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dark-night-star-light · 1 year

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Spirit Animals: Wild Born (Reread pt. 1)

DISCLAIMER: WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR BOOKS ONE THROUGH SEVEN.

Masterpost

Chapter 1

" . . . and Conor was the third son of Fenray, Herder of Sheep" (1). Conor is actually hilarious, you guys.

There's a dark-skinned guy at Conor's ceremony, and I can't remember??? Who it is??? I don't think it's Tarik???

"Eyes closed, Devin tilted his face skyward" (8). He is literally such a drama queen.

"Whatever the taste, sampling the Nectar would officially mark the end of his childhood" (9). Aren't they??? Eleven???

*narrator voice* It was, in fact, Tarik.

Chapter 2

How did Abeke learn to shoot/hunt if women are scorned for it? Nobody in her village approved. Who taught her??? Did she teach herself? She's literally so talented.

"The Nectar tasted like unheated soup, the kind her mother used to make with crushed nuts" (19). So the Nectar doesn't necessarily taste sweet, just whatever the recipient thinks of as tasty.

"'A traveler like me hails from all corners'" (23), "'These rumors are the groans of a dam about to burst'" (23). Zerif talking in riddles to make himself seem smarter is so funny.

"Did he want to be rid of her? Would he act so eager if Soama had summoned this leopard?" (24). My. Heart.

Chapter 3

"None of the boys actually knew her" (29). Ohhhhhh yeah, you have no idea.

Lenori herself came to Meilin's ceremony??? Wow. Literally do not remember that.

"The warm fluid was bitter to her tongue - it took some effort to avoid gagging" (32). I kind of wonder if Meilin ever wondered why the Nectar was called the Nectar between now and the end of Against the Tide. Didn't she ever question it?

I did not remember the invasion being this abrupt???

"The Devourer was a legend from the past, a monster in nursery stories" (37). Do normal people think that the First Devourer War was just a myth? They don't, like, talk about it during history class or something? Huh.

I don't remember the battle being this long, either.

Chapter 4

" . . . the life of a friend outweighed some rule" (44). I forgot Rollan had friends on the street. Didn't it mention in later books that he had no friends and never trusted anybody? Maybe I'm wrong.

"'Maybe you could get creative? You know, to help stop a kid from dying?'" (45). Woah, Rollan tamp down on the passive-aggressiveness.

"Rollan decided he could stop licking Mr. Valdez's boots" (46). My guy, you stopped doing that a long time ago.

"'Actually, I'm a lost prince. If you take me back to Eura, my father will reward you'" (49). This guy really needs to stop being so passive-agressive.

"'People don't bond with insects'" (51). Why not?

"'That was quite a speech'" (51). Congrats, Rollan, you've graduated from passive-agressive to sarcastic.

I thought Rollan got his Nectar from Zerif???

Never mind, here comes Zerif.

Olvan??? Is here???

Chapter 5

"What if she had missed her chance finally to fit in?" (60). Abeke's father is psychologically abusive.

I never realized how much the Conquerors all . . . spoke the truth? Like technically, nothing Zerif said was false, it was just manipulative. Shane is the same way.

Speaking of which! Shane!

"'Spirit animals always arrive as adults'" (62). What happens if your spirit animal has the lifespan of a mayfly? It'll be dead in 0.4 seconds. Or do spirit animals have longer-than-average lifespans?

" . . . he had bashfully shown her the hint of a mark high on his chest" (63). Wow, that's pretty manipulative of Shane. Also, how did Abeke not find it suspicious that she didn't get to see the full thing?

"She lunged and stabbed hard, hoping to catch him off guard" (64). One of my pet peeves in books is when characters stop fighting to talk. Abeke using this to her advantage is so smart.

I forgot about Shane's pretend assassin. Honestly, I don't get why Abeke is so mad. Like, she demonstrated her abilities well? And, it proved she had skill in actual combat. But I guess it's like an honor thing?

Abeke! Is the first! Of the four! To summon her spirit animal into passive state! Even before Meilin, and she had Bile!

Chapter 6

Wow, Conor accepted the green cloak almost immediately. That's a bit strange, considering he never seemed to express any desire for it until now.

" . . . and he realized her shy smile was practiced" (71). Rollan being able to tell Meilin's "alternate personality" is completely fake without even saying a word to her is actually kind of iconic.

" . . . Meilin asked, speaking Common" (72). I'm guessing Common is like English.

"'Which is the lie?' Meilin asked. 'That you were in jail, or that you were there for stealing medicine?' Rollan shrugged. 'You got me. I'm actually Olvan's son. He's having me spy on you.'" (74). Rollan and Meilin enemies(?) to lovers arc, my beloved.

"It was Conor!" (78). The excessive use of exclamation points in this book is so strange.

Rollan judging people be like: you're either stupid, or not stupid. You're either rich, or not rich.

"'I never asked for my own Great Beast, but it happened, and now the Greencloaks need my help to protect the world'" (80). Am I the only one that thinks that's a flimsy justification? Conor's pretty gullible. Can't he help the Greencloaks without joining them? It's not like they'd ditch him by the side of the road.

"'That means they're using me and that makes me cautious'" (81). Exactly. It's pretty cool how a middle-grade series like this has morally gray "good guys".

"'I hear they like flowers'" (82). Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, Conor and Rollan talking about girls.

Chapter 7

"Had they discussed her in private?" (84). Meilin's brain 95% of the time: Zhong is under attack. How do I help my father? These idiots shouldn't have brought me here! I want to fight by his side! Meilin's brain the remaining 5% of the time: Did they talk behind my back about me?

"That might explain why Conor was good at it - she doubted his problem would be too much thought" (87). Oof, both Rollan and Meilin think Conor is stupid.

"Had the boys practiced? Probably" (87). Meilin is so flustered, it's funny.

"Maybe she was the one unable to receive the cues" (88). I'll say.

"Her father had always told her to keep her abilities private so she could surprise adversaries in times of need" (88). Wait, wait, wait. Does Meilin see Conor and Rollan as adversaries?

"'I didn't live in a palace'" (90). No, of course not. It was only a mansion.

"'A slow orphan ends up in jail.' 'Weren't you just in jail?'" (90). Rollan/Meilin banter is literally carrying this book, in my humble opinion.

"'We have to use you correctly . . . '" (94). Tarik, you're proving Rollan's point about the Greencloaks.

Meilin at the end of that chapter is lowkey toxic towards Jhi?

Chapter 8

So far, it's pretty clear that Abeke is the only one that regards her spirit animal as a friend. (Conor hasn't had a POV besides the summoning one yet.)

"'A dose is a dose. The amount don't matter'" (101). So a drop is the same as a liter?

"'They're trying to find a replacement for the Nectar. They try out their concoctions in secret'" (106). Shane's telling half-truths again.

Chapter 9

"Conor was very conscious of her heightened interest. Didn't she ever blink?" (110). See? He's not stupid.

"'The wolf seems to agree,' Lenori said. Briggan barked, making Conor jump" (111). My personal headcanon: Briggan hates being called "the wolf".

Ah, vague prophetic dreams, my enemy.

Seriously don't remember Conor doing the waking dream thing???

Olvan referring to the world as "the four nations" is just. So ouch. Like, oof for Stetriol. I wonder if Olvan knows about Stetriol? Probably, right?

"' . . . the Great Beasts are a strange group . . . '" (116). Wow, just gonna say that in front of three of the Four Fallen? Okay.

"'The events surrounding the Great Beasts are often dismissed as legend' . . . 'I heard about that from my nanny'" (116). LMFAO. Also, I guess the Great Beasts are kind of like gods?

"'Whether we're up against the same Devourer who leveled much of Erdas long ago . . . '" (117). Do they actually think the Devourer is immortal?

Wow, that was a lot of info-dumping. At least they saved it for the middle to not overwhelm the reader at the beginning. That was a good choice.

"Who did Rollan think he was? What kind of reward did he expect?" (119). Um, Rollan kind of actually has a point, though?

Chapter 10

" . . . Amaya, the New Lands" (123). Why is Amaya called the New Lands? It's already established that it was there during the first Devourer War, which was a long time ago, so why???

"'I want to like you too'" (123). Ouch.

Why didn't Jhi tell Meilin about the Bile bonding during the dream? Maybe the dream wasn't a real connection between Jhi and Meilin? But, if it was, couldn't Jhi have warned Meilin about the Bile bond?

"Jhi felt warm and perfect" (126). Ayyyyyy.

Chapter 11

"Who were they, and why did they leave Uraza so agitated?" (128). Can Great Beasts sense a Bile bond?

"'I know it is rare across the rest of Erdas, but in Stetriol, summoning a saltwater crocodile is no cause for astonishment . . . '" (130). Kind of want a fic of a random (non-Stetriolan) person summoning a saltwater crocodile and being shunned for it. People compare them to the Devourer and eventually they work their way up to success. (This is before the main story takes place, by the way.)

"This information was new to her, but she supposed it was all plausible" (131). I'm surprised she bought it that quickly??? I don't know, it seems like if you didn't know about the existence of Stetriol, you'd probably be skeptical . . .

"'How awful! Your bonding . . . ' 'Occurred without any Nectar'" (132). Wow, Shane is really good at the whole half-truth thing.

Well, that was also a shit ton of info-dumping. At least it wasn't at the beginning.

I forgot the talismans could only be used by the Marked . . .

"'What about the men who were making monsters?'" (134). Legit do not remember a single thing about this plotline. What happens to them? The substance is Bile, right?

Chapter 12

" . . . Rollan could renounce his rewards and take up the green cloak instead" (137). The deal Olvan makes with Rollan is so weird . . . shouldn't Rollan get a manor and money even if he does become a Greencloak?

So Amaya is the New Lands and Zhong is the Walled Lands. Huh. Must've completely blocked that out on my first time through.

"'Some former Greencloaks hold grudges'" (139). Why, though? Were they forcibly released?

"'Never out of shame or to win favor'" (139). If I'm not wrong, this has some reason to do with why Rollan eventually joins the Greencloaks? I don't know, may not be remembering right.

"'Go drink your Nectar!'" (142). This might be the funniest way I've ever heard someone try to insult a Greencloak.

Tarik started throwing punches???

Okay, I apparently thought that Monte and Barlow were actually Greencloaks, but apparently they're former Greencloaks. Why does Monte hate the Greencloaks, then?

Chapter 13

"To think the man behind the counter had been one of the pair they were looking for!" (144). The exclamation point makes Conor sound so innocent.

"Barlow's laugh subsided, but his heavy shoulders kept heaving. He wiped a tear from his eye'" (145). Wow, he managed to produce a tear? That's good.

" . . . Conor said, aware that the animals had made an impact on the two explorers" (147). Yeah, I wonder why.

"' . . . With the animals they have, they'll be formidable.' Conor couldn't help feeling a little inflated by the praise" (150). But . . . he didn't really praise the kids, he praised their animals???

Barlow has a point about Greencloak child soldiers. I don't think this problem ever gets fixed??? Like, they should stop sending kids on quests and instead train them. Or, even better, they can have the kids do the Nectar ceremonies. That way, the kids can stay in their homes, not be separated from their families, do a job that will boost that pre-teen ego, and still stay out of danger.

Chapter 14

"She . . . could not help feeling that to praise the magnificence of this wilderness would somehow diminish her and her homeland" (153). Girl, it's not a competition.

I wonder how everyone else reacted to Meilin's sleepwalking episode in the middle of the woods. Did they even realize it happened? Also Jhi knows their bond is a Bile bond, right? So why didn't she try to warn Meilin?

"'Essix votes for Meilin'" (159). It's a good thing they had Essix endorse Meilin, because it would've been weird if they just let Meilin carry the fight without anyone supporting her stance.

How does Essix know about Meilin's skills? Is it just intuition???

I wouldn't really say Meilin is arrogant, but she is sure of her abilities. Like, she never lets overconfidence get the best of her? It's great. Overly cocky characters suck.

"No! Such doubts were poison. She had to keep her head" (161). I remember this scene so vividly, it's honestly iconic.

"Meilin knew what spots on the thigh would provide maximum discomfort . . . " (162). Yeah, get him.

" . . . she knew how to focus her blows . . . " (163). Hell, yeah.

She beat him so bad. Eleven to zero. Kind of unrealistic that he didn't even get her once, though.

Chapter 15

" . . . Rollan wondered, rising to cross to his horse" (164). When is the iconic Rollan-horse rivalry going to begin? So far, he seems to be on good terms with his horse, and it's been weeks.

"Conor shrugged. 'If we want the talisman'" (165). He's so straightforward, it's great.

Genuinely forgot how good Rollan and Conor's friendship was in this book. Like, it was actually good before Hunted's ending ruined it.

Conor and Rollan are once again talking about Meilin behind her back, except this time Meilin could actually overhear them.

"Rollan couldn't believe this was becoming a competition. 'Look, my terrible childhood is all I've got! Don't you dare try to top it'" (167). LMFAO.

Rollan and Essix bonding moment, my beloved.

" . . . they reached a precarious stretch where the horses could not pass" (173). What did they do with them, then? Did they just leave them on top of a mountain?

Arax is actually not that bad of a Great Beast, like when he thought they came for advice, he just gave it freely, without asking for anything.

Chapter 16

"'I like the color of your cloak, Rollan'" (180). Zerif really thinks he's smarter than he is.

"'Abeke!' Meilin called . . . " (180). HOW DOES MEILIN KNOW ABEKE'S NAME??? PLOTHOLE???

"The tension between [Briggan and Uraza] made Meilin ready her quarterstaff" (180). Why is there tension??? They're friends???

Meilin assuring Conor! Bonding moment!

Jhi just made a cougar fall asleep and Meilin's reaction is "Better than nothing"???

"Uraza snarled, batting at [Essix] with lethal paws" (183). WHY IS URAZA FIGHTING THEM???

Seriously, how does Meilin know Abeke's name? It's never been mentioned to her.

I forgot that Shane is a way better fighter than Meilin. And Rollan. Combined.

Chapter 17

"Shane fought a Zhongese girl who was putting up surprising resistance considering how young and small she looked" (185). Shane is only a year older, though???

"Then a boy with Shane's wolverine dangling from his arm tackled Shane from behind" (187). Rollan???

*narrator voice* It was, in fact, Rollan.

Arax kept his talisman in a box??? For real???

Barlow throwing Arax off a cliff is so iconic.

"A stab in the back. The lowest blow one could deliver" (193). Abeke's sense of honor is so opposite to Meilin's (Meilin is all take whatever advantage you can get). Would've been interesting if they had used that to fuel their antagonism, somehow.

Aw, Meilin cries at Barlow's death.

Barlow and Monte giving more-than-friends energy.

"'If it can be managed, dispose of me in a green cloak'" (194). Okay, what??? Barlow spent no time even seeming to warm up to them, though??? Like I get he used to be one, but it's still weird considering his animosity toward them???

"'The trick will be getting him to the horses'" (195). Okay, so they didn't abandon the horses.

Chapter 18

"Monte had traveled with them . . . to renew his vows" (196). Again, it really feels like we went from the pair not liking the Greencloaks to immediately being chill with them???

Passive! State! Briggan!

"Meilin and Abeke were with him, wearing their green cloaks" (197). Abeke became a Greencloak immediately, too? I guess it makes sense . . . she needs their trust. Also, all the four first moment!

"Direct conversation with Meilin tended to fluster him" (198). Cinnamon roll, who?

"'I respect you three for joining . . . Especially you, Abeke'" (198). So Rollan was a-okay with Abeke in the first book, but in the second, he's not???

Also, a long paragraph like that feels so . . . off for Rollan??? I don't know how to describe it.

Chapter 19

Wombats freed Gerathon??? Don't remember this.

"As promised, it had finally been delivered to him. Years of work would culminate tonight" (200). I'm pretty sure the guy is Zerif. Did the key come from Halawir???

"They were in thrall to the presence beneath the mound" (201). Can Great Beasts control normal animals???

This guy is for sure being controlled by Gerathon's "pull" or whatever.

Oh, wait. I'm pretty sure Gerathon eats this guy.

Final thoughts and rating:

The writing was pretty good, I feel, except for some weird grammar here and there, like missing commas, but I can forgive that. The formal tone really sets you in the world, so I thought that was good. The way the worldbuilding was done is also really good, they save the majority of the info-dumps for the middle part, after the reader has a good feel for the world. Definitely a good choice. I feel like the book towed the line between emotional and logical, so that's good. Nobody acted unbearably stupid, always a plus. Also, I really like how they excluded any scenes that weren't strictly necessary, because I feel like a lot of authors nowadays feel the need to drag out their books so much???

I will say the death of Barlow plays into a trope where a character will be introduced more than halfway through only to be killed at the end, which I think is a pretty cheap way to generate emotion. I think it would've hit harder if he'd been there since the beginning and then gotten killed? Or if he'd had a stronger bond with them? Meilin knowing Abeke's name is definitely a plot hole, Barlow and Monte warmed way too easily to the Greencloaks, and Rollan definitely seemed out of character at the end.

Rating: 8/10

#draeyem rereads spirit animals #wild born #spirit animals series #spirit animals books #sa spoiler #abeke #conor #meilin #rollan #tarik #shane #zerif

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tsuki-sennin · 1 year

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We've survived the highs and lows of Jyama Ball, but we're only a little bit closer to discovering who the Desaster is. If they go undiscovered to the final round, they win the game outright and get their ideal world. And with the mysterious executives, Keiwa, Neon, and Ace's respective sponsors, Archimedel, and Buffa all making their moves, something tells me the real game is only beginning.

...more importantly than any of that though, where the Hell are we headed now?! Why are there BOMBS everywhere? What do the Jyamato even have to gain from these constant invasions other than food and conquest?

All these questions and more... probably not answered today, but like, important to keep in mind.

Spoilers, I guess...

-Neooooon!

-Neon, baby, if you're the impostor I'm gonna cry.

-Good morning Chirami.

-Oh okay, we're supposed to become fan favorite. I see.

-Well, from what I've seen from the fandom as of yesterday, a number of folks have taken very kindly to Sae-san (rightfully so), so if this were the real world she'd probably win this. Doubly so if she's the Desaster.

-Oh shit! Sara-neesan!

-...oh, she's... she's fine, seemingly.

-Can't cut a pineapple smh.

-Bomb Pineapple!

-Ohhhh, we're dead.

-Jyamato Express!

-Fruit!

-Bombs!

-Fruit Bombs!

-Ooooooh, even more Jyamato ciphers.

-I imagine a lot of folks are hard at work.

-Blowing up an entire city block.

-I see Creepy Garden Daddy Archimedel's very proud of his little Freedom Clubbers.

-Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes!

-Damn, Takahashi's Steam list must be wilding.

-Secret Mission Clear!

-For you, fox man!

-Awwww, spider phone cute :)

-First Blood!

-The Gun!

-Magnum!

-It's back!

-Ringo?

-There's just something so funny to me about how minimal the Jyamato Pawn costumes are. Head, limbs, uniform, that's all you need.

-"OHHHHHH MY SISTER'S GETTING BOMBED"

-"Oh hey little bro, I got tied up. Can you do me a solid and get the kitchen knife?"

-Sae-san's very cool and collected under pressure. Can see why she was picked for this.

-Oh hey, Mrs. Kurama~! I'm still pissed you slapped my homegirl Neon, just so you're aware.

-"Neon's a big girl, she can handle herself. She'd never be able to achieve her dreams"

-Ohhhh, Papa Naoto. You're extremely sus.

-"Time to go to work. See you around."

-I see Mama Kurama's not an entirely heartless lunatic.

-You tell her, girl!

-I'm gonna be honest, I'd be proud of Neon if she were the Desaster.

-There's the Buffa Core ID.

