#God. i'm so glad i know her and look at me i am getting emotional again woo

[elytrafemme]

do you all ever just tear up really strongly because of like. friendship and human connection or something

[angels-fantasy]

hi! i was wondering if you could do a bakugou x reader where the reader went to the states to visit family and as a surprise the reader came back on an earlier flight but something bad happened to the flight she was supposed to go on but thank god she wasn’t on it and bakugou thought the worst when she wasn’t responding to her texts but it turned out all okay in the end? sorry if that’s vague 😭😭

Flight Frights (Request)

Katsuki Bakugou x Fem!Reader

Details/Warnings: katsuki gets a little emotional in this one, slight talks of death but nothing crazy

Word Count: 1.7k

hello thank you for this request :)) it was enough for me to work with so dont worry! i hope you like it 🩷

"You sure you got everything?" Your boyfriend asked for the millionth time.

You rolled your eyes. "Yes, I have everything. You can even double check my bags!" You insisted.

He squinted and began looking through each of your bags silently. After a few minutes you looked at him smugly, "Are you going to tell me how perfect I am and that I didn't forget a single thing?"

Katsuki smirked, "Nah, I was gonna say you forgot your brain somewhere." He teased and gripped the top of your head lightly.

You smacked his hand away, "You're not funny, Katsuki." You laugh, despite your words.

"Yes I am and you know it."

The two of you continued to spend time together until it was time for you to go to the airport. You were visiting your parents in the states, so Katsuki was going to drive you to the airport and send you off.

When the time to go to the airport came, he drove you there and waited with you until you boarded the plane, which you felt bad about but appreciated a lot.

Some time later, a boarding announcement for your flight rang out loud through the speakers and you frowned at Katsuki.

"I'm gonna miss you." You said and hugged him tightly.

He hugged you back, "Yeah, I know."

"Stop it! Be serious."

He laughed and apologized, "I'll miss you too. Be safe on the plane and everywhere else, and don't talk to any fucking weirdos okay?"

You nodded and gave him a kiss, saying goodbye.

...

The time spent at your parents went well and you called and texted Katsuki as much as you could but it was hard, considering the time difference.

But like always, you managed to make it work.

As your trip neared it's end, your mother asked you if you were going to take the later flight like you planned.

"Jeez Mom. You trying to get rid of me already?" You teased her, making her pout at you.

"Oh stop it. You know that's not what I mean."

You smiled and said, "I know, it's just fun to mess with you," with a laugh, "but nah, I think I'm gonna take the earlier flight actually. I wanna surprise Katsuki, even if it's just a few hours earlier."

Your mom smiled at you, "That's sweet of you. I wish he could've come along with you..." She trailed off, making you a little jealous that your mom was wishing someone else came along too.

You crossed your arms, "Yeah well, he's busy with hero work, so he couldn't." You excused, "And besides, you should be glad it's just me! I missed you and Dad."

She smiled and patted your head. "Well of course I'm glad you're here! But I know you two must miss each other a lot. I know what it's like to be in love." She winked, and coincidentally your father walked in at the same time.

You both greeted him and continued talking about mundane things. You only had two days left with your parents, so you wanted to make them count more than the previous ones.

...

Fast forward to the day of your flight. Your parents took you to the earliest one at 5:00 am and said good bye to you, but not without some tears.

After sending you off with a lot of love, you were now on your way back home. You felt weird not texting your boyfriend about what you were doing, but you were still excited to surprise him. You wondered how he'd react.

You were a little nervous about how he'd react to you not answering his messages, since you wouldn't be able to text him regularly during the whole flight. Maybe he'd think you were sleeping in, since it was a likely scenario.

Ignoring your thoughts, you looked out the window at the raining sky and decided to fall asleep, hoping it would make the trip go by faster and thankfully it did.

...

Back in Japan 5 hours later

Katsuki had been on his phone mindlessly scrolling through his feed when suddenly a video caught his attention. It was a recent news post about a plane crash coming back to Japan from America.

"The flight had taken off at 10:00 am, and an hour into the flight the plane experienced a high amount of turbulence due to the unexpected weather conditions. Suddenly, the plane went crashing down-"

The news now had all of Katsuki's attention. He felt his heart racing in his chest and the world went silent, only the sound of his beating heart now filling his ears.

The plane that had crashed, was the flight you were on.

He felt as if time was slowing down as he watched the news. The news reporters had been describing just how bad the accident was, and he felt like he couldn't breathe.

There was no way you were hurt or even dead, right? You had to come back home to him. He had so many plans for your future. There's no way he'd be able to live life knowing he'd never get to act on them.

He grabbed his phone and clicked on your contact to call you but it went straight to voicemail. It was just because you had it on airplane mode right? They always make people turn that shit on.

He called again and again until he thought he was going to go crazy at the sound of the automated system's voice. He threw his phone across the bedroom and rubbed his hands through his sweaty hair.

After taking a few deep breaths, he got up and walked over to where his phone was and picked it up. Turning it over, he sighed at the large crack on the screen.

"Fuck..." He mumbled. Whatever. His phone didn't matter right now. What mattered was you and your safety. That damn phone was replaceable, but you weren't.

He continued to use his phone to call your mom, who was confused at his phone call.

"Hello Katsuki!" Your mother said.

"Hey, um-" He cut himself off to hold back tears. Fuck did your parents even know about what happened? Your mom sounded so happy, he didn't want to ruin it.

"Katsuki?" Your mother asked in a worried tone, "You okay, dear?"

He nodded, even though she couldn't see him. He wiped his eyes, "I'm fine. I was just calling to ask about Y/n."

"Oh! She should be fine. We dropped her off at the airport a while ago, so she's on her way back to you."

Holy crap. Your mom didn't even know about what happened. He couldn't tell her, there was no way. All he could do was thank her and hang up before he began to cry.

"God dammit." He cried.

Katsuki had never felt so defeated and devastated before. He continued to sit on your shared bed, eventually laying down in it and crying out for you. He didn't know what condition you were in right now, but like he was trained to do, he assumed the worse.

...

Hours later, you were finally off that cramped plane and on your way home. You couldn't wait to see Katsuki and the look on his face when you surprised him.

As you were driven home in an Uber, you were on your phone when a news report popped up. Curious, you clicked on it and found out that it was about the flight you were supposed to be on.

You put a hand over your mouth and thanked every god there was that you ended up on a different plane.

You closed the news article and focused on something else to distract you until you got home.

When you finally did, you giddily ran up the steps to your home and opened the door as quietly as you could. It was pretty early in Japan, so maybe Katsuki was still asleep.

Pulling in your luggage behind you, you took your shoes off and scampered around the house to look for your boyfriend. The house was so quiet, which was strange since his presence was so loud.

Tip-toeing into your bedroom, you awed silently at the sight of him sleeping. You snapped a quick picture and walked over to him, sitting on the bed next to him.

You reached out and stroked the top of his head, lightly scratching his scalp to wake him up. You frowned a bit when you noticed how irritated his eyes seemed. Maybe spring was getting to him already.

"Katsuki, wake up." You whispered.

He grumbled a bit in his sleep, shifting around a bit before finally opening his eyes.

You smiled and held one of his hands in both of yours, "Surprise! I'm home early."

He looked at you with a sleep clouded gaze for a second, and then shot up in bed.

"You're okay?! Oh my fucking god." He said and wrapped his arms around you in a bone crushing hug.

You hugged him back, "Of course I'm okay! Why wouldn't I be?"

He rested his face in the crook of your neck and said, "I-I thought you were hurt. I saw the news about the flight and it crashed!"

You frowned and hugged him tighter, "Oh Katsuki... I'm so sorry I didn't tell you anything." You pulled away slightly and placed your hands on his face, "I wanted to surprise you, so I got on an earlier flight."

He sighed and leaned his forehead onto yours, "Thank fuck you did. I would've brought you back to life and killed you myself if you died." He said, making you laugh now that his personality seemed to be back.

"Now cuddle me." He demanded and wrestled you lightly to lay you down next to him.

You gasped at his words, "Did you just admit you want to cuddle me?" You asked.

"Of course I do, woman. I haven't seen your ass in weeks." He said and laid his head on your chest, wrapping an arm around your waist, lightly stroking the skin there.

You moved around, trying to get into a comfortable position which made Katsuki groan.

He pinched one of your thighs, making you yelp, "Stop squirming. We're going to bed now."

You smiled, "Sorry love," and messed with his hair. "Can I put on a movie Kats?"

"Mmm."

You took that as a yes.

As you watched the movie, you continued massaging Katsuki's scalp and playing with his hair which made him eventually fall asleep. You smiled down at him, happy that he was now at peace compared to earlier.

authors note

thank you for reading <3

btw for people who have sent a request, i'm working on it i promise! it's just happening a little slower since i'm sick lol

love ya 🩷

tags for bakugou fics: @doumadono @shonen-brainrot

[imfinereallyy]

Bedside Manner

for @acasualcrossfade request for "the infection has spread"

"Some birdie told me that you have been causing a fuss, Wayne, is that true?"

Wayne huffs from his hospital bed, glasses sliding down his nose. He places the newspaper he was reading on the table beside him. "You tell that Robbie of yours to stop exaggerating. It was only a small request."

Steve raises his eyebrows at his favorite patient (Dustin tells him he isn't supposed to have favorites, but he also used to cry anytime he picked up Max before him when they were younger, so what does he know) and gives him a knowing look. "Robin listens to no man, Wayne, you know this. You're better off sending that message through her wife. Besides, small? She was telling me you refused to have any other nurse help you because I wasn't here last night. Which surprised me since you are always pushing me on about taking a vacation. "

Wayne opens his mouth, but Steve presses on. "And the fact Robin was even in the room means they called a psych consult, so I can only imagine how bad it was."

Wayne grumbles like a little kid being scolded for getting his hands caught in the cookie jar. "Yea, well, it was a bad night, kid."

Steve feels his shoulders sag, he takes off his glasses and rubs a hand down his face before placing them back on. "Sorry, Wayne, I had a bad migraine last night. Nance and Robs wouldn't even let me pass the entrance. Bad news?"

"Kid, don't stress yourself out over me. I'm just your patient, and more so, I am just a cranky old man." Wayne patted Steve's knee as he sat down next to him.

"C'mon, Wayne. You're more than that. I'd like to think seeing you in and out of here the last year has made us friends. Although I gotta say, you're the only friend I have that I'll be glad if I don't get to see again, given the circumstances. So, what's the news?"

"The infection has spread."

Steve takes in a deep breath, he tries not to panic, but any infection in a hospital can be deadly, especially for a cancer patient like Wayne. "Incision site?"

Steve must not be as good at hiding his emotions as he used to be because Wayne jumps to ease his worry. "No, kid, don't worry. The surgery was a success. Just got that hospital fever, the good old bronchitis. But it just means I'm here longer than I have to. It also means my nephew is on edge, and I don't know if I can take a second longer of his hovering."

Steve laughed wetly, thankful for the topic change. "Ah yes, the mysterious nephew of yours that I've never met. The way you talk about him almost tempts me into switching to the day shift, sounds like he might be entertaining. But only almost."

"Always wondered why you were always working the nights, most of the others seem to switch. Not a big fan of the day?"

Steve shakes his head gently, "No, I like the quiet here at night. Like getting to know the patients without having to worry about fixing ten million things. Don't get me wrong, it has its downfalls. Like the doctors can be horrible at night, never tell Dr. Wheeler that or Robbie will kill me, and the food is awful. But there is something special about it here at night. So sorry, your ridiculous nephew isn't enough to tempt me."

Wayne smirked, "What if I told you he was a looker and single?"

Steve blushes slightly. He is used to patients trying to pawn him off to their relatives, it came with being a young male nurse, but typically it didn't phase him. But Steve has become close with Wayne, so hearing him suggest he get together with his nephew has him flustered. "I'm good, Wayne, thanks. Gave up on the dating scene a while ago. Not many people can keep up with a guy who works nights and suffers from severe head trauma."

"Shame, Eddie likes the nights too. I'd reckon yal would get along."

"I'm pretty sure we would need more than that, Wayne."

Wayne smiles fondly at Steve. "You don't need a whole lot to build a connection, son. Me and Linda, god rest her soul, only started dating for our mutual love of mugs. And we may not have had long together, but our love was strong. Besides, there is more yal would have in common than just the night shift."

Steve huffs a laugh, "Oh yea, like what?" The least he can do is humor the man.

"Well, you both care about me deeply."

Steve blushes again, "C'mon, Wayne. I'm your nurse. I'm kinda paid to care."

