#yes i know purchasing the rights would be difficult but if u could get them it'd be a fucking fantastic investment

[equalseleventhirds]

if i were an extremely wealthy owner of a television network i would shrimply pick up all the successful shows netflix and hbo and disney cancelled that ppl made petitions abt and the creators said they have more written for

and then make more seasons of them and my network's ratings would be wildly high and also it'd be baller pr or w/e

#yes i know purchasing the rights would be difficult but if u could get them it'd be a fucking fantastic investment #listen. LISTEN. business model. make a streaming service. call it 'rescue' or something. ResQ. there. #is this feasible???? i do not know! but it'd be sooooo good

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers LUNATIC PARADE ;; Shuu Route ー Chapter 3

Monologue

“To heal Riegel-san’s heart,

broken and closed off to others

from losing his beloved.”

That was the goal we set in mind,

when preparing for this party.

I want it to be held at a place,

where Riegel-san would be able to relive,

vivid memories of himself and his late wife.

I am willing to go through great lengths,

to accomplish thisーー

ー The scene starts in the hotel room

Yui: ( First things first, we need to secure a venue. )

Shuu-san.

About the party venue, don’t you think we should hold it somewhere memorable to Riegel-san and his wife?

Shuu: Yeah...In that case, it’d have to be on a gondola, no?

Yui: On a...gondola...?

Shuu: If the information we gathered through the Familiars is correct, that is where Riegel and his wife tied the knot.

Coincidentally, it happened during the Parade as well.

If you want to make it memorable, now’s the perfect time, no?

Yui: You’re right...! I’ll go negotiate right away. Please wait here!

Shuu: ...Oi, hold your horses.

ー Shuu approaches her

Shuu: You’re going by yourself?

Yui: Um...Knowing you, I figured you’d rather not move...

Shuu: Yeah, I don’t. It’s a drag after all.

But...I’ll make an effort for you. (1)

Yui: Are you sure?

Shuu: Yeah. Let’s get going before I change my mind.

ー The scene shifts to the gondola docks

Yui: ( The reflection of the light on the water makes the surface glitter...How lovely. )

I’m sure meeting each other at such a lovely place must have made for a wonderful memory.

Shuu: ーー Well my bad that our meeting wasn’t all that ‘lovely’.

At first, you were just terrified the whole time after all.

Yui: T-That’s, well...You’re right, but...

Right now, I consider all of them good memories.

Shuu: Well, I guess that works. Haha...

ーー Anyway.

If we want to use this place as our party venue, we have to talk to the gondolier in the back.

Yui: Yes, I know.

( Here goes nothing! I’ll try and ask him. )

ー Yui approaches the gondolier

Gondolier B: Welcome! A ride for two?

Yui: Ah...Oh. 

I’m sorry. Actually, we came here to ask for a favor...

Gondolier B: A favor...?

Yui: Yes. 

You see, we are hoping to hold a party and...

We would love to organize it here.

Gondolier B: Eeh!? A party, right here!?

Yui: Yes. We want to hold it here no matter what.

Gondolier B: That’s easy for you to say, but the Parade is when we get most of our customers and when most of the money comes in.

I can’t just easily give you permission to use it.

Yui: Right...

( I guess we’re being pretty unreasonable. )

( However, I can’t imagine Riegel-san would prefer any other place over this one. I wonder if there’s really nothing that can be done...? )

Gondolier B: My bad, but we’re expecting a lot of people today as well. So I’d like to ask you to hurry up and leaーー

Shuu: ...Pwaah.

Gondolier B: ...! Y-You are...Karlheinz-sama’s...!

Geez! You should have told me that sooner!

Gotcha! Go ahead and organize whatever you want on the gondolas! My bad for being so unwilling earlier.

So...Please give my best regards to your Father.

Shuu: If I feel like it, I guess.

Yui: ( ...W-Wow...I’m not sure if I should say I saw this coming or what. )

*TIMESKIP*

Shuu: Haah...That concludes it for the venue.

So, what’s next on the list?

Yui: Um...

We can’t hold a party without food and drinks, huh?

It’d be nice if we could rely on the hotel as our main catering service but...

I’d also love to prepare a specific dish which was his wife’s favorite.

Shuu: If I recall correctly, the report we got from the Familiars described her as having a sweet tooth.

Yui: Exactly. For example, she was particularly fond of what we’d call a ‘Galette de Rois’ in the human world...

How about we go to a sweets shop which might be able to make it for us?

Shuu: ...I’m not too thrilled about this, but sure.

Yui : ( Fufu, I’m glad he’s still willing to come with me despite his complaints. )

ー The scene shifts to the Sweets Shop ‘Saphir’

Female Vampire A: Woah, looks delicious! As to be expected from Saphir, the number one sweets shop in the Demon World!

Female Vampire B: I don’t even know where to look first. I want to try them all...

Female Vampire C: In that case, we’ll just have to buy the entire line-up and take them home with us~

Yui: ( Wow...This place is packed with people...Just getting around the store seems difficult... )

Shuu: ...

I’m leaving the rest up to you. I’ll be...resting in the back.

ー Shuu walks away

Yui: ( Ah...He retreated to the eat-in area.... )

( Actually, I do feel a little bad for forcing him to be amongst such a large crowd. )

( I hope I can talk to a member of the staff soon... )

*Thud thud*

???: Hey, you! Move aside, move aside! Coming through with the cake!

Female Vampire A: Ah, it’s the owner! This scent...Aah, irresistible~ 

Yui: ( So that guy’s the owner! Okay, I should try and have a word with him...! )

U-Um! Excuse me!

Sweets shop owner: Hm? What do you want? I’m in a rush, so move aside!

Yui: I’d like to have a small talk with you! There’s a dessert I’d like to order by the final day of the Parade...

Sweets shop owner: An order by the end of the Parade? Not happening. Right now we are especially busy, I can use all the help I can get. (2)

Aah, so busy! I don’t know what to do first!!

Yui: ( No way... )

I-In that case...

Let me help out! I’ll try my hardest!

Sweets shop owner: No, no! There’s no way I canーー

ー More and more customers come in

Sweets shop owner: Hey, you! If you’re willing to help, then get to it!

In regards to what you asked earlier, depending on it, I might consider it.

Yui: Eh? Y-Yes! Understood...!

( I-I just have to give it my all for now! )

*TIMESKIP*

Female Vampire D: Please give me three more of these cakes.

Yui: Y-Yes!

Female Vampire E: Excuse me!? It was my turn first! Give me four of these first!

Yui: ( O-Oh no! It’s super busy...! )

Shuu: Nn...

Pwaah...

Yui: ( Ah...Seems like Shuu-san’s awake. )

ー Shuu walks over

Shuu: ...What are you doing?

Yui: As you can see, I’m helping out in the shop.

Female Vampire A: Hey, miss staff member! You’re in the way!

*Thud*

Yui: Wah!

*SHATTER*

Yui: ( Aah!? The plate broke! )

Shuu: Helping out? Like this?

Yui: ( Uu...E-Either way, I better clean up! )

ー Yui cleans up the shards

Shuu: Good grief...I can’t watch this...

Yui: ( Huh? Where is Shuu-san going...? )

Female Vampire A: Hmー If possible, I’d like at least one pie which isn’t too overly sweet...

But I have no idea which one to pick...

Shuu: ...In that case, I would recommend this. Not only does it cut back on the sugar, in turn it allows for the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine.

Female Vampire A: Oh dear, you seem very knowledgeable.

Yui: ( Wow... )

Female Vampire A: Right...In that case, I’ll take your recommendation and buy this one.

Shuu: You’re welcome.

ー Shuu returns to Yui’s side

Shuu: Well...There you have it.

Yui: You’re amazing, Shuu-san! The customer was delighted as well!

Shuu: Let me tell you, I’m not doing that a second tiーー

ー More customers approach them

Female Vampire B: We heard there’s a clerk who is especially knowledgeable on cakes here, but who could it be?

Female Vampire C: Anyway, I want to get a recommendation as well~?

Female Vampire D: Could it be the young man standing there!?

Female Vampire E: It has to be!

Yui: ( Ah...They found us. )

Shuu: ...

Seems like...I won’t be able to go for another nap.

Yui: ( Ahaha... )

*TIMESKIP*

Sweets shop owner: Honestly! Thank you so much for today! You helped me out a ton!

I don’t want to simply call this a way to return the favor so...

Please allow me to accept your request from earlier.

Yui: A-Are you sure?

Sweets shop owner: Yeah!

Doesn’t matter when you want it, I’ll make sure to fulfill my duty as the owner of this shop!

Yui: ( Hooray! )

Sweets shop owner: So? What kind of sweet treat is it?

Yui: Umーー

ー Yui explains

Sweets shop owner: I understand what you want very well.

You’ll have something to look forward to on the final day of the Parade!

Yui: Thank you very much!

ー The scene shifts back to the main street

Yui: It’s all thanks to you, Shuu-san! Thank you so much

Shuu: That was the first and final time I’ve done that, okay? ...Haah...

ーー So? What should we do next? We’re not done with all preparations, are we?

Yui: Um, I was thinking we should tackle the decorations for the gondola next.

Since we actually get to use it, I figured we might as well dress it up nicely.

Shuu: In that case...Reine de Aji’s shop could work, right?

Yui: Reine de Aji...?

Shuu: You’ll understand once we get there. Follow me.

Yui: ( ...? )

ー The scene shifts to general store Reine De Aji

Yui: ( Waah! There’s so many beautiful decorations out on display...! )

( I don’t know where to look first. )

How do you think we should decorate, Shuu-san?

Shuu: Anything works. I don’t really have a specific preference.

But well, personally, rather than the decorationsーー

*Thud*

Yui: ( Ah...They’re even selling antique violins. )

Shuu: I believe the music is what makes or breaks a party.

Yui: You might have a point.

Ah...Since it’s such a good opportunity, how about you play one song as well?

Shuu: No. Too much work.

Yui: ( Ahaha, I figured he’d say that... )

...I’d love to hear you play since it’s been so long though.

Shuu: ...

Yui: Is that too much to ask?

Shuu: Haah...Just a little, okay?

*Thud*

Shuu: ...

ー He starts playing the violin

Yui: ( What a beautiful melody... )

*THUD*

Shuu: ...Who’s there?

???: ...

Shuu: Aji, is that you?

Yui: ( So this is Aji-san. )

Reine de Aji: ...What exactly brings the eldest Sakamaki to my establishment?

Shuu: I don’t owe you an explanation. It’s none of your business, is it?

Reine de Aji: Hmph...If you don’t feel like answering my question, then I don’t feel like selling you anything either.

Yui: ( O-Oh no...! )

Aji-san! We’re actually planning to hold a party for a certain someone...

We came here to purchase the necessary decorations.

Reine de Aji: ...I see...

Well, in that case, you made the right choice by coming to my store.

After all, my line-up is rather extensive. On top of that...

I have a great offer.

*Rustle*

Reine de Aji: Voila.

Yui: A locket pendant...?

Reine de Aji: It’s not just your regular old pendant.

It’s a bewitched object which makes the wearer take the appearance of the person whose picture is put inside the locket.

Yui: W-Wow!

( Then...If we were to put a picture of Riegel-san’s wife inside...! )

Reine de Aji: Well then, this isn’t a demonstration. Better put it away again...

Yui: Ah! P-Please, wait! Could you please let us borrow that pendant?

Reine de Aji: This?

You make it sound so easy, but...

Yui: Is it too much to ask...?

Reine de Aji: ...

Under one condition.

In return for borrowing this pendant, you have to show me something good.

Yui: ...Entertain me...?

Reine de Aji: If no, it’s a no-deal. What will you do?

Yui: P-Please let me! I’ll try my best!

ー The scene shifts to Aizen Alleyway

Yui: ( I replied in the spur of the moment but... )

What do you think we could do to please Aji-san?

Shuu: ...

Yui: Shuu-san?

Shuu: Say...Do we even really need that pendant anyway?

Yui: ( Seems like he’s not too happy about the idea. But... )

I’m sure it’d make Riegel-san happy.

Shuu: ...

...Well, if you insist, fine.

Anyway, let’s try asking the people in town about whatever may catch Aji’s attention.

Yui: Y-Yes...!

ー The scene shifts to the main street

Male Vampire A: Hm...You’re kind of catching me off guard with the sudden question.

Yui: Anything will do. No matter how trivial...

Male Vampire A: ...

Yui: ...Ugh.

Male Vampire A: I’m sorry, I don’t know. Please ask someone else.

Yui: ...Okay...Thank you very much.

Male Vampire A: Bye.

ー The Vampire walks away

Shuu: ...That was our tenth try...What will you do? Give up already?

Yui: ...No. Why don’t we test our luck somewhere else? If we do, I’m sure we’ll...

( Gotta keep trying and not give up! )

ー The scene shifts to the wagon area

Yui: ( It’s even more crowded than earlier. One of these people might know something. )

( Okay...! I’ll try asking that person over there first. )

Excuse me...! I’d like to ask something...

Male Vampire B: ...Oh dear, what could that be?

Yui: Do you happen to know the person who runs a store over in the other street called Aji-san?

Male Vampire B: I do know her.

Yui: Actually, we want to make her happy somehow and...We were wondering if you knew any good ways to do so?

Male Vampire B: ...

...Hmー...

Yui: ( This time for sure...! )

Male Vampire B: My apologies, I doubt I’ll be of much help.

Yui: ...I see...

Male Vampire B: ...

If I had to name something I know about her...The only thing I could tell you is that she enjoys flora.

Yui: ...Flora...You say?

Male Vampire B: Yes. ...Oh, I made plans to meet up with someone, so you’ll have to excuse me now.

ー The Vampire walks away

Yui: T-Thank you very much!

( Flora, huh...? )

Yui: Um, Shuu-san? Why don’t we try giving her a plant she might like?

Shuu: ...I’m not sure. I can’t tell you whether that’ll actually please her or not.

Yui: But I don’t think we have much other choice but to rely on the information we just got...

Are there any stores selling plants nearby?

Shuu: I mean, there are, I guess.

Yui: ( Okay...! Let’s go take a look! )

ー The scene shifts to the garden store

Yui: This is the place...

( There’s so many plants I’ve never seen before! Guess I should have expected as much from the Demon World... )

...Amazing...

Shuu: Not really. They’ve only got plants which are commonly seen around the Demon World. I doubt any of these will please Aji-san.

In short...I feel as if we’re only wasting our time here?

Yui: S-Sorry...

( Hm...What a shame. Seems like we’re back to square one. )

???: ...Hm? Are you customers, perhaps? Welcome.

I’m the owner, so if you are looking for something, please ask away.

Yui: Thank you very much.

Garden store owner: My extensive knowledge on the flowers which grow in the Demon World is the one thing I pride myself on.

Yui: ...I see. In that case...

Which flower would make a person the happiest if they were to receive it as a gift?

Garden store owner: Everyone has different tastes.

But...A flower which can please everyone, can only be ‘that’.

Yui: ‘That’?

Garden store owner: Exactly. ‘That’ flower which only blooms in the mountains.

Yui: Only grows in the mountains...Then where exactly are these mountains?

Garden store owner: Don’t tell me...You want to go pluck one?

Yui: If it’s a flower which can make any person happy, then I’d like to if possible.

Garden store owner: I see.

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I doubt it’ll work out.

...Well, I’m sure you’ll find out once you reach the mountains. I don’t mind drawing you a map.

Yui: ( I wonder what he means? )

ー The scene shifts the entrance of the mines

Yui: ( Um...I’m pretty sure we have to go right here...Then left at the next corner... )

ー The scene shifts to an underground lake

Shuu: Oi...We’re still not there yet?

Yui: P-Please wait. I’m pretty sure we’ve reached our destination...

According to the map, there should be a cave closeby.

Shuu: A cave?

Couldn’t it be that one over there?

Yui: Ah...!

Shuu: Good grief...You’re getting way too caught up in the map instead of actually looking at your surroundings.

Well, that being said, I’d rather not get ourselves lost again from walking around aimlessly.

Come on, let’s get going already.

Yui: Y-Yes!

ー The scene shifts to the Selenite Crystal Cave

Yui: ( Wow, it’s glittering somehow... )

What are these...?

Shuu: Selenite, right? Seems like the entire cave is made up from them.

Yui: ...I see...

Shuu: Oi, this isn’t the time to be captivated by them. Let’s look for the thing we came for.

Yui: Right.

( The shop owner didn’t tell us anything about the actual flower, did he? )

( ‘You’ll be able to tell straight away’ is the only hint we have... )

...Um...

*Flash*

Yui: ( ...? )

*Flash*

Yui: ( I’m not...imagining this, right? )

Shuu: ...Oi. Don’t you think that could be it? There’s been flashing lights coming from the back.

Yui: Let’s go look.

Monologue

What we found at the end of the path,

was a mysterious flower.

Covering the whole surrounding area,

they spread a warm light across,

shining amidst the dark like fireflies.

Their beauty is simply out of this world.

I subconsciously extended my hand towards the stem.

Howeverーー

*WOOSH*

Yui: ( I-It disappeared... )

Shuu: This must be the Ghost Flower.

Yui: Ghost Flower?

Shuu: Yeah, just like actual ghosts, you aren’t able to touch them.

Yui: ( So that’s why it vanished. )

( But...It was really pretty. I think I understand why anyone would be happy to see these flowers. )

( I’m sure Aji-san as well... )

...Um, Shuu-san? Can’t we get this flower to Aji-san’s store somehow?

Shuu: ...Haah...

Doesn’t seem like you’ll give up any time soon, so why don’t you try out some things?

Yui: ( Um...He’s basically saying he’ll stay here with me for now, right...? )

( F-For now, I’ll just try anything which comes to mind! )

*TIMESKIP*

*WOOSH*

Yui: Aah...Another fail...

( No matter how gently I touch them, it’s no use. Trying to pluck them from a different angle didn’t work either. )

( I guess it really is impossible... )

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( Shuu-san appears to be listening to music, but he seems bored. )

( But...There’s one more thing I’d like to try. )

( They disappear upon contact...So basically I have to avoid touching them, right? )

( I wonder if digging them up together with the soil would work then? )

( It’s all or nothing...Here goes...! )

*Thud thud*

Yui: ...! Shuu-san, look! The flower didn’t vanish...!

Shuu: Looks like it.

Yui: We can take it back with us to Aji-san’s store like this...! Aah, I’m so glad!

Shuu: ...

No, it’s too early to rejoice.

Try waiting a little like that.

Yui: ...?

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: ( I wonder how long I should wait? I’d guess about five minutes have passed by now. )

Shuu-san, what’s the point of thiーー

*WOOSH*

Yui: Ah!

Shuu: ...I knew it.

I figured that if all you had to do was scoop it out with soil and all, then the people from the garden shop would have long been doing that.

Yui: You...do have a point...

( There’s no way we can make it back to Aji-san’s shop in just five minutes. )

I wonder if it’s really impossible...

