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gojohater101 · 2 years

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Obey Me! Older Brothers Reacting to MC making matching friendship bracelets for them (Pt.1)

A/N: hi! this is my first real post ever so i’m VERY nervous! this is only the first part - the second part is linked below the CW <3 both part’s are VERY VERY long so i really hope nobody minds that hehehe! reblogs, likes, and comments are VERY appreciated!! <33

Pairing: Obey Me! Brothers x GN! MC

CW: Very mildly suggestive content on Satan’s part!

Part 2

LUCIFER

Lucifer isn’t too familiar with friendship bracelets. He hasn’t thought into them that much - he hasn’t had a reason to, so why would he?

Lucifer had just come home from a long day at RAD. He had an abnormal amount of meetings to attend, people to scold, blood vessels to be popped - he certainly wasn’t in a good mood.

His day wasn’t over though. He still had an ungodly amount of paperwork to get through.

He went straight to his room, sat down on his desk chair, and scribbled away on those papers that never seemed to end. He sighed a long sigh, secretly hoping that he would find you knocking on his door eventually - as you always do.

You, however, had a surprise for him.

The day prior, you and Asmo were hanging out in your room. Asmo was ranting to you about Mammon, and you were making bracelets. Bracelets for you and Lucifer. Asmo grew curious about what you were doing as you didn’t mention it at all, so he asked you.

“By the way, MC, what are you doing? Did you just make that bracelet?” He smiled and picked up the one finished bracelet laying beside you on the floor where you guys were sitting.

“Yeah! I’m making an identical one for Luci. Friendship bracelets.”

Asmo blushed and squealed. “Friendship bracelets? How romantic! Why don’t you make me one as well? Pretty please, MC!

Lucifer’s face scrunched up when he heard a knock on his door. He figured it was Mammon who came to ask him for money again, so he was on high alert, ready to scold him. That’s when he heard your voice. “Luci? Can I come in?” You asked, knocking again.

He sighed a sigh of relief. It was you. Thank god.

He so desperately needed to talk to you. He was so close to snapping at everyone and everything - you are the only one who can calm him down. (Although he would never admit that.)

He opened the door, finding you with your two hands behind your back, and with an evident blush on your face.

He immediately smirked. He knew something was up.

He welcomed you in, kissing you on the crown of your head before he asked what you did this time.

“What are you hiding, MC?” He teased as you walked backwards to his bed, sitting down on the edge.

“I’ll show you, just don’t laugh at me, okay?” You blushed. “I can’t promise that, sweetheart.” He stroked your hair and sat down next to you. “Then I won’t show you!” You teased him. “Okay, okay. I won’t laugh, I promise.”

You reluctantly showed him your masterpiece(s): two identical bracelets made of yarn - red, white, and black yarn in a chevron pattern.

“I made us these. I’ve always wanted to make us friendship bracelets but I’ve never had the time to. I had some free time yesterday so I stayed up to make them. Do you like them?”

You didn’t know what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t friendship bracelets. He let out a laugh and took the bigger one gently from your hands.

“I’m assuming this one is for me, yeah?” He smirked at you, putting it on. He admired it once more before stroking your hair and kissing your lips every so gently.

“Thank you, MC. I will wear it with pride.”

“I will wear mine with pride, too.” You said, before punching him on his arm. “You laughed! You said you wouldn’t!” “I couldn’t help it. You’re too precious, sweetie.”

He does in fact wear it with pride. Bro never EVER takes it off.

When Diavolo asked about it the next day Lucifer just smiled.

“I see you have a new bracelet, Lucifer! It’s pretty stylish! Where’d you get it?”

“Thank you for choosing MC, Lord Diavolo.”

“I see… I get it. You’re welcome.” Diavolo said with the biggest smile on his face.

He will actually get so upset if he sees that you don’t have yours on. So don’t take it off, ever.

Lucifer always catches himself admiring it when he’s doing paperwork - how did he end up with you? What did he do to deserve such an angel?

Wait… is that a blush he has on his face?

MAMMON

Although Mammon wouldn’t say it, he has been wanting to get matching jewelry for you guys. He has never had the guts to, though. Sure, he takes you out all the time, spoils you, ETC, but matching jewelry was a big step he wasn’t sure he was ready to take. It’s such an intimate thing, you know?

Mammon swung his arm around your shoulders as you guys walked out of class together. He was talking about his big win yesterday when he was out gambling with his friends: he had won 100’000 Grimm in a game of poker, but as soon as he came home with bags full of money and his precious Goldie, Lucifer confiscated it all. Sure, he had won, but he needed to “earn money responsibly” according to Lucifer. He was gonna get it back when Mammon had earned 100′000 Grimm through hard work. Which will most likely never happen.

Mammon cursed underneath his breath. “Damn Lucifer, always takin’ my precious money away from me!”

You smiled at him, suddenly blushing hard.

“What’s so funny? And why’re your cheeks all red?”

“I have a surprise for you that might cheer you up! It’s not hard earned money though - don’t get too excited.”

Mammon raised his brow. “A surprise? Where?”

You suddenly pulled out two matching bracelets from your pocket. They looked handmade - yellow and white yarn in a candy stripe.

Yesterday, when Mammon tried to hang out with you, you told him you had bunches of homework to catch up on, which was a lie. You just wanted an excuse to be able to make the bracelets in secret.

“I have so much homework to do, sunshine. I need to get it done before tomorrow. You go and hang out with the others. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

Mammon complained, like a lot, but eventually, he complied and kissed you before leaving your room.

“You better get all that homework done today! I can’t have stupid homework gettin’ in between our time together!” He said before he walked off.

That was when he decided to go out and gamble that night.

You gave the bigger bracelet to him, and you put the smaller one on your wrist. You smiled at your work. You hoped he liked it.

You noticed that Mammon went quiet. You slowly looked up from your wrist, one brow raised. Did he... not want it?

You were shocked to see Mammon blushing the hardest you’ve ever seen him blush.

He was almost on the verge of TEARS. I’m telling you, this man is so deprived of love.

He quickly snapped back to his senses when he heard you calling his name. “M-MC… ya made these?” That was the only thing he could say.

“Yeah, I did yesterday. You know, when I told you I needed to do homework. I had no homework at all, I just wanted to do this for you.”

Mammon was speechless. No one had ever put in this much effort to make him something like this.

“Do you like it?” You smiled.

Mammon looked at you and then looked away quickly, blushing and pouting. “Y’know, I d-don’t appreciate that ya lied to me!” He stuttered.

“I had to, I’m sorry! Now answer the question. Do you like it?” You smiled again.

He was quiet for a second before he put it on and looked at you. “Ya better not do anything like this for anyone else! No one else will appreciate it as I do. You’re my human, got it?!” He ranted before he hugged you as you laughed.

“I take it that you like it?”

“I love it.”

He was kind of shy about wearing it at first, but that quickly passes as he five minutes later flaunts it to all of his brothers and classmates.

He, like Lucifer, never takes it off. He has only ever taken it off once or twice: when he does some kind of physical activity that leaves the bracelet at risk of breaking.

Truth is, he values that bracelet more than he does all the money in the world.

LEVIATHAN

We all know that Levi is a very love-starved guy. He loved the idea of some sort of matching clothing items/jewelry but he never brought it up. ‘Who would want to match with an otaku like me?’ he always thought.

As Levi was sitting in his gaming chair, you were fumbling with the yarn on your lap as you were laying in his bathtub, talking to him about the game he was playing.

He was babbling passionately about the game, telling you all about it. You just couldn’t help but smile as he was explaining what it was about.

“I love it! It’s like, so cool!” He smiled, leaning back in his chair, bringing his hands behind his head.

“I’m happy that you love it. I know how long you’ve waited for it to arrive.” You said as sat upright, looking at him.

He turned his head to see what you were up to. Seeing you smile at him made his heart skip a beat as he swung his head back to the screen - his cheeks red.

“Y-yeah… it did t-take a while.” He smiled to himself. “By the way, MC, what are you even doing in the tub? Come and play with me!” He recollected himself.

“I would love to, but I’m busy.” You smirked as you laid back once more.

“Doing what?” He turned again. It wasn’t visible what you were doing from where he was sitting. He was as curious as ever.

“Just give me two minutes and I’ll show you! Continue playing!” You said, still fumbling with the yarn, making the last few rows.

Levi gave you a nod and turned back to his screen.

You’ve always had “Make you and Levi matching bracelets” written out on your bucket list - you knew he would appreciate it deeply, so it was important to you to get it done.

You never got the time to make them without him being present, so you just decided to tell him to look away when you walked into the room as you carried the yarn in your hands. He did. He wasn’t being persistent in knowing why. Just a simple nod and an ‘Okay.’ were heard.

When you had finally finished, you jumped out of the tub, walked up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder.

When he turned, he saw you - hands hidden behind your back with the biggest grin on your face.

“What’s this about, MC? What did you do?” He looked up at you from his chair. He almost looked concerned - poor baby just hoped you didn’t do anything that would get you in trouble.

That was when you finally revealed what was in your hands. Two identical bracelets - made of orange, royal blue, and white yarn in an arrowhead diamond pattern.

He looked shocked, confused, even. He looked up at you once more.

“M-MC… they’re pretty. Who are they for?”

“For us!”

Leviathan.exe has stopped working.

Boy was SPEECHLESS.

He blushed profusely as he looked away from you, hiding his face in his hands.

“What? Do you not like them?” You asked, worried. Shoot... did you mess up?

“N-No! I mean y-yes! I m-mean no! I l-l-love them!” He turned back to you, scared that he had hurt your feelings.

“B-but are you s-sure? I mean… who w-would want to m-m-match with an otaku like m-me?” He said, his eyes becoming watery.

“Silly Levi. Who wouldn’t want to? Here, give me your wrist. I’ll tie it on for you!” You smiled at him.

He reluctantly gave you his wrist, letting you tie the bracelet on for him. He got goosebumps as he felt your hands fumbling with his.

When you had tied it on his wrist, you put yours on. “Look! We’re finally matching!” You said, putting your wrist next to his.

He smiled up at you, blushing as much as ever. “Th-thank you for this, MC. You’re always s-so good to me… even though I’m j-just a gross otaku.”

You hugged him as you mumbled ‘You’re not gross…’ into his hair.

Leviathan.exe has stopped working 2X.

Levi was super shy about wearing the bracelet initially. Nobody had ever made something like this for him.

Every time he gamed and his eyes fell on the bracelet he would lose focus, to the point where he died in multiple video games because of it.

When Satan commented on your guys’ bracelets being identical Levi couldn’t control himself, and he literally passed out. He didn’t think anyone would notice them, but the fact that people could see the bracelets and know only you and him are matching made his heart skip a beat.

As much as he was shy about it, now, he loves wearing the bracelet. Not only is it a declaration of your guys’ love, but it’s also a good way to see that you are his. It’s almost like marking his territory, and secretly, he loves that.

He doesn’t take it off, even if it distracts him. He doesn’t have the heart to do that. He feels as if it’s disrespectful to you and your hard work if he does, so he just keeps it on.

Even if it makes him die ten times more in video games, every time he glances at that bracelet he kisses it and hugs it close to his body. How did he manage to bag you?

SATAN

Satan doesn’t have the time, nor energy to think about friendship bracelets😭 Sure, he thought the concept of them is cute, but he hasn’t dug deeper into his opinion on them.

You were in the human realm, visiting your family that you missed so dearly.

As a result, all of the brothers, and especially Satan, felt empty.

You and Satan texted each other 24/7, but you figured that texting only wouldn’t make your absence easier on him, since you were gonna be gone for a month. Sure, you were gone for years a while back, but that was one of the hardest things that Satan has ever had to go through - you didn’t want him feeling like he did when you were gone ever again.

So you decided to send him something. Something special.

Satan sat quietly in his room, reading the book that you had gifted him a while back for the third time that day. Gosh, he missed you. He just couldn’t help but almost cry when he thought about you.

The calls, texts, and pictures weren’t enough. He needed to see you, feel you. He put the book down when he realized he had re-read the same sentence five times. The thought of you distracted him from every word he read.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door.

Beel walked in with a package in his hands. Beel looked at the package, then at Satan. Handing it to him. “It’s from MC.” Beel said, smiling.

Satan practically jumped up from his bed, grabbing the box from Beel's hands.

“You’re feeling their absence, huh?” Beel’s smile dropped, looking at Satan. “Yeah. I assume you are too?” Satan said.

“It has taken a toll on all of us. Don’t worry, they’re coming back in two weeks. Time goes by fast.” Beel smiled, walking out of Satan’s room, giving him privacy to open the box in peace.

Satan smiled as he sat down on his bed, placing the box in front of him.

He opened the lid carefully, seeing a letter in your handwriting. He picked up the letter, reading the message.

“Dear Satan, How are you doing, lovely? I miss you so much. Two weeks have passed by now, yet it feels like years. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to facetime you as much as you’d like. I’m very busy with my family. They’ve missed me loads. I decided to send you this… to hopefully fill the void. I know it isn’t much, but I hope it helps. Love, MC.”

He smiled as he closed the letter, putting it next to him on his bed.

He looked back into the box. The first thing he saw was a book - one he had never read before. It was called ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

“How many books have you even read at this point?” You laughed as you looked up at Satan who looked down at your head on his lap.

“You seriously expect me to keep track of that?” He smirked.

“No, but still! If you had to guess, how many?”

“Stop asking dumb questions.” He grinned, ruffling your hair.

You both laughed as you wrapped your arms around his stomach.

“Can I ask you a question?” Satan finally asked after a brief moment of silence.

“Is it dumb?” You quickly answered, teasing him. “No!” He smiled. “Go for it.” You said as his hand stroked your hair.

“Have you read ‘Pride and Prejudice’?” He asked.

“Oh, yes, I have! Why? Where have you heard about it?” You asked as your brow raised.

“I read about it on Devilgram. Apparently, it’s really good.” He said.

“It is! Please read it! It’s my favorite romance novel ever! Once you read it your perspective of life will change.” You sat up, looking at him.

“I will. I promise. I just need to get my hands on it.” He kissed your forehead.

That’s where he knew it from…

Satan started getting a little emotional at that moment. You remembered that he wanted to read it.

He noticed a little gap in the pages. Perhaps you left something in there for him?

When he went to said pages, his face lit up.

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” Was highlighted in pink. Next to it, he saw a pink yarn bracelet with red hearts on it.

He picked it up gently, inspecting it carefully. As he put it closer to his face, he smelled your perfume on it - which drove him crazy.

He put it away from his face - he wouldn’t be able to control himself otherwise.

He carefully put it on, admiring it. He smiled as he picked up another letter from the bottom of the box.

“Hi again, baby! Yes, I made a matching bracelet for myself, so don’t worry. I hope you like the book. <3”

Satan’s heart skipped a beat. You… you made a matching bracelet for yourself?

He looked at the highlighted sentence, then at the bracelet. You had thought so carefully about this gift that he got even more emotional than he was initially.

As his eyes began to water, he picked up his DDD, clicking on your profile on the messages app.

“My love, you really shouldn’t have.” He wrote. “My love, I wanted to.” You replied within seconds. “The bracelet is beautiful. Since when did you know how to make these?” “Since I’ve been a child. I can make you a cat bracelet if you’d like.” “Please do. Make one for yourself as well, so we can double-match.”

Satan, like Mammon, Lucifer, and Levi, never takes it off. He thinks it’s too pretty, too thoughtful, plus, it smells of your perfume - the perfume he gifted you.

It only takes five minutes of him being out of his room for Beel to notice. “New book? New bracelet?” Beel smiles at Satan in the living room. “They were in the box MC sent. They put their whole heart into that box. They made a matching bracelet for themselves too.” Satan grinned.

“What box?!” Mammon yelled. “Lemme see that!” Mammon lunged at Satan’s arm, wanting to see the bracelet.

Safe to say, things didn’t end up well for Mammon that day.

Satan has never cared so much for an object as he does for that book, and especially that bracelet. He takes care of them with his life.

Satan even puts the book in a special place in his room - a cursed bookshelf, so anyone who dares steal it without his permission will get turned into an earthworm for 48 hours. How thoughtful of him <3

Satan probably read that book around thirty times in the two weeks before you arrived back. It was just as beautiful as he had imagined - just as beautiful as you had described it - just as beautiful as…

Satan closed the book. His mind was wandering off again.

He missed you. A lot.

ps! if this gets enough love, i’ll make a version for the dateables too <3

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me shall we date headcanons #om headcanons #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me x mc #obey me x reader #obey me x gn!mc #obey me x gn!reader #obey me oneshot #obey me one master to rule them all #om shall we date

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biggest-geo-oogami-enjoyer · 30 days

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TKATB - Theories, wahoo.

This will contain spoilers for Days 1 and 2 of @fantasia-kitt 's 'The Kid At The Back', along with containing mentions of material found on her Twitter (https://twitter.com/fantasia_kitt).

This is mostly based off things I've picked apart and/or kinda pieced together. If you feel I'm incorrect, or am missing something; hell, if you have any theories of your own, please share!

Anyway, the actual theories (apologies in advance if the rambling is...uh...too rambly).

- Okay, so considering the fact Jess was moved into the ‘Lower Class’ school, it means that she either failed a class or got a ‘violation’ (those are the conditions for being moved down, according to Hyugo). Brittney mentioned how ‘confident and loud’ Jess is when she’s angry, and Brittney apparently was popular at some point, but lost it at the party (it was mentioned a few times by Deryl) 2 years ago due to an incident. I think maybe Brittney was being bullied and Jess lost her shit, maybe even got physical? And that led to the duo being sent to the ‘Lower Class’ school.

- Subaru (Geo) and Hyugo are mentioned to be brothers, but Hyugo says “Subaru! I wasn’t expecting to see you here!”, which could mean Geo (due to him being rich af) was moved down as well??? Hyugo and Geo are brothers but have different surnames, so I have a feeling (also because Geo is said to have daddy issues by Fantasia herself), that maybe Subaru Oogami and Hyugo Sugimoto aren’t related.

- Continuing that, Hyugo is the ‘traitor’ that the ‘Rough-Voiced Man’ was looking for in the cinema, so he’s obviously affilated with some dodgy people, and we know he hates injustice, so perhaps he is a mercenary or assassin of sorts (he did canonically kill somebody, with Sol witnessing it, check Fantasia’s twitter); and that could be why Geo avoids him? Hell, why does Subaru even go by Geo? Is it a codename, like Geo Sugimoto, is he hiding his real identity?

- With the person who threatened MC and their father with taking the farm, and the Marie Antoinette references, maybe the ‘handsome man’ is Crowe’s father? Hell, maybe even Eries, the fuchsia-eyed celebrity Jess loves. Along with that, the 'moral' I suppose of her biography was along the lines of: change is inevitable, either you deny it, or accept it. It'll happen anyway, what changes is your role and reaction to it (say you choose Crowe, Sol'll lose his marbles; if you choose Sol, Crowe might move on...unless he's also insane but I doubt it).

- Flowers seem to be important symbolism-wise, like the carnation and passionflower mentions made by Crowe (carnations can mean love for someone, or purity if white, or rejection/disappointment if yellow. Passionflowers mean renewal and hope I think). Brugmansia is also a poisonous flower, so it hints to Sol being a ‘poison’ that could kill us.

- I've seen this mentioned by @sweet-herbal-peach-tea (I'm sorry for tagging you anon, I wanted to credit you; also check their theories out as well anons), but I'll add it here anyway: With the prominence of Edgar Allan Poe's 'Annabel Lee', it could hint to Sol having loved us either in a past life...or...maybe we - the MC - look identical to a past lover of his, one who maybe passed; and he's deluded himself into thinking we are them?

Now for my favourite ones:

- The Hallow’s Ball, the event Deryl mentions on the groupchat, is on Friday. Assuming the game will be 7 days long and that Day 1 is Monday, that means Day 5 is crucial. It could be a catalyst, hell it may even decide what ending you get (Fantasia said there’ll probably be about 5, 1 true, 2 good, 2 bad; albeit that could change). Geo mentions he doesn’t want to go, neither does Brittney, but I think she will due to the fact Jess is. It may decide whether you choose Crowe or Sol, along with finalising relations with the other characters.

- Hyugo also mentions ‘taking care of Sol for him’, implying his absence…or even death. Hyugo pulls a gun on a person who seems to know him, maybe the boss of a crime syndicate? Hyugo hates injustice, so maybe the missing persons cases are being caused by people Hyugo knows, and he wants to stop them? I think if Hyugo vanishes (hell, it’s already known that he doesn’t always show up to class), it might be a way to get more info out of Geo.

That’s all I got off the top of my head lol, if it seems janky, I'm sorry. ;^

And uuh...yeah. This is my first Tumblr post so yeah. Love this Visual Novel and cannot wait to see more! (Especially of Geode lmfao).

#the kid at the back sol #geo subaru oogami #sol brugmansia #the kid at the back #tkatb sol #crowe ichabod #jericho crowe ichabod #hyugo sugimoto #tkatb hyugo #the kid at the back hyugo #geo oogami #tkatb vn #brittney claire #jessie sitrus #deryl helianthus #i love this visual novel so much #repost #reminder that geo is superior #geo(de)

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little-emerald-snake · 7 months

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Kinktober Day 31!

Striptease - Sebastian Sallow X Ominis Gaunt X Garreth Weasley X F!MC

🔥NSFW 🔞 MDNI

2.1k words

A new club had opened on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Not the usual business you’d find in the valley, especially so close to a school but the owner had known it would garner quite a hefty income in the location and had decided it a necessary investment.

Within the first week it had opened Sebastian had seen a sign for it in Hogsmeade and walked up the hill to witness the outside of the new club. He’d spent the rest of the week telling his guy friends they should get fake IDs with him and join him on a little trip.

Garreth had of course agreed and Ominis agreed, if for no other reason than to make sure the two other boys didn’t get themselves in trouble. He didn’t even bother trying to talk them out of it because nobody would listen to him anyway.

Garreth had assured them he knew a guy who could print them very legit IDs and could do it quickly.

While Sebastian had failed to notice, Ominis couldn’t help but take note that the ‘new student’ had begun to be more and more absent after classes.

Ominis had also noticed her more frequent naps in History of Magic and around the castle, in all his favorite spots no less. After all, he had shown her the best places to take naps so he would know best.

He hadn’t thought much of it at first but when he’d noticed her sneaking out after curfew, listening from his spot in the corner of the common room as she secretly slid out and took the floo, he decided to ask her about to to which she gave an excellent diversion and left him with even more questions.

He’d mostly forgotten about it the next day when Sebastian had approached him and handed him his new fake ID which Sebastian had promised looked extremely real.

Ominis had quickly tucked the ID away in his robes and sighed as Sebastian filled him in on the plan for tomorrow.

They’d change after class into something that wouldn’t give them away as students and head out straight after classes. Since it was Friday they’d have a less likely chance of accidentally bumping into a professor if it wasn’t a weekend.

When they’d get there they would see what the club is like and order drinks. Enjoy the girls and stay for a while before heading back to the castle and getting back before curfew.

As soon as classes ended, they did exactly as they had planned. Garreth had changed into charcoal gray slacks, black oxfords, black belt, a white dress shirt with top two buttons undone and a charcoal vest, opting for no tie and the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up to his elbows.

Sebastian wore the same as Garreth but pants and vest in navy and accessories such as shoes and belt in a warm brown. He also dared to have a button more of his shirt undone than Garreth.

Ominis, in classic Gaunt fashion, wore all black except the white of his shirt and opted for a black suit jacket and tie instead of his comrades with vests and no tie. He also topped his look off with a pair of black sunglasses to help hide his identity a bit more.