Wayne won't hear any of it, "No, son, it's more than that. You take your break in here every night. You make sure to record the game at home for me because they only have the news here. And last night, you tried to come in with a migraine, even though we both know I am the only patient you can stand right now."

Steve doesn't know what to say back. Wayne is right, of course. Steve has been spending all of his time with the man, giving him extra care. Steve isn't bad with his other patients, he goes above and beyond most of his coworkers, but there is something special about Wayne.

"You got nothing, kid, you know I'm right. Remind me a lot of my nephew. Before visiting hours ended is when I got the news of having to stay longer. Kid almost threw a fit when they kicked him out. Swore he was gonna break in to stay the night with me. I told him not to worry since you would be there, I brag about you too, ya know. When he found out today you weren't here, that boy threw a fit again. Swear he gets his tantrums from his father. Said he was gonna sneak back in tonight. Make sure I had company. That 'the man' couldn't stop him. That if he ran into you, he was gonna have a word with you."

Steve can't help the snort that shakes his body, "I'd like to see him get passed Hop first."

Wayne starts to chuckle, too, "Eds may have had his fair share of escaping the law, but no man moves as fast as Jim in a security uniform."

Steve is fully laughing now, "I know, right? It's like those pants make him aerodynamic or something. No way your nephew is getting by."

It is almost as if Steve's words summon what happens next. There in the doorway is the most gorgeous man he's ever seen, even though he is bent over and out of breath.

"Eds?" Wayne questions, clearly surprised. Steve has to mask his face and quickly before Wayne catches him ogling his nephew. Steve is finding it difficult, though. The man, Eddie, despite his out-of-breath appearance, is stunning. His long curly hair is thrown up in a bun, showing off the piercings up his ears. His clothes are simple but suiting, ripped jeans and a black band tee. Tattoos cover his entire body, and Steve wants to ask about every single one of them.

The most surprising thing about him isn't that he got by Hop (although he has questions for that later), no the most surprising thing to Steve is that Wayne somehow knew his exact type, which most people assume wrong in that department.

Eddie awakens an old craving inside Steve that he thought he had buried long ago.

"Wayne, you would not believe what I just went to get up here. The story I have for you, oh boy. You're gonna love it. Who knew security guards could move that fast. Anyway, I hope that nurse boy of yours is here tonight because I am ready to—" Eddie stops mid-rant when his eyes land on Steve, a lovely blush blossoming across his pale cheeks.

"I believe what you are trying to say is, what was it, Wayne? Oh yea, 'have a word with me,'" Steve laughs softly.

Eddie sputters, "Wayne!?!" His blushing becomes deeper as the seconds pass by.

Wayne just chuckles as Steve stands. "Don't be mad at your Uncle, I think he was just trying to make me feel better. I am sorry I wasn't here last night for the news. Got my head knocked around too much as a kid—" Steve taps his head with his knuckles, "—so I suffer from migraines sometimes. I really did try to come in, but well—you met Jim. He's pretty fast." Steve worries his lip. Eddie's eyes follow.

"Well, I can't be too mad now, can I?" Eddie swallows nervously before a smirk spreads across his face, switching from shy to confident in two seconds flat. Steve shouldn't be turned on by that. "The pretty face helps too. I'm pretty sure you could convince me to give you my kidney right about now. I'm Eddie, which I know you know by now, and you are...?"

Steve puts his hand out for a shake, "Nurse Harrington. But most people call me Steve."

Eddie grabs his hand gently and brings the back of it to his lips. "Stevie, a pleasure, really." A light kiss is placed on Steve's knuckles. Stevie, he thinks. That's a new one. And he isn't mad about it, at all. In fact, the butterflies in his stomach want him to get Eddie to say it again.

Steve catches Wayne's smug face in the corner of his eye as Steve begins to blush again.

"I'm just gonna—I'll be right back." Steve stutters.

"Leaving so soon?" Eddie says disappointed.

Steve has the sudden urge to fix the frown on his face. "No, no! Just, uh, gonna call Jim and tell him not to send out a search party. That it's okay if you stay. I'll keep an eye on you."

Eddie's face breaks out into a brilliant smile, "Really, Stevie? You gonna keep me around?"

Steve's heart skips a beat, "If I can help it."

***

[michelle-is-writing]

Birthday Pie, Spencer Reid

I was inspired to write this while watching the earlier seasons, so I know I wrote this a very long time ago.

Word Count: 1.1k~

Waiting at Spencer's desk with the rest of the team, we all happily stand in anticipation of the celebration of a certain holiday. Today is October 12th, meaning it is officially Spencer's birthday, and because of the very special occasion, we plan on spending it the best way we can. We'll have "cake" here in the morning and let him open our gifts for him, then once we all get off of work later, we'll go to a Chinese restaurant - one that has forks for Spencer, of course.

In all of our hands, we each have a gift for Spencer, and in the middle of his desk sits a pie I made for him which I am praying he will like. It's a chocolate chess pie which I thought was very fitting since Spencer likes chess and chocolate. I also know on your birthday you're supposed to have cake and ice cream, but maybe after 27 years, he'll want something else...?

"Do you think he'll like the pie instead of a regular Birthday cake?" I ask JJ, slightly unsure.

"Oh, he'll love it, (Y/n)," She assures me with one of her perfect smiles.

"Pretty boy loves anything you do," Morgan adds with a smirk. "Trust me."

I lightly laugh at his remark before sarcastically saying a small "Sure."

"No, no," Penelope cuts me off, waving her hands frantically with a huge smile. "You could walk a straight line and Spencer could give an hour-long seminar on how perfect your movements were," Immediately, my cheeks begin to blush while the rest of the team laughs at her comment. "Just sayin'," She finishes, holding her hands out in a shrug motion.

Just as she finishes speaking, my eyes move to the main entrance hall where my handsome brunet boyfriend is currently walking through the doors. Without noticing us at first, he mindlessly heads over to the area while straightening out his brown and green harlequin-pattern sweater vest. He doesn't even realize the spot he just fixed is going to be messed up again by the inevitable Birthday pin that Penelope plans to bestow upon him.

I watch as Spencer turns the corner, his pace slowing down before coming to a stop as sees us all waiting at his desk. It only takes a short second before he realizes what's going on, causing him to break into an award-winning grin and quicken his speed over to us. "Happy Birthday!" We all yell at the same time, making his eyes light up like fireworks.

"What's this?" He asks as he stops beside me, one of his hands instantly coming up to rest against my back.

"A birthday surprise, my love," I answer him, leaning in to kiss his cheek. Pushing my gift into his hands, I smile at him as he gazes at me with what hope is a mix of love and happiness. "Happy twenty-seventh birthday, Spencer."

After opening all of our gifts, Spencer sits down in his chair while I sit on the edge of his desk and cut a slice of pie for him. "What kind is it?" He asks, his eyes matching the sweet treat in front of him. Smiling, I push the slice of pie onto a paper plate before handing it to him.

"Chocolate chess," I tell him with a nod, watching as he chuckles; I'm glad he got the joke.

"I already like it," he tells me, referring to the name. Looking over at Morgan, I see both he and Penelope mouth "Told you so."

Handing Spence a fork, I watch as he takes the first bite of the pie, a half-surprised, half-happy emotion filling his face as he begins chewing the morsel of food. "Oh my God," he says, food still in his mouth. A moment of panic fills me as I begin to think he doesn't like it. "This tastes amazing," Those three words instantly take all the fear and worry away, causing me to grin and let out a sigh of relief.

Soon enough, everyone else has a slice of pie, each having reactions like Spencer. "This is really, really good, (Y/n)," Prentiss approves.

"Yes, it is!" Penelope agrees, taking another bite of her slice.

"Mama, I am coming to your place for Thanksgiving," Derek announces, causing me to hide my grin. Even Rossi and Hotch had something good to say about the pie I made, all of the comments making me feel like I've done a good job.

Once Spencer is done with his slice, he places the empty plate on his desk before wrapping his arms around my waist to pull me from the edge and onto his lap. Meanwhile, the rest of the team heads back to their desks, all of them having so much work to do all of a sudden.

Smiling at Spencer's antics, I lean my head back against his shoulder and look up at him, his chocolate eyes meeting my own (e/c) eyes. We both know we can't do this for long as neither of us want to be written up, but we can risk it for today.

"Did you like your birthday surprise?" I ask him, watching as he nods.

"Of course I did," he assures me, reaching a hand up to cup my cheek. Leaning my head down toward his, Spencer attaches his lips to mine for a second before pulling away, trying to keep it at least a little professional at work. "You should know that I enjoy anything you do."

"Oh yeah?" I can't help but ask, leaning my head a bit further into his shoulder. Still smiling, he looks away from my eyes as a red tint spreads across his cheeks. I almost laugh at the sight, finding the irony in the situation that he's already blushing despite me not saying my next comment yet.

"Well then, I know you'll enjoy tonight," I tell him, dressing another kiss to his cheek as his eyes growing wide at the many implications behind my words. I can only giggle at his reaction, reveling in the knowledge that that's the best part - he truly has no idea what's in store for him tonight. He doesn't know about our plans to go to the Chinese restaurant and eat with the rest of the team later, nor does he know about my plans to surprise him with a new set of lingerie in his favorite color tonight. However, I think he might have some growing suspicions going by the smirk that slowly worms its way across his face.

"I can't wait," He finally murmurs to me, giving my hip a tight, yet discreet squeeze. With that, I know he definitely has an idea of what's in store for him and I can't wait either.

[barry-j-blupjeans]

TAZ 2023 Fic Recs

It is that time of year again! Unfortunately, I don't have as many as last year, mainly because work and Life have been a lot this year. But I am very, very glad to share the fics I have loved this year and I'm looking forward to any other recs!

A Candlenights Barold by @sgrumby - or honestly, all three of the Reaper Squad Candlenights fics! Based off that one liveshow where Merle became Santa Clause. Now it is the job of Barry, Lup, and Kravitz to deliver presents to children every Candlenights! This one is based off A Christmas Carol and is not only hilarious but also super in character.

The Best Version Possible by @thedaisiestdaisy - Taako's experience with past romances, his current one with Kravitz, as well as the aftermath of Story and Song. This is a beautiful, meaningful fic that hits me in the feels every time I read it. It's such a deep, refreshing dive into Taako's character.

a monster might begin to worry by @anistarrose - In short, a Barry-kills-Governer-Kalen AU. In long: Such a good fucking fic. Rose's character voices are top notch and she's so incredibly good at playing with emotions and building up scenes. It's a god-tier Magnus fic, with some fun Magnus-Kravitz interactions and some wonderful hurt/comfort.

Also by Rose and very worth reading:

fill up your lungs, feel better - Barry spies on the BOBs corporate excursion and realizes his family still cares, even if they don't truly know him.

to eat from a poisoned plate - Barry leaves notes in Taako's cookbook.

somewhere over the rainbow (bluebirds fly) - Maureen and Lucretia fall in love. Then, Maureen and Lucretia fall out of love.

midlife crises, laboratory niceties - Barry bulldozes his way into being on the Starblaster crew. Davenport is very concerned <3

colors of space and time - Taako and Lup's relationship with their hair.

Rode Hard And Put Away Wet by @holdmecloser-gandydancer - Band AU!! My beloved!! Lup, Johann, and Kravitz are in a band and it gets. Tough. To put it lightly. Whenever Lup discovers Kravitz and Taako are hooking up. This is a WONDERFUL and super funny fic, that also has it's moments of deep reflections and a lil angst! Plus, Blupjeans! We love that!

Astrology for Horse Jugglers by @noodyl-blasstal - Kravitz and Taako meet at a wedding. This goes badly for everyone except them. This fic is pure chaos and I adore it so, so much.

We Got Boned! - Another one by Noodyl! Barry and Lup write a book for payback, kinda. This one is such a fun, weird turn of events. I cannot describe my love for it.

Revenge Plus One by @ceilingfan5 - Kravitz is invited by his ex (Edward) to go on a cruise. A cruise that will host Edward's wedding. And, to add insult to injury, Edward (rightly) assumes that Kravitz will have no one to bring along. So Kravitz does the responsible adult thing: Invite the gorgeous man who sells bagels in the work cafeteria (Taako) on the cruise with him. There is fake dating! There is tension! There is romance! I love this fic so much, I want to eat it.

a lesson in boy math - Also by Larissa! Speed-dating, Taakitz style. Both Taako and Kravitz are the best shade of weird in this <3

fashion statement by @journalofimprobablethings - Taako takes Lup's robe when he finds her and the umbrella. Lucretia deals with that. This fic? Destroyed me. And I loved it. It's pretty full of angst but the good kind, y'know?? I'm in love.