-No doubt there's gonna be a lot of Zombie DNA in that mutant.

-Oh?

-Oh, hello.

-Sponsor-sama!

-So, she's got big plans for ol' Michinaga.

-Beroba...

-Ohhhhh, he's got an infection.

-"You wanna beat the shit outta all them dirty Kamen Riders, huh~? How about you let me pay for everything, no strings attached!"

-A proper sadist, this one!

-Takahashi's giving us a lot of interesting female characters this go around.

-Well, Beroba-san. You're obviously a cold-blooded murderer, you've got a killer fashion sense, your first appearance is accompanied by scary organ music, you're friends with Papa Archie, you got jelly beans...

-Yeah, you're totally trustworthy. I hear you're played by an idol?

-Sae-san... you care a hell of a lot about your family, huh?

-Oooooh, Okinawan.

-Keeping yourself in peak condition for your family. I happen to know a dude in a bathhouse who'd be very impressed with you, Sae-san.

-Neon...

-Who threw that bomb?

-"Did somebody say BOMB~!?"

-Gotta save Onee-sama!

-Ohhhh, sunset is fast approaching.

-I'm surprised we haven't seen lemons yet.

-At least, I don't think so, the picture quality I have ain't the best.

-Michinaga!

-Jurapira!

-Buffato!

-Oooooh, he's pissed!

-"Fuck the bull! Go get pineapples for our Hawaiian barbecue!"

-Can't get in!

-Ooooooh, Zombie Tycoon!

-Damn, Keiwa's playing hard!

-Red Wire.

-HOLY SHIT BUFFA DODGED POINT BLANK

-Goddamn, these stunts are sick every time I see 'em.

-OHHHHH MY DUDE JEAN GOT A GUN

-Okay I checked, it seems it's Gene, okay.

-Hello, Beroba-chan. Guess the dweebs are fighting.

-"I'm betting all my money on that buffalo guy."

-...seems that Gene's okay with this.

-OH GOD NEE-SAMA

-Red wire!

-Nut up man, do it!

-We did it!

-No more pineapple for ever.

-Sibling banter

-Oh man, it's dark out.

-Seems Michi's in no shape to kill anyone today.

-Compass!

-Snacc

-Well, gotta keep the sponsors happy.

-Oh, the producer's coming in.

-...wonder if this is a metaphor of some kind.

-Ah yep! Sae-san was the sussiest baka all along!

-Lone wolf Lopo played nice for so long.

-Oooooh, that's a Glare retool. ...I suppose Gazer's our new "coming in hot and spicy".

-I wonder if we're gonna see a new DGP higher-up come kick ass every new arc?

-...fuck, what if we have to beat up Mama Mitsume? I don't think poor Ace can handle it.

-Shit seems to be getting real now.

#the world's next round: trick shot of desire for the grand victory #kamen rider geats #kr geats #geats spoilers #kamen rider

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my-chaos-radio · 7 months

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youtube

Release: August 9, 2011

Lyrics:

Hey ya'll

I came to talk about this girl that had my love, see

I went away for a while and

She gave my love away huh

I really shouldn't blame her

But now that p-ssy is a stranger

Baby, somethings on my mind I gotta say it

Yeah, Your p-ssy done changed

It ain't the same girl and thats a shame

(A crying shame baby)

Oooh, aint being funny

I know another bee's been in that honey

Ooh, baby, that p-ssy done changed

It's such a shame girl and thats a shame

(Who the hell you giving my loving to girl?)

Oooh Nooo

Tell me where that p-ssy gone

Oooh Nooo

Cause it don't feel the same no more

(I miss that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy)

Yeah

Oooh Nooo

(How you do me like that baby)

Oooh Nooo

Why is that happening to me

Oooh Nooo

She told me that it was my p-ssy

Oooh Nooo

Yeah yeah yeah yeh

She, she used to be a really special lady (my everything)

I guess she's feeling kinda freaky lately

It's such a shame cause now the p-ssy's changed

(That p-ssy changed)

She used to squeeze me (oooooooh

Grip me tight enough so she can please me

But nah nah, now that p-ssy changed

It's such a shame, that p-ssy changed

Oooh Nooo

Where did ya p-ssy go?

Oooh Nooo

Cause girl, I need to know

Oooh Nooo

You see, it was on some one of a kind sh-t

Oooh Nooo

I'ma about to kill this bitch

Oooh Nooo

She gave away all my sh-t

(I miss that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy)

Oooh Nooo

Yeah, yeah, yeh

I thought the p-ssy cat had 9 lives man?

Damn darling you changed it all

I'm your number fan belt they are not important

I don't use a cordless, microphone avoid em'

They don't feel real to me

Meaning real woman

Others built on me

You the primer on the lime bean green box When I couldn't afford a Ford

Clean socks scootin' across the floor in your grandmama house

Hand on your mouth

You yap too much about the penny-ante, this mechanics so uncanny

X-men, x-men, your ex boyfirend should thank me that I took you off his hands

No I can't bring another beach to the sand

And know I am well aware that you can bring a man to his knees

And get what you need without saying please

But can you bring a man to his feet when defeat is on repeat

And they put this man's Grammy's on the street?

What? Why so quiet?

Hate that all of our memories happened in a Hyatt

You were perfect before you went on a diet

You was way thicker, you think i don't remember

Shit, the magazine got to your head

Now somebody you don't even know got you in bed

Betcha buddy don't even know you don't like red

Or Was It Fuchsia, F-ck It, Our Future Is dead

Songwriter:

Oooh Nooo

Yeah yeah yeah

(I miss that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy)

Oooh Nooo

Ohhhhhh

Oooh Nooo

I'm about to kill this bitch

Oooh Nooo

She gave away all my shit

(I miss that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy, that p-ssy)

Oh noooooo

Yeah, yeah, yeh

Ahahahaha

I miss ya girl

Jamal F. Jones / Dwayne Carter / Andre Benjamin / Dreshan Nikel Smith

SongFacts:

"Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)" is a song by R&B musician Lloyd, released on August 9, 2011 as the third single from his fourth studio album King of Hearts (2011). Produced by Polow da Don and D. Smith of Zone 4 Productions, the song features a verse from Outkast's André 3000 and is "narrated" by Lloyd's frequent collaborator and fellow New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne. The brass was played by Siraaj Amnesia James. The song was edited for radio in the United Kingdom (among others) with the word "pussy" replaced with "lovin'." The single performed averagely domestically, but reached the top five in the UK, Australia and Ireland, and the top 10 in Denmark, the Netherlands and Austria. The song is Lloyd's biggest international hit to date.

The song's music video, directed by Bryan Barber, premiered on September 13, 2011 on 106 & Park. André 3000 and Lil Wayne do not appear in the video; Instead, Wayne Brady and a cat lip sync Wayne and Andre 3000's lyrics, respectively. The video featured Natalie La Rose as the female lead.

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silentxxsoul · 1 year

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the "oliver 'misha collins' stark and aisha feeding us and all the bts/stills/promos and the EDDIE IS GOING UP THE LADDER of it all" 6b reaction dump:

i am not ready in the slightest for tonight

like not even a smidge

i thought i was

but then the chris photos dropped and like

I might need a round on an aed device because gd the way it's got my mind S P I R A L I N G

intubated? with his SON beside him? after his literal husband sprinted up a LADDER after him?

i cant wait to see the acting tonight yall

between the coma of it and the buckleys back in town and maddie and chim and the new house and the undercover May!!!

Theres so much potential this half of the season and I'm so fucking hypeeeeed

Also I'm like, 99% certain the lightning thing happens towards the end based of KR's comments, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if we leave off with a shot of the ambulance doors closing

which

v v dramatic

but kinda worth it tbh

Buck being gentle with them 🥺

I keep forgetting how gross this show is why do I keep trying to eat during it

Wait Albert and their dad is this episode too?! YESSSSS

I'm in love with that kitchen 😍

the look on Buck's face at the 'Evan', not once but TWICE

BABY JEE OMGGGGGGG 😭

Man I'm so hoping for a family drama night where Madney goes to bat for each other pls pls pls

Ohhhhhh thats what the baseball and glove emoji was for - his bio dad has been playing ball with him huh

Talia Hale out here murdering people hmmm

Bobby you'll figure it out - I believe in you babes

Seeking his dad's approval over the chili🥲

LEARNING THE SECRET INGREDIENT

Ooooh look at that detective work with May I see you

No no Chim is right it is unnatural - something is hella sus with the Buckley parents

that crash was hella dramatic

There's so much going on rn holy shit theres a missing baby and a crushed dude and gasoline and screaming like wtf is going

Wait, twice with Buck and kids????? This means something...

Was the emoji graph of it going up up meant to be the ejection?!!!!

Listen Bobby begging the baby to breathe with Buck in the shot is just foreshadowing for me to absolutely lose it okay

Buck why would you bring that up now lmao

Oh this is going to end so fucking poorly with his parents

theres going to be a conversation

wait

WHAT?!

THIS HAS TO BE A COMA DREAM THEYRE TOO NICE

And Phillip is going to bat for Chimney ?!

COMA. DREAM.

Denny come clean bud, this is not good

"If Daniel lived?"

COMA DREAM I SWEAR TO YOU like it FITS

It's too perfectly coincidental for foreshadowing

like Phillip and Margaret don't just do a complete 180 like it was nothing

and maddie saying how weird it was and chim saying how weird it was - that's buck's subconscious trying to clue him in

AND! If not - its a great alternate 6B opener.... that I will never write to completion, but just know it lives in my head and my heart

Guys its almost time!!!!!!

oh fuck Chim's going to be so guilty about this isn't he

HE'S GOING UP THE LADDER OH MY GOD

EDDIE SCREAMING FOR HIM AND TRYING TO PULL HIM UP

"COME HERE KID"

SOBBING

NO PULSE?!

I KNEW BUT I DIDN'T KNOW

EDDIE HAS TO DRIVE HIM OHMIGOD

BUCKS HELMET GOT LEFT BEHIND WHAT DOES IT MEAN

NEXT WEEK IS GOING TO RUIN ME MORE?!!!!

#911 spoilers #911 fox #this is going to be so incoherent i can feel it #AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH #that is all

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borrelia · 2 years

Text

oh and i dreamt abt a hypnotic flea mind controlling everyone into hearing its Message until i (mako klk) accidentally squished and killed it. the death of the flea before it was able to speak its Message meant everyone freed from the trance was like "well the true meaning of the message must have been X" bc even though they werent being controlled, it still dwelled on their mind. and then i was utena and i realized ohhhhhh this is just like the Narrative huh.... and anthy said she works a lot with linguistics and some of the flea's fascist symbols were repurposed from her field, so don't be alarmed if you see similar things in her work.

also before that i dreamt that i Knew what was coming for my friend: normally mosquitos bite us on the back of our necks to control us, but it's not a very intrusive presence. he never had a mosquito bite, he actually had a horrible festering tick bite further down his back. and it would cause rot and decay all across his body and one version of him was dead in a heap of slippery wet limbs and guts in my bathroom and I was so scared I didn't know what to do but try to throw it away. i knew this would happen to him later that day, and when i finally saw him again he was exhausted and dazed and i cried and hugged him knowing everything except what to do.

#myaa #just sharing . for me

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starrierknight · 4 months

Note

PC beloved, back to the correct star emoji!

Reading books or listening to music... Man being a writer surely ain't easy huh? XD (I already knew that no worries) In all seriousness, somehow I don't have music that matches the characters. Usually I always find something for them, but now... Nothing. Not for these 3. Somehow. And finding books to read and being able to read them will be tricky unfortunately :/ But hey thanks for the advices anyway, I'll see if I can do anything with it

Plus maybe now that you know I wanna write I'll be more motivated even if it's not something you seem like you'd wanna read

I've also at some point tried to draw one of the characters but I just can't make it look good :// But hey it means I'm working on creating things at least!

The most annoying thing is when I get the urge to write at night, when I have a lot of thoughts including potential scenarios for the characters to be in, but can't actually. write.

Oh well. One day. Absolutely!

...Random question but do you like flowers? I'm thinking about flowers a lot lately and wanna see flowers other people like lol

- Star 💫

LMAO ikr??? you just gotta surround yourself with stuff that inspires you and hope for the best lol. there's no "one size fits all" solution, yk? and oh fr??? huh that's surprising to me honestly. maybe you could tell me a little about them (if your're cool w that) and I'll see if anything ik comes to mind?

ahhhh yeah, you mentioned having poor vision. have you ever had the chance to read on a kindle? my dad is visually impaired but he loves reading, so he's found that enlarging the font on a kindle as he reads really helps. and sure! anytime. I'm always happy to try and assist anyone with an interest in writing :3

heyyyyy!!!!! don't speak to soon!!! i try and keep an open mind for reading. if you ever decide to share anything you're working on with me, then i'd be happy to take a look. i can't promise to beta/critique it tho lololol.

yeah, yeah i get you!!! you could maybe try using picrew? it's this one website that let's you make cute lil customisable characters. maybe that would help? but yeah. i think that as long as you're creating stuff, ten you can't go wrong.

god tell me about it. it's why i'm a night owl lmaoooo. half of what i write/draft happens at night. i think the stillness allows me to concentrate better. usually this just ends up with me word vomitting in my notes app icl.... but i still find it helpful. god bless the notes app.

i do!!!!! i love flowers nvjsdsgdfbg,szdg a ohhhhhh they are so beautiful and bhave so much potential for symbolism!!!!!! grrrr they just. ohhhhh they're so cool. so happy to live in a world w flowers. it's a bit ironic tho, bc i get pretty bad hayfever LMAO. what's your favourite flower/s? :3

#꒰ =͟͟͞♡ ꒱ — love letters #꒰ ♡⃕ ꒱ — 💫

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welllpthisishappening · 5 years

Text

Anon!!! You!! Are!! The!! Nicest!! Honestly, if my time on this website means that some people are interested in hockey and the lovable mess that is the New York Rangers, then it will have been time well spent. I have just so many Blue Line one shots languishing in my drafts and bouncing around my brain and...uh, here’s one. Based entirely on this Brady Tkachuk goal and both his brother and dad (who play/played in the NHL) being asked about it.

Even though we don’t like Brady when he tried to check all my kids a couple games ago, but that’s neither here nor there.

-----

“I think you’ve got to move your leg forward a little more.”

“Banana, what kind of dexterity do you think I have in my hips?”

“Good word!”

Killian gnashed his teeth, trying to remember how he’d gotten to this point. The details were starting to get a little fuzzy — and that might have been because it was somewhere in the realm of one in the morning, back after a road trip and Anna had landed far later than she expected and he could already smell garlic wafting across the entire apartment.

Will had bought three loaves of bread.

One for each of them.

Like a totally normal, vaguely familial tradition that ended with Anna suggesting that Killian practice shooting the puck between his legs.

Eventually he would guarantee that he was too exhausted to realize what was going on, but that would only kind of be a lie and he was a competitive idiot whose eyes had gone very wide when he’d seen that highlight out of Edmonton.

It was a good goal.

He wanted to score a goal like that.

And, so. There he was. With Anna playing that goal approximately twenty-seven times, a stick he probably wasn’t supposed to have in his hands and a crumpled ball of aluminum foil at his feet.

“Right, right, right, just like that” Anna shouted, circling him like some kind of hockey-mom vulture. Will snickered in the kitchen. “Ok, so—the guy on the Oilers—“

“—Does he not have a name or are we just going to call him Oilers guy all night?” Will called.

Killian’s back was starting to ache. “I think Oilers guy has a certain kind of charm to it, don’t you?”

“That’s because you don’t know his name.”

“Banana’s the one with the phone not me.”

Anna clicked her tongue in reproach, a quick kick to the side of Killian’s ankle like that would get him to move his legs and not glare at her. She rolled her eyes. “The guy’s name is Haas. He’s a rookie and I think that’s a mark against you, KJ.”

“How do you figure?”

“Well, you’re a rookie and this guy is a rookie and he’s showing you up.”

Will appeared to be dying in the kitchen.

Killian let his head loll to the side, standing up straight despite Anna’s protests because—“If I don’t do something about my spine, it is going to be stuck that way forever.”

“Does that sound less than ideal?” Will asked. “It’s not like you’re an old dude—“

“Did he say dude?” Anna mumbled.

Killian could not sigh loudly enough. “Scarlet, were you ever planning on coming out of the kitchen?”

“The garlic bread is not done!”

“Plus,” Anna added, the video playing again and the crowd in Edmonton had really enjoyed the goal. They were very loud. Even in YouTube form. It was a stupid good goal. “This gives you more time to work on your technique, KJ. You’re fast.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, this is all rebound. It’s not like Haas took the original shot or anything, so—“ She stuffed her phone back into her pocket, reaching out to move Killian’s limbs and he could not get his eyebrows low enough to properly express his indignation at that.

Anna was going to sprain her tongue.

“KJ, just—oh my God, hold still, you’ve got to…” Anna ducked down, grabbing the aluminum foil masquerading as the puck. “Do we not have something better to use than this?”

“Are you not happy with our equipment choices, Little Vankald?” Will grinned, finally coming out of the kitchen, laden down with, somehow, four plates of garlic bread.

“Why don’t you have pucks here?”

“Something about not taking your work home with you?”

“Yeah, how’s that working out for us?” Killian groaned. He dropped back onto the couch — a second-hand monstrosity that creaked loudly anytime someone even thought about sitting on it and he was never entirely sure how Anna managed to sleep on the stupid thing.

“Probably better if you and Little Vankald—“

“—Do you think that nickname’s super clever?” Anna hissed.

“I think it gets you to do that angry-nose scrunch thing, which I admittedly take a great amount of joy in. So. And you didn’t let me finish, I was going to insult Jones too.”

Anna waved her hand, all unspoken command and one side of Will’s mouth tugged up. Particularly when she lunged for her own loaf of garlic bread. “Oh, thanks, thanks, for the permission to keep talking in my own apartment. My point is that you guys are both crazy, competitive weirdos and—“

“—Do you think you could score while shooting through your legs?” Killian interrupted, through a mouthful of garlic bread.

“No, because I don’t know if you’ve realized this, but I am a defenseman. So. Again. You’re the one with the speed and that crazy competitive Jones streak.”

“Oh, was that lumping me in there too?” Anna asked.

“Do either of you know how to chew like normal people?”

She threw a piece of garlic bread at him. He caught it.

And the whole thing had dissolved into middle-of-the-night farce. As per usual. Anna was definitely going to stay for at least four days.

They played at home on Tuesday.

“The key is the rebound,” Will continued, jumping back up to grab the aluminum foil. “This guy scored in OT, right?” Anna nodded. “So, at that point, it’s just about attacking the zone and—ok, ok, picture it this way, I’m trying to get across the blue line, I take a one-timer, it bounces off the goalie’s pads…this still on pace, Little Vankald?”

Another nod. “How many times did you watch the video, Scarlet?”

“Enough to know Jones would have to come in at an angle for it to work.”

“Oh that’s a good point.”

“Neither of you know enough about physics to be experts on this,” Killian argued, but he had watched the video too and that actually made sense. “Ok, Banana—stand up, you can be the goalie.”

“Can’t Scarlet do that?”

“Would Scarlet be in net during a normal game?”

“Also a good point,” Will mumbled.

Anna flipped him off — and moved into the small space between the kitchen and the living room, both Killian and Will trying not to laugh too loudly when she actually crouched down. “Do not,” she warned. “This is—it’d look more normal if I had pads on.”

“Yeah, that’s what your missing,” Killian chuckled. He grabbed his stick again, the aluminum foil landing on the blade as soon as Will tossed it in the air.

“That’s not nearly as impressive as you think it is, KJ.”

“Don’t tell him that,” Will countered, “it’ll ruin his whole approach. He thinks someone’ll notice and he can woo some girl with his stick-handling skills and speed.”

