The images had turned into certain memories, making you relive every horrible moment of your life. "It feels like it's going to split open I- I wanna go home".

"I'll take you, we're going there right now yeah? I just need you to stay with me. Can you do that? Stay with me, love, keep your eyes open!" He insisted, emotion wrecking his beautiful face as he bit his wrist and brought it to your lips. "Drink, maybe this will help".

You shakily grabbed his arm to drink the blood, it felt nice and your head started clearing making hunger intensify and you kept on going for more. Elijah merely watched, trying his best to pull his hand away because you had had more than enough.

"I feel better," you smiled weakly and stood up straight with his help. "That really did he-" your legs gave out and you collapsed for the second time. Your eyes appeared distant, foggy as though you weren't mentally present.

Fear trapped Elijah's heart as he shook your shoulders and tapped your cheek, trying everything to have your attention. And that's when his eyes fell to your neck, particularly on the skin that had become bloody around the bite mark.

"No," was all he uttered before hoisting you up in his arms, his steps panicked as he sped over to your car and buckled you up in the passenger seat. He didn't like the way your head lolled to the side as though there was no life in you. He quickly got in, starting the engine and dialing Klaus' number.

"Where are you?" Was the only question he asked. "This is no time for banter, Niklaus I asked one simple question. Where. Are. You?. Good stay there and don't you step foot out of the house or I swear to do something terrible".

He ended the call and glanced at you, noticing the beads of sweat dotting your forehead as you shifted uncomfortably. He turned the conditioning to maximum but that didn't seem to help. "Hold on for me, love. We're almost there, yeah? Nothing will happen to you, not on my watch".

Faster than you had arrived, Elijah brought you back. He unbuckled the seatbelt and you climbed out. His palm resting on your head to prevent it from hitting the hood of the car.

"Klaus!" He shouted and both him and Rebekah appeared in the living room. Their faces dropping on seeing your condition as Elijah laid you down on the sofa, sweeping your sticky hair away from your face that was drenched in sweat.

"Help her," was all he could manage but Klaus understood as he bit his wrist without hesitation, supporting your head from below and placing his hand against your mouth.

"Go on, love. You'll be cured in a minute".

You barely registered his voice and did as you were told while your husband watched on with apprehension. His face was so downcast as he watched your trembling form. He hated to see you like this, so feeble, a contrast to your usual strong figure. His hands shivered by his side, feeling helpless as he watched you lie down.

"She'll be fine," Klaus addressed him and gave him a curt nod before disappearing into his room.

Rebekah was sitting beside you, holding your hand while you regained consciousness. "Take care of her, Elijah. Call if you need anything". Saying so she squeezed his shoulder and went upstairs.

"Let's get you to bed," Elijah whispered and hooked one arm under your shoulders and the other beneath your knees, easily lifting you up and cradling your body to his chest. He reached your bedroom in a second, placing your still asleep body on the bed. He stared at you for a while before removing his blazer and taking a clean cloth and a bowl of water to clean you up. He sat close to you and wiped your face first, trying to be as gentle as possible with the dried blood.

What had this day turned into.. In the morning he was thinking of taking his wife on a small date, and how here he was tending to her wounds. Life loved to mess with him.

You turned your face when he was cleaning your neck and he sensed you were waking up. Your eyes fluttered open and you saw your husband, lines of worry scarring his face.

"How're you feeling?" He questioned softly, unable to meet your eyes as he resumed dabbing at your wounds that had almost healed.

"A little dizzy, tired".

He nodded, getting up to take a blood bag from the mini fridge and handing it to you, "You must be hungry".

You obeyed and sipped in silence, not failing to notice the way his body was tense and his face hard. He also kept his gaze strictly on your arms.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing".

"Elijah".

"Darling".

"Elijah," you repeated again, taking the cloth from him and holding his hands instead. "I haven't been your wife for three hundred and twenty years for nothing, you know".

He fumbled with your fingers, not sure on how to reply. "I.. I didn't want the day to go like this. During the morning I realised that we had not had much time to ourselves lately, too caught up in other works. I wanted to take you out for dinner, a small date somewhere. Just so we could spend some time together at least. But look how that turned out," he said bitterly. "All I wanted was one quiet day with my wife, and look at you".

"Oh sweetheart," you caressed his cheek with your thumb, a smile on your lips. "Let's go then".

He raised an eyebrow which turned into disbelief once he noticed that you weren't joking. "You can barely stand on your own feet. And you want to go out on a date".

"Yes," was all you said and gingerly stood up, taking some clothes and heading towards the shower. "I'll be done in fifteen. And I'm rather famished, dear husband so you better choose a good place".

He could only chuckle and roll his eyes with extreme fondness at your antics. Leave it to you to agree for a date after being mauled.

The warm water felt like absolute heaven as you scrubbed off the dirt. You were done quick enough and decided on a sweater of Elijah's paired with regular jeans.

He was already waiting in the living room, having opted for a casual blue shirt and jeans. "You're crazy, have I ever told you that?" He laced your fingers together and started walking.

"Might've mentioned it a couple of times. Also what fun is it to always play safe. I bet you wouldn't have fancied me if I was of that type".

"I don't care, I will always fall for you".

A blush quickly creeped over your neck and you slapped his shoulder, earning a bright laugh. "I'm glad to see you haven't lost your charm yet".

The restaurant he had chosen was a cozy place. And the smell that came from it made your mouth water immediately. "Goodness I love you so much".

"Why thank you".

"I was talking about the chef," you retorted, grinning like a maniac and quickly walking inside.

He caught up to you not even a second later. And just as you had opened the door, he grabbed your waist and pulled you flat against his chest. That little smirk tugged at his lips which made your heart skip a beat while your own mouth parted. He leaned in closer, teasing you badly that he was about to kiss. But instead he changed his angle and placed a soft peck on your cheek. "We'll see about what you just said later on. Your lips won't utter a name that isn't mine, I'll make sure of it".

Now it was his turn to smile broadly as you stood shell shocked.

The dinner was a fantastic affair, obviously since your husband had impeccable taste when it came to food, clothing and of course, women. You were satisfied at the end but were surprised when he led you to a new room instead of the exit.

"Where are we goi- Oh".

It was a dancefloor, with dim lighting of candles all around the place and soft music playing on the speakers. It was also very empty.

"May I have this dance, my love?"

You almost giggled like a little school girl being asked out by her crush. But it was just how he made you feel all the time. You accepted his hand, interlocking your fingers together and placing the other on his shoulder. He danced to the rhythm, twirling you around whenever he felt like it and just making you feel as if you were the only woman in the entire world.

You laughed pleasantly when he dipped you down gracefully and pulled you closer again, his face bearing a small grin as well. It was always a treat to see him carefree like this, the only emotion on his face being pure and genuine love.

"Thank you for this," he told you when you rested your head on his shoulders and his hands followed to be placed on your waist, still leading the dance. "I know you're tired and would've preferred to sleep".

"Elijah, anywhere with you is everywhere I want to be. I wouldn't miss it because of some fatigue".

The huge twitch of his lips that followed later made you stare for a second. It wasn't always that he got this goofy smile, and that's when you knew that this night meant a lot to him. And you were so glad to have made the right decision.

"I adore you".

You only laughed, giving him a soft, languid kiss that said everything that had been left unspoken.

====================================

I have died everyday waiting for you. Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more. And all along I believed I would find you. Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.

It wasn't always that you interacted with the other vampires in town, mostly because Klaus had always kept you on your toes with his plans.

But today was a rather peaceful day. Caroline had been the one to ask you if you'd like to have a girl's night with them. You had been surprised but had conveyed a yes, wanting to have a change. She had been polite to ask for Rebekah too but you laughed knowing that your dear sister wouldn't go six feet near Elena Gilbert. You had also promised to bring the finest of wines from your husband and Klaus' rather wonderful collection.

You picked some casual clothes, one of your gorgeous shirts tucked into a nice pair of jeans with a leather jacket on top. It was your go to fit almost every night out, your priority being comfort.

The door to your bedroom clicked open and in stepped Elijah, shaking off his coat when his eyes found you standing in front of the mirror and brushing your hair.

"Going somewhere?" He asked, standing behind you as he loosened his tie, removing the material.

"A girls night out," you answered and were about to place a necklace around your neck but he took it from your fingers.

"Allow me," he whispered as he held the chain. You pushed your hair to one side and he clasped the hook, his breath fanning your skin.

"Thank you," you smiled and reached up to kiss his cheek, his stubble scratching you in the process.

His hands kept you in place, not wanting to depart from you. "Stay safe, love. I'll miss you".

You couldn't help it as laughter bubbled in your throat, god you loved this man to death. "That's sweet, husband," you squished his cheeks as he rolled his eyes. If it was anyone but his wife, the person would've had their neck snapped for even getting too close, much less touching him.

He watched as you left, blowing a small kiss and smiling at the way you blushed a little before thinking of reading a book.

"There's my favourite Original!" Caroline immediately brought you into a hug as soon as you stepped inside making you tighten the hug. Out of all the vampires, she was the one you liked the most.

"And she has brought the booze too!" Bonnie added and gave you a side hug, you held the small but powerful witch in deep admiration. She had sacrificed a lot.

You were still in the hallway when your phone rang and your face scrunched in surprise at the name. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Just wanted to make sure you reached safely," came your husband's deep voice.

"We're not going to bite her Elijah!" Caroline screamed from a distance and he chuckled, having heard her clearly.

"Oh believe me your bodies would be lying on the floor before you had the chance," he spoke and you were glad none of them heard it as you scolded him.

"Sorry," you could see the small pout on his face as he apologised and how could you ever be angry.

"I have to go now," you told him and heard a groan in response. "The girls will shoot me if I make them wait another minute".

"Have fun and... Come home quickly please".

"I will promise. Love you," you said and hung up, pausing to see the three girls standing with their arms crossed and smirks on their faces.

"How is he such a simp after literal centuries?" Elena inquired with a disbelieving laugh as you settled in the living room.

"I honestly don't know," you said truthfully.

"I mean he can't stay away from you at all! It's cute actually," she grinned and you just brushed her off. It was how Elijah had always been.

"Less boys talk and more focus on the drinks please," Caroline interrupted and handed you a shot.

You barely kept track of time as conversations spiralled one after the other. It felt good, unusual but so nice to be able to have a normal night with your friends. Worry didn't even cross your mind as you laughed wholeheartedly, enjoying the many gossips the girls shared from school. They all asked you innumerous questions, all wanting your advice on every tiny thing and you were more than happy to give the same. You felt a small bundle of happiness after noticing that they regarded you as an older sister, someone they could be themselves with and share their problems with.

Your group was soon joined by the Salvatore brothers who greeted you.

"Fancy seeing my famous Mikaelson at my house," Damon threw that signature smirk of his.

"An also very taken Mikaelson," Stefan chided in receiving a scoff from his brother. "You won't live to see another day if you tried anything".

