#but now I have the problem of not knowing where to put Kai’s card

[wheels-of-despair]

@oneforthemunny's Summertime Writing Game The Title: Bad Apples The Eddie: Janitor!Eddie (and a lot of Oliver) The Prompt: 🃏 Wild Card The Summary, Since I Went Off-Script: Someone called your sweet little Oliver a "bad apple" so now you're gonna have to make a point. A sweet, delicious point. The Words: 2k Author's Note: Oliver's pretty quiet in this. It's his first summer with Teach and Janitor!Eddie, he's still getting used to them.

"Are our apples bad?"

You looked to Oliver and then to the bowl of fruit on the counter in confusion. You'd only just walked in; could he smell a rotten apple already? Has pollen season officially claimed your nose as a victim? You step closer and pick up an apple to inspect it.

"I mean, they might be a few days past their prime, but I don't think they're bad. Why do you ask?"

He shrugs. "I'm gonna go read," he mumbles and goes to his room, closing the door quietly. You pick up another apple and give it a sniff. Nothing. You turn over each apple in the bowl, looking for any sign of rot. Not even a bruise. What the heck?

And then the phone rings, and the art teacher ranting about the incompetent music teacher who better not come back next year makes you forget about the apple problem.

She keeps you occupied for the next hour with a conversation that couldn't be had on school grounds - even a nearly childless one, since you were just there today cleaning out your classrooms - and then you start fixing dinner. Oliver usually wanders in when he starts smelling food, but today, he stays put. A little odd, but maybe he's just tired. He'd spent most of the afternoon on the playground with other newly-freed kids who either belonged to fellow teachers, or been so conditioned to school that they'd gravitated toward it even now that summer had officially started. You decide not to bother him; he knows he can hang out with you whenever he feels like it.

When Eddie comes home, he greets you with a kiss and asks what's for dinner. You inform him of tonight's menu - one of his favorites, to celebrate the end of the school year - and his face lights up.

"Where's the little guy?" he asks, leaning back on the counter and crossing his arms, looking gorgeous doing it.

"In his room. He's quiet today."

"Any idea why?"

You shrug. "Go check, maybe you'll have better luck."

"Kay," he pushes off the counter, give you another peck, and goes to check on Oliver.

You hear a knock and then muffled voices. Can't escape the boys' club, even in your own house, you think as you clear the table.

You call when dinner is ready, and the boys enter the kitchen together. You notice that Oliver has changed his clothes at some point, but don't question it. He's a big boy, he can decide what he wears and when.

Oliver is still quiet during dinner. He'll speak when he's spoken to, but doesn't volunteer any information about his day or chime in like he usually does. You're growing more curious by the minute, but you don't get any answers until Oliver is safely tucked in.

"Alright, spill," you order, the second your bedroom door closes.

"Spill what?" Eddie asks.

"What's up with Oliver?"

Eddie heaves a sigh and comes to sit next to you on the bed.

"Somebody called him a bad apple."

"What." Not a question. You're seething already.

"Some kid on the playground asked another one if he smelled something funny, they went back and forth like a bad comedy routine, punchline was that there must be a bad apple around."

"Who was it?"

"He didn't say."

"Well those little brats better hope I don't find out." Eddie gives you an affectionate smile for your over-protectiveness.

"He's alright. He thought they meant he smelled bad."

You roll your eyes so intensely, your whole body flops back on the bed in frustration. Eddie joins you, less dramatically.

"I explained it to him… but I wish I didn't have to."

"What is wrong with these damn kids, Eddie?"

"They're being raised by the people who did the same shit to me."

You reach for his hand, fumbling for a moment before he realizes what you're doing and helps you out.

You stare at the ceiling and sigh together, breathing out all of today's frustrations.

"What are we going to do?" you ask, helplessly.

"Keep taking care of him. Hope he values our opinions more than theirs."

You turn your head toward him, and he turns his toward you. It's a comfort, knowing that Eddie understands exactly what Oliver's going through and how to take care of it, but it's also infuriating that this cycle never ends. Kids are doing the same shit now that their parents did twenty years ago, and probably their parents before them. What's the point of even trying to teach them better?

You eventually get up, dress for bed, and turn in for the night.

It's not until the next morning that you have a brainstorm.

Oliver wanders into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes, when he smells the bacon and eggs. He smiles when you tell him good morning. That's a good sign, at least. You fix plates, Eddie pours drinks, and you have a nice breakfast together.

"What are you two gonna get into this morning?" Eddie asks.

"I thought we might drop by the grocery store, pick up some summer necessities and a few things for Steve's tomorrow."

Eddie's mission today is to help Steve assemble a pool. Not the fancy, heated, in-ground kind his parents had; but a modest above-ground pool just for the summer. It would probably take the rest of the night to fill; Team Munson had been invited to a soft open tomorrow, just a quiet get-together for the boys to pat themselves on the back for following instructions and sticking a hose in the four-foot pool.

After breakfast is eaten and the dishes are in the sink, Eddie takes off and Oliver goes to get dressed for today's shopping trip.

Oliver is a great shopping companion; he's great at pointing out sales you may have missed, and never tries to deviate from the list. (Eddie's a bit of an impulse shopper. Oliver is the list when he accompanies Eddie on an emergency grocery run.)

In the store, you grab a few staples that need replenishing, and then head for the produce section. You visit the discount rack, and find exactly what you're looking for. Thank you, Bradley's Big Buy. You lift a sack of apples with a fast-approaching sell-by date, and spin them around for a quick inspection.

"Aren't they bad?" Oliver whispers.

"They look fine to me," you answer, placing them in your cart. They're a little bruised, and probably mealy, but there's no obvious rot. You grab a few decent-looking lemons off the discount rack too.

You check out, carry your bags to the car, and talk about what you're gonna do this summer all the way home. When you get there, you hand Oliver one light bag and the keys, and he rushes ahead to open the door for you with your armful of groceries.

"Thank you, my good man," you say affectionately as you pass, heading straight for the counter and depositing your bags. Oliver closes the door and follows with his own, sliding it onto the counter. You pull out your bag of apples, and he side-eyes them.

"I thought we might have a pie tonight, what do you think?"

He shrugs.

"You want to wash these for me?" you ask hopefully. He shrugs again, and you smile at him. You open the bag of apples and take them to the sink, and Oliver follows. You turn the water on and demonstrate how to rinse them and then put them in the dish drainer, and Oliver pulls up his little step-stool picks it up in no time.

Oliver washes, and you begin peeling the clean apples by his side, dropping the peelings and the slices into two different bowls.

"You know, when I first met Eddie, he used to bring me an apple every day."

"He did?"

"Yup. Mr. Harrington told him that the saying is 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away', but he kept bringing them for the teacher anyway. I thought it was cute."

Oliver smiles and finishes washing the last apple, reaching forward to turn the sink off.

"You wanna help make the pies, or go play?"

"I'll help," he responds.

"I was hoping you'd say that," you wink. "Fetch me two of the glass pie plates from the bottom cabinet?"

Oliver hops off his stool and starts digging, emerging with a clink of glass and a triumphant "Aha!"

By the time he returns to your side with the pie plates, the apples are peeled and sliced and you're ready to unroll the pie crusts that have been sitting on the counter since you got home. You wipe off the glass with a dish towel and place them on the counter side by side.

"Some people think this is cheating," you explain, fitting the crust into the plate, "but I think it's one of the greatest modern inventions. You know in the old days, people spent hours measuring and mixing and blending and rolling just to make a mediocre pie crust? These taste great, they save us time, and thanks to someone's sharp eyes, we even saved $1!"

Oliver grins and watches you add sugar and spices to the bowl of apple slices. After everything is mixed and coated, with Oliver's help of course, you offer him a piece. He shakes his head, so you shrug and pop it in your own mouth. You'd been a little worried, but the apple tastes fine, and honestly… you could load just about anything with sugar and your boys would love it.

After the pies are assembled and in the oven, you and Oliver turn your discounted lemons into a pitcher of lemonade to take to Steve's. After a few taste tests and minor adjustments, you and your assistant determine that it's perfect, and you put it in the fridge to chill.

You play cards at the kitchen table until the oven timer dings. And then you pull out two gorgeous pies and set them on the counter to cool. Oliver inhales deeply from his place at the table, and you try to conceal a grin. You play another few hands while you wait for them to stop steaming, then decide to go for it.

"What do you think, should we sample it before Eddie gets home? Make sure it's okay?"

Oliver taps his chin as if he's thinking, and then grins.

"That's what I thought," you laugh, getting up to cut two test slices. You bring them back to the table, wondering when Oliver is going to bring up bad apples again. The intoxicating smell seems to have banished the thought from his mind, because he reaches for his fork and takes a bite as soon as you set the saucer down.

"Is it good?" you ask, before cutting into your own slice. Oliver nods enthusiastically as he chews.

"Still think the apples are bad?" His face falls, and he looks at the pie warily, remembering that it was made with subpar produce.

"You know, I think apples are a lot like people," you say gently, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully. "Sometimes the ones that look pretty and shiny on the outside are rotten inside. And sometimes the ones that look a little different are the sweetest. Even the ones that are imperfect, or bruised, or have been banished to the discount rack at Bradley's Big Buy can surprise you... they just need a little love. And a lot of sugar." You go in for a second bite. "Oh yeah, nothin' wrong with these. Perfection. What do you think?"

Oliver stares at you for a moment, letting the speech you've been planning all morning sink in, and then a smile grows on his face. He nods and goes in for another bite. This kid is amazing.

About halfway through your pie, you hear a car door slam. A moment later, Eddie steps inside and inhales dramatically. "Is this Heaven? Is that where I am? Is that what this smell is?"

Oliver laughs and says, "we made pies!"

"You made pies?"

"Yup!" Oliver chirps.

"Apple pies?"

"Yup!" Oliver repeats.

"Multiple apple pies?"

"Yup!" you confirm, getting up to cut him a slice. "One for us, one to take to Steve's tomorrow."

"Yup. Heaven. This is Heaven."

"Come on, angel, have a slice," you place his pie on the table, and he looks at it with hunger… and then pulls you in for a kiss.

There's nothing bad about these apples.

#writings of despair #munnysummergame #janitor!eddie #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x reader #...not a lot though #oliver munson #that's my boooy #who wants to guess what i was making when this one came to me #high five yourself if you caught that little rascals reference #and don't you come at me about my pre-made pie crusts #ain't nobody got time to be measuring flour like a pioneer

[dream-meister-translations]

DREAM MEISTER & THE RECOLLECTED BLACK FAIRY

KAI - VOICE COLLECTION

━

"Ugh. Professor Est's assignment is so incredibly difficult. It's giving me a headache."

"Hey, you feeling okay? You're not pushing yourself too hard, are you?"

"Take a break today, it'll be fine."

"If you ever feel unwell, don't hesitate to rely on me."

"I'll make sure you recover properly."

"How's your health? Your body is your most valuable asset."

"If you feel any discomfort, let me know."

"Don't push yourself too hard. I'll heal everyone. Radiant light."

"Damn…I still have a lot to learn."

"We should make some medicine together later. I'll make sure to heal you properly."

"This is the first time Magia Seminar has ever had a Guild Keeper. If you ever run into any problems, just let me know.

"Leave injuries and illnesses to me."

"Don't neglect your efforts to stay healthy, okay?"

"You've really settled into the guild. Your support is great, I'm relying on you."

"Watching you makes me feel like I can't lose. It's seriously motivating…Keep up the good work!"

"The desire to help someone is the same for both doctors and Guild Keepers right? So many you and I will get along well."

"Between lectures and patient treatment, there's a mountain of things to do, but we can't afford to stop here."

"As long as you're here, I can chase my dreams without hesitation."

"Alright, let's start another day of medical care!"

"If you're not feeling well, it throws me off too. That's why I want you to let me nurse you back to health."

"Taking a leisurely stroll is good for your health. How about going for a walk today, Emma?"

"Ah, it's been a while since I took a walk! Let's have a good dinner tonight and get to bed early…"

"I've got quite a few piercings, you know. Even though I'm a doctor. Do you think it's a bit too flashy?"

"Did it hurt getting my piercings? Not at all."

"My piercings are like my good luck charms. I try not to lose them, but sometimes they vanish and it gets me all worried."

"Actually my little sister bought me these piercings. Pretty cool, right?"

"Could it be that you're thinking about getting a piercing too? If you do, make sure to disinfect properly."

"If you're scared, I can give you a piercing myself. I know how to make it painless."

"Hobbies, huh? That's a sudden one. Well, I enjoy going on little food adventures."

"I like hanging out with Ange. Even though she doesn't like me that much. At least I'm more liked than Sion, right?"

"I'm really into card games too. People often say it makes me childish, but what can I say, I like what I like."

"But you know, the best thing is when I'm learning with the others at Magia Seminar. Like when we decipher Sensei's cryptic lessons, or I mess around with Sion. It's a blast."

"Now that you're here, it's even more fun."

"It's kind of unsettling when someone's checking your pulse, right? Oh, wait, is that just me?"

"Your arm is pretty slender, isn't it? Are you eating properly? If I put too much pressure, it might just snap."

"You want me to check more? Is it that much fun for you? Haha, sometimes you act like a kid."

"Here, let me see your wrist. Huh? Did your pulse just speed up a bit? Why is that?"

"Your face is kinda red, too…Do you have a cold? Hmm…Doesn't seem like it."

"Doing this…It reminds me of the old n' days when I used to wander around aimlessly just for fun. Huh? Oh, I'll tell you about it sometime."

"Ah, I've been sitting in the clinic all day, so it feels nice to stretch my body. Alright, where are we heading today?"

"Huh? Is my hat a bit crooked? Weird. I thought I was wearing it like I always do. Anyway, thanks."

"Hats are pretty cool, right? They can hide bedhead in an instant, and, most importantly, they look stylish!"

"Whenever you reach up to fix my hat it's so cute. Haha."

"Heh, my bad. From now on, I'll squat down so you can fix my hat. Thanks."

"You know what, since we're talking about it, let's buy you a hat! We'll pick one out together!"

"Ah, thanks for the massage, you're a lifesaver, seriously. I've had a string of consultations lately, and I was getting really stiff and uncomfortable."

"Ah, your thumb is hitting just the right spot, right below the shoulder-blades."

"Whoa, that feels…Mmm…You're quite skilled, aren't you?"

"Your arm must be getting tired, right? Let's switch and I'll give you a massage. Just so you know, I'm really good at this."

"Damn, you're super tense. Been accumulating stress, huh? Even if you're busy, don't push yourself too hard."

