#event: spring tea session

[foryiujeans]

too many nights.

synopsis. those nights of him coming back late with missing your presence snuggled in bed but everything changes when you’re gone.

pairings. ex-lover!ricky x fem!reader.

warnings. slight angst, crying, suggestive.

word count. 4k

general taglist. @forsobeans

“i want to stop.”

"i want to stop," you mumble, not sure if it's coherent.

with that, you flee to your room, covering your mouth to keep the sobs from coming out. you slam your bedroom door behind you, barely making it to your bed before you collapse on it. nausea works its way through you and you fight to keep it down, but it feels like your own body is fighting against the stupid choice you just made.

it's not even a minute later when your bedroom door flies back open and ricky barges in. you glance up at him, not even caring how horrible you look, and find that he almost looks just as bad as you. his face is beet red and his cheeks are wet with tears that tear you into pieces.

"what the hell are you talking about? why are you breaking up with me?"

"ricky, i told you to leave."

"no. i’m not leaving until we talk about this."

he moves toward you and gathers you up in his arms. he holds onto you tightly like you're a life raft keeping him afloat. when you feel his whole body shaking, you hate yourself.

"talk to me," he pleads into your hair. "let me in."

"i’m not good enough for you.," you cry. "you deserve so much more than I can give you. all i do is bring you down, and I can't live with myself for doing that.”

he gets down on the floor next to you and grabs your hand, holding it tightly. when his cracking voice penetrates your brain, the tears flow a little harder.

“just follow your dreams, ricky. become an idol, i have my own things to do too.”

the high comes down much quicker than you'd like. the feelings and sensations of existing in the real world start to tingle along your nerve endings. With a sigh, you lean your head back against the bathroom cupboard and close your eyes. while the cold tile underneath you starts to form, you feel wetness on your cheek.

bringing your hand up to your face, you pull it away to discover that you're crying. dropping your hand on the floor, you don't hear the front door opening or the subsequent calling of your name. you’re too focused on the fact that you've self-sabotaged. again.

no matter how much you say you don't want to keep doing this, you find that you can't stop. chasing that amazing high is always too alluring. it’s too desirable, and that's one of the many things that scares you.

loving shen quanrui.

you never moved on from the guy since last year. actually, since seven months. the eventful memories of you both doing so much activities with each other and enjoying every little details of it.

“y/n,” someone nudged your side, “we finished the tutor session, let’s get bubble tea.”

looking to your side, you see your friend, kim gyuvin already standing up and han yujin beside him, with their bags slung on their shoulders, waiting patiently for you while you were spacing out.

you quickly stood up and dusted the invisible dust on your pants. taking your totebag over your shoulder and stood up to exit the tutoring centre. you trailing behind the two boys and felt the cold breeze of spring blowing onto your face.

tugging on yujin’s sleeve, you sighed, “mid-terms is around the corner, i’m tired.”

“relax, cheer up and enjoy bubble tea with your two favourite boys.” the boy smiled down at you proudly and gyuvin hummed beside you.

the three of you entered the bubble tea café, you giving your order to gyuvin while he orders and pays it for you and yujin, considering it as a stress relief gift after studying too hard. you and yujin had found a spot near the window as the male takes out his phone and took a photo of gyuvin queuing to post.

you then felt like a familiar sharp gaze was looking at you. as you turned your gaze from yujin to the person, you felt your heart stopped beating.

you felt this lingering look since you both met again about a month ago when he suddenly got the new position at this entertainment in front of the college you go. even though you both had mutual friends, it was definitely a surprise to you, seeing him for the first time since you both parted a few years back. the fact that he still looked as handsome as ever, it was hard to not stare when you're around him.

the handsome face you ever missed so much.

the breakup wasn't bad. for you. both broke up mutually with no guilt or shame. perhaps, the timing wasn't right back then but if there was another chance, ricky wouldn't mind trying again because every time he sees the rain, he thinks of you. you adored it, and if you both hadn't broken up watching the rain together, he would've moved on.

you were enjoying this moment though, looking into each other's eyes. it was like those nights getting lost with time from studying together back then. it was only a wish that things would work just like the old days because you hadn't been in a relationship since with ricky. you could almost lose it when he smiled from your thoughts.

“signature bubble tea for our lovely y/n.” gyuvin then sat beside yujin who was already sipping on his drink.

a smile adorned your lips, thanking gyuvin and poked the straw through the cup. feeling the gaze was still on you, shifting in your seat shyly. ricky adored that small but genuine smile of yours at even small gestures.

“uhm, i’m going to call my mom for five minutes.” you excused yourself to go upstairs and out the porch of the café to pick yourself up.

a figure’s shadow appeared from behind you, almost towering your own shadow on the cement ground. you turned around and saw that blonde hair of theirs that you had adored fluffing and ruffling it up in the past. those cat-like eyes staring deep into yours. you shifted slightly, holding onto the railings.

when ricky clears his throat, your eyes flicker back to him and you try to keep the guilty expression off of your face. the look on his face is clear. he’s been trying to get your attention for a while and you haven't even noticed.

he turns his head to look in the direction your eyes have been glued, and you quickly sat straight. he can't. he can’t see what it is that's got you so distracted.

"y/n, long time no see." you immediately say, pulling his attention back to you. “how are you?"

your answering hum is quiet, noncommittal. his heart drops into your stomach in response. the relationship the two of you have is good. almost too good. if you mess this up, you'll regret it forever, so you need to get it together and focus on whatever else to do.

still, your eyes flicker back across the buildings.

back to him.

ricky must feel your stare burning a hole into the side of his face because he glances in your direction. When your eyes meet, it's like all the breath is gone from your lungs. his gaze is like a gentle caress along your skin, and he wants nothing more than to sink into your embrace.

"what are you doing here, graduated yet?" ricky asked. he leaned over the wooden railing like you before you turned around and leaned onto your back so you're facing him.

"it’s more quiet here than in there." you motioned the two loud boys in the café you went with before you both laughed.

he took a deep breath and sighed. "trainings been harsh."

"really?" you asked. "never knew about it till now."

ricky nodded, then he trailed his eyes on the gaps on the floor of the porch, hoping to get his thoughts straight. "did you finally find a real reason why we broke up?"

there was a gush of nostalgia running through you and you couldn't find the words to answer it.

ricky noticed, yet he knows you're a deep thinker so sometimes, it takes a while for you to have a complete answer.

"sorry if I made it awkward." he bit his lips to lean away from the weird feeling in the air.

“that, i don’t know how to answer it,” you said, eyes leaving his, “maybe i thought you found someone else and wanted to focus on your career.”

"can’t we feel vulnerable for once?" ricky asked. his gaze into your eyes was mesmerizing as you remembered. his body was heating up and you didn't know if his words were letting your guard down or if it was his touch, his hands that were resting softly on your back. "i have so much to tell you." he confessed in a blazing whisper.

"no, you don’t."

"yes, i do." he frowned.

"well, fine."

"please, please, listen to me." ricky was desperate, you could hear it in his voice. you let him continue as he gazed back into your eyes, wondering if you could hear his heart as he confessed. "i missed you. i was excited to see you again after so long but i didn't know if you wanted to be with me again because we're so friendly and-" he paused with a frown, "you’re a stubborn girl.”

"quanrui, sometimes we don't like things and have to change and move on." you tried to fight back. your grip stayed and you weren't sure if you were holding onto him or yourself.

"are you also doing that?" he asked and damn. you were caught in the throat. no words but thoughts ran through you because he could see it in your eyes.

one thing you knew is that you never moved on from ricky, not one bit. you were missing the nights where you both spend and cuddle together. you were missing his soft spoken words that encouraged you throughout your day. just like ricky, he missed your warm embrace colliding with his own. he missed your daily routines together.

slowly, ricky reached his head up towards you and pressed his lips onto yours.

his hands pushed your back closer to him, settling you close to the railings so he could move his lips against yours. his kisses were gentle, which made you crave the feeling more. you couldn't help to move along with him, smooching while you hovered over him to fix your knees. your arms locked him there as his hands gripped the railings between your body to keep you leaned against them.

your heads switched sides as if your minds were as one. in that brief moment, his hot breath kissed your cheek before your lips connected again. the desires you both wanted were burning against your soon-swollen lips and for a moment, ricky could feel himself being a complete wreck for you because everything was too familiar. you were falling apart in his embrace as your fingers found their way to his hair. it was such a habit that you almost bit his lips from the session.

"i miss you so much." ricky managed to breathe before he let out a chuckle with the tremble of his voice tickling against your lips. you were out of breath by then so when you pulled back to see those loving eyes of his, you thought maybe gyuvin was right: you should just go with what your heart is telling you.

"are you cold?" he asked when he noticed your hands hiding in your sleeves. "do you want to stay here for a bit before you go?"

"no." you declined his offer with a smile. "i’m gonna go and i still have your number so,.”

you blushed. he stopped himself from offering his hand since they're warm. he nodded once with his lips pressed tightly into a tiny smile. "see you later then. watch out for the weather."

“thanks. see you soon." you sighed softly. you gave him one last smile before walking away and downstairs to your friends.

he still remembered everything you’ve done together.

like how he was making your heart flutter, remembering all of the things you wanted to do when you were still with him. you hadn't done those things because it would be most perfect with him, you'd still think so. or like how he warmed you up without holding you close to him, or how he made you think everything was going to be about you and him.

too many nights for you both to be this close again.

a/n ! thank you so much for reading and giving me requests. i’m thankful that you guys enjoyed reading it and giving all the notes and support. i do not own any characters, music or pics given, will definitely work harder for the next ones !

happiest birthday to shen quanrui ! 🤍

signing out, miaaa hihi !

#zb1 #zb1 oneshots #zerobaseone #zerobaseone imagines #zb1 fics #zb1 imagines #zb1 x reader #zerobaseone fics #zerobaseone x reader #shen quanrui #ricky #ricky imagines #ricky zb1 #zerobaseone ricky

[wall-e-gorl]

The run down and lead up of events re: fawn wager crows nest crew and the absolute mess we are in at the last session

Fawn is a pc, the pinkest valley girl rogue satyr, originally from the feywild is on the material plane hiding and being a pirate

For reasons that don't matter rn, our ship sinks and we get stuck in the same island that our rival pirate crew is on

We see the Captain and this fox guy from his crew in a tavern and Fawn goes over to bother them

Oh! Fox guy, who we learn is called Wager, is also from feywild!

Oh he asked to have her name

Fawn likes that. She does that. She likes this fox

They leave tavern together to get mail, when they come back Wager is covered in kisses and they're dating

its barely been an hour if that since introductions

We convince Wager to help us find Captain

We make a plan to steal rival captains boat, since we lost ours, and recruit Wager to help.

Before we can do anything, an archfey (derogatory) called The Spider shows up again

We dont like him and Fawn is very scared of him.

Events happen, and we find out that another archfey (derogatory) called The Lady is also here

she is Wager's "boss". Wager doesn't want to go back

She takes him back to the feywild anyway

Its very upsetting

We decide that we were going to steal him anyway, might as well steal him back from the feywild

We go there, with help from fawns uncle, archfey (affectionate), Uncle Cass

We meet Ephie, new pc, and Foxboy, a young little fox folk like Wager.

Events happen

We learn, that Ephie's "mother" is The Lady (archfey, derogatory, stole wager, punishes ephie when she isnt perfect, Archfey derogatory)

We learn that Uncle Cass and The Spider are engaged

We get yoinked by the spider and are forced to relive not-quite-nightmares of ours infront of an audience

Fawns was last, she had a face to face with the spider and he showed her "Wager" with one eye.

When we wake up, we see the spider but get an "intermission" before we fight him

Wager is the one to bring us back to the arena after its over.

Hes disguising himself to have two eyes. He doesn't want to be here but can't say it.

We promise that we are going to come back and get him, then go to "fight" the spider

We win, he's an archfey and this was a show so he isn't dead dead, but we won and we return to the green room.

Foxboy is there! He has some letters for us, but cant read it :( he's only 7 :(

Its an invitation to Tea Time from The Lady. We read it, are transported, and wake up to a wooded area, in fancy outfits and the aarakocra pc (me) as a human

We meet an dmac (dm assistant character) and get lead to where we are supposed to be for tea time, stopping for a snowball fight with Wager's and Foxboy's sister

(We also have learned that Foxboy(/Felix) is just a permanently 7 Wager, through archfey derogatory nonsense)

Their sister tells us that Wager is "rehearsing" for something important. Is cold, particularly to Fawn.

Note: The Lady is an Archfey of the winter court.

We make it to tea time. We have a few moments to get familiar with the space before The Lady and Wager appear

Wager calls Fawn over to the private duo table, the rest of us sit at tables and try not to freak out too hard yet.

Fawn's having a wonderful time. She has found her boyfriend, her fancy dress is a bigger poofy pink wedding dress, and she keeps talking about how they're going to get married

Wager is both so happy to see her and so extremely anxious

Kul can see this, and gives him a bardic inspiration. They can tell he *is* about to propose.

They stand up and Wager starts doing a speech

He gives her a dagger, customary for spring court proposals (Fawn is from spring court) and a loud confetti canon goes off, obscuring them

Dm goes ok couple people deafen. Secret dnd time.

We, kul and ephie, see what really happens

Wager says speech, which if you look closely at spells out GOOD BYE, and ends it with this (bones is a nickname for fawn from wager. Its cute, she's bones he's treasure. This session was titled Treasured Bones)

Wager says speech and raised a gun

And shoots fawn

A table is rolled and she is only paralyzed, he falls to his knees.

The Lady says "finish the job"

And he stabs her in the heart, and hugs her dead body on the floor

Out of character we are losing it. The ones deafened are worried about our reactions. Theres nothing we can do.

People undeafen. We clarify that we are picking up exactly where we were.

Our dm lets us do deals with him to get extra information. I had done a deal to get more info on Foxboy, and my consequence for it was that I had to react with violence in a situation when he told me. So

Kul sees red. Theyre crying. Theyre not responding to questions. Theyre attacking Wager.

Ephie is crying over fawn but the other two are more concerned with the immediate unexplained violence and dont notice or even think that fawn could be dead

The Lady is watching this all, gleefully

Kul doesn't kill wager. They do a big spell and physically attack him with a weapon they had loaned to Fawn, then their mind clears

They turn back to Fawn and the others see that she's dead and dying

Ephie asks her mother to help. She learns that this was a punishment for her for leaving the manor and making friends, and getting close to Fawn in particular

The Lady leaves

Hai asked new God (she recently broke her oath and got a new God, she doesnt like her much) to help and loses an arm to the elbow for it

Kul calls in a favour with Hais Old God, saying they "can't take losing another one"

He shows up and Kul revivifies Fawn.

She wakes up, her hair now has some blue bits and her scelaras are now blue and one eye is pink instead of orange

End of session

WAGER WAS FORCED TO KILL HIS LOVE BY THE LADY, BECAUSE EPHIE HAD LEFT HOME AND GONE FARTHER THAN INTENDED AND GAINED FRIENDS, AND KUL ATTACKED HIM FOR IT.

#crows nest crew #READ THIS. WE HAD TO TAKE A WEEK BREAK FOR MY LIGHTHEARTED SILLY ONESHOT BECAUSE WE WERE EMOTIONALLY DESTROYED AND ALSO OUR DM DESERVED A #BREAK. THEY WERE REAL ANXIOUS ABOUT THIS SESSION (FOR OBVIOUS REASONS)

[atamascolily]

pmmm oneshots by subject

Just for fun, I put together a guide for my Madoka Magica oneshots on A03, sorted roughly by subject matter/theme. All are 7K or less, most in the 1-3K range. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list and will probably be instantly out of date, but can still serve as a good general reference. Enjoy!

inspired by art

Curation - The Law of Cycles isn't a person. It's an institution.

No Exit (The Nighthawks Remix) - Based on Nighthawks by Edward Hopper.

Balancing Act - Kyouko and Madoka take an unusual route to find Sayaka's witch, unaware Homura is watching from the shadows.

Marked - Junko Kaname invites Homura on a family trip to a local hot springs resort. Intrigued by Homura's refusal, Junko investigates--revealing a secret of her own along the way.

HomuMado Bittersweet Angst

The Night Parade of One Hundred Witches - Once a year on the anniversary of Walpurgisnacht, the streets of Mitakihara are home to a most unusual parade.

Flying Home - Soulmate Goose AU.

Memento - Mami does her best to help when Homura's grief over Madoka manifests in bouts of coughed-up spider lilies, though it isn't enough.

surreal weirdness

Orrery - Homura's apartment is out of this world.

Return to Sender - The epic story of Homura vs. junk mail.

Projections - Homura redecorates her apartment.

Splice - There's someone else out there besides Homura with control over time. The question is, what does she want? Scene 0 AU from before Scene 0 was released.

Witches

Absentia - As Homura investigates the mystery of Walpurgisnacht, one question eludes her: where is the witch's grief seed?

Strange Loop - The Stage-Constructing Witch narrates a familiar story with an unfamiliar twist.

Junk - Mitakihara's new magical girl duo has their work cut out for them when the Hoarding Witch manifests on the Kazamino City border.

Sticky Fingers - Kyouko needs Mami's help to get out of a sticky situation when a routine witch-hunt goes awry.

