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mixelation · 3 days

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i got yet another comment confused about mutagenicity's itatori so i guess i will write. what are these called. a shipping manifesto???

so first i will disclaim that this ship started as a joke and then proceeded to have me waffle around what i thought the dynamic would be, so some posts probably contradict each other. i was also on the fence about producing shippy content of tori with ANYONE for a while (i have very obviously changed my stance on this lmao)

so first, context. tori and itachi have a long, complicated history with each other. in plasticity, tori makes it clear she has no interest in fucking with itachi's goals, but she's also fully and demonstrably capable of doing just that, even by accident. she is also, by the events of mutagenicity, the only person in the entire world who knows his full backstory. he actively recruits her to konoha both because tori Knowing Things means he needs to keep an eye on her (because who the fuck knows what she will do) but also because he sees her as a valuable ally.

tori spends plasticity both with anxiety that itachi might do something horrible to her, resenting him for the power he holds over her, and then also low key enjoying his company. eventually she will realize he'd probably make her best possible ally.

in mutagenicity, they end up close friends. this is both because they're on the same team and also because they are fucked up adults in tweenaged bodies. who else are they supposed to hang out with? actual children? i don't think either would rank the other as their BEST friend, but they are pretty close. itachi respects tori's skills from day 1 and will defer to her on certain topics, which is not something he will do for most people. tori agrees to high treason to kill danzo for itachi with zero questions, conditions, or asking for anything in return, which does absolute wonders for itachi's affection for her. they end up with a deep, mutual trust for each other, and they enjoy each other's company

the part that started as a joke (and i'm leaving in because i think it's 1) funny, and 2) a great way to spotlight itachi's insane personality) is that itachi decides they should date without telling tori.

the reason for this is basically that his clan duty is to marry and have kids, so around age 16 mikoto starts shoving girls at him. the idea here is: the uchiha are progressive enough that his parents would prefer a love marriage for their son, but the marriage does have to happen, and itachi has yet to show romantic interest in literally everyone. itachi's issue with this is that he..... kind of hates other people. he doesn't want to date random teenage girls, but mikoto is a seasoned social manipulator and he keeps ending up in situations like "alone in the park with some girl and they're both eating ice cream HOW DID THIS HAPPEN." also now suddenly women are interested in him because he's a well-known celebrated genius important clan heir. his life? is hell?

and then he realizes all his problems would be solved if he simply got his own girlfriend. so he sits back and reflects on "women my age that i wouldn't hate spending time with" and the only answer is tori. so he starts inviting her places and obviously she says yes because they are friends and she enjoys spending time with him.

eventually tori figures out he's.... dating her? and she gets mad and breaks up with him because THAT'S AN INSANE THING TO DO, ITACHI. but then after she cools off she decides, actually, this is a great arrangement. she DOES like hanging out with itachi, but he does this annoying thing where he'll disappear for months because he's bad at socializing, and if they're dating she can strong arm him into not doing that. a lot of typical date activities are fun and she likes having an excuse to dress up. she likes making him pay for stuff (tori is also horrible). she likes the trickery/deception angle. she likes the social advantage of having someone she can make go with her to events, the fact that having a boyfriend means sexual harassment goes down, the bragging rights, etc.

so tori goes back to him and proposes they "fake date" for mutual benefit. dw, itachi, tori is also a seasoned manipulator, and this will go SO MUCH BETTER for you if you let her be in charge of it. and itachi is like "she is SO right, what was i thinking, tori loves fucking with people's heads--" and they start dating again!

except they aren't like..... romantic. like, both of them, as people, are not super into romance. they don't give off Dating Vibes to most people, unless you're part of their inner circle, in which case you're just witnessing itachi and tori discovering they have a mutually compatible approach to dating and romance. they're both treating it like some sort of long-term mission because they're both morons in the same direction, but if you're like deidara or shisui or someone, you've just had the horrible realization that they're probably going to marry each other.

itachi and tori think they are in cahoots. it is only a bonus that the cahoots are fun. however yes at some point when you've committed hard enough and are having enough fun, the cahoots are simply a committed relationship

tori: hey, are you ever going to go find a wife? wasn't that the plan?

itachi: (imagines dating literally anyone else) (imagines being less close to tori)

itachi: (don'tlikethat.jpeg)

itachi: .......do you want to marry me

tori: hm

tori: (imagines not being with itachi any more) (doubt.jpeg)

tori: yeah that sounds good

#reborn au

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a-dauntless-daffodil · 7 hours

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it hurts me. the chaggie hurts me s o good

Vaggie having been such a great murder soldier (one of the best exorcists) (battalions worth of dead souls piled under her lost wings)

but Protect Charlie and Support Charlie became so important to her (the revelation of reaching out to strangers to heal hurts instead of causing them) she for real got out of practice with actual physical fighting bc she was busy helping Charlie with the emotional battles instead-

it feels so good.

it's such a big and happy difference, from vaggie the exorcist

she's fighting for her girl every time she holds Charlie's hand and it's NOT what she's trained for or is always good at, solving people problems without just stabbing anyone who hurts Charlie or gets in Charlie's way- soldier life bleeding through even when Vaggie tries so hard- (a life lived with the kind of people who would use cutting out someone's eye and ripping off their wings as a solution to a problem)

but she says herself she wants to be Charlie's ARMOR. she could have said spear, could have said she wants to be the blade that cuts through all Charlie's problems-

she doesn't want that. Amor, something that stays close, something not meant to hurt, something that isn't a weapon. not anymore

even if it (she) isn't used to that yet

and you know what. maybe that's what getting saved by Charlie actually meant.

Charlie didn't pull her down from heaven- she wasn't the reason that Vaggie looked at a kid in hell and couldn't go through with sticking a spear in them

but without Charlie, Vaggie could still have been a spear raised and redirected towards heaven. even after years in a peaceful life Vaggie still reaches for her spear so quick, how fast on the draw would she've been if Charlie wasn't there? hadn't been there?

(if kindness hadn't pulled her out of that alleyway, would the chance for revenge at the next extermination day have gotten Vaggie moving instead? would the first dead angel have been found years earlier- or would it have been her- a loose end that didn't unravel quietly getting neatly cut away?)

that didn't happen. Charlie was out looking to help people on extermination day. she did find Vaggie

and with Charlie, the spear is a prop more than anything else. part of Vaggie yes, probably forever- not a NEEDED one though. an old instinct always at the ready while not having to be used much anymore.

life with Charlie is Vaggie carrying a spear, sure.... and also growing out her hair. not being used to fighting with it long, because she hasn't had to be fighting

she's still been able to fight for girlfriend anyway

Charlie isn't asking power or wins from her. that's not what the princess of hells needs.

Charlie needs the hand that holds hers during a hard call with her dad, the hug waiting for her when she comes back after a bad day, the soft smile not judging her for telling herself stories when she's sad- likes that side of her, actually-

the woman who knows every embarrassing personal thing about Charlie because Charlie trusted her not to make fun of it, trusted that Vaggie loved her

Charlie needs the push of Vaggie's words telling her it's time to make that hard call to her dad in the first place, the later unshakable reassurance from Vaggie when Charlie breaks down crying before the battle (breaking down over not being able give Angel Dust the better life she promised, everyone in even more danger now instead)

and Vaggie (pragmatic, realistic, honest Vaggie) does not tell her that things will be okay and they'll win their upcoming fight- but that Charlie has already done so much.

if for no one else, then at the very least for Vaggie

Charlie really has, hasn't she. 'just' by seeing Vaggie as a person she saved her from being nothing but a soldier, a weapon, the hair trigger response of someone who learned trust on a battle field and had her body torn and scarred by the people she trusted-

but now Vaggie does the worst damage to the people who hurt her when she holds her girlfriend's hand. she grumbles but gives people chances, often stressed but just as often smiling in her new life with Charlie. she goes back up to HEAVEN (even though she really really doesn't want to) because her girlfriend takes her hand and askes her with big soft eyes and says they're partners- it's such a change from being a soldier following orders.

partnership is all Charlie's asking for

and fucking HELL if Vaggie hasn't answered by being there in the darkest moments, tugging Charlie gently back into the light of their shared dreams and the reality of having someone there to share them with

and uh, also getting charlie to call her dad

....and.... yeeting random lit bombs out the nearest new hole in their hotel, when someone hands it to her gf and charlie gets sidetracked trying to politely juggle the thing...

.....

how DID charlie manage before she equipped the smol spear gf??

