#strongest decoy

[moonbiit-arts]

syoyo!! <3

#hinata shoyo #hinata shoyuo #haikyu #haikyuu #hq #hq!! #haikyu!! #strongest decoy #karasuno #hinata #fanart #new pfp #munbiit

[becomehaikyuu]

Haikyuu Chapter 363: The Little Giant Vs. The Strongest Decoy

REFLECTION:

Hinata is probably the world's greatest decoy. Although after all we've seen him do, it's hard to think of him as that anymore.

Anyway, the match keeps going and the teams are neck and neck. The chapter ends with Kageyama employing Tsukishima for a task while mocking him to not run away. Silly bitch, do you know who you're talking to? Tsukishima will never run...from an opportunity to show up Hinata.

#haikyuu!! #the little giant vs the strongest decoy #review

[tightjeansjavi]

Slow Hands | Chapter 8

“If I ever were to lose you, I’d surely lose myself”

A/N: This chapter has taken me weeks to write, but I am so happy with the final results. This is another doozy, so tread carefully. Thank you for your endless support and love. 🤍

~word count: 7.0k~

Pairing | Joel Miller x f! reader

Summary: Joel tells you what happened to him and Ellie before they returned to Jackson.

Warnings: angst, anxiety, trauma, mentions of death, child loss, grief, fluff, flirting, another almost kissing situation, lots of flashbacks, mentions of a miscarriage, mild alcohol consumption, Joel gets a little shy, hurt, comfort, protective! Joel, Joel whump, mentions of alcohol consumption, self deprecating thoughts/actions, anger, frustration, alluding to past traumas, no age gap, reader has no physical descriptions, reader's nickname is beanie (coffee beans) +18, minors dni! heed the warnings please this is a very very heavy chapter.

main masterlist masterlist

Angie was a real sweetheart. A country classic that you’d want to play over and over again. Toffee butter sweet with pure southern charm. She was one of the kitchen staff ladies working in the mess hall. She loved to cook. She prepared food straight from her soul that warmed the hearts, and kept all the bellies full in Jackson. Her bubbly spirit was a decoy to mask her ceaseless grief that weighed heavy on her mangled heartstrings that were poorly sewn back together with a dull needle and thread. She recently went through a misscarriage. The brutal endless cycle of life in all its beauty and cruelty swinging like a pendulum. Angie was forever grateful when you and Joel appeared on her doorstep with Honey the fawn tucked protectively in your arms.

“She miscarried last fall. Right before the leaves started turnin.’” He whispered softly to you as he reached up and thrummed his knuckles against the chipped paint on the wooden doorframe.

Angie struggled to let go of her loss. She held onto the hand-me down infant clothes. The baby booties, swaddling cloths and the bottles. Grief causes even the strongest people to break as the world as they know it shatters around them. They try to claw and grasp what little remains of that person, whether they existed in the world yet did not matter. Angie took one look at that innocence bundled in your arms and she immediately darted off to the kitchen. She returned moments later with a swaddling cloth and baby bottle that showed the faint remnants of little hearts and flowers. The decals were peeling upwards like a bandaid, but it was a small token of kindness that this poor woman had to offer for the cost of nothing.

Joel thanked her with a gentle squeeze to her shoulder. Tender hands that could bruise, tender hands that could heal.

Angie only could nod as she quickly wiped away her dewy tears that rolled down her cheeks and dripped down the curve of her chin. Her eyes were glassy, her lower lip trembled under the soft blooming glow of the porchlight overhead. She reached one quivering hand out to gently stroke the soft fur on Honey’s head.

A moment of silence followed by the swishing sound of the front door slamming shut.

Oh, Angie. You deserved so much better than the cards you were dealt.

The walk back to Joel’s home was one in deafening silence. He kicked a stray rock along the ground with the toe of his boot as his arms hung at his slides. He appeared to be deep in thought as you tried to meet his gaze. He was as hard as a stone with furrowed brows. Grief was so prominent, even in a town that was built around ‘peace.’ Grief was there in every corner. Every crack and crevice down to a grain of rice. Even in a garden of Eden, grief sprouted from the stems.

“She likes you.” He murmured gently as he pushed open his front door with a soft huff through his chapped lips. “Honey.” He added.

“I hope she survives the night.” Was the first thought that popped up into your mind as you met his thoughtful gaze.

“She will. She’s n’good hands with you’n me.” He reassured you as his hand came to gently rest along your lower back as he nudged you tenderly inside as the front door softly swung shut behind you.

Honey had curiously peeked her head up from the safety of your flannel to observe her new surroundings as you slowly walked towards the well loved couch in the living area. Your knees cracked noticeably as you sank down onto the cushion.

“Y’want anythin’ to eat or drink while I warm some milk up for our little one?” Joel asked you as he padded towards the kitchen. Seconds later you heard the soft squeak of the refrigerator door opening as you sunk further into the plush cushions.

“Oh, that’s alright. Thank you for asking.”

“Not a problem, darlin.’” He hummed soothingly under his breath as he turned the burner on the stove. Once the milk was adequately warm, but not too hot, he poured it into the baby bottle. It was hard for a wave of nostalgia to not pass through him as he slowly blinked.

“S’matter baby girl? Y’want your baba? S’okay, daddy’s gonna get it for ya.” a considerably younger Joel spoke to baby Sarah in her crib. On the nights she couldn’t sleep, he’d fix her a warm bottle of milk and rock her to sleep on the old rocking chair that he and Tommy built with their bare hands. He’d sing lullabies in her ear and kiss her little head of soft curls.

Fuck.

He stared down at the baby bottle that was nearly engulfed by the sheer mass of his hand as his thumb slowly brushed across one of the peeling faded floral decals.

Fuck.

Keep it together, Joel.

Be still, my foolish heart. Be still.

Please.

God, please.

I’m good.

I’m fine.

Really, I’m okay.

God, she was so tiny.

Used to nearly fit in the palm of my hand.

Remember when she would cry and cry and cry?

Only person that could calm her down was you.

“Joel?” Your voice sounded so far from his reach as if he was across the ocean desperately trying to hone in the almost sweet music of your voice. Not here, not now. Please. He couldn’t shake the feeling of crisp trepidation as he slowly sunk down to his knees in the middle of the kitchen floor.

Breathe.

Breathe.

In and out.

Through your nose, out through your mouth.

Y’can do it.

She was so tiny. So pure. She was my babygirl.

He wanted to scream. He wanted to wail and throw his fists up towards the heavens but instead he sat in stoic silence as his ears rang like a mocking symphony that had him cowering from the harsh reality that he was presently facing.

“Joel?..” There you were again, but closer. Much closer as you went to investigate. The sight that laid before you took your breath away in a morbid fashion. Joel Miller on his knees looking like a man that had the weight of the world constantly pushing down on his aching shoulders. He was vulnerable in this state. He looked ten times smaller with his chin tightly tucked into his collarbone as if he was trying to appear as small as physically possible.

Your heart split in two to see him in this state as you slowly sank down to your knees in front of him. Grief was indescribable. It gnawed at a person with jagged teeth and sharp claws. A constant reminder that what you once held in your grasp, was no longer attainable. It was ripped from the roots, dry and brittle as precious life is stolen so swiftly.

His lips moved as he struggled to speak. To say anything, but nothing. No words could be formed as he stared down at the bottle in his hand. The slightest flinch from your unsuspecting touch upon his cheekbones as the palms of your hands gently caressed his face. “You okay?..” You asked in a hushed tone, keeping the octave of your voice level and gentle.

“No.” He murmured in defeat as his freehand slowly traveled up the length of your arm before resting along your cheek with the utmost delicate care.

“Do you want to talk about it?” You wanted to give him that choice. The open space to speak his feelings only if he chose to.

“Dunno. I jus’ needed to sit down.” He confirmed with a soft wheeze as he squeezed his eyes shut tightly.

“That’s okay, Joel. Sitting is good. It’s alright to rest. I’m right here.” You were, and you weren’t going anywhere.

“She was jus’ so tiny. Tiniest lil bean. With the cutest toes. A button nose. Used to have to give her a bottle at night when she couldn’t sleep. Would sit with her in the rockin’ chair for hours, singin’ her lullabies.” He croaked out as his chin slowly lifted as his dull faded eyes met yours.

You knew he was speaking of Sarah, and you also recognized his silent desperation for comfort. The baby bottle clutched in his trembling hand was the root cause for his current episode. Loss was so difficult to rationally explain sometimes. It was something that couldn’t be journalized as being the same for every person, because every single human being reacted in a different way. Loss was universal, and inevitable, but dealing with the grief that followed was structurally diverse in its nature.