"Must you always be so pleasant," Damon smiled sweetly before frowning as he clearly remembered the time when he had flirted with you unknowingly and had his neck almost snapped by Elijah.

"Seeing as you all are here, shall we go?" Elena asked and everyone nodded. You all had plans to hit the club, there was a live band performing too.

And as you entered the nightclub, you were hit by the loud sound of music and flashing lights. The energy had quickly taken over you as you raised your arms up and danced to the music.

The girls followed your lead while the boys made a beeline for the bar. You took Bonnie's hand and swayed with her, hands in the air as you let go without a care in the world. Stefan tapped your shoulder and offered you a glass of whiskey which you downed in one gulp.

You had lost count of the amount of drinks that were currently in your system but the way you felt light-headed was proof that there were too many. It was quite hard for vampires to get drunk but if they consumed way more than their regular quantity, the symptoms started to show.

You definitely had a lot, lot more because you could barely stand straight. Stefan noticed your swaying body and held your shoulders to balance you and led you to the bar, making you sit.

"Thanks Stefan," you murmured, and before he could stop you, you downed another glass.

"Yeah no that's enough for you," he took the empty glass and placed it far away, ensuring that you wouldn't ask for a refill. "I really think you should go home now".

"What's the fun in that?" You frowned, and your eyes lit up when Caroline slumped down next to you.

"You're done barbie," Damon grunted as he wrestled a bottle of bourbon from her hand making her pout. "There's our cue to go home. You want me to drop you, Original Wife?" The nickname was barely heard as you rested your head on your arms, eyes closing with exhaustion. "I take that as a yes".

"Or should we call Elijah instead?" Stefan asked with a little hesitation but Damon immediately agreed and so he made the call.

"Stefan. To what do I owe this pleasure at pray tell, 2 in the morning?" Came Elijah's remark.

"Your wife is half asleep in the club," Damon snatched the phone only to have some fun. So being her very good friend, should I personally escort her home or are you coming?"

He was silent before replying, "I will be there," and hanging up.

"What?" Damon asked the look that his brother was giving him. "I didn't do anything," he said making Stefan shake his head as he waited beside you, keeping an eye on Elena and Bonnie while Damon took Caroline home.

Elijah arrived not more than 5 minutes later, looking as impeccable as ever in a simple shirt and jeans. He spotted Stefan and made his way towards the younger Salvatore.

"That was quick," Stefan said, standing up.

"I happened to be nearby," he answered and his eyes found your figure sitting on the barstool, playing with the ring on your finger. "Thank you for looking out for her, I'll take it from here". He walked towards you and one look at your face told him that you were clearly drunk. As soon as he came in your sight, your lips stretched in a wide smile and you threw yourself at him.

"Elijah!" You exclaimed and hugged him tightly, almost crushing him because of your grip.

"Shall we go home now, love?" He asked softly, his expression amused as you nodded and refused to let go of him when you began walking.

"I missed you," you mumbled in his neck, pressing kisses all over the exposed skin.

"As did I," he pulled you closer by the waist, his breath hitching when you bit a sensitive spot. He tried to ignore the feeling and directed you inside the car before seating himself behind the wheel.

The journey home was spent in silence until you broke it, "You look handsome".

"Do I now?" He glanced at you before his eyes flitted back to the road.

You nodded seriously, "But not as good as my husband does. He's a very handsome man".

Elijah barely managed to conceal his laughter, your situation was much worse than he thought. "Then you must be lucky to have him".

"Oh yes certainly. He's also my best friend, and knows everything about me. I love him a lot, even after all these years".

"He loves you too, a lot. And I know that he's very fortunate to have you as his wife".

Your lack of response made it sure that you had fallen asleep. Right on time too as he was just pulling over to park the car. He was as gentle as possible in getting you out and holding you close to his chest, a sudden fondness rising in his chest as he looked at you sleeping so peacefully in his arms. He was quick to lay you on the bed, taking off your shoes too while also changing into sweatpants and a t-shirt.

"Elijah," you mumbled sleepily, squinting your eyes to see him and groaning loudly as your head throbbed a little.

"Water," he handed you the glass as you sat up. You gulped it all down.

"God how much did I drink," you rubbed your temple before letting out a sigh when he pulled you in his embrace, tucking your head under his chin.

"Apparently a lot," his chest vibrated as he spoke and ran his fingers through your hair, carefully untangling it while also soothing your headache. "His other hand was placed on your waist protectively, rubbing circles on the skin.

"What were you doing awake at this hour?" You questioned, listening to his steady heartbeat. "Damon could've dropped me home".

"I couldn't sleep and decided to go on a drive".

"Everything's okay right?" You lifted your head, looking in his dark eyes to see them showing nothing but affection.

He smiled a little and pressed his lips to yours and just like that any thought you had simply evaporated as you focused on him. "Everything is fine," he said and shifted to lie down completely, not letting go of you and instead holding you closer.

"I love you," you spoke in the quietness of the night. Your body molded into his perfectly and he warmed you immediately. "More than anything".

"I love you too, darling," he kissed your forehead and your heart skipped a beat. He lingered for a few seconds, knowing the intimacy of the moment. "Always and forever".

====================================

This was quite a long one and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed it! I'm also a little proud of this so would really appreciate it if you show some love <3

[solivagantingrebel]

Thinking about how... Ghost never felt wanted, appreciated or loved in his childhood home, about how he did his best to run away from those memories; erased them, removed himself and the people from the place, and kept his distance until it was refurbished. It was different by the time his brother inherited it, the colours were different, the furniture was different and some of the rooms were renovated to be indistinguishable from before.

Ghost's life was different too, he made sure of it.

There were moments, when he visited, where if he stood for a second longer, closed his eyes briefly — even for a breath —, he'd feel the familiarity of his past creeping in, haunting him. He'd remember how he couldn't relax in the living room, or in the hallways, or anywhere he wasn't allowed to close the door of, always anticipating those heavy footsteps and that terrible, sneering scoff before his days got worse in ways he couldn't anticipate. Blood, tears and sweat leaving scars underneath his skin, ones he could only fool himself to hide.

He felt a sense of dread whenever he visited — slept over —, remembering the moments in the kitchen when he went for a glass of water whenever he couldn't sleep, like his mother was right there with him, hunched over with whatever she could get her hands on, tears streaming and ignorant to the world until Ghost softly asked if she was alright. She'd have an awful, dead look in her eyes, any hope and light devoid before she properly focused on him, shaking her head and telling him to go back to bed.

He'd get himself the glass and feel the heavy weight of her gaze on the back of his head, and by the end of it, she would tuck him in; some semblance of normalcy lending itself so that he could go back to sleep. He still felt her gaze, sometimes, never realising that he might've saved his mother more than once by unintentionally waking up late until it was too late. His mum wasn't perfect, no one could be in their situation, but he could never fully blame her for what they all suffered.

It should've been something, seeing Johnny walk so freely through the house, following him like a lost dog would. His steps were Ghost's, a beacon for his wayward soul. Johnny didn't know the table he was leaning against was where he used to hide his brother when it got worse. The dining table was different back then, but the house was a witness to all those fights, its walls always large and silent to their protests. He didn't know how his father got away with it for so long. His memories were a mess, remembering only the worst of it while shrouding the rest — days, weeks, months and years melting into this concoction of experiences, never to see the light of day again.

Johnny didn't have it great either, he'd speak of his cousin, more highly than his mum and dad, leaving vague comments about disapproval and rejection and frustration and Ghost would nod along, because he understood. Parts of it, anyway, and while he might've not faced the same issues, he knew how it felt to be distanced from family to the point you'd have to drag yourself on your hands and knees to make sense of it. There wasn't a shot to down in the vicinity, nor a smoke to share, so Ghost settled for the next best thing; drowning himself in those ocean eyes completely fixated on him. It didn't matter what came out of his Sergeant's mouth, every word poured out of those pretty lips numbed the reopened wounds in his chest.

When Ghost cornered him against that table to kiss him, he didn't pull away. He rarely does, even in the moments he couldn't anticipate it, quick to melt once he knew it was Ghost and eager all the same.

"I'm gonna sell it," he says when they pull away.

The statement confuses Johnny - a sentiment Ghost shares for a second, before he realises why it was necessary.

"Ghost."

"I can't risk it."

I can't risk the same story repeating for us.

I can't risk losing more.

Ghost exhales, loud and ragged.

I can't risk losing you, he doesn't say. Instead, the silence fills the space in-between, the confession buried from the tip of his tongue down to the rotting confines of his heart. Johnny gets it. In his infinite patience for Ghost, he looks like he understands, and the familiar scrunch of his brows ease away as he nods and steps closer.

The touch on Ghost's waist is grounding, a silent, gentle permission for more, and he lets him. Johnny hugs him like he is trying to melt into him, share the warmth that overflows from his heart to fill Ghost's empty husk-like chest. He hugs him like there is nothing he'd rather be doing, seemingly content on standing there, holding him for hours on end if he needed to.

"Johnny."

Everything falls into place like it was always meant to. The torment of a life spent wanting, wishing and begging for more, quenched through the existence of one man alone.

"We'll get it sorted, Simon."

Ghost rarely believes in reassurances, promises that can't hold up in the face of a cruel, uncertain future, but he wants to try. If not for himself - he wants to try for Johnny.

"We always do."

He supposed they did.

As long as Johnny is willing to stay by his side, everything will be alright.

[rentenwins]

prince’s paintings (crownprince!ricky x reader)

synopsis: crown prince ricky loves art, when he’s not creating art, he loves to observe. when a painting of his takes a detour from its place on the wall, he’s determined to find it.

content: royal!au themes, slice of life, raura (ricky royal aura), sweet lovelicky, gunwook mention, zb1 members as members of the royal court, lowercase intended, gn reader

a/n: long time no write! i wrote this a while ago (around the same time as the prince gyuvin au). i just got back from zb1’s concert, the pcd is HITTING VERY HARD. seeing ricky irl was a life-changing experience tbh. enjoy this!!

wc: 1624

‘oh that’s weird.’ ricky thinks to himself, there’s an odd rectangular blank on the wall where an oil painting of the palace’s garden usually hung. he’s seen other paintings go missing for two or three weeks at most growing up, yet as he grew older, he noticed things more reverently and time became obscure. so really it’s only been a few days since it’s been missing, but ricky had to admit it’s one of his favourite pieces. he missed seeing it whenever he crossed the halls.

however, ricky knew that the paintings were too exquisite to leave the palace, so it was often restored in a room at the end of the palace’s east wing. he makes his way down after breakfast, after being informed his friends, other young men who were noble to the royal family, had wanted to meet the crown prince for lunch. he is dressed in his usual white button-up, black slacks and black dress shoes, forgoing his waistcoat last minute. if he were to wander the halls, he had to look presentable to guests who he would least expect to wander on a random thursday morning.

he passes a few housekeepers, who curtsy as he walks past and he nods with a smile. his sharp and cold features made him develop a habit to smile unconsciously. ricky reaches the last room, knocks on the door and slowly opens it with a creak. he sees a familiar frame laid flat on a large collapsible table with someone’s hair poking out from behind it. you stand and almost flinch seeing the crown prince by the doorway.