#habin hotel #vaggie #charlie morningstar #chaggie #hmmmm gay thoughts hmm #deep down vaggie will probably always kinda wanna stab ppl #BUT #holding the gf's hand is more fun~

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hgfictionwriter · 7 hours

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would you ever consider doing some jessie sex headcanons? we obviously see little bits during your smut fics but it would be cool to know your headcanons of jessie that inspire what you write!! (no problem if not:))

Jessie Headcanons - Smut Edition

Warning: Sex talk! Language.

Before your first time:

She starts off very shy. Takes her a while to even get comfortable initiating holding your hand when you first start dating.

She's also pretty stiff initially even with cuddling. You rest your head on her shoulder on the couch and she sits stiffly, afraid to move and disrupt you.

Bonus: The first time you kiss her in public, she goes beet red.

You encourage her and eventually she relaxes into physical touch with you.

You learn she's actually far more physically affectionate than you expected. Once she's comfortable, she always goes to hold your hand or has a hand on the small of your back. She wants you fully in her arms when you hang out on the couch together, pulled in as close to her as possible. She wants to fall asleep spooning you at night.

Sex is another story though.

Even though she's very affectionate with you now, she'll still turn away when you get changed even if you fully invite her looking.

You got out of the shower one day and had forgotten to grab a towel. You call her in asking for one and she averts her eyes and blindly hands you a towel through a crack in the doorway.

She needs encouragement. The first time you straddle her - one night on the couch while watching TV - you actually see her gulp. Her hands gravitate to your legs, but her eyes dart around and her cheeks are red. You kiss her deeply and her fingers immediately dig into your legs as she returns the kiss. You urge her to kiss your neck, and she does so - hungrily - after some coaxing. You start rocking on top of her and she moans before quickly clearing her throat and pulling back. She disengages, cheeks a deeper shade of red and starts talking about something entirely random and tries to direct your attention elsewhere. She leaves you high and dry and wondering what happened.

This happens a few times. You initiate and she starts getting into it before abruptly stopping all momentum.

Maybe you start getting moody about it. You're a bit colder and less affectionate because of it. She's confused, but takes a while to ask you what's going on.

Though embarrassed, you tell her what's bothering you. She's shocked. Of course she wants you. That's the problem. She wants you too much. She's not sure she can control herself appropriately.

And, truthfully, maybe she's a little self-conscious, too. She doesn't have a lot of experience.

However, she is well-read. In fact, she's been doing a lot of reading lately. Not that she tells you that.

First time:

She lets you lead and set the pace. Service Top, but without the dom aspect. Yet.

She's tentative and in her head; at least initially. She's overly concerned about trying to anticipate what you might want and what you might like.

Consent queen. Unnecessarily. Because you're desperate for her giving her very enthusiastic consent. Checks in a lot. "Is this okay?"

You get a glimpse of how her demeanour changes once she realizes that you love what she's doing and how she makes you feel.

She's a bit taken aback if you talk dirty. Doesn't reciprocate this time, but loves seeing this side of you and enjoys it.

Very intimate. It's not about fucking or mere physical pleasure, it's about connection for her.

Very into after care. Takes exceptional care of you and gets/does anything you need.

Ongoing:

You opened the dams. The Jessie you know in bed, on the couch, on the counter, on the floor, against the wall is so unlike the Jessie everyone else knows.

She's like a woman possessed. A woman on a mission. Nothing exists outside of you.

Very intense. Some people are fun and light in bed, and she can be, but Jessie's 'fun and light' is still intense. In the way she looks at you, the way she speaks, everything.

She's embraced the dirty talk thing. But her dirty talk often has emotional declarations sprinkled throughout. "God, I love the way you feel around me. Fuck, I love you so much."

Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) possessive. Even though she knows you'd never stray, seeing someone else flirt with you or check you out gets her riled up. Not uncommon for her to take you home and fuck you so thoroughly you wouldn't dare forget that you're hers.

Takes control. But very much a soft dom. Wouldn't enjoy degrading you or humiliating you in any way. She takes control so she can adore you in every way possible.

Big time praise kink. Loves praising you - showering you with compliments and affirmations, but something just tweaks inside of her when you praise her performance in bed. It takes things to another level for her.

Gets off on making you cum. Doesn't need a lot in return or is quick to finish if she's done things for you first. Loves seeing you come undone thanks to her.

She herself isn't too loud in bed, but loves when you're loud. Again, just more validation for how good she can fuck you.

Stamina for days. Her stamina, combined with her eagerness to please you leaves you in an overstimulated state more often than not. She has to be mindful to not push you too far if you've been having sex often and with not enough time to recover.

Not into anything too kinky. Is really more focused on intimacy. Although she loves to use her strap on you (and she straps you down good), she relishes fucking you with her fingers and feeling the way you grip her and drip for her.

#jessie fleming #jessie fleming x reader #jflem #woso x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #woso blurbs #woso

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vickyvicarious · 2 days

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There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the "Red" and "Blue" books, Whitaker's Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and—it somehow gladdened my heart to see it—the Law List.

Me at first: I am getting cute aggression stop!

Me now: Wait, what if Dracula is studying the Law List in order to find ways around the system like what legal strings must be pulled to enter an inhabited house uninvited.

Well, he is still deeply adorable. Baby Solicitor comforted to see Law in the wild. I love it just as much now.

But yeah, also that's an alarming idea, and something I 100% would believe. Something I don't think Dracula often gets enough credit for is how innovative he is about the rules of vampirism in this book. He absolutely does some rules-lawyering of his own, and in fact his entire plan is dependent on a pretty clever move with the whole if I surround myself in my native soil then I'll be fine to cross running water trick. And he also is pretty good at thinking of backup plans and contingencies. He eventually has a bunch of those here in the castle with Jonathan, such as:

Jonathan is locked in so he can't get out

He doesn't know the exact way back even if he did

While he's lost in the wood wolves could hunt him down before he found friendly people, if he did escape

Dracula's impersonation of him turns the locals against him if he did get to them, past the wolves, lost in the woods, through the locked doors

Also no one at home will know what happened to him because of his dictated letters and Dracula's impersonation, suggesting an entirely different timeline/location for him vanishing

And all of this layers well with other goals, such as isolating and emotionally torturing Jonathan. Stuff like his multiple lawyers/homes for his multiple dirt boxes to be stashed are also really clever. Dracula can make a good plan... given enough time/control over a situation. But he consistently underestimates his opponents, because he believes he is so innately superior to them. In doing so, he leaves gaps, opportunities they can take advantage of without him even realizing (sticking to the Jonathan example: his diary, some of his more extreme snooping, the final escape. Or later on, a fantastic example is Mina turning his attack on her against him, both choosing to spy back on him, and figuring things out from his triumphant evil monologue).

He also gets impatient and stubborn. I've mentioned before how he could have played the entire Lucy situation much smarter had he been more patient/less outraged at people here figuring out a way to temporarily hold him off. And when things go wrong, he's not great at pivoting in any kind of subtle/clever way. He defaults to anger, force, shows of power. And again, that can be used against him.

Sorry, I got totally away from your point. Yes, I agree, he'd try. And it would be completely in-character for him to overlook that actual lawyers might be able to out-maneuver him in such an area, and he'd get stupid-mad should they mess up some plan by doing so. That could be a fun thing to incorporate into some kind of AU (where Lucy survives: imagine if Mrs. Westenra's lawyer insisted on putting in some kind of clause that she kept the house at least until her marriage was finalized) (preventing Mina's attacks/saving Renfield: if the lawyer characters put together the stuff with Lucy and looked into the legal documents for the asylum, maybe putting some document together that changed the wording to restrict his access unless only Seward invited him in, or Renfield's invitation only went for the main asylum, not Jack's private rooms, or whatever).

#dracula daily #dracula daily spoilers #count dracula #anonymous #replies #i don't know enough about lawyering/invitations to flesh it out but. you could do stuff with that i'm sure

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animeyanderelover · 3 days

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Anon: Yandere headcannons for Maki, Nobara, Mai and Mei Mei from JJK?

I already did Hc's for Nobara in a previous post.

Tw: Yandere themes, toxic relationship, possessive behavior, obsession, delusional behavior, overprotective behavior, manipulation, blackmailing, gaslighting, control, isolation, abduction, bribery, some spoilers for Anime only fans

Jujutsu Kaisen Hc's

Zenin Maki

💚Despite her tough exterior, Maki is the kind of person who tries her hardest to solve her problems by herself without having to involve someone else. This mindset of hers can be observed in the way she handles her own feelings as well as in the way she treats you. She isn't one to fool herself so of course she is aware of her own feelings and whilst she doesn't show it, she feels ashamed of the way she thinks and feels of around you. Adamant to remain strong and independent though, she refuses to indulge in those longing emotions which results in her initially trying to avoid you. The way you perceive her behavior around you may lead you to believe that she doesn't like you but it is actually the complete opposite. Maki likes you a little bit too much but doesn't want you to be involved as she knows that this isn't really your fault. As headstrong as she is though, sooner or later she has to acknowledge that avoidance doesn't solve her problem.

