Tumgik
#sorry if the pronouns get mixed up at some point lol
whumble-beeee · 8 months
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Whumptember 2023, Day Three
“This can’t be it”
Betrayal | Left to die | Running away
@whumptember
The Bee's Whumptember Masterlist
CW: Fear of heights, fear of death, character repeatedly called “kid” even though they’re an adult, knives, begging, li’l bit of blood
~2460 words
(Good lord this got long, I just couldn’t stop writing it. I may have to continue this at some point, because its just so aaaaa)
Part 2 HERE!
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Whumpee’s head spun as he gazed down at the ground, a dizzying twelve story drop into the the unforgiving alleyway below. Then at Sibling's smiling form balanced on the building ledge across the gap. They were practically flailing at him with encouragement. Whumpee pulled back a small step. “I’m not so sure about this anymore, Sibling…” 
Sibling immediately deflated, not unlike an inflatable tube man when he when it’s blower was turned off. They raised their eyebrow at Whumpee, a slight grin tugging at the edges of their mouth.
“What, ya scared?”
“I’m serious, Sibling!” Whumpee pouted, before accidentally looking down into the large crevasse separating them from their beloved sibling again. Had it gotten higher in the last five seconds? “I don't wanna– I can’t– I– I–”
“-- hey, hey, Whumpee?” Sibling called out to him, their voice smooth as butter. “Don’t look down, look at me.” Something in Sibling's voice gifted Whumpee the strength to tear his eyes away from the dizzying height.
“You could jump farther distances in your sleep. I’ve seen it.” Sibling joked, a playful smile the only thing betraying their otherwise stoic demeanor. “You’re one hell of a sleepwalker. You can do this, kid. I wouldn’ta brought you up here if you couldn’t, I wouldn’t fuck with you like that. You can do it, I promise.”
“I can do it, I can do it…”
Before he even realized it, Whumpee was flying through the air, relishing the wind rustling through his hair and clothes, feeling the rush of adrenaline propelling him forward, knowing there wasnothing between him and the pavement below other than his simple act of propulsion. His leap of faith. He even enjoyed the painful pressure and force of the landing spider webbing throughout his body as he rolled forward and almost crashed into Sibling.
Whumpee didn't even try to stand up out of the roll, splaying out over the rough concrete and giggling profusely as the adrenaline gave way to a new sense of euphoria. The air was so much crisper up here, the wind stronger, the stakes higher! No wonder Sibling was constantly scaling the rooftops instead of helping at home, this was better than anything you could find with your feet on the ground.
Whumpee jumped up and started bouncing around just like his older sibling. “I did it! I did It! It was so AWESOME, it was amazing, I FLEW!”
The look of pride Sibling gave Whumpee could have satiated him for days. It was all he ever could have asked for. “You did amazing, kid, really. And the best part? You getta keep doing it too.”
Whumpee leaned over himself, panting. “Yeah… But also…” He grabbed Sibling by the shoulder and shot them a look of mock condescension, as if he pitied his sibling for being dumb enough to even consider such an outrageous untruth. “I’m not a kid.”
Sibling sized their brother up playfully. “Oh yeah, you’re a real Mr. Adult-man huh? Mr. Nineteen-year-old, Mr. take-on-the-gangs-and-save-the-girl mwah mwah mwah…” Sibling pitched their voice higher and gushier as they pantomimed their hands into two figures kissing, becoming increasingly more aggressive until their hands were just flapping and smushing against the other.
Whumpee clasped their hands around Sibling’s to stop the egregious display. “Stop, you look stupid.” he smiled.
“Mr. Big BOI,” Sibling continued, “Mr. MAN, BIG MAN BOY who can take anyone on in a fight!” Sibling pounced on Whumpee and wrenched him into a loose headlock, noogeying him as Whumpee shrieked and laughe, trying to escape his sibling’s considerate iron grip.
“STOP STOP STOP AUGH SIBLING–!”
“Aw, come on, Sibling, it’s inconsiderate not to stop if someone asks you to stop.”
Everything froze at the sudden intrusion of this new voice. Sibling dropped Whumpee, and Whumpee’s face almost smacked on the ground from the short fall.
“Then again,” The voice continued with a drawl. “We’re not the most considerate bunch, are we?”
“Whumper…”
Whumpee tentatively raised his head up to figure what the hell was going. He almost wished he didn’t. Four people effectively cornered them, backing them up against the rooftop ledge, and more importantly, the deadly drop into the alleyway below. Sibling stood above him, jaw clenched and hands contorted into tight fists, eyeing the person who must have been named Whumper. The perpetrators all looked at them smugly, though one did raise an eyebrow at Whumpee when he caught their eye.
“Whumper?... Who’s Whumper? Who are these people?” Whumpee looked up questioningly to Sibling, before addressing the group directly. “ What do you want?”
Whumper’s eyes lit up with an amused twinkle as they eyed Whumpee up and down, an almost friendly smile gracing their lips. “Grab the kid.”
Two of the goons were upon Whumpee before he could even think to fight back, grabbing at his clothes and pushing down on his shoulders. Sibling yelled desperately at them to “STOP!” as the third one grabbed them by the arms and held them back. One of them kicked Whumpee hard in the back of the legs, and down he went, bare knees slamming into and scraping against the unforgiving rooftop. Whumpee cried out.
“WHUMPER!” Sibling screamed, struggling fruitlessly again the arms holding them in place. “Leave him alone, he’s got nothin’ to do with you!”
Whumper ignored Sibling, instead crouching down in front of Whumpee and tilting their head compassionately. “Sibling, you never told me you had a kid.” They reached out to fiddle with the drawstrings on Whumpee’s hoodie. “You didn’t tell him about me?”
“I keep work and personal life separate.” Sibling spat. “And he’s not my kid. Let him go!”
“Sibling, help!” Whumpee cried. He couldn’t take it. He trembled under the tight grips clamping down onto his shoulders. He tried to stand up, to fight back in some way, but the hands held him down, forcing his arms back to his sides whenever he tried to raise them. His breathing became increasingly fast and shallow. “Don’t let them hurt me!”
“Hey, don’t look at them,” Whumper said as they tied Whumpee's hoodie strings into a bow. “They don’t exist right now. Eyes on me.” They brought their hand up to Whumpee’s jaw to guide their gaze to them, but Whumpeejerked violently away from the touch before being forcibly righted again by the goons. Whumper sighed and pulled a switchblade out of their jacket. They opened the blade with a flourish and nestled right under Whumpee’s Adam’s apple, earning a squeak from Whumpee. The entire world went silent. Nothing existed except Whumper and the switchblade.
“What’s your name?” Whumper whispered, voice smooth as velvet.
“W-W-Whumpee. I’m Whumpee.” he stuttered, voice barely audible. He could feel the knife moving against his throat as he spoke, the uneven pressure biting into his skin, daring him to try something.
“That’s your sibling over there, then? You’re their brother?” Whumpee nodded quickly to both questions.
“And you don’t know who I am?”
Whumpee shook their head fervently. Whumper smiled at him, then tussled his hair like Sibling would. “Then I’ll give you a pass for talking to me like that. But only because you’re so cute, and I’m feeling generous today.” Whumper pulled at the end of one of Whumpees hoodie strings, untying the bow. “And only if you promise to never speak so disrespectfully to me again. You promise?” 
Whumpee pursed his lips and nodded, eyes squeezed shut so tight that he wasn’t sure he’d ever see light again.
“Come again? I couldn’t hear you.”
“Yes, yes, okay!” Whumpee finally squeaked out.
The blade against his throat pressed in deeper, stinging, and Whumpee let out an accidental whine. “Yes, what?”
“Yes, uh yes… Sir! Yes, sir! Er ah, yes, ma’am? Uh, Captain?!” Whumpee despaired. He was gonna have his throat slit because they couldn’t figure out the right honorific. 
Except Whumpee didn’t feel the sharp point of the knife cutting through his windpipe anymore. Instead, an amused laugh escape the throat of Whumper above him. “Damn, kid, I kinda like that. ‘Captain!’ I should use that.” Whumpee felt a pat on the head and, mercifully, the sharp pressure leaving his throat. “Good boy.”
And suddenly the entire world was back again. All the senses assaulted Whumpee, the bright light of the sun and the honking cars and bustle of the streets and the thin crimson streaks now painting his hands after he grasped at his neck and Sibling staring daggers at Whumper and the hands still clamping down on his shoulder and the tears slowly rolling down his cheeks. Whumpee couldn’t have been happier for it. He was alive!
“Now, Sibling,” Whumper started as they stood up. “Back to the business at hand–”
“I don’t have the damn money, Whumper. Let Whumpee go, your business is with me.”
Whumper narrowed their eyes at Sibling, then they shook their head with a tsk. “Didn’t you hear the conversation Whumpee and I just had, Sibling?”
A SNAP rang through the air and Whumper jabbed their thumb toward the edge of the building behind them.
Whumpee was suddenly hoisted up by their arms and being dragged toward the edge, and when he realized what was happening, he screamed. He kicked out and punched and did everything he could to squirm away and fight the two goons forcing him toward the eternal abyss. It didn’t help. They shoved Whumpee up onto the lip of the building as one fisted his sweatshirt and strong-armed him out past the ledge, far enough that Whumpee lost his balance and started to fall backward. The only thing between him and the twelve-story drop, the nauseatingly hard concrete below and Whumpee becoming a fine red mist upon it was the hand twisted into his sweatshirt, and he clawed onto that arm for dear life, barely managing to keep his feet planted on the lip of the building. He didn’t care about trying to look tough in front of Sibling or even the gang members anymore.
“SIBLING, SIBLING HELP, PLEASE, HELP SIBLING I DON’T WANNA DIE PLEASE DON’T LET THEM KILL ME SIBLING PLEASE HELP ME THIS CAN’T BE IT PLEASE!!” He screeched.
Though the adrenaline and tears and bodies blocking his view, Whumpee could vaguely see Sibling yelling at Whumper, arguing with them, gesturing downward and toward themself and Whumpee and Whumper and the goons. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, he was too busy screaming and begging for his life.
Then Sibling ran. Not to attack Whumper, or the goons, not to save Whumpee. No, they ran away. They were running away. Whumpee barely even had time to register it before Sibling was out of sight, jumping over the seams of buildings with the person who had been holding him quickly chasing after them, away from their own brother and the people who were about to kill him. Whumpee shocked into silence, still dangling by the arm of the single goon twelve stories above the unforgiving blacktop. The squeaked, “Sibling?...”
“Get him down.” came the almost irritated voice of Whumper.
The goons unceremoniously pulled Whumpee back over the edge and dumped him onto the sweet sweet ground. Whumpee could have kissed it if he weren’t so shell-shocked. He couldn’t breath, and still he was breathing so hard his lungs were about to burst. Tears smeared his vision, soaking into the concrete floor. He wanted Sibling. He wanted them so bad. Where was Sibling?
Whumper stared at the spot where Sibling had disappeared, then turned their sights to Whumpee. “Wow, your sibling really just took off without you, huh?”
“I-I– they–…” Whumpee gasped. He felt so small.
“I mean, we could’ve killed you so easily just then, and they just up and left. Cared so much about their own ass they gave up yours to save it, I guess.”
“No, they– they–... Sibling…” What? They’d come back for him? They’d save him? They hadn’t just left him to die? Abandoned him, betrayed him, left him to the whims of a person who had almost killed him twice since he met them five minutes ago?
The goon who had held Whumpee out now fidgeted above him. “Well, what now?” 
“The plan hasn’t changed,” Whumper stated. “We wait for Goon to catch Sibling and then they pay up or I’ll make them regret ever being born.”
“Alright, what about this one?” The goon nudged Whumpee disdainfully with their foot. “He’s not part of the plan.”
“We could still throw him off the roof.” the other chimed in helpfully.
“NONONO!” Whumpee’s voice cracked, hoarse from all the screaming. “Please, please no– Jus-just let me go, I didn’t d-do anything, I can’t, I can’t–”
“I’m sorry.” Whumper interrupted forcefully, stepping up to Whumpee and looking down upon him as if he were a used piece of chewing gum sticking to their dress shoe. “But I just can’t seem to recall permitting you to speak. Let alone beg.” They pulled out the switchblade and started playing with it, folding it in and out, in and out. “Do you?”
Whumpee’s gaze fixated on the knife. He scooted backward until he was pressing himself up against the lip of the roof again, fully aware that there was nowhere to go but down. He pulled his knees up to his chest. “N-no, s-sir… Captain. I’m sorry.”
“Good.” Whumper flipped the knife around so they were holding it by the blade and swung it downward, bapping Whumpee on the forehead with the handle. “Glad we’re on the same page.”
The goons snickered. “Quick learner, this one.” Whumper ran their hands through Whumpee’s hair. “Good thing too, they’re gonna have to be now that their precious Sibling left them with us for awhile.”
Whumpee’s head shot up. He almost spoke again to question what Whumper meant, before the glint of the knife reminded him of the lesson from just moments before. So he just pulled his legs closer into himself and looked away. Whumper really seemed to be enjoying the show, smiling quaintly at the ball of Whumpee. “You got something to say, kid?”
Was he allowed to not speak? Probably not. “What… does that mean…”
“Right… you probably didn’t know,” Whumper scoffed. “Your sibling owes us a lot of money. Hush money, protection money, doesn’t really concern you, I’m sure. All you need to know is that Sibling is a piece of shit who refuses to pay us back. So the way I see it, you, my lovely boy,” Whumper gestured at him lazily with the switchblade. “Are collateral.”
Collateral? How could a person be collateral?
“What that means for you, basically,” Whumper continued as if reading Whumpee’s thoughts. They slid the flat of the blade under his chin and tilted his head up so they could look him in the eyes, so they could see the understanding in them and the blood drain from his face. “Until Sibling either pays up or we finally kill them…
“We own you.”
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plagued-melodies · 1 month
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Sibling Rivalry ⚕️Part one
!This is based on the headcanon that Baizhu and Pantalone are brothers! Also this very self indulgent and usually think of my self insert as the traveler so- I'm sorry if that's not your style :] reader is said to have an exposed midriff because I like that style of clothing but it is not indicative of readers sex or pronouns. I do mention greatly about Baizhu's disability but I'm not entirely sure if I did it justice as I'm not really familiar with him, I just find him pretty so if I said anything wrong lmk so I can improve!
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Relationships: Baizhu x traveler!reader
Implied Pantalone x traveler!reader (hes attracted to/infatuated with you sort of?? It's more like he's doing it solely to tease Baizhu but the reader is unsure about him as they don't know who he is but is friendly because he's Baizhu's brother.)
Baizhu and Pantalone are brothers with a strained relationship but still care about one another. Baizhu just has certain boundaries.
I really really like Traveler!reader I'm not sorry
Pronouns used for reader: they/them
This has been in my drafts since forever so forgive me if there are some canon issues lol, I have a stupid mix of what I thought was canon, what is canon, and what is just ???
Also It's been so long since I've written anything I'm sorry if it's cringe or badly paced.
Part One (you're here)
Part Two (to be added)
Imagine that once everything is said and done in the nation of Sumeru you've come back to Liyue for some much needed rest, you trudged your way over the jagged land of the chasm that connects the two nations. With your sore and sunburnt body you end up running into Liyue's best herbalist, Baizhu who is accompanied by little Qiqi. Throughout the months before your trip to Sumeru you found yourself hanging around the eccentric man more and more as word for your future endeavors got around and he had wished to aid in knowledge on what was safe to touch and consume and what to avoid. This lesson turned to several lessons on how to create healing concoctions based on different ailments. You appreciated his help greatly and promised to bring several rare or useful herbs for him to use.
When on the road returning to Liyue, you were surprised to see him so far outside the city however, especially so far off the trail. It wasn't uncommon for him to leave the city but he usually left anything this far out to Qiqi as a precaution due to this condition, he couldn't risk anything if he ended up passing out. If he did go out he usually sticks to the trails most often used by travelers or nearby settlements he could rest at.
You asked him about this, worried about his being and he explains that today he felt capable of retrieving certain herbs he needed and needed to get some fresh air from a visiting relative who was a bit overbearing at times. You nod in understanding, the city coming further into view with the ocean glistening. The sun was at its highest peak at this point and you felt its harsh rays beat down on your exposed back. Your conversation continues on, talking about recent adventures in the dendro nation as Paimon floats about and you hold Qiqi's little hand in your own larger one.
Baizhu talked greatly about his recent endeavors, including a few odd ball patients who he practically had to have dragged into the pharmacy by some of his assistants. He also talked about how he was able to curate some remedies for himself that, while not able to cure his ailment (or achieve his overall goal), help him retain a lot more energy than usual so long as he didn't over exert himself too much. Hence why he's out here with Qiqi gathering some herbs for some clients he had.
You two continue exchanging pleasantries with Changsheng chiming in every once in a while, perched comfortably atop the doctor's shoulders. Baizhu begins to explain the use of the herbs in his bag with you contentedly listening. You both walk into the city through the back trail, the unsteady and steep path putting you into alert for your companions balance. In your focus on Baizhu's safety, you completely neglect your own and nearly slip with the doctor quickly taking hold of you. Despite his weak physicality, he's capable enough to pull you up by the forearm into a safe balanced position before you even hit the ground. He sighs at your clumsiness, a tinge of mirth in his own eyes. He heaves another sigh, a sign of his exertion of energy that's beginning to take a toll. The grip on your forearm moving to a gentle hold of your hand.
"Oh archons I'm so sorry! I should have been looking at where I was going!" You didn't mean to trip the way you did, in trying to help him not exert too much you ended up doing so anyways. He waves off your concern, a mere smile plastered onto his face in response. He continues to urge you forward by placing his free hand onto the small of your back.
"No need, nobody got hurt, it wasn't an issue really, you're not particularly heavy to pick up the way I did, so no need to worry." His voice is chipper as he continues his hold, you don't think to mention it, jotting it down in your mind as him needing to steady himself. A tinge of guilt stirs in your gut because of it. Being a temporary mobility aid for him is the least you can do right now before he could get home and rest properly. You decide to carry out the conversation as normal when you make your way through the city. Ignoring the occasional glance towards your unusual stance from passersby. He takes notice however and raises a silent question, you joke that maybe it's because of the notoriety of his bitter potions. Paimon Snickers from behind you two at the comment, Baizhu feigns offense at this.
"Medicines, not potions and please believe me, if I could make my medicines just as effective and more delightful for people to consume I would, but I cannot risk the medicines effects being nullified by anything that can influence the taste significantly." You laugh at this, missing the way his faux irritation softened at the sound of your laughter, replaced momentarily by adoration.
"I guess that's true... I'd rather take one disgusting dose of medicine that would work rather than small doses of some okay tasting stuff that may not even work..." You muse with a smile, "Especially if you made the medicine. I trust you wouldn't poison me." You chuckle. He shakes his head fondly as Changsheng pokes her head around.
"How insulting, to even suggest such a thing..." Changsheng hisses softly, emphasizing the harsher syllables of her words as she narrows her magenta eyes towards you. Baizhu gently taps her on the top of her head.
"Now now Changsheng, no need to get so defensive... It was a light tease. Don't worry yourself so much." He chides the snake adeptus softly. She flicks her tongue out quickly before coiling herself further. You chuckle at the sight, you know that Changsheng wasn't actually offended and simply wished to give you a hard time.
"Speaking of medicine, I brought a ton of herbs and plants I found in Sumeru, Master Tighnari helped me pick them." You state eagerly, a smile on your face as Baizhu walks in tandem with you. He smiles softly, adjusting his glasses to be better perched on the bridge of his nose.
"Oh? And you would trust me enough with these? After all, you don't know if I may poison you or not." He jokes with a subtle grin on his face. You give a roll of your eyes as you motion your head to the side.
"Oh please, I doubt any poison you make could kill me." You playfully joke back. This goes on back and forth for a while, all of it being in good humor and light teasing as he subtly grips your hand tighter.
The moment is short lived, however when you arrive towards the stairs leading to Bubu Pharmacy. A stern yet audibly relieved voice breaks through your mirth filled bubble. The expression the doctor held now having a look of exhaustion in its stead. You don't recognize it or the words he's speaking until he descends the stairs towards you both, taking carefully calculated and painfully slow steps.
"Baizhu! I knew you needed to run some errands but you've been gone for hours now and while I understand you're feeling better, you need to be careful, what if you ended up collapsing near a hilichurl camp? I was worried sick-" his scolding is cut short when his gaze towards your companion is turned to you, taking immediate note of Baizhu's obvious hold of your form. A heat of embarrassment rises to your cheeks as you attempt to wriggle into a less awkward position. Your subtle attempt is for naught as the green-haired doctor's hold on your hand tightens with a gentle squeeze. You stand there, stiff as a ramp as the mysterious individual raises his gaze once more. Paimon and Qiqi stand silently behind you, the latter's hand still intertwined with your own.
"Pray tell, may I ask who this may be? You two seem... Close." Baizhu clears his throat as he turns his attention to you, seeming to reluctantly diminish his hold on you he turns to you fully.
"Traveler, this is my brother Pantalone, he's here to visit," You turn to him and wave before turning back to Baizhu, "Pantalone, this is the traveler. They're passing through Liyue for a couple of weeks of rest." His tone is unusually curt with introductions. A huff is heard from behind as two tiny hands plant onto your shoulder and your flying companion is lurched forward slightly.
"HEY! You forgot about Paimon!" You roll your eyes slightly at this, taking a strand of her hair and twirling between the fingers of your now free hand before turning to the pair of brothers.
"And this is Paimon, as you probably could tell." You add as she gives a cheeky grin at this. You can't help but get a strange feeling that you've heard his name somewhere before... But, since this is Baizhu's brother, you didn't want to be rude and just tossed that thought into the back of your mind.
"Hm? Oh so this is the well renowned Traveler? The one who's well known all across Teyvat for their heroic deeds?" Pantalone questions rhetorically as he brings his hand out to shake yours. You can't help but notice the rings adorning his gloves hand, the material looks sleek and expensive. In fact, everything he was wearing seemed to be expensive. You tentatively take his hand and begin to shake his own. What you didn't expect however, was for him to lift your hand to press his lips to your knuckles.
The entire group goes silent, you don't notice the look Baizhu gives him or how Changsheng coils in a way to turn her head away from the display.
"My dear brother here has told me lots about you, but he must have neglected to mention just how lovely you look." He says with a voice as smooth as a spoonful of jade fruit soup...
"O-oh umm... Thanks, I guess? That's very kind of you.." You reply rather awkwardly, pulling your hand back when he lets go. He gives a nod of his head, the gemstones hanging from the chord of his glasses swinging slightly before he straightens up and looks towards Baizhu.
"Well, with introductions out of the way, I have some work to do and the traveler is probably very tired after their journey so we should go ahead and let them go to the inn to rest. Right, Pantalone?" He says, placing his gloved hand onto the exposed region for your back that's still slightly tender from the constant sun exposure. Your face heats up slightly at the contact, especially when one of his fingers curls against the small of your back... His other hand goes to your shoulders and steadily turns you towards the other direction, clearly motioning for you to leave. When you start to walk, he takes Qiqi's small hand as she waves goodbye to you.
You smile softly and sweetly while you wave goodbye to her. Paimon gives you a confused smile as she floats alongside you in her usual manner. You shrug, unsure of what the problem here was. Maybe his brother had crossed an unspoken boundary? You can't really say.
Well, he was right about one thing. You're pretty freaking tired. Both you and Paimon are ready to eat a warm meal and sleep in an actual bed.
_____________
You return the next day, a pep in your step as you approach the pharmacy, carrying a bag of plants you had gathered that you weren't able to give Baizhu yesterday. You were excited to give these to him, you weren't sure if he already had these herbs or had any use for them, but Tighnari was kind enough to help you find them so you hoped that they would at least be of some use!
You enter the pharmacy, your smile widening as you wave to Herbalist Gui "Hey! Good morning, Gui. Do you know where Baizhu is?" You ask as you set the bag down onto the edge of the counter. He smiles as he shakes his head no.
"No, unfortunately he had a house call he needed to attend, I can't say when he'd be back... I'm assuming this is a personal batch for him?" He motions to the bag, which you proudly nod to.
"Mhm! Special delivery all the way from Sumeru! Personally handpicked by yours truly and the Head Forest Watcher of the Avidya Forest!" You state rather proudly as you wave your arm to the bag. Unfortunately, with your luck, your haphazard placement on the counter would result in it being knocked by the force of your arm.
You nearly shout with surprise as your hand darts to reach out and grab it, only to be immediately stopped by someone catching the bag before any of the plants fall out or the glass inside shattering. You heave an inward sigh of relief.
"Oh, thank the archons. Thank you." You say with a slight nervous chuckle.
"Oh it's no problem my dear, it was of no issue for me. Do be more careful in the future however." A voice spoke, a voice bonging to none other than Pantalone. The man smiles the same smile he gave yesterday as he puts the bag flat into the counter rather than the edge where you had placed it previously.
"O-oh um, yeah, my bad. I guess I'm just a bit careless today... Hey uh-, Guilty, could you " You give a sheepish chuckle as you speak, unsure of how you should talk to this stranger. On one hand, he's Baizhu's brother, and you really like Baizhu so you should get along with his brother, right? But on the other hand, something seems.... Off about him. Like there's a small voice in the back of your mind that just screams that you've heard his name from somewhere before.
Herbalist Gui takes the bag full of medicinal herbs, setting them down aside for when Baizhu comes back from his house call later.
A sigh is heard from Pantalone as Gui informs him of Baizhu's departure that morning, "Even when I come all the way from Shnezhnaya to visit him, he never ceases his work, even in his condition... whatever will I do with him?" He sounds exasperated, one arm across his chest with his hand holding up the elbow to his other arm where off he has a tired hand resting on his temple and his eyes closed. You clear your throat, hoping to ease the tension in the room.
"Oh well, that's just how he is. It's a house call so he won't be exerting himself too much, especially with Qiqi with him. He may be a workaholic but he knows better than to strain himself, we should trust he knows what he's doing, right?" You try your best to sound reassuring. The taller man nods at your words.
"I guess that is true, I'm not around very often and he's done just fine without me nagging him around..." He says, although he seems reluctant to say those words. You can't help but relate to the feeling of worrying and fretting over a sibling as well.
"Well, since neither Baizhu nor Qiqi are here, I may as well go and complete today's commissions. Thanks again for grabbing that bag, it would have been a pain if some of the glass broke in it." You express as you turn towards the pharmacy's front entrance.
