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motownfiction · 6 months

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protagonist

Daniel’s always the first person to wake up in the morning. Sadie thinks she’s the one, but that changed after Sam died. Daniel’s awake by half past four every morning, just trying to make sure nobody loses sight of anything. He’s so quiet about it that no one ever notices.

Nobody except his houseguest.

Lucy, Will, and the girls are in town for a week, and they always stay at the DeLucas’ house. They’ve got plenty of room, especially since they put in the addition last summer. A little present for themselves. Grief never goes away. It needs its own wing in the home. So he built one, and he never looked back.

This morning, he forgot that Lucy and Will were staying at the house, and he wandered over to the new side of the house with a bowl of Cheerios and the intention to watch syndicated Family Matters on cable. But as he approaches the couch in the new den, there’s Lucy, already watching syndicated Family Matters on cable. It looks like she’s been up for hours.

“Hey,” Daniel says. “Mind if I join you?”

“It’s your house,” Lucy says. “Plus, after all this time … I kinda like you.”

Daniel smiles. He takes a seat on the recliner beside Lucy on the couch and feels the electric glow of the television light up the side of his face. He smirks.

“What?” Lucy asks.

“What?” Daniel repeats. “Oh … nothing. Just thinking about how funny it is to get lit up by Urkel.”

Lucy laughs.

“Elenore used to have a crush on Urkel,” she says.

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah, when she was about five. Six. Whenever he showed up on TV. I think she just thought he seemed nice.”

“Funny.”

“Yeah. I think I liked it better then.”

The air gets a little cold – more than just a crisp spring in Metro Detroit. Lucy, Will, and the girls came over here from New York to get the hell away from Charlie. But you can only get so far away from the guy who took advantage of your daughter’s crush on him when she’s pregnant with his child. Daniel could still throw up thinking about it.

“Yeah,” he finally agrees. “Me too.”

“It’s just … I’ve been trying so hard to hold it together for Will and the girls, you know?” Lucy says. “Will is … you know how defensive he can be, especially when it’s for somebody else. And Elenore’s the one, and Emma … I just don’t want her to be angry without knowing why.”

“I think she knows why. She’s old enough.”

“She’s smart, but she’s ten. She can’t see all the gray that we can. Do you really think Rosemary fully understands everything that’s going on?”

Daniel shakes his head. Rosemary is two and a half months older than Emma, but she keeps herself about a year or two younger. If she thinks about Elenore’s baby being her newest cousin for too long, she starts to cry.

Dammit, his daughter should not have to cry.

“It’s an impossible situation,” Lucy says. “But I heard you had a pretty fun way of putting a stop to it.”

Daniel laughs.

“Ah,” he says. “You talked to Will.”

“I did,” Lucy says. “He told me you punched Charlie in front of Sam’s headstone. The nerve of you, Daniel DeLuca. That’s badass.”

“Thanks.”

“No, I should be thanking you. You were defending my daughter before I even knew she needed it. That’s a life debt, man.”

“A life debt. Why couldn’t this have happened in high school? I’d have made you write all of my papers.”

Lucy smiles. She lies back a little, and Daniel isn’t quite sure who she looks like.

“How did it feel?” she asks. “When you punched Charlie.”

“Really fucking good,” Daniel says. “Like … like, I don’t know, it was like I’d wanted to punch him for years.”

“Maybe you had. He was always really annoying.”

Daniel smiles, too.

“The worst,” he says. “But you know … I kinda felt like I was in charge of something, for once in my life. Most of the time … I don’t know, it feels like somebody else is making up my choices, and I’m making them up to help somebody else. Sadie, the kids, somebody. But when I was punching Charlie, I was … dammit, I can’t believe I remember this word, but I was the protagonist.”

Lucy grins.

“Good,” she says. “I’m glad. You deserve more than just one chance to feel like that.”

“I do,” Daniel says. “Hasn’t come up a lot, but when it does … I’m gonna grab it.”

“Good.”

Daniel sighs a little. He looks at Lucy again, and after a few seconds, he knows exactly who she looks like.

“You know, when we were kids, I always thought you were the protagonist,” he says.

Lucy snorts.

“Yeah, right,” she says. “I was the one nobody would have noticed if I hadn’t become the pregnant girl.”

“That’s not true. You were always the smartest. You always had the most things happening to you, and around you, even if they were shitty things. And you always found a way out of them like a damn Loony Tune. Sounds like a protagonist to me.”

Lucy nods.

“I got it,” she says. “But … from an English professor who cares very deeply. If someone else is the protagonist in your adventures, you better think.”

In a little while, Daniel will let Lucy’s words wash over him … will question just how well he knows himself, just how judgmental he can be. But that’s not the story for 4:30 in the morning. The story for 4:30 in the morning is one of two old friends who let other people get in their way … one of finding someone who will listen.

(part of @nosebleedclub november challenge -- day 8!)

#drabble #writeblr #ch: daniel deluca #ch: lucy callaghan #year: 2005

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h2bakugou · 3 years

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Hi! Can I please request some headcanons for Izuku, Katsuki, Shouto, and Denki with an s/o who doesn’t like getting into arguments and will always try to avoid getting into one with their boyfriends either by compromising and/or just throwing in the towel and just admitting that whatever their boyfriend said is right and it’s because they didn’t have a great home life growing up and want to avoid becoming like their parents and the boys finding out and their reaction to that? Thanks!

a/n: hiya!! of course hun! i did a similar argument hc a while ago, but this one is vastly different in a few ways!! thank you for the request love!!

headcanon: them reacting to their s/o’s refusal to argue with them

key: (y/n) - your name / (f/n) - first name / (l/n) - last name / (e/c) - eye color / (h/c) - hair color / (y/q) - your quirk

warnings: fluff, swearing, some angst, one mention of sky high, endeavor is trying™

;cut for length;

»»————-　★　————-««

izuku midoriya

»»————-　★　————-««

Surprisingly enough, there are a good number of times you’ve had an argument arise with Deku.

Not the ones where you playfully tease him about not sitting with you on the long trips you took as a class to places.

But the ones where you’d find him training for hours on end with no text or call to let you know that he’d be running late for a date, or a study session.

The ones where he’s so caught up in everything else that he doesn’t really make time to focus on your relationship.

Which wouldn’t be that big of a deal, had he just told you upfront that he was busy. But with the promise of always finding a way to make time for you, you were beginning to feel like maybe there was someone else, or maybe he didn’t really like you, like you thought he did.

But even when you were upset or angry, and Deku cornered you to talk about it, you’d shut him out and tell him it was fine, and that it really wasn’t his fault. It was yours for being so devoted to a relationship during such a serious time.

But Deku knew it was more than that.

Every time you seemed upset, or angry, or frustrated by something that seemed like something he’d done or may have had a part in, you always shut him down, telling him you’d get over it like an adult, and handle it.

“You don’t have to handle everything by yourself, let’s just talk about it, why are you feeling like this? You can talk to me, you know I’ll listen.” Deku’s comforting arms wrapped around you, preventing you from leaving this time around.

He’d spent maybe a few too many hours trying to learn some new moves and forgot that he was supposed to text you after the first hour to check up on you and your studies.

And when he finally came back after a shower, he realized you’d sent him a few texts asking if he was okay and if he was going to be done training soon.

“It’s fine, Izu’. I have some work I have to finish-”

“It’s not fine. I upset you, I’m sorry. But please talk to me. Why are you always trying to dismiss what actually happened?” Deku tried to capture gaze, only to find your lashes sprinkled with tears as you gave a shaky breath.

“I just don’t want us to end up like my parents. All they did was fight and argue.” You’d never really told anyone about that. Let alone anyone you’d been in a relationship with.

In that moment, all Izuku could do was hold you closer, laying his head in the crook of your neck.

“I’m sorry. I should take your feelings into account when I make promises to you. I apologize for not keeping those promises.” Deku pulled back and looked into your eyes.

“And please don’t be afraid to talk to me. I know that’s scary to think about, but if I make you upset, just talk to me, we don’t have to scream or fight, we can have a civilized conversation together about something, and if you feel like we can’t, we can always have our friends help if you’re comfortable with that.” Izuku smiled softly, swiping his thumbs over your cheeks to wipe your tears away.

You pushed a small smile onto your lips, resting your face back on his chest as he held you close.

“I’m sorry too.” You apologized.

“Don’t be, it’s okay. Why don’t we watch a funny movie and relax? I can make us some popcorn!” Izuku was ready with some cheesy hero movie on hand, probably one about some superhero high school with a magical flying bus and a protagonist whose parents were the top heroes, a plot you’d begun to see more and more often these days with the progression of hero society.

“Sounds like a plan.” You giggled.

»»————-　★　————-««

katsuki bakugou

»»————-　★　————-««

Bakugou argues with you because you won’t argue with him-

On a serious note, most of your ‘arguments’ start because he feels like you don’t trust him enough to talk to him about your feelings.

If you are upset with him for something, or if you feel an argument coming on, you’ll dismiss yourself, your feelings, say he’s right, and just back down.

And we all know Bakugou will not go down without a fight example a, the sports festival.

He gets defensive, if not a little more agitated when you don’t tell him what’s going on. Not that he’s entitled to know how you’re feeling constantly, but because if he’s going to be in a relationship, he wants communication between the two of you.

If there’s something you can’t communicate to each other, then it doesn’t need to happen or there’s a problem somewhere.

Which is why when you say that it’s nothing, or that you aren’t upset when he knows that that’s utter fucking bullshit, he gets angry.

He won’t take his anger out on you, he’s not that kind of asshole.

Even though he hates the assholes, he sometimes drops little clues to Kirishima or Sero.

But overall, he just wants to talk it out with you. He wants to understand what’s going on, why you’re feeling the way you are, what-if there’s anything-he can do differently to help you feel better or to prevent this feeling from happening again.

It all crumbles apart when Bakugou said he’d help you with some math homework that you’d be struggling on.

Only for him to be four hours late because he was sitting in detention for sparking a fight with some shit-talking smartass from a support class.

That night you had struggled to answer the problems on your homework, only to bomb the pop quiz on the same subject the next day. It was a mess, and you were upset.

Your grades of course were not Bakugou’s responsibility, but his responsibility was to at least give you a heads-up that the study session would’ve been moved, or cancelled.

Instead you stayed up way to late trying to understand problems that weren’t making any sense, and now your grade was sitting in a hole.

So you were upset.

But when Bakugou questioned why you were so quiet around him, you just shrugged your shoulders.

“What gives? You not talkin’ to me or something?” Bakugou wasn’t exactly sure why you were mad at him until you packed up your things at the common room table, your low grade on the pop quiz and homework proving why you were in a bad mood.

And then Bakugou realized that was the homework he said he’d help you with.

“Shit, that was due Tuesday wasn’t it.” Bakugou grumbled.

“Yeah.” You mumbled.

“Hey what’s wrong with you? Did I do somethin’? Why you fuckin’ ignoring me and shit?” Bakugou��s fowl language was something you were used to. He wasn’t angry, he was confused, though his vocabulary could’ve fooled you.

“It’s nothing, you didn’t do anything, I’ve got to study to get this grade up, I’ll see you tomorrow.” You pushed on without another word, trying to escape back to your dorm.

At the mention of the word study, Bakugou then remembered the promised study session.

“Hey wait! I was supposed to help you do that shit, let’s go work on-”

“It’s fine, I got it. Go do whatever you want.” You didn’t look at him.

“No, now cut the bullshit let’s go study.” Bakugou tugged you up toward his dorm.

Inside you stood holding your things, your emotions beginning to bubble over as you watched him look for his bag, a stray bandage over his cheek from the punch the kid had thrown at him. Just staring at it made you upset.

“Why did you do it?” You asked quietly, your voice wavering.

“What? Do what?” Bakugou responded.

“I just wanted you to help me and...you-” You stopped yourself, realizing it was selfish to think it was Bakugou’s job to help you exceed in class. Shaking your head you held your things tightly and turned to leave.

“I’m sorry, I’m not feeling well-”

“Bullshit, what the fuck is goin’ on with you? You’re upset, I know you are, what’s the problem?” Bakugou stopped you from leaving, almost forcing you to sit on his bed and explain why you were so distant.

“No- it’s not fair to you, I can’t do this, I can’t argue with you over something so stupid, I don’t want to end up like my fucking parents.” You were crying at this point, tears flooding from your eyes as you dropped your things, your books scattering across his bed as you fell into his arms.

“Are you talking about the fight? You have to communicate with me if you want me to help you. Can you at least tell me what you’re feeling?” Bakugou wanted to help, but with no information, there was little he could do.

“I was just so frustrated, because I was looking forward to studying, and then I found out you were in that stupid fight and I felt like I was all alone, like you’d deserted me and so I just tried to do it on my own and I messed up, and I felt like it was all your fault. I know it’s not. Had I just talked to you we could’ve studied and I would’ve done fine.” You broke down, sobbing into his warm embrace.

“I’m sorry. Just call me out on my bullshit, okay? It’s not right that you gotta’ be affected by my own stupid actions.” Bakugou tugged you back from him to place a gentle kiss on your forehead.

“Why don’t we try and do a few practice problems to help you better understand the material?” Bakugou offered, stroking his thumb over your cheeks to wipe your tears.

“Yeah, that sounds nice.”

After some silence of Bakugou helping you work through the problems, you thanked him silently with a long hug, just resting your head on his chest. He didn’t ask any questions about the comment you’d made, he knew it was probably a sensitive topic.

But he’d be there when you were ready to talk about it.

»»————-　★　————-««

shoto todoroki

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Todoroki doesn’t really like to argue, not like full on yelling and screaming at least.

If he’s having an argument, he’ll try his best to be civil about it, but sometimes he can get a little heated and possibly raise his voice.

He’s always been fairly outspoken, having to usually bide by someone else’s rules that he barely thinks for himself, but as of late, he’s doing himself a favor and being his own person, living by his own rules, and sometimes that means bucking up against others when they’re incorrect.

But when it comes to you, he can’t really see himself arguing with you, at least over little things.

However, he des find it rather upsetting that you didn’t mention you’d ran into his dad a couple days ago.

You’d just been out shopping and happened to bump into the pro and you said your hello’s, conversed for a few second about school before both continuing on with your day.

You didn’t think it was all that important, and for the most part you’d kind of forgotten about the entire incident.

You’d met Shoto’s father a few times before, which is why he recognized you as his son’s significant other.

So when Enji just so happened to mention the little meeting at a ‘family lunch’ on the weekend, Shoto was a bit surprised, and a bit concerned about the run-in.

Considering the first time Shoto introduced you to his father as his significant other, Enji was a bit opposed to the idea of his son having a relationship, but eventually he grew fond of you, thinking that it might be a good idea for his son to have something normal like a relationship, and go on dates, and live like a teenager.

Worried that he might’ve said something rude, Shoto brought it up in his room after eating lunch.

“Why didn’t you mention running into my father?” Shoto asked bluntly as he sat on his bed, watching as you straightened out your sweater.

“I didn’t really remember it when I came back to the dorms, it was quick, just said hi and talked about school for a few seconds before we went our separate ways.”

“If it happens again just tell me, I don’t know what he’s thinking, just because he says he’s okay with us together doesn’t mean that’s what he really wants.” Shoto was almost dismissive of the fact that his father had actually just seen his son’s s/o in public, stopped to say hi and then get back to his busy day.

“It wasn’t anything like that, he seemed fine. He was busy, if he was upset it was probably just because he’d had a long day.” You lowered your voice, bowing your head before speaking again.

“I should’ve told you, I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me.” You were on the offense now, leaving your old statement in the past.

“What? Be mad at you? I’m not mad, I’m just concerned.” Shoto stood up and walked over to you, quickly noticing how emotional you’d become.

“Hey did I say something wrong? Please don’t dry, what’s going on, talk to me.” Shoto lifted your chin only to see your eyelashes coated in tears.

“I’m sorry! You’re right I should’ve told you-”

“Hey, hey, shhh.” Shoto hugged you, his warm arms wrapping around you as he held you close.

“You don’t have to side with me, if he was nice I believe you. Are you alright?” He asked pulling away to wipe the tears from your cheeks.

“I just-I didn’t want us to argue or fight like my parents and I just didn’t want you to be mad-”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not mad, and we don’t have to argue, we’re just talking, we’re not arguing, okay? It’s okay.” Shoto comforted you, allowing his hands to rub your back.

“I’m sorry.” You cried softly as he led you back to his bed to sit.

“Don’t apologize, it’s okay to feel differently than me, it doesn’t mean I’m mad or upset at you. I’m here to listen when you need me to, please don’t feel afraid to talk to me.”

Lifting your head to look at Sho, you pushed a small smile onto your lips.

“Your hand is cold.” You nudged his right arm, his hand touching your skin under the hem of your shirt as he held you close to him.

“Sorry.” He smiled, wiggling his fingers to tickle you.

“Hey! They’re cold!” You laughed through your tears, trying to get away from his icy fingers.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” You pressed a small kiss to the back of his right hand, his cool skin resting against your lips.

»»————-　★　————-««

denki kaminari

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Kaminari doesn’t argue- at least not with you.

He’ll accuse Kirishima of cheating on some first-person shooter game, or yell curses at Sero for blue-shelling him in Mario Kart.

But he’s never really argued with you about anything.

That doesn’t mean you’ve never had opposing views. Most of the time, Kaminari just listens and tried to understand how you feel.

But more recently, as you progress through school, he’s been doing weird things.

Training longer, forgetting to text you-and he always texts you.

It hurts your heart when you see him smiling and goofing around with Kirishima when today was your movie-night.

You’re not angry at him, you don’t own him for the day, he’s allowed to do other things, but you feel upset. You feel like he doesn’t care about your feelings.

So you head up to your room early, not even bothering to say goodbye to him.

Only about thirty minutes go by when he’s knocking on your door asking for you, asking if you’re feeling okay and why you went back to your room so early.

“I’m fine.” You lie, your expression was more than telling of that factor. You had a pout on your lips, your brows weren’t up and happy, and your eyes didn’t sparkle at the sight of your handsome boyfriend.

“You’re not! What’s goin’ on shawty?” Kaminari always uses humor to make you feel better, that’s just what he’s good at. He can be serious too, but he likes putting a smile on your face before he gets all serious.

“It’s nothing, you were having fun with Kirishima, I don’t want to interrupt.” And without meaning to, you’ve spilled exactly why you were feeling so upset.

Kaminari stares at you with his wide golden eyes, shaking his head as he practically tackles you through your dorm-room door frame into a hug.

Wrapping his arms around you he hugs you close and smiles.

“I didn’t ignore you! Kirishima just talks a lot.” Kaminari is quick to assume you were slightly jealous.

“I-I, no no you’re fine! Go have fun!”

“No. I’m staying with you.” Kaminari’s voice is a bit rougher this time, forcing the fact that he was going to spend time with you now.

After speaking he realized you’re crying. He quickly starts panicking, wondering if his stern ‘Bakugou’ voice scared you.

“Hey, hey! Why are you crying? What’s wrong?” He’s rubbing your arms and trying to wipe your tears away as they flow from your eyes.

“I didn’t want us to argue-I was just feeling weird and left-out and I-I’m sorry for being so jealous over something so little and stupid, please don’t be mad at me, I don’t want to fight and bicker like my parents do.” You don’t realize Kaminari’s expression softening at the mention of your fear, becoming like your parents.

“I’d never yell or argue with you over something like that. It’s okay to feel jealous or hurt, just talk to me about it okay? I can’t help you if I don’t know how to. We can converse like this about things, it doesn’t have to escalate.” Kaminari is soothing surprisingly. His touch is gentle even though it wanders.