💚Despite the straightforward attitude of hers that will scold and chastise you whenever you do something stupid, Maki is protective to the marrow of her bones. Especially if her darling is a non-sorcerer who doesn't know about any curses nor and can't fight against them either. She doesn't see the need to let you find out about them either as you live in your own world and she doesn't want to shatter your view of the world. Her work and her private life she spends with you should not mix and on occasions where it does happen, Maki is quite unhappy. She normally doesn't lie to you but the world of sorcerers is one of the few topics where she will keep the truth from you and as long as there is a way to conceal the truth, she will do it. Just because you don't possess Cursed Energy nor have such a strong body as she can is not an excuse for her to go easy on you. She doesn't believe that babying you would do anything for you and you have due to that your fair share of freedom with her.

💚Even if her clan has tried her whole life to drag her down and shame her for her lack of Cursed Energy, their words and insults have never truly broken Maki nor have they scratched her confidence. She has no such insecurities as her twin sister has and is fairly relaxed when you hang out with other people. I do think that she would be more prone to feel jealous if the two of you aren't a thing yet but would feel more inclined to feel possessive if she is your partner at that point already. If you are hers after all, she doesn't have to worry about anything anymore and will be brutally honest and straightforward with the other person who tried to charm you. You are hers so they should just get lost before they embarrass themselves even more. If she is feeling jealous during the time where you aren't hers yet, she is more prone to some passive-aggressive comments and sharp glares, although she is unwilling to admit her true feelings and tries to play it off if someone asks her about it.

💚She draws a clear line with the problems you require her help with or the problems you can solve yourself if you remain stubborn and determined enough. Her own life of constantly standing up for herself has influenced her which is why it is essential to her that you also learn to remain strong against unfair standards and harsh expectations. That said, she is extremely skilled and freakishly strong, especially after having gotten complete possession of Heavenly Restriction. She will defend you against everything you can't fight against such as curses and possibly sorcerers who target non-sorcerers. She doesn't hold back against someone if they charge at her with the intent to kill and judges based on rational observations. The fights she fights for your protection very rarely offer the possibility to let her opponent stay alive and she has never felt particularly inclined to let them keep their lives either. She has already lost Mai. She won't allow anyone else to die from the people she cherishes.

💚An abduction is something she has promised herself to never do as she sees this as a bigger low than killing someone which is more commonly practiced in her profession as a sorcerer. It isn't like Maki is overly paranoid either as she grants you a lot of personal freedom. Abducting you might encourage you to rely too much on her as a result of isolation and she despises the thought of robbing you of your freedom and independence as she stands firm in her belief that even if you don't have any Cursed Energy, you should still be able to handle your own challenges and problems. You are supposed to attend school, graduate and eventually get a job and then earn money yourself whilst Maki will do her own thing to pay her attribute to the shared life. The worst that happens in emergency cases is that she either has you transported to a safe place or that she locks you up in your own home.

💚Panda and Inumaki are teasing the living daylight out of her as soon as they figure out that she has some feelings for you and she can only lash out on them whilst trying to stop the blush from appearing on her face. Yuta is more directly encouraging in his support but she warns all three of them to not band together to set you two somewhat up. She wants to win your heart without any help, even if those people are her friends. Whilst you have no problem introducing her to your friends, it is a tad bit more difficult for her to do the same, especially since a talking and thinking Panda isn't exactly what a non-sorcerer is used to. She isn't a huge fan of any overly sappy dates as she thinks just hanging out together is already more than enough, although she will accept it begrudgingly if you have put a lot of work and effort into a special date.

Zenin Mai

🔫The same experience can influence people quite differently and that is obvious when we look at Maki's younger twin sister. Mai has been forced to become a sorcerer, the very thing she never wanted to become after Maki's betrayal and it has transformed her into a rude and crude person. Whereas Maki allows her darling a lot of freedom, Mai feels an inherent need to have her darling under her control. Maybe it is simply to keep control over at least one thing in her otherwise terrible life where she is always the one who has to obey, something that allows her heart and mind to feel a little bit of peace by knowing that she at least will always be the one with the leash in her hands in this relationship. You are the last person she rely has ever since her older sister broke her promise which has pushed her to be naturally very obsessive and clingy around you, always in the need to know what you are up to and with whom you spend your time with when she isn't around.

🔫She hides her feelings partially though but not because she feels guilty or responsible like her sister does. No, she doesn't show the full extent of her feelings to retain the facade of being in control around you. She can't show any weaknesses, even around you as there is a deep-rooted fear that if she would rely on you, you would leave her too. This time she will play the strong part though and have you rely on her, even if she does it in very rude ways. She likes to put you down and belittle you as soon as you get into troubles and likes to use the shame and guilt of yours to boost her own confidence to convince both of you that she is better and that you need her. Differently from Maki who encourages you to be independent, Mai goes for the exact opposite as she wants you to depend on her. It is all for her own ego so that she can feel better about herself despite her shitty life. If she realises that though, she is far too selfish to stop herself.

🔫Yet her confidence is mainly only for show and for nothing else. Mai feels inferior and insecure deep down which makes her much more paranoid and prone to experience jealousy than Maki who is always laid-back. Jealousy can transform someone into an ugly green-eyed monster and you witness this horrifying transformation with Mai. All of your friends and acquaintances are scared away due to her condescending and snarky attitude as she pushes all of them away from your side, leaving you standing there alone awkwardly. It is a terrible thing to do yet when you try to confront her about it, she reflects all of those accusations back at you and turns the tables quickly. Her words cut into your heart and confidence as she lashes out on you, her judgement clouded by bitterness and paranoia until you have no courage to bring the topic up around her anymore.

🔫She has always been weaker than other people and she knows that yet she would never allow you to find out about any of this. You don't know who she is and maybe you are a non-sorcerer yourself, someone who can't see curses and use Cursed Energy at all which would make you even weaker than her. It isn't something that should bring her as much satisfaction as it does yet Mai needs to feel superior and stronger when it comes to her darling and in such a scenario that would be the case. You don't know about curses yet she might just inform you of their existence simply so that you can be scared and she can play the hero by admitting that she can exorcise them, although she keeps quiet about the fact that she isn't very strong in comparison to other sorcerer though. She just can't let you know that as it would destroy the image she tries to uphold when with you. At least in your eyes she wants to be seen as someone strong and dependable, even if her methods are crude.

🔫Interestingly enough the one freedom she insists you to keep is your ability to have your own home, although her reasoning is more cowardly. She just wants an escape from her own clan and she uses that by occupying your own home as much as she can to escape from the harassment and the discrimination. If you were to ever meet her family, she knows that you would see her for the pathetic girl she is deep down and she is paranoid about that, convinced that you would abandon her too if you were to see how weak she really is. You have the choice to walk away after all. She on the other hand is chained up to a family that doesn't love nor want her, never able to attain her freedom. That is why she keeps your relationship a secret from her clan and always stares you down with such a condescending glare if you dare to ask if you could meet her parents.

🔫She puts you down with her comments, humiliates you and even mistreats you. Mai is a terrible partner but she is too afraid to stop her behavior. Too afraid that if you were to see her for who she really is, you would laugh at her and dismiss her just like everyone else in her clan has done so far. In her mind even her own sister left and it has awakened the impression that she can't even trust those she thinks are closest to her. She is pushy and demanding of love, something she has rarely received from people in her life and possessive to the point where she feels neglected the moment you dare to ignore her for someone else. Perhaps in her eyes her behavior is justified as she has gone through so much already and will have to endure even more so she deserves you. She deserves a person who will only love her and who will never betray her. Even if her words are hurtful and even if she does terrible things to isolate you, she can always tell herself that she isn't the worst person you sometimes blame her to be. Because she is convinced that she has seen worse.

Mei Mei

💴Mei Mei finds her darling rather fascinating. As a non-sorcerer you have on first glance nothing notable on you as you are by all means a rather average person. However, as someone who has only ever expressed interest in money, this is what makes you so interesting to the sorcerer. There is no profit to gain from you nor would you be valuable on a battlefield yet even despite knowing all of that, she finds her gaze constantly drawn to you. Money is the only thing she has ever valued in her life yet you catch her attention in ways that no one has ever done before. As an openly selfish woman who is not afraid of admitting that to other people, Mei Mei indulges in whatever is of interest to her and you are no exception to that. Even upon noticing that her interest is turning into something else, she does not stop herself. She simply doesn't care about it as she has no such things as morals nor does she feel any shame for her obsession. Instead she finds the situation rather entertaining.