That's all I got this year!! I hope you all enjoy these fics as much as I did! They're all incredible and I love seeing all the different ideas and takes everyone has :O

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly]

Thoughts about the supposed direction Rhaena's storyline is going in Hotd and the apparent Nettles erasure? Disappointing but... I can sort of see where they could take it? Idk... looking at grrm's posts in hindsight kinda makes me even more disappointed if he is as well (he just can't get his adaptations right atp but idk)

Well. Pre-ep7, we're still pending any Rhaena-Sheepstealer bonding, but I'm basically 😑🫠 about the rumors. (I dislike borrowing trouble, I'm not even sure how many of the rumors are true -- actually I'm pretty sure many of these supposed "leaks" are straight up lies -- and yet. Still *disgruntled meh* and *"we're all fine-everyone's fine here" dread*.) Rhaena is one of my more beloved F&B characters (it's the Sansa parallels, I can't help myself), and Nettles has been a super fave since TPATQ and TWOIAF. (Particularly TWOIAF, since the Burned Men fire-witch reveal; heck, I think my little dollmaker is still one of the few fanarts of Nettles in the mountains.)

I mean, sure, I understand that Rhaena's book storyline during the Dance, where she's offpage from basically the start of the war until nearly the end of it, socializing in the Vale and waiting for her egg to hatch, would be difficult to adapt in an action-oriented visuals-oriented television show. (Like Rhaenyra this season sure isn't just catatonically crying from Luke's death until Jace's.) And I'm glad Rhaena's getting more to do, and I'm glad it's directly addressing her feeling slighted and ignored by her family since she doesn't have a dragon. However...

I do not want Rhaena merged into one character with Nettles! I do not want Rhaena to have Sheepstealer and not her hope-for-the-future (doomed hope, and yet) baby dragon Morning, that hatched for her. Also note how pink Morning, worn as a fashion accessory, so suited Rhaena's coquette personality vs her sporty, adventurous twin sister... I mean, I've said before, I understand adaptations can be different, this still wouldn't make HOTD even close to a "loose adaptation".* But I do not want this adaptation to lose Rhaena's personality that I loved.

Or for that matter, to lose Nettles's character, and her importance to the themes and worldbuilding of ASOIAF. (See also.) And her importance to the plot -- but god knows, they're doing all sorts of things with Daemon and Rhaenyra on this show, toxic romance or what have you, who knows if once Daemon reaches his emotional breakthrough or whatever at Harrenhal this season, if they want to backslide him into a cheating plot in S3 while Daemon is again stuck in a castle for months.** Nevertheless, I'd be deeply disappointed to lose scenes like "as well as her dragon, the girl had taken to riding Daemon", or the last morning in Maidenpool scene... and um, you can't really fit Rhaena in there, or if you did, it would certainly put the lie to the ship denialists' "he just treated her like a father, platonically bathing naked together!" (Also the pretty blatant fake S3 leaks including one where Rhaenyra decides Rhaena has betrayed her... are pretty blatantly fake, sorry.)

And then there would be the frankly racist erasure of the one book black character. "Oh but the show made the Velaryons black, so it's not erasing, it's adding more!" No, sorry. (1) I was and am all for adding more racial diversity to the show and especially to Valyrians, but face it, when you take the book's secondary character Velaryons, two who get killed off early and are portrayed as lesser to the "true" Daemon/Rhaenyra marriage, and make them black, you've already done a lot of hinky damage there. (2) What, it's that hard to write three distinct black girls with very different personalities and one from an incredibly different background? I don't see Addam and Alyn getting merged. I don't see Aemond and Daeron getting merged. I don't see Hugh and Ulf getting merged. But I'm not really one to speak here, for this particular discussion I'd point you to @ride-thedragon and @venusintheblindspots-blog and @chrkrose, among others, they have many many posts on this subject in far greater detail and better argued than mine.

OK, so. I still have hope that Nettles -- even if not cast for this season (sorry y'all, that extra is an extra) -- may appear next season, and all this worry will turn out to be a tempest in a teapot. Per last report from the HOTD panel at SDCC, the rumor of Rhaena and Sheepstealer definitely doesn't happen in ep 7, though, yes, there's one episode after. And if it does happen... I'll be strongly disappointed. Deeply, deeply disappointed, and probably far more suspicious of future adaptational changes. But, for me at least, it's not a dealbreaker like GOT S5 was.*** I won't be happy at all about the storyline, but I would like to think the show will remain high quality re themes and character and all. Time will tell, though. Time will definitely tell.

As for GRRM, when his complaints seem to be "wild dragons shouldn't be in the Vale" and "the heraldry with four legs is wrong", well, I struggle to see that he's that disappointed in the adaptational changes. Believe me, I am well used to reading between the lines re GRRM and adaptations, something like the fact that he's not visiting the HOTD writers' room when he's in the UK is nothing. Catch me if at Worldcon or his Oxford lecture in August, GRRM again says that he could write a whole novel about Nettles, or if actually says something about non-Valyrian dragonriders, ok?

*I was just reading up on The Beast (2023) vs Henry James's “The Beast in the Jungle”. lol HOTD doesn't compare. Don't even think it, man.

**You know, this reminds me of how the Dance in F&B is not paced very well for individual characters, they keep going offscreen for months at a time. From shortly after Rhaenyra's crowning to the Fall of KL, Daemon just sits at Harrenhal and occasionally ventures out into the riverlands. From shortly after the Fall of KL until the Battle Above the Gods Eye, Daemon just... sits at Maidenpool and occasionally ventures out into the riverlands (with Nettles). Yeah, obviously a show would need to write more for him to do, he's a main character.

***Thank god HOTD isn't the sort of exploitative shitshow that GOT was. All y'all thinking it was a better adaptation because of your nostalgia goggles (and/or shitty memory) need to actually reread the books (especially AFFC/ADWD) and then submit yourself to the real-world misogynist and homophobic nonsense of S5-6 again, ugh.

[respectthepetty]

Pride Petty Watch - LiTA (Rain/Payu) 2

Because I'm petty, I had the crowd pick which blacklisted shows I would watch for the month of Pride. The first is Love in The Air, and even though I was mad in the first few episodes that Sky brushed off his friend running away from Payu at the beginning, Sky has proven he is a great friend, and I am very excited to get to his portion. Sorry, Rain. This Daddy x Baby dynamic needs to speed it up!

Let's wrap this stormy weather up!

If I was the receptionist, I'd love this job for the chisme. If I was a mechanic, I'd be pissed!

So all of this was a another test. Rain is proving himself to Payu as being worthy of his time and affection by ignoring Payu being mean to him, so even though there is definitely something happening with the yellow and blue between them, I'm ignoring it because Payu is HIGH-KEY pissing me all the way off, and I'm too focused on this room situation. Does this man have his garage room and actual house room?! What is this?!

LET ME IGNORE THEM, BABY JESUS!

Black x White. Blinding Light of Love. And just like that, I'm on my fellow Slut for Christ's side because WHY IS RAIN JUST STANDING OUT IN THE RAIN LIKE A DUMMY?! Miracles happen when we least expect them.

I am not feeling this bathing scene because there is not enough water in that huge ass tub, and out of all the things Payu should apologize for, he is saying sorry that Rain stood out in the rain. Can they just have sex already, so I can quit being petty?

God damn it! There is pink = 💕love💕 but I am very familiar with this scene because it was all over my dash when it aired, and I'm a bag of mixed emotions. Payu hid that condom under a toy truck, but opened it with his teeth, yet he kissed Rain's leg, so like . . . shit, Payu looks fine with his hair down.

The beginning of episode five is just horny on main from Rain telling his MOTHER that he was working on something else that was hard all night, and now we're just watching Payu work out before he peaces out in Payu's blue shirt only to end up in this! I refuse to acknowledge the colors because how did Payu find this boy AND WHY ARE THEY SCREWING AROUND IN HIS MAMA'S HOUSE?!

😬😬😬

Payu already claimed Rain to his face, followed him to his mama's house, and has gotten ultra possessive, yet Rain is freaking out thinking Payu is trying to ditch him. Rain is too smart to be this dumb.

A WHOLE ASS GIRL IS IN THIS SHOW! And Rain is just insulting her and her brothers after pining after her - "fruits" - really, Cloud Jizz?

The way I'm mad at these colors is the same way I'm mad at Rain for being upset that other people like his boyfriend. These two were made for each other.

STOP IT!

Number one rule of illegal race club is we don't talk about illegal race club.

I'm ignoring the wife talk the same way I'm ignoring the colors and the singing. I am God's strongest solider.

This legit should be the end of their arc and the fact that it is not just so Rain can get kidnapped is irritating me (yes, I know he gets kidnapped because my dash said so when it was airing).

Oh, look, a sweet flashback telling me they were meant for each other right before RAIN GETS KIDNAPPED!

These colors are on my fucking neck!

*eyes popping out of my head because the colors won't let me be* Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's gonna rip that suit off of you later and fuck you on the stairs of death then ride you. Yeah, we've all heard about it, now can we get to the kidnapping plot?

The colors are coloring on these two kinksters with Payu's "I like the sound, but not to ride" line like we don't all know what that means. So glad they found each other, but WHERE IS THE KIDNAPPING?! Does it not happen in this episode?! I thought there were only six episodes in each arc. Am I watching seven of just Rain ask the same damn questions of if they like each other?! Sonsito!

The colors are coloring so hard with Rain in his white tank and pink boxers (that he wore the first time they had sex) drinking white milk and Payu in his black shirt with his black tea cup and blue jacket hanging out on the chair. I HATE IT!

THE KIDNAPPING! The title card was "Sky After Rain" so let's move this along and give me my boy already! But also, if Rain was a rich bitch, this would've never happened! A delivery man asking for help? Um . . . better go find a buddy because rich bitches don't do manual labor. Finally, I appreciate that Payu's wild ass behavior of demanding Rain answer his calls paid off by him knowing something was up when Rain didn't answer. Now can we murder this bastard already for taking this awful picture?!

A comedian said that people only kneel for two reasons: God and dick, so this man is a dick who is about to meet God because he just said that he would have his men sexually assault Rain?! DRACARYS!

I have never been more excited to see the Bed Friend baddie! Not only because he is about to end this man's life, but also because he interrupted these two love birds making googly eyes at each other in the middle of a crime scene! And now Rain just said Payu was the only one who could screw him. WHY ARE THEY LIKE THIS?!

Rain is clearly a words-over-actions guy, but at this point it is OBVIOUS that Payu loves him, so I would tell him I don't love him just to be mean.

And now Rain is telling Payu he would harm him if he cheats. WITH WHOM?! The damn mechanic who has to keep running interference between you two AT HIS JOB?! Y'all are such a mess and fully belong together.

Oh thank goodness, it's my sweet summer child Sky finally!

And his red devil because Prapai has to be the red to his bestie's blue, no?

See, Rain is triflin' because Sky did not snitch on him dating Payu, yet Rain gave up his number quick. This is why I ignored their colors because Rain knows this is wrong, but at least it FINALLY gets me more Sky on my screen. The End!

HE FUCKED UP HIS CAR ON PURPOSE?! WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK, PAYU?! YOU HAD THIS BOY INDEBTED TO YOU FOR WHAT?! BECAUSE HE WAS PRETTY AND YOU WANTED HIM?! WHAT WERE THE REASONS, PAYU?! WHAT?! WERE?! THE?! REASONS?!

*takes off my glasses* These after scenes got me all the way fucked up, and even though I was fine with how they ended in the car this episode, now I'm mad as hell that Payu just offered up this fun little tidbit that he jacked up Rain's car so he could see him again at the very end.

🤡

Pushes play on episode eight

[aluria-sevhex]

THE KING FUCKING ONE-SHOT ME

notes:

-why am i being so anxious lol. if i die i can loop again it's fine

-i love this game's music

-wtf is the stuff all over the place and the gate

-i love how when Sif forgets terms for stuff like the kiln the others will remind him

-a mirror...

-"everyone say fromage!" F R O N C H

-Siffrin has a lot of pocket space

-aw, Odile's eyes light up when she's learning things

-woah this Sadness is just giant hands

-I FOUND MIRA'S ROOM

-ooo Mirabelle likes horror

-the barrels. are EVERYWHERE

-discussion of crafting your body has led to the wonderful sentence "High heels hurt my feetsies..." thanks Isabeau

-woah Sif's cloak is magic

-Isabeau's so considerate of the fact that Sif doesn't like being touched :]

-ok where the fuck is Siffrin from and how did they get the cloak

-FUCK. LOOP KNOWLEDGE BLUNDER

--aw that's kinda cute how Odile will ask questions about stuff she already knows to get the emotional component

-huh. this gate has weird writing that they can't read. and the gate looks like... stars... hmmmmmmmm

-CREST TIME

-i picked the wrong way :( WELP TIME TO EXPLORE THIS ROOM

-ah yes the "handsome young men falling into beautiful heartbreaking madness" horror anthology

-THE SCHADENFREUDE!!!!!!!!!

