#yes this is about Ren from 14 Days with You

[just-an-ekh0]

having a crush on fictional characters from specifically yandere visual novels is WILD bc-

like, morally. i know i should probably turn you in for killing the girl who flirted with you while we were out and stuffing her behind the dumpster behind her place of work bc murder is wrong and i shouldn't be allowing this kind of behavior and there's also no way this is healthy in any way but also, you're so cutsey and sweet and i'm weak for guys who love to do things with their partner, who's "type" is literally JUST their partner, and who would literally do ANYTHING for them (especially murder with a sledgehammer but moving on-)

[14dayswithyou]

PSA ! Because I've seen it be brought up in YouTube videos, in the comments section on Itch, and in quite a few asks on Tumblr... Here are some common misconceptions about "14 Days With You" that I'd like to clear up!

14 Days With You is not an otome game; it's an amare game!! The main character (Angel) is not a female heroine/female protagonist, and they're not written to be female-coded. Yes, you have the option to customise your pronouns and how others perceive you, but there is no "default" or fixed narrative perspective for 14DWY (outside of a gender-neutral perspective).

If it isn't already obvious, Ren's characterisation heavily leans into the "dere" aspect of a yandere. He genuinely loves Angel... Just to a terrifying degree.

None of the cast members are heterosexual, so please don't assume that all of Teo's exes/flings were women, that Leon has only had girlfriends in the past, that Olivia is only attracted to good-looking men, etc. In a similar vein, I want to remind everyone that Jae-Hyun is gay and Kiara is a lesbian.

14DWY is also a romance game!! The whole point is to get to know Ren, grow closer with him, and ultimately romance him. So please stop asking me to include BTD, TDDUP, or W1WD mechanics in the game. It's completely fine if you like those types of genres — and I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum — but it's not the vibe I'm going for with 14DWY, and it's not something I want to write about.

Ren dyes his hair! He isn't wearing a pink wig.

Similarly... Violet, Jae, Moth, and Teo all dye their hair as well. But I'm happy if folks want to headcanon that "unnatural" hair colours can exist in the 14DWY universe.

Ren does not have DID or BPD. He's merely a desperate yandere who changes aspects of himself + creates different "personas" to appease Angel (and essentially become their ideal type). He definitely has a pessimistic outlook on his real self, though he does not identify or feel genuine in any of his created personas. I'm comfortable for those who have DID/BPD/etc to headcanon Ren as such, but I heavily discourage everyone else from doing so as I don't want to give them an incorrect or bad reputation.

The 18+ scenes are optional!!!!! The game is intended to be played without them — it's even turned off by default. Nobody is forced to sleep with Ren.

14 Days With You is a passion project that I work on in my free time for fun. I'm not making a profit off of it, I'm not looking to turn it into a career, and in the most /pos way possible; it's not important enough for me to make a priority. So... Please stop guilt-tripping me for updates when I already don't have enough time or luxury to work on it ;v;

(last edited: 19/101/24) — I may add more here over time!!

[myfavoritesstuff]

Through the Illustrated Veil

Pairing: Ren x Isekai!Reader x Solivan Brugmansia

Summary: You awaken to discover that you’ve been seamlessly transported into a realm where visual novels are real life.

Note: If people like this idea, I will turn this into a series. This will have yandere tendencies later on! This is a crossover between 14 Days with You (14dwy), The Kid at the Back (tkatb), and The Coffin of Andy and Leyley (tcoaal). I might add on other visual novels if people request more or if i like the story is going and want to add more. The reader is kind of clueless, but just for this first part. The artwork isn’t mine!

Prologue

Slowly, you opened your eyes, and the world came into focus. It was as if you had stepped into the frame of a beautifully illustrated book. The colors were vivid, the edges sharp, yet everything pulsed with a gentle breath of life. You immediately sat up with a gasp, your heart a beat behind the realization that dawned upon you– this was no longer your room, your world.

“Hello?” Your voice came out as a whisper, yet it seemed to carry across the room. The door to the room opened, and there two figures emerged. It was two people you instantly recognized–

Andrew and Ashley Graves from The Coffin of Andy and Leyley. Once known in the realm of visual novels, now stood before her in the flesh.

“I see that you're awake now Y/n” Andrew said calmly. Ashley turned to her brother with an annoyed look on her face.

“Yes, we can both see that Andy. Thanks for stating the obvious.” Andrew turned towards her and the two started bickering. Meanwhile, you were still trying to comprehend what was occurring right before your eyes.

“Umm…” as you began to speak, unsure of your next words, the two turned towards you. “So, where are we?”

The two gave each other a confused look and responded simultaneously, “In our home”.

“Home?” That didn’t sound right, the last thing you remember was Andrew and Ashley killing their parents and taking their home. And from the looks of it, this didn’t seem like it was their parent’s house. “Okay…” you responded, yet still unsure.

“We’ll leave you alone for now, but remember you have school in a bit and work a little later on. See you later sis.” The two left, leaving you stunned. School? Work? You don't remember anything about this visual novel having school or work. And what was this about being their sister? You decide to get out of the bed that you were on, and make your way to the door. Once leaving you instantly recognized where you were. This is the apartment from 14 Days with You.

You made your way to what appeared to be the front door of the apartment and left, too lost in your thinking to say goodbye to your “siblings”.

You made your way down to the bottom floor, and went outside to get some fresh air and think things over. You found a bench and sat down.

The Coffin of Andy and Leyley and 14 Days With You are two of three of my favorite visual novels. The only one that's missing is… oh. You know now. Going to school, it all makes sense now. The last one was The Kid at the Back.

Am I already friends with Sol and Ren or do I have to become friends with them? Sighing you decide to get up and start walking.

Wait, I don't even know where the school or my work is! You thought. But it didn’t seem to matter, since your legs seemed to walk on your own.

[bunnylove1]

-ˏˋ. Ren headcanons ˊˎ-

✎ᝰ. : I Do not own this character! These headcanons are just for fun and may not be what the creator headcanons for there character! Please keep that in mind !

✎ᝰ. : warnings! 18+ content ! 14 days with you is an 18+ game so is my account if you are underage please leave. This writing contains, smutty acts, fluff, and more ! Not proof read!! You have been warned.

→ : I have a feeling ren has a bunch of those cheap Chinese toys that you’d get from the dollar store in a bin in his room. Idk he just looks like he would

→ : Rens closet is like those two houses that are opposite from one another yk what I mean that black and pink houses yeah that’s his closet.

→ : they definitely have a thing for public sex. Like come on the living room scene … I mean that dudes freaky.

→ : Ren is a big guy he’s 6’5 I see him having too get a bunch of pants he thinks are cool tailored too his size cause if not his whole ankle is going too show.

→ : they definitely like too Color. But like adult coloring books with colored pencils.

→ : if you where too live with them he'd put all your “special plates/cups” aka the ones you use frequently, on the top shelf so you have too get his help.

→ : lets you paint their fingernails, Dude love seeing your face go bright when he says yes.

→ : I know this dude has a thing for seeing you in black and purple. Idk why purple but I just think he’d be all happy and complement you 24/7 if you did wear those colors. Especially if it’s alt fashion

→ : Ren just gives off the vibe that he wants too be called a good boy while he dominates you. Like Imagine their fucking you dumb and all of a sudden they go “call me a good boy please” in like a breathy voice GAH.

→ : Definitely loves it when his partner bites or marks him he likes showing it off. As much as he can

→ : that ring that he wears, yeah that one. That’s definitely gotta be your future weeding ring.

→ : he likes when you draw imaginary shapes on any part of their body. Doesn’t matter were they just like the feeling.

→ : The best at taking photos of you. The beach scene just says it all. They’ll take as many as they can too get the perfect photo for you. He’d do anything for their angel

→ : Halloween with Ren definitely wouldn’t be boring. They’d drop a hint saying that a new horror house opened up for Halloween and if they saw you were interested he’d take you there.

→ : the same thing with Halloween I 100% see them wanting too do an angel and devil matching costume with you.

→ : randomly buys you flowers and leaves them at your door with a letter saying something like “have a good day angel” or “these were just so pretty and thought you’d like them”

→ : would have those pink fluffy dice in his car.

→ : they’re those people too like anime figures and get a bunch of them and get a case too put them in.

→ : would get a tattoo of his partners name. (Bad ren don’t do that shit.)

→ : into bondage and cum play definitely. Like tying your hands behind your back and putting a blindfold on you that definitely gets him hot and hard. They’d love seeing you covered with his cum. Mostly would like it too be on your stomach or inside you.

→ : I know this freak has a thing for you in costumes (like a cop or a nurse) idk he just gives me the vibe that it would make him hard.

→ : likes the sound of you gagging on him. especially if you have drool slipping out your mouth.

→ : he’s a switch no doubt about it. I just think it depends all on you how you feel. If you a dom I know he’d sub for you and if you a sub he’d dom for you. Ren would do anything for you.

→ : try’s too match your breathing when your asleep.

→ : I feel like he hates fish. Like food wise.

→ : would get you a custom made biker helmet with cat ears or something on it for when you ride with him.

→ : randomly scares you. Like not like he means it just they walk so quietly that he’d randomly appear behind you and you wouldn’t even notice till you turn around

→ : likes too hug you from behind while you cook, maybe even sway his hips while he does it.

✎ᝰ. : I did it !! Took me forever cause I got overstimulated half way through. Which is why it got kinda short at the end because I was starting too lose motivation…

✎ᝰ. : I hope you liked this pumpkins !! Non of this is going too be 100% canon because it’s not mine, these are just for fun remember!

[mosaickiwi]

Hi again! Hope you've been doing okay!

First off I just wanna say that you always deliver, I mean "Fall Unto Me"?? Four part+an epilogue of me being torn between wanting to baul my eyes out and wanting to melt into a puddle from the feels :')

But as for the request, could I ask for Angel and [REDACTED] redecorating his appartment? Getting rid of the gaudy furniture once and for all!

Don't forget to drink water and take breaks whenever you need to! My brain is also 105% filled with this skrunkly but the trick is to keep two neurons in a cell reserved for this >:] /silly

HEHE I’ve been ok! Hope you are too!! <3 thank u for appreciating my (deranged) brainrotting fic c: the suffering is my favorite part. I’m drinking lots of water cause summer hates my ass. 💖 Also sorry this is long I am clearly not winning at the "be normal" challenge.