Trompe-l'oeil - Mami plays a deadly game of hide and seek against an elusive witch inside a reality-bending art gallery.

tea and sympathy - An invitation to visit the Dress-Up Witch means you will never be lonely again.

Fun and Games

Loosely connected series of one shots in a modern AU where the characters are playing an RPG based on the original series.

Fun and Games - It's another eventful session of the Puella Magi: Magica RPG: Mami one-shots a witch with her Tiro Finale attack, a new player joins the party, and Sayaka fails an important roll with devastating consequences.

She Who Fights Monsters - Kyubey convinces the gang to reconvene for a new campaign of the Puella Magi: Magica RPG, but all bets are off when Homura realizes the GM is up to his old tricks.

What Goes Around - Things get weird after Homura ousts Kyubey as GM of the ongoing Puella Magi: Magica RPG. Well, weirder, anyway. Homura and Mami Roommate Shenanigans

Inspired by Mitakihara Anti-materials spinoff manga. Domestic fluff AUs.

Moving Day - Homura moves in with Mami.

Soba ni Iru (Soba Noodles By Your Side) - Homura's first night in Mami's apartment.

Partnership - "I figured we could both use some tea," Tomoe said by way of greeting. "You had difficulty sleeping again, didn't you?"

Dirty Laundry - Homura finds a creative use for the washing machine.

Mami Character Studies

Childish Things - Mami stumbles across a box of childhood memorabilia.

half-life - Mami wished to live, but she didn't give any thought to what that life might look like, and now she's paying the price.

Twenty Facts About Mami Tomoe - Fragments from a tragedy in slow motion.

Fireflies - While searching for witches, Mami has a wondrous experience at an isolated shrine.

Fluff and Crack

Wash Cycle - "I like it," Sayaka said honestly. "It's just not what I expected heaven to be like, that's all."

The Adventure of the Sapphire Soul Gem - "Huh?" Sayaka said, unable to believe what she had just witnessed. "Did that goose just eat my soul gem?" Kyouko was faster on the uptake. "Quick, grab it!"

Final Form - Madoka and her friends get an unexpected glimpse of the Incubator life cycle.

Mermaid in My Tub - Kyouko intervenes in time to save Sayaka from becoming a witch--sort of. Now Sayaka's stuck living in the bathtub in Mami's apartment with a mermaid tail, and Kyouko is determined to make the best of it.

Sayaka Miki and the Terrible Horrible No-Good Very Bad Day

out of order - This place is a dead end, but so is she, and it's not like Sayaka has anywhere else to go at the moment, so she might as well make the most of it.

descent - The witch is still out there calling for its next victim, though not for much longer now that Sayaka's here. She's close enough to transform into her true self and leave this crude matter behind.

tainted - Caught up in despair, Sayaka rapidly loses touch with reality.

Miscellaneous Crossovers

No knowledge of the other fandom is needed.

Death Comes for the Incubator (x Sandman). Kyubey confronts his own mortality at last.

Memories of Somebody (x Bleach). A chance meeting between Homura and Ichigo reveals unexpected connections. Post-series (PMMM) and post-Memories of Nobody and Fade to Black (Bleach).

Palimpsest (x Sandman). A garden, a maze, a mysterious hooded figure. A book of pages written and erased again and again. In between timelines, Homura Akemi comes face to face with Destiny.

The Immortal Dragon's Disciple (x The Way of the Househusband). Homura Akemi finds an unlikely mentor in ex-yakuza turned househusband Tatsu Kuroda.

Good Morning, Ms. Saotome (x Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei).  Junko Kaname sets up Ms. Saotome on a date with an eccentric teacher. Madoka has a front-row seat for what comes next.

xxxHolic-inspired Fusion AUs

No prior knowledge of xxxHolic is required.

asynchronous - The Dimension Witch dwells in a shop specializing in the granting of wishes... for a price.

a butterfly dreaming - Mami's perfect life comes to an end....but is the person who wished for this really so bad?

life in fantasy (the butterfly dreaming remix) - Mami Tomoe never, ever listens. Once again, Homura is left to cleans up the mess. Whumptober 2021

Cui Bono? - Mami wakes up in Homura's apartment, surprised and grateful to have survived her disastrous encounter with the Dessert Witch. But her host's contradictory behavior raises an important question: what exactly is Homura getting out of this?

Careful What You Wish For - Trapped in the Box Witch's labyrinth and paralyzed with guilt over Mami's death, Madoka is rescued by the most unexpected person imaginable.

Rude Awakening - Homura's latest fight with Mami might be a dream, but what awaits her upon waking is all too real.

Sticks and Stones - After a fight between Sayaka and an unknown opponent ends with the former grievously injured, Mami reveals an unexpected connection between them. Null Magical Girl Weirdness

Unlikely to make sense if you're unfamiliar with the Null Magical Girl light novel.

Null and Void - Fourteen-year-old Kosane's attempt to contract with Kyubey unexpectedly fails.

null thoughts, head empty - While waiting for the space-time collapse, Kosane and Kyubey discuss Incubator biology and the nature of the human soul.

Schrodinger's Incubator - The only thing more impressive than solving the perfect locked-room murder mystery is preventing it from happening in the first place. Miscellaneous

Tracks - Madoka searches for Sayaka along the train tracks.

Inventory - Homura sorts through the contents of her shield.

Family Business - This time, Madoka and Sayaka are rescued from a witch's labyrinth by the Tomoe twins, a magical sibling duo gifted with a flair for the dramatic, deadly aim with rifles, and fabulous fashion sense. It still ends badly for everyone.

Gingerbread - Nagisa and Mami make gingerbread together.

Parallels - Despite everything they have in common, Mami and Homura never quite connect. Then again, parallel lines never meet, except maybe at infinity.

Power Sources - Madoka and Sayaka discuss the topics they chose for their science essays, unaware of the relevance to their future lives.

Five Things That Probably Never Happened in Any Timeline (And One That Definitely Did) - Visions of a kinder, gentler magical girl show that never was. [based on the opening credits]

#puella magi madoka magica #madoka magica #my fanfiction

[pinkacademic]

Romanticising your Year

Hey Girlies, its been a busy time for me, so my post-frequency has dipped a little. But I'm back with a double-post to make up for it!

It's very easy to romanticise your life when there's an event or major holiday to look forward to. Where I'm from, there aren't any major holidays in November, so evryone around me is in Full Christmas Mode already. But, I want to appreciate November for what it is- and I hope you can apply this to other times in your lives!

1. Seasonal Walks! Go out, experience nature- look for signs of the changes of seasons such as leaves falling, or buds blooming. Boost the feeling with cozy jumpers and, my Pink Academia FAVE, earmuffs! Or with a pretty sundress and espadrilles. Take time to enjoy an iced tea or a peppermint latte and really sit and enjoy it.

2. Seasonal Literature! For me, I love a good mystery in November, be it an Agatha Christie binge-read or Turtles All th way Down by John Green. I'm also partial to The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern in November and December. For Spring, it has to be Jane Austen, and for Summer its Crazy Rich Asians for me. Pick something set in that month or that thematically reminds you of your favourite aspects of whatever season you're in!

3. Seasonal Studying! Obviously, throughout the school year, if you're still at school, you're probably focusing on your subjects, but in Autumn and Winter, its the perfect time to make your study sessions cozy with blankets and hot chocolate. In summer, you can get ahead, or focus on something that you don't get as much time for during the school year. If like me, you're not at school anymore, all you have to focus on is the things you never got as much time on in school, or something you think you would have enjoyed more without the pressures of exams and/or coursework.

I hope this helps you find ways to appreciate every month, girlies! I think its so, so important, especially if its a time period where you often feel sad or stressed, to find little things to enjoy!

#pink academia #pink #academia #pink academic #romanticising life #romanticising

[awesomelittleprincessjess]

Helen's Uni Diary: Year One

September - Initiation Antics

Alright, diary, here's the tea! Met Nikki during orientation, and we clicked, like, instantly. Our gossip sessions soon fixated on this chap from the opposite dorm. Looked lost, like a lamb waiting to be led. Lightbulb moment? Let's take him under our wing, stir things up a bit! With some sneaky hypnosis and a sprinkle of mischief, our little project began. No more Mr. Guy-From-Across-The-Hall. Welcome, Jasmine.

October - Pretty in Pink

Plan for October? A total wardrobe redo! Hit the high streets with a vision - Jasmine, but like, super femme! Rows and rows of delish dresses called out. Lured her into trying this pastel pink skater dress – think white polka dots, a silky ribbon, and a flirtatious hem. Paired with white ankle socks and cute Mary Janes. She looked like she stepped straight out of a chic mag!

November - Hair-Do Hullabaloo

Alright, that hair? Desperately needed some fab. Nikki's brilliant idea? A total hair makeover! We watched in glee as our fave stylist transformed that mop into an adorable, curly bob. Topped it with a sparkly hairband. Yass, Jasmine, giving us hair goals!

December - Giggles and Goss

Now, December was all about feeling young and merry. Christmas had Jasmine attached to our sides. Carol singing in that transformed voice and her obsession with that unicorn plushie from Secret Santa? Pure childlike joy.

January - Make-up Makeover

For January? We planned a subtler touch. Not just femme but younger, more innocent. Nikki and I played fairy godmothers, introducing Jasmine to a world of blush, mascara, and soft shiny lip gloss. A face that shouted teen spirit!

February - Valentine’s Vexation

A girly-girl Valentine was the vibe. Teased Jasmine with secret admirer notes. Oh, and the outfit? A youthful red dress, short but not too short, and with delicate lacework. She looked like a teen crushing hard for the first time.

March - Dress to Impress

Here's where the age games began. Imagined Jasmine, not just as a teen but younger. Got her a lavender dress for the uni’s spring event - floral lace, puffy sleeves, and enough tulle to make her twirl. She looked every inch the excited pre-teen.

April - Easter Elation

Easter was about innocence. Vision? Jasmine as a kiddo on an egg hunt. Watching her in that pastel yellow kiddie frock, hunting eggs? Pure gold! Her finding the smallest ones? May have rigged it a tad.

May - Ballet Bamboozle

May's plan? Delight in Jasmine’s childlike wonder. Enrolled her in a beginner's ballet class. Her in a tight leotard, fluffy tutu, struggling with basic moves? Adorable doesn't even cover it!

June - Sunny Daze and Plays

June’s mission? A beach baby day out. Pictured Jasmine building sandcastles, and she did! In a frilly swimsuit, her giggles, and that mermaid-themed bucket and spade? Childhood revisited.

July - Festival Follies

For July, the festival scene beckoned. But Jasmine wasn't just attending, she was living it as a free-spirited child. In a boho dress and a flower crown, she was the festival's little fairy.

August - Reflections and Resolutions

Come August, Nikki and I took a step back to admire our masterpiece. From lost lad to innocent child, it was quite the journey! But, diary, we've only just begun. There's more on the horizon, cheekier plots, and plans. Stay tuned!

#ai #tg #forced feminized #mental regression #story

[ripperdoc-is-daddy]

Ohagi and Chill pt. 5.2

TW:   Fluff, Wholesome, some non s3xual intimacy, some s3xual intimacy, snog session, brief mentions of nudity, brief mentions of discrimination, AAVE, swearing, s3xually suggestive content Reader is a black female, Insecure Soft Boi Sanemi, Proposal thoughts. Sexual content.

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!! PERMISSION TO TRANSLATE, REPOST OR USE FOR AUDIO, ETC DENIED.

pt.1, pt.2, pt.3 pt.4, pt.5.1

Morning came and he was the first one out of the bed. Taking care to not wake you. He hastily got showered, dressed, wrote you a note telling you that he was going out to get props for the event saying he loved you. Pinning it to his pillow he hurried out the house and got into his Beamer to knock out the laundry list of things he would need to make this proposal go off without a hitch. He would also need to rely on your friends for some of their help. Whether they knew what it was for or not.  Pressing the call button on his blutooth sunglasses he started with the person who would be the biggest help. Smiling as he pulled out of the driveway and headed out for the day.  

You woke up midafternoon to an empty bed. Not unusual, you had lives outside of each other. You caught sight of his note and read it. Feeling fluffy inside that he had drawn a cute little stick figure holding an “I love you” sign.  You dragged your body out of bed and stripped before you got into the bathroom. Going to the shower and taking a quick one, then running water in the tub that was at the far end of the room. It was a walk-in style. Looked more like a tiny spring. Sanemi, Gyomei and Kyojuro worked hard on it together.  Kyo designed it, Gyomei picked out the materials and the three of them had put it together. A beautiful group effort that included small potted plants around it that really gave it that hot spring look.  

Stepping in, tension you didn’t know you had was released. A happy sigh escaping your luscious lips. Slowly you lowered your body down until you were sitting on a built-in bench.  Reaching up behind a group of Maidenhair Ferns you flicked the hidden switch to activate the jets. Closing your eyes and settling in.  

Humming quietly to yourself and reflecting on your relationship you realized you had come quite aways from how things had first started.  He’d been an asshole initially. Treating you poorly because of a misunderstanding caused by autocorrect and your well-meaning yet messy mutual Mitsuri. Both of you were pretty sure that Tengen had plotted getting the two of you together and switched his room for yours so that he could force the two of you to get over your differences. Thanks to a little ocean magic and Tengen’s failure to keep himself restrained around his one of three girlfriends Hinatsuru had pushed the two of you closer and you had quickly started a physical relationship that later blossomed into and actual relationship.  There had been plenty of ups and down but in the end, you would discuss things out and come to a resolution.  

The water had started to chill during your musings so you climbed out. Grabbing a towel off the rack nearby to dry yourself off. Going into your walk-in to select your outfit for the day. Grabbing a Toge Kigurumi you put it on and wandered out. Bringing the oversized hoodie over your head as you padded into your bedroom then out into the hall, going upstairs into Sanemi’s office. Flopping down on a bean bag and digging around under the other two until you found your Change illumination device. “Alright! Time to play some Creature Ranger!” you announced. Briefly you remembered you hadn’t eaten so you ordered bowl of seafood pho then a beef tendon and tripe bowl.  A side of sweet bean peach dumplings and finishing it off with a Rose flavored boba tea that had lavender pearls.  Odd combination but they were all your comfort foods.  

Your food came and you were notified of it’s delivery on the porch. Stopping your game you ran downstairs to pick it up. Opening the door you were greeted with Sanemi’s tired yet happy face. He leaned forward, gave you a quick peck on the lips and handed over your food. A rosey blush tints your dark-skinned cheeks and your eyes dart to the side bashfully and you move aside to let him in. Sanemi enters and pats your hood as he kicks off his shoes. Hoping up the short step into the house from the entry way. “Genya back yet?” he queries.  “Nooope.” you respond heading back upstairs.  

He follows up after you, curious about what his lovely lady was up to. When you settle onto the bean bags he knows you are playing that weird hunting and trapping game you loved so much. He walks over and steals your adzuki peach buns and plops down into his chair. Turning on his pc to do some gaming of his own. “That was mine, jerk.” you scold him getting back into your game. “Consider it payment for the cosplay.” he says off Handly opening up the BNY MMO beta.  

“That’s not even close!” you whinge, trying to catch a flying squirrel bodied scaled viper. Sanemi laughs at you. “I am the one who determines if payment is sufficient.” he enjoys spoiling you and also gets a kick when you whine about not being able to repay him in full.  The fact you are willing to pay him back at all is what matters to him. You don’t want to be a burden and you never are. Always pulling your weight. So much so that he takes opportunities like this to spoil you discretely. You flip him off and he can feel your eyes bore into the back of his head making him laugh even harder.  The pair of you game in peace, occasionally barbing one another or calling the other over to show off some cool thing you found or saw.

When bedtime rolls around you hear Genya enter the home. Announcing himself as he runs up the stairs before shutting himself in his room. Sanemi carries you down the stairs to the living room. Setting you carefully down on the couch and handing you the remote. He goes back upstairs to clean up the food waste joining you after with guava and passion fruit boozy slushies from the kitchen. Placing them carefully on the side table next to your head. He slides in underneath you. Reclining back on the arm of the couch, he reaches back and hands you your slush and wraps an arm around your waist. You chirp happily and wiggle into his body.  

He grabs his drink and sips it through the straw gaze going from you to the anime you were watching. Something about proving love scientifically.  It was a cute romantic slice of life show. He enjoyed watching it with you. Your laughter was so addictive to his ears and warmed his soul to its core. He wished he could have spent more of the day with you but he had plans and they weren’t going to make themselves.  

Sanemi managed to book a romantic suite nearby the event, acquire 2 more period accurate costumes in case you wanted to have a full immersive experience. Props had been ordered and would come in several days from now.  The built, tanned man had thought about an outdoor dinner reservation but decided against it knowing you preferred street food exploration over stuffy, overly dressy environments. He still had more to do and not a whole lot of time to get it done without you becoming suspicious. Your ability to sense out subtle changes was uncanny but highly reliable.  

He sighed and lazily stroked your abdomen. Excitement bubbling within him threatening to make him expose his secret. He wouldn’t though.  It wouldn’t do to waste all the effort on a premature proposal. The hardest part wasn’t even over yet. No, that would come tomorrow and he dreaded this particular part.  While Sanemi had been ordering your prop syringes and tubing it dawned on him what was missing from his plan. Implementing that missing element was going to be the hardest part of all. So many people to contact and reign in. It would be worth it he told himself. Just as long as Tengen didn’t blow his cover. The man couldn’t keep a secret for the life of him.  