-openphrase123

lol

-aight i'm looping now

-um. Loop. what would happen if you saw the others

-what's up with that book Bonnie was reading...

-WAIT FUCK I MEANT TO CHECK THE LOCKED HOUSES I'M GONNA HAVE TO LOOP AGAIN

-the world would be inside of the universe...

-yeah i can't be assed to search the entire House for the book rn that's like 2 floors i've cleared. i'm looping forward.

-the little nodding Siffrin when he zones out is cute

-woah. observatory...

-hmmmm Mira can't remember who studied in the observatory. maybe this is tied to Loop? or the starry gate? or the disappearing island?

-trying to read the books gives you a headache

-istg this is some Gaster shit

-COLOR? WAIT THE WORLD IS MONOCHROME. HOW IS THERE A BOOK ON COLOR THEORY

-Siffrin where the fuck are you from

-welp. looping time

-lol the crying key is in the super duper cool notebook

WAIT THAT'S A MEAN THING TO DO. THE GAME IS BEING MEAN LMAO

-loop-de-doop-de-doop

-might as well go do some things in Dormont if i'm looping anyway

-ok time to loop forward to floor 2

-uh-oh. Sif is having a crisis over not being good at their job. :(

-looping forwards. round and round and round we go...

-"if you hadn't picked up the key wouldn't we be stuck?"

Live Siffrin reaction: (Yes.)

-lol bathroom break. fictional characters NEVER go to the bathroom

-Sif whaddya need to do alone?

-lol

-Sif is SO glad to have the loops

-:0 intact Change God statue

-KEYKNIFE

-what the- they got teleported! this is sus...

-feel like the bit where Sif laments the loss of the keyknife and thinks they could've found another use for it might be foreshadowing...

-FUCK FUCK FUCK MIRA IS KO

-fml Odile is the only one left standing

-first game over damn

-jesus fucking christ this is a bleak game over screen

-is he gonna finish himself off

-fuck that's bleak

-ok he finished the Sadness off

-WAIT DO I HAVE TO GO THRU FLOOR 3 *AGAIN*??? THIS IS BULLSHIT

-grinding for exp

-had to go to dinner. back

-it's nice when Bonnie gets to deal the final blow :]

-time to try again!

-I DID IT :D

-uh-oh. Mira is freaking out at the sight of another frozen person :(

-oh her roommate :(

-Mirabelle you're not useless :(

-HOLD UP. THE *HEAD HOUSEMAIDEN* GAVE MIRABELLE THE ABILITY TO NOT GET FROZEN?

-hehe Odile is hungry. SNACK TIME... maybe *i* should eat more.

-love how crab is used like a swear word

-Siffrin's like "i"m fine!" and i'm like "ARE you?"

-hey King why do you have stars on your gauntlets

-THE KING JUST REFERENCED SIF SPECIFICALLY?

-...what does he need to remember...

-Siffrin is sus

-DID HE JUST FUCKING 1-HIT US?

-this is one hell of a game over

[surftrips]

bad habit

pairing: rafe cameron x female reader

summary: y/n finds out rafe cameron had a crush on her. is it too late for them to pursue their feelings?

word count: 1153

a/n: i had so much fun writing this! inspired by one of my fav songs, "bad habit" by steve lacy. hope you enjoy <3

It was summer break. You, along with the Pogues and various other company from the island (Rafe and his friends) had decided to take a trip to a nice resort for the week.

At the end of another long day spent lounging on the beach, the group was gathered around a fire on the hotel rooftop, debriefing the day's events.

"Oh my god, did you see Sam and Jenna? They were totally flirting with each other!" Sarah brought up.

"Okay, I am SO glad you brought that up. I thought I was the only one that noticed," Cleo said.

"Wait, they're not already dating?" JJ asked.

"Babe— they're dating other people," Kie told him.

"W-what? That makes no sense-" A wave of realization hit JJ. "Oh... ohhhhh..."

The group laughed.

"But isn't that crazy? That you thought they were already dating but they're both in separate relationships already?" Pope said.

"Right?" you responded. "I mean, how hard is it to lay off when you find out someone's already taken?"

"No yeah, when I heard Y/N had a boyfriend, I backed off," Rafe said.

You nearly choked on your drink, but tried to compose yourself. Did you just hear him correctly?

"Wait, what?" you asked, turning toward him.

"Well, uhhh, how do I put this?" He took another sip of his drink, for liquid courage you presumed. "When I first met you, I kinda had a crush on you but you were dating that guy at the time so I never said anything."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah... but it didn't matter anyway. You made it very clear you didn't like me."

That's not true. You almost blurted out.

Instead, you tried to change the conversation back to Sam and Jenna, willing everyone else in the group to follow you.

"Yeah, I saw him check her into his hotel room, wonder what that's about," you said, trying your best to look unfazed by Rafe's confession.

"Oh, I think we know...." Topper was saying, but you were already zoning out.

—

As the night came to a close, people began heading back up to their rooms.

You picked up a few cans on the ground and made your way to the elevators.

"Hey, Y/N. Wait up," Rafe sped up to catch up with you. "Can I walk you back to your room?"

You couldn't talk to him, not right now. You needed at least 24 hours to process what he had just told you. It may not have been a big deal to him, but it was to you.

"Oh, you know I'm really tired so I was just gonna go to sleep," you said.

"That's alright, I just wanted to talk to you on the way down. If that's okay with you."

God, you were never able to say no to him.

"Yeah, sure," you gave in.

At the elevator doors, you clicked the down arrow. It seemed as though they were taking longer than usual to come.

Rafe looked down at his watch, "It's nearly 1 am, they can't be busy on other floors."

"Guess we're stuck here," you tried to relieve some of the tension in the air.

Luckily, at that moment a door opened up and the two of you stepped inside.

"Thank god it came, it was getting cold up there," Rafe commented.

You knew he was just trying to fill the awkward silence, but you'd rather he get straight to the point.

When the doors opened on your floor and you stepped out, you asked him, "So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

He seemed taken aback at your straightforwardness for a second, but quickly answered, "About the thing I said about liking you."

"What about it?"

"Well, you didn't really seem to react to it at all. In fact, you kinda just went back to the conversation, I didn't know if you actually cared."

You often hid your emotions around people, but especially around those that threatened to tear down your walls. Someone like Rafe.

It was no surprise to you that he couldn't read your feelings for him all those years ago, nor earlier that night when you were silently panicking.

This was just something you did to protect yourself from getting hurt. If you revealed your true emotions, it was a sign of weakness, a way for someone to come in and take advantage of you.

You sighed, "Look, Rafe. Of course, I cared. I was just shocked, that's all."

"Shocked? I thought I made it pretty obvious I liked you," he responded.

You were outside your hotel room at this point, deciding whether or not to go in.

"Obvious? Rafe, I thought you were just teasing me or something. I didn't believe you could like me."

He seemed genuinely hurt by this. "How could I not?"

The air flew out of your lungs and you swore you stopped breathing for a minute.

He continued, "Y/N, when I met you, you were so incredibly kind and sweet. I wasn't used to that, I guess. Everyone on the island has this preconceived notion of the kind of guy I am, but no one ever really takes the time to get to know me. I feel like you did."

You couldn't help but smile, "I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about."

"Stop," he chuckled. "And what was your verdict?"

"I thought you were too good for me."

"You seriously don't believe that."

"I seriously do. I met you and I swear I've never felt that way about anyway before in my life." You tried to find the right words to articulate your thoughts, "It scared me."

"So that's why you acted like you hated me?"

You laughed lightly, "To be fair, that's just how I flirt with people. Sorry you didn't get the memo."

"Wait- but what about that guy you started dating?"

"Now, I thought this was obvious. I only started dating him because I thought you didn't like me."

It looked like Rafe was joining you in having revelations tonight. The miscommunications were enough to make him dizzy.

"Are you serious?" He couldn't help but laugh. "You didn't even give me the time of day, how was I supposed to know you liked me?"

You shrugged, "I wish I knew you wanted me."

"Would that have made a difference?"

"Yeah, honestly. I have a bad habit of biting my tongue and staying silent on these things but if I knew I'd be with you..."

He was closer to you now. "Well, would you mind if I made a pass on you now?"

"Now that you know?" he added.

You turned around, scanning your keycard to open the door to your room.

"Funny you would come back to me like this," you tugged on the collar of Rafe's shirt, pulling him into your room. "Wanna come find out, Cameron?"

[sapphoshands]

I’d be curious about your Agatha thoughts (gives you a corn chip) because I too have feelingsTM about the “discourse” but I just wanted to say thanks for being a fun person to follow who has also been consumed by AAA brainrot but in a FUN way…like can we just enjoy fun things? Oy.

ONE CORN CHIP, you have poked the bear successfully (and thank you for saying nice things; i am glad my breakdown is enjoyable all around hahaha)

okay a couple people have actually poked me about this soooo. snark activated. rant unlocked. disclaimer, i have mostly been avoiding the tags so i'm sure this has been litigated elsewhere, but a few things annoying ME:

people saying the show last night is the wrong kind of queer. because. look. we are all just queer, okay. the show is queer. the show is SO MANY kinds of queer!

also did we accidentally erase the first five episodes because i don't know what show you [generic you] were watching but there has been intense lesbian activity on my screen since 'agnes' first sat down on her couch.

i also will be v sad if agatha and rio don't get at least one smooch, but we have three eps left? a third of the show? so i'm not exactly throwing a fit yet!

even if they don't smooch, their relationship has been such a joy to watch on screen and is so intense and involved and complex and fully-realised. like, we might not get a kiss, because i sure don't think we're heading for a happy ending, but... it's not like a kiss is what legitimises the whole thing, you know? IT'S THERE.

agreed that it's unfortunate we had a short ep last week and a long one this week, but i don't understand people who are saying we were short-changed last week specifically in agatha's trial. because. it is agatha's show. this whoooole thing. it is about agatha. all of it. all along. and it's not like a) she doesn't get the spotlight in everyone else's trial, or b) we didn't get enough character development for many many fanfics.

plus we got a long ep this week specifically so we could get more agnes and more agatha. i'm surprised they got away with putting so much agnes in the ep but oh my god i loved every second of it. kathryn hahn the manspreader dykespreader that you are.

fan hat off, notes hat on, i don't know what i would've cut out of the billy section. maybe a couple minutes of hospital time? couple minutes of bohner? not a lot of fat there! lots of stuff that's almost certainly going to have meaning to agatha's story!

some people will say cut the boring boyfriend but look. look. i am genuinely emotional about the interrelational queerness in this show now. i think this is a spectacular example of how stories that are overdone in pop culture generally can get a whole new life and vibe when they are seen through a diverse lens. this commentary on witchiness, queerness, otherness, coven as found family... it's saying some things, and it's not beating us over the head with them. we needed the queer billy backstory to make those work. plus, we're unlocking all new agatha feelings through billy and so the show has to give us some billy so we know why agatha has those feelings!

maybe i sound like too much of an apologist, and let's be real, i'm certainly not going to be rewatching the first two-thirds of that ep anywhere near as much as the entire rest of the season (so far). i'm not telling anyone they had to love it. i will also say, i've seen some reviewers talking about how this was the best ep so far and i REALLY side-eye that (and now i trust them much less). but i enjoyed the ep, way, way more than i expected. i almost kind of give a shit about billy now, and i absolutely give a shit about agatha's feelings about billy.

that said, it's not an attack to not have rio in the ep (when jac schaeffer has literally said they were rationing her). and neither rio nor billy are the most important parts of agatha's story. but they're both building towards it, in my opinion. we haven't lost anything by getting a little billy; we've immensely deepened the world of the show and agatha's character.

so there is one corn chip worth of thoughts! and now, back to writing fic.

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

I’ve taken a night to get my emotions and my brain in order so now let’s talk: Percy Jackson and The Olympians Season One Finale. And oh my goodness you guys, I loved it so much. I cried, I screamed, and I drank blue cocktails. (we tried to make blue cookies as well but they just came out beige with the tiniest hint of kinda green, but they still tasted good)

BOOK AND SHOW SPOILERS AHEAD!