Shuu: ...No, that’s not true either.

Yui: Eh...?

Shuu: Let me ask you once more. ...You really want to borrow the pendant, right?

Yui: Well...Of course!

Shuu: Okay then.

ーー Oi. Dig out that ghost flower from the ground once more.

Yui: S-Sure.

( What could he be thinking? Anyway, I’ll just put faith in Shuu-san for now... )

*Thud thud*

Yui: Done.

Shuu: Okay. Now I just have to do this...

Yui: ( Why did he pick up a pebble...? )

Shuu: Thereーー!

*Swoosh*

*Thud*

*Flap flap flap flap flap*

Yui: Wah!? B-Bats!?

( They were startled by the sound of the rock and jumped out! Where did this many of them even come fromーー!? )

*Rustle*

Yui: Shuu-san!? What is this about...!?

Shuu: They can carry us to Aji’s store in under five minutes.

Yui: I seeーー

*Flap flap flap flap flap*

Yui: ...Wait, eeeeeh!?

Shuu: Wake me up when we’ve arrived.

*Flap flap flap flap flap*

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( Geez, Shuu... )

( O-Okay! I have to just let myself be carried. )

Monologue

I made up my resolve.

And decided to keep still,

as I let the bats carry me.

When taking a quick glance at the ground below,

I could see,

the ongoing Parade.

If I hadn’t gotten my heart stolen, then perhaps right now, 

Shuu-san and I would also beーー

Such thoughts flashed through the back of my mind.

I shake my head, getting rid of those thoughts,

while continuing to pray,

that the Ghost Flower in my hands would not disappear.

ー The scene shifts to Reine de Aji’s store

*Flap flap flap flap flap*

Yui: ( W-We somehow got here before the Ghost Flower vanished. )

Shuu-san! Wake up, please! We’re here!!

Shuu: Nn...Pwaah...

That’s pretty fast. I wouldn’t have minded snoozing for a little longer...

Yui: More importantly, we should hurry up and find Aji-sanーー

*Flap flap flap flap flap*

Reine de Aji: W-What is this ruckus about!?

Yui: Ah, Aji-san!

Reine de Aji: You lot...! Are you trying to destroy my shop out of spite for not getting the pendant!?

Yui: N-No!

Take a look at this, please! We wanted to make you happy, so...

Reine de Aji: T-This is...Could it be, a Ghost Flower...?

The legendary flower, and the one flower in this world I had yet to see...

*WOOSH*

Yui: ( Aah, it vanished... )

Reine de Aji: ...

Yui: ( Oh no. The shop’s a mess because of the bats... )

( I guess...We failed to please her... )

Reine de Aji: That wasn’t an illusion just now, it was an actual Ghost Flower. I...

I’ve always wanted to see it here in my store, even if only once.

You did all of this just for me?

Yui: I just thought it’d be nice if it would make you happy...But I’m sorry you were only able to see it for such a short time.

Reine de Aji: Don’t sweat it. You made me plenty happy.

Furthermore, the fact they wither is exactly what makes flowers so beautiful.

ーー Thank you. I’m very pleased.

Yui: ( T-Thank god! Then... )

Reine de Aji: As promised...

*Cling*

Reine de Aji: I’ll lend you this pendant.

Yui: T-Thank you very much!

( We did it! )

Reine de Aji: Hey, you...Sakamaki.

Shuu: ...

Reine de Aji: I’ve written you guys off as lost causes for the longest time.

But you did all of this to make me happy. Especially this young lady over here.

...She’s quite the catch.

You chose your partner well. I suppose we should have expected as much from the eldest son of the family.

Shuu: Thank you.

Yui: ( I guess...she complimented me? It’s a little embarrassing but I’m happy. )

ー The scene shifts back to the hotel

*Cling*

Yui: ( If you put a picture inside this locket and put the necklace on, you can turn into that person...Huh? )

( Reevaluating it, it really is a mysterious thing. )

Anyway...We can hold the party without any trouble now.

Shuu: Yeah.

But...You’re forgetting one important thing.

Yui: Important...?

( What could that be? )

We’ve settled on the location, the cake and even got a surprise prepared...Which leaves...

Shuu: ...

Yui: Which leaves...?

Shuu: ...

Yui: U-Um...What do we still have left to do exactly?

Shuu: Good grief...

ー Shuu steps closer

Shuu: ーー Show your gratitude.

Yui: Excuse me?

Shuu: Show your gratitude to me.

Who’s to thank for making it this far into the preparations?

Yui: ( S-Starting with the gondola, I guess none of this would have been possible if Shuu-san hadn’t been there with me. )

Shuu-san, thank you so much for today.

I’m sorry for not saying this sooner.

Shuu: Just words won’t suffice.

In that case, let’s see...I wonder what I should ask from you instead?

I guess I should pose you the question for once.

Yui: U-Um...

( ...Something I can do... ) 

Selection

→ Give him a massage (☾)

Yui: ...Ah, right!

How about...a massage?

Shuu: A massage...

Yui: ( Uu, I feel like he’s appalled. )

I figured you must be exhausted, so I thought it wasn’t a bad idea...

Shuu: Haha...I guess it wouldn’t be bad every once in a while. Guess I’ll let you do your thing then.

Yui: Y-Yes...

*Rustle rustle*

Shuu: ...Oi. You can’t call that a massage. Put in a little more effort.

Yui: Okay.

*Rustle rustle*

Shuu: ...Phew...

*Rustle rustle*

→ Write him a letter of gratitude

Yui: In that case...How about I write you a letter of gratitude?

We can frame it and hang it on the wall at the manor, for example...

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( H-He looks disappointed. )

Shuu: Haah...Guess I’ll take the sentiment at least.

Yui: Yes...

( I guess it would have been way better to offer him a massage or something... )

( I’ll do that next time. )

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: ( Anyway...I’m glad preparations for the party went smoothly. )

( Ah...But... )

( Shuu-san didn’t seem too stoked about the idea of the pendant. )

( I wonder why? )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) The てやる or ‘te-yaru’ construction implies that he is doing something for the sake of someone else. 

(2) Literally he says ‘I’d even be willing to accept help from a cat’. This idiom is used when someone is so busy, they will accept any help, even from someone who might not be the best.

← RETURN TO CHAPTER 2

→ PROCEED WITH MAIN STORY [CHAPTER 4]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #1 [W/ SUBARU]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #2 [W/ RUKI]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #3 [W/ KOU]

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #shuu sakamaki #lunatic parade #diabolik lovers translation #lpshuuchapter3

[cryingcow]

Kiryu & Oda - Is Tachibana Real Estate a Good Company? [RGGO]

Starting April, RGG Online has looped back to Y0 events and cards. This 2-part scratchcard mini-event features Oda “April Fools” Jun and Kiryu “asks way too many questions” Kazuma, two real estate agents who may or may not be doing real estate stuff while they pose like runway models and eat delicious ramen together :D

Some of you may be wondering why I seem to randomly insert them screenshots in the text. Usually other than showing new characters, I put them in when there’s a change in the facial expression / tone. It’s harder to tell with these Dragon Engine avatars, but they do still make :0 or :) faces (like when Oda says Kiryu’s being cute lol)

.

PROLOGUE

.

|

One day in 1988. In Kamurocho, various speculations revolve around “The Empty Lot”. Meanwhile, Kiryu, who decided to join hands with Tachibana Real Estate, meets up with Oda to discuss the future . . .

|

Kiryu: “So? What should I do from here on out?”

Oda: “Your fingerprints were lifted from the corpse in the Empty Lot. The police are spinning it in various ways. So I think you should wait until the president gives instructions.”

Kiryu: “All right. But before I cooperate, there’s something I need to know. Does your company, Tachibana Real Estate, do anything other than landgrabbing?”

Oda: “Why do you care about that?”

Kiryu: “It’s not a big deal. But I still don’t know you very well.”

Oda: “It’s as if you don’t believe in us.”

Kiryu: “Whatever you’re doing, I don’t mind.”

Oda: “Hm. Then follow me.”

Kiryu: “?”

Oda: “I’ll show you what you want. The other work we do besides landgrabbing.”

----

Oda: “We’ve arrived.”

Kiryu: “. . . Isn’t this Hideya? This is a long-established ramen shop in Champion District.”

Oda: “You’re well informed. As expected of a yakuza of the Dojima Family with roots in Kamurocho.”

Kiryu: “‘Former’ yakuza.”

Oda: “How rude of me.”

Kiryu: “So? What’s wrong with Hideya?”

Oda: “Take a look inside.”

Kiryu: “. . . What’s this?”

Oda: “As you can see, Hideya’s been in a slump these days.”

Kiryu: “What happened? Did the taste quality drop while I wasn’t there?”

Oda: “Why don’t you check for yourself? I’ll treat you, so try eating it.”

Kiryu: “I’m not owing you a debt of gratitude for the treat.”

Oda: “Heh. That’s cute.”

----

Oda: “Sorry for the disturbance.”

Shop Manager: “Welcome! Ah, Oda-san. And also Kiryu-san.”

Kiryu: “Long time no see, shop manager.”

Oda: “Shop manager, some ramen. Is that all right with you?”

Kiryu: “Yeah.”

Shop Manager: “On it!”

Oda: “It’s not a pretty shop, but it’s a shop that stood the test of time, isn’t it?”

Kiryu: “The shop’s appearance doesn’t matter as long as you can have something to eat.”

Oda: “Hm. Is that so.”

Shop Manager: “Yes, the ramen you waited for!”

Oda: “Shall we eat now?”

Kiryu: “. . . Yeah.”

Kiryu: “. . . !!”

Oda: “How is it? Did the taste quality go down?”

Kiryu: “No . . . it’s good. It’s been a while since I ate it, but it tastes the same as before.”

Oda: “Right? As far as I know, Hideya’s ramen is so delicious that it’s worth three 3 fingers in Kamurocho.”

Kiryu: “But then why aren’t there many customers?”

Shop Manager: “Ahaha, you sure can say it frankly.”

Kiryu: “Ah . . . , no . . .”

Shop Manager: “It’s okay. Because it’s true.”

Kiryu: “. . . I’m sorry.”

Oda: “So shop manager, is it true you want to close the shop and sell the land here?”

Shop Manager: “With only these many customers coming in . . . The cost of the ingredients wasted everyday is not a trivial matter . . .”

Oda: “Is that really okay?”

Shop Manager: “Certainly it’s painful that the smiles of the customers who ate our ramen can’t be seen anymore.  . . . the time has come, I’m sure.”

Kiryu: “. . .”

Oda: “I understand . . . If you want to sell the land, please contact us. We will purchase it at a higher price than other companies.”

Shop Manager: “. . . Yeah. When that time comes, I will consult you.”

----

Kiryu: “Did we really go just to find out if you could buy Hideya’s land?”

Oda: “Who knows, Kiryu-kun. now listen up.”

Kiryu: “. . .”

Oda: “How about we start at the top? Did you know that the reason why customers don’t come to Hideya is not because of the taste?”

Kiryu: “Yeah. If it tastes like that, more customers should be coming in. There has to be other reasons why the customers don’t come.”

Oda: “Spot on.”

Kiryu: “What on earth is it? What is the real reason why Hideya doesn’t have customers?”

Oda: “Hideya has been receiving harassment. The Tojo Clan subsidiary, Moriguchi Family, wants to get their hands on the shop’s land.”

Kiryu: “What did you say?”

Oda: “To strengthen their claim, they have bad guys hanging out in front of the store . . . because of these guys, the regulars steer clear of Hideya. Still, the manager of Hideya manages to keep the shop open. Until that ramen shop, which is across the street . . .”

Kiryu: “Across the street? Is that the shop with a long line?”

Oda: “It’s a recently opened shop. That shop has been robbing Hideya of customers.”

Kiryu: “Is it really delicious?”

Oda: “Not at all. You can see at first glance that it’s of lesser quality. It’s not a taste that can compete with Hideya.”

Kiryu: “Then why do they get so many customers?”

Oda: “The ramen there is 100 yen per bowl.”

Kiryu: “100 yen?! Can they make it at such price?”

Oda: “That shop has no intention of making a profit from ramen.”

Kiryu: “. . . No way, is that ramen shop . . . ?”

Oda: “Yeah. No matter how much harassment they do, they won’t evict Hideya— so it’s a ramen shop run by the Moriguchi Family, started just to rob Hideya of customers. Attacking a small shop while backed up with abundant funds . . . it’s a dirty trick. But if you ask, they’ll just say the customers are satisfied with their low price. It’s a corporate effort. What they’re doing isn’t illegal or anything.”

Kiryu: “Cheaters.”

Oda: “I agree with you.”

Kiryu: “But is Tachibana Real Estate also aiming for that land? After all, you guys have the same goal.”

Oda: “Would you prefer being with those guys?”

Kiryu: “Is it any different?”

Oda: “Hasn’t it been mentioned before? It’s our president’s policy. Protecting the land of the Champion District.”

Kiryu: “I see . . . so how are you going to protect Hideya’s land?”

Oda: “First of all, we will hold a scratch event. Of course I’ll shoulder the full cost.”

Kiryu: “Scratch event?”

Oda: “Distribute scratchcard tickets to customers who order ramen. It’s an event where you might get a wonderful prize if you win. Customers will be enticed by the expensive prizes, and once they taste Hideya’s ramen, they’ll become regulars. If the regulars spread the word around, the customers will surely return to Hideya. That’s the aim.”

Kiryu: “I see. But I don’t understand.”

Oda: “Hm?”

Kiryu: “No matter Tachibana’s policy, does Tachibana Real Estate do things that aren’t profitable? Would it be profitable for the company to protect a crushed ramen shop?”

Oda: “The president says that blocking the interest of competitors is one of the good management strategies.”

Kiryu: “I don’t know how difficult that is, but okay. But there’s one more thing I don’t understand.”

Oda: “What?”

Kiryu: “You, Oda. Are you cooperating this time because you were told to by Tachibana?”

Oda: “Of course. I’m an employee of Tachibana Real Estate, aren’t I? That person’s words are absolute.”

Kiryu: “Then what about your true intentions? After all, you also want to grab Hideya’s land, right?”

Oda: “Well, if you shut down Hideya and turn it into a sex shop, you can expect quite the profit every month. But it’s a bit of a problem for me to not be able to eat Hideya’s ramen. After all, I’m a regular at that shop. I won’t be able to eat there twice a week and relax.”

Kiryu: “. . . Heh. That kind of reason is something I can trust. So when will you start the event?”

Oda: “Tomorrow. We should do it as soon as possible.”

Kiryu: “Got it. What should I do?”

Oda: “Take the scratchcard tickets from the office to Hideya. I’ll inform the shop manager about the campaign.”

----

Kiryu: “Shop manager. I brought the scratchcard tickets from Tachibana Real Estate office.”

Shop Manager: “Sorry, Kiryu-san. To do this for this place . . .”

Kiryu: “Don’t worry about it. Because I like this place too.”

Shop Manager: “. . .”

Kiryu: “What’s wrong? Your face looks gloomy.”

Shop Manager: “It’s my first time holding an event, I don’t know if it will work . . .”

Kiryu: “The event will just be a chance to get to know Hideya’s ramen. It’s like a bonus.”

Shop Manager: “. . . Yeah. I know that . . .”

Kiryu: “Have confidence. I’m sure everyone will accept Hideya’s ramen.”

Shop Manager: “. . . Understood. I’ll do my best!”

Kiryu: “Then I can take my leave?”

Shop Manager: “Yeah, leave it to me tomorrow!”

{The door closes behind Kiryu as he leaves.}

Shop Manager: “Alright, preparations are done. Do I have a little rest before tomorrow?”

{The door opens again.}

Moriguchi: “Oh, sorry for the disturbance.”

Shop Manager: “Y-You, Moriguchi-san?!”

Moriguchi: “Hideya-san, what kind of event are you doing? If it’s something to do with these scratchcards, you might as well give up, it’ll end all the same.”

Shop Manager: “I-It doesn’t matter to you.”

Moriguchi: “I want us to have a great relationship. It’s about time you rethink getting along with us.  . . . Oh, do it.”

Yakuza: “Yes sir!”

{The sound of furniture breaking is heard as the yakuza swings around his sledgehammer.}

Shop Manager: “Wh-What are you doing?! St-Stop it!”

Moriguchi: “Joining hands with Tachibana Real Estate . . . it’s natural to feel hurt when you make light of yakuza.”

Shop Manager: “U-Uugh . . .”

Yakuza: “Boss, what do we do with these?”

Moriguchi: “Ah? Scratchcard tickets . . . It won’t be needed for a shop that will be shut down soon. Would you like to use it for a sideshow entertainment? It’ll make for a good prize.”

Shop Manager: “I-If you take that, the event will . . . !”

Moriguchi: “Shut up, fool!”

{Moriguchi punches the shop manager, causing him to collapse.}

Shop Manager: “Guh!”

Moriguchi: “To really go through all that unnecessary effort . . . Alright, let’s go.”

Yakuza: “Yes sir.”

{The door closes as the two yakuza leave.}

Shop Manager: “Damn it . . . damn it . . . !”

----

|Next morning.|

Kiryu: (It’s about time for the shop manager to be preparing to open. Maybe I can help with something.)

Kiryu: “Hm . . . ? Th-This is?!”

Oda: “Kiryu, you arrived!”

Kiryu: “What on earth happened? Hideya has been messed up.”

Oda: “It’s the Moriguchi Family. It seems they broke into Hideya last night. The shop has been messed up, and the shop’s earnings and scratchcard tickets have been taken away.”

Kiryu: “What did you say?! What about the shop manager?”

Oda: “Being treated at the hospital right now. It’s not a major injury since he only received a few hits. However, his heart is hurt . . .”

Kiryu: “. . .”

Oda: “For now, let’s clean up the shop. It may be time for business, but the event is . . .”

Kiryu: “. . . The event can be held as long as the scratchcards come back.”

Oda: “Where are you going? The Moriguchi Family?”

Kiryu: “Yeah. I know the location of the Moriguchi Family.”

Oda: “I’ll go too. This time even I’m pissed off.”

----

Oda: “Hello.”

Moriguchi: “If I’m not mistaken, ain’t you the fellows from Tachibana Real Estate? What’s this about?”

Kiryu: “We came to get the scratchcards back.”

Moriguchi: “Haw, you mean these scratchcards? Even though the shop is about to be crushed, you still have the insolence to think about events . . . But without these crucial tickets, the event won’t unfold, ain’t that right?”

Kiryu: “Return the tickets quietly. That way, I won’t have to do much to you.”

Moriguchi: “How are you two going to deal with this many people? It makes me laugh! I’m beating the fear of the yakuza into your body!”

Kiryu: “It’s easy to boast. Bring it on.”

Moriguchi: “Fine! Oi, you guys! Don’t hesitate! Do in this impertinent fool!”

.

-END-

.

EPILOGUE

.

Moriguchi: “Wh-What are these guys. Mo-Monsters?!”