"I've been relying on you for everything. I'll gladly give you a shoulder massage anytime. Just ask without hesitation, okay?"

"Thanks. Mmm…It's incredibly tasty! Want a taste of mine?"

"Hey, aren't you a bit too close? It's not that I dislike it, but well, it's just making me a bit nervous…"

"You must be tired. I can tell just by looking at your face. Don't push yourself, please."

"Being with you is a really soothing experience."

"Hey, what do you say we don't head home just yet? Let's take a detour."

"Sorry, I just don't feel like letting you go just yet. I'd like to spend a little more time alone together."

"You're quite assertive sometimes, you know? It's not that I mind, but…I can't help but worry about if you're this intimate with anyone other than me."

"Your hand is so soft…I didn't mean it that way!"

"You don't want to let go? That's a cute thing to say…Alright, let's keep walking hand in hand."

"Normally, I wouldn't let anyone touch my eyes, but with you it's perfectly fine. It's really strange, isn't it?"

"What's that? My eyes are beautiful? Aren't you going too far with that flattery?"

"I have dark circles under my eyes? Well, it doesn't bother me. Besides, even if I am tired, you're here to comfort me."

"Make sure you only show this side to me, okay? I don't want anyone else seeing you so defenseless."

"You know, being with you really lifts my spirits. I'd like to be your personal doctor. Haha, what am I even saying!"

"Wait, is this…A birthday present?! Even though you're so busy, you still made time to get me something? Oh man, I'm so happy I can't help but smile."

"Listen, Emma, a person only has two arms…Haha, I appreciate it, but really, it's too much."

Gift (Likes) : "Oh, I love this! My spirits just went through the roof! Thanks a bunch!"

Gift (Likes) : "Wait, you got this for me?! Woah! I'm honestly so happy about it. Um, how should I return the favor?"

Gift (Neutral) : "Oh, what's this? You got it for me? Thanks, I'll gladly take it!"

Gift (Dislikes) "Uh, well…You know, I was hoping for something a bit different. Did you maybe forget something?"

-

KAI : Hey, Oboro, there's a dried fruit mentioned in this book, but I'm having trouble with the drying process. Can you help me out?

OBORO : Before relying on others, did you make an effort to research it yourself? I won't lend my wisdom to a slacker like you.

-

KAI : I'll make sure I get a better score on the next assignment than you do…! Prepare yourself, Sion!

SION : You never get tired of saying that, do you? How about learning at least one magic circle while you're busy bickering with me?

-

KAI : Huh!? Est-sensei, you put chili peppers in the coffee again…? Consuming too many stimulants isn't good for you! It's not healthy!

EST : Actually, I feel much better with a little spice…Why don't you try it, Kai? If you get injured, let me know right away.

-

KAI : Don't slow me down, Sion!

SION : That's my line, you single-celled organism!

-

KAI : I'll heal you. So show them what you're made of.

OBORO : I'm not thrilled about this.

-

KAI : Hey Sion, you have a scratch. Let me heal it.

SION : Heal your own injuries first!

#Otome #Yumekuro #Yumekuro Translations #YMKR translations #YMKR #Dream Meister Translations #Otome Translations #Dream Meister And The Recollected Black Fairy #Dream Meister And The Recollected Black Fairy translations #kaivoice

[error501blog]

Possession is Overrated

There. I said it. I can guarantee that I’m now in a hit list. It’s not my least favorite season, but of the few seasons I’ve seen I ranked right above Legacy of the Green Ninja and below Rise of the Snakes. (It’s 4th place)

First I’d like to list some positives:

Loved the music and the ghostbusters remix.

Ronin was a gem. Not many main characters at this point in time had his hat or hair color. His introduction was a little clunky. However I did enjoy watching him bargain with Kai. The introduction did tell us what was necessary to know about him, his allegiance to money. As we see more of him we see him change sides. I loved his relationship with Nya. Their dynamic was so fun. I like the idea of Ronin helping out with Nyas growth. Whenever he showed up you never quite knew what his intentions were. I would describe as this wild card. I like the idea of him being either an ally or friend depending on the season or-in Possession’s case-the episode.

Cole being a ghost genuinely shocked me and my sibling. Crying was involved. I liked how he was worried about being useless to the team. While it did come out of nowhere, I enjoyed/hated the scenes when he was being hugged and he’d get phased through. My little sister was in tears. He couldn’t eat cake. The tragedy. I don’t have much to say, but it was nice to have a ghost Cole.

Kai’s role in this season is good placement. The previous we see Kai struggle with wanting to be the green ninja. The season goes back full circle to his line in season 1 “All of my training to become the best ninja wasn't in preparation to become the Green Ninja. It was… to protect him.” That’s why Kai didn’t have any internal conflict, he didn’t need it. This season was just a nice culmination for his arc of the previous seasons.

I don’t have much to say about Jay and Zane. The season didn’t do much with them. Zane’s voice gag I found hilarious and Jay just has some great lines and scenes. Like when he was skiing or touched the scary picture. It was also great when Cyrus Borg showed up and just gave Kai a headband.

I’m not a Lloyd stan, so I was glad he took a backseat.

Most of the episodes were really fun or had a nice tone. The first one had a great tone. Lloyd’s scream, the color scheme, how powerful Morro is, just everything is a bit unnerving. The ghost aesthetic was very welcomed.

The villains felt strong and intimidating (except Ghoultar) Morro was so clearly much better than any of them. He’s been one step ahead the whole time. All of his friends had unique powers. Soul Archer and Bansha were long range fighters, a contrast to Morro. (Sorta) The villains were meh, but they did their job.

The Haunted House episode, the one where they climb the mountain, when they visit Stiix, the tomb episode. I just had so much fun watching the Ninja in interesting situations. When they were in the Temple of Airjitzu being a highlight. I laughed at the antics of the ninja. How scared they were, it was pure gold. We need a Ninjago compilation every time they say sharpen. The best thing about the episode was how it created tension by putting our characters on a clock. This season did a lot of that and it gave the season a sense of progression. At least to me.

Overall this was a good season. However I must give some nitpicks.

In the long run I’m glad Nya became the water ninja. It makes getting her into the story easier. I’m glad she’s upgraded from a side character to a main. The not being samurai x turmoil is a Hands of Time critique, not a Possession one. Here’s the problem, Nya doesn’t have many flaws. The show says she cares too much, so that’s why she doesn’t try things that are hard for her. Nya caring too much is fine, but Nya has no issue doing hard things. So she quits. Here’s the thing, Nya’s stubborn. (She’s related to Kai) Nya wouldn’t quit easily. The solution to this problem not caring. WTF! What would’ve been better is maybe her over idealizing ninja training, and it’s not what she thought it was. But that seems wrong too because Nya has grown to accept the fact she won’t be a ninja. Maybe something external? Nya has trouble fighting like a ninja and keeps fighting like a samurai? Maybe she needs to accept her more feminine qualities? But Wu should not be the person to teach her that. Idk. Nya suffers due to her lack of character flaws.

I like the idea of a Sky Kingdom with floating temples filled monks and scholars. The aesthetic of Cloud kingdom is nice. I don’t like how it is aesthetically next to the ghost one. That’s just a nitpick. Everyone has complained about how they don’t like the fact that some scrolls and a few monks can control what happens. I don’t want to do that. I would like to say an alternative. Maybe they’re scholars who chronicle the past. They want to document everything. So some evil guy made the Sword of Sanctuary to document shit before it happens. Somehow the monks steal the sword and now it’s hidden in their tallest building or something. Critique number two is why would Fenwick side with Morro?

Does anyone remember Nimbus? What the hell is that? There was many screams by the TV room when ever he was shown. His room also clashed aesthetically with Cloud Kingdom. I don’t know, just everything Nimbus related bugs me.

Why does the Preeminent look that way? It genuinely makes my skin crawl.

I didn’t enjoy the finale too much. Nya’s scene felt hollow. I like how Stiix just got swallowed. That scene with Garmadon happened. (Why isn’t he a ghost???? Dragoni DNA????) He’s already had a death scene before and I preferred the first one but it was fine. Whenever the Ninja get mechs or cars I’m not that excited. It makes action scenes feel less interesting. I liked the idea of Lloyd and Morro fighting with the sword and falling through realms. But it became a weird tackle fight. Not that interesting to me, especially since neither were using their powers much or giving interesting hand to hand combat. I wasn’t shocked by anything that happened in the finale, it just had things happening. Not anything emotional.

This is transcribed from my review of Possesion. I would like to preface this with there’s no hate to Morro fans. I’m one of like 3 people in the fandom who’re not blown away by Morro. (Pun unintended) As a concept he is cool. a failed student of Master Wu coming back to antagonize the Ninja

Morro doesn’t talk to anyone. He doesn’t have meaningful conversations with the characters. Except that last scene with Wu. We never have a conversation between him and Lloyd that’s meaningful. Think about it? We never have much interaction beyond Morro going “I’m a bad guy and I’m gonna hurt you and your friends” The biggest missed opportunity is between him and Kai. The show never explored what the two share and differ. I’ve seen people say that Morro is what Kai would’ve become if he never accepted the fact he wasn’t the green ninja. The only interaction is banter. We don’t ever acknowledge their similarities. Why doesn’t Kai say anything about their similarities. I would’ve been happier if we were given a line or something. Morro has all of this personal baggage and potential that we don’t explore. There’s also a few questions I have for Morro. Why are you working for the Preeminent? What do you want? To be the Green Ninja? Why would you want to be the green ninja? Morro doesn’t get the destiny or the powers. Why do you wish destruction on Stiix? What did the Preeminent promise you? Lastly, WHY ARE YOU IN THE CURSED REALM?

I think Morro bugs me because I see him in so much fan content. There’s so many fics where he’s the main focus. it just annoys me. I mean no shame to Morro fans though, but I’m just tired from seeing the same character. (I do love movie aus of him)

So that’s why I possession is not my favorite. I’d be happy to argue with anyone. Just don’t hurt me. I want to have a discussion about the season, not one post made because I have issues.

#possession #ninjago #ninjago essay #ninjago season 5 #ninjago morro #morro #morro ninjago #ninjago nya #nya smith #nya jiang #ninjago ronin #ninja #kai ninjago #kai #kai smith #kai jiang #cole brookstone #ninjago cole #cole bucket #ghost cole #cole ninjago #lego ninjago #cloud kingdom #fenwick makes no sense #morro hottake #hot take #Ninjago hottake #wrote this on a whim #Ghosts #i’m going insane

[thotsforvillainrights]

sorry if this is a weirdly specific request but could you write a scenario where Overhaul reacts to reader getting a drastic haircut? thank you <3

(It's specific but that's what makes it so fun to think about!)

~Kai's reaction to S/O's new cut~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up|drabble

(May not apply to every reader but let's say you get a new haircut or even a wig or something, new dye job? Anything different from what you currently have for this one!)

"Sick of this...why is it always something new with the authorities around here?" He complains as he furiously taps his pen on his desk and reads over the paperwork again and again. Kurono sitting on the couch nearby is cleaning his guns when he lets out a short burst of air from his nose. "Well for starters, they got some new folks up there trying to make a name for themselves. Obviously they're not gonna have the same respect as the old ones had for our group." He replies and Chisaki rolls his eyes. "Respect huh? That's a funny way to refer to fear. Be that as it may, I don't have time to assert my place for these novices today. It's almost 3 and I have to go pick up Y/N. Take over for me." Hari nodded shortly as Kai stood up and grabbed his jacket on the way out. His mind seemed to find some peace the closer he got to the salon. It was your effect on him...his personal medicine for the worst or even most stressful of days. Seeing on look at your face would help calm any problems he-

What?

He squints and watches closely as you walk to the counter and begin paying. At least it looked a lot like you but your look was different. He was starting to convince himself maybe some sort of doppelganger until he got the notification on his phone that his credit card was swiped at the salon. You glanced over and noticed him parked just outside the window. It really cemented that this was you by the way you cheerfully waved at him with that goofy smile. He remained silent when you walked outside and got into the car. His expression didn't really help to reassure you about your new look and neither did his silence. As the time passed in the car ride home you were becoming more and more offended he didn't even bring it up. Meanwhile he was busy searching for the right words to say to you.

It's not that he didn't like it. It's just that he was having a time trying to suddenly adjust to the change. In his defense, he'd seen you the same way for the longest now. You were spontaneous about many things but this wasn't one of them (depending on reader of course). However, he knew he loved you. He also knew you were very attractive to him no matter what you did so he settled on letting you know how he felt when the two of you made it home and parked in the driveway. He might've been too late when he looked over at you and noticed your body language. You were distanced from him, leaning toward the car door and sulking as though the two of you had an argument. You were starting to regret experimenting when you felt a gentle gloved hand reach out and touch your knee. You looked over to him and listened as he began to finally speak. "My apologie angel, my mind has been occupied with work all day." He lied but you didn't have to know that. He was actually taking time to respond in his own way. "I find this new style of yours to be...interesting to say the least. Anyhow, it doesn't matter what me or anyone else thinks as long as you're happy. Personally you already know what I'd do to someone that made you feel insecure about anything, correct?" You flash a small sad smile and nod slowly.

"And...although I'm not sure how to put it, I know it makes you happy. If you're happy then there's no way I can't be. Besides, I admire the bravery it took for you to try something new. Perhaps I need to start doing so as well?" He smiled beneath the mask and you chuckled lightly. "Does this mean you'll grow your stubble out again?" You asked with hopeful eyes. He scoffed immediately.

"No way in Hell."

#bnha #mha #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #overhaul #kai chisaki #scenario

[fangirlstorycreator]

Hey Bestie 🖤 I wanted to ask if I could request a kk3 Terry scenario? Like we are really good friends, hanging out, having training sessions together and stuff. One night is an important event and he asks us if we would join him cause he finds those events boring and when he picks us up that night we are wearing a beautiful dress, our hair is done nicely and he is wearing a tuxedo and the little bowtie in his hair. We see each other dressed up for the first time and can't take our eyes off of each other. Maybe ending in some sweet, romantic stuff? Take your time as always Bestie, I just had to send this before I forget it 😬🖤 Love you 🤗

Of course bestie! I am more than happy to write this for you 🤗I hope you like it, love you too 💚💚💚

Ever since you'd known Terry, he was always a little ball of energy, especially at work. He was your friend for a long time before be offered you a sensei position at cobra kai, and now you were work colleagues, you were always getting closer and closer. He was always honest with you and confided in you when he was having a problem, and you were the same with him, you were inseparable. Even John could see how close we were, but you didnt care, you just adored Terry.