14 Days With You is an 18+ Yandere Visual Novel. MINORS DNI

💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤

Redecorating

“This one?”

The dark haired man peered at the laptop in your hands for a long moment. “It's… nice.”

“Yes��? You called the last three couches nice, too. Any other thoughts?” You gently goaded your partner.

Choosing new furniture with [REDACTED] was supposed to be easy. You'd pick something, and he'd agree. Except you wanted it to feel like home for both of you. He didn't have to say the mushy, obvious line: as long as you were there, it was home. So progress was challenging with some things. You were sitting together on the current couch—the ugly, lifeless one that came with his apartment for some reason. 

His brow crinkled as he searched for different words. Those soft blue eyes went back and forth across the screen until he said, “It’s cozy yet functional.”

“Did you just summarize the description to me?”

He confessed to the crime with a sigh. “Angel, all I think when I look at it is you. And how cute you'd look sitting on it. Like y’do right now.”

“I'm always cute. Focus on the couch, please. Not me,” you insisted.

“No promises.”

“Let's see…” You had to find some way to get through to them. An idea came to mind that you knew he wouldn't like very much, but you had to try. “Pretend we're not dating. Or maybe I don't exist? You come home—don't make that face! I said pretend—so, you come home after a very terrible day and you see this couch. Is it nice then?”

[REDACTED] still made that face as he answered you. “Annoying as fuck to clean.”

It was progress. You didn't want to dwell on why that would be what they thought about after getting home. “Did the first one I showed you seem annoying to clean?”

“Mm... a bit.” They reached forward to change the webpage back for another look. “Y’never showed me these.” 

You leaned over to see what he was talking about. There were a few humongous bean bag chairs on the furniture wish list you’d made. “I just thought they looked fun to take a nap in. But I’m not sure we’d both fit, so it’d be silly," you explained and tapped the mouse to continue skimming through your other selections. “We can think about the couch later. I found some wall art that doesn’t look like it came from a dentist’s office.”

His eyes carefully followed the scrolling page until the bean bags disappeared at the bottom of the screen, but he didn’t protest.

💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤

The new furniture had arrived—and been efficiently assembled by your boyfriend, despite your protest—while you were at the library, so you were excited to get home. [REDACTED] held one hand over your eyes as he unlocked the apartment’s door.

“I already know what all the furniture looks like, Ren.” Even so, you didn’t wave their hand away.

You could hear the door click as he guided you into the foyer. “I may have added a few extra things,” he hummed while you blindly struggled and failed to take off your shoes. “Actually… close your eyes f’me.”

“O—kayy?!” Just as you closed your eyes the floor slipped away under you, replaced by familiar arms cradling you to their chest. His quiet footsteps barely echoed against the marble as you got your wits about you. The living room wasn’t that far, so you were certain where he took you without seeing anything. You just didn’t know where exactly in the room.

They turned and came to a stop, rooted in place for a moment as if thinking to themself. “Y’gonna scream if I drop you?” 

��...Yes. Maybe.”

Without another word he let go. There wasn’t enough time to scream as you immediately landed against plush fabric with the faint crinkle of something below it. The fabric crinkled some more as you felt your shoes being taken off.

“Can I open my eyes yet?” you asked. You could already tell what one of the ‘extra things’ was. It felt like heaven.

“Sure, love.” Their voice was a little farther away than you expected. Probably from hurrying to put your shoes in the closet.

You found yourself nestled on one side of the room, with a perfect view of his handiwork.

A couch that was easy to clean, in a color you insisted he decide on, draped with a luxurious looking blanket that wasn’t in your list. A coffee table with rounded corners so they wouldn’t keep hitting their leg on it. Some wall art of Attack on Giants—with extra pieces from a show you sort of recognized, but definitely suited the man's tastes. A few shelves to show off merchandise from another of your favorites. And the enormous, navy blue bean bag he’d so rudely dropped you in moments ago.

Your darling hacker stepped in from the foyer and tossed their hoodie onto the new couch. “Everything good?” he asked, piercings pulling up in a smile.

“I think I love it.” Your eyes scanned the room again and eventually landed on the pictures. “And I love that you added your own stuff.” It didn’t seem to be a clone of your apartment that he just happened to live in, like you worried about. “What about you?”

“S’better than before. ‘Course, the best part is that I don’t have t’see some shitty couch when I open the door—I get to come home to you, trapped in a bean bag.” He stood up and walked over, eyeing you playfully from above. “Comfortable?”

You nodded, then immediately yelped when he fell forwards. Just before you were squished, he caught himself on tattooed arms, caging you in the crinkly, soft material. You only felt some of their weight on you like a heavy blanket. A soft laugh slipped past your lips as he got comfortable himself, clinging to you as best he could while you both sank further into the depths of the bean bag. It’d be impossible to get out.

You wiggled your legs, straining to even find the damn floor. No doubt a futile effort, you had to sigh, “At least we both fit on it."

[REDACTED] didn’t speak, already yawning from the exhaustion of setting everything up before meeting you at work. The walk to and from the library certainly didn’t do him any favors, either. In a matter of seconds, he was fast asleep in what surely felt akin to a nest, all four lanky limbs wrapped around you like a snake.

[isa-ghost]

QSMPblr Language Day Ask Game!

Happy Language Day!!! As the person who organized for us to try this again without something catastrophic ruining the fun, I wanted to make an ask game! :D

If you reblog this you HAVE to send AT LEAST one ask to the person you reblogged from! You can copy/paste the question right from this post and into the ask OR ask it in your language of choice*. Whoever you ask answers it in a language of their choice! You can ask just one of the questions below, but are encouraged to ask multiple!

*Language of choice as in their first/native/preferred language!

Obviously all asks are QSMP themed. :)

1- Who are your Top 3-5 QSMP cubitos? Any particular reason why those are your faves?

2- Who was/were your main POV(s)? Yes this is different than favorite cubitos.

3- Which egg that ISN'T the child(ren) of your favorite cubito is your favorite?

4- Favorite lore moment? Can be serious OR silly.

5- Favorite server event? Can be cultural or otherwise!

6- Do you have a favorite Federation Worker or other non-egg NPC?

7- Which POV that you didn't watch do you wish you could've caught live?

8- Now that QSMP is gone, are there any CCs from the server that you still watch any content of?

9- Share one of your favorite QSMP fanart, animatic, fanfic, edit, cosplay, etc (WITH CREDIT)!

10- Favorite "mundane" moment? (Mundane meaning no event or formal lore was going on. Even if the CCs were in-character, they were still just hanging out!)

11- What's something you wish was confirmed as canon for your favorite cubito? Alternatively: What's your favorite canon lore bit for your favorite cubtio?

12- List 1-3 things you learned about any of the cultures on the server.

13- List 1-3 words or phrases you learned from any of the languages on the server.

14- Share a phrase from your first/native/preferred language!

15- What pair of CCs do you wish interacted more on the server? Doesn't have to be a pair that never/rarely interacted.

16- Do you remember where you were or what you were doing when your favorite lore moment happened? (Example from OP: I was getting my favorite loaded fries for lunch during Phil's Ender King lore finale)

17- Tag 3 friends/mutuals you met because of QSMP. They now have to send you one of these questions and you have to send one to each of them, even if they aren't participating! >:)

18- If your cubito didn't get an official lore finale, what would you have wanted their finale to be? If your cubito DID get an official finale, how do you feel about it?

19- What culture/language do you wish you would've gotten to see on the server had things not fallen apart?

20- What was the first server event that you watched live?

21- Favorite inside joke or meme from the server (ex: Cellbit's ad, Chayanne being Cucurucho, the furry club, etc.)?

22- Favorite funny moment in general?

23- Was there any moment on the server, lore or not, that made you cry? Happy tears or sad tears?

24- Favorite build/location on the server?

25- What is your opinion on the QSMP 2024 location on the server?

26- Share a song you found because of the server (thanks to an animatic, lore, something else, etc.). Alternatively: Share a song that makes you think of your favorite cubito, and explain why!

27- How do you feel about Cucurucho?

28- What unfinished bit of lore do you wish we got to see completed?

29- What CC(s) would you have wanted to see added to the server? Can be a CC that speaks any language.

30- What is a moment, lore or not, that you think is underrated?

[sneakygoldie]

hii im thinking on coming back to tumblr to post random art and some stupid stuff!! also btw my discord is goldswirl !!

sometimes i do stuff without noticing..

it became a habit i wish i never got, if you notice i do something wrong please correct my mistakes and ill do my best to get it together, dont be afraid to tell me, ok? lets goo!!

a half scene core, half nostalgic gal, half cutecore.. but mostly the silliest randomest gal ever, and im proud to say so!! no judgemental peeps allowed in this blog!! <3 im stuck in my childhood and present day!! as you can tell, i love magical girls and some silly cartoons bc.. why not!!

shorter fandom list ! pretty random stuff dont mind my silly autistic self :3

BASICALLY ANYTHING MAGICAL GIRL RELATED!! (especially the silliest ones, idwtbamg, madoka, ojamajo doremi, precure, jewelpet, rainbow bubblegem, and a few older shows like sailor moon, akazukin chacha, saint tail, and a lot more magical girl shows !!)

bfdi

tiny toons (i dislike the reboot tho TwT)

fetch! with ruff ruffman

fhfif

regular show

ed edd n eddy

Dandy's World

MHA

SML

ren and stimpy (still haven’t watched much-)

spooky month

full house (i loved it when i was younger and i still watch it and make fanart sometimes!! I love the theme song <3)

I still like dolls but who’s gonna stop me xD

that’s surprisingly less comparing the disaster of a fandom list i used to have >w>

more about me!!