They’d bypassed the door security with surprising ease and once inside Sebastian’s eyes scanned over the room. Pretty witches danced on various elevated pole stages about the room. Men gathered around the base placing bags of galleons at their feet.

Many of the girls were dressed in scantily clad garments of silk and lace which had Garreth’s eyes popping in wonder. “Ominis, mate, I wish you could see this.”

Ominis scowled. He too wished he could see the atmosphere. The loud thumping music did little to aide him and more hindered him than anything.

The boys quickly made it to the bar and Sebastian laid some galleons on the bar as the barkeep approached. They ordered two rounds of firewhiskey shots for each of them.

After knocking both shots back, Sebastian like it was water, Garreth with only a mild face of discomfort, and Ominis, like he’d never drank anything else a day in his life, they made their way to a table off to the side and took a seat.

Ominis leaned back and listened to his surroundings, taking in conversations of pretty women talking with men about taking them to a private dance.

Garreth’s eyes flitted around, the whiskey in his veins calming his racing heartbeat just enough he can sit back and try to enjoy. Sebastian’s eyes move from girl to girl, admiring and deciding which he liked best.

Ominis jumped in his seat when lithe hands grip his shoulders and begin to gently massage them, a familiar yet sultry voice meets his ears. “Hi there, handsome. You look like you could use some ‘attention’ tonight.”

Although Ominis couldn’t see it and was too busy piecing together the voice’s owner, Sebastian and Garreth both swung their heads around and their eyes met none other than their latest class addition.

They both go slack jaw and her hands drop from Ominis’ shoulders, her voice dropping its sexy lilt. “No fucking way I’m looking at the three of you right now.”

Ominis’ eyes widened behind his sunglasses as he finally placed the voice and spun to face her. “What are you doing here?”

Sebastian snickered as she placed her hands on her hips, the strappy black number hugging tightly around those same hips. “Ominis, it seems our sneaky little friend works here. She’s all wrapped up in some strappy leather garment like a proper present.”

Ominis swallowed harshly and he swung back around, looking away from her as if he could see her. His cheeks tinged pink. She suddenly puts a cute smile on her face but Sebastian and Garreth can see right through it. “I suppose you boys have snuck in to be clients. So I’ll pretend as long as you do and we can just never bring this up back at school, alright?”

Garreth shrugged, eyes still raking over her exposed body. “If it means I get to keep looking at you in that, I’ll bloody do anything you want me to.”

Ominis reached over and smacked Garreth on the back of the head. “No need to be crude, Weasley.”

Sebastian sat back, his arms crossed, eyes still glued to her form. “Ominis…you’d be saying the same if you saw what she looked like right now. I’m almost tempted to get you a lap dance so you can…what do you call it…’see with your hands’.”

She kept her smile but bit the inside of her cheek. Ominis head swung Sebastian's direction causing Sebastian to chuckle as he pulled out a bag of Galleons. “In fact…name your price for a VIP room and maybe you’ll make some good money tonight, love.”

Garreth’s eyes met Sebastian’s and he was shocked to see the man was dead serious. Ominis sat between them, mouth opening and closing yet he was at a loss for words.

She dropped her hands, stance becoming less abrasive in nature as her face softened. “Three thousand galleons. That’s double the usual price per person…so if you pay it…then fine. I’ll take you to a VIP room. But you must all swear on your lives that you won’t tell a soul about this, or else all bets are off.”

Sebastian nodded and pulled out the coin, placing the ‘magically much smaller than necessary’ bag on the table. “I wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart.”

Her eyes flitted to Garreth as he sat forward, green eyes meeting hers. “Of course, darling. I’d never do that to you.”

Ominis could feel three pairs of eyes on him and went red as he tried to make sense of how quickly this had all escalated. “Merlin. You know I wouldn’t tell a soul about this, love.”

She nodded and collected the bag of coin before taking Ominis’ arm and helping him out of the deep chair. “Come on then, I’ll lead you back, boys.”

With Ominis on her arm, blushing like mad, she led them to the back and into a large U shaped room. A couch against each wall and a stage with a pole in the center. She seated each of them on an individual couch and reached down to pick up an ice bucket with champagne.

She popped the champagne and poured them each a glass before standing up and gripping the pole seductively. “Alright boys. Make yourselves comfortable. I’m gonna dance for you a bit and then we will have some fun.”

She took a steadying breath before gripping the pole and spinning herself lightly. She alternated between some sexy pole tricks and just dancing to the thumping music. Sebastian and Garreth watched with intrigue, sipping their drinks occasionally. Whereas Ominis sat back looking slightly bored, even finishing off his entire glass of champagne, giving him a lovely flushed tint to his cheeks.

She smiled at Ominis, taking and setting his empty glass aside before pulling him up onto the small stage with her. Ominis looked confused but let her do what she pleased, her body pressed so close to his it made him blush deeper.

She reached up and took his sunglasses from him, placing them on her face instead before having him stand against the pole and placing his hands on her hips as she swayed them to the beat of the music.

Garreth and Sebastian were awestruck watching her turn around and roll her hips backwards and up against Ominis’ crotch. The blonde swallowed hard but kept his hands firmly in place on her hips as she ground against him.

She turned back around, sliding her barely covered breasts against his chest. He took a shaky breath and she smiled in satisfaction, dancing against him. She pulled his hands from her body and led them to her breasts over her top, proceeding to lean in and tell him to take it off of her.

He did his best to keep the shaking of his hands unnoticed as he slid the strappy top off her shoulders and off over her head. She smiled again and brought his hands to her breasts.

He held them, groaning. He was so hard, needed her seductive body so badly it hurt. He couldn’t fathom why he was reviving all of her attention but he wasn’t about to deny a second of it.

Sebastian sat back with an arm over the back of the couch. He couldn’t deny how hot it was watching his best friends like this. He was also hard watching her and even with the sunglasses on he knew she was glancing down to the tent in his pants.

She then stood back and helped Ominis off the stage, bringing him to sit back on the couch before she slid into his lap.

Ominis gasped, fully expecting it to be done but as she climbed into his lap he couldn’t help a groan. He placed his hands on her hips as she leaned in to nip his reddened ear and tell him he could touch her wherever he pleased.

She ground her hips against his clothed erection which sent even more heat to his face. He reached a bit farther back and felt the roundness of her ass before carefully sliding his hands up her waist and over her sensitive sides, caressing all the way back to her breasts which he squoze with gentle fingers.

She ground down against him again and his breath hitched. With a glance backward she could see two sets of eyes glued to her body as she rolled it against Ominis.

After a bit more teasing she finally climbed out of Ominis’s lap and brought herself back on stage. “That'll have to be all for tonight boys. But you know where to find me…if you ever feel like coming back.”

Ominis nodded, breathing heavily while splayed haphazardly against the back of the couch while Sebastian and Garreth nodded in satisfaction. She smiled and put her top back on. “Oh and Ominis…you and you alone can come meet me tonight in my room of requirement to get these lovely shades back.”

She spun to look at Garreth and Sebastian. “Don’t even think about trying to show up…the door will be charmed to keep anyone but us out.”

The two men sat with shocked expressions on their faces, eyeing Ominis with envy from across the room. Garreth spoke up with a huff. “Freaking Gaunt privilege…”

Kinktober Prompt List

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy smut #hogwarts legacy fanfiction #writing challenge #kinktober #kinktober 2023 #ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #garreth weasley #ominis gaunt fanfiction #sebastian sallow fanfiction #garreth weasley fanfiction #ominis gaunt smut #sebastian sallow smut #garreth weasley smut

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elsecrytt · 1 year

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Obey Me Theory:

Simeon and Michael are the same person.

Disclaimer:

Yes, I know about the "But then wouldn't..." objections to this theory; I'll present my evidence and then address those at the end.

I came up with this idea after going through specific things in my personal MC lore, but there ended being so many things that fit that I actually really liked it.

To be clear, this idea is to say: Simeon is Michael's alternate identity. Simeon as we and others know him has always actually been Michael; there's no "real Simeon" hidden in a basement somewhere while Michael impersonates him.

Evidence (spoilers for Obey Me and Nightbringer):

There are hints and suggestions throughout the story - confirmed in hard mode in NB - that Simeon is actually a considerably powerful angel. Powerful enough to be a seraph like Lucifer was.

In Season 1 and 2 of the original Obey Me, Simeon acts as the representative of the Celestial Realm in the Devildom. He's obviously high up.

Diavolo says that Simeon is the one person he doesn't want to anger. Diavolo. The would be King of the Devildom.

Note that Diavolo can tell when someone is lying. Simeon does an excellent job of tip-toeing around issues and details, not disclosing the full truth, etc.

Diavolo says he finds angels in general difficult to work with. He finds Simeon difficult. And Simeon does live up to that difficulty (hard mode Season 2) - and he puts it a very interesting way.

He tells Diavolo that if a matter (the dangerous information Diavolo's been hiding from Lucifer all Season 2) concerns the Celestial Realm, then of course they'd interfere...

...that's what Michael told Simeon to tell him, anyways. Simeon speaks with a lot of authority for someone who's not even a seraph.

Pretty much all the information we get about Michael and his current intentions come from Simeon.

And after this - what happens?

The incident with the Ring of Light.

Mighty coincidental that Simeon happened to be able to stroll into Michael's Lucifer fan-shrine and nick the ring from there, huh?

The explanation Simeon gives for knowing that the ring existed - "Michael would never let something of Lucifer's go" - is also interesting.

If Simeon were Michael, then he would know the solution of giving MC the ring from the very beginning. It'd be easy for him to stay calm, cool, and collected - Michael already gave a mortal (Solomon) his ring, and he knows Lucifer's ring can do the same thing.

Additionally, we have the sequence where a voice - almost certainly Michael - speaks to MC in a vision sort of sequence.

The voice specifically says that it would have expected MC to be an awful person, since Lucifer and co. care about them so much.

Notably, Season 2 is also the turning point for several of the side characters. Diavolo and Solomon get some ship tease for feelings, and Simeon steals the ring for you...

But this conversation could also be Michael/Simeon acknowledging his feelings for you - a human. Simeon confesses to you in Season 3...

...where it's also revealed that his worst fear is his (and Lucifer's) father.

If Simeon is Michael, this makes a lot of sense. Michael, like Lilith, has fallen in love with a human. He's even also - technically - interfered in a human's lifespan by saving you. He would fear his father, for the same reason Lucifer would.

Now, this also makes plenty of sense if Simeon isn't Michael... but just imagine.

The bone-chilling terror of having fought and beaten Lucifer and his family, having killed Lilith...

Only to eventually fall into the same circumstances that she did.

But who will fall with Michael? Who will rebel against heaven to protect him? He expunged those who were guilty of this sin, and now he is guilty of it himself. He erased all possibility of change or rebellion with his own hands.

There are other reasons to be suspicious.

In Nightbringer, Simeon and Diavolo each attempt to tempt Solomon to their side. But Diavolo's angel counterpart in the Celestial Realm is Michael, the authority figure; not Simeon, the powerless archangel.

Simeon and Solomon get along pretty well. Michael liked Solomon enough to give him the Ring of Knowledge.

What else do we know about Michael?

Most people describe him as eccentric.

Simeon wrote?? A whole book series?? About Lucifer and his brothers????? Why???????

For bonus eccentric humor: in Season 2, Simeon writes a play. He puts Lucifer and Diavolo (who have been on bad terms with each other) into a love triangle with MC.

Season 2 marks a big breaking point for Luci and Dia's relationship, with MC at the center, and both of them develop feelings for MC.

Simeon recognizes it when people tease Luke - and he is basically Luke's guardian - and pretty much says it's okay up to a point.

"Sure, tease this little kid I'm responsible for, a little taunting is good for the soul." He even seems to imply he likes to do it, too XD

He actually takes a lot of weird antics and wacky hijinks with stride. I don't think it's because he's a responsible adult. I think it's because he's another weirdo, masquerading as a responsible adult.

Several characters also talk about Michael working Raphael very hard, and having very particular demands.

We see exactly how extreme and demanding Simeon can be in Season 2, when we put on a play. He has a vision. And he's going to make EVERYONE do it, RIGHT.

We also see Simeon the taskmaster with quite the temper in Season 3 when he's running a cafe. He gets EXTREMELY mad, to the point of getting everyone to sit down and obey him, despite being normally very calm.

Michael is a huge Lucifer fanboy.

Simeon is constantly texting Lucifer ingame, even when Lucifer ignores him. He also joins Diavolo in on complimenting Lucifer's looks as an angel.

He admits that he does care about Lucifer and the brothers. We get hints that Michael feels a similar way.

In Nightbringer - Simeon ruminates deeply over a specific day where he, Lucifer, and Raphael were spending time together.

Lucifer confirms to him that he had a nice day, that day - that Simeon did notice his discomfort, and it was a relief that Simeon reached out in the way that he did, even if Simeon is rethinking it now.

It makes more sense for Simeon to be ruminating over this if this day is just a representation of his inability to reach Lucifer, to make Lucifer see his side of things.

Anyways, that's most of the things I noticed that make it look possible.

So, why doesn't anyone recognize him?

There are a few different possibilities.

They don't know what Michael really looks like.

I've seen screenshots of a devilgram floating around where angel Mammon is chatting with angel Lucifer, and he mentions that Lucifer actually has twelve wings - he just doesn't have all of them out at once.

If Michael has a similar number of wings, and does use all of them, then it's possible no one ever got a good look on him.

Also notable is that Lucifer's angel outfit is pretty conservative - if Michael was similarly clothed, with the addition of gloves, and some kind of veil/mask (he is supposed to be eccentric), they actually may just legitimately not have a good picture of him.

For personal reasons (I want to know what Michael looks like), this is my favorite theory.

Michael has used a glamour to change his appearance.

I'm relatively sure that angels can do this; they can "wear" their wings or not, and demons have similar abilities, so I don't think it's out of the realm of reason.

No one remembers what Michael looks like.

When we meet Michael in the finale of Season 2, we see just a glowing light from above. It's possible that we did see Michael then, but we just don't remember it.

Lucifer and his brothers might have forgotten Michael's appearance post-fall.

Michael texting himself? Simeon's punishment?

The text from Michael to Simeon was the most obnoxious dramatic conceit in the game.

We don't see ANY more communication between the two, at all, and are only informed of any of it afterward. It was literally just there to be a cliffhanger/source of excitement.

I think the hint is in season 3, where Simeon's greatest fear is his father.

Because if Simeon is Michael, then there's only one higher power who can punish him. The fact that Simeon was hiding who he was - that could also really explain his dodgy behavior in Season 4.

After all, after punishing Lilith for doing exactly what he just did, it'd be extremely hard to face them and be honest about what happened.

There's probably more to this theory to iron out and explain, but yeah. I do like the idea, and find the possibility fascinating - for some reason, I've picked up a bit more on Simeon these days.

Nightbringer really has made the side characters soooo much juicier >.>

#obey me #obey me simeon #obey me michael #obey me diavolo #obey me theorycrafting #obey me spoilers #obey me nightbringer spoilers

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myun-saidthoughts · 1 year

Text

Composite Chart:

Real Life Experiences

(I will express my own experiences and in hindsight knowing some of the basics in astrology might make this post make more sense, I'm only stating experiences not what each sign/placement/aspect means on it's own)

(If anyone wants me to add some background knowledge with each composite synastry aspect let me know)

💐🌸 Libra Moon, Libra Venus, & Libra MC 🌸💐

(Moon & Venus Conjunct MC)

Now for my experience, I have this with one boy. When we are out in public my emotions and feelings can not be hidden from him or anyone, we are playful together, we flirt openly to one another, I compliment him and he compliments me back. Very giddy with one another and I like to make him feel good about himself, I just have that desire too. We aren't dating but there's a weird sense of known responsibility he has for our dynamic per se? When he is talking to another girl he over compensates by keeping the "peace." Once he talked to a childhood friend and right when she walked away he was over expressing how random and weird that conversation was, even though in my eyes it was a innocent conversation, he felt like he needed to state something. In that circumstance on that night we were really cute together, I grabbed his hand and he leaned down to go and kiss me, and it felt natural. But there has been nights where that wasn't the case, whenever he is with another girl or isn't keeping the balance he acts awkward or tries to run away from the situation to avoid the tension he feels? Another time when we stopped contact randomly for a few weeks and he randomly said to me "I haven't been on snapchat, I haven't talked to anyone at all on there" something along those lines and I was like "no worries, it's okay!" Another time he was with another girl and my sister passed him without saying hi, the following day he was extremely weird and couldn't even say hi to me?He only did when we abruptly passed each other and he nervously said "Hi love" and there's more stories. So even though I have never been upset at him or yell at him with his choices, and (never will I because we aren't dating) he feels the need to keep the balance between us. One thing though, his choices and actions affect me and my face can't hide it even though I wish I could. So the balance is shown when it's off because my face can not hide it. That might also be why he is overly aware of how I feel when he is acting off. He also has always seen me 'done up' meaning hair done, makeup done and so fourth. Even when we snapchatted I always tried to look my best, this could be my natal Libra MC but I thought he was so attractive so I wanted to match him. a

🔮🕸️ Scorpio Sun & Mercury in the 12H 🕸️🔮

Now for this, even though our attraction and playful energy is not hidden from the public, the identity and communication between the two of us lacks. I dont know where I stand with him because when I'm with him I do feel a sense of intense feelings and desires but things are left unsaid, I don't want to overstep or say the wrong thing to him, I want to match his energy and so far that keeps us in a stagnant spot. His friends and my friends know that we like each other, and on a whim I have gone up and kissed him in front of his friends and others but nothing gets passed that. Our communication is limited, we only have each other on social media, and I've known him since summer of 2021 but the stagnancy persists. (This also ties into other composite aspects but I'll talk about that later) I dream of him a lot, could be my subconscious trying to make sense of why I think about him often, but he is in my dreams, almost every night (I believe my Moon is in his 12H). When and if we ever get passed this shallow spot I do feel his energy will feel transformative and feed my natal 12H Venus. He will check that box off for me because based on the time I have spent with him, I can just feel it. He could read my eyes like a story and like I said previously as much as I wish I could hide my emotion, it's impossible.

🪬🌛Cancer North Node & Vertex in the 8H 🌜🪬

So for this placement, I do feel this resonates with our dynamic, at least for me. I am a very emotionally closed off individual, I am afraid of commitment, love, and most of all, vulnerability. So with this relationship he unlocks a side in me where I feel safe enough to be vulnerable, safe enough to give a part of myself to him in ways that seem impossible to others. If I ever do date him, from my souls being I know I won't be the same afterwards, the way I communicate my feelings, how I regulate my feelings and emotions would be altered. Now I dont know in what positive or negative way our relationship would transform myself and my ego but in my gut I know it's possible. Vertex and North Node signifies fate, destiny, these two points showcase experiences we have to deal with and it being in the 8H tells me it's about change, so in my perspective he is here for me to allow the love I want from him, to flow through me instead.

☀️☪️ Scorpio Sun and Mercury Squaring Aquarius Uranus ☪️☀️

So, this also ties into the 12H placements we share. Our dynamic and communication was constantly on and off, we talked then we didn't, we flirted with each other then we stopped, once it got too consistent he felt he needed to back away (He has a lot of natal Uranus influence). The more inconsistent our communication was through social media, the more present he was in person. The more consistent he was on social media the more stand offish he was in person (unless he was drunk lmao). It was a back and fourth tennis match. He still would feel responsible to not hurt my feelings but it was random, one day he would compensate his weird standoffish attitude and then another day he wouldn't try. My attitude would stay the same because I always knew what I wanted but I share more fixed and Plutonic energy, needless to say his Moon and Venus are in my 8H, while my Moon is in his 12H and my Venus is in his 1H.

🪐🌙 Scorpio Mercury Oppose Taurus Saturn 🌙🪐

Now here's another poor communication element. Our Mercury being in the 12H and the Saturn in the 6H. In this instance, work, mundane affairs, activities, other responsibilities and hobbies, have been the main reason why our communication has stopped or dwindled. He focuses a lot on his career and income, and the second he focused only on his career, contact through social media and in person hit an all time low, other responsibilities overtook our dynamic and his attention. And to come to think about it, if he came consistent in my life my responsibilities to my school work and other limitations such as lack of resources I have; would create a blockage within our dynamic as a whole. I could also read this as us wanting to achieve deeper topics or communication but because of outside responsibilities/other factors we don't control or limitations, those desires are hard to reach.

🍄✨💥 Sagittarius Rising 💥✨🍄

I met him online in Summer of 2021, and a few months later I randomly met him when he was on a trip to where I'm from. He became friends with people I knew, and in the early fall he came here to visit them, and I just so happened to of ran into him at a party. So, in some cases the rising signs indicate how you meet and how the public see's you two together, I met him when he was on a trip and my main outings with him was at parties/gatherings where there's alcohol.

🏹 🎀 Libra Venus Sextile Sagittarius Pluto 🎀🏹

From how I've felt with this boy, I do feel our connection would showcase change and growth for both parties. The Libra Venus wants to want the love and the Sagittarius Pluto will ignite that everlasting change and growth within one another. The energy together (when heightened and at it's absolute) would feel cohesive and ignite passion. The letting go aspect to love and to love whole heartedly seems doable and 'easy.'

🍃🪷 Libra Moon Trine Aquarius Mars 🪷🍃

When our dynamic is flowing naturally, without outside factors or limitations, our desires for each other acts well together. We both have similar love languages, our emotions can go into alignment with the way we act to each other. It's natural, and it's easy. Flirting is not difficult and there's no awkwardness when doing so, we have similar desires and attraction (again) is not hidden nor is it dismissed. The emotions in play without dynamic can flow with the actions we are comfortable with taking part it. Passion is never an issue between us two. Another analysis in my opinion is the Mars acts freely and openly to the public with no care of what other people will think, (only time there is stagnancy is when internal problems arise like I said before) The Mars doesn't feel trapped with not portraying it's emotions (whether good or bad). Therefore even when things are off the emotions are again heightened and easy to be expressed whether (I) want to be open or not.

#composite chart #composite libra #composite libra moon #composite libra venus #composite libra mc #composite libra venus conjunct mc #composite venus conjunct mc #composite moon conjunct mc #astro #astrology #astro notes #composite experiences #astro thoughts

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tnsophiaonly · 10 months

Text

Chapter 1:

𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞♥︎ 𝒀𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆!𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝐱 𝐈𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐢'𝐝 𝐅!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞r

------------

Trigger warning.

Ft. OC's

Timeline: before in-game events

Pt. 2

Chapter 2:

Caught ya!

--------

Ping!

Name: Hikari

Status: Acquaintance

Opinion: [redacted]

Hikari has a short black hair with white tips at the end. White skin tone. Blue crystal eyes

-------------------

The teacher just stared at you irritated. You're not his type but he had to put up an act you know? But then you said no, which made it worse. Then you started crying. Seriously how worse can you get?

The male teacher forced a smile, "Now now dear, stop crying~ it doesn't fit your beautiful face y'know?~" he cringed at the nickname he called you.

Then you started smiling. It was as if nothing happened, it was so unrealistic. But this isn't real so why not?

"haha." You said dryly. It was getting more awkward. You could just die.

But ofcourse, if you were gonna be a vermin in their eyes, you will stay by them to keep them annoyed! Apart of you wishes to be no burden, but that's ignored. It needs to be ignored.

Then an unrealistic time skip happened, woah, now it's cleaning time! You wished it was this fast in real life, but you're no longer in school anyways.

