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whaledenwtf · 6 months

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Halsin x Druid!Reader - The Forest's Calling

I'm currently HYPERFIXATING on Baldur's Gate 3. This is my love letter to Mount Halsin, the elf I would climb until my limbs fell off. You're welcome (or I'm sorry). Cross-posted on AO3 here: Link Enjoy!

Warnings: afab!reader and Male Smut, Dom/Sub Dynamic, Breeding Kink, Creampie, Choking, Oral (Female and Male Receiving), Kinky DRUID Forest Sex, Misuse of the Entangle Cantrip (hehe), Size Difference

I tried to keep Halsin in character as much as possible, but there is a significant change when y'all get funky

WORD COUNT: 4691

Nature calls to you, as it always had. The sounds of the forest have always been your favourite. Silvanus' creations had made you feel complete. The moss between your toes, and the swaying of trees; you had never felt so much peace during such perilous times. It's at times like this you are gracious for your god's teachings; nature is chaotic as it is gentle, and things will sort them out- if that is what is determined. This is how you kept such a level head during this adventure. Some of your companions saw your level-headedness as worrisome, but you always remind them that to persevere is in the forest's nature, and so it is in yours.

No good ever came from stressing over obstacles in your life.

"If you could stop thinking about the grass for five seconds, I'd appreciate you listening to me. Tch- tree huggers." Astarion tells you annoyed. You look into his crimson eyes and smirk.

"This tree hugger is your key to freedom. Unless you forgot about the tadpole in your brain." Astarion's eyes widen, before he smirks.

"Keep talking dirty, sweetheart. Might not resist taking a bite~" You chuckle.

"Settle down. Like I told you beforehand, we must seek out the Archdruid Halsin before we continue our journey. Nobody could come close to him in terms of knowledge-" Lae'zel rolls her eyes.

"Nobody could come close to the information about the ghaik than us githyanki. You istik entertain such useless ideas." You roll your eyes at her. Before you could speak up, Shadowheart speaks to the githyanki.

"Yes. I'm sure your barbaric race would know much more." She says sarcastically. "I, on the other hand, would much rather any other option besides yours." Before Lae'zel could fight back, Karlach speaks to them both.

"Shut the fuck up and kiss already. Wasting time when we could be slaying goblins and getting closer to being free. Stop fucking around and listen to (Y/N)." You nod your head in appreciation to the tiefling.

"Besides, even if Archdruid Halsin does not know how to help us, he may offer his services regardless. Leaving him with the goblins is a fate worse than death. His ally-ship will be indispensable." This appeases those in the group who were unsure of your leadership.

"Always the cunning one, aren't you sweetheart." Astarion speaks up. You turn your head and wink.

"Let's push forward and assist in any way we can." Wyll speaks up. Gale nods, looking over our group.

"Let's be smart and proactive, we do not want to lose eachother, nor do we want to get caught. We shall stay in hiding for as long as possible. Stealth is the best way forward with our little information we have." Astarion taps your chin.

"I like you like this." You smirk at him before leading the group to the Goblin Camp.

After killing every goblin in the vicinity, you all venture forward to a cage where a bear is roaming.

"A bear. He was probably going to be goblin fodder." Astarion says, smirking.

"Hush. Poor thing was being attacked by these goblins." Karlach speaks to him, bumping her shoulder into Astarions. He gasps, the wind being knocked out of him.

"Careful. I bruise like a peach!" He tells her angrily. She chuckles.

"And you're just as bitter as a rotten tomato-" Astarion bristles. You cut him off.

"Settle down, girls. We have time for play later. Show some respect. That bear is our charge." You unlock the iron gate before walking in alone.

"I don't think that's a good idea-" Gale says worriedly, but you shush him. When the bear makes eye contact with you, you see the gold swirling in his eyes. His mouth opens to show his sharp teeth, a warning.

You bow down infront of the bear, laying a hand out towards his snout.

"Are you sure that's... wise, sweetheart?" Astarion asks, concerned. You ignore him before speaking.

"Archdruid Halsin, it is my absolute honour to stand before you. We have come here to free you from your imprisonment and bring you back to the Emerald Grove. May Silvanus preserve us." Without a beat, the bear transforms into a tall, handsome, elf. Your eyes widen at his stature, but more at his beauty.

"Ah, a fellow druid. Silvanus has certainly looked upon me in favour. Thank you for assisting me." You realize you are still kneeling, at crotch level with the Archdruid. Your eyes flicker to his pelvis, and eyes widen at what you see. You rise to your full height, which makes you eye level with his chest. Your head tilts to look into his eyes, and notice him watching you, with a small smirk. He saw you gazing at him, how embarrassing.

"Of course, Archdruid Halsin." He shakes his head softly, braids swaying with the movement.

"Please, call me Halsin. My savior shouldn't have to call me by such a title." You nod, before looking over your shoulder at your companions. They are all looking at the tall elf in shock.

"He just- he just turned into a man!" Astarion says out loud. You chuckle.

"Yes. My preferred wild shape is a bear." He responds to the shorter elf, not looking away from you, glancing over you in curiousity. You turn back to look at him. Your eyes stay locked while you speak to your party.

"Let us leave. We will bring Halsin back to the Emerald Grove and then we can rest. I want to wash off this gods-awful goblin blood before it stains my armour." Everyone nods at that. They turn to walk out, ready to escort Halsin back. You follow your group, Gale and Wyll leading you all forward.

"Thank you, little flower. I truly appreciate you aiding me." Halsin whispers to you, matching your strides behind the group. Little flower... the nickname made you giddy. You blush softly, the heat reaching to the peaks of your ears.

"I can't leave a fellow druid behind. Especially with what those goblins were doing to you." You shake your head, looking over him and the dried blood that caked him from his wild shape form. He chuckles at your worried gaze.

"Nonetheless, the Oakfather has blessed me with your assistance. I am indebted to you for life." You turn to look at him, his easy smile and warm eyes making you feel something... magical.

"The Oakfather has blessed us many times anew. The air we breathe, the ground we walk upon, the forests. But alas, I did come to release you because we need your assistance-" His eyes widen lightly, before he looks down at you.

"What do you need, little flower?" The way he speaks to you is soft, unconcerned of the questions you will ask him. His caring nature speaks to the softest parts of you.

"I will ask you once we bring you to the Emerald Grove. However, I must warn you-" You stop walking and grab his arm. Holy hells his arms are buff. You must have paused for a moment too long.

"What is wrong?" You shake your head at your own thoughts. You're acting like a toddler, instead of the adult elf you are.

"At the Emerald Grove... Kagha is planning to do the Rite of Thorns, and is releasing all the Tiefling refugees..." Halsin's eyes almost bug out of his head.

"We must stop them! That rite does more harm than good! Those Tieflings... fleeing towards death. It is not right!" You tell him passionately. He takes your hand from off his arm and grips it in both his large hands.

" We will stop them, little one." You nod. He continues to hold your hand.

"The shadow curse has been on my mind for so long, I cannot believe I trusted such a-" He shakes his head, cutting himself off.

"We will continue our trek and once we stop the rite, I will tell you all you need to know." You bite your lip.

"If I could help carry your burdens, I would." He chuckles, a light blush appearing on the apples of his cheeks.

"I'm sure you would, little flower. Now, let us continue our journey. I appreciate you warning me." He lets go of your hand and waves his hand out, gesturing you to go forward, so you do. You can't help the chill that you feel when his hands release yours.

After stopping the rite, you did speak to Halsin about the tadpoles. He sighs when he says he cannot heal you of your affliction. A shiver of fear goes through your body. If someone as knowledgeable with healing like Halsin cannot heal you, you cannot imagine how to move forward. Its then that he tells you that the Shadow-Cursed Lands may be the key to assisting you in your journey. You bite your lip worriedly.

"I will continue to assist you. I will follow your party and do what I can. Not only for the cursed lands, but also for you." He says it with such conviction, such passion, you cannot help but feel safe and warmed from his sentiments.

"I feel indebted to you Halsin. Truly." He shakes his head.

"You will be helping me much more than I, you." You smile up at him. He cannot help but be captured by the radiance of your smile. Oakfather preserve him, you are the most beautiful of his creations.

"I will help you with this shadow curse. Take back nature and restore balance. I just hope I don't grow any tentacles in that time." You say humourlessly, your laugh hollow. He grabs your chin with his hand, his thumb stroking the side of your face.

"I promise on all of the Oakfather's creations, I will not let anything happen to you." Your eyes flutter, and you glance down at his lips before looking back into his eyes.

"Thank you." You whisper to him. His attention is taken elsewhere, and his hand caresses down your neck before releasing you, and moving to the Tiefling asking for him.

You feel this feral need to have him, to help him. You're attracted to him, and you can tell this will be problematic. Oakfather preserve you.

That night, the Tieflings throw a party for you all. The music is loud, and you can see them enjoying themselves. You look over your companions and see all of them enjoying themselves; albeit in their own ways. While looking over the festivities, you see Halsin standing away, gazing over the festivities and people watching. Your eyes make contact and you blush.

"This wine tastes like goblin piss." Astarion tells you, gagging on the swig he just took. You chuckle at him, breaking eye contact with the handsome druid to look over at the vampire.

"Not your type of red drink?" You ask him flirtedly. He smirks at you and leans into you.

"No, sweetheart. My type of red is standing right next to me, as radiant as ever." His face gets close to your neck and he sniffs you deeply.

"All of a sudden, I am thirsting for something else." He tells you. You chuckle at his advances.

"Are you now?" You flirt back. He smirks down at you.

"You're much more fun to speak to like this, sweetheart. I can't help but want a taste." You giggle at him, before taking the wine from his hand and taking a couple mouthfuls.

"Oh gods it does taste like goblin's piss." You splutter out. He laughs at your turmoil.

"Oh darling, you make me laugh." He tells you. You grin at him.

"Glad my misfortunes bring you joy." He smiles at you, sharp teeth glinting in the campfire's light.

"Mm. The only thing that would bring me more joy in this moment is having a taste of you." His voice lowers to a whisper. You roll your eyes.

"Easy there. If I didn't know you better I'd say you're a bard, singing my praises so I could follow you to your tent for the night." You push his chest gently.

"I'm sure I can make you sing, sweetheart." He tells you, looking at you with a smirk.

"As much fun as we would have, I think you've had enough to drink." You tell him jokingly, waving the bottle of wine in his face. You take another swig, and swallow down the bitterness. You go to walk forward, the alcohol driving you to your destination; Halsin.

"Ah, my little flower! It seems you were having fun." Halsin tells you, smile on his face. The crease between his brows tells you that he'd much rather had been the one sniffing your neck, rather than Astarion. You feel a rush of confidence surge through you, aided by the alcohol in your system.

"I decided to turn my attentions elsewhere." You tell him confidently. He smirks at your words.

"Is that so? Well, I am honoured to have such attentions on me." He tells you in a whisper. You almost whimper at his words, feeling hot. You feel as though molten lava has replaced the blood in your veins, and the heat is centralized at the apex of your thighs. You rub them lightly, which catches the elder druid's attention.

"You could have much more than attentions on you tonight, Master Halsin." Your voice lowers to a whisper, and the effect is immediate. His eyes shine golden and his smile becomes wider, more primal. Just like in the Goblin Camp, it was a warning.

"Is that so, little flower? Are you offering yourself to me?" He asks you gently, taking a step forward. You are now flush with his body, and the carvings on his undershirt graze the peaks of your breasts deliciously, hardening them. You moan quietly, looking up at the gargantuan man through your eyelids.

"I'd like to explore you, Master Halsin. See if those rumours of your... generosity are true." You feel his arm wrap around your waist, his hand resting at the small of your back. His fingers seem to tighten, digging softly into your skin.

"You seem to enjoy calling me by my honourifics." You hum, smirking at him.

"I'm just calling you by title. You would like to be my master, would you not?" He growls lowly, much like a bear would.

"You're playing a dangerous game, little one." He tells you huskily. You giggle at him.

"The only games I would like to play are with you, Master." In his eyes you can see him having an inner battle. You take the hand on your waist in yours, which snaps him out of his inner turmoil. The alcohol is rushing through you now, your (very little) inhibitions non-existent now. You pull it closer to your face, before taking a thick finger in your mouth and worshipping it. You kiss at the pad of his forefinger before licking it; inevitably taking it into your mouth and sucking on it softly. He watches you entranced, groaning softly as you let go of his finger with a pop. You take his hand in yours, and pull him towards the edge of the camp, leading to the forest. Once you find the small grove in the forest, you let go of his hand, spinning in place and enjoying the silence of nature. He stays at the edge of the tree line, watching you with sharp eyes.

"Little flower-" Halsin says softly. You turn to look at the man with a smile.

"Our worries are for dawn. With the moonlight shining on us, and the trees as our witness, I would like to show you the pleasures of the flesh, as nature intended." He groans loudly now, far enough from the camp that your voices would not carry.

"I'm afraid to lose myself. The beast-" You pull off your nightshirt, exposing your breasts in the moonlight. You then pull off your pants and undergarments in one shot, fully baring yourself to his sight. He inhales deeply, eyes looking at you up and down multiple times. You begin to to dance sensually, your hips seeming to beckon him forward. He takes a couple of uncertain steps.

"Halsin. I am not one so easily afraid of beasts. Let me help you forget your woes for a night." His resolve seems to crumble, and he runs to you, leaving you both chest to chest.

"Little flower, I will devour you-" You moan, pulling his hair to bring him to your lips. His chapped lips touch yours, and it feels as if there is magic flowing through your bodies. His hands find purchase under your thighs, lifting you up into him. Your legs wrap around his waist, and you moan into his mouth. His tongue prods at the seam of your lips, persuading you to open your mouth to his. Your tongues find each other, and a battle of dominance begins. You lose easily, his gifted tongue prodding and licking at yours with wanton need. You release each other to inhale deeply. He inhales from his nose and groans.