One evening as you were putting stuff away to lock up the dojo, Terry came wondering out of the office with a glum face. "What's up with you grumpy pants?" "Ah it's just, an old friend of mine has invited me to a celebratory event in the golden goddess hotel tomorow night" "The golden goddess hotel?! Well that's great Terry, why do you look sad about it?" "You know me Y/N, I'm not a big fan of places like that. Despite the money I have, the other rich people always act like snobs" "If you dont want to go Terry I dont think your friend is going to force you" "I know, I know. I will go because he has been there for me in that way before too, I was just....Y/N i was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"

"What you mean, drive you there and pick you up afterword?" "No, no Y/N. I want to know if you'd like to join me there as my plus one? You see every guest is allowed to bring one person with them, and I'd like you to come with me" "You really want me to come? What about John?" "I didnt want to ask him, I wanted to ask you" You could help but think that it wasnt really your kind of scene. "I'm not sure Terry, someone like me amongst rich, pompous people? I'm probably a commoner in their eyes" "Oh Y/N please dont say that, your not. No matter what anyone would think, they have no idea what an amazing person you are. Thats why I want you with me tomorow, your the only person who can make me feel happy and not out of place there. So? What do you say?"

You have a little think "If it will help you feel more comfortable Terry, yes I'll go with you" "Yes! Thank you Y/N" "So what should I where? Maybe a cute top and jeans?" He laughs at your suggestion, then rests his hands on your arms and says "Y/N, dont you worry about that, I have a plan". The next day, Terry was suposed to be picking you up outside your house about 10 in the morning, you see one of his cars pull up with a driver in the front, but when you open the back door, you see Margaret instead. "Oh? Hello Margaret, I was expecting Terry?" "Oh I know dear, come and take a seat and I will tell you what's going on" That's when during the car journey, Margaret explains that he has asked her to take you shopping with one of his cards to get yourself a beautiful dress for the evening. "He knew that if he came then you would politely decline like you always do when he offers to treat you, so he sent me to make sure you have a great shopping experience and actually buy a dress for tonight. So I'm afraid you have no choice but to get yourself a beautiful dress Y/N"

"I suppose your right about one thing, if he was hear I would have declined his money, but your not going to take no for an answer are you Margaret?" "Absolutely not my darling. Oh, it seems we have arrived. Oh and by the way, there is more money on this card that I can even count, so dont worry about the price, and Mr Silver also said if we both want to get out hair done too then we can" So Margaret takes you into one of the best dress shops I'm town, one you could never afford normally, and you have a little look around. Some dont suit your figure or skin tone, and there are some that look just plain awful. Until, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a dress hanging up on the other side of the shop that looked beautiful.

You decide to take one in your size and try it on in the changing rooms, and when you had it on, you walked outside to show Margaret. It was a bodycon dress with a slit on the lower side, so as you wear it, one of your legs and slightly lower thigh is out and showing off. It was a beautiful mixture of black and gold and instead of straps around your shoulders, the sleeves were against the outside of your upper arms, showing off your shoulders. And the upper part of the dress really accentuated your breats, showing off your hourglass figure. "Oh my Y/N, you look amazing" "Margaret, I think we have a winner" You bought the dress there and then, and once you had finished you both popped into a hair salon not far from the dress shop. They made your hair look beautiful, and you made sure on your way home not to do anything that would change it.

Later on that night your at your friends house getting ready, your make up is done, and your hair is still perfect as you pull on your dress. You wear a strapless bra so you can see your shoulders, and you pop on a beautiful silver necklace that very nearly sits inbetween your cleavage. The door bell rings and your friends answers it. "Y/N, Terry's hear!" "I'm on my way down!" You take one last look in the mirror before leaving the bedroom, and that's when you slowly start walking down the staircase. Terry is at the bottom as he sees you walking down, the dress, the hair, the makeup...it leaves him speechless. You can see he is wearing his tuxedo and a cute little white bow in his ponytail, he looks amazing. You reach the bottom of the stairs and say "Wow Terry, you look very handsome tonight"

Terry is still a little speechless at the sight of you, he cant stop smiling and watching you, but he shakes himself out of it, reaches for your hand and says "Y/N you look....impossibly beautiful" then he kisses the back of your hand, instantly making you blush. You both get into his limo and your on your way to the celebratory evening. As you both enter the golden goddess hotel, it looks absolutely beautiful, you cant get over how pretty and expensive everything looks in there. Everyone is told to mingle in the main hall, and that's even more bright and shiny. Terry gets you a glass of champagne before you both head over to his friend who invited him. "Ah Terry so good of you to come old pal. And uhh, who is this exquisite lady on your arm?"

"Mathew, this is my bestfriend and work colleague Y/N" You hold you hand out to shake his hand and he reciprocated. "Its a pleasure to meet you Mathew" "Likewise Y/N. My goodness Terry how did you ever manage to get yourself a bestfriend as gorgeous as this?" "I am just a very lucky man Mathew" he says before giving you a smile. But the nice words arent there for long, that's when a man and one woman walk over to you all, and they look very judging. "Good evening Terry, Mathew" "Hello Robert, may I introduce you too my best-" "Eh not really Terry, I'd much rather discuss some business with you" You were a little taken back by this, but it wasnt like you weren't expecting something like this during the evening, just not so quickly.

"Uhh Robert, that's very rude. My bestfriend hear is a guest and I'd like to introduce her" "Why would I want to talk to a commoner Terry?" The snooty woman deside him agrees "Yes, I'm surprised you brought someone of her type into this kind of establishment. No offence deary but we can sence someone of the lower classes from a mile off" You try to keep your composure. "How dare you speak to Y/N like that, she is the most wonderful, kind hearted person I have ever known!" "Oh that may be the case Terry, but we still do not wish to mingle with someone of her class. So? Shall we leave her and all get another drink?" Terry looks like hes about to charge at this woman, but before he does, you rest your hand against his chest to stop him.

"Its alright Terry, I've got this. Well if everyone is being honest hear tonight, I'd just like to say that maybe I wouldn't want to mingle with someone of YOUR class" "I beg your pardon? Anyone like you should be honoured to even speak to someone like me" "Yeh you say that, but why would I be honoured to be talking to someone who is rude, arrogant, self obsessed, patronising and as impossibly irritating as someone like you?" They all look at you in complete shock ,apart from Terry, who is just admiring you. "So? I'm going to take my drink and have a look around now. And maybe while I do that, you can try to learn the meaning of the word 'manners' and if you dont , then I am more than happy to teach you. Now, if you'll excuse me" you say before sipping your champagne and walking away from them.

Terry smirks at them and follows you out to where you stand on the open balcony, just looking up at the stars. "Oh my god Y/N that was brilliant! For so long I have wanted to do what you just did to them but I never had the guts! Your amazing!" "Well I wouldn't say amazing Terry, all I did was put them back in there place" "But it was awesome!" "I'm surprised you feel that way Terry" "What? What do you mean?" You turn to face him so you can talk to him properly. "I wasnt expecting you to be happy, I was expecting you to be angry" "Angry? What on earth would make you think that?" "Think about it Terry, your just as rich as most of the people in hear and just as important too. And I made an idiot of myself infront of all of them, i didnt want to-" "Hey hey Y/N just hold on there for a moment"

He stands infront of you, resting his hands on your arms as he looks right into your eyes. "Just because I have money doesn't mean I am anything like these people, and I never want to be. I like who I am, and I like who am with you. I loved the way you spoke to them, and I would love more than anything to see it again!" You chuckle before looking to the ground, but Terry smiles and lifts your chin up to look at him again, as his voice gets softer. "I don't want you to ever feel bad about standing up for yourself, it shows courage, and I'm glad I invited you hear with me tonight. Your courage in that room...its just one of the many things I admire about you Y/N. Your the strongest, most kind hearted and incredibly beautiful woman I have ever known....and just having you hear with me, is like a wish that finaly came true"

That was the sweetest and most romantic thing anyone has ever said to you and you cant belive it was Terry of all people saying it. There was no talking , just silence as you both look into eachothers eyes, tention slowly building. His hand rests gently against your cheek, and his thumb moves over your bottom lip in a feather like touch, then he leans down and slowly presses his lips against yours. It was so soft, so slow and yet it was an incredible kiss. His lips felt amazing as they touched yours and his tounge delicately teased yours as the kiss continued. Slowly pulling away from you, his hand still resting against your cheek, your eyes start to open as you look up at him. "How long were you waiting to do that Terry?" "Too long Y/N, too long. Come on, let's get out of hear" "You want to leave? But what about the celebration evening?" "I now have access to those perfect soft lips of yours Y/N, and I intend to take my sweet time, enjoying them....now come on, let's get back to my place" "With pleasure Terry..."

#thomas ian griffith #sensei targaryen #terry silver #kk3 #terry silver x reader

[crescent-maple]

Characters: Ace Trappola, Fem! Reader

Pairing: Ace x Fem! Reader

Tags: dream sequence, small hint of angst

Chapters: 1/?

A/N: this was something i wanted to write as a self indulgent yume lore for my sona and ace but i really couldn't help but turn it into an ace x reader. 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

And yes i am having trouble putting the tags for this chapter 💔

I did not proof read this. Come to think of it i don't really proof read my works 😭

Chapter 1: a peculiar dream

White roses with red paint dripping on a freshly trimmed lawn. Buckets and unused brushes neatly filed in place atop a clean cloth.

The image shifts to a table filled with pastries, tea sets and a couple of cards.

You took the cup carefully, basked in the tea's scent before pressing the rim to your lips in order to take a sip.

When you set it back on the small plate, it made a soft clinking sound. The silence you once new was suddenly filled with various people who began exchanging conversations with their peers, some laughed while others ate their slices of cakes or pies.

But what was this unsettling feeling in your chest? You started to wonder where 'he' was. 'He' should be here by now.

You stood from your seat and frantically searched for 'him' but to no avail.

'He' was nowhere to be found.

You shut your eyes and prayed in silence.

When the sounds of unfamiliar people vanished into thin air you opened your eyes and found yourself standing in front of a mirror. As you blink away tears thst had formed at the corner of your eyes you noticed the mirror did not show your reflection.

The mirror was pitch black then smoke began to form. You walked closer to get a better look, to tell yourself you were seeing things but when you peered into it someone pressed a hand against the mirror from the other side.

"Y/N ...."

His voice was soft yet it was filled with yearning and ... relief?

You hear footsteps from the mirror. He was closer... The unfamiliar male wore a hood over his head. If it weren't for the smoke you could've seen his face but all you saw was the smile across his lips.

"I'll be right there soon. I promise."

You wanted to ask him who he was.

What was his name? How did he know you? Why was your heart beating fast inside your chest as if it was a bird trapped in a cage waiting for the moment to be free? Why did you feel happy and sad at the same time when you heard his voice? Was he the person you were waiting for earlier? The one who never appeared?

So many questions buzzling in your mind yet no words were formed to be voiced out. All you did was place a hand on the mirror's cold surface, specifically where his palm is.

"I don't have that much time. Just wait for me, 'kay? Just a little more."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 

The sound of an alarm pulled you away from the dream and back to reality. You didn't really feel happy about it because you wanted to know what happened next but you couldn't help but wonder why you held the male's words close to your heart.

You didn't mind waiting... Didn't mind waiting if it was him. Though there was one problem.

Who are you waiting for?

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 

Today wasn't special. It was like any other day in all honesty, you thought while ruffling your messy, tangled up hair with a hand.

Your routine was typically:

Fix the bed. Take a shower. Dress up for work. Go to the office. Survive an eight hour shift. Go back home. Play games. Sleep. Rinse- Repeat.

Though things didn't really "repeat" as it should. As soon as you got home the mirror where you would often stare your reflection at shined brightly. Tendrils of smoke hovered a few inches from the floor until a hand reached out.

#twisted wonderland #ace trappola #twisted wonderland ace #heartslabyul #twst ace #twst ace x reader #ace x fem!reader #twst ace x fem!reader #ace trappola x fem!reader #nyxcrappywriting

[after-out-of-place]

Epilogue - The Call

The cacophony of an old phone pierced through the warm tones of their tenor saxophone, demanding the small space of Bubble-Glub's living arrangements. The place felt small now that the dive-bar work-to-live mindset had been replaced with far grander things. Stashing the instrument carefully, their green hand slid lazily over the ringing appliance after several of its shrieks. Click. "Nyello." "Hello there, I'm lookin' for a mister 'Bubbled Gub'?" They let out a sigh, placed away from the receiver. "Məks. Bubble-Glub. This is them." "Alright so, Bubbles, if I may-" the voice continued. "You mayn't."

There was no introduction, attempting to skip straight to business. Whatever this was about, this caller had made several stellar mistakes already. "O-kay! So we got off on the wrong foot here, no offense-" "Some taken." they responded curtly, hoping to fluster the other end. It failed. "-no offense meant. So, I'm calling on behalf of the 'Out Of Place' establishment, hi, since they had an inquiry regarding a diner by the name of 'Jimmy's'? Does that ring any bells?" They grinned, for sure they remember Jimmy's. It'd been where they met Chritty for the first time, who showed himself capable under stress. Not necessarily stress caused by small mechanical ursine attempting to ruin everyone's day, but that was definitely a one-time thing and Chritty did stick with the rest of the band after dealing with them rather than finding a less chaotic crew. That meant they had soul, Bubble-Glub decided. It was also where they'd met Horace for the second time, of course. But this caller didn't seem interested in the band, so why not acquaint them with Jimmy's menu instead? "Mmhmm." Bubble-Glub continued, "It's a proper greasy spoon. Serves a mean set of cackleberries on a raft soakin' in axle grease and their java, even high 'n dry, ain't nothin' to sneeze at neither." "Riiiight … soooo there's a report for property damage caused by a … mechanical bear?"