"Oh? An adventurer as well? Would you mind if I tagged along?" He requests, "It's been a long while since I've seen anyone fight, though quite ironic considering my line of work." His comment is vague but you assume that he's being that way on purpose seeing as it's really not your business about what he does for a living.
"Um.. sure? I mean, it's nothing grand, but yeah, you can tag along.. just be sure to stay out of the way. Is there something you need help with?" You ask, maybe he needed help with a commission he had yet to post? That wasn't fairly uncommon, people often just came up to you due to your notoriety and would offer straight up to pay for services rather than go through the guild which could be a tedious and expensive process depending on your job.
"You could say that... And do not worry, I do not intend to be of any bother..." He reassures, "I would just like to see the famous traveler in action, to see if the rumors of your visionless power over the elements is as true as they say..." He adds.
And with that, you head off... You don't have Paimon floating around you today. She was still practically melted into the sheets when you got up and you didn't wish to disturb her. It's not often you guys find an actual roof to stay under and Paimon was just a little thing, she needs all the rest she's missed since the mess in Sumeru. So you left a note telling her you had left real quick to do some commission work and had left a small bag of mora to get herself something to eat for when she inevitably got hungry.
At some point while going about your commissions, you kind of forget about the looming shadow of the man you just met yesterday lurking behind you. It's not until you're out near the Guili Plains are you reminded as you hear the heels of his boots clicking against the ground in a steady rhythm not too far behind you. You're currently trying to find some lost bags from a careless historian that did not think to check his surroundings before setting up a camp and being chased off by the hostile... "neighbors."
A few hilichurls, maybe a mitachurl or two. It shouldn't be a big deal, even with the extra company. So you continue to look around.
"I imagine that doing this sort of work is quite profitable, yes? Especially with a reputation such as yours?" Pantalone suddenly says out of the blue, his arms crossed elegantly behind his back as though he is simply strolling along the city...
"oh um- yeah, I get by. At least food wise. Some commissions pay more than others based on difficulty." You explain, continuing to go through brush and using your blade to cut the surrounding foliage out of your view before moving onto the next area. You didn't think it to be of relevance that sometimes commissioners would sometimes refuse to pay the other half of their fee.
Depending on the size of the commissions, the Adventures' Guild would allow the commissioner to pay only half upfront so that, if something were to occur to either party, at least the adventurer who completed the commission at least got something and that the commissioner didn't completely lose their money.. But sometimes, a lot of time, you'd find yourself having to exasperatedly explain this novel concept to them as they refuse to 'shell out any more mora for a job I already paid for'... It usually wasn't worth the mora to argue too long.
"Hmm... I can see that. Based on your own size and how much energy and calories you may burn in a single day, I can't imagine that a full meal or the ingredients to make a meal would be only a few handfuls mora... That among other expenses between two people if you were to include that floating fairy from yesterday would begin to add up greatly..."
At this point, he seems to be talking more to himself than to you, with his left hand, which is adorned with rings, being brought to his chin as he contemplates his own words. You can't help but imagine how Paimon would react if she were here right now, probably saying something along the lines of 'Floating fairy?! Paimon is not a floating fairy! Paimon is Paimon!', you can't help but chuckle to yourself and shake your head fondly at the thought.
"Um.... Yeah. I guess..." You really don't know how else you should respond to that, he's right to an extent but you aren't quite sure what you're supposed to make of this conversation. Pantalone simply chuckles.
"I see, have you not considered the potential of working a single job rather than traveling around as you do? From what I hear, you have a wide variety of skills and talents that could be far more lucrative than the fickle stability of the adventurers' guild..." He questions casually.
"oh um, well it's not really about the mora for me, I mean- it is to some degree because I need to feed myself and Paimon... But i also sometimes just take jobs because people are in need." You explain. Pantalone gives you a curious glance, expecting you to elaborate further.
"People in need? How so?" He questions.
"Well, I mean, look at everything going on. Inazuma just opened its borders, Liyue is now governed by humans, Sumeru lost the Akasha terminal and freed Lesser Lord Kusanali... The world is changing and with it, the situations of people change with it." You explain, unsure of how to really say that you just want to make a difference as you search for your sibling.
"Hm... I see, if only everyone thought that way," He started, "Baizhu and I grew up on the... Less fortunate side of the coin toss... Especially when Baizhu's Illness began to surface... Not many wanted to help us," He says as he gazes around, "And yet, even now, he still insists on working himself day in and day out for the sake of others before himself... I guess this need he has to help others from their illnesses stemmed from when mother and father..." He trails off, thinking to himself.
You could immediately tell that the conversation was getting a bit somber just by his expression.
"Hey um, listen, I don't really know you that well and I don't really want to be told anything that Baizhu himself hasn't said." You explain awkwardly. "I don't want him to think I'm trying to snoop into any personal details about his life, he's my friend and I want to respect that."
Pantalone nods, "I guess that makes sense, I guess since Baizhu has detailed so much about you to me through letters that it almost feels like we know one another personally..." He clears his throat after a moment, "As his friend of course."
You nod to yourself as you continue to search. Your eyes scan the ground and brush for any signs of the bags. Eventually, you find items and papers tossed aside, clearly having been discarded by something or someone. You follow the trail, picking up papers, ink bottles, and other equipment as you go. When you believe you've found the end of the trail you decide to draw your sword just in case, you expect to find an animal or a hilichurl... However, you're stopped dead in your tracks at what had actually ransacked the historian's bag.
Please don't repost my work anywhere else ;w; I plan to post this to AO3 once I update it entirely. I'm not sure how many parts there will be.
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rin-and-jade · 6 days
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Okay, so we've tried several times to write an ask, and each time we just..stop ?? So this time instead of explaining in detail n shit and saying how much we're sorry if this isn't appropriate to ask, I'm just gonna write :/
So, we're kind of stuck, in the sense that idk if I'm/we're(both pronouns feel wrong lol) a system anymore and,wdk what to do about it.
Because basically 5-6 years ago, when we were around 10(i think, but at this point i only know the story through the "telephone" of our retellings) our brain tried to just.. get rid of most of the DID. I'm not even ducking kidding, i think it tried to lower barriers and smush most of us together, to the best of it's ability. From what I've gathered, it planned on shoving all our trauma deep down in the innerworlds, and hiding them from the main kid. Like, getting rid of thousands of fragments, banking them in little crevices of our brain etc.
That procedure was supposed to make it so the main kid could have more of their life for them- without access or even knowledge of the sheer size of the abyss and pain in background, and thus being less affected by it till they were old enough to deal with it. Idk how to explain really, especially since i myself barely understand.
In any case, it went wrong. I don't know why much, as our memory has increasingly deteriorated since to the point i have nearly no knowledge left. I'm not sure even all that ever happened, because maybe I'm just inventing stuff and creating a story were there is none, and I'm scared that what i know isn't real and just my imagination or smth
And what's left is..me i guess. I kinda feel like a fragment in the sense that i have limited consciousness and just..person-space(if that makes sense ?) I'm not sure if I'm several people, one person, an eldritch entity of kinda seperate kinda not glued together entities.
Idek what i want to be. I want to be a full person, that's for sure, but other than that ? Idk. I'm lost, I'm a mix of tons of different opinions and vague, weak, feelings, and flashes of blurry memories and desires that don't belong to me.
So.. i know you probably can't help, but do you have.. any idea on what I could do ? Or if others have been in similar situations and if it got better ?
This is a very long ask x knows, and it's desperate, and you aren't our/my psychs so I shouldn't just dump this and hope you have answers, and I'm so sorry if this isn't appropriate to ask, but yeah.
I'm sorry.
Dissociative disorders do the job, but not perfectly, what you're explaining from the words of "nearly no knowledge left" sounds like retrograde amnesia, where it is near to impossible to remember anything from the past.
I also get a bit on what you mean with not knowing who you are,, that is usually close to a blurry moment? Because everything feels jumbled, its not clear, it is hard to discern wether there's multiple or not, etc. That could sound like it;
Have you been exposed to stress? Especially long term? Has anything awful been happening? Many factors can affect memory and recognizing who you are that can stem from basic needs that are neglected like sleep or rest if you're working for long periods, or deficiencies on vitamins/minerals/nutrition because they also play a part on fending off brain fog which can cause many issues like memory recall or trouble focusing,, or it can be to even deeper issues like stress as i said before, or if it is related to trauma, or any sustained physical injuries but it could be anything really.
Im guessing this is something that didn't happen in such a short time, but i do can give you some stuffs to do for starters:
Write down everything you can notice those feelings, those lingering sense of identity, or vibes, or thoughts, they are truly jumbled and it helps you organize and recognize your situation better if you have a physical record of what you're experiencing
Find the cause of problem If you can, try digging up anything you can find that could be the culprit, maybe before things get too foggy to remember that could serve as clues, and by checking with your current health (physically and mentally and emotionally) and see what could be fixed.
For sense of fulfillment It is overwhelming to know which or where you have to start from if you want to learn more of yourself, while you can do number 1 to jot down things you don't align with, this also gives you some ideas on what could be yours. Start somewhere small, like, how you like your daily morning, or preference in eating food, or the colors you think it looks cool.
It would also be great if you can leave out the tiniest bit of context next time, so my answers for now are rather vague and less pinpointed/specific. Though atleast still can suffice as a starting point to tackle your issues.
You can contact me anytime via ask box or DMs, let's see how things go for you okay?
- j
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“What’s so Special About the Moon?”
Jamil Viper x MC(insert character Mac)
(Ch. 1) – Ch. 2 – Ch. 3 – Ch. 4 – Next – Previous
This was originally supposed to be, like, a single chapter hurt/comfort before my OC (Mac) and Jamil as a song fic where they berate him and then sing a song referencing the moon… but then I had feelings and it’s becoming a more in depth character study between the two. Don’t worry! By the end of this mini series, there will be song lyrics and more sappiness… it’s just now that I’ve finished both Book 4 and Book 5, I need to reorganize the events and specific and whatnot. Some quick housekeeping as always: I tried to make Jamil to encompass both his dark & mysterious villain persona ALONG WITH him practically being a fucking child so that’s why I wrote him like *this* so yeah… I’m moving around the timeline so that Yuu/MC (aka Mac) has the weekend to GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHER LOL, Mac is about 19-20 (haven’t decided yet) and uses mixed pronouns as a heads up, Ch. 2 has a 1st draft written put still needs to be typed up and edited. If you see a typo NO YOU DIDN’T!!! This one of my first times trying a different writing doc that isn’t Google (cuz fuck Google) and it’s a little weird to get used to and edit stuff. It’s beta-d in the sense that licking the spatula while your mom bakes cookies and claiming that you helped… literally only a few paragraphs were checked over y’all.
Quick shout-out to @krenenbaker and @twst-beam for inspiring my writing thus far (and sorry for taking so long to post this lol!)
I’ll be releasing some type of overview of my OC eventually, but take these snippets as they go while I fall back in love with writing. You’ll meet Mac in full when xey are good and ready… anyway, please enjoy Chapter 1 of my new fanfiction, “What’s So Special About the Moon?”
“Here. You can use this one,” Jamil directed towards the plain (compared to the rest of the dorm) laundry… mat? There were several industrial sized washer and dryers, a couple moderate-sized one’s that would fit a regular apartment complex, and a long wall designated area for hand washed items. Jamil was keeping the door prompt open with his hips; his slight frown of concentration and the flick of his Magic Pen were the only signs of the current spell he had going. Turning around, MC was slightly surprised by the massive piles of fabric that was being corralled in via multiple a massive sheet tied to multiple brooms. They still couldn’t fully grasp the concept (and power) of magic and seeing it so casually performed on a day-to-day basis was kinda daunting.
“Thanks again for letting us use the space along with showing me how to properly clean all these fancy duds and whatnot.” the Ramshackle Perfect awkwardly trailed off. Their focus was split between stealing peaks at the Scarabia Vice Warden, not wanting to bother the already busy Sophomore, and surveying over the dusty, damaged antique pieces the two stripped from the halls of the previously abandoned dorm. Rugs, carpets, curtains, furniture covers (in varying state of disrepair) dulled of their once rich and vibrant color. The patterns were a mix of stuffy academia and the quiet comfort of a grandparents cottage living room. Both extravagant, yet understated. It’s a style lost to time, but not quite a revived ancient aesthetic.
At this point MC was fully lost in thought; they desperately needed to clean, fix, organize and decorate the dorm in preparation to host so many guests. Even with his limited memories, they had a feeling they’d never hear the end of it from his parents.
“Don’t worry about it much.” Jamil said, interrupting their musings. “Honestly, I’m doing this as much for myself as I am helping you.
With a flick of his wrist, Jamil organized the seemingly random crumbled piles of fabric by condition, color and use. His movements while cleaning were quick, smart, and efficient-- all while patiently showing Mac which order to start in along with the best way to clean them.
“Ya’ know…” MC broke the relative quietness between the two workers, “Even with everything thing that happened over break, I understand why Kalim still trusts you; I almost can believe that you’re not that bad of a guy.” Jamil gave xem a startled (and exasperated) look, but they continued before he could respond: “I fail to see how helping the person who ruined your ‘world domination’ plans—”
“They were hardly World Domination level!” He quickly snapped. His embarrassment led to him tugging his hood further down his face, teeth slightly clenched, and dilated eyes as MC continued listing all the ways he’s “helped” them out.
The magic-less Perfect laughed to themselves the more conflicting emotions flew across Jamil’s face. Eventually those same emotions were compressed behind a cold, smooth mask. Limestone slabs and stiff mud brick walls were swiftly constructed between the two working-class students. Something about it didn’t sit right with Mac.
“Hey I’m not saying what you pulled wasn’t a dick move! But you’re also not the first overly-traumatized teen boy I’ve had to deal with… and between what you’ve said about yourself, plus thing’s I’ve heard and seen, I’m starting to think you’re not nearly as complicated as you think you are.” The longer they argued *to* him, the more Jamil’s mask began to crack; there were a few holes in his walls he didn’t account for. Xe’s a tad more observant than I remember, but weirdly just as persistent, Jamil internally rolled his eyes.
“I could still change my mind and send you back to deal with the Pomefiore Wrath(tm),” He mumbled while gracefully lugging the newly cleaned (and damp) furniture coverings into an empty drier. Despite his harsh threat, MC still remembered him assuring the other this laundry room was only ever used by him after Kalim’s parties.
The large machines and larger working space was specifically added for the servant to clean and repair any decor or Asim Family Treasures when Kalim’s recklessness caused a larger mess than usual. This meant that Mac and Grim (who was originally supposed to be helping… where the hell was he anyway?) could do as many loads needed without worry. On top of the borrowed space, the Housewarden himself had cheerily has assured them, his Oasis Maker would replace all the water used ten times over!
Mac’s thoughts were interrupted once again as Jamil relented, “I told you, I’m doing this to help me.” After receiving an unconvinced eyebrow raise, Jamil began to explain, “Kalim might’ve announced us as equals but I still have a job to do. If he got sick while spending Allah knows how long in a dusty, dirty, shabby condemned building like Ramshackle I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“It’s not nearly that bad anymore!” the sole-human resident of said dorm argued, but was quickly shut up with a tired gesture towards the untouched loads of laundry left to be done.
“On top of that,” Jamil smirked “Even a common peasant like myself wouldn’t sleep in a rundown garbage heap if I can help it.” His smirk slowly slide off his face from his face as the insulted Perfect almost ripped the handful of soapy doilies, that they were previously scrubbing by hand, as xey prepared a retaliation.
“OK, first of all! This whole Inferior-Superior shtick isn’t going to prove your point. If I’m being totally honest, I’m pretty used to the bratty, arrogant attitude of teenagers by now (even if I wasn’t Leona is a thousand times worse).” They turned their full body to face the 2nd year boy before continuing the assault. “Secondly, even just doing the bare minimum would’ve been fine, considering I’ve slowly been deep cleaning them place room by room. This is just last minute cleaning considering I wasn’t expected to host six extra people in two days.”
The shock of Mac’s care and attention to detail couldn’t win over Jamil’s newfound freedom to be right… and sassy while doing it. “Keep in mind you wouldn’t be the only one having to deal with Vil. His expectations are much higher than my personal standards—”
“Getting there!” MC interrupted again. “It’s not like Vil and whoever else couldn’t magic things better or get things done over at Pomefiore.” However, their fire started to die down with their obvious lack of understanding of magic. Not that Xeir level of intellect ever stopped them from talking out of their ass during debates… even if this wasn’t exactly shaping up to be anything like Debate Club back home.
“Not the point!” Mac built back their steam after thoughtlessly shaking off any internal distractions. “Third of all,” Jamil groaned not-so-quietly, “third of all, you didn’t have to show me how to do it. Nor did you have to continue helping me. There’s only so much I could pay you back in favors and it’s not like you’ll make back the time and energy spent. You’re obviously a bit of a piece of shit but I don’t totally blame…”
Jamil suddenly gave Mac his full attention. He smoothed any emotional tells from his face and readied himself to actively dissect what ever left xeir mouth and any messages in between the lines. The silence prompted Mac to drip extra sincerity as they begin to ramble without thinking.
“… I get why you did what you did. You’re not totally forgiven, but it’s not like I’ll hold a grudge over you forever. Whenever I joke about Winter Break I thought you knew it was just that: a joke.”
The two stared at one another for a few beats. Jamil betrayed nothing that he was thinking, but Mac could practically feel the exasperation flooding off of him in great waves. The disbelief pushing and pulling off of him, despite remaining stone cold to zeir admission. So, of course, they continued with slight for fever:
“Yeah, okay, you held us all prisoner, enslaved via hypnosis your entire dorm, and nearly killed multiple students. Twice.” Mac cringed at their own blunt statement, “… But why would you go as far as you did, if you didn’t care! What your parents, and more specifically your culture, put you through wasn’t fair—but you obviously still love and cherish them!”
At this, he seemed to get even more guarded. It felt patronizing to be hold how he supposedly felt or why he should feel a specific way. They hadn’t been there. They hadn’t grown up as a Viper in the Desert, constantly reminded by Kalim’s Mirage of wealth what he could never have. They didn’t know the FIRST thing about the Scalding Sands—!
“… How do you know anything about my parents? Did Kalim--?!” He choked out infuriated at the mere implication.
“Relax Viper! It’s all in the Secret of The Ooze™”
“What?”
“Never mind…”
The usual absurdity of MC’s references (much to xeir chagrin that no one seemed to understand them) Jamil allowed himself a shadow of a smirk. Right about now they’d drop what they were saying and instead empathize with him over terrible bosses. They’d both fall back into a familiar pattern of quiet understanding while making playful small talk; maybe Xe’d make a remark over how “hellish” the desert temperature is and moan about being “a poor Northern forced into the sun” before dragging them both off to grab an abominably sweet drink that Kalim would still put sugar in. Xe had always been could at mediating with the other students at NCR.
However, they didn’t drop it. They continued to push him… especially when they realized that he expected the conversation to have ended and started to relax. Xey pushed and pushed and pushed. Finally, they had circled back to him rebelling from his status.
“What? You think I’d be Happier staying a lowly servant?! I’d rather cut my own tongue out than remain bending to Kalim’s will for the rest of my days.” He huffed, still not stopping his assault on the pile of laundry in front of him.
A frustrated sigh left Mac as Xey tried to get their point across, “THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M SAYING!… Obviously, you don’t love being forced into child labor or having to pretend to be something you’re not, but that doesn’t mean you’re totally being honest with yourself either. Rebelling adolescents often do a complete 180 of who they once presented as in an extreme action to feel validated.”
Jamil scoffed in indignation at the impromptu therapy session he’d been forced into.
“Just because you were forced to lie sometimes as ‘Servant Jamil’ doesn’t mean those memories or feelings weren’t authentic!”
“My Childhood, my Pride, my ENTIRE LIFE was stolen from me before I could even open my eyes, Mac! Who could cherish that sort of future?”
“I’m not disputing that! I’m not trying, in any way, to imply that what you went through didn’t fucking suck. But just because you’ve started saying the quiet part out loud doesn’t mean you’re being totally honest either. Switching one mask for another just means nothing has changed but your ability to bitch about-it to the kid you literally Grew Up With, Jamil.” A tired resignation was growing in their eyes as they headed to the end of xeir rant.
It was clear MC was starting to speak in circles and xey weren’t going to be able to get through to them. A heavy weight sunk deep in their chest, slowly sliding to xeir stomach the more he misunderstood the magic-less student. I saw him drown in the depths of his own helplessness and self-pity, but even after he’s been pulled out it’s like he can’t help but dive back in for a swim. It was a suffocating thought while Mac watched as Jamil once again went stone-faced… Like what he was about to say would be his final shield before walking away. It’s a shame that the Ramshackle Resident had become too used to throwing bombs over walls and blowing verbal shields to smithereens after months of being stuck in Twisted Wonderland.
“I’m not sugarcoating or bowing down to anyone anymore. I won’t bite my tongue. I won’t put on a Happy Face to Kalim’s idiotic, half-thought out ideas again. I’m slowly gaining my freedom, something you clearly don’t understand. Just because you’re as blind as he is doesn’t mean anything! What more could you want from me?!” He hissed his final insult before finally stepping away from his station. Not leaving the room, he aggressively got himself a cup of water from one of the sink and gulped the unfiltered water down.
“Just because you’re not hiding your bitter, knee-jerk reaction from an unfair world doesn’t mean you aren’t still hiding away and lying about your more vulnerable emotions.” Mac whispered in an emotionless tone. “Cutting a part of your past off and pretending it was never there is doing yourself a disservice and lying to those that still care about you… And there sure-as-shit isn’t much that I hate more than a Fucking Liar.”
. . . . . .
The lacy doilies sat in a sudsy basin, left forgotten as the two students stood a mere paces from each other—both maintaining an uncomfortably intense eye contact. The sloshing thump of the washers and stirring hum of driers harmonizing were the only song to accompany the two’s stare down. A short hiccup as Mac took a drawn out breath was the only reaction between the two of them. The combined heat of Scarabia’s sun (barely past 10am) and the humidity of continued use of machinery didn’t help the suffocating air in the wide laundry room. Not to mention the loud, stifling silence to boot.
MC usually held back such honest commentary (not that they weren’t blunt) unless Xe deemed it necessary: think high stakes and a sense of urgent drama. But something about Jamil and Kalim’s situation reminded them of himself. The two’s intertwined dance of class, history, loyalty and betrayal, friendship and loss, and such overwhelming guilt reminded the dimension hoping stranger of home. Whatever that meant.
But this was no time to get lost in their own problems and Trauma’s. They’d went too far (again) and that means xey should be the bigger person (again) and deescalate the situation before he hated them (AGAIN). Which means, MC would be the one to break the silence and run away again.
“Ya’ know what? Grim’s probably burned the school down already. Don’t worry about,” Ze gestured blindly to the numerous stations they’d started, “this mess. I’ll rope my little Rat Gremlin and the Freshies into finishing this up. Hell, I could probably convince Rugs to pitch in for lunch or something. Bully the Music Club with helping in exchange of random sheet music I still remember from home.”
Their rambles became more spastic as they noticed Mr. Sugar, Spice and Not-So-Nice break out of his own trance and try to reply. “Seriously! Just enjoy the break… Not that it’s my place or responsibility to be butting in anyway. I will be back in, like, 10 minutes and from here-on-out minding my own damn business. Sorry. Whatever. See you sometime after Sunday, I guess?” Their entire monoluge Mac was slowly backing out of the room before turning around in xeir spot and just short of sprinting their way out of the dorm. A few passerby Scarabia students stopped to eavesdrop on xeir muttering… watch them leave.
Without getting a word in Jamil stood unmoving, watching the Ramshackle Perfect leave swifter than the desert wind shifting the dunes. Almost on auto-pilot, he simply left to go back to his room and do as he was told; enjoy his break. His day off. The day he could do what he liked and didn’t necessarily have to prioritize work. A day he spent working to help and assist the pitiful, magic-less loser that was dropped-kicked into another reality and forced to play nice with a University filled with overpowered and hormonal teenagers while having no way home… And in return was insulted, psychoanalyzed, and thrown aside before he could get a word in edgewise.
“Son of a STREET RAT!!!!!” It was clear he’d need a few hours to calm down before he could even think of trying to enjoy the rest of his Saturday off.
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ickymichi · 2 years
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fix your shorts babe, your butt showing. (part one)
includes: mikasa ackerman, sasha braus
summary: other guys checking out your gf isn’t fun lol
warnings: possessiveness ig?, slight swearing, suggestive, alcohol & drug mention, smoking in both.
remember: modern au, all set to be at a party setting, male/gn reader no gender or pronouns rlly mentioned. ageless & blank blogs dni or u blocked, paragraph under read more is probably doubled idk how to fix it sorry
note: heard that one sound on tiktok and was gonna do a full mika fic on it but i knew i’d never finish it pls so here we are first thing i’ve written in probably over a month also wasn’t motivated to do all the girls in one part so pieck and hitch will b in part two, maybe historia idk😀🫶
ickymichi 2022. reblogs and feedback are greatly appreciated. pls do not repost or modify on this or any other platform.
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˗ˏˋmikasa ackerman´ˎ˗
-mikasa wasn’t one for parties, anyone could guess that from first glance. her dark appearance and aura told them all they needed to know.