"I can smell your need, little one." You whimper, looking into his eyes.

"You're overdressed, Master Halsin. Allow me to undress you." He lets you down out of his embrace, and you begin to untuck his sleepshirt out from his pants and over his head. You begin to untie his pants, helping him out of them as well. That's when you notice he is wearing no undergarments, and his cock is thick and long, closer to the length of your forearm. You whimper, falling to your knees and looking up at him.

"You don't need to please me-" You cut him off.

"I want your cock to hit the back of my throat until I am unable to speak." He moans loudly, before your hand grasps him at the shaft.

"The Oakfather blessed me with such a giving partner. I- Oh Silvanus-" You take him in your mouth, licking at the tip. You taste his musk, and he tastes like pine and mint, and something that makes you absolutely feral. Without a care for your own wellbeing, you try to swallow him whole, his tip hitting the back of your throat, and then some. He groans, eyes closing as one hand finding itself locked in your hair and the other forming a fist at his thigh.

"That's right little druid, take Master's cock into the back of your throat." His voice goes down an octave, and you feel a rush of slick leave you. Taking him out of your mouth, you kiss the shaft downward until you take his heavy balls in your mouth and suckle. You're panting with need, moaning into his skin. You let go of him, one hand stroking his cock and the other inching down your body to touch your cunt. He looks down at you then with hooded eyes, and moans again.

"Are you touching your needy cunt, little flower? I cannot wait to fill you with my seed until your entire being is satiated." You moan, needing him back in your mouth. You remove the hand on his shaft and deepthroat him again, only getting two thirds of his member into your mouth. You hear your need, the wet sounds coming from your pussy only arousing you further. He begins to thrust into your mouth and you choke on him. After making sure you were alright, he continues his movements, thrusts getting rougher. The hand in your hair tightens and pulls you off his cock, as he growls.

"I will pound your quim until you are unable to walk without my healing, little one." His hands grip your upper arms and lifts you up to stand. Your face is smeared with his precum and your spittle. Once you are stable on your two feet, he kisses you passionately and you moan into him. His hands are touching you everywhere. His touch is searing hot. His hands find themselves at your breasts, rubbing and pinching the peaks of them.

"O-Oh Halsin. Don't stop." He chuckles into your ear.

"I'm not planning to stop until dawn shows itself." You whimper at his words, thrusting your chest deeper into his ministrations. You hear Halsin whisper before your hands are being pulled behind you, tightly grasped. Your feet are also held up, spreading your legs open. You notice that vines grew from the ground and are holding you up like a platter to Halsin.

"As much as I love your touch, little one, I don't want you to push me off when I get a taste of your ambrosia." You moan loudly, almost caterwauling for the elder druid.

His large hands caress up your leg, massaging the skin of your calves, before going higher.

"I wish you could see yourself as I do in this moment, little flower. You're exquisite; truly one of Silvanus' greatest creations." You blush, heaving.

"H-Halsin, please-" He chuckles at your enthusiasm.

"Don't fret, you will be chanting my name soon enough." His confidence is addicting, you could feel how drenched you were even with your legs spread so far apart. His hands finally reach close to your core, and he spreads your slit further open to look at you. You could feel your hole contracting, as if begging for an intrusion.

"By the gods... Look at your tight cunt begging for my cock. Can't wait to have a taste." You feel his breath on you. You look down and see him watching you, as his hands slide up to your breasts to play with your nipples like he had before. The first stroke of his tongue on your clit sent a sensation of pleasure up your spine. You struggle against your bonds, with an insatiable urge to grasp his hair and tug him deeper into you.

His tongue then ventures lower, tasting your essence. He moans loudly into your body, the vibrations of his moan pleasing you greatly. He continues licking you, tasting you as he tweaks your nipples, tugging before massaging. You felt powerless against the bonds, barely hearing anything more than the rush of blood in your ears.

"Your nectar... is just like honey. I can't wait to have you cum on my tongue multiple times." You moan. You can tell you're already close to your precipice, his words, moans and tongue vibrating and licking against your clit deliciously.

"Please... please Master Halsin-" He groans at the honourific. He plunges his tongue into you, lapping you at your source. His nose nudges your clit and that sets off your orgasm. You feel yourself leak onto him, his tongue cleaning your mess. You're shaking with oversensitivity, but he does not stop. One of the hands on your breast caress back down the length of your body, before he pulls away from your core. He grins up at you as he thrusts two of his thick fingers into you. He curls them, as you begin to shake harder.

"That's it, little one. Let all those in the forest know who is making you feel like this, making you cum and feel pleasure-" His words go straight to your core, and more of your slick leaks around his fingers.

"Halsin-H-Halsin- Oh GODS-" His lips wrap around your clit, sucking and licking at you. The attention was too much; you cum again. This time, you can feel much more than slick leave your body- did I squirt? You wonder to yourself, as your body is now lashing against the constraints. You didn't have much time to think about it, as he pulls his fingers out to taste you, moaning. You look down at him, panting. He spreads you open again, this time with both hands, before his tongue is back in you, tasting you like you were water and he was a man dehydrated. You whimper, begging him to give you reprieve. He pulls off of you, his mouth and chin covered in your release. He was panting, his eyes glowing a bright amber.

"You have no idea what you unleashed, little one." He growls out. You feel the vines dissipate. You're laid on the forest ground gently. Before he could move, you flip yourself over with enthusiasm, laying your upper body parallel to the floor and your lower body in the air. You wiggle your ass, one of your hands going between your legs and spreading yourself open. You look over your shoulder and look him directly in the eye. He is watching you with wonder, before you speak.

"Breed me, Master Halsin. Empty your seed in me and fuck me into a stupor." He growls, before kneeling behind you.

"I'll make sure you can't walk for weeks, little one. I'll spread you nice and good." You feel the tip of his cock at your entrance. He rubs himself up and down your slit, gathering your juices.

"Look how wet you are. Such a good little druid for me." You whimper at his words. Without warning he thrust into you, going to the hilt. His heavy balls hit against your clit, and your mouth goes open in a silent scream. He begins a brutal pace, pounding into you. One of his hands reach around your body, his large hand grasping your neck. His hold is tight, but not painfully so. You feel lightheaded, all your senses being overwhelmed by the Archdruid. You feel as though your floating, the only thing tying you to this plane of existence is the continuous thrusts from the elf behind you. You felt as though you were split open repeatedly, his cock reaching places in you that you were unsure existed before today. He growls as he pounds into you, and you begin to feel claws against your neck, before they retract.

"You make me feral, little one. I'm gonna fill you with my seed, fill you with pups." You moan, breathless. His thrusts begin to falter, but they seem to go deeper. You feel yourself fluttering around him, as you gasp.

"I-I'm close." You whisper to him. He groans.

"I feel you fluttering around me, little one." He chokes out. After a handful of thrusts he cums with a shout, and you constrict around him, cumming once more. You feel his seed in you, so abundant that it leaks out around him. You both pant for a couple seconds. He releases your neck and you gasp an inhale.

"Did I hurt you?" He asks you softly. You shake your head enthusiastically.

"N-no. Oh gods Halsin. I am unsure how I will walk right ever again." You tell him breathlessly. He chuckles at that, caressing your back and thighs with gentleness. You feel him slowly pull out of you, taking care to not punish your core anymore. You whimper at the loss, feeling your mixed spend leaking out of you. He flips you over softly, wanting to look you over. His hand goes to finger you lazily. You shriek, body seizing up.

"Not a drop goes to waste." He tells you huskily. After a couple moments, he pulls his fingers out too, and directs them to your mouth. You suckle on the digits, the taste arousing you once more. You both look into each other's eyes as you did this. Once he removes his fingers from your mouth, his lips replace it, tasting both of you on his tongue. He groans into your lips. You kiss for a couple moments, before you both need to separate so you could inhale. You felt utterly spent. He goes to lie down next to you, and your eyes follow him.

His hands begin to massage your sore muscles, before pulling you onto him. You felt utterly spent. He holds you into a lover's embrace and you can't help but sigh into his chest, caressing his pectorals and cuddling into him. You feel his lips on the crown of your head, leaving a trail soft pecks and kisses. You both lay there, absorbing the beauty of nature and speaking about your lives before the parasite and the shadow curse until the sun rose.

END

#halsin bg3 #halsin x tav #halsin x reader #baldur's gate 3 #halsin #fanfic #smut #halsin x reader smut #daddy halsin #druid reader #Halsin x Druid!Reader #fanfiction #halsin smut

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taki-yaki · 2 months

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Domestic In The Underdark Headcanons

Pairing: Astarion x GN!Reader/Tav/Durge

Despite the dangers that people preach about the Underdark, you and Astarion try to make it feel like home.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Got this out in time for the day of love. It's not quite Valentine's centric but I hope everyone enjoys it either way.

Despite the Underdark being known as the most dangerous place to live in, you and Astarion try to make it feel like home.

After finding some of the freed vampire spawn, you take up residency in an old abandoned fortress in the Underdark. It’s no grand mansion in the upper city, but you hire some artificers who are paid a little extra to keep quiet about the whole spawn situation, as well as them being able to help out fellow heroes of Baldurs Gate.

You and Astarion have a home specially made for the two of you, based on the houses in the city, as well as the spawn having homes for themselves.

When it comes to decorating the house, Astarion was mainly in charge of wallpaper and furniture choices for the home, but would also take in your inputs as well.

However, the main issue with all vampires when it comes to personal homes is the forbiddance rule they must follow, in which they must receive an invitation to enter the home, so a little hanging sign is made saying Astarion & Tav’s home which sits outside the door.

When it comes to cooking, Astarion would make an effort to learn how to, mainly for your sake if you can’t cook at all. Of course, the first few dishes may be a bit too burnt or too salty, but you can’t blame him, he hasn’t needed to eat food in over 200 years.

“What do you mean it’s too salty for you? Well, I just kept adding salt until I could taste it”

The two of you would also take trips to the surface, via a portal setup that Gale was kind enough to arrange for you both. Visiting nearby night markets that local villages provide.

When it comes to clothing, he would embroider small messages into them whilst patching up any loose holes. Additionally, when attending parties or balls, he ensures that you wear the best outfit, during the preparations for Wither’s reunion party, he ended up spending so much time decorating your outfit, that he had to grab one of his old shirts and quickly patch it up.

He would also write small messages on your work clothes/armour for you to read while you are both apart from each other for the day, managing tasks.

During the evenings you would share each other's shirts and Astarion would always make a fuss over it “Honestly darling, it’s an honour to be wearing one of my handcrafted shirts.”

He does enjoy seeing you wearing his shirts though.

Since Elves only need around 4 hours of rest through trance, Astarion would sometimes wait for you to wake up by reading a book whilst watching you nearby. If you are an Elf or Drow, he would try to wake up before you regardless.

During the evenings, you would both cuddle together, either reading books out loud to one another or listening to each other ranting about how your day has been, from managing wayward spawn to taking out some drow raiders.

You both would bathe together, as a form of non-sexual intimacy, trying out the different scented oils that you’ve purchased from the market.

You would gift Astarion flowers that you collect from the surface, although he does find them a little gaudy, he enjoys having them as the colours remind him of being in the sun.

Astarion would try to return the favour by gifting you flowers, but only ones that would be useful for making into poisons and lists what each one is and its function.

”See if you take the petals from this one then crush and burn them, you can make a quick deadly toxin, but I think they look nice like this as well.”

Of course, when these flowers started to dry up, he would press them between books to persevere them.

Despite all the horrors of the Underdark and the gurgling task of managing over 7000 spawn. You are both able to make a place to call home.

#astarion x tav #astarion x durge #astarion x dark urge #astarion x reader #bg3 astarion #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #astarion headcanons #headcanons #This one was fun to write but it'll go in hand with the “Life with 7000 + 7 Vampire Spawn Headcanons” next #better get started on reading more Underdark material

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tenjikyu · 3 months

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𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘪'𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 - 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ SPOILERS FOR KANTO MANJI ARC , no shipping, just a lyric fic explaining how everyone involved is gonna save mikey ( including you !! ) , reader is baji’s gn! twin ( relevant to the plot ) , i was listening to the soundtrack and had this literally play out in my head as the song went, so i hope i do it justice .

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ A/N : im actually so excited about this OMG.

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ IMPORTANT EXTRA NOTES :

manjiro’s lyric lines - purple .

senju’s lyric lines - red .

chifuyu’s lyric lines - blue .

your lyric lines - pink .

takemichi’s lyric lines - green .

irrelevant/background lyric lines - white .

♬ any moment now , your highness .

mikey looks around the “ arena ” that the battle was going to take place in. a speck of wonder crosses the blondes mind.

what was takemichi thinking? why had he returned from the future?

regardless, the sounds of footsteps began to ring through his ears.

♬ be lieve me i know , i’ve suck pretty low .

♬ but whatever i’ve done , you deserved .

♬ ( varien ! )

♬ ( quiet ! )

his mind hazes with uncertainty. manjiro’s body shakes ever so slightly.

no matter what, he must not falter.

he warned them all, to steer clear of his everlasting karma.

alas, they block his desperates pleas out.

♬ i’m the bad guy , that’s fine .

♬ it’s no fault of mine and some justice at last will be served .

♬ ( please listen )

manjiro knows deep down that no matter how hard the beg of him, he can’t return to his original character. things change you in ways you can’t truly comprehend until you’ve lived it yourself.

he wishes for more then anything to run into anyone’s arms.

anyone in toman’s arms would do.

his brothers arms would do. his sisters arms would suffice.

baji’s arms even.

♬ now it’s time to step up or it’s time to stand down .

♬ and there’s only one answer for me .

alas, the blond lifts his head a little higher. after all, doubt gets you nowhere.

he can only look forward, otherwise everyone left alive is at stake.

♬ and i’ll stand up and fight ‘cause i know that i’m right .