I have been a fan of Charlie Bushnell's Luke all season but I was really waiting for this episode to truly see his interpretation of the character and OH MY GOD HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I cried. He can freaking ACT and he was absolutely incredible (tbc I'm not saying no-one else has been acting to the same incredible standards because they absolutely have but I'm particularly praising him because this is really the first opportunity he's had to truly show us what he can do). The fact that the show managed to surprise me (as someone who was first read the books when I was six and has loved and reread them over and over again since) with the interpretation of Luke it presented completely blew me away, and I LOVE this interpretation of him so let's talk about it. I firmly believe that Percy and Luke are literary foils and each represent everything the other had the potential to become, so to see the set up of a potentially far more emotional arc for Luke was really beautiful to me and I think it was really well done; the fight scene in the forest so perfectly exemplified everything between them that is so similar and so distinctly different. The pain we saw in Luke in this scene was so genuinely moving and it I think it sets up a really interesting implication for his arc towards being willing to kill other demigods as either being slower or as being partly influenced by the pain he feels from losing Annabeth - when he looked at her I could hear I'm on her side, always. She's my little sister. and it was heart-breaking. At first I wasn't sure about the absence of the pit scorpion but I think it makes a lot of sense for this adaptation since if he was emotional and didn't want to kill Percy but had taken the scorpion out there with him it just wouldn't add up - however, I do think that Percy should have been injured in the fight. It didn't have to be anything that stopped the series from being PG because that would be unnecessary and as teens and adults who enjoyed the books a long time ago we know that this show isn't made for our age group so we shouldn't be expecting any gore or anything, but I do think that the show hasn't consistently represented the stakes as being as high as they were in the books. That being said, I adored this scene and the fight, I think it was absolutely the correct choice for this interpretation of Luke and maybe this is an unpopular opinion I don't know, but I am really glad that Annabeth was there because I think it's so important for her to be able to see this first hand instead of having the news passed on to her and it potentially gives us a really interesting set up to explore her emotional response to his betrayal in a slightly different way. It's also incredible to me to note that Luke's demeanour changed when Annabeth revealed herself; he is a different person in her absence because of the façade he puts up for her and this for me was really reflective of the way when Annabeth describes them first travelling to camp she idolises the way he fought off so many monsters to protect them but Thalia describes it as him picking unnecessary fights and endangering them.

This is maybe an inconsequential detail, but for me it was massive: the change in lighting at the betrayal reveal emphasised Luke's scar far more noticeably than before and in this moment, reminding book readers of the pain he went through and of Hermes' failures, Percy is literally seeing Luke in a new light. Incredible. Now maybe I'm just misremembering but I was convinced that it was in the first book that Luke told Percy how he got his scar, but I remember it being quite a brief retelling and Luke skating over the details quite quickly. I think that's because we only get it from Percy's perspective in the books and Luke is unable to fully articulate his experiences because of the pain it causes him, so I'm wondering whether not telling us about his quest thus far is because not having a limited POV is going to give us the opportunity to truly understand Luke's pain, and maybe even show us flashbacks, later on, which I think has brilliant potential and could be utterly heart-breaking and amazing if it's done well. I'm really glad that there's already been reference to May Castellan (the way I want to cry just thinking about herrrrrrr. I am not emotionally prepared to see May Castellan on screen anyway, but the prospect of seeing her during a far more emotional character arc for Luke is terrifying and so exciting and I can't wait it's gonna destroy me) and I although at first it struck me as strange that they'd included Hermes in season 1, I think I now understand that it was quite important for us to have a better understanding of Hermes attitude towards Luke and the fact that Annabeth had met him before very obviously explaining that there's more to understand about their relationship, but ALSO because it added so so much to the Percy/Luke parallels by showing us Hermes' failures and Poseidon's successes. I think that the presentation of Poseidon was so brilliantly done, I cannot explain to you the scream that I screamed when the camera panned round to reveal that Poseidon was standing in between Zeus and Percy; they so perfectly showed the awkwardness and discomfort of their relationship in synchronicity with Poseidon genuinely wanting to care for and protect Percy, and I think that it did such a good job of highlighting the difference between Hermes and Poseidon and the subsequent impact on Luke and Percy respectively. The first I heard that my sister had started watching the episode (tbc she knew I'd already finished it) was an all caps text message saying" HE SURRENDERED". Because that means SO MUCH to us as the viewer! It was massive!!!!!!!! It was incredible!!!! It also made so much sense as to why they had let the solstice pass, because we needed to see this and so much more importantly PERCY needed to see this. I hope I'm getting my point across this feels kind of like rambling nonsense, but when we have this more sympathetic image of Luke it is therefore so important to understand why we so confidently believe he's in the wrong and for me that came most prominently from the way Poseidon did enough for Percy to show him that he cared the only way he knew how to, and in Luke using Percy's own fatal flaw against him in their final sword fight. Percy's fatal flaw is his loyalty and in that fight the moment he thought he'd hurt Luke he stopped and apologised, only for Luke to exploit his feelings of friendship and use them against him to keep fighting. Again, I think this could have been more effective if Percy was actually injured but I understand why they didn't and I wouldn't have suggested they cut anything else to have enough time to include that.

And whilst we're on parallels as well, I don't think there are any words to explain what I felt when we heard "You didn't ask to be a half-blood". Like... yeah, literally nothing, I can't explain it, it was incredible.

I was going to talk about Annabeth being allowed to be a kid but I actually saw a post about that yesterday by @mydairpercabeth so I'll link it here.

Okay if you bothered to read this far thank you very much, let me know what you thought of the show and the finale too!! And also I've been avoiding talking about this too much up until now, I made a post when the first two episodes came out but I've been quiet since because I wanted to watch the whole season first, so if anyone wants more of this/wants thoughts on any of the other episodes let me know! Thanks for reading I hope it made some semblance of sense :)

[starryytales]

Thoughts on Episode 3

Damn that was good. I loved every episode, but I'll keep it real: Candy Carrier Chaos was, in my opinion, a bit of a slog. This one kept me interested throughout, even during the cutaways to Ragatha/Gangle/Jax (loved seeing him tied up, Gooseworx should hurt him more) and Zooble/Caine. I'll post all my thoughts under the cut.

Right from the get go it's nice to see Pomni trying to make the most of things. She's no longer maladaptive-ly wasting away in bed (though whether this has been a thing for a bit or if it's the day after episode 2 and she's just started is still up in the air.) and is putting effort into fitting in. Love to see progress.

Speaking of: Pomni being bad with horror and jumpscares. I mean. We all knew, right? I called it right after the pilot, personally, but getting confirmation and it not just being a throwaway joke is nice. It was also really nice to hear her speak more. She was especially charming this episode, but I also have a bias for the "anxious computer girl voiced by Lizzie Freeman" character-type. Her breakdown actually hurt to see. Poor girl's had it ROUGH. But Kinger was right, she's a strong woman. And I'm willing to bet we'll see her only grow stronger. Her throwing Ragatha a bone was also very nice. I wondered where those two would be heading, and it looks like that a friendship of genuine, mutual respect will be forming.

Kinger: My goodness. He went from a character I didn't really think about to a fellow I not only respect, but hope to one day be as firm and caring as. He was funny, he was serious, he was warm- The story about his wife was so well done. It wasn't a sob story, and it was told with the same energy I've heard from real people who've lost loved ones. Sean nailed it. And his advice to Pomni is sweet and genuine... The reveal of him being fairly quick-witted when under pressure (and when he's relatively put together) was nice. Damn fine aim with the shotgun as well.

Caine: Watching Caine struggle through the session with Zooble was tense. I didn't fear he was about to do something harmful to them. I feared he was about to have the same sort of "awakening" as his inspiration: AM. His inhuman nature struggling to comprehend that he's poorly doing the ONE task he was made to perform made me cringe with worry. He was very fun to watch though. I prefer seeing him trying and failing to engage humanity over him outright being weird (eg:"Well, I'm going to go drink water! It's been a while since I've done that...")

Zooble: Can we start a donation drive to get this poor person a coffee and a pack of cigarettes? Between setting up Kaufmo's funeral, dealing with Caine having a breakdown, and God knows what else one thing is clear... Zooble's playing hard support, and all while battling their own demons. I'm glad we saw more of them this episode. It makes me more excited for their episode now.

Everything else: The visuals only continue to improve, and Mildenhall Manor was delightful. I'd kill for something like that in Phasmophobia. The episode earned its emotional responses. Episode 4 has a lot to live up to. Jax deserves more pain like what we got with this.

[lostbetweenvampiresandmusic]

Changes chapter 24

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It had been three days since Star had run from her home, taking her little brother along with her. She'd left in a rush, not wanting to alarm the people inside. No bags were packed, and no things were taken - they just left with the clothes on their back. Star sighed as she looked at her reflection in the broken mirror of the motelroom she'd broken into. Laddie was fast asleep, snoring loudly.

She tucked him in, making sure he was comfortable before quietly leaving the room. She had to go back. She had to go and get her mom and get answers. How could her grandfather be doing something so horrible that his own daughter was terrified of what he could do to his own grandchildren?

Star quickly walked across the parking lot towards the busy road. Even now, in the middle of the night, cars sped past. She stuck her hand out, standing underneath a streetlight, hoping someone would see her.

She stood there for a while. Cars rushed past her, no one bothering to stop. Only when it began to rain, and she was completely soaked, did an old rusty red car stop. A woman in her late thirties sat behind the steering wheel.

"Are you alright?"

"I need to get to my mom!" Star called out over the heavy rumbling of rain.

"Get in!" The woman popped the door open. "She must be worried sick! What are you doing out here in this weather?"

Star got in and shut the door, shivering slightly. "I got lost on my way home, I lost my wallet, and I've been trying to hitch a ride with someone for the past three hours, but no one stopped."

"Oh dear," the woman looked shocked, not noticing the lies Star just told her. "Well, I am glad I stopped for you, dear. I'm Lucy, by the way. Where do you need to go?"

"Star, and thank you, really." She smiled, directing the woman down the road, leading her all the way to COL.

As the car came to a halt, Star quickly stepped out, thanking Lucy as she did so. Before the kind woman could say anything in return, Star had taken off, running into the woods. She just hoped no one would see her. No guard would spot her and drag her back inside. She needed to get in and out unnoticed, making sure she could take her mom with her and-

She fell backwards as she ran into someone, a large man with angry yellow eyes glaring at her.

"Shit, who are you?!"

"Who am I? What are you doing here? This place is bad news."

"As if I don't know that," Star got up, wiping the dirt from her skirt. "My mom's in there. I need to get her out."

"You know a way in?"

The girl nodded. Max grinned. Ever since the boys had left to go inside, he hadn't been able to contact any of them. David and Dwayne were God knows where, Max really had no clue, and Marko and Paul nad disappeared into the building. Ever since that happened, he had lost the feeling of being controlled by someone - which, on one hand, caused him to feel a little more at ease, but on the other hand worried him. The lack of control on him meant - most likely - that that control was exercised on someone else.

"I'm Max. They got my daughter in there and my sons. I'll make you a deal," he looked at the girl, glad to see she was open to his proposal. "I'll help you get your mom out if you help me find my kids."

Star thought about it for a moment, looking at him. "Why would I do that?"

"Because, dear," Max' face changed shape, becoming more batlike, "I am the muscle you need to get past the guards."

Star nodded, thinking to herself, not allowing herself to get freaked out by the man in front of her. She needed to fix this, and she could freak out later, when it was more convenient. "Alright. But we get my mom out first."

"We get them all out in order of who we come across first." Max said, a finality in his tone making it clear to Star that there was no point in arguing.

Lucien sighed disappointedly as he saw Julie. Her dazed expression, her lack of fear or emotional recoil - it saddened him. He enjoyed his games, and when a participant didn't want to play anymore, it was simply time to clear the playing field.

"Juliebug, " he crouched down in front of her, forcing her to look at him, "I really don't get why you're so afraid. After all, I never hurt you. Doctor Gregory did. Not me."

Julie glared at him, trying to look away, but his hold on her chin got only stronger. She winced in pain as she felt the bone protest against the force practiced upon it.

"No, I only ever brought you sweet release. I brought you life," he grinned, showing his fangs, "I brought you a family."

Julie pushed him away. No. He did not give her life. He did not give her a family. He fed her lies, he messed with her minds and memories, and he ruined what was supposed to be a wonderful human life. She got up, taking in a deep breath as she tried to steady herself. This was it. She needed to concentrate.

"Ah!" Lucien laughed, getting up himself as well. "I hoped you'd be willing to fight more."