They pinched the bridge of their nose, letting out another heavy sigh. This caller would not let up, and what they said was true: before even heading to Ballroom Bay for the Monstervision finals, the band was put in danger during breakfast by various mechanical doodads, courtesy of the San Bearino Bears' lead loser "Leo", and it had caused some minor damage to Jimmy's diner. To make matters worse, a larger of Leo's mechanical bears had fixated on them in the same week as the diner incident, with a malfunction causing the creature to only bear-hug as a sign of affection rather than aggression - it had been trying to enter the diner in an attempt to save Bubble-Glub from its smaller brethren. It had then kept following them around aimlessly until it was finally returned to its owner: Leo's father, a powerful man in the business of electronics. That it did not stay put is a different issue. "Ain't my problem." came Bubble-Glub's response. It could actually be their problem. While they all tried to continue like normal after everything had been taken care of, Bubble-Glub did slip an old business-card of the 'Out of Place' towards Jimmy himself with a wink and a knowing nod to signify the damage would be handled - they'd deliberately left it as a jab towards the 'Out Of Place's new management for having transformed a perfectly good dive-bar into a sterilized mess serving 'fusion cuisine'. To make matters worse, while Horace and Sila did file a report shortly after the diner incident, the response from law enforcement had been lax to say the least. This call was clearly meant as a squeeze. The longer this call would continue, the more of a chance there would be for Bubble-Glub to lose even a sliver of their cool and say something that'd get at least one of the band in hot water with one of several bad actors. "Oh, but I think it is your problem." the voice continued, "You have been seen closely associating with mechanical bears." "This is San Bearino, bub. Everything associates with bears." "Oh." the voice on the other end muttered an expletive clearly not meant to reach the receiver. "Cool. Thanks for the talk." "No! Wait! Uh! Hold on!", the voice stammered, There it was, the last-ditch attempt to get a foot in the door: "I propose we set up a meeting, face-to-face. Surely someone like yourself would agree to work things out in a more cordial manner? Let your people reach out to mine and we'll work it out from there." "My people reach out through music. Have fun talkin' to the radio."

Click.

#mmnmm #snippet #*this could take place not long after Monstervision and before Duck Sanctuary*

[beef-strokinoff]

erik is a 40 or 50 something year old kissless virgin who has never had a normal social interaction in his whole life his only real social skills are 1) hide from ppl 2) trick ppl into thinking he's a ghost/angel 3) murder ppl thats it those are his only means of getting what he wants from people the only relationships he has that come even a little bit close to normal is with madame giry and the persian and even then he still lies to them so with all this in mind it's obvious that he's completely inexperienced and unequipped to navigate a romantic and/or sexual relationship which means he has neither the charisma nor the confidence to be seductive and sexy thats why in order to get a girl to talk to him he decided to pretend to be a supernatural being instead of just being himself and when he does start being himself things go downhill instantly because as an angel he had power over christine and his interactions with her plus it allowed him to keep a (metaphorical and literal) wall between them to protect himself but as just a guy he's much more vulnerable and he is absolutely not emotionally mature enough to deal with being in a position where he has to talk to her and be in the same room with her as an equal which is why he tries to control her throughout the book through force (kidnapping her, threatening to kill everyone including himself if she doesn't become his waifu, etc) maybe if he had just been normal and brought her flowers or something after a performance and went from there things could've worked out better between them but the other thing is that she's like 20 something, he's old enough to be her father which on it's own isn't great but even if everything went exactly how he wanted and she married him in like. 10.. 20, maybe 30 years she'd have to dump his ass into a retirement home but also in the meantime sex could be a problem because my man is not only middle aged and a virgin he's also been living in a cellar for ??? years so you know he's gotta be physically as well as mentally unwell by now how likely is it that peepaw can keep up with someone in their 20s he doesn't seem very sexually motivated in the book like he was fully prepared to never take his mask off around christine until she yoinked it so i doubt he would've dropped his pants like any kind of physical intimacy just never seemed to occur to him until the very end and all that was was the most chaste kiss imaginable and even with that he was super timid about it erik did you really think you could just do card tricks and play music all day for your wife and she would be happy about it??? you didn't think that if you managed to get a wife that she might want you to fuck her??? if you don't have low self esteem now you definitely will when you realize her recovery time is 10 minutes and yours is.. much much longer and given how good he is at dealing with people and his own emotions (sarcasm) it would definitely become an issue i'm mostly talking about leroux erik here but i think some of this still applies to the younger and hotter alw erik like if u think that he's a sexy dude you've fallen for the front he puts up anyway all this is to say that i think the thing where christine is soo horny about him that she runs back and has wild nasty sex with him at the last minute sucks like if ur gonna do that with your adaptation at least do what susan kay did and have him die afterwards (death by pussy is funny)

idk i just think the reason erik is sexy is not because he is sexy. its because when you peel back the paper thin and incredibly performative veneer of sexiness he puts up you see that he's actually the most pathetic and irritating lil guy you'll ever meet underneath. and i think thats special. smiles

[sluttyten]

the way I didn’t really mind which exo member I pulled from my album, but I pulled Kai who was my original exo bias, and as I just checked the template to see what the other cards looked like his is also my favorite card from this version of the album, and also he’s the only member that I already have any photocards of so it’s perfect

#bc I pulled him from one of my super one albums plus he’s in the unit pc with ten #and technically I got 2 of Baekhyun’s ids but those don’t really count since I’ve traded one and am hoping to trade the other #but now I have the problem of not knowing where to put Kai’s card #because the superm section of my binder is a mess #bc I gave taeyong and ten their own page since I have the most of their things #both of Taeyong’s American superm and ten’s and also I have the super one PCs for both #plus their tour cards #like taeyong loves me in superm I’ve pulled him 3 times #I pulled mark twice #taemin once #and Kai once #ten hates me #I’ve only pulled his card from an album exactly once and that was take over the moon #and his resonance id card and his super one orange id but those don’t really count #my kun and Doyoung luck has been a lot better #but still not great

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS BLOODY BOUQUET Vol.1 Sakamaki Ayato [TRACK 2]

Original title: 黒薔薇の呪い

Source: Diabolik Lovers Bloody Bouquet Vol. 1 Sakamaki Ayato [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here (9:24 - 22:12)

Seiyuu: Midorikawa Hikaru

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

TRACK 2: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK ROSES 

You walk up to Ayato.

*Thud*

“...Oh? Whatcha got there? …Tea? …Geez, don’t you have somethin’ different?”

*Sluuurp*

*Ding・dong*

“Hm? Who’s that? Oi, Chichinashi. Go answer the door.”

You nod and leave the room. 

“We don’t get that many visitors. Don’t tell me it’s Laito and the others are here to get in our way? Pwaah…”

*Sluuuurp*

“Oh well, a cup of tea isn’t so bad every once in a while.”

You return.

*Rustle*

“...Ah? You found those left at our doorstep? Who the heck put a bouquet of black roses there? Talk about bad taste.”

*Rustle*

*Flip*

“There’s no sender mentioned on the card either, the fuck? Is this a prank? Disgusting. The inside…”

*Flip*

“...Blank!?”

You accidentally prick yourself on one of the thorns and squeak.

*Thud*

“Hah? A thorn? Lame-o. What are you doin’?”

*Rustle*

“Geez, it got you good as well…Be a lil’ more careful, ‘kay? Come on, gimme your hand.”

You protest.

*Rustle rustle* 

“Imma disinfect it. You should know that by now that lickin’ the wound will work better than any medicine, right? ーー Come on!”

*Rustle*

“First I have to take it out…Ugh…I’m no good at this kind of precise work…Fuck! What’s wrong with this thorn? It keeps on digging further into your skin! ーー Tch! Shit…What’s its problem? Guess it’d be easier to just suck it out instead?”

Ayato attempts to suck the thorn out.

“It’s not workin’...Hm?”

You ask him if something is wrong.

“Nah…I don’t really know what’s goin’ on but…I heard that If it ends up in your bloodstream, it could eventually travel through your veins and stab you in the heart.”

*Ba-dump*

“...!!”

You show concern. 

“Fuck…What is happenin’...? All of a sudden, my body…My head’s spinning…”

You ask if he’s okay.

“Aah…!? Shouldn’t that be clear? I’m obviously not fine!”

*Rustle*

“Fuck…Is there somethin’ up with these roses…?”

*Flip*

“But the card is blank…Shit!”

You ask if you can take a look at the card. 

“Aah…? Look all you want.”

*Flip*

“Unless my eyes are no longer workin’, there’s clearly nothin’ written on theーー Wait.”

*Rustle*

“Hold up. …Words have started appearing…where the blood from your finger touches the surface.” 

*Rustle rustle*

“Gimme that!”

*Flip*

“...’The thorns of the black roses have put a permanent curse on you. Your blood will gradually begin to rot, becoming a poison which torments the immortal. This process can no longer be stopped. There is only one way to survive, to continue having only the person you love feast upon your blood. If not, the curse will surely be the end of you.’

...Aah!? The fuck!? What does this mean…!? Bullshit! Which bastard wrote this shit…!? …!! Is the Old Man behind this again!? …But for what reason? Fuck! ーー Oi, you don’t feel anything?”

*Flip*

“If this card is tellin’ the truth, your blood should be…”

You shake your head.

“I see. …I guess that’s good. …Chichinashi, come here!”

Ayato pulls you close.

*Rustle rustle*

“Shouldn’t that be obvious? I’m goin’ to check if this curse bullshit is real or not.”

You protest.

“Don’t make a fuss! …Accordin’ to the card, I’m the only one who can suck your blood. I can’t tell if it’s tellin’ the truth just from a lil’ lick. In which case…”

He leans in close. 

*RIIIIIP*

“ーー Ugh!”

*Rustle*

“I have no other choice but to confirm this way, right?”

Ayato bites you.

“Mmh…”

*Gulp*

“...Cough…Cough, cough…!! …Damnit…The fuck’s this…? Haah…Unfortunately…It doesn’t seem like that card…was just a prank…Ugh…”

You push him away and run off.

*THUD*

“...What are you doin’...!?”

He catches up to you.

*Rustle*

“Thought you could get away from me, huh?”

You tell him to stay away. 

“Don’t tell me what to do. I’ll do as I please…! No matter how much you protest!”

You talk back. 

“Shut up! Don’t defy me!”

He continues sucking your blood.

“Mmh…Nn…Hah…Cough…Cough, cough…!! Fuck…Ugh…I feel…nauseous…Mmphー!? …Ugh…As if my chest is on fire…”

Ayato collapses.

*Rustle*

“Shut up…Just keep…your damn mouth shut…”

*Rustle rustle*

“Che…You pesky little…Stop strugglin’...! How many times do I have to tell you!? If you continue to resist…You’ll leave me with no other choice. Ugh…”

*RIIIIIIP*

“I’ll use these…to tie you up…until you can no longer move.” 

You beg him not to. 

“Why would I stop? If I don’t do this, your blood’s gonna rot and you’ll die, remember!? Kuh…Ugh!”

You continue to protest. 

“Shut up!! I don’t know if it’s poison or whatever! If you dare speak another word, I’m gonna cover your mouth as well! Is that clear? Now behave and lemme suck your blood…Hahn…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Mm…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Nn…Haah…Hah…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“So, Chichinashi? How does it feel to have me feed off you while you can’t fight back? Hahn…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Mm…Nn…Mmph…Honestly, this curse is everything I could ever ask for. Haah…”

You frown.

“Now, you belong only to me, in the most literal sense of the phrase. I’m sure you’re at least clever enough…to avoid givin’ anyone else your blood…when your life's on the line. Hahn…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Hah…I better express my gratitude…to those black roses…and the idiot who gave them to us…”

You tell him to stop once more. 

“Shut up! Don’t order me ‘round! You just keep still and focus solely on my fangs!” 

*Rustle*

“Ah…Are you tryin’ to upset me on purpose so I’ll treat you a lil’ rougher…?”

*RIIIIIP*

*Rustle*

“You should just be honest ‘bout that then…I’ll do as you wish. Do you like it here?”

Ayato bites you once more. 

*Sluuuuurp*

“Hah…Hahn…God. These darn thorns…Ugh…My head’s spinnin’...”

You tell Ayato he does not have to suffer for your sake. 

“Haah…? Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m suckin’ your blood because I want to! I don’t give a damn ‘bout your life…”

You look hurt.

“Well, duh? Even if you were to die, I can just turn you into a Vampire. Your life has absolutely no value to me. However, if I were to do that, the one thing that actually makes you valuable, being your blood, would be lost. A fellow Vampire’s blood tastes like shit after all. I can’t imagine anyone would want to drink that, unless they’re some sort of freak.”

*Rustle*

“Your blood is really the only thing exceptional ‘bout you…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Mmh…Nn…”

*Sluuuuurp*

“Hahn…”

*Rustle*

*Gulp*

“That’s why I’m keepin’ you alive…I mean, what other reason would I have? Aah? It’s clear that you obviously like me. I mean, the fact you’re still alive because I’ve been sucking your blood is the ultimate proof. Right?”

You ask Ayato how he feels about you.

“I…? How do I feel about you? That’s…Ugh…Kuh…Fuck…Hahーー!”

Ayato suddenly collapses. 

*Thud*

“Haah, haah…Fuck this stupid curse! I’m the only one who gets to do with you as I please…! Ugh…”

He loses consciousness. 

( Ultimately, I was unable to just genuinely admit that I wasn’t doing all of this solely for her blood. I figured she would understand, even without me spelling it out to her after all. )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #ayato sakamaki #diabolik lovers bloody bouquet #diabolik lovers translation #diabolik lovers drama cd #drama cd

[maybe-theres-hope]

Those Four Words

So yeah I JUST finished Desperate Measures and I literally had to get this out before I could sleep. 

5.03 Coda | 1.6k | Summary: How I would love to see them get their shit together. Title from the episode, referring to Eddie saying “We need to talk” because YES YOU FUCKING DO. *puts on clown nose*

Buck finds Eddie sulking on the bench in the locker room. Because this was becoming a pretty common occurrence as of late, he takes it on himself to do the best friend thing he always does, and walks in to sit beside him. 

The fact that Eddie doesn’t automatically look up at him with annoyance--like he has most of the time Buck has done this in the past few weeks, when they both know what the conversation is going to sound like--is unsettling but not off-putting.

“Hey,” is his opener. Quiet and courteous of Eddie’s obvious pain. Buck’s good at this best friend thing. Had a lot of practice lately.

He gets nothing in reply for long, long moments. He waits it out. Eddie’s a closed-off guy at the best of times, but when he’s hurting, it’s like a steel wall is up between him and the world. Buck’s taken a sledgehammer to that wall a few times and it hasn’t ended pretty. Lately he’s been just simply knocking at it, hoping the man on the other side can hear that he’s not alone. That’s all he can do. 

Then, “I broke up with Ana. Like. Officially.”

Buck is quiet for a moment. “Was there an...unofficial breakup before that?”

“I don’t know. Probably when I panicked twice in front of her at the mere mention of us as a family. Think that set off a few warning bells in her.”

Buck very carefully remains silent. 

“Well, actually. I don’t know if it did because...she was pretty devastated when I told her it wasn’t going to work. Like she didn’t see it coming after all.”

“What did you tell her? At the official breakup, I mean.” Buck doesn’t move, doesn’t speak above a low tone that barely breaches the two-foot divide between them. 