14 year old artist who is turning 15 this year! (september 3rd 2010 is my bdayyy)

a twice fangal!! sana is my bias rehehe

animator creating her own magical girl series, which is kinda a mix of Jewelpet and Ojamajo Doremi, called Powerful Pals! It is getting rebooted since it is outdated. if u wanna watch it, here’s my stupid silly little yt channel!!

comfort characters: too much of a list, but just know that its hard for me to hate any character! BUUUUT i am prob one the biggest ojamajo doremi, ruby x flower x lollipop, cure peach is my fav precure and #1 pop (fav ojamajo, very close second is doremi) fans so ye !! >w>

💕✨

sassy little witch gal

dni: gr00mers, p3dos, etc etc, you know what i mean.. hopefully im scared if you dont.. aha! jk! just dont be problematic

i support most furries, therians, lgbtq, agere (NOT AGE PLAY!! theres a difference!), etc!! as long as its not a kink (age play is a kink). again, i believe it is fine as long as you aren’t sexual.

(sexual stuff is gross and unacceptable in this blog. take that away from me, a minor. pls.)

now have funny bfdi stuff :3

[girlfriend-to-death]

intro post!

˚₊‧꒰ა hi, i'm angel! ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

-19 -genderfluid (afab) -fictobisexual -any pronouns/gendered terms (pref. for he/they and masc/neutral terms)

this is my selfship blog! my main blog is @hikakaomybeloveds

˚₊‧꒰ა my f/o list & f/o emoji combos ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

(note: this list is updated frequently, so u may see it in progress with some f/os without emoji combos. posts abt f/os without emoji combos will use *f/o name*posting as a stand-in tag (e.g. "finnyposting" for finny)

hunter (the owl house)- my main f/o! my fiancé/silly little guy <3 💛🐺

vincent 🐺❤️ and farz🩸🔪 (boyfriend to death 2): my poly packmates 🐺🩸

rire (boyfriend to death): my demon daddy /j 🕶☕️ (this is a darkship for me, with strong themes of mind control and abuse- please filter the "🕶☕️" tag if this is triggering for u)

ren/[REDACTED] (14 days with you): my yandere lover 💖🔪

aeron (art without blood): my queerplatonic love 🎨🩸

dorian (10:16): my fall from grace 📖🦦

yuu 🧸🐻 and tsubaki 🧸🐰 (shota x oni): my f/os that are the most likely to get me cancelled/my shotacon dream 🐻🐰 (this is a shotacon ship. please filter both the "🧸🐰" tag and the "🐻🐰" tag if this is triggering/makes you uncomfortable)

aki (blush blush): my foxy love (yes, that is a pun) 🦊🥰

cashew (blush blush): my favorite bookworm 🐿📖

seth (blush blush): my demon king ❤️‍🔥🐶

reece (blush blush): my time-proofed love 🐈👽

logan (blush blush): the fire[starter] of my heart 🚒🦦

ace (blush blush): my favorite boy at third base ⚾️🦇

kelby (blush blush): my boy with the best jersey to steal 🏀🐓

volks (blush blush): my favorite wolfboy 🖤🐺

casper (a date with death): the moonlight to my sunshine 💙💀

noiz (DRAMAtical murder): the hacker of my heart 🐰💚

koujaku (DRAMAtical murder): my knight in shining armor 🌹🐦

clear (DRAMAtical murder): my malewife /j 🩶🤖

scorpia (she-ra and the princesses of power): the princess of my heart 🦂🥰

vi (arcane): my guard dog 🥊❤️‍🩹

daisuke (mouthwashing): my favorite ray of sunshine 🌺🎮

finny (black butler): 💛✨️

cedric (sofia the first): 💜🪄

hiro (big hero 6): my favorite little scientist 🤖💕

sydney (degrees of lewdity): my favorite girl to corrupt 🪽🖤

the counselor from class of '09 (yes, THAT counselor): 📚😉

lucien lachance (elder scrolls IV: oblivion): my sithis-sanctioned love🩸🖤

˚₊‧꒰ა other emoji combos ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

unrelated to my f/os / abt me or my s/i's: 🪽💖

unanswered ask games: ❔️💕

answered ask games: ❔️💖

˚₊‧꒰ა boundaries/dni ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

my asks and messages are always open if u wanna send anything or chat, just please be respectful and kind! i'm always looking for proselfship moots (:

please do not ask personal or invasive questions about my life outside of what i volunteer on this blog. this is not a place for me to talk abt my personal life- it is an escape.

NSFW asks are only okay if in direct relation to something i posted or part of an ask game. other kinds are not allowed, and will get u blocked. links to nsfw art in the comments/reblogs of my posts are fine, provided it is warned about/tagged properly.

dni:

i am strictly non-sharing. please DNI if you selfship romantically with any of my f/os. strictly platonic/familial selfshippers are always welcome, though!

MDNI. i plan on posting nsft content here, and i don't want minors on my blog.

antis DNI. go fuck yourself.

anyone else is allowed to interact, but please note i block freely.

NOTE ON MY DNI: my definition of "interact" in this context is sending me asks, following me, messaging me, or repeatedly liking/reblogging my posts. i am not gonna be upset if u like or reblog one or two of my posts (although, arguably, if that's the case, you probably aren't even reading this).

i believe that's all! i hope u all have a fun time scrolling my little corner of the internet!

[mikaru-shiran]

Guess I have an Angelsona now??? Anyways his name is Elias and his fluffy head neither respects the comb nor the law of gravity!!!

Anyways, some tidbits about Elias:

1. His sweater is an extension of his body. Please do not remove. Yes he wears them even if it's hot out.

2. Closeted fudanshi with shelves full of BL, occassional josei and shoujo... And keeps the real kinky stash under his bed, next to his toys.

3. May or may not have jacked off to said stash.

4. Very close to Violet and Moth. Joins Violet in MMO raids sometimes, even.

5. About 164-ish cm (5'3")

6. Sees Haruko as kind of "He's just like me frfr" and also "2D Fictional Crush"

7. Needy Virgin. Very much wants Ren/Redacted but too shy to be forward so he goes a very roundabout way. Makes him easy to tease.

8. Sees Teo as that difficult uni friend that you can't quite break off from lest it destroys the whole group's dynamic. So he just bears with it.

—

14 Days With You (c) cutiesai at itch.io

[mendimore]

Cdrama Reviews/Reccs Series 01: Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼)

SPOILER WARNING!!!! PROCEED WITH CAUTION ( will be talking about the plot and the ending so if you are spoiled that if not my problem in any way)

Mysterious Lotus Casebook, led by Chengyi, Zeng Shunxi(Joseph), and Xiao Shunyao, directed by Guohu and Ren Haitao, aired through summer 2023 and was one of the most popular cdramas to come out that summer.

Unfortunately I was a bit preoccupied falling down the Boy's Planet rabbit hole after being peer pressured to watch it to serve as moral support for a friend of mine and thus, being unintentionally dragged back into my kpop phase.

It was also because I had a hellish 14-hour work/study schedule 5-6 days a week during most of that summer meaning I could only have one hyperfixtation and watching five three-minute fancams was still a lot less time than rewatching a word of honor episode for the literal 14th time.

However, I am back and despite still being busy as hell, I have pulled three all-nighters (not in a row thank god) to finish this drama because it was heavily reccomended.

And needless to say, since I was able to sacrifice another decade of my life for it, it was pretty good.

I have not read the novel it was based on, I am only going off of what is in the actual drama.

For costume dramas, out of the big three platforms in the land of cdramas, youku, tencent, and iqiyi, I would say production quality-wise I prefer iqiyi, so that was one of the reasons I agreed to watch this drama. When it comes to Iqiyi, most of the time I don't feel taken out of the story by the production quality. Usually, I'm removed from from the illusion of the story by the story itself but that is another issue, particularly prevalent in productions with script with no source material or very low-quality source material.

The skin smoothing wasn't super excessive and the general look was pretty harmonious. No props that stood out strangely and few consistently or particularly awkward camera angles messed with the storytelling elements that I can remember. Pretty good for a Cdrama. The bar is a bit low, yes, but in the grand scheme of things it's not a badly produced drama, and it's pretty evident, that the people working on it cared at least a passing amount about those storytelling elements which I can wholly appreciate. And obviously, it's nowhere near a cinematic masterpiece, it did not lack the quick cuts of slow-mo, or the wide-face shots that are a certain pet peeve of mine in dramas, though I will say, it didn't bother me as much as it usually does. It had a certain martial arts film charm to it and generally sidestepped the tacky look that kind of editing or shots usually have, but nonetheless, the production has certain things to be desired. I would say the overall look/production quality definitely doesn't hinder the watching experience.

However, there was something that did set me off a bit. I am a Mandarin speaker myself. Listening to this drama was a bit awkward at times. Of course, If I can find them I will put on both Chinese and English subtitles, if not I will at least have one language of subtitles on so I don't have too much problem understanding what is going on, and this was no exception. but frankly, spending late nights in front of my computer screen trying to read subtitles has never been my favorite way to enjoy cdramas.

The line delivery in costume dramas has certain standards that contrast with contemporary dramas making it that much more difficult and important to the scene. My first victim is Zeng Shunxi, the actor for Tianji Manor's young master Fang Duobing. From what I understand Mandarin is not Joseph Zeng's first language, perfectly fine, but the problem is, in this drama, I can tell. There are plenty of instances where his delivery is majorly awkward, particularly for a Minister's son, he's supposed to be well-versed in literature and an eloquent young master but sometimes talks like the words don't fit his mouth and other times the words come out in form fitted lines of monotony that also feel strange to native speakers and particularly costume drama viewers. It's not the worst thing and if you only read subtitles you will probably not even notice because his emotions generally still translate pretty well and it's not like he is speaking noticeably slower than other actors or like a robot. there is just a lot of be desired in that standards of voice acting. I am not here to attack this man, the fact that he could play in his own voice through the whole drama as someone whose first language is not Mandarin is impressive, particularly because it is a costume drama so there is a whole other level of difficulty, plus his line delivery was not bad enough to prevent me from finishing this drama so do with that what you will. However, for the purposes of the story, I think getting a dubbing actor could have been a reasonable investment. Our other leading actor, Chengyi also has certain issues with line delivery, though arguably not as noticeable. His character is a reserved, tired person, secretive so it's generally in character for him to be quieter, calmer, and his cadence is mostly natural, but sometimes I really couldn't quite catch what he was saying. He likes to gloss over certain words, his ending sounds such as those with ng like jing or neng get ommited some of the time, and his overall delivery borders mumbly several times. Mumbly words said under your breath are acceptable as long as the words are heard clearly, but that is the problem, they aren't. Again, it likely will not be noticeable if you are only reading subtitles and it is not bad enough to ruin the moment or scene in most instanced but there are things to work on, definitely. These two actors have the most lines in the entire show which is why I'm making such a big deal about it, but for people that don't know mandarin, that don't hear the awkward cadence or can't understand whatever is being mumbled, it wouldn't be noticeable, however it was definitely a criticism I had.