💴The only morals she has depend on the money she receives for her jobs yet Mei Mei still seems to have certain standards she likes to present herself with to others. She has the luxury of time and money which allows her to take things slow and easy in regards to you. There is no need for desperation or any haste, she can take her time to get to know you and gauge how you react to her. Her Black Bird Manipulation allows her to keep an eye on you even whilst she is away to earn some money and then there is Ui Ui who would do anything for her, although he expresses some jealousy and outrage for your inability to recognise her true greatness. With her calm and analysing demeanor, Mei Mei oozes with confidence that she will have you for herself one way or another and this can be rather intimidating. Her words targeting your insecurities are like poison that slowly infects you and like the cruel predator she is, she treats it almost as if it were a game and it might as well be.

💴Perhaps it is much more common to be the other way around and this is what Mei Mei would like to see just as much. You pale in comparison to her and you are often reminded of that when you two spend time in public. You feel inferior and almost unworthy in company of such a beautiful and rich woman and whilst Mei Mei is at least not as mean as to encourage your growing jealousy, she never does anything to ease it either. She finds it rather adorable when you turn a tad bit more jealous and possessive after all. She on the other hand doesn't have to overthink as much if it is the other way around. Most people are barely worth of her attention as they would neither have any worth to her life nor to yours. Her voice is always calm and her every gesture dismissive as she expresses her opinion honestly to such people, questioning them for the lack of value she sees in them. Whether her words humiliate someone to tears or fuel someone's anger, she has already won but everyone is free to amuse her for a bit more with their pathetic attitude if they desire to do so.

💴Normally she doesn't lift a finger unless there is profit to make so it truly is a honor and sign of the worth you have to her that she exorcises curses who could be of potential risk of you without any money involved in the first place. Non-sorcerers are not worth her effort and time though as she knows of multiple other ways to take care of such people without having to stain her own hands. That is what money is for after all. Whether she bribes or blackmails someone, money has never failed to do the job for her. Maybe you have a different opinion and will accuse her as a corrupted woman but your view on the world is rather naive. You're pure but qualities such as kindness and honesty have never won a fight before. If you were part of her world, you would have died long ago as only those strong and smart enough to pick their battles wisely reach the top. Luckily you don't have to worry your silly head about anything because you have her to do that for you.

💴Mei Mei is generous enough to offer you the option to move in with her. In her mind it doesn't even matter for how long you have known her by now. The only aspect she cares about is that she has known you long enough by now to realise that you really are too valuable for her to let go of you. Feel free to reject her offer yet be aware that you are already beyond saving. The sly smile on her face when you deny her her question is already a telltale sign of her intentions but she lets you squirm around anxiously for a while, your helplessness a relish in her eyes before she sets things into motion. Your bank account, your home and all of your possessions are stripped away from you, leaving you with little to no choice but to crawl back to her. She's already awaiting you though. You know that she is responsible because she hasn't even made the effort to hide it from you. She has intended for you to know simply so that she can shatter your ideal view on the world to prove that ultimately money rules over everything, even the law.

💴There has never been a moment where she has yelled at you as Mei Mei has never lost her composure before. She retains such an incredible level of control over her which only humiliates and humbles you whenever you lose hold of your temper. Your self-esteem crumbles as her condescending words spoken with such a calm tone make you feel very small in front of her. She gives you the feeling that you are the only one who causes all of the problems. Worst is that all of this is in a way true as Mei Mei really doesn't have to do too much because she knows that you can never escape or run away from her. Are you not tired of those tedious struggles of yours? What is it that you could possibly desire from your old life? She is rich and can provide you with all earthly possessions that many people could only dream of and all she asks of you in return is to stay in her mansion and be her most valuable possession. One that may not be made out of diamonds but gold but holds more value to her heart than all the riches in the world.

#yandere jujutsu kaisen #yandere jjk #yandere maki #yandere zenin maki #yandere mai #yandere zenin mai #yandere mei mei

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self-spaghettification · 11 hours

Text

The Mystery of Aaravos The Banter Lodge

So, recently an account called "The Banter Lodge" has popped up. April 30th, to be precise. You've seen it. I've seen it. We've all seen it. On Twitter, posting various images in the TDP official style.

A few nights ago, it debuted on Tumblr as well. "Coming May 2024" all of the promotional images and the website itself say.

Who is this account? Is it fan made, is it official? It's May, when exactly in "May 2024" is it coming?

Well, me and a few friends took some time to try to piece the mystery together, and so -- while it may still be 'coming', only dropping hints, I am here to tell you what I know now!

History

Website Code ( I love computer programming so I took the time to dive into that!)

Purpose

A. History

Who's Running the Banter Lodge?

To know that, first we need to delve into the history of the Twitter account.

Despite these images and site debuting less than a month ago, the account itself was founded way back in 2022, and originally called @BantherLodge, with an H, as it is in the show.

@BantherLodge is no longer available, and while it initially did not seem to be connected to The Banter Lodge, there are several interactions linked to the current one, Banter Lodge without an H.

In fact, here is the same tweets linked to the current (banter) account version.

Now we've established that @'BantherLodge' and @'BanterLodge' the same account with a changed name and identity, here is the most important past interaction:

@‘bantherlodge’ is mentioned here, and they are on this call. that said, WHO IS REALLY BEHIND BANTER LODGE? well based off the tweet, it seems that it’s 6 members of the cast and then 2 guests, @‘thebantherlodge’ and @‘ladytheebug’. But don’t take my word for it. Here, more confirmation:

Another person in the call happened to tweet about it too, this time with labels.

Now let’s take a closer look at these two guests. Sara @‘ladytheebug’ seems to be the one on the right, and by process of elimination, on the left is ‘bantherlodge’. aka:

Max….

Max the Mystery! ‘Sara’ and ‘Max’ isn’t really enough information to know more along with no connection to other socials so it’s hard to pin down who they are or what connections to previous fandom projects or creative projects in general they might have. However, they are still connected.

Besides the partially deleted various back and forths between these two accounts, this tweet about the Bait screensaver in the background is additional confirmation that this is @‘bantherlodge’ and @‘ladytheebug’: (note use of word ‘our’)

FURTHERMORE:

Said TV embodies this duo: A person who loves Bait (evident from so many of their tweets) and a person who loves the Banther Lodge…

Reminds you of something, doesn’t it?

“but hold on, just because there’s all these coincidences doesn’t mean the account could be passed on to someone else to run this.” Ok, but one last thing. If that was the case, why would they still be following Sara? In fact, it’s the Only person that they’re following besides TDPO?

(and their following has even been recently updated within the last few days as before then it didn’t include Eugene and Boone.) So, in conclusion,

Max of @‘BantherLodge’, and possibly Sara, (with or without TDPO but I’ll get to that later) almost certainly are the people behind the curtain of this Banter Lodge mystery.

Now, about said mystery… what exactly is the trail building up to?

well, to find out more about that, let’s glean what we can from the website.

B. Website Secrets

The website itself is very simple- A background, the image of the Banter House, and some text saying "Coming May 2024." But, beneath the deceptively simple surface, there was more to be found.

On May 1st Caprinae got this from the page. She also tweeted about it, after which the site changed to remove much of the css, including the part about the episodes and subscribe button. I was pretty excited about this as someone with a few years of coding experience, I wanted to mess around in VSC and see what I could find out.

After formatting the code the most noticeable thing is this right?

And when I make an element for it to apply to (since all that code is just formatting for stuff on the page like the title, images, etc, in this case- an audio bar) + adding in an image and an audio file:

We get this

AUDIO and an image. It looks exactly like a podcast episode. It turns out there’s actually a bunch of code for formatting that’s not used in elements in the site (elements that exist: the title or image), but it’s there, so I made some elements it would apply to. technically, it’s supposed to have a parchment paper background too, but I just chose some colors that you could see the text on.

Doing so, we get this!

(Here’s a video version.)

Plus, Original Code and Modified Code if you’re curious

Anyway, so the site (at least at the stage the code was taken from) doesn’t appear to be finished and there was no Java script written (or at least, linked) but there is definitely the makings for a website for a podcast— some sort of nav bar with the episodes, on an episode page, the image and audio, and then a subscribe link at the bottom!

C. Purpose

Time to speculate on the real identity and purpose of the Banter Lodge. So far, we know it used to be called the Banther Lodge. We know it seems to be run by [insert here.] We know it is almost certainly a podcast of some sort. But what, and why?

Here are some possibilites:

1.Official Content to Tide Over Fans Til S6 As we know, to calm the frustration of fans at Netflix/TDP for the delay of S6, the creators have been putting out content every day for the fans to puzzle over and figure out the season six titles.