Julie didn't bother to listen to him, instead attacking the second he moved up from the ground. It was easy to get him off balance, to pin him on the ground. She pinned him down. He trashed against her, hands pushing against her chest, her throat, her face - but Julie didn't let go. She pushed back. When a hand wrapped around her neck, she gasped for air. She snarled at him. She lashed out, her long, sharp vampire nails digging deep into his eyesocket. Lucien screamed, clutching his eye. Julie slashed again, opening up his wrist. Again. Opening up his chest. Once, twice.

She was covered in blood, covered in sweat and tears, but Lucien didn't give up. He didn't back down. When she looked away for a mere second, distracted by a loud thump above her, she was thrown across the room. Before she crashed against the wall, she redirected herself. Flying up into the air, she tried to jump Lucien, but he was on to her. He grabbed her foot, dragging her down and slamming her into the ground.

A silent scream escaped her as she felt her arm being ripped out of its socket as he lifted her up and slammed her down again. She gasped for air. Lucien grinned as he stood over her, lifting her up and slamming her against the wall.

Cracks formed in the concrete where she'd collided, pieces of rock falling down. Julie laid there between the ruble, struggling to get up. She leaned on her arms, one of them giving out the second she put any force on it.

"Are you done yet? You can't win from me, fledgling. I am your sire, I control -"

Lucien flew backwards. Julie landed on top of him, a large red brick in her hands as she pinned him down to the ground. Lucien laughed loudly, noticing how desperate the girl seemed. But then the brick hit his face, his damaged eye officially popping out. Then she hit again, his nose breaking. Again.

Again.

Again.

And again.

David silently cursed to himself as he realised he had lost sight of the van. He and Dwayne had promised her that they'd be there for her every step of the way, but now? As quickly as they could, they drove through the streets, making their way down the highway. They sped past cars, moving left and right to avoid crashing into them.

"We'll get there in time!" Dwayne called out. He was a couple of feet behind David.

"We better!" David sped up even more, moving off the freeway as he saw a sign stating Berkeley was close by. Dwayne quickly followed. They dropped their bikes in the woods near the main street, deciding to fly the rest of the way. It would be faster, and the chances of them being seen would be minimalized.

Quickly, they flew through the night, seeing a building rise at the horizon. It was the same building Max had described to them hours before, the same building Julie was held at.

Dwayne was the first to land, landing on the edge of the roof. "She's here," he said, sighing with worry. "Max is still outside, but the others are inside as well."

"Max was supposed to go in," David hissed, annoyance lacing his voice. "Motherfucker."

"Let's make sure we find Julie first. Afterwards we can deal with Max."

They walked across the roof, David easily ripping the metal door of the roof entrance of its hinges. Quietly, the two men stepped inside, swiftly walking down the stairs, making sure they didn't make a single sound. They opened the door at the end of the stairs, ending up in a dark, carpeted hallway.

David was about to say something when they heard a man's laughter. They looked at each other without saying another word.

They flew down the hallway, crashing into the room where they'd heard the man. David and Dwayne looked up, seeing the same man whose head they'd seen in that box days before. Seeing him laugh as his face was being smashed to pieces by Julie, who was crying tears of anger as she smashed the brick in her hands down and down again on his face. Pieces of blood, skin, eye and brain stuck to it, creating a sickening noise as she pulled the rock away only to bring it down again with such force that the remainders of the skull scattered to pieces.

Next chapter >

[kurisus]

Noragami: Final Chapter thoughts

For the last time :') I've been making these for roughly half the manga's runtime, both in chapter count and years. Which is wild to think, but anyway, spoilers under the cut. One final time.

I really spent the first half of this chapter with bated breath alternating between being relieved that Hiyori is okay and grew up to be a doctor and everything, and stressed about where Yato was and where her memories were. Then Yato showed up, and I think I burst into tears out of hysterics. They really got me, I thought he was gone.

That aside, it was an excellent chapter. I was right when I said that this would just be an epilogue and the true suffering was over, but god. god. I'm relieved they gave me that open ending and the chapter was mostly good old-fashioned Noragami silliness. With the expected gut punches.

It's probably a good thing that Yuka never got to reunite with her brother, but at least knows that he's resting in peace. That he was given a proper burial by someone who, at the time, barely knew him but wanted to make things right anyway. Great now I'm crying again.

Hiyori's pocket with the little capyper keychain she bought forever ago. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

Yato's CPR being so intense it cracked Hiyori's ribs. god he was so desperate to save her. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

HER TOUCHING HER LIPS WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Fujisaki getting nostalgic seeing tall grass (as we know from the omake is called kaya) was weirdly touching. Though Father has faded, Kaya is the one that is still remembered. We never got to learn his real name, and while I am still curious about it, I can see the purpose--by not knowing his name, we the readers don't give him a lifeline.

That's not the only fourth wall lean in the final chapter. There was also Yato being able to save himself by becoming a meme, much like how the fandom and Adachitoka have memed on him for years as well.

Back to the chapter, it looks like Father's consciousness had always been lurking alongside Fujisaki's, maybe making him do things from time to time, which is really weird and creepy. Maybe he was dormant until the Yomi arc, but either way he's been doing this to a dozen other guys over the centuries. I'm glad the cycle was broken.

It's hilarious that Fujisaki tries to ask Hiyori out and she's just like haha not interested coo phone be upon ye.

I'm so glad the cherry blossom party has become an annual tradition with even more gods invited to the party. I'm also so glad that Yato refuses to release Kazuma and Bishamon apparently makes it a point to bully him about this whenever she sees him. But also, Kazuma doesn't seem to want to be released. He's just like yeah whatever man I'm glad you saved us. Cheers.

Side note, Kazuma's new glasses look a lot like the ones he was wearing in that 100 years ago flashback of him and Bishamon, around chapter 68 or 69 I think?

So we also get to see the aftermath of what happened to Yukine--he still transforms into a wolf every now and then, because much like how Nora transforms into a snakelike creature whenever she loses control of her emotions, his form is a wolf, and unlike Nora he's always been very emotional. So the nightmares come out and Yato's left with a giant wolf thrashing around in their shared living space lol, but at least his dad is there to hug him :')

WAIT STOP PAUSE EVERYTHING IT LOOKS LIKE THEY SHARE A BED NOW. I JUST COLLAPSED INTO A BALL.

AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH

The panel of Yato hugging him made me lose it again. THEY'RE SOOOOOOOO.

So we never did get to find out what happened to Yukine's father--but as I pointed out in the reread I did during December, I don't think it matters. Yukine wasn't going to exact revenge on him anyway because he's not the kind of person to do so.

The page of Nora reading Hiyori's diary also made me so sad. Hiyori's right--she probably did have parents who loved her, but she never got to meet them. One thing I noticed throughout this manga is shinki habitually chasing something relating to their pasts. Yukine craves a good relationship with a father figure, Kazuma is obsessed with Bishamon because he missed out on marrying a girl he loved, Daikoku acts like a dad to every child he meets because he died before having his own kids, and like Yukine, Hiiro craves the parental love she never had. And as Hiyori pointed out, being given a name by Father was like being given life.

Since we didn't get to see what became of her name situation, but Yukine still bears the Hagusa name, she must still have Mizuchi. If her master is gone, can she still draw borderlines? Does she hang around with Yato and Yukine still? Adachitoka didn't say Kofuku DIDN'T name her, so...

The way Hiyori remembered Yato because of his scent had me SOBBING, yall. She didn't forget, but she did solve her problem and it was solved by people, just like they've been saying throughout the manga. But now, they can be together again. Yato was away from her for some years, and maybe he'll leave for several more (it's been a repeated thing in the manga that he'll insist he has to stay away for her own good), but the point is that even if it's been years and years, she'll always remember him. It's open-ended, but that just means it can be my preferred ending of Hiyori not forgetting but choosing to distance herself. She'll meet up with Yato and Yukine every once in a while living her own, separate, fulfilling life. They've been watching over her all these years anyway.

And so, that brings us to the close. It's as happy an ending as we could have possibly gotten, and above all else, I'm relieved. I've been saying for...years, probably, that I want an open ending, but I really thought it was off the table with recent events.

Final hangups are the same as they were in my final reread (tagged under #Noragami reread on my blog), so I won't repeat them, but the bottom line is that I got everything I wanted out of this ending--except maybe a trio hug? But that interior illustration of the four of them, all smiling and happy, Yato's arm around his sister, made up for that. I kind of wish there was a Yatori kiss for real, but the panel of her touching her lips also assuaged that.

Anyway, I'm not sure what other manga would/will make me unhinged enough to type up monthly thoughts posts for years, but I'll be tuned in to whatever new Adachitoka has coming up. Whether it's a full series, a short series, or just a oneshot, I'll be reading every word. I'm also looking forward to getting the final volume once it releases here, and praying for an artbook announcement.

Thank you for reading! I have some posts to make, some projects to plan, and I'll be diving into the tag once more for old times' sake. This won't be the last of me!

[philomenie]

KILLING ME SOFTLY

Hitman!Jolly - Part 1

CN murder, violence, sex, organized crime, blood, angst, 18+

@jilliemiw86 @nojoyontheburn @reyadawn @dsireland86

ELEVEN

“If you keep cooking for me like this every day, I'm going to burst!” Olivia gasps blissfully, pushing her plate away. Jolly grins into his wine glass before taking a big sip, “I'm glad you like it!” “Absolutely!” Olivia smiles and leans back, ”Let's do the washing up tomorrow....” “Hmm, I'll clear up quickly.... Why don't you lie down on the couch... I'll be right there!” Jolly explains gently. “OK... but hurry up!” Olivia kisses him before heading into the living room. Jolly knows she must be dead tired after work, so he quickly puts everything away and into the dishwasher. When he has finished and goes to Olivia in the living room, she is curled up on the couch, already asleep.

Smiling, Jolly bends over her and lifts her up, causing her to open her eyes in shock, “It's all right, min Liv, I'm just putting you to bed!” he whispers tenderly and Olivia nestles trustingly in his arms as he takes her into the bedroom. He skillfully throws back the covers and lets himself slide into bed with her in his arms. Olivia immediately snuggles up to him, “I'm totally exhausted!” she sighs. “I know, min Liv, I've got you, sleep peacefully!” whispers Jolly tenderly. Tired, Olivia blinks up one last time before falling asleep, “I love you...” she whispers, smiling. “I love you too ....” Jolly kisses her on her forehead, watching her visibly relax and grow heavy in his arms.

„Innan jag träffade dig visste jag inte vad kärlek var ... du äger mitt hjärta, min själ, min kropp ... allt. Du gör mig komplett, gör mitt liv komplett ... Jag visste inte att jag behövde dig för att leva, för att verkligen leva, innan du var det enkel överlevnad..... Gud Liv, du är den mest värdefulla gåva jag någonsin har fått! Och det faktum att du vill ha mig känns fortfarande som en dröm som jag är rädd att jag ska vakna upp ur en dag ... Jag är din, bara din! Before I met you, I didn't know what love was... you own my heart, my soul, my body... everything. You complete me, make my life complete... I didn't know that I needed you to live, to really live, before you it was simple survival..... God Liv, you are the most precious gift I have ever received! And the fact that you want me still seems like a dream that I'm afraid I'll wake up from one day... I'm yours, yours alone!” he whispers with emotion in his voice and notices a tear running down his cheek. When Olivia moves in his arms and looks up at him, he is startled at first, “I thought you were asleep!” he whispers harshly. “Hmm, almost.... I love it when you speak Swedish!” she smiles and brushes the tear away with her fingertip, ‘What did you say to me!’ she wants to know. “That I love you... that I'm yours... only yours!” Jolly whispers harshly. “Mine!” Olivia nods, ‘And I'm yours!’ she kisses him on his soft lips. Jolly pulls her as close as he can, never wanting to let her go for a second.

“You want to talk, here I am!” explains Jolly as he closes the door to Kolja's office in his club behind him. “Sit down!” Kolja nods at him, pointing to an armchair in front of his desk, ‘Drink?’ he wants to know. Jolly shrugs his shoulder, “If you've got a beer there.....” Kolja snorts in amusement, “I can get it!” He opens the door and yells at one of the girls to bring a bottle of beer to his office. After Jolly has his beer, Kolja leans back in his desk chair, puts his fingertips together and looks appraisingly at Jolly, who calmly returns the look. “You killed the bastard who had Artur on his conscience.....” Kolja begins. “Hmm” nods Jolly. “Strange coincidence, don't you think?” he then wants to know from Jolly. “What exactly?” he asks. “Well... my father tells Artur to fuck off because he's unsuitable in his eyes. Artur then suddenly disappears and his body is found at our informant's....., a man Artur has nothing to do with.... It's all a bit strange, if you ask me!” Kolja looks at Jolly and waits. “Hmmm,” Jolly shrugs his shoulder.