“good morning, y-your highness.”

‘smooth’ you cursed internally, but the prince didn’t seem to notice.

“good morning to you too,” ricky steps beside the frame, closer to you. “i don’t think we’ve met before.” he sees a fine brush in your hand, then he looks at the painting. the painting was brighter than he had remembered it being. the mustardy-yellow of the tulips on the foreground were vibrant now, though only half of it seemed to be completed.

“my name is y/n. it’s an honour to meet you, your highness. i’ve been requested to restore this painting by one of the other noble families. i’m sorry for the mess. restoration isn’t exactly one of the cleanest jobs…”

ricky smiles, though you’re not sure if it’s towards the painting or towards your flustered expression.

“i trust you to take care of it, y/n. it’s one of my favourite paintings. i couldn’t help but notice it’s been missing for a few days. i just thought i’d come and see for myself. though i see there’s nothing much for me to worry about at all.”

you blush. you didn’t expect your first interaction with the prince to be one of flattery. your younger brother, gunwook, was right. he really did have an unbeatable aura. you murmur a thank you and he stalks towards the open windows after he nods again. the windows were open to allow circulation in the room, yet he oddly found comfort in the smell of oil paints.

as you resumed the colouration of the tulips, ricky asks from the window, “how long have you been restoring paintings, y/n?”

“i’ve been learning since i was 13 and helping my father with his restoration projects, but i’ve only been doing it myself two years ago. i’ve always liked painting, and the palace has an amazing collection. it’s great to see them in person too.”

ricky smiles to himself. ‘she likes paintings too.’

“tell me what you’ve done so far y/n.” he sits on the lover’s seat by the window.

he encourages your tangent as he learns the intricacies of restoration. you learn that ricky was fond of painting but never had someone to share his hobby with. he told you about his friends, though the relation with gunwook never surfaced. the two of you talked as you continued to restore the painting, moving on from the yellow tulips to the grey stepstones, reaffirming their highlights.

“will you be here everyday?” he asks after a beat of silence. for the second time that morning, you meet his eyes. you knew he was watching intently as you worked on the painting, but only now you’ve seen the curiosity in his eyes. it was almost as if he was… begging?

“y-yes i will, your highness. from the mornings til around 3pm, if i don’t push myself too far that is.” you reply. ricky hums and nods and stands up from his chair. he starts to make his way towards you, and you stand as stiff as a board, unable to meet his gaze.

“well i’ll make sure you don’t. it’s nice meeting you y/n. and please, just call me ricky when it’s just you and i. seems a bit too formal for friends, don’t you think?” ricky almost smirks in your direction. you dumbly blink and make a grave mistake in looking at his face. he was undeniably handsome, gorgeous even. it felt like a crime to look at someone so handsome, yet it also felt criminal to not look aw—

“r-right! yes, your hi— i mean… ricky…” the name felt foreign on your lips, but it made the crown price visibly relax his shoulders, like he was nervous.

“all the best, y/n. look after yourself okay? take a break when you need. the painting doesn’t need to be up right away, now that i know where it is and who’s taking care of it.” he smiles as he walks to the door. you say your goodbyes, and the door shuts behind him.

the crown prince was always a mystery to you, yet now after knowing him, he seemed to be a much bigger one now.

——

as promised, ricky was sat for lunch at the patio in between the courtyard and the garden. he sat at the head of the table while the other noblemen sat on the edges, all paying attention to the food set in front of them.

the springtime was ricky’s favourite season. the garden was always extra tended to at this time of year, ricky was always told growing up that the flowers were always blooming for him. he believes it still whenever him and his friends dine within the palace’s gardens. it was no different today. to ricky’s right was zhanghao, his first cousin, followed by yujin, the chamberlain’s son. on ricky’s left was gyuvin, the chancery’s son and consequent apprentice, and next to him was jiwoong, the master of the hunt.

ricky stared off into the distance as his found family squabbled about everything and nothing. from where he sat at the table, he has a perfect view of the winding path of the palace garden, littered with yellow tulips and lovely pink roses dedicated to the queen herself. it was the exact angle that the painting he had seen being restored earlier that morning had been of. he remembered you and his giddiness resurfaces as he remembers your eye for detail. he loved his friends and his cousin at the table, though none of them ever had a love for art like he did.

hao stops his squabbling with yujin and notices ricky’s blank yet fond expression staring at the garden.

“you know for someone who lives in the heart of the palace, one would think you’d be sick of this view by now.” hao says before he takes a bite. gyuvin grunts in agreement while jiwoong looks pointedly at ricky.

ricky has an amused smile on his face, “can’t help it. my favourite painting is based on this garden after all. the springtime makes it look extra pretty.”

jiwoong hums, “i was walking near your quarters the other week, i think i know which one you mean.”

“mm, it’s not there at the moment. it’s being restored just before summer truly sets in,” ricky thinks fondly of his interaction with you earlier in the day. “it’ll be back soon, hopefully soon enough.”

yujin speaks after he finishes a mouthful of food. “i hope it’s back soon,” he starts, “don’t need another episode last winter when you thou—“

hao slaps his hand over yujin's mouth before the younger could finish his sentence, "and that we agreed to never speak of that again!" hao had stopped yujin before it gave ricky a reason to tackle the youngest right then and there. gyuvin fails to repress his laugh while jiwoong looks at ricky's sharp stare at the youngest at the table. he couldn't really tell if ricky would rather tackle yujin to the floor or use the knife on his left hand. either way, he knew ricky was annoyed.

jiwoong coughs to diffuse the situation. “hopefully the painting is back soon enough. i wouldn’t want to get used to a big blank on the wall when i walk down the corridor.”

ricky sighs and drinks from his glass, “i’m sure it’ll be back by next week at most.” though he isn’t sure how accurate that really is. in the past year, he’s often so caught up in his duties that missing paintings were back before he even remembered waiting for them.

gyuvin leans back in his seat as he took the last bite of his food, “mhm, you can only trust restoration so much, you can only hope it looks better than before.” ricky looks at him pointedly, confused at how gyuvin of all people could tell the difference between a restored and a non-restored painting.

through it all, ricky bows his head to hide a fond smile as he remembers your love of details just as he did. “this one’s in good hands, maybe it’ll look better than the garden itself.”

[mirrored-movements]

Home Pt.1

(Yandere!Miguel O'Hara x F!Reader)

Synopsis: You've always had the ability to travel through universes, there was never a reason as to why and you never paused to question it. However, there was someone else who began to question it.

Warnings: Idk None?

Part 2 Here

“Stop running! It’ll make things a lot easier!”

“Well stop chasing me!”

Brightly coloured portals opened one after another, only allowing you a second to peer around the surrounding dimension before another took its place quickly after entering another portal.

Your heart thundered from within your chest; shoes skidding across the cement sidewalk of the Renaissance-type dimension you’d ended up in. The painted civilians quickly moved out of the way- now whether it was because of you or your pursuer you didn’t know.

How in the hell did you even end up in this situation you may ask?

Easily actually. (Not really though- buckle up because its a long story)

Since the day you were born and since every day after that you were blessed with an ability that nobody else seemed to have. The ability to traverse the multiverse. It was an accident at first, back when you were a teenager you’d accidentally opened up a portal; the brightly colored tunnel nearly calling to you.

And, like an idiot- you dove in. The need for an adventure nagging at the back of your mind despite not knowing what would become of it.

The multiverse was vast, full of things you’d never seen and people you’d never met.

Talking animals, flying cars, dinosaurs, and the ones that seem to enamor you the most? Superheroes. You never thought they’d actually exist however in the amount of time you’d spend traveling around you’d come across your fair share of them.

Few spared you merely a wave as though you were one of their many adoring fans while others- others weren’t as friendly as you’d hoped. It seemed like a few people were aware of the multiverse, the categories of aliens, sorcerers, and a collection of arachnid-themed heroes namely- your experiences with them remain mixed as it seemed some particularly didn’t like the thought of someone from another universe stepping into theirs.

You did, however, end up meeting a particularly friendly individual. He was hesitant at first which was a given when you appeared out of nowhere, however, he seemed to understand the multiverse more than those you’ve met previously- the reason being he himself had traveled through it.

Albeit accidentally but the man couldn’t help but mention how there was a society of others who did the same.

Spider-people is what you learned the “club” was formed up of; a general ‘I was bitten by a spider and have powers now’ group of people who each protected their fair shares of dimensions.

“What I do wonder though is how you travel around?” He couldn’t help but inquire on that, the spider-sense he possessed hadn’t quite tingled in the way it normally did around other spider-like individuals, leading him to question you. It wasn’t like you had a watch like he did either.

“Oh, I can just-” Raising a hand you waved it through the air, a brightly coloured tunnel popping up quickly before closing just as fast as it opened. “Make them appear.”

This spurred on a list of questions, all of which the man openly asked before groaning as his phone had seemingly gone off. “Sorry about that. I have to pick up Mayday from daycare.” 

Recalling how he excitedly told you about his daughter you nodded your head in understanding, hand waving. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll see you around Peter.” Upon raising your hand another portal had opened, and you jogged towards it with a smile disappearing with a flash.

You thought Peter was a good person, and thought his daughter was cute- however he on the other hand wasn’t sure what to think about you. You seemed nice, no malice could be detected however he wasn’t sure about the ability you possessed.

During his time working in the multiverse, he thought something like that was impossible for an individual to have- even more so that you could just freely move back and forth without glitching.

Did that mean anything? He wasn’t sure.

He wasn’t sure at all.

--

“She can- What?”

Absentmindedly following after his escapee of a daughter Peter spoke once again, his tone nonchalant. “Yeah, so she can just wave her hand around and open up portals to wherever- Mayday! Come back here.” The aforementioned baby had quickly begun crawling up a pillar as he tried to explain.

Rolling back his shoulders from where he stood among an elevated platform the tall man let out an exasperated breath, red and blue clad hand raising to pinch the bridge of his nose. “This doesn’t make sense, surely there was som-”

“There was no device Miguel, nothing at all. Nope, nada, zip, just a wave and boom portal. Wasn’t even like how those wizards open them either- I don’t think they can access the multiverse with those rings.”

“Sorcerers, and if there's no device then there has to be something else, a normal person can’t do that.” Miguel emphasized his words trying to show that this should be something they should worry about. Someone with the capability to jump from world to world could inevitably lead to the whole thing potentially collapsing.

And he couldn’t have that.

“Lyla,” At the mention of her name the AI quickly popped in, her hands laced behind her back awaiting what he was going to ask. “Scan for any anomalies, narrow it to ten-second intervals nothing larger than that.”

“I don’t really see a probl-” “You know what the problem is.” Cutting Peter off Miguel stared down at the man, lips pursed into a fine like before his shoulders relaxed a little and he sucked in a breath. “Better safe than sorry.”