However, breaking away from the complaints I would like to point out that I generally really liked the fighting choreography. Fighting choreos can be the highlight of wuxia dramas. Many martial arts cdramas nowadays bypass having to train their expensive idol actors and actresses in fighting choreo with stuff like special effects and camerawork, but the fighting sequences and swordsmanship sequences were all pretty well done. Special mention to Chengyi's performance for the Li xianyi/Li lianhua's swordplay sequences was very nicely done. His movements are fluid and generally crisp, fitting his character and are nice to watch and capture the scene. I think my favorite was the last time he practiced his sword, in front of a fire, in the moonlight but here were quite a few pretty breathtaking moments.

Did this drama make me sob my eyes out? Yes, several times. I do tend to cry at every little thing but I did have a long bawl about Li lianhua after I finished, and a couple of sore, dry-eye days after a long night of quietly crying in my bedroom. However, making me cry is only a facet of storytelling that I evaluate. Personally, for the story itself, I found it generally pretty easy to get roped and invested in. The case breaking stuff is usually interesting to me and this one certainly was, though I do think that the cases themselves were sometimes overly convoluted with quite a couple of logic holes because their line of reasoning was so long and complicated. The amount of hints that are thrown at you in small moments are pretty hard to keep track of, but I think that it the characters and their dynamic is charming and the resolutions to the cases and the characters' agency was still satisfying enough for me to follow them on their little detective cases, and obviously the conflict caused by Li Lianhua's identity was the main backbone of the story. Li Lianhua's attitude, his disillusionment, all very heartbreaking, I loved it. I have seen some people argue that Li Lianhua has no character development. He still pushes the people who love him away, he is still walking away from his problems, and hurts them which is true in some ways but I disagree with the fact that he has no development. He had this sudden and painful disillusionment, before the story that changed his worldview entirely and really before Fang Duobing comes along, he is hypercritical of himself, the ruthlessly unyielding, unforgiving part of Li Xiangyi is something he still carries with him. However, after meeting Fang Duobing who admired Li Xiangyi in a way that wasn't just putting him on this untouchable pedestal or making him an ideal kind of helped him remember and allowed him to go back to Sigu sect, put on those red robes and save Yun Biqiu with Fang Duobing supporting him the whole way. He ends up giving his old acquaintances and friends some closure even though he originally intended to leave it all exactly where it was ten years ago and, though, I think it was unfair the lack of closure that Fang Duobing got, in the end, Li Xiangyi resolved his story in a different way than he was going to. Of course, he still leaves everyone behind but he isn't exactly just walking away from all his problems anymore, he's helping them accept his inevitable outcome, wishing them a bright future and the life he won't get to have and that, though albiet subtle is still development.

Overall I think the cases were draggy and complicated, but not uninteresting and the real plot with digging up the main male lead's past was a pretty good point of intrigue. These episodes are like almost 50 minutes long though so to each their own. Acting, other than line delivery gets a pass for me. They were consistent believable characters with motives and consequences that made me care about them. The chemistry between the three leads was pleasant and harmonious. Their dynamic was clear, humourous, and entertaining, nothing to gawk at but seeing them fight together and interact definitely brought a smile to my face more than once.

As for the soundtrack, it was, as most of the rest of the drama, pleasant and fitting, but, nothing mindblowing. However, I am still listening to that soundtrack while I'm writing this and it has definitely grown on me.

One last thing, I did not get to the the entirety of the ending because I do not pay for iqiyi, however, I know the general idea of what it was. Personally, I am kind of glad I did not because I think the ending in the 40th video was more than enough. I know that they don't want to incur the wrath of all the emotional fans crying after the last video and believe me I was one of them, but giving him an ambiguous ending with a hint about him returning just doesn't sit right. Li Lianhua was a dead person, he spent ten years accepting his death. This story is about the freeing of Li Xiangyi from the cycles of vengeance and the death of the idle, wandering physician Li Lianhua. If Li Lianhua does not die, entanglement in the affairs of the world is inevitable and since Li Lianhua is now recognized as Li Xiangyi, they can no longer exist separately as they had been doing for ten years, because if they do, Li Xiangyi will be forced once again into the entanglements of vengeance, attachments, and worldly affairs which undermines his selflessness, self-loathing, righteousness, and bittersweet apathy. Even though this is not Di Feisheng's happy ending, and definitely not Fang Duobing's happy ending, this is Li Lianhua's happy ending, to die quietly, all his attachments to the world settled and left behind, in a small boat where he can rest peacefully and die where he was supposed to all those years ago, rocked by the current and forcing the people he has left behind to let go of him, as they should have done. He gave everyone as much closure as he could, and he gave himself control over his own death. As much as I want him to be alive, I don't think, for the purpose of the story that he should be or would be.

Anyways, I have grown way too attached to Li Lianhua, and keep rewatching the series to cope. Overall, I liked Mysterious Lotus casebook a lot, ti is definitely I would say worth the watch and even though it is not the most amazing or greatest thing in the world it has a special place in my heard and as kind of some closure for me, that is my review of the show, hope you liked it.

[heliosthegriffin]

Shadow Knight and Magic Girls XIV

AO3 Link

Chapter 14

-----

Jaune really wanted to close his eyes. They feel so heavy, like someone had tied anvils to his eyelids. He couldn't take a nap though, not where he could be watched. Uncle-, Big Bear would hear about it.

He had to be a representative of the Xiongs.

He looked down at his test. Jaune hadn't even wrote his name down. What class period was he even in, had he had lunch yet? No. So, it had to be before lunch...

Maybe, he should look at the questions? ... Still no clue. He got up, getting attention from across the room. "Mr. Arc?"

"Just stretching."

"Can it wait until after the test?"

"No."

The teacher gave a frail smile. "Well, I'd much appreciate it if-"

Jaune leaned back, a series of bullet-loud pops echoing across the room. Several students flinched, looking up from the test for the source of the test, others covering they're ears at the sudden noise, and a couple nodded they're head finding the sound oddly pleasing.

"Nevermind." The teacher sat down, and so did Jaune. He started to remember what class he was in. Something something science. Usually he slept through it.

He looked at the questions again. It was asking about chemical change, was he is chemistry?

It was dumbly worded though, bland enough he wish had some salt to put on it.

Still, he knew the answer to this one strangely enough, he had done a lot of experimenting in his early days of monster-fighting, so he knew a bit about chemical change.

It was asking for a example, and he wrote gunpowder, explaining how when a spark hit it, it created a chemical reaction that made a small explosion and smoke.

Jaune nodded to himself.

Reading the rest of the questions, he realize that all of them he sorta of knew the answer too, especially since they all related, to one degree or another, to his experiments.

Once figured out, Jaune handed over his test to the teacher, who took it, reading over it.

Exiting out into the hallway, Jaune made his way down the hallway to find a secluded place to close his eyes for a bit. Turning around the corner, he took a step to the side, as a faunus girl almost walked into him.

She paused mid-step to look at him, eye's going wide. "Wait-"

"Yes?" Jaune paused.

"Um..." She stuttered. "Thank you."

"For what?" Jaune couldn't remember ever-, oh. "Oh the purse. Get everything back? Nothing missing?"

"Yes!" She nodded, her rabbit ears bobbing slightly, Jaune found himself unable to look away from them. "Thanks to you." She noticed his gaze and blushed. "Sorry, I don't want to bother you."

The Xiong heir-to-be shrugged. "It's fine, I was just going to nap. Nothing major."

"Oh!" She brightened up. "Then, you wouldn't mind if I treated you to a drink? My treat?" Her rabbit ears twitched forward, the ends drooping slightly.

He couldn't look away, Jaune realized. So, just slowly nodded.

"Great!" She gave a chirp. Then looked nervously at him. "Oh! I haven't introduced myself. I'm Velvet, Velvet Scarlatina."

"Jaune, Jaune Xiong Arc."

----

"So, do you girls believe in ghosts?" Nora asked the table.

"No. That has no scientific backing." Weiss said firmly.

Her fellow comrades stared her down ruthlessly, with a expression of 'really?'.

"Well, I do." Nora said proudly. "In fact, I've met one or two, right Ren?"

"They weren't ghosts," Ren said flatly. "She found my parents in a ... intimate moment, and they ran hiding under some white sheets."

"Same thing!"

Ren sighed. "No, because my parents are very alive, this happened yesterday."

"OH." Nora hit her palm with her hand. "That's right. Sorry." She looked around the table. "By the way, Jaune. Renny's parents want to know when you're coming by, they miss you!"

There was no Jaune at the table.

"Oh." Nora drooped sadly. "My boy has grown up." Then perked back up. "We'll, I'll just have to find and tell him myself!" Then disappeared in a blur of manic energy.

"Shouldn't you mind that?" Blake asked Ren, who shrugged.

"Jaune can handle that."

Blake nodded. "Do your parents actually miss him?"

Ren smiled. "Yes."

Ruby poked Weiss in the ribs. "So, don't believe in ghosts?" Yang joined in poking her other set of ribs. "Yeah? Don't believe in ghosts?"

Weiss squirmed being poked repeatedly. "Stop that! The idea of ghosts is just so illogical to me."

Pyrrha cocked her head at Weiss. "And? You don't have an opened mind to it, with your own circumstances, it seems even more illogical not to consider it."

"Ok. Point taken. But, that doesn't mean I believe in them."

Ruby laughed. "Gosh, Weiss, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were afraid of them with how much you don't want to be real!"

Weiss looked away, saying nothing.

Yang brightened up. "Oh. This is golden."

Blake peered at Weiss. "So, ghosts?"

"My childhood home was drafty that's all. It pushed doors open, perfectly logical explanation, I'm sure. The cold spots were just because of poor construction. The moans were just echos." Weiss fired off trying to explain it, mostly to herself.

"Geez," Yang chuckled, backing off. "Alright, it's fine. Not like ghosts are going to hurt anyone."