Holding your hands is a nice feeling, and he enjoys holding them. Rubbing his thumb over your knuckles relaxes you as you lean in to rest your head on his chest.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I love you.” Kaminari kisses the top of your head and hugs you tightly.

“How about you pick out the movie this time! If it’s scary, you get the pleasure of cuddling into me!” Kaminari wiggles his brows.

“You were the one terrified to turn the lights off last time.” You giggle, lifting your head to wipe your eyes.

“I don’t remember that at all.” Kaminari teases, walking over to your bed to get comfy while you looked for a movie to watch.

»»————-　★　————-««

masterlist

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kaizokuou-ni-naru · 3 years

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The Voyage So Far: Skypiea

east blue (1 | 2) || alabasta (1 | 2) || skypiea || water 7 || enies lobby || thriller bark || paramount war (1 | 2) || fishman island || punk hazard || dressrosa (1 | 2) || whole cake island || wano (1 | 2)

the bar scene in jaya is one i didn’t really get the first time i read it- like nami, i mostly found luffy and zoro’s refusal to fight back frustrating more than anything else. i didn’t realize the connection to shanks in the prologue until someone else pointed it out awhile later, but when i did, it made me appreciate the entire sequence and luffy’s choices a lot more.

honestly, i know this is one of the pages that gets the most attention from jaya, and it absolutely deserves it. blackbeard here is effectively dropping one of the biggest main themes of the series- people’s dreams don’t end!!- and how interesting that we get that delivered by the antagonist to the protagonist, instead of the other way around? how often do you see a series do that?

and the line hits. look at the emphasis. there’s absolutely nothing on these two pages except for the three strawhats, blackbeard, and blackbeard’s line, bigger than anything else.

chapter 232, with luffy punching out bellamy in one hit is still, to this day, probably my favorite one piece chapter. it opens with the drunk pirate seeing the newspaper with luffy’s hundred million bounty and realizing just who bellamy was kicking around, and it hits on one of my favorite plot threads of one piece- the growing infamy of the strawhats and luffy in particular, and their rise in the world.

the atmosphere of the whole scene is so good, the tension in their air, the way all the bar patrons jump when luffy yells for bellamy to come out- and when the hit comes, the satisfaction is visceral.

i’ve talked about it before, but god, i LOVE the way one piece defines “romance”- the arthurian kind of romance, the adventurous kind, that romanticizes the world and its wonders- romance dawn. in an arc as thematically heavy as jaya, it makes sense that it, too, is explicitly brought up. can you think of a more romantic, impossible adventure than traveling to the sky?

nami’s confidence when faced with the task of navigating into the sky is so fantastic.

the expressions, and the art in general, in skypiea, are really so lovely. look at the variety between the strawhats when they first emerge from the white-white sea to lay eyes on angel island. look how expressive they all are!! i have such a soft place in my heart for the art in these earlier arcs, honestly.

somewhat related to the above: there are so many little moments in skypiea where the strawhats just get to have FUN, and be stupid, and get fleshed out more as characters, and honestly it’s such a delight. also, everyone’s skypiea outfits were just really really good. cowboy hat robin... i miss u every day

i really like the whole scene where robin is exploring the ruins, and these panels in particular have such a lovely sort of ethereal look to them. i love seeing robin doing archeology, i think for the same reason i love to see sanji cooking- the strawhats are all such cool and passionate people, and it’s really really nice to see them doing and talking about the things they love and excel at most.

i’m sure i’ve said it before but i LOVE how logia powers are depicted, especially when used to avoid an attack. it’s so cool. ace’s cover story runs through most of this arc, and we get some great examples of it there as well.

1. wife

2. skypiea is SUCH a good character-building arc for robin- which is good, because the next saga is almost entirely predicated on how much both the audience and the strawhats care about her. it’s here where we learn about her passion for archeology, her reverence for history, and get a much better look at the softer sides of her personality and her fast-growing admiration and affection for the strawhats.

man, enel has so many huge, terrifyingly powerful shows of force throughout this arc, but this right here, this little sequence where he appears behind raki between panels without warning and we see him reflected in her eye, communicates better than absolutely anything else just why he’s a nightmare.

“jonny you sure are posting a lot of panels of zoro being cool without any real commentary” yeah. he kicks ass in this arc

conis is a very underrated character, i think. she’s pretty easy to overlook, but she also manages to completely break the indoctrination she’s been raised into and gambles her own life to save most of the population of angel island from complete extermination. she yells that she doesn’t recognize enel as god, an instant death sentence at any other time, just to get them to listen to her.

there’s a moment, in this scene, where a boy throws a rock at her for insulting enel, and she just stands there, and lets the blood trickle down her face, and keeps making her case. honestly, i really like her.

look at this page. look how it’s framed. luffy in the foreground, taking up most of the page- enel in the background, tiny, inconsequential.

now that’s how you draw god’s natural enemy.

this is one of my favorite nami character moments in the whole manga. nami is a greedy person. she has a lot of things she wants. it’s one of her defining traits.

but when faced with someone with godlike power, offering her absolutely anything she wants if she’ll just abandon her friends and come with him- she doesn’t want anything, for that price, even with her life on the line if she declines. she knows exactly what her treasure is.

obviously this is an awesome panel, but sanji’s little smile just before enel strikes him is what really, really makes it for me. he’s about to get slammed with several thousand volts of lightning, but more importantly, nami and usopp are going to be safe.

the skypiea flashback is one of my very favorites, and also the first time one piece ever made me cry. i nearly cried just flipping through it again for this post. it’s just so fucking devastating.

noland never stopped looking, and calgara never stopped waiting, and neither of them ever lost faith in each other despite how badly they fell out at the end, and wow, that just kills me. but at the same time, it makes the way the flashback and the main story come together at the end so satisfying and cathartic.

i do think skypiea has one of the best climaxes of any arc. the way all the disparate elements and plot threads- enel, the story of noland and calgara, the war between the skypieans and shandians, cricket’s search down on jaya- come together and tie up so perfectly that the entire arc can be ended by the ringing of a single massive bell is nothing less than genius writing.

i really love the establishment of roger’s poneglyph message and all the things it implies here. it raises so many questions, most of which we’ve only now gotten answered, in wano. oda’s capacity for long-term storytelling is one of his greatest strengths, and this is probably one of my favorite examples of it. (see also, in jaya when sanji mentions offhand that he was born in north blue.)

i just really love seeing them all smiling, and i love the parallels to calgara and noland’s sendoff here. feels like a wound finally healing, after four hundred years.

and, of course, it ends with cricket, asking what crazy, romantic dream they’re going to chase down next. because this is one piece!! just because you find the end of one rainbow doesn’t mean you stop looking for the next one.

#the voyage so far #one piece #arc: skypiea #arc: jaya #not japanese #long post #opmeta

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paisley-print · 3 years

Text

3:00am : George Strait Sang It Better.

About: The two of you make your way home from the bar...

Rating: SFW

Word count: 1635

Characters: Agent Whiskey x Reader

Warnings: HEAVY ANGST I AM SO SORRY (no I’m not hehehe), Curse words, fluff, mentions of death, grief, mentions of alcohol, mentions of vom*t ,implied age gap.

NOTE: Not me making myself cry....not that. Also I love country music y'all can square up on me if you like. I find it funny how I am turning this satire of a character into a Nicholas sparks protagonist. Wild.

MIDNIGHT MASTER LIST

3:00am : George Strait Sang It Better

“I’m not drunk.”

Jack had you slung over his shoulder “I don’t believe that’s a correct statement.”

“Are you proud of me for beating all those guys at pool?”

“Are you kidding? Of course I am sugar, you know…. I think the whole bar was lookin’ to take you home after that.”

Jack had spent most of the night sitting back and watching you interact with the other patrons. How you flitted about like a little fairy; all giddy and flushed from the alcohol. He enjoyed seeing men and women ogle over you. The looks on their faces when he scooped you up to leave was priceless.

“Wha?! No! Only you can take me home!”

He smirked “that is right babygirl- only me.”

You giggled and whispered to him, “Jack?”

He whispered back to you “what?”

“May I smack your ass please?”

You heard him chuckle “only cuz you asked so nicely.”

You gave his ass a light tap “boop”

“Excuse me mam I said smack not a boop. My ass is too incredible to have it booped.”

“Well, I booped you- watcha gonna do about it?”

“Might not help you take off your makeup when we get home.”

You gasped dramatically, “you wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me honey,” he shot back.

You cleared your throat, “wait, put me down.”

His brows knit together, “you gotta throw up?”

You hummed in response.

He took you by the waist and placed you down, keeping his hands there to make sure you didn’t take a header into the brick wall.

Before he could react you flashed him a bright grin, broke from his touch and proceeded to skip down the street. It took him a second to realize he had been conned; he had to jog a little to keep up with you. “Girl, where in the hell do you think you’re goin’?....... y/n?”

“Do you hear that?” You asked, rounding the corner onto a totally empty side street. This side of town was mostly strip malls and county buildings. A record store was playing music from inside...it floated through the street and echoed lazily into the humid June night. “My father used to sing this song to me.”

The song was a cover of ‘Cross My Heart’ written by George Strait but sung by Dierks Bentley. “God I haven’t heard this song in years” you breathed, making your way into the street and laying down under the streetlamp. You sang along, “I cross my heart And promise to, Give all I’ve got to give, To make all your dreams come true.”

Jack stood off to the side, getting more and more frustrated. “I’m not gonna scrape you off the sidewalk if you get hit.”

You laughed, unable to see that he was upset…. “hit by what? All the cars?” The street was completely deserted, most everybody was home in bed. “You will always be the miracle, That makes my life complete, And as long as there’s a breath in me, I’ll make yours just as sweet.”

Jack shook his head, shifting uneasily on his feet.

It was an absolutely beautiful night- full moon, warm, not a single cloud obstructing the sky. You gasped and sat up “Jack please dance with me!”

“I’m tired, put your shoes on- let’s go-”

You gave him the puppy dog eyes “but it’s perfect! The song is almost over anyway-”

He snapped, losing his temper and shouting at you. “What part of I’m fucking tired do you not understand? Come get your shoes and stop acting like a goddamn child!”

You stared at him wide eyed while the music played on. The two of you had little spats in the past….but you had never seen him do anything close to that. Sobriety struck you in an instant. You held tears back and pulled yourself from the asphalt. Silently, you took your shoes from him and placed them on your feet.

His tone was still a little harsh but not nearly as bad as before, “you want me to carry you?”

“No” you said quickly “I can walk - thank you.”

Jack pulled the car to a stop at an empty intersection and waited for the light to turn green.

You were the first one to speak “sometimes I get too excited and act stupid... I apologize for not listening to you when you said you wanted to go. I’ll listen better next time.”

He sighed and hesitated, “I’m sorry I didn’t dance with you.”

You shrugged, “it’s okay, you were tired...plus George Strait sang it better anyway.”

“No, it’s not that-”

You could tell that he was fighting something, but you didn’t know what. His lack of verbal communication frustrated you at times, however it was something you had been learning to accept. Each day you noticed his tells and from those you would peace together how he was feeling. He would get boisterous when he was nervous, silent when he was focused, chatty when content...so on and so forth.

Although you would rather him tell you these things, you understood that he was a man raised in a way that forbade overly emotional declarations. He was getting better the safer he felt with you and it was okay that he wasn’t perfect with it just yet. Jack had spent years shutting people out, it was going to take time for him to break the habit.

“-that was my wedding song,” he confessed.

You nodded slowly, showing him that you were listening.

“You looked so fuckin’ beautiful and just - happy…….” he sighed again. “It’s uh- do you know that the two of you share the same birthday? I didn’t realize it until the other day when you mentioned yours …...three hundred and sixty five days in a year, what are the fuckin’ odds?”

The light turned but he didn’t move, he was staring transfixed at the road - his mind somewhere far. You watched him remember her and a life that no longer existed. He always had a certain look about him when he was thinking of her. You couldn't really put it into words; he just seemed so at peace with the world….like the burden of loss wasn't weighing him down.

His hands gripped the wheel tighter “the birthday you have coming up will make you one year older than she ever got to be…. It’s like one day I woke up and twenty-four years have come and gone overnight.”

He started to choke up a little, but fought against it. “ I don’t know why it just hit me all of a sudden. I can go weeks, months, without feeling upset. Then one little thing just sets it off and everything comes rushing back at once…. and it hurts the same way it did then.”

His breathing hitched in his chest, you could tell that he was probably on the verge of a panic attack.

You placed a hand on his leg “hey-”

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you. That wasn’t right….. I’m not that person-”

“It’s alright-”

“No it’s not. I’m sorry if I scared you and I’m sorry that I’m talkin’ about this. I know you probably don’t want to hear it-”

“Jack” you spoke softly in an attempt to stop his spiraling. “I always want to hear about what you’re going through. No matter what it is…..your wife, she sounds amazing.”

He reached down to take your hand, squeezing it gently.

You brushed your thumb across his knuckles. “If you ever need to talk about her you can, I hope you know that. And what you said about it all rushing back….grief is not linear. It's not something that has a start and end...instead it’s like a box with a little ball inside. Every time the ball hits the side of the box you feel upset. Like tonight-”

Your other hand reached up to tuck a little strand of hair behind his ear, while you went on… “At first the box is tiny and the ball hits the sides of it often. However as time goes on the box gets bigger. Meaning that the ball has much more space to travel until it hits the sides.”

You paused for a moment to let him follow along. “You grew up with her; she is literally woven into the fabric of your soul. You are allowed to miss her and miss her deeply. Even after all this time. It is okay. In the same breath though, you are also allowed to be happy. I know you carry around guilt - I see it in you constantly……. but there was nothing you could have done Jack.”

You placed a finger under his chin and turned his head to face you, “and you didn’t scare me. You just caught me off guard is all.”

“I wish I danced with you,” he said softly.

“We’ll have plenty of time to dance, Jack.”

He looked so utterly exhausted; you dropped your hand to let him focus back on the road. “Yeah” he agreed, then lifted his foot off the break to continue on.

The open windows let wind rush through the cabin. He kept a tight hold on your hand, it was the only thing keeping him grounded at the moment.

An idea surfaced in your mind…. “I think we should include her this year. We can pick up some flowers - maybe a little toy for the baby, and have a picnic. I’ll make cupcakes and we can blow out a candle for her as well ….would that be something you want to do?”

He rubbed his eyes and nodded.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

“Thank you.”

You smiled softly “you don’t have to thank me Jack.”

#Jack Daniels x you #Whiskey x you #Agent whiskey x Reader #Agent whiskey x you #Agent whiskey fanfic #Kingsmen Fanfiction #Kingsmen Fanfic #Pedro fanfic #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Pedro Pascal Fanfiction #long live the queue

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silver-wield · 4 years

Note

Cloud had every opportunity to validate his relationship between he and Tifa. He doesn’t tell aerith who he gave the flower to and when aerith asks if tifa is his girlfriend he’s quick to say no and when she says “she’s something special, right?” And he says “it’s not like that” that doesn’t sound like someone who’s in love... yet when Tifa questions the relationship he has with aerith, he can’t even answer... As a cloti fan I don’t think I can shobghis anymore... 😔

Ok, let’s breakdown how Cloud’s behaviour works again.

Not that some people understand that having mental illness and crafting a false persona to protect their own psyche means they do things that are contradictory to their own true feelings at times. They seem to think SOLDIER Cloud is another way of saying “He’S jUsT zAcK”. Which isn’t that at all and they need to stop purposely misunderstanding the point.

SPOILERS FOR CLOUD’S ENTIRE BACKSTORY.

Cloud: introverted, socially awkward, no father figure, low self-esteem, lives in a very small town with little culture and few kids his age. Of those kids, the majority don’t like him because they’re assholes (yeah I said it).

Tifa: childhood friend and crush, who isn’t an asshole to him because she’s a literal fucking sweetheart (don’t even try and @ me). Shy, reserved, polite, kind, also can be reckless af.

Age 8, Tifa’s mother dies and she gets it into her head that she can go visit her at the top of mt Nibel because that’s where she gets the impression the lifestream touches the planet.

Cloud (9), follows her and her friends up the mountain and stays with her as they chicken out. He and Tifa have an accident, which results in Tifa being unconscious for 7 days. During that time she’s unconscious (but yknow some ppl say she should’ve still cleared up the misunderstanding WHILE UNCONSCIOUS, despite never learning of it even after she woke up), her friends throw Cloud under the bus to her father as the reason why she went there. Tifa’s father puts all the blame for it on him (douchebag move, but he’s an upset parent who’s just lost his wife and now doesn’t know if his daughter will live or die. I’m not excusing him, but he’s got reasons other than “let’s victimise Cloud”.) Tifa’s father tells Cloud that if he isn’t capable of protecting her then he should keep his distance.

Cloud resolves to become stronger and thanks to Stamp propaganda and Sephiroth hero worship he decides to become a SOLDIER.

Tifa never says anything about this being what she wants. She likes Cloud just as he is.

Skip forward a few years and Cloud’s 14, has kept his word not to hang out with Tifa, not that it stops her wanting his attention.

The promise scene occurs, where Cloud tries to get Tifa to admit she likes him and Tifa gets Cloud to promise to return to town just once so she can see him again (because these idiots have no idea they mutually like each other in a romantic sense).

Skip forward another 2 years.

Cloud (16) isn’t a SOLDIER, but he’s got to go to Nibelheim with Zack and Sephiroth. He hides from Tifa, ashamed that he isn’t the man he promised he’d become.

Tifa (15) who’s massively disappointed Cloud wasn’t with them, ends up seriously injured by Sephiroth after he loses his marbles.

Cloud appears and saves her, killing Sephiroth.

Zangan takes Tifa away from Nibelheim - and good thing too or she’d have ended up a test subject with the others.

Cloud and Zack are stuffed in chambers to be experimented on.

4 years go by and Zack saves Cloud who’s suffering mako poisoning. They make it to Midgar, which takes around a year, where Zack then dies, leaving his sword to Cloud.

Cloud still suffering from mako poisoning and now also with PTSD and all his other previous issues, shambles into Midgar where Tifa finds him.

Here’s the bit people like to misunderstand.

Cloud is infected with Jenova cells, which warp his perception and make him susceptible to Sephiroth’s control. (This is proven by a moment at the end of the game where Cloud’s hand twitches in response to Sephiroth asking for his help)

Zack told Cloud a lot of stories, both before he was poisoned and after. These combined with Jenova’s mind warping, the mako poisoning itself and Cloud’s own severe trauma allowed him to craft a false persona for himself, which he needed to protect his real psyche from a further mental breakdown.

Cloud is a mentally ill protagonist.

Cloud uses the SOLDIER persona he’s crafted as a shield to function in daily life. He’s unaware of what he’s done. He believes SOLDIER!Cloud is the only psyche. We get to see real!Cloud on screen at the beginning of Chapter 8 asking SOLDIER!Cloud if he’s ok. Real!Cloud specifically refers to the childhood event on mt Nibel with Tifa where he “got away with scraped knees”. SOLDIER!Cloud doesn’t know what he’s talking about because it’s a real!Cloud memory and not one he’s privy to. Any time SOLDIER!Cloud tries reconnecting to his true self he ends up in pain. He’s not ready to be whole yet.

Behind the shield is an emotionally stunted, very ill man who spent four years as a lab rat, suffered countless traumas, witnessed his home burned and saw the girl he loved stabbed. The real Cloud is a weak, flawed human being who isn’t in a good enough head space to function, let alone do all the things that’s needed of him during events in the game.

Cloud doesn’t think he’s Zack. The only time that argument can even be used is in a 23 year old game that has clear script problems all over the place. That information is outdated and been debunked several times over.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Now, onto the points you raised.