♬ and i’m ready , i’m ready , i’m ready .

the tokyo manji flag can be ever so slightly seen with the numerous yet limited footsteps loom closer.

danger is sensed in manjiro’s head.

he can feel it, touch it, caress it all he wants.

but danger halts for nobody.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

♬ now it’s time to rise up or it’s time to stand down .

♬ and the answer is easy to see .

only a few hours prior, with all of the next generation of the tokyo manji gang members present, senju stands tall with both you and takemichi by her side.

she knows the blonde will not put up an easy fight, and with so strong yet so little people against their godly force, high morale is a little difficult to seep through everybody.

♬ and i swear by the sword , if you’re in get on board .

♬ are you ready ?

♬ i’m ready ! we’re ready ! ( we’re ready )

senju feels no doubt in her heart that no matter the fear amongst the original members, that they will prevail for the sake of their beloved old leader.

they will pull through for manjiro sano.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

♬ are you quite sure we can do this ?

chifuyu leans gently into your side as to lower his voice.

he knows how deeply you treasure mikey.

with how close baji and mikey were, not to mention sanzu also against them, it would be hard for you to fight against someone you considered family .

alas, you only smiles gently at his concern.

♬ together , we will guarantee .

“i’ll be okay, chifuyu. i appreciate your concern.” you reassure him.

you weren’t lying when you said that you appreciated his worries, however you weren’t sure if you would truly be able to land a hit on mikey.

the boy was there for you through thick and thin. with you comforting him through his brothers passing and him returning the favour with your twin brothers death, you felt your heart ache ever so harshly.

regardless, you had to persevere. for mikey’s sake, and for your friends sake.

♬ i’ll make them hear me (now it’s time to redeem or it’s time to resolve )

with manjiro sano , harychiyo sanzu and kokonoi hajime standing in front of the three of you, you felt your body shudder at the blondes glare that was directed at you.

♬ prove they can trust me ( and the outcome will hardly come free )

senju grasps your hand lightly, her own brother staring her down like she’s worthless. nothing but a setback in his eyes.

you smiled back at her before you both proudly stood next to takemichi. she had always been your #1 supporter, regardless of history.

♬ i’ll save my home and family .

with all the courage you could muster, you stared back into mikey’s soulless sockets. nothing but heartbreak and fear filled his sorrowful expression.

you knew in that moment, that you needed to rescue your brother.

you had already lost one, you couldn’t afford to loose another.

♬ now the line’s in the sand and our moments at hand .

♬ and i’m ready .

♬ i’m ready .

with a pool of silence overtaking the battlefield, manjiro sano turns to takemichi hanagaki for the signal.

the signal that a battle was about to commence.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

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velvet4510 · 1 month

Text

“My Heart Will Go On” has been played and replayed so often that it’s commonly considered cliche at this point to associate it with anything outside of Titanic, to apply the beautiful message within its stunning lyrics and Celine’s angelic voice to another story or specifically another couple.

But I must admit how the song screams Tolkien to me.

The ages of the world go by, and even as things change and disappear, spirits endure. Elves fade from our world, but endure in the West. Dwarves and hobbits disappear from history, but continue on in the shadows where we can never see them. Men rise and prosper. All their hearts do go on.

And more specifically, look at all the Elves - Círdan, Elrond, and Galadriel especially - who persevere and continue to be strong after enormous personal losses and struggles and destructions. Look at how the Númenorean survivors move forward after the loss of their homelands and build new homes. Look at how the Dwarves never truly lose hope of regaining Erebor and Moria, and eventually do both successfully. Look at how the hobbits evolve after the Scouring, replanting the Shire to make it more beautiful than ever before, accepting a working class gardener as their Mayor and crafting new libraries and records. Look at how Tom Bombadil and Goldberry spend all the ages of the world living happily together in their little forest, regardless of what occurs outside their home. All their hearts go on.

Look at how Bilbo and Sam each lose the respective loves of their lives (Thorin and Frodo) but each move forward, opening up to new loves in their families - Bilbo finds joy again with Frodo, Sam finds joy again with Rosie and their children - passing on their stories to the next generation, and going off to find peace in the Blessed Realm. Their hearts go on.

Look at how Frodo loses so much of himself because of the Ring, but rather than lie down and die, accepts Arwen’s gift and sails West to seek the self-care and healing that he needs. His heart goes on.

Look at how Éowyn loses every parental figure she’s ever had, survives years of sexual harassment and oppression, goes through a depression, experiences the horrors and NDEs of war … and emerges stronger and wiser than ever into a new life of love, bliss, growth, and healing. Her heart goes on.

Look at how Faramir endures years of mistreatment by his own dad and the absence of his mom, loses the only family member who ever truly valued him, is touched by the Black Breath … and survives to flourish in a new position, rebuild a broken realm, and find true love. His heart goes on.

Look at how Legolas watches almost all of his mortal friends die, but chooses to move on to the place where he can endure and not fade, carrying all his cherished memories with him. His heart goes on.

It’s actually a beautiful thing to think about.

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seelestia · 2 years

Note

ive been thinking, kamisato ayato with a reader that got their vision taken away. im curious, what would he do and how would he act hwhwwhhhhhwwww

— 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞.

[ prequel to recover. ]

word count: 0.4k words.

genre: ayato x reader, secret relationship, angst, took place during the vision hunt decree.

thoughts: assuming that your vision was taken away, you must be someone unaffiliated with the tri-commissions or a regular citizen... so, i thought why not make it a secret relationship??? 👀 ngl, i doubled over my seat when i saw ayato's name. (/j) also, i'm not sure if you're the same anon who has sent me brainrots before but regardless, ty for this! have a good day, mwah <3

it was hard not to break.

as soon as ayato caught wind about the confiscation of your vision, he had to conceal the briefest moment where his heart skipped a beat. no, he must stay calm, he mustn't falter — lest he risks raising suspicion among the shogunate and endangering the reputation of his clan.

but that extremely bitter taste in his mouth lingered still.

to lose one's vision is to lose one's soul. with your convictions ripped away from you, to where will you be headed now? no, you could barely even recall anything — and it pained ayato to see you this way.

the thought of the suffering people was already unbearable for him, knowing their desperate gazes that were laid upon his shoulders. the vision that hung from his waist, one that was called as a blessing from the archons, felt like a tool to taunt those who had lost theirs, even if he didn't mean to seem so.

kamisato ayato may still have his vision with him, he may never experience the loss of his ambitions like the others — but for someone whose lover he partially shared a heart with had experienced it all, he became familiar with the feeling.

"my love," ayato muttered. but you didn't respond, you didn't have any strength left in your body to.

once, when he called you by those two words, it would carve such a lovely smile upon your lips, but now, they were nothing but mere words that fell from his own.

his touch that cradled your cheek was gentle, he held you so gently as if you were a piece of fragile glass in his hand. but the resolve in his chest only hardened itself even further the more he gazed upon your lifeless face.

you had gone to a place far away from here, and the only way to bring you into his arms again was to abolish this decree. and he will achieve it, that shall be his promise.

this time, the commissioner stood up with a quiet flourish of his sleeves. a heavy sigh escaped his cold lips, "i'll be back."

he had no choice but to let go, as much as he wished he could hold your face in his hand for much longer. reality was calling for him and he couldn't ignore it, as much as he wished he could do so.

"my lord?" thoma's voice was a concerned inquiry in his ears. in the corner of ayato's eyes, he caught another glance of you. the last one before he resigned himself to this path of inevitability and betrayal.

your eyes were fluttered close and your chest moved a steady rhythm as you lied weakly on the mattress, thoma's homemade bowl of porridge untouched beside you. it was a reminder for ayato; that he needed to persevere, for you and for the people.

and exactly that, he shall do.

"please continue to look after them, thoma. i have matters to take care of."

"yes, my lord."

#i love this man if you can't tell #now i shall go back to writing requests hehe #kamisato ayato x reader #ayato x reader #genshin x reader #seelestial.inks #jumbled rambles! 🪶

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rolandrockover · 4 months

Text

Reprise Vol. 1 - Master & Slave

I think it's no big secret that Paul doesn't have much good to say about Kiss' Carnival of Souls. To put it mildly. Or he simply does everything imaginable to at least create such impressions whenever this album title should rarely enough become the subject of an interview question. Of course, he's welcome to do as he pleases, but personally, from my humble perspective, I think it's a bit of a shame, because I can also remember times when he spoke a tiny bit differently about it.

For example, I can still remember the time when the subject of a reunion was still treated as fictitious, and it wasn't on anyone's horizon, least of all Paul's and Gene's. That was back in 1994/95, when Kiss' laudable motto of perseverance and giving their best was for a change increasingly emphasized in their new music.

I still remember very well that regular little Kiss feature in the German Rock Hard magazine, which was supervised by their Kiss Die-Hard (0), and from whom one got the vivid impression that he regularly got a certain insight into the world of our favorite band. I think it must have been February or March 1995 when Paul and Gene (1), but also Eric Singer (2), apparently got in touch with the interviewer directly from the rehearsal room in a telephone interview and Paul confidently said, not without his usual side-swipe at Gene, that his songs were much more melodious and heavier than Gene's. There was a certain pride in that. At some point later he even went so far as to claim that the new album was the best and heaviest since Creatures of the Night.

Oh my! What I mean, since that's a rather thoughtful and equally rare tribute to their own music, which was previously only outspoken to give a very special shine to the indeed excellent Revenge, and the return to form associated with it. And I must add to this Paul seemed quite proud of Revenge in 1992 regardless of how hard he had contributed to the previous albums in the 80's anyway. But who knows, once again, it was probably just the latest sensationalization of the upcoming album (3). Promotion is a double-edged sword, but to wipe Revenge away so succinctly because of it, I really don't know. But maybe and probably because it wouldn't have sounded so good to say their new album was the best since... their last one.

But to get my act together and to at least briefly talk directly about Master & Slave in this context.

So, as I already mentioned in my original entry, Master & Slave had the working title: Paul's Riff. In my perception, this suggests pride and respect, not necessarily from Paul himself, but clearly from his band environment. And the fact that such a meagre, yet all-saying no-name was chosen as accepted as a working title, if not even honored from everybody involved clearly speaks for itself.

And because this is a reprise, I'll simply feature an excerpt from my original text about what I see in this song:

"What begins in Not For the Innocent with a few approaching, ominous tones, continues in Unholy as a small extension in a slightly different pitch, and a much more compact back and forth oscillation of these tones, which thereby does not form the entire riff, but only a complementary part of it. In Master & Slave the whole thing gains in drasticness, and the motif is doubled to a lower pitch, added to the previous one to secure its terrain, only to turn into a Black Sabbath motif a la After All. An endlessly repeating highly dynamic acrobatic feat in loud and quiet/guitar and bass contrast."

When writing Master & Slave, Paul must have thought to himself: Ok Gene, a dark album full of Unholys shall it be? This time I'll listen to you, then you shall get Unholy. Which must have stimulated his ambition to try to outdo Gene in terms of Unholy by more than a small margin. I think the result shows in all strength what the right ambition can achieve.

"To conjure up this wet dream of riff Paul must have really tried hard and done his very best to achieve such a result - regardless of what he claims about Carnival of Souls as a whole today."

It is a real pity that he no longer stands by it. Gene and, above all, Bruce (4) seem to have fewer problems with this.

Side Notes:

(0) Jan Jaedike.

(1) Gene emphasized the psychedelic component and compared Carnival of Souls to the Rolling Stones' Satanic Majesties Request (1967) (5) , and that they couldn't explain either why it sounded different from the previous album.

(2) Eric said the album was super heavy and exactly the kind of music he wanted to play. I love to mention this because he had also clearly distanced himself from Carnival of Souls over the past few years. Klassik.

(3) Can anyone still remember how they loud-mouthedly advertised Crazy Nights as a mixture of Animalize and Destroyer back then? There's even a Youtube video of it, but don't ask me where. Anyway, that was still was something different.

(4) Or the last of the Mohicans, as I like to call him.

(5) Hmm, which Stones album did Ace's cover of 2000 Man actually come from?

Master & Slave starts from the beginning. Unholy and Not For The Innocent are highlighted. Turn up the volume and open your ears, I assume no liability:

Master & Slave (1997)

youtube

Unholy (1992)

youtube

Not For The Innocent (1983)

youtube

I'll add After All by Black Sabbath on top.

After All (1992)

youtube

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albertfinch · 9 months

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PERSEVERANCE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE

As believers we are rooted and grounded in His magnificent love (see Ephesians 3:17). Because we are established in His love, we have a peace that passes all ordinary understanding. As we have a comprehension of our Christ identity, we have boldness and courage, the depth of which is confidence in the Lord. We cannot trust in our own reasoning. Instead, today we declare that we will, “Trust in the LORD with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct [our] paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

OUR DESTINY AWAITS

Through Him, peace is established deep within us, causing us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He will lead us and guide us. As we come to understand our Christ calling, He will lead us down the paths that He has DESTINED for our lives! This place of trust is beyond the natural ability of a person. It comes only through seeking His presence with a mindset of advancing His Kingdom that will bring to pass all that He has PURPOSED for us. This work of the Lord is unseen to us, as He is in our days ahead of us, dealing with adversaries of opposition and delays that would hinder us from the open doors and gates that He has pre-ordained for us so we can effectively bear fruit that remains for His advancing Kingdom.

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13,14

Truly, the Lord will be strong on our behalf! This knowledge enables a courage deep within and causes us to be so anchored in seeking to understand and implement His purpose for our life so that our hearts and minds are steadfast. Thus, we will reach a place of focus that comes from being led by the Lord.