“She was one lucky baby, getting to have you as her father. She loves you so much, Joel. She’s right here.” You slowly dropped one of your hands down from his face and gently rested it against the left side of his chest, right where his heart lay. “She’s always going to be right here.”

“Jus’ miss her so much. S’been creepin’ up on me lately. Feel like I’m seein’ her everywhere.” He felt discouraged as he slowly shook his head with a heavy sigh. “Thank you for being here with me. You don’t understand how much that means to me. To have..someone jus’ understand me.”

“I know how much you miss her, Joel. It’s better to let yourself feel everything instead of bottling it all up. I know how much it means to you. I’ll always be here to listen, for as long as you’ll have me.”

Hope to have you till the end of my days.

“Should–should probably give this to Honey before it gets too cold..” He trailed off as his thumb gently brushed across your cheekbone.

“Do you want to give it to her?..I bet she’d love it if you did. After all, you are the one who saved her.” You offered purely to encourage him only if he desired to.

“I’d love that. Help me up? Knees are feelin’ a little stiff.”

“Mine too.” You murmured as you slowly stood up and offered him your hand.

A ghost of a smile crossed over his features as he grasped your hand in his and pulled himself up from the floor.

He followed you into the living room where Honey was curled up in a fluffy little ball on the end of the couch. Her head perked up when she could smell the milk in the bottle as she struggled to stand on wobbly legs. Joel was right there to aid her as he gently scooped her up under his arm. Her fluffy little white tail wagged excitedly as she let out soft little bleating noises that sounded more like squeaks if anything.

“S’alright, baby. Got your bottle right here f’ya. Daddy’s got it for ya.” He softly cooed to the tiny creature.

You swore you saw a silent tear trail down his weathered cheek when Honey began to nurse from the baby bottle all the while he was gently petting down her tawny colored ears, and humming under his breath soothingly.

When Honey had consumed every last drop from the bottle she curled up right against Joel’s chest. She felt safe in the presence of you and Joel, which was quite obvious from the way she made herself right at home. Joel was careful to not disturb the sleeping creature as he reached his arm over and set the now empty bottle onto the nearby coffee table. The two of you fell into a comfortable relaxed silence, until the rumbling of Joel’s stomach interrupted it. The last meal he had was around breakfast time, and there wasn’t much substance to it. A cup of coffee, slightly rubbery scrambled eggs, and toast with butter. His appetite had been long forgotten since he and Tommy had stumbled upon the gruesome scene of the deceased doe while on patrol. Time seemingly had gone by in a whirlwind, and judging by the late evening light, it was far past dinnertime.

He shifted uncomfortably when his stomach rumbled again. This time it caught your attention from where you were sitting on the opposite end of the couch. You were currently reading one of Joel’s many coffee table books. Exploring Space, Dinosaur facts, The American Mustang, Woodworking for Dummies. You had chosen The American Mustang, and as soon as you heard his stomach grumble for the 5th time, you gently closed the book with your finger holding the page down before you looked over at him.

“Did you eat today, Joel?”

“Jus’ a bite of breakfast this mornin.’ Coffee, toast, and slightly rubbery eggs. Had the pan on a bit too high.” He softly responded as he lifted his chin slightly in your direction.

“I didn’t have much to eat today either. I could make us something?”

“Darlin,’ you ain’t gotta do that. You’re my guest after all. It wouldn’t be right if I just let ya cook f’me.” He was already attempting to gently lift Honey from her curled up position on his chest when you reached your hand out and gently grasped his forearm.

“Joel, it’s okay. I really don’t mind at all. We both should eat something.” You gave his forearm a reassuring squeeze before you pushed yourself up from the couch.

His eyes slowly followed your movements into the kitchen as he let out a deep sigh. “Y’know, it’s times like these where I wish that takeout still existed. What I wouldn’t do for a pizza right now.” He mumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

“Dominos, or Papa Johns? You better answer wisely, Miller.” You peeked your head around the corner with a playful smile playing on your lips.

“S’that even a question? Papa Johns. I’d order extra of those goddamn garlic sauces because the amount they gave you was truly never enough. I wish they would have started selling it in tubs or somethin.’” He stifled a chuckle. “Dominos was a last minute resort that I regretted every goddamn time.”

“That garlic dipping sauce was to die for. There was also that really good family owned pizza place on Main Street. Napoli Per Tutti I think is what it was called? They had the best Neapolitan pizza that I ever had the pleasure of trying.” You chatted casually as you opened his fridge.

“Darlin,’ you’re killin’ me over here with all this pizza talk. I actually never tried that place before. Sarah mentioned it a few times, but we Millers like to stick to our roots.” He chimed in as he managed to very carefully, and very gently, move Honey off of his chest and onto the couch where he then proceeded to cocoon her in a blanket that was draped across the armrest of the couch.

“I don’t know the first thing about making a Neapolitan pizza, but I can certainly try? That’s assuming that you have all the basic ingredients of course.” You could hear the wooden floorboards creak under the weight of his feet as you slowly turned around with your arms across your chest. “Just couldn’t stay away, huh?”

He sheepishly grinned and rubbed the back of his neck with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Can’t stay away when there’s pizza involved, darlin.’”

“Fair enough. All we’ll need for the dough is flour, yeast, water, salt, and I think olive oil?”

“Well, we definitely have flour..water and salt. Olive oil maybe, but does it expire? I haven’t done much cookin’ around here lately so I really don’t know what I've got in the cupboards.” He stepped around you with his arm just barely grazing yours as he opened up one of the many cupboards in the kitchen. “I’ll be damned. Guess we do have yeast and olive oil jus’ layin’ around here.” He reached for the packet of yeast and the bottle of olive oil before setting them down on the counter.

There was something oddly comforting for the two of you to be putzing around the kitchen like an old married couple. You fit right into Joel’s domestic budding life without even grasping the idea of it just yet. You worked together at making the dough, but once it came down to the kneading part, you let Joel take over. Maybe it was your cheeky plan all along to see his hands at work, or perhaps it was totally innocent. Regardless, it was hard to not let your wandering eyes drift across his exposed skin where he had rolled up the sleeves of his flannel revealing strong, veiny forearms. Some areas of his skin were littered in scars, and indentations from years of survival, but his hands were the main part of the show. Strong, weathered, yet gentle as he didn’t want to knead the dough too much. The tendons in his fingers flexed as his eyes drifted upwards towards you.

Gotcha.

“Like what ya see?” He rasped with a teasing grin.

Fuck, were you really staring that long?

You could feel the heat rise to your cheeks as a nervous laugh bubbled up your throat. You struggled to find your words. “Joel, i’m so sorry I shouldn’t–”

“Hey, Beanie? S’alright. You can stare for as long, and as much as you’d like.” He reassured you with a slight nod of his head.

So, this is where you flirt back.

OH!

Right.

“You just..have really attractive hands.” You murmured softly.

Joel cocked a brow at your answer as he looked over at you. “My..hands? What about ‘em are attractive?” He held the same genuine curiosity like the time you had complimented his eyes.

“Well they’re just..strong looking? Maybe that’s not the right verbiage that I'm going for here.” You trailed off.

“S’you don’t mind that they’re a lil rough lookin'?’ Take this hand for example, I’m pretty sure it never really properly healed after I beat the livin’ daylights outta a FEDRA soldier shortly after Tess and I agreed to take Ellie to the fireflies. Sometimes I’ll get like these ghost pains n’my knuckles is what I like to call ‘em.” He shrugged as he grabbed a towel to wipe the flour off from his hands.

“No, I don’t mind at all. I’d honestly be surprised if your hands weren’t at least a little bit damaged. Y’know? I get what you mean with the ghost pains. I get them too, but usually in my wrists and ankles. It’s almost like a tingling sensation.”

Joel felt his heart slowly sink to the pit of his stomach like the sun gradually dipping behind the horizon. It was easy for him to draw the conclusion as to why you’d feel these sensations in your wrists and ankles. There were visible scar indentations along the inside of your wrists. Based on the scarred tissue, it was probably due to them being bound together by zip ties, rope, or possibly even chains. He felt a shiver roll down his spine when he remembered the charred women in the forest having their wrists and ankles bound together by chains.

“Well, I think your hands are beautiful too, Beanie.” He murmured.

I think you're more beautiful than the stars, sun, and moon combined.

You smiled at him. That same soft smile that sent his heart beat skipping every time he was graced by the simple beauty of it. It was as if there was a magnetic force between the two of you that was working on overdrive to bring the two of you closer in proximity.