Cloud cannot connect his real persona and the feelings he has for Tifa with this false persona he has. The SOLDIER persona acts as both a shield and a wall preventing things from affecting the real!Cloud behind it. Nothing gets in or out. That’s why Cloud can’t articulate his feelings for Tifa. It’s not because he doesn’t feel anything for her, it’s because he can’t connect to those feelings until after he’s reunited the fractured parts of his psyche -- which only happens because of Tifa during the lifestream sequence. It’s then he’s able to get back in touch with those feelings and express them. It’s not because they don’t exist. He never, at any point, in 7R says he doesn’t have feelings for Tifa. He says she’s not his girlfriend - fact, she isn’t. He says in response to Aerith asking “she’s someone special” that “it’s not like that” but then gets cut off, like every other point in the game where he’s about to try and explain his feelings. He doesn’t know how he feels because those feelings belong to real!Cloud and not SOLDIER!Cloud. We get a clear view of how Real!Cloud feels about Tifa during the plate fall. At several points, the urge to comfort Tifa is seen. That’s not SOLDIER!Cloud’s urge, it’s real!Cloud’s. When he sees her crying during Jessie’s cut scene, when he sees her on her knees at the top of the plate, when his hand twitches as Barret hugs her. All of these are canon non-optional moments that build a picture of real!Cloud wanting to express his feelings to Tifa, but not being able to. The resolution is the culmination of those feelings. He takes his time hugging her back because the SOLDIER persona is trying to protect him still, but the real!Cloud breaks through long enough to hug her. And he does so hard because he needs comfort. He’s gone through so much that he’s broken inside. That’s why he hugs her until it hurts. Because he hurts.

His response to Tifa’s question about Aerith isn't shipping. Tifa’s first words when she wakes are an urgent affirmation to get home and save the slum. Cloud agrees. She then asks Cloud how he knows Aerith, after expressing concern she'll get hurt by going with them. Tifa and Cloud are eco terrorists and as far as she knows Aerith is a normal girl. Nobody would want a civilian dragged into danger. And Cloud has been in Midgar for four days and spent most of them with Avalanche and Tifa. She's curious how they're friends because she knows Cloud isn't a people person. Cloud explains Aerith saved him, but when? It's clearer in the JP because the phrasing is that Cloud was in the kind of danger that worries Tifa. She wants to know what kind of danger Cloud would get into that he couldn't handle. Well he's not talking physical danger. He's talking about how Aerith helped him save Tifa. Because that's the kind of dork he is. He's referring to the phrase Aerith said to Sam about making sure Cloud wouldn't have to live without Tifa. That's what he means by her saving his life. Because he can't live without Tifa. So, it's obvious why that's not made a bigger deal of in disc one.

He doesn’t tell Aerith who he gave the flower to because it’s none of her goddamn business. She’s a stranger being nosy. He’s got no obligation to tell her what he did with it. If someone you met twice start sticking their nose in your personal business you’d be cagey too. That’s a meaningless moment that certain people cling to because they’re idiots.

Sorry, this got long. Hope it clears a few things up though. I probably missed a few details here and there.

TLDR: Cloud has mental illness and isn’t capable of love due to a fractured psyche, so can’t answer anyone when they ask.

#final fantasy 7 remake spoilers #Character analysis #Cloud strife #tw: mental illness #ship war

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snow-whiteandred-rose · 4 years

Text

He proposes to you - Hyung line

A/N: Hey everybody, this took me a little bit longer. I´m sorry, but I finally did it. So lean back and enjoy my writing. Vanessa :) word count: 4,4 k

Namjoon

You sighed and leaned back in your chair. Your back hurt because you already sat to long at your desk but the work didn’t do by itself and you had to finish the interpretation until tomorrow. At the moment you were dealing with ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in college and you have to write an interpretation about this novel. The relationship of the main characters Jane and Mr. Darcy had to be analyzed by looking at the living conditions of that time. The deadline was the day after tomorrow and there was still quite a bit missing. You really loved that novel and you had read it so many times, not to mention watching the movie, so it was an easy task for you to write this interpretation. You could say that your hearts blood is flowing into it. You remember how you went insane when you read the book for the first time, because you could not understand their pride. You wanted to shake both characters to finally talk honestly with each other. A look on your phone showed you that you have three missed calls from your boyfriend and quickly texted him back to say that you were sorry. He answered that he will come around and bring along something for dinner. You sighed again but this time it was because you thought about whether you two will ever get married. Namjoon and you were together for four years and he never talked with you about this, so you didn’t know his intentions. On this subject, you didn't want to make the first move, and you didn't really want to be the one to propose. Not that you find it abnormal for a woman to propose, but you were just too proud. You smiled when you noticed that you weren’t better then the two Protagonists. Maybe you should also overcome your pride when it was what you wanted and you know your boyfriend. Maybe he wanted to marry you two but just kept putting it off because he had so many other thoughts in his head. A few seconds later you heard the door open and Namjoon entered the apartment. “Y/N, I’m home,” he called and you walked out of your room to greet him. “Joonie, I’m happy you are home now.” He hugged you and stroke with his fingers above your back. You linger a short time before you were interrupted by the growl of you stomach. He laughed. “I’m sorry I was so busy with my essay that I haven't been able to get anything to eat.” “Seems like I’m coming home to the right time... at least I'm punctual for once.” Namjoon said and separated from you to entered the kitchen and brought some plates. You closed your eyes when you took the first spoons of your food. It was always a good feeling when you were hungry and you could finally eat something you liked. “How was the studio today? Did you guys made any progress?” You asked him. “Yeah it was good until Jimin and Taehyung started to fight about Dumplings,” he sighed and rolled his eyes. “What? Why they fought about it?” “They fought about eating them before or after practice. Could you believe it? I sent both out after a while to clarify this. They came back after a while but ignored each other. I have never seen them like this, I hope they are okay. I mean... dumplings really? I will see how it will be the next days before I will talk to them. It is better when they handle it on their own.” He explained and didn’t seem amused. “It’s gonna be alright, you will see. Don’t worry. They are friends and it is normal to fight. By the way... you always do a great job as a leader.” You cheered him up. “Thanks Jagi, but enough about me. How was your day?” “I am still writing my interpretation, but it will be finished soon. It's really fascinating how you empathize with the characters when you are in the matter. Sometimes both characters just drive me crazy and I just want to yell at them because it could have been much easier,” you started to get upset. “I can understand you, both characters should have spoken to each other properly and put their pride aside much sooner. But luckily, it had a happy ending and everything worked out fine. Imagine if we had lived at that time. Your parents would have married you to me right then and there to keep you safe.” His words made you tensed up because it was the first time that he spoke to you about this subject even if was only via detours. Besides, you did not want to realize that this was the main reason why you "should" have married him if you had lived at this time. “Luckily we live now and that isn’t longer necessarily reason to get married. There are so many other reasons like love and be together with his soulmate, caring for the other one, trust and loality,” you answered and blushed a little bit because you had the feeling that you spoke out of your soul. “I agree with you and by the way these are all descriptions that apply to us, so what do you mean? Should we get married?” He simply said and your mouth remains opened. “Did you mean that?” “Of course, why not? I have wanted to marry you since we started dating. You are everything I have ever wanted. To only reason why I have never asked you is my schedule. I don’t want my wife to be alone all the time and I know it isn’t easy...” He said and you could see the sadness in his eyes. You stood up from your chair and sat on his lap. “What is going to be easy in life? We love each other and that is everything that counts,” you leaned your head against his chest and smiled. “Than let’s get married! I hope you've really thought this through. After all, I'm not the best man in my own right, and I can't lose our wedding rings.”

Seokjin

It was one of the last concerts of the tour, so your boyfriend was finally back in Seoul. The last three months you two were apart. Logically it was a world tour and he traveled to an uncountable number of countries over the world. Because of your job it wasn’t possible for you to join him. You were really upset about that. You didn’t like it when you were apart from each other for so long, it was really hard. But even the distance couldn’t harm you. Jin and you always wrote each other or made video calls. He also sent you a picture everyday he visited a new city. Even when he was upset that you couldn’t visit him, he understood it and didn’t give you rejection. Your job was important as well. And then finally after all the waiting it was the day when he was back in town and they had the last final concerts in Seoul. You couldn’t think straight the whole day because you couldn’t wait to see him again. You were a nervous mess when you arrived at the Stadium and showed the security your pass and they gave you a smile when you entered. You walked a few steps until you heard Jins loud laugh. It wasn’t to overhear and that sound you would recognized under thousands of other noises. You felt like your chest was going to burst so hard your heart was beating. The first one you saw was Jungkook who was about to drop everything to hug you. “Noona! I’m so happy that you are here. We missed you.” You smiled while hugged him back. “Hey Kookie, I’m also happy that you are back. It was a little bit boring without you guys.” “Next time you really have to join us! It’s gonna be more fun with you and also Jin hyungs whining that he misses you became annoying the last few days. So I’m glad that this is over now.” The youngest rolled his eyes and you tried to hide your smile. “What am I hearing? I have never complained!” There he was, your beloved boyfriend you also missed so much. “Princess! You are here!” Jin called and pulled you tight. You throw yourself in his arms and rest your head against his chest. It was so good to feel his arms around you. “Oh, no? And who was it who always made a face mask the last evenings, because his handsome face is so stressed by crying?” Jimin threw in and put his armes around you two to cuddle and you chuckled about his words. “I can’t remember, it wasn’t me... and enough now! I don't want you bugging her after the first few minutes.” Jin defended himself and tried to push Jimin away from you so he could be alone with you. “You can do it with out us by the way,” Jimin laughed but pulled Jungkook away with him to give you two some alone time, even if it was just for a few minutes. When you were alone he put your face between his hands and leaned his head forward to connect your lips. You put your arms around your back and pulled him closer to you. It was the first kiss after three months and it felt like your first kiss ever. Far to early he separated from you and with his thumb he stroke above your cheek. You bit your lower lip and missed his lips already. “Did you miss my handsome face Princess?” Jin asked you caused you to roll your eyes. “Yes of course but much more I just missed all this, you around me. I have even miss your bad dad jokes.” “Oh by the way...” he was about to tell a joke. “That doesn’t mean that you have to tell a joke now... save it for later.” “You'll be laughing so hard you won't be able to sleep tonight.” “We will see but I think you have to get ready now.” You said and reminded him were you were. “You are right. Then I'm gonna make sure that my face gets even more handsome if that's even possible.” He laughed and drags you with him in the dressing room. As you entered you were greeted immediately by all the others who hadn’t yet seen you and it gave you a warm feeling of security. It was nice to realize that they missed you too and it felt like home. For the next hour you sat there and watched them all get ready together and put on the first stage outfit and suddenly it was time for them to perform. You could hear all the Armys scream and calling their names. You hugged each of them before they entered the trapdoor and wish them good luck. Jin gave you a wink before they drove up and the crowd cheered. You loved watching them perform and how they blossomed when they were cheered on. For the next two and a half hours you could feel like a fan too. The only difference to the others was that you were backstage and Jin's girlfriend. One or two times there were tears in your eyes, because you were so carried away by everything and because it was so good to see them together on stage. And then it was almost over and everyone started to say goodbye. Their words did not make your emotional state any better and your boyfriends words as well: "I would also like to thank someone very special this evening... my wonderful girlfriend. I'm sorry I haven't been able to be with you for the last 3 months. I thank you for always being there for me and supporting me. Princess, can you come up on stage, please?" What? You're freezing. You didn't see that coming. You saw Jin looking in your direction, but you just shook your head. Whatever it was, you were sure he could tell you later. "Y/N now, come on." Jimin and Taehyung jumped in your direction. "Come on, trust him. You don't have to be afraid," Tae whispered to you before they took your hand and pulled you onto the stage until you stood in front of Jin. "Y/N I know it's not always easy being my girlfriend. I'm so glad you're here. You're my home and everything is easier with you around. You give me strength even in the darkest hours and I know that I always want to be with you. So I'm going to ask you an important question now," he pointed into the stadium where suddenly Armybombs started to light up until a very simple question was read. "Will you marry me?" You were speechless, it was a far too beautiful and incomprehensible a moment. "Yes, yes, I will Jinnie!" you say, throwing yourself into his arms. Everyone around you started to cheer and the members congratulated you one by one. The fact that Mikrokosmos was played as the last song didn't make it better. Your make-up, which had already ran off anyway, was now even more ruined, but never mind. Jin gave you a handkerchief so you could at least remove a part of it. At the end you float in a balloon over the audience and said goodbye to everyone. Jin hold you tight and you smiled and couldn't be happier.

Yoongi

You couldn’t hide it, you were worried about him. It was obvious that he was sick and he still beat the nights around his ears in the studio to work on his mixtape. You knew that there was a deadline he wanted to meet but exposing his body to even more stress than he already had was just not good for him. You already had a fight about this yesterday morning and your concerns only made him blame you for not understanding because you never were in a situation like this and you never will be because you weren’t an Idol. His words really hurt you because all you wanted was that he took care of his body and health. But it’s no use. In the evening (or better say night) he came home exhausted as everyday and fell into bed coughing and sniffling. You rolled your eyes but you couldn’t resist to look at him. His face was white and he had beads of sweat on his forehead. It was obvious that he had a fever. Even when you were still a little angry about his words you wanted to take care of him. So you got a cold cloth and sat down beside him. You started to carefully dabbing his face. He shrugged because of the coldness but relaxed when he noticed that it was just you. “Jagi...I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, like that” he mumbled but it was quite hard to understand him and you noticed how tiring it was for him to talk. “Shhh, It’s okay, I’m here. I will take care of you,” you answered and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead. He closed his eyes again and leaned into your touch. You freshened up that rag and observe how his breathing became deep and calmer. You were just getting up to get yourself ready for bed when you heard his quite murmured words. “Mm... mmmaarryy meee.” But before you could say anything he turned around a bit and you could just hear his soft snores. He couldn’t really be serious... Yes you two were a couple for already 3 years but you never thought Yoongi even wanted to get married. For sure it was the fever and he didn’t meant it. But you must admit that the imagination of you and him in front of the altar made you happy and now when he “started” to bringing the topic you hope that it became real. Even the next morning you tried to act normal and didn’t let it on. Yoongi was still in the bedroom and you already were awake and started to made some medicine for him. If you couldn't stop him from going to the studio, then at least you wanted to take the best possible care of him and try to make it more bearable. So at first you made some Onion juice and Sage tea against the cough and sore throat. For lunch you made him some chicken soup, as your mom always says: is helps every time. You were still tinkering when he entered the kitchen. “Morning Jagi, what is all this?” You smiled at him and answered:”I made you something against the cold. I want that you felt better, so I searched the internet for some good home made medicine.” You could see how his eyes light up with your words, he was touched. He lifted the can with the onions and pulled a disgusted face: ”What’s this?” “That’s onion juice, helps against your cough. Stop looking like that! It really helps!” You laughed and hits him playfully. “I hope so! I better not turn into a frog after this!” You rolled your eyes and concentrated on your work again. Yoongi stood behind you and put his arms around your waist. He rested his chin on your head. “I’m really sorry for yesterday, I was just frustrated... I know that isn’t an excuse. I hope you forgive me,” he said sadly. You turned around in his embrace and fold your arms behind his neck. “I know, that you didn’t meant it. I didn't wanted to put so much pressure on you, I was just worried. But it is your decision.” He stroke with his thumb over your cheek. “I seem to remember very faintly that I have said it before in the night, but I repeat it again... Marry me.” You tensed up and looked shocked in his eyes. “What?” “Marry me, please,” He repeated his last words. “Do you really mean it? I didn't know you even wanted to get married,” you said thoughtful. He sighed and took your hands in his and looked shyly on the ground. “Yes, I never really thought about it before, but during the last days I noticed once again how happy I can be to have you. You take care of me even though I'm an idiot and don't deserve it. But I love it so much, I love you so much and I want to take care of you as well. Please be my wife.” You were shocked, it was rarely that Yoongi revealed his feelings that way and it caused that a few tears appeared in your eyes. “Oh Yoongs, at first, Yes you are an idiot sometimes, but you are my idiot and second you don’t have to marry me to take care of me, but Yes! I’d love to be your wife.” Your words made him smile and rolled his eyes at the same time. “Really? I try to say something romantic and then you make fun of it.” He pulled you back in his arms and he rested his forehead against yours. “I’m sorry when I destroyed your proposal. I loved your words. They were really cute.” “I love you, Jagi.” And then finally he tilted his head down to kiss you softly.

Hoseok

“And why did I have to do these mysteries to find you? Why can’t we just met at the address you gave to me?” You signed and dropped the note with the start coordinates. “Because so it is more fun! Don’t worry you will see, when you find me.” He put his hands on your shoulders. “But why we can’t make the tasks together?” Now it was his time to sighed. “Because it doesn’t work with my surprise but you have Y/F/N, she will help you. I really think it’s gonna be fun,” Hobi answered and quickly looked on his watch, “Oh, I it’s getting late, I have to go. See you later love, I can’t wait.” He gave you a soft kiss before he left the apartment and let you back alone. It was your seventh anniversary and it was tradition that always Hobi planned that day for the two of you. So the last times it was sometimes extravagant like a sightseeing trip in another city or just a comfortable evening when you both have dinner together. This year it was obviously the first one. Today your energetic boyfriend was more excited and jittery than normal. It was a little bit scary because you never thought that this was possible. Even when you were just happy to do something comfortable with him like a movie evening and cuddle on the sofa, you played along to make him happy because you didn’t want to ruin his efforts. You loved the way he was focused on the things he loved to do and you knew the efforts would be worthwhile. A quarter of a hour later your best friend knocked on your door and it was your sign that it was time to go. So you took the note and the compass he gave you and opened the door. “I’m so exited!” Your best friend yelled and hugged you. “Of course you are. Nothing I wouldn't have expected. I’m so happy that we can do it together. You know the destination?” You wiggled your eyebrow. “Yes I know it, but that doesn’t mean that I will tell you. We have to do the tasks,” she she admonished you. “It was worth a try. So I hope you can tell me how I have to use the GPS tracker.” You both spend a look at the instructions and it wasn’t difficult as expected. After a few minutes you got the hang on it and you were on your way to your first destination. Surprisingly it was your old school Hobi and you had visited together. There was a lot of activity in the schoolyard, so it won't be noticed that you two are entering the school building. The tracker leaded you to your old classroom which was now empty. You smiled when you looked around and the memories came back. Sometimes it felt like it was yesterday that he picked you up after class to ask you out on a date. You went towards your desk and sat down. According to the tracker this must be the first destination. “Do you see something?” Your best friend asked but you shook your head. “Maybe you have to look in the desk.” No sooner said than done and you lift up the tabletop. A letter came to light and you smiled when you recognized his hand writing. Congratulations! The first stage has been completed. I don't know if I ever told you how excited I was back then. But it was the best decision of my life to summon up the courage to asked you out. Do you remember our first date? Go to that place and you will find the next instructions. You ran your fingers over his writing and smiled. “It’s so cute. You both really deserve each other. I’m so happy that you have him,”Y/F stood right beside and had also read his letter. “Me as well. So come on, let us go to the place of our first date... The ice cream parlour.” And so it went on from station to station. All the places you visited where places where you both had experience something together. It was a time travel through your shared history like your first kiss, when he told you that he loved you and so on. The one place you couldn't do anything with was the last. It was the address of a remote park and the last hint also wasn’t very meaningful. “You think we're really in the right place? I've never been here before. Maybe we entered something wrong,” You asked your friend concerned. “Trust me, it’s the right address. I have to leave now. The last path you have to go on your own.” “What? Why?” “You will see and don’t forget: it’s your anniversary,” she winked and hugged you to goodbye. You shrugged your shoulders and went along the path. Around you there were green meadows and many beds with colorful flowers. At the end was a white arch which was overgrown with green tendrils. Under him stood Hobi and waited of you. You smiled when you saw him and ran towards him. “Thank you for everything, it was so touching to recall all these memories.” “I’m glad you like it, sunshine. But it still isn’t the end of our journey. I have one last thing I want to say” he answered and you noticed that he was really nervous. “Hobi it’s just me. You can tell my everything.” You took his face in your hands and he took a deep breath before he started to talk. “Sunshine, I love you. You a the reason for my positivity because you always support me no matter what. All these memories you saw today wouldn't have been anywhere near as beautiful without you. We have experienced everything important in our lives together. So I thought that we also should go this part together,” Hobi took your hands and and looked at you,“Sunshine will you marry me?” You hold your breath before you fell in his arms. “Of course, Hobi. I will.” It was the moment when you two started to cry in each arms. After a few seconds he separated from you and reach in his jacket to bringing out a rectangular box. It was a gold ring with a green diamond. “I hope you like it, the stone reminds me of your eyes. That’s why I choose it.” “it's so beautiful, thank you so much.” “And now that we've cleared that up, we can finally enjoy the evening together,” he smiled and kissed you again.