Based on the current schedule, it’s set to end on May 13.—although it could be ending either May 13 or May 14 (depending when they do the last hint) after these drop, there will likely be a lull in TDP content, which would be the perfect time for the Banter Lodge to launch.

+ The Banter Lodge teaser campaign has already been perfectly timed for when a bunch of fans would be online on Twitter checking in for clues to begin with.

If this is official content, it would doubly make sense—it’d be timed perfectly to tie the fans over until the actual season six campaign starts (ie, trailer). Considering these two fans also somehow got to have a private panel with the cast, it’s not impossible that they’d be working with TDP on this content, additionally the teaser images put out this far have been somewhat reminiscent of TDP official content—ie, Callum’s lodge notebook->Callum’s sketchbook, Refractions->Reflections, Dear Callum letter from Rayla, design style, etc.

However, there is one big reason I don’t think this is the case: it’s a little too sloppy. For example, if they wanted it to be completely anonymous and unclear what was happening, the tweet mentioning @‘BantherLodge’ in the panel would have been deleted and there wouldn’t have been any hints in the code. Of course, these could still just be honest mistakes. However, it also seems like it is building off of the current world in a more derivative, fan-content fashion, not necessarily adding new material the way TDP Official tends to. It’s copying the official style,—but almost too much if that makes sense.

Like altering a shot from the show for a teaser.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the way that they’re building off the world, I’m excited to see where it leads, but for whatever reason, to me, it just doesn’t seem official.

So assuming it’s made by fans, what kind of podcast is it? Second possibility—

2. Fan Made Talk Show

This seems like the most obvious conclusion, considering that The Banter House is a play on a location in TDP, and the word banter, which is synonymous with talking, but specifically back and forth, genial interactions.

Maybe it’s dedicated to analyzing the show or a particular aspect,—maybe centric to the lodge, crystals, Bait and Stella—maybe even interviewing cast/crew!

Well, to get a better idea of what niche it might be filling, let’s take a look at what TDP podcasts are already out there.

Hot Brown Morning Potion Podcast [2019-2023] Hosted by Tamika "Kuno" Williams and Hailey from Cartoon Universe. This podcast [is] full of answering fan questions, interviews, theories and all kinds of discussions on everything Dragon Prince.

News from the Breach [2020-2024] Your hosts Ceilidh and Yana are watching The Dragon Prince from start to finish. Each season of the podcast covers one “Book” (or season) of the Netflix series The Dragon Prince. In each episode we discuss two chapters of the series, except for the season finales.

Calm Chaos Club [2023] Join Kevlar and Lou each week as they discuss topics about animation, design, and all things related to The Dragon Prince on Netflix! With special guests brought on for unique topics and insights into the creative process, these bite-sized episodes will ensure you can get your TDP fix in anywhere and anytime.

There’s no harm in another talk show but as there are a few out there already (and for other reasons) I personally think this is not necessarily the niche the banter Lodge is going to fill. I mean, I do think that it’s still possible I mean, it could be centric to particular aspect around the lodge as mentioned.

However, there’s a possibility that excites me a lot more, that I’m hoping for the most….

3.Fan Made Audio Drama in the Saga Setting I have personally always been a huge fan of audio drama podcasts (TMA,TPP,WTNV) and if there was a dragon Prince audio drama podcast, I think I would just die on the spot honestly from joy. I also think it’s most likely because all of the clues so far have been very story/worldbuilding oriented, as well as writings from familiar characters’ perspectives. It seems as though a story is being crafted here, and I am all for it.

Y’know what? While we’re here on the topic of storytelling podcasts, we might as well throw in D&D/TTRPG or even Tales of Xadia as a possibility because yeah sure. Why not? I mean, tabletop role-play games also involve a lot of talking so it would fit the banter theme. Who knows.

That's all! What do you think? Any other thoughts, additions or other speculation? Feel free to add on!

Thanks to @bycaprinae for Twitter screenshots, html, and general inspiration, and to @parroset for other help with the website part and general support!

#tl;dr all evidence points to it being a fanmade podcast! Possibly launching May 15th!#CS Major core;#One of those things where I’m like. Should I post this #Well #I value…I promise the people freedom of information and so freedom of information is what they’re gonna get #This actually helped me learn/remember a lot of web design stuff haha #Yay #the dragon prince #tdp speculation #sort of

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buriedpair · 8 hours

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how'd your OCs react to a reader who's always super sweet but gets super sad when drunk. like- goes from super happy and always complimenting everyone to crying in a corner

Aw man, poor MC...

Yandere!OCs x GN Reader

Amias

Amias doesn't care for the drunk side of you very much. He'll keep you away from the bar as much as he can.

Though, he can't shelter you forever. It's been a long day, and Amias doesn't need to know you slid over and got a few drinks. Besides, he's not even here right now.

Amias finds you sulking in an empty corner of the casino later that evening. He'd been looking for you, and here you are, crying and sniffling to yourself.

It's no fun to talk to you when you're like this, all you do is sob. Though, he can't complain when he picks you up and you melt into his embrace, burying your face in his shoulder and apologizing for disobeying.

Sigh. You do cause a lot of trouble, but at least you're cute.

Edge

He'd keep you drunk ALL the time. He'd offer you a drink at any opportunity. He'd go into debt trying to keep you sad and pliant if he had to.

You're easier to bend when you're not so confident. He likes the way you melt under his touch and hang onto his every word. You're like a sad puppy, and you're all his.

He starts to convince you of things when you're drunk that aren't true when you're sober. Things like how you belong to him, and how you're nothing without him.

When you're suffering from a tragic hangover, the only thing you can remember is the gentle press of his lips to your forehead and his sweet tone. You find yourself wondering if you really are his.

Double Down

DD doesn't like seeing you so upset. You don't respond as well to him when you're drunk. In this case, I think even DD would swear off drinking for a while.

He'd knock the glass from your hand if he had to, glaring at you and demanding to know if you even know what you're doing.

He'll coddle you right after, though. He knows you've already had a few drinks, and he'll let you cry in his arms as much as you'd like. It doesn't stop him from sighing in frustration when all you do is sob.

Once you're sober, though, you're getting the most condescending lecture you can imagine.

Jackpot

It's like whiplash for Jackpot. He doesn't want to see you sad, but it's clear to him these drunk words are sober thoughts. He'll let you get drunk from time to time so he can find out what your worries are and soothe them when you're sober.

He's content to hold you while you sniffle and complain, cooing sweet words into your ear and placing kisses all over your face.

He doesn't ever think to enjoy it, though. You're upset, that's what matters. He'll do anything he can to keep you happy, but he also won't pretend it isn't happening.

Any insecurities you may have are directly confronted when you're sober. You'll be lovebombed to hell.

Gambit

Gambit has absolutely no idea what to do about this. The first time you fall into his arms sobbing after a long day, he doesn't register that you're drunk at all. He drops everything to comfort you and find out what's wrong.

When it finally clicks that you're wasted, he sighs and shakes his head. He lets you cry until you're sober enough that he can trust you in a cab.

The next time you try to get a drink, you'll find the bartenders refusing you. You're cut off for life.

Don't worry him so much next time!

#yandere oc #yandere #yandere scenarios #yandere boy

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seramilla · 1 day

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So in biological kids au Sera once she has recovered from giving birth and falling feels guilty. She missed the birth of her first two children and more so wasn't there to take care of them or Carmilla like how Carmilla was there for the last bit of her pregnancy and after she gave birth. Carmilla tries to tell her it's fine it's not her fault she didn't even now they existed and it wasn't like Carmilla took care of her through her whole pregnancy either but it doesn't stop Sera from trying to make up for it. Carmilla strikes me as the type who if Sera or the girls are sick will make them rest and take care of them but when she's unwell keeps on like normal but that changes. The next time Carmilla gets sick Sera drags her away from the door and makes her take a sick day for the first time ever. She spends the whole time dotting on Carmilla and keeping her from escaping no matter how often she says (while coughing and sneezing she's fine.)

Carmilla doesn't get sick often. There aren't many diseases in Hell that can bring a fallen angel to her knees, but it happens occasionally. Usually when she's working too hard, or not getting enough sleep, or staying at the office late for the fifth consecutive day in a row, to meet some arbitrary deadline she's placed upon herself.

It also probably doesn't help that all three girls had been sick last week; it had probably just been a matter of time before she or Carmilla caught something from them, as well.

Sera can feel that Carmilla is running a fever as soon as she wakes up. She can sense it just from lying next to her, and leaning into her wife's body; she can feel the heat resonating off her skin like Hellfire. Carmilla insists she's fine; she'll take something for it, and once she gets to the office, it will be better. She has too much she needs to get done today, to let something like a fever stand in her way.