Turning his attention back to the holographic screens before him, Miguel clenched his jaw a little at the lack of data, a short glare being sent to the floating AI who merely shrugged. “Doesn’t seem like anything showing up.”

Leaning onto the keyboard he thought for a second, eyes glancing back to Peter who had finally rangled Mayday back into her carrier. “She was in your dimension, right?” Calling out he watched the man give a nod, attention quickly moving back to Lyla. “Check anything on Earth-616B.”

“There is one signature. Looks like,” Moving her hands across the air Lyla enlarged the small red dot. “She’s on Earth-199999.” At the mention of that specific place, both men seemed to let out a groan, Miguel right away pointing a hand toward Peter. “Since you found this out you go.”

“What? But I hate that place, they’re so- Patriotic.” Receiving a quick glare his complaining stopped, hands raising in surrender. “Fine. Fine. But you’re watching Mayday.”

“I didn’t agree to tha-” “I’ll be back!”

--

Having been wandering around for a while you couldn’t help but yawn, this universe seemed to have its fair share of action however it didn’t quite strike you as interesting- maybe a little overcrowded by heroes but you digress.

With your hands laced behind your back, you followed the park's pathway only stopping as someone had run over to you, the appearance of Peter caused you to smile and it seemed as though things were getting interesting as the man quickly explained that the leader of the aforementioned spider society would like to meet with you.

Scary yet exciting, you were inclined to accept the invite wanting to know what this whole thing was about as well as craving a little more excitement.

More than just traversing dimensions.

This time around you let Peter open up a portal, the spider suit-clad man using what seemed to have been a futuristic watch in order to do so quickly motioning for you to follow.

Upon stepping foot into the HQ building, you couldn’t help but stare in awe. As briefly mentioned all types of spider-people littered the building, and by littered you meant they were everywhere; on the ceiling, walls, swinging around on webs- everything.

“Oh, before we go see Miguel I’ll just pass you this.” Digging into the pocket of his robe Peter passed you a small blue wristband, a look of ‘I know I know’ passing over his face at the questioning look you’d given him. “It’s a day pass. Usually, we use it for other reasons but in this case, it’s so everyone knows you’re a guest here.”

At the explanation, you gave him a nod slipping on the flimsy wristband, trailing alongside the brunette as he pointed here and there practically giving you a tour all the while heading towards where you’d assumed this boss was.

“Is Miguel this guys name or..” 

Noting how you trailed off he nodded right away. “Oh yeah Miguels his name, pretty scary at first but I assure you he’s just secretly a big teddy bear- kinda.”

Reassuring.

“Comforting.” Musing that out with an eye roll the two of you entered into a large room, the vast majority of it was dark in colour save for some royal blue highlights a dimly lit orange screens. Your eyes followed where Peter looked seeing a platform sitting within the center of the room, the large piece beginning to drift down. “So why am I here again.” Keeping your tone low and hoping for some light to be shed on the situation another voice other than Peters had answered.

The tone of it was gruff but clear enough to call out from the descending platform. “You’re here so we can find out if you are a threat or not.”

“A threat?” Taken aback at the implication you gestured to yourself for a moment despite the platform still lowering and despite this Miguel still making what you’d call a ‘grand appearance.’ Throughout your years of dimension jumping you had yet to actually do something illegal. “I’d like to think I’m the least threatening person you’ll meet.”

Finally, the platform had lowered enough for you to see the man standing among it. His tall stature right away shouted ‘authority’ as muscle clearly rippled beneath his neon red and dark blue suit. His face was stoic, chiseled features were framed by moderately messy brown locks all the while dark brown hues nearly stared through you, an off-red tint to the colour.

Despite how intimidating he seemed your gaze couldn’t help but drift down towards his hands seeing them holding a familiar small red-haired child like how someone would pick up a cat. The little girl's gaze lit up almost instantly upon seeing Peter, who in turn right away moved to step onto the platform once it had almost merged with the floor. Coos left the man as he right away scooped up his daughter from the other man.

“Look who it is! Look it’s your friend! Yay!” Pointing towards where you stood Peter began to rile Mayday up, the small baby giggling while they neared, her small hand inevitably reaching out to you.

Forgetting the whole purpose of the visit for a second you and Peter were only brought back when Miguel loudly cleared his throat, a disapproving look quickly crossing his face as he’d crossed his arms unamused.

Waiting for the two of you to quiet down he stepped off his platform, the souls of his suit padding against the ground as he moved to loom before you. “Back to what I was saying.” Pausing to make sure you were listening he continued. “We need to make sure you’re not an anomaly. Something that could cause a disruption in the multiverse.”

“One wrong step and you could cause it to collapse.”

Taking in what he’d said you swallowed thickly, you hadn’t really thought much of your dimension jumping, however with what he was saying you supposed they had a right to be worried.

“And how do you make sure that doesn’t happen?”

Uncrossing his arms he rested them on his hips, eyes regarding you with a mix of interest and caution. “We do some tests. Either way you’ll be here for awhile.”

This had you raising a brow in question. “What? Why?”

“Because if you decline to do some tests we’ll have to assume you are an anomaly and would have to be locked up whereas if you comply to do them we can figure out the actual answer to your…ability.” Explaining that he quirked his head to the side, gaze intently focused on you as if expecting you to decline to take the harsher route.

Glancing towards Peter as if for reassurance the man have a quick shrug followed by a short nod, his mouth forming the words ‘you’ll be fine’ as though that would persuade you.

Weighing your options your gaze moved back towards the looming man before you, lips pursed together in thought.

It wouldn’t hurt to know more about your ability…however, if it did come up that you were an ‘anomaly’ who’s to say you wouldn’t be imprisoned anyways.

“Alright,” Noting how Miguel opened his mouth to speak you cut in right away. “But I have a question.”

As if amused by your current state Miguel hummed, hand gesturing loosely in the air. “Ask away.”

“What if you do these tests and I don’t come out as an anomaly? What happens then?”

Pursing his lips at this his hands fell to his sides, mind pondering over the seemingly simple question before producing an almost equally simple answer.

“We send you home.”

---------------

<Unedited>

If you can't tell reader's ability is heavily inspired by America from MOM (Multiverse of Madness). Low key wondered what Miguel would think of it but also- I literally need more yandere Miguel fics like PLEASE HE HAS FANGS AND CLAWS DAMN IT

[newsfromstolenland]

What other disturbing things do interracial couples have to deal with in Canada? Those sound awful.

I mean. I'm not going to list everything but I'll tell you a bit about it. I'm not really interested in describing my extremely traumatic experiences in detail, but I'll give you general idea

I'm the product of an interracial marriage and am in an interracial relationship myself. canada is...sucks about this kind of thing.

despite the carefully cultivated image of "multiculturalism" that the colonial state maintains, canada is very racist

a significant aspect of racism is the simultaneous fetishization and rejection of interracial relationships

by fetishization, I mean the way white people think it's acceptable to objectify people of colour based on race. they can get off to porn of women of colour being abused, or that paints black men as violent and abusive, they can talk about asian and latin american making good "submissive" wives (which. lol. they clearly don't know much about us)

and as long as we're sexual objects, the broader white canadian society doesn't seem to object very much. but a happy healthy interracial relationship is met with disgust

my gf is mixed but very much white passing, and often white guys who mistake her for a fellow white guy will try to talk about how she bagged a (and this is a quote) "thick brown chick"

because this fantasy allows them to see me as her property, there is very little hesitation to talk about it- even to congratulate her on it

however, my parents (a brown muslim immigrant man and a white woman) are constantly met with disgust. them being married, in their 50s, and having multiple grown up children leaves little room for classic fetishization tropes. so instead, white people default to disgust.

I think of all the times I've witnessed my mom being asked if she "feels safe" with my dad, if he hits her, if he tries to make her convert Islam, if he tries to make her wear a hijab (we're Ismaili...)

a lifetime of micro-aggressions carries a heavy weight.

and then of course there are the systemic issues:

Until 1985, women with Indian status who married someone without status lost their status rights. Men, on the other hand, did not lose Indian status in the same way.

and the "Indian" status of Indigenous people's parents continues to impact their status and thus access to land claims

racial segregation in canada had a huge impact on people's ability to form interracial relationships. while not explicitly illegal, segregation made the expectations for relationships and marriages abundantly clear- and segregated schools existed in canada until the 1980s

^ this impacted black people specifically, and it was known that their safety was at risk should they go against the set expectations

[witchofhimring]

Big babies

Synopsis: During tea time, Feyre and yourself realize there are a second pair of children you have to look after.

Pairings: Tamlin x Reader, Rhysand x Feyre, Nyx x OC (Tamlin's daughter)

Warnings: Tamlin and Rhysand being stupid.

Literally just thought of this scenario after hearing about acosaf (haven't read it yet).

Once Feyre told you that she sometimes thought Illyrians were just big babies with wings. You did not think about her comment too deeply at the time. And a week later she invited the family over for tea. After telling Tamlin and your eldest son to be on their best behavior (or so Caldron help them) everyone was bundled off to Velaris. The city was breathtaking and Feyre took you on a tour through it. Afterwards everyone retired to Rhysand's house near the mountains. According to Feyre they had five houses in Night Territory. It hit you that soon this would be your daughters life soon. But seeing this glittering city of starlight made you feel better. Perhaps Tamara would truly be happy here.

Teatime was a surprisingly peaceful affair. Tamlin and Rhysand, while pointedly ignoring each other, did not cause any fuss. The children talked animatedly amongst themselves. There were six in all. Excluding Nyx and Tamara, there was Ryan and Jared (Rhysand and Feyre), and Talion and Azrien (yours and Tamlin). Ryan and Talion were getting along very well. While Talion took after your colouring (except his hair) he was obviously his fathers son. Ryan on the other hand was an exact replica of his mother. Jared and Azrien were toddlers still, and the pair of you took turns cooing at the others child. Sometimes you noticed the men looking at Ryan and Talion. Were they thinking of times long past. Tamlin had difficulty talking about his past. But you did know Rhysand and himself were once close. But that was centuries ago.

After the tea and sweets were put away everyone fled off to their own activities. Ryan wanted to show Talion some old books he had and the boys disappeared off to the library. Nyx wanted to show Tamara the snow outside and the two went off. Where the menfolk wandered off to one could not say. Feyre and yourself stayed inside and ordered more tea. The pair of you yapped away as the little ones toddled about. Everything was peaceful. You felt immense satisfaction knowing that Tamara's life would not be so hard. For the first time you felt at peace since hearing of their relationship.