SUSTAINED BY FAITH

Our PERSEVERANCE must be innate and sustained by faith, not a product of self-determination. Holy PERSEVERANCE is God-empowered boldness or courage that enables us—deep within—to persevere in bearing fruit that remains for His Kingdom. One way we can define perseverance is simply “to stay the course.” This is a powerful blessing from the Lord that enables us to believe the impossible is possible. It is a work of the Holy Spirit within that enables us to have strength to stay the course, regardless of present circumstances or situations. This is what the prophet Isaiah wrote about:

"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice." - Isaiah 41:10 AMP

In this passage, the Lord promises to be with us, to strengthen us, to keep us, and to hold us in a place of victory. The Hebrew meaning of the word "strengthen" is “to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, and hard.” Here’s a more in-depth look:

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man: that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and ground in love." - Ephesians 3:16,17

THE INCREDIBLE PROMISE:

We can stay the course because we grasp our Christ identity and the enabling strength of the Lord in us! We are strengthened deep within so that we stand firm for the promises of the Lord for our life. We lean into the Lord with deep courage to believe for the impossible to be possible.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

#jesus #calling #destiny #purpose #bible #devotional #daily word #revelation #inspiration #holy spirit

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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 2 years

Text

[CN] Victor’s Mind Quest – Exuberant Fruits of Patience (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 待果实饱满 , that is yet to be released in the global server! ♡

[Additional Warning]: If you don’t qualify for the 16+ rating of the game (CN server), it’s recommended that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

[T/N]: If you can, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FOLLOW WITH THE VIDEO! FOLLOW WITH THE VIDEO!! FOLLOW WITH THE VIDEO!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’D BE MISSING OUT ON IF YOU DON’T!!!

The subbed video: ♡

—

✧ [Chapter 1] ✧

The tidal waves coil up as they shatter the spindrift filled with specks of light, softly kissing the sandy shore and ankles of the lovers having fun together.

The pure blue spills from the heavens, smearing throughout the entire clear sky.

MC: Victor, are we really here to have fun?

MC: You’re really not here to talk business?

MC: Can we really and truly have fun here for a whole week?

Victor: You can also work off to the side while I’m on break.

Victor: I’m not stopping you.

Faced with my gaze of not daring to believe, Victor takes the luggage out of the trunk in a cheerful mood and takes me by the hand as we walk towards the lounge.

However, instead of walking toward the crowded check-in lobby, he enters straight into the elevator.

I watch the digits that unceasingly keep springing up. It’s not until it stops at the top floor and I’m faced with an entire large floor of exquisite rooms that my reaction kicks in.

MC: …are we living on the top floor?

Victor: The view from here is pretty good.

Victor: The south side has a direct enjoyable view of the entire bay, and you can overlook the city from the north.

It’s indeed the criterion of “Victor-style” preference.

I watch him standing by the huge French windows and looking around with satisfaction. The corners of my lips hook themselves upward a little.

MC: Was CEO Victor in such a good mood when he came out to have fun this time? He even directly bagged the top floor.

Victor: I didn’t bag it.

Victor: I just said that I was going to come on vacation, and the owner offered it to me.

MC: Don’t tell me…

MC: This hotel… is it also an LFG investment property?

Victor: Didn’t I mention that?

Victor: I’ve kept an eye on this hotel since five years ago.

MC: …

I should’ve known better, and I should’ve gotten used to it long ago. It’s my fault.

Speechless, I sit on the high chair by the water table, propping my hand on my chin as I watch Victor roll up his sleeves.

MC: In that case, CEO Victor must have been earning a fortune from this.

Victor: This hotel hasn’t yet returned its capital.

MC: …Huh?

I feel that I’ve misheard him. But Victor, on the other hand, takes out a bottle of carbonated water from the fridge with a calm expression, unscrews it, and hands it to me.

Victor: I invested quite a lot of capital in this hotel back then.

Victor: At that time, it already had a total deficit of over 300 million and even came close to almost filing for bankruptcy protection.

Victor: There was a lot of internal opposition to this investment within LFG back in the day.

Victor: The current state of the hotel is nothing but a smooth entry into what was expected.

Victor: It still depends on future developments if we want to obtain even more profit from it.

Despite saying these words, his tone of voice still discloses a vague sense of delight and anticipation.

MC: Regardless, this hotel is so popular now. You must still be very happy as an investor.

MC: And I’m just awed at how you were able to persevere for so long…

Victor: Hotels are a long-term investment.

Victor: The owner of this hotel had a rather particular idea, and the business concept clashed with the hotel management on the market at that time.

Victor: Whether it’s popular or not – its value can only be vested by the world of the moment.

Victor: Time moves forward, and people and the world change along with it.

I nod my head thoughtfully.

MC: But the fact that it is now successful illustrates that you’ve also got an excellent vision.

Victor: I’m just a bit more patient.

[Sound of knocking on the door]

With a soft knock at the door, the waiter politely pushes in a large box of items.

Curious, I pad over and find a bottle of red wine delicately placed in the first layer of the box as Victor opens it.

MC: What’s this?

Victor: I brought it with me the first time I came here.

Victor: I asked the owner of this place to keep it at the winery and wait for me to come and get it later.

He smiles and picks up the bottle of red wine, turns it around with extraordinary satisfaction, and places it on the bar.

MC: You seem to really like this kind of approach – fruits that require waiting for quite a while before they can be harvested.

Victor arches his eyebrows lightly when he hears me say this, holding back a soft chuckle in his throat.

Victor: There are many things that need to be cultivated before their proper value and benefits can become apparent.

Victor: And the time that costs in the process will confer it with an additional value and supplementary significance.

Victor: Eventually, after the wait, you can gain a lot of feedback beyond value, in addition to the expected benefits.

He pauses, his line of sight faintly shifting to my face.

Victor: A sense of satisfaction and achievement––

Victor: And it doesn’t only apply to investments.

It sounds like some kind of advanced level Victor-style proclamation of “aesthetics of delay.”

I pout, deeply feeling why I couldn’t become an outstanding capitalist.

–

[T/N]: LMAO MC switches to “您” for the following sentence, which is the courteous term for “you” in Chinese, amplifying her bitterness ahah~

–

MC: What you said is basically like how I get my salary at the end of the month. But if I got paid at the end of every day, it’d also make me very happy.

MC: Enjoying the moment of “now” is important too!

Victor: After you’ve eaten something good, would you go back for the ones that taste so-so?

MC: It’d be unfairly biased to say that.

I look at him with righteousness, lifting my chin slightly.

MC: I think even your ordinary fried eggs are delicious; a cute video will put me in a good mood right away.

MC: If you compliment me right now, “MC, you are so cute,” – I can keep laughing for three days straight.

Victor’s gaze becomes more and more derisive along with my words, causing me to be a little indignant.

MC: And who says that you’ll definitely be happier after so long of a wait?

Victor: Let’s make a bet.

Victor folds his arms across his chest, an air of absolute confidence surrounding him.

Victor: You might experience a slightly higher level of happiness.

MC: Bet, let’s bet. Who’s scared!

MC: What are we betting? Start starving myself from this moment on, then wait for you to cook luxurious fine delicacies?

Victor: We’re now on vacation.

Victor: There’s no need to treat yourself so wrongly.

He blinks his eyes lightly, looking at me with a condescending and scrutinizing gaze.

As though he’s thought of a good idea, Victor slowly raises a smile that wears a dash of haughtiness.

Victor: Let’s bet on one kiss per day.

–

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The exclusive radio is to be read after CH 1. Please make sure you read that before continuing. Here: ♡♡

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 2] ✧

It will certainly be a lie to say that I didn’t blush, and my heartbeat didn’t accelerate when I heard that.

However, I have already tossed out the big words, and there’s no chance to shrink back.

But what exactly did Victor mean by “one kiss per day”?

He hasn’t explained anything, leaving me with a deep sense of puzzlement as we welcome the next day of the trip.

When I wake up early in the morning, I find that Victor seems to be really busy with something in the kitchen.

By the time I’ve finished washing up and scoot over to him, I notice a large piece of beef bone on the chopping board, and he seems to be observing where to start with it.

Seeing that I’m awake, he only shoots me a faint glance.

Victor: Your breakfast is over there.

I smile gleefully, pick up the bagel placed on the side, and come back up to his side.

MC: What are you doing?

Victor: I found someone beforehand to source a batch of fine raw materials to especially process this.

MC: Why do you have to give yourself a hard time while on vacation?

I take a bite of the cheese-coated bagel. The crispy coating mingling with the salty flavor of the cheese explodes in my mouth, bringing with it a feeling of contentment. I can’t help but squint my eyes.

It’s a quiet, gentle morning in the early hours, instantly wrapped in fragrant scents.

Victor: This is also a part of the vacation.

Victor: Enjoying life is not about lying in bed all day, as you do.

MC: You should learn to embrace the diversities of being on vacation.

I pout at him defiantly and continue enjoying my happy breakfast in silence.

Victor tosses me an askance glance with a flippant look, his hands handling the beef bones never stopping in their motion.

Victor: Is the bagel good today?

MC: Which time did you bake a bagel that wasn’t delicious?

MC: You’ve been occupied with all these the whole time and haven’t eaten breakfast, have you?

With that said, I bring the bagel, which has been bitten several times, to his mouth. But who would’ve known that Victor is just going to bend down––

And drop a peck on my lips, akin to a dragonfly lightly touching the water’s surface.

The whole action is way too direct and efficient, as though it was already calculated long ago.

By the time I widen my eyes, he’s already pursed his lips.

Victor: Eat up.

Having said that, he once again goes back to paying me no attention and continues combating with his beef bones.

I, however, am completely frozen in place.

The kiss was so light, but it caught me off guard, stinging my heart and causing the burning heat to burn across my whole face.

Though slow on the uptake, I regain my senses and suddenly realize what Victor meant by “one kiss per day” yesterday.

…so that’s what this sly obtain was about.

The instigating culprit calmly takes out a steamer from the cabinet and begins to fill it with water.

Victor: There’s nothing scheduled for the morning, but there’re many activities here in the afternoon.

Victor: Since we are here to relax, we can have fun to our hearts’ content.

Victor clearly doesn’t want to explain anything more. Amidst his gaze carrying with it a slight teasing, I inwardly steel my mind.

It’s just that, in the following hours, whether it’s snorkeling at the coast side or performing with a beach band, I can’t help but observe Victor. I’m in no mood to have fun at all.

What does that light kiss mean?

And what does this have to do with his aesthetics of delay?

My mind incessantly keeps racing as I ponder the “conspicuous characteristics and distinct routes of Victor’s words and actions.”

But what I haven’t noticed are the lightly floating gazes of Victor on the side, and the softly raised corners of his lips that follows.

The second day of our trip just quietly drops its curtain.

On the third day, Victor’s action still begins with the continuation of the handling of ingredients.

The beef bones that he processed yesterday are already boiling in the pot. After setting the smart-time, he drags me out of the door.

Throughout the day, his behavior remains extremely natural, and he hasn’t carried out any “sneak attack.”

Watching his figure as he’s taking my pictures, for a split second, I doubt whether I was caring for it a little too much.

Indigo blue sprinkles across the entire sky, rubbing up against the splendid sunset where the horizon and the sea interlink as one, leaving half the sea a blushing scarlet.

The gentle sea waves brush past our ankles, the sea breeze softly sketching the world in a warm and tender silhouette.

MC: Victor, look!

MC: We are so lucky. We are just in time to catch the sunset over the sea.

I take Victor’s hand and hold up my shoes, pointing happily towards the setting sun that is sinking in the distance.

The soft golden radiance gilds his entire body, and the hem of his shirt lifts slightly with the sea breeze, curving up in an arc akin to a smile.

Victor: There’s no need to be in such a hurry. No one will steal it from you.

MC: The sunset over the sea is still very speedy. It’s such stunning scenery, but it will be gone after a while.

MC: Since we’ve encountered something so beautiful, we must enjoy it to the fullest~

The tide quietly surges, slowly gathering the golden sun into its embrace.

There seems to be some kind of immense and profound power in this that causes one’s heart to be at peace, and makes them grateful that they are able to admire such beauty with the person they like.

MC: So wonderful!

Victor: [laughs softly] How is it so wonderful?

MC: The vacation is wonderful, the scenery is wonderful, and…

I smile and half-turn around, swaying the hand I’ve interlaced with his.

Our shadows are interlinked in the faint but rosy glow of the sunset, as if they’ve always been meant to be together.

MC: You are here. It’s really wonderful.

Victor: [heavenly laughter spills from his throat] Dummy.

The remnant of the sunset is only a thin glimmer of twilight in the distance, looking extraordinarily brilliant amidst the sinking darkness.

It stagnates quietly in Victor’s eyes, clearly affixing into his retinas together with my unmistakable proximity.

The water droplets raised by the sea waves dangle around us in this moment, rippling with translucent crystalline colors, as if God has projected the most gorgeous oil painting ever.

Amidst the last rays of the setting sun, Victor’s kiss falls.

All along, his lowered gaze remains firmly locked on me, and those tranquil tides that have been parked till now are instead surging within it at the moment, darkening.

I feel my heartbeat stopping along with it, and I even find myself holding my breath.

In the submerged twilight, all the little specks of bright flames are wholly condensed in Victor’s eyes.

And before ending that kiss––

He softly brushes the tip of his tongue against my lips.

–

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 2 – Memory Silhouette, Narrator POV] ✧

3:00 AM.

A fine stream of water pours down the shower, hitting Victor’s tightly-built waist and stomach in a disorderly manner.

Not pressing down on the shower gel at his side, he lifts a hand to wipe the water droplets from his lower jaw and gazes out the window at the beach.

Beneath the moonlight, the sea surface is permeated with ivory white spots, masking a large swath of the deep swells of the sea.

But unlike the view in front of him, his own heart has never calmed down.

This night, he didn’t get any sleep.

Another drop of water drips down, and happens to land just between his eyelashes, blurring his vision for a moment.

And in this brief moment of haze, his mind drifts back to the sleeping face of the girl climbing on top of him just earlier.

She was frowning slightly, her mouth not knowing what she was mumbling. Her hand was also tightening around him from time to time, the hair in front of her forehead rubbing against his chest arbitrarily.

She has always been too restless in her sleep. And today, she was even more so. She didn’t seem to sleep soundly either.