“Then two of Artur's men have also disappeared, probably dead too.... His remaining man for everything is accordingly nervous!” explains Kolja. “His remaining man?” Jolly asks calmly, although he suddenly feels sick to his stomach at the thought that there is a third man who knows about him and Olivia. “Hmm, Fedor, he thinks it's all more than strange too!” grumbles Kolja, looking Jolly straight in the eye, ”And that's where you come in!” “In what way?” replies Jolly coldly, his nausea intensifying immensely, but remaining outwardly calm as ever. “My father..... HE must be the one who killed Artur. Anything else makes no sense at all!” Kolja grumbles and Jolly exhales, ”Talk to him! You're the only one he might tell the truth to. I just have to know!” “I can try!” concedes Jolly, ”But I don't know if he'll tell me anything!” “Just talk to him tomorrow!” nods Kolja. The men look at each other in silence. “Nadja, hmm?” Kolja then grins at Jolly, ”You could have had her! You know that!” “Hmm” Jolly nods slowly, ”I like her.....” “You're fucking her!” laughs Kolja. “Not anymore!” Jolly shakes his head and takes a deep pull from his bottle. “Because of Sergei?” Kolja wants to know “Hmm” nods Jolly, ”Otherwise it's just trouble!”

“Nadja certainly doesn't see it that way!” Kolja teases him. “She can, I see it that way!” Jolly tries to end the topic. “Do you have another one?” Kolja starts again. FUCK.... Just shut your stupid mouth, thinks Jolly annoyed and shakes his head, “No!” “Take Kira! She'd be a good match for you!” laughs Kolja. “I don't need anyone, thanks!” Jolly tries again. “Hmm,” Kolja grumbles, shaking his head, but finally stops talking about it. “Oh well.... I almost forgot!” Kolja then snorts, ”Kusma is here! As an outward sign of our connection, you're going to get another tattoo! With my initials and my mark! Just like all my other men!” Jolly presses his jaws together and has to breathe in and out calmly. Unbridled rage wells up inside him. So he is to be marked again.... For his new master, so to speak. Jolly lowers his eyelids so as not to give himself away and sips from the label of his beer bottle. To stall for time, he asks, “Hm, today?” “Why not today? I think it's a good time. You'll officially be my new right-hand man at Artur's wake!” smiles Kolja. “Hmmm” nods Jolly with an uneasy feeling in her stomach ‘And can I choose the position?’ he wants to know. “I'd like it on your right cheekbone!” explains Kolja, ‘KSW’ he adds.

Jolly just stares straight ahead, knowing that if he says anything or even moves now, he will completely lose his temper. Kolja looks at him challengingly and Jolly lifts his head, looks him straight in the eye, “NO! NOT in my fucking face!” he declares more than clearly. Kolja is speechless, just stares at Jolly, opens his mouth and closes it again, like a fish out of water, then clears his throat, “My other men get it in exactly the same place!” “But I'm your right-hand man and not one of your henchmen....” Jolly growls angrily. Kolja looks at him with narrowed eyes, “Maybe you're right....” he then concedes, “Very well... somewhere else then!” Jolly leans back, relieved that his face has been spared for the time being. What he is not spared, however, is the tattoo itself and Nadja. Kusma has routinely tattooed Kolja's initials and mark onto Jolly's skin and taped them directly below Semjon's initials. Jolly angrily pulls his shirt back on, while Kusma already has the next of Kolja's men under his needle. He is so distracted by his anger that he doesn't even notice Nadja stepping next to him. He only notices her when she runs her hand over his bare chest.

“It's been a long time since I've seen..... TOO long!” she smiles. Jolly takes her hand away, “What are you doing Nadja....” he growls and buttons up his shirt. Nadja stands in front of him and pushes her hands through his hair, claws into a tuft at the back of his head and pulls his head up so that he has to look at her. “Still HER?” Nadja hisses dangerously quietly. Jolly's gaze flickers briefly to the side to make sure no one hears them. “Still her.....” Nadja swallows realizing and looks at Jolly stunned, bending her mouth to his ear, “Don't worry... I won't betray you, but you will leave her! Otherwise......” Nadja leaves the sentence unfinished. In a flash, Jolly's hand moves forward and grips Nadja's throat. This time it's him who leans towards her ear, “Don't threaten me and especially not her.... Never do that again, do you understand me?” he growls, barely audible, and squeezes her throat even tighter, only to let go immediately afterwards. Gasping and holding her neck, Nadja stumbles back and looks at Jolly, her eyes wide with bewilderment. “You're out of your mind!” she then croaks, ”I hardly know you anymore!” “You never knew me!” Jolly throws at her. “But she does?” Nadja hisses jealously, ”She knows you? Don't tell me... she doesn't even know WHO you are, WHAT you are!” she laughs bitterly. Jolly steps up close to Nadja, “Yes, she knows me, she knows WHO I am, WHAT I am... and guess what, she still wants me!” he rumbles. Nadja's eyes widen in horror, “You told her the truth?” she swallows. “Yes, I did!” growls Jolly. “That's your death sentence!” Nadja chokes out. “Not if you keep your fucking mouth shut and leave me alone... Tomorrow you're getting engaged to Sergei... Get on his nerves or find yourself a new toy. I'm no longer available!” he grumbles. “You still don't get it, do you?” Nadja wants to know, ”You can't just play nice with your little bitch.....” Jolly looks at Nadja in disgust, “Jealousy doesn't suit you, Nadja!” he growls and leaves her standing there. FUCK... the evening is a disaster, he thinks to himself in despair. Nadja leaves him alone for the rest of the evening and Jolly longs for a suitable time to leave the party. Kolja is now drunk as a skunk, or at least it looks that way. Brooding to himself, he sips his vodka again and again. He detests vodka, but Kolja has insisted that a vodka toast be made in Artur's honor. Jolly's nerves are stretched to breaking point and he just wants to go home to his Liv.... He also resolves to contact Doi again on Sunday at the latest to ask him when the fucking papers will finally be ready..…

He flinches in irritation as his cell phone buzzes in his pocket. He quickly takes it out to see who is trying to contact him. Liv... He hastily presses her message and furrows his brows, reads her message again and then bangs his fist on the table. FUCK!!!! She can't possibly be serious, he thinks to himself and has to take a deep breath to stop himself from freaking out. Olivia has just informed him that she has been invited to her colleague's bachelorette party at short notice and, as this colleague is her immediate superior, she couldn't turn it down without upsetting her. So she is currently in a bar with her colleagues..... Jolly only has one question for Olivia, “WHERE?” Nervously he waits for her answer, when she comes he jumps up, goes to Kolja, who is lying with his face in Hanna's bosom. “Kolja....” Jolly shakes him, ”Kolja, can you hear me?” Kolja lifts his head sluggishly, “Hmm” “I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow!” Jolly explains curtly. “Hmm” Kolja mumbles and lets his face fall back onto Hanna's bosom, who smiles and strokes his hair. Jolly storms downstairs. The evening IS an absolute disaster!!!

Jolly enters the bar with a clenched jaw and looks around searchingly. It's crowded and stuffy, loud music blaring from the speakers. He still can't believe that Olivia has come here with him after everything that has happened. And especially without him..... He feels his heart race as he pushes his way through the crowd to get to the counter. “Hey... I'm looking for my girlfriend!” he says to the bartender, ”Tall, pretty, dark long curls. She's out with colleagues, bachelorette party.” he explains quickly. “Hmm” nods the bartender, ”They're upstairs, second floor!” “Thanks, man!” nods Jolly and is already on his way up, tying his hair back by forming the top half into a bun. When he reaches the second floor, he can immediately make out the group Olivia must be traveling with. FUCK... drunk women.... he thinks to himself resignedly as he makes out the giggling, laughing women. One or two male colleagues seem to be there too. Only WHERE is Liv, he thinks to himself and pushes forward to find her until he sees her. He pauses, stares at her. His Liv and another woman are dancing and laughing to the loud music. Her movements are smooth, she is completely caught up in the melody. Jolly can't tear his gaze away from her, nor can he move. The image in front of him has enchanted him, just as Liv has enchanted him.

He notices how a smile forms on his face and he relaxes. Jolly crosses his arms in front of his chest and just watches her, taking in the relaxed atmosphere. Until some asshole steps behind his Liv and definitely presses himself too close to her, daring to put his filthy hands on her hips. Liv tries to shake the guy off, which only makes the idiot laugh and grab her upper arm. He tries to pull her to him..... He tries, because Jolly is already beside him, gripping his wrist with an iron grip, squeezing brutally, making the asshole look at him in irritation. “You're putting your hands on the wrong woman!” he growls quietly, ‘She's mine!’ and steps even closer to the guy. Olivia, who has been watching all this speechlessly, sees Jolly's free hand twitch and immediately takes it in hers, “Nothing else has happened!” she whispers to him. Jolly has to control himself, he would love to beat the guy to a pulp. Not just because he touched his Liv, but also because the whole evening was just shit and this is the icing on the cake for him. But he tells himself to calm down and pushes the guy away, “Get out!” he snarls at him as he stumbles back. Olivia stands in front of Jolly, puts her arms around his neck, “Look at me!” she demands in an alcohol-soaked voice, “Nothing happened!”

Jolly's gaze flickers as he looks at her, “Because I got there in time!” he snorts angrily, but wraps his arms tightly around her waist and pulls her close, “I don't want you out at night without me!” he gulps, “I told you, there are too many idiots and lunatics out here!” Olivia snuggles up to him, “I really had my fun!” she chortles, “Except for that guy.....” “Hmm” grumbles Jolly, noticing how Olivia's colleagues are eyeing him curiously, ”Let's go home!” “In a minute.....” whines Olivia, ‘I want to dance with my boyfriend!’ grinning. “Heavens!” gasps Jolly in amusement, ”I can't dance!” “Hmmm, you'll learn then!” laughs Olivia and starts to move to the beat. Jolly feels overwhelmed at first, but then he moves with Olivia's body and rests his head against hers. “See?” she laughs, ‘I knew you could move... after all.....’ she raises an eyebrow teasingly and lets her gaze fall briefly on his crotch. Jolly leans towards her ear, “Just wait until we get back home, then I'll show you exactly HOW well I can move!” and kisses her neck tenderly.

Laughing, Olivia snuggles up to him, “Let's just have fun tonight, dance, have a drink... A date! A normal date between two normal people who love each other! PLEASE!” “Of course, min Liv!” Jolly kisses her lips and pulls Olivia close, ”Let's be just that tonight!” Jolly carries Olivia into her apartment and lays her down on the couch. “Stay here!” she giggles and kisses him on the lips. “I'll stay here... just let me lock the front door!” he smiles shaking his head as Olivia has definitely had too much to drink. When he comes back to her and sits down next to her on the couch, she reaches for the button placket of his shirt and starts to unbutton it. Smiling, he lets her do it, grabs her neck and kisses her deeply. Olivia impatiently pulls his shirt off his shoulders and then runs her hands over his bare chest, runs them down his sides, then stops and pauses in her movement. “What's that?” she wants to know, pushing him back so she can look at him. FUCK... that fucking tattoo, Jolly thinks. “Hmm, nothing else!” he tries to distract her.

“Don't bullshit me!” Olivia sits up, “Let me see, that's yet another new bandage!” “Yes.... No....” Jolly shakes his head, but then sighs and turns so that Olivia can see. Frowning, she looks at him. “A tattoo..... not by choice.... Kolja insisted on it..... his initials and his sign.....” explains Jolly. “Such an asshole......” Olivia hisses angrily. “Hmm, first he wanted me to get it on my cheekbone!” shrugs Jolly with his shoulder. Olivia looks at him speechless, then shakes her head, “We really need our new papers! You HAVE to get out of there!” “I'll call Doi on Sunday and ask!” Jolly kisses the top of her head. Olivia snuggles up to him, “I always want it to be like tonight...” she whispers. “Hmm, me too and we'll get that too, min Liv!” smiles Jolly, ”I'll make sure of that!