#bts #bts imagines #bts reactions #bts scenarios #bts fluff #bts hyung line #yoongi x reader #namjoon x reader #hobi x reader #jin x reader #bts suga #bts jhope #btsjin #bts namjoon

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excelsi-or · 4 years

Text

04/04/25 - working on it (woozi)

w.c. 1.7k (uh, mix of fluff & angst? just a tiny bit of angst)

BIPOC rec: This year, I participated in the Reading Rush (ran by Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay). So I’m recommending two books I read this week, one being Days by Moonlight by André Alexis and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. André Alexis is a black Canadian author. His book Days by Moonlight is a fantastical-realism type of book with a black protagonist and one of the most baffling plot lines I’ve read in a while. Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club was released in 1989 and follows four Chinese mothers and their four daughters, contrasting their lives as immigrant women and American raised children. It’s an interesting story, one that feels as if there is no real plot line, and some stories remain “unfinished”, but leave you satisfied.

December 13, 2024

April 4, 2025

“What we don’t understand is why you haven’t moved back in,” Mingyu says one morning at breakfast.

Jihoon is not happy for two reasons.

One, he’d had to be dragged nearly kicking and screaming back from the studio last night. He’s been in a writing funk and all the ideas that the other producers and songwriters have been spewing out have been uninspired, boring at best.

And two, Wonwoo and Mingyu have woken him up early for breakfast so that they can discuss his relationship apparently. Which is something he doesn’t want to discuss before he’s had any coffee.

“We like having you here,” Wonwoo mumbles. He’s only halfway through his first coffee. Jihoon doesn’t understand how Mingyu convinced Wonwoo to agree to an early morning intervention.

“But you guys have been together for a while now.”

Jihoon frowns, staring hard into his cereal bowl. Maybe his cereal will speak for him if he stares angrily at it long enough. It quickly dawns on him that no, the cereal can’t and won’t talk; and yes, Mingyu wants him to fill the silence.

“There are still… kinks we need to work out.”

“Kinks meaning…?” Mingyu prompts.

It takes all the minimal energy Jihoon has left in his reserve to restrain himself from throwing his spoon at Mingyu’s head. “Kinks as in we broke up once. We know why it didn’t work. We haven’t really discussed how we’re going to fix it yet.”

“You’ve been back for almost a year now and have been together almost as long,” Mingyu states.

“It’s been eight months and we’ve only been back together for… like, four,” Jihoon grumbles.

“All I’m saying is that maybe you should work out the kinks,” Mingyu answers. He pushes his seat back, done with his breakfast.

Wonwoo exchanges a look with Jihoon and sips his coffee. “He’s right.”

Jihoon (7:43)

Hey, you got time to talk?

She calls him about three minutes after he sends her the text. He can hear a spoon clinking against ceramic on her end. She must be having tea. “What has you up so early?”

“Mingyu,” Jihoon grumbles.

“Ah,” she chuckles. “What’s up?”

“Kinks.”

There’s a long pause as she tries to discern what that could possibly mean. “Uhm… care to elaborate?”

“Kinks in our relationship.”

“Such as…?”

Jihoon sighs. He probably should have thought about what he was going to say before she called. He can’t just ask when he can move back in. It’s her place now. She pays the rent. “I don’t know. Like… why did we break up before?”

Her answer is immediate. “Because you were too busy to communicate with me. And I got too used to giving you all this space.”

“Have I changed?”

“No, but neither have I.”

Jihoon sits up a bit straighter on the couch. In their relationship, he’d always thought of her as the saint. “What do you mean?”

“Well, to get you to come home, I have to hear it from Mingyu or Wonwoo,” she says. “If I called you more and checked in on you, instead of being scared of annoying you, I’d know all those things myself.”

“You don’t annoy me.”

“Don’t I?” She laughs. “I can be pestering.”

“But I know you care.”

She snorts. “Yes, but that bugs you.”

“But it’s important to you.”

“I can’t always have it my way. You live your way and you know yourself best.” She pauses. “Mostly I want you home so I can have you to myself. There are selfish reasons.”

Jihoon chuckles. “Least you’re honest.”

Both of them go quiet, lost in thought.

“How about you come over for dinner?” she suggests. “That way I have more time to think about this.”

Later that night, Jihoon leaves work a bit earlier than usual. He lets himself into her apartment, wondering what it means that she’s never asked for the key back. Out of courtesy, he knocks twice on her door before pushing it open. She’s swaying to the song playing through the apartment as she cooks.

“Jagi,” Jihoon calls as he slips out of his shoes.

Without even turning, she waves him to sit down. “Almost done.”

Jihoon listens to the song as he sits. It’s a song he doesn’t recognize. The voice is fluid, the beats hard enough to want to sway, not hard enough to distract from the vocals. “Who’s this?”

“Seokmin.”

“Who?”

“That friend of Hansol’s.” She tosses an oven mitt onto the table so that she can put the pan down. Jihoon goes to grab two sets of chopsticks as she brings the rice cooker’s pot to the table. Jihoon pulls another oven mitt out of the drawer next to the stove and places it down next to the pan. He grabs a Coke from the fridge and her water bottle from the counter.

When they settle at the table, Jihoon addresses this ‘friend of Hansol’s’. “Why is a guy I’ve never met sending you songs?”

“Remember when I texted you last week that I was going out with Soonyoung and Seokmin?”

“I remember you saying that you were going out with Soonyoung for lunch.”

She stirs the contents of the pan with her chopsticks before putting some meat on top of her bowl of rice. “I know you’d get upset if I didn’t tell you I was with Seokmin, so I told you that I was with Seokmin.”

Jihoon frowns, popping his chopsticks in his mouth so that he can use both his hands. He scrolls back a week. True to her word, there’s the text message that she’s going out for lunch with Soonyoung and Seokmin. Just below that is his little blue bubble telling her to have fun. When he looks at her, she has one eyebrow cocked.

“I thought it said Seungkwan.”

She shakes her head in dismay. “Is this really what you wanted to talk about this morning?”

“Well, now I realize there are more things for us to talk about,” Jihoon retorts. Roughly, he puts rice in his bowl, a few grains falling onto the table. Chewing angrily, he stares at her.

But she’s used to Jihoon’s attitude. He’s going to hold out until she cracks first. He’s weirdly good at the game. “What do you want me to say, Jihoonie? Seokmin was telling me about the music he’s been working on and I asked if I could hear it. He’s debuting as a soloist next month.”

“So he sent you the song before anyone else has heard it? Are you sure he’s not—”

“I’m positive.”

“How?” Jihoon demands.

“Because he has a girlfriend,” she snorts. “Honestly, Jihoonie, it sounds like you don’t trust me.”

Exhaling, he tries to steady his emotions. “I trust you. I don’t trust guys I don’t know around you.”

“Ah.”

“Especially musical types.”

“Why does that matter?”

“You’re dating me and told me you weren’t into musical types before you met me.”

“I’m surrounded by musical types,” she snorts. “Hansol and all your friends. I’d known of them beforehand. I wasn’t interested in them. That’s what I meant.”

“Yeah, well, clearly I’ve changed your mind. So how about any other musical type who’s tall and good-looking? They’re around too.”

“God, Jihoon.” She puts her chopsticks down and sits back with her arms crossed. “If you wanted to pick a fight with me, you could have done it over the phone.”

“I just don’t get why you don’t understand why I’m uncomfortable when other guys give you songs.” He puts his chopsticks down as well, not hungry anymore.

She shakes her head. “I do kind of understand why you’re uncomfortable, but Jihoon, this is a relationship not a dictatorship. You don’t get to decide who I get to spend my time with.”

“My feelings should be considered,” he counters.

“They are, but I’m not hooking up with Seokmin or anything. I interact with different types of people every day,” her voice is rising, “do you want to check them all too?”

Jihoon rolls his eyes. “I’m mad that a guy sent you a song to listen to. You’re blowing it out of proportion.”

She’s quiet for a while. Her voice is venomous. “I can’t believe you just rolled your eyes at me.”

A shiver goes down Jihoon’s spine, but he leans forward. “Because you’re being ridiculous.”

Jihoon watches a shift in her expression. The annoyed façade looks as if it’s cracking. There are two ways to play this: push forward or back off. If he makes her cry now, it’s over. The point of this conversation will have been proven and any attempt to reconcile will fail.

It’s the tremble in her bottom lip at the weighted silence that causes him to slouch into his seat.

“Jagi, I’m just uncomfortable that he’s sending you songs. It’s personal and has a lot of meaning to me. I don’t let just anyone see my songs. All of mine are… love songs for you.”

She scoffs, sniffling a little. “Nice save,” she murmurs.

Internally, Jihoon is shaking. Outwardly, he struggles to keep his cool. “I know you well.”

She picks her chopsticks up again. “What exactly did you want to talk about?”

Jihoon explains the conversation he’d had with Mingyu and Wonwoo. He holds back bits of the conversation, not wanting to upset her again.

“They’re starting to sound nosy,” she grumbles as she eats.

“Well, because they are.” He takes a moment to eat. “But they’re right. Maybe we should talk about it.”

“Somehow these conversations always wind up with us arguing.”

“Do you love me?”

She answers in a heartbeat. “Yeah, I do.”

“Enough to want to work on this?”

She nods her head. “Yes, but we’re both going to have to compromise.”

“Lay it on me.”

She chews her food for a moment. “I want you to tell me how you’re feeling. I want to know so I don’t have to guess.”

“That’s it?”

“Essentially. What do you want from me?”

“To inform me of the new people in your life. I feel like you don’t tell me things, because you’re worried of hurting my feelings.” Jihoon hears the song loop for the umpteenth time. “It hurts worse learning after the fact.”

“Deal.” She holds her pinky out and he wraps his around hers.

#woozi imagines #woozi scenarios #woozi #lee jihoon scenarios #tabilrn #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #seventeen #svt

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angelbain · 4 years

Text

The Picnic

(aka a little fluff / crack before I dodge on angst again)

The “extra episode of where are they now” as I picture it.

Oneshot. Small reference to my fic “O Brave New World” chapter 3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/24252301/chapters/58501732#workskin in which Catra and Adora visit Entrapta who feeds them experimental cookies.

A Picnic at the end of the universe

Perfuma’s kingdom, a clear patch in the forest. PERFUMA and a few Plumerians helps stretch a big table cloth over the grass. SCORPIA is standing by her, holding huge baskets full of fruits and vegetables.

PERFUMA: Look, Scorpia, some people are coming! Oooh, I am so happy we are all seeing each other today!

She jumps and bats hands with joy. Scorpia looks at her with a loving eye. SPINERELLA and NETOSSA arrive from the air thanks to the former being able to cast winds.

PERFUMA waves at them with a smile: Here! Here! Come around!

SPINERELLA: Hello!

NETOSSA: We brought some drinks! Is that okay?

PERFUMA: Great! Amazing! Put them here!

She shows a small table. The four of them chat joyfully until a sound of magic glitter interrupts them. Appears GLIMMER and BOW who carries a cake bigger than himself, covered with icing and decorations, multiple-stairs type.

GLIMMER (raising her arms in the sky) Ta-daaa! We’re here!

BOW moans, and almost let the cake fall. It is caught on time by all the characters present, and slowly put in the middle of the tablecloth.

PERFUMA (with an inquisitive tone): Glimmer, what’s this?

GLIMMER: It’s a cake! Bright Moon’s cooks spend the whole morning preparing it! The icing has three different flavours, and the decorative pearls are coated with real gold!

As she talks, the cake seems to shine behind her. PERFUMA gives a concerned look at SCORPIA, who answers with an awkward smile.

PERFUMA: Well, err, thank you Glimmer! I’m sure it will be perfect for a light pic-nic in the middle of nature… But where are Adora and Catra? Weren’t they supposed to come with you?

GLIMMER: Oh, they said they would come by their own means… They should be there soo…

She is interrupted by the loud noise of an engine roaring closer. To all the characters’ horrified sight, a huge motorbike comes at them at full speed. Both riders wear a helmet that makes them unrecognised. They brake at last minute in a loud hiss, and do a spin that throws earth at the face of the protagonists. The back rider get their helmet off: it is ADORA, with a brand-fresh undercut and the biggest beam.

ADORA: GUYS! You will never figure out what I gave Catra for her birthday!

GLIMMER: Let me guess, this motorbike?

ADORA;: Yeah! It is a-ma-zing, right?

There is no answer. CATRA appears by her side, looking embarrassed, with a box that looks like it has been stepped on multiple times.

CATRA: So err Adora… About the pizza…

ADORA: What’s with the pizza?

CATRA: It has… err… suffered a little in the journey… It should taste fine but…

She opens the box to the saddest pizza ever seen.

GLIMMER: Wait! You disappeared all this morning to do ONE PIZZA? Arrrr!(She holds her head in her hands)

CATRA: No! I made cookies as well! Look!

She opens a box, and get a cookie out that has very vaguely the shape of a cat, that she holds proudly in front of an unconvinced GLIMMER.

PERFUMA (trying to stay calm and speaking as if to a very small child): That’s cool! Put it next to Glimmer’s cake and join us!

CATRA (asides, with her hand at the side of her mouth, pointing at the cake): Wait, did Sparkles do that?

ADORA: Apparently.

CATRA (same attitude): And we’re standing here with our stupid pizza…

ADORA (dry voice): It’s a great pizza. Now stop being competitive and enjoy the party.

They are interrupted (again) by the rush of the river close by which becomes a sudden torrent, to let stage for a wonderful boat… on fire. MERMISTA jumps from it and waves her arms to throw water at the arson, and floods PERFUMA who came closer to say hello.

MERMISTA: Sea-Hawk? SEA-HAWK? Come out now, and don’t forget the food!

SEA-HAWK (from inside the ship): I’m co-o-o-oming darling!

MERMISTA (with a bored voice): Oh, hi guys. Sorry for the inconvenience. He insisted for the fire.

PERFUMA (drying herself with a towel handed by SCORPIA, fake-smiling): It’s no worries! What did you bring?

MERMISTA (proud): We got the best fish and sea-food you guys have ever tried! Bring it on, Sea-Hawk!

SEA-HAWK gets out with a pile of wooden boxes. He opens one to shiny lines of fish. In the background, we have a quick glimpse at CATRA’s face, licking her lips with eager eyes. PERFUMA winces.

PERFUMA: Well… err… that’s great?

SCORPIA: Wait, what do you mean that’s great? Didn’t you say you were vegetarian? Do vegetarians eat fi…

As she speaks, SEA-HAWK and MERMISTA’s faces drops. PERFUMA puts a hand on SCORPIA’s mouth.

PERFUMA: No, no, it’s great! Put these around… (she hesitates and points at a random direction) around here! Great! Now who’s missing?

ADORA: Well, Frosta, and Entrapta, and I think that’s all…

CATRA: About Entrapta, do you guys think she will bring Hord…

She is interrupted by FROSTA, who just jumps from nowhere in her ice armor and punches her. After the first surprise, CATRA gets up, smiles competitively, and punches her back. They start a playful fight that pauses quickly. FROSTA salutes the others.

FROSTA (with her warrior voice): Hello, guys! I hope you waited for me to begin the party! Yea-hay!

PERFUMA: Well, we were just greeting everyone and…

FROSTA: Amazing! I brought ice-cream! Yay!

She draws a whole bunch of ice-cream flavours. GLIMMER yaps in the background and Bow’s eyes are huge from excitement.

GLIMMER: Frosta, you’re just the best! Now everyone’s here we’ll be able to start…

She tends to the buffet but is quickly caught back by BOW. Vexed, she pouts and sulks when the calm hum of an engine disturbs them. A sort of spaceship arrives from the sky, and parks between the boat and the motorbike, dumping the later down to the horrified sight of ADORA and CATRA who puts their hands on their mouth. Without a clue, a giddy ENTRAPTA comes out of the ship, followed by candid WRONG HORDAK.

ENTRAPTA: (talking to her log) Social experiment number #132, I am about to share a pic-nic with my friends. (to everyone) Now hi, everyone! I am very happy to see you all!

PERFUMA: We are happy to see you too, Entrapta, and whoever, I really say whoever you brought with you will be as welcomed as…

CATRA (with a concerned voice): Did you bring Hordak?

At this very moment, HORDAK gets out of the vehicule. He looks around. There is a collective moment of awkwardness where everybody looks around to avoid anyone’s gaze, to the exception of CATRA who jumps on their feet and points angrily at him.

CATRA: WHAT? YOU BROUGHT THIS…

ADORA (hands on CATRA’s shoulders): Calm down please…

GLIMMER (pushing them aside): HEY! What is he doing here?

MERMISTA: Yeah, like didn’t he try to destroy the planet or something? Just sayin’…

FROSTA: YEAH! BAD HORDAK!

HORDAK: I can see that I am not welcome here. (He looks at ENTRAPTA who is puzzled). Let’s leave.

Before they do, PERFUMA steps out and catch them by the arm.

PERFUMA (pulling her best smile and stepping before the others who still look pissed): Please, don’t leave! You are most welcome here, and surely the other guests will be able to (she looks at the pissed group with a side angry eye and especially at CATRA for she holds them responsible for the start of the mess) put aside your differences. So, err, did you bring anything?

ENTRAPTA (joyful): Yes, as it is a custom to bring food to a party like this, I tried to find the perfect flavour! I experimented lots of them – Catra and Adora even tried one – but I need more subjects to try it so I brought you a sample! Here it is!

WRONGIE opens a metallic box. It is full of small grey cubes.

CATRA (aside): My, not again…

ENTRAPTA ignores the remark and piles up the box over all the stuff that is already there: the sea food, the fruit baskets, the cake, the pizza, the drinks, the cookies, the ice cream totter dangerously and start to fall down. Every member of the group jumps to retrieve something, but it is not enough, and eventually the cake ends up falling over PERFUMA who jumped to catch it.

There is a small instant of silence, followed by a cry of rage from PERFUMA, who drops her arms on the floor and yells.

PERFUMA: Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!

SCORPIA puts down whatever she caught and approaches carefully.

SCORPIA: Hey… erm… are you all right?

PERFUMA: No! My party is ruined! People are fighting, and Glimmer’s cake is wrecked! I’m such a bad host!

PERFUMA begins to cry. SCORPIA holds PERFUMA in her arms and glance at the rest of the group, clueless, when ADORA steps forward.

ADORA: We are sorry, Perfuma. It took you time and energy to prepare this, and we are ruining it by being bitter.

NETOSSA: Yeah, and it’s not like it took us a long time to bring the drinks.

MERMISTA: Nor the sea-food. FROSTA: The ice-cream took me one minute…

CATRA: The pizza took us much longer but I’m sure it’s no great loss. And… I’m sorry I started this.