“Not the truth, that’s for damn sure. But. Something maybe close to it.” Eddie still hasn’t looked at him. His hand is half-over his eyes, fingers pressing at his temples like he’s trying to stave off a migraine. Buck’s presence is sometimes migraine inducing, he knows, but he doesn’t think he’s ever done it to Eddie.

...Maybe?

Nah. 

Hopefully not.

“What’s...something like the truth?” he asks.

“Basically that I thought I could grow to love her eventually. I tried hard to do that, but...it’s never going to happen. I know it’s not.”

Buck remains silent, waiting.

“She...she’s not stupid. She figured out that what was sending me into...whatever was happening to me--”

Buck very pointedly does not point out that what was happening were full blown panic attacks, Eddie--

“--was triggered by the thought of a future with her. It’s not even that she’s a bad prospect. She’s perfect, actually. In every way except that she’s not... Nevermind.”

“So, she was good with Christopher, right? I mean, you said she was--” Buck’s concern is hard to hide. If she did anything to hurt Christopher or make him feel...any type of way, Buck will be livid. But he doesn't think that’s the case. He even likes Ana. She’s nice, friendly, caring. She’s just...

“She’s just not for me.”

Buck can clearly see this is distressing Eddie to the nth degree, but he doesn’t know how to fix it. He’s never had to save a relationship before. And is that what he should be doing? Sure, he’s great at this best friend thing and he wants his friend to be happy--more than anything in the world--but he’s at a loss as to what the actual problem is here.

“But Eddie, you said yourself she’d make a great mother for Chr--”

“He doesn’t need another mother! He had one, and she’s gone. He doesn’t need another.” The raised voice makes Buck pause for a moment. It’s the loudest either of them have spoken the entire time, and he’s sure it has a lot to do with the Shannon of it all, but...it doesn’t seem like that’s the whole thing. 

“I don’t know why I tried to force it. I knew it wasn’t going to work from day one. But she’s just...she was the best alternative.”

“Alternative to what? Eddie, what--”

“I’m in love with someone else! Okay? And I know I should have told her that, but I couldn’t. I can’t even...” he cuts himself off with a huff, but for the first time, he looks up to meet Buck’s gaze. His eyes are shining, but he’s not sad. He’s frustrated. Buck’s learned to tell the difference over the years. 

Best friend and all.

He weighs his options, because this is brand new information to him, which is saying something, and he’s not quite sure where to go from here.

Sure, he absolutely knows where he wants this to go, but. He’s also learned over the years that that’s just...not in the cards. Not for Buck, anyway.

Finally, he opens his mouth again. “I...didn’t know you were seeing anyone else besides Ana. Thought you two were, like, a serious thing.” Understatement of the year. How on earth was Eddie seeing someone that Buck didn’t know about? They practically lived out of each other’s pockets half the time. 

Eddie huffs out a small, horrible laugh. “I’m not. Seeing anyone. In that sense, anyway. Though we do see a lot of each other. A disgusting amount, if I’m being honest.” The laugh he lets out here is not horrible. It’s almost...fond. 

“O...kay.” Somewhere inside, Buck’s heart falters. “So, what’s the problem? Do they...not feel the same way?”

Another huff of a laugh. “Dunno. I never asked.” Eddie’s back to rubbing his temples again, almost hiding his face on purpose. 

“Alright, well, that should probably be step one.” Buck can’t keep the hint of scolding out of his tone, but he can see that it makes Eddie smile. “I can help you, if you want?”

This makes Eddie smile even wider, but it turns sad in an instant. “I know you would. But you can’t.”

Buck takes a moment--or several--to consider himself. To weigh all his options and arrive at a logical and sensible conclusion.

Who is he kidding? Buck opens his mouth on impulse, praying to every deity he’s ever heard of that he’s not wrong and he’s not about to ruin everything.

“I can try.” Another small laugh from Eddie in response, a hopeless, resigned one. “Eddie.” When he gets no reaction, he tries again. He really needs eye contact for this, no matter how much he knows Eddie hates it during emotional conversations. “Eddie.”

Slowly, Eddie’s eyes meet his. Buck goes for broke. 

“Step one. Ask.”

Eddie stares at him for a moment, no discernible change in his features. Buck’s eyes plead with him. And then, it’s like Buck can watch the switch flip behind his eyes. When he catches up to what’s being said here. 

Buck holds his breath for what feels like ages and feels his skin grow cold with shame because he was wrong, he was wrong, he was so so wrong--

“Are--” Eddie begins, strained. Buck’s heart stops. “Are we--” Buck’s sure his heart can’t actually stop twice, but it definitely does at this addition. 

His eyes are glued to Eddie’s, though. Like magnets. Pulling in the only direction they can ever go. The way the universe wills them. 

Eddie seems to come back to himself for a moment, flicking his eyes to the glass. Buck’s eyes tear themselves away to look at what’s caught his attention. The entire B shift and some of the A are still milling around outside. 

“Are we really going to do this here?” is the question Eddie actually poses to him. But, when Buck’s eyes snap back to their target, he sees something that kickstarts his heart again, and he lets out the breath he’d been deliberately holding for the last 45 seconds, give or take. Eddie’s tiny, timid smile seals the deal. 

“We could go to my place?” Buck offers. Tries desperately not to think about what could happen. What he wants to happen. 

“I need to get home to Christopher.” Eddie’s standing, grabbing his duffel. Buck’s nodding, because yeah, that’s true. He scrubs his mind of the...thoughts that were just playing through it.

“And so do you,” is what’s tacked onto the end, just thrown out there, like it’s the most normal, logical thing in the world. Eddie’s face is still a little timid when Buck looks up, but his own face must give away his heart because Eddie’s smile after that is radiant. He hands Buck his own bag, also giving him a hand up off the bench.

Yeah, his legs are a little wobbly. Good best friend actions, Eddie. Thanks. 

Though. Buck doesn’t know if that term still applies. Are they friends? Are they more now? But they haven’t talked about anything so, like, they’re not anything yet, right? But Eddie said he was in love with--

His thoughts halt when Eddie lands a small kiss to his lips, there and gone again in a nanosecond and wow, that had no right to be as earth-shattering as it was, it was just a peck, for Christ’s sake, and--

“Buck. Get your shit and lets go, yeah?”

“Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah.” Smooth. 

But Eddie’s smiling. For real this time. Buck will take that.

lbr, the show wouldn’t acknowledge Taylor during this conversation. It’d be wrapped up the next episode and she would storm out and never be heard from again. Definitely NOT how I’d want that to go, but. We all know it would. *honks clown nose*

#buddie #buddie fic #911 on fox #911 fic #eddie diaz #evan buckley #MY FIRST BUDDIE FIC PLS BE KIND #brooke writes

[parachutingkitten]

Y'all suck at dissecting Kai's character, so I guess I have to do it.

And I'm not even a Kai stan. He's a bottom tier ninja for me, which I guess means you can trust me, cuz I'm not biased, but also why am I the one doing this? I don't know about y'all, but recently on my dash, the method by which Kai fans try to make him sound good is... saying the writers hate him, ignore him, and that he isn't written well? Which... I mean there is a little bit of truth to, but like yikes guys, is this the best you got? Kai is a wonderful character with plenty of attention from the writers, a meaningful piece of the cast when put in secondary rolls, fairly consistent character writing with actual progression and valuable qualities that help the team without having to be the smart one- despite what some posts might tell you.

Let's get one thing cleared up: Ninjago isn't the best written show. By high level Hollywood standards, most the character arcs are kinda weak or too heavy handed, character consistency can be iffy, and most things serve the plot rather than the characters. There is no character you can point to and say "wow, this character is written so well! No complaints!" Nya and Jay were butchered by their weird love plot, Cole's one season doesn't actually give him an arc, Zane's been nothing but the robot numbers guy for like 10 seasons now, and Lloyd seems to be incapable of doing anything but relive the same one piece of dad angst for depth. Sorry, it's true. All the characters suck when you look at it from a large scale writing perspective. So when I say Kai is well written, I mean by ninjago kids show standards- cuz that's the scale we're working on. No, you couldn't drop Kai into a well written drama, but as far as ninjago goes... he's got a lot going for him, and by no means is he the biggest victim of poor writing.

(fair warning, wall of text below)

The title is a bit disingenuous. There are plenty of good Kai character break downs. What I am presenting here is a more positive perspective. On the whole, I will tend to give the writers the benefit of the doubt, and credit for what they do right writing is hard guys. That's what I'm doing here. I don't see much sense in getting mad the writers on behalf of Kai, or any other character. Ninjago is a simplistic ensemble show that works because of the identifiable simplicity of its main characters with some deeper layers hidden underneath if you keep watching. They've given us a damn good show with some damn enjoyable characters, so here are some criticisms I feel are a little flawed:

First, let's get the 'focus' thing out of the way. Apparently there are people saying Kai doesn't have a season yet? Which... what? I mean, I get that the pilots aren't a full season, the first two seasons, though he is the central protagonist, aren't "Kai seasons" as we've come to define ninja focus seasons, season 7, though he gets majority focus, he shares with his sister. But like... did y'all just forget about season 4? You know, the season where he had the title card, was on the box sets, got the love interest, and the majority of the A-plot? not to mention it's the best season don't @ me Like... if season 4 isn't a Kai season, I can make a damn good argument that season 3 isn't a Zane season, and I doubt anyone wants to go down that rabbit hole. I really can't wrap my head around this one. And I get that the fandom hates season 11 for some reason, but like you can't just pretend it doesn't exist. Kai has a consistent arc across 30 episodes in which he takes his powers for granted, loses them, and learns that, not only does he have value within the team without them, but that his element is intrinsically a part of him that he reclaims, bringing them back more powerful than ever, and with new respect for them. That's one of the most solid arcs in the whole series- the location is even thematically connected to his element. That's some good stuff right there! (Quick plug for season 11 if you haven't watched it in a while. Give it a rewatch, you might be pleasantly surprised)

Not to mention the writers give him fun side stuff all the time. Lots of fears of tech and water to overcome, a deep protective streak with Lloyd, becoming a chancellor, having a true potential actually relevant to the plot as a whole, blacksmith responsibilities, befriending dragons, hanging out with his dad. Not to mention actual focus stuff we haven't talked about yet, like his whole "my dad is evil" phase, and his "I might be evil" phase with him and Skylor. And on top of that, even when he doesn't have an explicit side plot, he's always just a fun and dynamic side character to make jokes or give exposition.

Now, into character stuff. Let's start with Kai's hot headed-ness. Some people say he's been loosing this quality, and I will admit, that's true! But those that claim this makes him inconsistent... I strongly disagree. In early seasons, Kai's temper would lead him to snap at his friends or make stupid decisions that set the team back (see episode 2 Zane freak out)- these are bad things. These are character flaws, yes? Now, in newer seasons, people say that he's inconsistent, cuz sometimes he'll be hot headed, and sometimes he won't. I'd say, this is exactly how being hot headed... works? It flares up without warning, and as an individual gets control of it, it'll pop up less and less often because they're channeling it into productive things - like say directing the anger towards an enemy (see season 11 end freak out). Kai has gained control of a character flaw, and though it still pops up on occasion, the fact that it's a once in a while kind of thing speaks to his growth. I have a little brother who has this exact personality, and watching him grow up, I can tell you, this is how it is. He used to snap all the time, and he still does sometimes, but much less frequently, because he's a more mature person with better control of his emotions. This is a good thing. This is overcoming personal flaws. This is progression we're seeing.

And while you're hyper focused on this one aspect of him, things like his cocky confidence haven't changed a bit. I mean, that season 3 bit between him and Pixal, and his season 11 "fire maker" streak have the exact same energy. You can not convince me otherwise.

Another adjacent quality that hasn't been dampened is Kai's impulsiveness. This can be a good quality of his, he'll get into a fight without thinking, getting the jump on the enemy. Good stuff. But, this has become such a well defined trait of Kai's that it has been used in a comedic capacity. This is what happens when a character is extremely consistent to the extent that both the audience and the characters in universe would be able to predict their actions. Kai's impulsivity used to be a more serious quality that put himself and others at risk, and was a big power move whenever he did something rash, but it's become such a staple of the show that it's now being used for comedy. That isn't Kai's impulsivity going away, that's Kai's impulsivity being recontextualized for the sake of the show. The season 9 "Who's stupid enough to jump on that thing" isn't a joke at the expense of Kai just for being dumb, it's a joke at Kai's being so predictably impulsive that everyone already knows he'll be the one to put himself in an insane amount of danger without thinking twice (you know, something stupid that might get him killed). But because in this instance, the danger is warranted, this is bravery. It's a complement to his character- it's what ends up defeating the colossus. Why are some people so bothered by this joke?

Oh right, cuz for some reason people want to peg Kai as the smart one? Look, Kai isn't stupid, none of the ninja are. All of them have smart moments (all of them have dumb ones too) and Kai can certainly handle himself, but "smart" is definitely not one of his defining characteristics- I think some people are confusing smart for his actual strength. Connected to his impulsivity, Kai has very good simplistic instincts. He sees the big picture and looks at the most surface level solution- which when the situation calls for it, that does indeed make him smart. But the same logic that led him to think "This snake has a glowing target on its head, lets hit it" also led him to think "I'm in a video game, therefore I am immortal." Are you really going to look at me and say he figured out Lloyd was the green ninja through logical deduction and a careful consideration of the facts? No. He had a gut feeling, and he trusted it. Instincts- instincts paired with his impulsive following of said instincts is what leads him to solve problems- and sometimes, that can be extremely effective. This goes for other ninja too. Jay isn't the smartest ninja- I would really only classify Zane and Nya as having intelligence define them (hence their ship name). But Jay is extremely creative and crafty. He also knows his was around mechanics, and as such, this will lead him to come up with creative tech based solutions which are smart. But, idk about you, if I had to point to another ninja as being 'dumb' it would 100% be Jay. Kai is a lot of things. He's passionate and determined and confident and persistent. He's a good improvisor, he's powerful and he's charming! These are all wonderful qualities, he doesn't also have to be the smart one. I am the worlds biggest Pixal stan, and she's a smart, sassy, powerful character, but I'm not gonna sit here and tell you she's also hilarious and adaptable and strong willed. She's a straight man to all the ninja's antics, extremely tied to her samurai x suit, and lets people push her around all the time. That doesn't mean she can't be funny, or self interested, but when she does act these ways, it stems from her other more prominent qualities. That make sense?

And while we're clearing up what Kai isn't, please stop characterizing Kai as an overly protective brother - especially romantically. The only two times he's been romantically protective to Nya are in Wu's Teas which I mean, come on and in the pilots when Jay is literally a stranger. For crying out loud, by the end of the pilot, he's smiling when Jay and Nya hug. That's not overly protective, that's just normal, any reasonable person would react this way, protective. And it's such a great stereotype break for a kids show like ninjago, having an older brother who actually trusts his younger sister to be her own independent person who can make her own decisions. I mean, I guess it's fine if you HC differently but like... idk, I don't buy it.