Groaning, Olivia pulls the comforter over her head and curls up under it, pressing her head against Jolly's chest, “Turn that fucking alarm clock off!” she croaks. Laughing, Jolly fishes for it and turns it off, then takes Olivia in his arms. “I feel sick....” she moans, ”And my head is still pounding... I'll never have another sip of alcohol!” Jolly laughs softly, “I'll make us breakfast, I'm sure you'll feel better afterwards!” “Hmm” Olivia grumbles, then looks at him, ‘Let's just stay in bed tonight!’ she looks at him pleadingly, ”I can call in sick.....” “Liv, you know I'd love nothing more than that....” sighs Jolly, ”But I have to go to the fucking engagement party. I can't NOT show up there. Even though I have absolutely no desire to!” “Say you're sick....” Olivia pleads with him. “I can't....” whispers Jolly harshly, ”I have to go there!” “Every time you're with these people, something happens. You get hurt or something....” whispers Olivia. “Not this time, I'm sure. It's just an engagement party! I have to go, stay a while and I'll be gone as soon as I can!” he assures her. “Promise me that nothing will happen to you!” Olivia looks into Jolly's eyes insistently. “I promise you!” Jolly kisses her, ”You go and have a shower, I'll make us breakfast in the meantime! And tomorrow we'll spend the whole day in bed!” “Promise?” Olivia wants to know. “Promise, min Liv!” Jolly smiles, pulls her close and kisses her deeply.

“Are you feeling better?” Jolly asks with a smile after Olivia has eaten her pancakes. “Hmm” she nods, ”A little....” “Do you want me to pick you up later?” Jolly wants to know. “Hmm” she nods, ”Although I don't know if I can leave on time today. It's always busier at the weekend!” “Never mind, I'll wait for you then!” explains Jolly and starts to clear the table. Olivia stands up, helps him, then grabs his hand, entwines her fingers in his, kisses him, “I love you!” she whispers, “More than I can say!” Moved, Jolly looks at her, gently strokes her cheek, then takes her chin in his hand and kisses her too, “You're my life, min Liv!” he whispers harshly, resting his forehead against hers. “I don't want to move...” whispers Olivia. “Hmm” smiles Jolly, ”If I could, I'd freeze this moment forever! But even if I can't, there will be thousands of moments like this!” “Will there?!” gulps Olivia, ”Swear to me!” “It will!” nods Jolly, ”You don't have to be afraid....” Olivia clings to him, “It's just.... When we're together, it's all good, but when you're away... I'm always afraid you won't come back!” “I come back, I come back every time... I can't help but keep coming back to you! You are my North Star, my Polar Star!” whispers Jolly as his lips gently kiss her neck. “Swear it!” she asks him again. “I swear to you!” Jolly kisses her. “You look elegant!” Olivia lets her eyes slide over Jolly, who is wearing a black suit, a dark gray shirt and a black tie. Black leather boots complete his outfit. He has tied his hair up in a half bun, wears his silver cross as an earring and silver rings. “You can hardly see any of the bruises!” Olivia nods as she strokes his face tenderly, ”Except for the scars!” Jolly takes her hand, kisses her fingertips, “They'll be the last!” he explains seriously, “Well, except for two!” he then qualifies. “Two new scars?” Olivia asks, frowning. “Hmm” nods Jolly, ”I want the bloody initials and marks off my skin. As soon as this is over, I'm going to remove them!” “You're not going to cut them out, are you?” Olivia looks at him in shock. Jolly shrugs his shoulder, “How else?!” “Oh, I'm not a doctor by any chance and can remove it painlessly, you idiot?!” she snarls at him. “If you would do that.....” whispers Jolly. “What do you think? Of course!” Olivia shakes her head, ”Nothing better than that! Then you'll be rid of the outward signs!” “Hmm!” nods Jolly, ‘Better today than tomorrow!’ he grumbles. Olivia looks at her watch, “You have to go!” she gulps. “Hmm, I'll pick you up from work afterwards!” he whispers, then looks into her eyes, smiles, ‘Min Liv!’ and kisses her lips tenderly.

The engagement party at Semjon's house is a typical Russian engagement party, lots of guests, lots of alcohol, loud blessings for the future bride and groom. Nadja and Sergej let themselves be celebrated. Nadja keeps showing off her sinfully expensive engagement ring, which all the women present look at, some enviously, some enthusiastically. Jolly stands on the sidelines, sipping from his bottle of beer and preferring to watch rather than be in the middle of the action. Kolja, like most of them, is drunk by now. So is Sergei, the groom-to-be, and Oleg, Nadja's father and Semjon's right-hand man. Semjon himself is probably sober, Jolly estimates, as he has hardly had anything to drink. Inga is sitting next to him, smiling and with her hand on his shoulder. The core of the Russian mafia is currently in one place.... A high risk in itself, if you look at it that way, Jolly thinks to himself. Nadja comes up to him and stands next to him.

“Nice party!” Jolly nods at her. “It could have been our engagement party!” Nadja starts again. Jolly rolls his eyes in annoyance, “Nadja.... Stop it! I'll never marry you!” “Because of her?!” she hisses immediately. “Yes!” nods Jolly, ”And because I know you.... It would never have worked out between us....” “We could have tried!” she retorts unusually fiercely and Jolly sees a tear flash in the corner of her eye, which she hastily wipes away. Jolly looks at her thoughtfully, “You always said there was nothing serious between us!” “Do you think I'm going to reveal my feelings? Let me get hurt, used like all the other women here are used?” she hisses at him. “Maybe it would have made a difference!” Jolly presses out after a while, ”I was in love with you....... In the beginning.....” Jolly admits strangely frankly. Nadja looks at him speechlessly, “In love?!” she croaks soundlessly. “Hmm” shrugs Jolly with his shoulder, ”But that doesn't matter now!” “Why didn't you say anything?” Nadja asks, stunned. “Why would I?! For the same reasons you did..... Besides, I was sure Semjon would kill me if I wanted to marry you!” explains Jolly, taking a swig from his bottle. “We could have had ANYTHING!” whispers Nadja tonelessly. Jolly shakes his head, “No... we've always had other life plans, Nadja. Don't kid yourself. It would never have worked out with us anyway!”

“You love her?” she suddenly wants to know from him again. “Yes... I do!” sighs Jolly, ”More than anything else in this fucking world. I'm happy with her, Nadja, and believe it or not, I wish you the same with Sergei from the bottom of my heart!” “I don't love him!” Nadja shakes her head. “Hmm, then use him, secure your power. You're right.... Kolja is no Semjon. Play your cards skillfully, maybe it'll be your turn soon!” explains Jolly. Nadja looks at him questioningly, “Do you know more than I do?” “Hmm, no!” Jolly shakes his head, ”I only got to spend time with Kolja...” Nadja laughs, puts her hand on his chest, “I'm really going to miss you Jolly.... Our time together!” “Wasn't the worst in all that shit!” grins Jolly. “No, definitely not!” laughs Nadja and becomes serious again, ”Take care of yourself.... Especially if you don't want to let her go. It could be dangerous for you and her!” “Thanks Nadja, I'll look after myself and her!” nods Jolly. “She's damn lucky!” Nadja chokes out and stretches up, kissing him on the lips. She takes her hands and puts them around his face. Jolly automatically puts his arm around Nadja's waist and lets the kiss happen, knowing it's a goodbye kiss. When Nadja lets go of him, tears run down her face, “I've always loved you!” she gulps. “Hmm,” nods Jolly.

“It's too late now.... I didn't think so!” she swallows again. “Nadja.... You are important to me. You'll always be important to me!” Jolly declares seriously. “That's really worth a lot to me!” Nadja nods, strokes his face one last time, then turns around, wipes the tears from her face and puts on her radiant smile again as she walks back to the other guests. Jolly looks after her with mixed feelings. Finding out that she loves him, has always loved him, is not so easy for him, as he was deeply in love with her at the beginning, which has changed over time, partly because he was never sure of her feelings. But if he had the choice between Nadja and Liv now, he wouldn't have to think about it for a second. His choice would always fall back on Liv.

He stands there lost in thought and doesn't even notice how hectic things suddenly become. It's only when Inga's shrill screams echo through the room that he looks up, startled. Jolly starts to move, pushing his way through the frozen people until he sees what is causing Inga's screams. Semjon is slumped in his chair, blood trickling from his nose and he is unconscious. Jolly himself is now frozen, his ears are ringing. He cannot comprehend what he is seeing. Is Semjon about to die? Inga sees him amidst the staring, shocked people and grabs him, shaking him “DO SOMETHING!” she yells at him, which brings Jolly out of his state of shock. “He has to go to hospital!” Jolly nods and wants to dial the emergency number.

“No, it'll take too long! You have to take him there! NOW!” Inga howls in despair. Jolly nods silently, FUCK.... The nearest hospital is the one where Liv works, he remembers off the top of his head, but all the others are far too far away. Kolja suddenly stands pale next to his father and sinks to his knees; “PAPA!” he wails, holding Semjon's hand. Jolly presses his jaws together, not knowing what to feel. Actually, he doesn't feel anything right now... except hope. Hope that this man here, to whom he owes everything bad and evil in his life, will finally die. Together with three other men, Jolly drags Semjon into his limousine. Jolly gets behind the wheel, waits until Inga and Kolja have got in and then drives off immediately. In the rear-view mirror, he can see that two other cars are following him. FUCK..... this could be a complete disaster, he fears. Especially if Olivia has to treat Semjon first, or if her colleagues recognize him as her boyfriend. FUCK!!! Inga makes a frantic phone call to Semjon's doctor, screaming at him to come to the hospital. Jolly is still clenching his jaw, hoping that Semjon will already be dead when they arrive at the hospital. But of course the bastard doesn't do him that favor.

[mikajihiko]

Love Waltz - English Translation This chapter of Given can be read by purchasing the Hiiragi Mix dvd, please buy the DVD if you can. No images outside the cover page and pages that Kizu-sensei herself have posted. Full credits to @gentleharu for the english translations!

M, in front of gate: It's hard to get in... A: Yo. A: Welcome to our university. M: Is it really okay to come in? A: It's fine, it's fine. Let's take a walk. A: The music department is a bit far, probably because of the noise. A: It's always so sudden with you, huh? It's hard to get a practice room this time of year. A: Mafuyu?

A: Whoa, looks like you're having fun. M: It's my first time seeing a university. A: Yeah? I bet the vibe is different from high school. A: There are a lot of information materials about events going on around here. Feel free to take any that catches your eye. M: This poster… Kaji-san, will you be performing at a concert here on campus? (A covers the poster) M: Eh… w-why? A: It's embarrassing… I'm just starting out… M: So you do concerts at university? I didn't know there are such things… M: Isn't it great thing to be chosen to perform? A: …yeah. M: I'll go with Uenoyama-kun and Haruki-san. A (entering the music room): We're coming in… A: I mean, why did you suddenly ask me to play an instrument? M: Um… A: Actually, why are you interested in classic music? M: …

A, seeing Mafuyu struggle: Ah, you don't have to answer… M: It's simply that… I like it… A: Aah… M: I wondered, since they don't have any lyrics, how they are able to match the emotion of a sad song or a love song. A: Ah, it's difficult to explain. In the first place, I'm not the type of guy who'd go “me, me, me” and keep on applying my own feelings to things. You can be taught how to make the sounds, but it's up to each person how they will express themselves. M, thinking: So that's how it is… A, on the piano: Ah. It's been a while so I might be rusty… M: Even if you make a mistake, I wouldn't know anyway. A: That's true… (Aki plays piano) A, in Mafuyu's thoughts: ‘I can only play the piano a little bit’ M, to himself: —was what he said… A: This is called Waltz No. 15. It's a piece of music but, when I play this piece, I remember staying up late with Haruki and wondering if we'd make it to school on time tomorrow. The glow of the TV light left on was beautiful… I am reminded of things like that. (Akihiko continues to play.)

H: Ah! That's a relief, I'm glad you're still here. H: EH!? What's this, Akihiko can even play piano!!? A: W-Wha— don't just come barging in! H: What the hell are you saying now? That aside, what can't you do!? M, thinking: O-Oh… my god A, in background: I can't play wind instruments— M: I just heard a confession of love. H: Mafuyu? Why do you look so flushed? M: ………..because Kaji-san’s piano playing was so incredible… H: Because Kaji-san's piano playing was so incredible…!?? M: …I think I like classical music after all. H: What!? What is going on here!?? M, thinking: I’m sure… I’m sure Haruki-san doesn't know about it. (The last part is tricky to format, but basically Mafuyu's full thought was, "Oh... my God. I just heard a love confession. And I'm sure... I'm sure Haruki-san doesn't even know.")

Please follow Kizu-sensei her on Twitter @/ kizu_ntk for Given related posts and @/ sskz_gsr for doujins and other personal events! Umi E has been released in cinemas last month, DVD will be out soon. Along with Given Stage 2 coming out later next year <3