Oda: “Isn’t calling us monsters a bit much?”

Moriguchi: “Eh? So-Sorry . . . !”

Kiryu: “Oi.”

Moriguchi: “Ye-Yes?”

Kiryu: “You’re not meddling with Hideya again, are you?”

Oda: “You understand exactly what will happen if you start, right?”

Moriguchi: “O-Of course! I-I will never do it again!”

----

Customer A: “Ramen and one drink.”

Shop Manager: “Yes!”

Customer B: “A large serving of Chashu Ramen!”

Shop Manager: “Yes! Please wait a moment!”

{The door opens.}

Kiryu: “Shop manager, is your body okay?”

Shop Manager: “Yeah, Kiryu-san! Thanks to you I’m full of life!”

Kiryu: “Hm, I see. The event seems to be going well.”

Shop Manager: “When was the last time the shop has been this busy? I really thank you!”

Kiryu: “That’s great. But now things are just getting started. After all, the reputation of Hideya’s ramen will echo throughout Kamurocho. You’ll be really busy starting tomorrow.”

Shop Manager: “Yeah. That’s what I desire!”

----

Oda: “Yo. How was it? How’s the shop manager?”

Kiryu: “Working happily. He gives his best regards.”

Oda: “That’s good.”

Kiryu: “Apparently you’re not the money-grubbers you seem to be.”

Oda: “Ha? What’s that? This matter is also business. Helping out Hideya will reduce the power of rival organizations. It would be profitable for Tachibana Real Estate in the long run.”

Kiryu: “. . . Heh. I see.”

Oda: “What’s that. Anyway, the job is done. Let’s eat. But it’s not my treat.”

Kiryu: “Yeah, I’ll go with you.”

.

-END-

Masterlist

#Oda here: 'haha see I am a good person just like you :D' #Oda in the next event: *human trafficking* #rgg online #rggo lore #rggo #rgg #ryu ga gotoku #yakuza #kazuma kiryu #kiryu kazuma #oda jun #jun oda

[sweetcatmintea]

A Hare’s Worth: Opening Scene

So yep, this is the very beginning of my wip A Hare’s Worth. It’s not perfect but improvement comes with time ^u^ I hope you enjoy it! (I know their surname is inconsistent with other uploads. I’m still working out how I like it) Feedback is always appreciated 💜

Words: 1310 Characters: Marcos and Bridget

Ever since he could remember, Marcos had been worried. He worried about everything and anything and nothing at all. He worried that the world really was just a terrible place like the adults said, and that he wouldn’t ever have any of the right answers, not even when he was old and grey. He worried about growing up and about understanding things like bills and jobs. That’s not to say he didn’t appreciate being alive, not at all. Although it was a contemplation that does not usually cross a small child’s mind, he had already decided he very much wanted to live. After all, who knew what was in the Next? Yes, Marcos had always been worried, but one day he hoped he might not be.

The smell of rain lingered in the damp air as Marcos and his mother, Bridget O’Haera, hurried from the store in the hopes of reaching their home while they were still dry. The brown paper bag would be poor protection for the notebooks Bridget had purchased and she would have preferred they weren’t ruined the same day they were bought. They weren’t too far away, Marcos could trace the map in his mind to their house. Just follow the street to the end, left until they got to the yard with the rose garden, then turn right and their house was just after the one with a blue letterbox. Not too far away at all. His hare claws clicked uncomfortably against the concrete path as they walked. He had never liked the scraping feeling, but it was probably better than getting who knows what all stuck under them and in his brown fur if he walked on the grass instead. It’d be bad if an ant bit his paw.

Nearing the end of the street, Bridget hurried her pace, nudging them from a half trot into a speed walk. Even though she had hare feet like him, she never seemed bothered by what they walked on. He had some trouble keeping up with her long strides, stumbling as he looked around to work out why they were going so fast. There was nothing there. Just a man leaning against the fence to an empty lot, seemingly lost in the drag of his cigarette. Even from a distance, the stench easily overcame the subtle petrichor Marcos had been enjoying. The smell assaulted his nose, choking him. As the pair approached the man, he paused from his smoke and smiled at Bridget. She returned it with a polite nod, making to pass him. Before she could, he stepped into her path.

“Hey there. I’ve seen you around a lot, always wanted to strike up a chat. Name’s Paul.” Paul flicked his cigarette butt, crushing it uncomfortably close to them.

Bridget took half a step back to avoid his heavy boot crushing her toes. Marcos skittered back another pace, sticking close to his mother’s side. Her grip tightened on his little hand. Not enough to hurt, but still, he was starting to get nervous.

“Yeah. We must like to shop at the same time. Too bad we can’t stay and talk, but it looks like the weather’s turning, so…” She tried to again to move past him. Again, he halted her.

“C’mon now, we’ve got time for a little chat.” He flashed his teeth in what she was sure was meant to be a charming smile. As subtly as she could, Bridget pushed Marcos further behind her. Paul leaned in closer, his open jacket a hair’s width from brushing against her.

“Y’know, I don’t normally talk to…” he glanced up at her long, furred ears, “your kind, but I think I’ll make an exception just this once. Weird as they are, those bunny ears are pretty cute, y’know.” He caught a strand of her auburn hair, wrapping the curl around his finger. It took all of her willpower not to tremble as he took his liberties with her personal space. She managed to hold her resolve, acutely aware of how tightly Marcos was gripping her leg. Men like Paul were far from an uncommon experience for her, particularly in her line of work, but that didn’t make them any easier to deal with. As much as she would have liked to slap his hand away with some particularly colourful language, she knew getting her son home safely was the only thing that mattered. For now, she’d play by his rules.

“I’m flattered, really, but we must be going.”

His gaze dropped to Marcos and her heart stopped. Leave him alone. She pushed him back further, but it was already too late.

“I’m great with kids, so you don’t have to worry about your little ankle biter scaring me off.” Another charming smile. “What’s your name, champ?”

All but hidden behind her, Marcos glanced at his mother. He didn’t want to talk to this man. Although Bridget’s nod was encouraging, her forced smile was less so.  He swallowed nervously.

“… Marcos… Sir?” Please go away.

Paul laughed. “How polite! And what’re you up to today, Marcos?”

Marcos curled into himself, mumbling a response. “… Getting things, for school…” He didn’t like the way Paul said his name.

“I didn’t know they let you rabbits into school.” Paul tussled Marcos’ wiry curls. “Good for you!”

Marcos didn’t complain when Bridget shoved him back safely behind her. Her fur bristled as she gave a forced laugh.

“Yep, starting school is a big step for kids. As lovely as this chat has been, we really have to go before it-”

Thunder cracked the sky, punctuating itself with a heavy downpour.

“rains.”

Cursing, Paul ran for cover. Bridget’s tension followed him. She checked Marcos over quickly, then hurried for home again.

Fifteen minutes later, the brown paper bag was on the scuffed wooden kitchen table, the door was locked, and Marcos was in a warm bath. The notebooks were damp but, with a little effort, still salvageable.

The rain lasted for the rest of the day and well into the night. Marcos listened to his mum bustling around their little house, making sure all of the preparations were made for his first day at school. He was supposed to be asleep. By now, both he and his mum knew he wouldn’t be. He just didn’t know how to do it. Even with the water tapping against his windowpanes and creating a soothing white noise, thinking of nothing was surprisingly difficult. Sighing, he fussed about in his bed, trying to find a more comfortable position to arrange himself in. Is that really how adults went to sleep? Was it even possible? Just think of black, right? It’d be easier if the moon wasn’t so bright. Who said the moon could be that bright anyway? That was the sun’s job! Marcos nuzzled further under the blankets. He just had to kind of manoeuvre himself so he could be completely covered with just enough air to breath. As annoying as it was to be very much awake, at least he wasn’t lonely. A fuzzy bear pressed tight to his chest made sure of that. Maybe he should count sheep? He didn’t know more than ten though. One sheep. Two sheep. A blue sheep…

Eventually, he felt his body grow light and his mind quiet. Only to be jolted awake by the shrill ring of their telephone. Who was calling? Maybe he should hop up and check. No. His mum had told him to go to bed. He’d probably get in trouble if he was up. Plus, if he went out, she might not be there. He hated it when that happened. It was really scary. Listening carefully, he could hear her voice faintly from the living room. Barely a murmur, he couldn’t make out any of the words. The noise lulled him back to sleep.  

—

Tag List

@snobbysnekboi, @inkovert, @kainablue, @i-rove-rock-n-roll, and @goblin-writer

#My story #writing #writblr #original story #A Hare's Worth #Little nervous about posting but eh yolo and whatnot #Character mentions #Marcos #Bridget #More at my deviantArt SweetCatMint

[szopenhauer]

When was the last time you cried and what was the reason?: family issues

Do you believe in ghosts?: maybe

If you could live on the moon, would you?: almost all of it belongs to Tom Cruise so no 

What is your favorite time in history to learn about?: I just like many interesting history facts in general

When is the last time you felt discriminated against because of your gender?: not sure which situation was last

What race are you?: caucasian, white, european, polish, slavic

What is your favorite sex position?: I’m not into sex tbh Have you ever lost your SO to another person?: yup

Have you ever had a thing for a friend’s parent?: no

Have you ever believed in Santa Clause? from what I remember

Have you ever thought you were getting a surprise party, but you really weren’t? nah and I don’t like surprises so I’m glad I never really had a party like this

Have you ever forgotten someone’s birthday? I suck with dates

Has a friend looked bad in a profile picture and you didn’t tell her? it was my opinion but if they liked their pic then it’s their problem

Does it take forever for your internet to load websites? sometimes

Have you ever pretended to listen to someone but you really weren’t? yeah :x

Are you a bad driver, or do you know someone that is? I know some that are bad yet say they’re oh so awesome at it ugh!

Have you seen the animated movies Tarzan? sure

Have you actually called 911 for an actual emergency? If so, what was the emergency? not me but my parents

Do you sleep in the living room a lot? I never do

Did you enjoy watching The Flintstone’s growing up? yep

Do you wish you were born in a different year? kinda wish I was born after war and die before 2020 or even live in another time period 

What do you buy more: Movies or candy? neither

Did you used to eat chapstick when you were younger? ewww, noooo, not even toothpaste

What made you pick up the last book you started reading? I was watching a movie and heard that book has a different ending so I had to see for myself Have you received any bad or troubling news lately? shitload When was the last time you were relieved about something? I wish I was... What about your life concerns you the most? my health related issues mostly but also money and fam, love life, religion etc. Is there a common thing most people seem to do without trouble, but it scares you (talking on the phone, driving, interviews, etc)? When was the last time you had to do one of these kinds of things? there are, recently

Describe a time when you were there for a friend? were there in person? When was the last time you went somewhere for the first time? days or weeks ago What is a situation that makes you feel especially confident? umm... Hypothetically and generally speaking, how would you go about breaking up with someone? Is there anything you would make sure to say, or perhaps not say? depends Would you say you’re easy or difficult to offend? I guess I’m easily offended Is there a belief you have that most others around you don’t have? Do you share this belief with others, or do you tend to keep it to yourself?  sure, might talk about it if asked and in the mood  If you’ve moved out from home, what was the scariest thing about it? What was/is your favorite thing about it? I didn’t move out yet but there are dark scenarios I imagine that could happen and they concern me What are your thoughts on “forgiving” murderers or rapists? Do you think it’s even possible to forgive these people? I wouldn’t forgive a rapist but particular murders can be justified If you could learn about anything without the stress of grades or cost, what kind of classes would you take? who cares about grades and cost when you have no possibility/talent/ability anyway?... Last item of clothing you purchased - do you wear it often? didn’t wear it yet Has anything made you feel nostalgic lately? lots What was the last chore you completed? I just helped mom around kitchen and bathroom - przynieś/podaj itp.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you commit the most? sloth?

Has anyone ever told you that you’re incapable of whispering? nope, my mom is incapable, she whispers louder than when she’s normally talking to someone

Who was the best kisser you’ve ever dated? I’ve only kissed one person in my entire life

When was the last time you watched a YouTube video? yesterday

this one

and I plan on doing smth similar

Do you personally think Wikipedia is a reliable source? one of the most reliable sources that are available for free

When you were a child, did you ever want to become a wizard/witch? meh

Do you want to repaint your walls? I prefer to move out 

Would you rather have hardwood floors or carpet? hardwood

Who would you say is the most selfish person you know? majority of society

Have you ever made out in a movie theater before? waste of the movie

How old were you when you got to go on your first date? dunno what I can count as one

Would you call your parents over-protective or under-protective? weirdly protective

Did your parents ever let you play in the pits of those multicolored balls? never had a chance to

Has anyone ever called you a good kisser before? I had my moment

Have any of your siblings ever had a crush on your significant other? she’s into men so...

Do you know someone who cares about themselves more than their child? it seems that most of parents act this way

What’s your favorite hairstyle you’ve had so far? hmm...

How many dogs do you have, if any at all? 1

Do you think biting is weird or sexy? biting hard is very dangerous and I’m not into being bitten but I might/can bite a little

Would you rather be called hot or beautiful? neither but I'll “believe” slightly more in being beautiful than hot I think

Have you ever had a pet turtle before? yep

Do you still sleep with your parents when you’re scared sometimes? just once I had a bad night and my dad was working overnight so I went to my mom’s bed but then I left in the middle of the night anyway as she was snoring, not that it usually bothers me 

Have you ever met someone with two different color eyes? saw pics on the internet only

How many surveys on average would you say you’ve done in your lifetime? shitload

Do you enjoy going school shopping? tiny bit as I enjoy shopping in general?

Do you think Pug dogs are adorable or just plain ugly? adorable

Have you ever met someone who completely resembled their pet? lookalikes

Has anyone ever knitted you something before? sure

Do you think there is a soulmate out there for everyone? then why some ppl die single?...

Do you like short or long surveys the best? it’s not about length, I need interesting questions

Have you ever bought fake money and tried to make it pass for real? I didn’t try to make it pas for real wtf

Are your siblings nice the majority of the time? *rolling my eyes*

How many uncles do you have? don’t know nor care as they don’t give a shit about me

Do you freak out when a thunderstorm comes along? nah, sometimes I feel physically bad because of it tho

How often do you shower? basically everyday

What is the absolute worst thing about high school? from my personal experience - stress

How many sodas do you usually drink in one day? I don’t drink soda for years

Have you ever met an annorexic pregnant woman? woah I can’t imagine that

Have you ever simply looked at someone & could tell they were homosexual? oh well...

Do you have the ability to read someone without even knowing them? sometimes

Would you rather eat or sleep? sleep

Are you one of those die hard Twilight or Harry Potter fans? am not, especially Twilight - I didn’t read/watch it because it sounds awful

Have you ever cried while watching a movie trailor? yes 

Have you ever learned that someone had lied to you all along? sadly

When was the last time you had a physical injury? this ending week

Have you ever wanted to be a lawyer? not really

Have you ever had to bail someone out of jail before? nope

Is there anyone in your imediate family who was adopted? no

Do you know anyone who doesn’t have any common sense? I meet many ppl like this often on the streets or online

Do you think you look anything like your parents? I know I do

Who is the skinniest person you know? Is it because of a disease? when it comes to look or weight? disease though

Is this year the best one you’ve had so far? r u joking?...

What color is your significant other’s hair? natural or dye? XD

Are you ashamed of anyone in your family? yeah The best Christmas gift you ever gotten? The sims 2 as I dreamed of it and didn’t expect my poor parents will afford and give it to me ever, I was so moved that I cried and my sister was jealous and angry 

Who is your favorite actor or actress? can’t decide

What is cuter: kisses on the forehead of the cheek? I don’t consider them cute when I receive them but kind of awkward actually but giving them is a different story

Do you believe in evolution or creation? smth in between, it’s complicated 

What group would you say you’d normally fit into the most? I feel that I wouldn’t really fit any

Are you better at drawing things or painting? drawing

Have either of your parents ever called you a failure before? I am a failure

How long have you been on the computer right now? too long, about 6 hours Name three black things that you can see? celphone, pendrive, necklace would you perfer to do the dishes or hang washing/laundry? dishes

[propertyofnikkisthighs]

Sure Feels Right Ch. 5

I promise things will pick up. I just really want to lay the foundation for how these three come together

Taglist: @hllywdwhre, @xxkellsvixen19xx

Warnings: None really

2019

@LuxBeALady:Just wait till Kells drops this heat on y’all tonight 😈                                 \@machinggunkelly:They don’t want this smoke 😂😈

Colson was dropping “I Think I’m OKAY” tonight and Lux was excited to help promote it with him. It was one of her favorites off the new album and now she could publically boast about it. Getting to experience him making it with Yungblud had been a blast and she just had a feeling that this was gonna be the game changer for Colson. To top off her excitement, she was also getting a new tattoo tonight, but nobody else was aware of that. She had made up an excuse in order to get away from the boys saying she needed to run errands in the town they were in for the night. She loved them immensely, but their overbearing nature was making it difficult to get any alone time. She shook her head and sighed walking into the only shop she had been lucky enough to get into on short notice.

“Hello you must be Lux” The lady behind the counter said smiling and reaching to shake her hand. Lux took her hand and admired her features. She was cute with a pink flowy wig, steampunk goggles on her head, and a corset that pushed her chest into her throat.

“Yes I am. Thank you so much for fitting me in today” Lux smiled warmly.

“So let me show you what I have drawn up based on your description on the phone and we’ll go from there.” She lead her over to a table where she had drawn almost exactly what Lux had pictured in her head.

“Oh my gosh that’s perfect” Lux couldn’t believe she had gotten it right first try just from a phone conversation.

“Well awesome!” Let’s get you prepped and then we can get started on this sucker. My space is down the hall to the right.” She responded clasping her hands together clearly just as excited to have nailed the design.

“It’s gonna go on my left arm because I am right handed and I still need to be able to do things while it heals” Lux stated getting comfortable in the chair and resting her left arm palm up.

“Sounds good to me. Do you care if I play some music? I can’t stand the same 5 songs on the radio.” She asked plugging her phone into a little speaker.

“I would actually prefer that” Lux laughed and then laughed a little harder when the first song that played off the girl’s phone was “Hollywood Whore”. Lux couldn’t escape her boys even if she tried.

Colson was confused as to why he hadn’t seen or heard from Lux all damn day. He knew she said she had to go on a booze run for the bus and for backstage to pregame the concert with, but that usually didn’t take all day. He pulled out his phone to double check she hadn’t texted him and contemplated biting the bullet and texting her first. His mind must not have caught up with his hands because next thing he knew he was sending her a text message.

Colson: Where r u?

Lux: I ran away forever

Colson: Wait what!?

Lux: Chill. I’m kidding. Look

Lux sent a picture of her at the liquor store holding a bottle of Jameson kissing the label. Man was she cute. He couldn’t stop thinking about the night they had fallen asleep together out of his head. He was almost desperate to feel her embrace again. They would be staying at a hotel again tonight due to the fact that tomorrow was an off day and he hoped that she would stay in the hotel room with him again. He wanted to be able to hold her close against his chest this time and bury his face in her hair. Rubbing his hand down his face he groaned, he was so fucked.