Time passes quickly as Sanemi set his plan in action unbeknownst to you.  There were a few times you were suspicious of the hushed closed, locked door calls he would do. You never asked, instead leveling him with a questioning look. He would just say it wasn’t work related but the event was taking more planning than he actually realized and just trust him. It’ll all pan out hopefully perfectly. Whenever he said that shit you couldn’t help but feel mildly anxious and suspicious.  He tried to soothe your anxiety with sweets and other treats. They did the job for the most part.  

Come the day that y’all need to leave for the event you meet up with Tengen, Kyojuro and Sanemi at the train station. Planning on taking the bullet train to save on expenses. Tengen scoops you up and carries you to the platform, despite your protests. Kyojuro is cheekily smiling with an annoyed Sanemi next to him. “I can walk!” you declare to the behemoth of a man holding you. “This is true but since I couldn’t convince any of my three wives to come you will have to sub in.” he announces cheekily, squeezing your thighs as emphasis. You cough and stare up at him while he cheeses back at you. “Just enjoy the ride.”  

Sanemi passes the both of y’all and shoulder checks Tengen who just smirks back at him. You board the train with him and he claims a pair of window seats. Setting you down next to him, he drapes an arm over you staring Sanemi in the eyes.  Kyojuro is still smiling between the two, seemingly enjoying the atmosphere. He offers you some takoyaki that you graciously accept. Stuffing the delicious balls in your mouth you observe the weird dominance battle going on between your man and your best friends.  

“Soo, uh. What exactly is going on between you two?” you spoke behind your hand as you had food in your mouth and didn’t want to be rude. Tengen pulls you into his lap and hugs you with both arms, tightly. Kyo’s scarlet and goldenrod eyes lit up with excitement as he watched like the messy bitch he is. “Nothing. Just a group of friends enjoying each other’s company.” The platinum haired beefcake was clearly evading you because something was most definitely going on between the men.  

“Kyojuro, spill it!” you ordered your blonde and ginger tipped friend. Kyo chokes on his bite and stares at you with scared eyes. “I don’t wanna die.” he replies back quickly, turning to look out the window, hesitant glances being shot your way still. You turn your attention towards Sanemi and look at him puzzled. “What is going on? The two of you are suss as hell and Kyojuro RENGOKU over there is acting like a little bitch all of a sudden. Spill.” you demand staring your lover down. Sanemi stares back at you unflinching. “Just be patient.” he says looking away from you and over to Kyojuro who is trying to blend into the seats.  You roll your eyes and flip him off. Leaning back into Tengen, getting comfortable.  

Sometime during the trip, you fell asleep, tucked into the larger man. You awoke to hushed voices whispering about you, it would seem. “Do you have to be an ass about everything Tengen!?” Kyojuro sounds exhasperated. “Not everything but this is our best friend. I should be allowed to get a little special time in with her before everything goes down.” the man holding you replies cockily. “She isn’t leaving you behind. Wait, what do you mean special time?” Sanemi starts out sounded annoyed then shifts into alarm. “I mean having special one and one time with my dear BEST friend that you have been hogging to yourself. Very unflashy of you by the way. You owe me for getting the two of you together in the first place. I might as well get some time in with her before the big event happens.” The stacked man holding you sounds abnormally whiney.  

You opt to pretend to be sleep and see if you can gleam anymore information out of their conversation. A prickling sensation on your neck alerts you to someone staring at you. “You sure she is sleeping?” Kyojuro asks. It gets quiet in the cabin as the three men look down at you. Nuzzling your face into Tengen’s abs you release a content sigh and pull at his shirt. “Yep. She’s sleep. No way she would be that brazen awake. “said man declares falling for your rouse. Well, you hope he did, he may also just be saying that.  

“If you say so. Like I said before, she isn’t leaving you. Stop being so insecure. Don’t you already have three wives?”  Sanemi sounds annoyed, not hostile, yet.  “That is besides the point. My beautiful self, Kyojuro and OUR best friend are a trio than can’t be broken up and we should have one last final hurrah!” Tengen does a Ranger Rider pose while talking. Kyo stares at him flatly then cracks up.  

Sanemi facepalms and buries his head in his hands. “You know the itinerary. Just stick to the plan please for fu-” your boyfriend is cut off by Kyojuro waving a hand in front of him. “We know, we know.  Tengen is just trying to get under your skin since it is so much easier now. You are on edge.” True to blonde’s words the white-haired man is overly agitated. He groans into his palms and growls in frustration.  

“What if she-” your lover is panicking. “Stop! Stop! Stoooop!” Tengen demands, raising his voice to override the agitated man’s thoughts and words. “She won’t. You have everything she loves. Boku no Yaiba, Food and a huge dick! Have some confidence in yourself.” he reassures Sanemi in his own Uzui manner. Sanemi’s head shoots up and he stares at Tengen perplexed. “What do you mean a huge dick? Why are you staring at my dick Uzui!?” feral Sanemi is back and you can feel the glee radiating off your two best friends.  “Awww! There he is- the real Shinazugawa!” the heavily muscled man whose lap you had borrowed rags on.  

Kyojuro chortles and answers Sanemi’s questions for their taller companion. “She told us. It was after the Ferris Wheel incident. I still can’t believe you gave that jackass shit for not keeping it in his pants,” He points to Tengen and continues. “but you turned around and got it in a FERRIS WHEEL!?” the man speaking pokes your man in his ribs as the other leans away and swats a hand at him.  “Is there anything she doesn’t tell you two?” your love grumbles.  

“Not really.” You say sitting up and pretending to rub the sleep out. All eyes in your cabin turn to you. “Allo, my lovelies. Thank you Tengen for letting me sleep on you.” the words leaving your mouth happily as you lean up and over to give said man a kiss on the cheek then nuzzling up to his shoulder. The platinum haired beauty wraps an arm around your shoulder reciprocating. Looking forward smugly at having gotten not only a kiss but snuggles from you as well.

“Come here.” a gruff voice command you.  Turning to face it you see your beau sitting up, still agitated but holding space for you between his legs. Giving Tengen another smooch you move to sit with Sanemi who immediately envelopes you in his arms tightly and buries his head into your neck. “Ooookay then. Clearly something is going on.”  you comment warily.  Your beloved growls and nips at the back of your neck in warning. “Stop. Trust me.” his words holding finality.  Glancing at the other two they avoid your gaze which puts you on edge.  

“Sure, whatever.” You snip leaning back into the shredded man holding you, forcing him to lean back and accommodate your movements. Head still buried in your neck he takes a deep inhale. “Just let it go. I promise it’s nothing bad.” he whispers almost too low for you to hear.  “Mmhmm” you hum in response causing the other two to raise their hands in question. Shaking your head you dismiss their concerns.  

And that sets the general tone for the rest of your ride. Arriving at your destination a half hour later. Due to the mysterious behavior coming from the three men traveling with you, you demand to be carried as punishment for being left in the dark. The blonde eagerly taking up the penalty kneeling down and letting your climb onto his back.  The four of you stroll up to y’alls hotel and wander into the lobby. Tengen like normal grabbing your keys and chucking them at everyone. Kyo sets you down gingerly and pats you on the head.  You follow after Sanemi, promising to meet up with the others after you settled into your room.  

The way to y’alls room was quiet. The frosty haired man carrying both of y’alls luggage was being unusually quiet. You had your suspicions that were slowly being confirmed by the annoyed tapping he did on the elevator walls shortly after you stepped on and he selected the floor you would be staying on. Much too quick for you to see.  The pair of you existed in an awkward, tense silence as the floor numbers got higher and higher.  Your hackles rising as your brain processes how high up you are going.  

An arm snakes around your waist and pulls you close to the other occupant's hard body. He gives you a light squeeze leaning in close. “If you are nervous, we could always hit hold on the elevator and I can help you relieve some of that tension.” he purrs into your ear. Cheeks heating up you push his face away laughing. “No way! There are camera’s in here ‘nemi!” you chastise him.  He shrugs and pulls you in front of him. “Let’s make porn and watch it on VCR!” he sings in a mocking feminine falsetto very poorly.

Sniggering like Huxley, you place a palm over your mouth to try and hide your amusement. “Shut up!” you say embarrassed. His laugh is beautiful and melodic to your ears. Soon after the elevator door chimes, opens up and both of you step off.  Sanemi taking your rolling suitcase from you and your bag before walking in front, taking the lead. You notice you seem to be on the top floor which is nerve wracking. Even moreso upon the realization that there is only a narrow hallway and one door.  

“Um, did we go too high up? This is the fancy rich people area ‘nemi.” your nerves bleeding into your speech.  He looks at you like you are an idiot then opens up the door with a key. Holding it open so you can step inside. Your eyes widen into saucers. “You didn’t...”you trail off rushing inside and squeaking as you are met with the grand view of the city in front of you. The room is surrounded by massive glass panels. Trendy galaxy cement floors have black cowhide rugs strewn about with a giant black sectional in the center directly in front of a fireplace with an enormous TV mounted above it. Sanemi is completely forgotten by you as you begin exploring the area.  

“Duuuuude!” you say as you step into a what looks like a professional kitchenette. Well kitchenette for this place. It was bigger than the kitchen you had back home. Stainless-steel, full-sized appliances and ebony cabinets. The countertops were black marble and the whole thing was immaculate.  Darting past the fridge into a hallway you marvel at the mini waterfalls on the walls in the dark space with recessed lighting. Opening the first door to see a small closet and a second to a pantry.  Exiting the hallway to come out on the other side of the unit you are greeted with an open space. Looks like it would be good for dancing, sleepovers or just sliding around in your socks and underwear.

Turning around you spy a glass staircase leading up to a second level. Looks like a loft. Naturally you run up said stairs to see an inset bed that is super fluffy. For science and the fate of mankind you jump down onto it to make sure it is comfy and safe. “AYOOOOOOO” you yell out as your body melts into the plush comforter and mattress. “This is fucking heaven. Fuck the rest of the trip. I am staying right here.”  

“I hope not. I paid for more than just your bougie accommodations.” Sanemi chuckles at you. “Aye, well done lover boy!” you praise him enthusiastically. He sets down both of your backpacks with your day clothes and amenities plus each of your suitcases that hold the cosplays you both will be wearing during the event. “We need to shower and get dressed. We doing the period costumes first or the Arc outfit?” you question him rolling around on the sheets, making a complete mess of the bed as you squee in glee.  

“Neither. Leave the Arc outfit for day two, period costumes for day three so we can relax a bit.” He adds stripping down out of his clothes in front of you. You pause briefly to taking in his chiseled body and thank the gods before you resume your previous activities.  “Wow, You like the bed more than me?” he accuses you pretending to be hurt. “Mmhmm. Come over here and you will understand.” you say as you pat a space beside you, rolling away in a different direction.  

Your other half climbs down into the sleeping pit as you are mentally calling it and lays down next to you.  “You are such a gremlin.” he comments. “It does feel great. Now get up and let’s shower. The others will be waiting on us and I wanna see you in the Academy Uniform.” he pounces on you and tosses you over his shoulder.  “Noooooo! I wanna stay here. Besides, that skirt is suspiciously short, Sanemi Shinazugawa.” you speak as you struggle to get out of his grasp.  

Completely ignoring you he slaps your ass then climbs out of the pit with you still on his shoulders. Walking off to the left he taps a glass panel and a door you hadn’t noticed opens up and he steps inside to a massive bathroom.  Inset hot tub adjacent to a glass shower. White marble with green streaks everywhere.  The sink is a bit standard. Block of what seems to be granite with a large mirror and light bar above it. Across from the cleaning facilities is a sauna and off to the side is a door you assume is for the toilet.  Sanemi deposits you in front of the shower and stand there expectantly.  

“What?” you ask him baffled at why he is looking at you like that. “Strip.’’ he orders you cheekily. You step back away from him as a menacing grin takes over his features. “Nope, I don’t even have clothes in here and where are the towels? See! I can’t shower yet. Guess I need to go back to the bed.” You try to bypass him but he catches your waist and swings you back to the shower causing you to huff. “You enjoy doing that too much. “

A chuckle and kiss to the top of your head are his reply.  Knowing you can’t get away you begin to remove your clothing childishly. Tossing various articles here and there.  His sniggering is the only sound in the room till you are bent over removing your socks and shoes. A loud audible “SMACK” is both felt and heard by you.  You turn to retaliate but the man is already hustling out of the room laughing like a maniac.  Scowling at his fine ass you step into the shower to bathe. Using the provided cleaning products.  He returns with a fluffy af towel and your Academy Uniform as well as his towel and Uniform. Sliding into the shower and behind your person he reaches over your shoulder and grabs some body wash to cleanse himself.  

“Why are we doing this if we already took a shower earlier?” you question him scratching at you scalp till he swats your hand away and tenderly massages the skin and hair. “I like seeing you naked.” is his reply.  You should have expected that. Shaking your head you step away from him and out of the shower, grabbing –his- towel and drying off. Doing a little shimmy and you begin to moisturize your skin. Sitting down on a nearby bench and lathering the coconut and shea butter into your skin. You loved this man for bringing all your amenities into the shower.  All bundled up in his stuff like he knew you were going to steal it.  “Why do we have two sets of period costumes if we are only dressing for one?” you ask him while you bent over rubbing the lotion into your legs, paying special attention to your ankles and knees.  

“We will have a full day after so I thought you might want to be comfortable but still a bit nerdy.” His voice wavers a bit as he speaks. A tale tell sign that he is hiding something or not sure about what is going on.  Your eyes snap to his unsure violet ones.  He swallows and turns away from you blushing. “ ‘nemi! ‘nemi! Why this soft boi mode? I don’t disapprove but you are being unusually adorable right now.”  you speak having done your lower half and now rubbing the lotion into your torso and arms.  

“I am NOT a soft boi. You just look really good right now and I am holding back because Uzui will break into our suite soon if we don’t hurry up.” He pouts and flips off the wall in front of him as he turns off the water.  Shaking his unruly hair off like a dog.  Stepping out of the shower he takes the lotion from you and does the same thing you were just doing.  Grabbing your clothes, you get dressed.  Your outfit consisted of the show’s modern times standard uniform. Black thigh high tights, held up by garters, a mid-thigh length solid hunter green skirt, off white button up uniform shirt with matching green lapels and a Burgandy tie tab. Neither of you brought the jackets since it was sweltering hot outside. Once dressed you eyed the black polished mary janes that would finish the outfit, shaking your head.  

Grabbing your makeup and hair supplies you went over to the large mirror and began to spread everything out. Sanemi walks up and deposits your contact case and taps it. Grabbing a hand towel off to the side he drapes it across your chest. “This first and wear this to catch the fallout.” he reminds you and goes to get dressed himself. Nodding you put in the red cat eye contacts and begin to do your hair in a natural 4c style version of Toge’s messy buns. Opting for a messy, butterfly twist pair of space buns. The total duration of you doing your hair was long enough for the other occupant of the room to get fully dressed and sit on the counter with you. “Still no makeup? You are slacking.  Shall I do it for you, My Queen?” he asks you huskily.  His eyes darkened with lust.  You gaze at him in the mirror and feel your pulse quicken. He looks so damn hot in a uniform.  

“Yes, please.” you ask him turning your head to face him.  He hums and motions for you to sit on the counter now as he hops off.  You do as instructed and let him apply your face makeup. Your eyes are done in a heavy Sanguineous Red to black ombre cat eye with heavy winged top lid eyeliner. He chooses thick, full falsies to put on your lashes and buffs them out with a lash extending mascara. He contours your T-zone and bronzes out your cheeks and nose adding a little pearlescent red shimmer on your bottom lid tracing it with a bright, Burgandy liner. Inside corners get a shimmery black and gold, heavily blended smear.  Your lips he does the top in a matching Sanguineous red. Lining them in black and flicking a liquid gold lipstick on it then sealing with a gloss. Repeating the pattern with the black and red inverted on the bottom lip.  Once he is satisfied he sets your makeup with a dewy finish setting spray. Fanning you down to help it dry faster.  Turning your head with a palm under your chin he has you face the mirror. You look predatory as fuck and exactly like Toge.  

While you stare at yourself in awe he adds on the golden, spiked ear cuffs the character wears to your ears, 22 in total, some with chains connecting them.  Looking up in the mirror above you he smirks. “Damn I love this look on you.” he muses. “Oh? You like it when I dress up as a toon?” you ask him playfully, stroking one of the chains. “Nah, I love it when you look like a beautiful, black goddess. If you gave me orders I would follow them without question.” he speaks sultrily into the top of your scalp. Reaching over her grabs some spray in hair mousse and applies it to your hair so it shines and it will hold.  

Stepping to the side he washes his hands and begins to close up your makeup, setting it off to the side while he pulls his own out.  You are left speechless by his words so you just watch him sheepishly, still sitting on the counter.  Sanemi’s makeup is more bare bones. He applies a dark liner to his top and bottom lids, smudging the bottom to give him a rough around the edges appearance. No contacts for him since the character already had violet eyes, luckily for him. On his T zone he applies some translucent pearlescent shimmer with a light gold shimmer. His lips are a nude shade with no liner since he was aiming for more relaxed look. Sealing it all off with a matte setting powder after letting it bake for 2 minutes.  