-------

You were gonna leave now when you heard the teacher ask for a black haired chick to stay after class, because he wanted to *discuss* some things with her.

You wanted to stay. But instincts said that you wait if he does any red flags to her then you come in. But you wanted to-

"Hey weird girl!" A cheery male voice was heard, followed by an irritated male voice "Shut up, Tadahiro!"

I glanced behind me with a fake smile, a smile that makes everyone back off. But they knew better.

"S-sorry Tadanori!" The one who called out for you with Saturated Blue Hair with pretty pink eyes, Tadahiro. 'Who are these people..?' you thought quietly, they weren't in the story line. Did you change things..? No... Please...

Tadanori. With Saturated Darker Blue hair with dull green eyes. Who was at least 7cm taller than (don't ask how) Tadahiro. (Ff: Tadahiro is 175cm tall/5'9ft)

"Who are you guys?" You asked the two identical people, you didn't call them twins yet, what if they weren't?

"I knew it! See Tadanori, she isn't what she was earlier!" Tadahiro sounded... excited? You cocked your head to the side as a sign of confusion

You could hear a tsk from Tadanori. As he averted his gaze from you and Tadahiro.

Then your realization hit you like a brick and your realized yoú didn't put up your act and your supposed to be tone at them. You were supposed to be childish, devious (Deez nuts), cunning-

"Tadahiro! But pleaseee call me Hiro!!" He ran up to you, and expected a hug. Then stopped midway, oh.

You were strangers

"Ahaha, sorry about that..." He quickly apologized, "Tadanori, address me as me Nori." Nori spoke and swiftly walked away

"Oh yeah! What's your name? I forgot your name even tho we've been like- classmates for soo long!" Hiro asked. Something felt wrong but you just moved with the groove.

"(name).." there was no point in even hiding your true self if it's exposed already, but you shouldn't have given up yet.

"Great! How about we meet up at the music club after cleaning time?" He suggested, "Great I'll meet you there!" He said and ran off completely not even making me answer. It was a demand.

Just after that you heard a "Let me go!" then muffled after, oh no. I quickly glanced at the glass windows, seeing that teacher touching the MC or Hikari so inappropriately. Worse that he was about to kiss her and she was a crying mess.

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TW!!! APPLIED PXDXPHILLIA AND NSFW THEMES. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION OR SKIP.

Then he kissed her, went for her collarbone and started nipping on her neck. Hikari was squirming, bawling her eyes out, desperate for help, I ran at the door only to turn pale just to see it locked. You were banging at the door.

LET GO, LET GO, LET GO. I'LL KILL YOU I SWEAR- those phrases were swirling in your mind.

At least it distracted him from going further and went forward to the door. And was about to check who it was. Only to see nothing.

Then he went back to her, whispered something then let her go. She quickly ran away from him. Little do any of them know.

Someone from the window, was recording everything. ahahaha. evidence.

You quickly hid your phone when you heard footsteps coming and stole a broom from someone nearby and started brushing.

------

Clean time was over, so quickly, but you were busy thinking if you should go and meet with Hiro. You were... kind of doubting the boy.

Not really kind of, you really were doubting the boy.

With the weird way he asked you to meet him, correction demand. At the music club. Isn't the music club losing its members? He must be u- wait you're overthinking again.

Just go with the flow.

Do it now.

Regret onwards.

I went to the music club, and Hiro was actually waiting for you? then he glanced at you and quickly went forward. Held your hand,.

"I knew you were gonna come!!! Ahahah!" He predicted? No your overthinking things.

"What did you want me to meet you for?"

"Obviously, for you to join the cl- for me to learn more about you and you learn about me! Let's learn about me first, let's get inside the clubroom and check out those instruments! I'll tell you how they work!"

-------

Club time was already done and Hiro still hasn't shut up. He's forcing you to do instruments even though it's clear as the sky that you were not interested/good at it.

You played wonderfully awful. You cringed at yourself and felt like digging up a hole and rot there. Seriously why is he so pestering, he's like, putting you in a tight position, where you cannot answer neither or either.

But only one.

"Your so awful at this! You need to be good at this to at least be capable of joini- I mean- capable of playing wonderfully!" Hiro said in a really concerned tone.

"Look, i'm not interested/good at this. Please let me go-" "I'll help youuuu!!!" He cuts you off.

------

You spent the whole after school learning about the basics of (instrument).

"Tadahir-" you snapped your head to the boy clearly annoyed that you were forced to play something you didn't wanna play but was cut off "Hiro. What do you need?" He asked sweetly.

"Hiro... Yeah... Well, can i just practice this tomorrow? It's kind of lat-" "How about you come over to my place! Great! Come with me!" He did it again, he asked a question without needing an answer, it was another demand from him.

He grabbed your hand harshly and tightly, you shoved his hand off.

"Stop going and deciding things for me. I already told you it's late." It was futile. He took your hand yet again. And walked out to see Nori outside on the verge of snapping.

"What the hell took you so long Tadahiro?! You want me to keep on waiting for you till Christmas?! Hell no! It's 7PM/19:08 goddamnit..!" Nori snapped and boy he was really scary, like literally, his voice was so loud it echoed throughout the halls.

"And you! You could have at least tell him to fuck off!" He scolded you too, and damn he was harsher on you.

He shoved Hiro's grip on your wrists that left a mark and pushed you, falling on the floor with a thud.

Your instincts are too glare at the man with hatred. And Nori took Hiro away. Hiro didn't even glance at you nor tried to help you out.

You stood up and dusted off your clothes and walked to the other exit. You heard them arguing outside.

"Tadanori, I swear I just wanted to-" Hiro tried reasoning with the angry angwy man

"Tadahiro! Stop it! You were spending too much time with that weird woman!" Nori quickly cuts his sentence off and pointed a finger at him in an offensive way.

"Why do you care so much Tadanori?!?!" Hiro fought back, he was also angry now

"Because I'm your brother?!" Silence.

"I just wanted a new member at the club! I had a bet with him!" Hiro was exposed

"This is your prideful problems! You know that he's a literal threat! And the fact that your also talking to Hikari makes this worser than it' should've been."

"She was the one that talked to me firsttt!!"

They continued arguing.

"You! What the hell are you watching for?!" Oopsies, Nori caught you red handed!

"Oh I don't know, I was to about to pass by then I saw you guys arguing. I'll get going now." You were about to escape when—

Hiro quickly grabbed your wrist, stopping you any further, he looked rather tense, worried?

Nori was caught off guard by his brother's actions and was about to do something when..

"h.. hey? Hey-! I- whatever you heard earlier about me mentioning of wanting you as a member- please forget forget about it! I'll- I'll do anything- if he finds out I was forcing people to be a member i-" Hiro was about to cry and dropped on his knees.

You being you, didn't really know how to react, I mean you don't even know what's going on. But apart of you thinks something else....

"Uhm... I guess so? I'll forget about it sooner or later either way." You replied and Hiro felt like every hope was within him. He was delighted, he hugged your leg (ps. If you don't have legs, just think that the game regrow it for you /dedicated for the Walmart ones out there 😔🤟).

"thank you thank you thank you thank you-!" He was chanting gratitude, geez what's up with the he they are talking about to make him act like this?

Hiro wouldn't get off your legs and Nori had to drag him away, —much to Hiro's dismay— "I'll see you tomorrow~!" Hiro said so giddily and excitedly.

You just stared in silence, what the heck is going on?

You flinched tensely out of nowhere, you looked around searching to see if someone else was left, then you thought it was best for you to just leave and go to your so called home.

She just stared at you run away, did she scare you? She apologizes. She didn't mean that. She just wanted to see her saviour earlier, to admire her from afar.

Guess someone else admired you huh? Ofcourse who wouldn't-

Oh, it's already late,too late in fact. She needs to go home.

(the color of the text matters btw! And I wonder, who is the he they're talking about, and why are the twins so scared of him? Clue: A member at the Literature Club!)

Also, what will you do tomorrow? Apparently Hiro asks you to hang-out with him today but Hikari reminds you that you guys have a project tomorrow! Who/What will you choose? Vote in comments!

Hang out with Tadahiro.

Do the Project with Hikari.

A character trait you stole! (Politeness, I mean anyone is, I just can't think of any characters that are polite.. only makoto came in mind)

#yandere genshin #genshin impact #yandere genshin x reader #genshin x reader #original #fanfic #female reader #yandere #yandere x reader #idk anymore #idk man #i need help #reader #x reader #character x reader

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princessasmosprincess · 1 year

Text

Charmed, I'm Sure

Chapter 25

Summary: No human has ever avoided Asmodeus's charm. Except for you.

Pairing: Asmodeus x GN Reader/MC

Genre: Drama, angst, a bit of fluff.

Warnings: Canon-typical violence in this chapter. There's an old skeleton I briefly describe at one point so death implied but not of any named or important characters.

***

Author's note: Charmed is officially one year old today and I just wanted to thank everyone who has read it so far. It's been really fun to write and show how much I love Asmo. I've really enjoyed reading all the feedback I've gotten and every comment on my fic no matter how short is so precious to me. Hopefully the story will be finished soon, there's not that much left to go!

***

Levi, Mammon, and Beel came barreling through one of the corridors, screaming.

“OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN IT'S GONNA EAT US! LIKE, FOR REAL!” Mammon cried.

The huge, teal snake was hot on his heels, hissing angrily, its hood expanded on either side of its head to appear even bigger. Like a giant cobra. It easily slithered over the vines on the floor, navigating them quickly and avoiding holes in the tile while still seeking its target. It seemed to know this area very well.

“Gah...it's giant. And disgusting!” Asmo wrinkled his nose. “Ugh, I hate having to look at unattractive things.” He released you, the snake’s presence was a real turn-off. Maybe there would be time to pick up where he left off later. Assuming everyone made it out of the labyrinth alive.

“Hey, how 'bout you stop talkin' and HEEEEEELP!”

“I am a fan of eating, but l'm not interested in being eaten.” Beel dodged the snake’s fangs.

“As if we didn't already have enough problems as it is, they had to go and bring us another one.” Solomon shook his head. “Well, we'd better get out of here.”

“Get out of here and go where, exactly?!” Levi nearly tripped over a vine as he scrambled out of the way.

“Just shut up and follow me.” Solomon grabbed your wrist and started running down one of the corridors without waiting for the others.

These halls looked nearly identical to the ones you came from and the further you went, the more you really hoped Solomon hadn't somehow led the group in a circle. You tried to take note of certain identifying features as you went: a statue over here, ancient runes left by some poor wandering prisoner over there, empty chrysalises from vampiric butterflies littering the ceiling, anything to tell the passages apart.

Several minutes of running at top speed left you and Solomon out of breath. The demons behind you seemed a little better off, although Levi was trailing behind quite a bit. The snake wasn't that far behind him, hissing and thrashing its tail as it maneuvered expertly through the labyrinth.

Solomon pressed forward, taking a few quick, sharp turns before pulling you into a narrow chamber that branched off to the right so the two of you could catch your breath. The entrance was small, no bigger than an average doorway, too small for the snake to pass through. Probably.

The walls were lined with prison cell doors, a demon skeleton, half crumbled with age, sat in one of the cells. Its horned skull grinned at you with its somehow still white fangs and a blank stare and you tried to avert your eyes.

“Looks like we managed to lose it somehow.” Asmo leaned against one of the cell doors and pulled out his compact mirror, trying to fix his mussed hair under the low light.

“Yeah, but what're we s'posed to do now, huh? You expect us to hide here forever?” said Mammon. He had placed himself as far away from the entrance and the demon skeleton as possible.

“You're the one who woke that snake up, Mammon. You don't get to complain.” Beel grunted, pushing his sweaty hair back from his forehead. His hands were shaking as he slid to the floor, his back against the wall. Normally one of the strongest, his hunger was apparent in his physical symptoms.

“Hey, I didn't wake it up! I just saw a snakeskin lyin' on the ground and figured I'd sell it for a pretty nice sum!” Mammon protested. “But when I tried to grab it to take it with me, it turned out there was still a snake inside! That's when that monster suddenly came after us, all mad 'n stuff…”

“He's NOT a monster.” Levi dropped to his knees in exhaustion next to Beel, “He's Henry 1.0.”

Asmo snapped the compact mirror shut, his eyes wide, “What?”

“Henry...?” said Mammon, “Wait, you mean THAT Henry?!”

“Are you sure?” Beel asked.

Levi clutched his side, panting from the strain of all that running. “I know Henry when I see him. And that is Henry, no doubt about it. I can't believe I'd find him down here of all places.”

“Henry?” You asked. “What are you talking about?” The only Henrys you knew were the fictional one from TSL and Levi’s tiny goldfish back at the House of Lamentation.

“He's talking about the pet snake he used to have.” Said Beel. “Every time Levi gets a new pet, he names it Henry.”

“Um… I wanna say you're on your fourth Henry at this point, right?” Asmo chimed in.

“No, you're WAY off. I'm currently keeping Henry 2.0.” Levi adamantly corrected. “I kept Henry 1.0 in his glass case and took really good care of him, but one day he disappeared. How many years has it been, I wonder?”

So the snake chasing you had once been Levi’s pet. You suppressed a laugh, imagining Henry 2.0 somehow escaping unbeknownst to Levi and becoming a whale-sized goldfish. That scenario didn't seem that unlikely for the Devildom.

“I don't believe it. I never thought I'd see him again…” Levi was tearing up, “But here he is, alive and well-and he's gotten so BIG! Oh, it's such a relief. I'm so glad he's all right.”

“Well I sure ain't!” Mammon said.

“Anyway, I at least managed to snap a selfie with him as we were running away. Here, check it out!” Levi excitedly showed you the selfie on his now cracked D.D.D. screen, the motion blurred picture showed Levi’s proud smile as Henry brandished his fangs mid-hiss, only a few feet behind him in pursuit.

Solomon spoke up next, “If he used to be your pet, do you think there's some way to pacify him?”

“Nope, no way.” Levi frowned. “He looked like he'd forgotten me completely.”

“Well yes, I'd say so, considering he just tried to eat you…” Asmo gave him a pat on the shoulder for condolences.

“We should attack it.” Beel’s dark rimmed eyes flashed red for a moment, “We should take that thing down, then grill it up and eat it. I'm hungry.”

Levi grabbed Beel’s arm, “No! I won't let you hurt Henry 1.0! And he's NOT FOOD!” He was prepared to restrain his younger brother if need be.

“Okay then, what SHOULD we do? If we don't do somethin' about that snake, we're never gonna get outta here.” Mammon pointed to the entrance. Henry was slithering back and forth in the hall as if pacing the floor, his tongue flickering to taste the air. He was searching.

“Violence isn't the answer.” You said, lowering your voice and giving Levi a reassuring glance.

“Thank you.” said Levi, matching your volume. “MC is the only person making sense right now.”

Solomon peeked out the doorway, “We don't necessarily need to hurt Henry to get out of here. There's another strategy we could try.”

Asmo clung to Solomon’s arm, resting his head on the sorcerer’s shoulder to fawn over him, “Oh Solomon, I knew you'd come up with something! Not only are you good-looking, you're smart, too.” He tapped him on the nose.

“Thanks,” Solomon put his hands on Asmo’s shoulders, moving him back an arm’s length, a calculating look in his eye, “Alright, I'll be counting on you to make this work, Asmodeus.”

“Huh? ...Me?” Asmo looked incredulous.

“Ah, I see what he's thinkin! While that snake is chewin' on Asmo, the rest of us can make our escape!” said Mammon.

Asmo scoffed. “Uh, no. That should be YOUR job, Mammon. As the stupidest one among us, it's only right.”

“Oh no, nuh-uh!” said Levi, “No feeding Mammon to Henry 1.0! He'll get a tummy ache!”

“HEY! You guys are bein' REAL RUDE, ya know that?!” said Mammon.

“Are you thinking of using Asmo to mesmerize the snake?” Beel asked.

“Exactly.” said Solomon, “We should make use of Asmodeus's natural charm. If he can manage to tame Henry and win him over, then maybe he'd be willing to show us the way out of the labyrinth.”

Asmo thought for a moment. It did seem doable. And if he succeeded he was sure to get a lot of praise, hopefully from you.

From you? Why would he need or want praise from you? He brushed his hands against his pants as if trying to push that thought away. You and your praise didn't matter to him.

He still needed to get out of this labyrinth, though.

“Ah, okay...yes. Well, I suppose I could do that.” He sighed languidly, “You know, it really should be illegal to be so stunningly beautiful that you can even charm a snake. I'm so attractive sometimes I scare even myself.”

“Yikes.”

“Ah, so you find it scary too, Beel?” Asmo smiled, “I mean, I'm not surprised.”

“No, I said that because I think he just spotted us... Henry, I mean.”

The snake was flickering his tongue in the air right outside the doorway, his size preventing him from entering. He hissed and bobbed his head, trying to find another way in.

“Right! I'II begin by using my magic to amplify Asmodeus's powers.” Solomon rolled back his cuffs. “Then Asmo, you mesmerize Henry. The amplification process is going to take a bit of time. So Mammon,”

Asmo smirked, knowing exactly what would come next.

“Me?” Mammon protested, knowing exactly where this was going, “Why’s it gotta be me? Why can't one a’ them go?” He pointed over to Levi and Beel who both appeared to be at death’s door. There was no way either of them could safely follow through with the plan in the state they were in.

Solomon continued speaking, ignoring the ridiculous suggestion, “And MC, you two distract Henry in the meantime.”

Asmo’s eyes darted to you, his stomach flipped as Solomon said your name. “Wait,” he said.

“Something the matter?” Solomon quirked an eyebrow.

Asmo didn't know what to say. The idea of you facing Levi’s disgusting snake really bothered him. Mammon was a demon and could handle himself, but you were only human. You could get hurt. He looked down at his own clasped hands, “Um… I don’t–”

“Solomon,” you cut him off as the giant snake slithered closer to your hiding spot. “Will my bracelet protect me and Mammon from Henry?”

Solomon crossed his arms, letting out a breath in a whoosh. “I don’t know. The spell I cast on it was relatively simple so it’s hard to tell with a creature of Henry’s size.”

You took Mammon’s hand, lacing your fingers with his as he blushed and stammered, “Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out.”

You gave a confident smile, winking over your shoulder at Asmo.

Asmo’s jaw dropped. What a tease. Where did this MC come from? Surely this wasn't the timid human who had been living with his family for the past few months. There was such determination in your eyes. Maybe your reaction to seeing the Demon King’s portrait earlier wasn't naïveté but actual fearlessness. Asmo felt his heart rate quicken. That was kind of attractive.

“We have to work quickly before he figures out a way in,” said Solomon, snapping Asmo out of his own thoughts.

“Right,” You tossed a loose stone past Henry and it clattered on the floor on the other side of the corridor. Henry turned toward the sound and slithered away to investigate. You had your opening. “Come on, Mammon.”

“HEEEEY! What's the big idea pushin' me right out into its path?! I mean, come on!” Mammon complained loudly as you pushed him out of the comfort of your hiding place. His voice alerted Henry to your presence. The snake began to charge after you.

So reckless. You’d gone out there without a plan beyond “distract Henry.” Asmo bit his lip, frustration building inside him. He had the urge to pull you back into the safety of the cell block. When this was all over he swore he would lecture you like he had before, it didn't matter if the others were around. And if you cried this time he would just have to take you in his arms and–

“Okay, Asmo, I take it you're ready?” Solomon cast his hands out in front of him.

Asmo tore his eyes from you and Mammon running from the snake. He took a deep breath, he really needed to focus, now more than ever. Everything was riding on him. He had to at least do this for you, “Yep, go right ahead.”

“WHATEVER! JUST DO IT ALREADY!” Mammon yelped, swerving and darting from the snake’s fangs. The two of you were doing your best to keep Henry close enough to the center of the hall for Asmo to be able to work his magic when the time came.

You grimaced as Mammon squeezed your hand, pressing on the developing bruises Asmo had left earlier. You were yanked behind him as little more than a rag doll, barely having time to jump out of the way each time Henry struck.

Solomon spoke the incantation, “Denizens of the darkness, awaken! You who are born of shadow, hear me! I am the one called Solomon. I call upon you now to lend your power to Asmodeus, Avatar of Lust!”

Solomon’s magic warmed Asmo from the inside out. It was a familiar, exhilarating feeling that washed over him, one he’d grown to love over the centuries with his connection to the sorcerer. “Ooh yes, I LIKE this! I'm SO turned on right now!” The magic coursing through him really got his blood pumping. Sometimes a pact could be draining, but other times, like when he and Solomon were in sync with their goals, it felt so good!

“AAAAAH! HERE IT COMES HERE IT COMES HERE IT COMES!” Mammon dodged Henry one last time, pulling you against his chest in an attempt to shield himself from the snake. Unfortunately it seemed like your bracelet was doing very little to deter the creature. Henry rose to tower above you, hissing loudly.

You grasped at Mammon’s arms which were so tightly wrapped around you, and you braced yourself.

Asmo stepped out into the hall directly in front of you, his eyes shining with rose colored sparkles as he locked his gaze on the snake, “That's right, Henry. Look me in the eyes.” He cooed.

Henry stopped in his tracks, his tongue flicking out once.

“...Yes, that's a good boy.”

You peered over Asmo’s shoulder as the charm took hold, the snake’s eyes glowing that same shade of pink. Asmo continued speaking low, enticing whisperings to the snake who was completely enraptured.

After a moment, Henry began to hiss as if responding to Asmo.

“What's that now?” Asmo grinned, looking back at you over his shoulder before turning to Henry again. “Well, how about that. He says he'll show us the way out of the labyrinth!”

Asmo listened carefully as Henry let out a series of hisses, pointing his tail from time to time like one might do with their hands when describing directions of how to get somewhere. After a few minutes he stopped, tilting his head to indicate he was finished.

“You got all that, Solomon?” Asmo asked.

Solomon nodded. “Nice job, Asmo!”

“Well, really, did you expect anything less of me?” He preened.

Levi ran out into the corridor to fuss over his pet like a parent welcoming his long lost child home, his breathing finally returned to normal. “My Henry!”

Asmo got Henry to lower his head so Levi could give him a kiss between his eyes.

“How long do we have before the charm wears off?” Beel asked as he stood shakily. Henry stayed in place, obedient and still mesmerized.

Asmo tapped his chin with his finger. “Well for a human it usually lasts for a few days.” His eyes flickered over you briefly. “For a demon it can be a few hours. Especially lower level demons, they are so easy!”

“Henry ain't a demon, though.” Mammon pointed out.

“Yes, that’s right,” said Asmo. “Henry is a creature, an animal. Unintelligent. His brain isn't as developed as even a lowly human.”

“Hey!” Levi said, not sure if he felt insulted for you as a human, or for Henry.

Asmo continued musing. “But he’s a creature in possession of some magic, that’s clear from his size, most snakes even here in the Devildom won’t get that big… You know, I’m not sure. It could last months, it could last a few minutes.” Asmo giggled. “So we better get moving in case he wakes up!”

Asmo and Solomon led the way down the dark, twisting corridors, keeping at a fast clip as they went even further into the labyrinth. The vines here were beginning to thin out.

Solomon yanked Asmo’s arm as he went to make a wrong turn.

“What was that about?” Asmo yelped in pain. “Didn't Henry say ‘Sss ssss ss’? That means ‘turn left at the Minotaur statue.”

“Wrong dialect, that would be correct in sea snake but Henry is a land snake. He said go right.”