Rook was drumming on his leg in anticipation, still after all these years of performing, he had pre-show anxiety. It disappeared the moment he would get on stage and normally Lux was there to help. She would distract him from the anxiety and he was sure she didn’t even know that she was doing it. Either by laying her head in his lap and forcing him to play with her hair, challenging him to a silly game of some sort, or just by talking to him about things that held her attention at the time. Rook hadn’t heard from her all day though and that was maybe increasing his anxiety a little bit. Colson and Ash said she had texted them at least once that day, but she hadn’t texted him?

“Hey whatcha thinking about?” Lux asked walking onto the bus with a few bags of alcohol and Colson trailing behind her with more bags.

“Uh nothing” His ears felt hot “Damn Lux this much alcohol should last us all tour.”

She fixed him with a devilish smile that he swears she learned from Colson. “You and I both know that that is not true”

“Hey what’s up with the bandage on your wrist?” Colson said going to grab her arm when she yanked it away from him.

“Nope no peeking until after the show” She scolded giving that same evil smirk.

“Wait is that for a tattoo?” Rook asked trying to get a peek

“I said after the show!” And that was that.

2017

“Come on it won’t be that bad!” Colson was trying to convince Lux to drink with him and the boys. She had only been working for Ash for 8 months and didn’t think it was appropriate. This was her first tour with them and she didn’t want to fuck it up.

“I can’t Kells. I gotta keep you guys in check” She sighed.

“What better way to keep a good eye on us than to party with us?” He was giving her the best puppy dog eyes that he could. Lux groaned and put her face in her hands. In the few months that she had worked for them she had learned that Kells had perfected the puppy dog eyes and he knew it.

“Fucking fine I will have a few drinks” She relented.

“Fuck yeah dude!” Kells and Rook high fived celebrating their small victory.

Lux was definitely not prepared for one of their parties. How did they fit so many women on a single bus? How were people navigating all of this? Why were Kells and Rook climbing the bus now? She was in way over her head here and was feeling slightly overwhelmed when she felt another shot being pressed into her hand by Slim, who was equally chaotic as the other boys just much more quiet. She eyed him suspiciously.

“Take the fucking shot pussy” Slim snickered and lifted his own shot into the air. Well while in Rome, Lux thought downing her own shot. Thank god she had the good sense to purchase extra tequila for tonight.

Lux was now feeling very warm despite there being less bodies on the bus in favor of going to party at a club. The tequila was making her giggly and outgoing laughing easily with the boys.

“You smoke?” Kells asked lighting what was probably at least his tenth joint in the last couple of hours.

“Uh yes, but not usually on the job” Lux slurred which caused her to frown. She needed to pull it together.

“Well tonight that changes” Kells smirked. “This is a drinking and smoking kind of job so you don’t need to act so responsible.”

“I would be stupid to turn down a joint from THE Machine Gun Kelly” Lux giggled thinking she was hilarious.

“Fucking yes!” Colson exclaimed “You’re EST fam now so get used to this shit.” Lux took the joint from him winking before taking a hit. She was feeling bold and confident with the liquid courage in her veins and did a perfect ghost. Kells was impressed by how well she did and how adorable she looked smoking his joint. He almost didn’t want to take it back and was kind of wishing they were the only two in the room.

“I have an idea.” Kells said taking the joint from her before taking a hit. Lux gave him a puzzled expression as he motioned for her to come closer. When she got in close enough distance he softly grabbed her chin and placed his mouth hovering over hers brushing their lips together. She opened her mouth and he released the smoke he was holding into hers as she inhaled. He leaned back and silently celebrated how red he had made her. Lux slowly exhaled the smoke afraid to let the moment pass too quickly.

“Thank you I think? For that?” Lux tried to joke and seem nonchalant, as if his mouth on her’s had not ignited a flame inside of her. She had something unreadable in her eyes that he wanted to know more about. He liked this girl and he was hoping that she wouldn’t be gone in a year’s time like all the other assistants that had come before her.

“Are you two going to stare at each other all fucking night? If so can you pass the joint so some of us can smoke it.” Rook said startling to two out of the staring contest they didn’t realize they had been having. Both faces turned red and Kells grumbled something under his breath before passing the joint to Rook.

Lux was stumbling through the bus trying to find her bunk again. She had woken up to pee, after being passed out for god knows how long, and everything was pitch black. She made her way from the bathroom and down the hall and felt the wall until she felt her bunk and climbed into her bed again. She must have forgotten how small these beds really were because she was barely in and already backed up against the wall. Not thinking twice about it she closed her eyes and was back asleep in no time.

Rook had been fucked up when he had gone to sleep, he knew that, but he was fairly certain that he had gone to bed by himself. He slowly cracked open his eyes to try to catch a glimpse of who was in bed with him wincing at the light shining into the bus. He saw a mess of dark hair across his pillow and he nearly had a heart attack. What was Lux doing in his bed? She rolled over and yawned before snuggling into his chest as he held his breath. Her eyelids snapped open and she looked up at Rook’s face. She gasped and jumped back so far she fell out of the bunk and landed on her butt. She was so fired she just knew it.

“What are you doing in my bunk? Oh god we didn’t fuck did we? I can not afford to lose this job” Lux was suddenly rambling still laying on the floor.

“First good morning. Second we did not fuck, I went to bed alone. And last, this is my bunk. Yours is across from mine” Rook laughed at her expense. She felt like such an idiot for fucking up that badly. She made a mental note that she would never party with the boys again.

#machince gun kelly fanfic #machine gun kelly #mgk fanfic #mgk #mgk x oc x rook #jp cappelletty #jp cappelletty fanfic #rook fanfic #rookxx #sure feels right

[carlisle980]

👀

Manchester, 1972

It would rain on commencement day. She checks her hair in the mirror one last time. She’s fixed it twice since arriving. Thankfully they’ve moved the ceremony indoors. She smooths her collar, rolls her shoulders. Practises her smile as the words of her speech run through her head. She mouths them, pacing, the click-click-click of her high heels echoing off the walls, setting a cadence for her to follow.

She is nervous. It isn’t that she lacks confidence in her ability to deliver the speech, exactly, it’s …

Her musings are interrupted by a knock at the door. “There she is … the woman of the hour!”

She turns to see Reginald Crawley stood in the doorway in coat and tie.

“Reggie! Oh wow, hi! I hadn’t expected you to turn up today. I didn’t know as Daddy could spare you.”

“We only had two patients on for this afternoon and both of them rang to cancel. And even if they hadn’t, your mum would have persuaded him to close early. It’s not every day his only daughter delivers the Head Girl’s speech at Lady Barn House.”

“About that …” she mutters, studying the floorboards.

“What is it? Not nervous, are you? You’ve performed a thousand times.”

She responds with a withering look. Meets his eyes. Sees him grinning, and grins back. Shrugging her shoulders, she tells him, “Yes, but speaking is rather a different animal from playing piano. That, and I still feel like a bit of an interloper, I suppose.”

“Because you’re leaving a year early and these aren’t the lot you started with.”

She opens her mouth to reply, then closes it promptly. He’s done it again, she realises. He’s said precisely what she’s thinking. Again, because it’s been happening rather frequently of late. It’s true that they spend a lot of time with each other, she managing the clerical things at her father’s surgery and he assisting with as many procedures as his training permits. She works the maximum hours allotted a secondary student, determined to put by as much money as she can for her university tuition fees. But her brother works just as much as the both of them, and if he’s got any inkling as to her mental state he seems completely oblivious.

Of course, there could be an explanation for Ed’s aloof manner of late. He’s recently been spending the little free time he’s got in the company of a young lady called Alice Tamworth. Alley. She was two years ahead of Isobel at Lady Barn House. She’s taking a degree in literature at U of M. Isobel likes Alley. Rather a lot, in fact. But she’s turned Eddie’s brains to mush. Which is why Isobel has resolved that love is not for her. The path she’s chosen demands excellence, and the pressure on her will always be greater by virtue of her having been born female. She can’t afford to give her studies — or her work — less than her absolute best.

Why, then, is it suddenly so difficult to ignore the piercing blue of Reginald’s eyes? And why does it feel as though his ability to discern tiny details about her is rooted in something deeper than just friendship?

“Earth calling Isobel,” Reginald teases.

“Hmm? Oh, sorry. I was miles away.”

He grins. Was he always so handsome?

“Penny for them.” He pulls out a chair for her and indicates she should sit before taking a seat of his own.

She smiles softly, feeling her cheeks pink. “I doubt they’re worth that much.”

“Ha’penny, then.” He smiles again. Her heart pounds in her chest. He’s gorgeous. How had she missed it all this time?

“Have you noticed a change in Ed lately?” she manages. If he’s so skilled at reading her, she shouldn’t have to elaborate.

“You mean the way his brains leave the building whenever Alley’s around?” He shakes his head. “Wanker.”

“Exactly, and I hope you tell him that! Lad’s twenty; he can do what he wants, but—”

Reginald scowls. “No, he bloody well can’t! Not as much as your dad relies on him; never mind the fair fortune he and your mum are spending on his education. Oh I’m bally well brassed off with him; don’t you worry … missing clinic hours, failing to submit assessments. He’s had the world handed to him on a silver platter and he’s blowing it spectacularly. But haven’t you got bigger fish to fry?”

She grins. “Well then … tell us how you really feel!” He studies his shoes and she notices the way his ears redden. She likes that about him. Come to that she can’t think of anything she doesn’t like about him. Shaking off that realisation, she continues, “It’s everything you said … and I suppose it also makes me think that if love does that to a person, it’s an experience I’ll have to forgo.” He scoffs and she rebuffs him. “You can’t sit here and tell me I’m wrong, Reggie! Both you and my brother got onto the premed course by virtue of your marks alone. I, on the other hand, was made to provide twice the number of character references and go ten rounds with the department chair over whether my science A-levels will count seeing as I finished them a year ago. And all of that despite having higher UKCAT scores than the both of you!” She pauses for breath, her expression moving through agitation to resignation. Ruefully she adds, “It’s a risk I can’t afford.”

He rises from his chair and walks towards the door. It’s only moments until she’s due at the podium. “Look, I’ll go. I came to say good on you and break a leg and walk out there with your head held high because you’ve earned this …”

Getting to her feet, she moves to the doorway. “Reg, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so ratty. Thank you for coming to see me.” She squeezes his bicep, smiling softly.

“I’m not going to argue with you. We haven’t any of us chosen an easy path: you, me, or Ed. And there’s no doubt you’ve had a harder go than us. You’ll always have an uphill climb. I just think it’s a mistake to write off love because of it.” The earnestness in his eyes catches her on the back foot.

“That’s as may be,” she demurs, eyes cast towards the floor. “All the same I can’t see why you should trouble yourself with what I think. I mean I know I’m like a little sister to you, but—”

“No, Isobel. That’s not how I see you at all.” Their eyes meet. He takes a small step closer to her. The world stops turning as she watches his eyes flit from her own eyes to her lips. He touches her shoulder, his hand moving up to cradle her cheek.

Surely he isn’t … He can’t … He is! He’s going to kiss me! “Reggie,” she whispers, almost too faintly to hear, “I don’t know how … I’ve never—”

“I know,” he murmurs. “It’s alright.” He leans in. She can feel his breath on her face.

I should close my eyes, she thinks. Aren’t you supposed to close your eyes? He stops just short of her mouth. Giving her time to pull away. Oh! he’s warm. And he’s handsome. And I don’t want to close my eyes. I should touch him. Shouldn’t I touch him? She’s never been in such close proximity to a man before. To be sure, she’s danced with Daddy and Ed at weddings and hospital functions, but they don’t count. She reaches up with uncertainty and fumbles, her hands finding purchase in the lapels of his jacket.

In the next moment his lips touch hers and apprehension vanishes. He is so gentle, brushing the backs of his fingers across her face. She has no idea what she’s doing, how to make this enjoyable for him, but as the first kiss melds into the second she opens her mouth under his, and then so does he. She makes a sound that surprises her, moaning into his mouth when he deepens the kiss and she doesn’t want this shouldn’t want this oh sod it all this is incredible but what the hell does it mean? Oh shut up, for the love of God would you just shut up and enjoy something like a normal person for once you fool?

“Oh!” she gasps loudly when the tip of his tongue slips just past her teeth. Alright, I was wrong; this isn’t unpleasant at all and his mouth is so sweet and I don’t want to stop and—

He pulls back. She gasps again, missing the softness of his lips. “Are you alright?” he pants. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She frowns, inching closer to him again, aiming to put her hands on his shoulders. He stops her, taking her hands in his own.

She has never thought of herself as small. In fact, she has scarcely ever given any thought whatsoever to her stature. Wit is the standard by which she has measured herself against others. Intellect. But now she notices two things: firstly, that her hands are tiny, held inside of Reginald’s. And secondly, she doesn’t want him to let go. Ever.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he whispers, looking down at their hands. Her left thumb has begun tracing tiny circles over the blue veins on the underside of his wrist. He should stop her. He doesn’t.

“Why not?” she counters. “It was … nice. Wonderful, actually. I suppose the first time was going to happen sooner or later, and there’s no one I’d—” She stops herself suddenly, realising what she’d been about to say. There’s no one I’d rather have done this with. She scolds herself. But you just finished saying that love is for fools, not for women fighting like hell against men for the right to practise medicine. Not for you. Her cheeks flush bright red and she presses a hand to her mouth.

Yet he still holds the other. He waits for her eyes to meet his.

“There’s a longer conversation to be had,” he says gently, astutely. “But now you’ve got to go. Look, it doesn’t have to mean anything, Isobel, if you don’t want it to—”

“Yeah, but you do! You never do anything unless you mean it.” She pauses briefly, pacing back and forth. “Right, I can’t talk now. But we need to do …”

“So ring me up when you’re ready. Best of luck out there, you’ll smash it. I’m going to go find your dad and mum.” He drops her hand and starts to walk away.

She catches his wrist. “Wait,” she implores him, sounding less steady than she means to do. “Reggie, I …” She leans in and presses her lips to his, deepening the kiss when a soundless ‘Oh!’ escapes his lips. “I don’t know, alright?” she whispers when they break apart. He nods. “But I’ll ring you.”

He lifts her hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. “You’ve done it, Izzy,” he says, giving her fingers a squeeze before leaving go of her hand. “Congratulations.” As he walks away she touches her lips. They still tingle from his kisses.

#ejb writes #wip #isobel crawley #reginald crawley #the manchester crawleys #regibel #young reg and isobel

[kyndaris]

Formosa, the Beautiful Island

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is only recognised by a few countries as its own sovereign state. To most, it is seen as a rebellious territory of the People’s Republic of China. No wonder then that when I told my work colleagues, some were of the opinion that I was venturing into the very epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak. At the time of travel, Taiwan’s reported numbers were quite low. During the week I stayed, it reached to the mid-twenties. A far-cry to some of the more major outbreaks in countries such as South Korea.

Unlike Australia, though, the entire populace seemed incredibly paranoid about contracting the virus. The streets of Taipei had masks everywhere. People were encouraged to practice good hygiene. When entering hotels, thermometers were aimed at foreheads to ensure those staying were not sporting fevers. For this blogger, it felt both excessive and oppressive.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. It was the 15th of February and our flight to Taiwan was slated to be one of the last few flying out for the day. My mother and I had spent much of the Saturday completing chores and packing the remaining items we needed for our trip.

It was seven when my cousin appeared at the door to take us to the international terminal of Sydney Airport. Checking in proved to be a simple affair, although I discovered that China Air was one of the only queues where a vast majority of individuals were sporting facial masks. I wanted to tell them to remove them as were departing Australia. At the time, there had only been about 15 reported cases across the nation and several had already recovered. According to the Department of Health, there was no need for the public to be donning anything. When my mother joked about it, I grumbled about the whole situation until we had passed through security.

As we waited for our flight, my mother decided thought to take advantage of her status as a holder of an American Express card. Despite the fact that the lounge was in the opposite direction of our gate, we made our way to the exclusive lounge. To my utter dismay, I was mistaken for the housekeeper by one of the other guests. I would not be lying to say that I felt a little outraged that such a mistake was made. Yes, I’m of Asian descent but that doesn’t mean I’m automatically the help. But who knows. Maybe the man would have asked the same question if I was of Caucasian appearance. Who knows. At the time, I was filled with indignant outrage at the thought that I had been racially profiled. Instead of challenging the man, however, I merely answered with a simple ‘no’ as I made my way to the restroom. 

On the plane, there was a sea of masks. Bowing to the pressure, my mother and I slid on our masks. I didn’t think it was very likely that we would be contracting COVID-19 but even the flight attendants were sporting protective facial masks.

A long eight to nine hours had us finally land in Taoyuan Airport at four in the morning. Mask still in place, we disembarked and made our way through Taiwan quarantine and customs. Just like Australia, Taiwan also had several restrictions on individuals carrying passports from the People’s Republic of China. We were also made to complete and sign a declaration in relation to COVID-19 that threatened a hefty fine if it was discovered that we had lied.

Luggage in hand, it was a long wait for our ride to the Orchard Hotel that we would be staying in for the night. Unable to check in, however, due to the fact that it was not even noon, my mother thought it best to take advantage of the day and squeeze in a little sight-seeing despite the inclement weather.

With the aid of our driver, we arrived in Taipei City at eleven. With our trusty map in hand, we wandered the streets - taking in the sights and sounds of the west side of the city. From Ximending, we stopped first at the Red House as well as a small temple that we could enter via the street. After stopping for lunch, with my mum purchasing a set of beauty masks for the area around the eyes, we visited the back entrance of the Presidential Office.

All in all, it was a fairly quick tour of the immediate area where we had been dropped off. As it was also a Sunday, not many stores were open. And still exhausted by our early start, I was able to quite easily persuade my mother that it was best to head back to our hotel. After all, it was three in the afternoon. Surely, we could check in now?

An express Taipei Main Station had us return to the airport. It was followed by a short taxi ride. Within the hour, we were safely ensconced in our rooms and finally able to rest.

The 17th of February started early as well. With a proper breakfast in our stomachs, our tour began in earnest in Jiufen. It was with mild surprise that I greeted the massive coach that had been prepared. Considering the threat of COVID-19, what had once been a group of roughly thirty had swindled down to seven. Unfortunately, three Canadians had not been able to make their flight. Beyond my mother and I, only another mother-daughter duo joined us. Yes. That’s right. We had a tour group of FOUR. That’s right. You read it correctly. Four. F-O-U-R. 

How they were expected to make any profit was a mystery to me. But I’m glad that they decided to continue, even with such small numbers.