-but when she became closer to you and started dating, eventually getting introduced to your friends—who often call themselves the party mammals if you will— she found herself enjoying going out with you more, even if only for a few hours
-even with the handful of people that claimed mikasa didn’t look ‘normal’ there was another handful that would walk straight up to you and go on about how hot your girlfriend was. and it’s not like you disagreed, mikasa was possibly the prettiest girl you’ll ever see. but the way they put it ticks a nerve in you.
the loud music, mixed smell of alcohol, sweat and weed made mikasa grimace to herself as she searched the house for you. about 10 minutes ago you said you were taking a shot with connie, but last she remembered you were relatively quick with your shot taking, leading her to search for you. as she was about to give up her phone buzzed in her hand, the text reading that you went outside for a smoke and forgot to let her now and for her to come out and join you.
the loud music, mixed smell of alcohol, sweat and weed made mikasa grimace to herself as she searched the house for you. about 10 minutes ago you said you were taking a shot with connie, but last she remembered you were relatively quick with your shot taking, leading her to search for you. as she was about to give up her phone buzzed in her hand, the text reading that you went outside for a smoke and forgot to let her now and for her to come out and join you.
outside on the large porch was you, connie, jean, eren and ymir. aswell as some other people she recognised from campus. “sorry mika, i completely forgot to let you know i was going out for one” you apologised with a kiss to her cheek as she moved to lean into your side for warmth. while listening to jean ramble about some raven haired girl from last week your eyes wandered around the others occupying the porch. you paused on the two people standing directly across from you,—both with sleazy looking grins on their faces—following where their gazes were and realising both were eyeing up and down mikasa’s figure.
a sudden sense of wave mixed with anger and a tinge of jealousy overcame you at the idea of someone imaging mikasa the way she is with you. looking down at your girlfriend you realised her skirt was hiked up to the point where the bottom of her ass was nearly on show. quickly you moved her to stand into your side and pushed the fabric down with haste, not without glaring daggers at the two opposite you—who’s faces now showed annoyance at how you put a stop to their show. when mikasa felt your slight roughness she looked up at you with concern, wondering did you do something wrong. you felt her gaze and looked down to her before leaning down to speak in her ear. “making sure no one sees what’s mine”
˗ˏˋsasha braus´ˎ˗
most your weekend were spent at the club or some frat house drinking your youth away. today was no different of course. you came with your friends as usual in the group included your girlfriend sasha. who must’ve had a long week because she was drunker than she usually intends to get.
you’re currently sat on a beat up couch passing a bong with connie and eren, everyone else no where to be seen, and half way through the rotation you realised you hadn’t seen sasha in a worrying amount of time. the girls promised you they’d take care of her while you went off with the boys but there was still that worry in the back of your head. without announcing your departure you rose from the couch with a mission to find your missing girlfriend, ignoring the calls of your friends claiming that your tapping out. if anyone were to look at you right now they’d probably think your just coming back from murdering someone with the look on your face—which you’re close to doing—as you’ve scoured half the house looking for the fawn haired girl. after finishing the up and downstairs the only place left was outside by the pool. on your way out you ran into mikasa and historia, with no sign of sasha with them. “where’s sasha” instantly they could tell something was up because you always  engage the conversation in a light way. looking at eachother then back to you they point towards outside. “she was at the pool like 10 minutes ago.”
they barely got to finish telling you before you were pushing past the sea of people and toward the outdoor seating, where you could see the top of her ponytail bouncing around as she laughed. along with seeing her you also saw who she was with, a group of guys you’ve never seen before with hungry looks on their faces. the thing with sasha is, that’s she’s too nice, too nice to walk away from conversations that she shouldn’t be in, and this was definitely one. once you rounded the couch to stand infront the group you could see one of them was sitting too close to sasha, who’s top was shifted to where her breasts were about to spill out. the fact that they were didn’t annoy you, it’s something she can’t control, it was the fact that none of them offered to tell her or look away. they just let her sit there while they stare at her chest.
“sasha, let’s go.” at the sound of your voice her face lit up as she stood to jump into your chest. “y/n! i was looking everywhere for you!” she slurred before turning to the guys. “i tried to ask these guys did they see you, but they said they wanted to talk to me.” in her drunken state her mind obviously couldn’t comprehend what the men meant with there statement, but the whole situation sobered you up enough to know exactly what they meant. “well you found me, so let’s go inside, yeah baby?” sliding your hand to her lower back to direct her inside you could hear the group complaining that they just wanted some fun with her but with one look over your shoulder they all knew to keep quiet right about now.
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lovessidney · 1 year
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Summertime
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Please note that this explicit story was written by an adult, for adults. If you are under the age of 18, please do not interact.
Pairing: Gerard Way x Reader
Pronouns: they/them (anatomy: AFAB).
Requested by: no one really. I got the idea from the lyrics to summertime. Really far fetched and not at all what the lyrics really say, but it’s what my silly little brain came up with. I can’t even try to explain it, lol.
Summary: Gerard and (y/n) meets in the most unexpected way. They’re both at the beach and Gerard has been checking (y/n) out, and by chance and an accident they end up getting to know each other from there. (I suck at writing summaries, lol. Just know there will be smut.)
A/n: Sorry this is so long. I just don’t know where to stop. Smh. But I wanted to do something different from what I usually do where I just end the fic by the characters falling asleep so I hope you enjoy it. Spoiler alert; I tried writing smut again. It’s still find it super hard, and I’m struggling. But I’m thinking, to get better I’ll have to practise. And as per usual, and constructive criticism anyone has to offer is very appreciated. Also, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but as you’ve maybe seen if you’ve read something else I’ve written, I write Gerard with they/them pronouns. I also try to write the reader with they/them pronouns. This is tricky. Sorry if it’s a little clunky at places. And sorry if I’ve messed up at some point.
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(Y/n) sat in their car with the windows rolled down, trying to catch a breeze in the sweltering heat. The AC had long since broken down, but the beat-up speakers still blasted their favourite record, prompting them to belt out the lyrics between sips of water. After working all summer, they were thrilled to see the sun and spend the day with friends at the beach. As they pulled into the parking lot, they spotted their friends unpacking coolers, towels, and blankets. Excitement bubbled up as their friends waved, beckoning them over. Within moments, they had gathered all their gear and set off for the beach.
Once they had set up their spot on the warm sand, (Y/n) settled in to soak up the sun. While some of their friends sipped cold beers, (Y/n) opted for a Coke and decided to stay sober. They talked and laughed at silly little inside jokes, just having a good time. Some of them were old friends, and some of them were friends partners. A good mix of fun-loving people just enjoying a beautiful summer day. (Y/n) decided to read for a bit, wanting to catch up on the book that had been laying on their nightstand for most of the summer. Reading had been put on the back burner in favour of long, sweaty days at work. As they dove into the pages, someone walked past their group several times, but (y/n) remained oblivious to the stranger's presence. It wasn't until their friends mentioned the person's repeated glances in (Y/n)'s direction that they even noticed them at all.
As lunchtime approached, the group gathered around the coolers, sharing salads, fresh fruit, and sandwiches. (Y/n) marvelled at the spread and helped themselves to a little bit of everything, savouring the delicious flavours. While most of their friends sipped on alcoholic beverages, (Y/n) stayed sober. During the meal, Maddie discreetly pointed out a stranger who had been passing by their group several times. (Y/n) looked in the direction Maddie was indicating, but they had no idea who the person was. “I think they might be checking you out?” Maddie suggested with a friendly wink (y/n)s way. (Y/n) looked after the stranger. “Surely not?” (Y/n) answered with a laugh. They shook their head lightly. They looked at the stranger walking further away towards another blanket and some other people. The people seemed quite drunk, like they were properly enjoying themselves. The stranger sat down with them. Despite trying to refocus on the conversation with their friends, (Y/n) couldn't shake the thought of the pretty stranger from their mind.
The day flew by in a flurry of conversations, laughter, and dips in the lake to cool off. (Y/n) couldn't help but notice the stranger passing by their group repeatedly, seemingly without purpose. With each pass, (Y/n) caught a better glimpse of the stranger's features - their dark, curly hair cascading around their shoulders, their sunglasses obscuring their eyes, but they had a very pretty face. Quite pale for middle of the summer. But then again, maybe they worked inside too. “I swear to god, they’re checking you out (y/n)” Maddie said to (y/n) with a smirk. “Are you sure?” (Y/n) replied skeptically. “Why would they have walked by this specific point of the beach, like, a million times at this point?” Maddie countered. (Y/n) chuckled. “What if they’re checking you out?” (Y/n) countered. “As many times as they have walked by they would have seen me kissing my partner by now.” (Y/n) nodded. “True. That’s a valid point”. They soon lost track of that conversation, and got engaged in some other topic, a newly released record.
As the day wore on, the temperature started to drop, but the group remained in high spirits. Some of them had clearly had more than others to drink, but everyone had had a drink or two. The stranger passed by once more. "Hey, you!" Maddie's partner called out to them. The sudden shout startled the stranger, causing them to misstep and yelp in pain as they fell to the ground. Without thinking, (y/n) rushed over to the stranger's side, wanting to make sure they were alright.
“Are you okay?” they asked, concerned by the sound they had heard. “I think so” the stranger said and nodded. (Y/n) reached out a hand for the stranger to help them get up. The grabbed (y/n)s hand with a thankful smile. Then they tried to stand up, and yelled again. “Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you injured your foot?” (Y/n) asked, concerned. The stranger sighed. “That’s what I get” they said with a sigh. (Y/n) looked over at the strangers friends, further down the beach. They were louder and seemed drunker than before. (Y/n) looked the same way. “Here, let me help you up, try not to put your weight on the bad foot” they instructed the stranger. (Y/n) squatted down and took the strangers arm around their own shoulder, and then they dragged them up with them. They wobbled slightly, trying not to further their injury. “Okay, try to put it down now maybe?” (Y/n) suggested. They did as told, and winced. (Y/n) could see the grimace they pulled, even if their eyes were still hidden behind their sunglasses. “Ouch” they said with an awkward smile (y/n)s way. “Do you want me to take you to the hospital?” (Y/n) asked the stranger with a kind smile. “Ask for their name (y/n)!” Maddie yelled from her place at the blanket. (Y/n) turned around quickly and pulled an ugly face at Maddie. The stranger laughed and reached out their other hand for (y/n) to shake. “I’m Gerard. Nice to meet you. Wish the circumstances had been better though” they said, and (y/n) thought they could see a slight blush on their cheeks. “Nice to meet you, my name is (y/n)” (y/n) answered with a big smile. From further down the beach, they could hear Gerards friends cheering. The blush on Gerards face grew stronger, and it was at this point a fact. Gerard shook their head. “Sorry about them” they said softly. They tried to put their foot down again, as if they thought they’d be able to walk back to where they came from. And again, they yelped with pain. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to the hospital?” (Y/n) asked Gerard again. “Oh, no, it’s fine. I’ll just limp over there and wait until they sober up” Gerard said with a weak, pained smile. “Nonsense! I haven’t had a sip to drink, I’ll take you!” (Y/n) said, promising Gerard they were both sober and willing to help. “Are you sure it’s no trouble?” Gerard asked, making sure not to inconvenience the person they’d been checking out all day. “No trouble at all! Let me just grab my stuff, and we’ll get going!” 
(Y/n) guided Gerard to their beach blanket where they carefully helped them sit down before gathering their belongings. Maddie fired questions at Gerard while (y/n) packed up, but they didn't eavesdrop. With a warm smile, (y/n) reached for Gerard's hand, and they both stood up. However, Gerard yelped in pain once more after putting both feet down on the sand. "(Y/n), maybe just the right foot?" they suggested. After trying again, (y/n) helped Gerard say goodbye to their friends before the two of them began their slow journey over to where Gerard's group was still gathered. The crowd played loud music from a speaker and were passing a joint and a bottle of rum between them. “Uh, hi guys” Gerard said with an awkward wave. “This is (y/n). They’re taking me to the hospital, because I’m an idiot and broke my fucking foot probably” they mumbled. The guys all laughed. “Way to go!” One of the guys said loudly, slightly slurring. “You’ll be stuck here ’til you sober up, so I’ll see you later, I guess” Gerard said with a laugh and a small smile. And so they slowly made their way to (y/n)s old, beat up car.
“Are you ready to go get that checked out, Gerard?” (Y/n) asked with a smile as they inserted the key into the ignition. Gerard nodded, and as they started the car, music immediately blared out. (Y/n) turned the volume down to a bearable level to continue their conversation. They gestured towards a pile of CDs lying on the passenger side floor. "You can choose any of them," (y/n) offered with a smile. Gerard reached over and started looking through the stack of CDs, eventually finding one they both liked. They exchanged the CD in the player for the one they had chosen, and the first song began to play. "This is one of my favorites," Gerard said, smiling.
(Y/n) had something on their mind, but they were hesitant to ask. They wanted to know if Gerard had been checking them out earlier, as they thought they had heard Maddie ask him about it, but they hadn't heard his answer. They knew Maddie must have gotten an answer, though. "I just have to stop for gas really quick," (y/n) explained, realizing they could text Maddie while Gerard wasn't paying attention. They pulled up to a gas pump at the station, got out of the car, and quickly texted Maddie."
“Hey, I overheard you ask Gerard if they were checking me out, but I didn't catch their answer. What did they say?” (Y/n) began pumping gas into the car. Soon enough, a text arrived. "OMG, yes, they were! Shoot your shot!" A quick glance at their phone gave (y/n) all the information they needed. They went into the store, bought two cokes, paid for the gas, and got back into the car with Gerard. "Here, I got you a coke," (y/n) said with a smile, handing one of the cold drinks to Gerard. "Oh, you really didn't have to, but thank you," Gerard replied, removing their sunglasses. For the first time, (y/n) could see their beautiful hazel eyes, glimmering in the sun. And once again, there was that faint tint of rose on Gerard's cheeks. "It's just a coke, don't sweat it," (y/n) said, winking at the beautiful person sitting beside them. Maybe it was worth it to shoot their shot after all.
Eventually, they arrived at the hospital. Just as they were about to drive up to the A&E, Gerard mustered the courage to ask what had been on their mind. "Do you want to come with me inside? This wasn't exactly the date I had in mind," they said, hesitantly. (Y/n) raised an eyebrow at them. ”Fuck. I’m sorry. I- uh-” Gerard muttered under their breath. "No, you know what? You've been so kind to me. You deserve to know the truth," they said. Gerard's face flushed with color. "I've been looking at you all day, and I wanted to ask you out. I just didn't have the guts. So, do you want to come with me to the hospital on the most unromantic, boring first date ever?" (Y/n) placed a hand on Gerard's hand and gazed into their eyes. "That would be great, Gerard," they said, offering a soft smile and trying to maintain eye contact. "I'll come around and help you out," they continued, getting out of the car and making their way around to Gerard's side. Together, they stumbled towards the A&E.
As they walked towards the hospital, Gerard couldn't shake off the embarrassment of the situation. They had been daydreaming about asking (y/n) out on a proper date, but now they were limping towards the A&E. Gerard felt their face heating up with a blush and (y/n) noticed. Concerned, they asked if Gerard was in a lot of pain. "No, it's not so bad. Thank you," Gerard replied with a weak smile. “I just feel so bad. I wanted to ask you out, and instead you ended up taking me to the hospital”. Gerard shook their head. “Don’t worry. Look at it from the bright side, we’ll probably have lots of time to get to know each other while we’re waiting” (y/n) responded with a kind smile.
And much like (y/n) predicted, they were met with a long wait once they arrived to the waiting room. It was Friday, early evening, and people were in much worse states than Gerard. They would be waiting quite a while before Gerard could see a doctor. They made the best of the situation, chatting as they waited. But as the hours passed, (y/n) could see that Gerards pain was worsening and that they were really struggling to keep up the good spirit. “Maybe you should have brought your friends’ bottle with you” (y/n) tried to joke to lighten the mood. “Yeah, a drink wouldn’t have been half bad. Even if that rum was positively disgusting” Gerard said and laughed. It was a sweet, contagious laugh. “I can go ask if I can get you some painkillers though?” (Y/n) offered. At first, Gerard refused, not wanting to cause (y/n) extra trouble. “Don’t worry, it’s no trouble at all” (y/n) assured them and got up.
(Y/n) returned a while later, with painkillers and an assortment of snacks and drinks from the vending machine they’d passed on their way to the waiting room. They handed Gerard the painkillers and put down the food and drinks on a chair between them. “I thought we could have a little picnic?” (Y/n) said with a soft smile Gerards way. Gerard lit up. They continued to talk and bond over the make-shift picnic as they waited. They talked about their respective lives, what they did, their interests, about their friends and families. Gerard couldn’t believe how much they had in common, and how easy conversation with (y/n) was going. (Y/n) felt the same way, and couldn’t help but notice how much they liked Gerards company.
Finally, efter what felt like forever, and in the middle of the night, Gerards name was finally called and they got to see a doctor. After a quick examination as well as an x-ray, it was determined that Gerards foot was broken. They’d need a cast, as well as crutches. (Y/n) stayed by Gerards side during the whole process. Distracting them from the pain, and keeping them company as they waited for the cast to dry enough to get out of the hospital.
Gerards mind was occupied as they walked back to (y/n)s car. As they got in, just before (y/n) was to start the car, they started talking. Gerard thanked (y/n) a few more times for taking them to the hospital, mentioning how their friends was probably still at the beach, drunk beyond belief. “I know this probably isn’t the best or most romantic timing, but I have to tell you, I really enjoyed spending time with you. And I think I like you.” (Y/n) looked at Gerard, smiling. They continued. “I’d love to take you out on a proper date, if you want to?” they asked. “I’d like that Gerard” (y/n) said with that sweet smile Gerard had come to adore. Before (y/n) dropped Gerard off at their place they exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up the following evening for Gerard to take (y/n) out on a proper date.
The next day, just after 7 pm, Gerard picked (y/n) up from their place, eager to give them the proper first date they deserved. No matter how weird the ‘date’ the day before had been, Gerard was, in some way, glad that they didn’t have to be nervous about taking (y/n) out, already knowing that they’d have a great time. Gerard found themselves speechless as (y/n) came outside. They looked absolutely stunning. Gerard gained their composure back and offered (y/n) a hug, but ended up dropping their crutches as they hugged (y/n). And as they bent down to retrieve them they almost fell on their face. “Here, let me get them” (y/n) offered kindly while Gerard stabilised themselves. “You look so beautiful” Gerard managed to say as (y/n) handed them their crutches. They thought they could see a slight blush on (y/n)s face. “Thank you. So do you” (y/n) answered with a sweet smile.
Gerard had made a last-minute reservation at an Italian restaurant in the older part of the city, hoping to impress (y/n). And also to properly thank them for their kindness and help. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to visit this place” (y/n) exclaimed happily as they closed in on the restaurant in question. They were greeted and sat down at a table by the window, complete with red-and-white tablecloth and candles. They enjoyed a delicious meal together, chatting and laughing as they got to know each other better. Gerard was attentive and charming throughout the dinner, making (y/n) feel special and appreciated. “A few friends of mine are playing a gig at a bar downtown later tonight, would you like to go check them out and have a few drinks?” Gerard asked (y/n) as their meals were coming to an end. “Oh, yeah, I’m dying for some live music” (y/n) agreed excitedly.
They took a cab down to the bar, which was located in the heart of the city's downtown area. The streets were bustling with people, and the sound of music could already be heard as they stepped out of the cab. They arrived at the bar and had to push their way through the crowded entrance. The inside was just as crowded, but they managed to find a small table near the stage where they could sit down.
Gerard's broken foot made it a little difficult for them to manoeuvre through the crowd, but they managed. Gerard took a seat at the table and (y/n) went to the bar to get them a few drinks. They ordered a shot and a (y/fav drink) each and made their way back to Gerard. They clinked their shot glasses together and downed the small drinks, smiling at each other as the music started to fill the air. The music was raw and energetic, and Gerard and (y/n) were both quickly drawn in by the power of it. They soon realised sitting down wasn’t really an option. They made their way into the crowd and let the music take over their bodies. Gerard's broken foot was forgotten as they both became lost in the moment. They laughed and cheered as the band played song after song, each one more intense and powerful than the last.
As the night wore on, the drinks continued to flow and they both became increasingly intoxicated. They were completely absorbed in the music and each other, completely caught up in the moment. They sang along to the songs, yelled out requests to the band, and danced wildly as the night wore on. Gerard had struggled a bit with their crutches, but the alcohol and their determination to have a good time made it work. The bar was packed, and it was clear that everyone was having a great time. Gerard and (y/n) danced close together, the energy between them palpable. The atmosphere was electric and (y/n) felt their heart beating faster every time Gerard leaned in close.
As the band played their final song, the crowd erupted into applause. Gerard and (y/n) were breathless, their bodies still humming with the energy of the music. Gerard reached into their pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, gesturing towards the door. "I need a smoke," they said, their voice a little rough from singing and shouting. "Want to come outside with me?" (Y/n) nodded eagerly, their heart beating a little faster at the prospect of being alone with Gerard outside. They made their way through the crowd, Gerard hopping along on their crutches, until they finally burst out into the cool night air.
Gerard leaned against the brick wall of the building, fumbling with their lighter. (Y/n) stood beside them, watching as they lit their cigarette and took a long drag. (Y/n) had never been a smoker, but something about the way they held the cigarette, the way the smoke curled around their face, made them feel strangely drawn to them. "Sorry about this," Gerard said, looking up at (y/n) through a haze of smoke. "I know it's not the best habit." (Y/n) just shrugged and said, "It's your body. You can do what you want with it. Honestly, it’s a great look on you. Attractive even” they admitted. Gerard's eyes widened in surprise, but then a slow grin spread across their face. "Is that so?" they said, taking another drag and exhaling the smoke carefully. "Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you." Gerard grinned at them, their eyes lighting up with mischief, and (y/n) felt their heart skip a beat at the sight of them with the smoke curling around their face. "Want a drag?" Gerard offered, holding out the cigarette. (Y/n) shook their head, “I’m good. I don't mind watching you though.” Gerard took another drag, their eyes never leaving (y/n)s. The silence between them was electric, and (y/n) could feel the tension building.
Suddenly, Gerard stepped forward. They took (y/n) into their arms and pressed their lips to (y/n)s in a passionate kiss. (Y/n)s arms wrapped around Gerards neck as they melted into them. Gerard tasted like cigarettes and whiskey and something uniquely them, and (y/n) found themselves getting lost in the taste. Gerard's hand reached up and gently brushed (y/n)'s hair behind their ear as they deepened the kiss. They lost themselves in the moment, their bodies pressed close together as they kissed. (Y/n) felt a wave of emotion wash over them as they kissed Gerard, feeling like they had finally found something special. The kiss was slow and intense, and it seemed like time stood still. They broke apart only when they needed to catch their breath, their foreheads pressed together as they both gasped for air.
"We should get going. I want to be alone with you." (Y/n) stated with lust in their voice. Gerards heart raced with excitement. They wanted nothing more than to spend the night with (y/n), especially not after the electric kiss they’d just shared. But they were also nervous about the opportunity, not quite knowing how it would work with the casted foot. They really didn’t want to disappoint (y/n), but they also didn’t want to lead them on in case things didn’t work out they way Gerard wanted them to. "I'd love to come with you, but with this cast, things might be a little difficult," Gerard said, gesturing to their foot. (Y/n) smiled. “That’s okay. We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry” they said and took Gerards hand in their own.
They hailed a cab and climbed in the back, unable to resist the urge to touch and kiss. The cab driver cast a wary eye at them in the rearview mirror, but they paid him no mind as they became lost in each other once again. As the cab made its way through the city streets, (y/n) and Gerard explored each other's mouths and bodies with increasing fever. They were both completely caught up in the moment, the alcohol and adrenaline making their passion run wild. Gerard's hand reached up to tangle in (y/n)'s hair, pulling them even closer as (y/n)s arms found their way around Gerards neck. Finally, the cab pulled up outside of (y/n)'s apartment building. They reluctantly broke apart and stepped out of the cab, both feeling a little dazed and unsteady. They stumbled their way to the elevator, and soon found themselves in (y/n)'s apartment.
Once inside, they fell into each other's arms, the kiss becoming even more intense. They stumbled their way to the couch, Gerard on crutches and (y/n) leading the way, never breaking apart as they fell onto it. The room was a blur of hands and lips and bodies as they gave in to their desires, passion taking over completely.
"What happens now?" Gerard suddenly whispered, suddenly a bit nervous, despite their drunkenness. (Y/n) smiled and brushed a strand of hair from Gerards face. "I think we figure it out as we go along," they said, their voice filled with a mixture of excitement and a little bit of uncertainty. They just looked at each other for a few moments longer, both lost in thought. And then, as if by some unspoken agreement, they began to kiss once again, their passions rekindled as the kiss once again deepened. It was like if they couldn’t get enough of each other. Gerard's hand found its way up under (y/n)'s shirt, tracing circles on their skin. (Y/n) moaned softly, feeling a heat building between their legs. (Y/n) kissed Gerards throat, leaving marks as they went. They felt Gerard's cock pressing against them, and they could tell that this did things to Gerard, much as to themselves.
"Let's take this to the bedroom," (y/n) said, standing up and handing Gerard their crutches. They made their way to (y/n)'s bedroom, stumbling a little on the way. Gerard sat down on the bed, and (y/n) climbed onto their lap, straddling them. (Y/n) leaned down and kissed Gerard deeply, (y/n)s hands tangling in Gerards hair. Gerard's hands were on (y/n)s waist, pulling them closer, and (y/n) could feel Gerards erection pressing against them. "Take off your clothes," (y/n) whispered in Gerards ear. Gerard nodded, pulling off their shirt and unbuttoning their jeans. (Y/n) helped them, pulling off their pants and underwear, revealing their hard cock. They climbed off of Gerard, kneeling between their legs, and took Gerards cock in their mouth. Gerard groaned, their hands tangling in (y/n)s hair. 
(Y/n) sucked slowly at first, taking Gerards entire length into their mouth, until they felt Gerards cock swelling in their mouth. They pulled back and licked the tip of their dick, before plunging down once again. Gerard moaned loudly, their hips bucking slightly as (y/n) continued to suck them off. "Oh my god" Gerard moaned. (Y/n) continued to suck them off while their hand continued to stroke them. (Y/n) swirled their tongue around the head of Gerards cock as they bobbed their head up and down. ”Oh, god. Fucking god” Gerard managed between moans. Gerard's breathing was heavy and fast, and they looked down at (y/n) with lust-filled eyes.
"You're so fucking beautiful," they breathed, reaching down to kiss them. (Y/n) made their way up to the bed, pushing Gerard backwards, flat on their back, and (y/n) got on top of them. Gerard wrapped their arms around (y/n) and pulled them close and hungrily kissed them. They looked up at (y/n) with a look of pure lust in their eyes. Gerard took a deep breath and sat up to get close to (y/n). They brushed their lips against (y/n)'s earlobe before kissing down their neck. (Y/n) let out a high-pitched moan at the sensation. Gerard kissed down their neck and collar bone down to the neckline of their shirt. ”Can I take this off?” Gerard asked (y/n) with a low voice. (Y/n) nodded and Gerard quickly pulled the shirt off, revealing (y/n)s bare chest. Gerard looked at (y/n)'s body. Their eyes wandered down their body, looking at every detail. The rest of (y/n)’s clothes were quickly and haphazardly discarded too, leaving them in nothing but underwear. Gerards hands roamed freely over (y/n)'s body, touching every inch of their skin. (Y/n) moaned into Gerards mouth, the sound muffled as Gerard's tongue pushed between (y/n)'s lips. Gerards fingers slid into (y/n)’s underwear, their fingertips brushing against (y/n)s clit. (Y/n) arched their back as Gerards fingers stroked against them.