“Thank you, Joel. I’ve got a real nasty nail biting habit that spurs up every so often. I guess..after you brought me home from the bar, I absolutely tore my nails to shreds, but I had no recollection of it happening..”

“If it makes ya feel any better, I also have a nasty habit of picking at the skin around my nails till it bleeds. Ellie’s yelled at me for it numerous times, but no matter what I do, I can’t stop.”

“Maybe we can help each other break these habits? Or, at least show encouragement when we’re struggling?” You suggested.

“Yeah, I'd like that a lot actually. It’ll be a good way to hold ourselves accountable. Lord knows I need to sometimes.” He agreed. “Well, this dough is gonna have to sit for a bit before we can roll it out..whad’ya wanna do in the meantime?” He had his hands resting along the edge of the countertop that was lightly dusted in flour as he awaited your response.

“That’s a good question. Do you happen to have any records? Maybe we could listen to one? I have a good feeling in my bones that you have impeccable music taste.” You mused with a small grin spreading across your lips.

“Y’know, I actually do have a box of records in the living room. They ain’t mine, unfortunately. They were here when I moved in. There’s a lot of classics in the collection though. I’m sure we can find somethin’ that we both enjoy.” He tilted his head towards the direction of the living room.

You let Joel lead the way as he showed you the box containing the records. There was everything from the Beatles, Prince, Queen, Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and so on. “Well,” You started, “whoever lived here, clearly loved their music.”

“Ain’t that right.” his tone was slightly rasped as you made yourself comfortable on the floor with your legs crossed.

“You want a pillow?” He asked softly. “Might be a lil’ more comfy.”

You gave him a small nod in response as you began to carefully flip through the record albums.

He grabbed two pillows from the nearby couch without disturbing Honey before he joined you on the floor.

“Who’s your favorite? I know it’s a tough choice t’make. I don’t even think I could narrow mine down to five.” He chuckled warmly as he rested his weight back on his hands.

“Oh, gosh. I also don’t know if I could narrow it down..Stevie is definitely at the top of my list.”

“Ah, yeah. She was incredible. I was a big fan of Linda Ronstadt back in the day. Although, growin’ up, there wasn’t a song or artist that I didn’t enjoy.”

You slowly looked over at him as your fingers gently played with a torn edge on one of the records. “Was music a big part of your life?..Before, y’know.” You chose your words carefully as you watched him take a deep inhale.

“Yeah, it was. Used to be a big dreamer, believe it or not. Always wanted t’be a singer. Taught myself how to play the guitar, wrote a few songs here and there. None of them were very good, but I got a lotta joy out of it. Then when Sarah was born, I knew I had’to hold down a real job, and push that dream to the backburner. Spent a lot of time playin’ the guitar for her though. She loved it. Used to tease me n’tell me that I had a god awful singin’ voice.” He snickered.

Your giggle was soft, sweet, floating like a warm breeze. “Hey, I’m sure your singing isn’t that bad! It's wonderful that you found a lot of joy in that hobby. What about now? Do you still play the guitar here and there? Perhaps..sing in the shower like the rest of us?”

“Wouldn’t ya like t’know?” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully in your direction. “Yeah, I’ve picked it up here n’there. Started writin’ some lyrics as well. Maybe..one day I can play for ya? Give ya your own lil’ private concert, front row.”

“Yeah, you dork. That’s why I'm asking!” You giggled. “Wow, a private concert, just for me? Well, I'd be honored.”

“Mmm.” He hummed, “don’t go gettin’ your hopes up jus’ yet, but I think I can manage.” He shot you a subtle, yet playful wink. “Now, whad’ya got there? Frank Sinatra, You Make Me Feel So Young?”

“An oldie, for the oldies.”

“I ain’t that old, darlin.’” He scoffed playfully.

“Mhm. Let’s face it, we’re a little old, but silver looks good on you.”

“Not nearly as good as it looks on you.” He countered smoothly.

“Charming.”

“Jus’ tellin’ the truth, darlin.’”

“And they say chivalry is dead.” You were looking directly into his eyes which naturally sent a blush rising to his cheeks. Yeah, he had it pretty bad.

“Y’wanna give it a listen?” He offered with a sheepish grin.

“Absolutely.”

He reached for the vinyl, fingers gently brushing yours as he gently removed it from your grasp before he stood up. He shuffled over to the nearby record player that had been neglected for years. He blew off a bit of dust buildup that had naturally settled along the surface before he placed the vinyl down carefully.

The needle slowly fell into place as the old turntable crackled to life, flooding the small expanse of the room in sweet music.

You make me feel so young

You make me feel so Spring has sprung

And every time I see you grin

I'm such a happy individual

Joel watched the way your eyes suddenly lit up, bright, glassy, beautiful. Your energy was infectious as his knuckles lightly thrummed along the hardwood. He wanted to ask you to dance, to make up for what happened at the Tipsy Bison. Why was he so apprehensive? What did he have to fear?

Connection. Intimacy. Devotion.

You seemed to recognize the inner turmoil he was presently facing almost immediately. The nervous thrumming of his knuckles, the way his brows furrowed inward as if he was deep in thought. The light unmistakable pursing of his lips.

“Hey, Joel?”

He blinked once before his eyes hesitantly met yours, “Yeah, darlin?’”

“You wanna dance with me?..It can be like a redo for our first date?” Your thoughtful suggestion was as comforting as a warm summer breeze as his fingers absentmindedly inched closer towards yours.

“Y’wanna make up for that night?..Beanie, we don’t gotta–I mean..only if you want to?” He was nearly stumbling over his words by the time you had gently grabbed his hand and interlaced your fingers through his.

“C’mon,” You replied with a small smile tugging on the corner of your lips. “Dance with me, Joel.”

His hesitation was evident, at first, but your gentle smile, and kind eyes eased his nerves as you both slowly stood to your feet. You could feel how clammy his palm felt around your own as his other hand slowly dropped to his side. He wanted to hold your waist, but after everything that happened, he was apprehensive.

“It’s okay, Joel.” You reassured him as your free hand dipped down to his side and delicately wrapped your hand around his wrist before coaxing his hand to rest around your waist.

“I’m a shit dancer, honey.” He murmured low and soft as his fingers slightly flexed against your waist.

“Joel, don’t overthink it. Just dance.” You encouraged him with a reassuring smile.

When his nerves slowly began to dissipate, he fell into a rhythm as he spun you around playfully. He was less worried about accidentally stepping on your toes, and more focused on the way the soft glow of the kitchen lighting bounced off your skin. How pretty you looked. How your eyes never seemed to leave his. The increased thrum of his heart drowned out the soothing crackle from the tabletop. All he could see was you.

It was as if a magnet was slowly pulling you in closer. The gravitational pull, foreheads touching, noses brushing, exchange of breaths. So close. So close. You could nearly taste him on your tongue–

“Beanie..” He breathed out. Pausing. Thinking. Just ask her. The worst she can say is no.

“Can I–”

“Please. Please kiss me, Joel.” Your thoughts were swirling, tumbling like a shaken up jar of marbles. You wanted him so bad. Terribly. You wanted and yearned to know what it possibly felt like to be kissed by Joel Miller. The moment was there in your grasps, and gone in a flash from the distinct creaking sound of the front door opening.

Ellie’s footsteps were soft along the floorboard as she pulled the door shut behind her. She was hoping that Joel wasn’t home. She wasn’t ready to confront him after what took place at the Tipsy Bison just a few nights prior. She was still hurting. Her curiosity got the best of her in the end when she saw that the kitchen light was on.

“Joel?..” She rounded the corner, eyes going wide, cheeks turning a deep bright red as she caught the moment you and Joel nearly kissed. She squeaked a fast apology, “Shit, I’m so sorry!” before darting out of the room like a bat out of hell.

You and Joel were startled by her presence to say the least. His eyes went wide before he was dropping his hand from your waist. He murmured an apology of his own before he slipped out of the kitchen to follow his kid.

“Ellie, wait! Kiddo, can we please–” He was hot on her heels as she scurried up the stairs and b-lined to her bedroom. If he was there a second sooner, he would have stopped her from slamming the door in his face.

“Kiddo, please. I jus’ wanna talk.” He sounded gravely defeated as his forehead came to rest upon the chipping paint on her bedroom door. He could hear her muttering to herself as she stuffed her backpack with overnight clothes.

Moments later the door flung open as she brushed past him with her bag slung over her shoulder.

“Ellie.” He tried one more time.

“I don’t want to talk to you, Joel. Sorry for interrupting your date.” She muttered before jogging down the staircase.

“Kiddo, please. I’m sorry.”