And the attribution, it seems, is that bet.

He’s rarely ever doubted his decisions. But at this very moment, he’s suddenly a little unsure of himself, deeply pondering the meaning of fulfilling this bet.

At 3:08 AM, in a rare moment, Victor begins to reflect on himself.

When he wants something, he always goes and gets it for himself, and he’s always strived to obtain what he wants.

But it seems that precisely because of this, he will instead subconsciously and painstakingly seek after and pursue those things that are more difficult to obtain.

Time will brew up the process. By suppressing one’s desires, the fruits that are born in anticipation become even more luscious.

So, he will remain patient, enjoying the process while enduringly waiting for the moment when the result arrives.

Victor turns off the shower, casually wraps a bath towel, and walks out of the bathroom.

With just a glance, he can see the still sleeping girl. He walks over to her. After gazing at her for a moment, he leans down and kisses her lightly on the edge of her lips.

He knows that it’s considered cheating.

But on the contrary, if she doesn’t find out, it doesn’t count.

However, the next second, the sleeping girl responds as if subconsciously.

Victor’s eyes widen slightly. The coolness brought from the bath he has just taken disperses completely at this moment.

The flowing heat sweeps up like a tidal wave in the warmth of the lips and teeth that carry it.

He subconsciously lifts one knee and rests it on the bed. His finger pads moisten the cheek of the person in front of him, giving it a restrained and soft squeeze.

His throat slides gently as he can’t help wanting more.

However, just as the girl opens her eyes slightly in a daze, Victor stops.

Suddenly a little nervous, his mind whirls rapidly, listing out the reasons he should look for if the girl questions him that sound like they can be muddled through.

But she doesn’t seem to wake up, closing her eyes again, sleepily, while rubbing her cheek against his palm in response.

Victor: [laughs extremely helplessly] Really a dummy.

Victor: [continuation but 1.5] How come you are a bit more naïve when asleep?

After tucking the girl’s hands back under the covers, Victor turns around and walks towards the island counter outside the room.

This night is sleepless for the time being.

But luckily, he can concentrate on cooking the beef during this interval.

The fresh piece of beef is spread out underneath his palm as he mentally calculates how to work with it.

Perhaps it could’ve been a little more delicious.

Victor can’t help but think this.

–

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 3] ✧

[T/N]: Follow with the video, please!!! From here onwards to the end, I may not note the voice-acting anymore. Cause if I do, I’ll have to do it for EVERY SENTENCE HE SAYS AND BREATH HE RELEASES LOL AND I’M JUST TOO BUSY nOsEbLeEdiNg (;꒪ཀ꒪)

—

I haven’t slept much all night.

In the dream, I felt like I was trapped on a small boat in the vast ocean, my desperately thirsty body urging me to probe out my hands to the water surface amidst the turbulent tidal waves.

But no matter how hard I tried, the water always kept slipping through the crack between my palms.

I was thirsty and hot, moving to and fro on the canoe. Just then, fine drops of drizzle began descending from the sky.

I opened my mouth with jubilation, devoutly extending my arms to embrace this timely rain after a long drought.

But, God’s appearance changed just like that, pouring down all of the rain abruptly and leaving only the sultry moisture submerging my entire body.

–

[T/N]: HEAVENSSS!! MC!!! THE WRITERS!!! WHAT A “POETIC” DESCRIPTION OF THAT KISS——💦🥴 And this is only the prologue of “searching for water” 🤪 ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

–

With a heart full of sullen emotions, I welcome the morning of the fourth day.

As soon as I wake up, I drink up tons and tons of water in a big glass. And, a certain originator who has started this all looks very happy and content with himself.

Victor starts processing his soup stock early in the morning as usual. After several days of preparation, the rich aroma can be smelled from even as far the distance as the living room.

This time, he demonstrates utmost patience during the cooking process, taking half a day to clean up and choose those beef bones.

He selects the best quality pieces for secondary processing. Afterward, he roasts and simmers them slowly, then filters them over and over again.

During this time, Victor still remembers processing some of the dry-aged beef in the thermostat cabinet, as well as various ingredients that I can’t quite name.

Once all the preparations for the day are in place, he sits leisurely by the French window facing the coast and opens his Ipad.

On the contrary, all I can think about is Victor’s kisses two days in a row, and no matter what I try to do, my eyes can’t help but sprint towards him.

It can be instantly judged that his momentum is relatively high.

I take a bite of my apple, indignant, thoroughly clear that this is exactly his ploy.

According to this routine, he should be… kissing me again today, right?

MC: …

At this thought, my face already begins to grow burning hot, and I actually look forward to it a little unconsciously.

MC: MC, you can’t admit defeat that easily!

I pat my face, trying hard to calm myself down.

Pretending to be cool, I nestle on the sofa where I can see Victor out of the corner of my eyes and feign turning on a movie.

Perhaps the dream at night caused me to be too exhausted– I find myself a bit drowsy in the warm and cozy afternoon sun.

The sleep worms crowd out the rampant Victor in my mind, who’s been occupying all of my attention all this time.

Resting on the back of my hand, I recline on the sofa, my entire body immersing in the sunlight. At this moment, a shadow comes over me, reminiscent of a surging tide as it wraps me up entirely.

Victor: Sleepy?

MC: [eyes closed] Mm…

Eyes half-closed, I respond with an indolent grunt.

Dry, warm finger pads caress my cheek. I instinctively rub against them, full of fond affection.

Victor: Who was the one chirping and clamoring about going to the evening party earlier?

Victor: You’ve only got an hour to get ready.

MC: [eyes closed] Ngh… I’m too sleepy.

MC: [eyes still closed] Just give me five more minutes to shut my eyes, just five minutes…

Victor: I have a solution.

MC: [eyes still closed] Hmm?

His gentle fingertips now lift my chin slightly, irresistibly, causing me to cock my head. A breath softly engulfs my lilting intonation.

The tip of his tongue deftly pries open my teeth, probing in skillfully.

I’m unable to see his expression because of our misalignment. I can only feel the scalding tip of his tongue lingering and intertwining between my lips and tongue, seducing me into responding to him.

Another, even deeper kiss.

It’s akin to a chronic poison. Even the superficial, light taste of his lips generates a wave of fluttering numbness and shudders almost from the cracks of my bones, leaving my soul dripping wet and immersed in the water.

In a trance, some unbeknownst desires in my heart seem to have been satisfied a little once again.

The silent tides outside the window seem to have found their sound between my lips and teeth. The air is dry, hot, and ambiguous.

As if still craving more, he steps back half an inch but keeps his hold on my lips, licking them.

Everything is so tender that it seems to drown one in it.

A ragged, coarse breath hangs amid the floating lights and passing shadows, his Adam’s apple sliding up and down in my hazy vision.

I’m somewhat in a daze, panting slightly, and unable to shake the feeling that something... something seems to be missing.

The pupils of those eyes, with the shadow descending on them, seem even darker now. When he sees the look on my face, a peal of low and soft laughter spills from his mouth.

Victor: Wake up.

Victor: Go and get changed.

While I’m still in a trance, Victor has already stepped into the bathroom.

I sit up straight, completely unable to describe the complex emotions I feel at the moment.

I already fully understand what Victor means by this bet.

This kind of honing someone’s craving is simply beyond egregious.

I feel like the beef in his thermostat cabinet while he stands outside the cabinet door, still patiently brewing.

Just the thought of it makes my teeth itch a little.

Looking in the direction of the bathroom, I squint my eyes.

I try hard to keep my composure and walk into the bathroom, paying no attention to him washing his face on the side, and begin pouring water in front of him into the bathtub.

Victor: You’re going to take a bath now?

MC: I know that it’s almost time. But I want to go to the party looking beautiful.

He stares at me through the mirror for a moment, then finally withdraws his deep gaze, making no comments.

After a moment, he turns around and walks out, diving into the kitchen to process his chicken and Whiting.

The water in the bathtub keeps flowing on and on with a burbling sound, slowly calming down my somewhat urgent and hurried heartbeat.

When the water has already caught up to the expected height, I keenly draw in a deep breath.

MC: [calling out to him] Victor, there seems to be a bit of a leak over here.

MC: [continuation] Victor––

Hearing my call, Victor walks in with a questioning gaze.

Victor: Leakage?

MC: Right here. You can only see it if you sit over here.

I falsely point to the ceiling and guide Victor to sit on the edge of the bathtub.

After confirming that he is sitting steadily, I guard my arms behind his neck and give a gentle tug–– pulling him straight into the bathtub.

Victor: [surprised gasp] ...!

He obviously didn’t expect me to do this at all, his eyes widening slightly.

The warm water also splashes on my body, splattering large and small water spots.

MC: I seem to have gotten it wrong.

MC: Sorry~ I accidentally made you take a bath too.

Most of Victor’s body is submerged in the bathtub. Raising his head, he glances at me and purses his lips into a subtle curve.

He lifts his body up and simply leans gracefully against the side of the bathtub.

Victor: Have you finished your bath?

MC: Not yet.

I lift my toes, hold onto the bathtub, look into his eyes, support myself by holding onto his shoulders, and step into the gaps between his waist and sides of the tub––

It’s not until both my feet are standing on either side of his waist that I brush off the hem of my skirt and slowly sit down on his lap.

The soaring heat blurs his expression. I avoid his seductive eyes, gliding down my gaze.

His shirt gradually becomes transparent under immersion in hot water. Satisfied, I take my fingertips on a “shuttle tour” around this “territory” that is, for the time being, under my control, trying to disrupt his heartbeat.

Without the slightest bit of stinginess, a large patch of tightly-built muscles charges into my line of sight, seemingly undaunted by this sudden mischief and my blunt stare.

The hot water sways with my movements, teasing my skin beneath the floating hem of my skirt. I covertly adjust my breathing, looking back into his eyes again.

The pupils of his eyes grow darker and darker, but his face remains calm.

Victor: So, what are you waiting for?

MC: What do you think, CEO Victor?

I hang my head low and rest it against his forehead, looking at him with a rare, somewhat condescending gaze.

I probe out my fingertips and brush them lightly against his collar, untying his tie.

The soaked shirt clings tightly to his sturdy chest, a peal of low vibrating laughter coming from within.

Victor: Can’t hold your breath any longer?

MC: Of course not.

I continue to curl my fingertips and undo the first button on his shirt.

MC: I’m just reminding CEO Victor that we’ve made a bet, and you’re not the only one setting up the “proof questions.”

–

[Tidbits]: In case it gets confusing– proof questions are types of problems that you have to solve using your logical skills and formulas to finally obtain and prove the answer that was already mentioned in the question itself. I’ll get back to how it applies to their bet at the end ahahah– :>

–

The buttons are constantly being undone by me, exposing his refined muscles and giving rise to a bright, gorgeous, and ambiguous color.

MC: Don’t you think… an overwhelming victory for one person is quite boring?

Victor: Indeed.

A smile steals across the corners of Victor’s lips. He rests both his hands on my thighs with somewhat intensive force, slightly tilting his head in an indolent manner.

At this point, he’s reined in all his indifference and is instead more like a predator, firmly imprisoning every single gaze of mine.

Victor: How do you want to win then?

His voice is light, the moistened, damp finger pad of his thumb rubbing against my thigh through the already drenched hem of my skirt.

I’ve nearly cried out in surprise, but I stubbornly press down my heart that is about to jump out of my chest, resisting tenaciously.

My lightly trembling fingertips travel downward, and I feel the chest beneath my fingers grow increasingly tauter at my touch.

MC: I’m still very slow-witted and not quite sure how to win over CEO Victor.

MC: But don’t you think this scene is very familiar?

My fingers slowly peer into his shirt, which still hasn’t been fully untucked.

MC: I think there was a similar scene when you taught me how to swim a very long time ago.

MC: Though…

I bend down and press myself against him tightly, consequently gliding my fingers into his shoulders.

MC: This time, I’m doing it on purpose.

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to their “Swim Date.”

–

I nuzzle into his ear. Within the misty pupils of those cloud-hazed eyes, I see myself clinging to every inch of his breath before me.

Victor raises his eyebrows lightly and clasps one arm around my waist, causing me to sit a bit further forward from where I was sitting.

The hot and humid water of the tub condenses the air with a bit of sultriness. Droplets of water glide down my cheeks and pelt onto Victor’s lips. He sips slightly, adding a little luster.

Victor: Me too.

His muffled breaths brush against the corners of my lips, his extraordinarily deep and low voice fiddling with my heartstrings non-stop.

MC: One kiss per day.

MC: Too bad we’ve already kissed today, don’t you think so, Mr. CEO?

The burning exhalations are unceasingly heated up in the hot, humid air; the subtle sound of water swirling up by the slightest movements stimulates the extra-sensitive senses from time to time.

Victor: Don’t you know that the unexpected surprises in the process make the outcome more fascinating?

The hazy words coil around our overlapping breaths as though neither of us is willing to admit defeat.

MC: But there are times when the early results can be even more enchanting than one might expect.

Victor: What I’m seeing now, on the contrary, is just the opposite.

This man is really stubborn.

Teeth itching, I glare at him, lift my waist vigorously, and sit down on him hard.

A muffled grunt escapes him instinctively. I wriggle my way out of the bathtub and turn my head to look at Victor, who’s wearing a complex expression.

MC: It’s almost time for the party. If you don’t come out, we will be late, CEO Victor.

Having said that, I conveniently close the door behind me.

Just wait, Victor.

You’re not the only one who’s leading this bet.

–

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 4] ✧

On the fifth day, I deliberately don’t approach Victor all day.

Humph, who doesn’t know how to hone the craving!

For every two steps he takes closer, I will run off to other activity areas to enjoy a joyful vacation life.

Victor doesn’t disclose any emotions on this, and he doesn’t seem to be annoyed either. On the contrary, he’s rather unperturbedly doing his own things.

When the evening descends, the summer heat subsides considerably. I plop down by the infinity pool on the top floor and sigh contentedly.