Ruby put a arm around Weiss. "Don't worry, we'll kick any ghost butts that try to haunt you!"

Weiss sighed. "Thank you, Ruby."

Blake looked at Ren. "You didn't say what you think about Ghosts?"

"Neither did you girls."

"I think we're pretty open minded. " Blake said, with all but Weiss nodding.

"Hmm. That's good." Ren sipped his tea. "I'd just say, they're not the strangest things to exist."

------

The door opened, revealing a dark room, Velvet flipped a switch, and Jaune went bug-eyed at the sight. 'There's no way this is real.' He looked around the room, trying to make sense of what he was looking at. 'But, it's here.' He looked at Velvet with a bit of fear.

It was a room entirely of him. As the Shadow Knight, not normal him, thank his ancestors it wasn't. But, all across the room was pictures of his alter ego, boards full of text, rare-video of him being played, and what he could only know as a half-way decent reconstruction of his first costume.

Jaune fought the urge to burn the room to cinders, he looked around, wishing very strongly to have brought a lighter to school. He'd know better from this day forward. Flint and steel, too.

"Excuse the mess," Velvet said meekly, then gestured to a chair. "Take a seat, while I brew some tea." Jaune sat down, staring at he wood, desperate to not see all his pictures, this was embarrassing to a level he didn't know existed.

"Oh, I didn't realize you were that tired." He heard Velvet say, causing him to snap back up. "I don't mind if you drift off for a bit. It'll take a moment to make the tea, anyway."

He was very tempted to do so. However, he decided to not do so. Embarrassing or not, he needed to figure out what the hell this all was. So for the moment, Jaune watched Velvet move around getting the tea leaves and setting the water to boil.

Velvet then took a seat parallel from him, looking shy. "Do you like black tea?"

He wasn't a big tea drinker, but he'd try anything once, foodwise at least. "Yeah, that sounds fine."

"Great." Silence mostly filled the room, other than sound of the water slowly boiling.

"What is all this?" Jaune decided to bite the bullet, gesturing around the room at ... all of that. "It's ... through."

She blushed. "It's not that great, it's just a bit of hobby."

Then he'd hate to see what really caught her interest. He looked at the replica of his old suit on a mannequin. "Yeah, a hobby. We all need one." Jaune watched a video of him decking a someone with Ferrum Vis, his old pipe, he missed it already. The video then showed him running away from the police, that had been a couple weeks ago, wasn't it?

Velvet nodded energetically. "Yep! Well, it's more than a hobby now, but it started out as such." Her ears wobbled. "I have a hard time talking to people. Now's not much better, though. I only really have Coco."

Jaune could understand that. "Yeah, people are strange creatures." Velvet looked down. "Not that you are, just in general." Jaune backpedaled.

"Thanks. But, I know this is weird, but ... I feel so drawn to him. It's like he's more than a man. It's just big thing to solve to me, a puzzle with so many moving parts! It's makes it all the more fun to try and figure it out." Velvet's voice grew in energy as she talked. "Like why does he do it? Who is he? When did he starts? It's all so many questions without answers."

"Maybe, that's for the detectives to figure out." Jaune added neutrally.

Velvet sighed. "I asked them, but they don't care. They have more pressing matters, other than some, and I quote, 'Crack-head bum getting into pissing matches with gang-bangers,'." Velvet frowned, and Jaune fought the urge to pet her. "How rude. But, I guess that's the best I could ask for, at least they didn't turn me away like some would."

That was actually a relief to Jaune. Knowing that police didn't think much of him, which he hoped to keep that way. Though, it did beg the question how much they knew? Maybe, he should take some time to find out?

Big Bear had hardly had any information on the shadow monsters, other than what his family passed down, and what he already knew.

Jaune thought about that book he found, it had mentioned The Moon Lady summoning darkness monsters? This went back several hundred years minimum, and he hadn't managed to cross-reference the story yet, so it's impossible to tell how old it was. It could have very well been written by somebody in the know, or just some guy.

Jaune sighed.

Velvet then misinterpreted this. "I know, right? The lack of interest in the topic is staggering, we have a actual modern day hero going around fighting for us, and no one cares, or hardly knows."

Jaune would fight her on that, given how many people had called to him as the Shadow Knight.

She then looked at Jaune hopefully. "What do you think about it all, Jaune?"

The blonde young man swallowed. "I think ... he's doing his best. Not perfect, but I think this 'Knight' is trying to make the world better, as much as one man can... Even if it kills him."

Velvet's ear's slowly stood up, her eyes widened, and she gave him a wide-happy smile. "I knew it! A good guy like you would surely get it!"

The kettle whistled.

"Let me get that." Velvet said happily, then sat a cup of steaming tea in front of him. Jaune took a whiff of it, it was very floral. Then brought out his lunch-box. It's weight making the table groan as he sat it down.

Velvet looked in shock at what must be a body-builder sized meal. "Wow." Then she looked at the clock. "Oh. I guess it is about lunch-time." Then went and retrieved her own lunch from the back of the room.

------

Yellow flew over the harbor, bored out of her mind. She had to control her power output while she flew, to keep anything sensitive from noticing her. It put her in a bad mood, as her control was by far her weakest trait.

Still, she had promised the rest that she would do her part and parole for a couple hours. It sucked that people were getting killed over here, but it's like all the people at the harbor were upstanding citizens to begin with. She honestly thought, that they're energy was best used going after Grimm Swarms, even if individually they were more than enough to handle that.

Still, flying in circles trying to sense something that might not be there anymore was driving her nuts, she really just wanted to pound some Grimm heads into oblivion.

She looked at the dark sky, realizing it was probably close to midnight now. They usually got done around 1, but sometimes as late as 3. Thankfully, for her beauty-sleep, was one of the perks for being a magical girl, along with Aura, was a reduced need for sleep. Otherwise they'd be useless by daylight.

Though, she still did miss sleeping in.

In the distance she spotted a crimson-glow making its way towards her.

"Hello, Yellow." Crimson greeted her politely.

"Hey, Crimson. Am I done, yet?"

"Indeed you are, feel free to go-" Crimson wasn't even halfway done, before Yellow took off.

"Great!"

Crimson shook her head, and got to patrolling. As a cargo-ship was coming in from the darkness, a heavy and thick fog following in behind it. Orange sparks appearing inside the dark mass only to then disappear.

----

Jaune looked at the rapidly dissolving mass of shadows, then at his ax. It was ridiculously sharp. It had cut through the head of a small shadow-wolf with next to no effort on his part.

It was a big step up from using Spite, the knife had been getting dull, and wasn't very high quality to begin with.

This was going to make combat going forward at lot more efficient.

Taking a breath, he organized his thoughts and controlled his breathing, time to find another one.

He tapped his helmet. "Hey, girls. Anything on your end?" The twins were sitting back at the van keeping a eye out, ready to take pot-shots at anything that got too close.

'Nope.' Miltiades answered.

'Nothing of interest.' Her sister also responded.

"Alright, then."

Jaune went on a stroll, trying to see if he sense any more of them out tonight. But, so far, other than a few stragglers, it had been unusally quiet tonight.

Which would be fine with him, if not for the feeling of dread collecting in his stomach.

He stopped moving, feeling a chill down his back, and looked behind him.

There was a girl with pink and brown hair staring at him from the other end of the alley, she had a parasol over her shoulder, and looked amused.

Jaune stared back. She smiled, and then gave a 'follow me,' motion before running off. He had a bad feeling about her.

He followed anyway.

She was fast, hardly able to keep up, as she practically danced in the air in front of him. It was unnerving. But, he kept pace, running for what must have been ten minutes, with her not even straining.

Then she stopped abruptly, as they rounded in front of a store that had been broken into. A dense heavy fog was surrounding the store, as from within two large, lumbering shadow-wolves scooped up in they're clumsy arms whatever valuables they could, before venturing back into the fog.

Jaune stopped, looking in utter confusion at the sight, trying and failing to figure out what the hell was going on. Analyzing the beasts, before noticing a single glowing sigil on they're heads.

That of a Fox.

He looked back at the girl, then sighed, as she was gone. He looked at the store, and the retreating shadow-wolves disappearing into hardly-visible shapes in the fog.

"Well, well, well." A cocky voice came from above him. "Look who we have here?" Jaune looked up to see the vague-shape of girl glowing yellow, and felt his heart start beating rapidly. "What brings you round these parts, mister Shadow-Knight?"

"Wait-" He didn't get a chance to finish.

"'Cause, it looks like to me that you're robbing the place! Well, whatever, I've been itching for round two for a week now!"

[novankenn]

Jaune 1/2 (v1-11)

Two rather scuffed up and tired figures stepped past the south gate check point of Vale's defensive wall. It had a very long road for the pair, as they travelled the lands, honing their skills... and getting constantly lost.

????: Now Nora, I KNOW you're still looking for an apology from that guy, but we're here to train at Beacon, okay?

Nora: Okay Ren, but still...

Ren: Nora it's been like ten years, give or take a few months...

Nora: 9 years, 8 months, 26 days, 14 hours, 12 minutes...

Ren: Please for the love of the Gods, stop obsessing over that guy!

Nora: But...

Ren: No buts. Nora you decided to become a huntress, after my village was destroyed. We survived, together. We survived our entire journey together.

Nora: It was good jour...

Ren: I am NEVER letting you use a map again!

Nora: Why?

Ren: 7 years, 2 months, 28 days and 16 hours of our journey has been you getting us LOST!

Nora: Obsess much?

Ren: All that is behind us. We get through invitation, get through four years, after which we get you back to your family in Ansel, and then avenge my village. That's what we agreed on.

Nora: I remember.

Ren: Thank you. I couldn't have done this all without you Nora. I'm serious about... URK!

Nora: (Snatching Ren up in a crushing hug) Ahhh thanks Rennie!

Ren: (Gasping for air) Can't breath! Everything... going... dark...

Nora: AH! Sorry!

Ren falls to his knees gasping for life giving oxygen, as Nora looks on, embarrassed that she almost crushed her partner... again.

Nora: Are you okay?

Ren: (Panting) I'll... I'll... be... fine...

Nora: So what should we do now? Can I go lo...

Ren: No! Forget about him. We need to get to Beacon, and make sure we're on the initiation list.