There is another silence. CATRA nudges HORDAK, who looks terribly ill-at-ease.

HORDAK (after a terrible effort): I’ll do my best to prove the princesses I’m an honourable guest.

CATRA: Hmm, good enough.

PERFUMA looks up, eyes still tearful.

PERFUMA: So you still enjoy the party?

ADORA: What? Of course we do! (looks at GLIMMER)

GLIMMER: And I’m just we can still save pieces of the cake!

SEA-HAWK: And the sea-food! (looks at MERMISTA)

SPINERELLA: And I love mashed fruit! (looks at NETOSSA)

FROSTA: We can mix it with the ice cream!

MERMISTA: Add the cake in it, it would be so cool!

ENTRAPTA: What if we make it in tiny scoops? (looks at HORDAK)

SCORPIA: And a little cookie at the top of it? (looks at CATRA)

BOW: Yay, cookies!

He jumps and high-fives SCORPIA. Perfuma cracks a smile, and they all laugh.

Ellipse to the end of lunch. GLIMMER is asleep on Bow’s knees, a small chunk of cake still at the corner of her lips. Meanwhile, BOW is showing WRONGIE how to use a bow. PERFUMA is chatting happily with NETOSSA and SPINERELLA.

PERFUMA: … So I sent an invite to this Double Trouble person, they seem to be so interesting, but sadly they declined. They said they got a key role in a play and don’t want to drop that out… I wonder what that is. Something about crime and investigation… I think Mermista would know more about this sort of thing…

Her words are lost in the general conversation. In another corner, CATRA is leaning on ADORA’s knees. The others are in the background. ADORA is handing one of ENTRAPTA’s cubes to CATRA.

ADORA: You should definitely try this.

CATRA: I’m not sure about it…

ADORA: Come on! It’s completely different than last time!

Switch for a second on Sea-Hawk, who tries to sing a shanty but is interrupted by a flow of water, a pile of flowers and some snow.

CATRA: All right, if it pleases our majesty…

CATRA eats the cube, chokes from it and reach for the closest drink.

CATRA (after drinking a whole bottle of fizz) You idiot! It’s even worse than last time!

ADORA laughs heartily when CATRA jumps on her. They fight like two kittens.

Zoom on the rest of the groom.

They are gathered at a board game that is probably of BOW’s design, because it featues small figurines. ENTRAPTA is examining them all at once, one in each lock of her hair. SCORPIA is trying to read the manual and scratches her head, but tries to explain the rules. FROSTA is sleeping on her shoulder. MERMISTA just looks bored. HORDAK looks miserable.

ENTRAPTA: Bow, did you made these? They’re amaziiiiinnng…

HORDAK: I must admit it is quite a good craft.

BOW blushes. An arrow brushes by his nose.

WRONGIE: Oops! BOW: Wow!

The arrow ends up in a tree very close to PERFUMA, who is pouring warm water in a tea-pot. She jumps, but the pot is caught by a net that allows it to land peacefully in her arms.

PERFUMA (smiles): thank you, Netossa. (turns to ADORA, who raises her head from the cuddle fight that led her and CATRA to be covered with grass). Adora, I wanted to ask, do you have any news from Swift Wind?

ADORA: Oh, haha, hem… He is on a quest to find other talking animals like him. He said he feels a little lonely in his… hem… condition.

CATRA: Yay, and so far he found a frog and they are the greatest complainer in history.

PERFUMA smiles. ADORA looks away, a little guilty. CATRA uses the moment to grasp a chunk of grass and punch it at her face. They resume the fighting. Zoom on BOW, who stands up, with at his feet a yawning GLIMMER.

BOW: Guys, please, can I have your attention for a minute!

MERMISTA: Eeeeerr, seriously, you’re going to make a speech? This is sooooo cheesy!

SCORPIA: Shhhh, he is going to make an announcement. We are all ears, Bow, go on…

FROSTA (who woke up): Are you and Glimmer getting married? (Glimmer blushes)

CATRA (with a smirk): You’ve got to get a proper shirt for that though.

BOW: Wait, we’re not…

SEA-HAWK: I could do the singing!

SCORPIA: Can I be your best man? Please! I’m never been anyone’s best man!

BOW: We’re not…

ADORA: Wait, who’s getting married?

ENTRAPTA: Bow and Glimmer, apparently. It will be a great social experiment, I’m waiting for it. By the way, aren’t you and Catra going to do it with them? (ADORA blushes violently.)

BOW: WE’RE NOT GETTING MARRIED!

A big silence follows. Everyone looks shocked, Scorpia is even almost tear-eyed.

SCORPIA: You’re breaking up? But you’re such a good couple! Please don’t break up! (She kneels down, grabs Bow’s trouser’s leg and begs) Please-please-please…

BOW (sighs): We’re not breaking up, we’re not getting married, and I just wanted to tell you guys that tea is ready and that I made each of you a personal cup to bring back home!

SCORPIA stops crying, and PERFUMA just laughs from the whole situation. SCORPIA looks at her and smiles from seeing her lover be happy. On the back, ENTRAPTA strokes HORDAK’s cheek with her hair, and he lifts his head to look at her. Behind them, WRONGIE looks at the scene with loving eyes.

BOW: So, here is yours, Adora – He gives her a cup full of tea. It is white, with a sword drawn on it.

ADORA: Nice!

BOW (continues the distribution of tea): Catra’s… - A red cup, with cat ears that poke at the edge, and a >.< cat face.

CATRA (doing exacly the same face): Why is mine making a face?

BOW: Glimmer’s… - A pink cup, with a complicated shape and small pearls that decorate it. She just smiles and grabs it – Perfuma’s… A round cup made of natural wood, with a small twig twisted around it.

PERFUMA: Thank you. (She closes her eyes and smells the tea with pleasure).

BOW: Scorpia’s…- It’s a deep red cup, huge, and with a special shape for her to hold: it is thinner in the middle and larger at the top and bottom, and without a handle.

SCORPIA (still tear-eyed): This is so nice from you Bow!

BOW: Frosta’s… - A light-blue cup, all transparent and with angular shape, like a diamond. It has a top cover to prevent spilling because she is impulsive.

FROSTA: Yay! (She jumps with the cup, but it just shakes the content and only spills a little bit out).

BOW: Mermista’s… - A blue-green cup with the handle in the shape of a fish, and a unicorn whale painted on it.

MERMISTA: Ok, it’s a little bit cool, I admit.

BOW: Sea-Hawk’s… - A dark-blue cup with a boat drawn on it – At least you won’t set this boat on fire!

SEA-HAWK: Oh, thank you!

BOW: Entrapta’s… - It’s a set of three black small cups. On each of them are stylised purple faces with hands: one with the hands on the ears, one on the eyes, and one on the mouth.

ENTRAPTA: Oh, it’s tiny! Amazing! (She gives mouth to WRONGIE, ears to HORDAK, and keep the eyes one. WRONGIE looks happy, but HORDAK looks puzzled). Thank you!

WRONGIE: Thank you! HORDAK: Yeah, hem… thank you. (He looks away)

BOW: and finally, Netossa’s and Spinerella! - He gives NETOSSA a cup all squared in black and white, and SPINERELLA a light purple cup with the handle in the shape of a wind spiral. They smile and cheer with the cups. - So, would you join me for a toast?

ADORA: Sure.

BOW (a little more solemn): So… To Etheria (he looks at ADORA and CATRA, who both blushes). To victory (he looks at SCORPIA, PERFUMA and FROSTA who all cheer). To love (he looks at NETOSSA and SPINERELLA who kisses, and then at GLIMMER who just smiles). To adventure (he looks at MERMISTA and SEA-HAWK who look fiercely ready for another). To forgiveness (he looks at ENTRAPTA, who smiles, WRONGIE, who blinks, and HORDAK, who simply nods.). But mostly to say: It’s the best thing so far to be friends with friends.

They all cheer and yay, and the last image is of a collection of cups all clasped together.

THE END.

#she ra #spop #she ra season 5 #she ra s5 #adora #catra #bow #glimmer #netossa #spinerella #frosta #scorpia #perfuma #entrapta #hordak #wrong hordak #swift wind #double trouble #fluff

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burnedbyshoto · 5 years

Note

I would love to have some more Todoroki stuff! Maybe childhood friends to lovers troupe? That would be awesome’ ☺️😊

oh gosh, let’s hope this works out, and that you like it @ashtheteenagewitch !!!

todoroki x childhood friend!reader

just fluff and tiny tiny sadness

A/N: this got really long super unintentionally. also sorry it’s late, I had to work last night

so you two first meet before your quirks manifest, and you two get along. totally typical children become friends scenario

“Why are your eyes two different colors?”

“I don’t know…”

“I wish I had two different eye colors! can you ask your parents how you have two so I can be like you?”

“…okay?”

“Okay, but are you a secret old man, because only my grandparents have white hair. Or are you like half old!?”

“no! I’m not old!”

you’d reach over and poke his eyes harder then you intended, and pull on his white hair through pure curiosity causing him to smack your hands away

“do you wanna be my friend?” he would ask shyly after you profusely apologized for making him cry a lot a little bit

“OF COURSE!”

when shotos quirk manifests, it occurs at school, but the thing is in his panic he manages to burn and freeze you when you try to soothe him

he cries for sure

you’re in pain but you convince him you’re alright

he stops showing up to school regularly after his quirk appeared

he missed your quirk manifestation

the next time you see him, he’s sad. so so sad.

you’re concerned so you ask why

he shrugs it off

your guys’ favorite game to play together was playing heroes All Might roleplay was the best, but soon he starts crying whenever he pretended to be a hero

“what’s wrong todoroki-chan?” you’d ask scared for you friend

“I don’t want to be a hero” he whispered, his eyes looking at you terrified “I don’t want to be a hero” he would repeat constantly

you would blink unsure of how to handle this situation, you were only five. so you embrace him tightly, head on top of his and whispered: “but you’re my hero.”

he hugs you back

pre-scar childhood is basically lots of hugs, curious questions, high stakes imaginative adventures, and secrets

then the burn happens

he appears at school once.

bindings over his face, you race over to him scared for him

“Are you okay?!” you asked trying to take a peek from under his bandages but he slaps your hand away and you can feel the pain, anger, frustration, and hatred radiating off his small body.

he stops showing up one day

with permission from your parents, you go knocking on his front door days later.

an older woman answers it and three older kids and teens are peering from behind her “yes?” she answers

you explain who you are, a bag of shotos favorite snacks clutched in your hands. they look at you crushed. someone explains that shoto can’t come out, but that they promise they’ll get your bag to him.

you won’t interact with him for ten years

during those ten years, you try desperately for five years to talk to him, but he won’t see you or talk to you, even when you see him outside his house

you’re accepted into u.a. through recommendations. your quirk is powerful, and your family was wealthy enough to train you to be the hero you wished to be

you go and sit in your assigned seat for class 1-a and introduce yourself to some of the students sitting around you. you have a bright and easy personality so talking to everyone isn’t hard.

your throat tightens as todoroki walks through the door and sits in the seat across from you.

“nice to see you here, todoroki-kun.” you greet him, and not to your surprise he ignores you.

he doesn’t even look at you

this makes you angry

after orientation, where you placed third overall, you’re storming down to the train station trying to find shoto because you guys literally take the same train!!!!

you find him

“TODOROKI, WHAT THE FUCK?!”

you can’t help yourself, you’re completely pissed off and hurt because even if it was years ago he was such a dear friend and you guys split on the worst of notes

he just sorts of stared at you for so long after your rant finished and he apologizes

even though you know he wasn’t entirely empathetic in his apology, you let it go and try your best at resuming your friendship

it’s actually going better than you expected, sure the abused boy is not even a speck of who he used to be, but that’s okay

you ride the train together every day to and from school and you talk to him the entire time even if he won’t respond, and that’s okay

battle training and the attack on USJ makes todoroki respect you as a hero, although he won’t say anything at the time

then it happens, at the sports festival, your heart is crushed yet again

“I’m not here to make friends.”

you’d stand up from where you were sitting, tears welling in your eyes, the attention of the class went from shoto and Deku over to you, but you don’t care

you leave crying

you’re so hurt by this your ass gets kicked in the tournament round

you watch Deku fight shoto and somehow Deku breaks through this internal strife todoroki had been having and that further makes you nauseous

you leave campus without shoto

you show up the next day of classes without shoto with you again

you’re avoiding him and you will continue avoiding him

then one day, he’s finally caught up to you

“Y/l/n, wait, please!”

you don’t wait, you’ve waited ten years after all

he yanks on your arm and you stop your crying but you refuse to look at him

“I’m sorry, okay. I’m sorry, just had the worst time when I was younger, and I shut everybody out. I thought you were trying to be friends because of our past and I’ve just been blind with anger and me….”

he’s trailed off and you’re both shocked because when had todoroki shoto ever talked that much?! never

you end up forgiving him, and even though his personality is completely different from when you were children, you still enjoy his company

soon, he’s taking part of your conversations and it’s no longer so one-sided

you visit him, Deku, and iida in the hospital during internships because your mentor was mad about missing out on that battle and the nomu battle so she went for clues on who was the mastermind

“I’m glad you’re okay…” you whispered as you hugged him tightly, a blush staining your cheeks

it isn’t until you guys are at the summer training camp do you realize that you may have a crush on shoto when mina and hagakure ask if it’s okay if they try snagging the “cutest boy in class 1-a”

which you agree with too anyways

you were paired up with midoriya for the scare contest and you end up going to help him fight muscular, it gets you hospitalized

shoto visits you. every. day.

whether you were awake or not, he was there.

you recover just fine; however, you have a scar from the back of your shoulder to the lower hip area.

you’re scar buddies, you tell shoto and he agrees with a smile

when the dorms come around, oh boy

at some point, you start spending the night in each other’s rooms because you hang out and study really late

one morning, yaoyorozu catches you sneaking out of his room at 7 a.m. on Sunday and the girls out you for your crush ((much to the horror of mina and hagakure who had been trying hard to get him to like them romantically))

soon the entire class knows

except for shoto

of course

everyone, except the obvious few, spies when the two of you are together

you’re basically blushing every second of every moment with shoto because you can feel at least four people staring at you two at all time

when shoto would get up to get you two drinks, you’d throw a pillow at the stalkers and hiss at them to leave you two alone because “shoto doesn’t like you back”

then you guys one day go get some soba, the cold kind of course

you’re quietly slurping your noodles when you see kaminari, jirou, mina, and midoriya in ridiculous wigs and mustaches taking pictures of you and shoto

shoto then paused after he finished his soba noodle and stared at you, his eyes calculating.

“I like you.” he simply stated. “in a romantic way.”

your jaw drops, and you’re choking on a noodle

oh my god, he confessed and you’re choking

noodle!!!!

one strong hit to your back and you’re fine

but now you’re embarrassed and blushing and your nose and throat burn

“I hope you weren’t trying to die to get out of my confession…” shoto jokes but there’s that small uncertainty you can read in his eyes

and although you can see the cameras form your friends flashing, and the attention of the restaurant on you two, you press your lips onto Shoto’s

“I like you, too,” you mumble after you break away suddenly super embarrassed by your actions

he smiles at you softly and you blush even more

“would you like to be my girlfriend?”

oh… uh, I think I may have gone a bit overboard. I think childhood friends to lovers troupe for todoroki is 100% fluff to angst to fluff because of his stupid anime main protagonist backstory. try to change my mind!

bonus!

“look at these pictures!” jirou laughed as they had printed out a series of pictures that involved you choking on a noodle, shoto saving you, and the first kiss

“they’re so cute, what the hell!” mina screeched as she grabbed the stack flipping through them all in no time

“I’ll take that.” shoto said taking the only picture of you and him kissing

“todoroki-kun, that was so embarrassing…” you muttered as you buried your face into his chest as he presented the picture to you

“it was.” he agreed with a smile before tilting your head so he could kiss you softly on the lips

#todoroki shoto x reader #todoroki shouto #todoroki x reader #bnha writing blog #bnha x reader #todoroki headcanons #mha x reader #bnha #mha #todoroki #bnha todoroki

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thecrenellations · 3 years

Text

Return of the Thief Notes, Part One: The Book of Pheris, Volume I

Notes from my first read, October 2020. (Part Two | Part Three | TaT)

Contents: "So, so, so” watch, Costis watch, swearing, trashing the king’s attendants, being objectively wrong, boundless enthusiasm and love

I promise I’ve had more developed thoughts since these often incoherent ones, but I’ve enjoyed having these notes to refer to - for sentimental reasons and for entertainment, so here they are, for others who enjoy liveblogs and/or being whisked back in time to their first read of this wonderful book.

Format: Page number. My thoughts (Context?)

Dedication, Table of Contents, Exordium:

There it is – to Sounis

Exordium – vocab #1

Interregnum?!? Alyta?

Pheris!!!

Yeah I love him from the first page

MOIRA

MOCKING COMMENTS HELP! Gen lives!

A new level of unreliable narrator

Moira, messages of Gods, Pheris, messages of __

Wtf is going on in this study? A zoo?

high king vs great king vs annux?

okie dokie dude

Chapter 1

1. Susa – Costis

2. Infirmity – who gets to be hero/tell story (I started reading right after the book launch, in which mwt spent some time talking about her writing influences and decisions connect to this question - Pheris isn’t her first disabled protagonist and storyteller, of course, but it was lovely to meet him properly directly after hearing her talk about it. Book launch foreshadowing part 1...)

Melisande?

Is this why he wasn’t taught to read?

3. Always the summer

Bees!

4. Hunting cat… hm…

Ok … shrine … 😬

5. Once again we start with a disaster or having to flee

Which Eugenides precipitated

Bite!

Little monster :(

6. Falling…

7. :( :( :(

His purpose? D:

8. YIKES

Chapter 2

9. Hello there! (Gen!)

Massive chair?

10. CRACKED WATER JUG (amphora motif???)

11. Triangle from seal!

Gen that’s rude to Pheris :( (“He will fit in very well with my attendants”)

Wait. This must have happened before ACoK! (nope)

12. :(

Xikander … never made an impression before

How old is Pheris? (lol)

13. Philologos come thru!

Royal closet reappears!

14. Hello weird secondhand scene!

He is Eugenides

Marina…

15. Petrus? GALEN? OH SHIT!

Is this why Galen was called? (nope)

16. Hell yea Petrus

Miras’ golden balls oh no

All these previously unnamed sucky attendants!

17. Ula – goddess of hearth and healing

Ok … Galen … or a god? Eugenides????? (why did these options occur to me before Mr. Shows Up At Your Bedside At Night himself)

18. Finally the attendant floor plans I crave + hunting scenes!

19. EXCUSE ME he slept through Sounis + Eddis wedding!!!

Again – high king!

20. So Ion is beautiful … hmm.

Yeah … Sejanus has facets. I like it.

21. Clearly no one would know what king would do … lol

Don’t mind me just sorting the attendants on a spectrum of awfulness!!!

22. SO SO SO – ION!!!!!

How many fucking attendants are there and how many are on my hit list!

Is “the necessaries” bathrooms or like … him stealing? (just the bathrooms ... the Gen-Pheris parallels were really getting to me at this point)

23. OH MY GOD THE UNIFIED CREST

Also … frogs. Frogs.

24. Big day for Gen huh

Definitely an aura of Something as he writes about Gen

25. HELLO EVERYONE

26. Sorry Kamet, Pheris does the physical descriptions better. They’re beautiful

I’m blacking out at Eddis and Sounis

27. Jesus Christ. The bear.

Cousin time!

Under the table is the new up on the roof!

Uh… twin imagery ….

Gen’s feet!

Jesus. The matching

28. Cleon … wtf? A cousin?

A trial for Sophos?