“Being able to bounce something on my stick does not have anything to do with either one of those things,” Killian pointed out. He flipped his wrist, aluminum foil practically flying through the air and it was really more hand eye-coordination than anything—batting the ball out of the air so it sailed directly into Will’s right elbow.

He gasped. Loudly. Dramatically.

The whole thing really was absurd.

“Also did you say woo?”

Will hummed, and it was Anna’s turn to try and mask her laugh. “You heard me. That’s not what we’re talking about now, though?”

“Is it not?” Anna whined.

“Little Vankald, this whole exercise was your idea, so—“

“—Fine, fine, fine. Ok, so you’re the first rush, coming in. Got it?” Will saluted, and he didn’t have a stick, but Killian wasn’t sure if that would have made a difference. He kicked the fake puck towards him, the stupid thing barely moving across their hardwood floor and Killian’s left foot slid under him.

He was going to blame his socks.

And not the time.

Ot that bruise on his leg.

It really might have been the sock though.

Killian’s leg jerked out behind him, some kind of unholy and distinctly inhuman noise working its way up his throat, the stick in his hand swinging wildly in front of him. He somehow managed to hit his shin and the side of his calf, nowhere close to getting the stupid thing between his legs.

The aluminum foil was taunting him.

And his own distinct lack of balance.

Killian wobbled on his heels, trying to regain his center of gravity. He wasn’t on ice, but he was fairly certain he was only few seconds away from spinning out, breath catching loudly in his throat. And Anna’s laugh ricocheted out of her, bouncing off the walls and possibly the inside of Killian’s brain.

“I don’t think that worked,” Will muttered.

Killian twisted, another stick move and flying aluminum foil and, that time, it hit Will in the head. Anna was sitting on the floor. Presumably so she could laugh easier.

“Ok, ok, we’re going to try that again,” Killian said.

Will glanced at Anna.

“He’s definitely more competitive,” she mused.

“I’m sure the girl he’ll eventually impress with this move will be very nice.”

“I look forward to it.”

“How long do you think it’ll take for him to master it?”

“I’m standing right here,” Killian growled, but both Will and Anna made almost identical dismissive hand motions and he was fairly certain he could see Will’s eyes widen expectantly.

“Forty bucks,” Anna announced. “It’s going to take at least five seasons.”

Killian wasn’t sure there was actually a name for that particularly noise.

Will shook his head. “You’ve got to be more specific, Little Vankald. Are you taking the over on five seasons?”

“I’m not even sure you’re speaking English, honestly.”

“It’s because you’re not a degenerate like him,” Killian muttered. “Are we not going to try this again?”

“God, KJ, you sound like a crazy person. Do your other teammates know that you’re a crazy person?”

“This was your idea, Banana.”

“Yeah, well I didn’t think you’d suck so much.”

“We’ve tried it once!”

“It was pretty bad,” Will chuckled. “Also I think our puck has seen better days.”

“This is why you’ve got to bring more equipment home,” Anna shrugged. “Who’s in charge of that, by the way?”

“The equipment manager?”

“Do I know him?”

“You don’t know everyone,” Killian said, Anna nodding in a way that was only a little placating.

“Right, right. Well—only a matter of time, right? Something about a long and prosperous career and Stanly Cup championships secured with goals through the legs? Also, what if we tried socks? Or a pillow?”

“Nah, pillow is way too big,” Will objected. “But socks could work.”

“Let’s get some socks.”

They did. And it didn’t help. Neither did the golf ball they inexplicably found in the back corner of Will’s closet or a balled pair of Anna’s leggings — a last-ditch effort because “maybe he just needs a bigger target,” Will suggested, somewhere in the realm of three in the morning.

And Killian almost forgot about the bet and the night, garlic bread left on the coffee table and Anna’s head on his thigh when they both fell asleep on the couch, because there were years and seasons and expectations that came crashing down around his ears and possibly his heart, but then it got better and—

“Yeah, yeah, no, he definitely did it for her,” Will said, a phone pressed to his ear where he was tucked into the corner of the visitor’s locker room in Washington. “No, it didn’t work, but an effort was made and I think that means I get my money.”

Killian sighed.

“Little Vankald, that is how gambling works, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Killian could hear Anna’s cries of indignation on the other end of the phone, not entirely sure where she was or what she was climbing at the time, but he also knew he’d absolutely tried to shoot through his legs in some misplaced attempt to impress Emma.

But it hadn’t worked very well.

Like, at all.

He really could not twist his hips enough.

“You need to find a hobby,” Killian started, grabbing his own phone out of his locker when it started to ring. His breath caught again.

Will practically guffawed into his phone. “You want to go double or nothing because I’m pretty positive she’s calling him now.”

“He’s blushing,” Robin called. Anna’s laugh likely caused an avalanche where she was.

And Killian didn’t think before throwing the jersey he’d managed to get off already at Will, hitting him square in the face, before marching to a different corner of the locker room. He swore he could hear Emma’s smile when he answered.

That was a problem.

And not.

They weren’t really doing under the radar anymore, anyway.

“Were you trying to do that?” she asked. “Because—“

“—It didn’t work out entirely the way I planned.”

“Yeah, I figured that.”

“You know, Swan, it sounds like you were paying very close attention to the moves.”

“Did you call them moves?”

“Is that not what they are?”

Will might have been coughing up a lung. Robin’s whole body was shaking when Killian glanced up, a hint of light from someone’s phone that made it only too obvious that Anna had been FaceTime’d.

Killian was running out of things to throw.

“I mean,” Emma continued, “it was an impressive attempt. As long as you didn’t hurt yourself.’

“Hurt myself?”

Robin was barely standing anymore.

Emma clicked her teeth, a hiss of breath from New York. “You know what I meant.”

“No, Swan, I have no idea, I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific.”

“Where are you right now?”

“The locker room. Where are you?”

“My office.”

“Mmhm, so if I were to tell you that we land at, like, one in the morning, then…”

“Something about flexibility.”

Killian nearly choked on his tongue. And the way his heart leapt into his throat, a bit of hope and a metric ton of want and he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to shoot between his legs, but it didn’t really matter if Emma showed up later. He could absolutely hear her smile.

“You know, love,” he drawled, “I think this might be flirting.”

“Weird.”

“The weirdest.”

“It would have been a very impressive goal.”

“Right, right, well, I guess we’ll work on that later.”

She laughed and he might have been a competitive freak, but he was also starting to become something of an emotional hoarder and that was quickly becoming his favorite sound. In the entire goddamn universe. “Something like that,” Emma agreed. “I’ll, uh—I’ll see you later, ok? I love you.”

It didn’t catch him off guard much anymore. A string of letters Killian wasn’t getting used to, but maybe constantly waiting for. So, it wasn’t a surprise to hear it. He smiled anyway, wide enough to threaten the structural integrity of the muscles in his face and—

“Gross,” Will called.

Killian ignored him. “I love you too, Swan. I’ll let you know when we land.”

“Ok, good.”

He did. For more seasons and more years, none of which included overtime-winning between-the-leg goals, but then there were other players and kids and ice time and the whole thing happened far quicker than Killian expected it to.

“Wait, did that go in?” Ruby asked, leaning over the front of the seats in the team like that would make it easier to confirm.

Killian’s jaw cracked when it dropped.

Emma was yelling.

“Show a replay, show a replay,” she chanted, head snapping up when the highlight played on the screen above center ice.

It definitely went in.

And Killian’s phone was already buzzing in his pocket.

Will had been right about the angle.

There was more ice in overtime now than when they’d first started playing — three on three making breakaway chances easier and turnovers even more problematic and Matt wasn’t much more than a blue streak up the left wing as soon as the other forward shot into the zone.

The puck bounced off the goalie’s pad, landing almost perfectly on Matt’s stick, the same one that was, somehow, curled behind his left leg. He spun out after he shot, a near-perfect pirouette that quickly turned into wide arms and shoulders bumping against the glass, screaming fans and the end of the game. Killian shook his head, trying to figure out the logistics and the physics of it and—

“God, show it again,” Emma cried.

He chuckled, an arm around her shoulders and kiss to her temple and he was going to have half a dozen voice mails already.

They played it again.

Matt’s wrists moved quick enough that it was difficult to follow where the shot went, but Killian could see the blade of his get under he puck “Shit,” he breathed. “How did he get enough power on that?”

“I think he’s better than you, Cap,” Ruby mused.

“I mean obviously, that’s—“ Another replay started, the Garden still singing the goal song and Matt hadn’t come out from the pile again the glass, a sea of jerseys and pumping fists and celebratory glove throws. “He must have practiced that.”

Emma tilted her head up. “Wonder where he got that from.”

“What a suggestion.”

“A theory, maybe.”

“Mmhm. That was a ridiculous goal.”

He could still feel her smile when he kissed her — Ruby groaning and answering a phone and there were questions and more replays, that highlight running on nearly every sports show for a week, dissected by “professionals” and Roland Locksley was quoted as saying, “Oh, yeah, he’s been working on that forever. I think we tried every way of doing it during the offseason.”

“Would you ever try something like that on the ice?” another reporter asked, and Roland shook his head before the question was even finished.

“Nah, I’m more a straight shooter, you know? Get pucks in on net, crash the goal, that kind of thing. Matt’s the walking highlight reel.”

They asked Matt about it. Naturally.

“He said that? Ah, well—he’s the one who took all the shots when we were kids, I’m just here to work he rebound. Someone tell Rol thanks for the compliment, though. I’ll remember that at Christmas.”

And the goal never really went away. The rest of the season — worked into pre-game intros and brought up on Top 10 plays of the month and Killian didn’t really expect to get asked about it, but he wasn’t all that surprised.

Emma laughed when she read his answer.

“Strain something, huh?” she grinned, flipping her head on the pillow and her hair was everywhere.

Killian hummed. “Not as flexible as I was. Got to leave the moves to the youth.”

“God, what a line.”

“You impressed?”

“Something like that, yeah.”

She was still laughing when he flipped her, shoulders digging into the mattress and hair threatening to work into his mouth, which was only a little absurd, but might have been the perfect ending to all of it and Killian was never entirely sure if Will got his forty bucks.

#cs ff #captain swan #blue line one shots #anonymous #laura rambles #blue line rambles #honestly the sens are the worst #but that goal was ridiculous #and asking his brother about it #my mind was like ohhhhhh this is happening then huh #and the offer to send links to anything i've written still stands #seriously just message me

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your-nerd-is-showing · 3 years

Text

Kakashi x Reader: Make out paradise.

NSFW AFTER PHOTO

After a lengthy mission with Kakashi the two of you headed to a hot spring and he gets to live out one of the scenes from his favorite book series!

You and Kakashi tiredly made your way to a hot spring to check in for the night after a long mission.

“One room please.” Kakashi stated to the clerk.

“and a private hot spring with a giant jug of sake!” You chimed in.

“Right away!” The clerk handed Kakashi the key to your room. “Room 256 and you have your own private hot spring right outside your room.”

“Oooooo that’s fancy!” You giggled.

You trudged your feet down the hall as you and Kakashi made your way to the room. He unlocked the door and you flung yourself on the bed.

“Oh man I’m so tired I could sleep for a week straight.” You wiggled your hips making your butt jiggle as you nestled into the bed.

Kakashi couldn’t stop gazing at your perfect ass. “I just want to take my hands and smack that amazing ass of of hers.” He thought to himself. “Why is she such a tease?” He sighed.

You looked up when you heard Kakashi sigh and noticed his eyes were fixed on your back side. You let out a quiet chuckle as you wiggled your butt more. You peeked back up and saw him captivated as he stepped closer to you.

Knock, knock! “Did you order sake?” Asked the voice from the other side.

While Kakashi was drawn away you snuck off to the bathroom so you could change out of your clothes and into a towel. You made your way out to open the screen, so you could quietly slip outside.

Kakashi heard the screen slide open, he turned around to see you in a towel sneaking outside. He walked to the open door to see your towel fall and just a splash as you leaped in the water. He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. “Did I just see what I think I saw?” He asked himself as he stared lingering for you to surface.

You surfaced on the far end of the hot spring with your back turned to Kakashi. You stood up and all you could see was the silhouette of your unclad body through the mist in the moonlight. “Kakashiiiii you coming in?” You beckoned to him.

“Is this really happening right now?” He asked himself. “This is just like one of the chapters in Make Out Paradise.” His mind wondered as he played out the chapter in his head. He felt the heat rising on his skin and his pants started to get tight around his crotch. He went to go change and calm himself down. “Okay don’t get over excited, this might not even play out the way I want it to.” Kakashi quickly got undressed, draped a towel around his waist and came out to a vacant hot spring. “Huh? Now where did she go?” He stepped closer to look but you were nowhere to be found.

You peered out from the shadows and snuck up behind Kakashi. You completely caught him off guard and swiped his towel.

“Wh-what? (Y/N) what are you doi-"

You cut him off rolling your body to his back as you reached around gently stroking his member. “Shhhhhh I’ve seen the way you stare at me Kakashi…. I know you want me…. Well here’s a surprise.” You leaned in close to his ear your breathing was heavy. “I want you too Kakashi.”

As soon as those words left your lips Kakashi pounced on you like a feral animal. He pinned you to the ground and began grinding against you. “I want you so bad (Y/N).” He leaned in and kissed your neck, whines of pleasure fled your lips as he huddled his body closer to yours. “I’m going to rock your world.”

“Ah- ahhhhh Ka-Kakashi.” You moaned out as his length rubbed against your thigh, the excitement was soaring in your core. You jerked your hips making his member rub against your clit, earning a groan of delight from Kakashi.

“Wait can you take that stupid mask off?” You reached up to take it off and he didn’t stop you. You pulled it over his head, your jaw dropped as you gazed upon his gorgeous face with that cute little mole. “Kakashi you’re so handsome!” You blushed. “I’m keeping you all to myself. You’re mine!” You giggled.

“Mmmmm I like the sound of that (Y/N).” He leaned in and kissed you, you opened your mouth permitting his tongue entry.

Grabbing the back of his head you assaulted his lips biting, nibbling, sucking them. You broke the kiss and bit his neck, moaning as he grinded up against you.

“Eager aren’t we Kitten?” He cooed.

“Mmmmmhmmmm very much Kakashi.”

He leaned into your ear as he gently inserted his throbbing member. “Very well Kitten.”

You moaned out as he thrusted his hips. “Ohhhhh Ka-Kakashi.”

“That’s a good girl look how nicely you take my dick…. How well he fits inside you.” He cooed as he pounded you harder and harder. In and out in and out he went deeper with every push, your body wildly thrashing beneath him.

You fastened your legs around his abdomen as your back arched your walls clamped around him as you released your first orgasm.

“Mmmmm that’s a good girl cum for me, Kitten.” He cooed as he plunged deeper into you.

“Ohhhhhh Kakashi I-I love the way you’re fucking me right nowwww!” You wined as your body crashed against his.

“How much do you love it?” He asked as he gently choked you.

“I-I don’t ever want you to stop!” You wailed out as you gushed all over the two of you.

Kakashi pulled out and went down on you to lick up the juices. He attacked your clit with his tongue making you squirt again.

Your body quivered as the juices leaked out of you, rolling your head around his tongue was driving you bonkers. “K-Kakashiiiii!” You yelled out in pleasure as you felt another orgasm creeping up.

He plunged two fingers into your pulsing hole just as you climaxed. “That’s my sweet girl now, get on top.” He laid back, you took him by surprise as you went down on him. “Ohhhh K-Kitten.” He let out a low howl as you licked is length gently fondling his balls. His body twitched as you licked and sucked. “K-Kitten you’re driving me nuts right now…. I love the way your mouth feels on me…. Your tongue is a weapon of pleasure.”

You continued to please Kakashi as you took his entire length down your throat. You released yourself from his member and crawled your way up his body positioning your soaking entrance at his tip. “Ohhhhhh Kakashiiiii!” You wailed out as you came down on him with such force it echoed.

“That’s my good Kitten! You take my dick like a champion!” Kakashi grunted as he spread your cheeks to go deeper. He gripped your ass tighter as he pounded into you, your walls clenched around his member as you came again. “(Y/N) I’m going to cum.”

You looked at him with a serious face. “Then cum…. Give me your babies.” You whispered into his ear, that sent him over the edge and he let out a loud moan as he exploded inside you.

~End

#daddy ackerman #your-nerd-is-showing #naruto smut #kakashi smut #kakashi hakate #kakashi fanfiction #naruto shippuden #naruto shippuden smut #kakashi hatake smut #kakashi x reader #kakshi x y/n #kakashi x you #kakashi oneshot #kakashi/reader #smut

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makeste · 3 years

Text

BnHA Chapter 296: Ngl, This One Pissed Me Off

Previously on BnHA: Deku was all, “p.s. I actually activated yet another quirk several chapters ago when Kacchan got stabbed.” Compress was all, “[gets captured and passes out].” Spinner was all “[rifles through Tomura’s pockets and slaps a random Charbroiled Hand onto his friend’s unconscious face].” Tomura was all, “SOMEHOW THAT ACTUALLY WORKED” and woke up again, except it wasn’t really him, it was everyone’s favorite Final Villain, AFO. AFO was all, “time to escape finally” and summoned a bunch of Noumu and Absconded with Spinner and the DabiMarble in tow. Skeptic was all, “Horikoshi forgot I existed, but I’m actually Absconding in marble-form as well.” Deku was all, “ATTENTION WORLD, I WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT I OFFICIALLY WANT TO SAVE SHIGARAKI TOMURA.” And then the arc just sort of ended lol.

Today on BnHA: Horikoshi is all, “but when you think about it, do we really need literally any female teachers at U.A. at all?” and for whatever reason doesn’t stop to wait for an answer. Midnight, who absolutely did not need to die, Dies, and I’m pissed about it. Ochako wanders the ruins of Jakku for what feels like hours, rescuing small children while her adult hero compatriots fall to pieces around her, because apparently the U.A. kids really are the only people who have their shit together. The citizens of Japan are all “damn that’s wild, wonder how fucked we are now,” but are actually super casual and chill about it which is oddly realistic. The chapter ends with AFO in Tartarus being all “lol time for the prison break arc,” without giving us so much as a chance to catch our breath, like holy shit. Are we on the clock or something now, goddamn.

lmao it’s like 7pm on a Sunday night and this is out already. this is like the worst possible timing lol. there goes my nice, relaxed evening. unless of course this turns out to be a nice, restful, soothing chapter, as chapters coming on the heels of traumatic, earth-shattering battles so often are. yeah, break out the Pina Colada song and the little drink umbrellas, I got a good feeling about this one

(ETA: I mean, I was obviously being sarcastic here but damn, Horikoshi.)

-- fff why did I laugh

it’s the crumbling city ruins in the background that really does it, I think. JUST LOOK AT THIS MESS THAT YOU HAVE MADE, EVERYONE. FOR SHAME

also, the title is dramatic af and I am so fucking excited you guys, like holy shit. BnHA’s In-Between arcs have always been my favorite part of the series, because it’s when all the character development and angst and/or catharsis happens. just, those little breathing spaces in between the action when everyone gathers to recuperate and compartmentalize their fresh new traumas lmao. bring on that angst!! but also, let’s please have some Comfort to offset all of this Hurt too, please and thanks

blah blah blah so the survivors were evacuated, good good, can you actually show us though?