As soon as she stands up, though, and starts moving about the room as if to get ready, Carmilla breaks out into a body-wracking cough. She has to bend over from the force of it, taking several moments to clear her throat and mouth.

"Carmilla...darling..." Sera starts, trying to figure out a way to phrase what she wants to say. The last thing she needs is to come off like she's trying to baby her wife just to get her to stay home. "You're sick. Can you call Zestial? Or talk to one of your assistants? Surely they can take care of things for a day or two."

Carmilla ignores her, throwing off her nightwear, and not even bothering to get into the shower before redressing in her usual work attire.

"I'll be fine," Carmilla says bluntly, wiping snot and phlegm away from her nose and mouth. She sounds like death.

Sera watches her stumble trying to step into some tights. Carmilla has to sit on the edge of the bed to pull them all the way up her calves. She can't even put her hair up all the way, without stopping to take breaks to cough, and hold her forehead in her palm, like she's trying to keep a migraine at bay.

Sera actually decides to feel Carmilla's forehead just then. Almost immediately, she pulls her hand away. If she didn't know any better, and they weren't literally in Hell, Sera might be convinced Carmilla's head is on fire!

"No," Sera insists, finally putting her proverbial foot down. "You're burning up! This could be serious, Carm! You're staying home with me and the girls. Figure out who you want to be in charge today, and I'll call them personally. You are getting back in bed."

"Sera," Carmilla says, trying to sound frustrated, but her head is spinning too much to sound intimidating. "Be reasonable. I have a deadline. Only I know how to handle this."

"Then I'll call Zestial. Or you can change your deadline. You're the boss. You literally have the power to do that."

"I haven't missed a deadline in 1000 years," Carmilla quips, as if that's going to make any difference as far as Sera is concerned. She used to oversee every single soul that entered Heaven for more than 10,000 years. If Carmilla thinks she never ran behind a deadline once in all that time, then her wife is delusional.

"There's a first time for everything. Hey...!" Sera takes Carmilla's cheek in her hand, turning her wife's gaze around to face her, not allowing Carmilla to look away. "You don't get to be mad at me. I only want what's best for you. Please let me take care of you for a change."

Carmilla is visibly fighting with herself internally, for several long, calculated minutes. Eventually, she sighs. Her body very nearly slumps in Sera's arms, as if she's been begging for permission to be vulnerable for a change.

"All right," Carmilla says, still trying to sound angry. It's not working. She actually sounds relieved, much to Sera's delight. "I'll have Zestial contact my workers. We'll move the product launch to next week. We're still months away from the Extermination, anyway."

Sera smiles and sighs with relief. Leave it to Carmilla to be running ahead of her deadline without telling her. She silently pumps her fist inside her own mind; a personal but well-earned victory.

Carmilla's never been willing to just take a personal day and stay home with her and the girls before. Not since Sera'd had Emily. Sera will consider this her biggest, but hopefully not her first, victory to date.

She gets to stay at home, in bed, with her wife, and cuddle for the rest of the day. And it's not even the weekend! Sera can't wait to let the girls know. She knows they're going to be so excited for Mama to stay home!

#hazbin hotel #carmilla carmine #sera hazbin hotel #seramilla #odette hazbin hotel #clara hazbin hotel #emily hazbin hotel #zestial hazbin hotel #ask #anon #fan theories #biological kids au

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sunshine-overload · 1 day

Text

[BSTS] Main Story S5Ch8 'Long Night' - Part 2

part 1

Chapter 2

-rehearsal room-

akira: .......

takami: What's wrong, Akira?

akira: Nothing. Was just thinking that Saki-chan hasn't visited for a few days now.

takami: That's true, maybe she's been busy. Does it discourage you that she's not here?

akira: Obviously. I want her to see how hard I'm working. Have there been any updates on Sin? You ran into Unei on the way here didn't you?

takami: I didn't speak with him directly but it appears Sin has been discharged from the hospital.

akira: Oh? And what about Kokuyou?

taiga: I still haven't been able to get in contact with him. Feels like he's ghosting me.

takami: It's possible he's shut his phone off for personal reasons.

akira: Personal huh...

-sin walks in-

sin: Can you hear the footsteps in the night?

taiga: Woah!? Sin is here!

akira: You sure got here quick. I heard you got caught up in a car accident?

sin: ...I'm fine. I just took a little knock to the head.

taiga: That doesn't sound like nothing.

sin: There were no problems found when they examined me.

akira: .......

takami: You sure got caught up in an unlucky situation. Have you spoken with the person who injured you?

sin: The shadow does not possess a name.

takami: I see, so you don't know who it was...

taiga: So it was a hit and run? You seriously need to be more careful.

akira: Well, what matters is that he's ok. Now it's just Kokuyou we need to worry about... Where the heck is he?

sin: All that can be found inside the empty box is dusk. Before night falls you must block out the light.

akira: I have no idea what you're saying man.

taiga: I feel so restless, a Starless without Kokuyou in it is so weird.

takami: True... On the off chance he doesn't show up I think we should prepare a back up plan. Akira, do you have any ideas?

akira: Without our leader I'm the highest in command yeah? I know that already. We'll proceed with a version of the show with me as the centre. Find someone to fill up our missing spot.

takami: I've already asked Kasumi to help us. Mokuren gave their consent as well.

akira: Then we're already all set? You're so capable it's almost annoying y'know.

—-end

Chapter 2 extra

-starless hallway-

takami: Kei, have you heard that we haven't been able to contact Kokuyou?

kei: I have. If W has a missing man do you intend to borrow a substitute from another team?

takami: Worry not, we've already asked someone. Kasumi will be filling in if Kokuyou does not show up in time.

kei: Then why are you speaking to me?

takami: I was just wondering if you're also in a bit of a pinch. Your mind is elsewhere isn't it?

kei: It is none of your concern. You should focus on your own performance.

-starless office-

akira: How mean can a person be? How did Mokuren even eat that many?

takami: What happened?

yakou: It seems that Akira bought some protein bars but Mokuren ate every single one of them.

mokuren: Obviously. Think of it as payment for me letting you borrow Kasumi.

akira: Aren't those completely unrelated matters?

takami: We're thankful for Kasumi's help though. This way we don't need to delay and can proceed with rehearsals.

yakou: Still, it's pretty unusual that Kokuyou hasn't shown up or contacted us yet.

takami: Indeed. We can't get a hold of him at all.

mokuren: It can't be helped, want me to replace him instead of Kasumi?

takami: Someone like you wouldn't be able to sub in for Kokuyou. It's true that you used to be a W member too but you're in a league of your own.

mokuren: It's not like you to try and flatter me, Takami. You owe me one.

takami: It's not flattery, I'm being serious. And I understand that we're in your debt.

yakou: 'Abandon the Dawn' is the name of your new show huh. I think Kasumi will be able to blend right in.

mokuren: Hopefully it interferes with his C lessons. That way he'll require make-up training.

yakou: You shouldn't be saying that, Mokuren. Kokuyou isn't here so please cooperate.

mokuren: You think I care? I've done my part in helping them already.

yakou: So, if Kokuyou does return, will you have him take Kasumi's place?

akira: Eeeh, nah. We'll just have Kasumi perform the whole run.

yakou: Well, I have no complaints as long as everything goes well. It looks like it will be a success at least.

mokuren: You're lucky this is happening while the owner isn't here. He'd be making a fuss about disbanding their team right now.

yakou: I can't deny that... Still, I wonder what happened to Kokuyou. Is he sick? Has anyone checked his apartment?

takami: No, I haven't been to check. Could anyone lend me his address?

akira: Don't worry, I'll go check on him. I'll leave it to you to teach Kasumi the choreo, Takami.

—end

Chapter 2 SideA

-starless balcony, evening-

kei: ....... (sigh)

takami: Kei, if you're looking for something then I think I could help you.

kei: No need.

takami: Stealing back what's been stolen is just a simple game of cat and mouse.

kei: And so what if it is? I am just doing what I must.

takami: It's just like you to be persistent . Then, how about you utilise my help?

kei: Why would I do that?

takami: Because I can prepare what it is that you need. For example, I could prepare a perfect replica, that would be useful to you, would it not?

kei: I refuse. I have no intentions of being used by you.

takami: I'm doing no such thing. All I want from you is information. About the Miki-san's and Iwami-san, and various other things.

kei: You really think I'll agree to that?

takami: I'm up for further negotiations whenever. Kasumi interrupted us last time after all.*

kei: You mean back during W's 'BLACKSTAR' performance? It's too late for that now.

takami: Not for us it isn't. I'd like to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

kei: So you're trying to gain my gratitude?

takami: Who knows... It's just, because of the rumours spreading about the owner's absence, the power balance of this area is in danger.

kei: So you're saying continuing this farce of a play is your keeper's wish?

takami: —So, what will you do?

kei: It's obvious what my highest priority is. For now I shall dance to your tune.

takami: I wasn't expecting you to agree. In that case, negotiations are complete. I'll let you know when things have been prepared.