At the next turn, the hall appeared to be better maintained. It was brighter, with more torchlight, and the cobblestones floor was even and flat. The walls were decorated with mosaics of Devildom beasts and demons, similar to the one on the floor of that large chamber with the old chandelier, but there were no missing tiles here.

“He said there would be a gate…” Solomon said, “Right there!”

The large wrought iron gate was flanked by two ornate lanterns, the flames burning brightly with apparent magic. The circle of light illuminated what looked like some sort of cellar, with rows of shelves full of Demonus and jars of pickled foods and preserves. The gate was locked with a padlock, a magical signature emanating from it.

“Henry said this cellar is right under the castle.” Solomon touched the padlock and then recoiled as its magic shocked him. “We should call someone and let them know we’re down here.”

Asmo pulled out his D.D.D., frowning when he saw the screen. “There’s no service.” He held his phone up to see if he could find a signal.

Levi and Beel did the same.

“Nothing,” said Beel. He gazed longingly through the bars.

A far off rumbling sounded deep in the labyrinth in the direction your group had just come from.

“Is that–” you began.

“Henry just woke up,” Asmo confirmed.

“We ain’t got time to wait for someone to come down here.” Mammon slid a credit card sized, enchanted lockpicking set from his wallet and knelt on the floor in front of the gate. “Let’s hope whatever locking spell Barbatos has on this gate ain’t too strong.”

Mammon got to work unlocking the gate. Emerald green sparks flashed from the keyhole but as long as he touched the padlock only with the tools, he avoided getting shocked.

The rumbling was progressively getting louder, it seemed that Henry was out for revenge, angry that his prey had escaped him.

“How much longer?” Levi asked urgently.

“I’ve almost— AHH!” Mammon dropped the tension wrench, his hand bumping into the padlock and sending a shock up his arm with more green sparks. He fumbled for the tool and began again, “Ain't a lock out there that’s a match for The Great Mammon.” He said, trying to hype himself up.

Henry's shadow stretched across the wall in the torchlight, coming into sharp focus before he could be seen. He was close.

“Come on!” Asmo shook Mammon’s shoulder, “He’s almost here.”

“Will ya stop that?” Mammon shrugged off his brother's hand, jiggling the lock as he doubled his speed.

The lock dropped to the floor and the gate swung open just as Henry rounded the corner, hissing loudly as he spotted you, Solomon, and the demons.

“Everybody in!” Mammon pushed you through first, and letting everyone else go before him. He slammed the gate shut as Henry lunged at his heels.

You passed through the rows of shelves. Everything was meticulously organized, from the Demonus categorized by millennia to the Devildom root vegetables lining the back wall and the jars of preserved goods with their carefully written labels lined up by type in the middle.

Asmo swiped a jar of Barbatos’ homemade blue rose crystal pickles from one of the shelves and handed it to Beel.

“Thanks,” Beel said, opening it right away.

“I’m proud of you for keeping it together, hon,” said Asmo.

The cellar was dark with no torches to light the way but then you spotted the staircase with a single door at the top. “There it is!” You could practically taste your freedom.

Despite being the last one to go through the gate, Mammon was the first up the stairs. He frantically banged on the door. “Someone let us out!”

“Please!”

“Help us!”

The cellar door opened and everyone tumbled onto the floor of the castle’s kitchen where several Little D’s were preparing dinner.

“Welcome back.” said Barbatos.

***

Cross-posted on AO3

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orangelemonsstuff · 2 years

Text

First Customers

Silver Bullet Au by @jackplushie (i hope im not bothering you by mentioning you haha i just wanna credit you ^^;)

Deuce and Ace x Bartender!MC/Yuu

(and a pinch of lore about Bartender!MC/Yuu because i love them lmao)

Summary: First day of work, your hope that you would get normal patrons was shattered by two junior delinquents of Heartslabyul

|•|

you flip the open sign to the glass door

this tacky place is now open finally

you don't know why Crowley had assigned you to work as a bartender on this dingy old place, his old brain just happen to pop an idea when he asked you to serve him a cool liquor, well what you just did was to add a rotting lemon and sugar to his beverage and the next thing you know he made you a bartender.

jeez that training of making drinks took a toll on you for a whole year but good thing you have memorized the basics of bartending and owning the bar

of course what Crewel thought you about chemicals that deals with cleaning blood also have a big help in other kind of stains in case some spilled liquid gets on the floor

and a 7 hour shift from 4 of afternoon to night? what a way to keep you busy in a lot of hours and distracted from doing work you are not supposed to do yet.

you can do whatever you want with the bar as Crowley said (whatever will you do with a bar? be a bartender of course)

but he had only one tiny favor to ask of you and you have promised to kept, a strict contract of condition

''never reveal or say anything about your identity, not even your real name, I had worked hard enough to hide you from everyone and completely erase your existance from the surface of society and the outside world so you could fullfill your duties for me, you should do the same by keeping this as a important note in your mind'

what a drag in the ass with the thought of accidentally slipping up something but you didn't mind it, you wouldn't mind being the normal civillian once again you are once before.

•|•

you have have been staring at the glass door for half an hour, waiting for your first ever costumers, the night is going to arrive soon and yet still no one would dare to step inside, some people notice and pass by, some take a few peek then leave and some just don't seem to even notice it

you wonder if it is it about the bar's appearance

bored enough, you walked over to the cleaning supplies closet and took out the mop and started mopping the floor till it shines

if the outside appearance isn't appealing enough for them, you hope that the inside would be decent enough to walk in, even if they only order water you would be satisfied enough with that, it'll be quite of an awkward experience if you didn't have any clientele in your first day

*Ding*

the sound of the bell finally have rang, a feeling of relief washes over you, finally some customers, that whole training a hope that these customers would be normal regula--

a hooligan looking gingerhaired boy, His eyes are bright scarlet in color, and over his left eye is a red marking shaped like a heart entered your bar. behind him was a young man with navy dark blue color, his right eye is a black marking shaped like a spade symbol.

you recognize those symbols, Heartslabyul. one of the most dangerous gangs that roams this area, famous for their leader and his obscene rules, also recognizable by the card markings on near their eyes

these guys looked like they are members of it but they don't seem like they want to cause trouble

"ah, you closin' already?"

well a delinquent patron is better than no patrons

you shake your head and you let them in by leading them to the stools near your counter, your eyes irked with the dirt of their shoes tainting your wiped clean floorboard but yet you still put away your cleaning stuff and attended the two young men

now that you think of it, they look pretty young to be drinking so then you ask about their age, the ginger guy simply scoffed and the other sweated nervously

"Well, does that even matter? come on just give us some few drinks me and Deuce will still pay you know. we aren't that much of a bad guys who picks fight with people for now reason." he had a toothy grin while saying that

the "Deuce" guy over here started nudging his elbow to the walking insultant "hey Ace, stop being rude to them umm.. we are both underage so anything with no alcohol would be fine--" he was not done speaking when Ace suddenly graspes his hand to his mouth

"Are you serious!? we're in a bar, place for adult drinks they don't have something like that, thank you for revealing our age stupid-deuce now we won't get any drink at all"

"well what do you want me to do? lie!? the leader said lying about that is against one of the rules--"

"yeah, yeah, whatever. as if you even know what number of rule is it"

they continued to whisper argue with each other infront of you as you prepared two tall glass infront of them, whisking out the juice bottle while they are still on their bantering.

they stopped bickering and turned to your and your moving hands, your skills were honed by the past year so it won't be surprising if they would find what you're doing was amazing

you serve them a mocktail, you tell them its like a cocktail but with no alcohol included and it just taste like the real thing

"Man... so it's like beer for kids? don't tell me it also tastes like soda" Ace grumbled, your eyes followed his arm that reached for the tall glass

"Ace...!!" Deuce nudged him again with his elbow and a offended look towards his comrade

"Relax I'm joking, well don't mind if i dig in!!" Ace's grinned and by then sipped on the glass with the multi colored mocktail

his eye sparkled the moment his tongue got layed upon the drink, coloring it with mixing colors of red and white

what the hell!?

this is amazing, it's better han the cherry soda he used to buy from that cheapstake vending machines he kick to get counterfelt coins even making some cans rattle out of the machine, he figured the sodas are expired yet he needs to parch the thirst sometimes

"Heh, this is pretty nice try yours Deuce trust me its bomb" Ace continued sipping on the drink while Deuce looked at his own glass hesitantly

"you're sure this doesn't have alcohol....right? my mom would be mad if i drank alcohol" You nod with Deuce's question, you giggle a with the image of a 6 year old child drinking soda for the first time and worrying about his mom finding out about it

it hit Deuce like a sugar rush, his reaction was more immediate than Ace's, the delicious drink felt like it just washed over his soring muscles after a long fight

Ace grinned at his friend "You look so dumb with that awe-strucked face" he teased while Deuce just gave him a constant ignorance

after finishing up they released a satisfied sigh, that went well and your skill paid off indeed now that old crow would stop nagging about you to keep practicing so you could hide your identity better

"hm, you don't seem to be around here are you new?" Ace had his arm on your counter giving you a off look with you bar turned to them both while washing their glasses

"so, where are you from? why would a bartender like you open a bar in this kind of zone?" you turn to them with the same straightface you had when they came in

"Ace is right, this place isn't something shops, cafes or even bars mostly open at, do you have any purpose here?"

ah... these fools are trying to lure you out, how curious they are truly. you don't seem to have any more customers coming to the bar so why not entertain them a bit?

You shake your head refusing to speak about the matter, distracting them with the shaking of your cobbler shaker making another drink for the two

"this one's on the house since it's the first day of opening my bar" you smile as you give them a free drink

plus, you bet you could make them spill out information about the existing clans and gangs around the seven sages city

"what!? you didn't know who the great seven are!?" Ace yelled from shock slamming both of his palm on the counter. of course you do, you just need to pretend you don't to hide yourself properly.

"I'm surprised... they technically rule this area so i wonder why you haven't heard of them" Deuce profusely looked at you,

"oh, you must be the newcomer on the town no wonder you haven't heard of them, well let us tell you what--" Ace stood up from his seat oh here it comes, the confirmation you needed coming from his own mouth

"We work for the Heartslabyul, one of the great seven gangs who was ruled by the Queen of Hearts!" Ace proudly announce as you look at him with calculating eyes, so your suspicions are true these two came from that obscure rules gang

"Ace Trappola of Heartslabyul pleasure to meet ya dear bartender~" He turned to Deuce with flashy smile

"Oh uh, Deuce Spade of Hearstlabyul pleasure to make your acquaintances." Deuce spoke nervously to you but still beaming out a bright smile

Ace looked around and observed the place, your eyes followed the movement of his head "you know... this place is a bit dingy but it's pretty nice and the drink is totes good!! it's worth it for the price" Ace laughed then continuing to drink the free mocktail you gave earlier

"and you, you're not half bad yourself, you're pretty worth the visit" Ace licked his the remaining liquid on his lips and giving you a flirtatious smirk plastered on his mouth

Deuce didn't heard what Ace whispered with the glugging of his own drink but you did, you decided to ignore it, you're pretty sure this flirting thing will happen mostly since you're a bartender and some patrons are just down bad for the servers

"haah that was a satisfying drink, thank you dear bartender" Deuce polished off the glass clean with his lips and let out a satisfied hum

after a few minutes of relaxation from the both and the running water on the sink with your washing they've finally agreed to leave, they left the exact money from the costing tab on the counter, and oh a little tip (20 madols)

Ace walked out of the door making the bells jingle first and Deuce following him but Deuce stopped on his steps and turned to you

"i look forward in seeing you tomorrow, I'll definitely come back" Deuce mumbled as he followed Ace outside.

those two are entertaining enough for you, today and only today you would them as a lucky charm but maybe this two delinquents are the sign you won't have normal customers at all

you sigh in tiredness

when will you have the normal days again you used to have again? ah yes never.

a/n: done with another silver bullet au fic HAHA!! but anyways i wrote this because i actually have another fic coming up and its based on this!!

btw I'm kind of uncomfortable aging up characters like Ace and Deuce so they would be legal with drinking so i just changed the cocktails to mocktails!! google says its just like cocktail itself but it contains no alcohol so i think it'll be okay with them. okay thats all bye!!!

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst fanfic #twst x reader #twst crowley #twst ace #twst deuce #silver bullet au #ace x reader #deuce x reader #twst ace x reader #twst deuce x reader #ace trapolla x reader #deuce spade x reader #gender neutral reader #twst ace trappola #twst deuce spade #twst ace trappola x reader #twst deuce spade x reader

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yukidragon · 11 months

Note

Okay another question for the story, What if Jack found out that MC's parents had been invading their privacy (Gaining their grades through forgery, or getting their contacts from their phone without them knowing) and MC knows that Jack can read minds and is strongly against it. How would he feel knowing that them invading their privacy is the reason they are so against him reading their mind. Would he still do it?

That's an excellent question. Hmm...

Given what he mentions in the "yes" route of the demo, Jack does seem aware that he's being shady.

Someday you’ll know why I’m doing this. But for now. Trust me when I say that it’s all for you.

It's not necessarily guilt per say, but that phrasing definitely makes it seem like he knows he's doing something he shouldn't in order to stay with his sunshine. So we know he isn't afraid of crossing lines for the sake of MC and their relationship.

Of course we could already figure that out given the fact that Jack is a yandere and would be willing to kill people to keep MC, but I digress.

I think it's a pretty normal reaction for MC to distrust Jack if they knew that he could read their mind, regardless of any trust issues they may or may not have before that. Mindreading is a pretty deep invasion of trust on a fundamental level after all. Adding in real trauma towards such a violation of one's privacy and identity would no doubt make that distrust worse.

If nothing else, Jack might be feeling guilty in this scene because he can read MC's mind and they don't know. He's keeping a huge secret and and it's a violation of trust. However, he likely feels that he can't give up this ability or just abstain from using it since MC is holding back from depending on him or anyone else. He needs that insider knowledge in order to give them what they need and ensure that he keeps them.

Given that Jack can't do anything MC doesn't want him to do... I imagine that once they learn he can read their mind that most MCs would want him to not have that ability, even if they trust him. Since Jack can't even touch MC unless they consent to it, I doubt he can read their mind if they don't want him to.

I suspect that MC is unknowingly sort of giving Jack permission to read their mind. We all want to be understood by others after all, especially those close to us. This could lead to a feeling that Jack is, well, exploiting for his own gain.

So if Jack doesn't have permission, he would have to figure out other ways to find out what MC needs so he can give it to them... and he would need to earn back their trust, since most likely learning that he can do this will damage their relationship with him.

It's possible Jack does intend to let MC know about his mind reading ability once they are deeply bound by love and trust... or he could be planning to hide the secret. He could even make it seem like he just got the ability later on through lies of omission once they trust him to the point that they'd be fine with that idea, maybe even after he's softened them up on the idea first.

Jack can't and won't do anything his sunshine doesn't want him to do. So if MC doesn't want him to read their mind, he can't, and he won't force them either. Consent is a huge part of his character, and so is him convincing MC to give that consent.

So I imagine Jack would be focused heavily on earning MC's trust with the tools he has available. I mean Sunny Day Jack likely wasn't a character that could read minds, and it's doubtful Joseph had that ability before he died, so it's not like he would be necessarily hindered without it.

What Jack might focus on to earn that trust from MC is helping them take care of toxic influences in their life. What their parents are doing is wrong. He needs to put a stop to it.

Really, Jack might use the point that he's respecting MC's consent while their parents are not as another means of convincing them that he's the only one they need. They asked him to stop doing it and he stopped it. He cares about them and their needs after all. He loves them more than anyone else ever could.

After the parents are taken care of and are no longer an issue for MC - in whatever way that eventually resolves itself - then that's one less thing in his sunshine's life that's muting their beautiful, warm light. It's more reason why Jack would no doubt see himself as a positive factor in their life and why they need him.

Though I'm sure Jack wouldn't want to give up on the option to read MC's mind/feelings if he can help it. It's pretty handy after all, and it likely makes him feel even closer to them. He just has to earn their trust first, show that nothing bad would happen if they just let him in and trust him so very deeply. He can make them happy, happier than anyone after all.

The main priority though is MC and their relationship for Jack. He loves them so much and needs them to love him and never forget him. If he has to give up reading their mind in order for them to trust him, well, small price to pay, I'd imagine.

Of course, in fanfiction we're free to explore the characters and setting in more ways than just what's been hinted at in the demo and other official materials. Don't be afraid to explore things that you find interesting or to interpret the story the way that brings you the most joy. There's a lot of creativity in the fandom that read into this sneaky ghost(?) clown in lots of different ways with the few clues we have so far after all.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur

#Sunny Day Jack #Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack #SunnyDayJack #sdj #swwsdj #Headcanon Ramblings #Ask

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beetlebethwrites · 2 years

Note

hi hi! first of all I want to state how much I adore your IF so far, I haven't found many IF that are purely slice of life and I am loving it ❤️ 😍 💖 second! do you have any recommendations for IFs? I've just started moving away from the CoG forums and the content here on tumblr is just 🤌 but I'm not too sure where to start? tysm 😊

I mean, I have so many recommendations tbqh. It's a hell of a list and hopefully, I haven't forgotten anyone by the end. I would say that if you've been around for a hot minute you probably know most of these but I'm old and rarely see new stuff atm because I'm a busy bean so...

Recs under the cut;

@northern-passage is such an easy recommendation for me. I'm not super into your more 'classic' fantasy as a genre but Kit has really built up their characters to be something special. The concept of the hunter is a great one and the branching Kit does is insane. I'm so interested to see where it goes and also ready for it to destroy me emotionally.

I haven't played @speakergame in a little while but the cosy vibes I try to get into YLAF are also here. It's not slice of life but it's similar to that with a heap of supernatural stirred in. I'm also excited for @partiallystarsif, which promises to be a game that I've been wishing someone would write.

Project Hadea by @nyehilismwriting is one of the most top tier sci-fi I've read in a while. It has a great MC, a badass partner in Nash and also BUGS. Again, I'm super looking forward to seeing what happens in the next chapter after that cliffhanger. Shit is about to hit the fan and I am here for it.

@if-eventhorizon is written by actual love of my life Brigid. Event Horizon is your pretty typical crew in space doing stuff they shouldn't be kind of sci-fi and I adore it! Can't wait to find out what everyone has done in their past to be there and unravel the situation. Love it! Brigid is also an incredibly talented artist, also writes @if-closedloop and...

@if-lostbirds is again written by Brigid, and although they profess post-apocalyptic Western sci-fi to be niche, I whole heartedly disagree. I adore the writing in this one, they really did something there and I think everyone will get something out of this one. If you're looking for something a little different with fewer (but super meaningful) choices then this is for you! Also I did convince them to put the big worm back into it so... worm.

For someone who would say she doesn't like a western, @larkin-if is also a bit of me. It's got vampires and cool character dynamics between the Preacher (MC) and their father figure Wyatt. Not to mention the ROs are all really cool. I'm excited to meet Ace in the future but it's the whole plot of attempting to hide your true identity that really hooked me in.

@bodycountgame is currently on a little bit of a hiatus because Nell is super busy with real life 😷 but it's still a stand out fave for me, undoubtedly worth the wait. If you want something that's campy, written in proper British dialect and is basically love island with a hell of a twist then this is for you! I can't recommend body count enough, it's what got me moved way from CoG games and into this little community we have!

@thistooshallpass-if is an IF with some of my favourite characters (not hurt by the fact that thyme is also one of my fave people!) I can't wait to see where it goes as I've been promised angst and knowing them I have no doubt! I'm also mega excited for @writingnights because different takes on supernatural creatures is always fun to me.

When Twilight Strikes by @evertidings is popular for a reason. I'm a few chapters behind but just writing about it has made me want to sit down and catch up! Kristi's characters are fun and feel like people to me with their real quirks, which is always something I enjoy. I can't wait to solve the mystery with this one.

@attollogame is a pretty hard one to describe to me so I'd say just play it? The writing and lore surrounding it is so so solid. It's all pretty much just a vibe, and a good one at that. I am not up to date at all but everyone should be better than me and read it!

Golden by @milaswriting is amazing! It's a supernatural romance game and you can just tell that Mila cares so much about the characters she writes, it really comes through in her writing. She's also over at @milaswrittenworld and I'd encourage a follow all around because she is just a really lovely gem of a person.

I haven't read @ofna in a little while but I absolutely adored what I did read (god knows how many updates ago it was). The writing is amazing and, again, I can't wait to get to solve the mystery 👀

I've undoubtedly forgotten so many but these are ones that come to my covid addled mind 😅 I hope this is a good starting place for you, anon 💛

#answered <3 #anonymous

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mrsbsmooth · 1 year

Text

Looking for my chaptered fics? Click here Want to sort by character? Click here

Places we won't be found - Lucas / OC - Lucas is in the witness protection program, Lauren's masquerading as his wife while she guards him. They hate each others' guts, and Lucas's attitude isn't helping. (10k+)

Where everything stands still - Ciaran / OC - Ruby's the Prime Minister's daughter and she's just been assigned a new security detail. As furious as she is, she can't help the butterflies that happen whenever a certain Sergeant's on duty. (7.5k)

All I Want for Christmas is You - Tom / OC - Royal AU, Enemies to Lovers, Second chance love. (23k+)

Deck the Halls (with scowls of Holly) - Lucas / OC - Coworkers Lucas and Holly have to plan the Christmas Party together. They have very different opinions on the way it should be done. (5.7k+)

Employee of the Month - Gary / OC - Gary has a new Boss, and she's not what he expected. (5k+)

Yesterday - Tim / OC - Famous rapper/DJ Big T got everything he ever wanted. Record deal, supermodels, a huge group of friends. He's happy - really - he swears he is. (5.5k+)

A Sign. Any Sign - Bruno / MC - Bruno likes Lana, but she only sees him as a friend... he thinks. Cue the heartrate challenge, where she's going to show him exactly how she feels. (1k+)

Bruno and Miri Make a Porno - Bruno / OC - Best friends Bruno and Miri are about to have their electricity shut off. They need cash, and fast. So when Youcef approaches them with a solution... they aren't in a position to turn it down. (6.8k+)

The Alps - Lucas / Henrik - Lucas and Henrik cross paths in the alps (5k+)

Christmas Timing - Henrik / MC - Leah's liked Henrik for ages, but even in the villa, the timing was never right. When will the timing be right!?! (3k)

Delicate - Angie / OC - Paramedic Catalina wants to set Angie up with Talia. But seeing them together is making her feel... weird. (3.6k+)

Her Cupid's Bow - Gary / OC - Gary and Mads have been best friends since they were 11. Now they're stuck up a tree, and it's getting really cold. Oops. (4.7k+)

Let's go - Angie / MC - Angie thinks she and Siobhan are just friends. But it's the heartrate challenge, and Shiv's not dancing for the boys. (1k+)

Ruin Our Friendship- Chelsea / MC - Chelsea's got a crush, and it's not on Elijah (1.8k+)

See you soon - Tim / MC - Tim and Mia have to decide which one of them will leave the island for good. It sure is lucky they're just friends, and there are no feelings involved. (1.5k)

Whistle For the Choir - Seb / MC - The boat party rewrite where Seb gets what he wanted all along. (10k+)

The Boys go on a trip - Lucas / Noah, Gary / Bobby / Rocco / Tai / Henrik - Lucas, Noah & others go camping, and take drugs for a new experience. Wow, does this get gay fast. (5.5k+)

Dylan's Redemption - General- After Love Island, Dylan's reputation is shot. His family's being targeted, and he needs to clean up his image. Luckily, an anonymous helper has a solution - Love (and Respect) Island University. (5.5k+)

Hook, Line, and Sinker - Graham / Marisol - Scheming Graham's perspective of Casa Amor (2.5k+)

Part of Your World - General - Seb gets trapped in the Disneyverse (5k+)

Touch nothing but the lamp - Bobby / Lottie - Bobby & Lottie swap bodies and shit gets real weird. There's magic involved. Oh boy. (5k+)

Black Forest Gâteau - Jake / MC - Ali shows up at Jake's restaurant after Love Island. He's devastated because he told her he loved her and she turned him down. She did turn him down... right? (2.8k+)

Four Seconds - Bobby / OC - Lucas is Bree's soulmate, or is he? (2.3k+)

I could see this view a hundred times - Tim / MC - Tim's been hiding something from Catarina (5.4k+)

If you like Piña Coladas - Graham / OC - Graham's feeling stuck in a rut. Meets a girl online that makes him feel alive again. Only problem is, he's already got a girl at home. (3k+)

if you want one of us - Lewie / MC - Mistaken identity - it was an accident - God, what will Ally say? (6.7k+)

The Man from the Jungle - Henrik / OC - Henrik is Tarzan, with a twist. (2.5k+)

Sex on the Beach - Bruno / OC - Bruno drinks in 'Never Have I Ever'. Here's that story. (2.5k+)

*Note: Mostly angst. Always a happy ending.