'Oh look.' Looking out the window one could see Tamara and Nyx having a snowball fight. Smiling, you watched the young ones having their fun. 'Your daughter seems to be adjusting well.' Feyre commented. Her face had a long wistful look on it. Your remembered that Feyre had once been human, although that was centuries ago. You wanted to ask her what it was like but felt the question impertinent. Feyre and yourself might have grown close over the past year, but some thing felt inappropriate. Yet you did not have to. 'She will get used to it. I did.' Feyre looked at the ring on her slim ringer. You tried to find something to say, but decided to allow Feyre to continue. 'I know my experience was different. The moment I came here I knew it was home. But it may not be the same for Tamara.' 'Tamara will fit in just fine. She had always enjoyed a dark colder climate. You know those old caves in the woods?' Feyre nodded. 'My Tamara used to hide in them. I recon during her youth she was in those caves more than the house.' 'Ah. Then she will adjust here fine.' Feyre rose her cup and the pair of your drank to the future happiness of your children.

Up ahead both of you could see a black head above the snow. An Illyrian with wings was flying above the blonde pelting her with snow balls. In retaliation Tamara shot one which hit Nyx right in the face. 'They seem to be having fun.' Feyre commented. 'Indeed' That was when you noticed two figures approaching the house. It was clearly Tamara and Nyx. 'Oh wonderful-wait.' Narrowing her eyes. Feyre looked closer at the two figures by the mountain. Catching on, you also looked closely. You realized, with alarm, that the blonde being pelted with snowballs was not your daughter, but husband. 'Rhysand.' Feyre sighed. At the same time both of you realized that these grown men were settling their rivalry with a snowball fight.

You and Feyre stood there as Tamlin turned into a beast and created an enormous snowball. It flew in the air and Rhysand was toppled out of the air. 'Do you think we should intervened?' Feyre shook her head. 'Nope. Let them learn their lesson.' Suddenly the mountain trembled and a great avalanche of snow came tumbling down. You could hear Rhysand cackling with glee and Tamlin ran up another mountain. 'Oh really. I have actually married a child.' And then Feyre closed her eyes and scrunched up her face. 'Are you alright?' Feyre relaxed and hoped her eyes. Smiling, she turned to you. In the distance you noticed Rhysand fumble in the air. 'My husband and I can conjure images in each others mind. What Feyre put in Rhysand's mind you could not say. Only that himself and Tamlin were slumped against the snow, utterly exhausted.

There was a knock at the door outside and Feyre winnowed all four of you down. Tamara and Nyx tumbled in. 'What happened?' Nyx asked. You smiled. saying; 'Oh, nothing. Just a pair of big babies.' Tamara and Nyx looked confused as Feyre and yourself laughed.

[starryalpacasstuff]

LITBC ep 3 & 4: When they're homophobic but you love them

It took me a while to finally watch the third and fourth episodes because it's been diwali season, but having finally watched them I think I can quite confidently say that this part will probably end up as my favourite of the four. I've been having a really hard time trying to figure out how to express my feelings about this episode, because frankly I'm not even sure what those feelings are myself.

I think, surprisingly enough, this section actually hit me harder in the show than it did in the book. The book definitely had more teeth to it and felt far darker than the show, and this may seem counterintuitive, but I think it was because the show continues to be more grounded in the present that the story that it felt more visceral. As a few people have already noted, in the book the reader not only follows only Young's perspective, but there's also Young's bitter hindsight that colours his retelling of the story. Even when he acknowledges how enamoured he used to be with Hyung, it's again accompanied by his resentful commentary. In contrast, with the show we experience Go Young's emotions right along with him: love, confusion, disappointment, desperation, heartbreak, and everything in between. And as @lurkingshan notes here, this makes it all the more brutal when it all comes crashing down. Something else is that, while these episodes did not afford Go Young's mother and Young-soo the same sympathy the previous episodes did for Mi Ae and Nam Gyu, it's true that the wider lens and absence of Young's bitter monologue helped me, as the audience—how do I say this—see the two characters as their own people rather than just characters in Go Young's story. It emphasizes the greyness of morality in the characters. Young-soo is no doubt a bastard, but he's also a product of the environment he was raised in, and everything about him is a cry for help; help he will not accept. And Go Young's mother is an overbearing religious zealot who, when she realized that she couldn't 'fix' her son, resolved to pretend as though her son wasn't gay for the rest of her life; a social contract I am intimately familiar with. But she's also a single mother who braved a patriarchal society to bring up her son and she loves him in ways she will never express to him. The grey morality of the characters allows the audience to see why Go Young loved them and in turn, feel their loss along with him. I feel incomprehensibly sad when I think of the way both characters ruined their relationships with Go Young because they couldn't (wouldn't?) understand. Because he loved them, even though they were homophobic, but their relationships could never be the same after he knew.

Being constantly surrounded by homophobia is suffocating and exhausting, and it's something I know well. Even when it's not being discussed, sometimes just the knowledge of the way the people around you all hate 'people like you' can be incredibly overwhelming; it weighs you down. Go Young having to work through the complexities of loving people who were homophobic, people who hated an integral part of him felt so real to me because it's real life for me. Him going back to Young-soo over and over again even when he was rapidly becoming aware of Young-soo's beliefs. The quiet way in which both mother and son skirt around his sexuality. His brief happiness when he sees the scrapbook his mother made, and the photo that she returned to him. I'm just repeating the same words over and over now but the emotions felt so visceral; it made me feel seen. Go Young seemed so tired whenever he was around his mother and I don't think I need to say anything about how Young-soo's parting words affected him. It's something that hit way too close to home for me; that dawning realization that even more of your world stands against a core part of you than you'd thought, and that you love it anyways.

[lemonhemlock]

I want to discuss why Criston having sex with Alicent is different.

Sex with Rhaenyra was about her sexual pleasure. It was about scratching that itch, which Criston is not for. He has a different view of sex. The act with Alicent has passion behind it. It's about two lost souls uniting and finding comfort in each other. So no he's not a hypocrite for not wanting to have sex with Rhaenyra. There's a deep emotional bond of devotion between the two.

He's allowed to feel used by Rhaenyra but be all Take Me to Church with Alicent and her WAP.

I won't touch on other points of why they aren't hypocrites for doing the devil's tango, as there are a variety of posts that articulate that but I have yet to see someone bring this up.(if they have good for them, great minds and all). Targaryen dick riders have a fucked up way of discussing SA and consent. That's all I'm saying that. (disclaimer this is not aimed at those who enjoy the Targs for being a fucked up dynasty and find them fascinating but those who think they are gods cause there's a difference.).

Welcome back, coffee queen! ☕Hope you're enjoying the new season 🫶

Love this take and your lexical choices crack me up!! I think that, at one point, Criston was a bit of a playboy, as he does explain with his own mouth that he's had dalliances in the past, but most of my thoughts on that I've put into this post here (so as to not repeat myself). Also this addition here. But, I agree that, fundamentally, Criston has had years to develop his feelings for Alicent, whereas, during his affair with Rhaenyra, he was a young man in awe of a pretty fairy tale princess. So it would make sense why his connection to Alicent would be deeper and more meaningful by now.

Also! People are allowed to "break up" and then get with someone else!

Haters forget that he can be legitimately upset at Rhaenyra not just because she unknowingly placed his life in danger, but also because she was so callous about it. She was proposing that they have occasional hook-ups, whereas he was ready to be very serious about her. So there was this disproportionate emotional involvement in their affair where Criston was risking a whole lot for someone who didn't really care for him, while Rhaenyra wanted casual sex and risked a slap on the wrist for it.

In any case, they quarreled and parted ways. Honestly, the reason doesn't even matter as much - who hasn't broken up with a bf/gf at some point over some dumbass reason, left and never looked back?* Are they supposed to hold a candle over that past relationship forever (regardless of how "legitimate" the grievances were)? The Dance of the Dragons didn't happen because of anything Criston did to Rhaenyra in revenge, she made a lot of bad political decisions herself to compound on the succession crisis engineered by her father. He is allowed to cross over to Alicent and "support" her side if he wants to; it's not the reason Rhaenyra got into trouble.

Not to mention that, after his mental breakdown and freaking suicide attempt, he's had years to contemplate the question of what being a knight and breaking one's vows means and what he boundaries he would be comfortable crossing. The Criston who's that's that me espresso with Alicent isn't the same Criston who slept with Rhaenyra and had a crisis of faith in the aftermath. He knows what he's getting into and he actively chooses to do so, isn't just put randomly in a situation from which he can't extricate himself.

*EDIT: Not that Criston's reason was dumbass, but even if it were, he's not beholden to being sexually available to Rhaenyra forever just because they fucked one time. (I feel like you have to include disclaimers for every gosh darned thing on this website). And the fact that Rhaenyra stans don't understand the concept of consent and how much it colours one's experience is just.... 🤦���♀️

[kuroshitsuji-scenarios]

Welcome welcome welcome BACK! It's honestly just good to hear you're still with us with or without coming back to write again. But since your requests areee open I guess i'll get the ball rolling and ask for hc's for nina & sebastian (seperate) with a s/o who loves flirting but when flirted back they get flustered lol

Thank you for such a warm welcome! I appreciate it a lot.

Nina Hopkins:

You can imagine the evil smile growing on her lips as she realizes that you might be someone different than people she met before. That you could be a challenge. That you're confident and strong and capable of handling her and maybe even overpowering her... The mere thought is both intoxicating and adorable for her and she's all up for that experience.

She'll absolutely love your flirting! Being on the receiving end is something quite new for her but she'll be very fond of it, especially since you'd present yourself as quite a skilled charmer. Your words and actions will attract her to you like a moth to the light and she'll quickly find herself unable to think of anything but you. Still, after allowing you to show your true colours and letting you tease her a little bit, it'll be her turn to act and return the favour... And oh, you should prepare for the strike back.

Nina will be ruthless once she realizes that as confident you are in flirting, you're not as collected when it comes to her techniques. Naturally, she'll be surprised to realize that you're not acting the same way when the roles are reversed but it won't be any kind of issue for her—on the contrary, it seems like a win-win situation.

She won't be able to decide whether she adores your attempts of wooing her or your flustered face once she joins the game more. It seems like you were made for each other and she'll definitely let you know about that—finding pleasure in both of those acts. As mentioned before, it'll be an interesting turn of events for her to get conquered and openly adored, and watching you getting embarrassed is a cherry on top. How lucky she is to meet someone as precious as you!

Sebastian Michaelis:

Are you sure you know what you're getting into? Flirting with The Sebastian Michaelis? The thing is, Sebastian is (overly)confident when it comes to his looks, abilities and everything else. He knows people adore him and he expects them to try flirting with him. Don't get discouraged if he seems a little bit bored at the beginning—being used to receiving compliments and praises. What you, as an experienced admirer should do, is to simply make it different than anyone else.

You can quickly catch his attention by being and acting unusually. Not in a strange way, since he's a man of class, but once you'll find something he haven't heard before, he'll be all ears for your flirting. You could compare it to petting a stray cat: it won't need your attention nor compliment since it receives them daily, but once you bring a specially delicious treat, it's eyes will focus on you only. Then, you can slowly proceed with petting.

He won't be able to deny it, Sebastian loves being praised. Once you get his attention, you won't even have to be overly distinguished, since he'll drink every word from your lips and add it to his ego. Naturally, it is recommended to keep things interesting from time to time so he won't get bored by repetitive compliments... Just add a laser dot once in a while.