"I want you," Gerard panted, pulling away from their kiss. ”I want you more than anything in the whole bloody world right now.” (Y/n) smiled at them. They were breathing heavily, their bodies flushed and heated, both feeling absolutely frenzied, so far from sober and sane, just desperate for each other. Gerard lifted themselves up on their elbows and stared at (y/n). "I want you too. I don’t care that we just met, I don’t care that we’re drunk. I just want you” (y/n) said with a smile. Gerard looked at them with adoration, their heart racing with desire. "Come here," Gerard said, pulling them close. (Y/n) crawled up on top of them, their bare skin sliding together in the process. Gerard wrapped their arms around (y/n) and pulled them close, kissing them deeply. (Y/n) moaned into their mouth, their hips grinding together as they kissed.
Gerard kissed down (y/n)s neck and chest, their hands roaming freely over (y/n)s naked body. They eventually took off (y/n)'s underwear. (Y/n) shuddered as Gerard touched them, the heat between their legs growing more intense. Gerard's hands moved further south, and they took one of (y/n)'s nipples into their mouth. They sucked gently at first, but soon their teeth grazed against it. (Y/n) let out a soft moan, their hips bucking against Gerards. Gerard took their time exploring (y/n)'s body, feeling their way down their stomach and between their legs. They rubbed (y/n)s clit and the moans (y/n) let out were exquisite. ”Gerard, I need you to fuck me, right now” (y/n) managed between moans. Gerard smiled wickedly, moving their fingers faster, rubbing their clit with their thumb. (Y/n) cried out and threw their head back, their body tensing up as they came around Gerards fingers. Gerard kept their fingers moving, rubbing slower circles around their clit. (Y/n)s hips bucked against Gerards hand as they rode out their orgasm, moaning loudly. Finally Gerards fingers slowed, and they removed their hand from between (y/n)’s legs.
Gerard's breathing was ragged, their head spinning. (Y/n) straddled Gerard, legs still a little shaky. They looked into each others eyes, and Gerard could see the lust in (y/n)s gaze. They moved their lips to (y/n)'s ear and whispered, "I want you. I need to feel you.” (Y/n) positioned themselves over Gerard and sank down on their hard cock. They moaned softly at the sensation, leaning down to kiss Gerard passionately as they fucked themselves on Gerards cock. "Fucking christ," Gerard groaned, holding onto (y/n) as they rode them. They could feel the pressure building in the pit of their stomach, the pleasure growing more and more intense. Gerard grabbed (y/n) by the thighs and pulled them tighter, increasing their thrusts as they felt the tension build. ”You feel so fucking perfect Gerard” (y/n) managed between moans and hitched breaths. Gerard groaned. Just the way (y/n) said their name was almost enough to tip them over the edge. "I'm gonna come, (y/n). If you keep doing that, I'll lose it." (Y/n) didn't listen, instead continuing to ride them. "Fucking god, that’s perfect" Gerard gasped, their head thrown back as they held onto (y/n) tight. Their pace quickened, until finally, Gerard came. It was a stunning sight, and (y/n) marvelled at the beautiful moans that tumbled from Gerards lips, along with curses and (y/n)s name. (Y/n) came with them, their climax hitting them hard and fast. 
They collapsed down on top of Gerard, both panting as they recovered. (Y/n) lay still for a minute, catching their breath. Gerard lay there with a goofy grin on their face, looking at (y/n) and blinking slowly. (Y/n) kissed Gerards cheek softly and smiled at them. "That was amazing, you’re amazing" Gerard said, smiling. (Y/n) turned towards Gerard, and kissed them again before rolling off of them, falling next to them in the bed. Gerard rolled onto their side and propped themselves up on one elbow, looking at them for a moment. “Come here” they said softly, holding their arms open for Gerard to fall into. They did, and (y/n) wrapped their arms around them. They laid together in the afterglow. Gerard was still breathing heavily and (y/n) could feel their heartbeat through their chest. (Y/n) reached out to kiss Gerard. “You’re a dream” they whispered softly in Gerards ear. Gerard propped themselves up on their elbows. “So are you (y/n)” they said softly and kissed them before laying down again. They laid awake, just listening to each other breathe. Just being with each other seemed so natural. Gerard felt safe and warm and happy. They looked over at (y/n) and felt a surge of affection, realising they were falling for them. 
Outside the sun was beginning to rise. Gerard realised this was probably the time to leave after a night of drunken sex. They looked over at (y/n) who was almost asleep. ”I don’t want to go” they said softly. (Y/n) looked at them and blinked slowly. ”You don’t have to,” they said softly while pulling the blankets up over them. ”Stay as long as you like”. And with that, they kissed Gerards cheek softly before smiling at them with tired eyes. Gerard watched them as they drifted off to sleep, smiling fondly at the sight. And even though the sun had risen and the room was bright, soon they too drifted off to sleep, arms wrapped around (y/n).
A few hours later, Gerard woke up. The bed was empty, and (y/n) was nowhere to be seen. They instantly panicked. Did (y/n) not want to see them again? Did they regret sleeping with them? They rubbed their eyes before looking at the clock on the nightstand. 1.45pm. Beside the clock stood a glass of water accompanied by two aspirins. Gerard smiled before washing down the pills with some water. They calmed down. Someone who didn’t want to see them again probably wouldn’t have left water and aspirins on the nightstand. They sat up, reaching for their clothes. They slowly put them on while reflecting on the past night, and wondering where (y/n) was now. After gathering their crutches they made their way to the bedroom door. As they opened it they were met with the smell of pancakes.
(Y/n) spotted them as they came towards the kitchen. ”Good morning, sleepyhead” they said with a kind smile. Gerard felt a warmth in their chest as (y/n) smiled at them. “Good morning” they mumbled softly back. (Y/n) kissed Gerards cheek softly. ”Are you hungry?” they asked. Gerard nodded. ”Well, have a seat, I’m done in just a moment” (y/n) said before hugging them. Gerard sat down and soon (y/n) placed a plate of pancakes and cup of coffee before them.
Gerard smiled, gratefully taking a sip of the hot coffee. (Y/n) sat down opposite of them. Gerard looked at them, smiling, before they took another sip from their mug. (Y/n) hummed quietly, looking at them. "How’s your head?” they asked Gerard. ”You told me it was hurting before”. Gerard chuckled. ”I can’t even recall that. But thank you for the aspirins. It’s much better now” they said with a soft smile (y/n)s way. They talked about the gig from the night before as they ate, trying to remember what songs they had played and discussing everything else. After finishing the last bite of their pancakes, (y/n) cleared their dishes and went to make some more coffee. Gerard watched them as they made their way around the kitchen. (Y/n) came back to the table with a fresh pot of coffee and filled their cups once again. Gerard smiled gratefully and took a sip. ”Coffee never has tasted better than when you’re a bit hung over” they said with a chuckle. They had been sitting there for an hour or so, and Gerard wasn't sure how long they should stay. They knew that they wanted to spend more time with (y/n), but they didn't want to overstay their welcome.
As Gerard and (y/n) drank their coffee, (y/n) suggested they take their cups and go out to the balcony. Gerard couldn't help but smile at the thought of sitting outside in the sun with (y/n). They made their way outside, Gerard hopping on their crutches and feeling the warmth of the sun on their face as they stepped outside. The balcony was small but cozy, with a few potted plants and a small table and chairs. (Y/n) took a seat and gestured for Gerard to sit down next to them. As they settled in, Gerard couldn't help but feel content. "I could get used to this," Gerard said, taking a sip of their coffee. (Y/n) chuckled. "Me too." They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the peacefulness. Gerard took a deep breath and looked out at the view of the city before pulling out their pack of cigarettes from their pocket. (Y/n) watched them carefully as they lit their cigarette and took a long first drag. (Y/n) couldn’t express why, but the view was just breathtaking. "You know, I don't really smoke anymore, but I really like it when you do," (y/n) said with a smile. Gerard chuckled. "I know. I can tell by the way you look at me."
They sat there for a while, enjoying the warm sun on their faces and the quiet morning. Gerard took a drag of their cigarette and exhaled slowly. (Y/n) could see that they looked worried. ”Is there something wrong?” (y/n) asked carefully. "I don't want to overstay my welcome. Would you like me to leave? Gerard asked quietly. (Y/n) looked at them, surprised. "What do you mean?" "I mean, I don't want to be that person who stays too long and makes you regret ever letting me stay over," Gerard explained, feeling a little embarrassed. (Y/n) reached out and put a hand on Gerard's arm. "Gerard, you could stay as long as you want. I don't want you to leave. I really enjoy your company." Gerard felt a warmth spread through their chest at (y/n)'s words. "Really?" they asked softly. "Really," (y/n) confirmed with a smile. Gerard smiled back, feeling relieved. They took another drag of their cigarette, feeling more relaxed than they had since they woke up. They sat there for a while longer, talking about their lives and interests. Gerard was still, even after spending some time with (y/n), surprised at how easy it was to talk to them, how they seemed to understand each other without having to say much. 
”What do you want to do today?” Gerard asked after a moment of silence. (Y/n) thought for a moment. ”We could go for a walk in the park?” Gerard proposed. ”Are you sure that won’t be hard for you?” (y/n) asked with concern in their voice. Gerard just shook their head. ”Don’t worry (y/n). It’ll be fun, I promise”. Gerard leaned over the table to kiss (y/n)s cheek. ”Maybe we could get some ice cream? I’m craving something sweet” Gerard concluded. ”You’re sweet” (y/n) countered, taking Gerards hand in their own and squeezing it carefully.
They finished their coffees and went back inside. (Y/n) excused themselves to go get dressed and Gerard did the washing up from breakfast. (Y/n) returned to the kitchen in shorts and a white linen shirt. Gerard almost lost their breath as they saw (y/n). ”You look stunning” they said softly, reaching out to touch (y/n)s face and carefully moving a strand of hair that was hanging in front of their eyes. ”Okay, are you ready to go then?” Gerard asked them. (Y/n) nodded happily and put their sunglasses on, and so they left the apartment. Gerard, with their cast and crutches, took slow and careful steps. (Y/n) walked beside them, just happy to spend more time with them. The park was beautiful, with a large pond in the center and trees all around. As they walked, they talked about their favourite bands, books, and movies.
They reached a bench by the pond. ”Why don’t you sit down and rest for a moment?” (y/n) suggested. ”I’ll go get us some ice cream from the vendor just over there, I’ll be back in a moment.” Gerard gratefully sat down and watched as (y/n) walked towards the ice cream stand. They soon returned with two ice cream cones and handed one to Gerard. They sat close together on the bench, enjoying the warmth and the sun. Gerard pretended to yawn and stretch out, wrapping an arm around (y/n)s shoulder. (Y/n) let out a little laugh. ”Honey, that’s the oldest trick in the book” they said with a soft smile Gerards way. Gerard smiled brightly at (y/n), a warmth spreading in their chest from the affectionate nickname. ”Well it worked, didn’t it?” Gerard responded with a sweet smile. ”You don’t have to use tricks you know, you could just hold me” (y/n) said softly and kissed Gerards cheek before cuddling up closer to them. As they finished their ice cream and made their way back to (y/n)'s apartment, Gerard felt like they were floating on air.
They settled on the balcony again, wanting to make the most of the sunshine. (Y/n) moved their chair to sit next to Gerard, rather than opposite to them. They cuddled up together, Gerard holding (y/n) close. None of them really said anything, they just enjoyed each others company. Eventually, Gerard's stomach grumbled, reminding them that they had skipped lunch. “Sounds like you’re pretty hungry. Do you wanna order some food?” (Y/n) asked. Gerard nodded and smiled. “What kinda food do you like then? Italian obviously, but we had that yesterday”. Gerard thought for a moment. “Maybe thai? Or sushi?” They proposed. “Oh, yeah, definitely sushi” (y/n) agreed quickly, feeling like something cold and fresh would be perfect in the warm summer weather. As they sat on the balcony waiting for their food, Gerard couldn't help but think about how different this was from their usual Sundays. Normally they would be extremely hung over after out partying with their bandmates, but being here with (y/n) felt so much better. They felt like they had found something special and they didn't want to let it go.
(Y/n) set the table and brought a bottle of wine from the kitchen. They sipped on the wine as they waited for their food. When the sushi arrived, they eagerly dug in, savouring the taste of each piece. They talked and laughed, sharing stories about their lives and learning more about each other. The wine flowed freely, and they both felt warm and content. "I just wanted to say that I had a really great time with you last night," (y/n) said, turning to look at Gerard. "I know we were both pretty drunk, but I don't regret anything. I really like you, Gerard." Gerard felt a warmth spread through their chest at those words. They had been feeling the same way about (y/n) since they met at the beach, but hearing it from them made it feel even more real. "I really like you too, (y/n)," Gerard replied, taking their hand in their own. "I know it's crazy, but I feel like I've known you for ages. I feel so comfortable around you.” (Y/n) smiled and squeezed Gerard's hand. "I know what you mean," they said. "It's like we just clicked right away."
As they finished their meal, Gerard leaned over to kiss (y/n). It was a soft kiss, and when (y/n) looked at them, they looked a little sad. “What’s wrong honey?” They asked Gerard softly. “I just don’t want this evening to ever end” Gerard answered with a sigh. (Y/n) squeezed their hand. “I don’t either. I wish we could stay like this forever.” They said softly to Gerard. “I have work tomorrow though, so I really have to go home tonight” Gerard said sombrely. (Y/n) hugged them tightly. “That’s okay. You can come back whenever you want. I like having you here.” Reluctantly they both stood up. (Y/n) walked Gerard to the front door. “I’ll miss you” (y/n) said softly while rubbing their nose against Gerards. “I’ll miss you too. But I’ll see you soon again. I promise” they said before kissing (y/n) one last time before leaving.
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That was the whole ordeal. Thank you so much for reading, especially if you made it to the end! I really hope you enjoyed it. And as per usual, if you have a request, please send it to me!
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lyriumsings · 1 year
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oh damn I was just wondering if I should ask if you took oc questions and I saw a post about you wanting to talk about them. so. this is your sign: free pass tell me whatever you want about whoever you want. I’d like to know stuff about them (please. thank.)
This ask has literally been sitting here for like a year and I can’t stop thinking about my infamous mc so i’m gonna use this as a sort of preview introduction lol so anon if you’re out there im so sorry lmaooo and i absolutely love asks about my brain blorbos or anything really ngl i’ll probably copy and paste all this information to their Official Art ™️
Name: Octavia “Tavvi” Blackwater
Stage name: Tavvi
Pronouns: they/she
Sexuality: Bisexual
Band name: Beneath the Challenger (BTC). Octavia came up with the name and it’s basically a metaphor for them being super depressed lmao. It comes from the Challenger Deep which is the lowest point on earth beneath the Mariana’s trench.
Vocal Insp: donna missal (pinnacle voice bc for them tbh), The pretty reckless, the haunt
Music Insp: The Pretty Reckless, The Haunt, (for all of these bands i have very specific songs that i plug in as BTC’s lyrics lmao i have a playlist for them that i basically hc as their songs), Bad Omens (Just Pretend is SUCH a seven x mc song and i hc it as BTC’s best song), Mothica (VICES tho), and Honey Revenge! Here’s their playlist it grows everyday lmao
Fandom: Aquanauts. I hc that Maya figured out the bands meaning and picked based on that, Octavia genuinely loves it and finds it cute. And somehow the fact that the name makes sense to what the band name is makes them feel very seen and comforted tbh
Ep: Under the Water
Favorite unreleased single: The Slowest Heart (Which i actually took from Gilded Lily bc that song has heavy Octavia x Seven vibes) They have “the slowest heart” tattooed on there left rib age side boob area lol Although I feel like if she wrote it it’d be closer to the sped up version and a bit angrier mixed with hurt but the lyrics are perfect)
Romance: Seven’s ex. Still has his initials and doesn’t bother to cover it. And they are harboring a very blatant crush on Orion that if they’re being honest about started specifically because Orion seems pretty unattainable and they have no actual expectations of that fantasy becoming a reality (at least at first). Some cute stuff about them and seven tho: I hc fans called them Seven8 cuz Octavia means 8 or i guess Setavia works but Seven8 is so cute to me. And that seven had them in his phone as “8” and Octavia had him as “7 Ducky”
Some backstory:
Octavia is biracial her mom is white and her dad is black (specifically has afro indigenous roots but he was a foster kid so very estranged from these cultures) does not have a good relationship with their parents at all. Their parents didn’t really want kids? Sort of had Octavia because that’s what they were “supposed” to do next after getting married. Octavia is very much just an item checked off a list in a lot of ways regarding them. Very much the type of people who probably shouldn’t have had a kid not because they didn’t provide physically but they’re just emotionally nonexistent and incredibly dismissive lol. So yeah, so she had a very lonely childhood.
They did lots of ballet/contemporary dancing and soft ball which she does still actually enjoy as hobbies presently, but for the most part she’s obsessed with music and making music. They have a bat from highschool that they call “Lucky Lucy” where for two separate games in a row she hit nothing but home runs with it. Now, she takes it to every show and makes everybody touch Lucky Lucy before performing.
Octavia is obsessed with old hollywood glamour and old movies/shows from that era— most specifically Audrey Hempburn. They have several references/quotes from her tattooed on them: “never throw out anyone” is a partial quote from “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw anyone out.” that they have tattooed directly under their S.D. tattoo which is my favorite lol and another is “i was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.” probably on their opposite forearm from S.D. (There’s more but i gotta map them out.) They can do a transatlantic accent, and did so for many months as a teen to annoy their parents.
Lastly, romantic history: before Seven they had a girlfriend, Maria. Who was pretty much their polar opposite—very straight laced, serious, and structured but also incredibly sweet, polite, absolute wifey material—and honestly while she supported Octavia’s dream on a surface level she thought Octavia needed a more concrete plan for the future. They dated for about half of high school and split amicably when it became clear that Octavia wasn’t going to change/Octavia’s underlying feelings for Seven became a bit too obvious to ignore. They’re still in contact and friendly and Maria is married and has two kids.
Post Seven, Octavia had one serious relationship that was on and off for 8 months about a year after their initial split. It was bad. Incredibly toxic content warning type bad. Dean Clayton was the lead singer of another indie band Violet Vapors and was a general misogynistic piece of shit. It was a they just didn’t see the red flags until they were already in it type situation, bc no one advertises themself as a pos partner obvs. She doesn’t like to talk about it and borderline actively ignores it, but if they ever saw him again they’d probably take their bat to him tbh. Octavia is in a muuuuch better place now (comparatively speaking, which i mean the bar is in hell so do with that what ye will) still does drugs and drinks but it’s not nearly as bad as uhhh this era of their life.
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silverjojo08 · 1 year
Text
On video games and writing and Fire Emblem Engage
Mainly just me musing about how I don't think the story is bad. Sorry for being annoying tbh. This is meant for my personal circle of mutuals, but maybe other people can get something out of it. Please be nice to me; I am not a professional reviewer and don't claim to be writing anything objective or anything lol. I'm also not really editing heavily for grammar or anything (if anything I try to keep a bit of order structurally but I love a comma splice idk lol).
This piece has gone through many versions in my head as I try to nail down exactly what puzzles me about the perception of the writing as being "bad".
Initially I think I was going to do a full plot breakdown and point out how logically every moment fits together and how foreshadowing + late reveals enhances certain previous moments. As I write this down, I don't think that I'll be doing that here. I almost considered a deep dive into the themes of motherhood and found family presented in the game. Not sure I'm going to do that either. At one point I also considered fully getting into common complaints (particularly some brought up from one of my folks who I deeply respect, Mr. Forte himself), but also I don't think I'll really do that.
So, what am I writing here? Maybe it's a mix of all of the above. Maybe it is none of the above. I don't really know. But I do want to talk about how this game just really vibes for me; and while I don't intend on necessarily changing anyone's mind, I want to at least provide some perspective on why I personally enjoy it so that others can understand my perspective at the very least.
Perhaps I will succeed in that. Perhaps I will fail. Let's find out together. (Again I'm doing like very minimal editing. Please excuse grammatical errors/typos. If anything is unclear, ask and I'll try to clarify. But I'm bad at tumblr so either tweet at me or send it through an ask please.)
Prologue: Who? What? Why?
To start, I'm in my early 30s. The video game that made me love video games was Super Mario RPG, and my earliest gaming memories include me watching my dad beat up the robot evil Santa at the end (also him playing some NBA game on SNES). FE games I have played start to finish: 8 (Ephraim), 11, 12, 13, 14 (all 3), 15, 16 (all routes), and 17. FE games I have played a bit of but didn't finish for various reasons (mainly I got distracted and forgor 💀): 1, 4, 5, 7, and 9. None of this actually matters that much, but maybe there's a generational and/or fandom divide of some sort and this provides useful context.
I am not a writer by trade nor hobby. Writing is actually one of my least favorite things to do (this is potentially related to OCD brain "just right" stuff), to the point where I chose my college major specifically based on which had the least amount of classes that I could actually complete without having to write essays. I am a math person. I do like consuming and dissecting written fiction though.
This piece is meant to be mostly explanatory. I want to give my perspective as best I can. I decided other writing styles would be too combative for what amounts to something we're consume for enjoyment. I just want to pass on some understanding of how I feel.
I think the best way to do this is generally avoid spoilers, but I will include a specifically marked section where I discuss all spoilery things that come to mind (anything that I intend to come back to in this spoiler section will be marked with a *). Any non-FE games mentioned will not be spoiled beyond kind of a general "a reveal happened in a way that bugged me" type of stuff, if even that is a concern here's a list of the games vaguely mentioned so you can crtl+f: Tales of Zestiria, AI The Somnium Files: Nirvana Initiative, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies. It all happens within two paragraphs, so you can just skip them if needed.
(Also I may accidentally use he/him pronouns for Alear because M Alear was the one I played with first, but I do generally think of FE avatars as the same being regardless of gender and try to use they/them when speaking to things both versions experience, which is like everything besides the hair colors being flipped and class options?)
Chapter I: What Is "Bad Writing" To Me?
Ok if you're reading this I assume you are at least in high school, and for that reason I'm not going to walk anyone through that level of analysis. In no way is this meant to be a lecture and I'm not trying to give any particularly deep literary analysis. That feels kind of like a pretentious thing to do in this situation.
So, bad writing? To me the biggest thing I consider bad writing is when an idea is not communicated well. This could be contradictory messaging, poor delivery, puzzling execution, etc. Obviously this can happen to various degrees of "bad", but I will not consider a story to have bad writing unless the writing breaks the experience in some way.
A broken experience is not the same to me as a negative one. To me a negative experience is just a matter of taste in the end and not a matter of "bad writing". Boring writing is not the same as bad writing even if it makes the experience painful. A broken experience has to be bad to the point where you just do not understand what they were attempting at all.
One game that comes to mind on this is Tales of Zestiria. I loved the characters in that game, and the main story itself is largely logical. But it was written so messily that there's a point where it becomes truly incoherent. To this day I have no idea what was going on with Dezel and Rose's personal histories despite a major climax of that game being built around the moment things get revealed for them. Again, it was overall a fun game, but it was definitely one I would claim had some bad writing.
Another situation that comes to mind that can be a spark for bad writing is when a reveal sours previous experiences. Misleading an audience can work really well in some ways. Ace Attorney 5 (Dual Destinies) has a reveal that has made me not want to replay it at all, but I don't believe the reveal is poorly done. Conversely, Somnium Files 2 (Nirvana Initiative) had one reveal that invalidates a significant part of the playing experience in a way that's hard to describe without going any further, but I think playing with audience expectations can only go so far until you make the audience feel like you've stolen part of the joy of the playing experience by severing an emotional connection.
I've been trying to describe this all in objective terms, but obviously it is very subjective. It's totally a "I know it when I see it" thing in the end. This section might be pointless. I don't know.
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(There were too many blocks of text so look at Alfred; he's so nice and funny and good. I will give him the pact ring every time I play as M Alear lol.)
Chapter II: What about Fire Emblem Engage?
I guess this is kind of my point. I don't understand how any of this is applicable to it. The plot is fairly simple especially to start. You go from point A to point B with plenty of easy to follow narrative. Characters behave in logical and understandable ways. There's nothing functionally "wrong" with the story.
I think there are some pacing issues with the last stretch of chapters in that things happen too quickly for the player to properly respond even though the concepts are cool*. There's a lot of infodumps in these last chapters too that feel a little misplaced*. I agree that the tea supports (and shared gimmicks in general among certain groups of characters) are a bit overwhelming to unlock in succession. The DLC sucks* and only small parts of it truly add to the main story's narrative. There's the usual Fire Emblem incest and pedophilia grossness trying to peek its head through*. It's not a perfect game by any means.
I think I need to break up overall story discussion and character usage discussion, so I'm going to do that right now. If you've read to this point you generally get my point maybe on why the writing works fine for me and can stop here if you don't want a full peek into the deepest and most illogical recesses of my mind?
If you're not stopping here, together we ride or something idk did the title for this song come from Smash? Whatever.
Chapter III: The Story
***SPOILER WARNING, SKIP TO THE NEXT PART IF YOU WANT TO AVOID SPOILERS***
Alright so I lied when I said I wouldn't go into this fully dissecting the plot or other people's criticisms. I'll do that a little bit here.
The biggest moment of "controversy" I think that happens early on is the loss of Lumera. What I've seen is that many people feel it didn't land well with them due to the game having not built up the relationship all that well. And I intellectually get that perspective. If a story beat doesn't land well to you then I can't tell anyone they're wrong for feeling a particular way about things. But while I understand people may feel this way, I truly do not understand that viewpoint. That we don't know Lumera is kind of the point. Alear also doesn't know her well at that moment. You're supposed to feel like it came too suddenly and is weird for it. The full gravity of the moment is not clear until later on in the game, and I think it was executed very well because the entire game revolves around this specific concept of chosen motherhood and family.
But maybe I'm moving too quickly. Backing up a bit, another criticism of this early game situation is I've seen people say they don't "have reason to care" how Alear is feeling this early on. And like, I truly don't know how to help you with that. When I start a game I generally don't start at 0 waiting for the game to make me care about the main character. I am already on their side and hoping for the best for them? I went in mainly thinking Alear looked goofy but like a nice kid who deserved nice things and the game did build well on it for me.
I think there are some questions on the nature of the emblems and the rings that go somewhat unanswered. There's a lack of clarity on how the rings function, and how stealing the rings after winning a battle works. Given that we see them levitate at numerous times, I suspect that is mostly the answer. But I do understand if that's a point of contention for some since it's not directly clarified.
The emblems are similarly somewhat explained as kind of heroic essence put to form, which genuinely is enough of an answer to me. But I do understand some may find that lacking. There are also many issues with the writing of the emblems which I sympathize with especially as a comic book fan who hates it when my faves are misrepresented in other titles. That's a genuine flaw that could have been corrected by having people working on the script who cared more about accuracy.