Through the glass window, I can espy Victor processing another batch of ingredients that seem to have been air transported from somewhere just this early morning.

He is finally willing to open that bottle of red wine now. After pouring it into the decanter, the man gets back to the oven once again.

This person immersing himself in the hustle and bustle looks both content and exuberant.

I rarely see Victor like this, albeit it’s accompanied by a bit of “spoiled” intentions.

–

━━━ [FLASHBACK BEGINS] ━━━

MC: …aren’t these kitchen utensils a bit too many?

I stare at the kitchen filled with a wide array of pots, pans, and cutting tools, feeling a little incredulous.

Victor: A worker needs the best tools to do a good job.

Victor: The best ingredients must, of course, be accompanied by the best tools and heartfelt cooking.

Victor: That’s how every dish you eat at Souvenir comes together.

━━━ [FLASHBACK ENDS] ━━━

–

I support my face and stare at the figure that is as busy as a bee. He paces back to the decanter and pours the shallow-colored red wine into a glass.

Even though the waiting period is a bit hard to endure, Victor truly does enjoy every bit of the process.

I prop my chin up with one hand and dangle the other in the air, tracing his silhouette.

MC: [mumbling to herself] Look at me.

MC: [continuation] Victor, look at me, quick.

I murmur to myself while looking foolish by my own actions, and as I’m about to drop my hand, Victor lifts his head just at the right time, crashing straight into my gaze.

His eyes hold the tender moonlight, responding to all my expectations and silliness.

At the temptation of this curious coincidence, I smile and bring my fingertips to my lips, casting him a flying kiss.

MC: [mouthing] “CEO Victor, this is today’s kiss.”

I mouth these words to him and don’t wait for his reply, tucking away all the little thoughts in my mind and diving into the pool.

With great effort, by the time I get to the other side in one breath and hold on to the edge of the pool to catch my breath, a shadow seems to have been waiting over there for a long time too.

MC: Have you finished up? Wanna play together for a while?

Victor: [sulking] Do you think I can’t do anything to you?

He folds his arms across his chest, lowering his eyes slightly to meet mine.

I purse my lips and rapidly blink my eyes several times.

MC: Heheh, I’m not quite sure I understand what you mean.

MC: If you aren’t playing, then I’ll go again…

Victor: Hang on.

He speaks calmly, rolling up the cuffs of his shirt.

Victor: Instead of tampering with the rules, you can simply concede defeat.

Victor: I don’t have any problem with that.

MC: [nervous] How am I tampering with the rules?

Victor: [more sulking] Oh, my rules are not rules?

As he stands against the light behind him, a faint shadow falls over Victor’s face, but those dark pupils of his eyes are bright and distinct.

Victor: I’m only letting you experience this process.

Victor: After all, I don’t care that much about winning or losing with you.

He says it as a matter of course, as though facing a bet he already has success within his grasp, and there’s absolutely no other possibility of failure.

Faced with such a Victor, the little competitive spirit within me immediately prances onto the surface.

MC: You’re making it sound like I’m scared.

MC: You’re the one who doesn’t understand what’s truly wonderful. If you really have the guts, get down here!

It was simply an expression of an imposing manner. But to my surprise, Victor really does go straight for it, bracing his hands up and falling into the swimming pool.

My imposing manner seems to have been overshadowed in an instant. I quickly conceal my astonishment, trying hard to keep my composure.

He floats half a meter away from me and doesn’t move, just resting one hand against the edge of the pool and looking at me with his expression of remaining calm and unruffled in the hour of peril.

MC: C-CEO Victor, you are not waiting for me to come over, are you?

Victor: Didn’t you want to win?

Victor: I’m simply giving you an opportunity.

I bite my lip, inwardly screaming in my heart that I want this iron-clad patience to crumble to pieces completely.

I feel my whole body shudder with shyness, but I still muster up my courage and lean forward.

The fragmented points of light cascade into the pool and transform into a streak of glowing swimming fish.

Enveloped in gorgeous colors, it passes over his lightly crinkled eyes, the corners of his somewhat dry lips, his eyelashes dangling with water droplets, and finally scuttles into my heart.

Thump.

Victor’s blazing gaze doesn’t move either left or right, and is directed straight towards me. I watch myself gradually magnify in his eyes until our breaths melt together.

I don’t intend to comply with Victor’s rules.

So, I only give him a light peck, but an immobilizing force imprisons me directly from the nape of my neck.

The deft tip of his tongue teases open the gap between my lips and teeth, and the mellow fragrance of red wine sweeps in along with his breath.

He keeps seducing and cajoling incessantly, demanding with no restraints and leaving a distinct touch on every inch of the delicate nook and cranny.

An intense and fierce aggression streams across my lips and teeth, tolerating not even a little bit of resistance.

Amidst the rugged and hazy vision of the water, it’s as though I’ve fallen into the deep sea and have become a bead of water in it.

I keep sinking unceasingly and melt into the raging tide.

Small bubbles are born between the lips and teeth, which then burst and spread across.

The sound of shattering is extraordinarily clear as it slowly drifts over to the ears from within.

I can’t help but fall limp into his arms, only to be lifted up hard by the waist, making the kiss even deeper.

It’s as if my entire soul can’t help but tremble.

The tide in the distance laps at the shore, one after another, and seems to roam unbridled over me too, brush after brush.

In the gap between our lips and teeth, I hear his slightly coarse gasps for breath.

Intense turbulent emotions rage in his eyes, and I gaze at him in a trance, my mind turning into a mush.

I subconsciously draw a soft breath, breathing in his hot, damp exhalation.

MC: Victor…

It’s as though something is fervently advocating for me, igniting my fingertips to slip into his hair.

I see extremely analogous emotions in the unmistakably close and dark pupils of those eyes.

There are a few rare flashes of hesitation within them.

I slowly move up again, pressing up my entire body against his, and cry out in a mushy voice.

MC: What are you waiting for?

Victor’s pupils contract imperceptibly, sucking my ambiguous words affectionately into his heart and lungs.

After a long, long time, he laughs softly.

Victor: What do you think?

He returns precisely the same dialogue in full, yet it’s enhanced with even more bewitchment.

His fingertips tangle in the ends of my hair that have long been lying scattered in the pool water. His other hand, clasped around my waist, trails slowly up my back, sending another sensitive shiver down my spine.

Without waiting for me to say anything, he leans in again and lightly nibbles on my lips, as though it wasn’t enough for him either.

Victor: [emending his earlier proposal asking MC to admit defeat] Or, you can try a little harder.

This is the second kiss of the day.

–

[T/N]: SCREEEAAAMSSS “try harder. granted it will lengthen the ‘kiss drought’ but we can flirt more” — PLS SPARE MY SOUL AKSQWOPXWK. But also, flashback to their very first kiss, in the pool-- “Dazzling Date”~ (ᗒᗩᗕ)

–

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 4 – Memory Silhouette] ✧

Try a little harder…? It doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility.

After all, he kissed me twice in the pool today, which illustrates that I still have the probability of occupying the leading position.

I can’t help but gently tug at the soft fur on the rug as I inwardly ponder this.

For the sake of victory, you can do it, MC!

Some memories from the past flash through my mind, and I narrow my eyes, thinking of a good method to achieve this feat.

At this time, the sound of the shower in the bathroom also happens to stop. After a soft and fine sound of clothes’ friction, Victor comes out wearing a bathrobe.

Watching him as he casually wipes his hair with a towel, I beckon him over.

MC: I’ve just found the best spot to enjoy the night view. Come quick and have a look, Teacher Victor~

–

[Tidbits]: Though MC often calls Victor “Teacher Victor,” this is a specific reference to their “Evening Party Date.” (´つヮ⊂) P.S. The EN translation has translated it as “Professor Victor” in the mentioned date for some reason LOL~ :>

–

Victor suddenly stops the motion of his hand, and the half-dried fringes in front of his forehead just happen to conceal the light flaring in his pupils.

Seeing his brief pause, I smile and don’t say anything. I only stick out my fingertip, hooking it lightly.

He casually throws the towel on the back of the chair and walks over to me in silence, sitting on the rug beside me.

Victor: What did you call me just now?

I wrap my arms around the nape of his neck, my finger pads gently rubbing the ends of his hair in a subtle manner.

MC: Teacher Victor.

MC: Or is this the time when you’d prefer to hear me call you…

MC: Vic gēgē?

–

[Tidbits]: MC here calls Victor “泽言哥哥” (Zéyán gēgē). MC used to call him by this name in their childhood. The term “哥哥” literally translates to “elder brother.” It’s an intimate term to address someone. If a Chinese girl addresses a boy as “gēgē,” it indicates they share a very close relationship, which if not used to address her own older brother, she’d use to address her boyfriend; which is why it gets both Victor and MC flustered in the “Preference MQ” when they reminisce their childhood! (//∇//)

You can refer to this post for more details: ♡♡

[Anika’s Intrusive Thoughts]: YES there’s NO way in hell I’m using the name EN server used LOL ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ

–

He laughs, releasing a scorching breath, carrying with it an inseparable attachment that lands on the tip of my nose, tickling it a little.

Victor: Both are fine.

His slightly hoarse voice, along with his body, presses closer to me in an instant.

I can’t help but support my back against the French window. But before the sudden slight coolness can stir up a crisp itching sensation, the surging heat wave he wraps around my waist suddenly engulfs my entire body.

Surrounded by the breath that is only an inch away, I lift my eyes to the man who is about to touch the tip of my nose.

MC: Teacher Victor, do you not like it when the same mistakes are repeated over and over again?

Victor: I don’t like it.

Victor: However, it can’t be said as a sweeping statement.

His gaze lingers seductively between my lips for a moment before meeting my eyes.

Victor: After all, some things can also be regarded as the process of enjoyment.

He looks at me with a stoic expression, but his somewhat searing palm keeps traveling gently and slowly – moving upwards from my waist, then trailing down.

He always refrains from making absolute moves, navigating the fine line between crossing and not crossing with skill and ease.

His messing around causes me to feel a little ticklish, my body trembling silently along with his movements.

At the same time, the craving to occupy the position of dominance and the desire in my heart faintly begin to clamor once again.

So I stop looking directly at him, and rest my finger pads on his slightly damp chest, along with my gaze.

Then gently caress it.

Soon, the steamy air that Victor breathes out becomes more and more scalding on my fingertips.

MC: Vic gēgē...

Victor lowers his eyes, his gaze lingering between my lips for a long time.

Those eyes, forever calm and unruffled, seem like a raging tide at this moment.

Suddenly, he lowers his head.

Just before I think my third victory of the day is finally approaching, a light tingling pain spreads from my neck as the force around my waist tightens abruptly.

MC: ...Victor! Don’t bite my neck!

Victor: If you don’t want it to hurt even more, keep your mouth closed.

–

┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈┈ ◍♡◍ ┈┈

–

✧ [Chapter 5] ✧

Today is our last night staying at this hotel.

The ingredients Victor has meticulously cooked for almost a week have all been given new life, transforming into exquisite dishes.

On the long table, Victor personally places the beautifully plated dishes atop in order.

In the soft candlelight, it looks like a work of art, causing me to be a bit reluctant to take a bite.

Victor: Why are you in a daze?

MC: It’s just… I just still feel a little reluctant.

Victor: Dummy.

Victor: Beginning now is exactly the point of having been preparing for so long.

It truly is worth the name. The highest quality ingredients paired with the finest chef – Victor’s meticulous and patient treatment is integrated into every dish.

I can’t think of any words in the world that is capable of describing such a supreme enjoyment of taste.

The curtain of night hangs heavy. Victor’s each and every move has an influence over all my emotions from beginning to end.

That kiss, indefinite and unceasingly deeper every day, seems to have become the day’s main course.

It makes me instinctively shy in anticipation, but also unwilling as a result.

In the previous “counter-attacks,” Victor remained unmoved as a mountain, and my only victory was just one extra kiss yesterday.

It always feels like the light of my victory is getting thinner and thinner.

Is this where it will end?

I bite down hard on a slice of beef as I mentally keep debating it over and over again.

After a brief clean-up at the end of the meal, Victor is in a good mood and lets me also have a light taste of his treasured bottle of red wine.

I sit in the chair next to Victor, feasting on the pleasant aroma and letting the mellow and luscious taste flood between my lips and teeth.

MC: You’ve been preparing for so long, and just this meal is sufficient for you to enjoy all the arduous work you’ve done before?

Victor: It’s more than I could imagine.

Victor purses the corners of his lips into a small smile. The candlelight dances down onto his eyelashes, shining brightly.

Victor: I didn’t leave it to someone else’s hand, and there was no external factor. You can clearly see all its changes from the very beginning to the very end.

Victor: Gradually, it has become better and more fascinating––

Victor: It’s all because of you.

Victor: And, only because of you.

His eyes seem to contain the ocean, the moonlight reflecting the silver waves within them as they rise and fall.

MC: So, aren’t you worried about the food being spoiled?

Victor: The process of discretion is also a part of the extra enhanced value.

Victor: I’m very confident in my vision.

The light and shadow grow dense as the fragrance of wine gradually upwells.

I lightly shake the glass of red wine in my hand, and the aroma that diffuses seems to reach out with a pair of invisible hands, carrying within them a driving force and allowing some of my originally shallow courage to swell up slowly––

–– driving me to straddle Victor’s body.

Victor: That was only one glass.

MC: I’m not drunk!

The gorgeous neon light dyes his back. My fingertips mirror the candle flames that keep dancing in his gaze, tracing their way down from his brow to his eye––

–– descending from his earlobe, down by his neck, and finally stopping at the knot of his tie.

I curl my fingers and hook them around the bow tie, bringing his face a little closer to mine.

MC: Victor, I still think it’s important to be happy every day too.

MC: Now I… look forward to your kisses every day, and it will keep me happy all day long.

MC: Could it be that I’m the only one who enjoys this happiness every day?