A few hasty introductions later, our tour guide going by the name of Jason, provided us an overview of Taiwan and its rich history. Jiufen, the place that he was taking us, was one such place that exemplified its complicated history as a territory that had once belonged to Japan before it was ceded back to China after the Second World War. Located quite close to Taipei, Jiufen is situated atop a winding mountain path that makes it very difficult to navigate with a huge coach. Taiwan, in general, uses scooters more than cars for transportation and it was clear from the narrow alleyways that it is almost a necessity. Just before we reached the car park that was next to the cemetery, our tour guide also provided us with some additional history about the place: from how it got its name to why so many Japanese tourists visited it. 

After an extensive shopping trip in Jiufen that had my mother and I nearly frozen in place, our little group headed to the Grand Hotel of Taipei. Embodying Eastern aesthetics, it was a grant palatial building that I had first seen in an episode of Fresh off the Boat. My mother and I spent our allotted time inspecting all that we could of the first two floors. Though there were cafes and stores aplenty, we kept our wallets firmly closed until we finally returned to our bus.

Our next stop was a garden in Shilin. After taking a gander at the myriad tulips on display, my mother and I retreated to a local cafe for something to warm us up. Though not as frothy as the hot chocolates in Australia, I very much enjoyed regaining feeling in my extremities as the beverage heated up my cold freezing body.

Back on the bus, we headed to the next city on our itinerary. Several hours on the road, where I slipped into a micro-sleep and learned a little more of the Canadian duo, we arrived at Nantou where we checked in to our hotel and enjoyed a fairly simple dinner before retiring for the night.

This first glimpse of Taiwan was an enlightening one and filled with a hefty number of surprises. The facial masks were a bit of a nuisance, but to the people living on the island, prevention is probably much better than the lack of a cure. Risking one’s health, along with others is a pretty steep price for purely selfish desires.

#personal blog #travel blog #taiwan #taipei

[car-karaoke]

Popcorn

This is an idea that I haven't been able to get out of my head for the last few months, so I decided to finally put pen to paper (metaphorically speaking). This wasn't a request, and I try to finish those first, so this one has kind of been on the back burner for awhile. Hopefully you guys enjoy it as much as I did!

Warnings: s m u t, fluffy Alex, language

Pairings: Alex H x Reader

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I really need to get myself a floor length mirror so I can just sit on the floor to do this...you thought to yourself as you sat precariously on top of your cramped bathroom counter trying to apply your makeup. You were trying to do a simple cat eye look and, as usual, one eye looked perfect and the other looked like you applied it drunk and half blind. "Fuck" you muttered to yourself as it smudged yet again. Why did this have to be so difficult tonight of all nights? You were meeting up with Alex and Ida for a movie. You had met them on the set of Vikings. You were merely an extra with no acting experience, your character was so non-important that her name was literally 'Extra 54'. They just needed bodies for a battle scene. But you had bumped into Ida by chance and made quick friends with her and she introduced you to the rest of the cast

Ida was so unbelievably sweet it was hard not to love her. Your adoration for her just barely outweighed the secondary feeling of immense jealousy of wanting to look like her. I mean, she was gorgeous. Anyone with eyes could see that. It would be easy to hate her if she was a bitch, but she's not in the slightest. You tried very hard not to be envious of her, but a decade worth of self loathing was working against you. Still, she was one of your closest friends and she had introduced you to Alex and Marco, who ended up being your other really good friends

For the first few times hanging out with Alex, you tried denying the inevitable feelings you had for him. Like Ida, he was crazy handsome and super charismatic; causing basically everyone to fall in love with him. At this point, you hard to literally swallow your feelings for him every time you saw him. You had to physically stop yourself from touching him. It had become so much of a nuisance that lately, you had tried avoiding him. Things were never going to happen between you two, so why torture yourself? When Alex sent a group text to you, Marco and Ida about going to a movie, you decided it would probably be safe since you wouldn't be alone with him. Marco had plans, but you and Ida said yes

You finally (after much more cursing and a few shots of whiskey) managed to make your eye makeup nearly match. You hopped off the counter and checked your phone for the time. You had about 10 minutes before Alex was supposed to pick you up. You put on some shorts and one of your favorite blouses. It was very flattering of your figure and showed some cleavage, but not a ton. It was a top that made you feel the rare feeling of confidence. You spritzed yourself with perfume and then your phone buzzed. He was here. Alright, you got this Y/N. Just have fun, it is just a fun time at the movies with your friends

You walked down the stairs of your apartment building and went outside to see Alex's car. You walked over to it and opened the passenger side door. You senses were immediately intrigued by the scent of his amazing cologne hitting your nose. "You smell nice!" You pointed out, reaching over and giving him a quick half hug. He grinned at you, blushing lightly

"Thank you! You look nice" he said, looking at your outfit. You shuffled a little in your seat, fidgeting with your shorts before buckling

"So..." you started, looking straight forward and trying not to concentrate on how fucking delicious he looked and smelled. "Are we swinging by Ida's place? I figured you would've picked her up first"

Alex looked slightly embarassed you noticed. "Uhh yeah about that...she cancelled on us..." he glanced over at you to gauge your reaction. You looked confusedly at him. "Yeah she called like half an hour ago and said she was throwing up but that she wanted us to 'go have fun'" he said with air quotations. Your cheeks immediately felt hot. FUCK. Just you and him alone at a movie? Like a date? Oh god damn it. You weren't sure you could get through this in one piece

"I totally understand if you dont want to go now that Ida isn't coming" you blurted out. Alex furrowed his eyebrows at you

"Why would I not want to go just because she's not coming?" He asked seriously. Oh god, did you just give yourself away?

"Well...I just know you're closer with her than you are with me probably and...I dont know..." you stammered, not even looking at him

"You don't know?" He repeated, looking at you with a clenched jaw

"I just...I dunno....I kind of figured you guys like...I dont know...had a thing for each other" you admitted while blushing madly. Alex let out a sharp breath followed by an amused laugh

"Me and Ida?" He laughed again, rubbing his face with both hands. You nodded sheepishly. "No. We're not. Aren't you close with her? I would think she would tell you if she had a thing for me"

"She said there's nothing between you guys yeah. But I didnt know if maybe she was just saying that because she knows how I feel about--" you cut yourself off, mortified that you almost said it. Alex's face, on the other hand, lit up with interest

"Knows how you feel about what??" He pressed excitedly

"No! I'm not telling you Alex! No fucking way!!" You groaned, desperate for him to let it go. But he wouldn't, you knew that

"How you feel about me?" He questioned quietly, his face soft. Your could tell your cheeks were getting redder by the second. You just groaned and buried your face in your hands as Alex started laughing lightly, reaching out a hand to put on your shoulder. "Did I guess right?"

You peeked up between your fingers like a little kid and started laughing at his expression. "Yes, asshole you did" his smile grew even bigger until he bit his bottom lip. "I totally get it if you dont feel the same, we dont have to go to this movie or anything. If you want, I can stop hanging around you guys..." you were interrupted by his lips pressing against yours suddenly. You gasped when his lips hit yours. Holy shit, were you imagining this? He pulled his head back to look at you

"I want to go to this movie with you Y/N. Not as just a friend. I want to take you as my date. I've been sitting over here crushing on you since the first day Ida introduced us" he admitted, hand still cupping your face sweetly. You shook your head in disbelief. No way this was actually happening. "When she said she wasn't coming, I got so fucking excited" he giggled. "I knew immediately that I was going to make my move on you" he said as he stroked your skin

You leaned forward to kiss him again, which he accepted gladly, using both hands this time. You broke apart for air eventually, both of you breathing heavy. "Alright anyways!! Let's go to this movie!" You laughed

"You got it dear" he grinned, putting the car in drive and heading out.

You arrived at the theater with a little time to spare. Alex got out of the car first and walked over to you and immediately grabbed your hand before walking towards the entrance. You looked down at your intertwined hands and smiled. He noticed that and squeezed your hand smiling along with you. "Get used to it, I'm not afraid to show some PDA" he laughed

"I'm not either" you squeezed his hand back as he made a satisfied face before holding the door open for you. You led him inside and made your way to the ticket booth. Before you could even say anything, he pulled out his wallet and bought two tickets before returning to you with a smirk and handing you one

"I got us seats in one of those suite things!" He said excitedly. You knew what he was talking about since you'd done that a few times. They were separate areas where the customers got to be separated from the rest of the theater. Your mind immediately raced to the dirty thoughts that had been trying to escape since you met him. You could probably get away with some of that in there....you wondered if he was thinking the same thing...

Alex asked if you wanted some popcorn to which you agreed. He led you to the food counter, still holding your hand. "Ooo! We need these!" He said enthusiastically as he grabbed two boxes of candy. You giggled. What an adorable little man child you thought to yourself. He purchased the food and drinks and you guys headed to your little secluded area in the theater. You were thankful to see that the chairs in there were like the others, connected with armrests that you could move out of the way. Alex sat down in one of the chairs, situating the drinks, candy and popcorn strategically around you both

"Wont be needing this thing" Alex gestured to the armrest. "We've been waiting too long to cuddle each other" he moved it out of the way as you silently agreed, nodding your head quickly with eager eyes. "C'mere lovely" he gestured to you, arm out waiting to put it around you. You happily leaned in, snuggling against his side and inhaling his scent again

"You smell so fucking good" you giggled, nuzzling your head into his chest. He laughed heartily, his hand immediately sliding under your shirt to rub your back

"Thanks baby, you do too" he smiled, then you felt his body tense up. "Are you okay if I call you stuff like that?" He asked suddenly. "I can stop, I didnt even think about that, it just sort of slipped out...I'm just really fucking excited this is happening" he stuttered. You immediately looked up at him reassuringly

"I am too! I'm completely fine with you calling me things like that, it's fucking adorable" you smiled pushing your head up to kiss his cheek. He smiled lovingly at you before pulling your head back to kiss your lips. Both of you were smiling into the kiss, little satisfied noises escaping your lips. You carefully let your tongue poke out slightly to trace his bottom lip. Alex responded immediately by moaning quietly and letting his tongue slip into your mouth. Alex's hands were already hungrily roaming around your body, while yours were doing the same. You still couldn't believe this was happening, so you wanted to touch as much of him as you possibly could before you woke up from this dream

You felt his hand tentatively brush along your ass, as if he was waiting to see what your reaction was. When you bit down on his lip softly in response, he all but growled and squeezed your cheeks hard. You had to stop yourself from straight up straddling him right there and instead let your hand drift under his shirt and started tracing patterns along his hips with your nails softly. He moaned very audibly. You smirked in the darkness, knowing you had this affect on him. Just as you were about to plunge your hand deeper down his jeans, the movie started with an extremely loud intro, causing both of you to jump in your seats and snap out of the little world you were in

Your heart was racing from being startled in such a moment, you had instinctively squeezed your arms around Alex's torso and hid your face when the noise hit your ears. Alex just so happened to straighten up immediately and shield your body with his, wrapping his arms around you protectively. When he realized it was just the movie, he burst out laughing. You loosened your grip around him and peeked out, looking at the movie screen in betrayal

"What the HELL?!" you half yelled half laughed. Alex continued laughing as he mumbled something in Danish

"Scared the shit out of me" he laughed, rubbing your back soothingly. "I was prepared to beat some guy down!"

You laughed along with him, relaxing your body and leaning back into him, just more innocently this time. "So protective, I like it" you giggled. Alex smirked down at you, grabbing your hand and bringing it to his lips for a kiss

"M'lady" he said in a sultry voice. You pressed your lips together in a smile and thanked him. The movie actually was pretty interesting, both you and Alex were pretty into it. He kept his arm around you the entire time, snacking on the popcorn and candy with his free hand. He liked to feed you little bits of popcorn playfully while making a comment on the movie. Everything was going wonderfully and you were both managing to keep things fairly innocent until the female lead in the movie started making out with the male lead in the shower. Your mind immediately went straight to the gutter as you pictured that being the both of you. Please don't show them having sex, I'm gunna freak the fuck out you thought to yourself. As if on cue, the couple started doing exactly that. You had been mindlessly tracing Alex's arm with your hand before this scene, and you just now realized you had stopped

Alex was trying to hide the smirk on his face. He had certainly noticed. He leaned down to your ear and whispered lowly to you. "Is something distracting you love?"

You tried to feign innocence and looked up at him with your most convincing 'normal' face. "Shower sex can be such a hassle sometimes" you blurted out. He grinned at you and nodded his head in agreement

"It can be yeah, but not if you're with someone who knows what they're doing. And if you've got a big enough shower" he added. Your cheeks grew hot. The actors were moaning and had just made their way over to a bed and just continued on from there. Your eyes were glued to the screen. Alex's eyes were glued to you. You crossed your legs to try and relieve some of the tension growing there. The movie was insinuating that the guy had just started going down on his woman. You felt your core literally tighten as you took a shaky breath in. Alex didnt miss a beat

"I fucking love doing that" he whispered in your ear, causing you to whimper ever so softly. He hummed in your ear and gently bit your earlobe. "I wanna do that to you so fucking bad..." he trailed on, a smirk plastered on his face. His hand trailed down to your crossed legs, letting it wander painfully slow in between your legs that you just uncrossed for him. You felt his breath on your ear again. "If I were to stick my hand down your shorts right now, how wet would you be smukke?"

"Soooo unbelievably wet" you moaned, unable to help yourself. Alex hummed pleasantly

"Good" he said simply before plunging his hand down there without warning. You weren't lying, you were already so wet for him. His fingers slid up and down your slick folds with ease before he circled around your clit with angel-like softness. "Fuck..." he muttered darkly, pushing your head to the side with his nose and immediately biting down on your neck. You groaned in pleasure, hand instinctively going to his crotch. You could feel his massive erection through his jeans

"Seems I'm not the only one excit--" you gasped as he plunged two fingers inside of you. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head. His fingers felt so impossibly good inside of you

"What were you saying?" He asked cheekily. You just laughed in response, eyes closed as you unzipped his pants and freed his cock. You tilted you head to the side and opened your eyes. God that thing was going to fill you to the brim. You started stroking it, earning another moan from Alex, who had temporarily stopped finger fucking you to roll his head back in pleasure. You quickly glanced around to check if anyone was looking. Nope, you guys were clear. You continued pumping him as he got closer and closer to the edge. He had continued fingering you as well, causing you to nearly climax before pulling his fingers out of you

"Hey!" You huffed in frustration as he shifted in his seat. He just smirked and propped himself up, leaning over to kiss you

"Hush my sweet one, I need to do something" he looked at you with mischievous eyes. God he looked and sounded EXACTLY like Ivar at that moment, turning you on even more. But what the hell was he doing? Oh god...

Alex glanced around him quickly then kneeled down in front of your lap. He wasn't going to....yup. He was. He slowly pulled your shorts and panties down while looking directly at you. He gently pushed your legs open with his calloused hands. You swear you could see his eyes turning darker as he took you in. "Gods you're beautiful..." he murmured before kissing your inner thigh. You couldn't form words, all you could do was stare at him hungrily. His long fingers reached towards your core, sliding so easily into your entrance. He looked up at you for your permission, mouth pulling closer to where you wanted him most. "Say it" he ordered softly. You moaned at his voice, biting your lip hard. "No no my love SAY it. I'm not going to do it unless you give me permission" he said slyly, kissing directly above your clit

"Fuck" you breathed out, reaching down to yank on his hair. He groaned happily but didn't close the gap yet. "I want you so bad Alex god damn it. Pleeease" you whispered. That's all he needed. With a satisfied smile, he dove into your pussy, licking a long strip up your folds before circling his tongue around your clit and sucking it into his mouth, fingers slowly moving inside of you. It took everything in you not to cry out in pleasure. That man KNEW what he was doing. Your grip on his hair tightened as you pushed his head closer to you. He moaned against your wet folds, voice vibrating through your skin, causing you to shiver

"You taste...fucking...amazing" he moaned as he kissed all around it. Your legs were already shaking

"Shiiiit Aleeeex" you whimpered, making him speed up his pumps as he went back to sucking your clit. Your vision was cloudy as the pleasure built inside of you. You were so incredibly overstimulated by everything happening right now. The act itself of getting eaten out was usually enough to make you swoon. The fact that it was Alex doing it to you skyrocketed that feeling. The fact that you were getting eaten out by Alex in a fucking theater where anyone could catch you? Altogether almost too much. You felt like you were going to explode. And you did, all over Alex's fingers with an orgasm that was quickly swallowed by his lips

"Ohhh smukke" Alex groaned against your lips as he knelt in front of you. He was holding your head in place by the back of your neck as he kissed you fiercely. You were suddenly very thankful that you were sitting down, because your legs were shaking so bad that if you were standing up, you would've surely fallen over. Alex's other hand slid down your leg and felt the rapid movement, he looked up at you with concern in his eyes. "Baby, are you okay?" He whispered as he rubbed your leg soothingly

You managed a small laugh and nodded quickly. "More than okay" you reassured him. "Alex...that was...amazing" you pulled his head towards yours again and rested your forehead against his. Alex's smile was from ear to ear, looking at you with such adoration

"Wanna get out of here?" He asked you huskily, kissing your cheek, then nose, then forehead then other cheek. You giggled and nodded excitedly. You started getting up before realizing that you were still naked from the waist down and immediately cursed, stumbling back into your seat. Your arm got caught in between the chairs and you both bursted out laughing. Alex, even though he was laughing hysterically, immediately reached out to help you get unstuck. He helped slide your panties back on with an added kiss to each thigh. Then came your shorts. Finally dressed, you got up and snuck out hand in hand with Alex, leaving your popcorn and soda behind. The only evidence to be found was the little wet dab of cum on the seat left behind and your combined giddy laughter as you hurriedly left the theater

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GUYS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!! It was a long time coming and I am very proud of this one! Let me know what you all think and like/reblog if you enjoyed it!! I appreciate you guys so much ❤

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#alex høgh reader fluff #alex høgh andersen x reader #alex høgh #alex hogh andersen #alex hogh #alex hogh x reader #alex hogh imagine #vikings #fluff #smut

[takemedancingmaine]

Go, Cubs, Go!

It was cold. Very, very cold. I had prepared myself for it, too, but wasn't able to properly stay warm no matter how hard I tried. The walk from my front door to the stadium takes less than ten minutes, and in that time I'd frozen.

I had worn a thermal and a long sleeve t-shirt underneath my jersey and my jacket, had a knit hat on and had on a pair of leggings underneath my jeans. When I'd left my apartment I'd glanced at my weather app on my phone and thought about how ridiculous I'd look all bundled up when the temperature was supposed to be 45 degrees I almost cringed in embarrassment. I was pretty good at dealing with the cold.

When I was a block away from my place though and a massive wind gust came and almost picked me up off the ground, I was thanking my forethought for the layers. We were going to be in the stands, high up and in the path of the wind, and I would have been miserable if I'd not dressed like I had. I thought wistfully of the overpriced beer that I'd purchase once inside and although the drink would be cold the alcohol would warm me up.

The streets and sidewalks were packed. Usually, they're pretty busy, especially when the Cubs play. This though. This was something else.

This was game one of the World Series.