AHHHHHHH

PIXIE BOB SURVIVED!!!! WASH IS STILL ALIVE LMAO HOW. THIRTEEN’S FACE, OMG SHOULD I LOOK AWAY. IS IT LIKE MANDALORIAN RULES. IDK HOW IT WORKS

HOW THE FUCK ARE THEY ALIVE. LOLS ANYWAY I’M HERE FOR IT. FEEL FREE NOT TO KILL ANYONE ELSE HERE HORIKOSHI, I THINK WE’RE GOOD

(ETA: it’s like talking to a brick wall.)

oh my god do we really need exposition about how the heroes tried to stop TomurAFO from escaping and OF COURSE failed completely because they suck lmao. oh my god I am shocked, that is such shocking news

wow they only managed to defeat three of the Noumus. holy shit. again, all of the Not-Kid Heroes are only slightly more useful than cardboard cutouts of heroes at this point, MORE AT ELEVEN

so Tomura may have lost the PLF, but he still more or less has an army then, huh. I really don’t know how anyone could expect a timeskip with that threat looming over everyone’s heads

oh nvm lol there are only seven Noumus left. wait so you’re telling me there were only ten Nearly High Ends in that last chapter?? felt more like fifty but whatever lol I’ll take your word for it

COMPRESS YAY YOU’RE ALIVE TOO

MAYBE THEY CAN EVEN REATTACH HIS ASS. I’M SERIOUS LOL, BECAUSE HE STILL HAS IT, DOESN’T HE? OR IF NOT, THEY CAN REBUILD HIM WITH A PROSTHETIC ASS. he’ll be more powerful than ever

WHAAAAAAT YEAH BOIIIII

WOOO, EDGESHOT, WOOOOO. THAT’S HIS WAY OF THE NINJA

YEAHHHHH SUCK IT, PLF

(ETA: for the record I don’t think Cementoss is dead here, just badly wounded. if he had died he would have been included in the forthcoming In Memoriam page along with the others.)

GET BENT LOL. TRUMPET I FOR REAL FORGOT YOU EVEN EXISTED. I NEVER WANT TO SEE ANY OF YOU LOSERS AGAIN PLEASE. ONLY INTERESTING CHARACTERS MAY PROCEED PAST THIS POINT

dsflksaldkh;l

that’s... holy shit. that’s a bigass mansion, that’s what that is. also so does this mean there are still eighty thousand PLF members still at large, because that’s a plot line I very much do not care about in any way whatsoever lol. can’t we just retcon to say that Re-Destro was exaggerating? I mean hell, a CEO criminal pulling some Enron-type bullshit is pretty believable, isn’t it? those poor bamboozled shareholders

“makeste, here’s an idea, what if you scrolled down to read the rest of the page” lol gtfo of here with your logic and your sense

well those 132 people have made it onto my enemies list, but at least it sounds like they more or less took care of the rest. good riddance

and Toga escaped, as we knew already, and is now on the lam. hopefully she reunites with the League again at some point. although her doing her own thing could also be very interesting. idk what I want lol

anyway so there’s another big panel showing how fucked up the city is, just in case it hadn’t already been hammered into our skulls yet. there’s a car dangling off a roof somehow. how does that even happen. did Machia pick it up and put it there or

NOOO OMG RANDOM SMALL CHILDREN IN PERIL WHAT IS THIS

OCHAKO PLEASE SAVE THEM OMG

“if it falls on me, I want you to have my Endeavor pouch” OH MY STARS. HIS MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION. NO MY CHILD YOU CAN’T GIVE UP HOPE YET

LMAO

“FOR THE LAST TIME NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR DUSTY-ASS POUCH, KYLE” fffff these children are dying and I am cracking up so hard my eyes are tearing up what is wrong with me

YAY THEY SAVED THEM

but listen. not that I don’t love seeing the girls kick ass, because you know I do. but I also really, REALLY need to know what’s going down with the Musketeers, and I’m not looking forward to waiting three whole weeks for that so please Horikoshi. please hurry this along so we can get to them

goddamn it Tsuyu is saying she’ll take the boy to the shelter to get first aid, and I was all “okay great because that’s probably where Kacchan and the others are too”, but now someone else is shouting for help and Ochako’s all “I’ll go” and it’s like OKAY BUT PLEASE? this chapter is already more than half over omfg. ‘bout to start wringing some hands here

oh my god

is this Toga again??? WHAT THE HELL, THIS CREEPYASS HALF-DEAD DUDE BETTER BE LEADING UP TO SOMETHING INTERESTING, I AM REALLY GETTING IMPATIENT

OR, I GUESS, WE COULD DO THIS INSTEAD

“SO AS IT TURNS OUT, NOT EVERY CHARACTER WHO NEEDS HELP SAVING THEIR SPOUSE FROM FALLEN RUBBLE IS ACTUALLY TOGA IN DISGUISE” HUH, OKAY. DULY NOTED. FILED AWAY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

but fucking... okay, look. I love Ochako, I do. but I like her a whole lot more when she’s interacting with other characters I actually care about, as opposed to running around in the rubble rescuing random people while the fate of my other children is still up in the air. like okay, I get it, shit’s bad, now if you don’t mind we really don’t have to spend all day here though

...anyways but nope, we’re still staying with her. she’s bouncing around rescuing all of these other people. omg. I literally have no patience here at all and it’s terrible, I know, but oh my god

omg finally something interesting is happening!!

look at that, an adult hero standing around being useless while the kids are busy getting shit done. why is this becoming a recurring theme

MY DUDE, THIS IS SERIOUSLY NOT THE TIME THOUGH

I GET THAT IT’S OVERWHELMING AND THAT YOU’RE TRAUMATIZED AND SHIT, BUT GUESS WHAT, SO IS EVERYONE ELSE. THAT’S WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR. JUST LOOK AT OCHAKO! SHE’S SO EXHAUSTED HER HAIR HAS EVEN LOST ITS FLOOF, AND YET SHE’S STILL OUT HERE DOING HER BEST. ONE SAVE AT A TIME MY MAN. GET IT DONE. LITERALLY A SMALL CHILD IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT CALLING FOR THEIR MOMMY AND YOU’RE JUST STANDING THERE ALL “WAHH IT’S TOO MUCH” LIKE COULD YOU PLEASE POSTPONE YOUR CRISIS UNTIL AFTER YOU SAVE THEM PLEASE

OH MY GOD

MAYBE YOU SHOULD!! oh my god I really cannot, like wow. oh no I actually have to save people and do my job, god forbid. jesus christ, at least the other heroes tried. but Moping Hero: Bellyache here is just throwing in the towel and fuck everyone who still needs his help I guess. you are like the anti-Deku my dude

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD NO OH FUCK

THAT’S MIDNIGHT’S HAND OH FU -- SHE BETTER NOT -- HORIKOSHI I SWEAR TO GOD --

I’M GONNA LOSE IT I REALLY AM!!!!

HOLY SHIT HOW INTENSE OF A RAGE DO I NEED TO BRACE MYSELF TO BE FEELING HERE. THIS CHAPTER WAS ALREADY TRENDING TOWARDS DISAPPOINTMENT, DO WE REALLY NEED TO GO AND COMPOUND THAT

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON

you’re telling me Tomura wasn’t brought back by that electric shock, but by his “fuck you” attitude? why are you explaining this to us now, again??

......

HEY, SO UM, FUCK ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS, THOUGH. (: OH MAN. OHHHHHH MAN. I HAVE... I HAVE GOT A LOT OF WORDS FOR THIS AND HERE ARE SOME OF THEM

FUCK

THINGS THAT SHOULD BE IN THE DICTIONARY NEXT TO “SOME BULLSHIT”: THIS

FUCK

GET FUCKED HORIKOSHI

AND ALSO PLEASE FUCK RIGHT OFF!!

AND SERIOUSLY THOUGH FUCK YOU

NO BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THOUGH!! YOU COULD HAVE KILLED OFF ANYONE. LITERALLY ANY CHARACTER. YOU HAD TWELVE FEMALE PROS. TWELVE. YOU COULD HAVE MADE MORE OF THEM. PROBABLY, IF THERE ACTUALLY WERE SUPERHEROES IN REAL LIFE, THERE WOULD BE MORE THAN TWELVE OF THEM IN AN ENTIRE NATION. BUT NO, YOU WERE ALL “TWELVE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH.” AND THEN WHEN IT CAME TIME TO KILL PEOPLE OFF, YOU WERE ALL “WELL ALL RIGHT THEN, LET’S SEE, I PICK... THESE 18 RANDOM SIDE CHARACTERS WITH LITTLE TO NO DIALOGUE, PLUS THE ONE SINGLE FEMALE U.A. STAFF MEMBER WE ACTUALLY HAD. YEAH THAT OUGHTA DO IT”

AND BY THE WAY, HORIKOSHI, I PICKED SOMETHING UP FOR YOU ON MY WAY HOME, HERE IT IS, ┌П┐(・＿・) do you like it it was on sale. I saw it and was like, “Horikoshi would really like that.” so there you go. sorry it wasn’t gift-wrapped

p.s. I hope y’all can tell that that’s supposed to be a middle finger and not... something else lmao. er. anyway

(ETA: so I got a few asks from people who were really put off by this part of the reaction post, and so I’m just adding an extra note here to make it clear that I do not actually wish harm on Horikoshi in any way or even particularly dislike him. I wasn’t happy about Midnight’s death and I wanted to convey that, and so I went with my usual LOUD CAPSLOCK REACTION tone, but looking back on it I can see that it’s kind of a lot, lol.

so just to be clear, the “fuck you” stuff is almost entirely tongue-in-cheek. that’s on me, I forget sometimes that there are people who share these sentiments unironically and so I didn’t think to make sure my intended meaning here was clear. anyways, killing Midnight was still a really problematic decision for numerous reasons but it is what it is. Horikoshi is not perfect, the story isn’t perfect, and I’m not gonna pretend like it is, but again just to be clear, I don’t harbor any actual ill will toward Horikoshi here.)

shit. and wow this man really went and killed off fucking Mystic too on top of that. have you ever seen a character fail so spectacularly at living up to their hype. r.i.p. Mystic you were like the Star Wars sequel of characters

(ETA: I have no fucking idea why I keep thinking Majestic’s name is Mystic lol. rest in peace you old scarecrowy bastard.)

and poor Momo, though. fuck. lost two mentors in a single day. and do not even get me started on Aizawa holy shit

so now we’re cutting to some random townspeople who are gossiping about the Todoroki drama. this is actually interesting in spite of my newfound determination to hate this chapter lol

ngl I am kind of heartened to see that not everyone fell for Dabi’s bs hook line and sinker though. Jeanist returning from the dead literally two seconds after Dabi was all “I SWEAR ON MY HONOR AS A VILLAIN THAT HAWKS MURDERED HIM” probably helped with that a bit! but there will doubtless be many other people who do believe him, or are at least still inclined to side-eye the heroes in general either way given how much they sucked in this arc. very, very interesting

so it seems though that even more than the whole Endeavor reveal, at the end of the day it’s going to be the heroes failing to live up to their end of the “put your faith in us and let us use our quirks and in return we’ll protect everyone and keep them safe” implied social contract that’s going to have the biggest impact on people’s opinions moving forward. basically this was always going to be a disaster no matter what

OH MY GOD FINALLY AHHHHH

Horikoshi really tapped into some of the real-life political energy of the past few years huh. Fuck Him Still for killing off Midnight, but I will admit that so far this is hella intriguing and I am really, really curious to see where things go from here

OH MY GOD THE LITTLE KIDS FROM THE BABYSITTING ARC

“FIVE PEEPEE MAN WOULDN’T LIE TO US” YES CHILDREN YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. at least the little ones still have faith

( •̀ へ •́ )

that’s great. that’s really keen. all we need right now, amirite

GOOD FOR YOU, YOU PIECE OF SHIT

let’s just wait for him to explain what he feels. you know he likes to drag it out

is that Dabi crouched down there next to Spinner? looks like they got him out of the marble after all. but why has his hair changed colors again lol what

anyways. your turn to what??

:’) excuse me what

hahahaha are you fucking kidding me. and that’s where we’re going to end the chapter then. lol okay

so let’s recap. Midnight died. we spent ten hours watching Ochako dig people out of rubble for no apparent reason and were then introduced to my new least favorite character, and because Ochako is so nice she didn’t even punch him in the face even though she really should have. we did not get any Kacchan or Shouto. we got one panel of Deku, who is Finally Asleep. and the chapter ended with AFO ordering his Noumus to go set free, AND I QUOTE, HIS “MAIN BODY.” and now I gotta wait an entire week for Caleb’s translation to confirm that last part. omg

but it sounds like a prison break is imminent, which is very, very interesting. ...and actually, is it weird that I’m actually rooting for it to be a success? I have no idea what this guy is planning, but I do know that as long as the main part of his soul is still residing in Tomura’s body, Tomura’s chance of surviving the series is close to zero. and villain though he may be, I’m still rooting for his redemption (nice to have Deku on my side now too), and so yeah. so like if AFO feels like using some latent Exorcism Quirk or something that he’s been saving for just such an occasion, be my guest lol

meanwhile this doesn’t bode well for All Might though. or anyone else aside from Tomura, really. shiiiit

anyway. [slaps roof of chapter] this baby can fit so much bullshit in it

#bnha 296 #midnight (bnha)#uraraka ochako #all for one #bnha #boku no hero academia #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #bnha manga spoilers #makeste reads bnha #sorry this took so long to post lol #I really need to learn to add an extra 2-3 hours to any time-sensitive estimates I make #anyways

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lollytea · 3 years

Text

Girl Talk

(ngl I hate this sm. I wrote this fic yesterday, the file corrupted and i lost everything, had a breakdown, rewrote everything the next day because I am obnoxiously stubborn. Anyways Hunter and Luz content. Bon Appetit?)

(READ ON AO3)

“Okay, but what am I even supposed to say to her? Oh! Maybe I could write down some jokes on the back of my glyph slips in case things get awkward. Wait, no, I don't want her to think I'm not taking this seriously. I don't need to be goofy all the time just to hang out with her. I need her to know that I'm serious about her and this whole...romantic thing. And I know she gets upset when she thinks I'm making fun of her so...”

“Alright, so, get this. It says here that there was once this old witch who lived on the outskirts of Latissa and his whole thing was experimenting by mixing paints and magic together. Apparently the stuff he created was like....super powerful.”

“I mean, she said she likes me 'cause I'm goofy and funny and lovable and...and...and I'm sure there's other adjectives I could use but I'm drawing a blank here. So, who am I to deprive her of what she signed up for? But I can't just....ugh, I can't even think right!”

“It doesn't have a lot of info on his specific technique but I'm sure if we did some more research, we could successfully replicate his experiments. We're pretty good at figuring stuff out. Woah, wait. I wonder what would happen if we created glyphs with this paint....maybe it would enhance the spell's level of power. Oh, that would be so cool!”

Luz stopped pacing, the floorboards practically burning after she thoroughly wore down the surface with her frantic footsteps. She set a hand on her hip and turned a withering look on her guest.

“Call me coocoo but I don't think you're listening to a word I say.”

Hunter lifted his head to blink up at her, chewing on the end of a pen. He was sitting cross-legged on the floor, boxed in by towers of Eda's Wild Magic books.

There was a glassy look in his eye, as if he was trying to get his bearings after being abruptly yanked out of an alternate dimension.

He had been, in a way. Luz was inclined to call it “Booksville.”

When Luz first met Hunter, this sort of stuff was a big, huge No-No for him. She could've invited him to take a look at any one of those books, packed with information on that obsession of his and of course, he'd be crazy with intrigue but he would hesitate. If he even opened the book at all, he'd card through the pages with an almost jumpy sense of caution, as if the paper itself would sting his fingers.

Well, that ship had certainly sailed. It had taken him a while to get fully comfortable but nowadays, Hunter didn't ask twice before digging into the contents of Eda's books, soaking up every tidbit of every sentence until he had exhausted every page.

He had even brought his own index flags to mark his favorite passages. He had gone on a little rant earlier about how Eda was an outright maniac for dog-earring the page corners.

Luz made a mental note to never show him the state of her Azura books. He would probably cry.

Hunter had become so lost in the Wild Magic sauce, he didn't even seem to care about the fact that he was not supposed to be here.

Of course, Eda didn't mind that he was here. That is to say, Luz didn't technically tell her he was here. She and King were currently out, being menaces to society and all that fun stuff, as they usually were before Luz would sneak Hunter in.

So, to be fair, Eda had never specifically said that Luz was not allowed to let The Golden Guard of the Emperor's coven into their home.

It was probably fine, right?

Yeah, it was probably fine that Luz had been hiding The Golden Guard of the Emperor's coven in her bedroom like some kind of forbidden pet.

Speaking of forbidden pets, that precious red cardinal of his was perched like a Christmas decoration atop his shoulder. That little rascal did wonders for Hunter. He seemed so much cuter than he was when there was an adorable little palisman snuggling up to him.

Once Hunter had processed what Luz said to him, his features screwed up tight. He was offended.

“Whadd'ya mean I'm not listening? I bet you can't repeat anything I was just talking about.”

“Ugh! Yeah, Hunter, I heard you. Paints! You wanna start painting as a hobby and let me just tell you, I fully support your budding creativety and will hype up your work with my entire heart but please. Right now I am having a full blown Amity Calamity!”

“Yeah, okay, that is not what I was talking about. Also, I get that you're freaking out n' all but....what do you expect me to do about it?” He threw his hands about wildly, at a complete loss. “Man, I don't know anything about that stuff,”

“I don't knowww....” Luz groaned. “I just....ugggghhh.” She buried her head in her hands, ruffling her hair into oblivion, like it would miraculously stimulate her brain cells into action. It released some pent up frustration, at least. “I wish it was easier for us to just talk about girls together.”

Hunter perked up. “Talk about girls? Are you kidding? Of course we can talk about girls, dummy!”

“Wait, really?” Luz asked, taken aback by this apparent development.

“Yeah, for sure. One sec,” Buzzing with eagerness, Hunter dove into his stacks of books, emerging seconds later with a worn, dust encrusted volume. It was so ancient, the title had faded away but Hunter still put his finger to where the big letters should be.

“Notable Female Witches of The Savage Ages,” He rattled off delightedly. “They were considered the mothers of Wild Magic. Their style of spell was really quite advanced, see they--”

Despite her frayed nerves, Luz sill managed a weak laugh.

As insufferable as he could be sometimes, she really did like this nerd a lot.

“Okay, Hunter. Buddy,” She said gently. “This stuff sounds really cool and I wanna hear all about it at some point buuuut....when I say girls, I mean...y'know. Amity specifically.”

“Oh. Right. Yeah.”

Hunter's face fell with disappointment but he was quick to snap back into a look of cool indifference. He shut the book in his lap with a soft thump, set it aside and turned his full attention to Luz.

“Sooooo...” he began awkwardly, scratching at his ear. It could not be more obvious that Hunter wanted nothing to do with this discussion. But Luz appreciated that he was trying. “Girlfriend problems, huh? Shoot.”

Luz's cheeks darkened. “Heh. 'Girlfriend'. Yeah, that's...uh...” She was suddenly very inconvenienced by the existence of her own hands so she clasped them together tight to keep herself from fidgeting. “That is.....a word for Amity.”

Hunter frowned, puzzled. “Okaaaay? So, what's the issue?”

“Ohhhhhh, boy.” An ironic, long suffering smile stretched across her face. “Let me just tell you that there is a lot goin' on up here, pal.” Luz tapped her finger against her temple. “So if I'm gonna give you the full unabridged version--”

“You could summarize it.”

“You know I don't know how to do that.”

“Yeah, I know.” Hunter sighed. “Figured it was worth a shot. Okay, let's hear it.”

“Alright but this is gonna be a lot so I suggest you strap yourself in,”

Luz sucked in a deep inhale, with full intent to let the entire flood of thoughts cascade out her mouth.

Hunter's eyes snapped to the floor, like he was actually looking for a safety harness to attach himself to. Then he seemed to realize that was ridiculous, as he scowled to himself. Little Rascal chirped and he irritably mumbled something under his breath in response.