Nora: But it's a matter of honour! I need to restore...

Ren: Nora, I doubt he's in Vale. You said he lived in Ansel... so seriously think about it. Do this this Arc would be here?

Nora: I guess you're right, but still...

Ren: Listen. IF by the miniscule chance we do run into him... despite the fact that it is totally not going to happen... feel free to clobber him.

Nora: Really?

Ren: Yes., BUT...

Nora: But?

Ren: That will be the end of it. You win, or he wins...

Nora: Like that will happen...

Ren: Regardless of what happens. That's the end of it. Okay?

Nora: Okay.

Ren: Really?

Nora: Yes. No matter who wins our fight. Honour will be considered restored. Happy?

Ren: Very.

Nora: So... Beacon? Um... that way right?

Nora was pointing out the very gate they just spent fifteen minutes getting check through.

Ren: No. It's that way.

Ren points up to the tower that was easily visible from where they stood.

==\ Episode List /==

[crunchy-nitrogen]

1813 | General Hux x OFC | Regency AU | Chapter 14

Pairing: General Hux x OFC, some Kylo Ren x OFC

Warnings: None

Masterlist

Read it on AO3

Next Chapter ->

______________________________________________________________

Blessed with several days of well needed rest and good weather, the 22nd Regiment had finally made their way into the thicketed forests and lush valleys of Nabooshire. Situated further south than Kit had ever ventured, the air appeared warmer and the sunlight hours felt longer. Not to mention that spring was nearly upon them. 

Their campsite had been selected due to its strategic height above the surrounding forest, allowing them view of the whole valley below. As the last rays of light were filtering over the tops of the lofty pine trees so prevalent throughout the landscape, Kit could not help but admire the view before her. The topography was so vastly different to the mossy moorland of Arkanis, and while she had come to learn to admire the gloomy charm, the exotic greenery that now surrounded her held a different sort of beauty. Where Arkanis felt hushed and dreary, Nabooshire was full and bursting with life. 

It was a well needed change, she decided. Like a splash of cold water to the face, her new surrounds heightened her senses and revitalised her spirits. 

Life had been moving at a break-neck speed recently and Kit felt it wash over her in an instant. In the past month alone she had been promoted to head nurse, ventured further from home than ever before, made peace with Hux, and even dared to hope that she might have a future with Ren. 

These notions excited her, and for a rare moment, Kit was utterly happy. Though, her present task had been sure to shatter that feeling. 

"He is still alive?"

"Yes. Barely, but the General has asked that we see to his wounds - lest he succumb to them." 

"Cousin, from what some of the men said, I had expected his corpse to be bloodied and lying in a ditch somewhere in Corellia" Kit said gravely. She could scarcely believe Mitaka's words. 

It had been some time since the attack on the camp by the lone archer in question, so why had Ren allowed him to live? 

She had a thought. "Has he not provided any detail on the Resistance?"

Mitaka grimaced. "I don't know how he did it. Ren went at him for hours... no luck."

She had seen her lover in action; he towered over all other men and was a force of pure strength. So often relegated to the side lines of battle in his role as Commander, it was a rare but frightening sight to see him sweep through the battlefield with the power of ten men. So to be able to withstand such a man - it was unfathomable. 

"Does Ren know about this?" the gestured to herself and the tent they were standing in front of. 

Mitaka shook his head. "The General thought it best if we saw to this matter... discreetly. As head nurse, we hope that we can count on your discretion from Ren and the others. It's just better this way."

"You're asking me to lie?"

He looked disheartened at that. "We're asking you to recognise that even the enemy deserves dignity. Ren would have you leave him decaying as he is; Hux and I believe this man has the right to a meal and some medical attention."

She felt an odd sense of shame at his words. An upbringing in one of the most loyalist counties had essentially erased her ability to exercise empathy for the supposed enemy. But knowing that within that tent was just another solider among thousands, bloodied and bruised and probably missing home. When she thought of it that way, it made sense. How could she be so heartless?

"I see. And if the Commander does find out?"

Her cousin hesitated for a moment. "I do not think he will punish you. He is... oddly fond of you, I have come to notice. Though I am unsure why - you hardly speak to him."

That sent heat straight to Kit's cheeks. Had Mitaka caught on? He had of course seen them dance back in Arkanis, but since then they had been so sure to be careful in their interactions. 

She longed for the day they no longer had to hide their courtship. Just once, she'd like to be able to proclaim her adoration for him publicly, and even hold his hand while others watched on. Ideally, she would not have to wait too long - though there were still so many things she needed to tell Ren - particularly surrounding her feelings towards motherhood. 

"I shall have to take your word for it, Dopheld."

Nodding, the Colonel drew back the door of the tent and allowed Kit inside. "Well, good luck then. If he should try to harm you, simply call out. I have men stationed all around." 

With that final piece of instruction, he returned to his post and left her alone. Taking the small med kit and the plate of food from the table, she entered into the interior chamber. 

The first thing Kit noticed was how dark the tent was. With only a single oil lamp dangling from the ceiling, harsh shadows were cast upon all surfaces of the structure and only broken up by the warm lighting of the flame. As she drew deeper into the room, she noticed a sturdy wooden beam holding the centre of the tent skywards. And chained to the base of it, sat a man. 

She did not know what she expected him to look like, but it wasn't this. With his head hung low and arms secured behind his back, he looked... helpless. Nothing like the ruthless, invincible warrior her mind had conjured; he reminded her more of a animal caged in a zoo, but even they were afforded more liberty than this poor soldier. 

While she could not make out the extent of his face due to mop of dark hair covering it, she could discern a profusion of red gashes planted across the rest of his exposed skin. With his navy Resistance uniform torn in several places, his chest was visible underneath and seemed to possess the most damage. He seemed to gleam with sweat - possibly the only sign that he was still living, for Kit had not seen him breathe once since she laid eyes on him. 

What had Ren done to him? She had seen patients injured in war look better than he was now. It served as a reminder of what the Commander was capable of, and it secretly frightened her. Was this the cause and the man that she had dedicated herself to?

She was startled from her observations when the prisoner suddenly spat on the ground, leaving a small puddle of blood and saliva before him. Then he seemed to look up slightly. 

"'M sorry. Shouldn't do that in front of a lady."

He could talk. Good - that discounted any brain injury. 

With some effort, he raised his eyes to meet hers. Brown. Nearly black. They seemed to stare right through Kit and squeeze her heart with the depth of sadness they held. Some internal instinct was screaming at her to comfort him, hold him like a lost child. But then she remembered he was the enemy, and had tried to blow up their camp several days before. 

As she continued to remain silent, he kept staring at her. Those eyes trailed across her face, back and forth over her features. 

"You look awfully familiar," he grinned - seeming to delight in her discomfort. It must have pained him, she realised, as his lip was split in several places and his nose seemed out of place. Still, she could recognise that he had a charming face underneath it all. 

"Never mind. Normally I'd shake your hand, but I'm a bit uh... preoccupied at the moment," he said as he strained against the chains. 

Was he trying to make a joke? She wondered if in another life he may have got on well with Mitaka. 

When Kit once more said nothing, he let out a sigh. "Looks that bad, huh?"

This earned him a twitch of a smirk from Kit, but she instantly hid it. She was not supposed to engage with the enemy. 

"C'mon, I'm all tied up here - you can be honest."

She considered him for a moment. "It looks that bad."

He let out what sounded like a chuckle, though it was strained and faint. "Wow. You really know how to make a guy feel better."

Now she was smiling. "That's my job."

"Yeah? Remind me to put in a good word with the boss."

He was good. A smooth talker. Probably thought he could flirt his way out of this. Though after not seeing Ren for some time, she did not mind the attention - but she would not be swayed by it.

"I'm not sure the boss is overly fond of you," Kit commented as she opened her med kit and retrieved a small towel. 

"Well, the feeling's mutual at least."

Coming to sit before him, Kit dipped the cloth in a medicinal solution and lifted it to his face. 

"This is going to sting." 

With one hand on his forehead, she drew back his sweaty curls to reveal a large gash that seared from his left temple to the arch of his eyebrow. She pressed the cloth lightly to the wound and felt his body immediately tense at the sensation. 

He sucked in a quick breath through gritted teeth and tried not to groan. "You weren't kidding."

Though the cut was not deep enough to warrant stitches, Kit wiped away the dried blood and muck that could cause infection. It looked as though he had not washed for at least a fortnight - which was probably the reality given the conditions he had been kept in while imprisoned. 

"So uh, you got a name?"

As she worked the grime from his cheeks, she contemplated showing him this one mercy. How long had it been since he had an actual conversation that did not result in injury to his person?

"Kit."

"Kit. That your real name or a nickname?"

"...nickname. It's short for Katherine."

"Hm, that's nice. Real pretty."

She quirked an eyebrow at him, wondering if he was aware how obvious he was being. 

She sighed, "And what about you?"

He hesitated as she dabbed a cut at his jawline. "Poe. Not short for anything. Just Poe."

There was silence for a while. As Kit applied salve to his lip, she noticed that his body started to relax. He must have finally let the act drop, because his smile was replaced with a look of exhaustion. 

"Why am I still here?" His voice was now riddled with sadness. 

She paused. Why was he here? Ren's attempts at torture had proved unsuccessful, and from the looks of it Poe was not willing to break anytime soon. It was inhumane in Kit's eyes. Was he just here to die and be made an example of?

"I... I don't know. I think they still want answers."

He scoffed. "Well I don't have what they're looking for. I've been in the field for months - I don't even know where our troops are stationed."

She could only look on in pity. Now that his wounds were all cleaned up, she could give him some food. 

The bread was stale at best, but it was likely the only thing he'd eaten in days. As she broke a piece off and offered it to him, he accepted hungrily and ate quickly as his fatigued body would allow. 

He swallowed it down with large gulps of water from the bowl she held to his mouth. 

"Thank you, for doing this," he whispered sincerely. 

She dabbed the water from the corner of his lips. 

"I rarely question the decisions of the Order... but this..." she trailed off. 

He looked at her again, creasing his brows. He motioned for her to come closer so he could whisper. 

"We could escape. Run away tonight. The Resistance would be understanding once I told them you helped me." 

