#i apologize for the person i will become when season three drops

[relevance-is-overrated]

i’m clowning my way all the way to clown city but i feel like these three taking a picture together has some sort of significance for the upcoming season

#ted lasso #colin hughes #trent crimm #will the kitman #trent you wanna be colin’s gay mentor so bad #operation give colin a boyfriend is underway #clowning hours #i apologize for the person i will become when season three drops

[canonizzyhours]

i have wanted to say this since the first episodes of the new season dropped and i feel like i still can't say it on main. but it's the truth.

all season when people thought the canyon's takes on izzy were being validated, i knew they weren't. i could tell the writers understood how abusive izzy was toward ed in s1 and that they were super conscious of it the whole season and that they were leading up to him actually apologizing for it as the only way his redemption arc could be fully complete. i couldn't say this even though everyone was freaking out about it because i knew if i explained it the discourse would be terrible. but here's how i knew:

because ed doesn't directly physically harm anyone on the crew except izzy. and despite what people want to think, there isn't the slightest hint that it's because izzy's doing anything to protect the crew. ed just only hurts izzy. ed just only WANTS to hurt izzy, he doesn't want to hurt anyone else at all. he is CALLOUS toward the crew, he ignores their needs and makes them work all the time even though the work is hard and dangerous and he's deliberately scary when he wants to get them to do something, but he does nothing to indicate any desire at all to actually hurt them, not even when they're disobeying orders. he doesn't actively make any move toward harming them until he decides he desperately wants to die and thinks it's the only way to make them kill him. (even then his methods are extremely indirect, because he really doesn't want to do it!)

so you have to ask why the writers wrote it that way, why they made ed only ever want to hurt izzy and the answer is pretty obvious: they expected the audience to be able to forgive ed for hurting izzy in a way that they wouldn't expect if ed had mutilated jim or frenchie or fang. BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHAT IZZY HAD ALREADY DONE TO ED WAS ABUSIVE AND ED WAS REACTING DIRECTLY TO HIS ABUSE, and the other characters hadn't done anything like that. because they knew that izzy is the one who went to ed last season when he was incredibly emotionally vulnerable and trying to be a better person, and kicked him while he was down and demanded he act like this instead. because they knew they spent all of s1 writing izzy as an intentionally completely unsympathetic villain and that most of the audience reacted to him that way, even if a minority faction of the fandom had managed to come up with an alternate interpretation. they knew izzy was the campaign director for the leopards eating people's faces party and they expected the audience to have only limited sympathy when they had him whimper about his own face getting eaten.

the writers wanted to ultimately redeem izzy and they thought that he was SO horrible in season one that they expected the only way the audience would ever be able to come around on him would be if he suffered for what he did in s1 to a degree that was disproportionate. and THEY THOUGHT ONE TOE WASN'T ENOUGH TO BE DISPROPORTIONATE TO WHAT HE'D DONE. they thought TWO toes wasn't disproportionate! they thought three was getting close but even then it wouldn't be enough to make it reasonable to expect the whole audience to fully forgive him unless he lost an entire leg. and they were so sure this was the ONLY way it would make sense for the audience to forgive izzy that they were willing to do it even though they clearly really didn't want to depict ed as being actively cruel like this toward any other character.

if they had wanted to characterize ed as just having become a cruel monster, they would have had him be equally cruel to everybody whether or not they deserved it. but they didn't. they had him be a dick to everybody, but only actively violent toward the character who was his own abuser, the character who could not possibly deserve the audience's forgiveness unless he suffered as a consequence of what he did to ed in s1. if the writers had thought izzy wasn't a super mega awful person at the start of this season, if they had thought ed's actions toward him weren't fundamentally reactive against izzy's own abuse of ed, they would have given him the same plot armor against the kraken that jim and fang and frenchie got. but they didn't.

that's how i knew the writers got it. it was the only way the writing choices for ed and izzy's arcs made sense from the very beginning.

#54.

#ofmd #izzy hands #edward teach #canonizzyhours

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Golden hour

Previous chapter / Next chapter

a/n welcome to part two! Thank you for all the support! Means so much. The part three will only be here after the exam season but I can't wait to continue!

Azriel x reader

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Azriel found no peace after he walked away. He hadn't lashed out like that in a long time, and the fact that a stranger had become the victim of his actions went against all of his personal beliefs. Where was that calm and calculated side of him? He should have just dragged either Cassian or Rhys to the training ground and fought them till there was not a single drop of frustration in his system. Sweat it out and move on with a much calmer mind.

Yet he didn't. And now he felt the guilt of it dragging behind it. Like chains that almost pulled him back. Back to your house, so he could clean up the mess he made. Sit there till you come out of your hiding place. Apologize and assure you that he meant no harm. There had been so many things that he had done wrong. No, Azriel told himself, I don't care; it's nothing. You're no one. He doesn't care about you or that you were scared. Yet, this tiny scratch in his head proved it to be completely the opposite.

Azriel took to the skies not long after. He let the cold wind of the approaching evening hit his cheeks. Kissing them with a cold demeanor. The wind that blew past him seemed to chase the thoughts away. Even if it was for a short moment. Forget and move forward, he told himself as he landed on the balcony at the house of wind.

But his forgetting and moving on didn't last long because when the shadow singer opened the enormous glass door, he was greeted by a very angry-looking high lord.

"Do you care to explain?", Rhys glared at his brother from the chair he was sat on, nursing a glass of wine, "I'm busy, Rhys."

And he was. His mind was crammed to the brim with thoughts. So overwhelmingly full that his rational thinking had a hard time keeping up. "Busy doing what? Braking into females' houses?", the shadow singer froze. How did Rhys know about this already? His mental shields were firmly in place, and no one was there to witness all of it. You were a cruel thing, it seemed, working faster than time itself.

"Are you out of your mind? Has messing around with Elain and Gwyn completely fried your brain?" Azriel leaped at his brother. Hand coming right under his chin, but Rhys dodged the move like it was nothing. The conversation about his relationship with the two females had been the center of attention for a while. Neither Rhys nor Cassian supported their brother's actions. Elain was mated, and even if she refused her bond with Lucien, Azriel had no right to mingle between them. And Gwyn. Gwyn intrigued Azriel. If Elain was ready to throw herself at him no matter what, Gwyn offered him a chance to chase. So when one didn't meet his needs, the other did.

"You're dismissed from all the court-related work until you pull yourself together," Azriel was about to argue. No, he was not going to spend all day just sitting on his ass, but Rhys cut him to it, "And you are banned from seeing Elain. I warned you multiple times, but you don't seem to listen."

Azriel wanted to understand his high lord's decision, but at this moment he felt robbed. He felt confused, alone, and desperate. Azriel wasn't even sure if he was leading the two females on or if it was him who was lead on. Elain was a completely different person when the doors were closed, and more than once, Azriel felt like he was the one controlled by her. Lured in by her sweet words, which didn't warm his heart but at times made him feel less lonesome. The shadow singer was hitting the poor boxing dummy with so much rage that the material started to shed. One punch. A second one. A third. Azriel was angry. He was beyond then furious. The frustration only grew with every image of you that his brain seemed to shove his way.

Launching a left-handed hook, Azriel froze. He could swear that out of the corner of his eye he saw something green glistening right in front of him. Frantically, he turned the other way, looking around the training ground. Nothing. He's been on edge so many times before. Been the main target of so many enemies. But you had him going insane in less than a day. It was you. You. You. You. The green eyes. Azriel closed his eyes before stepping aside to throw yet another punch, but right before he could launch it, the mannequin became you, and his punch hit the side of your head.

Azriel's whole body ran cold, the sickness raising up his throat. No. No. His brain screamed at him as he fell to his knees. Trying to carefully pick up your body that now laid limp beside him. That was not what should have happened. But the moment Azriel blinks, your body vanishes. Replaced by the same mannequin that was the victim of the punches all along.

Throwing the thing across the training ground, Azriel rested his face in his hands. He needed to go back to the state of not thinking again. He needed to replace you with something else. Someone else. But would he be able to? A hand rested on his shoulder, and Azriel whipped his gaze in that same direction in an instant.

"You know I doubt that poor thing wants to make love to you", glaring at Cassian, Azriel moved to stand up. This was the last thing he needed. "Come on, spit it out", "I don't need you two babying me," Azriel pushed past the Lord of Bloodshed but was quickly stopped by Cass, dragging him back by his shoulders.

"It's called offering support and an ear to listen. Man, even I'm starting to worry about you', Azriel knew that getting rid of Rhys was easy. But Cassian and his clingy tendencies were a whole other story. He saw that a lot with him and Nesta, but Cassian brought that same form of clingy love to everyone he cared for.

"There's a female," Cassian snorted at the shadow singer's words, "Are you at least numbering them?", but the moment Azriel rose to walk away, Cassian apologetically lifted his arms, gesturing for the shadow singer to sit back down. "She's just...", Azriel stuttered. He couldn't talk about his nightmare, but without that, he had no strong enough reason for why he did what he did and going on about the attraction that he felt towards you also felt like a topic that was off the table, at least for now.

"I'm going to assume you're talking about Y/N", Azriel's whole body started to tingle at the sound of your name leaving Cassian's mouth. It's like his brain knew that it was you. It almost made sense. Y/N, what a beautiful name. What a name for a creature like you! Quickly masking off his emotions, Azriel spoke, "You know her?", but his brother only shook his head and said, "I found her blood drained at the side of Velaris' border. Rhys has been handling the rest", "Why did I know nothing of this?", the same anger flashed through Azriel again. This was a piece of serious information, and he was supposed to be aware of it. As a spymaster of the court, he needed to know this kind of stuff.

"Look, I followed the orders Rhys gave me. No one really can know that she's here", Azriel shook his head in confusion. What were you then? Some royalty? A weapon that Rhys was training? A refugee from another court? "All I know is that she's some kind of fairy, or so Rhys said", "Most of this court is fea, Cassian," but now it was Cassian shaking his head.

"That's what I said as well, but she's like a pixie. Most of her kind are dead now from what I've heard". What is the love of a Mother was all of this? Azriel knew nothing of your kind. Had never met anyone like you. What made you different? And why were you found on this side of the border? His thoughts were cut off as Cassian spoke again.

"Look, Az, she's been through a lot, so please try not to break into her house and follow her like a creep. We all deserve time to heal," Cassian said, walking away to pick up the weapon for training, hoping to fight his brother, but once he turned around with a sheepish smile, Azriel was nowhere to be seen. The shadow singer was a regular at the library. In his five hundred years of living, this place has been his favorite escape. His sanctuary. A place where he could hide and no one could find him. As he walked in, the smell brought him a sense of calm.

Even more, relief washed over him when he found Clotho in her usual spot. After nodding her way, Azriel quickly pulled out a piece of paper, and the moment the high priestess read it, Azriel could feel her body getting rigid. That's an odd thing you want to read about a spymaster. Azriel knew that if Clotho refused to help him find the books he needed, no one could.

Those creatures are long gone, but aisle 652 is filled with books on fairies. Azriel was about to walk away, but the priestess caught his arm, pushing another piece of paper into his palm. Be careful of who you reach out to. Azriel attempted to inquire about what it meant but was met with an empty room. Clotho had disappeared. 

He stayed in aisle 652 for hours. Page after page Azriel even summoned his shadows to bring him his leather notebook so he could write down the most important details.

Not referred to by name. Could be the souls of the dead or fallen angels. Not bad enough for hell but not good enough for heaven. Can fly, appear, and disappear at their own will. Solitary fairies, who live on their own, are more likely to be harmful. Don't be fooled by the beauty; it's used to trick you and drink your blood.

The frown on Azriel's face got bigger with every line that he read. The scenario of you being a little trinket that Rhys kept now fitted quite nicely. For what other reason would you be here? So you could disrupt the dynamics of Velaris? What if Rhys knew nothing about your kind? But was Rhys even going to listen to him now, after all that happened?

Handing his notebook along with some books to his shadows, Azriel finally rose. He knew he had missed dinner by quite some time. The fact that Rhys didn't reach out to his mind was clear enough evidence that he was still mad. Azriel knew that he should have just gone up and stayed in his room, but the shadows pulled at his arms and legs. As if begging him to follow.

Azriel saw Elain twirling around as she tended her garden. The moment their eyes met, she shot him a happy smile, followed by a smirk as she waved him to come closer. And he wanted to. He wanted real bad to go to her and claim her, as he had been for quite some time. Let her make him forget. But at the same time, tonight, it almost felt wrong.

The nagging voice in his head told him to go. To check on you. He left you without a door; surely Rhys had that fixed by now, but still. Azriel knew he wasn't going to find peace unless he saw that you were safe. And he let himself write this down as checking in on a suspicious citizen. You still could have been planning a murder for all he knew. 

So he returned to your house, his legs carrying him just as they had the last time he saw you on the main city street. The sun was already almost past the horizon as he approached your house. You sat under the cheery tree. Legs tucked under your skirt. You looked like a little flower to him. Azriel looked in the direction of your door—they were still missing. Odd, he thought. If Rhys was so unhappy, why did he do nothing about it?

He was grateful for all the shadows that let him blend in with the ever-so-slowly creeping darkness. To mask him away from your eyes. So pretty his shadows whispered. Holding them back from touching you was way harder than he could have imagined. It's as if they wanted you as much as he did.

Your head was resting on your hand. Eyes drooped as you tried to stay awake, a small dagger by your side. Azriel smiled to himself—a wise girl who was already prepared. He returned his gaze to your door, the reason you weren't inside resting. Slowly peeling off all the shadows Azriel crotched down to you, hand gently reaching to rest on your knee. 

The feeling started you in an instant. One of your heads reached for your intruder's neck, the other for your dagger as you tackled him to the floor. When you realized it was him, your body froze.