The pacing absolutely becomes an issue in the later chapters of the game. The Zephia and Griss death scene is extremely touching and well-written, but to have a scene that long and that complex in that moment of the game is very awkward. It would have been better suited as a Memory Prism type of bonus scene like FE15 had (for several characters there were scenes that added context but did not exactly fit in the main story such as a flashback discussion with Emperor Rudolf). It is necessary to understand the characters, but there's not a truly comfortable place to put it that doesn't seem insane especially given the length. This deeply ties into how I feel about the DLC as well, which is that Good!Zephia/Zelestia gives crucial insight to the effects of positive nurturing and actively choosing to build bonds, which is perhaps the strongest and most important theme of the game. Every instance of chosen family in this game is framed and shown to be a truly critical event for the individuals, as are the instances of chosen neglect. The usage and execution of this theme to me was extremely powerful in execution and just worked without feeling too cringe or forced. It's good stuff. I love love love what they did here, and I say this as a person who has never wanted to be a mother of any sort.
To go on a bit more about this: Griss (and by extension Gregory, but focusing on Griss here for simplicity) and Alear are such strong reflections of one another. There's some obvious aspects like how Griss is visually edgy and Alear is visually bright, Griss is rude and confident while Alear is kind and doubtful, etc. But the strongest comparisons and contrasts between them involve their mothers, and I think it's just incredibly well done. Comparisons include both of them get their sense of fashion from their moms, get their unit classing from their moms, somewhat blindly follow the words of their moms, had terrible upbringings and cling to their moms as their first emotional support, etc. But the contrasts? Oh baby. Zephia adopts Griss because he's a standout while Lumera adopts Alear because they're a failure (by Sombron's measure, not literally). Griss spends years by Zephia's side learning from her while Alear has to mostly guess at what Lumera had planned for them. And perhaps most starkingly: Griss gets to die alongside Zephia while Alear and Lumera are always mourning one another. Griss is such an incredibly well done rival character. It's no wonder he's the one who gets the special cutscene where he reveals the truth to Alear. Forever my GOAT!
Sadly though it's time to switch gears and talk about the DLC: it truly sucks. I said it on twitter after beating it, but I really think that they messed up on anticipating what would be a compelling scenario for the players to play through while also coaxing themselves into a snafu regarding spoilers. There's some good stuff there, but it's almost directly undercut by necessitating that it can be played early in a playthrough before the player has gotten to the revelations about Alear's biological parentage.
The DLC does attempt to carry over the themes of the main game, but without being able to openly acknowledge that these are some of the last of Alear's siblings (even if not by blood exactly) it becomes hollow. The only real payoff on the theming is the Nel and Veyle support chain where even if they aren't sisters in the traditional sense, Veyle is desperate for that kinship as she is so young and has spent so much time alone. It's very touching and something that could have been touched on with Alear as well if only the writers weren't forced to write a detached arc to avoid spoilers.
Yes this is probably where I should get into the alt Alear being the "twin" of the main one. They needed to either go all in with that and have Alear confirmed as sort of a multiversal set of twins or back up off it and confirm that they're only narrative parallels because doing literally all of this and then having Nel have feelings for the other Alear is gross. They did so well avoiding weirdness with Veyle in the main game, and then completely blew it in regards to Nel. It makes no sense you can romantically S support her and invalidates all the themes about family presented to that point if characters who literally share a father and share similar traumas don't find healthy kinship with one another.
But beyond all that, we don't really get to see enough of Nel and "Nil" to be convinced by their dedication to one another especially in comparison to other familial relationships like between the recruitable royals, Four Hounds, and Four Winds. It feels like things are just happening to happen without feeling the gravity of terror that we are told Sombron caused them. Again, the obvious parallel to Alear being forced to fight Veyle purely due to their father's machinations isn't allowed to be explored due to the spoilers thing. Subtlety can be a structurally clever thing, but this doesn't even feel like the DLC writers were aware of that basic fact. This is the only aspect of the whole game that I feel truly misses the mark for me. It feels like a bland copycat of the main game written by someone who only skimmed a wiki article of the main story. I truly really believe they would have been better served making it a proper postgame arc because then maybe the emotional connections could have been fully explored.
I also almost feel as though they'd have been better served writing a story set in the past around red Alear. I understand that would have made it difficult to have playable units from the DLC in the main campaign, but I would have gladly missed out on them if that meant adding to the main universe instead of mostly meaning nothing in the end besides an edgy boy (and I genuinely like Rafal, he's funny) realizing he isn't as edgy as he thought he was.
Back to the main game though. Alear becoming Corrupted and begging their sister to not give up was extremely cool and dangerous and insane in a GOOD way (though again, the cutscenes were somewhat long but long for the sake of the main characters is different than long for side villains). Then you play the actual chapter and nothing truly significant is happening that makes the experience feel noteworthy. I think the design and gameplay are more of a problem with this than the specifics of the writing itself, but both of those generally work to the benefit of storytelling in this game so to have an obviously contradictory moment like that undercuts the drama of the scenario. It's a great idea done in kind of a "just ok" way. Would have been better off omitting that chapter entirely and just jumping to the emblem-izing of Alear immediately. Maybe the writers were just too ambitious with the idea of using the Corrupted for a good reason, and couldn't bear to cut it out? I don't dislike indulgent writing, but I dislike when I can tell the writers are just doing something because they thought it was cool and no one felt like being the one to say "ok this doesn't quite fit".
Another gameplay and storytelling problem is the final boss fight. Bringing back the other final bosses as evil emblems was brilliant, but to not bring them back as recognizable models, not give them their portraits, and not give them their voice lines (and correct me if I'm wrong, but they all have voice actors from their own games or Heroes) made it difficult to identify who was who without looking up their classes online. That really undercut most of the drama in them being used in that battle. I understand this may have all added costs to the game that they maybe didn't want to pay, but that lack of detail made a very cool inclusion feel kind of middling.
And the boss himself? Sombron is actually an interesting dude to me. But again, all his backstory and evil plans probably should have been dumped in a monologue separate from the final battle. I think this is yet another case, similar to the Zephia and Griss scene, that would have worked better as a memory prism than as just a character telling the audience directly in what sort of feels like an inappropriately detailed explanation. I appreciate that they did not force this into being another story centered around multiversal crossovers in a media landscape that is currently overwhelmed by such stories, especially if the "Zero Emblem" hook has no intention of being followed up on. Though arguably that's yet another thing the DLC needlessly complicated. Is there just an infinite number of Sombrons looking for an infinite number of Zero Emblems? Even more proof that the DLC should not have happened as it did.
Last thing worth addressing in detail is the pedophilia that has been sadly very prevalent in the series and arguably emboldened by the introduction of the S support system. Even if one wants to disregard the internal age data, characters like Anna, Jean, and Hortensia should not have been romanceable in any language. I thank the English localization team for scrubbing out most of this and making them as platonic as possible.
Ok I think that's basically everything about the plot I can think of right now to address directly. Solm royals could have gotten more, but whatever. I thought they were fine as the hyper-competent Batman-like country that's like 5 steps ahead of everyone. I don't have any other things to speak about on the main story events.
*** THE SPOILERS ARE DONE, CONTINUE READING HERE ***
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(Your reward for reading all those paragraphs is a nice picture of my daughter Veyle, who is precious and good. I was so worried they would be weird about her and barefeet aside they thankfully were not.)
Chapter IV: The Other Characters
There's a couple of obvious social groups of characters who have largely overlapping gimmicks. Tea time enthusiasts (Celine, Louis, Jean), aesthetic obsessives (Goldmary, Rosado, Hortensia), gym rats (Alfred, Etie, Boucheron sort of). Firene has perhaps the biggest problem of having so many gimmicks done so close together. There is still a lot of depth in those supports still (notably in the A levels after many might have given up, such as Alfred-Etie, Alfred-Celine, Celine-Alear, etc). I don't really have a defense for this, but I do understand why especially early on it would cause people to write off the cast of the game. It didn't bother me much maybe because I benched everyone but Alfred and Louis right away (I needed to keep Clanne and Framme around, they're really funny lol).
But overall I didn't mind any of the characters for their gimmicks besides Seadall (his disordered eating being treated as a joke was just extremely offputting and it was really 50/50 on whether a support might focus on it) and Goldmary (she is just an asshole and to me it wasn't funny, not every joke will land for everyone I suppose).
The cast felt extremely likeable and well-rounded. I will sound like a broken record here, but again they really reminded me of what I enjoyed about the FE8 cast. Just pretty much all likeable and good characters.
Chapter V: Everything Else
Here's like everything else that comes to mind but I don't have enough in my brain to properly write sentences on them and I kind of want to be done with this lmao:
Yes, I think it's a little silly how some characters manage to get away without the game directly stating how. Alear and co are nice and not brutal so you can assume they allowed the escape, but it's still weird at times. Poorly choreographed.
I will never unironically use the term "ludonarrative" (no shade if you do, but it's not me). However the introduction of the Lucina ring bringing back hope to the crew while being a supportive ring for gameplay purposes and all is just really special stuff. It's good. Similarly, the ring you get at the end of chapter 17 is an amazing moment.
I'm not particularly bothered by the rings being former characters. I don't feel they were used poorly or anything. They're wise old heroes helping the new gen, and they serve that purpose well. Only Marth has a bit more to him than that due to his history with Alear, and I think it plays out well without being reliant on prior knowledge. Again very sorry to Eirika fans, I've seen the essays there on the inaccuracies and you're all valid.
The time travel is very clean and properly defined imo. Much more limited than in Three Houses in-universe which is good, however the best explanation for the rewinds will continue to be Mila's Turnwheel (in that there is no time travel, just some premonitions that allow the characters to evade danger).
I love Pandreo and Zelkov so much. Oh my god. They're so funny and just good men. Excellent dudes. Amber, Rosado, YUNAKA. The cast is just lovely. I love them.
Sommie is so cute for real. Just brilliant idea to include a nice pet for your home base. If anything, they should have given it more wigs for the main royals or some of the emblems. Also Sommie is totally the Zero Emblem.
Chapter VI: Conclusion
Let me get TMI here. I do understand that personally I experience and perceive emotions in an unusual way compared to most people. I've not been diagnosed with anything specific to that level of wiring (just OCD and anxiety), and as far as I feel it doesn't seem necessary. But it is what it is, and I am who I am. Maybe all of this is pointless to write and it truly is just a matter of taste and personal emotional expectations. I don't know. I just know I liked the game, and what worked on me really worked. Hope this was fun to read even if it doesn't give any particular insight.
I did not intend to compare any other FEs in this piece mainly because it's not about them. Legit sorry if I inadvertently cause some sort of discourse.
tl;dr It's Peak Fiction™
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misc-obeyme · 3 months
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Back with some more questions, this time for both Ciaran and Arsenios! >:)
CIARAN
General 02 Do they have a nickname? General 04 What kind of magic do they possess? If they can't use any, do they have magic potential slumbering within them?
Concept & Design 05 Do they have any physical attributes that set them apart from others?
Human 06 Who do they trust more—angels or demons? Why?
ARSENIOS
General 11 Do they still have any objects from their childhood? What is their most vivid childhood memory?
Realtionships & Personality 01 What's their relationship with Barbatos? (go into as much detail as you want >:) )
Ahhh hi Melody!! I was so excited to have more questions to answer so thank you for sending them lol! And thank you for writing the ask game to begin with, it's been so much fun!
CIARAN
General 02 Do they have a nickname?
His sister calls him Cupcake because she's a baker and she thinks it's adorable. But if anybody else called them that they'd probably throw something at them. (Maybe a cupcake? I'm just imagining Lucifer getting a cupcake to the face lol.)
Due to being Irish, Ciaran has a great dislike of anyone bringing up potatoes because there's more to Ireland than potatoes and they hear it all the time. His mother deliberately calls him her "little potato" because it makes him so mad. (Ah sorry I'm really switching up the pronouns today.)
Anyway all of this is to say that Ciaran's nicknames only exist because their family likes to troll them lol.
General 04 What kind of magic do they possess? If they can't use any, do they have magic potential slumbering within them?
Well, Ciaran has the standard MC magic what with the pacts and studying with Solomon. I think they naturally have an affinity for magic, too. The thing about this is that Ciaran's father, when he was alive, was very whimsical in general. He often told Ciaran stories about Irish fairies and Ciaran just grew up believing in magic.
Of course, I also have a half fae AU where Ciaran's father was straight up one of the fae and rather than dying, just... went back to Faery. In this AU, Ciaran has quite a bit of their own powerful magic that they have to figure out how to control better. Because it's a little volatile when mixed with demonic pacts lol.
Concept & Design 05 Do they have any physical attributes that set them apart from others?
SHORT. Ciaran would be so angry to find out that the first thing I list as a physical attribute that sets them apart is their height. But yo, I think it's pretty obvious. That and the blue hair probably. Ciaran's natural hair color is black, but they've had blue hair for a long time and they aren't likely to change it any time soon. Eventually I suspect they'll get tired of maintaining it. Maybe they use magic to do it at some point? I like to think that's something Asmo would know how to do! Ciaran is also chubby but I dunno if that's really something that sets them apart or not.
Human 06 Who do they trust more—angels or demons? Why?
To be quite honest, I think Ciaran distrusts them both equally, especially in the beginning. Ciaran is funny because on the one side we've got the head in the clouds dad talking about fairies and on the other side we have the God fearing mom bringing everybody to mass regularly. So while Ciaran might have some preconceived ideas about angels being holy and whatever, they also aren't a practicing Catholic anymore. They see both sides as questionable until they get to know some of the characters. Eventually, they come around to the point where I would say they are more likely to trust a demon than an angel. They love the angels they've met, but they are suspicious of the Celestial Realm and the trauma it has clearly created for those that come from there.
ARSENIOS
General 11 Do they still have any objects from their childhood? What is their most vivid childhood memory?
Arsenios is lucky enough to be one of those demons who popped into existence fully formed. He was created by a demon who was using music to express themselves and through their own magic and feelings, Arsenios was created with the notes of their song. He never got to have a childhood, but he did have a chunk of time where he was new to the world.
His most vivid memory from that time is probably the song that made him. It kind of sits within him, something he can always recall when he wants to. But he never plays it because he's afraid that doing that will cause him to create a demon in the same way. (It wouldn't, but he doesn't know that lol.)
I would say another vivid memory is how he got his name. For a little while, my boy was nameless because the demon who made him immediately noped out of helping him at all. So he wasn't given a name at the time of his creation. But later, he found a big ole book of names randomly sitting on top of the place he had been sleeping. Like someone left it there for him. He never knew who it was. But he flipped through the book and chose Arsenios for himself.
Realtionships & Personality 01 What's their relationship with Barbatos? (go into as much detail as you want >:) )
OH BOY HERE WE GO.
It was Barbatos who left the book of names for Arrie. Because as it turns out, Barbatos has been watching over Arsenios since the beginning.
I like to think that the creation of a new demon is a Big Deal. Especially when it's done by accident due to feelings. Because you can't predict something like that. And I think of Barbatos as this sort of unofficial guardian entity, aware of all that goes on in the Devildom. So I think he just feels the change of magic when it happens. He goes to check it out and if the demon is clearly abandoned, he sort of guides them from afar.
So Arsenios doesn't know that Barbatos was helping him out in the beginning. After a while Arrie is clearly capable of fending for himself, so Barb only occasionally checks in. Then there's a chunk of time where Arsenios is so often in the human world that Barb kind of loses track of him a little bit. He's doing fine and Barbatos has his own pile of stuff to worry about you know?
And then Arrie starts playing the piano at a cafe near the castle as a part time job. And it happens to be a cafe that Barbatos frequents. Barbatos is like oh yeah this guy he seems to be well that's good. And then Arrie takes a break a couple times and actually talks to Barbatos. And it turns out they both have an abnormal love for tea. Then every time Barbatos comes back, they discuss new tea blends and such until eventually Barb is like hey why don't you come to the castle and we'll have tea?
And that's how they become friends for real. This happens before Lucifer and his brothers fall. So by the time the exchange program starts, Barbatos and Arsenios have been friends for a long time.
And due to this friendship, Arrie ends up befriending Simeon and Luke, too. Since Luke is always at the castle baking with Barb and Simeon is around a lot, too. They all have tea parties together frequently. And Luke is aware that Arsenios's favorite food is macarons. So whenever they make any, he tells Barbatos to invite Arrie over.
You would think this could also include Solomon due to the whole pact with Barb thing, but Arrie does not like Solomon. He begrudgingly respects him. But he doesn't trust sorcerers in general and he has feelings about pacts, especially considering his history with them. (This extends to MC for a bit too, until Arsenios gets to know MC better and realizes that they are somewhat unique in the way they make pacts.)
Do I think that Arsenios and Barbatos could have ended up as more than friends if things went a little differently? Absolutely. His story is x reader and therefore he ends up with MC, but if MC was say dating one of the others or just wanted to stay platonic... well, it might take another century or two, but I think that could happen. (In fact, there are a couple other characters that I think Arrie would be compatible with lol.)
However, at the moment, they are just friends. But they're close friends and Barbatos plays an important role in Arrie's story. This is likely just because I love Barb and want him in all the stories lol.
ANYWAY now that I've written an entire essay, thank you again for the questions!! I love answering them lol.
MC & OC Ask Game
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magicalara · 1 year
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The Story of Grelle the Reaper: A review by yours truly prt 2
So if you saw part 1 with the prelude hii did you get some water? Are you taking care of yourself? That was 1k words about something that itself was not even 200 and chapter 1 is like 5k words so...yeah. If you haven't seen part 1 to my review, you can find it here.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about nor what The Story of Grelle the Reaper is, then do I have a treat for you. The amazing @eemoo1o-animoo has been writing this origin story for everyone's favorite red reaper (which you can find here). My previous post was about the prelude and this one will be about Chapter 1: She Sells Seashells on the Seashore.
I will add on that I was messaging back and forth with Ell and so some of these things were what she had also brought up and made me think about so there's that too.
Add on from the Em who just finished this: this is a mess, I'm so sorry for anyone who reads this lmao
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Okay so overall review, the use of word choice, the whole name thing (I’ll explain further), the dialogue, THE WEATHER, it’s all amazing. This chapter as a whole is a great first chapter to look into Grell’s general life and how he’s been living this whole time. Looking at it as someone trying to see it as a standalone as to be able to show it to a wider audience, it’s great. All the elements that make up an exposition are there. We get to know Grell as a main character as well as his father and mother as part of our main side characters. The dynamic between Grell and his parents individually is well explained and so thought out. All of my thoughts here are gonna be separated differently from the prelude so I’ll explain it now:
If you saw the last analysis, you’d know that it’s a compilation of paragraphs and pointed out quotes and that worked because of how the prelude is written like in terms of length and structure. This one is way too long to fit it all in like that so I’m gonna separate my thoughts into three sections which are named father, mother, and George as the chapter is separated into those three parts naturally already (not named that, though, that’s just what I’ve dubbed them as lol). Each section will be essentially like how I did the other one before with callouts to specific quotes but it will probably be more mixed in and in a paragraph format. Idk as of writing this if I’ll do bullet points, but we’ll find out together. Okay, on to section 1 of chapter 1!
Section 1: Father
So to kick off, I’m gonna first mention the whole name thing that I said I’d explain as well as the pronouns. Grelle, the Grelle that we know, didn’t always know that she was, well, a she. “She” was born a “he” and so chapter 1 gives us that “he”. Here we aren’t with Grelle, we’re with Grell. As such, the name not having the “e” at the end and the pronouns being he/him are very important to note. Moreover, I actually like this choice of not starting with a Grell/e that already knows who they are gender-wise. I know that first instinct would have many want to do just that, but for a formative piece like this, it wouldn’t fit. We aren’t here to see Grelle be the badass we know she is, we’re here for the angst /j. 
Anyways, the use of the different versions of Grell is great and I think it’s really important to point out. I know some people may see it and be like “oh but isn’t that disrespectful” and while I am not the best representation of the trans community as a person who doesn’t even really know their own gender, I’d think it’d be disrespectful not to show Grelle as Grell. They can and do co-exist, to some degree. The erasure of one is just as bad as the erasure of the other. 
Okay so I’m gonna go in order of just how the fic is written so as to not jump around too much. So the first thing I wanna point out is Grell’s body language in how he’s sitting. He’s described to be “in a much more tense and humble position, hands rubbing together like star cross’d lovers.” There is some wording here that I’m gonna pick at, first being “more…humble position”. First, there’s a power difference here. Grell isn’t in a more humble position just because he’s nervous (though that is a part of it). There’s also the fact that that’s his father and they have been in this position many times before. While I’ve never been fired from a job (knock on wood, thank god, please don’t fire me boss), I can’t imagine the part where I’d have to tell people would be very nice. Seeing how Friedrich sighed before he sat, he probably had to go get Grell too or, at the very least, was close enough to not have to be told like his mother does as mentioned in the future. That less humble position on his father’s side, though, shows who’s in charge which just further displays the power difference. We learn that this isn’t Grell’s first time losing a job later, but I’m sure that this stance has stayed the same since the first time. The nerves are just even higher now because this is just another time where Grell messed up.
The next wording I wanna point out (mainly just because I really like it) is how his hands are described as “rubbing together like star cross’d lovers”. The way that “star cross’d lovers” was spelt immediately jumped out at me and my fellow Em doesn’t do things by accident, not on desktop and not in this story. So, naturally, I looked it up. It comes from Romeo and Juliet, apparently (making a disclaimer here, I don’t like Shakespeare. I don’t like any of his works. I never have, and most likely never will. So yes, I have to look these things up. The Macbeth thing was a fluke because I had to study that god forsaken play two years in a row. Some things I know, but most I don’t so I will instead be going to our friend Google for help. Rant over, back to analyzing). I don’t think it means much story-wise, but it is a little snippet that alludes to how a lot of people think that Grelle is a Shakespeare nut, something which Ell’s notes also agree with. It’s a cute reference, I like it. When I first read it I was like “ha I see what you did there”.
Okay we’re moving on where I start the count of how many times Friedrich calls Grell “my boy” so I can comment on it later. We’re at one.
Grell’s out of work “again” (it is at this moment that this Em regrets using italics for all the quotes bc I’m hand typing them) which signifies what I already said about this not being the first time Grell’s been fired. The difference here, Grell defends himself. We aren’t told of how the other conversations may have gone, but it doesn’t take a genius to look at the words “Grell swallowed hard” and know that this is probably his first time trying to defend himself. This Grell is supposed to be a reflection of Butler Grell™ after all and Butler Grell™ was not the most confident of people let’s say. To keep with that, he also stutters while trying to say it. When I hear it in my head I also imagine that his voice is wobbly too. They don’t have the best relationship, hell they don’t even have a good one. But I’m supposed to be going in order so we’ll come back to this.
The next paragraphs are about the job that dear Grell just lost. There’s weather here, but it’s more just atmosphere things rather than emotional things (though I can argue about how it was this atmosphere that adds onto the lifeless bleak that is how Grell will get to, but I digress). Anyways so they’re (Grell and his former boss Sally Bones) working with fish and I totally understand why Grell’s feeling sick because I would be too. Don’t get me wrong, I like fish when I’m eating it, not when I’m looking at it while freshly dead. As I was reading, I literally felt myself getting nauseous along with Grell so if that was the mission, mission accomplished. 
First for this part, the name Sally Bones. It sounds so generic and like something that I’ve heard a million times so I looked it up, as one does, and will now share what I found, as I do. The first thing that would come up no matter how I typed it was a character from a book series called Varjak Paw. Sally, in that context, leads, and I quote from the fan wiki, “the largest group of rogue cats in the city.” Sally Bones…cats….Sally Bones here….fish…hmmm. I don’t know if that was on purpose but if so, I like it and if not, I still like it. Sally Bones is also apparently a totem with blonde hair that people like to write in porta potties but that’s wildly off what’s happening here so there’s just a new piece of information for you.
Continuing on, the fish stuff. While Grell gets fired after seeing the harvest for fish eggs, probably salmon from what I gathered in research but it could be another kind, it’s not said what happens after. I watched a video and, again, I completely understand Grell’s being sick because just bleh. Not for me. I don’t know at the moment if this fish stuff will become important, but I’m keeping it in the back of my mind because pigs did get connected so I’m keeping fish around too.
Okay back to Grell and his father. (For those following along with the fic on another tab, we’re at “I do not care whose fault it was, Grell,”)
And actually, that’s a line I wanna bring up. This is the first of twice that Friedrich says a direct statement of holding back anger. The other time which comes later is a much bigger stretch to say, but can still be said to be out of anger, just in a much more manipulative sense. Friedrich has dealt with all of the times that Grell’s gotten fired and is said to have had to have paid for it too. He’s frustrated, I get it, I can understand where he’s coming from. One thing with Friedrich, though, is he’s a smart man. He knows his way around words and non-verbal language (which in this case relies on tone and body language). As soon as Grell tries to defend himself, Friedrich  cuts him off and Grell goes right back to being small again. He remembers his place next to his father and just becomes smaller and smaller as time goes on. It’s even said specifically that Grell bows his head in an accustomed shame. He’s used to this, especially when with his father. This shame comes back in the George section, but we aren’t there yet, so I’ll leave it for then. 
Add a count to the Friedrich calls Grell his son counter. And in the sentence he forgets his own son’s age *insert sarcastic woo here*. There’s not much to say, it’s just showing another way that Friedrich is showing his lack of interest with his son (his only son, as we come to learn).
We also get our first look into the development of Grelle and her want for children. Grell doesn’t know it yet, but the insinuation is there and I’m pointing it out. I know your future, Grell, you can’t hide from me.
Okay so this next part is speculation and very iffy and mainly just that Ell told me there was something here and that it starts here with Grell listing out all of the jobs that he had previously.  I was told to look at the scene where Grelle is talking about Beast’s death in the anime for Book of Circus. So I did. If we’re talking about speech patterns, then that’s something that I’ll have to keep in the back of my head to see throughout the whole thing. If we’re talking story-wise and what Grelle’s saying rather than how, I’m completely lost lol. My thought process went like this if we’re talking story-wise: scullery maid (that’s what Beast’s mom was), scullery maids are the lowest of the low servants and are assistants who do laborious tasks often working for the kitchen maids and are also the youngest usually, all of Grell’s jobs have something to do with kitchens (milk, eggs, bread, pig) so maybe that’s it. Grelle also calls Beast an “ugly old sow” but I don’t think that connects to anything really other than hey look more mentions of pigs. Essentially, the two things that this could lead to (from what I’ve gathered) are just speaking patterns when it comes to listing, or scullery maid in the kitchens.