My voice grows weaker and weaker, my eyes hanging low, rubbing up against his extraordinarily tranquil gaze. I feel that my heart is about to jump out of my chest.

Victor only stares at me. After a long, long time, he releases a breath.

Victor: Help me untie the tie.

MC: [sulking] I don’t want to.

I pout, turning my head away in a fit of pique.

Victor: MC.

The extraordinarily deep and low voice biting into my name slips lightly from between his thin lips.

MC: [still sulking] I said…

The rest of my words are blocked out as best as they could be as the lingering taste of wine endlessly keeps exchanging between our lips and teeth.

The entire world is painted with the color, luster, and fragrance of red wine, but it slowly intertwines in the entanglement of his breath–– and is engulfed by it.

He only lingers on my lips, neither going deeper nor drawing back–– it causes one to be so exhausted that even the heart itches.

I can’t resist opening my mouth to bite him, but I am met with another playful tease as it seizes my entire heart along with all my oxygen.

He remains intimately clung to our intertwined breaths during the moment of exchanging air.

Victor: I want… you… to help me… untie my tie and undo my buttons.

The predator has been lying dormant for a long time, and has finally shown his face.

He knows that I won’t refuse him.

The soft and coaxing kiss does not rest there. My sanity is invaded and seized in its entirety, and my fingertips are completely unable to exert any strength.

But he is extraordinarily patient.

He waits tirelessly for me to pull open his tie with trembling fingers and, one by one, undo his buttons.

For each undone button, it will lead to an even more cajoling lingering.

Finally, I fall limp on top of him, gasping for breath. I feel him take my palm and place it over his own heart.

An incomparably violent heartbeat throbs beneath my fingertips. I’m slightly in a daze, and for a moment, I can’t even tell whether it’s his heart or mine.

Victor: In fact, I’m now even happier than you are.

Victor: It was originally simply a whim, but…

His fingertips rest softly on my cheek, stroking it with yearning and contentment.

Victor: The thought that I’m the one who makes you radiate such charm – I can’t help but want to see more.

MC: So… is this the ending you had in your heart for that harvest?

Amidst the ambiguous and soft light, I hear a low chuckle as his Adam’s apple slides up and down.

Victor: Anything that’s related to you is just a phased achievement.

Victor: Only having a certain dummy by my side, the happiness of everyday life, the rewards of delayed harvests––

Victor: All of it makes me content.

Those light words stuff my heart to the brim, making it completely full. I can’t stop the corners of my lips from lifting higher.

MC: It’s a pity that CEO Victor has already used up today’s kiss.

Victor: True.

As he says this, a shadow looms down.

Victor: But I don’t want to wait for now.

In the next instant, a slightly urgent kiss falls abruptly, bringing it with an obsessive entanglement, as if it has already been awaiting since a very, very long time ago.

The moonlight and the candle flames, the dancing light and shadow, the mellow and rich incense – all blend in a jumble, finally writhing between the teeth altogether.

And this seems to be only the beginning.

The dining table behind me is full of cups and plates of delicacies, and there seems to be no vacant space. But I’m so intoxicated by the surging tide in front of me that I’m already lying back in the lingering aroma of food when I return to my senses.

The mellow fragrance of red wine, the slight astringency of olives, and the bursting smoothness of the ripe fruits––

The flickering candle flames burn everything fervently, burning me to the very bones as well.

I wrap my arm around his neck, trying to lift my head to take his lower lip.

As if instantly seeing through my wish, the large hand behind my waist quickly holds me up, drawing me closer to him.

The high bridge of his nose presses against the wing of my nose, the familiar scent of his body enveloping me.

The pressure on my lips intensifies, and a hint of pain is born between the pulling and plundering. But I feel content.

Naturally, waiting possesses the beauty of patience. But at this very moment, all I want is for him to enjoy a moment of wallowing, with me.

My brain gradually turns a little dizzy from the uneven breathing. I subconsciously clench the hand that is clasping mine, only to be rewarded with a not-so-firm-or-gentle pinch at the back of my waist.

I furtively lift my eyelids and watch his rare intoxication at our nose-to-nose distance. As though dissatisfied with my distraction, he purses up his eyebrows slightly.

So I close my eyes again and relax my body, letting the aroma of this feast saturate my breath.

–– saturate everything I have.

—

[Anika’s Afterthoughts, feel free to ignore LOL]

Anika still needs to be doused with couple gallons of cold water to wake up from this LOL

I’ve read several CN analysts’ posts on this MQ in the past few days, which got me into thinking more~ I ABSOLUTELY love how this MQ gives us more shots of how Victor views life and what a wonderful 2D human he is!

Coming to the main focus of the MQ:

The SS is from Victor’s “Renewal Date” dating diary – which was released exactly a year ago in CN:

I’m including both the CN ver. and EN ver. since EN missed some parts in the translation :>

–

Anyway, in the date, Victor and MC made a vow of “forever” to each other. That the “canned goods” will expire, but he will constantly give her new cans of different flavors, unlimited supply, with no expiration date. MC also confesses to Victor that her heart beats anew for him, again and again, even after being together for so long.

Those of you who are updated with Victor’s content so far, probably are aware of how INSANELY CRAZY Victor x MC are ABOUT EACH OTHER *points to the ever-increasing clinginess in their contents, also eyes the 6 hours date LOL* 💦 Which is also kind of insane since they practically stay together almost 24/7, thanks to their respective jobs + they live together LOL~

IT’S MOMENTS LIKE THIS!!! This vacation could have been listed as any other normal vacation like any normal couple. But it’s Victor x MC! It was only a bet, it only cost a bet – “a short yet long kiss drought” – for them to re-rediscover just how much they love and cherish each other, and want to be in each other’s presence. THE PRE-ORDAINED ANSWER TO THE PROOF QUESTION. NEW CAN OF DIFFERENT FLAVOR!!!

– also do you you see why we’ve been flooded with stuffs like the “proposal” and every big steps they’ve taken in the past year!!?? 🥺

A vow of “forever / eternal love” doesn’t mean in the literal form–

It’s pledging to be together till the last breath, and doing everything in your capability to uphold that vow—

Face turning red, and heart pounding just as rapidly as the very first time even after so long—

That’s forever, and that’s eternal love— 🥺❤️

now me goes back to screaming, cause WHAT THEY HAVE IS JUST —— (ᗒᗩᗕ)

—

#HEAVEEENNSSS. YET ANOTHER GODDAMN FRIGGIN’ MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE. I know I say this pretty often bUT—#I HAVE NEVER FELT MORE SINGLE AND—AND A THIRD-WHEEL HHNNGNN. THEY ARE EVERYTHING!!! SO MANY DETAILS. I HAVE SO SO SO MANY FEELS—#VICTOR WRITERS RAISING THEIR BARS. AGAIN. REALLY AND TRULY BLESS YOU GUYS——#mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mr love victor #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #love and producer #恋与制作人 #李泽言 #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

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shiningwonderland · 4 months

Text

Camus (All Star) Memorial

Translator: Mimi (twitter: _mimisaurora)

Memorial 1 - Loves Japanese Sweets

The Carrot Club November Issue: Join Myu-sama! Visit Kyoto in autumn, and enjoy enchanting Japanese sweets

Camus-sama, the noble idol recognized among his fans as Myu-sama, will be the guide for this edition.

He will show us some of the Japanese confectionery shops he has recently been into while strolling through the ancient capital in autumn.

By the time our journalist arrives on location half an hour before the meeting, she realizes the Earl was already there!

“I could not allow myself to be late for our appointment, madam.”

Myu-sama smiles at our journalist, who is a little flattered.

“M-My apologies. We’ll be conducting an interview today….”

“Regardless of the interview, you are a lady first and foremost, madam. I, Camus, would be honored to escort you to the very best of my ability. Now, this way, please.”

Following Myu-sama's pace, the first stop is a long-established Zenzai shop named "Konoha", located along a side road off the main street.

The shop’s poster dog, Tanusuke, appears to be well acquainted with Myu-sama.

Their tail whips about happily.

“Do you come here often?”

“In all honesty, I would love to come every day. However, my schedule is quite busy... It's actually for this reason that I was really looking forward to today's interview (laughs).”

Myu-sama reveals a cuter side of himself; a complete departure from his typical perfect butler persona.

His first order was their most popular chilled Zenzai.

“I must say, the refined sweetness of the red bean paste is delightful. It's so delicious that I usually find myself eating more than I should. There was a time I had up to four cups, much to my kouhai’s dismay.”

“Four cups! That many!?”

“How embarrassing… I couldn't help bringing it up. I shouldn't have. May I ask you to keep this between you and I?”

“I apologize, but because this is an interview, I cannot omit any details.”

“As you wish. I fear I may be scolded once again by my kouhai, but I shall persevere.”

“The kouhai you’re referring to is Cecil Aijima, whom you co-starred in a musical* with, correct?”

*Note 1: This August, the musical "Phantom Thief Nyan Nyaan" held its final performance to critical acclaim. There surely were many ladies thrilled to watch Myu-sama play the role of a super sadistic police dog, a complete 180 from his usual kind personality.

“Yes. You’re right.”

“It was also featured in the June issue of Carrot Club. The long dog ears and tail were so cute and a hot topic at the time.”

“Were they cute?...(laughs) This is something I'm not used to being told, it makes me a little shy. That being said, nothing makes me happier than to know that you ladies enjoyed it.”

“You say your kouhai will scold you, but could it be that nothing you do will ever be good enough for him?”

“How about putting it as… I consider us to have a positive, mutually respectful relationship, regardless of positions.”

After picking up a souvenir for Cecil Aijima, we head south of town along a riverside road where Meiji-era structures remain intact.

This is Myu-sama’s favorite path.

“Despite it bearing no resemblance to the streets of my hometown, it brings me a curious sense of nostalgia. It may be a bit of a detour, but please bear with me for a while.”

“It does have a very pleasant atmosphere, making you feel as if you've been sent back through time to the Meiji Era.”

“It would have been even better if the leaves had begun to redden…. I hope to show you around again next time during the height of the season.”

The road is lined with ginkgo and maple trees, making it a popular spot among insiders.

“Speaking of, were you surprised when you first saw the autumn leaves in Japan?”

“Very much so. I was impressed by the sight of the mountains dyed in five different colors. I had wished to show it to Her Majesty, the Queen of my homeland.”

The next stop was a Western-style café named "Moonlight".

“The sign shows an advertisement for a cake set, but do they serve Japanese sweets here?”

“Yes. Surprising, isn't it? Allow me to show you what's in store.”

“Is this a coffee jelly parfait on the table?

It's covered in a yellow powder….”

“Madam, please have a bite first.”

“Then, if you'll excuse me…

It’s… brown sugar jelly!”

“You’re right. The yellow powder is soybean flour. I've been enjoying its delicate sweet taste lately. It pairs amazingly with soft-serve ice cream, too.”

“Do you also like brown sugar?”

“It’s a favorite of mine. It’s wonderfully rich.”

“I was surprised at the variety of sugars available in Japan. You have not only your traditional white sugar, but also brown sugar and sugarcane… I was especially amazed by the elegance of Wasanbon.”

Since coming to Japan, sweet-toothed Myu-sama apparently carries some Wasanbon on him every day.

“You're well known for always keeping sugar on you, but where exactly do you put it?”

“Heh. That’s a secret, even for you, madam.”

Myu-sama simply smiles and avoids the question.

“Could it be that you don't really have any?”

“Is that what you believe?”

With a snap of his fingers, he suddenly reveals a snow-shaped Wasanbon in the palm of his hand...!

“The beauty of Wasanbon is its ability to take on a multitude of shapes, like this. Of course, coarse sugars like granulated or icing sugar are great too.”

“Surely white sugar is common in Silk Palace?”

“It is very cold where I am from, so before, sugar itself was a rarity. That’s why for me, Japan seemed like a dream destination (laughs).”

“Then are the sweets in Silk Palace not… well, sweet?”

“No, on the contrary, because of how precious it is, they're made very sweet. It may even be too strong for some ladies to eat. In moments like those, we brew a strong cup of tea together.”

“It’s similar to… matcha tea in Japan. Though not as formal as the Japanese tea ceremony, Silk Palace also has a custom of hosting guests with tea.”

Myu-sama smiles with a cup of tea in his hand.

“I would be happy to brew you a pot of tea whenever you desire.”

In the end, Myu-sama personally picks out a souvenir for the Carrot Club editorial staff.

“Hatsushimo" is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that has been in business since the Genroku era.

Upon passing through the shop’s traditional noren curtain, one is immediately hit by a brilliant shade of red.

“The wonderful thing about this place is their Nerikiri. Many of them have autumn leaf motifs** this time of year.”

**Note 2:

The selection of Jo-namagashi changes with the season.

Please inquire with the store for more details.

With a twinkle in his eye, Myu-sama began to select Namagashi from the display case.

“These, for instance, are works of art. They’re designed to resemble autumn leaves in the process of changing their color from green to red. It’s beautiful… It would be a pity to eat them.”

A sweet shaped in the form of a bird was the next one to catch our attention.

“This one here must be inspired by the Hyakunin Isshu. Long is the mountain pheasant’s tail that curves down in its flight; but longer still, it seems to me, left in my lonely plight, is this unending night. It’s a love poem about an autumn night that feels as painfully long as the tail of a mountain bird, when one sleeps alone and apart from the person they love.”

“I see… that explains why the bird is atop a backdrop made of black bean paste.”

“To even understand the Hyakunin Isshu… you are indeed well-informed on Japan, Myu-sama.

Not many Japanese people are as knowledgeable in this subject as you are.

It’s fantastic.”

“No. One can acquire all the knowledge they want later in life. The existence of this historic restaurant is proof in itself that the people of this country have long had a love of beauty and culinary delights. I believe that their passion is far more remarkable than their knowledge.”

Yokan, Higashi. The amount of souvenirs for the editorial staff quickly grew.