His face was close to hers now and she could see the pleading in his eyes. He really meant it. Just the mention of deserting could have her arrested and him killed. And he was risking it all because he thought he could trust her. 

She took a step back, slowly shaking her head. That glimmer of hope fizzled from his expression in an instant. "I can't... I'm so sorry - you don't deserve this... but I just can't."

He seemed to nod in acknowledgement, eyes glazed over in despair.

"But I promise I'll be back. I'll bring food, I promise."

Another sad smile. "I'll hold you to that, Kit."

Ending on that note, she packed away her supplies and left the tent. She had much to think on. 

As several days passed with no conflict, Kit could feel a sense of unease brewing within the regiment. They had been promised combat upon nearing the Resistance base, but still they remained in camp. Kit of course did not mind, as she was feeling overcome by an increasing sense of pacifism the longer this war drew on. 

While Poe was only a prisoner - loyal to the enemy - she could not help but feel sorry for his condition. With each subsequent day spent in his company dressing wounds and feeding him, Kit was startled by how casually they fell into conversation - almost as if her lover was not holding him captive and intent on torturing him until he breathed his last breath. It was alarming how deeply she felt the need to help him; it had her questioning why she was even here in the first place. Of her love for nursing, she was sure - but was the First Order simply a vessel for it? Did she even know what they stood for? 

If her father - the best man she ever knew - had dedicated his life to it, than surely it was the right choice. Though she had been alive during the change of power, Kit could not remember what rule under the old queen was like, so she supposed she never had anything to compare it to. 

She thought for a moment and realised then that her whole life was so deeply entrenched in the existence of the First Order: Dany was married to a retired official, her father served as a colonel, Jayne was all but engaged to the new colonel, and she herself was entangled with the Commander. Even if she were to question her loyalties, how could she just abandon them all now?

As she set about her morning duties, these ideas of morality sent her into a spiral of self doubt and contemplation. So caught up in it all, Kit failed to notice a presence enter the med tent behind her. 

When someone grabbed her sides and squeezed, she let out a high pitched squeak and immediately turned on her attacker.

"Whoa! Easy there Kit - it's just me," laughed Rey. 

Heart beating out her chest, Kit took several shaky breaths to calm herself before lowering the empty bedpan she had unknowingly grabbed as a weapon. "You startled me," she rebutted.

"Just lucky I wasn't the Commander. Could've landed yourself in hot water if you were found assaulting him with a bedpan," Rey said through a fit of giggles. What had her in such a good mood?

"Well, I will endeavour not to assault anyone with a bedpan - especially the Commander."

"Speaking of, have you heard the news?" she asked slyly. 

No she had not heard any news. Surely if it were something of importance, he would have told her first, in confidence.

"Do tell," Kit encouraged, trying to mask her heightened interest. 

"Well, Finn and I just happened to be in the mess tent the same time as the Commander and the Colonel. Don't tell anyone, but they've located the base of the Resistance forces in the next town over - in D'Qarshire." 

It had been rumoured for some time that D'Qarshire had been host to Resistance conspirators, but this had mostly been disregarded as myth. So to have such a suspicion confirmed was surprising. 

"Really? What are their sources?" she queried. 

"That is the part that surprised me; when Phasma was being evacuated to the hospital in town, the officers escorting her overheard the rebels conspiring in the room adjacent - discussing plans to meet with Organa at the very base in question."

It sounded straight from the pages of a sensation story she read in her youth. 

"Oh. So I suppose that this will be the next destination for the regiment? Maybe the last, if it is successful?" Though her words were hopeful, her tone betrayed her. If the Resistance were unaware of this knowledge, it would be an all out slaughter. 

Rey seemed hesitant to answer. The nurse must have recognised an emotion from Kit that wasn't the excitement she had come to expect when discussing First Order victories. 

She seemed to dismiss whatever it was she had scrutinised from Kit's odd behaviour. 

"Anyway, to make the official announcement and whatnot, they're throwing an army ball in town. Supposed to boost morale, too."

"A ball?" 

"Yes Kit. Dancing, drinking - do I need go on?"

"I know what a ball is, Rey," she deadpanned, "but it is a bit early to be celebrating - is it not? What do we even wear?"

Rey chuckled. "Zali brought her entire wardrobe with her. I'm sure she'll have something."

Kit sighed. The last ball she attended had been back in Arkanis and it was... eventful to say the least. This would be the first ball without her sisters there. Self absorbed and impertinent as they may be at times, she longed for their company even just for a moment. Though simultaneously her greatest adversaries and admirers, they still held a dear place in her heart that at present remained unfilled. And for the first time since joining up, Kit considered returning to her rainy little county on the other side of the country. 

This would be good for her - a chance to let loose a little. Pretend that life was normal and she was not an adversary to the deaths of anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves allied with the wrong side. 

She had made her bed, and now it was time to lie in it. 

"So when is it?"

"They haven't officially announced anything, but it has been scheduled for tomorrow night."

So soon. Well, best get it over with. 

She put on a smile. "I look forward to it immensely."

[vashtijoy]

index of meta posts, part three

possibly this is getting out of hand?

Indexes: [one] [two] [third semester] [akechi's confidant].

out-of-universe meta discussion

On Akechi's bodycount and how to interpret canon. (posted 2023/04/22)

Is Akechi obvious, or is Joker an unreliable narrator? (posted 2023/02/19)

On the "perfect victim" myth, and how Akechi does not consider himself a victim. (posted 2023/02/16)

Akechi's resemblance to Light Yagami is totally superficial and is meant to mislead you. (posted 2022/12/11)

cute things

Akechi uses the full title of the Featherman show, like Futaba. (posted 2023/04/26)

Goro, please carry an umbrella, you're killing me. (posted 2023/04/24)

What would Akechi's love language be? (posted 2023/03/25)

"Honey, I'm home": intimacy chicken with Joker. (updated 2023/03/26)

P5A: Akechi looks like a crow and shoots directly at Joker's head—and Joker laughs. (posted 2023/02/25)

"the fish are beautiful": Joker's impromptu diversion at the aquarium. (posted 2023/01/20)

sad things

NPC cop to drunk NPC: "Akechi-kun, your family is probably worried about you." (posted 2023/03/30)

The toy shop at the end of "Proof of Justice" is in Kichijoji. (posted 2023/03/014/09)

P5A: Akechi looks like a crow and shoots directly at Joker's head—and Joker laughs. (posted 2023/04/26)

Anon comment on Akechi getting dragged into the "found family" trope by the ankles. (posted 2023/02/18)

yes, there is gay subtext in your innocent waifu simulator. (posted 2023/02/07)

little details

[twitter] Akechi's main outfit is his school uniform. (posted 2023/06/23)

How did Morgana see Dome Town? Also, the RL TV studio. (posted 2023/05/30)

Akechi and the evil wristwatch he wears only on his own time. (updated 2023/05/03)

When does Akechi start using Joker's given name? (posted 2023/03/26)

Followup ask: can we pin this down more precisely? (posted 2023/07/22)

@somethingpersonarelated reviews Akechi's outfits [tags are mine]. (posted 2023/04/25)

Akechi's school uniform doubles as his day job uniform. (posted 2023/04/29)

The toy shop at the end of "Proof of Justice" is in Kichijoji. (posted 2023/04/26)

The toy gun, Proof of Justice, was likely conceived to be Akechi's palace treasure. (posted 2023/04/09)

tech stuff

[twitter] Material from the betas. (posted 2024/01/23)

[twitter] Technical requirements for Akechi's third awakening. (posted 2023/09/01)

Character signature colours and Yoshizawa's phone. (posted 2023/08/15)

Akechi's "cute wink" cut-in, and his "evil wink" cut-in, and when they're used. nb this is wrong and needs updating (posted 2023/04/08)

fic excerpts

Goro and his mother: Akechi at six. (posted 2023/11/30)

Goro and his aunt: Akechi at nine. (posted 2023/03/27)

Postcanon HCs and Ren finding Akechi again. (posted 2023/1/15)

Goro and his uncle: Akechi at thirteen. (posted 2023/04/26)

How would I like Akechi's story to continue? (posted 2023/03/21)

Shido confronts Akechi about the Metaverse. (posted 2023/03/04)

12/24: deduce, panic, kill: P5 as a comedy text adventure. (posted 2023/02/03)

other characters

What was the original version of Ryuji and Makoto's Bon Jovi reference? (posted 2024/10/07)

How would Akechi and Mishima get on? (posted 2024/01/18)

Is Joker from the city or the country? (posted 2024/01/17)

Shido's Palace: what do the posters say? (posted 2024/01/14)

Deleted scene: Haru's hangout at Crossroads. JULIAN AND ANGEL WARNING. (posted 2023/12/14)

The Monabus was registered in Tsukiji. (posted 2023/11/20)

Haru: "we'll just take him out again". (updated 2023/10/19)

9/3: the Featherman allude to Haru on TV. (posted 2023/05/13)

How do we know Joker's grey shirt is sleeveless? (posted 2023/04/26)

@nardaviel's excellent guest post about Joker. (posted 2023/03/28)

On forgiveness: Haru's approach to Akechi. needs updating, sigh, that one Mementos line has at least another reply from Makoto. (posted 2023/02/12)

It's Yusuke who steps forward to tell Shadow Shido he was the worst dad. (posted 2023/01/02)

lolarity

P5 initially used "Saki Konishi" (the corresponding character in P4) as a placeholder name for Shiho. (posted 2024/06/07)

Incorrect Persona: "There was more than one lobster present at the birth of Jesus?" (posted 2023/12/25)

Miel et Crepes is (obviously) a pancake café. (updated 2023/05/28)

Would Futaba make Danganronpa jokes to Akechi? (posted 2023/05/15)

Akechi and the Russian takoyaki. (posted 2023/05/04)

Akechi allegedly smells like the sleazy Veteran Pick-Up Artist on Central Street. (posted 2023/04/30)

The other Goro Akechi (and the food blog). (posted 2023/01/22)

Akechi and Joker height truthing. (posted 2023/01/01)

Akechi, stop staring at Joker's bed. (posted 2022/12/27)

word of god references (other people's posts, etc)

from @starfirexuchiha: Some new Akechi trivia: What's in his attaché case? Akechi wears the argyle to copy Naoto. What's his apartment like? What bike does he ride? How is he with spicy food? Why and when does he eat with his right hand? Yes, Akechi awakened to both personas at the same time.