We’re not done with this paragraph, though, nope not at all. Two things, then we can move on. First, donkey’s don’t have cud. For those who don’t know, cud chewing happens when an animal's stomach sends food back to the mouth to be chewed a second time. I know that donkey’s don’t chew cud because my mother is Jewish and there are dietary restrictions and stuff and donkeys aren’t allowed to be eaten because they don’t chew cud and don’t have split hooves. So take that baker, you don’t know what you’re talking about. That, or I’m taking this too literally. Oh well…Second! The pigs are back. So Grell “really, truly hated pigs.” but also, as I pointed out in the prelude, there is pig blood on him (or I guess by then, her). Whether this will be a change in heart or profession at some point, or maybe just a murder spree, is something we’ll have to find out as we get closer to the scene from the prelude.
  Okay moving on (I’m gonna try and go a bit quicker now bc we’re edging 2.5k words and haven’t moved past section two sjsjsj)! Friedrich starts heavy here with his digs of “wtf is wrong with you” type stuff, especially when he says that “it’s as if you [Grell] intend on not working at all!” Throughout the whole conversation, Friedrich talks down to Grell as if he’s a child rather than a 27 year old which I can understand to an extent but ultimately isn’t the right way to go about everything. There’s a quick interjection about Grell feeling sick again about the image of cutting into an animal to “rearrange his insides” which to me is funny considering we all know how murdery Grelle becomes. It’s with the next paragraph and the next bit of dialogue that really kicks off what I like to call manipulation (also add one to the “my boy” count).  
“Not many fathers would be as pliant with you after so many years of this… this… insolence.” That line is so hard hitting because, well, it’s true. A lot of fathers would have thrown him out already; this pattern of not being able to keep jobs just would not stand. Most of all, Grell knows it. He’s nervous because of it, as his dialogue and own body language goes on to say. 
Friedrich continues on with his little scolding speech and I won’t pick at every line he says but just know he goes back and forth between the blatant digs while also having that like fake niceness in between. What I will point out for those who saw it and decided not to look it up, what he’s saying in German to Grell is “Damn boy. You will be the death of your family, I know that.” This has a double meaning to it as he means, literally, the death of the family in terms of lineage as Grell is an only child with still no heir of his own and, figuratively, the death of the family if he can’t get his shit together. 
We continue on with Friedrich trying to just be like “yeah, we’ll find you something, it’ll be great.” but Grell, having gone through this cycle many times already, doesn’t display the body language that he obviously wants from his child. Grell purposefully makes himself small. Granted, Grell isn’t a very confident person regardless and would probably have issues with generally any and everything he came to do. Word choice I wanna point out here is that Grell is trying to make himself “small and remorseful”. The “remorseful” part specifically makes me think that part of this is Grell playing it up so that this conversation can finally be over and done with. I think that Friedrich picks up on this too which is why he goes in deep and says that he’ll kick Grell out of the house. They say that eyes are the window to the soul, but that “gentle” look in Friedrich’s eyes, I don’t buy it. Does he probably have good intentions inside, yeah, of course he does, that’s his son, his only child. But uh all those scenarios where Grell’s imagining his father throwing him out? Horrendous behavior right there. That tells me a bit differently.
AND THEN HE KEEPS GOING!! Friedrich pulls the “I’m only doing what’s best for you.” card!! And then he goes on and continues to repeat the “not everyone would be like this yk” bullshit and as someone who’s heard the whole “you should be grateful” speech many times, it’s not a tactic of motivation. It’s a tactic of manipulation. Friedrich is manipulative and this is a hill I will die on. 
But the conversation moves on and Friedrich dismisses Grell to the kitchen to deliver the news to his mother. The way that Friedrich tells him is absolutely criminal in my opinion, but whatever, I’ve gone off enough about how my initial reactions to this man aren’t positive. 
So before I move on to section 2 (omg we’re almost there, it’s real), there are two things I wanna go over. First, the name Friedrich. The rough meaning of it is “peaceful ruler” and the name was first given to a bishop. The last part “ric” can also mean power. He has power over Grell as his father. You see what I’m doing here. Just wanted to say. Also I was told by Ell that Friedrich is a first generation immigrant and that his original last name was Schadenklippe. So I googled the name. I got nothing lol. The page was blank. So I googled it separately. “Schaden” means damage in German and “Klippe” means cliff, so that was a start. Schaden is a verb for doing harm or causing damage. So he causes damage to Grell there, boom, analysis over thank you for coming. No, but, I’m just saying because I had this info given to me so I might as well overthink it.
The other thing is what separates the sections as they naturally are from each other. If you’re on desktop, you might not be able to see it, I know I couldn’t until I was on mobile. But it’s a record. A cinematic record, if you will. If you don’t understand the implications of that then I’ll give you a minute…got it? No? I’m telling you anyway: we’re watching Grelle’s records. This is a confirmed fact Ell confirmed it so it’s real. There was also a possible joke made that this is like Eric who’s watching it which would mean that Eric would have been the one to have reaper Grelle which is like to me the best thing ever. But it could’ve been a joke. Ell is cruel like that with me as I am simply just a lowly puppet on the strings which her big brain is holding up /j (the big brain part, though, that’s true y’all they’ve got some serious brain power).
But this FINALLY leaves us at the end of section 1. Onto section 2 which will be hopefully shorter for your sakes and mine.
Section 2: Mother
Okay I’m gonna try to not make this as long as section 1 was let’s see how well we fare. 
First thing’s first, Ell revealed to me Grell’s mother’s name and is allowing me to use it here. Her name is *drum roll* Hilary. So the name Hilary means cheerful or happy and the Greek origins of the name come from the word for gracious. In other words, Hilary is not sad and will be giving us wholesome moments :D until they’re not wholesome anymore, of course, because we all know where this fic is ending up eventually and with all the scenes that Ell has alluded to me about…yeah that’s all I’m gonna say.
So uh remember how I mentioned the weather? Yeah well there wasn’t really any weather in the last section but there is now! It is sunny and nice(ish) out and sunshine means happy times are afoot. Which kinda makes sense considering how Hilary’s name means happiness, after all. The sun is usually used to show positivity and life in literature. Keep this weather in mind as it is here, it really helps set the atmosphere.
Next thing to point out (this is where I’m back to going in order for those following with the fic I’m right after Hilary asking Grell if he thinks the sun will stay out) Grell is a momma’s boy. Rather than tell her the truth which would probably make her sad, he holds out hope that the sun will stay out. This is the first instance of momma’s boy Grell, we see more as it goes on. 
So now we’re at the inevitable confrontation. Hilary suggests a celebration for Grell’s job which she doesn’t know he lost yet. The way that she talks about things is just so much different from how Friedrich does, specifically when talking to Grell. I know that the contexts are different; he’s essentially scolding for losing another job while she’s blissfully unaware, but even just the way that Grell mentions how Hilary might react if Friedrich did kick him out shows that she’s most definitely the less harsh of the two parents. Hilary exudes warmth, that’s what I’m trying to say, basically. 
I wanna mention an analogy that I forgot to mention here because I think it’s a beautiful way of putting her ignorance and hope: “...suddenly the kitchen felt warm as she smiled at the thought, wrapping the notion in a handkerchief and putting it in her lunchbox of faith.” This is technically about Hilary hoping the sun stays out, but I think it has a deeper meaning in the end. Hilary likes to keep hope out for things, she’s positive about situations, even little ones like the sun staying out. This extends to how she most likely views Grell and his whole, to put it lightly, inability to do much. She wraps the notion of hope in a handkerchief and puts it in her lunchbox of faith. She loves her son, and there’s nothing that’d change that and if something does change that I will start to cry (/hj).
So Grell’s trying to tell his mother, whom he loves so much, that he lost yet another job. And he just can’t do it. He can’t look at the woman he loves most in this world at that moment and tell her that he disappointed the family again. Looking at the comparison of their hands, a mother who loves her son and a son who loves his mother, Grell just can’t bring it to him to tell her. I like the comparison of their hands. 10 PM Em who had a day full of going to a party and so. many. errands. who I know for a fact won’t go back and edit this can’t tell you why, but know that I do. 
A lot of this section is just kinda setting up Grell and his momma, particularly Hilary. Her ability to find the positives and be blissfully ignorant, whether from her own will to ignore the bad or just true ignorance to reality, is a contrast from the realist and literal person that is her husband. Grell might have gotten his smarts from his father, but you can tell that a lot of his personality most likely comes from his mother rather. Sure he might not have the childlike wonder or the ignorance, but he has the compassion and empathy, even if we’ve only seen it with his mother up to this point. 
There are mentions of birds as well (for those following along we’re at the paragraph which starts “Oh, aren’t they lovely?”), specifically blue and coal tits. Spiritually, the blue tit represents happiness. It can also be an omen of love on the way as it represents love and trust as well. It can even represent the arrival of a bright future. This can be symbolic to how Grell’s future may play out. While we fans of Kuro already know what’s going to eventually happen, and we know it is much less than happiness, I think that there will be pieces of happiness before the fall. In order to fall from a great height, one has to get to that height in the first place, after all. Alternatively, we could ignore the happiness and omens of love and take it solely for the bright future which could be symbolic of her future as a reaper. It’s another fall from a great height, buuuttt, Grelle as a reaper seems to be really good at her job. Sure, William might chastise her for being lazy, but he does the same to Ronald and we know that he’s also a pretty competent reaper. Grelle gets what she needs to do and is a strong reaper, able to go against who is probably the strongest reaper we know of in the series, the Undertaker. Grell has a bright future ahead once he figures out who he really is as Grelle and in the profession of a grim reaper, both which are symbolized by the blue tit. Similarly, robins, which are also mentioned, can represent a myriad of things such as the arrival of new beginnings, redemption, and happiness. Once again, this can be symbolizing an ascension before the fall or Grelle in the future. I’m leaning more towards future Grelle because of the whole new beginnings part, but that’s up to the reader. There are other tits mentioned but I couldn’t find anything about them so we’re leaving it with the blue tit and robin.
With all the beautiful birds, there’s also one that’s mentioned to be disfigured and ugly. Despite that, Hilary still wants to help it out. I want to say that this bird is supposed to represent Grell, in a way. Compared to all the other men his age, he’s disfigured. He doesn’t have a stable job (let alone a job in the first place), a family of his own, not even a wife or girlfriend at the very least. Compared to the rest of society, he’s disfigured. Despite that, his mother still wants the best and wants to help him. All of this feels like foreshadowing to me, but I could be reading into things just way too much. We’ll see as more comes out.
Part 2 and 3 of Grell being a momma’s boy, he cuts the bread for her and later on goes to make a list of groceries for her rather than having her write it herself so he can go get some things that are needed. Hilary has a form of arthritis and so this is just another way that he can help look after her. He’s a good son and I love them so much, they’re so cute. It is a little worrying that it’s mentioned that it shouldn’t be as bad as it is given the time of year, but I’m going to brush over it for now and just keep it in mind for later.
There’s mention of a baker, Hargroves, but I doubt that he’s going to be too important so I won’t do much with him. (His name means “from the hare’s grove”) All that the paragraph really reveals is just more about Hilary’s personality and kindness as she would refuse free food, even from a friend/referenced past lover.
The last thing I wanna point out is the last phrase “sweet in gesture, bitter in procedure.” which is in reference to a kiss that Hilary gives Grell before he leaves to go get the stuff. Like I said before with the hands, 10 PM Em can’t say what and if I figure it out while I sleep I'll come back and edit this and if this is still here, know that I forgot. Okay? Okay. From what I can say right now in my state, Grell loves his mom and so the gesture is sweet, however all the underlying things that he never said or made known makes the whole thing bitter. I’m probably wrong, but that’s what I got.
Section 3: George
Last section woooo! Can you tell I’m losing my mind? 
First thing’s first, the weather. It’s back to being grey and gloomy out. This grey and gloomy is probably going to be a recurring thing, not just because that’s the weather in Cornwall but also because it’s symbolism for Grell’s overall being. It’s like how in the prelude it was storming while Grelle was killing herself and how it’s much warmer and sunshiny with Hilary. Grell is just overall grey right now, and the weather reflects that. 
The chapter opens with more Grell and Hilary bonding moments from the past and it’s cute, they’re cute, we know this. He’s helping her with her handwriting and we’ve seen Grelle’s handwriting in one of the chapters (I can’t remember which) but it looked really nice so it makes sense that he’d want to help. Hilary also apparently knew a lot of what was going on, which is like cool to me. 
Quality control is here now everyone I went to sleep and now it’s the next day and I can properly think. For those wondering, no I’m not going back and editing the previous portions. I think it’s funny to see me descending into madness because I’m weak and can’t stay up past like 11 PM on a good day and function. I’m more functioning now, let’s continue.
So we’re gonna talk hair now because that’s where I left off. I tried looking up the significance of long hair on men in cultures, but I don’t think that that’s where anything is going to connect. Rather, the long hair is significant to Grell/e themselves. When Grell, there isn’t really a reason for him to have his hair long. In the late 18th century, it was commonplace (mainly in the 1780s) for men to lightly powder their hair, but by the 1790s, it was really only something that the older men did. Considering that it’s outright stated that Grell doesn’t like (or at least isn’t fond of) his hair, he doesn’t have a reason to have it long. Honestly, I just thought that Butler Grelle (who this Grell is based off of) had their (?? idk what pronouns to use for Butler Grelle I’m just gonna use they/them) hair long because it would’ve been easier for Grelle herself, but I digress. It doesn’t seem like Grell’s ever had his hair really short, so the fact that he does can either be a surface level keeping his mother (who does seem to like it) happy or a deeper subconscious where it kinda feels right but he can’t figure out why and he doesn’t like it but can’t part with it. Then again, we do know that Grelle has her hair short in the OVA and so the long hair could eventually be cut down to that length to show her moving on from her past, as the cutting of hair usually symbolizes the end of a chapter in life. That one’s probably the most probable.
So now we get into the meat of this section where George and unnamed other man friend of George come across Grell while he’s out. Grell is not ready for this interaction, obviously, and I won’t lie, I was kinda scared reading this part. At first I thought they were gonna be like mean and not friendly at all, which isn’t completely the case. They’re just people who know Friedrich.
George and unnamed man kind of take the whole time to just talk about Grell as if he isn’t right there in front of them. They talk about the struggle to get a job, what he looks like, the fact that he’s pretty quiet (not even saying a word the whole conversation), and even talking about Hilary right there in front of him.
The main reason that Grell doesn’t speak is because of a) the discomfort he’s feeling and b) the overwhelming anxiety coursing through him. He’s become very aware of the fact that his father talks about him and goes through a mess of thoughts as he overthinks it all. In fact, he overthinks everything that’s said to him, a testament to his horrible confidence in himself. Anyways so I’m gonna pick apart what they say about Grell now so bullet point time!
“Your father tells us you’re struggling to get a job.”
Friedrich talks about Grell during his work. We never get clarity on exactly who George and Co. are to him, but it’s people who at the very least have known him for long enough to have known of Grell since he was somewhat younger and have interacted with Friedrich in the near past. Either way, Friedrich talks about Grell during work or just while out and so yeah. 
The whole looks like his mother or father thing
When being described as looking similar to his mother, Grell’s happy and gets a genuine blush. At this moment here, before realizing that “he” might not be “him” after all, Grell’s just happy to be compared to his mother in a positive light. He’s described as feeling “lighter” and that it feels like the sun has come out (more weather symbolism where sunshine = happiness = Hilary). Then George says that he’s more like his father and Grell just deflates. There was a post that Ell had reblogged about this scenario too that I connected to this and that one gets to a more subconscious level. Basically, it’d be that Grell liked being compared to his mother over his father because it means that he’s seen in a more feminine way which, as a mtf trans person, would be ideal.
There’s the misunderstanding with Grell shaking his head at his own thoughts and George and Co. thinking he means otherwise, but there isn’t really anything there besides him (Grell) almost speaking but getting interrupted in the end
George and Co. talking about Hilary also doesn’t have much to say except that Grell got somewhat visibly upset
“broad-buckled and like a cryptid he remained.”
This is another way to show Grell not being confident. A lot of times, people will feel huge and like a monster when they don’t fit in (and use it as a reason why they wouldn’t fit in). I’m explaining it poorly, but the best most recent place I can remember it being used is in Taylor Swifts’ MV for Antihero (I think, don’t quote me on that, it’s one of the recent ones) where she’s much bigger sitting in a dining room. The lyrics reflect it as well when she sings “Sometimes, I feel like everybody is a sexy baby/And I’m a monster on the hill”. The feeling is similar to that
 “Friedrich said that was his namesake, aye.”
The name Grell means “rough angry.” I have no idea what they’re talking about. But okay. 
There’s more to this, but I feel like we need more info on Friedrich in order to make the connection (or at least, I need more info) so it’s another thing going to the back of the mind.
“Have you taken a liking to the family profession, yet, lad?”
Irony. Grell doesn’t like the “visceral mutilation” of his father’s profession. Grelle does. She even finds a wife out of it (Redcliff supremacy idc). It is nice that Friedrich at the very least never pushed Grell into going into the medical business, only using it as a last resort or empty threat, but I still don’t like him very much right now.
Okay we’re at the end now so back to paragraphs. We’re just at where they say that it’s a shame that Grell doesn’t follow in Friedrich’s footsteps as he is a great man. Grell can’t imagine having a similar life as his father as a husband and father himself; it makes him sick to do so, enough to rush away. He states how he’d never feel a true connection with his imaginary kids and it sickens him. Grell does not want to be the man nor person his father is or ever would be. Grell doesn’t want the family (kinda), he doesn’t want the wife he pretends to love, he doesn’t want the strained relationship with his kids. He doesn’t like it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The only thing wrong here is the expectation that that’s what he needs to succeed. As a person who doesn’t want nor has ever wanted kids of my own, I can relate to the kids part. Constantly I get told that I’ll change my mind when I’m older and I have a partner of my own who does want kids, but I know that that will never happen. Kids aren’t needed to be successful, and neither is a proper family. Unfortunately, the stereotypical family man of the late 1700s is what’s expected of Grell and so he can’t really promote his thinking of otherwise, especially when he’s the one carrying the family reputation in a sense. 
~~~
 If my over 6k word analysis is to say anything, let it be this, this story is filled with so many things that I love and can’t wait to see where it goes. I’m gonna start a taglist for this, so if you wanna be added, tell me and I’ll add you. And let me know what you all think of my ideas as well or share any ideas you may have!! Comments and asks are open so please, I love talking about this and as the appointed co-number one fan and analyzer, talk to me about it and I will love you forever. Okay that’s all I’m gonna go take a fat nap now haha. Until next chapter!
Taglist: @hobbit-in-kuroshitsuji @superjelly11
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jeevaschrist · 10 months
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Hi! If your requests are open, could I please have a bsd matchup with a male character?
My name’s Rachel, I’m 18 and my pronouns are she/her. I’m 5’7, have brown hair that comes a few inches below my shoulders, brown eyes and freckles from cheek to cheek. I’m a really optimistic person, and I try to help others as much as I can. I’m good at giving advice, and making people feel better. I’m very charismatic and very outgoing! I love trying out new activities, But, I can get impatient easily and I tend to be stubborn. I really enjoy fashion design. I love sewing and coming up with a new ideas of something I can make! I’m also really passionate about music. I’ve played piano for 11 years, and it really helps me to express myself.Some of my other hobbies include baking, and shopping. My personal style is a kind of mix between softie and angelcore. I have a huge sweet tooth, so I love desserts! I also like jewelry and flowers. I hate bugs.
I hope that’s alright, thank you so much!!
hi hi! 1. i may or may not have checked our ur blog and AAAAAAAA it's so pretty wtf???? and you do TW?! you 100% have to message me so we can be friends omg
-also ok getting to what you actually asked for now lol sorry
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i knooooooow this is going to be very basic and ur probably going to hate me but hear me out pls
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i truly do ship u with atsushi. and i can tell that you've gotten this probably a bunch of times bc it's the one my brain automatically went to so before you yell at me (not that u will)- hear me out!
you can get stubborn and impatient. atsushi doesn't always outwardly show it but he is too. so in that sense you'll compliment each other. i feel like with the piano, atsushi would find not only another truth and depth behind you but also something in himself since music has a way of showing people things they didn't even know about themselves. i think that would be a really cool bonding experience for you guys and he'd probably at some point want to try to learn. for the sewing hobby tbh i'd love to see u use atsu as a human mannequin :D
he'd happily eat deserts with you and i'm assuming ranpo would sniff out what you two are doing and join in as well. atsushi would be one of those boys who would offer to hold the bags for you while you shop so that you have two hands available to shop and browse items. i think he'd love your style also and he'd probably find it refreshing and astonishing all at the same time bc he seems like someone who would really take the time to admire the things about his partner that one wouldn't think he'd see.
i hope this was okay for u! ^^
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youngblood-182 · 2 years
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Hi, I was just wondering if I could get a Naruto match up? I loved the ones you’ve written so far. My name is Annie. I’m 22 years old and I’m a 5’0 Latina with hip length curly dark brown hair. I guess I have more of an hourglass figure? I’m a little small in the chest and waist, but my thighs and butt are bigger lol. I also have brown eyes and I have tanned skin. I do workout at least 4 times a week because I’m trying to get to my body goals. Pronouns are she/her and I prefer men. I haven’t started college, so I’ve just been working for three years. I play bass guitar, love to write, cook, and experiment with makeup looks. My music taste is a ride 😂 I’m a metal head (like I really love Black Sabbath), I also love 90’s rap, A$AP Rocky, Aaliyah, Nirvana, and Hollywood Undead. I tend to be shy when you first meet me, but once I open up and become comfortable, I’m a mix between bubbly and laid back. I just have a really hard time talking to the person I’m interested in and I blush easily around them. I do have a shorter fuse and I keep it in check lol, and I can also be the mom friend when needed. I’m always there for my friends and will help in any way I can. For dates, I’d love spending time together with that person so if I cooked for that person and then went for a walk after, I’d be content. I would also love to go with them to run errands if they wanted lol I just like spending time with them. I also forgot to mention I plan to go to college soon to possibly be a dietitian or a nutritionist. Traveling is another thing I like to do as well and I’m a bit of a neat freak. I think my personality type is INFJ-T. Sorry for writing so much, I didn’t realize how much I wrote 😂 @mintspice
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GIRL I SHIP YOU WITH HIDAN
-please go read my random hidan headcanons bc this man lives rent free in my brain
-I feel like you two would meet at some record shop, Hidan may be kind of a himbo & an asshole to most people. He had dragged Deidara with him to shop when Deidara spotted you, thought you were cute and tried to flirt with you but you were more interested in the man next to him.
-I literally could see you just freezing up and instantly blushing while it takes Hidan a solid minute to figure out you thought he was attractive. Man’s immediately asked you out once he figured it out.
-He would love if you cooked for him, in my head I don’t think Hidan would be the best cook but he surely would enjoy watching you cook and then would probably point out the most random things during your walk with him (he has adhd LMAO)
-I feel like after a while Hidan would become attuned to your emotions and if he felt your fuse starting to burn he would immediately do whatever he could to help support you. You need a punching bag? Yeah he’s got you.
-he loves to listen to you play your bass guitar, it’s very soothing for him. 🥹
-I feel like he would cuss at everyone else but with YOU he’d keep it to a minimum. He’s too scared to lose you by being an idiot 🥹
-overall 10/10 I ship this ok
SONGS
Sundress - A$AP Rocky
Lounge Act - Nirvana (I love them SM and I haven’t listened to them since high school UGH LOVE THIS)
Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G.
i wanna be your girlfriend - girl in red
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bunny584 · 2 months
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hello my pretty baby bunny~ i cant get over how cute your responses are lol
as for my love languages, my receiving are going to be acts of service and quality time per the love language quiz but i can appreciate all love languages (the scope of percentages were pretty close and i love my words of affirmation and physical touch too asdfj) but i LOVE having someone attention. the idea of someone going heart eyes over me while i talk just SENDS me askdlf and i have a tendency to mix up gift giving and acts of service but like someone thinking of me and doing something sends me as well. (ex: being woken up to coffee being made for me. OOOOOO that sends me askldf;) just being thought about and paid attention to makes me go heart eyed lol niche love language is music. i communicate so much through music (blame the fact i was a band, choir and theater kid lol). but i consider the highest honor to be let in on my music taste.
as for giving: i give based off of gifts and physical touch. im not the best with gifts but also like i said giving gifts/acts of service mix in my mind. NOW i commonly give head pats and hugs and little love bites to those i care about. just *noms on you* lol
id love to know yours as well if you'll allow me sweetie~
(and you'd never be the other wife with me~ i actually havent had a girlfriend yet *cries in bad bisexual*)
-🦊
lore drop #2: just some things about me. im AFAB genderfluid. i dont have preferred pronouns (though i love being hit with fem compliments hehe) A/N: FUCK this one was a long one, sorry hun asdf;l
Hahahah don’t feel bad, we all were bad bisexuals at some point in our lives I’m convinced.
*internal screaming @ pretty baby bunny, you are playing a dangerous game with that one 😭*
I know people think it’s frivilous BS, but I actually think there’s some validity to understanding how people like to receive and give love. Mental note made.
Okay for me. To give: physical touch x5000%, quality time. Words are a close third. To receive: it’s so embarrassing but words of affirmation mean everything (I think this is due to the constant evaluation from undergrad/med school/residency) physical touch and gifts are tied as my second.
*also a big fan of your second Lore Drop, btw.*
Lore Drop #2: As a previous sorority girl, I am on the far end of the feminine spectrum 😅. Bunny was a college nickname that stuck and will forever be my pen name.
Never apologize for wordiness, I love it.
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lilahisntsadanymore · 2 years
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Tried to write some cozy, Christmas vibe fanfic where everyone is happy. Ofc Y/n is Sirius' daughter because I like this trope in Golden Trio era fanfics idk sorry aaaa
The reader pronouns: she/her (I decided to start adding this instead of writing it in the pairing thing like a character x pronoun!reader)
Pairing: friends!Golden Trio x reader, dad!Sirius Black x reader, hints at Fred Weasley x reader, a bit of Jily
Words count: 4.1k
Tw: none, everyone is safe and happy (well, except Y/n’s mother and Regulus who still died but Sirius knows he was a good person), this is an AU where James and Lily lived but Peter didn’t want to go to Azkaban so he made everyone think Sirius killed him, also there might be some typos because I wrote it on the laptop during online classes lol
≫ ──── ««•◦ ✪ ◦•»» ──── ≪
Christmas at Grimmauld Place
Sirius sat in the living room of his house impatiently. He was finally able to meet his daughter after so many years. This could have been done earlier, but Remus advised it's better to wait. So Sirius waited. But now it was finally the right time. The Christmas break.