And then Luz took off.

“Alright, so!” She announced, clapping her hands together. “So me and Amity have known each other fooooor...a while now? Yeah, it's been a while. And we've been pretty good friends ever since and then one day, she rescued me from her scary mom and she had this black flowing cape and her voice went all low and then suddenly, huh. Doki doki, y'know?” She thumped a fist against her chest. “I was gettin' all feelings-y up in here,”.

“And then a little later I figured out that we were both feeling kinda feelings-y and I was all like,” She mimed a brain explosion. “Pshww....”

“Pshww....” Hunter repeated quietly, testing out the little sound effect on his tongue. “Doki...doki....?”

“Yeah. Exactly. Doki doki. Pshww.” Luz nodded, as if he had made a valuable contribution. “So, now we're both here in the same boat, fully shish kebab-ed by Cupid's arrow.”

“Hold up. What language are you speaking?”

“And things are....great? Nice? Sorta hard to believe but stuff actually happens. We hold hands a few times, we...” The volume of her voice dropped to a bashful murmur. “we kiss a few times. There was so many beautiful, amazing romance-y moments that happened, just like in movies, y'know?”

“Movies....?” Hunter's bewildered stare turned from Luz to the bird on his shoulder, as if he was going to get any further clarification from either of them.

“Right! But here's the thing. It sorta feels like all that stuff just went by in a blur. I don't even know how I did any of that. The hand holding, the smooches the....ugh! It was like I was on autopilot or something and now I have no idea how to operate. Now, no matter how hard I try to get the vibe right, I can recreate those moments. So now it's starting to feel like...I don't know how to do anything!”

Luz's arms were whizzing around like an out of control windmill.

“I mean, Sure, Amity takes the lead sometimes but I can't make her carry this entire....relationship? Flirtationship? Whatever it is that's happening here! I gotta act or something! But I've been thinking about it waaaay too much. I never know the right time to hold her hand, I never know if she wants me to tell her she looks cute or if now maybe isn't the right time or...it's awkward, okay?! I've been making it awkward 'cause I don't know what to do! I-I don't even know for sure if we're dating! We've never talked about it!”

The last sentence came out as a squeak and Luz realized she had used up all her oxygen and needed to take a breather.

Hunter had not said a word but Luz did not know what to make of that dissecting stare of his, that studied her with a mixture of confusion and fascination. Like she was some kind of peculiar animal. A flushed, panting, peculiar animal.

“So.” He said finally, holding his palm out for Little Rascal to migrate from his shoulder to his hands. “Why don't you talk about it?”

He asked like it was the obvious solution. Luz was a little irked by it, but she kept her patience.

“Oh, Hunter. Sweet Hunter.” She heaved an exhausted sigh. “It is not that simple.”

He still didn't seem to understand. “Well, why not?”

“'Cause it's--.....Uh.” Luz trailed off, twirling her wrist around as if expecting to snatch an eloquent articulation out of thin air.

“Okay. Lemme put it like this. Amity is....really special. To me. Sometimes I still can't believe that she's real and she's friends with me and she likes me and....whew.” She pressed her fingertips to her cheek, surprised by the warmth. Even thinking that sort of stuff prompted a blush or two but it seemed saying it out loud made her face scalding.

“Anyway, now that we're going through....this, everything feels so much more....fragile?” Her voice rose in pitch, uncertain if 'Fragile' was even a suitable word to describe her feelings. It was just a vague, wishy-washy concept to describe.

“Like I feel like I could break it all so easy, just by....” Wait, she knew. She had figured out her handle on this.

“Just by being me.” She felt an ache just by admitting it, but it was the truth. Luz exhaled unsteadily to compose herself, clasping her fists tight into the fabric of her shorts and she continued...calmly.

“I can't risk doing anything that's gonna push her or make her uncomfortable or scare her away or...y'know, ruin this.” She held up her palms with a heavy shrug. “I-I don't have a plan and it would be way too reckless to wing it. Who knows what would come out of my mouth? She tells me a billion times that my weirdness is what she likes about me but...it can just as easily be the thing she hates if I overdo. I can't overdo it.

Luz was expecting Hunter to look at her like she was dumb again, but surprisingly, he nodded. A slow, thoughtful nod, as he absentmindedly scratched Little Rascal under the chin.

As the silence filled a little longer, she was starting to believe he had nothing else to add, which was fine. She had wanted to rant her heart out but realistically, she couldn't imagine Hunter having any advice for her. This wasn't exactly his area of expertise.

“Hey, Luz.” He said at last, voice surprisingly breezy. “You know those books that you really like? Uhh, with the nice witch Azuzu or whatever,”

“It's the Good Witch Azura!” Luz snapped, hands flying to her hips. “And I know you just pretended to not know her name. You're just trying to be cool.”

“Yeah, yeah.” The corner of Hunter's lip tweaked upwards. “And wasn't there that other witch that you liked to pretend was Azura's girlfriend?

Luz scoffed, finding it utterly unbelievable that this obnoxious little man had the audacity to be so dismissive towards her favorite book series, when she had been sweet enough to smuggle him in here.

“She was not her 'Girlfriend', she was her 'Soulmate' and if you even listened to me talk about it, you would know that. For your information, her name was Hecate and she began as Azura's rival but over the course of the series, they developed a beautiful, unbreakable bond that was jam packed with heavy romantic subtext. I mean, even their declaration of their eternal friendship in Book Five, which was really emotionally poignant by the way, reads so much like a love confession, it's a crime. And it's like...Ladies! Just kiss already!”

“Okay. Right. Sure. I understood some of that.”

“I mean, I guess I've read a ton of Heczura fanfics to tide me over. It's hard to find a fic where they don't kiss. Hold on, you know what fanfiction is, right?”

“Yeah.” The light in Hunter's eyes dimmed. “You made me sit through that three hour long slideshow presentation, remember?”

“Oh, right,” Luz popped a finger gun. “That was fun,”

It was fun, but a lot of work. Hunter was pouting over losing a measly three hours of his time. Well, newsflash, nerd, Luz spent two weeks working on that. Nobody is getting their hours back.

“And what usually happens in those fanfictions?” Asked Hunter, propping his chin up with his hand, as Little Rascal hopped over to a pile of books. “How do they end?”

“I told you, they kiss. A lot of the time they look deeply into each others eye and talk about how they complete each other like two halves of one heart. And y'know, moments of miscellaneous fluff.”

“Uh huh. Interesting,” He mused, tapping his pen against his bottom lip.

Luz knew Hunter could be a little...eccentric but was he really analyzing fanfiction right now? Where did the sudden interest come from?”

“So, uh, besides Azura and Hecate, are there any other...boats(?) that you--”

“Ships.” Luz corrected him.

Hunter snapped his fingers. “Right. Ships. Basically love stories that you really like.”

“We talkin' canon or non canon?”

Hunter squinted at her, lost. Seems somebody was not taking enough notes during the slideshow presentation. “Both? A-all...?”

“Oh, well, there's a bunch.”

Luz had no intention of listing every single ship that had captured her heart. They would be here all week.

“I've spent my whole life reading books, watching movies and anime and--”

“Anime...?”

“Hunter, please!” Luz squeaked as calmly as she possibly could, but she could not deny that she had started to vibrate. “You have no idea how excited you just made me at the thought of teaching you about anime but I'd need to dedicate a whole day to that 'cause I need to meet Amity soon and I'm still sorta in crisis mode. So, let's stay on topic.”

Her brow furrowed. “Whatever the heck the topic is! Why are we talking about ships, Huntifer?”

He waved off her question. “Okay but how does the story usually end for all your ships? The book ones, the anime ones, all of them,”

“We've been over this with the fanfiction discussion. They kiss, Hunter. Geez, you want a diagram or something?”

“But what else?” He prompted.

“What do you mean 'What else?'”

Now this was just getting ridiculous.

“They kiss!” Luz said with a huge amount of emphasis. “And again, miscellaneous fluff. They'll do stuff like pick each other up and swing around, hold hands and....walk off into the sunset, y'know?” She waved off all that extra padding as unimportant to the conversation. (Though Luz did really enjoy miscellaneous fluff.)

“Well yeaaaah,” Hunter was giving off vibes of a grade school teacher who gave her little nudges in the correct direction but ultimately wanted her to figure out the right answer herself. She wished he could just give it to her because honestly, she didn't know where this any of this was going.

“But when exactly do they ask each other if they're dating?”

“Whaa?” Well, that settled it. He had paid no attention to the slideshow whatsoever. “Nah, nah, they don't do stuff like that. They don't have to 'cause they're already perfect for each other. All they gotta do is look into each others' eyes and they just...” Luz shrugged, feeling lightness bubble in her chest at the very thought. She had a feeling her smile looked pretty dopey. “They just know.”

“Right. And why don't you and Amity just know?”

The bubbles burst and the lightness turned to dead weight.

The question speared through Luz's gut. Her entire body went rigid.

She had known but...

She had been trying not to...

Not to think about it.

Because if she thought about it, she knew she'd cry.

But there is was. A culmination of every coil of underlying dread that had been gradually writhing in her stomach in a monster of anxiety, summarized in a short and sweet collection of simplistic little words.

Luz did not just know when it came to Amity. She was constantly taking shots in the dark. That is, if she was even brave enough to take a shot at all.

The two of them together were not as seamlessly synchronized as couples in love were supposed to be.

Her throat stung.

Her vision went cloudy with blotted tears but she managed to catch Hunter's stony expression break into one of sheer panic.

“Wh-- Luz! Hey!” He yelped, scrambling to pick himself up from the floor. He nearly tripped over his books as he stood and hurried over to close the distance between them. He made to reach out to her but his hand stopped, just as it was about to brush against her shoulder. It hovered there for a moment, fingers curling and uncurling with uncertainty.

“Luz, listen, I wasn't....I-I mean, what I meant was...uhh. C-c'mon, cut it out!” Hunter's voice crackled with desperation and despite crying her eyes out, Luz felt the watery chuckle at the back of her throat.

“Aww, does crying make the Golden Guard uncomfy?” She tried to tease but her words came out all wobbly.

In fairness to the poor guy, it probably did. Luz couldn't imagine that dealing with tears in a delicate matter, was ever something he would need to handle in his line of work.

For all she knew, this was his first time having to comfort someone like this.

“You don't get to make jokes and cry at the same time. You gotta pick one.” Hunter snipped, but his tone was not nearly as cutting as usual. Luz was almost tempted to call it soft.

Clearing her eyes with the heel of her hands, she finally felt that warm touch on her shoulder, and then another rest against her upper arm.

Somehow the gentleness cracked all her remaining composure and she dissolved into ragged sobs.

Hunter did not speak nor did he let go out her until she got every tear out of her system. He waited patiently, tracing circles with his thumb into her skin.

Eventually, her sniffles fell silent and her eyes no longer blurred. She took a deep breath and the following exhale was shaky but manageable.

“Are you....good?” He asked cautiously.

Luz nodded.

Hunter removed his hands so carefully, you'd think doing so would cause her physical pain. He must have heard once that people were more prone to being hurt when they were already upset and assumed it was literal.

“Do you really think that...Amity and I....” Luz's voice was low and quiet but her jaw was set tight. She refused to let her words be whimpered. She looked up, meeting Hunter's eyes. “Aren't right for each other?”

“What? No! No, no, no,” Hunter looked positively alarmed at the accusation. “Luz th-that's not even remotely what I meant by that.”

“Well, then I guess you accidentally hit the nail on the head.” Luz managed a strained, bitter little smile. “'Cause it's true.”

“Luz, c'mon,” Hunter groaned, exasperated. “Don't talk like that, you've got it mixed up.”

“No.” Said Luz, tone quiet, polite yet strikingly obstinate. “You were right, Hunter.”

For someone who loved being right, he didn't seem thrilled at all.

“When it comes to Amity, I don't just know. I don't always know what she's thinking or what she wants from me. After all this time, I-I shouldn't still be trying to figure her out,”

Luz wanted to figure her out. Every time she was in her orbit, she wanted nothing more to turn over every last piece of that girl and find every hidden gem.

But now, it like she was barricaded. Something was keeping her from moving forward, from discovering Amity.

“I mean, we've kissed.” The memories of Amity were turning more and more bittersweet by the second “I told her I loved her! We had our happy ending already! A-at least I thought it was a happy ending. But we're not acting like people who are made for each other are meant to act!”

“How do you even know how people who are meant for each other are meant to act?!” Hunter demanded, as though it wouldn't reach Luz's skull unless he raised his voice. “In all the love stories you've read, it always ends with a kiss, doesn't it?”

“And--”

“And miscellaneous fluff. Yeah, I get it.” Hunter shooed the detail away before clearing his throat.

“Point is, they never talk about what comes after. You don't read about all those awkward talks where they decide if they're dating or not and talks about what they're okay with and what they're not. It always just cuts to the perfect, shiny romantic stuff, all tied up with a bow and because of that,” He clutched Luz by the shoulders.”You don't know how to move forward in a relationship 'cause you've never had a frame of reference to help you along.”

“Hey, that's not true!” She tore away from Hunter's grip. “I'll have you know that I imagine my favorite ships as couples all the time,”

“Yeah and lemme guess,” He droned, setting a hand on his hip and launching into a mockingly saccharine tone of voice. “They understand each other soooo well all the time, they can practically read each others' mind and everything is smooth sailing and peachy all the time.”

“Yeah, duh.” Luz didn't quite what he was making fun of. “That's what being a ship is all about.”

“Okay, fine, maybe, but I cannot stress this enough,” He ran his fingers through his hair before making a cutting gesture with the side of his hand, directed at Luz. “You are not a ship.”

“Well, yeah, obviously. I'm only one--”

“I mean that the two of you aren't a ship! Listen to me, you're not Azura and Hecate. You're Luz and Amity. You're real people. You've got like a million different emotions and they're messy and crazy and you don't understand most of them.”

“Okay, Hunter, I get it, I'm a hot mess. You don't have to rub it in.”

“We're all hot messes, Luz!” He exploded. “Every single one of us. 'Cause we're real and not book characters.” He was pacing back and forth now as he ranted and raved, gesticulating like a madman.

“We gotta handle all the awkward conversations that don't fit into books. You gotta talk to real people to get them and you can talk to them for years and years but you're never gonna entirely understand them. In your love stories, it's all kisses and happy endings and it's shiny and sparkly and perfect and nerds like you Eat. It.Up!”

Hunter emphasized his point by poking Luz's forehead, shocking a startled laugh out of her. As wound up as he was, the noise surprised him too.

Her laugh was contagious and soon the room was silent, expect for the sound of quiet, breathy giggles.

One of the knots in Luz's stomach had untangled itself. Hunter did make a point that she could understand. Yeah, okay, maybe she had been a little too wrapped up in fiction to successfully navigate through her own life. Luz had never been the most logical person so it was comforting for a levelheaded counter-argument to whatever was currently inflaming her anxiety.

Obviously, this didn't fix everything. Now, she understood why this wasn't easy but that didn't mean she magically knew where to go from here.

Once the shadow of Luz's smile had finally faded away, she looked up and studied Hunter for a long while. Her gaze may have been a bit intense as nervousness began to creep into his features.

“H-hey. Uh. Sorry if I was a little too--”

“Huntifer, I think you might be on to something with this one,”

He blinked at her before brightening with relief, shrugging it off. “Oh. Yeah, maybe. I dunno, I guess it's worth some thought.

Astonishing how Hunter could switch from the cockiest, most obnoxious kid in the Boiling Isles to a remarkably humble guy. Maybe it depended on context. Or he was just embarrassed that he sorta lost control of himself in his impatience.

Luz nodded. “I'd say a lot of thought. But..I think things are still gonna be awkward. With Amity. I still don't know how I'm supposed to talk this stuff through with her.”

Hunter snorted, loosely folding his arms over chest and resting his weight on one hip. And just like that, with that simple change of posture, he looked full of himself again “You wanna know a secret that's probably not much of a secret?”

He beckoned Luz to lean in closer and said in a stage whisper. “Amity probably doesn't know either.”

Huh. Yeah, Luz knew that. She knew that at the back of her mind but...she hadn't really thought about it much. She was a little too preoccupied with her own inexperience.

Hunter's lofty grin softened. “So, it's a good thing neither of you are doing it alone, right? Don't you think you could figure out how together?”

Figure out how together....

The realization sank from the surface of her mind, and everything was processing very fast then suddenly, everything clicked.

Amity.

Luz knew Amity. Luz trusted Amity. Luz loved Amity. If there was any person Luz believed would stumble alongside her through things they didn't quite understand yet, it was Amity. And it occurred to her that Luz would help Amity in return without hesitation.

With enough notches and trimming and smoothing edges, if they worked through this together, Luz and Amity could click too. Maybe not perfectly, not for a while just yet.

But enough that they could make each other happy.

A swing of confidence so strong flooded Luz's system, she swore she nearly collapsed. She felt the grin tugging at her mouth.

She could try. She could absolutely try. They could both try.

“Is...that a yes?” Hunter asked, gauging her expression.

Luz nodded so speedily, it made her head hurt. But then she realized something else and she turned a very specific look on Hunter.

But before he could ask if she was about to attack him, she held up two fingers on each hand and then placed them on either side of her head so they jutted out just behind her ears.

“Man, I don't know anything about that stuff,” Said Luz, in what she believed to be an uncanny imitation of Hunter's voice.

He frowned. “What are the theatrics for?”

“You lied to me!” Luz was delighted.

“I-I didn't lie!” He loudly objected, pointed ears scorching bright pink. “That was just common sense, you doofus. You know, that thing you lack.”

“You know, that thing you lack.” Luz parroted, swinging her hips from side to side. Once again, her impression remained flawless.

“Don't do that!”

“Don't do that!

“Stop, you weirdo!”

At the peak of riled up, Hunter floundered for a retort that Luz wouldn't shoot back at him with childish mimicking. But then he cracked and wound up sticking his tongue out at her.

Luz simply mirrored him and Hunter huffed indignantly, turning on his heel and stomping back towards his books.

He had barely made a few steps when Luz lunged at him from behind, draping her long, lanky arms around his shoulders.

“Wha—Hey! Get off!” He squawked, struggling to pry her off him as Luz squished her cheek against his.

“Huntifer~” She singsonged. “Can you please calm down for two seconds and let me say thanks already?”

Hunter knotted his arms and his scowl didn't soften but Luz didn't miss how he stopped trying to squirm out of her grip.

“Even though you were kinda rambly and all over the place, what you said helped. It helped a lot. I know this is something I can handle and I know that 'cause of you. Thanks, nerd.”

She waited patiently until she felt his shoulders loosen. And then he glanced back at her and there was a smile. A small, tight, subtle smile but it was good enough for Luz.

And then with a burst of adrenaline, she gripped him tighter and planted a big, wet raspberry on his cheek.

Predictably, Hunter blew his top. He screeched furiously and his hands went wild to push her off but Luz was stronger than she looked. And so help her, she would give Hunter this affection or die trying.

Dying trying did not seem unlikely, actually. Hunter had told her once before that if he ever murdered her, it would probably be her own fault. Luz could not argue with that.

“That is so gross!” He griped, once Luz had finally released him.

“You're gross~” She chirped, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Hunter wiped the spit off his cheek with his palm before looking up at Luz with narrowed eyes

Luz did not have time to brace herself and suddenly she was tackled to the ground. She kicked and she screamed as Hunter dragged his disgusting wet hand across her face.

“GrossGrossGrossGrossGrossGrossGroooooss!”

Hunter cackled maniacally the whole time.

They carried on like rowdy toddlers for a while until Luz had to go meet Amity, leaving Hunter and his palisman to themselves.