“By the way, what is your top pick?”

“It would be Botamochi. Only recently did I learn that the name changes from Ohagi in the fall to Botamochi in the spring.”

He speaks with a smile and buys three pieces of Ohagi for himself.

We ended the interview greatly satisfied.

“Thank you for your cooperation today.”

The December issue will feature “Join Ren-ren! Explore Hama's authentic Italian cuisine”.

- - - - - - - - - -

“So Camus-senpai loves… Japanese sweets.”

I jotted down the gist of the magazine article and then looked up.

“I wonder if he would cooperate with creating the unit song if I brought him some delicious Japanese sweets…”

I genuinely considered it, but shook my head.

No, it wouldn’t be a good idea.

Camus-senpai is someone who keeps his private and public life separate. He wouldn't help us out so easily.

“Then… A song inspired by Japanese sweets…?”

That’s just as bad. It’s not that simple.

If I don't get to know Senpai even better and write a song that only he can sing, and would want to sing, he will never come to acknowledge me.

“In any case, I just have to keep researching.”

I drew in a small breath to get myself in the mood, and turned back toward the stacks of magazines.

#utapri #all star #all star camus #camus utapri #camus memorial

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jimmyjrsmusoems · 4 months

Note

3, 13, and 30! For the ao3 wrapped please <3

ao3 wrapped asks :

3. what work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

all i know, is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life

despite being my lowest fic in both kudos AND hits, i'm still obsessed with this premise and i'm proud of myself for posting at least ONE thing during tinimmy week (even if it was just the one chapter, oops). i think this will be my sleeper hit when i finally get around to updating it! the world just wasn't ready for it or for me

13. what's your longest work of the year?

(i'm not including one shot collections, even though they would technically win)

longest completed / posted work : i don't blame you for being you, but you can't blame me for hating it with 6,658 words!

longest uncompleted / unposted work : tinimmy first time fic that will probably never see the light of day at 11,187 words (and counting). rip

30. biggest surprise while writing this year?

this shit is fucking hardddddd and my favorite parts of writing aren't even writing, it's coming up with ideas and listening to music for inspiration and adding aesthetic shit to my pinterest moodboards and giggling and kicking my feet while imagining scenarios. actually writing??? not a fan but i have a niche to fill so i must persevere

#ty for the ask <3 #ask #fic stuff

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ikesenwritings · 2 years

Note

Ikesen Headcannon where the Mc has an almost an almost identical personality to the suitor?

Also, I’ve been reading through your posts and they made me smile—have had a hard time doing that as of late so thank you!

A/N: Hi there! Thank you for the kind words, I’m really happy that you’ve been able to smile from my blog!! This definitely made my day :))))))

You didn’t specify a suitor so I assumed you wanted all the Ikesen men. Because there are so many, I didn’t think I’d be able to fully cover the scope of what it’d be like if MC had almost the same personality so I decided to narrow it down to one or two traits that the suitors have and go from there. I hope that’s okay and that you enjoy it regardless! ❤️ Would love to revisit some time later and write something proper where MC and the suitor have identical personalities!

[HC] MC sharing traits with the warlords

Suitor(s): Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Mitsunari, Mitsuhide, Masamune, Ieyasu, Kenshin, Shingen Content Warnings: None

Nobunaga

He’s met his match alright

Sure, the other warlords have big, strong personalities

But Nobunaga and MC?

Even Mitsuhide was surprised to see the two dominating figures in a room together and not be at each other’s throats

Hideyoshi was even more flabbergasted when Nobunaga began letting MC have a bigger stake at war councils

Masamune found the whole thing to be amusing; Ieyasu, a waste of time

Mitsunari was happy enough to have MC participating

MC was no warrior—she knew that well enough—but she certainly had the ability to adapt, persevere, learn, and share thoughts on current situations

Nobunaga acknowledged that and once he realized the depth of his feelings for her, he decided it was best to have her in the loop of things

Hence, the increased participation in war councils

Though he’d never admit it, Nobunaga found himself quite impressed and head over heels for a woman who matched his tenacity, yet maintained some degree of innocence a soldier would never have

He really did believe MC was his lucky charm

Never did he think he’d be allowed a love like this—someone to confide in, both personally and professionally; to have both input and support while pursuing a wild dream of unifying Japan

Hideyoshi

Just imagine Ieyasu’s eyes rolling when everyone recognized MC taking after the resident mother hen Hideyoshi

Extreme loyalty was perhaps MC’s Achilles heel

How Nobunaga was to Hideyoshi, Mitsunari was to MC

It truly warmed Hideyoshi’s heart to see someone besides Nobunaga recognize the talent and potential in his favorite vassal

Hideyoshi and MC actually started spending more time together on account of looking after Mitsunari, which then prompted teasing from Mitsuhide

Ieyasu went as far as calling the two a married couple looking after a lost child

Eventually, late-night discussions about Mitsunari’s future success morphed into long conversations about each other’s hopes and dreams, which then served as a catalyst for MC to start looking after Hideyoshi

And Hideyoshi could do nothing more than to accept this level of attention from her and develop deeper feelings for MC

Mitsunari

MC and Mitsunari—like two roses in a bed of thorns

They’re both known for such a lovely and radiating personality that contrasts the cruel warring period they were placed in

The others will often find the two completing tasks for one another or doing sneaky little things to lighten the load for the other person

Ieyasu will often ask Mitsunari why he even troubles him with errands when there’s MC who will gladly do anything for anyone with a smile on her face

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly ask Lady MC. She’s done far too much for me as of late.”

And just before Ieyasu could leave a bitter remark about how MC could run marathons and still offer her help—

“Ieyasu, play nice, we all know you like to check in on Mitsu from time to time… Mitsunari, did you need something? You know I’m always happy to help out with things! Oh, these must be the books that need to be returned to the archives… and here are the documents Masamune was looking for… and oh, Ieyasu, here’s the leftover salve Mitsunari said he would return!”

Mitsunari’s mouth hung open in surprise—maybe he did need MC’s help with some things

There may be two balls of sunshine in Azuchi castle but MC is surely more “present” than Mitsunari if that’s what you’d like to call it

Things don’t fly over her head nearly as much as they do Mitsunari’s and she’s always quick to defend him when soldiers start poking fun at him

Ieyasu grumbled a “thank you” and “I certainly do not like to check in on the dolt, I simply need to—er, Nobunaga and Hideyoshi need me to…” before leaving

One thing MC loved about Mitsu was his extreme focus and attentiveness in matters that were important to him

One of them being books

You best believe Hideyoshi was thinking “Oh no, what do we do? Now there’s two of them who can never get their head out of a book.” when he found MC and Mitsunari buried deep in books about clothing and battle tactics, dinners untouched

Mitsuhide

If there was anything the warlords didn’t particularly appreciate about the chatelaine, it was the stark resemblance to Mitsuhide’s teasing and elusive mannerisms

Sometimes, the maids were certain they recognized a glint in MC’s eyes identical to the infamous kitsune’s

Nobunaga considered it all to be fine entertainment; he found it quite amusing to see his fireball trade insults with the rest of them, no matter the time or place

Mitsuhide was particularly impressed by how easily the lies seemed to roll off MC’s tongue

Where was she from? Why didn’t she know basic history? Why was her writing so unique? What region could possibly account for her strange colloquial terms?

MC had an answer for everything, whether they were plausible reasonings or not—that was the fun of it, she thought

Unlike Mitsuhide, who lied and deceived on another level for Nobunaga, MC lied and evaded questions for the simple joy of fabricating stories

Of course, Masamune, at one point, said she’d be better off as a performer than a princess if she was to go on telling obvious lies one day and not-so-obvious lies the other day

Usually, the warlords put up with MC’s Mitsuhide-like personality, but on the days where they didn’t, expect that Hideyoshi would give MC a stern talking to and then offer her tea and a meal before leaving his manor

Masamune

What. A. Flirt.

Masamune had a field day when MC was first brought to Azuchi castle and she was not pulling any of her punches

Punches being suggestive comments and silly professions of love that matched Masamune’s, if not more—all while still on horseback

Oh, and the flirting was not limited to the One-Eyed Dragon

MC always enjoyed teasing the three who were most likely to get flustered—Hideyoshi, Mitsunari, and Ieyasu

“Mitsunari, when will you ever show up to war council not looking like a complete mess? You might as well shave your head if you’re not going to be putting in any effort to make your hair look presentable.”

“Oh, don’t listen to the grump, Mitsunari. I happen to think you look very cute just how you are right now,” MC confidently says while also flattening his cowlick.

“Oh! Ieyasu, would you like me to help fix your hair as well? Though I suppose not. The fluffy hair paired with those green eyes just makes you look so handsome.”

Poor Mitsunari and Ieyasu’s ears were searing hot after MC stepped into the council room, the two following behind with a laughing Masamune

Then came the days where Masamune realized how out of sorts he felt whenever MC teased and flirted with anyone else—the days where he knew for sure, that whenever he and MC went back and forth, it was real

And Masamune being Masamune didn’t really have an answer for this problem he was facing

Not a verbal one, at least

After spending the afternoon at the tea house with Ieyasu and Masamune, MC was naturally throwing compliments around

When they got to the gates of Azuchi castle, “Hey, Ieyasu, we’ll see ya later. The lass and I are going on a ride.”

MC was fully expecting Masamune to gallop but instead, it was a nice trot to a nearby lake

Words weren’t really exchanged, just a quiet appreciation for their surroundings

And without further thinking, Masamune landed a kiss on MC’s lips, which was enthusiastically returned

Ieyasu

When MC first arrived at Azuchi and wasn’t afraid to trade blows with the resident porcupine, Ieyasu sure was surprised (though, of course, he was quick to hide that with another scathing remark)

Oh, Nobunaga sure loved this—his lucky charm had a sharp tongue to go against (who he viewed as) his little brother

And when Nobunaga ordered Ieyasu to house MC after the ronin attack? Eyes were rolling to the back of their heads.

Mitsunari was really the only one excited for MC, exclaiming that there was a lot to learn from Lord Ieyasu if she chose to pursue any studies

Everyone else thought it was a situation waiting to go up in flames

The two never stopped bickering, but they always got things done

Strangely, Ieyasu and MC worked like a well-oiled machine

And at the end of the day, though they’d never admit it to each other, they were always impressed by the other, and there grew a need to never let the other person down, no matter the task

Then came the battle with the Uesugi-Takeda forces where Ieyasu and MC ran the infirmary

There was an enemy attack, leaving many injured soldiers scrambling or in the line of fire

MC took off, hoping to lend a hand to any handicapped warrior

“Really, MC. I thought by now, you’d be capable of possessing critical thinking skills.”

The rearguard was able to retreat successfully; Ieyasu was now tending to a wounded MC, whose arm was grazed by an arrow

“Ow! Hey, I thought you were supposed to be good at this.”

Out of worry, Ieyasu hadn’t realized just how much pressure he was applying while dressing her injury

“Yeah, well, that’s what you get for being a complete idiot and running towards the enemy.”

“Please, like you weren’t doing the same.”

“I was running after you and your pea-sized brain.”

“Oh, lucky you.”

The two locked eyes with each other, Ieyasu’s hand still latched onto MC’s now bandaged arm

There was a pause, a moment where their surroundings seemed to freeze, right before Ieyasu engulfed MC in a tight embrace

Arms wrapped around her neck, cheek pressed against the top of her head

“You’re a moron. A complete moron. Don’t even think of pulling something like that again.”

Kenshin

MC can hold her liquor

Like, seriously

No one could really believe it—Yukimura was extremely horrified and concerned that he’d be waking up to either a dead MC or a constantly-throwing-up MC in the morning

At this point, everyone saw Kenshin as the one true exception to the perils that excessive drinking could do to a person but damn, add MC to that very short list

Kenshin was certainly pleased to finally have a drinking partner that could and would match shot for shot with him, even if it was a woman

But… he pours all of her drinks with the slightest of smiles !!

At first, the drinking and the celebrations passed by in silence with the occasional quip whenever Shingen, Yukimura, or Sasuke said something ridiculous in Kenshin’s mind

As time passed and MC was slowly, but surely, developing the bravery to withstand Kenshin’s steely gaze and harsh threats, conversations of war and its purpose—specifically Kenshin’s purpose—came to be

What MC viewed as a step forward—discussing the logistics of fighting the Oda—was three steps backward for Kenshin, but MC refused to sway

Eventually, Kenshin stopped disregarding MC’s questions and gave his answers

When that didn’t satisfy her, Kenshin found himself seeking MC out and bringing her to more secluded locations, sake in hand, to discuss anything she wanted to know about him, Kasugayama, and Echigo

Shingen

MC could wax poetic all day and all night

And Shingen would gladly drown in her lyricism

He was used to flirting and doling out romanticisms for the women of Kasugayama, but to have someone so alluring, so exquisite, shower him with equally romantic one-liners?

Oh, he’s practically on his hands and knees, begging for more than just MC’s saccharine words

On the nights when Shingen visits MC to “watch the moon”:

There’s usually a nice lull where the two sit side by side on a tatami mat, hands just inches apart

The air is crisp, the sky is clear

And the two share the gentlest of smiles with each other while whispering sweet nothings

The thing with Shingen and MC was that they were both fine with those nights being tiny, fleeting moments

Nothing permanent, just casual flirting for a few hours between two attractive people

Of course, it wouldn’t be like this forever—eventually, Shingen would take his romantic utterances a bit too far, a bit too serious, and MC would tell him to quit it

Shingen would then say, “I’m serious, MC. I’m in love with you. I love everything about you.”

A furrow of his brow and a slight frown, Shingen really couldn’t fathom why MC thought he’d be joking about something so important before feeling the sweet sensation of her lips against his

#cybird ikemen #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen headcanons #ikesen hcs #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen hideyoshi #ikesen mitsunari #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen masamune #ikesen ieyasu #ikesen kenshin #ikesen shingen

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