Now, is there still room to criticize the writers? Yes. Hell yes. But not to an extent greater than any other character. Could he have had more of a defined reaction to events of the most recent season that I won't name for the sake of spoilers? Yes. But could Zane have reacted for more than .5 seconds at being an evil war lord for apparently 60 years? Yeah. Has Kai taken a back seat in the past 4 seasons? Yeah. But so has Lloyd- and he's literally the main character of the show. Not to mention two of those seasons have gone to people who had to wait over ten seasons to get one to themselves, and one of them is a 40 minute special. Kai's doing just fine.

Anyway. Kai is great. He's a fun, stereotype breaking, impulsively driven, ball of energy and confidence who gets a good amount of screen time and some fun side plots.

One last thing to clear up: no hate to anyone. This isn't targeted at anyone specific, this post has been a long time coming, I've just seen some weird overblown claims on various platforms over the past few months and I finally sat down to write about it.

I like the Kai content we have. After all, if the writers were really that bad at writing him, then no one would like him.

Wow this was so much longer than I thought it would be. Um... if you have other long winded rants you'd like to see from me... let me know I guess?

#ninjago #kai ninjago #kai smith #parachuterants #analysis #lets add this tag: #/lh

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Mind The Gap: One

Summary: In an age of Heroes, there's always one more Villain. Can Shang- Chi handle his girlfriend needing to walk a Hero's Journey of her own? And how will he handle the two of you not being the only "people" in your relationship?

“Where are you?”

“I’m safe- well. Relatively speaking.”

“Y/N-” He tightened his grip on the phone like it was a life line. Like if he clung on hard enough, he could find you somehow.

“I promise to explain it all when I get back,” you say slowly, in what you hope is a relaxed tone of voice. It’s a little had to do with a desert Eagle pointed directly at your nose but for Shang-Chi, to keep him out of this you’d try.

“Please,” he whispered. He could hear the difference in your tone. It wasn’t your usual easy going voice. The one that filled him with a sense of calm. There was a sharpness. And under current he’d only heard once before. And it made the hair stand up on the back of his neck.

“Tell Katy I’m sorry I have to miss Karaoke night,” you try, hoping to break his concentration. “I have to go, I love you.”

And before he can get anything else out, the line goes dead. The line goes dead and he can feel a hollow ache in his chest. One that tells him you’re in trouble. Big trouble. And without being able to keep you on the phone, there’s no telling where you went.

“She’s smart,” Xialing said frowning. “Either she’s done this before or she was warned. But we couldn’t get a fix on her.”

“She’s an archive,” Shang Chi said, trying not to sound bitter, “Smart is an understatement.” He folded his arms and looked over Xailing’s shoulder frowning. There had to be a pattern. Something had to make sense. You were a creature of habit. Very particular habits. When you ate and when you slept was a strict schedule. And on the run you’d be trying to hold on to something… Unless that was all part of your cover, too.

“What happens if-”

Shang- Chi felt his head jerk up and his eyes narrow, making Katy flinch reflexively, “If we can’t find her?” he finished.

Katy nodded hesitantly and he exhaled slowly trying to rein in his temper, “I don’t know, but it can’t be good.”

____

You toss your phone away carelessly and listen to the sound of a heavy boot crushing it under heel and scattering the pieces. But still, you don’t look away from the man pointing a gun at you.

“Not bad for a librarian… A little on the nose don’t you think?” he scoffed.

You force yourself into a nonchalant shrug and smile a little, “The best place to hide is in plain sight. At least some of the time.”

And that’s the last thing you managed to get out before that Desert Eagle cracked across the side of your face, sending you into the dark once more.

________

Wenwu watched his son pace, trying to stem the tide of panic. Your phone had gone from ringing out to nothing. Straight to voice mail.

“You got me, leave a message. Or don’t. Whatever.”

“Does she have enemies?”

Shang-Chi exhaled slowly and took a deep breath, “None. At least none that I know about. She avoided the snap but… There’s a bit of time before she wound up in the City she doesn’t really talk about.”

“So she could have enemies?”

He stopped and carded his fingers through his hair, “If not enemies because of who she is then… maybe because of what she is.”

“What she is?”

Shang Chi nodded reluctantly. He wasn’t even sure he completely understood. He only knew that your brother had warned him. Told him that there were things you could do that were… rare. That might attract attention. And he wasn’t sure if he could share that information. Even if it might bring you home. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. For all he knew you could be dying. You could be dead and it could already be too late. But if there was a chance… No matter how small, he could take your anger. He could take you never speaking to him again. As long as he knew you were alive.

She’s an- an Archive,” he said slowly. “At least. That’s what the world knows them as now, I guess.”

He watched in apprehension as he saw his Father’s eyes widen in understanding and it was clear that he’d met, or at least heard of the Archives before.

“What does she hold?” he asked, seriously.

“Secrets. Things that are hidden.”

Even as Shang-Chi heard himself say the words, he knew he didn’t understand, not really. That had been what your Brother had told him. Quickly. Quietly. While you were distracted with a tea kettle and getting out the mugs. And even his most intense searches could turn up no information.

“Secrets?” Wenwu repeated, “Such as?”

And all Shang-Chi could do was shrug. He’d seen you at work. Your fingers brushing the spines of books. Tenderly. Almost lovingly. And he’d thought that it was cute. That it was an extension of your curiosity. A love of knowing. He thought of the way you’d told him once that Libraries were where you felt at home. Where you felt safe. He thought of the evenings when he came to walk you home. The serenity in the security lights. The way you smiled at him. And his chest throbbed. The secrets you knew probably didn’t include any martial arts.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, leaning heavily against the table, hanging his head. “The only information I have came second hand from her brother. And even then, he only told me that she isn’t human. At least not all human.”

He didn’t like to think about it. And he didn’t like to think about the distance he tried to put between you when he found out. Or how that distance had lead him here. The reaction that had made you avoid coming to him for help. He felt the hand on the back of his neck. But it didn’t register. Not really. In the back of his head, he could hear you. A casual fact. Things about Aliester Crowley. Or Agrippa. Or the Knights Templar.

You’d always written off questions about it as being a weird kid. Or by reminding people that you had a doctorate in Anthropology. But it wasn’t… It never felt like that. It felt like you had just… said it.

Shang Chi didn’t need to be looking at his father to know he was frowning. Thinking. “If we can’t get to her, I need to try to call her brother.”

“What is her brother?”

“An engineer,” Shang Chi said smiling a little. And a former Marine. But he was going to keep that to himself. He had a hunch that your best chance wasn’t going to involve his Father going on a recruiting mission simultaneously.

Wenwu’s frown deepened but he nodded as he watched his son pull a card from his wallet and dial the number.

“Kai-”

“We have a problem,” Shang Chi said quickly, “Y/N is missing.”

“Missing missing or went camping for a couple days?”

“Missing, Missing,” he clarified, “I got a phone call an hour ago and she hung up before we could trace it.”

“Let me call you back-”

And the line went dead before he could say more. “Shit,” he hissed. He wasn’t sure what Pandora’s box had been opened with that phone call. And he hated bumbling around in the dark. He hated not knowing if you were safe. If you were hurt.

“He said he’d call back,” Katy said helpfully, “Maybe he’s calling family.”

“I don’t know if there’s any family to call,” he said pinching the bridge of his nose. He could kick himself for not pressing you for answers. He hadn’t because he’d not been prepared to give you any. He still wasn’t sure he wanted to drag you into his life but. It was looking more and more like he might not have any choice.

When the phone in his hand rang he almost dropped it and had to fumble with it for a second before he could answer, “Kai-”

“I’m assuming you aren’t alone,” the other man said shortly, “I’ll text you the coordinates. Get there as quickly as you can. I’m not sure if we’re going to extract her or clean up the mess. Those idiots have a tiger by the tail and they don’t even know it.”

The call ended and all Shang-Chi could do was stare at the phone for a second, “What the fu-”

“Y/N,” Katy demanded, “Our Y/N? The dirty chai loving, vintage wearing Y/N that cried for 30 minutes at the end of the brave little toaster?”

“Evidently-” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Does anyone else here have a secret badass origin story?” she yelped, “What the hell?”

_________

The coordinates were, So far as anyone could tell, in the middle of nothing. A waste land of tall grass and trails left by herds of cattle in Montana.

But, even without asking he knew he was in the right place. There was a palpable sense of… mayhem in the air. Like the feeling before a nasty storm. Rising anxiety and energy crackling on the wind. Everyone was affected and everyone was quiet.

It wasn’t until they got closer that Shang-Chi and Katy could pick Kai out of the small knot of people. And it was something of a comfort that he looked relaxed. Or at least unconcerned.

“Hey,” Kai said taking a slow drag off his cigarette and exhaling a cloud of smoke towards the sky. He didn’t seem the least Perturbed that Shang-Chi hadn’t come alone. Or that they were all dressed for a fight.

“What-”

“We’re waiting,” Kai said shrugging. “She’s got to take the vortex apart. Then we mop up whatever comes out of it.”

Almost on cue, a Motor Cycle comes roaring over the flat ground as an explosion rattled the ground beneath their feet. “2 hell hounds and at least a baker's dozen in demons, grades 4 to 2.” The words sound like they're coming from you but. You don’t look like you. Skin coated in soot and eyes shining like silver in moonlight. It makes Shang-chi want to shake you.

“Y/N-” He starts, but when you look at him, he doesn’t know what to say. Or where to start.

“You’ll know what it is when you see it,” you say, spitting a mouthful of blood into the grass. “Take it down quickly. Headshots. If it doesn’t go down run for me. Demons don’t play. And, I make better bait. The rest of you are kinda like designer purses. Nice to have but ultimately disposable.”

“Is the vortex closed?” Kai asked grinding the cigarette out with his heel.

“With half the Golden Dagger on the other side of it. Everyone else scattered before I could get anything else for Lea.”

And then there wasn’t time for you to answer anything else. As the small hoard surged into the open field, Kai almost lazily tossed you the other sword he’d had strapped across his back and it was all a blur.

You were a blur. Almost preternaturally fast as you dismembered the bodies that hurtled towards you. It wasn’t until the last demon crackled on the fire that you crumpled like paper, sagging heavily against Shang-Chi who had made his way to your side.

“Shi-” he caught you, if only just. The dead weight taking him by surprise. And the warmth of the blood running over his hands. He could only gasp before the rest of Kai’s team descended like a plague of helpful locusts, loading you quickly onto the nearest stretcher and starting to try and repair the damage.

“I wonder how long she was out,” Kai mused, lighting another cigarette. “Or if she remembers anything. She doesn’t always.”

Shang- Chi opened his mouth to ask, wiping blood off his lip with the back of his hand, but Kai only shook his head. “She told you she’d explain. Let her do it.”

“Will she be okay?” He heard himself ask, but as he watched you loaded into a helicopter, nothing felt real. He’d just watched you dismember a demon. You’d looked at him… But hadn’t seen him. You didn’t look at him like you even knew who he was.

“She will,” Kai answered, looking at him sympathetically. “It takes time… but. The Archive has a vested interest in keeping her alive.”

____________

“Hey.”

“You look like hell.”

“Gee thanks,” you sigh, wincing as you try and sit up straighter. “You should see the other guy.”

“I did,” he said. And he can’t stop the frown when he looks down at your hands. They’re clean now. No trace of the black blood you’d been coated in. You looked like you. Your eyes were the same color that they’d always been.

“I’m sorry that I lied,” you tell him. “That I didn’t come clean when you came back from Ta-lo with Katy. I just… I guess I was still holding out hope that I could be normal.” You look away from him, taking a deep breath. “Becoming an Archive… I always hoped it wouldn’t be me. And then it was. And it was… it was a blessing and a curse.”

“You weren’t born an Archive?”

You shake your head and exhale slowly, “I was born a witch. If Lea and my grandmother can be believed, the most powerful witch born into this family in 400 years. I became An Archive when I was 12.” You swallow hard and take the hand that reaches for yours. “It- I remember the pain. I don’t remember much from before. I remember smoke and screaming. And I remember… I remember hunters and- and- when I woke up I was here.”

Shang-Chi squeezed your hand and reached up to touch your cheek, wiping away tears with his thumb. He’d been ready to be angry. He’d been hurt. But now all he wanted was to pull you closer. “The scars on your back-”

“I’ve been told it’s best that I don’t know,” you murmur. “Lea- She knows but.” You stop and take another deep breath.

For a moment, there is silence. It stretches out around the two of you while Shang-Chi digests those pieces of information and you try to try to put together a coherent explanation. Beyond the door, you can hear voices mingling in the kitchen. Katy. Kai. Lea. Wenwu. Xialing. Cousins. Your Grandmother. Both familiar and strange.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Shang- Chi asked quietly.

“Calling you… I know I told you I’d explain I just- I don’t know how.”

Shang-Chi smiles a little, “It’s probably harder given there’s a lot you don’t remember.”

“A little,” you murmur. “Sometimes, the Archive condescends to tell me what they’ve been doing with my body but other times? It feels a little like waking up from closing down the Karaoke bar.”

“How much time are you missing now?”

“A day. Maybe two. I’m not sure.”

“What’s the longest time span you don’t remember?”

“Close to a year,” you sigh. “If my physical body is in danger, The Archive will take the driver’s seat until the danger has passed OR It’s deemed that I can handle it on my own… Now that I’m older and I’ve grown into the powers I was given I spend a lot more time driving.”

“Even when you’re with me?”

“The Archive seems to think it can trust you. Though if it’s just with my physical body or with the things we know I’m not sure. Sometimes it views those things as one and the same.”

“Do you- I mean. When we’re alone?”

“You mean when we’re having sex?” The blush that blooms over his cheeks makes you smile a little. “I mean. The Archive lives in my head. Sometimes it has notes though… I don’t know how it would know-”

“Notes?”

You nod and roll your eyes. And even if he’s confused and a little offended, he can’t help but chuckle, “What kind of notes?”

“Ugh-” you groan, “No. We’re not humoring the freeloader in my head.”

#Shang-Chi #Shang-Chi x reader #fluff #angst #cannon violence

[strawberryjamsara]

Keiji and Sara’s relationship throughout yttd

In which I analyze the found family dynamic between Sara and Keiji then nobody reads it. But jokes aside, I realized back when that anon asked me for my thoughts on Sara that I had enough thoughts on the relationship between these two alone for its own meta so here goes. What Sara and Keiji’s relationship means in the grand scheme of yttd.