Now, he's not going to just sit there and get showered with adoration—he wouldn't be himself if he didn't at least try to flirt back and watch your expressions change. And once he sees how different you act when the tables are turned you're honestly doomed. He'll use it against you in every possible situation, he'll embarrass you in the moments you least expect him to and he'll enjoy every second of it.

He'll still be fond of your flirting, too! It'll be like a game for him and—just like Nina—he'll test your boundaries to see how far he can go. On the other hand, he won't want you to stop your actions because he might be better at handling compliments, on the contrary, it's only going to be fun if you're both participating in this play.

[su-itca-se]

Dear Brother (Oniisama e…) LaserDisc scans and machine translations

These past few years I have fallen in love with the work of director Osamu Dezaki. Alongside Tomorrow’s Joe (Ashita no Joe), I hold Dear Brother in the highest regard.

It was a 1991 anime based on Riyoko Ikeda’s 1974 manga. You should watch the anime. It’s on Tubi for free. But really, just trust me. Buy the Blu-Ray from Discotek.

This anime came and went. There isn’t any merchandise besides some phone cards. Decaying fan sites and discourse is out there, but it’s a bit of a hunt.

Some time ago I saw a fan letter written by Hideaki Anno, apparently from the LaserDisc releases. From what I could tell, the LaserDisc packaging featured a treasure trove of notes from the staff that I just had to read. But I couldn’t find them!

If you’re not aware, LaserDiscs are one step above burnable trash in Japan — often on sale for 200 yen or less in heavy boxes shoved into the corner of second-hand anime stores. So I bought all five volumes of the 1993 Dear Brother LaserDisc release, was thrilled to notice unique letters from staff and industry luminaries in the interiors, and I scanned everything! And machine translated them.

I hope this (long, comprehensive) post brings fans of Dear Brother the same pleasure it brought me to compose it!

Note: I cannot read Japanese. I’ve used Google Lens for OCR, and GPT-4 for translation. My scans are good (and you can get them on Archive.org in high res) but these translations are not archive-quality and should not be depended on without verification. I’ve done my best to make corrections and have attempted to wrangle the correct tone and meaning out of the AI, but they’re essentially just for fun. Corrections of the most egregious stuff would be welcomed, email me: suitcase@soaringrabbit.com.

Volume One

Each disc is themed after a character and colour. The back is peppered with screencaps and notable quotes (“Anata wa dare?” says little Nanako) as well as series credits. The two notable parts to translate are the disc synopsis, and the subheading (seen here in pink on the far left.) Maybe it’s a pull quote? Not really. So I called it a subheading.

Volume One Subheading

A forbidden cult anime masterpiece born of satellite broadcasting is finally available on LD.

Volume One Synopsis

Private Seiran Academy. A story of beautiful love and deep hatred unfolds at this prestigious all-girls high school steeped in tradition. The protagonist, Nanako Misonoo, who is thrilled to enroll in the high school division of her dream academy, encounters three stunning individuals: Miya-sama, Sanjust-sama, and Sho no Kimi. She also gets introduced to the glamorous world of Seiran Sorority, a society that only the chosen few are allowed to join. As a freshman granted unexpected membership in the Sorority, Nanako begins to take a deep look at love, friendship, and the essence of being human, all while being surrounded by envy and jealousy. She confides her various experiences at the academy, along with unspeakable worries and hardships, in letters to her elder “brother” and a young man named Takehiko Henmi… A masterpiece anime born of satellite broadcasting. It is a work by Riyoko Ikeda that the Dezaki-Sugino duo took on for the first time in 11 years since “The Rose of Versailles.” It is considered a unique work that brings a fresh, unprecedented shock by transcending the framework of TV anime with its aesthetic world.

The disc looks like this:

An “obi” (sash that covers the spine) is included. Of course, it says “My tears won’t stop!” in huge text, sells it as the latest Dezaki/Sugino collaboration, and describes it as tanibi na sekai — a poetic concept of a romantic, sublime world of aesthetic beauty.

There are two paper inserts in each volume. The first one looks like this, and is an index of LaserDisc chapter markers based not on plot developments, but notable character quotes.

There’s also a form you can fill out to get a telephone card. Simply cut out a coupon from each volume to prove you bought the full set. Be quick, entries are due end of March 1994.

The interior is the best part. Here’s the spread for Volume One.

I haven’t translated episode synopses, but I’ve attempted to translate both the staff letter and the “letter to dear brother” from someone external to the production. There’s a bio for each author.

Volume One’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Osamu Dezaki Joined Mushi Production in 1963. After directing series like “Astro Boy” and “Goku’s Great Adventure,” he was selected as the general director for “Tomorrow’s Joe” in 1970 at the young age of 26. Born on November 18, 1943, and hailing from Tokyo, he has received high praise as a director. Subsequently, he has brought numerous masterpieces into the world, including “Aim for the Ace!”, “The Adventures of Ganba,” “Nobody’s Boy,” “Treasure Island,” “The Rose of Versailles,” “Space Adventure Cobra,” “BB,” and more. He is also referred to as “Sakimakura” and “Mataba Sakimakura.”

The letter:

This is my second time working on Ikeda-san’s work since “The Rose of Versailles.” Her works have a unique aroma, whether you call it a theme or a world. They seem to pursue the literary aspect of the story. When I read the original work of “Dear Brother,” I was very drawn to these aspects, and at the same time, I felt a sense of anticipation that it would be difficult, but perhaps various images could be created. It’s not just about being cool or intense; it’s about creating images that resonate more and more with people’s hearts. Fundamentally, there is an original story, but when the characters start to move, and each begins to live, the story could go anywhere. I always had that sense of tension. So, rather than sticking to the original work, I placed more emphasis on the directorial focus of the reality of the characters who had started to move. As for the techniques, it was not something I was particularly conscious of, but I used a lot of completely black shots simply because I honestly felt they needed to be black. Whether or not it was successful, I wanted to effectively overlap the visuals with the characters’ psychology by delivering such physiological shocks. The psychological fluctuations of the people are indeed the overall aroma of this work. How the audience perceives that aroma is something I want to leave up to each individual’s free sensitivity. - July 8, 1993, at Tezuka Pro

Volume One’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Mutsumi Inomata Born on December 23 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After working with Ashi Production and Kaname Production, she is currently freelance. After going through Ashi Production and Kaname Production, she is now a freelance artist. Mutsumi Inomata is her real name. She was born on December 23 in Kanagawa Prefecture. She is active in both the fields of anime character design and illustration. In the realm of animation, she served as the character designer and chief animation director for works such as “Plawres Sanshiro” and “Genmu Senki Leda,” and as the character designer for “Future GPX Cyber Formula.” As an illustrator, she has also provided numerous illustrations for novels, including titles like “Prince of the Universe,” “Dragon Quest,” and “Continent of the Wind.”

The letter:

Comics are way hard to translate without actually knowing Japanese. Here’s my best effort to uncover some meaning.

For several years, I had stopped watching anime and stuff… Living a hectic life, it’s been like this for a while now. Having a set day and a set time to watch a specific program (not just limited to anime), had become impossible for me. Recording videos is also a hassle, and first and foremost, I just don’t feel that “I must watch the next episode!” kind of emotion anymore. Ah well, I was thinking maybe I’ve just become an adult. Heh heh heh. I’m such an idiot. No, that’s not it.

The blonde guy in the bottom-right is labeled as her friend, and she’s saying something about “Poupee-chan”. I think in the second panel he’s yelling saying “But that doll is supposed to be a girl!”

The final monologue starts with:

By the way, I have a container for “dangerous items” at the corner of my work desk. I keep things like cutter blades in it, so that I don’t accidentally drop them on the floor and cut myself or something. The “dangerous items” container I’m using now has a sticker with Saint-Just-sama’s “Nanako’s Eyes,” heh heh heh ♡

That’s about all there is to note about Volume One, besides the fact it comes with an enormous poster (it’s the same art used on the cover of the Discotek Blu-Ray.)

Volume Two

Volume Two Subheading

Those eyes of that person, mysteriously and beautifully shining. Why these feelings? Why...? The increasing heartbeat, the endless tears of adolescence. A masterpiece of forbidden cult anime born from satellite broadcasting! The second installment on LaserDisc!

Volume Two Synopsis

Nanako’s life at school, after being chosen as a sorority member, was not all glitz and glamour. There were misunderstandings with her best friend Tomiko, and jealousy and slander from other students, including Misaki Aya. And then there was the obsessive love from her fellow sorority member, Nobuo Mariko. “What is a sorority? Is it really that important?” Nanako began to question the very existence of sororities. Yet, she tries to look straight into herself, even while confused. Always before her were the mysteriously beautiful and shining eyes of Saint-Just. Drawn to those eyes that seemed to peer into a distant past, Nanako attempts to uncover their secret. Then, by chance, she finds out about the special relationship between Fukiko and Saint-Just. Could it be that Miya-sama and Saint-Just-sama are…? The complicated interplay of relationships and the previously enigmatic characters start to become a little clearer in “Volume 2: The Chapter of Freezing Rain.” The subtle breaths of the people surrounding Nanako can be heard.

Volume Two’s “From the staff, Dear Nanako”

Bio:

Hideo Takayashiki Born in 1947, native of Iwate Prefecture. After passing through Osamu Tezuka’s Mushi Production, became a scenario writer. Known for scripts of theatrical anime films such as “Hang in There, Tabuchi-kun!”, “Barefoot Gen”, and the “Phoenix” series. Also worked on numerous TV anime scripts like “Gutsy Frog”, “Gamba’s Adventure”, and “Tomorrow’s Joe”. Additionally, wrote scripts for original videos and TV dramas like “The Laughing Target”, “One-Pound Gospel”, and has written many novels, actively contributing as a versatile scriptwriter. Member of the Japan Broadcast Writers Association.

The letter:

Dear Nanako Misonoo, How are you? How is university life? It’s hard to believe that three years have passed since then. I was involved with you and those around you for just one year, but in retrospect, it was a very intense year. In any case, I did something terrible to you. It may have been the extreme form of “bullying” in some sense. My work as a scriptwriter involved probing and expanding the uncharted worlds between the frames of original works, constructing new narratives. In a sense, it was a painful job. And for you, it was excruciating. But now it’s a wonderful memory. I am filled with the feeling that I did some real work after a long time. How is your best friend, Tomoko? What about Mariko? I assume Fuki is becoming more and more beautiful? Do you occasionally receive letters from Kaoru? This summer marked the third anniversary of Saint-Just-sama’s passing. Thinking back, it was an unusually hot day. Your anguished form, waiting alone at the platform while listening to the chirping cicadas and the sound of the sea, is still etched in my memory. I hear that there has not been a single day without flowers at the electric pole where Saint-Just-sama fell. I am grateful for the chance to have met you and the people around you. Autumn, 1993

Volume Two’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Kazuhiko Shimamoto Born April 26, 1961 From the hinterland of Hokkaido After being selected as an honorable mention in the 9th Shogakukan Newcomer Comics Award Debuted with “Hissatsu no Transfer Student”. His masterpieces include Gyakkyo Nine’ and Moeyo Pen. Examples include Flame Transfer Student’ and Kamen Rider ZO.”