“Damn you look fine. Do we really need to meet up with the others?” You ask him touching his chin gingerly. “Yep. It’s part of the plan.” he flicks your forehead after washing his hands and turns around to put on his matching uniform top and do his full tie.  You smack his hands away with your own dark sienna ones and finish it off for him properly. Securing the knot just right.  Sanemi wore the men’s uniform which consisted of Hunter green slacks, matching shirt and with full tie, white socks and black polished loafers. “Ungh, I don’t wanna share you with anyone.” you lament as your arms wrap around his neck. “Mm, too bad. Just think of it as bragging. I’ll be showing you off while everyone else wishes you were theirs.” he says and he bumps noses with you. “If you want though, I can bend you over for a quickie on this counter.” The taller man waggles his brow at you and you playfully slap his cheek. “No, no. You said we had plans. We have to continue the mission.” You say dutifully, trying to hold back your laughter.  

He grabs your ass for a quick squeeze then releases you and ducks out of your embrace. Cleaning up his makeup then exiting the room.  You follow after him almost crashing into him when he stops walking. “Oi, what the fuck!?” you yelp peaking around him.  Laying in your sleeping pit is one Tengen Uzui dressed as Flashi, The Electric Hero.  Same uniform top but he has his hair down for once and it frames his face perfectly. His diamond headband is not on which is super weird to see.  He left in his earrings since they matched the character anyways. Next to him was Kyojuro dressed as the series protagonist, Mr. Purgatory in his muscle form. The Red, white and Blue spandex body suit hugging his shredded frame tightly. He had styled his hair in the bird like way that Mr. Purgatory wore his. They both saw you and gave you an obligatory thumbs up. “Looking gooood! Nice digs!” they say at the same time.  

Sanemi tenses up in front of you and starts to hunch over, hands making grasping claws. “I’LL KILL YOU BOTH! GET OFF MY BED!” he yells at the pair in character. You double over laughing. The other two get in character and respond accordingly. “YOUNG EXPLOSION! You must learn to reign in that temper of yours! That is no way for a hero to behave young man!” Rengoku says boisterously. “Yeah man, you really gotta tune it down. No wonder little kids are scared of you.” Tengen supplies.  The three menaces smile at each other and laugh.  

Stepping around your love you go to grab your phone which has made it to a chair and table set next to the glass railing on the balcony of the loft, overlooking the rest of the room.  This really was a nice open floor plan thing going on. You snatched up your phone and took a quick few pictures of your makeup knowing it would be looking rough a few hours in the sun. Behind you catcalls and wolf whistles sound off. “Looking hot there babe.” Sanemi says starting to lift your skirt and peak underneath. You swat his hand away. And glare menacingly at him before switching to your char. “Oooo, Kat. You know I would love to possess you right now.” Licking your canines for an added effect while lowering your eyelids half way in a sultry pout.  

The three men stare at you in shock. Swallowing hard, Sanemi tries to hide his blush and coughs nervously. “Ahaha, sooo maybe we should head out?” he segways the conversation. You snicker and straighten up. Sassily sashaying as you exit the loft and return to the main living room area. “There is an indoor, outdoor pool adjacent to the living room if you go left!” Mr. Purgatory yells behind you as he skips off in that direction.  You follow behind rolling your eyes, Tengen and your lover bringing up the rear.  

True to his words there was indeed and indoor-outdoor pool behind a glass door off to the left of the elegant living room.  The water was purple-ish red instead of blue which caught you offguard but you liked it. “ Soo, can we use this later?” you ask resisting the urge to dive into the water. “Later, and yes, it is heated before you ask, beautiful.” Sanemi says as he thumps you on the back of the neck.  You nod your head excitedly and do a happy wiggle. “Why couldn’t we all share” Tengen whines touching the water with fascination. “Because I don’t want you to walk in on something you shouldn’t and start trying to give pointers.” your man deadpans and glares at the taller beefcake.  Uzui shrugs and stands up. “Whatever, let’s go. I’m starving. Kyojuro here is disappearing as we speak. Soon he will be in weakling Purgatory mode.” he dramatically laments.  

Your quartet eventually manage to leave the hotel and are roaming the streets that have been cordoned off for the BNY event. It looks fabulous. The entire area has been transformed into a Taisho era version of the city. Professional actors and amateur cosplayers are everywhere along with plainclothes individuals.  Even the food vendors are in character. The whole thing slaps. You twirl around in awe every so often taking in the visuals. Darting here and there to see a new shiny thing or take a pic with someone you thought looked amazing. Much to your own surprise people ask to take photos with you!

Tengen usually takes the photos since he has the better eye for these kinds of things.  Cheering internally, you are stoked at the reception to your ensemble.  Like, you knew the boys would get attention, because they definitely are. Looking like carbon copies of the characters themselves come to life. What you didn’t expect was for people to come up to you.  Still feeling a little awkward about the stigma that black cosplayers face within the community. The joy and happiness you see from fellow fans excited to see you and knowing your character warms your soul to its core and you are almost stuck in a permanent blush.  

“BEHOLD! I HAVE FOUND DELICIOUS TAKOYAKI!” Your blonde and ginger tipped friend announces in character pointing to a Takoyaki stand.  You bound up next to him and do your “ooo’s”.  However it is what is next to that stall that you suspect your friend is actually after. “You sure you want Takoyaki and not say...the fresh sweet potato chips that are being sold next to this stand?” you rib him as you jab his sides. He shrugs and gives you a meek smile. “They look good.” he stammers.  You bounce up front and order some Takoyaki, boba teas and the chips for your groups.  

Once the food is ready you dish it out to everyone and keep walking. Kyo now attached to your hip in happiness because he is thrilled you indulged him in his favorite food, sweet potatoes.  Sanemi is slowly sipping his matcha green tea boba as he scans the area.  You are sipping on a rose and strawberry boba tea and lazily munching on chips. Tengen having already inhaled all his food is sipping a lychee and passion fruit boba.  

Your first day is spent mostly exploring, buying food, taking pictures and just vibing. All of you do make merch purchases, that’s a given. It’s pretty awesome being able to live out a section of all of y’alls favorite show. This one being part of the final arc as said by the author, it focuses on time travel back and forth from modern times to the past as heroes and villains clash in a vye for control of the world. One wanting to end the world and the other to save it. Riveting stuff that had the four of you eagerly awaiting the final dramatic conclusion.  

While canon the boys were all on the side of the heroes your character was a villain and regarded as a fanship.  Since they were your favorite character and Sanemi’s it worked out beautifully for the two of you to dress up as the ship. Occasionally someone would step out of line saying an opinion about the ship that didn’t need to be voiced but they were put back in place by the three men with you.  Not that you weren’t capable of doing it yourself.  It just took your brain a little longer to clapback in Japanese versus your native English. Having to use the correct words and phrasing to get the point across between languages was a barrier you struggled with and probably always would. And that was ok. You had friends who could pick up that slack for you.  

Later that evening all three of you returned to the hotel deciding to call it for the night. Feet aching and wanting to just relax. Tomorrow the plan was to go out again and then finish up with dinner at a fancy hotel your love had booked for all of you. Saying your goodbyes to each other you and Sanemi made out in the elevator till you arrived at the penthouse suite. Hastily opening the door and crashing down over the edge of the sectional.  

Mid snogg you pause and lift your head away from your lover who had his hand under your skirt and creeping under your boyshorts. “How did they get inside the unit?” you ask him. His hands falter then grab your ass distractingly. “I gave them the extra key so they could use the pool whenever. They just have to text me first.” he mumbles into your collar, tearing the tie tab off with his teeth.  “Mmm, why are they only texting you?” you pout, biting at him. “Because after I showed them what you would be wearing, they understood that we would end up like this and they shouldn’t cockblock.” he bites your upper neck hard eliciting a moan from you.   “Planned it all out didja?” your grinding down on his crotch while he is grinding up into yours. “Mm, always, My Queen. Always.” he sounds as horny as he looks. Eyes hooded, mouth parted and face flushed.  

“Up you go!” he commands you as he slaps your ass and pushes you up. Tilting your head to the side your hands raise up in askance. “I want you to ride my face.” he moans out palming himself. Now it is your turn to blush as you remove your skivvies and climb up. “Don’t haunt me if you die.” you tell him situating yourself over his mouth. “I’ll have to. I’m dying a happy man but I’ll want more after death.  Then I can just fuck you as a ghost like in that movie.” he purrs into your center.  “Tch” is the only comment you make as you grab his hair and pull him into you.  

#follow 👑 share ❤️ enjoy 🍑 #sanemi shinazugawa #kny sanemi #sanemi shinaguzawa #sanemi x reader #sanemi x you #demon slayer sanemi #sanemi x black reader #Sanemi x Black!!Female Reader #Sanemi x black female reader #sanemi shinazugawa x black reader #sanemi shinazugawa x black female reader #AAVE #wind pillar #kny fluff #kny x you #kny x reader #demon slayer shinazugawa #demon slayer hashira #demon slayer #wind hashira #no beta we die like men

[cariantha]

Please, do share something about Braving the Elements! Adore you to the moon and back, darling Cari. ❤️️

Hi my lovely Lin! 💕

I'm actually really excited about this one. This fic (or maybe mini-series) might be my next project after I finish the next round of edits for my Intern Year series.

It's set during Book 1 and depicts some of the times that Sawyer is at Ethan's place helping with Naveen's case.

FALL - WIND : Their research session is done for the night. Ethan waits with Sawyer in the lobby until the car he's called for her arrives. The winds outside are really strong. When the car arrives, she says goodnight and steps outside. She's hit with a large piece of debris before making it to the car. Ethan rushes to her rescue. And well basically, they play "doctor" that night.

WINTER - SNOW: During a leg-stretch break, Sawyer looks out the window and comments on the heavy snowfall. Ethan doesn't bother to look up, because Sawyer always thinks any amount of snow is a lot. Coming from AZ/SoCal, she doesn't have a lot of experience with snowstorms. When it's time for her to finally go home, Ethan realizes that she wasn't exaggerating this time. It's really coming down outside. He insists she stay the night and sets her up in his guest room. From there they have a few charged encounters.

SPRING - RAIN (after Miami): Sawyer is on her way to Ethan's when she witnesses an accident. She stops to help the injured and it starts raining hard. She arrives at his door soaked to the bone and shivering. He offers her a warm shower, dry clothes and hot tea. And let's just say there ends up being a reverse Miami/shower/towel/mirror event.

SUMMER - HEAT: I've been wanting to add one more element to this series, and as I sat here and thought about it, an idea finally popped into my head. So, I'm thinking maybe the fire alarm goes off in Ethan's building. Two ideas: 1) a hunky firefighter starts coming on to Sawyer and it stirs about some jealous Ethan, or 2) Raf shows up on scene and catches Sawyer at Ethan's place and she has to figure out how to explain what she's doing there.🤔

#thanks for the ask! #wip sneak peek

[yaycheese]

KYOTO Shijo West - Kohchosai (bamboo items)🪑 - Weekenders Coffee☕️ - Daishodo woodblock prints🪑*** - Isoya (veggie focused izakaya) 🍗** - Bungalow (yummy izakaya) 🍗** - Bar rocking chair 🍺 - Calvador 🍺 - Ki no bi🍺 - Nishiki market / Aritsugu 🔪 - Nishiki market / Kitchen shop Kawataki🪑*** - Mumokuteki (Large homewares shop) 🪑 - Muku / teramachidori (ArchDigest reco) 🍵 - Wakabaya (ceramics) 🍵 Gion - Shinmonzen-dori (antique shopping) 👺*** - Maiko antiques 👺 - Kishin kitchen (Japanese breakfast) 🍗 - Bar Talisker 🍺 - Birdland (piano) 🍺 - Kyoto Handicraft center 🪑*** - Black cat lemonade 🍋*** - Jazz spot yamatoya (12-10p)🎵*** Philosophers path - Kanaamitsuji (metal strainers) - Kodaiji temple🪑 - Kiso artech (wood items) 🪑 - Brown eyes coffee☕️ - Suirokaku water bridge🏛️*** - Ofuda👺👺👺👺👺👺👺👺👺👺👺👺 Kyoto station - Kurasu (Coffee) ☕️** Sannenzaka - Otowa Waterfall (longevity spring water) 👺*** - Kiyomizu dera (large wooden structure) 🏯 - Arabica ☕️ - Nittodo☕️🪑*** - Unir coffee (has flan, cakes) ☕️ - Koma Gallery Coffee☕️ - 高台寺中谷本店 (chinaware)*** - Minatoya Yurei Kosodateame Honpo (spooky candy) 🍬 - Ichinenzaka street - Kongoji temple # TOKYO Daikanyamacho / Nakameguro - Tempura Motoyoshi Imo (micheline star takeaway tempura sweet potato)🍵 *** - Drip☕️ ** - Jasmine Yi Jiang Nan (Chinese)🍗** - Monkey Cafe & Boutique ☕️* - Café Façon Roaster Atelier (small roaster) ☕️ * - Debris (event venue, check calendar) 🎵 - Maison Kitsune (nice interior) 👚 - Minä Perhonen (nice interior)👚 - Udatsu Sushi🍗* - Kinto (tableware)🪑 - Tableaux (jazz lounge) 🎵 - 3110NZ (modern gallery) - Tam (used clothes)👚 - Lanterne (modern izakaya)🍗 Harajuku and Omotesando - Binowa cafe (canneles)☕️ *** - Funktique - vintage👚*** - Ragtag - vintage👚*** - Kinji - vintage👚** - Rakeru - omurice🍞*** - Cafe Mameya ☕️*** - No.501 - natural wine shop 🍺*** - Roastery ☕️ - Local coffee stand ☕️* - Cafe Reissue ☕️** (3D latte art) - Double Tall - near hotel ☕️ - Pain Au Soirire - near hotel 🍞 - Chatei Hatou ☕️ - Chachanoma 🍵 - Cibone + HAY🪑*** - Spiral Market🪑*** - Found MUJI🪑*** - Nihonbashi Kiya (Tokyo plaza Shibuya)🔪*** - Kihara🪑*** - Grapevine by K3 👚 - Boutique Takenoko 👚* Aoyama / Roppongi - Aoyama Farmers Market (Sat+Sun 10-4)🥕*** - Jazz House Alfie 🎵 ** - Sakurai (Tak) 🍵* - Spiral (Tak) * - Down the Stairs (Arts & Science)🍗* - Cusavilla (italian, lunch available) 🍗* - Butagumi 🍗 - Kyu Yasui cocktails🍺 - Bunon (japanese vibe) 🍺 Ginza - Chuo Dori (no cars Sat+Sun 12-5p)*** - Okuno Building (many galleries)🛒*** - Yurakucho food stalls (below station built into brick arches) 🍗** - Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou (French-trained ramen) 🍗** - The Stand (Yurakucho) 🍗** - Heart's Light Coffee ☕️* - Dover Street Market 👚* - Daimaru Department Store 👚 - Itoya 🛒 - Chanoha - in a mall 🍵 - Tachigui Sushi Akira🍗* - Shibire Noodles Rousoku-ya (Chinese-Japanese ramen) 🍗 - Higashiya (sweets and tea) 🍵 Akihabara - Chuo Dori (no cars Sunday 1-5p) - Tonkstsu Marugo (pork cutlet)🍗 Misc - Gotokuji temple (lucky cat temple) ⛩️** - Manhattan (Asagaya) tiny jazz bar with Thursday 19h jam sessions 🎵** - Gout de Jaune 🍺 - Vineria Il Passaggio (bread with faces) - very small 🍺 - Tanakaya Liquor Store🍺 Shibuya - Shin-pachi Syokudo (breakfast)🍗 *** - Heart's Light Coffee ☕️*** - Nojima (yellowtail bowl) [Kei]🍗** - Body & Soul Club 🎵** - Ahiru Store 🍗🍺* - SG club🍺*** - Libertin (natural wine) 🍗🍺 - Fuglen ☕️** - Tamotsu (ramen) [Kei] 🍗 - Watarium museum (contemporary) [Tak] - Nezu museum (traditional) [Tak] Shinjuku - Edomae SS (4000 JPY counter sushi) 🍗*** - Bar Benfiddich 🍺*** - Akomeya 🛒** - Jazz Bar Samurai 🎵** - Bar Hermit 🍺* - Zoetrope 🍺 - Don-Don Yakiniku 🇯🇵 * - Jazz SPOT Intro🎵 * - Shinjuku Pit Inn 🎵*

#cities

[ubaid214]

Wellbe Sendai Ekimae Center: Unveiling the Key of Sendai's Wellness

The Wellbe Sendai Ekimae Center, conveniently located near Sendai's major railway place, is really a veritable oasis in the center of the vibrant city. Upon moving inside, guests are greeted with a hot and serene setting that straight away evokes an expression of calm and tranquility. This wellness center sets itself apart by offering a holistic method of health and wellness that contains equally old-fashioned and contemporary practices. ウェルビー仙台駅前センター

Upon walking through the middle, it's possible to notice the varied array of services available. Exercise fans may partake in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, where top-notch gear and a variety of workout lessons appeal to different fitness degrees and preferences. Those enthusiastic about mindfulness and emotional health can attend meditation and yoga sessions, guided by competent practitioners who highlight mind-body connection and internal peace.