The air was electric as I followed the crowds, the hoards of people--who had come by foot, car, train, and some by planes--down the road to the main entrance. I passed by countless scalpers yelling that they had the best price, passed people who'd bought water in bulk just to sell it to fans on the street, passed people who were overflowing out of bars with stamps on their hands to prove that they were allowed back inside per the fire code, and had even seen who I thought was Bill Murray out of the corner of my eye.

I was beyond excited. Words didn't exist that could describe how excited I was. Everyone from the group was coming out tonight, even Niall had been convinced to show up, and it was baseball at its finest.

There are two types of baseball. The first type is baseball in the spring and summer. Baseball in the summer is when you can just sit out in shorts and a jersey, get a tan while drinking a cold beer and watching a sport that enables you to have a conversation. It's a hot and lazy day with friends, sports, and alcohol. You can talk, watch, and just enjoy life as you engage with those around you.

Then there's tournament baseball. It includes lots of heckling and tension that doesn't leave your shoulders for hours. Any drinking is done to help relieve tension and not just to be done socially. The highs of the game--strikeouts, double plays, home runs--are higher and the lows are lower. There's always a belief that the impossible can happen and that's what sports are all about: the impossible becoming reality.

Both types of baseball have their merits, but both types also have their pitfalls. For instance, a negative to summer baseball is the inevitability that at least once you will forget sunscreen. Then that perfect tan you worked on turns into a radioactive, angry red colour--here's looking at you, college Cleo. A negative to tournament baseball is that it can end quickly and sour even the best of moods.

I shoved both my hands into my back pockets and tried to get to the meeting point we’d set for ourselves near the marquee. It was difficult to squeeze past and manoeuvre through countless people of all ages, but I spotted Harry and Ana along with Cleo all bundled together, chatting to each other with their backs angled toward the wind to block some of the cold.

I wasn't at all concerned that seeing my friends in person after news came out about Niall and myself. The group chat had been absolutely mental throughout the week, but it was nothing too bad, nothing neither Niall nor I couldn't handle. I was hoping that my friends would be mature and would have gotten all of their teasing out via text. I knew that wouldn't be the case, but I hoped regardless of my knowledge.

“Are we crazy for doing this?” Ana asked with a genuinely curious look on her face as I stepped up to them.

“Was Kennedy crazy when he said we were going to the moon?” Cleo asked back.

“Yes.” Harry nodded, his beanie causing the ends of his curls to wrap up and frame his face. He looked ten years younger as a result.

“Then yes.” Cleo smiled as she nudged me.

“Oh look, it's the woman of the hour.” Harry turned to face me. “I don't think I've ever known you not single.”

I groaned and closed my eyes for a moment.

“It's true,” he said matter-of-factly. “Three years now and you've not had a boyfriend for any span of time.”

“I wasn’t exactly withering away into nothingness during that time,” I sighed. “I went out and had fun.”

“Having fun with someone and dating someone are two completely different things,” Ana said.

“Cleo’s never had a girlfriend,” I pointed out.

“That's not true.” Cleo nudged me again. “Remember Mary?”

I shivered. I did remember her. “She was miserable and it only lasted three months.”

“It still counts.” She shrugged.

“It does.” Harry nodded as he gave me a cheeky smile. “Is it the accent that does it for you? Turns you on? Are you using him to get a work visa in Ireland?”

“Dude, sometimes I have an accent.” I gave him a pointed look. When I spoke to my parents or spoke in Hindi the accent just came out. I'd learned to speak it from my parents who had their own accents, so my words were tinted in the same ways.

Harry shrugged.

“And no. Seeing as he just moved back here and took a pretty good job, I doubt he's moving back to Ireland any time soon. If I was using him for a work visa it would be a poor plan.”

“True,” he said.

Even over the din of shouting and heckling and excited conversations going on around us, we all heard Louis calling out to is all in greeting. He was flanked by Niall and Liam, the three of them having met up at Niall’s and walking here instead of attempting to take the train. He had texted me while they walked saying they'd given him his fair share of ribbing.

He walked up to me wearing a Cubs hat and I spotted a Cubs shirt underneath his windbreaker. I had a sneaking suspicion that neither item was his.

He wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed my cheek as he stepped beside me. I melted under his touch--even knowing that all of our friends were gaping at us--and leaned into his side.

“I cannot believe you got me to come out here,” he said to us all while looking around pointedly at the crowd. “This place is absolutely insane.”

“It's pretty cool though, right?” Ana asked.

“Yeah, it's alright.” He shrugged, but his smirk gave him away.

“Ignore him, he's excited,” Louis looked between him and me, “and not just because Ruby is here.”

I reached over and flicked Louis’ ear. He laughed, and so did the rest of them. I groaned and Niall's hand squeezed my waist.

“Are these yours?” I asked as I reached up flicked the brim of Niall’s hat and pulled the collar of his shirt a bit.

“Actually, yes.” He smiled, proud of himself. “They're from when I lived here the first time. I worked literally less than a block from here: I couldn't not have some gear. Plus, I look really good in blue.”

I laughed and shook my head at him. He wasn't wrong, though. He did look good in blue, it brought out his eyes. Plus the baseball cap was doing things for me.

“Ready to go in?” Liam asked. He was getting anxious. Liam and I were on the same page about this game as anxious and excited energy seemingly flowed out of the two of us in waves.

“Let's forking do this thing!” Cleo jumped up and yelled. She was less anxious and more excited. Cleo was optimistic. I admired it, Liam ignored it as his pessimism swept through him.

The seven of us started moving through the throngs of people toward a gate where we all put our keys and phones in bins as we went through the x-ray machines and got our tickets scanned.

Liam was absolutely tense as he led us toward our seats, his excitement manifested in his tight shoulders and the crinkle in his brow, in his clenched jaw. Niall gave me a curious look and then looked at Liam before looking back at me. I laughed and gave an amused look back to him.

We had no trouble finding our seats--the number of times Liam and I had each been here was a fair number--and once we’d established our spot, Harry and Louis set off to get us each a beer.

Cleo was directly behind me, next to Ana. Harry would sit back there with them while Niall was on one side of me, Liam on the other, and Louis was to be on the far side of Niall. It was strategic on everyone's part to place Liam and me beside each other. He and I varied our emotions on the events of the game much more so than anyone else. Liam because he’d been a Cubs fan since before he could talk and me because when I followed a team I gave them every ounce of passion I possessed. Liam and I just understood each other best when it came to events like this.

Niall nudged his knee against mine as we were listening to Cleo tell a story about a second grader and a bug at recess. He gave me a look and I understood that he was asking if I was okay. Clearly, he could sense the tension as it rolled off of me. Or maybe he was sensing Liam’s tension through me.

I gave Niall a small nod and placed my hand on top of his knee, making a horrified expression when Cleo said something of the young girl trying to get the bug to go into her ear. Niall laughed at that, as did Ana. Liam and I both made faces but didn't offer anything vocally. I wasn't sure either of us had the capacity to at the time.

It took a while, but eventually, Harry and Louis made it back to us with trays of cups that overflowed with beer. I brightened considerably at the beverage passed my way, as did Liam. We all toasted and cheersed before I lifted my cup to my lips. If my intent was to use the alcohol to warm up, it helped if I had more than one sip in me.

Niall peaked over the rim of his own cup at me as I chugged down a few gulps.

“What?” I asked.

“Nervous?” He laughed.

“Shut up,” I said lightly and took another pointed sip, keeping my eyes on his.

He just smiled back at me, amusement dancing across his features.

This is what I lived for. I was in one of my favourite places in the world, with my best friends, surrounded by an energy that just seemed to heighten and sharpen all my thoughts and emotions. I was experiencing bliss.

I thought about all of my worries over the past month. I’d been made to feel unsafe and had experienced the gnawing worry of opening up to someone and risking my established friends in the process. I had gone back and forth with myself on how to feel safe. I had slept poorly because of the unease in my brain.

I had put my body through difficult training in the gym and the torture of copious amounts stress and what it was doing to me--circles under my eyes, what felt like a small ulcer in my stomach, near constant exhaustion despite my inability to fall asleep quickly most nights, and what I had realized was a compulsive need to double or occasionally triple check my locks every night.

But right here with my friends, in this moment, I felt everything negative and stressful just leave my body. I knew the feeling wouldn't last, so I revelled in it. Didn't think about the end of it, only thought about the now.

I could feel Niall’s eyes on me, and they were often on me throughout the evening. Whenever big things happened I felt his eyes on me, gauging my reaction and taking it in. When he wasn't watching me, he was actually watching the game. Everyone--excluding me and Liam--was teasing Niall about it being the one sport he couldn't get behind and asking him if we were doing any good at changing his perception.

In a moment of clarity, between innings, I had heard him answer that if anyone could change his perception it would be the lot of us. Harry cheered at that and confused a few of the fans around us as to what was going on, and they looked around, curious to see if they were missing something.

Throughout the game as the score fluctuated--we were up first, they came back, we levelled, they went ahead again--Liam and I were in absolute agony, especially as the game came down to the last inning. I can admit though that it was an absolute cracker of a game to watch. There was a fair bit of excitement.

It was only game one of the series. and there would have to be at least three more to come no matter what, but you never want to be the first to drop a game, especially with a home-field advantage.

I really found myself while watching baseball in college. I'd take a textbook and a notebook and pretend I was going to study or do practice problems as I sat in the sun on a warm Saturday afternoon, but the books would always remain closed as I watched the game, or just closed my eyes and felt the sun soak over me.

It was a way to relax. A bit like running would help me to clear my head, baseball would give me a way to just sit and feel at peace. It was weird, my attachment to baseball. I wasn't a sports person. I didn't play anything. I ran, but I didn't do anything like volleyball or soccer or lacrosse. So the fact that I'd become so taken with baseball and being at games was a strange happening.

I felt a calm rolling over me as the first out of the bottom of the ninth came in and it looked bad for us. I shouldn't have felt calm at all. In fact, the nervous energy I felt was causing me to practically vibrate, but underneath it, I felt a feeling of peace just being here in the first place.

Liam and I were mirrors of each other. We were each leaning forward in our seats with our elbows resting on our knees, our hands locked together in front of our mouths. I felt Niall put his hand on my knee as we got a runner on base. His warm touch was spreading through me, radiating his ease into me. It wasn't working. Even Niall, the force that could calm me in any other situation, wasn't working for baseball.

We’d each had a second beer (because why not spend a small fortune on beer that's ten dollars cheaper just outside the stadium walls?) and it had made Harry very talkative behind us. Between him and Cleo, the banter was borderline funny, but I honestly kept forgetting to laugh.

Niall squeezed my knee as the next batter stepped up to the plate. We were in dangerous territory, double-play-could-go-against-us territory, a fact that even Niall knew. Louis has been explaining things to him all night. Niall knew the basics of the game, three strikes, three outs, the concept of a double play, and a home run, but Louis was getting into strategy, which I think made it more real.

Despite my nerves, I looked over at Niall. He was trying and that made me give a small smile. I looked back down at the field but nudged him with my shoulder and he squeezed my knee again.

Liam groaned as strike one flew over the plate.

And then it happened.

The crack of the wooden bat echoed around the park and the ball sailed far and fast, landing just over the wall and in the fourth row of seats.

The air was incredibly still, almost like everyone else was also having a hard time believing what we’d seen, was holding their breath. And then Liam and I snapped into the present. And so did everyone else. The thunder, the roar of the crowd was deafening as the stadium erupted in euphoria. A walk-off home run.

It was only game one, I kept telling myself, but as I leapt from my seat and yelled and clapped I couldn't help but be optimistic. Hope is the thing with the feathers.

Five nights later we were huddled in what Louis had dubbed ‘Niall’s Old Bar’ a half-block from Wrigley. Apparently, Niall still had some influence there, because unlike everyone else we didn't have to start lining up to get in at ass o’clock in the morning. We did get here a bit early, but nothing too unmanageable.

“This is batshirt crazy!” Ana called as we--the entire bar--just finished another rendition of ‘Go, Cubs, Go!’ during a commercial break in the seventh inning. The series was 3-2 in favour of the Cubs, and tonight could either see us win or see us go even and leave it to a final game seven

Everyone here was really hoping for the first option. The win it all tonight option.

The Irish Oak was packed to capacity and we were currently waiting for our food. We’d ordered almost every appetizer on the menu to split amongst the group of us all, and we were on our second round of drinks at this point.

It was a Sunday. We all had work tomorrow. I'm sure our customers at the bakery would understand, but they wouldn't be too happy. And the teachers couldn't exactly show up with raging hangovers. However, Liam seemed to incline that regardless of the outcome he would be drinking himself to sleep tonight.

We sat huddled around a tall table right below a television screen and my face was right beside a picture of Anthony Rizzo’s butt--not that I was complaining. The whole lot of us was more than content with our situation.

“I won't say I'm a fan or anything like that,” Niall trailed off as he sat down beside me. He’d gotten up to talk to the manager, thank her for letting us ‘reserve’ our spot, basically and had missed Cleo’s screech singing and Harry’s falsetto. Liam, despite his nerves, decided to participate and sang quite loudly in that baritone voice of his.

“But?” I asked as he sipped his drink.

“But being part of these past few nights has been really great craic,” he said.

“Oh fork off with the Irish slang,” Louis teased as the commercial break ended and the bottom of the inning began. The Cubs were up 5-3 but had dropped game two after leading so we were all agreeing to be cautiously optimistic. Except for Liam who was just cautious.

“I will not fork off, mate,” Niall said. “In fact just for that, I'm going to speak Irish.” Niall took a large sip of his Guinness, almost as if to prove his Irish-ness.

“You don't even know your own language.” Louis rolled his eyes. “That's an empty threat.”

“I'd learn the language just to annoy the piss out of you,” Niall said.

“Honestly, I don't doubt that you would do that.” Louis smiled and held up his glass, which Niall then clinked his own glass against, a bright smile on his face. In fact, they both wore the same expression.

Ana’s face brightened considerably and I knew what that meant: food. Sure enough, when I looked up and followed her gaze a server was coming up to us with a tray loaded with food.

It was wonderful.

Truth be told though, I was too nervous to eat. Liam looked at the food as if just seeing it made him sick. I always felt like Liam and I did our best bonding when talking about--or watching--baseball. Sure we connected on other levels, but there was this level we occupied away from everyone else in the group.

I know Liam can be quick to judge and that to others he may seem critical and impatient, but truth be told he was anything but. He was judgy because he was protective of his friends, and critical because he was protective of himself. His impatience stemmed from dealing with children all day. When he was away from that environment he preferred not to waste time and energy and just move along. Loyalty was Liam’s biggest strong suit. He was never not supportive.

I loved bonding with Liam like this. Words weren’t needed. We just silently appreciated the similarities between us and that was more than enough. Liam and I were the perfect partnership when it came to watching baseball.

Everyone else started in on whatever they could get their hands on first though. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Niall. If I had learned anything about him in the two weeks or so that we’d been together, it was that he loved food. All food. He was a vacuum.

Nothing was going for the Cubs in the seventh so it went to commercial before the start of the eighth. Two more innings of pain and uncertainty.

One of the good things about the last six nights was Niall wearing a baseball cap every single night. I couldn't tell whether or not he was doing it on purpose because of me and what I'd said about him in a cap, or because it was one of the very few items of paraphernalia he owned. It could have been a combination of the two things.

Brian had cancelled self-defence classes on Thursday so I didn't have to come up with an excuse to be late to our viewing party. I was thankful for that. The gym had sent out an email that morning to all the members of the class and my discomfort over thinking up excuses just eased away with my morning tea as Louis flitted around the kitchen.

Although I didn’t have to stress over my making excuses with my friends, I could feel the extra tension in my shoulders from not going to the class this week. It felt wrong. I missed the routine of it, of going and being in a place where I was pretty sure everyone knew--from my bruising the first class--why I was there and why being there was important to me.

If the only person who really knew was Brian and I could be free and not have to worry about keeping it a secret, then not going was like shaking a bottle of soda until the top was bound to pop off and everything would spurt out in the messiest of fashions.

Even though Brian had mentioned a noticeable change in me before and after class, I hadn’t really paid attention to just how necessary the effects were in terms of getting through a week normally. I felt antsy these past few days. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat, metaphorically speaking, and that someone would come up at any moment and pull the seat out from under me. I wasn’t looking over my shoulder every ten seconds on my walk home or on my run over the weekends, but I did feel unsettled.

I didn’t know if my friends could tell. I was getting better at keeping the secret from them, I thought. Once the initial shock of the event wore off, it became second nature to keep it to myself. If they had noticed I was on edge though recently, maybe they attributed it to the series and my stress over the outcome. I suppose that gave me a good cloaking excuse for any noticeable tension and uncomfortable behaviour.

I had been worried that by getting closer with Niall that he would begin to notice my being off; however, I’d only know Niall as what I had dubbed Post-Attack Ruby--aka my new normal. I felt like that gave me a little bit more leeway with him.

“Shirt,” Liam cursed under his breath across the table from me.

I looked over at him and then up at the television. The score was now 5-4 as the inning shifted. We would have to either maintain or add to our lead in order to win. I’d been so lost in thought that I’d completely missed what had happened.

I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“You want anything?” Niall asked, his eyes watching me with concern as I shook off my thoughts and brought myself back into the present.

I looked down at the food on the table and made a face.

“I’m not all that hungry,” I said.

“No?” he asked, knowing I hadn’t eaten since lunch.

“I’m honestly too nervous to eat,” I said and glanced over at the screen. Still a commercial. I could breathe.

“Are you really?” he asked. I just looked at him. He smiled. “Six nights in and I still can’t believe you’re the type of person to get this nervous about baseball.”

I just shrugged while I thought about what he was saying. Even when I expressed my love for it, even when he’d teased me for being nervous the previous nights, he was still relatively new to the whole experience. He moved his hand from my shoulder to my back and leaned in and kissed my cheek.

I felt my face flush and refused to look up to see if any of our friends had seen him do it. I got hit with a napkin though and when I looked up to see who’d thrown it Cleo was giving me a smirk. I rolled my eyes and threw the napkin back at her before turning my eyes back to the television, but I had a smirk on my lips and the flush on my face as the game returned from commercial.

Adrenaline has a way of staying in your system long after the moment is over. After the euphoric yells and cheers that had bounded across the walls of the bar and echoed throughout the streets, after the songs had been sung and the celebratory beers had been downed, and the pictures in front of the stadium and the marquee had been taken I could still feel the adrenaline, the excitement as it coursed through me and gave me a jittery feeling, the good kind of jittery feeling.

Niall had walked me home. With the packed streets and the lights and the partying, it was now the early hours of the morning. I couldn’t care less that I had to be up in a few hours for my kickboxing class and then spend an entire day at work. I was on top of the world. I’d high fived so many strangers, taken pictures for others, and had just ridden a high the whole time.