“I’m going to Dina’s.” Was her short response. He could detect the hurt in her voice as he pathetically watched her disappear through the front door once more. The entire house was silent as he scrubbed a weathered hand across his patchy beard. Healing took time, he reminded himself. It didn’t happen overnight, but fuck. He missed his baby girl so much.

The old floorboards of the staircase groaned under his heavy footsteps as he trudged back down the stairs. His brain was telling him that it was time to call it a night. Send you home so you didn’t have to witness his pain at the forefront. His heart told him differently. His heart urged him to seek out your comfort, so he did.

He found you right in the kitchen where he left you. You had just taken the freshly made pizza dough out of the fridge and set it out on the counter. Your eyes slowly flitted upwards at the sound of his footsteps.

“Hey, I think the dough is ready to be rolled out. Want to give me a hand?”

Bless you.

“Yeah, of course. I’m sorry for runnin’ off like that. She’s been avoidin’ me since that night at the Tipsy Bison.” He admitted in a hushed tone.

“It’s okay, Joel. You don’t have to apologize for that. Did you..want to talk about it?”

“No, not right now. Let's just..make these pizzas. I’m starving.” He sighed, feeling his own mental and emotional exhaustion begin to way down on him like a bag of cement.

He met you on the other side of the counter, shoulders brushing as he pulled out a rolling pin from one of the drawers. You rolled out half the dough in silence together. It was almost as if you were sharing the weight of his present grief, soaking it in and absorbing it like a sponge.

Once the pizzas were dressed and popped in the oven, he wiped down the counter before grabbing a glass from one of the overhead cabinets. “I uh–really could use a drink. Would you like one? I’ve got wine and some spirits.”

“I’ll have whatever you’re having, Joel.”

“Whiskey it is then.” He murmured as he grabbed another glass. “I really don’t usually drink. I jus–’ need somethin’ right now.” He didn’t know why he felt like he needed to explain himself to you, but it was too late to take his words back when they were already spoken.

“Joel, you don’t have to give me a reason as to why you need a drink right now. We all have our vices, and I hold no judgment towards yours.”

“I know I don’t have to explain myself to you, Beanie. I’m jus–’ I'm not okay right now. I don’t know whether I should laugh, cry, punch a fucking wall in.” He muttered bitterly as closed the cabinet door a bit too harshly. He shuffled past you to the wet bar area where he snatched up the bottle of whiskey with trembling fingers. He popped the cap off with his teeth as he poured a hefty splash of amber-colored liquor into his glass. He was considerate enough to give you half of what he was having.

“Joel, I know you’re not okay right now. Do you want me to?..”

“No.” He croaked softly, “No. I don’t want you to leave, please.” He took a sizable sip from his glass before he returned to your side, sliding your glass over.

“Okay, I won’t go, but is there anything you..need from me?” Your hand slowly grasped the crystal glass before raising it to your lips. The warmth of the liquor coated your insides like sticky molasses. It had a twinge of smoke, finished off with a hint of cinnamon. In short, it was fucking delicious.

“I don’t know.” He admitted somberly before he slowly sank down to the kitchen floor with his back resting against the oak cabinets, and the glass resting in his hand between his knees as his head fell back with a soft thud.

You descended alongside him with your legs outstretched, and ankles crossed. Sometimes all a person needed was a gentle soul. A wordless extended notion of comfort. Sometimes that was enough, but sometimes a person needed more. Whatever Joel needed in those crucial moments, you’d be there.

“Can I be honest with you?” He broke through the growing silence with a heavy huff through his lips.

“Of course.”

“I am fucking terrified of losing every goddamn person that I love, Beanie. I’m terrified of losing my brother. I’m terrified of losing my daughter, and I'm terrified..of losing you. I feel like a broken record that can’t quite find its rhythm because the vinyl is scratched, and the needle keeps catching. Do..you get what i’m sayin?’” His head slowly turned to meet your eyes.

Your heart skipped a monumental beat when he said that he was terrified of losing every person that he loved, and that you had made the cut. (not that there was one to make). You ignored the butterflies fluttering in your stomach, and focused on him, and his willingness to rawly communicate with you.

“Joel, I understand why you are terrified, but you haven’t lost Tommy, Ellie, or me. We’re all right here. I don’t think you sound like a broken record at all. Try and show yourself a bit of compassion, okay?”

He stifled a bitter chuckle as he brought the rim of the glass back to his lips. He took another sip before he closed his eyes.

“Beanie, I don’t think you’d be tellin’ me to have some compassion for myself if you knew what I've done, the people I've killed, the choices I've made. I ain’t a good person. No matter how many times I have tried to justify my actions, I ain’t a saint.”

“Joel, do you think that anyone is truly a saint? Do you believe that we’re all innately good? That we’ve never hurt a friend, or said words we didn’t mean? Joel, even if the outbreak never happened, and we didn’t lose the people we loved, we still would be making mistakes. We still would be hurting people whether it was intentional or not. I mean this with full honesty, your past isn’t going to scar me. It isn’t going to make me think of you in a darker light, because goddamnit, we all had to fucking make some hard choices in the name of survival. I’ve killed people too, you know that, right? I lost count years ago. I lost my fucking faith in the shreds left in the remants of humanity until–” you felt yourself choking up with tears welling along your waterline, and your words lodged in your throat, clawing to be set free.

“Beanie–”

“No, please. Please just let me finish, okay? Joel, you’re so incredibly hard on yourself, and hell, we all are. I just want you to realize that you are not a bad person. You’re not a bad man. You’re not some evil monster lurking in the shadows. You’re a fucking human being that has spent over 20 years trying to survive. You have endured and survived up until this point. You and Ellie will be okay. She’s hurting, and so are you, but one day she will forgive you, for whatever it is that you have done. She needs time to heal, and so do you.” You felt mildly exasperated from the energy you were exerting.

Joel was speechless. He was floored as his pupils were blown out wide. His jaw physically dropped. He scrambled to gather his thoughts so that he could come up with a well-rounded response. He struggled with his words, as you knew. All he knew is that he had to be just as vulnerable as you were being.

“I killed an entire hospital of fireflies. I killed every single one of them to save her. To save my Ellie. My light. They were going to kill her, Beanie. Ellie is immune. She’s the only one. Marlene told me that the doctor that was going to perform the surgery on her thinks that the Cordyceps has grown with her since birth. Because it’s adapted to her, it tricks the normal Cordyceps into thinking that Ellie is one of them. That’s the reason why she is immune. Tess and I were taking Ellie to the fireflies because I made a promise to Marlene. It turned into something else along the way. I grew to care for Ellie as if she was my own. I even–I even told her that we didn’t have to keep going. We could come back to Tommy’s and forget all about the fireflies. My baby girl didn’t want that. She wanted to save the fuckin’ world, but she didn’t want to die. I know she didn’t want to die, Beanie. She thought that after it was all said and done, that we would be going home together.

“And when we’re done, we’ll go wherever you want, Joel.” Ellie reassured him.

“Tommy’s, sheep ranch, the moon.”

“I’ll follow you anywhere you go.”

“But there’s no halfway with this.”

“We finish what we started.”

Ellie was determined to use her immunity to save the world, and Joel couldn’t stop her.

“Ellie..is immune?” You whispered softly as the weight of Joel’s words sunk deep into your soul.

“Yes, she is. You have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone, Beanie. Not even Maria knows. Only Tommy and I. The rest of the community would turn to chaos if they knew.”

“The fireflies were looking for a cure, and Ellie was the answer? But, Cordyceps–”

“Grow inside the brain.” He deadpanned as he finished off what was left in the contents of his glass. “I did what I had to do to save her, and if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would. She didn’t want to die. She never consented to the surgery. Marlene never gave her the option, and neither did I. The worst bit? Beanie, I lied to her. I told her that there were more people like her. People who were immune. I told her there were dozens like her, and that the doctors couldn’t actually make any of it work. That they’ve stopped looking for a cure entirely.”

“They’ve stopped lookin’ for a cure.”

“Where are my clothes?” Ellie mumbled.

“Raiders attacked the hospital. I barely got ya outta there, kiddo.” he squeezed the steering wheel tightly as he lied through his teeth.

“Were people hurt?..”

“Yes.” He didn’t lie.

“Is Marlene okay?”

Joel paused as he glanced back at his daughter through the rearview mirror.

“I’m takin’ us home.”

“You never told her the truth, did you?” You knew the answer, but you wanted him to confirm it.

“No, I did tell her, and she hates me for lying and taking that choice away from her. She feels like..she holds no purpose in life now, and it’s all my fault.”