Chanel Paris-Biarritz - Youcef / MC - Chloe reminds him too much of his ex. He already knows it'll hurt. But loving her from afar is worse. (2k+)

He had to know - Lucas / OC - Lucas knocks a girl up and walks away. But something keeps pulling him back. (3.2k+)

This Time I’m Serious(ly Angsty) - Bruno / MC - The original Chapters of TTIS (14k+)

But not quite - Jake / OC - Jake is her best friend's brother. Mandy's been gone for nine years, though. Surely she's over her crush by now. (5.1k+)

Carry On- Roberto / MC - Pilot Roberto fake dating at the airport (5.4k+)

Every minute - Lewie / MC - how Lewie really would've reacted if Siobhan showed up at the stick or twist ceremony (1k+)

For a Minute - Oliver / MC - Oliver sticks up for Ellie after Dylangate. (2.5k+)

Oh, Paw-lease - Andy / OC - Cass is having a day, and the fact that the hot vet gets to witness every bit of it? Great. Just great. (4.9k+)

Shoot Your Shot - Lewie / MC - He sees her in the crowd, she makes quite the impression. Will he ever find her? (4.2k+)

The colour that you are - Rocco / OC - His aura is a mess. Luckily, Freya can see that. (3.1k+)

Three in the morning - Bobby / OC - Pretty nurse meets cute catering guy. He's determined to win her over. Damn. She kind of wants to let him. (3.5k)

Cabernet Sauvignon - Jake / Talia / MC - Jake comes for a visit. Talia and Zoe decide he needs a new experience. It backfires. (4.3k)

Customer Service - Marshall / MC - Marshall's dream car pulls into the garage. His dream girl is in it. (6.4k+)

Dasvid Anya- Finn / MC - Finn's exhibitionist kink that Anya's only too happy to indulge. (1.5k+)

Electromagnetic - Carl / OC - Carl's a Star Trek captain, and likes to experiment with the holodeck. (3k+)

Everything else is enthusiasm - Tom / MC - Tom's a little nervous about his first time with Felicity... but it turns out, he's got no reason to be. (2.1k+)

Filthy - Andy/Hamish/Marshall / MC - Alexis hasn’t found what she’s looking for in the villa. Maybe Casa will be… more her speed. (8.8k+)

Finn-ish- Finn / MC - Keira gets the shower scene we all deserved (2.4k)

FINNOCENT - Finn / MC - Finn sticks up for Erin after Alfie cheats on her. Then, it's time for sexy, sexy revenge. (3k+)

Follow your instincts - Tai / OC - Rugby coach Tai is having a crisis of confidence. He needs to do things his way. Luckily, one of the referees is happy to reassure him - he's got good instincts. (3.1k)

The French Connection - Bruno / MC - Bruno's got a French lingerie model for a roommate and it goes exactly as you'd expect. (10.5k+)

He was sure - Oliver / MC - Oliver doesn't rush into making things physical. But when he's ready, he's... ready. (2.5k+)

IGFBSGITMPAAIGWTFWAM - Finn / MC - Saoirse's got a front row spot and she'll do anything to keep it. (1.5k+)

if I get burned, at least we were electrified - Alfie / MC - Alfie's done with walking on eggshells. He wants her, and he's going to have her. (3k+)

I just wanna love you, baby - Alex/MC Every time they'd had the opportunity to 'do bits', Alex had… done the honours. Well, now, it was his turn. (4.7k+)

Jets- Roberto / MC - Sexy pilot has an interesting idea in the hot tub (3.2k+)

Lady Grifferley's Lover - Noah / OC - Noah & Bronte are audiobook narrators. The book gets spicy. (6.8k+)

Let me be your woman - Ozzy / OC - Ozzy's celebrity fling in the dance studio (5k+)

Measure Twice, Cut Once - Alex / OC - Alex moves slowly. He's waiting for the right girl. But what happens when he finds her? (8k+)

Men of Particular Interests - Noah / Bobby / Lucas - Noah & Lucas meet Bobby in a BDSM bar. They've finally met their match. (3k+)

Mrs Robinson - Felix / Dylan's Mum - It's his lucky day. (4.5k+)

Repetition. - Jake / OC - Professor Wilson is trying to grade papers, but Adriana's got something else in mind (1.7k+)

Tom's Game - Tom / Priya - Nasty, privileged fuckboy Tom meets his match in the villa. (3.5k+)

#masterlist #navigation #Oneshots #mbs #mrsbsmooth #litg ff #litg fanfic #litg fanfiction

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laxmiree · 1 year

Text

[CN] MLQC Season 2 Chapter 43 Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

IMPORTANT!!! to fully understand the story, prior knowledge of previous S2 chapters are needed. Before, I made a short summary that i should update explain those chapters. I hope this can help :D

“...Ares?”

“I-it's really Ares!!”

“You see, I found Queen! I know you have the authority in the organization, so please, you must restore my identity…”

“Do I need to repeat myself a second time?”

As the words were spoken, several sharp and thin icicles suddenly appeared and were placed directly against the man's throat.

Previous chapter-> [Here]

[Chapter 41-1 & 41-2 tid-bits]

Xiao Yue leans back in his office chair. The bright white light turns his hidden gloomy expression even more indifferent.

"Overlapping Worlds", "CORE", and "Comet Doomsday"… These words are scribbled on the notebook spread out in front of him.

He writes "didn't happen" next to "The New Year Change Incidents" and puts a question mark beside it.

The fuzzy information that suddenly appears in his mind is fragmented, familiar and unfamiliar, like his own experience but he has no memory of it.

??(Lucien): Mr. Xiao.

An unexpected person knocks on the door, Xiao Yue closes his notebook and raises his head.

Xiao Yue: Professor Lucien, you must have a certain reason for coming today. Is there a new development in the CORE experiment?

Lucien: It takes time to slowly infiltrate a powerful force. Mr. Xiao is too impatient.

Lucien: Focusing too much on one thing and neglecting other critical information isn't worth the trouble.

Xiao Yue squints his eyes and leans back in his chair, silently hiding the scrutiny in his eyes.

Lucien: Does Mr. Xiao notice any changes in himself?

Lucien gently points to his own temple. Seeing Xiao Yue's eyes slightly change, he calmly waits for a reply.

After a short while, Xiao Yue asks Lucien to sit down.

Xiao Yue: I would like to hear more about it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The buzzing phone wakes me up with a jolt. I look at the notebook spread out on my desk, my heart still pounding.

The pain from getting hit by a falling billboard feels real, I take a deep breath and realize that my palms are full of cold sweat.

MC: …A dream?

Although the weather outside is perfect, I inexplicably feel a sense of chill.

Every detail of the dream remains vivid in my mind, the smell of the rain and the loud crashing sound seems to linger in my perception.

MC: Precognitive dream...

I suddenly feel a little bit of panic for no apparent reason. Could this be caused by CORE's awakening, or was it something else? Is this precognition giving me a hint of something?

No, maybe I'm just overthinking it and it's just a simple nightmare.

I shake my head, trying to dispel the chaotic thoughts in my head. I grabbed my phone and saw an unread email on the screen.

Lucien: "The good news is that the effective drug for blood disease has passed clinical evaluation and follow-up monitoring. It is estimated that it will be available for sale soon. You can rest assured."

MC: !

His straightforward and simple message disperses all of my earlier worries right away. I immediately cheer up and reply to Lucien.

MC: "Many thanks to Professor Lucien for the great news OvO!"

Lucien: "This great news is the result of your own efforts ^_^"

((the way they reply each other with kaomoji is so cute :’))

I unconsciously curl the corners of my mouth and lean back in my chair. The setting sun cast the office in a warm orange color, and I feel that all the gloom in my heart has been lifted.

With the joy of this good news, I finished my work for the day and stepped out with the last light of day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANYWAY, a lot of things happened after this, but just for background info:

MC's precognitive dream is back.

It turns out that MC and the boys aren't the only ones who remember their past lives in S1.

Leto, in particular, is very interested in this phenomenon, in chapter 41 he meets with MC as the representative of the City Hall. He tells her that he's looking forward to their future cooperation (a very important detail!). He also tells her about his dreams' where he fight MC and lost his life in it. MC brushed it off as nothing, and Leto seems to be not fully convinced but decides to not dwell on it.

Some people are trying to kill/kidnap MC after discovering she is Queen/CORE.

In chapter 43-1 she learned from Shaw that many people have been inquiring about her recently. She proposed to join in his information exchange, Shaw sent her an address. MC left her home after disguising herself, but then she met Lucien on the first floor.

The elevator slowly descends with a mechanical hum, and with a ding, the door slowly opens up.

I press the brim of my hat and move forward, but the person in front of the door doesn't move at all. I suspiciously tried to move around, but a gentle voice rang in my ears.

??(Lucien): I seem to rarely see you in this kind of outfit.

I froze for a moment and look up to see Lucien standing outside the door. He's looking at me with a little hint of curiosity.

MC: You're home early today! Is your work at the research institute over?

Lucien: Not yet. I just forgot to bring some documents, so I came by to pick them up. How about you? Is this-

MC: I...

I hesitated for a moment, and when I was about to explain, Lucien laughed again.

Lucien: Are you going undercover?

I let out a sigh of relief and nodded unconsciously. I suddenly think of something and speak with chagrin.

MC: Looks like there are still many flaws in my disguise. How could you recognize me at a glance!

((because she's the only color in his eyes :”’ how can he not recognize her at a glance-)

Lucien: No, your disguise is very successful. It's just that I'm familiar with every little thing about your demeanor and habits.

As Lucien spoke, his eyes inadvertently shifted to the entrance door.

Lucien: Seems like it's going to rain. Just to be safe, it's better for you to bring an umbrella.

I blink and belatedly glance at my empty hands.

MC: Thanks for the reminder Professor Lucien~ It's perfect. We can go up together.

I said and pressed the floor button, but Lucien just stood outside the elevator without moving.

Lucien: You go up first. I just received news from the research center. I'll call them back.

He waves his hand and moves aside to take out his cell phone. I whispered, "I'll go up first" before pressing the button and letting the elevator doors block my view.

After packing the umbrella, I return to the first floor but don't see Lucien's figure anymore.

He probably went back to the research center…

I reluctantly walk out of the apartment building and stop a car on the side of the road.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just like that, he’s gone to the research center while MC continued meeting with Shaw.

When Lucien left the research center, he noticed a black car parked on the side.

When walking out of the research center, Lucien sees a black car parked on the corner.

He calmly opens the car door. A familiar figure sits in the left seat and nods at him.

Leto: Professor Lucien.

Lucien: This is an unexpected meeting place.

Leto: There are a lot of people and eyes watching. Besides, this can save a lot of time.

(Leto: *gets shot by sniper Lucien two times in two separate timelines*, Also Leto: this guy totally can be trusted)

The barrier between the front and back seats was lowered, and the car window showed the flowing street scenery. In silence, Leto opens his mouth.

Leto: I remembered something that was forgotten.

Lucien: So, what do you want to do now?

Leto: ...You really do know about this.

Leto said, withdrawing his gaze from the window.

Leto: I need a group of even more elite people. As for how to pick them, I would like to leave it to Professor Lucien.

Leto: Of course, I will pay you with an equal reward.

The sky is gloomy, and there is a faint smell of the approaching storm in the air. Lucien turns off his phone and speaks indifferently.

Lucien: I’m looking forward to it.

*insert Shaw and MC shenanigans here.*

In the morning, Anna suddenly calls MC, telling her that the TV Station wants to talk to her about a project. It's something that struck MC as odd because usually, the TV Station always produces its own program. Even though there is some external cooperation, it's usually not THIS easy and straightforward. The program is about a social education program, and in addition to funding, the TV Station will support them in terms of venue and so on. This cooperation can be beneficial to her company if it's successful.

In the meeting room, MC meets with Gao Xin, the program director of the TV Station. The theme of the show project is the current phenomenon of "overlapping memories". Because this phenomenon caused minor panics and might cause even worse things, the TV Station wants to work with her to eliminate the negative effects.

MC notices that the project commissioner is The City Hall, which means that Leto may be behind this. But since stopping the phenomenon from causing even more chaos is more urgent right now, and TV stations have more power to influence people, she decided to consider it for now.

[Chapter 43-9]

After the meeting, MC sits back at her desk and opens the submission mailbox containing emails from people affected by this phenomenon.

MC sorts and reads the submitted email individually, realizing the phenomenon's effect is more severe than she imagined. If it doesn't get dealt with in time, the chaos will only snowball, affecting more people. She then clicked the next email from a Loveland University student.

MC: "... I have been doing a theoretical study on the properties of topological semimetallic materials with my roommate."

MC: "But now, because of an unexpected memory, my roommate suddenly said that our research is destined to lag behind others… And there is no way out."

MC: "So, he wants to quit halfway through…."

I blink my eyes and unconsciously fiddle with the mouse.

College students are always a good subject and may be a good entry point.

With that in mind, I sent an email asking if it would be convenient for him to be interviewed. After about ten minutes, there is a new message in the mailbox.

MC: "I'd be happy to do an interview, but my schedule is very full today, and I'm only free around 3:00."

MC: "If you are coming, please find me in room 407 in the Physics Department of Loveland University. Contact information..."

I look at my phone. There are less than two hours before 3:00 p.m., there is still enough time.

After briefly packing the necessary materials for the interview, I message the student about the appointment and go to Loveland university.

Perhaps it's not easy to get a cab because of the rainy weather.

Ten minutes later, after watching another occupied cab whiz by, I take a deep breath and look at my phone.

Less than an hour left before the meeting time. If I take a shortcut, walking to Loveland University is not impossible...

MC: ...?!

A sudden chill comes across the back of my neck. It's as if some kind of grim creature is staring at me.

I step into the alley, quickly turn around and look back.

The rain curtain hides the traffic, the pedestrians come and go in a hurry, and nothing looks different.

MC: ...

I've experienced this feeling many times.

I hesitantly exit the alley when I suddenly hear a hoarse voice.

??: There you are.

MC: ....!

I automatically look for the source of the voice, only to see a slightly hunched man with his hands folded, half leaning on the ramp railing and staring directly at me.

His eyes are black with faint bloodshot in them, his pupils flashing with abnormal excitement.

??: You look the same as the one in memory… So, what I have in my head is not a hallucination?

??: It turns out that my life can be like that… It's so interesting...

There is a mixture of excitement and despair on the man's face as he mutters incoherently, letting the raindrops slide across the throbbing veins of his forehead.

Suddenly, he seems to have figured something out and gives me a creepy smile.

??: Hello, Miss Queen.

My heart nearly stops for a split second. The memories of BS and the long-unheard name swept over me without warning.

I don't answer his words and slowly take a half-step back. I quickly scan the surroundings from the corner of my eyes.

There are not many pedestrians on a rainy day, and the neighborhood is a bit deserted. Just a few steps away, a CCTV mounted on a pole is silently watching us.

Seeing that I didn't respond, the other party straightened up and walked towards me step by step, with fanatical earnestness in his tone.

??: I won't harm you. Just think of it as a favor…

??: You may not remember me, but it's okay. I remember you, I really remember you….

MC: ...Sir, you don't seem to be in good condition. Please calm down.

I gulp and quietly reach into my bag while keeping my distance from him.

Calling for help isn't the best option now because it might anger him. But if I can bring him into the CCTV field of view, I may be able to attract the attention of security personnel.

Even if I get caught, the videos captured by the CCTV will be enough to identify him at first sight…

The moment my fingertips touch the taser and about to pull it out, a voice abruptly comes from the side.

??(Lucien): I think the lady has already said it clear enough.

Holding a gray umbrella in his hand, Lucien cut through the thin rain curtain and unhurriedly walked towards me.

It isn't until he gets closer that his eyes sweep past me and look at the man. The color of his dark eyes is like a deep pool covered with thin ice, revealing a few hints of coldness.

??: ...Ares?

The man freezes for a few seconds and suddenly becomes excited.

??: I-it's really Ares!!

??: You see, I found Queen! I know you have the authority in the organization, so please, you must restore my identity…

Lucien frowns a little as the man becomes more incoherent in his wording.

Lucien: Do I need to repeat myself a second time?

His indifferent words seem to carry a heavy pressure, forcing the other side to stop.

Lucien: I'm not sure why you're so insistent on memory with no basis or corroboration...

Lucien: But there is one thing.

Lucien: I'm afraid you won't have a chance to leave with any decency if you keep dwelling on it.

As the words were spoken, several sharp and thin icicles suddenly appeared and were placed directly against the man's throat.

Our surrounding temperature suddenly dropped. Tiny raindrops turned into cold white ice shards and slowly fell.

The man opens his lips, and his body trembles unconsciously, seemingly thinking about something. His flickering gaze locks with Lucien's momentarily and then falls on me again.

At the same time, my palm is being gently stroked. His gentle touch is in contrast to our surroundings, making my heart skip a beat.

I take a deep breath, put on a similarly vigilant and cold expression, and lift my chin at the distant surveillance.

MC: Just a reminder, your every move has been recorded since a while ago.

MC: You don't think that you really don't have to pay any price for continuing to mess around like this, do you?

In the silence, there is a rustling sound of ice falling on the ground like a silent surge of undercurrent.

After a while, the man drops his head in defeat.

??: I...probably just misremembered...

Even though the man said so, the pace of his departure was languid. I watch tensely as he slowly walks to the alley entrance and then suddenly looks back.

An icicle suddenly burst from the ground near his feet, menacingly obstructing his sight.

Lucien: (coldly) Still want to continue?

The other party turns his head away in shock, and his body disappears completely in the rain.

In an instant, the alley regains its silence, and I finally breathe a sigh of relief. Lucien turns around, takes the umbrella from my hand, and then slightly bends down to me.

His fingers that had just touched my palm slipped to mine and gently clasped my hand.

The reassuring warmth from his fingertips gently softened my knuckles, that was stiff from tension.

Those dark eyes look at me questioningly, with a hint of helplessness.

Lucien: Were you scared?

[Chapter 43-11]

Honestly, I wasn't scared that badly. After all, I'm not the same weak little girl anymore and have experienced even more dangerous situations before.

But Lucien's tender and mellow voice carry a natural comfort that makes me instinctively want to get a little closer to him.

I squeeze his hand, rest my head on his shoulder, and nod vigorously.

MC: Yup, that just scared the hell out of me.

Hearing the exaggeration in my tone, Lucien can't help but laugh.

Lucien: (chuckle) It seems that our smart and brave Miss Nox can be a little delicate every once in a while?

MC: Because you are here, I want to be "delicate". Can't I do this?

(T/N: 娇弱 means soft and delicate, mostly referring to women who provokes pity)

Lucien: Of course you can.

Lucien: But I think you would still do the right thing even if I weren't there, wouldn't you?

MC: Yeah, after all...

I paused, thinking for half a second, and then decided to confess.

MC: In fact, some people have already come to trouble me, so I've done a lot of preparation now.

MC: (smiles) There are taser, a portable safety alarm… If there is an emergency, my mobile phone will make an emergency call to you!

I look up at Lucien and wink at him.

MC: But today it's all thanks to Professor Lucien that I could "defeat the enemy without a fight".

Lucien: Thanks to the Great Producer, we can work together seamlessly.

Lucien slightly shifts the umbrella towards me and sweeps a glance at the neighborhood.

Lucien: Where are you going now? I'll give you a ride.

MC: I'm planning to go to Loveland University…

I stopped talking and raised my head after realizing something.

MC: By the way, how did you appear here? It can't be another coincidence, can it?

Lucien calmly turns his head to look at me. There's a hint of seriousness in his tone.

Lucien: Of course it was "pre-planned".

MC: Eh?

Lucien lets out a long sigh, but his eyes show a little smile.

Lucien: My plan is… I miss you, so I really want to see you.

Lucien: I couldn't get a car because of the rain, so I took a shortcut.

Lucien: But I'm glad I made the decision, because it allowed me to meet you earlier.

He cunningly and frankly said his plan, with a smiling face that made my cheeks blush.

MC: I thought a busy person like Professor Lucien wouldn't have time to think about me…

Lucien: I'll always find time, and now haven't I just managed to spare half a day?

Lucien: But it seems like you have other plans for this afternoon?

I nod somewhat helplessly and tell Lucien about the circumstances that led up to the interview.

MC: My company received a submission about a student who wanted to abandon ongoing academic research because of the overlapping memories.

MC: So I'm going to interview them and find out what's actually going on.

Lucien seems to remember something, nodding thoughtfully

Lucien: Mm, I don't think that's an exaggeration. I did hear other professors talk about a similar turmoil.

MC: Similar?

In other words, there has been more than one of this kind of situation…

I give a soft "ah" and sigh with a bit of a headache.

Lucien: You don't have to sigh. You're going to Loveland University to solve this kind of problem, right?

I nod, and as we walk, I gently poke Lucien's shoulder with my finger.

MC: Don't forget to lend me your "Visiting Professor of Loveland University" status later!

Lucien: Sure, I'd happily "lend" everything I have to you.

Following the address in the email, they entered the Physics department and entered the fourth-floor hallway. They meet the email sender; he's surprised when seeing MC comes with Professor Lucien. Because the hallway isn't a convenient place to talk, he brings MC and Lucien to the balcony.

The sound of the operating instrument disappears, replaced by the sound of rain. I take out my notebook and notice the faint eyebags under the boy's eyes.

MC: Looks like… it's been a rough time?

Student: Yes, it goes without saying that the research is at its critical stage.

The boy said, smiling bitterly and rubbing his eyes.

Student: The situation was better when I worked with my colleague.

MC: Have you worked on this project with him for a long time?

Student: Yes, it's been about a year. Although there are no final results yet, the data is steadily progressing.

Student: That's why I found it hard to accept when he suddenly came to me last week and said he decided to quit.

Lucien: What's the reason?

The boy looks sideways in the direction of the laboratory and speaks after a long time.

Student: He said he saw our research's future in that abrupt memory.

Student: ...After investing a lot of time, we still lag behind others and end up with no results.

His voice is clearly lowered. I paused my writing, and saw the boy purse his dry lips and speak in a low voice.

Student: "Our current efforts are like throwing stones into a dry well and getting no response"… That's what he said.