I wasn’t regretting a moment of it, and I wouldn’t regret a moment of it when I woke up. I was genuinely happy at the moment. No stress, nothing to make me feel heavy, and no worries about anything… I felt light. I felt like I was walking on air as Niall held my hand and guided me through the crowded streets toward my apartment.

His cheeks had been flushed from the singing and the yelling--and the beers he’d downed--before. He was walking with a spring in his step as well, and he just listened to me as I talked through all big plays and moments from the game and doted on so many of the players. He’d nod and make affirmative sounds at all the right times, the amusement clear upon his fair features.

It was cold, colder than it had been the other night in the stadium, but with the alcohol and the excitement, I didn’t feel it. Even as the wind rushed past me, even as the leaves swirled around my feet, and my breath came out in puffs before me, I didn’t notice the cold that was trying to bite at my fingers and nip at my nose and cheeks. It was irrelevant to me in this state. Nothing could get to me.

When we got to my front door I bit my lip and once the door was open I turned to him. Seeing him in the baseball cap and the Cubs gear I couldn’t help myself. Maybe it was the adrenaline still, or maybe it was the high from the win, maybe it was the alcohol, but when I turned to say goodnight I opened my mouth and then closed it, and made a split second decision.

I grabbed him by his jacket, and pulled him inside with me, crashing my mouth against his as he tried to close the door behind himself. It took him a hot minute, his hands fumbling to complete the task while his eyes were closed and I pressed myself against him, my mouth moving against his, but the moment it was closed--and locked--his hands were on my waist as mine flew up to his face. One hand shifted and tangled itself in his soft hair, knocking his hat to the floor behind him and pulling a bit at the base of his neck, and one holding his cheek.

It felt feverish as he pushed me back against the wall and our bodies aligned, the entire lengths of us pressed together and causing a blaze to rip through me from my head down to my toes. His touch felt like it was going to chemically react with whatever fire was already going on inside me and I would explode. His fingers slipped under the hem of my shirt and their contact with my skin caused me to gasp against his lips.

He took the opportunity and before I could bring my brain up to speed with what was happening, his tongue was tangled with mine in an experience that was putting everyone I’d ever kissed before in my life to shame. How dare they kiss me and have been any less than this? It felt like this was truly the first time I’d really been kissed like this, every other boy, every other kiss fading from my memories until all that remained was Niall and the feeling he was inducing as we made out in my front entryway.

I tugged his hair a bit and he growled. I swear to god my knees buckled upon hearing it, feeling it against my lips as it escaped from him. I smirked against his mouth and tugged again.

“Fork,” he gasped out as I pulled my mouth from his and began kissing my way along his chin until I reached the spot behind his ear. He shivered when my teeth grazed the spot and my tongue followed after them.

“Jesus, Ruby.” His voice was ragged, and his chest was heaving against mine as our bodies fought to intake enough oxygen to sustain us at this moment. I could feel his pulse in my lips on his neck. It was racing.

I brought my lips back to his and I could taste the many pints of Guinness he’d had earlier just as he could surely taste the whiskey I’d downed. He took my bottom lip between his teeth and tugged. Without me telling it to, one of my legs came up and wrapped around his thigh, interlocking us together and pulling him closer yet.

With another shudder he brought one of his hands up to tangle in my hair as the other pushed my shirt up a bit more and settled in the small of my back, his large hand spanning the expanse of my back as he used the leverage to keep me as close as possible.

There was something that passed between us at that moment. The vulnerability of the moment perhaps, as I realised just how long it had been since I’d done this with someone where it wasn’t a fling or a one night deal. It could have been just that at that moment I realised how much I liked him. He had said many times that he wasn’t a baseball fan, had even made some mild complaints throughout the week about how boring it was to watch a game with that many commercial breaks, but here he was six nights later with me after having watched every game at my side.

He had put up with it for me--and our friends--and that made me realise that he’d been willing to do something he wouldn’t normally do because I was invested in the outcome. He had sacrificed his time to spend time with me and to try and understand something I felt passionate about. The thought alone sent a shiver through me as together we slowed our pace and our intensity began to mellow into lingering kisses that made my mind feel like goop.

I lowered my leg back down to the floor as Niall brought his hands to my cheeks, cupping my face gently.

“I love baseball,” Niall said when he eventually pulled away.

I laughed. I laughed like Niall. I felt my head fall back against the wall as my laugh echoed around the small space we occupied and he giggled as he watched my response. When I’d calmed down a bit I looked over his face.

His cheeks were flushed a bright pink, his lips a vibrant, delicious shade of red from our kisses. It was his eyes though that sent an electric shock up my spine. They were glistening in the low light and locked onto mine I felt like I could do anything, accomplish anything in the world. It was my favourite sight in the world, the sight before me.

“Thanks for walking me home,” I said. “And thank you for watching baseball every night for almost a week. I know it’s not your favourite despite your very recent declaration otherwise.”

“I mean, I still don’t understand it, but I honestly think I might be beginning to like it,” he said, his voice somehow both light with elation and gravelly from what we’d just done. The juxtaposition of it all stirred something in me and I had to resist pulling him back against me for round two.

“You don’t have to lie.”

“M’not lying.”

“Okay.” My tone conveyed my disbelief.

“I’ll see you on Tuesday?” he asked.

“I’ll see you on Tuesday.” I nodded. I watched as he disentangled himself from me--I instantly mourned the loss of his hand against my back--and bent to pick up his hat from the floor.

“Sleep well, Ruby.” The kiss he pressed against my lips was the sweetest thing I’d ever experienced. It was sweeter than the triple chocolate brownies Louis baked every Thursday. I felt the kiss through my entire body as he brushed his thumb against my cheek and pulled back.

I nodded as he opened my door and stepped out.

“Let me know when you get home safely,” I called out to him as he opened my gate.

He gave a nod and slipped the hat back on his head before heading off into the night.

#this chapter is literally me just writing a love letter to the cubs #and to baseball in general - but mostly the cubs #sorry not sorry #i still think it's an important chapter in terms of relationships across the board #fic: oth #fic: only ticket home #OTH11 #1dff

[inthe-forest-ofthe-lotus]

Of Getting Gifts & Bargaining with Foxes

Mori stood before the Nine. A red chord, with a golden bell, wrapped around his joined hands. It was a slight trick of Geomancy to lure all the fox shiki to the shrine room, but it was far better than running about the property trying to collect them all. Even if Kyuu normally followed him underfoot, the others were normally prone to playing hide away from the koi priest. “Why have you called us here?” Inquired Ichi – levelheaded and mature, but even Mori knew better. Foxes were foxes after all.

“Yes, why?” Nana chirped after. Go accused: “Tricky fish using a pretty bell song to lure us out!” The other middle three joining along in that protest. “We thought it was dinner time!” “Well, you can say it’s similar.” Mori mumbled. One hand lifted to cover his lips, elbow resting in his other palm. It took all he had not to smirk at his own cleverness. Because – to be frank – he hadn’t expected this to work at all! He had never tried a fox luring charm before. “I have a request, and it certainly comes with a prize far better than the typical fair we’ve been giving you Nine in offering for your good behavior.” Nine pairs of ears perked up with that, and green eyes twinkled in delight as he noticed he had their attention now. “I’m to go into Kugane to fetch some items, I wish for you all to keep Hokusai here and away from any of the sake. Basically – keep him busy.” “That is a lot to ask for.” “You will have to offer much.” “That you will, Bubbles!” That nickname made Mori’s confidence flicker for just a moment. His cheeks turning slightly red. “I wouldn’t just make a big request and not offer something of equal value in return.”  A deep breath in, and he grounded himself again before continuing. “I am going into Kugane, so I intended to get fresh filets of salmon for each of you. Since I’ll be going in the dark of morning, the markets will certainly have only the best out from the docks.” Fresh salmon? This certainly got the attention of all the Nine. They were used to the normal offerings of bonito flakes, or various dried fish from Hokusai’s catches. Thus, the mere mention of something as delectable as fresh salmon was the equivalent to emperor’s gold to these foxes! Well, it was a good idea until Hachi spoke up, “Good fish needs best sake!” “Yes!” “Indeed.” Ichi may as well purred the words. Mori winced. This was going to become a costly endeavor. How was he going to explain hitting the temple’s budget that hard to appease the Nine’s demands for his favor-seeking? He chewed at his lower lip and glanced away nervously. “I suppose it is only fair.” The Nine’s youngest yipped in glee, and Mori was certain he saw the eldest three preening over their victory. “I shouldn’t be long, but if the sun sits high at noon and I still haven’t returned, let Hokusai know where I have gone.” It was only for the better. Mori was prone to getting lost, and well – who knew if he’d get in trouble out there? He was confident he wouldn’t, but it was ever best to err on the side of caution.

To call the markets overwhelming would be an understatement. Even if he ventured at such an early hour, the people were already filling up the streets to catch the best items from street vendors and stores. Mori was certain not even Shizunda’s main village – just past Toya shrine – didn’t get this busy outside of the festivals. Not that he knew better since his ventures beyond the Shrine had been a number needing only one hand to count. All he knew was there was enough people that standing still was difficult. It became impossible just to pause and look at shop door signs to make sure he was going in the right direction when he checked the quick map and note that W’Behna had left him after getting the order in for him. Truly, he had no sense for what any of the scribbling meant! There was what he assumed to be a bridge, a few buildings etched out with landmark notes, and some extra alleys and roadways marked. Certainly, if he just counted them it wouldn’t be difficult, but the stands were throwing him off! When he went to the side to get his bearings, it was one such merchant that had snatched him up with an enthusiastic greeting. The man waving hands over the many hair ornaments and other such charms and jewelry bits. “If you’re heading for the Tea Houses, these are certain to be the best gifts for the girls there, sir! You’ll get the attention of every set of fingers skilled at the zither, if you get my meaning!” Mori’s gaze fell to the piece. Never mind giving these to the ladies of the red-light districts, he found them lovely enough to wear himself. A shake of his head, and Mori looked back up to the merchant. He had a task to see to after all! “Ah, n-no,” the priest blushed, “I am just looking for th—” The mere mention of not being interested in the wears, lost the attention of the merchant. By the time Mori had half a question out, the man just went on to dragging in the next customer. What a pain! He looked back to the items littering the table and noted the many hair pins and other knick-knacks that were certainly good gifts. Amongst them he spotted a black bamboo flute amongst them with a red tassel and a piece of amber carved into a charm. It practically reminded him of Aka, but did he even play instruments? Maybe it would be a good chance to get closer? Mori could teach him the instrument without a doubt! A hand reached out then towards it, “U-uhm excuse me sir, how much is this?”

Accumulating stuff proved far easier in the market than Mori had anticipated. The raen had purchased the flute from the merchant, gotten his directions, and went to the shop W’Behna noted for the other order. Now he had two, or three parcels, filled with items. One was the silk wrapped wooden box that contained the original gift he had set out for, another of sake, and the last with the filets of salmon he had promised. Not accustomed to so much, he just plopped down on a bench and set the items down with a long breath. “Kami spare me, this is more than I anticipated!” 

:3

Happy Birthday!! @the-lost-shrine

#Mori Toya #Writing #Roleplay #FFXIV #Shirogane #Happy Birthday #Ritsu-mun #Hokusai Ashikaga

[faunusrights]

OFFAL HUNT REMASTER LIVEBLOG // CHAPTER 9

oh goody!

well this is it. the Date Chapter. the chapter, in which, the Date happens. lowkey im so fucking hype for this stupid goddamn chapter AAAAAAAAAAAA this is when the sexy got kicked up about seven notches and i know its gonna be a fucking twenty from here on out so LETS GO LESBIANS LETS GO

“Is this your date, Ms. Fall?” he asked.

Cinder didn’t look away from Glynda. “Mhm.”

STRAIGHT OUT OF THE GODDAMN GATE WE DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A SECOND TO EVEN GATHER OURSELVES JUST STRAIGHT UP HUH!!!!!!!!! ‘is this your date’ im legally dead

What the fuck.

already im fucking THRIVING im so glad this chapter’s mood got encapsulated within the first ten seconds and im definitely gonna have to re-read this chapter for the full unannotated experience OOOOOOOOOH MY GOD IM SO READY

Glynda’s thoughts ricocheted inside her head like coins left in a dryer. A part of her couldn’t understand what was happening and disengaged. The rest of her, grasping for purchase in all this, reasoned that going with Cinder was better than staying here confused, alone, and utterly displaced.

glynda ‘i aint ever had a gf before’ goodwitch at her PEAK right here. like GOD shes gone from ‘cinder’s trying to murder me’ to ‘cinder just plopped me right into a date’ like CINDER. CINDER YR CHANGING GEARS SO FAST. YOU DIDNT EVEN SEND FLOWERS OR ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

is it because shes a u-haul lesbian or

Higher, Glynda realized the dress itself was backless, revealing the black tattoo she’d seen so often before, perfectly centered between sharp shoulder blades.

this gay energy is BONKERS, quite frankly??????? where did cinder get her dress from? why does she have it? did she buy it just for this fuckery? or will she pull the ‘i just had a this lil number laying around’ line????????? does she wanna seduce glynda to death?????? was this PLANNED OR DID SHE JUST DECIDE SHE WANTED A DATE AND WTH LIFE REALLY IS SHORT ON REMNANT THESE DAYS?????????? cinder fall please explain your workings to the class

maybe Glynda wasn’t the only one who’d become adept at reading her opponent.

👏 when 👏 will 👏 they 👏 kiss 👏 already 👏👏👏👏

me: this is a slowburn also me: if u assholes dont give me this in the next ten seconds-

“Unarmed? As if you could be so helpless.”

cinder’s style of flirting is just. commentating on a person’s deadliness. that’s IT it’s the only TRICK SHE HAS and its working, is the thing,

im reading the description of the table and remembering the shitpost and oh my god i have to draw this???? hell IS real!!!!!! COULDNT YALL JUST TOSS EM IN A PLAIN BOX,

Cinder eyed her from her bastion of dark cushions,

cinder, ass-deep in cushions: this is peak cuddle territory come and join me

Cinder, for her part, seemed delighted Glynda had noticed. Touching the pendant more gently than Glynda might have ever thought her capable of, Cinder said,  “Yours? You didn’t seem to mind parting with it.”

im still deeply enjoying this powermove the novelty NEVER wears off (and at risk of light spoilers i do enjoy its place in this story 👀)

Cinder let the necklace drop, settling against the swell of her bust once more,

/lightly coughs 👀👀👀

im losing my MIND at how gay this bit is i physically cannot HANDLE IT and if they even describe the meal once im gonna pop off cause i am. SO HUNGRY RN. AAAAAAAAAAAA

Cinder indicated a dish of lamb and vegetables, served on a bed of rice and drizzled in some sort of sauce.

SRY THIS ISNT GAY BUT OH MY GOD IM SO HUNGRY I WANNA E A T I T THAT SOUNDS SO GOOD UGHGHGHGHGHGH WHY DID THIS CHAPTER HAVE TO BE TODAY OF ALL THE DAYS,

Glynda cleared her throat, working out: “The Grimm.”

like. GOD WE KNOW GLYNDA IS JUST SO FUNCTIONALLY BAD AT CONVERSATION BUT OF ALL THE THINGS glynda please just. just. stop thinking abt her sexy tattoos for a fifth of a second,

“You can control them.” A sedate blink. For all the world, Glynda might have just commented on the weather.

which is a faux pas for a date!!!!!!!!!!! at least tell her the DRESS IS SEXY WE ALL KNO WHATS WHAT YR THINKIN ABT

Glancing down as though it were being pointed out to her for the first time, Cinder shrugged and adjusted the end of the glove a little higher on her bicep. “And?” 

a quick aside im enjoying how like... visually expressive cinder is in this remaster! i can see her facial expressions and her motions really clearly in my mind’s eye which is a fun little boon if only because i have to redraw this nonsense hjsgdfjhfksgd but cinder’s got a Good Face this time around! A QUALITY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should know by now, there’s something about you that’s simply irresistible to Grimm.”

HERE COMES THE PLOT (and a single surviving line so far... this one sentence has survived all the world could throw at it... we stan)

Cinder straightened, and Glynda saw that this was what she’d been waiting for.

“It isn’t every day the great Glynda Goodwitch kneels before her adversary, is it?”

HELLO??????????????????????????? WHATS THIS WORDING????????? honestly tho for a second i thought she meant like. quite literally and i thought id missed some PROPER SHIT RIGHT THERE BUT YEAH WTH!!!!!!! C I N D E R

“You cheated. You can’t beat me on your own.”

yes glynda we gathered that yr a top

“Really, Glynda? Poison?” she sneered, something like offense simmering in her expression. “After all this?”

looks at the camera

anyway,

god im literally losing grasp of words to say because theres such a charged mood in this scene............. theyre brushing fingers............ trading jabs.......... im slurpin it up babey!!!!!!!! this rly is the BEST remaster of this whole scene it DESERVES this wordcount!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Beat you,” Cinder corrected. “And call it a point of pride.”

yes cinder we gathered yr a brat,

this dynamic is why this fic is so fuckign good when will winter have a swift return to add even more fuckery to this wild ride

Then, with a heavy-lidded look, Cinder found Glynda’s hand between them, the touch so sudden and daring that Glynda flinched. The fabric of those gloves was smooth against Glynda’s flesh, and for all that cruelty had marked every other instance of contact between them, Cinder was surprisingly gentle.

whomp there go my nuts

WHAT IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO MADE THE EXECUTIVE CHOICE TO ADD THIS LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELLO???????????? im losing my BRAINCELLS

What she wasn’t ready for was for Cinder to guide her hand to her own throat and hold it there.

THERE IS IT THERE’S THE KINK IT’S BEEN SPOTTED

oh my GOD what even IS THIS WHO ADDED THIS SECTION WHO ALLOWED THIS TO COME TO P A S S WHAT THE FUCK EVEN IS RN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELLO????????? HEWWO??????????

Now… Now Cinder interested her.

tbh how can i liveblog this? what commentary can i POSSIBLY add that we arent already all THINKING. we just launched into a level of hell so deep that lucifers gonna have to pull some goddamn tricks to follow us down here!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS THIS SCENE! THIS MOMENT! IM SCREAMING

Glynda mirrored the expression back at him, and finally, he coughed, not making strong eye contact with either of them. He set their plate before them and hurried out without so much as a check-in.

i just KNEW that was gonna happen JHGDSFGJHKSDF he was gonna walk in on SMTHNG but i didnt think itd be CINDER’S CHOKING KINK,

okay i took a break and ate my weight in roast chicken and we’re back babey

Almost nervously, her fingers carded through her own dark hair, and there, among the locks, Glynda spotted a glimpse of something white, structured and ridged.

AND I AM INSTANTLY KNOCKED BACK UPON MY ASS 👈W👈H😨A👈T👈

It was easier to ignore the rest of it—whatever it was.

glynda you are a fool and a moron im withering into DUST

On no level had she expected those to be Glynda’s words.

then what... did she expect... well probably -- and rightly so -- ‘bitch WHAT ARE THOSE’ TBH

wait sorry i have to jump back because i forgot customary fingerguns on the most brazen bit of Shit yet:

Cinder was occupying herself with something else: the head of a dragon, perched over the door and staring down at the two of them with red, glossy eyes.