Y/n was more than excited to go home this Christmas break. Well, home, her new home. So far, she lived with her godfather Remus, but this year she was supposed to visit the house her father inherited and lived in. The house at Grimmauld Place. Y/n was anxious, but still couldn’t wait until the train arrives at the destination.
"How do you feel about meeting Sirius?" Hermione asked.
"I've got mixed feelings." Y/n answered truthfully. "Imagine meeting your dad for a quick moment after him being in Azkaban for twelve years, not seeing him for over a year and eventually spending Christmas together."
“Don’t worry, Y/n, he’s awesome!” Harry assured excitedly. He, Ron and Hermione had spent some time with Sirius last summer. Y/n didn’t understand why she coudn’t while they could, but she didn’t want to argue with Remus.
Suddenly the train stopped and the passengers were able to exit it. Finally. It were just a few hours but to Y/n it felt like eternity. The quartet rushed to get off of the train. Y/n looked around the station. She saw Lily and James, but neither Sirius nor Remus were nowhere to be seen.
“Mum, dad.” Harry smiled at his parents.
“Good afternoon.” Y/n, Hermione and Ron greeted in unison.
The older couple greeted them and explained they came to pick them up alone to not catch unnecessary attention. The more people, the louder it would be. So Sirius, Remus, Molly and Arthur were supposed to stay at Grimmauld Place.
As they waited for the rest of Weasley kids to join, they talked about school. Well, Lily tried to keep the conversation about grades, classes, the teachers, while James talked about quidditch.
“When I was 16,” the man recalled as he put his arm around his son’s shoulders, “I became the captain. After that happpened, your mother didn’t miss a single match.”
“Let me remind you it was the year Marlene finally got on the team, she’s my best friend.” Lily pointed out, laughing. “I still hated you back then!”
“Oh please, you loved me.” James teased.
Y/n, Hermione, Ron and Harry started giving looks to one another as they all beamed. Despite graduating many years ago, James and Lily sometimes still did act like teenagers (as much as Lily would never admit it). Their little squabble was interrupted by the arrival of the rest of Weasley children.
“Alright, is everyone ready to go?” Lily asked, when she and James finished greeting them all.
≫ ──── ««•◦ ✪ ◦•»» ──── ≪
The Potters apparated the kids to the house at Grimmauld Place. Well, outside of it, because of all the safety charms put on it. Lily used her wand to reveal the house. Two residential blocks of the number 11 and 13 were shoved away by the house of the number 12 suddenly appearing between them.
Old stairs were leading to the front door, which surprisingly didn’t have anything that could be the handle or even just a hole for the key. A thing that draw Y/n’s attention was a silver knocker in a shape of a serpent. There was a doorbell, but before anyone could press it, James pointed at it and warned:
“Don’t use the doorbell. It wakes up the portrait of Sirius’ mother, your grandmother, Y/n. And it’s so bloody loud.”
The door could be opened either by someone from the outside or with the use of magic. Of course, James used magic, but in the matter of seconds Molly Weasley appeared in the hallway, greeting everybody.
“It’s good to see you too, Mrs Weasley.” Y/n beamed at the woman after receiving a tight hug.
The girl looked around. The hallway looked gloomy and dark, it had a scary vibe. Y/n didn’t expect the rest of the house to be different. Maybe somehow she could get used to sleeping here, but she felt that the first night could be difficult.
“Sirius!” Harry exclaimed as soon as the door of the dining room opened. He ran to the man to hug him.
“Dad...” Y/n whispered as she felt a weave of both happiness and anxiety overwhelming her body. She put down her trunk as the man walked closer to her.
Sirius looked at his daughter with the biggest smile ever. Y/n was beaming as well. Compared to the last time they saw each other, both of them changed. They saw each other for a short moment in the end of Y/n’s 3rd year. Y/n grew up. And Sirius, well, he was clean and had normal clothes instead of a prison suit.
“I’m sorry for leaving for so long, but your safety comes first.” Sirius embraced Y/n. “I promise it won’t happen again.”
“It’s all good now.” The girl assured. “I’m not angry.”
Sirius and Y/n pulled away from each other. Neither of them knew how to act or what to say. The man turned to the rest and proposed to show them their rooms. Hermione, Harry and the Weasleys occupied the same rooms as they did last summer. 
Sirius showed Y/n her room. It was near Hermione and Ginny’s room. There was a big bed with scarlet and gold bedsheets. Other necessary bedroom furniture like the wardrobe, the desk with a chair, some shelves and a nightstand were made of a pale brown type of wood. There was a dark carpet on the floor in a colour between brown and grey. The walls were covered in scarlett wallpaper with gold stars.
“It was renovated just for you.” Sirius announced. “I hope you like it.”
“Like? I love it!” Y/n assured. “I can’t wait to properly move in after this school year.”
“Since you’re planning on moving in, with Remus’ permission of course, there is one more thing you have to see.”
Sirius led Y/n to the drawing room, which was on the first floor. It had huge windows through which the street was visible, even though the building was theoretically hidden for anyone outside. Y/n’s attention was drawn to the big tapestry of what she figured was her family’s family tree.
“The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black,” the girl read out loud, “Toujours pur. This thing is old, isn’t it?”
“Very old.” Sirius nodded. “It was made somewhere in the 13th century. I despise this bloody thing, but I figured you should see it. Here’s your grandmother. An awful, spiteful woman with a violent temper.”
Sirius pointed at a small porait of a woman, under which was written ‘Walburga Black’. Her either black or very dark brown hair were put in an elegant hairstyle. Y/n noticed something weird. She was born into the Black family, same as her husband Orion Black.
“Did she marry her second cousin?” Y/n asked and made a puking expression after her dad confirmed that.
Under Walburga and Orion there were two sons - Sirius and Regulus. The girl knew from Remus that her father was disowned, so she wasn’t surprised to see his portrait burned off of the tree. Under him, there was an empty portrait. It was Y/n’s. It was signed with ‘Y/n Black’.
“They used to not keep track of descandants of disowned relatives,” Sirius began explaining, “but after mother found out I ‘killed’ a few muggles and a half blood, she probably regretted burning me off. And that’s probably why she left me this house in her will.” A chuckle escaped his mouth.
“Turning in her grave right now, isn’t she?” Y/n laughed.
“Spinning violently, I suppose.”
The both of them burst out with laugher. Y/n knew Walburga would hate her and was really glad that Sirius wasn’t like his mother. Their little laughing session was interrupted by some screams coming from the hallway.
“STAINS OF DISHONOUR, FILTHY HALF BREEDS, BLOOD TRAITORS! HOW DARE YOU BEFOUL THE HOUSE OF MY FATHERS!”
“Speak of the devil.” Sirius muttered under his breath and rushed out of the room. Y/n walked after him.
After watching the adults trying to close the curtains on Walburga’s screeching portrait, Y/n asked Sirius to continue the house tour. The next stop was was a room on which’s doors was a sign Do Not Enter Without the Express Permission of Regulus Arcturus Black.
The room looked like nothing was changed since Regulus died, as Y/n assumed. The drawers of his desk probably hid many interesting things that would tell the girl more about him or the rest of the Black family. But out of respect to him, Y/n didn’t want to open these drawers.
The decorations proudly highlighted that Regulus was a Slytherin. The walls, the windows, the bed, everything was in green and silver. A thing anyone who entered the room noticed firstly, was a big crest of the House of Black over the bed along with the family’s motto.
Sirius’ room, which Y/n saw later on, was very different from Regulus’ room. In this room, the Gryffindor colours played a big role along with muggle posters sticked to walls.
≫ ──── ««•◦ ✪ ◦•»» ──── ≪
The first day at Grimmauld Place was quite...intense. Y/n got into bed with many thoughts on her mind. From how deranged her grandmother was, to what could have happened to her uncle. Or her mother, whom she didn’t get herself to ask Sirius about. All she knew from Remus was that her name was Cynthia, she was a Ravenclaw and a friend of Luna Lovegood’s mum.
On the next day’s very early morning, sudden knocking ripped Y/n out of her sleep. Who could it be at such early hour? It was a bit after 5am. The girl stood up and walked to open the door.
“What happened?” Y/n asked in a whisper when she saw the Weasley twins on the other side of the door.
"Good evening, Pupcake." They said in unison. It was a nickname they made up for Y/n.
“Are you gonna look for presents with us?” Fred asked, whispering.
“It wasn’t exactly what I would do at 5 in the morning, but alright.”
The girl slowly closed the door of her room and tiptoed to the stairs with the twins. Of course Y/n wanted to find out what will she get for Christmas. Who wouldn’t? Well, while the present from Mrs Weasley was obvious, Y/n was eager to know what Sirius planned on giving her.
As the three friends were quietly sneaking down the stairs, Y/n’s hand brushed Fred’s hand on the banister. Thankfully it was still dark, so the twins couldn’t see how Y/n blushed. Yes, Y/n had a crush on her friend’s older brother and no, she didn’t want anyone to know. It was so cheesy, she was sure she would be made fun of for it.
The reason why Y/n wasn’t on the Gryffindor quidditch team was that she was a quite clumsy person. She could stumble over her own feet sometimes. Exactly how she did this time. She fell off of the last step of the stairs.
“Bloody hell.” Y/n swore as the portrait of her grandmother began screaming. The curtains slid away, revealing Walburga Black once again yelling several mean things.
Y/n’s heart sped up, she didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, the twins were 17 already, which meant they could apparate. Fred gently grabbed Y/n by the arm and apparated to another room.
Taking a look around, Y/n figured she’s in the twins’ room.
“Thanks.” She managed to say, still in panic from what has just happened.
“Did you think I’d leave you there?” Fred asked.
"Shhh, quiet, lovebirds." George shushed. "We don't want anyone to hear us, do we?"
Y/n nodded, pretending she didn't hear the nickname. Fred did the guesture of zipping his mouth shut.
A moment later, they heard Walburga's scream quiet down and eventually disappear. But then another sound disturbed the three teenagers. Someone was coming to the room as they could tell by the sound of steps, which was getting closer and closer with each one.
"Fredrick Gideon Weasley and George Fabian Weasley!" Now it was Molly's scream filling the house. "Can't you behave just this once?!"
The woman violently opened the door. She had a furious expression on her face, which softened immediately when she saw that Y/n also was in the room.
"We're so sorry, Mrs Weasley." Y/n began, knowing she can always talk a way out it. "It's my fault, I woke up early and asked Fred and George to go to the kitchen with me to eat earlier. I tripped over my own feet and woke the portrait up."
"It's all good, sweetheart. It's almost 6, we all needed to wake up anyways." Molly smiled at the girl.
"I didn't mean to do it. I didn't know it's so easy to make her start yelling and everything..."
"As I said, it's alright. How could you know? Will you come help me with breakfast?"
"Of course, Mrs Weasley, that's the least I can do to express how sorry I am."
"And you," the woman turned to the twins, "you will help me clean up after breakfast. Without magic!"
Molly left the room. Y/n winked at the twins and walked behind the woman. The girl knew she could also convince Molly to not punish the boys. That was a thing Y/n was known for - if there was anybody who could persuade people out of something (or into something) it was Y/n. She often used this skill with teachers.
Sirius and Remus were in the kitchen, drinking coffee. They heard the conversation Y/n had with Molly, it reminded them of their times at Hogwarts. Sirius smiled at his daughter, she reminded him of young himself.
"Good morning, Molly." Remus said.
"Good morning, Remus, Sirius." The woman replied.
"I'm sorry," Y/n chimed in, "you know, for the wakeup."
"We were up anyways." Sirius assured. "You know, the full moon's coming up and-"
"That's enough, Padfoot." Remus interrupted him.
"Oh no," Y/n's face saddened, "does it mean you won't be with us for Christmas?"
"Unfortunately. But Lily and James are here. Not to mention it's the first Christmas in many years you'll spend with your dad."
"I know, I know. But I'm just worried about you. As always."
"And as always I'll be as good as new after the full moon."
Y/n gave a hug to her godfather and her father, then began helping Molly with breakfast.
Of course the girl felt bad about what Remus had to go through each full moon, but there wasn't anything she could do about it.
About half an hour later, the breakfast was almost ready. Molly asked Sirius and Remus to carry plates, cups, forks, knifes and all that stuff to the dining room. In the meantime, Y/n was finishing pancakes.
"Pupcake is making pancakes," Fred chuckled, apparating into the kitchen,"I hope you didn't poison them."
The boy suddenly appearing in the room was a little surprising, but also expectable. Y/n didn't let it scare her.
"I poisoned only the ones for you, Freddie." The girl announced, trying to make her voice sound serious.
"We all know you love me too much to actually poison me." The boy sat on the kitchen counter, knowing Y/n is joking. “Besides, how would you know which ones I’ll eat?”
"You should know by now that I can easily read your mind and predict your actions.”
“Oh, really? Then what am I thinking about?”
“Easy one. Me.” The girl said undoubtfully as she put the last pancake on a plate.
“Damn it, you really can read my mind, Pupcake.”
Their cute little moment was interrupted by Sirius clearing his throat. Y/n turned around and Fred nervously jumped off of the kitchen counter. The awkward moment when they all just stood in the kitchen silently felt like eternity but lasted only about a few seconds.
“Seems like everything’s ready,” Molly announced as she walked into the room, “kids, could you two call the rest for breakfast?”
“Sure thing.” Y/n replied with a smile. She grabbed Fred by the wrist and dragged him out of the room.
The girl went to wake up Hermione and Ginny while Fred was supposed to wake up the boys. Good thing they didn’t have to wake up Mr and Mrs Potter, because they passed by them on the stairs.
≫ ──── ««•◦ ✪ ◦•»» ──── ≪
The breakfast was huge and delicious, very similar to breakfasts at Hogwarts. Pancakes, french toasts, some fruits and veggies, tea, coffe, orange juice. After the breakfast, it was the time to put up the the Christmas tree and decorate it.
With so many people, decorating the tree wasn’t so easy. Maybe it was a little chaotic, but at least it was fun. Sirius stood a few meters away, just watching everyone putting the ornaments on the tree and chattering. Of course there were some tiny agrues and squabbles, but what would be Christmas without these?
He looked at Y/n discussing the decorations with Harry, Ron and Hermione. They reminded him of himself and his friends. Such a shame Peter was a traitor. Hopefully this new generation didn’t have to deal with people like him.
Sirius heard about this group Harry and a few other students (including Y/n) made. Dumbledore’s Army. James and Sirius were the only adults that knew about it so far, because they overheard Harry and Hermione talking about it. They both approved of this idea.
Later on, Y/n sat alone by the firepace in the drawing room. She was on the floor, looking at the dancing flames. It was the evening to the fire was the only source of light in the room. Out of a sudden, Y/n felt someone sitting next to her. Dad, the girl thought.
“What are you thinking about?” The man asked, noticing that his daughter looks a bit worried.
“I wish mum was here with us...” Y/n said in a dreamy tone. Maybe she was kind of avoiding answering the question or maybe she was sharing a part of her thoughts. “Dad, how did mum die? Remus never wanted to told me, he said he wasn’t sure if you’d want me to know.”
“I knew you’ll ask about it someday,” Sirius sighed, “although I kept hoping you won’t. But you deserve to know what happened. Cynthia, Pandora and Regulus had their little group and their shenanigans. Nobody knew what were they plotting about-”
“So they were just like you and your friends?” Y/n interrupted, chuckling.
“I guess you could say that. Everyone was shocked when me and your mother announced we’re getting married. They thought she went dark, because Regulus was a deatheater and she was hanging out with him a lot during our Hogwarts days.”
“My uncle worked for Voldemort?” Y/n felt chills run down her back. She despised Voldemort and his pathetic supporters, but at the same time she was terryfied by the thought of them. She didn’t get why would her dad let his brother become a deatheater.
“Partially. In the end it turned out that he, Cynthia and Pandora were making up a plan to destroy him. It all was between the three of them, even I barely knew anything. Then Reggie disappeared, so your mum went to look for him and never came back. I’ve lost all contact with Pandora, but I know she was working on something that would help with defeating Voldemort...”
“Pandora is Luna Lovegood’s mum, I’m friends with Luna-”
“Really? Cynthia hoped you’d be. She and Pandora had it all planned out, they even promised each other that your middle name was going to be Luna and Luna’s middle name was supposed to be Y/n.”
“And it is! We had many conversations about it, many theories were made.” Y/n chuckled, “Anyways, she said her mum died when she was 9. She was working on some new spell. So, are there any clues left on what mum, uncle and Pandora were doing? Maybe stuff they left? Some advice or something?”
“I see what you’re trying to do. I liked this idea with that group you joined, but I can’t let you end up like your mother. This is the real world, this is dangerous, if you make a mistake, there won’t be Harry to correct you.”
“I didn’t ‘join’ Dumbledore’s Army, I co-founded it with Harry, Ron and Hermione. I understand I can die, but I’d gladly die fighting for what’s right, so that the younger wizards could grow up not even knowing who Lord Voldemort was-” Y/n began explaning in a violent tone of voice. She felt offended by her father thinking she isn’t good enough to fight the deatheaters.
“Hey, hey, hey, calm down,” Sirius chuckled, putting an arm around his daughter’s shoulders, “it’s good to see you show off your mother’s will to fight and that violent temper so typical for the Black side of your family, but calm down. I need you to understand you’re the only family I have left and I don’t want to lose you.”
≫ ──── ««•◦ ✪ ◦•»» ──── ≪
When the house is packed with two Blacks, one Granger, three Potters and six Weasleys, nobody expects mornings to be calm and silent. Y/n was woken up by someone banging quickly and loudly on her door. She groaned, but opened the door to see Hermione, Harry and Ron.
“I’m so glad you’re awake!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Mione, I’m pretty sure your bloody knocking woke her up. ‘I’ll just knock lightly to see if she’s awake’, yeah, lightly my arse.” Ron cursed, imitating the girl’s voice.
“My voice does not sound like this!”
“Oh, yes, it’s more of ‘my voice does not sound like this’.”
“Stop it, Ronald.”
“‘Stop it, Ronald’.”
“Seriously, stop it, you two.” Y/n chimed in, since Harry looked too entertained by their squabble to stop them. “Something happened?”
“Yes! It’s Christmas, Y/n!” Hermione poined out, giving Y/n a hug. “Happy Christmas!”
“Thank you, happy Christmas to you too!” Y/n hugged Hermione back and gestured the boys to join in the hug. “Happy Christmas, everyone!”
The four friends walked downstairs together. The decorated Christmas tree was in the dining room, so that was were they headed. As they walked in, they saw everyone was waiting for them. Lily, Molly, Arthur, Ginny, Fred and George were already sitting by the able. Only Sirius and James were missing but Y/n guessed they were asleep.
After greeting everyone, Ron took a seat on the side of the table where his siblings were, Harry sat on the opposite side, next to his parents. Next to him sat Hermione and next to her Y/n. Mrs Weasley handed out her gifts to everyone.
Y/n, as she thought, was given a handmade sweater. It was sweet how every year Mrs Weasley gave gifts also to Ron’s friends. At this point Harry, Hermione and Y/n could feel like a part of the Weasley family.
Suddenly everyone heard the door open. Not long after that, Sirius and James walked into the dining room. Y/n remembered it was the full moon last night, so they most likely spent the night keeping an eye on Remus.
“Happy Christmas, everyone!” The men exclaimed in unison.
It was so good to finally spend the Christmas with so many people. It was exactly what Sirius needed after so many years in Azkaban. He felt as if he turned back in time to Christmas at Jame’s parents’ house. They were carefree teenagers, right before everything fell apart just a few years later.
“I think Cynthia would like you to have this,” Sirius said to Y/n, giving her a small present box, “it’s been passed from mother to daugher in her family for many, many ages. Happy Christmas.”
Y/n opened the box and carefully took out the thing that was inside it. She was holding a beautiful silver necklace with a moon. Y/n saw her mother wearing it on a few photographs she saw in the past. The girl really liked it, she hugged Sirius as a way of saying ‘thank you’. She was sure she would start crying the second she tried to form a sentence.
“It’s really gorgeous.” Hermione admitted once Y/n had the necklace around her neck. “And it makes so much sense. Cynthia is the Greek moon goddess. And your middle name is Luna, which is Latin for the moon.”
“I’ll never take this off.” Y/n smiled, fiddling with the little moon hanging from her neck.
For the first time in many years, Sirius was happy again. It wasn’t same as before his perfect not-so-perfect life fell apart, but it was way better than Azkaban. And now every Christmas and every summer was supposed to be like this. The thougt of it mixed with today’s Christmas spirit filled him up with happiness. True happiness.
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ssamie · 2 years
Text
10 things i hate about you
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includes: oikawa tooru x reader, seijoh boys in some parts
— fluff, angst?, this was inspired by that one episode of "our beloved summer" lol, im gonna make u kind of like yeonsu which is the character from the drama and use a few scenes from it as well 🤝
— don't mind the random dates, i just had to put them for a certain part later on in the story. there might be some mistakes here and there, im sorry in advance.
— gender neutral pronouns, 6k+words
hq masterlist.        gen masterlist.         navi.
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iwaizumi sighed for the umpteenth time as oikawa spiked yet another ball to the poor wall, which had to receive all the hits mixed with oikawa’s curses.
"hey" iwaizumi scoffed as he hit the brunette's head with his fist.
"agh" oikawa groaned as he dropped the volleyball he was holding and pushed iwaizumi's hand away.
"the hell's wrong with you?" iwaizumi snarled at him. "youre acting like you've lost your mind just cus you saw y/n again"
oikawa groaned in exasperation and annoyingly waved his hands around. "don't even say that name okay?" he said, making iwaizumi roll his eyes
"stop being immature. you're not in highschool anymore." iwaizumi said as he patted the boy's back
"immature.." oikawa muttered with a huff "y/n always said i was immature. god i don't even wanna think about them" he clicked his tongue
iwaizumi watched silently as his friend continues to mutter under his breath, stomping his feet unreasonably loud as he harshly throws his things into his bag.
"well, they were right." iwaizumi said, making oikawa snap his head towards his best friend with a comical look of betrayal.
"you're a grown man, huffing and sulking like a child because you saw your ex again." iwaizumi spoke with a sharp glare. "y/n's working with your team's sponsor so you either have to deal with it or get lost"
oikawa huffed at his friend's awfully blunt but unfortunately truthful words. "whatever. you're just like them, iwa." he rolled his eyes
"plus, aren't you my best friend?! you're supposed to side with me not y/n!" he said the name with such distaste
though it wasn't too hard for iwaizumi to notice his eyes softening into something more solemn despite his act.
"im not siding with anyone." iwaizumi said. "but seriously, it's been 5 years since you broke up. i know it affected you but you're doing much better now, right?"
"jeez, back in highschool, you two used to be all over each other that it honestly made me sick" iwaizumi chuckled
"you used to ramble to me how much you love them like the maniac you are. so the way you're acting now is a bit..." iwaizumi trailed off
oikawa frowned. "psh, who said i loved them? i don't love them.. i hate y/n.." he said, his voice growing smaller and smaller
"i hate y/n l/n so much" oikawa exclaimed with a puffed chest, but the waver in his voice completely gave him away
"in fact, i'll give you 10 reasons why. right now."
iwaizumi rolled his eyes "i'd rather not hear it" oikawa simply ignored him and closed his eyes, reminiscing on the past years he'd spent with them.
"okay! gosh, where do i even start.."
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"reason #1 : y/n l/n is selfish."
iwaizumi didn't even bat an eye at this. "yeah, i guess they had their moments" he said with a shrug
"not just moments, iwa!" oikawa exclaimed. "they were like that all the time! jeez at that rate, i think they may have been born with it!"
oikawa chuckles sourly "do you remember that one time in highschool? gosh i can't forget it even if i wanted to"
03-05-XX - 7 Days Before Exams 
 you break away from your conversation with oikawa, looking back to meet eyes with one of your classmates sheepishly smiling at you.
"y/n-san?"
"what?" you responded, sounding a bit indifferent as you could practically hear the favor about to spill from her lips before she could even say it.
"well...you know those notes we needed for the test next week?" she asked as she pointed at the notebook on your desk, which ad the said notes in the open for her to see. "can you lend this to me? please! me and my friends will just take a picture and you can have it back!" she pleaded
you look at her and pick up the notebook, making the girl smile in triumph, holding her hand out expecting to receive it.
though what she didn't expect was for you to rip the page, crumpling it, and tearing it to small and unsalvageable pieces.
"there." you said. "you can take a picture of it if you want. though im sure there's no use for that anymore."
"if you wanna pass the test, then study and do your work like everyone else"
the girl scoffed at you, giving you a dirty glare before stomping away, muttering under her breath loud enough for you to hear, "gosh, i knew they were stuck up but i didn't know they were just a plain bitch. i have no idea why oikawa-kun hangs out with them"
you paid no mind as you gathered the torn up paper and place it in between you notebook pages.
"hmm" oikawa hummed, leaning on his desk as he stares at you with narrowed eyes. "what?" you asked, looking him in the eye as you cross your arms. "spit it out, stop being annoying" you mutter
"why did you do that?" oikawa asked with furrowed brows "she just wanted to see your notes"
"she wouldn't have to see mine if she had written her own, oikawa-san" you replied blandly as you pull out a book to read
oikawa huffs "well... you're right" he shrugged
"but don't go doing that again, kay?" he playfully scolds you, "what would they say when they find out that the oikawa tooru is dating someone that doesn't even share their notes?!" he shrieked in horror
"hm, then i guess you can date someone else that does" you said, briefly glancing at him as you flip a page in your book
immediately, his act fails, and he's linking your arms together and giggling cutely while he whines. "im joking!" he exclaimed. "but then.. if im the one who needs your notes, would you let me borrow them?" he asked
"cus i actually need them" he admitted with a cutesy grin "i didn't take any notes so.."
"no. you won't get any special treatment from me" you immediately turned him down
"geez" oikawa pouts. "you're quite selfish, aren't you?" he sighs
"that's why they never get along with anyone" oikawa tsks as he shakes his head. "i mean, who would want to be friends with someone with an attitude like that?!"
iwaizumi hums, "i mean, you dated them didn't you?"
oikawa paused, fumbling over his words as he tries to stay cool. "well, that's.. different.."