Show! Us! Sophos’s! Shoes!

29. If u throw things out the air shaft you might hit the king

Was it a chicken?

Lol nvm the guy at night is Gen. That is … very sweet

- Showing up at night

- Accent

- Complaining about Petrus

- Swearing

- One hand

I am judging Costis and Sophos for not describing the paneling in Gen’s room!

Chapter 3

30. Was it a chicken?

An earring huh, good hand huh

31. Literally screaming “NO!” at Gen. Don’t joke about dying! I am killed by Gen on annux day. This is. My boy. Yes he is perfect. Yes he will refuse to get up. I love him. I died on page 31

Philologos is still the best of them

32. Dancing bear indeed

Always the powdered gold

Ruby!!!!! <3

Aww a smile!!! <3

Pheris he likes you!

33. They both love invisibility and lost it … I cry

Erupt like the sacred mountain excuse me!

OR WORSE return to bed! Lol

34. He’s Eugenides when he’s talking to Attolia

Ouch hero talk

! from Irene!

My queen!

Hey Phresine!

They way we do <3 he’s hating it but he’s so comfortable with her

Sister and bro mention! C’mon!

I love them

EYEBROW

35. Honestly that’s a yes (“I have no idea what you mean, my queen”)

It’s so cute they hang out in the morning … like how long was it even since they’ve seen each other lol

:( tough walk for Pheris

Is it prophecy time?

Lol how long does this construction take?!

Also … she’s pregnant, huh? but no one knows (nope)

Is befriending someone weaponized as a prank count for Gen’s enemies to friends list?

Also SHOW ME the magus. I know he’s here!

36. Pheris excuse me, why not recreate this!

Lol cast off language of history indeed

Feel the thrum of the goddess!

EXCUSE ME… a minor goddess? Mystery goddess? Or Philia?

Oh Gen

37. Well, Gen, someone is having a worse day than you.

Damn, how far we come.

Aww Sounis, babe, I love you and so does Gen

[drawing of the four of them sitting in a row]

38. Artadorus???? Pomegranate?

39. HEIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A friend! Also lol. Two smiles, for Pheris and Heiro..

40. Yesss Melheret joke in action.

Costis has left tho right?

Jesus, Melheret

SHE GAVE HIM A HORSE (I COULD NOT DEAL with this entire conversation, but then again I could not deal with this whole book.)

41. I love them all so much

“on that horse, you will look like a king” I can’t with her sense of humor

He sure did say that

I feel like I’m missing something with the fight on foot thing … remembering battles?

Helen called him Gen!

Sophos stop talking about yourself and bringing apricots into everything lol

Lol these bystanders don’t know how lucky they are. Nor does Pheris, yet

42. She’s protecting him

Also … Gen … you didn’t want to be a soldier.

43. Guards have capes

2 startled men … hm …

Oh Gen. The fucking brutal echoes…

44. :( :( :(

Gen tell your wife you’re sick!

The attendants are so dumb

45. So, so, so :(

Tell who? Petrus?

Wink!

Yes?

46. Bleeding! Salt! Lemon! Heck no! What is he, a piece of meat?

Oranges?

47. “savoring each bite as if it were my last” ... Same … but with this book

Hmm… Alyta! Goddess of the gentle rain! (despite this “hmm,” I did not put the pieces together)

48. Oh no Teleus! And someone?

Aw he realized <3 lemon water

49. Gen eat your broth lol

50. I love them.

Ion’s really trying to make up for what he did that one time

51. Without the approval of the great goddess HAHAHA

I love them. Cousin time! Growl?

Idk whether or not to be reassured, Gen.

Wow Cleon I do not like that. Also didn’t he die? (...)

Comma (“I am not, Eddis”)

Go smack him!

52. Gen I love you.

Helen I love you.

He’s so bad at self care but I love him

Chapter 4

55. love that our narrator just disappears and reappears

56. Attolia’s brother’s bedroom? Yikes. Ominous. A detail in a story we’ve already gotten, different every time <3

57. fucking attendants. 3 good ones. Medander you were beneath Costis’s notice before but I hate you. Costis didn’t have time for you or Xikos or Xikander and nor do I

58. interesting pawn talk!!!

59. <3 Pheris :(

The Gen comparisons though

:( :( :( :(

60. flamboyance <3

Cemphora bush

Bees

61. I love him

62. I love them

Also lol “Your majesty?”

63. Name … hm … (“I have deliberately omitted [my tutor’s] name here”)

64. more twin imagery I swear

WAIT … it was his birthday! Not just Annux day?!! Gen was born in late summer???

Attendant list thank you

65. laying it all out there, huh … (that one Gen quote)

Lol they’re the same but Pheris likes horses

66. Insellia! Hello nice to meet you

67. Gen that’s mean. (“He is hardly even half of one.”)

68. Coleus leves???

“I am Eugenides.” <3

Gen why

69. Gold cups???? Hmmmmm. Also lioness. Def invoking Costis. (they’re probably not the cups, but STILL)

Earth….

70. Moira! Hi!!! Rainbow shawl!

Like a rabbit!

Pester!

I’m … very sad he uses his Attolian accent with Helen

71. Aaah so good

Mortals

Moira knows another messenger?

Does he think he can’t die in battle?

72. hmm are they WRANGLING?! (Galen and Petrus and my Fire and Hemlock word association)

Kill that pastry Irene I love you

morning training with his … guard? (Is that the whole guard or a guard? Costis senses tingling once again.)

73. Oh gen.

Ouch! (“to send people to their deaths and not risk my own is contemptible”)

Is she implying he’s paying Therespides?

74. Interesting Cleon plan. So many doubles

OUCH. (“Only if he comes back from the dead.” I assumed Lader had died in the war; it’s a different ouch now. I love that they both accidentally say things to each other that poke old wounds, and it’s not a big deal but it’s also not dismissed! Their relationship has come so far, and I love them so much.)

75. Verimius – Lavia – Celia??? Somebody is queer in there!

A GUARD

This scene confuses me. Xortix? Layteres? Aris! but dice thing is less political … so maybe? (just wait....)

76. So many reasons to hate Medander

Hey Costis! You exist! KoA happened!

Gen is just … still so uncomfortable and miserable. He chose, he has people, but still.

RIP Clopius also WHAT

77. Lol Hilarion’s grand statements

78. Yorn Fordad Hello!

Luxurious mustache

The mighty Pents?

Besin Quedue – she’s coming 4 you watch out

79. RIP Baron Hippias

Chapter 5

80. Spring! Plays! Cenna!

81. Oh dear

Oh dear

At least they said he was pretty

83. ?!? :( wine

Uh oh. Stockpiling

85. What even.

AAAAAAAAAH COSTIS

86. Omg Irene. Hissing. I love her.

Also … Gen’s the viper

Also this scene was written by Pheris.

Damn.

87. oh no.

What better man

She fucking quoted Howl. I love them.

Also, bees (this scene killed me)

90. Falling?

Oh shit

Also … Juridius and Pheris, Susa and Costis (comparing demands for information)

93. oh my god (IT’S THE WINDOW SCENE)

Oh my god

94. She! Called! Him! Gen!

I love this and it scares me

Lol Chloe

Irene you learned from her though

95. D:

96. :(

97. water stuff

98. what the heck

OH NO (Quedue scene)

100. yikes

Omg

Wow.

102. yikes yikes YIKES

103. a blade has protruded from his chest (tbt to The Thief)

jesus

106. shit

Did Gen hit him?

108. lol Phresine

109. lol

I want genuinely every character’s reaction to this shit

Chapter 6

111. what the heck Gen.

112. like a god [crown doodle]

114. Perma?

116. Gen. Gen. Gen. Do not.

117. AAAA (god intervention)

122. Juridius to Dite

124. bye Iolanthe and Ileia! Tell us about Caeta and Silla.

125. did not expect so much Ion

Chapter 7

127. Fryst god of winter

She laughed!

They’re so married

128. OH SHIT (Costis ship is sighted and I remember what’s about to happen next)

Interesting timing

He rode the horse home?

131. Beauty and good, beauty and kind

134. The gods’ goodwill

Keep them safe <3

135. Is that his MOM?!! Wtf (it was!)

Pheris steal those earrings!!!

RING! SMASH BOX!

137. AMPHORA EARRINGS (and flowers)

138. I love Phresine

139. Why do I feel like all the game birds are pigeons

140. meanwhile Gen’s been hanging out with Kamet. Shit. I cannot.

WELCOME HOME BOYS!

HELL YEAH KAMET ATTEND THOSE MEETINGS!

RELIUS COME THRU

141. lethium soup! The reversal

Safe for you

142. of course he knew <3

143. Kamet time! I love him. We get to see Kamet!!!

Also … echo of Gen’s notes on Mede

145. very handsome. … gaycostis vindication (referring to @costis’s url at the time and this post. Little did I know what else was to come in the next chapter and then a few months later with the adaptation news...)

Do you know who I am?

Chapter 8

147. Of course he’s a cartographer

A favorite huh

148. of course she didn’t tell us his age!

149. the angsty window staring I crave

Music!

151. adventure, huh

I do have a soft spot for Melheret

152. concerned about amphora gift

153. Glad they can be well and united in spite!! (Gen and Melheret)

154. Pheris loves math and I love him

155. Hello Teleus. Hello olives

Lol Relius is not into math

156. pigeons. Inkpot!

157. yeah honestly. He tortures people. He was NOT tortured by the king

159. lol (“I have noted the elective nature of certain behaviors” ... I love Relius and Pheris.)

160. The Invitation! I <3 it

161. EXCUSE ME WHO

Legarus!

FOLKS HERE WE ARE (I cannot overstate how wonderful it was to read this page. I did not know who the poem was from, and “Someone loves me very much, even with all my faults” is even sweeter to reread, but it’s just ... his confidence is so different from the tentative consideration of a new philosophy of trust and love we see in KoA. And there is subtextual queerness in the books before this one, some more apparent and some more subtle (and what is obvious to one reader may be subtle or invisible to another, in these books especially), and there is the attendant love triangle a few chapters back, but HERE - here, Pheris acknowledges the real feeling and love in Legarus’s disastrous relationship and tells us directly that his lover was a man, here he seamlessly makes it clear how bi and poly Relius is, and he quietly ties these relationships and realities to his growing understanding of the world. It’s not subtext. And there’s a lot more to come, but this page really hit me, and sort of promised the “more to come” while assuring me that what had come before, more subtly, was there. I used to have heteronormative readings of both these books and myself, and when Thick as Thieves brought them crashing back into my heart after years away, I knew better about myself, and I saw that - or the possibility of that reading - reflected in the new book, and it was such a good surprise. It meant a lot, and this page meant a lot, and that is why I’m writing a small essay to accompany this note.)

Lol wow

162. Where are you traveling, man (this question remains)

163. Fuck you, Orutus

164. Stole an inkpot!

165. the map!!! (Kamet’s)

166. I love them!

167. The Math Master hmm

Am I an oracle (Nope! :) )

#there is SOME context #and some rambling #but i'm sure some of it doesn't make sense so i'm very up for explaining anything #return of the thief #the queen's thief #mwt #something i #rott spoilers #return of the thief spoilers

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negativefouriq · 4 years

Text

Nothing on this Earth is easier than excuses. No matter what I do, no matter how guilty I am, I’ll always find some way to excuse myself, to explain away the problem. It can be for small things, like using my depression to convince myself that it’s okay that I was too tired to get out of bed this morning and submit an assignment on time. It can be for bigger things, like justifying letting myself go without talking to any other person for weeks at a time, because “my social battery is just dead”. Or for even bigger things, like convincing myself that manipulating someone is okay, because as soon as I’m out from under my parents’ regime, I can repay them. And it can be for huge things, like convincing myself I’m not good enough compared to the philanthropists I see everywhere, and so if I just repost an informative tweet about how Yemen children don’t have enough food to survive for another day, then my civil duty is done. Explain, justify, excuse. Explain, justify, excuse. Explain. Justify. Excuse.

Explain, justify, excuse. Explain. Justify. Excuse. Explain. Justify. Excuse.

Explain.

Justify.

Excuse.

Over and over. Rinse, lather, repeat. As much as I like to believe I’m an activist, I’m just not. I’m not better than anyone else on the planet, convincing myself I’m doing alright. It could be worse. I’m changing the world. Just a little bit, but a little bit is okay. Right?

No.

I can convince myself to the moon and back, but no matter how hard I try, there will always be a little stain of guilt, too stubborn for me to wash away. No matter how hard I try, I can’t just wish away others’ pain. I can’t close my eyes and pretend that “things will just work out”. I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.

And I can whip myself around in circles, scream at the guilt that I’m just a kid, I’m just a goddamn kid, how can I be expected to take on the weight of the world? How can I go out on the streets, and throw myself in between a dirty cop and an unarmed black man? How can I take every penny I’ve every saved, and give it away to foreign countries that aren’t my responsibility? Why do I feel the weight of the fucking world on my shoulders? I’m a kid. I’m a goddamn kid! I don’t even have my license! I don’t have control over any money! I can’t even vote! How can I be expected to help those in need, when I can’t even help myself?

I can scream and cry and fit at that guilt all I want. I can read thousands of articles about how kids shouldn’t have that much responsibility; I shouldn’t invalidate my own feelings because others “have it worse”. Hell, I’ve comforted people with those exact words.

That doesn’t change how disgusted I am with myself. With every person around me.

Every time I complain because I didn’t get dinner at the time I’m used to having it, when I binge eat because I’m too weak to stop myself, when I let myself have “five more minutes” and sleep for two days straight, I’m fucking disgusted. I hate myself.

And yea, okay. Maybe it’s the stupid depression talking. Maybe my mind isn’t in the right place. Maybe I am being to hard on myself.

But maybe I’m not.

I’ll see the pictures, of kids so starved you can count every bone. I’ll see videos, of an unarmed black man begging for his life as a cop kneels on his neck. I’ll see art, showing the twentieth trans kid this month to throw himself into traffic as his family screams at him that he’s an abomination. I’ll open Twitter to see hundreds of men yelling at a woman that she asked for it, if she didn’t want to be raped then she should have covered up, she should have done better. I’ll scroll down Instagram and hear speeches, of advocates begging, pleading, “Please, please, the children are in cages. The guards are killing them with chemicals, Mr. President, please, let them go, sir, please – ” and suddenly I can’t breath, my vision is blurry, my head is pounding, “Jackie please, please, you can help us, we need your help, please, they’re killing us, please, our children our dying, we’re suffocating, please, help us Jackie please –”

Screaming. I’m screaming, because I can help. I have the money, so much, I could use it on those kids, I could save lives, and I’m trying to pay some rich white men to teach me something I could Google? I’m paying someone to live in a shitty apartment when I have an adequate house with my parents? I’m paying five dollars a month for a music subscription; those five dollars could save someone’s life!

The guilt eats me alive. It gnaws my flesh, devours my soul, until I have to run away from my own self, until I’m wiping my brain, I’m numb, because feeling nothing is better than the guilt and the pain that consumes my soul.

I have to think of nothing, because thinking of everything will kill me. And as much as I’m not doing nearly enough to help people now, I can’t do anything if I’m dead.

This guilt doesn’t consume me every day. No, usually I can push it right back into a box in my brain that I avoid at all costs. I can shut it up, yell over it, move on in my life.

But every once in a while.

I’ll read some sort of poem. I’ll see a picture I can’t rip out of my mind. I’ll see a kid, lying in the street, tears spilling over as she begs for a dollar, please, just a loonie, I need a meal, I haven’t eaten in days –

Or maybe I’ll read a book. I’ll pick up the new Hunger Games book, because hey, I love this author. Let’s see what this is about!

And I’ll read this book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and I’ll be disgusted with this protagonist, who thinks he’s better than everyone else because of his bloodline, who worries about his education more than the people his city kills, who is unbothered by his government’s brutal murder of children. I’m horrified that the citizens of this fictional city, the Capitol, just allow their leaders to demand the sacrifice of twenty-four children each year of their own entertainment. I’m revolted that these people are out, spending money dyeing their skin and curling their hair when their poorer citizens can’t even feed themselves. I’ll enjoy the story, though – it’s well-written, intriguing, contrasting. I’ll finish in a day, then settle down into bed, smiling, because, hey, I liked that book.

And then the insomnia kicks in. The hours will tick by, and I’ll stare at my ceiling, and I will see, I will see that the log in my eye is thousands of times bigger than the speck in my neighbour’s eye. Throughout this book, I sat and judged these people, these fictional people. I put myself on a pedestal, because, woah, I’m not THAT bad. Jesus, they’re barbaric!

And then I’ll realise. Slowly, as the seconds flit away and all I’m seeing is the white of my ceiling, the weight of my blanket, and I’ll realise.

I am just as bad as Coriolanus Snow.

As I worry about affording a fancy university education, people, teenagers, in my own community are living on the streets. (As Snow worried about affording university, people in the districts were homeless, without any promise of their next day.)

As I bake my fifth pie today out of boredom, 80% of Yemen’s population is in crisis, most of them haven’t eaten in weeks. (As Snow stuffs himself on Capitol delicacies and worries about his image, children are dropping like flies in the district. Hundreds of them.)

As fearlessly play cops and robbers with my siblings, black children are shot for having toy guns. (As Snow helps find ways to make the Games more interesting, twenty-four families each year mourn the deaths of their children.)

As I giddily twirl around in a dress I liked and bought at the store, a trans girl is beaten by her father for growing her hair. (As Snow wears his pressed and perfected Academy uniform, children in the districts wear threadbare rags, and die of exposure.)

As I complain about having to share a tiny room with my brother as my new room is being built, disease spreads through the cages children of illegal immigrants must share in detention centres. (As Snow fears losing his prestigious penthouse, people in the districts live in one-room shacks.)

And as the realisation sets in, the guilt grows. And the soul-eating panic sets back in, because I can not hold it back. I cannot pretend with it standing to defiantly in front of me, with my disgust reflected right back at me so clearly. I have all this money, all this privilege, and yet I am ungrateful.

And I realise.

My minimal efforts are not enough. I am going to have to make sacrifices. I am going to have to speak out. I am going have to say goodbye to the comforts I am used to, because it’s just not fair. I can’t sit under my weighted blanked and hide from the cruel world. I am no longer a child. I must face the pain of the world, the crying of the dying children, and I must step up. I must help in all ways I can to see the lessons of the book, se the clear correlation between my life and the life of the character I so despise, and I must change the world.

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sanderssidesfanfiction · 4 years

Text

Royal Growing Pains - Chapter Seven

Warnings: Homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, sympathetic Deceit

Royal Growing Pains Tag

They continued for about half an hour, Remy just humming and writing things down and muttering to himself, and Roman just thinking. Thinking about how he would finally get to look and feel like a man. Thinking about how he’d be able to go by Roman and have no one question it. Thinking about how he’d get to medically transition, at least with top surgery, because he knew he wanted that for himself.

...Thinking about how his family would react when they saw what the Byrons did. Thinking about how furious his mother would be. Thinking about how glacial his father’s reaction to Roman would be. Thinking about Remus. Would Remus be allowed to visit him? Or would his parents cut him off?

He knew the second option was the far more likely one. And if Remus ever snuck out to see Roman and just hang out for a few hours, and he got caught, Remus might wind up in a situation painfully similar to Roman’s: stuck with a wife who would keep him from being able to leave the castle at any time without either dragging her along or telling her where he would go. And of course, it didn’t matter that Remus was asexual, and demiromantic, he’d get someone he was doomed to never know or trust as a spouse.

Roman couldn’t breathe. Tears were falling down his face and he was trying to suck in a breath but it wasn’t working, and he was feeling impossibly light-headed because of it.