It was too weird to admit out loud but he was disappointed that she was gone. Hanging out with her like this wasn't that bad. Talking with her, arguing with her, wrestling with her. It all made Hunter feel....so much like a kid.

Something that he had realized recently was that he still liked being a kid.

In spite of the doom and gloom of white of gold, of the clawed scars in his shoulder, of the spear that grazed his hair, a spark of childishness remained in Hunter that had never been entirely snuffed out.

It wasn't until he met Luz that he began actively trying to keep that spark alive.

The sun had long since fallen asleep by the time Luz returned and the moon was pooling in the sky. A little after sun down, he heard the downstairs door slam shut and the loud exuberant voice of The Owl Lady boomed from the floorboards beneath him. By the sound of it, she was celebrating a successful day's work. Hunter wondered what she and the cute little demon had managed to steal today.

His snoozing palisman was tucked snug in the crook of his neck, a pleasant warmth against his skin. It was a good idea to keep the bird close. If someone other than Luz came barreling into the room, he'd better have his staff on hand to magically conceal himself.

But once an hour passed and the chatter of the witch and the demon below gradually faded into loud snoring, Hunter presumed they had passed out on the couch. For the time being, he should be fine.

Hunter hoped that creepy owl tube thing wouldn't rat them out. Fortunately, Luz had promised that Hooty was willing to take a bribe but unfortunately, gossip spread fast in the Boiling Isles. Now The Golden Guard had a reputation for being a lunatic who visited the night market several times, buying dead mice in bulk.

He snorted to himself, combing through 'From Bones to Fire: A Study of Wild Magic Volume 2'. Everything he went through just to get his hands on knowledge.

Well, also to be young with Luz.

Yet another hour passed and somehow, being surrounded by his own obsession, Hunter got a little overstimulated. To give his brain a rest, he was now flipping through some tattered old magazine that Luz brought with her from the human realm. Some of the articles were practically gibberish to him but overall, it was okay. He learned he was a Scorpio. He didn't know what that entailed but it sounded cool.

He nearly jumped out of his skin as Luz burst into the room, announcing her return.

Startled, his palisman flew into a fluster, cheeping like crazy before it settled down atop his head. Hunter, meanwhile, had flung the magazine away so fast, it was like it had contaminated him, and snatched up the closest book to pretend he was reading it the whole time.

Thankfully, Luz didn't notice.

“Hey there, Little Rascal,” She cooed, prancing across the room and plopping down next to Hunter. “And hey, you little bookworm, you.”

“Bookworm?” Hunter knocked his shoulder against hers. “You looking for a fight, kid?”

“Whaaaat? Hunter, you wound me, I was just....Ohhh, my bad. I always forget that our bookworms and your bookworms are two waaaay different things.” She paused thoughtfully before shaking her head. “Actually, I don't retract anything. You look like a bookworm.”

“Yeah, well, you smell like a selkidomus.” Hunter smirked.

“Hey!” Luz bumped their shoulders. “Can you blame me? I've had one heck of a day with lots of nervous sweating!”

He was surprised that got him laughing but that tended to happen around her.

“So, how'd it go?” Hunter asked, even though he already knew the answer.

Luz's beam was as bright as a dozen of her light spells. The corner of her lip was twitching, as if she wanted to smile wider but it was physically impossible.

“We're dating.” She stated, no more than a whisper.

It obvious since the moment she entered the room, far bouncier and bubblier than usual but Hunter still grinned.

He had expected her to scream it from the rooftops, to grind his ribcage into powder with the force of her hug, to set off a riot of firework glyphs, spelling it out in lights.

No matter how she could have chosen to tell him, he would have been just as giddy as she was.

And yet, despite the lack of fanfare, somehow, it still felt so much like Luz. Though he knew that in the morning, she would tell the entire Boiling Isles, right here, right now, only Hunter knew. Something about that felt nice.

But the quiet serene scene was momentarily ruptured when Hunter spotted Luz re-adjusting herself out of the corner of his eye and he was immediately on high alert. Another raspberry, he could sense it.

“Luz, don't you d--”

It wasn't a raspberry.

The feather-light peck against his cheek was gone before he fully processed it, as Luz drew away with that big stupid smile still plastered on her face.

Hunter blinked away the surprise, looking to her with a raised eyebrow.

“What's that look for? In this family, we give each other hugs and kisses~”

He felt his lip quirk upwards as he scoffed, turning away with a shake of his head.

“That was so gross.”

“You're gross.”

“For real, it was even more gross than the raspberry.”

Luz burst into giggles and Hunter could understand why everything was suddenly a million times funnier to her. She will still fizzling with that giddiness that Amity had kissed into her and now it was all spilling out.

To be honest, listening to a teenage girl gush and squeal about her girlfriend did not seem like something Hunter would ever willingly subject himself to.

But this was Luz. His friend, Luz.

He lightly pinched the pudge of her cheek. “Heeeey. You wanna tell me all about it, don't you?”

Luz snapped her head over to gawk at him, astonished. And then the excitement took hold and her hands started flapping and she looked about ready to explode with delight. Her mouth was already flying open to give every solitary detail of her evening with Amity Blight.

But then she stopped, a crease forming on her brow. He caught that unreadable look she gave him and the way her eyes skimmed over the books that scattered the floor around them.

“Hmmm.” She stroked her chin with an over dramatic 'thinking' face. “Y'know what? I'll think I'll keep it all to myself.”

“Oh, really~?” Grinned Hunter. “I can only imagine all the romantic schmaltzy sickening stuff that occurred tonight. Miscellaneous fluff, right?”

Judging by the blood that stained her cheekbones, he must have been correct.

“Hey, Hunter.” She said quietly, resting her weight against his side. “You've been lost in your books for hours now. Would you mind telling me all about the most interesting you read about today? Reading myself is fine but it's way better to hear all about it from a bona fide nerd.”

Frankly, it was embarrassing how fast the giddiness practically electrocuted him and suddenly he found himself rambling. He rambled until his voice gave up but it didn't bother him at all because it was just Luz.

Luz hung on every word he said.

#the owl house #toh #luz nozeda #the golden guard #toh Hunter #lumity

75 notes · View notes

autumn-writes · 3 years

Note

You did really amazing last time, idk if i sent another request, but could i get headcanons of Korekiyo, Nagito and Hajime with an S/o who has a Identical twin, and one day the boys go out and they see S/o with another guy, and so later when they confront S/o, they find out it wasn't S/o but they're twin. So s/o is like "ohh, Lmao, I forgot to tell you i have a twin." And proceeds to show the boys a picture of S/o with they're twin. (If you don't do kiyo, just replace him with makoto)

Ik my Requests are oddly specific, but i have shower thoughts constantly 😭💙 - Mod static.

hiya mod static!! sorry to have kept you waiting! took a break for a bit since school was getting pretty overwhelming and i had some events to attend to. i hope you enjoy this!!

T/N = Twin's name

Korekiyo, Nagito, and Hajime thinking their S/O who has an identical twin was cheating on them

Nagito was planning on getting you a gift! There wasn't an occasion, he just thought that you deserved to get one.

Nagito enters a store and starts to look for something that you may like, when he manages to catch a glimpse of a familiar head of hair.

It was you! Or so he thought. Nagito was about to walk up to you when he saw a guy head up to where "you" were and wrap their arms around "your" waist.

Nagito was ready to rush over there and push the person off when he saw "you" place "your" arms on the guy's shoulders and give them a kiss.

Nagito was heartbroken :(

He couldn't believe that you would do such a thing! Perhaps he... Really wasn't enough?

Nagito goes back home and thinks about what to do. He wants to confront you, but he's scared of you leaving him. But then again, you're supposedly doing something behind his back.

Poor babie doesn't know what to do. So he settles for avoiding you for a while at first.

You manage to catch on not too long after he starts avoiding you, so you confront him about it.

You ask him if you've done something wrong, to which Nagito tells you what he saw at the store a few days back.

You were confused about his story. You never went to the...

'Ohhhhhh. That's what happened.' It clicked in your head.

Giggling, you ask Nagito a simple question.

"T/N and their partner are pretty cute, huh?"

Now Nagito is confused. Who's T/N?

You laugh and explain to Nagito that you have an identical twin, who has a significant other who looks exactly like the person Nagito described in his statement earlier.

To convince him that you were telling the truth, you show Nagito pictures of you and your twin together.

And now it clicks in his head that that person wasn't you. That was your twin.

Nagito apologizes for doubting your loyalty to him and offers that you slap him.

But of course, you don't.

So now your plan is to introduce Nagito to your twin so next time he doesn't get confused!

Also a good way to get a "Twin's Blessing"

Hajime was just leaving the Reserve Course building one afternoon, ready to head over to your place when he spots "you" with another guy.

Hajime doesn't think much about it at first. That's just one of your friends, right?

Yeah, that's what he thought. That is until he saw the guy kiss "you", only to have "you" reciprocate.

Hajime is heartbroken, frustrated, and angry.

He can't believe that you'd betray him like this!

Was it cause he was a Reserve Course Student? Maybe it was cause he was just so average that you decided to look for someone else to do things behind his back.

Hajime resists the urge to march over there and cause a scene. That would be embarrassing.

So he decides on confronting you about what he saw later.

He gets home and invites you over, already having a bunch of mixed emotions welling in his chest.

When you arrive, he starts off by asking you a question.

"So, how are you and that guy doing, S/O?"

Of course, you're confused and ask him who he's referring to.

Hajime, being the sassy lil bitch that he can be, rolls his eyes at you and explains that he saw you and some guy making out in front of the Reserve Course Building.

Of course, you're still confused. You don't know who he's talking about at all.

That's when it clicked in your head that you had a twin—

You ask him a few questions regarding the guy that "you" were with, only to have them all replied with a yes. That confirms it.

You laugh, catching Hajime off guard.

"What the heck are you laughing at, S/O?! This isn't funny!"

You give Hajime a pat on the shoulder, before speaking up.

"T/N must've given you a show. Cause if I were in your shoes I'd be pretty surprised too."

T/N? Who in the world—

You then explain to Hajime that you have an identical twin. You then proceed to show him pictures of you and your twin.

Hajime, embarrassed, hugs you and apologizes for being so rude to you and offers you affection.

Jokingly, you tell him to check the face better cause he should recognize who you are by checking who's more attractive~

S/O, T/N is gonna smack your ass when they hear about what you said lol-

Kiyo was planning on buying you some flowers for a date you two were about to go on!

He was on his way to the flower shop and passed by a cafe when he saw someone familiar.

Stopping in his tracks, Kiyo takes a good look inside and sees "you", wearing a dress that you normally wouldn't have.

You were talking with some guy, to which Kiyo started to get uncomfortable.

To see you with another man... That was something that caught him off guard.

He observed silently as he watched "you" and the other guy talk happily, with "you", letting out the occasional laughter from time to time.

Sighing, Kiyo thought to himself that perhaps there was a misunderstanding on his part. He's studied people many times in the past, and damn straight can he tell when people are devoted to something or someone. The spark that he saw in their eyes were present in yours each time he saw you.

Hurriedly buying the flowers, Kiyo heads over to your home where you patiently wait for him to pick you up for your date.

When he arrives, he gives you the flowers and gives you a hug, to which you return of course, before both of you head off to your date.

Despite how much Kiyo trusts your loyalty to him, that image he saw of "you" and another man was engraved in his mind. It wouldn't go away unless he asked you about it.

I mean, you went from a café to your house real quick ofc there's something wrong

You realize that Kiyo is a lot more quiet than usual and ask him what's wrong. Hesitantly, he tells you about how he saw you with some other man when he was out getting you flowers and how seeing you with someone else brought pain to his heart.

Startled and confused, you start to process what Kiyo said. You were at home the entire time... So that must mean... Oh yeah! There IS one more explanation.

Giving Kiyo a hug, you bring out your phone and show a picture of "you"

"Pretty, right?" "You are always beautiful, my love. A rose with no thorns."

Blushing at his compliment, you giggle a bit and speak up.

"Awww, thank you Kiyo, but really, my twin is grateful for what you said, too!"

Kiyo doesn't get what you mean at first, so you explain to him how you have an identical twin, whose picture you just showed to him.

Of course, Kiyo apologizes for mistaking your twin for you, before bringing you into his arms.

"I wouldn't have known what to do if you had been swept into the arms of another, my love. Fortunately enough, it looks like you'll be remaining in my embrace."

Kiyo is glad to know that you've been loyal to him! He is so glad he didn't overthink things.

As an apology for misunderstanding at first, Kiyo is sure to let you enjoy the rest of your date!!

here you go mod static! i hope you liked this!! not sure if this is what you wanted to get but i do hope it reaches your expectations :') if not, i'd be more than willing to re-write this.

don't overwork yourself! stay healthy, safe, eat your meals and stay hydrated!

#nagito komaeda x reader #nagito headcanons #hajime hinata x reader #hajime hinata headcanons #korekiyo shinguuji x reader #korekiyo headcanons #danganronpa x reader #sdr2 x reader #killing harmony x reader #mod mahiru writes #mod mahiru

139 notes · View notes

shoichee · 3 years

Note

Hi, congrats on 100!! Could I please request 27 for Kasamatsu? Thank you very much, and good luck on your finals! :D

Kasamatsu x Reader

27. “If we get caught I’m blaming you”

Word Count: 4416

prompt list here

Note: the Replace novel starring the Kaijō team was a HUGE inspiration for this, and dear anon who requested this, I hope you’re still around;; I’m sorry it took so long EEEEE But yes! I did okay on my finals anon! I hope you’re doing well too~

@knb-kreations

»»—————　☼　—————««

“If we get caught, I’m blaming you.”

“Look it’ll be quick… n-no one’s here as far as I know.”

“B-But…”

“J-Just… be quiet for a s-second, okay?”

“H-H-Huh?! Ah…”

Huh? Kise stopped himself before leaning closer to the edge of the building, slightly doubting his ears. Wasn’t that Senpai’s voice? With someone else…? Alone?

“Oh come on, why are you even block the wa—oh, ohhhhhh, are there any cute girls nearby?—”

“Shh,” Kise hissed, harshly waving his hand over Moriyama’s face to give a signal to stay quiet. “Listen…”

“A-Are you done, Kasamatsu-san…?”

“I-I-I… uh, just…um…”

Kise and Moriyama shared a look of shock… then registration… and finally a look of that spelled nothing but trouble. Immediately, they both simultaneously crouched to squat and share their “realizations” together in hushed whispers.

“Quick—when was the last time Senpai talked to anyone outside of basketball?”

“Hmmmmmm, certainly none of the girls I’ve tried to approach.”

“No, that’s obviously not what I meant!” Kise said, facepalming. “Anyone in your year that he’s been talking to? Maybe anyone in class?” Moriyama continued to hum in deep concentration before he lifted his index finger in a “eureka” moment.

“He’s been talking to (y/n)-san in the hallways recently!” he quietly exclaims, pounding his fist against his open palm to emphasize. “Though their conversations have sounded nothing remotely romantic. No charm, I say.” He struck a pose after to imply that he himself was the charismatic individual.

“.... Right,” he deadpanned, expecting nothing less from his quite… eccentric upperclassman. “Welp, now that we narrowed it down who he might be talking to, I don’t wanna spy on them… but I��m really curious if it’s really this (y/n)-san you mentioned.”

“Well,” Moriyama pouted with a grumble. “One peek wouldn’t hurt.”

“I guess you’re right…”

Kise cautiously scans his surroundings and gauges the situation “clear” to slowly peer from behind the corner of the building, where both of them had been seeking shelter from for the past several minutes. Moriyama follows suit, poking his head out just underneath Kise to see.

Kasamatsu’s back mostly covered your figure, but the view of what was happening did not slip by either Kaijō players’ eyes. He had his arms partially around your head while you were pressed up against his chest. You were gripping onto his loose blazer on his sides to presumably stabilize yourself while Kasamatsu was… fiddling with something on top of your hair? Even so, there’s no denying that the both of you were currently very, very physically close.

“Look… d-does it really take that long to take out petals from hair strands?” you mumbled, looking up at Kasamatsu’s face while trying not to move your head to avoid disrupting his “handiwork.” “I can do this myself....”

“W-W-Well, you can’t risk yourself being unkempt when you go back to class.” Kasamatsu gave a poor attempt at trying to lecture you, judging from his stammers and the way he slightly turns his head to the side to avoid your curious scrutiny. “It’s more thorough this… way. It’s the w-week where these blossoms fall rampantly… you have to be careful where you’re walking under…” In turning his face slightly towards Kise’s and Moriyama’s direction, his exposed flushed face puts the cherry blossom trees around them to shame.

So that’s what he was doing. Kise narrowed his eyes in pity at his captain, and Moriyama expressed a similar expression at Kasamatsu’s struggles. The poor captain’s hands were shaking non-stop. Not only that, he’s been darting his eyes everywhere since you’ve been gazing up at him from below. No wonder he’s been standing there unable to quickly pluck off the petals.

“Should we leave our captain alone to let him lead his own destiny?”

“What are you even talking about, Moriyama-se—”

“W-Whoa!! What a(l)e you [guys doing] he(l)e? Why a(l)e you sneaking a(l)ound (r)ike that?”

Kise and Moriyama instantly whip their heads behind in a panic, seeing a curious Hayakawa jogging up to be with his teammates, and the both instantly pounce on the poor rebound player to slap desperate hands over his mouth.

“Sh-Shhhhhhhhh!”

“Mrmpgh—?!! Lef—What [is going] on?”

“Hayakawa-senpai, please—just be quiet for a sec!”

The ruckus causes Kasamatsu and you to break out of the oddly intimate moment to face towards the direction of the sudden noises. After looking at each other questionably, albeit briefly and with stiff eye contact, there was an unspoken consensus for you two to investigate behind the corner of the building. Imagine both of you guys’ surprise when you two see a tangle of limbs between the Kaijō starter players. Kobori somehow arrived prior, separating poor Hayakawa from his two assailants.

“What… What the hell are you guys doing?!”

“Kasamatsu-senpai!! Is it t(l)ue [that you] and (y/n)-san a(l)e da—mrmf—!”

“Ahaha… we didn’t expect to see you here, Senpai~” Kise smiles with a slight grimace, hand still firm on Hayakawa’s mouth.

“It must be fate, yes surely!” Moriyama confidently speaks, flipping his fringe. Both Kise and Moriyama drop Hayakawa and straighten themselves up. “How else would we encounter such a situation as unique as this?”

“Why are you all here?” Kasamatsu sputters indignantly, but everyone (except you) saw how horrendously red his face was. You peek out from behind his back curiously, noting how Kasamatsu did a 180 in his personality compared to whenever he spoke with you.

“Kasamatsu-san… are they your teammates? You seem very close with them.”

“That’s—”

“Now, now, Kasamatsu-san… we’re only here because we were concerned where you went is all,” Kobori reassures a flustered captain. Kise only stares at him incredulously, but it seems that Kasamatsu, as usual, buys into Kobori’s naivete.

“I see…”

“Wow… the fact that your entire group came to look for you is very sweet of them,” you chime. “They really care for you, Kasamatsu-san…” When you elbow him at his ribs playfully, he immediately straightened himself like a plank.

“N-Nn.”

“Well… it’s almost time for class, so I have to go, see you all!”

“W-Wait, your… uh, hair, um—”

“I can get out the rest of the petals in the restroom, but thank you for trying! I’ll see you later!”

“R-Right…” He puts up his hand in a shy wave as you dash away, but he immediately drops it once you are out of the vicinity to hound on his teammates. “Were you watching this entire time? And stop with the looks—that’s creepy as hell!”

“Sooooooo…”

“Senpai, could it be that you and…”

“Kasamatsu-senpai! I’m (l)ooting fo(l) you!”