But probably what really models Wellbe Sendai Ekimae Center apart is its dedication to developing standard Western wellness practices into their service offerings. The guts features an on-site onsen, or Japanese hot spring, where guests can benefit from the comforting, healing aftereffects of organic spring waters. These seas, full of beneficial vitamins, are noted for their therapeutic attributes, contributing to relaxation and over all well-being.

In addition, the center also offers old-fashioned Western tea ceremonies—an immersive social experience that encourages mindfulness and inner peace. This excellent mix of old-fashioned and modern wellness techniques underscores Wellbe's commitment to selling a holistic approach to health and well-being.

More over, the Wellbe Sendai Ekimae Middle is also a heart for neighborhood events and workshops. Often hosting functions centered about health, exercise, and wellness, the middle fosters an energetic, loyal neighborhood of like-minded people who price wellness and well-being. From nutrition workshops to conditioning challenges and mindfulness retreats, there is always anything occurring at the center.

The staff at the Wellbe Sendai Ekimae Center is committed to fostering an atmosphere wherever everybody else feels welcome. Their friendly, educated, and supporting method could be the cherry on top of the currently outstanding companies the middle provides.

[magdatara]

BeSimply...Divinely Free {Full Moon. Sol+Luna Cycle 3} from OmToro Media on Vimeo.

Every lunar cycle the "moon" reflects light and shadow. We have reached the Full moon in a month currently identified as May in the 3rd Lunar Cycle (in coordination with Tibetan tradition) coupled with a lunar eclipse. Two astronomical events welcoming us to be still and listen.

Spring and Fall arrived in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The vibrant colors of nature are calling for your attention. As inspired, leave your artificial devices at home and take a walk into nature and sip up the energy. If you have film camera, a musical instrument or a sketch pad take a little extra space to capture what is calling for your attention by creating an expression of art inspired by nature. The abundance of color is a reminder to engage in color within your food, clothing, festivities and ways you choose to express your gifts. The FULL Moon and the season of SPRING/Fall continue to invite you to feel and abide in the sweet fragrances of the buddy flowers and to incorporate them into your meals, beverages and homes. Continue to see and remember how to sip up the essence of renewal and regeneration. As our brother’s and sisters in the Southern Hemisphere are invited to savor the changes of colors and the opportunity to clear their lungs (grief) and make space for new creations. As our Brother’s and Sister’s in the Northern Hemisphere are invited to nourish our livers and move anger into patience and action. No matter where you are on this planet. Start by listening and begin planting your seeds and imagination for your vision. As inspire, continue to purify and remain clear. The opposing forces are transmuting and separating from those who choose to free themselves from the ages of manipulation that have lead us to here. Manipulation will continue to be seen quickly. Truth and sincerity will be welcomed with radically honest candor. Trust will be built an integral action, no longer woven by false promises, smokes+mirrors and the tricks we have participated. These spells are being broken. As inspired, run FREE.

The sky, sun, moon, stars, clouds, trees, earth and sea are communicating to each of you. They all run through you just like the divine energy and pure essence of love. When possible, take a few moments to engage with your mind’s eye, imagination and the wonderment of a child’s gaze and a heart of love. The buddying creative energy will assist you continue to honor mother earth's spring and fall seasons with a gentle exchange of energies. As this dynamic exchange is in full motion. Remember to show up with self respect, deep love for self and other…let go of the river banks (aka what you think you know). There is nothing to cling onto. Finally, if possible allow each and every moment to be a new moment and consciously take action for the benefit of all in the present moment and future moments.

As a gentle reminder, contemplate your humanity and your inner gifts are destined to serve others.

Love to all. Peace to all. Well Being to all.

The New Moon Moon Arrives(d) today, May 5 (6), 2023 at 11:36 A.M. PDT plus Lunar Eclipse May 5 (6), 2023 starts at 8:13 a.m. PDT (1513 GMT) on Friday (May 5) and will peak at 11:24 p.m. PDT (1724 GMT). The eclipse will end at 12:31 p.m. PDT (1932 GMT)

Sound: Cosmic + Water + Earth + Bees by Suzanne Toro

 Random Rab randomrab.net 


“SunBEAM" by Cadre Scott CadreScott.com


 Sound Suzanne Toro linktr.ee/omshetoro

Production brought to you by OmToro Wellness + Media

suzannetoro.com/be-simplyradio-blog/

Mind Training: suzannetoro.as.me/mindtraining 

8 Limbs Yoga Session: http:/suzannetoro.as.me/8LimbsYoga

Humanity + Earth Aligned Creators
 Superfeast http://bit.ly/3bhmLuZ



 Living Tea livingtea.net

#Meditation, #Mindfulness, #SoundHealing, #DharmaTalk, #Buddhism, #Spirituality, #GuidedMeditation, #TranscendentalMeditation, #VipassanaMeditation, #ZenMeditation, #ChakraMeditation, #BreathMeditation, #CrystalBowls, #TibetanBowls, #GongBath, #Chanting, #MeditationMusic, #SoundBath, #HealingVibrations, #FrequencyHealing, #EnergyHealing, #HolisticHealing, #MusicTherapy, #SelfImprovement, #InnerPeace, #Relaxation

[happiestplacehq]

CODENAME: CANDY EVENT !!

Part Three:

The time has finally arrived! Participants were given plenty of time to figure out their clues and find their partners (and to submit their guesses to the organisers). It began slow. It was an overwhelming task, of course, but eventually it seemed most found their partners with little problem. There were the unlucky few who needed a guiding hand, but once everyone was sorted, the main attraction was announced. It was time to spin the wheel.

Couples who had not done so already were asked to line up for the chance to spin the activity wheel. It was packed full of fun activities, all a mystery to the participants until the wheel stopped and their task for the day was revealed.

Each couple was then given a token to be redeemed at their activity (as well as an informational sheet on everything the day would entail and how to find it). They were waved off by the organisers, and off each couple went to spent their Valentine’s Day in a world of fun!

OOC Information

There are 33 activities on the wheel, which is linked below. You and your partner must get in contact with each other, decide amongst yourself who will click the wheel, and spin for a randomly selected activity. It is then up to you and your partner to plot and interpret the activity you are given.

Please also message Mod Gemma with the activity you and your partner were given (as well as the characters it’s for) so I can compile a list for the main. Under the cut there is a list of the activities that you may be selected for on the wheel.

If there are any problems please let me know!

Spin That Wheel, Baby !!

Romantic Dinner on the RLS Legacy (sponsored by Captain Amelia Smollet)

"Double of Nothing" Couple's Night at the Snake Eyes Casino (All drinks free)

A Night at the Neverland Hotel including full access to facilities (shared or single beds available)

Afternoon Tea For Two (sponsored by the Enchanted Rose Cafe)

Arcade Date (sponsored by Litwak’s Arcade)

Baking Class

Balloon Ride

Bonkers Bingo

Build & Keep Your Own Custom Furniture (sponsored by Fix-It-Felix's Construction & Repair Co.)

Classic Romance Film Night (sponsored by the Redwood Film Club)

Cooking Class

Couple's Dance Lesson (sponsored by Ohana Dance)

Dinner for Two (sponsored by Third Street Restaurant)

Frolicking with the Flamingoes & Partying with the Penguins (sponsored by Redwood Hollow Zoo)

Ice Skating Session / Lessons (sponsored by the Arendelle Ampitheatre)

Illuminated Nature Trail Walk (sponsored by the Redwood Nature Reserve)

Karaoke Night

Makeover Your Partner (sponsored by Transformations Salon)

Paint Ball

Photoshoot (with clothing provided by Ella Fontaine)

Picnic by the Lake

Portrait Painting Art Class

Pottery Class (sponsored by Silver Bells Pottery)

Recording Session (sponsored by Sol Symphony Records)

Rock Climbing

Rollerskating

Spa Day (sponsored by Springs Spa)

Swim & Jacuzzi Session (sponsored by Portoroso Pool)

Tea Party (sponsored by Hatter & Hare)

Teddy Bear Building (sponsored by The House at Pooh Corner)

Treasure Hunt Around Town

Valentine's Escape Room

Wine Tasting and Lunch (sponsored by the Red Orchard)

Romantic Dinner on the RLS Legacy (sponsored by Captain Amelia Smollet)

"Double of Nothing" Couple's Night at the Snake Eyes Casino (All drinks free)

A Night at the Neverland Hotel including full access to facilities (shared or single beds available)

Afternoon Tea For Two (sponsored by the Enchanted Rose Cafe)

Arcade Date (sponsored by Litwak’s Arcade)

Baking Class

Balloon Ride

Bonkers Bingo

Build & Keep Your Own Custom Furniture (sponsored by Fix-It-Felix's Construction & Repair Co.)

Classic Romance Film Night (sponsored by the Redwood Film Club)

Cooking Class

Couple's Dance Lesson (sponsored by Ohana Dance)

Dinner for Two (sponsored by Third Street Restaurant)

Frolicking with the Flamingoes & Partying with the Penguins (sponsored by Redwood Hollow Zoo)

Ice Skating Session / Lessons (sponsored by the Arendelle Ampitheatre)

Illuminated Nature Trail Walk (sponsored by the Redwood Nature Reserve)

Karaoke Night

Makeover Your Partner (sponsored by Transformations Salon)

Paint Ball

Photoshoot (with clothing provided by Ella Fontaine)

Picnic by the Lake

Portrait Painting Art Class

Pottery Class (sponsored by Silver Bells Pottery)

Recording Session (sponsored by Sol Symphony Records)

Rock Climbing

Rollerskating

Spa Day (sponsored by Springs Spa)

Swim & Jacuzzi Session (sponsored by Portoroso Pool)

Tea Party (sponsored by Hatter & Hare)

Teddy Bear Building (sponsored by The House at Pooh Corner)

Treasure Hunt Around Town

Valentine's Escape Room

Wine Tasting and Lunch (sponsored by the Red Orchard)

#happiestevent #happiestevent10

[addlestonesingers]

Annual General Meeting

Chairman’s Report 2021-22

Annual General Meeting

                 5th September 2022

www.addlestonesingers.tumblr.com

We have come back after Covid to celebrate our 50th anniversary year in 2022.

On 7th May we were proud to be presented with a certificate in recognition of raising over £10,585.56

for Woking and Sam Beare Hospice. 

Our May concert added an extra £540.95 to this total.

Rehearsals

It was wonderful to be back rehearsing together as Covid restrictions eased.  In September we continued to rehearse in the main hall at Addlestone Community Centre.  The Methodist Church was not open for the early part of our year.

Rehearsals ran

Monday 6th September to concert on 6th December

Monday 10th January to concert on 14th May

There were not sufficient members available to make a Summer singing session viable.  Our Musical Director ran 2 of her singers workshops locally for those who wanted to take part.

Our Monday rehearsals are from 8pm to 9.45pm with a break for refreshments.  From time to time we will have a ‘Bring and buy’ or sales of books, hats and other knitted items

Concerts

Our Christmas concert was held on Monday 6th December in Addlestone Community Centre with guest artists Chertsey Orchestra,  on behalf of Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.  It was lovely to see about 70 people in the audience,  so pleased to be back to live music after so long of being unable to do so.  We still observed social distancing guidance.

Thanks to Tesco for their donation of some mulled wine and mince pies.

Our 50th anniversary Spring concert was held on Saturday 14th May, again in the Community Centre with guest artists Chertsey Orchestra, where we sang songs chosen by the ladies.  Each member was wearing a golden brooch in the shape of a treble clef which had been presented to them the previous week to mark our 50th year.  We started the concert with the National Anthem in recognition of the forthcoming Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Singing at Other events

On 9th December some of us gathered round the piano at the Community Centre to lead audience singing of well known carols at an afternoon Tea party.

We also gathered round the piano at the Community Centre for the Jubilee Indoor street party on 4th June.

On both occasions there was enthusiastic singing from the audience.

We were unable to sing in Care Homes while Covid restrictions continued.

Social Events

As the year progressed and we were able to mix more socially, we held the following events

Cake and Quiz afternoon Tuesday 5th April

Picnic at Cowey Sale Monday 16th May

Sunday 24th July Cream tea at Sarah’s provided by herself and her husband.  Lovely afternoon!

See over for page 2

Musical Director and Pianist 

Our Musical Director, Susan Higgins is in her 21st year with us.  We thank her for guiding and leading us through our musical journey.

We are lucky to have 2 Accompanists who were able to provide cover throughout the year, Janet Mannan in her 18th year with us and Tom Higgins who had supported us so well while we were singing on Zoom the previous year.

Membership

We continue to have a solid core of members.  Unfortunately not everyone was able to return having been unable to meet in person for well over a year.  Our membership for the Christmas session was  18 members, with 22 in the Spring term.

Unfortunately the lower membership has had an impact on our financial position, which will be reported by our Treasurer.

Committee

Our wonderful committee has continued to work tirelessly to meet all the challenges that have arisen and kept the choir together during what has been a very difficult 2 years for everyone.

Our helpers

If I mention anyone in particular I am bound to leave someone out.  Enough to say that we are so grateful to our friends and family members who support us in everything we do.

Membership of other groups

We continue to be affiliated to the Addlestone Community Association.  We will continue to attend meetings as they resume.  We continue to organise our Public Liability Insurance through a group of those who were previous members of the Runnymede Arts Association.

Addlestone Community Centre

Our thanks go to the team at the Centre for making us welcome and supporting our events throughout the year.

Music Library

Our music continues to be  located in the Methodist Church. 

Repertoire

We have been fortunate to get together a good collection of music which has meant that it has not been necessary to buy new music.  This has been particularly valuable while we have all been getting used to singing back together again

Christmas 2021

50th anniversary    Spring 2021

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

A whole new world

Because of Him

Beauty and the Beast

Ding dong merrily on high

Bring me sunshine

Go tell it on the mountain

I could have danced all night

Joy to the world

I got rhythm

Santa Lucia

I know him so well

Shepherd’s pipe carol

I say a little prayer

Silent night

It’s a grand night for singing

Star Carol

Medley from Les Miserables

The Colours of Christmas

Thank you for the music

The Future 

We have plenty to look forward to as we welcome new members.  We will continue celebrating our 50th anniversary year and look forward to  2023. More concerts, more raising money for charities, more social events.

Anne Edwards 

Chairman

[astrologyangelmediums]

Hey, Colorado Springs - come hang with me and let me sling a few cards and cast a few charms or bones your way! I will be at Celestial Salt in Colorado Springs offering readings on Tuesday, 9.27.22 from 1 until 5 pm and also on Saturday, 10.1.22 from 11 am until 5 pm. Or come hang with me to discuss some Tarot while we share a little tea and snacks. This is a part class, part FAQ, part reading sessions where we just connect over Tarot. This little special event will be on Saturday, 10.1.22 from 1 until 3 pm. Would love to meet more local friends so come check out @celestialsalt (which has awesome supplies and beautiful crystals), and just vibe with me. Can't wait to do more events locally this season, so keep an eye out! And just another FYI - it isn't me in your DMs. Readings can only be scheduled through my website or in person. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci6LsGqOjt4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hikari-kaitou]

Capcom's Official AA Fanclub Surveys - DGS Edition

Many Western fans may be familiar with the Turnabout 4koma comics that get posted on the official AA fanclub site that Capcom runs, thanks to some lovely fans on tumblr and elsewhere who have shared their translations. What fewer people seem to know about is the character surveys.

Back in the old days, they used to hold a survey on Capcom's official AA fansite every few months where they'd write about the seasonal activities of a handful of characters and ask fans to vote for the funniest/most pleasant/strangest/etc answer.

They stopped doing them in like... 2016? 2017? The original text is lost for good as far as I can tell. Even the wayback machine couldn't help because the content was password locked and you can't get past the password wall while remaining in the archived version.

Fortunately, I saved some of my translations of them so I thought I’d share them.

Cut for length...

"February has begun, and the DGS cast is nearing the end of their journey aboard the RFS Alacrei. Which of them acted the most strangely?"

Ryuunosuke ~ Exhausted from his intensive study session, he decided to try some katana swinging practice as a change of pace and to combat his recent lack of exercise. But because he wasn't used to handling the katana, he swung it too hard and it went flying out of his hands and got stuck in the wall right next to Sherlock, who had just entered the room. Sherlock asked him, "aren't you supposed to be studying right now, Mr. Naruhodo?" and handcuffed him to his desk.

Susato- worked on developing a curriculum for Ryuunosuke. 'If we keep going at this pace, he won't be able to learn it all in time... It'll be hard on Naruhodo-sama, but we'll have to work hard through a couple of nights together.' With that thought, she created a harsh study schedule, and almost seemed to be looking forward to it for some reason.

Sherlock- Driven by excitement over the thought of returning to England after a long absence, he went up on deck to stare at the ocean. Being February, it was very cold out there and he ended up being chilled all the way to the tips of his fingers. He returned to the ship cabins and amused himself by putting his frozen hands on Ryuunosuke, who was stuck in his room studying.