In an instant, Remy was in front of him, pulling the binder off of Roman, and holding him close, shushing him gently. “Hey, Roman, it’s okay, it’s okay, breathe for me? In for four, hold for seven, out for eight. Can you do that for me? Just breathe. It’s gonna be okay. I promise.”

Roman sobbed into Remy’s shoulder, his own arms up trying to cover his chest, so he didn’t have to remember it was there, so that he couldn’t see the two heaving mounds of flesh when he tried to suck in air. It wasn’t working. He was too aware of his body, too obsessed over the fact that he wouldn’t get to see his brother, too tired to do anything except bawl his eyes out in front of a virtual stranger.

Remy guided him to the floor, and slowly helped rehook Roman’s bra on him and pull his button up over his arms, doing the buttons with expert efficiency. Roman just continued to cry, sobs tapering off some now that the panic of not being able to breathe was gone, but he still couldn’t fight the hollow feeling of being truly and utterly alone, alienated from his entire family.

“Babes, tell me what you need,” Remy said. “If you can. Do you need water? A snack? Comfort? What has you panicking?”

“I’m...I’m...I’m...” Roman took a deep breath. “I’m going to be alone for the rest of my life. I won’t be able to see my brother ever again once my parents realize what’s going on.”

“Not true, babes,” Remy said. “If nothing else, Damien can kidnap your brother and bring him over here if you really want to talk to him. But your brother is his own person. No matter what your mother threatens, or what your father says, no one can stop him from coming here if that’s what he wants.”

“They can, though,” Roman whimpered. “They could kick him out, and I don’t want him taking that risk.”

Remy sighed through his nose. “Listen, babes, we can argue all night over whether or not you’ll get to see your brother again. But at the end of the day, I don’t think that’s going to make you feel better, is it?”

“No,” Roman breathed.

“How about this,” Remy said, patting Roman’s knee. “I go find someone who knows you better than I do, and knows about you being trans, and you can talk with them?”

“Sure,” Roman said. “Do you...do you need more measurements, though?”

“Hm? Oh, no,” Remy said. “I already double-checked everything. I just really like having a captive audience, and I’ve been known to talk for hours at a time, so I could keep you here the rest of the night, but I don’t think that would be the best idea.”

Roman sniffled and laughed weakly. “Okay,” he said.

“I’ll go grab someone better equipped for this than me,” Remy said.

Roman grabbed Remy’s hand as he stood up. “Can you get Damien?” he pleaded.

Remy looked briefly surprised, before he nodded. “Yeah, of course, babes,” he assured. “Deep breaths, okay? I’ll be right back. Play on your phone, if you have it. Keep yourself occupied, and try not to think too much.”

Roman felt at his pockets before he realized his mother must still have his phone. “I’ll have to ask my mother for my phone tomorrow morning,” Roman said miserably. “She confiscated it after my coming out.”

Remy growled. “She’s certainly not endearing herself to anyone in this castle, that’s for sure. Hang tight, babes. I’ll be right back.”

Roman nodded and when Remy left, Roman tucked his knees under his chin and wrapped his legs in a vice grip. He was still crying, but he felt hollow rather than impossibly sad, now. The worst of the storm had passed, then. Unless this was actually the eye of the hurricane, in which case Roman had better grab a box of tissues.

He didn’t know how long he sat there, just staring off into space. The sun had set during dinner, so the room was bathed in the warm, albeit faint glow of artificial lighting, but the moon wasn’t within Roman’s sightline even if he looked out the window.

The door opened softly and Remy gestured inside. Damien walked through, murmured a quiet, “Thank you,” and Remy closed the door to give them privacy as Damien approached Roman.

Roman looked up as Damien approached, and sat down next to Roman, wrapping an arm around Roman’s shoulders. “I don’t want to be alone,” Roman rasped. “I don’t want to be here the rest of my life and never see Remus again.”

“My dear, I would never allow that to happen,” Damien assured.

“You can’t promise that!” Roman exclaimed. “You can’t promise that Remus will be able to see me! You don’t know my parents! They would cut me off from the family, never speak to me again, and if Remus was caught communicating with me he would...he would...he would meet the same fate they planned for me. Hetero ever after.”

Damien gave Roman’s shoulders a squeeze and murmured, “My dear, I could request for him to come over for conferences. I could invite him to dinners. To ceremonies. They couldn’t refuse him coming over to those events without risking me raising hell. And I would raise hell, my dear, purely because you love your brother and want to see him.”

Roman swiped at his eyes and whimpered. “I don’t want to be here,” he whispered. “You’re very sweet, Your Highness, and I’m pleased to be your friend, but I would rather be at home, somewhat miserable being in the closet around my parents. I don’t want to be forcibly shoved back into the closet by my mother and have her lock the door and throw away the key. It just...Your Highness—Damien...I just...I know that in a week I will get my way. And they can’t take back the marriage. But...knowing what I have to go through to get to the end of this week, and knowing that the consequences will last much longer than that...it hurts.”

“I can’t even imagine,” Damien said. “I know you can get through it, my dear prince. I know it will hurt like hell, but you can get through it. Because you’ve come this far. I don’t want you coming this far just to give up.”

Roman’s chest ached. “I can’t do it, Damien,” Roman said softly. “I can’t.”

“You can,” Damien said. “However...that does not necessarily mean you should. You shouldn’t have to hide who you are. Right now, though, it is necessary as a safety measure. But believe me, Roman, I will do everything in my power to ensure that you will get to see your brother. Whether you are out of the closet or not.”

Roman’s chest still ached, but his heart did warm some at that declaration. A cute guy reassuring him that everything would be all right, and that he would get what he wanted in the end, even if there was a while to go before he could get to it...he felt like he was in a romance novel. “I hope you realize you sound like the male protagonist in a stereotypical rom-com,” Roman said to Damien.

Damien laughed, his nose wrinkling as he tried to stifle his giggles, putting a hand to his mouth. “Well, I am telling the truth,” he said when the giggles subsided. “Most men in romantic comedies are gentlemen in the traditional sense by the end of the movie. And I may get into mischief, my dear, but I am nothing if not a gentleman.”

“A gentleman who just so happens to get into paint wars,” Roman giggled.

“Precisely,” Damien said with a soft smile.

Roman shook his head and laughed softly, so softly he could barely hear it himself. “Thank you,” he said. “That made me feel just a little bit better.”

“I’m happy to help,” Damien said, giving Roman’s shoulder another squeeze. “You do all the hard work, though. All I have to do is remember to use she and Veronica around your mother. You’re the one who has to bear the pain that brings.”

Roman sighed. “Yeah. And it’s not a light sting, either. It’s a dagger through the heart. Because it reminds me that for every person I know who accepts me, there are at least two more who won’t. And two of the people who matter the most are among those who would prefer me dead to being a man.”

Damien shook his head, and Roman was surprised to see unshed tears in his eyes. “The sheer amount of times you must have felt that pain, by my own hands...it’s unacceptable.”

“It’s okay, Damien—”

“—No, Roman, it’s not,” Damien said, cutting Roman off. “I know that using your deadname is a safety precaution for the next week. I am referring to when your mother brought you over here.”

“You didn’t know any better,” Roman said. “There’s no way you could have known.”

“My knowing or not is not what matters,” Damien said. “What matters is whether you were hurt or not. And you were hurt. I’m not trying to make this about me, but I can’t help but feel upset knowing that I hurt you the same way your parents have.”

Roman looked at Damien, really looked at him, and noticed the slight trembling in his body, the stiffness in his posture, the unshed tears in his eyes continuing to build up until he blinked and they started to fall. Roman swiped the tears away with the pad of his thumb. “But that’s the thing, Damien. You didn’t hurt me the same way my parents did. When I came out to you, it was like a switch was flipped and you instantly started using my real name and pronouns. You may have tripped up, but you made the effort. Something that my parents never did. You may have inadvertently hurt me this morning, but when I told you what was going on you stopped. The only reason you do it now is because the risk of injury is greater if you don’t do it around my mother, and even then you simply try to avoid using my name, rather than simply deadnaming and misgendering me, and expecting me to grin and bear it. You didn’t hurt me the way they did. You never would.”

Damien laughed and Roman sent him a quizzical look. “We’re both miserable right now,” Damien explained. “And I predicted that the both of us would be miserable for at least the first day, if not for longer, although it was for an entirely different reason. I thought we’d be miserable over the marriage, not over the fact that your parents are trying to kill you slowly.”

Roman laughed. “Oh, yeah. I could imagine that. Both of us sulking in our rooms that night, you because you’re forced to marry a woman you can’t love, myself because I’m forced to marry a man who doesn’t know who I truly am.”

Damien offered Roman a weak grin. “I’d say this is a better way to be miserable, however.”

“True,” Roman laughed. “Oh, and I will warn you for tomorrow morning...I can’t dance. Like, at all. I constantly trip over my feet and step on other people’s toes. The dance lessons we both know our mothers will force us to go to, in order to decide what we want our first dance to be, are not for you, but for me.”

“That’s quite all right, my dear,” Damien said with a soft smile. “I don’t mind if my toes get stepped on a couple times. It would mean that you’re safe, and that is enough to get me through any pain from crushed toes.”

Roman offered Damien a smile. “If I didn’t know any better, Damien, I would say that you like me.”

“Oh, shut up,” Damien said. “You can make gay jokes all you like when we’re alone, but that does not mean I’ll humor you with them. You will have to be enough to amuse yourself by.”

Roman heaved a put-upon sigh. “Oh, all right,” he groaned. “But if I see you crack a smile at one of those jokes, I will be calling you out on it.”

“I would expect nothing less,” Damien said with a smile. “Do you feel better?”

“Marginally,” Roman said. “Laughter is good for the soul, and I think I would be able to sleep tonight without crying myself into exhaustion first.”

“Then shall I escort you to bed?” Damien asked. “You have been up here for a while, and I don’t know when you fall asleep normally...”

“I generally sleep around midnight, in my time zone, without exception,” Roman said. “I’ve never had to travel halfway around the world before, so I haven’t struggled with time zones there. But I will say that I believe our kingdoms are in the same time zone, and if I do fall asleep before midnight, it would be due to sheer simple exhaustion.”

Damien offered Roman a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, I believe that you’ll be asleep the moment your head hits the pillow tonight.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Roman sighed, before stretching with a yawn.

Damien stood and helped Roman to his feet, grabbing Roman's suit coat. “For what it’s worth, my dear, I’m very happy that you requested I be the one Remy fetch for you.”

“He told you that?” Roman asked, cheeks flaring red.

“He was a little panicked about your well-being, and therefore I was able to get a little more information out of him than usual. Had he gotten anyone else, I’m sure he wouldn’t have divulged even why you were panicking, but he must have assumed that I would understand why you were so distressed if you asked after me,” Damien said. “Don’t blame him.”

“I might still call him a snitch,” Roman said.

Damien laughed and walked over to the door, Roman trailing behind him. Remy was on the other side of the door, waiting. “The room is all yours, Remy,” Damien said. “Thank you for fetching me.”

“Next time, though, don’t tell him I asked for him specifically, snitch,” Roman said with a weak smile.

Remy offered Roman a smirk. “I make no promises, babes. Your hubby here might be flattered that you’re asking after him.”

Roman’s cheeks flared red again. “Listen, it’s slightly embarrassing, all right? I just wanted someone who I knew wouldn’t judge.”

Remy shook his head as he walked in the room. “That’s not embarrassing, babes, but I’ll keep quiet, I suppose.”

“Thank you,” Roman said.

Damien led him down the halls back to his guest room. Roman thought he was starting to get a handle on where everything was, at least somewhat. Even if he didn’t know what half of the rooms were for, he could identify which hallway they were in and how deep inside the castle they were.

When they stopped outside Roman’s room, Roman was reluctant to face Damien to send him off. He took a shaky breath. He would be okay on his own, he knew that. And Damien would need his sleep as well. Especially if Roman would be dancing with him tomorrow morning, like he suspected his mother had planned. “Thank you, again,” Roman said. “I suppose it’s somewhat silly to freak out over my brother—”

“—Not silly at all,” Damien assured him. “You were worried about losing someone you love. That is always distressing, without fail. You have nothing to be ashamed of for this.”

Roman offered Damien a soft smile. “You’re too kind,” he said.

“On the contrary, my dear, I believe you are too lenient in your expectations,” Damien said.

“Well, considering my family, are you surprised?” Roman teased.

Damien shook his head with a sigh. “No, unfortunately, I’m not.” He leaned down slightly and kissed Roman’s forehead. “Rest well, Roman. You have a full day tomorrow, my dear.”

Roman dazedly watched Damien walk away, too stunned by the forehead kiss to do anything except stare after him for a good two minutes. By the time Roman came back to himself, Damien had rounded a corner and was out of sight. He blinked rapidly, turning to the door and walking into the guest room, closing the door with a shaky breath. What about that made him so breathless, he didn’t know. Was it just the fact that a cute boy was giving him attention? That was probably it. Not Damien himself, per se. Just his looks. That didn’t make the butterflies go away, but it did soothe his brain into switching topics, namely getting to sleep. As Roman got ready for bed, he contemplated how early tomorrow morning he’d be woken up, and how long he could go without encountering his mother. He knew it wouldn’t be that long, but, hey. A man could dream, right?

Tag List: @lunareclipse-13 @sanders-sides-crofters @blushy-gigglee-mess @wannacrymetoo @kaytikitty @magicalspacepanunicorn @bootsinthesun @pricklyfish777 @flowersanddinosaurs @leiasolo77 @birdybabybird @enby-phoenix @luna–28 @justagaygoose @the-prince-and-the-emo @fandomsandanythingelse @randommuffinyt @snekky-boi @thesoftestlittlepuffballwegot @twilight-trix @abby5577 @escalatingtoofast @friendlyfacestabbing @remus-is-stinky @foggybanditdreampeanut @ghostskull300 @sprinklestheditty @canvas-the-florist @askthesnake @samuel-the-gay @determination-saved @sparrowofsong @beyondthestacks @juicy-cashew @loganpatton @lilbeanblr @kittyboof8 @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @sanders-trash-4ever @hamilspntrash @swords-and-kittens @phantomfander @narniasfinestavengingsociopath @rjmeta @ambersky0319 @anni-cat-flower @idosanderssidespromptssometimes @nafsbluebery @redisawerewolf23 @voidvirgil

#roceit #sanders sides fanfiction #roman sanders #deceit sanders #remy sanders #royal growing pains #Our Creations

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abbyfreemansmind · 4 years

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Let’s talk about Hazbin Hotel

So, I finally sat down and watched Hazbin Hotel. I’d heard so much about it and felt the need to launch myself headfirst into having my own opinions about it instead of just listening to other people talking about it. This is gonna be a long post, so I’m gonna put it behind a neat little read more. Please note that this is coming from someone who genuinely enjoys adult humour and edgy humour and themes. I’ve got no problem with something that’s all swearing and raunchy jokes. It just needs to be done right.

Point 1 - The Plot The plot is describes as the Princess of Hell trying to open a new hotel to rehabilitate sinners so they don’t get exterminated during the yearly heavenly extermination to deal with Hell’s overpopulation problems. This plot is quickly undone through a few things that anyone can notice during the first viewing. 1 - Overpopulation? WHAT population? The scenery is most often noticeably devoid of any signs of life, outside of when background characters are called for. The scene where Charlie’s doing her news presentation is the most notable example of background characters. After this scene, we see almost nobody outside of the main cast and those weird little egg things. There are a few throwaway demons but outside of that, the streets are devoid of people. There aren’t even the corpses we had just seen during that opening scene. 2 - Charlie may as well be a total nobody what with all the power being the Princess of Hell holds. Just look at how the other characters treat her. You’d think the Princess of Hell would have some kind of benefit that would sway people towards agreeing with this whole idea. Instead, she gets mocked by just about everyone for reasons I can only guess involve winning her sympathy points from the audience. 3 - At no point does she give any proof that redemption would work. She basically says, “Hey guys! I hate seeing you all die, so I have this idea that has no backing evidence, that may or may not work, to try and get you guys into Heaven! Let me sing a song about it where I insult you all!”

Point 2 - Presentation I applaud the animators. Must’ve been hard, especially for Charlie’s overly fast song that really didn’t need to be nightcored, or literally any time Angel Dust was on-screen. Frame by frame. No rigs. All those stripes. All those colours that blend if you stare at them too hard or squint even slightly while watching. All that unnecessarily constant movement. It’s no wonder the thing took four bloody years to animate. Outside of animation, there are too many unneeded details and not enough needed details. Seriously. 1 - The turf war. We didn’t need this. We didn’t need this at all. If you take out the entire opening to it and the entire actual fight scene here, the episode still flows smoothly and we get the same amount of information and worldbuilding. In a pilot/first episode, you should only give the audience necessary details. Leave them wanting more, yes, but make sure they actually know what they’re getting into from the first episode. Make every scene count. Make it mean something. Don’t just shove every detail you can think of together and call it a day, especially if you don’t actually give the audience much information from it. 2 - Why is Hell overpopulated? Why isn’t Heaven? Why can angels go from Heaven to Hell, but demons can’t go from Hell to Heaven? Why does nobody care about being redeemed if Hell is so overpopulated that Angels annually come down and kill people because of it? Why does everyone treat the Princess of Hell like she’s worthless? Why doesn’t Angel Dust know about Alastor if they got into hell within 10 years of each other? Where is this supposed overpopulation problem? Would redemption even work in the first place? Why should I care about most of these characters (who are mostly complete jerks with no redeeming qualities other than “PROTAGONIST”, especially when two of the fan favourites repeatedly sexually assault other characters and, in one case, is both sexist and racist at one point)? Why are there turf wars? I should not be having to ask these questions. Don’t hold the audience’s hand, but don’t leave every single question you present in the show unanswered. Some of the questions presented make absolute sense to leave unanswered. Why does Alastor want to help with the hotel? Why are characters like Vaggie and Niffty, who do nothing all that bad, in Hell? These are questions that make total sense to leave unanswered for now. 3 - What crime is too terrible to be redeemed for? Charlie seems to think that literally everyone can be redeemed. That means murderers, rapists, abusers, tormentors... Certainly her song holds some kind of key to figuring it out! “Inside of every creepy hatchet-wielding maniac” Hmm... Okay... “All of you cretins, sluts and losers, sexual deviants and boozers” Uh... “So, all your cartoon porn addictions, vegan rants, psychic predictions Ancient Roman crucifixions end right here All you monsters, thieves and crazies, cannibals and crying babies" Oh... Also, did she imply that mental illness, alcoholism, drug dependency, plant-based diets/lifestyles, rabies and enjoyment of sex were sins in that song?