"Imagine if that's how I greeted you when you came into my bedroom last night," Azriel tried to joke, but you quickly got off him, swallowing sharply. The shadow singer stayed on the ground, just looking at the sky. He waited for you to flee. Disappear right before him but you didn't. 

"I wanted to apologize", slowly sitting up spymaster looked your way once again. With him sat down you were hardly bigger them him. Your hair was messily pinned up, with only a couple of loose strands framing your face. Oh, how he wanted to run his fingers through your hair. Azriel realized that he hadn't heard your voice before, and from the way you didn't even hold his gaze, he knew you weren't going to bless him with that either.

"I've been having a kind of a hard time, and seeing you in my bedroom rubbed me the wrong way," he found himself explaining. He rarely explained his actions to anyone. Rhys, maybe if his mission required that. After another moment of silence, he pointed to your door and asked, "Can I fix that for you, so you could rest?"

Your eyes looked bitterly cold; even the green seemed less potent. You turned to walk towards your home, and Azriel was ready to be dismissed, but you just dropped the toolbox next to the entrance, crossing your hands over your chest, making Azriel let out a chuckle. Oddly enough, these bitter emotions didn't suit your features. The frown on your face looked misplaced as if your facial structure wasn't made for it. But then, at the same time, seeing your little frame stomp was the most adorable sight.

Azriel got to work without saying anything else. He felt your eyes burning holes into his back for some time. The shadows informed their master that the dagger was firmly pointed his way while he worked. Without even realizing it, Azriel found himself humming the same melody he heard in his sleep. The same melody you hummed while he was having a nightmare. That was the first time his mind settled that day. The fog that clouded his mind seemed to have faded away.

"All done, this seems even sturdier..." However, Az was met with your sleepy frame. Some of his shadows were cradling your head, making sure you slept in a comfortable enough position; they must have brought the blanket out of the house as well, since your body was nestled with it, keeping away the cold breeze outside. Azriel knew that his shadows had a mind of their own, but they hardly ever worked on their own without being given orders, so this in itself was a weird sight to see.

He couldn't help but wonder why you were so tired in the early hours of the evening. But then again, Azriel hadn't slept in a long while, so his sleep pattern wasn't the one to compear. Walking closer to you, he took this opportunity to admire you. His body wanted to reach out for you to hold you closer, but the shadow singer quickly blamed that on his Illyrian horny genes or the fact that a female hadn't warmed his bed in a little while.

Deciding against touching your face, Azriel ran his fingers up and down your arm this time. Your eyes slowly blinked open, and this time you didn't jump at the sight of him.

"Let me assist you in getting inside," he said, reaching for your hand and steadying your step. The shadows quickly carried the blanket inside, making you look their way.

"They're not harmful, and they seem to like you," Azriel said as he waited to meet your eyes, but you pulled your soft hands from his hold. Wrapping your hands around yourself as you walked inside. Azriel felt empty instantly. Like something vital was missing from his side. He always thought that's how he would feel if somebody was to take the truth-teller away from him. This, however, felt many times worse.

You turned to him one last time before moving to close the door, "Your secret is safe with me", you whispered loud enough for him to hear. And he did hear because his heartbeat picked up once again as he reached for the door to try and stop it from closing but was met with its wooden frame regardless.

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All acotar writing: @brekkershadowsinger @cityofidek

This series: @moonfawnx @piceous21 @are-y0u-sirius @fall-myriad @hanasakr

#azriel x reader #cassian x reader #rhys x reader #acotar imagine

[stancyler]

let's talk about the actual misogynistic ending for nancy which would be ending the show with jonathan.

the first misogynist decision the writers made was making nancy forgive jonathan for the creepy pictures he took of her. jonathan watched steve and nancy through his window room, saw that nancy was undressing and decided to take a photo with his camera. then nancy starts dating him at the end of season 2. jonathan never thought what he did was wrong. he apologized once under pressure when nancy brought the pictures up calling him out, but then he proceeded to take his weak apology back and insult her saying she'll end up like her parents for dating steve. and they didn't even know each other in that scene.

then we have season three where jonathan was the more misogynist he could be. jonathan and nancy worked together their dream jobs and their bosses were so sexist towards nancy. jonathan witnessed everything and decided to just mind his business. i mean if his girlfriend was suffering in front of him you'd expect him to at least comfort her. he just tells her something about forgetting it. nancy decided to pursue a story she believed in meanwhile jonathan was telling her to just drop it since the bosses once again made fun of her for it. jonathan was being exactly like the bosses. he only wants to go with her when she says she'll go alone then 🤡. and even after that, once again jonathan ignores her and her story until will is mentioned. not to mention jonathan telling her to suck the misoginy up.

jonathan's character will always prioritise his family aka will and joyce. and that's fine. but he shouldn't be in a relationship where the other person deserves to be a priority too. steve's priority has always been nancy. he changed for her. he was a jerk in high school but he started to become a better person over time and now we can clearly see he deeply cares about other people and has grown, has made new friendships that truly help him improve and he finally can admit to have feelings for someone. steve wanting a family is not misogynistic. nancy ending up with steve makes perfect sense and if you don't get then i'm sorry for you but please keep quiet because these takes are getting ridiculous.

#stancy #steve and nancy #steve harrington #nancy wheeler #steve x nancy #stancyendgame #nancy and steve #anti jancy #nancy x steve

[sepublic]

We’ve got THREE 44-minute specials for season 3...

If I had to guess, the first special is all about the human world. Luz recuperates with her mother, and makes a case for her choice to stay in the demon realm via her friends; They reconcile and Luz is thus at peace, with a blessing, to decide her future and where she wants to take her life. Symbolically, her Palisman hatches and reveals itself. All the while her friends learn about and understand what trauma Luz went through back home, are shocked to hear this amazing person was ever treated like that, and come to appreciate Luz and her background more.

Gus saw Philip’s memories, the ones related to his brother Caleb that he murdered; The memories that Luz and Hunter missed amidst everything else. So now they have a new addition to their Belos memories trauma club... And since Gus saw the memory of the first grimwalker no less, he’s definitely going to ask Hunter about who he is and where he came from, WHO he came from. Clouds on the Horizon set up Luz not mentioning how she helped Philip, nor Hunter discussing his grimwalker identity.

These are absolutely going to come into play, with Luz and Hunter comforted and told they have nothing to apologize for. All the while, Hunter WILL recognize the Gravesfield sigil as that of the Golden Guard’s. Luz is going to see the statues and she’ll recognize Philip, Hunter will see himself while Gus sees Caleb. They’re going to have questions about the Wittebane brothers as they make the connection... And so might have to ask Jacob Hopkins of all people for answers.

Belos is still alive. Reduced to just a few mere drops of mud, but he’s going to rebuild himself. He’s going to read the articles that Jacob wrote about him, find out about the statues. See how history has remembered him and Caleb as witch hunting martyrs as they deserved to be. Will Belos feel despair over how the world has changed, but also triumph over his venerated legacy? There’s the horror of Philip being in the next house over and our kids don’t even realize...

Which, I can imagine that haunting Hunter; The feeling of something watching them from outside the house, through the window. Only to be gone when someone turns around. Hunter thinks he’s crazy, imagining his uncle is still there, and his friends reassure him... One night he hears dripping, he wakes up to see Belos standing over him, screams, and then isn’t sure if it was just a nightmare. But Vee... Vee can smell magic, and she smells something faint going on over there. And they find drops of mud nearby.

Jacob might hear about the monster in the woods and go searching for Philip like he did Eda the Owl Beast; Philip karmically becomes a hunted cryptid that tabloids speak about, and confronts Jacob over what he’s written, asking what people know. Maybe Jacob dies and gets into trouble against Philip, maybe he gets a redemption after realizing how fucked up witch hunters really were, or allies with this OG witch hunter.

Philip possibly has an existential crisis as he realizes this is the modern version of what people like him become and are, and how in this day and age they truly are ridiculed and derided; An utter joke, as Luz warned him. If Jacob is descended from a name he recognizes, it truly sinks in and drives Philip mad what has changed and been lost by him, what he could never have gotten back for centuries, yet still fruitlessly toiled away to return to.

Either way, our protagonists confront what’s left of Belos, also hearing about this monster and realizing what or WHO it is. As Luz and Hunter tie up loose ends back home in Gravesfield where it all started, this thematically concludes with Philip’s final defeat and death in Luz’s hometown, so she and the others can move on to the Demon Realm and the Collector.

Philip was always a monster and enemy of that human world that Luz fled, so she symbolically vanquishes this embodiment of human prejudices that spurns her, even as Luz makes peace with what she left behind in Gravesfield with her mother, defying the pain and ostracizing of the human world with the friends and growth she’s gained. And if it’s Philip’s childhood home that this decrepit house was, then it begins and ends there for Luz and Philip. We can expect Philip going utterly mad and delusional, recognizing and latching onto the familiar while in denial of what’s changed.

Before Philip dies though, we might get his recollection of what happened; For the viewer and/or protagonists to put together. Hunter will confront his uncle one last time and get more(?) closure, and probably bond with Vee; They’re both clones of the dead made by Belos. Vee might get her revenge on Belos by draining what little magic is keeping him alive; Philip made her and the basilisks drain magic and did it himself, so now they turn that against Philip as he suffers what he did to others. And we’ll be reminded of Philip’s cruelty when he tries to devour the kids’ palismen, including Luz’s unborn one, for sustenance.

And as we get Caleb lore, we might also delve into the witch he and Philip followed into the demon realm; And with Gus using Adrian’s mirror to see through Flapjack’s memories, they realize... The witch Caleb married, possibly the same one he followed; She was a Clawthorne. Which of course segues into THAT big reveal, and possibly to what Eda and Lilith are doing in the demon realm as well.

Our second special might be about the aftermath of the Day of Unity, witches recuperating as the Collector remakes the world into his ideal playing ground. The first two episodes are concurrent; The first ends with Luz and co. opening a portal to the demon realm on their end (possibly finding a trash leak in the ocean that leads to the isles, maybe even THE Bermuda Triangle), while the second ends with Eda and co. opening that same portal to the human world from their end. Everyone reunites as we see what’s up with King.

Third episode is everyone coming together to defeat the Collector; That, or the second episode is Luz and co. arriving back in the demon realm and catching up (while we see glimpses of what happened with Eda and the others in the first episode), and the third episode is the healing aftermath of what happened. Everyone recovering, and the happy ending.

...Honestly, if this is how all of the Gravesfield and Wittebane elements have been set up to come together; God this ties into itself as a conclusion to all of these overlapping threads, so compellingly well.

#the owl house #luz noceda #the owl house hunter #philip wittebane #caleb wittebane #vee noceda #emperor belos #jacob hopkins #speculation #theory

[caddeter]

A few months, I made a post talking about how the ‘planned from the beginning’ excuse the RWBY FNDM loves to use makes no sense.  I got into a very brief argument with @crimsonxe before deleting the post and apologizing for writing it out of anger.

I am now taking that apology back, because the RWBY FNDM has repeatedly proven it deserves no form of respect no matter how small or basic.

I was hoping to rewrite the post using the other user’s replies, but unfortunately I couldn’t find them in my email trash bin.  So I’m going to be rewriting it based on memory.

One of the points I made was that, in Volume 3, there was a short scene where Penny expressed a desire to stay at Beacon, specifically saying that she ‘had an idea.’ The person who responded to me said that this idea didn’t ‘go nowhere’ because Penny dies at the end of the Volume

...  Bitch, that’s why it goes nowhere.

It’s like saying the ending of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom where dinosaurs are now loose on the mainland wasn’t completely ignored by the next film because Dominion was all about an evil corporation trying to kill competitor crops with a swarm of prehistoric locus.  It doesn’t change the fact that Fallen Kingdom’s ending was very clearly setting up a different story.

Or that the Pokemon anime didn’t drop the golden Pokeball plotline because it was delivered to Professor Oak and we never learn what it was about.

They also said that all that really mattered to Silver Eyes was that the Grimm are afraid of them, and it’s perfectly okay that CRWBY didn’t figure out why until Volume 3

That’s like saying it would have been perfectly fine if Avatar The Last Airbender took three seasons to figure out what an Avatar is.

Ruby’s Silver Eyes are strongly implied to be the reason Ozpin let her into Beacon.  If I’m expected to believe they’re important, why the fuck wouldn’t you figure out what they do first thing.

A plothole is when there is a hole in your plot’s internal logic.  How are you supposed to avoid plotholes if not even you know what’s going on?

Another point they made was that the writers figuring out their worldbuilding before they start the story or where they want the plot to go is them ‘doing me a favor’

As I said in the original post:  No, that is the writers doing their JOBS!

Let me put it to you this way:  Imagine you go into a restaurant and order a cheeseburger:

Do you expect that burger to be cooked?

Do you expect it to have a bun?

Do you expect a plate or a tray to carry it with?

Do you expect the restaurant to have tables you can sit at?

Do you expect the floors to be clean with a wet floor sign warning you of when it’s slippery?

Saying that the writers are ‘doing me a favor’ when they figure out where they want their story to go or how their magic systems work or what their world is like is like saying that one manager I had was ‘doing me a favor’ every time he came in half an hour late rather than miss have his shift like that one time.  That’s not doing a favor, that’s doing the least they could.

Doing me a favor is when Ben 10 throws in nods to fan opinions and responses in their show as quick little gags without mocking the people who hold those thoughts.

It’s when William Hartnell, the actor who played the First Doctor, kept track of what every button and switch on the TARDIS console did because he wanted to make sure he never used the wrong one because he feared viewers would notice.

It’s when Arkhane Studios defines the world of Dishonored down to the calendar.