The letter:

Another piece directed by Osamu Dezaki and supervised by Akio Sugino has become a permanent edition (converted to LaserDisc)! (Hooray!) From the anime “Ashita no Joe” (1), the unique and beautiful way of life portrayed in anime is so intense that it has consistently given us dreams, hopes, despair, loneliness, friendship, love, perseverance, and revival! These works have even surpassed the original works in the emotional impact of their final episodes. I continue to be captivated by the atmosphere conveyed by these works. The reason I enjoy drawing the final episodes of my own works is entirely due to Director Dezaki’s influence! Currently, Osamu Tezuka and Ikki Kajiwara, the two individuals whom I revered as gods in the manga world, are no longer with us. Even now, these works, which possess added charm, continue to provide us (even those who have become professionals) with anticipation for the next episode, life lessons, and motivation for creating works. Seagulls, dance! Liquids, shine!! Wind, blow and then, “Why go to such lengths?” Charafo! Go as far as you can go! Mariko, somehow you’re really scary, Mariko.

Then the words scribbled next to the drawing of Mariko:

You are the protagonist of this work! I’m paying the most attention to you. You’re not alone! That’s right! Make me Mariko’s ‘older brother’… ‘older brother’…

Mariko is saying (OCR mangling here, sadly):

Thank you… I just feel… that’s special… Why not? If I had to say, maybe it’s a ‘woman’s world’…

(Clearly a reference to Rikiishi Toru of Dezaki’s earlier anime Ashita no Joe, who intensely speaks of a “man’s world”. He and Mariko love a good starvation diet!)

The little chibi version of Shimamoto(?) in the bottom left is saying:

But everyone, don’t easily become someone’s ‘older brother.’ It’ll be troublesome later!

GPT-4 noticed a cute reference it couldn’t include in its translation. Its note:

The text seems to be OCR scanned partially, and hence some meanings might be missing or distorted, such as “マンガ界のジョン・シルバーだ!!”, which appears to compare Dezaki and Sugino to a ‘John Silver’ of the manga world.

Volume Three

Volume Three Subheading

It’s not too late; our beautiful time can still be preserved, forever unspoiled, just like this white snow… A forbidden masterpiece of a cult anime born from satellite broadcasting! The fourth release on LD!

Volume Three Synopsis

Suddenly summoned to the sorority house, Nanako is pressured by Fukiko to end her relationship with Hemimi. Upon hearing this, Saint-Just confesses her complicated relationship with Fukiko. The shocking truth behind why “Miya-sama” wanted Nanako in the sorority unfolds, leaving her deeply shaken. Meanwhile, Saint-Just is tormented by the realization that the stronger her feelings for Fukiko, the more she ends up hurting her. The complex relationship between Saint-Just and Fukiko has a tragic past involving a near-suicidal event. On another front, Mariko causes an incident by attacking Misaki, motivated by slander about her parents’ divorce, which leads to a movement spearheaded by Kaoru to abolish the sorority. Amid the crumbling sorority, Fukiko remains composed. The fourth volume, “Chapter of Snow Dance,” captures her frightening yet noble confidence and deep sorrow. In the snow that never melts, remains the sad yet beautiful promise of Saint-Just.

Volume Three’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Tomoko Konparu Born on March 13, 1956, in Nara Prefecture. Pisces. Blood type AB. A fan of both manga and anime, she became a screenplay writer and debuted during her university days with “Ikkyu-san.” Anime works include “Urusei Yatsura: Only You,” “Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love,” “Touch 2: Farewell Gift,” “Phoenix,” “Cat’s Eye,” “Hime-chan’s Ribbon,” and more. Novel works include “Mystery at the Tower of London,” “Mystery at Nara’s Great Buddha” (published by Kobunsha Bunko), among others.

The letter:

When I heard that this work was going to be turned into an anime, I was shocked. I’d known about the series since its serialization, so my reaction was something like, “What!? Are they really going to do it!? And on NHK of all places!?” Expanding on the original work and filling in the parts that hadn’t been depicted was incredibly challenging, but also enjoyable. What surprised me was that, around the midpoint, the characters started to assert themselves, taking actions that were entirely different from what I had planned. The princess would say, “My pride isn’t so easily swayed,” San Just would insist, “I’m not going to commit suicide,” and even the older sisters of the sorority were like, “We can’t back down now.” Every time this happened, I had to rework the composition. This phenomenon of “characters moving on their own accord” was a first for me in an anime series, and it was an incredibly fresh and pleasant experience. That being said, it’s rare to be so emotionally invested in characters while working, to the point of even role-playing their lines. To be honest, this was a work that got my inner anime fan excited. Ah, I want to do work like this again!

Volume Three’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Keiko Fukuyama Born on September 7. From Tokyo. Currently, she is working as a manga artist, authoring works like “Ruru-chan of Star Island” and “The Tale of Appfelrant.” She also illustrates for children’s stories, including the “Mama Ghost Series.”

The letter:

It appears to be titled “To the Unforgettable Older Sister”. Much of it is too hard to OCR. It opens with this caption:

“To My Older Brother…” is so melancholic and sentimental that it instantly takes us back to our student days where we felt we were tossed around by fate for no fault of our own…

Here’s some of the text beside the character drawings:

Fukiko/Saint-Just: Reputed as the most beautiful sisters in school Mariko: The most popular Mariko-san who lured our tears. There’s a lot to think about! Tomoko: A straightforward, kind friend Nanako: So there I was, fully embracing my Nanako persona, reaping all the sorority perks you could imagine. (I mean, they even say they’ll hook me up with a dreamy guy!) 💧 And just when I’m soaking up that sorority vibe, guess who’s set to make a surprise appearance right after the teaser for the next issue!

Text coming out of the TV:

It was “Oniisama e”!!!! Poor Mariko-san, right~ Misaki-san also, there was no need to say that much, you know.

Volume Four

Volume Four Subheading

It’s not too late yet, our beautiful time can still last forever, unspoiled by anyone, just like this white snow… A forbidden cult anime masterpiece born from satellite broadcasting! The fourth installment on LD!

Volume Four Synopsis

Suddenly summoned to the sorority house, Nanako is pressured by Fukiko to end her relationship with Hemmi. Hearing this, Sanjust is compelled to confess his relationship with Fukiko. The shocking truth makes Nanako reel in disbelief. He deeply ponders that the stronger his feelings for Fukiko, the more he ends up hurting her. The unusual relationship between Sanjust and Fukiko reveals a tragic past of a failed double suicide. Meanwhile, in the school, an incident occurs where Mariko, slandered for her parents’ divorce, attacks Misaki, leading to an anti-sorority movement centered around Kaoru. Fukiko still acts nonchalantly in front of the crumbling sorority. The volume unfolds displaying Fukiko’s terrifying yet noble confidence and deep sorrow. A beautiful yet sad promise lingers in the snow that never melts.

Volume Four’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Kenichiro Haneda Born on January 12, 1949. Graduated from Toho Gakuen College of Music in the Piano Department. An accomplished concert pianist, Kenichiro Haneda has a broad range of experience, including composing and performing music for movies and TV themes, as well as acting as a musical director for musicals and commercials. He has worked on numerous soundtracks such as NHK’s morning drama “Youth Family,” TBS’s “Women Work Hard” and “Life Is Full of Demons.” With his genre-defying approach to music and his bright, humorous personality, he is a sought-after multi-artist in various fields.

The letter:

I’ve worked quite a bit with Music Director Seiji Suzuki in the past. Suzuki gives me the music menu, and I’m the one who creates it. We’ve had some pretty detailed discussions about it. Of course, I’ve read the original work as well. When I read it at home, my daughter gives me a puzzled look, as if to say my interests have changed quite a bit (laughs). I think I wrote around 40 songs in total. The music is meant to have a Baroque sound while also feeling contemporary. The order was for something classical yet with a pop atmosphere. The image that immediately came to my mind was a rhythm section, with a harpsichord playing the melody. String instruments intricately marking the rhythm, much like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. And on top of that, a flugelhorn playing the melody… Regarding the scenes where the piano is played, I played all of it myself. I often compose and perform my own pieces. It’s less about talent and more like playing two roles; maybe I contribute quite a bit to cost-saving (laughs). In any case, this work has a unique atmosphere. If the music I created successfully captures that, then I must again express my gratitude to Suzuki for coordinating everything. October 28, 1993, aired on NHK

Volume Four’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Hideaki Anno Born on May 22, 1960. Originally from Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Height is 180 cm; weight is a secret. Debuted as an animator during his time at Osaka University of Arts, working on the TV version of “Macross.” Later worked on “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” the film version of “Macross,” “Royal Space Force,” and others, before directing “Gunbuster” and “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.” Currently planning new projects.

The letter:

Way to go!! Oniisama e… Wow!! The long-awaited, tumultuous Volume 4!! This volume shows us the peak of the series, from Mariko-san’s stabbing incident to the dissolution of the sorority. Amazing, this is really amazing!! Yes. Especially the heartbreaking breakdown of Nobuo’s family, and the portrayal of the sorority’s downfall reminiscent of the French Revolution, are things that are indescribable with words. Yes. The highlights this time are– Brilliant! Highly sophisticated direction and high-quality animation in Episode 27! Tear-jerking! In Episode 28, Mr. Nobuo Hikawa’s soul-stirring outcry!! Upon hearing those lines, my tears really wouldn’t stop. Seriously. Amazing!! Oh, so moving! The heartfelt words of Miya-sama at the end of Episode 32. The sight of Miya-sama waiting alone in the Sorority House and those lines really hit me hard. Moreover, as always– Incredible!! The world that reminds me of ‘Aim for the Ace!’ and ‘The Rose of Versailles’!! Impressive!! The drama unfolds only in limited settings, like homes, trains, buses, crossings, schools, and other familiar places!! Very Sophisticated!! The direction, composed of stillness and motion, light and black, feels so mature. As expected, Dezaki-san! And, Powerful!! Nanako-san is turning into an adult right before our eyes. Moreover, the music is also great!! I wish the BGM CD would come out soon. The use of chimes and telephones remains clever as ever!! Ah, the only thing missing is a bit more on the background elements… by H. ANO ‘93 10/27

The tiger is saying “It’s awesome, isn’t it!”

Written above the drawings of Mariko and Saint-Just: “These two are definitely the ones. Yes.”

Volume Five

Volume Five Subheading

The summer full of light ends, the eventful summer ends… And then the cherry blossoms bloom again… Brother, I am now… A satellite broadcast-born forbidden cult anime masterpiece! The final chapter on LD!