“N-N-No!!” he denies, ready to hold an iron fist to stop their antics, but Kobori gently holds onto his raised arm.

“Alright, let’s calm down a bit,” Kobori reasons with a placid smile. “I’m sure we’re all a bit curious because you hardly talk to anyone outside of basketball, right?”

“Kobori…”

“Have you heard of the prerequisites of the key elements of the blooming spring, Kasamatsu?” Moriyama asks, immediately drawing confused looks towards the 3rd-year.

“Moriyama-senpai, we have no clue what you’re talking about,” Kise says, asking the question that’s occupying everyone's mind.

“The key elements…! In the season of new birth, to enrich the experience, they are ‘hanami,’ ‘plums,’ and ‘spring cleaning!’ Of course, the prerequisite to these would be…”

“Please stop—”

“... to have a cute date.”

“... This is ridiculous,” Kasamatsu says irritatedly. “I’m going to class.” He immediately speed-walks to the adjacent building, leaving a scheming group behind.

“You know, if it’s true that he does like (y/n)-san, shouldn’t we help him? It’s the least we can do for our captain,” Kobori suggested.

“That sounds too troublesome,” Kise frowns, averting his gaze to also start to walk away, but Hayakawa immediately latches to his arm to pull him back.

“Don’t be (r)ike that! We have to do this as a team effo(l)t!”

“How did it become like this?!”

“Well…” Moriyama audibly ponders, stroking his chin. “If we make this successful for Kasamatsu, perhaps this can be a template for our own love lives! A sign that we will meet our fated ones this spring!”

“Yes, yes! Mo(l)iyama-senpai is abso(r)ute(r)y (l)ight!”

Oh god, Kise mentally sighs. What has he gotten himself into?

———

“Why are you guys surrounding me like that? Did you not hear me say that we have to change quickly? We can’t have the lockers for long today, considering that the janitor will come to do their routine clean-ups.”

“According to my online research,” Moriyama states, “this mint-scented deodorant will guarantee mutual attraction from the person you like.”

“Wha—?”

“Ignoring what Moriyama-senpai said,” Kise elaborates, scratching his head. “Is it really true that you like (y/n)-san? Otherwise, they’ll keep getting the wrong idea, senpai.”

Kasamatsu gapes like a fish, pulling his shirt collar as he starts to sweat and flush.

“Kise! Be a bit tactfu(r)! You do not unde(l)stand how to app(l)oach this!”

“What’s there to understand, Hayakawa-senpai!? It’s better to be direct about this, or otherwise we’ll be doing this for nothing!”

“Kise may be right,” Moriyama muses. “To be honest gives a feeling of a fresh start in the spring. Kasamatsu, you should follow this example and leave all the baggage behind to obtain a new start.” Kasamatsu could only stand there glued to his spot as his teammates continued to corner him, blocking any possible route to the locker exit.

“I… I…” he gulps. “Th—... that’s… I… like…” His voice dwindles to the softest whisper, but it easily resonates throughout the locker room, where the team had fallen silent in straining to hear and hang onto his every syllable.

“So you do like (y/n)-san,” Moriyama exclaimed, the first one to break the silence. “I see, I didn’t think they were your type.”

“H-Hey…?! Can you not say it like that!?”

“You can’t distort the truth, though. Anyways, you should chat with (y/n)-san nicely.”

“I already do!!” Kasamatsu half-shouts, but he immediately bows his head down shyly. “Wh-What’s a… good topic, you think… to talk to (y/n)-san…?”

“Huh? Just normal topics,” Kise replies, not sure what Kasamatsu meant by the question.

“What’s… normal?”

“Just talk to them like you’ve always done, senpai.”

“Y-Yes, but… h-how can I talk to hint that I l-l-l-like… never mind this is hopeless—”

“Ask them to come watch ou(l) next match [and have] (y/n)-san chee(l) fo(l) you!!”

“N-No! Anyone would run away from that!”

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted when the locker doors opened with a bang, with a very weary janitor standing with his equipment on standby. With a flurry of apologies to the janitor, Kasamatsu recovers himself and ushers everyone out before bidding him a good evening. Walking out of campus several minutes later in silence, Kobori breaks the silence.

“Why don’t we help you, Kasamatsu? Maybe through different methods you will find the best way to ask for a date. Perhaps asking for a cup of tea would be sufficient…?”

“I’m not gonna involve myself with this! No way in hell!”

“Senpai, so you’re just gonna wait and let it fester—u-uwah?!” Moriyama immediately sprays the mint-scented deodorant down Kise’s back to silence him before turning back to Kasamatsu with a straight face.

“What if someone else steals (y/n)-san away for their own elements of spring? After all, it is the perfect atmosphere for them to communicate with the person you like with pickup techniques, with high chances of success.”

“N-No way (y/n)-san would just go along with a random stranger!”

“Who knows? Maybe they’re more suave and have that particular charisma that they’re secretly weak to.”

“Moriyama-senpai, you might be going too far…”

“Kasamatsu, he’s right though, if you hang around (y/n)-san more, not only would you learn more about them, but you’ll protect them from potential unwanted people.” Kobori’s calm voice rang louder above the clamors of the starter players, and everyone immediately looked to Kasamatsu for his response. Kise mentally sighs at how Kobori always manages to misinterpret Moriyama’s words.

“Fine—but only to make sure (y/n)-san will be safe! Don’t get any funny ideas!”

———

Praise. Make them laugh. Praise. Make them laugh. Say something interesting. Say something interesting. Praise. Use a normal topic.

Kasamatsu stands at his usual spot, waiting for you to leave class and meet up with him after school. Only this time, his hands grow clammy, his thick brows deeply furrowed as he wills himself to stop shaking. His teammates spying on him from behind the hallway corner certainly wasn’t helping him either.

“I told you, there’s no way I’m gonna involve myself with this!”

“Come on, Kasamatsu,” Moriyama sighed, shaking the mint-scented deodorant on hand. “We talked about this yesterday. You agreed to this, remember?”

“It was to make sure no one weird bothers (y/n)-san! Why do I have to go along with this?!”

“So you’re fine if I hold (y/n)-san’s hand in the name of destiny…”

“To hell with that!—argh—you!”

Moriyama immediately sprayed the can on the captain’s neck, watching his spine jolt and jump before he was met with an intense glare.

“You’re the captain, right? Come on, you have to show us how it’s done. We all want to see the ways to push the boundaries of romance. Who would lead us if you don’t?”

“What kinda—”

“I ag(l)ee with Mo(l)iyama-senpai! Take the (r)ead, Kasamatsu-senpai!”

“Wouldn’t Kise be someone better to learn from if you wanted to learn how to hit on people?!”

“Senpai, I’ve never done such a thing in my entire life.”

“Kasamatsu, I’m sure Moriyama is just telling you how much we all admire and look up to you. Naturally, we want to see how our captain fares in these situations. Besides, as a team, if something happens, we’ll be there to cover up for you.”

“Well… if you put it like that Kobori… all I have to do is talk to (y/n)-san… right?”

“That’s the spi(l)it!”

“... Kasamatsu-san? Helloooooo…?”

You wave a hand repeatedly over his face, and he immediately blinks and flinches back when you pull him back to the present. He’d been standing still for the past five minutes.

“I-I-I-I…”

“Are you okay? You’re all tensed up… if something’s bothering you, wanna talk about it?”

“W-W-Well… wh-what’s… up.” Normal topic, normal topic.

“Well, nothing much really,” you say, smoothing out your blazer. “I got out the petals but barely made it to class in the nick of time!” You laugh at your own recollection, and he immediately flames a radiant flush.

“N-nn.”

“Is it me… or is our captain…. really, really stiff right now…”

“Shhh.”

You perk up at the noise and slightly tilt to the left of Kasamatsu to discern the source of the hushed whispers… only to spy a conspicuous group of basketball players. You merely raise a brow at your discovery, but you return your attention back to Kasamatsu before he notices your change in gaze. The Kaijō teammates were too busy shushing each other to notice your attention on them.

“Ah, yes! Kasamatsu-san, you just had your trigonometry test right? Those identities and proofs are always so difficult to remember… how do you think you did?”

“G-Good.”

“Wow, that was too quick of a response! I didn’t know you were that confident about it—obviously not a bad thing if you studied for it.”

“N-nn.” Come on, say something interesting. Interesting topic. Something you like. “U-U-Uh… w-weather…?”

“The weather…?” You look outside the window in confusion before you make a face of realization. “Oh! Like how’s the weather?”

“N-nn.”

“Well, it has been a bit windy with all those branches and leaves flying around, but I think it accompanies the refreshing atmosphere of spring very nicely, don’t you think?” You turn back to face Kasamatsu, who’s been slowly bowing his head down gradually more and more the entire time to avoid scrutiny.

“N-nn.”

“You’ve been… really quiet since lunch. I’m serious, if something happened… is there anything I can do to help?”

“Kasamatsu, take advantage of the elements of spring! The elements of spr—”

“Moriyama-senpai, shut… up…!”

“Hey—what are you—?”

“Wait!! Kise! Don’t push, [or else] we a(l)e gonna fa(r)(r)—!”

“Shit—”

Right on cue, the gradual leaning weight from the three players on Hayakawa at the bottom gave way, and everyone tumbled out smack dab into plain sight. Kobori was the only one who managed to break his fall and stayed behind the corner, holding onto Kise in a failed attempt to stop him from exposing his presence. Kasamatsu breaks out of his shy stupor and turns around to see awkward smiles and chuckles.

“Y-Y-You guys—?!”

“Ahaha… sorry Senpai… the floor was a bit… slippery?”

As Kasamatsu forgets about you in dropkicking Kise, you note how the other upperclassmen had their own little quirks in interacting with the captain. Seeing how assertive and gutsy he was compared to talking with you makes you feel unbelievably warm. Little did anyone know, you held a hand to your face as you turned away to let out a chortle before you collected yourself again.

“Ah, I guess I’ll be going now! Your practice will start soon right? I’m sure your friends were only waiting for you… Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Kasamatsu-san!”

“W-Wait—” Kasamatsu drops Kise from his collar before he turns to you, but in making eye contact he immediately loses courage again. “I-I-I… s-see… you.”

“Of course!” You give a close-eyed smile before you leave.

“You missed the opportunity to set up the atmosphere,” Moriyama sighs, staring wistfully at the mint-scented deodorant. “Was the mint scent not enough?”

“It was going fine until you crashed in!”

“Now, now, there’s always a next time…”

As the upperclassmen continue to bicker and banter (mostly one-sided from Kasamatsu’s end), Kise, who was dropped on the floor by Kasamatsu moments prior, silently stares at the direction you left. Did you leave because you knew how embarrassed Kasamatsu was from that incident?

———

For the next few days, Kasamatsu has been quite clipped with you, reduced to mere “nn’s” and “no’s” during your conversations, and Kise doesn’t know whether you’re just as oblivious as Kobori or whether you’re ignoring it to spare his remaining shreds of dignity. He mentally sighs at how oddly persistent Moriyama is about this even though the captain refused all of his ridiculous “suggestions” every time.

“I believe Moriyama is trying to help out Kasamatsu as a close friend,” Kobori had said, when Kise grumbled about his tenacity. “He just wants the best for him.”

Even so, Kise still heaves a sigh when he sees Moriyama and Hayakawa with an agitated Kasamatsu, knowing that whatever is going on won’t be smooth-sailing. He had no choice but to join them when Kobori sneaked up on him to sling an arm around his shoulders and called over the trio.

“Huh… what’s up with Kasamatsu-senpai?”

“Ou(l) captain is af(l)aid [because someone] da(l)ed to app(l)oach (y/n)-san (l)ight now!”

“Huh? Is that really a problem?” Kise shoots a tired look at the rebound player, but Moriyama solemnly sends a gaze to where he assumed was where you were at right now.

“I knew my online research would come in handy…! Someone also has the knowledge of taking advantage of the perfect atmosphere! Look at the intimacy shared between the two…! The undeniable auras exhibited by them, and elements of spring they embody together!”

“What the hell! No way!” Even through the denials, Kasamatsu looks visibly distressed about the possible “new revelations” between you and what looks to be a close companion of yours.

“I’m gonna have to agree with Senpai on this one, Moriyama-senpai.”

“(R)ook! They finished ta(r)king and (y/n)-san waved them [off with] a smi(r)e!” Kasamatsu whips his head at the speed of light to see you sending them off with the smile Hayakawa spoke of as your friend exits the campus gate. At his dilemma, Moriyama gently nudges his arm to encourage him to go talk to you.

“... According to my online research, talking under sunny weather with a fresh scent is the formula to having the desirable spring experience.”

“Oh shut up, will ya?” Kasamatsu mumbles half-heartedly, but he slowly walks in your direction before he stops to turn back. “You better not interrupt.”

“We [will be all] the way back he(l)e to suppo(l)t you!”

With a final sigh to expel his nerves, he gives a nervous smile to his teammates before coolly walking until you turn to face him once you hear his footsteps. Almost immediately though, his calmness easily dissipates into thin air once again, and his teammates only look on in dismay and worry from afar.

“Er…” Come on, just be direct. Talk normal.

“Kasamatsu-san?”

“Y-You were… d-datin—I mean t-talking, with… someone…”

“Oh, you saw? Yeah, I asked them to meet up with me here actually.”

“Is… that so?”

“Mmhm, I asked for their notes to compare to mine because I feel like I can’t get a hand on the subject sometimes.” Kasamatsu finally finds his voice for the first time in a while when the conversation finally re-enters familiar platonic territory.

“Was it… trigonometry? I did, um, do well on it last time, so…” Normal topics. Normal topics.

“I know,” you laugh. “You told me that a few days ago, remember?”

“W-W-Well…” He coughs to clear his throat and find his voice. “Y-You could’ve… a-a-asked—er…” You patiently wait for him to try to finish his sentence, and out of the corner of your eye you accidentally made eye contact with Kise from the distance.

Kise didn’t expect for you to notice the group even from a sizable distance away. He stayed still for a few seconds to make sure the shared eye contact wasn’t a fluke. Seeing how Kasamatsu was standing there like a statue again, he puts a flat hand next to his lips to discreetly mouth out:

He’s jealous.

To his surprise, you caught onto his cues, giving a subtle yet playful smile of your own before you carefully mouth out:

I know.

The others don’t seem to notice the secret exchange, all too focused on the poor captain bowing his head down out of extreme shyness. Kise doesn’t even know why he’s doing this, but perhaps Kobori was right that it’s only right for the team to help out their hardworking captain.

“Ah, Kasamatsu-san?”

“N-Nn?” He lifts his head up abruptly at the call of his name, and he turns red from mortification at the realization that he stood there like a dunce for the past several minutes. He doesn’t even have time to react to you stepping closer to him with an outstretched hand, and he stands motionless as you slightly fiddle with his cropped hair before you pull out a vivid cherry blossom petal.

“Remember what you told me?” you muse. “That ‘you can’t risk yourself being unkempt?’ After all, you’re right… it is the week where these blossoms fall rampantly… Must I also remind you to be careful where you’re walking under?”

At this point, Kasamatsu is sputtering like a broken engine, his mind barely functioning enough for him to think about putting a hand over his face in a desperate attempt to cover his frenzy.

“I, um, I…”

“Ah… can I ask you something first instead, Kasamatsu-san?” you gently interrupt him, and he flits his gaze back to you before staring at the ground again, and you took that as silent confirmation. “A-Are… are you free to go cherry blossom watching this weekend…?”

He snaps his head up in shock, only to see you slightly pink after that slight stutter in your question. It was your turn to avoid looking at his face.

“N-nn, I’m-I’m free.”

“Ah, that’s great…!” You muster your own courage to hold his clammy hands at his sides. “Can I ask to confirm if this is a romantic date between us?”

“Y-Yes,” he says in a hurry and you only laugh at his shyness. But his piercing eyes focus on your figure before he frees his hands from your loose clasp and reaches out to you, albeit with a slight shake in his hand still, before he clumsily takes out a petal from your hair. “It was… stuck.”

“See?” you shyly tease. “I knew it shouldn’t take you long to take out petals from hair.”

He completely lost his cool in front of you again.

You didn’t really care though… not when he looked absolutely endearing with the onslaught of petals settling on top of his head and shoulders to complement his flushed face.

———

Bonus:

“So are you two dating now?” Kise asks you. You both coincidentally met up at a hallway intersection the next week.

“Well, I think that’s a bit too fast,” you inwardly laugh. “You know how he is more than anyone.” Kise gives a light chuckle of his own before he asks you the question that’s been on his mind for a while.

“Hey (y/n)-senpai, how did you know Kasamatsu-senpai liked you?”

“Eh?”

“It was pretty clear from that time last week that you knew how he felt.”

“Ah… well, remember when he was… trying… to tidy up my hair? When you all spied on us?” you say, continuing when Kise gives a slightly sheepish nod. “It felt… different from how we normally talked. I’m sure he felt it harder than I did. I’ve always been nervous talking to him, but… seeing him so flustered and shy like that made me connect the dots, and then, I became more at ease and knew to be patient, realizing that he does hold a degree of feelings for me. I just didn’t know when was the right time for us to take it a step further.”

“I see. Yeah, that makes sense.”

“I must say, please send my thanks for the rest of the team. I think without you guys, this wouldn’t have happened as smoothly… or quickly.” At your words, Kise only sweatdrops as he remembers Moriyama’s antics, Hayakawa’s over-enthusiasm, and Kobori’s good-natured naivete.

“I’ll… send your regards to them.”

“... Why do you look so hesitant?”

———

End note: the cherry blossom falling season only occurs in the first to second week of April, which would conflict with the timeline of this scenario IRL. The Japanese new school year also coincides with this week, and as 3rd-years, Kasamatsu, Moriyama, Kobori, and the reader would be college freshmen instead. If I wrote it in terms of “last year” with the 3rd-years as 2nd-years, then Kise would still be in Teiko. So for convenience sake… ignore the “realism” in the setting for this :^)

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tsuki-sennin · 2 years

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Horaaa! Donbura Don! Taro Tuesday is winding down. Kinda like a rager continuing well into the night after everybody should've gone home. I would've done this yesterday or earlier today, but y'know how it is, right?

Anyways, Tarou gets adopted this episode, I think. Spoilers, I guess...

-Dragon Jirou and Tiger Jirou. His two fursonas are constantly fighting for control in his mind.

-Koichiro?

-Like, Koichiro Iketani, leader of the Akita Speed Stars!?

-...good taste, ma'am.

-Eeeeeeeel!

-Ah, the Shirokuma Boys are still kickin', I see. See, why can't you fellas be as supportive as Jirou's village, huh?

-"...oh fuck, he's in another one of his situations, huh?"

-"Roll with it, free eel."

-Bit harsh, huh Haruka?

-Ahhhhh, Murasame-kun! Yeah, I miss him too, how is he doin'?

-Ah, Tsuyoshi's an iced coffee guy. Based.

-Tomoko Higashi.

-Haruka, you're not being particularly helpful.

-Ohhhh, Shinichi knows her, huh? What kinda advice did you give her, eh? 'Imagine your son being right there?'

-Gotta learn some piano, right?

-I'd pay good money to see Shinichi as a guest on Real Time Fandub, he seems like he's got the chops for it.

-I wonder... if Tarou's lying with his body instead of his words, does that perhaps imply that he's breaking out into hives under his clothing?

-Man, this is a whole other level of awkward.

-Don't question why Koichirou-kun suddenly has a case of Sonic Adventure mouth, he just came home from Station Square.

-"Ohhhhhhh, I think I'm suffering internal bleeding."

-"My final rating for this shougayaki... is a Twenty-times ten..."

-Oooooh, butterfish...