PQ2: rival characters have a greater presence when they're calm, and also Akechi probably painted the mural.

P5A: "for us, we know he's a detective."

P5A: why there is more Akechi.

"Maruki does not have concrete proof that Akechi is dead." (incidentally y'all, I would love a better source for this one.)

"Akechi's confidant is the key to the third semester". [JP]

[mosaickiwi]

Fall Unto Me (part three)

Part one, part two

I said I was on break but then a lot of things immediately fell out of my brain cause of stress so now I feel silly... sowweeeeee 🤡 Part four WILL be the last part I swear. If you see more Angel!Angel and Demon!Ren from me after that (and da infodump if i get to it) genuinely tell me to shut the FUCK up!!!

yes i am probably writing the NSFW version it'll be in my compendium post if it happens

cw// religious themes

14 Days With You is an 18+ Yandere Visual Novel. MINORS DNI

Your resolve was getting harder to hold on to, but you kept it. This would be the last time. You couldn't part from heaven again after returning. Atonement was waiting for you, eternal devotion to your duty right after.

Another few weeks went by as you stayed with Ren a little longer, the sea of flowers outside your bedroom window changing little by little each day. So many of them were already fully blooming, most of their petals stretched open to show off a myriad of colors while others curled inwards to hide from you. Practically a taunting mockery with how they took their time. As if insulted you would dare leave once they painted the horizon with their beauty.

It made it all the more painful that you'd never see them again. Or the companion that now felt like a piece you'd been missing.

Something about that encroaching deadline had affected the devil, too. Ren was calmer in some ways. They still brought you gifts and knowledge like usual, but he seemed to be taking his time just like the flowers. Simple answers to your curiosities became thorough while he held you close and urged you to ask more questions about whichever object took interest. 

He'd offered to revisit trinkets you loved as well. Until you were as familiar with using them as he was. You couldn't understand it. 

Your time together was draining away by the second. Didn't they want to make exciting memories? No matter how much you enjoyed it, mastery over human instruments or crafts served no purpose. Heaven wouldn't let you bring those things home, nor could you ask a higher power to recreate them for leisure.

Maybe your love was in denial of your departure. Or maybe spending little mundane, quiet days and nights together like this was their way of coming to terms with it.

Today, you chose to fiddle with one of the oldest gifts while chatting with him. The sun was just beginning to set, casting the room in the faded, flaming gold hue you'd only now gotten used to. 

“—Love?” He was calling you, the end of his tail swaying gently in front of your face to get your attention. You’d missed a few words.

“Hm?”

“You've gotten much better at this,” the pink haired devil hummed above you. His chin was resting atop your head as they cradled you in their lap on a frayed rug, his back against the bottom of the couch.

You looked over your work. The woven red string wrapped around and through your fingers took the shape of a pointed star. You knew real stars looked differently, but the human interpretation was interesting.

“Truly, it’s better than before,” you said with wholehearted agreement. The first time you'd tried—only on the third day of your visit to earth—had simply tangled the string to a knotted mess stuck upon your fingers for Ren to deal with while you apologized, embarrassed beyond belief. 

The patterns they taught you were almost easy thanks to your afternoon of trying. You unwound the string and painstakingly wound it again into one that often graced your practice: an angel. He'd been particularly smug about teaching you the motions of that one.

“An impressive self portrait,” Ren joked and squeezed you tighter in their embrace. “Although it'll take more than some thread to capture your divine beauty.”

Naturally, you rolled your eyes even though the soul it was meant for couldn't see it. A mortal gesture you'd gotten the hang of quicker than anything, as he so favored innocent teasing before expressing his deepest sincerities.

You untangled the string and tossed it to the side, then turned in their lap to make a face this time for their benefit. “I’ll do a painting, then. I’ve had enough of this toy.”

He relaxed his hold long enough for you to wander across the room in search of new distractions, but innocently called after you, “We’ll have to light quite a few candles for you to see well. Unless you plan to have me mix paints for you in the dark.” A second passed before he spoke again. “It’d be a pleasant surprise, I’m sure.” 

“Something else?” you replied, making a swift turn towards the bookshelves. You came back with a couple of novels and sat beside them with your treasure. “Is this really all you want to do? You’ve read every book here before.” 

Even the books he’d bought with strange, flimsy paper currency for you, Ren had said so casually, were already familiar territory. Tedium hardly described how boring you thought these weeks must be for him. But he never objected to anything you chose, as long as you both stayed close to home during the day. 

And you always kept your wings hidden in case a human roamed nearby. You'd never seen one come close to the cabin, or even the field of flowers, but he insisted your safety—and proximity to them—was of utmost priority. It was hard to remember the last time you let loose your wings at all after walking on the beach with him. They interrupted your thoughts once more.

“My sweet, delicate angel, I’ve had all the time in the world to do anything I want.” Their blue eyes narrowed with a smile as they spoke and you knew more teasing was coming. “We could even sit here in silence all night, if you asked me nicely.”

“How kind of you, my darling demon,” you teased them back. 

Another jesting response in his gaze faded to something different as you pulled him down for a kiss, gently at first. The books you’d brought over lay forgotten, soon shoved under the couch in favor of your new activity.

Kissing the demon you called yours felt like second nature now. There was no sting that ever came, no homesick aching in your back anymore. Only the flood of tender emotions he gave you, tainted by your own guilt and fears of parting from him.

You needed more. A stronger distraction. Your hand on his shirt tightened, determined to keep him. To stay in this moment as long as possible.

Ren exhaled, a muttering of blasphemous praise you dare not repeat whispered from his lips to yours, along with one word. A word that sounded odd to your ears. 

You'd heard it countless times over the months, but it didn't feel strange until after the first kiss you shared. He must have said it earlier, too, when you were occupied with that damned little red string. Demonic language was much different, it certainly wasn’t that at all. And the sounds of the word did feel similar to mortal languages, but nothing came to mind. So naturally, you could only assume it to be another of their pet names, but…

The thought fell to the side as you focused on him. He was all that needed to matter right now.

Their comforting warmth that called of your sacred home, your nails curling into the bottom of his shirt just to fall lower, an iron, almost nectar-like taste that flowered on your tongue—did you bite him this time? It felt good. 

Desperately, you brushed your hand over his thigh, getting dangerously close to where you knew things risked going further. You caught yourself and froze. You wanted him, you’d known since that day in the rain. In every way a being could yearn for another’s love. And of course he felt the same. But could you really go home if it happened? 

“Before I…” The words hung in the air and what remained weighed in your throat. Before I leave. Departure was looming on the horizon, sure as the sun would rise tomorrow. You dare not mention it to the one you loved again. You opened your eyes to meet theirs, cautiously as you wondered, “Is this alright?”

“Yes,” they answered, longing clear as the evening sky in his voice. “I couldn’t bear—or ever want—to deny you. Little angel, all you desire of me is yours to take.”

Without another word you did just that. You thought nothing of the faint, staggered line you felt under your fingertips that seemed to start somewhere along his shoulder blade as you lifted the shirt away and pushed him to lay on the rug. Your hands pressed their ink-stained arms flat next to the disheveled mess of pink hair and horns. Ren grinned at your audacity to pin him, but held still for your much needed exploration. 

Eyes half lidded with patient lust, mouth parted to show off pointed fangs, the devil looked to be the very picture of your sinful desires.

To be one with them, even just once, was a memory worth making. No matter what punishment waited for you at heaven’s boundary. You skimmed your fingers from the base of his collarbone, down over their stomach, and began to undo the buttons that concealed what you’d been waiting for.

[justneedtofocus]

Okay. I’m not spiraling right now but I am processing. Amanda is coming to visit from 13 to 21. This is happening, her tickets are bought no refunds. In reality I should’ve told her no or to at least leave in the 18th but I didn’t and now I’m in this situation. I guess the plan today was summer planning but I didn’t realize it was gonna be Amanda planning and crying but here we are.

Here’s what else is happening:

13, we land at 11:15, come to my place, chill out (hopefully), maybe go to space needle.

14, pick up mom from airport go to celebrate nanas bday. Right now mom is making me feel guilty for asking Momi if Amanda can come over and telling me that I shouldn’t have let her visit this week knowing it was nana bday. So that feels super. On top of me needing to find places to stay the 14/15/16 so that Alex is okay. If Momi says I can’t bring Amanda then idfk what to do. Maybe leave her somewhere for the day then stay at Dylan’s? But is he okay with that?? I’m asking him then to host my friend for 3 freaking days that aren’t even on the weekend. He was totally fine with just the Friday night bless him but if I ask for three days I don’t think he’ll be the same?? I don’t wanna be in conflict with him too while I’m already in conflict with mom and Alex. I can’t stay at the ranch cuz they have a class and I need to stay at my place cuz of work.

Anyway, I think this is my breaking point of I’m going to move. Future Kala - either you find a new roommate who is less socially anxious than you/enjoys to decorate like you or something that means less compromising on both parties ends. OR you live alone. OR you live with Dylan.

15, I have no clue this day. Woodinville can’t do. Graham can’t do. Kianas on a weekday? Doesn’t make sense and there’s no space. Dylan’s? Would he be okay with that? Otherwise I have no clue unless we rent somewhere

On the 15&16 idk day plans. I’d like to do movie marathon but Alex doesn’t want Amanda at our place and I don’t have any other places so it’s an issue.

16, Dylan said yes to us staying the night there. I love him (do I? Different essay there) he’s awesome.

17, ren faire day then Alex said it’s okay for us back at my place

18, idk but last free day before working, apartment

19-20 I’m at work, Amanda is out, at my place

21 drive Amanda to airport for 6am flight

Anyway, I guess I’m waiting to hear from momi about the 14th. But idk what to do the 15th. Let’s wait.

So option 1:

13 (14,15,16) 17,18,19,20

Option 2, need to check in if works:

13 (14) 15 (16, 17) 18, 19, 20

If I can’t do momis, then maybe Dylan 14/15/16 or 15/16/17 if he’s okay with it?

So option 1 or Option 3:

13,14, (15,16,17) 18,19,20