Van Zieks- Upon hearing from Vortex that there was a Japanese exchange student coming to England to study law, he smashed a Lord's Bottle. He apparently also didn't care for the fact that that Japanese student wouldn't be alone, because he proceeded to shatter his chalice, too.

Hosonaga- in order to provide a respite from studying, he provided some hot chocolate. They enjoyed a pleasant tea time, marveling over how sweet and delicious the drink was until Sherlock piped up with some unnecessary trivia: 'Actually folks, chocolate has long been used in Europe as an aphrodisiac!' Everyone promptly spat it out."

"The long winter is nearly over and spring is on it's way, putting the DGS cast members in a celebratory mood. Who found the best way of enjoying spring?"

Ryuunosuke: the Yuumei University faculty members were holding a flower viewing event, and he joined the assistance committee. He exhausted himself keeping the blankets clean so the intense shower of flower petals wouldn't pile up too high on them, delivering sake and snacks, and mediating whatever pointless fights arose. To top it all off, for some reason his compensation was only a single piece of leftover candy. Talk about a sad result!

Susato- her father and the others living in his dormitory were  holding the flower viewing event, so she got up early to prepare the bentos. But her father carelessly forgot to tell her that they wanted tea cakes, so she had to go around the house and neighborhood collecting sweets. For some reason, she ended up being able to gather caramels, biscuits, candy sticks, basically everything but tea cakes, for the tea ceremony.

Sherlock- he disguised himself as a beat officer and infiltrated Scotland Yard to have some fun. There was a real beat officer napping on his feet in the spring sunshine, and while observing him, Sherlock ended up falling asleep too. Detective Gregson gave them a good scolding when he found them, but then Sherlock revealed his true identity with a "hey, it's me, folks!" "What the blazes do you think you're doing?!" Gregson shouted, his rage growing even more, and Sherlock ended up making a run for it.

Van Zieks- went to the vineyard to oversee the production of the contents of his Lord's Bottle. As he viewed the still unopened grape blossom buds, he thought about how they would someday grow up to fill his Lord's Bottle, and ended up going around to look at each one. But the farm hands couldn't stop wondering whether the bottle itself or its owner's heel might come flying at them and were quite uneasy.

Asougi: exhausted himself running around since early morning helping with the professors' flower viewing event. When it was over, he took a break, sharing his reward candy stick [the name of the candy literally translates to 1,000 year candy] with Ryuunosuke, who had also been helping out. 

"I wonder if the candy's effect is halved if you share it with someone."

"That still gives us 500 years."

They laughed and enjoyed looking at the flowers until dark. Then they parted ways with a handshake and a "see you later, best friend."

(This one was something about celebrating New Years. For some reason I didn't save the original question)

"Ryuunosuke ~ To celebrate New Years, he planned to pound mochi with everyone at the office. He somehow managed to get his hands on some mochi rice and he and Sherlock started pounding. Iris was having such fun watching them that she steamed a whole bunch more mochi rice so they could have some to share, and he and Sherlock spent the whole evening pounding mochi like crazy.

Asougi~ Because it's New Years, he went around to a bunch of shrines. When he drew his new year's fortune, he got a "horrible luck" result. "I'm not worried about it," he claimed, and headed up to the mountains early on New Years morning and work hard on a full training course of purification by water, meditation under a waterfall and wooden sword practice. It seems that he was working really hard to clear his mind of all earthly thoughts

Sherlock- Agreed to help Ryuunosuke pound mochi. As Ryuunosuke was flipping the mochi over, he carelessly dropped his badge into the bowl and Sherlock mixed it in without noticing, so they had to crack open both the hard and soft mochi to look for it. Fortunately they found it in the 4th one they checked, but apparently Sherlock got his hands and face covered in sticky white mochi in the process.

Susato- Wore a furisode and went with her father to do the first shrine visit of the year. The shrine was incredibly crowded and they had to wait in line for a long time, but she brought the Encyclopaedia of British Law and a copy of the Strand Magazine in her sleeves to secretly read as they waited so she actually ended up enjoying the wait.

Van Zieks- Ryuunosuke cheerfully gave him some mochi as a New Year’s (which at that time was celebrated at the same time as the Chinese New Year) gift, which he accepted confusedly, wondering “...Can the Japanese not even keep track of when the New Year is?” Because Ryuunosuke referred to it as a rice cake, he tried to eat it like a regular cake without softening it with heat first. It was so hard that he couldn’t imagine how it could possibly be food, and ended up misunderstanding the Japanese even more!

"Autumn has arrived, and the weather is starting to cool off, which means that everyone is becoming more active. Which character chose the most pleasant autumn activity to keep busy with?"

Iris was making bread but her hands are small and it’s difficult for her to knead the dough, so she asked for Ryuunosuke’s help. She wanted to make enough to hand out to Gina and all the other homeless children in the East End, so she made a massive amount and Ryuunosuke was stuck kneading this massive mountain of bread dough all day. Apparently he became such a expert at kneading that he could be a baker now.

Asougi was practicing with his sword, slicing autumn-colored ginko leaves as they fell from the tree. He cut so many leaves, though, that he ended up making a big mess on the ground, the number of fallen leaves now having increased, and it took him a long time to clean it all up.    

Sherlock: Ryuunosuke told him that he was making anpan (bread filled with sweet red bean paste, the bane of my Asian-dwelling existance) and asked Sherlock to help by being in charge of getting the poppy seeds they’d need to sprinkle on top, so Sherlock went out and gathered a ton of poppy seeds. In fact, he got so many of them that no one knew what to do with them all cuz they had a huge amount of leftovers. Sherlock said, “Well, they’re only the size of poppy seeds! Surely you two can deal with them somehow! Ahahaha!” and Iris scolded him.   

(I couldn’t capture it in English, but Sherlock’s line contained a pun, and a pretty stupid one at that, so that’s part of why he got scolded)

It’s grape harvesting season, so Van Zieks commutes to the winery regularly to direct the production of the contents for his “Lord’s Bottle.” He demands perfection in everything from the selection of the grapes to the way they’re squeezed, and the winery staff is terrified by the “grim reaper’s” gaze and heel swinging (i.e. the leg thing he does in court) so they grumble as they work. 

"Hearing that there’s a holiday in the West called Halloween, the people involved with the court in Japan decided to try it out themselves. Naturally Halloween is a big deal in England as well. So, which member of the DGS cast had the best celebration?"

Team Ryuunosuke and Asougi- Asougi got Naruhodo up on his shoulders and they draped a white sheet over themselves to make a ghost costume. They went out like that, but Naruhodo had such exaggerated reactions to the fear of the people who saw them and to bumping his head on tree branches that they ended up losing their balance and falling on top of each other?!   

Sherlock Holmes- went wearing a horse’s head mask. Iris used her skills to make it a fancy horse covered in stars, but the eye holes weren’t well made and he had to wander around blindly. Because of that he tripped hard over a pile of coal! He ended up getting so dirty that the stars on his costume were covered up!

Van Zieks- took inspiration from his nickname and dressed up as the grim reaper. He covered himself up with a skeleton mask and hood figuring no one would know it was him. Unfortunately he got angry when he saw Megundal (McGilded) pass by and started throwing bottles and glasses and ended up giving himself away.

"November has arrived, and autumn is nearing its end. However, the DGS cast is still keeping busy, even on their days off. Which character chose the most interesting way to spend their late autumn day?"

Ryuunosuke- Thinking that he’d better learn more about British culture if he was going to be a defense attorney in Britain, he went down to the East End with Gina for a little observation. However, because an Asian like him stood out so much, he got mobbed by the other children. On top of it all, his arm band got stolen from him and he had to send a replacement request to Yumei University on the other side of the ocean.

Asougi- He went for a meal at La Quantas. The customer at a nearby table got a persimmon for dessert and scarfed it down, saying “Mm! This is it! This sweetness makes it worthy of being called a treasure among foods!” Asougi tried to comment on this by saying, “The customer at that table sure is enjoying his pershim--gak!” but he may or may not have accidentally bitten his tongue in the process and been unable to finish his sentence.

Iris- She accepted Ryuunosuke’s request to learn more about British culture and prepared a bagpipe and kilt costume for him. “This outfit sure is breezy,” Ryuunosuke said shyly upon trying it on. With Ryuunosuke now dressed, he, Iris, and the others from their office headed over to Gregson’s place to get him to treat them to some fish and chips.   

Sherlock- He accepted Ryuunosuke’s request to learn more about British culture and cooked up some European style curry for dinner. Thanks to the fact that his secret ingredient was a large amount of Chinese herbal medicine style spice, it caused some strange side effects and Ryuunosuke, who’d eaten it, ended up passing out and falling over.

“Another taxing trial for Ryuunosuke has finished and now it’s December. As the year draws to a close, which character acts the strangest?”

Ryuunosuke- he was recruited to help with snow removal around Yumei University and the courthouse and he enthusiastically began his task with the help of a large shovel. He got a little carried away, though, and ended up accidentally burying his umbrella, which he’d left propped up against the side of the building, in the snow he’d just finished shoveling.  He had no choice but to share Asougi’s umbrella on the way home.

Asougi- On the way home, he nods silently to Ryuunosuke’s question of whether he’d finished his travel preparations and changes the subject: “...Come to think of it, it seems that tomorrow is celebrated in the West as God’s birthday.” “I’ve heard that they eat chicken as part of the traditional celebration. Wanna try it?” Ryuunosuke asks invitingly. Asougi is strongly opposed to that particular menu item, however, and they end up going out for their usual beef stew that night instead.           

Susato- in addition to her year-end travel preparations, she also was busy with straightening up the book room in her home. She managed to get the law books in order when she suddenly stumbled upon some old issues of Strand Magazine! She hurried through the rest of her cleaning, then began flipping through the magazines she’d found, trying to decide which to take with her on her trip. She accidentally lost herself in her reading and didn’t realize it until it was already the middle of the night.

Sherlock- he was in the middle of a long ship voyage when Christmas night came. His mind on his partner in a far-off country, he made a toast alone on deck, when suddenly the crew began shooting off fireworks with a cry of “Merry Christmas!” Sherlock had to dart back and forth across the deck to prevent the fireworks from hitting him and setting off the explosive chemicals he carries with him.

Main series edition

#dai gyakuten saiban #tgaa #naruhodo ryuunosuke #asougi kazuma #mikotoba susato #dgs sherlock holmes #hosonaga satoru #barok van zieks #iris watson #gina lestrade #translations #official content #my translation #mikotoba yuujin #ryunosuke naruhodo #kazuma asogi #susato mikotoba #iris wilson

[mianavs]

half agony, half hope

“you pierce my soul. i am half agony, half hope.” - jane austen

Oikawa x f!reader, regency!au, angst, romance, hurt/comfort

for @sakeomi​’s the chosen one collab

a/n: fueled by my love for jane austen and a bridgerton binge. some regency/nobility jargon but nothing too fancy. hope you like it :)

a huuuuge thank you to @tetsunormous​ for taking the time to look this over. you’re a gem!

wc: 9k+

Peering out the small window of your family’s carriage, you couldn’t help but scowl at the ridiculously nice weather you were having en route back to the ton. The weather had also been lovely the day you left society which you took as an affirmation that you’d made the right decision in leaving. Now, you didn’t feel that same hopeful sentiment you did back then and had hoped lousy weather would delay your return, but it seemed that your luck with the weather had run out.

The sun shone brightly and was accompanied by the perfect amount of white fluffy clouds amidst a beautiful blue sky. There was a light breeze that kept your bonneted head cool enough to prevent beads of sweat from trailing down your brow, and you were also positive that Henry, your footman, was enjoying the mild weather outside on his box seat as he escorted you from your family’s country estate back to town.

You drew back the small curtain and leaned back onto your cushioned seat before picking up the stack of letters beside you and thumbing through them until you found the first of many unopened ones. Setting aside the others—all mostly from your father demanding your return—you examined all twelve letters that bore an unbroken turquoise seal and were addressed to you from Toru Oikawa. They all had a date scribbled on the bottom right corner, with the first one dating back to six months after you left town. You successfully fought off the urge to open the letters and piled them up with the others before putting them away in a wooden box—a present from your late mother.

 It was hard to believe that a year had passed since you begged your father to let you retire to the country after witnessing an immoral scene no respectable person should ever witness—let alone the fiancée of one of the perpetrators. Looking back, you could firmly say it wasn’t the shame that drove you to abandon society and your fiancé but the heart-wrenching agony you felt from seeing the man you loved with another woman.

While love matches were a rare thing between members of the aristocracy, you had truly believed yours to be one of them, and it all started from the moment you first beheld Toru.

It had been the annual debutante ball hosted by the monarchy, and you, along with a dozen other seventeen-year-old ladies, were making your debut into society. The ball was strictly for the aristocracy only, and, as a result, only members of the nobility were able to mingle with each other.

While on the surface, it was meant to start the matchmaking season by introducing the newest line-up of ladies to the ton’s eligible bachelors and their mothers, there were other activities taking place simultaneously. Racy affairs took place under a cover of darkness in hidden corners or outside in the gardens, and business deals of all sorts were struck up in gambling rooms between men as they dealt cards and downed glasses of brandy.

Of course, being the naïve debutante that you were, thoughts on the covert activities taking place were beyond you. All you could think about was keeping your head held high, back straight, and minding your step as you walked to the dais where the royal family sat, to not trip over the hem of your new silk ball gown.

After a satisfactory curtsy and subtle nods from the King and Queen, you took your place next to your father, the Count. The butterflies in your stomach settled as you watched the debutantes with better curtsies, looks, and family backgrounds get asked to dance by eligible young men. After a couple of songs, apprehension ate away at your calm demeanor as you wondered if standing at the sidelines in the balls to come would be your fate. Beside you, the Count shifted uncomfortably, and you took notice of his knitted brows as he scanned the room for someone before excusing himself and disappearing into the crowd.

Just when you’d resigned yourself to a dance-less evening and twiddled with your dance card, a pair of black boots stood before you and captured your attention. You looked up to find yourself face to face with the man that would become your fiancé—Toru Oikawa, the Duke of Seijoh.

He was everything a young man should’ve been and more. He was effortlessly charming and handsome with his velvety brown eyes that remained fixed on you throughout that evening, tousled brown locks that added to his boyish looks, and a roguish smile that never failed to take your breath away.

Toru remained by your side that entire evening. The two of you spent half of the evening dancing and the other half talking about your interests and hobbies. It didn’t take much for an innocent girl like you to fall for the first man that spared you any attention, so by the end of the evening, when Toru placed a gentle kiss on your gloved hand, you were already half in love with the man.

Toru spent a considerable amount of time wooing you during those two months prior to your engagement in your defense. He called upon your home at least three times a week, during which the two of you split your time in your drawing room conversing over tea, admiring your estate’s gardens, or promenading through the town.

It was during those times that you realized just how popular your suitor was simply from the jealous stares that ladies would send your way. At first, it was easy to ignore them, but as time went on and they grew bolder in their actions, you often found yourself biting back tears during assemblies or rejecting tea invitations to avoid subjecting yourself to their snipes.

While being the object of the Duke of Seijoh’s interest did ostracize you from the other ladies, you found that it was worth it as long as Toru’s charming smiles and warm words continued to fill your dull life with love. That was the belief you held onto up until that fateful morning when Toru arrived with flowers and an engagement ring before getting down on one knee. Besides your initial meeting at the debutante ball, the day of your engagement was the happiest day of your life, made even more special by one of the Count’s rare smiles and an albeit awkward embrace.

Unlike the fantasy you had already concocted in your mind, the reality of your engagement was disheartening to say the least. Toru stopped visiting your home altogether and avoided you at balls and other social events. While you hid away in corners, sipped on a glass of port, and made-up excuses for him, Toru fluttered about the assembly rooms chattering away with friends and dancing with ladies that never failed to mock you afterwards.

During those rare occasions when he graced you with his presence, any complaints you took up with Toru were shot down as petty jealousy. His smile would disappear from his handsome face, and his eyebrows would knit together as if you were submitting him to a torture session by just speaking with him.

“What other proof of my love do you need?” He would ask and raise your ring-clad hand for effect. “You will be my duchess and the mother of my children. That is all that should matter to you.”

You spent the majority of the fall and winter seasons planning for your wedding with only the guidance of the Marchioness of Niiyama. She had been widowed at the young age of twenty and had inherited her husband’s title, but above all, she was Toru’s childhood friend. While you found the Marchioness witty and extremely helpful when it came to wedding planning and understanding Toru, you found yourself missing your deceased mother more than ever and wondered what sort of advice she would give regarding your relationship.

The only time you saw Toru was during the Christmas celebrations and official events where the two of you were expected to attend as a couple. Other than that, you didn’t see or hear from your fiancé and spent your days wondering what went wrong while ignoring the conclusion you came to every time.

Those thoughts would continue to plague your mind until the last ball of the spring season when you decided to take a stroll in the gardens only to find Toru and the person that had been your confidante over the last couple of months—the Marchioness. Her long willowy arms were wrapped around Toru’s frame with her gloved fingers tangled in his brown locks as the two shared a lover’s kiss.