“Joel, you did what every parent would have done for their child. Biological or not, she is your daughter. She was in danger, and you saved her. I can’t blame her for the way she currently feels towards you. Her emotions are valid, and you should have never lied to her. You should have told her the truth from the start, but I understand why you didn’t tell her. You felt ashamed of your actions.”

“I just wanted to protect her.” He murmured as his eyes casted downwards.

You reached your hand out and gently grasped his shoulder and gave it a firm, grounding squeeze.

“Joel, you did just that. You protected her. You saved her. You saved the world.”

His own eyes began to water. His lower lip trembled, wobbled with uncertainty as his glassy irises met yours.

“You’re right. I did save the world.”

And then, you were hugging.

His tears and your own fell freely as you cradled his head protectively against your chest with your chin resting gently against the top of his head. Your fingers threaded through his soft salt and pepper tendrils as he enveloped your frame in his strong arms. The oven dinged signaling that the pizza was ready, but neither of you moved an inch.

“Spend the night with me, Beanie. Please.” His words fell heavy on his tongue. His heart begging you with a steady thrum to stay.

banners made by the lovely @saradika 🩷

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#joel miller #joel miller fanfiction #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal #the last of us #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #joel the last of us #joel miller the last of us #joel miller x f!reader #joel miller x female reader #joel last of us #joel x reader #joel miller angst #joel miller fluff #joel miller comfort #joel tlou #joel miller hurt/comfort #soft joel miller #joel miller fanfic #joel miller fic

[eurydicees]

its the way the tiny giant puts himself in the narrative and stays there, following hinata through his journey to nationals, being his hero and inspiration, the way he haunts the story entirely, some godlike figure in hinata’s memory—and then you meet him. and he’s just a guy. and he doesn’t even play volleyball anymore.

and this should be disappointing, this is a hero who has fallen off his pedestal, but. but it’s not. it’s not disappointing because hinata doesn’t need to chase this shadow anymore. he doesn’t need a memory to push him forward. he’s strong enough on his own. if he has to have a name, the strongest decoy is a good one.

#I FEEL CRAZY. #haikyuu manga spoiler #hq liveblog 4.0 #hq chp 78 #hq chp 338 #hq chp 339 #shoyo hinata #tenma udai #hinata shoyo #udai tenma

[keikuns]

The Strongest Decoy : Hinata Shouyou

— Happy Birthday Aki @tanchirou !!

#hq!! #hq!!edit #fysportsanime #fyanimegifs #fyanimanga #allanimanga #anisource #shounenedit #animangaboys #my edits #I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY AKI !! #YOU'RE SUCH AN AMAZING PERSON AND FRIEND #EVERYTIME WE TALK I HAVE THE BIGGEST SMILE ON MY FACE BC OF HOW SWEET AND FUN YOU ARE #I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I'VE MET YOU #ILYSM I HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY <333

[prettyboyeddiemunson]

VAMPIRE EDDIE X VAMPIRE STEVE X HUMAN READER (this is a concept btw!!)

NAH BUT CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS POLY SHIP???

both of them feeding from you at the same time, steve at the neck and eddie at the groin. eddie turning into a brat because “steve got more blood than i did, and i’m still hungry.” you offer your neck to eddie so that he can have a little more, while steve jerks him off and fingers you at the same time. you blow eddie when he’s done feeding, while steve eats you out. one of them in your mouth as the other fucks you from behind, while you’re being bit by whoever is railing you. it’s all god fucking tier.

and let’s just imagine them fighting over you constantly. you’re all dating each other, but eddie is absolutely insistent that you cum harder with him, that you enjoy having him feeding from you more than you do steve, but steve is convinced that it’s the other way around. it becomes such a bicker fest anytime you want to do something, because eddie is going to say that he’s the better boyfriend while steve says he’s the best one. you guys wanna go take a walk? well, eddie is holding your hand, because he likes that and steve doesn’t (steve does, by the way). you want to go with them on a hunt, to be a decoy to lure someone in? eddie is going to be your guard, just in case any other vampires come along, because he’s the oldest and the strongest and steve isn’t as strong (steve is). you’re going on a date? eddie is paying, because he values the date more (steve values it just as much). it’s stuff like that, and it gets on your nerves so damn bad after awhile.

you joke with them that if they hate each other that much, why not fuck it out? and they do, one night when you’re all in bed together. it starts off with steve devouring your pussy, while eddie is playing with your breasts and watching steve work. he’s bossing steve around, telling him what to do & what not to do, begging steve to let him have a turn, fingering you while steve eats you out to steal steve’s thunder. steve is fed the fuck up with it, so he grabs eddie, flips him onto his stomach, works him open, and absolutely pounds the hell out of him right next to you. all while biting him, nails digging into eddie’s skin, talking dirty to him, and pulling his hair so hard that some strands come out in his fists. he truly does fuck eddie like he hates him, and eddie can’t speak. all he can do is moan, cry out, and grin as steve rams into him, fucking him until he can’t take it anymore.

from that point on? eddie’s brattiness seems to get worse, and you & steve know damn well why.

#eddie munson #steve harrington #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x fem reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #vampire steve harrington #vampire eddie munson

[sotwk]

Let’s have a moment to acknowledge the valor and heroism of King Thranduil and his Mirkwood soldiers in this scene from BotFA’s extended edition. (They seem to have excluded from the standard edition a few key lines that make Thranduil look more humane. Pity!) When Dain Ironfoot signals his own army to commence with an attack, the Elvenking tells orders Bard, without leaving room for argument:

“Stand your men down. I’ll deal with Ironfoot and his rabble.”

What?! This from the “cold-hearted” king whom Tauriel accused of believing his life was worth more than those of others? 

Perhaps he was motivated by pride (he’d just been called a “pointy-eared Princess”, after all) as much as compassion, but that should not take away from the magnanimity of his actions. He knew his army was far better trained and equipped for battle, and he did not see the need to spill Men’s blood when it could be spared. It would not have been a selfish move to expect the people of Dale to do their share, but a truly duplicitous (as Thranduil has also been called) leader could have attempted to use the weaker men as live shields, bait, or decoys. Instead, Thranduil sought to keep at least the initial bloodshed between his people and the dwarves. 

He did not just hang back and give orders from a safe distance either (which is often considered a wise tactical move, to keep the general protected). This warrior king had a higher kill count than any of his soldiers, and rampaged throughout the battlefield without a personal guard to cover his back. (Or maybe they just couldn’t keep up with him!) Clearly he is not one to send others to fight his battles for him. 

By the way, is one Elf life more valuable than that of a Man or Dwarf? Technically? If you factor in their birth rates, in a way they are more valuable. One dead elf is harder to replace since their kind reproduces so infrequently compared to other races. The impact to their population may be balanced out by the fact that elves are essentially immortal, but all the more does it make Elven participation in war a painfully sacrificial act. Every battle Thranduil leads his army to, he risks losing a sizable portion of his strongest and most skilled citizens--a loss that would take a long time to recover from.

But these are the Mirkwood elves, dammit. More dangerous and less wise (wink-wink), yet the only significant fighting force left of the Eldar in Third Age Middle-earth. Theirs was the strength that defied Sauron's presence in Rhovanion for centuries, even though their deeds remained unsung or worse, misconstrued by outsiders who dismissed them for their "isolationist" ways.

#thranduil oropherion #king thranduil #lee pace #battle of the five armies #lotr headcanons #lotr elves #lotr movies #the hobbit #dain ironfoot

[yourimaginationrealm]

You: „The hell….! Who was this?!“

Levi: „Kenny, but more chanter is getting us killed if we don’t focus.“

You: „Oh, he almost shot my head off! Clearly, I got that part!“

Levi: „He is after me. I am playing with him and being the decoy while you finish him off. If I give ya a sign he notices. He knows me well.“

You: „A-Alright…?! Should we kill him? Wouldn’t it be bet-?“

Levi: „Capturing him alive is too risky and never going to happen. Killing is the only option! And Y/N…“

You: „Yes, captain ?“

Levi: „Don’t hesitate! He won’t with you.“

You: „Aye! I give my best!“

Levi: „You are the only one who is capable to handle him. Be careful!“

Levi dashes off as you are searching a hiding place. A little proud that the humanity strongest praised your skill.