Student: I wanted to persuade him to give it some more thought… We all are scholars, and giving up research for a memory that came from nowhere is not sensible.

Student: But now he refuses to communicate with me, resulting in…

Lucien: Your research is in danger of being discontinued.

With difficulty, the boy slowly nods, and his complexion becomes gloomy. I stop my writing and let out a light sigh.

I've seen Lucien stay up all night in front of the data countless times and how the light in the research center stays on all year round.

Academic devotion is a path of lonely pursuit. Even though I haven't been deeply involved in the field of research, I know how much work goes into a research project every day and night.

Anyone would feel reluctant to terminate a project that has lasted so long because of such reason…

I felt a little saddened. I was carefully choosing my words when I suddenly heard Lucien speak.

Lucien: Have you ever thought that maybe his choice is not wrong?

MC: ...Lucien?

The boy's eyes widen a little in disbelief. I look up with equal confusion, unable to believe my ears.

As a scientist, he obviously knows better than me what it means to abandon the project...

I unconsciously lift my hand to pull his sleeve. But Lucien still calmly looks at the student without seeming to be moved in the slightest.

Lucien: If you follow scientific research news, you should be aware that there are countless terminated studies every year.

Lucien: Out of hundreds of projects, only a few of them can produce results at the end.

Lucien: Misdirection, theory stagnation… There are many projects that have invested more than yours.

Lucien: What if this study turns out to be as hopeless as he claims?

[Chapter 43-12]

The boy's face shows a little struggle, and a few moments later, he clenches his palm.

Student: ...No, that will not happen.

Student: We did thorough research before starting the project and confirmed the feasibility with our supervisor.

Lucien: ...So what?

Lucien's voice was not high when he asked the question, but there was a compelling coldness.

Lucien: Every researcher goes through this process at the beginning of a project, and you are not an exception.

Lucien: The supervisor's permission only confirms the research value but is not a guarantee of results.

The boy opens his lips and then purses them in silence.

The atmosphere is a little dull for a while. I instinctively want to comfort, but when the words come to my mouth, I fail to say them.

It is easy to say and pretend everything is going well.

But I'm well aware that even though there are some deviations in this world, the direction of most people's lives does not make much difference.

So the experiment may indeed be the same as that memory, and no results can be obtained.

In the suffocating silence, the boy suddenly moves his body.

Student: ...When I chose to study for a Ph.D., my supervisor told me that every effort does not equal a harvest.

Student: Very often, it takes a hundred percent of effort to knock on the door of science theory.

Student: But… Professor Lucien, as long as the possibility still exists, it is worth the effort, isn't it?

The boy's speech speed is getting faster and faster. Lucien is unmoved as he looks at him. His eyes are still indifferent and cold.

Lucien: But you can't force others to hold the same point of view as you.

Student: I know… So, I just want to fight one last time too.

Student: If he insists on not coming back, I won't force it. I will move forward on my own, even if it takes more time.

Tiny raindrops hit the glass, and the sounds of distant instruments seemingly mix with the silence.

The boy faintly clenches his fist, not avoiding Lucien's gaze. I feel a little shaken by the scene in front of me.

I have seen this kind of perseverance more than once.

I have seen a similar light in Lucien's eyes and those of the scientists in the research institute, the laboratory, and the underground mines before the doomsday.

It's the same perseverance of exploring unknown areas with your whole life.

Lucien's expression visibly loosens a little.

Lucien: The struggle you are experiencing now won't be the last.

Lucien: Scientific research is never a straight path that gets smoother and easier. The deeper you dig, the more bottlenecks and confusion you will face.

Lucien: When you feel that you are unable to move forward, I hope you will remember today's words.

Student: Well, that's my commitment to science and myself.

His firm words echoed through the balcony, like a vow cutting through the rain curtain.

I write down the last sentence with a sour heart, and speak to the boy.

MC: Although a bit of work may not equal a bit of harvest, I think every step taken won't be a let down.

MC: Even if it doesn't reach the finish line, the effort will bear fruit elsewhere.

Student: That's what I'm hoping for. If there is a breakthrough, I hope to hear from you again.

MC: Definitely.

MC: Thank you, my interview is over. Professor Lucien and I will convey everything you want to say to him.

As the bell rings, Lucien and I walk down the stairs of the physics department. The students noisily pass by, laughing and smiling.

The outline of the school building is fading away, but the boy's words still remain in my mind. I look at Lucien, who is at the bottom of the steps, and can't resist speaking.

MC: Lucien, why did you just ask him a rhetorical question about his point of view?

Lucien raises his head a little and looks at me. Amidst the crowd of people, his gaze seems extraordinarily calm.

Lucien: Because that's the norm in research.

Lucien: With the exception of a few miraculous discoveries, science has been progressing slowly. Many people have been unable to make a single advance in their lifetimes.

Lucien: Not a few people regret it after spending years of their lives.

Looking at Lucien's quiet profile, I suddenly realize something.

MC: ...Did you test him just now? To see if he is really that persistent?

Lucien doesn't deny it. His gaze passes behind me and looks towards the yard where the bell rings in the distance.

Lucien: In order to be deeply involved in the academic field, persistence after seeing the reality is as important as the love for science itself.

Lucien: Life is vast, and academia is not the only path they can take. For him, this is also an opportunity to choose a way of life.

MC: And have you ever had any regrets?

He doesn't seem to expect my question. Lucien ponders for a moment.

Lucien: When it comes to research, I've never had one.

Lucien: The direction of each research is the result of careful consideration. Even if I were to do it all over again, I would make the same choice.

MC: What about things other than research?

The figure in front of me seems to pause for a moment. Lucien's eyes fall on me as if looking into a distant past.

Lucien: (quietly, with the loneliest tone you've ever heard-) ...I have.

This time, I get taken aback. I blink and curiously ask after him, stopping him in his tracks.

MC: Hmm? What was the situation?

As if being pricked by a dark hidden thorn in his heart, Lucien's eyelashes trembles and he answers in a quiet voice.

Lucien: …When I thought you were gone forever.

I freeze, suddenly remembering the memory of the scattered capsules and his bloodshot eyes.

A small sourness wells up within my heart. I reach out and hug him as if wanting to erase a memory that hurts so much for both of us.

MC: It's all in the past. I'm still alive and standing in front of you now.

Lucien wraps his arms around me, and his chin gently rests on the crook of my neck. His voice is gentle and firm.

Lucien: Um, I can feel it.

Lucien: So it will be the one and only time.

Afterward, Lucien and MC interviewed the student's classmate who decided to quit. When facing the boy's question of whether one should continue when knowing there's no hope, Lucien pointed out that things aren't always predictable. There is some scientific breakthrough caused by accidents.

Lucien invited MC to share her thought. And she frankly expressed her feelings about it.

Lucien: Every exploration is approaching the truth through twists and turns. Seemingly hopeless trial and error often accumulate possibilities for the emergence of "unexpected factors".

Lucien: In this regard, Miss Producer also has her say.

I blinked, and when I met Lucien's quiet gaze, I suddenly understood what he was referring to.

There were countless nights when I thought I might not be able to keep going.

But I still gritted my teeth and struggled towards that tiny hope until the end.

And not only has he accompanied me in every difficult step, but also clearly recorded all the past for me.

MC: ...Um, when difficulties surrounded me, I also hesitated to keep moving forward.

MC: But now, I'm glad I didn't stop there. Otherwise, I would have really given up the last possibility of luck coming to me.

The boy didn't say anything, but the indifference on his face was gradually replaced by contemplation.

I close my notebook and follow Lucien to leave the room at a lighter pace.

The weather has cleared, and the sunlight leaking through the clouds shines on the rain-soaked road.

I'm holding Lucien's arm, walking down the stairs filled with flower petals step by step.

The silhouette of the school building gradually shrinks behind me. I withdraw my gaze and speak thoughtfully.

MC: I feel as if the boy is not as unattached to the abandoned project as he said he is.

Lucien: Mm, he probably needs a few days to clear his mind.

Lucien: But like what you said, everyone has their own choices. We are just slowing down the decision-making process and giving him more time to think about it.

I drop my gaze thoughtfully, and my pace gradually slows down. Lucien also stops walking in response and looks down at me.

Lucien: What's wrong?

MC: I'm thinking of…. I've been wondering if I should make a show on the theme of this returning memory.

MC: The actual situation obviously can't be revealed to the public, but denying means concealing...

I said and looked up at Lucien. As my eyes become a little brighter, my inner thoughts also grow firmer little by little.

MC: But when I heard you ask them just now, I also clearly thought about something.

MC: The right to believe or not is up to the audience. What we have to do is to provide them with the necessary psychological support.

Lucien lets out a low laugh while watching me pull his hand and gently shake it.

Lucien: Turns out there was more than one student in that classroom just now.

MC: It was initially unfamiliar, but I became skillful later on. Anyway, it's not like I've never "freeloaded" on your class before~

Lucien lets out an "oh", and his eyes fall on the corners of my already curved lips.

Lucien: You already "borrowed" my status as a professor for the interview, and yet MC still holds my hand and acts coquettishly. Do you have any other requests?

MC: As expected of Professor Lucien, your intuition is very sharp!

I said as I looked up, then grinning and cheerfully say.

MC: I want to make this program into the stone that breaks the situation.

MC: So, Professor Lucien, can I invite you to be my guest?

[Chapter 43-13]

The light from the shadows of the trees swayed on the person in front of me and settled into his deep eyes.

Lucien: If it's an invitation...

Lucien: Then, before I say yes, I need to know how the show is going to be prepared.

MC: I will always welcome Professor Lucien's field visits- Why don't you come back to the company with me later and watch my work~

Lucien: There's no time like the present.

Lucien arches his eyebrows in a very good mood, holding my hand down the stairs.

Lucien: (chuckle) After all, it's been a long time since I've seen Miss Producer at work.

I took Lucien out of the elevator lightly, and just after walking a few steps, everyone looked in unison.

Several colleagues exchange glances, and Anna is the first to speak with a smile.

Anna: Professor Lucien, you're here. Let me get you a cup of water.

Kiki: Woah! Is Professor Lucien wants to join our program?

MC: Not sure yet... I'll show him around first!

Lucien takes the glass of water, smiles, and nods beside me.

Lucien: Um, I just came to see what you all have prepared. There is absolutely no such reason as wanting to see your boss or anything like that.

Amidst the snickering of my colleagues, I blush and pull Lucien to my desk. I make him sit on my chair by pressing his shoulder.

Facing the gossiping gazes around me, I clear my throat and begin to introduce the progress to Lucien in a serious manner.

Lucien looks through the various materials I handed him, occasionally nodding to affirm my words.

MC: ... This is the information so far. As for the direction of the program, I have two considerations.

MC: The first one is a social education program that follows the tradition of serious science and explains examples of the submissions.

MC: And the other direction is light-hearted and casual, enhancing the watchability of the program through activities.

MC: However, I'm still a bit torn about which one to use.

Lucien: If choosing is difficult, why don't you listen to other people's opinions?

MC: …Other people?

Lucien: Yes. After all, I'm only here to "investigate" the project today.

Lucien: Your colleagues' opinions regarding the program's production should be more informative than mine.

As Lucien said that, he slowly and carefully picked up a glass of water, showing a relaxed look. I can't help but pout.

MC: Hmph, you are really "investigating" seriously.

Lucien: Uh-huh.

(the way he says 'uh-huh' is so cute and irritating at the same time lmaoo)

They discussed it with her other co-worker. Willow suggested a serious science program, while Minor suggested a more entertaining program. MC proposed a debate program between the scholar and the viewer

MC: How about a fun debate style?

MC: In each episode, a scholar is invited to speak on the pro side, and four or five audience members take turns speaking on the contra side.

MC: This way, both sides of the argument can be fully expressed.

Anna: It's a good idea. Since we are inviting scholars, why don't we ask Professor Lucien what he thinks?

MC: Indeed~ when it comes to his field of expertise, Professor Lucien won't be able to resist, right?

Lucien puts down his glass of water and looks at me a little banteringly.

Lucien: Pitting one against many. Doesn't it seem very demanding for the pro side?

MC: That's why the first episode needs a powerful guest~ After all, knowledge is the best weapon.

Lucien: (chuckle) In that case, this powerful guest wants to add to his argument by using other methods.

Lucien smiles and bites the words "powerful guest", but still refuses to take the bait. But I'm not discouraged and continue to ask him questions.

MC: So, let's hear what Professor Lucien is going to say?

Lucien slightly raises the corners of his lips. The shadow of the tree outside the window flickers in his eyes, making it hard to see them clearly.

Lucien: Perhaps we can conduct a social psychology experiment for the first episode.

MC: A social psychology experiment?

Lucien: Mm. The more affected a person's life is, the more convinced they are of the authenticity of the overlapping memories.

Lucien: I think there is no better way to sway their opinion than to create a false memory on the spot.

Anna: However, the risk is very high. If you get caught before the announcement, it will be difficult to turn public opinion, right?

Lucien: Rather, I really hope to see such a person appear.

Lucien: After all, that makes the show so much more interesting, right?

As Lucien spoke, he raised his eyebrows a little and revealed a smile of interest.

I write down a few ideas in my notebook. After thinking for a moment, I nod my head.

MC: Considering the advantages and disadvantages, this is a good plan that can be adopted into the planning proposal.

Willow and Anna are looking at each other, coughing and speaking.

Willow: Boss, since the style and format of the program have taken shape, can we consider collaborating with the TV station…?

MC: Not yet.

As I spoke, I turned my head and solemnly looked at Lucien.

MC: Because the show's esteemed guest has not been decided yet. I can't afford to make this call if he doesn't nod.

Lucien lowers his eyes and puts one hand on his chin.

Lucien: Let me think about it... I really like this topic, and the program's format is also very interesting.

Lucien: However, it seems that the days when the show will be filmed coincide with the completion of my current project.

MC: …And so?

Lucien looks at my expectant eyes and opens his mouth with a smile.

Lucien: So I'll be working intensively these days to complete the work on the research center.

Lucien: Looking forward to working with you. I'm glad to be your first guest.

After finalizing the other details, MC calls the TV Station to express her willingness to cooperate. The other party happily agreed and only proposed that the submission should be submitted to the TV Station for review.

MC gives the coordination work to Kiki while she is interviewing people about the recent phenomenon.

MC: What do you think about the recent "overlapping memory" rumor?

Passerby A: I've never cared about it, but doesn't it sounds like some multi-channel network hype to scam money?

Passerby B: This hysteria has ruined my son... he now stays at home all day in disbelief, and his homework has been neglected for days!

Passerby C: This must be God's instruction! It points the way for our future!

Questioning, admiration, disdain, curiosity. The different attitudes make me feel that this incident's scope seems more significant than I imagined.

As if there's an invisible string that is constantly tightening, and it will break if you don't pay attention.

While MC is sorting through the interview, Kiki suddenly calls her because there's an emergency. And then, MC finds out that the TV Station returned the submissions that have too much contrast between memory and reality.

MC: Thank you for your hard work. But, I would like to clarify why some of the submissions were rejected after being screened by my company?

As if anticipating my arrival, the other party speaks without haste.

Staff: The contrast between their previous and present lives is too apparent.

Staff: Look, the former starlet is now a common seller; the well-known boss is now retired to their family...

Staff: Their attitudes and words carry a strong sense of resentment and discontent.

MC: But the essence of social education programs is to fully reflect the true picture of society.

MC: I disagree that the focus is only on those who have a stable life.

Staff: Miss MC, forgive me for reminding you once again.

Staff: The program's original purpose was to promote social stability to support the city's redevelopment plan.

Staff: As for other things, if it can be achieved along the way then it'd be the icing on the cake. But if it can't be achieved then we can only give up.

I grip the script a bit harder, and the suspicions in my heart gradually become clear.

The TV Station's position is clear enough.

What they want is to put a specific person in the spotlight rather than expose the truth.

With the same approach as the City Hall in the redevelopment plan, they wanted to hear only words of obedience, not voices of other opinions.

Instead of wasting time on unnecessary negotiations, it is better to retreat and try to gain the initiative in other ways.

After thinking about this, I speak in a calm voice.

MC: We respect the station's arrangement. But this is collaborative filming, not an outsourcing project.

MC: My company must also have the opportunity of expression, and can not be pushed around in everything.

Staff: It's only natural that we won't interfere too much with the rest of the show. Please don't worry.

The business-like tone is also a concession. I can't say anything else except respectfully nod my head.

[Chapter 43-15]

So, just as the staff from the TV Station said, the process besides the submission review goes much smoother. MC secretly tells Kiki to 'fix' the wording of the contrasting submission so it won't get rejected. Once the schedule is set, they start to finalize other show details.

A week passed, and soon came the day of the program recording. MC dials Lucien's phone.

MC: I'm really sorry, I may be a few minutes late…

Hearing my anxious tone, Lucien's voice carries a touch of reassurance.

Lucien: Don't rush. Just take your time. I'll be waiting for you in the backstage lounge.

??: Professor Lucien, have some tea!

I froze momentarily as a cheerful and attentive stranger's voice came from the other end of the receiver.

MC: Is there someone meeting you already?

Lucien: Yeah, we had a nice chat, don't worry about it.

MC: Okay then, I'll see you later~

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I hung up the phone with a bit of confusion. I hastily stop a taxi and rush to the TV station. When I arrived backstage, I saw Kiki standing outside the lounge, and she immediately approached me.

Kiki: Boss, all the guests have arrived and are chatting with Professor Lucien inside!

MC: Wait, it's the guests who are meeting with Lucien?

Kiki: Yeah, they were having such a good time, we couldn't even get in the conversation!

MC: Haha really, then I'll go and take a look. It would be best if you told people to get ready~

I pretend not to be surprised and laugh. Today's guests have the impression that they don't have a good personality to get along with, and Lucien has always disliked polite social interaction, so how can they…

At the same time, I push open the lounge door, and a polite question comes into my ears.

??: …So, Professor Lucien, what could be the reason for my grandson's sudden change in temper since his parents took him away?

I lighten my steps and see a few guests sitting on the couch, listening intently.

Lucien is wearing a polite smile on his lips, accepting the cup of tea handed to him by the old man. And as if noticing my movement, he looks at me through the crowd.

I wink at Lucien and naturally sit next to him. Lucien casually puts the tea on the table, then turns his head to the old man and explains gently.

Lucien: In developing children, their mirror neurons* are more active than adults. So, they're physiologically more susceptible to the influence of their surrounding environment.

(T/N: Mirror neurons are a type of neuron in the brain that fires both when an individual performs a certain action and when they observe another individual performing the same action. In other words, when you see someone else performing an action, your mirror neurons "mirror" that action in your own brain, as if you were performing it yourself.)

Lucien: If there is a sudden personality change, perhaps it is because there is someone in their new environment who has problems managing emotions. You can pay more attention to it.

Old Man: ... Indeed, his father brings people home twice a day to play mahjong! So that's where the root is!

Old Man: I've already lived two lifetimes combined and yet still don't understand how to raise children...

I pour another cup of tea, hand it to Lucien, and smoothly take over the conversation.

MC: How can you have two lifetimes?

Old Man: Just a few days ago, I got several years' worth of memories in my head!

Old Man: The neighborhood, hospital, and the central plaza where I walk through…. Each and every aspect of the picture is clear!

Lucien picks up the teapot and fills up a cup of tea for the old man.

Lucien: When it comes to the central plaza, I also have some impressions.

Lucien: From that memory, it seems that its clock tower was damaged by accident.

The middle-aged man is rubbing his glass of water, seemingly recalling something.

Man: Why don't I remember much about it…

Like throwing a stone into the lake, the crowd is either murmuring or pondering at the same time, I look at Lucien, and my gaze collides with his.

I understand what he is trying to do, and I pretend to be confused.

MC: If I think about it, I do remember a bit.

MC: The clock tower… It stopped working for several days before someone came to repair it, and there were complaints.

Noticing our conversation, the old man taps his cane and speaks in a definitive manner.

Old Man: Yes, I remember it clearly too!

Man: That being said, it seems to be the case…

My cell phone suddenly vibrates twice and makes an unnoticeable buzzing sound. I sweep a glance, secretly squeeze Lucien's palm, and then smile and get up to open my mouth.

MC: It's almost time to shoot. Please move to the dressing room and get ready for the stage~

MC: If there's anything else to discuss, let's save it for the stage.

The lighting lights up the big space, soft leather sofas are placed opposite to each other, and the right armrests are put next to the standing mic.

Lucien sits alone on the other side of the table and quietly listens, looking a little powerless. And the six guests seated on the opposite side are chatting together, showing relaxed laughter from time to time.

After the person next to them finished speaking, they began to share their "past life memories".

After 20 minutes of talking about his experience of living under a bridge, he put down his mic.

Middle-aged Man: My mouth is dry from talking… Okay, I've finished my speech. Professor Lucien, do you have any rebuttal to this?

Lucien lightly responds his fingertips gently tapping on the table.

Lucien: Interesting perspective indeed. But I wonder if that memory is all true…

Lucien: Because then the society we "experience" should also have the same details.

A girl sitting on the left side of the front seat is impatient and speaks up.

Girl: The mall I used to go to has changed half of its brands!

Lucien: But it is difficult to make reference to experiences that are too personal. Is there any evidence that is more general in nature?

Lucien cleverly pushes the argument back again. After contemplating for a moment, the girl hesitantly opens her mouth.

Girl: In the memory from that time, it seems that there was not so much Evolver as there is now, so should this be considered social evidence?

Lucien: Can you please describe it in detail?

Girl: Everyone lives a normal life, going to and from work every day, and we never heard of Evol or anything...

Lucien: Well, wasn't Evolver's existence hidden from the public eye until a few accidents exposed it?

Lucien said, carefully closing the documents in his hand.

Lucien: Most of the literature written on the theme of "Evol doesn't exist" has gone in that direction.

Lucien: I just looked at the pre-show questionnaire and see that you and everyone else on the other side of the table have seen or read similar works.

Lucien: So how can you be sure that your subconscious is not being influenced by the novels?

Lucien's words promptly cause a small discussion on the spot. The girl grits her teeth, unable to refute for a moment, but the old man beside her speaks with certainty.

Old Man: I can give you another example.

Old Man: In our previous life, the clock tower in the central plaza was shut down for several days because of an accident. Ask anyone else, and they'll remember it.

Old Man: This one should not be related to any novel!

Several other people at the guest table are showing their support, and Lucien even nods affirmatively.

Lucien: Indeed, this example can eliminate the baseline factor of cognitive formation based on past experience.

Lucien: But it also confirms that the anchoring effect* can influence judgment.

(T/N: The anchoring effect is a cognitive bias that causes people to rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive when making decisions or judgments. This initial information serves as an "anchor" that influences subsequent thoughts and judgments. People tend to adjust their subsequent judgments from the initial anchor rather than starting from scratch, even if the initial information is irrelevant or arbitrary.)

Lucien: When acquiring information, people always use the information they hear first-hand as an anchor point, but rarely confirm its authenticity.

The old man heavily taps his cane and frowns.

Old Man: So many explanations. Are you trying to say that I also remember it wrong?

Old Man: Professor Lucien, don't you also remember this very well?

Lucien: What if I say that actually, it doesn't happen?

Lucien said, glancing at me off-stage. I pick up my walkie-talkie and whisper a few words to the director.

The screen at the back of the studio immediately displays a video.

"Why don't I remember much about it…"; "If I think about it, I do remember a bit."

On the screen, the discussion before and after the recording is replayed in its entirety.

Lucien's sight falls to their puzzled expression, and he lifts up the mic on the table. His deep voice is clearly transmitted to everyone's ears through the loudspeaker.