It’s when the Ink Tank makes And Beyond, a series dedicated the the culture and societies of each of Ben’s aliens.

It’s when Linkara, GOAT he is, makes an entire, full length analog-horror movie as an April Fools joke.

Doing the audience a favor is going the extra mile.  It is not figuring out your plot points the moment they become relevant.  If that’s what you define as good writer, than please, do tell me, what’s bad writing?  If your standards are this low, then what would you consider a bad story?

They also claimed that I was wrong to make such criticisms of RWBY because Miles Luna is just a human being

I could make an entire post detailing how ‘people make mistakes’ is a terrible way to counter criticism (and in fact, I did), but instead, I’ll just leave you with a choice quote that describes one of the biggest problems with it:

There are writers and directors out there who put painstaking efforts into their stories to make sure everything is as concise and logical as possible. There are also writers and directors who don't put in those efforts at all. If inconsistencies in plot and character action "don't matter at all", then how can you even appreciate those efforts made by filmmakers who legitimately care? You're not just delegitimizing those who discuss their films. You're delegitimizing the filmmakers themselves. You're saying there's no difference between a lazy script littered with inconsistencies versus a thoroughly researched, laid-out, thoughtful script that made every effort they possibly could to make the story, characters, and universe as consistent and believable as possible. That's just nonsense and it's upsetting that you refuse to see any value whatsoever in filmmakers who put those extra efforts into their work.

Adam from YourMovieSucks.org, a professional movie critic.

They also said that they, as a writer, have reworked entire timelines because they came up with one new character

First of all, what you describing here is the planning process.  It’s revise then release, not the other way around.

Second of all, real nice anecdotal evidence you have there.  Wanna hear some of mine?  I wrote up history and culture for vampires and werewolves, notes detailing my own soft magic system, and worldbuilt an entire underwater society down to the clock for fun.  At that point, it shouldn’t feel like I’m asking the writers to reverse the Earth’s rotation when I expect them to figure out why Ruby’s Silver Eyes are special or how Magic works.

Another one of their ridiculous claims was that foreshadowing could ruin a show’s mysteries

Dumbass, mysteries are where you need foreshadowing the most.  Ask any established mystery writer, they’ll all tell you the same thing:  The best practice is to figure out the ending first and work your way backwards.  It requires thought and care to make sure the ending is satisfying and the journey to it is enjoyable and engaging.

Even if the audience figures out where the story is going, that just means their paying attention and are invested enough to think about the story.  And last I checked, the audience being invested in your story is a good thing.  Take it from me, I have a very strong idea for where Slime Rancher 2′s story is going, and I would be elated when it turns out I’m right.

If the only quality your story has is that it’s ending is ‘a surprising twist,’ then that just shows how shallow the rest of the story is.

Edit:  Linkara has a quote that perfectly explains why this idea is stupid:  “Of course we can’t [solve the mysteries].  It’s not really a mystery.  It’s you guys making up random contrivances to resolve each new cliffhanger.”

The last thing they user did was perpetuate the conspiracy theory that the RWDE tag was created to somehow destroy RWBY and Rooster Teeth while also saying the show doesn’t need defending from us as they defended it.

Ah, yes, because criticizing something is such a threat to it and the people who make it.  Just look at what happened with Twilight.  That series became the laughing stock of the internet, and then it...  Kept going.

Or what about Sword Art Online.  Mocking it became ingrained in the anime community, and then it...  Kept going.

Or Sonic The Hedgehog.  That series has a bad game every other release, and then it...  Kept going.  And each time it actually listens to the feedback it gets and tries to fix the problems people had.

Criticism is not a threat to a piece of media or the people who made it.  If anything, we’re doing RT a favor by criticizing RWBY.

But even then, let’s pretend, for just a moment, that there somehow was a conspiracy to destroy RWBY and Rooster Teeth for whatever reason.  Do you know what our EEVIIIILLL plan would be?  It’d be a simple two steps:

Step 1: Sit back

Step 2: Watch

Anything we could say or do to Rooster Teeth wouldn’t be nearly as bad as what they do to themselves.  Or do you think all those ex-employees reporting workplace discrimination and crunch culture so terrible it caused PTSD are in on it too?  We aren’t the ones trying to destroy Rooster Teeth.  Rooster Teeth is the one trying to destroy Rooster Teeth.

And even if that wasn’t true, why would an easily blockable tumblr tag be any threat to them?  We say this about a hundred times a day, but the entire point of the tag is for the FNDM to blacklist it so that they don’t see criticism.

And just to articulate how easy it is to blacklist a tag on this website:  I figured out how to do that all on my own and I can’t find my blocklist.  If that’s not good enough for you people, then what do you want us to do, go to an entirely different website?  Yeah, like that would stop you from complaining about us.

Furthermore, out of all the series in all the media in all the world to try and destroy, why do you think we would target a low profile web animation from a company that’s only really popular in machinima?  Don’t you think a more high-profile franchise would get this treatment?  Like Star Wars?

They probably said some more dumbass claims, but these are all I can remember.

#rwde

[all-things-fandomstuck]

I apologize for the person I'm going to become this month.

For those of you who don't know, or need a reminder, there are at least two, possibly three, major things happening in some of the fandoms I'm in.

The confirmed things are:

1) The Ruin DLC for FNAF: Security Breach comes out this month. And if you've been following my blog for a bit, you know that I absolutely adore the Daycare Attendant. Sundrop and Moondrop are my faves, and I cannot wait to see them again!

2) The Welcome Home website will be back up sometime this month, as mentioned on Clown's pinned post on their blog. I can't wait to see where this story goes! We keep getting little snippets of information here and there, and I'm so excited! I can't wait.

3) Now, this last one is pure speculation, but, Hazbin Hotel is slated to come out sometime this Summer. Now, we know most companies consider Summer to be June through August, as that's when most of the kids are out of school. We're already out of June. So, if my theory is correct, then season one of Hazbin Hotel should be out sometime this month. Especially after we managed to get the release of Helluva Boss season 1, episode 8. I can't wait to see the hellish cast again! Especially Sir Pentious! He's my favorite of the Hazbin Cast so far. I hope we get to see some of the Helluva Boss cast drop in at some point. I would love to see Ozzie and Fizz again!

Now, I could be wrong, like I said, it's purely speculation. No announcements have been made. I'd love to be right, but hey, it's been almost four years since the pilot dropped, I'm sure everything is a little tired of waiting at this point.

So, when all of these things drop, do not expect normal from me. I'm also expecting to hit my post limit daily for the next two months. Also, if my writing blog (@all-things-fandomstuck-writes ) becomes a tad flooded, well, you'll know why.

Also, asks are open for anyone who wants to chat about any of these topics! I am so hype, and honestly, no one I interact with on my day to day is as excited as I am, so getting to talk with more fandom people would be awesome!

#fandom speaks #hazbin hotel #welcome home #fnaf security breach #ask box is always open

[kylewithann]

Exquisite Biome - A Duo TTPG Liveblog

Deviating from my usual tendency of playing solo games to rope in my partner for some two-person adventures. We recently (-ish. Time is relative) played Exquisite Biome by Caro Asercion, a game where you create your own ecosystem and populate it with strange yet wonderful creatures. Come join our journey into the wild and whimisical!

(Also apologizing ahead of time because we played this awhile back and some details are hazy, so I can't guarantee specific information like card pulls.)

Let's gooooo!

How to play:

All you need is a standard deck of playing cards (minus jokers) and something to write (and even draw) with.

Creating an ecosystem:

The first thing we did was flesh out our ecosystem. This is accomplished by drawing cards. From our pulls, we established the following things about our biome:

Environmental focus: temperate forest

Current season: cool and wet

Environmental details: volatile weather patterns

Time of day: deep at night

Drawing for animals:

A cool feature about this game is you'll use the same three card spread to determine characteristics about the three animals you will create. The only difference is after each animal, you move the far left card to the right hand side, generating new answers to the prompts.

First Animal:

Here are the details we drew up for our first creature:

Taxonomy: Mammal (we went with a big jungle cat like a jaguar)

Ecological niche: Ambush predator

Distinctive feature: More or fewer appendages (we chose 0--a beast that hovers)

Environmental behavior: Life cycle (for this, we decided that we were mostly focusing on the cocoon stage. Once they reach adult stage, they gain 4 limbs and a pair of sugar glider wings)

Social groupings: This species lives in groups of a dozen or more (we established that there are pack dynamics with a determined pack leader)

Next, we establish the frame for the scene we will be witnessing. This is determined by drawing a fourth card that will be discarded after the pull.

Scene prompt: A hearty meal

Now we will write up our field notes from our expedition using the details we've generated thus far.

Field notes: As we zoom in, it is drizzling. We are sneaking through the forest and trying to keep our cameras dry. We come to a small clearing in the forest where our animal is taking a drink of water (we would never know otherwise because it's so quiet). We have to hold our breath so it or its potential friends in hiding don't spot us. It makes a crying noise like a wounded animal that draws another animal out into the clearing. The prey is then ambushed by all of the creatures hiding in the brush. Half a dozen are in the cacoon stage, a couple are in the baby stage, and a couple are in the final stage of the life cycle. The ones in the final stage are the ones that get the biggest piece of the pie while the younglings fight over the scraps. It has been a successful hunt.

Last detail is to come up with a name. This time, our creature will be known as the Jaglyder.

Second animal:

Taxonomy: bird (we went with a raven/crow and sloth combo, for reasons that will become apparent below)

Ecological niche: climber or tree dweller

Distinctive feature: Noisy (It has a lonely cry that sounds like a woman weeping)

Environmental behavior: Hibernating (It retires when the snow starts to fall and comes out again when it's warmer. Because the weather is so volatile in this ecosystem, it has multiple short hibernations every year)

Social grouping: solitary species (When two of them meet, they rejoice!)

Scene prompt: rest, leisure, or play

Field notes: The weather is clear and warm. We come across one creature hanging upside down from a tree branch. We are quiet so as not to disturb it. A very rare sight: another member of this species comes up to join it. It wakes the other with a gentle nudge and a soft cry. They wake up and make happy chattering noises at each other. One creature plucks a fruit from the tree and they toss it back and forth. The first one to drop it has to pick it up and peel it for the other one to eat. It's a very heartwarming scene.

This creature is known as the Crying Corvisloth.

Since we have established a creature previously, we can also now determine their relationship.

Relationship to other creatures: The Crying Corvisloth is prey for the Jaglyder.

Third animal:

Taxonomy: Reptiles (a bunch of different species for reasons that will become apparent below)

Distinctive features: Bioluminescence (Glowing mushrooms on its spine/back)

Environmental behavior: distinc reproduction method (Reproduction occurs when one member of the species spreads its spores to another reptile carcass. The spores only work on cold-blooded creatures.)

Social grouping: This species lives in very small groups (A found family. One creature creates another one, who joins the group. Groups never reach more than 4-5.)

Scene prompt: biding one's time

Field notes: The weather has shifted to become stormy. A group of jaglyders has hunted and slain an alligator elephant combo ( the elegator). We don't even notice the creature biding its time at first, but it is waiting in the wings for the jaglyders to leave. Once they have eaten their fill, they turn and go back to their home. It is then that we see this creature come out of hiding. The only thing we notice is the multicolor glowing shrooms stalking through the dead of night. The creature comes up to the carcass and shakes its spores all over it. The elegator then rises, returning back to life. The two lumber off into the distance, perhaps to join the rest of the family unit.

This creature is known as the Fungadile.

Relationship to other creatures: The Fungadile requires the assistance of the Jaglyder to "reproduce." They coexist peacefully with the Crying Corvisloth.

Final scene:

To wrap up the game, we construct one final scene of all three creatures interacting in their biome.

Field notes: The weather is cold and snowing as the temperature has dropped drastically. The corvisloth is curled up safely at the top of the trees--out of the jaglyder's gliding range. The jaglyders prowl for prey on the forest floor, following footprints in the snow. Meanwhile, a smaller fungadile--perhaps formerly a chameleon-esque creature--picks bugs out of the slumbering corvisloth's fur with its long, prehensile, glowing tongue. The creatures are coexisting in harmony--at least until dawn.

Final thoughts:

While this game can be played as a solo TTRPG, I think it is probably best enjoyed in a duo or group setting, so you can bounce ideas off of each other. I had lots of fun playing with my partner and collaborating together! This would be a fun game to flesh out a fantasy world.

Also, if anyone wants to draw up the creatures we created (because we didn't have the time/energy), I'd love to see your art!

Thanks for reading!

#exquisite biome #duo ttrpg #journaling ttrpg #indie ttrpg

[jamiesquotidian]

Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps

i wasn’t by any means a natural was not one of those wow hounds born jaw dropped

i was tough in the husk went years untouched by rain took shelter seriously even and often especially in good weather

my tears like teenagers hiding under the hoods of my eyes so committed they were to never falling for the joke of astonishment when i was told there were seven wonders of the world i trusted the math,believed i had seen none of them of course

beauty hunted me it haunts everyone but i outran it, hid in worry regret the promise of an afterlife or a week’s end then one day in a red velvet theater in new orleans i watched maya angelou walk on stage 17 slow steps to the mic she took a breath before speaking i could hear god being born in that breath my every pore reached out like a hand pointing to the first unsinkable lotus in the bio of the universe i never felt anything like it searched the encyclopedia for the feeling’s name when i got home goosebumps

afterward i thought i can do this started training morning night crowbar swinging like a pendulum at the wall of my chest tore the caution tape off my life and let everything touch it

allen iverson on the television in his first season with the sixers crossover sharp as a v of sparrows flying through the paint like michelangelo’s brush 333 goosebumps

my baby sister sober for the first time in 13 years calling to tell me she just noticed our mother’s eyes are green 505 goosebumps

one day my friend scored tickets to a prince concert tiny venue i was right behind the sound booth prince’s entire band that evening: women at the end of the show the sound person turned around and whispered he didn’t play one song on his setlist the whole night i live on stages i know what it is to scratch a plan but not the whole trip and still arrive to your destination 200 years before your time 421 artists formerly known as goosebumps

but that’s just the fancy stuff some of them came from simple facts it rains diamonds on jupiter 189 goosebumps

blood donors in sweden receive a thank you message when their blood is used 301 nordic goosebumps

one night in michigan my friend still undiagnosed could not uncurl her fingers to strum her guitar so she sang the chords instead it was the first time in my life i’d seen pain become an instrument ten dozen goosebumps for each and every note plucked from the string section of her refusal to silence her dream

after that nothing in the world was great even the movie of my past was released in color the oldest man in my hometown could not get to the door to listen to our carols so we went inside and sang at his bedside instead 24 boots on the front step catching snowflakes with their tongue 776 goosebumps

at one point everything started doing it a sincere apology 221 goosebumps an enemy’s love poem 222 goosebumps

the moon rising over the continental divide my girl and i thought it was a car driving off a cliff and suddenly nothing in the world was dying you ever felt that a split second when nothing in the world is dying 888 goosebumps

and the next day i sharpened a tiny axe so i could split the seconds myself too much lives in a moment to not feed it to the fire and the heart slow a missoula treehouse filled with candlelight 143 goosebumps

the octopus documentary 54 goosebumps multiplied by eight

the biggest dog in the shelter hiding behind a teacup chihuahua and the woman who came to adopt a cat taking all three of them home 1012 goosebumps

there is no escaping the magic now beauty caught me and never let me go and the thing about the world record is if someone breaks it after me and they will break it after me i will love that so much that without even trying i’ll break it again

Andrea Gibson

[thesoftboiledegg]

Season 5 is good on its own, but from a narrative standpoint, it's brilliant in how it shows us that everything we thought about Rick is wrong--even before the big reveals in the last three episodes. The season pulls the threads of Rick's character one-by-one until the whole toxic masculinity shitshow of the earlier seasons unravels.

This had already started in season 4--Rick still does shitty things, but he's not as terrible as he was in earlier seasons. He's more civil, forgiving and willing to admit when he's wrong. When he and Morty think they're dying at the end of the Glorzo episode, he drops the bullshit altogether and frantically apologizes to Morty, saying "It's all my fault!" Still, he crashes and hits rock bottom with "The Vat of Acid Episode," showing that his worst instincts are still in there somewhere.

Season 5 changes that. The first episode starts with Morty carrying Rick to safety while Rick rambles that he's a "small, silly man," showing that the balance of power has shifted.

As the season goes on, Rick gradually drops his cold exterior. Make no mistake--he's still an asshole when he wants to be. But he smiles fondly at people, shows sorrow and regret, and sighs endearingly at Jerry's corny jokes. He accepts a hug from Summer even though it clearly makes him uncomfortable and returns it in a loving way, not in a manipulative way like he would have in season 3.

When he does get annoyed, his expressions are funny and endearing, not cold and frightening. And even then, he's willing to let the issue go half the time instead of going on a destructive rampage.

What I'm getting at is that "badass Rick" who kicked everyone's ass and never showed emotion is slowly disappearing. Say goodbye to that aspect of toxic masculinity, fellas--the "sociopath" from season 1 (I never agreed with that label anyway) is actually a vulnerable human being.

Rick gets over his pointless feud with the president, and the narrative actually sides with the president a little instead of agreeing with Rick's constant anti-government rants. "Haha, Rick hates the gubmint just like me!" goes down the drain. Rick refuses to replace his Bird Person with another Bird Person who would do what he wants, so "Nothing matters, everyone's replaceable" falls away, too.

His romantic and sexual relationships also lose their male power fantasy aspect. Rick having sex with every alien chick in the galaxy becomes Rick clinging to a woman who's using him because he's lonely. When he has a kid with the horse lady, he promises to take care of them instead of running off.

And then there's the infamous Birdrick reveal. Even if you want to pull the whole "It's platonic!!" crap, Rick still admits his love for his male best friend. And not in a bro-y "Haha, you're my best friend, man" way--he just outright says it.

Season 5 even corrects some of the toxic masculinity from earlier seasons. When you first watch "The Wedding Squanchers," it looks like Rick's pitching the typical misogynist "wah wah my bro's getting married and won't be able to hang out with me" hissy fit. Watching it again, that episode becomes deeply sad.

Rick still gets his licks in, but he also fails, falls apart and starts to realize how much damage he's caused. He's not miserable because he's the smartest man in the universe and nobody understands how great he is. He's miserable after a lifetime of grief, trauma and self-hatred that he turned inward--and later, started to turn outward. He was a toxic presence in Morty's life, and he knows it.

By the end, the Rick who was always in control, kicked everybody's ass, spoke uncomfortable truths (i.e. was an asshole for no reason), cursed out his grandkids, whined about "political correctness," laughed at violence and murder, took his anger out on everyone, claimed that nothing mattered, wallowed in self-pity, fed his own ego and smacked down everyone who defied him had unraveled to reveal that all of it was bullshit. From the first episode, he was full of shit.

He's still miserable, selfish, emotionally immature, deeply flawed and barely functioning, and he's done so many awful things that he'll never be able to atone for them, but he's done pretending that he doesn't love his grandkids--in fact, he'll prove it right now, and show Morty love, affection and sincerity for the first time in the entire series.

It wasn't the end, but I actually think that this all culminated with Rick becoming the crow witch. That was Rick's fantasy, not the audience's, because the incels who think they're Rick sure as shit aren't going to imagine themselves in that outfit.

Rick's still mean to Morty, but we also see Rick carrying Morty in his arms later on--a parallel to the opening scene of the season and a sharp contrast to the brutality of Ricks who clone Mortys and butcher their tiny little bodies.

Then, at the end of "Rickmurai Jack," Evil Morty deconstructs Rick's bullshit and points out his pettiness, selfishness, toxic attitude to Morty and the unhealthy ways that he justifies it all. After that, Rick doesn't even try to manipulate his way out of the situation. He lies under a pile of rubble and tells Morty to save himself. Morty's love is the only reason that he doesn't die on the citadel.

Of course, we've got five more seasons to go, so who knows what's going to happen. But as it stands right now, the show that once fed into science bro MRA culture--and I think it was intentional and the writers 100% sided with Rick at the time--became a deconstruction of toxic masculinity. And maybe a critique of it, too.

#this post has obviously been sitting in the slow cooker (my brain) for a while #rick and morty #rick sanchez #morty smith

[santa-klaus]

apologies in advance for the person i become when umbrella academy season three drops

#ua #tua #the umbrella academy #umbrella academy #klaus hargreeves #five hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #ave talks #tua s3 #tua s3 theories #tua s3 bts

[wiypt-writes]

25 Days Of CHRIS-Mas

Day 25: A CHRIS-Mas Carol

Part 2: Present

Summary: You and Chris have a love/hate relationship…in that you love to hate one another. But it hasn’t always been that way, and sometimes, to build a better future, someone has to be the bigger person and remember why and how it wasn’t always that bad.

Pairing: Chris Evans x Actress Reader

Warnings: Bad Language, smut (NSFW, 18+)

W/C: Hazard a guess about 7k ish?! Poss more.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction, any likeness to any persons or events in real life are purely co-incidental. I do not own any characters contained herein bar the reader and/or any original characters. I do not give consent for my work to be copied and posted/translated onto any other sites. If you see this fiction anywhere other than Tumblr, it has been taken without permission.By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer and ALL warnings posted here.

A/N: So this is my first EVER RPF and came from an idea I’ve had in my head for ages. It’s split into 3 parts. I know some creative license is taken with the timings of filming some things mentioned, but in my world covid didn’t happen so… roll with me! Posted on mobile with my left hand. Apologies in advance for any mistakes!

Part 1: Past

Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future. Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.

December 2021

"Apparently, we’re fucking again.” Your voice filled Chris’ ear and he laughed as he readjusted the phone, tipping some kibble into Dodger’s bowl.

"Happens every time we do something together. I take it the Ghosted casting news broke?"

“I’m just not sure how I’m supposed to have the time, what with you, Seb, Cavill and Hemmy, I’m spreading it about.”

Since wrapping up four more Marvel films with Chris, your tenure ended as Marvel's Shadow in a few guest appearances in the Falcon and the Winter Soldier; a Sudanese spy drama with Chris, as well as an original script murder mystery and now a second book to script spy film both starring Chris as a male lead, not to mention the countless other projects you had managed to book in the last eight years. Since patching things up in Orlando that night, you and Chris become close friends. You’d become his preferred leading lady, and the fandom frequently went wild over it.

"That's a herpes nightmare not to mention the gonorrhea." Chris snorted.

"Yeah about that, Imma need the number for your clinic.”

"That's rude." He deadpaned.

"You're not denying it.”

“For the record, I didn’t have gonorrhoea,” he sighed, before he smirked to himself, “it was chlamydia.”

"God, you're disgusting."

"How's Cavill?”

“Oh he’s great. Such a genuinely nice guy. His girlfriend is lovely too. Made me feel so welcome. I’m sad it’s all fine now but hey, season three starts June so… it’s all good!”

"Am I going to get to see you and celebrate Christmas before I head back home? I'm only in LA until Tuesday. Then I won't be back for a while."

“Yeah, I get back in tomorrow evening. You all done on Grey Man?”

"Except for ADR later, yeah," he replied. "I noticed you weren't on the reshoot list."

"I'm that good."

“That or you already did most before you fucked off on press…”

"That too." You laughed. "So, don't get mad, but I kinda grabbed a couple of gifts while I'm here."

"From London?" Chris chuckled, "you know I've been there quite a few times, most of them with you."

"I know. But it's Christmas and these things spoke to me. They practically screamed 'Chris' as I walked by. Or was that when I was in Prague two weeks ago with Hemmy?"

“Name dropping doesn’t impress me.” He teased.

"No? What does impress you then?”

"Hard work, honesty, kind heart...."

"Pretty face, nice ass?”

"Meh, depends," he chuckled

You laughed, “okay, so I need to finish up packing but I’ll let you know when I’m back. Any night in particular good for you?”

"Anytime Friday to Sunday, that okay?"

"Saturday night then?"

“Great, seven work?"

"Seven is fine."

"See you soon."

With a smile, Chris slid his phone onto his pocket and looked around. He hadn’t seen you now for almost two months and he was look forward to catching up.

He typically wasn't in LA for the holiday season, especially not this late into it, but with his reshoot schedule, he was needed. His house lacked some holiday spirit but he thought to soon fix that with your visit.

By Friday, with Scott's help, Chris had put together a small amount of spirit from a little table top tree to a fresh wreath and garland. He even had a nice swag on his mantel and some lights strung out back.

Whilst you yourself weren’t an LA native so to speak, you were spending Christmas in the area with your family this year, and he knew your place would be decorated ridiculously as soon as you got the chance.

Saturday afternoon arrived, and brought with it a quick trip to the garden centre followed by the store to make sure his fridge was stocked along with topping up his snack supplies. A quick shower followed by a check of his emails and social media took him through to seven, and the security system informed him your access code had been used to open his gate.

He hadn't even given you the chance to knock before he threw open his front door only to see the tail lights of her Uber behind you and you on his porch, dressed in a soft cream coloured cashmere sweater, denim jacket and black skinny slacks, leopard ballet flats on your feet.

"Merry Christmas!" You beamed and his chest hitched a little at your smile.

"Merry Christmas!” He grinned back, pulling you in for a hug and lifting you off your feet slightly.

Dodger waited patiently in the entry for them to enter before he gave his sweet, tail wagging welcome with a jump to your hip and an attempted lick to your face.

“Oh, baby!” You giggled, kneeling down. “I missed you too, Dodge. I did!”

“Too?” Chris teased, arms folded as he leaned against the wall. “So you missed me?”

You stood and popped a shoulder, "I did."

He smirked. Even he had to admit that there had been a shift in your friendship lately and while you text and talked often, something felt good about having you in his house tonight, even if it were only a few minutes.

"I see you decorated," you commented, pulling him from his head.

"Well, I couldn’t exactly let Miss Christmas come round without making the effort.”

"Meh, I'm going for the minimalist look this year. With five days to go, I've managed the tree and a wreath. I don't care to make the effort with so little time this year left."

"Very uncharacteristic of you, Y/N, I'm shocked."

“It’s just been crazy,” you sighed, “I don’t think I’ve ever had work commitments so late before ever.”

"Me either, it's been a weird year."

You made your way into the kitchen where you set your bags down on the island chair and leaned against the Italian marble. Dodger had followed, wondering if he'd get a snack to eat.

"Wine? Champagne? Beer?" Chris offered.

"Fizz, please," you smiled.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh stop!” You laughed, “I can’t hear you say that without thinking of Cap!”

Chris bellowed a good laugh and smiled as he poured the Fizz and grabbed himself a beer. He then set about with small conversation about nothing really as he set out snacks, pre-arranged on platters.

"Well, look at you Mr. Fancy." You popped a strawberry slice in your mouth.

"I had help. Scott's and Steve are queens at throwing party plates together."

“I half expected them to be here,” you chuckled at his choice of words, “I’m assuming they’re both going to Boston for Christmas?”

"I don't know about Steve yet. His family had some sad losses this year so he's a little undecided. Scott and I fly back together Tuesday morning."

“Shit, that’s rough.” You frowned.

"Yeah, I know." He sighed, "anyway, you said your family is coming in, when do they arrive?"

You sighed with a smile, "yep, bright and early Thursday morning from y/ht. I'm excited. It's been too long since seeing them all at once."

“They here for New Year too?

“Erm, no. Actually, about that… I’m gonna be in Boston on New Years.”

"What? Seriously?" He was shocked, and a little disappointed you hadn’t said anything.

“Don’t look at me like that! I only found out yesterday myself, it’s a work… thing.”

Chris narrowed his eyes at you , "alright, have secrets, I get it." He picked up a cheese cube and tossed it into his mouth.

“Oh for… fine, but if I tell you and you tell anyone I will murder you in your sleep.” You folded your arms, “I’m meeting Feige."

"In Boston?" Now he was really confused.

“Feige is from Boston you dork!”

"Well no shit, but..." He laughed, "but.... Okay, spill."

“He’s there for Christmas and asked if I could meet him. He has something to pitch to me and they need a decision quick to make it work.”

"Interesting. So you're going in in the dark, huh?"

“Kinda… from what I know, Shadow’s time might not be quite as done as everyone things. They’re talking about her being a part of the Blade movie plus an origin film of her own.”

"No shit?" Chris grinned. "That's wicked cool."

“Yeah, I dunno.” You shrugged, “her arc ended well in Falcon And The Winter Soldier. She got the closure she needed so this… it’s gotta be right and feel right, you know? Although I will admit, her being part of Blades world makes sense seeing as she’s half vampire.”

Chris nodded, "it does, but you're absolutely right." He reached for her hand across the counter, "it has to be what you want or there's no going back. You did a fantastic job with the character and I couldn't see anyone else in the role. Don't let them bully you into something you can't feel."

“Oh, no I won’t. And it’s gots work around the filming for season three of the Witcher, which as it stands is al I have next year, I was planning on taking a bit of time out. That said, Kevin did say there would be some shit for me to film next year which leads me to believe she’ll have an end credit scene or cameo in one of next years films if I go for it.”

"Hey, like I said, don't get sucked in. We all know how deep Marvel commitments run and I think you've worked more than enough to deserve some time to do something you want. Whether that be a break or another project that you're passionate about. I can honestly say, taking. 2020 off was a huge blessing for me."

“Yeah well, post season three I got shit,” you laughed, “spoiler alert, they’re killing Hanya off. They told me when they renewed all the contracts so…”

"So that's it huh, three seasons?" Chris chuckled, "you're forgetting something though."

“What?”

"Me. Our next project."

"Fuck… that too. Jesus, it’s no wonder Jake goes mad at me, I should pay him double. So yeah, basically, I don’t know!” You groaned, banging your head on the surface of the island. “Let’s change the subject. New Years Eve, Boston…” you peeked up at him, grin on your face. “Party?”

"At my place, like always, and I want you to come!" He smiled brightly, hopeful you’d say yes.

“News flash, I was gonna whether you invited me or not.”

"You're always welcome, any time of day or night."

“I’ll hold you to that when I’m bored of hiding in my hotel room.”

"Uh, cancel that reservation, you're staying at mine. I have plenty of room, and Scott and Steve, if he comes, can stay in the guest room in the main house. You could come and go from the guest house over the garage."

“I don’t wanna put you out,” you shook your head, “I’m gonna be there for five days.”

"Nonsense. Being in some bougie hotel for the holiday sucks. Why not stay with friends and enjoy it more?"

You hesitated, taking a deep breath, before you smiled. “Okay, what the hell. The world already thinks we’re fucking so…”

"Cheers to that..." He tilted his bottle at her.

You helped Chris with dinner, the two of you sitting after things were cleaned up in his living room with the dark skyline out the windows and a fire roaring nearby.

"So, I'm really excited about these. I hope you like them." You beamed giddily as you pulled a few wrapped items from the bag you’d brought in with you.

Chris started with the longer shaped box and tore open the festive paper after untying the bow. He lifted the lid on the simple white box and his eyes widened at the gift inside.

Handmade, blown glass pilsner glasses sat nestled in a velvet cushion for safe transport.

“All the way from Prague,” you smiled as he gently picked one up out of the box. "I thought they'd go great with your tap in Boston."

“They’re fantastic!” He grinned, looking at you, “really…I love ‘em!”

"Good! I'd hoped so!"

He set the gift down on the table and grabbed the gift bag, plucking the tissue from the open top. He reached inside and pulled out a tissue wrapped gift, one of three inside. He unraveled the tissue to find a delicate glass bulb adorned with gold filigree and garnet gems.

"It's a little girly but, I don't know, I thought you'd like it for some reason."

“Errr it’s shiny, you know I love shiny stuff!”

“Yeah, should have skipped the hassle and got you a tube of aluminium foil.”

"Simple things, sweetheart, simple things."

The other two ornaments in the bag were both handmade but of paper mache and simple, both he still enjoyed.

“Okay so… my gift for you isn’t anywhere near as imaginative…”

"So, that's not the point, you meatball."

“No, I know but…” he shrugged, standing up, “wait here and prepare to be completely underwhelmed.”

You sat and waited for Chris to return. It didn't take long and when he'd shown himself, he came with a large gift bag handing it off to you.

You pulled the tissue out and peeked inside, smiling at its contents. You reached in and grabed the gift, pulling out a beautiful green house plant with wandering vines.

"I love it!" You smiled.

“Thought it might replace the one I accidentally murdered earlier this year. But in my defence, I did warn you not to leave me in charge of anything green.”

"You've done fine all this time. I seriously love it, thank you!" You reached your arm around his neck and pulled him in for a hug. "I love it because you picked it out, and I know how picky you are when it comes to plants. You take your time looking at each one and that takes thought."

“It kinda reminded me of that one that Jamie Lee had in her trailer.”

You smiled and added a wink, "Thank you." You pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Your welcome.” His hands smoothed up your back and you let out a contented sigh.

“I really did miss you, you give the best hugs.”

"Is it stupid to say the same thing?" Chris wondered.

"What that I give great hugs?" You snorted. He looked at you with a serious glance. You shook your head 'no' .“Nah, I don’t think so.”

"Can I be honest?"

"Please..." you waited for him to continue.

"I've been thinking a lot, about how long we've known each other, how much we've worked together, it's been years now. And the one thing that keeps coming back to my mind is Costa Rica."

You stilled a little and pulled away, your eyes searching his. “And I’m assuming you mean the wrap party and not just Costa Rica in general?”

"Yeah," he whispered.

You swallowed, “why? Why now?”

"I don't know. But it's been so long and I can still remember that night in perfect clarity."

“I… erm… me too.”

"I don't know what I'm doing but, I know I want to kiss you again. If you want me you. I feel like we had a missed opportunity and I'm really interested to see where we can go. I like you, I've liked you for a while and given our lives now, I think we have the chance to try. We have the time to try."

“Is that why you sat me here?” You blinked, your voice surprisingly steady despite the blood pounding in your ear as your chest hummed with anticipation.

"No, not entirely, I mean I wanted to see my friend, but if I don't tell you before I leave, I don't know if I'd have the sac to again."

“That’s not what I meant…” You pointed upwards and watched as his eyes tracked upwards.

“Fahk, no…” he snorted as he spotted the Mistletoe. "I didn't even... fahking Scott!”

“Shame…”

His eyes flicked quickly to yours and there wasn't even a blink as he registered your 'shame' before his lips were on yours.

The kiss was soft, gentle, nothing like the urgent one you’d shared all those years ago and you couldn’t help the soft whimper that rolled in your throat.

"Tell me to stop." He pulled back breathily.

"No."

“Y/N…” his voice was practically begging.

"I want this."

His eyes searched yours, you assumed for any shred of doubt. But knew he wouldn’t find one. Your hands cupped his lightly bearded face and pulled him down to the couch cushions with you.

His nose softly bumped yours as he licked his lips. “We do this, we’re crossing that line…”

"I know," you tilted up and kissed him again pulling at the back of his sweater.

He shifted, allowing you to yank it over his head, tossing it to the floor. And then his lips were back on yours.

His lips carried over your jaw to that joint by your ear, "I'm not... We're not doing this here," he hummed against your skin, his hands wandering like the vines of the plant he gifted you.

“Oh…okay,” you stuttered a little as his lips caressed that spot on your neck that made you melt.

Shirtless, he sat back, pulling you with him. His large hands cupping your face as he kissed you until you both stood.

You didn���t want him to stop, and to your delight he didn’t. Instead, his hands slid down over the cheeks of your ass to the back of your thighs. His knees bent and quick as a flash you were in his arms, giggling against his mouth as your legs wrapped around his slim waist.

You giggled as he chuckled against your lips, carrying you down the hall towards his room. Dodger trotted along behind the two of you, only to have the door kicked closed on his sweet face.

“Poor Dodge!”

"Fahk that." His lips silenced your next quip back, tongue gliding along your bottom lip. Thick fingers pulled at your sweater hem, lifting the garment over your head.

You and Chris had shared on screen kisses before, but there was something so different and natural about the way this fit that it made your belly flip. Because for the first time you knew he wasn’t faking it, just like you hadn’t been.

It was just like Costa Rica, passionate but soft. His hands held your waist as you stepped back towards his bed, the two of you falling into the sheets.

“God, I’ve wanted this for so long,” his voice was a whisper as his hands trailed delicately up your sides, his finger tips brushing your skin.

"Don't waste anymore time then," you whispered. "We've got forever if we want it."

“There is one thing that we’re not considering,” he gently nipped at your collarbone.

"Which is?" Your own fingers curled through his hair and down his neck over his shoulders.

"Does this means I’m gonna hafta change your name in my phone from Pain In My Ass?”

You stilled, and then his laugh rang out across the room as you slapped his shoulder. In a quick move that you’d learnt when filming, your legs locked round his abs you flipped him over to his back. He grunted as you straddled his hips.

“Jerk.”

His hips tilted upward and you moaned, "you gonna let figure out what you like or are you gonna talk all night, baby?"

“You’re the one that keeps talking, Evans.”

In a flash, you were on your back again and his lips were on your skin, fingers finding their way to your slacks as his lower body bore the brunt of his weight, balancing directly over you, one hand perfectly straining to hold him still.

You raised your hips to allow him space to pull your slacks down over your hips. Without so much as a glance, he tossed them over his back, leaving you below him in nothing but your lace bra and panties.

"Fahk," he groaned, taking you in.

Your own eyes roved over his broad shoulders, his defined chest and abs. Your gaze followed that trail of hair down from his pecs, over his stomach to where it disappeared into the waistband of his jeans, just behind the buckle of his belt.

You couldn’t help but smirk at the obvious bulge at the crotch of his dark denims. Knowing you’d done that, made you feel a sense of pride.

Your fingers reached for his buckle but he was just a little out of reach, "Jesus, just, get them off."

“Impatient much?” He smirked, his hands making short work, the clanking of metal ringing in your ears as you sat up, your hand curling round the back of his neck.

"Yes, I am." You latched your lips to his and gave him a dirty tongue grind that made him moan while your free hand grabbed at his hard cock.

“Fahk,” he hissed, wriggling out of his jeans before he completely collapsed on top of you, tongue fighting yours for dominance.

Down your neck he went, nipping at your skin, laving at your collarbone before spilling your breasts out of the cups of your bra. You whimpered as his tongue danced across your nipple. He repeated the action, large hands curling round your hips as you arched your back, pushing your body further into his.

"Need you," you whined, "inside."

With a groan his lips crashed to yours in a short but bruising kiss and he pulled back, fingers curling into the lace of your underwear

A heavy breath escaped his nose as he looked at you, ready and wet. This foreplay was taking too long and the anticipation was literally making you squirm.

You could tell by the very large bulge he was sporting, and the weight of him in your palm before, that made him out to be bigger than anyone you've taken.

A split second later he was fishing in the drawer to the night stand, pulling out a foil square.

As you watched him, you took the liberty to remove your bra whilst he settled the condom over his shaft. Now completely naked, you watched in awe at the slender hips near yours, the wide shoulders and washboard abs and the tattoos, the loads and loads of tattoos that littered his skin.

His hand curled around his dick as he shuffled closer, lining himself up. Then, he took both your hands in his, twining your fingers together as he pinned them either side of your head.

A gentle tilt of his hips saw him slide into you, his eyes locked on yours as the both of you let our soft noises of satisfaction.

"Oh that's good," you bit your lip. He filled and stretched you, his body warm over yours.

“Glad you-approve.” His last word was timed with another gentle thrust forward that had your eyelids fluttering shut.

"Please don't stop... like that," you panted. "Fuck." You could feel your eyes roll behind your eyelids. It felt almost too good. You were well and ruined already.

"Baby, I don’t think I could… Stahp… if I wanted to.” His words punctuated by pants, you once more felt his lips on your neck. That beard scratched at your skin with every complimenting roll of his hips.

"Say it again," you whimpered as his pace picked up a little.

“What?” His mouth dipped into the hollow of your throat, kissed chaining up to your chin

"Baby...." you whispered.

A slow kiss cut you off, his thrusts deep as he brushed against that spot deep inside of you. Forehead pressed to yours, your noses bumped.

“Baby…” his lips hovered over your own, curling into a smirk as you let out a sinful groan. He repeated the word a few more times until you were clawing at his back with your blunt nails.

"Chris....." His name was a whimper on your lips as you drew nearer to your end. It was delicious torture, the way your body was building and teetering on the edge.

"You're close, I can feel you.”

And you were, so close, but you also didn’t want this to end. As if he could guess your thought, "cum for me, baby. I'll make you feel good again, I promise."

So you did. You let go of that last thread of self control you’d been clinging onto. Your body trembled from the tips of your toes to the crown of your hair. You squeezed around him and Chris had no control as he jutted forward a little harder than before

“God, honey, can feel you…”

"Yeah," you whimpered. "So good."

“Fahk, I’m… I'm gonna…” his words turned into a grunt as his hips turned sloppy. Burried to the hilt, he came, his face burried in the crook of your neck, his entire body growing rigid before he sighed, relaxing over you.

Breatheless and satiated, you led beneath him, thankful for the moment you'd shared.

Your hands slid up his back, one splaying between his shoulder blades, the other tangling in his hair as you let out a small hum of contentment.

"We're gonna do that again, right?" Chris asked, his breath still hot on your neck.

"I hope so."

“Good, me too.”

Neither of you knew what the future would bring, but chances are if you were given a look ahead, you'd both like what you'd see.

🎄🎄🎄🎄

Part 3: The Future

[redriotbaby]

finding out their s/o is pregnant ft. haikyuu

Pairing: Bokuto Koutarou x female! reader, Hinata Shouyo x female! Reader, Kozume Kenma x female! reader, Miya Atsumu x female! reader, Oikawa Tooru x female! reader, Sawamura Daichi x female! reader, Tendou Satori x female! reader

Rating: pg 13?

Genre: PURE FLUFF, established relationships, mood swing, a tiny fight with slight jealousy on Oikawa’s part, and some crackheadedness :) 

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy and anxiety

Word Count: 2.1k

Summary/ Request: “hi hi hi !! i just found your page and i love it it's so cute uwu🤩

could i request hc/drabble (anything really) of finding out their s/o is pregnant with tendou, daichi, hinata, bokuto, atsumu, kenma, oikawa

just a crumb of something to itch my brain please 👉🏻👈🏻”

A/n: Hello, thank you so much for requesting this. I had such a lovely time writing this and being all mushy. Just like all my other works, I had to find a way to make it a teeny bit of crackheaded. I hope you enjoy this work and thank you again. Also thank you to @meowstea​ for helping me brainstorm this (I adore you). Thank you to @plutointhestars​ and @jeonsjiddies​ for beta reading this for me. Requests are open, just please read my rules before sending in an ask. Also, if there’s any other warnings that need to be added, please let me know. I’ll be happy to add them for y’all. Hope y’all enjoy, any feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

Bokuto Koutarou 

It was your five-year anniversary with Bokuto and instead of going out, Bokuto wanted to be your personal chef for the night.

Weeks prior to your anniversary date, Bokuto spent his free time watching cooking videos and memorizing recipes of foods that had your eyes glimmer. 

Seeing all his hard work and puppy eyes, how could you say no. 

So here you were, admiring the love of your life happily cook a meal for you.

The delightful aroma causes you to unconsciously rub your growing tummy, the aroma making your mouth water.

You were currently twelve weeks pregnant and you’ve thought of ways to tell Bokuto but all ideas that came through your head didn’t seem like enough.

“Hey, honey? Did you hear me?”

“Sorry Bo, what did you say?”

“I was thinking now that we are married, you know, we could maybe start trying for a baby?”His words had you freeze in your spot. 

You weren’t sure if you felt relieved or a bit terrified of being put on the spot.

Almost if he sensed your silence, he turned around with the frying pan in hand starting to mutter apologies for being blunt.

Before he could get any more words out, you interrupted him but didn’t meet his eyes.

“We are pregnant, Bo.” You whispered and closed your eyes as you waited for anything to ease you. 

Instead of being met with his words, you heard the frying pan clatter on the floor.

“What?”

You took a deep breath and prepared to meet his disappointed face but instead, you were met with a teary-eyed Bokuto. 

Quickly, you made your way to your husband and pulled him towards you. 

You sat him down on the chair you were in and you took his large hand in yours to place a kiss on his knuckles before directing his palm to rest on your growing tummy. 

Bokuto’s eyes fluttered shut as he started to fully process it, his large hand on your tummy making you feel happy. 

Once his eyes opened, Bokuto pulled you into his lap and covered your face with sweet kisses while whispering the sweetest words only for your ears.

“Baby, I love you so much! Thank you for making me so damn happy!”

Your heart was full of utter warmth and happiness that you felt like you were on cloud nine.

Hinata Shouyo 

Hinata treated you like a queen. He always wanted to take you to the most beautiful restaurants with a perfect scenery just to see you glow in happiness.

Of course, you mentioned that you were happy with just being cuddled against his warm body at home but he always said that his queen deserves the best.

So that brings you to one of the fanciest restaurants that you have ever been to. 

You felt a bit uncomfortable because of how your fancy clothes clung to your growing belly. Your worried mind raced through different scenarios that you completely missed the waiter asking you what you would like to drink.

“We would like a bottle of wine. Tonight feels like a special night.”

Without thinking you answered, “No, I can’t drink alcohol for nine months. It’s bad for the baby.”

“Nine months? Baby?” Hinata muttered under his breath until it hit him. 

The waiter and Hinata looked at you with wide eyes and it took you a moment to realize what you had said.

“Surprise?” You shyly giggled at their reactions. 

Before you could say anything more, Hinata jumped out of his chair to pull you into his arms.

“Hey everyone, I’m going to be a dad!” The waiter and the people that were sitting near you congratulated the two of you.

Hinata’s hands cupped your face and placed a loving kiss on your lips and thanked you for making him the happiest person in the universe. 

Kozume Kenma

It was Kenma’s birthday and by his request, it was just a day at home. He wanted to spend his special day with the most important person to him in the comfort of your shared home. 

And of course, you could not deny his request.

You planned to make his favorite food while he played a few of his favorite games. 

While you waited for the food to simmer, you pulled out Kenma’s special gift and opened it to make sure everything was perfect for the thousandth time.

Today was the day you were finally going to tell him that you were carrying his child. You didn’t know how much longer you could continue to hide it since your belly was starting to show as each week passed.

You set up the dining table and called Kenma to come to eat with you.

Your heart pounded in your chest when you saw your boyfriend walk into the dining room with a smile on his face.

“Happy Birthday, baby! Before we eat, I do have a really special gift for you.”

With shaky hands, you handed Kenma the gift. You carefully watched his every move as he opened the box in his hands. 

“Player three is coming in 2022?”

He read out loud, clearly confused as he looked up at you.“We are having another person in our relationship?”

Kenma looked like a puppy that’s been kicked as his eyes watered and you panicked.

“Baby, no! Look at the rest of the box.” Your hand caressed his cheek as he pulled out an ultrasound picture from the box. 

Once it hit him, Kenma giggled and pulled you to sit on his lap. He nuzzled his face on the crook of your neck and sighed happily.

“So that’s why you have been wearing my clothes lately. Thank you, baby. I love you so much.” Kenma whispered contently against your neck.

Miya Atsumu 

It was the last set of the game. One more point and your boyfriend’s team would win the team.

It was the last game of the season and Atsumu asked you to come to see him play. 

He wanted to go to the game with you by his side but you had other plans for him. 

Of course, there was no way he didn’t leave the house with a huge pout on his face. So you had to bribe him with cooking his favorite meal when you came home together. 

Almost immediately when he left, your best friend, Osamu’s girlfriend, pulled up to your parking lot, waiting for you to head to Atsumu's big game.

“The poster’s in the back seat, I wrote what you sent in the last text and before you ask, the ultrasound is there too.”

Your nerves grew as you saw your boyfriend prepare to set the last point. You closed your eyes as you tried to calm your nerves.

Once you opened your eyes, you saw that Atsumu was looking right at you and smiled when your eyes met. He immediately hit the ball and scored right away.

When Atsumu scored the winning point, his teammates rushed up to him to celebrate.

Osamu’s girlfriend nudged your side as you both made your way to your boyfriend on the court.

Osamu saw the two of you head closer to the court and he called his twin over, already knowing what was going to happen.

Your body shook with nerves as you turned the poster around to let Atsumu read it.

“Congratulations Dad?”

Shaking his head at his twin, Osamu smacked the back of Atsumu’s head as he pointed to the ultrasound. 

When it clicked in his head, Atsumu dropped himself onto his knees and nuzzled his face onto your baby bump.

“My beautiful prize, thank you.” 

Oikawa Tooru

You knew it wasn’t Oikawa’s fault but who would stay calm when the waiter wouldn’t stop flirting with your husband right in front of you. 

It surely didn’t help that your pregnancy heightened almost all of your emotions.

Oikawa knew you were no longer enjoying the meal when he saw you unintentionally playing with your food.

He tried to talk to you but all he would get was really short answers. He could no longer sit there when he saw you get teary-eyed so he held your hand and walked out of the restaurant after he paid for the meal.

The ride to your shared home was silent, you avoided your husband’s concerned eyes by looking outside the passenger window.

Once you got home, you kept on walking ahead of Oikawa and the feeling of his eyes burning the back of your head riled you so much more.

“Baby, let’s talk. What’s wrong?”

“You know what’s wrong.”

“No, I don’t. Baby, you’re acting like a pregnant woman.”

“That’s because I am, you giant idiot.”

Oikawa’s eyes widened at your words as his mouth trembled.

“You what?” 

“You know what I said, you big dummy.”

His arm reached out to you and pulled you into his chest. He placed one of his hands on the nape of your neck while the other rested on your lower back.

“I know, baby. Just wanted to hear you say it again just to make sure that I’m not dreaming.”

“I am carrying your child, Tooru.”

His hold on your body became tighter as you said it again. 

“My dream has become true, thank you.” 

Sawamura Daichi

Nothing about today seemed out of the ordinary, just another casual day where you took a stroll in the park, hand in hand with Daichi.

Every step you took had you feeling sudden happiness that made your eyes tear up.

There were days where you would feel like this but those days were starting to feel like they were happening very often. 

You took the time to not only admire the beautiful park but your boyfriend. 

He seemed very distracted by whatever he was looking at so you followed his gaze and it led you to a playground full of toddlers. 

Your heart fluttered at the sight of Daichi unconsciously smiling.

The endearing moment came to an end when a little boy ran up to you with a woman running right behind him.

“Congrats, you have a child in there!” The little boy pointed at your tummy before turning back to the woman who was a few steps away.

Daichi’s eyes were stuck on your stomach while you started recalling the tiniest of things. 

Your hold on Daichi’s hand tightened when you remembered that your period hasn’t come.

Your eyes met your boyfriend’s and it’s as if you both had the same thought.

That’s what led you to this moment, Daichi sitting along with you on the bathroom floor as you wait for the results of three pregnancy tests.

The timer on your phone went off and your heart pounded violently against your chest as you turned the timer off. 

Your boyfriend’s hand reached for yours as if telling you that he’d be by your side regardless of the situation.

His free hand reached for the pregnancy tests sitting beside you and counted to three to see the final results

One…

Two…

And three positive tests that had Daichi’s eyes and yours simultaneously tear up.

Before you could say anything, his lips crashed against yours as he cupped your face in the palm of his hands.

“I’ll be here for the two of you, always and forever.”

Tendou Satori

Your husband, Tendou, went out to go buy a couple of things needed at home and medicine since you were feeling a bit under the weather. 

But the thing you didn’t tell him was that you were late. 

One of your friends had come over minutes after Tendou left to give you a few pregnancy tests because you wanted to make sure before you told him anything. 

You couldn’t bear to spend every minute sitting down by the tests so you paced around the bed until your alarm went off. 

Without peeking at the pregnancy tests, you sat down on Tendou’s side of the bed and held his pillow in your arms, his scent instantly calming you.

When you felt ready, you flipped each test around to be met with a bold “Pregnant” on the screen.

You stayed frozen on the bed as you continued to stare at the tests in slight disbelief.

You couldn’t tell how long you stayed frozen but you knew it was a while when your husband walked through the door, rambling.

“Hey, Princess. I found these really cute shoes that couldn’t wait for the future.”

“Princess, what are you- Oh!”

His eyes landed on the positive pregnancy tests and he softly cooed at you. Tendou sat right in front of you and caressed the apple of your cheeks as he whispered sweet words to comfort you.

He gently laid on the bed with you right against him and peppered tiny kisses on your forehead.

“I knew those baby shoes were calling to me for some reason.”

#haikyuu fluff #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu headcanons #bokuto koutarou #bokuto koutarou x reader #bokuto koutarou fluff #hinata shouyo #hinata shouyo x reader #hinata shouyo fluff #kozume kenma #kozume kenma x reader #kozume kenma fluff #miya atsumu #miya atsumu x reader #miya atsumu fluff #oikawa tooru #oikawa tooru x reader #oikawa tooru fluff #sawamura daichi #sawamura daichi x reader #sawamura daichi fluff #tendou satori #tendou satori x reader #tendou satori fluff #bokuto x reader #hinata x reader #kenma x reader #atsumu x reader #oikawa x reader #daichi x reader

[curlsofsagesmoke]

TMNT (2012) characters as dysfunctional family roles

here I go again analyzing a kids show that ended four years ago. anyway, I saw a tiktok by user doinbigthink where they gave a quick overview of the six kinds of dysfunctional family roles, and I immediately thought of tmnt bc it’s my current hyperfixation. so I spent almost an hour doing research and writing up this analysis, as one does.

as a preface: dysfunction in a family can be caused by anything from someone struggling with addiction to a parent being abusive or unavailable/neglectful to someone having narcissistic personality disorder (npd) etc. etc. Usually there is one person who is the root cause of this (very deep seated) dysfunction and the others in the family (often the kids) fall into these roles in order to cope.

Leo: The Hero

The Hero is often the oldest child. They cope with the dysfunction in the family by being high achievers or perfectionists, and they need a sense of control in order to feel safe within the family. They are seen as very well-adjusted, balanced, and high-functional and are often used as an example of how well the family as a whole is doing. They may allow this misconception to continue (whether consciously or unconsciously) in order to hide the family’s problems. They may be parentified as children (that is, forced to take on a parental role for their younger siblings) and usually feel a lot of pressure to solve the family’s issues. With Leo in particular, you see these two behaviors in the way he approaches leading his brothers as well as the way he obsessed over bringing Karai into the family for Splinter’s sake after discovering her true identity. As an adult, the Hero is often drawn toward romantic partners who are emotionally unavailable (again, see Leo’s crush on Karai) and tend to throw themselves into their work (Leo’s obsession with ninjutsu)

Leo: The Golden Child

The Golden Child is not a dysfunctional family role but instead describes a relationship that develops between a parent/guardian with npd and one of the children in the family. In these cases, the parent tends to favor the Golden Child because the Golden Child exhibits all the traits the parent loves in themselves. In Splinter and Leo’s case, these characteristics are their devotion to ninjutsu, their general temperaments, and their more spiritual/mystic natures. There are MANY examples of this favoritism in TMNT canon; for example, Splinter teaching Leo his reiki technique (the healing hands) in “the deadly venom” because everyone things Leo is the most capable of learning such an advanced technique (in the episode, Donnie says that he doesn’t think anyone else on the team could’ve done what Leo did, i.e. using the healing hands on himself and saving the others from karai). The parent has a volatile relationship with the Golden Child and often their love is conditional (that is, the parent will favor the Golden Child as long as the Golden Child continues to act like the parent). Because of this, the Golden Child often has trouble establishing an independent identity (see: Raph calling Leo “Splinter Jr.”, though I can’t remember if this happens in 2012 or just in the 2003 version). The Golden Child may also participate in the narcissistic parent’s abuse against the other children in order to protect themself (this is less explicit in canon, but I think that Leo’s leadership style fits this bill)

Raph: The Scapegoat

The Scapegoat is often the second child. As the name suggests, they are often blamed for things that go wrong in the family regardless of whether it was actually their fault or not. Scapegoats are often very aware of their position in the family and as a result they may feel rejected, isolated, and unlovable. I think a good example of Raph feeling like this is the fact that, early in the show, he only openly expresses his emotions to Spike. Scapegoats learn that negative attention is better than no attention (especially from a parent/guardian) and they often engage in high risk behaviors such as sex, drugs, etc. (in Raph’s case, his reckless fighting style and the way he seeks out fights, and this also explains his temper and overall angry demeanor). Because of this, they tend to get into a lot of trouble and are often singled out as the child who needs individual help (aka therapy) even though the root problems lie with the family as a unit. In cases where the parent has npd the Scapegoat is often pitted against the Golden Child. This is called splitting and it is another way to distract from the family’s deeper issues. I feel like I don’t need to explain the way that Leo and Raph are pitted against each other.

Donnie: The Lost Child

The Lost Child, as the name implies, often fades into the background. Usually this is on purpose in an effort to keep themself safe, as they might be scared to draw attention to themself or rock the boat, especially in an abusive household. They may often feel ignored or neglected and are often described as loners who have difficulty developing social skills or self-esteem. Like the Hero, the Lost Child is often used as an example of the family’s stability and success because they aren’t causing trouble. They tend to struggle when forming friendships/romantic relationships, and they are usually praised for not needing a lot of attention/being independent. Because of this, they feel safer when they’re by themselves. Although Donnie does cause trouble sometimes (see: all the times he’s blown some shit up in the lab, the Mutagen man thing, etc.), he’s not seen as the troublemaker. Raph (and Mikey, to a certain extent) definitely takes that title. Donnie is often alone in his lab---working, admittedly, but he still tends to isolate himself, and he is often seen as the most socially awkward of the brothers (see: his relationship with April). There’s also this very interesting exchange from the episode “Enemy of My Enemy” when they’re in the Shellraiser and Leo is about to take the stealth bike to help Karai:

Raph: Hey, the stealth bike’s my thing. Leo: Now your thing is sucking it up. Donnie: Hey! That’s my thing!

Mikey: The Mascot

The Mascot is often the youngest child. They use humor and goofiness to diffuse tension and distract the family from their issues, though when this works, they feel increased pressure to continue to step in when things become tense or volatile. The Mascot acts from a place of anxiety and trauma, and they may have bouts of depression. They also tend to feel as though they cannot express their negative emotions (because they often see themselves as responsible for their family’s happiness). They tend to bend over backwards for people with little regard for their own safety/comfort, and they are drawn to intense and dysfunctional relationships (whether romantic or platonic) where they will be called upon to diffuse tension. This can be seen in the way Mikey approached his friendships with both Bradford (pre-mutation) and Leatherhead. Mikey is also very rarely shown as being sad, angry, or depressed the way that the other three are, and it’s only in times of extreme emotional distress (like the season two finale) where he drops his humor. Even in the midst of tough battles or tough situations, Mikey tends to insert himself into the middle of the tension and is almost constantly cracking jokes or trying to keep things lighthearted. When he does show more negative emotions, it’s in (mostly) one of two ways. One, giving comfort or seeking comfort, usually from Raph (again see the season two finale, where he hugs Raph to calm him down after Splinter “dies” and seeks comfort from Raph in the Party Wagon as they’re driving away from the city). Two, acting combative with Donnie.

Note: Mikey and Donnie acting combative

This second one in particular is really interesting to me because both Donnie and Mikey exhibit a level of comfort/feeling safe with each other that they don’t display with the other two. Mikey only ever gets physical with Donnie (their little slap fight in “Turtle Temper” or attacking him at the end of “The Creeping Doom”), while Donnie only ever purposefully antagonizes Mikey to get a reaction (slapping him in “Turtle Temper”, which prompts the slap fight, or teasingly insulting him at the end of “The Creeping Doom”, which prompts Mikey to attack him). Mikey likes to get under Raph’s skin, but he never retaliates when Raph gets physical with him. Donnie does occasionally argue with Raph and Leo, but usually backs down after Raph threatens him with violence (see “New Girl in Town”), and with Leo it never escalates past a verbal fight (see the season two finale, “the fourfold trap”). Actually, it seems that in Mikey’s and Donnie’s relationship, they take on the roles that you usually see in Raph’s and Mikey’s relationship. Mikey antagonizes Raph and Raph retaliates; similarly, Donnie antagonizes Mikey and Mikey retaliates, but neither of them would act this way toward their other two brothers.

Splinter: The Root of the Dysfunction

I’ve made a lot of allusions by now to Splinter having npd, or at least some narcissistic tendencies. There are many times where he shows favoritism toward Leo or acts in a very stubborn or even self-absorbed manner. In the season one finale, for example, he refuses to help the turtles fight and only leaves the lair after april is kidnapped by the shredder. In “the pulverizer returns”, he makes the turtles switch weapons (for literally no good reason), they almost die in a fight and switch back, and as punishment, he takes their weapons away entirely; this isn’t addressed in the episode, but i do believe that if they’d had their weapons, they could’ve prevented timothy from being mutated in this episode. (Admittedly there are times when he apologizes, admits he’s wrong, and changes his mind, which is why I hesitate to say he exhibits fully narcissistic behaviors). There’s also the physical aspect of their relationship. He’s teaching the turtles ninjutsu, so you can expect a very physical relationship in the form of training, but there are times when he causes the turtles pain for the sake of pain as punishment (e.g. randori, which we see a few times, or when he goes for their pressure points, or when he trips mikey in the episode “monkey brains”, or when he stabs raph with his cane in the episode “turtle temper”, and these are just the examples i can think of off the top of my head). There has been discourse in the fandom about whether these characters (splinter and raph in particular) are abusive, and i don’t want to get into that. However, i think it’s undeniable that splinter raised his kids with the intent to turn them into child soldiers, and also i fully believe that this (plus his parenting style) is the root of the dysfunction in the hamato family.

#I cannot believe I spent 45 minutes researching dysfunctional family roles and writing this up #anyway #teenage mutant ninja turtles #tmnt 2012 #leonardo #michelangelo #donatello #raphael #splinter #Leo 2012 #donnie 2012 #Raph 2012 #Mikey 2012 #splinter 2012 #analysis

[azureflight]

The Legend of Vox Machina Tin Foil Hat Theory: No real death will happen until the one in the end

Alright people, I know that title reads like gibberish, I apologize. I was trying to be as vague as possible in order to avoid spoiling things too much for show only fans. With that said, be warned, massive spoilers for Campaign 1, way beyond any points covered in the animated series.

SPOILERS FOR CAMPAIGN 1 *

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*

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Okay, now. What I mean here is that none of the VM will truly die, until Vax’ death in “Race to the Tower”. Several of the important deaths that occur in the story, will instead be really heavy “near-death experiences”, with the only real death being the Vax’s. I also believe majority of the deaths will simply not happen, and we will simply focus on a few key ones that were major turning points for characters or the overall plot. The rest will at most, get a nod in the form of someone getting heavily injured or almost dying to something and making a comment about it. 

My reasoning for this goes like this:

While death still carries weight in the game due to Matt’s resurrection rules, this is unfortunately not something that translates well into a scripted story. In the game, we know anything can happen, because of the roll of the dice. In the show, people will never get that feeling no matter how much meta info is dropped on them. Within the animated show itself, everything feels pre-arranged, so any resurrection will always feel cheap.

While I believe you can absolutely write a story with the generous resurrection system of 5e and still make stakes high and risks compelling, I’m afraid TLOVM did not go that route in the first season and now it’s too late to establish such a thing. Mind you, no show on tv ever managed that yet either, so this isn’t really a point against tlovm, just that this aspect of TTRPGs and fantasy settings is yet to be properly translated onto screen.

Most of the deaths, are results of HP/DS based game mechanics and don’t have any impact on the story beyond the momentary stress it caused the cast and the viewers.

The “important deaths” as I call them, would actually translate into non-death events pretty well and would carry that weight in the animated series in a way that they wouldn’t if they were left as death-resurrection.

The way I see it, we have three important deaths in C1, other than Vax. We have Vex in “The Sunken Tomb”, we have Percy in “Cloak and Dagger”, we have Scanlan in “The Deceiver’s Stand”. Each of these deaths represent a massive turning point in character’s own journey and the overall plot itself.

The first one is obvious. Vax offers himself to the Raven Queen, starting off the Fate-Touched plotline which shapes entirety of his character arc, eventually tying into the very ending of his journey and the story of Vox Machina. Vex herself has a change of perspective and approach, becoming bolder, more carefree, trying to learn to forgive, open up more and work through her trauma and inner conflicts.

Percy’s death is essentially the true closing chapter of his previous arc lingering since Whitestone-Briarwoods. His forgiveness of Ripley with his dying breath, his friends saving his soul from Orthax and Vex’ love confession bringing him back to life. This is the end of his descent and the start of his recovery. Launching of a major romance that builds up the conclusion of both his and Vex’ personal journeys.

Scanlan’s death against Raishan and the aftermath of his resurrection is when he finally get the development that has been hinted at since the start. All of the subtle tension building up throughout the series, the insults, the self-doubt, the desperation, all of it blow up in one infamous rant. We temporarily lose Scanlan completely in the story and instead given Taryon as a character in his place. It is one of the major events that turn the ever tense relationships of VM, solidly into one of found family, albeit a a bit dysfunctional one.

I believe, all of these can be near-death experiences, “almost dead/stuck in purgatory” type of deals:

Vex’s is obvious and they almost laid down the ground work for it in season 1 with the spinning orb of death in Ziggurat. Audience is familiar with the concept of magic failing and some places not allowing normal healing etc. The Sunken Tomb, the domain of the Goddess of Death, not allowing her to heal after Percy triggers the trap, and her slowly fading away pretty much like how Keyleth was depicted in season 1, only for this time, there is no safe place to retreat and instead the entity in charge, Raven Queen, appears, and Vax, who was also desperate to save Keyleth and kept trying till the last moment, offers himself up in a bargain.

Percy gets shot, so far so good. We already know his deal with Orthax and how his gun feeds him souls. Now he is on the receiving end with Ripley’s deal and gun. Again, they try to heal him, it doesn’t work. They realize Orthax has his soul because gun shot. They banish Orthax, Vex calls out to Percy as they try to heal him one more time. He decides to “come back” from the weird pocket dimension of Orthax instead of passing on.

Scanlan almost dies, is in a coma. We first get all panicky, but after his “life” is secured, the party goes on to do stuff, as he sleeps in essentially intensive care, pretty much what they did in campaign. He blows up after he wakes up, just like in the campaign. we may even get a glimpse of Scanlan in drug/magic induced healing sleep, seeing dreams and getting more hints about his inner turmoil.

What does these changes achieve? 

They keep the stakes high throughout the series, without trivializing death itself. It prevents the age old, in my opinion silly, yet stil prevalent complaints of “if they could resurrect X there, why not Y here?”

It lulls the audience into a false sense of security. They know the characters can be in danger and be injured, they will have tasted the drama and emotional weight of all those “close calls”. But ultimately no one died, so “everyone will be ok in the end” will be the common sentiment towards the end.

And then BAM! Vax actually, literally dies. No close-call, no near death. My boy literally gets disintegrated. The shock, the fear, the pain. And then, again the audience will be sure “oh no way, they will find a way right?”

And yes, we do have a “way”. But there is a catch! It is not permanent, it is gonna pass once the mission is done, or the year is over. That anguish and hope we all had, that all of VM had to deal with, the theories and speculations, will properly translate to the audience.

And in the end, when he is not saved, when there is no gimmick, when the Wish is used on the Whispered One and the VM saves the world, but Vax is lost forever... It will be the epic bittersweet ending that was the legend of Vox Machina. It will be adapted not only in the sense of the events being depicted, but truly. They will do justice to the hearth and the soul of the story.

Or they will find a way to depict all those resurrections without feeling gimmicky/plot armor/asspull in a scripted narrative, and we will all enjoy it together.

The reason I call this “tin foil hat”, is because while I am certain most of the deaths will simply not be adapted, I believe the three important deaths I mentioned here can still be adapted in a way that does not cheapen death, at least not by much. I just think this is a far more neat and clean “solution” to the “resurrection in D&D games not translating well into scripted format” problem. 

#critical role #campaign 1 spoilers #tlovm #Vox Machina #critical role spoilers

[teklarn]

𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓫𝓸𝔂𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭 - 𝓴. 𝓫𝓪𝓴𝓾𝓰𝓸𝓾 (𝓹𝓽.4)

character(s): katsuki bakugou x gn!reader (x eijirou kirishima) 

a/n: y’all it makes me so happy how many people like my work oh my gosh i’m so motivated when enthusiasm shows tytyty <33 

𝕣𝕖𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 !!

summary: bakugou x gn!reader. they have feelings for one another but have no idea how to express them, however y/n has someone pining for their attention. 

genre: angst 

warnings: mutual pining, cussing, aged-up to third years, love triangle, romantic tension, one-sided pining, jealousy, toxic kirishima (ok but like he’s hot tho), slowburn romance, not proofread 

word count: 2423

- - -

part 3 , part 5

you twiddled your thumbs in front of the poster. a halloween party? next month? it’d come as a surprise how fast the holiday was coming up. 

your stomach filled with butterflies, however, it sunk when you remembered what had happened last night. 

the little fight you had with kirishima. how it seemed like he suddenly hated bakugou, who was one of his best friends. you didn’t want to believe that kirishima could have had feelings for you. perhaps he was just protecting you. 

you sighed. you truly didn’t want to fight with either of them. maybe kirishima was right. he did know bakugou better than you, but to your knowledge, bakugou had never had a relationship. 

maybe kirishima was trying to say that bakugou would be toxic in the sense that he would never pay attention to you. perhaps he would be too focused on becoming the number one hero. 

whatever. it didn’t matter now. 

the poster listed that it was going to be a costume party, and dressing up was mandatory. you were good friends with mei hatsume from the support group, so she would be going all-out for the season. you wondered if she’d be able to whip something up for you, too. 

you had a few minutes left before class started, surely she should be available for a little bit of chatter. besides, mei hatsume never turned down a new project. 

turning, you started your way to the support classrooms just to be stopped, come face-to-face with the one person you’d been trying to avoid all day. “i don’t want to talk right now, kirishima,” you snapped. perhaps you were being a bit harsh, but he was the one trying to control you, was he not? 

“then don’t talk, y/n. i’ll talk.” 

you shoved past him, clutching your books to your chest. “no.” 

“just hear me out, okay? last night was...i didn’t mean to seem-” 

“seem what? possessive? rude? like an overprotective, jealous boyfriend?” 

“in no way was i trying to come across as any of those, trust me y/n.” 

you continued on your way to the support classes only to find him standing before you again. You sighed, tightening your grip around your books. “what.” you commanded him, you didn’t ask. 

kirishima let out a sigh of his own, letting his arms fall to his sides. “can we just...talk? we’re friends, and we’ve always communicated well with each other.” 

“communication was out of the question yesterday, wasn’t it?” you attempted shoving him away to continue on your way, but he caught your shoulder, finger pads digging into your skin possessively. 

“please, y/n.” 

you looked down your nose at him. “fine. say what you so badly want to get out.” 

“listen, i-” 

the bell rang, and students went rushing back into their classrooms. you shrugged, victorious. “looks like the bell isn’t on your side either, kirishima.” 

you heard him sigh in defeat, but did not look back.

---

there was something about the way kirishima was suddenly looking at you that bakugou didn’t like. at all. his pencil snapped in his grip, chips of wood and led flying into the air. 

speaking of kirishima, what was up with him lately? everything was suddenly about you. he was always around you. sure, throughout the years, you two had gotten closer, but kirishima looked just about ready to abandon bakugou’s ass on the side of the road. 

as usual, aizawa would be a bit late. in about ten minutes, the man would come wandering in, bags hanging low under his eyes, and instruct the lesson before falling back into his much-needed slumber. 

that was when bakugou would interrogate kirishima. but first, he needed to talk to you. needed to be sure he was on the winning side before anything happened between kirishima. 

bakugou walked over to your desk, tugging at your sleeve to get your attention. 

“hm?” you looked up from your notebook. “yes, bakugou? do you need something?” 

“yeah,” he replied, scratching the back of his neck. “you saw the poster too, right? the one about that stupid dance.” 

“well, i don’t think it’s stupid. it looks fun! don’t you think?” 

he drowned himself in your eyes. “mhm.” 

“so, did you still need something?” 

“got any costume ideas in mind?” 

you feigned surprise. “katsuki bakugou? are you saying what i think you’re saying?” 

he licked his lips. gosh, the way his name rolled off your tongue sounded the way honey tasted. “don’t push it.” he grinned. “still considering it.” 

“well, if you’re thinking of going, you definitely should. i’m buying tickets with mina and kaminari if you’d like to tag along.” 

“tag along?” he let out a breathy chuckle. “i’ll be the star of the show if i ‘tag along’, you got me?” 

you gave him a side smile. “mhm. but you do realize how hectic it’s gonna be there, right? i mean, you’ve got to pick something that...pops, y’know?” your fingers sprung out to add emphasis. 

“whether i wear some stupid costume or not, i’m still going to be the star of the show. you got that?”

you knew he was only teasing. if it’d been the bakugou from before, he would have most likely meant it, however, you knew how he openly teased you now. strangely, it was only you who he was so open with. 

bakugou smirked, leaning down to raise your chin with his fingers. “i’ll go if you go.”  

he had your heart pacing rapidly. “mhm.” 

“use your words.” 

“yes, i think i’ll go.” 

“you think?” he taunted. 

“i will go.” you cleared your throat. “bakugou.” 

“good.” his gentle fingers let go of your chin and he wandered back to his desk, eyeing you from there for a moment before flicking open a textbook and reading. 

you diverted your eyes back to your notebook, hands shaking as you wrote down the date. you scribbled down your name three times in the top right corner just to look busy. 

adjusting your elbow, you did your best to make it look like you were merely leaning your cheek on your hand in a bored manner. gosh. you could still feel his eyes burning into you, demanding. serious. gorgeous and blood red. 

kirishima was right about you having feelings for bakugou. however you sat there conflicted for a little while. 

bakugou had just approached you in a similar manner as kirishima. did kirishima..? 

no, you two were only friends. 

you shook your head, still doing your best to conceal the stupid grin crossing your cheeks. 

everyone knew that telling other people if you were just friends with someone after they asked, one person had feelings for the other at least. it was another thing asking yourself that. 

- - - 

it was just a week before the dance, and you still had yet to choose a costume. mina and kaminari had offered you a few of the costumes she’d worn at previous halloween parties, but none had appealed to you. 

you wanted something fresh. wanted something that you’d feel like you would have fun in. 

“wouldn’t dressing up as a pirate be really, i don’t know. i just feel like it’d be super super hot in the gym.” 

mina rolled her eyes. “well duh, you look hot in everything, y/n.” 

you scoffed. “thanks, but i’m not sure about that.” 

“kirishima seems to think so,” kaminari teased from inside the change room. all three of you were currently at a thrift store trying to find matching costumes. 

you rolled your eyes, disregarding the fact he couldn’t see. “don’t bring him up. please.” 

“what happened between you two?” mina asked, slipping the costume back onto its hanger. she slipped it back into its spot on the rack and began sifting through new clothes. “you guys just suddenly stopped talking.” 

you shrugged. “he’s just been...off lately. you know? i don’t know how else to explain it. but ever since that incident where he broke bakugou’s nose-” 

kaminari peaked out from the curtain, jaw dropping. “he broke bakugou’s nose?” 

you waved him off. “yes, now let me finish. kirishima did this thing where he just...he acted all protective in private and then tried to apologize for it the next day. he kept telling me stuff like bakugou wasn’t good for me and everything.” 

mina blinked, jaw dropping to the floor. “honey, what?” 

she and kaminari exchanged shocked glances before she popped a hip out and put her fist to it. 

“bestie, honey. you really are oblivious, aren’t you?” 

you let out an exasperated breath. “he told me that, too! he pinned me to the wall and was like, oh, you’re so oblivious.” you imitated his voice, puffing out your chest to mock his stockiness. 

“baby, baby! do you hear yourself?” mina shook you, taking you by your shoulders. “what the heck? are you blind? he’s down bad for you!” 

“bad? if he had feelings for anyone, not just me, i think kirishima would be a little more considerate.” 

“but it’s bakugou,” kaminari chirped in. “he knows he won’t win if he doesn’t get you now.” 

“please, bakugou doesn’t win at everything.” 

mina raised an eyebrow. “but you already have feelings for bakugou, so technically he’s already winning.” 

you pursed your lips. “i guess, but if kirishima really had romantic feelings for me, he’d be less of an ass about it.” 

“is he going to the dance?” kaminari closed the curtain, rustling around to change back into his clothes once more. 

“i’m pretty sure.” you began sifting through clothes with mina. “bakugou said he’d go if i went. so i’m guessing kirishima is going to be there, too. bakugou and he are never apart.” 

mina slapped her thigh in disbelief. “do you hear yourself, babes?” she wore a stupid grin. “i haven’t seen those two together since...i don’t know, not for the past month. they’re fighting over you, whether you realize it, whether they realize it.” 

kaminari let out a false moan. “oh to have those two fighting over me.” he came out of the change room dressed in his own clothes. 

“did the costume not fit?” mina asked. 

“my fat ass is too fat for it. i’m too hot to be a pirate.” he posed, mimicking aoyama. 

“your ass is flatter than a pancake, kaminari.” 

you chuckled, but couldn’t help thinking about what mina was saying. as your two friends began chatting away, you lost yourself in your thoughts. 

- 

the three of you sat down for dinner at a cheap restaurant. mina and kaminari had bought a matching costume set, and you were still left without one. the two had left for the bathroom, leaving you sipping your own drink alone. 

your chest sank into your stomach when a familiar head full of red, the roots beginning to darken, stepped into the restaurant. he ordered what you’d guessed. 

he waited for the meal to be prepared for take out, rocking back and forth on his heels and whistling softly. 

thankfully, you felt someone rest a hand on your shoulder. you turned, expecting to see kaminari or mina attempting to save you. instead, you found a strange man. he looked to be around your age. you vaguely recognized his face. perhaps you’d seen him around yuuei before. 

uncomfortable, you shoved his hand off. “please go away.” 

kirishima blinked slowly when his eyes found you. you did not attempt to hide your annoyance. 

you wanted to tell both of them to go away as the man started flirting with you. it should be expected. this wasn’t the best place to be hanging out, either. 

you heard footsteps rushing up, and soon, a hand clamped around your wrist. you cried out as kirishima pulled you out of your seat. 

“do you have an issue?” he demanded, eyes boring into the man’s. 

the man licked his lips. “you seem like you have an issue, here.” his words slurred grossly. “we were over here minding our own business.” 

“they don’t want it.” kirishima snapped. 

“kirishima, i can handle this myself. you tried to shove off his grip. he let go, knowing that this wasn’t truly how he wanted to approach you. 

“see?” the man said. “they’re fine.” 

“get out of here.” 

“kirishima, what’re you-” 

the man put his hands up in surrender and wandered out. 

you pushed kirishima back. “what the hell?” 

“fine. be mad at me, but he was invading your space.” 

your brow furrowed. “you’re one to talk! do i need to put some kind of restraining order on you? you keep following me everywhere.” 

“not anywhere! this was a coincidence.” 

you shook your head. “it’s pointless trying to argue with you. you’re so toxic!” 

kirishima tongued the inside of his cheek. “think what you want, y/n. i could see you were uncomfortable, anyway.” 

“no, kirishima. i don’t need your saving. i don’t need you to swoop in and pretend like you’re my hero. you’re not. don’t talk to me again unless you’ve grown the hell up.” 

as if on queue, the bell rang and kirishima’s packaged dinner was presented in a paper bag. he gave you a good, long hard stare before taking his dinner and leaving. 

your chest heaved with anger. you wanted to make him angry. if he felt romantic feelings towards you, you wanted to make him jealous. 

you gave mina and kaminari a text that you’d be going home early. it was only a half-lie. you ran to hatsume’s dorm and knocked loudly. she opened the door without hesitation and grinned widely at the sight of you, already knowing you needed something. 

kirishima was obviously so damn jealous of bakugou, wasn’t he? mina was right. he wouldn’t be able to compete. and you were going to make sure he knew that. 

- 

the blaring lights, the music louder than bakugou’s explosions. students disguised as their favorite characters. 

it was hectic, you were right about that. 

kirishima stood beside him. they’d both decided to dress in their hero costumes. the tension between them was still unspoken. they felt like strangers. 

their eyes scanned the crowd, and bakugou’s landed on you first, kirishima following closely after. 

he couldn’t help the warm, victorious feeling in his chest as he glanced to the side at kirishima’s expression. 

- 

kirishima’s chest caved in. you’d dressed in...who had made it? 

“they’re dressed as...you,” he said, aghast. 

bakugou grinned, watching you dance under the lights in your own rendition of his hero costume, that orange x crossing your chest oh-so-nicely.

- - - 

tags: (if you want to be tagged in future parts, let me know!!) 

@heizenka @misssugarless 

#my hero academia #bnha #boku no hero academia #bakugou fluff #bakugou katuski x reader #bakugou angst #bakugou #eijirou kirishima #kirishima #kirishima x reader #fanfic #fanfiction #anime #mha #deku #class1a #angst #fluff #mina ashido #kaminari #denki kaminari #denki #yn #xreader #ashido #mina #bakugou x y/n #bakugou x reader