The sight was like falling into frigid waters. A numbness washed over, and you stood frozen in place while the air around you thickened until you couldn’t breathe. There was a disconnect between your body that remained still and your mind that was full of screaming thoughts demanding you move, confront them, or leave the premises altogether. It wasn’t until you locked eyes with the marchioness that the spell you were under broke, and you fled the scene with hot tears stinging your eyes.

That night was the first time you cried in front of your father since the death of your mother. It was also the first time you personally asked him for anything and, to your surprise, he acquiesced.

For the remainder of that night, the house was abuzz in preparation for your departure at dawn. You also didn’t sleep a wink that night and instead gathered all of the letters, dresses, bonnets, and gloves Toru sent and tossed them into the fire. With swollen eyes and still in your ball gown, you sat in front of the fire and watched the items you once treasured burn until the flames died out and only ashes were left.

In the end, you left for your family’s country estate before the rays of the sun peeked over the horizon but not before taking off the ring on your left hand’s fourth finger and leaving it on the windowsill of your bedchamber.

“Apologies for the delay, my lady, but we’ll be arriving in the evening.” Henry called out to you from his seat at the front.

“Thank you for letting me know, Henry.” You replied and continued to flip through the documents you’d prepared prior to leaving your country estate.

When your sorrow turned into indignation, you decided to do everything in your power to put an end to your engagement. What started as a simple letter asking your father to end things with Toru on your behalf snowballed into endless hours of research and lessons on all matters relating to your family’s properties, business ventures, and finances. The catalyst? Your father’s curt reply explaining the details of your engagement contract.

The engagement also includes a business deal the duke struck up with me that will save us from ruin. It cannot be broken off simply because you’ve fallen out of love with him. Stop this nonsense and come home immediately.

Your Father,

Now a year later, you returned with a vast amount of knowledge on your family’s businesses and the large debt accumulated from decades of bad business moves. It was a sheer miracle your family hadn’t lost your properties yet, and it was easy to see why your father had readily agreed to an engagement with someone as powerful as Toru Oikawa.

He had offered your father enough money to settle your family’s debts and then some to invest back into Seijoh’s multiple businesses. While it was a fair enough deal on the surface, you couldn’t help but wonder why Toru had chosen you. If it was purely to find a wife and gain a life-long investor, there were plenty of other families in dire situations with daughters of marriageable age that would’ve fit the bill. Whatever his reasoning, you made it your mission to find out during your inevitable encounter with him.

The tired whinny of the horses woke you from your slumber to an almost pitch-black carriage. Henry rustled outside while you rubbed the sleep from your eyes and straightened your bonnet. The door opened a moment later, and your footman greeted you with a weary smile and an extended hand.

“Welcome home, my lady.”

You took his hand and stepped down in front of your family’s estate, illuminated for the night. Although smaller than your family’s country estate, the imposing white stone building had been your family’s ancestral seat for generations and held memories that you either held near and dear to your heart or buried in the darkest corners of your mind.

“Rest well, Henry.” You said and gave your footman a small smile. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Henry replied with a low bow before returning to the carriage.

Turning to face your home, the front doors opened, and a blanket of light from home illuminated the pathway before you. Almost immediately, a flurry of maids exited the building and made their way to you, wearing sheepish looks and emitting a cacophony of apologies for not greeting you properly. Walking into your home surrounded by bustling maids and butlers carrying your luggage, you took a deep breath and braced yourself for the mess that awaited you.

While a year ago, the sight of hundreds of lilacs would have brought tears of joy to your eyes, the pungent fragrance of your favorite flower that filled your bedroom made you nauseous the longer you remained. You raised a handkerchief to your face and picked up one of the dozens of turquoise name cards attached to the bouquets that, sure enough, had Toru Oikawa printed in gold.

Crumpling the name card, you turned to your maids. “Get these out of my sight. The smell is making me ill.”

The maids exchanged a confused look before one of them spoke up. “But, my lady, His Grace delivered these himself—”

“I’m well aware of that fact,” you replied, tossing the crumpled name card onto a bouquet. “But I still want them taken out immediately.”

“Y-yes, my lady, right away!”

As the maids went to work, a knock on the door caught your attention, and you found the head butler standing at the door. The sight was one you were accustomed to and, wordlessly, you approached the elder man already knowing what he’d say.

“Greetings, my lady. I hope your trip wasn’t too tiring.” He said with a slight bow

“I’m assuming father wants to see me?” You replied curtly.

“Yes, Lord L/N is waiting for you in his study. Please, allow me to escort you there.”

“There is no need for that. I will see myself there.” Noticing the weary look on his wrinkled face, you softened your tone. “You may retire for the night.”

After dismissing the butler and removing your travel coat and bonnet, you made your way to your father’s study on the other side of the manor. Standing outside the study, you straightened your dress and took a deep breath before knocking once on the large mahogany door.

“Come in,” a low voice rumbled from the other side, and you opened the double doors to reunite with your father.

The Count sat at a table instead of his desk and upon closer inspection, you noticed the array of pastries accompanied by a teapot and two cups. The refreshments caught you off guard, and you stood awkwardly trying to process the situation that was unlike any of the other meetings with your father.

While you were sure some fathers excessively doted on their daughters, the Count wasn’t one of them and only grew more distant after the death of your mother. He either remained locked away in his study or went on business trips. Family dinners happened only once a month, and even then, they were stiff affairs with him asking about your education and you replying with short answers. The only semblance of affection from him came in the form of gifts with short notes delivered to you by the head butler. It was in those notes that your father would awkwardly convey his affection by congratulating you on an academic achievement or wishing you a happy birthday.

“Sit, Y/N,” the Count stated gesturing to the chair across from him. “I had them prepare this fresh for your arrival.”

“Thank you,” you replied and took a seat, settling your hands on your lap.

The Count took a sip from his cup, and when you didn’t partake of the food, he let out an exasperated sigh.

“Must you make things so complicated from the get-go?”

Any fondness you felt at the sight of your father and the display he prepared for you dissipated the moment he uttered those disgruntled words.

“I apologize if my wanting of a respectful husband complicates things for you.”

Your thinly veiled anger was somewhat of a shock to your father, who had never been on the receiving end of it. He cleared his throat and replaced his surprise with a look of disapproval.

“Whatever happened a year ago, I am certain that Oikawa has thoroughly repented. He’s been visiting me over the past six months for news of you since you never replied to his letters. He even spent the entire day waiting for your return.”

Your heart clenched painfully in your chest while a harsh, derisive laugh ripped from your throat. “Yes, I’m sure the lucrative deal the two of you made had absolutely nothing to do with his visits. Tell me, father, how much more did he offer you?”

The Count averted his gaze and lightly shook his head. “You’ve changed so much I hardly recognize you. Was his transgression so great to turn you into this?”

“I doubt whatever I say will change your mind on the matter.” You replied coldly and took a bite from a cookie. “I just hope whatever he offered didn’t affect our agreement.”

He took another sip from his tea and fixed his gaze on you, his own face undecipherable. You steeled your resolve under his scrutiny and held your breath waiting for his answer.

“If you can find another alternative, be it via marriage or not, that will provide our family with the funds needed to get us back on our feet, I will do everything in my power to annul the engagement.”

You exhaled. “Thank y-”

“But you must receive him when he comes tomorrow,” the Count concluded, setting down his teacup.

You finished your cookie and stood up. “I already planned on it. Thank you for the dessert. I shall take my leave now.”

The Count nodded his approval and you sank into a curtsey before turning your heel and leaving your father’s study. Once outside, you leaned back against the large double doors, relishing your small victory against your father.

Despite being completely worn out from the trip, you tossed and turned in bed only managing a couple hours of sleep as thoughts of Toru filled your mind. While it was relatively easy to occupy your mind with other things during the day, he was a constant figure in your head at night that  always invaded your dreams.

Toru Oikawa still resided within your heart, whether you chose to admit it or not, and your father’s revelation of his visits during your time away proved it. It had been a fleeting sensation but your heart had wavered in that moment.

By the time the sun rose over the horizon, you had already bathed, dressed, and sat on your room’s balcony nibbling on a plate of fruit. It was all you could stomach while you waited for Toru’s impending arrival.

“Would you like me to style your hair, my lady?” The outspoken maid from the day before inquired hesitantly.

Raising a hand to your hair, you considered her suggestion for a moment before deciding against it. A year ago, you would have spent all morning primping for Toru’s visit, but the situation was different now, and there was no need for elaborate hairstyles.

“That won’t be necessary.”

You’d just finished your breakfast when you heard the faint whinnies of a horse that only grew louder. Rising from your seat, you were able to make out a male figure on horseback wearing a navy-blue tailcoat that approached your home. As the gentleman drew closer, his wind-swept brown hair came to view, and that was all you needed to verify his identity.

You wrung the cloth napkin in your hands before dropping it on your plate. “It seems we have a visitor to greet.”

The reunion between you and Toru was one that you’d played out in your mind many times over the course of the year. You’d memorized impassioned speeches and even practiced storming out of the room, yet nothing could have prepared you for the torrent of emotions that washed over you the moment you stepped into the drawing room where Toru waited.

He was on his feet as soon as you entered, tugging on his silver waistcoat as his eyes swept over your form. It had only been a year yet Toru seemed to have aged five. While still handsome, his boyish looks were gone and replaced with a weariness beyond his twenty-three years. Instead of the air of confidence he once gave off, the Toru before you appeared hesitant and—dare you say it—ashamed.

It wasn’t until his brown eyes locked onto yours that a glimmer of the light that used to radiate within his orbs appeared, and you felt your legs tremble with every step you took. A ragged breath left his lips that broke into a hesitant smile before he took a step forward that turned into another until he was able to take you into his arms.

“My love,” he breathed into the crook of your neck. “You’re back.”

You couldn’t breathe or move, as he tightened his hold around you. All you could do was stand there and feel every shallow breath he took as his entire body trembled against yours. He held you with a desperation that made your chest tighten and throat close up.

“I-I thought I lost you, Y/N,” Toru murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I swear to you that I’ll do everything in my power to make it all up. I’ll make you the happiest woman alive and you’ll never regret giving me this second chance. Oh, my love, I’m so happy you’re back that-”

Every word he spoke was like a needle poking and prodding at you until the pain became too much and you broke free from the trance you were in. A snarl ripped through your throat and you pushed Toru away with all of your strength.

“Let. Go!”

He stumbled backwards, steadying himself with a chair, and looked back at you as if you’d struck him across the face instead of breaking free from his suffocating hold. For a moment, you almost felt guilty for rejecting him when you saw the distress in his eyes, but the memory of his betrayal resurfaced and anger took ahold of you once more.

“You’re gravely mistaken if you think I have forgiven you, Your Grace. You and the Marchioness have shamed me in the worst possible way and I refuse to submit myself to a life of misery by your side. If I am meeting you today, it is only to put an end to this engagement. I’m sure you and your lover can find another girl to fool.”

Your voice quivered and tears stung your eyes, but you kept your head held high as the words tumbled out of your mouth like water bursting from a dam.

The color drained from Toru’s face as he stared at you aghast. His mouth opened and closed a multitude of times before it settled into a thin line. He tore his eyes from you, running a hand through his hair before a defeated sigh escaped him.

“You didn’t read my letters, did you?” He asked, facing you once again with the gleam of unshed tears in his eyes.

Your throat constricted painfully but you answered him anyway. “No, I didn’t and I refuse to do so. I’ve had enough of your lies and false proclamations of love-”

“I do love you!”

Toru’s declaration came out hurried, ragged, and desperate. It reverberated off the walls of the drawing room and echoed in your ears eliciting a shallow gasp from your trembling lips.

“I fell in love with you over the course of our courtship.” He admitted, gripping the back of the chair until his knuckles turned white. “It wasn’t what I expected. You...weren’t what I expected. Before I knew it, I found myself wanting to be by your side. You’re so beautiful, intelligent, and devoted and the moments I spent with you were the happiest I’d ever been in my entire life.”

“Why me?” You asked the question that had been on your mind for months, unable to wait any longer. “Why did you pick me?”

Toru’s shoulder’s drooped and dejection replaced desperation. “Your father’s title, your family name that is as old as the royal family itself, and your financial situation were all factors that singled you out as the best candidate.”

“Did…the Marchioness have any say in the matter?” Your voice was so quiet it wouldn’t have surprised you if he hadn’t heard it at all. There was a long silence and all you could hear was the drumming of your heart against your chest. Just when you were about to repeat the question, Toru spoke.

“She was the one that brought up your name.”

His words were like a slap to your face.

“Leave! At once! I cannot stand being in the same room with you.” You glared daggers at the man not caring if he was a duke and you the daughter of a mere count.

“Please allow me to explain the situation! It’s not what you think—”

“There is nothing to explain, Your Grace. Our relationship is over and if you don’t annul our engagement then I will find a way to do it myself.”

Your threat washed away the obstinacy in Toru’s eyes and a haunting hollow look glossed over them. His hand released the chair he’d been holding onto for the majority of your encounter, and he dragged his feet towards the door.

He surprised you by stopping beside you, and for a moment, you believed he would take you into his arms once again and beg you to forgive him. Only, he didn’t.

“Read the letters I sent you. They contain everything I’ve ever wanted to tell you. Only then will I agree to put an end to our engagement.”

His words haunted you throughout the day up until the evening when you sat at your desk and traced the turquoise seal on one of Toru’s letters. It would have been so easy to break the seals and read through the letters but the thought of falling prey to his pretty words stopped you.

The following morning, the plan to end your engagement and save your family from ruin started with a package from the investigator you hired back in the country. Within it you pulled out pages and pages of information on all of the families of the aristocracy. The reports included the names and ages of the members, the business endeavors of each of the families, and the properties they owned. Other details were also included like their financial status, list of acquaintances, and town gossip.

Over the course of a week, you were able to go through each report and compile a list of potential families you could strike up a deal with. The longer you delved into the background of every family on that list, the shorter said list became until one last name stood out amongst the rest—Kageyama.

According to the report, Viscount Kageyama had been successful in his business endeavors over the last couple of years and it was all thanks to his prodigal son. At the young age of twenty-one, Tobio Kageyama was racking up accomplishments left and right with no sign of slowing down. With a military background like his father, he was an excellent athlete and hunter and won almost all of the competitions he participated in. It was his eye for business ventures and investments, however, that caught your attention and made him a possible marriage candidate.

Over the past three years, he’d managed to turn his family’s failing businesses into prosperous ones and used those profits to invest in other groundbreaking ventures. That was the sort of advice you and your father needed to turn your debts into profits and it just so happened that Tobio wasn’t engaged to anyone.

You found that odd.

For a young man of his age with an acceptable family background and a natural talent for business to be without a fiancée was unheard of. The mothers of society would never let a man like him slip past their radars so you sought to find out why.

Rummaging through his family’s report, you searched for the list of acquaintances hoping to find a mutual one that might give you more information on him. Your eyes stopped on a last name that you’d recognized from an invitation to a tea party that would take place in two days’ time.

Turning away from the document, you called out to the outspoken maid that always seemed to be in the room when you needed her. “What is your name?”

“It is Akane, my lady.” She replied with a deep curtsey. “How can I be of service?”

You smiled, thoroughly pleased with how quick-witted she was. “Send word to the Yachi estate letting them know I will be attending Lady Hitoka’s tea party.”

Akane’s eyes flitted to the table then back to you before a small smile played on her lips. “Right away, my lady.”

Hitoka Yachi was somewhat of an outcast in polite society despite her caring and gentle personality. Her mother was an outspoken countess in her own right that had married for love and, and as a result, Hitoka was an heiress—something that was frowned upon by most. The two of you had bonded over the fact that you both had lost a parent at a young age; she had lost her father and you’d lost your mother.

Over the course of the year, you’d exchanged a letter here and there with Hitoka, and she’d been kind enough to reach out when you returned. While you initially hadn’t planned on attending social events until you’d broken your engagement, you figured rekindling your relationship with Hitoka while garnering information on her friend, Tobio, wouldn’t be too bad.

The day of the tea party, you dressed in a simple cotton dress with small flowers printed on the fabric and had Akane sweep your hair into a simple updo. Since the death of your mother, maids had come and gone under the head maid’s strict supervision, but none of them had stood out like Akane. You found her a smart and observant girl that worked as your eyes and ears around the estate. For that reason, you decided to keep her close and had her accompany you during your outing.

The Yachi’s manor was located in the outskirts of town and gave off the appearance of a large country home while less than an hour away from town. It was a beautiful home surrounded by gardens that, in the spring, bloomed exquisite flowers of all shapes, shades, and sizes.

You were escorted to the rose garden by one of the manor’s butlers where Hitoka and another young woman were already seated at a table filled to the edge with pastries, bite-sized sandwiches, fruits, and a porcelain teapot with matching cups and saucers.

“Y/N!” Hitoka exclaimed and leapt to feet and took your hands into hers. “Oh, it’s been far too long!”

“It’s nice to see you again, Hitoka,” you replied earnestly. “Thank you for your wonderful letters this past year. They were a great comfort to me.”

A pretty blush dusted her cheeks. “I’m glad my silly letters had such a wonderful effect.”

She drew you to the table where her other guest was standing by. Upon closer inspection, the young woman’s distinct black shining hair and stormy blue eyes triggered your memory and her name resurfaced just as Hitoka introduced you.