Lucien: (chuckle) I'm sorry, but what you all just described is a false memory.

Lucien: In fact, the recording had already started in the longue.

[Chapter 43-16]

The recording site suddenly goes into an uproar.

Some people stare blankly at the screen as if they haven't reacted; while others look at Lucien and retort in incredulous whispers.

After a few moments, the guests who finally understood the situation exchange glances in astonishment, then can't help but speak up.

Middle-aged Man: Professor Lucien, what do you mean by that?

Lucien adjusts the mic with his fingertips and calmly leans over.

Lucien: As you can see, the "clock tower failure" is just an event that the Producer and I made up on the spot using psychology.

Lucien: You have demonstrated that under herd mentality*, individuals will give up their own opinions and conform their behavior to others according to the group's influence.

(T/N: Herd mentality is a term used to describe the tendency of people to follow the behaviors, beliefs, and opinions of the group they belong to or the people around them. In other words, it refers to the way individuals are influenced by the actions and decisions of their peers or the majority, rather than making their own independent choices.)

Lucien: In the process of subconsciously transforming the collective memory into a part of their own memory, the present "overlapping memory" is formed.

After looking at each other, the girl in the guest seat slightly raises her voice.

Girl: B-but I have a picture of the clock tower failing in my mind! Because of the accident, the businesses near the clock tower were also closed for several days-

Lucien: -and during that period, many people in the neighborhood complained about the inconvenience of living there, didn't they?

Lucien spoke as if he had predicted the scene in the girl's memory.

The girl hesitantly nods her head. My eyes widen in astonishment behind the camera, and I silently mouth the word "amazing" to Lucien.

A little brilliant smile appears in his eyes. Lucien immediately turns his head and gives a gesture at the distant director. In the next second, the 3D image of the human brain suddenly emerges on the screen.

Everyone's gaze instantly converges on the screen. Lucien naturally moves closer in my direction and explains in a calm voice.

Lucien: Memory is not a single, continuous image but rather a collection or composition of multiple images.

Lucien: When the memory fragments are incomplete, they are automatically completed in the hippocampus according to the recollector's logic and beliefs.

Lucien: In other words, our memory isn't inherently infallible.

As the words were spoken, our distance was reduced to arm's length. Lucien extends his hand to me in the audience.

Lucien: In order to support this view, I have conducted a survey in advance.

Lucien: Can I ask Miss Producer to cooperate with me and distribute it to all the guests?

He said and held out his hand to me, his eyebrows slightly bent. I glance down at the script.

In the original setup, there is no such thing as a guest inviting a producer to the stage.

I let out an inaudible hmph, take his hand, walk up to the stage, handing out the survey files to the guests, and hear Lucien speak.

Lucien: Before this experiment, I also asked several staff members around me if they had seen this image in their memory.

Lucien: However, the results also confirmed that none of them had any impression of it.

Lucien: I think this should be enough to prove that the "clock tower failure doesn't actually happen" is not a one-sided story.

There are other low murmurs from the guests. A young man who looks like a college student takes the information I handed out and scans it, frowning at the refutation.

Student: But memory error is merely an individual phenomenon.

Student: As you mentioned earlier, other staff members are also experiencing new memory images… What is the explanation for this city-wide memory phenomenon?

Lucien gently shakes his head.

Lucien: I can't give a definite conclusion on this.

Lucien: There are various factors that influence memory. Maybe it comes from the comet, and maybe it's the influence of the overlapping city or something else we don't know yet.

Lucien: But from a neuroscience perspective, I can offer a direction to explore… Have you ever heard of the Mandela Effect?

Several guests shake their heads, looking a bit confused. Only the student thinks for a moment and then speaks first.

Student: You mean a collective memory that doesn't match the facts?

Lucien: Correct. It is possible that someone's memory is biased, and the wrong information is passed on by word of mouth.

Lucien: After a period of time, it became widely spread in society and created a large-scale false impression.

Old Man: ...This so-called Mandela effect sounds very mysterious. How can it be so easy to believe what others say?

The middle-aged man beside the old man tugs his sleeve and hurriedly whispers a few words.

The old man then remembers something and coughs embarrassedly.

Lucien meets the old man's gaze and smiles a little.

Lucien: As you have said, ideally, people would make judgments about the information they receive. However, when dealing with people we trust, we often unconsciously let down our defenses.

Lucien: Without the camera recording, perhaps the "clock tower failure" would have become a new Mandela effect.

The studio falls silent for a while, and many people look thoughtful. Lucien withdraws his gaze and turns his head to look at me.

Lucien: This concludes the arguments of the opposing side.

I take the microphone and look over to the other side of the room.

MC: Are there any more "contestants" on the other side who would like to present a rebuttal?

Student: Although I have no more argument backed up, I still feel unconvinced…

MC: That's fine. The contestants on the opposite side can keep their opinions to themselves.

I said, walking to the middle of the studio and speaking without haste.

MC: While this debate will have winners and losers, it does not mean that there is an opinion that is superior or inferior.

MC: The main purpose of this episode is not to draw conclusions about this phenomenon but rather to offer more possible explanations.

MC: Whether you think it's a deviation, an overlap, or even a migration...

MC: In the end, this is just a picture that suddenly appeared in the mind, and how to interpret it is a matter of personal freedom.

Some of the guests are in thought, and others are unconvinced as if they want to argue something.

My gaze falls to my side, and I see Lucien nodding imperceptibly.

The light shines on his face, making me clearly see myself in his deep eyes.

My originally nervous heart instantly calm down a bit. I withdraw my gaze and speak firmly.

MC: While choosing whether to believe in it or not, I hope you won't forget this.

MC: The most important thing is to hold the present life in your hands.

[Chapter 43-17]

A few days pass, and soon it's the day of the show's premiere.

My colleagues and I sit at our workstations and watch the reactions in the comments section with the utmost attention.

-I have reservations. I still can't accept the theory explained by Professor Lucien…

-I've wanted to say for a long time that giving up reality for an inexplicable picture is basically like putting the cart before the horse*, no?

(T/N: 本末倒置, literally means putting the cart before the horse is an idiom that means ignoring the actual important thing and instead focusing on the insignificant thing)

I exhale softly and hand the document back to Willow.

Even though the negative impact has not completely dissipated, there are more different voices than the previous one, which tended to be panic-stricken.

MC: Let's start preparing for the next episode. We can invite experts in physics to explain it from the perspective of another discipline.

MC: With the three days of time as focus, continue tracking the reactions in the comments section, and put together the top ten pages of comments.

MC: After all, the audience's reaction is the best choice to adjust the program's direction.

Willow: No problem, I'll get in touch now.

Willow takes the folder and leaves in a hurry. I get up, loosen up, and turn around a few times before picking up the phone on my desk.

The program is a big success, and it's time to tell Lucien the good news.

My phone suddenly starts ringing. Seeing the name appearing on the screen, I can't resist bending my eyes and happily picking it up.

MC: Good evening, Professor Lucien~

Lucien: Has something pleasant happened to you?

MC: The audience's response to this episode is better than expected~ it's all thanks to Professor Lucien's work!

Lucien: In that case, I'd like to ask the Great Producer for a small reward.

Lucien: If you have time, can you go to a banquet with me tonight?

MC: Then I have to look at my schedule first-

I pretend to do so, but his familiar figure suddenly enters my sight.

Lucien is standing downstairs, his black suit outlines his slender figure, and when he raises his hand, I can see the smooth lines of his shirt.

MC: …You sneak up on me!

Lucien: (chuckle) Can't I sneak up on Miss Producer?

A soft laugh comes from the other end of the phone. I laugh along with him, quickly pick up my bag and run downstairs.

I'm about to pull open the car door when I suddenly realize something.

MC: Wait, if I want to accompany you to the banquet, do I also have to go home and change my clothes…

Lucien: Don't worry. I've got you covered.

Lucien said while turning his head, motioning for me to look at the exquisite gift box in the rear seat.

Lucien: You can change in the car. I'll wait for you outside.

Such thorough preparation is indeed Lucien's style. I get into the back seat and open the gift box.

(T/N: I subtitled this bit bc the sexy voice and bgm is just so!)

*insert sexy shower bgm*

The delicate fabric, the fit, everything is impeccable, but the narrow space makes it impossible to tidy the tiny accessories behind me.

I bite my lips and finally knock on the car window for help.

MC: Lucien, my zipper...

Lucien's figure outside of the car pauses a little, turns around to look at me, and smiles.

Lucien: (chuckle) Let me help you.

The car door opens and closes again, and with a slight rustling sound, the cold touch of metal slowly climbs up my spine.

My heart beats a little faster. I hear Lucien's hoarse voice coming from behind me.

Lucien: (with THAT hoarse voice) Isn't it strange why I suddenly invited you to a banquet?

MC: Yes, a little… but whatever the reason, I'll say yes.

MC: After all, you've helped me a lot with this show.

Lucien: (whisper) Is that all?

A low whisper brushes my ear, like some kind of enticement. I clutch the hem of my dress and softly speak.

MC: And because I trust in you unconditionally.

The light of a passing car flashes through the window, illuminating the silence inside the car for a moment. Lucien's fingertips linger on the back of my neck, stirring up subtle tingles.

He speaks softly.

Lucien: (chuckle) …You look good in this.

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The car runs across the long road, drives through several streets, and finally stops in front of a mansion.

I take Lucien's hand and get out of the car, walking along with the crowd to the inside.

The interior of the spacious hall is brightly lit, with gentle music flowing. I suddenly think of something and poke Lucien, who stands beside me.

MC: Speaking of which, what's the theme of this banquet? I don't know the identities of the other people yet.

Lucien takes a glass of white wine from the waiter's hand, and his lips curl slightly.

Lucien: (chuckle) There are no influential people here today, just ordinary citizens. As for the theme, can I keep it a secret for now?

I narrow my eyes when I see how frankly he is trying to keep me in suspense, and I cooperate by picking up another glass of wine from the tray.

MC: Of course, it's useless to hide it from me. After all, I can find out within ten minutes.

Lucien raises his eyebrows with interest and takes a shallow sip.

Lucien: Then I'll look forward to how you solve the mystery.

MC: I won't let you down.

I said and gently clinked my glass with him. I straighten my dress and walk naturally toward the crowd, sweeping my eyes covertly over everyone I pass.

An office worker in a suit with dark circles under his eyes; a young girl with bright makeup, taking selfies in the corner…

My gaze slips through the crowd, and I feel even more puzzled.

The people here are of different ages and backgrounds and don't even seem to know each other… For a while, I hardly find any common ground.

Why does the person who holds the banquet gather them together?

I walk while thinking and slowly paying attention to the conversations around me.

Old Man: ...I was telling my neighbor about my past life when I got the invitation, and I didn't know what I was being invited to…

Girl: …Me? I remember I was a starlet. How can I stand at the counter all day long like this…

Middle-aged Woman: …I should put my career first. If I grit my teeth and insist, now I'm sure I'll be a small boss…

The vague exchange of voices comes to my ears, and I can't help but be struck by them.

These experiences… I think I've seen them in the rejected submissions?!

Lucien walks to my side at some point. I come close to him and lower my voice.

MC: The people here should be those who have a great contrast between their previous and current lives.

MC: We've received submissions from some of them before.

I said, make a great show of being in earnest and tugging at the hem of Lucien's coat.

MC: Lucien, is this the secret of this party?

Lucien's gaze indifferently sweeps through the crowd and slowly falls back on me, with a hint of intrigue, gently shaking the glass in his hand.

Lucien: Hmm… only 30% of the guesses were correct.

MC: I can't believe it's only 30...

Before I can finish my sentence, a strange and unfriendly voice suddenly comes from behind me.

Man: ...Oi! Hey! I'm calling you!

I turn around suspiciously and see a strange man in a suit standing behind me without me knowing, his eyes darting back and forth over my body.

I'm a little displeased to be called out so rudely and to be gawked at in a blatant manner.

MC: Sir, I think you are mistaken…

Man: I think I've seen you somewhere before!

He suddenly clapped his hands and loudly interrupted me.

Man: You're the Producer of "Miracle Finder", right?

Man: In that memory, I was interviewed by you and Professor Lucien!

[Chapter 43-19]

My eyes linger on the man for a few seconds, and I speak hesitantly.

MC: ...I'm sorry, we've interviewed a lot of guests, but what do you mean by "that memory"?

Man: Don't play dumb with me. Remember the elevator malfunction? You approached me to talk about it!

MC: Elevator malfunction…

My hand holding the wine glass tightens slightly, searching for information in my head, and finally, a blurred face emerges in the depths of distant memory.

=Flashback Start=

MC: Hello, I'm a reporter for Miracle Finder. Today I'd like to interview you about the elevator malfunction incident.

Elevator operator: Miracle Finder? Are you talking about that silly program where they go lookin' for superpowers?

Elevator operator: What do you guys know! What do you know?!

Elevator operator: I'm not like you two. I've never used this power! I'm just a normal person. This power has no use to me at all!

=Flashback End=

The air seems to freeze for a moment, and my heartbeat suddenly quickens a little bit.

....The elevator malfunctions incident did occur in Loveland city before it got restarted.

At that time, Lucien and I were following this clue and found Dr. Song, which led to the subsequent events related to the BS.

The person in front of me is actually the elevator operator who was interviewed in that incident...?

A little bit of uneasiness suddenly surges in my heart. I subconsciously look at Lucien beside me and meet his gaze.

He doesn't say anything and just quietly looks at me. A delicate light flows at the bottom of his quiet eyes, inexplicably calming me down.

I take a deep breath, turn to the man, and speak.

MC: I'm sorry. I can't remember which episode I worked with you on, but thank you for your cooperation in the past.

MC: We do often invite passersby to share their views on camera.

MC: I just heard you mention "that memory"…

MC: Coincidentally, our recent program is based on the theme of "memory overlap".

Man: I know, the Mandela effect, right?

Man: My wife and kids think it makes sense, but I don't believe it! That memory is definitely real!

MC: Isn't it a bit too arbitrary for you to say that?

MC: Well, if you don't feel convinced by the perspective of neuroscience, you can follow us later on at…

Man: No need to wait until later. I want to discuss it with you now!

MC: …

Seeing that many people nearby already have eyes on us, I have no choice but to give in.

MC: Well, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

The man licks his lower lip and gestures a little excitedly.

Man: Here's the thing, I always thought my Evol was useless. Until I saw in "that memory" that it could be very strong.

Man: I was skeptical at first, but after using it frequently, as I remembered, my Evol has really improved a lot.

Man: If the memory is truly false, why does it work?

His question is not difficult to explain with Lucien's theory. I ponder for a moment, rub the wine glass and open my mouth.

MC: All abilities can be enhanced with regular use, and Evol is no exception.

MC: Now, there are many TV shows and novels with Evol as the theme. Maybe the images that facilitate your power as you say…

MC: Is it actually the unconscious psychological suggestion from these sources?

Facing my question, the man seems to be momentarily taken aback.

Finally, there is some room for maneuvering in the tense atmosphere. I feel slightly relieved and look at Lucien.

He's looking at me with a faint smile but doesn't approach me. He expresses approval, but it's also as if he's observing something.

A few doubts arise in my mind, and I suddenly hear a cold snort from the man. In the next second, the glass in his hand suddenly floats up.

I instinctively take a half step back as I see the man heavily swing his hand. The glass shot down violently, denting the hard marble floor!

MC: ...!

A sudden sharp sound shatters the tranquility of the hall and quickly ignites the hidden fires surrounding it.

Guests: There are other people here. Can you watch out?

Guests: These Evolver are just too arrogant! If it's anything like that memory-

The man turns a deaf ear to the exclamation around him and just provocatively looks at me.

Man: If it is an ordinary enhancement, you can still use your theory to muddle through.

Man: But my Evol is exactly the same as the picture in my head, no matter the scale of control or the effect… What's going on?

As soon as the man's voice falls, the chatter around the room grows even louder. Countless curious or questioning gazes and whispers almost pin me in place.

Man: Say, Producer, how do you explain this?

My heart surges with a little trepidation. I brace myself and open my lips.

MC: I...

??: If Miss MC doesn't know how to answer, why don't you ask your program consultant to help you explain?

A strong voice abruptly comes from the side, and Leto, dressed in a tuxedo, slowly walks towards me.

MC: What are you doing here…

In the blink of an eye, I always feel that something has gone off the rails where I can't see it, and now I can only watch it continue to move forward.

After Leto finished speaking, Lucien stepped forward, standing and blocking a little in front of me.

Lucien: You just said that Miss Producer and I came to interview you together, right?

Man: Yeah, what's the matter?

Lucien: I remember the first thing I said to you was-

Lucien: "You're just gonna walk away from the problem and abandon your family?"

Lucien cautiously examines the man's eyes and suddenly smiles.

Lucien: It seems that this time, you have a much better life than you remember. I guess you don't have to worry about the compensation anymore.

Along with Lucien's words, the man's eyes grow wider, and his lip trembles.

Man: Professor Lucien, are you telling me that…

Lucien: Yes, what I'm trying to say is that the memory that we all have in our minds is indeed real.

[Chapter 43-20]

Guest A: That memory is real?!

Guest B: ...So that means I can turn over a new leaf?

There was a moment of silence, and then a muffled exclamation of surprise erupted. This time, it was even louder than when I saw the man hit the floor with Evol.

MC: Lucien...?

I widen my eyes in disbelief, looking from Lucien's side profile, slowly fall to the ecstatic crowd, and finally stop at Leto's smile.

What's going on?

Why would Leto come here, and why would Lucien suddenly say such things to everyone when the show is trying to turn the tide?

MC: That's not right! I…

The words that are about to come from my mouth are stopped by a hand. Lucien uses the hand hidden behind him to squeeze my wrist with a firm grip.

And the man, after the initial excitement, raises a new question.

Man: Professor Lucien, why did you give another set of explanations in the program?

Lucien: Well, I would like to ask Mr. Leto to answer this question.

Lucirn raises his other hand to make a gesture of invitation, and the hall is surging with applause. Leto doesn't refuse, smiling, and comes to the center of the crowd.

Leto: Because in this society, only a small percentage of people have brains - that is, those of you whom I have invited to this banquet.

Leto: For most people, life just needs to be stable. As for what the truth is, they don't care about it.

Leto: The TV station and her company have partnered on that program to meet this demand and allow them to move on with their lives peacefully.

Leto: In contrast, you have the power to manipulate society because you have superior information and judgment.

Leto: Everything in the future will depend on your wishes.

Leto: As for what you all are going through, I had the general picture before I came here.

Leto: Please rest assured that I will do everything in my power to help you restore your former lives. The future of this city needs your strength to help build it together…

Under the reflection of the crystal lamp, Leto looks calm and powerful, making people subconsciously want to listen to his words.

As I look at the thunderous applause of the ballroom, I can't stop feeling chills around my body as if an invisible shadow is quietly coalescing.

The attention focus of these guests is no longer on me and Lucien as they surround Leto after he finishes his speech-

After all, in their eyes, Leto is the one who can give them a future.

Looking at the ridiculous scene in front of me, I stiffly raise the corners of my mouth and drink the wine in my glass.

Lucien: (whisper) Your glass is empty. Would you like some more?

I deliberately ignore his words, but my gaze is unrelentingly fixed on him, which in turn makes him chuckle lightly.

Lucien: I hope Mr. Leto is the cause of your anger and annoyance, not me.

He said aggrievedly as if he was being wronged and gently squeezed my fingers. I vent on him by pinching the palm of his hand, and I take a step closer to him.

MC: Are you not going to explain anything?

Lucien: I was going to.

Lucien: I was going to say, if I've upset you so much, would you be willing to give me a chance to explain? At least for the sake of working on your show this month?

MC: Okay, so you have to explain it well.

Lucien deepens his smile. He clasps my hand and pulls me to the corner of the hall.

When the hidden curtain slightly covers the two of us, he speaks in a low voice.

Lucien: I'm sorry. What I just purposely said to that person was a way to reduce the trouble.

MC: Reduce what trouble? It's clearly making more and more trouble…

I still can't understand it, and I turn my face away a little angrily.

MC: You clearly know that…

MC: In addition to solving social problems, I actually want to use the influence of the TV station…

MC: To make people who know Queen's identity doubtful about their memory and won't try to find me.

MC: If these remarks from Leto get out, my previous efforts may be in vain, both for me and for the program…

Lucien puts down his wine glass and approaches me, his body enveloping me from behind.

His cold fingertips gently touch my cheek, silently signaling me to turn around as if to guide me to re-examine everything in front of me.

Lucien: He won't pass it on because he doesn't have the ability to do that yet - and your presence here is proof of that.

MC: And what about the others?

Lucien: These people? You should've found something in common with them.

Lucien: There is a huge difference between their past and present lives.

Lucien: And these people are subconsciously unwilling to accept reality. They will firmly believe that what is in memory is the life they should have.

Lucien: This is human nature. A person instinctively prefers to blame other factors for failure rather than acknowledge it.

Lucien: Whether it's other people, timing… or fate.

Lucien's tail note is slightly raised. All kinds of countenances passed in front of his eyes like a grand farce.

Lucien: Therefore, there is no amount of arguing that will sway them from their point of view. From the very beginning, the outcome of your argument with them is already predetermined.

I open my lips. I always feel that I can't be fully convinced.

It is true that these people already have a predetermined stance. And if I insist on refuting, perhaps just like what Lucien said, it won't change anything…

But at least in front of us, there is another choice than to add fuel to the flames...

Thinking of this, I can't help but look up and stare at him with some annoyance.

MC: So, is this the secret of the banquet that you want to show me?

Lucien: No. At least not exactly.

Apart from a faint smile on Lucien's face, there was also a hint of helplessness.

He slightly leans over and raises his hand to bring my hair to the back of my ear.

Lucien: I want you to see that not everyone has the same stance as you.

Lucien: Different stances pursue their own interests, and from these interests, motives are created.

Lucien: For those who desire peace, there will certainly be those who want to create as much danger as possible. After all, it is in the chaos that many possibilities can emerge.

Lucien: Holding the power that everyone secretly covets and fears, you are bound to become a target.

Lucien: Rather than letting you get hurt and suffer afterward, it is better for you to discover these unsheathed blades in advance.

The distance between us is so close that I can almost see my reluctant expression in Lucien's eyes.

MC: It's my inescapable destiny… Is that what you think?

Lucien: A person's talent will arouse the envy of others. It's not your fault, nor is it the power's fault.

Lucien: But as CORE, you have to face the truth.

Lucien's words were as precise and cold as a scalpel, but his warm fingers kept rubbing my fingertips reassuringly over and over again.

MC: I have one last question… How did you get the invitation to the banquet when Leto doesn't invite irrelevant people?

Lucien: You already have a guess, don't you?

MC: You're working with him?

Lucien: No, it's just a mutual borrowing of "power".

Lucien: Just like how I produce a program with the help of your identity. Except that his ambition is going to be even greater.

I stiffen and raise the corners of my mouth.

MC: It seems that stance is not so important as long as it is useful to you.

Lucien's voice sounds soft as if it is trying to bewitch.

Lucien: That's the more common rule in the shadow of the world.

Lucien: Besides themselves, all a person can rely on is their power.

Lucien: Like being CORE. It is more than a target, it can also attract people to follow behind you.

Lucien: If you take one small step forward, all the dangers now and then will no longer be a threat.

Lucien: Because you can achieve far more than that.

The moonlight is gentle. A thin curtain suddenly fluttered between us, separating our eyes from each other.