-takami leaves-

kei: ...He's annoying to deal with. I'd rather not associate with him, but I have no choice.

-kei's phone rings-

kei (on phone): It's me. What is it?

I'm not happy about it, but not knowing Kokuyou's location is the only way to protect her. It's only for a few days, I can put up with leaving Saki to him for that long.

What? But that place is close to... Why would he go there, of all places…

kei (on phone): No, for now it is still safer than her being here. Understood, I'm grateful for the update.

-kei hangs up-

kei: Birds are suited to the freedom of the sky... Will I allow it to be swallowed up by the shadow of fate?

—end

*Takami is referencing the talk in S2Ch6 - SideB 2 extra

Chapter 2 SideA extra

-behind starless, day-

hinata (on phone): Hello~ It's me. Yeah, that's right, I went and checked a locker at the train station for him. He's a real slave driver~ Not to mention when I finally found the right locker it was empty! Like, why did he send me there if nothing was inside? It doesn't make any sense~ Also the other day he randomly told me to go and search for Sin and—

-kei appears-

hinata (on phone): Oh, sorry, I gotta go. Someone that's hard to deal with just showed up.

kei: Chatting away on the phone during your work hours, you truly are taking your obligations lightly.

hinata: I'm on my break! I'll head right back so don't get on my case about it. And so? You got business with me or something? I'm not in the mood for a lecture.

kei: You were the first to discover Sin after he was injured, weren't you, Hinata?

hinata: What? You want to talk to me about Sin? I was told by Iwa-san to look for him... It was awful, he was bleeding everywhere and I had to call an ambulance.

kei: I see. So there were no other witnesses and you were the one who claimed he'd been in an 'accident'. There's no way to prove that is the truth.

hinata: What do you mean by that?

kei: Oh I wonder. You above all should know best what I'm insinuating. I'm just wondering if the theory that the first person on the scene is the most suspicious holds any weight.

hinata: W-wait a minute, what are you saying? You don't think I did something do you? Go ask Sin yourself, he'll tell you the same thing! It's the truth!

kei: Indeed, I have already asked him. He told me that you saved him.

hinata: Then... You suspecting me was just a bluff? Tch, don't piss me off, you're messed up in the head, you know that?

kei: I simply wanted to hear your understanding of the situation. Return to your work.

hinata: Oh shut up, you idiot! You're so freakin' annoying!

-hinata leaves-

kei: Setting him up as the first one on the scene and sending him to pick something up at the train station lockers... I wonder if Hinata himself even realises the extent in which he is being used.

—end

Chapter 2 SideB

-old messy house, night-

kokuyou: ...It reeks of mould.

saki: This place is...

kokuyou: Relatives of mine own this house. When I was a kid they looked after me for a period of time. After my grandparents died my relatives moved away and no one has lived here since. Being here again is nostalgic but this place is a complete mess. Come on in, there's still space to move around.

saki: Please excuse me.

kokuyou: Sorry about the mess. If anything gets in your way just push it aside. It's still dark out, what time is it— Right, we left our phones behind. I can't even check the time.

saki: We can't check the news or anything either.

kokuyou: I wonder if there's anything in my jacket pocket... My lighter and... This isn't gonna be useful.

saki: What is that?

kokuyou: It's an mp3 player. I put our new show's song on it.

-koku starts playing 'abandon the dawn' instrumental-

saki: (This song...)

kokuyou: .......

saki: Um, Kokuyou-san, I really am sorry for getting you involved in this.

kokuyou: There's no need for you to apologise. This isn't anything new and it's not like I could just leave you be.

saki: But your show is starting in a few days... I know, why don't you let me stay here for a while? You can head back to Starless and prepare for your show.

kokuyou: You want me to leave you on your own? Don't be ridiculous, we’re past the point of going back now.

saki: I don't want to cause you any more trouble than this.

kokuyou: Sin told me to hide you away for a week. So that's exactly what I'm gonna do. A week means I should make it back in time for the opening show. Things should calm down by then. Team W has Akira and Takami, they can handle themselves.

saki: But you need to rehearse too, Kokuyou-san. Otherwise you won't be able to synchronise with the others.

kokuyou: Don't tell me you're worried about me messing up. I don't need any advice on that front. So long as the Starless stage exists, I'll be there.

Feel free to use the house however you like. Don't mind me. You're probably still on edge but try and get some rest. You're tired, so don't go overthinking things. I'm gonna go check something out back, don't go outside.

—end

Chapter 2 SideB extra

-kokuyou's relatives house, evening-

saki: Nn...? I fell asleep…

saki: (What time is it...? Looks like it's evening... I wonder where Kokuyou-san is.)

kokuyou: You awake? I didn't think you'd crash right here, I even cleaned up a room further in the house for you.

saki: Sorry, it wasn't intentional...

kokuyou: It's fine, you must've been really tired.

saki: Did you sleep too, Kokuyou-san?

kokuyou: Yeah, just a bit. I checked out the area too. There's a small strip of shops nearby, so if you're hungry we can grab something to eat. There's a public bathhouse there too. The shrine behind the house hasn't changed either. This place really is just as it was in the past.

saki: Oh right, you said this was your relative's place didn't you? Did you come here to play when you were little?

kokuyou: Yeah, something like that. Since I haven't been here for a while I figured we'd be safe coming this far. It doesn't seem like we've been followed but don't go wandering off on your own just in case.

saki: .......

saki: Is there nothing that you want to ask me?

kokuyou: If I did, would you even have any answers?

saki: That's...

kokuyou: I know that you don't know what's going on either. So asking anything would be pointless and only trouble you, am I right?

saki: Sorry...

kokuyou: There's nothing you need to apologise for. I've told you this already. Even if you had answers, you're not the only one who wouldn't talk about it.

saki: What do you mean?

kokuyou: Those at Starless are all the same way. If you ask them anything they're not the type to give you an honest answer. So, don't worry about it.

saki: ...Thank you.

kokuyou: Anyways, did you want to step out for a bit? We can go buy something to eat.

saki: —Um, Kokuyou-san.

kokuyou: What is it?

choice: I want you to get back in time for the performance / thank you for helping me

>thank you for helping me

saki: Thank you so much for helping me.

kokuyou: Don't sweat it. As if I could just leave you be in that situation. Now go and get yourself ready to go out. Your bedhead is pretty impressive.

saki: Uwah, I need a mirror! I'm borrowing the bathroom!

-saki runs off-

kokuyou: ...I'll have to do something about this.

—end

>I want you to get back in time for the performance

saki: I want you to make it back in time for your performance.

kokuyou: You... —Understood, thanks. Now go and get yourself ready to go out. Your bedhead is pretty impressive.

Chapter 3

-rehearsal room-

akira: Aaand we're all done. As always you're quick on the uptake huh, Kasumi?

kasumi: Ahaha, I'm glad you think so. Maybe it's thanks to the fact you're the centre.

takami: We've gotten used to the new centre as well. The show has taken shape.

taiga: As expected Akira's version of Tristan is way too flashy. I could never~

akira: I'm always giving it my all y'know. Man~ I wish Saki-chan was here, I wanted to sing my words of love to her.

taiga: She hasn't been visiting recently. I guess she must be busy.

takami: I heard she hasn't been feeling well. Kei was worried about her.

akira: Wha, I hadn't heard that. Is she ok?

takami: I don't know the details, but I hope she feels better soon and is well enough to come visit again.

kasumi: Same~ I'd love for her to come and see the new show. And if possible, I hope it can be performed by the whole of W. So... Any updates on Kokuyou?

taiga: Nope. I think his phone battery is dead.

takami: Didn't you go check his apartment, Akira?

akira: I did, but his motorbike wasn't there and I couldn't find him anywhere either.

sin: If the evening is destined to become darkness then the curtain of the night becomes meaningless. Furthermore, a dull blade cannot cut through the stars. That is all there is to it.

takami: It's not easy to be optimistic in a situation like this.

akira: Don't overthink it. We just gotta do what we gotta do.

taiga: A performance without Kokuyou huh... I never even considered it being a possibility. Has W ever put on a show without him before?

akira: Nope. Not that I know of at least.

taiga: I see, I'm a little worried what the audience's reaction will be like.

akira: I told you, we just gotta do it. Quit your mumbling.

taiga: Huh? Ah... Got it, sorry.

kasumi: Ahaha, Mokuren always says that if you're worried then it means you haven't practised enough, Taiga~ Let me help you with a Team C style intensive training course.

taiga: What? Hold up, since when were you this sort of character? No way!

kasumi: Can we start over from the top, Akira?

akira: ...Yeah, sure. The overall level of our performance is fine but if you're concerned about Taiga then let's focus on him.

taiga: Give me a break here!

sin: The diffused reflection of the light produces a false image. All we can do is follow the winding spiral as it disappears down into the void.

takami: No matter what happens, I just hope this is put an end to quickly.