——————-

My first Levi imagine 😱 why so late 😂

#imaginationrealm #anime #imagines #anime imagines #snk #shingeki no kyoujin levi #shingeki no kyojin #aot x reader #aot imagines #aot fluff #aot levi #snk imagine #levi aot #levi x y/n #levi x reader #levi ackerman #levi x you #attack on titan imagine #attack on titan

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1096 - Initial Thoughts

And we are back

Had a feeling this one would come early though. The Kuma flashback is in swing and we are in a very historically point of intrigue

However it is also 8 weeks since we last saw Nico Robin and it'll likely end up being double digits at this rate

Still, let's not rush this flashback, let's see what it has to offer

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release Also

The trend of monkeys on the cover is ended by Chihuahuas beating Zoro at musical chairs XD Still though top 3

We're back into hunger games as the Celestial Dragons explain how all the inhabitants are 'rabbits' all worth points; 1 hit kills get you a bonus but there are also 150 rare kills worth more, and 13 super rare worth 10,000 points, the same amount Garling was deducted

There's also prizes apparently, sickening stuff

Garling looked a bit like Zoro and Shanks there as he talks big game

Mannmeyer family woman might be interesting, face is obscured, same for gas mask dude

The last one looks kinda like that Whitebeard Commander too

Of course, the natives of God Valley are confused and panicked by the situation, and are offered no mercy by the dragons who simply tell them to give them a good chase

At the Navy, Garp is being called for support, but he's not biting

Rare appearance from Fleet Admiral Kong too

Young Garp is lapping it up by the pool, but he thinks he's being called because of what the Navy did to the Rocks pirates

Seems they stole something, a 'crown jewel' they say

Ironic though that Garp is all 'you can't shake the hive' and then over 30 years later showing up to shake the hive

Seems like the intel was supposed to be kept on the down low though

Garp won't protect the Dragons from Rocks, but he's leapt out of his deck chair for Roger

So much Luffy energy when he's relaxing too, though I guess God Valley was when he started getting more serious

The Rocks pirates are already on the move too, having left Fullalead without the rest of their inhabitants

Ivankov narrates something more true than they realise, this will be a big moment made forgotten history

10,000 civilians hunted for sport, and Oda's not holding back despite current events

Urgh and the slaves all have target marks on their back

Ivankov has to drill home that nobody is going to survive, the idea that they'll be let go if they survive 3 weeks is just a way to satisfy the dragons

Garling has been chasing the bigger prizes and has thus broke even already

All in front of an audience in Marejois via Den Den Mushi too

Ivankov's chains are bitten off by a Shark Fishman, who Ivankov praises, I wonder if that was Arlong and Shyarly's father?

Ginny (they're sticking with the G) is a bit of a thief and an wiretapper it seems, leaking information to the world 2 weeks prior to create chaos while they escape

The plan requires the prizes; Devil Fruits, the Paw-Paw Fruit and the Fish Fish Fruit: Model Azure Dragon, which are at the center of the island

She makes a point in saying that Kaido's is classed among the strongest of Devil Fruits, and that the Paw-Paw Fruit is a secondary plan because it can blast things away

Kuma also volunteers to be a decoy, his strength and bulkiness being cited as increasing his chances to survive

His resolve does impress Ivankov and Ginny too

Rocks are heeeeeere!

Alas we don't see Rocks D. Xebec, but we do see all the youthful members of the crew

Whitebeard reprimands Rocks for running ahead, with Buckingham Stussy hanging off his shoulder

Seemed Stussy had competition from a Kuja, so the big surprise here: Elder Nyon (Gloriosa) was a Rocks Pirate member, not Shakky like the theories

Canon Manga Debut for Shiki as well, as Big Mom and Kaido argue with the group, also Captain John is there drinking much like he did as a Zombie

No sign of who Ochoku was though, could be the guy to Whitebeard's left (our right)

Seems Rocks wasn't here for the Celestial Dragons though, the pirates were looking for something, and they're all gonna fight even each other to get it

Ochoku could also be the 2 people underneath Gloriosa in the 3 way panel, helmet dude or the very shaded hat man

But from the other side: the Roger Pirates!

Tacheless Roger with the Straw Hat, and prime Rayleigh and Gaban, but there's also a big dude, a Viking Dude and someone in a snug coat

God look how much Roger looks like Ace, and he's been itching for a fight all year

We see a couple more God's Knights too, there's a woman and a tall dude? I dunno every time I look it looks like he's beheaded, he doesn't have the armour, but we have the woman

The chaos has earned a reprieve for the inhabitants, the farmers look a tiny bit like the Milk girl Moda from Lulusia

The younger marines don't like their chances

Until Garp arrives!

Gotta have a good reputation if Garp reassures you against Rocks AND Roger

Bogard my man is still there, the others I don't recognize though

Even more carnage leads to Kuma and Ivankov getting the fruits they want

But alas, Child Abuse, Big Mom getting that in early to knock away Ivankov and get the Fish Fruit which she will use on Kaido

Through Ivankov's encouragement, Kuma eats the fruit before Linlin can get to him

But as Ivankov rallies that saving at least 1 person will be a victory, more child abuse! This time Saturn comes to deck Kuma

Man headshots marines, Bonney and Sanji but he went for ol' fashioned fisticuffs with Kuma

There has been a lot of touching tha child here, DON'T TOUCHA THA CHILD!

"I don't understand how someone can be born to be more or less important" god what a line that is

Stood before Saturn, Kuma notes that now that he has power, he's gonna save as many as he can, just like Nika

And Saturn doesn't like that, seems that the idolization of Nika is what led to the genocide of the Buccaneers

ACOC lightning hums around God Valley as Roger and Rocks fight, it seems Rocks was trying to get to something while Roger was trying to interact

But Oda, brilliant but awful as he is, decides that's it, no more God Valley content...

Sir we needed more, we didn't even see Rocks, or why Kaido needed the fruit to survive, or Ochoku, or why it's made out that Garp and Roger were teaming up to protect the Celestial Dragons because clearly they were not

But alas, back at the Sorbet kingdom we have the aftermath

Ivankov laments that Morgans only lapped up Garp's heroics, and that he's a WG kissass

Kuma however is praying in a church, lamenting that he could've saved more

Turns out he saved 500 people though, which is a lot given how many big names were there, and that last we saw he was staring down a Gorosei

Ginny has now nicknamed Kuma the chapter's title, Kumachi, which could be written the same way as Perona's bear Kumacy not entirely sure

But Ivankov adds praise to Kuma's efforts, calling his paws the Hands of Liberation

Ivankov doesn't stick around though, heading off to sea to enjoy their freedom

"I'll never forget your face for as long as I live" oof right in the Marineford

Ginny however opts to stay in Sorbet living in a church with Kuma

Make no mistake though, Ginny's the boss, despite being a third his size she has the age factor

Chopping wood like the SBS artwork of young Kuma as they seek to feed themselves on hard work

Ginny also beats up bullies that throw stones at Kuma thinking he's lying about being 9

But Kuma as a gentle soul uses his fruit to remove the pain

Ginny is a glutton, much like her potential children/clone maybe? As Kuma offers her more of his food

They've both spent at least 5 years as a slave (since both became slaves at 4, and Kuma is 9 while Ginny is somehow 13)

But the sensation of finally feeling full makes Ginny tear up with joy, which of course makes Kuma cry too

So sweet, it's all gonna go to shit ain't it?

Well it was definitely an inviting chapter

Though I am a bit sore that we got blueballed a lot with God Valley, so many questions still left unanswered as Oda teases us. The Devil Fruits as prizes make sense though, wonder if there were more, Rocks was after something after all. Wonder if the Ope Ope no Mi was considered a prize? I doubt the Gomu Gomu no Mi was a prize though think the Gorosei would've wanted that under lock and key, maybe Doffy's fruit? or the Yami Yami no Mi? or Marco's fruit? or that Egg on Roger's Ship during the Oden flashback? Did Garling throw his son up as a prize? Answers Oda you're supposed to give Answers! We got a lot of teases though; God's Knights, other Rocks crewmates, Stussy potentially indeed being a thing with Whitebeard but atm it seems more like she was dangling off him (she was listed as a 'freeloader' in MADS, wonder if clone Stussy will have a larger role too in present because she did get sidelined quickly), also seems like Gloriosa was interested was Whitebeard the man she had love sickness for? Also got potential ancestors who were God Valley slaves. Kuma saving 500 is still super impressive too, how did he get away from Saturn? How many generations of that 500 still exist today?

But we do seem to have the blooming of Kuma and maybe a relationship with him and Ginny. It's unclear but I think the Luffy's mom bit is even lower a possibility now, still thinking that Bonney is a clone of Ginny though, wouldn't mind if she was a biological daughter it'd just make the wording of Kuma being the last Buccaneer a bit weird.

It does further fuel the idea that Kuma is gonna show up in Egghead too, but the flashback only further fuels the layer of tragedy that has befell Kuma, man has suffered so much and he continues to lose so much, this flashback has the capacity to break us.

At the least there's no break, but the wait will be long and painful regardless.