"they never got along with anyone, and they never ate with anyone before we dated and before they met the team, everyone would stray away from them.. " he listed out
"and its all because of one thing!" oikawa exclaimed. "it's the next reason on my list"
iwaizumi sighed in annoyance "are you really gonna list 10 things down? you're such a loser"
"reason #2: they have absolutely no social skills!"
oikawa laughed "gosh, compared to me, our social levels are just in such different heights" he sneered
"uhuh" iwaizumi muttered dryly, he was honestly considering just blocking his friend's voice out
"yeah! remember that one time after we won a match?"
06-14-XX - Match Celebration Night 
 "oikawa-san, i told you" you sighed "you can just celebrate with your team tonight, and i'll treat you to something else tomorrow" you offered
"y/n-chan~~ please just come with me!" oikawa pleaded, he almost considered getting on his knees but he was feeling way too proud after just winning a match to do that
oikawa frowned, feeling a bit hurt that you had no interest in celebrating his win despite knowing how hard he's worked for it. "why won't you come with me, y/n?" he asked with a disheartened tone in his voice
"it's just.." you mumble "it's not like im close with your teammates anyways. if i go with you, i'll be out of place. so just go without me, okay?" you said
you sighed as his frown didn't seem to fade away no matter what convincing you'd do.
"im really proud of you" you said, taking his hands in yours as you graze your thumbs over his slightly calloused skin.
"really? i couldn't tell" oikawa mutters
"i'll make it up to you" you promised. though he seemed a it unconvinced, he nodded anyways.
"okay." he muttered
although iwaizumi had thought of blocking him out, he couldn't help but be intrigued by oikawa’s stories "they were a bit unapproachable at first, i'd agree" iwaizumi nods.
"right?" oikawa scoffs. "and, that not the only thing i hate!"
iwaizumi sighs "oh, who would have thought?"
"reason #3: they try to win at everything. they have a useless competitive spirit." 
 oikawa clicks his tongue. "that trait of theirs was such a drag"
iwaizumi raised a brow at him. "aren't you practically the same?" he asked
oikawa scoffs in disbelief "no way! my competitive spirit comes in handy when im playing a match!" he defended
"but y/n..." he chuckled as he remembered a certain memory "they use it in stupid things."
08-23-XX - Anniversary Date 
"oh, i'll finish that for you if you want" he said, gesturing to your beer as he gulps down his in one go 
 you raise a brow at this "why?" you asked "you think i can't finish it?"
oikawa blinks at you "well.. you've already had a few, so i'll finish it for you incase you might have drank too much"
you pout at him "i can finish it though. i have a pretty good tolerance, you know? plus we're celebrating aren't we? we've been together for 2 years, so i'll drink about 2 more of this"
oikawa groaned "but babe-"
"nope" you cut him off "plus i bet i can drink more than you" you teased him
"this is our anniversary date, not a drinking contest" oikawa chuckled
"it could be if we want" you shrugged
"i really don't want a drinking contest though" oikawa says, biting back a smug grin as he peers at you "you might go crying if you lose" he teases you
you blink at his words and scoff. "we'll see about that" you said
"wait, i was just joking—"
oikawa shakes his head, chuckling lowly as he does so. "maybe that's why people hated them back then as well." he said 
 " 'as well' ? so you hated y/n even back then? is that what you're saying" iwaizumi side eyes him
oikawa scoffs with a smirk "ofcourse!"
"i think you're lying" iwaizumi says.
"im not! iwa-chan, stop making dumb assumptions. i still have more to list down"
"reason #4: they pick fights with everyone!"
"and reason #5: they're stubborn."
oikawa huffed at this, "gosh it's not like they can fight anyways" he said, waving his hands around for emphasis
"they're all talk! always getting hotheaded when they get into the smallest banter with someone"
oikawa scoffs "i mean, can't they see that they could get hurt from that?!" he exclaimed in distress
"then who'll have to take care of them? me!"
iwaizumi stayed quiet, his eyes followed oikawa, who was pacing around while muttering under his breath, way too distracted to follow up his reason with a story to reminisce on.
"just what would i do if they get into something even i couldn't handle? i mean obviously, i'd call you, iwa-chan, to punch whoever they are for me but you'd probably think im messing with you before you'd even believe i actually needed your help—"
iwaizumi cleared his throat, raising a row at oikawa, who was frozen in spot, looking a bit embarrassed.
"i-i mean.. sorry" oikawa sheepishly walked back to his seat beside iwaizumi. "was i rambling?"
it didn't take long for him to get over it though, "anyways, where was i?" he clicked his tongue.
"ah, the next reason"
"reason #6: they're self centered and likes to do anything they want!"
"there's many events to back this up, but this one time.. this one time!" oikawa gritted his teeth, an irked expression etching itself on his face
"gosh, i won't forget it. they were so confusing and inconsiderate." he said "and so unbelievably pushy."
09-12-XX - Break Up Trip
"stand there and smile" you said as you drag him infront of a nice scenery, holding up a camera as you gesture for him to stop frowning
"wait-" oikawa stammered out
"im taking it." you said as you clicked the camera, a subtle flash soon erupting from it. "don't blame me if you don't like it"
"is this really our last trip together?" oikawa asked, hurt and confused as you drag him away once again.
"what are you doing, hurry up we have to take more pictures" you said "then after that, we have to get some food, and take the train back."
oikawa blinked dumbfoundedly. "wait.." he called out, letting you drag him by his arm towards a smoothie stand
"is this really our last trip before you break up with me?" he asked once again
"here, we'll share a straw." you said, completely ignoring him as you placed the smoothie on the table. "we'll drink this, then eat something else. then maybe we can walk around before going to the station." you said with a hum, nodding to yourself as you go over your plans.
"y/n, are you really breaking up with me?" oikawa asked for the nth time that day. he was way too stunned and confused to even think of anything else or process the whole 'trip' you two abruptly went on.
"ah, the sun set way too fast" you pouted. "i guess we have to go to the station now"
oikawa jumped in distraught "then you'll break up with me?!" he exclaimed with dread
"oikawa-san." you stopped to face him, making feel atleast a little bit hopeful that you'd reassure him he's wrong.
"for an athlete, you sure are slow." you deadpanned. "walk faster please."
"so... are you breaking up with me?"
iwaizumi let out a hum of realization "ah, is that why you two suddenly disappeared that time?" he said
"yeah! they showed up unannounced after our argument and took me to a very solemn and infuriating trip, if you can even call it that!" oikawa whined
"but that's not all..you know what else i hate?"
iwaizumi closed his eyes and leaned back. at this point, he had already accepted having to listen to oikawa’s crazy stories. "jeez, how many are left?" he asked
"reason #7: they have no sense of romance."
oikawa's chest heaved as a frown was etched onto his face again. "i wondered how a person could lack so much romance in their life."
"i mean, haven't they atleast watched any dramas or read books other than textbook before?" he whined
"i remember that day exactly... oh how could i forget?"
04-01-XX - Cherry Blossom Festival
"aw, y/n-chan! cmon~" oikawa whined, clinging onto your waist while you simply shelve the books in peace
"it's the last day to see the cherry blossoms! it'll rain tomorrow, you know? and i didn't even come to see them once cus i wanted to only do it with you!" he exclaimed
you look back to see him pouting and batting his eyelashes at you, waiting patiently for your sweet yes.
"im working" he sighed dejectedly as he watched you pick up another stack of books to put in the shelves
"plus why would you wanna go anyways?" you asked "they're just useless flowers with bunched up petals that have no scent"
oikawa mockingly mimicked you "they're just a bunch of flowers with no scent!" he scoffed. "they're pretty flowers that your dear boyfriend wants to see!" he said
you turn to him, smiling as you giving him a light pat on his cheek "we can go next year" you said before walking away
oikawa huffed, watching your retreating figure with a glare. he punched the books in annoyance, but fixed them anyways as he heard you scold him from afar.
"you said that last year.." he muttered
iwaizumi chuckled as oikawa had a nasty expression upon reminiscing on the memory. "you could've asked me to go with you" he said
oikawa turned to him. "yeah, then you would've told me to get lost" he said
oikawa sighed, "how many do i have left?" he asked himself
"reason #8: they always have things to do and they only think about their self ."
10-14-XX - Regional Matches
the boys looked at each other, silently asking why their captain was muttering lowly to himself at the corner, seeming to be in such a bad mood despite having half the stadium cheering his and his team's name.
oikawa clicked his tongue in distaste, his glaring eyes were boring through his phone, straight at your caller id as he waits for you to pick up.
it was sixth call in the last thirty minutes, and you haven't answered even once.
"hey" iwaizumi nudged him. "you look like you're about to kill someone" he said
"hey, we're about to start so keep your head in the game, capt!" matsukawa chimed in as he gave oikawa a hard slap on his back
oikawa winced and put his phone away with a frown. "whatever." he said. "my head is in the game by the way"
"doesn't seem like it" iwaizumi said as he handed the brunette a water bottle. "ah, it's y/n-san isn't it?" hanamaki chimes with a smirk
"are you pissed cus they're not here to cheer you on?" he asked, making oikawa scoff. "ah, so you are" matsukawa chuckled
"dude, there's girls and boys here that are screaming their lungs out for you, don't get too hung up on y/n" matsukawa said
"maybe y/n-san is busy studying or working, as always. i mean they made it a pretty usual thing already. i thought you'd be used to them not attending most of your matches" hanamaki said
iwaizumi hit the both of them "shut up, will you?" he said
oikawa glared at them, throwing his bottle at the two, making them yelp. "don't talk about y/n-chan like that!" he scolded them
"sorry sorry~" the two chimed with a smile
oikawa frowned, "you don't know anything..."
oikawa dragged out a sigh, making iwaizumi eye him curiously. "what is it?" iwaizumi asked.
"if this is hard for you, then you don't really have to talk about it" he said to the brunette. "not like i asked you to, anyway" he added
oikawa meekly shook his head "no, im fine"
"reason #9: another thing i hate.."
oikawa trailed off, he was looking far away. iwaizumi wasn't sure where, to him, his friend just looked like his mind had completely wandered off.
oikawa scoffed to himself, a sad smile ghosting his lips as he muttered the following words,
"..is that only know a side of y/n which nobody else knows, and i can't help but fall in love"
03-06-XX - 6 Days Before Exams
"here." oikawa jumped at the sudden sound of your voice. he blinked dumbfoundedly as you stood before him, holding a piece of paper with tape plastered in almost every inch of it.
"um, what is it?" he asked as he took it from you. suddenly, he chuckled, smirking smugly as he pulled you down to sit with him.
"aw, y/n-chan! don't tell me it's a love letter! —"
you cut him off by snatching it and turning to walk away. "wait wait wait-" oikawa grinned as he pulled you back down to the seat "im just messing with you" he said
you rolled your eyes, smiling as you hit his shoulder. "youre so childish" you laughed
"this is the notes for the test" you said. oikawa looked at you in surprise and confusion "but i thought you got rid of it?"
"well, you said you needed it so.." you trailed off, averting your eyes out of embarrassment
"i tried to tape it back together last night but it might be too crumpled to be read, so i'll help you if you need me to"
you glance at him after not getting a response, fully expecting him to tease you. but instead, you saw him staring at you with a soft look in his eyes. he was smiling brightly, his cheeks blushing in a soft pink color.
"stop smiling like that, you look dumb" you mutter
oikawa grinned even more, watching you with a fond look as you pulled out your books, settling to study with him.
"i knew you couldn't resist me~" he cooed teasingly, inching closer to you to press a kiss on your cheek
you scoffed "no, i was just worried you'd cry if you fail. you're always like that"
oikawa hummed, not minding your harsh words as he pecked your cheek again. "that's the same thing~" he cooed
"don't worry y/n-chan, i know you love me. you don't have to say it"
"you're delusional"
"how mean!"
06-15-XX - The Day After The Match Celebration 
"oh! what's this?"
the boys huddled around a bench, aweing at the cake decorated with their team colors with a message written in the middle
"congratulations, seijoh" kindaichi read. "is it from coach?" he asked
"ooh!! there's drinks too!" matsukawa exclaimed "soda? nice" he said as he popped a can open and immediately drank from it
"senpai, it might be poisoned" kindaichi warned him. "if it is, then just let him be" hanamaki sneered
"what's happening?" oikawa asked as he entered the gym with iwaizumi. "hey, just cus we won doesn't mean you can slack off as much as you want" iwaizumi said as he picked up a ball to throw at hanamaki and matsukawa
"hey, it's not our fault someone left a cake for us! it just means we gotta celebrate more"
"it's probably from shittykawa's fangirls-" iwaizumi paused upon reading the name on the folded note by the cake "ah nevermind, it's from y/n" he said
oikawa perked up from the sound of your name. "y/n?" he asked
"yeah, the note says 'congrats. from, y/n'...yeah, thats all it says" matsukawa chuckled. "y/n-san sure is reserved, aren't they?" he mused
"anyways, tell y/n-san we said thank you" iwaizumi said as he took a slice of cake "tell them to come see us next time, as well"
the boys cheered in agreement, and the thought of his team wanting to hang out you almost made oikawa smile like a lovesick idiot, but obviously he couldn't do that or he'll never hear the end of it.
"hey, start practice without me. i'll come by later" oikawa said before running out the gym
he tried to rack his brain on where he could possibly find you, but it seems he didn't need to think to much as he spotted you seated on a bench under the shade
"y/n-chan!" oikawa called out as he ran towards you. "y/n-" he cut himself off as you wordlessly place a bag in his hands
"a gift?" he mused as he sat next to you, chuckling as he catches you discreetly taking glances to see his reaction to the gift
"oooh~ knee pads! how'd you know i needed them?" oikawa grinned as he pressed a kiss on your temple. "thank you, baby"
you smile shyly at the nickname "your old ones were a bit worn out.." you said. "but, i kind of messed up and somehow got mismatched ones" you said with a frown
oikawa just then took a clearer look at the gift. he hadn't even noticed that it was in black and white because of how happy he was to receive a gift from you.
"i guess i shouldn't have ordered online" you said with a look of distaste.
oikawa laughed, a light blush on his cheeks as he slung his arm around you. "don't worry about it!" he said
"shouldn't i exchange it? tell me honestly, i wouldn't even be offended!" you exclaimed. oikawa simply shook his head and slipped them on before you could take them back
"so, you gave my team a cake, huh?" he teasingly nudged you. "well.." you stammered in embarrassment
"you seemed upset that i didn't celebrate with them.. just take this as me celebrating with your team, kay?" you said
oikawa pouted "just with them?" he whined "what about me?"
you smiled at him before placing your hands over his eyes. "i didn't forget about you, of course" you said
you stare at him, admiring his beautiful features and the smile on his lips. "what? is there something on my face?" oikawa asked with furrowed brows
you lean closer to kiss him, pressing your lips on his as your hand reaches for his. he smiles as you pull away, tightening his hold on your hand.
"congratulations" you mumble "did i make it up to you?"
"mhm" oikawa hummed, his smile growing bigger and bigger by the second
"that's good." you sigh "now get back to the gym and practice. your teammates must've eaten the cake by now, i hope you atleast took a bite" you said
"oh, i didn't get to eat but that's fine" oikawa shrugged
"really? i made that though. too bad"
he froze at the new found information. "huh? you-you made it yourself?" he asked with a lifeless smile
"uh yeah?"
"i gotta go i love you thanks for your gift you're so cute for making that cake yourself see you later mwuah mwuah love you bye!"
it was amazing how much he could say in one breath, but you blink in confusion as he ran towards the gym, shouting at his teammates to 'leave him a slice or else he'll leave team and cry'.
oikawa didn't get to eat the cake that day.
08-23-XX - Anniversary Date
"stop swaying" you whine as you struggle to keep him standing on his feet. his arm was slung over your shoulder while the rest of his body weight is dragging you down, making you stumble around
"y/n-chan!! i love you~" oikawa drunkenly giggled as he leaned forward, puckering his lips for a kiss
this however, didn't go as planned, seeing as you two fell on the ground with a thud. thankfully the impact wasn't too bad
"geez" you sighed as oikawa continues to nuzzle into you as if you two weren't laying on the street like a couple of maniacs
you look down at him, smiling as you catch sight of his flushed face. "i love you too" you whispered
"you love me?!" oikawa excitedly exclaimed "wah! i only hear that from you like thrice every two months" he babbled through a series of hiccups
you roll your eyes at him, a smile of amusement grazing your lips as you caress his cheeks.
"you know what else?" you cooed, gently combing his hair out of his eyes
"hm?" he hummed groggily
"i totally won that drinking contest" you giggled as he whined "i let you win!" he says
"mhm, sure you did" you played along. you pulled him up to his feet, having to carry him on your back while he drunkenly rambles away
"let's go home, tooru. i'll take care of you"
11-06-XX
oikawa sighs as he caught sight of you standing infront a group of guys, a different team who had just played and lost against them.
"what are they doing now?" oikawa shakes his head as he quickly runs towards you, trying to pull you away before anything gets worse
"what's happening here?" he cooed in a 'friendly' tone, despite sending a glare at the boys before you
"ah so it's true, they really are dating you" one of the boys said, gesturing to oikawa. "hey oikawa-san, tell your s/o to behave. they're crazy" the boys snickered
oikawa glared at them, staring them down as he tries to bite back the curses itching to leave his mouth.
"who do you think you are?!" you snarl at them, much to their surprise "don't go around badmouthing oikawa and his team if you can't even win a match against them"
oikawa blinked dumbfoundedly, we're you really fighting because of him and his teammates? he felt a bit touched but still concerned, given that its only the two of you against a whole team of guys.
"learn to match your confidence with the skills you have. and given the results of the match just now, you don't have much skill in you anyway" you sneered
oikawa bites back a laugh at the sight of their dumbfounded and offended expression.
"okay, let's go y/n" he whispers to you with a chuckle. you glance at him and nod, taking his outstretched hand.
"don't talk like that about tooru again" you said to them "if you do, i'll have have to show you how crazy i get"
as you two walk away, oikawa looks back to send them a cheeky grin, matching it with a peace sign. "you heard them! it was a good game, see you around~" he cooed tauntingly
when you two get far enough, oikawa lightly punches your shoulder. "don't do that again, okay?" he says
you huff "i couldn't help it" you said. oikawa smiles as he ruffles your hair "but thank you anyway. you got in a fight cus of us, or me" he cooed
"i'll always defend you, tooru"
04-01-XX - Cherry Blossom Festival
oikawa had a grim look on his face as he watched you approach him. he'd been sitting outside a convenience store near your house for atleast an hour now, waiting for you to get home.
"how long have you been sitting there?" you asked with an amused smile as you simply stares back at you
"why are you smiling?" he sulked "was working and missing a cherry blossom date with your boyfriend that fun?"
you chuckle at the adorable pout he had, glaring at you as he crossed his arms to emphasize that he was upset.
"why are you so upset about missing one cherry blossom festival, hm?" you mused
oikawa scoffed "it's not just one.." he muttered. "were you really counting? you're so petty" you laughed
"did you just call me petty?" he scowled at you, sulking even more.
you smile fondly at him, fiddling with the hidden petals in your pocket before throwing them up in the air, letting them fall upon the two of you.
"we saw the cherry blossoms" you said
oikawa couldn't respond. he was too busy staring up at you with sparkling eyes. you looked so beautiful like that, having the pink petals fall all around you. it was magical, or atleast to him.
"next time we can see them fall from the trees, but you'll have to make do with that for now" you said
oikawa chuckled breathlessly "i think i prefer seeing them like this"
10-14-XX - Regional Matches
you pant heavily as you make a sharp turn along the halls, almost tumbling as you try to arrive before the match ends
"agh, why is this stadium so huge? where are they playing?" you groan, pulling out your phone and getting even more frustrated as you see the number of calls and texts your boyfriend had left you in the past hour
you abruptly stop as you catch sight of their white and teal uniforms on the court. you quickly rush inside, panting and trying to catch your breath after all the running.
just then coach nobuteru called you over, urging you to sit by him. "y/n-san did you just arrive?" he asked
"yes sir, im sorry" you bowed to him "i clocked out of work as soon as i can but i think i was still late anyways"
"it's fine, don't worry about it. it's only the first game" he chuckled as he patted your shoulder reassuringly. "oikawa-san had been in a bad mood since the start, so im gonna need you to cheer for him. we're gonna need him to focus if we wanna win" he said
you smile sheepishly as your eyes fall on him, he had such a deep scowl on his face. he looks so on edge as the rest of the team eyes him nervously.
"um.. how do i.." you mutter. coach nobuteru laughed "just scream, cheer, call out to him. any thing, really" he said
you nod, clearing your throat. "tooru!" you shouted, your face heating up in embarrassment as his head whipped towards your direction, followed by his teammates who simultaneously sighed in relief.
"this is so embarrassing" you mutter as you try to hide behind coach nobuteru, only for him to laugh and wave his hand to the boys, urging them to get back to the game.
oikawa locked eyes with you for a moment longer, failing to bite back a smile as you mouth a 'good luck' to him with a bright grin.
after the match, oikawa rushed to you, smiling brightly as you wipe away his sweat, mindlessly rambling about the game and even nagging him about the times he missed a hit.
"you came" he said with a happy hum "y/n-chan, im starting to think you enjoy playing hard to get" he teased
"hey!" you hit his chest "don't tease me! i messed up cus your schedule doesn't match with mine"
he chuckled "mhm" he pressed a kiss to your cheek. "stop that, you're all sweaty" you say as you push him away, trying to keep a straight face but oikawa could clearly see the corners of your lips twitching into a smile.
"thanks to you, we won!" oikawa cheered. "i didn't even play" you said in confusion. "you're my lucky charm! you didn't need to play, you just had to be here with me" he said
"so always be by my side, okay?" he nudged you
"of course, tooru"
09-12-XX - Break Up Trip
the spontaneous trip had come to its end as you both reach the station, and oikawa was still hung up and on edge about the possible break up conspiracy he had somehow thought of. “y/n-chan, is this really how we end?” he asked 
“hm, i shouldve taken more photos” you said, ignoring him once again as you looked through the photos youve taken throughout the day. “hey, stop ignoring me” oikawa whined 
you sighed, finally acknowledging his whining with an unamused look on your face. “oikawa tooru, are you an idiot or what?” you said. 
oikawa looked at you in surprise “...is..is that a yes? are you actually leaving me?” he asked warily 
you rolled your eyes, flicking him in the forehead as he winced. “you idiot.” you hit him lightly “why would we break up?” you asked, frowning at the thought
oikawa gulped, ”well, its just... this trip felt really ‘heavy’, if that makes sense.” he said. “it feels ‘heavy’ to be with me?” you asked with a frown. of course, he was quick to reassure you. 
“no thats not it! its just, we argued pretty badly before this so i thought you were just letting me enjoy before leaving for good” he explained. “ never know exactly what goes on in your head so it made me assume the worst.”
“so are we okay?” he asked
“you idiot” you huff as you take his face in your hands. “of course we’re okay.” 
“why would we break up, tooru? thats not gonna happen.” you said. you smiled at him, gently caressing his cheeks as he leans on your hands with a sigh of content.
“if it gets to that point, all you have to do is come to me. dont let me go. after all, i already told you right?” you said to him. 
“i’ll always be by your side, tooru.”
"reason #10: they throw me away so easily, while it's so hard for me to even let go."
iwaizumi gulped at the sudden confession. he didn't know what to say or do, understandably so.
oikawa looked down at the ring on his finger, a heavy feeling filling his chest as he fiddles with the silver band.
"i hate y/n l/n so much."
iwaizumi sighs, seeing oikawa’s eyes filled with such sadness despite his straight face.
"that's enough. go home" iwaizumi said as he grabbed oikawa's bag and threw it at him. "stop thinking about them. just go home and get some sleep"
oikawa sighed with a nod. "okay" he said with a meek wave of goodbye
"hey" iwaizumi called out just before he could leave the gym. "need me to drive you?" he asked, only for oikawa to refuse
"no, i'll walk" he said. "see you, iwa-chan"
oikawa left with his head hung low and his lips quivering. "oikawa tooru, you're such an idiot" he whispered to himself
he sighed again, dragging his fingers through his hair in distress as he tries to clear his head.
he decided to stop by a vending machine, getting himself a cold drink and gulping it at once. he mindlessly threw the can away and looked up at the sky. it had turned dark already, and the sky was littered with stars.
he couldn't help but feel grim as he came to a realization. he scoffed at himself, a bittersweet smile grazing his lips as he whispered to the night sky,
"i love y/n l/n so much"
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mosstheidiot · 3 years
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Hey lol, could you maybe write something about game night with reader and the cullens where at some point someone throws a game board at the wall <3
"Uno Was a Bad Idea"
Fandom: Twilight
Pronouns: None mentioned I think
Warnings: my shitty writing, glass ig
sorry I didn't really stick to the request fully but this was really fun to write and I think it's pretty funny
The night had started out normal, when Alice had suggested that for weekly game night you guys should play Uno. You and Edward both glanced at each other both knowing what she was planning for different reasons.
"I don't see why not." Carlisle had said with a hint of suspicion in his tone. You and Alice chuckled quietly.
So the game started and half you deck was draw two/draw four cards (due to the fact Emmett mixed three Uno decks together). At some point you all heard Carlisle's phone ringing and he got up and he got up to answer it.
That's the event that triggered all the ensuing chaos.
It all started with Esme taking a peak at Carlisle's and Jacob's cards, Jasper then put down a draw four card but Rosalie wasn't having that so she jumped in with a draw two card, which caused you all to go around in a circle placing draw cards (Jacob was cackling the whole time) until it landed on Emmett who was out of draw cards, this pissed Emmett off which in turn pissed off Jasper (because vampires apparently forget about their gifts when playing Uno), Emmett somehow found a way to throw his 32 card thick deck hard enough to go through the wall, unfortunately that living room wall was also one of the walls in Carlisle's office, which caused a very annoyed Carlisle to leave his office (that for some reason made you laugh), and then Seth showed up at a very inconvenient time which caused you to laugh so hard that if you weren't an un-dead being you would have pissed yourself, then Jasper glared at you and that made you laugh even harder.
So everyone (Seth included) ended up sitting on the couch getting lectured by Carlisle. "Okay maybe Emmett throwing shit through the wall was bad but Esme looked at your cards, Jacob's too." You ratted out your mother and while Carlisle was distracted by that you bolted out the front door.
Okay maybe the better term was 'you tried to run through the "open" door, but it was closed and broke all the glass. You winced, not out of pain but because you knew Carlisle would make you pay for that.
So maybe Uno was a bad idea but it was a funny hing that resulted in you owing Carlisle a door and an apology.
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