“Kiyoko, this Y/N L/N.” Hitoka said, gesturing to you. “Y/N, this is Kiyoko Sawamura.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kiyoko.”

“Likewise, Lady Y/N.” She replied, her voice quiet but firm.

The three of you took your seats and Hitoka took the lead in the conversation cluing you in on what they’d been discussing. You caught a couple of words here and there but your main focus was on the woman to your left.

Three years ago at her debut, Kiyoko Sawamura had been declared a diamond of the first water by the Queen herself and had caused quite a stir amongst all of the eligible bachelors at the time. As the only daughter of the Duke of Karasuno, not only was she stunningly gorgeous but she came from a noble family whose wealth and power surpassed even that of the Oikawa’s. Her engagement to Yuji Terushima, heir to the Marquess of Johzenji, had been the announcement of the year—at least until the annulment three months later.

Rumors ran rampant that summer over what had actually happened but they all lead back to a cheating scandal involving Yuji and a maid from his household. Of course, Kiyoko faced the brunt of the ordeal since Yuji fled society like a coward along with his maid who ended up pregnant with his child, but she never succumbed to the pressure and kept her head held high with the support of her family. The last piece of gossip you’d heard regarding Kiyoko was that she’d found love with the son of Baron Tanaka.

To say you admired the woman was an understatement; she was everything you wanted to be but never could. Where she had braved society, you had fled to the country for a year like a coward.

Hitoka’s cheery voice broke through your cloud of dark thoughts. “…he’s been trying to get Tobio to attend more social events for the past two years, and he finally succeeded! Tobio will be attending Viscount Udai’s ball this Saturday.”

“I told you if anyone would be able to convince him it would be Shoyo. After all, they are best friends whether they admit it or not,” Kiyoko replied before taking a sip of her tea.

“Tobio Kageyama will be attending a ball?” You muttered, mostly to yourself but Hitoka heard you and responded.

“Yes! Are you acquainted with him, Y/N?”

“No, I am not,” you admitted sheepishly and made up an excuse on the spot. “My father mentioned him the other day and spoke of his achievements.”

“He is very talented when it comes to making money, but I just wish he would let people see the other sides of him. He’s actually a kind person underneath his gruff exterior,” Hitoka lamented before changing the course of the conversation.

“Will you also be attending the ball with His Grace?”

You plastered a smile on your face and prayed it looked genuine. “I’m not sure if Toru will be able to attend but I certainly plan on it.”

Despite your relationship with Hitoka, the real reason behind your leave wasn’t something you disclosed to her or anyone else for that matter. You had already dealt with enough ridicule from being Toru’s slighted fiancée and had no desire to add more fuel to the fire by revealing the details behind his betrayal.

“He must be awfully busy these days. It’s been months since he has attended any large social gatherings.”

Your friend’s revelation was shocking to say the least, and the smile on your face faltered. Kiyoko’s sharp gaze immediately zeroed in on your face, but her scrutiny only lasted a second before it was gone.

“Ruling over a duchy is no easy feat. My father is very strict with my brother’s education.”

“Oh, how is Daichi these days? I saw Yui the other day at the modiste and…”

Hitoka’s chatter faded into the background and her revelation of Toru’s absence in society echoed in your head. You had expected Toru to take advantage of your absence to the fullest and yet he hadn’t. A single thought amidst the storm in your mind stood out amongst the rest, and your heart wavered.

Maybe he’s truly become a changed man.

And yet, the cursed image that had been branded in your mind returned and dashed away that hopeful thought, replacing it with a more cynical one.

Or maybe he’s just showing his devotion to his true love, the Marchioness.

For the remainder of the gathering, your mind continued to drift to and from the conversation until the refreshments were cleared and the sun began to set. After bidding the ladies farewell, you returned to your carriage with Akane following closely behind you.

“Akane, do we still have some of the tea leaves I brought with me from the country?”

“Yes, my lady. I daresay there is enough to give away.” Akane replied and you smiled before turning to face your perceptive maid and ally.

“Good. Have some packed and sent to Lady Hitoka and Lady Kiyoko.” You paused before adding, “and save some for yourself. You’ve earned it.”

While you could have easily waited until the Viscount’s ball to be introduced to Tobio, time was of the essence and you needed to set your plan in motion prior to meeting him. If everything went as planned and Tobio proved to be receptive to an agreement—be it one of marriage or not—then the ball would be the perfect place to present your terms and come to a verbal agreement.

With that in mind, you started drafting a letter to Tobio introducing yourself as Hitoka’s friend and provided him with a brief outline of what you wanted, offered, and how it would benefit him and his family. You reread the letter thrice and debated including the possibility of a marriage between the two of you. From what you’d gathered, Tobio Kageyama was a straightforward man that valued honesty, so you added it in while making it clear that it would be one of mutual respect. You knew it was risky sending a letter to a man who was no better than a stranger but it was a risk you were willing to take.

The couple of days prior to the ball you spent preoccupying your mind with business and family matters to steer your mind away from Tobio’s pending reply. It wasn’t until a day before the ball that Akane interrupted you to bring you your correspondence. There was a sealed letter and one short message that you picked up and read without a second thought.

 I will not ask to escort you to Viscount Udai’s ball as I do not deserve that honor. I only ask that you not deny me the first dance as your fiancé.

Yours,

Toru

 As much as you dreaded the idea of being in the same social function as Toru, let alone dancing with him, you had appearances to keep up and would have to permit it for propriety’s sake. You tried not to dwell too much on his intimate farewell address and shifted your gaze to the sealed letter, which upon closer inspection, had the Kageyama family crest pressed into the navy-blue wax. With trembling fingers, you broke the seal and unfolded the paper, ever eager to read its contents.

 Lady Y/N,

I was very surprised when I read your letter simply because I did not know who you were. Now that I am more familiar with you and your family, I am interested in your offer and would like to speak with you more at Viscount Udai’s gathering.

Until then,

Tobio Kageyama

 A sigh of relief left your lips. Your gamble had paid off and Tobio was considering your offer. If you played your cards right during your meeting then it would only be a matter of time before you would be free of Toru Oikawa while saving your family.

Your eyes stole a glance at Toru’s note. While you should have tossed the note into the fire, your fingers ran over the dry ink until they stopped at the word before his name. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you took his note and placed it inside the wooden box that contained his other letters.

According to Akane, Viscount Udai’s ball was rumored to be the grandest event of the season and when you stepped out of your carriage with Henry’s help and peered up at the bustling and glowing manor, you found no fault in her statement.

The ballroom was brightly illuminated with chandeliers of glass. Curtains and elaborate tapestries of white and gold lined the walls. White flowers of all sorts hung from the ceilings, lined the doors, and wrapped around columns. The room was something out of a fairytale and the people that filled it had all dressed the part. Glancing around the room, you searched for a familiar face only to hear your name called.

“Y/N!”

Hitoka stood on the other side of the ballroom surrounded by Kiyoko and other gentlemen you didn’t recognize. One of the gentlemen turned his head in your direction and stopped when he saw you. Approaching the small party, your attention remained fixed on the man whose midnight blue eyes were glued to your face with an intensity that unnerved you.

Hitoka’s gloved hands reached out to yours and drew you into the circle of people. Now facing the gentleman, his gaze softened slightly before it shifted to Hitoka.

“Y/N, this is Tobio Kageyama. He’s the man I was telling you about the other day.”

Hitoka’s hand patted Tobio’s upper arm before addressing him. “Tobio, this is Y/N L/N. She’s the friend that just arrived from the country.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord.” You replied demurely and sank into a curtsey.

“Likewise, my lady.” Tobio’s reply was stiff but his bow was even stiffer and earned him an elbow to the ribs from the shorter man beside him.

Introductions to the other two gentlemen were made and you learned that the shorter man next to Tobio was none other than Shoyo Hinata, a famous jockey and son of a Baron. The man with a roguish grin next to Kiyoko turned out to be her fiancée, Ryunosuke Tanaka.

At that moment, the musicians took their seats and readied their instruments while the room exploded with young men and women finding their partners for the first dance. Your eyes swept over the room in a cursory glance, and to your relief, Toru was nowhere to be found.

Kiyoko and her fiancée left to the dance floor first. They were soon followed by Shoyo and Hitoka but not before the former shot Tobio a pointed look and gestured over to you with a tilt of his head. You found the jockey’s not-so-subtle indication amusing but played off having seen anything. Tobio cleared his throat and you turned your head to face him.

“May I have this dance, my—”

“No, you may not.”

Toru’s voice rang out from behind you. It had a hard-edged quality to it that you’d never heard and sent shivers down your spine. Before you could turn around, his hands settled on your hip and hand. The intimacy of the gesture left you stunned and unable to reject him.

“My fiancée has already promised me her first dance.”

Toru’s warm breath tickled your exposed neck and set your face aflame. Tobio shifted his weight and the action garnered your attention. His brow was furrowed as his eyes searched yours for an explanation you couldn’t give him.

Still in your stupor, Toru drew you away to the dance floor. You opened your mouth to say something but the music started and the couples around you bowed and curtseyed in greeting before they began to move.

The muted chatter around you, the soft music in the background, and Toru’s eyes, darker than usual, drinking in your appearance left you speechless. He looked as handsome as ever in his black tailcoat, golden waistcoat, tousled chocolate brown locks, straight nose, and a pink inviting mouth. Completely mesmerized by him, any ill-will you bore him became non-existent. You drowned in his dangerous pools of brown that disarmed you and left you bare. His touch burned through the fabric of your dress and gloves, branding you with his hands.

It was like the first time you ever danced with him only it wasn’t. Where butterflies had once fluttered about in your stomach, waves of something now swirled within you and pooled at your core. It was terrifying and yet you wanted more. So when the piece came to an end and Toru’s ragged breath fanned on your face, you tilted your head hoping he would close the gap.

Except he didn’t. You didn’t let him because across the room was the face of the last person you wanted to see—the Marchioness.

Her face held no malice as she watched you but she looked almost relieved and it shook you to your core.

“My love.” Toru’s voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “W-what is it?”

You didn’t answer him. Your eyes remained fixed on the marchioness. Her brow furrowed ever so slightly before turning towards one of the doors. She took three steps before turning back to face you and then she continued until she disappeared from the ballroom.

Toru reached for your hand but you side-stepped him and dashed out of the room; your name blending in with the music and chatter the further you got.

The corridors were dimly lit compared to the ballroom but you could still make out the marchioness’s silhouette in the distance. Her pale face turned to you before walking further away and entering a room. You bounded down the hallway until you reached the room and found the marchioness standing before a large French window. The room was dark except for the moonlight that spilled in and illuminated the center of the room.

“Close the door.”

You hesitated before reaching for the double doors and pushing them until you heard a click. Turning around you found the marchioness already watching you. She was as beautiful as ever with her porcelain skin, golden curls styled fashionably, and rosebud mouth. Her cat-like eyes softened in a way you’d never seen before—not even when she pretended to be your friend and ally.

“Why did you appear before me? What do you want?”

“Technically you appeared before me. This is my home after all,” She replied, a hint of mirth in her voice.

You staggered back. “W-what do you mean?”

“I remarried and am now Viscountess Udai.”

“I-I don’t…why?” Your feet took you forward until you were an arm’s length away from her. “What about Toru? I saw you with him…the two of you…that day.”

She sighed and turned her head, fixing her eyes on the wooden desk beside her. “That is the reason I had you follow me here. It’s high time I confess my sins to you.”

Her eyes looked back at you and the whirlwind of emotions swirling in them left you stunned. In the months you got to know her you knew her to be a charming but cold woman, so seeing her so vulnerable shook you to your core.

“Since I was a girl, I had always envied Toru. He had two parents that adored him and did everything in their power to ensure his happiness. My parents were the exact opposite and sold me off to the highest bidder when I was just sixteen. My late husband was a beast of a man that was forty years my senior. He had poor health but an even worse temper and wouldn’t hesitate to beat me until I passed out from the pain. It was then that Toru lost his parents in an accident, and I started to use him to make myself feel better. I tried manipulating him into thinking I was the only person who could be by his side. That I could be his friend, lover, and family. It worked for a while but when Toru started drifting away from my hold…”

Her voice that had been growing thicker with emotion broke down. Sobs wracked from her body as she slipped off her black lace glove. Under the moonlight you could make out pale scars on the underside of her forearm.

“I started to hurt myself and that kept him by my side until he met you.”

Your chest tightened painfully and tears stung your eyes but you didn’t let them fall.

“He needed a wife to fulfil his mother’s wish and I picked you for him. I believed he would remain loyal to me, but I was wrong. Day by day, Toru fell more in love with you and left me behind. When he received your father’s blessing to officially propose, I was so desperate to hold on to him that I lied to him. I promised to let him go after your marriage if he neglected you during your engagement. But that night in the garden, he declared his unyielding love for you, and I did everything I could to kill that love.”

She wiped away her tears while you let yours fall. She took a couple of deep breaths whereas a ball lodged itself inside your throat and blocked the air.

“I dare not ask for forgiveness. I only ask that you not blame Toru for my sins.”

Unable to utter a word, you managed a solemn nod before turning your heel and leaving the room. The darkness of the corridor left you hollow, the noise from the ballroom rang painfully in your ears, and the air around you was stifling. Everything about the place was suffocating, so instead of returning to the ball, you rounded the corner and left.

Upon exiting your carriage, you ignored everyone and bounded up the stairs to your bedroom before locking the door and forbidding entry for anyone. Heaving from the exertion, you lunged for the wooden box on your nightstand and set it on your desk with a thud. After taking a seat, you lit a candlestick and took out the first of twelve letters.

With trembling hands, you finally broke the turquoise seal and unfolded the paper to read Toru’s side of the story.

After you read the letters once, you sobbed into your hands until the candlestick burned out. You reread them and cursed yourself for being so oblivious—so blind—to the pain in his heart. The third time, your heart swelled with affection for your father who did everything he could to ensure you would be happy with Toru prior to allowing the proposal to take place. The fourth time, you pulled out a piece of paper and wrote to Tobio rescinding your offer and offering your most sincere apologies. By the time you finished rereading the twelfth letter for the fifth time, the birds outside were chirping signaling dawn.

You stood up abruptly and glanced out the window to find the rose-colored light of the sun’s rays peeking over the horizon.

I have to see him.

After washing your face, you discarded your ball gown in favor of a simple cotton dress and a woolen shawl. You picked up the letter addressed to Tobio and opened the door.

Akane, who had evidently been sleeping at your door, tumbled backwards and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh! A-apologies, my lady, but I waited to see if you needed anything and…”

You crouched down and helped the girl up to her feet. “Thank you, Akane, for everything you do. You are my most treasured ally.”

Her caramel-colored eyes welled up with tears that she wiped away with her sleeve. “H-how can I help you, my lady?”

You handed her the letter. “Have this sent to the Kageyama estate as soon as possible. Also let my father know that I will not be cancelling my engagement.”

Akane’s eyes lingered on your coat and a smile played on her lips as she replied, “right away, my lady.”

Outside the confines of your home, you breathed in the cool morning air and bolted down the white stone steps, setting off for Toru’s estate. Trudging through the grass and kicking up the rocks of your front lawn, you were full of energy despite not having slept a wink. The negative emotions that had weighed you down since your engagement were lifted and all you could think about was Toru. You wanted to drink in the sight of him, touch his face, run your fingers through his hair, and wrap your arms around him never to let go.

Your front gate eventually came to view, but before that, the backside of a man standing near your family’s fountain appeared and your breath caught in your throat.

Tall, broad shoulders underneath a black coat, and wind-swept brown hair, you knew who it was before he turned around.

Toru’s velvet brown eyes widened and his lips parted at the sight of you. He looked perfectly disheveled in his plain white shirt, unbuttoned, and exposing his chest, and grey trousers that looked like they’d seen better days. Like a moth to a flame, you drew closer until he was in front of you.

“I-I had to see you,” he admitted. “You disappeared from the ball and—”

“She told me…what actually happened.”

His eyes widened. “I must tell you—”

You reached for his hands, not able to hold back any longer. “You already have.” You brushed your thumbs against his knuckles and felt his pulse quicken. “I read your letters…multiple times.”

“I’m sorry, truly,” he breathed.

“I know, and I’m sorry as well. I should’ve given you a chance to explain. I should’ve read them sooner.” You released his hands and stared into his eyes, lips trembling. “If I’m too late an—”

His mouth descended upon yours in a kiss that silenced the words on your tongue. His oh-so- soft lips felt like satin on yours and you melted into his arms that wrapped around you and drew you closer to him. The swirling heat in your core returned and you wrapped your arms around his back, eager to see where the sensation led you.

Toru broke away from the kiss first, leaning his forehead against yours and taking in shallow ragged breaths. A whine escaped your lips and the embarrassing noise set your cheeks aflame. Toru laughed and pressed a chaste kiss to the tip of your nose.

“Patience, my love. We have the rest of our lives for this.” He assured you and drew you into a loving embrace.

His sweet words sounded like a promise to your ears and tears of joy prickled your eyes from simply imagining your future with Toru, the man you loved and had never stopped loving.

#oikawa x reader #haikyuu x reader #toru oikawa x reader #hq x reader #oikawa angst #chosen one event! #pb's collab event! #long af bc i changed the ending #and bc oikawa deserves 9k words #navs.hq