#one piece #one piece spoilers #op spoilers #egghead island arc #future island arc #god valley incident #god valley #celestial dragons #figarland garling #bartholomew kuma #emporio ivankov #ginny one piece #jay garcia saturn #monkey d garp #gol d roger #rocks pirates #whitebeard #edward newgate #shiki one piece #charlotte linlin #big mom #kaido #gloriosa #elder nyon #miss buckingham stussy #captain john #scopper gaban #silvers rayleigh #bogard one piece #fleet admiral kong

[the-nysh]

Garou having one of his last (at least he thinks so) thoughts literally be "fuck i REALLY want coke" is funny and depressing to me at the same time cause he's literally an 18 year old kid getting torn up by one of the MA's strongest monsters after nearly dying just a few hours ago, like get this boy a cola already he's earned it

And not just that, but he literally threw himself in the death-ray line of fire (without even thinking, no, especially after he made it a point specifically NOT to provoke the monster) as a sacrificial decoy for Tareo to escape. :'D Only for him to think...'awfuck, I've had the shittiest day ever, to finally end it like this...god, I could really use a cool soft one right now...' Only for him to survive by sheer willpower and ironically by embodying that of a shonen hero-protagonist, lmao. ANYWAY it was stream chat's suggestion to give him that coke on the next ch cover, and Murata happily obliged by drawing it~ BUT in actual in-universe canon, in the same way that Zombieman promised CE milkshakes, since Bang understands Garou's not old enough to drink yet, honestly he should treat his boy to that long-deserved coke! 🧐

#opm #garou #smolamipastrami #replies #if post arc bang's intent on making amends and bonding with his boy he never could #then ye he should offer garou that coke he's always wanted :P

[quibbs126]

I’m also realizing while playing Nexomon that it’s literally the plot point I want in Pokémon

That is, that the strongest Tamer/Champion is the main villain, and the officials in that system also work for him, but some of the lower level ones have varying opinions of them

The main difference is that unlike my thing, in Nexomon you know this from the onset and don’t have a decoy evil team to throw off your suspicion

At least I assume, I haven’t gotten that far in Nexomon yet and I don’t know the full story

#nexomon #pokemon #random stuff

[cafecourage]

I have been thinking about haikyuu a lot recently and their dynamic in the team compared to how I think the Chain interacts. Please if anyone wants to add on or add their thoughts, even if you haven’t watch the show, it’s always fun to discuss these things! :D

TL DR: Let me tell you about how I think the Chain’s dynamic and reference one of my favorite animes. It’s a lot underneath have fun understanding my tired brain.

Lets start with Time, automatically I am going to say he is the foundation of the chain. Time is the guy that all the boys rely on. Time isn’t flashy, he isn’t the strongest, but he is solid. If Time is out then things start to crumple a bit. Not because there is lower power but like I have been saying Time is reliable. Also I think it’s funny if someone drew Time as Daichi in this scene.

I still laugh at this panel with hindsight. But I genuinely want this.

Warriors is a tactician, he is a setter in the team. I feel like Warriors is the type of person that while he is a strategic and thorough person. He is completely able to vibe with anyone given he has enough time to be with them. This man thinks even in the middle of battle. Yes, while he is an Suga type he also gives me Akaashi or Kenma vibes.

Twilight is an Ace. He is the strongest physically and the most heavy hitter of the group. He is there to do crowd control and break down barriers. He is the tank. I don’t think there is more to be said. If people want someone to be the muscle it’s Twilight. I don’t know who to compare him to tho, he ain’t an Asahi type.

The person that is both a defensive and offensive person is Legend. He is definitely a middle blocker, but the reason I think he can swap at the drop of a hat, is because the amount of stuff he has. He can quickly look at a situation and go “I got something for this” and pull out a magic weapon that will help.

Another person that is a swap is Wild. I think he is like Johzenji the party team. In the way that he is unrefined and easily able to adapt to his surroundings and other people around him. Wild is holding back probably most of the time since he is so used to being alone. That doesn’t mean his attacks are worse, it just means he can be anything, anywhere at anytime in a battle.

Four and Wind are both more defensive fighters. They are both small and had to figure out how to fight people five times their size. Four is obvious he is the Libero of this weird volleyball metaphor. He really is the safety net, he is on the look out to see who need the most help. Because let’s be real in video games normally the smallest enemies are the most annoying ones to fight. Wealthier or not that is true irl I will just say Four will probably make it so. I can see Four mostly helping the heavy hitters to make sure they aren’t blind sided. But he is also probably zooming around the battle field to see who needs the extra hands. I’ve been comparing the boys to people so I guess Noya in this case or Yaku.

Wind, though, is defensive in the same sense of Hinata, where he is the ultimate decoy. Wind needs to be more aggressive in fast and quick succession. He is probably the most chaotic attacker because of it. Yeah, he has training but he is also trained in pirate. There isn’t much to say other than Wind is probably adjusting to more traditional fighting. I mean this boy is probably more similar to Wild in attack style but with the slight formal training. Even then he was trained by an old man in his isolated island village.

Hyrule is a glass cannon. Yes thats because of the blood thing. However, even with that I think Magical wise Hyrule is the most powerful as he doesn’t need items to do his spells. But also his attacks can get out of hand really fast. But he has been using them for a long time and as we saw he can control it pretty good. Ironically the first time I drew Hyrule I gave him freckles because he reminded me of Yamaguchi so if im bias i am bias.

Sky as much as I love him, I don’t know where he would place. Even though he is what started this whole things. Like it’s something to be sad that he killed god, but i don’t think he is necessarily fighting on the offense. Sky is the moral and emotional support, just like Tanaka is to Karasuno. This means more after battle wise where he doesn’t show emotional weakness if something went wrong. Even durring battle he isn’t getting pissed off or outwardly stressed. I suppose he is like time as well where Sky is reliable. But if Sky is taken out it’s more mentally panic as the person that keeps everyone positive is down and is hurt.

Anyway I am going to go watch the stage play again because i miss the music.

#twilight (not lu) speaks #linked universe #linkeduniverse #I am tired #its time for bed

[perelka-l]

(Naruto ask) Have you ever google searched for either 卑劣様 or Hiretsu-sama ;) ?

I never did but now I have and I found this post as an answer to what is the meaning!

I shall quote:

卑劣様/Hiretsu-sama/Lord Dastardly-Ignoble.

This joke targets most of the time Tobirama Senju, it comes from chapter 525 : The Kages Revived.

There Mu, who has been resurrected by Edo Tensei, comments on the technique and calls it Wretched, Dastardly or Hiretsu/卑劣 in japanese.

Hiretsu : 【ひれつ】 (adj-na,n) mean, foul play, cowardly, base, (P)

Since that point, Tobirama has been nicknamed Hiretsu-sama or as I call him Lord Dastardly.

It came to a point where most of his techniques are renamed with Hiretsu in it, so instead or Hiraishin Giri or Flying Thunder God Slash, we have Hiretsu Giri : Dastardly Slash.

Another point where they had fun with this joke, is during Danzou's flashback. In this editm Tobirama refuses to be the decoy and says "囮役はもちろんオレ以外が行く" Or "The decoy, of course, will be anyone but me". And after, like in canon, his speech. He casually sends Hiruzen to die as the decoy when he says "あしたは貴様が囮だ" or "Tomorrow, you'll be the decoy" schocking everyone.

That's really interesting because as I now look on twitter it's such a common way to jokingly address Tobirama and it flew right over my head :D Thank you for tipping me off on that!!!

As I look now there are more jokes that I either realized that existed in JP fandom or had a feeling they were here (Hyuuga being the strongest is always amazing to laugh at while also I am always a bit sad Kishimoto's homophones/kanji plays and puns are never carried on to translations).