👈👈👈😎👈👈👈

okay BACK TO THE FIC

Fangs snapped together around the word.

aka back to me horni

/chanting TEETH! TEETH! TE

okay but the reason i doubled back to catch that fingergun is because we’re getting ass-deep into plot now!!!!!!!!!!! WITCHES AND DRAGONS BABEY......... HERE’S WHAT OFFAL HUNT IS ALL ABT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cant rly drop more fingerguns than that because any astute reader will start realising the dots im shouting abt and honestly half the fun of this fic is the ride so >:3c

“Funny. I was sure he would have told you.”

that blow was so low i think cinder hit the concrete with that one

oh god theyre gonna get to the bit and i-

“Is that what all of this has been about? You called me here to remind me that I'm autistic?”

/SCREAMS

The words were delivered firmly, calmly, but Cinder’s response was the opposite, sudden upheaval seizing her. Her expression opened in something akin to panic. “Wh—no? What? No! That's not what I—”

/SCREAMS

oh my GOD CINDER YOU HAVE FUCKED UP LEGENDARILY!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD SHE WAS FELL ASS-FIRST ONTO A LANDMINE OH MY GOD

offal hunt v1 cinder: im totally in control and im playing glynda every step of the way

offal hunt v2 cinder: OH JESUS OH FUCK OH NO THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT-

Cinder seemed genuinely stressed now, speaking quicker as though trying to bury the last sixty seconds.

i knew this remaster would have sections that would blow me away but this bit really took the fcuking cake DGHSJFSJHFDG holy SHIT this is AMAZING

It was difficult to tell in the low light, but if Glynda wasn't mistaken, there was a bright flush of embarrassment coloring Cinder’s cheeks.

this is SUCH prime content hey remember in one of the early liveblogs that cinder would descend into full dork? WELL THE DESCENT CAME EARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /pops bottles

“Cinder.” There was a very real line of threat in Glynda’s tone. “Don’t.”

oh this whole scene just keeps getting better i am LOVING this dynamic now!!!!!!! before it was all pretty one-sided so having the conversation rock back and forth is 👌👌👌

That Witch soul of yours—it was designed to void out everything but the prey before you. To be numb to all human emotion. To focus on the hunt and nothing else.

finally the fruit of 50% of my fingerguns COMES TO LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!! PLOT PLOT PLOT

“This is bullshit.” Jabbing an accusing finger at Cinder, Glynda said, “You’re a liar. You’re a criminal!”

i LOVE glyndas pottymouth in this its such a good like... change from her being strict and formal and teachery and now shes full on gremlin huntress hell YES BABY!!!!!!!!!! GO OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“There’s all kinds of things I bet he never told you.” Cinder continued. “Did you know he was close to your predecessor? The Witch who came before you—they were inseparable.”

SRY IM LIKE STRUGGLIN TO COMMENTATE because so much of this like. speaking as an Old-Ass Reader this is like. a LOT! A LOT HAS CHANGED and yet,,,, stayed the same,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, yall kids WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL CHAPTER LIKE................ 15 FOR THIS SHIT (but like. chapter 15 was different because this chapter used to be like chapter 7? so now everythings moved along so chapter 15 doesnt sound that impressive but trust me it was a different fic back then)

When they fell away, burnt and ruined, she could see Cinder’s bare arms for the first time. The red lines drawn across her skin sloped down the entire length of her arms, circling her elbows, carved into her wrists. They ended right at her hands, ensuring any long-sleeved garment would hide them. Every covered inch of her was filled like a canvas, like abstract art.

lets pause the fight scene for glynda to be gay!!!!! god im. okay look i said this earlier but im so glad we have more cinder like this tbh. the first version was rly lacking w/ cinder content until late-game when the plot sorta. got itself going? but now we’re eye-deep in this content i LOVE cinder i love this WEIRDO who is a HUGE LOSER and IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Glynda could not dispel the fear that she had been telling the truth.

and after committing Some Amount In Damages, we’re at the end of the chapter!

okay so i really enjoyed this version SO MUCH MORE. everything abt it was polished and worked together so much better and it really needed the space to breathe in its own chapter. its been horny, gay, intense, hilarious, and way more in one chapter and its SO good this really is PEAK offal hunt!!!!!!!!!!!! good job diesel and kc but im still going to murder you both,

#rwby #offal hunt #liveblog

[iiintoxiiicated]

Robstar Week 2018 - Day Three

hey yall im back and i am THRIVING so here is the next prompt!

DAY THREE: DANCE

“I know little of Earthly customs,” Starfire admitted as she pulled the gloves of her dress up, “though it is the parties where I contain the least amount of knowledge. You will remain by my side, yes?” She batted her lashes up at Robin once she felt as though the gloves were on tight enough.

Robin nodded as he fiddled with his red tie, eventually managing to tuck it in appeasingly. He raised his head to meet Starfire, eyes caught in a trance from her beauty.

He was glad he insisted upon wearing the mask.

Starfire’s tongue clicked distastefully as she approached her acclaimed date, sighing as she set her emerald eyes upon his domino-colored mask. “You have insisted on keeping the mask on most strongly, and I do respect your wishes, but…”

Robin quirked a brow as he linked their arms together. “But?”

“Is there nothing I may say to get you to remove it?” The frown was evident on her face as her eyes traced over the fabric that coated the sight of his eyes. “It makes you appear most handsome, of course, though I recall this event to be the formal.”

“The mask is formal!” insisted the Teen Wonder as he pouted, running a hand through his gelled hair. Even removing his gloves was difficult for him, being so pro-secret identity, but Starfire had coaxed him out of it. After all, the green looked obnoxious against the red of his tie and the black of his suit. “It adds an air of mystery. Plus, everybody knows you, Star. I don’t need anyone to know what I look like without my mask. It completely defeats the purpose of having a secret identity.”

Starfire looked unconvinced as she hummed. “Beast Boy removed his mask upon your initial meeting. I do not know why you cannot remove yours for only a night while he has removed his for the last few years.”

“Raven made a good point,” Robin sighed as he unlinked their arms to grab the corsage he bought for her. He plucked the plastic container up and removed the floral arrangement carefully, wrapping it around her silver-gloved hand. “Beast Boy is green, has fangs, and pointed ears. His secret identity wouldn’t have lasted long, anyway.”

The Tamaranean princess huffed as she held out her hand for the corsage to be placed. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam as she continued to tease her date on about it. “I suppose… though I will mention again that I would most enjoy the sight of your eyes beneath the fabric.”

He smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her hand, internally screaming as his smooth guy instincts overtook him. He linked their fingers together and grinned, “Someday, Star. Just not tonight, but another day. I promise.”

They walked out of the room and down toward the garage where Starfire frowned. “Will we be taking your motorcycle to arrive to the party? I fear that it will dirty my dress as well as your suit, and Bumblebee emphasized that it was to be formal.”

Robin rolled his eyes. “I was hoping we could, but if you’re so worried then we can just drive there.”

Starfire squealed in delight. “We are going to drive in the vehicle you have recently purchased?”

The Teen Wonder nodded with a smile as they entered the garage. The T-Car sat in all its glory with Robin’s motorcycle resting beside it. They glistened with the desire to be driven, though a third option sat farther back in the garage.

Robin plucked the keys from where they hung by the door, pressing a button as the car let out a beep! to signify it was unlocked. He opened Starfire’s door and ushered her in, careful not to close the door on the fabric of her dress. He then hurried to the other side and hopped in, shoving the key into the car and waiting until the engine roared to life.

“This party… we will be doing the dancing, I assume?”

Robin nodded again as he backed out of the garage, eyes resting on his rearview mirrors. “Yup. The Titans East rented a penthouse to celebrate their two-year anniversary of forming. Of course, we’ve been here far longer and never held a party, but…” A smirk appeared on his lips as he turned the wheel to begin driving on the main road.

Starfire’s fingers drummed against her legs as the stereo gently sung some kind of modern-pop sound. Robin’s fingers wrapped tightly around the wheel as he wanted to change the station, though he instead just let it be.

“You will be my partner again, yes?”

Robin blinked and spared a glance over at Starfire. “U-uh, yeah, but, um…” the Titan stammered as his cheeks turned rosy. “Again? When was the last time we danced, Star? I don’t remember it to be anytime recent.”

Starfire shook her head and turned her gaze from admiring the stars to her date. “No, it was a while ago. Do you recall when you had to attend the Prom with the Kitten? So you would save the city from the terrible creatures of Killer Moth? We did the slow-paced dancing after they were defeated.”

“Oh,” breathed Robin as he set his eyes back on the road, once again relieved he had kept the mask on. He wouldn’t forget that day—especially since he still had dreams about it—because it was the day he realized his feelings for Starfire were growing. “I remember.”

“...Was I a decent partner?”

“E-excuse me?” Robin frowned as he spared another glance. “What do you mean by that?”

Starfire shrugged her shoulders and smiled down at Robin. Her green eyes were glittering with the memory fresh in her head, though she affixed them onto him. “During the dance, of course. Did I make the experience enjoyable? Or were my skills in the art of dance subpar?”

He tugged at the collar of his undershirt with a free hand, other one gripping the wheel to steer the car on the road. “You were a fine dancer,” Robin assured with a weak smile. He wanted to glance over at her and stare into her emerald eyes as he spoke, though the action of driving took that option away. “I’m no performer either, so I think you did just fine. I’ll be looking forward to uh, sharing another dance with you tonight.”

The Tamaranean blushed as her eyes lit up. “As will I. But… if I am to be honest, I have been doing the practice for this event.”

“Practicing what?”

“The manners of party,” answered the princess, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. She fidgeted anxiously with her silver gloves, wringing her hands together. “Though more specifically the manners of dance. Beast Boy and Cyborg have introduced me to a website that will supply a previously-recorded video of whatever I search. I have been using it to sharpen my skills in said art.”

Robin grinned to himself. The thought of Starfire staying up late all night in her room while dancing to videos recorded on the web amused him. It was sweet, of course, if not adorable.

Not that Robin would say that out loud.

But he sure could think it.

Upon noticing his amused grin, Starfire’s demeanor shifted. She drooped slightly and looked over at her fellow Titan, a brow raised. “I-is it not normal of me to do so? I had assumed that, since there were previously-recorded videos of such, it was not an oddity to-”

“No, Star, it’s not weird in any way,” Robin smiled. He reached over to entwine one of her hands with his own while the other continued to grip the wheel. “It’s actually pretty, uh, sweet. Y’know, it’s pretty… pretty sweet of you to learn how to dance. For, um, the party. Sorry, but I didn’t have time to spiff up on my dancing skills. I didn’t think you would.”

“The internet has informed me that learning how to dance adequately is essential for many of the parties,” recited the Tamaranean as she racked her brain for knowledge of the article she read. “It looks nice if you arrive at a party knowing how to properly dance.”

“Then I suppose you can teach me a move or two?” Robin cocked a brow teasingly at the Tamaranean, watching as her face coated with a blush.

Starfire reached out and shoved his shoulder lightly. “Be serious, Robin!” she chided lightly, a wide smile plastered on her face. “It took me many nights to perfect the art of the dance. So this time, I will be leading.”

“All right, all right,” chuckled the Teen Wonder as he held up his hands in surrender. He had just parked outside the penthouse where the searchlights zigzagged the sky in brilliant patterns. Robin withdrew the keys and tucked them into his pocket, running around the side of the car to open the door for Starfire.

He took her hand and linked their arms together, guiding the Tamaranean to the door. Robin took notice of the shakiness in her stride and the slight drooping of her stature. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he raised a brow.

“Are you okay?” The sound of his voice questioning her seemed to draw Starfire out of her trance. She flinched and turned her heard to meet his masked stare. Robin’s frown deepened at the sight, though he continued his inquiry. “You seem out of it. I thought you were excited?”

“I am indeed excited!” Starfire insisted, her tone sudden as it startled the black-haired teen. He blinked at her, making the princess sigh only deeper. “...Yes, the party will be most glorious, though I worry. What if I embarrass us both once we partake in the dance? We will be mocked by the other Titans!”

“Don’t think of it like that,” soothed Robin as he temporarily took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He smiled and she did in return. “They’re our friends. Sure, if we mess up there’ll be a bit of friendly teasing, but they won’t say anything to hurt our feelings. Now hold your chin high, Star, we’re here.”

The Tamaranean princess felt Robin’s thumb and forefinger lift her head and she beamed. “Thank you, Robin. I look forward to our shared dance greatly.”

Robin squeezed her hand once more. “So do I.”

Hours had passed since they arrived and about all of the Titans—Honorary included—had arrived to the party. As per request, many of them were clad in suits and tuxedos and dresses. Only a few came dressed in semi-casual wear, though once Bumblebee came around, they were sure to keep away.

Starfire had eaten her fill at the table and even accompanied a few of her fellow girl friends to the dance floor while Robin watched.

He wanted to be subtle and not scare her if she noticed his curious eyes. Robin knew she was somewhat self-conscious about how she danced, though with the way her hair moved back and forth and her hips shook, Robin could’ve sworn she was a natural.

His elbow rested on the table, the palm of his hand supporting his chin as he watched the Tamaranean girl spin and twirl with the likes of her fellow Titans. Robin stifled a laugh as he took notice of how she nearly stumbled in her heels though regained her footing by hovering.

It was obvious the others she danced with noticed as well, giggling along with her.

“Hey, take a picture. It’ll last longer.” Robin blinked at a familiar voice and turned his head to see Speedy, clad in a gray blazer with a white undershirt. A striking black tie adorned his neck and when Robin met his eyes, he was surprised to see two green ones staring back at him.

“Speedy,” remarked the Teen Wonder with a couple of blinks. It was odd seeing his eyes. He typically wore a mask that resembled his own (though Robin continuously argued that he wore the mask first), but for tonight his eyes were exposed. “It’s nice seeing you here. Almost didn’t recognize you without the mask.”

Speedy scoffed, pulling out a seat to join Robin as he rolled his eyes. “Ah, don’t even talk about it,” he groaned with a wave of his hand, “it’s the talk of the party! Whenever I pop up to just strike up some small talk, it’s always, ‘Wow, Speedy! Your eyes are green?’ or even ‘You’re Speedy?! Did your mask fall off?’ It’s awful.”

Robin laughed, leaning back into the chair as he crossed his arms. “I guess you can see why I kept mine on then?”

“I’m surprised, to be honest,” admitted the archer as he laid his green eyes on Robin. “A little green bird told me that you were going with Starfire. I figured she’d talk you out of wearing the mask with the way Bumblebee emphasized that it was strictly formal.”

Robin laughed again, smiling to himself. “Yeah, Starfire tried to talk me out of it, but it’s all about the secret identity.” He tapped at the edge of the black fabric with a finger. “I know this party is Titans only, but you never know when we’ll need to hop into action.”

Speedy shrugged, “I doubt any baddie is gonna be out with all the talk of the party. That’s the only reason I decided I wouldn’t need it. Plus, I hid my bow in the kitchen in case something like that does happen. My mask’s there, too.”

“Clever as always, Speedy.” Robin withdrew a birdarang from the inside of his blazer. He smirked, watching as the wings of said device opened with a shing! “Great minds think alike. I didn’t feel safe leaving Tower without a few of these and a grappling hook or two.”

Speedy opened his mouth to talk though his eyes widened once he took notice of Bumblebee trudging their way with a very displeased look on her face. Robin gave a small wave and she forced a smile before glaring at Speedy again.

“What’s up?” called the archer with a groan, signaling to Robin. “I’m trying to enjoy the festivities of the party here!”

Bumblebee rolled her eyes and stomped over. “Don’t you play dumb with me, Speedy!” she snapped, crossing her arms over her golden dress. “I just found your bow and a stash of your arrows in the kitchen! Mind explaining to me what they were doing here, at the formal party, where we don’t bring weapons?!”

Speedy tugged at his tie anxiously before he took off in a hurry. Robin laughed as he heard Bumblebee mutter something along the lines of, “You’re not getting away again!” before she took off with her wings spread behind her.

Robin watched the pursuit for a few moments before a flash of hot pink and silver flew at him, tackling the teen in a hug. He flinched though relaxed upon taking notice of who it was.

“Robin! Please, you must join me in the slow-paced dancing,” urged Starfire as she tugged at his arm. “You have promised to remain by my side, and while I—regrettably!—went to celebrate with my fellow Titans, I wish to partake in the dance!” Starfire tugged at his arm again.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming,” Robin chuckled as he stood up and linked arms with Starfire. “You’ve been dancing all night. Aren’t you exhausted? And in those shoes, too!” He nodded down at her heels.

Starfire smiled widely as she lifted her dress enough to reveal that she was hovering over the ground just a few centimeters. Lifting her stare, she managed a sly wink at Robin. “My feet do not ache in the slightest. Now, may I have the dance with you?”

Robin nodded and walked her to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her hips and waited before she positioned herself accordingly, her arms linked behind his neck. They swayed back and forth slowly to the beat, staring into each other’s eyes.

The black-haired teen almost flinched when Starfire nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. He felt her warm breath tickle his chin and he almost let out a laugh, though Robin instead exhaled deeply, his cheeks flooded with color.

He leaned forward a bit so Starfire didn’t have to bury her face into him so deeply, adjusting so that they both swayed comfortably. Robin felt the stares of fellow Titans as they eyed them, a few of them gossipping to one another.

Robin felt his eyes slowly shut as he secured his grip around her.

It was soothing to be there with Starfire. The music was slow albeit satisfying as they rocked back and forth across the dance floor, buried in each other’s arms. There were other couples on the floor, of course, though to Robin, they felt invisible.

It was just them.

Dancing.

He peeked an eye open when his fingertips felt feverishly warm, glancing down at where his hand was placed. Robin blinked in surprise and frowned, murmuring to Starfire.

“Uh… Star? Your hair is on fire.”

Astonishingly, Starfire didn’t bolt into action. She hummed in delight and continued to sway, giggling when she peeked open an eye to see Robin’s brows furrowed as he studied the flames that hung at the tips of her ruby locks.

“It is all right,” assured Starfire with a fond smile. “This is no oddity for the people of my planet. While it is uncommon in males, the tips of many Tamaraneans’ hair often becomes alight with flame. The fire is harmless, but it is fueled from the deep passion found within our hearts.”

Starfire hugged him tighter. “And I believe you are the fuel for my passion, Robin.”

The Teen Wonder blinked once, then twice before registering her words. His ears felt oddly warm as she nuzzled herself back into the crook of his neck, unphased. Robin felt his lips curl into a wide smile as he buried his nose into her hair, feeling the flames warm his fingertips.

Nothing. Nothing could ruin this moment for him in the midst of their dance.

#robstar #robstar week #robstar week 2018 #teen titans #fanfiction #dance