ALSO THIS IS NOT SHIPPING SHIPPERS GET THE FUCK AWAY

Sara when she meets Keiji is distrustful of him. And how can she not be? The guy has some creepy bags under his eyes, doesn’t seem to care about the situation, and for no reason is gravitating towards her. And his response when she asks why the hell he keeps putting a random stranger in charge? “Because you’re cute.” Yeah. I’d stay within 50 feet of this guy too Sara. Especially when he’s not spilling a word about himself.

Alright we might as well get the gross part out of the way. To clear things up. In the Japanese version, the word he uses “Kawai” can be seen as a more fatherly word to use with a kid. But the comments about going on dates from himself and from Shin? Those are still there. And I still think they’re really uncomfortable and wish they weren’t in the game period but we can get thematic significance out of them.

We still don’t know Keijis reasons in game for being attached to Sara. My theory? She’s his handicap. He was told to get close to the higher scorer who could easily backstab him, and he’d be stuck with her. It just kinda makes sense to me. But since that’s just a theory I won’t lean to heavily on it for support. But let’s talk about his comments.

Keiji… well, it’s shown at many points in the game that Keiji just thinks of himself as doomed to be a bad person. It can be seen during his day two negotiations when he calls himself a killer and explains he can’t even trust himself so Sara shouldn’t really bother and more explicitly so is the classroom scene between him and Ranmaru where he says he isn’t fit to protect Sara because of his sins. The flirting is both a way to distract people, and to put distance between himself and Sara. He’s not really “protecting” her.

Okay gross bit nobody wants to talk about is over I promise we won’t talk about it again. Let’s talk about Russian Roulette. In this scene, Keiji once again tries to make Sara the leader with no explanation, but then, Sara yells at him, something he didn’t expect. And through this he actually reveals something huge. The source of his trauma. His shooting. For Keiji to have actually revealed something that big, I think that this is the first moment he began to see Sara past whatever reason he first started making her a leader. This is the beginning of their bond.

This bond gets solidified over chapter 1-2s investigation. Keiji is still putting her in charge because his handicap said to build her up for whatever reason, but they’re able to have chats, and she keeps picking at his armor. He reveals his dark sense of humor to her, and she, suspicious just sort of keeps him at arms length. Also she rides his shoulders to screw in a light and he complains which is funny. The scene post Nao also helps the two of them sharpen investigative skills together, as they discuss the mystery of Miley, and Mishimas head.

Then another significant scene. The white room. I call this scene significant because, instead of letting Sara investigate the gruesome scene of the first trial, Keiji for the first time, allows Sara to walk out. Something that will become relevant later but until then, Keiji has begun to put Sara’s well-being above serving whatever purpose he had by building her up. So keep that in your pocket while we go over the main game.

There’s only two points for the main game I want to cover. While Keiji and Sara do put their heads together a few times, Sara still doesn’t fully trust him, so I will only go over 1. When Shin brings up Kai’s emails. Keiji has been fully logical this whole time, questioning everyone’s alibis including Nao’s who he saw the emotional plea from, but when Sou brings up potentially damning evidence of Sara, he just asks if he read the emails wrong. 2. When Sara is panicking over being chosen for the final round, Keiji loudly shouts “GET A GRIP SARA!” With a serious expression. Before quickly backtracking and going back to a devil may care expression. This shows he is both already emotionally attached to Sara, but unwilling to stake himself towards giving himself to a new cause.

Anyways, he stops her from pressing the button blah blah blah, onto chapter 2! I’ve made a post about this before but it seems as early as here, Keiji is trying to talk Sara down from pushing herself further. But at this point, Sara has already dedicated herself to the role because her best friend died due to her priority to protect everyone. Keiji sees the problem and he tries to get her to rest up, but he still doesn’t spend the time to have a serious talk about it because as he says in the classroom. He isn’t fit to protect her. He doesn’t think of himself as a good person who can help her. He thinks of himself as a murderer and he doesn’t allow himself to recover from the trauma.

Sara however is starting to rely more on Keiji. He’s been willing to comfort her in her times of grief and furthermore, she has something to relate to him on. They both have deaths of important people in their lives they feel responsibility for.

There’s also the fact that Keiji sees a lot of his old self in Sara. An idealistic person, being beaten down, and worrying over the idea they might be becoming a bad person. He feels the same as her.

Not to mention… Keiji follows through on his promises. He actually tells Sara about the person he respected like he said he would which establishes a further sense of trust.

However, something that tears that sense of trust apart is the tokens scene. When Keiji doesn’t even let Sara hold 50 tokens, it raises suspicion. Sara already knows he shot a person- what more could he have to hide? That scares her away. The negotiation event is an attempt for Keiji to win back her trust. But it slowly turns into Keiji’s self-loathing session. And his declaration maybe Sara shouldn’t trust him.

However, time passes enough (and Keiji supports Sara enough in the final attraction) for them to get together and investigate in 2-2. And there’s a lot of moments I can talk about there so I’ll be just doing a few rapidfire things. So first, Sara is in peak weird girl mode and Keiji can hardly control her chaos. Second, Keiji makes a full on decision at one point to go against Sara when she’s putting herself in danger of getting caught for their search so they can hide. Third, his response to “I don’t intend to die” when he asks “will you die with me” is that’s a good answer.

And fourth… a moment I really wanna touch on… Keiji watches something that could easily incriminate Sara. It’s not just some word of mouth thing like with Shin who lied about things several times before this point. But in that moment, he still relies on Sara and says he wouldn’t feel bad betting his life on her. The message is clear. Keiji supports Sara unconditionally.

Now let’s talk about Keiji totally dropping Sara’s ass with the card trades.

The way Keiji makes his trades is very telling. He first, steals a keymaster card from either Sou or Kanna to give to Sara. This is supporting Sara, but it’s doing it in a way that supports his view of himself. That he’s a scumbag who would steal someone’s immunity just to give it to someone he likes more. And would a shithead like that be “worthy” of sacrificing themselves and taking the card for Sara? (And he knew she had it. Qtaro had to tell him for their plan to happen) no. Instead he essentially opts for a revenge plot. A plan to ensnare Shin and kill him for pawning off the sacrifice to Sara. Basically, he wanted to fuck up Shin like how he fucked up Megumi. Nice going Keiji. This is… kind of his low point in the story.

But 3-1….. man this chapter hits in all the right ways. I don’t remember 3A that much, (although I do know that Keiji shows a lot of concern over Sara potentially being triggered by Joe memorabilia) and also if you fail the Keiji Midori fight you can have Sara attempt to tag Keiji and he rejects. And how can we forget… the mr policeman flashback. As Sara says, this is Keiji’s first time opening up on his own.

And then… coffin saga. Sara through everything is not willing to let Keiji die. Although she’s had her ups and downs with him, leaving him to die is inconceivable to her with everything they’ve been through together. So she opts to sign the contract both times she is offered it.

Keiji clearly is somebody important to Sara. Important enough that Ranmaru bringing him up is enough to snap her out of her murderous trance. Enough that she throws logic out the window when she has a sign he’s okay.

Likewise, the scene in the classroom for Keiji is… a huge step. When he’s alone with Ranmaru, who is unstable, in that classroom, his priority is Sara. He turns his back to the threat to hold Sara and try and make sure she’s okay- dumb move, but it shows how far he’s come.

And again, I want to reiterate- Keiji is Sara’s anchor. At the banquet when Sara is about to give up, she imagines Keiji talking to her which brings her back in the game. Much like Joe did back in chapter 2. The message is palpable. Keiji is Sara’s new Joe. And when Keiji comes back to comfort her? He’s now fully willing to sacrifice himself. It winds up not being needed seeing as Qtaro is the one that died. But in that moment, we see Keiji has made a huge leap from chapter 2. He almost sacrificed himself for Gin. And he would’ve used his final moments to comfort Sara. He’s embraced that he’s a father figure. He allows himself to be a good person.

Anyways I don’t know how to conclude this and I’ve been writing for hours. Bababooey.

#your turn to die #kimi ga shine #yttd #keiji shinogi #sara chidouin #gothitxt

[justthehiddleswrites]

Accidently Married | Tom Hiddleston x OFC | Chapter 4 | You should worry about the people you care about. I mean, I worry about you all the time.

A/N:  Tom makes certain comments about an ex (who is unnamed).  It is a fictional girlfriend, take from it what you will.  Keep your hate to yourself.  

SERIES MASTERLIST HERE

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Molly Bishop)

Summary: Tom is stuck in a news cycle from hell; Molly is stuck in the dead end job of bartending with a pile of student and credit debt.  Tom has an idea to solve all their problems.  Get married, get the paparazzi off his back, divorce after a year and Tom pays off Molly’s debts.  Tom has everything figured out, that is until he sees Molly as more than a just a friend and so does someone else.  In this vying for affections who will win, the handsome Brit or the boy from Boston?

This Chapter: Molly is making friends and life is settling into a routine until Molly gets sick and Tom takes care of her.  

Warnings: fake marriage, smut (vaginal sex), mentions of:  child abuse/neglect, foster care, substance abuse, cheating.

TAGLIST IS OPEN! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED!  THANK YOU FOR READING!

–

Molly left that afternoon with two new numbers in her phone and a lunch date for next week.

“Can’t believe you are having lunch with my mother and sister without me.” Tom pouted on the way back.

“Once they heard I wasn’t working and didn’t know anyone, they insisted. Was I supposed to say no?” 

“You could have scheduled it when I could come.” 

“But you are so busy. And talented.” She poked his side. 

“I’m driving here, darling.”

“Sorry, but just one question…” They pulled up to a red light.”

“What?”

“Are you ticklish?” she attacked his side and Tom squirmed and giggled.

“You will be the death of me.” He panted as Molly stopped when the light was green.

“Note to self. Tom is very ticklish.” 

“No, no notes to self. That is something you can promptly forget.”

Molly batted her eyelashes. “But real husbands and wives would know these things about each other. We have to pull this off for an entire year, right?”

“Fine, but expect revenge.” Tom wagged a finger at Molly. 

“I’ll sleep with one eye open.” 

-

Over the next several weeks, Tom and Molly fell in a routine. The marriage certificate came in the mail and they applied for a family visa for Molly to stay there.

“I didn’t think you would want to become a citizen.”

Molly smirked. “No, not right now.”

A new debit card came in for Molly. 

“With great power…” Tom handed it over.

“Yeah, yeah, Loki.” she tucked into her wallet. “I am burdened with glorious purpose. To keep you well fed.” 

Molly had a standing date with Emma every two weeks, much to Tom’s consternation. They continued running together in the mornings. Tom, more often than not, ended it with a kiss. 

“This is becoming quite the nasty habit, Mr. Hiddleston.” she commented one morning.

“Then stop me, Mrs. Hiddleston.” He pecked her lips again. 

Molly blushed. “You just love what they are saying about us in the papers.” She pushed Tom away and towards the door. 

“I will admit the good news is definitely a perk. Plus, you are such lovely company.” He went to hug her, but she pushed him away.

“You are all sweaty, Tom. Take a shower and I will make breakfast.”

“French toast?” he asked hopefully.

“You ate the last of the bread yesterday.” 

“Pancakes?”

“I think I can swing pancakes, if…” She held up a finger. “You also eat a side of fruit.”

“Deal.” Tom headed towards his room wearing a huge grin. 

Molly shook her head as she grabbed a mixing bowl out. “Lunatic.”

-

One morning, Molly wasn’t awake when Tom got up to run. She almost always beat Tom up, sipping a cup of tea in the living room, reading a magazine or one of the books from his shelf. There was a small stack building on a side table of the ones she finished reading. But that morning, no half-drunk cup of tea perched precariously on the coffee table. No crossword puzzle half done in pen. 

Tom peaked into Molly’s bedroom. The covers, in colors of navy and grey, just like his, pulled up tight around her. There were a few prints of classic travel posters on the wall. 

“Molly, darling.” He called out. Usually that was all it took to roust Molly from her sleep and get her going for the day. Today, nothing. Tom stepped into the room. He felt like an intruder in his own home. 

“It’s time for our run, love.” He said a bit louder this time. 

Molly rolled over, groaning and coughing. Tom’s brow furrowed. He didn’t like the sound of that cough. Tom sat down on the edge of the bed and rocked Molly gently by the shoulder.

“Are you feeling okay, darling?” He hoped it was just allergies or waking up in the morning. But then she woke up.

“Uggh, Tom?” Molly croaked out before rolling onto her back. She was pale. So much more pale than usual. She coughed again, covering her mouth. 

“It’s me, Molly. Are you feeling alright?” He repeated. “That’s some cough.”

“I’m fine, fine. It’s just,” She waved him off and pushed up to sitting, only to fall back onto the pillows. “oh, that’s not good.” 

Tom placed the back of his hand to her forehead and replaced it with his lips, checking her temperature. She was running hot. 

“You have a fever. I’m making you an appointment to see the doctor.” He stood, but Molly caught his wrist. Her palm clammy against Tom’s skin.

“No! It’s just a cold. Go on your run. I’ll be fine. I just need some sleep.” She insisted.

“Are you sure? It’s no trouble.” 

“Go. I’ll be fine.”

Tom leaned down and kissed her very warm forehead. “I’ll keep it short. Go back to sleep.”

Molly nodded and rolled over. Tom tucked the covers around her and headed out. He barely made it to the end of the street before he returned home. It confirmed his fears when he stepped back inside and heard Molly coughing. Tom grabbed the phone and searched for a number and called it.

“Yes, Urgent Care? Do you have any appointments today? Name? Molly Hiddleston. Thank you.”

-

Tom helped Molly get dressed, averting his eyes when appropriate. Her entire body burned under his fingertips, but Tom noticed her shivering. She stumbled to the car where she slept the entire ride over to urgent care. Tom did his best to fill out the paperwork.

“What do you put for family history?”

“Nothing. Unless there is a place for mental illness, then check that. That’s all I know about. Mom didn’t chat much.” Molly muttered, leaning heavily against Tom. “Meth does that…” Her brow furrowed and she coughed again. 

“Shh, darling.” Tom soothed her. “Only happy thoughts.”

Molly hummed and smiled. “Happy thoughts.” More coughing. 

It took twenty minutes before they called Molly back. They didn’t let Tom back with her. He alternated between sitting with a bouncing knee, pretending to read on his phone and pacing the waiting room, making the other people nervous. After forty-five minutes, before Molly returned with several papers in her hand. She coughed again.

“Upper respiratory infection,” cough. “Along with a sinus infection and a viral infection.”