Volume Five Synopsis

Finally, the petition to abolish the sorority has garnered signatures from over two-thirds of all students. As the campus is in a state of upheaval, Saint-Just is lost in thought alone. One day, he calls Nanako out and promises to take her to the beach where he used to go often with his mother when he was younger. However, on the promised day, Saint-Just never shows up. His sudden death plunges many people, including Nanako, into the depths of sorrow. Among them, Kaoru, who is battling cancer and fearful of its recurrence, takes the news of Saint-Just’s death most seriously. She finds comfort in the warmth of Takahiko Henmi, but continues to stubbornly refuse his love, thinking about his future. Love, friendship, bonds… The fifth volume, titled “Chapter of the Fireflies,” explores the dignity, beauty, and value of human life. Seasons turn, and the cherry blossoms bloom again, bringing back familiar scents to Nanako. All of this is accompanied by the most beautiful “love.”

Volume Five’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Riyoko Ikeda Born December 18, Showa 22 (1947). Native of Osaka City. Blood type AB. Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Hakutsuru High School and went on to the Philosophy department at Tokyo University of Education (now Tsukuba University). Began drawing manga during her time in school and debuted with “The Girl in the Rose Mansion.” In 1972, she achieved great success with “The Rose of Versailles,” acquiring a broad fan base that transcended the realm of girls’ manga. Known for her keen historical perspective and deep insight into human nature. Active as a writer and essayist as well. Her hobbies include Nihon buyo (Japanese traditional dance), oil painting, movie appreciation, vocal music, piano, cooking, and knitting. Her work has been selected for the 76th Nika Exhibition. Major works: “The Rose of Versailles,” “Window of Orpheus,” “Empress Catherine,” “To My Brother,” “At the Ends of the Sky,” “The Blue Pomegranate,” “My Manga” Books: “If Only Life Could Be Lived Once,” “Women of the French Revolution,” “Women Who Wrote Masterpieces” Currently writing “Eroica” and “Prince Shotoku.”

The letter:

As one who has journeyed far from that radiant chapter called youth, a time that shone with an almost awkward brilliance, I find myself in a peculiar blend of bewilderment and nostalgia. Seeing my old ideas of high school life come to life as animation almost 20 years later is surreal, to say the least. Still, it’s exciting: hearing voices given to these characters, seeing them talk, laugh, and get angry. Watching them come alive is truly a thrilling and satisfying experience. Ah, adolescence — everyone’s inescapable stairway to adulthood. Some people take each step slowly and carefully, while others rush ahead, ending up out of breath or even lost. And then, there are those who may lose their direction, standing still, contemplating each step. Wrapped in the love of family, meeting various people, nurturing friendships, experiencing love, and going through the ups and downs of hurt and forgiveness — it would be wonderful to climb those steps in such a way.

Volume Five’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Rumiko Takahashi Born in Niigata Prefecture. Debuted in 1978 with “Katte na Yatsura,” submitted while still in college, in Shonen Sunday. Famous works include “Urusei Yatsura,” “Maison Ikkoku,” and others. Currently serializing “Ranma 1/2” in Shonen Sunday.

The letter:

A masterpiece infused with the creator’s soul. When I heard from the staff that “Oniisama e…” was getting the anime treatment on satellite TV, I was surprised. I’d delved into the original comic before and it’s quite an eccentric story. “How are they going to pull this off?” I thought. But learning that the script was in the capable hands of my acquaintance Tomoko Konparu, I was very excited. In fact, the anime that aired was genuinely captivating. The characters are so larger-than-life that they electrify the screen the moment they step into frame. It’s been a long time since an anime had that kind of presence. I believe the animation is done by the same people who worked on “Tomorrow’s Joe 2.” The scenes are so visceral that you can almost feel the punches land and see the fighters hit the mat. I kept asking myself, “Why isn”t a mouthpiece flying out?” (laughs) My favorite character in the work is Nobuo Mariko. The scenes where she bites her lip until it turns a flushed red, I find it really cute. But what blew me away was the show’s emotional intelligence. Just when the heroine seems on the brink of breaking, a lifeline is thrown her way. This nuanced touch prevents the darker, more harrowing elements from overwhelming the viewer. It’s as if you can feel the sincerity of the creator throughout the piece.

And that’s it. Again, check out the full scans on Archive.org, and remember to encourage all your friends to experience this beautiful anime!

[bnhaemporium]

Hello! I loved your pro-heros imagine where the reader was hurt. I was wondering if you'd do the pros again reacting to the reader having amnesia? The doctors aren't sure if it's permanent or not. Maybe the pros try to court them all over again just in case they don't remember them? Thank you! ♡

Hello! Thank you for requesting, I hope you enjoy!

Characters: All Might, Endeavour, Edgeshot, Aizawa, Hawks

✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    ✧. ┊    

All Might

Toshinori stares. He knows it’s probably unnerving but he can’t help it, remembering how you looked at him when you first met and unable to maintain his composure fully.

When he snaps out of it, he introduces himself as though he’s never met you before. He puts on the same voice he uses when speaking to the press – the false tone that’s meant to make him sound less human than ever.

He takes a very, very long time before he lets anybody explain he once was in your life. There’s a strange shame he carries with him surrounding your relationship. Despite everything he once promised to you, despite swearing to keep you safe, he feels like he failed.

Even though he’s tempted to try over again and win your heart, he’s not going to. It’s too unbalanced for him to remember everything while you knew nothing. Too hurtful to not be able to feel your care and love.



Eraserhead

Is it a fate worse than death? When Aizawa looks into your unrecognizing expression, he contemplates for a brief second if hearing about your death would have hurt him less.

None of these thoughts show on his face as he reintroduces himself to you and leaves out any reference to your relationship. He speaks as though you are merely somebody rescued in his line of work but try as he might, he can’t bring himself to abandon you alone when you’re like this.

He speaks quietly to you, like you’re an animal poised to bolt. It’s so intensely obvious what your relationship once was, though he may not say it. Even with no memories, his care can be seen.

He won’t try to win your heart for a second time. He says it’s because he doesn’t have the energy to but honestly, he doesn’t want to intrude on your life when you already have so much to try and remember.



Hawks

Keigo doesn’t believe it for a few short, devastating moments when he smiles at you cockily. He waits for your façade to break and listens for a laugh of some unexplained joke. But it never comes and when he slowly realises the truth, he feels entirely lost.

You can’t see his emotions clearly but there’s a shake in his words as he adjusts himself for a reintroduction. His arrogance in telling you about your relationship doesn’t hide how weak his tone sounds.

He’s going to tell you bits and pieces in hopes of bringing back your memories but when it doesn’t work, he’ll shrug as though it’s no big deal. You won’t be allowed to know the truth because he’s barely admitted that to himself.

At first, he promises himself that he’ll leave you to recover in your own time but he won’t hold to that. He’s determined to show you why you fell for him and he’s going to remind you about every part of your relationship he adores.



Endeavour

There are many things in this world that make Enji angry or frustrated but in a situation like this, all of those feel trivial. He doesn’t even recognise the sinking emotion he experiences when you don’t greet him as you always do.

At first, he gets loud and sharp as he almost demands that you remember who he is. His words are harsh and coloured with a grief you can no longer recognise immediately. He eventually has to leave to calm himself down as the anger rolls through him.

It takes him days before he returns and gives you a proper account for what happened, still behaving far too formal. He provides you with whatever he can to prove his point. He knows his stance makes it seem unbelievable.

He’s certain he can win you over a second time and he goes about romancing you as he did the first time. It worked initially. He really takes advantage of what he knows to make you understand his affection.



Edgeshot

Shinya maintains a very calm façade when everything is explained to him and he sits at the foot of your hospital bed, watching your expression with a well-hidden uncertainty.

He goes through your relationship and your life with you to see what parts you remember and what has changed. He doesn’t allow his emotions to get to him until he’s alone later that day. That’s when he gives into grief.

It’s hard not to mourn you as though you had died. Everything he’s built with you has been ripped away but he’s not going to let it be the end. Not when he still has you with him.

He works with you to help get your memories back and to make new ones along the way. He’s learned what you like throughout your relationship and he’s going to make your recovery period as peaceful and enjoyable as he can, secretly ensuring he can keep your heart whenever he can.



[harleyquilt]

Touken/Kanetou "first times" headcanons:

Kaneki has never been read to as a child, or if he has, he certainly cannot remember. He often reads to Ichika and sometimes to Touka, who at one point admits that she finds his voice especially soothing. At times, he'll read to both, with Ichika on his lap and Touka leaning against his side, her arm hooked around his. But being read to? No, that doesn't happen. That is until he returns from work one day, both too tense to relax and too drained to do anything else besides think about how tense he is. Thankfully, Yomo is already watching over Ichika, so Touka drags him to their bedroom, lays his head down onto her lap, and reads to him his favourite book. She struggles over a few Kanji, but she pushes through her embrassment, stroking his head as his tension slowly unravels into a tender relaxation. Teary, he treasures this small intimate moment between them, and he would later ask her to do it again during times he feels depressed or tired. She, of course, is happy to indulge his rare requests.

It's pretty obvious that Touka and Kaneki had no time for dating by the time they became a couple. Sure, they spent the nights together, retreating to each other's arms for a brief moment of respite. But with the war against the CCG and the grim setting of the 24th Ward, they were robbed of their chance to experience the conventional dating lifestyle. So, once everything has settled and their wounds have healed, their friends insist that they watch over baby ichika and allow the couple some time to themselves. It doesn't take much convincing, but they're not exactly sure what to do, having spent so much of their lives tensely traversing through daily struggles. Yoriko steps in and takes Touka aside, giving her a pampering makeover, whilst Tsukiyama does the same for Kaneki (Nishiki joins to make sure it doesn't go overboard). When Kaneki and Touka meet at their date destination, (a beautiful garden and gazibo reserved just for the two of them), they're both quite flustered with how attractive the other looks. It actually reminds them of their wedding day, which they reminisce fondly together over a bottle of blood wine -- courtesy of Tsukiyama, of course. They hold hands, enjoying the silence while they watch the nearby pond reflect the soft colours of the evening sun. Squeezing her hand, Kaneki tells her that he's grateful to have met her, and with a small blush, she nods and says she's also grateful. They decide to go on a date every now and again from that day forward, having realised what exactly they've been missing.

When they have human visitors, which can be pretty often, Kaneki usually cooks something for them to eat. Touka usually keeps away from the kitchen, knowing she wouldn't be much help, but one day, she asks if she can help. She becomes pretty bashful when Kaneki becomes overly excited in response, beckoning her with a big smile. She grumbles as he helps tie her apron on, kissing the back of her neck. He teaches her how to best chop the vegetables, sometimes placing his hands over hers to guide her, watching her and gently encouraging her while she measures out the seasonings. Her embarassment remains, but she's touched by how happy Kaneki seems, listening to him carefully. Even when she makes a mistake, he gently rubs her shoulders, swiftly fixing whatever error she made. From that day forth, they both start making food for the cafe, spending their mornings working together.