-"This is that quarry in Ibaraki where they film those

-"This is that rock quarry in Ibaragi they use to film those tokusatsu shows, isn't it? Awesome! I can't believe I'm here! This is where they filmed Series/KamenRiderZiO, you know?!"

-"Shut up, you fool!"

-"Oh, okay."

-P

-Puberty

-Shinichi, I believe Tarou's a bit past puberty at this point.

-"I can't play piano."

-OH DON KAITO JUST HAD THAT THING BACK THERE HUH

-...I'm trying to think back to, like, the Colorful set, and I'm trying to picture what this room replaced. I realize there's likely no Yatsude who'd sleep here, but

-Wow... yeah, that's a nice little rendition. ...I wonder though, is it diegetic?

-Ohhhh... Don Kaito... I wonder... has something perhaps happened to this world's Yatsude?

-Oh shit, a ninja! Wait... We've had the Shuriken-ki in a previous episode, and I believe Ninpuu-Ki shows up in the movie, therefore... :O

-KAKURANGER NINJA NINJA!

-Yeah, so, Kakuranger's one of my top 10 favorite Sentai, so obviously this means Inoue is pandering to me in specific to make up for that scene from last episode where Tsubasa enjoys dog food. ...or perhaps to punish me even more, who's to say?

-I imagine we'll get to meet

-Speak of the devil, here comes Tsubasa with the save!

-Right, so that guy's obviously Koichirou.

-Ehhhh, idk Tomoko-san, he seems kinda naked without a bright red tie on him. I mean, you gotta go all the way, right?

-"This drip is scored at 14.1421356 squared. ...plus 0.000001."

-Dial it back, monkey man.

-Oh.

-Oh no.

-Not gonna lie, I kinda need moment.

-"That's cringe, boy!"

-"YOU'RE cringe!"

-See, it's not enough to just to lie on its own, you have to support that lie.

-See, Tsuyoshi seems to be better at this.

-DUDE YOU DON'T HAVE TO YELL SO MUCH

-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

-TSUYOSHIIIII

-Oh God, do I even wanna finish? I'm getting so much secondhand embarassment hjkk;lhk

-"YOU GOT MARRIED AT 21!? ...with that cringe-ass wabisabi? I didn't realize you lived in the 1950s!"

-...is Tsuyoshi venting about his own mother right now?

-Oh my God, he is.

-Haruka, you're up! ...I think I'm having a headache right now lhjkh

-Okay, I think my headache has evolved into a full on headshot from a sniper rifle.

-CRAP

-"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SON, YOU BITCH!?"

-"A reason... to live..."

-Ohhhhhh :(

-"FUCK YOUUUUUU"

-"I'M GOING APESHIT"

-"...what the hell is wrong with you guys?"

-Oh hey, Tiger Jirou's here.

-Don Torabolt!

-"Move it, puny ape!"

-Damn, Dragon Jirou's fighting it.

-Robotaro!

-Man, Shinichi's about to blow a vessel.

-Our boy(s) Jirou, pulling his/their weight...

-Well, at least they're working together effectively.

-...to an extent.

-Idk if I've said it, but the music used for Toradorajin is super cool.

-Big Ninja!

-Oh, they can just... detach from each other.

-Man, the inevitable team up is gonna be fantastic.

-"Momoi Tarou, the mailman."

-Tomoko-san...

-Again with the Nocturne...

-It's one of my favorite Chopin pieces, so I'm not complaining.

-That was one of the preview shots from last week, right?

-...man, there's not a lot of similarity between Koichirou and Tarou, huh?

-NOOOOOO TSUYOSHI GOT FIRED

-FUCK

-I'm about to go Hitotsu-ki.

-...Hikonin-Ki, maybe?

-Ah well, whatever. I think I'm gonna go lie down and listen to Chopin's Nocturne for a while. ...alright, bye.

-10 seconds to spare!

#donbrothers spoilers #avataro sentai donbrothers #donbrothers #super sentai #don! don! it's a full force peachy festival!#taro tuesday

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four-loose-screws · 3 years

Text

FE8 Novelization Translation - Chapter 17, Section 1

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations

If you are interested in donating to support my work, please check out my Ko-fi here. Thank you!

———————————

I call this a “section” because it is not a separate part of the chapter in the book, but divided from the rest of the chapter by a scene break.

———————————

Chapter 17 - The Demon King's Shadow

There were five Sacred Stones total, and all of them were passed down within each of the nations of Magvel. Eirika and her army had safely obtained Renais' Sacred Stone, but Grado, Frelia, and Jehanna's Stones had already been destroyed.

They now were seeking the last one, and so they decided to march to the Theocracy of Rausten. Their guide was none other than Princess L'Arachel.

Once they left Renais, they traveled in peace for a long while. They were not attacked by any enemies nor any monsters. They were also blessed with good weather, and L'Arachel was in a fantastic mood.

"It's good to return home sometimes. I wonder if Lord Uncle is doing well?"

Dozla was walking alongside her. His guffaw echoed through the air. "Pontifex Mansel is sure to be very surprised! You've grown into an even finer young woman than you were when you left home, Lady L'Arachel!"

"Oh, Dozla, stop it!"

*Can I ask you somethin’?" Rennac was trudging along behind them. He said with a bored, apathetic look on his face, "This Pontifex Mansel person will pay me my money, right? Every gold coin his niece has avoided paying me…?"

"Oh, that's right, Eirika! There are many exceptional bards in Rausten. And the one we all talk about most, Saaga, is so amazing that he moves me to tears no matter how many times I listen to him perform. I want you to hear him as well!"

"...Uh-huh..." Eirika turned back and caught a glimpse of Rennac out of pity for him.

He looked utterly exhausted and worn out as he muttered, "...She ain't even listenin’."

Eirika didn't know whether L'Arachel really didn't hear him, or whether she just pretended not to, but either way, L'Arachel's voice gradually became more and more cheerful.

"But this time, it is my turn to tell the bards of my many adventures! Our services for the greater good are sure to become a beautiful poem passed down for many generations to come!"

"If so, I wonder if I will be in this poem as well?"

"Oh, Dozla, of course! You will go down in history as my loyal servant!"

"Ohhhhhh, what an honor that will be! You have moved me greatly by saying so!"

"You don't have to record much of anything about me. Just pay me." Rennac muttered.

"We will soon reach the Narube River. Dozla, do you remember when we crossed it? Monsters were trying to attack a boat traveling upon it, so we gallantly rushed in and saved some ordinary citizens who were trying to escape…"

"We should be able to rendezvous with the Frelian Army here." Innes forcefully cut into their conversation. He unsurprisingly seemed to be fed up with L'Arachel's cheerful banter.

Eirika smiled and added to show that she heard what he'd said, "Yes. And when we do so, it will make all of our battles from here on out much easier."

"Of course. We will be teaming up with Frelia's most elite unit."

The Frelian Army had departed their home country following a different route from Eirika's army, and were now going to Rausten as well. Eirika had received a report from the pegasus knights that they should be able to meet up somewhere within the vicinity of Narube.

They would combine with the Frelian Army to bolster their numbers, then obtain Rausten's Sacred Stone so they could capture Lyon this time with all of their forces. That was her army's current strategy.

No matter how powerful Lyon's Dark Stone may be, they had nothing to fear if they had two Sacred Stones. The army he led was now nothing more than the survivors from Grado, so his numbers and weapons likely wouldn't compare to Eirika's. L'Arachel and all of the other members of her army were making cheerful expressions because they could feel hope for the road ahead.

But their cheerful march did not last for much longer. The moment they reached the Narube River, they froze. Two ordinary citizens were cowering alongside the road.

They were a young girl and an elderly man. The exhausted man was comforting the girl, who appeared to be his granddaughter.

The girl noticed Eirika's army and pulled back in fear.

Eirika dismounted her horse and quietly approached her so as not to surprise her. "What happened? Do you live around here...?"

"...You're not with the Grado Army? You're not, right?" The tension drained from the girl's body with a sigh of relief.

But on the contrary, her words made Eirika's army nervous. "You saw the Grado Army? Somewhere close to here?"

"Yes." Terror flashed through the girl's big eyes, and she nodded. "They attacked us suddenly. A group of soldiers wearing Grado’s armor came here… and set our village on fire. They killed all of the men who tried to stand up to them… Just when we thought it was all over for us, Frelia's pegasus knights rushed in and saved us. But… the Grado Army is so strong it's terrifying… most of the soldiers from Frelia were killed."

"What? The Frelian Army was killed by the remaining soldiers from Grado?" The color drained from Innes' face, and he pulled in closer to the girl.

His angry expression spooked her. She shrunk back closer to the old man, then nodded. "Y-Yes…"

"Not all of them were defeated, right? For every last member of Frelia's elite to be gone…"

"No, there is a unit still fighting. But only one. The other units were all defeated. There's still a few friends in our village who have yet to escape… The last of the Frelian Army is still doing everything they can to protect them. Please save them! Please…"

"Understood. Let's go, Eirika!" Innes shouted.

However, Eirika was worried about the look on the face of the crouching old man that the girl had protected. His face was twitching like he'd suffered a horrifying experience, and his lips moved as if he was trying to say something.

Eirika approached him, bent down next to him, and gently said, "You're okay now. We will defeat the Grado Army and save the villagers. Please try to relax and…"

"...No match… for him." The old man muttered something in a muffled voice.

"Huh?" Eirika responded.

"You are… no match… for him. You are no match… for a terrifying person… like him…"

The man was shaking all over, and continued speaking in a mumble. The words that she only just barely managed to make out were ominous. "No… he's not… a person… He's not... human… He's… a monster… He's… the Demon King…"

"The… Demon King? What does that mean?" Eirika felt a chill crawl down her spine for no discernable reason, and her voice lowered to a hush.

The old man's eyes were wide open, and his breathing was shallow.

His granddaughter noticed this and wrapped a blanket around his shoulders, then she said to Eirika, "I'm sorry. Grandfather rushed right out when the village was attacked… and seems to have seen him. The commander leading the Grado Army…"

"Their commander? Who could it have possibly been…?"

"I didn't see, so I can't say anything at all, but… Grandfather was saved by the Frelian Army when he was in danger. Still, he's absolutely terrified. I have no idea what he saw."

"...Can you tell us what kind of person the enemy commander was…?”

The moment she tried to ask the man for more details, L'Arachel suddenly cried out, "Look at that! There's someone over there…"

Eirika looked up in the direction L'Arachel was pointing to.

A black shadow rose over the grass.

Or so it appeared to be at first glance, for it radiated a gloomy aura all around it. Then Eirika realized that it was someone she knew well, standing with his back slightly hunched over, not moving a muscle.

Eirika whispered before she even knew what she was saying, "Lyon…?"

Grado's prince was staring at her from beneath his long bangs. His eyes were cold and unfeeling.

Eirika's heart was filled with a sense of relief. Even though they were currently enemies, they could communicate with each other from the heart. ‘I'll always be your ally…' She could hear his voice clearly even now.

'I want to talk with him. I want to ask him for the answers to all of my doubts.' With her mind focused on only that one thought, she tried to walk over to him.

But Ephraim saw her moving and sharply yelled at her to stop. "Stop, Eirika! Don't get anywhere near him!"

"Brother…?"

Ephraim stood in front of her as if to shield her from something, and glared at Lyon.

Lyon's expression abruptly softened. Considering Ephraim's threatening look, his was so gentle it was strange. "Hey, Ephraim… What's the matter? Why are you making such a scary face…?"

"Lyon! How dare you appear before me with such a calm look on your face!"

Lyon tilted his head at Ephraim’s violent words like he didn't know what Ephraim meant.

"You remember the time we met in the capital, right? Don't tell me you forgot!" Ephraim's voice became more and more harsh with each word. Lyon, by contrast, was calm, and even smiling.

"Of course I remember! I would never forget… Ephraim, we're finally meeting again after so much struggle… Why are you so mad? Did I do something to upset y-?"

"Shut up!" Ephraim sharply cut him off.

Eirika anxiously looked for an opportunity to stop her brother. If he continued to speak with such hostility, they would lose their chance to talk with Lyon.

However, his anger was so fierce that she couldn't carelessly call out to him. All she could do was watch over them, with all of her apprehensions weighing on her mind.

"What did you say then? That you were the one who instigated this war… and that you were the one who invaded Renais and killed my father? That was what you said, right?!"

"Ephraim…" Lyon suddenly made a sad face in response.

Eirika couldn't stay silent any longer. She softly placed a hand on her brother's back and said, "Please stop. Brother. Don't talk like that."

"Eirika…"

Ephraim turned around and said in a strong tone to warn her, "He's not the Lyon we know. He's being controlled by an evil power. Probably the Dark Stone…"

"That can’t be… You're not yourself today, Brother…" Eirika could feel that Ephraim had made up his mind.

Eirika didn't know exactly what their conversation in Grado Castle had been like. Everything she knew was from her brother's report. She didn't think that he had lied to her, but they couldn't say there wasn't a chance that he lost himself when he was agitated, and interpreted everything Lyon said as animosity, even though Lyon might have come seeking reconciliation.

"Why are you looking at Lyon like he's suspicious? He's our dear friend, isn't he?"

"Eirika…"

"Lyon said that he will be our ally no matter what. Isn't that right, Lyon?"

"Yes, of course! I'm so happy, Eirika. You really are very kind. Why don't you come… closer…" Suddenly, Lyon's body stiffened. He bit his lip, signaling that he seemed to be enduring intense pain. But he couldn't suppress his voice, and a quiet groan escaped his lips.

"Lyon? What's the matter? Are you alright, Lyon…?" Eirika remembered that Lyon's body was not very strong.

Since long ago, he often broke out with fevers, and his swordsmanship never improved significantly. He was even embarrassed, and it made him feel inferior. But though his body was weak, because he possessed superior intelligence and sensibility, Eirika thought he should be more proud. Yet he still seemed to lack confidence in himself and be troubled by his weaknesses.

Lyon's face twisted, though now it was less in pain and more in anger. "Gah…! Don't get in my way…!" The moment Lyon shouted in frustration, his knees gave out, and he fell atop the grass.

Eirika tried to run straight over to him, but his sharp voice made her feet stop moving.

"Get away from me, Eirika!"

"Huh?"

The anger vanished from Lyon's face. In its place a desperate, pleading expression formed before he shouted, "You can't come near me! Hurry, get away…! If you don't, then I'll…"

"Lyon! What's wrong? What's happ-"

"I'll destroy you… Run… Hurry out of h-" Lyon cut his words short, and hid his face.

Eirika was utterly shocked. She was worried about his health, but he had told her to run. She found it hard to decide what to do, and didn't move.

Lyon slowly raised his head. On his face returned the same cold smile he had when he first appeared. He said in a calm voice, "Sorry for worrying you, Eirika. I’m alright now. That was just a light spasm."

"...Lyon?" If they were true, then those words should have reassured her, but for some reason, they only made her feel all the more worried. She took a step back against her own wishes.

This was not Lyon. That was the first thought that immediately came into her mind. Lyon didn't smile like that. He would never coax her in such a terrible way

"Be careful, Eirika. Don't leave any holes in your stance. He's not Lyon." Ephraim said.

Lyon… no, this being with the same face as the prince, laughed in amusement. "I'm not Lyon? Don't say such strange things, Ephraim. Oh, I get it. You don't like seeing me with so much energy? Would you be satisfied if I suffered a more severe spasm? You always looked at me like you would. You said that Lyon is a weak, pitiful child. But that was just your impression. You did not know anything about me…"

"That's not true." Ephraim refused to be provoked by Lyon’s attempts to agitate him, and responded in a calm voice, "We were friends. Of course, that doesn't mean we knew everything about each other. It wasn’t that simple. But I knew what was most important. You… Lyon was not the type of person to ever deceive or betray us. He wasn't a terrible creature like you, trying to enchant us with whatever words we wanted to hear. He wasn't a horrible person like that. You are not Lyon. You cannot be him.”

Lyon tilted his head to the side and stared straight at Ephraim, but, little by little, his expression began to change. The smile he was directing at them twisted into an arrogant smirk that could even be considered brazen. “Hmph… I see. It seems that human feelings are not something that I can underestimate.”

Eirika could not believe her ears. His tone was more sarcastic than any she’d ever heard before in her life.

“Pretending to be human was more fun than I ever expected it to be, but… there’s no need to keep up that facade any longer. You saw right through me, Prince of Renais. This body no longer belongs to Prince Lyon.”

“Damn you! ...I knew it! So you have taken over Lyon’s body?!” Ephraim shouted. “I don’t know what you are, but get out! Get out of Lyon’s body right now! Or else I’ll…!”

“Or else you’ll what? Come now, what are you going to do, you foolish prince? Prince Lyon’s heart is already almost entirely gone. I’ve eaten it all up…”

“What did you just say…?”

“Didn’t you hear me? I ate it. Though it resisted and screamed, I ate it up. For a descendant of Grado, he had such a weak heart…”

“Damn you…!” The anger disappeared from Ephraim’s voice. He tried his very hardest to keep himself together, but his voice still shook slightly.

Eirika was taken utterly aback. This was the first time she’d ever seen her brother tremble before an enemy.

“What are you?!”

“You still don’t know? You really are an utter fool, prince of Renais. You should remember your legends that have been passed down through the ages. The name of the enemy you sealed away.”

“He can’t be…” Eirika whispered.

“The Demon King… of ancient times…” Ephraim growled.

He burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the air. He'd already given up his human facade, and a malicious aura radiated around him.

He was the being known as the Demon King, that had existed eight hundred years ago and was feared by humanity. He’d led countless monsters and did as he pleased with the continent of Magvel. The fire his monsters breathed burned down the villages and towns, and drowned the people in the depths of despair.

What became the people's final hope was the five Sacred Stones and the hero Grado. He led his soldiers, challenged the Demon King to battle, and in the end, succeeded in sealing away the Demon King’s soul. This finally brought peace to the continent, and humanity created new towns atop the ashes. The hero Grado founded an empire, and the brave soldiers that fought with him each built their own countries.

That was all supposed to already be a thing of the distant past, and become legend. The Demon King wasn't supposed to be resurrected ever again. But the seal had been broken, and the Demon King revived. And he’d even taken the body of a descendant of Grado, the very man who’d defeated him.

The Demon King said with satisfaction in his voice, “Prince Lyon will never appear again. This body has already yielded to me. It is mine now!"

But then the Demon King clutched his chest with one of his hands. It appeared that the gesture meant that Lyon’s heart continued to try its hardest to resist, and the Demon King was trying to keep him suppressed.

“Don’t worry, I will grant you your desire to kill Prince Ephraim of Renais, and claim Princess Eirika. That was what you wanted, is it not?

“Damn you…” Ephraim tightened his grip on his lance, however, before he could launch his attack, the Demon King vanished.

“He ran away…?” Ephraim looked around.

Eirika turned her head towards him. “No, Brother. He’s not running, but trying to lure us somewhere. I think his target is more likely the people of Narube that haven’t escaped yet and the survivors of the Frelian Army. He wants to attack them and lure us to him.”

“You’re right. Let’s hurry, Eirika. We must save Frelia’s unit!”

“Yes, we must…” Eirika nodded, but did not feel like giving the order straight away.

Ephraim noticed her expression, and looked at her. “What’s the matter, Eirika?”

“Brother, I wonder what Lyon’s… No, the Demon King’s final words meant. About Lyon’s desires…”

Ephraim winced and said, “It was just part of an enemy’s plot to make us falter. Don’t worry about it. It’s more important we think about the Frelian Army and the people of Narube first.”

“...Yes, it is.”

Ephraim was right. Their allies were fighting desperately to protect the citizens. Rescuing them came first.

#fire emblem #fe #fe8 #sacred stones #eirika #game boy advance #gba #japan #japanese #translation #novel #light novel #fe8 novelization translation

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