Tom smiled. “Triple threat. Let’s get you home.”

Molly’s hand, holding the papers, flopped up. “I have prescriptions and they want to see me again in two weeks. To make sure I don’t get pneumonia.”

Tom’s eyes widened. “That’s a possibility?”

Molly nodded. “It’s all in here.”

Tom took all the papers, skimming them, including a script for antibiotics as well as a cough suppressant. It all sounded grim. “Let’s get you to bed and I will take care of getting these filled.”

Molly coughed and nodded. “Thank you.” 

She fell back asleep in the car. Tom carried into the house, not having the heart to wake her up again, and settled her into his bed, which was bigger, more comfortable and the bathroom was right there. Once she was settled and asleep, he headed off to the pharmacy. While waiting in line, Tom dialed Luke. 

“Luke, is there anything absolutely pressing in the schedule for the next three days?” he asked after Luke picked up. 

“Nothing I can’t reschedule, why?”

“Molly’s ill.” He bit his lips and sighed. “The doctors are afraid it might turn into pneumonia. And I…”

“Consider your schedule cleared until Monday. And tell her I hope she feels better soon.”

“Thanks, Luke. I’m worried about her.”

“That’s because you love her, Tom. You should worry about the people you care about. I mean, I worry about you all the time.” Luke chuckled.

Tom paused at Luke’s words but pushed it away. Of course he cared for Molly. That has the tendency to happen when you live with a person for nearly three months. Especially someone as congenial as Molly. Congenial wasn’t the word. Lovely. Molly was lovely. He laughed it off. “I worry about you too, Luke. I got to go.”

“Take care of her. Bye, Tom.” 

After picking you the medicine, Tom popped into the grocery store and picked up some soup, drinks, and Molly’s favorite cookies. When he got back, she was still asleep. And still coughing. He put away the groceries and then checked on her.

“Darling, I’m back with the medicine. Time to take it.” He helped her sit up, Molly groaning the entire time. She swallowed the pill with a sip of water, gagging.

“That’s awful!” she coughed. 

“Now the cough medicine.” Tom poured out the cough syrup and handed it over to Molly. She hesitated, sniffing it first. “Take the medicine and get a biscuit.” He held up a package of cookies.

“They’re cookies. I thought I ate the last of them.” she moaned, downing the cough syrup. Her face contorted. Tom smiled and handed her two cookies. “Good girl. Now rest. I’ll check on you in a few hours.”

“Don’t you have work?” Molly muttered as she laid back down. Tom pulled the covers over her, putting the cookies on the nightstand. “You had… interviews… or something…”

“My schedule is clear through the weekend. I am at your disposal.” Tom rubbed Molly’s back, and she purred. 

“You don’t need to do that.” She half-heartedly complained, dozing off.

“And leave you to fend for yourself? What kind of husband would I be? It was no trouble. Now sleep, darling.”

“Mmm… kay.” 

-

Tom busied himself with absolutely nothing. He flitted from reading a book to watching a TV show to peeking into the bedroom. At one point, when Molly was particularly quiet, he seriously contemplated putting a mirror under her nose to just make sure he was still breathing. He managed to get her to eat half a bowl of soup. 

“You need to eat, love.” he scolded.

Molly coughed and croaked. “Says the man who considers chocolate a food group.” 

“Look at that, some humour.” Tom smiled. “Eat please.”

“Yes, sir.” She slurped the soup off the spoon before falling back asleep. 

Tom, worried, did the unthinkable. He called his mum for advice.

“She’s coughing. A lot. And all she does is sleep.” Tom ran his hands through his hair. 

“Is she eating, love?” Diana asked. Tom could feel the smile across the phone.

“A bit, but not as much as usual. I brought her soup.”

“Soup is good. And she is taking her medicine?”

Tom nodded. “I set a timer.”

“Of course you did. And the fever?”

Tom blinked. “What about her fever?”

“Has it broken?”

“I don’t—”

“Tom!” Molly’s bedraggled voice called out.

“I gotta go. She needs me.” Tom hung up the phone and sprinted to the room. 

“Molly! What is it?” He noted she was shivering.

“I’m cold.” she chattered. Tom grabbed the blanket at the foot of his bed. 

“Is that better?” He tucked it under Molly’s chin. Tom touched her forehead. Hot.

“Much.” 

“I’ll let you rest.” He patted her shoulder and stood. Molly reached out for him.

“Stay.” She coughed. “At least until I fall asleep. Please lie down. Just five minutes.”

Tom’s heart broke in that moment for Molly. That confident woman he grew so fond of seemed so small in that moment.

“Of course, I’ll stay. Anything for you.” Tom crawled on top of the covers next to Molly. He laced his fingers in hers. He heard her exhaled, and he exhaled too. 

“Sleep well, darling.” But Molly had already fallen asleep. Tom soon followed.

-

Molly woke the next morning in sweat soaked pajamas and on top of drenched sheets. She still coughed, but her fever was gone. As she blinked her eyes open, Molly realized she wasn’t in her bed, but Tom’s. And Tom was there too. Asleep next to her, fully dressed, holding her hand. She had vague memories of Tom bringing her soup and her asking him to stay. And some very not safe for work dreams. 

“Fever dreams.” she muttered. “Tom…” Molly rocked his shoulder.

“Huh?” Tom sat up. “I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“It’s hard to be a nurse. I think your sheets may need washing.” she smiled.

Tom pressed his lips to her forehead. “No fever.” His spirits lifted. 

“It must have broken last night.”

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Yes.” 

Tom noticed their hands still laced together. He let go and stood up. He made a poor attempt at smoothing out his sleep wrinkled clothes. “Up to move to the couch? And maybe some movies?”

“I would like that.” She slowly sat up and got out of bed. “But first a shower.”

Tom frowned. “First medicine, then shower.”

“Nurse Ratched.” Tom didn’t smile or budge. Molly sighed. “Fine, medicine, the shower.”

Tom grabbed the bottles and dispensed the medicine, which she took still gagging. “And a biscuit.” He handed her a cookie. 

“Cookie.” She popped it into her mouth and headed off to her room and Tom went to his own bathroom. 

-

Once they were both showered and dressed, Tom popped his sheets into the laundry and made a makeshift bed on the couch for Molly.

“You pick the movie.” she offered. “That way if I fall asleep, you won’t be bored.” 

Tom picked The Jungle Book. “One of my favorites as a child. I still watch it when I feel under the weather.”

“I don’t think I have seen it.”

Tom’s mouth fell open. “That is a travesty.”

Molly shrugged her shoulders. “You know, group homes, foster care…”

Tom stopped. “Well, we are going to watch this right now and you can listen to the vocal genius that is George Sanders as Shere Khan.”

“More of a vocal genius than you?” Molly raised an eyebrow while she settled onto the couch. 

Tom blushed. “A man-cub, how delightful.” He purred deep in his chest, sending shivers through Molly.

By the end of the movie, Molly’s head was in Tom’s lap and his hand in hers. They watched Disney movies for the rest of day, alternating picking the title. Tom made sure she took her meds on time and ate more than just cookies.

“I will eat a meal if you do.” Molly chided.

They both ate soup and Tom also ate a sandwich. It was late when they finished up Robin Hood. Molly stretched and sat up.

“I should go to bed.”

“I can put the sheets back on the bed.” Tom moved, but she stopped him, squeezing his hand.

“My bed. But I will keep the door open so you can spy on me.” She smirked. “I can’t take your bed again.”

“It’s fine if you did. I don’t mind sharing.”

“I know but…” She glanced away. “We should keep our own space. To keep things from getting complicated.”

Tom nodded. “Right. No complications here.” he lied to her and to himself.

Molly hugged Tom tight. “Thank you for everything, Tom.”

“My pleasure.”

She coughed a bit as she headed off to her room. Tom turned off the TV and cleaned the dishes before going to bed himself. He spent most of the night tossing and turning.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston fanfic #tom hiddleston imagine #tom hiddleston fluff #tom hiddleston x ofc #accidently married

[authenticmiya]

Punching Bag - Hawk x Reader

Summary - Having a broken home made the reader rely solely on being apart of Cobra Kai, but life doesn’t get any better when she has to face her ex best friend everytime she goes to the Dojo. (Part 2 here)

Words - 1.3k

Warnings - angst

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you took a deep breath and entered the dojo. It wasn't a good day, in fact it hadn't been a good day in a long time. Missing out on karate wasn't an option. All eyes were on you as it looked like Sensei Lawrence had already began today's lesson.

"Y/L/N finally made it to the session. Fifty push ups on your knuckles once you are clothed correctly." Johnny told you, a slight ping of concern running through him as he noticed how different you had looked.

Johnny was the only father figure you had, but he wouldn't treat you different to any other student in his dojo. He listened to all your problems - despite his annoyance to girls who were all emotional and had a bitchy attitude.

"Yes Sensei." You sighed, heading into the changing rooms.

"Y/N you good?" Aisha was quick to follow you and you just nodded. She couldn't really force you into talking about stuff you didn't want to.

When you had finally come out, the students had been put into partners, but before you had the chance, you dropped to the floor and done fifty.

"Something's up with her." You overheard Miguel say to Hawk. Like Hawk gave a crap. He left you.

Once upon a time, before Hawk had become one ball of anger, he was your best friend. You, him and Demetri were the golden trio growing up. However, his swift turn into popularity, turned him into an absolute asshole. He didn't want anything to do with you and that's how it was left.

You'd never have left Cobra Kai because of him, despite all of the hurt and the bullshit he had put you through, because Cobra Kai was your only sense of security.

"Y/L/N you're partnered with Stingray." Johnny demanded, you nodded and stood beside him.

"Badass push-ups today Y/N." Stingray told you and you shot him a small smile. Usually, you were the only one who would never shut up. Always talking, always coming in with a bright attitude.

"Right as you can see, I have got two punch-bags over there, I want sting-ray, Diaz, Y/L/N and Hawk on them. The rest of you, facing the mirror." Johnny demanded.

"Time to let your anger out." Stingray chuckled but it really was time to let loose. Small punches, turned into huge punches, and eventually you could feel your knuckles start to slowly bruise, but it didn't stop you.

"Y/N calm down." Miguel tried to stop you but you blocked out all the noise. Miguel shot a look to his friend. Hawk was the only one who knew you inside and out, the only one who knew you for you.

"You wanna slow down on your right hooks?" Hawk questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"No." You snapped, hitting the punching bag harder.

"Y/L/N come on, I think you've had enough on this activity for one day." Johnny tried to convince you to move, but you wouldn't.

"Y/N!" Johnny shouted and the whole class went dead silent, causing you to stop.

"Your knuckles are bleeding." Hawk reached out but you pushed him.

"I'm fine." You snapped, before rushing to grab your bag.

"You're not leaving until we've had a discussion." Johnny stopped you from leaving.

"Well I guess we'll be here until Christmas then." This wasn't like you, you never ever spoke to Johnny like that. You weren't the bad guy. He had been there for you, for so many years.

"Everybody class is over, get out!" Johnny shouted.

"You two are staying here." Johnny pointed to Miguel and Hawk.

"What is going on with you Y/L/N?" Hawk asked.

"Don't act like you care Eli, you don't know me anymore." You shot him a dirty look.

"Believe it or not, I know everything about you Y/N, so either you speak up so we can help you-" You immediately cut him off.

"No don't play the I'm so helpful card. You can't help me. You're the asshole who chose not to be apart of my life, you left me. You fucking left me." Your once big bright eyes, had turned into saddened, dull ones. Hawk felt terrible, but he'd never admit that or even show that because of his reputation.

"You keeping it bottled up in that big ass head of yours isn't gonna do you any favours Y/N, what's going on?" Johnny sighed.

"I don't really know what's wrong with me Johnny." You whispered and the man had never really had to deal with the whole emotional ordeal in women, let alone a student he thought of as his own daughter.

"You're not good with this bullshit so I'd rather save you the time." You went to head back out the door, but once again, Hawk was there to try and stop you.

"I know you hate me with everything inside of you, but believe me, we want to understand what's going on." Hawk tried to comfort you.

"Last night, I got a call saying my electricity was being shut down because dad didn't pay the bills. I woke up this morning to a letter saying that if I didn't come up with the money in a week, I'd be evicted." You began.

"Y/N, I don't have a lot of money myself, but you know you can always come to me-" Johnny began.

"It's not as simple as that." You whispered, suddenly feeling the waterworks. Now you were never one to cry, so this was a huge shock to all three of the guys.

"Where is the deadbeat anyway? Florida for a business meeting or Japan for vacation?" Hawk questioned.

"Dubai. He's not coming back. He married some women over there. They're happily in love and now he no longer wants to pay for anything. I work two jobs and it doesn't compare to what the rent is." You were on full on rant mode.

"I've always fucking hated your father. He was a slime ball in high-school." Johnny groaned.

“I don’t want any pity from any of you. Look I came here to just let my anger out, and I have now, so can I please leave?” You asked.

“I’d rather drive you home.” Johnny insisted.

“It’s not really gonna be home anymore, so I’m just gonna walk to clear my mind, Thank-you though.” You half-heartedly smiled.

“Please can you get them knuckles cleaned up? That’s gonna hurt like a bitch in the morning.” Johnny wasn’t going to push your limits.

“I’ll see what my lame-ass first aid kit can do.” That made them all chuckle a little bit.

“Safe journeys Y/N.” Miguel gave you a side hug and you quickly exited.

“You’re gonna walk out there, and you’re gonna take her home.” Miguel pushed Hawk towards the door.

“Did you not just see how she acted towards me? I’m the last person she’d want walking her home.” Hawk looked at him like he was crazy.

“Stop being a pussy and make sure she’s home safe.” Johnny glared at his student and Hawk was reluctant, but was quick to follow after you.

“Y/N, wait up!” Hawk called out, stopping dead in your tracks, you turned around.

“What do you want?” You asked with your arms crossed over your chest.

“Look, we’re obviously not okay, and we won’t be for a long time but I will never be able to live with myself, if I didn’t make sure you got home in one piece.” Hawk told you.

“Okay.” You simply said, and his eyes nearly fell out of his head because you had been so hesitant and cold towards him - just like he had been with you.

“Okay?” He questioned, and you nodded. Hawk lead you towards his motorcycle and handed you over a helmet. You set off, behind Hawk, with your arms wrapped around him. The ride was silent, and you were soon knocked out of your thoughts when Hawk drove straight past your apartment complex.

“You missed the turning.” You told him.

“I know I did, but we all know you don’t have a first aid kit, I do, and once I’ve helped you fix them knuckles, you and I are talking.”

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