—end

Chapter 3 extra

-starless restaurant area-

heath: Gui, you're acting differently from usual.

gui: ...Am I?

heath: The colour of your aura is wavering. Did something happen?

gui: ...No.

heath: It wavered again. Is this about Saki? It is, isn't it? I haven't seen her here in a few days now and she always visits a lot, especially before a show starts. If you know something then tell me. Don't lie.

gui: I can't tell you.

heath: Oh you ‘can't’? I see what's going on here. Fine, I'll go and ask Kei then.

-heath leaves-

gui: Me too... I want to know what's going on as well.

-gui leaves-

-starless backrooms-

heath: Hold it, Kei. Have you put her in danger again? Where is Saki? Tell me where she is this instant.

kei: Calm down, Heath. I am aware that you currently do not trust me.

heath: (coughing fit)

gui: Heath...! Heath, breathe. Slowly, in, out, in, out...

kei: Are you here to question me too, Gui?

heath: (coughing) ...Sorry, I'm fine, Gui.

kei: I understand your concerns fully. However, there is no need to worry as currently she is safe. In order for her to avoid any further danger, she has left the immediate vicinity.

heath: ........

heath: Is she truly safe?

kei: Yes. There is someone with her to protect her. And that is neither you nor I.

heath: And can you trust this person?

kei: ...Somewhat.

heath: Why... why can't it be me? Why the fuck are you standing around here instead of helping her?

kei: Because I must be here in order to protect her. Doing so is the very reason for my existence. Gui, look after Heath. Search within yourselves for your own reasons to be.

gui: Ok.

-kei leaves-

heath: ...Godammit. Why am I always so powerless?

—end

Chapter 3 SideA

-break room-

akira: Thanks, Kasumi. You've really saved our asses this time around.

kasumi: Oh no, it's no problem. I'm just happy to be useful. But... Don't go overdoing it, Akira.

akira: Hm? What's this? Are you looking out for me? If so I'd rather it be a cute girl that's fawning over me.

kasumi: Ahaha, noted~ Well, I'll see you in our next rehearsal then.

-kasumi leaves-

akira: .......

-nekome appears-

nekome: That was one one big sigh. You must've been working hard, you alright?

akira: Well I'm not alright anymore. I'm not in the mood to talk to you right now.

nekome: Looks like I caught you at a bad time~ Though that's to be expected, your team was suddenly thrown for a loop after all.

akira: Thrown for a loop huh... Funny hearing you of all people say that. By the way, Nekome, you wouldn't happen to know anything would you?

nekome: About what?

akira: Like why someone would suddenly disappear, or where they would go if they decided to. You have experience in those areas after all, could you give me some advice?

nekome: Hahah, that's a tough question. Kokuyou and I are completely different too.

akira: Completely different? What do you mean by that?

nekome: I mean that we value and prioritise different things. The things that we can't abandon.

akira: I don't get what you're trying to say.

nekome: Hey, Akira, do you have any spare change on you?

akira: Don't extort me, you haven't even answered my question.

-nekome buys something from the vending machine-

nekome: Hahaha, sorry. To be honest though, Akira, I don't know either. So, I'm sorry for all the trouble I must’ve caused~ It even bothered you, right?

-nekome leaves-

akira: Look at that, he had plenty of change on him. Why is he like this...

—end

Chapter 3 SideA extra

-police station-

kei: The person who assaulted you has been arrested. However he was merely a thug working under someone else's orders. By the way, Hinata mentioned that he was told by Iwami to go and look for you... He didn't appear to have any intention to hide that fact either.

sin: He is using his pawns to his convenience. Those who know nothing are easier to control. Anything else?

kei: The item that was stolen from you had already been passed off to a different courier. However the ghost is not on the move. Before long, the one in possession of the card shall also be arrested.

sin: Meaning it has not reached that man's hands yet?

kei: Those who already work for money are easily convinced by more money.

sin: I see. So you're just waiting for them to fall into your trap. Alas, it is clear who is pulling the strings behind this. We should prepare our next move.

kei: I made a deal with a faithful dog. His keeper is preparing to go on the hunt.

sin: You made a surprisingly bold choice.

kei: It was necessary to assure the bird's freedom.

sin: So you're willing to get your hands dirty if it's for her sake. That is just like you.

kei: It's still not enough. The shady groups around here are already looking for new positions.

sin: Hm, it's bothersome. Has news of Haseyama's absence gotten around?

kei: The cover up has reached its limit.

sin: The pests infecting the nearby area should have been exterminated though.

kei: It's still not enough. That is why I must immediately change my approach.

sin: Meaning that taking back her card is the top priority?

kei: Exactly that.

—end

Chapter 3 SideB

-kokuyou's relative's house, day-

saki: (Today marks the end of the week Sin-san told us to run for... Tomorrow will be the opening show of Team W's performance. I wonder if Kokuyou-san could get there in time if he went alone on his bike? I could take the train...)

saki: ...Hm? Where is Kokuyou-san actually? Maybe he went outside.

-time pass, roadside path, day-

saki: ...He's not here either. I wonder where he went.

-screen glitches-

saki: (W-what was that? For some reason... this path feels familiar—)

kokuyou: What are you doing out here, Saki? I told you not to wander around by yourself.

saki: I'm sorry. I just wanted to check how you were.

kokuyou: I was visiting the shrine out back... Sorry for leaving you on your own.

saki: No, it's fine. I also— Huh?

-screen shakes-

saki: (Ngh... My head hurts... Why...?)

kokuyou: ...We've had a conversation like this once before, haven't we?

saki: Once before... With me?

kokuyou: I don't know. I just remember when I was a kid, I was waiting for somebody here. Tch, I can't recall anything else.

saki: (Huh...? This has... Happened before...)

kokuyou: Anyways, let's head back. You look pale.

saki: I'm fine, more importantly, Kokuyou-san— Back then, why did you come here?

kokuyou: Back then? What are you talking about?

saki: (Why did I ask that... What ‘back then’ am I even talking about?)

-screen glitches-

saki: Sorry I... I don't feel so good after all...

kokuyou: You ok? You look awful, c'mon let's head back.

saki: But... Your show...

kokuyou: That's not important right now. We're heading back for now, you can say your piece later.

-quick flashback appears-

saki: (My head hurts so bad... It's no use, I can't even think straight anymore...)

kokuyou: Don't overdo it, here, lean on me, let's go.

saki: Ok... Sorry for the trouble.

kokuyou: I told you already, we’re past the point of going back now. Just stop thinking about it.

saki: (Stop thinking...)

-saki closes her eyes-

—end

Chapter 3 SideB extra

-kokuyou's relative's house, evening-

saki: Nn… Hm...? I'm...?

saki: (This is... Kokuyou's relative's place...?)

kokuyou: You awake? Feeling any better?

saki: Kokuyou-san... What time is— The sun's already setting!?

kokuyou: Yeah.

saki: (If it's evening then... No but, if he leaves right now he could still make it.)

saki: Kokuyou-san, if you leave now you'll be able to make it back in time for tomorrow's opening show.

kokuyou: And leave you all alone after you just collapsed on me? If I felt like leaving you I would have done so already.

saki: ...I'm sorry... I really am...

kokuyou: Quit worrying yourself over it, I can afford to miss one show.

saki: Kokuyou-san...

kokuyou: Team W isn't just me. The rest of my team can manage. Akira's got his voice, Takami can organise... Recently Taiga has even been proving himself. And lastly there's Sin. He's surprisingly good at creating that trademark W atmosphere. He may have been injured but that won't stop him. That's just the kind of guy he is.

saki: ...You have a lot of faith in them all, don't you?

kokuyou: I wouldn't say that... It's more that I just know how those on my team think. So don't look so down, none of this is your fault.

kokuyou: —Five years ago, when I first met you, you looked like any other regular woman just living her life. Even now, I still just see you as a normal woman. Except, you've been targeted by some suspicious group that I don't know and you've even been kidnapped before. Do you really think I'm heartless enough to just leave someone like you to handle all that on your own?

saki: Kokuyou-san...

kokuyou: It's fine, get some more rest. You still look pale.

saki: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry...

-saki falls back asleep-

kokuyou: ...What to do.

-flashback-

saki: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry...

girl: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry…