#i may or may not know something about putting on an overconfident persona to make friends

[sukirichi]

“your hair is really soft” – jjk ver!

ft. itadori yuuji, gojo satoru, fushiguro megumi, nanami kento, ryoumen sukuna, & inumaki toge

ITADORI YUUJI – you’re in the room with Yuuji, who is busy watching the movies gojo-sensei had given him. He holds the cursed corpse in his other side, careful not to let him hit you, while your head lies on his shoulder, eyes drooping close from your long day. Yuuji turns the volume down and brings you closer to him until you’re practically sitting on his lap, his lips making brief contact at the crown of your head while he mumbles sweet nothings, too engrossed in the movie.

You smile at his sweet gesture, gently fisting the front of his jacket while you return the affection, kissing the edges of his jaw softly to not distract him too much. Yuuji’s lips tilt at the soft press of your lips on his warm skin. Soon, your hands rake up to his hair where your nails rake his scalp. Immediately, Yuuji deflates like a balloon as he purrs at the movement, making you chuckle in your sleepy daze.

“Your hair is really soft,” you note, and his eyes practically sparkle. Yuuji was a huge fan of hair gels and hair products, that his desk was filled with different brands all so he could keep his hair perfectly styled – in that somewhat natural, messy appeal. You love it on him and he melts at the fact you’ve noticed his efforts into taking care of himself. Most of all, the feeling of the smooth tendrils running past your fingertips like caressing a field of flowers lulls both you and him to a serene state.

GOJO SATORU – Like Yuuji, Gojo takes his time in styling his hair. You brush your teeth beside Gojo, who scowls as he struggles to keep his hair up the way he likes before he puts on his blindfold. The lanky man groans and adds more product, flattening the strands of his hair between his palms before swooping it up. When it falls down, Gojo whines, leaning forward on the sink counter.

You chuckle to yourself; he could be so dramatic sometimes. Bumping your hip with his, you gesture at him to move, and the big baby pouts before placing his chin on your shoulder as he watches you gargle. “Babe,” he sniffles, arms wrapping around your middle before his nose nuzzles into your skin. You giggle and push him away; the little bastard knew you were ticklish there. “My hair won’t stick up the way I want it to. Now I don’t look so cool anymore. What would my students say? That Gojo-Sensei stopped being attractive?”

That earns him an eye roll and a playful smack to his shoulder. “Ow!” Gojo rubs his shoulder with another pout, although both of you know nothing ever really hurts the strongest jujutsu sorcerer. “You’re mean.”

“And you’re just fishing for compliments.”

When Gojo hides his smirk behind his palm, you know you’ve hit the nail right on the head. Gojo was probably the most self-assured and overconfident man you’ve ever met – the day he thought lowly of himself and worried about anything concerning him that would ruin his “image” would be the day pigs could fly. Nevertheless, you give in with a sigh, extending your palm towards him.

“Give me the gel. I’ll fix your hair for you.”

“You’re a lifesaver, babe!” Obediently, Gojo crouches down so you could reach his hair, but not before muttering “shorty” under his breath. You tug at his hair harshly than you intended as payback, and Gojo only lets out a loud, fake moan before doubling over.

Your laughter and his bubble and echo through the cramped room, but both of you don’t mind. It’s moments like these you cherish with your whole heart even though it’s not extremely sweet or anything over the top. Dating a jujutsu sorcerer, the strongest one at that, wasn’t always rainbows and unicorns. You worry for him all the time and stay up awake all night, only ever finding peace in your sleep when he comes home safely – which he always does.

Still, you don’t stop worrying for him. It’s only natural, after all, and the way Gojo’s eyes soften as you slightly massage his scalp and style his hair for him lets you know he loves small moments like this too when both of you are completely alone in your own worlds, just enjoying each other’s presence and not having to think about anything else.

“Your hair is really soft,” you muse, unaware of the way Gojo’s closed his eyes as he lets your hand do the magic. When the familiar scent of vanilla and flowers wafts into your senses, you lean down closer to him to sniff his hair, stopping in your movements. “That’s odd. You smell like shampoo, but I haven’t bought that scent in a week.”

“Well, I may or not be the one who emptied it the last time,” he sheepishly chuckles.

“Gojo! That shampoo was really expensive!”

“Yeah, but I wanted to smell like you,” he coos, gently peeling your arms off him so he could hug you. Because of the height difference, you face plant into his bare chest where his skin is still warm from the shower. You keep feigning your irritation, but really, you squish your cheek above his heart, and Gojo’s chest rumbles as he laughs – he knows you can’t resist him. “Sorry about it babe, let’s go grocery shopping tonight when I come home, yeah?”

“You better buy your own shampoo,” you grumble, but Gojo only laughs.

  FUSHIGURO MEGUMI – Megumi is hunched over his desk, eyebrows pinched together while his hands move at an extreme speed. He’s studying while you scroll through memes on your phone, not wanting to disturb your boyfriend. Megumi is studious as ever, and it’s not that you aren’t, but you’re definitely a lot more relaxed than he is. 

You often tease him that you’ve got amazing memory by tapping your forehead whenever he tells you to study with him, which only makes him huff, but in reality, you refuse to study with him because he’s so distracting.

The way he bites his lip when he’s concentrated on something has your stomach erupting with butterflies, and it doesn’t help when his dark blue eyes pierce through the pages like the poor textbook committed a crime he couldn’t forgive.

All in all, Megumi’s beauty tripled tenfold when he was dedicated to something, and it was this fact that had you keeping your distance from him while he studies, because the last thing he needs is to have you jump him when he’s got an exam to prepare for. Unbeknownst to him, you’re angling your phone upwards until his beautiful side profile comes to view – and it’s so unfair his lashes are longer and thicker than yours – and you take a silent snap.

You take a few more pictures with a silent giggle, making sure to set it as your lock screen later. Nothing better than waking up to Megumi’s face every time your alarm went off, but your daydreaming is halted when Megumi drops his pen with a loud sigh.

“I know you’re taking pictures of me,” he side-eyes you with a glare. You squeak before hiding your phone behind you, knowing that it’s not out of the picture for Megumi to steal them and delete his precious photos. It didn’t help he knows your password either (duh, it’s his birthdate) so you take the extra mile by offering him a sickeningly sweet smile, an apology ready to leave your lips when – “If you wanted my attention that badly, you could’ve just said so. I don’t mind taking a break or something.”

Although he sounds annoyed, the way he avoids your gaze to hide his reddened cheeks and ears say otherwise. Megumi’s back faces you as you wait patiently on his bed. You don’t want to bother him – you really don’t – so you stay put, and Megumi sighs for the hundredth time that night before spinning on his chair, arms stretched out wide open. “Come. Want hugs.”

He keeps his gaze on his lap to swallow the embarrassment of using baby-like words, which was a huge contrast from his quiet and cold persona. You don’t mind though. Deep down, Megumi is like everyone else who wants constant affection, so you leap out of his bed and jump into his arms. Megumi relaxes with your weight on top of him before he squishes his cheeks against your boobs – one of his quirks that you found endearing – a sign that he just wanted to relax for a little while.

Megumi isn’t really that huge on touch, so moments like this where he allows himself to be physically intimate with you has you floating on cloud nine. You hear him sigh between you, and you hide your grin by pushing his hair back to reveal those pretty eyes of his, beckoning him to look you in the eye.

As expected, his cheeks flush a beet red at the intensity of your gaze, but what really catches your attention is how his eyes just brighten even though they’re lined with dark circles. 

This precious boy means everything to you, and you cup his face until your noses are rubbing. “Love you, Gumi,” you whisper, the boy’s breath hitching when your eyelashes flutter against his skin. Megumi tsks, a faux scowl on his face because both of you are painfully aware that he just melts around you.

“Stop teasing me. You know I don’t like that.”

“I’m not teasing you,” you lie, brushing his hair back in a soothing manner to help him relieve the headache he gets when he studies too much. “You know, your hair is really soft. Can I keep doing this?”

Megumi hates it when people touch his hair, so you expect him to say no – and you’ll gladly respect it – but instead, he pushes you closer and murmurs, “Don’t stop doing that.”

You smile so wide you fear your face would break.

  NANAMI KENTO – You’ve always been fascinated with your co-worker. You don’t know what it is about the sharp-faced and stoic Nanami Kento that somehow makes him stand out from the rest. It’s not like he was smarter or better than anyone, although you do admit Nanami overworks most of the time.

It’s kind of pathetic you’ve been crushing on him ever since your first day of work. Maybe it’s because he worked with virtue and wishes to actually be honest instead of just sucking the money out of others. Maybe it’s because seeing him visit a bakery every after work makes him seem softer and a lot more human than his seemingly unapproachable nature. Whatever it was, you can’t explain why you’re so enamoured with the blond, or why you have the audacity to suddenly card your fingers through his hair at his desk that time.

You were told by your boss to give him this folder – quick, easy, and simple. But Nanami has this effect on you that he makes your brain go brr every time you go closer to him. You blame it on the fact both of you are alone at the office right now for OT, but when Nanami freezes under your touch, you realize the grave consequences of your actions.

As if you’ve touched something boiling hot – and he kind of is – you retract your arm and bow so deep you feel a vertebrae popping air. “I’m so sorry!” you begin to blabber, bowing repeatedly to the point your hair has become a mess. You can’t even look him in the eye – what were you thinking?! “I didn’t mean to, it’s just your hair looked really nice and soft and I couldn’t help myself! If you want to tell the higher-ups about this harassment and get me fired, I promise I won’t mind. In fact, I’ll take this to my grave and even offer my firstborn child as an apology—”

“Y/N.”

“because I’ve done something so horrendous and oh my gosh, I was just eating donuts and I probably got crumbs in your pretty hair—”

“Y/N,”

“And that’s really so low of me. Uh, actually, I may or may not have spent last month’s salary to buy my niece a huge ass dollhouse, but I’d gladly schedule a hair appointment for you—” you stop your words when you feel huge, calloused hands squishing your cheeks together until your lips are puckered out like a fish. Nanami stands before you, looking as handsome as ever, and that thought only has you panicking more and withdrawing. “I’m so sorry.”

Nanami sighs, pulling away to give you some space. You try to fight back the whine because not only did you look ridiculous under him, but also because you actually missed his touch.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind,” he takes the folder from you, pauses, then tilts his head to the side. “You think my hair is soft?”

“Uhm,” you blink rapidly, “Y-yes. Your hair is really pretty too. In fact, everything about you is pretty, like your hands when you type in paperwork but – I’m talking too much aren’t I?” you laugh nervously, scratching the back of your head. “I’m sorry. I tend to ramble when I’m nervous.”

“I make you nervous?” Nanami doesn’t sound like he believes it.

“Yeah,” you confess, switching your weight from one foot to another. At this point, you’ve given up on asking him out for coffee this weekend because you’re sure he’s labelled you as an idiot now. Not that it’s surprising though; not only does Nanami keep to himself out of social aversion, but you’re also pretty loud and awkward, a huge contrast to someone as well-put as him. “Anyways, uh,” you clear your throat, gesturing to your cubicle. “Now that you’ve got the file, I’m gonna go do my part. See you later, I guess. Or not. You can go home first you want. I’ve got quite a lot on my plate.”

“I’ll wait for you.”

“Sorry?”

Nanami organizes his desk one last time before following you to your desk. “I’m done with my part and it’s late. It’s not safe for you to walk home alone,” he glances at his watch, “I’ll wait for you until you’re done and walk you back home. That way, I don’t have to worry about your safety tonight,” he plops down on the empty seat next to yours, crossing his arms on his broad chest. “Take all the time you need. Just wake me up when you’re done.”

Just like that, Nanami dozes off, exhausted from a long day of hard work. You, on the other hand, are more energized than ever as you suddenly find a strong wave of motivation you’ve never had before.

Maybe you don’t mess up everything, after all.

  RYOUMEN SUKUNA – He groans when you giggle at him, using your small, dainty hands to brush it through his hair. Sukuna liked to sleep in and it was only seven in the morning, meaning he’s supposed to be still lost in dreamland with thoughts about you and your cute little face. But because you’re an annoying brat who’s an early bird and way too cheerful as a morning person, you’re wide awake when the sun shone through the windows, and you’re gently coaxing him awake by rotating your fingers through his hair.

“Your hair is really soft.”

“Stop that,” he complains, but doesn’t really do anything to push you away. “It’s too early. Go back to bed.”

“But I’m already awake,” you tease, proving your point by taking off his covers and patting his chest. “Come on, let me make you breakfast. Maybe we can go out today and go see a movie, what do you think? It’s my day off so we better make use of it!”

“Exactly, it’s a day off,” he growls the last part, surprising you when his strong hands grip your thigh and drag you beside him. Soon enough, Sukuna has you trapped in his muscular arms until you can’t move anymore. “Let’s just stay the whole day in bed. Plus, I’m the one making breakfast. There’s no way you’re still cooking for me on your day off.”

“But I love cooking for you.”

“I know, but it’s my turn now,” he huffs through your hair. Sukuna’s grip loosens around you a bit to give you room to breathe, but he’s taken aback when you only snuggle closer to him to the point your legs and tangled and your body is warm from his heat. You don’t have to say it out loud to tell him you’ve conceded to his wishes.

As always, Sukuna is right. It feels much better to just let go of time and enjoy this moment. And he smells so good, feels so warm, that you’re unable to stop yourself from burrowing closer onto his body until you’re sure you’re about to start smelling like him later.

Of course, Sukuna likes the thought of that, so he sweeps one arm behind to tug the covers back over your bodies. He kisses your temple, and with a low, husky voice, grumbles, “Let’s go back to sleep, then we’ll do everything you want later, okay? I just want to stay in bed with you a little longer.”

For a guy who was considered heartless and barbaric, he sure turned into putty in your hands.

  INUMAKI TOGE – The platinum haired boy lays on your lap, the wire of headphones dangling beside you both. You’re thankful Inumaki has his eyes closed, because the last thing you want him to see is how embarrassed and giddy you are at that moment.

You and Inumaki have been friends for years, meaning you’ve been hiding your crush on him for a painfully long time. He’s recently made a Spotify playlist with an innocent text of, “I made you a playlist of all the songs that reminds me of you,” which leads you both to your current predicament. It’s a rather lazy weekend and Gojo-sensei isn’t around to bother any of you, so you’re in Inumaki’s room, careful not to bounce your legs out of habit to not give the poor boy a headache.

You snap back to life when Inumaki squeezes your thigh, and you’re met with azure eyes looking back up at you. “Mustard leaf?” he points to your face, which has been previously constricted and heated from his close proximity. It isn’t the first time you and Toge have cuddled, but it’s been too long and you’re standing at the edge of a dangerous cliff with the desire to tell him you like him.

Inumaki must’ve thought you’re uncomfortable with his weight on you because he begins to sit up. “Oh, no, no!” you coax him back down despite his questioning eyes, a wide grin replacing your flustered state to conceal it. “Its’s fine, really. I was just vibing with the songs.”

He hums, not completely believing it, but he doesn’t want to push either. Soon, he settles into your lap again and makes you lose your mind when his breath starts to tickle your kneepads now that he’s facing behind you.

Your heart just about combusts, and before you know it, Inumaki has fallen asleep while the theme of Howl’s Moving Castle plays. Once his breathing regulated into a steady rhythm, you reach out to brush his hair back and lightly add some pressure for better sleep. You know Inumaki lies that, and you smile to yourself when he leans into your touch even in his slumber.

“Your hair is so soft,” you say mostly to yourself, leaning down to kiss his the crown of his head, making Inumaki sigh contentedly. Gosh, you love him so much.

Now isn’t the time but...hopefully, one day you could tell him how you feel. Even if he rejects you, you hope you could still be friends even after that awkward encounter –

You freeze as the next song comes on. I.F.L.Y by Bazzi comes on, and just as you cover your mouth to silence your gasps, you hear the faintest snickers coming from Inumaki before he goes back to “snoring.”

“Toge! Were you awake the whole time?!”

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk headcanons #jujutsu kaisen headcanons #jjk fluff #sukuna x reader #gojo x reader #gojo satoru x reader #itadori yuuji x reader #yuuji x reader #itadori x reader #itadori x reader fluff #sukuna x reader fluff #gojo x reader fluff #fushiguro megumi #ryoumen sukuna #gojo satoru #itadori yuuji #inumaki toge #nanami kento #megumi x reader #inumaki x reader #nanami x reader #nanami kento x reader #jjk x reader #inumaki toge fluff #megumi fluff #nanami kento fluff #nanami fluff #gojo satoru fluff #sukuna fluff

[thewhovianperson]

Post 2 of my Companions with each Doctor Series: Ian and Barbara edition.

I can't split this pair up. I just can't. If you can you don't have a soul I'm sorry I don't make the rules.

1: They'd be so happy to see One more comfortable in their heroic persona. Ian in particular would be over the moon at not having to call 1 out on BS every step of the way. Barbara would take one look at Dodo and adopt the poor child, and God forbid she ever met Sarah Kingdom: it would be game over for the Daleks.

2: I think they'd find Two's antics a little frustrating at times, but would be happy that they can finally share a laugh together. Ian would probably enjoy meeting Professor Travers though, and Barbara would love the historical settings.

3: Three can be a little too overbearing for either of their tastes, so this may not go too well sometimes. However Ian would 100% learn Venusian Aikido (Barbara is a girlboss and already knows it innately) and enjoy every moment of it. They're usually pretty okay with military forces if its self defence so I can see them getting on with the UNIT forces too.

4: Oh boy. This could go in so many ways and would honestly be a rollercoaster. Both of them have a good sense of fun though, so I think that the more wacky adventures in the Williams era of the show would be to their liking. I could see Barbara really getting into the whole drugs debate in Nightmare in Eden.

5: They're too old and not gay enough. I'm sorry but 5 only takes disaster gay kids. Again, I don't make the rules here. Five's tenure is also fairly traumatic, with their lighthearted episodes usually still featuring quite the body count, and I don't think that Ian and Barbara are there for that sort of adventure. They'd want out.

6: They're literally the perfect companions for TV 6. Yes I said it, hear me out - they managed to call 1 out on their bullshit and they would 100% be able to do it again. Hands would be thrown, and it would occasionally be a little ugly at first, but they would very soon have 6's ego reigned in and as long as they got through the bumpy part, they'd have a whale of a time at the end. Big Finish 6 would be great for them too - exactly the right kind of mellow that they'd enjoy in their trips, but with enough spice to keep it interesting.

7: Yeah they'd find them amusing at first but as soon as 7 went full super-sociopath they'd be out of there.

8: Again, early adventures would be cool and I think they'd both shit themselves with excitement over the idea of travelling with Shelley, but as soon as the going got traumatic they wouldn't be happy and would want out.

War: Nah bro, Ian already fought in WWII (to my knowledge at least - I believe he is old enough to have done so), he doesn't need more trauma. Barbara would be heartbroken by what The Doctor had become here.

9: As with 6, they'd mellow them out and then as an added bonus put them in therapy. However they would also find the adventures of 9 really interesting and considering their age they could have something to say about the 3rd Great And Bountiful Human Empire.

10: They'd help them get over Rose quickly, and would love meeting Shakespeare. I feel like both of them would enjoy 10 and their attitude to adventuring, and would work perfectly with them in Human Nature/The Family of Blood with working in a school and whatnot.

11: This would be like the Pond era but with less miniskirt comments, so frankly it would be amazing.

12: As soon as 12's teacher vibe set in, this trio would be unstoppable. Before then would be shaky though, so it depends on when they all met again. They would also both collectively adopt Bill as soon as they met her, and Barbara could probably outsass even Missy on a good day.

13: They'd form a close bond quickly and throughly enjoy travelling together. I feel like 13 would feel safe opening up to them about Gallifrey and things, and honestly this has the potential for a couple of really healthy doctor-companion relationships (not of the romantic kind though thankyou very much)

Ruth: Yeah again they wouldn't be able to deal with this amount of sass and overconfidence. Patience would run very thin and they are better paired with many other doctors than this pairing.

#ian chesterton #barbara wright #ian and barbara #doctor who #first doctor #second doctor #third doctor #fourth quarter #fifth doctor #sixth doctor #seventh doctor #eighth doctor #ninth doctor #tenth doctor #eleventh doctor #twelth doctor #thirteenth doctor #war doctor #ruth doctor #doctor who companions

[ahtsumu]

Hm. Take your favorite boys, what do you think they're insecure about?

i wrote for oikawa, atsumu, ushijima, kuroo, and tendou! sorry for the length i just love them so much lol

OIKAWA TOORU: 

not being good enough. this one’s clear as day and everyone knows it but i think there’s another layer to this. i think it’s two-fold. so first of all, he’s insecure about the limits to his skill compared to the monster generation, which is his own problem. but then he’s also insecure about people surpassing him in skill. so not only is the insecurity about something internal, but it’s also affected by external factors. and then you see how his self-hatred (self-hatred may be strong but that’s what the essence of insecurity is, right?) spills over to the way he treats/views others, turning him into this bitter, calculating guy who would work himself dead just prove that he is good enough.

his volatility. listen, for someone as smart as oikawa, he definitely knows it’s not normal to be utterly consumed by the need to even be just a sliver of a bit better than his opponents. and it makes him act in questionable, erratic ways. underneath that calm, put-together facade is a tsunami of ugly emotions that oikawa is highly aware of. i think he’s afraid this side to him will hurt others and makes him a burden, hence his overdone, saccharine, charmer persona. it keeps people at a distance–– emotionally. i think he’s definitely a sweet guy on the inside and genuinely kind to people he doesn’t view as competition (and he actually really appreciates his fans), but because of how he’s scared of exposing his scary side, he overdoes the flamboyant airheadedness. by doing so, he weeds out the people he doesn’t think would stay with him through thick-and-thin anyway.

i like to think that post-timeskip oikawa has dealt with these demons and found a way to just be satisfied. maybe he just needed to expand his horizons. maybe he found a team that was already really good and he, with his setting style, made them great–– better than seijoh could ever have been. olympic gold-medal worthy. he deserves it.

MIYA ATSUMU: 

firstly, i don’t think atsumu’s insecurities are as crippling as oikawa’s. if we factor in his personality based on his volleyball playing style, he’s not the type to overthink or scheme or calculate like oikawa, so i also headcanon him to be less “in his head” and more “in the moment”. this means his insecurities play a smaller role in shaping his personality and are less visible in the manga/anime.

he’s rough around the edges. his speech is coarse (the accent, the slang, the insults) and he fights with osamu in public and he definitely doesn’t shy away from provoking people he barely knows. i bet atsumu sometimes wonders if other people look down upon him because of that. like they might feel like he’s too wild. but i don’t think he dwells on this because he’s also a very confident guy and proud of where he comes from. it’s just a passing thought that sometimes puts a damper on his mood for a bit, and then he’s back to normal.

he’s unlikeable. atsumu has a strong personality–– goofball, airhead, loud, brutally honest, cocky... and he was abandoned by his middle school teammates and classmates for being “an arrogant jerk”. and judging by his behaviour in high school, his middle school years shaped him into a “so what if they hate me?” kinda guy–– meaning, he doesn’t care what random people think of him. what he does care about, though, is if these traits of his impact the way his friends view him or feel because of him. he didn’t grow up with many friends and he probably knows what loneliness feels like. i think he’d hate to feel it again, so he’s a lot more careful about his negative traits around friends. the people who matter.

vulnerability. atsumu’s been shown denying the fact that he was crying even though he was touched by kita’s kindness. that, and how he’s got this huge (and i think purposely overdone) overconfident/brash persona kind of builds a wall of strength around him. in reality, he’s a softie. atsumu’s definitely afraid of people coming into his life and then just leaving because, again, his personality’s an acquired taste and he’s been abandoned before. in his eyes, his softer side is his weaker side because he’s more susceptible to getting hurt.

USHIJIMA WAKATOSHI:

letting people down. ushijima lives to be reliable. he wants to be, like his dad described, the ace that makes everyone think “if i toss to him, he’ll definitely score”. he shoulders on so much responsibility and it’s because he needs prove that he is the guy people can depend on. and a lot of it has to do with making his dad–– whom he rarely ever sees–– proud, but a lot of it also has to do with the genuine desire to be strong for others. so to be the exact opposite, to show or maybe even suggest that he isn’t as sturdy as he is (which he definitely has done before, probably with all the team’s losses), i think that’s the one thing that gets him most insecure. or i guess you could say this is his greatest fear: to no longer be reliable.

honestly, i think ushijima is one of the least bothered people in haikyuu, which is why i can only confidently headcanon one insecurity. he’s got amazing tunnel vision and he doesn’t let himself get carried away by emotion. that being said, he has emotions. he’s just able to compartmentalise and focus on what’s important: getting better. if he loses, he doesn’t wallow in self-pity–– he does 100 serves. ushijima turns his insecurities/flaws into strength.

i’d suggest maybe his family situation as a possible soft spot, but by the way he openly answered tendou’s questions it’s clear that he’s not exactly torn up over his parents’ divorce. i think he’d be insecure about getting into a relationship, though. it involves a lot of vulnerability and dedication/time, the latter of which he’s not sure he can take from volleyball. i genuinely believe he never dated in high school because he was way too focused on going to nationals for that. so that lack of experience would also make him just a little uncomfortable about dating as an adult, i think. but he’s also not the type to dwell on these things. he’d probably just go for it. he’s a straight-forward, logical, clear-minded guy.

KUROO TETSUROU: 

his baggage. based on the canon information about his parents being divorced and him not seeing his sister, and then the fanon stuff about him growing up listening to them fight endlessly… there’s a lot of trauma that comes with a dysfunctional family that undoubtedly made him into the self-preserving and cunning captain he is today. he has to be able to figure people out and protect himself in order to survive, but that also means he’s a lot more guarded than most. he’s that guy who gets along with everyone but he wouldn’t call most of them his friends. kuroo likes to keep people at arm’s length to protect them and himself from getting hurt. there’s just too much trauma for another person to deal with, unless they really show him that they won’t just leave him high and dry. even after he’s let them in, i don’t think kuroo would talk much about it.

not knowing what romantic love is supposed to be like. and by love, i mean the act of loving–– not the emotion. i find that with kids who’ve grown up in dysfunctional families or are children of divorce, they’re either extremely hesitant to enter relationships or they impulsively dive into them. i think kuroo’s the former. he’s very intelligent and patient, so i can definitely see him being scared to get involved with other people for their sake. after all, he knows that what he’s experienced in reality about love is not correct–– but at the same time, that’s all he knows. he just doesn’t know what a relationship is supposed to look like. is it a lot of independence? or are you supposed to be attached at the hip? how do you get that comfortable around someone? i think this lack of knowledge makes him insecure about getting into relationships.

TENDOU SATORI:

his appearance. we also all know tendou has had the most trauma being bullied and “overcame” the bullying by embracing the demon persona (just on the court!!), but i highly doubt he’d want to be loved for that off the court. the way he treats his friends shows that he’s a very loving, soft, and playful guy. and he’s more resignedly accepted the fact that everyone’s first impression of him will always be the sadistic, scary-looking demon, but i’m sure it affects the way he interacts with people he believes to be conventionally attractive. like maybe he feels just a little undeserving/unsuitable to be around them.

going over the line. tendou is a really sensitive guy with high emotional intelligence–– partially because of how he’s been forced to learn to read people to figure out their intentions, and partially because he never wants to hurt the people he loves. for example, tendou apologised when he kept badgering ushijima about his father and realised it could be a sensitive subject. but i also feel like because he’s such a rowdy, high-energy guy, sometimes his teasing and mischief can go a little far. maybe it’s a text that reads too rudely, followed by a lag on the receiver’s side. and maybe that’s when the overthinking kicks in. like, “that was really mean, satori. that was too far. you should apologise. what if they were really hurt by that? what if they don’t like you anymore?”

being overlooked. tendou pretty much only exists in relation to ushijima and even though he loves ushijima to death i’m sure sometimes he just feels a little down about the fact that he lives in his shadow. he’s always “ushijima’s friend” or “the middle blocker on ushijima’s team” and he’s rarely recognised for his own existence. i think he’s also accepted this, as shown by when he told ushijima to tell all the future reporters that they were friends. tendou had already accepted how ushijima was destined for attention, no matter how in-your-face he himself was. what i love is how furudate kinda inverts this trope by making tendou the famous guest of a show and talking about ushijima instead. it doesn’t change how much he loves ushijima or how much he’ll continue singing his best friend’s praises, but i think some part of him will always wonder if a new person is only taking interest in him because of his connection to ushijima.

#oikawa tooru #miya atsumu #ushijima wakatoshi #kuroo tetsurou #tendou satori #haikyuu!!

[arizariia]

Clerith And Vincrecia

My third eye has opened and now I'm enlightened.

I just realized just how similar Vincrecia and Clerith are in FFVII. I even want to be so bold as to claim that this parallel is going to be story important in Remake.

The first similarity about these ships is the similarities between Cloud and Vincent. Cloud is an "ex-member of SOLDIER". He was impaled by Sephiroth. He survived but was unfortunately found by Hojo. He was then subjected to Hojo's experiments. Vincent is an ex-Turk. He was shot by Hojo during an argument. He died, experimented on by Hojo, and was then resurrected by Lucrecia.

In terms of personality, Cloud and Vincent do share similar traits as well. Cloud made a persona where he's overconfident, arrogant, and headstrong. He also became emotionally withdrawn from others. His most memorable line is, "Not interested" and the man originally didn't care about saving the planet. The truth is he's socially awkward. He is bad at expressing himself and displays poor communicative skills. The people that Cloud is closest to recognize this. They know he's a soft, caring person.

Vincent is a cold man whose life has been severely devastated by Hojo. At one point in time, even Cloud thought that Vincent didn't care about the planet. He's a natural loner and doesn't speak much about his past at all. Even though he has a cold exterior he is a kind-hearted person.

The following part is how alike Aerith and Lucrecia are. In terms of physical appearance, the two women are remarkably similar. Both have pale skin, brunette hair, and have similar mannerisms. What's extremely interesting are their hairstyles. Aerith and Sephiroth were initially siblings. They were given similar bangs as a result of this. Even after the story was altered and the two were no longer siblings, their hair didn't change. Lucrecia initially didn't have the "Sephiroth bangs" but when it came time for her to appear in Dirge of Cerberus, she gained them. Hence, Lucrecia looks like Aerith because they both were designed to somewhat resemble Sephiroth.

Personality-wise, Aerith is a lively person. She is compassionate, stubborn, and can even be smug at some points. She has even flirted with Cloud on many occasions. The most significant thing about her is her desire to want to her own decisions and defy fate. She wants to stop Shinra and Sephiroth from causing further harm to the planet.

Lucrecia, on the other hand, is also a kind person who was known to tease. She was also seemly fond of nature and even enjoyed a picnic with Vincent. Her primary goal as a scientist was to further her research on the study of Chaos and Omega. This was to find a way to prevent Omega from ending the world.

So how similar is the ship dynamic? Let's start with Clerith. Clerith doesn't begin until Cloud falls into Aerith's church in the Sector 5 slums. After Reno enters the building, Aerith asks Cloud to be her bodyguard. Their relationship hinges on this. Cloud is her bodyguard throughout the entire story of FFVII after this. He makes sure she gets home safely in chapter 5. He crossdresses so Aerith doesn't have to enter Don Corneo's mansion by herself in chapter 9. Cloud even sneaks into Shinra HQ to rescue her with the help of Tifa and Barret. This just from the beginning of the story. At this point, Cloud has, surprisingly, only known Aerith for around two days.

With Vincrecia, Vincent was assigned to be Lucrecia's bodyguard from the very beginning. He was tasked with making sure she was protected and being mindful of her wellbeing. When Hojo was neglecting Lucrecia, Vincent was the one to call him out on his behavior. When Vincent died, Lucrecia was the one who wanted to resurrect him. Even though Lucrecia placed an enormous burden on him, she was more concerned with him being alive again.

Now, it's time to discuss imagery. Since we have only seen Lucrecia in Dirge of Cerberus, there isn't much to work with. However, what is present is fascinating. The first piece of significant visual similarities is when Lucrecia wakes up Vincent after she discovered him sleeping outside. This can be compared to when Aerith wakes up Cloud after he falls into her church. Something to mention is that both men are sleeping around flowers.

The following thing is something that I mentioned previously. Lucrecia and Aerith have similar body language. They both tend to lean forwards with their hands behind their backs.

After that, we have when Cloud looks at Aerith when she's at the Forgotten City and when Vincent looks at Lucrecia in her crystal.

Here we have Aerith reaching out to Cloud just like when Lucrecia reaches out to Vincent.

So how does this relate to what I mentioned before? That I believe these elements are vital to FFVII Remake? Well, the story of Lucrecia and Vincent is a tragedy. Even though they loved each other, Lucrecia's guilt and Vincent's reluctance to admit his feelings are what drove the two apart. Their story was a love that could never be. But hold on a moment. That's how Cloud and Aerith's story is in the original game. Even though Cloud genuinely loved Aerith and her death shattered him, he never confessed his feelings for her. In Remake Aerith explicitly states in Cloud's resolution scene that he can't fall in love with her. She knows she will die if fate isn't defeated.

Aerith hints from the very beginning that she either has already lived through the initial events of FFVII, or she simply has knowledge of what is supposed to happen. When she first meets Cloud, she gives him a flower. She says, "Lovers used to give these when they were reunited." 

When they reunite in the church, she says, "Bodyguard work's not too different from merc stuff right?", even though Cloud never told her his profession.

 You can argue that the reason why chapter 5 includes additional substance compared to the original game is that Aerith wants to spend more time with Cloud. Cloud didn't gather flowers and perform odd jobs around Sector 5 until Aerith made the suggestion. I'd argue that Aerith put a bunch of junk on the second floor of her house to make it harder for Cloud to sneak out. Aerith also hints she knows that Don Coreno wasn't joking about dropping the Sector 7 plate.

When the cast defies fate and defeats the whisper harbinger, this leads to a new timeline being created. I believe that this means that Aerith dying can either be avoided or that event may not happen at all.  After all, after Aerith died Cloud never truly moved on. Even in spinoff titles, Cloud is Aerith-focused.

In Kingdom Hearts, Cloud becomes more like Vincent. He grieves for Aerith just like how Vincent grieved for Lucrecia. 

In Final Fantasy Tactics, Cloud is searching for Aerith. When he sees a flower girl that looks like Aerith, it furthers his resolve. In World of Final Fantasy, Terra calls out Cloud for hunting down Sephiroth instead of helping Lightning. This conversation speaks volumes.

Even at the end of the original game, Cloud says "I think I'm beginning to understand. An answer from the planet... the Promised Land. I think I can meet her... there." The 2015 trailer for Remake talks about the reunion and we see Aerith's flower. When do we hear about any reunion in Remake? When Cloud and Aerith meet for the first time in Sector 8 and she gives him the flower.

Cloud is going to defy fate and save Aerith's life. At least that's what I think. I think that the song Hollow supports this claim. I believe that Hollow is a Clerith song. It was said by Uematasu that the song describes Cloud's inner feelings. Not only does it play in the Sector 5 slums, Aerith's home, but the lyrics describe her as well.

Smile bright Once more This time I will never let you go

Need I say more? This is my conclusion. If the whole point of Remake is to defy fate then preventing this tragic loss is possible as well. The story is about not repeating the same mistakes as the previous generation to make way for a brighter future.

And before anyone says that Aerith only likes Cloud because he’s like Zack, here’s what she says after she’s done talking about Zack. 

And Cloud’s response to Aerith telling him not to fall in love with her.

I’m placing my bets now. Let’s see how right or wrong I am in a few years. If I’m wrong I will eat a bowl of peas. 

#final fantasy vii #ffvii #clerith #vincrecia #aerith gainsborough #cloud strife #lucrecia crescent #vincent valentine

[stitch1830]

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: KANTO

So this is a character description for the character Kanto that @precious-metal-girl and I created for AUs where he is in a loving and committed relationship with Toph Beifong. Part of this is to help me keep track of all of his features and personality traits, and if others are looking to write about Kanto but aren't sure about how to describe him, feel free to pick and choose characteristics that meet your AU needs! This will (hopefully) be a living document where characteristics are added and changed over time. If you are curious about our AUs or want to know about a particular trait/personality, feel free to ask us questions!

......

Born: ~88/89 AG (summer)

Residence: Republic City

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Green

Element: Earthbending/Metalbending

Occupation: Deputy for the Republic City Police Department, Metalbender Division

Nicknames: Hotshot, Dep (short for Deputy), Slick, Botany Boy, Pretty Boy, Metalbrain, Metalhead, Rockhead, K, My Rock

Relationship: Toph Beifong

Background:

Kanto grew up near one of the Fire Nation colonies close to what is Republic City today (part of the reason why his name has FN influence). His father took many different jobs and tried to avoid fighting in the war as long as possible so he could stay with his family, while his mother was a seamstress for the town. Often, he would help his mother sew clothes, and because of that he was pretty crafty and good with his hands. He lost his parents at age 7; old enough to remember them and his childhood, but all the memories are pretty blurry.

What he does remember is that his family was pretty poor, but they always had something to laugh about.

He loved learning new skills with his dad, and had his mom read the same two books they had every single night. And one thing he always remembers is eating together as a family.

His parents died either in an accident for rebelling against a FN rule (maybe the FN wanted to take Kanto away for being an earthbender), or from protecting Kanto in general.

Kanto was always pretty feisty as a boy, pushing people’s buttons and egging people on. It only got worse when his parents died because he pushed buttons out of anger now.

He also had a lot of friends, but after, he didn’t talk to anyone for a while because he ran away. Most of his fighting skills were learned while on the run, he never got any formal training until he went to the metalbending academy (maybe 17 or 18? Toph managed a different part of the academy so she didn’t know him. That or he went to a different academy branch entirely).

One thing he remembers is that he was happiest with his family, so he cherishes the idea of a happy family unit, and he constantly searched for something that made him feel close to that happiness.

Personality:

The first impression people get of Kanto is that he is a no-good, arrogant, bad boy. He acts as if he’s the coolest person in town and always has something sassy to say in response. More than half of the words that come out of Kanto’s mouth are flirtatious and sarcastic, a combination that initially drives Toph Beifong crazy.

But in reality, Kanto is an extremely loyal man who’s rather selfless, putting himself in harm’s way so no one else has to. His initial personality is a front to protect himself so that he doesn’t befriend anyone too much, because he knows what it’s like to love people and lose them. He hated how he felt when he was orphaned and never wanted to feel that way again.

When his facade finally cracks with Toph and she sees the real him, he’s actually… a dork.

He’s got a very goofy personality, he gets excited about little things, and his passions do not necessarily align with his looks and his first impression. When he loves people, he does so with his full heart, but again, he’s hesitant to do so with many… His family are essentially the only ones that see him this way.

Looks:

Kanto is most certainly a hunk. He’s got a similar skin complexion to Toph, thick and wavy (borderline curly) black hair (Toph loves playing with it), broad chest and shoulders (a fit and toned body overall), a mischievous, slightly crooked grin (left corner turns up higher than the right) that makes all the women of RC swoon, a crooked nose from being punched in the face one too many times, and classic earthbender green eyes. He’s also pretty tall, that’s where Lin gets her height from, well over a head taller than Toph And despite being an earthbender, his hands and fingers are actually rather long and nimble. Some popular fanart interpretations of Kanto can be found here and here and here and here and here.

Interests:

Kanto likes flowers, he often brings new ones home (especially when he’s with Toph) so he can teach her about its qualities and so they have a nice and natural floral scent in their home. He’s obsessed with pro bending like Toph, and often will attend matches with her. Astronomy and biology are also interests of his. Toph and Kanto also have a cool rock collection, both are trying to best each other to find the coolest one. Kanto reads science fiction novels to Toph in their downtime and he’ll play the guitar or pipa.

Fears:

Kanto is afraid of bugs, he doesn’t care for large fires that can get out of control, and big animals make him nervous at first contact. When Lin’s in the picture, he freaks out when there are too many sharp corners in one place. He’s always afraid she’s gonna fall and hit her head. Kanto also doesn’t like those rip tides or currents in oceans/large bodies of water.

Some of his deeper level fears include losing his family. He cannot stand the idea of losing Lin or Toph, especially if the reason they are missing or gone is because of him. He’s lost his family before, and he’ll be damned if he loses them again.

Flaws:

A lot of his flaws stem from his stubbornness and confidence. He’s arrogant, overconfident, prideful, and impatient. He knows he’s good at his job and he’s not afraid to talk about his skills and talents, and unless he’s working specifically with Toph, he assumes he’s the best for the job.

He’s flirty, sarcastic, reckless, and a bit of a slob (just his home, he keeps a clean appearance). Kanto’s constantly ragging on coworkers, has comments for days, and it’s rare for him to speak in a serious tone while on the job. Just doesn’t happen.

He’s protective, reckless, a troublemaker, skeptical, and vengeful. When he actually finds love and has a family, he is extremely protective, to the point where if criminals threaten his family, he’s not afraid to take the law into his own hands to eradicate the problem. One of these would be his fatal flaw, maybe vengeful? His vengeful tendency could be from a need to retaliate to protect his family from a threat, and that ultimately may take him down.

His flaws mainly seem to come from his overconfident front that he gives to the world. He doesn’t let too many in, or, he lets people in, but they don’t see the real him. Kanto doesn’t trust people right away, but it’s easy to get along with everyone if you just have this confident and charismatic face on. But his ‘face’ seeped into his actual personality, so there are times when he shouldn’t blurt out the first stupid comment in his head, but he does.

Gaang First Impressions:

Aang: He’s always extremely happy and excited to meet new partners, so he was thrilled to meet Kanto. They definitely don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but Aang is great at being friends with everyone despite the differences, so there’s no animosity.

Katara: She’s skeptical at first, because Kanto acts like a douche and has a bad boy persona. Katara just doesn’t want to see Toph get hurt, so she interrogates the man a bit (a lot), but even though the things he says concern her, he’s a gentleman to Toph, very attentive to her needs. So, maybe he’s not so bad… Later on, she knows the bad boy look was all a facade and that Kanto is a sweetheart, and she grows to really like Kanto.

Zuko: He gives Kanto a very cold shoulder at first. He’s very protective of Toph because he thinks of her as a little sister. So, he crosses his arms, glares a bit, and Kanto glares back because that’s what he does at first. But then, they start going on double dates, and Zuko and Kanto turn out to have a lot more in common than they realize. They’re buddies now!

Sokka: Sokka’s attitude really depends on ship preference with him, but in most HC’s, he’s Toph’s best friend, so he would also be distant with Kanto. He wouldn’t like how cocky he is, or that he’s super tall and talented at many things… he’s not a fan. However, Toph is always super happy around Kanto, he makes her laugh, and no one is allowed to insult Toph without an ass whooping from both Kanto and Toph, so, he warms up to the guy. He’s been seen buying Kanto a beer after a long day of work as a truce, and he often goes to Kanto if he needs police paper signed and expedited (Kanto does the same with Sokka, it evens out).

Suki: Suki is pretty chill about it all. She’s pretty perceptive about personalities and whatnot, and she can detect a bit of a bad boy mask. So, she treats the introduction casually and is super cordial with Kanto. They never become best friends or anything, but she was one of his first “allies” in the Gaang, and for that he is forever grateful.

Other Facts:

His mannerisms are that he walks with a slow swagger. Often the slowest of the group, he takes his time whenever he walks places. But don’t let that fool you—he can sprint really fast. He leans back in almost all of his chairs, sometimes he leans too far back. Kanto was a notorious manspreader when he would sit down, but since being with Toph, she put a stop to that instantly. When he’s restless, he bounces his leg a lot, and usually only stops if Toph reminds him (usually a hand to his leg to calm him down). Kanto also runs his hand through his hair a ton to either push it off his face, or just on instinct. He fidgets with his hands, too, Toph does as well. Usually, the two will hold hands or play with each other’s fingers to ‘remedy’ their nervous tick. In extremely stressful situations (like an AU where Lin is kidnapped), Kanto usually throws up and doesn’t sleep at all.

Kanto’s voice is a mix of a rural and city accent, once Republic City becomes prominent. He uses slang in his speech often and mainly uses city words (he picked up a lot of city lingo when interacting with criminals and undercover work back in the day). There are a few words and phrases from his childhood that he uses that scream ‘rural kid’ and that is mainly when the distinction in his accent and speech is picked up. His voice is smooth and deep when he casually talks. When he yells, it becomes a bit gravelly and husky sounding. Oddly enough, when he whispers, the same thing happens.

Kanto smells like the earth or something with a forestry scent (cedar comes to mind). He wears cologne, and the scents he usually goes for are ones that smell like earth, wood, or resin. Kanto likes wearing cologne, but he can’t put too much on, otherwise it bothers Toph’s nose, and he typically checks to see which ones Toph likes, and he’ll purchase that cologne again because he knows she likes the smell. He naturally smells a bit like metal and dirt and a bit of smoke (he was a casual smoker before he had Lin). All these scents are not prominent, but by the end of the day, these are the scents that can usually be detected.

Some of his pet peeves include fake apologies, when people kick or shake the chair he is sitting in, any slightly insulting remark toward Toph, close talkers, people that interrupt frequently, and those that correct his grammar.

Kanto canonically only has one daughter, Lin. In this AU, he’s a loving and committed father who emphasizes putting his family first and protecting them. He doted and hovered over Toph while she was pregnant, cried tears of joy when Lin was born, and is very attentive and caring toward Lin. He’s the one that soothes her when she cries out at night, he’ll get up in the morning with her so Toph can sleep in, and when he comes home from work, he smothers her in kisses and gives her raspberries on the belly (affectionate). Even as a baby, Lin was a Daddy’s girl and Kanto spoiled her as much as possible.

In the relatively canon compliant AU, Kanto dies when Lin is about 6 months old. He left for work, had a run-in with a bloodbender (or an accident on the job), and never returned home. On the day of his death, Kanto planned on proposing to Toph, but never got the chance.

Lin knew about her father growing up, but he wasn’t talked about often because it is a touchy subject for Toph (and for most that knew him well). On her 13th birthday, Lin receives the engagement ring on a necklace, along with a handwritten letter from Kanto.

There are many AUs and headcanons related to where he lives, but those are very fluid and change all the time!

#kantoph #atla #lok #toph #toph beifong #kanto #lin #lin beifong #metalfamily #headcanons #character description #i put too much effort into this #all this for a rarepair #but if no one else cares… so be it #I’m saving the fandom world #one kantoph fic at a time #lol #it's fine i actually really need this for myself #but also #if you are ever in doubt as to what kanto is like... think han solo lmao #... in our AU

[recurring-polynya]

OTP Ask Meme: 3, 8, 10, 39, 42 please.

3. Who takes longer getting ready?

On your average workday, Renji. Look at this man. He has an entire skincare/haircare/daily make-up routine, which he began under Yumichika-sempai, but has continued to hone. He’s very good at what he does, and he can get his face on very quickly when he needs to, but it is necessary. I headcanon that Renji’s lashes are naturally red and he is extremely self-conscious about them and will not leave the house without mascara.

Rukia is a minimalist in her daily routine, although she does take good care of her skin and hair, mostly through the use of extremely expensive product that Byakuya buys for her, and the guidance of her trusty maid.

Rukia’s fancy game is extremely fancy, and it can take hours for her to get wrapped up thirteen layers of silk and have her eyebrows filled and her face paint applied. She is exceptionally good at sitting still for all of this, this is just a thing that happens to her. I like to think she actually unlocked one of her sword attacks by while meditating during some interminable make-up session for the banquet to celebrate Ginrei’s Tennis Club winning the Seireitei Over-800s Division.

8. Who gets extremely competitive playing Mario Kart?

God, they’re both terrible. The difference is that Rukia is actually decent at video games, but Renji is horrible. He’s one of those jocks who would rather be out physically punching Ikkaku than playing a fighting game. So, he’ll talk a bunch of smack and then drive his car directly off a cliff.

10. Who sets the other’s ringtone to something loud and obnoxious behind their back?

Rukia does this constantly. Byakuya knows exactly why Renji’s phone suddenly starts blaring “I’m a bitch, I’m a lover” in the middle of squad drills, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get a Glare of Disapproval anyway.

Rukia’s special ringtone for Renji is set to Hihiou Zabimaru screeching, but he made all of his friends set it to that.

39. Who leaves little notes in the other one’s lunch? (Bonus: What does it say?)

I think... they both do this actually? Renji is the lunch-packer, and Rukia felt like she wasn’t contributing, so she started slipping little notes into his lunches. They all have little muscle-y bunnies flexing and shouting overblown gymrat affirmations like “Pain is weakness leaving the body!” or “You are my swole-mate!!” Renji loves them so much that he started writing her little notes back that have Hihiou Zabimaru shouting self-care messages like “You got this!” and “Don’t forget to hydrate!”

42. What is their favorite feature of their partner?

Not to get super deep, but I’m gonna dive super deep on this one.

I’m never not thinking about the thing Renji says about Rukia in the Inuzuri flashback from “A Star and a Stray Dog”: “No matter what she did, her natural elegance showed through.” I think the thing Renji likes best about Rukia is her demeanor-- the way she struts through life like she has control of every situation, like everything is going according to plan. This may manifest itself as elegance or swagger or just plain old competence. Renji feels like he, personally, is an abject disaster. Everything he tries to do goes wrong. He’s just in awe of her ability to be the master of every situation, and a lot of the way he has built up his own brash, overconfident outward persona was inspired by her.

Conversely, Rukia knows that she is a complete fraud. She seat-of-her-pantses it 100% of the time. She deeply admires the hard work Renji puts toward his goals, his determination, the way he works to improve himself. She knows what a thankless job it is to be Squad 6 adjutant, and is incredibly proud of Renji, even though he makes it look easy. Likewise, over the course of knowing him, she has come to believe that she’s capable of achieving things if she works toward them, and believing that she can be as great as Renji thinks she is.

::sobbing:: I just really love them and their relationship makes both of them better.

otp meme

#otp meme #renruki #not me thinking about renji drawing zabimaru yet again

[spinchip]

Hey so I really like your Hometown Glory au and the image of the elemental masters interacting with Lloyd is just in my mind so I written some drabble

(Submitted by @sombrerokiwi)

When Griffen bumped into the kid on the boat ride to the island he thought that the kid was one of the worker’s sons or something. A bit odd that their boss would let him run around in a boat but considering that he literally is in a boat full of elemental masters, it wouldn’t exactly be the strangest thing to see. A little concerning but nothing dangerous exactly happened to them so far besides some warnings and taunts all between them.

So it was shocking to find out that this kid is apparently the master of energy.

What Griffen was focused on was the fact that Chen let them compete in the tournament.

Don’t get him wrong, he was totally going to sweep the competition away and beat all the competitors at their own game. However, letting a kid into this? That’s just wrong.

All the other champions are already older than twenty and then they have to fight this kid who clearly has very limited training? Yeah no that’s not happening. He isn’t going to beat up a kid because he was caught up in this mess.

  If ever he is going to face him, he is going lose. Winning is great and all but he isn’t going to beat up a kid.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

  Kai wasn’t here for the tournament at all, he was here for Nya. All he wanted was to bring Nya home and forget all this tournament of elements BS.

  That all ended when the ship left and when they were basically stranded here once Zane left.

  He wasn’t sure what he was expecting in the tournament. Fights obviously of course. But other than that he doesn’t really know. And everyone else was an elemental master so who knows if he truly has the advantage or not.

  A thirteen year old being announced as one of those masters wasn’t something he would have ever expected. I mean who lets a thirteen year old into what basically is an illegal fight club?

  When the first event rolled around he went and last saw the kid being helped by the invisible guy. To be fair it was more like the guy purposefully dropped his blade in front of him and then stole another one from Cole if he remembers correctly.

  Kai just barely got through by beating the metal elemental master Karlof.

  It was clear to everyone that Karlof was the loser here. What was not expected however was for him to fall down a trap door to who knows where!

  Kai thought that the losers just kind of just either get sent home or are benched somewhere in the area, not dropped down below!

  “Hey hey Chen what exactly is under the trap door?! Do we get thrown to out deaths or something or do we just get thrown into cells?!” shouted Jay

  Chen looked at him with some annoyance. “Well why should I tell you? If you keep winning and not lose then you would never need to know what exactly happens!”

  No one liked that answer. There were murmerings all about and some are glancing at the kid with worry.

  Kai may not want to participate in this tournament but right now it looks like he has three goals in mind. First he needs to find a way off this island if things ever go to hell. Second is to protect Nya and make sure she doesn’t get disqualified. And third is to find out more about the kid and protect him.

  Nya can protect herself and Kai knows but he isn’t about to turn a blind eye at her and now that there is a kid in the mix, he isn’t going to let a thirteen year old get hurt in this place.

  He may not like the kid but he is still just a kid. No one really in this place feels great about the idea of beating up a spunky overconfident kid.

  Later he finds out his name is Lloyd and it turns out that underneath his spunky persona, he is actually a really good kid. Cole and Jay sooned joined him, Nya, and Lloyd at their table. During their time eating Jay talked about how he would tinker with some electronics when he was young, how Cole would basically be the strongest person anyone would have met, and how Lloyd would talk about how his training lessons and something about how his uncle and mom know almost everything about Ninjago.

  At that short time the group seemed to have decided to protect the kid at all times. Kai isn’t sure about the others but like hell is he going to let this kid get hurt.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

  Chamille wasn’t sure what to make of this Lloyd kid.

  On one hand he’s a kid and beating up children is generally frowned upon.

  On the other hand she really wants to win

  When first meeting him she thought he would immediately be disqualified first round through and through. Of course then Paleman pitied him and nudged him towards a jade blade and he advanced.

  Then Karlof fell down the trap door and that puts a new perspective in things.

  For one this means that the losers would be either given death or worse and now everyone is just being real paranoid with each other and making allies with each other and waiting to backstab the other when the time is right.

  This also means that if the squirt loses it means that they are probably sending him to his death.

  Chamille wants to go and teach him that he isn’t that much of a hotshot as he thinks he is but at the same time she doesn’t think death is the best method to teach him.

  As the rounds went by and more and more people get disqualified, everyone just sort of held their breath and hoped to not fight the kid. There is even some talk of finding a way off this island after some rumors fly around that this competition isn’t what it seems. And to be honest, after hearing that the kid is actually competing with them, she is starting to believe that. 

  Lloyd may be the so called Master of Energy but it took Chamille years to fully master her element. Lloyd is no older than thirteen and she doubts he even scratched a surface of his power. Maybe he is as powerful as everyone else but he obviously doesn’t have control over it.

  Of course Chamille was the unlucky one and has to be the one to be pitted against him.

  Chen says that they have to beat each other at Thunderblade and if he thinks that situation makes it better that she is competing with a literal kid then it really doesn’t.

  Everyone took their respective teams however there is some more people at Lloyd’s side than hers and really, she can’t blame them. It’s a rigged fight. I mean pitting a child against an adult is something that isn’t exactly considered fair.

  So she slows down a bit and everyone on her team seem to go a little easier on him. She wants to win of course but she still wants to give him fair chance at least.

  Then one of them starts talking about how Chen is planning to steal their powers for his own goals.

  At first she thought really it’s just something to get her to lose. She wants to win first and foremost and she already gave Lloyd a fighting chance when he had it and if he couldn’t catch up then shame on him. She’s in it for the glory.

  They kept trying to convince the others still and now her own teammates seem to try to sabotage her as well.

  She would have still called it BS if it weren’t for the fact that the kid started to beg to listen to them and to stop the tornament for the sake of surviving and keeping their powers and stopping Chen.

  There was some desperation in his eyes that made Chamille realise that Lloyd was not lying and was telling the honest truth. They both decided to win together and stop Chen once and for all.

  Chen tried to rigged the competition but luckily she is a master of Forme, and as such she can trick Chen into believing that she herself is Lloyd.

  The moment they realised that she wasn’t Lloyd, Clouse started to do some weird magic stuff on Lloyd holding him back. And then Tox decided to just tackle Clouse to stop it. Stupid move if you ask her but if it works, it works.

  At one point both she and Lloyd got the buggy and started to get the same amount of points. Chen of course kept trying to rig the competition but she doubts that at this pace, there is anything able to stop them.

  The moment the race finished they both won. Everyone started to gain up on Chen and take him down and let them go home and stop his plans.

  Chen of course was quick and presses one of the trap door buttons.

  Griffen however is quicker. Especially since he is the elemental master of speed.

  He pushes both Lloyd and her out of the way and falls into the abyss down below.

  Chamille’s not sure what Chen is planning but by god she is going to kick that guys ass for thinking that he can steal all their powers and get away with it.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

WOW! Thank you so much for writing this little fic, I’m so glad you like my AU enough to write for it! i was so excited to read this when i opened my inbox! Thanks again, i love this :]

#ninjago hometown glory au #hometown glory au #love love love this!! #submission

[canadian-riddler]

Ok, I've never really given Quiddler a serious look but your opinion on it got me thinking about it and now I'm just darn curious! May I ask if you'd be able to go into more detail on how you think it could work? I would've thought that the dynamics between the two would be similar to RiddleJokes, with Harley unable to turn down the slapstick and just annoying Eddie all the time.

Well the thing you have to remember about the slapstick is that it’s part of the act. Harley before Harley isn’t particularly wacky or madcap. Depending on which origin you like, she’s just a regular person who is either naive and a tad overconfident or manipulative and very overconfident. Harley Quinn is a persona. She puts it on because the Joker finds it entertaining and I suppose she doesn’t drop it after the fact because there’s no point in pretending she can just go back to being Harleen Quinzel after all the things she’s done. So in this theoretical scenario where Harley gets with Riddler instead of Joker, there is no slapstick for him to get annoyed by.

As for how this starts, she would have to find him either more interesting than the Joker when she goes to work at the Asylum, the Joker would have not to be there, or she would have to realise that the Joker was too big for her to tackle and move onto someone smaller. In this theoretical story Riddler would have to have some notoriety and not be singularly obsessed with riddles (as opposed to all his other interests). And then he would have to say the one thing that would give her hope for helping him which, given his propensity for self-aggrandising, he would probably say by mistake. From that she would know he was being genuine and she would make him her focus.

From there, I don’t think Harley would become a supervillain. That was her way of proving her devotion to the Joker, but Riddler doesn’t really need that. Would he ask her to do something to prove it? I think keeping his secrets would be enough for him. He doesn’t really need a spectacle for someone to prove their loyalty to him, he just needs them to be consistent. Harley’s loyalty is generally consistent.

Unlike with the Joker, she wouldn’t be under any illusion that his take on the world is ‘right’ because Riddler goes way too far with it to the point where no one but him can possibly believe what he’s saying. But he’s a narcissist, so she can’t just tell him he’s wrong to his face. So what I think she would do next is figure out how to subtly manipulate his worldview partially because she wants to help and partially because she gets a kick out of it. He doesn’t realise this is happening and even if told so after the fact insists that it was all him.

He doesn’t really want or need her help on his supervillain stuff and she has her civilian life anyway, and now he has someone to go home to on a consistent basis he starts to think earlier than usual about how he can’t be the Riddler forever and whether it’s even worth it or not. She helps him realise he loves the game and that he wouldn’t be happy if he won because he doesn’t even really want to, and he retires early and they move someplace else with no superheroes so he won’t be tempted to get entrenched in all that ever again. Harley is now a fantastic psychiatrist who specialises in treating narcissism and she goes all over the place giving talks at conferences and universities and he stays home with the kids and does IT consulting where he charges exorbitant prices that his clients nonetheless pay because he is the only guy to go to when your computers are really messed up.

#so says indy #riddler #Quiddler #asks #anon

[randomrichards]

BEST MOVIE MOMENTS OF 2020

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Abe Makes Dinner from ABE

Teen chef protégé Abe (Stranger Thing’s Noah Schnapp) hopes that his dinner blending Israeli and Palestinian dishes will mend a bridge between his Israeli and Palestinian families (as well as his atheist father). But he gets a sad dose of reality when he learns the hard way that a wedge between families can’t always be solved with a meal.

“Wait for It” from HAMILTON

On June 16, 2016, Leslie Odom Jr. surprised many by beating Hamilton star/creator Lin-Manuel Miranda for the Best Actor award at the Tony Awards. And now they understood why thanks to Disney+ presenting the musical. And it all has to do with the song “Wait for It.”

In this soulful musical number, Odom Jr. allows us to understand Aaron Burr’s beliefs in letting fate leads his path. Whether it’s winning the heart of a married woman or watching all his loved ones parish, Burr is willing to wait for destiny to reveal why. It also showcases the contrast between Burr and Hamilton. This song changes Burr from History’s villain to a complicated anti-hero.

10)          Deku and Bakugo go full Super Sayan in MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING

My Hero Academia always delivers great action scenes and they truly shine in their latest round in the cinema.

In his final battle to protect young brother and sister Mahoro (Tomoyo Kurosawa in Japanese, Dani Chambers in English) and Katsuma (Yuka Terasaki in Japanese, Maxey Whitehead in English) from ruthless power-stealer Nine (Yoshio Inoue in Japanese, Johnny Yong Bosch in English), underdog hero-in-training Izuku “Deku” Midoriya (Daiki Yamashita in Japanese, Justin Briner in English) transfers his “One-For-All” power to hotheaded classmate Bakugo (Nobuhiko Okamoto in Japanese, Clifford Chapin in English). The result is an image of the in super powered form resembling Super Sayans.

When Deku reaches 100% power, the film suddenly turns white then stretches into abstract imagery.

Honestly, the main reason I put this on the list is because it’s pure awesome and I’m not afraid to admit it.

9)            A Survivor Model from COLLECTIVE

This documentary follows the reporters of Romanian Newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor as their investigation into the Colective Club fire in Bucharest that killed 27 people and left 180 injured exposed vast health care fraud that caused survivors to die in the hospital and would bring down the government. Another key focus is a survivor who was so badly burned she lost most of her fingers. The camera focuses on her as she watches conferences about the fire.

In a standout moment, she models for photo shoots. In this moment, we see a beautiful woman who refuses to allow her disability to stop her, revealing her power.

8)            the Wuhan Flu Song from BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM

Many best scenes of 2020 will focus on the bed scene with Tutar and Rudy Gulianni. But I prefer to focus on the scene where Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) performs the “Wuhan Flu Song” at a Anti-Masker Rally. Not only is it deliciously cringy and hilarious, but It perfectly captures all of Cohen’s strengths as a comedic performer.

As with Borat’s previous cringy yet catchy “Throw the Jew Down the Well, Cohen uses the Borat persona exposes the ugliest side of America. Watching the Qanon conspiracy theorists cheering on Borat (under the guise of Country Steve) singing about injecting Obama with the Coronavirus horrifies while splitting sides. This moment reveals the dangerous consequences of misinformation and conspiracy theorists on society. Plus, the song is shamelessly catchy as hell.

Add the fact that Cohen was nearly attacked during this scene shows how far he’s willing to go to make a point and get a laugh.

7)            The Dinner Scene from LET HIM GO

This scene is a perfect example of how you put subtext in a scene. On the surface, It’s just Weboy matriarch Blanche (Lesley Manville) serving porkchops to her daughter in law Lorna’s(Kayli Carter) former parent in laws Margaret (Diane Lane) and George Blackledge (Kevin Costner). But with the context of Margaret and George trying to deliver Lorna and their grandson from her abusive husband, you can feel the hostility in the atmosphere.

It’s a credit to the actors and their ability to hide their aggression under a mask of southern hospitality. It’s especially true for Manville, who brings to life a woman who is a master of hiding her cruelty under a pleasant smile. She may sound welcoming to them, but you can tell something’s off about her. No wonder she’s able to manipulate the police into siding with her. Hell, many audience will be surprised when they find out she’s British in real life.

Lane matches her every step of the way with the most nuanced jabs.

It won’t get as much appreciation due to it’s unassuming nature. But it’s a perfect scene to show how to bring nuance to a performance.

6)            The Restaurant Scene from THE INVISIBLE MAN

At first, it seemed Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss) finally has the drop on her sociopathic control freak ex Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). After days being tormented by him, Cecilia finally has proof of how he turns invisible. Now she goes to a public restaurant to convince her sister Emily (Harriet Dyer). But then a  levitating knife appears out of nowhere and slits Emily’s throat before flying into Cecilia’s hands.

Director Leigh Whannell and cinematographer Stefan Duscio do an excellent job using everyday envirnoments to create a sense of unease. Whenever the camera lingers on a kitchen, you search with anxious eyes for any sign of Adrian. In this case, they use the ambience of a crowded fancy restaurant to create a false sense of security. And yet, you can’t help but wonder if Adrian’s still watching them.

It’s in this scene where title character goes from a good villain to a great villain. Here we see what a cunning monster he truly is. The scene also showcases Moss’s terrific performance as her desperate eyes showcase the complete helplessness she feels in this scenario.

5)            Edna sheds her skin in RELIC

Rarely do the words “horror” and “heartbreaking” go together, but that describes the ending to this underrated gem.

Kay (Emily Mortimer) returns to her family home to care for her mother Edna (Robyn Nevin), who seems to be suffering from dementia. Now she and her daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) find themselves trapped in the crawlspace while fleeing a warped Edna, who has been warped by a supernatural force. With contorted joints and decaying flesh, she has become monstrous. At first it seems they have defeated Edna and are heading out the door.

Then Kay looks back to see her mother lying on the ground, struggling to breath. This brings the film into a unexpected turn as Kay carries the creature that used to be her mother to bed. When Kay peels the skin off Edna’s body to reveal a charcoal skinned, dying creature, the film goes from creepy to heartbreaing. Anyone who ever lost a loved one to dementia will recognize to devastating feeling of watching them fade away right in front of your eyes.

4)             The one-take action scene in EXTRACTION

Well, we can’t have a best movie moments of 2020 list without mentioning the 10 minute action sequence from Extraction.

As black market mercenary Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) shields the kidnapped son of a drug lord from other mercenaries, his race across a Bangladesh village delivers all you want from an action movie. Fast paced car chase? Check. Semi-automatic gun battles? Check. Hand to hand combat? Check. Parkour across rooftops? You bet. Sometimes you’ll even get people get hit by cars during hand to hand combat. All of this happens while cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel makes it look like one take.

Sure, sophisticated viewers will recognize there the cuts are hidden. But when director Sam Hargrave is willing to ride on the hood of a car as it races across dirt roads for the sake of a shot, you can’t help but be impressed

3)            Opening Bike Ride from THE CLIMB

The film begins with what sees like a regular bike ride. American Mike (Director and Co-Writer Michael Angelo Covino) and Kyle (Co-Writer Kyle Marvin) are racing across the road of a French mountain before Kyle’s wedding. But then Mike reveals he’s slept with Kyle’s fiancé, resulting in the furious Kyle to chase Mike. Unfortunately, they’re both too exhausted to commit to a long chase.

The whole opening sequence could be its own short film. Covino and cinematographer Zach Kuperstein) shoot it all in one unbroken take, allowing the awkward exchange to flow more naturally. It leads to a hilarious moment when Kyle tries to chase Mike, but neither have the energy to keep going. Plus, it summarizes the reoccuring cycle of the film with Mike becoming increasingly self-destructive and a terrible friend and Kyle being nice until pushed too far.

2)            The Ending from UNCUT GEMS

After spending two hours in a state of panic, it looks like the audience will finally breath a sigh of relief. After locking his pissed off brother in law Arlo (Eric Bogosian) and his goons Phil (Keith William Richards) and Nico (Tommy Kominik) in the Jewelry store with him, smooth talking jeweler and gambling addict Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) makes the biggest win of his life via pinpoint accurate predictions of a basketball game. Now he has millions of dollars; way more than enough to pay off his debt. Everything’s coming up Howard. That is until the furious Phil puts a bullet in Howard’s head and proceeds to rob his store.

With all his reckless behaviour (including putting his girlfriend at risk) and overconfidence, you knew at somehow Howard was going to be punished. But when the flilm cuts to scenes of Howard’s family celebrating the game and his girlfriend leaves with the money, you can’t help but know how bad they’re going to feel when they find Howard dead.

Then the camera zooms into Howard’s bullet wound to reveal the same colourful kaliedescope imagery as shown within the title uncut gems. With Daniel Lopatin’s enchanting new wave score playing, this moment gives the audience a moment to finally relax before closing with Gigi D’Agostino’s L’amour Toujours.

In spite of (or because of) his flaws; Howard is himself an uncut gem.

1)            The little things inspire Joe from SOUL

Everyone recognizes “The Pixar Moment”; that scene that elevates a Pixar film from great to extraordinary. No one can truly define it, but it’s the one scene from the film everyone talks about. It’s the ten-minute prologue from Up. It’s Anton Ego’s reaction after trying Remy’s dish in Ratatouille. Even a lesser Pixar film can have this moment; a perfect example is when Lighting McQueen allows Ramirez to race in his place in Cars 3. Now we can add another film to the list thanks to Pixar’s latest masterpiece Soul.

After a day of escaping the afterlife and being trapped in the body of a therapy cat, Joe Gardner’s (Jamie Foxx) has finally achieved his dream of being in a Jazz band. And he feels…nothing. So, he heads back to his piano to ponder his direction in life. Then he finds the items 22 (Tina Fey) collected while in his body. What results is a moment fans will be coming back to in their moment of need.

As Joe rests 22’s items in front of his piano and starts playing, he comes to realize how a pizza crust and a seed truly meant to her. In the process, he comes realize the moments that seemed meaningless at first had some magic in them. The joy of playing for his father. The feel of the ocean waves flowing on his feet. The taste of a café’s pie.

In a time when many people can’t do any major activities, this moment serves as a reminder of to appreciate the little things in life. I imagine many audiences will return to this scene in their lowest moments.

#random richards #Random Richards Reviews #the best of 2020 #best movie moments of 2020 #best movies of 2020 #soul #pixar #uncut gems #adam sandler #the climb #Extraction #relic #netflix #the invisible man #let him go #borat subsequent moviefilm #sacha baron cohen #collective #my hero academia #heroes rising #hamilton #aaron burr #leslie odom jr #leslie odom junior #abe #noah schnapp

[evien-stark]

✧I Need You✧ Chapter 121

If you were still incredibly naive, you would have remarked how surprising, how fantastic it was, when the powers that be decided to get together for the greater good. Only two days after what the papers were labeling as The Bombing of Hell’s Kitchen, a benefit was put together and invites were sent out. Strangely enough, it wasn’t just you and Tony who were invited- which would have been considered normal, in your world. No, instead an envelope addressed to The Avengers had showed up, with tickets to the charity art auction for every single member of your team. 

You were lucky Pepper had gotten the mail that day and had brought it up to you. The script and envelope complete with wax seal were a little too refined to just  be fan mail from a child. The fact that there was also no return address made it seem a little nefarious. But, with the tickets and invite in hand, you had a choice to make. ...hide it from the team? Make the decision for them that nobody was going? 

Didn’t seem like the right thing to do. Especially not when your senses for something being up were all but screaming. Four Russian mafia warehouses had all been bombed within minutes of each other in a coordinated attack. No one had claimed that attack yet. It was true, if it was a gang war type thing, it wasn’t like a different organization would come forward and tell the cops or the papers they’d been behind it. No need. If it was a turf battle or one gang pissing off another, the Russians would know exactly who it was already. 

The media was touting this as something terrible- and maybe it was. There had been collateral damage, of course. People had been hurt. And now someone was throwing a benefit over it. Something to revamp Hell’s Kitchen. And all of this happening just after WHiH had released a report on crime statistics in the entire city being lower than ever- all thanks to the same Avengers who had not shown up that night of the bombing. And who had been invited to the gala in Hell’s Kitchen’s stead.

What to do, what to do. What a mess. 

The whole thing left you overthinking. Driving yourself up a wall. Maybe that was exactly what this mysterious person or people behind this whole thing wanted. Or… maybe, as Pepper had quietly trying to get across… maybe not everything was about you. And, maybe, as half of your team had been trying to say… maybe the Avengers didn’t always need to be involved in every little thing that happened. 

Surely the latter was true. But… your entire team was in New York City right now. And you’d sat this one out. 

It wasn’t like nobody had reported on the absence. Of course WHiH was all over it, thanks to Christine Everhart. Did the news outlet also know your team had been invited to come show their faces and donate to the cause? Hard to say. If they did, they’d wait it out. See if any of you showed up. And if an unagreeable number happened to do so, they’d surely make noise about it. But should they go? 

You and Tony… perhaps that was all that was really necessary. As usual, in affairs like this. The two of you were far more used to being the face of things. And sometimes that hurt you more than helped. ...more often than not, it felt like, recently. If news reports came out, they’d have your faces on it, your names. Your blame. Especially now that Stark Industries- or, rather, you and Tony, were the sole benefactors to the team. Their follies were really just your follies in light of all that. Something you’d been warned about by Fury, and had taken in stride.

Because what the hell else could you do? 

A broke version of the Avengers just wouldn’t work. Someone had to bankroll them. Someone had to take care of them. So it was up to the two of you. 

Someone also had to continue to look out for them, and keep them out of trouble if they could. And that was why… 

That was why late that night, when Tony was nowhere to be found in the penthouse, you went back to the labs. It was so late that everyone else was gone. Bruce included. You found him in his private room, bracing himself over one of the lab tables, hunched over in bitter defeat. Keying yourself in was a loud affair, he no doubt knew you were approaching. 

Still, he made a soft noise of shock when your hand laid between his shoulder blades. He had dark circles under his eyes. And a cloud above his head. “Everything okay?” Asked as gently as you could, knowing, obviously, it wasn’t. 

“Just spinning my wheels out here. Have been for a while.” He sounded as tired as he looked. 

He was just so spent, not making progress on this Ultron project… it made you rethink asking him about this. Asking him to accompany you. This was something you could handle on your own, right? “Why don’t you put it down for now and come to bed.”

Even his grin held a shade of grey. “That doesn’t sound like a request.” 

You gave him a pat on the back. “Smart man.” 

“Doesn’t feel like it tonight.” Sighing out a noise of annoyance, brows squinching before he reached up to rub at his own temples. 

Very suddenly terribly raw. Being honest with you. Persona of that overconfident, over-egotistical, undoubting genius gone. And instead, in its place… just a man. A man who was losing time on a project that had no date to meet. ...only to him. For reasons that still haunted him. All of this you could feel, as real as the muscles tensing in tight knots beneath your palm. 

He turned as your hand slid up, touching at the line of his jaw, palming his cheek for a moment, and then reached further up to take his glasses carefully off the bridge of his nose. After setting them down on the table, you returned that loving caress at the side of his neck, an action that seemed to ease him. But more so was the smile you aimed his way. “Come on. Let’s go take a walk.” 

“It’s one in the morning and freezing outside.” Despite his weak attempts at protesting, he was smiling a little more real then. 

“You’ll keep me warm, and I happen to know Burger King is still open.” Luckily for him, a man that rarely slept living in the city that never did. 

He admired you for a moment, reaching up to settle his hands at your shoulders. “I love you.” A statement of fact as much as it was how he was feeling just then. 

“I love you more. On the way you can tell me about what’s got you stuck.” 

“Oh yeah?” Slipping his right arm around your shoulder as the two of you headed out. 

“Call me your little rubber ducky.” You probably wouldn’t understand a lot of what came out of his mouth about it, but… sometimes it just helped to talk. Even if your subject couldn’t keep up. 

“If that’s what you’re into. I think I can get behind it.”

                                                   --- 

While, just as you’d suspected, listening to him ramble his list of heated frustrations didn’t really resonate with you, it did seem to be helping him let off a little steam. When you thought you had something not absolutely stupid to add- where you thought you understood something or perhaps were seeing it a different way- you tried to interject. And, rewarded, more than once he took his phone out to scribble some notes down. You may not have been as smart as him but… if you could help in any way, even something small and stupid, that was really the most wonderful feeling. 

It was halfway through his large box of fries, while you were still sipping on a soda in the completely empty (by design, of course) Burger King that that cloud seemed to lift off him. And with it gone, he finally had the clarity to ask, “So. What’s on your mind?” 

You felt a little flush of guilt. “Nothing as serious as world-saving tech.” 

“I’m not so sure about that.” Shifting, he reached to lay one of his hands atop yours. “C’mon. You let me ramble. Your turn now.” 

“Well…” Breathing this out on a hum of a sigh. “We got invited to a charity benefit.” 

“And water is wet.” 

“It has to do with the bombing the other night.” 

At this he paused for a moment, considering it. “That was fast. You sure you didn’t put it together?” A small smile. 

“Pretty sure. Also… it wasn’t just us that got invited.” When he raised a brow in silent question, you continued. “The whole team got an invite.” 

“Hmn. Potentially messy.” 

“Not that I don’t love them but… that was my thought, too.” And you hoped your level of guilt over it was at least respectable. “I think we should go. For a lot of reasons.” 

He stopped you, “I’m sure you could go on all night, but I trust you.” Implicitly, as always. Something that warmed you. “-by the way, not that I actually want to go. But. I will. For you.” Wearing one of those charming grins then. 

“Well thanks.” Trying not to be lured in so easily. ...or at least trying to pretend not to be. “My problem is, if we’re going and we don’t think them going is a good idea, I don’t know how to go about it. I think not telling them could lead to trouble.” 

“Lie of omission. Good stuff. Almost never comes back to bite you in the ass. Believe me. I would know.” Speaking from some very personal experience. Some that related heavily to you.

Easy to joke about now. How funny life was. 

“Yeah- well-... if I tell them but then tell them I don’t want them to go I feel like it might… hurt their feelings? I don’t know.” It would at the very least open a huge can of worms. That was definitely for sure. 

He eased a breath out, eyes going out in thought. “Well- chances are Nat and Barton won’t want anything to do with it anyway. They don’t really like being in public that often- and Banner is busy. And starting to shy away from the limelight again, too. Thor is easy enough to persuade not to want to go to something that boring. It’s really just-” 

“Steve. I know.” Feeling bad. Terrible, really. “I don’t want him to think I don’t want him around, because that’s not the case. But-” 

“You don’t. -for this, anyway. So what?” He gave a short shrug. “I’m sure there’s stuff he doesn’t want you around for. He’s a big boy. He can handle it.” 

You couldn’t help your glowering. “Even so… it’s not really that nice to be told someone doesn’t want you around.” 

Tony thought about this for a minute and then gave your hand a squeeze. “Just- frame it… tactfully. There’s a battle plan here. He’ll respect it. And your honesty.” 

Your eyes lowered. “I just wish not everything had to be a battle plan.” 

“...yeah. Me, too.” 

                                                  ---

While it wasn’t the easiest thing to do, and definitely not fun in any way, coming clean to the team about the invite and then subsequently telling some of them you didn’t need them to go… it felt pretty shitty. Tony happened to be right. Nat and Clint excused themselves almost immediately. Bruce seemed to pretend about thinking on whether or not he wanted to go and then so sadly said he couldn’t make it. Thor was an easy sell. Boring people at a boring art gallery. Not what he wanted to do just then, especially considering Jane had asked him away somewhere. 

But Steve. 

It killed you that it hurt him so much to be excluded from this. He seemed almost disinterested at first, hearing it was just a charity thing- but still willing to go, of course. It was when you explained the sketchiness of it all and that you and Tony wanted to scope it out- seeing as you would know the people at a gathering like that, and could tell who was out of place- that you had a plan- 

...it burned you, that he felt unnecessary. So you did the next best thing you could. Promised him something more. “If this turns out to be what I think, we’re in it all the way together, okay?” 

He tried on a smile for you, but it just wasn’t real. “Yeah. Understood. Don’t worry about it. I’ll wait to hear back from you.” 

With everything settled after that, and the gala coming up on Monday of all days, there wasn’t really a lot of time to prepare. You picked a simple black gown for you and a simple black suit and tie for Tony (something he complimented with one of those fancy pairs of colored specs). This wasn’t a huge event- something you realized when the two of you pulled up and Happy escorted you both out. There was a fair amount of media standing around begging for pictures and soundbites but something seemed… off. 

The feeling only worsened as the two of you stepped into the venue, arm in arm. The air was cold. And… anxious. Everyone was holding themselves stiffly while trying to pretend otherwise. Smiling in that weirdly fake Stepford Housewives way- and generally they always did that, because the rich liked to pretended they cared just to look good. But this was different in an unnerving way. And as you and Tony came in, a small break happened, it seemed like people relaxed but only a little bit. 

As the two of you made your way down one of the halls after giving your coats to check, looking at art hung on the walls, you clutched to him a little tighter. “Something’s up.” Murmuring as quietly as possible. Impossible to hear, you were sure, underneath the group speak in the wings. 

“I thought we knew that already.” Speaking back just as quietly as the two of you stopped to pretend to look at a gigantic surrealist painting. 

“Worse. Everyone here is freaked out for some reason.” Which really never signaled anything good. If these people were that aware of their surroundings enough to be spooked by something, that something was probably pretty terrible. 

“Well…” He took a deep breath. “They’re here because four buildings in this area were bombed. Maybe they’re scared there’s a target here. There’s a lot of extra security, too.” Probably for the same reason, he meant. 

And they had felt better when two Avengers had shown up. Maybe Tony was right and there was a logical explanation for all of this. Maybe you were just overreacting. “There’s not a target here, right?” 

“Hard to tell. I have JARVIS monitoring the area. Building came back clean before we entered. If something comes up, we’ll be the first ones to know.” Tony had had a game plan and had made sure things were safe before even coming in. He trusted you, and you trusted him. For reasons like this. He always had your safety in mind- and that of the general public where he could- and… while still not making progress on his own project probably found something as simple as this easy to sink into. 

You rested your head against his arm with a little extra squeeze. “Thank you.” Not the least of which for taking care of all of that. “In that case…” 

He eased as you let go of him and served you one of those handsome smiles. “Glass of wine?” 

“You know me so well.” Leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek. 

“I’d like to think so.” Returning the gesture with a little bit of a fuller kiss instead. “Don’t wander off.” 

“Of course not. I’ll just be here. Thinking about how this Dalí knockoff really speaks to my soul.” 

“I wanna hear all about it when I get back.” 

You listened to the sound of him retreating, footsteps echoing down the hallway as you clasped your hands together and looked up at the larger than life nonsense displayed on the wall. It took you a little too long to realize that you actually heard him leaving- where… only moments before… the hall had been alight with the sound of voices. And now… 

It was deathly quiet. The chill returned. 

Maybe they’d followed after Tony. He was always the life of these little parties. Maybe there was an event going on in another wing you hadn’t been paying attention to. Maybe the auction had started- 

Or, maybe, you’d been right the entire time. And the person slowly approaching you, basking in self reverie, was about to really ruin your evening. But you really just had no idea how much ruining would be happening. 

“It’s a nice piece, don’t you think?” The voice was not immediately familiar, though the deepness of it dropped your heart right into your stomach. “It will be up for auction later. You should put a bid on it. It goes to a very good cause.” 

A heavy presence landed beside you, and you were almost suddenly too frightened to look. People may not have been sharing this space with you any longer- either scared off by this man or simply ordered to leave so he could be alone with you- but they were watching from the corners and balconies. You had to hold yourself steady as you turned and were freshly chilled all over again as you found yourself in the shadow of a larger than life man. 

A very imposing man. 

“Mr. Fisk.” Wilson Grant Fisk. One of the most dangerous men in this entire city. One you hoped you’d never cross paths with. Drug dealer, arms smuggler, murderer- Kingpin, so you’d heard some rumors label him. No one would dare speak them aloud, though. They’d be dead before they dropped. 

One of the only men in the world to have just about everyone in his back pocket. Incapable of being told no. 

And apparently, just a few nights ago, below the Avengers’ pay grade. 

“You look lovely, my dear. We weren't sure you would come. Did the rest of your friends join you?” He lifted his glass of bourbon, sipping at it slowly, rings glittering in the light along his big meaty fingers. If he’d had a mind to he could have reached out and wrapped that giant hand around your throat in one clean move. 

No one would have stopped him. 

“Busy, I’m afraid. Just Tony and I are here. I hope that’s not disappointing.” You made every attempt to hold still, to not let him frighten you, as you smiled plainly up at him. People with superpowers… aliens… gods- somehow they all paled in comparison to a simple and dangerous man of conviction. 

He chuckled. “Not at all. I know it’s a very taxing thing. Saving the world. Cleaning up the ills of the streets. That’s what my new vision is. Hell’s Kitchen has been a mess lately, and I intend to do something about it. I’m sure you understand the fire.” 

Fisk had definitely been behind those bombings. He was basically telling you so himself. He’d blown up those buildings- probably to just get rid of that mafia hold out. Maybe even just for fun, but it was more likely someone had said something to him snidely and he hadn’t taken it well. So he’d bombed four warehouses over it. Seemed like the kind of thing he’d do. And now he was holding a charity function. 

When you didn’t answer, he swirled his drink around in his glass and continued, “Crime fighting is such a territory battle these days. I would surely hope you don’t think I’m edging into your claimed spaces.” 

“And here I thought WHiH had just posted the crime rates in the city had never been lower.” Squeezing your hands together just to get a literal grip on yourself as you continued placating him. 

“Bah. Useless media drivel. Though I’m sure it’s of no surprise to you, I think your little Avengers are giving rise to quite a bout of vigilantism. Then again…” He laughed a little darkly. “I’m sure in some circles your group could be considered as such…” 

“We’re government sanctioned.” Chipper as you beat him back on the idea. Probably a bad thing to do but… oh well. “I work very closely with President Ellis.” 

“Ah, yes. President Ellis. There are many who are quite inconsolable over what a poor job he’s been doing. Not the least of which… well. I suppose it can’t be considered his fault aliens came to New York.” He was staring you down, lips quirked. Probably trying to get a read on you. Trying to see if he could make you squirm. 

“I think he did the best he could. And we were happy to have helped.” This was where you were planting your flag. No matter if it was Fisk you were up against. 

“You? You mean to say Stark Industries? Or the Avengers?” 

“Both. First the latter and then the former.” 

He chuckled again, eyes lowering, taking a long slow sip of his drink. Breathing out. “Yes… I quite admire you and Mr. Stark- although I hope you won’t think it terrible of me, I’ve always envied Mr. Stark. Quite a man of vision, wouldn’t you say? Always had the steel to do what it took to get things done. Still does, I think. Which is why I was hoping to get a word in with both of you. About-” 

Tony’s blessed presence popped on your proverbial radar as he came sort of rushing- yet in that cool way of his that just seemed natural- to your side. Wine glass held out, “Sorry it took me so long. The selection here is fantastic.” Putting himself square between you and Fisk. “And we no doubt have you to thank.” Turning, when you took your glass in hand. 

You didn’t want to appear to be cowering behind Tony. But… now that he was here… 

Fisk grinned at him. “No detail too small to overlook. Your gratitude is appreciated. I hope in kind you’ll listen to my proposal.” He stuck his hand out. “It’s good to finally meet you face to face, Mr. Stark.” 

No stranger to shaking hands with men who wanted nothing good for him or the world, Tony was a pro. Slick as he reached out and gave Fisk a hard handshake. “Proposal. You’ll have to call the office. We’re a little busy, at the moment.” 

The mood shifted immediately. Fisk’s smile dropped. “Some might call that rude, you know.” Then, easy as it left, the grin returned. “You’re here now.” As if he’d caught Tony in a trap. “I’m merely speaking about cleaning up the filth in this city. I’m sure you must respect the notion. I think joining together on something like that could be groundbreaking.” 

Tony tipped his head up, steely-eyed as he made his presence huge. “I’m pretty sure I’ve made it clear where my loyalties lie.” Lifting his own glass, he took a sip of his drink before adding, “If you’d like me to explain it for you, I’d be happy to. But only for about five more minutes. We’re leaving soon.” 

All the ghosts in the hall shook with electric shock. Tony Stark. Easily standing in open defiance of Wilson Fisk. 

Fisk’s grin twitched before growing wider. “If that’s how you feel about it.” Threatening the both of you with a strange gaze. Lingering on it. The two of you standing without flinching to it. Eventually he broke, turning away finally and walking off. “Some might consider it poor form to get drinks at an open bar of a charity event and then leave.” 

Lifting a little on your tiptoes, shivering with frantic terrified energy, steadied by Tony’s arm moving around your waist, you raised your voice just to reach him, “Stark Industries has already made a donation to the people hurt by the bombings.” 

The last thing Fisk did was laugh in the corridor. “The world is so lucky, isn’t it? What would we do without you two, I wonder?” 

You and Tony stood there. Stock still. Watching him leave. Drinking until your glasses were empty. Then you did exactly as Tony had said- left. Though you took your time in getting your coats. Not running. Just leaving. But as soon as you were in the car his hand moved to take yours in an iron grip. 

Anxious energy flooded out of you. “This is bad.” 

“I’m sorry.” Though him saying that confused you. 

“What for?” Aiming a puzzled look up his way in the darkness. 

“For letting him shadow you like that- something was up- I felt it. Right as I put my order in I felt this…” Struggling just a little as he tried to put words to a feeling- “It was like someone zipped their fingers up my spine. And then I rush back to find Wilson Fisk standing over you, staring you down.” 

Your alarm had somehow touched Tony. So much so that it had frightened him into flight to come find you. But apparently a little too late. You settled a hand over his bouncing knee. “I just don’t get it… it’s not like he believes we have no idea what he’s up to.” You would put a good bet on that being why he operated in shadow for so long. If he didn’t get in your way, maybe you’d stay out of his. But then… why this? “Why now? What does he want?” What would provoke him so much to be this public?

And not only that- 

But to ask you and Tony to try out a life of crime? 

There was no way in hell he was actually trying to err on the side of good for once in his life. 

“I don’t know.” Tony’s answer was tired and frustrated. “Something’s got him spooked.” 

“Really?” You didn’t get that sense but… then again… you’d been a little too preoccupied with your own fear to feel clearly. 

“Guys like that- c’mon. They don’t bow out of their own rings unless something bigger than them is looming. Enemy of my enemy type deal.” Speaking from rough experience, it seemed. “Maybe spooked isn’t the right word. ...angry, might be closer.” 

The threads of connection pulled taut. “He was talking about vigilantes. You think someone’s trying to bring him down?” 

Tony settled back a little bit more, arm coming around your shoulders. “Maybe. Let’s just hope it’s not someone with a dramatic cape-and-cowl deal. ...and someone who knows what they’re doing.” 

You sighed, laying your head against his shoulder, raising your hand just over his heart. “I don’t know. Sometimes I still don’t even know what we’re doing.” 

At this he breathed out a soft little amused noise. “Yeah. Well. Either way I’m sure we’ll find out sooner rather than later.” 

Through the darkness you peered up at him. “And whose side do we land on in the event of a nuclear explosion?” If someone was trying to bring down Fisk, it was going to get ugly. Very fast. And if it was an enhanced individual? There was really no telling what the landscape would end up looking like. Other than scarred. 

“Our own.” 

For many reasons this soothed you. Eyes closing, you rested a little easier against him. Even more so when his own hand moved over yours. “That’s where your loyalties are, huh?” Tony was a tough man. He’d stared down more in his life than anyone ever should. 

...but it still had been kind of cool to witness him, unflinching, verbally backhand Fisk that way. 

Still speaking seriously, “With you. The team. And people that can’t help themselves.” 

Moving your hand a little higher, you palmed his cheek, turning him so you could press a kiss to the opposite one. “I love a loyal man.” 

This broke the darkness hanging over him, though in all fairness maybe the two of you should have stayed serious about this. Still… it dragged a smile out of him. “If nothing else, I’m always on your side.” 

“Don’t I know it.” He’d rushed to your side- literally- as soon as he thought something was wrong. And stood by your side to talk down a very threatening man. It was no wonder you felt safe with him around. Whether or not you could, as he’d put it, help yourself. Straying a little, you left a gentle kiss at his lips. “I love you.” 

His hand reached up to thread back through your hair, holding steady at the back of your head. “I love you, too. Let’s not overreact on this one. Someone’s on to him. I’m gonna find out who knows what.” 

You found yourself agreeing with this. The more information you had, the better. Leaning your forehead against his, “I trust you.” 

He hummed out some sweet, lost noise of warm gratitude as your lips met again. You decided very quickly; the rest of the world could wait. 

#Tony Stark #Tony Stark x Reader #INY Chapter One Hundred Twenty One

[drennalynspast]

[ Men and Me ]

Friday, Feb. 14, 2014

it was in 2013 when i first ventured into the whole dating scene -- all at the age of 24. and some people have had multiple relationships or significant lasting ones or partners at the start of age 15. they've already been through the heartbreak and some have experienced and found their true love. </p><p>i suppose i am slowly figuring out how other people behave: their hidden agendas, ultimatums and the like. 

i've been through a friends with benefit scenario, i've been through long distance online, i've experienced a relationship in which it focused on more sex than intimacy and another relationship where it seemed to be intimate, but lacked sex and had some.. control/esteem issues involved.

i just seem to find myself in shit.  i haven't proclaimed love to anyone, and i haven't been able to label something as "serious" yet due to these things lasting at most 4 months so far. (the fwb and online thing is an exception)</p><p>i know that if one relationship or dating scenario fails, i tell myself i will just create an initial stratagem or mindset to go in the next time i approach another date differently. 

i finally fucking realize the concept of playing games. i finally understand why people may be initially cold hearted, closed, bitter, and some who are arrogant (who claim to just say it's positive trait called overconfidence) and just asses.  all of this: it's called being insecure.  it's trying to put up boundaries to not allow other people to hurt them.

i realize that i am just like them.  more like, sometimes i let my boundaries come completely down, and then i get hurt.  the next time, i don't want to be hurt as much anymore, so i just show less of myself. 

i put up a front.  i am a socially awkward, demure, morose female.  i like dark things. i don't smile a lot. i hate wearing bright colors. i  don't favor a delicate fashion style. i may seem like i am angry and standoffish.  i may seem cold and unaware.but deep down inside, i am just a female that yearns to find a mutual feeling of substantial acceptance, adoration and devotion.  i'm scared, sad, unsure of the unknown. i may not be confident in myself, but i have confidence in the other person.  i wish the best for them, i see the goodness in them even if they think they are a bad person. i want to be there for the person. i want to try my best to make the other person feel happy and valued. i am willing to do a lot of things for you. i put so much investment in you.  i may be slow to warm up, i may not show it so easily, but i do genuinely care.

despite how i feel deep down inside, i feel that it goes unnoticed, unappreciated, unaccepted and scrutinized by these men i have come across. i understand that maybe it is  just simply my type of persona that they may not be so attracted to.  i am creepy i suppose.  i like a lot of sex and kinks; i say weird things about how i jokingly want to kill you.  

about sex:  i like someone, and i refuse to have sex early. then the guy will just fucking run away because they get no sex.  scenario two, i like someone, i try not to have expectations of it turning into something so i have sex soon.  the person runs away even after one sex and i get butthurt.  scenario three, i am not interested in a guy's personality and i want to just use him for sex, he doesn't give me as much sex as i would like and goes missing for how many weeks.

moral of the story:  withholding sex and even giving sex too soon is -not- going to fucking get a guy to stick around for you for a while.  you think that you give them sex, hell yeah you like the sex and you want to keep having sex with the male, but somehow... some men just don't give a fuck about you. even if you are hot. they still want to chase other women.  it isn't the sex with one female they care about. they care about the chase, the hunt, the variety. your pussy doesn't matter them them. just giving your pussy once to them is enough satisfaction for them. i'll have an order of one pussy please, thanks and g'bye. 

i thought that just being myself i could just make it easier for myself to relax, have fun, be confident, be carefree.. real.  and somehow just revealing that side of myself to myself while the other person is just... not themselves in a way is rather odd.  i understand that if i be myself, it will allow myself to feel more hurt from the pain of rejection.  if i don't express myself fully, then i won't feel as hurt.  we put up barriers to protect ourselves.  i realize that being my true self may make it easier for other people to accept my true me and perhaps they may learn to take a liking from that.

i don't want to try to convince you to like me. i don't want to try to chase you.  i just want to go into something without pressure and worry.  i realize that yes, i am the one that needs to chill the fuck out and not care or expect someone to like me after the first date---  to consider me being a person they could imagine being with for a long while.  i suppose i fall for people too fast if i like them.

i have to understand that yeah... people will try to make statements to flatter the other person, to reel them into just getting them to meet them or get into their fucking pants.  and the moment they see a flaw, an annoyance or imperfection, some people just bolt and don't want to deal with it. maybe they aren't trying to purposely be a douchebag or cruel person.  they just "ain't got time for dat annoying shit".  

anyway, i just have to convince myself and tell myself that all fucking first dates are a lie. even the second and third one may be a lie too.  it's all just a scam-- an elaborate act or play.  people will say they are interested in you. they will say that you intrigue them and you are beautiful. they make plans or suggestions on doing stuff in the future "the next time".  the first meetings are pivotal in the sense of trying to... manipulate someone in trying to get a positive impression out of you.

holy shit, i may have just simplified my life a little easier with the idea of adopting this mindset. yes, be pessimistic. don't be naive.  don't be too trusting. don't give a fuck.  why the fucking hell should i try to be my "true self" in front of a person when the other person isn't being themselves either in the initial meetings. don't try to flatter me and then you lie through your teeth and not genuinely feel like you are into me that much. fuck all this fake bullshit.  

guard my heart. i need to protect myself.  

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day.  NERDS CAN'T LOVE (inside joke)

#men #dating #relationship #fwb

[a1d6i]

Can’t Breathe

On this series, we are going to discuss a much more pressing problem, the one that directly damages us, infiltrates our relationships, mortifies our values and crushes our mindset. It/He/She/They are called “Toxins”. Yup, you read it right, because contaminants can take in both gas and solid forms and could murder you physically and mentally. In this very serious series, we are going to answer these three major questions, Who/What are these toxins? Am I toxic? How can I breathe in freely, in my stressful, toxic working environment? Don’t worry; we’ll get to the answers.

Did you know that an estimate of 4.6 million people die annually because of air pollution. It is sure enough that the pollution is brought about by the mass accumulation of garbage, which both contains and releases very harmful toxins, which flies freely above us and corrupt both our atmosphere and good health. I may not be a resident World Health Organization researcher, but I’ll confidently say that 7.6 billion individuals is still wrestling daily with their toxic schedules, toxic classmate or workmate, toxic boss, or even a total stranger you walked past by the other day, who roughly pushed past by you, without even bothering to apologize. YEAH, I feel you, regardless of the effort you put on concealing all your disappointments by trying to put on a very big and convincing smile to attract positivity and good people and moments, there will always be THIS, THIS ONE mood terminator and party crasher that would directly or indirectly ruin your day. Remember, even if that awful scheme was intentionally designed or not to make others see that leashed beast inside, it is still you who is in charge, holding that wheel, your emotions, decisions and response.  But how? How? HOW could I get rid of that person or thing that never fails to bother and stop me from doing what is required of me? Well, I’ll help you through in the most simple, practical and decent ways possible.

All people, things and events are good, don’t forget that. The expression, “toxic” serves as an adjective to the persona we are talking about. Let us clear thoughts up; we despise the actions or attitude of the person, not him or her. We dislike the object not because of its appearance, but probably of its current lack of significance. We hate attending purposive events or enthusiastically sign in to demanding schedules, not because it provides no whatsoever substance or benefit at all, but maybe because at the moment, the instance’s time slot does not fit on our perfectly arranged timetable or our habits and routines mismatch the supposedly perfect work hours. The truth is, we can’t deal with all circumstances and expect them to swiftly turn out in our favor, but at least we could try to make things more soothing to us, not to mention attempting to lessen the stressfulness they bring.

1.    Dealing with Toxic People (Special Mention: Feeling Class Clown Classmate or Supremely Overconfident Officemate)

 Once in our years in school or working career, we surely have had encountered this particular classmate who breaks up the serious silence during the lecture and starts cracking up a joke that isn’t to the littlest extent, even funny, that it makes the hairs on the back of your head stand up and the blood in your bloody boil a hundred degrees Fahrenheit, or maybe that officemate who talks out loud and boasts around his/her Best Employee of the Week award, while you are sitting on your office cubicle trying to focus on the pile of papers that seem to never lessen, and not to mention, the worst part is that he/she would walk past by every co-worker’s booth and give a very uninteresting narrative on how he/she got a pay raise or that gleaming award, and also giving you tips on how to earn one yourself. Really? Honestly, he/she just won the award once, and now he/she feels like the office superhero? You may probably be thinking, “Yeah, enjoy the moment, but as soon as this week or month ends, I’ll get that salary increase, promotion or award, I am too hardworking, to get ignored!” Anger and Irritation are natural feelings of a human being, if you don’t express these the most conservative way you can, you may instantly die of failing to release every bad feeling or thought you have in store. But also remember that we must be careful of the things we would say to others, because intentionally or not, you may be hurting and down casting the person you are talking to, and your angry outburst is never an excuse for all the mindless deeds and words that you might say and do.

 Envy, Hatred and an Overdose of Self-Confidence are the sensations hell wants you to feel when you encounter a toxic person, who keeps nagging you directly or indirectly, or has succeeded in reaching something that you haven’t. Watch yourself! You avoid these individuals not because you want to be like them, but because you don’t want to emulate their actions. I personally don’t see toxic people as hindrances, but as disturbances. Hindrances are big things which block your way to achievement and it is a requirement for you to remove this yourself, it’s like getting rid of a large boulder in the middle of the smooth road, which prevents your car from passing the other side.  Disturbances are small things that block you from accomplishing, it is widespread, and there is nothing you can do about it. It is like driving through a rocky road or encountering a pebble in the middle of the road, and in both of these situations, you do not need to get off the car or go down to that stone’s level, you just have to swerve away from it or simply kick it aside.

There is NOTHING you could do to get rid of a toxic person; there are reasons why he/she is like that, or you’ll harshly say, it’s in his/her DNA. It would be improbable for you to get off your chosen and favoured track just because of that disturbance, but if you think you could still handle, just IGNORE them, and keep performing. You’ll see, once you start diverting your attention to worthwhile activities, instead of wasting your time and vocabulary judging that toxic person and plotting mischievous tricks to get him/her expelled or fired, things will later turn out to be much clearer.

  2.    Dealing with Toxic Schedules (Seriously, I’ll wake up that early, and study or work for this long?)

 Trust me, studying or working during unwanted time periods would make your head ache much worse than dealing with toxic people. Imagine, waking up at 5 in the morning to get ready for your 8 am call time, then work ends at around 5 or 6 pm, plus you have to travel home from work or school, I think I may not have pointed out, the traffic and the line to the commute vehicle. We surely have wondered why the school or workplace expected the students or workers to sign in that early or even work on a Saturday, and end quite lately. Truthfully, I, myself, tried to make a school schedule, which matches my favorite subjects with my most productive days and hours, while stacking the boring subjects on Saturday. Proudly, it didn’t work, I found it hard, I realized that putting all the fun in one area turns out to be pretty uninteresting, and piling up the least favoured subjects on the other, also turned to be much worse than assumed. The difference between toxic people and so called toxic schedules is that we could escape from the reach of people, but never the grapple of inescapable schedules. Inescapable? Yes! It sounds scary, but at least it is adjustable. Manageable in a way that you could time your sleep and do your leisure earlier when you are needed in the morning and time other events later if you are on a night shift. Our Resilience towards time is tested every time we wake up and suit up for work and study and whenever we survive the day’s challenges. It must be our goal to always catch up with everyday demands and try to lessen our stubbornness as best as we can.

 3.    Dealing with the Boss (So, I am required to work this hard, plus I have to deal with that monster? Honestly I wonder why no one demands a salary increase, or had? It’s ok. I’m fine!)

I know that you might be thinking why your boss was not talked about in the category of workmates, and instead categorized differently. Is it because he/she has a higher ranking than us, special, or I know, classified as an alien, YES! Definitely he/she is a rude Martian! But I hate to break it to you, these fun assumptions are all wrong. I characterized the “Boss” differently, because the title represents, “Superiority”.  Yes, it’s true that all of us, even me, supremely desire to be the boss of our actions, captain of our time and act as supervisor to other people, but then and again, it mostly never happens all at once. We find some superiors, ill tempered, impolite, demanding, terrifying and unfair, in short, we equate boss to all things negative. But why do some see high ranking officials as a beast? Ah! because it’s in their nature, an attitude that must be absorbed when they sit on the high chair! Quite right, quite incorrect. If I declare you right now as boss of an office, a department or even a multimillion dollar company, would you take the position? Most may reply, “Sure I would take it; it’s the best offer I have ever got!” Let’s see, I assure you that not a day would pass without you demanding the best of results from the people who work for you, shouting to the top of your lungs because you need to chase the company’s deadline or breaking down because of the massive calls you receive per hour. Then you’ll be like, “Oh, so that is the reason behind that bad hair day or frowning face every time I walk across his/her office.” In defense of the bosses, they are the reasons why you are working happily and earning continually in your work and they demand, because they know you could do more on what you just had presented. I am not really sure if your boss is just putting on his/her work face on, to look fierce and strong, or if the attitude that he/she is showing is really genuine, but it may be considered true that all his/her actions are for the best of your team.

If you still don’t believe me, trust that with your continuous hard work, patience and dedication, you’ll soon achieve that “BOSS” title. Nothing comes easy; you never know the hardships that he/she endured before being the master of the pack. Keep grinding.  

4.    Dealing with Toxic Stranger (Excuse me, do you mind? I see he/she doesn’t. All right! After a bad day, this happens. Don’t worry! I can still manage.  But I think I can manage a text or call at least.)

The toxic stranger represents the unexpected and uncalculated situations which disturb us in whatever we are doing. It may be a shocking emergency, the sudden appearance of an arch enemy or an upturn of supposedly happy events, whatever it is; that holds you back from fulfilment, is considered as a toxin. Unlike your classmate or workmate that is predictable and anytime ignore, strangers are unpredictable, stealthy and means to ruin you from head to toe. That is why it is necessary that we should continually raise our guards and not let anything drive us away from our destination. More about this topic would be intensely talked about in this series.

Nest time, we are going to examine your Toxicity Level, determine whether you are a toxin or not to others and convert that feeling of toxicity to a much cleaner, breathable air of freshness.

#poetryportal #poeticstories #writerscreed #cosmicsharing #magicwritingcommunity

[assclass-headcanons]

OC fever

I feel like i am spamming about my oc at this point but i promise this is the last one for today maybe even the whole week. ((we can only hope)) Srry for such a long post but its the last so i have to make the most of it

Name- Jasmine Thompson Nicknames- Jassy, Jasminius, Jasminder, Yamine, Jas, Jamin Age- 14/15 Code Name- Subspecies Blood Type - A Gender- Female Orientation- Pansexual

Persona (Get ready for torture people): Gets super flustered, nervous and excited easily not to mention she has a short attention span. Forgets stuff in the moment and overexaggerates a ton. When under pressure she blanks out, she also does it while thinking which results in ignoring what someone is saying. Jasmine gets distracted almost all the time, sometimes when she doesn’t know what the person is talking about or just because. Her short temper can cause some conflicts and tensions but she tries to behave infront of superiors. Ya two faced child. When annoyed she can cut people off when talking and hates when someone pesters her to do something. But she means well, and will comply to the needs of others. Her good behaviour slips at times resulting in some huge mistake that gets her into trouble. The brunette is super affectionate and energetic, however, she has a sneaky side it just has not developed to be threatening in any way- just teasing. Unconciously plays with her hair around people she has a crush on but cannot ask them out for the life of her. When nervous plays with her right earring and when concentrating she bites her lip or the tip of her pencil. Has a habit of fidgeting, talking loudly and writing things down in a notebook to discharge energy. Constantly looks around when bored or trying not to capture attention. She can mess up her words often and is pretty unpredictable. Is a little bit of a crybaby when someone hits her weakness. If she makes a big mistake or hurts someones feelings she becomes pretty guilty and can’t gather the courage to talk to them. She is rather unpleasant when in a bad mood, ignorant, cold, arrogant, complainer and sarcastic. Jasmine’s determination and inpiration is a spur in the moment thing and if she puts it off till later she won’t be willing to do it. Gets jealous when not included in things or if someone knows more about her passion than herself. Can be a hypocrite when it is about bragging. She can keep a secret but she may tease them about it. Enjoys shipping people and has a high tolerance for pain. Always checks her height since she hates being short. Has a 90 percent chance of failing something if she is overconfident. Complains when she is lazy, especially if the girl is hungry only problem is she is not good with Home Ec.

Skills: Writing, singing, fighting, weaponry, acting. Strategy/Planning- 4/6 Communicating/Leadership- 2/6 Execution- 3/6 Technique- 6/6 Scouting/ Intelligence garthering- 5/6 Negotiation- 2/6 Physical Strength- 5/6 Mobility- 3/6 Close rangs- 5/6 Long Range- 2/6 Stamina- 2/6

-wants to become a psychologist -if you want to give her a present that she will love get her stuffies, pillows or blankets. Something to cuddle. Or a free cuddle session she would like that -always uses defense because she does not believe in her mma skills -adores the colour purple and mint desserts -loves snakes, so if Nagisa were to attack her she would be ok. Height intimidates her though so someone like Karma or Terasaka could scare her. - her secret talent is disguised flirting and dancing - maybe if she was more confident, she could be better at assassination: she may grow in that way through the year. participate more in the plans. - you know how they had ranks for best at knife skills and stuff? she made one for cuddling. And Koro-senei put it in the report cards. -since she has no siblings, Jasmine heavily relies on her friends to make her not feel so lonely.

NO I DON’T MIND THE OC SPAM AT ALL!! I love hearing about your OCs, they’re all so great ;v;

#lazyfluffball #submission #ocs

[averagejoebizpizza]

Lone Wolf

As the curtains closed on his stage for the final time, Rolfe DeWolfe put on a falsely cheery smile for the audience. It was unnatural, unlike his signature sarcastic grin; he hated it with every fiber of his being. He hated that Showbiz was replacing them all. That they had forced him to give a final goodbye to his adoring fans through this… this wrong persona. How dare they attempt to change HIM, of all characters?

“Gawd…” Earl could be heard grumbling beneath his line of sight, disgusted at how he had sounded during their final day’s performance. Finally, something they could both agree on. “They’s makin’ me sound as stupid as you.”

No response. The only noise heard was the sliding of chairs and whines of children being told it was time to go home.

“Didn’t you hear me, geek? I said, they’s makin’ me sound as stupid as you.”

“Oh, what?” Rolfe seemed to have been in a bit of a trance, only now looking down at his puppet companion after Earl had repeated himself, louder this time. He rolled his plastic eyes.

“Forget it. Let’s just go.”

“You just wait. I’m not going out there until they’re gone. I can’t stand to face my fans after what they were just forced to witness! It’ll be embarrassing!” There he was. Whatever that little flash of blank, uncharacteristic deep thought was was gone, replaced once more by ShowBiz’s favorite narcissistic, Frank Sinatra-loving wolf.

Earl scoffed, almost desperate to poke fun at the other’s vanity, though said nothing else. For once, he realized that it wasn’t the time. The place, sure; making a few good digs at Rolfe would have been a nice, celebratory way to say goodbye to the pizza place they knew and loved. Ever since he literally got a mind of his own, time was spent by making cheap shots at the wolf, but normally it was all in good fun. Unless he genuinely deserved it. Then he was serious.

“Don’t scoff at me!” Rolfe shook a finger on his free hand in a warning way. “Billy Bob’s not here to hold me back, anymore!” The puppet was about to laugh patronizingly. Well, before he noticed Rolfe angry frown change into a… sad one. For someone who was putting his bandmates down (or at least trying to) on a consistent basis, he seemed slightly upset at the mention of the bear. Billy Bob was the only one he ever really relented on because, though he would never want to admit it, he was a lot sweeter to him than a lot of people normally were. During their final goodbyes, he was tempted to say something, but refrained from doing so in order to retain his better-than-everyone mindset. “I think the coast is clear,” he finally began again, hearing the lights powering down for the night. The construction workers would be coming in soon to finish work on their stage.

“What coast? Why’re you actin’ so weird?” Like normal, Earl spoke aggressively, pressing Rolfe for answers; the other half of the Rolfe and Earl Show didn’t respond as he pushed the curtains back and stepped off-stage. “Don’t act like I’m not here! We’ve been performin’ together for ten years, it’s too late to ignore me now!” Still, no acknowledgement of the puppet’s frustrated words.

At this point, Earl raised his unibrow in curiosity, since at this point the wolf would have either told him to quiet down or have some less-than-clever comment. “Ralph, listen!” It was a test; he knew Rolfe’s name, but he genuinely enjoyed watching his face get blood red in embarrassment as the audience heard his “closest friend” mispronounce his name. He hated feeling so forgettable, even if it was just one big joke. But this time, he twitched slightly, like he wanted to retaliate, but refrained from doing so.

“Alright, where is it…? Don’t tell me they’ve already taken it down…” Rolfe mumbled to himself, scanning the walls for some sort of decoration. The movie parody posters had already been removed and would be hastily replaced by ones with images of Chuck E. Cheese and his band very soon, which was a sad sight. They had been part of the ambiance, part of the playful, familiar, warm feeling people got from ShowBiz, even if they had never been there before. Now the bare walls and few CEC items made the place feel strange, absent. Missing something.

The Rock-afire Explosion. That’s what was missing.

The only reminders that the band had ever performed at ShowBiz would be long gone by daylight; Rolfe’s stage would be entirely revamped to fit Chuck E.’s character, and the lone, framed picture on the wall that he had finally found would be removed. It was a perfectly imperfect moment captured of the band that seemed to reflect why they’re charisma was so spot-on with one another. It was because they were friends. They didn’t have to read scripts to know what to say to each other (though an outline of what the show was supposed to be was nice from time to time). They were real.

The image was a weird one for Billy Bob to pick for decoration, but he had his reasons. It was supposed to be a legitimate one for a promo or something, Rolfe remembered (he also remembered trying to get everyone to focus, only to be pelted by boos), but every time they tried, something happened to make it… chaotic or flawed in some way. This one was one of the few pieces of evidence that it had occurred, one of the most imperfect of all. Fatz was in the center of it all, head turned around and shouting at Beach Bear behind him, who was laughing uncontrollably at whatever. It was likely something Mitzi had said or done, since her face was buried in her hands; you could see she was blushing up a storm, but giggling still. Dook was just a spectator, grinning like an idiot at it all; he looked tired, like he just wanted to get it done, but was enjoying the chaos ensuing. Billy Bob just smiled awkwardly at the camera, possibly hoping that somehow he could make this right. Looney Bird was on his side, looking as irritated as ever, while Rolfe and Earl were on the other side of Fatz from them, Earl rolling his eyes and Rolfe’s expression showing his disgust at their poor excuse for professionalism. Small, messy writing was at the bottom in Billy Bob’s hand, surrounded by everyone’s signatures: “THE ROCK-AFIRE EXPLOSION, 1984”. Must’ve been the year it was taken.

6 years since then. Only 6 years is what it took for everything to fall apart. Well, not even 6; Billy Bob had been struggling with ShowBiz’s depleting funds, Pizza Time Theatre’s hefty competition, and battles with ShowBiz itself for a couple of years now. It wasn’t until 1990, however, that it came fully crashing down, when the merger happened. Now everyone was gone except for Rolfe and Earl, but they would vanish in due time.

“You miss ‘em, don’t you?” Earl’s tone was accusatory, but sounded somewhat… sentimental? It was difficult to pinpoint. Rolfe hesitated for a moment.

“I do not!” But after a second, he realized that’s exactly what was going on. He had a strange feeling all day, and that was it; he was actually going to miss the people he had given the illusion he hated. “Oh, Earl, they were…” He sounded dejected, and waited again to see if he was choosing his words correctly and cautiously. “… They were my friends! My only friends! No matter how badly I treated them, no matter how much they made fun of me, I know they still had my back. They were nice to me… At least nicer than a lot of people have been. Where am I going to find someone like that again? Tell me, Earl, where?”

Taken aback by Rolfe’s sudden outburst, Earl was at a loss for words, especially when he saw he was crying. Though, part of him wondered if he knew it, himself. “Don’t get so sentimental on me, Gawd…”

“I’m sorry.” Rolfe apologized, wiping away the tears with his free hand. Him? Apologizing? Who was this, and what had he done to Rolfe DeWolfe? “It’s stupid. I’m overreacting.”

“You may be stupid, but that ain’t. I guess.”

The puppet noticed Rolfe’s ears perk up slightly at the sort-of insult. Whether Earl knew it or not, Rolfe sort of appreciated the gesture; after all, through ten years of having to deal with being the target of Earl’s criticism, the wolf had come to learn that this was about as sentimental or even kind as he could be. Earl hadn’t had to deal with losing people, before, so it was easily assumed that he didn’t quite understand the concept of goodbyes. Or any sort of sentiment, really.

“Thanks, Earl.”

And in almost an instant, the smaller of the pair was back to his normal, frustrated self. “I said don’t get all mushy, ya geek! I’m still here, ya know, and I don’t wanna deal with it more than anyone else does!”

“Oh, hush, Earl.” Rolfe was attempting to put back on his overconfident persona and just pretend he hadn’t just said the things he did, and it would have worked if his voice wasn’t so quiet. He cleared his throat to fix that. “Alright! Let’s get out before they kick us out.” Before Earl could agree or disagree, Rolfe was already on his way towards the exit; however, he paused for a brief moment, taking in the sight of ShowBiz one last time.

“What is it this time?”

Rolfe shook his head, but he had a smile on his face, and not a sarcastic, narcissistic one, either. It was genuine. “Nothing.”

#rock-afire explosion #showbiz pizza #fanfiction #concept unification #rolfe dewolfe #earl schmerle #joe writes things

[kruppxreader]

I would like some fluff stuff of Captain and Krupp trying to ask you on a date, like how you'd think they'd do it!

HOOOO Boy am I reADY for some FLUFF

Mr. Krupp

He may not express it openly, he may even try to act grumpier around you. But deep down inside he thinks the world of you. The way you talk, the way you smile, the way you always hand in your progress reports on time.. everything about you is just perfect in his eyes.

So today was the day. He knew you always came to the teacher’s lounge around 11:45 to make a quick cup of coffee before heading back to your class. It was now or never.

He waited patiently around the corner, scoping out the area until he caught you making your way down the hallway with two arms heftily full of paperwork.

He swallowed, slicked back his hairpiece, and stepped out from behind the wall.

“Oh, hello, Y/n! Just who I wanted to see!” He exclaimed.

Unfortunately what he didn’t account for was how jittery you were. You jumped in surprise, scattering all of your paperwork across the hallway floor.

“M-Mr. Krupp! I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there!” You bent down, frantically trying to pile together the mess of papers.

Krupp felt his confidence fizzle away as his anxiety took over.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. Here, let me help.” He met you on the floor, carefully stacking the paperwork for you.

“Th-Thank you, sir. You said you wanted to see me?” You stood up, awkwardly cradling the pile of papers in your arms.

Krupp felt himself quickly losing his cool.

“I… I… I just wanted to ask you.. when are you going to get those health forms to me?!”

Well that came out angrier than expected. You were taken aback for a moment, then feathered through the papers you held so precariously.

“Here you go, sir.” You slipped the two health forms towards him.

Krupp grew even more frustrated, not with you but with himself. Why couldn’t he just say what he wanted?! “Can I take you out for dinner?” That’s it! Just a seven word question!

“Well, if that’s all you need, then I need to get back to my class.” You said with a smile.

No. NO. His window of opportunity was closing. Your shoes tapped off the tile floor as you turned away from him. Come on, it was now or never! Just seven. little. words. “Can I take you out for-…”

“DINNER?!”

You stopped in your tracks.

“.. What?” You turned around.

Krupp was frozen stiff, his arms glued to his sides.

He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t move.

“I… I… d-dinner.. you…. me… maybe…?” He flexed his fingers, then gripped them in tight fists.

You blinked twice, feeling heat wash over your cheeks.

“Why, Mr. Krupp… I… oh gosh… I never knew you thought of me like that..” A bashful smile crept across your face as your eyes glazed over the papers in your arms.

“I-I would love to, actually. Does.. tonight work for you?” You asked.

Krupp shook himself out of his petrified state.

“Y-YEAH!” He sputtered.. a little too excitedly.

—–

Captain Underpants

The Captain was soaring through the sky on his way back to the small home on Curmudgeon Boulevard draped in toilet paper streamers to wash up after a hard day of fighting crime.

He turned the corner to his street only to find walking down the sidewalk, the love of his life, the person that made his heart soar higher than ever before…

… you.

He hovered for a moment, entranced by your movements. The sway of your hips, the gentle bounce of your hair… it was mesmerizing. He had met you only once before, back when he had fought that terrible Deli Meat Monster that was attacking George and Harold’s elementary school. It had taken a few of the teachers hostage, including you. But you had been the one that had been lingering in his memory for weeks.

He felt his magnificent heart would just about pound right out of his chest if he didn’t act right away. Never in his life had this bombastic brief wearing hero had ever encountered such a person that made him feel so… unprepared.

“What do I even say?! This is quite a dilemma..”  The Captain tapped at his chin. You were lost in the music playing in your earbuds, your hips swaying to the beat as you strolled down the sidewalk. The end of the street was creeping near. He knew if he was to do anything, he had to act now.

The Captain took a deep breath, summoned every last bit of courage he had in his heroic body, and swooped down towards the ground.

You felt a small breeze and a sudden presence behind you. Taking out your earbuds, you turned around to find the brief-clad superhero standing a little not-so-triumphantly behind you.

“Captain Underpants?” You smiled, stuffing your earbuds in your pocket. “What are you doing here? Did something happen nearby?”

“Oh, just an army of Garbage Goblins attacking town hall, but it was nothing I can’t handle! Hahaha…. ha… ha…” His normal overconfident speech pattern began to trail off.

You tilted your head.

“Is something the matter, Captain? You seem a little off..” You took a step closer to him, causing him to jump back slightly.

“I-I’m fine I assure you..” The Captain gently dabbed the sweat from his forehead with his cape. 

You gave him a concerned expression.

“Well if there’s anything you need, I do owe you one after saving me back at the school a while ago.” You chuckled lightheartedly.

The Captain raised his eyebrows, then puffed out his chest.

“Actually I do need a favor! If you are willing, that is..”

You gave an excited nod. “Absolutely! Anything for an amazing superhero like yourself!”

The Captain nearly choked.

“N-No need to be so complimentary!” He laughed nervously, holding his chest in exasperation. “I was just wondering if you.. well, if you’d like to… there’s an ice cream shop downtown.. w-where some suspicious activity has been noted!” He pointed his finger to the sky, trying to maintain his heroic persona.

“Oh really?” You smirked, putting a hand on your hip.

“Uh.. ah, yes! And I was hoping you and I could construct a stakeout.. uh… together…”

Oh gosh. You didn’t know what to say. Truthfully, you were a little confused.

“W-Wow, Captain. It’s truly an honor, but I don’t really see how much of a help I can be without any sup-…. ohhhhhhhh….”

And then it clicked.

[lesbianlametron]

Victuuri week day 3

Title: Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery

Author: asliverofhope-the-fangirl

Rating: Teen

Warnings: None

Summary: Even after winning silver at the GPF, Yuuri still lacks confidence in his skating ability. Desperate to find a way for Yuuri to gain confidence Victor adopts the fake until you make it idea. He tells Yuuri to imitate a person with confidence. Yuuri really gets into character and Victor may regret his idea.

((I almost made it on time, but I had to wait until I got and had internet to post it. I used all three prompts today. Yuuri- doubt/reassurance, Victor- regret, and role-reversal I hope you like it!))

             Victor stood back from Yuuri a bit and watching him practice. He was a bit disappointed that Yuuri was still so inconsistent. Even after a year together, Yuuri’s confidence still wasn’t where he expected it would be. Yes, they had both been disappointed that Yuuri’s medal hadn’t been gold, but Yuuri placed, he set a record for his free skate. He landed a quad flip, but in practice he was still on landing it less than half the time. “Yuuri…” Victor called and skated over to him, stopping him mid routine. “I know you have confidence. I saw out there on the ice during the Grand Prix Final. You changed your routine so it would have the highest difficulty possible. What’s bothering you?”

             “What if that was my peak? I know you want me to win gold, but I can’t beat you. Not in your top form.”

             Victor sighed and thought for a moment and then an idea struck him. Maybe if Yuuri could fake confidence he’d eventually believe it. “Think about the most confident person you know. How would they skate? I know you liked playing a character when you skate. You became the woman who seduced the young playboy. I know you can do that.”

             Yuuri slowly closed his eyes and thought about Victor. Now that they were living alone together, he knew more about Victor than ever before. He knew Victor was an insane morning person, but only after his coffee. Victor loved cuddling in bed and sometimes Yuuri felt smothered between Victor and Makkachin. He liked to walk around in his towel longer than necessary after a shower because he knew it drove Yuuri crazy. Victor was actually a horrible cook but was always eager to attempt a new recipe. Attempt being the operative word, Yuuri usually had to kick Victor out of the kitchen. While in the shower, Victor loved to sing even if he was sometimes off pitch. When Victor didn’t think Yuuri was around, he talked to Makkahin about how much he loved Yuuri. Having come home early, Yuuri walked in on it and it was terribly embarrassing.

             Yuuri opened his eyes again and skated in a slow circle. He made himself as tall as possible and extended a hand out to Victor.  “Hello, Victor! Starting today, I’m going to be your coach.”

             From across the rink they heard a snort and they both turned to see Yuri watching them. “That was your attempt at Victor’s accent? Not bad actually.” Yuri smirked at Victor. “You captured him perfectly, but if you’re going to screw around, leave. I need to practice too, you jerks.”  

             Victor sent a playful glare in Yuri’s direction and skated over to Yuuri. He batted his eyelashes at Yuuri and wrapped his arms around his waist. “You picked me, that’s so cute Yuu-chan.” Victor cooed using Yuuri’s nickname in public, making Yuuri blush a little.

             “Of course he did. You’re the most overconfident person we know.” Yuri shot back, using every excuse to make fun of Victor.

             Yuuri pushed away from Victor, “Later, Victor. I have to work on my own routines too. I have to get in all the practice time I can. I have a record to beat as well as being your coach. Maybe I’ll put two quad flips in my routine. I have a record to uphold.”

             “Hah! You can hardly land one, piggy, how will you land two?” Yuri mocked. It pissed him off, but he actually wanted to see Yuuri do it. He had to beat Yuuri at his best.

             “Two quad flips, Yuuri? With your stamina I know you can do it. I’ll try my best to beat you.” Victor blinked up at Yuuri, giving Yuuri his best star-struck stare.

             “Was that supposed to be me?” Yuuri dropped his persona for a minute at stared at Victor.

             “If you two make fun of each other, it leaves less for me to do.” Yuri snapped at them.

             “I think I nailed it perfectly, Yuu-chan. Who knows you better than your fiancé?”

             Yuuri cleared his throat and slipped back into his parody of Victor. “You better watch, Vitya. I’m going to win this year’s gold.” Yuri skated a perfect spread eagle, stretching his arms to make them look longer than they were. Victor couldn’t take his eyes off Yuuri if he tried. He liked watching Yuuri’s spread eagles, they flexed the muscles in Yuuri’s arms and back just right. He almost wished Yuuri would skate shirtless. Yuuri lifted his arm as he jumped to up the difficulty and landed a perfect quad flip. Victor was nearly brought to tears again. It hadn’t looked that beautiful since the final.

             “Yuuri! That was beautiful. I knew you could.”

             “Naturally, I am a five-time Grand Prix gold medalist. I can’t let my student beat me, so I will take his signature move and do it better.” Yuuri smirked at Victor and winked.

             “Victor…what have you done?” Yuri was stunned to say the least. That quad flip was perfect and with the added difficulty…if Yuuri could really land it twice, they were all in trouble. Yuri cleared his throat and regained his composure. “With all that practice he’s bound to land it eventually. Not like he’d be able to do it twice in a row.”

             Victor was about to scold Yuri for putting Yuuri down, but he remembered Minako’s words. Yuuri really doesn’t like to lose. “True, he hasn’t landed it twice in a row before.”

             Yuuri turned toward Victor and smiled dangerously at him. Victor gasped and it sent a shiver up his spine. It was reminiscent of the look he’d given Yuri on the beach in Barcelona when he had insulted Yuuri. “Of course, I can. I’m Yuuri Katsuki.” He said it in such a Victor-like way that Victor had to press his lips together to keep himself of snickering. It was slightly insulting, but also very endearing at the same time. This time Yuuri did a combination spin to gain speed and executed another perfect quad flip. He spun on heel of his skate so he was facing Yuri and smirked at him. “Maybe I’ll put them both in the last half of my free skate. With my stamina, I could pull it off.”

             “Are you insane? Well, whatever, Katsudon. You’re all talk anyway. We’ll see if you can actually pull it off. Times up, you’ve had the ice long enough.” Yuri was fuming but if anyone could pull that off, it would be Yuuri. He couldn’t beat Yuuri’s step sequences and if Yuuri continued to perfrom like he did in his free skate, Yuri wouldn’t be able to beat him. He doubted even if Victor could beat that. Then again, Victor wouldn’t mind losing to his fiancé. Ugh, they’re so gross. I’ll just have to bank on Katsudon messing up in competition. Even if this fake confidence helps him now, he’s still inconsistent in competition.

             Yuuri turned and glided up to Victor, sliding his skate between Victor’s skates. He took Victor’s chin between his thumb and fingers, pressing their foreheads together. “Are you impressed, Vitya? Your coach may just pass you up. Let’s go home already.” He leaned and gave Victor a quick, but soft and sensual kiss.

             “Save it for you home, assholes!”

             Yuuri ignored Yuri’s protests and left the ice and leaving Victor wanting more. “It’s like Eros Yuuri with my confidence.” Victor murmured to himself as he followed Yuuri off the ice. He had to admit, he was shook to his core.

             When Victor woke up the next morning, Yuuri wasn’t by his side. He reached to the other side of the bed to feel for lingering warmth, but the sheets had long gone cold. Yuuri got up earlier than me? What’s gotten into him? Victor stretched and pulled himself out of bed. “Yuuri?” He called out to the living room, but was only met with his own echo. He quickly got ready and headed to the rink. If Yuuri was anything like yesterday, his practice sessions would be worth seeing.

             Victor heard the scraping of Yuuri’s blades on the ice when he entered the rink. He was about to call out his lover and tease him for being up so early, but the words died in his throat. The step sequences were not the ones Victor had choreographed from Yuuri only a few days ago. They were something he’d never seen before. Each flowed perfectly into the last and it looked like an elegant ballet mixed with a sexy ballroom dance. It reminded him a little of Pase Doble. Very masculine and strong mixed with the delicate ballet, both hard and soft elements. It definitely would keep the watcher on edge of their seats. “Yuuri? W-Where did you learn that?”

             “I made it myself.” Yuuri smiled at him with a look of pride and Victor had to restrain himself. This confident side of Yuuri was really messing with him in all the right ways.

             “What happened to the routine I made for you? It was the prefect compliment to my program for this year!”

             “Vitya, as if I’d let anyone else choreograph my program. Besides, I need to surprise the judges and this routine is full of them, right?” Yuuri paused routine and skated to a stop right in front of Victor. “That with two quad flips will earn high scores. You might not even be able to beat me.”

             Victor pressed his hands on the wall between them and sighed. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I? I didn’t even know you could choreograph.”

             Yuuri shrugged. “Neither did I, but I don’t know, it just came to me. Did you like it? Do you really think it’s good?” He slipped out of his Victor impression as his uncertainty creeped up again.

             “Yuuri…it was breath-takingly beautiful. I’m not even mad that I unlocked that in you.” Victor pulled Yuuri into a tight hug. “I’d be proud to lose to you like this. I love you and you still never fail to surprise me.”

             “I did two consecutive quad flips yesterday…” Yuuri murmured into Victor’s neck like he was just realizing that the previous day was really real.

             “You did! And you just choreographed your own routine. You better remember it because I think you really could win with it.”

             “Don’t go acting like a coach on me now.” Yuuri chuckled and Victor laughed with him. That had become their thing now. Anytime Victor would act too much like a coach, he’d get scolded and they’d laugh about it together. “You liked your confidence on me, didn’t you? I could feel your eyes on me and we both know you’re not subtle.”

             Victor shook his head as a fond smile spread across his lips. “I did. Let’s go home and you can use your stamina in a different way.”

             Yuuri gasped in feigned horror. “You’re so scandalous.”

             “Come on, Yuu-chan.” Victor turned around to lead the way, but Yuuri grabbed Victor by the shoulder.

             “You still haven’t given me a good morning kiss.”  

             “Oh, how silly of me.” Victor leaned in and kissed him. If Yuuri was anything in competition like he’d been the past couple of days, this was going to be interesting season.

#victuuriweek #yoi #yuri on ice #yuri!!! on ice #victuuri #day 3 #prompt: regret #prompt: reassurance and doubt #prompt: role reversal