Point 3 - Edgy for the sake of edgy Hazbin Hotel tries to be an adult cartoon, but comes off as something a mentally disturbed teenager wrote during their emo/scene phase. 1 - The swearing and sex jokes. Oh boy. I’ve worked with children under the age of 15 who swear and crack sex jokes better than the adults in this show. The swearing and sex jokes are the only reasons this show couldn’t be aired as a Cartoon Network show aimed at edgy teenagers. It’s so poorly done that it in and of itself takes away from the quality of the show itself. Also, we have a character who’s name is an actual sex joke itself. Vaggie, full name Vagatha - a lesbian sex worker, of course. Fun fact for those who don’t know, but all of her previous character drafts had her name as some form of joke on the word vagina. This isn’t an accident, this is blatant and intentional. Also, here’s a pro tip for you! You can make an adult-oriented show without having swearing, slurs and sex jokes taking up a solid third or more of your script. 2 - The... “Representation”. Yes, Hazbin Hotel has LGBT+ characters! Yes, it has biracial and Latina characters! Charlie is bi, Vaggie is a Latina lesbian, Angel Dust is a gay man, Alastor is ace and biracial, Husk is pan, Niffty is Japanese (YIKES). Except none of it actually matters. No, really. Vivziepop was all like, “btw you can ship w/e, idc! also, i rlly like the fanon version of human alastor (who is whiter than marshmallow fluff even though he’s supposed to be half black)! :)” and threw all that out the window because... Who knows at this point. Now, if you look at the connected series, Helluva Boss, you get Moxie and Millie - an extremely obvious and loving couple. In Hazbin Hotel, you get Charlie and Vaggie who you probably couldn’t tell were a couple without somebody telling you that in the first place, what with all the loveydovey-ness going on with them. In fact, the biggest hint we even get is literally one line. “Life ain’t a musical, hun.” But then again, I’d be more apt to believe Charlie and Vaggie are friends, or Vaggie is pining after Charlie. Also, Charlie is a really bad girlfriend! She lets Vaggie get abused by practically the entire cast without so much as a single word in her defense and ignores everything Vaggie says. It came as no surprise when I remembered hearing about how the only reason these two are a couple is because one of the people on the team thought they were during storyboarding and Vivziepop just went with it. Also, fun fact, Vaggie fits both the angry lesbian and fiery Latina stereotypes. Charlie fits the stereotype for the bisexual cheater, what with how she seems to actually like Alastor more than her own bloody girlfriend. Alastor is canonically ace because he’s too full of himself to be with anyone else. Speaking as somebody who’s ace... WHAT?! As much as I don’t like Charlastor, it’s partially more popular than Chaggie because Vivziepop actually made them act like a couple for an entire musical number. Also, he’s annoying. He not only kept telling Vaggie to smile (heck you dude), he also smacked her butt, which is a form of sexual assault, people. This was all played for laughs, along with Vaggie’s (actually very reasonable) anger. Niffty is Japanese. A yellow-skinned demon who’s boy crazy and obsessed with cleaning... Big yikes. Finally, Angel Dust. The kinky gay man porn star/drag queen/drug addict/prostitute who verbally sexually assaulted two guys. Where do I begin. When it came to this guy, Vivziepop must’ve been like, “Imma throw every stereotype for gay men on this guy and call it a character!” If you look a Helluva Boss again, you get Stolas, who verbally sexually assaults Blitzo over the phone and also cheated on his wife with him in the first place, so this isn’t a one-off. Also, he was originally AFAB, so that whole line about “Why are you all women?” is more than a little heinous and in extremely poor taste.

In conclusion, this show is terrible. Everything about it. It needs some serious reworking, because as it stands, it’s really truly not that great of a creation.

tl;dr: Needs a lot of work and “ThEy’Re In HeLl!!1!!one!!!eleven!!!11″ isn’t even remotely an excuse for the genuine problems in it. Remember, at least one actual human being on Earth, not in Hell, wrote this garbage fire. Also, the animators deserve a higher wage than whatever they’re getting to deal with these designs. I shudder just thinking about animating them, with or without a rig.

#hazbin hotel #hazho #hh #vivziepop #helluva boss #longpost #long post

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mistbornthefinal · 3 years

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Madoka Magica Anniversary Analysis: Part 3

The part where the fanbase lost their heads.

(spoilers for the show if for some reason you haven’t watched it in the 10 years since it came out.)

We open in Kyousuke’s hospital room with Sayaka hiding just outside the door for a moment while she gathers her courage. Kyouske is happy to see her and her gift of CDs, offering to share the earbuds. It’s clear from her reaction to that Sayaka has a crush. It’s clear from Kyouske’s reaction that he is completely oblivious.

We get a flash of a much younger Kuouske performing before a concert hall while a young Sayaka watches. We cut back and Kyouske is looking away from the camera (and Sayaka) it doesn’t hid his tears. A shot of his bandaged hand tells us all we need to know. (Cue Connect)

After the opening ends we launch immediately into Mami conjuring her giant cannon, winking at the camera, and blowing away a hapless familiar. Sayaka complements Mami on her showmanship but she reminds her that what they are doing is dangerous. Madoka comments on the lack of Grief Seed.

Kyubey explains that since what Mami just destroyed was not a witch but rather a familiar that got separated from its’ master. Thus destroying it yielded no profit. Sayaka comments that it seem they’ve been fighting a lot of duds lately. (presumably off-screen) Mami asserts they can’t simply let lone familiars be as they can eventualy become witches themselves. (Quite neatly this gives us an origin for witches to throw us off from the origin of witches)

Mami asks the girls if they’ve settled on what they want to wish for, prompting Madoka to as what it was she wished for. Mami stops cold prompting Madoka to withdraw her question. But Mami is ready to share her orgin story regardless. Kuybey appeared before her in the aftermath of the car accident that killed her parents.

She didn’t have time to think and made a contract to save herself. (I have to point out how creepy Kyubey if framed in the scene with his shadow falling across Mami’s face) Mami says that she doesn’t regret it as the alternative was dying, but Madoka and Sayaka have a choice and time to mull things over so they ought to think carefully.

Sayaka asks if the wish has to be for themselves. Madoka immediately cottons to this being about Kyousuke despite Sayaka’s denial. Kyubey says of course someone else can be the target of your wish. Mami say she doesn’t like the prospect asking if Sayaka want that persons wish to come true of if she wants that person to be indebted to her. Sayaka is chastened (for the moment).

Mami reiterates that this an important decision that they shouldn’t rush into though as far as Kyubey is concerned the sooner the better.

Back at her home Madoka is mulling over her options, stumped by what to wish for with Kyubey saying it’s against his rules to offer suggestions. Madoka floats the possibility of simply wishing to be a magical girl. Kyubey asks if what Madoka wants is power. Madoka initially waves the notion of but then reconsiders. In her view she’s weak and lacking in talent, the possibility of becoming someone like Mami would be enough for her happiness.

Kyubey reveals that in his estimate Madoka could be vastly stronger than Mami. While power varies depending on the wish Madoka has higher potential than anyone Kyubey has encountered before. Madoka demures and their conversation is interrupted by a knock on the door.

Junko has come off badly from Japans terrible workplace culture and it’s mandatory after-work binge drinking. So Madoka is called upon by her dad to help her too bed. This prompts Madoka to ask her dad why Junko loves her job when working at that particular company was never her dream.

Tomohisa says that it’s not so much the job itself that Junko loves, rather the chance to test her drive and find satisfaction in her accomplishments. It’s that drive that keeps her power through even when there are parts of her job she doesn’t like. Madoka is intrigued by the idea of a dream not being an single even but a way of living.

Meanwhile Mami meets Homura in a deserted plaza. Homura opens on an aggressive note by chastising Mami for putting civilians in danger. Mami counters that those “innocent civilians” have been chosen by Kyubey. Homra cuts to the chase Mami is leading Madoka and Sayaka towards being Magical Girls, and that she objects to Madoka specifically becoming one. Mami draws the wrong if understandable conclusion that Homura is threatened by Madoka’s potential. Mami makes it clear that the next time the two of them meet it will be as enemies.

The next day the hospital elevator opens on a disappointed Sayaka. She rejoins Madoka in the hospital waiting room. Kyousuke isn’t seeing visitors today it seems. On the way out of the hospital Madoka notices something, a Grief Seed. According to Kyubey it’s about to hatch. Unfortunately they don’t have Mami’s cell number so the decide to have Sayaka watch the Seed with Kyubey while Madoka goes to fetch Mami.

After Madoka leaves the Grief Seed pules one last time and the barrier goes up. The new labyrinth is a mix between a hospital and candyland but it’s denizens don’t seem to be hostile yet. Kyubey reminds Sayaka that were she to come up with a wish he could make her a Magical Girl right now. Sayaka defers for the time being.

Madoka returns to the scene with Mami in tow and opens the door into the labyrinth. They gets a status update from Kyubey and Sayaka immediately, the witch remains dormant for the time being. Kyubey suggest to keep the magic to a minimum and walk to the center of the maze without provoking it’s occupant.

After they enter it’s soon apparent that once again Homura was following, much to Mami’s displeasure. Homura say’s she will handle things this time. Mami says that Sayaka is in danger and that she is unwilling to trust Homura, then she cuts negotiations short by uses her ribbons to bind Homura. Homura protests that this Witch is particularly strong, but Mami doesn’t seem interested in hearing about it.

As the sneak through the labyrinth Madoka tells Mami that she has been thinking about her wish, what she desires more than anything else is to help people. To simply become a hero like Mami will be enough to satisfy her. Mami tells her once again that the life of a Magical girl is hard. She gets her often and has little time for love or friendship. Madoka says that she still wants to be like her, prompted Mami to finally lower her mask.

“Nobody should become someone like me. I’m just acting cool, but I have no one to talk too when I’m scared or sad... I’m force to cry alone. Being a magical girl really isn’t that great.”

Tragically Madoka tells Mami the one thing she wanted to hear. She’s not alone anymore, she will fight alongside her. Mami tearfully takes her hands, but then on a lighter note says Madoka should still find something to wish for, putting to her a faux ultimatum. If she can’t think of something else by the time Mami has defeated the witch she’ll wish for an extravagant cake to celebrate them becoming a magical girl team.

Then the witch begins to awaken and it’s showtime. Buoyed by the prospect of someone by her side Mami makes quick work of the familiars. The Witch herself well..

She doesn’t cut the most imposing of figures. Mami smacks it’s doll-like form around a bit before calling forth the largest Tiro Finale yet. It’s not very effective as some kind of giant clown worm erupts from the dolls mouth and then

The ribbons binding Homura dissolve. In the process seeming to turn to blood. Homura is horrified, she know what just happened. Mami is gone.

As Madoka and Sayaka look on in horror Charlotte devours the body. Kyubey seemingly frantic calls on them to make a contact to save themselves.

“That wont be necessary” says Homura. While a Charlotte makes a valiant effort to chomp another magical girl all she gets is a mouth full of bomb. The explosions rip the Witch apart leaving behind her Grief Seed and a broken teacup full of blood. Homura tells Madoka (and Sayaka) to burn this moment into their mind, this is that fate of Magical Girls.

As Houmra picks up the Grief Seed Sayaka tells her it belongs to Mami, futile as such a statement is. Homura says that such things are only for magical girls. Madoka is in her grief unable to speak. Then Magia makes its’ debut as the series true ending theme.

Needless to say this episode blew everyone away and spawned a ton of memes when if first came out. Indeed Mami’s death still dominates the discourse around her character and the series to a lesser extent even 10 years later.

But much like another prominent beheading victim it’s not like it was totally out of left field. While the marketing paints Mami as one protagonist out of a group of four in the show itself this isn’t really the case. Like papa Stark Mami takes the roles of a mentor to the other girls, and the mentor types have a tendency to bite it before their time.

#semi-original content #puella magi madoka magica #madoka magica anniversary analysis

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mermurder · 5 years

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Pretty Little Square - a Jotaro/reader fanfic

i was just a smal baby weeb when i wrote my last fan fiction but the time has come (aka i started watching jjba and hoe out for all the Joestars)

Basically reader is stuck watching Jotaro during detention and things get a little rocky. No smut or nothin’ (yet ;000) but there are some swearsies w/ one directed at the reader so theres that. like i said this is my first fan fic in many moons so is probably trash. Enjoy!

Being at school this late was really starting to creep you out. The empty hallways and classrooms had a very strange aura to them. Like you were in some horror movie. You’d usually wouldn't be here this late if it wasn’t for one of your teachers asking for your help. He had to watch over the kids in detention today but had to leave due to some sort of family emergency. At the last minute he begged you to stay and take their place and you couldn’t say no. As class president, he knew he could trust you to watch over the troublemakers. Actually just one troublemaker. Before he left he handed you a sticky note letting you know who would be coming. Jotaro Kujo was the only name written down. Would he even bother coming? You weren’t even sure what he was in detention for, this time at least. It didn’t matter, he’s done all sorts of things that landed him in hot water. Even almost gotten expelled a few times. If it wasn’t for his saint of a mother he would have been kicked out a long time ago.

She was such a nice lady, when you and Jotaro used to pal around she treated you like her own daughter. You and Jotaro actually used to be really close. Before your parents divorced you lived in the same neighborhood as the Kujos. Even though you were children your parents teased that you and Jotaro were little lovebirds. In reality you just did the normal things kids used to do. Played in the playground and watched after school cartoons. You two stayed friends all the way until high school. That was when Jotaro changed. The normal, kind kid you grew up with turned into a cold and sometimes cruel person. Now that you were class president you denied ever even knowing him, worried your reputation would suffer if anyone knew you used to hang around with him. You’d never dare tell anyone you used to have a crush on him either.

You sighed and raised your hand to block the setting sun from getting in your eyes. You leaned against the desk in the front of the classroom, waiting. The watch on your wrist showed three fifty-nine PM. Detention started at four. If he wasn’t here by fifteen past you’d leave. You weren’t going to sit here when you could be home studying and applying for scholarships. The classroom door creaked open and you turned to look. Holy shit he actually came. Jotaro stood in the doorway. His hands in his pockets and hat pulled down to shade his eyes.

“Where’s Mr. Ishimura?” he questioned in his signature monotone. You pushed yourself off the desk. “He had something he needed to attend to. He asked me to watch you instead.” Jotaro scoffed and let out a quiet ‘whatever’ and walked over to one of the desks in the middle of the room. He plopped himself down in his seat and propped his feet up on the desk. Just an hour of babysitting and you could finally go home.

You decided to take a seat at the teacher’s desk. Pulling a book out of your bag you cracked it open and began reading. It was a book about some female warrior destined to fight against evil and defend her people. Your friend pleaded that you read it so you could go with her to see the movie when it came out. Humoring her, you'd already gotten to about the middle. The protagonist was starting to fall in love with the bad boy who’d cast himself out of the village. He was gruff and flippant towards her. But she was drawn to his charms like a moth to a flame. Barf. Who would actually fall for his crap?

The sound of a can cracking open yanked you out of your thoughts. You peered over your book to look at Jotaro. You hoped he just opened a can of soda but this was Jotaro Kujo we’re talking about. He leisurely took a sip from his beer as his eyes darted back and forth across the pages of a book. Was it worth the effort to get up and ask him to stop? Exhaling through your nose, you got up and walked around the desk to stand in front of Jojo. He either didn’t notice you were in front of him or didn’t care. Probably the latter. “Jotaro.” you said, hands on your hips. No response. “Jojo.” Oops you didn’t mean to call him by your childhood nickname for him but it seemed to get his attention. He stared up at you past the brim of his hat. It felt like he was glaring daggers into you. “You know what I’m going to say don’t you?” There was a pleading tone in your voice. Maybe just once he would behave. To your surprise he held out the can to you loosely. You snatched it away from him and gave him a disappointed look. It was practically empty already. Turning away you intended to keep the can to throw out somewhere else, you didn’t want the janitors finding an empty can of beer and thinking you had something to do with it. There was still a small amount of liquid still in the can though. Without thinking you brought the can to your lips and chugged down what was left. Behind you a soft chuckle came from Jotaro.

“I guess the rumors going around are true then.” He mumbled, not quite intending for you to hear but the silence of the room made it audible. You turned on your heel to face Jojo. “What do you mean?” You asked, equal parts insult and curiosity hanging off your words. He didn’t even bother looking up from his book. “Everyone knows that the senior class president isn’t as straight laced as she makes herself out to be.” Okay sure you had a habit of having a smoke or two after school. And sometimes you’d sneak your dad’s beers if you were up late studying. It wasn’t something you were proud of but it was true. There was nothing to be done about the rumors, it wasn’t the gossip that pissed you off anyway. “You’re one to talk.” Your words cut through the air like a knife. Jotaro’s shoulders tensed and finally for the first time in the past half an hour he’d been with you he looked you straight in the eye. Placing his book on the desk he stood from his seat, towering over you. He looked down at your tiny form. You’d forgotten how piercing his blue eyes were. “What's that supposed to mean.” Your words were sharp but by far his were more intimidating. What had you gotten yourself into?

A familiar heat grew on our face. It was embarrassing being called out on your words. But more than that you were angry. Bottling up how you felt about Jotaro would do you no good. He was here, he had no choice but to hear what you had to say. “I’m so sick of your attitude…” Getting the words out of your mouth was already hard enough, looking Jojo in the eye was impossible. Jotaro was silent. You had no idea what his reaction was but after a short pause you kept speaking. “I might have my own problems but you act like such a jackass!” Gaining more confidence you stepped back and looked up at Jojo. With his hands in his pockets he once again had his hat covering his face. It cast an ominous shadow over his eyes. There was no way to tell what he was thinking. But you could tell he was listening. You already called this giant man a jackass, might as well keep going.

“You act like you’re better than everyone else, its so annoying. I hate it, everyone hates it! Everyone's too afraid to call you out because they're afraid you’re gonna kick their ass.” The hands at your side balled up into fists. “You’re just...you’re a completely different person.” The frustration you were feeling made it hard to form sentences but you kept firing off anyway. “I remember when we used to play together. You were so nice back then. You loved going to the aquarium and spending time with your mom. Now you act like a complete bastard to everyone! This tough guy act you put on isn’t cool Jojo. I used to like you…now I just wish you’d snap out of it and act right.” Barely audible you added one last thing. “I miss the old Jojo.”

Years of hearing about Jotaro getting in trouble had manifested into anger about the person you used to know. In your freshman year together you sometimes day dreamed of what it would be like to be Mrs. Kujo. You tried to push the silly thoughts about your best friend down until eventually you didn’t have to. The two of you drifted apart. Jotaro became a delinquent. You became a good student and class president. Feelings of infatuation morphed into anger. You lost your closest friend and now he treated everyone like shit. Now is was all finally out. The impromptu vent session actually felt nice. But now you had to deal with the consequences.

Before you knew it Jotaro was right in front of you and invading your personal space. He glared into your eyes and managed to trap you between his body and the desk next to you. He leaned down just enough to be able to be face to face to you. “Listen to me.” He growled through his teeth. “Just because our parents made us go on play dates doesn’t mean you know me like the back of your hand. I grew up, things changed. It's time for you to do the same.” He was close enough to you that you could smell the cologne and cigarette smoke on him. You were terrified but also strangely excited. “I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of me. I’ll do whatever the hell I damn well please. You have no idea what I've been through or what I’m going through. So you don’t have the fucking right to chew me out about how I’ve changed.” Your eyes began to water and you closed your eyes to prevent the tears from coming, in addition to turning your head away so he wouldn't see you cry. Just like you Jojo had one final thing to say. “The last thing I need is you mouthing off at me and acting like a little bitch!” He didn’t yell at you but his raised voice echoed off the walls of the room. It was enough to finally force tears from you. One or two streamed down your cheek and you felt your lip begin to quiver. You couldn’t figure out why this hurt so bad. You didn’t care about some loser like Jojo anymore. Right?

When you opened your eyes again Jojo was still in front of you but standing straight at his normal height. He looked down on you but he didn’t look pissed like you thought he would. He actually looked kind of sad. The words he said replayed in your head over and over again. The tears came quicker and your chest began to tighten. “Just... just get out.” you mumbled between sniffles. You didn’t want to be around him anymore or for him to see you cry. Though it’s probably too late for that. Jojo collected his things and obeyed. You looked at him as he walked out the door and he gave you a look back. After waiting a moment you let the tears fall as they pleased.

Detention ended early that day. You didn’t care. After that you never saw or heard from Jojo again. He would creep into your mind from time to time but you’d quickly try to think of something else. Now that you were in college you couldn’t waste time thinking about stuff like that. Sometimes you could swear you’d saw someone who looked just like him on campus, but there was no way. A delinquent like him probably ended up on the streets or something.

...Right?

#jjba #jotaro kujo #jotaro x reader #jotaro kujo x reader #reader insert

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