I can't see Lucien's face clearly, but I can feel that he is staring intently at me as if waiting for an answer.

Will it be a passive struggle? Or should I take the initiative to get into the center of this vortex?

After a few moments of silence, I raise my hand and brush away the curtain. I take half a step forward and approach Lucien, meeting his gaze straight on.

MC: ...Those who will follow me, will that also include you?

Lucien's voice softens a little.

The moonlight on his face transparently outlines a sense of danger, making it impossible for anyone to move their eyes.

Lucien: (softly) I've been following behind you since a long time ago.

[Lux’s Rambling Corner]

Okay, before I start rambling a little, can I point out how his last sentence is directly referencing this part-

Lucien, a character who usually acts as a guide, letting her to take the lead and makes the decision because he trusts her is always :"""".

I’ll only ramble a little bc Lucien already explains his point, and this official summary already explains it well enough ahah- but I think this is a pretty fun and fluffy chapter. There’s one single knife when MC asks him about his regret, but that’s it~

This batch of chapters opens with Lucien talking with Xiao Yue, which can foreshadow future main story updates.

I love how the first part of the chapter already foreshadows his plan, like MC ‘borrowing’ Lucien’s identity/status. And their talk with the physics student. You can force everyone to have the same point of view. In addition to people wanting peace, some simply want chaos and danger. MC’s program won’t 100% work because they’re trying to hide the truth.

Lucien is very aware of the possible dangers, so he approaches Leto. Offering cooperation so he can have some kind of control over the situation rather than let it develop quietly like what happened in S2 ch 13-14 ((honestly,,,, Leto is a bit dumb for not thinking that MC’s program can be used to filter people LOL)).

In this chap, everyone basically used each other (mutual “borrowing” of power). Lucien used MC’s program to filter out those people and hold his end of the bargain; MC used the TV station’s influence to also protect herself in addition to solving the social issues; and Leto used MC’s program to stabilize the situation. Lucien cooperates with both sides, and they all get what they want, but I think it’s obvious whose side he leans on ahah. After all, even though he appears to support Leto in the banquet, his actual intention is to make her prepare for danger in advance (and lol, the ‘elite people’ that Lucien filters are a bit half-assed >_> 9 out 10 of them feel like they’d easily betray someone if they can).

In terms of dealing with the danger surrounding MC, I think he never really changes from season 1. He consistently advocates taking the first initiative to walk into the game. He trusts that she’s powerful enough to fight the danger. Power isn’t a bad thing, but since it attracts danger, it’s better to change from passive to active. And he always asked her choice again and again whether she wanted to face the truth calmly or to be fully protected by him. Since she chooses the former, he’s willing to accompany her choice by following from behind and becoming her ‘strength’.

#THAT CAR SCENE #is dis really main story #not a date????#mlqc lucien #mr. love queen's choice #mlqc spoiler #mlqc cn #mlqc #it's all according to keikaku #-lucien probably

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liwaywaydreamer · 2 years

Text

WIP idea

Yandere au (Poly BTS x Timetravelling!Reader)

TW: mention of family issues, mental health issues, implied self-harm, yandere behavior, obsession, murder

a/n: I am in no way, shape or form romanticizing any of these. These are dark concepts for a FICTION. Fiction isn’t real. I do not condone any of these acts nor do I believe that any BTS member act this way.

(can you tell that I have favorites?)

The mc is a product of very toxic, abusive family circumstances. She’s got mommy issues, daddy issues, mental health issues, you name it. In short, she’s a troubled woman with dark past and sees everything as meaningless including life, most especially her own. Despite all of that however, she’s extremely self-aware of her beliefs and how destructive those beliefs can be, so even though she doesn’t see any value in life, she understands why people likes to live. Of course they would, how could they not. After getting used to how it feels like to breathe and feel for as long as we live, the sudden change to nothingness can be scary, more so the unfamiliarity it brings. And then there goes the other side of the coin when it comes to death; the probability of heaven, hell, and/or purgatory being real. A lot of people get scared to the thoughts of these things, in fact, it’s so common that we had come to know the realization of these as midlife crisis (although midlife crisis pertains to other things too and not just the fear of death itself). You understand them though. You understand as you fear the same things too, but just a tiny bit different.

You’re not scared whether heaven, hell or complete nothingness waits for you after death, but the idea of everything can cease to exist in just a blink of an eye does. After surfing through the internet for as long as you can remember, there is one quote that had been instilled on your mind: The best way to overcome fear is to face with equanimity the situation of which one is afraid.

And although you’re sure that the quote was thought with good intentions, you were never taught to cope nor deal with your emotions. As such, you took it the only way you know how— literally.

With what you had come to be, and with all your demented logic and reasonings, you faced your fears.

You stared directly at the grim reaper’s eyes as you killed over and over again those who you deemed deserving of such fate. You don’t kill the innocents, and you never once thought of harming a touch of a child’s hair. You pick the rapists, the corrupt, the greedy, and then suddenly the thing that you once feared of became something that you enjoy.

But you’re not the hero, nor do you think of yourself as the villain. You’re just someone with a different moral compass than what the majority have, seeing the world what it truly is. Cruel. But as luck have it, you’re not one to be seen as a common person, and whatever supernatural being that protects the world knows that too as you were given the right and the power to travel through time. Although they told you that you can never change anything in the past as it can drastically affect the future, and that you would know for what purpose exactly you were given this power, but you call bs on that. Whoever or whatever being gave this to you, they would surely know who you are. They know what you are capable of, and to poke the bear in giving you opportunity to change things for you?

Who are you to say no?

Comes the year 1888, where Jack the Ripper had ran amok the dark night and killed many women. To help with your disguise, you were given the identity of a detective tasked to finally unmask the scum. But you’re not going to make a bait of yourself in order to coax him out of the hole the criminal is hiding in, nor do you want to kill him too, as by doing so you’re only stepping the line of true hypocrisy.

No, as you would do much worse.

You’d taunt him by killing the opposite of his targets. As he kills poor women, you’d kill rich men. And while he does it bloody, you’d do it cleanly, made it that nothing would scream murder other than the chrysanthemum flowers that surround the body and the farewell letters you’ve prepared. And although your goal was to allure the so-called Jack the Ripper, unbeknownst to you that you had done much worse.

------

(whatcha think)

(wanted to title this as “Flower of Evil” coz ykyk but lemme know if you have something better)

(also, sorry if I still haven’t updated My Savior. I was busy with college and it gave me a hard time trying to figure out how should I word things.)

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ladylamrian · 3 months

Note

Hii 🥰

I‘m back with some questions 😍

So I was wondering if there are any Halloween traditions your MC / Li loves to celebrate. Whether it’s from their childhood or from their adulthood.

If they have any special Halloween traditions what are they? And how do they celebrate?

The Haunted House

Female Main Character: Alex

Pairing: F!MC×NikRyder (Nightbound)

Summary: Alex's first Halloween in New Orleans

Characters: F!MC, Nik Ryder, Cal Lowell, Katherine, Vera Reimonenq and more...

Word Count: 3.1K words

Rating: Teen

Warnings: none

-> My complete Nightbound Masterlist <-

Taglist: @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @secretaryunpaid ; @jdstar88 ; @blackcatkita ; @lilyoffandoms ; @liviusofpella ; @mxdanni ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @tessa-liam ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch

Author's note: Old Halloween fic rewritten. Sorry @peonierose for taking so long with your request. I find it weird posting it near spring. But your questions get answered in this fanfic regarding Halloween traditions, costumes, etc.

Poll added in the end of the fic. You don't have to read the full fanfic, just cast your vote 🎃

Comments via Reblog wholeheartly welcome

"Tomorrow is Halloween!!", Alex excitedly squeaked.

"So what?"

"So what? You're asking me this, Nik? Tomorrow is Halloween! We're in New Orleans, Nik! We should part'ay!!!! Party time, wohooo!!", Alex got excited and jumped around. But Nik immediatly stopped her by gently grabbing her by the shoulders and trying to turn her attention to him. Both were now facing eachother.

"Look, I love you. I care about you and your happiness, but please don't go outside. Not on Halloween night.", he frowned.

"Oh, why that?"

"It's that night of the year and the only night of the year where supernatural beeings are free. Vampires, werewolves, goblins, trolls and other beeings can stroll around in the city without hiding their identity from humans. No glamour spell needed. You won't be able to identify if the person in front of you is a human in a vampire costume or even a real vampire."

"Oh, that's interesting. I didn't know. So what do you even do on Halloween? I mean, I always dressed up and went on parties with Kristin. And you're never too old for trick-or-treats, right?"

"I hate Halloween...", Nik sneered.

"I know!! I know!! Just like your Birthday, and Christmas, and..."

"No, rook!! It's not that. Sure I'm no festive guy, but Halloween means a lot work for nighthunters. Making sure nobody gets hurt, protect innocent beeings and...", he stopped, but still holding the eye contact with her. He gently took her hand in his.

"What is it, Nik?", Alex asked.

"Look, I can't tell you what you can do and what not. Just don't get in danger, rook. I would die if something happened to you. Please, I already lost so much. You're my everything now."

"I know, Nik. I'll be careful. I promise.", she moved closer towards him. Their lips almost touching as they embrace themselves without breaking their eye-contact to eachother.

"But Nik..."

"Hmm?", he softly stroked her cheek with love.

"Can we both at least dress up? Halloween couple custumes. We'll be the most hottest and scariest couple eveeeerr. I'm sorry, but Kristin spoiled me so much already, so we have to do this. We'll make everyone's mouth fall. Best couple custumes ever!!!!"

"Please nooo...", he moved back and immediately disagreed.

"We could dress up as a royal fae couple since I'm already fae royalty."

"Ehhhh..."

"Orrr superheroes? Oh yes, you'll be be Green Arrow since you own real arrows already and I'll be Black Canary then.

"Cool, cool, but definitly a NO."

Hmmm, do want something more spooky? Oh, oh, oh, new idea!!! We'll be the hottest nighthunter couple ever!!!", she excitedly squeaked.

"Well, dressing up as a nighthunter will be definitly easy for me.", he chuckled and planted a sweet kiss on her cheek.

"So it's done? You and me as nighthunters."

"Well, actually... You can dress up if you want. Wear anything you want, you'll look stunning anyways. I personally don't want to. I'm sorry.", he apologized.

"Hmmmm, it's alright. Don't worry, Nik. I just got a bit overly excited. That's alright, you should feel comfortable and if you don't want to dress up, then that's acceptable. You care about me and I care about you.", her lips slowly curved into a small smile.

"Thanks for understanding, rook."

The next day, in the late afternoon...

"Oooooh, someone's scared of ghosts and monsters. Be careful little children, or else they take your candy away.", a blonde guy with sunglasses laughed at the friends group which was gathered at Garrus's bar, the Graveyard Shift.

"Chance, I think it's enough now. If they don't want to celebrate Halloween then it's their decision.", his friend, Garrett wispered to him to avoid any trouble.

"Oh yeah, everyone in New Orleans loves parties and celebrations. I think they're just afraid..."

"Hey, I like parties!! Plus, I'm not afraid and neither are my friends. I mean, they even saved my life from a..."

"Rookie!", Nik interrupted Alex, who immediatly covered her mouth before she could spill out the secret about the World of Night to Chance and Garrett. It was a world full of magic, supernatural creatures and other paranormal beeings. Vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, faes, trolls, unicorns, shapeshifters, wizards, goblins and whatsoever.

Humans shouldn't be aware of it, because that would harm the balance of both worlds, the World of Night and the World of Day in which humans live their daily and normal life and are unaware about the other side. And this is the duty of the Nighthunters, to keep both worlds safe from the evil and the World of Night among with all the supernatural beeings hidden from the human eye.

"Your friends saved you from what?", Garrett asked confused.

"Uhhhh, they... they saved me from... a spider?!!", Alex answered embarrased which made Chance laugh again.

She was annoyed at him and wanted to prove him wrong, tell him that her friends are brave, but she cannot tell him all about their dangerous adventures and missions they had. Hunting monsters, killing a bloodwraith, her fae powers, messing around with a whole werewolf pack and Lady Smoke, an assasian leader who can kill someone by touching them with only her bare palms. Even her friends didn't payed attention at Chance's words because they knew that he wasn't aware about the truth and they better let him joke around than expose everything. The World of Night has to stay hidden no matter what!!

"Whatever losers, stay at home while Garrett and I spook around the city tonight on Halloween. Our costumes are going to be the best.", Chance told them while Garrett made an apologetic look on his face.

"Chance, I'm not afraid!!", Katherine argued and balled her hands into fists while Cal and Nik agreed to her.

"Chance, Garrett, you two are tourists in this city and I was born here. Don't take it so easy, you never know..."

"Then why aren't you all joining us for Halloween night if you're not afraid of anything? Ooooh, I have a better idea. I'm challeging you all to spend one night in that haunted house at the end of this road."

"First of all, it's the warehouse where they keep the Mardi Gras floats and second point, it's not haunted. Understood, Chance?", Katherine explained.

"Of course it is."

"No."

"You're all just scared..."

"No, we're not."

"Of course, women are always scared and need a man."

"NO, I'M NOT SCARED!!! Scared isn't even in my vocabulary, Chance and I'm gonna prove it.", Katherine stood up from the bar stool and glared at the boys.

"Yeah, how dare you call us women scared?!! I'm with Katherine.", Vera called and stood up to stand next to her friend, the huntress.

"Seriously man, that was so low. I'm joining to support the girls.", Cal answered and Garrett agreed on his opinion that Chance went a little too far.

"I'm coming with you all too. How can Kristin even like you, Chance?", Alex replied.

"Guess, if you all are going then I have to come too.", Nik rolled his eyes. And with that, everyone accepted the challenge to spend one night in the warehouse of the city. The very same warehouse where the gang tried to kill their enemy and villain, Thomas.

It was in the middle of full moon night and a light fog had settled. Except of the several Mardi Gras floats and creepy carnival decorations, the house looked almost empty inside as Alex, Nik, Vera, Cal and Katherine watched the building. Chance and Garrett came along too, both dressed up as vampires. They were all dressed up for Halloween which was part of the deal Chance made. Cal had a duffel bag hanging across his shoulders which contained warm blankets, food and other important items they might need.

"Hey, we were supposed to dress up for Halloween. Where are your customes?", Alex asked the hunters and Cal.

She and Vera looked like the only ones dressed up. Alex was wearing an armour from the Fae realm which made her almost look like the warrior queen from a fantasy book about dragons, while Vera looked like a beautiful and elegante witch lady. Her black, long gloves matched with the long, black dress she was wearing, she even wore a black cape and a pointed hat with a large, round, flat rim.

"I decided to dress up as Katherine.", Katherine explained and grinned. Cal explained Chance and Garret that his werewolf costume was inside his duffle bag and that he'll wear it later.

"Only children dress up for Halloween.", Nik snorted and decided to get closer to an fallen elevator shaft.

Unpleasant memories hit Alex, she remembered how she and Nik were trying to fight Thomas and at the end, the elevator shaft crashed where Thomas was inside. At that time they thought he died, but he didn't. Alex's thoughts got interrupted as Chance began to explain some rules.

"So you'll spend the whole night in this building and won't leave it or else, you'll lose. If you lose, you're all scared and have to pay our drinks at the Graveyard Shift for a whole month."

"You want the free drinks?", Cal laughed.

"I'm not finished, man. The drinks and the girls! The girls have to hang out with us, right Garrett?"

"Uhhh, you better not..."

"Don't worry Garrett, my friends and I aren't afraid. Chance is gonna lose this bet.", Alex replied with confidence and her friends agreed to her.

"Nice.", Chance grinned and admired the dynamic.

"Hey, don't you dare to look at rookie like this?!!", Nik angrily warned him while Cal began to ball his hands into fists too.

"Woah, I wasn't looking at her. How should you know where I'm looking with the sunglasses I wear?"

"Jeeez, why are you even wearing them at night? Whatever. Now leave, we know the rules. Not leaving the mansion till sunrise.", Katherine explained. And with that, both guys dressed as vampires left the old warehouse and the gang was ready to spend the night inside it. The very same warehouse which held terrible memories for Alex.

After Chance and Garrett left, the five were busy preparing everything for their sleepover in the old building. Spreading their sleeping bags on the floor and eating the tasty food which Cal prepared for everyone.

"Hey, let's do something fun. Afterall, it's our first sleepover party together. Who wants to sing with me?", Vera suggested and turned on some music.

"🎼 Salt on your skin and stars in your eyes. You're close in the darkness and I'm all out of lies..."

"Or how about some spooky ghost stories?", Katherine suggested and turned the music off. Everyone agreed, but Alex was feeling very unsure.

"Hmmm, I don't know. You know what happened last year here and this place is scary enough already at night. It's like the Mardi Gras carnival puppets are watching us.", Alex replied.

"You scared, sweety?"

"What, Katherine? Me and scared? Naaaah, I was just saying. The sooner we sleep, the sooner we can wake up and leave this place.", she nervously laughed to cover her fear which made Nik suspicious.

"Rookie, you can go home if you're..."

"And leave you all here alone?!! No way, Nik!!! Have you seen how Chance laughed at as? Why weren't you saying something to him?"

"Sometimes sayin' nothin' is the best thing you can do, rook. Chance doesn't know about our truth and the supernatural world. I just ignored his trash talk."

"Let's not talk about Mr. Sunglasses. Who wants to hear a spooky story?", Katherine asked the gang again.

BANG!

"What was that?!"

"How should I know? Let's head upstairs and check."

"Maybe it was just the wind."

"Heeyy, who stole my sleeping bag? It was there a few minutes ago.", Cal asked everyone, but no one knew.

"I thought wolves sleep on the floor", Nik chuckled but no one was laughing at his joke. Cal let out an annoyed groan at the hunter, so Nik apologized. "Okay, sorry 'bout that. Cal, it was supposed be a tiny joke to cheer ya' up. But seriously, I swear I have no idea where your sleeping bag is. I'm no tiny child who would hide anyone's things. We're all adults, so I'm askin' everyone now... Who the hell took Cal's sleeping bag?!!"

But no one knew about the sleeping bag. Cal checked in his duffle bag more than twice now just in case if he put it back inside it, but his green sleeping bag was gone. No where to be found while everyone else sleeping bags were spread on the floor.

"No one will hate anyone, just give Cal's sleeping bag back to him and let us forget all this.", Vera suggested but still no clue about the missing item.

"First the scream and now an missing item? I say there's someone or something inside this house too. Let's all look around and find Cal's sleeping bag."

"No Katy, you stay here with the girls. Lemme and Cal check.", Nik suggested and both men went upstairs.

"Hey, I'm coming too.", Alex decided all of a sudden and quickly ran after them before Katherine and Vera could stop her.

"It's too dark. Cal, give me a flashlight!", Nik commanded him as they were wandering in the halls of the old, secluded building. A bright light appeared which lightened their way through the dark.

"Thanks, bro."

"Ummm, that wasn't me."

Surprised, they turned around and found Alex using her fae magic to create a magical light prism which floated over her palm to lighten their path.

"My fae powers are getting better every time I train them and I thought I might help you with this", she proudly explained until a female voice called from behind her.

"Don't run away like this from us, Alex!", Katherine shouted at her as she and Vera were coming from behind, running after her. Cal handed the rest of the group the flashlights from his duffle bag, now that everyone of them are gathered around.

"Hey, what're y'all doin' here?! Haven't I told you to stay downstairs? Oh wait, no one listens to me, right?!!", Nik annoyingly replied to himself and continued with the search, the group close behind him.

Almost 20 minutes have passed when the group was searching for anyone else beeing inside the building, but no sign.

"I think no is in there, we're the only ones here.", Katherine informed and suggested to go back, until a terrifying scream errupted. Vera and Alex quickly hid behind Cal who was the tallest of the group while Nik and Katherine were standing in a fighting stance and ready to face whatever it was. The scream was so load that it was hard to tell from which way it came from, but then total silence appeared.

"What was that?", Vera asked and slowly stepped out behind Cal, followed by Alex. Cal, their werewolf friend sniffed the air. "I... I smell something, guys. It smells familar and also very annoyingly", he claimed.

"So whatever that is, we're definitly not dealin' with ghosts and spirits. I say, let's split up and...", Nik wanzed to suggest until Alex interrupted.

"No Nik, splitting up is always bad, we will stick close together. Don't you watch horror movies??!"

"My life is just like a horror movie.", Katherine wispered to herself and before Nik could say anything else, Alex started searching for something.

"What're you doin'?"

"In horror movies, secret tunnels are always behind shelves and stuff. Maybe there are secret passages since we couldn't find anyone in this building. And besides, Cal could smell that there is definitly someone or something here."

"Rookie, can we not base our decisions on what does and doesn't happen in a horror mov...?"

"I found something, guys!! A secret tunnel, Alex was right!!", Vera shouted before Nik could even complete his own sentence.

After Vera was moving an old painting on the wall, a secret tunnel revealed which took everyone's breath away. Even Nik's while Alex was smugly grinning at him to show him that she was right. There are secret tunnels in this building!!! One by one, everyone climbed inside and was following the path inside the tunnel. Light was appearing at the end of the tunnel, which meant that the gang wasn't alone. Before they could reach the end, Nik suddenly stopped his friends and began to wisper.

"It might be dangerous, so I say that y'all stay here. Lemme check first what's on the other side."

"No need to play the hero, I'm coming with you, Nik. Besides, two are better than one.", Katherine argued and both hunters went deeper inside. It was time to face what lies on the other side, while Alex, Vera and Cal silently watched them go.

"I hope they'll be safe.", Alex hoped.

"Me too.", Cal replied.

"Me three.", Vera joined.

"Ahhhhh!"

After hearing a scream coming from the other side, Alex, Vera and Cal quickly rushed inside to see what's happening. When they entered, they saw Nik and Katherine punching two figures, who were wearing masks to cover their faces. One of them was holding Cal's green sleeping bag.

"You ugly bastard!! How dare ya'? No one messes up with me and my crew.", Nik shouted at one of the figures and continued with punching.

"Hey, stop!! I wanna punch too!!", Alex protested and began delivering a few more punches and even a kick which hurt the most. The masked figure let out a painful cry.

"Stop, please!! I'm sorry!! I give up and you all win. I yield!!", the masked figure answered with a familiar voice.

"That voice? It sounds familiar and somehow annoying. Wait, Chance??"

Alex guessed right, the masked figures were no other than Chance and Garrett who were trying to spook around and scare the group. Chance gave Cal his sleeping bag back after both of them unmasked their faces.

"I told you this was a bad idea, Chance. We shouldn't mess up with others. Guys, we're sorry. You won the bet!!", Garrett declared.

"Dang, these punches hurt. Weren't you all scared at all? What are you all? Agents? Super-humans? Are you working for the army or what?", Chance asked and let out a painful cry.

"That's right, don't mess up with Alex and her awesome friends!! Also, sorry for the kick.", Alex replied and gave everyone a high-five and fist-bump.

"So you two stole Cal's sleeping bag and did that load noise, huh?"

After hearing Katherine's question, Chance and Garrett exchanged uneasy glances.

"What load noise?"

BANG!

"That load noise? That wasn't us. What was that?", Chance nervously asked.

BANG!

BANG! BANG! BANG!!!

"Guess, we have another mystery to solve. Let's find out who else is here.", Nik smirked.

"I'm getting Scooby Doo vibes here.", Alex giggled and everyone accepted to dive into their new mysterious adventure while Chance and Garrett already made their escape.

"Let's get out of here, Garrett. Hurry!"

"I'm coming, Chance!"

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