#senju tobirama #tobirama senju #answers #anon #anonymous #the wretched one wwwww #lord dastardly wwww #i love it sm ngl bless you nonnie #it's so cool..... #now i know what to lookout for!!! #naruto

[crossguild]

i stumbled onto the powerscaler sub and. ngl. their ranking system sucks, but the way they talk about characters like theres a meta to be gamed is hysterical and i just wanted to say that. everyone is underestimating marco. it's not about yonkou or yc1 or 2 or whatever, the fact is that op is a team meta and not a solo meta like smash. if a team has better synergy, they can easily take out a team with better overall stats, and the most important part of any team is the supports!!

you have dps units like sanji, zoro and luffy, and pure support units like chopper who also have mediocre defensive utility + great healing. that means characters on the straw hat crew can get downed and keep getting back up to chip at kaido, who's an absolute tank with insane dps but unpredictable controls.

nami is a long range aoe debuffer who needs some time but can land devastating attacks, and she's also very good at creating decoys to distract and tire out the enemy. robin is also an aoe debuffer, specializing in cc/restraining the enemies and she's powerful enough to take out weaker ones (break their spines) in one hit. usopp long range dps and also a debuffer who can weaken enemies for one of their main dps to take out, or he can do very good single target damage from a distance.

sanji also has utility as a team buffer (he feeds them), but that happens outside of fights. zoro is a tank, he can soak up a lot of damage for the team and he has decent blocks and parries. luffy's agility is good enough to dodge quite a lot, but he's also got pretty good defense/resistance to most attacks on account of being rubber. luffy also has a minor regen passive.

but marco is the mvp of onigashima and marineford!! he's an s-tier all-rounder who's got good enough defensive ability to protect other characters from the strongest attacks (he tanked a bolo breath to protect nami!), his phoenix powers are limited for healing others but allow him to regenerate as long as he has the stamina for it, and he's an offensive powerhouse who can cc and chip away at the strongest commanders 1v2 in the series until main dpses can deal enough damage to take them out. he could probably win handily in a fresh 1v1 with no other distractions mainly because of that regen. he's also got insane movement w/ the power of flight, which can be carried over to the rest of the team (compared to sanji, who can move very well but isn't the most useful for moving other characters into place). his powers (and experience) basically mean he can forcefully synergize otherwise disparate teams, which is an active version of luffy's main passive.

he was the linchpin of the two biggest conflicts of the series so far and will probably be present at the others (oda let him rest!!), the single best unit that elevates any team he's a part of, the reason whitebeard was able to dominate the meta for 20 years after roger died, and it's no wonder shanks wants him so badly. shanks is begging the rng gods every day to roll marco (get him on his crew) and every day he loses (is declined). shanks (whale who loves gaming the meta) sees luffy (f2p and completely ignorant of the meta) get marco on his side every time they meet and he's happy for the little guy but dear god marco please throw him a bone

#one piece #marco the pheonix #lil bit shanksmarco but only for laughs #talking about op like it's genshin. in which case marco is the xingqiu of op #which makes him the single best unit in the meta #this is related to two massive fandoms but it still feels like a niche opinion hm

[eurydicees]

hinata "he's more the like the tiny giant than i am" about takeru versus hinata "you can be the tiny giant...if i have to have a name, the strongest decoy is a good one" about hoshiumi......im gonna set this manga collection on fire im going crazy i feel crazy who gave furudate the RIGHT to make character growth this good

#haikyuu #shoyo hinata #hinata shouyou

[georgiaheartsdilfs]

Stefan and reader are best friend's, she is human and doesn't take crap from Damon and protects Stefan when he goes off on him. She takes vervain and some reason damon is interested in reader since she isn't afraid of him. He flirts with her but she doesn't have it she ignores him. Lots of banter.

Can't compel yourself a date | Damon Salvatore x Reader

my masterlist ↪M A S T E R L I S T

"Stefanie" I yell walking into the Salvatore house, "Stefania, your girlfriend has arrive from hell" Damon walks past me yelling to his younger brother who must have been upstairs in his room.

I take my shoe off throwing it at the older brother "you can't call him names, Damon." I roll my eyes as he throws my shoe back 3x harder just missing my head "he's my brother" he responds walking off into the wine cellar "the brother you sought to kill not even a decade ago, shut up" i say to him before jogging up to Stefan's room.

"hey, you ready to go?" I ask Stefan, he and I had been planning to go out to lunch with Klaus and Elijah for a while. Since the Salvatores were failing miserably i'd be there decoy, of course not for Damon, mainly for Stefan.

"not yet, you're 4 hours early, y/n." Stefan spins around after pushing up his 'hero' hair.

"still." I tap my foot against the ground "you also need to take your daily dose of vervain" he says handing my a small vile, I drink the vile handing it back to him "i may be human but god that taste is putrid" i mumble, I had been taking vervain everyday for a few months now.

Just because it made sense to, especially since I now know of the supernatural.

We walk downstairs as Damon attacks us from behind, wrapping his arms around mine and stefan's shoulders "what's the plan guys" he asks sarcastically, acting as if he wasn't already listening.

Walking away from Damon I kick his shin "don't touch me." I say aggressively, looking to Stefan then kicking Damon once more as he lets go of his younger brother "and him" I say protecting the younger Salvatore brother.

"i could just rip you apart, here, right now." Damon crosses his arms "cut it out Damon." Stefan says rolling his eyes "do it, pussy." I narrow my eyes to Damon who scoffs walking off again.

"i'm still surprised you have the guts to talk to him like that, not even Elena would." Stefan chuckles sitting down on the sofa as I stand in front of him "yeah, well Elena is like i dont know she does when she gets angry. She gets parley." crossing my arms sitting down next to him.

Damon walks back in front of us, holding two bourbon bottles in his hand "y/n, pick one." he commands "the left one" I mumble "poor taste, right was the right answer." he laughs to himself, I pick up a book and throw it at him "i'm right, you're wrong." I say sternly "yes ma'am" he says placing one bottle down, handing the other to me.

"drink it" he says pointing to the bottle, Stefan snatches it out of my hand "what, Damon no." Stefan says placing the bottle on the ground "well she has to have something to get through the meeting" Damon says relaxing back on the sofa opposite of Stefan and I.

"i need it everytime i'm around you, vervain barely cuts it." i lie to him, vervain didn't even cut the bare minimum "liar" he whispers and I roll my eyes "Stefan doesn't need to come with you anyways, what is he going to do flick he hero hair and save the day?" "and if he does, who is stopping him." I lean forward.

"nobody." rolling my eyes. "you fascinate me" Damon points to me "Here we go" Stefan says getting up and walking back to his room "oh god" placing my hand on my forehead, rubbing it annoyed.

"how is it, even the strongest humans i know, won't insult me. Yet, you insult me with every chance you get." Damon leans forward, glancing up at me from his glass of bourbon "because i'm not scared of you." I cross one leg over the other.

"surely you have some sort of worry that I might, accidently kill you." Damon says shrugging as he leans back into the sofa "nope, not one." I smile to him "It's my brother isn't it, you know he'd avenge you." Damon says thinking he caught onto something.

"That's a good reason but its not the reason." standing up getting ready to walk away "well surely there is a reason." he says stopping me "course theres a reason, I just don't feel like disclosing the reason." I smirk before walking to the fireplace.

I had to stay here for Stefan, there was not many rooms in this house despite its size.

"can you two cut it out already. It's causing my ears to bleed." Stefan groans from upstairs "believe me Stef, I'm trying to ignore him. His voice is just as annoying as his face." I huff staring into the blazing fire.

Glaring at Damon, I walk past him up to Stefan's room. Sitting down next to Stefan on his bed.

"did you really leave him by himself?" Stefan asks me "yes?" I reply "no" Damon bursts through the door.

"how about I take you out, y/n, i can show you how un-annoying i am." he says "impossible." I mumble, snatching Stefan's book out of his hand "you talk to him, he's your brother." I continue to mumble as Stefan rolls his eyes at me.

"Y/n won't go out with you, even you know that." Stefan says getting of his bed walking to his balcony, pushing the doors open "well then i need to prove just how annoying i am not." Damon throws his arms up "this is usually the part where she tells you to 'stuff it in places i wouldn't'" Stefan dusts his hands off, sitting back down next to me.

"i'm not talking to you Saint Stefan." Damon says turning to face me, I continue to ignore him "I wont kill anyone for a month, if you go out with me." Damon bargains "no" Stefan talks on my behalf "beat it Buzzkill Bob" he insults his brother.

"Buzzkill, I know you aren't talking." finally looking up to the irritating villainous brother "she speaks again" he smirks "he still doesnt stop talking... again." I mumble.

"too bad you can't compel yourself a date with me."

"why exactly have you brought this into my room?" Stefan questions us "if only this room was in my name so he couldn't come in." I huff "fine" getting of Stefan's bed, placing the book on the bed, shoving past the brothers and walking down the stairs.

"i'm going home until further notice."

#damon salvatore imagine #wattpad #the originals #oneshots #damon salvatore oneshot #damon #damon salvatore #damon x reader #damon x elena #bonnie and damon #tvd damon #elijah #paul wesley #elena #tvdu #tvdu icons #tvdu imagines #the vampire diaries universe #klaus mikaelson #the mikaelsons #the originals family #the vampire diaries #tumblr #anti tvdu #tvdu rp #tvdulgbt #tvd universe #stefan salvatore #salvatore imagines #caroline forbes salvatore